bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Anemia among Children Aged 6–59 Months Living in Kilte Awulaelo Woreda, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreegziabiher Gebremedhin , Etana Belachew , Niggusie Daniel
Published: September 2014

Introduction.The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and determinant factors among children aged 6–59 months living in Kilte Awulaelo Woreda, eastern zone.Method.A community based cross-sectional study was conducted during February 2013 among 6 tabias of Kilte Awulaelo Woreda, northern Ethiopia. A total of 568 children were selected by systematic random sampling method. Anthropometric data and blood sample were collected. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors related to anemia.Result.The mean hemoglobin level was 11.48 g/dl and about 37.3% of children were anemic. Children who were aged 6–23 months [AOR = 1.89: 95% CI (1.3, 2.8)], underweight [AOR = 2.05: 95% CI (1.3, 3.3)], having MUAC less than 12 cm [AOR = 3.35: 95% CI (2.1, 5.3)], and from households with annual income below 10,000 Ethiopian birr [AOR = 4.86: 95% CI (3.2, 7.3)] were more likely to become anemic.Conclusion.The prevalence of anemia among the children is found to be high. It was associated with annual household income, age, and nutritional status of the child. So, improving family income and increasing awareness of the mother/caregiver were important intervention.
Steepest-Ascent Revisited: Unconstrained Missile Trajectory
Authors: Khalil Elsayed M. , Zhou Hao , Chen Wanchun
Published: September 2014

A Steepest-Ascent numerical procedure for offline trajectory optimization of a surface-to-surface missile attacking a stationary target is presented. A detailed numerical solution, starting from building the mathematical formulation till generating an offline angle of attack control history, is illustrated. A novel approach for guessing a nominal control program is conducted. The formulation entails nonlinear 2-DOF missile flight dynamics with mixed boundary conditions. The technique of changing of variables is adopted to convert the free-final-time optimization problem to a fixed-final-time one. The influences of the optimization algorithm controlling parameters are investigated. A new form of the weighting matrix is proposed. A novel technique of relaxation factors for eliminating the terminal states violation is described. Finally, a comparison between the obtained control history and the one obtained by a nonlinear optimal control package “GPOPS” is presented. The results indicate that the use of Steepest-Ascent method, to a great extent, is comparable in accuracy and iteration time to the pseudospectral optimization package “GPOPS.” This paper, to a great extent, is a detailed procedure for the method of Steepest-Ascent analyzed and verified by the authors from many undetailed sources to disclosure of the main problems faced by user of Steepest-Ascent.
Long Time Behavior for a System of Differential Equations with Non-Lipschitzian Nonlinearities
Authors: Tatar Nasser-Eddine
Published: September 2014

We consider a general system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations of first order. The nonlinearities involve distributed delays in addition to the states. In turn, the distributed delays involve nonlinear functions of the different variables and states. An explicit bound for solutions is obtained under some rather reasonable conditions. Several special cases of this system may be found in neural network theory. As a direct application of our result it is shown how to obtain global existence and, more importantly, convergence to zero at an exponential rate in a certain norm. All these nonlinearities (including the activation functions) may be non-Lipschitz and unbounded.
A Semigroup Expansion for Pricing Barrier Options
Authors: Kato Takashi , Takahashi Akihiko , Yamada Toshihiro
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a new asymptotic expansion method for pricing continuously monitoring barrier options. In particular, we develop a semigroup expansion scheme for the Cauchy-Dirichlet problem in the second-order parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) arising in barrier option pricing. As an application, we propose a concrete approximation formula under a stochastic volatility model and demonstrate its validity by some numerical experiments.
Dual Adaptive Filtering by Optimal Projection Applied to Filter Muscle Artifacts on EEG and Comparative Study
Authors: Boudet Samuel , Peyrodie Laurent , Szurhaj William , Bolo Nicolas , Pinti Antonio , Gallois Philippe
Published: September 2014

Muscle artifacts constitute one of the major problems in electroencephalogram (EEG) examinations, particularly for the diagnosis of epilepsy, where pathological rhythms occur within the same frequency bands as those of artifacts. This paper proposes to use the method dual adaptive filtering by optimal projection (DAFOP) to automatically remove artifacts while preserving true cerebral signals. DAFOP is a two-step method. The first step consists in applying the common spatial pattern (CSP) method to two frequency windows to identify the slowest components which will be considered as cerebral sources. The two frequency windows are defined by optimizing convolutional filters. The second step consists in using a regression method to reconstruct the signal independently within various frequency windows. This method was evaluated by two neurologists on a selection of 114 pages with muscle artifacts, from 20 clinical recordings of awake and sleeping adults, subject to pathological signals and epileptic seizures. A blind comparison was then conducted with the canonical correlation analysis (CCA) method and conventional low-pass filtering at 30 Hz. The filtering rate was 84.3% for muscle artifacts with a 6.4% reduction of cerebral signals even for the fastest waves. DAFOP was found to be significantly more efficient than CCA and 30 Hz filters. The DAFOP method is fast and automatic and can be easily used in clinical EEG recordings.
Feature Selection for Better Identification of Subtypes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: Hernández-Torruco José , Canul-Reich Juana , Frausto-Solís Juan , Méndez-Castillo Juan José
Published: September 2014

