bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-locus DNA barcoding identifies matK as a suitable marker for species identification in Hibiscus L.
Authors: Poovitha Sundar , Stalin Nithaniyal , Balaji Raju , Parani Madasamy
Published: September 2016

The genus Hibiscus L. includes several taxa of medicinal value and species used for the extraction of natural dyes. These applications require the use of authentic plant materials. DNA barcoding is a molecular method for species identification, which helps in reliable authentication by using one or more DNA barcode marker. In this study, we have collected 44 accessions, representing 16 species of Hibiscus, distributed in the southern peninsular India, to evaluate the discriminatory power of the two core barcodes rbcLa and matK together with the suggested additional regions trnH-psbA and ITS2. No intraspecies divergence was observed among the accessions studied. Interspecies divergence was 0%–9.6% with individual markers, which increased to 0%–12.5% and 0.8%–20.3% when using two- and three-marker combinations, respectively. Differentiation of all the species of Hibiscus was possible with the matK DNA barcode marker. Also, in two-marker combinations, only those combinations with matK differentiated all the species. Though all the three-marker combinations showed 100% species differentiation, species resolution was consistently better when the matK marker formed part of the combination. These results clearly showed that matK is more suitable when compared to rbcLa, trnH-psbA, and ITS2 for species identification in Hibiscus.
Dissimilar evolutionary histories of two resistance gene families in the genus Solanum
Authors: Segura Diana María , Masuelli Ricardo Williams , Sanchez-Puerta M. Virginia
Published: September 2016

Genomic analyses have shown that most genes in eukaryotic lineages belong to families. Gene families vary in terms of number of members, nucleotide similarity, gene integrity, expression, and function. Often, the members of gene families are arranged in clusters, which contribute to maintaining similarity among gene copies and also to generate duplicates through replication errors. Gene families offer us an opportunity to examine the forces involved in the evolution of the genomes and to study recombination events and genomic rearrangements. In this work, we focused on the evolution of two plant resistance gene families, Sw5 and Mi-1, and analyzed the completely sequenced nuclear genomes of potato and tomato. We first noticed that the potato genome carries larger resistance gene families than tomato, but all gene copies are pseudogenes. Second, phylogenetic analyses indicated that Sw5 and Mi-1 gene families had dissimilar evolutionary histories. In contrast to Sw5, Mi-1 homologues suffered repeated gene conversion events among the gene copies, particularly in the tomato genome.
Magnetic properties of a tri-decorated graphene structure: Monte Carlo study
Authors: Jabar A. , Tahiri N. , Bahmad L. , Benyoussef A.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we study the magnetic properties of a tri-decorated [Formula: see text] graphene structure using Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). Indeed, we first elaborate the ground state phase diagrams and then, we found that from [Formula: see text] phases, the only stable configurations are: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For low reduced temperature values, the partial magnetizations are found to be in good agreement with the corresponding ground state phase diagrams. The corresponding partial susceptibilities show a notable peak around the reduced temperature value 2.0 in the absence of the external magnetic field [Formula: see text] and crystal field [Formula: see text]. To complete this study, we present and discuss the magnetic hysteresis loops.
Three-Dimensional Thermoelastic Problem Under Two-Temperature Theory
Authors: Sur Abhik , Kanoria M.
Published: September 2016

The present paper deals with the problem of thermoelastic interactions in a homogeneous, isotropic three-dimensional medium whose surface suffers a time dependent thermal loading. The problem is treated on the basis of three-phase-lag model and dual-phase-lag model with two temperatures. The medium is assumed to be unstressed initially and has uniform temperature. Normal mode analysis technique is employed onto the non-dimensional field equations to derive the exact expressions for displacement component, conductive temperature, thermodynamic temperature, stress and strain. The problem is illustrated by computing the numerical values of the field variables for a copper material. Finally, all the physical fields are represented graphically to analyze the difference between the two models. The effect of the two temperature parameter is also discussed.
Identifying the Technology Profiles of R&D Performing Firms — A Matching of R&D and Patent Data
Authors: Neuhäusler Peter , Frietsch Rainer , Mund Carolin , Eckl Verena
Published: September 2016

