bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract CT004: KEYNOTE-006: PD-L1 expression and efficacy in patients (Pts) treated with pembrolizumab (pembro) vs ipilimumab (IPI) for advanced melanoma
Authors: Carlino Matteo , Ribas Antoni , Gonzalez Rene , Hoeller Christoph , Bar-Sela Gil , Barrow Catherine , Chao David , Wolter Pascal , Berking Carola , Straume Oddbjørn , Berrocal Alfonso , Holgado Esther , Gangadhar Tara C. , Weiss Geoffrey , Zhou Honghong , Emancipator Kenneth , Ibrahim Nageatte , Schadendorf Dirk
Published: July 2016

Background: The anti-PD-1 antibody pembro and the anti-CTLA-4 antibody IPI have shown efficacy in advanced melanoma. In KEYNOTE-006 (NCT01866319), pembro significantly improved PFS, ORR, and OS compared with IPI. Here, we present data on PD-L1 expression and efficacy at the second interim analysis.

Methods: IPI-naive pts were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to pembro 10 mg/kg Q2W or Q3W or 4 cycles of IPI. Randomization was stratified by PD-L1 expression using Dako's PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay (positive [membranous PD-L1 staining in ?1% of tumor and adjacent immune cells] vs negative), ECOG PS (0 vs 1), and line of therapy (1st vs 2nd). IHC scores of 0 (0% staining), 1 (<1%), 2 (1%-9%), 3 (10%-32%), 4 (33%-65%), and 5 (?66%) were used to score PD-L1 expression. Response was assessed per central RECIST v1.1. Efficacy end points, PFS, OS, and ORR, were compared based on PD-L1 status and IHC score. Data cutoff date was March 3, 2015.

Results: Overall, 834 pts enrolled. Of the 821 PD-L1 evaluable pts, 671 (82%) were PD-L1 positive. Pembro significantly improved PFS (P < .00001 for both arms), OS (P = .0005 for Q2W and P = .0036 for Q3W), and ORR (P = .00003 for Q2W and P = .00001 for Q3W) compared with IPI. Improved efficacy in pts with PD-L1-positive (PFS: HR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.43-0.64; OS: HR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.43-0.74; ORR: P < .00001) vs PD-L1-negative tumors (PFS: HR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.55-1.26; OS: HR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.56-1.6; ORR: P < .00001) was observed in combined pembro arms compared with IPI. There was a correlation between degree of PD-L1 positivity and improved PFS, OS, and ORR in pembro compared with IPI (Table). Efficacy between the 2 pembro arms was comparable.

Conclusions: PD-L1 positivity is associated with improved efficacy with pembro compared with IPI. Higher degree of PD-L1 positivity correlated with greater improvement in PFS, OS, and ORR. As evidenced by treatment effect in all groups, pembro monotherapy is appropriate in pts regardless of PD-L1 status.

Citation Format: Matteo Carlino, Antoni Ribas, Rene Gonzalez, Christoph Hoeller, Gil Bar-Sela, Catherine Barrow, David Chao, Pascal Wolter, Carola Berking, Oddbjørn Straume, Alfonso Berrocal, Esther Holgado, Tara C. Gangadhar, Geoffrey Weiss, Honghong Zhou, Kenneth Emancipator, Nageatte Ibrahim, Dirk Schadendorf. KEYNOTE-006: PD-L1 expression and efficacy in patients (Pts) treated with pembrolizumab (pembro) vs ipilimumab (IPI) for advanced melanoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr CT004.
Abstract CT125: A phase III randomized trial comparing FDA approved standard of care adjuvant therapy to one year of pembrolizumab in patients with high risk resected melanoma. SWOG 1404
Authors: Grossmann Kenneth F. , Sondak Vernon K. , Othus Megan , Tarhini Ahmad , Patel Sapna , Kirkwood John M. , Ribas Antoni , Moon James
Published: July 2016

Background: Adjuvant therapy for melanoma has centered on high dose interferon for now almost 20 years. Recently, the FDA approved ipilimumab dosed at 10 mg/kg (10/kg ipi) for use in high risk resected melanoma. Though these two treatment options are available they still have limits in terms of efficacy with approximately 1 year of relapse free survival benefit (HDI and 10/kg ipi) and a modest overall survival benefit (HDI). Toxicity remains an issue as well with both therapies. S1404 is a Phase III, open label trial which seeks to compare currently available FDA approved treatments to one year of pembrolizumab in patients at high risk of relapse and death after surgery.

Study Design: 1,378 patients will be randomized 1:1 to an FDA approved standard therapy, or pembrolizumab. Stratification factors include PD-L1 staining status, clinical stage, and pre-randomization selected standard treatment option.

Patients: Patients must be 18 or older, and have Stage IIIA (n2), IIIB, IIIC or IV (M1a, b and c) resected melanoma to be eligible. Exclusion factors include brain metastases, ocular primary, and auto-immune disease. Prior therapy is not allowed, but radiation as adjuvant treatment is considered an option available to patients prior to treatment.

Current status: As of January 2016, 30 sites are registered and 5 patients are randomized. An amendment to include 10 mg/kg ipilimumab as a treatment option is under review and will likely be finalized by the time of the meeting.

