bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal autoantibody profiles at risk for autoimmune congenital heart block: a prospective study in high-risk patients
Authors: Tonello Marta , Ruffatti Amelia , Favaro Maria , Tison Tiziana , del Ross Teresa , Calligaro Antonia , Hoxha Ariela , Mattia Elena , Punzi Leonardo 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveThis prospective study aimed to identify antibody profiles characterising mothers with fetuses developing congenital heart block (CHB) by comparing their antibody frequencies and levels with those in unaffected mothers.MethodsEighty-one consecutive pregnant patients positive to anti-Ro±anti-La antibodies, at high risk of developing fetal CHB were prospectively studied. The 16 patients with fetal CHB outcome were considered the study population and the 65 patients with normal pregnancy outcomes were considered the control cohort. Anti-Ro52, anti-Ro60, anti-p200 and anti-La antibodies were assayed using home-made ELISA assays.ResultsThe prevalence of anti-p200 antibodies was significantly higher in the fetal CHB affected patients than in the controls (p=0.03). Combinations of anti-p200 with anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 antibodies were significantly more frequent in the women with fetuses developing CHB than in the controls (p=0.03 for all combinations). The women with fetal CHB had significantly higher mean anti-Ro52, anti-Ro60 and anti-p200 levels than the controls (p=0.003, p=0.0001 and p=0.04, respectively); mean anti-La/SSB level was not significantly different in the two cohorts (p=0.25).ConclusionsSince anti-p200, anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 antibodies, especially at high level, seem to identify patients at increased risk of developing fetal CHB, their detection could recognise anti-Ro/La positive women at risk for having an infant with this rare, potentially dangerous disorder.
Does the lava lake of Erta ‘Ale volcano respond to regional magmatic and tectonic events? An investigation using Earth Observation data
Authors: Barnie T. D. , Oppenheimer C. , Pagli C. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Erta ‘Ale volcano lies at the centre of the Erta ‘Ale rift segment in northern Afar, Ethiopia and hosts one of the few persistent lava lakes found on Earth in its summit caldera. Previous studies have reported anecdotal evidence of a correlation between lake activity and magmatic and tectonic events in the broader region. We investigated this hypothesis for the period 2000–15 by comparing a catalogue of regional events with changes in lake activity reconstructed from Earth Observation data. The lava lake underwent dramatic changes during the study period, exhibiting an overall rise in height with concomitant changes in geometry consistent with a change in heat energy balance. Numerous paroxysms occurred in the lake and in the north pit; a significant dyke intrusion with subsequent re-intrusions indicated a role for dykes in maintaining the lake. However, despite some coincidences between the paroxysms and regional events, we did not find any statistically significant relationship between the two on a timescale of days to weeks. Nevertheless, changes in lake activity have preceded the broad increase in regional activity since 2005 and we cannot rule out a relationship on a decadal scale.
Brachiopod faunas, facies and biostratigraphy of the Pridolian to lower Eifelian succession in the Rhenish Massif (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge, Germany)
Authors: Jansen Ulrich 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

