bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliable Multicasting Service for Densely Deployed Military Sensor Networks
Authors: Na Woongsoo , Dao Nhu-Ngoc , Cho Sungrae
Published: August 2015

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have drawn attention for military applications where a large number of light-weight sensor nodes can detect enemies and intruders in the battlefield and alert a command post (CP) to our forces. In particular, in the military sensor networks, QoS (quality-of-service) is one of the most important requirements to support their mission-critical applications. However, achieving reliable data transmission is not an easy task because sensor nodes are densely deployed and wireless channel is unpredictable due to high mobility. Also, in the multihop deployed sensor networks, redundant data forwarding occurs frequently and it causes interference among the nodes. In this paper, we propose an efficient reliable multicast scheme using pre-ACK frames to provide fully reliable multicasting and decrease unnecessary data forwarding in the military sensor networks. When a receiver node overhears a multicast frame, the pre-ACK is used to announce its reception of the multicast frame to neighboring nodes which then do not need to duplicate the same multicast frame to it. The performance evaluation shows that the proposed scheme provides full reliability (100%) and outperforms the existing schemes in terms of aggregate throughput (612%) and energy consumption (514%) when the number of nodes is 512 with full buffer.
Inner Synovial Membrane Footprint of the Anterior Elbow Capsule: An Arthroscopic Boundary
Authors: Kamineni Srinath , Bachoura Abdo , Sasaki Koichi , Reilly Danielle , Harris Kate N. , Sinai Anthony , Deane Andrew
Published: August 2015

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to describe the inner synovial membrane (SM) of the anterior elbow capsule, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Materials and Methods. Twenty-two cadaveric human elbows were dissected and the distal humerus and SM attachments were digitized using a digitizer. The transepicondylar line (TEL) was used as the primary descriptor of various landmarks. The distance between the medial epicondyle and medial SM edge, SM apex overlying the coronoid fossa, the central SM nadir, and the apex of the SM insertion overlying the radial fossa and distance from the lateral epicondyle to lateral SM edge along the TEL were measured and further analyzed. Gender and side-to-side statistical comparisons were calculated. Results. The mean age of the subjects was 80.4 years, with six male and five female cadavers. The SM had a distinctive double arched attachment overlying the radial and coronoid fossae. No gender-based or side-to-side quantitative differences were noted. In 18 out of 22 specimens (81.8%), an infolding extension of the SM was observed overlying the medial aspect of the trochlea. The SM did not coincide with the outer fibrous attachment in any specimen. Conclusion. The humeral footprint of the synovial membrane of the anterior elbow capsule is more complex and not as capacious as commonly understood from the current literature. The synovial membrane nadir between the two anterior fossae may help to explain and hence preempt technical difficulties, a reduction in working arthroscopic volume in inflammatory and posttraumatic pathologies. This knowledge should allow the surgeon to approach this aspect of the anterior elbow compartment space with the confidence that detachment of this synovial attachment, to create working space, does not equate to breaching the capsule. Alternatively, stripping the synovial attachment from the anterior humerus does not constitute an anterior capsular release.
Disease Related Knowledge Summarization Based on Deep Graph Search
Authors: Wu Xiaofang , Yang Zhihao , Li ZhiHeng , Lin Hongfei , Wang Jian
Published: August 2015

The volume of published biomedical literature on disease related knowledge is expanding rapidly. Traditional information retrieval (IR) techniques, when applied to large databases such as PubMed, often return large, unmanageable lists of citations that do not fulfill the searcher’s information needs. In this paper, we present an approach to automatically construct disease related knowledge summarization from biomedical literature. In this approach, firstly Kullback-Leibler Divergence combined with mutual information metric is used to extract disease salient information. Then deep search based on depth first search (DFS) is applied to find hidden (indirect) relations between biomedical entities. Finally random walk algorithm is exploited to filter out the weak relations. The experimental results show that our approach achieves a precision of 60% and a recall of 61% on salient information extraction forCarcinoma of bladderand outperforms the method of Combo.
Are the Two Human Papillomavirus Vaccines Really Similar? A Systematic Review of Available Evidence: Efficacy of the Two Vaccines against HPV
Authors: Di Mario Simona , Basevi Vittorio , Lopalco Pier Luigi , Balduzzi Sara , D’Amico Roberto , Magrini Nicola
Published: August 2015

Background. When the bivalent and the quadrivalent HPV vaccines were marketed they were presented as having comparable efficacy against cervical cancer. Differences between the vaccines are HPV types included and formulation of the adjuvant.Method. A systematic review was conducted to assess the efficacy of the two vaccines against cervical cancer. Outcomes considered were CIN2+, CIN3+, and AIS.Results. Nine reports (38,419 women) were included. At enrolment mean age of women was 20 years, 90% had negative cytology, and 80% were seronegative and/or DNA negative for HPV 16 or 18 (naïve women). In the TVC-naïve, VE against CIN2+ was 58% (95% CI: 35, 72); heterogeneity was detected, VE being 65% (95% CI: 54, 74) for the bivalent and 43% (95% CI: 23, 57) for the quadrivalent. VE against CIN3+ was 78% (95% CI: <0, 97); heterogeneity was substantial, VE being 93% (95% CI: 77, 98) for the bivalent and 43% (95% CI: 12, 63) for the quadrivalent. VE in the TVC was much lower. No sufficient data were available on AIS.Conclusions. In naïve girls bivalent vaccine shows higher efficacy, even if the number of events detected is low. In women already infected the benefit of the vaccination seems negligible.
Forced Transverse Vibration of a Closed Double Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube System Containing a Fluid with Effect of Compressive Axial Load
Authors: Nasirshoaibi Mehrdad , Mohammadi Nader , Nasirshoaibi Masih
Published: August 2015

