bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remodeling Intestinal Flora with Sleeve Gastrectomy in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Huang Xiaofei , Weng Pan , Zhang Huixin , Lu Yingli
Published: August 2014

Objective. As a complicated symbiotic system, intestinal flora is reported closely related to the development of type 2 diabetes recently. Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the approaches of bariatric surgery and could improve blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes patients. This study was to explore the relationship between remodeled intestinal flora and glucose metabolism in diabetic rats.Methods. 20 male diabetic rats were operated; 10 of them underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and 10 of them underwent sham operation. Meanwhile 10 male normal rats underwent sleeve gastrectomy as control. The animals’ weight and FBG had been measured. The composition changes of intestinal flora were detected by 16S rDNA sequence analysis.Results. In diabetic rats, weight and fasting blood glucose decreased significantly after sleeve gastrectomy. However, there was no significant change for weight and blood glucose in normal rats after operation. The intestinal flora of diabetic rats reduced in the proportion of Firmicutes and increased in the proportion of Bacteroidetes after sleeve gastrectomy.Conclusion. The change of dominant microorganisms in intestinal flora might play an important role in the glucose metabolism.
Study of Postprandial Lipaemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Exenatide versus Liraglutide
Authors: Voukali Maria , Kastrinelli Irene , Stragalinou Sapfo , Tasiopoulou Dimitra , Paraskevopoulou Pinelopi , Katsilambros Nicholas , Kokkinos Alexandros , Tentolouris Nicholas , Ioannidis Ioannis
Published: August 2014

Therapeutic approaches based on the actions of the incretin hormone GLP-1 have been widely established in the management of T2DM. Nevertheless, much less research has been aimed at elucidating the role of GLP-1 in lipid metabolism and in particular postprandial dyslipidemia. Exenatide and liraglutide are two GLP-1 receptor agonists which are currently available as subcutaneously administered treatment for T2DM but their chronic effects on postprandial lipaemia have not been well investigated. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of treatment with either liraglutide or exenatide for two weeks on postprandial lipaemia in obese subjects with T2DM. This study was a single-center, two-armed, randomized, controlled 2-week prospective intervention trial in 20 subjects with T2DM. Patients were randomized to receive either liraglutide or exenatide treatment and underwent a standardized meal tolerance test early in the morning after 10 h fast at baseline (visit 1, beginning of treatment) and after a two-week treatment period (visit 2). Exenatide and liraglutide both appear to be equally effective in lowering postprandial lipaemia after the first administration and after a two-week treatment. The mechanisms which lead to this phenomenon, which seem to be independent of gastric emptying, are yet to be studied.
Efficacy of Venom from Tentacle of JellyfishStomolophus meleagris(Nemopilema nomurai) against the Cotton BollwormHelicoverpa armigera
Authors: Yu Huahua , Li Rongfeng , Dong Xiangli , Xing Ronge , Liu Song , Li Pengcheng
Published: August 2014

Efficacy of venom from tentacle of jellyfishStomolophus meleagrisagainst the cotton bollwormHelicoverpa armigerawas determined. Venom from tentacle of jellyfishStomolophus meleagriscould inhibit the growth ofHelicoverpa armigeraand the weight inhibiting rate of sample NFr-2 was 60.53%. Of the six samples, only NFr-2 had high insecticidal activity againstHelicoverpa armigeraand the corrected mortality recorded at 7 d was 74.23%.
Improved Variant Calling Accuracy by Merging Replicates in Whole-Exome Sequencing Studies
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Li Bingshan , Li Chun , Cai Qiuyin , Zheng Wei , Long Jirong
Published: August 2014

In large scale population-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) studies, there are some samples occasionally sequenced two or more times due to a variety of reasons. To investigate how to efficiently utilize these duplicated sequencing data, we conducted comprehensive evaluation of variant calling strategies. 92 samples subjected to WES twice were selected from a large population study. These 92 duplicated samples were divided into two groups: group H consisting of the higher sequencing depth for each subject and group L consisting of the lower depth for each subject. The merged samples for each subject were put in a third group M. Using the GATK multisample toolkit, we compared variant calling accuracy among three strategies. Hierarchical clustering analysis indicated that the two replicates for each subject showed high homogeneity. The comparative analyses on the basis of heterozygous-homozygous ratio (Hete/Homo), transition-transversion ratio (Ti/Tv), and overlapping rate with the 1000 Genomes Project consistently showed that the data quality of the SNPs detected from the M group was more accurate than that of SNPs detected from the H and L groups. These results suggested that merging homogeneous duplicated exomes instead of using one of them could improve variant calling accuracy.
Experimental Investigation of a Multicylinder Unmodified Diesel Engine Performance, Emission, and Heat Loss Characteristics Using Different Biodiesel Blends: Rollout of B10 in Malaysia
Authors: Abedin M. J. , Masjuki H. H. , Kalam M. A. , Varman M. , Arbab M. I. , Fattah I. M. Rizwanul , Masum B. M.
Published: August 2014

