bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Quantized GeneralizedH2Filtering for Uncertain Discrete-Time Fuzzy Systems
Authors: Wang Jidong , Si Xiaoping , Han Kezhen
Published: March 2015

This paper deals with the problem of robust generalizedH2filter design for uncertain discrete-time fuzzy systems with output quantization. Firstly, the outputs of the system are quantized by a memoryless logarithmic quantizer before being transmitted to a filter. Then, attention is focused on the design of a generalizedH2filter to mitigate quantization effects, such that the filtering error systems ensure the robust stability with a prescribed generalizedH2noise attenuation level. Via applying Finsler lemma to introduce some slack variables and using the fuzzy Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions for the existence of a robust generalizedH2filter are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Primary Borderline Mucinous Tumors of the Testis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Funada Satoshi , Yoshida Toru , Ito Masaaki , Kono Fumihiko , Segawa Takehiko
Published: March 2015

Ovarian-type epithelial tumors of the testes and paratestes are very rare. Mucinous subtypes of such tumors are extremely rare; only 25 cases have been reported to date. Ovarian-type epithelial tumors are histologically classified into cystadenomas, borderline tumors, and carcinomas. We herein report a case involving a 60-year-old man with a primary borderline mucinous tumor of the testis. He underwent orchiectomy and has developed no recurrence for 4 years. This is the 26th report of a mucinous tumor of the testis in the literature. We also herein review the literature and discuss the etiology, prognosis, and treatment of mucinous tumors of the testes.
BDS Multipath Parameter Estimation in the Presence of Impulsive Noise
Authors: Ding Jicheng , Zhao Lin , Jia Chun , Luo Zhibin
Published: March 2015

This study focuses on mitigating the multipath, especially the short-delay multipath of the BeiDou navigation satellite system under impulsive noise conditions. A modified least meanp-norm (LMP) algorithm is developed to reduce the convergence time with the same steady-state error by predicting the updating trend of weights. The modified normalized power and the normalized polynomial least meanpth power are also directly provided according to a similar principle. According to the research work, an average filter has been utilized to improve the processing gain of designed mitigation scheme. Some significant simulation results verified the performance of the proposed adaption algorithm. Multipath parameter estimation tests have been conducted under different noise levels. Some comparative statistics performance assessments are quantified and verified under impulsive and additional white Gaussian noise environments. Results with various window widths of the average filtering and carrier-to-noise ratios indicate that the proposed scheme is able to improve the performance of the short-delay multipath mitigation under normal and degraded environments.
Family Outbreaks of Nontyphoidal Salmonellosis following a Meal of Guinea Pigs
Authors: Fournier John B. , Knox Kimberly , Harris Maureen , Newstein Michael
Published: March 2015

Salmonellaoutbreaks have been linked to a wide variety of foods, including recent nationwide outbreaks. Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), also known as cuy or cobayo, has long been a popular delicacy and ceremonial food in the Andean region in South America. This case report describes three family outbreaks of nontyphoidal salmonellosis, each occurring after a meal of guinea pigs. We believe this case report is the first to describe a probable association between the consumption of guinea pig meat and human salmonellosis. Physicians should be aware of the association ofSalmonellaand the consumption of guinea pigs, given the increasing immigration of people from the Andean region of South America and the increasing travel to this region.
The Singular Points of Analytic Functions with FiniteX-Order Defined by Laplace-Stieltjes Transformations
Authors: Xu Hong-Yan , Xuan Zu-Xing
Published: March 2015

We study the singular points of analytic functions defined by Laplace-Stieltjes transformations which converge on the right half plane, by introducing the concept ofX-order functions. We also confirm the existence of the finiteX-order Borel points of such functions and obtained the extension of the finiteX-order Borel point of two analytic functions defined by two Laplace-Stieltjes transformations convergent on the right half plane. The main results of this paper are improvement of some theorems given by Shang and Gao.
Research on the Design and Modification of Asymmetric Spur Gear
Authors: Deng Xiaohe , Hua Lin , Han Xinghui
Published: March 2015

