bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated somatic subtypes of localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
Authors: Fox Natalie S , Lalonde Emilie , Livingstone Julie , Hopkins Julia , Shiah Yu-Jia , Huang Vincent , Yamaguchi Takafumi , Sabelnykova Veronica , Heisler Lawrence , Fraser Michael , van der Kwast Theodorus , Bristow Robert G. , Boutros Paul Christopher
Published: March 2017

e560

Background: Approximately two thirds of intermediate risk prostate cancer patients are over- or under- treated because we cannot correctly prognose this risk group; therefore we require novel biomarkers to better direct patient therapies and avoid subjecting patients to side effects without benefit. One reason genomic biomarkers are not currently used in clinical settings is because they are notoriously difficult to validate in follow-up studies. Furthermore, the lack of clear prostate cancer subtypes prevents the development of subtype specific biomarkers as is standard practice in breast cancer. We aim to improve biomarker validation rates by defining prostate cancer subtypes that can be used to create subtype specific biomarkers. Methods: First, we assess large scale genomic patterns using whole genome sequencing and methylation data and create integrative subtypes for intermediate risk prostate cancer. Second, we assess associations between specific aberrations and subtypes, and determine whether certain types of molecular aberrations are more important background aberrations for subtype specific biomarker development. Finally, we assess biases in prognostic performance of the published Lalonde biomarker between groups associated with patient subtypes to show that subtype aware biomarkers are necessary. Results: We demonstrate that the Lalonde biomarker is biased by the cohorts’ proportion of TMPRSS2-ERG (T2E) aberrations illustrating the need to develop different biomarkers for patients with T2E and patients without T2E. Further, we suggest integrative subtypes can be used to select patients with similar genomic profiles for biomarker analysis to improve biomarker validation rates. Conclusions: This analysis provides direct guidance for future biomarker development and addresses an important barrier to clinical use of genomic biomarkers for prostate cancer.
Expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes, aurora kinase A, and interleukin-6 in prostate cancer before androgen ablation.
Authors: Gernone Angela , Trabucco Senia , Resta Leonardo , Napoli Anna
Published: March 2017

e564

Background: Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in prostate cancer (PC) can be detected by immunohistochemistry as single cells in conventional adenocarcinoma. The extent of NED is associated with poor prognosis and early onset of castrate resistant prostate cancer. Aurora kinase A (AURKA) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) cooperate to induce NED. The aim of this study was to correlate the expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) 1- 2- 3- 4- 5 subtypes, AURKA and IL-6 in primary PC with NED pattern and OS. Methods: PC tissues were reviewed from 60 pts who had undergone biopsy or radical prostatectomy for previously untreated advanced or metastatic PC from 2010 to 2016. 10 samples expressed histologically chromogranin A (CgA), a marker of NED expression. Median age was 67 years (47-80), Gleason score ≥ 7, median PSA was 60 ng/ml (1.3-1000), ECOG 0/1 and bone-visceral sites measurable in 90% of cases. For comparison purposes, 8 pathology specimens from pts with primary PC were used. Results: SSTR1-2-4-5 were detected in the nucleus of PC cells in 10/10 samples. SSTR3 and AURKA were not expressed in all 10 samples. IL-6 was detected in 9/10 samples. All 10 pts were associated with a more aggressive clinical course and OS was < 12 mos. Conclusions: In metastatic prostate cancer, pretreatment NED pattern can be a predictor for progression and survival after hormonal and chemotherapy. SSTRs and somatostatin analogs are not potential targets for prostate cancer.
Real life treatment sequences and survival of men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving cabazitaxel in clinical practice across England.
Authors: Birtle Alison J. , Bahl Amit , Butt Mohammad , Pan Shermaine , Carter Angela M , Thomson Alastair H
Published: March 2017

e573

Background: New life-prolonging anticancer treatments (LPT), including docetaxel (D), cabazitaxel (C), abiraterone (A) and enzalutamide (E) have transformed outcomes for patients with mCRPC; however, optimal treatment sequencing is unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the anticancer treatment sequencing and outcomes of patients receiving cabazitaxel in England. Methods: A multi-centre, observational, retrospective study of mCRPC patients treated with cabazitaxel after docetaxel treatment failure was conducted. Data on patient characteristics, anticancer treatments, toxicity and outcomes were collected from medical records between March 2015 and March 2016. Results: 115 patients with mCRPC from 5 English hospitals were evaluated. Mean age at cabazitaxel initiation was 69.4 (SD: 6.7) years. Median time from mCRPC diagnosis to cabazitaxel initiation was 18.0 (interquartile range: 11.4–28.7) months. Cabazitaxel was 2nd line therapy after docetaxel in 58/115 (50%) patients. Patients received a median of 3 (range: 2–4) different LPTs: 5 patients received 2 therapies (DC = 5); 89 patients received 3 therapies (DAC = 44, DCA = 32, DCE = 7, ADC = 4, DEC = 1, EDC = 1); 21 patients received 4 therapies (DACE = 9; DCAE = 5; DCEA = 5; DAEC = 2). Median overall survival (OS) from mCRPC diagnosis and from docetaxel initiation according to number of LPTs is presented in the table. Conclusions: A variety of mCRPC treatment sequences are used in real-world practice. OS was greater in those patients receiving ≥3 LPTs, with a non-significant yet intriguing trend to longer OS with DCA. Further follow up may indicate whether this will become statistically significant. [Table: see text]
Predictors of response to platinum (Pt)-based chemotherapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Authors: Kilari Deepak , Bylow Kathryn A. , Berlin Kathryn E. K.
Published: March 2017

