bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient‐bounded extrapolation using low‐dose priors for volume‐of‐interest imaging in C‐arm CT
Authors: Xia Y. , Bauer S. , Maier A. , Berger M. , Hornegger J.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

Three‐dimensional (3D) volume‐of‐interest (VOI) imaging with C‐arm systems provides anatomical information in a predefined 3D target region at a considerably low x‐ray dose. However, VOI imaging involves laterally truncated projections from which conventional reconstruction algorithms generally yield images with severe truncation artifacts. Heuristic based extrapolation methods, e.g., water cylinder extrapolation, typically rely on techniques that complete the truncated data by means of a continuity assumption and thus appear to be ad‐hoc. It is our goal to improve the image quality of VOI imaging by exploiting existing patient‐specific prior information in the workflow.

Methods:

A necessary initial step prior to a 3D acquisition is to isocenter the patient with respect to the target to be scanned. To this end, low‐dose fluoroscopic x‐ray acquisitions are usually applied from anterior–posterior (AP) and medio‐lateral (ML) views. Based on this, the patient is isocentered by repositioning the table. In this work, we present a patient‐bounded extrapolation method that makes use of these noncollimated fluoroscopic images to improve image quality in 3D VOI reconstruction. The algorithm first extracts the 2D patient contours from the noncollimated AP and ML fluoroscopic images. These 2D contours are then combined to estimate a volumetric model of the patient. Forward‐projecting the shape of the model at the eventually acquired C‐arm rotation views gives the patient boundary information in the projection domain. In this manner, we are in the position to substantially improve image quality by enforcing the extrapolated line profiles to end at the known patient boundaries, derived from the 3D shape model estimate.

Results:

The proposed method was evaluated on eight clinical datasets with different degrees of truncation. The proposed algorithm achieved a relative root mean square error (rRMSE) of about 1.0% with respect to the reference reconstruction on nontruncated data, even in the presence of severe truncation, compared to a rRMSE of 8.0% when applying a state‐of‐the‐art heuristic extrapolation technique.

Conclusions:

The method we proposed in this paper leads to a major improvement in image quality for 3D C‐arm based VOI imaging. It involves no additional radiation when using fluoroscopic images that are acquired during the patient isocentering process. The model estimation can be readily integrated into the existing interventional workflow without additional hardware.
Technical Note: Implementation of biological washout processes within gate/geant4—A Monte Carlo study in the case of carbon therapy treatments
Authors: Martínez‐Rovira I. , Jouvie C. , Jan S.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

The imaging of positron emitting isotopes produced during patient irradiation is the only in vivo method used for hadrontherapy dose monitoring in clinics nowadays. However, the accuracy of this method is limited by the loss of signal due to the metabolic decay processes (biological washout). In this work, a generic modeling of washout was incorporated into the gate simulation platform. Additionally, the influence of the washout on the β+ activity distributions in terms of absolute quantification and spatial distribution was studied.

Methods:

First, the irradiation of a human head phantom with a 12C beam, so that a homogeneous dose distribution was achieved in the tumor, was simulated. The generated 11C and 15O distribution maps were used as β+ sources in a second simulation, where the PET scanner was modeled following a detailed Monte Carlo approach. The activity distributions obtained in the presence and absence of washout processes for several clinical situations were compared.

Results:

Results show that activity values are highly reduced (by a factor of 2) in the presence of washout. These processes have a significant influence on the shape of the PET distributions. Differences in the distal activity falloff position of 4 mm are observed for a tumor dose deposition of 1 Gy (Tini = 0 min). However, in the case of high doses (3 Gy), the washout processes do not have a large effect on the position of the distal activity falloff (differences lower than 1 mm). The important role of the tumor washout parameters on the activity quantification was also evaluated.

Conclusions:

With this implementation, gate/geant 4 is the only open‐source code able to simulate the full chain from the hadrontherapy irradiation to the PET dose monitoring including biological effects. Results show the strong impact of the washout processes, indicating that the development of better models and measurement of biological washout data are essential.
Robust electromagnetically guided endoscopic procedure using enhanced particle swarm optimization for multimodal information fusion
Authors: Luo Xiongbiao , Wan Ying , He Xiangjian
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

Electromagnetically guided endoscopic procedure, which aims at accurately and robustly localizing the endoscope, involves multimodal sensory information during interventions. However, it still remains challenging in how to integrate these information for precise and stable endoscopic guidance. To tackle such a challenge, this paper proposes a new framework on the basis of an enhanced particle swarm optimization method to effectively fuse these information for accurate and continuous endoscope localization.

Methods:

The authors use the particle swarm optimization method, which is one of stochastic evolutionary computation algorithms, to effectively fuse the multimodal information including preoperative information (i.e., computed tomography images) as a frame of reference, endoscopic camera videos, and positional sensor measurements (i.e., electromagnetic sensor outputs). Since the evolutionary computation method usually limits its possible premature convergence and evolutionary factors, the authors introduce the current (endoscopic camera and electromagnetic sensor's) observation to boost the particle swarm optimization and also adaptively update evolutionary parameters in accordance with spatial constraints and the current observation, resulting in advantageous performance in the enhanced algorithm.

