bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting Cloud Heterogeneity to Optimize Performance and Cost of MapReduce Processing
Authors: Zhang Zhuoyao , Cherkasova Ludmila , Loo Boon Thau
Published: June 2015

Cloud computing offers a new, attractive option to customers for quickly provisioning any size Hadoop cluster, consuming resources as a service, executing their MapReduce workload, and then paying for the time these resources were used. One of the open questions in such environments is the right choice of resources (and their amount) a user should lease from the service provider. Typically, there is a variety of different types of VM instances in the Cloud (e.g., small, medium, or large EC2 instances). The capacity differences of the offered VMs are reflected in VM's pricing. Therefore, for the same price a user can get a variety of Hadoop clusters based on different VM instance types. We observe that the performance of MapReduce applications may vary significantly on different platforms. This makes a selection of the best cost/performance platform for a given workload a non-trivial problem, especially when it contains multiple jobs with different platform preferences. We aim to solve the following problem: given a completion time target for a set of MapReduce jobs, determine a homogeneous or heterogeneous Hadoop cluster configuration (i.e., the number, types of VMs, and the job schedule) for processing these jobs within a given deadline while minimizing the rented infrastructure cost. In this work,1 we design an efficient and fast simulation-based framework for evaluating and selecting the right underlying platform for achieving the desirable Service Level Objectives (SLOs). Our evaluation study with Amazon EC2 platform reveals that for different workload mixes, an optimized platform choice may result in 45-68% cost savings for achieving the same performance objectives when using different (but seemingly equivalent) choices. Moreover, depending on a workload the heterogeneous solution may outperform the homogeneous cluster solution by 26-42%. We provide additional insights explaining the obtained results by profiling the performance characteristics of used applications and underlying EC2 platforms. The results of our simulation study are validated through experiments with Hadoop clusters deployed on different Amazon EC2 instances.
Short-term diabetic hyperglycemia suppresses celiac ganglia neurotransmission, thereby impairing sympathetically mediated glucagon responses
Authors: Mundinger Thomas O. , Cooper Ellis , Coleman Michael P. , Taborsky Gerald J.
Published: June 2015

Short-term hyperglycemia suppresses superior cervical ganglia neurotransmission. If this ganglionic dysfunction also occurs in the islet sympathetic pathway, sympathetically mediated glucagon responses could be impaired. Our objectives were 1) to test for a suppressive effect of 7 days of streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes on celiac ganglia (CG) activation and on neurotransmitter and glucagon responses to preganglionic nerve stimulation, 2) to isolate the defect in the islet sympathetic pathway to the CG itself, and 3) to test for a protective effect of the WLDSmutation. We injected saline or nicotine in nondiabetic and STZ-diabetic rats and measured fos mRNA levels in whole CG. We electrically stimulated the preganglionic or postganglionic nerve trunk of the CG in nondiabetic and STZ-diabetic rats and measured portal venous norepinephrine and glucagon responses. We repeated the nicotine and preganglionic nerve stimulation studies in nondiabetic and STZ-diabetic WLDSrats. In STZ-diabetic rats, the CG fos response to nicotine was suppressed, and the norepinephrine and glucagon responses to preganglionic nerve stimulation were impaired. In contrast, the norepinephrine and glucagon responses to postganglionic nerve stimulation were normal. The CG fos response to nicotine, and the norepinephrine and glucagon responses to preganglionic nerve stimulation, were normal in STZ-diabetic WLDSrats. In conclusion, short-term hyperglycemia's suppressive effect on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the CG impairs sympathetically mediated glucagon responses. WLDSrats are protected from this dysfunction. The implication is that this CG dysfunction may contribute to the impaired glucagon response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia seen early in type 1 diabetes.
Transorgan fluxes in a porcine model reveal a central role for liver in acylcarnitine metabolism
Authors: Schooneman Marieke G. , Ten Have Gabriella A. M. , van Vlies Naomi , Houten Sander M. , Deutz Nicolaas E. P. , Soeters Maarten R.
Published: June 2015

Acylcarnitines are derived from mitochondrial acyl-CoA metabolism and have been associated with diet-induced insulin resistance. However, plasma acylcarnitine profiles have been shown to poorly reflect whole body acylcarnitine metabolism. We aimed to clarify the individual role of different organ compartments in whole body acylcarnitine metabolism in a fasted and postprandial state in a porcine transorgan arteriovenous model. Twelve cross-bred pigs underwent surgery where intravascular catheters were positioned before and after the liver, gut, hindquarter muscle compartment, and kidney. Before and after a mixed meal, we measured acylcarnitine profiles at several time points and calculated net transorgan acylcarnitine fluxes. Fasting plasma acylcarnitine concentrations correlated with net hepatic transorgan fluxes of free and C2- and C16-carnitine. Transorgan acylcarnitine fluxes were small, except for a pronounced net hepatic C2-carnitine production. The peak of the postprandial acylcarnitine fluxes was between 60 and 90 min. Acylcarnitine production or release was seen in the gut and liver and consisted mostly of C2-carnitine. Acylcarnitines were extracted by the kidney. No significant net muscle acylcarnitine flux was observed. We conclude that liver has a key role in acylcarnitine metabolism, with high net fluxes of C2-carnitine both in the fasted and fed state, whereas the contribution of skeletal muscle is minor. These results further clarify the role of different organ compartments in the metabolism of different acylcarnitine species.
Choline and Cystine Deficient Diets in Animal Models with Hepatocellular Injury: Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Expression of RAGE, TNF-α, and IL-1β
Authors: Santos Juliana Célia F. , de Araújo Orlando R. P. , Valentim Iara B. , de Andrade Kívia Queiroz , Moura Fabiana Andréa , Smaniotto Salete , dos Santos John Marques , Gasparotto Juciano , Gelain Daniel P. , Goulart Marília O. F.
Published: June 2015

