bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DX-MOCCII Based Fully Cascadable Second Order Current-Mode Universal Filter
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Paul Sajal K.
Published: November 2017

The paper presents a new second-order single input multiple output (SIMO) type current mode (CM) universal filter. The proposed circuit uses two dual-X second generation multi-output current conveyors (DX-MOCCII), two grounded capacitors and three grounded resistors. The circuit configuration realizes low-pass filter (LPF), high-pass filter (HPF), band-pass filter (BPF), notch filter (NF) and all-pass filter (APF) responses simultaneously at different output terminals. The new circuit enjoys the features of low input impedance and high output impedance, which is desirable and useful for cascadability in CM circuits. For realizing the universal filter responses, the proposed circuit configuration does not require matching constraint of passive components and both active and passive sensitivities are found low. In addition, the extension of the proposed circuit as a resistorless universal filter has also been presented. As an application of the proposed filter, inverting band pass output is connected to a negative unity gain current follower in a close loop to design voltage and CM multiphase sinusoidal oscillators (MSOs). Comparison of the proposed configuration with available literature is given. The PSPICE simulation of the filter and its application as MSO are performed to verify the agreement with the theoretical proposition.
A 3 mW 1.2–3.6 GHz Multi-Phase PLL-Based Clock Generator with TDC Assisted Auto-Calibration of Loop Bandwidth
Authors: Zhang Jili , Li Yu , Diao Shengxi , Bai Xuefei , Lin Fujiang
Published: November 2017

A PLL-based clock generator with an auto-calibration circuit is presented. The auto-calibration circuit employs an oscillator-based time-to-digital converter (TDC) to achieve a constant loop bandwidth and fast lock time. The TDC measures the operating frequency of [Formula: see text]-stage ring-VCO with a resolution of [Formula: see text] in a time period of [Formula: see text]. The measured frequency is utilized to calibrate loop bandwidth and VCO frequency. The clock generator is designed in 40[Formula: see text]nm CMOS process and operates from 1.2[Formula: see text]GHz to 3.6[Formula: see text]GHz with 8-phase outputs. The total lock time is less than 3[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s including calibration and PLL closed-loop locking processes. Operating at 3.2[Formula: see text]GHz, the in-band phase noise is better than [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBc/Hz and root-mean square (RMS) jitter integrated from 10[Formula: see text]KHz to 100[Formula: see text]MHz is 2 ps. In the entire operating range, the RMS jitter and reference spur are better than 5.5[Formula: see text]ps and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBc/Hz, respectively. The clock generator consumes only 3[Formula: see text]mW from 1.1[Formula: see text]V supply at high-frequency end and 1.6[Formula: see text]mW at low-frequency end. The active area is only 0.04[Formula: see text]mm2 including on-chip loop filter and auto-calibration circuits.
Analysis and Design of an LC Parallel-Resonant DC–DC Converter for a Fuel Cell Used in an Electrical Vehicle
Authors: Slah Farhani , Mansour Amari , Abdelkarim Aouiti , Bacha Faouzi
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the design methodology of a parallel-resonant [Formula: see text] converter for fuel cell applications in the electric vehicle is proposed in order to achieve high efficiency. Although the converter is unidirectional, it is interposed between the fuel cell and the DC link. Additionally, the converter is made up of two full bridges, an [Formula: see text] resonant filter and a planar transformer. The use of a high-frequency transformer enables to minimize the converter size and the weight, to produce a higher voltage in the secondary side from an input voltage (fuel cell) and to isolate the full bridges. Furthermore, the rectifier diodes operate with a zero-current switching. Therefore, an experimental converter prototype has been designed, simulated, built and tested in the laboratory. Finally, a prototype having 30[Formula: see text]V as an input and 150[Formula: see text]V as an output with 500[Formula: see text]W is designed to demonstrate and analyze the proposed converter.
Runtime Memory Controller Profiling with Performance Analysis for DRAM Memory Controllers
Authors: Jeon Dong-Ik , Lee Min-Kyu , Kim Ji-Chan , Chung Ki-Seok
Published: November 2017

The main memory system has become crucial not only because it has to meet an increasing bandwidth requirement, but also because it has to seamlessly support many concurrently executing applications. In order to improve memory performance, a memory controller with efficient arbitration is necessary. It is well known that memory performance is dependent on the memory access patterns. The offline performance analysis has difficulty analyzing the Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) performance accurately because a huge set of trace patterns is needed. This paper proposes a novel profiler that is synthesized with a memory controller in order to monitor and analyze the memory controller performance at runtime. In this paper, five key metrics for performance evaluation are defined and they are monitored and evaluated at runtime by the proposed profiler. A prototype system with a processor core, a memory controller, DRAM modules, and peripheral devices are implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) board to carry out the experiments. It has been observed that the worst latency overhead differs for each benchmark. In addition, a new overall overhead estimation method is proposed to estimate the memory access latency overhead in time, and this method can be used to evaluate the performance of a certain memory arbitration method depending on running applications.
Gravitational black-holes-hedgehogs and two degenerate vacua of the Universe
Authors: Sidharth B. G. , Das C. R. , Laperashvili L. V. , Nielsen H. B.
Published: November 2017

