bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BLACK HOLES, SUPERNOVAE AND GAMMA RAY BURSTS
Authors: RUFFINI REMO
Published: September 2013

We review recent progress in our understanding of the nature of Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) and in particular, of the relationship between short GRBs and long GRBs. The first example of a short GRB is described. The coincidental occurrence of a GRB with a supernova (SN) is explained within the induced gravitational collapse (IGC) paradigm, following the sequence: (1) an initial binary system consists of a compact carbon–oxygen (CO) core star and a neutron star (NS); (2) the CO core explodes as a SN, and part of the SN ejecta accretes onto the NS which reaches its critical mass and collapses to a black hole (BH) giving rise to a GRB; (3) a new NS is generated by the SN as a remnant. The observational consequences of this scenario are outlined.
HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE BASED CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR FACE RECOGNITION
Authors: KHALAJZADEH HURIEH , MANSOURI MOHAMMAD , TESHNEHLAB MOHAMMAD
Published: September 2013

In this paper, a hierarchical structure based convolutional neural network is proposed to provide the ability for robust information processing. The weight sharing ability of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is considered as a level of hierarchy in these networks. Weight sharing reduces the number of free parameters and improves the generalization ability. In the proposed structure, a small CNN which is used for feature extractor is shared between the whole input image pixels. A scalable architecture for implementing extensive CNNs is resulted using a smaller and modularized trainable network to solve a large and complicated task. The proposed structure causes less training time, fewer numbers of parameters and higher test data accuracy. The recognition accuracy for recognizing unseen data shows improvement in generalization. Also presented are application examples for face recognition. The comprehensive experiments completed on ORL, Yale and JAFFE face databases show improved classification rates and reduced training time and network parameters.
PSYCHIATRIC INVESTIGATION USING WGMs IN MICRORING CIRCUITS
Authors: TAMEE KREANGSAK , YUPAPIN PREECHA P.
Published: September 2013

The use of an electrical probe is formed by whispering gallery modes (WGMs) of light within the coated microring circuits, in which the electrical signal is generated by trapped electron tunneling along the circular path of the coated microring circuit. The collection of electrons is formed within the WGMs, where in this study, a modified nonlinear microring resonator known as a PANDA ring resonator is coated by gold material and forms the mirroring circuit. The induced current (magnetic field) within the circuit occurs by the coupling effects between trapped electrons and coated ring, which can penetrate into the brain cells and transform to the required signals via the terahertz carrier for psychiatric investigations. The use of WGMs for 3D image construction using a PANDA conjugate mirror is also discussed, which is useful for thermal and imaging sensors.
The Rock Stars of eLearning: An interview with Karl Kapp
Authors: Raymer Rick
Published: September 2013

Pushing boundaries is the sign of a true rock n roller, although marching to the beat of your own drum doesn't hurt. Frank Zappa did it for music, and Karl Kapp is doing it for eLearning.
Nontrivial Periodic Solutions of an -Dimensional Differential System and Its Application
Authors: Gao F. B.
Published: September 2013

Two criteria are constructed to guarantee the existence of periodic solutions for a second-order -dimensional differential system by using continuation theorem. It is noticed that the criteria established are found to be associated with the system’s damping coefficient, natural frequency, parametrical excitation, and the coefficient of the nonlinear term. Based on the criteria obtained, we investigate the periodic motions of the simply supported at the four-edge rectangular thin plate system subjected to the parametrical excitation. The effectiveness of the criteria is validated by corresponding numerical simulation. It is found that the existent range of periodic solutions for the thin plate system increases along with the increase of the ratio of the modulus of nonlinear term’s coefficient and parametric excitation term, which generalize and improve the corresponding achievements given in the known literature.
Retinal Detachment due to CrossFit Training Injury
Authors: Joondeph Stephanie A. , Joondeph Brian C.
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this paper is to describe a traumatic retinal detachment occurring as a result of CrossFit training using an elastic exercise band. The patient sustained an ocular injury from an elastic band during CrossFit training, resulting in a giant retinal dialysis and retinal detachment, which were successfully repaired. Trainers and athletes need to be aware of the potential for ocular injury from elastic exercise bands and take appropriate precautions.
Simulations of Transformer Inrush Current by Using BDF-Based Numerical Methods
Authors: Tokić Amir , Uglešić Ivo , Štumberger Gorazd
Published: September 2013

This paper describes three different ways of transformer modeling for inrush current simulations. The developed transformer models are not dependent on an integration step, thus they can be incorporated in a state-space form of stiff differential equation systems. The eigenvalue propagations during simulation time cause very stiff equation systems. The state-space equation systems are solved by usingA- andL-stable numerical differentiation formulas (NDF2) method. This method suppresses spurious numerical oscillations in the transient simulations. The comparisons between measured and simulated inrush and steady-state transformer currents are done for all three of the proposed models. The realized nonlinear inductor, nonlinear resistor, and hysteresis model can be incorporated in the EMTP-type programs by using a combination of existing trapezoidal and proposed NDF2 methods.
Research on Hotspot Discovery in Internet Public Opinions Based on Improved -Means
Authors: Wang Gensheng
Published: September 2013