This study aims to evaluate the effects of diets deficient in choline and/or cystine on hepatocellular injury in animal models (young male Wistar rats, aged 21 days), by monitoring some of the oxidative stress biomarkers and the expression of RAGE, TNF-α, and IL-1β. The animals were divided into 6 groups (n=10) and submitted to different diets over 30 days: AIN-93 diet (standard, St), AIN-93 choline deficient (CD) diet and AIN-93 choline and cystine deficient (CCD) diet, in the pellet (pl) and powder (pw) diet forms. Independently of the diet form, AIN-93 diet already led to hepatic steatosis and CD/CCD diets provoked hepatic damage. The increase of lipid peroxidation, represented by the evaluation of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, associated with the decrease of levels of antioxidant enzymes, were the parameters with higher significance toward redox profile in this model of hepatic injury. Regarding inflammation, in relation to TNF-α, higher levels were evidenced inCD(pl), while, for IL-1β, no significant alteration was detected. RAGE expression was practically the same in all groups, with exception ofCCD(pw)versusCCD(pl). These results together confirm that AIN-93 causes hepatic steatosis and choline and/or cysteine deficiencies produce important hepatic injury associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory profiles.
Reduction of Electromagnetic Interference Using ZnO-PCL Nanocomposites at Microwave Frequency
Authors: Yakubu Abubakar , Abbas Zulkifly , Ibrahim Nor Azowa , Fahad Ahmad
Published: June 2015

In industrial equipment and home appliance applications, the electromagnetic compatibility compliance directive (ECCD) demands that electromagnetic interference side effects be eliminated or marginally minimized. The equipment must not disturb radio and telecommunication as well as other appliances. Additionally the ECCD also governs the immunity of such equipment to interference and seeks to ensure that this equipment is not disturbed by radio emissions when used as intended. Many types of absorbing materials are commercially available. However, many are expensive and not environmentally friendly. It is in the light of the above that we studied the electromagnetic absorption properties of ZnO-PCL nanocomposites prepared from cheap and abundant resources which are environmentally friendly (zinc and polycaprolactone). The test was carried out using a microstrip, open ended coaxial probe, and vector network analyzer. Amongst other findings, result showed that the ZnO-PCL nanocomposite has the capability of attenuating microwave frequency up to −18.2 dB due to their very high specific surface areas attributed to the nanofillers at 12 GHz.
Field Evaluation of the System Identification Approach for Tension Estimation of External Tendons
Authors: Noh Myung-Hyun , Seong Taek-Ryong , Park Kyu-Sik
Published: June 2015

Various types of external tendons are considered to verify the applicability of tension estimation method based on the finite element model with system identification technique. The proposed method is applied to estimate the tension of benchmark numerical example, model structure, and field structure. The numerical and experimental results show that the existing methods such as taut string theory and linear regression method show large error in the estimated tension when the condition of external tendon is different with the basic assumption used during the derivation of relationship between tension and natural frequency. However, the proposed method gives reasonable results for all of the considered external tendons in this study. Furthermore, the proposed method can evaluate the accuracy of estimated tension indirectly by comparing the measured and calculated natural frequencies. Therefore, the proposed method can be effectively used for field application of various types of external tendons.
Interring Gas Dynamic Analysis of Piston in a Diesel Engine considering the Thermal Effect
Authors: Li Wanyou , Guo Yibin , He Tao , Lu Xiqun , Zou Dequan
Published: June 2015

Understanding the interaction between ring dynamics and gas transport in ring pack systems is crucial and needs to be imperatively studied. The present work features detailed interring gas dynamics of piston ring pack behavior in internal combustion engines. The model is developed for a ring pack with four rings. The dynamics of ring pack are simulated. Due to the fact that small changes in geometry of the grooves and lands would have a significant impact on the interring gas dynamics, the thermal deformation of piston has been considered during the ring pack motion analysis in this study. In order to get the temperature distribution of piston head more quickly and accurately, an efficient method utilizing the concept of inverse heat conduction is presented. Moreover, a sensitive analysis based on the analysis of partial regression coefficients is presented to investigate the effect of groove parameters on blowby.
Model-Based Development of Control Systems for Forestry Cranes
Authors: La Hera Pedro , Ortíz Morales Daniel
Published: June 2015

