bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-Place Sketching for Augmented Reality Games
Authors: Hagbi Nate , Grasset Raphael , Bergig Oriel , Billinghurst Mark , El-Sana Jihad
Published: February 2015

Sketching leverages human skills for various purposes, such as content authoring. This paper explores the different aspects of sketch-based interaction in augmented reality. We explore the design space of sketching in in-place augmented reality with particular attention to AR games. We propose a contextual model that offers a framework for the exploration of the design space by the research community. We describe different case studies of sketch-based AR games we developed based on our shape-based tracking library and our sketch-based 3-D game engine. We finally present user feedback from our games and introduce guidelines for AR game designers focusing on sketch-based interaction.
Skeletal muscle mitochondria exhibit decreased pyruvate oxidation capacity and increased ROS emission during surgery-induced acute insulin resistance
Authors: Hagve Martin , Gjessing Petter Fosse , Fuskevåg Ole Martin , Larsen Terje S. , Irtun Øivind
Published: February 2015

Development of acute insulin resistance represents a negative factor after surgery, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We investigated the postoperative changes in insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial function, enzyme activities, and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skeletal muscle and liver in pigs on the 2nd postoperative day after major abdominal surgery. Peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity were assessed by d-[6,6-2H2]glucose infusion and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic step clamping. Surgical trauma elicited a decline in peripheral insulin sensitivity (∼34%, P < 0.01), whereas hepatic insulin sensitivity remained unchanged. Intramyofibrillar (IFM) and subsarcolemma mitochondria (SSM) isolated from skeletal muscle showed a postoperative decline in ADP-stimulated respiration (VADP) for pyruvate (∼61%, P < 0.05, and ∼40%, P < 0.001, respectively), whereas VADPfor glutamate and palmitoyl-l-carnitine (PC) was unchanged. Mitochondrial leak respiration with PC was increased in SSM (1.9-fold, P < 0.05) and IFM (2.5-fold, P < 0.05), indicating FFA-induced uncoupling. The activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) was reduced (∼32%, P < 0.01) and positively correlated to the decline in peripheral insulin sensitivity ( r = 0.748, P < 0.05). All other mitochondrial enzyme activities were unchanged. No changes in mitochondrial function in liver were observed. Mitochondrial H2O2and O2·−emission was measured spectrofluorometrically, and H2O2was increased in SSM, IFM, and liver mitochondria (∼2.3-, ∼2.5-, and ∼2.3-fold, respectively, all P < 0.05). We conclude that an impairment in skeletal muscle mitochondrial PDC activity and pyruvate oxidation capacity arises in the postoperative phase along with increased ROS emission, suggesting a link between mitochondrial function and development of acute postoperative insulin resistance.
Polymorphisms within theAPOBRgene are highly associated with milk levels of prognostic ketosis biomarkers in dairy cows
Authors: Tetens Jens , Heuer Claas , Heyer Iris , Klein Matthias S. , Gronwald Wolfram , Junge Wolfgang , Oefner Peter J. , Thaller Georg , Krattenmacher Nina
Published: February 2015

Essentially all high-yielding dairy cows experience a negative energy balance during early lactation leading to increased lipomobilization, which is a normal physiological response. However, a severe energy deficit may lead to high levels of ketone bodies and, subsequently, to subclinical or clinical ketosis. It has previously been reported that the ratio of glycerophosphocholine to phosphocholine in milk is a prognostic biomarker for the risk of ketosis in dairy cattle. It was hypothesized that this ratio reflects the ability to break down blood phosphatidylcholine as a fatty acid resource. In the current study, 248 animals from a previous study were genotyped with Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip, and genome-wide association studies were carried out for the milk levels of phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine, and the ratio of both metabolites. It was demonstrated that the latter two traits are heritable with h2= 0.43 and h2= 0.34, respectively. A major quantitative trait locus was identified on cattle chromosome 25. The APOBR gene, coding for the apolipoprotein B receptor, is located within this region and was analyzed as a candidate gene. The analysis revealed highly significant associations of polymorphisms within the gene with glycerophosphocholine as well as the metabolite ratio. These findings support the hypothesis that differences in the ability to take up blood phosphatidylcholine from low-density lipoproteins play an important role in early lactation metabolic stability of dairy cows and indicate APOBR to contain a causative variant.
Modeling Breakthrough Curves of Citric Acid Adsorption onto Anionic Resins in an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ghorbanian Sohrabali , Davoudinejad Mostafa , Khakpay Amir , Radpour Saeidreza
Published: February 2015

Breakthrough curves for citric acid adsorption from aqueous solution onto ion-exchange resin at 20, 35, and 55°C have been investigated. To predict breakthrough curves, three mathematical models have been analyzed based on the values of the least square method parameters, Durbin-Watson test, and mean relative percent error and, finally, appropriate models have been achieved. Models are in good agreement with experimental data based on the results. To examine models reliabilities and accuracy, models have been compared by various breakthrough curve data obtained by other investigators. The results show appropriate agreement and in some cases regression errors have been reduced to less than 1.0 percent.
Maternal Fructose Intake Induces Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress in Male, but Not Female, Offspring
Authors: Rodríguez Lourdes , Otero Paola , Panadero María I. , Rodrigo Silvia , Álvarez-Millán Juan J. , Bocos Carlos
Published: February 2015