This paper deals with the performance and emission analysis of a multicylinder diesel engine using biodiesel along with an in-depth analysis of the engine heat losses in different subsystems followed by the energy balance of all the energy flows from the engine. Energy balance analysis allows the designer to appraise the internal energy variations of a thermodynamic system as a function of ‘‘energy flows’’ across the control volume as work or heat and also the enthalpies associated with the energy flows which are passing through these boundaries. Palm and coconut are the two most potential biodiesel feed stocks in this part of the world. The investigation was conducted in a four-cylinder diesel engine fuelled with 10% and 20% blends of palm and coconut biodiesels and compared with B5 at full load condition and in the speed range of 1000 to 4000 RPM. Among the all tested blends, palm blends seemed more promising in terms of engine performance, emission, and heat losses. The influence of heat losses on engine performance and emission has been discussed thoroughly in this paper.
An Adaboost-Backpropagation Neural Network for Automated Image Sentiment Classification
Authors: Cao Jianfang , Chen Junjie , Li Haifang
Published: August 2014

The development of multimedia technology and the popularisation of image capture devices have resulted in the rapid growth of digital images. The reliance on advanced technology to extract and automatically classify the emotional semantics implicit in images has become a critical problem. We proposed an emotional semantic classification method for images based on the Adaboost-backpropagation (BP) neural network, using natural scenery images as examples. We described image emotions using the Ortony, Clore, and Collins emotion model and constructed a strong classifier by integrating 15 outputs of a BP neural network based on the Adaboost algorithm. The objective of the study was to improve the efficiency of emotional image classification. Using 600 natural scenery images downloaded from the Baidu photo channel to train and test the model, our experiments achieved results superior to the results obtained using the BP neural network method. The accuracy rate increased by approximately 15% compared with the method previously reported in the literature. The proposed method provides a foundation for the development of additional automatic sentiment image classification methods and demonstrates practical value.
Small Bowel Pleomorphic Liposarcoma: A Rare Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Nennstiel Simon , Mollenhauer Martin , Schlag Christoph , Becker Valentin , Neu Bruno , Hüser Norbert , Gertler Ralf , Schmid Roland M. , von Delius Stefan
Published: August 2014

In this case report we present a 60-year-old male patient with overt midgastrointestinal bleeding of a primary ileal pleomorphic liposarcoma diagnosed by video capsule endoscopy (VCE). Clinical work-up for final diagnosis and the pathological background of this uncommon tumorous entity of the small bowel will be discussed in this paper.
Variations of Scale Height at F-Region Peak Based on Ionosonde Measurements during Solar Maximum over the Crest of Equatorial Ionization Anomaly Region
Authors: Chuo Yu-Jung
Published: August 2014

Scale height is an important parameter in characterizing the shape of the ionosphere and its physical processes. In this study, we attempt to examine and discuss the variation of scale height,Hm, around the F-layer peak height during high solar activity at the northern crest of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) region.Hmexhibits day-to-day variation and seasonal variation, with a greater average daily variation during daytime in summer. Furthermore, the diurnal variation ofHmexhibits an abnormal peak at presunrise during all the seasons, particularly in winter. This increase is also observed in the F2-layer peak height for the same duration with an upward movement associated with thermospheric wind toward the equator; this upward movement increases the N2/O ratio andHm, but it causes a decrease in the F2-layer maximum critical frequency during the presunrise period.
Generalized Metric Spaces Do Not Have the Compatible Topology
Authors: Suzuki Tomonari
Published: August 2014

We study generalized metric spaces, which were introduced by Branciari (2000). In particular, generalized metric spaces do not necessarily have the compatible topology. Also we prove a generalization of the Banach contraction principle in complete generalized metric spaces.
Facile and Rapid Synthesis of Ultrafine PtPd Bimetallic Nanoparticles and Their High Performance toward Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Xia Tiantian , Shen Hanrui , Chang Gang , Zhang Yuting , Shu Honghui , Oyama Munetaka , He Yunbin
Published: August 2014

Uniform and sub‐10 nm size bimetallic PtPd nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized via a simple and facile method without using any surfactants at an ambient temperature. As a green and clean reductive agent, ascorbic acid (AA) was employed for the coreduction of K2PtCl4 and K2PdCl4 in aqueous solution. The morphology, composition, and structure of PtPd NPs had been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission high resolution transmission electron microscopy (FE‐HRTEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS). Comparing with both the monometallic Pt and Pd, the as‐prepared alloy nanoparticles show superior electrocatalytic activity and better tolerance against poisoning by intermediates generated during methanol electrooxidation, which makes them a promising electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Meanwhile, the green and simple approach could be easily extended to the manufacture of bimetallic or trimetallic alloy nanomaterials.
Complete Invariance Property with respect to Homeomorphism over Frame Multiwavelet and Super-Wavelet Spaces
Authors: Maury Saurabh Chandra
Published: August 2014