Model-based methods are used in industry for prototyping concepts based on mathematical models. With our forest industry partners, we have established a model-based workflow for rapid development of motion control systems for forestry cranes. Applying this working method, we can verify control algorithms, both theoretically and practically. This paper is an example of this workflow and presents four topics related to the application of nonlinear control theory. The first topic presents the system of differential equations describing the motion dynamics. The second topic presents nonlinear control laws formulated according to sliding mode control theory. The third topic presents a procedure for model calibration and control tuning that are a prerequisite to realize experimental tests. The fourth topic presents the results of tests performed on an experimental crane specifically equipped for these tasks. Results of these studies show the advantages and disadvantages of these control algorithms, and they highlight their performance in terms of robustness and smoothness.
Loving-Kindness Meditation to Target Affect in Mood Disorders: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Hofmann Stefan G. , Petrocchi Nicola , Steinberg James , Lin Muyu , Arimitsu Kohki , Kind Shelley , Mendes Adriana , Stangier Ulrich
Published: June 2015

Conventional treatments for mood disorders primarily focus on reducing negative affect, but little on enhancing positive affect. Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) is a traditional meditation practice directly oriented toward enhancing unconditional and positive emotional states of kindness towards oneself and others. We report here two independent and uncontrolled studies carried out at different centers, one in Boston, USA (n= 10), and one in Frankfurt, Germany (n= 8), to examine the potential therapeutic utility of a brief LKM group intervention for symptoms of dysthymia and depression. Results at both centers suggest that LKM was associated with large-sized effects on self-reported symptoms of depression (d= 3.33 and 1.90), negative affect (d= 1.98 and 0.92), and positive affect (d= 1.63 and 0.94). Large effects were also found for clinician-reported changes in depression, rumination and specific positive emotions, and moderate effects for changes in adaptive emotion regulation strategies. The qualitative data analyses provide additional support for the potential clinical utility of the intervention. This proof-of-concept evaluation of LKM as a clinical strategy warrants further investigation.
Production by Tobacco Transplastomic Plants of Recombinant Fungal and Bacterial Cell-Wall Degrading Enzymes to Be Used for Cellulosic Biomass Saccharification
Authors: Longoni Paolo , Leelavathi Sadhu , Doria Enrico , Reddy Vanga Siva , Cella Rino
Published: June 2015

Biofuels from renewable plant biomass are gaining momentum due to climate change related to atmospheric CO2increase. However, the production cost of enzymes required for cellulosic biomass saccharification is a major limiting step in this process. Low-cost production of large amounts of recombinant enzymes by transgenic plants was proposed as an alternative to the conventional microbial based fermentation. A number of studies have shown that chloroplast-based gene expression offers several advantages over nuclear transformation due to efficient transcription and translation systems and high copy number of the transgene. In this study, we expressed in tobacco chloroplasts microbial genes encoding five cellulases and a polygalacturonase. Leaf extracts containing the recombinant enzymes showed the ability to degrade various cell-wall components under different conditions, singly and in combinations. In addition, our group also tested a previously described thermostable xylanase in combination with a cellulase and a polygalacturonase to study the cumulative effect on the depolymerization of a complex plant substrate. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using transplastomic tobacco leaf extracts to convert cell-wall polysaccharides into reducing sugars, fulfilling a major prerequisite of large scale availability of a variety of cell-wall degrading enzymes for biofuel industry.
A Complicated Case of Triple Valve Infective Endocarditis in an IV Drug User with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve Requiring Three Separate Salvage Operations: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Khan Shahzad , Smyrlis Athanasios , Yaranov Dmitry , Oelberg David , Jimenez Eric
Published: June 2015

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the endocardium that involves valves and adjacent mural endocardium or a septal defect. Local complications include severe valvular insufficiency, which may lead to intractable congestive heart failure and myocardial abscesses. If left untreated, IE is generally fatal. Diagnosing IE can be straightforward in patients with the typical oslerian manifestations such as bacteremia, evidence of active valvulitis, peripheral emboli, and immunologic vascular phenomena. In the acute course, however, the classic peripheral stigmata may be few or absent, particularly among intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) patients in whom IE is often due to aS. aureusinfection of right-sided heart valves. We present a complicated case of a very aggressive native aortic valveMSSA(methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) IE in a young adult male with a past medical history of bicuspid aortic valve and IV drug abuse. His clinical course was complicated by aortic valve destruction and development of third-degree AV block, as well as an aorto-left atrial fistula requiring emergent operation for AV replacement and patch repair. The patient required two reoperations for recurrent endocarditis and its complications.
ET-1 Plasma Levels, Aqueous Flare, and Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Strobbe Ernesto , Cellini Mauro , Fresina Michela , Campos Emilio C.
Published: June 2015

