bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Garbage to Biomaterials: An Overview on Egg Shell Based Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Abdulrahman Idris , Tijani Hamzat Ibiyeye , Mohammed Bashir Abubakar , Saidu Haruna , Yusuf Hindatu , Ndejiko Jibrin Mohammed , Mohammed Sulaiman
Published: August 2014

The conversion of waste obtained from agricultural processes into biocompatible materials (biomaterials) used in medical surgery is a strategy that will add more value in waste utilization. This strategy has successfully turned the rather untransformed wastes into high value products. Eggshell is an agricultural waste largely considered as useless and is discarded mostly because it contributes to pollution. This waste has potential for producing hydroxyapatite, a major component found in bone and teeth. Hydroxyapatite is an excellent material used in bone repair and tissue regeneration. The use of eggshell to generate hydroxyapatite will reduce the pollution effect of the waste and the subsequent conversion of the waste into a highly valuable product. In this paper, we reviewed the utilization of this agricultural waste (eggshell) in producing hydroxyapatite. The process of transforming eggshell into hydroxyapatite and nanohydroxyapatite is an environmentally friendly process. Eggshell based hydroxyapatite and nanohydroxyapatite stand as good chance of reducing the cost of treatment in bone repair or replacement with little impact on the environment.
Fractional Calculus of the Generalized Mittag-Leffler Type Function
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Sunil
Published: August 2014

We introduce and study a new function called R-function, which is an extension of the generalized Mittag-Leffler function. We derive the relations that exist between the R-function and Saigo fractional calculus operators. Some results derived by Samko et al. (1993), Kilbas (2005), Kilbas and Saigo (1995), and Sharma and Jain (2009) are special cases of the main results derived in this paper.
Clinical Efficacy of Mitoxantrone and Ara-C with or without Etoposide Salvage Chemotherapy in Adult Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Retrospective Multicenter Study of the Korean Adult ALL Working Party
Authors: Ahn Jae-Sook , Yang Deok-Hwan , Jung Sung-Hoon , Lee Je-Jung , Kim Inho , Park Seonyang , Chung Joo Seop , Shin Ho-Jin , Kim Dae-Young , Lee Kyoo-Hyung , Moon Joon Ho , Sohn Sang Kyun , Song Ik-Chan , Jo Deog-Yeon , Joo Young Don ,   Korean Society of Hematology Adult ALL Working Party
Published: August 2014

Mitoxantrone is a conventional agent for relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, an effective combination with other drugs and a feasible dosage has not been identified. A retrospective study of 46 patients with relapsed or refractory ALL was conducted to determine the efficacy of mitoxantrone and Ara-C treatment with (MEC) and or without etoposide (MC). Twenty-seven and 19 patients received MC and MEC chemotherapy, respectively. Twenty-two (48%) patients showed overall response [complete response (CR), 33%; CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp), 15%], and 10 of 22 responders received allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Median overall survival (OS) was 6.2 months (95% confidence interval, 3.41-9.0). Thirteen (48%) patients in the MC group and 9 (47%) in the MEC group achieved CR/CRp (p = 0.96). Treatment-related mortalities in the MC and MEC groups were 3 (11%) and 4 (21%), respectively (p = 0.36). However, the MEC group frequently presented with grade 3 or higher bacteremia/candidemia (p = 0.013). No difference in OS was observed between the two groups (p = 0.769). In conclusion, salvage therapy consisting of mitoxantrone and Ara-C without etoposide appeared to be an effective bridge therapy to allogeneic SCT for patients with refractory or relapsed ALL.
High Percentage of Regulatory T Cells before and after Vitamin B12 Treatment in Patients with Pernicious Anemia
Authors: Watanabe Satoru , Ide Norifumi , Ogawara Hatsue , Yokohama Akihiko , Mitsui Takeki , Handa Hiroshi , Koiso Hiromi , Tsukamoto Norifumi , Saitoh Takayuki , Murakami Hirokazu
Published: August 2014