Support: NIH/NCI NCTN grants CA180888, CA180819, CA180818, CA180826, CA180858, CA180820, CA180844

Citation Format: Kenneth F. Grossmann, Vernon K. Sondak, Megan Othus, Ahmad Tarhini, Sapna Patel, John M. Kirkwood, Antoni Ribas, James Moon. A phase III randomized trial comparing FDA approved standard of care adjuvant therapy to one year of pembrolizumab in patients with high risk resected melanoma. SWOG 1404. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr CT125.
Abstract LB-017: Disordered methionine metabolism in MTAP/CDKN2A-deleted cancers leads to marked dependence on PRMT5
Authors: Mavrakis Konstantinos , McDonald E Robert , Schlabach Michael R. , Billy Eric , Hoffman Gregory R. , deWeck Antoine , Ruddy David A. , Venkatesan Kavitha , McAllister Greg , deBeaumont Rosalie , Ho Samuel , Liu Yue , Yan-Neale Yan , Yang Guizhi , Lin Fallon , Yin Hong , Gao Hui , Kipp David Randal , Zhao Songping , McNamara Joshua T. , Sprague Elizabeth R. , Cho Young Shin , Gu Justin , Crawford Ken , Capka Vladimir , Hurov Kristen , Porter Jeffrey A. , Tallarico John , Mickanin Craig , Lees Emma , Pagliarini Raymond , Keen Nicholas , Schmelzle Tobias , Hofmann Francesco , Stegmeier Frank , Sellers William R.
Published: July 2016

Metabolic genes are increasingly recognized as targets of somatic genetic alteration in human cancer often leading to profound changes in intracellular metabolite concentrations. 5-Methylthioadenosine Phosphorylase (MTAP) is a key enzyme in the methionine salvage pathway that metabolizes methylthioadenosine (MTA) to adenine and methionine. Its chromosomal position proximal to CDKN2A results in frequent collateral homozygous deletion in a wide range of human cancers. By interrogating data from a large scale deep-coverage pooled shRNA screen across 390 cancer cell line models we found that the viability of MTAP null cancer cells is strongly impaired upon shRNA-mediated depletion of the protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5. In MTAP deleted cells there is marked accumulation of the substrate MTA and surprisingly, we find that MTA is a specific inhibitor of the catalytic activity of PRMT5. In keeping with these data, knockout of MTAP in an MTAP-proficient cell line led to increased MTA levels and rendered them sensitive to PRMT5 depletion. Moreover, reconstitution of MTAP in an MTAP-deficient cell line fully rescued PRMT5 dependence. Collectively, these findings indicate that the collateral loss of MTAP in CDNK2A deleted cancers leads to accumulation of MTA that thereby creates a hypomorphic PRMT5 state that is selectively sensitized towards further PRMT5 inhibition.

Citation Format: Konstantinos Mavrakis, E Robert McDonald III, Michael R. Schlabach, Eric Billy, Gregory R. Hoffman, Antoine deWeck, David A. Ruddy, Kavitha Venkatesan, Greg McAllister, Rosalie deBeaumont, Samuel Ho, Yue Liu, Yan Yan-Neale, Guizhi Yang, Fallon Lin, Hong Yin, Hui Gao, David Randal Kipp, Songping Zhao, Joshua T. McNamara, Elizabeth R. Sprague, Young Shin Cho, Justin Gu, Ken Crawford, Vladimir Capka, Kristen Hurov, Jeffrey A. Porter, John Tallarico, Craig Mickanin, Emma Lees, Raymond Pagliarini, Nicholas Keen, Tobias Schmelzle, Francesco Hofmann, Frank Stegmeier, William R. Sellers. Disordered methionine metabolism in MTAP/CDKN2A-deleted cancers leads to marked dependence on PRMT5. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-017.
Abstract LB-053: Towards new cryptophycins as promising payloads for ADC
Authors: Brun Marie-Priscille , Bouchard Hervé , Clerc François , Zhang Jidong , Abecassis Pierre-Yves , Amara Céline , Beys Eric , Efremenko Florence , Nicolazzi Céline , Pascual Marie-Hélène , Pasquier Olivier , Krick Alain , Berne Pierre-François , Gauzy Laurence , Karst Nathalie , Huille Sylvain , Henry Christophe , Lefebvre Anne-Marie , Sassoon Ingrid
Published: July 2016

Cryptophycins are a class of macrocyclic depsipeptides produced as secondary metabolites by cyanobacteria of the genus Nostoc and were found to bind to microtubules at the vinca site. The natural product C-1 isolated in 1990 and the synthetic derivative C-52 displayed potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity in preclinical models. Cryptophycin C-52 (LY355703) produced marginal antitumor activity at MTD in two phase II lung cancer trials and was therefore discontinued.

Considering its higher potency versus other tubulin binders such as maytansine and auristatin, this chemical series was selected for an ADC approach. Several conjugates were evaluated in vitro and in vivo based on the conjugation of C52 derivatized at the para-benzylic position of the macrocycle. As described in this study, this optimization led to the discovery of cryptophycin ADC which displayed potent antitumor activity in vivo. However, these conjugates were found unstable in mice plasma while being stable in the plasma of non-rodent species. This species-dependent instability was shown to be the result of a mice plasmatic metabolization of C52 macrocycle once conjugated to the antibody. We therefore designed and synthesized new cryptophycin ADC which exhibited improved plasmatic stability when tested in mice and enhanced therapeutic index in comparison with C52 ADC.

In conclusion, these data demonstrated the potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of these new cryptophycin ADC and warrant further development of this cytotoxic payload for an ADC approach.