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder which has not been explored using clustering algorithms. Clustering algorithms perform more efficiently when they work only with relevant features. In this work, we applied correlation-based feature selection (CFS), chi-squared, information gain, symmetrical uncertainty, and consistency filter methods to select the most relevant features from a 156-feature real dataset. This dataset contains clinical, serological, and nerve conduction tests data obtained from GBS patients. The most relevant feature subsets, determined with each filter method, were used to identify four subtypes of GBS present in the dataset. We used partitions around medoids (PAM) clustering algorithm to form four clusters, corresponding to the GBS subtypes. We applied the purity of each cluster as evaluation measure. After experimentation, symmetrical uncertainty and information gain determined a feature subset of seven variables. These variables conformed as a dataset were used as input to PAM and reached a purity of 0.7984. This result leads to a first characterization of this syndrome using computational techniques.
Multiple Components of the VHL Tumor Suppressor Complex Are Frequently Affected by DNA Copy Number Loss in Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Rowbotham David A. , Enfield Katey S. S. , Martinez Victor D. , Thu Kelsie L. , Vucic Emily A. , Stewart Greg L. , Bennewith Kevin L. , Lam Wan L.
Published: September 2014

Pheochromocytomas (PCC) are rare tumors that arise in chromaffin tissue of the adrenal gland. PCC are frequently inherited through predisposing mutations in genes such as the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor. VHL is part of the VHL elongin BC protein complex that also includes CUL2/5, TCEB1, TCEB2, and RBX1; in normoxic conditions this complex targets hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A) for degradation, thus preventing a hypoxic response.VHLinactivation by genetic mechanisms, such as mutation and loss of heterozygosity, inhibits HIF1A degradation, even in the presence of oxygen, and induces a pseudohypoxic response. However, the described <10% VHL mutation rate cannot account for the high frequency of hypoxic response observed. Indeed, little is known about genetic mechanisms disrupting other complex component genes. Here, we show that, in a panel of 171 PCC tumors, 59.6% harbored gene copy number loss (CNL) of at least one complex component. CNL significantly reduced gene expression and was associated with enrichment of gene targets controlled by HIF1. Interestingly, we show that VHL-related renal clear cell carcinoma harbored disruption ofVHLalone. Our results indicate that VHL elongin BC protein complex components other than VHL could be important for PCC tumorigenesis and merit further investigation.
Multipurpose Water Reservoir Management: An Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization Approach
Authors: Scola Luís A. , Takahashi Ricardo H. C. , Cerqueira Sérgio A. A. G.
Published: September 2014

The reservoirs that feed large hydropower plants should be managed in order to provide other uses for the water resources. Those uses include, for instance, flood control and avoidance, irrigation, navigability in the rivers, and other ones. This work presents an evolutionary multiobjective optimization approach for the study of multiple water usages in multiple interlinked reservoirs, including both power generation objectives and other objectives not related to energy generation. The classical evolutionary algorithm NSGA‐II is employed as the basic multiobjective optimization machinery, being modified in order to cope with specific problem features. The case studies, which include the analysis of a problem which involves an objective of navigability on the river, are tailored in order to illustrate the usefulness of the data generated by the proposed methodology for decision‐making on the problem of operation planning of multiple reservoirs with multiple usages. It is shown that it is even possible to use the generated data in order to determine the cost of any new usage of the water, in terms of the opportunity cost that can be measured on the revenues related to electric energy sales.
Bioavailability Studies of Metals in Surface Water of River Challawa, Nigeria
Authors: Uzairu A. , Okunola O. J. , Wakawa R. J. , Adewusi S. G.
Published: September 2014

Due to industrialization of Kano City, more industries located within Challawa industrial estate have discharged waste informed of effluents into River Challawa, which is the main source of irrigation water for agricultural land. Hence, this study is aim at assessing the bioavailable fractions of the metals zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) in surface water of river Challawa, Kano, Nigeria, across seasons. It was found that the concentrations of most metals increased significantly during the dry seasons. Concentrations of Cu and Zn are within the standard limits of EPA and WHO for these metals in drinking water while Pb, Cr, and Cd have their concentrations higher than EPA and WHO standard limits. Analysis of relationship between metals indicated significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between Cr and Zn, in all seasons with exception of warm and dry season. This might explain the consistent variation of these metals in the sites in a particular season. Also, significant negative correlation was observed between Cd and Cu (hot and dry season). The chemical fractionation trends were found to be dominated by particulate fractions of metals studied except Zn (cool and dry season) and Cd. The highest percentages of all metals analysed were found in the particulate fraction with exception of Cd. This could reflect less availability of this metal to the immediate environment. However, availability of metals such as Cd, Cr, and Pb in the dissolved and mobile fractions reflects the greater tendency to become available to the aquatic system and through the food chain to man.
Alsin Related Disorders: Literature Review and Case Study with Novel Mutations
Authors: Flor-de-Lima Filipa , Sampaio Mafalda , Nahavandi Nahid , Fernandes Susana , Leão Miguel
Published: September 2014

