bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web Service Composition
Authors: Lemos Angel Lagares , Daniel Florian , Benatallah Boualem
Published: December 2015

Web services are a consolidated reality of the modern Web with tremendous, increasing impact on everyday computing tasks. They turned the Web into the largest, most accepted, and most vivid distributed computing platform ever. Yet, the use and integration of Web services into composite services or applications, which is a highly sensible and conceptually non-trivial task, is still not unleashing its full magnitude of power. A consolidated analysis framework that advances the fundamental understanding of Web service composition building blocks in terms of concepts, models, languages, productivity support techniques, and tools is required. This framework is necessary to enable effective exploration, understanding, assessing, comparing, and selecting service composition models, languages, techniques, platforms, and tools. This article establishes such a framework and reviews the state of the art in service composition from an unprecedented, holistic perspective.
Acoustic Features for Hidden Conditional Random Fields--Based Thai Tone Classification
Authors: Kertkeidkachorn Natthawut , Punyabukkana Proadpran , Suchato Atiwong
Published: December 2015

In the Thai language, tone information is necessary for Thai speech recognition systems. Previous studies show that many acoustic cues are attributed to shapes of tones. Nevertheless, most Thai tone classification studies mainly adopted F
0
values and their derivatives without considering other acoustic features. In this article, other acoustic features for Thai tone classification are investigated. In the experiment, energy values and spectral information represented by three spectral-based features including the LPC-based feature, PLP-based feature, and MFCC-based feature are applied to the HCRF-based Thai tone classification, which was reported as the best approach for Thai tone classification. The energy values provide an error rate reduction of 22.40% in the isolated word scenario, while there are slight improvements in the continuous speech scenario. On the contrary, spectral-based features greatly contribute to Thai tone classification in the continuous-speech scenario, whereas spectral-based features slightly degrade performances in the isolated-word scenario. The best achievement in the continuous-speech scenario is obtained from the PLP-based feature, which yields an error rate reduction of 13.90%. Therefore, findings in this article are that energy values and spectral-based features, especially the PLP-based feature, are the main contributors to the improvement of the performances of Thai tone classification in the isolated-word scenario and the continuous-speech scenario, respectively.
Gaze Transition Entropy
Authors: Krejtz Krzysztof , Duchowski Andrew , Szmidt Tomasz , Krejtz Izabela , González Perilli Fernando , Pires Ana , Vilaro Anna , Villalobos Natalia
Published: December 2015

This article details a two-step method of quantifying eye movement transitions between areas of interest (AOIs). First, individuals' gaze switching patterns, represented by fixated AOI sequences, are modeled as Markov chains. Second, Shannon's entropy coefficient of the fit Markov model is computed to quantify the complexity of individual switching patterns. To determine the overall distribution of attention over AOIs, the entropy coefficient of individuals' stationary distribution of fixations is calculated. The novelty of the method is that it captures the variability of individual differences in eye movement characteristics, which are then summarized statistically. The method is demonstrated on gaze data collected from two studies, during free viewing of classical art paintings. Normalized Shannon's entropy, derived from individual transition matrices, is related to participants' individual differences as well as to either their aesthetic impression or recognition of artwork. Low transition and high stationary entropies suggest greater curiosity mixed with a higher subjective aesthetic affinity toward artwork, possibly indicative of visual scanning of the artwork in a more deliberate way. Meanwhile, both high transition and stationary entropies may be indicative of recognition of familiar artwork.
Reputation Systems Evaluation Survey
Authors: Koutrouli Eleni , Tsalgatidou Aphrodite
Published: December 2015

Various reputation systems have been proposed for a broad range of distributed applications, such as peer-to-peer, ad-hoc, and multiagent systems. Their evaluation has been mostly based on proprietary methods due to the lack of widely acceptable evaluation measures and methodologies. Differentiating factors in various evaluation approaches include the evaluation metrics, the consideration of the dynamic behavior of peers, the use of social networks, or the study of resilience to specific threat scenarios. The lack of a generally accepted common evaluation framework hinders the objective evaluation and comparison of different reputation systems. Aiming at narrowing the gap in the research area of objective evaluation of reputation systems, in this article, we study the various approaches to evaluating and comparing reputation systems, present them in a taxonomy, and analyze their strengths and limitations, with special focus on works suggesting a Common Evaluation Framework (CEF). We identify the challenges for a widely accepted CEF that enables testing and benchmarking of reputation systems, and we present the required properties for such a CEF; we also present an analysis of current CEF-related works in the context of the identified properties and our related proposals.
ICER conference report
Authors: Dorn Brian , Cutts Quintin , Sheard Judy
Published: December 2015

On a humid Midwestern summer week this past August, the 11
th
International Computer Education Research (ICER) conference took place on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. This year's conference saw over a 40% increase in attendance, breaking all prior attendance records from the first ten ICERs. Even with 118 delegates representing 8 unique countries, the conference format stayed true to its roots as a single-track conference with lively discussions about the latest research on computing education.
SIGCSE 2016 new educators workshop
Authors: Reed David , Danyluk Andrea
Published: December 2015