Results:

The experimental results demonstrate that the authors’ proposed method provides a more accurate and robust endoscopic guidance framework than state‐of‐the‐art methods. The average guidance accuracy of the authors’ framework was about 3.0 mm and 5.6° while the previous methods show at least 3.9 mm and 7.0°. The average position and orientation smoothness of their method was 1.0 mm and 1.6°, which is significantly better than the other methods at least with (2.0 mm and 2.6°). Additionally, the average visual quality of the endoscopic guidance was improved to 0.29.

Conclusions:

A robust electromagnetically guided endoscopy framework was proposed on the basis of an enhanced particle swarm optimization method with using the current observation information and adaptive evolutionary factors. The authors proposed framework greatly reduced the guidance errors from (4.3, 7.8) to (3.0 mm, 5.6°), compared to state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Old supernova dust factory revealed at the Galactic center
Authors: Lau R. M. , Herter T. L. , Morris M. R. , Li Z. , Adams J. D.
Published: March 2015

Zap the dust away? Not so fast

It would be great to clean up dust by vaporizing it, but even powerful blasting by an exploding star doesn't seem capable of this. Supernovae produce vast amounts of dust, but it is a mystery how that dust survives ensuing hostile conditions. Lau
et al.
used the SOFIA telescope to observe the dust associated with the supernova remnant Sgr A East. They found that this dust had endured far longer than expected, which indicates that dust in the universe's oldest galaxies can also be attributed to supernovae.

Science
, this issue p. 413
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas abietaniphila KF717 (NBRC 110669), Isolated from Biphenyl-Contaminated Soil in Japan
Authors: Kimura Nobutada , Yamazoe Atsushi , Hosoyama Akira , Hirose Jun , Watanabe Takahito , Suenaga Hikaru , Fujihara Hidehiko , Futagami Taiki , Goto Masatoshi , Furukawa Kensuke
Published: March 2015

Pseudomonas abietaniphila
KF717 utilizes biphenyl as a sole source of carbon and energy and degrades polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). We report here the 6,930,016-bp genome sequence of this strain, which contains 6,323 predicted coding sequences (CDSs), including the biphenyl-utilizing
bph
gene cluster.
Genome Sequence of the Solvent-Producing Clostridium beijerinckii Strain 59B, Isolated from Staffordshire Garden Soil
Authors: Little Gareth T. , Winzer Klaus , Minton Nigel P.
Published: March 2015

The genome sequence of the solvent-producing, spore-forming, saccharolytic, mesophilic bacterium
Clostridium beijerinckii
strain 59B, isolated from Staffordshire garden soil, was obtained via a combination of sequencing with the 454 and Illumina platforms. This information will allow for metabolic engineering of a potentially industrially useful strain.
Complete Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium minutissimum, an Opportunistic Pathogen and the Causative Agent of Erythrasma
Authors: Penton Patricia K. , Tyagi Eishita , Humrighouse Ben W. , McQuiston John R.
Published: March 2015

Corynebacterium minutissimum
was first isolated in 1961 from infection sites of patients presenting with erythrasma, a common cutaneous infection characterized by a rash. Since its discovery, C. minutissimum has been identified as an opportunistic pathogen in immunosuppressed cancer and HIV patients. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of C. minutissimum.
Isolated right ventricular cardiomyopathy with autoimmune hypothyroidism: a rare association in an adolescent
Authors: Yelve Kavita , Panandikar Gajanan Ashok , Pazare Amar , Bajpai Smrati
Published: March 2015

A 13-year-old girl presented with progressive dyspnoea and palpitation, diagnosed on echocardiography as primary right ventricular cardiomyopathy with atrial fibrillation. Her thyroid profile was positive for antithyroid microsomal antibody, and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies were suggestive of autoimmune hypothyroidism. She was managed with furosemide, digoxin, acenocoumarol and thyroxine following which she showed significant improvement. This is a rare case of isolated right ventricular cardiomyopathy and its association with autoimmune hypothyroidism presenting at the age of 13.
Durability of oral hypoglycemic agents in drug naïve patients with type 2 diabetes: report from the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR)
Authors: Ekström Nils , Svensson Ann-Marie , Miftaraj Mervete , Andersson Sundell Karolina , Cederholm Jan , Zethelius Björn , Eliasson Björn , Gudbjörnsdottir Soffia
Published: March 2015

Objective

To analyze the durability of monotherapy with different classes of oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) in drug naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in real life.

Methods

Men and women with T2DM, who were new users of OHA monotherapy and registered in the Swedish National Diabetes Register July 2005–December 2011, were available (n=17 309) and followed for up to 5.5 years. Time to monotherapy failure, defined as discontinuation of continuous use with the initial agent, switch to a new agent, or add-on treatment of a second agent, was analyzed as a measure of durability. Baseline characteristics were balanced by propensity score matching 1:5 between groups of sulfonylurea (SU) versus metformin (n=4303) and meglitinide versus metformin (n=1308). HRs with 95% CIs were calculated using Cox regression models.