e575

Background: Aggressive variant PC (AVPC) is a well-described subtype of PC which portends a poor prognosis. Studies have shown an increase in progression-free survival(PFS) when Pt is added to taxane-based treatment in AVPC. Clinical features including visceral metastasis, lytic bone lesions, low PSA, short responses to androgen suppression and high Gleason score at diagnosis predict response to upfront docetaxel (D) and Pt (Aparicio et. al. Clin Cancer Res 2013). Our objective was to study the effect of baseline characteristics on PFS with D+Pt in D-pretreated CRPC. Methods: A retrospective review of D-pretreated mCRPC men who received D (60-75 mg/m2) and carboplatin (C, AUC 4-5) at our institution between 2008- 2015 were included in this analysis. All patients had metastatic CRPC, were heavily pre- treated (median treatments = 4) and received at least one cycle of D+C. Numerical data was analyzed using Student’s T-test; binary data was analyzed with Z-proportions test. Results: 28 patients were identified. The median age was 60 yrs(48-73); median PSA at diagnosis was 21ng/dl(0.3-5000); median PSA at the start of D+C was 115.32 ng/dl( 0.65-1395). The response rate was 60.7% and the median time to response was 1 mo. The median reduction in PSA was 48.13%. The median PFS was 6 mo, and median OS was 10 mo. Common treatment – related side effects included grade 1 fatigue (82.14%), pancytopenia (42.86%), and febrile neutropenia (10.71%). Correlation of baseline characteristics to PFS was evaluated. Short response to ADT < 1 yr (p < 0.05), prior response to D (PFS > 6 months) ( p = 0.037), and presence of visceral mets (p < 0.05) predicted better response to D+C. Age (p = 0.27), Gleason score at diagnosis (p = 0.08), performance status at start of therapy (p = 0.27), PSA at diagnosis (p = 0.35), and PSA at start of D+C (p = 0.420) did not predict response. Conclusions: D+C is effective and safe in D pretreated CRPC. Response to prior D, short response to ADT, and the presence of visceral metastasis predicted response to D+C. These are features of AVPC. Prospective studies to validate our findings and identify molecular characteristics of Pt responders are needed in this heavily pre-treated “real world” patient population.
Platelets harbor prostate cancer biomarkers and the ability to predict therapeutic response in castration-resistant patients.
Authors: Thellenberg Karlsson Camilla , Tjon-Kon-Fat Lee-ann , Lundholm Marie , Schröder Mona , Wurdinger Thomas , Widmark Anders , Nilsson Jonas , Wikström Pernilla
Published: March 2017

e583

Background: Novel therapies for castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) have been introduced in the clinic with possibilities for individualized treatment plans. Best practice of those expensive drugs requires predictive biomarker monitoring. This study used circulating biomarker analysis to follow cancer-derived transcripts implicated in therapy resistance. Methods: The isolated platelet population of blood samples and QRT-PCR were used to identify selected biomarker transcripts in patients with CRPC prior chemo- or androgen synthesis directed therapies. The association between biomarker status in platelets (positive vs. negative) and therapy response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was examined. Results: Fifty patients received either docetaxel (n = 24) or abiraterone (n = 26) therapy, with therapy response rates of 54% and 48%, respectively. Transcripts for the PC-associated biomarkers kallikrein-related peptidase-3 ( KLK3), androgen receptor splice-variant 7 (ARV7), folate hydrolase 1 (FOLH1), and neuropeptide-Y ( NPY) were present within the platelet fraction. Analyzing biomarkers in the chemotherapy group did not add information about PFS, but FOLH1 was associated with short OS (p = 0.00015). In the abiraterone treated cohort, detectable FOLH1 (p = 0.009), KLK3 (p = 0.018), and NPY (p = 0.028) were all associated with short PFS. Patients with biomarker-negative platelets had the best outcome, while FOLH1 and NPY provided independent predictive information regarding PFS and KLK3 (p = 0.001) and FOLH1 (p = 0.002) were associated with short OS. Conclusions: Analyzing tumor-derived biomarkers in platelets of CRPC patients enabled prediction of the outcome after abiraterone therapy with high accuracy. Platelet-based analysis of FOLH1, NPY, and KLK3 may be used for treatment stratification of patients scheduled for treatment with abiraterone.
Cell-free DNA as a surrogate marker in patients with CRPCA undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy.
Authors: Haidl Friederike , Kienel Alexandra , Pfister David , Heidenreich Axel
Published: March 2017