Citation Format: Marie-Priscille Brun, Hervé Bouchard, François Clerc, Jidong Zhang, Pierre-Yves Abecassis, Céline Amara, Eric Beys, Florence Efremenko, Céline Nicolazzi, Marie-Hélène Pascual, Olivier Pasquier, Alain Krick, Pierre-François Berne, Laurence Gauzy, Nathalie Karst, Sylvain Huille, Christophe Henry, Anne-Marie Lefebvre, Ingrid Sassoon. Towards new cryptophycins as promising payloads for ADC. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-053.
Abstract LB-264: Landscape of tumor-infiltrating T-cell repertoire of human cancers
Authors: Li Bo , Liu Taiwen , Wang Binbin , Wang Jinzeng , Shukla Sachet , Dou Ruoxu , Hodi Stephen , Wu Catherine , Hacohen Nir , Liu Jun , Liu X. Shirley
Published: July 2016

T cells play a critical role in antitumor immunity and are the primary targets in many immunotherapies. However, the study of tumor-infiltrating T cells has been complicated by the extremely diverse repertoire of T cell receptors, characterized by the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3). Here using our newly developed algorithm, we studied the CDR3 sequences of tumor infiltrating T cells in 9,142 RNA-seq samples across 29 diseases. In total, we assembled over 600 thousands CDR3 sequences, covering the α, β, γ, δ chains. TRBV genes usage, CDR3 sequence length and conservation of infiltrating T cells resembled those in the peripheral blood of healthy donors in many tumors, except brain and kidney cancers. About 20% of the CDR3 calls were shared in multiple individuals. T cell clonotypes carrying these CDR3 sequences are known as the ‘public T cells’. In this work, we found that public T cell CDR3 amino acid (AA) sequences are shorter compared to the private ones and the middle 3 positions of the private CDR3 sequences were enriched for hydrophobic AAs. This finding potentially suggests that private T cell clonotypes in the tumors have greater potential to recognize neoantigens. We defined clonotype per kilo-reads (CPK) to measure the diversity of T cell repertoire and identified a strong positive association between CPK and tumor mutation load, implying that neoantigens may diversify the infiltrating T cell population. In addition, we predicted SPAG5 and TSSK6 as putative immunogenic cancer/testis antigens in multiple cancers based on their strong associations with CPK. Finally, we identified 3 potential immunogenic somatic mutations based on their co-occurrence with CDR3 sequences. One of them, PRAMEF4 F300V, was predicted to bind strongly to both MHC-I and MHC-II, with matched HLA types in its carriers. Our analyses have the potential to simultaneously identify immunogenic neoantigen and the tumor-reactive T-cell clonotype.

Citation Format: Bo Li, Taiwen Liu, Binbin Wang, Jinzeng Wang, Sachet Shukla, Ruoxu Dou, Stephen Hodi, Catherine Wu, Nir Hacohen, Jun Liu, X. Shirley Liu. Landscape of tumor-infiltrating T-cell repertoire of human cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-264.
A Rare Variant of Turner Syndrome in Four Sequential Generations: Effect of the Interplay of Growth Hormone Treatment and Estrogens on Body Proportion
Authors: Stoklasova Judith , Kaprova Jana , Trkova Marie , Nedomova Vera , Zemkova Dana , Matyskova Jana , Soucek Ondrej , Sumnik Zdenek , Lebl Jan
Published: July 2016

Background: Terminal Xp deletion leads to SHOX haploinsufficiency, and when it exceeds Xp22.33 it causes a variant of Turner syndrome (TS) in which gonadal function is preserved and short stature constitutes the major clinical feature. Case Report: We present a family with vertical transmission of TS that affected six women in four sequential generations. The karyotype was defined as a combination of terminal Xp deletion and terminal Xq duplication: 46,X,rec(X)inv(p21.1q27.3). All affected women had short stature, but had developed spontaneous puberty and normal fertility. Generation IV exclusively received recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). We investigated the effect of rhGH treatment on skeletal growth and body proportion via the comparison of auxological data from an untreated 39.7-year-old mother to her 14.8-year-old rhGH-treated daughter. The adult height of the daughter was substantially better than that of the mother [160.3 cm (-0.8 SDS) and 150.0 cm (-2.7 SDS), respectively]; however, the disproportion progressed following rhGH treatment and ultimately led to a worse trunk-to-extremities ratio compared with the mother (4.8 and 3.7 SDS, respectively). Conclusion: This rare family confirms the vertical transmission of TS spanning multiple generations. The combination of endogenous estrogen production and exogenous rhGH administration in women with SHOX haploinsufficiency may worsen their body disproportion.
A confirmation of the occurrence of Euploea sylvester hopei Felder & Felder, 1865 (Double-branded Blue Crow) from Kaptai National Park, Rangamati District, Bangladesh
Authors: Shihan Tahsinur Rahman
Published: July 2016

The Double-branded Blue Crow Euploea sylvester hopei C & R Felder, 1865 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae) is a rare member of the genus Euploea Fabricius, 1807 and ranges through South Asia, Southeast Asia and parts of Australia. During the course of a field visit to the Park, the author recorded an individual of Euploea sylvester hopei on 14 ‎June ‎2014 at the Rampahar balurchar (22°30'29.57" N and 92°11'36.60" E) in Kaptai National Park of Rangamati District, Bangladesh (Image 1). The male individual was caught at 12:40+6GMT and photographed (Image 2−4) . Two other individuals of the subspecies were observed during the field visit period, suggesting that this is not a common species in that area. However, no specimens were collected, due to lack of collection permits.
A recent record of the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765), (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Delphinidae) from the western shores of Kachchh, Gujarat, India
Authors: Kukadia Devanshi , Gadhavi Mayurdan K. , Gokulakannan N. , Gopi G. V. , Talukdar Gautam , Sivakumar K.
Published: July 2016