Introduction: In some previous studies, vitamin B12 treatment showed immunomodulatory effects and restored the immunological abnormalities in patients with pernicious anemia (PA). In the present study, peripheral blood T cell subsets, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), were examined before and after vitamin B12 treatment in PA patients. Patients and Methods: The percentages of CD4, CD8, Th1, Th2 and Tregs were examined in 23 PA patients before vitamin B12 treatment, in 23 other PA patients after vitamin B12 treatment and in 28 healthy controls. Results: The mean percentage of CD8+ T cells was significantly higher in the control group (23.0%; 95% CI, 20.4-25.6%) than in the pre- (16.0%; 95% CI, 12.1-20.0%) and posttreatment groups (15.2%; 95% CI, 11.8-18.6%; p < 0.05). The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly lower in the control group (2.01; 95% CI, 1.66-2.34) than in the pre- (3.45; 95% CI, 2.55-7.80) and posttreatment groups (2.97; 95% CI, 2.22-3.72; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean Th1/Th2 ratio among these groups. There were significant increases in the mean percentage of Tregs in the pre- (6.29%; 95% CI, 5.04-7.54%) and posttreatment groups (7.77%; 95% CI, 6.34-9.20%) compared with the control group (4.18%; 95% CI, 3.92-4.47%; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The percentage of Tregs was significantly higher in PA patients than in normal subjects, and this high Treg percentage was not different before and after vitamin B12 treatment. Other immunological alterations also did not recover after vitamin B12 treatment, so that these immunological changes appear to be the cause of PA and are not induced by vitamin B12 deficiency.
National Survey of Psoriasis Flares after 2009 Monovalent H1N1/Seasonal Vaccines
Authors: Sbidian Emilie , Eftekahri Pirayeh , Viguier Manuelle , Laroche Liliane , Chosidow Olivier , Gosselin Pierre , Trouche Fabienne , Bonnet Nathalie , Arfi Catherine , Tubach Florence , Bachelez Hervé ,   for the Groupe de Recherche sur le Psoriasis from the French Society for Dermatology and the Syndicat National des Dermatologues-Vénéréologues
Published: August 2014

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic immune-mediated disease resulting from interactions of a genetic background with environmental triggering factors such as stress and infection. So far, there is very limited information available about the impact of vaccine stimuli on psoriasis course. Objective: To collect cases of psoriasis flares occurring after vaccination through a national survey. Methods: We investigated cases of onset or flare of psoriasis occurring within 3 months following the 2009 monovalent H1N1/seasonal vaccination during the campaign of the 2009-2010 flu seasons in France. Results: Ten patients, 6 men and 4 women with a median age of 44 years (range 9-88), were reported with a psoriasis of new onset (n = 7) or with a worsening of previously diagnosed psoriasis (n = 3) within a median time period of 8 days following vaccination. Nine of them presented with a mixed guttate/plaque clinical phenotype, and 1 showed 2 successive generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) flares after 2 different vaccine injections. Conclusion: The short time interval between vaccination and onset of psoriasis flares, the lack of other triggers and the flaring sequence following 2 different vaccines in a GPP patient suggest a possible association between the 2009 monovalent H1N1/seasonal vaccination and psoriasis flaring in the collected cases. Nevertheless, the likely very low incidence of psoriasis following vaccination emphasizes the safe profile and the relevance of vaccination strategies in psoriasis patients, especially in candidates for immunosuppressive treatments.
Mediterranean Diet and Healthy Ageing: A Sicilian Perspective
Authors: Vasto Sonya , Buscemi Silvio , Barera Annalisa , Di Carlo Marta , Accardi Giulia , Caruso Calogero
Published: August 2014

Traditional Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is a common dietary pattern characterizing a lifestyle and culture proven to contribute to better health and quality of life in Mediterranean countries. By analyzing the diet of centenarians from the Sicani Mountains and eating habits of inhabitants of Palermo, it is reported that a close adherence to MedDiet is observed in the countryside, whereas in big towns this adherence is not so close. This has an effect on the rates of mortality at old age (and reciprocally longevity) that are lower in the countryside than in big towns. Concerning the health effects of the diet, the low content of animal protein and the low glycaemic index of the Sicilian MedDiet might directly modulate the insulin/IGF-1 and the mTOR pathways, known to be involved in ageing and longevity. In particular, the reduction of animal protein intake may significantly reduce serum IGF-1 concentrations and inhibit mTOR activity with a down-regulation of the signal that leads to the activation of FOXO3A and, consequently, to the transcription of homeostatic genes that favour longevity. The down-regulation of both IGF-1 and mTORC1 also induces an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition to the effects on sensing pathways, many single components of MedDiet are known to have positive effects on health, reducing inflammation, optimizing cholesterol and other important risk factors of age-related diseases. However, a key role is played by polyphenols represented in high amount in the Sicilian MedDiet (in particular in extra virgin olive oil) that can work as hormetins that provide an environmental chemical signature regulating stress resistance pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2.
Predictive Value of the Parent-Completed ASQ for School Difficulties in Preterm-Born Children <35 Weeks' GA at Five Years of Age
Authors: Halbwachs Marie , Muller Jean-Baptiste , Nguyen the Tich Sylvie , Gascoin Geraldine , Chauty-Frondas Anne , Branger Bernard , Rouger Valérie , Roze Jean-Christophe , Flamant Cyril
Published: August 2014