Based on the Rayleigh beam theory, the forced transverse vibrations of a closed double single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) system containing a fluid with a Pasternak layer in-between are investigated. It is assumed that the two single-walled carbon nanotubes of the system are continuously joined by a Pasternak layer and both sides of SWCNTs containing a fluid are closed. The dynamic responses of the system caused by arbitrarily distributed continuous loads are obtained. The effect of compressive axial load on the forced vibrations of the double single-walled carbon nanotube system is discussed for one case of particular excitation loading. The properties of the forced transverse vibrations of the system are found to be significantly dependent on the compressive axial load. The steady-state vibration amplitudes of the SWCNT decrease with increasing of length of SWCNT. Vibrations caused by the harmonic exciting forces are discussed, and conditions of resonance and dynamic vibration absorption are formulated. The SWCNT-type dynamic absorber is a new concept of a dynamic vibration absorber (DVA), which can be applied to suppress excessive vibrations of corresponding SWCNT systems.
A Data Hiding Technique to Synchronously Embed Physiological Signals in H.264/AVC Encoded Video for Medicine Healthcare
Authors: Peña Raul , Ávila Alfonso , Muñoz David , Lavariega Juan
Published: August 2015

The recognition of clinical manifestations in both video images and physiological-signal waveforms is an important aid to improve the safety and effectiveness in medical care. Physicians can rely on video-waveform (VW) observations to recognize difficult-to-spot signs and symptoms. The VW observations can also reduce the number of false positive incidents and expand the recognition coverage to abnormal health conditions. The synchronization between the video images and the physiological-signal waveforms is fundamental for the successful recognition of the clinical manifestations. The use of conventional equipment to synchronously acquire and display the video-waveform information involves complex tasks such as the video capture/compression, the acquisition/compression of each physiological signal, and the video-waveform synchronization based on timestamps. This paper introduces a data hiding technique capable of both enabling embedding channels and synchronously hiding samples of physiological signals into encoded video sequences. Our data hiding technique offers large data capacity and simplifies the complexity of the video-waveform acquisition and reproduction. The experimental results revealed successful embedding and full restoration of signal’s samples. Our results also demonstrated a small distortion in the video objective quality, a small increment in bit-rate, and embedded cost savings of −2.6196% for high and medium motion video sequences.
Socioeconomic Impact on the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Wallonia, Belgium: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Streel Sylvie , Donneau Anne-Françoise , Hoge Axelle , Majerus Sven , Kolh Philippe , Chapelle Jean-Paul , Albert Adelin , Guillaume Michèle
Published: August 2015

Background. Monitoring the epidemiology of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and their determinants is important to develop appropriate recommendations to prevent cardiovascular diseases in specific risk groups. The NESCaV study was designed to collect standardized data to estimate the prevalence of CRFs in relation to socioeconomic parameters among the general adult population in the province of Liège, Wallonia, Belgium.Methods. A representative stratified random sample of 1017 subjects, aged 20–69 years, participated in the NESCaV study (2010–2012). A self-administered questionnaire, a clinical examination, and laboratory tests were performed on participants. CRFs included hypertension, dyslipidemia, global obesity, abdominal obesity, diabetes, current smoking, and physical inactivity. Covariates were education and subjective and objective socioeconomic levels. Data were analyzed by weighted logistic regression.Results. The prevalence of hypertension, abdominal obesity, global obesity, current smoking, and physical inactivity was higher in subjects with low education and who considered themselves “financially in need.” Living below poverty threshold also increased the risk of global and abdominal obesity, current smoking, and physical inactivity.Conclusion. The study shows that socioeconomic factors impact the prevalence of CRFs in the adult population of Wallonia. Current public health policies should be adjusted to reduce health inequalities in specific risk groups.
Adolescents Perceptions of Pro- and Antitobacco Imagery and Marketing: Qualitative Study of Students from Suva, Fiji
Authors: Waqa Gade , McCool Judith , Snowdon Wendy , Freeman Becky
Published: August 2015