Purpose. To assess endothelin-1 (ET-1) plasma levels, choroidal thickness, and aqueous flare in patients with early stage retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and to search for possible correlations.Methods. We compared 24 RP patients with 24 healthy controls. Choroidal thickness and aqueous flare were measured, respectively, by using a spectral domain optical coherence tomography and a laser flare-cell meter, whereas plasma samples were obtained from each patient to evaluate ET-1 plasma levels.Results. Notably, RP subjects showed significantly increased ET-1 plasma levels and reduced choroidal thickness compared with controls:2.143±0.258versus1.219±0.236 pg/mL,P<0.002, and226.75±76.37versus303.9±39.87 μm,P<0.03, respectively. Higher aqueous flare values were also demonstrated in RP compared to controls: in detail,10.51±3.97versus5.66±1.29photon counts/ms,P<0.0001. Spearman’s correlation test highlighted that the increase of ET-1 plasma levels was related with the decrease of choroidal thickness (r=-0.702;P<0.023) and the increase of aqueous flare (r=0.580;P<0.007).Conclusions. Early stage RP patients show a breakdown of blood-ocular barrier and increased ET-1 plasma levels and these findings may contribute to the reduction of choroidal thickness.
Mass Change Prediction Model of Concrete Subjected to Sulfate Attack
Authors: Lee Kwang-Myong , Bae Su-Ho , Park Jae-Im , Kwon Soon-Oh
Published: June 2015

The present study suggested a mass change prediction model for sulfate attack of concrete containing mineral admixtures through an immersion test in sulfate solutions. For this, 100% OPC as well as binary and ternary blended cement concrete specimens were manufactured by changing the types and amount of mineral admixture. The concrete specimens were immersed in fresh water, 10% sodium sulfate solution, and 10% magnesium sulfate solution, respectively, and mass change of the specimens was measured at 28, 56, 91, 182, and 365 days. The experimental results indicated that resistance of concrete containing mineral admixture against sodium sulfate attack was far greater than that of 100% OPC concrete. However, in terms of resistance against magnesium sulfate attack, concrete containing mineral admixture was lower than 100% OPC concrete due to the formation of magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H), the noncementitious material. Ultimately, based on the experimental results, a mass change prediction model was suggested and it was found that the prediction values using the model corresponded relatively well with the experimental results.
Enzymatic Saccharification of Lignocellulosic Residues by Cellulases Obtained from Solid State Fermentation UsingTrichoderma viride
Authors: Sartori Tanara , Tibolla Heloisa , Prigol Elenizi , Colla Luciane Maria , Costa Jorge Alberto Vieira , Bertolin Telma Elita
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to verify the viability of lignocellulosic substrates to obtain renewable energy source, through characterization of the cellulolytic complex, which was obtained by solid state fermentation usingTrichoderma viride. Enzymatic activity of the cellulosic complex was measured during saccharification of substrates filter paper, eucalyptus sawdust, and corncob, and compared with the activity of commercial cellulase. The characterization of the enzymes was performed by a 22Full Factorial Design, where the pH and temperature were the variables of study. Enzymatic saccharification of different substrates appearedviable until 12 to be viable until 12 h; after this period the activity decreased for both enzymatic forms (cellulolytic complex and commercial cellulase). The enzymatic activity of the commercial cellulase was favored with the use of corncob as substrate, while the cellulolytic complex does not show any difference in its specificity by the substrates studied. The largest activities of both enzymes were obtained in the temperature and pH range between 40°C and 50°C and 4.8 and 5.2, respectively. The cellulolytic complex obtained appeared to be viable for the saccharification of lignocellulosic residues compared with the commercial cellulase.
Megalourethra with Y-Type Duplication of Urethra Presented as Perianal Fistula: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Verma Shashi , Gangkak Goto , Yadav Sher Singh , Tomar Vinay
Published: June 2015

Megalourethra with Y-type duplication is an extremely rare anomaly. We report here one such case, diagnosed with retrograde urethrogram, which was done from both penile meatus and perianal opening simultaneously. Patient was successfully treated by laser optical internal urethrotomy (OIU), excision of duplicated urethra, and reduction urethroplasty in a single stage.
EGFRAmplification and Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells
Authors: Liffers Katrin , Lamszus Katrin , Schulte Alexander
Published: June 2015

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common malignant brain tumor in adults, contains a subpopulation of cells with a stem-like phenotype (GS-cells). GS-cells can be maintainedin vitrousing serum-free medium supplemented with epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor-2, and heparin. However, this method does not conserve amplification of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene, which is present in over 50% of all newly diagnosed GBM cases. GS-cells with retainedEGFRamplification could overcome the limitations of currentin vitromodel systems and contribute significantly to preclinical research on EGFR-targeted therapy. This review recapitulates recent methodological approaches to expand stem-like cells from GBM with differentEGFRstatus in order to maintain EGFR-dependent intratumoral heterogeneityin vitro. Further, it will summarize the current knowledge about the impact ofEGFRamplification and overexpression on the stem-like phenotype of GBM-derived GS-cells and different approaches to target the EGFR-dependent GS-cell compartment of GBM.
Mobility Similarity-Based Routing in Buffer-Limited Delay Tolerant Networks
Authors: Liu Yao , Huang Jiawei , Wang Weiping , Zhou Hongjing , An Ying , Wang Jianxin
Published: June 2015