How to discover hotspot in the Internet public opinions effectively is a hot research field for the researchers related which plays a key role for governments and corporations to find useful information from mass data in the Internet. An improved -means algorithm for hotspot discovery in internet public opinions is presented based on the analysis of existing defects and calculation principle of original -means algorithm. First, some new methods are designed to preprocess website texts, select and express the characteristics of website texts, and define the similarity between two website texts, respectively. Second, clustering principle and the method of initial classification centers selection are analyzed and improved in order to overcome the limitations of original -means algorithm. Finally, the experimental results verify that the improved algorithm can improve the clustering stability and classification accuracy of hotspot discovery in internet public opinions when used in practice.
Firefly Algorithm for Polynomial Bézier Surface Parameterization
Authors: Gálvez Akemi , Iglesias Andrés
Published: September 2013

A classical issue in many applied fields is to obtain an approximating surface to a given set of data points. This problem arises in Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), virtual reality, medical imaging, computer graphics, computer animation, and many others. Very often, the preferred approximating surface is polynomial, usually described in parametric form. This leads to the problem of determining suitable parametric values for the data points, the so-called surface parameterization. In real-world settings, data points are generally irregularly sampled and subjected to measurement noise, leading to a very difficult nonlinear continuous optimization problem, unsolvable with standard optimization techniques. This paper solves the parameterization problem for polynomial Bézier surfaces by applying the firefly algorithm, a powerful nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm introduced recently to address difficult optimization problems. The method has been successfully applied to some illustrative examples of open and closed surfaces, including shapes with singularities. Our results show that the method performs very well, being able to yield the best approximating surface with a high degree of accuracy.
Rheological Behavior of Carbon Nanotubes as an Additive on Lithium Grease
Authors: Mohamed Alaa , Khattab Aly Ahmed , Osman Tarek Abdel Sadek , Zaki Mostafa
Published: September 2013

The rheological behaviors of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as an additive on lithium grease at different concentrations were examined under various settings of shear rate, shear stress, and apparent viscosity. The results indicated that the optimum content of the CNTs was 2%. These experimental investigations were evaluated with a Brookfield Programmable Rheometer DV-III ULTRA. The results indicated that the shear, stress and apparent viscosity increase with the increase of CNTs concentration. The microstructure of CNTs and lithium grease was examined by high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicated that the microscopic structure of the lithium grease presents a more regular and homogeneous network structure, with long fibers, which confirms the rheological stability.
Approximation Solutions for Local Fractional Schrödinger Equation in the One-Dimensional Cantorian System
Authors: Zhao Yang , Cheng De-Fu , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: September 2013

The local fractional Schrödinger equations in the one-dimensional Cantorian system are investigated. The approximations solutions are obtained by using the local fractional series expansion method. The obtained solutions show that the present method is an efficient and simple tool for solving the linear partial differentiable equations within the local fractional derivative.
A Current Update on the Rule of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in the Treatment of Liver Diseases
Authors: Guan Yong-Song , He Qing
Published: September 2013

There is a vast body of knowledge which is ever-increasing about the treatment of liver disease with alternative and complementary medicine for which hundreds of thousands of literatures have been documented. Liver disease is a general term. This term covers all the potential problems that cause the liver to fail to perform its specified operations. Liver disease has a variety of presentations and causes a great public health problem worldwide which threatens the wellness of billions of people. Incidences of many types of liver disease are currently rising. Although there is still a debate about the entity of alternative and complementary medicine, it is now widely used and it is improving. And it covers the shortages and compensates for the weaknesses of conventional methods in the treatment of liver diseases. Alternative and complementary medicine for liver diseases provides benefits by regulating immunity, controlling disease progression, improving quality of life, and prolonging survival. This paper reviews the increasing interest and growing research into alternative and complementary medicine for liver diseases, with a look at the rough classification, principle of management, evidence-based applications, and issues for prescription and perspectives.
C-VCalculations in CdS/CdTe Thin Films Solar Cells with aCdSxTe1-xInterlayer
Authors: Gonzalez-Cisneros A. , Castillo-Alvarado F. L. , Ortiz-Lopez J. , Contreras-Puente G.
Published: September 2013

In CdS/CdTe solar cells, chemical interdiffusion at the interface gives rise to the formation of an interlayer of the ternary compoundCdSxCdTe1-x. In this work, we evaluate the effects of this interlayer in CdS/CdTe photovoltaic cells in order to improve theoretical results describing experimentalC-V(capacitance versus voltage) characteristics. We extended our previous theoretical methodology developed on the basis of three cardinal equations (Castillo-Alvarado et al., 2010). The present results provide a better fit to experimental data obtained from CdS/CdTe solar cells grown in our laboratory by the chemical bath deposition (for CdS film) and the close-spaced vapor transport (for CdTe film) techniques.
Analysis of the Stress State in Brake Caliper Mounts of Front Motorbike Suspensions
Authors: Croccolo Dario , De Agostinis Massimiliano , Olmi Giorgio , Tizzanini Alessio
Published: September 2013

