bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domain-Oriented Subject Aware Model for Multimedia Data Retrieval
Authors: Zi Lingling , Du Junping , Wang Qian
Published: June 2013

With the increment of the scale of internet information as well as the cross-correlation interaction, how to achieve accurate retrieval of multimedia data is an urgent question in terms of efficiently utilizing information resources. However, existing information retrieval approaches provide only limited capabilities to search multimedia data. In order to improve the ability of information retrieval, we propose a domain-oriented subject aware model by introducing three innovative improvements. Firstly, we propose the text-image feature mapping method based on the transfer learning to extract image semantics. Then we put forward the annotation document method to accomplish simultaneous retrieval of multimedia data. Lastly, we present subject aware graph to quantify the semantics of query requirements, which can customize query threshold to retrieve multimedia data. Conducted experiments show that our model obtained encouraging performance results.
A Generalization of Exponential Class and Its Applications
Authors: Gao Hongya , Liu Chao , Tian Hong
Published: June 2013

A function space,Lθ,∞)(Ω),0≤θ<∞, is defined. It is proved thatLθ,∞)(Ω)is a Banach space which is a generalization of exponential class. An alternative definition ofLθ,∞)(Ω)space is given. As an application, we obtain weak monotonicity property for very weak solutions of𝒜-harmonic equation with variable coefficients under some suitable conditions related toLθ,∞)(Ω), which provides a generalization of a known result due to Moscariello. A weighted spaceLwθ,∞)(Ω)is also defined, and the boundedness for the Hardy-Littlewood maximal operatorMwand a Calderón-Zygmund operatorTwith respect toLwθ,∞)(Ω)is obtained.
Whipple’s Disease: Our Own Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bureš Jan , Kopáčová Marcela , Douda Tomáš , Bártová Jolana , Tomš Jan , Rejchrt Stanislav , Tachecí Ilja
Published: June 2013

Whipple’s disease is a chronic infectious systemic disease caused by the bacteriumTropheryma whipplei. Nondeforming arthritis is frequently an initial complaint. Gastrointestinal and general symptoms include marked diarrhoea (with serious malabsorption), abdominal pain, prominent weight loss, and low-grade fever. Possible neurologic symptoms (up to 20%) might be associated with worse prognosis. Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and small intestinal histology revealing foamy macrophages containing periodic-acid-Schiff- (PAS-) positive material. Long-term (up to one year) antibiotic therapy provides a favourable outcome in the vast majority of cases. This paper provides review of the literature and an analysis of our 5 patients recorded within a 20-year period at a tertiary gastroenterology centre. Patients were treated using i.v. penicillin G or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid + i.v. gentamicin for two weeks, followed by p.o. doxycycline (100 mg per day) plus p.o. salazopyrine (3 g per day) for 1 year. Full remission was achieved in all our patients.
Time-Dependent Reliability-Based Design Optimization Utilizing Nonintrusive Polynomial Chaos
Authors: Wang Yao , Zeng Shengkui , Guo Jianbin
Published: June 2013

Time-dependent reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) has been acknowledged as an advance optimization methodology since it accounts for time-varying stochastic nature of systems. This paper proposes a time-dependent RBDO method considering both of the time-dependent kinematic reliability and the time-dependent structural reliability as constrains. Polynomial chaos combined with the moving least squares (PCMLS) is presented as a nonintrusive time-dependent surrogate model to conduct uncertainty quantification. Wear is considered to be a critical failure that deteriorates the kinematic reliability and the structural reliability through the changing kinematics. According to Archard’s wear law, a multidiscipline reliability model including the kinematics model and the structural finite element (FE) model is constructed to generate the stochastic processes of system responses. These disciplines are closely coupled and uncertainty impacts are cross-propagated to account for the correlationship between the wear process and loads. The new method is applied to an airborne retractable mechanism. The optimization goal is to minimize the mean and the variance of the total weight under both of the time-dependent and the time-independent reliability constraints.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in a Patient with Tongue Cancer: A Report of a Rare Case
Authors: Baba Osamu , Yamagata Kenji , Tomidokoro Yasushi , Tamaoka Akira , Itoh Hiroyuki , Yanagawa Toru , Onizawa Kojiro , Bukawa Hiroki
Published: June 2013

Background. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but life-threatening complication of neuroleptic drugs, which are used widely in head and neck cancer (HANC) patients who develop delirium.Methods and Results. Postoperative delirium in a 39-year-old man with tongue cancer was treated with haloperidol and chlorpromazine. Three days after the first administration of antipsychotics, the patient exhibited elevated body temperature, autonomic and extrapyramidal symptoms, and impaired consciousness. A definitive diagnosis was made using the research diagnostic criteria for NMS in the DSM-IV, and the antipsychotics were immediately discontinued. The patient was given dantrolene and bromocriptine to treat the NMS. The patient’s hyperthermia, elevated creatinin kinase (CK), and muscle rigidity improved gradually, with all symptoms of NMS resolving completely by 13 days after the diagnosis.Conclusions. HANC surgeons must be alert for early signs of NMS and use antipsychotics conservatively to avoid NMS and its potentially fatal outcome.
Training ANFIS Model with an Improved Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Liu Peilin , Leng Wenhao , Fang Wei
Published: June 2013

