bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Cardiovascular Parameters during Meditation with Mental Targeting in Varsity Swimmers
Authors: Rich Tyvin A. , Pfister Robert , Alton John , Gerdt David , Baruch Martin
Published: February 2016

Introduction. Athletes who develop an immunosuppressed state because of intensive training get upper respiratory infections (URIs) and may respond to meditation. Reflective exercise (RE), a westernized form of Qigong, combines meditation, breathing, and targeted mental attention to an internal pulsatile sensation, previously shown to protect varsity swimmers from URIs during the height of training. We report here the evaluation of cardiovascular parameters measured during meditation combined with targeted imagery (interoception) in a cohort of varsity swimmers taught RE. Methods. Thirteen subjects were enrolled on a prospective protocol that used the CareTaker, a noninvasive cardiovascular monitor before, during, and after RE training. Questionnaires regarding targeted mental imagery focusing on a pulsatile sensation were collected. The cardiovascular parameters include heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rate variability (HRV). Results. Increased variance in the subjects’ BP and HRV was observed over the training period of 8 weeks. In nine subjects there was an increased low frequency (LF) HRV that was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the subject’s awareness of the pulsatile sensation that makes up a basic part of the RE practice. Summary. These data support further evaluation of HRV measurements in subjects while meditating with mental imagery. This direction could contribute to better understanding of neurocardiac mechanisms that relate meditation to enhanced immunity.
Effects of Different Water Seasons on the Residual Characteristics and Ecological Risk of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments from Changdang Lake, China
Authors: Hussain Javid , Zhao Zhenhua , Pang Yong , Xia Liling , Hussain Ittehad , Jiang Xin
Published: February 2016

The sediments’ samples were collected from Changdang Lake for the concentration of fourteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in March (dry season), June (wet season), and September (temperate season) 2013. The highest average value of∑PAHswas detected as 295.28 ng/g dw in March, followed by 240.91 ng/g dw in June and 165.81 ng/g dw in September. Source characterization studies based on the analysis of diagnostic ratio (triangular plot method) suggested that the PAHs in sediments from Changdang Lake were mainly from the mixed combustion source of biomass and petroleum, and the origins of PAHs in different sampling sites have a great deal of temporal and spatial variability during different water seasons. Redundancy analysis was applied to identify the impact factors and the possible relationship between PAHs and environmental parameters. The predicted results showed that the main factors impacting PAHs temporal distribution were temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and oxidation-reduction potential, while conductivity showed secondary impacts on the PAHs distribution. Risk assessment of PAHs in sediments was carried out based on the US Sediments Quality Guidelines (SQGs). By comparing the present study results with SQGs standard values results showed that the adverse effects are not expected at the present levels of PAHs contamination observed in the sediments from Changdang Lake.
A Fault-Tolerant Detection Fusion Strategy for Distributed Multisensor Systems
Authors: Zhao Shengli , Zhou Jie
Published: February 2016

The distributed detection fusion formulation (DDFF) in ideal multisensor systems has been studied over the last two decades. If some local sensors cannot work normally, the detection performance of system may reduce significantly. It is meaningful to design fault-tolerant detection fusion rules which can guarantee the performance of system no matter whether the fusion center and local sensors work well or not. A new distributed detection fusion strategy is thus proposed by minimizing a weighted sum of risk at the fusion center and risks at the local sensors, and then a fault-tolerant distributed detection fusion formulation (FT-DDFF) is derived. Some numerical examples illustrate the performance of the proposed formulation. If the whole system is perfect, compared with the DDFF, the FT-DDFF has both small risks of local sensors and a little small risk of fusion center with an appropriately selected parameter. While some local sensors cannot work, the FT-DDFF would perform better than the DDFF at fusion center in average.
Modified SIFT Descriptors for Face Recognition under Different Emotions
Authors: Neeru Nirvair , Kaur Lakhwinder
Published: February 2016

The main goal of this work is to develop a fully automatic face recognition algorithm. Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) has sparingly been used in face recognition. In this paper, a Modified SIFT (MSIFT) approach has been proposed to enhance the recognition performance of SIFT. In this paper, the work is done in three steps. First, the smoothing of the image has been done using DWT. Second, the computational complexity of SIFT in descriptor calculation is reduced by subtracting average from each descriptor instead of normalization. Third, the algorithm is made automatic by using Coefficient of Correlation (CoC) instead of using the distance ratio (which requires user interaction). The main achievement of this method is reduced database size, as it requires only neutral images to store instead of all the expressions of the same face image. The experiments are performed on the Japanese Female Facial Expression (JAFFE) database, which indicates that the proposed approach achieves better performance than SIFT based methods. In addition, it shows robustness against various facial expressions.
A Practical Method for No-Reflow Treatment
Authors: Cetin Mustafa , Kiziltunc Emrullah , Güven Cetin Zehra , Kundi Harun , Gulkan Birsen , Cicekcioglu Hülya
Published: February 2016

No-reflow is an undesirable result of percutaneous coronary interventions. Vasoactive drug administration at the distal part of the coronary artery is suggested as a therapeutic option for no-reflow treatment. Here, we represent two cases of successful no-reflow management with previously used monorail balloon at the same procedure as a hand-made distal infusion catheter.
A Phase I Clinical, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Study of Weekly or Every Three Week Ixabepilone and Daily Sunitinib in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Montero Alberto J. , Kwon Deukwoo , Flores Aurea , Kovacs Krisztina , Trent Jonathan C. , Benedetto Pasquale , Rocha-Lima Caio , Merchan Jaime R.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, MTD, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and early clinical activity of ixabepilone given either weekly or every 3 weeks in combination with daily sunitinib in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Experimental Design: Eligible patients received either weekly (schedule A) or every 3 weeks (schedule B) ixabepilone at escalating doses (schedule A: 7.5, 15, or 20 mg/m2; schedule B: 20, 30, or 40 mg/m2), and oral sunitinib (37.5 mg daily), starting on day 8 of cycle 1. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) were assessed during cycle 1.