A successful career as a computer science educator involves much more than a deep understanding of a particular research area. A successful educator must also be an effective teacher, a collegial collaborator, a capable politician, and an expert time manager. While most computer science graduate programs emphasize research expertise, and perhaps provide teaching experience through methods courses and assistantships, they often address other aspects of an academic career only through informal (and inconsistent) mentoring. Choosing the appropriate type of institution and career path; balancing teaching, research, service, and family life; working with colleagues and surviving institutional politics; navigating the tenure and/or advancement processes -- these are all important aspects of a career that must be tackled by new educators.
How we may think
Authors: Schuler Douglas
Published: December 2015

Seventy years after Vannevar Bush's seminal article his paper argues that societal or group thinking is as important as individual thinking. The phenomenon of civic intelligence, the capability of collectivities to address significant shared issues efficiently and equitably, is explored, especially in relation to other social / psychological phenomena including collective intelligence and metacognition. The paper's strongest claim is that contemporary conditions absolutely compel us to take seriously the need for consciously improving the civic intelligence of the world's citizenry.

This article was originally published in the Spanda Journal in a special issue devoted to Systemic Change, Vol. VI, 1, 2015. (http://www.spanda.org/SpandaJounrnal_VI,1.pdf). It has been reprinted with permission from the author.
Major Hurdles for the Evolution of Sociality
Authors: Korb Judith , Heinze Jürgen
Published: December 2015

Why do most animals live solitarily, while complex social life is restricted to a few cooperatively breeding vertebrates and social insects? Here, we synthesize concepts and theories in social evolution and discuss its underlying ecological causes. Social evolution can be partitioned into (a) formation of stable social groups, (b) evolution of helping, and (c) transition to a new evolutionary level. Stable social groups rarely evolve due to competition over food and/or reproduction. Food competition is overcome in social insects with central-place foraging or bonanza-type food resources, whereas competition over reproduction commonly occurs because staying individuals are rarely sterile. Hence, the evolution of helping is shaped by direct and indirect fitness options and helping is only altruism if it reduces the helper's direct fitness. The helper's capability to gain direct fitness also creates within-colony conflict. This prevents transition to a new evolutionary level.
Reproduction–Immunity Trade-Offs in Insects
Authors: Schwenke Robin A. , Lazzaro Brian P. , Wolfner Mariana F.
Published: December 2015

Immune defense and reproduction are physiologically and energetically demanding processes and have been observed to trade off in a diversity of female insects. Increased reproductive effort results in reduced immunity, and reciprocally, infection and activation of the immune system reduce reproductive output. This trade-off can manifest at the physiological level (within an individual) and at the evolutionary level (genetic distinction among individuals in a population). The resource allocation model posits that the trade-off arises because of competition for one or more limiting resources, and we hypothesize that pleiotropic signaling mechanisms regulate allocation of that resource between reproductive and immune processes. We examine the role of juvenile hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone, and insulin/insulin-like growth factor-like signaling in regulating both oogenesis and immune system activity, and propose a signaling network that may mechanistically regulate the trade-off. Finally, we discuss implications of the trade-off in an ecological and evolutionary context.
T Cell Fate at the Single-Cell Level
Authors: Buchholz Veit R. , Schumacher Ton N.M. , Busch Dirk H.
Published: December 2015

T cell responses display two key characteristics. First, a small population of epitope-specific naive T cells expands by several orders of magnitude. Second, the T cells within this proliferating population take on diverse functional and phenotypic properties that determine their ability to exert effector functions and contribute to T cell memory. Recent technological advances in lineage tracing allow us for the first time to study these processes in vivo at single-cell resolution. Here, we summarize resulting data demonstrating that although epitope-specific T cell responses are reproducibly similar at the population level, expansion potential and diversification patterns of the offspring derived from individual T cells are highly variable during both primary and recall immune responses. In spite of this stochastic response variation, individual memory T cells can serve as adult stem cells that provide robust regeneration of an epitope-specific tissue through population averaging. We discuss the relevance of these findings for T cell memory formation and clinical immunotherapy.
An Uncommon Case of Solitary Peripheral Osteoma in the Mandible
Authors: Agrawal Rohit , Agrawal Shipra , Bhargava Shitij , Motlani Mahesh , Agrawal Rahul
Published: December 2015

Osteoma is a benign osteogenic lesion which is composed of well differentiated mature compact and/or cancellous bone that proliferates continuously. Its prevalence is 4%. Its pathogenesis is still controversial. Solitary peripheral osteoma of craniofacial region is a rare finding. We report a case of 30-year-old female having solitary peripheral osteoma present on the lingual cortex of the left posterior mandible which was initially asymptomatic but now is causing discomfort while chewing and not associated with Gardner’s syndrome. We also laid emphasis on its clinical, differential diagnosis, radiological, surgical, and histopathological features. The aim of this paper is to present an uncommon case of solitary peripheral osteoma in the mandible along with analysis of literature for peripheral osteomas of jaws and to contribute to the knowledge concerning the pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and management of these lesions.
In VitroDetection of Acaricidal Resistance Status ofRhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplusagainst Commercial Preparation of Deltamethrin, Flumethrin, and Fipronil from North Gujarat, India
Authors: Shyma K. P. , Gupta Jay Prakash , Singh Veer , Patel K. K.
Published: December 2015