Results

SU and meglitinide, as compared with metformin, were associated with increased risk of monotherapy failure (HR 1.74; 95% CI 1.56 to 1.94 and 1.66; 1.37 to 2.00 for SU and meglitinide, respectively). When broken down by type of monotherapy failure, SU and meglitinide were associated with an increased risk of add-on treatment of a second agent (HR 3.14; 95% CI 2.66 to 3.69 and 2.52; 1.89 to 3.37 for SU and meglitinide, respectively) and of switch to a new agent (HR 2.81; 95% CI 2.01 to 3.92 and 3.78; 2.25 to 6.32 for SU and meglitinide, respectively). The risk of discontinuation did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusions

In this nationwide observational study reflecting clinical practice, SU and meglitinide showed substantially increased risk of switch to a new agent or add on of a second agent compared with metformin. These results indicate superior glycemic durability with metformin compared with SU and also meglitinide in real life.
Plasma 1-deoxysphingolipids are predictive biomarkers for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Othman Alaa , Saely Christoph H , Muendlein Axel , Vonbank Alexander , Drexel Heinz , von Eckardstein Arnold , Hornemann Thorsten
Published: March 2015

Objective

Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) catalyzes the condensation of serine and palmitoyl coenzyme A, the first step in the de novo sphingolipid synthesis. Apart from these canonical substrates, SPT can also metabolize alanine and other acyl coenzyme As. This forms a spectrum of atypical sphingoid bases which are altered in the context of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We investigated whether atypical sphingolipids can be used as prospective markers to predict the incidence of T2DM.

Research design and methods

Using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, we analyzed the sphingoid base profile in a prospective cohort with 339 individuals. All individuals were followed up for a period of 8 years.

Results

Confirming earlier results, we found 1-deoxysphingolipids (1-deoxySLs) to be significantly elevated in patients with MetS, impaired fasting glucose, and T2DM. Patients who developed T2DM during the follow-up period (n=32) showed significantly higher 1-deoxySL levels at baseline compared with those who did not develop T2DM until the end of the study (n=70). 1-Deoxysphingosine levels were independent predictors for T2DM even after adjusting for glycated hemoglobin (standardized adjusted OR=2.1, CI 95% (1.19 to 3.71); p=0.010), MetS (standardized adjusted OR=1.97, CI 95% (1.13 to 3.43); p=0.017), and other risk factors such as age, sex, BMI, and lipid-lowering drugs. Similar results were observed for the 1-deoxysphinganine levels.

Conclusions

Our results support a novel role for 1-deoxySL as predictive biomarkers for the development of T2DM in risk patients and warrants further larger prospective trials in lower risk cohorts.
Improving patient safety by implementing a new general surgical on-call rota for FY1 doctors
Authors: Walton Henry , Uheba Mokthar
Published: March 2015

Junior doctors often feel they have little control over their working environment and can feel overwhelmed by the numerous barriers to their involvement with rota design. This project aimed to overcome these barriers to change by implementing a new FY1 on-call rota, designed by junior doctors, for the surgical department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.

A new rota was necessary since the department had recently undergone an organisational restructuring that altered the out of hours work load for FY1 doctors. To address this, the proposed new rota increased FY1 presence during weekend daytime shifts.

To assess junior opinion about the old rota and the proposed new rota, a survey was sent to 32 FY1 doctors analysing their views about each rota in terms of safety, the sufficiency of cover for various shifts, and their willingness to work the rota. A direct comparison between the two rotas was also requested. A statistically significant (p<0.05, n=12, two-tailed paired T-test) increase in people agreeing with the following statements about the new rota: "The rota is safe", "This rota has sufficient FY1 cover during the weekend day shifts", and "I would be prepared to work this rota." A direct comparison revealed that FY1 doctors felt that the new rota would be safer, they would be more willing to work the new rota, and that the new rota should be implemented. Implementation occurred for the August 2014 general surgical FY1 intake and post implementation audits showed that the new FY1s felt that cover across all shifts was improved and that the new rota was safe.

This project demonstrates that altering rotas can improve junior doctor's perception of patient safety, and also shows that junior team members, with departmental support, can overcome barriers to change and implement new rotas.
Retrospective examination of habitat use by blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) using otolith microchemical methods
Authors: Payne Wynne Molly L. , Wilson Karen A. , Limburg Karin E.
Published: March 2015

Understanding the location and duration of habitat use by young fish is important for management and restoration efforts, but is largely unknown in anadromous species. We used otolith microchemistry and ambient water concentrations of Ca, Ba, Mn, and Sr to identify habitat use in the first year of growth for 131 returning adult blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) collected in seven spawning runs along the coast of Maine, USA. Ambient Sr:Ca ratios were correlated with salinity and were used as primary indicators of habitat use. Results revealed variable individual migration histories with several discrete migratory patterns; some fish migrated into seawater well before the end of the first year, while the majority exhibited longer residency in freshwater or low salinity habitat. Total area of available habitats ranged from approximately 213 to 6053 ha fresh water and 204 to 3395 ha estuary. Residency in freshwater or low salinity habitats was positively correlated with extent of freshwater habitat (r = 0.37, P < 0.001). Results emphasize the importance of conserving a variety of habitat types to maintain variation in life histories and ensure plasticity in migratory behavior of diadromous species.
Standard model and graviweak unification with (super)renormalizable gravity. Part I: Visible and invisible sectors of the universe
Authors: Laperashvili L. V. , Nielsen H. B. , Tureanu A.
Published: March 2015

