bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Com-BIS: A Community-Based Barter Incentive Scheme in Socially Aware Networking
Authors: Liu Li , Yang Qiuyuan , Kong Xiangjie , Liaqat Hannan Bin , Ahmed Ahmedin Mohammed , Deonauth Nakema , Xia Feng
Published: August 2015

Socially aware networking (SAN) provides a new paradigm for intermittently connected networks which exploits social properties of mobile users to guide the design of protocols. In SAN, data forwarding performance will be degraded dramatically due to the existence of users' selfish behaviors. To address the selfishness problem, barter-based incentive scheme is a fair approach in which two encounter nodes exchange the same amount of data with one another. However, it is a challenging issue for nodes to decide when two nodes contact and how many messages they will exchange for their next contacts. We consider this problem as a resource allocation problem and propose a community-based Barter incentive scheme for SAN paradigm (Com-BIS). In this method, network nodes are grouped into communities and they allocate their forwarding services for different communities optimally using 0-1 knapsack algorithm. The simulation results show that Com-BIS stimulates selfish nodes to cooperate in data delivery for other nodes effectively which improves the forwarding performance considerably.
Home Range, Diet, and Activity Patterns of Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in Very Small and Isolated Fragments of the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Pinheiro Herbert Leonardo Nascimento , Mendes Pontes Antonio Rossano
Published: August 2015

We evaluate the impact of very small and isolated forest fragments on the common marmosets home range, diet, and activity patterns, in the northeastern Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Three groups were studied in three forest fragments, from January to October 2010, totaling 360 hours of observations and 1,080 field-hours. Systematic observations were recorded using Instantaneous Scan Sampling, and a checklist of the items exploited was built throughad libitumobservations. We recorded location of the groups and calculated home range. We recorded 11,639 scans and 236ad libitumfeeding records. 83.4% (n=10) of food items were plant species, the only animal protein was from insects (n=2; 16.6%), and the diet was based almost exclusively on gums. Mean home range was 5.5 ha, mean daily path length was 1,167 meters, and no differences were detected between seasons. Resting dominated their activity budget and varied between seasons. Common marmosets survived in this environment through a remarkable increase in their exploitation of tree gums (up to 98% of their feeding bouts) to compensate for the lack of food, in home ranges slightly larger than in the literature. Thus, they travelled and foraged less than expected and rested more since food was easily obtained.
Semiactive Vibration Control for Horizontal Axis Washing Machine
Authors: Yalçın Barış Can , Erol Haluk
Published: August 2015

A semiactive vibration control method is developed to cope with the dynamic stability problem of a horizontal axis washing machine. This method is based on adjusting the maximum force values produced by the semiactive suspension elements considering a washing machine’s vibration data (three axis angular position and three axis angular acceleration values in time). Before actuation signals are received by the step motors of the friction dampers, vibration data are evaluated, and then, the step motors start to narrow or expand the radius of bracelets located on the dampers. This changes the damping properties of the damper in the suspension system, and thus, the semiactive suspension system absorbs unwanted vibrations and contributes to the dynamic stability of the washing machine. To evaluate the vibration data, the angular position and angular acceleration values in three axes are defined in a function, and the maximum forces produced by semiactive suspension elements are calculated according to the gradient of this function. The relation between the dynamic stability and the walking stability is also investigated. A motion (gyroscope and accelerometer) sensor is installed on the top-front panel of the washing machine because a mathematical model of a horizontal axis washing machine suggests that the walking behavior starts around this location under some assumptions, and therefore, calculating the vibrations occurring there is crucial. Semiactive damping elements are located under the left and right sides of the tub. The proposed method is tested during the spinning cycle of washing machine operation, increasing gradually from 200 rpm to 900 rpm, which produces the most challenging vibration patterns for dynamic stability. Moreover, the sound power levels produced by the washing machine are measured to evaluate the noise performance of the washing machine while the semiactive suspension system is controlled. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is shown through experimental results.
Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Therapy in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Collado-Mateo Daniel , Adsuar Jose C. , Olivares Pedro R. , del Pozo-Cruz Borja , Parraca Jose A. , del Pozo-Cruz Jesus , Gusi Narcis
Published: August 2015

Objective. To review the literature on the effects of whole-body vibration therapy in patients with fibromyalgia.Design. Systematic literature review.Patients. Patients with fibromyalgia.Methods. An electronic search of the literature in four medical databases was performed to identify studies on whole-body vibration therapy that were published up to the 15th of January 2015.Results. Eight articles satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were analysed. According to the Dutch CBO guidelines, all selected trials had a B level of evidence. The main outcomes that were measured were balance, fatigue, disability index, health-related quality of life, and pain. Whole-body vibration appeared to improve the outcomes, especially balance and disability index.Conclusion. Whole-body vibration could be an adequate treatment for fibromyalgia as a main therapy or added to a physical exercise programme as it could improve balance, disability index, health-related quality of life, fatigue, and pain. However, this conclusion must be treated with caution because the paucity of trials and the marked differences between existing trials in terms of protocol, intervention, and measurement tools hampered the comparison of the trials.
Securing Body Sensor Networks with Biometric Methods: A New Key Negotiation Method and a Key Sampling Method for Linear Interpolation Encryption
Authors: Zhao Huawei , Chen Chi , Hu Jiankun , Qin Jing
Published: August 2015

