bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rare Case of Spontaneous Pneumocephalus Associated with Nontraumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak
Authors: Baba Murad , Tarar Omer , Syed Amer
Published: April 2016

Introduction. Spontaneous nontraumatic pneumocephalus (PNC) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are both very uncommon conditions. We report a rare case of spontaneous pneumocephalus associated with CSF leak secondary to right sphenoid sinus bony defect without history of trauma.Case Description. 51-year-old Hispanic female with past medical history of hypertension and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri) presented to the emergency room complaining of headache and clear discharge from the right nostril. Physical examination was significant for right frontal sinus tenderness and clear discharge from right nostril. Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain showed moderate amount of extra-axial air within the right cerebral hemisphere indicative of pneumocephalus. CT scan of facial bones showed bony defect along the right sphenoid sinus with abnormal CSF collection. The patient was started on intravenous antibiotics for meningitis prophylaxis and subsequently underwent transsphenoidal repair of cerebrospinal fluid leak with abdominal fat graft. CSF rhinorrhea stopped completely after the surgery with near complete resolution of pneumocephalus before discharge.Conclusions. Early identification of pneumocephalus and surgical intervention can help decrease the morbidity and avoid possible complications. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, although rare, can lead to CSF leak and pneumocepahlus.
Comparison of the Early Clinical Outcomes between Combined Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction and Collagen Cross-Linking versus SMILE for Myopia
Authors: Ng Alex L. K. , Chan Tommy C. Y. , Cheng George P. M. , Jhanji Vishal , Ye Cong , Woo Victor C. P. , Lai Jimmy S. M.
Published: April 2016

Background. To compare the early outcome of combined SMILE and collagen crosslinking (SMILE Xtra) with SMILE.Method. Prospective, comparative interventional study of 21 eyes receiving SMILE Xtra using a low energy protocol and 32 control eyes receiving SMILE only. The outcomes were compared at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.Results. Both groups had myopia with spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) > 4.00 D. The SMILE Xtra group had thinner preoperative central corneal thickness and residual stromal bed thickness (p<0.021). At 6 months, no eyes lost more than 1 line in corrected distance visual acuity. The safety index was0.96±0.06and1.00±0.00in SMILE Xtra and control, respectively (p<0.001). 89% and 94% of eyes were within ±0.50 D of target refraction, respectively, with the mean error in SEQ correction being-0.17±0.26 D for SMILE Xtra and+0.03±0.25 D for control (p=0.021). The efficacy index was0.88±0.13and0.97±0.06, respectively (p=0.005).Conclusion. SMILE Xtra had good overall safety profile and predictability at 6 months. However, when compared with control, the safety index and efficacy index were statistically significantly lower in the early postoperative period.
Indoor Localisation Based on GSM Signals: Multistorey Building Study
Authors: Górak Rafał , Luckner Marcin , Okulewicz Michał , Porter-Sobieraj Joanna , Wawrzyniak Piotr
Published: April 2016

Among the accurate indoor localisation systems that are using WiFi, Bluetooth, or infrared technologies, the ones that are based on the GSM rely on a stable external infrastructure that can be used even in an emergency. This paper presents an accurate GSM indoor localisation system that achieves a median error of 4.39 metres in horizontal coordinates and up to 64 percent accuracy in floor prediction (for 84 percent of cases the floor prediction is mistaken by not more than a single floor). The test and reference measurements were made inside a six-floor academic building, with an irregular shape, whose dimensions are around 50 metres by 70 metres. The localisation algorithm uses GSM signal readings from the 7 strongest cells available in the GSM standard (or fewer, if fewer than 7 are available). We estimate the location by a three-step method. Firstly, we propose a point localisation solution (i.e., localisation based on only one measurement). Then, by applying the central tendency filters and the Multilayer Perceptron, we build a localisation system that uses a sequence of estimations of current and past locations. We also discuss major accuracy factors such as the number of observed signals or the types of spaces in the building.
Glutathione Peroxidase Level in Patients with Vitiligo: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xiao Bi-huan , Shi Meihui , Chen Hongqiang , Cui Shaoshan , Wu Yan , Gao Xing-Hua , Chen Hong-Duo
Published: April 2016

Abnormality of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, the results were controversial.Aim. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the levels of GPx between vitiligo patients and healthy controls.Methods.Relevant published articles were searched according to eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis was conducted to pool estimates of the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results.Twenty-three studies with a total of 1076 vitiligo patients and 770 healthy controls were included. The pooled meta-analysis showed that patients with vitiligo had equivalent levels of GPx with the healthy controls (SMD = −0.47, 95% CI: −1.03 to 0.08, andp=0.095). Further subgroup analysis showed that the GPx levels of Asian patients or segmental vitiligo patients were, respectively, lower than those of healthy controls (Asian: SMD = −0.47, 95% CI: −1.08 to 0.14, andp=0.001; segmental: SMD = −3.59, 95% CI: −6.38 to −0.80, andp=0.012). Furthermore, the GPx levels in serum/plasma were significantly decreased in either stable or active vitiligo patients, comparing to healthy controls (stable: SMD = −2.01, 95% CI: −3.52 to −0.49, andp=0.009; active: SMD = −2.34, 95% CI: −4.07 to −0.61, andp=0.008).Conclusion. This meta-analysis showed a significant association between low GPx level and vitiligo.
Inferior Vena Cava Duplication: Incidental Case in a Young Woman
Authors: Coco Danilo , Cecchini Sara , Leanza Silvana , Viola Massimo , Ricci Stefano , Campagnacci Roberto
Published: April 2016