Objective. Fructose intake from added sugars correlates with the epidemic rise in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. However, consumption of beverages containing fructose is allowed during gestation. Recently, we found that an intake of fructose (10% wt/vol) throughout gestation produces an impaired fetal leptin signalling. Therefore, we have investigated whether maternal fructose intake produces subsequent changes in their progeny.Methods. Blood samples from fed and 24 h fasted female and male 90-day-old rats born from fructose-fed, glucose-fed, or control mothers were used.Results. After fasting, HOMA-IR and ISI (estimates of insulin sensitivity) were worse in male descendents from fructose-fed mothers in comparison to the other two groups, and these findings were also accompanied by a higher leptinemia. Interestingly, plasma AOPP and uricemia (oxidative stress markers) were augmented in male rats from fructose-fed mothers compared to the animals from control or glucose-fed mothers. In contrast, female rats did not show any differences in leptinemia between the three groups. Further, insulin sensitivity was significantly improved in fasted female rats from carbohydrate-fed mothers. In addition, plasma AOPP levels tended to be diminished in female rats from carbohydrate-fed mothers.Conclusion. Maternal fructose intake induces insulin resistance, hyperleptinemia, and plasma oxidative stress in male, but not female, progeny.
Facile Method to Prepare Superhydrophobic and Water Repellent Cellulosic Paper
Authors: Karapanagiotis Ioannis , Grosu Diana , Aslanidou Dimitra , Aifantis Katerina E.
Published: February 2015

Silica nanoparticles (7 nm) were dispersed in solutions of a silane/siloxane mixture. The dispersions were applied, by brush, on four types of paper: (i) modern, unprinted (blank) paper, (ii) modern paper where a text was printed using a common laser jet printer, (iii) a handmade paper sheet detached from an old book, and (iv) Japanese tissue paper. It is shown that superhydrophobicity and water repellency were achieved on the surface of the deposited films, when high particle concentrations were used (≥1% w/v), corresponding to high static (θS ≈ 162°) and low tilt (θt < 3°) contact angles. To interpret these results, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the surface morphologies of the siloxane‐nanoparticle films. Static contact angles, measured on surfaces that were prepared from dilute dispersions (particle concentration <1% w/v), increased with particle concentration and attained a maximum value (162°) which corresponds to superhydrophobicity. Increasing further the particle concentration did not have any effect on θS. Colourimetric measurements showed that the superhydrophobic films had negligible effects on the aesthetic appearance of the treated papers. Furthermore, it is shown that the superhydrophobic character of the siloxane‐nanoparticle films was stable over a wide range of pH.
Evaluation of Hemagglutination Activity of Chitosan Nanoparticles Using Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Lima Jefferson Muniz de , Sarmento Ronaldo Rodrigues , Souza Joelma Rodrigues de , Brayner Fábio André , Feitosa Ana Paula Sampaio , Padilha Rafael , Alves Luiz Carlos , Porto Isaque Jerônimo , Batista Roberta Ferreti Bonan Dantas , Oliveira Juliano Elvis de , Medeiros Eliton Souto de , Bonan Paulo Rogério Ferreti , Castellano Lúcio Roberto
Published: February 2015

Chitosan is a polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed chains ofβ-(1-4) D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. This compound is obtained by partial or total deacetylation of chitin in acidic solution. The chitosan-based hemostatic agents have been gaining much attention in the management of bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro hemagglutination activity of chitosan nanoparticles using human erythrocytes. The preparation of nanoparticles was achieved by ionotropic gelification technique followed by neutralization with NaOH 1 mol/L−1. The hemagglutination activity was performed on a solution of 2% erythrocytes (pH 7.4 on PBS) collected from five healthy volunteers. The hemolysis determination was made by spectrophotometric analysis. Chitosan nanoparticle solutions without NaOH addition changed the reddish colour of the wells into brown, suggesting an oxidative reaction of hemoglobin and possible cell lysis. All neutralized solutions of chitosan nanoparticles presented positive haemagglutination, without any change in reaction color. Chitosan nanoparticles presented hemolytic activity ranging from 186.20 to 223.12%, while neutralized solutions ranged from 2.56 to 72.54%, comparing to distilled water. Results highlight the need for development of new routes of synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles within human physiologic pH.
Nonpigmented Metastatic Melanoma in a Two-Year-Old Girl: A Serious Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Diniz Gulden , Tosun Yildirim Hulya , Yamaci Selcen , Olgun Nur
Published: February 2015

Although rare, malignant melanoma may occur in children. Childhood melanomas account for only 0.3–3% of all melanomas. In particular the presence of congenital melanocytic nevi is associated with an increased risk of development of melanoma. We herein report a case of malignant melanoma that developed on a giant congenital melanocytic nevus and made a metastasis to the subcutaneous tissue of neck in a two-year-old girl. The patient was hospitalized for differential diagnosis and treatment of cervical mass with a suspicion of hematological malignancy, because the malignant transformation of congenital nevus was not noticed before. In this case, we found out a nonpigmented malignant tumor of pleomorphic cells after the microscopic examination of subcutaneous lesion. Nonpigmented metastatic melanoma was diagnosed by several immunohistochemical and flow cytometric studies. She was offered palliative chemotherapy; however, her parents did not accept treatment. The patient died within 9 months of diagnosis. We emphasized here that the possibility of malignant melanoma in the differential diagnosis of childhood tumors should be kept in mind.
Hierarchical Fault Diagnosis for a Hybrid System Based on a Multidomain Model
Authors: Ma Jiming , Guo Jianbin
Published: February 2015