Mutations in theALS2gene cause three distinct disorders: infantile ascending hereditary spastic paraplegia, juvenile primary lateral sclerosis, and autosomal recessive juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We present a review of the literature and the case of a 16-year-old boy who is, to the best of our knowledge, the first Portuguese case with infantile ascending hereditary spastic paraplegia. Clinical investigations included sequencing analysis of the ALS2 gene, which revealed a heterozygous mutation in exon 5 (c.1425_1428del p.G477Afs*19) and a heterozygous and previously unreported variant in exon 3 (c.145G>A p.G49R). We also examined 42 reported cases on the clinical characteristics and neurophysiological and imaging studies of patients with known ALS2 gene mutations sourced from PubMed. This showed that an overlap of phenotypic manifestations can exist in patients with infantile ascending hereditary spastic paraplegia, juvenile primary lateral sclerosis, and juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity ofN′-[(Z)-(3-Methyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazol-4-ylidene)(phenyl)methyl]benzohydrazide and Its Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) Complexes
Authors: Asegbeloyin Jonnie N. , Ujam Oguejiofo T. , Okafor Emmanuel C. , Babahan Ilknur , Coban Esin Poyrazoglu , Özmen Ali , Biyik Halil
Published: September 2014

Reaction of 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-pyrazol-5-one and benzoyl hydrazide in refluxing ethanol gaveN′-[(Z)-(3-methyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazol-4-ylidene)(phenyl)methyl]benzohydrazide (HL1), which was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray structure study. X-ray diffraction analyses of the crystals revealed a nonplanar molecule, existing in the keto-amine form, with intermolecular hydrogen bonding forming a seven-membered ring system. The reaction of HL1with Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) halides gave the corresponding complexes, which were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic measurements, and infrared and electronic spectral studies. The compounds were screened for theirin vitrocytotoxic activity against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells and antimicrobial activity against some bacteria and yeasts. Results showed that the compounds are potent against HL-60 cells with the IC50value ≤5 μM, while some of the compounds were active against few studied Gram-positive bacteria.
Advances in Hypergolic Propellants: Ignition, Hydrazine, and Hydrogen Peroxide Research
Authors: Davis Stephen M. , Yilmaz Nadir
Published: September 2014

A review of the literature pertaining to hypergolic fuel systems, particularly using hydrazine or its derivatives and hydrogen peroxide, has been conducted. It has been shown that a large effort has been made towards minimizing the risks involved with the use of a toxic propellant such as the hydrazine. Substitution of hydrazines for nontoxic propellant formulations such as the use of high purity hydrogen peroxide with various types of fuels is one of the major areas of study for future hypergolic propellants. A series of criteria for future hypergolic propellants has been recommended, including low toxicity, wide temperature range applicability, short ignition delay, high specific impulse or density specific impulse, and storability at room temperature.
Impact of Identification and Treatment of Depression in Heart Transplant Patients
Authors: Okwuosa Ike , Pumphrey Dara , Puthumana Jyothy , Brown Rachel-Maria , Cotts William
Published: September 2014

Background. The effects of clinical depression after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) are relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of depression on outcomes after OHT. Methods. We performed a single center retrospective review of 102 consecutive patients who underwent OHT at Northwestern Memorial Hospital from June 2005 to October 2009. The diagnosis of depression was obtained from attending physician documentation. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality (ACM), hospitalizations, and rejection. Results. Of 102 OHT patients, 26 (26%) had depression. Depressed patients were similar in age to nondepressed patients (57.6 years versus 56.9, P=0.79). There was no statistical difference in survival between groups at 5 years after OHT (P=0.94). All-cause hospitalizations were higher in depressed versus nondepressed patients (4.3 versus 2.6 hospitalizations P=0.05). There were no significant differences in hospitalizations between the two groups for the following complications: cardiac (heart failure, edema, arrhythmias, and acute rejection) and infections. There was no significant difference in episodes of 2R and 3R rejection. Conclusion. Early identification and treatment of depression in OHT patients result in outcomes similar to nondepressed patients.
Autoimmune Demyelinating Polyneuropathy as a Manifestation of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease after Adult Cord Blood Transplantation in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Hogan Fredrick , Solh Melhem
Published: September 2014

Immune mediated demyelinating disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a rare entity with unclear etiology. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) has been reported after related and adult unrelated allogeneic stem cell transplantation but no such case has been reported after unrelated cord blood transplantation. We hereby present the first case of AIDP after double umbilical cord blood transplantation (DUCBT). A 55-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) received a cord blood transplant for relapsed refractory disease with high risk cytogenetics. On day 221, patient presented with skin rash, tingling in both lower extremites, and ascending paralysis that progressed rapidly over the course of 2 days. The workup resulted in a diagnosis of AIDP and administration of intravenous immunoglobulins plus steroids was initiated. Motor and sensory powers were fully recovered and his chronic GVHD was managed for several months with single agent sirolimus.
Assessment of Size-Dependent Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Jeong Yoon , Lim Dong Woo , Choi Jonghoon
Published: September 2014