Background: Preterm infants are at greater risk of developmental impairment and require close follow-up for early and optimal care. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to determine from which age the parental Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) allows detection of school difficulties in preterm children <35 weeks' gestational age. Methods: Preterm children from the regional Loire Infant Follow-up Team network were evaluated with the Global School Adaptation (GSA) assessment tool at 5 years of age and at least one parental-completed ASQ at 18, 24, or 36 months. Children belonging to the first decile of the GSA score (<38) were considered to have severe school difficulties. Using overall ASQ scores as continuous variables, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated at every age in order to identify preterm children with severe school difficulties. Results: GSA scores were obtained in 1,775 infants at 5 years of age, and at least one ASQ score at 18, 24, or 36 months was completed. Upon ROC analysis, we observed that the 18-, 24-, and 36-month ASQ scores produced respective area under the ROC curve values of 0.66 (0.64-0.69), 0.72 (0.70-0.75), and 0.77 (0.75-0.80) for predicting a GSA score in the first decile. An ASQ cutoff value of 255 at 36 months showed optimal discriminatory power for identifying significant school difficulties at 5 years of age. Conclusions: The 36-month ASQ is a simple and cost-effective tool that can be employed to help predict future severe school difficulties at 5 years of age in preterm-born children.
Characterization of Minipuberty in Infants with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Hirsch Harry J. , Eldar-Geva Talia , Erlichman Matityahu , Pollak Yehuda , Gross-Tsur Varda
Published: August 2014

Background: Minipuberty describes transient activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis occurring during the first few months of life. Hormone levels during minipuberty were described in only a few Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) infant boys and have not been reported in PWS infant girls. Objectives: To measure gonadotropins and gonadal hormones in PWS male and female infants and assess gender-specific patterns of hormone secretion. Methods: Hormone levels in 14 (9 male, 5 female) PWS infants ages 1-3 months were compared with reference ranges for normal infants and in 44 prepubertal PWS children (27 female, 17 male). Results: Compared to prepubertal boys, hormone levels (median and range) for PWS infant boys were increased: LH 2.8 mIU/ml (1.2-6.2), FSH 4.4 mIU/ml (1.0-19.5), testosterone 4.0 nmol/l (3.0-7.0), inhibin B 219 pg/ml (141-325), and AMH 79 ng/ml (45-157). Hormone levels in infant girls were not significantly different from levels in prepubertal girls. LH, inhibin B, and AMH were higher in male infants than in female infants. LH/FSH ratios were 0.56 (0.24-1.77) in boys versus 0.09 (0.04-0.17) in girls (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Hormone levels in PWS infant boys are in the expected minipuberty range. By contrast, reproductive hormones in most PWS infant girls did not differ from levels in prepubertal girls.
Does a Retrograde Pyelography prior to Ureteroscopy Influence Stone-Free Rates and Complication Rates in Ureteral Calculi?
Authors: Seklehner Stephan , Heißler Ortwin , Engelhardt Paul F. , Riedl Claus
Published: August 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of retrograde pyelography (RPG) in patients treated with ureteroscopy (URS) for ureteral calculi. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients treated with and without RPG prior to URS at a single institution from 2010 to 2013. Assessment of stone-free rates and intraoperative complications. Results: Out of 469 URS, 211 (45%) were done with and 258 (55%) without RPG. Complete stone removal was achieved in 86.8% without RPG compared to 73% with RPG (p = 0.0001). Partial stone removal rates were similar in both groups (p = 0.77). Stone removal was not achieved in 9.3 vs. 22.7% (p = 0.0001), with concordant findings in the distal (7.4 vs. 16.9%, p = 0.007) and the proximal ureter (14.5 vs. 38.6%, p = 0.002). Patients with RPG had a threefold higher chance of an unsuccessful URS (OR 3.05, 1.71-5.43, p < 0.0001) and were less likely of having a complete stone removal (OR 0.37, 0.22-0.61, p < 0.0001). Ureteral avulsions (0%) and ureteral perforation rates were similar (4.7 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.65). Conclusions: Patients treated with an RPG prior to URS had significantly inferior stone-free rates. RPG was identified as an independent risk factor for inferior results. RPG neither facilitates nor diminishes complication rates during URS.
Association of Initial Twice-Weekly Hemodialysis Treatment with Preservation of Residual Kidney Function in ESRD Patients
Authors: Zhang Minmin , Wang Mengjing , Li Haiming , Yu Ping , Yuan Li , Hao Chuanming , Chen Jing , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: August 2014

Background: Residual kidney function (RKF) has consistently been a predictor of greater survival in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. The relationship between hemodialysis (HD) treatment frequency and RKF preservation has not been well examined. We hypothesized that initial twice-weekly HD helps in maintaining a longer RKF. Methods: In a dialysis center in Shanghai, 168 ESRD patients were screened and finally 85 patients were identified for this main cohort study. We first examined these 85 MHD patients; 30 of them were initiated with twice-weekly HD for 6 months or longer and 55 patients were started and maintained on thrice-weekly HD treatment. Then a subcohort study in 48 incident MHD patients was implemented to assess the independent risk factors responsible for RKF decline during the first year of HD therapy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then employed to examine the odds ratio of RKF loss. Results: The main cohort study showed that the clinical outcomes were almost the same between the two groups in 85 patients, but the percent of patients with RKF loss was significantly lower in the twice-weekly group compared with the thrice-weekly group, especially during the first year of HD initiation. In the 48 incident MHD patients, we found no significant differences between the two groups except for variations in the HD frequency, weekly Kt/V. The multivariate analysis showed that factors such as the male gender, HD frequency, URR and intradialytic hypotension episode were associated with RKF loss, and the odds ratio of RKF loss for each additional HD treatment per week was 7.2. Conclusion: Twice-weekly HD during the first year of dialysis therapy appears to be associated with better RKF preservation.
A Case with a Ring Chromosome 13 in a Cohort of 203 Children with Non-Syndromic Autism and Review of the Cytogenetic Literature
Authors: Charalsawadi Chariyawan , Maisrikhaw Worathai , Praphanphoj Verayuth , Wirojanan Juthamas , Hansakunachai Tippawan , Roongpraiwan Rawiwan , Sombuntham Tasnawat , Ruangdaraganon Nichara , Limprasert Pornprot
Published: August 2014