Results: The ixabepilone and sunitinib combination was fairly well tolerated. DLTs were observed in 3 subjects (1 in schedule 3A and 2 in schedule 3B). The most common grade 3–4 hematologic and nonhematologic adverse events were leukopenia and fatigue, respectively. Four patients (3 in schedule A) achieved a partial response, while 13 patients had stable disease. Nine of 17 heavily pretreated colorectal cancer patients had clinical benefit. Coadministration of sunitinib with ixabepilone on a weekly (but not every 3 week) schedule was associated with a significant increase in the half-life and a significant decrease in the clearance of ixabepilone. Correlative studies demonstrated a significant association between higher baseline plasma angiogenic activity (PAA) and clinical benefit in schedule A patients. Weekly, but not every 3 weeks, ixabepilone led to a significant decrease in PAA postbaseline.

Conclusions: Coadministration of ixabepilone with sunitinib has acceptable toxicity and encouraging clinical activity in heavily pretreated patients, particularly in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3209–17. ©2016 AACR.
miRNA Deregulation in Cancer Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Rupaimoole Rajesha , Calin George A. , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Sood Anil K.
Published: February 2016

miRNAs are a key component of the noncoding RNA family. The underlying mechanisms involved in the interplay between the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells involve highly dynamic factors such as hypoxia and cell types such as cancer-associated fibroblasts and macrophages. Although miRNA levels are known to be altered in cancer cells, recent evidence suggests a critical role for the tumor microenvironment in regulating miRNA biogenesis, methylation, and transcriptional changes. Here, we discuss the complex protumorigenic symbiotic role between tumor cells, the tumor microenvironment, and miRNA deregulation.

Significance: miRNAs play a central role in cell signaling and homeostasis. In this article, we provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms involved in the deregulation of miRNAs in cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment and discuss therapeutic intervention strategies to overcome this deregulation. Cancer Discov; 6(3); 235–46. ©2016 AACR.
NK Cell–Mediated Antitumor Effects of a Folate-Conjugated Immunoglobulin Are Enhanced by Cytokines
Authors: Jaime-Ramirez Alena C. , McMichael Elizabeth L. , Kondadasula SriVidya , Skinner Cassandra C. , Mundy-Bosse Bethany L. , Luedke Eric , Jones Natalie B. , Mani Aruna , Roda Julie , Karpa Volodymyr , Li Hong , Li Jilong , Elavazhagan Saranya , La Perle Krista M. , Schmitt Alessandra C. , Lu Yanhui , Zhang Xiaoli , Pan Xueliang , Mao Hsaioyin , Davis Melanie , Jarjoura David , Butchar Jonathan P. , Poi Ming , Phelps Mitch , Tridandapani Susheela , Byrd John C. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Lee Robert J. , Carson William E.
Published: February 2016

Optimally effective antitumor therapies would not only activate immune effector cells but also engage them at the tumor. Folate conjugated to immunoglobulin (F-IgG) could direct innate immune cells with Fc receptors to folate receptor–expressing cancer cells. F-IgG bound to human KB and HeLa cells, as well as murine L1210JF, a folate receptor (FR)–overexpressing cancer cell line, as determined by flow cytometry. Recognition of F-IgG by natural killer (NK) cell Fc receptors led to phosphorylation of the ERK transcription factor and increased NK cell expression of CD69. Lysis of KB tumor cells by NK cells increased by about 5-fold after treatment with F-IgG, an effect synergistically enhanced by treatment with IL2, IL12, IL15, or IL21 (P < 0.001). F-IgG also enhanced the lysis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells by autologous NK cells. NK cells significantly increased production of IFNγ, MIP-1α, and RANTES in response to F-IgG–coated KB target cells in the presence of the NK cell–activating cytokine IL12, and these coculture supernatants induced significant T-cell chemotaxis (P < 0.001). F-IgG-coated targets also stimulated FcR-mediated monocyte effector functions. Studies in a murine leukemia model confirmed the intratumoral localization and antitumor activity of F-IgG, as well as enhancement of its effects by IL12 (P = 0.05). The antitumor effect of this combination was dependent on NK cells and led to decreased tumor cell proliferation in vivo. Thus, F-IgG can induce an immune response against FR-positive tumor cells that is mediated by NK cells and can be augmented by cytokine therapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(4); 323–36. ©2016 AACR.
Ten Years of Complete Remission of Pulmonary Metastasis after Post-Cystectomy Palliative Cisplatin-Gemcitabine Chemotherapy with Gefitinib for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Fahmy Omar , Scharpf Marcus , Schubert Tina , Feyerabend Susan , Stenzl Arnulf , Schwentner Christian , Fend Falko , Gakis Georgios
Published: February 2016

