bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostate CT segmentation method based on nonrigid registration in ultrasound‐guided CT‐based HDR prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Rossi Peter , Ogunleye Tomi , Marcus David M. , Jani Ashesh B. , Mao Hui , Curran Walter J. , Liu Tian
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

The technological advances in real‐time ultrasound image guidance for high‐dose‐rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy have placed this treatment modality at the forefront of innovation in cancer radiotherapy. Prostate HDR treatment often involves placing the HDR catheters (needles) into the prostate gland under the transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guidance, then generating a radiation treatment plan based on CT prostate images, and subsequently delivering high dose of radiation through these catheters. The main challenge for this HDR procedure is to accurately segment the prostate volume in the CT images for the radiation treatment planning. In this study, the authors propose a novel approach that integrates the prostate volume from 3D TRUS images into the treatment planning CT images to provide an accurate prostate delineation for prostate HDR treatment.

Methods:

The authors’ approach requires acquisition of 3D TRUS prostate images in the operating room right after the HDR catheters are inserted, which takes 1–3 min. These TRUS images are used to create prostate contours. The HDR catheters are reconstructed from the intraoperative TRUS and postoperative CT images, and subsequently used as landmarks for the TRUS–CT image fusion. After TRUS–CT fusion, the TRUS‐based prostate volume is deformed to the CT images for treatment planning. This method was first validated with a prostate‐phantom study. In addition, a pilot study of ten patients undergoing HDR prostate brachytherapy was conducted to test its clinical feasibility. The accuracy of their approach was assessed through the locations of three implanted fiducial (gold) markers, as well as T2‐weighted MR prostate images of patients.

Results:

For the phantom study, the target registration error (TRE) of gold‐markers was 0.41 ± 0.11 mm. For the ten patients, the TRE of gold markers was 1.18 ± 0.26 mm; the prostate volume difference between the authors’ approach and the MRI‐based volume was 7.28% ± 0.86%, and the prostate volume Dice overlap coefficient was 91.89% ± 1.19%.

Conclusions:

The authors have developed a novel approach to improve prostate contour utilizing intraoperative TRUS‐based prostate volume in the CT‐based prostate HDR treatment planning, demonstrated its clinical feasibility, and validated its accuracy with MRIs. The proposed segmentation method would improve prostate delineations, enable accurate dose planning and treatment delivery, and potentially enhance the treatment outcome of prostate HDR brachytherapy.
Super‐resolution reconstruction for 4D computed tomography of the lung via the projections onto convex sets approach
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wu Xiuxiu , Yang Wei , Feng Qianjin , Chen Wufan
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

The use of 4D computed tomography (4D‐CT) of the lung is important in lung cancer radiotherapy for tumor localization and treatment planning. Sometimes, dense sampling is not acquired along the superior–inferior direction. This disadvantage results in an interslice thickness that is much greater than in‐plane voxel resolutions. Isotropic resolution is necessary for multiplanar display, but the commonly used interpolation operation blurs images. This paper presents a super‐resolution (SR) reconstruction method to enhance 4D‐CT resolution.

Methods:

The authors assume that the low‐resolution images of different phases at the same position can be regarded as input “frames” to reconstruct high‐resolution images. The SR technique is used to recover high‐resolution images. Specifically, the Demons deformable registration algorithm is used to estimate the motion field between different “frames.” Then, the projection onto convex sets approach is implemented to reconstruct high‐resolution lung images.

Results:

The performance of the SR algorithm is evaluated using both simulated and real datasets. Their method can generate clearer lung images and enhance image structure compared with cubic spline interpolation and back projection (BP) method. Quantitative analysis shows that the proposed algorithm decreases the root mean square error by 40.8% relative to cubic spline interpolation and 10.2% versus BP.

Conclusions:

A new algorithm has been developed to improve the resolution of 4D‐CT. The algorithm outperforms the cubic spline interpolation and BP approaches by producing images with markedly improved structural clarity and greatly reduced artifacts.
Is Variety a Spice of (an Active) Life?: Perceived Variety, Exercise Behavior, and the Mediating Role of Autonomous Motivation
Authors: Sylvester Benjamin D. , Standage Martyn , Ark Tavinder K. , Sweet Shane N. , Crocker Peter R.E. , Zumbo Bruno D. , Beauchamp Mark R.
Published: October 2014

In this study, we examined whether perceived variety in exercise prospectively predicts unique variance in exercise behavior when examined alongside satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs (for competence, relatedness, and autonomy) embedded within self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2002), through the mediating role of autonomous and controlled motivation. A convenience sample of community adults (N = 363) completed online questionnaires twice over a 6-week period. The results of structural equation modeling showed perceived variety and satisfaction of the needs for competence and relatedness to be unique indirect positive predictors of exercise behavior (through autonomous motivation) 6 weeks later. In addition, satisfaction of the need for autonomy was found to negatively predict controlled motivation. Perceived variety in exercise complemented satisfaction of the needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy in predicting motivation and (indirectly) exercise behavior, and may act as a salient mechanism in the prediction of autonomous motivation and behavior in exercise settings.
Early accretion of water in the inner solar system from a carbonaceous chondrite–like source
Authors: Sarafian Adam R. , Nielsen Sune G. , Marschall Horst R. , McCubbin Francis M. , Monteleone Brian D.
Published: October 2014

