bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of mechanical stratigraphy on multi-layer gravity collapse structures: insights from the Orange Basin, South Africa
Authors: Dalton T. J. S. , Paton D. A. , Needham D. T.
Published: January 2016

Gravity collapse structures are common features on passive margins and typically have a tripartite configuration including an updip extensional domain, a transitional domain and a downdip compressional domain with a common detachment underlying the system. A number of studies have classified these systems, yet few document the wide variations in geometry. This study documents the gravity collapse structures of the Namibian and South African Orange Basin; these structures represent some of the best imaged examples of this important process. We first demonstrate the geometry and kinematic evolution of these systems, focusing on examples of the tripartite configuration from a typical collapse. We then highlight the significant variability in the structures of the system and describe features such as cross-cutting in margin-parallel sections, portions of the system with multiple detachments, systems with stacked synchronous detachments and the temporal evolution of faults within the system. By integrating our observations from a number of sections, we present a model explaining the spatial and temporal evolution of the system. This enables us to discuss likely causes of collapse structures and also, by placing the system into a well-constrained stratigraphic context, how the presence of both maximum flooding surfaces and early margin deltaic sequences have a fundamental control on the resulting collapse geometry.

Correction notice:

The original version was incorrect. Figure 9 was repeated in place of Figure 7.
Thymoquinone, a bioactive component ofNigella sativa, normalizes insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells under glucose overload via regulation of malonyl-CoA
Authors: Gray Joshua P. , Zayasbazan Burgos Delaine , Yuan Tao , Seeram Navindra , Rebar Rebecca , Follmer Rebecca , Heart Emma A.
Published: January 2016

Thymoquinone (2-isopropyl-5-methylbenzo-1,4-quinone) is a major bioactive component of Nigella sativa, a plant used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of symptoms, including elevated blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Normalization of elevated blood glucose depends on both glucose disposal by peripheral tissues and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from pancreatic β-cells. We employed clonal β-cells and rodent islets to investigate the effects of thymoquinone (TQ) and Nigella sativa extracts (NSEs) on GSIS and cataplerotic metabolic pathways implicated in the regulation of GSIS. TQ and NSE regulated NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ratios via a quinone-dependent redox cycling mechanism. TQ content was positively correlated with the degree of redox cycling activity of NSE extracts, suggesting that TQ is a major component engaged in mediating NSE-dependent redox cycling. Both acute and chronic exposure to TQ and NSE enhanced GSIS and were associated with the ability of TQ and NSE to increase the ATP/ADP ratio. Furthermore, TQ ameliorated the impairment of GSIS following chronic exposure of β-cells to glucose overload. This protective action was associated with the TQ-dependent normalization of chronic accumulation of malonyl-CoA, elevation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase, and fatty acid-binding proteins following chronic glucose overload. Together, these data suggest that TQ modulates the β-cell redox circuitry and enhances the sensitivity of β-cell metabolic pathways to glucose and GSIS under normal conditions as well as under hyperglycemia. This action is associated with the ability of TQ to regulate carbohydrate-to-lipid flux via downregulation of ACC and malonyl-CoA.
Gastrin decreases Na+,K+-ATPase activity via a PI 3-kinase- and PKC-dependent pathway in human renal proximal tubule cells
Authors: Liu Tianbing , Konkalmatt Prasad R. , Yang Yu , Jose Pedro A.
Published: January 2016

The natriuretic effect of gastrin suggests a role in the coordinated regulation of sodium balance by the gastrointestinal tract and the kidney. The renal molecular targets and signal transduction pathways for such an effect of gastrin are largely unknown. Recently, we reported that gastrin induces NHE3 phosphorylation and internalization via phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase and PKCα. In this study, we show that gastrin induced the phosphorylation of human Na+,K+-ATPase at serine 16, resulting in its endocytosis via Rab5 and Rab7 endosomes. The gastrin-stimulated phosphorylation of Na+,K+-ATPase was dependent on PI 3-kinase because the phosphorylation was blocked by the PI 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. The phosphorylation of Na+,K+-ATPase was also blocked by chelerythrine, a pan-PKC inhibitor, Gö-6976, a conventional PKC (cPKC) inhibitor, and BAPTA-AM, an intracellular calcium chelator, suggesting the importance of cPKC and intracellular calcium in the gastrin signaling pathway. The gastrin-mediated phosphorylation of Na+,K+-ATPase was also inhibited by U-73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor. These results suggest that gastrin regulates sodium hydrogen exchanger and pump in renal proximal tubule cells at the apical and basolateral membranes.
Is bursting more effective than spiking in evoking pituitary hormone secretion? A spatiotemporal simulation study of calcium and granule dynamics
Authors: Tagliavini Alessia , Tabak Joël , Bertram Richard , Pedersen Morten Gram
Published: January 2016

