bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi and Neurocutaneous Melanosis
Authors: Araújo Catarina , Resende Cristina , Pardal Francisco , Brito Celeste
Published: February 2015

Introduction. The major medical concern with giant congenital melanocytic nevi CMN is high risk of developing cutaneous melanoma, leptomeningeal melanoma, and neurocutaneous melanocytosis.Case Report. A 30-year-old woman with a giant congenital melanocytic nevus covering nearly the entire right thoracodorsal region and multiple disseminated melanocytic nevi presented with neurological symptoms. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large expansive lesion in the left frontal region. Postsurgically pathological diagnosis revealed characteristics of melanoma. Immunohistochemical examination showed S100(+), HMB45(+), MelanA(+), and MiTF(+). She received radiotherapy with temozolomide followed by two more chemotherapy cycles with temozolomide. She followed a rapidly progressive course, reflecting widespread leptomeningeal infiltration, and she died of multiorgan failure seven months after diagnosis of cerebral melanoma.Discussion. This patient was diagnosed as having a neurocutaneous melanosis with malignant widespread leptomeningeal infiltration. Diffuse spinal involvement is unusual and is described in only another patient.
Modeling the Sorption of Ni2+ and Co2+ on Saprist Peat Using the Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Asapo Emmanuel S. , Coles Cynthia A. , Lye Leonard M.
Published: February 2015

A detailed study of the sorption of Ni2+ and Co2+ from simulated wastewater on saprist peat is presented. The significantly decomposed peat possessed a strong sorptive capacity that was maintained over a wide range of pH. With a metal concentration range of 50 to 200 mg/L, pH range of 3 to 10, peat dose of 2 to 40 g/L, and contact time of 12 to 24 h, batch experiments were conducted based on a four-factor Box-Behnken response surface design. The percentage removals of Ni2+ and Co2+ were analyzed using analysis of variance. Second order response surface models were developed with the significant factors and their interactions to predict the percentage sorption of Ni2+ and Co2+ independently. The prediction equations were verified with additional data not used in developing the equations. The study showed that the saprist peat could be a potential industrial metal adsorbent and the percentage of uptake of Ni2+ and Co2+ could be accurately predicted using the second order response surface models developed. Ni2+ uptake was greater for the two metals and reached a maximum value at just below a neutral pH and Co2+ uptake continued to increase from pH > 5, with higher uptake percentage at pH 10.
Calcium Channel Expression and Applicability as Targeted Therapies in Melanoma
Authors: Macià A. , Herreros J. , Martí R. M. , Cantí C.
Published: February 2015

The remodeling of Ca2+signaling is a common finding in cancer pathophysiology serving the purpose of facilitating proliferation, migration, or survival of cancer cells subjected to stressful conditions. One particular facet of these adaptive changes is the alteration of Ca2+fluxes through the plasma membrane, as described in several studies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the expression of different Ca2+channels in the plasma membrane of melanoma cells and its impact on oncogenic Ca2+signaling. In the last few years, new molecular components of Ca2+influx pathways have been identified in melanoma cells. In addition, new links between Ca2+homeostasis and specific cell processes important in melanoma tumor progression have been unveiled. Thus, not only do Ca2+channels appear to have a potential as prognostic markers, but their pharmacological blockade or gene silencing is hinted as interesting therapeutic approaches.
A Novel Approach to Study Real-Time Dynamic Optimization Analysis and Simulation of Complex Mine Logistics Transportation Hybrid System with Belt and Surge Links
Authors: Xiao-ping Bai , Yu-hong Zhao , Ya-nan Liu
Published: February 2015

The mine logistics transportation system with belt and surge links is often formed by a complex hybrid dynamic system that consists of continuous and discrete links, and these parts can have the complex changes along with the mining engineering going on. Studying the hybrid system with belt and surge links to fully realize its beneficial functions is very significant. Until now, there have been many references studying the logistics transportation hybrid system with belt and surge links, and many concepts about it have been set up. However, in these references, complicated real-time dynamic changes of the hybrid system usually is studied. This paper presents a novel approach to study real-time dynamic optimization analysis and simulation problems of complex mine logistics transportation hybrid system, which can be used to make optimization design for this kind of complex hybrid system. The proposed method considered expressly complicated real-time dynamic changing of the hybrid system comparing with some existing references and can solve some optimization design problems of the hybrid system. In addition, this paper used statistical data of a real logistics transportation system with belt and surge bin on simulation and gets some useful conclusions. The application result shows that the presented method is valid.
Flail Chest in Polytraumatized Patients: Surgical Fixation Using Stracos Reduces Ventilator Time and Hospital Stay
Authors: Jayle Christophe P. M. , Allain Géraldine , Ingrand Pierre , Laksiri Leila , Bonnin Emilie , Hajj-Chahine Jamil , Mimoz Olivier , Corbi Pierre
Published: February 2015

