bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretable Machine Learning for Mobile Notification Management
Authors: Mehrotra Abhinav , Hendley Robert , Musolesi Mirco
Published: August 2017

Mobile notifications are increasingly used by a variety of applications to inform users about events, news or just to send alerts and reminders to them. However, many notifications are neither useful nor relevant to users' interests and, for this reason, they are considered disruptive and potentially annoying, as well. PrefMiner is a novel interruptibility management solution that learns users' preferences for receiving notifications based on automatic extraction of rules by mining their interaction with mobile phones. PrefMiner aims at being intelligible and interpretable for users, i.e., not just a "black box" solution, by suggesting rules to users who might decide to accept or discard them at run-time. The design of PrefMiner is based on a large scale mobile notification dataset and its effectiveness is evaluated by means of an in-the-wild deployment.
Collective Action Theory and the Dynamics of Complex Societies
Authors: DeMarrais Elizabeth , Earle Timothy
Published: August 2017

Collective action theory, as formulated in the social sciences, posits rational social actors who regularly assess the actions of others to inform their own decisions to cooperate. In anthropological archaeology, collective action theory is now being used to investigate the dynamics of large-scale polities of the past. Building on the work of Margaret Levi, collective action theorists argue that the more principals (rulers) depended on the populace for labor, tribute, or other revenues, the greater the agency (or “voice”) a population had in negotiating public benefits. In this review, we evaluate collective action theory, situating it in relation to existing theoretical approaches that address cooperation, consensus building, and nonelite agency in the past. We draw specific attention to the importance of analyzing agency at multiple scales as well as how institutions articulate shared interests and order sociopolitical and economic interaction. Finally, we argue for a new synthesis of political economy approaches with collective action theory.
Cell Polarity in Yeast
Authors: Chiou Jian-geng , Balasubramanian Mohan K. , Lew Daniel J.
Published: August 2017

A conserved molecular machinery centered on the Cdc42 GTPase regulates cell polarity in diverse organisms. Here we review findings from budding and fission yeasts that reveal both a conserved core polarity circuit and several adaptations that each organism exploits to fulfill the needs of its lifestyle. The core circuit involves positive feedback by local activation of Cdc42 to generate a cluster of concentrated GTP-Cdc42 at the membrane. Species-specific pathways regulate the timing of polarization during the cell cycle, as well as the location and number of polarity sites.
Agitation, Mixing, and Transfers Induced by Bubbles
Authors: Risso Frédéric
Published: August 2017

Bubbly flows involve bubbles randomly distributed within a liquid. At large Reynolds number, they experience an agitation that can combine shear-induced turbulence (SIT), large-scale buoyancy-driven flows, and bubble-induced agitation (BIA). The properties of BIA strongly differ from those of SIT. They have been determined from studies of homogeneous swarms of rising bubbles. Regarding the bubbles, agitation is mainly caused by the wake-induced path instability. Regarding the liquid, two contributions must be distinguished. The first one corresponds to the anisotropic flow disturbances generated near the bubbles, principally in the vertical direction. The second one is the almost isotropic turbulence induced by the flow instability through a population of bubbles, which turns out to be the main cause of horizontal fluctuations. Both contributions generate a k−3 spectral subrange and exponential probability density functions. The subsequent issue will be to understand how BIA interacts with SIT.
The CKM Parameters
Authors: Descotes-Genon Sébastien , Koppenburg Patrick
Published: August 2017

The Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa (CKM) matrix is a key element in describing flavor dynamics in the Standard Model. With only four parameters, this matrix is able to describe a large range of phenomena in the quark sector, such as [Formula: see text] violation and rare decays. It can thus be constrained by many different processes, which have to be measured experimentally with high accuracy and computed with good theoretical control. Recently, with the advent of the [Formula: see text] factories and the LHCb experiment taking data, the precision has significantly improved. We review the most relevant experimental constraints and theoretical inputs and present fits to the CKM matrix for the Standard Model and for some topical model-independent studies of New Physics.
Symbiosis: Viruses as Intimate Partners
Authors: Roossinck Marilyn J. , Bazán Edelio R.
Published: August 2017

Viruses must establish an intimate relationship with their hosts and vectors in order to infect, replicate, and disseminate; hence, viruses can be considered as symbionts with their hosts. Symbiotic relationships encompass different lifestyles, including antagonistic (or pathogenic, the most well-studied lifestyle for viruses), commensal (probably the most common lifestyle), and mutualistic (important beneficial partners). Symbiotic relationships can shape the evolution of the partners in a holobiont, and placing viruses in this context provides an important framework for understanding virus-host relationships and virus ecology. Although antagonistic relationships are thought to lead to coevolution, this is not always clear in virus-host interactions, and impacts on evolution may be complex. Commensalism implies a hitchhiking role for viruses—selfish elements just along for the ride. Mutualistic relationships have been described in detail in the past decade, and they reveal how important viruses are in considering host ecology. Ultimately, symbiosis can lead to symbiogenesis, or speciation through fusion, and the presence of large amounts of viral sequence in the genomes of everything from bacteria to humans, including some important functional genes, illustrates the significance of viral symbiogenesis in the evolution of all life on Earth.
Noise in Load Cell Signal in an Automatic Weighing System Based on a Belt Conveyor
Authors: Choi Kyoo Nam
Published: August 2017