History recorded in asteroid's water

Astronomers know that interstellar water is abundantly available to young planetary systems—our blue planet collected (or accreted) plenty of it. Still, the details of water's movement in the inner solar system are elusive. Sarafian
et al.
measured water isotopes in meteorite samples from the asteroid Vesta for clues to the timing of water accretion. Their samples have the same isotopic fingerprint of volatiles as both Earth and carbonaceous chondrites, some of the most primitive meteorites. The findings suggest that Earth received most of its water relatively early from chondrite-like bodies.

Science
, this issue p.
623
Clarifying the structure of carbonic acid
Authors: Bucher Götz , Sander Wolfram
Published: October 2014

Discrepancies in the reported structures of the difficult-to-isolate solid form of a common acid have been resolved
Jump-starting natural resilience reverses stress susceptibility
Authors: Friedman Allyson
Published: October 2014

Novel therapy for treating depression
Modern symbionts inside cells mimic organelle evolution
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

Long-term partnerships can result in extremes in genome reduction or expansion.
Investments Boost Neurotechnology Career Prospects
Authors: Perkel Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2014

The past few years have seen some extraordinary activity in the neuroscience field. High-profile advances, from the Allen Brain Atlas to the Brainbow mouse, have injected an air of excitement into the study of the brain—an atmosphere that has been amplified by big funding initiatives in the United States and abroad. For budding neuroscientists, it's heady days—at least if you've got a knack for technology development, programming, and engineering. But it will take more than raw skill to land a job.
DNA Microarray for Detection of Gastrointestinal Viruses
Authors: Martínez Miguel A. , Soto-del Río María de los Dolores , Gutiérrez Rosa María , Chiu Charles Y. , Greninger Alexander L. , Contreras Juan Francisco , López Susana , Arias Carlos F. , Isa Pavel
Published: October 2014

Gastroenteritis is a clinical illness of humans and other animals that is characterized by vomiting and diarrhea and caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses. An increasing number of viral species have been associated with gastroenteritis or have been found in stool samples as new molecular tools have been developed. In this work, a DNA microarray capable in theory of parallel detection of more than 100 viral species was developed and tested. Initial validation was done with 10 different virus species, and an additional 5 species were validated using clinical samples. Detection limits of 1 × 10
3
virus particles of
Human adenovirus C
(HAdV),
Human astrovirus
(HAstV), and group A
Rotavirus
(RV-A) were established. Furthermore, when exogenous RNA was added, the limit for RV-A detection decreased by one log. In a small group of clinical samples from children with gastroenteritis (
n
= 76), the microarray detected at least one viral species in 92% of the samples. Single infection was identified in 63 samples (83%), and coinfection with more than one virus was identified in 7 samples (9%). The most abundant virus species were RV-A (58%), followed by
Anellovirus
(15.8%), HAstV (6.6%), HAdV (5.3%),
Norwalk virus
(6.6%),
Human enterovirus
(HEV) (9.2%),
Human parechovirus
(1.3%),
Sapporo virus
(1.3%), and
Human bocavirus
(1.3%). To further test the specificity and sensitivity of the microarray, the results were verified by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) detection of 5 gastrointestinal viruses. The RT-PCR assay detected a virus in 59 samples (78%). The microarray showed good performance for detection of RV-A, HAstV, and calicivirus, while the sensitivity for HAdV and HEV was low. Furthermore, some discrepancies in detection of mixed infections were observed and were addressed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) of the viruses involved. It was observed that differences in the amount of genetic material favored the detection of the most abundant virus. The microarray described in this work should help in understanding the etiology of gastroenteritis in humans and animals.
Isolation of Digital Dermatitis Treponemes from Hoof Lesions in Wild North American Elk (Cervus elaphus) in Washington State, USA
Authors: Clegg S. R. , Mansfield K. G. , Newbrook K. , Sullivan L. E. , Blowey R. W. , Carter S. D. , Evans N. J.
Published: October 2014

