bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Diagnosis of Rotor Vibration Fault Using Process Power Spectrum Entropy and Support Vector Machine Method
Authors: Fei Cheng-Wei , Bai Guang-Chen , Tang Wen-Zhong , Ma Shuang
Published: March 2014

To improve the diagnosis capacity of rotor vibration fault in stochastic process, an effective fault diagnosis method (named Process Power Spectrum Entropy (PPSE) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) (PPSE-SVM, for short) method) was proposed. The fault diagnosis model of PPSE-SVM was established by fusing PPSE method and SVM theory. Based on the simulation experiment of rotor vibration fault, process data for four typical vibration faults (rotor imbalance, shaft misalignment, rotor-stator rubbing, and pedestal looseness) were collected under multipoint (multiple channels) and multispeed. By using PPSE method, the PPSE values of these data were extracted as fault feature vectors to establish the SVM model of rotor vibration fault diagnosis. From rotor vibration fault diagnosis, the results demonstrate that the proposed method possesses high precision, good learning ability, good generalization ability, and strong fault-tolerant ability (robustness) in four aspects of distinguishing fault types, fault severity, fault location, and noise immunity of rotor stochastic vibration. This paper presents a novel method (PPSE-SVM) for rotor vibration fault diagnosis and real-time vibration monitoring. The presented effort is promising to improve the fault diagnosis precision of rotating machinery like gas turbine.
Evaluation of Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging Quantification, a New Shear Wave Velocity Imaging Method, for Breast Lesion Assessment by Ultrasound
Authors: Golatta Michael , Schweitzer-Martin Mirjam , Harcos Aba , Schott Sarah , Gomez Christina , Stieber Anne , Rauch Geraldine , Domschke Christoph , Rom Joachim , Schütz Florian , Sohn Christof , Heil Jörg
Published: March 2014

Objectives. To evaluate virtual touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ) as a new elastography method concerning its intra- and interexaminer reliability and its ability to differentiate benign from malignant breast lesions in comparison to and in combination with ultrasound (US) B-mode breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) assessment.Materials and Methods. US and VTIQ were performed by two examiners in 103 women with 104 lesions. Intra- and interexaminer reliability of VTIQ was assessed. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of BIRADS, VTIQ, and combined data were compared.Results. Fifty-four of 104 lesions were malignant. Intraexaminer reliability was consistent, and interexaminer agreement showed a strong positive correlation (r=0.93). The mean VTIQ values in malignant lesions were significantly higher than those in benign (7.73 m/s ± 1.02 versus 4.46 m/s ± 1.87;P<0.0001). The combination of US-BIRADS with the optimal cut-off for clinical decision making of 5.18 m/s yielded a sensitivity of 98%, specificity of 82%, PPV of 86%, and NPV of 98%. The combination of BIRADS and VTIQ led to improved test validity.Conclusion. VTIQ is highly reliable and reproducible. There is a significant difference regarding the mean maximum velocity of benign and malignant lesions. Adding VTIQ to BIRADS assessment improves the specificity.
The Effect of the Kampo Medicine Yokukansan on Preoperative Anxiety and Sedation Levels
Authors: Arai Young-Chang , Kawanishi Jun , Sakakima Yoshikazu , Sueoka Satoshi , Ito Akihiro , Tawada Yusuke , Maruyama Yuki , Banno Shinya , Takayama Hitomi , Nishihara Makoto , Kawai Takashi , Ikemoto Tatsunori
Published: March 2014

Background. Preoperative anxiety can lead to unfavorable physiological response such as tachycardia and hypertension. Prevention of preoperative anxiety improves surgical outcome and decreases inpatient stay. Yokukansan is one of prescriptions in Kampo, traditional Japanese herbal medicine, and is known to exert anxiolytic effects. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of diazepam and Yokukansan on preoperative anxiety, salivary amylase activity, and sedation levels. Methods. Seventy American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II patients presenting for hemicolectomy under general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia were enrolled. The Diazepam group received diazepam 5 mg orally and the Yokukansan group received Yokukansan 2.5 g orally. Results. Although levels of anxiety and salivary amylase activity were not different between the two groups, the modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale of the Yokukansan group was significantly higher compared to that of the Diazepam group. Conclusion. Yokukansan alleviated preoperative anxiety without undesirable sedation, when compared with diazepam.
Rapamycin Regulates iTreg Function through CD39 and Runx1 Pathways
Authors: Lu Yunjie , Wang Jirong , Gu Jian , Lu Hao , Li Xiangcheng , Qian Xiaofeng , Liu Xiaoshan , Wang Xuehao , Zhang Feng , Lu Ling
Published: March 2014