Noise in load cell signal in an automatic weighing system based on a belt conveyor has been examined experimentally in time and frequency domains to enhance signal quality. The noise frequency spectrum showed nonlinearly increasing multiple resonance peaks as speed increased. The noise reduction process using noise reduction algorithm, by sharply rejecting peak noise frequency component and afterward forming optimum pulse width ratio through filter slope control using selective switching of 6 LPF stages, was used for enhanced accuracy. The effectiveness of proposed method, controlling both cutoff frequency and slope of LPF, was evaluated by feeding 50 g test mass, and this noise reduction process showed better noise filtering with enhanced accuracy than fixed cutoff frequency control method. The ratio of top to bottom pulse width showed that LPF cutoff frequency above 5 Hz had the ratio above 50% up to 80 m/min speed range.
Compressing Sensing Based Source Localization for Controlled Acoustic Signals Using Distributed Microphone Arrays
Authors: Ke Wei , Zhang Xiunan , Yuan Yanan , Shao Jianhua
Published: August 2017

In order to enhance the accuracy of sound source localization in noisy and reverberant environments, this paper proposes an adaptive sound source localization method based on distributed microphone arrays. Since sound sources lie at a few points in the discrete spatial domain, our method can exploit this inherent sparsity to convert the localization problem into a sparse recovery problem based on the compressive sensing (CS) theory. In this method, a two‐step discrete cosine transform‐ (DCT‐) based feature extraction approach is utilized to cover both short‐time and long‐time properties of acoustic signals and reduce the dimensions of the sparse model. In addition, an online dictionary learning (DL) method is used to adjust the dictionary for matching the changes of audio signals, and then the sparse solution could better represent location estimations. Moreover, we propose an improved block‐sparse reconstruction algorithm using approximate l0 norm minimization to enhance reconstruction performance for sparse signals in low signal‐noise ratio (SNR) conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by simulation results and experimental results where substantial improvement for localization performance can be obtained in the noisy and reverberant conditions.
A Novel Electric Bicycle Battery Monitoring System Based on Android Client
Authors: Song Chuanxue , Shao Yulong , Song Shixin , Peng Silun , Xiao Feng
Published: August 2017

The battery monitoring system (BMS) plays a crucial role in maintaining the safe operation of the lithium battery electric bicycle and prolonging the life of the battery pack. This paper designed a set of new battery monitoring systems based on the Android system and ARM single-chip microcomputer to enable direct management of the lithium battery pack and convenient monitoring of the state of the battery pack. The BMS realizes the goal of monitoring the voltage, current, and ambient temperature of lithium batteries, estimating the state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH), protecting the battery from abuse during charging or discharging, and ensuring the consistency of the batteries by integrating the passive equalization circuit. The BMS was proven effective and feasible through several tests, including charging/discharging, estimation accuracy, and communication tests. The results indicated that the BMS could be used in the design and application of the electric bicycle.
Acute Low-Dose Hydralazine-Induced Lupus Pneumonitis
Authors: Holman Sarah K. , Parris Donique , Meyers Sarah , Ramirez Jason
Published: August 2017

A 35-year-old female was started on hydralazine 10 mg orally three times a day for treatment of postpartum hypertension. Three months later, after multiple unsuccessful courses of prednisone and antibiotics for presumed pneumonia and asthma exacerbations, her respiratory symptoms progressed in severity and she developed resting hypoxia. Previous diagnostic work-up included spirometry with a restrictive pattern, chest CT showing bilateral basilar consolidation, negative BAL, and nonspecific findings on lung biopsy of mild inflammatory cells. Review of systems was positive for arthralgia, lymphadenopathy, paresthesia, and fatigue that began four weeks after starting hydralazine. A clinical diagnosis of hydralazine-induced lupus (HIL) with pneumonitis was made. Antihistone antibodies were positive supporting a diagnosis of HIL. Management included cessation of hydralazine and a prolonged steroid taper. Within days, patient began improving symptomatically. Six weeks later, CT chest showed complete resolution of infiltrates. Genetic testing revealed she was heterozygous for N-acetyltransferase 2 (intermediate acetylator). Drug-induced lupus should be considered in patients with lupus-like symptoms taking medications with a known association. While the majority of HIL cases occur with high doses and prolonged treatment, cases of low-dose HIL have been reported in patients who are slow acetylators.
On the GI/M/1 Queue with Vacations and Multiple Service Phases
Authors: Li Jianjun , Liu Liwei
Published: August 2017