We develop a self-consistent Spin (4, 4)-invariant model of the unification of gravity with weak SU(2) gauge and Higgs fields in the visible and invisible sectors of our universe. We consider a general case of the graviweak unification, including the higher-derivative super-renormalizable theory of gravity, which is a unitary, asymptotically-free and perturbatively consistent theory of the quantum gravity.
Relativistic and nonrelativistic solutions of the generalized Pöschl–Teller and hyperbolical potentials with some thermodynamic properties
Authors: Onate C. A. , Ojonubah J. O.
Published: March 2015

By using the new approximation type, the Dirac equation is solved with the combination of Generalized Pöschl–Teller and Hyperbolical potentials within the framework of supersymmetric approach. The energy levels are obtained for both pseudospin and spin symmetries and the nonrelativistic limit is obtained with the corresponding wave functions in terms of hypergeometric functions. Some thermodynamic properties are equally obtained with the energy equation of the nonrelativistic limit.
Distribution of mafic sills in the Transvaal Supergroup, northeastern South Africa
Authors: Button A. , Cawthorn R. G.
Published: March 2015

Systematic measured profiles on a regional scale are used to document the distribution of noritic and amphibolitic sills (787 in total) in the largely sedimentary latest Archaean–early Proterozoic succession of the Transvaal Supergroup in northeastern South Africa. An aggregate thickness of over 2.2 km of sills intruded this 12 km thick succession. The proportion of sill to sill plus sedimentary rock increases upward (average 16%), towards the overlying mafic phase of the Bushveld Complex. The average thickness of sills is 34 m, but increases in the same sense. The emplacement level of the Bushveld Complex transgresses across some 5 km of the stratigraphy of the upper formations of the Transvaal Supergroup. A node of maximum intensity of noritic sill intrusion is developed in these uppermost strata adjacent to the location where the transgressive relationship is most pronounced. The structural styles of the Transvaal Supergroup strata influence intensity of sill intrusion. Other factors being equal, maximum intrusion intensity is associated with areas of shallow homoclinal dip (<20°) and minimum intensity with areas of steeper dip and folding. A lithological control on sill emplacement is also documented, with quartzite- and shale-dominated formations being more heavily intruded than dolomite and basaltic lava.

Supplementary material:

A spreadsheet including all 440 formation traverses including grid references, formation thicknesses, and number and thicknesses of every sill therein is available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18807
.
Voluntary exercise improves metabolic profile in high-fat fed glucocorticoid-treated rats
Authors: Beaudry Jacqueline L. , Dunford Emily C. , Leclair Erwan , Mandel Erin R. , Peckett Ashley J. , Haas Tara L. , Riddell Michael C.
Published: March 2015

Diabetes is rapidly induced in young male Sprague-Dawley rats following treatment with exogenous corticosterone (CORT) and a high-fat diet (HFD). Regular exercise alleviates insulin insensitivity and improves pancreatic β-cell function in insulin-resistant/diabetic rodents, but its effect in an animal model of elevated glucocorticoids is unknown. We examined the effect of voluntary exercise (EX) on diabetes development in CORT-HFD-treated male Sprague-Dawley rats (∼6 wk old). Animals were acclimatized to running wheels for 2 wk, then given a HFD, either wax (placebo) or CORT pellets, and split into 4 groups: placebo-sedentary (SED) or -EX and CORT-SED or -EX. After 2 wk of running combined with treatment, CORT-EX animals had reduced visceral adiposity, and increased skeletal muscle type IIb/x fiber area, oxidative capacity, capillary-to-fiber ratio and insulin sensitivity compared with CORT-SED animals (all P < 0.05). Although CORT-EX animals still had fasting hyperglycemia, these values were significantly improved compared with CORT-SED animals (14.3 ± 1.6 vs. 18.8 ± 0.9 mM). In addition, acute in vivo insulin response to an oral glucose challenge was enhanced ∼2-fold in CORT-EX vs. CORT-SED ( P < 0.05) which was further demonstrated ex vivo in isolated islets. We conclude that voluntary wheel running in rats improves, but does not fully normalize, the metabolic profile and skeletal muscle composition of animals administered CORT and HFD.
Redox regulation of muscle adaptations to contractile activity and aging
Authors: Jackson Malcolm J.
Published: March 2015

Superoxide and nitric oxide are generated by skeletal muscle, and these species are increased by contractile activity. Mitochondria have long been assumed to play the primary role in generation of superoxide in muscle, but recent studies indicate that, during contractile activity, membrane-localized NADPH oxidase(s) rapidly generate(s) superoxide that plays a role in redox signaling. This process is important in upregulation of rapid and specific cytoprotective responses that aid maintenance of cell viability following contractile activity, but the overall extent to which redox signaling contributes to regulation of muscle metabolism and homeostasis following contractile activity is currently unclear, as is identification of key redox-sensitive protein targets involved in these processes. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species have also been implicated in the loss of muscle mass and function that occurs with aging, although recent work has questioned whether oxidative damage plays a key role in these processes. A failure of redox signaling occurs in muscle during aging and may contribute to the age-related loss of muscle fibers. Whether such changes in redox signaling reflect primary age-related changes or are secondary to the fundamental mechanisms is unclear. For instance, denervated muscle fibers within muscles from aged rodents or humans appear to generate large amounts of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide that could influence adjacent innervated fibers. Thus, in this instance, a “secondary” source of reactive oxygen species may be potentially generated as a result of a primary age-related pathology (loss of neurons), but, nevertheless, may contribute to loss of muscle mass and function during aging.
Contribution of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids to the cerebral blood flow response to hypoxemia
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang , Gebremedhin Debebe , Harder David R. , Koehler Raymond C.
Published: March 2015

