bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The general movement optimality score: a detailed assessment of general movements during preterm and term age
Authors: Einspieler Christa , Marschik Peter B , Pansy Jasmin , Scheuchenegger Anna , Krieber Magdalena , Yang Hong , Kornacka Maria K , Rowinska Edyta , Soloveichick Marina , Bos Arend F
Published: September 2015

Aim

To explore the appropriateness of applying a detailed assessment of general movements and characterize the relationship between global and detailed assessment.

Method

The analysis was based on 783 video recordings of 233 infants (154 males, 79 females) who had been videoed from 27 to 45 weeks postmenstrual age. Apart from assessing the global general movement categories (normal, poor repertoire, cramped‐synchronized, or chaotic general movements), we scored the amplitude, speed, spatial range, proximal and distal rotations, onset and offset, tremulous and cramped components of the upper and lower extremities. Applying the optimality concept, the maximum general movement optimality score of 42 indicates the optimal performance.

Results

General movement optimality scores (GMOS) differentiated between normal general movements (median 39 [25–75th centile 37–41]), poor repertoire general movements (median 25 [22–29]), and cramped‐synchronized general movements (median 12 [10–14]; p<0.01). The optimality score for chaotic general movements (mainly occurring at late preterm age) was similar to those for cramped‐synchronized general movements (median 14 [12–17]). Short‐lasting tremulous movements occurred from very preterm age (<32wks) to post‐term age across all general movement categories, including normal general movements. The detailed score at post‐term age was slightly lower compared to the scores at preterm and term age for both normal (p=0.02) and poor repertoire general movements (p<0.01).

Interpretation

Further research might demonstrate that the GMOS provides a solid base for the prediction of improvement versus deterioration within an individual general movement trajectory.
Revision of the lygaeid genus Nysius (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae: Orsillinae) of Japan, with description of a new species
Authors: Nakatani Yukinobu
Published: September 2015

Japanese species of the lygaeid–orsilline genus Nysius were revised, and five species including a new species, N. hidakai, were recognized. Male and female genitalia of all the species were illustrated, and a key to species of Japanese Nysius was provided. The DNA barcoding information of each species except N. expressus were recorded.
Interactions between N‐linked glycosylation and polymerisation of neuroserpin within the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Moriconi Claudia , Ordoñez Adriana , Lupo Giuseppe , Gooptu Bibek , Irving James A. , Noto Rosina , Martorana Vincenzo , Manno Mauro , Timpano Valentina , Guadagno Noemi A. , Dalton Lucy , Marciniak Stefan J. , Lomas David A. , Miranda Elena
Published: September 2015

The neuronal serpin neuroserpin undergoes polymerisation as a consequence of point mutations that alter its conformational stability, leading to a neurodegenerative dementia called familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB). Neuroserpin is a glycoprotein with predicted glycosylation sites at asparagines 157, 321 and 401. We used site‐directed mutagenesis, transient transfection, western blot, metabolic labelling and ELISA to probe the relationship between glycosylation, folding, polymerisation and degradation of neuroserpin in validated cell models of health and disease. Our data show that glycosylation at N157 and N321 plays an important role in maintaining the monomeric state of neuroserpin, and we propose this is the result of steric hindrance or effects on local conformational dynamics that can contribute to polymerisation. Asparagine residue 401 is not glycosylated in wild type neuroserpin and in several polymerogenic variants that cause FENIB, but partial glycosylation was observed in the G392E mutant of neuroserpin that causes severe, early‐onset dementia. Our findings indicate that N401 glycosylation reports lability of the C‐terminal end of neuroserpin in its native state. This C‐terminal lability is not required for neuroserpin polymerisation in the endoplasmic reticulum, but the additional glycan facilitates degradation of the mutant protein during proteasomal impairment. In summary, our results indicate how normal and variant‐specific N‐linked glycosylation events relate to intracellular folding, misfolding, degradation and polymerisation of neuroserpin.
Vagus Nerve and Vagus Nerve Stimulation, a Comprehensive Review: Part III
Authors: Yuan Hsiangkuo , Silberstein Stephen D.
Published: September 2015

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is currently undergoing multiple trials to explore its potential for various clinical disorders. To date, VNS has been approved for the treatment of refractory epilepsy and depression. It exerts antiepileptic or antiepileptogenic effect possibly through neuromodulation of certain monoamine pathways. Beyond epilepsy, VNS is also under investigation for the treatment of inflammation, asthma, and pain. VNS influences the production of inflammatory cytokines to dampen the inflammatory response. It triggers the systemic release of catecholamines that alleviates the asthma attack. VNS induces antinociception by modulating multiple pain‐associated structures in the brain and spinal cord affecting peripheral/central nociception, opioid response, inflammation process, autonomic activity, and pain‐related behavior. Progression in VNS clinical efficacy over time suggests an underlying disease‐modifying neuromodulation, which is an emerging field in neurology. With multiple potential clinical applications, further development of VNS is encouraging.
Segmentation of elemental EDS maps by means of multiple clustering combined with phase identification
Authors: MÜNCH B. , MARTIN L.H.J. , LEEMANN A.
Published: September 2015