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplusis the most common tick species in India infesting cattle and buffaloes and causing significant economic losses to dairy and leather industries by adversely affecting the milk production and quality of hides. A study to evaluate the acaricide resistance status ofRhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplusto deltamethrin, flumethrin, and fipronil was conducted on the samples collected from organized and unorganized farms of North Gujarat state, where treatment failures were reported frequently. Adult Immersion Test (AIT) and Larval Packet Test (LPT) were conducted using field strain for determination of 50 and 95% lethal concentration of deltamethrin, flumethrin, and fipronil. Results obtained by the Adult Immersion Test showed low grade resistance (level I, RF > 5) has been developed against both deltamethrin and fipronil. However, deltamethrin by performing Larval Packet Test showed moderate grade resistance (level II, RF > 25). Larval packet performed by flumethrin also revealed low grade resistance, level I. The data on field status of acaricide resistance from the area with diversified animal genetic resources will be helpful to adopt suitable strategy to overcome the process of development of resistance in ticks.
The Wide and Unpredictable Scope of Synthetic Cannabinoids Toxicity
Authors: Orsini Jose , Blaak Christa , Tam Eric , Rajayer Salil , Morante Joaquin , Yeh Angela , Butala Ashvin
Published: December 2015

Drug use and abuse continue to be a large public health concern worldwide. Over the past decade, novel or atypical drugs have emerged and become increasingly popular. In the recent past, compounds similar to tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC), the active ingredient of marijuana, have been synthetically produced and offered commercially as legal substances. Since the initial communications of their abuse in 2008, few case reports have been published illustrating the misuse of these substances with signs and symptoms of intoxication. Even though synthetic cannabinoids have been restricted, they are still readily available across USA and their use has been dramatically increasing, with a concomitant increment in reports to poison control centers and emergency department (ED) visits. We describe a case of acute hypoxemic/hypercapnic respiratory failure as a consequence of acute congestive heart failure (CHF) developed from myocardial stunning resulting from a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI) following the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids.
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of Tadalafil and Tamsulosin in Relieving Double J Stent Related Symptoms
Authors: Aggarwal Satinder Pal , Priyadarshi Shivam , Tomar Vinay , Yadav S. S. , Gangkak Goto , Vyas Nachiket , Agarwal Neeraj , Kumar Ujwal
Published: December 2015

Objectives. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tadalafil and Tamsulosin in treating Double J stent related symptoms.Methods. In a prospective study, 161 patients with DJ related symptoms were randomized into 3 groups: Group A patients (54), Group B patients (53), and Group C patients (54). They were given Tadalafil, Tamsulosin, and placebo, respectively, at 1st week till removal of DJ stent at 3rd week. All patients completed Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) at 1st week and at 3rd week. The statistical significant difference among groups was determined by thet-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and multivariate analysis were used to assess association of the variables within the three groups, and the level of significance was set atP<0.05.Results. Tadalafil and Tamsulosin were comparable in relieving urinary symptoms, general health, and work performance (OR = 0.65, 1.8, and 0.92). But Tadalafil was more effective in relieving body pain, sexual problems, and additional problems than Tamsulosin (OR = 5.95, 19.25, and 2.69) and was statistically significant asP<0.05.Conclusion. Tadalafil was as effective as Tamsulosin in relieving urinary symptom but more effective in relieving sexual symptoms and body pain.
Modeling Gene Networks inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeBased on Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Lv Kebo , Wang Shudong , Su Jionglong , Meng Dazhi
Published: December 2015

Detailed and innovative analysis of gene regulatory network structures may reveal novel insights to biological mechanisms. Here we study how gene regulatory network inSaccharomyces cerevisiaecan differ under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. To achieve this, we discretized the gene expression profiles and calculated the self-entropy of down- and upregulation of gene expression as well as joint entropy. Based on these quantities the uncertainty coefficient was calculated for each gene triplet, following which, separate gene logic networks were constructed for the aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Four structural parameters such as average degree, average clustering coefficient, average shortest path, and average betweenness were used to compare the structure of the corresponding aerobic and anaerobic logic networks. Five genes were identified to be putative key components of the two energy metabolisms. Furthermore, community analysis using the Newman fast algorithm revealed two significant communities for the aerobic but only one for the anaerobic network. David Gene Functional Classification suggests that, under aerobic conditions, one such community reflects the cell cycle and cell replication, while the other one is linked to the mitochondrial respiratory chain function.
Treatment of Aseptic Hypertrophic Nonunion of the Lower Extremity with Less Invasive Stabilization System (New Approach to Hypertrophic Nonunion Treatment)
Authors: Uzun Metin , Çakar Murat , Bülbül Ahmet Murat , Kara Adnan
Published: December 2015