Objectives. Conservative management of patients with flail chest is the treatment of choice. Rib fracture repair is technically challenging; however, with the advent of specially designed molding titanium clips, surgical management has been simplified. Surgical stabilization has been used with good outcomes. We are reporting on our institutional matched-case-control study.Methods. Between April 2010 and April 2011, ten polytraumatized patients undergoing rib stabilization for flail chest were matched 1 : 1 to 10 control patients by age±10 years, sex, neurological or vertebral trauma, abdominal injury, and arm and leg fractures. Surgery was realized in the first 48 hours.Results. There were no significant differences between groups for matched data and prognostic scores: injury severity score, revised trauma score, and trauma injury severity score. Ventilator time (142 ± 224 versus 74 ± 125 hours,P=0.026) and overall hospital stay (142 ± 224 versus 74 ± 125 hours,P=0.026) were significantly lower for the surgical group after adjustment on prognostic scores. There was a trend towards shorter ICU stay for operative patients (12.3 ± 8.5 versus 9.0 ± 4.3 days,P=0.076).Conclusions. Rib fixation with Stracos is feasible and decreases the length of ventilation and hospital stay. A multicenter randomized study is warranted so as to confirm these results and to evaluate impact on pulmonary function status, pain, and quality of life.
Predictive Value of Interim PET/CT in DLBCL Treated with R-CHOP: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Na , Zhao Jinhua , Qiao Wenli , Wang Taisong
Published: February 2015

Objective.We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the predictive value of interim18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy.Methods.We searched for articles published in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Scopus, and Ovid database from inception to March 2014. Articles related to interim PET/CT in patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy were selected. PFS with or without OS was chosen as the endpoint to evaluate the prognostic significance of interim PET/CT.Results.Six studies with a total of 605 cases were included. The sensitivity of interim PET/CT ranged from 21.2% to 89.7%, and the pooled sensitivity was 52.4%. The specificity of interim PET/CT ranged from 37.4% to 90.7%, and the pooled specificity was 67.8%. The pooled positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 1.780 and 0.706, respectively. The explained AUC was 0.6978 and theQ*was 0.6519.Conclusions.The sensitivity and specificity of interim PET/CT in predicting the outcome of DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy were not satisfactory (52.4% and 67.8%, resp.). To improve this, some more work should be done to unify the response criteria and some more research to assess the prognostic value of interim PET/CT with semiquantitative analysis.
Advanced Glycation End Products Induce Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via Downregulating Sirt 1 and Upregulating TGF-βin Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: He Wei , Zhang Jian , Gan Tian-yi , Xu Guo-jun , Tang Bao-peng
Published: February 2015

In the present study, we examined the advanced glycation end products- (AGEs-) induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results demonstrated that AGE-BSAs significantly reduced the cluster of differentiation 31 (CD 31) expression, whereas they promoted the expression of fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1),α-smooth muscle antibody (α-SMA), and collagen I at both mRNA and protein levels in HUVECs. And the AGE-BSAs also promoted the receptors for AGEs (RAGEs) and receptor I for TGF-β(TGFR I) markedly with a dose dependence, whereas the Sirt 1 was significantly downregulated by the AGE-BSA at both mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, the Sirt 1 activity manipulation with its activator, resveratrol (RSV), or its inhibitor, EX527, markedly inhibited or ameliorated the AGE-mediated TGF-βupregulation. And the manipulated Sirt 1 activity positively regulated the AGE-induced CD31, whereas it negatively regulated the AGE-induced FSP-1. Thus, Sirt 1 was confirmed to regulate the AGE-induced EndMT via TGF-β. In summary, we found that AGE-BSA induced EndMT in HUVECs via upregulating TGF-βand downregulating Sirt 1, which also negatively regulated TGF-βin the cell. This study implied the EndMT probably as an important mechanism of AGE-induced cardiovascular injury.
Effects of Concurrent Training on Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance in Obese Individuals
Authors: Medeiros Niara da Silva , de Abreu Fabiana Guichard , Colato Alana Schraiber , de Lemos Leandro Silva , Ramis Thiago Rozales , Dorneles Gilson Pires , Funchal Cláudia , Dani Caroline
Published: February 2015