We discuss the complete invariance property with respect to homeomorphism (CIPH) over various sets of wavelets containing all orthonormal multiwavelets, all tight frame multiwavelets, all super-wavelets of lengthn, and all normalized tight super frame wavelets of lengthn.
Description of the EUROBIS Program: A Combination of an Epode Community-Based and a Clinical Care Intervention to Improve the Lifestyles of Children and Adolescents with Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Mazzeschi Claudia , Pazzagli Chiara , Laghezza Loredana , Battistini Dalila , Reginato Elisa , Perrone Chiara , Ranucci Claudia , Fatone Cristina , Pippi Roberto , Giaimo Maria Donata , Verrotti Alberto , De Giorgi Giovanni , De Feo Pierpaolo
Published: August 2014

The present paper describes the Epode Umbria Region Obesity Prevention Study (EUROBIS) and aims to implement the C.U.R.I.A.MO. model through the EPODE methodology. The main goal of the EUROBIS is to change the pendency of slope of the actual trend towards the increase in the yearly rates of childhood overweight and obesity in Umbria and to improve healthy lifestyles of children and their parents. The project is the first EPODE program to be performed in Italy. The aims of the Italian EUROBIS study are: (1) a community-based intervention program (CBP) carrying out activities in all primary schools of the Umbria Region and family settings as first step, to reverse the current obesity trend on a long-term basis, and (2) a clinical care program for childhood and adolescent by C.U.R.I.A.MO. model. C.U.R.I.A.MO. model is a multidisciplinary approach to improve three key aspects of healthy lifestyles: nutrition, exercise, and psychological aspects with the strategy of a family-based approach. The community-based intervention and clinical trial provide an innovative valuable model to address the childhood obesity prevention and treatment in Italy.
The Influence of Ionizing Radiation, Temperature, and Light on Eplerenone in the Solid State
Authors: Dettlaff Katarzyna , Ogrodowczyk Magdalena , Kycler Witold , Dołhań Agnieszka , Ćwiertnia Barbara , Garbacki Piotr , Jelińska Anna
Published: August 2014

Eplerenone was subjected to the influence of ionizing radiation in the form of a high-energy electron beam (25–400 kGy), high temperature (90°C RH 0% and 60°C RH 76.4%), and light (6 mln lux h). An HPLC method was used to determine the content of eplerenone and to establish the impurity profile of all samples. As eplerenone was found to be a compound of great resistance to the above stress factors with the exception of high doses of ionizing radiation (≥200 kGy) when its degradation was above 1%, it is possible to sterilize eplerenone by radiation method with the standard dose of 25 kGy. Based on the analysis of impurities and degradation products, the mechanism of radiodegradation was demonstrated to differ from the mechanisms of photo- and thermodegradation. The observation that the DSC curves for the nondegraded and degraded samples of eplerenone were significantly different only under exposure to the electron beam confirmed the applicability of DSC for studies of radiolytic degradation of eplerenone.
Management and Follow-Up of a Case of Gestational Gigantomastia in a Brazilian Hospital
Authors: Eler dos Reis Pollyana , Blunck Santos Natalia Quarto , Barbosa Pagio Fernanda Alves , Chambô Fabio , Chambô Danielle , Chambô Filho Antônio
Published: August 2014

Gigantomastia is a breast disorder that is associated with an exaggerated, rapid growth of the breasts, generally bilaterally. Since the pathology is rare and has seldom been described, its etiology has yet to be fully established, although there are speculations that a hormonal component may play an important role. Treatment is aimed at improving the clinical and psychological symptoms; however, the best therapeutic option varies from case to case. The present report describes a case of gestational gigantomastia seen at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of theHospital da Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, in a primigravida in the second trimester of pregnancy. The report follows this patient from her diagnosis until the completion of treatment with a third and final surgical procedure.
Housing Value Forecasting Based on Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Mu Jingyi , Wu Fang , Zhang Aihua
Published: August 2014

In the era of big data, many urgent issues to tackle in all walks of life all can be solved via big data technique. Compared with the Internet, economy, industry, and aerospace fields, the application of big data in the area of architecture is relatively few. In this paper, on the basis of the actual data, the values of Boston suburb houses are forecast by several machine learning methods. According to the predictions, the government and developers can make decisions about whether developing the real estate on corresponding regions or not. In this paper, support vector machine (SVM), least squares support vector machine (LSSVM), and partial least squares (PLS) methods are used to forecast the home values. And these algorithms are compared according to the predicted results. Experiment shows that although the data set exists serious nonlinearity, the experiment result also show SVM and LSSVM methods are superior to PLS on dealing with the problem of nonlinearity. The global optimal solution can be found and best forecasting effect can be achieved by SVM because of solving a quadratic programming problem. In this paper, the different computation efficiencies of the algorithms are compared according to the computing times of relevant algorithms.
A Case Report of Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis and Acute Hemorrhagic Cystitis due to Salmonella Typhi
Authors: Beyazal Polat Hatice , Beyazal Mehmet , Beyazal Çeliker Fatma
Published: August 2014