Since 2008, a large increase in the numbers of cases of lameness have been seen in wild North American elk (
Cervus elaphus
) from Washington State, USA. The most recent cases manifested as foot lesions similar both clinically and pathologically to those seen in digital dermatitis (DD) in cattle and sheep, a disease with a bacterial etiopathogenesis. To determine whether the same bacteria considered responsible for DD are associated with elk lameness, lesion samples were subjected to bacterial isolation studies and PCR assays for three phylogroups of relevant DD treponemes. The DD treponemes were isolated from lesional tissues but not from control feet or other areas of the diseased foot (including the coronary band or interdigital space), suggesting that the bacteria are strongly associated with DD lesions and may therefore be causal. In addition, PCR analysis revealed that all three unique DD treponeme phylotypes were found in elk hoof disease, and in 23% of samples, all 3 DD-associated treponemes were present in lesions. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed that the elk lesion treponemes were phylogenetically almost identical to those isolated from cattle and sheep DD lesions. The isolates were particularly similar to two of the three culturable DD treponeme phylotypes: specifically, the
Treponema medium
/
Treponema vincentii
-like and
Treponema phagedenis
-like DD spirochetes. The third treponeme culturable phylogroup (
Treponema pedis
), although detected by PCR, was not isolated. This is the first report describing isolation of DD treponemes from a wildlife host, suggesting that the disease may be evolving to include a wider spectrum of cloven-hoofed animals.
Performance of Etest and Disk Diffusion for Detection of Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin Resistance in Salmonella enterica
Authors: Deak Eszter , Hindler Janet A. , Skov Robert , Sjölund-Karlsson Maria , Sokovic Anita , Humphries Romney M.
Published: October 2014

We compared Etest and disk diffusion to broth microdilution for the detection of fluoroquinolone resistance in 135 typhoidal and nontyphoidal serovars of
Salmonella
. Categorical agreements for the ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin Etests were 89.6 and 83.7%, respectively. Disk diffusion categorical agreements were 88.2 and 93.3%, respectively. Only minor errors were observed.
Simultaneous Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Patient with Seizures and Encephalitis
Authors: Anderson Neil W. , Sistrunk William , Binnicker Matthew J.
Published: October 2014

We report a case of a 62-year-old female with seizures and encephalitis. Molecular testing of the patient's cerebrospinal fluid was positive for both herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of simultaneous detection of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in cerebrospinal fluid.
PDZRN3/LNX3 Is a Novel Target of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 (HPV-16) and HPV-18 E6
Authors: Thomas Miranda , Banks Lawrence
Published: October 2014

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 proteins have a C-terminal PDZ binding motif through which they bind, and target for proteasome-mediated degradation, a number of PDZ-containing cellular targets. Recent studies have suggested that the RING-containing ubiquitin-protein ligase PDZRN3 might also be an HPV E6 target. In this analysis, we show that HPV-16 and HPV-18 E6 can target PDZRN3 in a PDZ- and proteasome-dependent manner and provide a connection between the HPV life cycle and differentiation-related STAT signaling.
Polyreactivity and Autoreactivity among HIV-1 Antibodies
Authors: Liu Mengfei , Yang Guang , Wiehe Kevin , Nicely Nathan I. , Vandergrift Nathan A. , Rountree Wes , Bonsignori Mattia , Alam S. Munir , Gao Jingyun , Haynes Barton F. , Kelsoe Garnett
Published: October 2014

It is generally acknowledged that human broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) capable of neutralizing multiple HIV-1 clades are often polyreactive or autoreactive. Whereas polyreactivity or autoreactivity has been proposed to be crucial for neutralization breadth, no systematic, quantitative study of self-reactivity among nonneutralizing HIV-1 Abs (nNAbs) has been performed to determine whether poly- or autoreactivity in bNAbs is a consequence of chronic antigen (Ag) exposure and/or inflammation or a fundamental property of neutralization. Here, we use protein microarrays to assess binding to >9,400 human proteins and find that as a class, bNAbs are significantly more poly- and autoreactive than nNAbs. The poly- and autoreactive property is therefore not due to the infection milieu but rather is associated with neutralization. Our observations are consistent with a role of heteroligation for HIV-1 neutralization and/or structural mimicry of host Ags by conserved HIV-1 neutralization sites. Although bNAbs are more mutated than nNAbs as a group, V(D)J mutationper sedoes not correlate with poly- and autoreactivity. Infrequent poly- or autoreactivity among nNAbs implies that their dominance in humoral responses is due to the absence of negative control by immune regulation. Interestingly, four of nine bNAbs specific for the HIV-1 CD4 binding site (CD4bs) (VRC01, VRC02, CH106, and CH103) bind human ubiquitin ligase E3A (UBE3A), and UBE3A protein competitively inhibits gp120 binding to the VRC01 bNAb. Among these four bNAbs, avidity for UBE3A was correlated with neutralization breadth. Identification of UBE3A as a self-antigen recognized by CD4bs bNAbs offers a mechanism for the rarity of this bNAb class.

IMPORTANCEEliciting bNAbs is key for HIV-1 vaccines; most Abs elicited by HIV-1 infection or immunization, however, are strain specific or nonneutralizing, and unsuited for protection. Here, we compare the specificities of bNAbs and nNAbs to demonstrate that bNAbs are significantly more poly- and autoreactive than nNAbs. The strong association of poly- and autoreactivity with bNAbs, but not nNAbs from infected patients, indicates that the infection milieu, chronic inflammation and Ag exposure, CD4 T-cell depletion, etc., alone does not cause poly- and autoreactivity. Instead, these properties are fundamentally linked to neutralization breadth, either by the requirement for heteroligation or the consequence of host mimicry by HIV-1. Indeed, we show that human UBE3A shares an epitope(s) with HIV-1 envelope recognized by four CD4bs bNAbs. The poly- and autoreactivity of bNAbs surely contribute to the rarity of membrane-proximal external region (MPER) and CD4bs bNAbs and identify a roadblock that must be overcome to induce protective vaccines.
Coordination and polyamorphism of aluminium silicate under high pressure: insight from analysis and visualization of molecular dynamics data
Authors: Hong N.V. , Yen N.V. , Lan M.T. , Hung P.K.
Published: October 2014