In delay tolerant networks (DTNs), multiple-copy routing is often adopted to improve the probability of successful message delivery but causes more traffic loads. The excessive increase in multiple messages copies often exhausts the network resources and deteriorates its performance significantly. To solve this problem, a mobility similarity-based routing (SBR) algorithm is proposed in this paper. On one hand, destination similarity is used to help the message carrier node find the appropriate relay nodes with the higher opportunity to meet the destination node in order to improve the delivery ratio. On the other hand, carrier similarity is adopted to avoid sending the same copy to the nodes with mobility similarity so as to reduce the number of message copies. Furthermore, inspired by the law of diminishing marginal utility in economics, a buffer management scheme based on the message transmission status is proposed. Experimental results show that the proposed SBR routing algorithm combined with the buffer management scheme can improve the delivery ratio and has the lower overhead ratio compared to other routing algorithms.
Theoretical Modeling and Implementation of Traveling Wave Sensor Based on PCB Coils
Authors: Li Zewen , Deng Tuofu , Zeng Xiangjun , Deng Feng , Shu Lei
Published: June 2015

Based on analyzing characteristics of Rogowski coil, a new type of PCB traveling wave sensor with simple structure, high linearity, and anti-interference ability is proposed. The sensor has fine physical structure, which can effectively resist external electromagnetic interference by anti-interference measurement. In addition, it can greatly improve mutual inductance based on simple combinations. Simulations show that the new PCB traveling wave sensor can validly extract and deliver traveling wave signal and therefore realize fault location and protection accurately.
On Interval-Valued Pseudolinear Functions and Interval-Valued Pseudolinear Optimization Problems
Authors: Zhang Jianke , Zheng Qinghua , Zhou Chang , Ma Xiaojue , Li Lifeng
Published: June 2015

Some basic characterizations of an interval-valued pseudolinear function are derived. By means of the properties of interval-valued pseudolinearity, a class of interval-valued pseudolinear programs is considered, and the solution set of the interval-valued pseudolinear optimization problem is characterized.
An Enhanced k-Means Clustering Algorithm for Pattern Discovery in Healthcare Data
Authors: Haraty Ramzi A. , Dimishkieh Mohamad , Masud Mehedi
Published: June 2015

The huge amounts of data generated by media sensors in health monitoring systems, by medical diagnosis that produce media (audio, video, image, and text) content, and from health service providers are too complex and voluminous to be processed and analyzed by traditional methods. Data mining approaches offer the methodology and technology to transform these heterogeneous data into meaningful information for decision making. This paper studies data mining applications in healthcare. Mainly, we study k-means clustering algorithms on large datasets and present an enhancement to k-means clustering, which requires k or a lesser number of passes to a dataset. The proposed algorithm, which we call G-means, utilizes a greedy approach to produce the preliminary centroids and then takes k or lesser passes over the dataset to adjust these center points. Our experimental results, which were used in an increasing manner on the same dataset, show that G-means outperforms k-means in terms of entropy and F-scores. The experiments also yield better results for G-means in terms of the coefficient of variance and the execution time.
A Case Report Demonstrating How the Clinical Presentation of the Diffuse Sclerosing Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Can Mimic Benign Riedel’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Walsh Jennifer , Griffin Tomas P. , Ryan Carmel B. , Fitzgibbon James , Sheahan Patrick , Murphy Matthew S.
Published: June 2015

A 44-year-old female presented with a two-month history of a neck mass, sore throat, hoarseness, and intermittent dysphagia. Examination revealed a “woody” hard swelling arising from the right lobe of the thyroid. Clinically this was felt to be classical Riedel’s thyroiditis (RT). Thyroid ultrasound showed a diffusely enlarged, low echogenicity thyroid with a multinodular goitre. An abnormal nodule extending across the isthmus was noted. Following a nondiagnostic fine needle aspiration, an open core biopsy was performed. This showed dense sclerotic fibrosis punctuated by nodular mononuclear inflammatory cells, which obscured follicular epithelial cells consistent with a fibrosing thyroiditis (Riedel’s thyroiditis). A biopsy of pretracheal lymph nodes showed a sclerotic process throughout the lymph nodes and nests of epithelium bands with squamous differentiation obscured by a fibrous process. These findings raised the differential diagnosis of diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (DSV-PTC) with metastasis to lymph nodes. A total thyroidectomy and pretracheal lymph node dissection were performed. The final histological diagnosis was DSV-PTC. When managing a patient with presumed RT it is important to consider malignancy in the differential. DSV-PTC is one of the more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment patients may have excellent outcomes.
The Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Impaired Glucose Regulation in Chinese Adults: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhao Dong , Wu Nannan , Yang Jing , Liu Simo , Zhang Ning , Wang Xuhong , Zhang Haibin
Published: June 2015

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of impaired glucose regulation (IGR) in the population of Tongzhou, China, and to provide scientific basis for preventive interventions. In the study, the overall age-standardized prevalence of IGR (16.0%) in Tongzhou residents was higher than that in the national population (15.0%). There was no significant geographic difference in prevalence of IGR between urban and rural males. Older age, elevated blood pressure, high serum lipids, overweight, and central obesity were significantly associated with increased risk of IGR.
Depth of Anesthesia as a Risk Factor for Perioperative Morbidity
Authors: Petsiti Argyro , Tassoudis Vassilios , Vretzakis George , Zacharoulis Dimitrios , Tepetes Konstantinos , Ganeli Georgia , Karanikolas Menelaos
Published: June 2015