A design method for the geometric shape and modification of asymmetric spur gear was proposed, in which the geometric shape and modification of the gear can be obtained directly according to the rack-cutter profile. In the geometric design process of the gear, a rack-cutter with different pressure angles and fillet radius in the driving side and coast side was selected, and the generated asymmetric spur gear profiles also had different pressure angles and fillets accordingly. In the modification design of the gear, the pressure angle modification of rack-cutter was conducted firstly and then the corresponding modified involute gear profile was obtained. The geometric model of spur gears was developed using computer-aided design, and the meshing process was analyzed using finite element simulation method. Furthermore, the transmission error and load sharing ratio of unmodified and modified asymmetric spur gears were investigated. Research results showed that the proposed gear design method was feasible and desired spur gear can be obtained through one time rapid machining by the method. Asymmetric spur gear with better transmission characteristic can be obtained via involute modification.
Inhibitory Effects of Sodium Arsenite and Acacia Honey on Acetylcholinesterase in Rats
Authors: Muhammad Aliyu , Odunola Oyeronke A. , Gbadegesin Michael A. , Sallau Abdullahi B. , Ndidi Uche S. , Ibrahim Mohammed A.
Published: March 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of sodium arsenite and Acacia honey on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and electrolytes in the brain and serum of Wistar rats. Male Wistar albino rats in four groups of five rats each were treated with distilled water, sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg body weight), Acacia honey (20% v/v), and sodium arsenite and Acacia honey, daily for one week. The sodium arsenite and Acacia honey significantlyP<0.05decreased AChE activity in the brain with the combined treatment being more potent. Furthermore, sodium arsenite and Acacia honey significantlyP<0.05decreased AChE activity in the serum. Strong correlation was observed between the sodium and calcium ion levels with acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain and serum. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of Acacia honey revealed the presence of a number of bioactive compounds such as phenolics, sugar derivatives, and fatty acids. These findings suggest that sodium arsenite and/or Acacia honey modulates acetylcholinesterase activities which may be explored in the management of Alzheimer’s diseases but this might be counteracted by the hepatotoxicity induced by arsenics.
Chinese Gini Coefficient from 2005 to 2012, Based on 20 Grouped Income Data Sets of Urban and Rural Residents
Authors: Chen Jiandong , Fang Fuqian , Hou Wenxuan , Li Fengying , Pu Ming , Song Malin
Published: March 2015

Data insufficiency has become the primary factor affecting research on income disparity in China. To resolve this issue, this paper explores Chinese income distribution and income inequality using distribution functions. First, it examines 20 sets of grouped data on family income between 2005 and 2012 by theChina Yearbook of Household Surveys, 2013,and compares the fitting effects of eight distribution functions. The results show that the generalized beta distribution of the second kind has a high fitting to the income distribution of urban and rural residents in China. Next, these results are used to calculate the Chinese Gini ratio, which is then compared with the findings of relevant studies. Finally, this paper discusses the influence of urbanization on income inequality in China and suggests that accelerating urbanization can play an important role in narrowing the income gap of Chinese residents.
Evolutionary Spectra Estimation of Field Measurement Typhoon Processes Using Wavelets
Authors: Zhou Guang-Dong , Ding You-Liang , Li Ai-Qun
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a wavelet-based method for estimating evolutionary power spectral density (EPSD) of nonstationary stochastic oscillatory processes and its application to field measured typhoon processes. The EPSD, which is deduced in a closed form based on the definition of the EPSD and the algorithm of the continuous wavelet transform, can be formulated as a sum of squared moduli of the wavelet functions in time domain modulated by frequency-dependent coefficients that relate to the squared values of wavelet coefficients and two wavelet functions with different time shifts. A parametric study is conducted to examine the efficacy of the wavelet-based estimation method and the accuracy of different wavelets. The results indicate that all of the estimated EPSDs have acceptable accuracy in engineering application and the Morlet transform can provide desirable estimations in both time and frequency domains. Finally, the proposed method is adopted to investigate the time-frequency characteristics of the Typhoon Matsa measured in bridge site. The nonstationary energy distribution and stationary frequency component during the whole process are found. The work in this paper may promote an improved understanding of the nonstationary features of typhoon winds.
Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome 3 Onset with Severe Ketoacidosis in a 74-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Benedini Stefano , Tufano Antonietta , Passeri Elena , Mendola Marco , Luzi Livio , Corbetta Sabrina
Published: March 2015

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), autoimmune thyroid disease, and autoimmune gastritis often occur together forming the so-called autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 3 (APS3). We here report a clinical case of a 74-year-old woman who presented for the first time with severe hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis diagnosed as T1D. Further clinical investigations revealed concomitant severe hypothyroidism with autoimmune thyroid disease and severe cobalamin deficiency due to chronic atrophic gastritis. The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus was confirmed by the detection of autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, islet cell antibodies, and anti-insulin autoantibodies. Anti-thyroperoxidase, anti-thyroglobulin, and anti-gastric parietal cell antibodies were also clearly positive. The case emphasized that new onset diabetic ketoacidosis, hypothyroidism, and cobalamin deficiency may simultaneously occur, and one disease can mask the features of the other, thereby making diagnosis difficult. It is noteworthy that an APS3 acute episode occurred in an asymptomatic elder woman for any autoimmune diseases.
Bypass during Liver Transplantation: Anachronism or Revival? Liver Transplantation Using a Combined Venovenous/Portal Venous Bypass—Experiences with 163 Liver Transplants in a Newly Established Liver Transplantation Program
Authors: Mossdorf Anne , Ulmer Florian , Junge Karsten , Heidenhain Christoph , Hein Marc , Temizel Ilknur , Neumann Ulf Peter , Schöning Wenzel , Schmeding Maximilian
Published: March 2015