The amorphous aluminium silicate (Al2O3)·2(SiO2) (abbreviated as AS2) is investigated using a molecular dynamics simulation with the Born–Mayer potential. The models of amorphous AS2 are constructed in a wide pressure range. The results show that the structure of AS2 mainly consists of the basic structural units TOx (T is Al or Si; x = 4, 5, 6). The topology of basic structural units at different pressures is identical. Two adjacent units TOx are linked to each other through common oxygen atoms and form a continuous random network of basic structural units TOx. The different aluminium silicate states result from the difference of the fraction of units TOx and their spatial distributions. The coordination units (triclusters) OAl3 and OSi3 and (tetraclusters) OAl4 and OSi4 result in AlOx-rich and SiOx-rich regions, and this is the origin of the microphase separation. Regarding the polymorphism, it can be seen that the structure of AS2 comprises three structural phases: TO4, TO5, and TO6 structural phases. The size of TO4 structural phase regions decreases and the size of TO6 structural phase regions increases as pressure increases. Inversely, the size of TO5 structural phase regions increases to a maximum value and then decreases as pressure increases. In the considered pressure range, with increasing pressure, there is a transformation from TO4 structural phase (at low pressure) to TO6 structural phase (at high pressure).
Numerical simulations of immiscible displacement in the cavities via lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Liang Hong , Chai Zhenhua , Shi Baochang , Guo Zhaoli , Li Qiuxiang
Published: October 2014

In this paper, the immiscible displacements in the different cavities are studied by the pseudo-potential lattice Boltzmann (LB) model. We first validate the model with a two-dimensional (2D) layered flow, and find that the numerical results agree well with the corresponding analytical solutions. Then, we perform some numerical simulations to study the immiscible displacements in the cavities, and focus on the effects of the surface wettability, capillary number and density ratio on the displacement efficiency. The numerical results show that the displacement efficiency increases with the increase of the capillary number at first and then presents a decrease with the capillary number when it is large enough. The increase of the contact angle θ1or decrease of the density ratio increases the displacement efficiency but decreases the critical capillary number. Finally, it is also found that both the size and geometry of cavity have a significant influence on the displacement efficiency.
Development of nonlinear optical materials promoted by density functional theory simulations
Authors: Jiang Xingxing , Kang Lei , Luo Siyang , Gong Pifu , Lee Ming-Hsien , Lin Zheshuai
Published: October 2014

Nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are very important optoelectronic functional materials and their developments have significantly contributed to the progress of laser science and technology for decades. In order to explore new NLO crystals with superior performances, it is greatly desirable to understand the intrinsic relationship between the macroscopic optical properties and microscopic structural features in crystals. In this paper, the applications of density functional theory (DFT) method to the elucidation of the structure-property relationship and to the exploration on novel NLO materials in the ultraviolet and infrared spectrum regions are reviewed. The great success in the linear and NLO property predictions has been achieved using the first-principles computational simulations, and the mechanism understanding obtained by various analysis tools can give substantial guidance to the search and design of new NLO crystals.
Geochemical exploration for platinum-group element deposits in Miyi County, Sichuan Province, Southwestern China
Authors: Cheng Hangxin , Zhao Chuandong , Liu Yinghan , Zhang Qin , Yang Ke , Liu Fei , Li Kuo , Peng Min , Li Min
Published: October 2014