A case of a double inferior vena cava (IVC) with retroaortic left renal vein, azygos continuation of the IVC, and presence of the hepatic portion of the IVC drained into the right renal vein is reported and the embryologic, clinical, and radiological significance is discussed. The diagnosis is suggested by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), which reveals the aberrant vascular structures. Awareness of different congenital anomalies of IVC is necessary for radiologists to avoid diagnostic pitfalls and they should be remembered because they can influence several surgical interventions and endovascular procedures.
Detecting the Intention to Move Upper Limbs from Electroencephalographic Brain Signals
Authors: Gudiño-Mendoza Berenice , Sanchez-Ante Gildardo , Antelis Javier M.
Published: April 2016

Early decoding of motor states directly from the brain activity is essential to develop brain-machine interfaces (BMI) for natural motor control of neuroprosthetic devices. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the detection of movement information before the actual movement occurs. This information piece could be useful to provide early control signals to drive BMI-based rehabilitation and motor assisted devices, thus providing a natural and active rehabilitation therapy. In this work, electroencephalographic (EEG) brain signals from six healthy right-handed participants were recorded during self-initiated reaching movements of the upper limbs. The analysis of these EEG traces showed that significant event-related desynchronization is present before and during the execution of the movements, predominantly in the motor-relatedαandβfrequency bands and in electrodes placed above the motor cortex. This oscillatory brain activity was used to continuously detect the intention to move the limbs, that is, to identify the motor phase prior to the actual execution of the reaching movement. The results showed, first, significant classification between relax and movement intention and, second, significant detection of movement intention prior to the onset of the executed movement. On the basis of these results, detection of movement intention could be used in BMI settings to reduce the gap between mental motor processes and the actual movement performed by an assisted or rehabilitation robotic device.
Horizontal Gene Transfers from Bacteria toEntamoebaComplex: A Strategy for Dating Events along Species Divergence
Authors: Romero Miguel , Cerritos R. , Ximenez Cecilia
Published: April 2016

Horizontal gene transfer has proved to be relevant in eukaryotic evolution, as it has been found more often than expected and related to adaptation to certain niches. A relatively large list of laterally transferred genes has been proposed and evaluated for the parasiteEntamoeba histolytica. The goals of this work were to elucidate the importance of lateral gene transfer along the evolutionary history of some members of the genusEntamoeba, through identifying donor groups and estimating the divergence time of some of these events. In order to estimate the divergence time of some of the horizontal gene transfer events, the dating of someEntamoebaspecies was necessary, following an indirect dating strategy based on the fossil record of plausible hosts. The divergence betweenE. histolyticaandE. nuttalliiprobably occurred 5.93 million years ago (Mya); this lineage diverged fromE. dispar9.97 Mya, while the ancestor of the latter separated fromE. invadens68.18 Mya. We estimated times for 22 transferences; the most recent occurred 31.45 Mya and the oldest 253.59 Mya. Indeed, the acquisition of genes through lateral transfer may have triggered a period of adaptive radiation, thus playing a major role in the evolution of theEntamoebagenus.
Comparison of Intranasal Outer Membrane Vesicles with Cholera Toxin and Injected MF59C.1 as Adjuvants for Malaria Transmission Blocking Antigens AnAPN1 and Pfs48/45
Authors: Pritsch Michael , Ben-Khaled Najib , Chaloupka Michael , Kobold Sebastian , Berens-Riha Nicole , Peter Annabell , Liegl Gabriele , Schubert Sören , Hoelscher Michael , Löscher Thomas , Wieser Andreas
Published: April 2016

Purified protein vaccines often require adjuvants for efficient stimulation of immune responses. There is no licensed mucosal adjuvant on the market to adequately boost the immune response to purified antigens for intranasal applications in humans. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMV) are attractive candidates potentially combining antigenic and adjuvant properties in one substance. To more precisely characterize the potential ofEscherichia coliOMV for intranasal vaccination with heterologous antigens, immune responses for AnAPN1 and Pfs48/45 as well as ovalbumin as a reference antigen were assessed in mice. The intranasal adjuvant cholera toxin (CT) and parenteral adjuvant MF59C.1 were used in comparison. Vaccinations were administered intranasally or subcutaneously. Antibodies (total IgG and IgM as well as subclasses IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3) were measured by ELISA. T cell responses (cytotoxic T cells, Th1, Th17, and regulatory T cells) were determined by flow cytometry. When OMV were used as adjuvant for intranasal immunization, antibody and cellular responses against all three antigens could be induced, comparable to cholera toxin and MF59C.1. Antigen-specific IgG titres above 1 : 105could be detected in all groups. This study provides the rationale for further development of OMV as a vaccination strategy in malaria and other diseases.
Comparison of the Biological Characteristics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Bone Marrow and Skin
Authors: Liu Ruifeng , Chang Wenjuan , Wei Hong , Zhang Kaiming
Published: April 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit high proliferation and self‐renewal capabilities and are critical for tissue repair and regeneration during ontogenesis. They also play a role in immunomodulation. MSCs can be isolated from a variety of tissues and have many potential applications in the clinical setting. However, MSCs of different origins may possess different biological characteristics. In this study, we performed a comprehensive comparison of MSCs isolated from bone marrow and skin (BMMSCs and SMSCs, resp.), including analysis of the skin sampling area, separation method, culture conditions, primary and passage culture times, cell surface markers, multipotency, cytokine secretion, gene expression, and fibroblast‐like features. The results showed that the MSCs from both sources had similar cell morphologies, surface markers, and differentiation capacities. However, the two cell types exhibited major differences in growth characteristics; the primary culture time of BMMSCs was significantly shorter than that of SMSCs, whereas the growth rate of BMMSCs was lower than that of SMSCs after passaging. Moreover, differences in gene expression and cytokine secretion profiles were observed. For example, secretion of proliferative cytokines was significantly higher for SMSCs than for BMMSCs. Our findings provide insights into the different biological functions of both cell types.
Lung Cancer in Homeless People: Clinical Outcomes and Cost Analysis in a Single Institute
Authors: Suh Koung Jin , Kim Ki Hwan , Lim Jin , Park Jin Hyun , Kim Jin-Soo , Choi In Sil
Published: April 2016