The aim of this work is to analyze the stress and the strain fields in the brake caliper mounts of front motorbike suspensions produced by the braking action. First of all, some formulae useful to evaluate the maximum braking force in function of the vehicle features (e.g., total mass, centre of gravity position, tyre dimension, and brake disk diameter) have been developed. A mathematical model useful to calculate the axial, the bending, and the torque stresses on the braking caliper mounts has been then defined. The model has been developed by comparing the theoretical results with those obtained by some numerical analyses, based on the finite element method. An ad hoc test equipment has been, finally, designed and manufactured in order to define and analyze experimentally the strength of different types of brake caliper mounts and, at the same time, to verify the proposed model.
Development of the Prediction System of Condensation Based on Wireless Communications
Authors: Choi Shin-Hyeong
Published: September 2013

Due to advances in microelectromechanical system (MEMS), many smart sensors have been developed. A large number of sensors build a wireless sensor network and can communicate with each other. Wireless sensor networks help monitor objects in our environment, and many researches about this technology are in progress. Condensation is a phenomenon that water vapor contained in the air condenses and makes water droplets. This is caused by the complex action of a variety of factors, including the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor and excessive indoor moisture, so it is never easy to identify the cause and establish measures for the actual building. In this paper, a system is presented to predict and alert condensation promptly and accurately, considering the causes and prevention of condensation. In this paper, a system will be developed to collect and monitor environmental information causing condensation, in real time using a wireless sensor network in order to build a system to prevent condensation. The users are expected to use this system to easily identify the cause of condensation and take actions based on the cause-specific alarm messages in order to alleviate aesthetics and hygiene problems due to condensation.
Generating Suitable Basic Functions Used in Image Reconstruction by F-Transform
Authors: Vlašánek Pavel
Published: September 2013

Image reconstruction technique based on F-transform uses clearly defined basic functions. These functions have strong impact on the quality of reconstruction. We can use some predefined shape and radius, but also we can create a new one from the scratch. The aim of this paper is to analyze the creating process and based on that find best basic function for input set of damaged testing images.
Does Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Negatively Impact Long-Term Survival and Freedom from Reintervention?
Authors: Raja Shahzad G. , Husain Mubassher , Popescu Florentina L. , Chudasama Dimple , Daley Siobhan , Amrani Mohamed
Published: September 2013

Recently published evidence has raised concerns about worse late mortality and increasing need for reintervention after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. We undertook this study to assess the impact of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting on survival and freedom from reintervention at 10 years. From January 2002 to December 2002, 307 consecutive patients who had isolated multivessel off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution were compared to a control group of 397 patients that underwent multivessel on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting during the same period. In addition, univariate and risk-adjusted comparisons between the two groups were performed at 10 years. Kaplan-Meier survival was similar for the two cohorts. After adjusting for clinical covariates, off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting did not emerge as a significant independent predictor of long-term mortality (Hazard Ratio 0.91; 95% Confidence Interval 0.70–1.12), readmission to hospital for cardiac cause (Hazard Ratio 0.96; 95% Confidence Interval 0.78–1.10), or the need for reintervention (Hazard Ratio 0.93; 95% Confidence Interval 0.87–1.05). Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting compared with on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting does not adversely impact survival or freedom from reintervention at a 10-year follow-up.
Effects of bFGF on the Modulation of Apoptosis in Gingival Fibroblasts with Different Host Ages
Authors: Tanimoto Kotaro , Ohkuma Satoru , Tanne Yuki , Kunimatsu Ryo , Hirose Naoto , Mitsuyoshi Tomomi , Yoshimi Yuki , Su Shaoching , Tanne Kazuo
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) treatment on the proliferation and apoptosis of cultured gingival fibroblasts (GFs). Human GFs were isolated from the palatal gingival tissues of 16 healthy volunteers ranging in the age from 9 to 35 years old. Cultured GFs were subjected to the analyses for cell proliferation by ELISA assay, gene expression by RT-PCR analysis, and apoptosis potency by caspase-3 assay. The cell proliferation activity and gene expression of type-I collagen and caspase-3 activity were enhanced significantly by the treatment with bFGF in cultured GFs. Furthermore, the activity of caspase-3 in cultured GFs from young subjects was significantly higher than that in GFs from adults. It is shown that bFGF significantly enhances the gene expression of type-I collagen in cultured fibroblasts from human gingival tissues. It also demonstrated that bFGF modulates the apoptosis of periodontal fibroblasts, and the effect is higher in young subjects, indicating a significant role of bFGF in the prevention of scar formation during wound healing.
Study on the Convective Term Discretized by Strong Conservation and Weak Conservation Schemes for Incompressible Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer
Authors: Wang Peng , Yu Bo , Xie Jianyu , Zhao Yu , Li Jingfa , Shao Qianqian
Published: September 2013