This paper proposes a novel method of training the parameters of adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Different from the previous works which emphasized on gradient descent (GD) method, we present an approach to train the parameters of ANFIS by using an improved version of quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO). This novel variant of QPSO employs an adaptive dynamical controlling method for the contraction-expansion (CE) coefficient which is the most influential algorithmic parameter for the performance of the QPSO algorithm. The ANFIS trained by the proposed QPSO with adaptive dynamical CE coefficient (QPSO-ADCEC) is applied to five example systems. The simulation results show that the ANFIS-QPSO-ADCEC method performs much better than the original ANFIS, ANFIS-PSO, and ANFIS-QPSO methods.
Robust Almost Periodic Dynamics for Interval Neural Networks with Mixed Time-Varying Delays and Discontinuous Activation Functions
Authors: Wu Huaiqin , Ding Sanbo , Guo Xueqing , Wang Lingling , Zhang Luying
Published: June 2013

The robust almost periodic dynamical behavior is investigated for interval neural networks with mixed time-varying delays and discontinuous activation functions. Firstly, based on the definition of the solution in the sense of Filippov for differential equations with discontinuous right-hand sides and the differential inclusions theory, the existence and asymptotically almost periodicity of the solution of interval network system are proved. Secondly, by constructing appropriate generalized Lyapunov functional and employing linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques, a delay-dependent criterion is achieved to guarantee the existence, uniqueness, and global robust exponential stability of almost periodic solution in terms of LMIs. Moreover, as special cases, the obtained results can be used to check the global robust exponential stability of a unique periodic solution/equilibrium for discontinuous interval neural networks with mixed time-varying delays and periodic/constant external inputs. Finally, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical results.
Anatomy of the Higgs Boson Decay into Two Photons in the Unitary Gauge
Authors: Dedes Athanasios , Suxho Kristaq
Published: June 2013

We review and clarify computational issues about theW-gauge boson one-loop contribution to theH→γγdecay amplitude, in the unitary gauge and in the Standard Model. We find that highly divergent integrals depend upon the choice of shifting momenta with arbitrary vectors. One particular combination of these arbitrary vectors reduces the superficial divergency down to a logarithmic one. The remaining ambiguity is then fixed by exploiting gauge invariance and the Goldstone Boson Equivalence Theorem. Our method is strictly realised in four dimensions. The result for the amplitude agrees with the “famous” one obtained using dimensional regularisation (DR) in the limitd→4, wheredis the number of spatial dimensions in Euclidean space. At the exact equalityd=4, a three-sphere surface term appears that renders the Ward Identities and the equivalence theorem inconsistent. We also examined a recently proposed four-dimensional regularisation scheme and found agreement with the DR outcome.
Targeting the Vasculature of Colorectal Carcinoma with a Fused Protein of (RGD) 3‐tTF
Authors: Huang Zheng-jie , Zhao Yilin , Luo Wei-yuan , You Jun , Li Shui-wen , Yi Wen-cheng , Wang Sheng-yu , Yan Jiang-hua , Luo Qi
Published: June 2013

Purpose. Truncated tissue factor (tTF) fusion protein targeting tumor vasculature can induce tumor vascular thrombosis and necrosis. Here, we generated (RGD)3‐tTF in which three arginine‐glycine‐aspartic (RGD) targeting integrin αvβ3 and tTF induce blood coagulation in tumor vessels. Methods. The bioactivities of (RGD)3‐tTF including coagulation activity, FX activation, and binding with integrin αvβ3 were performed. The fluorescent labeled (RGD)3‐tTF was intravenously injected into tumor‐bearing mice and traced in vivo. The tumor growth, volume, blood vessel thrombosis, tumor necrosis, and survival time of mice treated with (RGD)3‐tTF were evaluated. Results. The clotting time and FX activation of (RGD)3‐tTF were similar to that of TF (P > 0.05) but different with that of RGD (P < 0.05). (RGD)3‐tTF presented a higher binding with αvβ3 than that of RGD and TF at the concentration of 0.2 μmol/L (P < 0.05). (RGD)3‐tTF could specifically assemble in tumor and be effective in reducing tumor growth by selectively inducing tumor blood vessels thrombosis and tumor necrosis which were absent in mice treated with RGD or TF. The survival time of mice treated with (RGD)3‐tTF was higher than that of mice treated with TF or RGD (P < 0.05). Conclusion. (RGD)3‐tTF may be a promising strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Blow-Up in a Slow Diffusive -Laplace Equation with the Neumann Boundary Conditions
Authors: Qu Chengyuan , Liang Bo
Published: June 2013

We study a slow diffusive -Laplace equation in a bounded domain with the Neumann boundary conditions. A natural energy is associated to the equation. It is shown that the solution blows up in finite time with the nonpositive initial energy, based on an energy technique. Furthermore, under some assumptions of initial data, we prove that the solutions with bounded initial energy also blow up.
Calculated Entropies for n-Heptane, 2-Methylhexane, 2,3-Dimethylpentane, and Radicals from the Loss of H Atoms
Authors: Hudzik Jason M. , Bozzelli Joseph W.
Published: June 2013