Background. Many studies examining smoking uptake among young people in the Pacific have not included their exposure to tobacco control promotions in the media in their assessment. This study examines how Fijian students view tobacco and tobacco-related media depictions to gain insight into both drivers of smoking uptake and potential directions for prevention interventions.Methods. A sample of thirty Fijian students (15 male and 15 female) aged 14–17 years, was recruited from a Suva school between September and October 2013 and participated in a one-to-one in-depth interview about their views on tobacco use, media consumption patterns and preferences and awareness of tobacco use in media.Results. Despite radical developments in access to media, television remains the most popular. Yet, the majority of participants were unaware of any protobacco imagery on television or other entertainment media. Tobacco-related imagery was more likely to be seen in connection with point of sale advertising and branding. The advertising potential of the shop counter was acutely apparent to some participants and this space was considered highly influential.Conclusions. Despite the fact that the recently introduced graphic health warnings were generally well received, more can be done to extend the use of media for tobacco control benefits in Fiji.
Removal of Polyvinyl Alcohol in Aqueous Solutions Using an Innovative Paired Photoelectrochemical Oxidative System in a Divided Electrochemical Cell
Authors: Huang Kai-Yu , Wang Chih-Ta , Chou Wei-Lung , Shu Chi-Min
Published: August 2015

This study evaluates the performance of an innovative paired photoelectrochemical oxidative system fabricated in our laboratory to determine the removal efficiency of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in aqueous solutions. An innovative paired photoelectrochemical oxidative system employed metal redox mediators with high redox potential for anodic oxidation (MEO process) and UV assisted photoelectrochemical oxidation (PEO process) for cathodic oxidation in a divided electrochemical cell. Several parameters were investigated to characterize the removal efficiency of PVA, such as the current density, initial Ce(III) concentration, nitric acid concentration, oxygen flow rate, and UV irradiation intensity. The effects of these parameters on the specific energy consumption were also investigated. Additionally, the conversion yield of Ce(IV) concentration and the electrogeneration of H2O2were calculated in this study. The optimum current density, initial Ce(III) concentration, nitric acid concentration, oxygen flow rate, and UV irradiation intensity were found to be 3 mA cm−2, 0.01 M, 0.3 M, 500 cm3 min−1, and 1.2 mW cm−2, respectively. The synergistic effect of combination process of MEO and PEO would be as a promising alternative for the removal efficiency of PVA.
Game Theory Based Trust Model for Cloud Environment
Authors: Gokulnath K. , Uthariaraj Rhymend
Published: August 2015

The aim of this work is to propose a method to establish trust at bootload level in cloud computing environment. This work proposes a game theoretic based approach for achieving trust at bootload level of both resources and users perception. Nash equilibrium (NE) enhances the trust evaluation of the first‐time users and providers. It also restricts the service providers and the users to violate service level agreement (SLA). Significantly, the problem of cold start and whitewashing issues are addressed by the proposed method. In addition appropriate mapping of cloud user’s application to cloud service provider for segregating trust level is achieved as a part of mapping. Thus, time complexity and space complexity are handled efficiently. Experiments were carried out to compare and contrast the performance of the conventional methods and the proposed method. Several metrics like execution time, accuracy, error identification, and undecidability of the resources were considered.
A Platinum Monolayer Core‐Shell Catalyst with a Ternary Alloy Nanoparticle Core and Enhanced Stability for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Nan Haoxiong , Tian Xinlong , Yang Lijun , Shu Ting , Song Huiyu , Liao Shijun
Published: August 2015

We synthesize a platinum monolayer core‐shell catalyst with a ternary alloy nanoparticle core of Pd, Ir, and Ni. A Pt monolayer is deposited on carbon‐supported PdIrNi nanoparticles using an underpotential deposition method, in which a copper monolayer is applied to the ternary nanoparticles; this is followed by the galvanic displacement of Cu with Pt to generate a Pt monolayer on the surface of the core. The core‐shell Pd1Ir1Ni2@Pt/C catalyst exhibits excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity, yielding a mass activity significantly higher than that of Pt monolayer catalysts containing PdIr or PdNi nanoparticles as cores and four times higher than that of a commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst. In 0.1 M HClO4, the half‐wave potential reaches 0.91 V, about 30 mV higher than that of Pt/C. We verify the structure and composition of the carbon‐supported PdIrNi nanoparticles using X‐ray powder diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, and we perform a stability test that confirms the excellent stability of our core‐shell catalyst. We suggest that the porous structure resulting from the dissolution of Ni in the alloy nanoparticles may be the main reason for the catalyst’s enhanced performance.
A New Routing Protocol with High Energy Efficiency and Reliability for Data Delivery in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Bosunia Mahfuzur Rahman , Jeong Daniel P. , Park Chanhong , Jeong Seong-Ho
Published: August 2015

The proliferation of mobile devices has changed the trends by which people access and share contents in the communication world, leading to migration from the wired to wireless networks with high expectations of ubiquitous connectivity. These trends have motivated researchers to have interests in the future advanced mobile communications. In this paper, we concentrate on one of the most promising types of network, that is, mobile ad hoc network (MANET). Due to the highly dynamic network topology and resource shortage of MANET and the limited energy of communicating nodes, the communication route among nodes may fail frequently. To increase the applicability and sustainability of MANET in the future communication environment, we propose here a new routing protocol that constructs a stable, a reliable, and the shortest route having nodes with the minimum level of remaining energy to increase the operational lifetime of MANET. It also introduces a recovery scheme that reduces the network control overhead significantly to increase the reliability of the network. The effectiveness and robustness of our protocol and the corresponding data delivery mechanism make an ideal solution that can go a long way toward effective data dissemination in the future network.
Involvement of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Learning and Forgetting
Authors: Yau Suk-yu , Li Ang , So Kwok-Fai
Published: August 2015