The diagnosis procedure is performed by integrating three steps: multidomain modeling, event identification, and failure event classification. Multidomain model can describe the normal and fault behaviors of hybrid systems efficiently and can meet the diagnosis requirements of hybrid systems. Then the multidomain model is used to simulate and obtain responses under different failure events; the responses are further utilized as a priori information when training the event identification library. Finally, a brushless DC motor is selected as the study case. The experimental result indicates that the proposed method could identify the known and unknown failure events of the studied system. In particular, for a system with less response information under a failure event, the accuracy of diagnosis seems to be higher. The presented method integrates the advantages of current quantitative and qualitative diagnostic procedures and can distinguish between failures caused by parametric and abrupt structure faults. Another advantage of our method is that it can remember unknown failure types and automatically extend the adaptive resonance theory neural network library, which is extremely useful for complex hybrid systems.
RNA-Based TWIST1 Inhibition via Dendrimer Complex to Reduce Breast Cancer Cell Metastasis
Authors: Finlay James , Roberts Cai M. , Lowe Gina , Loeza Joana , Rossi John J. , Glackin Carlotta A.
Published: February 2015

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States, and survival rates are lower for patients with metastases and/or triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC; ER, PR, and Her2 negative). Understanding the mechanisms of cancer metastasis is therefore crucial to identify new therapeutic targets and develop novel treatments to improve patient outcomes. A potential target is the TWIST1 transcription factor, which is often overexpressed in aggressive breast cancers and is a master regulator of cellular migration through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we demonstrate an siRNA-based TWIST1 silencing approach with delivery using a modified poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer. Our results demonstrate that SUM1315 TNBC cells efficiently take up PAMAM-siRNA complexes, leading to significant knockdown of TWIST1 and EMT-related target genes. Knockdown lasts up to one week after transfection and leads to a reduction in migration and invasion, as determined by wound healing and transwell assays. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PAMAM dendrimers can deliver siRNA to xenograft orthotopic tumors and siRNA remains in the tumor for at least four hours after treatment. These results suggest that further development of dendrimer-based delivery of siRNA for TWIST1 silencing may lead to a valuable adjunctive therapy for patients with TNBC.
DNaseI Protects against Paraquat-Induced Acute Lung Injury and Pulmonary Fibrosis Mediated by Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Li Guo , Yuzhen Li , Yi Chen , Xiaoxiang Chen , Wei Zhou , Changqing Zhu , Shuang Ye
Published: February 2015

Background. Paraquat (PQ) poisoning is a lethal toxicological challenge that served as a disease model of acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis, but the mechanism is undetermined and no effective treatment has been discovered.Methods and Findings. We demonstrated that PQ injures mitochondria and leads to mtDNA release. The mtDNA mediated PBMC recruitment and stimulated the alveolar epithelial cell production of TGF-β1 in vitro. The levels of mtDNA in circulation and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were elevated in a mouse of PQ-induced lung injury. DNaseI could protect PQ-induced lung injury and significantly improved survival. Acute lung injury markers, such as TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6, and marker of fibrosis, collagen I, were downregulated in parallel with the elimination of mtDNA by DNaseI. These data indicate a possible mechanism for PQ-induced, mtDNA-mediated lung injury, which may be shared by other causes of lung injury, as suggested by the same protective effect of DNaseI in bleomycin-induced lung injury model. Interestingly, increased mtDNA in the BALF of patients with amyopathic dermatomyositis-interstitial lung disease can be appreciated.Conclusions. DNaseI targeting mtDNA may be a promising approach for the treatment of PQ-induced acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis that merits fast tracking through clinical trials.
Infrared Absorption Spectroscopic Study on Reaction between Self-Assembled Monolayers and Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma
Authors: Shinohara Masanori , Amano Katsuhiro , Maruno Naoki , Yoshida Yuta , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Fujiyama Hiroshi
Published: February 2015

Plasma is becoming increasingly adopted in bioapplications such as plasma medicine and agriculture. This study investigates the interaction between plasma and molecules in living tissues, focusing on plasma-protein interactions. To this end, the reaction of air-pressure air plasma with NH2-terminated self-assembled monolayer is investigated by infrared spectroscopy in multiple internal reflection geometry. The atmospheric-pressure plasma decomposed the NH2components, the characteristic units of proteins. The decomposition is attributed to water clusters generated in the plasma, indicating that protein decomposition by plasma requires humid air.
EndophyticBacillus subtilisStrain E1R-J Is a Promising Biocontrol Agent for Wheat Powdery Mildew
Authors: Gao Xiaoning , Gong Yufei , Huo Yunxia , Han Qingmei , Kang Zhensheng , Huang Lili
Published: February 2015