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and increased oxidative stress. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate anthropometric parameters, IR, and oxidative stress in obese individuals subjected to two types of concurrent training at the same intensity but differing in frequency. Accordingly, 25 individuals were divided into two groups: concurrent training 1 (CT1) (5 d/wk) and concurrent training 2 (CT2) (3 d/wk), both with moderate intensity. Anthropometric parameters, IR, and oxidative stress were analyzed before and after 26 sessions of training. Both groups had reduced body weight and body mass index (P<0.05), but only CT1 showed lower body fat percentage and increased basal metabolic rate (P<0.05). Moreover, CT1 had increased HOMA-IR and decreased protein damage (carbonyl level), and CT2 had decreased HOMA-IR and increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS level) (P<0.05). On the other hand, both training protocols reduced the GPx activity. It can be concluded that both types of concurrent training could be an alternative for lowering body weight and BMI. Also, it was observed that concurrent training, depending on the frequency, can contribute to reducing body fat, oxidative damage (protein oxidation), and IR but can induce oxidative damage to lipids. More studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
WHO Multidrug Therapy for Leprosy: Epidemiology of Default in Treatment in Agra District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Anil , Girdhar Anita , Chakma Joy Kumar , Girdhar Bhuwneswar Kumar
Published: February 2015

Aim.To study the magnitude of default, time of default, its causes, and final clinical outcome.Methods. Data collected in active surveys in Agra is analyzed. Patients were given treatment after medical confirmation and were followed up. The treatment default and other clinical outcomes were recorded.Results. Patients who defaulted have comparable demographic characteristics. However, among defaulters more women (62.7% in PB, 42.6% in MB) were seen than those in treatment completers (PB 52.7% and MB 35.9%). Nerve involvement was high in treatment completers: 45.7% in PB and 91.3% in MB leprosy. Overall default rate was lower (14.8%) in ROM than (28.8%) in standard MDT for PB leprosy (χ12=11.6,P=0.001) and also for MB leprosy: 9.1% in ROM compared to 34.5% in MDT (χ12=6.0,P=0.015). Default rate was not different (28.8% versus 34.5%,P>0.05) in both types of leprosy given MDT. Most patients defaulted at early stage of treatment and mainly due to manageable side effects.Conclusion. The default in standard MDT both for PB and MB leprosy was observed to be significantly higher than in ROM treatment. Most defaults occurred at early stage of treatment and major contribution of default is due to side effects like drowsiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and so forth, related to poor general health. Although about half of the defaulters were observed to be cured 2.2% in PB-MDT and 10.9% of MB-MDT developed disability. This is an issue due to default. Attempts are needed to increase treatment compliance. The use of specially designed disease related health education along with easily administered drug regimens may help to reduce default.
Risk-Adjusted Analysis of Relevant Outcome Drivers for Patients after More Than Two Kidney Transplants
Authors: Kousoulas Lampros , Vondran Florian W. R. , Syryca Paulina , Klempnauer Juergen , Schrem Harald , Lehner Frank
Published: February 2015

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients suffering end-stage renal disease, but as the long-term renal allograft survival is limited, most transplant recipients will face graft loss and will be considered for a retransplantation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the patient and graft survival of the 61 renal transplant recipients after second or subsequent renal transplantation, transplanted in our institution between 1990 and 2010, and to identify risk factors related to inferior outcomes. Actuarial patient survival was 98.3%, 94.8%, and 88.2% after one, three, and five years, respectively. Actuarial graft survival was 86.8%, 80%, and 78.1% after one, three, and five years, respectively. Risk-adjusted analysis revealed that only age at the time of last transplantation had a significant influence on patient survival, whereas graft survival was influenced by multiple immunological and surgical factors, such as the number of HLA mismatches, the type of immunosuppression, the number of surgical complications, need of reoperation, primary graft nonfunction, and acute rejection episodes. In conclusion, third and subsequent renal transplantation constitute a valid therapeutic option, but inferior outcomes should be expected among elderly patients, hyperimmunized recipients, and recipients with multiple operations at the site of last renal transplantation.
Hard-Hat Detection for Construction Safety Visualization
Authors: Shrestha Kishor , Shrestha Pramen P. , Bajracharya Dinesh , Yfantis Evangelos A.
Published: February 2015

In 2012, 775 fatalities were recorded, and many more were injured at construction sites in the United States. Of these, 415 fatalities (54%) were due to fall, slips, and trips as well as being struck by falling objects. In order to decrease fatalities at construction sites to these types of events, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides Fall Prevention and OSHA-10 trainings to construction workers. Moreover, safety personnel monitor whether the workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly. Data shows that construction fatalities have decreased by 2% annually since 1994; however, the owners still are not satisfied with this result. Various studies have shown that fall is the biggest contributor for construction fatalities. One study showed that half of the fall fatalities were because the workers either had not used PPEs or had not used them properly. In addition, studies showed that, with proper use of hard hats, the fatalities due to fall, slips, trips, and being struck by falling objects could be reduced. This study developed and tested a hard-hat detection tool that uses image-processing techniques to identify whether workers are wearing hard hats. The tool dispatches warning messages if the workers do not use hard hats.
Information Technology in Critical Care: Review of Monitoring and Data Acquisition Systems for Patient Care and Research
Authors: De Georgia Michael A. , Kaffashi Farhad , Jacono Frank J. , Loparo Kenneth A.
Published: February 2015