e584

Background: Taxane-based chemotherapy is one of the first-line life prolonging therapeutic approaches in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPCA). Until now, there is no valid surrogate marker directly reflecting therapeutic response. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) and imaging studies are used to monitor therapy. The aim of this study was to assess whether circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is suitable as a predictive and prognostic marker. Methods: cfDNA was isolated in 74 patients with mCRPCA receiving taxane based chemotherapy. Median serum cfDNA - concentration was correlated with localization of metastasis and tumor burden (bone, lymph node and visceral). In addition we examined the change of cfDNA - concentration under treatment. The median serum cfDNA - concentration at the time of 1st, 5th and 10th cycle of chemotherapy was correlated with PSA response (>80%, >50%, <30% decrease). Results: We identified 21 patients with a PSA decrease >80%, 41 patients with a PSA decrease >50%, 12 patients with a PSA decrease <30 % and 15 patients with a PSA rise during treatment. Median cfDNA concentration in patients with a PSA decrease of >80% was 34.96 ng/ml, in patients with a PSA decrease > 50% 34.96 ng/ml and in patients with a PSA decrease < 30% 38.475 ng/ml. The Median cfDNA concentration in patients with a PSA rise was 31.25 ng/ml. Median cfDNA concentration in patients with lymph node metastasis was 33.78 ng/ml, with bone metastasis < 3 34.24 ng/ml, bone metastasis >3 31.97 ng/ml and with visceral metastasis 34.57 ng/ml. There was no significant correlation between median cfDNA - concentration and type of metastasis (cfDNA vs. PSA bone metastasis <3, P = 0,56938, cfDNA vs. PSA bone metastasis >3 P = 0.472, cfDNA vs. PSA lymph node metastasis P = 0.423). There was no significant change of median cfDNA concentration under treatment ( P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although cfDNA-concentration is a prognostic and predictive marker for survival and therapy response as shown recently, our findings suggest that cfDNA as a surrogate marker is unsuitable.
Polymer-delivered, subcutaneously administered leuprolide acetate provides consistent and prolonged drug delivery in castrate men with advanced prostate cancer.
Authors: Childs Lane , Atkinson Stuart , McLane John A. , Garrett Steve A.
Published: March 2017

e586

Background: Leuprolide acetate (LA), a LHRH agonist, is standard of care in ADT in prostate cancer and used to suppress serum testosterone (T) to castrate level. Previously, in a head-to-head comparison of long-acting, polymer-delivered, subcutaneously administered LA (SC-LA) and microsphere intramuscularly administered LA depot (IM-LA) in healthy subjects, SC-LA demonstrated extended drug delivery compared to IM-LA, as well as prolonged T suppression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of SC-LA in orchiectomized, advanced prostate cancer patients to confirm and compare PK results with the head-to-head study. Methods: In this open label, single dose study, male, orchiectomized prostate cancer patients (ages 45-85) received a single dose of 7.5 mg SC-LA (labeled for 1 month dose interval). Blood samples were taken at baseline and at all scheduled visits up to day 56. LA concentration in serum was analyzed with HPLC. PK parameters AUC, Cmax, Tmax (time to Cmax), t1/2 and concentration-time data were evaluated and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Results: The study was conducted in 8 males with adenocarcinoma of the prostate (mean age = 72.5 y). Following administration, there was an initial rapid absorption phase with maximal concentrations observed at 2-6 hours. Serum LA fell slowly over 4-6 days and remained above 0.1ng/mL, the level associated with T suppression, for a mean of 37 days (range 28-49). Mean Cmax was 26.3 ±12.6 ng/mL with a mean Tmax of 3.79 ±1.39 h. AUC was 999 ±247 ng*h/mL. There were no serious treatment-related AEs and no subjects discontinued the study due to an AE. Conclusions: LA administered as a single, monthly SC dose via polymer delivery in orchiectomized prostate cancer patients showed extended drug delivery and T suppression 3 weeks past the dosing interval, mirroring extended PK in healthy subjects. Taken together, the PK profile of SC-LA demonstrates effective drug release throughout and beyond the labelled dosing interval.
A multivariate index analyte (MIA) assay for differentiating aggressive from nonaggressive prostate cancer.
Authors: Campbell Douglas , Velonas Vicki , Soon Julie T , Wissmueller Sandra , Gillatt David , Walsh Brad
Published: March 2017

e588

Background: Biomarkers that can assist clinicians and patients to proceed when PSA and /or DRE are equivocal. Such biomarkers should establish both sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer detection in order to improve go-forward decisions to perform prostate biopsy. Following the successful use of a three-protein marker panel to increase the specificity of prostate cancer detection1 we have now used the same technology to examine whether an MIA assay can assist in differentiating aggressive from non-aggressive cancer in prostate cancer patients. Methods: Samples from patients with either aggressive prostate cancer or non- aggressive prostate cancer were obtained from two sources. The cohort criteria comprised of serum samples where blood was drawn from patients with adenocarcinoma and a PSA greater than or equal to 2ng/mL. All men were Caucasian with the exception of 3 who were African American. Non-aggressive prostate cancer was defined as having a Gleason score of 6 (n = 35) and aggressive prostate cancer was characterized as Gleason score 7 and above (n = 69). Biomarker levels were determined using a plate based ELISA for GPC-12 and a bead-based MIA assay for the other markers. Results: By using biostatistical analysis (Simplicity Bio, Switzerland) two models were identified that were able to differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancer. One consisted of a combination of 5 analytes and the other used 6 analytes. Model 1 containing PSA and GPC-1 plus 4 analytes produced a combined sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 78% (AUC 0.81). The second model comprising of GPC-1 with an additional 4 analytes achieved a sensitivity of 72% with a specificity of 76% (AUC 0.76). Both models had a p value of less than 0.05. By itself PSA was a poor predictor of prostate cancer with a sensitivity of 58% and specificity of 43% (AUC 0.55). Conclusions: The analytes identified by the two statistical models demonstrate potential utility for using the combined markers as a new means of differentiating aggressive prostate cancer from non-aggressive cancer. An additional study to further validate these models is currently being constructed.
Radium-223 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Effect of performance score and albumin levels.
Authors: Challapalli Amarnath , Cowley Sue , Griffiths Dorothy , Compton Eleanor , Persad Rajendra , Bahl Amit
Published: March 2017