Introduction. The venovenous/portal venous (VVP) bypass technique has generally become obsolete in liver transplantation (LT) today. We evaluated our experience with 163 consecutive LTs that used a VVP bypass. Patients and Methods. The liver transplant program was started in our center in 2010. LTs were performed using an extracorporal bypass device. Results. Mean operative time was 269 minutes and warm ischemic time 43 minutes. The median number of transfusion of packed cells and plasma was 7 and 14. There was no intraoperative death, and the 30-day mortality was 3%. Severe bypass-induced complications did not occur. Discussion. The introduction of a new LT program requires maximum safety measures for all of the parties involved. Both surgical and anaesthesiological management (reperfusion) can be controlled very reliably using a VVP bypass device. Particularly when using marginal grafts, this approach helps to minimise both surgical and anaesthesiological complications in terms of less volume overload, less use of vasopressive drugs, less myocardial injury, and better peripheral blood circulation. Conclusion. Based on our experiences while establishing a new liver transplantation program, we advocate the reappraisal of the extracorporeal VVP bypass.
Activity of MM-398, Nanoliposomal Irinotecan (nal-IRI), in Ewing's Family Tumor Xenografts Is Associated with High Exposure of Tumor to Drug and High SLFN11 Expression
Authors: Kang Min H. , Wang Jing , Makena Monish R. , Lee Joo-Sang , Paz Nancy , Hall Connor P. , Song Michael M. , Calderon Ruben I. , Cruz Riza E. , Hindle Ashly , Ko Winford , Fitzgerald Jonathan B. , Drummond Daryl C. , Triche Timothy J. , Reynolds C. Patrick
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To determine the pharmacokinetics and the antitumor activity in pediatric cancer models of MM-398, a nanoliposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI).

Experimental Design: Mouse plasma and tissue pharmacokinetics of nal-IRI and the current clinical formulation of irinotecan were characterized. In vivo activity of irinotecan and nal-IRI was compared in xenograft models (3 each in nu/nu mice) of Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (EFT), neuroblastoma (NB), and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). SLFN11 expression was assessed by Affymetrix HuEx arrays, Taqman RT-PCR, and immunoblotting.

Results: Plasma and tumor concentrations of irinotecan and SN-38 (active metabolite) were approximately 10-fold higher for nal-IRI than for irinotecan. Two doses of NAL-IRI (10 mg/kg/dose) achieved complete responses maintained for >100 days in 24 of 27 EFT-xenografted mice. Event-free survival for mice with RMS and NB was significantly shorter than for EFT. High SLFN11 expression has been reported to correlate with sensitivity to DNA damaging agents; median SLFN11 mRNA expression was >100-fold greater in both EFT cell lines and primary tumors compared with NB or RMS cell lines or primary tumors. Cytotoxicity of SN-38 inversely correlated with SLFN11 mRNA expression in 20 EFT cell lines.

Conclusions: In pediatric solid tumor xenografts, nal-IRI demonstrated higher systemic and tumor exposures to SN-38 and improved antitumor activity compared with the current clinical formulation of irinotecan. Clinical studies of nal-IRI in pediatric solid tumors (especially EFT) and correlative studies to determine if SLFN11 expression can serve as a biomarker to predict nal-IRI clinical activity are warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 21(5); 1139–50. ©2015 AACR.
Systemic Responses following Brain Injuries and Inflammatory Process Activation Induced by a Neurotoxin of Androctonus Scorpion Venom
Authors: Taibi-Djennah Zahida , Matin-Eauclaire Marie-France , Laraba-Djebari Fatima
Published: March 2015

Objective: Kaliotoxin 2 (KTX2), a neurotoxin isolated from Androctonus australis hector scorpion venom, presents a high affinity with the voltage-gated potassium channels. The targets of KTX2 in the brain and its toxic effects on the cerebral cortex have been extensively studied; however, its deleterious systemic effects on other organ systems have not yet been investigated. Inflammatory response induced by KTX2 is supported by cytokine release which could provoke multiple organ dysfunction and diverse biological disorders in mammals. The possibility that inflammatory response and brain injuries induced by KTX2 may lead to functional disturbances, e.g. in the pancreas and the liver, were investigated. The contribution of IL-6 and TNF-α to the modulation of pathophysiological effects induced by KTX2 was also tested. Methods: NMRI mice were injected by the intracerebroventricular route with a sublethal dose of KTX2 or saline solution. Inflammatory response and oxidative stress were assessed in sera and tissue homogenates. Biomarkers of pancreatic and hepatic functions and the correlation with tissue damage in the brain, liver and pancreas were also analyzed. Results: The obtained results revealed that KTX2 injection induced an inflammatory process activation and imbalanced redox status. It also induced severe alterations in cerebral cortex, hepatic and pancreatic tissues associated with a significant increase in pancreatic and hepatic pathological biomarkers. Cytokine antagonists injected 30 min prior to KTX2 led to a significant reduction of all disturbances induced by KTX2. Conclusion: In addition to its significant toxicity on the central nervous system, KTX2 can also affect pancreatic and hepatic functions, probably by an indirect mechanism involving activation of the inflammatory response with release of IL-6 and TNF-α.
Prognostic Role of Tissue and Circulating MicroRNA-200c in Malignant Tumors: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shao Yingjie , Geng Yiting , Gu Wendong , Huang Jin , Pei Honglei , Jiang Jingting
Published: March 2015