An imaging concept is proposed for the phase identification and segmentation of elemental map images from energy dispersive spectroscopy. The procedure starts with presegmentation using common clustering algorithms, continues with automated identification of the chemical compositions, followed by their screening by professional expertise. The ultimate phases are finally clustered by applying a minimum Euclidean distance classifier. The potential, performance and limitations of the approach are presented on energy dispersive spectroscopy maps acquired by a scanning electron microscope and conducted on samples produced from cement clinker, natural rock and hydrated cement mortar. Nevertheless, the technique is suitable for arbitrary types of materials and general devices for energy dispersive spectroscopy acquisition. It is an approach for extending common energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis by means of visual examination and ratio plots towards quantitative rating.
Missing wedge computed tomography by iterative algorithm DIRECTT
Authors: KUPSCH ANDREAS , LANGE AXEL , HENTSCHEL MANFRED P. , LÜCK SEBASTIAN , SCHMIDT VOLKER , GROTHAUSMANN ROMAN , HILGER ANDRÉ , MANKE INGO
Published: September 2015

A strategy to mitigate typical reconstruction artefacts in missing wedge computed tomography is presented. These artefacts appear as elongations of reconstructed details along the mean direction (i.e. the symmetry centre of the projections). Although absent in standard computed tomography applications, they are most prominent in advanced electron tomography and also in special topics of X‐ray and neutron tomography under restricted geometric boundary conditions. We investigate the performance of the DIRECTT (Direct Iterative Reconstruction of Computed Tomography Trajectories) algorithm to reduce the directional artefacts in standard procedures. In order to be sensitive to the anisotropic nature of missing wedge artefacts, we investigate isotropic substructures of metal foam as well as circular disc models. Comparison is drawn to filtered backprojection and algebraic techniques. Reference is made to reconstructions of complete data sets. For the purpose of assessing the reconstruction quality, Fourier transforms are employed to visualize the missing wedge directly. Deficient reconstructions of disc models are evaluated by a length‐weighted kernel density estimation, which yields the probabilities of boundary orientations. The DIRECTT results are assessed at different signal‐to‐noise ratios by means of local and integral evaluation parameters.
Development of real‐time PCR assays for the detection of Moraxella macacae associated with bloody nose syndrome in rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) macaques
Authors: Whitehouse Chris A. , Chase Kitty , Embers Monica E. , Kulesh David A. , Ladner Jason T. , Palacios Gustavo F. , Minogue Timothy D.
Published: September 2015

Background

Moraxella macacae is a recently described bacterial pathogen that causes epistaxis or so‐called bloody nose syndrome in captive macaques. The aim of this study was to develop specific molecular diagnostic assays for M. macacae and to determine their performance characteristics.

Methods

We developed six real‐time PCR assays on the Roche LightCycler. The accuracy, precision, selectivity, and limit of detection (LOD) were determined for each assay, in addition to further validation by testing nasal swabs from macaques presenting with epistaxis at the Tulane National Primate Research Center.

Results

All assays exhibited 100% specificity and were highly sensitive with an LOD of 10 fg for chromosomal assays and 1 fg for the plasmid assay. Testing of nasal swabs from 10 symptomatic macaques confirmed the presence of M. macacae in these animals.

Conclusions

We developed several accurate, sensitive, and species‐specific real‐time PCR assays for the detection of M. macacae in captive macaques.
Development of a scale to assess children's trust in general nurses
Authors: Rotenberg Ken J. , Woods Ella E. , Betts Lucy R.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Develop a Children's Trust in General Nurses Scale (CTGNS).

Design and Methods

In a cross‐sectional investigation, 128 U.K. children (68 females and 60 males; mean age = 10 years and 4 months) completed the CTGNS and reported their trust in, and fear of, nurses. A total of 46 parents reported those dispositions and the frequency of their children visiting medical centres.

Results

The CTGNS showed acceptable internal consistency and factor structure. It was correlated with reported children's trust in nurses and visiting medical centres.

Practice Implications

The CTGNS will permit the investigation of children's trust in nurses and interventions to promote it.
Adiposity and risk of thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schmid D. , Ricci C. , Behrens G. , Leitzmann M. F.
Published: September 2015

Thyroid cancer incidence has increased rapidly over time, as has obesity prevalence. A link between the two appears plausible, but the relation of adiposity to thyroid cancer remains incompletely understood. We performed a meta‐analysis of adiposity measures and thyroid cancer using studies identified through October 2014. Twenty‐one articles yielded data on 12,199 thyroid cancer cases. We found a statistically significant 25% greater risk of thyroid cancer in overweight individuals and a 55% greater thyroid cancer risk in obese individuals as compared with their normal‐weight peers. Each 5‐unit increase in body mass index (BMI), 5 kg increase in weight, 5 cm increase in waist or hip circumference and 0.1‐unit increase in waist‐to‐hip ratio were associated with 30%, 5%, 5% and 14% greater risks of thyroid cancer, respectively. When evaluated by histologic type, obesity was significantly positively related to papillary, follicular and anaplastic thyroid cancers, whereas it revealed an inverse association with medullary thyroid cancer. Both general and abdominal adiposity are positively associated with thyroid cancer. However, relations with BMI vary importantly by tumour histologic type.
Effects of Current Density on Nociceptor Activation Upon Electrical Stimulation in Humans
Authors: Landmann Gunther , Stockinger Lenka , Lustenberger Corinne , Schmelz Martin , Rukwied Roman
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Mechano‐insensitive (“silent”) nociceptors contribute to neuropathic pain. Their activation causes an axon‐reflex erythema, but their high electrical excitation thresholds complicate their assessment, particularly in painful neuropathy. We therefore developed electrical stimulation paradigms for brief nociceptor activation and explored their sensitivity for clinical trials.