In this study, the biocontrol efficacies of 14 endophytic bacterial strains were tested againstBlumeria graminisf. sp.tritici(Bgt) in pot experiments under greenhouse conditions.Bacillus subtilisstrain E1R-j significantly reduced disease index and exhibited the best control (90.97%). When different formulations of E1R-j were sprayed 24 h beforeBgtinoculation, fermentation liquid without bacterial cell and crude protein suspension displayed the similar effects; and they reduced disease index more than bacterial cell suspension (109 cfu mL−1) and fermentation liquid without protein. The control effects were not significantly different between 1011and 109 cfu mL−1of bacterial cell suspension but were higher than 107 cfu mL−1. Further observations showed that conidial germination and appressorial formation ofBgtwere retarded by spraying E1R-j 24 h beforeBgtinoculation. Compared with the water check, conidial germination and appressorial formation were decreased by 43.3% and 42.7%, respectively. In the treatment with E1R-j, the number of houstoria significantly reduced and the speed of mycelial extension was slowed down in the wheat leaves. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that E1R-j significantly suppressed the conidial germination and caused rupture and deformation of germ tubes. On the surface of wheat leaves, mycelia and conidiophores became shrinking.
Common Atrium: A Rare Cause of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Karaye K. M. , Balarabe S. A. , Yakasai M. M. , Suleiman I. M. , Saidu H. , Bonny Aimé
Published: February 2015

We report a rare case of common atrium and acute decompensated heart failure most likely precipitated by acute bacterial pericarditis leading to premature death, in a 25-year-old male footballer. The silent course of the disease for decades as well as the diagnostic and management pitfalls of this case illustrates the importance of early detection by echocardiography and urgent appropriate treatment in intensive care settings to limit the poor prognosis of the condition.
Bifurcation of an Orbit Homoclinic to a Hyperbolic Saddle of a Vector Field inR4
Authors: Zhang Tiansi , Zhao Dianli
Published: February 2015

We perform a bifurcation analysis of an orbit homoclinic to a hyperbolic saddle of a vector field inR4. We give an expression of the gap between returning points in a transverse section by renormalizing system, through which we find the existence of homoclinic-doubling bifurcation in the case1+α>β>ν. Meanwhile, after reparametrizing the parameter, a periodic-doubling bifurcation appears and may be close to a saddle-node bifurcation, if the parameter is varied. These scenarios correspond to the occurrence of chaos. Based on our analysis, bifurcation diagrams of these bifurcations are depicted.
Shuangshen Ningxin Capsule, a Traditional Chinese Medicinal Preparation, Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia through Autophagy Regulation
Authors: Wang Jun , Hou Jincai , Lin Chengren , Fu Jianhua , Ren Jianxun , Li Lei , Guo Hao , Han Xiao , Wang Bing , Liu Jianxun
Published: February 2015

Shuangshen Ningxin capsule (SSNX), a modern Chinese formula, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases in Eastern Asia. Our study focuses on the autophagy regulation of SSNX against coronary artery injuries. Myocardial infarction model was established in Chinese miniswines (CMS) by coronary artery balloon injury. SSNX was administered to the CMS for 8 weeks with 4 mg/kg or 16 mg/kg. Myocardial cells were incubated with 20% SSNX medicated serum for 2 hours. Assays were performed to detect the effects of SSNX on (i) coronary artery diameter by angiography, (ii) hemodynamics by noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring system, (iii) plaque burden and plaque volume by intravenous ultrasound (iv) coronary artery histology by H&E staining, (v) autophagosome by transmission electron microscopy, (vi) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, and (vii) Beclin-1 and LC3-I/II expressions by Western blot. The results showed that CMS treated with SSNX exhibited the correction for the disturbed cardiac hemodynamics, increase of coronary artery diameter, reduction of high plaque burden and plaque volume, and decrease of LDH. The inhibitory effect of SSNX on CMS autophagy was demonstrated by the reduction of autophagosome and the downregulation of beclin-1 and LC3-I/II. SSNX may protect coronary artery and increase the stability of plaque through the suppression of myocardial cellular autophagy, which suggests the potentially therapeutic effect of SSNX on ischemic cardiovascular disease.
The Influence of Bauschinger Effect in Straightening Process
Authors: Gui Hai-Lian , Li Qiang , Huang Qing-Xue
Published: February 2015

The yield stress changes during the straightening process, because of the Bauschinger effect. This effect leads to a different reduction rate in each straightening roller. To accurately estimate the straightening effect of the rolled piece, the Bauschinger effect must be considered in calculating the reduction rate. In this paper, the straightening model is described by the fast multipole boundary element method. The Bauschinger effect model is discussed in the elastic loading region and elastic plastic loading region. Young’s modulus reduction and the reverse yield stress reduction are obtained for the straightening force model. The straightening force formula including the Bauschinger effect is determined by analyzing the tension and compression processes. This formula reflects the changes of the yield stress and the straightening force in the tension and compression processes. It is concluded that the Bauschinger effect is a very important factor for the precise estimation of the straightening force.
Optical Properties of Erbium Zinc Tellurite Glass System
Authors: Abdul Aziz Sidek Hj. , El-Mallawany R. , Badaron Siti Shawaliza , Kamari Halimah Mohamed , Amin Matori Khamirul
Published: February 2015