This paper considers a GI/M/1 queue with vacations and multiple service phases. Whenever the system becomes empty, the server takes a vacation, causing the system to move to vacation phase 0. If the server returns from a vacation to find no customer waiting, another vacation begins. Otherwise, the system jumps from phase 0 to some service phase i with probability qi,   i = 1,2, …, N. Using the matrix geometric solution method and semi‐Markov process, we obtain the distributions of the stationary system size at both arrival and arbitrary epochs. The distribution of the stationary waiting time of an arbitrary customer is also derived. In addition, we present some performance measures such as mean waiting time of an arbitrary customer, mean length of the type‐i cycle, and mean number of customers in the system at the end of phase 0. Finally, some numerical examples are presented.
UV Activation of Persulfate for Removal of Penicillin G Antibiotics in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Norzaee Samira , Bazrafshan Edris , Djahed Babak , Kord Mostafapour Ferdos , Khaksefidi Razieh
Published: August 2017

Penicillin G (PG) is one of the most widely consumed antibiotics around the world. Release of PG in environment may lead to contamination of water resources. The aim of the present work is to assess feasibility of applying UV-activated persulfate process in removal of PG from aquatic environments. The study examined the effect of pH (3–11), persulfate initial concentration (0.5–3 mM), reaction time (15–90 minutes), and initial concentration of PG (0.02–0.14 mM) on PG decomposition. Also, the pseudo-first-order kinetic model was used for kinetic analysis of PG removal. The results indicated that UV-activated persulfate process can effectively eliminate PG from water. The highest PG removal efficiency was obtained as 94.28% at pH 5, and the decomposition percentage was raised by increasing persulfate dose from 0.5 to 3 mM and the reaction time from 15 to 90 minutes. Besides, the removal efficiency decreased through increasing the initial concentration of PG. UV-activated persulfate process effectively decomposes PG and eliminates it from water.
Concomitant Intravitreal Ganciclovir and Dexamethasone Therapy in the Management of Acute Retinal Necrosis in a Patient Previously Treated with Oral Famciclovir
Authors: Patel Chirag V. , Kishore Kamal
Published: August 2017

Several treatments have been reported for acute retinal necrosis (ARN). We report a case of treatment with intravitreal injection of ganciclovir and dexamethasone in addition to oral valacyclovir in a patient who was previously treated with oral famciclovir for ipsilateral herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).
The Effectiveness of Personalized Bowel Preparation Using a Smartphone Camera Application: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Jung Jae won , Park Jongha , Jeon Gi Jung , Moon Young Soo , Yang Sung Yuon , Kim Tae Oh , Jung Eui Tay , Kim Hee-Cheol
Published: August 2017

Background. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a smartphone application that analyzes and judges the optimal dosage of polyethylene glycol (PEG) for bowel preparation. Methods. Patients were assigned to use the smartphone camera application (app group) or written instructions (non-app group). The smartphone camera application was programmed to analyze the bowel preparation quality and automatically determine the dosage of PEG from an analysis of stool images. In contrast, the non-app group consumed PEG solution according to the manual. Results. The primary outcome was the quality of the bowel preparation based on blinded ratings using the Ottawa bowel preparation scale (OBPS). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean OBPS scores between the two groups (P=0.950). However, the app group consumed a lower dose of PEG than the non-app group (mean dosage (mL): 3713.2 ± 405.8 versus 3979.2 ± 102.06, P=0.001). The app group (5-point Likert scale; mean score 4.37 ± 0.895) had high acceptance of the application. Conclusions. Although the app group consumed a lower PEG dose, the bowel preparation quality was similar in the two groups. Moreover, use of the smartphone camera application enhanced compliance with the bowel preparation.
Smoking, Gender, and Overweight Are Important Influencing Factors on Monocytic HLA-DR before and after Major Cancer Surgery
Authors: Lachmann Gunnar , von Haefen Clarissa , Kurth Johannes , Yuerek Fatima , Wernecke Klaus-Dieter , Spies Claudia
Published: August 2017

Background. Monocytic human leukocyte antigen D related (mHLA-DR) is essential for antigen-presentation. Downregulation of mHLA-DR emerged as a general biomarker of impaired immunity seen in patients with sepsis and pneumonia and after major surgery. Influencing factors of mHLA-DR such as age, overweight, diabetes, smoking, and gender remain unclear. Methods. We analyzed 20 patients after esophageal or pancreatic resection of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial (placebo group). mHLA-DR was determined from day of surgery (od) until postoperative day (pod) 5. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariate generalized estimating equation analyses (GEE), nonparametric multivariate analysis of longitudinal data, and univariate post hoc nonparametric Mann–Whitney tests. Results. In GEE, smoking and gender were confirmed as significant influencing factors over time. Univariate analyses of mHLA-DR between smokers and nonsmokers showed lower preoperative levels (p=0.010) and a trend towards lower levels on pod5 (p=0.056) in smokers. Lower mHLA-DR was seen in men on pod3 (p=0.038) and on pod5 (p=0.026). Overweight patients (BMI > 25 kg/m2) had lower levels of mHLA-DR on pod3 (p=0.039) and pod4 (p=0.047). Conclusion. Smoking is an important influencing factor on pre- and postoperative immune function while postoperative immune function was influenced by gender and overweight. Clinical trial registered with ISRCTN27114642.
Association between ADAM12 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lv Zheng-tao , Liang Shuang , Huang Xiao-jian , Cheng Peng , Zhu Wen-tao , Chen An-min
Published: August 2017