Method

The local ethics committee approved the study protocol, and 14 healthy subjects were enrolled. Electrical stimuli were administered to ventral forearm and dorsum of the foot via self‐adhesive 3 × 10 mm electrodes and a pair of blunted 0.4‐mm‐diameter platinum/iridium pin electrodes. Pain thresholds were determined and nociceptors activated at 1.5‐fold pain threshold by 5 blocks delivering 10 pulses each and at randomized frequencies of 5 to 10 to 20 to 50 to 100 Hz, respectively. Axon reflex erythema and pain were recorded.

Results

Increased frequencies dose‐dependently increased pain (P < 0.0001). Pin electrode stimulation was more painful than adhesive electrode stimulation (P < 0.04) particularly at the feet. Axon reflex erythema was significantly smaller at the feet than at the forearm (P < 0.0001). At both skin sites, pin electrode stimuli evoked significantly larger erythema (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Electrical stimulation at high current density using pin electrodes is a sensitive method for investigating “silent” nociceptors, which might therefore preferably be applied in neuropathic pain conditions.
Absence of Support Networks and Welfare Systems*
Authors: Requena Felix
Published: September 2015

Objective

This article empirically examines the causal relationships among individuals who do not ask for assistance and the welfare systems involved. We analyze the following questions: Who does not seek assistance? What is the probability of identifying someone who does not seek assistance in different welfare systems? and What role does the system play in influencing someone not to seek assistance?

Methods

We use a rare events logit model that indicates the influence of various types of welfare systems and support networks on the circumstances in which support is not requested. Data came from the 2001 ISSP.

Results

The results indicate that people who do not request assistance have small or nonexistent support networks and therefore no one from which to seek help.

Conclusion

This analysis confirmed the importance of the cultural contexts of welfare systems and how they influence the behavior of those who do not seek support.
Clinical and computed tomography tumour dimension assessments for planning wide excision of injection site sarcomas in cats: how strong is the agreement?
Authors: Ferrari R. , Di Giancamillo M. , Stefanello D. , Giudice C. , Grieco V. , Longo M. , Ravasio G. , Boracchi P.
Published: September 2015

In injection site sarcoma (ISS) in cats lateral as well as deep margins should be correctly planned for a successful surgical outcome. The discrepancy between clinical and computed tomography (CT) measurements of dimension in resectable tumour has led to possible bias that affects the subsequent surgical dose. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the agreement between clinical andCTmeasurements of dimension in newly diagnosedISSin cats. Fifty‐three client‐owned cats that underwent both clinical andCTmeasurements of the length and width ofISSwere included.CTmeasurements showed a tendency towards being larger than clinical dimensions, and this difference increased with increasing tumour size. Based on our results, in further studies focusing onISSin cats, the kind of assessment used to define tumour dimensions (CTversus clinic) should be declared and specified to properly consider surgical results and prognostic impact of this variable.
Performance Assessment of an Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage System for Heating and Cooling Applications
Authors: AlZahrani Abdullah A. , Dincer Ibrahim
Published: September 2015

This study presents energy and exergy analyses of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) integrated with a building heating and cooling system. In this regard, a typical bidirectional ATES integrated with a heat pump (HP) is considered in the provision of required heating and cooling demands. The different ATES components and the operating principle are described. Furthermore, energy and exergy models are formulated for three subprocesses: charging, storing, and discharging, to track changes in energy and exergy quantities with discharging time. The energetic and exergetic efficiencies are then evaluated for both operating cases. The limitation of the use of energy efficiency for ATES performance assessment is elaborated. In contrast, the importance of exergy analysis as a practical and temperature sensitive tool is considered as a quantitative and a qualitative measure of the ATES performance. Additionally, a comparison between energetic and exergetic efficiencies is presented where energy efficiency involves some ambiguities, especially when energy recovered from ATES is at a low temperature rather than at an ambient temperature.
High temperature thermoelectric properties of Bi2−xNaxSr2Co2Oy ceramics
Authors: He Q. L. , Li S. Y. , Gao F. , Zhu Z. , Hu X. , Song H. Z.
Published: September 2015