Er3+-doped tellurite glasses with molar compositions ofxEr2O3-20ZnO-(80-x)TeO2(x=0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mole%) (EZT) have been successfully synthesized by the melt-quenching method. Density and molar volume have been measured. UV-VIS absorption spectra in the wavelength range of 400–800 nm at room temperature has been measured. The band gap for every composition has been calculated. Photoluminescence spectroscopy in the wavelength range of 400–650 nm and at room temperature has been evaluated.
Hair Coil Penile Tourniquet Syndrome in an Unusual Age
Authors: Zengin Kursad , Ozdamar Mustafa Yasar , Albayrak Sebahattin , Tanik Serhat , Atar Muhittin , Bakirtas Hasan , Imamoglu Muhammed Abdurrahim , Gurdal Mesut
Published: February 2015

Penile tourniquet syndrome (PTS), a rare urologic emergency, may lead to undesirable results including necrosis and amputation of penis, if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. Sometimes these injuries may be accepted as a forensic case. Miscellaneous objects used for strangulation can be metallic or nonmetallic. Of all ages, the most vulnerable period is infancy. Telogen effluvium is the most common cause of PTS in infants who are 0–6 years old. In the literature, telogen effluvium as a reason of PTS was not found except for this age group. Therefore, we aimed to present a boy who is 8 years old diagnosed as PTS because of his mother’s hair coil.
Electrocatalytic Study of Paracetamol at a Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Nickel Nanocomposite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Ngai Koh Sing , Tan Wee Tee , Zainal Zulkarnain , Mohd Zawawi Ruzniza , Juan Joon Ching
Published: February 2015

A rapid, simple, and sensitive method for the electrochemical determination of paracetamol was developed. A single-walled carbon nanotube/nickel (SWCNT/Ni) nanocomposite was prepared and immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface via mechanical attachment. This paper reports the voltammetry study on the effect of paracetamol concentration, scan rate, pH, and temperature at a SWCNT/Ni-modified electrode in the determination of paracetamol. The characterization of the SWCNT/Ni/GCE was performed by cyclic voltammetry. Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometer were used to examine the surface morphology and elemental profile of the modified electrode, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry showed significant enhancement in peak current for the determination of paracetamol at the SWCNT/Ni-modified electrode. A linear calibration curve was obtained for the paracetamol concentration between 0.05 and 0.50 mM. The SWCNT/Ni/GCE displayed a sensitivity of 64 mA M−1and a detection limit of 1.17 × 10−7 M in paracetamol detection. The proposed electrode can be applied for the determination of paracetamol in real pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory performance. Results indicate that electrodes modified with SWCNT and nickel nanoparticles exhibit better electrocatalytic activity towards paracetamol.
Resistance to and Accumulation of Heavy Metals by Actinobacteria Isolated from Abandoned Mining Areas
Authors: El Baz Soraia , Baz Mohamed , Barakate Mustapha , Hassani Lahcen , El Gharmali Abdelhay , Imziln Boujamâa
Published: February 2015

Accumulation of high concentrations of heavy metals in environments can cause many human health risks and serious ecological problems. Nowadays, bioremediation using microorganisms is receiving much attention due to their good performance. The aim of this work is to investigate heavy metals resistance and bioaccumulation potential of actinobacteria strains isolated from some abandoned mining areas. Analysis of mining residues revealed that high concentration of zinc “Zn” was recorded in Sidi Bouatman, Arbar, and Bir Nhass mining residues. The highest concentration of lead “Pb” was found in Sidi Bouatman. Copper “Cu,” cadmium “Cd,” and chromium “Cr” were found with moderate and low concentrations. The resistance of 59 isolated actinobacteria to the five heavy metals was also determined. Using molecular identification 16S rRNA, these 27 isolates were found to belong to Streptomyces and Amycolatopsis genera. The results showed different levels of heavy metal resistance; the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) recorded was 0.55 for Pb, 0.15 for Cr, and 0.10 mg·mL−1 for both Zn and Cu. Chemical precipitation assay of heavy metals using hydrogen sulfide technic (H2S) revealed that only 27 isolates have a strong ability to accumulate Pb (up to 600 mg of Pb per g of biomass for Streptomyces sp. BN3).
The Bunkie Test: Descriptive Data for a Novel Test of Core Muscular Endurance
Authors: Brumitt Jason
Published: February 2015

The Bunkie test, a functional performance test consisting of 5 test positions (performed bilaterally), has been used to assess aspects of muscular function. Current performance measures are based on clinical recommendations. The purpose of this study was to report normative data for a healthy population. One hundred and twelve subjects (mean age25.9±4.5years) were recruited from a university setting. Subjects completed a demographic questionnaire prior to testing. Hold times for each position was measured in seconds. Subjects were able to hold many of the positions for a mean score of approximately 40 seconds. There were no side-to-side differences in test position hold times per gender. Males were able to hold some positions significantly longer than their female counterparts. Males with a lower BMI were able to hold 8 of the 10 positions significantly longer than those with a higher BMI. Bunkie test scores in subjects with a prior history of musculoskeletal injury were similar to those with no history of injury. The normative data presented in this study may be used by rehabilitation professionals when assessing and rehabilitating their patients.
From Molecular Classification to Targeted Therapeutics: The Changing Face of Systemic Therapy in Metastatic Gastroesophageal Cancer
Authors: Murphy Adrian , Kelly Ronan J.
Published: February 2015