Since the statistical classification of economic activities is not able to adequately display companies’ R&D expenditures, the aim of this paper is to create a concordance list between industry sectors and technologies, enabling us to report the business R&D expenditures not only by industries but also by technology fields. To construct the concordance, we match data on R&D expenditures with patent data at the micro-level, i.e. at the level of companies and patent applicants, respectively. In a further step the business R&D expenditures are aggregated at the level of technology fields. This concordance table also allows us to provide patent statistics at the level of industries. The patent data for the matching were extracted from the “EPO Worldwide Patent Statistical Database” (PATSTAT). The data on German business R&D expenditures are provided by the SV Wissenschaftsstatistik. The two data sources are matched by applying a string matching algorithm based on the distance between two text strings. The matching covers 44% of all German patent applicants and 83% of all patent filings at the EPO and the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2009.
Ultraviolet-Ozone Treatment for Effectively Removing Adhesive Residue on Graphene
Authors: Yang Hang , Qin ShiQiao , Peng Gang , Zheng Xiaoming , Zhang Xueao
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we systematically investigated the influence of adhesive residue existing in deterministic transfer process upon graphene, and put forward a rapid and effective way named ultraviolet-ozone (UVO) treatment to reduce this negative effect. Results indicate that this adhesive residue may cause poor contact between metal and graphene, thus greatly degrading the performance of the device. However, this unpleasant influence could be reduced effectively by adopting UVO treatment. This work may be helpful to fabricate higher performance functional devices based on two-dimensional materials by removal of the adhesive residue.
Immunosensor for rapid extraction/detection of enteric pathogens
Authors: Alocilja Evangelyn C. , Jain Parul , Pryg Kasey
Published: September 2016

An antibody-based sensor (immunosensor) has been developed that features an all-in-one extraction and detection of the enteric pathogen E. coli O57 : H7 using the same redox-active polyaniline-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (PIONs). Capture efficiency for E. coli O57 : H7 is shown to be 81–99% in various food matrices with varying properties. The immunosensor's detection range is 100 to 105 CFU/mL with a detection limit of 5 CFU. Furthermore, magnetic separation is showing great promise as an alternative to existing conventional sample processing systems. Given the bacteria's low contamination level in food and water, this biosensor technology has great potential in monitoring enteric microbial contaminants in the food supply chain where simplicity, sensitivity, and ease of use are important.
Design and Exploration of Mid-Air Authentication Gestures
Authors: Aslan Ilhan , Uhl Andreas , Meschtscherjakov Alexander , Tscheligi Manfred
Published: September 2016

Authentication based on touchless mid-air gestures would benefit a multitude of ubiquitous computing applications, especially those that are used in clean environments (e.g., medical environments or clean rooms). In order to explore the potential of mid-air gestures for novel authentication approaches, we performed a series of studies and design experiments. First, we collected data from more then 200 users during a 3-day science event organized within a shopping mall. These data were used to investigate capabilities of the Leap Motion sensor, observe interaction in the wild, and to formulate an initial design problem. The design problem, as well as the design of mid-air gestures for authentication purposes, were iterated in subsequent design activities. In a final study with 13 participants, we evaluated two mid-air gestures for authentication purposes in different situations, including different body positions. Our results highlight a need for different mid-air gestures for differing situations and carefully chosen constraints for mid-air gestures. We conclude by proposing an exemplary system, which aims to provide tool-support for designers and engineers, allowing them to explore authentication gestures in the original context of use and thus support them with the design of contextual mid-air authentication gestures.
Optimal Rate Code Constructions for Computationally Simple Channels
Authors: Guruswami Venkatesan , Smith Adam
Published: September 2016

We consider coding schemes for
computationally bounded
channels, which can introduce an arbitrary set of errors as long as (a) the fraction of errors is bounded with high probability by a parameter
p
and (b) the process that adds the errors can be described by a sufficiently “simple” circuit. Codes for such channel models are attractive since, like codes for standard adversarial errors, they can handle channels whose true behavior is
unknown
or
varying
over time.

For two classes of channels, we provide explicit, efficiently encodable/decodable codes of optimal rate where only
in
efficiently decodable codes were previously known. In each case, we provide one encoder/decoder that works for
every
channel in the class. The encoders are randomized, and probabilities are taken over the (local, unknown to the decoder) coins of the encoder and those of the channel.

Unique decoding for additive errors:
We give the first construction of a polynomial-time encodable/decodable code for
additive
(a.k.a.
oblivious
) channels that achieve the Shannon capacity 1 −
H
(
p
). These are channels that add an arbitrary error vector
e
∈ {0, 1}

N

of weight at most
pN
to the transmitted word; the vector
e
can depend on the code but not on the randomness of the encoder or the particular transmitted word. Such channels capture binary symmetric errors and burst errors as special cases.

List decoding for polynomial-time channels:
For every constant
c
> 0, we construct codes with optimal rate (arbitrarily close to 1 −
H
(
p
)) that efficiently recover a short list containing the correct message with high probability for channels describable by circuits of size at most

N
c

. Our construction is not fully explicit but rather Monte Carlo (we give an algorithm that, with high probability, produces an encoder/decoder pair that works for all time

N
c

channels). We are not aware of any channel models considered in the information theory literature other than purely adversarial channels, which require more than linear-size circuits to implement. We justify the relaxation to list decoding with an impossibility result showing that, in a large range of parameters (
p
> 1/4), codes that are uniquely decodable for a modest class of channels (online, memoryless, nonuniform channels) cannot have positive rate.
Saph and Schoder and the Friction Law of Blasius
Authors: Steen Paul , Brutsaert Wilfried
Published: September 2016