Introduction. To characterize the demographic and clinical features, outcomes, and treatment costs of lung cancer in homeless people. Methods. Medical records of 22 homeless patients with lung cancer at Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, were retrospectively analyzed. Results. All patients were men (median age, 62 years). Most patients (78%) had advanced disease (stage IIIB, n=2; stage IV, n=15). Seven died during initial hospitalization (median survival, 1.5 months). Six were lost to follow-up after initial outpatient visits or discharges from initial admission (median follow-up, 13 days). Only 4 received appropriate treatment for their disease and survived for 1, 15, 19, and 28 months, respectively. Conversely, 4 of 5 patients with early stage disease (stage I, n=4; stage IIA, n=1) received curative surgery (median follow-up 25.5 months). The median treatment cost based on 29 days of hospitalization and 2 outpatient visits was $12,513, constituting 47.3% of the 2013 per capita income. Inpatient treatment accounted for 90% of the total costs. The National Health Insurance Service paid 82% of the costs. Conclusion. Among the homeless, lung cancer seems to be associated with poor prognosis and substantial costs during a relatively short follow-up and survival period.
Modeling and Measurement of Correlation between Blood and Interstitial Glucose Changes
Authors: Shi Ting , Li Dachao , Li Guoqing , Zhang Yiming , Xu Kexin , Lu Luo
Published: April 2016

One of the most effective methods for continuous blood glucose monitoring is to continuously measure glucose in the interstitial fluid (ISF). However, multiple physiological factors can modulate glucose concentrations and affect the lag phase between blood and ISF glucose changes. This study aims to develop a compensatory tool for measuring the delay in ISF glucose variations in reference to blood glucose changes. A theoretical model was developed based on biophysics and physiology of glucose transport in the microcirculation system. Blood and interstitial fluid glucose changes were measured in mice and rats by fluorescent and isotope methods, respectively. Computer simulation mimicked curves were fitted with data resulting from fluorescent measurements of mice and isotope measurements of rats, indicating that there were lag times for ISF glucose changes. It also showed that there was a required diffusion distance for glucose to travel from center of capillaries to interstitial space in both mouse and rat models. We conclude that it is feasible with the developed model to continuously monitor dynamic changes of blood glucose concentration through measuring glucose changes in ISF with high accuracy, which requires correct parameters for determining and compensating for the delay time of glucose changes in ISF.
Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinases‐1 Knockdown Suppresses the Proliferation of Human Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Peihua , Li Jin , Qi Yawei , Tang Xudong , Duan Jianfeng , Liu Li , Wu Zeyong , Liang Jie , Li Jiangfeng , Wang Xian , Zeng Guofang , Liu Hongwei
Published: April 2016

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1) is a multifunctional matrix metalloproteinase, and it is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in various cell types. However, little is known about the effect of TIMP‐1 expression on the proliferation of adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs). Therefore, TIMP‐1 expression in the ADSCs was firstly detected by western blotting, and TIMP‐1 gene was knocked down by lentivirus‐mediated shRNA. Cell proliferation was then evaluated by MTT assay and Ki67 staining, respectively. Cell cycle progression was determined by flow cytometry. The changes of p51, p21, cyclin E, cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), and P‐CDK2 caused by TIMP‐1 knockdown were detected by western blotting. The results indicated that ADSCs highly expressed TIMP‐1 protein, and the knockdown of TIMP‐1 inhibited cell proliferation and arrested cell cycle progression at G1 phase in the ADSCs possibly through the upregulation of p53, p21, and P‐CDK2 protein levels and concurrent downregulation of cyclin E and CDK2 protein levels. These findings suggest that TIMP‐1 works as a positive regulator of cell proliferation in ADSCs.
Antibacterial and Antimetastatic Potential of Diospyros lycioides Extract on Cervical Cancer Cells and Associated Pathogens
Authors: Bagla V. P. , Lubisi V. Z. , Ndiitwani T. , Mokgotho M. P. , Mampuru L. , Mbazima V.
Published: April 2016