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a process involving the continuous generation of newborn neurons in the hippocampus of adult animals. Mounting evidence has suggested that hippocampal neurogenesis contributes to some forms of hippocampus-dependent learning and memory; however, the detailed mechanism concerning how this small number of newborn neurons could affect learning and memory remains unclear. In this review, we discuss the relationship between adult-born neurons and learning and memory, with a highlight on recently discovered potential roles of neurogenesis in pattern separation and forgetting.
Successful Implantation of a Coronary Stent Graft in a Peripheral Vessel
Authors: Hess Alexander , Vogel Britta , Kohler Benedikt , Müller Oliver J. , Katus Hugo A. , Korosoglou Grigorios
Published: August 2015

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a complex, often underdiagnosed illness with rising prevalence in western world countries. During the past decade there has been a rapid advance especially in the field of endovascular treatment of PAD. Here we present for the first time a case reporting on the placement of coronary stent graft in a peripheral vessel for the management of a peripheral side branch perforation. Interventional angiologists or radiologists may consider such an option for complication management after injury of smaller vessels during peripheral percutaneous interventions. Further specialization and novel options of complication management as described in our case may shift the treatment from surgical to even more endovascular treatment procedures in the future.
Key Distribution and Changing Key Cryptosystem Based on Phase Retrieval Algorithm and RSA Public-Key Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Tieyu , Ran Qiwen , Yuan Lin , Chi Yingying , Ma Jing
Published: August 2015

The optical image encryption has attracted more and more researchers’ attention, and the various encryption schemes have been proposed. In existing optical cryptosystem, the phase functions or images are usually used as the encryption keys, and it is difficult that the traditional public-key algorithm (such as RSA, ECC, etc.) is used to complete large numerical key transfer. In this paper, we propose a key distribution scheme based on the phase retrieval algorithm and the RSA public-key algorithm, which solves the problem for the key distribution in optical image encryption system. Furthermore, we also propose a novel image encryption system based on the key distribution principle. In the system, the different keys can be used in every encryption process, which greatly improves the security of the system.
Fe3+‐Exchanged Titanate Nanotubes: A New Kind of Highly Active Heterogeneous Catalyst for Friedel‐Crafts Type Benzylation
Authors: Du Yunchen , Guo Di , Xiong Meiling , Qi Yanwu , Cui Chenkui , Ma Jun , Han Xijiang , Xu Ping
Published: August 2015

Heterogeneous catalysis for Friedel‐Crafts type benzylation has received much attention in recent years due to its characteristic of environmental benefits. In this paper, titanate nanotubes (TNTs) were employed as heterogeneous catalyst support, and a new kind of Fe3+‐exchanged titanate nanotubes (Fe‐TNTs) catalyst with highly dispersed ferric sites was constructed by an ion exchange technique. The obtained catalyst was systematically characterized by XRD, TEM, N2 adsorption, XPS, and UV‐vis spectra. As expected, Fe‐TNTs showed excellent catalytic activities in the benzylation of benzene and benzene derivatives. The recycling tests for Fe‐TNTs were also carried out, where the reason for the gradually decreased activity was carefully investigated. Superior to some reported catalysts, the catalytic ability of used Fe‐TNTs could be easily recovered by ion exchange again, indicating that Fe‐TNTs herein were a highly active and durable heterogeneous catalyst for Friedel‐Crafts type benzylation. These results might be helpful for the design and preparation of novel heterogeneous catalysts by combining the structural advantages of titanate nanotubes and active metal ions.
Social Anxiety among Chinese People
Authors: Fan Qianqian , Chang Weining C.
Published: August 2015

The experience of social anxiety has largely been investigated among Western populations; much less is known about social anxiety in other cultures. Unlike the Western culture, the Chinese emphasize interdependence and harmony with social others. In addition, it is unclear if Western constructed instruments adequately capture culturally conditioned conceptualizations and manifestations of social anxiety that might be specific to the Chinese. The present study employed a sequence of qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine the assessment of social anxiety among the Chinese people. Interviews and focus group discussions with Chinese participants revealed that some items containing the experience of social anxiety among the Chinese are not present in existing Western measures. Factor analysis was employed to examine the factor structure of the more comprehensive scale. This approach revealed an “other concerned anxiety” factor that appears to be specific to the Chinese. Subsequent analysis found that the new factor—other concerned anxiety—functioned the same as other social anxiety factors in their association with risk factors of social anxiety, such as attachment, parenting, behavioral inhibition/activation, and attitude toward group. The implications of these findings for a more culturally sensitive assessment tool of social anxiety among the Chinese were discussed.
Using a Smartphone Application to Promote Healthy Dietary Behaviours and Local Food Consumption
Authors: Gilliland Jason , Sadler Richard , Clark Andrew , O’Connor Colleen , Milczarek Malgorzata , Doherty Sean
Published: August 2015