Objective. ADAM12 polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but currently available evidence remains controversial. We performed this meta-analysis to confirm whether ADAM12 polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility of KOA. Methods. A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science was conducted to identify observational studies assessing the association between ADAM12 polymorphisms and susceptibility of KOA. The strength of association was indicated as odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Four types of genetic model (additive model, dominant model, recessive model, and allele model) were evaluated for each included study. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity was performed. Results. Seven case-control studies comprising a total of 3512 KOA patients and 5405 healthy controls were included in the meta-analysis. A significant association between rs1871054 and increased KOA risk was found in each genetic model. No significant association was found between KOA and rs3740199, rs1044122, or rs1278279 in any genetic model. Conclusion. Based on the findings of our study, there was a modest but statistically significant association between rs1871054 and risk of KOA in Asian population, while other polymorphisms (rs3740199, rs1044122, or rs1278279) in ADAM12 were not associated with KOA in any population.
Optimization of Support Structures for Offshore Wind Turbines Using Genetic Algorithm with Domain‐Trimming
Authors: AlHamaydeh Mohammad , Barakat Samer , Nasif Omar
Published: August 2017

The powerful genetic algorithm optimization technique is augmented with an innovative “domain‐trimming” modification. The resulting adaptive, high‐performance technique is called Genetic Algorithm with Domain‐Trimming (GADT). As a proof of concept, the GADT is applied to a widely used benchmark problem. The 10‐dimensional truss optimization benchmark problem has well documented global and local minima. The GADT is shown to outperform several published solutions. Subsequently, the GADT is deployed onto three‐dimensional structural design optimization for offshore wind turbine supporting structures. The design problem involves complex least‐weight topology as well as member size optimizations. The GADT is applied to two popular design alternatives: tripod and quadropod jackets. The two versions of the optimization problem are nonlinearly constrained where the objective function is the material weight of the supporting truss. The considered design variables are the truss members end node coordinates, as well as the cross‐sectional areas of the truss members, whereas the constraints are the maximum stresses in members and the maximum displacements of the nodes. These constraints are managed via dynamically modified, nonstationary penalty functions. The structures are subject to gravity, wind, wave, and earthquake loading conditions. The results show that the GADT method is superior in finding best discovered optimal solutions.
Holistic Privacy-Preserving Identity Management System for the Internet of Things
Authors: Bernal Bernabe Jorge , Hernandez-Ramos Jose L. , Skarmeta Gomez Antonio F.
Published: August 2017

Security and privacy concerns are becoming an important barrier for large scale adoption and deployment of the Internet of Things. To address this issue, the identity management system defined herein provides a novel holistic and privacy-preserving solution aiming to cope with heterogeneous scenarios that requires both traditional online access control and authentication, along with claim-based approach for M2M (machine to machine) interactions required in IoT. It combines a cryptographic approach for claim-based authentication using the Idemix anonymous credential system, together with classic IdM mechanisms by relying on the FIWARE IdM (Keyrock). This symbiosis endows the IdM system with advanced features such as privacy-preserving, minimal disclosure, zero-knowledge proofs, unlikability, confidentiality, pseudonymity, strong authentication, user consent, and offline M2M transactions. The IdM system has been specially tailored for the Internet of Things bearing in mind the management of both users’ and smart objects’ identity. Moreover, the IdM system has been successfully implemented, deployed, and tested in the scope of SocIoTal European research project.
Orthorectification of KOMPSAT Optical Images Using Various Ground Reference Data and Accuracy Assessment
Authors: Lee Kwangjae , Kim Eunseon , Kim Younsoo
Published: August 2017

Along with the appearance of high resolution satellite images, image correction using Rational Polynomial Coefficients (RPCs) has become common. Location accuracy of Korea Multipurpose Satellite (KOMPSAT) standard images is still not adequate, so, in order to leverage the KOMPSAT images for applications such as mapping and change detection, it is necessary to orthorectify the images. In this study, using updated RPCs, we performed orthorectification of KOMPSAT-2, KOMPSAT-3, and KOMPSAT-3A images using various data. Through this study, we discovered that the orthorectification result using precise Ground Control Points (GCPs) and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is the best, but it was found that the correction results through image matching are also excellent. In particular, it was confirmed that orthoimages with a planimetric accuracy around 3 m (Root Mean Square Error (RMSE)) can be generated by using well-known matching algorithms with open data such as OpenStreetMap (OSM) and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM, which can be acquired by anyone. Although the accuracy was low in some mountainous terrain, it was confirmed that it could be used for generating KOMPSAT orthoimages using open data. This paper describes the results for orthorectifying high resolution KOMPSAT optical images using various reference data.
An Approach to Mathematical Modeling and Estimation of Probe-Drogue Docking Success Probability for UAV Autonomous Aerial Refueling
Authors: Wang Xufeng , Li Jianmin , Kong Xingwei , Dong Xinmin , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2017

