bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informative features of local field potential signals in primary visual cortex during natural image stimulation
Authors: Seyedhosseini Mojtaba , Shushruth S. , Davis Tyler , Ichida Jennifer M. , House Paul A. , Greger Bradley , Angelucci Alessandra , Tasdizen Tolga
Published: December 2014

The local field potential (LFP) is of growing importance in neurophysiology as a metric of network activity and as a readout signal for use in brain-machine interfaces. However, there are uncertainties regarding the kind and visual field extent of information carried by LFP signals, as well as the specific features of the LFP signal conveying such information, especially under naturalistic conditions. To address these questions, we recorded LFP responses to natural images in V1 of awake and anesthetized macaques using Utah multielectrode arrays. First, we have shown that it is possible to identify presented natural images from the LFP responses they evoke using trained Gabor wavelet (GW) models. Because GW models were devised to explain the spiking responses of V1 cells, this finding suggests that local spiking activity and LFPs (thought to reflect primarily local synaptic activity) carry similar visual information. Second, models trained on scalar metrics, such as the evoked LFP response range, provide robust image identification, supporting the informative nature of even simple LFP features. Third, image identification is robust only for the first 300 ms following image presentation, and image information is not restricted to any of the spectral bands. This suggests that the short-latency broadband LFP response carries most information during natural scene viewing. Finally, best image identification was achieved by GW models incorporating information at the scale of ∼0.5° in size and trained using four different orientations. This suggests that during natural image viewing, LFPs carry stimulus-specific information at spatial scales corresponding to few orientation columns in macaque V1.
Cholinergic systems are essential for late-stage maturation and refinement of motor cortical circuits
Authors: Ramanathan Dhakshin S. , Conner James M. , Anilkumar Arjun A. , Tuszynski Mark H.
Published: December 2014

Previous studies reported that early postnatal cholinergic lesions severely perturb early cortical development, impairing neuronal cortical migration and the formation of cortical dendrites and synapses. These severe effects of early postnatal cholinergic lesions preclude our ability to understand the contribution of cholinergic systems to the later-stage maturation of topographic cortical representations. To study cholinergic mechanisms contributing to the later maturation of motor cortical circuits, we first characterized the temporal course of cortical motor map development and maturation in rats. In this study, we focused our attention on the maturation of cortical motor representations after postnatal day 25 (PND 25), a time after neuronal migration has been accomplished and cortical volume has reached adult size. We found significant maturation of cortical motor representations after this time, including both an expansion of forelimb representations in motor cortex and a shift from proximal to distal forelimb representations to an extent unexplainable by simple volume enlargement of the neocortex. Specific cholinergic lesions placed at PND 24 impaired enlargement of distal forelimb representations in particular and markedly reduced the ability to learn skilled motor tasks as adults. These results identify a novel and essential role for cholinergic systems in the late refinement and maturation of cortical circuits. Dysfunctions in this system may constitute a mechanism of late-onset neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett syndrome and schizophrenia.
Neural correlates of target selection for reaching movements in superior colliculus
Authors: Song Joo-Hyun , McPeek Robert M.
Published: December 2014

We recently demonstrated that inactivation of the primate superior colliculus (SC) causes a deficit in target selection for arm-reaching movements when the reach target is located in the inactivated field (Song JH, Rafal RD, McPeek RM. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 108: E1433–E1440, 2011). This is consistent with the notion that the SC is part of a general-purpose target selection network beyond eye movements. To understand better the role of SC activity in reach target selection, we examined how individual SC neurons in the intermediate layers discriminate a reach target from distractors. Monkeys reached to touch a color oddball target among distractors while maintaining fixation. We found that many SC neurons robustly discriminate the goal of the reaching movement before the onset of the reach even though no saccade is made. To identify these cells in the context of conventional SC cell classification schemes, we also recorded visual, delay-period, and saccade-related responses in a delayed saccade task. On average, SC cells that discriminated the reach target from distractors showed significantly higher visual and delay-period activity than nondiscriminating cells, but there was no significant difference in saccade-related activity. Whereas a majority of SC neurons that discriminated the reach target showed significant delay-period activity, all nondiscriminating cells lacked such activity. We also found that some cells without delay-period activity did discriminate the reach target from distractors. We conclude that the majority of intermediate-layer SC cells discriminate a reach target from distractors, consistent with the idea that the SC contains a priority map used for effector-independent target selection.
Minimal Length and the Existence of Some Infinitesimal Quantities in Quantum Theory and Gravity
Authors: Shalyt-Margolin A. E.
Published: December 2014

It is demonstrated that provided a theory involves a minimal length, this theory must be free from such infinitesimal quantities as infinitely small variations in surface of the holographic screen, its volume, and entropy. The corresponding infinitesimal quantities in this case must be replaced by the “minimal variations possible”—finite quantities dependent on the existent energies. As a result, the initial low-energy theory (quantum theory or general relativity) inevitably must be replaced by a minimal length theory that gives very close results but operates with absolutely other mathematical apparatus.
Numerical Model of Radical Photopolymerization Based on Interdiffusion
Authors: Yoshida Shuhei , Takahata Yosuke , Horiuchi Shuma , Kurata Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Manabu
Published: December 2014

An accurate reaction model is required to analyze the characteristics of photopolymers. For this purpose, we propose a numerical model for radical photopolymerization. In the proposed model, elementary reactions such as initiation, propagation, and termination are considered, and we assume interdiffusion for each component in the material. We analyzed the diffraction characteristics of a radical photopolymer based on the proposed interdiffusion model with the beam propagation method. Moreover, we also performed hologram-recording experiments and evaluated the diffraction characteristics of the photopolymer medium. By comparing the numerical and experimental results, medium parameters such as reaction rate and diffusion coefficient can be estimated. We confirmed that the interdiffusion model can reproduce the experimental results and showed that the medium parameters affect the diffraction characteristics.
Next Generation Sequencing Analysis of Biofilms from Three Dogs with Postoperative Surgical Site Infection
Authors: König L. M. , Klopfleisch R. , Höper D. , Gruber A. D.
Published: December 2014

The composition of biofilms in chronic wound infections of dogs is unclear. In the present study, histologically identified biofilms attached to sutures in chronically infected wounds of three dogs were examined by next generation sequencing of total DNA extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples. The analysis identified an inhomogeneous bacterial composition in three tissues containing biofilms. Some of the identified bacterial families such as Staphylococci and Streptococci have been found before in biofilms associated with human and canine wounds but in this study were quantitatively in the minority. The majority of the reads classified as bacterial sequences had the highest identity with sequences belonging to the Porphyromonadaceae, Deinococcaceae, Methylococcaceae, Nocardiaceae, Alteromonadaceae, and Propionibacteriaceae and thus taxons of so far minor relevance in veterinary medicine.
Water Quality of Urban Streams: TheAllium cepaSeeds/Seedlings Test as a Tool for Surface Water Monitoring
Authors: Athanásio Camila Gonçalves , Prá Daniel , Rieger Alexandre
Published: December 2014

The present study investigates the genotoxic, mutagenic, and cytotoxic potential of surface waters in urban streams usingAllium cepaand analyzes the applicability of this assay for environmental monitoring. Water samples were collected from three streams located in the urban area of a municipality in the south of Brazil. For each stream, two samples were collected, one upstream and one downstream of the pollution discharge site. Physicochemical evaluation indicated that all samples had various degrees of environmental impact, but substantial impact was seen for the downstream samples of the Preto and Pedras streams. All samples increased the frequency of chromosome aberrations (P<0.05). The sample from Pedras downstream site also caused a decrease in mitotic index (P<0.08) and increase in micronuclei (P<0.08) frequency, indicating potential cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. The Pedras stream receives mixed industrial and urban wastewater, while the Lajeado and Preto streams receive wastewater predominantly domestic in nature, which may partially explain the difference in toxicity among the samples. Moreover, theAllium cepaseeds/seedlings were shown to be extremely sensitive in detecting the genotoxicity of environmental water samples and can be applied as the first tool for environmental health hazard identification and prediction.
Effects of Different Mordants on Silk Fabric Dyed with Onion Outer Skin Extracts
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Gias
Published: December 2014

At present, a higher demand is put towards the use of natural dyes due to increased awareness of the environmental and health hazards associated with the synthesis and use of synthetic dyes. This research was conducted using onion outer skins as a potential source of natural plant dyes. In this study, extraction of dye was carried out in aqueous boiling method. Premordanting technique was followed using different mordants, namely alum, ferrous sulphate, tin, tannic acid, tartaric acid, and their combinations on silk fabric. Fabric samples dyed without using any mordant were then compared with the dyed samples pretreated with the mordants. The range of colors developed on dyed materials was evaluated by measuring the color values with respect to K/S values and color coordinates. It was concluded that the color values were found to be influenced by the addition of mordants, and thus different fashion hues were obtained from the same amount of dye extract using different mordants. Ferrous sulphate was found as the most influential mordant. ΔEcmc values between unmordanted (Reference dyed) and metallic mordanted fabric samples were found higher than those between unmordanted and nonmetallic mordanted fabric samples. The dyed samples were evaluated for color fastness to washing, light, drycleaning, rubbing, and perspiration. The color fastness properties were found to be satisfactory and improved in many cases. From the fastness results, it was obvious that these dyes can also be applied on silk fabric without using any mordant if required.
Recurrent Rhinosporidiosis: Coblation Assisted Surgical Resection—A Novel Approach in Management
Authors: Khan Iram , Gogia Shweta , Agarwal Alok , Swaroop Ajay
Published: December 2014