When the conservative governing equation of incompressible fluid flow and heat transfer is discretized by the finite volume method, there are various schemes to deal with the convective term. In this paper, studies on the convective term discretized by two different schemes, named strong and weak conservation schemes, respectively, are presented in detail. With weak conservation scheme, the convective flux at interface is obtained by respective interpolation and subsequent product of primitive variables. With strong conservation scheme, the convective flux is treated as single physical variable for interpolation. The numerical results of two convection heat transfer cases indicate that under the same computation conditions, discretizing the convective term by strong conservation scheme would not only obtain a more accurate solution, but also guarantee the stability of computation and the clear physical meaning of the solution. Especially in the computation regions with sharp gradients, the advantages of strong conservation scheme become more apparent.
Neutral Slant Submanifolds of a Para-Kähler Manifold
Authors: Gündüzalp Yılmaz
Published: September 2013

We define and study both neutral slant and semineutral slant submanifolds of an almost para-Hermitian manifold and, in particular, of a para-Kähler manifold. We give characterization theorems for neutral slant and semi-neutral slant submanifolds. We also investigate the integrability conditions for the distributions involved in the definition of a semi-neutral slant submanifold when the ambient manifold is a para-Kähler manifold.
A Four-Year Monocentric Study of the Complications of Third Molars Extractions under General Anesthesia: About 2112 Patients
Authors: Guerrouani A. , Zeinoun T. , Vervaet C. , Legrand W.
Published: September 2013

Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess the complications resulting from third molar extraction under general anesthesia.Material and Methods. The retrospective study included all patients who underwent impacted third molars extraction from January 2008 until December 2011. 7659 third molars were extracted for 2112 patients. Postoperative complications were retrieved from medical files.Results. No complications were related to general anesthesia. The most frequent postoperative complication was infection (7.15%). Lingual nerve injuries affected 1.8% of the patients. All of them were transient and were not related to tooth section. Inferior alveolar nerve injuries were reported in 0.4% of the cases. 95.8% of these patients were admitted for one-day ambulatory care, and only two patients were readmitted after discharge from hospital.Discussion. This surgical technique offers comfort for both surgeons and patients. Risks are only linked to the surgical procedure as we observed no complication resulting from general anesthesia. One-day hospitalization offers a good balance between comfort, security, and cost. The incidence of complications is in agreement with the literature data, especially regarding pain, edema, and infectious and nervous complications. It is of utmost importance to discuss indications with patients, and to provide them with clear information.
Scopoletin Inhibits Rat Aldose Reductase Activity and Cataractogenesis in Galactose-Fed Rats
Authors: Kim Junghyun , Kim Chan-Sik , Lee Yun Mi , Sohn Eunjin , Jo Kyuhyung , Shin So Dam , Kim Jin Sook
Published: September 2013

Cataracts are a major cause of human blindness. Aldose reductase (AR) is an important rate-limiting enzyme that contributes to cataract induction in diabetic patients. Scopoletin is the main bioactive constituent of flower buds fromMagnolia fargesiiand is known to inhibit AR activity. To assess scopoletin’s ability to mitigate sugar cataract formationin vivo, we studied its effects in a rat model of dietary galactose-induced sugar cataracts. Galactose-fed rats were orally dosed with scopoletin (10 or 50 mg/kg body weight) once a day for 2 weeks. Administering scopoletin delayed the progression of the cataracts that were induced by dietary galactose. Scopoletin also prevented galactose-induced changes in lens morphology, such as lens fiber swelling and membrane rupture. Scopoletin’s protective effect against sugar cataracts was mediated by inhibiting both AR activity and oxidative stress. These results suggest that scopoletin is a useful treatment for sugar cataracts.
A Novel Framework Based on ACO and PSO for RNA Secondary Structure Prediction
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhang Wen-yi , Ning Qiao , Chen Hui-ling
Published: September 2013

Prediction of RNA structure is a useful process for creating new drugs and understanding genetic diseases. In this paper, we proposed a particle swarm optimization (PSO) and ant colony optimization (ACO) based framework (PAF) for RNA secondary structure prediction. PAF consists of crucial stem searching (CSS) and global sequence building (GSB). In CSS, a modified ACO (MACO) is used to search the crucial stems, and then a set of stems are generated. In GSB, we used a modified PSO (MPSO) to construct all the stems in one sequence. We evaluated the performance of PAF on ten sequences, which have length from 122 to 1494. We also compared the performance of PAF with the results obtained from six existing well-known methods, SARNA-Predict, RnaPredict, ACRNA, PSOfold, IPSO, and mfold. The comparison results show that PAF could not only predict structures with higher accuracy rate but also find crucial stems.
Use of Propolis Hydroalcoholic Extract to Treat Colitis Experimentally Induced in Rats by 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid
Authors: Gonçalves Cely Cristina Martins , Hernandes Luzmarina , Bersani-Amado Ciomar Aparecida , Franco Selma Lucy , Silva Joaquim Felipe de Souza , Natali Maria Raquel Marçal
Published: September 2013