One of the keys to the success of aerial refueling for probe-drogue aerial refueling system (PDARS) is the successful docking between the probe and drogue. The study of probe-drogue docking success probability offers an important support to achieving successful docking. During the docking phase of PDARS, based on prior information and reasonable assumptions for the movements of the drogue under atmospheric disturbance, the probe-drogue docking success probability is converted to the probability of the drogue center located in a specific area. A model of the probe-drogue docking success probability is established with and without actuation error, respectively. The curves of the probe-drogue docking success probability with the standard deviation of the drogue central position, the maximum distance from the drogue center position to the equilibrium position, the actuation error, and the standard deviation of the actuation error are obtained through simulations. The study has referential value for the docking maneuver decision of aerial refueling for PDARS.
The Role of Sodium Bicarbonate in the Management of Some Toxic Ingestions
Authors: Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , Ayach Taha , Barbaryan Aram , Talari Goutham , Chadha Romil , Gray Adam
Published: August 2017

Adverse reactions to commonly prescribed medications and to substances of abuse may result in severe toxicity associated with increased morbidity and mortality. According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2013, at least 2113 human fatalities attributed to poisonings occurred in the United States of America. In this article, we review the data regarding the impact of systemic sodium bicarbonate administration in the management of certain poisonings including sodium channel blocker toxicities, salicylate overdose, and ingestion of some toxic alcohols and in various pharmacological toxicities. Based on the available literature and empiric experience, the administration of sodium bicarbonate appears to be beneficial in the management of a patient with the above-mentioned toxidromes. However, most of the available evidence originates from case reports, case series, and expert consensus recommendations. The potential mechanisms of sodium bicarbonate include high sodium load and the development of metabolic alkalosis with resultant decreased tissue penetration of the toxic substance with subsequent increased urinary excretion. While receiving sodium bicarbonate, patients must be monitored for the development of associated side effects including electrolyte abnormalities, the progression of metabolic alkalosis, volume overload, worsening respiratory status, and/or worsening metabolic acidosis. Patients with oliguric/anuric renal failure and advanced decompensated heart failure should not receive sodium bicarbonate.
Early Right Ventricular Apical Pacing-Induced Gene Expression Alterations Are Associated with Deterioration of Left Ventricular Systolic Function
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Xie Xiongwei , Li Jiangjin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Xu Changsong , Yang Jing
Published: August 2017

The chronic high-dose right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing may have deleterious effects on left ventricular (LV) systolic function. We hypothesized that the expression changes of genes regulating cardiomyocyte energy metabolism and contractility were associated with deterioration of LV function in patients who underwent chronic RVA pacing. Sixty patients with complete atrioventricular block and preserved ejection fraction (EF) who underwent pacemaker implantation were randomly assigned to either RVA pacing (n=30) group or right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) pacing (n=30) group. The mRNA levels of OPA1 and SERCA2a were significantly lower in the RVA pacing group at 1 month’s follow-up (both p<0.001). Early changes in the expression of selected genes OPA1 and SERCA2a were associated with deterioration in global longitudinal strain (GLS) that became apparent months later (p=0.002 and p=0.026, resp.) The altered expressions of genes that regulate cardiomyocyte energy metabolism and contractility measured in the peripheral blood at one month following pacemaker implantation were associated with subsequent deterioration in LV dyssynchrony and function in patients with preserved LVEF, who underwent RVA pacing.
Garidisan: Improving the Quality of Ulcer Healing in Rats with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Wei-Zhi , Pei Ling-Yan , Ke Yu-Shi , Cui Jian , Li Shu-Chun
Published: August 2017

Garidisan, commonly used in Mongolia to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), contains wild poppy and Artemisia frigida Willd. Clinical evidence shows that Garidisan can effectively treat UC and that recurrence is low. Thus, we evaluated the effects of Garidisan on ulcer healing quality and the regulation of immune balance in rats with experimental UC. UC was induced by immunization with TNBS and Garidisan significantly reduced DAI, CMDI, and HS. H&E staining, SEM, and VG staining showed that Garidisan repaired damaged intestinal mucosa and significantly reduced expression of ICAM‐1 and CD105 in regenerated tissues of UC rats. Collagen fibers were significantly fewer as well after treatment. Garidisan elevated EGF, VEGF, bFGF, VEGFR2, and FGFR1 of UC rats, reduced CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ T cell ratios, and increased CD4+Th1/CD4+Th2 cell ratios and IFN‐r/IL‐4 ratios in peripheral blood of UC rats. In conclusion, Garidisan promoted tissue maturation of regenerated tissues by regulating the immune balance and improved functional maturity of regenerated tissues by reducing collagen formation, promoting maturation of new blood vessels, and increasing expression of growth factors and their receptors.
Is Dementia Screening of Apparently Healthy Individuals Justified?
Authors: Chambers Larry W. , Sivananthan Saskia , Brayne Carol
Published: August 2017