Blasius's law of friction is built on Saph and Schoder's prior experiments. The name Blasius is well-recognized, whereas the names Saph and Schoder are not. This is the story of the experiments of Augustus Saph and Ernst Schoder and the friction law of Heinrich Blasius.
Nonlinear identification of the total baroreflex arc: higher-order nonlinearity
Authors: Moslehpour Mohsen , Kawada Toru , Sunagawa Kenji , Sugimachi Masaru , Mukkamala Ramakrishna
Published: September 2016

The total baroreflex arc is the open-loop system relating carotid sinus pressure (CSP) to arterial pressure (AP). The nonlinear dynamics of this system were recently characterized. First, Gaussian white noise CSP stimulation was employed in open-loop conditions in normotensive and hypertensive rats with sectioned vagal and aortic depressor nerves. Nonparametric system identification was then applied to measured CSP and AP to establish a second-order nonlinear Uryson model. The aim in this study was to assess the importance of higher-order nonlinear dynamics via development and evaluation of a third-order nonlinear model of the total arc using the same experimental data. Third-order Volterra and Uryson models were developed by employing nonparametric and parametric identification methods. The R2 values between the AP predicted by the best third-order Volterra model and measured AP in response to Gaussian white noise CSP not utilized in developing the model were 0.69 ± 0.03 and 0.70 ± 0.03 for normotensive and hypertensive rats, respectively. The analogous R2 values for the best third-order Uryson model were 0.71 ± 0.03 and 0.73 ± 0.03. These R2 values were not statistically different from the corresponding values for the previously established second-order Uryson model, which were both 0.71 ± 0.03 ( P > 0.1). Furthermore, none of the third-order models predicted well-known nonlinear behaviors including thresholding and saturation better than the second-order Uryson model. Additional experiments suggested that the unexplained AP variance was partly due to higher brain center activity. In conclusion, the second-order Uryson model sufficed to represent the sympathetically mediated total arc under the employed experimental conditions.
Functional connectivity in the neuromuscular system underlying bimanual coordination
Authors: de Vries Ingmar E. J. , Daffertshofer Andreas , Stegeman Dick F. , Boonstra Tjeerd W.
Published: September 2016

Neural synchrony has been suggested as a mechanism for integrating distributed sensorimotor systems involved in coordinated movement. To test the role of corticomuscular and intermuscular coherence in bimanual coordination, we experimentally manipulated the degree of coordination between hand muscles by varying the sensitivity of the visual feedback to differences in bilateral force. In 16 healthy participants, cortical activity was measured using EEG and muscle activity of the flexor pollicis brevis of both hands using high-density electromyography (HDsEMG). Using the uncontrolled manifold framework, coordination between bilateral forces was quantified by the synergy index R V in the time and frequency domain. Functional connectivity was assessed using corticomuscular coherence between muscle activity and cortical source activity and intermuscular coherence between bilateral EMG activity. The synergy index increased in the high coordination condition. R V was higher in the high coordination condition in frequencies between 0 and 0.5 Hz; for the 0.5- to 2-Hz frequency band, this pattern was inverted. Corticomuscular coherence in the beta band (16–30 Hz) was maximal in the contralateral motor cortex and was reduced in the high coordination condition. In contrast, intermuscular coherence was observed at 5–12 Hz and increased with bimanual coordination. Within-subject comparisons revealed a negative correlation between R V and corticomuscular coherence and a positive correlation between R V and intermuscular coherence. Our findings suggest two distinct neural pathways: 1) corticomuscular coherence reflects direct corticospinal projections involved in controlling individual muscles; and 2) intermuscular coherence reflects diverging pathways involved in the coordination of multiple muscles.
Role of motor execution in the ocular tracking of self-generated movements
Authors: Chen Jing , Valsecchi Matteo , Gegenfurtner Karl R.
Published: September 2016

When human observers track the movements of their own hand with their gaze, the eyes can start moving before the finger (i.e., anticipatory smooth pursuit). The signals driving anticipation could come from motor commands during finger motor execution or from motor intention and decision processes associated with self-initiated movements. For the present study, we built a mechanical device that could move a visual target either in the same direction as the participant's hand or in the opposite direction. Gaze pursuit of the target showed stronger anticipation if it moved in the same direction as the hand compared with the opposite direction, as evidenced by decreased pursuit latency, increased positional lead of the eye relative to target, increased pursuit gain, decreased saccade rate, and decreased delay at the movement reversal. Some degree of anticipation occurred for incongruent pursuit, indicating that there is a role for higher-level movement prediction in pursuit anticipation. The fact that anticipation was larger when target and finger moved in the same direction provides evidence for a direct coupling between finger and eye motor commands.
Spontaneous Recurrent Hemarthrosis of the Knee: A Report of Two Cases with a Source of Bleeding Detected during Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee Joint
Authors: Nomura Eisuke , Hiraoka Hisatada , Sakai Hiroya
Published: September 2016