Entropy data are reported using different calculation methods for internal rotors on n-heptane, 2-methylhexane, and 2,3-dimethylpentane and on the different radical sites of each species corresponding to the loss of a hydrogen atom for temperatures between 298 and 1500 K. Structures, moments of inertia, vibration frequencies, and internal rotor potentials are calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. Comparisons with experimental literature data suggest limitations inuse of the rigid-rotor harmonic-oscillator (HO) approximation and advantages to the use of internal rotation contributions for entropy relative to torsion frequencies. The comparisons suggest the need to include contributions from all internal rotors where the barriers are at or below those of the above molecules. Calculation of entropy from the use of internal rotor contributions provides acceptable approximations to available literature values. Entropy values for radicals corresponding to carbon sites on these hydrocarbons are presented.
Impulsive Consensus for Leader-Following Multiagent Systems with Fixed and Switching Topology
Authors: Liu Zhi-Wei , Guan Zhi-Hong , Zhou Hong
Published: June 2013

This paper studied the consensus problem of the leader-following multiagent system. It is assumed that the state information of the leader is only available to a subset of followers, while the communication among agents occurs at sampling instant. To achieve leader-following consensus, a class of distributed impulsive control based on sampling information is proposed. By using the stability theory of impulsive systems, algebraic graph theory, and stochastic matrices theory, a necessary and sufficient condition for fixed topology and sufficient condition for switching topology are obtained to guarantee the leader-following consensus of the multiagent system. It is found that leader-following consensus is critically dependent on the sampling period, control gains, and interaction graph. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and the correctness of theoretical analysis.
Observer-Based Robust Control of Uncertain Switched Fuzzy Systems with Combined Switching Controller
Authors: Yang Hong , Lü Huanhuan , Liu Xiaodong
Published: June 2013

The observer-based robust control for a class of switched fuzzy (SF) time-delay systems involving uncertainties and external disturbances is investigated in this paper. A switched fuzzy system, which differs from existing ones, is firstly employed to describe a nonlinear system. Next, a combined switching controller is proposed. The designed controller based on the observer instead of the state information integrates the advantages of both the switching controllers and the supplementary controllers but eliminates their disadvantages. The proposed controller provides good performance during the transient period, and the chattering effect is removed when the system state approaches the origin. Sufficient condition for the solvability of the robust control problem is given for the case that the state of system is not available. Since convex combination techniques are used to derive the delay-independent criteria, some subsystems are allowed to be unstable. Finally, various comparisons of the elaborated examples are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control design approach.
Association of Serum Myeloid Cells of Soluble Triggering Receptor-1 Level with Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients with Severe Sepsis
Authors: Tao Fei , Peng Liangshan , Li Juan , Shao Yiming , Deng Liehua , Yao Huaguo
Published: June 2013

Objective. To investigate the association of serum sTREM-1 with myocardial dysfunction in patients with severe sepsis.Methods. A total of 85 patients with severe sepsis were divided into severe sepsis group (n=40) and septic shock group (n=45). Serum levels of sTREM-1, NT-proBNP, APACHE II score, SOFA score, cardiac index, cardiac function index, global ejection fraction, and left ventricular contractility index were measured on days 1, 3, and 7 after admission to ICU.Results. Serum sTREM-1 levels of patients with septic shock were significantly higher than those with severe sepsis on days 1, 3, and 7. Serum sTREM-1 was positively correlated with APACHE II scores, SOFA scores, and NT-proBNP. However, The sTREM-1 level was markedly negatively correlated with CI, CFI, GEF, anddP/dtmax, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sTREM-1 was independent risk factor to NT-proBNP increasing. The optimal cut-off point of sTREM-1 for detecting patients with myocardial dysfunction was 468.05 ng/mL with sensitivity (80.6%) and specificity (75.7%). There is no difference in TREM-1-mRNA expression between the two groups.Conclusions. Serum sTREM-1 is significantly associated with myocardial dysfunction and may be a valuable tool for determining the presence of myocardial dysfunction in patients with severe sepsis.
Self-Consistent Sources and Conservation Laws for a Super Broer-Kaup-Kupershmidt Equation Hierarchy
Authors: Wei Hanyu , Xia Tiecheng
Published: June 2013

Based on the matrix Lie superalgebras and supertrace identity, the integrable super Broer-Kaup-Kupershmidt hierarchy with self-consistent sources is established. Furthermore, we establish the infinitely many conservation laws for the integrable super Broer-Kaup-Kupershmidt hierarchy. In the process of computation especially, Fermi variables also play an important role in super integrable systems.
Molecular Fingerprints to IdentifyCandidaSpecies
Authors: Spampinato Claudia , Leonardi Darío
Published: June 2013