A total of six individuals of S.chinensis were observed near the Jakhau creek, which is the western part of Gulf of Kachchh. The GPS location of the sighting is 23°14’28.5” N and 68°35’54.0" E. The dolphins were spotted in the mid-high tide time on 03 December 2014 at 9.53 hrs (IST). These dolphins were found less than 10 m away from the shore at a depth of 1-10 m. The dolphins were observed for a time period of 20 minutes. The dolphins while leaping continuously, kept following the boat for sometime and approaching as close as five meters during certain occasions. These dolphins were also observed at the same time on the same location on the following day. A questionnaire survey with nearby fishermen had confirmed that these dolphins were seen in this part of Gujarat during winter. Therefore, it is assumed that weather condition and prey availability is favorable for this species during this period. This is the first record of S. chinensis in western shore of Kachchh district detailed study regarding the distribution of this species is required across the creek system of Western Kachchh.
Can philately sensitise people to wildlife / conservation? An introduction to thematic philately and a visual treatise concerning the variety of philatelic material available on owls (Aves: Strigiformes)
Authors: Ramanujam M. Eric
Published: July 2016

..
An assessment of human-elephant conflict and associated ecological and demographic factors in Nilambur, Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India
Authors: Rohini C. K. , Aravindan T. , Vinayan P. A. , Ashokkumar M. , Das K.S. Anoop
Published: July 2016

Elephant conservation carries cost in the form of human-elephant conflict and affects the wellbeing of people living near ecologically important areas.  Conflicts impart serious challenges towards the survival of Asian Elephants, which are categorized as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.  Issues of wildlife conservation are least addressed in areas with less restricted categories of protection.  Hence an attempt was made to evaluate the intensity of elephant conflict and factors associated with its occurrence in villages with forest fringes of North and South Forest Divisions of Nilambur, Kerala, southern India.  It was hypothesized that variables such as number of houses, area of village, livestock population, forest frontage, and presence of water source along the forest boundary abutting the village to be the underlying correlates of conflict.  Field studies were conducted fortnightly from June 2014 to May 2015, by visiting farms and households of 17 selected forest fringe villages.  Observational methods, questionnaire surveys and secondary data collection were employed for this purpose.  A total of 277 incidents of crop depredation, 12 incidents of property damage, three human injuries, and one human death due to conflict were recorded during this period.  Crop raiding was highest during post monsoon season and it was low during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.  Multiple linear regression results suggest that forest frontage and livestock population were significant predictors of conflict incidence.  Information regarding the prime causes of conflict will be helpful for planning strategies for the establishment of appropriate mitigation methods.  The present study serves as baseline information which will be helpful for formulating prospective management plans.
Noteworthy additions to the flora of Uttarakhand, western Himalaya, India
Authors: Rai Ishwari D. , Singh Gajendra , Rawat Gopal S.
Published: July 2016

During recent botanical explorations, we recorded three interesting plant species from the alpine regions (>3500m) of the Uttarakhand State in the western Himalaya.  After a detailed scrutiny of the literature and herbarium specimens, we ascertain their identity and report them as additions to the flora of Uttarakhand.  In this paper descriptions of these species along with their phenology, distribution, photographs, ecology and phytogeographical notes have been presented.
A century later: Tricolored Pied Flat Coladenia indrani uposathra Fruhstorfer, 1911 (Hesperiidae: Pyrginae) and Crenulate Oakblue Apporasa atkinsoni Hewitson, 1869 (Lycaenidae: Theclinae) reported from Manipur, India
Authors: Soibam Baleshwor Singh , Huidrom Hermenn , Irungbam Jatishwor Singh
Published: July 2016

The present paper reports the rediscovery of the Tricolored Pied Flat Coladenia indrani uposathra Fruhstorfer, 1911 and Crenulated Oakblue Apporasa atkinsoni Hewitson, 1869 after about 99 years after they were sighted by Tytler (1915) in Irang river and Sebong of Manipur, North East India. C. i. uposathra was sighted a Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) and Heibok hills of Imphal valley on 4th and 16th May 2014 and A. atkinsoni was sighted Munnom village at Yaingangpokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary (YLWS) on 8th December 2015.  A. atkinsoni is protected under schedule II of Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act 1972. The rediscovery of such very rare species in Manipur shows that more survey is needed in hills and valley regions of Manipur to know the butterfly fauna of the region.
First record of Speculitermes chadaensis Chatterjee & Thapa, 1964 (Isoptera: Termitidae) from the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Amina Poovoli , Rajmohana K. , Bhavana K. V.
Published: July 2016

Speculitermes chadaensis Chatterjee & Thapa, 1964, a termite species under Termitidae family is reported for the first time from the Western Ghats.  A distribution map of the species is also provided.
Experience With the Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator in Patients at High Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Wäßnig Nadine K. , Günther Michael , Quick Silvio , Pfluecke Christian , Rottstädt Fabian , Szymkiewicz Steven J. , Ringquist Steven , Strasser Ruth H. , Speiser Uwe
Published: July 2016

Background:

This study evaluated the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) for use and effectiveness in preventing sudden death caused by ventricular tachyarrhythmia or fibrillation.