Nanoscale silver has been increasingly applied to commercial products for their antimicrobial function as antibiotics and disinfectants. In this work, the different sizes of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were studied not only inMethylobacterium spp. for their antimicrobial potential but also in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for their cytotoxicity in order to determine responses dependent on their particle size. Size controlled silver particles were prepared by chemical reduction of silver cations (Ag+) and then dispersed in water for their physicochemical characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements. To ascertain antimicrobial response, water-soluble silver nanoparticles were mixed intoMethylobacterium spp. cultured for two days and the sample from the broth was spread on the agar plate for colony counting. 10 nm nanoparticles showed more antimicrobial activity than 100 nm particles at which concentrations were equivalently controlled. Increased cytotoxic effect of smaller silver nanoparticles was also observed in PBMCs cocultured with particles. Silver ions released from 10 nm particles might be correlated with upregulated antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of AgNPs.
Molecular Characterization of Chicken Anemia Virus Circulating in Chicken Flocks in Egypt
Authors: AboElkhair Mohammed , Abd El-Razak Alaa G. , Metwally Abd Elnaby Y.
Published: September 2014

Introduction. Although many previous studies reported detection of chicken anemia virus (CAV) in Egypt since 1990, genomic characterization of this circulating CAV has not been published. In the present study, four nucleotide sequences of detected CAV were genetically characterized.Methods. These nucleotide sequences were obtained from commercial chicken flocks in two different locations of Egypt during 2010. The target region for sequencing was 675 bp nucleotide of partial coding region of VP1 protein. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the detected CAV were aligned and compared to worldwide CAV isolates including commonly used vaccine strains. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences was also carried out.Results. Our results showed that all the Egyptian CAV sequences were grouped in one group with viruses from diverse geographic regions. This group is characterized by amino acids profile75I,97L,139Q, and144Q in VP1. The phylogenetic and amino acid analyses of deduced amino acid indicated that the detected CAV sequences differ from CAV vaccine strains.Conclusion. This is the first report that describes molecular characterization of circulating CAV in Egypt. The study showed that the detected CAV, in Egypt are field viruses and unrelated to vaccine strains.
Pharmacovigilance Practices for Better Healthcare Delivery: Knowledge and Attitude Study in the National Malaria Control Programme of India
Authors: Gupta Pooja , Anvikar Anupkumar R. , Valecha Neena , Gupta Yogendra K.
Published: September 2014

Objective. With large scale rollout of artemisinin based therapy in the National Malaria Control Programme of India, a risk management plan is needed. This depends on adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting by the healthcare professionals (HCPs). For the programme to be successful, an understanding of the mindset of HCPs is critical. Hence, the present study was designed to assess and compare the ADR reporting beliefs of HCPs involved in the National Malaria Control Programme of India. Methods. A cross–sectional survey was conducted amongst the HCPs who manage malaria up to the district level in India. A 5-point Likert scale-based questionnaire was developed as a study tool. Results. A total of 154 HCPs participated in the study (age: 42.4 ± 10.1 years with 33.8% being females). About 61% felt that only medically qualified HCPs are responsible for ADR reporting. Likeliness to report in future was mentioned by 45% HCPs. The knowledge score was relatively lower for life science graduates (P=0.09). Knowledge correlated positively with attitude (r2=0.114; P<0.0001). Conclusion. Based on the caveats identified, a specific and targeted in-service education with hands-on training on ADR monitoring and reporting needs to be designed to boost real time pharmacovigilance in India.
Timing of Tracheotomy in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Alhajhusain Ahmad , Ali Ailia W. , Najmuddin Asif , Hussain Kashif , Aqeel Masooma , El-Solh Ali A.
Published: September 2014

Background.The optimal timing of tracheotomy and its impact on weaning from mechanical ventilation in critically ill morbidly obese patients remain controversial.Methods.We conducted a retrospective chart review of morbidly obese subjects (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2or BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2and one or more comorbid conditions) who underwent a tracheotomy between July 2008 and June 2013 at a medical intensive care unit (ICU). Clinical characteristics, rates of nosocomial pneumonia (NP), weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV), and mortality rates were analyzed.Results.A total of 102 subjects (42 men and 60 women) were included; their mean age and BMI were 56.3 ± 15.1 years and 53.3 ± 13.6 kg/m2, respectively. There was no difference in the rate of NP between groups stratified by successful weaning from MV (P=0.43). Mortality was significantly higher in those who failed to wean (P=0.02). A cutoff value of 9 days for the time to tracheotomy provided the best balanced sensitivity (72%) and specificity (59.8%) for predicting NP onset. Rates of NP and total duration of MV were significantly higher in those who had tracheostomy ≥ 9 days (P=0.004andP=0.002, resp.).Conclusions.The study suggests that tracheotomy in morbidly obese subjects performed within the first 9 days may reduce MV and decrease NP but may not affect hospital mortality.
Appearance of L90I and N205S Mutations in Effector Domain of NS1 Gene of pdm (09) H1N1 Virus from India during 2009–2013
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Khare Shashi , Saidullah Bano , Gandhoke Inderjeet , Ram Hanu , Singh Supriya , Chauhan L. S. , Rai Arvind
Published: September 2014

