bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robustness of sweeping‐window arc therapy treatment sequences against intrafractional tumor motion
Authors: Fleckenstein Jens , Hesser Jürgen , Wenz Frederik , Lohr Frank
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

Due to the potentially periodic collimator dynamic in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) dose deliveries with the sweeping‐window arc therapy (SWAT) technique, additional manifestations of dosimetric deviations in the presence of intrafractional motion may occur. With a fast multileaf collimator (MLC), and a flattening filter free dose delivery, treatment times close to 60 s per fraction are clinical reality. For these treatment sequences, the human breathing period can be close to the collimator sweeping period. Compared to a random arrangement of the segments, this will cause a further degradation of the dose homogeneity.

Methods:

Fifty VMAT sequences of potentially moving target volumes were delivered on a two dimensional ionization chamber array. In order to detect interplay effects along all three coordinate axes, time resolved measurements were performed twice—with the detector aligned in vertical (V) or horizontal (H) orientation. All dose matrices were then moved within a simulation software by a time‐dependent motion vector. The minimum relative equivalent uniform dose EUDr,m for all breathing starting phases was determined for each amplitude and period. Furthermore, an estimation of periods with minimum EUD was performed. Additionally, LINAC logfiles were recorded during plan delivery. The MLC, jaw, gantry angle, and monitor unit settings were continuously saved and used to calculate the correlation coefficient between the target motion and the dose weighed collimator motion component for each direction (CC, LR, AP) separately.

Results:

The resulting EUDr,m were EUDr,m(CCV) = (98.3 ± 0.6)%, EUDr,m(CCH) = (98.6 ± 0.5)%, EUDr,m(APV) = (97.7 ± 0.9)%, and EUDr,m(LRH) = (97.8 ± 0.9)%. The overall minimum relative EUD observed for 360∘ arc midventilation treatments was 94.6%. The treatment plan with the shortest period and a minimum relative EUD of less than 97% was found at T = 6.1 s. For a partial 120∘ arc, an EUDr,m = 92.0% was found. In all cases, a correlation coefficient above 0.5 corresponded to a minimum in EUD.

Conclusions:

With the advent of fast VMAT delivery techniques, nonrobust treatment sequences for human breathing patterns can be generated. These sequences are characterized by a large correlation coefficient between a target motion component and the corresponding collimator dynamic. By iteratively decreasing the maximum allowed dose rate, a low correlation coefficient and consequentially a robust treatment sequence are ensured.
Adding up the odds—Nitric oxide signaling underlies the decision to flee and post-conflict depression of aggression
Authors: Stevenson Paul A. , Rillich Jan
Published: March 2015

Aversive experiences summated during fighting in crickets activate the NO signaling pathway, which promotes the decision to flee and results in post-conflict depression of aggression.
Site History and Edaphic Features Override the Influence of Plant Species on Microbial Communities in Restored Tidal Freshwater Wetlands
Authors: Prasse Christine E. , Baldwin Andrew H. , Yarwood Stephanie A.
Published: March 2015

Restored wetland soils differ significantly in physical and chemical properties from their natural counterparts even when plant community compositions are similar, but effects of restoration on microbial community composition and function are not well understood. Here, we investigate plant-microbe relationships in restored and natural tidal freshwater wetlands from two subestuaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Soil samples were collected from the root zone of
Typha latifolia
,
Phragmites australis
,
Peltandra virginica
, and
Lythrum salicaria
. Soil microbial composition was assessed using 454 pyrosequencing, and genes representing bacteria, archaea, denitrification, methanogenesis, and methane oxidation were quantified. Our analysis revealed variation in some functional gene copy numbers between plant species within sites, but intersite comparisons did not reveal consistent plant-microbe trends. We observed more microbial variations between plant species in natural wetlands, where plants have been established for a long period of time. In the largest natural wetland site, sequences putatively matching methanogens accounted for ∼17% of all sequences, and the same wetland had the highest numbers of genes coding for methane coenzyme A reductase (
mcrA
). Sequences putatively matching aerobic methanotrophic bacteria and anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME) were detected in all sites, suggesting that both aerobic and anaerobic methane oxidation are possible in these systems. Our data suggest that site history and edaphic features override the influence of plant species on microbial communities in restored wetlands.
Genes Indicative of Zoonotic and Swine Pathogens Are Persistent in Stream Water and Sediment following a Swine Manure Spill
Authors: Haack Sheridan K. , Duris Joseph W. , Kolpin Dana W. , Fogarty Lisa R. , Johnson Heather E. , Gibson Kristen E. , Focazio Michael , Schwab Kellogg J. , Hubbard Laura E. , Foreman William T.
Published: March 2015