We present two approaches that exploit biometric data to address security problems in the body sensor networks: a new key negotiation scheme based on the fuzzy extractor technology and an improved linear interpolation encryption method. The first approach designs two attack games to give the formal definition of fuzzy negotiation that forms a new key negotiation scheme based on fuzzy extractor technology. According to the definition, we further define a concrete structure of fuzzy negotiation that can enlarge the types of biometric data used to negotiate shared keys between biosensor nodes. The second approach includes a detailed key sampling method that uses shared secrets to generate linear interpolation factors and an improved linear interpolation encryption scheme based on linear equation group. Security analyses show that these two approaches are secure and can resist attacks launched by Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology, which has not received due attention in the existing studies.
Optimal Tradable Credits Scheme and Congestion Pricing with the Efficiency Analysis to Congestion
Authors: Gao Ge , Hu Jun
Published: August 2015

We allow for three traffic scenarios: the tradable credits scheme, congestion pricing, and no traffic measure. The utility functions of different modes (car, bus, and bicycle) are developed by considering the income’s impact on travelers’ behaviors. Their purpose is to analyze the demand distribution of different modes. A social optimization model is built aiming at maximizing the social welfare. The optimal tradable credits scheme (distribution of credits, credits charging, and the credit price), congestion pricing fees, bus frequency, and bus fare are obtained by solving the model. Mode choice behavior under the tradable credits scheme is also studied. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the model’s availability and explore the effects of the three schemes on traffic system’s performance. Results show congestion pricing would earn more social welfare than the other traffic measures. However, tradable credits scheme will give travelers more consumer surplus than congestion pricing. Travelers’ consumer surplus with congestion pricing is the minimum, which injures the travelers’ benefits. Tradable credits scheme is considered the best scenario by comparing the three scenarios’ efficiency.
The Content of the 14 Metals in Cancellous and Cortical Bone of the Hip Joint Affected by Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zioła-Frankowska Anetta , Kubaszewski Łukasz , Dąbrowski Mikołaj , Kowalski Artur , Rogala Piotr , Strzyżewski Wojciech , Łabędź Wojciech , Uklejewski Ryszard , Novotny Karel , Kanicky Viktor , Frankowski Marcin
Published: August 2015

The aim of the study was to determine the content of particular elements Ca, Mg, P, Na, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mo, Cr, Ni, Ba, Sr, and Pb in the proximal femur bone tissue (cancellous and cortical bone) of 96 patients undergoing total hip replacement for osteoarthritis using ICP-AES and FAAS analytical techniques. The interdependencies among these elements and their correlations depended on factors including age, gender, place of residence, tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, exposure to environmental pollution, physical activity, and type of degenerative change which were examined by statistical and chemometric methods. The factors that exerted the greatest influence on the elements in the femoral head and neck were tobacco smoking (higher Cr and Ni content in smokers), alcohol consumption (higher concentrations of Ni, Cu in people who consume alcohol), and gender (higher Cu, Zn, and Ni concentrations in men). The factors influencing Pb accumulation in bone tissue were tobacco, alcohol, gender, and age. In primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the hip, the content and interactions of elements are different (mainly those of Fe and Pb). There were no significant differences in the concentrations of elements in the femoral head and neck that could be attributed to residence or physical activity.
An OFDM Receiver with Frequency Domain Diversity Combined Impulsive Noise Canceller for Underwater Network
Authors: Saotome Rie , Hai Tran Minh , Matsuda Yasuto , Suzuki Taisaku , Wada Tomohisa
Published: August 2015

In order to explore marine natural resources using remote robotic sensor or to enable rapid information exchange between ROV (remotely operated vehicles), AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle), divers, and ships, ultrasonic underwater communication systems are used. However, if the communication system is applied to rich living creature marine environment such as shallow sea, it suffers from generated Impulsive Noise so‐called Shrimp Noise, which is randomly generated in time domain and seriously degrades communication performance in underwater acoustic network. With the purpose of supporting high performance underwater communication, a robust digital communication method for Impulsive Noise environments is necessary. In this paper, we propose OFDM ultrasonic communication system with diversity receiver. The main feature of the receiver is a newly proposed Frequency Domain Diversity Combined Impulsive Noise Canceller. The OFDM receiver utilizes 20–28 KHz ultrasonic channel and subcarrier spacing of 46.875 Hz (MODE3) and 93.750 Hz (MODE2) OFDM modulations. In addition, the paper shows Impulsive Noise distribution data measured at a fishing port in Okinawa and at a barge in Shizuoka prefectures and then proposed diversity OFDM transceivers architecture and experimental results are described. By the proposed Impulsive Noise Canceller, frame bit error rate has been decreased by 20–30%.
Designing Backstepping Control System for Hypersonic Vehicle Based on Feedback Linearization
Authors: Wei Jianli , Chen Huan
Published: August 2015