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments of social interaction, communication and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities. Frequencies of chromosomal abnormalities in cohorts of individuals with ASD varying between 1.2 and 28.6% have been reported. In this study, we evaluated 203 Thai children who met the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), for autistic disorder or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and who had neither major dysmorphic features nor CGG repeat expansions of the FMR1 gene. A routine G-banding chromosome analysis was performed at a minimum of ISCN 400-550 bands. A chromosomal abnormality was observed in one child (0.5%), a 41-month-old boy with a ring chromosome 13 detected by G-banding analysis and subsequently confirmed by FISH. SNP microarray analysis detected a 2.11-Mb deletion of chromosome 13q34, encompassing 23 genes. The MCF2L and UPF3A genes are among those genes that may explain the autistic features in our case. To the best of our knowledge, only one autistic case with a ring chromosome 13 has been previously reported. In this article, we also systemically reviewed 21 studies that utilized a conventional cytogenetic method to detect chromosomal abnormalities in patients with ASD. When we summed all cases with chromosomal abnormalities, including the case from our study, the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities detected by conventional cytogenetics in patients with ASD was 3.2% (118/3,712).
A Functional Polymorphism in the Promoter Region of TLR3 Is Associated with Susceptibility to End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Yang Hsin-Yi , Huang Shih-Ming , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Wu Chia-Chao , Kang Chi-Yu , Lin Yuh-Feng , Lin Chin , Lin Fu-Huang , Kao Sen-Yeong , Su Sui-Lung
Published: August 2014

Background/Aims: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is simultaneously associated with immune activation, systemic inflammation and immune deficiency. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), a receptor for viral double-stranded RNA, is involved in immune cell activation in renal diseases and may contribute to chronic inflammatory disease progression. To date, effects of TLR3 polymorphisms on ESRD remain unknown. Therefore, we determined the predictive value of TLR3 polymorphisms and further functionally studied ESRD. Methods: We performed a case-control association study and genotyped 616 ESRD patients and 813 healthy controls. Patients were genotyped for -7C/A, 1377C/T and 1234C/T polymorphisms of TLR3 using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The Haplotype association analysis was performed using the Haploview package. A luciferase reporter assay and real-time PCR were used to test the function of the -7C/A promoter polymorphism in TLR3 expression in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. Results: Genotype distributions of -7C/A and 1377C/T in TLR3 were significantly different in ESRD patients and healthy controls. The ATC haplotype of TLR3 was associated with a decreased risk of ESRD. We also found significant differences in TLR3 expression by dexamethasone treatment between various genotypes of -7C/A (p = 0.02). TLR3 transcriptional activity of the variant -7 C allele was higher than that of the -7 A allele after dexamethasone treatment. Conclusion: Results indicate that, in our population, the presence of the C allele of -7C/A in TLR3 increases the susceptibility to ESRD. In vitro studies demonstrated that -7C/A may be involved in ESRD development through transcriptional modulation of TLR3.
An Unusual Case of Isolated Peritoneal Metastases from Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bazine Aziz , Fetohi Mohamed , Khmamouch Med Reda , Namad Tarik , Ichou Mohamed , Errihani Hassan
Published: August 2014

Introduction: Peritoneal metastases from lung cancer are a rare event. In this paper, we report the case of a patient with adenocarcinoma of the lungs who had isolated peritoneal metastases at the time of diagnosis. Case Report: We report a 55-year-old female who presented with shortness of breath, decreased effort tolerance, cough, and weight loss. Her initial chest X-ray and subsequent chest CT showed a 12 × 9 × 8 cm mass in the middle lobe of the right lung. The histopathological examination of her biopsy material was consistent with a thyroid transcription factor-1 positive lung adenocarcinoma. In the abdomen, a 5.3-cm mass was identified. A biopsy and immunohistochemistry revealed a lung adenocarcinoma. The patient was administered chemotherapy based on carboplatin-paclitaxel-bevacizumab, but only with a partial response. Six months later, the patient showed brain metastases. Therefore, a second-line treatment based on pemetrexed was administered for 9 courses, and a clinical and radiological response was observed. The chemotherapy was stopped and the patient did not exhibit any symptoms of progression while waiting for a new evaluation. Discussion: The incidence of peritoneal involvement of lung cancer without metastases in other parts of the body is scarcely encountered in clinical practice. Out of the different types of lung cancers, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma are most likely to metastasize in the peritoneum. Immunohistochemical staining patterns were important in the differential diagnosis with the other etiologies for peritoneal metastasis and the mesothelioma. Peritoneal metastases are indicative of a disseminated disease and prognosis is extremely poor.
Bilateral Sequential Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy Following Repeat Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Manasseh Gemma , Donovan Debbie , Shao Emily H. , Taylor Simon R.
Published: August 2014