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is considered one of the most lethal malignancies with high metastatic potential. Usually, metastatic bladder cancer carries worse prognosis with a median survival rate of approximately 6 months, which can be prolonged for up to 14 months with palliative systemic chemotherapy. We present the case of a 61-year-old male patient diagnosed with localized MIBC 10 years ago. He underwent nerve-sparing radical cystectomy with ileal neobladder, but developed pulmonary metastatic disease 7 months postoperatively. Six cycles of gemcitabine/cisplatin combination chemotherapy with an addition of gefitinib as daily oral medication were administered within a randomized phase II clinical trial; this resulted in complete remission of the pulmonary metastases. Until now, the patient is still on gefitinib daily without any side effects. Although, the addition of gefitinib to standard systemic chemotherapy has not been shown to improve the survival in metastatic urothelial cancer, this case represents a very pleasant albeit uncommon long-term outcome.
Antagonistic Effects of Insulin and TGF-β3 during Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human BMSCs under a Minimal Amount of Factors
Authors: Hara Emilio Satoshi , Ono Mitsuaki , Yoshioka Yuya , Ueda Junji , Hazehara Yuri , Pham Hai Thanh , Matsumoto Takuya , Kuboki Takuo
Published: February 2016

Growth factors are crucial regulators of cell differentiation towards tissue and organ development. Insulin and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) have been used as the major factors for chondrogenesis in vitro, by activating the AKT and Smad signaling pathways. Previous reports demonstrated that AKT and Smad3 have a direct interaction that results in the inhibition of TGF-β-mediated cellular responses. However, the result of this interaction between AKT and Smad3 during the chondrogenesis of human bone marrow-derived stem/progenitor cells (hBMSCs) is unknown. In this study, we performed functional analyses by inducing hBMSCs into chondrogenesis with insulin, TGF-β3 or in combination, and found that TGF-β3, when applied concomitantly with insulin, significantly decreases an insulin-induced increase in mRNA levels of the master regulator of chondrogenesis, SOX9, as well as the regulators of the 2 major chondrocyte markers, ACAN and COL2A1. Similarly, the insulin/TGF-β3-treated group presented a significant decrease in the deposition of cartilage matrix as detected by safranin O staining of histological sections of hBMSC micromass cultures when compared to the group stimulated with insulin alone. Intracellular analysis revealed that insulin-induced activation of AKT suppressed Smad3 activation in a dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, insulin/TGF-β3 significantly decreased the TGF-β3-induced increase in mRNA levels of the direct downstream factor of TGF-β/Smad3, CCN2/CGTF, compared to the group stimulated with TGF-β3 alone. On the other hand, insulin/TGF-β3 stimulation did not suppress insulin-induced expression of the downstream targets TSC2 and DDIT4/REDD1. In summary, insulin and TGF-β3 have antagonistic effects when applied concomitantly, with a minimal number of factors. The application of an insulin/TGF-β3 combination without further supplementation should be used with caution in the chondrogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.
Factors Associated with Reevaluation of the Stepwise Excavation Procedure: An 8-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Ortega-Verdugo Paula , Guzmán-Armstrong Sandra , Cobb Deborah , Dawson Deborah V. , Blanchette Derek , Kolker Justine L. , Hernández Marcela , Warren J.J.
Published: February 2016

Although the stepwise excavation procedure (SWP) has been shown to be an effective caries treatment technique, studies reporting its application outside of controlled clinical trials are limited. We performed a retrospective study from patient record data to assess the proportion of patients who had an SWP reevaluated within 18 months at The University of Iowa College of Dentistry (UICOD) between 2004 and 2012, and evaluated the association between different variables and this outcome. A total of 1,985 SWPs were performed in 1,326 patients, with 518 patients having had reevaluation within 18 months. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression modeling revealed strong associations between explanatory variables such as provider type, tooth type, patient age, number of recalls and the calendar year in which the SWP was done and reevaluation status. There was also evidence of association with dental insurance status. Other characteristics such as gender, distance traveled to the UICOD, number of surfaces treated and tooth arch did not show any significant association. In general, patients were more likely to have reevaluation when seen by faculty members or residents, the procedure was performed in molars/pre-molars, they were older, they had more recalls and were seen earlier in the study period. These results suggest that decisions to use SWP should consider patient demographics and treatment characteristics such as provider level, tooth type, patient age and number of recalls. The impact of treatment year may reflect program heterogeneity or temporal changes in external societal factors.
Carvedilol Administration Can Prevent Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial
Authors: Tashakori Beheshti Ahmad , Mostafavi Toroghi Hesam , Hosseini Golkoo , Zarifian Ahmadreza , Homaei Shandiz Fatemeh , Fazlinezhad Afsoon
Published: February 2016