A hypersonic vehicle uses the airbreathing scramjet engine and the airframe and engine integrated design. Therefore, there is a strong cross-coupling effect among its aerodynamic force, thrust, structure, and control. The nonlinearity and uncertainty of the model cause difficulties in control system design. Considering the nonlinearity, coupling characteristics, and aerodynamic parametric uncertainty of its longitudinal dynamic model, we design the control law for its altitude system and velocity system based on the adaptive backstepping control method. Because of the feedback linearization method, we introduce the constraints of the flight vehicle’s actuator into the design, obtaining the robust adaptive control system constrained by the actuator of the flight vehicle. To avoid the high-order derivation problem of the feedback linearization method and the derivation of the virtual control volume in adaptive backstepping control method, we use the arbitrary-order robust exact differentiator to solve the high-order derivatives in feedback linearization and utilize the command filter to obtain the virtual control volume and its derivatives. The simulation results show that the robust adaptive control system we designed can achieve the error-free tracking of altitude and velocity command. It can well overcome the influence of structural parameters, aerodynamic parametric uncertainty, and disturbances; meanwhile, the control command can satisfy the constraints of the actuator.
Mechanical Stress Results in Immediate Accumulation of Glucosinolates in Fresh-Cut Cabbage
Authors: Požrl Tomaž , Cigić Blaž , Demšar Lea , Hribar Janez , Polak Tomaž
Published: August 2015

The intensity of mechanical stress and the temperature significantly affect the levels of individual and total glucosinolates in shredded white cabbage (cv. Galaxy). Mild processing (shredding to 2 mm thickness) at 8°C resulted in the accumulation of glucosinolates (40% increase) in comparison with unshredded cabbage, which was already seen 5 min after the mechanical stress. Severe processing (shredding to 0.5 mm thickness) at 20°C, however, resulted in an initial 50% decrease in glucosinolates. The glucosinolates accumulated in all of the cabbage samples 30 min from processing, resulting in higher levels than in unshredded cabbage, except for the severe processing at 20°C where the increase was not sufficient to compensate for the initial loss. Glucobrassicin and neoglucobrassicin were the major glucosinolates identified in the cabbage samples. Mechanical stress resulted in an increase in the relative proportion of glucobrassicin and in a decrease in neoglucobrassicin.
TIF1γ Suppresses Tumor Progression by Regulating Mitotic Checkpoints and Chromosomal Stability
Authors: Pommier Roxane M. , Gout Johann , Vincent David F. , Alcaraz Lindsay B. , Chuvin Nicolas , Arfi Vanessa , Martel Sylvie , Kaniewski Bastien , Devailly Guillaume , Fourel Geneviève , Bernard Pascal , Moyret-Lalle Caroline , Ansieau Stéphane , Puisieux Alain , Valcourt Ulrich , Sentis Stéphanie , Bartholin Laurent
Published: August 2015

The transcription accessory factor TIF1γ/TRIM33/RFG7/PTC7/Ectodermin functions as a tumor suppressor that promotes development and cellular differentiation. However, its precise function in cancer has been elusive. In the present study, we report that TIF1γ inactivation causes cells to accumulate chromosomal defects, a hallmark of cancer, due to attenuations in the spindle assembly checkpoint and the post-mitotic checkpoint. TIF1γ deficiency also caused a loss of contact growth inhibition and increased anchorage-independent growth in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, reduced TIF1γ expression in human tumors correlated with an increased rate of genomic rearrangements. Overall, our work indicates that TIF1γ exerts its tumor-suppressive functions in part by promoting chromosomal stability. Cancer Res; 75(20); 4335–50. ©2015 AACR.
High-Resolution Rapid Diagnostic Imaging of Whole Prostate Biopsies Using Video-Rate Fluorescence Structured Illumination Microscopy
Authors: Wang Mei , Kimbrell Hillary Z. , Sholl Andrew B. , Tulman David B. , Elfer Katherine N. , Schlichenmeyer Tyler C. , Lee Benjamin R. , Lacey Michelle , Brown J. Quincy
Published: August 2015

Rapid assessment of prostate core biopsy pathology at the point-of-procedure could provide benefit in a variety of clinical situations. Even with advanced transrectal ultrasound guidance and saturation biopsy protocols, prostate cancer can be missed in up to half of all initial biopsy procedures. In addition, collection of tumor specimens for downstream histologic, molecular, and genetic analysis is hindered by low tumor yield due to inability to identify prostate cancer grossly. However, current point-of-procedure pathology protocols, such as frozen section analysis (FSA), are destructive and too time- and labor-intensive to be practical or economical. Ex vivo microscopy of the excised specimens, stained with fast-acting fluorescent histology dyes, could be an attractive nondestructive alternative to FSA. In this work, we report the first demonstration of video-rate structured illumination microscopy (VR-SIM) for rapid high-resolution diagnostic imaging of prostate biopsies in realistic point-of-procedure timeframes. Large mosaic images of prostate biopsies stained with acridine orange are rendered in seconds and contain excellent contrast and detail, exhibiting close correlation with corresponding hematoxylin and eosin histology. A clinically relevant review of VR-SIM images of 34 unfixed and uncut prostate core biopsies by two independent pathologists resulted in an area under the receiver operative curve (AUC) of 0.82–0.88, with a sensitivity ranging from 63% to 88% and a specificity ranging from 78% to 89%. When biopsies contained more than 5% tumor content, the sensitivity improved to 75% to 92%. The image quality, speed, minimal complexity, and ease of use of VR-SIM could prove to be features in favor of adoption as an alternative to destructive pathology at the point-of-procedure. Cancer Res; 75(19); 4032–41. ©2015 AACR.
Ligand-Independent EGFR Signaling
Authors: Guo Gao , Gong Ke , Wohlfeld Bryan , Hatanpaa Kimmo J. , Zhao Dawen , Habib Amyn A.
Published: August 2015