The succession of Pridolian to lower Eifelian (uppermost Silurian to lowermost Middle Devonian) rhynchonelliformean brachiopod faunas from the Rhenish Massif (Germany) is described and interpreted against the background of sedimentary sequences and facies development. The predominant rhenotypic (‘Rhenish’) facies is redefined as a neritic-siliciclastic facies type of the Devonian. It is subdivided into eurhenotypic, pararhenotypic and allorhenotypic subfacies, based on sedimentary features and specific brachiopod assemblages reflecting different shallow-marine palaeoenvironments under more or less terrigenous influence. The studied sedimentary successions are subdivided biostratigraphically on the basis of brachiopods, correlated on a supraregional scale, and calibrated in terms of the global chronostratigraphy. Stratigraphic intervals with characteristic brachiopod faunas are distinguished. Faunal turnovers between these are attributed to regional events in the context of short or more extended phases of palaeoenvironmental change presumably caused mainly by sea-level fluctuations in combination with varying crustal subsidence and sedimentation rates. These changes resulted in shelf-wide or more regional extinction or emigration of substantial parts of a brachiopod fauna and subsequent replacement by a largely new one. Finally, new taxa of brachiopods are introduced:
Sartenaerirhynchus
gen. nov.,
Paraspirifer
(
Mosellospirifer
) subgen. nov.,
Paraspirifer
(
Laurentispirifer
) subgen. nov.,
Iridistrophia
(
Flabellistrophia
) subgen. nov. and
Iridistrophia
(
Flabellistrophia
)
musculosa
sp. nov.
Myths about normal faulting
Authors: Ferrill D. A. , Morris A. P. , McGinnis R. N. , Smart K. J. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Analyses of normal faults in mechanically layered strata reveal that material properties of rock layers strongly influence fault nucleation points, fault extent (trace length), failure mode (shear v. hybrid), fault geometry (e.g. refraction through mechanical layers), displacement gradient (and potential for fault tip folding), displacement partitioning (e.g. synthetic dip, synthetic faulting, fault core displacement), fault core and damage zone width, and fault zone deformation processes. These detailed investigations are progressively dispelling some common myths about normal faulting held by industry geologists, for example: (i) that faults tend to be linear in dip profile; (ii) that imbricate normal faults initiate due to sliding on low-angle detachments; (iii) that friction causes fault-related folds (so-called normal drag); (iv) that self-similar fault zone widening is a direct function of fault displacement; and (v) that faults are not dilational features and/or important sources of permeability.
Insulin sensitizers prevent fine particulate matter-induced vascular insulin resistance and changes in endothelial progenitor cell homeostasis
Authors: Haberzettl Petra , McCracken James P. , Bhatnagar Aruni , Conklin Daniel J. 
Published: March 2016