In the present study, full length sequencing of NS gene was done in 91 samples which were obtained from patients over the time period of five years from 2009 to 2013. The sequencing of NS gene was undertaken in order to determine the changes/mutations taking place in the NS gene of A H1N1 pdm (09) since its emergence in 2009. Analysis has shown that the majority of samples belong to New York (G1 type) strain with valine at position 123. Effector domain of NS1 protein displays the appearance of three mutations L90I, I123V, and N205S in almost all the samples from 2010 onwards. Phylogenetic analysis of available NS1 sequences from India has grouped all the sequences into four clusters with mean genetic distance ranging from 12% to 24% between the clusters. Variability in length of NS1 protein was seen in sequences from these clusters, 230-amino-acid-residue NS1 for all strains from year 2007 to 2008 and for 21 strains from year 2009 and 219-residue products for 37 strains from year 2009 and all strains from year 2010 to 2013. Mutations like K62R, K131Q, L147R, and A202P were observed for the first time in NS1 protein and their function remains to be determined.
Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of Nanocomposites Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol and Cellulose Nanofiber from Aloe vera Rind
Authors: Ramezani Kakroodi Adel , Cheng Shuna , Sain Mohini , Asiri Abdullah
Published: September 2014

This work was devoted to reinforcement of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using cellulose nanofibers from Aloe vera rind. Nanofibers were isolated from Aloe vera rind in the form of an aqueous suspension using chemimechanical technique. Mechanical characterizations showed that incorporation of even small amounts of nanofibers (as low as 2% by weight) had significant effects on both the modulus and strength of PVA. Tensile modulus and strength of PVA increased, 32 and 63%, respectively, after adding 2% of cellulose nanofiber from Aloe vera rind. Samples with higher concentrations of nanofibers also showed improved mechanical properties due to a high level of interfacial adhesion and also dispersion of fibers. The results showed that inclusion of nanofibers decreased deformability of PVA significantly. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that, at elevated temperatures, improvement of mechanical properties due to the presence of nanofibers was even more noticeable. Addition of nanofibers resulted in increased thermal stability of PVA in thermogravimetric analysis due to the reduction in mobility of matrix molecules. Morphological observations showed no signs of agglomeration of fibers even in composites with high cellulose nanofiber contents. Inclusion of nanofibers was shown to increase the density of composites.
Adaptive Cuckoo Search Algorithm for Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Ong Pauline
Published: September 2014

Modification of the intensification and diversification approaches in the recently developed cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) is performed. The alteration involves the implementation of adaptive step size adjustment strategy, and thus enabling faster convergence to the global optimal solutions. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is validated against benchmark optimization functions, where the obtained results demonstrate a marked improvement over the standard CSA, in all the cases.
BMP4 Inhibits Breast Cancer Metastasis by Blocking Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Activity
Authors: Cao Yuan , Slaney Clare Y. , Bidwell Bradley N. , Parker Belinda S. , Johnstone Cameron N. , Rautela Jai , Eckhardt Bedrich L. , Anderson Robin L.
Published: September 2014

The TGFβ growth factor family member BMP4 is a potent suppressor of breast cancer metastasis. In the mouse, the development of highly metastatic mammary tumors is associated with an accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), the numbers of which are reduced by exogenous BMP4 expression. MDSCs are undetectable in naïve mice but can be induced by treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF/Csf3) or by secretion of G-CSF from the tumor. Both tumor-induced and G-CSF–induced MDSCs effectively suppress T-cell activation and proliferation, leading to metastatic enhancement. BMP4 reduces the expression and secretion of G-CSF by inhibiting NF-κB (Nfkb1) activity in human and mouse tumor lines. Because MDSCs correlate with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer, therapies based on activation of BMP4 signaling may offer a novel treatment strategy for breast cancer. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5091–102. ©2014 AACR.
Perampanel: A Significant Liver Enzyme Inducer in Some Patients?
Authors: Novy Jan , Rothuizen Laura E. , Buclin Thierry , Rossetti Andrea O.
Published: September 2014

Perampanel is one of the latest released antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Early studies suggest no significant liver enzyme induction from this compound. We report on two patients with medically resistant epilepsy, who had perampanel added to their usual regimen. Both experienced a worsening of their epilepsy and presented in convulsive status epilepticus; concurrent antiepileptic drug levels (phenytoin, phenobarbital, rufinamide) were significantly decreased (<50%) in comparison with levels prior to perampanel introduction. Intravenous load and significant increase of maintenance dosages were needed to restore therapeutic drug levels. In one patient, further increase of perampanel resulted in a new drop of phenytoin level. This suggests that perampanel could, in some subjects, induce liver enzymes and interact with concomitant AEDs; monitoring levels of concomitant compounds could be useful.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacological Effects of β-Hydroxyphosphocarnitine in Animal Models
Authors: Reyes-Esparza Jorge , Mendoza-Rivera Brissa , De la Cruz-Cordero Ricardo , Duarte-Vázquez Miguel Ángel , Rosado Jorge Luis , Rodríguez-Fragoso Lourdes
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this research was to describe the pharmacokinetic parameters of β-hydroxyphosphocarnitine (β-HPC; CAS No. 1220955-20-3) after a single oral dose in rats and rabbits as well as to assess the impact of 14 weeks of β-HPC (100 mg/kg) treatment on the serum metabolites and liver enzymes, body weight, and hepatic steatosis of lean and obese Zucker fa/fa rats. In the case of the rat and rabbit study, the β-HPC area under the curve, biological half-life, and clearance were 2,174.4 versus 3,128 μg∙h/ml, 23.7 versus 8.87 h, and 13.9 versus 151.1 ml/h in the rats versus the rabbits, respectively. The values for the time of maximal concentration were 0.58 versus 1.53 h, for the maximal concentration, they were 62.4 versus 221.4 μg/ml, and for the absorption rate constant 0.02 versus 2.40 h-1, respectively. In the case of the Zucker fa/fa rat study, β-HPC administered orally once a day reduced insulin, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels in the liver and serum; it also reduced weight gain and decreased liver steatosis in obese rats after 14 weeks. β-HPC could therefore potentially be used in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.
An Experience with Managing Cancer Patients Reportedly Previously Informed of the Absence of Additional Available Antineoplastic Therapeutic Options
Authors: River George , Moore Stephanie , Tucker Jennifer , Markman Maurie
Published: September 2014