Introduction. The prognostic value of age, physical status, and duration of surgery on perioperative course has been extensively studied. However, the impact of deep hypnotic time (time when Bispectral Index values are less than 40) has not been well evaluated.Methods. We designed an observational study to clarify the relative influence of deep hypnotic time (DHT) on outcome. Eligible participants were mentally stable patients over 18 years old scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery. In total, 248 patients enrolled. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and multiple logistic regression.Results. Five variables (DHT, hypotension, age, comorbidity, and duration of surgery) showed statistically significant association with complications, when examined independently. However, when all variables were examined together in a multiple logistic regression model, age and comorbidity were no longer associated with outcome. DHT, hypotension, and duration of surgery were significant predictors of “complications,” and “hypotension” was a significant predictor of prolonged hospital stay(P<0.001).  Conclusion. Deep hypnotic time emerged as a new factor associated with outcome, and its impact compared to other factors such as age, surgery duration, hypotension, and comorbidity is redefined. Monitoring and managing depth of anesthesia during surgery are important and should be part of careful operation planning.
Automated Feature Extraction in Brain Tumor by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Gaussian Mixture Models
Authors: Chaddad Ahmad
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a novel method for Glioblastoma (GBM) feature extraction based on Gaussian mixture model (GMM) features using MRI. We addressed the task of the new features to identify GBM using T1 and T2 weighted images (T1-WI, T2-WI) and Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) MR images. A pathologic area was detected using multithresholding segmentation with morphological operations of MR images. Multiclassifier techniques were considered to evaluate the performance of the feature based scheme in terms of its capability to discriminate GBM and normal tissue. GMM features demonstrated the best performance by the comparative study using principal component analysis (PCA) and wavelet based features. For the T1-WI, the accuracy performance was 97.05% (AUC = 92.73%) with 0.00% missed detection and 2.95% false alarm. In the T2-WI, the same accuracy (97.05%, AUC = 91.70%) value was achieved with 2.95% missed detection and 0.00% false alarm. In FLAIR mode the accuracy decreased to 94.11% (AUC = 95.85%) with 0.00% missed detection and 5.89% false alarm. These experimental results are promising to enhance the characteristics of heterogeneity and hence early treatment of GBM.
Efficient Degradation of Methylene Blue over Two‐Dimensional Au/TiO2 Nanosheet Films with Overlapped Light Harvesting Nanostructures
Authors: Chen Yihan , Bian Juanjuan , Qi Lulu , Liu Enzhou , Fan Jun
Published: June 2015

Two‐dimensional TiO2 nanosheet films with visible light trapping nanostructures were successfully fabricated by alkali hydrothermal reaction using Ti sheet as precursor. Metallic Au nanoparticles (NPs) were then deposited on the surface of TiO2 film through a microwave‐assisted reduction process. The investigations reveal that the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Au NPs is greatly enhanced by the overlapped light harvesting nanostructures between TiO2 film and Au NPs, resulting in an enhanced LSPR‐absorption with two peaks at 389 nm and 540 nm. The photocatalytic performance of the samples was evaluated by degradation of methylene blue (MB) as a model pollutant. The experimental results indicate that the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 is greatly promoted by a synergetic effect between the overlapped light harvesting nanostructures and the improved charge carrier separation processes. The MB degradation over the optimal sample is much faster than that of pure TiO2 film by a factor of 3.0 and 5.7 under UV light and UV + visible light irradiation, respectively. This study provides a simple strategy to develop film‐shaped plasmonic photocatalysts with high efficiency.
Inhibition of TNF-αReverses the Pathological Resorption Pit Profile of Osteoclasts from Patients with Acute Charcot Osteoarthropathy
Authors: Petrova Nina L. , Petrov Peter K. , Edmonds Michael E. , Shanahan Catherine M.
Published: June 2015

We hypothesised that tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) may enhance receptor activator of nuclear factor-κβligand- (RANKL-) mediated osteoclastogenesis in acute Charcot osteoarthropathy. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from 10 acute Charcot patients, 8 diabetic patients, and 9 healthy control subjects and culturedin vitroon plastic and bone discs. Osteoclast formation and resorption were assessed after treatment with (1) macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and RANKL and (2) M-CSF, RANKL, and neutralising antibody to TNF-α(anti-TNF-α). Resorption was measured on the surface of bone discs by image analysis and under the surface using surface profilometry. Although osteoclast formation was similar in M-CSF + RANKL-treated cultures between the groups (p>0.05), there was a significant increase in the area of resorption on the surface (p<0.01) and under the surface (p<0.01) in Charcot patients compared with diabetic patients and control subjects. The addition of anti-TNF-αresulted in a significant reduction in the area of resorption on the surface (p<0.05) and under the surface (p<0.05) only in Charcot patients as well as a normalisation of the aberrant erosion profile. We conclude that TNF-αmodulates RANKL-mediated osteoclastic resorptionin vitroin patients with acute Charcot osteoarthropathy.
Field Application of Cable Tension Estimation Technique Using the h-SI Method
Authors: Noh Myung-Hyun , Jung WooYoung
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates field applicability of a new system identification technique of estimating tensile force for a cable of long span bridges. The newly proposed h-SI method using the combination of the sensitivity updating algorithm and the advanced hybrid microgenetic algorithm can allow not only avoiding the trap of local minimum at initial searching stage but also finding the optimal solution in terms of better numerical efficiency than existing methods. First, this paper overviews the procedure of tension estimation through a theoretical formulation. Secondly, the validity of the proposed technique is numerically examined using a set of dynamic data obtained from benchmark numerical samples considering the effect of sag extensibility and bending stiffness of a sag-cable system. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is investigated through actual field data extracted from a cable-stayed Seohae Bridge. The test results show that the existing methods require precise initial data in advance but the proposed method is not affected by such initial information. In particular, the proposed method can improve accuracy and convergence rate toward final values. Consequently, the proposed method can be more effective than existing methods in terms of characterizing the tensile force variation for cable structures.
Abnormal Olfaction in Parkinson’s Disease Is Related to Faster Disease Progression
Authors: Cavaco Sara , Gonçalves Alexandra , Mendes Alexandre , Vila-Chã Nuno , Moreira Inês , Fernandes Joana , Damásio Joana , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Bastos Lima António
Published: June 2015