The Na doping effects on the high temperature thermoelectric properties of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.30) ceramics were investigated from 343 K to 973 K. When [Formula: see text], the electrical resistivity of [Formula: see text] decreases with increasing Na doping amount due to the hole-doping effect, which exhibits metallic electrical conductivity behavior. While, at the temperature range of 480–830 K, the samples with [Formula: see text] exhibit semiconductor electrical conductivity behavior instead. The Seebeck coefficients are improved by Na doping at lower temperature, but they decrease slightly at higher temperature except for [Formula: see text]. Roughly, the thermal conductivity is depressed by the doping defects. As an overall result, the dimensionless figure of merit [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] reaches the maximum value of 0.3 K at 973 K, which is nearly twice the value of the undoped sample [Formula: see text].
A free subgroup in the image of the 4-strand Burau representation
Authors: Witzel Stefan , Zaremsky Matthew C. B.
Published: September 2015

It is known that the Burau representation of the 4-strand braid group is faithful if and only if certain matrices f and k generate a (non-abelian) free group. Regarding f and k as isometries of a Euclidean building, we show that f3 and k3 generate a free group. We give two proofs, one utilizing the metric geometry of the building, and the other using simplicial retractions.
Thermodynamics of strong-interaction matter from lattice QCD
Authors: Ding Heng-Tong , Karsch Frithjof , Mukherjee Swagato
Published: September 2015

We review results from lattice QCD calculations on the thermodynamics of strong-interaction matter with emphasis on input these calculations can provide to the exploration of the phase diagram and properties of hot and dense matter created in heavy ion experiments. This review is organized in sections as follows: (1) Introduction, (2) QCD thermodynamics on the lattice, (3) QCD phase diagram at high temperature, (4) Bulk thermodynamics, (5) Fluctuations of conserved charges, (6) Transport properties, (7) Open heavy flavors and heavy quarkonia, (8) QCD in external magnetic fields, (9) Summary.
The role of β-arrestin2-dependent signaling in thoracic aortic aneurysm formation in a murine model of Marfan syndrome
Authors: Wisler James W. , Harris Emily M. , Raisch Michael , Mao Lan , Kim Jihee , Rockman Howard A. , Lefkowitz Robert J.
Published: September 2015

Ang II type 1a receptor (AT1aR)-mediated activation of MAPKs contributes to thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) development in Marfan syndrome (MFS). β-Arrestin2 (βarr2) is known to mediate AT1aR-dependent MAPK activation, as well as proproliferative and profibrotic signaling in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Therefore, we investigated whether βarr2-dependent signaling contributes to TAA formation in MFS. We used a murine model of MFS [fibrillin ( Fbn)C1039G/+] to generate an MFS murine model in combination with genetic βarr2 deletion ( FbnC1039G/+/ βarr2−/−). FbnC1039G/+/ βarr2−/− mice displayed delayed aortic root dilation compared with FbnC1039G/+ mice. The mRNA and protein expression of several mediators of TAA formation, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, was reduced in the aorta of FbnC1039G/+/ βarr2−/− mice relative to FbnC1039G/+ mice. Activation of ERK1/2 was also decreased in the aortas of FbnC1039G/+/ βarr2−/− mice compared with FbnC1039G/+ animals. Small interfering RNA targeting βarr2 inhibited angiotensin-stimulated expression of proaneurysmal signaling mediators in primary aortic root smooth muscle cells. Angiotensin-stimulated expression of the proaneurysmal signaling mediators MMP-2 and -9 was inhibited by blockade of ERK1/2 or the EGF receptor, whereas blockade of the transforming growth factor-β receptor had no effect. These results suggest that βarr2 contributes to TAA formation in MFS by regulating ERK1/2-dependent expression of proaneurysmal genes and proteins downstream of the AT1aR. Importantly, this demonstration of the unique signaling mechanism by which βarr2 contributes to aneurysm formation identifies multiple novel, potential therapeutic targets in MFS.
Withdrawal of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy after Malar Advancement and Le Fort II Distraction in a Case of Apert Syndrome with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Onda Nobuto , Chiba Shintaro , Moriwaki Hiroto , Sawai Rika , Yoshigoe Akira , Watanabe Subaru , Ando Yuji , Uchida Ryo , Miyawaki Takeshi , Wada Kota
Published: September 2015

Apert syndrome is a congenital syndrome characterized by craniosynostosis and craniofacial dysostosis, among other features, and is reported to cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because of upper airway narrowing associated with midfacial dysplasia. We recently encountered a case involving a patient with Apert syndrome complicated by OSA who began to receive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy at the age of 4. OSA resolved after maxillofacial surgery performed at the age of 11, and CPAP was eventually withdrawn. In pediatric patients with maxillofacial dysplasia complicated by OSA, a long-term treatment plan including CPAP in addition to maxillofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery should be considered in view of the effects of OSA on growth.
The Fine LINE: Methylation Drawing the Cancer Landscape
Authors: Miousse Isabelle R. , Koturbash Igor
Published: September 2015