Background: Recently, many studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNA) exhibit altered expression in various cancers and may serve as prognostic biomarkers. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of miR-200c expression in different cancers. Methods: Studies were recruited by searching PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library (last search update was May 2014) and assessed by further quality evaluation. Results: A total of 25 studies dealing with various carcinomas were identified for systematic review. Among them, 18 studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. Our results indicated that the expression of tissue miR-200c was not associated with OS and PFS in various carcinomas; however, downregulation of tissue miR-200c did predict poor OS of patients with stage I disease (HR=0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.68, P=0.001). Furthermore, overexpression of blood miR-200c was significantly related to poor OS and PFS (HR=3.07 95% CI 1.58-5.96 P=0.001, HR=2.26 95% CI 1.66-3.08 P<0.001, respectively), especially in patients with advanced disease. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis clarified that low expression of miR-200c in primary tissue was significantly associated with poor survival in cancer patients at early stage, whereas a high level of blood miR-200c predicted poor prognosis in patients with advanced tumors.
Dietary Energy Intake, Body Composition and Resting Energy Expenditure in Prepubertal Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome before and during Growth Hormone Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bakker N.E. , Siemensma E.P.C. , Koopman C. , Hokken-Koelega A.C.S.
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Dietary management is a difficult but key aspect of care in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). We therefore investigated the effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment on reported energy intake in children with PWS, in relation with body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE) and hormone levels. Methods: In a randomized controlled GH trial including 47 children with PWS, we assessed 5-day dietary records and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for body composition. REE was calculated by Müller's equation, based on fat mass, fat free mass and gender. Results: Baseline energy intake of children with PWS was lower than normal daily energy requirements (p < 0.001), and decreased with age to 50% in prepubertal children. Energy intake in infants [m/f: 11/8; median (interquartile range [IQR]) age 2.7 years (1.5-3.2)] increased after 1 year of GH treatment (p = 0.008); this tended to be higher in the GH group than in the untreated group (p = 0.07). In prepubertal children [m/f: 14/14; median (IQR) age 6.8 years (5.1-8.1)], the increase in energy intake was higher in the GH group, but this was not different compared to the untreated group. REE was not different between the GH group and the untreated group. Increase in energy intake during 2 years of GH treatment was correlated with lower fat percentage standard deviation scores (p = 0.037) and higher adiponectin levels (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that parents of children with PWS are very well capable of restricting energy intake up to 50% compared to daily energy requirements for age- and sex-matched healthy children. GH treatment was associated with a slight increase in energy intake, but also improved body composition and adiponectin levels, which suggests a protective effect of GH treatment.
Direct Evidence of Podocyte Damage in Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 2: Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Le Jemtel Thierry H. , Rajapreyar Indranee , Selby Michael G. , Payne Brian , Barnidge David R. , Milic Natasa , Garovic Vesna D.
Published: March 2015

Background: Renal structural alterations have been partially uncovered in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). Patients with CRS may have evidence of tubular damage, but markers of glomerular damage other than proteinuria have not been thoroughly investigated. The nature of renal damage in CRS may have therapeutic implications, as glomerular damage requires tight blood pressure control and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibition. The present investigation evaluates patients with CRS type 2 (CRS-2) for direct evidence of glomerular damage as evidenced by the presence of urinary podocin. Methods: The presence of glomerular damage was assessed in acutely decompensated patients with CRS-2 and healthy controls. Urinary podocin was determined by quantification of a tryptic peptide of podocin with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Morning urine samples were collected for podocin, creatinine (Cr), and protein. Urinary podocin was expressed in femtomoles of podocin/milligram of Cr. Results: The urinary podocin/Cr ratio was greater in patients than in controls (0.37 ± 0.77 vs. 0.06 ± 0.05 fmol podocin/mg Cr, p = 0.04). A total of 40% of the patients had a urinary podocin/Cr ratio greater than the upper limit of normal (>0.2 fmol podocin/mg Cr). Patients with an elevated podocin/Cr ratio were more likely to have received ≤50% of the maximum dose of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (p = 0.04) than patients with a podocin/Cr ratio in the normal range. Conclusions: CRS-2 may be associated with glomerular damage as evidenced by an elevated urinary podocin/Cr ratio. Modulators of RAAS may have a protective effect on urinary podocin loss.
Predictive Risk Factors for Fear of Hypoglycemia and Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Al Hayek Ayman A. , Robert Asirvatham A. , Braham Rim B. , Issa Besher A. , Al Sabaan Fahad S.
Published: March 2015

Objective: To explore the fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) and anxiety-related emotional disorders and their risk factors among adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 187 adolescents (aged 13-18 years; 92 males, 95 females) with T1DM at the Diabetes Treatment Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from June 2013 to February 2014. The participants were interviewed using FOH and Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Disorders (SCARED) scales. Results: Females had significantly higher scores on all FOH and SCARED subscales compared to males. The mean scores for many subscales of FOH and SCARED were higher in the older age group (16-18 years), in those under multiple-dose injection (MDI) treatment (compared with the insulin pump treatment), and in those with a longer duration of T1DM. Similarly, significant differences were observed in those with high frequencies of hypoglycemia, passing out, hypoglycemia while asleep and awake, and hypoglycemia in front of friends and at school. Regression analysis revealed that higher age, female gender, MDI treatment, longer duration of T1DM, higher frequencies of hypoglycemia, passing out, hypoglycemia while asleep and awake, and hypoglycemia in front of friends and at school were the risk factors associated with the majority of the FOH and SCARED subscales. The behavior of the FOH subscale correlated with all the subscales of SCARED except the subscale of generalized anxiety disorder. Similarly, the FOH subscale of worry significantly correlated with all the subscales of SCARED. Conclusion: The strongest determinants of higher risk for the majority of the FOH and SCARED subscales were higher age, female gender, MDI treatment, longer duration of T1DM, higher frequency of hypoglycemia, passing out due to hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia while asleep and awake, and hypoglycemia in front of friends and at school.
A new species of Polianthes subgenus Bravoa (Asparagaceae, Agavoideae) from Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Castro Castro Arturo , González Gallegos Jesús Guadalupe , Rodríguez Contreras Aarón
Published: March 2015