Over the past 5 years, a small group of cancer patients who stated their physicians had determined there were no additional available antineoplastic therapeutic options (including potential investigational strategies) were seen for a ‘second opinion' in a cancer hospital-based oncology program and subsequently experienced what can reasonably be characterized as having achieved meaningful ‘clinical benefit' (functioning at a fairly high level for a minimum 1 year in the work, home, and/or family environments) following the further delivery of a variety of treatment approaches. While recognized to be limited (or even simply ‘anecdotal'), this experience emphasizes several clinically relevant conclusions, including the overall utility of a ‘second-opinion' strategy and the potential that the reported statement of an individual practitioner or cancer program that all rational options have been attempted may be inaccurate.
REPLACE DARE (Death After Replacement Evaluation) Score
Authors: Chung Mina K. , Holcomb Richard G. , Mittal Suneet , Steinberg Jonathan S. , Gleva Marye J. , Mela Theofanie , Uslan Daniel Z. , Mitchell Kevin , Poole Jeanne E.
Published: September 2014

Background—

Identifying factors predictive of mortality may be important to decrease risk associated with cardiac implantable electrical device (CIED) replacement procedures. This study aimed to determine whether clinical factors and complications independently associate with death and to develop a mortality risk prediction tool after CIED replacement.

Methods and Results—

The prospective REPLACE Registry determined 6-month complication and mortality rates after CIED replacement with or without planned lead addition or revision. Vital status was collected. Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to identify patient, procedural, or complication variables predictive of death. The REPLACE DARE (Death After Replacement Evaluation) Score was constructed using hazard ratios, reflecting relative risk contributions of each variable, combined into an additive mortality risk score equation. At 6 months, 70 of 1744 (4.0%) patients had died. Cox regression analysis found no significant association between major complications and death. However, recent heart failure admission, New York Heart Association class III/IV, antiarrhythmic drug use, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease stage were independently associated with 6-month mortality. The REPLACE DARE Score was 2.0±1.4 in survivors versus 3.5±1.8 in nonsurvivors (
P
<0.001), with predictive receiver operating characteristic value=0.758 (
P
<0.001). Risk of death was 1.0% for DARE=0 and 55.6% for DARE=7. The hazard ratio was 1.8 for each change of 1 DARE unit.

Conclusions—

Comorbidities, but not complications, were significantly associated with mortality after CIED replacement. The REPLACE DARE Score is a novel tool that can identify patients with substantial mortality risk. Such patients should have the relative risk and benefit of their procedure considered carefully.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00395447.
Electrical Storm Induced by Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Is Determined by Pacing on Epicardial Scar and Can be Successfully Managed by Catheter Ablation
Authors: Roque Carla , Trevisi Nicola , Silberbauer John , Oloriz Teresa , Mizuno Hiroya , Baratto Francesca , Bisceglia Caterina , Sora Nicoleta , Marzi Alessandra , Radinovic Andrea , Guarracini Fabrizio , Vergara Pasquale , Sala Simone , Paglino Gabriele , Gulletta Simone , Mazzone Patrizio , Cireddu Manuela , Maccabelli Giuseppe , Della Bella Paolo
Published: September 2014

Background—

The mechanism of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)–induced proarrhythmia remains unknown. We postulated that pacing from a left ventricular (LV) lead positioned on epicardial scar can facilitate re-entrant ventricular tachycardia. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between CRT-induced proarrhythmia and LV lead location within scar.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-eight epicardial and 63 endocardial maps, obtained from 64 CRT patients undergoing ventricular tachycardia ablation, were analyzed. A positive LV lead/scar relationship, defined as a lead tip positioned on scar/border zone, was determined by overlaying fluoroscopic projections with LV electroanatomical maps. CRT-induced proarrhythmia occurred in 8 patients (12.5%). They all presented early with electrical storm (100% versus 39% of patients with no proarrhythmia;
P
<0.01), requiring temporary biventricular pacing discontinuation in half of cases. They more frequently presented with heart failure/cardiogenic shock (50% versus 7%;
P
<0.01), requiring intensive care management. Ventricular tachycardia was re-entrant in all. The LV lead location within epicardial scar was significantly more frequent in the proarrhythmia group (60% versus 9%
P
=0.03 on epicardial bipolar scar, 80% versus 17%
P
=0.02 on epicardial unipolar scar, and 80% versus 17%
P
=0.02 on any-epicardial scar). Ablation was performed within epicardial scar, close to the LV lead, and allowed CRT reactivation in all patients.