Acute acalculous cholecystitis and acute hemorrhagic cystitis due to Salmonella Typhi are a rare condition. A 24-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with abdominal pain, nausea, fever, headache, urinary burning, and bloody urine. Based on clinical, laboratory, and radiological evaluations, the patient was diagnosed with acute acalculous cholecystitis and acute hemorrhagic cystitis due to Salmonella Typhi. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone for two weeks. After the treatment, the patient's clinical and laboratory findings improved. Acute acalculous cholecystitis due to Salmonella Typhi concomitant with acute hemorrhagic cystitis is very rare and might be difficult to diagnose. Infectious agents such as Salmonella Typhi should be considered when acute acalculous cholecystitis and acute hemorrhagic cystitis are detected in adult patients with no underlying diseases.
Effect of Assembly Stresses on Fatigue Life of Symmetrical 65Si7 Leaf Springs
Authors: Arora Vinkel Kumar , Bhushan Gian , Aggarwal M. L.
Published: August 2014

The maximum stress induced plays vital role in fatigue life improvement of leaf springs. To reduce this maximum stress, leaves with different unassembled cambers are assembled by pulling against each other and a common curvature is established. This causes stress concentration or sets assembly stress in the assembled leaf springs which is subtractive from load stress in master leaf while it is additive to load stress for short leaves. By suitable combination of assembly stresses and stepping, it is possible to distribute the stress and improve the fatigue life of the leaf spring. The effect of assembly stresses on fatigue life of the leaf spring of a light commercial vehicle (LCV) has been studied. A proper combination of stepping and camber has been proposed by taking the design parameters into consideration, so that the stress in the leaves does not exceed maximum design stress. The theoretical fatigue life of the leaf springs with and without considering the assembly stresses is determined and compared with experimental life. The numbers of specimens are manufactured with proposed parameters and tested for load rate, fatigue life on a full scale leaf springs testing machine. The effect of stress range, maximum stress, and initial stress is also discussed.
Rough Mirror as a Quantum State Selector: Analysis and Design
Authors: Escobar M. , Lamy F. , Meyerovich A. E. , Nesvizhevsky V. V.
Published: August 2014

We report analysis of rough mirrors used as the gravitational state selectors in neutron beam and similar experiments. The key to mirror properties is its roughness correlation function (CF) which is extracted from the precision optical scanning measurements of the surface profile. To identify CF in the presence of fluctuation-driven fat tails, we perform numerical experiments with computer-generated random surfaces with the known CF. These numerical experiments provide a reliable identification procedure which we apply to the actual rough mirror. The extracted CF allows us to make predictions for ongoing GRANIT experiments. We also propose a radically new design for rough mirrors based on Monte Carlo simulations for the 1D Ising model. The implementation of this design provides a controlled environment with predictable scattering properties.
Clinical Research of Mortality in Emergency Air Medical Transport
Authors: Chen Wan-Lin , Ma Hon-Ping , Wu Chih-Hsiung , Chiou Hung-Yi , Yen Yun , Chiu Wen-Ta , Tsai Shin-Han
Published: August 2014

Introduction.EAMT in Taiwan has experienced increasing demand in the past few years. The objective is to analyze the trend of EAMT in the past six years and mortality rate within three days of patients undergoing interfacility transport in Taiwan.Material and Method.We conducted a retrospective review of patients who were airlifted from remote islands to main island between 2006 and 2011. Main outcome measures are EAMT number (EAMT-N), EAMT per thousand population (EAMT frequency, EAMT-F), number of mortality (Mor-N), and mortality rate within three days after EAMT (Mor-R).Results and Discussion.Overall mortality rate is 7.54% in 1684 airlifted patients. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI, 26.3%) and traumatic brain injury (TBI, 25.8%) comprise the majority in diagnosis (52.1%). However, Mor-Rin these two categories is significantly low in AMI (3.5%) and TBI (5.1%).Conclusion.The present study demonstrates that physician density is not related to EAMT-Nbut to physician number. As general population ages (10%), the average age of patient who underwent EAMT doubled (21%). This study also leaves room for discussion regarding futile medical care. The results can be used as a reference for increasing utilization of EAMT in current National Health Care Scheme.
Both Maternal and Pup Genotype Influence Ultrasonic Vocalizations and Early Developmental Milestones in Tsc2+/− Mice
Authors: Greene-Colozzi Emily A. , Sadowski Abbey R. , Chadwick Elyza , Tsai Peter T. , Sahin Mustafa
Published: August 2014