Despite efforts to raise awareness and develop guidelines for care of individuals with dementia, reports of poor detection and inadequate management persist. This has led to a call for more identification of people with dementia, that is, screening individuals who may or may not complain of symptoms of dementia in both acute settings and primary care. The following should be considered before recommending screening for dementia among individuals in the general population. Dementia Tests. Low prevalence reduces positive predictive value of tests and screening tests will miss people who have dementia and identify people who do not have dementia in substantial numbers. Clinical Issues. The clinical course of dementia has not yet been shown to be amenable to intervention. Misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis can have significant long-term effects including stigmatization, loss of employment, and autonomy. Economic Issues. Health systems do not have the capacity to respond to increased demand resulting from screening. In conclusion, at present attention to life-course risk reduction and support in the community for frail and cognitively impaired older adults is a better use of limited healthcare resources than introduction of unevaluated dementia screening programs.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal
Authors: Morris Van , Rao Xiayu , Pickering Curtis , Foo Wai Chin , Rashid Asif , Eterovic Karina , Kim Taebeom , Chen Ken , Wang Jing , Shaw Kenna , Eng Cathy
Published: August 2017

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy with an increasing annual incidence globally. The majority of cases are linked to prior infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). For patients with metastatic SCCA, no consensus standard treatment exists. Identification of relevant targeted agents as novel therapeutic approaches for metastatic SCCA has been limited by a lack of comprehensive molecular profiling. We performed whole-exome sequencing on tumor–normal pairs from 24 patients with metastatic SCCA. Tumor tissue from 17 additional patients was analyzed using a 263-gene panel as a validation cohort. Gene expression profiling was performed on available frozen tissue to assess for differential expression patterns. Based on these findings, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of SCCA were generated to test targeted therapies against PI3K and EGFR. Despite a low mutation burden, mutations in PIK3CA, MLL2, and MLL3 were among the most commonly mutated genes. An association between TP53 mutations and HPV-negative SCCA tumors was observed. Gene expression analysis suggested distinct tumor subpopulations harboring PIK3CA mutations and for which HPV had integrated into the host genome. In vivo studies demonstrated improvement with anti-EGFR treatment. Gene mutation frequencies, tumor mutation burden, and gene expression patterns for metastatic SCCA appear similar to other HPV-associated malignancies.

Implications: This first comprehensive genomic characterization for patients with metastatic SCCA provides further rationale for the integration of SCCA into the development of novel targeted therapies across HPV-related cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1542–50. ©2017 AACR.
Digestive System Mixed Neuroendocrine-Non-Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: de Mestier Louis , Cros Jérôme , Neuzillet Cindy , Hentic Olivia , Egal Axel , Muller Nelly , Bouché Olivier , Cadiot Guillaume , Ruszniewski Philippe , Couvelard Anne , Hammel Pascal
Published: August 2017

Mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNEN) are a heterogeneous subgroup of rare neoplasms that represent about a third of all poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (PDNEC). MiNEN combine a neuroendocrine component, usually a PDNEC, and a non-neuroendocrine component, generally an adenocarcinoma, both accounting for at least 30% of the neoplasm. MiNEN are classified as high-, intermediate-, or low-grade malignancies depending on the metastatic potential of the tumour components. High-grade malignant component should be considered even if it represents <30% of the tumour. The prognosis of MiNEN is generally intermediate between those of the two “pure” components composing it. The aim of this comprehensive review of the literature is to suggest a standardized management of MiNEN. An increasing body of evidence suggests that PDNEC components share molecular abnormalities with their adenocarcinoma counterparts, but also display additional alterations. This advocates for a common origin, and that the presence of a PDNEC component in an adenocarcinoma could indicate a turning point in carcinogenesis.
A Structured, Manual-Based Low-Level Intervention vs. Treatment as Usual Evaluated in a Randomized Controlled Trial for Adolescents with Extreme Obesity - the STEREO Trial
Authors: Mühlig Yvonne , Scherag André , Bickenbach Annika , Giesen Ulrike , Holl Reinhard , Holle Rolf , Kiess Wieland , Lennerz Belinda , Lütke Brintrup Diana , Moss Anja , Neef Madlen , Ose Claudia , Reinehr Thomas , Teuner Christina M. , Wiegand Susanna , Wolters Barbara , Wabitsch Martin , Hebebrand Johannes
Published: August 2017

Background: To compare efficacy and safety of a manual-based low-level psychological intervention with treatment as usual (weight loss treatment). Methods: A two-armed randomized controlled trial without blinding and computer-based stratified block randomization included adolescents and young adults (14.0-24.9 years) with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 at five German university hospitals. Primary outcomes were adherence (participation rate ≥ 5/6 sessions) and quality of life (DISABKIDS-37) 6 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes included depression, self-esteem, and perceived stress scores. Results: Of 397 screened adolescents, 119 (mean BMI 40.4 ± 7.0 kg/m2, 49.6% female) were randomized to the manual-based low-level intervention (n = 59) or treatment as usual (n = 60). We observed no group difference for adherence (absolute risk reduction 0.4%, 95% CI -14.7% to 15.5%; p = 1.0) or health-related quality of life (score difference 8.1, 95% CI -2.1 to 18.3; p = 0.11). Among all secondary outcomes, we detected explorative evidence for an effect on the DISABKIDS-37 ‘social exclusion' subscale (score difference 15.5; 95% CI 1.6-29.4; p = 0.03). 18/19 adverse events occurred in 26 participants, none were classified as serious. Conclusion: Adherence to a coping-oriented intervention was comparable to weight loss treatment, although it was weak in both interventions. Psychological interventions may help to overcome social isolation; further confirmation is required.
Serum Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Yao Xiaomei , Wang Dong , Zhang Lei , Wang Lingling , Zhao Zhenxiang , Chen Si , Wang Xiaotang , Yue Tao , Liu Yiming
Published: August 2017