Constitutive activation of the EGFR is common in cancer due to EGFR wild-type (EGFRwt) overexpression or the presence of mutant EGFR. Signaling by constitutively active NSCLC EGFR mutants or the EGFRvIII mutant in glioblastoma has been studied intensively and the downstream signals are known. Normally, the EGFRwt is activated when it is exposed to ligand, resulting in activation of canonical signals such as ERK and Akt. The EGFRwt also becomes tyrosine phosphorylated and constitutively activated without ligand when it is overexpressed, but downstream signals are unclear. Recent studies have identified a noncanonical form of signaling triggered by EGFRwt exclusively in the absence of ligand that does not involve ERK or Akt activation but, instead, results in activation of the transcription factor IRF3. The addition of ligand turns off IRF3-dependent transcription and activates ERK and Akt. Thus, the EGFR triggers distinct and mutually exclusive signaling networks, depending on the presence of ligand. Furthermore, noncanonical EGFRwt signaling may influence response to treatment in cancer. Also, there are reports of both synergistic and antagonistic interactions between ligand-dependent EGFRwt and EGFRvIII signaling. Here, we discuss ligand-independent EGFR signal transduction by oncogenic EGFR mutants and EGFRwt, and review the interplay between EGFRwt and EGFRvIII. Cancer Res; 75(17); 3436–41. ©2015 AACR.
Risk of Sex-Specific Cancers in Opposite-Sex and Same-Sex Twins in Denmark and Sweden
Authors: Ahrenfeldt Linda J. , Skytthe Axel , Möller Sören , Czene Kamila , Adami Hans-Olov , Mucci Lorelei A. , Kaprio Jaakko , Petersen Inge , Christensen Kaare , Lindahl-Jacobsen Rune
Published: August 2015

Background: Increasing evidence shows that some cancers originate in utero. It is hypothesized that elevated exposure to some steroid hormones might increase cancer risk and that hormone transfer between twin fetuses could result in different prenatal exposure to testosterone.

Methods: This large-scale prospective twin study compared opposite-sex (OS) and same-sex (SS) twins to test the impact of intrauterine exposures on cancer risk. On the basis of the Danish and Swedish twin and cancer registries, we calculated incidence rate ratios for OS and SS twins, whereas standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for OS/SS twins compared with the general population.

Results: A total of 18,001 cancers were identified during 1943–2009. No significant differences were observed between OS and SS twins, neither for the sex-specific cancers nor for cancer at all sites. All-cause cancer was slightly reduced for OS and SS twins compared with the general population, significant for OS males (SIR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92–0.98) and for SS males and females (SIR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94–0.99).

Conclusions: Our data suggest that having a male co-twin—which may entail higher exposure to prenatal testosterone—does not increase the risk of sex-specific cancers in OS females. Furthermore, the study supports that twinning per se is not a risk factor of cancer.

Impact: Findings are reassuring, as they fail to provide evidence for the hypothesis that endocrine or other difference in the in utero milieu affects the risk of sex-specific cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(10); 1622–8. ©2015 AACR.
EphA2 Expression Is a Key Driver of Migration and Invasion and a Poor Prognostic Marker in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Dunne Philip D. , Dasgupta Sonali , Blayney Jaine K. , McArt Darragh G. , Redmond Keara L. , Weir Jessica-Anne , Bradley Conor A. , Sasazuki Takehiko , Shirasawa Senji , Wang Tingting , Srivastava Supriya , Ong Chee Wee , Arthur Ken , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Wilson Richard H. , Johnston Patrick G. , Van Schaeybroeck Sandra
Published: August 2015

Purpose: EphA2, a member of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinases family, is an important regulator of tumor initiation, neovascularization, and metastasis in a wide range of epithelial and mesenchymal cancers; however, its role in colorectal cancer recurrence and progression is unclear.

Experimental Design: EphA2 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in stage II/III colorectal tumors (N = 338), and findings correlated with clinical outcome. The correlation between EphA2 expression and stem cell markers CD44 and Lgr5 was examined. The role of EphA2 in migration/invasion was assessed using a panel of KRAS wild-type (WT) and mutant (MT) parental and invasive colorectal cancer cell line models.

Results: Colorectal tumors displayed significantly higher expression levels of EphA2 compared with matched normal tissue, which positively correlated with high CD44 and Lgr5 expression levels. Moreover, high EphA2 mRNA and protein expression were found to be associated with poor overall survival in stage II/III colorectal cancer tissues, in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Preclinically, we found that EphA2 was highly expressed in KRASMT colorectal cancer cells and that EphA2 levels are regulated by the KRAS-driven MAPK and RalGDS-RalA pathways. Moreover, EphA2 levels were elevated in several invasive daughter cell lines, and downregulation of EphA2 using RNAi or recombinant EFNA1 suppressed migration and invasion of KRASMT colorectal cancer cells.