A 68-year-old man developed bilateral sequential non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, each episode occurring with a close temporal relationship to influenza vaccination.
Impact of Infrared, Microwave, and Radio Occultation Satellite Observations on Operational Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Cucurull L. , Anthes R. A.
Published: August 2014

A comparison of the impact of infrared (IR), microwave (MW), and radio occultation (RO) observations on NCEP’s operational global forecast model over the month of March 2013 is presented. Analyses and forecasts with only IR, MW, and RO observations are compared with analyses and forecasts with no satellite data and with each other. Overall, the patterns of the impact of the different satellite systems are similar, with the MW observations producing the largest impact on the analyses and RO producing the smallest. Without RO observations, satellite radiances are over– or under–bias corrected and RO acts as an anchor observation, reducing the forecast biases globally. Positive correlation coefficients of temperature impacts are generally found between the different satellite observation analyses, indicating that the three satellite systems are affecting the global temperatures in a similar way. However, the correlation in the lower troposphere among all three systems is surprisingly small. Correlations for the moisture field tend to be small in the lower troposphere between the different satellite analyses. The impact of the satellite observations on the 500-hPa geopotential height forecasts is much different in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In the Northern Hemisphere, all the satellite observations together make a small positive impact compared to the base (no satellite) forecasts. The IR and MW, but not the RO, make a small positive impact when assimilated alone. The situation is considerably different in the Southern Hemisphere, where all the satellite observations together make a much larger positive impact, and all three observation types (IR, MW, and RO) make similar and significant impacts.
Motivation, Professional Development, and the Experienced Music Teacher
Authors: Angeline Vincent R.
Published: August 2014

Drawing from inquiry on human motivation can serve to inform seasoned educators in questing for a more individualized form of professional development. Experienced music teachers who have moved beyond the formative stages benefit from crafting self-defined experiences that satisfy needs-based states. Research in self-determination theory reveals that feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness serve as stimulus for directing and sustaining the drive toward personal fulfillment. By reflecting on this information, educators can develop a more personal plan designed to engage and stimulate the mid- to late-career stages. Maslow’s concept of metamotivation is explored in relation to the master music teacher and the desire for creating a more lasting legacy.
Documenting Student Learning in Music Performance
Authors: Wesolowski Brian
Published: August 2014

A fundamental aim of the Race to the Top agenda is to assess the effectiveness of teachers based on value-added growth measurement models of student achievement. However, in nontested grades and subject areas, such as music, alternative assessment types are being considered, including district-, school-, or teacher-developed measures. This article explores the relationship between assessment for accountability and assessment for instructional improvement and offers a framework for documenting student growth and achievement in the music performance classroom.
A model for overdispersed hierarchical ordinal data
Authors: Ivanova Anna , Molenberghs Geert , Verbeke Geert
Published: August 2014

Non-Gaussian outcomes are frequently modelled using members of the exponential family. In particular, the Bernoulli model for binary data and the Poisson model for count data are well-known. Two reasons for extending this family are (1) the occurrence of overdispersion, implying that the variability in the data is not adequately described by the models, and (2) the incorporation of hierarchical structure in the data. These issues are routinely addressed separately, the first one through overdispersion models, the second one, for example, by means of random effects within the generalized linear mixed models framework. Molenberghs et al. ( 2007 , 2010 ) introduced a so-called ‘combined model’ that simultaneously addresses both. In these and subsequent papers, a lot of attention was given to binary outcomes, counts, and time-to-event responses. While common in practice, ordinal data have not been studied from this angle. In this article, a model for ordinal repeated measures, subject to overdispersion, is formulated. It can be fitted without difficulty using standard statistical software. The model is exemplified using data from an epidemiological study in diabetic patients and using data from a clinical trial in psychiatric patients.
TiO2 photocatalyst film using circulating fluidised bed–chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Lee H. , Park Y. K. , Kim S. J. , Park J. H. , Ki S. J. , Jung S. C.
Published: August 2014

