bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced-Bivium Algorithm for RFID System
Authors: Zhang Shiyong , Chen Gongliang , Zhou Yongkai , Li Jianhua
Published: October 2015

RFID (radio frequency identification) is an emerging technology for automatic identification of physical objects using radio frequency. The security and privacy of the system is increasingly concerned and some light-weight encryption schemes such as Trivium and Bivium have been proposed. In this paper, the internal structure of Bivium is exploited and generalized to an algorithm called Bivium-Model. It is shown that the original Bivium has its inherent imperfections due to the improper parameter selection. A set of better parameters are given out to fix the security vulnerability of original Bivium. Emulation results also show that the Enhanced-Bivium algorithm achieves lower power consumption and lower die size.
PRMT1 and PRMT4 Regulate Oxidative Stress-Induced Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Damage in SIRT1-Dependent and SIRT1-Independent Manners
Authors: Kim Dong-Il , Park Min-Jung , Choi Joo-Hee , Kim In-Seon , Han Ho-Jae , Yoon Kyung-Chul , Park Sang-Woo , Lee Min-Young , Oh Ki-Seok , Park Soo-Hyun
Published: October 2015

Oxidative stress-induced retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell damage is involved in the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Arginine methylation catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) has emerged as an important histone modification involved in diverse diseases. Sirtuin (SIRT1) is a protein deacetylase implicated in the onset of metabolic diseases. Therefore, we examined the roles of type I PRMTs and their relationship with SIRT1 in human RPE cells under H2O2-induced oxidative stress. H2O2treatment increased PRMT1 and PRMT4 expression but decreased SIRT1 expression. Similar to H2O2treatment, PRMT1 or PRMT4 overexpression increased RPE cell damage. Moreover, the H2O2-induced RPE cell damage was attenuated by PRMT1 or PRMT4 knockdown and SIRT1 overexpression. In this study, we revealed that SIRT1 expression was regulated by PRMT1 but not by PRMT4. Finally, we found that PRMT1 and PRMT4 expression is increased in the RPE layer of streptozotocin-treated rats. Taken together, we demonstrated that oxidative stress induces apoptosis both via PRMT1 in a SIRT1-dependent manner and via PRMT4 in a SIRT1-independent manner. The inhibition of the expression of type I PRMTs, especially PRMT1 and PRMT4, and increased SIRT1 could be therapeutic approaches for diabetic retinopathy.
Effects of Unilateral Cochlear Implantation on Balance Control and Sensory Organization in Adult Patients with Profound Hearing Loss
Authors: Parietti-Winkler Cécile , Lion Alexis , Montaut-Verient Bettina , Grosjean Rémy , Gauchard Gérome C.
Published: October 2015

Many studies were interested in the consequence of vestibular dysfunction related to cochlear implantation on balance control. This pilot study aimed to assess the effects of unilateral cochlear implantation on the modalities of balance control and sensorimotor strategies. Posturographic and vestibular evaluations were performed in 10 patients (55 ± 20 years) with profound hearing loss who were candidates to undergo unilateral multichannel cochlear implantation. The evaluation was carried out shortly before and one year after surgery. Posturographic tests were also performed in 10 age-matched healthy participants (63 ± 16 years). Vestibular compensation was observed within one year. In addition, postural performances of the patients increased within one year after cochlear implantation, especially in the more complex situations, in which sensory information is either unavailable or conflicting. Before surgery, postural performances were higher in the control group compared to the patients’ group. One year after cochlear implantation, postural control was close to normalize. The improvement of postural performance could be explained by a mechanism of vestibular compensation. In addition, the recovery of auditory information which is the consequence of cochlear implantation could lead to an extended exploration of the environment possibly favoring the development of new balance strategies.
Successful Intravascular Correction of Intratumoral Pseudoaneurysm by Erosion of the Aorta in a Patient with Thoracic Giant Cell Tumor of Bone Responding to Denosumab
Authors: Fraile Natalia M. P. , Toloi Diego , Kurimori Ceci O. , Matutino Adriana R. B. , Codima Alberto , Camargo Veridiana P. , Feher Olavo , Munhoz Rodrigo R.
Published: October 2015

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a rare, locally aggressive neoplasm characterized by the presence of giant cells with osteoclast activity. Its biology involves the overexpression of theReceptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kB Ligand(RANKL) by osteoclast-like giant cells and tumor stromal cells, which has been shown to be an actionable target in this disease. In cases amenable to surgical resection, very few therapeutic options were available until the recent demonstration of significant activity of the anti-RANK-ligand monoclonal antibody denosumab. Here we present a case of a patient with advanced GCT arising in the spine, recurring after multiple resections and embolization. Following initiation of denosumab, which resulted in unequivocal clinical improvement, computed tomography of the chest done for reassessment purposes revealed an intratumoral pseudoaneurysm by erosion of the aorta, further corrected by endovascular approach and stent placement. Patient had an unremarkable recovery from the procedure and continued benefit from therapy with denosumab and remains on treatment 24 months after the first dose.
Healthy Aging and Compensation of Sentence Comprehension Auditory Deficits
Authors: Silagi Marcela Lima , Rabelo Camila Maia , Schochat Eliane , Mansur Letícia Lessa
Published: October 2015

