bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traveling wave solutions for a diffusive predator–prey model with predator saturation and competition
Authors: Zhu Lin , Wu Shi-Liang
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this paper is to study the traveling wave solutions of a diffusive predator–prey model with predator saturation and competition functional response. The system admits three equilibria: a zero equilibrium [Formula: see text], a boundary equilibrium [Formula: see text] and a positive equilibrium [Formula: see text] under some conditions. We establish the existence of two types of traveling wave solutions which connect [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Our main arguments are based on a simplified shooting method, a sandwich method and constructions of appropriate Lyapunov functions. Our particular interest is to investigate the oscillation of both types of traveling wave solutions when they approach the positive equilibrium.
Reliable optimization of corridor capacity for China high speed railway by considering passenger service
Authors: Gao Mo , Zhou Leishan , Chen Yongjun
Published: April 2017

Railway capacity has been extensively investigated for the purpose of utilizing rail infrastructure in a possible efficient strategy. Nevertheless, the estimation of high speed rail (HSR), which is different from common railways in many aspects, is still a challenge work needed to be solved. Consequently, this work focuses on the capacity estimation of HSR corridor. The objectives and constraints are developed for the HSR with the consideration of passenger service level and buffer time uncertainty, and a two-stage optimization model is proposed. The first stage determines the optimal number of trains in terms of the passenger origin–destination demand, and the second stage is a multi-objective mixed integer programming (MO-MIP) aiming to estimate the optimal capacity usage. The branch-and-bound algorithm is extended and applied to the proposed model, and a case study is performed to Beijing–Shanghai HSR line. The optimal solution is obtained, and the sensitivity of the two objectives is analyzed.
“From the Weaker Sex to Hardcore Gaming”
Authors: Schultheiss Daniel
Published: April 2017

The issue of gender with regard to video game usage has been researched since the first mass-market video games appeared. Since then, diverse results have been found. Assumptions regarding limitations on access, different content preferences, and differing usage behavior have been derived. Surprisingly, in recent years, findings changed—indicating a shift from perceptions about uninterested female gamers to understanding that female gamers have specific needs and expectations. This work is based upon an explorative study examining usage patterns of women who play Internet-based video games. Additionally, differences between female and male gamers are evaluated and discussed. We found that female gamers show a bigger economic potential and more playing time in less complex Internet-based video games than male gamers. This study provides new knowledge regarding female video-gaming patterns and offers implications for further research topics.
What Makes People Watch Online Videos
Authors: Lagger Christoph , Lux Mathias , Marques Oge
Published: April 2017

Searching for and retrieving videos in a meaningful way on the web is still an open problem. The integration of a user's context and intentions into the search process is one of the most promising approaches to enhance current search interfaces and algorithms. In this article, we present the results of two exploratory studies on the topic of online video searching, retrieving, watching, and sharing: a qualitative study in which 22 participants reported on situations when they retrieved and watched videos, and an online quantitative survey with more than 200 participants answering comparable questions. We provide a detailed analysis of the results from both studies and report on the insights that they provide in terms of video search, retrieval, watching, and sharing behavior. Our findings can be used to enhance current video retrieval systems, search interfaces, and algorithms in order to improve the overall user satisfaction and experience. As an example of such improvements, we also propose a prototype that addresses the problem of taking the user's intentions into account when designing video retrieval interfaces.
On the Evaluation of Novel Sonification Techniques for Non-Visual Shape Exploration
Authors: Mascetti Sergio , Gerino Andrea , Bernareggi Cristian , Picinali Lorenzo
Published: April 2017

There are several situations in which a person with visual impairment or blindness needs to extract information from an image. For example, graphical representations are often used in education, in particular, in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. In this contribution, we propose a set of six sonification techniques to support individuals with visual impairment or blindness in recognizing shapes on touchscreen devices. These techniques are compared among themselves and with two other sonification techniques already proposed in the literature. Using
Invisible Puzzle
, a mobile application which allows one to conduct non-supervised evaluation sessions, we conducted tests with 49 subjects with visual impairment and blindness, and 178 sighted subjects. All subjects involved in the process successfully completed the evaluation session, showing a high level of engagement, demonstrating, therefore, the effectiveness of the evaluation procedure. Results give interesting insights into the differences among the sonification techniques and, most importantly, show that after a short training, subjects are able to successfully identify several different shapes.
A Survey on Financial Applications of Metaheuristics
Authors: Soler-Dominguez Amparo , Juan Angel A. , Kizys Renatas
Published: April 2017

Modern heuristics or metaheuristics are optimization algorithms that have been increasingly used during the last decades to support complex decision-making in a number of fields, such as logistics and transportation, telecommunication networks, bioinformatics, finance, and the like. The continuous increase in computing power, together with advancements in metaheuristics frameworks and parallelization strategies, are empowering these types of algorithms as one of the best alternatives to solve rich and real-life combinatorial optimization problems that arise in a number of financial and banking activities. This article reviews some of the works related to the use of metaheuristics in solving both classical and emergent problems in the finance arena. A non-exhaustive list of examples includes rich portfolio optimization, index tracking, enhanced indexation, credit risk, stock investments, financial project scheduling, option pricing, feature selection, bankruptcy and financial distress prediction, and credit risk assessment. This article also discusses some open opportunities for researchers in the field, and forecast the evolution of metaheuristics to include real-life uncertainty conditions into the optimization problems being considered.
Control-Flow Integrity
Authors: Burow Nathan , Carr Scott A. , Nash Joseph , Larsen Per , Franz Michael , Brunthaler Stefan , Payer Mathias
Published: April 2017