In the present paper, assuming the Multiple Point Principle (MPP) as a new law of Nature, we considered the existence of the two degenerate vacua of the Universe: the first Electroweak (EW) vacuum at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV — “true vacuum”, and the second Planck scale “false vacuum” at [Formula: see text] GeV. In these vacua, we investigated different topological defects. The main aim of this paper is an investigation of the black-hole-hedgehogs configurations as defects of the false vacuum. In the framework of the [Formula: see text] gravity, described by the Gravi-Weak unification model, we considered a black-hole solution, which corresponds to a “hedgehog” — global monopole, that has been “swallowed” by the black-hole with mass core [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV and radius [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV[Formula: see text]. Considering the results of the hedgehog lattice theory in the framework of the [Formula: see text] Yang–Mills gauge-invariant theory with hedgehogs in the Wilson loops, we have used the critical value of temperature for the hedgehogs confinement phase ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV). This result gave us the possibility to conclude that the SM shows a new physics with contributions of the [Formula: see text]-triplet Higgs bosons at the scale [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV. Theory predicts the stability of the EW-vacuum and the accuracy of the MPP.
Influence of the geometric configuration of accretion flow on the black hole spin dependence of relativistic acoustic geometry
Authors: Tarafdar Pratik , Das Tapas K.
Published: November 2017

Linear perturbation of general relativistic accretion of low angular momentum hydrodynamic fluid onto a Kerr black hole leads to the formation of curved acoustic geometry embedded within the background flow. Characteristic features of such sonic geometry depend on the black hole spin. Such dependence can be probed by studying the correlation of the acoustic surface gravity [Formula: see text] with the Kerr parameter [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] relationship further gets influenced by the geometric configuration of the accretion flow structure. In this work, such influence has been studied for multitransonic shocked accretion where linear perturbation of general relativistic flow profile leads to the formation of two analogue black hole-type horizons formed at the sonic points and one analogue white hole-type horizon which is formed at the shock location producing divergent acoustic surface gravity. Dependence of the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] relationship on the geometric configuration has also been studied for monotransonic accretion, over the entire span of the Kerr parameter including retrograde flow. For accreting astrophysical black holes, the present work thus investigates how the salient features of the embedded relativistic sonic geometry may be determined not only by the background spacetime, but also by the flow configuration of the embedding matter.
Data Envelopment Analysis with Common Weights in a Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Hu Cheng-Kai , Liu Fung-Bao , Hu Cheng-Feng
Published: November 2017

This work considers providing a common base for measuring the relative efficiency of a group of homogeneous decision making units in a fuzzy environment. The principle of compromise of the technique for order preference by similarity ideal solution is employed for solving the data envelopment analysis model with fuzzy objectives and constraints. An algorithm with the entropic regularization implementation for finding the compromise solution of the fuzzy data envelopment analysis model is developed. An illustrative example verifying the idea of this paper is provided. The contribution of this work is represented by the improvement of the discriminatory power of the fuzzy DEA, gained through the common weight evaluation.
On Certain Transit Functions in Fuzzy Graphs
Authors: Dhanyamol M. V. , Mathew Sunil
Published: November 2017

Gates in fuzzy graphs are introduced in this paper. Gates of a graph are vertices which satisfy certain conditions. Gatedness in a graph is a property of its induced subgraphs (or a subsets of the vertex set), which depends on the metric defined on it. Gates can be considered as a generalization of cutvertices in fuzzy graphs. Strong gates are gates corresponding to g-distance. We examine certain relations between cutvertices and fuzzy cutvertices. Also, some geodetic properties of strong gates in fuzzy graphs are discussed.
Fuzzy Implications Generated by h-Generators
Authors: Xie Aifang , Fang Guiying
Published: November 2017

In this work, by using h-generators, we introduce a new class of fuzzy implications, which are called (h, c)-generated implications. Some properties of (h, c)-implications are studied, including left neutrality, order property, exchange principle, law of contraposition, law of importation and distributivity over t-norms or t-conorms. We also discuss the intersections of both (h; c)-generated implications with R-, (S,N)-, QL-, f-, g- and h-implications and prove that (h, c)-generated implications are different from the ones above. In addition, we define (h, a, b, c)-implications by generalizing (h, c)-generated implications and obtain their properties similarly.
Growth and SHG of a 3D chiral nanoporous coordination framework consisting of homochiral nanotubes
Authors: Liu Chengyou , Hao Xiangrong
Published: November 2017

A 3D chiral nanoporous coordination framework consisting of homochiral nanotubes was synthesized. The sample was assembled from octuple helices. The chiral nanotube had a free aperture about 20 A. The structure of the sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction. The UV–Vis was used to investigate the optical property of the sample. The absorption appears in the range of 210–290 nm. Second harmonic generation (SHG) was studied by powder measurement using a YAG laser. Especially, the efficient SHG of sample is about 3.5[Formula: see text] of urea.
Multi-Scaling Homogenization Process for Nodular Cast Iron Using BEM
Authors: Betancur Arroyave Adrián Alberto , Anflor Carla Tatiana Mota
Published: November 2017