Manure spills into streams are relatively frequent, but no studies have characterized stream contamination with zoonotic and veterinary pathogens, or fecal chemicals, following a spill. We tested stream water and sediment over 25 days and downstream for 7.6 km for the following: fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), the fecal indicator chemicals cholesterol and coprostanol, 20 genes for zoonotic and swine-specific bacterial pathogens by presence/absence PCR for viable cells, one swine-specific
Escherichia coli
toxin gene (STII gene) by quantitative PCR (qPCR), and nine human and animal viruses by qPCR or reverse transcription-qPCR. Twelve days postspill, and 4.2 km downstream, water concentrations of FIB, cholesterol, and coprostanol were 1 to 2 orders of magnitude greater than those detected before, or above, the spill, and genes indicating viable zoonotic or swine-infectious
Escherichia coli
were detected in water or sediment. STII gene levels increased from undetectable before or above the spill to 10
5
copies/100 ml of water 12 days postspill. Thirteen of 14 water (8/9 sediment) samples had viable STII-carrying cells postspill. Eighteen days postspill, porcine adenovirus and teschovirus were detected 5.6 km downstream. FIB concentrations (per gram [wet weight]) in sediment were greater than in water, and sediment was a continuous reservoir of genes and chemicals postspill. Constituent concentrations were much lower, and detections less frequent, in a runoff event (200 days postspill) following manure application, although the swine-associated STII and
stx
2e
genes were detected. Manure spills are an underappreciated pathway for livestock-derived contaminants to enter streams, with persistent environmental outcomes and the potential for human and veterinary health consequences.
The effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes: a protocol
Authors: Gunn Jayleen K L , Rosales Cecilia B , Center Katherine E , Nuñez Annabelle V , Gibson Steven J , Ehiri John E
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The effects of exposure to marijuana in utero on fetal development are not clear. Given that the recent legislation on cannabis in the US is likely to result in increased use, there is a need to assess the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this review is to assess the effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis on pregnancy outcomes (including maternal and child outcomes).

Methods and analyses

Major databases will be searched from inception to the latest issue, with the aim of identifying studies that reported the effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. Two investigators will independently review all titles and abstracts to identify potential articles. Discrepancies will be resolved by repeated review, discussion and consensus. Study quality assessment will be undertaken, using standard protocols. To qualify for inclusion, studies must report at least one maternal or neonatal outcome post partum. Cross-sectional, case–control, cohort and randomised controlled trials published in English will be included. In order to rule out the effects of other drugs that may affect fetal development and pregnancy outcomes, studies will only be included if they report outcomes of prenatal exposure to cannabis while excluding other illicit substances. Data from eligible studies will be extracted, and data analysis will include a systematic review and critical appraisal of evidence, and meta-analysis if data permit. Meta-analysis will be conducted if three or more studies report comparable statistics on the same outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

The review which will result from this protocol has not already been conducted. Preparation of the review will follow the procedures stated in this protocol, and will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Ethical approval of data will not be required since the review will use data that are already available in the public domain through published articles and other reports.
US Corporate Investment Over the Political Cycle
Authors: Yonce Adam
Published: March 2015

The investment behavior of US firms exhibits systematic variation over the political cycle. After controlling for investment opportunities, US firms reduce investment expenditures approximately 2.0% during Presidential election years, 5.3% during periods of single-party government, and 8.7% during Republican presidential administrations. Neoclassical investment theory has little to say about direct links between investment and the political environment. I show that the empirical results arise naturally in a model of investment under regulatory and political uncertainty, provided that (i) regulatory policy affects the cash flows of the firm, (ii) firms have flexibility over the scale of their investments and (iii) regulatory uncertainty resolves quickly.
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase mediates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension via reactive oxygen species-dependent vascular remodeling
Authors: Kameshima Satoshi , Kazama Kyosuke , Okada Muneyoshi , Yamawaki Hideyuki
Published: March 2015

Pulmonary arterial (PA) hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and lethal disease that is caused by increased vascular contractile reactivity and structural remodeling. These changes contribute to increasing pulmonary peripheral vascular resistance, finally leading to right heart failure and death. Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. We previously revealed that eEF2K protein increases in the mesenteric artery from spontaneously hypertensive rats and partly mediates the development of hypertension via a promotion of ROS-dependent vascular inflammatory responses and proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. However, a role of eEF2K in the pathogenesis of PAH is unknown. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that eEF2K may be involved in the pathogenesis of PAH. PAH was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of monocrotaline (MCT; 60 mg/kg) to rats. A specific eEF2K inhibitor, A-484954 (2.5 mg·kg−1·day−1), was intraperitoneally injected for 14 days. Long-term A-484954 treatment inhibited MCT-induced increased PA pressure. It was revealed that A-484954 inhibited MCT-induced PA hypertrophy and fibrosis but not impairment of endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation. Furthermore, A-484954 inhibited MCT-induced NADPH oxidase-1 expression and ROS generation as well as matrix metalloproteinase-2 activation. In conclusion, the present results suggest that eEF2K at least partly mediates MCT-induced PAH via stimulation of vascular structural remodeling perhaps through NADPH oxidase-1/ROS/matrix metalloproteinase-2 pathway.
Influencing Factors on the Interface Microhardness of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Consisting of Glazed Hollow Bead
Authors: Ma Gang , Zhang Yu , Li Zhu
Published: March 2015