Conclusions: These data show that EpHA2 is a poor prognostic marker in stage II/III colorectal cancer, which may be due to its ability to promote cell migration and invasion, providing support for the further investigation of EphA2 as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Clin Cancer Res; 22(1); 230–42. ©2015 AACR.
Laparoscopic Extravesical Lich-Gregoir Ureteroneocystostomy with Psoas Hitch for the Management of Ureterovaginal Fistula in Post-Hysterectomy Patients
Authors: Ghosh Bastab , Biswal Deepak Kumar , Bera Malay Kumar , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Most commonly ureterovaginal fistula occurs due to surgical injury inflicted to the distal ureter and because of gynaecological procedures. Open surgical repair is a standard procedure and commonly involves ureteroneocystostomy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of 9 patients, who underwent laparoscopic extravesical Lich-Gregoir ureteroneocystostomy using the psoas hitch procedure for ureterovaginal fistulas following hysterectomy during the period December 2012-August 2014. Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy was performed in all cases. Results: The mean operative time was 212 min (range 170-310) and estimated blood loss was 108 ml (range 70-150). Average hospital stay was 5.7 days. Follow-up time was from 6 to 26 months. Postoperative intravenous urography was done after 3 months, which showed patent anastomosis in 8 patients except for 1 patient who had nonvisualization of the ipsilateral renal moiety. Voiding cystogram done at 3 months showed no leakage in all patients. In the postoperative period, 1 patient had recurrent ipsilateral pyelonephritis 2 weeks after surgery, while another patient had febrile UTI. Apart from these no major complications were observed. Conclusion: Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with psoas hitch can be performed safely with a success rate compared to that of open surgery but with less morbidity and quick convalescence.
Long-Term Response to Cholinesterase Inhibitor Treatment Is Related to Functional MRI Response in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Miettinen Pekka S. , Jauhiainen Anne M. , Tarkka Ina M. , Pihlajamäki Maija , Gröhn Heidi , Niskanen Eini , Hänninen Tuomo , Vanninen Ritva , Soininen Hilkka
Published: August 2015

Background: Treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) enhances cholinergic activity and alleviates clinical symptoms. However, there is variation in the clinical response as well as system level changes revealed by functional MRI (fMRI) studies. Methods: We investigated 18 newly diagnosed mild AD patients with fMRI using a face recognition task after a single oral dose of rivastigmine, a single dose of placebo and 1-month treatment with rivastigmine. The clinical follow-up took place at 6 and 12 months. Results: MMSE score difference between baseline and the follow-ups showed a positive correlation with fMRI activation difference between treatment and placebo in the right prefrontal cortex. A negative correlation was found for the left prefrontal cortex and the left fusiform gyrus. In addition, greater signal intensity in the right versus the left fusiform gyrus predicted a response to ChEI with increasing MMSE scores during the follow-up with 77.8% sensitivity and 77.8% specificity. Conclusions: The increased fMRI activation by cholinergic stimulation in brain areas associated with the processing of the visual task reveals still functioning brain networks and a subsequent positive effect of ChEI on cognition. Thus, fMRI may be useful for identifying AD patients most likely to respond to treatment with ChEI.
Successful Control of Carcinoma of Unknown Primary with Axitinib, a Novel Molecular-Targeted Agent: A Case Report
Authors: Honda Akira , Yoshimi Akihide , Ushiku Tetsuo , Shinoda Yusuke , Kawano Hirotaka , Toya Takashi , Kogure Yasunori , Yamashita Hideomi , Kume Haruki , Nannya Yasuhito , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: August 2015

Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) is a common malignancy. In view of the poor prognosis of CUP, more effective therapy is needed. A 47-year-old man with CUP affecting the bone visited our institution. Treatment with heavy ion radiotherapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and resection of the bone tumor conferred neither control of the tumor nor the patient's symptoms such as tumor fever and bone pain. The bone biopsy at hemipelvectomy suggested undifferentiated adenocarcinoma with some features of clear cell carcinoma, although no lesions were detected in the kidneys. Based on the pathological diagnosis, treatment with sunitinib or everolimus was administered but resulted in progressive disease. However, axitinib showed favorable effects, controlling tumor progression and palliating his symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successful control of CUP with axitinib.
Susceptibility of 2,252 Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates Over 4 Years to 9 Antimicrobials in a Tertiary Greek Hospital
Authors: Maraki Sofia , Mantadakis Elpis , Nioti Eleni , Samonis George
Published: August 2015

Background: We determined the antimicrobial resistance of and changes over time in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from hospitalized patients over the period of 2010-2013, in relation to the patient setting and clinical specimen origin, in a tertiary Greek hospital. Methods: All P. aeruginosa isolates collected from patients with nosocomial infections were processed and cultured according to routine methods. The Vitek 2 automated system was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 9 antimicrobials. Results: Overall, 2,252 P. aeruginosa isolates were tested, and 1,124 (49.91%) were found to be fully susceptible. Among 1,128 resistant isolates, 638 (56.56%) were resistant to ≥3 classes of antipseudomonal antibiotics. Intensive care unit isolates were significantly more resistant than surgical and medical ward isolates, while blood and urine isolates demonstrated the highest resistance rates. Resistance was highest in 2012 and lowest in 2013. Conclusion: Continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is extremely important for controlling P. aeruginosa infections in the hospital setting.
Regional Choroidal Thickness Changes in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion with Macular Edema
Authors: Kim Kyung Ho , Lee Dong Hyun , Lee Jae Jung , Park Sung Who , Byon Ik Soo , Lee Ji Eun
Published: August 2015