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the preventive effects of carvedilol on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: In this trial, 70 female patients with breast cancer who were candidates to receive doxorubicin were enrolled, from which 30 were selected randomly to receive carvedilol 6.25 mg daily during chemotherapy, with the rest receiving placebo as the control group. Both groups were evaluated 1 week before and 1 week after chemotherapy by measuring the left ventricular ejection fraction and strain/strain rate. Results: Data analysis showed that the case group presented no significant reduction in strain and strain-rate parameters after intervention, while there was a significant reduction in these parameters in the control group (all p values <0.001). Also, the mean differences of strain parameters in the case group were significantly less than in the control group in all evaluated heart walls (basal septal strain, p = 0.005, basal lateral strain, p = 0.001, basal inferior strain, p < 0.001, and basal anterior strain, p < 0.001); the same was true for the strain-rate parameters (the p values for basal septal, basal lateral, basal inferior and basal anterior strain rate were 0.037, 0.037, 0.002 and <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: This study shows that carvedilol can prevent doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Whether this prophylaxis should be considered as the preferred method needs further investigation.
Natural Killer/T Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type: A Retrospective Clinical Analysis in North-Western China
Authors: Liang Rong , Wang Zhe , Bai Qing-Xian , Gao Guang-Xun , Yang Lan , Zhang Tao , Gu Hong-Tao , Dong Bao-Xia , Shu Mi-Mi , Hao Cai-Xia , Zhang Na , Chen Xie-Qun
Published: February 2016

Background: Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with high mortality and poor prognosis despite radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The current analysis aimed to assess the pathological features, clinical features, and prognostic indicators of ENKTL. Material and Methods: 120 ENKTL patients were analyzed for pathologic diagnosis and clinical disease manifestations from April 2007 to October 2012. Complete remission, 2-year overall survival, and progression-free survival were analyzed. Results: Compared with the nasal group, a greater percentage of patients in the non-nasal group intended to receive autologous stem cell transplantation had Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA, Ann Arbor stage IV, Ki-67 expression ≥ 60%, and abnormal ferroprotein and β-microglobulin levels. The rate of complete remission in the non-nasal group was higher than that in the nasal group. The overall survival rate was 74.9% at 24 months. Patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy were more likely to have disease progression compared with patients who received chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone. Conclusions: Further understanding the pathological and clinical features of ENKTL will be critical for moving forward. Ki-67, β-microglobulin, EBV DNA, and primary site prognostic indicators may be useful to stratify patients into different risk groups, to gain insight into patient-specific treatments, and to potentially improve survival.
False-Negative Cases on Confocal Microscopy Examination: A Retrospective Evaluation and Critical Reappraisal
Authors: Coco Valeria , Farnetani Francesca , Cesinaro Anna Maria , Ciardo Silvana , Argenziano Giuseppe , Peris Ketty , Pellacani Giovanni , Longo Caterina
Published: February 2016

Background: Confocal microscopy is a second-level examination for dermoscopically equivocal melanocytic lesions. However, the number of false-negative cases on confocal microscopy and the scenarios in which confocal microscopy may fail have not been fully elucidated. Objective: To calculate the percentage of false-negative melanomas upon reflectance confocal microscopy examination in a large series of cases. Methods: A retrospective analysis on 201 melanomas, evaluated for dermoscopic/confocal criteria of melanoma, was carried out. Results: Twenty-three melanomas out of 201 cases (11.4%) revealed a low 7-point checklist score. On confocal examination, 22 out of 23 lesions have been diagnosed correctly as melanomas. Only 1 lesion did not display melanoma features, neither upon dermoscopy nor upon confocal microscopy examination. Seven lesions out of 201 cases (3.5%) were judged as negative on confocal examination, even if 6 of them were diagnosed as melanomas by clinical and/or dermoscopic evaluation. After histopathological revision, these cases were grouped into 5 categories: (1) amelanotic melanoma (n = 1), (2) hyperkeratotic melanomas (n = 2), (3) lentiginous melanomas (n = 2), (4) melanoma with small pagetoid cells (n = 1), (5) spitzoid melanoma (n = 1). Conclusion: Confocal and dermoscopic examination, along with patient-related information and clinical history, can lead to an optimal patient management.
Anorexia Nervosa and Its Associated Endocrinopathy in Young People
Authors: Misra Madhusmita , Klibanski Anne
Published: February 2016

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a condition of severe undernutrition associated with adaptive changes in many endocrine axes. These changes include hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, acquired growth hormone resistance with low insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, hypercortisolemia, altered secretion of adipokines and appetite-regulating hormones, and low bone mineral density (BMD). Bone health is impaired subsequent to a low body mass index, decreased lean mass, and the endocrine changes described above. In addition to low areal BMD, AN is characterized by a decrease in volumetric BMD, changes in bone geometry, and reductions in strength estimates, leading to an increased risk for fracture. Weight restoration is essential for restoration of normal endocrine function; however, hypercortisolemia, high peptide YY levels, and ghrelin dynamics may not completely normalize. In some patients, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism persists despite weight restoration. Weight gain and menstrual recovery are critical for improving bone health in AN; however, residual deficits may persist. Physiologic estrogen replacement using transdermal, but not oral, estrogen increases bone accrual in adolescents with AN, while bisphosphonates improve BMD in adults. Recombinant human IGF-1 and teriparatide have been used in a few studies as bone anabolic therapies. More data are necessary to determine the optimal therapeutic strategies for low BMD in AN.
Practical Suitability of a Stand-Alone Oscillometric Central Blood Pressure Monitor: A Review of the Microlife WatchBP Office Central
Authors: Verberk Willem J. , Cheng Hao-min , Huang Li-Chih , Lin Chia-Ming , Teng Yao-Pin , Chen Chen-Huan
Published: February 2016