Lightweight aggregate concrete consisting of glazed hollow bead (GHB) as lightweight aggregate is studied for the influence of nanosilica (NS) content, prewetting time for GHB, water-cement ratio, and curing humidity, on the interface structure between GHB and cement paste. This research analyzed the influences of various factors on the interface zone structure by measuring microhardness (HV) and hydration degree of cement paste (HD) nearby the interface zone (1 mm) between GHB and cement paste at different periods of aging. Due to the sampling limitation, the interface zone in this test is within 1 mm away from the surface of lightweight aggregate. The HD of cement paste was determined through chemically combined water (CCW) test. The results were expected to reflect the influence of various factors on the interface zone structure. Results showed that the rational control of the four factors studied could fully mobilize the water absorption and desorption properties of GHB to improve the characteristics of the interfacial transition zone.
Cytotoxiciy of Naja nubiae (Serpentes: Elapidae) and Echis ocellatus (Serpentes: Viperidae) Venoms from Sudan
Authors: Khalid Huda , Mukhtar Maowia Mohammed , Konstantakopoulos Nicki
Published: March 2015

In Sudan, as in many African countries, no local specific antivenom is manufactured resulting in snake bite victims being treated by antivenoms imported from abroad. In the present work we measured the cytotoxic effect of the recently described spitting cobra (Naja nubiae) and the carpet viper (Echis ocellatus) snake venoms using a cell based assay. We also investigated the efficacy of four antivenoms CSL (Australia), SAIMR (South Africa), snake venom antiserum (India), and EchiTAb-Plus-ICP (Cost Rica) to neutralize the cytotoxic effect of the two venoms. The venoms resulted in a remarkable inhibition of cell viability with N. nubiae being more cytotoxic than E. ocellatus. The four antivenoms studied were effective in neutralizing N. nubiae cytotoxicity. However, only partial efficacy in neutralizing the cytotoxic effect of E. ocellatus was achieved using CSL (Australia) and SVA (India) antivenoms. Based on the cross neutralization by the four antivenoms, the Sudanese N. nubiae venom most likely has homologous epitopes with similar snakes from Australia, South Africa, India, and Cost Rica, while E. ocellatus venom from Sudan shares little homology with similar snakes from other countries.
Analysis on Thermal Hazard of Foam Decoration Materials
Authors: Guo Sy-Jye , Tsai Hsiu-Fen
Published: March 2015

The occurrence and spread of fire often result from the flammables in interior decoration materials, which mostly contain fireproof foam to avoid fire damage. In this study, the foams with reportedly fire resistance, such as general foam, PU foam, melamine foam, and rubber foam, are compared via thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis to build a thermal parameter database of decoration materials of fireproof foams and provide green building materials, technologies, and fire preventive measures to the industry or consumers.
Swerving Orientation of Spin-Stabilized Projectile for Fixed-Cant Canard Control Input
Authors: Liu Xu-dong , Li Dong-guang , Shen Qiang
Published: March 2015

Due to the large launch overload and high spin rate of spin-stabilized projectile, no attitude sensor is adopted in square crossing fixed-cant canard concept, which causes the lack of existing projectile linear theory for the close form solution of swerving motion. This work focuses on swerving orientation prediction with the restricted conditions. By importing the mathematical models of canard force and moment into the projectile angular motion equations, trim angle induced by canard control force is extracted as the analytical solution of angle of attack increment (AOAI). On this basis, analytical orientations of trajectory angular rate increment and swerving increment are obtained via the frozen coefficient method. A series of simulations under different conditions were implemented to validate the expressions in this effort. Results state that increment orientation of swerving motion can be predicted with available trajectory parameters. The analytical orientations indicate trim value of numerical orientations. Deviations between analytical and numerical orientations relate to initial launch angles and control start time, both lower initial launch angle, and the start time which is closer to the end of flight decreases the deviation convergence time.
Posttransfusion Haematocrit Equilibration: Timing Posttransfusion Haematocrit Check in Neonates at the National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Audu L. I. , Otuneye A. T. , Mairami A. B. , Mshelia L. J. , Nwatah V. E.
Published: March 2015