In this work, a multi-scaling homogenization process using boundary element formulation (BEM) for modeling a two-dimensional multi-phase microstructure containing irregular’s inclusions is presented. The BEM is very attractive for multiscale modeling tools for heterogeneous materials. In this approach, the iterative inhomogeneity discretization of the external boundary is disregarded, leading to a computational low cost. This approach was used for solving the elastic problem of a representative volume element (RVE) and the field theory medium. The main goal relies on finding the effective properties of micro-heterogeneous materials within a homogeneous and orthotropic matrix. Expressions for evaluating the effective properties under Plane Stress (PT) for orthotropic materials were also presented. Generally, the numerical models consider the graphite nodules as voids for GGG-40 and the roundness is close circular geometry. In this sense, a nodular cast iron GGG-40 microgram was obtained by X-ray computed tomography and Laser Confocal Microscope System, allowing the modeling of the true nodule shape. The numerical results showed good agreement with the experimental tests. The inclusions of graphite were considered as voids in the material matrix. Experimental stress–strain tests and micrographic analysis were used to determine the Young’s modulus, spatial distributions, as well as, nodule shape. The numerical in this work was compared with the obtained experimental results in this work. The comparison between the obtained experimental data with those available in the literature also showed good agreement.
Detecting Decidable Classes of Finitely Ground Logic Programs with Function Symbols
Authors: Calautti Marco , Greco Sergio , Trubitsyna Irina
Published: November 2017

In this article, we propose a new technique for checking whether the bottom-up evaluation of logic programs with function symbols terminates. The technique is based on the definition of
mappings
from arguments to strings of function symbols, representing possible values which could be taken by arguments during the bottom-up evaluation. Starting from mappings, we identify
mapping-restricted
arguments, a subset of limited arguments, namely arguments that take values from finite domains. Mapping-restricted programs, consisting of rules whose arguments are all mapping restricted, are terminating under the bottom-up computation, as all of its arguments take values from finite domains. We show that mappings can be computed by transforming the original program into a unary logic program: this allows us to establish decidability of checking if a program is mapping restricted. We study the complexity of the presented approach and compare it to other techniques known in the literature. We also introduce an extension of the proposed approach that is able to recognize a wider class of logic programs. The presented technique provides a significant improvement, as it can detect terminating programs not identified by other criteria proposed so far. Furthermore, it can be combined with other techniques to further enlarge the class of programs recognized as terminating under the bottom-up evaluation.
Gigapixel Panorama Video Loops
Authors: He Mingming , Liao Jing , Sander Pedro V. , Hoppe Hugues
Published: November 2017

We present the first technique to create wide-angle, high-resolution looping panoramic videos. Starting with a 2D grid of registered videos acquired on a robotic mount, we formulate a combinatorial optimization to determine for each output pixel the source video and looping parameters that jointly maximize spatiotemporal consistency. This optimization is accelerated by reducing the set of source labels using a graph-coloring scheme. We parallelize the computation and implement it out-of-core by partitioning the domain along low-importance paths. The merged panorama is assembled using gradient-domain blending and stored as a hierarchy of video tiles. Finally, an interactive viewer adaptively preloads these tiles for responsive browsing and allows the user to interactively edit and improve local regions. We demonstrate these techniques on gigapixel-sized looping panoramas.
GCMix
Authors: Kim Sang-Hoon , Lee Jinhyuk , Kim Jin-Soo
Published: November 2017

In multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash memory, two logical pages are overlapped on a single physical page. Even after a logical page is programmed, the data can be corrupted if the programming of the coexisting logical page is interrupted. This phenomenon is called paired page interference.

This article proposes a novel software technique to deal with the paired page interference without any additional hardware or extra page write. The proposed technique utilizes valid pages in the victim block during garbage collection (GC) as the backup against the interference, and pairs them with incoming pages written by the host. This approach eliminates undesirable page copy to backup pages against the interference. However, such a strategy has an adverse effect on the hot/cold separation policy, which is essential to improve the efficiency of GC. To limit the downside, we devise a metric to estimate the benefit of GCMix on-the-fly so that GCMix can be adaptively utilized only when the benefit outweighs the overhead. Evaluations using synthetic and real workloads show GCMix can effectively deal with the paired page interference, reducing the write amplification factor by up to 17.5%compared to the traditional technique, while providing comparable I/O performance.
NLRP3 inflammasome activation in aged macrophages is diminished during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection
Authors: Cho Soo Jung , Rooney Kristen , Choi Augustine M. K. , Stout-Delgado Heather W.
Published: November 2017