Accumulating evidence indicates that central blood pressure (CBP) is a better cardiovascular risk predictor than brachial blood pressure (BP). Although more additional benefits of CBP-based treatment above usual hypertension treatment are to be demonstrated, the demand for implementing CBP assessment in general clinical practice is increasing. For this, the measurement procedure must be noninvasive, easy to perform, and cost- and time-efficient. Therefore, oscillometric devices with the possibility to assess CBP seem the best option. Recently, such an oscillometric BP monitor, the Microlife WatchBP Office Central, was developed, which demonstrated its high accuracy in a validation study against invasive BP measurement. Calibration errors of this device are limited because the procedure is automated, standardized, and performed at the same place of and within 30 s from pulse wave assessment. The transformation from the peripheral pulse wave to CBP is done by means of an individual-based pulse wave analysis according to a theory of arterial compliance and wave reflections. In addition, the device has demonstrated to enable a more reliable diagnosis of hypertension by CBP than by peripheral BP, with a lower frequency of over- and underdiagnosis. Altogether, the available clinical evidence suggests that the Microlife WatchBP Office Central fulfills the criteria for general clinical use.
Spinal Cord Schistosomiasis: Two Different Outcomes
Authors: Alsomaili Mohammed , Abulaban Ahmad A.
Published: February 2016

Spinal cord schistosomiasis is difficult to diagnose in nonendemic areas. We report the clinical profile of 2 young Saudi males who presented with myelopathy. The first patient arrived at our hospital relatively late, i.e. 3 months following the presentation of initial symptoms, and had received both pulse steroid therapy and a plasma exchange. Praziquantel was administered late and the patient did not recover. The second case presented early, i.e. within around 8 weeks of initial symptoms. This patient received praziquantel without any kind of steroid and had a complete recovery. We concluded that prompt recognition and early treatment with praziquantel is crucial for a better outcome. The role of steroids in these cases still needs to be proven.
Expression of AQP1 Was Associated with Apoptosis and Survival of Patients in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Wei-Jian , Hu Dan-Hong , Wu Hao , Xiao Heng , Lu Ming-Dong , Guo Wen-Jian , Huang He , Yu Yao-Jun , Hu Tian-Ye , Zheng Zhi-Qiang
Published: February 2016

Rationale and Objective: Recently, interest in the role of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in human gastrointestinal carcinogenesis has developed. However, to date no studies have examined relationships between AQP1 expression and specific characteristics of gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: We investigated 109 specimens of primary gastric adenocarcinoma and their corresponding normal gastric mucosa using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine AQP1 expression. We then evaluated disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in these patients in association with AQP1 expression. Results: Both immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analyses identified increased AQP1 expression in tumors from patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001). The 3-year DFS and OS rates were higher in the AQP1-negative group than in the positive group (DFS: 77.2 vs. 52.8%, p < 0.001; OS: 85.1 vs. 70.7%, p < 0.001). The 5-year DFS and OS rates exhibited a similar trend (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of patients with early gastric adenocarcinoma (stages I and II) revealed a total 5-year OS of 90.0%, with 5-year OS being higher in the AQP1-negative group than in the positive group (95.2 vs. 84.2%). Furthermore, incidence of tumor recurrence following surgical treatment was significantly higher in the AQP1-positive group (4/19, 21.1%) compared with the negative group (0/21, 0%). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that AQP1 plays an important role in gastric adenocarcinoma and may therefore represent a novel therapeutic target and prognostic marker in this disease.
Genomic Features: Impact on Pathogenesis and Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Tausch Eugen , Mertens Daniel , Stilgenbauer Stephan
Published: February 2016

Genomic markers are among the strongest prognostic factors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Chromosomal aberrations, IGHV and TP53 mutation status are well-established and essential to discriminate between a more indolent course of disease and a high-risk CLL, which requires an alternative treatment regimen. In addition, a variety of gene mutations with unclear prognostic value have been identified: SF3B1, ATM, and BIRC3 may describe CLL with adverse outcome, whereas NOTCH1 is predictive for resistance against CD20 antibodies. Integration of novel drivers into a small set of key pathways forms the basis for future pathogenetic and therapeutic implications.
Combination of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Improves Gait Ability in a Patient in Chronic Stage of Stroke
Authors: Satow Takeshi , Kawase Tomotaka , Kitamura Atsushi , Kajitani Yuki , Yamaguchi Takuya , Tanabe Nobuhiko , Otoi Reiko , Komuro Taro , Kobayashi Akira , Nagata Hirokazu , Mima Tatsuya
Published: February 2016