e594

Background: Radium-223 (Ra223) is a novel alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical agent approved for use in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and bone metastases based on ALSYMPCA results. However, its optimal sequencing in the treatment of mCRPC remains unclear. We evaluated the relevance of albumin (A) levels to aid in optimal selection and timing for Ra223 treatment. Methods: Eighty-eight patients had completed treatment with Ra223 from Feb 2014 - Sep 2016. The patients were planned to receive 6 injections at a dose of 55 kBq/kg every 4 weeks. Visual analogue score (VAS) was used to assess pain. The effect of serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP), docetaxel chemotherapy, A levels and performance score (ECOG-PS) on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: At baseline (BL) median age was 74.5years; 68% of patients were ECOG-PS-0/1; median VAS was 4.5 & median A level was 34g/dL. 48% had received prior docetaxel. 45 patients (51%) received all the scheduled 6 cycles with significant reduction in the pain scores after 6 cycles compared to the BL score (p < 0.05). The reduction in pain scores was independent of the PSA response and ECOG-PS. A 34% reduction in the SAP levels was seen (p = 0.003). The treatment was well tolerated with no grade 3,4 toxicity. Discontinuation rate was 49% (43/88) due to disease progression. In PS-0/1 patients who completed 6 cycles, PFS & OS were significantly longer compared to those who didn't (7.8vs.4.2& 21vs.7.6 months, respectively). Patients with SAP ≤ 220 U/L & A ≥ 34 g/dL also had significantly prolonged OS (16.2vs.8.6 & 16.1vs.9.5 months, respectively). Patients with PS-2/3 also had significantly longer PFS and OS with completion of 6 cycles and prolonged OS with SAP ≤ 220 U/L, but not with A levels. Conclusions: Ra223 is a safe and effective treatment for mCRPC with bone metastases. Completion of 6 cycles improved outcome. Lower SAP and high A levels significantly prolonged OS in PS-1/2 patients. Whilst the level of SAP can be a reflection of disease activity, monitoring A levels and ensuring that Ra223 is started before A level goes below 34, especially in PS-1/2 patients will aid in the benefit from this treatment in mCRPC.
Effect of chemotherapy on survival for intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Authors: Yamamoto Akiyuki , Kato Masashi , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Gotoh Momokazu , Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Sassa Naoto , Yamamoto Tokunori
Published: March 2017

e601

Background: Several studies have reported that intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) was a pathological adverse prognostic factor in patients with prostate cancer; however, there have been no reports regarding the effect of chemotherapy on survival for this group of patients. This study assessed the effect of chemotherapy on survival in patients with IDC-P. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 150 prostate cancer patients who were initially diagnosed with distant metastases from June 2002 to January 2014 at the authors’ affiliated hospitals. All needle biopsy slides were reviewed by a single genitourinary pathologist according to the 2014 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading system. Exclusion criteria were patients with missing data and those receiving local treatment. Seventy-nine patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) were analyzed. Study endpoints included cancer-specific survival after starting chemotherapy and survival duration from diagnosis of CRPC to cancer-related death. Log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazard model were used for statistical analysis. Results: The patients’ median age was 70 years (range 50–85 years). The median serum prostate-specific antigen level at initial diagnosis was 495.0 ng/mL (range 12.6–10,000). IDC-P was found in 62 out of 79 cases. Forty-six patients received docetaxel-based chemotherapy. Patients received a median of seven chemotherapy courses (range 1–55 courses). The cancer-specific survival duration after starting chemotherapy was 16.7 months in patients with IDC-P and 23.4 months in patients without IDC-P (P = 0.068). Chemotherapy could significantly extend survival duration from diagnosis of CRPC in patients with IDC-P (18.4 months vs. 4.4 months, P = 0.001) Conclusions: Although the effect of chemotherapy may be limited in patients with IDC-P, it significantly extended the time from diagnosis of castration-resistant disease to cancer-related death.
Validation of TNM classification for metastatic prostatic cancer treated using primary androgen deprivation therapy.
Authors: Kadono Yoshifumi , Nohara Takahiro , Izumi Kouji , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Hiroyuki Konaka , Mizokami Atsushi , Namiki Mikio , Onozawa Mizuki , Hinotsu Shiro , Akaza Hideyuki
Published: March 2017