Cervical cancer is among the most prevalent forms of cancer in women worldwide. Diospyros lycioides was extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol and finger print profiles were determined. The leaf material was tested for the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides using standard chemical methods and the presence of flavonoids and phenolics using thin layer chromatography. The total phenolic content was determined using Folin‐Ciocalteu procedure. The four extracts were tested for antibacterial activity using bioautography against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The acetone extract with the highest number of antibacterial and antioxidant compounds was assessed for its cytotoxicity on BUD‐8 cells using the real‐time xCELLigence system and its potential effects on metastatic cervical cancer (HeLa) cell migration and invasion were assessed using wound healing migration and invasion assays. The leaf extract tested positive for flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids while the four different extracts tested in the antimicrobial assay contained constituents active against one or more of the organisms tested, except E. coli. The cytotoxicity of the acetone extract in real‐time was concentration‐dependent with potent ability to suppress the migration and invasion of HeLa cells. The finding demonstrates the acetone extract to contain constituents with antibacterial and antimetastatic effects on cervical cancer cells.
Cytoprotective and Cytotoxic Effects of Rice Bran Extracts in Rat H9c2(2‐1) Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tan Xian Wen , Bhave Mrinal , Fong Alan Yean Yip , Matsuura Eiji , Kobayashi Kazuko , Shen Lian Hua , Hwang Siaw San
Published: April 2016

This study was aimed at preliminarily assessing the cytoprotective and antioxidative effects of rice bran extracts (RBEs) from a Sarawak local rice variety (local name: “BJLN”) and a commercial rice variety, “MR219,” on oxidative stress in rat H9c2(2‐1) cardiomyocytes. The cardiomyocytes were incubated with different concentrations of RBE and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), respectively, to identify their respective IC50 values and safe dose ranges. Two nonlethal and close‐to‐IC50 doses of RBE were selected to evaluate their respective effects on H2O2 induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Both RBEs showed dose‐dependent cytotoxicity effects on cardiomyocytes. H2O2 induction of cardiomyocytes pretreated with RBE further revealed the dose‐dependent cytoprotective and antioxidative effects of RBE via an increase in IC50 values of H2O2. Preliminary analyses of induction effects of RBE and H2O2 on cellular antioxidant enzyme, catalase (CAT), also revealed their potential in regulating these activities and expression profile of related gene on oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Pretreated cardiomyocytes significantly upregulated the enzymatic activity and expression level of CAT under the exposure of H2O2 induced oxidative stress. This preliminary study has demonstrated the potential antioxidant effects of RBE in alleviating H2O2‐mediated oxidative injuries via upregulation in enzymatic activities and expression levels of CAT.
Fractalkine Attenuates Microglial Cell Activation Induced by Prenatal Stress
Authors: Ślusarczyk Joanna , Trojan Ewa , Głombik Katarzyna , Chamera Katarzyna , Roman Adam , Budziszewska Bogusława , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka
Published: April 2016

The potential contribution of inflammation to the development of neuropsychiatric diseases has recently received substantial attention. In the brain, the main immune cells are the microglia. As they are the main source of inflammatory factors, it is plausible that the regulation of their activation may be a potential therapeutic target. Fractalkine (CX3CL1) and its receptor CX3CR1 play a crucial role in the control of the biological activity of the microglia. In the present study, using microglial cultures we investigated whether fractalkine is able to reverse changes in microglia caused by a prenatal stress procedure. Our study found that the microglia do not express fractalkine. Prenatal stress decreases the expression of the fractalkine receptor, which in turn is enhanced by the administration of exogenous fractalkine. Moreover, treatment with fractalkine diminishes the prenatal stress-induced overproduction of proinflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, or NO in the microglial cells derived from prenatally stressed newborns. In conclusion, the present results revealed that the pathological activation of microglia in prenatally stressed newborns may be attenuated by fractalkine administration. Therefore, understanding of the role of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 system may help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the neuron-microglia interaction and its role in pathological conditions in the brain.
The Role of Ammonia in Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in Skim Natural Rubber Latex
Authors: Danwanichakul Panu , Suwatthanarak Thanawat , Suwanvisith Chidchanok , Danwanichakul Duangkamol
Published: April 2016

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in skim natural rubber latex, the by-product from concentrated latex production. The role of ammonia was investigated by varying the concentration to be 0.217, 0.362, 0.377, 0.392, and 0.406 wt%. The emergence of AgNPs was detected by UV-visible spectrophotometer and electrical conductivity meter. Upon increasing ammonia concentration, the ABS peak increased to a maximum and slightly shifted to a higher wavelength and then it decreased afterward and slightly shifted to a lower wavelength. The shift of the ABS peak was consistent with the conductivity result. The kinetic model was proposed to explain the competition between the reducing effect and size-controlling effect of ammonia. The reducing effect seemed to dominate in the low range of concentration while the size-controlling effect via the formation of AgNH32+ complex ion was important in the higher range. The TEM figures evidently confirmed the effects.
Unmet Supportive Care Needs among Breast Cancer Survivors of Community-Based Support Group in Kuching, Sarawak
Authors: Fong Emmanuel Joseph , Cheah Whye Lian
Published: April 2016