It has been shown that rapamycin is able to significantly increase the expression of FoxP3 and suppress activity in induced Treg (iTreg) cellsin vivoandin vitro. CD39 is a newly determined Treg marker that relates to cell suppression. Runx1, a regulator of FoxP3, controls the expression of adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene, which is found recently in the downstream of CD39 pathway in trophoblast cells. Whether rapamycin would influence CD39 pathway and regulate the expression of Runx1 remains to be determined. The addition of rapamycin to human CD4+naïve cells in the presence of IL-2, TGF-βpromotes the expression of FoxP3. In this paper, we found that CD39 positively correlated with the FoxP3 expression in iTreg cells. Rapamycin induced iTreg cells showed a stronger CD39/Runx1 expression with the enhanced suppressive function. These data suggested that CD39 expression was involved in iTreg generation and the enhanced suppressive ability of rapamycin induced Treg was partly due to Runx1 pathway. We conclude that rapamycin favors CD39/Runx1 expression in human iTreg and provides a novel insight into the mechanisms of iTreg generation enhanced by rapamycin.
ABCA1 rs1883025 Polymorphism Shows No Association with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration or Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy in a Northern Chinese Population
Authors: Li Fangting , Li Yingjie , Li Mingwu , Sun Yaoyao , Bai Yujing , Yang Fei , Guo Jing , Chen Yi , Huang Lvzhen , Li Xiaoxin
Published: March 2014

Purpose: To analyze the association between ABCA1 rs1883025 variants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in a northern Chinese population. Methods: The study enrolled 900 subjects, including 300 controls, 300 cases with nAMD and 300 cases with PCV. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood leukocytes. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the ABCA1 (rs1883025) gene were genotyped by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Results: The ABCA1 rs1883025 polymorphism was not significantly associated with nAMD (22.5%; p > 0.05) or PCV (20.8%; p > 0.05) in a northern Chinese population. The association remained insignificant after adjustment for age and gender differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that ABCA1 rs1883025 variants are not associated with nAMD or PCV in a Chinese population, which is likely due to an ethnic difference.
Validity of Self-Reported versus Hospital-Coded Diagnosis of Stroke: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study
Authors: Jamrozik Euzebiusz , Hyde Zoë , Alfonso Helman , Flicker Leon , Almeida Osvaldo , Yeap Bu , Norman Paul , Hankey Graeme , Jamrozik Konrad
Published: March 2014

Background: Population-based studies, as well as clinicians, often rely on self-report and hospital records to obtain a history of stroke. This study aimed to compare the validity of the diagnosis of stroke by self-report and by hospital coding according to their cross-sectional association with prevalent vascular risk factors, and longitudinal association with recurrent stroke and major cardiovascular outcomes in a large cohort of older Australian men. Methods: Between 1996 and 1999, 11,745 older men were surveyed for a self-reported history of stroke as part of the Health in Men Study (HIMS). Previous hospitalization for stroke was obtained with consent from linked medical records via the Western Australian Data Linkage System (WADLS). Subjects were followed by WADLS until December 31, 2010, for hospitalization for stroke, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. The primary outcome was hospitalisation for stroke during follow-up. Secondary outcomes included incident vascular events and composite vascular endpoints. Results: At baseline, a history of stroke was reported by 903 men (7.7%), previous hospitalisation for stroke was recorded in 717 (6.1%), both self-report and hospitalisation in 467 (4.0%), and no history of stroke in 10,696 men (91.1%). Prevalent cardiovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease were more common among men with previous hospitalisation for stroke than a history of self-reported stroke (p < 0.001). In longitudinal analyses, incident aortic aneurysm was also more common among men with baseline history of hospitalization for stroke (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.71, 95% CI 1.12-2.60) than among men with self-reported stroke (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.56-1.36) compared to men with no history of stroke. With regard to the primary outcome, the rate of hospitalisation for stroke during follow-up was significantly higher among men with self-reported stroke (HR 2.44, 95% CI 2.03-2.94), hospital-coded stroke (adjusted HR 3.02, 2.42-3.78) and both self-reported and hospital-coded stroke (adjusted HR 3.33, 2.82-3.92) compared to participants with no previous stroke. Time to recurrent stroke was similar among different methods of initial stroke diagnosis (p = 0.067). Conclusions: Self-reported stroke and hospital-coded stroke have a similar prognostic value for predicting the risk of recurrent stroke. This supports the use of these ways of assessing a history of stroke for the clinical purposes of secondary prevention and for further epidemiological studies.
Intravascular Lymphomatosis Mimicking Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Oomura Masahiro , Sakakibara Noriyuki , Suzuki Shugo , Wakita Atsushi , Mori Yuji , Kamimoto Kaoru
Published: March 2014

We herein report a 75-year-old female patient with intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL) who presented with fever of unknown origin. Examination, including contrast-enhanced CT and 67Ga scintigraphy, failed to show any lesions. Her blood levels of lactate dehydrogenase and soluble interleukin-2 receptors were high, suggesting a lymphomatous tumor. A bone marrow puncture was negative, and a random skin biopsy revealed a monoclonal proliferation of naked, large lymphocytes in the vascular space of the subcutaneous tissue, confirming the diagnosis of IVL. MRI, performed 7 weeks after admission, showed a brain mass mimicking primary central nervous system lymphoma. The mass was considered to be a collection of malignant lymphocyte cells invading from the vessels. Without the random skin biopsy, this case may have been misdiagnosed as primary central nervous system lymphoma.
Short-Term Memory Capacity in Networks via the Restricted Isometry Property
Authors: Charles Adam S. , Yap Han Lun , Rozell Christopher J.
Published: March 2014