e604

Background: The current tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) classification system has been used for many years. The prognosis of patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) treated using primary androgen deprivation therapy (PADT) was analyzed according to the TNM classification. Methods: A total of 5,618 cases with lymph node metastases only (N1M0), non-regional lymph node metastasis (M1a), bone metastasis (M1b), and distant metastasis (M1c) were selected from the Japanese Study Group of Prostate Cancer database. Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. The influence of clinical variables on patient prognosis was evaluated using the Cox’s proportional hazard regression model. Results: Regarding age, patients with M1b tumors were significantly older than were those in the other groups. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels tended to increase as the stage progressed. The Gleason score (GS) was significantly higher in the M1a group compared with the other groups. The 5-year OS was 76.0 % in the N1M0, 57.5 % in M1a, 54.0 % in M1b, and 40.0 % in M1c cases. The 5-year CSS was 83.2 % in the N1M0, 69.0 % in M1a, 63.1 % in M1b, and 51.5 % in M1c cases. The 5-year PFS was 38.8 % in the N1M0, 23.0 % in M1a, 23.0 % in M1b, and 16.6 % in M1c cases. OS, CSS, and PFS declined as the stage progressed; however, there were no statistically significant differences between M1a and M1b cases. Among the patients in the M1b group, the 2,445 cases of N0M1b and the 1,607 cases of N1M1b were compared. OS, CSS and PFS were all significantly worse in N1M1b compared with N0M1b. Multivariate analysis revealed that OS and CSS were worse in patients with a GS ≥ 8, and that combined androgen blockade (CAB) treatment provided better OS than non-CAB treatments at any tumor stage. However, OS and CSS were worse in individuals with a PSA > 100 ng/ml only in M1b. Conclusions: Patient prognosis worsened with stage progression. Each PC cell that develops bone or lymphoid metastasis may exhibit different characteristics. CAB is recommended as the primary treatment for mPC.
An Origin for Lattice Expansion in PVP-Protected Small Pd Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Ohba Tadashi , Kubo Hitoshi , Ohshima Yusuke , Makita Yuichi , Nakamura Noriaki , Uehara Hiromitsu , Takakusagi Satoru , Asakura Kiyotaka
Published: March 2017

Noble metal nanoparticles always show bond length contraction with the decrease in particle size. PVP-protected small Pd metal nanoparticles (MNPs) were reported to have the unique characteristic of expanding Pd-Pd bond lengths with decreases in particle size. To investigate the origin of this phenomenon in more detail, this work examined Pd MNPs supported on SiO2 (Pd MNPs/SiO2) via extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis, where the SiO2 support was used to stabilize the MNPs to prevent unexpected aggregation at higher temperatures. EXAFS data showed that each sample had a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and that the smallest particles had the longest Pd-Pd bonds. Temperature dependent EXAFS measurements also revealed significant static disorder in the bond-elongated Pd MNPs/SiO2 samples. The XAFS spectral features of these bond-elongated Pd MNPs on SiO2 are in good agreement with those for palladium carbide, and we conclude that the lattice expansion in Pd MNPs can be attributed to the formation of palladium carbide.
EFFECT OF ULTRASONIC-ASSISTED COMPACTION ON DENSITY AND HARDNESS OF Cu-CNT NANOCOMPOSITES SINTERED BY CAPSULE-FREE HOT ISOSTATIC PRESSING
Authors: Trung Tran Bao , Phuong Doan Dinh , Luan Nguyen Van , Vasilievich Rubanik Vasili , Dmitrievich Shylin Aliaksandr
Published: March 2017

Cu-CNTs composites were prepared with and without ultrasonic-assisted compaction in this work. The samples were sintered by capsule-free hot isostatic pressing at 920oC and 50 MPa Ar gases. The results showed that the higher relative density and Brinell hardness were obtained for ultrasonic assisted compaction samples (at the same CNT content). For both cases, the highest hardness values was achieved at 0.5 wt.% CNT (49.2 HB and 45.8 HB for specimens with and without the ultrasonic-assisted compaction, respectively). The hardness was then decreased as the CNT content increased. The higher hardness values were resulted from higher densification of the sintered samples with ultrasonic-assisted compaction compared to the others.
Access control and Encryption of sensitive data using i-Se4GE Algorithm
Authors: Padole Mamta , Kanani Pratik
Published: March 2017

Encryption, itself doesn’t prevent interception, but denies the message content to the interceptor. For technical reasons, an encryption scheme usually uses a pseudo-random encryption key generated by an algorithm. It is impossible to decrypt the message without possessing the key, but, for a well-designed encryption scheme, large computational resources and skills are required to decrypt it. An authorized recipient can easily decrypt the message with the key provided by the originator to recipients, but not to unauthorized interceptors.
Data hiding is the skill of hiding messages in such a ways the only the sender and the receiver of the message knows that the message has been hidden. In the context of secured information transmission and reception, efficient techniques for data encryption and decryption are very much essential. In this paper, a message transfer application is developed which mainly focusses on secret message transfer between two parties. Used scheme not only focusses on text but also the encryption of images and videos. A unique algorithm i-Se4GE is used for the transfer of keys required for the encryption and decryption of messages. This algorithm makes use of a set of random numbers, timestamp of the two users, a set of public keys and dynamic keys. The algorithm uses a two-step authentication request-reply process which provides it a double layer security.
Optimized Image Mosaicing with Moment Invariants and SIFT features
Authors: Agrawal Vikram , Bheda Dilipsinh
Published: March 2017