We report two cases of the spontaneous recurrent hemarthrosis of the knee. In these cases lateral meniscus was severely torn and a small tubular soft tissue with pulsation was identified on the synovium in the posterolateral corner during arthroscopic surgery of the knee joint. Gentle grasping of this tissue by forceps led to pulsating bleeding, which stopped by electrocoagulation. This soft tissue was considered a source of bleeding, since no recurrence of hemarthrosis was observed for more than four years after surgery. It was highly probable that this soft tissue was the ruptured end of the lateral inferior genicular artery or its branch. This case report strongly supports the theory that the bleeding from the peripheral arteries of the posterior portion of the lateral meniscus is the cause of spontaneous recurrent hemarthrosis of the knee.
Sex Differences in Severity, Social Functioning, Adherence to Treatment, and Cognition of Adolescents with Schizophrenia
Authors: Pérez-Garza Rodolfo , Victoria-Figueroa Gamaliel , Ulloa-Flores Rosa Elena
Published: September 2016

Background.Previous studies have reported sex differences in the clinical presentation and outcome of adult patients with schizophrenia; the aim of present study was to compare the clinical characteristics, social functioning, adherence to treatment, and cognition of adolescents with this diagnosis in a six-month followup.Methods.A total of 87 adolescents with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), the Matrics Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), and the Rating of Medication Influences (ROMI).Results.Both groups showed a similar improvement in all PANSS factors and in the PSP scores during the followup. Males better adhered to treatment. Females displayed better results in the area of social cognition (F=6.3, df = 2,52, andp=0.003) and attention/vigilance (F=8.3, df = 2,51, andp=0.001).Conclusions.Male and female adolescents showed similar clinical presentation and functioning but a different pattern of cognitive improvement and adherence to treatment. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.govII3/02/0811.‏
Morphology Effect of Silver Nanostructures on the Performance of a P3HT:Graphene:AgNs-Based Active Layer Obtained via Dip Coating
Authors: Gómez-Acosta Alí , Barquera-Bibiano Zaira , López-Naranjo Edgar J. , Reyes-Araiza José Luis , Torres-Delgado Gerardo , Barbosa-García Oracio , Rivera-Muñoz Eric M. , Velázquez-Castillo Rodrigo , Manzano-Ramírez Alejandro
Published: September 2016

We report the effect of the use of different silver nanostructures (AgNs) layers deposited via dip coating onto a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and solution processable functionalized graphene (SPFGraphene) composite film intended to be used as active layer in BHJ devices. SPFGraphene was added to P3HT in a ratio of 1.5 wt%. The best results were achieved when a layer of silver nano-pseudospheres (AgNPSs) obtained after 10 immersion cycles was used as coating; in this case the highest light trapping and efficiency percent (η=0.23%) were achieved. This means an increase of ~11.3% in comparison with the efficiency of the noncoated P3HT:SPFGraphene composite. Results also indicate that graphene was successfully functionalized in order to obtain appropriate dispersion in P3HT and that such conjugated polymer remained unaltered after the addition of SPFGraphene. Finally, it can be concluded that the electrical properties of the as-synthesized films are dependent on the shape and concentration of the AgNs deposited via dip coating.
Interstitial Nephritis in a Patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Vasanth Payaswini , Parmley Michelle , Torrealba Jose , Hamdi Tamim
Published: September 2016

Tubulointerstitial nephritis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease has been linked to the use of 5-ASA derivatives. Various aspects of this theory have been challenged with a potential role for the underlying autoimmune disorder. Steroids are the mainstay of treatment and mycophenolate mofetil might be an effective alternative. We report a patient who responded well to mycophenolate despite continuing mesalamine, the suspected offending agent.
Disseminated Cryptococcal Disease in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Ibrutinib
Authors: Okamoto Koh , Proia Laurie A. , Demarais Patricia L.
Published: September 2016

Cryptococcusis a unique environmental fungus that can cause disease most often in immunocompromised individuals with defective cell-mediated immunity. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is not known to be a risk factor for cryptococcal disease although cases have been described mainly in patients treated with agents that suppress cell-mediated immunity. Ibrutinib is a new biologic agent used for treatment of CLL, mantle cell lymphoma, and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. It acts by inhibiting Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, a kinase downstream of the B-cell receptor critical for B-cell survival and proliferation. Ibrutinib use has not been associated previously with cryptococcal disease. However, recent evidence suggested that treatments aimed at blocking the function of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase could pose a higher risk for cryptococcal infection in a mice model. Here, we report the first case of disseminated cryptococcal disease in a patient with CLL treated with ibrutinib. When evaluating possible infection in CLL patients receiving ibrutinib, cryptococcal disease, which could be life threatening if overlooked, could be considered.
A Prolapsed Cecoureterocele in an Adult Treated Conservatively: Highly Rare, but Existent
Authors: Florian Löcherbach , Stefan Preusser , Mark Meier
Published: September 2016