Anaemia is a common morbidity in the NICU and often requires transfusion of packed red blood cells. Haematocrit equilibration following red cell transfusion occurs over time ultimately resulting in a stable packed cell volume (PCV). Knowledge of this equilibration process is pertinent in the accurate timing of posttransfusion (PT) PCV. We conducted a prospective study to determine an appropriate timing for PT PCV estimation on 47 stable anaemic babies at the Neonatal Unit of National Hospital, Abuja. Values of PCV were determined before transfusion and at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours posttransfusion. Forty of the recruited neonates and young infants were analyzed. Their gestational age range was 26 to 40 weeks. 1-hour PT PCV (48.5% ± 5.5%) was similar to the 6-hour PT PCV (47.8% ± 5.6%)P=0.516, but both were significantly different from the 12-hour (46.8% ± 5.9%), 24-hour (45.9 ± 5.8%), and 48-hour (45.4% ± 6.2%) PT PCVs. The 12-hour PT PCV was similar to the 24-hour and 48-hour PT PCVs (P=0.237and 0.063, resp.). We concluded that, in stable nonhaemorrhaging and nonhaemolysing young infants, the estimated timing of haematocrit equilibration and, consequently, posttransfusion PCV is 12 hours after red blood cell transfusion.
MicroRNA Profiling Response to Acupuncture Therapy in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Wang Jia-You , Li Hui , Ma Chun-Mei , Wang Jia-Lu , Lai Xin-Sheng , Zhou Shu-Feng
Published: March 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of endogenous noncoding RNAs that play important roles in many biological processes. This study aimed to check if miRNAs were involved in the response to acupuncture in rats. Microarray analysis was performed to compare the miRNA expression profiles of medulla in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) treated with or without acupuncture. Our microarray analysis identified 222 differentially expressed miRNAs in the medulla of SHRs treated with acupuncture at taichong acupoint. Among these miRNAs, 23 miRNAs with a significant difference were found in acupuncture-treated SHRs compared to untreated rats. These 23 miRNAs could regulate 2963 target genes which were enriched in at least 14 pathways based on our bioinformatic analysis. miRNA-339, miR-223, and miR-145 were downregulated in the medulla of SHRs compared to normotensive rats. Notably, these miRNAs were upregulated to basal levels in the medulla of SHRs treated with acupuncture at taichong in comparison with SHRs receiving acupuncture at nonacupoint group or SHRs without any treatment. Our findings have revealed significant changes of a panel of selective miRNAs in hypertensive rats treated at taichong acupoint. These data provide insights into how acupuncture elicits beneficial effects on hypertension.
Exploring the Triple Reciprocity Nature of Organizational Value Cocreation Behavior Using Multicriteria Decision Making Analysis
Authors: Chuang Huan-Ming , Lin Chyuan-Yuh , Chen You-Shyang
Published: March 2015

Service-dominant (S-D) logic is a service science framework that is more robust than the traditional goods-dominant (G-D) logic. It emphasizes the importance of operant resources and value Cocreation. This study employs social cognitive theory to explore the triple reciprocity of organizational value Cocreation behavior. Further, this study uses DEMATEL-based ANP to examine the dynamic nature of organizational value Cocreation behavior. The major results of this study can be described as follows. First, the triadic reciprocity of personal, environmental, and behavioral factors are validated. Second, the dominant influencing trends are clearly identified. From a dimensional point of view, environmental factors affect personal factors and behavioral factors, and personal factors affect behavioral factors. Similarly, in terms of organizational value Cocreation behavior, organizational identification affects altruistic behavior and knowledge-sharing behavior, and altruistic behavior affects knowledge-sharing behavior. These findings may provide helpful guidance in effectively promoting organizational value cocreation behavior, enabling organizations to leverage operant resources to their maximum potential.
Primary Care Quality among Different Health Care Structures in Tibet, China
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Shi Leiyu , Yin Aitian , Mao Zongfu , Maitland Elizabeth , Nicholas Stephen , Liu Xiaoyun
Published: March 2015

Objective.To compare the primary care quality among different health care structures in Tibet, China.Methods.A self-administered questionnaire survey including Primary Care Assessment Tool-Tibetan version was used to obtain data from a total of 1386 patients aged over 18 years in the sampling sites in two prefectures in Tibet. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association between health care structures and primary care quality while controlling for sociodemographic and health care characteristics.Results.The services provided by township health centers were more often used by a poor, less educated, and healthy population. Compared with prefecture (77.42) and county hospitals (82.01), township health centers achieved highest total score of primary care quality (86.64). Factors that were positively and significantly associated with higher total assessment scores included not receiving inpatient service in the past year, less frequent health care visits, good self-rated health status, lower education level, and marital status.Conclusions.This study showed that township health centers patients reported better primary care quality than patients visiting prefecture and county hospitals. Government health reforms should pay more attention to THC capacity building in Tibet, especially in the area of human resource development.
Graph Regularized Nonnegative Matrix Factorization with Sparse Coding
Authors: Lin Chuang , Pang Meng
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we propose a sparseness constraint NMF method, named graph regularized matrix factorization with sparse coding (GRNMF_SC). By combining manifold learning and sparse coding techniques together, GRNMF_SC can efficiently extract the basic vectors from the data space, which preserves the intrinsic manifold structure and also the local features of original data. The target function of our method is easy to propose, while the solving procedures are really nontrivial; in the paper we gave the detailed derivation of solving the target function and also a strict proof of its convergence, which is a key contribution of the paper. Compared with sparseness constrained NMF and GNMF algorithms, GRNMF_SC can learn much sparser representation of the data and can also preserve the geometrical structure of the data, which endow it with powerful discriminating ability. Furthermore, the GRNMF_SC is generalized as supervised and unsupervised models to meet different demands. Experimental results demonstrate encouraging results of GRNMF_SC on image recognition and clustering when comparing with the other state-of-the-art NMF methods.
Reliability and Validity of the Thai Version of the Florida Obsessive‐Compulsive Inventory
Authors: Saipanish Ratana , Hiranyatheb Thanita , Lotrakul Manote
Published: March 2015