A wide range of molecular techniques have been developed for genotypingCandidaspecies. Among them, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and microsatellite length polymorphisms (MLP) analysis have recently emerged. MLST relies on DNA sequences of internal regions of various independent housekeeping genes, while MLP identifies microsatellite instability. Both methods generate unambiguous and highly reproducible data. Here, we review the results achieved by using these two techniques and also provide a brief overview of a new method based on high-resolution DNA melting (HRM). This method identifies sequence differences by subtle deviations in sample melting profiles in the presence of saturating fluorescent DNA binding dyes.
Theoretical Study on the Flow Generated by the Strike-Slip Faulting
Authors: Liu Chi-Min , Yang Ray-Yeng , Hwung Hwung-Hweng
Published: June 2013

The flow driven by the strike-slip faulting is theoretically analyzed in this paper. The surface of the strike-slip fault is generally near vertical, and the corresponding plates move in horizontal directions during the faulting. The focus of present paper is on the flow at the early stage when the faulting is activated. Standard procedures for deriving the exact solution of the induced flow are first demonstrated. Based on the derived solution, flows generated by three kinds of faulting are examined to observe and compare the evolution of velocity profiles and the corresponding kinetic energy. The results show that the flow energy rapidly decays as the speed of the moving plates begins to slow down. Moreover, mathematical methods proposed in this study provide a useful basis for related studies on not only geophysics, but also fluid mechanics, industry manufacturing, heat-conduction problems, and other possible applications.
14-3-3 Proteins Modulate the ETS Transcription Factor ETV1 in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Oh Sangphil , Shin Sook , Lightfoot Stan A. , Janknecht Ralf
Published: June 2013

Overexpression of the ETS-related transcription factor ETV1 can initiate neoplastic transformation of the prostate. ETV1 activity is highly regulated by phosphorylation, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we report that all 14-3-3 proteins, with the exception of the tumor suppressor 14-3-3σ, can bind to ETV1 in a condition manner dictated by its prominent phosphorylation site S216. Non-σ 14-3-3 proteins synergized with ETV1 to activate transcription of its target genes MMP-1 and MMP-7, which regulate extracellular matrix in the prostate tumor microenvironment. S216 mutation or 14-3-3τ downregulation was sufficient to reduce ETV1 protein levels in prostate cancer cells, indicating that non-σ 14-3-3 proteins protect ETV1 from degradation. Notably, S216 mutation also decreased ETV1-dependent migration and invasion in benign prostate cells. Downregulation of 14-3-3τ reduced prostate cancer cell invasion and growth in the same manner as ETV1 attenuation. Finally, we showed that 14-3-3τ and 14-3-3ϵ were overexpressed in human prostate tumors. Taken together, our results showed that non-σ 14-3-3 proteins are important modulators of ETV1 function that promote prostate tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 73(16); 5110–9. ©2013 AACR.
The Role of Radiotherapy in the Multimodal Management of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Fokas Emmanouil , Weiss Christian , Rödel Claus
Published: June 2013

Despite recent improvements in surgery and radiotherapy, and refinements of systemic treatment options, including incorporation of targeted agents, long-term survival remains poor for patients with esophageal cancer. While surgical resection alone constitutes the standard approach for early-stage disease (stage I), multimodality therapy, including perioperative chemotherapy and neoadjuvant or definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT), are internationally accepted treatment options for patients with locally advanced disease. In lower esophageal and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas, data from large, randomized phase III trials and meta-analyses support the use of both perioperative chemotherapy alone or neoadjuvant concurrent CRT. In patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus, neoadjuvant CRT but not neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone is the preferred treatment approach. Definitive CRT without surgery has also emerged as a useful option for the treatment of resectable SCC of the esophagus, avoiding potential surgical morbidity and mortality, with salvage surgery reserved for those with persistent disease. Functional imaging modalities, such as PET-CT, may create new opportunities for a more adequate therapy response assessment and patient selection. Patients with SCC that show clinical response by PET-CT are considered to have a more favorable outcome, regardless of whether surgery will be performed or not. In nonresponding patients, salvage surgery improves survival, especially if complete resection is achieved. Recent technological advances in radiotherapy, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, image guided-radiotherapy and PET-CT-based radiotherapy planning, may further improve the therapeutic ratio of CRT. Moreover, the traditional backbone of CRT, platinum plus fluorouracil, may be supplanted by more modern and easier-to-administer regimens incorporating taxanes, irinotecan and targeted agents.
Appendicitis/Diverticulitis: Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Mutter D. , Marescaux J.
Published: June 2013