Background: Walking ability is important in stroke patients to maintain daily life. Nevertheless, its improvement is limited with conventional physical therapy in chronic stage. We report the case of a chronic stroke patient showing a remarkable improvement in gait function after a new neurorehabilitation protocol using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Case Presentation: A 62-year-old male with left putaminal hemorrhage suffered from severe right hemiparesis. He could move by himself with a wheelchair 1 year after the ictus. Anodal tDCS at the vertex (2 mA, 20 min) with NMES at the anterior tibialis muscle had been applied for 3 weeks. The Timed Up and Go test and 10-meter walk test improved after the intervention, which had been maintained for at least 1 month. Conclusion: This single case suggests the possibility that tDCS with NMES could be a new rehabilitation approach to improve the gait ability in chronic stroke patients.
Survival in primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Merashli Mira , Ster Irina , D’Andrea Giovanna , Iannaccone Luigi , Marottoli Vincenzo , Margaglione Maurizio , Brancaccio Vincenzo , Ames Paul
Published: February 2016

The vascular mortality of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) ranges from 1.4 % to 5.5 %, but its predictors are poorly known. It was the study objective to evaluate the impact of baseline lupus anticoagulant assays, IgG anticardiolipin (aCL), plasma fibrinogen (FNG) and von Willebrand factor (VWF), platelets (PLT) and of genetic polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T, of prothrombin G20210A and of paraoxonase-1 Q192R on survival in primary APS (PAPS). Cohort study on 77 thrombotic PAPS and 33 asymptomatic carriers of aPL (PCaPL) seen from 1989 to 2015 and persistently positive for aPL as per annual review. At baseline all participants were tested twice for the ratios of kaolin clotting time (KCTr), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTTr), dilute Russell viper venom time (DRVVTr), IgG aCL, FNG, VWF and once for PLT. All thrombotic PAPS were on warfarin with regular INR monitoring. During follow-up 11 PAPS deceased (D-PAPS) of recurrent thrombosis mostly arterial, despite adequate anticoagulation yielding an overall vascular mortality of 10 %. D-PAPS had the strongest baseline aPTTr and DRVVTr and the highest mean baseline IgG aCL, FNG, VWF and PLT. Cox proportional hazards model identified baseline DRVVTr and FNG as main predictors of mortality with adjusted hazard ratios of 5.75 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.5, 22.4) and of 1.03 (95 %CI: 1.01, 1.04), respectively. In conclusion, plasma DRVVTr and FNG are strongly associated with the risk of vascular death in PAPS; while FNG lowering agents exist further research should be directed at therapeutic strategies able to dampen aPL production.
Breaker of Armies: Air Power in the Easter Offensive and the Myth of Linebacker I and II in the Vietnam War
Authors: Haun Phil , Jackson Colin
Published: February 2016

Most traditional accounts identify the Linebacker I and Linebacker II campaigns as the most effective and consequential uses of U.S. air power in the Vietnam War. They argue that deep interdiction in North Vietnam played a central role in the defeat of the Easter Offensive and that subsequent strategic attacks on Hanoi forced the North Vietnamese to accept the Paris accords. These conclusions are false. The Linebacker campaigns were rather ineffective in either stopping the Communist offensive or compelling concessions. The most effective and consequential use of U.S. air power came in the form of close air support and battlefield air interdiction directly attacking the North Vietnamese Army in South Vietnam. The success of these air strikes hinged on the presence of a U.S.-operated tactical air control system that incorporated small numbers of ground advisers, air liaison officers, and forward air controllers. This system, combined with abundant U.S. aircraft and a reasonably effective allied army, was the key to breaking the Easter Offensive and compelling Hanoi to agree to the Paris accords. The effectiveness of close air support and battlefield air interdiction and the failure of deep interdiction and strategic attack in the Vietnam War have important implications for the use of air power and advisers in contemporary conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Is the Taiwan Strait Still a Flash Point? Rethinking the Prospects for Armed Conflict between China and Taiwan
Authors: Kastner Scott L.
Published: February 2016

After decades of tension, relations between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan have improved dramatically in recent years. How durable is this détente? To what degree is armed conflict in the Taiwan Strait a continued possibility? Answering these questions requires grappling with the impact of several different trends in cross–Taiwan Strait relations, including a rapidly shifting balance of military power, deepening China-Taiwan economic integration, and changing Taiwanese views on sovereignty and identity issues. Taken together, these trends help to stabilize the cross-strait relationship. Nevertheless, this relationship has not been fundamentally transformed, and future trends could evolve in a way that again increases the danger of military conflict. In particular, a changing balance of military power in the Taiwan Strait has the potential to be highly destabilizing if it overtakes other trends such as economic integration.
Evaluating the Optical Characteristics of Stereoscopic Immersive Display Systems
Authors: Penczek John , Satterfield Steven G. , Kelley Edward F. , Scheitlin Timothy , Terrill Judith E. , Boynton Paul A.
Published: February 2016

As large immersive displays have evolved over the years, the measurement methods used to characterize them must also advance to keep up with the changing technologies and topologies. We propose a general suite of optical measurements that can be used to determine the basic visual performance characteristics for a variety of immersive display systems. These methods utilize current display industry best practices and new research that anticipates the measurement challenges posed by the new technologies. We discuss the need for higher resolution detectors for the new generation of laser and LED (light-emitting diode) projector systems. The introduction of multi-primary displays is addressed by the implementation of new test patterns that better simulate the display performance of typical images. Methods to evaluate the unique attributes of stereoscopic displays, such as cross-talk and left eye/right eye differences, are described and interpreted. In addition, it is shown that the ambient lighting environment or display topology can have a detrimental impact on the display image quality. The application of these measurement methodologies is demonstrated by the evaluation of three display systems: two rear-projection and one front-projection display. We highlight how these measurements can identify potential display performance limitations, and offer advice on how to address some of these limitations.
Natural Locomotion Based on Foot-Mounted Inertial Sensors in a Wireless Virtual Reality System
Authors: de la Rubia Ernesto , Diaz-Estrella Antonio
Published: February 2016