Endocrine cells of the pituitary gland secrete a number of hormones, and the amount of hormone released by a cell is controlled in large part by the cell's electrical activity and subsequent Ca2+ influx. Typical electrical behaviors of pituitary cells include continuous spiking and so-called pseudo-plateau bursting. It has been shown that the amplitude of Ca2+ fluctuations is greater in bursting cells, leading to the hypothesis that bursting cells release more hormone than spiking cells. In this work, we apply computer simulations to test this hypothesis. We use experimental recordings of electrical activity as input to mathematical models of Ca2+ channel activity, buffered Ca2+ diffusion, and Ca2+-driven exocytosis. To compare the efficacy of spiking and bursting on the same cell, we pharmacologically block the large-conductance potassium (BK) current from a bursting cell or add a BK current to a spiking cell via dynamic clamp. We find that bursting is generally at least as effective as spiking at evoking hormone release and is often considerably more effective, even when normalizing to Ca2+ influx. Our hybrid experimental/modeling approach confirms that adding a BK-type K+ current, which is typically associated with decreased cell activity and reduced secretion, can actually produce an increase in hormone secretion, as suggested earlier.
Dynamic taste responses of parabrachial pontine neurons in awake rats
Authors: Baez-Santiago Madelyn A. , Reid Emily E. , Moran Anan , Maier Joost X. , Marrero-Garcia Yasmin , Katz Donald B.
Published: January 2016

The parabrachial nuclei of the pons (PbN) receive almost direct input from taste buds on the tongue and control basic taste-driven behaviors. Thus it is reasonable to hypothesize that PbN neurons might respond to tastes in a manner similar to that of peripheral receptors, i.e., that these responses might be narrow and relatively “dynamics free.” On the other hand, the majority of the input to PbN descends from forebrain regions such as gustatory cortex (GC), which processes tastes with “temporal codes” in which firing reflects first the presence, then the identity, and finally the desirability of the stimulus. Therefore a reasonable alternative hypothesis is that PbN responses might be dominated by dynamics similar to those observed in GC. Here we examined simultaneously recorded single-neuron PbN (and GC) responses in awake rats receiving exposure to basic taste stimuli. We found that pontine taste responses were almost entirely confined to canonically identified taste-PbN (t-PbN). Taste-specificity was found, furthermore, to be time varying in a larger percentage of these t-PbN responses than in responses recorded from the tissue around PbN (including non-taste-PbN). Finally, these time-varying properties were a good match for those observed in simultaneously recorded GC neurons—taste-specificity appeared after an initial nonspecific burst of action potentials, and palatability emerged several hundred milliseconds later. These results suggest that the pontine taste relay is closely allied with the dynamic taste processing performed in forebrain.
Selection of head and whisker coordination strategies during goal-oriented active touch
Authors: Schroeder Joseph B. , Ritt Jason T.
Published: January 2016

In the rodent whisker system, a key model for neural processing and behavioral choices during active sensing, whisker motion is increasingly recognized as only part of a broader motor repertoire employed by rodents during active touch. In particular, recent studies suggest whisker and head motions are tightly coordinated. However, conditions governing the selection and temporal organization of such coordinated sensing strategies remain poorly understood. We videographically reconstructed head and whisker motions of freely moving mice searching for a randomly located rewarded aperture, focusing on trials in which animals appeared to rapidly “correct” their trajectory under tactile guidance. Mice orienting after unilateral contact repositioned their whiskers similarly to previously reported head-turning asymmetry. However, whisker repositioning preceded head turn onsets and was not bilaterally symmetric. Moreover, mice selectively employed a strategy we term contact maintenance, with whisking modulated to counteract head motion and facilitate repeated contacts on subsequent whisks. Significantly, contact maintenance was not observed following initial contact with an aperture boundary, when the mouse needed to make a large corrective head motion to the front of the aperture, but only following contact by the same whisker field with the opposite aperture boundary, when the mouse needed to precisely align its head with the reward spout. Together these results suggest that mice can select from a diverse range of sensing strategies incorporating both knowledge of the task and whisk-by-whisk sensory information and, moreover, suggest the existence of high level control (not solely reflexive) of sensing motions coordinated between multiple body parts.
Response properties of whisker-associated primary afferent neurons following infraorbital nerve transection with microsurgical repair in adult rats
Authors: Xiao Bo , Zanoun Rami R. , Carvell George E. , Simons Daniel J. , Washington Kia M.
Published: January 2016

The rodent whisker/trigeminal system, characterized by high spatial and temporal resolution, provides an experimental model for developing new therapies for improving sensory functions of damaged peripheral nerves. Here, we use controlled whisker stimulation and single-unit recordings of trigeminal ganglion cells to examine in detail the nature and time course of functional recovery of mechanoreceptive afferents following nerve transection with microsurgical repair of the infraorbital nerve (ION) branch of the trigeminal nerve in adult rats. Response measures include rapid vs. slow adaptation, firing rate, interspike intervals, latency, and angular (directional) tuning. Whisker-evoked responses, readily observable by 3 wk post-transection, recover progressively for at least the next 5 wk. All cells in transected animals, as in control cases, responded to deflections of single whiskers only, but topography within the ganglion was clearly disrupted. The time course and extent of recovery of quantitative response measures were receptor dependent. Cells displaying slowly adapting (SA) properties recovered more quickly than rapidly adapting (RA) populations, and for some response measures—notably evoked firing rates—closely approached or attained control levels by 8 wk post-transection. Angular tuning of RA cells was slightly better than control units, whereas SA tuning did not differ from control values. Nerve conduction times and refractory periods, examined separately using electrical stimulation of the ION, were slower than normal in all transected animals and poorly reflected recovery of whisker-evoked response latencies and interspike intervals. Results underscore the need for multiple therapeutic strategies that target different aspects of functional restitution following peripheral nerve injury.
Are ipsilateral motor evoked potentials subject to intracortical inhibition?
Authors: McCambridge Alana B. , Stinear James W. , Byblow Winston D.
Published: January 2016

Paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be used to examine intracortical inhibition in primary motor cortex (M1), termed short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI). To our knowledge, SICI has only been demonstrated in contralateral motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Ipsilateral MEPs (iMEPs) are assumed to reflect excitability of an uncrossed oligosynaptic pathway, and can sometimes be evoked in proximal upper-limb muscles using high-intensity TMS. We examined whether iMEPs in the biceps brachii (BB) would be suppressed by subthreshold conditioning, therefore demonstrating SICI of iMEPs. TMS was delivered to the dominant M1 to evoke conditioned (C) and nonconditioned (NC) iMEPs in the nondominant BB of healthy participants during weak bilateral elbow flexion. The conditioning stimulus intensities tested were 85%, 100%, and 115% of active motor threshold (AMT), at 2 ms and 4 ms interstimulus intervals (ISI). The iMEP ratio (C/NC) was calculated for each condition to assess the amount of inhibition. Inhibition of iMEPs was present at 2 ms ISI with 100% and 115% AMT (both P < 0.03), mediated by a reduction in persistence and size (all P < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of SICI of iMEPs. This technique may be useful as a tool to better understand the role of ipsilateral M1 during functional motor tasks.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Volatile Components of Zhengtian Pills Using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Liu Cui-ting , Zhang Min , Yan Ping , Liu Hai-chan , Liu Xing-yun , Zhan Ruo-ting
Published: January 2016

Zhengtian pills (ZTPs) are traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which have been commonly used to treat headaches. Volatile components of ZTPs extracted by ethyl acetate with an ultrasonic method were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Twenty-two components were identified, accounting for 78.884% of the total components of volatile oil. The three main volatile components including protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid, and ligustilide were simultaneously determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (UHPLC-DAD). Baseline separation was achieved on an XB-C18 column with linear gradient elution of methanol-0.2% acetic acid aqueous solution. The UHPLC-DAD method provided good linearity (R2≥0.9992), precision (RSD < 3%), accuracy (100.68–102.69%), and robustness. The UHPLC-DAD/GC-MS method was successfully utilized to analyze volatile components, protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid, and ligustilide, in 13 batches of ZTPs, which is suitable for discrimination and quality assessment of ZTPs.
Density and Heat Capacity of Liquids from Speed of Sound
Authors: Bijedić Muhamed , Begić Sabina
Published: January 2016

Two different methods for deriving the density and isobaric heat capacity of liquids in the subcritical pressure range, from the speed of sound, are recommended. In each method, corresponding set of differential equations relating these properties is solved as the initial boundary value problem (IBVP). The initial values are specified at the lowest pressure of the range and the boundary values along the saturation line. In the first method, numerical integration is performed along the paths connecting the Chebyshev points of the second kind between the minimum and maximum temperature at each pressure. In the second method, numerical integration is performed along the isotherms distributed in the same way, with the temperature range being extended to the saturation line after each integration step. The methods are tested with the following substances: Ar, N2, CO2, and CH4. The results obtained for the density and isobaric heat capacity have the average absolute deviation from the reference data of 0.0005% and 0.0219%, respectively. These results served as the initial values for deriving the same properties in the transcritical pressure range up to the pressure approximately twice as large as the critical pressure. The results obtained in this pressure range have respective deviations of 0.0019% and 0.1303%.
Is Urbanisation Rate a Feasible Supplemental Parameter in Forecasting Electricity Consumption in China?
Authors: Yang Biao , Li Yingcheng , Wei Haokun , Lu Huan
Published: January 2016

Traditional method of forecasting electricity consumption based only on GDP was sometimes ineffective. In this paper, urbanisation rate (UR) was introduced as an additional predictor to improve the electricity demand forecast in China at provincial scale, which was previously based only on GDP. Historical data of Shaanxi province from 2000 to 2013 was collected and used as case study. Four regression models were proposed and GDP, UR, and electricity consumption (EC) were used to establish the parameters in each model. The model with least average error of hypothetical forecast results in the latest three years was selected as the optimal forecast model. This optimal model divides total EC into four parts, of which forecasts can be made separately. It was found that GDP was only better correlated than UR on household EC, whilst UR was better on the three sectors of industries. It was concluded that UR is a valid predictor to forecast electricity demand at provincial level in China nowadays. Being provided the planned value of GDP and UR from the government, EC in 2015 were forecasted as 131.3 GWh.
A Rare Case of Esophageal Dysphagia in Children: Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery
Authors: Barone Claudia , Carucci Nicolina Stefania , Romano Claudio
Published: January 2016