Recurrent rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease with a known tendency to reoccur. Coblation EVAC 70 is a novel surgical tool which seems to provide excellent option in management of this notorious disease. We present an interesting case and the innovative approach in its management, using Coblation system.Introduction. Rhinosporidiosis seeberi causes a chronic granulomatous disease of upper airway, usually involving the nose and nasopharynx, and has a notorious tendency to reoccur. The current line of management is surgical excision of the lesion along with cauterization of the base, which does not prevent reoccurrence of the disease.Case Presentation. A 65-year-old male resident of rural India reported a history of breathing difficulty and change in voice. Patient is a Hindu priest by profession, who according to their rituals has to take bath in local pond or river.Conclusion. Rhinosporidiosis is a difficult to treat pathology due to its tendency to reoccur. Till date the management of the disease is far from satisfactory. Coblation system which has already found its roots in otorhinolaryngology can be used as a novel tool in surgical resection of recurrent rhinosporidiosis and has added advantage of low temperature dissection along with clear surgical field due to constant suctioning.
Lyapunov-Based Controller for a Class of Stochastic Chaotic Systems
Authors: Shokouhi-Nejad Hossein , Rikhtehgar Ghiasi Amir , Pezeshki Saeed
Published: December 2014

This study presents a general control law based on Lyapunov’s direct method for a group of well-known stochastic chaotic systems. Since real chaotic systems have undesired random-like behaviors which have also been deteriorated by environmental noise, chaotic systems are modeled by exciting a deterministic chaotic system with a white noise obtained from derivative of Wiener process which eventually generates an Ito differential equation. Proposed controller not only can asymptotically stabilize these systems in mean-square sense against their undesired intrinsic properties, but also exhibits good transient response. Simulation results highlight effectiveness and feasibility of proposed controller in outperforming stochastic chaotic systems.
Image Inpainting Algorithm Based on Low‐Rank Approximation and Texture Direction
Authors: Li Jinjiang , Li Mengjun , Fan Hui
Published: December 2014

Existing image inpainting algorithm based on low‐rank matrix approximation cannot be suitable for complex, large‐scale, damaged texture image. An inpainting algorithm based on low‐rank approximation and texture direction is proposed in the paper. At first, we decompose the image using low‐rank approximation method. Then the area to be repaired is interpolated by level set algorithm, and we can reconstruct a new image by the boundary values of level set. In order to obtain a better restoration effect, we make iteration for low‐rank decomposition and level set interpolation. Taking into account the impact of texture direction, we segment the texture and make low‐rank decomposition at texture direction. Experimental results show that the new algorithm is suitable for texture recovery and maintaining the overall consistency of the structure, which can be used to repair large‐scale damaged image.
Bisphosphonate-Induced Periprosthetic Fracture: A Cause of Painful Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rahul , Spence Stephanie , O’Neill Gavin , Periasamy Kumar
Published: December 2014

Background. Cases have been reported in the literature of periprosthetic fractures associated with the use of bisphosphonates occurring in the long term following a Total Hip Replacement (THR). We report an interesting case of periprosthetic fracture secondary to bisphosphonate use only a few months after a THR.Case Report. A 72-year-old lady (on bisphosphonates for 10 years) underwent a THR for osteoarthritis. She was pain-free in the first four months postoperatively. Thereafter, she developed spontaneous onset of pain in the lateral aspect of her thigh and groin and found it difficult to weight-bear. X-rays and blood tests were unremarkable. An ultrasound and MRI scan showed no evidence of effusion/collection or periprosthetic fracture. A radionuclide bone scan showed an abnormal appearance of the right femoral shaft. A subsequent CT scan showed an oblique vertical split on the anterior surface of the upper right femoral shaft. This stress fracture was managed nonoperatively with protected weight bearing. She has progressed well with good clinical and radiological signs of fracture healing.Conclusion. This case is an important addition to our knowledge that bisphosphonate-induced periprosthetic stress fractures can be a cause of hip pain only a few months following a THR.
Type I Diabetes Mellitus: Genetic Factors and Presumptive Enteroviral Etiology or Protection
Authors: Precechtelova Jana , Borsanyiova Maria , Sarmirova Sona , Bopegamage Shubhada
Published: December 2014

We review type 1 diabetes and host genetic components, as well as epigenetics and viruses associated with type 1 diabetes, with added emphasis on the enteroviruses, which are often associated with triggering the disease. GenusEnterovirusis classified into twelve species of which seven (Enterovirus A, Enterovirus B, Enterovirus C,andEnterovirus DandRhinovirus A, Rhinovirus B,andRhinovirus C) are human pathogens. These viruses are transmitted mainly by the fecal-oral route; they may also spread via the nasopharyngeal route. Enterovirus infections are highly prevalent, but these infections are usually subclinical or cause a mild flu-like illness. However, infections caused by enteroviruses can sometimes be serious, with manifestations of meningoencephalitis, paralysis, myocarditis, and in neonates a fulminant sepsis-like syndrome. These viruses are often implicated in chronic (inflammatory) diseases as chronic myocarditis, chronic pancreatitis, and type 1 diabetes. In this review we discuss the currently suggested mechanisms involved in the viral induction of type 1 diabetes. We recapitulate current basic knowledge and definitions.
Injectivity of the Composition Operators of Étale Mappings
Authors: Peretz Ronen
Published: December 2014

Let X be a topological space. The semigroup of all the étale mappings of X (the local homeomorphisms X→X) is denoted by et(X). If G∈et(X), then the G-right (left) composition operator on et(X) is defined by RG  LG:et(X)→et(X), RGF=F∘G  (LGF=G∘F). When are the composition operators injective? The Problem originated in a new approach to study étale polynomial mappings C2→C2 and in particular the two-dimensional Jacobian conjecture. This approach constructs a fractal structure on the semigroup of the (normalized) Keller mappings and outlines a new method of a possible attack on this open problem (in preparation). The construction uses the left composition operator and the injectivity problem is essential. In this paper we will completely solve the injectivity problems of the two composition operators for (normalized) Keller mappings. We will also solve the much easier surjectivity problem of these composition operators.
Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: A Rare Cause of Fever in the Returning Traveller
Authors: Wilson Matthew R. , Milne Gordon , Vryonis Evangelos
Published: December 2014

Background.Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is typically a self-limited, benign illness which presents with fever and lymphadenopathy. It is rare in Caucasians, normally occurring in those of Asian descent. The aetiology is poorly understood, but it appears to be an autoimmune disorder with a possible infectious trigger. The clinical features are such that it is often mistaken for infectious diseases or malignancy.Case Report.Here we describe a case of a 36-year-old Asian man who presented following a recent trip to Delhi, India. He described fever, neck swelling, and arthralgia. Given his travel history an infectious cause for his presentation was presumed but multiple investigations were negative. Persistence of his symptoms led to lymph node biopsy to investigate for malignancy; surprisingly this revealed a necrotizing lymphadenitis in keeping with KFD. The patient made a full recovery with supportive treatment only.Conclusion.This case presented an opportunity to reflect on two common presenting complaints—fever in the returning traveller and unexplained lymphadenopathy. Both presentations have a wide range of aetiologies to consider. Although KFD is rare, it is an important diagnosis to make as it can prevent further expensive and invasive investigations, as well as potentially harmful treatments and psychological stress to the patient.
MetricsCloud: Scaling-Up Metrics Dissemination in Large Organizations
Authors: Staron Miroslaw , Meding Wilhelm
Published: December 2014

The evolving software development practices in modern software development companies often bring in more empowerment to software development teams. The empowered teams change the way in which software products and projects are measured and how the measures are communicated. In this paper we address the problem of dissemination of measurement information by designing a measurement infrastructure in a cloud environment. The described cloud system (MetricsCloud) utilizes file-sharing as the underlying mechanism to disseminate the measurement information at the company. Based on the types of measurement systems identified in this paper MetricsCloud realizes a set of synchronization strategies to fulfill the needs specific for these types. The results from migrating traditional, web-based, folder-sharing distribution of measurement systems to the cloud show that this type of measurement dissemination is flexible, reliable, and easy to use.
Improved Sensitization of Zinc Oxide Nanorods by Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots through Charge Induced Hydrophilic Surface Generation
Authors: Laxman Karthik , Bora Tanujjal , Al-Harthi Salim H. , Dutta Joydeep
Published: December 2014

This paper reports on UV‐mediated enhancement in the sensitization of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods, improving the charge transfer efficiency across the QD‐ZnO interface. The improvement was primarily due to the reduction in the interfacial resistance achieved via the incorporation of UV light induced surface defects on zinc oxide nanorods. The photoinduced defects were characterized by XPS, FTIR, and water contact angle measurements, which demonstrated an increase in the surface defects (oxygen vacancies) in the ZnO crystal, leading to an increase in the active sites available for the QD attachment. As a proof of concept, a model cadmium telluride (CdTe) QD solar cell was fabricated using the defect engineered ZnO photoelectrodes, which showed ∼10% increase in photovoltage and ∼66% improvement in the photocurrent compared to the defect‐free photoelectrodes. The improvement in the photocurrent was mainly attributed to the enhancement in the charge transfer efficiency across the defect rich QD‐ZnO interface, which was indicated by the higher quenching of the CdTe QD photoluminescence upon sensitization.
Technoeconomic Analysis of Ducted Wind Turbines and Their Slow Acceptance on the Market
Authors: Masukume Peace-Maker , Makaka Golden , Tinarwo David
Published: December 2014

The encasing of wind turbines in a duct to enhance performance is not new. A ducted wind turbine produces more power than an unducted wind turbine of the same parameters. A number of approaches in studying the effects of diffusers and other wind concentrating devices have been done and have resulted in a number of prototypes produced but without any commercialization. The aim of this paper is to investigate the failure of commercialization of ducted turbines. A technical and economic analysis of a ducted turbine is also presented. The work shows that traditional economic methods used to evaluate ducted wind turbines are erroneous; they do not account for external effects of power generation and individual and community benefits derived from this technology. Failure to penetrate the market is due to negative publicity as a result of the erroneous evaluation undertaken and lack of appropriate engineering techniques to protect ducted wind energy systems in extreme wind conditions.
Novel Mechanism of Macrophage-Mediated Metastasis Revealed in a Zebrafish Model of Tumor Development
Authors: Wang Jian , Cao Ziquan , Zhang Xing-Mei , Nakamura Masaki , Sun Meili , Hartman Johan , Harris Robert A. , Sun Yuping , Cao Yihai
Published: December 2014

Cancer metastasis can occur at early stages of tumor development due to facilitative alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Although imaging techniques have considerably improved our understanding of metastasis, early events remain challenging to study due to the small numbers of malignant cells involved that are often undetectable. Using a novel zebrafish model to investigate this process, we discovered that tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) acted to facilitate metastasis by binding tumor cells and mediating their intravasation. Mechanistic investigations revealed that IL6 and TNFα promoted the ability of macrophages to mediate this step. M2 macrophages were particularly potent when induced by IL4, IL10, and TGFβ. In contrast, IFNγ-lipopolysaccharide–induced M1 macrophages lacked the capability to function in the same way in the model. Confirming these observations, we found that human TAM isolated from primary breast, lung, colorectal, and endometrial cancers exhibited a similar capability in invasion and metastasis. Taken together, our work shows how zebrafish can be used to study how host contributions can facilitate metastasis at its earliest stages, and they reveal a new macrophage-dependent mechanism of metastasis with possible prognostic implications. Cancer Res; 75(2); 306–15. ©2014 AACR.
The Association of Age and Race and the Risk of Large Bowel Polyps
Authors: Wallace Kristin , Burke Carol A. , Ahnen Dennis J. , Barry Elizabeth L. , Bresalier Robert S. , Saibil Fred , Baron John A.
Published: December 2014

Background: Blacks have a higher incidence of colorectal cancer and a younger age at diagnosis compared with whites. Few studies have investigated racial differences in risk of metachronous adenomas and serrated polyps and whether this risk differs by polyp characteristics or age of patient.

Methods: We analyzed data pooled from three placebo-controlled adenoma chemoprevention trials to explore racial differences in the risk of large bowel polyps in patients ≤50 and >50 years of age. Using generalized linear regression, we estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as measures of the association between race and risk of one or more adenomas or serrated polyps after randomization.

Results: Among the 2,605 subjects who completed at least one follow-up exam, blacks ≤50 years of age had a higher risk of any conventional adenoma (RR, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.99–2.92) and advanced neoplasms (RR, 4.05; 95% CI, 1.43–11.46) and a nonsignificantly lower risk of serrated polyps (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.34–1.62) compared with whites. Among patients >50 years, there was no racial difference in risk of adenomas (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.92–1.27) or advanced neoplasms (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.71- 1.56). However, blacks had a significantly lower risk of serrated polyps (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49–0.87) than whites.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a higher risk of metachronous adenomas in blacks compared with whites at younger ages.

Impact: Our results suggest that the racial disparity in colorectal cancer incidence may be due to an excess of neoplasia in younger blacks. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(2); 448–53. ©2014 AACR.
MET Amplification Status in Therapy-Naïve Adeno- and Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Lung
Authors: Schildhaus Hans-Ulrich , Schultheis Anne M. , Rüschoff Josef , Binot Elke , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Fassunke Jana , Schulte Wolfgang , Ko Yon-Dschun , Schlesinger Andreas , Bos Marc , Gardizi Masyar , Engel-Riedel Walburga , Brockmann Michael , Serke Monika , Gerigk Ulrich , Hekmat Khosro , Frank Konrad F. , Reiser Marcel , Schulz Holger , Krüger Stefan , Stoelben Erich , Zander Thomas , Wolf Jürgen , Buettner Reinhard
Published: December 2014

Purpose: MET is a potential therapeutic target in lung cancer and both MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies have entered clinical trials. MET signaling can be activated by various mechanisms, including gene amplification. In this study, we aimed to investigate MET amplification status in adeno- and squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. We propose clearly defined amplification scores and provide epidemiologic data on MET amplification in lung cancer.

Experimental Design: We evaluated the prevalence of increased MET gene copy numbers in 693 treatment-naïve cancers by FISH, defined clear cutoff criteria, and correlated FISH results to MET IHC.

Results: Two thirds (67%) of lung cancers do not have gains in MET gene copy numbers, whereas 3% show a clear-cut high-level amplification (MET/centromer7 ratio ≥2.0 or average gene copy number per nucleus ≥6.0 or ≥10% of tumor cells containing ≥15 MET copies). The remaining cases can be subdivided into intermediate- (6%) and low-level gains (24%). Importantly, MET amplifications occur at equal frequencies in squamous and adenocarcinomas without or with EGFR or KRAS mutations.

Conclusion: MET amplification is not a mutually exclusive genetic event in therapy-naïve non–small cell lung cancer. Our data suggest that it might be useful to determine MET amplification (i) before EGFR inhibitor treatment to identify possible primary resistance to anti-EGFR treatment, and (ii) to select cases that harbor KRAS mutations additionally to MET amplification and, thus, may not benefit from MET inhibition. Furthermore, our study provides comprehensive epidemiologic data for upcoming trials with various MET inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 21(4); 907–15. ©2014 AACR.
Integrative Analysis of Head and Neck Cancer Identifies Two Biologically Distinct HPV and Three Non-HPV Subtypes
Authors: Keck Michaela K. , Zuo Zhixiang , Khattri Arun , Stricker Thomas P. , Brown Christopher D. , Imanguli Matin , Rieke Damian , Endhardt Katharina , Fang Petra , Brägelmann Johannes , DeBoer Rebecca , El-Dinali Mohamed , Aktolga Serdal , Lei Zhengdeng , Tan Patrick , Rozen Steve G. , Salgia Ravi , Weichselbaum Ralph R. , Lingen Mark W. , Story Michael D. , Ang K. Kian , Cohen Ezra E.W. , White Kevin P. , Vokes Everett E. , Seiwert Tanguy Y.
Published: December 2014

Purpose: Current classification of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) based on anatomic site and stage fails to capture biologic heterogeneity or adequately inform treatment.

Experimental Design: Here, we use gene expression-based consensus clustering, copy number profiling, and human papillomavirus (HPV) status on a clinically homogenous cohort of 134 locoregionally advanced HNSCCs with 44% HPV+ tumors together with additional cohorts, which in total comprise 938 tumors, to identify HNSCC subtypes and discover several subtype-specific, translationally relevant characteristics.

Results: We identified five subtypes of HNSCC, including two biologically distinct HPV subtypes. One HPV+ and one HPV− subtype show a prominent immune and mesenchymal phenotype. Prominent tumor infiltration with CD8+ lymphocytes characterizes this inflamed/mesenchymal subtype, independent of HPV status. Compared with other subtypes, the two HPV subtypes show low expression and no copy number events for EGFR/HER ligands. In contrast, the basal subtype is uniquely characterized by a prominent EGFR/HER signaling phenotype, negative HPV-status, as well as strong hypoxic differentiation not seen in other subtypes.

Conclusion: Our five-subtype classification provides a comprehensive overview of HPV+ as well as HPV− HNSCC biology with significant translational implications for biomarker development and personalized care for patients with HNSCC. Clin Cancer Res; 21(4); 870–81. ©2014 AACR.
The Effect of Intensive Education on Concordance with the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Recommendations in a Tertiary Referral Practice
Authors: Weaver Travers R.E. , Beaumont Paul E.
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that supplementation with their formula led to a significant decrease in progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study aims to assess the effect of different education protocols on concordance with the trial recommendations in two retinal clinics. Methods: A prospective controlled survey of concordance with the AREDS recommendations in two retinal clinics was administered to 330 patients with AREDS category 3 or 4 AMD. The results were evaluated to assess the effect of differing levels of patient education. In clinic 1, there was a formal policy of giving the patient both verbal and written instructions and verbal repetition of these instructions from each staff member on each patient visit; in clinic 2, there was no specific education policy. Results: Clinic 1 had a concordance rate of 81.6% and clinic 2 of 44.1%. There were no significant differences in the patient demographics between the two clinics. Conclusion: A high concordance rate can be achieved in clinical practice with rigorous patient education that includes a policy of having continual repetition of instructions.
Effect of Intraperitoneal Curcumin Instillation on Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesions
Authors: Türkoğlu Ahmet , Gül Mesut , Yuksel Hatice Kurt , Alabalik Ulas , Ülger Burak Veli , Uslukaya Omer , Avci Yahya
Published: December 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of curcumin on adhesion formation in a rat cecum abrasion model. Materials and Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were randomized into three groups; the control group received saline, the curcumin group received 10 mg/kg of curcumin after cecal abrasion, and in the sham group the abdominal wall was closed without any abrasion to the cecum. On day 15, adhesions were assessed blindly using a standardized scale, and histopathological samples were taken and examined. Results: There were no incisional hernias or wound dehiscences in any animals of the three groups. A comparison of adhesion scores showed a significant difference between the curcumin (median = 1) and the control group (median = 2; p < 0.05). The grade of inflammation of the curcumin (median = 1) and the sham (median = 0) group was significantly lower than that of the control group (median = 3; p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Hydroxyproline levels were significantly lower in the sham (48.3 ± 11.8 µg/mg) and the curcumin (63.8 ± 13.9 µg/mg) group compared to the control group (85.7 ± 22.1 µg/mg; p < 0.05). Conclusion: These data suggest that curcumin, administered intraperitoneally, was effective in the prevention of peritoneal adhesion formation.
Clinical Endpoint, Early Detection, and Differential Diagnosis of Postoperative Ileus: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Wu Zhouqiao , Boersema Geesien S.A. , Dereci Adem , Menon Anand G. , Jeekel Johannes , Lange Johan F.
Published: December 2014

Background: This systematic review summarizes evidence regarding clinical endpoints, early detection, and differential diagnosis of postoperative ileus (POI). Methods: Using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web-of-Science, we identified 2,084 articles. Risk of bias and level of evidence (LOE) of the included articles were determined, and relevant results were summarized. Results: Eleven articles were included, most of which with substantial risks of bias. Bowel motility studies revealed that defecation together with solid food tolerance is the most representative clinical endpoint of POI (LOE: 2b); other clinical signs (e.g. bowel sounds, passage of flatus) did not correlate with a full recovery of bowel motility. Inflammatory parameters including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, and TNF-α might assist in an early detection of prolonged POI (LOE: 4). Clinical manifestations (e.g. nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, bowel sounds, flatus) and X-ray examinations provided limited aid to the differential diagnosis of POI, while CT with Gastrografin had the best specificity and sensitivity (both 100%; LOE: 1c). Conclusions: Postoperative defecation together with tolerance of solid food intake seems to be the best clinical endpoint of POI. CT has the best differential diagnostic value between POI and other complications. Prospective studies with a high LOE are in great need. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Targeted Antioxidant Treatment Decreases Cardiac Alternans Associated With Chronic Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Plummer Bradley N. , Liu Haiyan , Wan Xiaoping , Deschênes Isabelle , Laurita Kenneth R.
Published: December 2014

Background—

In myocardial infarction (MI), repolarization alternans is a potent arrhythmia substrate that has been linked to Ca
2+
cycling proteins, such as sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATPase (SERCA2a), located in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. MI is also associated with oxidative stress and increased xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, an important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum that may reduce SERCA2a function. We hypothesize that in chronic MI, XO-mediated oxidation of SERCA2a is a mechanism of cardiac alternans.

Methods and Results—

Male Lewis rats underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (n=54) or sham procedure (n=24). At 4 weeks, optical mapping of intracellular Ca
2+
and ROS was performed. ECG T-wave alternans (ECG ALT) and Ca
2+
transient alternans (Ca
2+
ALT) were induced by rapid pacing (300–120 ms) before and after the XO inhibitor allopurinol (ALLO, 50 µmol/L). In MI, ECG ALT (2.32±0.41%) and Ca
2+
ALT (22.3±4.5%) were significantly greater compared with sham (0.18±0.08%,
P
<0.001; 0.79±0.32%,
P
<0.01). Additionally, ROS was increased by 137% (
P
<0.01) and oxidation of SERCA2a by 30% (
P
<0.05) in MI compared with sham. Treatment with ALLO significantly decreased ECG ALT (−77±9%,
P
<0.05) and Ca
2+
ALT (−56±7%,
P
<0.05) and, importantly, reduced ROS (−65%,
P
<0.01) and oxidation of SERCA2a (−38%,
P
<0.05). CaMKII inhibition and general antioxidant treatment had no effect on ECG ALT and Ca
2+
ALT.

Conclusions—

These results demonstrate, for the first time, that in MI, increased ROS from XO is a significant cause of repolarization alternans. This suggests that targeting XO ROS production may be effective at preventing arrhythmia substrates in chronic MI.
Long-Term Effect of Fee-For-Service–Based Reimbursement Cuts on Processes and Outcomes of Care for Stroke
Authors: Tung Yu-Chi , Chang Guann-Ming , Cheng Shou-Hsia
Published: December 2014

Background—

As healthcare spending continues to increase, reimbursement cuts have become 1 type of healthcare reform to contain costs. Little is known about the long-term impact of cuts in reimbursement, especially under a global budget cap with fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursement, on processes and outcomes of care. The FFS-based reimbursement cuts have been implemented since July 2002 in Taiwan. We examined the long-term association of FFS-based reimbursement cuts with trends in processes and outcomes of care for stroke.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed all 411 487 patients with stroke admitted to general acute care hospitals in Taiwan during the period 1997 to 2010 through Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. We used a quasi-experimental design with quarterly measures of healthcare utilization and outcomes and used segmented autoregressive integrated moving average models for the analysis. After accounting for secular trends and other confounders, the implementation of the FFS-based reimbursement cuts was associated with trend changes in computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scanning (0.31% per quarter;
P
=0.013), antiplatelet/anticoagulant use (−0.20% per quarter;
P
<0.001), statin use (0.18% per quarter;
P
=0.027), physiotherapy/occupational therapy assessment (0.25% per quarter;
P
<0.001), and 30-day mortality (0.06% per quarter;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

There are improvement trends in processes and outcomes of care over time. However, the reimbursement cuts from the FFS-based global budget cap are associated with trend changes in processes and outcomes of care for stroke. The FFS-based reimbursement cuts may have long-term positive and negative associations with stroke care.
Frontal Networks Associated With Command Following After Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Mikell Charles B. , Banks Garrett P. , Frey Hans-Peter , Youngerman Brett E. , Nelp Taylor B. , Karas Patrick J. , Chan Andrew K. , Voss Henning U. , Connolly E. Sander , Claassen Jan
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

Level of consciousness is frequently assessed by command-following ability in the clinical setting. However, it is unclear what brain circuits are needed to follow commands. We sought to determine what networks differentiate command following from noncommand following patients after hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods—

Structural MRI, resting-state functional MRI, and electroencephalography were performed on 25 awake and unresponsive patients with acute intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Structural injury was assessed via volumetric T1-weighted MRI analysis. Functional connectivity differences were analyzed against a template of standard resting-state networks. The default mode network (DMN) and the task-positive network were investigated using seed-based functional connectivity. Networks were interrogated by pairwise coherence of electroencephalograph leads in regions of interest defined by functional MRI.