Objectives. To analyze the effect of aging on sentence auditory comprehension and to study the relationship between this language skill and cognitive functions (attention, working memory, and executive functions).Methods. A total of 90 healthy subjects were divided into three groups: adults (50–59 years), young-old (60–69 years), and old-old (70–80 years). Subjects were assessed using the Revised Token Test. The measures used for performance analysis were number of correct answers (accuracy) and execution time of commands on the different subtests.Results. Regarding accuracy, groups showed similar performance on the first blocks, but the young-old and old-old performed worse than adults on blocks 9 and 10. With respect to execution time, groups differed from block 2 (i.e., the groups differed for all blocks, except for block 1), with the worst performance observed in the old-old group, followed by that of the young-old group. Therefore, the elderly required more time to attain performance similar to that of adults, showing that time measurements are more sensitive for detecting the effects of age. Sentence comprehension ability is correlated with cognitive test performance, especially for global cognition and working memory tests.Conclusions. Healthy aging is characterized by the ability to compensate for difficulties in linguistic processing, which allows the elderly to maintain functional communication.
Energy-Balanced Uneven Clustering Protocol Based on Regional Division for Sensor Networks
Authors: Sha Chao , Shen Tian-cheng , Chen Jin-yu , Zhang Yao , Wang Ru-chuan
Published: October 2015

In view of the unbalanced energy consumption of traditional cluster-based sensor networks, this paper proposes a type of uneven clustering protocol in data collection. The network is divided into inner and outer regions according to the distance between nodes and the base station. The inner region is consisted of several layers and nodes in outer region are deployed in grids of different sizes. Sensor data is collected by nodes in outer region and then is be transmitted to the inner region. Nodes in the inner region do data fusion and forward data from the lower layer to the higher one. Simulation results show that, compared with MTP and CDFUD, the proposed algorithm performs well in balance of energy consumption and could effectively prolong the network lifetime.
Real-Time Performance Evaluation for Flooding and Recursive Time Synchronization Protocols over Arduino and XBee
Authors: Sheltami Tarek R. , Sattar Danish , Shakshuki Elhadi M. , Mahmoud Ashraf S.
Published: October 2015

Time synchronization is a crucial part of distributed systems. It is often required for data reliability and coordination in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Wireless sensor networks have three major goals: time synchronization, low bandwidth operation, and energy efficiency. Different time synchronization algorithms are aimed at achieving these objectives using various methods. This paper presents performance evaluation of two state-of-the-art time synchronization protocols, namely, Flooding Time Synchronization Protocol and Recursive Time Synchronization Protocol. To achieve time synchronization in wireless sensor networks, these two protocols make use of broadcast and peer-to-peer mechanisms. Flooding Time Synchronization Protocol uses the former mechanism, while Recursive Time Synchronization Protocol uses the latter mechanism. To perform the performance evaluation, three performance metrics are used including synchronization message count per cycle, bandwidth, and convergence time. Arduino is used as a micro-controller and XBee as transceiver to verify these metrics by utilizing different topologies.
Nutrition and Reproductive Health: Sperm versus Erythrocyte Lipidomic Profile andω-3 Intake
Authors: Mendeluk Gabriela Ruth , Cohen Mariano Isaac , Ferreri Carla , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos
Published: October 2015

Fatty acid analyses of sperm and erythrocyte cell membrane phospholipids in idiopathic infertile patients evidenced that erythrocyte contents of EPA, DHA, omega-6–omega-3 ratio and arachidonic acid provide a mathematical correspondence for the prediction of EPA level in sperm cells. The erythrocyte lipidomic profile of patients was significantly altered, with signatures of typical Western pattern dietary habits and no fish intake. A supplementation with nutritional levels of EPA and DHA and antioxidants was then performed for 3 months, with the follow-up of both erythrocyte and sperm cell membranes composition as well as conventional sperm parameters. Some significant changes were found in the lipidomic membrane profile of erythrocyte but not in sperm cells, which correspondently did not show significant parameter ameliorations. This is the first report indicating that membrane lipids of different tissues do not equally metabolize the fatty acid elements upon supplementation. Molecular diagnostic tools are necessary to understand the cell metabolic turnover and monitor the success of nutraceuticals for personalized treatments.
Evaluation of the Stability of the Total Antioxidant Capacity, Polyphenol Contents, and Starch Hydrolase Inhibitory Activities of Kombucha Teas Using anIn VitroModel of Digestion
Authors: Watawana Mindani I. , Jayawardena Nilakshi , Ranasinghe Shakkya J. , Waisundara Viduranga Y.
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare antioxidant and starch hydrolase inhibitory activity of three different types of Kombucha beverages prepared by three pellicles with different microbial compositions. The fermentation process was carried out for 7 days and the assessments of antioxidant and starch hydrolase inhibitory activities as well as tea phenolic compounds were carried out. These parameters were also evaluated after subjecting the final fermented samples to gastric and duodenal digestion in anin vitrodigestion model. The pH had a statistically significant decrease during the period of fermentation. The total phenolics content and antioxidant activities had increased during the fermentation process as well as when subjected to digestion. The starch hydrolase inhibitory activities also increased in a similar manner during the different phases. Theα-amylase andα-glucosidase inhibitory activities showed statistically significant increases(P<0.05)as the fermentation progressed, while an increase was observed after being subjected to pancreatic and duodenal digestion as well. All three types of tea showed a higherα-amylase inhibitory activity thanα-glucosidase inhibitory activity.
Enhancement of Two‐Dimensional Electron‐Gas Properties by Zn Polar ZnMgO/MgO/ZnO Structure Grown by Radical‐Source Laser Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Meng Li , Zhang Jingwen , Li Qun , Hou Xun
Published: October 2015