Purpose: To investigate regional changes in choroidal thickness in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) patients with macular edema. Methods: Choroidal thickness in the subfoveal, occlusive, and nonocclusive areas in BRVO eyes was measured using enhanced depth imaging by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The choroidal thickness was compared with the corresponding values both in the fellow eye and in normal controls at baseline. Regional changes in choroidal thickness were then evaluated in the BRVO eyes after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections. Results: Regional choroidal thickness was measured in 57 eyes at baseline. The mean choroidal thickness of the occlusive area was significantly higher than that of the nonocclusive, subfoveal, and corresponding areas in the fellow eyes and normal controls (p < 0.001). The choroidal thickness in the occlusive area correlated with the retinal thickness in both the central and occlusive areas (rho = 0.590, p < 0.001, and rho = 0.351, p = 0.011, respectively), but not with visual acuity. After IVB, the choroidal thickness in the occlusive area had decreased significantly (p = 0.004), but remained higher than that of other areas (p < 0.001 and p = 0.026). Conclusion: In acute BRVO eyes, the choroid is thicker in the occlusive area. This difference is correlated with the severity of macular edema, but not with visual acuity. Bevacizumab reduces choroidal thickness, but does not restore normal values.
Japanese Cedar Pollen-Based Subcutaneous Immunotherapy Decreases Tomato Fruit-Specific Basophil Activation
Authors: Inuo Chisato , Kondo Yasuto , Tanaka Kenichi , Nakajima Yoichi , Nomura Takayasu , Ando Hitoshi , Suzuki Satoko , Tsuge Ikuya , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Urisu Atsuo
Published: August 2015

Background: Some patients with Japanese cedar pollen (JCP)-induced allergic rhinitis develop pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) as a reaction to tomato fruit. Pollen allergen-specific subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is reportedly beneficial for some associated food allergies; however, the reported changes in food allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG4 levels are inconsistent. Here, we investigated immunologic reactivity to tomato fruit after JCP-based SCIT. Methods: Twenty-three children (aged 6-17 years) with JCP-induced allergic rhinitis and sensitized to tomato (serum tomato fruit-specific IgE level >0.34 UA/ml) received JCP-based SCIT. Basophil activation by tomato and JCP extracts and serum-specific IgE and IgG4 levels against these allergens were determined before and after 4 or 5 months of maintenance SCIT. Basophil activation was assessed by monitoring CD203c upregulation on flow cytometry. Results: JCP-based SCIT significantly reduced the basophil activation caused by tomato fruit (p = 0.03) and JCP (p < 0.001) extracts. JCP-specific IgG4 levels markedly increased after SCIT (p < 0.001), whereas tomato fruit-specific IgG4 levels did not. After SCIT, no significant changes were observed in specific IgE levels for tomato fruit (p = 0.11) or JCP (p = 0.19). Conclusions: Tomato fruit-specific basophil activation decreases after JCP-based SCIT, suggesting that it is efficacious in relieving and preventing the symptoms of PFAS in patients with JCP-induced allergic rhinitis.
Status Quo and Prospect of Colorectal Animal Models: Application of Transgenic Technology
Authors: Haili Jiang , Xuan Liu , Qing Ji , Qi Li
Published: August 2015

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant diseases and brings about serious damage to the human body. Presently, the incidence of CRC ranks third among the malignant tumors, and its 5-year survival rate is only about 50%. In recent years, more and more studies have focused on the application of transgenic technology in CRC research in vivo, which involves a great number of genes significantly related to the occurrence and development of CRC. The core of transgenic technology refers to the host chromosome gene accepting exogenous genes, which integrate into the host chromosome expressing it stably, followed by transmission to the next generations. Here, we will present a brief review of the related technologies used in transgenic animal models and provide an overview of the application of transgenic animal models in CRC research.
A Novel Depression Diagnosis Index Using Nonlinear Features in EEG Signals
Authors: Acharya U. Rajendra , Sudarshan Vidya K. , Adeli Hojjat , Santhosh Jayasree , Koh Joel E.W. , Puthankatti Subha D. , Adeli Amir
Published: August 2015