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by tumor growth and neuropsychological symptoms such as autistic behavior, developmental delay, and epilepsy. While research has shed light on the biochemical and genetic etiology of TSC, the pathogenesis of the neurologic and behavioral manifestations remains poorly understood. TSC patients have a greatly increased risk of developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder, rendering the relationship between the two sets of symptoms an extremely pertinent issue for clinicians. We have expanded on previous observations of aberrant vocalizations in Tsc2+/− mice by testing vocalization output and developmental milestones systematically during the early postnatal period. In this study, we have demonstrated that Tsc2 haploinsufficiency in either dams or their pups results in a pattern of developmental delay in sensorimotor milestones and ultrasonic vocalizations.
Robust Optimization for Time-Cost Tradeoff Problem in Construction Projects
Authors: Li Ming , Wu Guangdong
Published: August 2014

Construction projects are generally subject to uncertainty, which influences the realization of time-cost tradeoff in project management. This paper addresses a time-cost tradeoff problem under uncertainty, in which activities in projects can be executed in different construction modes corresponding to specified time and cost with interval uncertainty. Based on multiobjective robust optimization method, a robust optimization model for time-cost tradeoff problem is developed. In order to illustrate the robust model, nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is modified to solve the project example. The results show that, by means of adjusting the time and cost robust coefficients, the robust Pareto sets for time-cost tradeoff can be obtained according to different acceptable risk level, from which the decision maker could choose the preferred construction alternative.
An Adaptive Image Denoising Model Based on Tikhonov and TV Regularizations
Authors: Liu Kui , Tan Jieqing , Su Benyue
Published: August 2014

To avoid the staircase artifacts, an adaptive image denoising model is proposed by the weighted combination of Tikhonov regularization and total variation regularization. In our model, Tikhonov regularization and total variation regularization can be adaptively selected based on the gradient information of the image. When the pixels belong to the smooth regions, Tikhonov regularization is adopted, which can eliminate the staircase artifacts. When the pixels locate at the edges, total variation regularization is selected, which can preserve the edges. We employ the split Bregman method to solve our model. Experimental results demonstrate that our model can obtain better performance than those of other models.
Flavonoids Extraction fromTaraxacum officinale(Dandelion): Optimisation Using Response Surface Methodology and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Sun Zongxi , Su Ruiqiang , Qiao Jianwei , Zhao Zhiquan , Wang Xinsheng
Published: August 2014

The Box-Behnken design combined with response surface method was employed to optimize ultrasonic-assisted extraction of flavonoids fromTaraxacum officinale. The optimized results showed that the highest extraction yield with ultrasonic-assisted extraction could reach 2.62% using 39.6% (v/v) ethanol and 59.5 : 1 (mL/g) liquid-solid ratio for 43.8 min. The crude extract was then purified by HPD-100 macroporous adsorption resin, and the flavonoids content in the purified extract increased to 54.7%. The antioxidant activity of the purified flavonoids was evaluatedin vitroby scavenging capacity of ABTS or DPPH,β-carotene bleaching, and FTC test. The knowledge obtained from this study should be useful to further develop and apply this plant resource.
From Sprouting Angiogenesis to Erythrocytes Generation by Cancer Stem Cells: Evolving Concepts in Tumor Microcirculation
Authors: Alameddine Raafat S. , Hamieh Lana , Shamseddine Ali
Published: August 2014

Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Over the last decades, a substantial progress has been achieved in defining different patterns of tumor microcirculation. Sprouting angiogenesis, the oldest model of microcirculation, is the de novo vessel formation from preexisting blood vessels. Vessel splitting and hijacking, also known, respectively, as intussusception and cooption, are alternative models that account for tumor resistance to antiangiogenic therapy. In addition to remodeling the microenvironment, the tumor cell can undergo intrinsic changes and survive hypoxic conditions by acquiring stem cell properties. In line with the concept of pluripotency, tumor cells can form vascular mimicry structures creating their own microcirculation despite a latent vessel growth. The recent identification of the polyploid giant cancer cells and tumor-derived erythrocytes is the most innovative survival mechanism in hypoxia and provides a potential target for more effective therapies.
Development and Validation of a Risk Score Predicting Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Steffen Annika , MacInnis Robert J. , Joshy Grace , Giles Graham G. , Banks Emily , Roder David
Published: August 2014

Background: Quantifying the risk of colorectal cancer for individuals is likely to be useful for health service provision. Our aim was to develop and externally validate a prediction model to predict 5-year colorectal cancer risk.

Methods: We used proportional hazards regression to develop the model based on established personal and lifestyle colorectal cancer risk factors using data from 197,874 individuals from the 45 and Up Study, Australia. We subsequently validated the model using 24,233 participants from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS).

Results: A total of 1,103 and 224 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in the development and validation sample, respectively. Our model, which includes age, sex, BMI, prevalent diabetes, ever having undergone colorectal cancer screening, smoking, and alcohol intake, exhibited a discriminatory accuracy of 0.73 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72–0.75] and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.66–0.73) using the development and validation sample, respectively. Calibration was good for both study samples. Stratified models according to colorectal cancer screening history, that additionally included family history, showed discriminatory accuracies of 0.75 (0.73–0.76) and 0.70 (0.67–0.72) for unscreened and screened individuals of the development sample, respectively. In the validation sample, discrimination was 0.68 (0.64–0.73) and 0.72 (0.67–0.76), respectively.