Histological classification of adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma for esophageal cancer or using the Lauren classification for intestinal and diffuse type gastric cancer has limited clinical utility in the management of advanced disease. Germline mutations in E-cadherin (CDH1) or mismatch repair genes (Lynch syndrome) were identified many years ago but given their rarity, the identification of these molecular alterations does not substantially impact treatment in the advanced setting. Recent molecular profiling studies of upper GI tumors have added to our knowledge of the underlying biology but have not led to an alternative classification system which can guide clinician’s therapeutic decisions. Recently the Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network has proposed four subtypes of gastric cancer dividing tumors into those positive for Epstein-Barr virus, microsatellite unstable tumors, genomically stable tumors, and tumors with chromosomal instability. Unfortunately to date, many phase III clinical trials involving molecularly targeted agents have failed to meet their survival endpoints due to their use in unselected populations. Future clinical trials should utilize molecular profiling of individual tumors in order to determine the optimal use of targeted therapies in preselected patients.
Maxillary Sinus Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors: A Review and Case Report
Authors: Hansen Chase C. , Eisenbach Colby , Torres Carlos , Graham Suzanne , Hardwicke Fred
Published: February 2015

An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an immunohistochemically diverse entity demonstrating neoplastic and nonneoplastic qualities. Although IMTs can arise in any area of the body, lesions arising in certain sites, namely, the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and pterygopalatine fossa, demonstrate a heightened neoplastic and invasive potential. Despite case specific complete tumor regression and disease remission in response to pharmacotherapeutics, a subset of IMTs remain resistant to all forms of therapy. We present such a case, a 34-year-old female patient, with a highly resistant, maxillary sinus IMT. Her refractory, ALK-1 negative IMT has not responded well to novel therapies reported in current literature. This case suggests the role of zonal expressivity within a single lesion as a probable mechanism for its highly resistant nature and should promote determination of each IMT’s cytogenetic profile to provide more effective targeted therapy. Paper includes a literature review of all maxillary sinus IMTs from 1985 to 2014 along with their immunohistochemical staining, treatments, and outcomes.
Laparoscopic Treatment of 1522 Adnexal Masses: An 8-Year Experience
Authors: Grammatikakis I. , Trompoukis P. , Zervoudis S. , Mavrelos C. , Economides P. , Tziortzioti V. , Evangelinakis N. , Kassanos D.
Published: February 2015

Objective. To reevaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of laparoscopy in benign ovarian pathology.Materials and Methods. 1522 women with benign adnexal cysts, laparoscopically treated in the 3rd Department of Ob/Gyn, General University hospital “Attikon” and “Lito” Maternity Hospital between July 1998 and December 2006, were included.Results. The diagnosis in 1222 (80,6%) cases was endometriosis of the ovary, 60 (4%) hydrosalpinx, 51 (3,3%) serous cystadenomas, 44 (2,9%) dermoid ovarian cyst, 38 (2,5%) borderline tumors, 35 (2,3%) unruptured follicles, and 33 (2,2%) paraovarian cysts. In 174 cases (11,5%) laparoscopy was converted to laparotomy due to technical difficulties or suspicion of cancer. In particular, laparotomy was performed in 119 (8%) women due to severe adhesions and 18 (1,2%) women due to bleeding that could not be controlled safely by laparoscopy. In 36 (2,4%) women frozen section during operation revealed malignancy and laparoscopy was converted to laparotomy. A few operative complications were recorded like post-op fever, small hematomas at the trocar entries.Conclusions. Laparoscopic surgery seems to offer significant advantages such as reduced hospital stay, less adverse effects, better quality of life, and superior vision especially on surgical treatment of cases like endometriosis.
Adaptive Upregulation of EGFR Limits Attenuation of Tumor Growth by Neutralizing IL6 Antibodies, with Implications for Combined Therapy in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Milagre Carla S. , Gopinathan Ganga , Everitt Gemma , Thompson Richard G. , Kulbe Hagen , Zhong Haihong , Hollingsworth Robert E. , Grose Richard , Bowtell David D.L. , Hochhauser Daniel , Balkwill Frances R.
Published: February 2015

Excess production of the proinflammatory IL6 has both local and systemic tumor-promoting activity in many cancers, including ovarian cancer. However, treatment of advanced ovarian cancer patients with a neutralizing IL6 antibody yielded little efficacy in a previous phase II clinical trial. Here, we report results that may explain this outcome, based on the finding that neutralizing antibodies to IL6 and STAT3 inhibition are sufficient to upregulate the EGFR pathway in high-grade serous and other ovarian cancer cells. Cell treatment with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib abolished upregulation of the EGFR pathway. Combining neutralizing IL6 antibodies and gefitinib inhibited malignant cell growth in 2D and 3D culture. We found that ErbB-1 was localized predominantly in the nucleus of ovarian cancer cells examined, contrasting with plasma membrane localization in lung cancer cells. Treatment with anti-IL6, gefitinib, or their combination all led to partial restoration of ErbB-1 on the plasma membrane. In vivo experiments confirmed the effects of IL6 inhibition on the EGFR pathway and the enhanced activity of a combination of anti-IL6 antibodies and gefitinib on malignant cell growth. Taken together, our results offer a preclinical rationale to combine anti-IL6 and gefitinib to treat patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1255–64. ©2015 AACR.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Is Regulated by β-Catenin/TCF and Promotes Radioresistance in Prostate Cancer Progenitor Cells
Authors: Cojoc Monica , Peitzsch Claudia , Kurth Ina , Trautmann Franziska , Kunz-Schughart Leoni A. , Telegeev Gennady D. , Stakhovsky Eduard A. , Walker John R. , Simin Karl , Lyle Stephen , Fuessel Susanne , Erdmann Kati , Wirth Manfred P. , Krause Mechthild , Baumann Michael , Dubrovska Anna
Published: February 2015