Aim. To evaluate whether aseptic hypertrophic nonunion in the long bones of the lower extremity can be treated successfully with LISS applied with closed methods without grafting. Materials and Methods. The study included 7 tibias and 9 femurs of 16 patients. All cases had hypertrophic nonunion. Initial surgical treatment was with intramedullary nailing in 14 cases, 6 of which had required an exchange of intramedullary nail. All the patients were treated with LISS plate with closed methods. Results. Union was obtained at mean 7 months in all patients. No implant loosening or breakage of the implant was observed and there was no requirement for secondary surgery. Conclusion. Cases of hypertrophic nonunion have excellent blood supply and biological potential. Therefore, there is no need for bone grafting and the addition of fracture stability is enough to achieve full union. Using a limited approach and percutaneous screw insertion, LISS provides fracture stabilization with soft tissue protection.
Genetic Variations in Inflammatory Response Genes and Their Association with the Risk of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cui Xin , Yan Hao , Ou Tong-Wen , Jia Chun-Song , Wang Qi , Xu Jian-Jun
Published: December 2015

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men. Genetic variations in inflammatory response genes can potentially influence the risk of prostate cancer. We aimed to examine the association betweenPPARGPro12Ala,NFKB1-94 ins/del,NFKBIA-826C/T,COX-1(50C>T), andCOX-2(-1195G>A) polymorphisms on prostate cancer risk. The genotypes of the polymorphisms were ascertained in 543 prostate cancer patients and 753 controls through PCR-RFLP and the risk association was evaluated statistically using logistic regression analysis. TheNFKB1-94 polymorphism was shown to decrease prostate cancer risk in both heterozygous and homozygous comparison models (odds ratios of 0.74 (95% CI = 0.58–0.96) (P=0.02) and 0.57 (95% CI = 0.42–0.78) (P<0.01), resp.). An opposite finding was observed forCOX-2(-1195) polymorphism (odds ratios of 1.58 (95% CI = 1.15–2.18) (P<0.01) for heterozygous comparison model and 2.08 (95% CI = 1.48–2.92) (P<0.01) for homozygous comparison model). No association was observed for other polymorphisms. In conclusion,NFKB1-94 ins/del andCOX-2(-1195G>A) polymorphisms may be, respectively, associated with decreased and increased prostate cancer risk in the Chinese population.
Isolation ofBacillus sphaericusfrom Lombok Island, Indonesia, and Their Toxicity againstAnopheles aconitus
Authors: Suryadi Bambang Fajar , Yanuwiadi Bagyo , Ardyati Tri , Suharjono
Published: December 2015

Malaria is endemic to Lombok Island, Indonesia. One approach to suppress malaria spread is to eliminate anopheline larvae in their habitat and the environmentally safe agent is bacteria, that is,Bacillus sphaericus. However, there is no information regarding local isolate ofB. sphaericusthat is toxic to mosquito larvae from Lombok. The aims of the study were to isolateB. sphaericusfrom soil in areas close to beach surrounding Lombok Island and to test their toxicity against 3rd instarAnopheles aconituslarvae. Soil samples were collected from 20 different sampling locations from Lombok Island and homogenized with sterile physiological salt solution. Suspension was heat-shocked at 80°C for 30 minutes and then spread onto antibiotic-supplemented NYSM solid medium. Colonies grown were characterized and subjected to initial toxicity test against anopheline larvae. Isolates with more than 50% killing percentage were subjected to bioassay testing against anopheline larvae. From 20 locations, 1 isolate showed mild toxicity (namely, isolate MNT) and 2 isolates showed high toxicity (namely, isolates SLG and TJL2) againstAn. aconitus. Those 3 isolates were potentially useful isolates, as they killed almost all larvae in 24 hours. The discovery of toxic indigenous isolates ofB. sphaericusfrom Lombok Island opens opportunity to develop a biopesticide from local resources.
Drag Reduction of a Turbulent Boundary Layer over an Oscillating Wall and Its Variation with Reynolds Number
Authors: Skote Martin , Mishra Maneesh , Wu Yanhua
Published: December 2015

Spanwise oscillation applied on the wall under a spatially developing turbulent boundary layer flow is investigated using direct numerical simulation. The temporal wall forcing produces a considerable drag reduction over the region where oscillation occurs. Downstream development of drag reduction is investigated from Reynolds number dependency perspective. An alternative to the previously suggested power-law relation between Reynolds number and peak drag reduction values, which is valid for channel flow as well, is proposed. Considerable deviation in the variation of drag reduction with Reynolds number between different previous investigations of channel flow is found. The shift in velocity profile, which has been used in the past for explaining the diminishing drag reduction at higher Reynolds number for riblets, is investigated. A new predictive formula is derived, replacing the ones found in the literature. Furthermore, unlike for the case of riblets, the shift is varying downstream in the case of wall oscillations, which is a manifestation of the fact that the boundary layer has not reached a new equilibrium over the limited downstream distance in the simulations. Taking this into account, the predictive model agrees well with DNS data. On the other hand, the growth of the boundary layer does not influence the drag reduction prediction.
Expression of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products in Epicardial Fat: Link with Tissue Thickness and Local Insulin Resistance in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Dozio Elena , Vianello Elena , Briganti Silvia , Lamont John , Tacchini Lorenza , Schmitz Gerd , Corsi Romanelli Massimiliano Marco
Published: December 2015