Cortical networks are hypothesized to rely on transient network activity to support short-term memory (STM). In this letter, we study the capacity of randomly connected recurrent linear networks for performing STM when the input signals are approximately sparse in some basis. We leverage results from compressed sensing to provide rigorous nonasymptotic recovery guarantees, quantifying the impact of the input sparsity level, the input sparsity basis, and the network characteristics on the system capacity. Our analysis demonstrates that network memory capacities can scale superlinearly with the number of nodes and in some situations can achieve STM capacities that are much larger than the network size. We provide perfect recovery guarantees for finite sequences and recovery bounds for infinite sequences. The latter analysis predicts that network STM systems may have an optimal recovery length that balances errors due to omission and recall mistakes. Furthermore, we show that the conditions yielding optimal STM capacity can be embodied in several network topologies, including networks with sparse or dense connectivities.
Adaptive Multiclass Classification for Brain Computer Interfaces
Authors: Llera A. , Gómez V. , Kappen H. J.
Published: March 2014

We consider the problem of multiclass adaptive classification for brain-computer interfaces and propose the use of multiclass pooled mean linear discriminant analysis (MPMLDA), a multiclass generalization of the adaptation rule introduced by Vidaurre, Kawanabe, von Bünau, Blankertz, and Müller ( 2010 ) for the binary class setting. Using publicly available EEG data sets and tangent space mapping (Barachant, Bonnet, Congedo, & Jutten, 2012 ) as a feature extractor, we demonstrate that MPMLDA can significantly outperform state-of-the-art multiclass static and adaptive methods. Furthermore, efficient learning rates can be achieved using data from different subjects.
Aracia sinaloae sp. n., a new brooding, simultaneous hermaphroditic fan worm from southern Gulf of California (Polychaeta: Sabellidae)
Authors: TOVAR-HERNÁNDEZ MARÍA ANA
Published: March 2014

Currently, only two species are known in the sabellid genus Aracia: A. riwo (Rouse, 1996) and A. heterobranchiata (Nogueira, López & Rossi, 2004). The first was described from the surface of a Teredo-riddled log lying in 1 m of water among mangrove roots, in Papua (New Guinea), whilst the second was found on an organically enriched beach at São Sebastião (Brazil). In this contribution, a third species of Aracia is described from settling panels and red mangrove roots in an estuarine system located in southern Gulf of California (Mexico). The new species is a simultaneous hermaphrodite and brooder, unique in the presence of a rectangular ventral shield on the collar, shorter than those in posterior thoracic segments; and a high number of rows of teeth in thoracic and abdominal uncini, covering from one-half to three-quarters of the main fang length. Information about color patterns in live specimens, glandular patterns, and reproduction is provided.
Revision of Mani's Figitidae types (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea)
Authors: FORSHAGE MATTIAS , BAIÃO GUILHERME COSTA
Published: March 2014

Figitid wasps are still a poorly known group, with a major part of the species diversity undescribed, and complete uncertainty about the identity of a large part of the available names.
Land–Sea Thermal Contrast and Intensity of the North American Monsoon under Climate Change Conditions
Authors: Torres-Alavez Abraham , Cavazos Tereza , Turrent Cuauhtemoc
Published: March 2014

The hypothesis that global warming during the twenty-first century will increase the land–sea thermal contrast (LSTC) and therefore the intensity of early season precipitation of the North American monsoon (NAM) is examined. To test this hypothesis, future changes (2075–99 minus 1979–2004 means) in LSTC, moisture flux convergence (MFC), vertical velocity, and precipitation in the region are analyzed using six global climate models (GCMs) from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) emission scenario. A surface LSTC index shows that the continent becomes warmer than the ocean in May in the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) and ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and in June in the mean ensemble of the GCMs (ens_GCMs), and the magnitude of the positive LSTC is greater in the reanalyses than in the ens_GCMs during the historic period. However, the reanalyses underestimate July–August precipitation in the NAM region, while the ens_GCMs reproduces the peak season surprisingly well but overestimates it the rest of the year. The future ens_GCMs projects a doubling of the magnitude of the positive surface LSTC and an earlier start of the continental summer warming in mid-May. Contrary to the stated hypothesis, however, the mean projection suggests a slight decrease of monsoon coastal precipitation during June–August (JJA), which is attributed to increased midtropospheric subsidence, a reduced midtropospheric LSTC, and reduced MFC in the NAM coastal region. In contrast, the future ens_GCMs produces increased MFC and precipitation over the adjacent mountains during JJA and significantly more rainfall over the entire NAM region during September–October, weakening the monsoon retreat.
O2 and OH Night Airglow Emission Derived from GOMOS-Envisat Instrument
Authors: Bellisario Christophe , Keckhut Philippe , Blanot Laurent , Hauchecorne Alain , Simoneau Pierre
Published: March 2014

Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of Stars (GOMOS) was an instrument dedicated to the study of atmospheric chemistry based on the principle of stellar occultation. The signals delivered by the IR spectrometer coupled with two CCD detectors, initially used for absorption measurements, were analyzed in order to observe the night airglow resulting from O2 and OH emissions at 761.9 and 930 nm, respectively. The method to retrieve those emissions is described as well as the error analysis. The results of this first attempt are presented and discussed with respect to instrument characteristics, earth coverage, altitude resolution, and the ability of GOMOS data to contribute to night airglow investigations. Mean limb intensities are equal to 28.9 and 7.7 MR for O2 at 760 nm and OH at 930 nm, respectively. Individual O2 emissions are retrieved with an accuracy better than 15%, while the OH emission, which provides smaller intensities, is retrieved with an accuracy of 10% for the monthly average.
New Predictors and a Statistical Forecast Model for Mei-Yu Onset Date in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Valley
Authors: Hu Yijia , Zhu Yimin , Zhong Zhong , Ha Yao
Published: March 2014

The prediction of mei-yu onset date (MOD) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley (MLYRV) is an important and challenging task for those making seasonal climate predictions in China. In this paper, the atmospheric and oceanic conditions in the preceding winter and spring related to MOD are analyzed. It is found that the MOD is associated with the intensity of the Ural high and the East Asian trough in high latitudes, with the intensity of the upper-level westerly jet in middle latitudes, and with the contrast of land–sea temperature and pressure in the preceding winter and spring, which are proxies for the intensity of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM). It is suggested that the intensity of the EAWM is the most crucial factor affecting the MOD. Years with an early MOD usually correspond to strong EAWMs in the preceding winter, and vice versa. The EAWM can affect the MOD by influencing the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) through tropical ocean–atmosphere and tropical–extratropical interactions. Based on the above analysis, a physics-based statistical forecast model is established using multivariable linear regression techniques. The hindcast of MOD during the 13 yr from 1998 to 2010 is carried out to evaluate the performance of this forecast model. The MOD can be predicted successfully in 8 out of the 13 yr. The forecast model predicts the MOD in the years with strong mei-yu intensity more accurately than in those with weak mei-yu intensity, especially for cases of extreme flooding. This is useful in the prevention of flooding disasters.
The weight of words: the freedom of expression debate in Norway
Authors: Bangstad Sindre
Published: March 2014

A confluence of interests and forces among Norwegian political, media and legal elites since the Rushdie affair and the ‘Mohammed cartoon crisis’ have created conditions in which minority protections against racist and discriminatory speech as guaranteed by Norwegian law, and Norwegian obligations under international law, have been rendered all but ineffective – in the name of stronger protections for freedom of expression. In the event, Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism have not only often gone unchallenged, but have been amplified and disseminated both through the extreme rightwing presence on the internet, and in mainstream and respected Norwegian print media. The ideology of Anders Breivik, perpetrator of the massacre of 22/7/2011, was not isolated, but forms part of a larger and by many accounts growing phenomenon. Successive government commissions on freedom of expression in Norway have only exacerbated this tendency. This article explores the philosophical and political underpinnings of the freedom of expression debate in Norway and warns about the threat to liberal democracy and equal citizenship from the sanitising and mainstreaming of virulent far-right racism and extremism.
Anti-fascism or anti-extremism?
Authors: Fekete Liz
Published: March 2014

Anti-extremism frameworks, now utilised in policy and academic circles, are masking the multi-dimensional and pan-European nature of contemporary fascism and the role of the state. The author argues that the threat of fascist violence across Europe is now very great. Yet anti-fascists are being prevented both by the new narratives on cumulative extremism, which tend to equate threats including those from Right and Left, and by state security policies from developing the necessary democratic oppositions to the threat.
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions campaign: contradictions and challenges
Authors: McMahon Sean F.
Published: March 2014

This article analyses the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. First, it adumbrates the emergence and emphases of the BDS campaign. Then, it explains the BDS tactics, particularly the boycott measure. Next, it highlights some of the contradictions surrounding the campaign. The article closes by identifying the campaign’s power and promise in its transgression of limits of the discourse of Palestinian-Israeli politics. More specifically, the campaign is powerful because it is a networked contestation of the discursive rules that require a symmetry be posited between Palestinians and Israel, Israel be represented as sui generis, and the relationship be temporally delimited to 1967.
Homeland Security Inc.: public order, private profit
Authors: Alimahomed Sabrina
Published: March 2014

The ‘war on terror’ has ushered in a domestic Homeland Security State – one of the fastest growing and privatised areas in US government. The author reveals the way that individuals from government are free to link to private businesses and go back to government. She argues that a decade of information collection and internal surveillance have not so much prevented terror attacks at home as alienated whole Muslim and Arab communities that are under scrutiny. And the involvement of the private sector in federal programmes now puts their human rights at risk.
The Left and political renewal in Latin America: an interview with Roberto Regalado
Authors: Harris Jerry
Published: March 2014