Radiotherapy is a curative treatment option in prostate cancer. Nevertheless, patients with high-risk prostate cancer are prone to relapse. Identification of the predictive biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of radioresistance bears promise to improve cancer therapies. In this study, we show that aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity is indicative of radioresistant prostate progenitor cells with an enhanced DNA repair capacity and activation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Gene expression profiling of prostate cancer cells, their radioresistant derivatives, ALDH+ and ALDH− cell populations revealed the mechanisms, which link tumor progenitors to radioresistance, including activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. We found that expression of the ALDH1A1 gene is regulated by the WNT signaling pathway and co-occurs with expression of β-catenin in prostate tumor specimens. Inhibition of the WNT pathway led to a decrease in ALDH+ tumor progenitor population and to radiosensitization of cancer cells. Taken together, our results indicate that ALDH+ cells contribute to tumor radioresistance and their molecular targeting may enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1482–94. ©2015 AACR.
Phosphotyrosine Signaling Analysis in Human Tumors Is Confounded by Systemic Ischemia-Driven Artifacts and Intra-Specimen Heterogeneity
Authors: Gajadhar Aaron S. , Johnson Hannah , Slebos Robbert J.C. , Shaddox Kent , Wiles Kerry , Washington Mary Kay , Herline Alan J. , Levine Douglas A. , Liebler Daniel C. , White Forest M.
Published: February 2015

Tumor protein phosphorylation analysis may provide insight into intracellular signaling networks underlying tumor behavior, revealing diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic information. Human tumors collected by The Cancer Genome Atlas program potentially offer the opportunity to characterize activated networks driving tumor progression, in parallel with the genetic and transcriptional landscape already documented for these tumors. However, a critical question is whether cellular signaling networks can be reliably analyzed in surgical specimens, where freezing delays and spatial sampling disparities may potentially obscure physiologic signaling. To quantify the extent of these effects, we analyzed the stability of phosphotyrosine (pTyr) sites in ovarian and colon tumors collected under conditions of controlled ischemia and in the context of defined intratumoral sampling. Cold-ischemia produced a rapid, unpredictable, and widespread impact on tumor pTyr networks within 5 minutes of resection, altering up to 50% of pTyr sites by more than 2-fold. Effects on adhesion and migration, inflammatory response, proliferation, and stress response pathways were recapitulated in both ovarian and colon tumors. In addition, sampling of spatially distinct colon tumor biopsies revealed pTyr differences as dramatic as those associated with ischemic times, despite uniform protein expression profiles. Moreover, intratumoral spatial heterogeneity and pTyr dynamic response to ischemia varied dramatically between tumors collected from different patients. Overall, these findings reveal unforeseen phosphorylation complexity, thereby increasing the difficulty of extracting physiologically relevant pTyr signaling networks from archived tissue specimens. In light of this data, prospective tumor pTyr analysis will require appropriate sampling and collection protocols to preserve in vivo signaling features. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1495–503. ©2015 AACR.
In Vivo Tomographic Imaging of Deep-Seated Cancer Using Fluorescence Lifetime Contrast
Authors: Rice William L. , Shcherbakova Daria M. , Verkhusha Vladislav V. , Kumar Anand T.N.
Published: February 2015

Preclinical cancer research would benefit from noninvasive imaging methods that allow tracking and visualization of early-stage metastasis in vivo. Although fluorescent proteins revolutionized intravital microscopy, two major challenges that still remain are tissue autofluorescence and hemoglobin absorption, which act to limit intravital optical techniques to large or subcutaneous tumors. Here, we use time-domain (TD) technology for the effective separation of tissue autofluorescence from extrinsic fluorophores, based on their distinct fluorescence lifetimes. In addition, we use cancer cells labeled with near infrared fluorescent proteins (iRFP) to allow deep-tissue imaging. Our results demonstrate that TD imaging allows the detection of metastasis in deep-seated organs of living mice with a more than 20-fold increase in sensitivity compared with conventional continuous wave techniques. Furthermore, the distinct fluorescence lifetimes of iRFPs enable lifetime multiplexing of three different tumors, each expressing unique iRFP labels in the same animal. Fluorescence tomographic reconstructions reveal three-dimensional distributions of iRFP720-expressing cancer cells in lungs and brain of live mice, allowing ready longitudinal monitoring of cancer cell fate with greater sensitivity than otherwise currently possible. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1236–43. ©2015 AACR.
History of Allergy and Atopic Dermatitis in Relation to Squamous Cell and Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin
Authors: Cheng Judy , Zens M. Scot , Duell Eric , Perry Ann E. , Chapman M. Shane , Karagas Margaret R.
Published: February 2015

Background: Little is known about whether history of allergies and atopy is related to the occurrence of keratinocyte cancers. Thus, we evaluated the association between history of allergies and atopy and the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and early onset basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Methods: As part of a population-based case–control study, interviews were conducted with 1,050 residents of New Hampshire (375 early onset BCC cases and 251 controls, 254 SCC cases and 432 controls). ORs of SCC and early onset BCC and history of allergy and atopic dermatitis were computed using logistic regression, while controlling for potential confounding factors.