Increased expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in adipose tissue has been associated with inflammation, adipocyte hypertrophy, and impaired insulin signal. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), a visceral fat surrounding the myocardium, is potentially involved in the onset/progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). To date, the role of RAGE in EAT has not been explored much. We examined whether the RAGE expression in EAT was associated with EAT adiposity and metabolic dysfunctions normally found in CAD patients. EAT samples were obtained from 33 patients undergoing open-heart surgery. EAT expression of RAGE, GLUT4, adiponenctin, GLO1, HMGB1, TLR-4, and MyD88 was analyzed by microarray. EAT thickness was quantified by echocardiography. Anthropometric measures and clinical parameters were taken. BMI, HOMA-IR, and LAP indices were calculated. With increasing RAGE expression in EAT we observed increases in EAT thickness, reduced expression of GLUT4, adiponectin, and GLO1, and elevations of HMGB1, TLR-4, and MyD88. There were significant correlations between RAGE and EAT thickness and between RAGE and the genes. LAP was higher in patients with increased RAGE expression. Our data suggest that in CAD patients RAGE may be involved in promoting EAT adiposity and metabolic dysfunction, such as impaired insulin signaling.
Development and Characterization of an Electroless Plated Silver/Cysteine Sensor Platform for the Electrochemical Determination of Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Wacoo Alex Paul , Ocheng Mathew , Wendiro Deborah , Vuzi Peter California , Hawumba Joseph F.
Published: December 2015

An electroless plated silver/cysteine sensor platform [Glass|silver|cysteine|aflatoxin B1|horseradish peroxidase] for the Electrochemical detection of aflatoxin B1was developed and characterized. This involved four major steps: (1) an electroless deposition of silver (plating) onto a glass slide, (2) immobilization of cysteine; (3) conjugation of aflatoxin B1to cysteine groups; and (4) blocking of free cysteine groups with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The binding of cysteine to the silver was demonstrated by the disappearance of thiol (S-H) groups at 2500 cm−1using Fourier transmittance infrared spectra (FT-IR), while the subsequent steps in the assembly of sensor platform were monitored using both FT-IR and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. The sensor platform exhibited a broadened nonsymmetrical redox couple as indicated by cyclic voltammetry. The platform was further characterized for sensitivity and limit of detection. The indirect competitive immunoassay format, whereby free and immobilized aflatoxin B1on the sensor competed for the binding site of free anti-aflatoxin B1antibody, was used at various concentrations of aflatoxin B1. The sensor generated differential staircase voltammogram that was inversely proportional to the concentration of aflatoxin B1and aflatoxin B1in the range of 0.06–1.1 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.08 ng/mL could be detected.
24‐Week Exposure to Oxidized Tyrosine Induces Hepatic Fibrosis Involving Activation of the MAPK/TGF‐β1 Signaling Pathway in Sprague‐Dawley Rats Model
Authors: Li Zhuqing Leslie , Shi Yonghui , Le Guowei , Ding Yinyi , Zhao Qi
Published: December 2015

Scope. Oxidized tyrosine (O‐Tyr) has been widely detected in many consumer protein products. O‐Tyr products such as dityrosine (Dityr) and 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) are universal biomarkers of protein oxidation and have been demonstrated to be associated with metabolic disorders in biological system. Evaluation of potential intracorporal effects of dietary O‐Tyr is important since the mechanism of biological impacts induced by oral oxidized protein products (OPPs) is still limited although we have proved that some dietary OPPs would induce oxidative injury to liver and kidney. Methods and Results. The present study aimed to investigate the dose‐dependent hepatic injury caused by oral O‐Tyr in rats. 24‐week feeding of O‐Tyr enhanced aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, increased total bilirubin (TBiL) content, and led to oxidative damage in rats liver. Besides, O‐Tyr distinctly increased the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK2 MAPKs and enhanced fibrosis‐related TGF‐β1 and Smad2/3 levels. Higher extracellular matrix (ECM) indexes (ICTP, PIIINP) and histological examination (HE and Masson staining) also supported dose‐dependent hepatic fibrosis caused by O‐Tyr. Conclusion. These findings reveal that O‐Tyr may induce oxidative damage and hepatic fibrosis via MAPK/TGF‐β1 signaling pathway, in which ROS together with malondialdehyde (MDA) and OPPs act as the pivotal mediators.
Modulation of Hypercholesterolemia‐Induced Oxidative/Nitrative Stress in the Heart
Authors: Csonka Csaba , Sárközy Márta , Pipicz Márton , Dux László , Csont Tamás
Published: December 2015