A large Pt–Pd geochemical province within the Emeishan basalt province has been identified previously and was considered as an exploration target for platinum-group element (PGE) mineralization. To evaluate thoroughly the prospect of economic Pt–Pd mineralization in this region, a series of geochemical surveys was conducted in a selected area, with an exploration strategy involving the progressive reduction of the target area and stepwise increase in the sampling density. A regional Pt and Pd geochemical anomaly was delineated by a stream sediment survey at a sampling density of 1 sample km
−2
over an area of mafic intrusive bodies and basalts in Miyi County, Sichuan Province. In a follow-up phase, three local Pt and Pd geochemical anomalies were defined by data from a stream sediment survey with a density of 4 samples km
−2
. Finally, PGE mineralization within a gabbroic rock was discovered in the geochemical anomalies delineated by the following more detailed survey, namely a soil survey with a 100 m × 20 m sampling grid. The level of Pt+Pd mineralization was 0.33 μg g
−1
. A new concealed mafic–ultramafic intrusive body containing PGE mineralization was predicted.The success of this case has provided an excellent example of how to identify possible PGE target areas in the basalt environment using geochemical surveys at various scales.
Palliative Reconstructive Surgery: Contextualizing Palliation in Resource-Poor Settings
Authors: Nthumba Peter M.
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Palliative care in Kenya and the larger Sub-Saharan Africa is considered a preserve of hospices, where these exist. Surgical training does not arm the surgeon with the skills needed to deal with the care of palliative patients. Resource constraints demand that the surgeon be multidiscipline trained so as to be able to adequately address the needs of a growing population of patients that could benefit from surgical palliation. Patients and Methods. The author describes his experience in the management of a series of 31 palliative care patients, aged 8 to 82 years. There were a total of nine known or presumed mortalities in the first year following surgery; 17 patients experienced an improved quality of life for at least 6 months after surgery. Fourteen of these were disease-free at 6 months. Conclusion. Palliative reconstructive surgery is indicated in a select number of patients. Although cure is not the primary intent of palliative surgery, the potential benefits of an improved quality of life and the possibility of cure should encourage a more proactive role for the surgeon. The need for palliative care can be expected to increase significantly in Africa, with the estimated fourfold increase of cancer patients over the next 50 years.
In VitroandIn VivoBiochemical Evaluations of the Methanolic Leaf Extract ofGarcinia kola
Authors: Badmus Jelili A. , Adedosu Olaniyi T. , Adeleke Emmanuel G. , Akinboro Kehinde H. , Odeyemi Bayonle I. , Ayoola Bolanle I. , Hiss Donavon C.
Published: October 2014

Garcinia kolaHeckel (Guttiferae) leaves have received limited scientific attention despite their traditionally acclaimed medicinal properties. The scavenging ability of the methanolic leaf extract (MLE) ofG. kolawas assayed for hydroxyl radical (OH•), superoxide anion (O2-), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+), and lipid peroxidation (LP) activity in egg yolk, rat liver, and brain homogenates. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were also evaluated. Group I animals were given oral doses of water, whereas Group II and Group III animals received 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (bw) MLE, respectively, for 14 days. Plasma glucose, magnesium,γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT/γGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and urea were evaluated. Hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), LP, and liver histopathological appearance were also assessed. The extract scavenged OH•,O2-, DPPH, and ABTS•+and inhibited LP in egg yolk, rat liver, and brain homogenates. Furthermore, oral administration of the extract showed no adverse effects on hepatic and renal function tests. Increased hepatic GSH and nonsignificant changes in LP, GPx and SOD activities, and liver histology were observed. These results suggest thatG. kola leaveshave antioxidant activities which may have application in traditional medicine.
Effects of Exchanging Battery on the Electric Vehicle’s Electricity Consumption in a Single-Lane Traffic System
Authors: Yang Shi-Chun , Gou Wen-Zhuang , Tang Tie-Qiao , Shang Hua-Yan
Published: October 2014

We propose a car-following model to explore the influences of exchanging battery on each vehicle’s electricity consumption under three traffic situations from the numerical perspective. The numerical results show that exchanging battery will destroy the stability of traffic flow, but the effects are related to each vehicle’s initial headway, the time that each electric vehicle exchanges the battery, the proportion of the electric vehicles that should exchange the battery, the number of charging stations, and the distance between two adjacent charging stations.
Predictors of Dropout from Inpatient Opioid Detoxification with Buprenorphine: A Chart Review
Authors: Hakansson Anders , Hallén Emma
Published: October 2014

Inpatient withdrawal treatment (detoxification) is common in opioid dependence, although dropout against medical advice often limits its outcome. This study aimed to assess baseline predictors of dropout from inpatient opioid detoxification with buprenorphine, including age, gender, current substance use, and type of postdetoxification planning. A retrospective hospital chart review was carried out for inpatient standard opioid detoxifications using buprenorphine taper, in a detoxification ward in Malmö, Sweden(N=122). Thirty-four percent of patients(n=42)dropped out against medical advice. In multivariate logistic regression, dropout was significantly associated with younger age (OR 0.93 [0.89–0.97]) and negatively predicted by inpatient postdetoxification plan (OR 0.41 [0.18–0.94]), thus favouring an inpatient plan as opposed to outpatient treatment while residing at home. Dropout was unrelated to baseline urine toxicology. In opioid detoxification, patients may benefit from a higher degree of postdetoxification planning, including transition to residential treatment, in order to increase the likelihood of a successful detoxification and treatment entry. Young opioid-dependent patients may need particular attention in the planning of detoxification.
Hepatocellular Carcinomas Expressing ‘Stemness'-Related Markers: Clinicopathological Characteristics
Authors: Kim Haeryoung , Park Young Nyun
Published: October 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is heterogeneous in histopathology, pathogenesis and biological behavior. There is accumulating evidence that the expression of ‘stemness'-related markers such as K19, EpCAM and CD133 in HCC is associated with an aggressive biological behavior and poor clinical outcome compared to conventional HCCs that do not express stemness-related markers. Compared to conventional HCCs, these tumors more frequently demonstrate infiltrative growth patterns, vascular invasion and more intratumoral fibrous stroma, and there is a spectrum of morphological and immunophenotypic features between HCCs with stemness-related marker expression, scirrhous HCCs and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma with stem cell features. Clinically, HCCs with stemness-related marker expression are associated with increased serum α-fetoprotein levels and a poor prognosis, and are also beginning to be noticed radiologically. These tumors have also been recognized as a specific subtype in recent molecular classifications, and increasing interest in the molecular pathogenesis of HCCs with stemness-related marker expression will shed light on the development of targeted therapy for these tumors. Therefore, it is important that pathologists identify HCCs expressing stemness-related markers such as K19 during routine pathological evaluation of surgically resected or biopsied HCC tissue, as it will help to identify a high-risk subgroup of HCCs characterized by increased chemoresistance, earlier recurrence after surgical and/or locoregional treatment, increased invasiveness/metastasis and poor overall survival. We will discuss the clinicopathological characteristics of a HCC subtype expressing stemness-related markers and its future perspectives.
Clinical Features of Vascular Disorders Associated with Chronic Hepatitis Virus Infection
Authors: Nishida Naoshi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: October 2014