Memory corruption errors in C/C++ programs remain the most common source of security vulnerabilities in today’s systems. Control-flow hijacking attacks exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities to divert program execution away from the intended control flow. Researchers have spent more than a decade studying and refining defenses based on Control-Flow Integrity (CFI); this technique is now integrated into several production compilers. However, so far, no study has systematically compared the various proposed CFI mechanisms nor is there any protocol on how to compare such mechanisms. We compare a broad range of CFI mechanisms using a unified nomenclature based on (i) a qualitative discussion of the conceptual security guarantees, (ii) a quantitative security evaluation, and (iii) an empirical evaluation of their performance in the same test environment. For each mechanism, we evaluate (i) protected types of control-flow transfers and (ii) precision of the protection for forward and backward edges. For open-source, compiler-based implementations, we also evaluate (iii) generated equivalence classes and target sets and (iv) runtime performance.
Mapping organized ignorance in environmental health
Authors: Rabinow Laura , Poirier Lindsay
Published: April 2017

How data collection and reporting standards have shaped what we know and do not know about water contamination in Hoosick Falls, NY.
The cognitive and immersive situations room
Authors: Su Hui
Published: April 2017

Cognitive environments with "eyes," "ears," "mind," "mouth," and "hands" will converse with people, understand group dynamics, present stories, and augment group intelligence, enabling humans and computers to accomplish things neither could do alone.
Filter bubbles and fake news
Authors: DiFranzo Dominic , Gloria-Garcia Kristine
Published: April 2017

The results of the 2016 Brexit referendum in the U.K. and presidential election in the U.S. surprised pollsters and traditional media alike, and social media is now being blamed in part for creating echo chambers that encouraged the spread of fake news that influenced voters.
The critical role of logarithmic transformation in Nernstian equilibrium potential calculations
Authors: Sawyer Jemima E. R. , Hennebry James E. , Revill Alexander , Brown Angus M.
Published: April 2017

The membrane potential, arising from uneven distribution of ions across cell membranes containing selectively permeable ion channels, is of fundamental importance to cell signaling. The necessity of maintaining the membrane potential may be appreciated by expressing Ohm’s law as current = voltage/resistance and recognizing that no current flows when voltage = 0, i.e., transmembrane voltage gradients, created by uneven transmembrane ion concentrations, are an absolute requirement for the generation of currents that precipitate the action and synaptic potentials that consume >80% of the brain’s energy budget and underlie the electrical activity that defines brain function. The concept of the equilibrium potential is vital to understanding the origins of the membrane potential. The equilibrium potential defines a potential at which there is no net transmembrane ion flux, where the work created by the concentration gradient is balanced by the transmembrane voltage difference, and derives from a relationship describing the work done by the diffusion of ions down a concentration gradient. The Nernst equation predicts the equilibrium potential and, as such, is fundamental to understanding the interplay between transmembrane ion concentrations and equilibrium potentials. Logarithmic transformation of the ratio of internal and external ion concentrations lies at the heart of the Nernst equation, but most undergraduate neuroscience students have little understanding of the logarithmic function. To compound this, no current undergraduate neuroscience textbooks describe the effect of logarithmic transformation in appreciable detail, leaving the majority of students with little insight into how ion concentrations determine, or how ion perturbations alter, the membrane potential.
Neural coding of time-varying interaural time differences and time-varying amplitude in the inferior colliculus
Authors: Zuk Nathaniel , Delgutte Bertrand
Published: April 2017

Binaural cues occurring in natural environments are frequently time varying, either from the motion of a sound source or through interactions between the cues produced by multiple sources. Yet, a broad understanding of how the auditory system processes dynamic binaural cues is still lacking. In the current study, we directly compared neural responses in the inferior colliculus (IC) of unanesthetized rabbits to broadband noise with time-varying interaural time differences (ITD) with responses to noise with sinusoidal amplitude modulation (SAM) over a wide range of modulation frequencies. On the basis of prior research, we hypothesized that the IC, one of the first stages to exhibit tuning of firing rate to modulation frequency, might use a common mechanism to encode time-varying information in general. Instead, we found weaker temporal coding for dynamic ITD compared with amplitude modulation and stronger effects of adaptation for amplitude modulation. The differences in temporal coding of dynamic ITD compared with SAM at the single-neuron level could be a neural correlate of “binaural sluggishness,” the inability to perceive fluctuations in time-varying binaural cues at high modulation frequencies, for which a physiological explanation has so far remained elusive. At ITD-variation frequencies of 64 Hz and above, where a temporal code was less effective, noise with a dynamic ITD could still be distinguished from noise with a constant ITD through differences in average firing rate in many neurons, suggesting a frequency-dependent tradeoff between rate and temporal coding of time-varying binaural information.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Humans use time-varying binaural cues to parse auditory scenes comprising multiple sound sources and reverberation. However, the neural mechanisms for doing so are poorly understood. Our results demonstrate a potential neural correlate for the reduced detectability of fluctuations in time-varying binaural information at high speeds, as occurs in reverberation. The results also suggest that the neural mechanisms for processing time-varying binaural and monaural cues are largely distinct.
Economic Evaluation of Three Available Solutions for Promotion of Wind Power Integration
Authors: Chen Hong-Kun , Yu Yan-Juan , Chen Lei , Jiang Xin , Yu Ren-Yan
Published: April 2017

The limited operational flexibility of combined heat and power (CHP) units is the main cause of wind power curtailment in the thermal-electrical power system of Northern China. Pumped hydrostorage (PHS), heat storage (HS), and electric boiler (EB) are investigated as three alternative options for the promotion of wind power integration. On the basis of two linear models that determine the capacities of these three facilities required for integrating the curtailed wind power, economic evaluation in terms of investment costs and environmental benefits is presented. Analysis results show that HS requires the least investment and has a good performance of coal saving when accommodating the same amount of curtailed wind power. And EB has the greatest potential for wind power integration with the huge growth of installed capacity of wind power in the future.
Progress in EEG-Based Brain Robot Interaction Systems
Authors: Mao Xiaoqian , Li Mengfan , Li Wei , Niu Linwei , Xian Bin , Zeng Ming , Chen Genshe
Published: April 2017

The most popular noninvasive Brain Robot Interaction (BRI) technology uses the electroencephalogram- (EEG-) based Brain Computer Interface (BCI), to serve as an additional communication channel, for robot control via brainwaves. This technology is promising for elderly or disabled patient assistance with daily life. The key issue of a BRI system is to identify human mental activities, by decoding brainwaves, acquired with an EEG device. Compared with other BCI applications, such as word speller, the development of these applications may be more challenging since control of robot systems via brainwaves must consider surrounding environment feedback in real-time, robot mechanical kinematics, and dynamics, as well as robot control architecture and behavior. This article reviews the major techniques needed for developing BRI systems. In this review article, we first briefly introduce the background and development of mind-controlled robot technologies. Second, we discuss the EEG-based brain signal models with respect to generating principles, evoking mechanisms, and experimental paradigms. Subsequently, we review in detail commonly used methods for decoding brain signals, namely, preprocessing, feature extraction, and feature classification, and summarize several typical application examples. Next, we describe a few BRI applications, including wheelchairs, manipulators, drones, and humanoid robots with respect to synchronous and asynchronous BCI-based techniques. Finally, we address some existing problems and challenges with future BRI techniques.
Shock Tube as an Impulsive Application Device
Authors: Nanda Soumya Ranjan , Agarwal Sumit , Kulkarni Vinayak , Sahoo Niranjan
Published: April 2017

Current investigations solely focus on application of an impulse facility in diverse area of high-speed aerodynamics and structural mechanics. Shock tube, the fundamental impulse facility, is specially designed and calibrated for present objectives. Force measurement experiments are performed on a hemispherical test model integrated with the stress wave force balance. Similar test model is considered for heat transfer measurements using coaxial thermocouple. Force and heat transfer experiments demonstrated that the strain gauge and thermocouple have lag time of 11.5 and 9 microseconds, respectively. Response time of these sensors in measuring the peak load is also measured successfully using shock tube facility. As an outcome, these sensors are found to be suitable for impulse testing. Lastly, the response of aluminum plates subjected to impulsive loading is analyzed by measuring the in-plane strain produced during deformation. Thus, possibility of forming tests in shock is also confirmed.
Study on Mechanical Relaxations of 7075 (Al–Zn–Mg) and 2024 (Al–Cu–Mg) Alloys by Application of the Time-Temperature Superposition Principle
Authors: Rojas Jose I. , Nicolás Jorge , Crespo Daniel
Published: April 2017

The viscoelastic response of commercial Al–Zn–Mg and Al–Cu–Mg alloys was measured with a dynamic-mechanical analyzer (DMA) as a function of the temperature (from 30 to 425°C) and the loading frequency (from 0.01 to 150 Hz). The time-temperature superposition (TTS) principle has proven to be useful in studying mechanical relaxations and obtaining master curves for amorphous materials. In this work, the TTS principle is applied to the measured viscoelastic data (i.e., the storage and loss moduli) to obtain the corresponding master curves and to analyze the mechanical relaxations responsible for the viscoelastic behavior of the studied alloys. For the storage modulus it was possible to identify a master curve for a low-temperature region (from room temperature to 150°C) and, for the storage and loss moduli, another master curve for a high-temperature region (from 320 to 375°C). These temperature regions are coincidental with the stable intervals where no phase transformations occur. The different temperature dependencies of the shift factors for the identified master curves, manifested by different values of the activation energy in the Arrhenius expressions for the shift factor, are due to the occurrence of microstructural changes and variations in the relaxation mechanisms between the mentioned temperature regions.
Atypical Pharyngeal Pouch Arising Bilaterally between the Hyoid Bone and Thyroid Cartilage
Authors: Oh Lawrence J. , Chan Lyndon , Veivers David
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Pharyngoesophageal diverticuli are a common cause of dysphagia; they are associated with various morbidities and a decreased quality of life. There are several different types of the diverticuli, and they are divided based on the anatomical location of origin relative to the cricopharyngeal muscle; these include Zenker’s, Killian-Jamieson’s, and Laimer’s diverticula. The authors present a unique case of pharyngoesophageal diverticulum that has not been previously described.Case Presentation. A 65-year-old male presented with a 12-month history of dysphagia and odynophagia for solids. Barium swallow revealed bilateral moderately sized diverticuli that altered in size during the different phases of swallow. CT scan of the neck with oral contrast further identified the anatomy of the diverticuli, arising between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage.Discussion. An external transcervical approach was utilised to successfully repair the diverticuli. Subsequent cricopharyngeal spasm was treated with botulinum toxin, and the patient recovered with no ongoing symptoms. The barium swallow study is a commonly utilised initial investigation as it is easy to perform and safe and has good diagnostic value. Definitive management usually involves either endoscopic or open surgery. This case depicts a unique case of a pharyngeal diverticulum arising between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage.
Enhancing the Performance of the Microwave Absorbing Materials by Using Dielectric Resonator Arrays
Authors: Al-Zoubi Omar H. , Naseem Hameed
Published: April 2017

We present a technique for enhancing the performance of microwave absorbing materials in terms of weight, thickness, and bandwidth. The introduced technique is based on fabricating the microwave absorbing (MA) material in a structure comprised of an array of circular cylinder dielectric resonators (CDR) backed by a perfect electric conductor (PEC) ground plane. Numerical electromagnetic methods are employed to study the properties of the proposed MA array structures, where 3D full wave simulation using finite-element method is implemented. The obtained results show that the performance of the MA-CDR arrays significantly outperforms that of a flat layer composed of the same material and having equivalent thickness. A flat layer of MA material with thickness of 5 mm backed by perfect electric conductor (PEC) shows as low as -50 dB reflection loss (RL) peak and ~3 GHz 10-dB bandwidth, whereas an MA-CDR array, composed of the same MA material, of height of 4 mm can achieve as low as ~−50 dB RL peak and ~12 GHz 10-dB RL bandwidth.
The Relationship between Locomotive Syndrome and Depression in Community-Dwelling Elderly People
Authors: Nakamura Misa , Hashizume Hiroshi , Nomura Sachiko , Kono Ryohei , Utsunomiya Hirotoshi
Published: April 2017

Locomotive syndrome (LS) is a concept that refers to the condition of people requiring healthcare services because of problems associated with locomotion. Depression is a major psychiatric disease among the elderly, in addition to dementia. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between LS and depression. The study participants were 224 healthy elderly volunteers living in a rural area in Japan. LS was defined as scores ≥ 16 on the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25). Depression was defined as scores ≥ 5 on the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Height and body weight were measured. The prevalence of LS and depression was 13.9% and 24.2%, respectively. Compared with the non-LS group, the LS group was older, was shorter, had a higher BMI, and had higher GDS-15 scores. Logistic regression analysis showed that participants with GDS-15 scores ≥ 6 had higher odds for LS than those with GDS-15 scores < 6 (odds ratio [OR] = 4.22). Conversely, the depression group had higher GLFS-25 scores than the nondepression group. Participants with GLFS-25 scores ≥ 5 had higher odds for depression than those with GLFS-25 scores < 5 (OR = 4.53). These findings suggest that there is a close relationship between LS and depression.
Duodenal Graft Perforation after Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Sannomiya Akihito , Nakajima Ichiro , Ogawa Yuichi , Kai Kotaro , Koyama Ichiro , Fuchinoue Shohei
Published: April 2017

A 45-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes and chronic renal failure on dialysis underwent simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation from a brain dead donor. On postoperative day 15, acute generalized peritonitis was diagnosed and emergency laparotomy was performed. Perforation of the donor duodenum was found, which had apparently resulted from duodenal compression by the tip of the intestinal fistula tube placed for decompression. The perforation was sutured and the intestinal fistula tube was exchanged. Following this, perforation repeatedly recurred at the same site and open repair at laparotomy was required a total of four times. The fourth operation involved both suturing the perforation and covering it with ileum, after which there was no further recurrence. The patient was discharged on posttransplantation day 219, with the pancreas and kidney grafts both functioning well. This report presents a rare complication of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.
Differential Expression of VEGFA Isoforms Regulates Metastasis and Response to Anti-VEGFA Therapy in Sarcoma
Authors: English William R. , Lunt Sarah Jane , Fisher Matthew , Lefley Diane V. , Dhingra Mohit , Lee Yu-Chin , Bingham Karina , Hurrell Jack E. , Lyons Scott K. , Kanthou Chryso , Tozer Gillian M.
Published: April 2017

Elevated plasma concentrations of soluble VEGFA isoforms are associated with poor prognosis in parallel with improved response to treatment with the anti-VEGFA antibody bevacizumab. To uncover the underlying mechanism to these observations, we administered anti-VEGFA therapy to mice bearing luminescent mouse fibrosarcomas expressing single VEGFA isoforms or their wild-type counterparts expressing all isoforms (fs120, fs164, fs188, or fsWT). Expression of the more soluble isoforms conferred an advantage for lung metastasis from subcutaneous tumors (fs120/164 vs. fs188/WT); fs120 cells also produced more lung colonies than fs188 cells when injected intravenously. Metastasis from subcutaneous fs120 tumors was more sensitive than fs188 to treatment with the anti-VEGFA antibody B20-4.1.1. Despite elevated plasma levels of VEGFA in fs120 tumor-bearing mice and a dependence on VEGF receptor 1 activity for metastasis to the lung, B20-4.1.1 did not affect survival in the lung on intravenous injection. B20-4.1.1 inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth and decreased vascular density in both fs120 and fs188 tumors. However, migration of fs120, but not fs188 cells, in vitro was inhibited by B20-4.1.1. The greater survival of fs120 cells in the lung was associated with VEGFR1-dependent accumulation of CD11b-positive myeloid cells and higher expression of the VEGFR1 ligand, PlGF2, by the fs120 cells in vitro and in the plasma and lungs of fs120 tumor-bearing mice. We conclude that soluble VEGFA isoform expression increases fibrosarcoma metastasis through multiple mechanisms that vary in their sensitivity to anti-VEGF/VEGFR inhibition, with VEGFA-targeted therapy suppressing metastasis through effects on the primary tumor rather than the metastatic site. Cancer Res; 77(10); 2633–46. ©2017 AACR.
Diagnostic Distinction of Malignant Melanoma and Benign Nevi by a Gene Expression Signature and Correlation to Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Ko Jennifer S. , Matharoo-Ball Balwir , Billings Steven D. , Thomson Brian J. , Tang Jean Y. , Sarin Kavita Y. , Cai Emily , Kim Jinah , Rock Colleen , Kimbrell Hillary Z. , Flake Darl D. , Warf M. Bryan , Nelson Jonathan , Davis Thaylon , Miller Catherine , Rushton Kristen , Hartman Anne-Renee , Wenstrup Richard J. , Clarke Loren E.
Published: April 2017

Background: Histopathologic examination alone can be inadequate for diagnosis of certain melanocytic neoplasms. Recently, a 23-gene expression signature was clinically validated as an ancillary diagnostic test to differentiate benign nevi from melanoma. The current study assessed the performance of this test in an independent cohort of melanocytic lesions against clinically proven outcomes.

Methods: Archival tissue from primary cutaneous melanomas and melanocytic nevi was obtained from four independent institutions and tested with the gene signature. Cases were selected according to pre-defined clinical outcome measures. Malignant lesions were defined as stage I–III primary cutaneous melanomas that produced distant metastases (metastatic to sites other than proximal sentinel lymph node(s)) following diagnosis of the primary lesion. Melanomas that were metastatic at the time of diagnosis, all re-excisions, and lesions with <10% tumor volume were excluded. Benign lesions were defined as cutaneous melanocytic lesions with no adverse long-term events reported.

Results: Of 239 submitted samples, 182 met inclusion criteria and produced a valid gene expression result. This included 99 primary cutaneous melanomas with proven distant metastases and 83 melanocytic nevi. Median time to melanoma metastasis was 18 months. Median follow-up time for nevi was 74.9 months. The gene expression score differentiated melanoma from nevi with a sensitivity of 93.8% and a specificity of 96.2%.

Conclusions: The results of gene expression testing closely correlate with long-term clinical outcomes of patients with melanocytic neoplasms.

Impact: Collectively, this provides strong evidence that the gene signature adds valuable adjunctive information to aid in the accurate diagnosis of melanoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1107–13. ©2017 AACR.
U1 Adaptors Suppress the KRAS-MYC Oncogenic Axis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Xenografts
Authors: Tsang Ashley T. , Dudgeon Crissy , Yi Lan , Yu Xin , Goraczniak Rafal , Donohue Kristen , Kogan Samuel , Brenneman Mark A. , Ho Eric S. , Gunderson Samuel I. , Carpizo Darren R.
Published: April 2017

Targeting KRAS and MYC has been a tremendous challenge in cancer drug development. Genetic studies in mouse models have validated the efficacy of silencing expression of both KRAS and MYC in mutant KRAS-driven tumors. We investigated the therapeutic potential of a new oligonucleotide-mediated gene silencing technology (U1 Adaptor) targeting KRAS and MYC in pancreatic cancer. Nanoparticles in complex with anti-KRAS U1 Adaptors (U1-KRAS) showed remarkable inhibition of KRAS in different human pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. As a nanoparticle-free approach is far easier to develop into a drug, we refined the formulation of U1 Adaptors by conjugating them to tumor-targeting peptides (iRGD and cRGD). Peptides coupled to fluorescently tagged U1 Adaptors showed selective tumor localization in vivo. Efficacy experiments in pancreatic cancer xenograft models showed highly potent (>90%) antitumor activity of both iRGD and (cRGD)2-KRAS Adaptors. U1 Adaptors targeting MYC inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation caused by apoptosis in vitro (40%–70%) and tumor regressions in vivo. Comparison of iRGD-conjugated U1 KRAS and U1 MYC Adaptors in vivo revealed a significantly greater degree of cleaved caspase-3 staining and decreased Ki67 staining as compared with controls. There was no significant difference in efficacy between the U1 KRAS and U1 MYC Adaptor groups. Our results validate the value in targeting both KRAS and MYC in pancreatic cancer therapeutics and provide evidence that the U1 Adaptor technology can be successfully translated using a nanoparticle-free delivery system to target two undruggable genes in cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(8); 1445–55. ©2017 AACR.
Accelerated Up-Dosing of Subcutaneous Immunotherapy with a Registered Allergoid Birch Pollen Preparation
Authors: Buczyłko Krzysztof , van der Werf Jan F. , Boot Diderik , van Ree Ronald
Published: April 2017

Background: Early pollen flight and new allergens prolonging the pollen season means that the time for up-dosing of allergen-specific subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) outside the pollen season becomes shorter. Hence, for patients who wish or need to be up-dosed faster, an accelerated induction regimen would provide a useful treatment option. Methods: An accelerated up-dosing regimen (0.1-0.3-0.5 mL at weekly intervals) was compared to conventional up-dosing (0.05-0.1-0.2-0.3-0.4-0.5 mL at weekly intervals) using an allergoid birch pollen SCIT preparation. After up-dosing, the maintenance dose (0.5 mL) was given 3 times at biweekly intervals. The multicenter study was performed according to an open randomized, parallel-group design. Results: A total of 123 birch pollen-allergic patients (81 adults and 42 adolescents) presenting with rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis with or without mild asthma (FEV1 >70%) were randomized to either the conventional registered up-dosing or an accelerated regimen. In total, 96.7 and 98.4% successfully reached the maintenance dose for the conventional and accelerated regimen, respectively, without relevant differences between adults and adolescents. Both regimens were safe and well tolerated. Furthermore, significant increases (similar in size) in specific IgG and IgG4 after 3 months of treatment were observed in both groups, independent of age. Conclusion: The accelerated SCIT regimen was revealed to be as safe as the conventional regimen, and the immunological effects of both regimens are similar. Accordingly, the accelerated regimen may be used to up-dose patients of adult as well adolescent age within 2 weeks.
A Case of Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis with Fibril Deposition in the Arteriolar Wall and a Family History of Renal Disease
Authors: Watanabe Kentaro , Nakai Kentaro , Hosokawa Nozomi , Watanabe Shuhei , Kono Keiji , Goto Shunsuke , Fujii Hideki , Hara Shigeo , Nishi Shinichi
Published: April 2017

Herein, we report a case of fibrillary glomerulonephritis (FGN). FGN usually shows non-amyloidal fibrils in the mesangium and glomerular capillary walls on electron microscopy. Inherited cases of FGN have been reported in only 3 families, and the suspected genetic form was autosomal dominant. In the present case, the deposition of microfibrils in the arteriolar wall as well as the glomerulus is unique. Our patient’s father died of nephrotic syndrome, and his elder brother had a biopsy-proven glomerulopathy. The histological findings of the brothers are similar to mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and resemble each other. Therefore, our case is presumed to be familial FGN. Additionally, herein, we review the literature and reconsider the histological and clinical characters of FGN.
Off-Clamp versus On-Clamp Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: A Multicenter Match-Paired Case-Control Study
Authors: Peyronnet Benoit , Khene Zine-Eddine , Pradère Benjamin , Seisen Thomas , Verhoest Grégory , Masson-Lecomte Alexandra , Grassano Yohann , Roumiguié Mathieu , Beauval Jean-Baptiste , Baumert Hervé , Droupy Stéphane , Doumerc Nicolas , Bernhard Jean-Christophe , Vaessen Christophe , Bruyère Franck , de la Taille Alexandre , Rouprêt Morgan , Bensalah Karim
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of on-clamp and off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Materials and Methods: The charts of all patients who underwent an RPN at 8 institutions between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients who underwent an off-clamp RPN were matched to on-clamp RPN in a 1-4 fashion according to the following variables: RENAL score, tumor size and surgeon's experience. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were compared between both groups. Results: Among 525 RPN, 26 were performed off-clamp (5%). They were matched to 104 on-clamp RPN. The complications rate (15.5 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.53), major complications rate (4.9 vs. 3.9%; p = 0.82), and transfusions rate (0 vs. 4.9%; p = 0.58) did not differ significantly between the clamped and unclamped groups. Conversely, estimated blood loss was higher in the off-clamp group (266.4 vs. 284.6 mL, p = 0.048) and so was the rate of conversion to radical nephrectomy (0 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.04). Postoperative preservation of renal function was comparable in both groups. Conclusion: Off-clamp RPN is feasible for a small subgroup of renal tumors without increased risk of postoperative complications but at the cost of higher estimated blood loss and increased risk of conversion to radical nephrectomy.
Hemodialysis Patients Display a Declined Proportion of Th2 and Regulatory T Cells in Parallel with a High Interferon-γ Profile
Authors: Mansouri Ladan , Nopp Anna , Jacobson Stefan H. , Hylander Britta , Lundahl Joachim
Published: April 2017

Background: A high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and infections in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) arises partly due to a high inflammatory state and aberrations in immune cells function. Following in vitro stimulation of leukocytes with different T-cell mitogens, we observed a lower level of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-10 production in CKD patients. To gain more knowledge as to whether this is the result of an alteration in T-cell function, we investigated the T-cell subsets profile and cytokine production in hemodialysis patients. Methods: CD4+ cells were isolated from whole blood of 10 hemodialysis patients and 10 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Following in vitro stimulation with an antigen-independent T-cell mitogen, Th1, Th2, and regulatory T (Treg) cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry through the expression of specific transcription factors. The levels of cytokines, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the supernatants. Results: The proportion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ (Treg) and CD4+GATA3+ (Th2) cells was significantly lower in patients compared to healthy controls, while the proportion of CD4+T-bet+ (Th1) cells was similar. Moreover, levels of IL-4 were significantly lower in supernatants from patients, while IFN-γ levels were higher. IL-10 levels did not differ compared to those of the healthy controls. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a diminished anti-inflammatory Treg, and Th2 cell profile in hemodialysis patients, accompanied by a high pro-inflammatory IFN-γ profile. Since this profile is characterized in CVDs, we propose that an imbalance between the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses may contribute to the pathogenesis of CVD in advanced CKD.
A Supervisão de Estágio da Licenciatura no IB-USP: Ensino por Investigação e Pesquisa
Authors: Prestes Maria Elice Brzezinski , Silva Rosana Louro Ferreira , Scarpa Daniela Lopes
Published: April 2017

A habilitação em licenciatura do curso de Ciências Biológicas do Instituto de Biociências da USP tem passado por constante aprimoramento desde que implantada a nova estrutura curricular em 2007, em resposta à adequação ao Programa de Formação de Professores da USP de 2004. Dentre as principais ações implementadas, destacam-se as atuais disciplinas relacionadas à supervisão das cem horas de estágio nas escolas-campo a cargo do IB-USP. Foram criadas duas disciplinas, Estágio Supervisionado em Ensino de Biologia e Estágio com Pesquisa em Ensino de Biologia, permitindo não apenas a efetiva realização do total de horas nas escolas-campo de estágio, como, mais especialmente, o desenvolvimento e a implementação de práticas de intervenção baseadas no ensino por investigação, bem como de práticas de intervenção acompanhadas de um exercício de pesquisa na área de educação científica. As iniciativas têm resultado em cumprimento bastante satisfatório dos objetivos previstos do processo de ensino-aprendizagem dos alunos
A disciplina Optativa – EFE148/Remo no currículo do Bacharelado em Esporte em parceria CEPEUSP/EEFE: experiência na prática de ensino
Authors: Farah José Carlos Simon , Magalhães Carolina
Published: April 2017

Este relato apresenta a modalidade esportiva Remo como disciplina optativa (EFE148–Remo), num acordo firmado entre a Escola de Educação Física e Esporte e o Centro de Práticas Esportivas, ambos da Universidade de São Paulo. Foi realizada no espaço físico da Raia Olímpica da USP, entre os anos de 2009 e 2015. Com o intuito de oferecer ao aluno condições de aprendizagem e colaborar em sua formação acadêmica, a estrutura do curso enfatiza a prática da modalidade e também a prática de ensino, ou seja, a vivência como discente e docente como processo fundamental na interação entre teoria e prática. A partir de discussões realizadas com os alunos, fica evidente que o trabalho na formação de professores na graduação pressupõe a elaboração de um currículo que possibilite a experiência vivida como fundamental no entendimento da aprendizagem e também do ensino
Apontamentos sobre a importância da construção da autonomia no Programa de Educação Tutorial
Authors: Silva Rodolfo Dias da , Bassani Rodolfo , Santos Wilson Casemiro dos
Published: April 2017

O presente relato versa sobre o Programa de Educação Tutorial (PET) e desenvolve esta temática por meio da discussão de experiências verificadas de fortalecimento da identidade, coesão do grupo e valorização do interesse pelo referido programa por meio da flexibilização das normas de entrada e de permanência nele, deixando-se para trás resquícios do anterior Programa Especial de Treinamento e implantando, de modo ampliado, a forma de pensamento renovada pelo conceito de educação tutorial como ferramenta de formação da autonomia dos estudantes de graduação nas instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) brasileiras
Blog educativo bioquímicativa: uma forma de vivenciar a educação em bioquímica e sua relação com a fisiopatologia
Authors: Toyos Fernando Miguel Pedroso , Mendes Ana Karina Furtado , Costa Tatienne Neder Figueira da
Published: April 2017