Background.Recognizing the needs of cancer survivors is one of the important aspects in healthcare delivery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of unmet supportive care needs and its associated factors among the breast cancer survivors of community-based support group in Kuching, Sarawak.Materials and Methods.This was a cross-sectional study using Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34). All the members of community-based breast cancer support groups in Kuching were invited. A total of 101 respondents were face-to-face interviewed after the consent was obtained. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results.The respondents endorsedhealth system and informationdomain with the highest mean score (2.48; 95% CI: 2.32–2.64). Top 10 items with “moderate to high” level unmet needs had a prevalence of 14.9% to 34.7% of respondents indicating need. Significantly higher level of unmet needs was associated with survivors who were younger (less than 60 years old), had higher education attainment, were unemployed, had survival duration of up to 5 years, and were undergoing active treatment.Conclusion. Systematic delivery of health information which is targeted, culturally sensitive, and linguistically appropriate for addressing younger age, education level, employment status, length of survivorship, and treatment stage should be considered not only at hospital-based setting but also at the community-based support groups.
Activation of Sphalerite by Ammoniacal Copper Solution in Froth Flotation
Authors: Xie Xian , Hou Kai , Yang Bo , Tong Xiong
Published: April 2016

The activation of sphalerite particles by ammoniacal copper solution (ACS) was investigated in this study. This microflotation study was conducted on a single sphalerite mineral with the particles size of 38 μm to 75 μm. Results showed that ACS has somewhat better activation effect than copper sulphate (a traditional activator) with sodium isobutyl xanthate as the collector. Agglomeration observation, contact angle measurement, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement results of sphalerite particles verified the superiority of this new activator. Therefore, the substitution of copper sulphate with ACS would increase the separation efficiency not only in marmatite flotation but also in sphalerite flotation.
A Framework for the Comparative Assessment of Neuronal Spike Sorting Algorithms towards More Accurate Off-Line and On-Line Microelectrode Arrays Data Analysis
Authors: Regalia Giulia , Coelli Stefania , Biffi Emilia , Ferrigno Giancarlo , Pedrocchi Alessandra
Published: April 2016

Neuronal spike sorting algorithms are designed to retrieve neuronal network activity on a single-cell level from extracellular multiunit recordings with Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs). In typical analysis of MEA data, one spike sorting algorithm is applied indiscriminately to all electrode signals. However, this approach neglects the dependency of algorithms’ performances on the neuronal signals properties at each channel, which require data-centric methods. Moreover, sorting is commonly performed off-line, which is time and memory consuming and prevents researchers from having an immediate glance at ongoing experiments. The aim of this work is to provide a versatile framework to support the evaluation and comparison of different spike classification algorithms suitable for both off-line and on-line analysis. We incorporated different spike sorting “building blocks” into a Matlab-based software, including 4 feature extraction methods, 3 feature clustering methods, and 1 template matching classifier. The framework was validated by applying different algorithms on simulated and real signals from neuronal cultures coupled to MEAs. Moreover, the system has been proven effective in running on-line analysis on a standard desktop computer, after the selection of the most suitable sorting methods. This work provides a useful and versatile instrument for a supported comparison of different options for spike sorting towards more accurate off-line and on-line MEA data analysis.
An Unusual Case of Asystole Occurring during Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Authors: Nguyen Ha Son , Woehlck Harvey , Pahapill Peter
Published: April 2016

Background. Symptomatic bradycardia and hypotension in neurosurgery can produce severe consequences if not managed appropriately. The literature is scarce regarding its occurrence during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.Case Presentation. A 67-year-old female presented for left DBS lead placement for essential tremors. During lead implantation, heart rate and blood pressure dropped rapidly; the patient became unresponsive and asystolic. Chest compressions were initiated and epinephrine was given. Within 30 seconds, the patient became hemodynamically stable and conscious. A head CT demonstrated no acute findings. After deliberation, a decision was made to complete the procedure. Assuming the etiology of the episode was the Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR), appropriate accommodations were made. The procedure was completed uneventfully.Conclusion. The episode was consistent with a manifestation of the BJR. The patient had a history of neurocardiogenic syncope and a relatively low-volume state, factors prone to the BJR. Overall, lead implantation can still occur safely if preventive measures are employed.
Systems Pharmacology Uncovers the Multiple Mechanisms of Xijiao Dihuang Decoction for the Treatment of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
Authors: Liu Jianling , Pei Tianli , Mu Jiexin , Zheng Chunli , Chen Xuetong , Huang Chao , Fu Yingxue , Liang Zongsuo , Wang Yonghua
Published: April 2016