Pneumococcal infections are the eigth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is estimated that older patients (≥65 yr of age) account for the most serious cases. The goal of our current study is to understand the impact of biological aging on innate immune responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae, a causative agent of bacterial pneumonia. With the use of in vitro and in vivo aged murine models, our findings demonstrate that age-enhanced unfolded protein responses (UPRs) contribute to diminished inflammasome assembly and activation during S. pneumoniae infection. Pretreatment of aged mice with endoplasmic reticulum chaperone and the stress-reducing agent tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) decreased mortality in aged hosts that was associated with increased NLRP3 inflammasome activation, improved pathogen clearance, and decreased pneumonitis during infection. Taken together, our data provide new evidence as to why older persons are more susceptible to S. pneumoniae and provide a possible therapeutic target to decrease morbidity and mortality in this population.
Interferon-γ Signaling in Melanocytes and Melanoma Cells Regulates Expression of CTLA-4
Authors: Mo Xuan , Zhang Hanghang , Preston Sarah , Martin Kayla , Zhou Bo , Vadalia Nish , Gamero Ana M. , Soboloff Jonathan , Tempera Italo , Zaidi M. Raza
Published: November 2017

CTLA4 is a cell surface receptor on T cells that functions as an immune checkpoint molecule to enforce tolerance to cognate antigens. Anti–CTLA4 immunotherapy is highly effective at reactivating T-cell responses against melanoma, which is postulated to be due to targeting CTLA4 on T cells. Here, we report that CTLA4 is also highly expressed by most human melanoma cell lines, as well as in normal human melanocytes. Interferon-γ (IFNG) signaling activated the expression of the human CTLA4 gene in a melanocyte and melanoma cell–specific manner. Mechanistically, IFNG activated CTLA4 expression through JAK1/2-dependent phosphorylation of STAT1, which bound a specific gamma-activated sequence site on the CTLA4 promoter, thereby licensing CBP/p300-mediated histone acetylation and local chromatin opening. In melanoma cell lines, elevated baseline expression relied upon constitutive activation of the MAPK pathway. Notably, RNA-seq analyses of melanoma specimens obtained from patients who had received anti–CTLA4 immunotherapy (ipilimumab) showed upregulation of an IFNG-response gene expression signature, including CTLA4 itself, which correlated significantly with durable response. Taken together, our results raise the possibility that CTLA4 targeting on melanoma cells may contribute to the clinical immunobiology of anti–CTLA4 responses.

Significance: These findings show that human melanoma cells express high levels of the immune checkpoint molecule CTLA4, with important possible implications for understanding how anti-CTLA4 immunotherapy mediates its therapeutic effects. Cancer Res; 78(2); 436–50. ©2017 AACR.
β-Adrenergic Signaling Impairs Antitumor CD8+ T-cell Responses to B-cell Lymphoma Immunotherapy
Authors: Nissen Michael D. , Sloan Erica K. , Mattarollo Stephen R.
Published: November 2017

β-Adrenergic receptor (βAR) signaling regulates many physiological processes, including immune system responses. There is growing evidence also for βAR-induced modulation of cancer growth and metastasis. In the Eμ-myc mouse model of B-cell lymphoma, we investigated the effects of chronically elevated βAR signaling on lymphoma progression and antitumor immunity, as well as the impact on cancer immunotherapy. Chronic treatment with the nonselective β-agonist isoprenaline promoted lymphoma development in a manner dependent on signaling within the hematopoietic compartment. βAR signaling significantly suppressed the proliferation, IFNγ production, and cytolytic killing capacity of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. This inhibited CD8+ T-cell responses to immune modulating antibodies, including anti–PD-1 and anti–4-1BB, resulting in less effective control of lymphoma. The inhibitory effects on CD8+ T cells occurred independently of changes to DC function and included direct suppression of CD8+ T-cell stimulation. The suppressive effects of chronic βAR signaling on antitumor effector cells was selective to T cells, as it did not perturb the innate lymphocyte response to an experimental NKT cell-targeting vaccine, in a setting where innate immune control is dependent on NKT cell and NK cell activation. These findings demonstrate that chronic βAR signaling has an immunosuppressive effect on CD8+ T cells, which decreases the efficacy of CD8+ T cell-targeting immunotherapies. These findings identify βAR signaling as a target for modulation during cancer immunotherapy that may increase therapeutic response and improve patient outcomes. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(1); 98–109. ©2017 AACR.
ISBT 128 Standard for Coding Medical Products of Human Origin
Authors: Ashford Paul , Delgado Matthew
Published: November 2017