Adenosine A2A receptors and ATP-activated K+ (KATP) channels contribute to part of the cerebral vasodilatory response to systemic hypoxia, but other mediators are likely involved. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are cerebral vasodilators and are released from astrocytes exposed to hypoxia. Moreover, stimulation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) produces vasodilation by an EET-dependent mechanism. Here, we tested the hypothesis that EET signaling and mGluR activation contribute to hypoxic vasodilation. Laser-Doppler flow was measured over cerebral cortex of anesthetized rats subjected to stepwise reductions in arterial oxygen saturation to 50-70%. Hypoxic reactivity was calculated as the slope of the change in laser-Doppler flow vs. the reciprocal of arterial oxygen content. Hypoxic reactivity significantly decreased from 9.2 ± 1.9 (±95% confidence interval) in controls with vehicle treatment to 2.6 ± 1.4 with the EET antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid, to 3.0 ± 1.5 with the EET synthesis inhibitor MS-PPOH, to 1.9 ± 2.3 with the combined mGluR subtype 1 and 5 antagonists 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine and LY367385 , to 5.6 ± 1.2 with the KATP channel inhibitor glibenclamide, and to 5.8 ± 2.3 with the A2A receptor antagonist SCH58261. However, reactivity was not significantly altered by the A2B receptor antagonist MRS1754 (6.7 ± 1.8; P = 0.28 Dunnett's test) or by the 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid synthesis inhibitor HET0016 (7.5 ± 2.3; P = 0.6). These data indicate that, in addition to the known contributions of A2A receptors and KATP channels to the increase in cerebral blood flow during hypoxia, EETs and mGluRs make a major contribution, possibly by mGluR stimulation and hypoxia-induced release of EETs. In contrast, A2B receptors do not make a major contribution, and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid does not significantly limit hypoxic vasodilation.
Bladder Carcinoma Data with Clinical Risk Factors and Molecular Markers: A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Redondo-Gonzalez Enrique , de Castro Leandro Nunes , Moreno-Sierra Jesús , Maestro de las Casas María Luisa , Vera-Gonzalez Vicente , Ferrari Daniel Gomes , Corchado Juan Manuel
Published: March 2015

Bladder cancer occurs in the epithelial lining of the urinary bladder and is amongst the most common types of cancer in humans, killing thousands of people a year. This paper is based on the hypothesis that the use of clinical and histopathological data together with information about the concentration of various molecular markers in patients is useful for the prediction of outcomes and the design of treatments ofnonmuscle invasive bladder carcinoma(NMIBC). A population of 45 patients with a new diagnosis of NMIBC was selected. Patients withbenign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH),muscle invasive bladder carcinoma(MIBC),carcinoma in situ(CIS), and NMIBC recurrent tumors were not included due to their different clinical behavior. Clinical history was obtained by means of anamnesis and physical examination, and preoperative imaging and urine cytology were carried out for all patients. Then, patients underwent conventionaltransurethral resection(TURBT) and some proteomic analyses quantified the biomarkers (p53, neu, and EGFR). A postoperative follow-up was performed to detect relapse and progression. Clusterings were performed to find groups with clinical, molecular markers, histopathological prognostic factors, and statistics about recurrence, progression, and overall survival of patients with NMIBC. Four groups were found according to tumor sizes, risk of relapse or progression, and biological behavior. Outlier patients were also detected and categorized according to their clinical characters and biological behavior.
Pituitary Disorders and Osteoporosis
Authors: Bolanowski Marek , Halupczok Jowita , Jawiarczyk-Przybyłowska Aleksandra
Published: March 2015

Various hormonal disorders can influence bone metabolism and cause secondary osteoporosis. The consequence of this is a significant increase of fracture risk. Among pituitary disorders such effects are observed in patients with Cushing’s disease, hyperprolactinemia, acromegaly, and hypopituitarism. Severe osteoporosis is the result of the coexistence of some of these disorders and hypogonadism at the same time, which is quite often.
MixedLpEstimators Variety for Model Order Reduction in Control Oriented System Identification
Authors: Corbier Christophe , Carmona Jean-Claude
Published: March 2015

A new family of MLE typeLpestimators for model order reduction in dynamical systems identification is presented in this paper. A family ofLpdistributions proposed in this work combinesLp2(1<p2<2) andLp1(0<p1<1) distributions which are quantified by four parameters. The main purpose is to show that these parameters add degrees of freedom (DOF) in the estimation criterion and reduce the estimated model complexity. Convergence consistency properties of the estimator are analysed and the model order reduction is established. Experimental results are presented and discussed on a real vibration complex dynamical system and pseudo-linear models are considered.
Cardiopulmonary Response to Exercise in COPD and Overweight Patients: Relationship between Unloaded Cycling and Maximal Oxygen Uptake Profiles
Authors: Ba Abdoulaye , Brégeon Fabienne , Delliaux Stéphane , Cissé Fallou , Samb Abdoulaye , Jammes Yves
Published: March 2015