This study focused on the therapeutic effect of a propolis SLNC 106PIextract on experimental colitis. Wistar adult rats received 0.8 mL rectal dose of one of the following solutions: saline (group S), 20 mg TNBS in 50% ethanol (group TNBS), 20 mg TNBS in 50% ethanol and propolis extract in saline (group TNBS-P), propolis extract in saline (group SP), and 20 mg TNBS in 50% ethanol and 50 mg/kg mesalazine (group TNBS-M). The animals were euthanized 7 or 14 days after the colitis induction. Samples of the distal colon were harvested for the analysis of myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity and for morphometric analysis in paraffin-embedded histological sections with hematoxylin-eosin or histochemical staining. The animals treated with TNBS exhibited the typical clinical signs of colitis. Increased MPO activity confirmed the presence of inflammation. TNBS induced the development of megacolon, ulceration, transmural inflammatory infiltrate, and thickened bowel walls. Treatment with propolis moderately reduced the inflammatory response, decreased the number of cysts and abscesses, inhibited epithelial proliferation, and increased the number of goblet cells. The anti-inflammatory activity of the propolis SLNC 106 extract was confirmed by the reductions in both the inflammatory infiltrate and the number of cysts and abscesses in the colon mucosa.
A Comparison of the Characteristics of Planar and Axisymmetric Bluff-Body Combustors Operated under Stratified Inlet Mixture Conditions
Authors: Paterakis G. , Souflas K. , Dogkas E. , Koutmos P.
Published: September 2013

The work presents comparisons of the flame stabilization characteristics of axisymmetric disk and 2D slender bluff-body burner configurations, operating with inlet mixture stratification, under ultralean conditions. A double cavity propane air premixer formed along three concentric disks, supplied with a radial equivalence ratio gradient the afterbody disk recirculation, where the first flame configuration is stabilized. Planar fuel injection along the center plane of theleading faceof a slender square cylinder against the approach cross-flow results in a stratified flame configuration stabilized alongside the wake formation region in the second setup. Measurements of velocities, temperatures,OH∗andCH∗chemiluminescence, local extinction criteria, and large-eddy simulations are employed to examine a range of ultralean and close to extinction flame conditions. The variations of the reacting front disposition within these diverse reacting wake topologies, the effect of the successive suppression of heat release on the near flame region characteristics, and the reemergence of large-scale vortical activity on approach to lean blowoff (LBO) are investigated. The cross-correlation of the performance of these two popular flame holders that are at the opposite ends of current applications might offer helpful insights into more effective control measures for expanding the operational margin of a wider range of stabilization configurations.
Nonexistence Results for the Schrödinger-Poisson Equations with Spherical and Cylindrical Potentials in
Authors: Jiang Yongsheng , Zhou Yanli , Wiwatanapataphee B. , Ge Xiangyu
Published: September 2013

We study the following Schrödinger-Poisson system: , , , where are positive radial functions, , , and is allowed to take two different forms including and with . Two theorems for nonexistence of nontrivial solutions are established, giving two regions on the plane where the system has no nontrivial solutions.
Strangulation and Necrosis of an Epiploic Appendage of the Sigmoid Colon in a Right Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Shiryajev Yuri N. , Glebova Anna V. , Chalenko Marina V.
Published: September 2013

An epiploic appendage of the sigmoid colon is considered to be an unusual type of inguinal hernia content. The strangulation of a sigmoid colon appendage into a right inguinal hernia is exclusively rare. We present a case of an 81-year-old female patient with severe cardiovascular comorbidities who was urgently admitted after an episode of strangulation and subsequent spontaneous reduction of a right inguinal hernia. The condition of the patient was stable, and an urgent operation was not indicated for three days after admission. However, we had to operate because the hernia strangulation recurred. In the hernia sac, a free fatty body (a separated and saponified epiploic appendage of the colon) and a strangulated epiploic appendage of dolichosigmoid, with signs of necrosis, were found. Removal of the free fatty body and necrotic epiploic appendage and subsequent anterior-wall inguinal hernioplasty were successfully performed. In the world literature, this case may be the first report of a sigmoid epiploic appendage strangulation in a right inguinal hernia that is well documented by photography.
Gene Expression Profiling using Nanostring Digital RNA Counting to Identify Potential Target Antigens for Melanoma Immunotherapy
Authors: Beard Rachel E. , Abate-Daga Daniel , Rosati Shannon F. , Zheng Zhili , Wunderlich John R. , Rosenberg Steven A. , Morgan Richard A.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: The success of immunotherapy for the treatment of metastatic cancer is contingent on the identification of appropriate target antigens. Potential targets must be expressed on tumors but show restricted expression on normal tissues. To maximize patient eligibility, ideal target antigens should be expressed on a high percentage of tumors within a histology and, potentially, in multiple different malignancies.