Background: ISBT 128 is an international standard for the terminology, coding, labeling, and identification of medical products of human origin (MPHO). Full implementation of ISBT 128 improves traceability, transparency, vigilance and surveillance, and interoperability. Methods: ICCBBA maintains the ISBT 128 standard through the activities of a network of expert volunteers, including representatives from professional scientific societies, governments and users, to standardize and maintain MPHO identification. These individuals are organized into Technical Advisory Groups and work within a structured framework as part of a quality-controlled standards development process. Results: The extensive involvement of international scientific and professional societies in the development of the standard has ensured that ISBT 128 has gained widespread recognition. The user community has developed confidence in the ability of the standard to adapt to new developments in their fields of interest. The standard is fully compatible with Single European Code requirements for tissues and cells and is utilized by many European tissue establishments. ISBT 128's flexibility and robustness has allowed for expansions into subject areas such as cellular therapy, regenerative medicine, and tissue banking. Conclusion: ISBT 128 is the internationally recognized standard for coding MPHO and has gained widespread use globally throughout the past two decades.
Psychoacoustics and Neurophysiological Alterations after 30-36 Hours of Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Díaz-Leines Sergio , Gama-Moreno Olga , Poblano Adrián , Flores-Avalos Blanca
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim: Sleep deprivation (SD) may result in perceptual and cognitive alterations in healthy subjects. Our objective was to compare whether psychoacoustics and neurophysiological variables in healthy subjects were altered after SD of 30-36 h. Method: We examined 22 subjects by means of several psychoacoustics tests, P300 and mismatch negativity (MMN) recordings, and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) before and after 30-36 h of SD. Results: In the psychoacoustics tests, we found that after SD, difficulties were experienced by the left ear in the discrimination of words in noise and by the right ear in music discrimination. In the neurophysiological tests, we found delayed latencies of P300 and MMN wave; there was a delay of wave I in both ears, and wave V in the right ear in BAEP. We found significant correlations with positive direction between P300 latency and words in noise and music discrimination in the right ear. Conclusions: SD results in alterations of central auditory processing perception and delays of brain neurophysiological responses, with some correlations between the psychoacoustics and neurophysiological tests. These alterations may relate to other cognitive alterations that deserve more research in future studies.
An Unusual Presentation of Esthesioneuroblastoma in a Young Pregnant Female
Authors: Wadhwani Meenakshi , Ranjan Amar , Gangwani Kulbhushan , Das Prasenjit
Published: November 2017

Background: Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare neuroepithelial tumor arising from the olfactory epithelium in the cribriform plate or nasal cavity. It accounts for 1-5% of cases of malignant neoplasms of the nasal cavity. Methods: A 20-year-old pregnant female presented with painful loss of vision in both eyes, on imaging diagnosed as meningioma. There was a progressive increase in pain along with diminution of vision to the extent of complete loss of vision in the right eye. Results: In view of increasing proptosis with progressive complete loss of vision in the left eye also, she consulted the neurosurgery department at a tertiary care hospital where a follow-up of contrast-enhanced computerised tomography was made. Histopathology of fluid obtained after craniotomy showed esthesioneuroblastoma. In view of intracranial space-occupying lesion applying pressure on the optic nerve, intravenous methylprednisolone (1 g, IV stat X 3 days) was given. She underwent extensive radiotherapy but died within 3 months of diagnosis. Conclusion: This case highlights the progressive and fatal course of olfactory neuroblastoma. As it can present with the complex symptoms related to ocular and nasal sites, timely referral of patients presenting with visual symptoms along with nasal involvement (frequent epistaxis) to otorhinolaryngologists is very important.
A Phenomenological Account of Sensorimotor Difficulties in Autism: Intentionality, Movement, and Proprioception
Authors: Grohmann Till D.A.
Published: November 2017

During the last decades, the focus in autism research has been progressively extended. Today it offers a large amount of material on sensorimotor disturbances as well as perceptive-cognitive preferences of people with autism. However, there are more and more critical voices against an intellectualist perspective in the cognitive sciences. The “enactive approach” as well as a new “movement perspective” to autism challenge the view of autism as a mere “cognitive” disturbance. They criticize the conception of a cognizing subject which is only interested in the world in as much as she/he can extract knowledge and organize it rationally. The present paper discusses fundamental insights from this critical sensorimotor perspective to autism from a phenomenological standpoint. Several important papers have already proven the fruitful combination of phenomenology with sensorimotor-focused research in the field of autism. However, these writings generally concentrate on problems of embodied intersubjectivity as an alternative approach to leading “theory of mind” paradigms. The present article reflects on the role and dimension of sensorimotor problems in themselves and not primarily in the intersubjective encounter. The notion of body intentionality will turn out to be a central heuristic device in order to understand the subject's relationship to the world within a holistic framework, in which the person's way to move, feel, and perceive are manners of understanding his/her own world. Empirical findings on difficulties in proactive and anticipatory control of movement as well as research outcome on proprioception and kinesthetic feedback will provide suitable material for discussing the transformation of body intentionality in autism. Phenomenology will provide the theoretical foundation in order to understand atypical movement patterns as alternative ways for producing alternative meanings.
Carcinoma Cuniculatum of the Right Thenar Region with Bone Involvement and Lymph Node Metastases
Authors: Feldmann Robert , Wruhs Marlies , Peinhaupt Tobias , Stella Alexander , Breier Friedrich , Steiner Andreas
Published: November 2017

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The overall prevalence of BCC is 3 times higher than that of SCC, but this can vary when looking at specific locations such as the hand, where SCC is much more common than BCC. Carcinoma (or epithelioma) cuniculatum is a rare variant of SCC. It was originally described as a verrucous carcinoma of the soles. Exceptionally, it can arise in other parts of the skin. We report a rare case of carcinoma cuniculatum of the right thenar region with bone and lymph node involvement.
Eryptosis - the Neglected Cause of Anemia in End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Lang Florian , Bissinger Rosi , Abed Majed , Artunc Ferruh
Published: November 2017