Hepatitis virus infections can be accompanied by extrahepatic manifestations that may be caused by the host's immune reaction to the viral infection. Vascular involvement is one of these manifestations and is occasionally associated with life-threatening conditions due to systemic organ failure. The unique profile of hepatitis-related vascular involvement is associated with infection by different types of hepatitis viruses. For example, polyarteritis nodosa is more frequently reported in patients with chronic hepatitis B than those with chronic hepatitis C. Similarly, membranous nephropathy is a notable manifestation among hepatitis B virus-positive patients. In contrast, patients infected with hepatitis C virus are at risk for cryoglobulinemia and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Antiviral therapy is necessary to control these kinds of vasculitis related to hepatitis virus infections; however, immunosuppressive agents may be required to treat severe cases. New antiviral drugs for viral hepatitis could improve the prognosis of vascular and renal involvement.
The Janus Face of a-Toxin: A Potent Mediator of Cytoprotection in Staphylococci-Infected Macrophages
Authors: Koziel Joanna , Chmiest Daniela , Bryzek Danuta , Kmiecik Katarzyna , Mizgalska Danuta , Maciag-Gudowska Agnieszka , Shaw Lindsey N. , Potempa Jan
Published: October 2014

After phagocytosis by macrophages, Staphylococcus aureus evades killing in an a-toxin-dependent manner, and then prevents apoptosis of infected cells by upregulating expression of antiapoptotic genes like MCL-1 (myeloid cell leukemia-1). Here, using purified a-toxin and a set of hla-deficient strains, we show that a-toxin is critical for the induction of MCL-1 expression and the cytoprotection of infected macrophages. Extracellular or intracellular treatment of macrophages with a-toxin alone did not induce cytoprotection conferred by increased Mcl-1, suggesting that the process is dependent on the production of a-toxin by intracellular bacteria. The increased expression of MCL-1 in infected cells was associated with enhanced NFκB activation, and subsequent IL-6 secretion. This effect was only partially inhibited by blocking TLR2, which suggests the participation of intracellular receptors in the specific recognition of S. aureus strains secreting a-toxin. Thus, S. aureus recognition by intracellular receptors and/or activation of downstream pathways leading to Mcl-1 expression is facilitated by a-toxin released by intracellular bacteria which permeabilize phagosomes, ensuring pathogen access to the cytoplasmatic compartment. Given that the intracellular survival of S. aureus depends on a-toxin, we propose a novel role for this agent in the protection of the intracellular niche, and further dissemination of staphylococci by infected macrophages.
Taxanes Plus Trastuzumab Compared To Oral Vinorelbine Plus Trastuzumab in HER2-Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Bergen Elisabeth , Berghoff Anna S. , Rudas Margaretha , Dubsky Peter , De Vries Catharina , Sattlberger Claudia , Mader Robert M. , Zagouri Flora , Sparber Cornelia , Fitzal Florian , Gnant Michael , Rottenfusser Andrea , Zielinski Christoph C. , Preusser Matthias , Steger Guenther G. , Bartsch Rupert
Published: October 2014

Background: This retrospective analysis was planned as a direct comparison of taxanes plus trastuzumab to the less toxic combination of oral vinorelbine (OV) plus trastuzumab as a first-line therapy for metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. Patients and Methods: Patients (n = 76) receiving either taxanes (group A) or OV (group B) in combination with trastuzumab were identified from a breast cancer database. Progression-free survival (PFS) was defined as the primary study endpoint; secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), response rate (RR), incidence of brain metastases, and brain metastases-free survival (BMFS). Results: 36 patients received taxanes and 40 patients OV in combination with trastuzumab. At a median follow-up of 47.5 months, median PFS was 7 months (group A) and 9 months in group B (log-rank; non-significant), respective numbers for OS were 49 and 59 months (p = 0.033). The incidence of brain metastases did not differ significantly between the 2 treatment groups, whereas BMFS was significantly longer in patients receiving OV. Conclusions: OV plus trastuzumab yielded similar results in terms of PFS and RR and was superior in terms of OS and BMFS. These results add to the growing body of evidence that vinorelbine is a viable alternative to taxanes in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
Breast Cancer and Osteoporosis - Management of Cancer Treatment-Induced Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Kalder Matthias , Hadji Peyman
Published: October 2014