Complicated intra-abdominal infections such as acute appendicitis and complicated diverticulitis represent both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Both diseases, although different in many ways, are caused by the obstruction of a blind pouch leading to inflammation, abscesses, and perforation of surrounding tissues. For many decades, acute appendicitis was managed through a conventional surgical incision in the right iliac fossa. As for other diseases, there is a significant tendency to propose less invasive treatments. For many teams, laparoscopy, which leads to less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery, represents the standard of care for appendectomy. For selected cases, a medical approach can be proposed with satisfactory outcomes. Additionally, the management of complicated diverticulitis is also quickly moving towards less invasive procedures than the deleterious ‘3-phase surgery', which is Hartmann's procedure, followed by reversal protected with a stoma, and finally stoma closure. Benefiting from the evolution of antimicrobial therapy and interventional radiology, many complicated cases classified as Hinchey stage I and Hinchey stage II complicated diverticulitis are now treated medically. CT images allow the identification of patients requiring radiological drainage of localized abscesses or collections over 5 cm in size. Patients with Hinchey stage III sigmoiditis may benefit from an initial laparoscopic exploration allowing, in some cases, a conservative nonresective approach that will prevent laparotomy and stoma. Major resection leading to temporary or definitive stoma is usually indicated for stage IV complications and is required only in exceptional cases. Although a surgical intervention can be the definitive treatment for complicated intra-abdominal infections, multidisciplinary management including radiology, medical treatment, and laparoscopic surgery may limit the severe consequences of an acute surgical approach in patients suffering from complicated appendicitis and diverticulitis. Today, the ultimate goal of acutely infected abdomen management is to reduce hospital stay, disability, and numerous operations for these patients.
Ulcerative Colitis: Current and Future Treatment Strategies
Authors: Lissner Donata , Siegmund Britta
Published: June 2013

Since the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis is continuously increasing worldwide, there is a strong need for effective treatment strategies. However, there is no therapy allowing for healing ulcerative colitis; consequently, the available medications will have to be applied at their best. The preferred option for mild pan- or left-sided colitis is still mesalazine. One can only emphasize that the formulations allowing for once daily dosing are not only equally effective, but even facilitate the implication of long-term therapy in daily life. In case steroids are frequently required to control disease, further immunosuppressive therapy should be introduced in order to minimize steroid exposure. Thiopurines represent the first-choice immunosuppressive medication. In more severe cases, early escalation to combinatory therapies with anti-TNF antibodies should be considered with the possibility of therapy deescalation after induction of remission. Major difficulties arise with steroid-refractory acute flares. Here cyclosporine as well as anti-TNF strategies can be initiated. However, in case of severe disease, the high 1-year colectomy rate of about 50% should be considered. If short-term surgery is an option due to disease severity, cyclosporine might be advantageous since the half-life is short compared to infliximab or adalimumab. The central problem of all therapeutic approaches is that because we chase after the disease, solid markers that allow for prediction of the future disease course are desirable. In fact, the CD8+ transcriptome might fill this gap and will potentially lead to the classification of patients in low- and high-risk groups.
The Size of the Problem: Clinical Algorithms
Authors: Forner Alejandro , Bruix Jordi
Published: June 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly prevalent and lethal neoplasia. Current data show that it is the main cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. A better knowledge of the natural history of the tumor and the development of staging systems have led to a better prediction of prognosis and to a most appropriate treatment approach. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system has become the preferred staging system since it takes into account the characteristics of the tumor, the degree of liver impairment and the physical performance. In addition, it is the only one that links prognosis assessment with treatment recommendation. Curative therapies such as resection, transplantation and ablation can improve survival in patients diagnosed at an early HCC stage and may offer a long-term cure. Patients with intermediate-stage HCC benefit from chemoembolization and those diagnosed at an advanced stage benefit from sorafenib, an oral available, multikinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic and antiproliferative effects. Further efforts are needed to improve the survival of this lethal neoplasia.
Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy
Authors: Barreiros Ana Paula , Galle Peter R. , Otto Gerd
Published: June 2013

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP; also known as familiar amyloidosis and hereditary amyloidosis) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease due to mutations of the transthyretin (TTR) gene coding for the corresponding protein, consisting of 127 amino acids. The gene is located on chromosome 18q. More than 100 different mutations are known. Other mutant precursor proteins produced in the liver, such as apolipoprotein I and II, lysozyme and fibrinogen Aα, may be of etiological importance as well. Amyloidogenic mutations of the TTR gene lead to decreased stability of the corresponding protein and subsequently to extracellular deposition of amyloid in several tissues (peripheral and autonomic nerves, walls of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, etc.). The Val30Met mutation is the most prevalent cause of FAP worldwide. There are endemic regions in Portugal, Sweden and Japan. The onset of symptoms is usually between 25 and 35 years of age, but late-onset families are also known. The most common clinical symptoms are polyneuropathy of the lower limbs, rhythmological disturbances and diarrhea/obstipation. TTR amyloid is predominantly produced in the liver; only as few as 5% are synthesized in the retina and choroid plexus. Therefore, liver transplantation has become widely accepted as the ultimate curative treatment of this disease in order to prevent the ultimately fatal outcome and ameliorate disabling symptoms. Because of shortage of donor grafts, livers of FAP patients are used for domino liver transplantation. Last year, a new therapeutic option was approved by the European Medical Authority (EMA) for therapy of early-stage FAP. The first results of a multicenter-controlled trial have been published and show a benefit in patients with an early stage of disease regarding neurological symptoms as well as modified BMI. There are several other pharmacologic approaches that have been reported in the last years which may lead to stabilization of the TTR tetramer. Therefore, this might be the beginning of new therapeutic options with pharmacological therapies in patients with FAP.
Neuromelanin Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Parkinson's Disease and Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Matsuura Keita , Maeda Masayuki , Yata Kenichiro , Ichiba Yoshito , Yamaguchi Tomoya , Kanamaru Kenji , Tomimoto Hidekazu
Published: June 2013