Hypercholesterolemia is a frequent metabolic disorder associated with increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition to its well‐known proatherogenic effect, hypercholesterolemia may exert direct effects on the myocardium resulting in contractile dysfunction, aggravated ischemia/reperfusion injury, and diminished stress adaptation. Both preclinical and clinical studies suggested that elevated oxidative and/or nitrative stress plays a key role in cardiac complications induced by hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, modulation of hypercholesterolemia‐induced myocardial oxidative/nitrative stress is a feasible approach to prevent or treat deleterious cardiac consequences. In this review, we discuss the effects of various pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, some novel potential pharmacological approaches, and physical exercise on hypercholesterolemia‐induced oxidative/nitrative stress and subsequent cardiac dysfunction as well as impaired ischemic stress adaptation of the heart in hypercholesterolemia.
Protective Effects of D‐Penicillamine on Catecholamine‐Induced Myocardial Injury
Authors: Říha Michal , Hašková Pavlína , Martin Jan , Filipský Tomáš , Váňová Kateřina , Vávrová Jaroslava , Holečková Magdalena , Homola Pavel , Vítek Libor , Palicka Vladimír , Šimůnek Tomáš , Mladěnka Přemysl
Published: December 2015

Iron and copper release participates in the myocardial injury under ischemic conditions and hence protection might be achieved by iron chelators. Data on copper chelation are, however, sparse. The effect of the clinically used copper chelator D‐penicillamine in the catecholamine model of acute myocardial injury was tested in cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2 and in Wistar Han rats. D‐Penicillamine had a protective effect against catecholamine‐induced injury both in vitro and in vivo. It protected H9c2 cells against the catecholamine‐induced viability loss in a dose‐dependent manner. In animals, both intravenous D‐penicillamine doses of 11 (low) and 44 mg/kg (high) decreased the mortality caused by s.c. isoprenaline (100 mg/kg) from 36% to 14% and 22%, respectively. However, whereas the low D‐penicillamine dose decreased the release of cardiac troponin T (specific marker of myocardial injury), the high dose resulted in an increase. Interestingly, the high dose led to a marked elevation in plasma vitamin C. This might be related to potentiation of oxidative stress, as suggested by additional in vitro experiments with D‐penicillamine (iron reduction and the Fenton reaction). In conclusion, D‐penicillamine has protective potential against catecholamine‐induced cardiotoxicity; however the optimal dose selection seems to be crucial for further application.
OPWUM: Opportunistic MAC Protocol Leveraging Wake-Up Receivers in WSNs
Authors: Ait Aoudia Fayçal , Gautier Matthieu , Berder Olivier
Published: December 2015

Opportunistic forwarding has emerged as a promising technique to address the problem of unreliable links typical in wireless sensor networks and improve energy efficiency by exploiting multiuser diversity. Timer-based solutions, such as timer-based contention, form promising schemes to allow opportunistic next hop relay selection. However, they can incur significant idle listening and thus reduce the lifetime of the network. To tackle this problem, we propose to exploit emerging wake-up receiver technologies that have the potential to considerably reduce the power consumption of wireless communications. A careful design of MAC protocols is required to efficiently employ these new devices. In this work, we propose Opportunistic Wake-Up MAC (OPWUM), a novel multihop MAC protocol using timer-based contention. It enables the opportunistic selection of the best receiver among its neighboring nodes according to a given metric (e.g., the remaining energy), without requiring any knowledge about them. Moreover, OPWUM exploits emerging wake-up receivers to drastically reduce nodes power consumption. Through analytical study and exhaustive networks simulations, we show the effectiveness of OPWUM compared to the current state-of-the-art protocols using timer-based contention.
Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency: Current Treatment Options and Emerging Therapies
Authors: Haagdorens Michel , Van Acker Sara Ilse , Van Gerwen Veerle , Ní Dhubhghaill Sorcha , Koppen Carina , Tassignon Marie-José , Zakaria Nadia
Published: December 2015

Severe ocular surface disease can result in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a condition leading to decreased visual acuity, photophobia, and ocular pain. To restore the ocular surface in advanced stem cell deficient corneas, an autologous or allogenic limbal stem cell transplantation is performed. In recent years, the risk of secondary LSCD due to removal of large limbal grafts has been significantly reduced by the optimization of cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET). Despite the great successes of CLET, there still is room for improvement as overall success rate is 70% and visual acuity often remains suboptimal after successful transplantation. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation reports higher success rates but has not been performed in as many patients yet. This review focuses on limbal epithelial stem cells and the pathophysiology of LSCD. State‐of‐the‐art therapeutic management of LSCD is described, and new and evolving techniques in ocular surface regeneration are being discussed, in particular, advantages and disadvantages of alternative cell scaffolds and cell sources for cell based ocular surface reconstruction.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Cryptogenic Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Hepatitis B Virus-Endemic Area
Authors: Kwak Hee-Won , Park Joong-Won , Koh Young Hwan , Lee Ju Hee , Yu Ami , Nam Byung-Ho
Published: December 2015