Introduction. A possible association between olfactory dysfunction and Parkinson’s disease (PD) severity has been a topic of contention for the past 40 years. Conflicting reports may be partially explained by procedural differences in olfactory assessment and motor symptom evaluation.Methods. One hundred and sixty-six nondemented PD patients performed the Brief-Smell Identification Test and test scores below the estimated 20th percentile as a function of sex, age, and education (i.e., 80% specificity) were considered demographically abnormal. Patients underwent motor examination after 12 h without antiparkinsonian medication.Results. Eighty-two percent of PD patients had abnormal olfaction. Abnormal performance on the Brief-Smell Identification Test was associated with higher disease severity (i.e., Hoehn and Yahr, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale-III, Freezing of Gait questionnaire, and levodopa equivalent dose), even when disease duration was taken into account.Conclusions. Abnormal olfaction in PD is associated with increased severity and faster disease progression.
Tumors Escape CD4+ T-cell–Mediated Immunosurveillance by Impairing the Ability of Infiltrating Macrophages to Indirectly Present Tumor Antigens
Authors: Tveita Anders Aune , Schjesvold Fredrik , Haabeth Ole Audun , Fauskanger Marte , Bogen Bjarne
Published: June 2015

Tumors cells can escape cytotoxic CD8+ T cells by preventing MHC I display of tumor antigens. It is unknown how tumors evade CD4+ T-cell responses, but because many tumor cells lack MHC II expression, novel mechanisms would be required. We have investigated this issue in a model in which MHC IINEG myeloma cells secrete a monoclonal Ig containing a V region L chain (VL) epitope recognized by CD4+ T cells. Infiltrating macrophages process and present the secreted tumor antigen to Th1 cells, resulting in induction of macrophage cytotoxicity and apparent rejection of the tumor. Despite long-term tumor protection in VL-specific T-cell receptor transgenic mice, we here describe that some myeloma cells persisted in a dormant state and, eventually, formed expanding tumors. Escape tumor cells maintained their secretion of complete (H+L) monoclonal Ig with unchanged sequence, while secretion of surplus free L chain was severely diminished. Although free L chains were efficiently processed and presented by tumor-infiltrating macrophages to CD4+ T cells, complete (H+L) monoclonal Ig was not. Forced overexpression of free L chain secretion reinstated tumor rejection. These results show that tumors can escape CD4+ T-cell–mediated rejection by impairing indirect presentation of tumor antigen by infiltrating macrophages. This occurs through a novel mechanism of immunoediting, in which modulation of the quaternary structure of the secreted tumor-specific antigen reduces its immunogenicity. Cancer Res; 75(16); 3268–78. ©2015 AACR.
Fetal Growth and Subsequent Maternal Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Crump Casey , Sundquist Jan , Sieh Weiva , Winkleby Marilyn A. , Sundquist Kristina
Published: June 2015

Background: High birth weight has been associated with subsequent increased risk of breast cancer in the infant's mother, possibly related to maternal estrogen and growth factor pathways. However, its association with maternal risk of colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer among women, is unknown.

Methods: We conducted a national cohort study of 1,838,509 mothers who delivered 3,590,523 babies in Sweden in 1973–2008, followed up for colorectal cancer incidence through 2009.

Results: There were 7,318 mothers diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 36.8 million person-years of follow-up. After adjusting for maternal age, body mass index, diabetes, and other potential confounders, high fetal growth was associated with a subsequent increased risk of colorectal cancer in the mother [incidence rate ratio (IRR) per additional 1 SD relative to mean birth weight for gestational age and sex, 1.05; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.03–1.07; P < 0.0001]. Each 1,000 g increase in the infant's birth weight was associated with a 12% increase in the mother's subsequent risk of colorectal cancer (IRR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07–1.17; P < 0.0001). Multiple gestation was also independently associated with increased maternal risk of colorectal cancer (IRR for twin or higher order vs. singleton, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04–1.44; P = 0.02).