Conclusion: Our model exhibited adequate predictive performance that was maintained in the external population.

Impact: The model may be useful to design more powerful cancer prevention trials. In the group of unscreened individuals, the model may be useful as a preselection tool for population-based screening programs. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2543–52. ©2014 AACR.
Dietary Manipulation of Oncogenic MicroRNA Expression in Human Rectal Mucosa: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Humphreys Karen J. , Conlon Michael A. , Young Graeme P. , Topping David L. , Hu Ying , Winter Jean M. , Bird Anthony R. , Cobiac Lynne , Kennedy Nicholas A. , Michael Michael Z. , Le Leu Richard K.
Published: August 2014

High red meat (HRM) intake is associated with increased colorectal cancer risk, while resistant starch is probably protective. Resistant starch fermentation produces butyrate, which can alter microRNA (miRNA) levels in colorectal cancer cells in vitro; effects of red meat and resistant starch on miRNA expression in vivo were unknown. This study examined whether a HRM diet altered miRNA expression in rectal mucosa tissue of healthy volunteers, and if supplementation with butyrylated resistant starch (HRM+HAMSB) modified this response. In a randomized cross-over design, 23 volunteers undertook four 4-week dietary interventions; an HRM diet (300 g/day lean red meat) and an HRM+HAMSB diet (HRM with 40 g/day butyrylated high amylose maize starch), preceded by an entry diet and separated by a washout. Fecal butyrate increased with the HRM+HAMSB diet. Levels of oncogenic mature miRNAs, including miR17–92 cluster miRNAs and miR21, increased in the rectal mucosa with the HRM diet, whereas the HRM+HAMSB diet restored miR17–92 miRNAs, but not miR21, to baseline levels. Elevated miR17–92 and miR21 in the HRM diet corresponded with increased cell proliferation, and a decrease in miR17–92 target gene transcript levels, including CDKN1A. The oncogenic miR17–92 cluster is differentially regulated by dietary factors that increase or decrease risk for colorectal cancer, and this may explain, at least in part, the respective risk profiles of HRM and resistant starch. These findings support increased resistant starch consumption as a means of reducing risk associated with an HRM diet. Cancer Prev Res; 7(8); 786–95. ©2014 AACR.
Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts: Single-Nucleus Sequencing Identifies Convergent Evolution of Independent EGFR Mutants in GBM
Authors: Gini Beatrice , Mischel Paul S.
Published: August 2014

Summary: Single-cell sequencing approaches are needed to characterize the genomic diversity of complex tumors, shedding light on their evolutionary paths and potentially suggesting more effective therapies. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Francis and colleagues develop a novel integrative approach to identify distinct tumor subpopulations based on joint detection of clonal and subclonal events from bulk tumor and single-nucleus whole-genome sequencing, allowing them to infer a subclonal architecture. Surprisingly, the authors identify convergent evolution of multiple, mutually exclusive, independent EGFR gain-of-function variants in a single tumor. This study demonstrates the value of integrative single-cell genomics and highlights the biologic primacy of EGFR as an actionable target in glioblastoma. Cancer Discov; 4(8); 876–8. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Francis et al., p. 956
A Unified Framework for Individualized Avatar-Based Interactions
Authors: Nagendran Arjun , Pillat Remo , Kavanaugh Adam , Welch Greg , Hughes Charles
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a framework to interactively control avatars in remote environments. The system, called AMITIES, serves as the central component that connects people controlling avatars (inhabiters), various manifestations of these avatars (surrogates), and people interacting with these avatars (participants). A multiserver–client architecture, based on a low-demand network protocol, connects the participant environment(s), the inhabiter station(s), and the avatars. A human-in-the-loop metaphor provides an interface for remote operation, with support for multiple inhabiters, multiple avatars, and multiple participants. Custom animation blending routines and a gesture-based interface provide inhabiters with an intuitive avatar control paradigm. This gesture control is enhanced by genres of program-controlled behaviors that can be triggered by events or inhabiter choices for individual or groups of avatars. This mixed (agency and gesture-based) control paradigm reduces the cognitive and physical loads on the inhabiter while supporting natural bidirectional conversation between participants and the virtual characters or avatar counterparts, including ones with physical manifestations, for example, robotic surrogates. The associated system affords the delivery of personalized experiences that adapt to the actions and interactions of individual users, while staying true to each virtual character's personality and backstory. In addition to its avatar control paradigm, AMITIES provides processes for character and scenario development, testing, and refinement. It also has integrated capabilities for session recording and event tagging, along with automated tools for reflection and after-action review. We demonstrate effectiveness by describing an instantiation of AMITIES, called TeachLivE, that is widely used by colleges of education to prepare new teachers and provide continuing professional development to existing teachers. Finally, we show the system's flexibility by describing a number of other diverse applications, and presenting plans to enhance capabilities and application areas.
The Modulation of Ownership and Agency in the Virtual Hand Illusion under Visuotactile and Visuomotor Sensory Feedback
Authors: Padilla-Castañeda Miguel A. , Frisoli Antonio , Pabon Silvia , Bergamasco Massimo
Published: August 2014