A Zn polar ZnMgO/MgO/ZnO structure with low Mg composition Zn1−xMgxO layer (x = 0.05) grown on a‐plane (11–20) sapphire by radical‐source laser molecular beam epitaxy was reported. The insertion of a thin (1 nm) MgO layer between ZnMgO and ZnO layers in the ZnMgO/ZnO 2DEG structures results in an increase of 2DEG sheet density and affects electron mobility slightly. The carrier concentration reached a value as high as 1.1 × 1013 cm−2, which was confirmed by C‐V measurements. A high Hall mobility of 3090 cm2/Vs at 10 K and 332 cm2/Vs at RT was observed from Zn0.95Mg0.05O/MgO/ZnO heterostructure. The choice of the thickness of MgO was discussed. The dependence of carrier sheet density of 2DEG on ZnMgO layer thickness was calculated in theory and the theoretical prediction and experimental results agreed well.
Varicocele Repair Improves Testicular Histology in Men with Nonobstructive Azoospermia
Authors: Ustuner Murat , Yilmaz Hasan , Yavuz Ufuk , Ciftci Seyfettin , Saribacak Ali , Aynur Bahri Serkan , Yasar Hikmet , Culha Mustafa Melih
Published: October 2015

Objective. To determine the histopathological differences after varicocele repair in testicular tissue in males with nonobstructive azoospermia.Methods. Between 2009 and 2014, 45 men with complete azoospermia and palpable varicocele, presenting with primary infertility of at least 1 year, undergoing varicocele repair at our institution were selected for the study. A standard systematic testicular 6-core Tru-Cut biopsy was performed during varicocele repair. Other biopsies were obtained from each testicle of all patients at the time of microscopic sperm extraction procedure.Results. Nineteen patients were selected for the study. Testicular biopsy specimens were classified as Sertoli cell only on preoperative histopathological analysis in 14 patients. After varicocele repair, focal spermatogenesisn=3and late maturation arrestn=2were found in these patients. Average Johnsen score was significantly increased after varicocelectomyP=0.003. Motile sperm was found in one patient on postoperative semen analyses and in 10 more patients in the microscopic sperm extraction procedure. Preoperative high serum follicle stimulating hormone level and venous reflux were significantly and negatively correlated with the increase in average Johnsen scoreP<0.05.Conclusions. Our findings suggest significant improvement in testicular histology after varicocele repair.
Effects of Exercise Intensity on Postexercise Endothelial Function and Oxidative Stress
Authors: McClean Conor , Harris Ryan A. , Brown Malcolm , Brown John C. , Davison Gareth W.
Published: October 2015

Purpose. To measure endothelial function and oxidative stress immediately, 90 minutes, and three hours after exercise of varying intensities.Methods. Sixteen apparently healthy men completed three exercise bouts of treadmill running for 30 minutes at 55%V˙O2max(mild); 20 minutes at 75%V˙O2max(moderate); or 5 minutes at 100%V˙O2max(maximal) in random order. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed with venous blood samples drawn for measurement of endothelin-1 (ET-1), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs), and lipid soluble antioxidants.Results. LOOH increased immediately following moderate exercise (P<0.05). ET-1 was higher immediately after exercise and 3 hours after exercise in the mild trial compared to maximal one (P<0.05). Transient decreases were detected forΔFMD/ShearAUCfrom baseline following maximal exercise, but it normalised at 3 hours after exercise (P<0.05). Shear rate was higher immediately after exercise in the maximal trial compared to mild exercise (P<0.05). No changes in baseline diameter, peak diameter, absolute change in diameter, or FMD were observed following any of the exercise trials (P>0.05).Conclusions. Acute exercise at different intensities elicits varied effects on oxidative stress, shear rate, and ET-1 that do not appear to mediate changes in endothelial function measured by FMD.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm Combined with Grenade Explosion Method and Cauchy Operator for Global Optimization
Authors: Zheng Jian-Guo , Zhang Chao-Qun , Zhou Yong-Quan
Published: October 2015

Artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is a popular swarm intelligence technique inspired by the intelligent foraging behavior of honey bees. However, ABC is good at exploration but poor at exploitation and its convergence speed is also an issue in some cases. To improve the performance of ABC, a novel ABC combined with grenade explosion method (GEM) and Cauchy operator, namely, ABCGC, is proposed. GEM is embedded in the onlooker bees’ phase to enhance the exploitation ability and accelerate convergence of ABCGC; meanwhile, Cauchy operator is introduced into the scout bees’ phase to help ABCGC escape from local optimum and further enhance its exploration ability. Two sets of well-known benchmark functions are used to validate the better performance of ABCGC. The experiments confirm that ABCGC is significantly superior to ABC and other competitors; particularly it converges to the global optimum faster in most cases. These results suggest that ABCGC usually achieves a good balance between exploitation and exploration and can effectively serve as an alternative for global optimization.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Pesticide Use and Knowledge of Smallholder Potato Farmers in Uganda
Authors: Okonya Joshua Sikhu , Kroschel Jürgen
Published: October 2015