Virtual reality has become a promising field in recent decades, and its potential now seems clearer than ever. With the development of handheld devices and wireless technologies, interest in virtual reality is also increasing. Therefore, there is an accompanying interest in inertial sensors, which can provide such advantages as small size and low cost. Such sensors can also operate wirelessly and be used in an increasing number of interactive applications. An example related to virtual reality is the ability to move naturally through virtual environments. This is the objective of the real-walking navigation technique, for which a number of advantages have previously been reported in terms of presence, object searching, and collision, among other concerns. In this article, we address the use of foot-mounted inertial sensors to achieve real-walking navigation in a wireless virtual reality system. First, an overall description of the problem is presented. Then, specific difficulties are identified, and a corresponding technique is proposed to overcome each: tracking of foot movements; determination of the user’s position; percentage estimation of the gait cycle, including oscillating movements of the head; stabilization of the velocity of the point of view; and synchronization of head and body yaw angles. Finally, a preliminary evaluation of the system is conducted in which data and comments from participants were collected.
Crowd Behavior Mining with Virtual Environments
Authors: Ch’ng Eugene
Published: February 2016

This article explores ways in which virtual environments can be used for crowdsourcing and behavior mining for filling gaps within the information space of topical research. Behavior mining in this article refers to the act of harvesting the latent or instinctive behavior of participants, usually a crowd, and injecting the population behavior into a preset context, such as within a virtual environment so that the subjective behaviors and the contexts are merged. The experimental approach combines various modalities centered upon virtual environments so as to induce presence in order to bring participants into the context. This approach is new and not well studied; however, it has real potential in research dealing with behaviors and culture in reconstructed virtual environments. Two virtual environments case studies at the 2012 and 2015 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition are presented, which demonstrate that the unique crowdsourcing activity is able to fill gaps within the information space so that answers to research questions can be more complete. Thus, by reconstructing and replicating a lost landscape, and by injecting harvested human behavior into the context of the landscape, we may be able to gather much more information than conventional methods will allow.
Reading between the Lines
Authors: Ricci Ronit
Published: February 2016

Interlinear translations from Arabic into Malay and Javanese have been produced in Southeast Asia since at least the sixteenth century. Such translations included an Arabic original with its lines spaced out on the page and a word for word translation appearing between the lines, attempting to replicate the Arabic down to the smallest detail. This essay engages with the theme of World Literature and translation by (1) considering the interlinear text as microcosm: a world of intent and priorities, of a transfer of meaning, of grammar and syntax in translation, of choices and debates, and (2) by thinking of Arabic writing during an earlier period as a world literature sought after in many regions, whose translation in diverse forms and tongues had a vast impact on languages and literary cultures.
How Do Literary Works Cross Borders (or Not)?
Authors: Sapiro Gisèle
Published: February 2016

This paper analyzes the factors that trigger or hinder the circulation of literary works beyond their geographic and cultural borders, i.e. participating in the mechanisms of the production of World Literature. For the sake of analysis, these factors can be classified into four categories: political (or more broadly ideological), economic, cultural and social. Being embodied by institutions and by individual agents, these factors can support or contradict one another, thus causing tensions and struggles. This paper ends with reflections on the two opposite tendencies that characterize the transnational literary field: isomorphism and the differentiation logics.
Thirteen new Myrtaceae from Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Sobral Marcos , FARIA JR. JAIR E.Q. , IBRAHIM MARLA U. , LUCAS EVE J. , RIGUEIRA DARY , STADNIK ALINE , VILLAROEL DANIEL
Published: February 2016

We describe, illustrate and compare with related species Calyptranthes anguerana, Eugenia altissima, E. caloneura, E. indistincta, E. mucugensis, E. rara, Myrcia alatiramea, M. hypophaea, M. petrophila, M. pseudovenulosa, M. ramiflora, M. trimera and M. unana. All species are presently known only from the state of Bahia, except Myrcia hypophaea, which extents northward until the state of Paraíba. Calyptranthes anguerana is related to C. concinna, differing through its monopodial and glabrous inflorescences; Eugenia altissima is apparently close to E. laruotteana, being distinguished by the larger flowers with ovaries glabrous inside; Eugenia caloneura is apparently related to E. leonorae, differing through its larger leaves and flowers buds with discrete calyx lobes; Eugenia indistincta is related to E.subavenia, differing by its pauciflorous inflorescences, smaller flowers and globose fruits; Eugenia mucugensis is related to E. sonderiana and E. luetzelburgii, being distinguished from the first by its wider blades, inflorescences with visible axes and longer pedicels, and from the second by its petiolate leaves and elliptic blades with midvein adaxially sulcate; Eugenia rara is apparently related to E. subterminalis, from which it is kept apart through its pilose flowers with calyx that tears irregularly at anthesis; Myrcia alatiramea is apparently related to M. anceps, being distinguished by its larger blades, pauciflorous inflorescences and flowers with calyx tube; Myrcia hypophaea is related to M. decorticans, but has subsessile leaves, abaxially darker blades and larger inflorescences; Myrcia petrophila is related to M. reticulosa, differing in its longer petioles, blades with rounded bases, pauciflorous inflorescences and pilose flowers; Myrcia pseudovenulosa is apparently related to M. venulosa, but has uniformly pilose flowers and bilocular ovaries; Myrcia ramiflora is apparently close to M. hirtiflora, differing through its larger blades and smaller, ramiflorous inflorescences; Myrcia trimera is related to Marlierea luschnathiana, but has larger and narrower blades, glabrous inflorescences, trimerous flower buds and flowers without petals, and Myrcia unana is close to M. maximiliana, but has narrower blades and larger calyx lobes. Additionally, conservation issues are briefly commented for each species.
Macroskyttea parmotrematis gen. et sp. nov. (Helotiales, Leotiomycetes, Ascomycota), a new lichenicolous fungus from Bolivia
Authors: Etayo Javier , Flakus Adam , Suija Ave , Kukwa Martin
Published: February 2016