TiO2 photocatalyst beads were synthesised using the circulating fluidised bed–chemical vapour deposition (CFB-CVD) method. Their photocatalytic activity was compared with the TiO2 photocatalyst balls synthesised using the conventional CVD (C-CVD) method. The TiO2 film synthesized by CFB-CVD showed (110) oriented anatase crystal structure. Compared to the film synthesised by C-CVD, the CFB-CVD synthesised film had much less dense crystal structure owing to TiO2 powders precipitated during the film growth. When the CFB-CVD synthesised TiO2 beads were used in the photocatalytic decomposition of RhB in a fluidised bed reactor, the decomposition rate increased with increasing UV intensity and circulating flowrate and with decreasing initial RhB concentration. One important shortcoming of the TiO2 photocatalyst beads synthesised by CFB-CVD turned out to be that the photocatalytic activity was decreased significantly by repeated reuse, calling for further investigation to improve the durability.
Spectral and mode properties of surface plasmon polariton waveguides studied by near-field excitation and leakage-mode radiation measurement
Authors: Pan Ming-Yang , Lin En-Hong , Wang Likarn , Wei Pei-Kuen
Published: August 2014

We present a method to couple surface plasmon polariton (SPP) guiding mode into dielectric-loaded SPP waveguide (DLSPPW) devices with spectral and mode selectivity. The method combined a transmission-mode near-field spectroscopy to excite the SPP mode and a leakage radiation optical microscope for direct visualization. By using a near-field fiber tip, incident photons with different wavelengths were converted into SPPs at the metal/dielectric interface. Real-time SPP radiation images were taken through leakage radiation images. The wavelength-dependent propagation lengths for silver- and gold-based DLSPPWs were measured and compared. It confirms that silver-based SPP has a propagation length longer than a gold-based one by 1.25, 1.38, and 1.52 times for red, green, and blue photons. The resonant coupling as a function of wavelength in dual DLSPPWs was measured. The coupling lengths measured from leakage radiation images were in good agreement with finite-difference time domain simulations. In addition, the propagation profile due to multi-SPP modes interference was studied by changing position of the fiber tip. In a multimode DLSPPW, SPP was split into two branches with a gap of 2.237 μm when the tip was at the center of the waveguide. It became a zigzag profile when the SPP was excited at the corner of the waveguide.
Metastatic tumor evolution and organoid modeling implicate TGFBR2as a cancer driver in diffuse gastric cancer
Authors: Nadauld Lincoln D , Garcia Sarah , Natsoulis Georges , Bell John M , Miotke Laura , Hopmans Erik S , Xu Hua , Pai Reetesh K , Palm Curt , Regan John F , Chen Hao , Flaherty Patrick , Ootani Akifumi , Zhang Nancy R , Ford James M , Kuo Calvin J , Ji Hanlee P
Published: August 2014

Background

Gastric cancer is the second-leading cause of global cancer deaths, with metastatic disease representing the primary cause of mortality. To identify candidate drivers involved in oncogenesis and tumor evolution, we conduct an extensive genome sequencing analysis of metastatic progression in a diffuse gastric cancer. This involves a comparison between a primary tumor from a hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome proband and its recurrence as an ovarian metastasis.

Results

Both the primary tumor and ovarian metastasis have common biallelic loss-of-function of both the CDH1 and TP53 tumor suppressors, indicating a common genetic origin. While the primary tumor exhibits amplification of the Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene, the metastasis notably lacks FGFR2 amplification but rather possesses unique biallelic alterations of Transforming growth factor-beta receptor 2 (TGFBR2), indicating the divergent in vivo evolution of a TGFBR2-mutant metastatic clonal population in this patient. As TGFBR2 mutations have not previously been functionally validated in gastric cancer, we modeled the metastatic potential of TGFBR2 loss in a murine three-dimensional primary gastric organoid culture. The Tgfbr2 shRNA knockdown within Cdh1
-/-
; Tp53
-/-
organoids generates invasion in vitro and robust metastatic tumorigenicity in vivo, confirming Tgfbr2 metastasis suppressor activity.

Conclusions

We document the metastatic differentiation and genetic heterogeneity of diffuse gastric cancer and reveal the potential metastatic role of TGFBR2 loss-of-function. In support of this study, we apply a murine primary organoid culture method capable of recapitulating in vivo metastatic gastric cancer. Overall, we describe an integrated approach to identify and functionally validate putative cancer drivers involved in metastasis.
Development of synchronous VHL syndrome tumors reveals contingencies and constraints to tumor evolution
Authors: Fisher Rosalie , Horswell Stuart , Rowan Andrew , Salm Maximilian P , de Bruin Elza C , Gulati Sakshi , McGranahan Nicholas , Stares Mark , Gerlinger Marco , Varela Ignacio , Crockford Andrew , Favero Francesco , Quidville Virginie , André Fabrice , Navas Carolina , Grönroos Eva , Nicol David , Hazell Steve , Hrouda David , O’Brien Tim , Matthews Nik , Phillimore Ben , Begum Sharmin , Rabinowitz Adam , Biggs Jennifer , Bates Paul A , McDonald Neil Q , Stamp Gordon , Spencer-Dene Bradley , Hsieh James J , Xu Jianing , Pickering Lisa , Gore Martin , Larkin James , Swanton Charles
Published: August 2014

Background

Genomic analysis of multi-focal renal cell carcinomas from an individual with a germline VHL mutation offers a unique opportunity to study tumor evolution.