Background: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has been shown to be protective for dopaminergic neurons in animal and ex vivo experiments. However, little is known about its effect on the human body. Objective: This study investigated associations between serum GDF15 levels and clinical parameters in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Methods: Idiopathic PD patients (n = 104) and age-matched controls (n = 88) were enrolled. Serum GDF15 levels were measured by human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Univariate and multivariate analyses investigated correlations between GDF15 and clinical characteristics, including disease severity by the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS)-III. The diagnostic value of GDF15 was evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Results: The serum GDF15 levels of the PD patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy controls. In PD patients, serum GDF15 levels in men were significantly higher than in women. GDF15 levels correlated with age, gender, disease duration, and UPDRS-III score. After adjusting for confounding factors, multiple linear regression analysis showed that the serum GDF15 level (β = 0.015, p = 0.001) was an independent risk factor for UPDRS-III score. In ROC analysis, GDF15 achieved an area under the curve of 0.86 for the identification of PD, with a sensitivity of 71.15% and a specificity of 87.50%. Conclusion: GDF15 may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of motor severity in PD.
Association between Caesarean Delivery and Isolated Doses of Formula Feeding in Cow Milk Allergy
Authors: Gil Francisco , Amezqueta Ana , Martinez Diana , Aznal Elena , Etayo Veronica , Durá Teodoro , Sánchez-Valverde Félix
Published: August 2017

Background: Cow milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in breastfed infants. The aim of this study is to verify whether certain perinatal factors may influence the development of CMA immunoglobulin E (IgE)+. Methods: A retrospective, observational study of case and control groups was carried out. Information was collected of patients with CMA IgE+ from our department during the years 1990-2013. Patients of the same age and sex were recruited for the control group. Information on the following variables was collected: sex, age, pregnancy tolerance, duration of pregnancy, type of delivery, isolated doses of formula feeding in hospital (FFH), duration of breastfeeding, and family history of allergy (defined as ≥1 first-degree family member with allergic disease). Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression techniques. Results: A total of 211 cases were included in this study. Multivariate analysis showed an influence of duration of breastfeeding, FFH to be a risk factor (OR 4.94; 95% CI 2.68-9.08), especially in caesarean delivery (OR 11.82; 95% CI 2.64-47.50), and prematurity (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.09-0.92) to be a protective factor. Conclusions: Perinatal factors play a key role in the development of CMA IgE+, with an influence of breastfeeding duration, FFH and caesarean delivery as risk factors and prematurity as a protective factor. While family history had no important role, environmental factors were more decisive.
The Trend of Change of Allergic Diseases over the Years: Three Repeated Surveys from 1994 to 2014
Authors: Doğruel Dilek , Bingöl Gülbin , Altıntaş Derya Ufuk , Seydaoğlu Gülşah , Erkan Ahmet , Yılmaz Mustafa
Published: August 2017

Background: Although it is known that there has been an increase in asthma and allergic diseases among school-aged children, results vary between countries. The aim of this study was to examine trends in the prevalence of these diseases in the city of Adana (south Turkey) over the last 20 years based on the results of 3 cross-sectional studies. Methods: Three cross-sectional surveys were performed 10 years apart in south Turkey. Here, we compare the surveys conducted among children between the ages of 6 and 14 years from 1994, 2004, and 2014. The participants were randomly chosen among children attending participating primary schools in Adana. The questionnaire in the first survey contained almost the same questions as the ISAAC. In the 2 latter surveys, we used the ISAAC questionnaire to investigate the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases. Results: A total of 2,334 children in 1994, 3,728 children in 2004, and 3,209 children in 2014 were included in the final analysis. The results showed a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of physician-diagnosed allergic diseases across the years, respectively: asthma (5, 4.6, and 8.9%), allergic rhinitis (8.8, 11.4, and 15.6%), and atopic dermatitis (5, 9.9, and 7%). In contrast, the prevalence of parent-reported current wheeze (16.2, 13.2%) decreased in the last 10 years. Conclusions: Our findings were consistent with the increased prevalence of childhood asthma and other allergic diseases. However, this pattern did not occur in respiratory symptoms.
Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularizations: Clinical Study of 3 Cases
Authors: Laovirojjanakul Wipada , Sanguansak Thuss , Yospaiboon Yosanan , Sinawat Supat , Sinawat Suthasinee
Published: August 2017