Objectives: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in South Korea, but a high prevalence of metabolic diseases may result in increases in the incidence of cryptogenic HCC (cHCC). We studied characteristics of the cHCC in a single-center cohort. Methods: A cohort of 1,784 HCC patients newly diagnosed and treated at the National Cancer Center, Korea, between 2004 and 2009 was reviewed and analyzed. Results: The cause of HCC was categorized as cHCC, HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), or alcohol. Overall, 162 (9.1%) patients of the HCC cohort had cHCC, and their mean age was 61.9 years. The median survival of cHCC patients was 24.7 months, which was the second shortest among the four groups after HBV HCC. cHCC patients had the largest tumor size (mean 7.4 cm) and the second highest proportion of poor prognostic factors such as the proportion of poorly defined tumors and extrahepatic spread in imaging studies. cHCC patients had better survival than HBV HCC patients according to multivariate analysis. Among cHCC patients, 137 (84.6%) had anti-HBc IgG antibodies, but this sub-group had different clinical features to those of HBV HCC patients. The body mass index (BMI) and hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia levels in cHCC patients were similar to those in HCV and alcoholic HCC patients. Conclusions: Anti-HBc IgG antibodies were present in most cHCC patients, but cHCC patients had better survival than HBV HCC patients on multivariate analysis. However, cHCC patients had a larger mean tumor size and more aggressive tumor characteristics than HCV HCC or alcoholic HCC patients did. It is hoped that this study will contribute to a better understanding of cHCC in HBV-endemic areas.
Use of Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and Sorafenib in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: US Regional Analysis of the GIDEON Registry
Authors: Geschwind Jean-Francois H. , Gholam Pierre M. , Goldenberg Alec , Mantry Parvez , Martin Robert C. G. , Piperdi Bilal , Zigmont Ellen , Imperial Joanne , Babajanyan Svetlana , Foreman Pamela K. , Cohn Allen
Published: December 2015

Background: Global Investigation of Therapeutic Decisions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and of Treatment with Sorafenib (GIDEON) is a worldwide, prospective, non-interventional study to evaluate the safety of sorafenib in a variety of patient subsets. Methods: Eligible patients had unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma for whom the decision had been made to treat with sorafenib. Treatment strategies were instituted at the physician's discretion. Patient and disease characteristics, treatment practices, incidences of adverse events (AEs), and overall survival were collected. Results: In the United States, 563 patients were evaluable for safety. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) prior to the initiation of sorafenib (group A, n=158), after the initiation of sorafenib only (group B, n=29), both (group C, n=38), or did not undergo TACE (n=318). Patient demographics were similar across the groups. In group A, 29% had Child-Pugh score B or C at diagnosis, and 19% had Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer tumor stage C or D. In group B, 48% had Child-Pugh score B or C at study entry, and 31% had BCLC stage C or D. The majority of patients in all groups initially received full-dose sorafenib. Incidences of grade ≥3 drug-related AEs were 30%, 17%, and 16% in groups A, B, and C, respectively, and 22% in patients who did not undergo TACE. No new safety signals emerged. Conclusions: The results from GIDEON reaffirm that sorafenib can be safely used in the context of TACE.
Effects of Physical Exercise Interventions on Gait-Related Dual-Task Interference in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Plummer Prudence , Zukowski Lisa A. , Giuliani Carol , Hall Amber M. , Zurakowski David
Published: December 2015

Dual-task interference during walking can substantially limit mobility and increase the risk of falls among community-dwelling older adults. Previous systematic reviews examining intervention effects on dual-task gait and mobility have not assessed relative dual-task costs (DTC) or investigated whether there are differences in treatment-related changes based on the type of dual task or the type of control group. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of physical exercise interventions on dual-task performance during walking in older adults. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared treatment effects between physical exercise intervention and control groups on single- and dual-task gait speed and relative DTC on gait speed. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO searched up to September 19, 2014. Randomized, nonrandomized, and uncontrolled studies published in English and involving older adults were selected. Studies had to include a physical exercise intervention protocol and measure gait parameters during continuous, unobstructed walking in single- and dual-task conditions before and after the intervention. Of 614 abstracts, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Fourteen RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The mean difference between the intervention and control groups significantly favored the intervention for single-task gait speed (mean difference: 0.06 m/s, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.10, p < 0.001), dual-task gait speed (mean difference: 0.11 m/s, 95% CI 0.07, 0.15, p < 0.001), and DTC on gait speed (mean difference: 5.23%, 95% CI 1.40, 9.05, p = 0.007). Evidence from subgroup comparisons showed no difference in treatment-related changes between cognitive-motor and motor-motor dual tasks, or when interventions were compared to active or inactive controls. In summary, physical exercise interventions can improve dual-task walking in older adults primarily by increasing the speed at which individuals walk in dual-task conditions. Currently, evidence concerning whether physical exercise interventions reduce DTC or alter the self-selected dual-task strategy during unobstructed walking is greatly lacking, mainly due to the failure of studies to measure and report reciprocal dual-task effects on the non-gait task.
Up-Regulation of Voltage Gated K+ Channels Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 by Protein Kinase PKB/Akt
Authors: Warsi Jamshed , Fezai Myriam , Fores Mireia , Elvira Bernat , Lang Florian
Published: December 2015