Conclusion: In this large cohort study, high fetal growth and multiple gestation were independently associated with subsequent higher maternal risk of colorectal cancer. These findings warrant further investigation of maternal growth factor and estrogen pathways in the etiology of colorectal cancer.

Impact: If confirmed, our findings may help identify subgroups of women at high risk of colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1184–9. ©2015 AACR.
Biochemical and Structural Analysis of Common Cancer-Associated KRAS Mutations
Authors: Hunter John C. , Manandhar Anuj , Carrasco Martin A. , Gurbani Deepak , Gondi Sudershan , Westover Kenneth D.
Published: June 2015

KRAS mutations are the most common genetic abnormalities in cancer, but the distribution of specific mutations across cancers and the differential responses of patients with specific KRAS mutations in therapeutic clinical trials suggest that different KRAS mutations have unique biochemical behaviors. To further explain these high-level clinical differences and to explore potential therapeutic strategies for specific KRAS isoforms, we characterized the most common KRAS mutants biochemically for substrate binding kinetics, intrinsic and GTPase-activating protein (GAP)–stimulated GTPase activities, and interactions with the RAS effector, RAF kinase. Of note, KRAS G13D shows rapid nucleotide exchange kinetics compared with other mutants analyzed. This property can be explained by changes in the electrostatic charge distribution of the active site induced by the G13D mutation as shown by X-ray crystallography. High-resolution X-ray structures are also provided for the GDP-bound forms of KRAS G12V, G12R, and Q61L and reveal additional insight. Overall, the structural data and measurements, obtained herein, indicate that measurable biochemical properties provide clues for identifying KRAS-driven tumors that preferentially signal through RAF.

Implications: Biochemical profiling and subclassification of KRAS-driven cancers will enable the rational selection of therapies targeting specific KRAS isoforms or specific RAS effectors. Mol Cancer Res; 13(9); 1325–35. ©2015 AACR.
Estrogen Protects against Obesity-Induced Mammary Gland Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Bhardwaj Priya , Du Baoheng , Zhou Xi Kathy , Sue Erika , Giri Dilip , Harbus Michael D. , Falcone Domenick J. , Hudis Clifford A. , Subbaramaiah Kotha , Dannenberg Andrew J.
Published: June 2015

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of hormone receptor (HR)–positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Obesity causes subclinical inflammation in white adipose tissue (WAT), characterized by macrophages surrounding dead or dying adipocytes forming crown-like structures (CLS). Estrogen synthesis is catalyzed by aromatase. Previously, we demonstrated CLS and elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators and aromatase in the mammary glands of obese mice and breast tissue of obese women. Here, we tested the hypothesis that supplemental estrogen could prevent or reverse WAT inflammation (WATi) and related molecular changes in the mammary gland. C57BL/6J mice were ovariectomized (OVX) to simulate the postmenopausal state. Supplementation with 17β-estradiol (E2) protected against high fat diet (HFD)-induced weight gain and mammary glands WATi. Expression of proinflammatory mediators (Cox-2, TNFα, IL1β) and aromatase were also reduced in the mammary glands of mice that received supplemental E2. Next, to determine whether E2 supplementation can reverse WATi, obese OVX mice were treated with E2 or placebo and then continued on HFD. E2 supplementation induced weight loss, reversed mammary gland inflammation, and downregulated expression of proinflammatory mediators and aromatase. Finally, we determined whether the protective effects of E2 were mediated by estrogen receptor-α (ERα). Knocking out ERα in ovary intact mice fed a HFD led to weight gain, WATi and elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators and aromatase mimicking the effects of OVX. Taken together, our findings indicate that estrogen via ERα protects against weight gain, WATi and associated increases in proinflammatory mediators and aromatase in the mammary gland. Cancer Prev Res; 8(8); 751–9. ©2015 AACR.
NKG2D Receptor and Its Ligands in Host Defense
Authors: Lanier Lewis L.
Published: June 2015

NKG2D is an activating receptor expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ T cells, and subsets of CD4+ T cells, invariant NKT cells (iNKT), and γδ T cells. In humans, NKG2D transmits signals by its association with the DAP10 adapter subunit, and in mice alternatively spliced isoforms transmit signals either using DAP10 or DAP12 adapter subunits. Although NKG2D is encoded by a highly conserved gene (KLRK1) with limited polymorphism, the receptor recognizes an extensive repertoire of ligands, encoded by at least eight genes in humans (MICA, MICB, RAET1E, RAET1G, RAET1H, RAET1I, RAET1L, and RAET1N), some with extensive allelic polymorphism. Expression of the NKG2D ligands is tightly regulated at the level of transcription, translation, and posttranslation. In general, healthy adult tissues do not express NKG2D glycoproteins on the cell surface, but these ligands can be induced by hyperproliferation and transformation, as well as when cells are infected by pathogens. Thus, the NKG2D pathway serves as a mechanism for the immune system to detect and eliminate cells that have undergone “stress.” Viruses and tumor cells have devised numerous strategies to evade detection by the NKG2D surveillance system, and diversification of the NKG2D ligand genes likely has been driven by selective pressures imposed by pathogens. NKG2D provides an attractive target for therapeutics in the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(6); 575–82. ©2015 AACR.