This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Thai version of the FOCI (FOCI‐T), which is a brief self‐report questionnaire to assess the symptoms and severity of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). Forty‐seven OCD patients completed the FOCI‐T, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), and the Pictorial Thai Quality of Life (PTQL). They were then interviewed to determine the OCD symptom severity by the Yale‐Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale‐Second Edition (YBOCS‐II) and depressive symptoms by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM‐D), together with the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the Clinical Global Impression‐Severity Scales (CGI‐S). The result showed that the FOCI‐T had satisfactory internal consistency reliability on both the Symptom Checklist (KR‐20 = 0.86) and the Severity Scale (α = 0.92). Regarding validity analyses, the FOCI‐T Severity Scale had stronger correlations with the YBOCS‐II and CGI‐S than the FOCI‐T Symptom Checklist. This implied the independence between the FOCI‐T Symptom Checklist and the Severity Scale and good concurrent validity of the FOCI‐T Severity Scale. Our results suggested that the FOCI‐T was found to be a reliable and valid self‐report measure to assess obsessive‐compulsive symptoms and severity.
Rapid Pituitary Apoplexy Regression: What Is the Time Course of Clot Resolution?
Authors: Jackson Devon L. , Van Gompel Jamie J.
Published: March 2015

A 29-year-old male patient with a functioning pituitary macroadenoma is discussed. The pituitary mass was detected by MRI after the patient presented with sudden onset of headache, suggestive of an apoplectic event. The headache resolved with analgesic medications. Within a follow-up period of one week, the pituitary mass had spontaneously regressed to nearly half its original size without any therapy. The patient never reported any visual complaints and displayed no signs of hypopituitarism. Elevated prolactin levels were present. Seven weeks after the initial event, the pituitary mass showed continued regression on MRI. Prolactin levels remained elevated. This case provides a unique look at the rapid spontaneous regression of mass effect that may occur following apoplexy of a pituitary adenoma.
Two Artificial Neural Networks for Modeling Discrete Survival Time of Censored Data
Authors: Sharaf Taysseer , Tsokos Chris P.
Published: March 2015

Artificial neural network (ANN) theory is emerging as an alternative to conventional statistical methods in modeling nonlinear functions. The popular Cox proportional hazard model falls short in modeling survival data with nonlinear behaviors. ANN is a good alternative to the Cox PH as the proportionality of the hazard assumption and model relaxations are not required. In addition, ANN possesses a powerful capability of handling complex nonlinear relations within the risk factors associated with survival time. In this study, we present a comprehensive comparison of two different approaches of utilizing ANN in modeling smooth conditional hazard probability function. We use real melanoma cancer data to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed ANN methods. We report some significant results in comparing the survival time of male and female melanoma patients.
Does the Addition of Cetuximab to Radiochemotherapy Improve Outcome of Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer? Long-Term Results from Phase II Trials
Authors: Kripp M. , Horisberger K. , Mai S. , Kienle P. , Gaiser T. , Post S. , Wenz F. , Merx K. , Hofheinz R.-D.
Published: March 2015

Purpose. The addition of cetuximab to radiochemotherapy (RCT) failed to improve complete response rates in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). We report the long-term results in patients treated within two sequential clinical trials.Methods. Patients receiving neoadjuvant RCT using capecitabine and irinotecan (CapIri) within a phase I/II trial or CapIri + cetuximab within a phase II trial were evaluated for analysis of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). KRAS exon 2 mutational status had been analyzed in patients receiving cetuximab.Results. 37 patients from the CapIri trial and 49 patients from the CapIri-cetuximab treatment group were evaluable. Median follow-up time was 75.2 months. The 5-year DFS rate was 82% (CapIri) and 79% (CapIri-cetuximab)(P=0.62). The median OS was 127.4 months. 5-year OS was 73% for both groups (CapIri and CapIri-cetuximab)(P=0.61). No significant difference in DFS(P=0.86)or OS(P=0.39)was noticed between patients receiving CapIri and those receiving CapIri-cetuximab with KRAS wild-type tumors.Conclusions. As the addition of cetuximab did not improve neither DFS nor OS it should not play a role in the perioperative treatment of patients with LARC, not even of patients with (K)RAS WT tumors.
Acute Ventricular Wall Thickening: Sepsis, Thrombotic Microangiopathy, or Myocarditis?
Authors: De Schryver Nicolas , Hoton Delphine , Castanares-Zapatero Diego , Hantson Philippe
Published: March 2015