Exposure to fine particular matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Because blood vessels are sensitive targets of air pollutant exposure, we examined the effects of concentrated ambient PM2.5 (CAP) on vascular insulin sensitivity and circulating levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which reflect cardiovascular health. We found that CAP exposure for 9 days decreased insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in the aorta of mice maintained on control diet. This change was accompanied by the induction of IL-1β and increases in the abundance of cleaved IL-18 and p10 subunit of Casp-1, consistent with the activation of the inflammasome pathway. CAP exposure also suppressed circulating levels of EPCs (Flk-1+/Sca-1+ cells), while enhancing the bone marrow abundance of these cells. Although similar changes in vascular insulin signaling and EPC levels were observed in mice fed high-fat diet, CAP exposure did not exacerbate diet-induced changes in vascular insulin resistance or EPC homeostasis. Treatment with an insulin sensitizer, metformin or rosiglitazone, prevented CAP-induced vascular insulin resistance and NF-κB and inflammasome activation and restored peripheral blood and bone marrow EPC levels. These findings suggest that PM2.5 exposure induces diet-independent vascular insulin resistance and inflammation and prevents EPC mobilization, and that this EPC mobilization defect could be mediated by vascular insulin resistance. Impaired vascular insulin sensitivity may be an important mechanism underlying PM2.5-induced vascular injury, and pharmacological sensitization to insulin action could potentially prevent deficits in vascular repair and mitigate vascular inflammation due to exposure to elevated levels of ambient air pollution. Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at http://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/particulate-matter-induced-vascular-insulin-resistance/ .
Health‐Related Concerns of People who Receive Psychological Support for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Maunder Robert G , de Rooy Elizabeth C , Toner Brenda B , Greenberg Gordon R , Steinhart A Hilary , McLeod Robin S , Cohen Zane 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cope with a number of disease‐specific concerns, which may result in referrals for supportive counselling.OBJECTIVE: To determine differences between the health‐related concerns of people with IBD who seek counselling or are referred for psychiatric assessment and those who have no recent contact with counselling or psychiatry.METHODS: Forty‐five consecutive patients with IBD referred for psychiatric consultation and 31 IBD out‐patients who had recent counselling were compared with 190 IBD out‐patients at the same hospital with no recent history of counselling. Disease‐related concerns, demographic data and perceived symptom severity were assessed with self‐report instruments.RESULTS: Counselling patients had greater overall intensity of concern. Counselling patients differed from noncounselling patients on several measures related to illness severity and were more likely to be female. Correcting statistically for illness severity and sex, the counselled patients had significantly higher levels of concern about being a burden, pain and suffering, feeling out of control, financial difficulties, feeling alone, sexual performance, feeling dirty or smelly and being treated as different.CONCLUSIONS: Beyond the intensity of their physical suffering, patients who seek counselling report a pattern of concern in which interpersonal and emotional concerns are prominent compared with those of out‐patients who do not seek counselling. Clinicians should be aware of interpersonal concerns, which may increase the need for empathic support. Psychosocial interventions in IBD may be indicated without respect to psychiatric comorbidity.
Eligibility and Exclusion of Hemochromatosis Patients as Voluntary Blood Donors
Authors: Levstik M , Adams PC 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Hereditary hemochromatosis patients are excluded in many countries as voluntary blood donors. In 1991, changes in the Canadian Red Cross policy allowed healthy hemochromatosis patients to become voluntary donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The medical histories of 208 hemochromatosis patients were evaluated for eligibility for blood donation from a large prospective database of hemochromatosis patients. A survey that determined the success or exclusion of 81 patients for blood donation and the reasons for their exclusion based on Canadian Red Cross donor exclusion criteria was analyzed.RESULTS: Of 208 hemochromatosis patients, 140 (67%) were eligible for blood donation. Criteria for exclusion were other illnesses excluded by Canadian Red Cross criteria and the use of contraindicated medications. Fifty-one per cent of patients had attempted to donate blood, with only 7% being successful.CONCLUSIONS: A large number of potential blood donors are excluded from blood donation inappropriately despite changes in eligibility criteria to the contrary. Further public and health education is needed to increase awareness and, thus, increase blood donation by potential donors.
Heparanase 2 Attenuates Head and Neck Tumor Vascularity and Growth
Authors: Gross-Cohen Miriam , Feld Sari , Doweck Ilana , Neufeld Gera , Hasson Peleg , Arvatz Gil , Barash Uri , Naroditsky Inna , Ilan Neta , Vlodavsky Israel 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The endoglycosidase heparanase specifically cleaves the heparan sulfate (HS) side chains on proteoglycans, an activity that has been implicated strongly in tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. Heparanase-2 (Hpa2) is a close homolog of heparanase that lacks intrinsic HS-degrading activity but retains the capacity to bind HS with high affinity. In head and neck cancer patients, Hpa2 expression was markedly elevated, correlating with prolonged time to disease recurrence and inversely correlating with tumor cell dissemination to regional lymph nodes, suggesting that Hpa2 functions as a tumor suppressor. The molecular mechanism associated with favorable prognosis following Hpa2 induction is unclear. Here we provide evidence that Hpa2 overexpression in head and neck cancer cells markedly reduces tumor growth. Restrained tumor growth was associated with a prominent decrease in tumor vascularity (blood and lymph vessels), likely due to reduced Id1 expression, a transcription factor highly implicated in VEGF-A and VEGF-C gene regulation. We also noted that tumors produced by Hpa2-overexpressing cells are abundantly decorated with stromal cells and collagen deposition, correlating with a marked increase in lysyl oxidase expression. Notably, heparanase enzymatic activity was unimpaired in cells overexpressing Hpa2, suggesting that reduced tumor growth is not caused by heparanase regulation. Moreover, growth of tumor xenografts by Hpa2-overexpressing cells was unaffected by administration of a mAb that targets the heparin-binding domain of Hpa2, implying that Hpa2 function does not rely on heparanase or heparan sulfate. Cancer Res; 76(9); 2791–801. ©2016 AACR.