Smartphone “apps” are a powerful tool for public health promotion, but unidimensional interventions have been ineffective at sustaining behavioural change. Various logistical issues exist in successful app development for health intervention programs and for sustaining behavioural change. This study reports on a smartphone application and messaging service, called “SmartAPPetite,” which uses validated behaviour change techniques and a behavioural economic approach to “nudge” users into healthy dietary behaviours. To help gauge participation in and influence of the program, data were collected using an upfront food survey, message uptake tracking, experience sampling interviews, and a follow-up survey. Logistical and content-based issues in the deployment of the messaging service were subsequently addressed to strengthen the effectiveness of the app in changing dietary behaviours. Challenges included creating relevant food goal categories for participants, providing messaging appropriate to self-reported food literacy and ensuring continued participation in the program. SmartAPPetite was effective at creating a sense of improved awareness and consumption of healthy foods, as well as drawing people to local food vendors with greater frequency. This work serves as a storehouse of methods and best practices for multidimensional local food-based smartphone interventions aimed at improving the “triple bottom line” of health, economy, and environment.
Perspectives of Fijian Policymakers on the Obesity Prevention Policy Landscape
Authors: Hendriks Anna-Marie , Delai Mere Y. , Thow Anne-Marie , Gubbels Jessica S. , De Vries Nanne K. , Kremers Stef P. J. , Jansen Maria W. J.
Published: August 2015

In Fiji and other Pacific Island countries, obesity has rapidly increased in the past decade. Therefore, several obesity prevention policies have been developed. Studies show that their development has been hampered by factors within Fiji’s policy landscape such as pressure from industry. Since policymakers in the Fijian national government are primarily responsible for the development of obesity policies, it is important to understand their perspectives; we therefore interviewed 15 policymakers from nine Fijian ministries. By applying the “attractor landscape” metaphor from dynamic systems theory, we captured perceived barriers and facilitators in the policy landscape. A poor economic situation, low food self-sufficiency, power inequalities, inappropriate framing of obesity, limited policy evidence, and limited resource sharing hamper obesity policy developments in Fiji. Facilitators include policy entrepreneurs and policy brokers who were active when a window of opportunity opened and who strengthened intersectoral collaboration. Fiji’s policy landscape can become more conducive to obesity policies if power inequalities are reduced. In Fiji and other Pacific Island countries, this may be achievable through increased food self-sufficiency, strengthened intersectoral collaboration, and the establishment of an explicit functional focal unit within government to monitor and forecast the health impact of policy changes in non-health sectors.
Adherence, Compliance, and Health Risk Factor Changes following Short-Term Physical Activity Interventions
Authors: Norton Lynda H. , Norton Kevin I. , Lewis Nicole R.
Published: August 2015

Background.Low physical activity (PA) levels are associated with poor health risk factor profiles. Intervention strategies to increase PA and quantify the rate and magnitude of change in risk factors are important.Methods.Interventions were conducted over 40 days to increase PA in 736 insufficiently active (<150 min/wk PA) participants using either a pedometer or instructor-led group protocol. There were a further 135 active participants as controls. Major cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, including fitness parameters, were measured before and after intervention.Results.Adherence to the interventions was higher for the group versus pedometer participants (87.1% versus 79.8%) and compliance rates for achieving sufficient levels of PA (≥150 min/wk) were also higher for the group participants (95.8% versus 77.6%). Total weekly PA patterns increased by 300 and 435 minutes, for the pedometer and group participants, respectively. Improvements were found for waist girth, total cholesterol, aerobic fitness, and flexibility relative to controls. The change in vigorous PA, but not moderate PA, was a significant predictor of the change in eight of 11 risk factor variables measured.Conclusions.Rapid and dramatic increases in PA among previously insufficiently active adults can result in important health benefits.
Lightweight Reprogramming and Energy Balancing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Do Dinh-Sy , Kim Younghan
Published: August 2015

Reprogramming in wireless sensor networks is important and challenged by the dynamic environment and its own characteristic, frequently sleeping. Although there has existed various approaches, they still suffer from message control redundancy and energy balancing issues. In this paper, we consider the problem of lightweight code distribution and energy balancing in wireless sensor networks by utilizing shared requests to reduce redundant control messages. Additionally, our contribution is enhanced by various solutions, such as multisegment advertisement strategy and edge-oriented strategy. Through analysis and evaluation sections, we confirm that our protocol does not only help to reduce update completion time by 1/3 compared with the Deluge protocol, but also significantly decreases redundant control messages and balances energy consumption among nodes in the updating process.
Intervention Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with EPCs Transplantation on the Mice in Aging Model
Authors: Wen Mei
Published: August 2015