There is a broad consensus that 21st century health care will require intensive use of information technology to acquire and analyze data and then manage and disseminate information extracted from the data. No area is more data intensive than the intensive care unit. While there have been major improvements in intensive care monitoring, the medical industry, for the most part, has not incorporated many of the advances in computer science, biomedical engineering, signal processing, and mathematics that many other industries have embraced. Acquiring, synchronizing, integrating, and analyzing patient data remain frustratingly difficult because of incompatibilities among monitoring equipment, proprietary limitations from industry, and the absence of standard data formatting. In this paper, we will review the history of computers in the intensive care unit along with commonly used monitoring and data acquisition systems, both those commercially available and those being developed for research purposes.
The Effects ofPanax ginsengandPanax quinquefoliuson Thermoregulation in Animal Models
Authors: Hong Bin Na , Do Moon Ho , Her You Ri , Lee Yeong Ro , Kang Tong Ho
Published: February 2015

We devised a study using animal models of hyperthermia and hypothermia and also attempted to accurately assess the effects ofPanax ginseng(PG) andPanax quinquefolius(PQ) on body temperature using these models. In addition, we investigated the effects of PG and PQ in our animal models in high and low temperature environments. The results of our experiments show that mice with normothermia, hyperthermia, and hypothermia maintained their body temperatures after a certain period in accordance with the condition of each animal model. In our experiments of body temperature change in models of normal, low, or high room temperature, the hyperthermic model did not show any body temperature change in either the PG- or PQ-administered group. In the normal and low room temperature models, the group administered PG maintained body temperature, while the body temperature of the PQ-administered group was lower than or similar to that of the control group. In conclusion, the fact that PG increases body temperature could not be verified until now. We also showed that the effect of maintaining body temperature in the PG-administered group was superior in a hypothermia-prone low temperature environment.
Evaluation of Single‐Bundle versus Double‐Bundle PCL Reconstructions with More Than 10‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Deie Masataka , Adachi Nobuo , Nakamae Atsuo , Takazawa Kobun , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: February 2015

Background. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are not rare in acute knee injuries, and several recent anatomical studies of the PCL and reconstructive surgical techniques have generated improved patient results. Now, we have evaluated PCL reconstructions performed by either the single‐bundle or double‐bundle technique in a patient group followed up retrospectively for more than 10 years. Methods. PCL reconstructions were conducted using the single‐bundle (27 cases) or double‐bundle (13 cases) method from 1999 to 2002. The mean age at surgery was 34 years in the single‐bundle group and 32 years in the double‐bundle group. The mean follow‐up period was 12.5 years. Patients were evaluated by Lysholm scoring, the gravity sag view, and knee arthrometry. Results. The Lysholm score after surgery was 89.1 ± 5.6 points for the single‐bundle group and 91.9 ± 4.5 points for the double‐bundle group. There was no significant difference between the methods in the side‐to‐side differences by gravity sag view or knee arthrometer evaluation, although several cases in both groups showed a side‐to‐side difference exceeding 5 mm by the latter evaluation method. Conclusions. We found no significant difference between single‐ and double‐bundle PCL reconstructions during more than 10 years of follow‐up.
Characterization of LpGPAT Gene inLilium pensylvanicumand Response to Cold Stress
Authors: Sun Shao-kun , Yang Ni-na , Chen Li-jing , Irfan Muhammad , Zhao Xing-hua , Li Tian-lai
Published: February 2015

LpGPAT was obtained fromL. pensylvanicumusing RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The cloned full-length cDNA was 1544 bp; it encoded 410 amino acids and had a molecular size of 46 KDa. The nucleic acid sequence analysis showed that it shared high homology with other known GPATs. SMAT result suggests that there is a PlsC that exists in 176-322 amino acid sequence of LpGAPT; it means LpGPAT protein is a member of the family of acyltransferase and has acyltransferase enzymatic activity. Result of real-time quantitative PCR and semiquantitative PCR support LpGPAT gene is definitely induced by low temperature stress.
Antibiotic Therapies in Maxillofacial Surgery in the Context of Prophylaxis
Authors: Orzechowska-Wylęgała Bogusława , Wylęgała Adam , Buliński Michał , Niedzielska Iwona
Published: February 2015