Background. Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are a group of systemic diseases characterized by fever and bleeding, which have posed a formidable potential threat to public health with high morbidity and mortality. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas have been acknowledged with striking effects in treatment of hemorrhagic fever syndromes in China’s history. Nevertheless, their accurate mechanisms of action are still confusing. Objective. To systematically dissect the mechanisms of action of Chinese medicinal formula Xijiao Dihuang (XJDH) decoction as an effective treatment for VHF. Methods. In this study, a systems pharmacology method integrating absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) screening, drug targeting, network, and pathway analysis was developed. Results. 23 active compounds of XJDH were obtained and 118 VHF‐related targets were identified to have interactions with them. Moreover, systematic analysis of drug‐target network and the integrated VHF pathway indicate that XJDH probably acts through multiple mechanisms to benefit VHF patients, which can be classified as boosting immune system, restraining inflammatory responses, repairing the vascular system, and blocking virus spread. Conclusions. The integrated systems pharmacology method provides precise probe to illuminate the molecular mechanisms of XJDH for VHF, which will also facilitate the application of traditional medicine in modern medicine.
Basal Glutathionylation of Na,K‐ATPase α‐Subunit Depends on Redox Status of Cells during the Enzyme Biosynthesis
Authors: Mitkevich Vladimir A. , Petrushanko Irina Yu. , Poluektov Yuri M. , Burnysheva Ksenia M. , Lakunina Valentina A. , Anashkina Anastasia A. , Makarov Alexander A.
Published: April 2016

Many viruses induce oxidative stress and cause S‐glutathionylation of Cys residues of the host and viral proteins. Changes in cell functioning during viral infection may be associated with glutathionylation of a number of key proteins including Na,K‐ATPase which creates a gradient of sodium and potassium ions. It was found that Na,K‐ATPase α‐subunit has a basal glutathionylation which is not abrogated by reducing agent. We have shown that acute hypoxia leads to increase of total glutathionylation level of Na,K‐ATPase α‐subunit; however, basal glutathionylation of α‐subunit increases under prolonged hypoxia only. The role of basal glutathionylation in Na,K‐ATPase function remains unclear. Understanding significance of basal glutathionylation is complicated by the fact that there are no X‐ray structures of Na,K‐ATPase with the identified glutathione molecules. We have analyzed all X‐ray structures of the Na,K‐ATPase α‐subunit from pig kidney and found that there are a number of isolated cavities with unresolved electron density close to the relevant cysteine residues. Analysis of the structures showed that this unresolved density in the structure can be occupied by glutathione associated with cysteine residues. Here, we discuss the role of basal glutathionylation of Na,K‐ATPase α‐subunit and provide evidence supporting the view that this modification is cotranslational.
The Effect of Patient and Contextual Characteristics on Racial/Ethnic Disparity in Breast Cancer Mortality
Authors: Sposto Richard , Keegan Theresa H.M. , Vigen Cheryl , Kwan Marilyn L. , Bernstein Leslie , John Esther M. , Cheng Iona , Yang Juan , Koo Jocelyn , Kurian Allison W. , Caan Bette J. , Lu Yani , Monroe Kristine R. , Shariff-Marco Salma , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Wu Anna H.
Published: April 2016

Background: Racial/ethnic disparity in breast cancer–specific mortality in the United States is well documented. We examined whether accounting for racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of clinical, patient, and lifestyle and contextual factors that are associated with breast cancer–specific mortality can explain this disparity.

Methods: The California Breast Cancer Survivorship Consortium combined interview data from six California-based breast cancer studies with cancer registry data to create a large, racially diverse cohort of women with primary invasive breast cancer. We examined the contribution of variables in a previously reported Cox regression baseline model plus additional contextual, physical activity, body size, and comorbidity variables to the racial/ethnic disparity in breast cancer–specific mortality.

Results: The cohort comprised 12,098 women. Fifty-four percent were non-Latina Whites, 17% African Americans, 17% Latinas, and 12% Asian Americans. In a model adjusting only for age and study, breast cancer–specific HRs relative to Whites were 1.69 (95% CI, 1.46–1.96), 1.00 (0.84–1.19), and 0.52 (0.33–0.85) for African Americans, Latinas, and Asian Americans, respectively. Adjusting for baseline-model variables decreased disparity primarily by reducing the HR for African Americans to 1.13 (0.96–1.33). The most influential variables were related to disease characteristics, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and smoking status at diagnosis. Other variables had negligible impact on disparity.

Conclusions: Although contextual, physical activity, body size, and comorbidity variables may influence breast cancer–specific mortality, they do not explain racial/ethnic mortality disparity.

Impact: Other factors besides those investigated here may explain the existing racial/ethnic disparity in mortality. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(7); 1064–72. ©2016 AACR.
Phase I Clinical Trial of Marizomib (NPI-0052) in Patients with Advanced Malignancies Including Multiple Myeloma: Study NPI-0052-102 Final Results
Authors: Harrison Simon J. , Mainwaring Paul , Price Timothy , Millward Michael J. , Padrik Peeter , Underhill Craig R. , Cannell Paul K. , Reich Steven D. , Trikha Mohit , Spencer Andrew
Published: April 2016

Purpose: Marizomib (NPI-0052) is an irreversible proteasome inhibitor, derived from a marine actinomycete, with activity and specificity that is distinct from other proteasome inhibitors.

Experimental Design: Phase I study (NPI-0052-102) evaluated the MTD, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of marizomib intravenously on two dosing schedules.