The results of this experiment suggested that electroacupuncture promotes the endothelialization of liver endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) for mice in D-gal model and improves the repair of vascular endothelial function, as well as increasing the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in liver tissue fluorescence and KL protein levels. Also, it reduces the malondialdehyde (MDA) activity and delays vascular aging and even overall aging. Results showed that the in vivo fluorescence intensity for D-gal EA group was significantly lower than that of D-gal group,P<0.05; VEGF fluorescence expression in liver tissue for D-gal EA group was significantly higher than that for D-gal group,P<0.05; KL protein content in liver tissue for D-gal EA group was significantly higher than that for D-gal group,P<0.05; MDA activity for D-gal EA group was significantly lower than that for D-gal group,P<0.05.
An Efficient Process for Pretreatment of Lignocelluloses in Functional Ionic Liquids
Authors: Dong Shi-Jia , Zhang Bi-Xian , Gao Yun-Fei , Hu Xiao-Mei
Published: August 2015

Background and Aims. The complex structure of the lignocelluloses is the main obstacle in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into valuable products. Ionic liquids provide the opportunities for their efficient pretreatment for biomass. Therefore, in this work, pretreatment of corn stalk was carried out in ultrasonic-assisted ionic liquid including 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [BMIM]Cl, 1-H-3-methylimidazolium chloride [HMIM]Cl, and 1-(1-propylsulfonic)-3-imidazolium chloride [HSO3-pMIM]Cl at 70°C for 2 h. We compared the pretreatments by ionic liquid with and without the addition of deionized water. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyze the chemical characteristics of regenerated cellulose-rich materials.Results. [HMIM]Cl and [HSO3-pMIM]Cl were effective in lignin extraction to obtain cellulose-rich materials. FTIR analysis and SEM analysis indicated the effective lignin removal and the reduced crystallinity of cellulose-rich materials. Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose-rich materials was performed efficiently. High yields of reducing sugar and glucose were obtained when the corn stalk was pretreated by [HMIM]Cl and [HSO3-pMIM]Cl.Conclusions. Ionic liquids provided the ideal environment for lignin extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stalk and [HMIM]Cl and [HSO3-pMIM]Cl proved the most efficient ionic liquids. This simple and environmentally acceptable method has a great potential for the preparation of bioethanol for industrial production.
Soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (sVEGF) and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer: Results from the Vienna Cancer and Thrombosis Study (CATS)
Authors: Posch Florian , Thaler Johannes , Zlabinger Gerhard-Johann , Königsbrügge Oliver , Koder Silvia , Zielinski Christoph , Pabinger Ingrid , Ay Cihan
Published: August 2015

Purpose: Cancer patients are at an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). VEGF promotes the growth of highly thrombogenic tumor vessels. Here, we explored the utility of soluble plasma VEGF-A (sVEGF) as a biomarker for the prediction of VTE in patients with cancer.

Experimental Design: Eight hundred four patients with newly diagnosed cancer or progression after remission were prospectively followed for 2 years until the occurrence of VTE or death [tumor sites: brain (n = 87), breast (n = 137), lung (n = 120), gastrointestinal (n = 143), pancreas (n = 53), prostate (n = 95), kidney (n = 22), myeloma and lymphoma (n = 99), and others (n = 48)]. Primary endpoint was symptomatic or fatal VTE. sVEGF was measured by immunoassay in baseline plasma.

Results: Fifty-five patients developed VTE (6.8%) and 364 patients (45.3%) died. Five-hundred and forty-two (68.3%) participants had sVEGF levels above the detection limit of 0.5 pg/mL. The median sVEGF level (25th–75th percentile) was 8.1 pg/mL (0–17.7). The cumulative 2-year incidence of VTE was 10.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.4–14.9] in patients with sVEGF greater than the 75th percentile of the sVEGF distribution (Q3, cutoff: 17.7 pg/mL), and 5.9% (95% CI, 4.2–7.9) in patients with lower levels (P = 0.03). The corresponding 2-year risk of death was 52.8% (95% CI, 46.0–60.0) and 43.9% (95% CI, 40.0–48.0), respectively (P = 0.02). In univariable time-to-VTE regression, elevated sVEGF was associated with VTE [subhazard ratio (SHR) per 10 pg/mL increase, 1.04; 95% CI,1.00–1.09; P = 0.04)]. The association between sVEGF and risk of VTE prevailed after multivariable adjustment for high-risk tumor sites, age, gender, factor VIII, thrombin generation potential, and soluble P-Selectin (adjusted SHR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00–1.09, P = 0.05).

Conclusions: Elevated sVEGF is associated with an increased risk of VTE in patients with cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(1); 200–6. ©2015 AACR.
A Novel Eg5 Inhibitor (LY2523355) Causes Mitotic Arrest and Apoptosis in Cancer Cells and Shows Potent Antitumor Activity in Xenograft Tumor Models
Authors: Ye Xiang S. , Fan Li , Van Horn Robert D. , Nakai Ryuichiro , Ohta Yoshihisa , Akinaga Shiro , Murakata Chikara , Yamashita Yoshinori , Yin Tinggui , Credille Kelly M. , Donoho Gregory P. , Merzoug Farhana F. , Li Heng , Aggarwal Amit , Blanchard Kerry , Westin Eric H.
Published: August 2015