A new genus and species of lichenicolous fungi, Macroskyttea parmotrematis, inhabiting thalli of Parmotrema aberrans and P. ultralucens, is described from montane forests in Bolivia. The new genus is similar to Skyttea and Diplolaeviopsis from which it clearly differs in larger apothecia with widely exposed black pigmented discs, macroscopically easily visible long excipular hairs covering the whole exciple, and different ascus structure. Our results based on Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analysis of three loci (nuSSU, nuLSU and 5.8S of the ITS) suggest that the new genus belong to Helotiales and is sister to Diplolaeviopsis ranula within encoelioid-clade. The conidial-ascosporic connection of Diplolaeviopsis ranula is shown here based on the nucleotide match of rDNA sequences.
A new species of Cinnamomum (Lauraceae) from Nilgiris, southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Geethakumary M P , Pandurangan Alagramam Govindasamy , Deepu S
Published: February 2016

A new species of Cinnamomum (Lauraceae), C. nilagiricum is described and illustrated on the basis of distinct morphological characters known from Nilgiris, southern Western Ghats, India.  It is allied to C. dubium but differs in the nature of trunk; shape, size and smell of leaves; 4-locellate anthers of whorl III stamens etc.  A detailed description, distribution, phenology, illustration, colour plates and relevant notes are provided.
A new species of Colubrina (Rhamnaceae) of the Amazon region of Ecuador
Authors: Palacios Walter
Published: February 2016

A new species of Colubrina from the Amazon region of Ecuador is described and illustrated. The species is characterized by its elliptical and distichously arranged leaves, 10–18 × 4–8 cm, and the presence of basal, concave elliptical, glands, the short-shoots of the inflorescence with few nodes and seeds with two inner sides flat-concave and third side, as wide as the previous two and convex. The new species has been widely collected in areas below 700 m, and is expected to occur in similar habitats in the border areas of Colombia and Peru.
Neostasina gen. nov., a new genus of huntsman spiders from the Neotropical region (Araneae, Sparassidae, Sparianthinae)
Authors: RHEIMS CRISTINA ANNE
Published: February 2016

Neostasina gen. nov. is proposed to include the type species, Neostasina macleayi (Bryant, 1940) comb. nov., and four other described species: N. lucasi (Bryant, 1940) comb. nov. and N. saetosa (Bryant, 1948) comb. nov., transferred from Stasina Simon, 1877, N. bicolor (Banks, 1914) comb. nov., from Olios Walckenaer, 1837, and N. antiguensis (Bryant, 1923) comb. nov., from Pseudosparianthis Simon, 1887. Stasina portoricensis Petrunkevitch, 1930 and Olios darlingtoni Bryant, 1942 are considered junior synonyms of N. bicolor comb. nov. All species are redescribed and illustrated. Twenty-two new species are described, namely: N. baoruco sp. nov. (♀), N. bermudezi sp. nov. (♂, ♀) and N. cachote sp. nov. (♀) from the Dominican Republic, N. bryantae sp. nov. (♂, ♀), N. granpiedra sp. nov. (♂, ♀), N. iberia sp. nov. (♂, ♀), N. montegordo sp. nov. (♀), N. siempreverde sp. nov. (♂) and N. turquino sp. nov. (♀) from Cuba, N. croix sp. nov. (♂) from the Island of St. Croix and N. virginensis sp. nov. (♀) from the Island of St. John, both U.S. Virgin Islands, N. guanaboa sp. nov. (♂), N. gunboat sp. nov. (♂), N. jamaicana sp. nov. (♀), N. liguanea sp. nov. (♂, ♀), N. lucea sp. nov. (♀), N. mammee sp. nov. (♂, ♀), and N. maroon sp. nov. (♂, ♀) from Jamaica, N. ouali sp. nov. (♂, ♀) from Nevis Island, N. amalie sp. nov. (♂, ♀) from U.S. (St. John and St. Thomas Islands) and British Virgin Islands (Peter Island and Sandy Cay), and N. taino sp. nov. (♂, ♀) from Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. An identification key and distribution maps are provided for all known species.