Results: Forty-two patients with advanced malignancies received Schedule A (0.1–0.9 mg/m2 over 1–10 minutes on days 1, 8, 15 in 4-week cycles); 44 patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) and other hematologic malignancies received Schedule B (0.075–0.6 mg/m2 over 1 minute to 2 hours on days 1, 4, 8, 11, in 3-week cycles). The Schedule A recommended phase II dose was 0.7 mg/m2 over 10 minutes; Schedule B was 0.5 mg/m2 over 2 hours. The most common (>25% of patients) related adverse events were fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and infusion site pain (Schedule A); and fatigue (Schedule B). Overall response rate of 11% was seen in 27 efficacy-evaluable RRMM Schedule B patients (1 very good partial response, 3 partial responses, 4 minimal responses, and 12 stable disease). One Schedule A patient with transformed marginal zone lymphoma had complete response. Marizomib has a short half-life (<30 minutes), with high volume of distribution (∼15–416 L) and clearance (∼0.9–22 L/minutes).

Conclusions: Marizomib does not exhibit the severe peripheral neuropathy or hematologic toxicity observed with other proteasome inhibitors. Marizomib was generally well tolerated with low-dose dexamethasone, demonstrated activity in heavily pretreated RRMM patients, and warrants further evaluation. Clin Cancer Res; 22(18); 4559–66. ©2016 AACR.
Influence of apoptosis induced mesenchymal stem cells to dna fragmentation level and activity of sphingosine sitsemy under an experimental modeling of pathological processes
Authors: Komarevtseva I. О. , Chebotaryova A. A.
Published: April 2016

During the studying the level of DNA fragmentation and free sphingosine in animals had been modeled acute renal failure, we obtained results which indicate stimulation ischemic process apoptotic activity in kidney tissue or 3, 7 and 14 day of study, which was confirmed by increased levels of the studied marker. Further use of mesenchymal stem cells cultured in apoptosis-induced environment near modeled pathological process led to the initial sharp rise in both fragmented DNA and free sphingosine in renal tissue on day 3, with a consequent reduction in theirconcentrations to 14 days of the experiment almost to the figures obtained by us in the group of intact animals.
Synchronous Context-Free Grammars and Optimal Parsing Strategies
Authors: Gildea Daniel , Satta Giorgio
Published: April 2016

The complexity of parsing with synchronous context-free grammars is polynomial in the sentence length for a fixed grammar, but the degree of the polynomial depends on the grammar. Specifically, the degree depends on the length of rules, the permutations represented by the rules, and the parsing strategy adopted to decompose the recognition of a rule into smaller steps. We address the problem of finding the best parsing strategy for a rule, in terms of space and time complexity. We show that it is NP-hard to find the binary strategy with the lowest space complexity. We also show that any algorithm for finding the strategy with the lowest time complexity would imply improved approximation algorithms for finding the treewidth of general graphs.
When the Whole Is Less Than the Sum of Its Parts: How Composition Affects PMI Values in Distributional Semantic Vectors
Authors: Paperno Denis , Baroni Marco
Published: April 2016

Distributional semantic models, deriving vector-based word representations from patterns of word usage in corpora, have many useful applications (Turney and Pantel 2010 ). Recently, there has been interest in compositional distributional models, which derive vectors for phrases from representations of their constituent words (Mitchell and Lapata 2010 ). Often, the values of distributional vectors are pointwise mutual information (PMI) scores obtained from raw co-occurrence counts. In this article we study the relation between the PMI dimensions of a phrase vector and its components in order to gain insights into which operations an adequate composition model should perform. We show mathematically that the difference between the PMI dimension of a phrase vector and the sum of PMIs in the corresponding dimensions of the phrase's parts is an independently interpretable value, namely, a quantification of the impact of the context associated with the relevant dimension on the phrase's internal cohesion, as also measured by PMI. We then explore this quantity empirically, through an analysis of adjective–noun composition.
Differential Hive Plots: Seeing Networks Change
Authors: Krzywinski Martin , Nip Ka Ming , Birol Inanc , Marra Marco
Published: April 2016

Network layouts generated by common algorithms, such as force-directed and spectral methods, are difficult to interpret because the methods are inherently unpredictable. These layouts are ineffective in comparing networks because the layouts lack perceptual uniformity—the differences in output are not proportional to differences in input. To address this, the authors introduce the differential hive plot (DHP), a layout method based on the comparison of two hive plots (HP). The DHP is a difference of two visualizations and contains nodes and edges in the difference or intersection of the two networks based on positional similarity in the input HPs.
The myrmicine ant genus Metapone Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): a global taxonomic review with descriptions of twelve new species
Authors: TAYLOR ROBERT W. , ALPERT GARY D.
Published: April 2016

The 28 known species of Metapone are monographed and illustrated. Twelve are described as new: M. africana, Gabon; M. balinensis, Bali, Indonesia; M. enigmatica, northeast New Guinea; M. hoelldobleri, northeast Queensland, Australia; M. javana, Java, Indonesia; M. manni, Viti Levu, Fiji; M. mathinnae, Flinders Island, Tasmania, Australia; M. philwardi, northeast New Guinea; M. salomonis, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; M. tecklini, northeast Queensland; M. titan, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea; M. wallaceana, Lombok, Indonesia; spp.n. New synonymies include M. greeni Forel = M. johni Karavaiev (Sri Lanka) syn.n, and M. jacobsoni Crawley (Sumatra) = M. nicobarensis Tiwari & Jonathan (Great Nicobar Island) syn.n.
A new diminutive sisorid catfish (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes) from northeastern India
Authors: NG HEOK HEE , LALRAMLIANA LALRAMLIANA , LALRONUNGA SAMUEL
Published: April 2016