Methods:

From April 2010 through October 2013, 6043 German WCD patients (median age, 57 years; male, 78.5%) were recruited from 404 German centers. Deidentified German patient data were used for a retrospective, nonrandomized analysis.

Results:

Ninety-four patients (1.6%) were treated by the WCD in response to ventricular tachyarrhythmia/fibrillation. The incidence rate was 8.4 (95% confidence interval, 6.8–10.2) per 100 patient-years. Patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator explantation had an incidence rate of 19.3 (95% confidence interval, 12.2–29.0) per 100 patient-years. In contrast, an incidence rate of 8.2 (95% confidence interval, 6.4–10.3) was observed in the remaining cardiac diagnosis groups, including dilated cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies. Among 120 shocked patients, 112 (93%) survived 24 hours after treatment, whereas asystole was observed in 2 patients (0.03%) with 1 resulting death.

ConclusionS:

This large cohort represents the first nationwide evaluation of WCD use in patients outside the US healthcare system and confirms the overall value of the WCD in German treatment pathways.
Association of Maternal Antiangiogenic Profile at Birth With Early Postnatal Loss of Microvascular Density in Offspring of Hypertensive Pregnancies
Authors: Yu Grace Z. , Aye Christina Y.L. , Lewandowski Adam J. , Davis Esther F. , Khoo Cheen P. , Newton Laura , Yang Cheng T. , Al Haj Zen Ayman , Simpson Lisa J. , O’Brien Kathryn , Cook David A. , Granne Ingrid , Kyriakou Theodosios , Channon Keith M. , Watt Suzanne M. , Leeson Paul
Published: July 2016

Offspring of hypertensive pregnancies are more likely to have microvascular rarefaction and increased blood pressure in later life. We tested the hypothesis that maternal angiogenic profile during a hypertensive pregnancy is associated with fetal vasculogenic capacity and abnormal postnatal microvascular remodeling. Infants (n=255) born after either hypertensive or normotensive pregnancies were recruited for quantification of postnatal dermal microvascular structure at birth and 3 months of age. Vasculogenic cell potential was assessed in umbilical vein endothelial cells from 55 offspring based on in vitro microvessel tube formation and proliferation assays. Maternal angiogenic profile (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, soluble endoglin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and placental growth factor) was measured from postpartum plasma samples to characterize severity of pregnancy disorder. At birth, offspring born after hypertensive pregnancy had similar microvessel density to those born after a normotensive pregnancy, but during the first 3 postnatal months, they had an almost 2-fold greater reduction in total vessel density (−17.7±16.4% versus −9.9±18.7%;
P
=0.002). This postnatal loss varied according to the vasculogenic capacity of the endothelial cells of the infant at birth (
r
=0.49;
P
=0.02). The degree of reduction in both in vitro and postnatal in vivo vascular development was proportional to levels of antiangiogenic factors in the maternal circulation. In conclusion, our data indicate that offspring born to hypertensive pregnancies have reduced vasculogenic capacity at birth that predicts microvessel density loss over the first 3 postnatal months. Degree of postnatal microvessel reduction is proportional to levels of antiangiogenic factors in the maternal circulation at birth.
Representational Account of Memory: Insights from Aging and Synesthesia
Authors: Pfeifer Gaby , Ward Jamie , Chan Dennis , Sigala Natasha
Published: July 2016

The representational account of memory envisages perception and memory to be on a continuum rather than in discretely divided brain systems [Bussey, T. J., & Saksida, L. M. Memory, perception, and the ventral visual-perirhinal-hippocampal stream: Thinking outside of the boxes. Hippocampus, 17, 898–908, 2007]. We tested this account using a novel between-group design with young grapheme-color synesthetes, older adults, and young controls. We investigated how the disparate sensory-perceptual abilities between these groups translated into associative memory performance for visual stimuli that do not induce synesthesia. ROI analyses of the entire ventral visual stream showed that associative retrieval (a pair-associate retrieved in the absence of a visual stimulus) yielded enhanced activity in young and older adults' visual regions relative to synesthetes, whereas associative recognition (deciding whether a visual stimulus was the correct pair-associate) was characterized by enhanced activity in synesthetes' visual regions relative to older adults. Whole-brain analyses at associative retrieval revealed an effect of age in early visual cortex, with older adults showing enhanced activity relative to synesthetes and young adults. At associative recognition, the group effect was reversed: Synesthetes showed significantly enhanced activity relative to young and older adults in early visual regions. The inverted group effects observed between retrieval and recognition indicate that reduced sensitivity in visual cortex (as in aging) comes with increased activity during top–down retrieval and decreased activity during bottom–up recognition, whereas enhanced sensitivity (as in synesthesia) shows the opposite pattern. Our results provide novel evidence for the direct contribution of perceptual mechanisms to visual associative memory based on the examples of synesthesia and aging.
Is it Already Too Late for Colombia’s Land Restitution Process?
Authors: Van Ho Tara L.
Published: July 2016

Approximately five million people were forcefully displaced by the civil war in Colombia. The 2011 Colombian Victims’ Law is intended to provide property restitution to some of the individuals displaced as a result of human rights and humanitarian law violations. During the conflict, however, land titles and property rights were transferred to corporations, including foreign corporations protected by international investment law. The impact of the restitution process outlined in the Victims’ Law on foreign corporations raises concerns that international investment law may inhibit the full realisation of the Victims’ Law’s restitution process. This article uses the Colombian context to explore broader issues of the impact investment law’s protection of foreign corporations can have on transitional justice initiatives aimed at remedying and redressing serious and systematic human rights and humanitarian law violations.
Discovery of a new species of the brachyelytrous net-winged beetle genus Alyculus (Coleoptera: Lycidae) from Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: TAKAHASHI NAOKI , BOCAK LADISLAV , GHANI IDRIS ABD.
Published: July 2016