Background: The voltage gated K+ channels Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 contribute to the orchestration of cell proliferation. Kinases participating in the regulation of cell proliferation include protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). The present study thus explored whether PKB/Akt modifies the abundance and function of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5. Methods: Kv1.3 or Kv1.5 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with or without wild-type PKB/Akt, constitutively active T308D/S473DPKB/Akt or inactive T308A/S473APKB/Akt. The channel activity was quantified utilizing dual electrode voltage clamp. Moreover, HA-tagged Kv1.5 protein was determined utilizing chemiluminescence. Results: Voltage gated K+ currents were observed in Kv1.3 or Kv1.5 expressing oocytes but not in water-injected oocytes or in oocytes expressing PKB/Akt alone. Co-expression of PKB/Akt or T308D/S473DPKB/Akt, but not co-expression of T308A/S473APKB/Akt significantly increased the voltage gated current in both Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 expressing oocytes. As shown for Kv1.5, co-expression of PKB/Akt enhanced the channel protein abundance in the cell membrane. In Kv1.5 expressing oocytes voltage gated current decreased following inhibition of carrier insertion by brefeldin A (5 µM) to similarly low values in the absence and presence of PKB/Akt, suggesting that PKB/Akt stimulated carrier insertion into rather than inhibiting carrier retrieval from the cell membrane. Conclusion: PKB/Akt up-regulates both, Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 K+ channels.
Risk Factors and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Mediterranean-Basin Population: The PAMDI (Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Italy) Study - Report 2
Authors: Piermarocchi Stefano , Tognetto Daniele , Piermarocchi Rita , Masetto Morena , Monterosso Gianluca , Segato Tatiana , Cavarzeran Fabiano , Turrini Aida , Peto Tunde ,   for the PAMDI Study Group
Published: December 2015

Aim: To investigate the association of diet and other modifiable risk factors with the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in rural and urban communities of a Mediterranean population in the northeast of Italy. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among subjects aged over 60 years. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the consumption of different food categories, i.e., protective (P), risky (R), lutein-rich (L) and neutral (N). Smoking habit and alcohol intake were also examined. Macular pigment was measured by Raman spectroscopy. Results: P food intake reduced the risk of large drusen (ARM2; OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.89-0.96) within the rural community. In this sub-group, R foods resulted in a slight association with large drusen, though the R/P food ratio was highly correlated with ARM2 (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.12-1.31). Raman measures showed an age-dependent decrease but did not correlate with lutein intake. Smoking habit showed a positive association with ARM2 among women (OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.54-3.75), whereas alcohol consumption resulted in protective odds (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.60-0.86). Conclusion: FFQ analysis confirmed the role of P and R foods and the benefit of a Mediterranean diet in ARMD. Moderate alcohol consumption showed a beneficial effect, whereas the deleterious role of a smoking habit was more evident in females.
Impact of Including or Removing Nuchal Translucency Measurement on the Detection and False-Positive Rates of First-Trimester Down Syndrome Screening
Authors: Spaggiari Emmanuel , Czerkiewicz Isabelle , Sault Corinne , Dreux Sophie , Galland Armelle , Salomon Laurent J. , Ville Yves , Muller Françoise
Published: December 2015

Introduction: First-trimester Down syndrome (DS) screening combining maternal age, serum markers (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin) and nuchal translucency (NT) gives an 85% detection rate for a 5% false-positive rate. These results largely depend on quality assessment of biochemical markers and of NT. In routine practice, despite an ultrasound quality control organization, NT images can be considered inadequate. The aim of the study was to evaluate the consequences for risk calculation when NT measurement is not taken into account. Material and Method: Comparison of detection and false-positive rates of first-trimester DS screening (PerkinElmer, Turku, Finland), with and without NT, based on a retrospective study of 117,126 patients including 274 trisomy 21-affected fetuses. NT was measured by more than 3,000 certified sonographers. Results: There was no significant difference in detection rates between the two strategies including or excluding NT measurement (86.7 vs. 81.8%). However, there was a significant difference in the false-positive rates (2.23 vs. 9.97%, p < 0.001). Discussion: Sonographers should be aware that removing NT from combined first-trimester screening would result in a 5-fold increase in false-positive rate to maintain the expected detection rates. This should be an incentive for maintaining quality in NT measurement.
MMP-7 A-181G Polymorphism in Breast Cancer Patients from Western Iran
Authors: Yari Kheirollah , Rahimi Ziba , Payandeh Mehrdad , Rahimi Zohreh
Published: December 2015

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are upregulated in tumors. The MMP-7 A-181G polymorphism is associated with increased expression of the MMP-7 gene. Aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the MMP-7 A-181G polymorphism and susceptibility to breast cancer. Patients and Methods: The MMP-7 A-181G variants were studied in a cohort of 251 subjects consisting of 100 breast cancer patients and 151 healthy controls; all were from Western Iran. The MMP-7 A-181G genotypes were identified using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Results: The frequencies of the MMP-7 AA, AG, and GG genotypes in healthy individuals were 34.4, 50.4, and 15.2%, respectively. In breast cancer patients, the frequencies of AA (34%), AG (52%), and GG (14%) genotypes (p = 0.95) were similar to those in the controls. There was a trend toward an increased frequency of the combined genotype of MMP-7 AG+GG in patients with lymph node metastasis (70.4%) compared to those without metastasis (66.7%). Also, in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma, the frequency of the MMP-7 AG+GG genotype tended to be higher (71.4%) compared to that in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (66.2%) (p = 0.78). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the MMP-7 A-181G polymorphism may not be correlated with susceptibility to breast cancer in our population.