LINE-1 (L1) is the most abundant mammalian transposable element that comprises nearly 20% of the genome, and nearly half of the mammalian genome has stemmed from L1-mediated mobilization. Expression and retrotransposition of L1 are suppressed by complex mechanisms, where the key role belongs to DNA methylation. Alterations in L1 methylation may lead to aberrant expression of L1 and have been described in numerous diseases. Accumulating evidence clearly indicates that loss of global DNA methylation observed in cancer development and progression is tightly associated with hypomethylation of L1 elements. Significant progress achieved in the last several years suggests that such parameters as L1 methylation status can be potentially utilized as clinical biomarkers for determination of the disease stage and in predicting the disease-free survival in cancer patients. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge on L1 methylation, with specific emphasis given to success and challenges on the way of introduction of L1 into clinical practice.
MiR‐146b Mediates Endotoxin Tolerance in Human Phagocytes
Authors: Renzi Tiziana Ada , Rubino Marcello , Gornati Laura , Garlanda Cecilia , Locati Massimo , Curtale Graziella
Published: September 2015

A proper regulation of the innate immune response is fundamental to keep the immune system in check and avoid a chronic status of inflammation. As they act as negative modulators of TLR signaling pathways, miRNAs have been recently involved in the control of the inflammatory response. However, their role in the context of endotoxin tolerance is just beginning to be explored. We here show that miR‐146b is upregulated in human monocytes tolerized by LPS, IL‐10, or TGFβ priming and demonstrate that its transcription is driven by STAT3 and RUNX3, key factors downstream of IL‐10 and TGFβ signaling. Our study also found that IFNγ, known to revert LPS tolerant state, inhibits miR‐146b expression. Finally, we provide evidence that miR‐146b levels have a profound effect on the tolerant state, thus candidating miR‐146b as a molecular mediator of endotoxin tolerance.
Multiple Antenna-Aided Cascaded Energy and Matched Filter Detector for Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Rauniyar Ashish , Shin Soo Young
Published: September 2015

A new multiple antenna-aided cascaded energy and matched filter detector (MCEM) for cognitive radio networks is proposed. Our proposed scheme is equipped with multiple receive antennas employing energy efficient energy detector (ED) and reliable matched filter (MF) to mitigate the channel fading and increase the detection performance of the secondary users (SUs). Partial decisions are first made by using cascaded energy and matched filter detector (CEM) at each antenna and then the final collaborative decision is made based on those partial decisions. The probability of detection/false alarm of the proposed scheme is presented in terms of the complementary receiver operating characteristics (ROCs). The performance of MCEM scheme is explored via MATLAB simulations that implement the clear channel assessment (CCA) modules for IEEE 802.15.4. Simulation results showed that our proposed MCEM scheme improves the detection performance and is more energy efficient as compared to CEM scheme employing single antenna and other conventional schemes.
MET Expression in Primary and Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Implications of Correlative Biomarker Assessment to MET Pathway Inhibitors
Authors: Shuch Brian , Falbo Ryan , Parisi Fabio , Adeniran Adebowale , Kluger Yuval , Kluger Harriet M. , Jilaveanu Lucia B.
Published: September 2015

Aims. Inhibitors of the MET pathway hold promise in the treatment for metastatic kidney cancer. Assessment of predictive biomarkers may be necessary for appropriate patient selection. Understanding MET expression in metastases and the correlation to the primary site is important, as distant tissue is not always available.Methods and Results. MET immunofluorescence was performed using automated quantitative analysis and a tissue microarray containing matched nephrectomy and distant metastatic sites from 34 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Correlations between MET expressions in matched primary and metastatic sites and the extent of heterogeneity were calculated. The mean expression of MET was not significantly different between primary tumors when compared to metastases (P=0.1). MET expression weakly correlated between primary and matched metastatic sites (R=0.5) and a number of cases exhibited very high levels of discordance between these tumors. Heterogeneity within nephrectomy specimens compared to the paired metastatic tissues was not significantly different (P=0.39).Conclusions. We found that MET expression is not significantly different in primary tumors than metastatic sites and only weakly correlates between matched sites. Moderate concordance of MET expression and significant expression heterogeneity may be a barrier to the development of predictive biomarkers using MET targeting agents.
Molecular Biology in Pediatric High-Grade Glioma: Impact on Prognosis and Treatment
Authors: Rizzo Daniela , Ruggiero Antonio , Martini Maurizio , Rizzo Valentina , Maurizi Palma , Riccardi Riccardo
Published: September 2015

High-grade gliomas are the main cause of death in children with brain tumours. Despite recent advances in cancer therapy, their prognosis remains poor and the treatment is still challenging. To date, surgery followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide is the standard therapy. However, increasing knowledge of glioma biology is starting to impact drug development towards targeted therapies. The identification of agents directed against molecular targets aims at going beyond the traditional therapeutic approach in order to develop a personalized therapy and improve the outcome of pediatric high-grade gliomas. In this paper, we critically review the literature regarding the genetic abnormalities implicated in the pathogenesis of pediatric malignant gliomas and the current development of molecularly targeted therapies. In particular, we analyse the impact of molecular biology on the prognosis and treatment of pediatric high-grade glioma, comparing it to that of adult gliomas.
Prevalence of Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Xu Wenda , Qi Xingshun , Chen Jiang , Su Chunping , Guo Xiaozhong
Published: September 2015