Background. Acute myocardial oedema has been documented in experimental models of ischemia-reperfusion injury or sepsis and is usually investigated by magnetic resonance imaging.Purpose. We describe a case of acute ventricular wall thickening documented by echocardiography in a patient developing sepsis and thrombotic microangiopathy.Case Description. A 40-year-old woman, with a history of mixed connective tissue disease, was admitted with laryngeal oedema and fever. She developedStreptococcus pneumoniaesepticaemia and subsequent laboratory abnormalities were consistent with a thrombotic microangiopathy. Echocardiography revealed an impressive diffuse thickening of the whole myocardium (interventricular septum 18 mm; posterior wall 16 mm) with diffuse hypokinesia and markedly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (31%). There was also a moderate pericardial effusion. Echocardiography was normal two months before. The patient died from acute heart failure. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of the heart suggested that the ventricular wall thickening was induced by oedematous changes, together with an excess of inflammatory cells.Conclusion. Acute ventricular wall thickening that corresponded to myocardial oedema as a first hypothesis was observed at echocardiography during the course of septicaemia complicated by thrombotic microangiopathy.
Quantitative Analysis of Salivary TNF-αin Oral Lichen Planus Patients
Authors: Malarkodi T. , Sathasivasubramanian S.
Published: March 2015

Objective. The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the salivary tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level in oral lichen planus patients and to compare the levels of TNF-αbetween saliva and serum of OLP and controls.Methods. Serum and whole saliva from 30 patients with active lesions of oral lichen planus (OLP) and 30 healthy persons were investigated for the presence of TNF-αby enzyme immunoassay. Student’s independentt-test and two-sample binomial proportion test were used to calculate significance of the mean values of TNF-alpha in serum and saliva and to determine the proportions of the detected and nondetected samples in both groups.Results. Proportion of detection and the mean of detectability between saliva and serum of Group B show an almost equal value, which suggests that saliva can be a good alternate to serum to analyze TNF-αin oral lichen planus patients.
Monitoring the Effects of Acupoint Antioxidant Intervention by Measuring Electrical Potential Difference along the Meridian
Authors: Xu Ming-Ming , Guo Jing-Ke , Xu Jin-Sen , Zhang Chao-Xin , Liu Shu-Tao , Liao Ri-Tao , Lin Chun-Tong , Guo Jian-Hui , Rao Ping-Fan
Published: March 2015

Previous studies suggest that superoxide anions are possibly traveling along acupuncture meridians. The electrical potential difference (EPD) between acupoints may be related to the movement. To test the above hypothesis, we conducted a study investigating the effects of acupoint antioxidant interventions on the meridian EPD. Firstly, ST39 (L) and ST44 (L) were screened out for the EPD detection along the stomach meridian, and ST36 (L) was selected for interventions including acumassage with the control cream, as well as the TAT-SOD cream for 30 minutes, or injection with reduced glutathione sodium. The EPD between ST39 and ST44 was recorded for 80 minutes and measured again 48 h later. While the EPD increased during the acumassage, the acumassage with TAT-SOD cream and the glutathione injection generated waves of EPD increased, indicating the migration or removal from the visceral organ of a greater quantity of superoxide. Remarkably lower EPD readings 48 h later with both antioxidant acupoint interventions than the mere acumassage imply a more complete superoxide flushing out due to the restored superoxide pathway at the acupoint after interventions. The results confirm superoxide transportation along the meridians and demonstrate a possibility of acupoint EPD measurement as a tool to monitor changes in the meridians and acupoints.
Tissue Factor Expression in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Subjects and Its Regulation by Antidiabetic Agents
Authors: Wang Jing , Ciaraldi Theodore P. , Samad Fahumiya
Published: March 2015

Objective.Increased coagulation activation may contribute to the high incidence of cardiovascular complications observed in obese and type 2 diabetes (T2D) subjects. Although tissue factor (TF), the primary initiator of coagulation is increased in obesity, its expression in adipose tissues and its association with metabolic parameters are unclear. We sought to compare TF expression in plasma and adipose tissues of obese subjects with and without T2D, its correlation with metabolic parameters, and regulation in response to antidiabetic drugs.MethodsSubjects were recruited from diabetes clinics and adipose tissue was obtained by needle biopsy of lower subcutaneous abdominal depot. For the intervention study, subjects were randomized into treatment groups with rosiglitazone or metformin for 4 months.Results.Plasma TF antigen, activity, and adipose TF mRNA were greater in obese T2D subjects compared with obese nondiabetics. Plasma TF activity correlated with fasting insulin, glucose, and free fatty acids, (FFAs), and adipose TF mRNA correlated with plasma FFA. Plasma TF activity was reduced by metformin and increased with rosiglitazone treatment.Conclusions.Specific diabetes-related metabolic parameters, but not obesity per se, are correlated with TF expression. Regulation of TF activity by different classes of antidiabetic drugs may relate to protective or adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
A NovelPHEXMutation in Japanese Patients with X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets
Authors: Kawahara Tetsuya , Watanabe Hiromi , Omae Risa , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Inazu Tetsuya
Published: March 2015