End stage renal disease (ESRD) invariably leads to anemia which has been mainly attributed to compromised release of erythropoietin from the defective kidneys with subsequent impairment of erythropoiesis. However, erythropoietin replacement only partially reverses anemia pointing to the involvement of additional mechanisms. As shown more recently, anemia of ESRD is indeed in large part a result of accelerated erythrocyte loss due to suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the cell surface. Phosphatidylserine exposing erythrocytes are bound to and engulfed by macrophages and are thus rapidly cleared from circulating blood. If the loss of erythrocytes cannot be fully compensated by enhanced erythropoiesis, stimulation of eryptosis leads to anemia. Eryptotic erythrocytes may further adhere to the vascular wall and thus impair microcirculation. Stimulators of eryptosis include complement, hyperosmotic shock, energy depletion, oxidative stress, and a wide variety of xenobiotics. Signaling involved in the stimulation of eryptosis includes increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity, ceramide, caspases, calpain, p38 kinase, protein kinase C, Janus-activated kinase 3, casein kinase 1α, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4. Eryptosis is inhibited by AMP-activated kinase, p21-activated kinase 2, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, mitogen- and stress-activated kinase MSK1/2, and some illdefined tyrosine kinases. In ESRD eryptosis is stimulated at least in part by a plasma component, as it is triggered by exposure of erythrocytes from healthy individuals to plasma from ESRD patients. Several eryptosis-stimulating uremic toxins have been identified, such as vanadate, acrolein, methylglyoxal, indoxyl sulfate, indole-3-acetic acid and phosphate. Attempts to fully reverse anemia in ESRD with excessive stimulation of erythropoiesis enhances the number of circulating suicidal erythrocytes and bears the risk of interference with micocirculation, At least in theory, anemia in ESRD could preferably be treated with replacement of erythropoietin and additional inhibition of eryptosis thus avoiding eryptosis-induced impairment of microcirculation. A variety of eryptosis inhibitors have been identified, their efficacy in ESRD remains, however, to be shown.
Asians Have More Perianal Crohn Disease and Ocular Manifestations Compared with White Americans
Authors: Kochar Bharati , Barnes Edward L. , Herfarth Hans H. , Martin Christopher F. , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N. , McGovern Dermot , Long Millie D. , Sandler Robert S.
Published: November 2017

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in Asians. We sought to better understand differences in IBD between Asians and whites in the United States (US). Methods: We used data from the Sinai-Helmsley Alliance for Research Excellence cohort to assess disease characteristics for US-born Asians, Asian immigrants, and whites. We used bivariate analyses to describe clinical characteristics by race. We used logistic regression to determine baseline odds of immunosuppression and binomial regression to estimate risk ratios for worsening disease at follow-up. Results: We included 5,223 whites, 35 US-born Asians, and 81 Asian immigrants. Crohn disease (CD) was present in 64% of whites, 40% of US-born Asians, and 51% of Asian immigrants. At baseline, 58% of whites, 62% of US-born Asians, and 67% of Asian immigrants were in remission by disease activity index score (p = 0.238). There were no significant differences in CD location and behavior or ulcerative colitis extent. Asians had significantly more perianal disease than whites (33 vs. 18%, p = 0.007). Asians were more likely to have ocular manifestations than whites (3.4 vs. 0.7%, p = 0.022). Asians were also significantly less likely to be depressed than whites (25 vs. 35%, p = 0.022). Adjusting for confounders, Asians had half the odds of being treated with biologics compared with whites (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.30-0.67). Adjusting for disease behavior and remission status, there were no differences in IBD-related surgery or hospitalization, new biologic or steroid prescription, or relapse rates between Asians and whites at follow-up. Conclusion: Asians are more likely to have perianal disease and ocular extraintestinal manifestations. After controlling for confounders, Asians were less likely to be treated with biologic agents. Despite this, there were no significant differences in outcomes over time between Asians and whites. Differences in disease phenotypes in Asians may reflect differences in genetics.
Survival Outcome of Intermediate-Grade Salivary Gland Carcinoma
Authors: Park Gi Cheol , Roh Jong-Lyel , Cho Kyung-Ja , Jung Yong Gi , Lee Hyoun Wook , Kim Tae Gyu , Choi Seung-Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: November 2017

Objective: Histological grade is the most important factor for defining treatment strategies and predicting prognosis for salivary gland carcinoma (SGC). We examined factors affecting long-term recurrence and survival among intermediate-grade SGC (IGSGC) patients to define optimal treatment modalities and outcomes. Methods: We reviewed the clinical and pathological data on 108 IGSGC patients who underwent definitive surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy. We compared treatment outcomes by treatment strategies such as surgical extent for the primary tumor, neck dissection, or postoperative radiotherapy. Results: During a 103-month median follow-up, local, regional, and distant recurrences were detected in 14 (13.0%), 3 (2.8%), and 21 (19.4%) patients, respectively. The 10-year locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 83.1, 76.0, and 80.1%, respectively. Multivariate analyses identified a nonparotid primary site as an independent prognostic factor for LRC (p = 0.018). Adenoid cystic carcinoma and a positive pN classification were significantly unfavorable prognostic factors for DMFS (p = 0.025 and p = 0.030, respectively); overall advanced stage was an independent prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.020). Surgical extent, elective neck dissection, and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy did not significantly affect treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Patients with early-stage IGSGC of parotid origin can achieve favorable treatment outcomes with conservative surgery alone.
Lymphoproliferative Disorders in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: Is It the Drugs or the Disease
Authors: Bernardes Carlos , Russo Pedro , Carvalho Diana , Saiote Joana , Ramos Jaime
Published: November 2017