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) may be negatively associated with the prognosis of pancreatitis. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of literatures to explore the prevalence of SVT in pancreatitis. All observational studies regarding the prevalence of SVT in pancreatitis were identified via PubMed and EMBASE databases. The prevalence of SVT was pooled in the total of patients with pancreatitis. And it was also pooled in the subgroup analyses according to the stage and causes of pancreatitis, location of SVT, and regions where the studies were performed. After the review of 714 studies, 44 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses showed a pooled prevalence of SVT of 13.6% in pancreatitis. According to the stage of pancreatitis, the pooled prevalence of SVT was 16.6% and 11.6% in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis, respectively. According to the causes of pancreatitis, the pooled prevalence of SVT was 12.2% and 14.6% in patients with hereditary and autoimmune pancreatitis. According to the location of SVT, the pooled prevalence of portal vein, splenic vein, and mesenteric vein thrombosis was 6.2%, 11.2%, and 2.7% in pancreatitis. The prevalence of SVT in pancreatitis was 16.9%, 11.5%, and 8.5% in Europe, America, and Asia, respectively.
Circulating Galectin-1 and 90K/Mac-2BP Correlated with the Tumor Stages of Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wu Keng-Liang , Chen Hong-Hwa , Pen Chen-Tzi , Yeh Wen-Ling , Huang Eng-Yen , Hsiao Chang-Chun , Yang Kuender D.
Published: September 2015

Background. The simultaneous correlation of serum galectin-1, galectin-3, and 90K/Mac-2BP levels with clinical stages of patients with colorectal cancer has not yet been clarified. We plan to measure the serum levels of galectin-1, galectin-3, and 90K/Mac-2BP of patients at different stages of colorectal cancer and analyze the correlation of these galectins with stages of colorectal cancers.Methods. 198 colorectal cancer patients (62 ± 13 (range 31–85) years old, 43.6% female) were recruited for this study. Subjects’ blood samples were checked for serum galectin-1, galectin-3, 90K/Mac-2BP, and carcinoembryonic antigen by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We determined the correlation between plasma concentrations with clinical tumor stages.Results. Colorectal cancer patients with larger cancer sizes (stages T3, T4 rather than T1, T2) have higher serum 90K/Mac-2BP (P= 0.014) and patients with lymph node metastasis have higher serum galectin-1 (P= 0.002) but there was not a significant correlation between galectin-3 and tumor staging of colon cancer. In colorectal cancer patients even with normal carcinoembryonic antigen, serum galectin-1 could predict more lymph node metastasis.Conclusions. We found 90K/Mac-2BP correlated with the size of colorectal cancer. Galectin-1 but not galectin-3 was associated with lymph node metastasis. Galectin-1 could predict more lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer patients with normal serum carcinoembryonic antigen.
Design Study for a Quasisynchronous CDMA Sensor Data Collection System: An LEO Satellite Uplink Access Technique Based on GPS
Authors: Chen Yijun , Ding Sheng , Xie Zhouchen , Qi Zhuangping , Liang Xuwen
Published: September 2015

With the development of the LEO satellite communication technology, highly dependable wireless communication and sensor data collection using LEO satellites have been getting much attention for emergency, marine research, and forest fire disaster in the remote region. The satellite system is expected to have the following features: rapid production, low cost, and fast construction of the satellite network. In this paper, a QS-CDMA uplink access technique in the LEO satellite is presented and discussed, which is focused on the local clocks using GPS 1PPS timing signals and the Doppler compensation for terminal uplink. The spreading code with length of 1023, which is used for the uplink preamble, selects the shift-m-sequence that can greatly reduce the MAI and increase the number of simultaneous access users. A novel analysis method for the accuracy of clock synchronization and a novel method for the estimation of Doppler shift and propagation delay are presented. These methods are used to guide the specific hardware implementation of the QS-CDMA LEO satellite sensor data collection system. Through simulations and experiments, it results in that this system structure can drastically reduce the complexity in implementing the acquisition in the satellite and increase the adaptability of the satellite system in different environments.
BRAFTesting in Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Kimbrell Hillary Z. , Sholl Andrew B. , Ratnayaka Swarnamala , Japa Shanker , Lacey Michelle , Carpio Gandahari , Bhatia Parisha , Kandil Emad
Published: September 2015

Background. BRAFV600E mutation is associated with poor prognosis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). PTC is often multifocal, and there are no guidelines on how many tumors to test forBRAFmutation in multifocal PTC.Methods. Fifty-seven separate formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded PTCs from twenty-seven patients were manually macrodissected and tested forBRAFmutation using a commercial allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction-based assay (Entrogen, Woodland Hills, CA). Data related to histologic characteristics, patient demographics, and clinical outcomes were collected.Results. All mutations detected wereBRAFV600E. Seventeen patients (63%) had concordant mutation status in the largest and second-largest tumors (i.e., both were positive or both were negative). The remaining ten patients (37%) had discordant mutation status. Six of the patients with discordant tumors (22% overall) had aBRAF-negative largest tumor and aBRAF-positive second-largest tumor. No histologic feature was found to help predict which cases would be discordant.Conclusions. Patients with multifocal PTC whose largest tumor isBRAF-negative can have smaller tumors that areBRAF-positive. Therefore, molecular testing of more than just the dominant tumor should be considered. Future studies are warranted to establish whether finding aBRAFmutation in a smaller tumor has clinical significance.
C57BL/6 and A/J Mice Have Different Inflammatory Response and Liver Lipid Profile in Experimental Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Bavia Lorena , Castro Íris Arantes de , Isaac Lourdes
Published: September 2015