Design: A Nanostring probeset was designed containing 97 genes, 72 of which are considered potential candidate genes for immunotherapy. Five established melanoma cell lines, 59 resected metastatic melanoma tumors, and 31 normal tissue samples were profiled and analyzed using Nanostring technology.

Results: Of the 72 potential target genes, 33 were overexpressed in more than 20% of studied melanoma tumor samples. Twenty of those genes were identified as differentially expressed between normal tissues and tumor samples by ANOVA analysis. Analysis of normal tissue gene expression identified seven genes with limited normal tissue expression that warrant further consideration as potential immunotherapy target antigens: CSAG2, MAGEA3, MAGEC2, IL13RA2, PRAME, CSPG4, and SOX10. These genes were highly overexpressed on a large percentage of the studied tumor samples, with expression in a limited number of normal tissue samples at much lower levels.

Conclusion: The application of Nanostring RNA counting technology was used to directly quantitate the gene expression levels of multiple potential tumor antigens. Analysis of cell lines, 59 tumors, and normal tissues identified seven potential immunotherapy targets for the treatment of melanoma that could increase the number of patients potentially eligible for adoptive immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 4941–50. ©2013 AACR.
Thrombolytics in Acute Ischaemic Stroke: Historical Perspective and Future Opportunities
Authors: Röther Joachim , Ford Gary A. , Thijs Vincent N.S.
Published: September 2013

The discovery of thrombolytic agents goes back to the 1930s, when it was shown that substances derived from bacteria (streptokinase, staphylokinase), tissue (fibrinokinase), urine (urokinase) or bat saliva could activate the fibrinolytic system. The potential to treat arterial thrombosis with plasmin was recognized, but it was not until 1958 that its first use in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) was described. However, since computer tomography (CT) was not available until the mid 1970s, optimal selection of patients was not possible. Early studies with streptokinase in AIS showed an increased risk of intracranial haemorrhage and lack of efficacy, which was associated with low fibrin specificity. The search for new agents with a better risk-benefit profile continued until 1979 when tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) was discovered. In 1983 it became possible to produce recombinant t-PA (rt-PA) by expression of a cloned gene which enabled clinical trials to be started, mainly for coronary thrombolysis. In 1995, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke study showed that rt-PA was an effective treatment for AIS, nowadays for use up to 4.5 h after onset. However, rt-PA still often fails in achieving rapid reperfusion, has relatively low recanalization rates and is associated with an increased bleeding risk. Several attempts have been made to develop thrombolytics with a better risk-benefit profile than rt-PA, but no real impact on clinical practice was observed. In 1994, it was shown that tenecteplase (rt-PA-TNK) had a higher fibrin specificity than rt-PA, but its clinical use in AIS was described only in 2005. The recently reported results of a small phase 2B trial showed significantly better reperfusion and clinical outcome with rt-PA-TNK compared to rt-PA; patients were selected by CT perfusion and angiography, and treated within 6 h after stroke onset. Currently, a phase 3 trial of rt-PA-TNK versus rt-PA is being planned in patients at an onset up to 4.5 h. The most fibrin-specific recombinant plasminogen activator desmoteplase originates from 1991, and its clinical development in AIS started in 2005. Desmoteplase is in phase 3 development for the treatment of AIS between 3 and 9 h after onset in AIS patients presenting with occlusion or high-grade stenosis.
Experimental Models of Hemorrhagic Shock: A Review
Authors: Fülöp A. , Turóczi Z. , Garbaisz D. , Harsányi L. , Szijártó A.
Published: September 2013

Massive blood loss leading to hypovolemic shock is still a life-threatening situation. Recently, a great number of investigations have been conducted in order to understand the pathophysiological and immunological changes taking place during shock and to develop treatment strategies. These preclinical trials are based on animal studies. Although a wide spectrum of species and experimental models are available to researchers, it is rather difficult to create an ideal animal model to study hemorrhagic shock. A major challenge for investigators is the generation of a system which is simple, easily reproducible and standardized, while being an accurate replica of the clinical situation. The goal of this review is to summarize the current experimental models of hemorrhagic shock, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages to help researchers find the most appropriate model for their own experiments on hypovolemic shock.
Distal Pancreatectomy Utilizing a Flexible Stapler Closure Eliminates the Risk of Pancreas-Related Factors for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula
Authors: Kawabata Y. , Nishi T. , Tanaka T. , Yano S. , Tajima Y.
Published: September 2013