Pigmented neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and locus coeruleus (LC) show decreased numbers differentially in Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Recent reports have described that fast spin-echo T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by a 3-tesla machine can visualize neuromelanin-related contrast of the noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurons respectively in the LC and the SNc. Using neuromelanin MRI at 3 T, we investigated possible alterations of these catecholaminergic neurons in 32 PD and 9 MSA patients, and compared the results with those of 23 normal volunteers. The contrast ratio of the LC and SNc was decreased in MSA and PD patients, most prominently in the LC in MSA patients. The contrast ratio of the SNc was correlated with the Hoehn-Yahr stage of PD and the severity of neuroradiological abnormalities in MSA. These results indicate a potential diagnostic value of neuromelanin MRI to distinguish MSA patients from normal and PD patients.
Symptom Correlates of Facial Emotion Recognition Impairment in Schizophrenia
Authors: Comparelli Anna , De Carolis Antonella , Corigliano Valentina , Di Pietro Simone , Trovini Giada , Granese Carla , Romano Silvia , Serata Daniele , Ferracuti Stefano , Girardi Paolo
Published: June 2013

Background: The ability to facial emotion recognition (FER), a key component of socioemotional competence, is often impaired in schizophrenic disorders. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between emotion recognition performance and symptoms in a group of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Sampling and Methods: Seventy-nine patients meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder and schizoaffective disorder were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and a FER task. In schizophrenia patients and healthy control subjects, FER performance was compared. In order to avoid a possible confounding role of cognitive impairment, we carried out partial correlations corrected for an index of global cognition. Results: Patients performed worse than a healthy control group on all negative emotions. Partial correlations showed that cognitive/disorganized symptoms correlated with a worse performance in the FER task, whereas no correlations were found with positive, negative, excitement and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings support that in schizophrenia FER impairment is specific for negative emotions and that there is a relationship between this deficit and cognitive/disorganized symptoms, regardless of the general cognitive level.
Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilm Formation and Structural Organization on Different Types of Intraocular Lenses under in vitro Flow Conditions
Authors: Baillif Stéphanie , LeDuff Frank , Hartmann Daniel J. , Kodjikian Laurent
Published: June 2013

Aim: To compare the adherence and structural organization of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm on intraocular lenses (IOLs). Methods: IOLs made of 3 different biomaterials [polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), hydrophilic acrylic or hydrophobic acrylic] were incubated into an S. epidermidis bacterial solution. Scanning electron microscopy was used to count the bound bacteria and to analyze the structural biofilm architecture. Results: After 4-6 h of incubation, adherence was statistically weakest on the hydrophilic acrylic polymer. On the hydrophobic acrylic material, the bacterial cells tended to cover the substratum in a horizontal spread in a continuous monolayer. On the hydrophilic acrylic material or on the PMMA material bacterial cells tended to form only few, small scattered cell clusters. Conclusions: The data suggest that the pattern of S. epidermidis adhesion varies with the IOL biomaterial. Hydrophobic IOLs seem to be more permissive to S. epidermidis adhesion.
Spontaneous Elevation of a Ping-Pong Fracture: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sorar Mehmet , Fesli Ramazan , Gürer Bora , Kertmen Hayri , Sekerci Zeki
Published: June 2013

Depressed skull fractures compromise 7-10% of the children admitted to hospital with a head injury. Depressed skull fractures that occur in children younger than 1 year are different from those found in older children. In neonates and infants, a depressed fracture forms an inward buckling of the bones forming a ‘cup shape', termed a ‘ping-pong fracture'. In neonates, spontaneous elevation of a ping-pong fracture after birth trauma is well documented. However, in infants, spontaneous elevation of a ping-pong fracture following head injury is extremely rare. Here, we present the case of an 11-month-old child, in whom a ping-pong fracture was spontaneously elevated within 2 h. In addition, the relevant literature is reviewed and discussed.
Tumors of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Associated with Inherited Genetic Syndromes
Authors: Stefanaki Kalliopi , Alexiou George A. , Stefanaki Christina , Prodromou Neofytos
Published: June 2013

There are several genetic syndromes that predispose to the development of tumors of the nervous system. In the present study, we provide a review of the tumors that are associated with neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, tuberous sclerosis complex, von Hippel-Lindau disease, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden disease, Turcot syndrome, nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome) and rhabdoid predisposition syndrome, which are the most common.
Immunostaining of Pulpal Nerve Fibre Bundle/Arteriole Associations in Ground Serial Sections of Whole Human Teeth Embedded in Technovit® 9100
Authors: Steiniger Birte S. , Bubel Simon , Böckler Werner , Lampp Katrin , Seiler Anja , Jablonski Boris , Guthe Michael , Stachniss Vitus
Published: June 2013