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is an important worldwide public health issue characterized by liver steatosis, inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis of hepatocytes with eventual development of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Comparison of murine models with different inflammatory responses for ALD is important for an evaluation of the importance of genetic background in the interpretation of ethanol‐induced phenotypes. Here, we investigated the role of inflammation and genetic background for the establishment of ALD using two different mouse strains: C57BL/6 (B6) and A/J. B6 and A/J mice were treated with a high fat diet containing ethanol (HFDE) and compared to the controls for 10 weeks. Hepatomegaly and steatohepatitis were similar in B6 and A/J mice, but only A/J mice were resistant to weight gain. On the other hand, HFDE‐fed B6 accumulated more triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol and presented more intense cellular infiltrate in the liver when compared to HFDM‐fed mice. Liver inflammatory environment was distinct in these two mouse strains. While HFDE‐fed B6 produced more liver IL‐12, A/J mice increased the TNF‐α production. We concluded that mouse genetic background could dictate the intensity of the HFDE‐induced liver injury.
The Study of an Optimal Robust Design and Adjustable Ordering Strategies in the HSCM
Authors: Liao Hung-Chang , Chen Yan-Kwang , Wang Ya-huei
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this study was to establish a hospital supply chain management (HSCM) model in which three kinds of drugs in the same class and with the same indications were used in creating an optimal robust design and adjustable ordering strategies to deal with a drug shortage. The main assumption was that although each doctor has his/her own prescription pattern, when there is a shortage of a particular drug, the doctor may choose a similar drug with the same indications as a replacement. Four steps were used to construct and analyze the HSCM model. The computation technology used included a simulation, a neural network (NN), and a genetic algorithm (GA). The mathematical methods of the simulation and the NN were used to construct a relationship between the factor levels and performance, while the GA was used to obtain the optimal combination of factor levels from the NN. A sensitivity analysis was also used to assess the change in the optimal factor levels. Adjustable ordering strategies were also developed to prevent drug shortages.
Long Noncoding RNA Expression Signatures of Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Their Prognostic Value
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Lin , Zheng Fang , Zou Ruhai , Xie Changqing , Guo Qiannan , Hu Qian , Chen Jianing , Yang Xing , Yao Herui , Song Erwei , Xiang Yanqun
Published: September 2015

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been found to play important roles in various cancer types. The elucidation of genome-wide lncRNA expression patterns in metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) could reveal novel mechanisms underlying NPC carcinogenesis and progression. In this study, lncRNA expression profiling was performed on metastatic and primary NPC tumors, and the differentially expressed lncRNAs between these samples were identified. A total of 33,045 lncRNA probes were generated for our microarray based on authoritative data sources, including RefSeq, UCSC Knowngenes, Ensembl, and related literature. Using these probes, 8,088 lncRNAs were found to be significantly differentially expressed (≥2-fold). To identify the prognostic value of these differentially expressed lncRNAs, four lncRNAs (LOC84740, ENST00000498296, AL359062, and ENST00000438550) were selected; their expression levels were measured in an independent panel of 106 primary NPC samples via QPCR. Among these lncRNAs, ENST00000438550 expression was demonstrated to be significantly correlated with NPC disease progression. A survival analysis showed that a high expression level of ENST00000438550 was an independent indicator of disease progression in NPC patients (P=0.01). In summary, this study may provide novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for NPC, as well as a novel understanding of the mechanism underlying NPC metastasis and potential targets for future treatment.
The Diagnostic Ability of Follow-Up Imaging Biomarkers after Treatment of Glioblastoma in the Temozolomide Era: Implications from Proton MR Spectroscopy and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Mapping
Authors: Bulik Martin , Kazda Tomas , Slampa Pavel , Jancalek Radim
Published: September 2015

Objective. To prospectively determine institutional cut-off values of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) and concentration of tissue metabolites measured by MR spectroscopy (MRS) for early differentiation between glioblastoma (GBM) relapse and treatment-related changes after standard treatment.Materials and Methods. Twenty-four GBM patients who received gross total resection and standard adjuvant therapy underwent MRI examination focusing on the enhancing region suspected of tumor recurrence. ADC maps, concentrations ofN-acetylaspartate, choline, creatine, lipids, and lactate, and metabolite ratios were determined. Final diagnosis as determined by biopsy or follow-up imaging was correlated to the results of advanced MRI findings.Results. Eighteen (75%) and 6 (25%) patients developed tumor recurrence and pseudoprogression, respectively. Mean time to radiographic progression from the end of chemoradiotherapy was 5.8 ± 5.6 months. Significant differences in ADC and MRS data were observed between those with progression and pseudoprogression. Recurrence was characterized byN-acetylaspartate ≤ 1.5 mM, choline/N-acetylaspartate ≥ 1.4 (sensitivity 100%, specificity 91.7%),N-acetylaspartate/creatine ≤ 0.7, and ADC ≤ 1300 × 10−6 mm2/s (sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%).Conclusion. Institutional validation of cut-off values obtained from advanced MRI methods is warranted not only for diagnosis of GBM recurrence, but also as enrollment criteria in salvage clinical trials and for reporting of outcomes of initial treatment.
Myostatin Activates the Ubiquitin-Proteasome and Autophagy-Lysosome Systems Contributing to Muscle Wasting in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Dong-Tao , Yang Ya-Jun , Huang Ren-Hua , Zhang Zhi-Hua , Lin Xin
Published: September 2015