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by persistent occurrences of lower mood states in the affected person. The electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are highly complex, nonlinear, and nonstationary in nature. The characteristics of the signal vary with the age and mental state of the subject. The signs of abnormality may be invisible to the naked eyes. Even when they are visible, deciphering the minute changes indicating abnormality is tedious and time consuming for the clinicians. This paper presents a novel method for automated EEG-based diagnosis of depression using nonlinear methods: fractal dimension, largest Lyapunov exponent, sample entropy, detrended fluctuation analysis, Hurst's exponent, higher order spectra, and recurrence quantification analysis. A novel Depression Diagnosis Index (DDI) is presented through judicious combination of the nonlinear features. The DDI calculated automatically based on the EEG recordings can be used to diagnose depression objectively using just one numeric value. Also, these features extracted from nonlinear methods are ranked using the t value and fed to the support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The SVM classifier yielded the highest classification performance with an average accuracy of about 98%, sensitivity of about 97%, and specificity of about 98.5%.
Combined Growth Hormone and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Deficiency in a Japanese Patient with a Novel Frameshift Mutation in IGSF1
Authors: Asakura Yumi , Abe Kiyomi , Muroya Koji , Hanakawa Junko , Oto Yuji , Narumi Satoshi , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Adachi Masanori
Published: August 2015

Background: Recent reports have indicated that loss-of-function mutations in the immunoglobulin superfamily member 1 gene (IGSF1, OMIM 300888) cause congenital central hypothyroidism with macroorchidism. Methods: We conducted a next-generation sequencing-based comprehensive mutation screening for pituitary hormone deficiencies to elucidate molecular mechanisms other than anatomical abnormalities of the pituitary that might be responsible for multiple anterior hormone deficiency in a male patient who originally visited our institute complaining of short stature. He was born large for gestational age (4,370 g, +3.0 SD) after an obstructed labour. Endocrinological evaluation revealed growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a discontinuity of the pituitary stalk with an ectopic posterior lobe and a hypoplastic anterior lobe, likely explaining multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Result: We identified a novel hemizygous IGSF1 mutation (c.1137_1138delCA, p.Asn380Glnfs*6) in the patient. In reviewing the literature, we noticed that all reported Japanese male IGSF1 mutation carriers were born larger than mean standards for gestational age (mean birth weight SD score of +2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.0-3.0). Conclusion: This case suggests that more attention should be paid to intrauterine growth and birth history when patients are suspected of having an IGSF1 mutation.
Cryoballoon Versus Open Irrigated Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Luik Armin , Radzewitz Andrea , Kieser Meinhard , Walter Marlene , Bramlage Peter , Hörmann Patrick , Schmidt Kerstin , Horn Nicolas , Brinkmeier-Theofanopoulou Maria , Kunzmann Kevin , Riexinger Tobias , Schymik Gerhard , Merkel Matthias , Schmitt Claus
Published: August 2015

Background—

There is a lack of data on the comparative efficacy and procedural safety of open irrigated radiofrequency (RF) and cryoballoon catheter (CB) ablation for pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results—

In a prospective, noninferiority study, 315 patients were randomly assigned to RF (n=159) or CB (n=156) ablation. The primary end point was freedom from atrial arrhythmia with absence of persistent complications. Patients were largely comparable between groups with more vascular disease in the RF group (8.2% versus 2.6% for CB;
P
=0.028). The primary end point at 12 months was achieved by 70.7% with RF and 73.6% with CB (multiple procedure success), including 31 redo procedures in each group (19.5% of RF versus 19.9% of CB;
P
=0.933). For the intention-to-treat population, noninferiority of CB was revealed for the predefined inferiority margin (risk difference, 0.029; 95% confidence interval, −0.074 to 0.132;
P
<0.001). Rates at 6 months were 63.1% and 64.1% for the RF and CB groups (single procedure success), and noninferiority was confirmed (risk difference, 0.010; 95% confidence interval, −0.097 to 0.116;
P
=0.002). Periprocedural complications for the index procedure were more frequent in the CB group (5.0% RF, 12.2% CB;
P
=0.022) with a significant difference in phrenic nerve palsies (0% RF, 5.8% CB;
P
=0.002).

Conclusion—

This large, prospective, randomized, controlled study demonstrates noninferiority of CB ablation versus RF ablation for treating patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00774566.
Altered Retinal Flicker Response Indicates Microvascular Dysfunction in Women With Preeclampsia
Authors: Brückmann Andreas , Seeliger Christin , Lehmann Thomas , Schleußner Ekkehard , Schlembach Dietmar
Published: August 2015

Flicker-induced dilatation is reduced in patients with cardiovascular risk, and the following arteriolar constriction is reduced with aging, leading to a reduced arteriolar amplitude and, thereby, indicating microvascular endothelial dysfunction. As endothelial dysfunction is associated with preeclampsia, we assessed retinal flicker response during pregnancy and postpartum. Between 2006 and 2013, women were recruited from University Hospital Jena and Prenatal Diagnostic Center Erfurt, Germany, of which 34 women with preeclampsia, 45 women with normal pregnancy, and 22 nonpregnant controls were included in the study. Women with normal pregnancy were matched for age, nulliparity, smoking, previous gestational hypertensive disorders, and family history of cardiovascular disease. Nonpregnant women were age-matched, nulliparous, nonsmoking, without family history of cardiovascular disease. Retinal vessel measurement using Dynamic Vessel Analyzer consisted of 50-seconds baseline acquisition, followed by three 20-second flicker and 80-second relaxation periods. Arteriolar constriction and arteriolar amplitude were reduced during pregnancy (
P
=0.001 and
P
=0.008) and postpartum (
P
=0.018 and
P
=0.034) in women with preeclampsia, adjusted for age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, baseline diameter, and family history of cardiovascular disease. Flicker-induced dilatation was unchanged within the groups and throughout the study period. The unchanged flicker-induced dilatation may support a preserved autoregulatory competence of the microvasculature, and the diminished arteriolar amplitude, mainly because of the absence of the arteriolar constriction, indicates a commenced retinal microvascular dysfunction in women with preeclampsia during pregnancy and postpartum. Mechanisms responsible for altered retinal flicker response in preeclampsia need to be clarified in further studies.
Genetic Predisposition to Higher Blood Pressure Increases Risk of Incident Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases in Chinese
Authors: Lu Xiangfeng , Huang Jianfeng , Wang Laiyuan , Chen Shufeng , Yang Xueli , Li Jianxin , Cao Jie , Chen Jichun , Li Ying , Zhao Liancheng , Li Hongfan , Liu Fangcao , Huang Chen , Shen Chong , Shen Jinjin , Yu Ling , Xu Lihua , Mu Jianjun , Wu Xianping , Ji Xu , Guo Dongshuang , Zhou Zhengyuan , Yang Zili , Wang Renping , Yang Jun , Yan Weili , Gu Dongfeng
Published: August 2015