Results

We perform whole exome sequencing on four clear cell renal cell carcinomas removed from both kidneys of a patient with a germline VHL mutation. We report that tumors arising in this context are clonally independent and harbour distinct secondary events exemplified by loss of chromosome 3p, despite an identical genetic background and tissue microenvironment. We propose that divergent mutational and copy number anomalies are contingent upon the nature of 3p loss of heterozygosity occurring early in tumorigenesis. However, despite distinct 3p events, genomic, proteomic and immunohistochemical analyses reveal evidence for convergence upon the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Four germline tumors in this young patient, and in a second, older patient with VHL syndrome demonstrate minimal intra-tumor heterogeneity and mutational burden, and evaluable tumors appear to follow a linear evolutionary route, compared to tumors from patients with sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Conclusions

In tumors developing from a germline VHL mutation, the evolutionary principles of contingency and convergence in tumor development are complementary. In this small set of patients with early stage VHL-associated tumors, there is reduced mutation burden and limited evidence of intra-tumor heterogeneity.
One patient, two lesions, two oncogenic drivers of gastric cancer
Authors: Alsinet Clara , Ranzani Marco , Adams David J
Published: August 2014

Deep-sequencing of a primary tumor and metastasis from a single patient, and functional validation in culture, reveals that TGFBR2 and FGFR2 act as drivers of gastric cancer.
CRISPR-mediated genome editing of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites
Authors: Lee Marcus CS , Fidock David A
Published: August 2014

The development of the CRISPR-Cas system is revolutionizing genome editing in a variety of organisms. The system has now been used to manipulate the genome of Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal malaria-causing species. The ability to generate gene deletions or nucleotide substitutions rapidly and economically promises to accelerate the analysis of novel drug targets and to help elucidate the function of specific genes or gene families, while complementing genome-wide association studies.
The `dnet’ approach promotes emerging research on cancer patient survival
Authors: Fang Hai , Gough Julian
Published: August 2014

We present the `dnet’ package and apply it to the `TCGA’ mutation and clinical data of >3,000 patients. We uncover the existence of an underlying gene network that at least partially controls cancer `survivalness’, with mutations that are significantly correlated with patient survival, yet independent of tumour origin and type. The survivalness network has natural community structure corresponding to tumour hallmarks, and contains genes that are potentially druggable in the clinic. This network has evolutionary roots in Deuterostomia identifying PTK2 and VAV1 as under-valued relative to more studied genes from that era. The `dnet’ R package is available at http://cran.r-project.org/package=dnet.
Synthetic core from conventional logs: A new method of interpretation for identification of key reservoir properties
Authors: Alam Mahbub , Ibna-Hamid Latif , Embleton Joan , Lines Larry
Published: August 2014

We developed a unique method to generate reservoir attributes by creating an artificial core for those wells that have no core, but that have gamma, neutron, and density logs. We examined sedimentary facies distributions, reservoir attributes, and mechanical parameters of the rock for noncored wells to increase the data density and improve the understanding of the reservoir. This method eventually helps to improve high-resolution 3D geocellular models, geomechanical models, and reservoir simulation in reservoir characterization. Artificial or synthetic cores are created using a single curve that builds facies templates using the information from the cores of nearby offset wells, which belong to the same depositional environment. The single curve, called the fine particle volume (FPV), is the average of two shale volumes calculated from the gamma-ray log and from a combination of neutron and density logs. Using facies templates, the FPV curve builds the synthetic core for geocellular modeling and reservoir simulation, and it represents the sedimentary facies distribution in the well with all the reservoir attributes obtained from laboratory data of the original core. The vertical succession of the synthetic core has the characteristics of actual sedimentary facies with reservoir attributes such as porosity, permeability, and other rock properties. The result of creating the synthetic core was validated visually and statistically with the actual cores, and each of the cored wells was considered as a noncored well. The limitation of this method is associated with the accuracy of the logging data acquisition, normalization factors, and facies template selection criteria.
Pitfalls in horizon autopicking
Authors: Herron Donald A.
Published: August 2014

Interpreters use horizon autopicking in many seismic interpretations in the modern workstation environment. When properly used and with data quality permitting this technique enables efficient and accurate tracking of horizons but is not without its pitfalls. Four common pitfalls are improper selection of the input control or seed grid, not accounting for the “directional” behavior of tracking algorithms, attempting autopicking in areas with poor reflection continuity and/or low signal-to-noise ratio, and failing to recognize elements of geology that are not suitable for autopicking.
Pubertal Timing, Bone Acquisition, and Risk of Fracture Throughout Life
Authors: Bonjour Jean-Philippe , Chevalley Thierry
Published: August 2014