Intervention of cancer cell mitosis by antitubulin drugs is among the most effective cancer chemotherapies. However, antitubulin drugs have dose-limiting side effects due to important functions of microtubules in resting normal cells and are often rendered ineffective by rapid emergence of resistance. Antimitotic agents with different mechanisms of action and improved safety profiles are needed as new treatment options. Mitosis-specific kinesin Eg5 represents an attractive anticancer target for discovering such new antimitotic agents, because Eg5 is essential only in mitotic progression and has no roles in resting, nondividing cells. Here, we show that a novel selective Eg5 inhibitor, LY2523355, has broad target-mediated anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. LY2523355 arrests cancer cells at mitosis and causes rapid cell death that requires sustained spindle-assembly checkpoint (SAC) activation with a required threshold concentration. In vivo efficacy of LY2523355 is highly dose/schedule-dependent, achieving complete remission in a number of xenograft tumor models, including patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor models. We further establish that histone-H3 phosphorylation of tumor and proliferating skin cells is a promising pharmacodynamic biomarker for in vivo anticancer activity of LY2523355. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2463–72. ©2015 AACR.
Targeting G-Quadruplex DNA Structures by EMICORON Has a Strong Antitumor Efficacy against Advanced Models of Human Colon Cancer
Authors: Porru Manuela , Artuso Simona , Salvati Erica , Bianco Armandodoriano , Franceschin Marco , Diodoro Maria Grazia , Passeri Daniela , Orlandi Augusto , Savorani Francesco , D'Incalci Maurizio , Biroccio Annamaria , Leonetti Carlo
Published: August 2015

We previously identified EMICORON as a novel G-quadruplex (G4) ligand showing high selectivity for G4 structures over the duplex DNA, causing telomere damage and inhibition of cell proliferation in transformed and tumor cells. Here, we evaluated the antitumoral effect of EMICORON on advanced models of human colon cancer that could adequately predict human clinical outcomes. Our results showed that EMICORON was well tolerated in mice, as no adverse effects were reported, and a low ratio of sensitivity across human and mouse bone marrow cells was observed, indicating a good potential for reaching similar blood levels in humans. Moreover, EMICORON showed a marked therapeutic efficacy, as it inhibited the growth of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and orthotopic colon cancer and strongly reduced the dissemination of tumor cells to lymph nodes, intestine, stomach, and liver. Finally, activation of DNA damage and impairment of proliferation and angiogenesis are proved to be key determinants of EMICORON antitumoral activity. Altogether, our results, performed on advanced experimental models of human colon cancer that bridge the translational gap between preclinical and clinical studies, demonstrated that EMICORON had an unprecedented antitumor activity warranting further studies of EMICORON-based combination treatments. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2541–51. ©2015 AACR.
Specific CP110 Phosphorylation Sites Mediate Anaphase Catastrophe after CDK2 Inhibition: Evidence for Cooperation with USP33 Knockdown
Authors: Hu Shanhu , Lu Yun , Orr Bernardo , Godek Kristina , Mustachio Lisa Maria , Kawakami Masanori , Sekula David , Compton Duane A. , Freemantle Sarah , Dmitrovsky Ethan
Published: August 2015

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of solid tumor biology and is implicated in carcinogenesis. Preferentially eliminating malignant cells by targeting CIN and aneuploidy is an attractive antineoplastic strategy. We previously reported that CDK2 antagonism causes lung cancer cells to undergo anaphase catastrophe and apoptosis through inhibition of phosphorylation of the centrosomal protein CP110. Cells with activating KRAS mutations were particularly sensitive to CDK2 inhibition due to downregulation of CP110 protein levels. This study investigated mechanisms of CDK2 antagonism that mediate anaphase catastrophe via changes in CP110 protein expression and how activated KRAS affects CP110 levels in lung cancers. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed candidate CDK phosphorylation sites of CP110 (residues Ser 170 and Thr 194) critical for conferring anaphase catastrophe by altering centrosome clustering in mitosis. Intriguingly, KRAS mutation can promote CP110 protein degradation by upregulating the ubiquitin ligase SCFcyclinF, which targets CP110 protein for destabilization. Finally, CDK2 inhibitor response was enhanced when combined with knockdown of the deubiquitinase USP33 that in turn accelerates CP110 protein degradation. Thus, this study provides molecular pharmacologic insights into how CP110 expression regulates response to CDK2 inhibition. An improved understanding of in vitro antineoplastic mechanisms of combining CDK2 antagonism with induced CP110 repression provides a rationale for exploring clinical consequences of this strategy. Taken together, preclinical findings obtained from combining CDK2 inhibition with USP33 repression have implications for treating patients with non–small cell lung cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2576–85. ©2015 AACR.
Paired Box 5 Methylation Detection by Droplet Digital PCR for Ultra-Sensitive Deep Surgical Margins Analysis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hayashi Masamichi , Guerrero-Preston Rafael , Sidransky David , Koch Wayne M.
Published: August 2015