Polyamine Antagonist Therapies Inhibit Neuroblastoma Initiation and Progression
Authors: Evageliou Nicholas F. , Haber Michelle , Vu Annette , Laetsch Theodore W. , Murray Jayne , Gamble Laura D. , Cheng Ngan Ching , Liu Kangning , Reese Megan , Corrigan Kelly A. , Ziegler David S. , Webber Hannah , Hayes Candice S. , Pawel Bruce , Marshall Glenn M. , Zhao Huaqing , Gilmour Susan K. , Norris Murray D. , Hogarty Michael D. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Purpose: Deregulated MYC drives oncogenesis in many tissues yet direct pharmacologic inhibition has proven difficult. MYC coordinately regulates polyamine homeostasis as these essential cations support MYC functions, and drugs that antagonize polyamine sufficiency have synthetic-lethal interactions with MYC. Neuroblastoma is a lethal tumor in which the MYC homologue MYCN, and ODC1, the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine synthesis, are frequently deregulated so we tested optimized polyamine depletion regimens for activity against neuroblastoma.
Experimental Design: We used complementary transgenic and xenograft-bearing neuroblastoma models to assess polyamine antagonists. We investigated difluoromethylornithine (DFMO; an inhibitor of Odc, the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine synthesis), SAM486 (an inhibitor of Amd1, the second rate-limiting enzyme), and celecoxib (an inducer of Sat1 and polyamine catabolism) in both the preemptive setting and in the treatment of established tumors. In vitro assays were performed to identify mechanisms of activity.
Results: An optimized polyamine antagonist regimen using DFMO and SAM486 to inhibit both rate-limiting enzymes in polyamine synthesis potently blocked neuroblastoma initiation in transgenic mice, underscoring the requirement for polyamines in MYC-driven oncogenesis. Furthermore, the combination of DFMO with celecoxib was found to be highly active, alone, and combined with numerous chemotherapy regimens, in regressing established tumors in both models, including tumors harboring highest risk genetic lesions such as MYCN amplification, ALK mutation, and TP53 mutation with multidrug resistance.
Conclusions: Given the broad preclinical activity demonstrated by polyamine antagonist regimens across diverse in vivo models, clinical investigation of such approaches in neuroblastoma and potentially other MYC-driven tumors is warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4391–404. ©2016 AACR.
DiSCoVERing Innovative Therapies for Rare Tumors: Combining Genetically Accurate Disease Models withIn SilicoAnalysis to Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Hanaford Allison R. , Archer Tenley C. , Price Antoinette , Kahlert Ulf D. , Maciaczyk Jarek , Nikkhah Guido , Kim Jong Wook , Ehrenberger Tobias , Clemons Paul A. , Dančík Vlado , Seashore-Ludlow Brinton , Viswanathan Vasanthi , Stewart Michelle L. , Rees Matthew G. , Shamji Alykhan , Schreiber Stuart , Fraenkel Ernest , Pomeroy Scott L. , Mesirov Jill P. , Tamayo Pablo , Eberhart Charles G. , Raabe Eric H. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPurpose: We used human stem and progenitor cells to develop a genetically accurate novel model of MYC-driven Group 3 medulloblastoma. We also developed a new informatics method, Disease-model Signature versus Compound-Variety Enriched Response (“DiSCoVER”), to identify novel therapeutics that target this specific disease subtype.Experimental Design: Human neural stem and progenitor cells derived from the cerebellar anlage were transduced with oncogenic elements associated with aggressive medulloblastoma. An in silico analysis method for screening drug sensitivity databases (DiSCoVER) was used in multiple drug sensitivity datasets. We validated the top hits from this analysis in vitro and in vivo.Results: Human neural stem and progenitor cells transformed with c-MYC, dominant-negative p53, constitutively active AKT and hTERT formed tumors in mice that recapitulated Group 3 medulloblastoma in terms of pathology and expression profile. DiSCoVER analysis predicted that aggressive MYC-driven Group 3 medulloblastoma would be sensitive to cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors. The CDK 4/6 inhibitor palbociclib decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and significantly extended the survival of mice with orthotopic medulloblastoma xenografts.Conclusions: We present a new method to generate genetically accurate models of rare tumors, and a companion computational methodology to find therapeutic interventions that target them. We validated our human neural stem cell model of MYC-driven Group 3 medulloblastoma and showed that CDK 4/6 inhibitors are active against this subgroup. Our results suggest that palbociclib is a potential effective treatment for poor prognosis MYC-driven Group 3 medulloblastoma tumors in carefully selected patients. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3903–14. ©2016 AACR.
Individualized Tamoxifen Dose Escalation: Confirmation of Feasibility, Question of Utility
Authors: Hertz Daniel L. , Rae James M. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Tamoxifen may require metabolic activation to endoxifen for efficacy in treating hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. Dose escalation in patients with low endoxifen concentrations could enhance treatment efficacy. This approach is clinically feasible, and successfully increases endoxifen concentrations; however, it is unknown whether patients benefit from individualized tamoxifen dose escalation. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3121–3. ©2016 AACR.
See related article by Fox et al., p. 3164
Collision Detection and Trajectory Planning for Palletizing Robots Based OBB
Authors: Aalhasan Ali Joodi Jasim , XiaoQi Tang , Bao Song 
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes an algorithm for Collision detection between two convex polyhedra (Boxes). It is assumed that the Palletizing robot’s end effector grasped the Box in accurate incremental method, by compare the distances between objects in same space . The detections proposed by ignorance of time consumption, and make comparisons between performances of theories discussed this problem, like Axes Aligned Bounded Boxes (AABB) and Sphere theories. Oriented Bounded Boxes (OBB) theory is chosen because unspecified orientation of objects which meets the requirements for detecting collisions with accuracy and handling transformations. Transformation assumptions are based on Z-Y-Z Euler’s angles representation. The key factor for detecting collision between two OBB convex polyhedra is the Separating Axes Theorem (SAT). The trajectory algorithm presents incremental distance computation by implementing translation and spherical trajectory. The checking and simulations in C++ language and Auto CAD software, attests that implementations in both show accuracy results.
A New Approach of Detection Algorithm for Reducing Computation Complexity of MIMO systems
Authors: Sulttan Mohammed Qasim 
Published: March 2016