Dysphagia is an impairment of swallowing that may involve any structures from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal dysphagia presents with the sensation of food sticking, pain with swallowing, substernal pressure, or chronic heartburn. There are many causes of esophageal dysphagia, such as motility disorders and mechanical and inflammatory diseases. Infrequently dysphagia arises from extrinsic compression of the esophagus from any vascular anomaly of the aortic arch. The most common embryologic abnormality of the aortic arch is aberrant right subclavian artery, clinically known asarteria lusoria. This abnormality is usually silent. Here, we report a case of six-year-old child presenting to us with a history of progressive dysphagia without respiratory symptoms. A barium esophagogram showed an increase of the physiological esophageal narrowing at the level of aortic arch, while at esophagogastroduodenoscopy there was an extrinsic pulsatile compression of the posterior portion of the esophagus suggesting an extrinsic compression by an aberrant vessel. Angio-CT (computed tomography) scan confirmed the presence of an aberrant right subclavian artery.
Relationship between Corneal Temperature and Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Individuals: A Clinical Thermographic Analysis
Authors: Fabiani Claudia , Li Voti Roberto , Rusciano Dario , Mutolo Maria Giulia , Pescosolido Nicola
Published: January 2016

Purpose. To study the geographical distribution of corneal temperature (CT) and its influence on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of healthy human volunteers.Materials and Methods. Fifteen subjects (7 M, 8 F),33.8±17.4years old, were enrolled in this pilot, cross-sectional study. Measurements of CT were taken after one hour with closed eyelids (CET) or closed eyelids with a cooling mask (cm-CET) and compared to baseline.Results. If compared to baseline, after CET, average CT significantly increased by 0.56°C in the RE and by 0.48°C in the LE (p<0.001) and IOP concomitantly significantly increased by 1.13 mmHg and 1.46 mmHg, respectively, in each eye (p<0.001). After cm-CET, average CT significantly decreased by 0.11°C and 0.20°C, respectively, in the RE and LE (REp=0.04; LEp=0.024), followed by a significant IOP decrease of 2.19 mmHg and 1.54 mmHg, respectively, in each eye (REp<0.001; LEp=0.0019).Conclusion. Significant variations of CT occurred after CET and cm-CET and were directly correlated with significant differences of IOP. It can be speculated that both oxidative stress and sympathetic nerve fiber stimulation by temperature oscillations may affect the regulation of AH vortex flow and turnover, thus influencing IOP values.
The Score Model Containing Chinese Medicine Syndrome Element of Blood Stasis Presented a Better Performance Compared to APRI and FIB‐4 in Diagnosing Advanced Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Chi Xiao-Ling , Shi Mei-Jie , Xiao Huan-Ming , Xie Yu-Bao , Cai Gao-Shu
Published: January 2016

This study aims to explore a useful noninvasive assessment containing TCM syndrome elements for liver fibrosis in CHB patients. The demographic, clinical, and pathological data were retrospectively collected from 709 CHB patients who had ALT less than 2 times the upper limit of normal from April 2009 to October 2012. Logistical regression and area under receiver‐operator curve (AUROC) were used to determine the diagnostic performances of simple tests for advanced fibrosis (Scheuer stage, F ≥ 3). Results showed that the most common TCM syndrome element observed in this CHB population was dampness and Qi stagnation, followed by blood stasis, by heat, and less by Qi deficiency and Yin deficiency. The logistical regression analysis identified AST ≥ 35 IU/L, PLT ≤ 161 × 109/L, and TCM syndrome element of blood stasis as the independent risk factors for advanced fibrosis. Therefore, a score model containing these three factors was established and tested. The score model containing blood stasis resulted in a higher AUC (AUC = 0.936) compared with APRI (AUC = 0.731) and FIB‐4 (AUC = 0.709). The study suggested that the score model containing TCM syndrome element of blood stasis could be used as a useful diagnostic tool for advanced fibrosis in CHB patients and presented a better performance compared to APRI and FIB‐4.
Prealbumin/CRP Based Prognostic Score, a New Tool for Predicting Metastasis in Patients with Inoperable Gastric Cancer
Authors: Esfahani Ali , Makhdami Nima , Faramarzi Elnaz , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Ghayour Nahand Mousa , Ghoreishi Zohreh
Published: January 2016

Background.There is a considerable dissimilarity in the survival duration of the patients with gastric cancer. We aimed to assess the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) and nutritional status of these patients before the commencement of chemotherapy to find the appropriate prognostic factors and define a new score for predicting metastasis.Methods.SIR was assessed using Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS). Then a score was defined as prealbumin/CRP based prognostic score (PCPS) to be compared with GPS for predicting metastasis and nutritional status.Results.71 patients with gastric cancer were recruited in the study. 87% of patients had malnutrition. There was a statistical difference between those with metastatic (n=43) and those with nonmetastatic (n=28) gastric cancer according to levels of prealbumin and CRP; however they were not different regarding patient generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) and GPS. The best cut-off value for prealbumin was determined at 0.20 mg/dL and PCPS could predict metastasis with 76.5% sensitivity, 63.6% specificity, and 71.4% accuracy. Metastatic and nonmetastatic gastric cancer patients were different in terms of PCPS (P=0.005).Conclusion.PCPS has been suggested for predicting metastasis in patients with gastric cancer. Future studies with larger sample size have been warranted.
A Method for Aileron Actuator Fault Diagnosis Based on PCA and PGC-SVM
Authors: Qin Wei-Li , Zhang Wen-Jin , Lu Chen
Published: January 2016