During recent botanical explorations in western Mexico, otherwise known as the Nueva Galicia region, a new species of Polianthes subgenus Bravoa was discovered. The new taxon is described and illustrated. It resembles P. bicolor and P. geminiflora var. clivicola, but differs from both by its oblong-obovate and generally prostrate leaves, (3–)4–6(–9) floral nodes, pedicels recurved and 1.1–1.7 cm long in anthesis, perigone tubular, not curved, depressed, and bicolor with imbricate and erect lobes in anthesis, and filaments 1.4–1.6 mm long, inserted in the perigone 1–1.5 mm above ovary tip. Notes on phenology, geographic distribution and habitat of the new species and an identification key to the species of Polianthes subgenus Bravoa growing in western Mexico are also provided.
Opiliones are no longer the same—on suprafamilial groups in harvestmen (Arthropoda: Arachnida)
Authors: KURY ADRIANO B.
Published: March 2015

A review of the names used in the arachnid order Opiliones above superfamily level is presented. Many historical branching patterns of Opiliones (for five terminals), of Laniatores (for six terminals), and of Cyphophthalmi (for six terminals) are extrapolated, compared and graphically displayed. For the first time a historical review is made of the circumscriptions of those names and comparisons are drawn to current usage. Critical clades are used as terminals and represented by the oldest valid generic name of each. Comments are made on the variant usage for 25 suprafamilial names from the literature. Cladistic definitions are provided for these names under relevant hypotheses of phylogeny. It is noted that virtually all important suprafamilial names in Opiliones changed concept over time, and the purpose of this project is to clarify the original usage compared to current, and to add historical perspective. Two options are considered for higher-level nomenclature in Opiliones: (1) a circumscriptional option, sticking to the original inclusion of the names; (2) an inertial option, where no name has priority, and follows recent use in the literature. As there is no priority for names not regulated by ICZN, option 2 prevails, because it entails massive momentum. The following new names are introduced as unranked taxa to define clades under different hypotheses of phylogeny: Tricospilata (= Triaenonychidae + Grassatores), Lomaniatores (Laniatores in the restricted sense used by Loman/Pocock), and Eulaniatores (Laniatores excluding the bizarre Synthetonychiidae). Some of the hypotheses implied by these names are conflicting and mutually exclusive, but the state of knowledge of harvestman taxonomy is quickly changing, and no hypothesis that clearly supersedes the others can be detected.
Replacement name for Euwintonius insulanus Suzuki, 1982 (Opiliones: Laniatores: Assamiidae: Dampetrinae), primary junior homonym of E. insulanus Roewer, 1940
Authors: PONTING JOHN
Published: March 2015

In 1940, Roewer described an assamid harvestman from New Guinea and named it Euwintonius insulanus Roewer, 1940. In 1982, Suzuki described a species in the same genus from the Bismarck Archipelago and gave it the same name. It is clear from the descriptions that these are two different species and Suzuki’s name is a primary junior homonym. Therefore, Euwintonius bismarckensis nomen novum is proposed here, as a replacement name for Euwintonius insulanus Suzuki, 1982. The specific epithet refers to the type locality of Suzuki’s specimen. There are four species in this genus, which can be separated by means of the following key.
Rugosothynnus gen. nov. (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae: Thynninae: Rhagigasterini), a newly recognised Australian genus
Authors: BROWN GRAHAM
Published: March 2015

Rugosothynnus gen. nov. (type species Rhagigaster corrugatus Turner, 1910) is erected for 12 Rhagigaster-like species. Nine species are described and illustrated from Australia: R. brunneus sp. nov., R. clypeatus sp. nov., R. confusus sp. nov., R. depressus sp. nov., R. fulvescens sp. nov., R. houstoni sp. nov., R. monteithae sp. nov., R. neocorrugatus sp. nov. and R. schichai sp. nov. New combinations are proposed for R. burnsi (Given, 1959), comb. nov., R. corrugatus (Turner, 1910), comb. nov. and R. tristis (Smith, 1859), comb. nov. (all previously from genus Rhagigaster Guérin-Ménéville, 1838). A key to both sexes of all species is provided except for the females of R. clypeatus sp. nov., R. depressus sp. nov., R. neocorrugatus sp. nov. and R. schichai sp. nov. which are unknown.
Hydroids of the genus Sertularella (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Sertulariidae) from the Pacific coast of Canada in the collection of the Royal Ontario Museum, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: CHOONG HENRY H. C.
Published: March 2015