Cardiopulmonary response to unloaded cycling may be related to higher workloads. This was assessed in male subjects: 18 healthy sedentary subjects (controls), 14 hypoxemic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 31 overweight individuals (twelve were hypoxemic). They underwent an incremental exercise up to the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), preceded by a 2 min unloaded cycling period. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (VE), and respiratory frequency (fR) were averaged every 10 s. At the end of unloaded cycling period, HR increase was significantly accentuated in COPD and hypoxemic overweight subjects (resp.,+14±2and+13±1.5 min−1, compared to+7.5±1.5 min−1in normoxemic overweight subjects and+8±1.8 min−1in controls). The fR increase was accentuated in all overweight subjects (hypoxemic:+4.5±0.8; normoxemic:+3.9±0.7 min−1) compared to controls (+2.5±0.8 min−1) and COPDs (+2.0±0.7 min−1). The plateau VE increase during unloaded cycling was positively correlated with VE values measured at the ventilatory threshold and VO2max. Measurement of ventilation during unloaded cycling may serve to predict the ventilatory performance of COPD patients and overweight subjects during an exercise rehabilitation program.
Involvement of the Gut Chemosensory System in the Regulation of Colonic Anion Secretion
Authors: Kuwahara A.
Published: March 2015

The primary function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the extraction of nutrients from the diet. Therefore, the GI tract must possess an efficient surveillance system that continuously monitors the luminal content for beneficial or harmful compounds. Recent studies have shown that specialized cells in the intestinal lining can sense changes in this content. These changes directly influence fundamental GI processes such as secretion, motility, and local blood flow via hormonal and/or neuronal pathways. Until recently, most studies examining the control of ion transport in the colon have focused on neural and hormonal regulation. However, study of the regulation of gut function by the gut chemosensory system has become increasingly important, as failure of this system causes dysfunctions in host homeostasis, as well as functional GI disorders. Furthermore, regulation of ion transport in the colon is critical for host defense and for electrolytes balance. This review discusses the role of the gut chemosensory system in epithelial transport, with a particular emphasis on the colon.
A Survey from the Perspective of Evolutionary Process in the Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Feng , Hu Liang , Zhou Jin , Zhao Kuo
Published: March 2015

The title of this paper may suggest such topics as routing, networking, and data mining, but we focus on new research angles regarding the Internet of Things (IoT) as the theme of this paper. These research angles come from other disciplines and are in the process of being adopted by the IoT. Our paper serves a key purpose: from the perspective of correlative technologies based on time, to review the evolutionary process of the IoT and depict the relations between the correlation techniques which are largely missing in current literature in which the focus has been more on the introduction and comparison of existing technologies and less on issues describing evolutionary process of the IoT. We consider that the latter is crucial to understanding the evolution of the IoT. Through generalizations of particular focus in different stages of each technology, we can better understand the current phase of the IoT and therefore predict future challenges. This paper aims to bridge this gap by providing guidance in terms of the evolutionary process of the IoT and gives readers a panoramic view of the IoT field without repeating what is already available in existing literature so as to complement the existing IoT survey papers which have not covered the evolutionary process of the IoT.
Modeling Analysis and Improvement of Power Loss in Microgrid
Authors: Lan H. , Wen S. , Fu Q. , Yu D. C. , Zhang L.
Published: March 2015

The consumption of conventional energy sources and environmental concerns have resulted in rapid growth in the amount of renewable energy introduced to power systems. With the help of distributed generations (DG), the improvement of power loss and voltage profile can be the salient benefits. However, studies show that improper placement and size of energy storage system (ESS) lead to undesired power loss and the risk of voltage stability, especially in the case of high renewable energy penetration. To solve the problem, this paper sets up a microgrid based on IEEE 34-bus distribution system which consists of wind power generation system, photovoltaic generation system, diesel generation system, and energy storage system associated with various types of load. Furthermore, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed in the paper to minimize the power loss and improve the system voltage profiles by optimally managing the different sorts of distributed generations under consideration of the worst condition of renewable energy production. The established IEEE 34-bus system is adopted to perform case studies. The detailed simulation results for each case clearly demonstrate the necessity of optimal management of the system operation and the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Improvement of Biogas Production from Orange Peel Waste by Leaching of Limonene
Authors: Wikandari Rachma , Nguyen Huong , Millati Ria , Niklasson Claes , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: March 2015

Limonene is present in orange peel wastes and is known as an antimicrobial agent, which impedes biogas production when digesting the peels. In this work, pretreatment of the peels to remove limonene under mild condition was proposed by leaching of limonene using hexane as solvent. The pretreatments were carried out with homogenized or chopped orange peel at 20–40°C with orange peel waste and hexane ratio (w/v) ranging from 1 : 2 to 1 : 12 for 10 to 300 min. The pretreated peels were then digested in batch reactors for 33 days. The highest biogas production was achieved by treating chopped orange peel waste and hexane ratio of 12 : 1 at 20°C for 10 min corresponding to more than threefold increase of biogas production from 0.061 to 0.217 m3methane/kg VS. The solvent recovery was 90% using vacuum filtration and needs further separation using evaporation. The hexane residue in the peel had a negative impact on biogas production as shown by 28.6% reduction of methane and lower methane production of pretreated orange peel waste in semicontinuous digestion system compared to that of untreated peel.
Equalities and Inequalities for Norms of Block Imaginary Circulant Operator Matrices
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyu , Hong Kicheon
Published: March 2015