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is a dominant inherited disorder characterized by renal phosphate wasting, aberrant vitamin D metabolism, and abnormal bone mineralization. Inactivating mutations in the gene encoding phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome (PHEX) have been found to be associated with XLH. Here, we report a 16-year-old female patient affected by hypophosphatemic rickets. We evaluated her serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels and conducted sequence analysis of the disease-associated genes of FGF23-related hypophosphatemic rickets:PHEX,FGF23, dentin matrix protein 1, and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1. She was diagnosed with XLH based on her clinical features and family history. Additionally, we observed elevated FGF23 levels and a novelPHEXexon 9 mutation (c.947G>T; p.Gly316Val) inherited from her father. Although bioinformatics showed that the mutation was neutral, Gly316 is perfectly conserved among humans, mice, and rats, and there were no mutations in other FGF23-related rickets genes, suggesting thatin silicoanalysis is limited in determining mutation pathogenicity. In summary, we present a female patient and her father with XLH harboring a novelPHEXmutation that appears to be causative of disease. Measurement of FGF23 for hypophosphatemic patients is therefore useful for the diagnosis of FGF23-dependent hypophosphatemia.
Probable Hydrochlorothiazide-Induced Myopericarditis: First Case Reported
Authors: Mahfood Haddad Toufik , Nawaz Muhammad Sarfraz , Abuzaid Ahmed S. , Upadhyay Smrithy , Bellamkonda Pallavi , Mooss Aryan N.
Published: March 2015

Hydrochlorothiazide has never been reported as a reason for myopericarditis. An African American female, with past history of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and sulfa allergy, presented with indolent onset and retrosternal chest pain which was positional, pleuritic, and unresponsive to sublingual nitroglycerin. Her medications included hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) which was started three months ago for uncontrolled hypertension. Significant laboratory parameters included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 47 mm/hr and peak troponin of 0.26 ng/mL. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed preserved ejection fraction with no segmental wall motion abnormalities; however, it showed moderate pericardial effusion without tamponade physiology. We hypothesize that this myopericarditis could be due to HCTZ allergic reaction after all other common etiologies have been ruled out. There is a scarcity of the literature regarding HCTZ as an etiology for pericardial disease, with only one case reported as presumed hydrochlorothiazide-induced pericardial effusion. Management involves discontinuation of HCTZ and starting anti-inflammatory therapy.
On the Limit Cycles of a Class of Generalized Kukles Polynomial Differential Systems via Averaging Theory
Authors: Makhlouf Amar , Menaceur Amor
Published: March 2015

We apply the averaging theory of first and second order to a class of generalized Kukles polynomial differential systems to study the maximum number of limit cycles of these systems.
Research on Model Development for Freeway Safety Facilities
Authors: Xie Junping , Ma Yongfeng , Yuan Li
Published: March 2015

To make freeway safety facilities function well, field survey is carried out to evaluate the maintenance quality of freeway safety facilities. In traditional models, the same weight values are assigned to the safety facilities while evaluating without considering the functional differences of different facilities. The paper develops the maintenance quality evaluation procedure and the model considering the functional differences of freeway safety facilities. In the evaluation procedure, the safety facility damage in function is the main index to get the evaluation scores for each kind of facility. The purpose of the model is to convert the evaluation scores of different safety facilities to an overall maintenance quality measure, and this result can reveal the overall facility maintenance quality of the freeway segment. In order to build the model and confirm the calculated weight of each kind of facility, Multivariable Regression and Optimized Analytic Hierarchy Process were used separately. The model was validated by comparing the proposed model evaluation results and the reorganized survey evaluation results. The coefficient of correlation (R2value) is 0.9048, which shows strong correlation between the subjective evaluation and objective evaluation.
Support Vector Machine Based Mobility Prediction Scheme in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Chen Jiamei , Ma Lin , Xu Yubin
Published: March 2015

To improve the intelligence of the mobile-aware applications in the heterogeneous wireless networks (HetNets), it is essential to establish an advanced mechanism to anticipate the change of the user location in every subnet for HetNets. This paper proposes a multiclass support vector machine based mobility prediction (Multi-SVMMP) scheme to estimate the future location of mobile users according to the movement history information of each user in HetNets. In the location prediction process, the regular and random user movement patterns are treated differently, which can reflect the user movements more realistically than the existing movement models in HetNets. And different forms of multiclass support vector machines are embedded in the two mobility patterns according to the different characteristics of the two mobility patterns. Moreover, the introduction of target region (TR) cuts down the energy consumption efficiently without impacting the prediction accuracy. As reported in the simulations, our Multi-SVMMP can overcome the difficulties found in the traditional methods and obtain a higher prediction accuracy and user adaptability while reducing the cost of prediction resources.
Effect of Nitrite Inhibitor on the Macrocell Corrosion Behavior of Reinforcing Steel
Authors: Cao Zhonglu , Hibino Makoto , Goda Hiroki
Published: March 2015

The effect of nitrite ions on the macrocell corrosion behavior of reinforcing steel embedded in cement mortar was investigated by comparing and analyzing the macrocell corrosion current, macrocell polarization ratios, and slopes of anodic and cathodic steels. Based on the experimental results, the relationship between macrocell potential difference and macrocell current density was analyzed, and the mechanism of macrocell corrosion affected by nitrite ions was proposed. The results indicated that nitrite ions had significant impact on the macrocell polarization ratios of cathode and anode. The presence of nitrite could reduce the macrocell current by decreasing the macrocell potential difference and increasing the macrocell polarization resistance of the anode.
Autophagy and Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Cursio Raffaele , Colosetti Pascal , Gugenheim Jean
Published: March 2015