It is well known by the virtual hand illusion (VHI) that simultaneous and synchronous visuotactile sensory feedback within a virtual environment elicits the feeling of ownership of a virtual hand, by observing for some seconds in a scene a virtual hand being touched while at the same time receiving tactile stimulation on the real hand in the corresponding positions. In this paper, we investigate possible modulations in the feeling of ownership (sensation of owning a virtual hand) and of agency (sensation of owning virtual movements and actions) according to whether or not the participant's own motor acts (1) induce coherent self-activated visuotactile sensory stimulations; and (2) generate plausible consequences in the simulated environment. For this purpose, we elicited the VHI within a group of participants through a cross-modal integration of visuo-tactile sensory stimulations within a dynamic and physically plausible immersive virtual environment, where they were able to perform natural tasks in both passive and active agency conditions. Our results indicate that both feelings of ownership and agency can be achieved in immersive virtual environments, when the subject is realistically interacting and performing natural upper limb movements. We did not observe any significant difference in the VHI in terms of ownership and agency between the active and passive conditions, but we observed that a physically incongruent simulated interaction with the virtual world can lead to a significant disruption of ownership. Moreover, in the passive agency condition, a plausible physical behavior of the virtual hand was sufficient to elicit a partially complete sense of ownership, if measured in terms of proprioceptive drift, even in the presence of an asynchronous visuotactile sensory feedback. All these findings suggest that the multisensory feedback associated with a subject's own actions and the physical plausibility of the environment both act as determinant factors, influencing and modulating the vividness of the VHI.
Grammoplites vittatus (Valenciennes), (Scorpaeniformes, Platycephalidae), removed from synonymy with Grammoplites scaber (Linnaeus)
Authors: KNAPP LESLIE W. , IMAMURA HISASHI
Published: August 2014

Grammoplites vittatus (Valenciennes), often previously overlooked by authors or regarded as a junior synonym of G. scaber (Linnaeus), is shown here to be a valid species.  It has more gill rakers (7–8) then G. scaber and G. knappi (usually 6) and a narrower interorbital width than G. scaber.  A key to the species of Grammoplites Fowler is  given.
Who Benefits From Cognitive Skills Programs?
Authors: Travers Rosie , Mann Ruth E. , Hollin Clive R.
Published: August 2014

Cognitive skills programs, which teach problem-solving skills and perspective taking, have a strong evidence base for their ability to reduce recidivism with convicted populations. This study explored whether the Enhanced Thinking Skills program, delivered over several years to 21,000 male prisoners in England and Wales, reduced reoffending for some categories of offenders more than others by comparing predicted with actual reconviction rates. Consistent with earlier research, attending the program was associated with significantly reduced reoffending for sexual offenders (a 13 percentage point reduction), violent offenders (17 point reduction), and other non-acquisitive offenders (10-12 points), but not for offenders convicted of burglary or robbery. After controlling for risk, age, previous offenses committed, sentence length, and program completion, current offense type persisted as an independent and significant predictor of reoffending. Implications for the targeting of cognitive skills programs from this evaluation of a real world, large-scale implementation, and directions for future research, are discussed.
Asymmetries in the acquisition of subject–verb agreement in Dutch: Evidence from comprehension and production
Authors: Verhagen Josje , Blom Elma
Published: August 2014

Across languages, children do not comprehend 3SG/3PL subject–verb agreement before age five, despite early mastery in spontaneous speech. This study investigates subject–verb agreement in a language hitherto not studied in this respect, namely Dutch. The authors examine if (1) Dutch two- and three-year-olds comprehend subject–verb agreement and (2) a comprehension–production asymmetry still exists if task materials are kept constant across domains. Dutch-speaking two- and three-year-olds completed a comprehension (picture selection) and production (sentence completion) task testing 3SG and 3PL. In comprehension, both groups performed above chance on 3PL but not on 3SG. In production, accuracy on 3PL and 3SG was slightly higher than in comprehension. Comprehension and production were moderately correlated. These results show that comprehension is earlier in Dutch than in previously investigated languages, but only for 3PL, suggesting that phonological salience and cue reliability are important. They also show an asymmetry between comprehension and production, albeit much smaller than assumed in previous studies.
Lessons Learned
Authors: Orians Erica Lee , Bergerson Amy Aldous
Published: August 2014

This case describes a strategic planning process initiated by the division of student affairs at a small, private college. It presents several issues related to institutional identity, strategic planning initiative development, faculty and staff buy-in and stay-in, and the changing landscape of higher education. The case is designed for usage in educational leadership programs and is particularly pertinent to provoke discussions regarding leading from the middle, leadership for institutional change, and moral and ethical leadership. Students in educational leadership enrolled in student affairs leadership and administration courses, budgeting or strategic planning, or organizational theory courses can engage in discussion using multiple aspects of the case.
RtI at West Elementary
Authors: Summey Emily , Lashley Carl
Published: August 2014