The incidence of breast cancer (BC) in postmenopausal women is continuously rising. Due to early diagnosis and various treatment designs, the long-term clinical outcome has improved. Frequent settings are chemotherapy as well as endocrine treatment. Both have proven to interfere with bone health resulting in cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL). Whereas chemotherapy is associated with increased bone resorption, aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy reduces residual estrogen and is associated with decreased bone mineral density. Independent of the AI administered, the loss of bone mineral density is twice as high compared to healthy postmenopausal women. As a consequence of CTIBL, both chemotherapy and AI treatment can lead to a significantly increased fracture risk. Therefore, several guidelines have emerged for the management of CTIBL in women with BC, including strategies to identify and treat those at high risk for fractures. Further research on tracking guideline adherence examining the feasibility and practicability of guideline implementation to bridge the gap between determined scientific best evidence and applied best practice is needed to adjust these guidelines in the future.
“To Tell What God Hath Done for Thy Soul”: Puritan Spiritual Testimonies as Admission Tests and Means of Edification
Authors: Bremer Francis J.
Published: October 2014

This essay revisits the importance of “conversion narratives” in New England puritanism, arguing that they were not widely used for admission to membership; instead, their primary function was to enable lay men and women to share their religious experiences to help others to salvation and cement the bonds of church fellowship.
Mistress of Her Art: Anne Laura Clarke, Traveling Lecturer of the 1820s
Authors: Ganter Granville
Published: October 2014

This essay examines Anne Laura Clarke, a public lecturer from 1822 through the mid-1830s. Her topics ranged from western history to world clothing customs, and she employed hand-crafted historical charts and magic lantern images. The essay is a contribution to feminist history and recovers Clarke's manuscript lectures and visual materials.
Time-of-day influence on exploratory behaviour of rats exposed to an unfamiliar environment
Authors: Loss Cássio M. , Córdova Sandro D. , Callegari-Jacques Sidia Maria , de Oliveira Diogo L.
Published: October 2014

It is well known that rats exhibit elevated levels of activity during the dark phase and reduced levels during the light phase of the photoperiod cycle. However, the information about the influence of the time-of-day on the strategies used to explore the environment is still not understood. Here we tested the hypothesis that time-of-day influences the fine-scale exploratory behaviour of rats, measured in the open field (OF) test, and emotionality of rats, measured in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to the OF and EPM tests during Morning, Afternoon, or Evening sessions. In the OF, a principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the Evening group exhibited longer duration of locomotion and rearing, and also higher distance travelled, trip length, inter-stop distance, number of stops and stops per trip compared to other groups. PCA also revealed that the Evening group exhibited shorter time spent at the home base, duration of locomotion along the perimeter and distance travelled along the perimeter compared to other groups. In the EPM test, there was no difference between the groups in any of the parameters evaluated. Our results indicate that the time-of-day may influence the spatio-temporal organization of exploration of rats subjected to unfamiliar environments. These alterations appear to be unrelated to differences in the emotional state of the animals.
Functions of multiple play signals in free-ranging juvenile rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Yanagi Akie , Berman Carol M.
Published: October 2014

Some mammals, including some nonhuman primates, use multiple play signals during social play that convey the playful mood or intention of the signaler. However, why single species use multiple play signals has not been investigated. We recently identified seven such signals among free-ranging juvenile rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, all of which predict the imminent occurrence of play. Here we ask whether the use of these multiple signals may have more precise or multiple functions. Specifically, we ask whether different play signals are associated with different (1) types of play to come, (2) intensities of play, (3) initiators of play and/or (4) distances at which the signal is given. Our results indicate that most signals were disproportionately associated with one or more aspects of play. For example, gamboling was associated with play that is initiated at a distance, crouch-and-stares were associated with chasing play and intense play, and leg-peeks were associated with play initiated by the receiver, as opposed to the signaler. These nonrandom associations suggest that play signals, most of which are conspicuous body signals, are not merely redundant variants of a single general function to transmit a playful mood. Rather they may be used more selectively in a variety of play contexts in which it may be beneficial to reinforce, clarify or emphasize the playful intention of the signaler. At the same time, most are not associated with particular contexts in a highly exclusive or simple manner. As such further research is needed to determine whether they are examples of functionally referential signaling.
An update of the Brazilian species of Aeschynomene sect. Ochopodium ser. Viscidulae including a new species and a new synonym
Authors: Antunes Lorena Lana , Silva Marcos José
Published: October 2014