Liver ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury occurs during liver resection, liver transplantation, and hemorrhagic shock. The main mode of liver cell death after warm and/or cold liver I-R is necrosis, but other modes of cell death, as apoptosis and autophagy, are also involved. Autophagy is an intracellular self-digesting pathway responsible for removal of long-lived proteins, damaged organelles, and malformed proteins during biosynthesis by lysosomes. Autophagy is found in normal and diseased liver. Although depending on the type of ischemia, warm and/or cold, the dynamic process of liver I-R results mainly in adenosine triphosphate depletion and in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leads to both, a local ischemic insult and an acute inflammatory-mediated reperfusion injury, and results finally in cell death. This process can induce liver dysfunction and can increase patient morbidity and mortality after liver surgery and hemorrhagic shock. Whether autophagy protects from or promotes liver injury following warm and/or cold I-R remains to be elucidated. The present review aims to summarize the current knowledge in liver I-R injury focusing on both the beneficial and the detrimental effects of liver autophagy following warm and/or cold liver I-R.
Wharton’s Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Future of Regenerative Medicine? Recent Findings and Clinical Significance
Authors: Kalaszczynska Ilona , Ferdyn Katarzyna
Published: March 2015

Around 5 million annual births in EU and 131 million worldwide give a unique opportunity to collect lifesaving Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSC). Evidences that these cells possess therapeutic properties are constantly accumulating. Collection of WJ-MSC is done at the time of delivery and it is easy and devoid of side effects associated with collection of adult stem cells from bone marrow or adipose tissue. Likewise, their rate of proliferation, immune privileged status, lack of ethical concerns, nontumorigenic properties make them ideal for both autologous and allogeneic use in regenerative medicine applications. This review provides an outline of the recent findings related to WJ-MSC therapeutic effects and possible advantage they possess over MSC from other sources. Results of first clinical trials conducted to treat immune disorders are highlighted.
Torsion of a Large Appendix Testis Misdiagnosed as Pyocele
Authors: Meher Susanta , Rath Satyajit , Sharma Rakesh , Sasmal Prakash Kumar , Mishra Tushar Subhadarshan
Published: March 2015

Torsion of the appendix testis is not an uncommon cause of acute hemiscrotum. It is frequently misdiagnosed as acute epididymitis, orchitis, or torsion of testis. Though conservative management is the treatment of choice for this condition, prompt surgical intervention is warranted when testicular torsion is suspected. We report a case of torsion of a large appendix testis misdiagnosed as pyocele. Emergency exploration of it revealed a large appendix testis with torsion and early features of gangrene. After excision of the appendix testis, the wound was closed with an open drain. The patient had an uneventful and smooth postoperative recovery.
Hypoxia and P. gingivalis Synergistically Induce HIF‐1 and NF‐κB Activation in PDL Cells and Periodontal Diseases
Authors: Gölz L. , Memmert S. , Rath-Deschner B. , Jäger A. , Appel T. , Baumgarten G. , Götz W. , Frede S.
Published: March 2015

Periodontitis is characterized by deep periodontal pockets favoring the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a periodontal pathogen frequently observed in patients suffering from periodontal inflammation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the signaling pathways activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of P. gingivalis (LPS‐PG) and hypoxia in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. The relevant transcription factors nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and hypoxia inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) were determined. In addition, we analyzed the expression of interleukin‐ (IL‐) 1β, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in PDL cells on mRNA and protein level. This was accomplished by immunohistochemistry of healthy and inflamed periodontal tissues. We detected time‐dependent additive effects of LPS‐PG and hypoxia on NF‐κB and HIF‐1α activation in PDL cells followed by an upregulation of IL‐1β, MMP‐1, and VEGF expression. Immunohistochemistry performed on tissue samples of gingivitis and periodontitis displayed an increase of NF‐κB, HIF‐1, and VEGF immunoreactivity in accordance with disease progression validating the importance of the in vitro results. To conclude, the present study underlines the significance of NF‐κB and HIF‐1α and their target genes VEGF, IL‐1β, and MMP‐1 in P. gingivalis and hypoxia induced periodontal inflammatory processes.
Maintenance Therapy Containing Metformin and/or Zyflamend for Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Case Series
Authors: Bilen Mehmet Asim , Lin Sue-Hwa , Tang Dean G. , Parikh Kinjal , Lee Mong-Hong , Yeung Sai-Ching J. , Tu Shi-Ming
Published: March 2015

Metformin is derived from galegine, a natural ingredient, and recent studies have suggested that metformin could enhance the antitumor effects of hormone ablative therapy or chemotherapy and reduce prostate cancer-specific mortality. Zyflamend is a combination of herbal extracts that reduces inflammation and comprises turmeric, holy basil, green tea, oregano, ginger, rosemary, Chinese goldthread, hu zhang, barberry, and basil skullcap. We propose a maintenance regimen with metformin and/or Zyflamend that targets cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment to keep the cancer dormant and prevent it from activation from dormancy. Herein, we report the clinical course of four patients who experienced a clinical response after treatment with metformin and/or Zyflamend.