This case, which addresses supplementing or supplanting special education in a school, is applicable to aspiring and practicing principals who require more experience in special education law and practice. We cover the use of special education personnel to provide intervention activities for students who have not been classified as students with disabilities through a pre-referral strategy called Response to Intervention (RtI). Concerns about the principal’s role as instructional leader for all students and operations manager are raised. Opportunities to work with district-level administrators can also be explored. The case highlights ethical and legal practice in providing students with needed instruction prior to a special education referral. Students can research and become familiar with their state and district special education policies.
Analysis of qPCR reference gene stability determination methods and a practical approach for efficiency calculation on a turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) gonad dataset
Authors: Robledo Diego , Hernández-Urcera Jorge , Cal Rosa M , Pardo Belén G , Sánchez Laura , Martínez Paulino , Viñas Ana
Published: August 2014

Background

Gene expression analysis by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (qPCR) is the most widely used method for analyzing the expression of a moderate number of genes and also for the validation of microarray results. Several issues are crucial for a successful qPCR study, particularly the selection of internal reference genes for normalization and efficiency determination. There is no agreement on which method is the best to detect the most stable genes neither on how to perform efficiency determination. In this study we offer a comprehensive evaluation of the characteristics of reference gene selection methods and how to decide which one is more reliable when they show discordant outcomes. Also, we analyze the current efficiency calculation controversy. Our dataset is composed by gonad samples of turbot at different development times reared at different temperatures. Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) is a relevant marine aquaculture European species with increasing production in the incoming years. Since females largely outgrow males, identification of genes related to sex determination, gonad development and reproductive behavior, and analysis of their expression profiles are of primary importance for turbot industry.

Results

We analyzed gene stability of six reference genes: RPS4, RPL17, GAPDH, ACTB, UBQ and B2M using the comparative delta-CT method, Bestkeeper, NormFinder and GeNorm approaches in gonad samples of turbot. Supported by descriptive statistics, we found NormFinder to be the best method, while on the other side, GeNorm results proved to be unreliable. According to our analysis, UBQ and RPS4 were the most stable genes, while B2M was the least stable gene. We also analyzed the efficiency calculation softwares LinRegPCR, LREanalyzer, DART and PCR-Miner and we recommend LinRegPCR for research purposes since it does not systematically overestimate efficiency.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that NormFinder and LinRegPCR are the best approaches for reference gene selection and efficiency determination, respectively. We also recommend the use of UBQ and RPS4 for normalization of gonad development samples in turbot.
Exosomes from IL-1β stimulated synovial fibroblasts induce osteoarthritic changes in articular chondrocytes
Authors: Kato Tomohiro , Miyaki Shigeru , Ishitobi Hiroyuki , Nakamura Yoshihiro , Nakasa Tomoyuki , Lotz Martin K , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a whole joint disease, and characterized by progressive degradation of articular cartilage, synovial hyperplasia, bone remodeling and angiogenesis in various joint tissues. Exosomes are a type of microvesicles (MVs) that may play a role in tissue-tissue and cell-cell communication in homeostasis and diseases. We hypothesized that exosomes function in a novel regulatory network that contributes to OA pathogenesis and examined the function of exosomes in communication among joint tissue cells.

Methods

Human synovial fibroblasts (SFB) and articular chondrocytes were obtained from normal knee joints. Exosomes isolated from conditioned medium of SFB were analyzed for size, numbers, markers and function. Normal articular chondrocytes were treated with exosomes from SFB, and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) stimulated SFB. OA-related genes expression was quantified using real-time PCR. To analyze exosome effects on cartilage tissue, we performed glycosaminoglycan release assay. Angiogenic activity of these exosomes was tested in migration and tube formation assays. Cytokines and miRNAs in exosomes were analyzed by Bio-Plex multiplex assay and NanoString analysis.

Results

Exosomes from IL-1β stimulated SFB significantly up-regulated MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 expression in articular chondrocytes, and down-regulated COL2A1 and ACAN compared with SFB derived exosomes. Migration and tube formation activity were significantly higher in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with the exosomes from IL-1β stimulated SFB, which also induced significantly more proteoglycan release from cartilage explants. Inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, MMP-3 and VEGF in exosomes were only detectable at low level. IL-1β, TNFα MMP-9 and MMP-13 were not detectable in exosomes. NanoString analysis showed that levels of 50 miRNAs were differentially expressed in exosomes from IL-1β stimulated SFB compared to non-stimulated SFB.

Conclusions

Exosomes from IL-1β stimulated SFB induce OA-like changes both in vitro and in ex vivo models. Exosomes represent a novel mechanism by which pathogenic signals are communicated among different cell types in OA-affected joints.