Aileron actuators are pivotal components for aircraft flight control system. Thus, the fault diagnosis of aileron actuators is vital in the enhancement of the reliability and fault tolerant capability. This paper presents an aileron actuator fault diagnosis approach combining principal component analysis (PCA), grid search (GS), 10-fold cross validation (CV), and one-versus-one support vector machine (SVM). This method is referred to as PGC-SVM and utilizes the direct drive valve input, force motor current, and displacement feedback signal to realize fault detection and location. First, several common faults of aileron actuators, which include force motor coil break, sensor coil break, cylinder leakage, and amplifier gain reduction, are extracted from the fault quadrantal diagram; the corresponding fault mechanisms are analyzed. Second, the data feature extraction is performed with dimension reduction using PCA. Finally, the GS and CV algorithms are employed to train a one-versus-one SVM for fault classification, thus obtaining the optimal model parameters and assuring the generalization of the trained SVM, respectively. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, four types of faults are introduced into the simulation model established by AMESim and Simulink. The results demonstrate its desirable diagnostic performance which outperforms that of the traditional SVM by comparison.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Two Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Frech Tracy M. , Boynton Kathleen , Downs-Kelly Erinn , Jones Bryan , Kriesel John D. , Peterson Kathryn
Published: January 2016

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the most common extracutaneous organ system damaged in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is the presenting feature in 10% of patients. The esophagus as the portion of the GIT is the most commonly affected and there is an association of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) with SSc interstitial lung disease (ILD). Thus, an aggressive treatment for GER is recommended in all SSc patients with ILD; however, it is recognized that a long-term benefit to this treatment is needed to understand its impact. In this case report we discuss the presence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in two SSc patients and discuss the role for early EGD in SSc patients with moderate-severe GER symptoms for tissue study. Assessment of esophageal biopsy specimens for the presence of eosinophils and possibly ANA can help elucidate disease pathogenesis and direct therapy, as the presence of EoE in SSc has important management considerations, particularly with regards to dietary modification strategies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Kartagener’s Syndrome, and Hyperprolactinemia: Who Started It?
Authors: Halabi Hussein , Mulla Israa
Published: January 2016

We report a case of an 18-year-old girl who presented to our hospital with history of recurrent respiratory infections, amenorrhea, and symmetric polyarthritis. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Kartagener’s syndrome (KS), and hyperprolactinemia. There have been very few case reports in the literature of RA occurring in the setting of KS, theoretically proposed to be due to chronic stimulation of the immune system by recurrent infections. Furthermore, hyperprolactinemia has been hypothesized to mirror RA disease activity and case reports of treatment with dopamine agonists have led to the speculation of whether or not they represent a new line of experimental treatment in the future. Our patient was found to have both KS and hyperprolactinemia together in the setting of RA, and based on our literature search, this is the first reported case of such a combination. This strikes a very intriguing question: are these three conditions interlinked by a yet to be defined association? And treatment of which condition leads to the resolution of the other?
ODMBP: Behavior Forwarding for Multiple Property Destinations in Mobile Social Networks
Authors: Xu Jia , Xiang Jin Xin , Chen Xiang , Liu Fang Bin , Yu Jing Jie
Published: January 2016

The smartphones are widely available in recent years. Wireless networks and personalized mobile devices are deeply integrated and embedded in our lives. The behavior based forwarding has become a new transmission paradigm for supporting many novel applications. However, the commodities, services, and individuals usually have multiple properties of their interests and behaviors. In this paper, we profile these multiple properties and propose an Opportunistic Dissemination Protocol based on Multiple Behavior Profile, ODMBP, in mobile social networks. We first map the interest space to the behavior space and extract the multiple behavior profiles from the behavior space. Then, we propose the correlation computing model based on the principle of BM25 to calculate the correlation metric of multiple behavior profiles. The correlation metric is used to forward the message to the users who are more similar to the target in our protocol. ODMBP consists of three stages: user initialization, gradient ascent, and group spread. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed multiple behavior profile and correlation computing model are correct and efficient. Compared to other classical routing protocols, ODMBP can significantly improve the performance in the aspect of delivery ratio, delay, and overhead ratio.
A Case of Polyarteritis Nodosa Associated with Vertebral Artery Vasculitis Treated Successfully with Tocilizumab and Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Watanabe Kae , Rajderkar Dhanashree A. , Modica Renee F.
Published: January 2016