In response to increased pest and disease problems, potato farmers use pesticides, which could raise environmental and health concerns. This study sought to promote proper and safe pesticide-handling practices by providing data needed to guide pesticide regulation policy and training for extension staff and farmers. A household survey was conducted in three major potato-growing agroecological zones of Uganda. Two hundred and four potato farmers were interviewed about the type and source of pesticides they use in potato cultivation, the frequency of applications, the use of protective clothing, and cases of pesticide poisoning. The types of pesticides used in potato were fungicides (72%), insecticides (62%), and herbicides (3%). Overall, use of personal protective equipment was low, that is, gumboots (73%), gloves (7%), face masks (16%), and long sleeve shirts (42%). Forty-three percent of farmers who applied pesticides reported having experienced skin itching, 25% skin burning sensation, 43% coughing, 60% a runny nose, 27% teary eyes, and 42% dizziness. An IPM approach involving only moderately to slightly hazardous pesticides when pest and disease incidence has reached economic injury levels and by considering all safety measures during application and storage would be environmentally recommendable and result in reduced health risks.
Exploring the Potential Use of the Birnbaum-Saunders Distribution in Inventory Management
Authors: Wanke Peter , Leiva Víctor
Published: October 2015

Choosing the suitable demand distribution during lead-time is an important issue in inventory models. Much research has explored the advantage of following a distributional assumption different from the normality. The Birnbaum-Saunders (BS) distribution is a probabilistic model that has its genesis in engineering but is also being widely applied to other fields including business, industry, and management. We conduct numeric experiments using the R statistical software to assess the adequacy of the BS distribution against the normal and gamma distributions in light of the traditional lot size-reorder point inventory model, known as (Q,r). The BS distribution is well-known to be robust to extreme values; indeed, results indicate that it is a more adequate assumption under higher values of the lead-time demand coefficient of variation, thus outperforming the gamma and the normal assumptions.
In-Plane Vibration Response of the Periodic Viaduct on Saturated Soil under Rayleigh Surface Wave
Authors: Ju Hai-yan , Fu Ming-fu
Published: October 2015

In this study, the in-plane vibration response of the periodic viaduct on saturated soil under Rayleigh surface wave is studied. The Floquet transform method is used to decompose Rayleigh surface wave into a set of spatial harmonic waves. Considering the periodic condition of the viaduct, the wave number domain dynamic response of the periodic viaduct on saturated soil subjected to Rayleigh surface wave excitation is obtained by the transfer matrix method. Then the space domain dynamic response is retrieved by means of the inverse Floquet transform. Numerical results show that when the periodic viaduct is undergoing in-plane vibration, there exist three kinds of characteristic waves corresponding to axial compression, transverse shear, and bending vibration. Furthermore, when the frequency of Rayleigh wave is within the pass band of the periodic viaduct, the disturbance propagates over a very long distance and the attenuation of the wave motion far from the source is determined by the characteristic wave with the smallest attenuation, while the vibration attenuates rapidly and propagates in a short distance when the frequency of excitation source is in the range of band gap of periodic structure.
From the Schwarzschild Anti-de Sitter Black Hole to the Conformal Field Theory
Authors: Sefiedgar Akram Sadat
Published: October 2015

The emergence of the quantum gravitational effects in a very high energy regime necessitates some corrections to the thermodynamics of black holes. In this letter, we investigate a possible modification to the thermodynamics of Schwarzschild anti-de Sitter (SAdS) black holes due to rainbow gravity model. Using the correspondence between a (d+1)-dimensional SAdS black hole and a conformal filed theory ind-dimensional spacetime, one may find the corrections to the Cardy-Verlinde formula from the modified thermodynamics of the black hole. Furthermore, we show that the corrected Cardy-Verlinde formula can also be derived by redefining the Virasoro operator and the central charge.
The Role of Ankle Proprioception for Balance Control in relation to Sports Performance and Injury
Authors: Han Jia , Anson Judith , Waddington Gordon , Adams Roger , Liu Yu
Published: October 2015

Balance control improvement is one of the most important goals in sports and exercise. Better balance is strongly positively associated with enhanced athletic performance and negatively associated with lower limb sports injuries. Proprioception plays an essential role in balance control, and ankle proprioception is arguably the most important. This paper reviews ankle proprioception and explores synergies with balance control, specifically in a sporting context. Central processing of ankle proprioceptive information, along with other sensory information, enables integration for balance control. When assessing ankle proprioception, the most generalizable findings arise from methods that are ecologically valid, allow proprioceptive signals to be integrated with general vision in the central nervous system, and reflect the signal-in-noise nature of central processing. Ankle proprioceptive intervention concepts driven by such a central processing theory are further proposed and discussed for the improvement of balance control in sport.
Fabrication and Characterization of Highly Oriented N‐Doped ZnO Nanorods by Selective Area Epitaxy
Authors: Zhang Yang , Gu Shulin , Tang Kun , Ye Jiandong , Ge Haixiong , Yao Zhengrong , Zhu Shunming , Zheng Youdou
Published: October 2015