Ectopic ureteroceles are one of the most common human urinary tract anomalies. They tend to be recognized and treated in early childhood, especially when they have prolapsed. In most cases surgical therapy is inevitable. In this case report, however, we present the unusual case of a 26-year-old woman suffering from a prolapsed cecoureterocele without any known history of an ectopic ureterocele so far. She was successfully treated without the need for a surgical procedure.
Myricitrin Protects against Doxorubicin‐Induced Cardiotoxicity by Counteracting Oxidative Stress and Inhibiting Mitochondrial Apoptosis via ERK/P53 Pathway
Authors: Sun Jing , Sun Guibo , Cui Xiaolan , Meng Xiangbao , Qin Meng , Sun Xiaobo
Published: September 2016

Doxorubicin (Dox) is one of the most effective and widely used anthracycline antineoplastic antibiotics. Unfortunately, the use of Dox is limited by its cumulative and dose‐dependent cardiac toxicity. Myricitrin, a natural flavonoid which is isolated from the ground bark of Myrica rubra, has recently been found to have a strong antioxidative effect. This study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of myricitrin against Dox‐induced cardiotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. An in vivo investigation in SD rats demonstrated that myricitrin significantly reduced the Dox‐induced myocardial damage, as indicated by the decreases in the cardiac index, amelioration of heart pathological injuries, and decreases in the serum cardiac enzyme levels. In addition, in vitro studies showed that myricitrin effectively reduced the Dox‐induced cell toxicity. Further study showed that myricitrin exerted its function by counteracting oxidative stress and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, myricitrin suppressed the myocardial apoptosis induced by Dox, as indicated by decreases in the activation of caspase‐3 and the numbers of TUNEL‐positive cells, maintenance of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and increase in the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. Further mechanism study revealed that myricitrin‐induced suppression of myocardial apoptosis relied on the ERK/p53‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Sickle Cell Trait among Prospective Blood Donors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Berekum, Ghana
Authors: Adu Patrick , Simpong David Larbi , Takyi Godfred , Ephraim Richard K. D.
Published: September 2016

Background.Blood transfusion is a therapeutic procedure usually undertaken in patients with severe anaemia. In Ghana, severe anaemia is mostly due to malaria caused by severePlasmodium falciparuminfection, road traffic accidents, and haemoglobinopathy-induced acute haemolysis.Method.This cross-sectional study evaluated coinheritance of sickle cell haemoglobin variant and G6PD enzymopathy among individuals that donated blood at the Holy Trinity Hospital, Berekum, in the Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana. Demographic data and other pertinent information were captured using questionnaire. Sickle cell haemoglobin variants were determined using cellulose acetate electrophoresis (pH 8.6). Qualitative G6PD status and quantitative G6PD enzyme activity were determined using methaemoglobin reduction and Trinity Biotech G6PD test kit, respectively.Results.Prevalence of sickle cell trait (SCT) and G6PD enzymopathy coinheritance was 7%. In addition, 19.5% of the donors had 10%–60% of normal G6PD enzyme activity suggesting that these donor units are prone to stressor-induced acute haemolysis when given to recipients. Mild G6PD activity (p=0.03, OR: 2.410 (CI: 1.049–5.534)), commercial (p=0.020, OR: 5.609 (CI: 1.309–24.035)), and voluntary (p=0.034, OR: 2.404 (CI: 1.071–5.397)) donors were significantly associated with SCT.Conclusion.Screening for red cell pathologies must be incorporated into existing protocols for populations with high incidence of haemoglobinopathies to protect high-risk recipients.
External Otitis: An Unusual Presentation in Neonates
Authors: Alizadeh Taheri Peymaneh , Rostami Shima , Sadeghi Manelie
Published: September 2016

Acute otitis externa (AOE) is an infection of the external auditory canal, the auricle, and the outer surface of the tympanic membrane. Although AOE is one of the most common otologic conditions encountered in pediatric population, it is known to primarily affect children older than 2 years. We report a case of AOE caused byStaphylococcus aureusin a 23-day-old neonate. A 23-day-old female infant presented to our neonatology clinic with irritability and discharge from the right ear. There were yellow otorrhea, mild erythema, and edema of right external ear canal. There was no sign of otitis media on otoscopy. The results of laboratory tests were insignificant. The discharge culture grew colonies of methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus. After 48 hours of treatment with intravenous cloxacillin, significant improvement was observed. The present case highlights an unusual presentation of staphylococcal infection in a neonate. This is the first case of methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureusotitis externa in an immunocompetent newborn.
The Association of Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type Ia with Chiari Malformation Type I: A Coincidence or a Common Link?
Authors: Kashani Paria , Roy Madan , Gillis Linda , Ajani Olufemi , Samaan M. Constantine
Published: September 2016