Pediatric polyarteritis nodosa is rare systemic necrotizing arteritis involving small- and medium-sized muscular arteries characterized by aneurysmal dilatations involving the vessel wall. Aneurysms associated with polyarteritis nodosa are common in visceral arteries; however intracranial aneurysms have also been reported and can be associated with central nervous system symptoms, significant morbidity, and mortality. To our knowledge extracranial involvement of the vertebral arteries has not been reported but has the potential to be deleterious due to fact that they supply the central nervous system vasculature. We present a case of a 3-year-old Haitian boy with polyarteritis nodosa that presented with extracranial vessel involvement of his vertebral arteries. After thorough diagnostic imaging, including a bone scan, ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Angiography, and Computed Tomography Angiography, he was noted to have vertebral artery vasculitis, periostitis, subacute epididymoorchitis, arthritis, and myositis. He met diagnostic criteria for polyarteritis nodosa and was treated with cyclophosphamide, methylprednisolone, and tocilizumab, which resulted in improvement of his inflammatory markers, radiographic findings, and physical symptoms after treatment. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of vertebral artery vasculitis in polyarteritis nodosa as well as successful treatment of the condition using the combination cyclophosphamide and tocilizumab for this condition.
Pulmonary Fibrosis after Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in Elderly Patient with Cutaneous Angiosarcoma
Authors: Mazzotta Marco , Giusti Raffaele , Iacono Daniela , Lauro Salvatore , Marchetti Paolo
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Angiosarcoma is a rare cancer of the inner lining of blood vessels and can arise anywhere in the body, most commonly presenting as cutaneous disease in elderly patient, involving head and neck (H&N), especially the scalp. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is one of the available treatments in patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Common toxicities are myelosuppression, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, nausea, and stomatitis. Regarding PLD-related pulmonary fibrosis in an uncommon toxicity, there are few cases reported in literature. None of these occurred in angiosarcoma.Methods. This is a case report describing an elderly patient treated with PLD for advanced H&N cutaneous angiosarcoma who developed G5 pulmonary toxicity after the second PLD administration.Results. According to our data and patient clinical outcome, we believe that she passed away from fatal PLD-induced pulmonary fibrosis. This is the first case of fatal interstitial pneumonitis in a 77-year-old woman treated with PLD for angiosarcoma. The case has been reported for its rarity.Conclusions. Pathophysiology of this phenomenon is still unclear and more studies are necessary to understand the true incidence of pulmonary toxicities in patients in treatments with PLD and its mechanism.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Techniques for the Control of the Asynchronous Machine
Authors: Khammar F. , Debbache N. E.
Published: January 2016

The induction machine is experiencing a growing success for two decades by gradually replacing the DC machines and synchronous in many industrial applications. This paper is devoted to the study of advanced methods applied to the command of the asynchronous machine in order to obtain a system of control of high performance. While the criteria for response time, overtaking, and static error can be assured by the techniques of conventional control, the criterion of robustness remains a challenge for researchers. This criterion can be satisfied only by applying advanced techniques of command. After mathematical modeling of the asynchronous machine, it defines the control strategies based on the orientation of the rotor flux. The results of the different simulation tests highlight the properties of robustness of algorithms proposed and suggested to compare the different control strategies.
Higher Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes in Patients with Well-Controlled HIV Infection: Clinical Features, Treatment, and Outcome
Authors: Williamson Bradley T. , Leitch Heather A.
Published: January 2016

Introduction. In advanced HIV prior to combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), dysplastic marrow changes occurred and resolved with ART. Few reports of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in well-controlled HIV exist and management is undefined.Methods. Patients with well-controlled HIV and higher risk MDS were identified; characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were reviewed.Results. Of 292 MDS patients since 1996, 1 (0.3%) was HIV-positive. A 56-year-old woman presented with cytopenias. CD4 was 1310 cells/mL and HIV viral load <40 copies/mL. Bone marrow biopsy showed RCMD and karyotype included del(5q) and del(7q); IPSS was intermediate-2 risk. She received azacitidine at 75% dose. Cycle 2, at full dose, was complicated by marrow aplasia and possible AML; she elected palliation. Three additional HIV patients with higher risk MDS, aged 56–64, were identified from the literature. All had deletions involving chromosomes 5 and 7. MDS treatment of 2 was not reported and one received palliation; all died of AML.Conclusion. Four higher risk MDS in well-controlled HIV were below the median age of diagnosis for HIV-negative patients; all had adverse karyotype. This is the first report of an HIV patient receiving MDS treatment with azacitidine. Cytopenias were profound and dosing in HIV patients should be considered with caution.
The Obesity Paradox and Heart Failure: A Systematic Review of a Decade of Evidence
Authors: Oga Emmanuel Aja , Eseyin Olabimpe Ruth
Published: January 2016