Pubertal maturation plays a fundamental role in bone acquisition. In retrospective epidemiological surveys in pre- and postmenopausal women, relatively later menarcheal age was associated with low bone mineral mass and increased risk of osteoporotic fracture. This association was usually ascribed to shorter time exposure to estrogen from the onset of pubertal maturation to peak bone mass attainment. Recent prospective studies in healthy children and adolescents do not corroborate the limited estrogen exposure hypothesis. In prepubertal girls who will experience later menarche, a reduced bone mineral density was observed before the onset of pubertal maturation, with no further accumulated deficit until peak bone mass attainment. In young adulthood, later menarche is associated with impaired microstructural bone components and reduced mechanical resistance. This intrinsic bone deficit can explain the fact that later menarche increases fracture risk during childhood and adolescence. In healthy individuals, both pubertal timing and bone development share several similar characteristics including wide physiological variability and strong effect of heritable factors but moderate influence of environmental determinants such as nutrition and physical activity. Several conditions modify pubertal timing and bone acquisition, a certain number of them acting in concert on both traits. Taken together, these facts should prompt the search for common genetic regulators of pubertal timing and bone acquisition. It should also open epigenetic investigation avenues to pinpoint which environmental exposure in fetal and infancy life, such as vitamin D, calcium, and/or protein supplies, influences both pubertal timing and bone acquisition.
Massive Gravity
Authors: de Rham Claudia
Published: August 2014

We review recent progress in massive gravity. We start by showing how different theories of massive gravity emerge from a higher-dimensional theory of general relativity, leading to the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati model (DGP), cascading gravity, and ghost-free massive gravity. We then explore their theoretical and phenomenological consistency, proving the absence of Boulware-Deser ghosts and reviewing the Vainshtein mechanism and the cosmological solutions in these models. Finally, we present alternative and related models of massive gravity such as new massive gravity, Lorentz-violating massive gravity and non-local massive gravity.
Psychological stress and pain in wound care, part 3: management
Authors: Solowiej K. , Mason V. , Upton D.
Published: August 2014

There is increasing evidence to support a relationship between psychological stress and delayed wound healing. Management should therefore include interventions that minimise patient distress, which will include social support and coping skills
Perceptions of teachers for interactive whiteboard (the sample of Çanakkale city)
Authors: Temelli Dinçer , Genç Salih Zeki
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine secondary school teachers' attitudes towards the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB). This study tries to reveal teachers' attitudes towards the IWB and the effects of gender, age, daily and weekly usage of the IWB on these attitudes. The search group consists of130 volunteer teachers who work in Çanakkale province in the 2012-2013 academic years. The data was collected via "Interactive Whiteboard Attitude Scale". The results of the research shows that the teachers promote positive attitudes towards the IWB and those attitudes doesn't change according to the age or gender. The study indicates that teachers develop positive attitudes towards IWB and there are no essentially age or gender differences in the attitudes of teachers towards IWB. It is clear in the study that the teachers who have used IWB for a long time and who have spent more time on IWB in a week have built more positive attitudes towards educational and motivational effects of IWB.
Perception, Non-Propositional Content and the Justification of Perceptual Judgments
Authors: Almäng Jan
Published: August 2014

It is often argued that for a perceptual experience to be able to justify perceptual judgments, the perceptual experience must have a propositional content. For, it is claimed, only propositions can bear logical relations such as implication to each other. In this paper, this claim is challenged. It is argued that whereas perceptions and judgments both have intentional content, their contents have different structures. Perceptual content does not have a propositional structure. Perceptions and judgments can nevertheless have the same cognitive significance. So the veridicality of a certain perceptual experience, can imply the truth of certain propositions. Consequently, perceptions can have non-propositional content, but even so justify perceptual judgments which have a propositional structure.
About Aboutness
Authors: Rasmussen Joshua
Published: August 2014

I develop a new theory of the nature of aboutness. I begin by presenting an “aboutness” puzzle that exposes a problem for many theories of aboutness. I then develop the components for a theory of aboutness that can help us solve the puzzle. The theory of aboutness I offer depends upon a theory of propositions as ordered complexes of properties. I develop this theory of propositions and show how it relates to, or builds upon, some of the most recent theories of propositions in the literature. My end goal is to deepen our understanding of how the things we say and think relate to the things we say and think about.
Modal Realism, Counterpart Theory, and Unactualized Possibilities
Authors: Baltimore Joseph A.
Published: August 2014

It is a commonsense thesis that unactualized possibilities are not parts of actuality. To keep his modal realism in line with this thesis, David Lewis employed his indexical account of the term “actual.” I argue that the addition of counterpart theory to Lewis’s modal realism undermines his strategy for respecting the commonsense thesis. The case made here also reveals a problem for Lewis’s attempt to avoid haecceitism.
The Natures of Types and Tokens: On the Metaphysical Commitments of Non-Reductive Physicalism
Authors: van Riel Raphael
Published: August 2014

Non-reductive physicalism has become the dominant view in the philosophy of mind. Some of its metaphysical underpinnings, however, have not been studied in detail yet. The present paper suggests that non-reductive physicalism is committed to a particular view on the connection between the natures of types and the natures of their tokens – thereby defending non-reductive physicalism against an argument recently put forward by Susan Schneider.