A 19-month-old boy was referred for progressive weight gain. His past medical history included congenital hypothyroidism and developmental delay. Physical examination revealed characteristics of Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy, macrocephaly, and calcinosis cutis. He had hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and elevated Parathyroid Hormone levels. Genetic testing revealed a known mutation of GNAS gene, confirming the diagnosis of Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type Ia (PHP-Ia) (c.34C>T (p.G1n12X)). He had a normal brain MRI at three months, but developmental delay prompted a repeat MRI that revealed Chiari Malformation Type I (CM-I) with hydrocephalus requiring neurosurgical intervention. This was followed by improvement in attaining developmental milestones. Recently, he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. This case suggests the potential association of CM-I with PHP-Ia. Larger studies are needed to assess whether CM-I with hydrocephalus are common associations with PHP-Ia and to define potential genetic links between these conditions. We propose a low threshold in performing brain MRI on PHP-1a patients, especially those with persistent developmental delay to rule out CM-I. Early intervention may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes and prevent neurosurgical emergencies.
Potential Odor Intensity Grid Based UAV Path Planning Algorithm with Particle Swarm Optimization Approach
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Xuejun , Guan Xiangmin , Delahaye Daniel
Published: September 2016

This paper proposes a potential odor intensity grid based optimization approach for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning with particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique. Odor intensity is created to color the area in the searching space with highest probability where candidate particles may locate. A potential grid construction operator is designed for standard PSO based on different levels of odor intensity. The potential grid construction operator generates two potential location grids with highest odor intensity. Then the middle point will be seen as the final position in current particle dimension. The global optimum solution will be solved as the average. In addition, solution boundaries of searching space in each particle dimension are restricted based on properties of threats in the flying field to avoid prematurity. Objective function is redesigned by taking minimum direction angle to destination into account and a sampling method is introduced. A paired samplest-test is made and an index called straight line rate (SLR) is used to evaluate the length of planned path. Experiments are made with other three heuristic evolutionary algorithms. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of generating higher quality paths efficiently for UAV than any other tested optimization techniques.
A Curious Case of Proximal Muscle Weakness with Eosinophilic Polymyositis
Authors: Harris Ciel , Ali Robert , Perez-Downes Julio , Baidoun Firas , DeLima Marianne , Shah Jaimin , Aung Win , Makary Raafat F.
Published: September 2016

Eosinophilic polymyositis (EPM) is part of a rare disorder, eosinophilic myopathies (EM), which is a form of polymyositis characterized by the presence of eosinophils in muscle biopsy sections and occasionally blood eosinophilia. Herein, we are presenting an interesting case of eosinophilic polymyositis presenting with muscle pain with no other organ systems involved.
Analysis of Blood Transfusion Data Using Bivariate Zero-Inflated Poisson Model: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Mohammadi Tayeb , Kheiri Soleiman , Sedehi Morteza
Published: September 2016

Recognizing the factors affecting the number of blood donation and blood deferral has a major impact on blood transfusion. There is a positive correlation between the variables “number of blood donation” and “number of blood deferral”: as the number of return for donation increases, so does the number of blood deferral. On the other hand, due to the fact that many donors never return to donate, there is an extra zero frequency for both of the above-mentioned variables. In this study, in order to apply the correlation and to explain the frequency of the excessive zero, the bivariate zero-inflated Poisson regression model was used for joint modeling of the number of blood donation and number of blood deferral. The data was analyzed using the Bayesian approach applying noninformative priors at the presence and absence of covariates. Estimating the parameters of the model, that is, correlation, zero-inflation parameter, and regression coefficients, was done through MCMC simulation. Eventually double-Poisson model, bivariate Poisson model, and bivariate zero-inflated Poisson model were fitted on the data and were compared using the deviance information criteria (DIC). The results showed that the bivariate zero-inflated Poisson regression model fitted the data better than the other models.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Cervical Self-Sampling to Improve Routine Cervical Cancer Screening: The Importance of Respondent Screening History and Compliance
Authors: Burger Emily A. , Sy Stephen , Nygård Mari , Kim Jane J.
Published: September 2016

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing allows women to self-collect cervico-vaginal cells at home (i.e., self-sampling). Using primary data from a randomized pilot study, we evaluated the long-term consequences and cost-effectiveness of using self-sampling to improve participation to routine cervical cancer screening in Norway.

Methods: We compared a strategy reflecting screening participation (using reminder letters) to strategies that involved mailing self-sampling device kits to women noncompliant to screening within a 5- or 10-year period under two scenarios: (A) self-sampling respondents had moderate under-screening histories, or (B) respondents to self-sampling had moderate and severe under-screening histories. Model outcomes included quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) and lifetime costs. The “most cost-effective” strategy was identified as the strategy just below $100,000 per QALY gained.

Results: Mailing self-sampling device kits to all women noncompliant to screening within a 5- or 10-year period can be more effective and less costly than the current reminder letter policy; however, the optimal self-sampling strategy was dependent on the profile of self-sampling respondents. For example, “10-yearly self-sampling” is preferred ($95,500 per QALY gained) if “5-yearly self-sampling” could only attract moderate under-screeners; however, “5-yearly self-sampling” is preferred if this strategy could additionally attract severe under-screeners.