A technique for embedding human undecalcified tooth specimens in Technovit® 9100 was developed, which permits immunohistological evaluation of pulp tissue in serial ground sections. Human molars were divided into 14-18 sections of about 23 µm thickness. Immunohistological double staining for S-100 and CD34 revealed unique associations of myelinated nerve fibre bundles with arterioles, which continued through the entire tooth pulp. These arterioles were not only accompanied by, but partially or totally enveloped in longitudinally orientated myelinated nerve fibre bundles. We speculate that this unique arrangement may mechanically support the arterioles and alleviate detection or regulation of their contraction state by sensory nerve cells.
Meiosis and Its Deviations in Polyploid Animals
Authors: Stenberg P. , Saura A.
Published: June 2013

We review the different modes of meiosis and its deviations encountered in polyploid animals. Bisexual reproduction involving normal meiosis occurs in some allopolyploid frogs with variable degrees of polyploidy. Aberrant modes of bisexual reproduction include gynogenesis, where a sperm stimulates the egg to develop. The sperm may enter the egg but there is no fertilization and syngamy. In hybridogenesis, a genome is eliminated to produce haploid or diploid eggs or sperm. Ploidy can be elevated by fertilization with a haploid sperm in meiotic hybridogenesis, which elevates the ploidy of hybrid offspring such that they produce diploid gametes. Polyploids are then produced in the next generation. In kleptogenesis, females acquire full or partial genomes from their partners. In pre-equalizing hybrid meiosis, one genome is transmitted in the Mendelian fashion, while the other is transmitted clonally. Parthenogenetic animals have a very wide range of mechanisms for restoring or maintaining the mother's ploidy level, including gamete duplication, terminal fusion, central fusion, fusion of the first polar nucleus with the product of the first division, and premeiotic duplication followed by a normal meiosis. In apomictic parthenogenesis, meiosis is replaced by what is effectively mitotic cell division. The above modes have different evolutionary consequences, which are discussed. See also the sister article by Grandont et al. in this themed issue.
MOEA/D with Adaptive Weight Adjustment
Authors: Qi Yutao , Ma Xiaoliang , Liu Fang , Jiao Licheng , Sun Jianyong , Wu Jianshe
Published: June 2013

Recently, MOEA/D (multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition) has achieved great success in the field of evolutionary multi-objective optimization and has attracted a lot of attention. It decomposes a multi-objective optimization problem (MOP) into a set of scalar subproblems using uniformly distributed aggregation weight vectors and provides an excellent general algorithmic framework of evolutionary multi-objective optimization. Generally, the uniformity of weight vectors in MOEA/D can ensure the diversity of the Pareto optimal solutions, however, it cannot work as well when the target MOP has a complex Pareto front (PF; i.e., discontinuous PF or PF with sharp peak or low tail). To remedy this, we propose an improved MOEA/D with adaptive weight vector adjustment (MOEA/D-AWA). According to the analysis of the geometric relationship between the weight vectors and the optimal solutions under the Chebyshev decomposition scheme, a new weight vector initialization method and an adaptive weight vector adjustment strategy are introduced in MOEA/D-AWA. The weights are adjusted periodically so that the weights of subproblems can be redistributed adaptively to obtain better uniformity of solutions. Meanwhile, computing efforts devoted to subproblems with duplicate optimal solution can be saved. Moreover, an external elite population is introduced to help adding new subproblems into real sparse regions rather than pseudo sparse regions of the complex PF, that is, discontinuous regions of the PF. MOEA/D-AWA has been compared with four state of the art MOEAs, namely the original MOEA/D, Adaptive-MOEA/D, [Formula: see text]-MOEA/D, and NSGA-II on 10 widely used test problems, two newly constructed complex problems, and two many-objective problems. Experimental results indicate that MOEA/D-AWA outperforms the benchmark algorithms in terms of the IGD metric, particularly when the PF of the MOP is complex.
Spherical Mesh Adaptive Direct Search for Separating Quasi-Uncorrelated Sources by Range-Based Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Selvan S. Easter , Borckmans Pierre B. , Chattopadhyay A. , Absil P.-A.
Published: June 2013

It is seemingly paradoxical to the classical definition of the independent component analysis (ICA), that in reality, the true sources are often not strictly uncorrelated. With this in mind, this letter concerns a framework to extract quasi-uncorrelated sources with finite supports by optimizing a range-based contrast function under unit-norm constraints (to handle the inherent scaling indeterminacy of ICA) but without orthogonality constraints. Albeit the appealing contrast properties of the range-based function (e.g., the absence of mixing local optima), the function is not differentiable everywhere. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of literature on derivative-free optimizers that effectively handle such a nonsmooth yet promising contrast function. This is the compelling reason for the design of a nonsmooth optimization algorithm on a manifold of matrices having unit-norm columns with the following objectives: to ascertain convergence to a Clarke stationary point of the contrast function and adhere to the necessary unit-norm constraints more naturally. The proposed nonsmooth optimization algorithm crucially relies on the design and analysis of an extension of the mesh adaptive direct search (MADS) method to handle locally Lipschitz objective functions defined on the sphere. The applicability of the algorithm in the ICA domain is demonstrated with simulations involving natural, face, aerial, and texture images.
An Investigation of the Stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley Models Under Noisy Rate Functions
Authors: Güler Marifi
Published: June 2013