Although multiple genetic markers associated with blood pressure have been identified by genome-wide association studies, their aggregate effect on risk of incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease is uncertain, particularly among East Asian who may have different genetic and environmental exposures from Europeans. We aimed to examine the association between genetic predisposition to higher blood pressure and risk of incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease in 26 262 individuals in 2 Chinese population-based prospective cohorts. A genetic risk score was calculated based on 22 established variants for blood pressure in East Asian. We found the genetic risk score was significantly and independently associated with linear increases in blood pressure and risk of incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease (
P
range from 4.57×10
–3
to 3.10×10
–6
). In analyses adjusted for traditional risk factors including blood pressure, individuals carrying most blood pressure–related risk alleles (top quintile of genetic score distribution) had 40% (95% confidence interval, 18–66) and 26% (6–45) increased risk for incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease, respectively, when compared with individuals in the bottom quintile. The genetic risk score also significantly improved discrimination for incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease and led to modest improvements in risk reclassification for cardiovascular disease (all the
P
<0.05). Our data indicate that genetic predisposition to higher blood pressure is an independent risk factor for blood pressure increase and incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease and provides modest incremental information to cardiovascular disease risk prediction. The potential clinical use of this panel of blood pressure–associated polymorphisms remains to be determined.
Outcome Reporting in Cardiac Surgery Trials: Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal
Authors: Goldfarb Michael , Drudi Laura , Almohammadi Mohammad , Langlois Yves , Noiseux Nicolas , Perrault Louis , Piazza Nicolo , Afilalo Jonathan
Published: August 2015

Background

There is currently no accepted standard for reporting outcomes following cardiac surgery. The objective of this paper was to systematically review the literature to evaluate the current use and definition of perioperative outcomes reported in cardiac surgery trials.

Methods and Results

We reviewed 5 prominent medical and surgical journals on Medline from January 1, 2010, to June 30, 2014, for randomized controlled trials involving coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery. We identified 34 trials meeting inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 57 to 4752 participants (median 351). Composite end points were used as a primary outcome in 56% (n=19) of the randomized controlled trials and as a secondary outcome in 12% (n=4). There were 14 different composite end points. Mortality at any time (all‐cause and/or cardiovascular) was reported as an individual end point or as part of a combined end point in 82% (n=28), myocardial infarction was reported in 68% (n=23), and bleeding was reported in 24% (n=8). Patient‐centered outcomes, such as quality of life and functional classification, were reported in 29% (n=10). Definition of clinical events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, and bleeding varied considerably among trials, particularly for postoperative myocardial infarction and bleeding, for which 8 different definitions were used for each.

Conclusions

Outcome reporting in the cardiac surgery literature is heterogeneous, and efforts should be made to standardize the outcomes reported and the definitions used to ascertain them. The development of standardizing outcome reporting is an essential step toward strengthening the process of evidence‐based care in cardiac surgery.
Ant- and Ant-Colony-Inspired ALife Visual Art
Authors: Greenfield Gary , Machado Penousal
Published: August 2015

Ant- and ant-colony-inspired ALife art is characterized by the artistic exploration of the emerging collective behavior of computational agents, developed using ants as a metaphor. We present a chronology that documents the emergence and history of such visual art, contextualize ant- and ant-colony-inspired art within generative art practices, and consider how it relates to other ALife art. We survey many of the algorithms that artists have used in this genre, address some of their aims, and explore the relationships between ant- and ant-colony-inspired art and research on ant and ant colony behavior.
Creativity and ALife
Authors: Boden Margaret A.
Published: August 2015

Three forms of creativity are exemplified in biology and studied in ALife. Combinational creativity exists as the first step in genetic algorithms. Exploratory creativity is seen in models using cellular automata or evolutionary programs. Transformational creativity can result from evolutionary programming. Even radically novel forms can do so, given input from outside the program itself. Transformational creativity appears also in reaction-diffusion models of morphogenesis. That there are limits to biological creativity is suggested by ALife work bearing on instances of biological impossibility.