The net-winged beetle genus Alyculus Kasantsev is reported from Peninsular Malaysia for the first time and a new species, A. malaypeninsularis sp. nov., is described and illustrated. An expanded identification key to Alyculus males is provided and the biology and distribution of the species are discussed.
Revision of the Taiwanese species of the genus Leptophion Cameron, 1901 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae), with a discussion of their phenology and distribution
Authors: SHIMIZU SO , WATANABE KYOHEI , MAETO KAORU
Published: July 2016

We revise the Taiwanese species of the ophionine genus Leptophion Cameron, 1901. As a result, three species, including a new species, are recognized. Two of them were identified as L. maculipennis (Cameron, 1905) and L. radiatus (Uchida, 1956), both of which had been previously recorded in Taiwan; we redescribe them based on Taiwanese specimens. We describe a single new species as L. giganteus Shimizu & Watanabe, sp. nov. The phenology and distribution of the species are briefly discussed. A key to the Taiwanese species of Leptophion and additional couplets to the key proposed by Gauld & Mitchell (1981) are also provided.
Two new species of Chromadoridae (Chromadorida: Nematoda) from the East China Sea
Authors: HUANG YONG , GAO QUN
Published: July 2016

Two new species of Chromadoridae, a family of free-living marine nematodes, are described from intertidal sediments of the East China Sea. Ptycholaimellus pirus sp. nov. is characterized by having a cuticle with six longitudinal rows of double dots and long somatic setae, relatively long cephalic setae, a pear-shaped terminal pharyngeal bulb occupying less than 30% of pharyngeal length, and an elongate conical tail. The new species is distinguished from all related species by the unique character of the cuticle, with six longitudinal rows of horizontal double dots, and the pear-shaped terminal pharyngeal bulb. Hypodontolaimus ventrapophyses sp. nov. is characterized by having a cylindrical body with a slightly expanded anterior end and a conical tail, a homogeneous cuticle with lateral differentiation of two longitudinal rows of larger dots, a well developed pharynx with oval-shaped buccal bulb and terminal bulb, and a large ventral gland. Males have slender, strongly curved spicules and a gubernaculum with a ventral apophysis, and precloacal supplements are absent. The new species differs from all related species in this genus by the structure of the gubernaculum, which has a ventral apophysis.
Wallaceochromis gen. nov, a new chromidotilapiine cichlid genus (Pisces: Perciformes) from West Africa
Authors: LAMBOJ ANTON , TRUMMER FRANZISKA , METSCHER BRIAN D.
Published: July 2016

A new genus, Wallaceochromis, is described for the chromidotilapiine cichlids of the Pelvicachromis humilis group. It differs from Pelvicachromis sensu stricto in the number and arrangement of tubular infraorbitals, a straighter and sloping dorsal head profile with a low supraoccipital crest, higher abdominal vertebral counts (14–15 vs. 13–14), and in displaying a pattern of vertical bars on the body in several behavioral situations.
Redescription of Dardjilingia Yang (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) from India
Authors: SALINI S.
Published: July 2016

The genus Dardjilingia Yang, 1936 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Lestonocorini), comprising a single species, Dardjilingia nigriventris Yang, 1936, is redescribed and illustrated, including the descriptions of male and female genitalia for the first time. The genus Dardjilingia is removed from the present tribe Lestonocorini.
Precipitation Effects on Motor Vehicle Crashes Vary by Space, Time, and Environmental Conditions
Authors: Tamerius J. D. , Zhou X. , Mantilla R. , Greenfield-Huitt T.
Published: July 2016

Numerous studies have shown that precipitation has a significant impact on motor vehicle crashes. Hourly weather radar data with a 4-km resolution and over 600 000 crashes from 2002 to 2012 in Iowa are used to assess the effects of precipitation on motor vehicle crashes. Using a matched pairs analysis, this study finds that the relative accident risk (RAR) across the state during the study period was 1.69 [1.66, 1.71]. However, RAR increased to as high as 3.7 [3.6, 4.0] and as low as 1.1 [1.0, 1.2] for frozen and liquid precipitation types, respectively. RAR also varied significantly by hour of the day, with RAR near 2 in the late afternoon and 1.3 during the early morning hours, suggesting an interaction effect between precipitation and traffic volume and/or density on crash risk. The study also shows that interstates and major highways tend to have higher RAR than smaller roads, and it was able to identify locations that are particularly sensitive to precipitation with regard to crashes. This study can be used to inform future studies on the effects of weather and climate change on crashes.
Minimal Margin Extracapsular Dissection
Authors: McMullen Caitlin P. , Smith Richard V. , Ow Thomas J. , Tassler Andrew , Schiff Bradley A.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

Extracapsular dissection (ECD) has become an accepted, less invasive alternative for the removal of select benign parotid lesions that may reduce complications. Minimal margin extracapsular dissection (MECD) with dissection on or closer to the tumor capsule may be a reasonable alternative to ECD. The objective of this study is to review the complications and safety of the MECD technique at a single institution.