Conclusions: Targeted self-sampling of noncompliers likely represents good value-for-money; however, the preferred strategy is contingent on the screening histories and compliance of respondents.

Impact: The magnitude of the health benefit and optimal self-sampling strategy is dependent on the profile and behavior of respondents. Health authorities should understand these factors prior to selecting and implementing a self-sampling policy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(1); 95–103. ©2016 AACR.
Prenatal and Postnatal Medical Conditions and the Risk of Brain Tumors in Children and Adolescents: An International Multicenter Case–Control Study
Authors: Tettamanti Giorgio , Shu Xiaochen , Adel Fahmideh Maral , Schüz Joachim , Röösli Martin , Tynes Tore , Grotzer Michael , Johansen Christoffer , Klaeboe Lars , Kuehni Claudia E. , Lannering Birgitta , Schmidt Lisbeth S. , Vienneau Danielle , Feychting Maria
Published: September 2016

Background: Previous studies have evaluated the effect of medical diagnostic radiation on brain tumors. Recent cohort studies have reported an increased risk associated with exposure to head CT scans.

Methods: Information regarding medical conditions, including prenatal and postnatal exposure to medical diagnostic radiation, was obtained from CEFALO, a multicenter case–control study performed in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland through face-to-face interview. Eligible cases of childhood and adolescent brain tumors (CABT) were ages 7 to 19 years, diagnosed between January 1, 2004 and August 31, 2008, and living in the participating countries (n = 352). The cases were matched by age, sex, and region to 646 population-based controls.

Results: Prenatal exposure to medical diagnostic radiation and postnatal exposure to X-rays were not associated with CABTs. A higher risk estimate of CABTs, although not statistically significant, was found for exposure to head CT scan (OR, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–4.22). The associations with head injury, febrile seizure, fever in the first 12 weeks, and general anesthesia were close to unity.

Conclusions: Prenatal or postnatal medical conditions, including medical diagnostic radiation, were not associated with CABTs. On the basis of small numbers of exposed children, we observed a nonsignificant increased risk for CT scans of the head.

Impact: We have presented additional evidence, suggesting that exposure to head CT scan may be associated with the occurrence of CABTs. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(1); 110–5. ©2016 AACR.
Inhibition of S-Adenosylmethionine-Dependent Methyltransferase Attenuates TGFβ1-Induced EMT and Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer: Putative Roles of miR-663a and miR-4787-5p
Authors: Mody Hardik R. , Hung Sau Wai , AlSaggar Mohammad , Griffin Jazmine , Govindarajan Rajgopal
Published: September 2016

The identification of epigenetic reversal agents for use in combination chemotherapies to treat human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) remains an unmet clinical need. Pharmacologic inhibitors of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) are emerging as potential histone methylation reversal agents for the treatment of various solid tumors and leukemia; however, the surprisingly small set of mRNA targets identified with EZH2 knockdown suggests novel mechanisms contribute to their antitumorigenic effects. Here, 3-deazaneplanocin-A (DZNep), an inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase and EZH2 histone lysine-N-methyltransferase, significantly reprograms noncoding microRNA (miRNA) expression and dampens TGFβ1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) signals in pancreatic cancer. In particular, miR-663a and miR-4787-5p were identified as PDAC-downregulated miRNAs that were reactivated by DZNep to directly target TGFβ1 for RNA interference. Lentiviral overexpression of miR-663a and miR-4787-5p reduced TGFβ1 synthesis and secretion in PDAC cells and partially phenocopied DZNep's EMT-resisting effects, whereas locked nucleic acid (LNA) antagomiRNAs counteracted them. DZNep, miR-663a, and miR-4787-5p reduced tumor burden in vivo and metastases in an orthotopic mouse pancreatic tumor model. Taken together, these findings suggest the epigenetic reprogramming of miRNAs by synthetic histone methylation reversal agents as a viable approach to attenuate TGFβ1-induced EMT features in human PDAC and uncover putative miRNA targets involved in the process.

Implications: The findings support the potential for synthetic histone methylation reversal agents to be included in future epigenetic–chemotherapeutic combination therapies for pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 14(11); 1124–35. ©2016 AACR.
β-Cryptoxanthin Reduced Lung Tumor Multiplicity and Inhibited Lung Cancer Cell Motility by Downregulating Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor α7 Signaling
Authors: Iskandar Anita R. , Miao Benchun , Li Xinli , Hu Kang-Quan , Liu Chun , Wang Xiang-Dong
Published: September 2016