In the field of Image mosaicing, much research has been done to fulfil the two major challenges, time complexity and quality improvement. Proposed method is a pre-processing step before actual image stitching carried out. The method aims to find out the overlapping regions in two images. Thus features can be extracted from these overlapping regions and not from the whole images, which result into reduction of computation time. For detecting overlapping portion, gradient based edge extraction method and invariant moments are used. In the deduced region, SIFT features are extraction to determine the matching features. The registration process carried out by RANSAC algorithm and final output mosaic will obtained by warping the images. An optimized approach to calculate the moment difference values is presented to improve time efficiency and quality.
A Novel Blind Digital Watermarking Based on SVD and Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Dabas Neelam , Singh Rampal , Chaudhary Vikash
Published: March 2017

Modification of media and illegal production is a big problem now a days because of free availability of digital media. Protection and securing the digital data is a challenge. An Integer Wavelet Transformation (IWT) domain based robust watermarking scheme with Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) have been proposed and tested on different images. In this proposed scheme, a watermark or logo is embedded in the IWT domain as ownership information with SVD and ELM is trained to learn the relationship between the original coefficient and the watermarked one. This trained ELM is used in the extraction process to extract the embedded logo from the image. Experimental results show that the proposed watermarking scheme is robust against various image attacks like Blurring, Noise, Cropping, Rotation, Sharpening etc. Performance analysis of proposed watermarking scheme is measured with Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Bit Error Rate (BER)
Improved fair Scheduling Algorithm for Hadoop Clustering
Authors: Sneha Sneha , Sebastian Shoney
Published: March 2017

Traditional way of storing such a huge amount of data is not convenient because processing those data in the later stages is very tedious job. So nowadays, Hadoop is used to store and process large amount of data. When we look at the statistics of data generated in the recent years it is very high in the last 2 years. Hadoop is a good framework to store and process data efficiently. It works like parallel processing and there is no failure or data loss as such due to fault tolerance. Job scheduling is an important process in Hadoop Map Reduce. Hadoop comes with three types of schedulers namely FIFO (First in first out), Fair and Capacity Scheduler. The schedulers are now a pluggable component in the Hadoop Map Reduce framework. This paper talks about the native job scheduling algorithms in Hadoop. Fair scheduling algorithm is analysed with its algorithm considering its response time, throughput and performance. Advantages and drawbacks of fair scheduling algorithm is discussed. Improvised fair scheduling algorithm is proposed with new strategy. Analysis is made with respect to response time, throughput and performance is calculated in naive fair scheduling and improvised fair scheduling. Improvised fair Scheduling algorithms is used in the cases where there is jobs with high and less processing time.
Privacy Preservation and Data Security on Internet Using Mutual Ssl
Authors: Sebastian S , Chouhan R.S
Published: March 2017

It is essential to maintain a ratio between privacy protection and knowledge discovery. Internet users depend daily on SSL/HTPS for secure communication on internet.
Over the years, many attacks on the certificate trust model it uses have been evolved. Mutual SSL authentication shared verification alludes to two parties validating each other through checking the digital certificate so that both sides are guaranteed of the other’s identity.
In technical terms, it alludes to a client (web program or client application) authenticate themselves to the server (server application) and that server likewise confirming itself to the client through checking the general public key certificate issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CA). Since confirmation depends on computerized Certificate, certification authorities, for example, Verisign or Microsoft Declaration Server are a critical part of mutual authentication process.
From an abnormal state perspective, the way toward authenticating and setting up an encrypted channel using certificate-based mutual SSL authentication.
Does the word ‘quiet’ really make things busier?
Authors: Lamb JN , Howard AJ , Marciniak J , Shenolikar A
Published: March 2017

Statistics vs superstition: Taking a look at medicine’s ‘Macbeth’
Declining applications to surgical specialist training
Authors: Green Richard , Steven Richard , Haddow Kerry
Published: March 2017

An ENT perspective on when we should start to worry.
Pengaruh Kinesio Taping dan Abduction Brace Terhadap Panjang Otot Adduktor Hip pada Anak Palsi Serebral Tipe Spastik Diplegi
Authors: Natsir Selvi , Noviana Mita , Rusyanto Dwi
Published: March 2017

Latar belakang. Anak palsi serebral tipe spastik diplegi mengalami peningkatan tonus pada beberapa otot, salah satunya adalah otot adduktor hip, akibatnya tungkai mengalami kekakuan yang akan berdampak pada perkembangan anak. Tujuan. Menilai pengaruh kinesio taping dan abduction brace dalam mengubah tonus otot dan meningkatkan panjang otot adduktor. Metode. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah pra-eksperimental dengan responden terdiri dari 15 anak palsi serebral tipe spastik diplegi yang berusia 2-13 tahun. Data yang dikumpulkan meliputi nilai tonus otot dan panjang otot adduktor yang dievaluasi menggunakan skala Ashworth dan manual goniometer sebelum dan sesudah 6 kali intervensi. Hasil. Terdapat perbedaan sebelum dan setelah intervensi dinilai dengan skala Asworth mengalami penurunan (p=0,002), sedangkan panjang otot adduktor mengalami peningkatan (p=0,000). Hasil korelasi negatif yang signifikan juga diperoleh antara tingkat spastisitas dengan panjang otot adduktor (r=0,866; p=0,000). Kesimpulan. Kombinasi kinesio taping dan abduction brace dapat meningkatkan panjang otot adduktor hip melalui penurunan tonus otot pada anak palsi serebral tipe spastik diplegi.
The perceptions of supervising teachers on the prospective-teacher training: A phenomenographic research
Authors: Koç Sevda , Akran Koray
Published: March 2017

The main purpose of this research is to identify the perceptions of supervising teachers on prospective- teacher training through phenomenographic method. Phenomenography is a method which determines how the people perceive the events and issues around them and how they explain them by conceptualizing. The working group of the research includes Subject and Classroom teachers working in the central provinces of Siirt and Batman chosen by random sampling. As data collection tool, questions that teachers' personal information take place and a semi-structured interview form including three open-ended questions trying to state the perceptions about  prospective- teacher training are prepared and in order to determine the validity of the questionnaire it was submitted to two experts. In accordance with the expert opinions, the interview form has been made ready to apply with necessary corrections. The first question in the interview form is “To me, the prospective- teacher training means…… ” the second one is “The positive sides of prospective- teacher training are……………………. Because……..”, and the third one is “The negative sides of the prospective-teacher training are ……….....Because……”.  A period of 20-25 minutes is given to specify the perceptions of teachers on the prospective- teacher training. Teachers’ answers to these questions / opinions have been adopted as the main source of research data. These concepts and statements have been transferred to the computer and as a result of eliminations made in the computer, the remaining concepts and statements are divided into certain categories. Proposals have been made in accordance with the categories obtained.
When is the cayley graph of a semigroup isomorphic to the cayley graph of a group
Authors: Wang Shoufeng
Published: March 2017

It is well known that Cayley graphs of groups are automatically vertex-transitive. A pioneer result of Kelarev and Praeger implies that Cayley graphs of semigroups can be regarded as a source of possibly new vertex-transitive graphs. In this note, we consider the following problem: Is every vertex-transitive Cayley graph of a semigroup isomorphic to a Cayley graph of a group? With the help of the results of Kelarev and Praeger, we show that the vertex-transitive, connected and undirected finite Cayley graphs of semigroups are isomorphic to Cayley graphs of groups, and all finite vertex-transitive Cayley graphs of inverse semigroups are isomorphic to Cayley graphs of groups. Furthermore, some related problems are proposed.
Difference of two strong Światkowski lower semicontinuous functions
Authors: Menkyna Robert
Published: March 2017

The problem of a family functions representable as the difference of two lower semicontinuous strong Światkowski functions is discussed. Particularly, we suggest how to characterize such systems.
Subcontracting Workshop – GERPAC 2016
Authors: Brandely-Piat Marie-Laure , Bouchoud Lucie
Published: March 2017

Drug preparation requires an adequate number of qualified people and premises adapted. Legal requirements for manufacturing drugs are constantly increasing. To face these exigencies, outsourcing preparations between hospital pharmacies or other manufacturers has developed in recent years. Different preparations such as anticancer drugs, parenteral nutritions or other individual or hospital batch preparations can be outsourced.

The objective of the workshop was to discuss the following points:

– Regulatory aspects

– Methodology for the implementation of the outsourcing

– Development of the contract between the Contract Giver and the Contract Acceptor

– Monitoring of outsourcing in particular by carrying out audits

These various elements have been discussed theoretically and enriched the workshop with practical experiences of the participants. Subcontracting is an activity well developed and growing. Pharmacists are familiar with regulatory aspects to initiate a new contract, but there is a lack in follow-up and audit over the period of subcontracting. Efforts need to be done to implement regular audit.
Separation of 195(m,g),197mHg from bulk gold target by liquid-liquid extraction using hydrophobic ionic liquids
Authors: Ghosh Kaustab , Maiti Moumita , Lahiri Susanta
Published: March 2017

The 195(m,g),197mHg radionuclides were produced in accelerator when natural Au foil was irradiated with 23 MeV protons. The no-carrier-added (NCA) Hg radioisotopes were separated from the bulk Au target by liquid-liquid extraction (LLX) employing hydrophobic RTILs 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate([C4mim][PF6]) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide([bmim][Tf2N]) as extractant with HNO3 and HCl. In each case, bulk Au was extracted into the RTIL phase leaving NCA Hg-radionuclides in the aqueous phase. The RTILs were recovered by washing with 1 M K2S2O5 and freshly prepared 1 M FeSO4. The reported separation methods follow green chemistry approach as it does not involve any volatile reagents.
Thymoquinone attenuates brain injury via an antioxidative pathway in a status epilepticus rat model
Authors: Shao Yi-ye , Li Bing , Huang Yong-mei , Luo Qiong , Xie Yang-mei , Chen Ying-hui
Published: March 2017

Aim

Status epilepticus (SE) results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to seizure-induced brain injury. It is well known that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in status epilepticus (SE). Thymoquinone (TQ) is a bioactive monomer extracted from black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed oil that has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant activity in various diseases. This study evaluated the protective effects of TQ on brain injury in a lithium-pilocarpine rat model of SE and investigated the underlying mechanism related to antioxidative pathway.

Methods

Electroencephalogram and Racine scale were used to value seizure severity. Passive-avoidance test was used to determine learning and memory function. Moreover, anti-oxidative activity of TQ was observed using Western blot and super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay.

Results

Latency to SE increased in the TQ-pretreated group compared with rats in the model group, while the total power was significantly lower. Seizure severity measured on the Racine scale was significantly lower in the TQ group compared with the model group. Results of behavioral experiments suggest that TQ may also have a protective effect on learning and memory function. Investigation of the protective mechanism of TQ showed that TQ-pretreatment significantly increased the expression of Nrf2, HO-1 proteins and SOD in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

These findings showed that TQ attenuated brain injury induced by SE via an anti-oxidative pathway.
Roman Chair Back Extension Is/Is Not a Safe and Effective Exercise?
Authors: Schoenfeld Brad , Kolber Morey J. , Contreras Bret , Hanney William J.
Published: March 2017

THE ROMAN CHAIR BACK EXTENSION EXERCISE IS PERFORMED WITH THE INTENT OF IMPROVING HIP AND SPINAL EXTENSOR MUSCLE PERFORMANCE. DESPITE EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE AFOREMENTIONED BENEFITS, PERFORMANCE OF THIS EXERCISE MAY INCREASE THE RISK FOR LOW BACK PAIN AMONG CERTAIN POPULATION SUBGROUPS. ALTHOUGH A CLEAR VERDICT ON THE RISK-TO-BENEFIT RATIO REMAINS ELUSIVE, A DISCUSSION OF AVAILABLE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE (OR LACK THEREOF) SHOULD PROVIDE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROFESSIONALS WITH INFORMATION NECESSARY FOR DECISION MAKING. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. VISIT
NSCA-SCJ.COM
TO WEIGH IN ON THE POINT/COUNTERPOINT QUICK POLL.
Cytosolic DNA sensor-initiated innate immune responses in mouse ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Yan Keqin , Feng Dingqing , Liang Jing , Wang Qing , Deng Lin , Zhang Xiao , Ling Bin , Han Daishu
Published: March 2017

Viral infections of the ovary may perturb ovarian functions. However, the mechanisms underlying innate immune responses in the ovary are poorly understood. The present study demonstrates that cytosolic viral DNA sensor signaling initiates the innate immune response in mouse ovarian granulosa cells and affects endocrine function. The cytosolic DNA sensors p204 and cGAS and their common signaling adaptor stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) were constitutively expressed in granulosa cells. Transfection with VACV70, a synthetic vaccinia virus (VACV) DNA analog, induced the expression of type I interferons (IFNA/B) and major inflammatory cytokines (TNFA and IL6) through IRF3 and NF-κB activation respectively. Moreover, several IFN-inducible antiviral proteins, including 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase, IFN-stimulating gene 15 and Mx GTPase 1, were also induced by VACV70 transfection. The innate immune responses in granulosa cells were significantly reduced by the transfection of specific small-interfering RNAs targeting p204, cGas or Sting. Notably, the VACV70-triggered innate immune responses affected steroidogenesis in vivo and in vitro. The data presented in this study describe the mechanism underlying ovarian immune responses to viral infection.
TEISMO POSĖDŽIO DALYVIŲ TEISĖSAUGOS INSTITUCIJŲ IR PAREIGŪNŲ ELGESIO VERTINIMAI: 2012 IR 2015 METŲ TYRIMŲ DUOMENYS
Authors: Valickas Gintautas , Vanagaitė Kristina
Published: March 2017

Straipsnyje analizuojama, kaip įvairių Lietuvos teismų posėdžių dalyviai vertina teisėsaugos institucijas, savo įsipareigojimą paklusti įstatymams ir pareigūnams, pareigūnų elgesį, teismo patalpas ir darbuotojus (ne teisėjus), taip pat siūlomus teismų sistemos pokyčius. Palyginus 2012 ir 2015 metų duomenis, daugeliu atvejų nustatyti teigiami tiriamųjų vertinimų pokyčiai.
General subsidy as source of income for rural municipalities in Poland
Authors: Kańduła Sławomira
Published: March 2017

Research into the differences between income-generating capacities of rural municipalities and the effectiveness of vertical and horizontal transfers in levelling these differences reflects the financial situation of municipalities and their ability to meet the needs of local communities. The conclusions of this study can be used in the implementation of the government's financial policy. The aim of this article is to analyse and assess the effectiveness of the general subsidy for rural municipalities in Poland. The income-generating capacities of municipalities are expressed in the amount of tax revenue per capita, and its primary and secondary diversity is measured by the coefficient of variation weighted by the number of inhabitants. The study found very significant discrepancies among income-generating capacities of rural municipalities in Poland. The effectiveness of the fiscal equalization mechanism is moderately high, as individual transfers vary with respect to their "equalising power".
Adult non-formal learning motives and future needs: Klaipėda city's case
Authors: Pikturnaitė Ilvija , Jonuševičienė Judita , Kavolius Robertas
Published: March 2017

The lack of learning motivation is often presented as one of the reasons that interfere adults to learn. Therefore the purpose of research is to reveal Klaipėda city residents’, employers’ and other social partners’ motives and future needs of participation in non-formal education. The questionnaire survey of Klaipėda city residents, employers and other social partners was implemen-ted by using pre-made standardized questionnaires, which were composed with consideration of the Lithuanian Republic Non-formal Adult Education Law. Klaipėda city residents link non-formal learning more closely to gratification of individual interests. Employers and social partners expressed positive attitude towards learning.