Aeschynomene veadeirana, a new species from the highlands of the state of Goiás, Brazil, is described and illustrated here. This species is closer to A. viscidula but differs from it in stems and branches predominantly puberulous to sparsely hispidulous or glabrescent, leaflets preponderantly oblong with revolute, ciliate margins, apressed trichomes, wing petals dorsally overlapping, and fruits pubescent, not reflexed or viscous. The geographical distribution, status of conservation, phenology of the new species, and a key to the species of Aeschynomene sect. Ochopodium ser. Viscidulae which occur in Brazil are provided. Also, the synonymization of A. gilbertoi under A. viscidula is herein proposed.
Socialization Tactics, Fit Perceptions, and College Student Adjustment
Authors: Chen Anjier , Yao Xiang
Published: October 2014

In this study, the authors build a model to examine the relationship between college socialization tactics, fit perceptions (person major fit and person group fit), and adjustment outcomes (academic satisfaction, grade point average, and helping behaviors). College socialization tactics are categorized into three clusters, namely tactics via school administrations and departments, tactics via senior schoolmates, and tactics via peers. Longitudinal survey data from 181 undergraduates during their freshman year indicated (1) the three clusters of tactics related differently to various forms of adjustment; (2) perceived person major fit mediated the relationship between tactics via school administrations and departments, tactics via senior schoolmates, and academic outcomes; (3) perceived person group fit mediated the relationship between tactics via peers and helping behaviors. The results suggest that different entities within colleges play different roles in facilitating student adjustment.
ONE OF THE APPROACH OF THE DESIGNING THE INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR MEDICINE NETWORK
Authors: Лавлинский  , Lavlinskiy V. , Лыков  , Lykov A.
Published: October 2014

Approach of the designing the program ambience happens to in the article for account of the sharing the medicine facilities in the manner of information system for medicine network
MATHEMATICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF DURABILITY OF COATINGS
Authors: Новоселова  , Novoselova Irina
Published: October 2014

The article presents the calculation of assessments of changes in protective and decorative properties of the transparent cover furniture
Microdermabrasion: indications, devices, treatment protocols and clinic data
Authors: O'Mahony Malti
Published: October 2014

Every day, the skin is exposed to environmental elements such as the sun and pollution. Over the years, these factors take their toll, causing the skin to gradually look more tired, a higher number of wrinkles to appear, and pigmentation to present. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure used to remove the stratum corneum and reveal younger, healthier skin. This procedure also encourages the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells along with higher levels of collagen and elastin, which further improves the skin's appearance. Microdermabrasion was one of the top five aesthetic procedures performed in the US in 2013, where there were almost 500 000 treatments provided ( American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2014 ). In this article, the author, who has treated various skin conditions over the past 15 years, provides information on the background of microdermabrasion and its indications, as well as exploring the techniques and devices available. She will also reflect on her personal experience with clients treated with microdermabrasion at her clinic.
How, why and when can aesthetic nurses say no to a prospective patient?
Authors: Brackenbury Julie
Published: October 2014

In a field of medicine where boosting business potential is key to successful practice, it can be daunting for aesthetic practitioners to consider refusing their patients for treatment. However, saying no is sometimes the only option when difficult, ill-informed people present to clinics requesting a non-surgical cosmetic procedure. Julie Brackenbury reflects on a debate session that was recently held on this topic
Highlights of the first association Step Ahead session in Huddersfield
Authors: Senior Yvonne
Published: October 2014

In October, the Private Independent Aesthetic Practices Association (PIAPA) held its first ever Step Ahead session, with standout presentations on polydioxanone threads, making successful insurance claims and the work of Health Education England. Association cofounder Yvonne Senior discusses her event highlights and shares her thoughts on why the event was such a success
The benefits of service decommoditisation and market segmentation for your clinic
Authors: Ratcliffe Jason
Published: October 2014

With the advent of comparison websites and increased consumer choice, services and products can often become one of many, attracting business using the power of pricing. In Jason Ratcliffe's fourth column on building a brand, he discusses the importance of decommoditisation and how ‘escaping the commodity trap’ can result in increased profit margins and loyalty to medical aesthetic clinics
Maximising your business potential during the busy festive season
Authors: Deakin Barbara
Published: October 2014

Christmas time is one of the most manic times of the year for medical aesthetic clinics, with old and new clients coming through the doors wanting to look their best for the party season. To prepare for this busy time and ensure business is booming, there are several strategies teams can put in place, including extending opening hours and offering packages. Barbara Deakin shares her top tips
Tracing bloodlines: Kinship and reproduction under investigation in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Authors: Bull Sofia
Published: October 2014

This article examines discourses on kinship and reproduction in the forensic crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000–). I argue that the programme stages a visual materialization of genetic kinship in order to assert its importance as a crucial type of forensic evidence, which evokes the traditional Darwinian framework of genealogy for understanding biological kinship as a substantial and enduring trace between generations. However, I show that CSI also participates in contemporary bioethical debates about new genetic and biomedical technologies that increasingly allow us to interfere in the human reproduction process. The programme engages with an emergent post-genomic re-spatialization of genealogy and acknowledges that the concept of kinship is increasingly being redefined, but it is still heavily invested in a normative understanding of sexual reproduction as a ‘natural fact of life’ and inadvertently constructs the nuclear family structure as an ideal framework for procreation.