Conclusions—

CRT-induced proarrhythmia presented early with electrical storm and was associated with an LV lead positioning within epicardial scar. Catheter ablation allowed for resumption of biventricular stimulation in all patients.
Electrical Storm in Patients With Brugada Syndrome Is Associated With Early Repolarization
Authors: Kaneko Yoshiaki , Horie Minoru , Niwano Shinichi , Kusano Kengo F. , Takatsuki Seiji , Kurita Takashi , Mitsuhashi Takeshi , Nakajima Tadashi , Irie Tadanobu , Hasegawa Kanae , Noda Takashi , Kamakura Shiro , Aizawa Yoshiyasu , Yasuoka Ryobun , Torigoe Katsumi , Suzuki Hiroshi , Ohe Toru , Shimizu Akihiko , Fukuda Keiichi , Kurabayashi Masahiko , Aizawa Yoshifusa
Published: September 2014

Background—

Electrical storms (ESs) in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) are rare though potentially lethal.

Methods and Results—

We studied 22 men with BrS and ES, defined as ≥3 episodes/d of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and compared their characteristics with those of 110 age-matched, control men with BrS without ES. BrS was diagnosed by a spontaneous or drug-induced type 1 pattern on the ECG in the absence of structural heart disease. Early repolarization (ER) was diagnosed by J waves, ie, >0.1 mV notches or slurs of the terminal portion of the QRS complex. The BrS ECG pattern was provoked with pilsicainide. A spontaneous type I ECG pattern, J waves, and horizontal/descending ST elevation were found, respectively, in 77%, 36%, and 88% of patients with ES, versus 28% (
P
<0.0001), 9% (
P
=0.003), and 60% (
P
=0.06) of controls. The J-wave amplitude was significantly higher in patients with than without ES (
P
=0.03). VF occurred during undisturbed sinus rhythm in 14 of 19 patients (74%), and ES were controlled by isoproterenol administration. All patients with ES received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and over a 6.0±5.4 years follow-up, the prognosis of patients with ES was significantly worse than that of patients without ES. Bepridil was effective in preventing VF in 6 patients.

Conclusions—

A high prevalence of ER was found in a subgroup of patients with BrS associated with ES. ES appeared to be suppressed by isoproterenol or quinidine, whereas bepridil and quinidine were effective in the long-term prevention of VF in the highest-risk patients.
Mapping Control Structures for Sound Synthesis: Functional and Topological Perspectives
Authors: Van Nort Doug , Wanderley Marcelo M. , Depalle Philippe
Published: September 2014

This article contributes a holistic conceptual framework for the notion of “mapping” that extends the classical view of mapping as parameter association. In presenting this holistic approach to mapping techniques, we apply the framework to existing works from the literature as well as to new implementations that consider this approach in their construction. As any mapping control structure for a given digital instrument is determined by the musical context in which it is used, we present musical examples that relate the relatively abstract realm of mapping design to the physically and perceptually grounded notions of control and sonic gesture. Making this connection allows mapping to be more clearly seen as a linkage between a physical action and a sonic result. In this sense, the purpose of this work is to translate the discussion on mapping so that it links an abstract and formalized approach—intended for representation and conceptualization—with a viewpoint that considers mapping in its role as a perceived correspondence between physical materials (i.e., those that act on controllers and transducers) and sonic events. This correspondence is, at its heart, driven by our cognitive and embodied understanding of the acoustic world.
A Zoomable Mapping of a Musical Parameter Space Using Hilbert Curves
Authors: Tubb Robert , Dixon Simon
Published: September 2014

This article presents an interface for navigating a musical parameter space. The entire combinatorial space of a ten-parameter synthesizer is laid out as a two-dimensional surface on a multi-touch screen. The surface can be scrolled and zoomed using touch-screen swipe and pinch gestures, reminiscent of a map application. The user can place markers on the surface to flag favorites and to explore regions of different sizes around these points. The mapping from the two-dimensional surface to the higher-dimensional parameter space uses a space-filling curve. Hilbert curves constructed from Gray codes with long bit runs can be used to preserve locality as much as is possible, while still maintaining access to all possibilities. A user study was performed to compare this parameter mapping with a more traditional one-slider-per-parameter interface. Questionnaire responses indicate that different mapping strategies suit different stages of the creative process. The combination of the two interfaces was deemed more useful than either individually, reinforcing the notion that a combination of divergent and convergent processes is important for creative tasks.
A new rainfrog of the Pristimantis myersi Group (Amphibia, Craugastoridae) from Volcán Pichincha, Ecuador
Authors: ROJAS-RUNJAIC FERNANDO J.M. , C. J. AMANDA DELGADO , GUAYASAMIN JUAN M.
Published: September 2014