O projeto de extensão BioquímicAtiva surgiu com o intuito de utilizar a internet como um meio de ensino da bioquímica, dada a dificuldade que os alunos comumente relatam sobre a compreensão dessa disciplina e sua associação com a prática profissional. Por esta razão, o presente trabalho avaliou a eficiência de um blog educativo sobre bioquímica, elaborado a partir de um post de fácil linguagem, didático e interativo, utilizando-se da interdisciplinaridade com a fisiopatologia. Toda a criação do blog e de seu conteúdo foi executada pelos integrantes do projeto, os quais se basearam na literatura científica para criação do post ‘’Você sabe o que é Esteatose hepática alcoólica?’’. Para avaliação do blog considerou-se parâmetros de visão geral e informações demográficas, gerados pelo Google Analytics. O conteúdo postado foi avaliado pela enquete “O que você achou deste conteúdo?”, disponível ao final do post para votação. O blog foi avaliado por quinze dias, contados a partir da data de sua divulgação, com registro total de 1236 visualizações nesse período, incluindo usuários de diversas cidades brasileiras e alguns países. Foram notificados 26 votos, sendo 25 para a opção “Excelente” (96,15%), um para “Bom” (3,84%) e nenhum voto para “indiferente”. Conclui-se que o projeto elaborado foi positivo, o que demonstra a importância do uso de novos métodos de ensino e tecnologias que possam contribuir para a formação e interesse pela bioquímica, bem como estimular seu uso para outros cursos de graduação, melhorando assim o processo de ensino e aprendizagem dos acadêmicos.
British Capitalism and European Unification, from Ottawa to the Brexit Referendum
Authors: Georgiou Christakis
Published: April 2017

British capitalism has from the very beginning entertained an ambivalent relationship with the process of European unification. But that ambivalence has gone through different stages and since the outbreak of the financial crisis in 2008 a new, conflictual, stage in that relationship began. This is the essential backdrop against which the Brexit referendum should be understood and its consequences evaluated.
The Constraints of Chibber’s Criticism
Authors: Parry Benita
Published: April 2017

A position joining critical theory with the Marxist critique of imperialism informs the following discussion on the perceived shortcomings of Chibber’s study in its avowed claim to disavow postcolonial theory. Chibber’s insistence on reading Subaltern Studiesaspostcolonial theory is unsustainable in that it fails to address the epistemological premises of a theory adopted and not initiated by the project. Whereas Chibber does ably contest assertions made by Subaltern Studies concerning the special conditions of India halting capitalism’s universalising drive, his concentrated but narrowly-focused and repetitive criticism disregards prior work contiguous to his own specialism as well as disciplines other than the social sciences. Thus the explanatory power of Uneven and Combined Development in understanding the internal conditions of societies conscripted into capitalism is cast aside, as are the resources of Marxist cultural criticism in writing a metanarrative of these consequences inallof their aspects: economic, social, cultural and experiential – omissions that paradoxically are to the fore in postcolonial theory.
Two Documents by Paul Levi (16 March 1920–8 January 1921)
Authors: Levi Paul
Published: April 2017

This is a translation and critical edition of two documents on the Kapp Putsch and the origins of the united-front policy in the German Communist Party (kpd). The documents were written by the kpd leader Paul Levi and their titles and dates are, respectively: ‘Letter to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Germany’ (16 March 1920) and ‘Open Letter of the Zentrale of the United Communist Party of Germany’ (8 January 1921). They are a documentary appendix to our essay ‘Paul Levi and the Origins of the United-Front Policy in the Communist International’, published in this issue of Historical Materialism.
Intraosseous Venous Malformations of the Zygoma: Report of 4 Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Huang Xiuling , An Jingang , Zhang Yi , Cai Zhigang
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

As intraosseous venous malformations (IVMs) of the zygoma are very rare and clinical features are not typical, a correct preoperative diagnosis may be difficult to make. This study presents 4 cases of IVM of the zygoma and gives a review of their clinical manifestations, radiographic features, preoperative diagnosis, and differentials.

Methods:

The report of 4 cases was performed with an average 6-year follow-up. Medical records including clinical, radiographic, and histopathological information were reviewed.

Results:

All the patients were mid-aged women with a complaint of an enlarging mass over the midface. They all failed to receive a definite preoperative diagnosis, and the diagnoses of IVM in all patients were made via pathological evidence. Although they received different surgical treatments, all the follow-up results (2~12 years) were satisfactory.

Conclusion:

Intraosseous venous malformations of the zygoma are benign lesions caused by abnormal vessel morphogenesis. Patients usually present in their 40s with a tender or painless swelling of the zygoma. The key to the diagnosis is the typical sunburst pattern of radiating trabeculae with intact cortices on computed tomographic scans. Intraosseous venous malformations should be differentiated from other lesions, including intraosseous meningioma, fibrous dysplasia, osteochondroma, osteosarcoma, and ossifying fibroma.
Superuomini e no: Dannunzian hypotexts in Capuana’s Rassegnazione
Authors: Barnaby Paul
Published: April 2017

Parallels have long been noted between Luigi Capuana’s novel Rassegnazione (1907) and D’Annunzio’s Le vergini delle rocce (1895), both of which recount an attempt to breed a Nietzschean superuomo. There is disagreement, however, as to whether Capuana parodies or emulates his source. This article argues that previous analyses err in seeing both D’Annunzio’s aesthetics and Capuana’s response to them as unchanging. It shows that Rassegnazione polemically contrasts the protagonists of D’Annunzio’s early Romanzi della Rosa with his later superuomini, and reacts not to a monolithic dannunzianesimo but to D’Annunzio’s evolving thought and practice. Reading the novel against Capuana’s intense critical engagement with D’Annunzio’s fiction from Il piacere (1889) to Il fuoco (1900), and charting the presence of several significant Dannunzian hypotexts, it concludes that while Capuana clearly debunks superomismo, he does not definitively reject D’Annunzio’s ideal of art-in-life.