High‐quality nitrogen‐doped ZnO nanorods have been selectively grown on patterned and bare ZnO templates by the combination of nanoimprint lithography and chemical vapor transport methods. The grown nanorods exhibited uniformity in size and orientation as well as controllable density and surface‐to‐volume ratio. The structural and optical properties of ZnO nanorods and the behaviour of N dopants have been investigated by means of the scanning electron microscope, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and Raman scattering spectra. The additional vibration modes observed in Raman spectra of N‐doped ZnO nanorods provided solid evidence of N incorporation in ZnO nanorods. The difference of excitonic emissions from ZnO nanorods with varied density and surface‐to‐volume ratio suggested the different spatial distribution of intrinsic defects. It was found that the defects giving rise to acceptor‐bound exciton (A0X) emission were most likely to distribute in the sidewall surface with nonpolar characteristics, while the donor bound exciton (D0X) emission related defects distributed uniformly in the near top polar surface.
Mutations in Biosynthetic Enzymes for the Protein Linker Region of Chondroitin/Dermatan/Heparan Sulfate Cause Skeletal and Skin Dysplasias
Authors: Mizumoto Shuji , Yamada Shuhei , Sugahara Kazuyuki
Published: October 2015

Glycosaminoglycans, including chondroitin, dermatan, and heparan sulfate, have various roles in a wide range of biological events such as cell signaling, cell proliferation, tissue morphogenesis, and interactions with various growth factors. Their polysaccharides covalently attach to the serine residues on specific core proteins through the common linker region tetrasaccharide, -xylose-galactose-galactose-glucuronic acid, which is produced through the stepwise addition of respective monosaccharides by four distinct glycosyltransferases. Mutations in the human genes encoding the glycosyltransferases responsible for the biosynthesis of the linker region tetrasaccharide cause a number of genetic disorders, called glycosaminoglycan linkeropathies, including Desbuquois dysplasia type 2, spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Larsen syndrome. This review focused on recent studies on genetic diseases caused by defects in the biosynthesis of the common linker region tetrasaccharide.
Diet and Skin Cancer: The Potential Role of Dietary Antioxidants in Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Prevention
Authors: Katta Rajani , Brown Danielle Nicole
Published: October 2015

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer among Americans. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is the major risk factor for the development of NMSC. Dietary AOs may prevent free radical-mediated DNA damage and tumorigenesis secondary to UV radiation. Numerous laboratory studies have found that certain dietary AOs show significant promise in skin cancer prevention. These results have been substantiated by animal studies. In human studies, researchers have evaluated both oral AO supplements and dietary intake of AOs via whole foods. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of AOs in preventing tumorigenesis and outline four targeted dietary AOs. We review the results of research evaluating oral AOs supplements as compared to dietary AOs intake via whole foods. While these specific supplements have not shown efficacy, intake of AOs via consumption of whole foods has shown some promise. Lessons learned from the field of hypertension research may provide important guidance in future study design. Further research on the role of dietary AOs in the prevention of NMSC is warranted and should focus on intake via whole food consumption.
Mobility Limitations due to Dislocations and Interface Roughness in AlGaN/AlN/GaN Heterostructure
Authors: Li Qun , Zhang Jingwen , Meng Li , Chong Jing , Hou Xun
Published: October 2015

The dislocations and surface roughness in an AlGaN/AlN/GaN heterostructure were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively, and the mobility limitation mechanisms in the two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) were studied using a theoretical model that took into account the most important scattering mechanisms. An exponential correlation function provides a better description of the statistical properties of surface roughness than the Gaussian form and thus is adopted in the theoretical model. The calculated results are in good agreement with Hall data. The quantitative measurements of dislocations and surface roughness allow the evaluation of the relative importance of each extrinsic scattering mechanism.
Effectiveness and Limitations of Unsupervised Home-Based Balance Rehabilitation with Nintendo Wii in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pau Massimiliano , Coghe Giancarlo , Corona Federica , Leban Bruno , Marrosu Maria Giovanna , Cocco Eleonora
Published: October 2015

Balance training represents a critical part of the rehabilitation process of individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS) since impaired postural control is a distinctive symptom of the disease. In recent years, the use of the Nintendo Wii system has become widespread among rehabilitation specialists for this purpose, but few studies have verified the effectiveness of such an approach using quantitative measures of balance. In this study, we analyzed the postural sway features of a cohort of twenty-seven individuals with MS before and after 5 weeks of unsupervised home-based balance training with the Wii system. Center of pressure (COP) time-series were recorded using a pressure platform and processed to calculate sway area, COP path length, displacements, and velocities in mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) directions. Although the results show a significant reduction in sway area, COP displacements, and velocity, such improvements are essentially restricted to the ML direction, as the Wii platform appears to properly stimulate the postural control system in the frontal plane but not in the sagittal one. Available Wii games, although somewhat beneficial, appear not fully suitable for rehabilitation in MS owing to scarce flexibility and adaptability to MS needs and thus specific software should be developed.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Mycophenolate Mofetil versus Azathioprine Based Regimens for Maintenance Therapy of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Nee Robert , Rivera Ian , Little Dustin J. , Yuan Christina M. , Abbott Kevin C.
Published: October 2015