Despite the consistent association between a higher intake of the provitamin A carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin (BCX) and a lower risk of lung cancer among smokers, potential mechanisms supporting BCX as a chemopreventive agent are needed. We first examined the effects of BCX on 4-[methyl nitrosamino]-1-[3-pyridyl]-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice. BCX supplementation was given daily to the mice starting 2 weeks prior to the injection of NNK and continued 16 weeks after NNK injection. BCX supplementation resulted in a dose-dependent increase of BCX concentration in both serum and lungs of the mice without a significant alteration of vitamin A (retinol and retinyl palmitate) concentration. BCX significantly reduced the multiplicity of the NNK-induced lung tumor by 52% to 63% compared with the NNK-treated mice without BCX supplementation. The protective effect of BCX in the lungs was associated with reductions of both mRNA and protein of the homopentameric neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (α7-nAChR), which has been implicated in lung tumorigenesis. We then conducted an in vitro cell culture study and found that BCX treatment suppressed α7-nAChR expression and inhibited the migration and invasion of α7-nAChR-positive lung cancer cells but not in cells lacking α7-nAChR. The activities of BCX were significantly attenuated by activators of α7-nAChR/PI3K signaling or by overexpression of constitutively active PI3K. Collectively, the results suggest that BCX inhibits lung tumorigenesis and cancer cell motility through the downregulation of α7-nAChR/PI3K signaling, independent of its provitamin A activity. Therefore, BCX can be used as a chemopreventive agent or a chemotherapeutic compound against lung cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 9(11); 875–86. ©2016 AACR.
Opportunities for Preventing Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Maret-Ouda John , El-Serag Hashem B , Lagergren Jesper
Published: September 2016

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is rapidly increasing in incidence in many Western societies, requires demanding treatment, and is associated with a poor prognosis, therefore preventive measures are highly warranted. To assess the opportunities for prevention, we reviewed the available literature and identified seven main potentially preventive targets. Preventive effects were found on the basis of medium-level observational evidence following treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (using both medication and surgery) and tobacco smoking cessation, which should be clinically recommended among exposed patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs appear to prevent EAC, and the limited existing data also indicate a protective effect of medication with statins or hormone replacement therapy in women, but current evidence is insufficient to guide clinical decision-making regarding these drugs. The evidence is presently insufficient to assess the potentially preventive role of weight loss. Whether avoidance of eradication of Helicobacter pylori prevents EAC is not studied, but there is no evidence that such eradication increases symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux or prevalence of erosive esophagitis. The introduction of preventive actions should be tailored toward high-risk individuals, that is, older men with obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease and individuals with Barrett esophagus rather than the population at large. Cancer Prev Res; 9(11); 828–34. ©2016 AACR.
B7-H3 Overexpression Predicts Poor Survival of Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ye Zhimeng , Zheng Zhuojun , Li Xiaodong , Zhu Yuandong , Zhong Zhaoping , Peng Linrui , Wu Yanyan
Published: September 2016

Background: B7-H3 exhibits altered expression in various cancers. However, the correlation between B7-H3 expression and prognosis of cancer patients remains controversial. Therefore, we elicit a meta-analysis to investigate the potential value of B7-H3 in the prognostic prediction in human cancers. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed (last update by June 15th, 2016) to identify studies assessing the effect of B7-H3 on survival of cancer patients. Hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS), recurrence free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) from individual studies were calculated and pooled by using a random-effect or fix-effect model, and heterogeneity and publication bias analyses were also performed. Results: Data from 24 observational studies consisting of 4141 patients were summarized. An elevated baseline B7-H3 was significantly correlated with poor OS (pooled HR = 2.09; 95% CI =1.60-2.74; P < 0.001). Differences across subgroups of tumor type (P = 0.324), year of publication (P = 0.431), ethnicity (P = 0.940), source of HR (P = 0.145), analysis type (P = 0.178) and sample size (P = 0.909) were not significant. Furthermore, high B7-H3 expression also predicted a significantly poor RFS (pooled HR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.11-1.75; P = 0.004) but not PFS. Conclusions: This meta-analysis clarifies that elevated B7-H3 expression is significantly associated with poor survival in cancer patients.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intravesical Hyaluronic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid/Chondroitin Sulfate Instillation for Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
Authors: Pyo Jung-Soo , Cho Won Jin
Published: September 2016

Background/Aims: To assess the efficacy of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) and HA/chondroitin sulfate (CS) instillation in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome by systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using the keywords: ‘interstitial cystitis' or ‘painful bladder syndrome' or ‘bladder pain syndrome' and ‘hyaluronic acid', up to March 31, 2016. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale related pain symptom (VAS). Secondary outcomes were the O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Problem Index (ICPI), frequency, nocturia, bladder volume, and voided urine volume. Results: Ten articles involving 390 patients were retrieved and assessed in analysis. A significant improvement in mean VAS on fixed-effect and random-effect models (mean difference [MD] -3.654, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.814 to -3.495, and MD -3.206, 95% CI -4.156 to -2.257, respectively) was found. Significant improvements were found in the ICSI (MD -3.223, 95% CI -4.132 to -2.315) and ICPI (MD -2.941, 95% CI -3.767 to -2.116). Similarly, the other outcomes were significantly improved. Conclusion: Intravesical HA and HA/CS instillation improved pain symptom, quality of life, and other outcomes and could be included as therapeutic modality of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome.