bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matching Labels and Markers in Historical Maps
Authors: Budig Benedikt , Dijk Thomas C. Van , Wolff Alexander
Published: November 2016

In this article, we present an algorithmic system for determining the proper correspondence between place markers and their labels in historical maps. We assume that the locations of place markers (usually pictographs) and labels (pieces of text) have already been determined -- either algorithmically or by hand -- and we want to match the labels to the markers. This time-consuming step in the digitization process of historical maps is nontrivial even for humans but provides valuable metadata (e.g., when subsequently georeferencing the map). To speed up this process, we model the problem in terms of combinatorial optimization, solve that problem efficiently, and show how user interaction can be used to improve the quality of the results. We also consider a version of the model where we are given label fragments and additionally have to decide which fragments go together. We show that this problem is NP-hard. However, we give a polynomial-time algorithm for a restricted version of this fragment assignment problem. We have implemented the algorithm for the main problem and tested it on a manually extracted ground truth for eight historical maps with a combined total of more than 12,800 markers and labels. On average, the algorithm correctly matches 96% of the labels and is robust against noisy input. It furthermore performs a
sensitivity analysis
and in this way computes a measure of confidence for each of the matches. We use this as the basis for an interactive system where the user’s effort is directed to checking those parts of the map where the algorithm is unsure; any corrections the user makes are propagated by the algorithm. We discuss a prototype of this system and statistically confirm that it successfully locates those areas on the map where the algorithm needs help.
Online Spatial Event Forecasting in Microblogs
Authors: Zhao Liang , Chen Feng , Lu Chang-Tien , Ramakrishnan Naren
Published: November 2016

Event forecasting from social media data streams has many applications. Existing approaches focus on forecasting temporal events (such as elections and sports) but as yet cannot forecast spatiotemporal events such as civil unrest and influenza outbreaks, which are much more challenging. To achieve spatiotemporal event forecasting, spatial features that evolve with time and their underlying correlations need to be considered and characterized. In this article, we propose novel batch and online approaches for spatiotemporal event forecasting in social media such as Twitter. Our models characterize the underlying development of future events by simultaneously modeling the structural contexts and their spatiotemporal burstiness based on different strategies. Both batch and online-based inference algorithms are developed to optimize the model parameters. Utilizing the trained model, the alignment likelihood of tweet sequences is calculated by dynamic programming. Extensive experimental evaluations on two different domains demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach.
miR-125b and miR-100 Are Predictive Biomarkers of Response to Induction Chemotherapy in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Kubota Daisuke , Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Yoshida Akihiko , Arai Yasuhito , Qiao Zhiwei , Takeshita Fumitaka , Ochiya Takahiro , Kawai Akira , Kondo Tadashi
Published: November 2016

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy in bone. Patients who respond poorly to induction chemotherapy are at higher risk of adverse prognosis. The molecular basis for such poor prognosis remains unclear. We investigated miRNA expression in eight open biopsy samples to identify miRNAs predictive of response to induction chemotherapy and thus maybe used for risk stratification therapy. The samples were obtained from four patients with inferior necrosis (Huvos I/II) and four patients with superior necrosis (Huvos III/IV) following induction chemotherapy. We found six miRNAs, including miR-125b and miR-100, that were differentially expressed > 2-fold (p<0.05) in patients who respond poorly to treatment. The association between poor prognosis and the abundance of miR-125b and miR-100 was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in 20 additional osteosarcoma patients. Accordingly, overexpression of miR-125b and miR-100 in three osteosarcoma cell lines enhanced cell proliferation, invasiveness, and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs such as methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cisplatin. In addition, overexpression of miR-125b blocked the ability of these chemotherapy agents to induce apoptosis. As open biopsy is routinely performed to diagnose osteosarcoma, levels of miR-125b and miR-100 in these samples may be used as basis for risk stratification therapy.
Robust Control of Wind Turbines by Using Singular Perturbation Method and Linear Parameter Varying Model
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Zhengfan , Yang Zhong , Si Haifei
Published: November 2016

The maximum power point tracking problem of variable-speed wind turbine systems is studied in this paper. The wind conversion systems contain both mechanical part and electromagnetic part, which means the systems have time scale property. The wind turbine systems are modeled using singular perturbation methodology. A linear parameter varying (LPV) model is developed to approximate the nonlinear singularly perturbed model. Then stability and robust properties of the open-loop linear singularly perturbed system are analyzed using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). An algorithm of designing a stabilizing state-feedback controller is proposed which can guarantee the robust property of the closed-loop system. Two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control scheme proposed.
Laryngeal High-Speed Videoendoscopy: Sensitivity of Objective Parameters towards Recording Frame Rate
Authors: Schützenberger Anne , Kunduk Melda , Döllinger Michael , Alexiou Christoph , Dubrovskiy Denis , Semmler Marion , Seger Anja , Bohr Christopher
Published: November 2016

The current use of laryngeal high-speed videoendoscopy in clinic settings involves subjective visual assessment of vocal fold vibratory characteristics. However, objective quantification of vocal fold vibrations for evidence-based diagnosis and therapy is desired, and objective parameters assessing laryngeal dynamics have therefore been suggested. This study investigated the sensitivity of the objective parameters and their dependence on recording frame rate. A total of 300 endoscopic high-speed videos with recording frame rates between 1000 and 15 000 fps were analyzed for a vocally healthy female subject during sustained phonation. Twenty parameters, representing laryngeal dynamics, were computed. Four different parameter characteristics were found: parameters showing no change with increasing frame rate; parameters changing up to a certain frame rate, but then remaining constant; parameters remaining constant within a particular range of recording frame rates; and parameters changing with nearly every frame rate. The results suggest that (1) parameter values are influenced by recording frame rates and different parameters have varying sensitivities to recording frame rate; (2) normative values should be determined based on recording frame rates; and (3) the typically used recording frame rate of 4000 fps seems to be too low to distinguish accurately certain characteristics of the human phonation process in detail.
Spatiotemporal Changes of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Innervation in Spinal Fusion
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Yi , Xu Xi-Ming , Wu Sui-Yi , Wang Fei , Yang Yi-Lin , Li Ming , Wei Xian-Zhao
Published: November 2016

Few studies have investigated the role calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays in the process of spinal fusion. The aim of the present study is to observe the temporal and spatial changes of CGRP induced by experimental fusion surgery in rats and elucidate the role of CGRP in spinal fusion. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study and the specimens were collected on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day, respectively. Then, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were applied to evaluate the fusion mass and spatiotemporal changes of CGRP chronologically. The results demonstrated that density of CGRP reached peak on the 21st day after surgery and most of the CGRP expression located surrounding the interface of allograft and fibrous tissue where the cells differentiate into osteoblasts, indicating that CGRP might be involved in the process of bone formation and absorption.
Radiation Protection Practices during the Helium Circulator Maintenance of the 10 MW High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor-Test Module (HTR-10)
Authors: Guo Chengxiang , Wei Liqiang , Li Hong , Cao Jianzhu , Fang Sheng
Published: November 2016

Current radiation protection methodology offers abundant experiences on light-water reactors, but very few studies on high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTR). To fill this gap, a comprehensive investigation was performed to the radiation protection practices in the helium circulator maintenance of the Chinese 10 MW HTR test module (HTR-10) in this paper. The investigation reveals the unique behaviour of HTR-10’s radiation sources in the maintenance as well as its radionuclide species and presents the radiation protection methods that were tailored to these features. Owing to these practices, the radioactivity level was kept low throughout the maintenance and only low-level radioactive waste was generated. The quantitative analysis further demonstrates that the decontamination efficiency was over 89% for surface contamination and over 34% forγdose rate and the occupational exposure was much lower than both the limits of regulatory and the exposure levels in comparable literature. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the reported radiation protection practices, which directly provides hands-on experience for the future HTR-PM reactor and adds to the completeness of the radiation protection methodology.
Research on Open-Closed-Loop Iterative Learning Control with Variable Forgetting Factor of Mobile Robots
Authors: Wang Hongbin , Dong Jian , Wang Yueling
Published: November 2016

We propose an iterative learning control algorithm (ILC) that is developed using a variable forgetting factor to control a mobile robot. The proposed algorithm can be categorized as an open-closed-loop iterative learning control, which produces control instructions by using both previous and current data. However, introducing a variable forgetting factor can weaken the former control output and its variance in the control law while strengthening the robustness of the iterative learning control. If it is applied to the mobile robot, this will reduce position errors in robot trajectory tracking control effectively. In this work, we show that the proposed algorithm guarantees tracking error bound convergence to a small neighborhood of the origin under the condition of state disturbances, output measurement noises, and fluctuation of system dynamics. By using simulation, we demonstrate that the controller is effective in realizing the prefect tracking.
Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis and Annealing of DyF3Nanoparticles
Authors: Alakshin E. M. , Klochkov A. V. , Kondratyeva E. I. , Korableva S. L. , Kiiamov A. G. , Nuzhina D. S. , Stanislavovas A. A. , Tagirov M. S. , Zakharov M. Yu. , Kodjikian S.
Published: November 2016

The series of DyF3nanosized samples was synthesized by the colloidal chemistry method. The microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment was used for the first time for the modification of DyF3nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy images show that the DyF3nanoparticles have average particle size of about 16–18 nm and the size distribution becomes narrower during the microwave irradiation. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows the narrowing of the diffraction peaks versus microwave treatment time. The experimental data demonstrates restructuring of the nanoparticles and their crystal structure becomes closer to the ideal DyF3regular structure during the microwave irradiation of colloidal solution. The defect-annealing model of the microwave-assisted hydrothermal modification process is suggested.
Usefulness of Oblique Multiplanar Images on Multi-Detector Computed Tomography for Diagnosing Intersigmoid Hernia
Authors: Kumagai Kenta , Yoshioka Masato , Iida Masatake , Kudoh Kazuhiro , Uchinami Hiroshi , Watanabe Tasuku , Yamamoto Yuzo
Published: November 2016

Background: Intersigmoid hernia is a hernia of the small intestine into the intersigmoid fossa. Because the cavity of the intersigmoid fossa is so small, the preoperative detection of incarcerated intestine and/or mesenteric convergence is very difficult. We report a case of intersigmoid hernia in which the incarcerated bowel and mesenteric convergence could be visualized by oblique multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). Case Report: An 82-year-old man with small bowel obstruction was treated conservatively with a long intestinal tube. Axial plane images of MDCT detected only a thickening of the small bowel wall and a narrowing of the lumen in the pelvis. Since a fourteen-day waiting period did not improve the condition at all, he underwent surgery. The small bowel was herniated into the intersigmoid fossa. After surgery, we studied the preoperative images of MDCT once again. However, neither converged mesentery nor hernia orifice had been depicted. We attempted to make oblique coronal/sagittal MPR images using SYNAPSE VINCENT® and succeeded in visualizing not only the incarcerated bowels but also the hernia orifice and mesenteric convergence. Conclusion: Creating oblique MPR images from the MDCT volume data would help in making a preoperative diagnosis of sigmoid mesocolon hernias such as intersigmoid hernia with increasing confidence.
Scleromyxedema without Paraproteinemia: Treatment with Thalidomide and Prednisolone
Authors: Saniee Sara , Davarnia Ghazaleh
Published: November 2016

Scleromyxedema is a rare and distinctive variant of cutaneous mucinoses of unknown etiology. It is presenting with generalized papular eruption and sclerodermoid induration. Numerous treatment modalities have been reported to produce partial or permanent responses. This study reports on a case of scleromyxedema without paraproteinemia in a subject who experienced a partial response to thalidomide and prednisolone.
Impact of Annexin A 7 Deficiency on FGF23 Plasma Concentrations
Authors: Umbach Anja T. , El-Attar Omar , Luo Dong , Fakhri Hajar , Bissinger Rosi , Lang Florian
Published: November 2016

Background/Aims: The release of fibroblast growth factor FGF23, a powerful regulator of 1,25(OH)2D3 formation and mineral metabolism, is stimulated by store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), which is accomplished by the pore forming Ca2+ release activated channel protein Orai1. Regulators of Orai1 and thus FGF23 release include serum & glucocorticoid inducible kinase SGK1, a kinase up-regulated by glucocorticosteroids. Some effects of glucocorticoids require the presence of annexin A7, such as suppression of prostaglandin E2 in gastric glands. The present study thus explored whether annexin A7 impacts on FGF23 plasma levels. Methods: Comparisons were made between gene targeted mice lacking functional annexin A7 (Anx7-/-) and their wild type littermates (Anx7+/+). Serum C-terminal-FGF23, intact FGF23, 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTH concentrations were measured by ELISA or EIA. The serum and urinary phosphate concentrations were measured by colorimetry, the serum Ca2+ concentration and the urinary Ca2+ concentration by flame photometry. Results: Serum C-terminal FGF23 levels and corticosterone levels were significantly higher and serum 1,25(OH)2 D3 and PTH levels were significantly lower in Anx7-/- than in Anx7+/+ mice. Water intake was slightly but significantly higher in Anx7-/- mice than in Anx7+/+ mice. No significant difference was observed between Anx7-/- and Anx7+/+ mice in urinary fluid excretion, plasma Ca2+ concentration, plasma phosphate concentration and urinary Ca2+ output. The urinary phosphate output was significantly lower in Anx7-/- mice than in Anx7+/+ mice. Conclusion: Annexin A7 deficiency upregulates FGF23 plasma levels, an effect paralleled by increased corticosterone plasma levels, as well as decreased 1,25(OH)2 D3 and PTH plasma levels.
Renal Complications in Patients with Renal Infarction: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Kwon Jae Hyun , Oh Bum Jin , Ha Sang Ook , Kim Dae Yong , Do Han Ho
Published: November 2016

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with renal infarction. Methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted from January 2005 to December 2013. Baseline and clinical characteristics of the enrolled patients with renal infarction were evaluated and analyzed according to the presence of AKI and CKD. In particular, predictors for AKI and CKD were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 105 patients included in present study, 41 (39.0%) patients had AKI. A total of 80 patients were followed up for 2 years after hospital discharge. Among these patients, 27 (33.8%) patients had CKD. In the multivariate analysis, the predictors were mean blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] 1.062, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.015-1.112, p = 0.009) and bilateral involvement (OR 4.396, 95% CI 1.096-17.632, p = 0.037) for AKI, and AKI (OR 14.799, 95% CI 4.173-52.490, p < 0.001) and old age (OR 1.065, 95% CI 1.016-1.116, p = 0.009) for CKD. Conclusions: Physicians should pay attention to the development of AKI and CKD after renal infarction and follow patients over a long term.
Comparative Effectiveness of Renin-Angiotensin System Antagonists in Maintenance Dialysis Patients
Authors: Shireman Theresa I. , Mahnken Jonathan D. , Phadnis Milind A. , Ellerbeck Edward F. , Wetmore James B.
Published: November 2016

Background/Aims: Whether angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are differentially associated with reductions in cardiovascular events and mortality in patients receiving maintenance dialysis is uncertain. We compared outcomes between ACE and ARB users among hypertensive, maintenance dialysis patients. Methods: National retrospective cohort study of hypertensive, Medicare-Medicaid eligible patients initiating chronic dialysis between 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2005. The exposure of interest was new use of either an ACEI or ARB. Outcomes were all-cause mortality (ACM) and combined cardiovascular hospitalization or death (CV-endpoint). Cox proportion hazards models were used to compare the effect of ACEI vs ARB use on ACM and, separately, CV-endpoint. Results: ACM models were based on 3,555 ACEI and 1,442 ARB new users, while CV-endpoint models included 3,289 ACEI and 1,346 ARB new users. After statistical adjustments, ACEI users had higher hazard ratios for ACM (AHR = 1.22, 99% CI 1.05-1.42) and CV-endpoint (AHR = 1.12, 99% CI 0.99-1.27). Conclusions: Patients initiating maintenance dialysis who received an ACEI faced an increased risk for mortality and a trend towards an increased risk for CV-endpoints when compared to patients who received an ARB. Validation of these results in a rigorous clinical trial is warranted.
Triptolide Attenuates Inflammatory Response in Membranous Glomerulo-Nephritis Rat via Downregulation of NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Ying , Hong Yan , Huang Haihua
Published: November 2016

Background/Aims: Triptolide (TPL), a main active ingredient of Tripterygium wilfordii has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effect. The role of TPL on glomerular diseases remains unclear. Methods: This study aims to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of TPL in rats with membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN). Results: Our data showed that the pathological kidney damage was significantly alleviated by TPL treatment in MGN rats. We also found that MGN rats exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.01) level of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and MCP-1) than those in normal group, while these inflammatory cytokines levels were significantly reduced in TPL treatment group compared with model group. Additionally, we found that TPL treatment could significantly decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) level while enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Meanwhile, we also found that IκB kinase inhibitor (IMD-0354) could significantly reduce the accumulation of inflammation damage and oxidative lesions. Furthermore, we observed that both TPL and IMD-0354 treatment could block IκBα degradation and suppress mRNA and protein level of nuclear factor (NF) -κB p65. Conclusion: Together, all above results suggest that inflammatory response could be attenuated by TPL and this is partly due to the inhibition of NF- κB signaling pathway.
Cerebral Microhemorrhages and Meningeal Siderosis in Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Malhotra Ajay , Schindler Joseph , Mac Grory Brian , Chu Stacy Y. , Youn Teddy S. , Matouk Charles , Greer David M. , Schrag Matthew
Published: November 2016

Objective: Patients with infective endocarditis (IE) frequently experience cerebral insults, and neurological involvement in IE has been reported to herald a worse prognosis. In this manuscript, we describe a distinctive pattern of findings on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) sequences in subjects with IE. Methods: Patients with IE who underwent SWI MRI at an academic hospital from 2009 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The pattern of findings was compared to SWI findings in groups of subjects with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) or severe hypertension. Results: Sixty-six subjects with IE were included; 64 (94%) had microhemorrhages and the average number per patient was 21.5. In 11 (17%) patients, microhemorrhages were the only neuroimaging abnormality. The majority of microhemorrhages were between 1 and 3 mm. In a direct comparison of gradient-echo T2* (GRE-T2*) and SWI, many microhemorrhages in this size range were not detected by GRE-T2*. Microhemorrhages in IE involved every part of the brain with a significant predilection for the cerebellum. This pattern was distinct from that seen in hypertension or CAA. Small subarachnoid hemorrhage or meningeal siderosis were also frequently detected in IE, but were not associated with mycotic aneurysms. Interpretation: SWI is a sensitive diagnostic technique for detecting infectious cerebral angiopathy in subjects with IE, producing a pattern of microhemorrhages that were distinct from other common microangiopathies.
Targeted Treatment of Esophagogastric Cancer
Authors: Kopp Hans-Georg , Hofheinz Ralf-Dieter
Published: November 2016

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and stomach remains one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Although there is increasing data on the mutational landscape of esophagogastric cancer, phase III trials often yield negative results, and there is a paucity of approved targeted agents. For the time being, the subset of patients carrying HER2-positive metastatic tumors can receive trastuzumab in addition to chemotherapy. Furthermore, ramucirumab has been found to be active both as a single agent and in combination with paclitaxel. Herein, we give an overview of currently approved targeted treatments for locally advanced/resectable as well as unresectable/metastatic EGJ/gastric adenocarcinoma, summarizing the underlying clinical studies. Moreover, further potential targets still under investigation are presented.
Khat (Catha edulis) and Obesity: A Scoping Review of Animal and Human Studies
Authors: Alshagga Mustafa Ahmed , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah , Seyedan Atefehalsadat , Alsalahi Abdulsamad , Pan Yan , Mohankumar Suresh Kumar , Alkebsi Abdolgodose , Kassim Saba , Mohamed Zahurin
Published: November 2016

Background: Khat (Catha edulis) is a plant that is deeply rooted in the cultural life of East African and Southwestern Arabian populations. Prevalent traditional beliefs about khat are that the plant has an effect on appetite and body weight. Summary: This review assesses the accumulated evidences on the mutual influence of monoamines, hormones and neuropeptides that are linked to obesity. A few anti-obesity drugs that exert their mechanisms of action through monoamines are briefly discussed to support the notion of monoamines being a critical target of drug discovery for new anti-obesity drugs. Subsequently, the review provides a comprehensive overview of central dopamine and serotonin changes that are associated with the use of khat or its alkaloids. Then, all the studies on khat that describe physical, biochemical and hormonal changes are summarised and discussed in depth. Conclusion: The reviewed studies provide relatively acceptable evidence that different khat extracts or cathinone produces changes in terms of weight, fat mass, appetite, lipid biochemistry and hormonal levels. These changes are more pronounced at higher doses and long durations of intervention. The most suggested mechanism of these changes is the central action that produces changes in the physiology of dopamine and serotonin. Nonetheless, there are a number of variations in the study design, including species, doses and durations of intervention, which makes it difficult to arrive at a final conclusion about khat regarding obesity, and further studies are necessary in the future to overcome these limitations.
Semi-Rigid Ureteroscopy for Proximal Ureteral Stones: Does Adjunctive Tamsulosin Therapy Increase the Chance of Success?
Authors: Ahmed Abul-fotouh , Maarouf Aref , Shalaby Essam , Alshahrani Saad , El-feky Mohamed , Khaled Sabri , Daoud Abdullah , Soliman Ahmed , Desoky Esam , El-Helaly Hisham
Published: November 2016

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of adjunctive tamsulosin therapy in improving the success rate of laser-assisted semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) for removing proximal ureteral stones. Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 165 patients with proximal ureteral stones ≥10 mm. The patients were randomly assigned to a tamsulosin group (Group I, n = 81) receiving tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily for 1 week pre-URS and a control group (Group II, n = 84) without tamsulosin therapy. Treatment consisted of URS using a semi-rigid ureteroscope (7.5 Fr), followed by intracorporeal holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy. The patients were followed up regularly for 8 weeks after URS. Results: The operative time was 43.4 and 49.6 min in Groups I and II, respectively (p < 0.001). Scope to stone access rate was 93.8 and 82.1% in patients of Groups I and II, respectively (p = 0.022). The stone-free rate was significantly higher in Group I compared to Group II (74/81; 91.4% vs. 67/84; 79.8%; p = 0.035). The complication rate was significantly lower in Group I compared to Group II (17.3 vs. 38.1%, p = 0.003). Only minor complications were encountered and were managed conservatively. Conclusions: Tamsulosin therapy prior to semi-rigid URS improved ureteroscopic access to proximal ureteral stones, thus leading to an increased success rate and low morbidity.
Targeted Therapy of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Seeber Andreas , Gastl Günther
Published: November 2016

Over the past decades, considerable progress has been made in the management of colorectal cancer (CRC), leading to a significant improvement in overall survival. Although part of this success has been rightly attributed to aggressive surgical management and advances in other adjunct treatments, our understanding of the pathogenesis of CRC and emergence of newer molecular targets for colon cancer has created a powerful impact. In this review article, we will discuss various targeted therapies in the management of metastatic CRC (mCRC). In particular, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting monoclonal antibodies have become integral components of the first-line treatment strategies for mCRC. Newer agents on the horizon soon to be incorporated in clinical practice will be briefly reviewed as well. Currently, the only predictive biomarker for treatment selection in patients with mCRC is tumor RAS mutational status.
Expression of Kisspeptin in Gonadotrope Precursors in the Mouse Pituitary during Embryonic and Postnatal Development and in Adulthood
Authors: Ikeda Yayoi , Tagami Ayako , Komada Munekazu , Takahashi Mifumi
Published: November 2016

Background: Kisspeptins are important regulators of the development and function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. However, the importance of kisspeptin at the pituitary level is unclear. Methods: We examined the expression profile of kisspeptin in the mouse pituitary during development and in adulthood using RT-PCR, quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: Kiss1 mRNA was detected in both embryonic and postnatal pituitaries. Kisspeptin-immunoreactive (+) cells were detected from embryonic day (E) 13.5 throughout adulthood, being localized to the rostroventral portion in the anterior pituitary (AP) in embryos, and also to the dorsocaudal AP postnatally. A large proportion of kisspeptin+ cells were double-labeled with gonadotrope markers including Foxl2, SF-1, and LHβ, and the percentage of LHβ+ cells in kisspeptin+ cells increased during development. No kisspeptin+ cells were positive for the proliferating cell marker MCM7 (minichromosome maintenance protein 7), but a few kisspeptin+ cells co-expressed the stem/progenitor cell marker Sox2. Kisspeptin expression was similar between sexes and between agonadal SF-1 knockout embryos and wild-type littermates. Kiss1 mRNA levels were not significantly different between sexes or during early postnatal development, but levels in females increased when puberty began and were significantly higher than in males at postpubertal ages. Conclusions: These results suggest that kisspeptin is expressed in gonadotrope precursors during gonadotrope differentiation, and that kisspeptin expression begins soon after the initiation of αGSU production and is extinguished soon after the initiation of LH production. Furthermore, pituitary kisspeptin expression may be regulated in a gonad-independent manner during development, but may be associated with gonadotrope function in adulthood.
Association of Preoperative Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Gungor Hasan , Babu Abraham Samuel , Zencir Cemil , Akpek Mahmut , Selvi Mithat , Erkan Muhammet Huseyin , Durmaz Selim
Published: November 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Subjects and Methods: A total of 125 patients were retrospectively analyzed. AF was diagnosed using standard clinical criteria, and PLR was calculated as the ratio of the platelets to lymphocytes, obtained from the blood samples that were taken in the fasting state before CABG surgery. The association of different variables with postoperative AF and PLR was calculated using univariate and multivariate analysis. The receiver operating characteristics curve was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of PLR and the optimal cutoff value for predicting post-CABG AF. Results: Of the 125 patients, 50 with AF (mean age: 67.0 ± 9.5 years, 38 males and 12 females) and 75 patients without AF (mean age: 61.1 ± 9.1 years, 58 males and 17 females) were identified, and the difference in the mean age was statistically significant (p = 0.01). PLR was also significantly higher in those with AF (152.8 ± 82.2) than those without AF (118.2 ± 32.9) (p = 0.012). Univariate analysis showed that age and PLR were associated with AF after CABG surgery (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Using a multivariate logistic regression model with the backward elimination method, age and PLR remained as independent predictors of AF after CABG surgery (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). PLR levels >119.3 predicted postoperative AF with 64% sensitivity and 56% specificity (AUC: 0.634, p = 0.012). Conclusion: In this study, age and PLR level were independent predictors of AF after CABG surgery. Patients with an elevated preoperative PLR were at higher risk of AF after CABG surgery.
Public Opinion and Coverage of Journalism of the Acts of Pronatec in São Borja – RS
Authors: Almeida Cristóvão Domingos de , Minini Estevan , Rocha Victor
Published: November 2016

Este artigo tem a intenção de apresentar as estratégias comunicacionais utilizadas no projeto de extensão que visa a divulgação das ações do Programa Nacional de Acesso ao Ensino Técnico e Emprego, no município de São Borja, Rio Grande do Sul. São descritas as ações empregadas no projeto de extensão com intuito de perceber os resultados das estratégias de comunicação utilizada para convencer a população a se inscreverem nos cursos do Pronatec. Fundamentamos o artigo nos conceitos de Cobertura e Opinião Pública e metodologicamente está embasado em revisões bibliográficas. Por fim, avaliamos que, através do trabalho da assessoria de comunicação, agendando temas nos meios de comuncação de massa, foi possível atingir os objetivos propostos, aumentando aprocura e a adesão da população nos cursos do Pronatec oferecidos no município
Parents and Teachers' Awareness for Health Promotion: focus on nutritional status and healthy diet in the city of Indaiatuba
Authors: Constantino Maria Aparecida Da Cruz , Assumpção Junior Francisco Baptista , Giron Jemima , Aranha Julia Guimarães , Monteiro Cinthia Roman , Cyrillo Denise Cavallini
Published: November 2016

A infância e a adolescência são períodos extremamente relevantes na formação do ser humano, tanto no que tange ao aspecto biológico, quanto no emocional, psicológico e social. Nesta fase, os indivíduos são mais vulneráveis a algumas ameaças, dependendo do estilo de vida que adotam. Neste sentido, o presente estudo propõe apresentar um processo de sensibilização a pais e professores, na cidade de Indaiatuba, acerca da qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes que participam do Programa de Recreação, Incentivo e Aperfeiçoamento (PRIA) da Prefeitura de Indaiatuba, bem como aos alunos da rede de escolas municipais e estaduais, sobre os aspectos do estado nutricional e hábitos alimentares. O processo de sensibilizar famílias, mestres e educadores, visa focar para a importância da promoção da saúde infanto-juvenil, no âmbito da qualidade de vida e se dará por meio de material didático, orientações, palestras e ainda, projetar o delineamento para as próximas atividades de extensão a serem desenvolvidas para melhoria da qualidade de vida, por meio da promoção da saúde, dessa comunidade
Contribuição para a Aprendizagem Transdisciplinar do Químico
Authors: Rabóczkay Tibor
Published: November 2016

É descrita uma proposta de disciplina de graduação para o Instituto de Química da USP, visando à integração dos conhecimentos adquiridos pelos estudantes nas diversas áreas da Química e à melhor preparação para a realidade cotidiana da profissão. Os trabalhos seriam desenvolvidos com o modelo de uma cidade hipotética, porém, com características reais de problemas pertinentes à atividade do profissional de Química. São discutidas, brevemente, a necessidade de disciplinas de natureza aplicada e a resistência geral a inovações reais no ensino
Chemical Risk: Criação de um Jogo Didático para o Ensino de Biossegurança
Authors: Albuquerque Cristina Northfleet de , Souza Luiz Fernando De , Moura Wilker Alves de , Oliveira Daniel Martins da Silva , Silva Gledson Kleiton da , Rodrigues Alvaro Gabriele
Published: November 2016

O Chemical Risk é um projeto didático que visa a demonstrar a utilização de jogos na educação por meio do desenvolvimento de um jogo digital, cujo objetivo primeiro é a fixação dos principais conceitos de Biossegurança. Tal proposta promove uma reflexão sobre o modelo de ensino tradicional e propõe um novo conceito que se alia à evolução tecnológica, sugerindo, assim, novas formas de transmissão de conhecimento. A fim de proporcionar aos jogadores uma prática para aprender a respeito dos conceitos de Biossegurança, este projeto trata justamente da familiarização do aluno com tais conceitos, uma vez que irá permitir a simulação de um acidente químico em um ambiente laboratorial, dando ao graduando a possibilidade de aplicar e consolidar os conceitos que aprendeu em sala de aula. Como base bibliográfica, o presente projeto buscou referências em livros acadêmicos, portais on-line e artigos sobre o uso de métodos lúdicos na educação e a aprendizagem mediante jogos de computador
Por uma Valorização da Formação Inicial no Curso de Licenciatura em Matemática
Authors: Valério Barbara Corominas
Published: November 2016

Reconhecendo a importância do estágio de regência na formação inicial do professor, o IME-USP criou em 2009 um Programa de Estágios Supervisionados para o curso de Licenciatura em Matemática. O presente trabalho descreve como esse programa é desenvolvido, explicitando o vínculo gerado entre o IME-USP e a escola de Educação Básica. Como exemplo, é apresentado um projeto desenvolvido em 2014 sob a minha supervisão. Além disso, este trabalho traz indicativos de quão importante foi a implantação do programa na formação dos licenciandos do IME
Modelo de Tomada de Decisão de Kortland no Delineamento de Atividade Didática para o Ensino de Bioquímica
Authors: Silva Daniel Gedder , Leal Vivane Lopes , Canduri Fernanda , Queiroz Salete Linhares
Published: November 2016

A aplicação da metodologia de estudo de casos no ensino de ciências tem sido alvo de atenção de vários educadores nos últimos anos. No presente trabalho, relatamos a aplicação de uma atividade didática dessa natureza em disciplina de Bioquímica, oferecida no curso de Bacharelado em Química do Instituto de Química de São Carlos, da Universidade de São Paulo. Para que a atividade fosse levada a cabo fez-se necessária, inicialmente, a produção de um caso investigativo, denominado O Mal do Século, que aborda a obesidade infantil. A resolução do caso foi apresentada pelos alunos no formato de relatório, cujo roteiro foi construído com base no Modelo de Tomada de Decisão de Kortland (1996). Nessa perspectiva, os estudantes pesquisaram e analisaram múltiplas fontes de dados fazendo uso de critérios desenvolvidos por eles para solucionar o caso
China’s Guangchang Wu: The Emergence, Choreography, and Management of Dancing in Public Squares
Authors: Seetoo Chiayi , Zou Haoping
Published: November 2016

Dancing in public squares has become extremely popular among the middle-aged and elderly in China, especially women. It has been widely covered by mass media, but few understand it beyond the spectacle. What are the dances like, and how does grassroots organizing interact with government management (and support)? The Chinese socialist past and present, generational difference, gender, and the cultivation of modern citizenship underlie this popular activity.
Comparison of Different Generalizations of Clustering Coefficient and Local
Efficiency for Weighted Undirected Graphs
Authors: Wang Yu , Ghumare Eshwar , Vandenberghe Rik , Dupont Patrick
Published: November 2016

Binary undirected graphs are well established, but when these graphs are constructed, often a threshold is applied to a parameter describing the connection between two nodes. Therefore, the use of weighted graphs is more appropriate. In this work, we focus on weighted undirected graphs. This implies that we have to incorporate edge weights in the graph measures, which require generalizations of common graph metrics. After reviewing existing generalizations of the clustering coefficient and the local efficiency, we proposed new generalizations for these graph measures. To be able to compare different generalizations, a number of essential and useful properties were defined that ideally should be satisfied. We applied the generalizations to two real-world networks of different sizes. As a result, we found that not all existing generalizations satisfy all essential properties. Furthermore, we determined the best generalization for the clustering coefficient and local efficiency based on their properties and the performance when applied to two networks. We found that the best generalization of the clustering coefficient is , defined in Miyajima and Sakuragawa (2014), while the best generalization of the local efficiency is , proposed in this letter. Depending on the application and the relative importance of sensitivity and robustness to noise, other generalizations may be selected on the basis of the properties investigated in this letter.
Time Series Decomposition into Oscillation Components and Phase Estimation
Authors: Matsuda Takeru , Komaki Fumiyasu
Published: November 2016

Many time series are naturally considered as a superposition of several oscillation components. For example, electroencephalogram (EEG) time series include oscillation components such as alpha, beta, and gamma. We propose a method for decomposing time series into such oscillation components using state-space models. Based on the concept of random frequency modulation, gaussian linear state-space models for oscillation components are developed. In this model, the frequency of an oscillator fluctuates by noise. Time series decomposition is accomplished by this model like the Bayesian seasonal adjustment method. Since the model parameters are estimated from data by the empirical Bayes’ method, the amplitudes and the frequencies of oscillation components are determined in a data-driven manner. Also, the appropriate number of oscillation components is determined with the Akaike information criterion (AIC). In this way, the proposed method provides a natural decomposition of the given time series into oscillation components. In neuroscience, the phase of neural time series plays an important role in neural information processing. The proposed method can be used to estimate the phase of each oscillation component and has several advantages over a conventional method based on the Hilbert transform. Thus, the proposed method enables an investigation of the phase dynamics of time series. Numerical results show that the proposed method succeeds in extracting intermittent oscillations like ripples and detecting the phase reset phenomena. We apply the proposed method to real data from various fields such as astronomy, ecology, tidology, and neuroscience.
Supraspecific taxonomy of the flea beetle genus Blepharida Chevrolat, 1836 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the Afrotropical Region and description of Afroblepharida subgen. nov.
Authors: Biondi Maurizio , Frasca Roberta , Grobbelaar Elizabeth , D’Alessandro Paola
Published: November 2016

The supraspecific taxonomy of the species traditionally attributed to the flea beetle genusBlepharidaChevrolat, 1836 is discussed. A cladistic analysis, based on 30 morphological characters of traditionalBlepharidaspecies, has revealed that two genera occur in Sub-Saharan Africa:CalothecaHeyden, 1887 andBlepharidinaBechyné, 1968. The latter genus is known from Africa, and probably also Madagascar, and has two subgenera:Blepharidinas.str. andAfroblepharidasubgen. nov. Twenty-seven traditionalBlepharidaspecies are here attributed to the genusCalothecaHeyden, while eighteen species are assigned to the genusBlepharidinaBechyné. FourBlepharidinaspecies,antinorii(Chapuis, 1879),gedyei(Bryant, 1948),scripta(Weise, 1904) andsomaliensis(Bryant, 1948), belong to the new subgenusAfroblepharida. The following new synonymies are established:Eutheca conradsiWeise, 1906= Eutheca erlangeriWeise, 1907 syn. nov. =Blepharidella irregularisBryant, 1945 syn. nov.;Blepharida marginalisWeise, 1902 =Blepharida monticolaWeise, 1926 syn. nov. =Blepharida ugandaeBryant, 1944 syn. nov.;Blepharida inornataJacoby, 1895 =Blepharida semisulcataAchard, 1922 syn. nov.;Blepharidella lewiniWeise in Lewin, 1912 =Blepharidella picticollisBryant, 1945 syn. nov.;Podontia nigrotessellataBaly, 1865= Blepharidella rubrosignataBryant, 1945 syn. nov.= Blepharidella variabilisBryant, 1945 syn. nov.;Blepharida ornataBaly, 1881= Blepharida freyiBechyné, 1954 syn. nov.;Podontia reticulataBaly, 1865= Blepharida guttulaBryant, 1944 syn. nov.;Blepharida antinoriiChapuis, 1879 =Blepharida sudanicaBryant, 1944 syn. nov.;Blepharida scriptaWeise, 1904= Blepharida geminataBryant, 1944 syn. nov. In addition:Blepharida plagipennisAchard, 1922, its locality certainly mislabeled, is transferred to the New World genusNotozonaChevrolat, 1837;Calotheca thunbergiis proposed as the new name forBlepharida stolida(Thunberg, 1808). Finally, an updated catalogue of the known species ofCalothecaandBlepharidinais also supplied, including new synonymies, material examined, new faunistic records, distributions and chorotypes.
“feš taqra?” What are You Reading?
Authors: Pallottino Margherita
Published: November 2016

This paper describes the distribution and the selectional properties of perfective and imperfective verb forms in Tunisian Arabic. While perfective predicates are finite forms and always undergo movement out of the VP domain, imperfective predicates acts less consistently as a unified class and, in some contexts, do not undergo movement to negation showing a behavior that reminds this of non-finite forms. Moreover, when the imperfective verb does not undergo movement, an additional structural layer headed by the preposition “fi” is introduced above the direct object. I propose that in this configuration the imperfective predicate is the non-finite element of a periphrastic construction whose other component is a null auxiliary with present tense reference. On the one side this construction affects the aspectual interpretation of the event; on the other, it affects the predicate’s ability to assign accusative Case to its object. As for the contexts where the imperfective predicate undergoes movement, I propose that their interpretation relies on a Generic Operator that provides an aspectual frame over which the predicate is interpreted.
The Particle Qad in Arabic
Authors: Bahloul Maher
Published: November 2016

This paper examines the function of the verbal particle qad in Standard Arabic, and makes use of a written corpus to explain its use and frequency. Unlike analyses which argue for its syntactic filling and/or optional properties, the paper proposes an analysis whereby the verbal particle qad is shown to exhibit a modal function in written discourse. Thus, Assertive Modality is shown to be inherent to the use of the verbal particle qad, a discourse function which does not exclude previous temporal and aspectual interpretations.