Subjects and Methods:

Medical records for patients who underwent MECD for suspected benign parotid lesions were reviewed. Outcome measurements included intraoperative findings, complications, and recurrences.

Results:

Forty patients underwent a MECD for suspected benign parotid lesions. The average tumor size was 2.2 cm. Frozen section revealed low-intermediate grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma in 2 (5%) cases, requiring completion of a superficial parotidectomy at the same setting. There was 1 case of temporary facial nerve weakness and no cases of Frey syndrome. No tumor recurrences were observed within the follow-up period (average 3.5 years.)

Conclusion:

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, MECD may be a viable alternative to formal superficial parotidectomy. This study reports low rates of nerve weakness and Frey syndrome. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine the ultimate risk of recurrence.
Ecological Contributors to Disparities in Bond Amounts and Pretrial Detention
Authors: Wooldredge John , Frank James , Goulette Natalie
Published: July 2016

Pretrial dispositions have been receiving greater attention in the literature on extralegal disparities in criminal case processing. We examined the relevance of areas in which crimes are committed for court decisions regarding bond amounts and whether suspects are ultimately detained prior to trial. A random sample of 2,677 persons charged with felony crimes committed in 820 blocks of a major urban U.S. jurisdiction was examined, with separate analyses of property, violent, and drug offenses. Defendants were more likely to be held in jail prior to trial when crimes were committed in more disadvantaged neighborhoods (higher percentages of female-headed households, vacant residences, renters, and African Americans). However, the odds of pretrial detention were also higher for defendants accused of crimes in less disadvantaged neighborhoods relative to their own. Evidence favors neighborhood composition as an important contributor to disparities in pretrial detention beyond individual factors such as a defendant’s race.
Short-Term Wind Speed Prediction Based on Artificial Neural Network Models
Authors: Kirbas Ismail , Kerem Alper
Published: July 2016

Wind energy has an important place in renewable energy sources. Biggest challenges in wind energy production are the variability of the wind and difficulty of estimation of true wind speed. In this study, 25,777 records have been taken from wind measurements carried out at Mehmet Akif Ersoy University campus. Records include meteorological data such as wind speed at different heights/altitudes, wind direction, temperature, pressure and humidity. In order to estimate the wind speed that may occur at 61 m altitude, multilayer perceptron and radial basis function methods have been used. During the application phase, 100 artificial neural networks were trained and performance evaluations of these networks were done. The obtained results show that the wind speed at 61 m can be estimated with 99% accuracy using artificial neural network when other meteorological data are taken as input.
Assessing Drinking and Academic Performance Among a Nationally Representative Sample of College Students
Authors: Piazza-Gardner Anna K. , Barry Adam E. , Merianos Ashley L.
Published: July 2016

This investigation assessed whether alcohol consumption was negatively related to grade point average (GPA) among a nationally representative sample of college students. Items from the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment ( N = 22,424) were investigated. One-way ANOVAs and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results revealed that respondents with lower GPAs consumed a greater number of drinks compared with those with higher GPAs. Students with higher GPAs engaged in heavy episodic drinking less than students with lower GPAs. Number of drinks consumed was the strongest predictor of academic performance; the likelihood of being an A student decreased with each drink consumed. Similarly, binge drinking was the strongest predictor; the likelihood of being an A student decreased as binge drinking increased. The dynamic, interdependent relationship between alcohol and GPA documented herein confirms previous research, which delineates reduced academic performance as a function of alcohol consumption.
Physical Exercise and Time of Day: Influences on Spontaneous Motor Tempo
Authors: Dosseville Fabrice , Moussay Sebastien , Larue Jacques , Gauthier Antoine , Davenne Damien
Published: July 2016

To identify whether spontaneous motor rhythm is influenced by external or internal events and whether this rhythm fluctuates across the day in parallel with heart rate diurnal variations, we simultaneously recorded heart rate and spontaneous motor rate before and after a pedaling task performed five times a day by 10 healthy human subjects. Each subject performed a Spontaneous Motor Tempo, i.e., a finger-tapping task, at a comfortable and spontaneous cadence. Pre- and postexercise Spontaneous Motor Tempo was measured as well as heart rate. There were diurnal variations in Spontaneous Motor Tempo. Both measures increased significantly after pedaling, suggesting that cardiac and spontaneous rhythms are influenced simultaneously after a moderate exercise. Also, finger-taps occurred most frequently around the initiation of the heart systole. These results suggest that a putative internal clock might regulate Spontaneous Motor Tempo and that cardiac rhythm might influence this tempo
Differential Perception of Kinget's Drawing-Completion Stimuli
Authors: Sisley Emily L.
Published: July 2016

Results indicate that the Gestalten used in Kinget's drawing-completion test are perceived differently and that differences can be defined verbally. Several avenues for further research emerge from these findings.
Extensionality of Information Accompanying Effect of Numerosity on Estimation of Time Duration
Authors: Mo Suchoon S.
Published: July 2016

60 subjects estimated the duration of the stimulus consisting of 1, 3, or 5 dark dots, following the auditory warning signal. The duration of the warning signal constituted duration of foreperiod which was either 1 or 5 sec. For the correlated group, pitch of the warning signal was perfectly correlated with numerosity of dots. For the uncorrelated group, there was no such correlation. For the constant group, pitch of the warning signal was constant. The increasing effect of numerosity of stimulus elements was reduced for the 5-sec. foreperiod but not for the 1-sec. foreperiod in the correlated group. Such effect was present for both durations of foreperiod in the uncorrelated group and was absent for both durations of foreperiod in the constant group.
Stability of Choice Reaction Time and Synchronicity of Peak Emg Values during Bimanual Reactions
Authors: De Brabander Bert , Gerits Pol , Boone Christophe
Published: July 2016