Background/Aims. We aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine (AZA) as maintenance therapy for patients with Class III and Class IV lupus nephritis (LN), from a United States (US) perspective.Methods. Using a Markov model, we conducted a cost-utility analysis from a societal perspective over a lifetime horizon. The modeled population comprised patients with proliferative LN who received maintenance therapy with MMF (2 gm/day) versus AZA (150 mg/day) for 3 years. Risk estimates of clinical events were based on a Cochrane meta-analysis while costs and utilities were retrieved from other published sources. Outcome measures included costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER), and net monetary benefit.Results. The base-case model showed that, compared with AZA strategy, the ICER for MMF was $2,630,592/QALY at 3 years. Over the patients’ lifetime, however, the ICER of MMF compared to AZA was $6,454/QALY. Overall, the ICER results from various sensitivity and subgroup analyses did not alter the conclusions of the model simulation.Conclusions. In the short term, an AZA-based regimen confers greater value than MMF for the maintenance therapy of proliferative LN. From a lifelong perspective, however, MMF is cost-effective compared to AZA.
Mechanism and Kinetics Study for Photocatalytic Oxidation Degradation: A Case Study for Phenoxyacetic Acid Organic Pollutant
Authors: Lee Kian Mun , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee , Lai Chin Wei
Published: October 2015

Photocatalysis is a rapidly expanding technology for wastewater treatment, including a wide range of organic pollutants. Thus, understanding the kinetics and mechanism of the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) for degradation of phenoxyacetic acid (PAA) is an indispensable component of risk assessment. In this study, we demonstrated that the central composite design (CCD) coupled with response surface methodology (RSM) was successfully employed to probe the kinetics and mechanism of PCO degradation for PAA using an efficient zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalyst. In our current case study, four independent factors such as ZnO dosage, initial concentration of PAA, solution pH, and reaction time on the PCO degradation for PAA were examined in detail. Based on our results obtained from RSM analyses, an efficient pathway leading to the high degradation rate (>90%) was applying 0.4 g/L of ZnO dosage with 16 mg/L of concentration of PAA at pH 6.73 for 40 minutes. The experimental results were fitted well with the derived response model with R2 = 0.9922. This study offers a cost‐effective way for probing our global environmental water pollution issue.
Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Lung Adenocarcinoma In Situ/Minimally Invasive Adenocarcinoma (AIS/MIA)
Authors: Kim Claire H. , Lee Yuan-Chin Amy , Hung Rayjean J. , Boffetta Paolo , Xie Dong , Wampfler Jason A. , Cote Michele L. , Chang Shen-Chih , Ugolini Donatella , Neri Monica , Le Marchand Loic , Schwartz Ann G. , Morgenstern Hal , Christiani David C. , Yang Ping , Zhang Zuo-Feng
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke on the incidence of lung adenocarcinoma in situ/minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (AIS/MIA). Data from seven case–control studies participating in the International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO) were pooled, resulting in 625 cases of AIS/MIA and 7,403 controls, of whom 170 cases and 3,035 controls were never smokers. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted ORs (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), controlling for age, sex, race, smoking status (ever/never), and pack-years of smoking. Study center was included in the models as a random-effects intercept term. Ever versus never exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke was positively associated with AIS/MIA incidence in all subjects (ORadj = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.14–1.93) and in never smokers (ORadj = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.00–2.12). There was, however, appreciable heterogeneity of ORadj across studies (P = 0.01), and the pooled estimates were largely influenced by one large study (40% of all cases and 30% of all controls). These findings provide weak evidence for an effect of secondhand tobacco smoke exposure on AIS/MIA incidence. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of secondhand tobacco smoke exposure using the newly recommended classification of subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(12); 1902–6. ©2015 AACR.
Pathological T0 Following Cisplatin-Based Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Hyung Suk , Jeong Chang Wook , Kwak Cheol , Kim Hyeon Hoe , Ku Ja Hyeon
Published: October 2015

Purpose: To systematically assess and compare the relationship between various neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens and pCR in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Experimental design: We performed a literature search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for all articles published before March 2015 and according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. There were 17 articles that met the study eligibility criteria and were selected for the final analysis. A direct pair-wise meta-analysis was performed for studies that compared the same regimen. Finally, a Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to indirectly compare the regimens.

Results: In a pair-wise meta-analysis, the methotrexate/vinblastine/Adriamycin/cisplatin [MVAC; OR, 4.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.71–7.02] and gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC) regimens (OR, 4.92; 95% CI, 2.93–8.24) were significantly associated with a better pCR than RC alone. In a network meta-analysis, there was no significant difference in terms of pCR achievement between the GC and MVAC regimens (OR, 1.14; 95% CI; 0.85–1.70). However, in a subgroup network meta-analysis that only included prospective randomized trials, the MVAC regimen was significantly correlated with a higher rate of pCR (OR, 5.75; 95% CI, 1.96–24.18).

Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that a GC regimen was associated with a pCR rate that was similar to that of a MVAC regimen based on retrospective data, but only the MVAC regimen was proven to achieve pCR in prospective randomized trials. Additional prospective randomized trials comparing both regimens will be necessary to establish the optimal neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen. Clin Cancer Res; 22(5); 1086–94. ©2015 AACR.
Early Life Epidemiology of Alzheimer's Disease - A Critical Review
Authors: Seifan Alon , Schelke Matthew , Obeng-Aduasare Yaa , Isaacson Richard
Published: October 2015

Background: As adult brain structure is primarily established in early life, genetic and environmental exposures in infancy and childhood influence the risk for Alzheimer disease (AD). In this systematic review, we identified several early life risk factors and discussed the evidence and underlying mechanism for each. Summary: Early risk factors for AD may alter brain anatomy, causing vulnerability to AD-related dementia later in life. In the perinatal period, both genes and learning disabilities have been associated with the development of distinct AD phenotypes. During early childhood, education and intellect, as well as body growth, may predispose to AD through alterations in cognitive and brain reserve, though the specific mediators of neural injury are disputed. Childhood socioeconomic status (SES) may predispose to AD by influencing adult SES and cognition. Association of these risk factors with underlying AD pathology (rather than just clinical diagnosis) has not been sufficiently examined. Key Messages: Factors that impede or alter brain growth during early life could render certain brain regions or networks selectively vulnerable to the onset, accumulation or spread of AD-related pathology during later life. Careful life-course epidemiology could provide clues as to why the brain systematically degenerates during AD.
Ivabradine in Combination with Metoprolol Improves Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris: A post hoc Analysis from the ADDITIONS Trial
Authors: Werdan Karl , Ebelt Henning , Nuding Sebastian , Höpfner Florian , Stöckl Georg , Müller-Werdan Ursula ,   on behalf of the ADDITIONS Study Investigators
Published: October 2015

Objectives: Elevated heart rate can increase myocardial oxygen demand and reduce myocardial perfusion, provoking myocardial ischemia and angina symptoms. We evaluated adding ivabradine to the therapy of patients on metoprolol. Methods: ADDITIONS (prActical Daily efficacy anD safety of Procoralan® In combinaTION with betablockerS) was a multicenter, 4-month, noninterventional, prospective, open-label trial that involved stable-angina patients. Along with metoprolol, patients received ivabradine (5 or 7.5 mg, b.i.d.). We investigated the effect of ivabradine on heart rate, angina attacks, nitrate consumption, quality of life (QoL) and tolerability as well as the influence of baseline heart rate. Results: Heart rate fell by 19.7 ± 11.2 bpm, with an 8-fold decrease in weekly angina attacks (1.7 ± 2.2 to 0.2 ± 0.7) and nitrate consumption (2.4 ± 3.4 to 0.3 ± 0.9). Patient numbers in Canadian Cardiovascular Society class I more than doubled (i.e. from 29 to 65%) and QoL improved (the EQ-5D index and visual analog scale scores rose from 0.68 ± 0.27 to 0.84 ± 0.20 and 58.1 ± 18.4 to 72.2 ± 15.5 mm, respectively). The effect of ivabradine was greater in patients with a baseline heart rate ≥70 bpm (mean reduction in heart rate -21.2 ± 10.4 bpm, with a relative reduction in angina attacks and short-acting nitrate consumption of 87.1 and 87.2%, respectively). Conclusions: Ivabradine combined with metoprolol safely and effectively reduces heart rate, angina attacks and nitrate use, and improves QoL in stable-angina patients.
Isolated Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammed Andaleeb , Moukarbel George V.
Published: October 2015

Endocarditis of only the pulmonary valve is a very rare finding and is often missed during echocardiographic evaluation due to limited views of the pulmonary valve and a low index of suspicion. We report 2 cases of pulmonary valve endocarditis (PVE), highlighting the importance of echocardiography in the assessment of the infected pulmonary valve. In addition, we review the published case reports of isolated PVE from 1979 to 2013 in order to study the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary valve masses.
Projeto CÃOCER: uma Abordagem Educativa para a Prevenção de Cânceres em Animais
Authors: Fukumasu Heidge , Dellova Deise Carla Almeida Leite , Strefezzi Ricardo De Francisco , Godoy Demétrio Ian Carvalho de , Kühl Gabriela De Souza , Luz Renato Ordones Baptista da , Garnica Taismara Kustro , Baptista Gabriela Zambelli
Published: October 2015