In this interview, Roberto Regalado discusses changes in Cuba, influences of the Soviet model, and the need for alternative forms of democratic development. He offers an overview on the history of Latin American revolutionary efforts, the new social movements, and their political impact on the thinking of traditional left parties. Regalado also reflects on the difficulties and opportunities of left and progressive governments in power and the balance of continental forces.
Rightwing extremism in Serbia
Authors: Dzombic Jelena
Published: March 2014

This piece takes stock of the current activities and influence of Serbia’s far Right, which inherited the extreme nationalism that informed Milošević and the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s. That such nationalism was never fully driven from Serbia’s social and political life has led to the tacit support of fascist ideals in sections of the police, the Serbian Orthodox Church and certain government spokespeople. Violent attacks on LGBT and Roma communities and human rights violations are compounded by the state’s lack of response. The author explores the dominant political climate that fails to recognise the threat from the far Right and equates its political extremism with that of groups campaigning to protect human rights.
Recruitment of participants to a multiple sclerosis trial: The CombiRx experience
Authors: Bhanushali Minal J , Gustafson Tarah , Powell Steve , Conwit Robin A , Wolinsky Jerry S , Cutter Gary R , Lublin Fred D , Cofield Stacey S
Published: March 2014

Background and purpose

Participant recruitment is central to all clinical trials. Any delay in recruitment affects the completion and ultimate success of the trial. We report our experience with patient screening and randomization in CombiRx, which may inform the design of other trials. CombiRx was a multicenter, phase III, double-blind, randomized clinical trial comparing the combined use of interferon beta-1a and glatiramer acetate to either agent alone in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This trial was launched in January 2005 in 69 centers in the United States and Canada under a co-operative agreement with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The goal was to recruit 1000 patients over 1.5 years after a 6-month start-up period. Instead, the investigators required 4.25 years to enroll 1008 patients.

Methods

During this trial, we assessed the effectiveness of various recruitment strategies, utility of rescreening prior screen failures, and potential factors and strategies used in study conduct, research, and infrastructure, all of which affected recruitment of participants and ultimately time to completion of CombiRx. We particularly were interested in the variability in time to site initiation between academic centers and private practice sites.

Results

Physicians who were directly involved in the medical care of patients with RRMS were the primary source of patients recruited to CombiRx. A flexible study design that allowed for rescreening of the initial screen failures after a period of time was useful due to the relapsing/remitting course of the disease. Academic centers took longer to implement the trial than the private practice centers, but once sites were approved for enrollment, there was no important difference in the number of participants enrolled.

Limitations

The CombiRx trial was conducted during a period when multiple new medications were being tested, thus affecting the pace of recruitment and limiting ability to generalize our experiences. However, the lessons we learned about process are relevant.

Conclusion

Participants can be enrolled successfully in a clinical trial for RRMS, but factors affecting the time to achieve the requirements needed to start screening can be unpredictable and problematic. Prospective planning by the sponsors and investigators, use of central institutional review boards (IRBs), master trial agreements and secure remote desktop access to the trial database may expedite trial implementation and participant recruitment. A good scientific research question with flexible study design and active involvement of the clinicians are important factors driving recruitment. Clinical trials can be implemented successfully both in private practices and at academic centers, a consideration when selecting sites.
Enrollment of racially/ethnically diverse participants in traumatic brain injury trials: Effect of availability of exception from informed consent
Authors: Yamal Jose-Miguel , Robertson Claudia S , Rubin M Laura , Benoit Julia S , Hannay H Julia , Tilley Barbara C
Published: March 2014

Background

The Final Rule regulations were developed to allow exception from informed consent (EFIC) to enable clinical trial research in emergency settings where major barriers exist for informed consent. There is little known evidence of the effect of the Final Rule in minority enrollment in clinical trials, particularly in traumatic brain injury (TBI) trials. A clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke was conducted to study the effects of erythropoietin on cerebral vascular dysfunction and anemia in subjects with TBI. There were periods of time when EFIC was and was not available for enrollment into the study.

Purpose

To explore the effect of EFIC availability on TBI trial enrollment of minority versus non-minority subjects.

Methods

Minority status of screened (n = 289) and enrolled (n = 191) TBI subjects was determined for this study. We tested for the presence of a minority and EFIC availability interaction in a multiple logistic regression model after controlling for EFIC and minority group main effects and other covariates.

Results

An interaction between the availability of EFIC minority and non-minority enrollment was not detected (odds ratio = 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.29–5.16).

Limitations

Our study was conducted at a single site, and the CI for the EFIC and minority interaction term was wide. Therefore, a small interaction effect cannot be ruled out.

Conclusion

EFIC increased the odds of being enrolled regardless of minority status.
Internal residual stress measurement on inertia friction welding of nickel-based superalloy
Authors: Liu C. , Zhu H-Y. , Dong C-L.
Published: March 2014

The internal residual stress in the narrow inertia friction welding (IFW) welds of FGH96 nickel-based superalloy was measured with the contour method (CM). The as-welded internal hoop and axial residual stresses were obtained after two cuts and the detailed steps of the CM measurement were described. In addition, the hole-drilling method was used to obtain the surface stress. Furthermore, the internal hoop residual stress of a FGH96 superalloy IFW specimen after post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) was also measured with the CM after a single cut. The measured results show that the peak hoop residual stress is not symmetrical about the weld centreline. Axial residual stress on the outer surface at the weld centreline is compressive stress, while tensile stress appears on the inner surface, and it varies linearly along the thickness. The peak values of hoop tensile and compressive stresses decrease dramatically after PWHT.
mAChRs activation induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition on lung epithelial cells
Authors: Yang Kai , Song Yun , Tang Ya-Bing , Xu Zu-Peng , Zhou Wei , Hou Li-Na , Zhu Liang , Yu Zhi-Hua , Chen Hong-Zhuan , Cui Yong-Yao
Published: March 2014

Background

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed as a mechanism in the progression of airway diseases and cancer. Here, we explored the role of acetylcholine (ACh) and the pathway involved in the process of EMT, as well as the effects of mAChRs antagonist.

Methods

Human lung epithelial cells were stimulated with carbachol, an analogue of ACh, and epithelial and mesenchymal marker proteins were evaluated using western blot and immunofluorescence analyses.

Results

Decreased E-cadherin expression and increased vimentin and α-SMA expression induced by TGF-β1 in alveolar epithelial cell (A549) were significantly abrogated by the non-selective mAChR antagonist atropine and enhanced by the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine. An EMT event also occurred in response to physostigmine alone. Furthermore, ChAT express and ACh release by A549 cells were enhanced by TGF-β1. Interestingly, ACh analogue carbachol also induced EMT in A549 cells as well as in bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, the induction of carbachol was abrogated by selective antagonist of M1 (pirenzepine) and M3 (4-DAMP) mAChRs, but not by M2 (methoctramine) antagonist. Moreover, carbachol induced TGF-β1 production from A549 cells concomitantly with the EMT process. Carbachol-induced EMT occurred through phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and ERK, which was inhibited by pirenzepine and 4-DAMP.

Conclusions

Our findings for the first time indicated that mAChR activation, perhaps via M1 and M3 mAChR, induced lung epithelial cells to undergo EMT and provided insights into novel therapeutic strategies for airway diseases in which lung remodeling occurs.
Mitochondrial structure alteration in human prostate cancer cells upon initial interaction with a chemopreventive agent phenethyl isothiocyanate
Authors: Xue Chengsen , Pasolli Hilda A , Piscopo Irene , Gros Daniel J , Liu Christina , Chen Yamei , Chiao Jen Wei
Published: March 2014

Background

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), present naturally in cruciferous vegetables, is a chemopreventive agent. It blocks initiation and post-initiation progression of carcinogenesis. Mechanism study in human prostate cancer cells revealed that PEITC is a dual inhibitor of aberrant DNA hypermethylation and histone deacetylases, reactivating silenced genes and regulating the androgen-mediated growth of tumor cells. The identity of the cellular organelle that initially interacts with PEITC has not been fully described.

Methods

Human prostate cancer LNCaP cells were exposed to PEITC and the effects on cellular fine structure examined by transmission electron microscopic studies. Alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release were evaluated as early events of apoptosis, and the TUNEL method for quantifying apoptotic cells. Mitochondria were isolated for determining their protein expression.

Results

Ultrastructural analyses have revealed condensed mitochondria and a perturbed mitochondrial cristae structure, which assumed a rounded and dilated shape within 4-hours of PEITC contact, and became more pronounced with longer PEITC exposure. They presented as the most prominent intracellular alterations in the early hours. Mitochondria structure alterations were demonstrated, for the first time, with the isothiocyanates. An increase in the number of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and vacuoles were also noted that is consistent with the presence of autophagy. Early events of apoptosis were detected, with cytochrome c released along with the appearance of mitochondrial alteration. Mitochondrial membrane potential was disrupted within 18 hours of PEITC exposure, preceding the appearance of apoptotic cells with DNA strand breaks. In parallel, the expression of the mitochondrial class III ß-tubulin in the outer membrane, which associates with the permeability transition pore, was significantly reduced as examined with isolated mitochondria.

Conclusion

Mitochondria may represent the organelle target of the isothiocyanates, indicating that the isothiocyanates may be mitochondria-interacting agents to inhibit carcinogenesis.
A hemangioma of the sigmoid colon mesentery presenting as a retroperitonealtumor: a case report and review
Authors: Amati Anca-Laura , Hecker Andreas , Schwandner Thilo , Ghanem Hassan , Holler Julia , Reichert Martin , Padberg Winfried
Published: March 2014

Hemangiomas of the gastrointestinal tract and mesentery are uncommon benign vascular lesions. While spontaneous bleeding is the hallmark of the gastrointestinal tumor variant, clinical signs of mesenteric hemangiomas are mostly unspecific. Despite the increasing imaging quality of computerized tomography (CT), in most cases the final diagnosis is established through surgery and histopathologic analysis of a macrobiopsy.

We present a case report of a 20-year-old female patient who was admitted with progressive abdominal distension and suffered from persistent abdominal pain for 3 months. A large retroperitoneal tumor mass was detected on the CT scan. Due to radiographic signs of an intraabdominal liposarcoma, an explorative laparotomy was performed revealing a large hemangioma originating from the mesosigmoid.

Although rare, gastrointestinal hemangiomas should be kept in mind by oncological visceral surgeons as one differential diagnosis of large intraabdominal tumorous masses, especially in young adults.
Predetermined path of mobile data gathering in wireless sensor networks based on network layout
Authors: Ghaleb Mukhtar , Subramaniam Shamala , Othman Mohamed , Zukarnain Zuriati
Published: March 2014

Data gathering is among the issues constantly acquiring attention in the area of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). There is a consistent increase in the research directed on the gains of applying mobile elements (MEs) to collect data from sensors, especially those oriented to power issues. There are two prevailing strategies used to collect data in sensor networks. The first approach requires data packets to be serviced via multi-hop relay to reach the respective base station (BS). Thus, sensors will send their packets through other intermediate sensors. However, this strategy has proven to consume high and a substantial amount of energy due to the dependency on other nodes for transmission. The second approach encompasses a ME which serves as the core element for the searching of data. This ME will visit the transmission range of each sensor to upload its data before eventually returning to the BS to complete the data transmission. This approach has proven to reduce the energy consumption substantially as compared to the multi-hop strategy. However, it has a trade-off which is the increase of delay incurred and is constrained by the speed of ME. Furthermore, some sensors may lose their data due to overflow while waiting for the ME. In this paper, it is proposed that by strategically divisioning the area of data collection, the optimization of the ME can be elevated. These derived area divisions are focused on the determination of a common configuration range and the correlation with a redundant area within an identified area. Thus, within each of these divided areas, the multi-hop collection is deployed as a sub-set to the main collection. The ME will select a centroid point between two sub-polling points, subsequently selecting common turning points as the core of the basis of the tour path. Extensive discrete-event simulations have been developed to assess the performance of the proposed algorithm. The acquired results depicted through the performance metrics of tour length and latency have determined the superior performance of the proposed algorithm in comparison to the existing strategy. In addition, the proposed algorithm maintains the energy consumption within an acceptable level.
The relationship between multi-objective robustness concepts and set-valued optimization
Authors: Ide Jonas , Köbis Elisabeth , Kuroiwa Daishi , Schöbel Anita , Tammer Christiane
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we discuss the connection between concepts of robustness for multi-objective optimization problems and set order relations. We extend some of the existing concepts to general spaces and cones using set relations. Furthermore, we derive new concepts of robustness for multi-objective optimization problems. We point out that robust multi-objective optimization can be interpreted as an application of set-valued optimization. Furthermore, we develop new algorithms for solving uncertain multi-objective optimization problems. These algorithms can be used in order to solve a special class of set-valued optimization problems.
Long-term results of radiotherapy in anaplastic thyroid cancer
Authors: Dumke Anne-Katrin , Pelz Tanja , Vordermark Dirk
Published: March 2014

Background

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an aggressive malignant tumour with a poor prognosis. The median overall survival is described in the literature to be just 6 months, however, in series of selected patients treated by multimodal therapy cases of long-time-survival have been reported. We analyzed the role of radiotherapy and the impact of other therapies and clinical features on survival in patients with ATC.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of all patients (n = 40), who presented with histologically proven ATC at a single centre between 1989 and 2008, patient and treatment characteristics with a focus on details of radiotherapy were registered and the survival status determined.

Results

39 of 40 patients received radiotherapy, 80% underwent surgery and 15% had chemotherapy. The median dosis of radiation was 50 Gy (6–60.4 Gy), in 87.5% fractionation was once daily. In 49.4% opposing-field techniques were applied, in 14% 3D-conformal-techniques and 32.5% combinations of both.

The median overall survival (OS) was 5 months, 1-year survival 35.2% and 5-year-survival 21.6%. Interestingly, 24.3% survived 2 years or longer. Three factors could be identified as predictors of improved overall survival: absence of lymph node metastasis (N0) (median OS 18.3 months), median dose of radiation of 50 Gy or more (median OS 10.5 months) and the use of any surgery (median OS 10.5 months).