Results: An overall inverse association was observed between a history of allergy and early onset BCC [OR, 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38–0.97] but not SCC (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.78–1.79). Among women, we found reduced ORs of both early onset BCC and of SCC in relation to allergy history (early onset BCC OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31–0.92 and SCC OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.29–1.19). Among men, we observed no clear association with early onset BCC (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.39–1.99) and an increased risk of SCC (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 0.93–2.69).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that allergies and atopy may influence risk of early onset BCC and SCC, and that effects may be gender specific.

Impact: A deeper understanding of the immune mechanisms underlying allergies and atopy may provide new routes of preventing keratinocyte cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(4); 749–54. ©2015 AACR.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as an Adjuvant Therapy for Comprehensive Treatment of Fournier's Gangrene
Authors: Li Chao , Zhou Xu , Liu Long-Fei , Qi Fan , Chen Jin-Bo , Zu Xiong-Bing
Published: February 2015

Objectives: To compare simple conventional treatment with the addition of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to conventional therapies in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene (FG). Methods: A retrospective study of clinical data was performed by reviewing 28 cases of FG from January 2004 to December 2013 at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Among them, 12 patients were treated with the conventional therapy (non-HBOT group) and the other 16 cases were combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy besides conventional therapy (HBOT group). All patients were followed up for 2 months to assess the therapeutic effect. The analyzed data included age, Fournier gangrene severity index (FGSI) score, number of surgical debridement, indwelling drainage tube time, length of stay (LOS), effective time, and curative time. Results: The mortality rate was lower in the HBOT group at 12.5% (2/16) compared to the non-HBOT group, which was 33.3% (4/12). The difference in the number of surgical debridement, indwelling drainage tube time, and curative time between were significantly lower in the HBOT group compared to the non-HBOT group. Conclusions: Our preliminary research suggests that the effect of combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy with conventional therapy offers considerable advantage in the management of Fournier's gangrene. Multicenter studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these observations.
Age Is No Longer a Limit: Two Cases of Hepatectomy in Patients Over 90 Years Old
Authors: Uwatoko Shugo , Yamamoto Kentaroh , Sasaki Takamitsu , Fukumori Daisuke , Igimi Hirotsune , Yamamoto Mami , Yamamoto Fumio , Yamashita Yuichi
Published: February 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis. The age of patients affected by HCC is considered to be increasing, and several studies have reported significantly higher rates of morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy for HCC in elderly patients. However, other studies have reported that the short- and long-term outcomes of surgery for HCC in elderly patients are similar to those in younger patients. Whether the indications for hepatic resection in elderly patients resemble those in younger patients has thus been questioned. We describe two cases of patients over 90 years old who underwent major hepatectomy for HCC, representing the oldest patients in the world to have done so.
Order from the Order: How a Spatiotemporal Genetic Program Is Encoded in a 2-D Genetic Map of the Bacterial Chromosome
Authors: Muskhelishvili Georgi , Travers Andrew
Published: February 2015

In this article, we sketch out a holistic methodology used for exploring how the genetic program is encoded in a 2-D genetic map of a bacterial chromosome. We argue that the major problem resides in the conceptual integration of the two logically distinct types of information encoded in the chiral double-helical DNA polymer. This integration is accomplished by mapping the genetic function on the genomic sequence organisation and therefore is potentially applicable to any chromosome. The vast generalisation achieved by this approach necessarily ignores exquisite details, yet it is fundamental in providing comprehensive methodology for exploring the role of the DNA sequence organisation in harnessing genetic information and sustaining biological order.
Impulsivity in Cocaine-Dependent Individuals with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Stevens Laura , Roeyers Herbert , Dom Geert , Joos Leen , Vanderplasschen Wouter
Published: February 2015

Background: Cocaine-dependent individuals (CDI) display increased impulsivity. However, despite its multifactorial nature most studies in CDI have treated impulsivity monolithically. Moreover, the impact of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has often not been taken into account. This study investigates whether CDI with ADHD (CDI+ADHD) differ from CDI without an ADHD diagnosis and healthy controls (HC) on several impulsivity measures. Methods: Thirty-four CDI, 25 CDI+ADHD and 28 HC participated in this study. Trait impulsivity was assessed with the motor, attentional and non-planning subscales of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Neurocognitive dimensions of impulsivity were examined with the stop signal task (SST), delay discounting task (DDT) and information sampling task (IST). Results: Relative to HC, both CDI and CDI+ADHD scored higher on all BIS-11 subscales, required more time to inhibit their responses (SST) and sampled less information before making a decision (IST). Greater discounting of delayed rewards (DDT) was only found among CDI+ADHD. Compared to CDI without ADHD, CDI+ADHD scored higher on the BIS-11 non-planning and total scale and showed higher discounting rates. Conclusion: CDI score higher on several indices of impulsivity relative to HC, regardless of whether they have concomitant ADHD or not. CDI+ADHD are specifically characterized by a lack of future orientation compared to CDI without ADHD.