Results—

Functional imaging of unresponsive patients identified significant differences in 6 of 16 standard resting-state networks. Significant voxels were found in premotor cortex, dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus, and supplementary motor area. Direct interrogation of the DMN and task-positive network revealed loss of connectivity between the DMN and the orbitofrontal cortex and new connections between the task-positive network and DMN. Coherence between electrodes corresponding to right executive network and visual networks was also decreased in unresponsive patients.

Conclusions—

Resting-state functional MRI and electroencephalography coherence data support a model in which multiple, chiefly frontal networks are required for command following. Loss of DMN anticorrelation with task-positive network may reflect a loss of inhibitory control of the DMN by motor-executive regions. Frontal networks should thus be a target for future investigations into the mechanism of responsiveness in the intensive care unit environment.
Understanding Canada’s Lack of Progress in Implementing the un Convention on the Rights of the Child
Authors: White Linda A.
Published: December 2014

This article reviews theunCommittee on the Rights of the Child’s 2012 concluding observations regarding Canada’s progress in implementing theunConvention on the Rights of the Child. It examines theunCommittee’s criticisms about the pace of Canada’s progress, and examines in particular the Committee’s claim that the main problems in implementing the Convention are intergovernmental. It concurs with the Committee’s diagnosis of the problem as one of coordination, which manifests particularly in areas of law and policy where provincial governments maintain jurisdictional authority but the federal government maintains the greater fiscal levers. The article analyses the possibilities of resolving these children’s rights and public policy challenges, drawing on two illustrative cases: efforts to expand early childhood education programmes in Canada and efforts to improve Aboriginal education, particularly on reserves.
Children’s Rights – a Defence of Hartian Will Theory
Authors: Ross Hamish
Published: December 2014

This paper seeks to outline a framework for conceptualising children’s rights taking the central notion of empowerment underpinning Hartian will theory as its governing principle. At the same time it explores how factors such as the particular environments that children inhabit may operate to disempower children in a context in which rights are otherwise to be viewed in terms of Hartian will theory as empowering. An essential preliminary to the adoption of this approach is to challenge the interpretation of Hartian will theory (such as Neil MacCormick’s) that appears to suggest that children cannot have legal rights. It is argued that that interpretation of Hartian will theory is misconceived. It is also maintained (and this is argued to follow from the first misconception) that it is misconceived to hold that the weight of evidence of the existence of children’s rights – the undeniable existence of rights conferred upon children in both the domestic and international arenas – falsifies Hartian will theory as thus interpreted.
The Child’s Voice in Adoption Proceedings
Authors: Fenton-Glynn Claire
Published: December 2014

The right of the child to be heard in adoption proceedings flows directly from the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by almost every country in the world. In this paper, the interpretation of this principle across European jurisdictions will be analysed, both in terms of children who are old enough to make a determinative decision concerning their future, and those who are younger yet still possess the right to be heard. The wide variety of practices in Europe highlight the lack of progress in this field of law, which is not assisted by the conservative jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.
Crocus yaseminiae (Iridaceae) a new species from South Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Erol Osman , Can Levent , Küçüker Orhan
Published: December 2014

Crocus yaseminiae is described as a new species from Alanya province in South Anatolia. A short literature history of the closely related taxon Crocus isauricus Siehe ex Bowles (≡ Crocus biflorus subsp. isauricus (Siehe ex Bowles) Mathew) is given together with a lectotypification of its name, and a discussion of the type specimen and locus classicus. Diagnostic characters were discussed of the taxa belonging to the “isauricus group” (C. biflorus subsp. isauricus, C. roseoviolaceus, C. mersinensis, C. taseliensis, and C. karamanensis). Fenugreek scented flowers are reported for the first time for the genus.
God's Babies
Authors: McKeown John
Published: December 2014

The human population's annual total consumption is not sustainable by one planet. This unprecedented situation calls for a reformation in religious cultures that promote a large ideal family size. Many observers assume that Christianity is inevitably part of this problem because it promotes "family values" and statistically, in America and elsewhere, has a higher birthrate than nonreligious people. This book explores diverse ideas about human reproduction in the church past and present. It investigates an extreme fringe of U.S. Protestantism, including the Quiverfull movement, that use Old Testament "fruitful" verses to support natalist ideas explicitly promoting higher fecundity. It also challenges the claim by some natalists that Martin Luther in the 16th century advocated similar ideas. This book argues that natalism is inappropriate as a Christian application of Scripture, especially since rich populations’ total footprints are detrimental to biodiversity and to human welfare. It explores the ancient cultural context of the Bible verses quoted by natalists. Challenging the assumption that religion normally promotes fecundity, the book finds surprising exceptions among early Christians (with a special focus on Saint Augustine) since they advocated spiritual fecundity in preference to biological fecundity. Finally the book uses a hermeneutic lens derived from Genesis 1, and prioritising the modern problem of biodiversity, to provide ecological interpretations of the Bible's "fruitful" verses.