Conclusions

Despite the generally poor outcome, the combination of surgery and intensive radiotherapy can result in long-term survival in selected patients with ATC.
Pattern of neurological disease seen among patients admitted in tertiary care hospital
Authors: Chowdhury Rajib Nayan , Hasan ATM Hasibul , Rahman Yusuf Ur , Khan Shafikul Islam , Hussain Ahmed Riyad , Ahsan Shamim
Published: March 2014

Background

Neurologic disorders are not uncommon at in patient departments of different hospitals. We have conducted the study to see the pattern and burden of neurologic disorders at different inpatient departments of a tertiary care centre.

Methodology

This retrospective observational study was carried out from the records and referral notes of neurology department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) from July 2011 to June 2012. A total 335 patients were evaluated by consultant neurologists during this period.

Result

Majority of the patients (59.7%) presented after the age of forty years. The mean age at presentation was 45.11 ± 17.3 years with a male predominance (63.3%). Stroke was the most common condition (47.5%) observed at referral, followed by seizure (9.3%), disease of spinal cord (7.8%) and encephalopathy (6.3%). Even after consultation, 30 patients remained undiagnosed and 6 were diagnosed as functional disorder. Department of Medicine (231, 69%) and Cardiology (61, 18.2%) made most of the calls. More than half (56%) of the stroke patients were referred from medicine and one third (35.2%) from cardiology. Seizure (67.7%), problem in spinal cord (92.3%), coma (50%), encephalopathy (57.1%), motor neuron disease (MND) (72.7%) were common reasons for referral from department of Medicine. Whereas patients with cord disease (7.3%), CNS tumor (40%), seizure disorder (6.5%) and stroke (3.8%) were referred from surgery. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology sought help for stroke (2.5%), seizure (12.9%), MND (27.3%), coma (16.7%) and encephalopathy (9.5%).

Hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, dyslipidaemia and respiratory problem were significantly associated co-morbid conditions in stroke patients (at 95% CI,pvalue is <0.001, <0.01, <0.001, <0.05, <0.05 respectively). Hematological disorders were common association among patients with cord problem (<0.05).

Conclusion

Wide ranges of neurological problems are often managed by physicians and surgeons, especially those from medicine and cardiology. Where ever available consultation from neurologists can help in diagnosing and managing these cases.
Phase 2 trial of everolimus and carboplatin combination in patients with triple negative metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Singh Jasmeet Chadha , Novik Yelena , Stein Stacey , Volm Matthew , Meyers Marlene , Smith Julia , Omene Coral , Speyer James , Schneider Robert , Jhaveri Komal , Formenti Silvia , Kyriakou Victoria , Joseph Benson , Goldberg Judith D , Li Xiaochun , Adams Sylvia , Tiersten Amy
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Rapamycin acts synergistically with platinum agents to induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in breast cancer cell lines. Combination of everolimus also known as RAD001 (oral mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor) and carboplatin may have activity in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

The primary objective of this study was to determine clinical benefit rate (CBR), that is (complete remission (CR) + partial remission (PR) + stable disease (SD) lasting ≥6 months) and the toxicity of everolimus/carboplatin in women with metastatic TNBC. Prior carboplatin was allowed. Treatment consisted of intravenous carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) 6 (later decreased to AUC 5 and subsequently to AUC 4) every 3 weeks with daily 5 mg everolimus.

Results

We enrolled 25 patients in this study. Median age was 58 years. There were one CR, six PRs, seven SDs and eight PDs (progression of disease). CBR was 36% (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.1 to 57.4%). One SD was achieved in a patient progressing on single agent carboplatin. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 3 months (95% CI 1.6 to 4.6 months) and overall survival (OS) was 16.6 months (95% CI 7.3 months to not reached). There were seven patients (28%) with ≥ grade 3 thrombocytopenia; three (12%) with grade 3 neutropenia (no bleeding/febrile neutropenia) and one (4%) with grade 3 anemia. Greater hematological toxicity was seen in the first seven patients treated with carboplatin AUC5/6. After the amendment for starting dose of carboplatin to AUC 4, the regimen was well tolerated with only one out of 18 patients with grade 3 neutropenia and two patients with grade 3 thrombocytopenia. There was only one case of mucositis.

Conclusion

Everolimus-carboplatin was efficacious in metastatic TNBC. Dose limiting hematological toxicity was observed when AUC5/6 of carboplatin was combined with everolimus. However, carboplatin AUC 4 was well tolerated in combination with everolimus with continuing responses.

Trial registrations

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01127763.
Outsmarting cancer: the power of hybrid genomic/proteomic biomarkers to predict drug response
Authors: Rexer Brent N , Arteaga Carlos L
Published: March 2014

A recent study by Niepel and colleagues describes a novel approach to predicting response to targeted anti-cancer therapies. The authors used biochemical profiling of signaling activity in basal and ligand-stimulated states for a panel of receptor and intracellular kinases to develop predictive models of drug sensitivity. In some cases, the response to ligand stimulation predicted drug response better than did target abundance or genomic alterations in the targeted pathway. Furthermore, combining biochemical profiles with genomic information was better at predicting drug response. This work suggests that incorporating biochemical signaling profiles with genomic alterations should provide powerful predictors of response to molecularly targeted therapies.