The effects of ion channel fluctuations on the transmembrane voltage activity are potentially profound in small-size excitable membrane patches. Different groups have extended Hodgkin-Huxley equations into stochastic differential equations to capture the effects of ion channel noise analytically (Fox & Lu, 1994 ; Linaro, Storace, & Giugliano, 2011 ; Güler, 2013 ). Studies have shown that the accuracy of spiking statistics by Fox and Lu's model does not match well with the corresponding statistics from the exact microscopic simulations. The models of both Linaro et al. and Güler, however, were found to produce highly accurate statistics. Here we extend the examination of these models to the case in which the rate functions for the opening and closing of gates are under the influence of noise. For that purpose, the usual rate functions are accompanied additively by Ornstein-Uhlenbeck–type stochastic angular variables. Moreover, we argue that the existence of such noise in the rate functions is a plausible physiological phenomenon for finite-size membranes. It is observed that the presence of noise in the rates is not effective on the degree of inaccuracies within the Fox and Lu model. Güler model's accuracy is found to remain high as in the case of noise free rates. But the performance of Linaro et al.’s model is seen to degrade seriously with the increasing strength of the introduced rate function noise. We attribute this failure of Linaro et al.’s model to the use of the covariance function of open channels at the steady state, in its derivation.
A Principled Dimension-Reduction Method for the Population Density Approach to Modeling Networks of Neurons with Synaptic Dynamics
Authors: Ly Cheng
Published: June 2013

The population density approach to neural network modeling has been utilized in a variety of contexts. The idea is to group many similar noisy neurons into populations and track the probability density function for each population that encompasses the proportion of neurons with a particular state rather than simulating individual neurons (i.e., Monte Carlo). It is commonly used for both analytic insight and as a time-saving computational tool. The main shortcoming of this method is that when realistic attributes are incorporated in the underlying neuron model, the dimension of the probability density function increases, leading to intractable equations or, at best, computationally intensive simulations. Thus, developing principled dimension-reduction methods is essential for the robustness of these powerful methods. As a more pragmatic tool, it would be of great value for the larger theoretical neuroscience community. For exposition of this method, we consider a single uncoupled population of leaky integrate-and-fire neurons receiving external excitatory synaptic input only. We present a dimension-reduction method that reduces a two-dimensional partial differential-integral equation to a computationally efficient one-dimensional system and gives qualitatively accurate results in both the steady-state and nonequilibrium regimes. The method, termed modified mean-field method, is based entirely on the governing equations and not on any auxiliary variables or parameters, and it does not require fine-tuning. The principles of the modified mean-field method have potential applicability to more realistic (i.e., higher-dimensional) neural networks.
Block Clustering Based on Difference of Convex Functions (DC) Programming and DC Algorithms
Authors: Le Hoai Minh , Le Thi Hoai An , Dinh Tao Pham , Huynh Van Ngai
Published: June 2013

We investigate difference of convex functions (DC) programming and the DC algorithm (DCA) to solve the block clustering problem in the continuous framework, which traditionally requires solving a hard combinatorial optimization problem. DC reformulation techniques and exact penalty in DC programming are developed to build an appropriate equivalent DC program of the block clustering problem. They lead to an elegant and explicit DCA scheme for the resulting DC program. Computational experiments show the robustness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm and its superiority over standard algorithms such as two-mode K-means, two-mode fuzzy clustering, and block classification EM.
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 42. Validation of Nanomarsupella (Gymnomitraceae, Marchantiophyta)
Authors: HAGBORG ANDERS , SÖDERSTRÖM LARS , VON KONRAT MATT
Published: June 2013

Schuster (1978) described Marsupella xenophylla together with his new subgenus Nanomarsupella stating they were valid as generico-specific descriptions (ICN Art. 38.5; McNeill et al. 2012). However, as it was not described with a new genus but instead with new subgenus it is not validly described. However, the species is regarded as validly described here. Schuster (1996) then intended to elevate the subgenus to a genus but as the proposed basionym is not valid and no description was provided, his new genus is invalid as well as his proposed new combination of type species.
Updates on the taxonomy and nomenclature of Australian Sarcophaga (sensu lato) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), with descriptions of two new species
Authors: MEIKLEJOHN KELLY A , WALLMAN JAMES F , PAPE THOMAS
Published: June 2013

Two new species, Sarcophaga (Sarcosolomonia) collessi sp.nov. and Sarcophaga (Sarcorohdendorfia) clavus sp.nov., both collected in Queensland, Australia, are described, and the following four new synonymies are proposed: Sarcophaga horti Blackith and Blackith, 1988 syn.nov. of Sarcophaga bancroftorum Johnston and Tiegs, 1921; Sarcophaga fergusoni-na Hardy, 1940 syn.nov. of Sarcophaga assimilis Macquart, 1851; Sarcophaga brevicornis Ho, 1934 syn.nov. of Sar-cophaga kohla Johnston and Hardy, 1923a; and Sarcophaga triplex Hardy, 1943 syn.nov. of Sarcophaga furcata Hardy, 1932.