Our evidence demonstrated that CKD upregulated the expression of myostatin, TNF-α, and p-IkBa and downregulated the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and FoxO3a, which were also associated with protein degradation and muscle atrophy. The autophagosome formation and protein expression of autophagy-related genes were increased in muscle of CKD rats. The mRNA level and protein expression of MAFbx and MuRF-1 were also upregulated in CKD rats, as well as proteasome activity of 26S. Moreover, activation of myostatin elicited by TNF-αinduces C2C12 myotube atrophy via upregulating the expression of autophagy-related genes, including MAFbx and MuRF1 and proteasome subunits. Inactivation of FoxO3a triggered by PI3K inhibitor LY294002 prevented the myostatin-induced increase of expression of MuRF1, MAFbx, and LC3-II protein in C2C12 myotubes. The findings were further consolidated by using siRNA interference and overexpression of myostatin. Additionally, expression of myostatin was activated by TNF-αvia a NF-κB dependent pathway in C2C12 myotubes, while inhibition of NF-κB activity suppressed myostatin and improved myotube atrophy. Collectively, myostatin mediated CKD-induced muscle catabolism via coordinate activation of the autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome systems.
Fast and Simple Method for Evaluation of Polarization Correction to Propagation Constant of Arbitrary Order Guided Modes in Optical Fibers with Arbitrary Refractive Index Profile
Authors: Bourdine Anton
Published: September 2015

This work presents fast and simple method for evaluation of polarization correction to scalar propagation constant of arbitrary order guided modes propagating over weakly guiding optical fibers. Proposed solution is based on earlier on developed modified Gaussian approximation extended for analysis of weakly guiding optical fibers with arbitrary refractive index profile in the core region bounded by single solid outer cladding. Some results are presented that illustrate the decreasing of computational error during the estimation of propagation constant when polarization corrections are taken into account. Analytical expressions for the first and second derivatives of polarization correction are derived and presented.
An Improved Brain Storm Optimization with Differential Evolution Strategy for Applications of ANNs
Authors: Cao Zijian , Hei Xinhong , Wang Lei , Shi Yuhui , Rong Xiaofeng
Published: September 2015

Brain Storm Optimization (BSO) algorithm is a swarm intelligence algorithm inspired by human being’s behavior of brainstorming. The performance of BSO is maintained by the creating process of ideas, but when it cannot find a better solution for some successive iterations, the result will be so inefficient that the population might be trapped into local optima. In this paper, we propose an improved BSO algorithm with differential evolution strategy and new step size method. Firstly, differential evolution strategy is incorporated into the creating operator of ideas to allow BSO jump out of stagnation, owing to its strong searching ability. Secondly, we introduce a new step size control method that can better balance exploration and exploitation at different searching generations. Finally, the proposed algorithm is first tested on 14 benchmark functions of CEC 2005 and then is applied to train artificial neural networks. Comparative experimental results illustrate that the proposed algorithm performs significantly better than the original BSO.
Numerical Investigations on Characteristics of Stresses in U-Shaped Metal Expansion Bellows
Authors: Gawande S. H. , Pagar N. D. , Wagh V. B. , Keste A. A.
Published: September 2015

Metal expansion bellows are a mechanical device for absorbing energy or displacement in structures. It is widely used to deal with vibrations, thermal expansion, and the angular, radial, and axial displacements of components. The main objective of this paper is to perform numerical analysis to find various characteristics of stresses in U-shaped metal expansion bellows as per the requirement of vendor and ASME standards. In this paper, extensive analytical and numerical study is carried out to calculate the different characteristics of stresses due to internal pressure varying from 1 MPa to 2 MPa in U-shaped bellows. Finite element analysis by using Ansys14 is performed to find the characteristics of U-shaped metal expansion bellows. Finally, the results of analytical analysis and finite element method (FEM) show a very good agreement. The results of this research work could be used as a basis for designing a new type of the metal bellows.
Abnormal Event Detection via Multikernel Learning for Distributed Camera Networks
Authors: Wang Tian , Chen Jie , Honeine Paul , Snoussi Hichem
Published: September 2015

Distributed camera networks play an important role in public security surveillance. Analyzing video sequences from cameras set at different angles will provide enhanced performance for detecting abnormal events. In this paper, an abnormal detection algorithm is proposed to identify unusual events captured by multiple cameras. The visual event is summarized and represented by the histogram of the optical flow orientation descriptor, and then a multikernel strategy that takes the multiview scenes into account is proposed to improve the detection accuracy. A nonlinear one-class SVM algorithm with the constructed kernel is then trained to detect abnormal frames of video sequences. We validate and evaluate the proposed method on the video surveillance dataset PETS.