There is scientific consensus that obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. However, among persons who already have heart failure, outcomes seem to be better in obese persons as compared with lean persons: this has been termed theobesity paradox, the mechanisms of which remain unclear. This study systematically reviewed the evidence of the relationship between heart failure mortality (and survival) and weight status. Search of the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was done according to the PRISMA protocol. The initial search identified 9879 potentially relevant papers, out of which ten studies met the inclusion criteria. One study was a randomized clinical trial and 9 were observational cohort studies: 6 prospective and 3 retrospective studies. All studies used the BMI, WC, or TSF as measure of body fatness and NYHA Classification of Heart Failure and had single outcomes, death, as study endpoint. All studies included in review were longitudinal studies. All ten studies reported improved outcomes for obese heart failure patients as compared with their normal weight counterparts; worse prognosis was demonstrated for extreme obesity (BMI>40 kg/m2). The findings of this review will be of significance in informing the practice of asking obese persons with heart failure to lose weight. However, any such recommendation on weight loss must be consequent upon more conclusive evidence on the mechanisms of the obesity paradox in heart failure and exclusion of collider bias.
An Atraumatic Symphysiolysis with a Unilateral Injured Sacroiliac Joint in a Patient with Cushing’s Disease: A Loss of Pelvic Stability Related to Ligamentous Insufficiency?
Authors: Höch Andreas , Pieroh Philipp , Dehghani Faramarz , Josten Christoph , Böhme Jörg
Published: January 2016

Glucocorticoids are well known for altering bone structure and elevating fracture risk. Nevertheless, there are very few reports on pelvic ring fractures, compared to other bones, especially with a predominantly ligamentous insufficiency, resulting in a rotationally unstable pelvic girdle. We report a 39-year-old premenopausal woman suffering from an atraumatic symphysiolysis and disruption of the left sacroiliac joint. She presented with external rotational pelvic instability and immobilization. Prior to the injury, she received high-dose glucocorticoids for a tentative diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis over two months. This diagnosis was not confirmed. Other causes leading to the unstable pelvic girdle were excluded by several laboratory and radiological examinations. Elevated basal cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were measured and subsequent corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation, dexamethasone suppression test, and petrosal sinus sampling verified the diagnosis of adrenocorticotropic hormone-dependent Cushing’s disease. The combination of adrenocorticotropic hormone-dependent Cushing’s disease and the additional application of exogenous glucocorticoids is the most probable cause of a rare atraumatic rotational pelvic instability in a premenopausal patient. To the authors’ knowledge, this case presents the first description of a rotationally unstable pelvic ring fracture involving a predominantly ligamentous insufficiency in the context of combined exogenous and endogenous glucocorticoid elevation.
Quercetin-Induced Cell Death in Human Papillary Thyroid Cancer (B-CPAP) Cells
Authors: Mutlu Altundağ Ergül , Kasacı Tolga , Yılmaz Ayşe Mine , Karademir Betül , Koçtürk Semra , Taga Yavuz , Yalçın A. Süha
Published: January 2016

In this study, we have investigated the antiproliferative effect of quercetin on human papillary thyroid cancer cells and determined the apoptotic mechanisms underlying its actions. We have used different concentrations of quercetin to induce apoptosis and measured cell viability. Apoptosis and cell cycle analysis was determined by flow cytometry using Annexin V and propidium iodide. Finally, we have measured changes in caspase-3 and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein expression levels as hallmarks of apoptosis and Hsp90 protein expression level as a marker of proteasome activity in treated and control cells. Quercetin treatment of human papillary thyroid cancer cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation and increased rate of apoptosis by caspase activation. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that quercetin induces cancer cell apoptosis by downregulating the levels of Hsp90. In conclusion, we have shown that quercetin induces downregulation of Hsp90 expression that may be involved in the decrease of chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity which, in order, induces inhibition of growth and causes cell death in thyroid cancer cells. Thus, quercetin appears to be a promising candidate drug for Hsp90 downregulation and apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells.
Efficacy of Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Prognostic Factors for Patients with Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer
Authors: Lee Hee Seung , Lee Sang Hoon , Roh Yun Ho , Chung Moon Jae , Park Jeong Youp , Park Seung Woo , Song Si Young , Chung Jae Bok , Bang Seungmin
Published: January 2016

Background: Surgical resection is the only curative treatment for extrahepatic bile duct cancer. Additionally, the recurrence rate after curative surgery is relatively high, requiring adjuvant therapy. However, the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy compared with surgery alone has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy and identify prognostic factors influencing survival in extrahepatic bile duct cancer patients who underwent curative surgical resection. Methods: Ninety-seven patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer who underwent curative resection between January 2005 and December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 97 patients, 31 underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and 66 did not. The 5-year overall survival rate was 34% for patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. There was no significant difference for overall survival between patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and those who did not (p = 0.228). On multivariate analysis, postoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels and histologic grade were independent prognostic factors related to long-term survival (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve survival after surgical resection for extrahepatic bile duct cancer.
Epithelial Nuclear Factor-κB Activation in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Colitis-Associated Carcinogenesis
Authors: Nagaishi Takashi , Watabe Taro , Jose Nisha , Tokai Arisa , Fujii Toshimitsu , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Nagahori Masakazu , Ohtsuka Kazuo , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: January 2016