O projeto CÃOCER há quatro anos compreende atividades intra e extramurais à USP com a finalidade de conscientizar a população sobre a importância dos cânceres em animais, focando em sua prevenção. Foram realizados ciclos de palestras para alunos de graduação em Medicina Veterinária e profissionais. Participamos de feiras de ciência e exposições para divulgação à população de Pirassununga, e realizamos a I Cãopanha de Prevenção de Câncer em Animais em que foram feitos exames clínicos nos animais e distribuído material educativo referente à prevenção de câncer. Por fim, ainda objetivou-se realizar um levantamento estatístico da casuística de animais portadores de neoplasias atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ no campus de Pirassununga da USP. Colaboraram com este projeto diversos alunos de graduação em Medicina Veterinária da FZEA-USP e alunos do ensino médio que obtiveram bolsas pelo Programa de Pré-Iniciação Científica da USP. Passados quatro anos desde
seu início, o projeto atingiu seus objetivos iniciais e agora o intuito é expandi-lo. Para isso criamos um site (www.projetocaocer.com.br) que disponibiliza artigos sobre
prevenção do câncer em animais. Pretendemos, também, aumentar as atividades extensionistas do projeto, junto à Associação Brasileira de Oncologia Veterinária e ao NAP de Oncologia Veterinária da Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa da USP.
Risk Prediction in Aortic Valve Replacement: Incremental Value of the Preoperative Echocardiogram
Authors: Tan Timothy C. , Flynn Aidan W. , Chen‐Tournoux Annabel , Rudski Lawrence G. , Mehrotra Praveen , Nunes Maria C. , Rincon Luis M. , Shahian David M. , Picard Michael H. , Afilalo Jonathan
Published: October 2015

Background

Risk prediction is a critical step in patient selection for aortic valve replacement (
AVR
), yet existing risk scores incorporate very few echocardiographic parameters. We sought to evaluate the incremental predictive value of a complete echocardiogram to identify high‐risk surgical candidates before
AVR
.

Methods and Results

A cohort of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing surgical
AVR
with or without coronary bypass was assembled at 2 tertiary centers. Preoperative echocardiograms were reviewed by independent observers to quantify chamber size/function and valve function. Patient databases were queried to extract clinical data. The cohort consisted of 432 patients with a mean age of 73.5 years and 38.7% females. Multivariable logistic regression revealed 3 echocardiographic predictors of in‐hospital mortality or major morbidity: E/e’ ratio reflective of elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure; myocardial performance index reflective of
right ventricular (RV)
dysfunction; and small LV end‐diastolic cavity size. Addition of these echocardiographic parameters to the
STS
risk score led to an integrated discrimination improvement of 4.1% (
P
<0.0001). After a median follow‐up of 2 years, Cox regression revealed 5 echocardiographic predictors of all‐cause mortality: small
LV
end‐diastolic cavity size;
LV
mass index; mitral regurgitation grade; right atrial area index; and mean aortic gradient <40 mm Hg.

Conclusions

Echocardiographic measures of
LV
diastolic dysfunction and RV performance add incremental value to the
STS
risk score and should be integrated in prediction when evaluating the risk of
AVR
. In addition, findings of small hypertrophied
LV
cavities and/or low mean aortic gradients confer a higher risk of 2‐year mortality.
Oxylipid Profile of Low‐Dose Aspirin Exposure: A Pharmacometabolomics Study
Authors: Ellero‐Simatos Sandrine , Beitelshees Amber L. , Lewis Joshua P. , Yerges‐Armstrong Laura M. , Georgiades Anastasia , Dane Adrie , Harms Amy C. , Strassburg Katrin , Guled Faisa , Hendriks Margriet M. W. B. , Horenstein Richard B. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Hankemeier Thomas , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima ,   Pharmacometabolomics Research Network
Published: October 2015

Background

While aspirin is a well‐established and generally effective anti‐platelet agent, considerable inter‐individual variation in drug response exists, for which mechanisms are not completely understood. Metabolomics allows for extensive measurement of small molecules in biological samples, enabling detailed mapping of pathways involved in drug response.

Methods and Results

We used a mass‐spectrometry‐based metabolomics platform to investigate the changes in the serum oxylipid metabolome induced by an aspirin intervention (14 days, 81 mg/day) in healthy subjects (n=156). We observed a global decrease in serum oxylipids in response to aspirin (25 metabolites decreased out of 30 measured) regardless of sex. This decrease was concomitant with a significant decrease in serum linoleic acid levels (−19%,
P
=1.3×10
−5
), one of the main precursors for oxylipid synthesis. Interestingly, several linoleic acid‐derived oxylipids were not significantly associated with arachidonic‐induced ex vivo platelet aggregation, a widely accepted marker of aspirin response, but were significantly correlated with platelet reactivity in response to collagen.

Conclusions

Together, these results suggest that linoleic acid‐derived oxylipids may contribute to the non‐
COX
1 mediated variability in response to aspirin. Pharmacometabolomics allowed for more comprehensive interrogation of mechanisms of action of low dose aspirin and of variation in aspirin response.
Invoking Samuel Hirszenberg’s Artistic Legacy—Encountering Exile
Authors: Cohen Richard I. , Rajner Mirjam
Published: October 2015

Samuel Hirszenberg (1865–1908), the Łódź-born artist, created several signature works of art that would emerge as emblematic of the Jewish historical experience of the twentieth century. Exile (1904) is one of these works that came to evoke the trials and tribulations of Jewish fate in the decades following its creation. After placing Exile in the context of Hirszenberg’s oeuvre, this essay charts its cultural and artistic reception over close to a century in diverse media. Exile evoked instinctive, negative responses alongside a deep sense of identification and appropriation. The essay illuminates the ways in which a seminal work of art can engender intense interaction over decades, allowing a wide range of interpretations, references, and quotations.