A new frog of the Pristimantis myersi Group is described from a bamboo patch within the Reserva Ecológica Verdecocha (0°5'46.9"S, 78°36'15.3"W; 2851 m), located at northwestern flank of the Volcán Pichincha, in the vicinities of Quito, Ecuador. The new species is known from eight adult males, whereas the females remain unknown; it can be readily distinguished from all species of the P. myersi Group that inhabit the highlands of the Ecuadorian Andes by the unique combination of the following characters: body small (adult male SVL 14.9–19.7 mm; females unknown); dorsal skin shagreen, with a barely visible middorsal raphe, scapular and dorsolateral folds; tympanum small but well-defined; upper eyelid with one enlarged tubercle; males with prominent vocal slits, but without nuptial pads on thumbs; fold-like tarsal tubercles. With this new species, the number of Pristimantis assigned to the P. myersi Group raises to 16, of which, 12 are in Ecuador. We provide notes on morphology and color variation, advertisement call, and natural history of the new species.
State of knowledge of the Acotylea (Polycladida, Platyhelminthes) from the Mediterranean coasts of Spain: new records and new species
Authors: Marquina Daniel , Osca David , Rodríguez Jorge , Fernández-Despiau Estrella , Noreña1 Carolina
Published: September 2014

Along the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula, great species diversity is thought to exist, but our knowledge of Iberian polyclads is, in fact, very limited. This study contributes to the Polycladida (Platyhelminthes) of the Iberian Peninsula, in particular those of the Mediterranean coast. Nine species, mainly new species or new records, are described. Imogine stellae sp. nov. from Mar Menor (Murcia, Spain) is described, while I. mediterranea Galleni, 1976 is recorded for the first time in Spain. The genus Planocera Blainville, 1828 within the Mediterranean basin is reviewed: Planocera graffi Lang, 1879 is redescribed, and its synonymisation with Planocera pellucida (Mertens, 1833) considered. Also, the genus Notoplanella Bock, 1931 is represented by two species in Spain, N. inarmata Bock, 1931 type species, from Formentera Island and N. estelae sp. nov., from Mar Menor. Trigonoporus cephalophtalmus Lang, 1884 is rediscovered after the description of Lang (1884). Stylochus neapolitanus (Delle Chiaje, 1841-1844) Lang, 1884 is recorded and S. pilidium (Goette, 1881) is also redescribed, and Leptoplana mediterranea (Bock, 1913) is newly recorded for the Iberian Peninsula.
New host records for European Acroceridae (Diptera), with discussion of species limits of Acrocera orbiculus (Fabricius) based on DNA-barcoding
Authors: KEHLMAIER CHRISTIAN , ALMEIDA JORGE MOTA
Published: September 2014

New European host records for the Acroceridae species Acrocera orbiculus (Fabricius) and Ogcodes reginae Trojan are reported. Acrocera orbiculus was reared from Amaurobius erberi (Keyserling), and O. reginae from Clubiona leucaspis (Simon) and Evarcha jucunda (Lucas). Where possible, DNA-barcodes are presented for reared endoparasitoids and their host specimens. Based on mitochondrial COI, the intraspecific genetic variability of 15 western Palaearctic A. orbiculus is discussed. Maximum likelihood analysis reveals two clades, though they have low statistical support and no distinct barcoding gap. Therefore, we consider all barcoded specimens of A. orbiculus to be a single biological species with a high degree of phenotypic plasticity regarding body size and coloration. Based on molecular and morphological evidence, Paracrocera kaszabi Majer, Paracrocera manevali Séguy and Paracrocera minuscula Séguy are placed in synonymy with A. orbiculus. The male of the Canary Islands endemic Acrocera cabreraeFrey is described for the first time.
Two new species of Clito from South America and a revision of the Clito littera group (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Pyrginae)
Authors: GRISHIN NICK V.
Published: September 2014

Two new species of Clito from the C. littera group are described: C. palotschka, sp. nov. from the Chocó region in Ecuador is the most distinctive in the group, and C. litteroides, sp. nov. from Venezuela is superficially more similar to C. littera differing mostly in the shape of male genitalic valvae. Comparative analyses of male genitalia and wing patterns suggest that C. anda Evans, 1953, new status; and C. nebulosa (Draudt, 1924), reinstated status are species-level taxa. A lectotype for Telemiades littera Mabille, 1877 is designated to ensure nomenclatural stability. Primary type specimens of all seven species in the C. littera group are illustrated with photographs, and an identification key to males is given.
Reconsideration of Xysticus species described by Ehrenfried Schenkel from Mongolia and China in 1963 (Araneae: Thomisidae)
Authors: MARUSIK YURI M. , OMELKO MIKHAIL M.
Published: September 2014

The types of nine Xysticus species described by Schenkel (1963) from China and Mongolia are revised. Comments on all 16 species described by Schenkel in 1963 are provided. Three species are synonymised with Xysticus davidi Schenkel, 1963: X. excavatus Schenkel, 1963, syn. n., X. hotingchiehi Schenkel, 1963, syn. n., X. pentagonius Seyfulina & Mikhailov, 2004, syn. n. Xysticus fagei Schenkel 1963, syn. n. is a junior synonym of X. ephippiatus Simon, 1880. Xysticus lesserti Schenkel, 1963 is revalidated and removed from synonymy with X. kurilensis Strand, 1907. A male specimen from Gansu identified by Schenkel as Xysticus sibiricus Kulczyński, 1908 is described as a new species X. courti sp. n.