Background: We report 3 patients with laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Method: Retrospective, observational case series. Medical charts and photographs were reviewed. Results: Two patients with central serous chorioretinopathy who developed iatrogenic CNV after focal laser photocoagulation were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections. One patient with CNV secondary to thermal laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema was treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Visual improvement has been demonstrated in the patients treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections, and their successful visual outcome was stable for more than 2 years. Stable visual acuity was also observed in the patient treated with PDT, no visual improvement was observed possibly due to the macular scar and macular ischemia. No systemic or ocular complications were detected among the 3 cases. Conclusion: To prevent a laser-induced CNV, it is critical to avoid heavy small-spot laser burns and repeated application. Patients should be monitored carefully for CNV after laser treatment. In our cases, PDT and intravitreal ranibizumab injections were effective for the treatment of laser-induced CNV.
Drug-Induced Autoimmune Hepatitis following Treatment with Zoledronic Acid
Authors: Schneider Jenny Sarah , Montani Matteo , Stickel Felix
Published: August 2017

Adverse drug reactions are among the most frequent side effects of synthetic and complementary alternative drugs and represent the premier causes of license revocations and acute liver failure. Drug-induced liver injury can resemble literally any other genuine liver disease and usually responds well to drug dechallenge. However, in some cases autoimmune-like hepatitis can evolve, requiring short- and sometimes long-term immunosuppression. Here, we present the hitherto first case of autoimmune-like hepatitis following treatment with zoledronic acid.
Decrease of Estradiol and Several Lifestyle Factors, but Not Helicobacter pylori Infection, Are Significant Risks for Osteopenia in Japanese Females
Authors: Chinda Daisuke , Shimoyama Tadashi , Iino Chikara , Matsuzaka Masashi , Nakaji Shigeyuki , Fukuda Shinsaku
Published: August 2017

Background: The primary cause of osteoporosis in women is increased bone resorption and decreased bone density associated with reduced estrogen secretion. Several studies have demonstrated a relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and osteoporosis regardless of estrogen levels. This study examined the relationship between H. pylori infection and osteopenia together with estrogen levels, calcium intake, and several lifestyle factors. Methods: This study included 473 healthy women who underwent a general health examination. Multivariate analysis was performed, with age, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, drinking habit, exercise habit, schooling duration, estradiol levels, birth history, calcium intake, schooling duration, smoking habit, drinking habit, exercise habit, and H. pylori infection as independent variables and the presence of osteopenia as a dependent variable. Results: The adjusted OR for osteopenia with H. pylori infection was 0.95 (95% CI 0.55-1.63, p = 0.84). In contrast, osteopenia was significantly associated with age, low BMI, lesser schooling period, low estradiol levels, and low calcium intake. Conclusions:H. pylori infection was not a significant risk for osteopenia by the multivariate analysis, which included the primary confounding factors. Significant factors, such as estradiol and calcium intake, should be assessed together to study the association of H. pylori infection and osteopenia.
New Molecular, Biological, and Immunological Agents Inducing Hypophysitis
Authors: Angelousi Anna , Chatzellis Eleftherios , Kaltsas Gregory
Published: August 2017

Hypophysitis is a relatively rare disease that exerts a strong autoimmune component encompassing different etiologies. Immunomodulatory drugs, such as interferon-α, are known to rarely induce hypophysitis. In recent years, a large number of new biological and immunomodulatory agents have been introduced into clinical practice. Although immune-suppressing agents used for the treatment of autoimmune disorders only rarely are associated with hypophysitis, it is commonly encountered with immunomodulatory agents used for the treatment of cancer. Hypophysitis related to anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 antibodies (anti-CTLA-4 Abs) occurs with a prevalence ranging from 0 to 18% and is considered a distinctive side effect of anti-CTLA-4 Abs treatment. Hypophysitis due to the programmed cell death protein-1 antibodies and their ligand is less common, its frequency ranging from 0 to 0.8%. No cases of hypophysitis have been described with molecular targeted agents. Diagnosis of hypophysitis still remains clinical since anti-pituitary antibodies are not a sensitive marker and thus its true prevalence is probably underestimated. The pathophysiology of hypophysitis induced by anticancer agents is not fully clarified. In most cases, treatment requires dose adjustment of the offending drug and pituitary hormone replacement. This mini-review aims to present currently available information regarding hypophysitis related to new molecular, biological, and immunological agents.
Feedforward Chemical Neural Network: An In Silico Chemical System That Learns xor
Authors: Blount Drew , Banda Peter , Teuscher Christof , Stefanovic Darko
Published: August 2017

Inspired by natural biochemicals that perform complex information processing within living cells, we design and simulate a chemically implemented feedforward neural network, which learns by a novel chemical-reaction-based analogue of backpropagation. Our network is implemented in a simulated chemical system, where individual neurons are separated from each other by semipermeable cell-like membranes. Our compartmentalized, modular design allows a variety of network topologies to be constructed from the same building blocks. This brings us towards general-purpose, adaptive learning in chemico: wet machine learning in an embodied dynamical system.