Examination of the hydroid fauna of the Canadian Pacific coast in the collections of the Royal Ontario Museum collected between 1934 and 1985 indicates that the genus Sertularella Gray, 1848 from the infralittoral zone in the region remains poorly enumerated. The present study shows that several European or northeast Atlantic hydroid species, Sertularella conica Allman, 1877, Sertularella rugosa (Linnaeus, 1758), Sertularella tenella Alder, 1856, Sertularella polyzonias (Linnaeus, 1758), and Sertularella fusiformis (Hincks, 1861) have been incorrectly reported from the west coast of North America and suggests that assumptions of cosmopolitanism of some species require verification by continuing refinement of regional species-level taxonomy. Four new species, Sertularella cervicula, S. coronata, S. sacciformis, and S. pacifica are recognized and described in this paper. Sertularella gigantea Hincks, 1874 is recognized for the first time from the Pacific coast of North America.
An extraordinary degree of exaltation: Durkheim, effervescence and Pentecostalism’s defeat of secularisation
Authors: Jennings Mark
Published: March 2015

Pentecostalism has ‘bucked the trend’ predicted by Émile Durkheim and others that religion would decline and disappear in a secular modern age. In searching for the clues as to why this happened, this paper outlines Durkheim’s thought on the phenomenon that sparks religious life – effervescence – and his belief that in the secular future societies would make use of this phenomenon to create instances of ‘secular sacralisation’. Following these ideas, the author traces the development of Pentecostalism, a religious phenomenon that has harnessed the power of effervescence and grown explosively in the ‘secular’ age. Thus, Pentecostalism has appropriated (in part) the role that Durkheim believed society itself would have to fill in a future, secular age, and has reinforced the link between effervescent experience and a transcendent divine entity.
Contextual responses to interreligious encounters online
Authors: Pons-de Wit Anneke , Versteeg Peter , Roeland Johan
Published: March 2015

Increasingly, interreligious encounters occur through internet communication. The debate on the influence of internet communication on interreligious encounters is characterized by a contradiction between the theory of cyber-balkanization on the one hand and the theory of networked religion on the other. However, neither theory is contextualized and neither can therefore explain why an interreligious encounter results in either interreligious conflict or mutual understanding. In this article, a contextualized approach to the implications of internet communication for interreligious relationships is advocated. The authors show that contextualization on the level of the openness of the religious group is too one-dimensional. Therefore, a contextual reception model on the level of the situation is developed to explicate the possible attitudinal and behavioral positions within an online interreligious encounter. This model can be used to investigate the implications of internet communication for interreligious relationships.
Mouse mammary stem cells express prognostic markers for triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Soady Kelly J , Kendrick Howard , Gao Qiong , Tutt Andrew , Zvelebil Marketa , Ordonez Liliana D , Quist Jelmar , Tan David Wei-Min , Isacke Clare M , Grigoriadis Anita , Smalley Matthew J
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous group of tumours in which chemotherapy, the current mainstay of systemic treatment, is often initially beneficial but with a high risk of relapse and metastasis. There is currently no means of predicting which TNBC will relapse. We tested the hypothesis that the biological properties of normal stem cells are re-activated in tumour metastasis and that, therefore, the activation of normal mammary stem cell-associated gene sets in primary TNBC would be highly prognostic for relapse and metastasis.

Methods

Mammary basal stem and myoepithelial cells were isolated by flow cytometry and tested in low-dose transplant assays. Gene expression microarrays were used to establish expression profiles of the stem and myoepithelial populations; these were compared to each other and to our previously established mammary epithelial gene expression profiles. Stem cell genes were classified by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and the expression of a subset analysed in the stem cell population at single cell resolution. Activation of stem cell genes was interrogated across different breast cancer cohorts and within specific subtypes and tested for clinical prognostic power.

Results

A set of 323 genes was identified that was expressed significantly more highly in the purified basal stem cells compared to all other cells of the mammary epithelium. A total of 109 out of 323 genes had been associated with stem cell features in at least one other study in addition to our own, providing further support for their involvement in the biology of this cell type. GO analysis demonstrated an enrichment of these genes for an association with cell migration, cytoskeletal regulation and tissue morphogenesis, consistent with a role in invasion and metastasis. Single cell resolution analysis showed that individual cells co-expressed both epithelial- and mesenchymal-associated genes/proteins. Most strikingly, we demonstrated that strong activity of this stem cell gene set in TNBCs identified those tumours most likely to rapidly progress to metastasis.

Conclusions

Our findings support the hypothesis that the biological properties of normal stem cells are drivers of metastasis and that these properties can be used to stratify patients with a highly heterogeneous disease such as TNBC.
Changes in insulin receptor signaling underlie neoadjuvant metformin administration in breast cancer: a prospective window of opportunity neoadjuvant study
Authors: Dowling Ryan JO , Niraula Saroj , Chang Martin C , Done Susan J , Ennis Marguerite , McCready David R , Leong Wey L , Escallon Jaime M , Reedijk Michael , Goodwin Pamela J , Stambolic Vuk
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The antidiabetic drug metformin exhibits potential anticancer properties that are believed to involve both direct (insulin-independent) and indirect (insulin-dependent) actions. Direct effects are linked to activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and an inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin mTOR signaling, and indirect effects are mediated by reductions in circulating insulin, leading to reduced insulin receptor (IR)-mediated signaling. However, the in vivo impact of metformin on cancer cell signaling and the factors governing sensitivity in patients remain unknown.