<p>Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technique is a key technology to strengthen and achieve high-speed and high-throughput wireless communications. . In recent years, it was observed that frequent detecting techniques could improve the performance (e.g., symbol error rate ‘SER’) of different modern digital communication systems. But these systems faced a problem of high complexity for the practical implementation. To solve the problem of high complexity, this work proposed Frequent Improve K-best Sphere Decoding (FIKSD) algorithm with stopping rule depending on the Manhattan metric. Manhattan metric is proposed to use with FIKSD in order to achieve the lowest complexity. FIKSD is a powerful tool to achieve a high performance close to the maximum likelihood (ML), with less complexity. The simulation results show a good reduction in computation complexity with a cost of slight performance degradation within 1dB; the proposed FIKSD requires 0% to 94% and 82% to 97% less complexity than Improved K-best Sphere Decoder (IKSD) and K-best Sphere Decoder (KSD) respectively. This makes the algorithm more suitable for implementation in wireless communication systems.</p>
Weight Loss in Obese Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Zamora Elisabet , Díez‐López Carles , Lupón Josep , de Antonio Marta , Domingo Mar , Santesmases Javier , Troya María Isabel , Díez‐Quevedo Crisanto , Altimir Salvador , Bayes‐Genis Antoni 
Published: March 2016

Background

In heart failure (
HF
), weight loss (
WL
) has been associated with an adverse prognosis whereas obesity has been linked to lower mortality (the obesity paradox). The impact of
WL
in obese patients with
HF
is incompletely understood. Our objective was to explore the prevalence of
WL
and its impact on long‐term mortality, with an emphasis on obese patients, in a cohort of patients with chronic
HF
.

Methods and Results

Weight at first visit and the 1‐year follow‐up and vital status after 3 years were assessed in 1000 consecutive ambulatory, chronic
HF
patients (72.7% men; mean age 65.8±12.1 years). Significant
WL
was defined as a loss of ≥5% weight between baseline and 1 year. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m
2
(N=272). Of the 1000 patients included, 170 experienced significant
WL
during the first year of follow‐up. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with significant
WL
(27.6% versus 15.3%,
P
<0.001). In univariable Cox regression analysis, patients with significant
WL
had 2‐fold higher mortality (hazard ratio 1.95 [95%
CI
1.39–2.72],
P
<0.001). In multivariable analysis, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, New York Heart Association functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction,
HF
duration, ischemic etiology, diabetes, and treatment, significant
WL
remained independently associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio 1.89 [95%
CI
1.32–2.68],
P
<0.001). Among obese patients with
HF
, significant
WL
was associated with an even more ominous prognosis (adjusted hazard ratio for death of 2.38 [95%
CI
1.31–4.32],
P
=0.004) than that observed in nonobese patients (adjusted hazard ratio 1.83 [95%
CI
1.16–2.89],
P
=0.01).

Conclusions

Weight loss ≥5% in patients with chronic
HF
was associated with high long‐term mortality, particularly among obese patients with
HF
.