Molecular deep surgical margin analysis has been shown to predict locoregional recurrences of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To improve the accuracy and versatility of the analysis, we used a highly tumor-specific methylation marker and highly sensitive detection technology to test DNA from surgical margins. Histologically cancer-negative deep surgical margin samples were prospectively collected from 82 eligible HNSCC surgeries by an imprinting procedure (n = 75) and primary tissue collection (n = 70). Bisulfite-treated DNA from each sample was analyzed by both conventional quantitative methylation-specific PCR (QMSP) and QMSP by droplet digital PCR (ddQMSP) targeting Paired box 5 (PAX5) gene promoter methylation. The association between the presence of PAX5 methylation and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) was evaluated. PAX5 methylation was found in 68.0% (51 of 75) of tumors in the imprint samples and 71.4% (50 of 70) in the primary tissue samples. Among cases that did not have postoperative radiation (n = 31 in imprint samples, n = 29 in tissue samples), both conventional QMSP and ddQMSP revealed that PAX5 methylation–positive margins was significantly associated with poor LRFS by univariate analysis. In particular, ddQMSP increased detection of the PAX5 marker from 29% to 71% in the nonradiated imprint cases. Also, PAX5 methylated imprint margins were an excellent predictor of poor LRFS [HR, 3.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–17.52; P = 0.023] by multivariate analysis. PAX5 methylation appears to be an excellent tumor-specific marker for molecular deep surgical margin analysis of HNSCC. Moreover, the ddQMSP assay displays increased sensitivity for methylation marker detection. Cancer Prev Res; 8(11); 1017–26. ©2015 AACR.
PAK1 Promotes Intestinal Tumor Initiation
Authors: Dammann Kyle , Khare Vineeta , Harpain Felix , Lang Michaela , Kurtovic Azra , Mesteri Ildiko , Evstatiev Rayko , Gasche Christoph
Published: August 2015

p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a serine/threonine kinase that is overexpressed in colorectal cancer. PAK1 is a target of mesalamine [5-aminosylicylic acid (5-ASA)], a common drug for the treatment of ulcerative colitis with prospective chemopreventive properties. Here, we investigated whether PAK1 deletion impedes tumorigenesis in murine intestinal cancer models. Ten-week-old APCmin or APCmin/PAK1−/− mice were monitored for 8 weeks, euthanized, and assessed for tumor number and size. Six- to 8-week-old PAK1−/− and wild-type (WT) mice received one 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM) and four cycles of 1.7% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 4 days followed by 14 days of regular water. Mice also received 5-ASA via diet. Tumor incidence and size was assessed via colonoscopy and pathology. Molecular targets of PAK1 and 5-ASA were evaluated via immunohistochemistry (IHC) in both models. PAK1 deletion reduced tumor multiplicity and tumor burden but did not alter average tumor size in APCmin mice. IHC revealed that PAK1 deletion reduced p-AKT, β-catenin, and c-Myc expression in APCmin adenomas. Colonoscopy and pathologic analysis revealed that PAK1 deletion reduced tumor multiplicity without affecting tumor size in AOM/DSS-treated mice. 5-ASA treatment and PAK1 deletion impeded tumor multiplicity and dysplastic lesions in AOM/DSS mice. IHC further revealed that 5-ASA blocked β-catenin signaling via inhibition of PAK1/p-AKT. These data indicate that PAK1 contributes to initiation of intestinal carcinogenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 8(11); 1093–101. ©2015 AACR.
Urinary Metabolites of Prostanoids and Risk of Recurrent Colorectal Adenomas in the Aspirin/Folate Polyp Prevention Study (AFPPS)
Authors: Fedirko Veronika , Bradshaw Patrick T. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Sandler Robert S. , Barry Elizabeth L. , Ahnen Dennis J. , Milne Ginger L. , Bresalier Robert S. , Baron John A.
Published: August 2015

Aspirin has been shown to protect against colorectal neoplasms; however, the optimal chemopreventive dose and underlying mechanisms are unclear. We aimed to study the relationship between prostanoid metabolites and aspirin's effect on adenoma occurrence. We used data from the Aspirin/Folate Polyp Prevention Study, in which 1,121 participants with a recent adenoma were randomized to placebo or two doses of aspirin (81 or 325 mg/d) to be taken until the next surveillance colonoscopy, anticipated about 3 years later. Urinary metabolites of prostanoids (PGE-M, PGI-M, and dTxB2) were measured using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry or GC/NICI-MS in 876 participants near the end of treatment follow-up. Poisson regression with a robust error variance was used to calculate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. PGE-M, PGI-M, and dTxB2 levels were 28%, 37%, and 60% proportionately lower, respectively, in individuals who took 325 mg of aspirin compared with individuals who took placebo (all P < 0.001). Similarly, among individuals who took 81 mg of aspirin, PGE-M, PGI-M, and dTxB2 were, respectively, 18%, 30%, and 57% proportionally lower compared with placebo (all P < 0.005). None of the metabolites or their ratios were statistically significantly associated with the risk of adenoma occurrence. The effect of aspirin in reducing adenoma risk was independent of prostanoid levels. Aspirin use is associated with lower levels of urinary prostanoid metabolites. However, our findings do not support the hypothesis that these metabolites are associated with adenoma occurrence, suggesting that COX-dependent mechanisms may not completely explain the chemopreventive effect of aspirin on colorectal neoplasms. Cancer Prev Res; 8(11); 1061–8. ©2015 AACR.