Prolonged inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) may lead to colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC). Previous studies had shown that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in both macrophages and epithelia in inflamed colonic tissue is associated with CAC development. However, the mechanism by which epithelial NF-κB activation leading to CAC development had not previously been rigorously studied. We and others had observed the increased expression of the type 2 receptor for tumor necrosis factor (TNFR2/TNFRSF1b/p75) in IBD models. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is suggested to be associated with epithelial permeability via TNF signaling. Therefore, the relationship between epithelial MLCK expression and NF-κB activation via TNFR2 signaling on CAC development was investigated. Pro-tumorigenic cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 at the lamina propria were increased in the setting of colitis and further increased in tumor tissues with upregulated epithelial TNFR2 and MLCK expressions in an animal model of CAC. The upregulated MLCK expression was also observed in TNF-stimulated colonic epithelial cells in vitro in association with the upregulation of TNFR2 but not TNFR1/TNFRSF1a/p55. Gene silencing of tnfrsf1b, but not tnfrsf1a, resulted in restoration of epithelial tight junction (TJ) associated with decreased MLCK expression. The presence of anti-TNF antibody also resulted in restoration of TJ in association with suppressed MLCK expression, and interestingly, similar results including the suppressed TNFR2 and MLCK expressions were observed by inhibiting MLCK in the epithelial cells. MLCK silencing also led to suppressed TNFR2 expression, suggesting that the restored TJ leads to reduced TNFR2 signaling. Such suppression of MLCK as well as blockade of TNFR2 signaling resulted in reduced CAC development, restored TJ, and decreased pro-tumorigenic cytokines. These imply that TNF-induced NF-κB activation and MLCK expression may be a potential target for the prevention of IBD-associated carcinogenesis.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Time Covering Eradication for All Patients Infected with Helicobacter pylori in Japan
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsushige , Uotani Takahiro , Ichikawa Hitomi , Andoh Akira , Furuta Takahisa
Published: January 2016

Background: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has increased in Japan since the end of the 20th century due to changes in environmental factors, such as a decreased infection rate of Helicobacter pylori and increased ability of acid secretion in the Japanese population. In 2013, the Japanese health insurance system started to cover eradication treatment for all patients infected with H. pylori to prevent gastric cancer, suggesting we may soon be able to completely eradicate this infection in Japan. Re-clarification of the clinical characteristics of GERD in Japan is therefore required in time covering the eradication for all patients infected with H. pylori. Summary: In Japan, more than half of GERD patients exhibit non-erosive reflux disease, and a majority of erosive esophagitis (RE) cases have mild severity of GERD (Los Angeles classification of grades A and B). The prevalence of RE in H. pylori-positive patients is relatively low (4.1%) compared to the general Japanese population (7.6-10.6%). In multivariate analysis to evaluate a risk of RE development, a risk in H. pylori-positive patients is elevated in those with mild gastric mucosal atrophy (C-I and C-II according to the Kimura-Takemoto classification, OR 12.14, 95% CI 1.28-115.26, p = 0.03) or with hiatal hernia (OR 5.24, 95% CI 1.80-15.22, p < 0.01). Here, we provide a comprehensive review of GERD in Japan, including associations between GERD and H. pylori infection, low-dose-aspirin-induced GERD, and pharmacological treatment for GERD. Key Messages: The recent decrease in the rate of H. pylori infection and increase in the proportion of elderly persons might have increased the prevalence of GERD in Japan.
Gastric Cancer Screening by Combined Assay for Serum Anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG Antibody and Serum Pepsinogen Levels - The ABC Method
Authors: Yamaguchi Yasuharu , Nagata Yasuhiko , Hiratsuka Ryuuta , Kawase Yoshihiko , Tominaga Tatsurou , Takeuchi Shunji , Sakagami Shinya , Ishida Shusei
Published: January 2016

Background:Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and gastric atrophy are both risk factors for gastric cancer. Recently it has been found that X-ray examination for gastric cancer screening does not have much effect on the detection rate for gastric cancer in Japan. A candidate for a new mass screening for gastric cancer, the ABC method, using the combination assay of Hp and serum pepsinogen, was useful for identifying the development of gastric cancer in high-risk and low-risk populations. People with higher cancer risk are recommended to receive endoscopy. The ABC method was carried out as a gastric cancer mass-screening on the initiative of Nishitokyo Medical Association in Nishitokyo city from 2011. This paper reviewed the present status of gastric cancer screening using the ABC method, including the latest results of our ongoing screening. Summary: We report results for 36,627 individuals from 2011 to 2013. Among them, 16,965 received blood examination for the ABC method. Of those, 8,083 planned to undergo endoscopic examination according to stratification of the risk for the development of gastric cancer. In fact, a total of 2,911 individuals underwent endoscopic examination. Gastric cancer was detected in 65 patients, including 52 (80%) diagnosed with early gastric cancer. The ABC method was not organized screening but opportunistic screening. X-ray examination was the organized screening that was ongoing during the same period. Detection cost for 1 gastric cancer case using the ABC method was cheaper than the conventional X-ray screening method (¥1,267,452 vs. ¥2,807,763). Key Messages: Although further large epidemiological studies are required, the ABC method might be positioned as an effective mass screening for gastric cancer.