Methods

We conducted a neoadjuvant, single-arm, “window of opportunity” trial to examine the clinical and biological effects of metformin on patients with breast cancer. Women with untreated breast cancer who did not have diabetes were given 500 mg of metformin three times daily for ≥2 weeks after diagnostic biopsy until surgery. Fasting blood and tumor samples were collected at diagnosis and surgery. Blood glucose and insulin were assayed to assess the physiologic effects of metformin, and immunohistochemical analysis of tumors was used to characterize cellular markers before and after treatment.

Results

Levels of IR expression decreased significantly in tumors (P = 0.04), as did the phosphorylation status of protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt (S473), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2, T202/Y204), AMPK (T172) and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (S79) (P = 0.0001, P < 0.0001, P < 0.005 and P = 0.02, respectively). All tumors expressed organic cation transporter 1, with 90% (35 of 39) exhibiting an Allred score of 5 or higher.

Conclusions

Reduced PKB/Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, coupled with decreased insulin and IR levels, suggest insulin-dependent effects are important in the clinical setting. These results are consistent with beneficial anticancer effects of metformin and highlight key factors involved in sensitivity, which could be used to identify patients with breast cancer who may be responsive to metformin-based therapies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00897884. Registered 8 May 2009.
Optimal power allocation on discrete energy harvesting model
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Gong Jie , Hu Congshi , Zhou Sheng , Niu Zhisheng
Published: March 2015

This paper studies the power allocation problem in energy harvesting systems with finite battery. We adopt the discretized energy arrival and power allocation model. Hence, the service process can be modeled as a finite state Markov chain. Based on the discretized model, we analyze the stationary distribution of the Markov chain and formulate the utility maximization problem, which is then reformed as a linear programming problem. By analyzing the linear programming problem, we provide some intuition on the structure of the optimal power allocation policy and find the condition in which the greedy power allocation is optimal. Numerical simulations show the influence of the energy arrival process on the optimal power allocation policy, and the results are consistent with our analysis.
Research on an improved parallel algorithm based on user’s requirement in cognitive radar network
Authors: Yan Bingxin , Wang Shubin , Bao Yuanyuan
Published: March 2015

In cognitive radar network, a parallel algorithm can allocate idle spectrum to cognitive radars, but it often ignores the user’s requirement. According to the graph theory, the topology of the network is divided into two different groups. In the process of distributing spectrum, each group summarizes the distributed information after completing a distribution. When a user’s demand is satisfied, every group is informed to not allocate the spectrum for the user anymore and deletes it from the topology at the same time. As a result, by deleting the node which the user’s requirement has already been met, the other nodes which are interfered with the node on the same channel can participate into spectrum allocation. The improved algorithm can ensure high spectrum utilization taking a little time that is spent on the spectrum allocation. The simulation result shows that the spectrum utilization of the improved algorithm is higher than that of the traditional parallel algorithm, and the user’s satisfaction increases greatly. Therefore, this paper aims to attempt to explore an improved parallel algorithm to resolve the problem by considering user’s requirement.
Incidence of kiaa1549‐braf fusion gene in Egyptian pediatric low grade glioma
Authors: Taha Hala , Yehia Maha , Mahmoud Madeha , El‐Beltagy Mohamed , Ghabriel Myret , El‐Naggar Shahenda
Published: March 2015

Background

Low grade gliomas are the most common brain tumor in children. Tandem duplication involving the KIAA1549 and the BRAF kinase genes results in a gene fusion that has been recently characterized in a subset of low grade glioma While there is no clear evidence that the KIAA1549‐BRAF gene fusion has an effect on prognosis, it is an attractive target for therapy development and as a diagnostic tool.

Methods

In the current study we examine the prevalence of KIAA1549‐BRAF gene fusion in pediatric patients diagnosed with low grade glioma in the Egyptian population and its relationship to clinical and histological subtypes. Sixty patients between the ages of 1 to 18 years were analyzed for the presence of KIAA1549‐BRAF fusion gene products using reverse transcription‐PCR and sequencing. The clinicopathologic tumor characteristics were then analyzed in relation to the different fusion genes.

Results

KIAA1549‐BRAF fusion genes were detected in 56.6% of patients. They were primarily associated with pilocytic astrocytoma (74.2%) and pilomyxoid astrocytoma (60%). Translocation 15–9 was the most common, representing (55.8%) of all positive samples followed by 16–9 (26.4%) and 16–11 (8.8%). Pilocytic astrocytomas presented primarily with 15–9 (32.2%), 16–9 (25.8%) and 16–11 (6.4%) while pilomyxoid astrocytomas presented with 15–9 (46.6%), 16–9 (6.6%) and 16–11 (6.6%) translocations.