18 volunteers of our Faculty participated in two quasi-identical experiments six months apart. Repeated measurements of reaction time and synchronicity of peak forearm EMG values during bimanual reactions are analyzed by means of analysis of variance with subjects and measurement period as factors. Using Ebel's formula, test-retest reliabilities derived from the analysis vary between .82 and .94 for reaction times on different tasks and conditions and between .75 and .92 for synchronicity of peak EMG values.
Factors Contributing to Perception of Health in Young Black Women
Authors: Keller Colleen S. , Hargrove Hazel J.
Published: July 2016

An exploratory descriptive design using interviews and open-ended questions examined factors which were associated with perceptions of health held by 22 young black women, ages 18 to 40 years. Interview findings indicated that, among these women, obesity was considered to contribute positively to perceptions of health as did eating good foods and engaging in stress-reducing activities.
Handedness and Personality
Authors: Lester David
Published: July 2016

Handedness, measured as the hand used for writing, was not associated with scores on a test of irrational thinking in a sample of 138 undergraduates.
Effects of Haloperidol on Aversive Threshold of Rats
Authors: Houser Vincent P.
Published: July 2016

An attempt was made to assay the analgesic potency of haloperidol (.15, .30, 2.5, 5.0 mg/kg) in the rat, using the spatial preference technique. This drug was able to raise the aversive threshold in a dose-dependent manner in doses at or above .15 mg/kg. These same dosages, however, also significantly reduce the number of motor responses made during threshold testing. These results were interpreted to suggest that haloperidol produces its effects on the aversive threshold indirectly by inhibiting the execution of the escape response.
Effects of Various Music Conditions on Multiple Dimensions of Behavior of Emotionally Disturbed Adolescents
Authors: McIntyre Thomas , Cowell Karol
Published: July 2016

The effects of music on the behaviors of 5 to 8 emotionally disturbed adolescents were investigated. Six behavioral categories of aggressive motor, aggressive verbal, disruptive motor, disruptive verbal, nondisruptive/off task, and on task, were monitored in class daily for 40 min. for 12 wk. to assess whether three conditions of “sedative,” “stimulating,” and “no music” influenced the frequency of these behaviors. Analysis indicated no significant differences in frequencies of any of the six behavior categories among music conditions.
The Role of Affective and Cognitive Individual Differences in Social Perception
Authors: Aquino Antonio , Haddock Geoffrey , Maio Gregory R. , Wolf Lukas J. , Alparone Francesca R.
Published: July 2016

Three studies explored the connection between social perception processes and individual differences in the use of affective and cognitive information in relation to attitudes. Study 1 revealed that individuals high in need for affect (NFA) accentuated differences in evaluations of warm and cold traits, whereas individuals high in need for cognition (NFC) accentuated differences in evaluations of competent and incompetent traits. Study 2 revealed that individual differences in NFA predicted liking of warm or cold targets, whereas individual differences in NFC predicted perceptions of competent or incompetent targets. Furthermore, the effects of NFA and NFC were independent of structural bases and meta-bases of attitudes. Study 3 revealed that differences in the evaluation of warm and cold traits mediated the effects of NFA and NFC on liking of targets. The implications for social perception processes and for individual differences in affect–cognition are discussed.
El Sistema fundamentals in practice: An examination of one public elementary school partnership in the US
Authors: Simpson Steele Jamie
Published: July 2016

El Sistema is a Venezuelan program of social change that has inspired a worldwide movement in music education. El Sistema inspires social transformation and musical excellence to occur simultaneously and symbiotically. This study examines: What does El Sistema look like within the context of a public school partnership in the United States? How do the characteristics of this context influence the realization of El Sistema principles? This qualitative case study examines one fledgling music program just two years into its partnership with a public school. The study utilizes ethnographic observations and focus group interviews with the young program participants, their parents, schoolteachers, and music teaching artists. I discuss these multiple perspectives according to the fundamentals of El Sistema: a) social change; b) community; c) access; and d) frequency. Findings indicate El Sistema values are capable of impact, but not without struggle, when allied with a public school partnership.
Fiscal Crisis and Expenditure Cuts
Authors: Raudla Ringa , Douglas James W. , Savi Riin , Randma-Liiv Tiina
Published: July 2016

The Great Recession resulted in fiscal crises for governments across the Western world. Significant cuts in government programs and in public administration itself were initiated as many governments scrambled to reduce their growing budget deficits. We are interested in how European governments have reacted during the most recent crisis. In particular, our article explores whether rationally oriented management approaches are associated with targeted and efficiency cuts rather than across-the-board cuts. The theoretical part of the article outlines the predictions about how the use of rational approaches will affect the types of cuts used by public agencies. In the empirical part of the article, we use the survey of 7,077 senior government officials in 19 European countries, undertaken within the framework of the Coordinating for Cohesion in the Public Sector of the Future (COCOPS) project. We find that several rationally oriented approaches—use of strategic planning, focusing on outcomes and results, rewarding goal achievement, and increased relevance and use of performance measures—are positively associated with the use of targeted and efficiency cuts. These findings suggest that rational management techniques adopted by governments over recent decades might be used by managers to help them make strategic decisions, even during times of crisis.