Circulant, block circulant-type matrices and operator norms have become effective tools in solving networked systems. In this paper, the block imaginary circulant operator matrices are discussed. By utilizing the special structure of such matrices, several norm equalities and inequalities are presented. The normτin consideration is the weakly unitarily invariant norm, which satisfiesτA=τ(UAV). The usual operator norm and Schattenp-norm are included. Furthermore, some special cases and examples are given.
Lipid Mediators Are Critical in Resolving Inflammation: A Review of the Emerging Roles of Eicosanoids in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tessaro Fernando H. G. , Ayala Thais S. , Martins Joilson O.
Published: March 2015

The biosynthesis pathway of eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, relates to the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus (DM). A better understanding of how lipid mediators modulate the inflammatory process may help recognize key factors underlying the progression of diabetes complications. Our review presents recent knowledge about eicosanoid synthesis and signaling in DM-related complications, and discusses eicosanoid-related target therapeutics.
Toll‐Like Receptor‐4 Mediated Inflammation Is Involved in the Cardiometabolic Alterations Induced by Intermittent Hypoxia
Authors: Poulain Laureline , Richard Vincent , Lévy Patrick , Dematteis Maurice , Arnaud Claire
Published: March 2015

Objective. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is a major component of sleep apnea syndrome as its cardiometabolic complications have been mainly attributed to IH. The pathophysiology is still poorly understood but there are some similarities with the obesity‐associated cardiometabolic complications. As the latter results from inflammation involving toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) signaling, we assessed this pathway in the cardiometabolic consequences of IH. Methods. Lean adult male TLR4‐deficient (TLR4−/−) mice and their controls (C57BL/6 mice) were exposed to either IH (FiO2 21‐5%, 1 min cycle, 8 h/day) or air (normoxic mice) for 4 weeks. Animals were assessed at 1‐week exposure for insulin tolerance test and after 4‐week exposure for morphological and inflammatory changes of the epididymal fat and thoracic aorta. Results. IH induced insulin resistance, morphological and inflammatory changes of the epididymal fat (smaller pads and adipocytes, higher release of TNF‐α and IL‐6) and aorta (larger intima‐media thickness and higher NFκB‐p50 activity). All these alterations were prevented by TLR4 deletion. Conclusion. IH induces metabolic and vascular alterations that involve TLR4 mediated inflammation. These results confirm the important role of inflammation in the cardiometabolic consequences of IH and suggest that targeting TLR4/NFκB pathway could represent a further therapeutic option for sleep apnea patients.
Rare Earth Doped Apatite Nanomaterials for Biological Application
Authors: Perera Thalagalage Shalika Harshani , Han Yingchao , Lu Xiaofei , Wang Xinyu , Dai Honglian , Li Shipu
Published: March 2015

In most biological analyses, a sensitive detection technique is primarily dependent on the fluorescence labeling agent. New generation of fluorophores called rare earth doped apatite nanoparticle (REAnp) has the ability to emit near infrared radiations which are of low absorptivity by tissue chromophores and especially suitable for biological system imaging. Moreover, bioapatite is demonstrated to be an excellent candidate for biomedical applications because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. During recent years a lot of efforts have been made for achievement of REAnp for medical diagnostics and targeted therapeutics applications. In this review, we discuss the significance of REAnps in biological systems, different root of synthesis, and biological applications. Also we discuss the future studies for the effective biological applications of REAnps.
Inflammatory and Antioxidant Pattern Unbalance in “Clopidogrel‐Resistant” Patients during Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Caruso Raffaele , Rocchiccioli Silvia , Gori Anna Maria , Cecchettini Antonella , Giusti Betti , Parodi Guido , Cozzi Lorena , Marcucci Rossella , Parolini Marina , Romagnuolo Ilaria , Citti Lorenzo , Abbate Rosanna , Parodi Oberdan
Published: March 2015

Background. In acute coronary syndrome (ACS), inflammation and redox response are associated with increased residual platelet reactivity (RPR) on clopidogrel therapy. We investigated whether clopidogrel interaction affects platelet function and modulates factors related to inflammation and oxidation in ACS patients differently responding to clopidogrel. Material and Methods. Platelet aggregation was measured in 29 ACS patients on dual (aspirin/clopidogrel) antiplatelet therapy. Nonresponders (NR) were defined as RPR ≥70% by ADP. Several inflammatory and redox parameters were assayed and platelet proteome was determined. Results. Eight (28%) out of 29 ACS patients resulted NR to clopidogrel. At 24 hours, the levels of Th2‐type cytokines IL‐4, IFNγ, and MCP‐1 were higher in NR, while blood GSH (r‐GSHbl) levels were lower in NR than responders (R). Proteomic analysis evidenced an upregulated level of platelet adhesion molecule, CD226, and a downregulation of the antioxidant peroxiredoxin‐4. In R patients the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐6 decreased, while the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1Ra increased. Conclusions. In patients with high RPR on clopidogrel therapy, an unbalance of inflammatory factors, platelet adhesion molecules, and circulatory and platelet antioxidant molecules was observed during the acute phase. Proinflammatory milieu persists in nonresponders for a long time after the acute event while antioxidant blood factors tend to conform to normal responsiveness.
Placing Ion Channels into a Signaling Network of T Cells: From Maturing Thymocytes to Healthy T Lymphocytes or Leukemic T Lymphoblasts
Authors: Dobrovinskaya Oxana , Delgado-Enciso Iván , Quintero-Castro Laura Johanna , Best-Aguilera Carlos , Rojas-Sotelo Rocío Monserrat , Pottosin Igor
Published: March 2015