Objectives: To identify the risk factors for clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy with a flexible cartridge stapler, TL60. Methods: Forty consecutive patients who underwent a distal pancreatectomy by the TL60 stapler were retrospectively reviewed in association with postoperative complications. Results: The overall morbidity rate was 43% (17 patients), and mortality was null. Pancreatic fistula was the most frequent postoperative complication, seen in 11 patients (27.5%): grade A in 4 (10%) and grade B in 7 (17.5%). No grade C pancreatic fistula was observed. Univariate analyses of risk factors demonstrated that pancreas-related factors, including diabetes mellitus, thickness and texture of the pancreatic parenchyma, transection line for the pancreas, pancreatic duct ligation, and use of artificial patches had no impact on the occurrence of pancreatic fistula. A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified operative time (≥300 min) as the only notable predictor of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (odds ratio = 3.253, 95% confidence interval 1.739-5.752; p = 0.031). Conclusion: Distal pancreatectomy with the use of the TL60 stapler eliminated the risk of pancreas-related factors for the occurrence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula.
Auditory Brainstem Implantation Improves Speech Recognition in Neurofibromatosis Type II Patients
Authors: Matthies Cordula , Brill Stefan , Kaga Kimitaka , Morita Akio , Kumakawa Kozo , Skarzynski Henryk , Claassen Andre , Hui Yau , Chiong Charlotte , Müller Joachim , Behr Robert
Published: September 2013

This prospective study aimed to determine speech understanding in neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) patients following implantation of a MED-EL COMBI 40+ auditory brainstem implant (ABI). Patients (n = 32) were enrolled postsurgically. Nonauditory side effects were evaluated at fitting and audiological performance was determined using the Sound Effects Recognition Test (SERT), Monosyllable-Trochee-Polysyllable (MTP) test and open-set sentence tests. Subjective benefits were determined by questionnaire. ABI activation was documented in 27 patients, 2 patients were too ill for testing and 3 patients were without any auditory perception. SERT and MTP outcomes under auditory-only conditions improved significantly between first fitting and 12-month follow-up. Open-set sentence recognition improved from 5% at first fitting to 37% after 12 months. The number of active electrodes had no significant effect on performance. All questionnaire respondents were ‘satisfied' to ‘very satisfied' with their ABI. An ABI is an effective treatment option in NF2 patients with the potential to provide open-set speech recognition and subjective benefits. To our knowledge, the data presented herein is exceptional in terms of the open-set speech perception achieved in NF2 patients.
Telepathology in Cytopathology: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Collins Brian T.
Published: September 2013

Objective: Telepathology in cytopathology is becoming more commonly utilized, and newer technologic infrastructures afford the laboratory a variety of options. The options and design of a telepathology system are driven by the clinical needs. This is primarily focused on providing rapid on-site evaluation service for fine needle aspiration. Study Design: The clinical requirements and needs of a system are described. Available tools to design and implement a telepathology system are covered, including methods of image capture, network connectivity and remote viewing options. Results: The primary telepathology method currently used and described involves the delivery via a network connection of a live video image to a remote site which is passively viewed by an internet web-based browser. By utilizing live video information and a voice connection to the on-site location, the remote viewer can collect clinical information and direct their view of the slides. Conclusions: Telepathology systems for use in cytopathology can be designed and implemented with commercially available infrastructure. It is necessary for the laboratory to validate the designed system and adhere to the required regulatory requirements. Telepathology for cytopathology can be reliably utilized by adapting existing technology, and newer advances hold great promise for further applications in the cytopathology laboratory.
Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Heart Failure in Chronic Kidney Disease: New Challenge for 21st-Century Cardionephrologists
Authors: Di Lullo L. , Floccari F. , Rivera R. , Barbera V. , Granata A. , Otranto G. , Mudoni A. , Malaguti M. , Santoboni A. , Ronco C.
Published: September 2013

Pulmonary hypertension is defined as an increased systolic pulmonary pressure of >30 mm Hg, and it shows a 40% prevalence in hemodialysis patients due to vascular access (both central venous catheter and arteriovenous fistula). Secondary pulmonary hypertension in chronic kidney disease patients is strictly related to pulmonary circulation impairment together with chronic volume overload and increased levels of cytokines and growth factors, such as FGF, PDGF, and TGF-β, leading to fibrosis. Endothelial dysfunction, together with lower activation of NOS, increased levels of serum endothelin and fibrin storages, involves an extensive growth of endothelial cells leading to complete obliteration of pulmonary vessels. Pulmonary hypertension has no pathognomonic and distinctive symptoms and signs; standard transthoracic echocardiography allows easy assessment of compliance of the right heart chambers. The therapeutic approach is based on traditional drugs such as digitalis-derived drugs, vasodilatory agents (calcium channel blockers), and oral anticoagulants. New pharmacological agents are under investigation, such as prostaglandin analogues, endothelin receptor blockers, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.
Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Single-Center Experience in Korea
Authors: Hong Jung Yong , Kim Hee Jin , Ko Young Hyeh , Choi Joon Young , Jung Chul Won , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Won Seog
Published: September 2013