Conclusion

Gene fusion is found to be significantly increased in cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma tumors. Furthermore, 15–9 was found to have a higher incidence among our cohort compared to previous studies. While most of the gene fusion positive pilomyxoid astrocytomas were 15–9, we find the association none significant.
Factors associated with inconsistency in self-reported mild
traumatic brain injury over time among military personnel in
Iraq
Authors: Nelson Nathaniel W. , Anderson Carolyn R. , Thuras Paul , Kehle-Forbes Shannon M. , Arbisi Paul A. , Erbes Christopher R. , Polusny Melissa A.
Published: March 2015

Background

Estimates of the prevalence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) among
military personnel and combat veterans rely almost exclusively on
retrospective self-reports; however, reliability of these reports has
received little attention.

Aims

To examine the consistency of reporting of mTBI over time and identify
factors associated with inconsistent reporting.

Method

A longitudinal cohort of 948 US National Guard Soldiers deployed to Iraq
completed self-report questionnaire screening for mTBI and psychological
symptoms while in-theatre 1 month before returning home (time 1,
T1) and 1 year later (time 2, T2).

Results

Most respondents (n = 811, 85.5%) were consistent in
their reporting of mTBI across time. Among those who were inconsistent in
their reports (n = 137, 14.5%), the majority denied mTBI
at T1 and affirmed mTBI at T2 (n = 123, 89.8%). Respondents rarely
endorsed mTBI in-theatre and later denied mTBI (n = 14,
10.2% of those with inconsistent reports). Post-deployment post-traumatic
stress symptoms and non-specific physical complaints were significantly
associated with inconsistent report of mTBI.

Conclusions

Military service members' self-reports of mTBI are generally consistent
over time; however, inconsistency in retrospective self-reporting of mTBI
status is associated with current posttraumatic stress symptoms and
non-specific physical health complaints.
Latent structure of the proposed ICD-11 post-traumatic stress
disorder symptoms: Implications for the diagnostic algorithm
Authors: Forbes David , Lockwood Emma , Creamer Mark , Bryant Richard A. , McFarlane Alexander C. , Silove Derrick , Nickerson Angela , O'Donnell Meaghan
Published: March 2015

Background

The latent structure of the proposed ICD-11 post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) symptoms has not been explored.

Aims

To investigate the latent structure of the proposed ICD-11 PTSD
symptoms.

Method

Confirmatory factor analyses using data from structured clinical
interviews administered to injury patients (n = 613) 6
years post-trauma. Measures of disability and psychological quality of
life (QoL) were also administered.

Results

Although the three-factor model implied by the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria
fit the data well, a two-factor model provided equivalent, if not
superior, fit. Whereas diagnostic criteria based on this two-factor model
resulted in an increase in PTSD point prevalence (5.1%
v. 3.4%; z = 2.32,
P<0.05), they identified individuals with similar
levels of disability (P = 0.933) and QoL
(P = 0.591) to those identified by the ICD-11
criteria.

Conclusions

Consistent with theorised reciprocal relationships between
re-experiencing and avoidance in PTSD, these findings support an
alternative diagnostic algorithm requiring at least two of any of the
four re-experiencing/avoidance symptoms and at least one of the two
hyperarousal symptoms.
Gertrude Parker: A life in an asylum
Authors: Parker Joy
Published: March 2015

Gertrude Elline Parker was a long-term patient in Glenside Hospital,
Bristol.
Adverse childhood events and psychosis in bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Upthegrove Rachel , Chard Christine , Jones Lisa , Gordon-Smith Katherine , Forty Liz , Jones Ian , Craddock Nick
Published: March 2015

Background

There has been increasing interest in the association between childhood trauma and psychosis. Proposals for potential mechanisms involved include affective dysregulation and cognitive appraisals of threat.

Aims

To establish if, within bipolar disorder, childhood events show a significant association with psychosis, and in particular with symptoms driven by dysregulation of mood or with a persecutory content.

Method

Data on lifetime-ever presence of psychotic symptoms were determined by detailed structured interview with case-note review (n= 2019). Childhood events were recorded using a self-report questionnaire and case-note information.

Results

There was no relationship between childhood events, or childhood abuse, and psychosisper se. Childhood events were not associated with an increased risk of persecutory or other delusions. Significant associations were found between childhood abuse and auditory hallucinations, strongest between sexual abuse and mood congruent or abusive voices. These relationships remain significant even after controlling for lifetime-ever cannabis misuse.

Conclusions

Within affective disorder, the relationship between childhood events and psychosis appears to be relatively symptom-specific. It is possible that the pathways leading to psychotic symptoms differ, with delusions and non-hallucinatory symptoms being influenced less by childhood or early environmental experience.
The Forgotten Lactogenic Activity of Growth Hormone: Important Implications for Rodent Studies
Authors: Bartke Andrzej , Kopchick John J.
Published: March 2015

Studies of the effects of GH and the mechanisms of its actions frequently use rats or mice and various recombinant human GH preparations. Authors of many of these studies appear unaware of the fact that, in rodents, human GH signals through both GH and prolactin (PRL) receptors; thus, treatment with human GH is equivalent to a combined treatment with GH and PRL. GH receptors and PRL receptors are present in multiple cell types. Importantly, PRL exerts major effects on brain neuroendocrine action, female and male reproduction, metabolism, body composition, immune responses, and a host of other functions; thus, treatment of rodents with recombinant human GH could affect these important physiological parameters.