T leukemogenesis is a multistep process, where the genetic errors during T cell maturation cause the healthy progenitor to convert into the leukemic precursor that lost its ability to differentiate but possesses high potential for proliferation, self-renewal, and migration. A new misdirecting “leukemogenic” signaling network appears, composed by three types of participants which are encoded by (1) genes implicated in determined stages of T cell development but deregulated by translocations or mutations, (2) genes which normally do not participate in T cell development but are upregulated, and (3) nondifferentially expressed genes which become highly interconnected with genes expressed differentially. It appears that each of three groups may contain genes coding ion channels. In T cells, ion channels are implicated in regulation of cell cycle progression, differentiation, activation, migration, and cell death. In the present review we are going to reveal a relationship between different genetic defects, which drive the T cell neoplasias, with calcium signaling and ion channels. We suggest that changes in regulation of various ion channels in different types of the T leukemias may provide the intracellular ion microenvironment favorable to maintain self-renewal capacity, arrest differentiation, induce proliferation, and enhance motility.
Sample Preparation and Extraction in Small Sample Volumes Suitable for Pediatric Clinical Studies: Challenges, Advances, and Experiences of a Bioanalytical HPLC-MS/MS Method Validation Using Enalapril and Enalaprilat
Authors: Burckhardt Bjoern B. , Laeer Stephanie
Published: March 2015

In USA and Europe, medicines agencies force the development of child-appropriate medications and intend to increase the availability of information on the pediatric use. This asks for bioanalytical methods which are able to deal with small sample volumes as the trial-related blood lost is very restricted in children. Broadly used HPLC-MS/MS, being able to cope with small volumes, is susceptible to matrix effects. The latter restrains the precise drug quantification through, for example, causing signal suppression. Sophisticated sample preparation and purification utilizing solid-phase extraction was applied to reduce and control matrix effects. A scale-up from vacuum manifold to positive pressure manifold was conducted to meet the demands of high-throughput within a clinical setting. Faced challenges, advances, and experiences in solid-phase extraction are exemplarily presented on the basis of the bioanalytical method development and validation of low-volume samples (50 μL serum). Enalapril, enalaprilat, and benazepril served as sample drugs. The applied sample preparation and extraction successfully reduced the absolute and relative matrix effect to comply with international guidelines. Recoveries ranged from 77 to 104% for enalapril and from 93 to 118% for enalaprilat. The bioanalytical method comprising sample extraction by solid-phase extraction was fully validated according to FDA and EMA bioanalytical guidelines and was used in a Phase I study in 24 volunteers.
Role of IL‐38 and Its Related Cytokines in Inflammation
Authors: Yuan Xianli , Peng Xiao , Li Yan , Li Mingcai
Published: March 2015

Interleukin‐ (IL‐) 38 is a recently discovered cytokine and is the tenth member of the IL‐1 cytokine family. IL‐38 shares structural features with IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) and IL‐36Ra. IL‐36R is the specific receptor of IL‐38, a partial receptor antagonist of IL‐36. IL‐38 inhibits the production of T‐cell cytokines IL‐17 and IL‐22. IL‐38 also inhibits the production of IL‐8 induced by IL‐36γ, thus inhibiting inflammatory responses. IL‐38‐related cytokines, including IL‐1Ra and IL‐36Ra, are involved in the regulation of inflammation and immune responses. The study of IL‐38 and IL‐38‐related cytokines might provide new insights for developing anti‐inflammatory treatments in the near future.
OSAS‐Related Inflammatory Mechanisms of Liver Injury in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Paschetta Elena , Belci Paola , Alisi Anna , Liccardo Daniela , Cutrera Renato , Musso Giovanni , Nobili Valerio
Published: March 2015

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep disorder, affecting over 4% of the general population, and is associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, independent of obesity and traditional risk factors. OSAS has been recently connected to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disease in the world, which can be found in 30% of the general adult population. Several studies suggest that the chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) of OSAS patients may per se trigger liver injury, inflammation, and fibrogenesis, promoting NAFLD development and the progression from steatosis to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In NAFLD patients, liver disease may be caused by hypoxia both indirectly by promoting inflammation and insulin resistance and directly by enhancing proinflammatory cytokine production and metabolic dysregulation in liver cells. In this review, we focus on molecular mechanisms linking OSAS to NAFLD, including hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), YKL‐40, unfolded protein response, and hypoxic adipose tissue inflammation, which all could provide novel potential therapeutic approaches for the management of NAFLD patients with OSAS.