Introduction: Systemic inflammatory diseases are related to an increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders. Although inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was also associated with these conditions, population-based studies failed to demonstrate this relationship, and most studies only identified a very small number of cases. In the last few years, concerns arose regarding the role of thiopurines and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-blocking agents in the development of lymphoma, influencing therapeutic decisions in IBD patients. The aim of this study was to describe a case series of IBD patients who developed a lymphoproliferative disorder in our tertiary referral centre. Material and Methods: The clinical records of all IBD patients who were observed in our unit between January 2007 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed, and IBD subjects who were diagnosed with a lymphoproliferative disorder were selected. Clinical and demographic data regarding both conditions were collected. Results: Six IBD patients were diagnosed with a lymphoma - 4 Hodgkin lymphomas and 2 B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas - of which 3 corresponded to primary colonic lymphomas. Immunohistochemical analysis detected the presence of Epstein-Barr virus in the tumour cells of 2 patients, both of them with Hodgkin lymphomas. Only 2 patients were previously treated with thiopurines or anti-TNF-α drugs; none of the remaining had any history of immunosuppressive treatment. Discussion and Conclusions: Despite major attention being currently focused on the effect of treatment, which may play the main role in the increased susceptibility to lymphoma in IBD patients, and although it may be difficult to demonstrate, IBD itself may contribute to the development of lymphoproliferative disorders, particularly primary intestinal lymphomas.
Baerveldt Scleral Patch Graft Abscess Secondary to Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus
Authors: Nguyen Van , Schmutz Mason , Farukhi Sarah , Mosaed Sameh
Published: November 2017

We report the case of a 69-year-old female who underwent a Baerveldt implant placement for severe-stage primary open-angle glaucoma and developed a bacterial infection of the conjunctiva and abscess of the scleral patch graft with subsequent tube exposure. The infection was identified 3 weeks postoperatively and a topical antibiotic was immediately initiated. A concurrent systemic staphylococcal infection was discovered by an outside physician and oral cephalexin was initiated. Despite antibiotic treatment, the conjunctival erosion progressed, and tube revision was required. Culture of the abscess revealed coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. As alluded to above, the patient also had multiple abscesses on the skin that cultured positive for Staphylococcus aureus. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus causing an early postoperative abscess of the scleral patch graft following glaucoma drainage device placement.
Germán Rey: a política tradicional não é suficiente, a cultura e as novas mídias podem ser espaços de resistência
Authors: Fígaro Roseli
Published: November 2017

Comunicação & Educação entrevista Germán Rey Beltrán, intelectual colombiano cuja trajetória está vinculada aos estudos de comunicação e cultura na América Latina. Germán Rey é coordenador da Cátedra Garcia Marquez de Jornalismo no Centro Internacional de Estudios Superiores de Comunicación para América Latina (CIESPAL). Estudou psicologia na Universidade Nacional da Colômbia, com doutorado em Psicologia na Universidade Complutense de Madrid. Participou do projeto “Economia e cultura” do acordo Andrés Bello (Secretaria Ejecutiva del Convenio Andrés Bello e Centro Regional para el Fomento del Libro en América Latina y el Caribe) coordenando o tópico “indicadores sociais e culturais”. Foi assessor do Ministério da Cultura da Colômbia em pesquisas relacionadas às áreas de comunicação, cultura, gestão cultural e indústrias culturais. Por essa mesma instituição, coordenou e editou o Manual de Políticas Culturales (2009). Foi professor na Pontifícia Universidade Javeriana, na Universidade dos Andes e na Universidade Nacional da Colômbia (todas em Bogotá) nas áreas de comunicação, jornalismo e estudos culturais. Atualmente é professor no curso de Mestrado em Desenvolvimento e Cultura da Universidade Tecnológica de Bolívar (Cartagena das Índias, Colômbia). Publicou, entre outros livros, Oficio de equilibrista, 21 casos periodísticos, Los ejercicios del ver: hegemonía audiovisual y ficción televisiva, com Jesús Martín-Barbero; Industrias culturales, creatividad y desarrollo, Balsas y Medusas, sobre política nas mídias, e Desde las dos orillas, sobre o direito à informação.
Mediações e identidade: trilhas para a pesquisa sobre os jovens alunos do Colégio Estadual do Paraná
Authors: Melo Patricia Goedert , Ribeiro Regiane Regina
Published: November 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os principais resultados do estado da arte que mapeou e estabeleceu conexões com outras produções brasileiras stricto sensu nas áreas de comunicação e educação. O texto indica como essas produções elucidaram o itinerário científico trilhado no desenvolvimento da dissertação de mestrado Vozes coletivas, compartilhadas e reconhecidas: um estudo sobre as mediações comunicativas da cultura na trama cotidiana dos jovens alunos do Colégio Estadual do Paraná, especialmente no tocante à temática, à base teórica, ao campo empírico e aos sujeitos da pesquisa. O levantamento dos trabalhos se concentrou em diferentes plataformas de busca e cruzou termos de interesse para a investigação. A evidência central diz respeito à lacuna a ser ocupada pela comunicação na relação entre cultura e instituição escolar.
Predictors and Long-Term Clinical Outcome of Longitudinal Stent Deformation
Authors: Rhee Tae-Min , Park Kyung Woo , Lee Joo Myung , Lee Michael S. , Jeon Ki-Hyun , Kang Hyun-Jae , Koo Bon-Kwon , Rhew Jay Young , Cha Kwang Soo , Bae Jang-Ho , Han Kyoo-Rok , Park Si-Hoon , Park Woo-Jung , Rha Seung-Woon , Oh Seok-Kyu , Kwon Hyuck Moon , Seung Ki-Bae , Ahn Taehoon , Kim Sang-Hyun , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: November 2017