Background: Clinical features and treatment outcomes of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) have rarely been reviewed due to its rarity and pathologic obscurity. Methods: We analyzed 20 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with IVLBCL at the Samsung Medical Center. Results: Initial manifestations were nonspecific, such as fever with cytopenia, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and hypoalbuminemia. Hemophagocytosis was frequent and bone marrow was the most common site of pathologic diagnosis in our series. Hepatosplenomegaly, pleural effusion and ground-glass opacity in the lungs were also commonly found, and positron emission tomography imaging showed increased 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the involved organs. All patients received CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) or rituximab-CHOP. The median overall survival (OS) was 38.9 months (95% confidence interval 6.7-71.1). Rituximab-containing chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone resulted in higher 3-year OS (71.4 and 25.0%; p = 0.027). Patients with hemophagocytosis had a poorer 3-year OS compared to patients without hemophagocytosis (29.6 and 75%; p = 0.046). Prognostic factor analysis showed the association of pleural effusion with worse OS (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Treatment with rituximab-containing chemotherapy can improve the treatment outcome of IVLBCL. Pleural effusion may be a poor prognostic factor in patients with IVLBCL.
Akupunktur und Tuinatherapie
Authors: Meng Alexander
Published: September 2013

Dieser Artikel soll dazu dienen, etwas Praktisches zum Thema Akupunktur und Tuinatherapie (ATT) beizutragen. Anhand der ATT wird veranschaulicht, wie sich eine Methode im Laufe der Jahre entwickelt hat.
Comparison of the European and Japanese Guidelines for the Management of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kern Rolf , Nagayama Masao , Toyoda Kazunori , Steiner Thorsten , Hennerici Michael G. , Shinohara Yukito
Published: September 2013

Background: Different aspects of acute stroke management and strategies for stroke prevention derive from two viewpoints: specific traditional and historical backgrounds and evidence-based medicine from modern randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analysis and authorized clinical practice guidelines (GLs). Regarding stroke, GLs have been published by national and international organizations in different languages, most frequently in English. Cerebrovascular Diseases published the European GLs for the management of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks in 2003, with an update in 2008. At about the same time (in 2004), the first Japanese GLs for the management of stroke appeared in Japanese. The first English version of the updated Japanese GLs was published only in 2011 and included differently approved drugs and drug dosages as compared with other American or European countries. Methods: Since 2011, the authors have met repeatedly and have compared the latest versions of published European and Japanese GLs for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Many aspects have only been addressed in one but left out in the other GLs, which consequently founded the basis for the comparison. Classification of evidence levels and recommendation grades defined by the individual committees differed between both original GLs. Results: Aspects of major importance were surprisingly similar and hence did not need extensive interpretation. Other aspects of ischemic stroke management differed significantly, e.g. the dosage of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator approved in Japan is lower (0.6 mg/kg) than in Europe (0.9 mg/kg), which derived from different practices in cardiovascular treatment prior to the design of acute ischemic stroke RCTs. Furthermore, comedication with neuroprotective agents (edaravone), intravenous anticoagulants (argatroban) or antiplatelet agents within 1-2 days after stroke onset is recommended in Japan but not in Europe. For cardioembolic stroke prevention, a major difference consists in a higher international normalized ratio target (2.0-3.0) in younger subjects versus in those >70 years (1.6-2.6), without age restrictions in Europe. Conclusion: This brief survey - when compared with the lengthy original recommendations - provides a stimulating basis for an extended interest among Japanese and European stroke clinicians to learn from their individual experiences and to strengthen efforts for joint cooperation in treating and preventing stroke all around the globe.
Renal Impairment and Clinical Outcomes of Clostridium difficile Infection in Two Randomized Trials
Authors: Mullane Kathleen M. , Cornely Oliver A. , Crook Derrick W. , Golan Yoav , Louie Thomas J. , Miller Mark A. , Josephson Michelle A. , Gorbach Sherwood L.
Published: September 2013

Background/Aims: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have increased risk for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and for subsequent mortality. We determined the effect of CKD on response to treatment for CDI. Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of two randomized controlled phase 3 trials that enrolled patients with CDI. Patients received either fidaxomicin 200 mg b.i.d. or vancomycin 125 mg q.i.d. for 10 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses compared end points by treatment received and CKD stage. Results: At baseline, 27, 21, and 9% of the patients had stage 2 (60-89 ml/min/1.73 m2), stage 3 (30-59), and stage 4 or higher (<30) CKD. Cure rates were similar for normal (91%) and stage 2 CKD (92%), but declined to 80% for stage 3 and to 75% for stage 4 CKD (p < 0.001 for trend). Time to resolution of diarrhea (TTROD) increased with stage 3 and stage 4 CKD. CDI recurrence rates 4 weeks after treatment were 16, 20, 27, and 24% for normal, stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4 or higher CKD, respectively. Mortality increased with CKD stage. In multivariate analyses, stage 3 or higher CKD correlated with lower odds of cure, greater chance of recurrence, and lower odds of sustained response 28 days after treatment. Initial cure rates were similar in the vancomycin or fidaxomicin groups; however, the rate of recurrence was higher following vancomycin treatment independent of renal function. The presence of immunosuppression did not alter this effect. Conclusion: Progressive CKD is associated with increased TTROD, lower cure rates, and higher recurrence rates with treatment of CDI.