This study describes a new diminutive sisorid catfish from the upper reaches of the Karnaphuli River drainage in northeastern India. The new species can be distinguished from congeners in having a combination of: length of dorsal-fin spine 18.0–21.6% SL; 4–10 serrations on the anterior edge of the dorsal spine; length of pectoral-fin spine 20.7–26.1% SL; length of adipose-fin base 21.5–26.3% SL; body depth at anus 12.3–15.9% SL; caudal peduncle depth 7.5–9.8% SL; caudal peduncle length 17.0–20.5% SL; pale, y-shaped marking on dorsal surface of head; sides of body with pale yellowish patches and irregular bands.
Influence of Initial Snowpack Properties on Runoff Formation during Rain-on-Snow Events
Authors: Würzer Sebastian , Jonas Tobias , Wever Nander , Lehning Michael
Published: April 2016

Rain-on-snow (ROS) events have caused severe floods in mountainous areas in the recent past. Because of the complex interactions of physical processes, it is still difficult to accurately predict the effect of snow cover on runoff formation for an upcoming ROS event. In this study, a detailed physics-based energy balance snow cover model (SNOWPACK) was used to assess snow cover processes during more than 1000 historical ROS events at 116 locations in the Swiss Alps. The simulations of the mass and energy balance, liquid water flow, and the temporal evolution of structural properties of the snowpack were used to analyze runoff formation characteristics during ROS events. Initial liquid water content and snow depth at the onset of rainfall were found to influence the temporal dynamics, intensities, and cumulative amount of runoff. The meteorological forcing is modulated by processes within the snowpack, leading to an attenuation of runoff intensities for intense and short rain events and an amplifying effect for longer rain events. The timing of runoff generation relative to the rainfall seems to be strongly dependent on initial liquid water content, snow depth, and rainfall intensities. As these snowpack and meteorological conditions usually exhibit a strong seasonality, cumulative runoff generation during ROS also varies seasonally. ROS events with intensified snowpack runoff were found to be most common during late snowmelt season, with several such events also occurring in late autumn. These results demonstrate the strong influence of initial snowpack properties on runoff formation during ROS events in the Swiss Alps.
Variability of the Turbulent Kinetic Energy Dissipation along the A25 Greenland–Portugal Transect Repeated from 2002 to 2012
Authors: Ferron Bruno , Kokoszka Florian , Mercier Herlé , Lherminier Pascale , Huck Thierry , Rios Aida , Thierry Virginie
Published: April 2016

The variability of the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation due to internal waves is quantified using a finescale parameterization applied to the A25 Greenland–Portugal transect repeated every two years from 2002 to 2012. The internal wave velocity shear and strain are estimated for each cruise at 91 stations from full depth vertical profiles of density and velocity. The 2002–12 averaged dissipation rate 〈ε2002–2012〉 in the upper ocean lays in the range 1–10 × 10−10 W kg−1. At depth, 〈ε2002–2012〉 is smaller than 1 × 10−10 W kg−1 except over rough topography found at the continental slopes, the Reykjanes Ridge, and in a region delimited by the Azores–Biscay Rise and Eriador Seamount. There, the vertical energy flux of internal waves is preferentially oriented toward the surface and 〈ε2002–2012〉 is in the range 1–20 × 10−10 W kg−1. The interannual variability in the dissipation rates is remarkably small over the whole transect. A few strong dissipation rate events exceeding the uncertainty of the finescale parameterization occur at depth between the Azores–Biscay Rise and Eriador Seamount. This region is also marked by mesoscale eddying flows resulting in enhanced surface energy level and enhanced bottom velocities. Estimates of the vertical energy fluxes into the internal tide and into topographic internal waves suggest that the latter are responsible for the strong dissipation events. At Eriador Seamount, both topographic internal waves and the internal tide contribute with the same order of magnitude to the dissipation rate while around the Reykjanes Ridge the internal tide provides the bulk of the dissipation rate.
Relating Wind and Stress under Tropical Cyclones with Scatterometer
Authors: Liu W. Timothy , Tang Wenqing
Published: April 2016

Ocean surface stress, the turbulent transport of momentum, is largely derived from wind through a drag coefficient. In tropical cyclones (TCs), scatterometers have difficulty measuring strong wind and there is large uncertainty in the drag coefficient. This study postulates that the microwave backscatter from ocean surface roughness, which is in equilibrium with local stress, does not distinguish between weather systems. The reduced sensitivity of scatterometer wind retrieval algorithms under the strong wind is an air–sea interaction problem that is caused by a change in the behavior of the drag coefficient rather than a sensor problem. Under this assumption, a stress retrieval algorithm developed over a moderate wind range is applied to retrieve stress under the strong winds of TCs. Over a moderate wind range, the abundant wind measurements and the more established drag coefficient value allow for sufficient stress data to be computed from wind to develop a stress retrieval algorithm for the scatterometer. Using 0.9 million coincident stress and wind pairs, the study shows that the drag coefficient decreases with wind speed at a much steeper rate than previously revealed, for wind speeds over 25 m s−1. The result implies that the ocean applies less drag to inhibit TC intensification, and that TCs cause less ocean mixing and surface cooling than previous studies indicated.