Background—

There are limited data on the frequency of and factors associated with quantitative coronary angiography (QCA)–defined longitudinal stent deformation (LSD) in various contemporary drug-eluting stents platforms. This study sought to evaluate the predictors of LSD and its long-term clinical implication.

Methods and Results—

A patient-level pooled analysis was performed with 7350 lesions in 5871 patients treated with platinum-chromium–based everolimus-eluting stent (Promus Element), cobalt-chromium–based everolimus-eluting stent (Promus/Xience V), or cobalt-chromium–based zotarolimus-eluting stent (Endeavor Resolute). QCA was performed to analyze differences of stent length between immediate post-deployment and final post-procedure. Independent factors associated with LSD were identified. Clinical outcomes at 3 years were compared between those with and without QCA-based LSD. The frequency of QCA-based LSD was 1.12% (82 cases). Nine of these cases were angiographically overt. Left main or ostial lesion, bifurcation treatment with provisional side branch stenting or ballooning, additional downstream intervention of a distal lesion, intravascular ultrasound use, and adjunctive post-dilatation were independently associated with QCA-based LSD. The type of stent was not associated with QCA-based LSD. Rates of target lesion failure were nominally higher in lesions with QCA-based LSD than in those without (8.97% versus 5.88%; hazard ratio, 1.415; 95% confidence interval, 0.631–3.175;
P
=0.399).

Conclusions—

LSD is uncommon with contemporary drug-eluting stents, regardless of the type of stent platform. LSD is mainly associated with procedural factors, especially with additional downstream procedures which require the passage of devices through the stent. Careful manipulation of poststent imaging or procedural devices is required to prevent LSD. More data are needed to clarify the impact of LSD on clinical events.
Culprit Vessel–Only Versus Multivessel Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock Complicating ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kolte Dhaval , Sardar Partha , Khera Sahil , Zeymer Uwe , Thiele Holger , Hochadel Matthias , Radovanovic Dragana , Erne Paul , Hambraeus Kristina , James Stefan , Claessen Bimmer E. , Henriques Jose P.S. , Mylotte Darren , Garot Philippe , Aronow Wilbert S. , Owan Theophilus , Jain Diwakar , Panza Julio A. , Frishman William H. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Aronow Herbert D. , Abbott J. Dawn
Published: November 2017

Background—

The optimal revascularization strategy in patients with multivessel disease presenting with cardiogenic shock complicating ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

Databases were searched from 1999 to October 2016. Studies comparing immediate/single-stage multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (MV-PCI) versus culprit vessel–only PCI (CO-PCI) in patients with multivessel disease, ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, and cardiogenic shock were included. Primary end point was short-term (in-hospital or 30 days) mortality. Secondary end points included long-term mortality, cardiovascular death, reinfarction, and repeat revascularization. Safety end points were in-hospital stroke, renal failure, and major bleeding. The meta-analysis included 11 nonrandomized studies and 5850 patients (1157 MV-PCI and 4693 CO-PCI). There was no significant difference in short-term mortality with MV-PCI versus CO-PCI (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–1.43;
P
=0.61). Similarly, there were no significant differences in long-term mortality (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.54–1.30;
P
=0.43), cardiovascular death (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.42–1.23;
P
=0.23), reinfarction (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 0.84–3.26;
P
=0.15), or repeat revascularization (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.76–1.69;
P
=0.54) between the 2 groups. There was a nonsignificant trend toward higher in-hospital stroke (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.98–2.72;
P
=0.06) and renal failure (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.98–1.72;
P
=0.06), with no difference in major bleeding (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.39–5.63;
P
=0.57) with MV-PCI when compared with CO-PCI.

Conclusions—

This meta-analysis of nonrandomized studies suggests that in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, there may be no significant benefit with single-stage MV-PCI compared with CO-PCI. Given the limitations of observational data, randomized trials are needed to determine the role of MV-PCI in this setting.