Objectives. There is no single pattern for preventive action as to the duration and type of antibiotic therapy in maxillofacial surgery. In these circumstances, it appears reasonable to set relevant standards for prophylactic procedures after such surgeries.Methods. Retrospective analysis of bacteriological tests has been carried out as well as a susceptibility evaluation of cultured bacterial and fungal strains to antibiotics over a five-year period in subjects treated at the Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Clinic in Katowice. A total of 726 bacterial and fungal strains were cultured in 484 patients (200 women and 284 males). The age of the patients was 40.2 on average.Results. The most frequent bacteria isolated from the patients were Gram-positive 541 (74.5%). Gram-negative bacteria were present in 177 (24.4%) cases. Fungi of theCandidagenus were isolated in eight cases (1.1%).Conclusions. The most often isolated bacteria wereStreptococcus mitisandStreptococcus oralis, whose number has grown over the last two years. Empiric therapies should be based on ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. It has been observed that all the Gram-positive bacteria are becoming more resistant to all antibiotics. Ampicillin and imipenem were antibiotics with the steepest resistance reduction while vancomycin showed the lowest resistance drop.
Utility of Circulating MicroRNAs as Clinical Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Kondkar Altaf A. , Abu-Amero Khaled K.
Published: February 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene and protein expression by translational repression and/or mRNA degradation. miRNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases and have become potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Their stability and presence in variety of readily accessible cell types including whole blood, serum, plasma, and other body fluids render them as potential source of a clinical biomarker. This review provides a brief overview of miRNA biogenesis and function, the diagnostic potential of circulating extracellular miRNA and their specific role in vivo in various cardiovascular settings, and their future perspective as clinical biomarkers. It is clearly evident from experimental studies that miRNAs are responsible for the regulation of several biological functions and alterations in cardiovascular diseases. Current data supports the concept of using circulating miRNAs as a biomarker in cardiovascular disease. It remains to be seen, however, whether circulating miRNAs can fulfil this role to improve risk and severity prediction.
MIC as an Appropriate Method to Construct the Brain Functional Network
Authors: Zhang Ziqing , Sun Shu , Yi Ming , Wu Xia , Ding Yiming
Published: February 2015

Using an effective method to measure the brain functional connectivity is an important step to study the brain functional network. The main methods for constructing an undirected brain functional network include correlation coefficient (CF), partial correlation coefficient (PCF), mutual information (MI), wavelet correlation coefficient (WCF), and coherence (CH). In this paper we demonstrate that the maximal information coefficient (MIC) proposed by Reshef et al. is relevant to constructing a brain functional network because it performs best in the comprehensive comparisons in consistency and robustness. Our work can be used to validate the possible new functional connection measures.
Exercise-Induced Neuroprotection in theSpasticHan Wistar Rat: The Possible Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Authors: Van Kummer Brooke H. , Cohen Randy W.
Published: February 2015

Moderate aerobic exercise has been shown to enhance motor skills and protect the nervous system from neurodegenerative diseases, like ataxia. Our lab uses thespasticHan Wistar rat as a model of ataxia. Mutant rats develop forelimb tremor and hind limb rigidity and have a decreased lifespan. Our lab has shown that exercise reduced Purkinje cell degeneration and delayed motor dysfunction, significantly increasing lifespan. Our study investigated how moderate exercise may mediate neuroprotection by analyzing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB. To link BDNF to exercise-induced neuroprotection, mutant and normal rats were infused with the TrkB antagonist K252a or vehicle into the third ventricle. During infusion, rats were subjected to moderate exercise regimens on a treadmill. Exercised mutants receiving K252a exhibited a 21.4% loss in Purkinje cells compared to their controls. Cerebellar TrkB expression was evaluated using non-drug-treated mutants subjected to various treadmill running regimens. Running animals expressed three times more TrkB than sedentary animals. BDNF was quantified via Sandwich ELISA, and cerebellar expression was found to be 26.6% greater in mutant rats on 7-day treadmill exercise regimen compared to 30 days of treadmill exercise. These results suggest that BDNF is involved in mediating exercise-induced neuroprotection.
Preparation, Structural, Electrical, and Ferroelectric Properties of Lead Niobate–Lead Zirconate–Lead Titanate Ternary System
Authors: Gupta Rashmi , Verma Seema , Singh Vishal , Bamzai K. K.
Published: February 2015

A ternary system of lead niobate–lead zirconate–lead titanate with composition xPN–yPZ–(x-y)PT where x=0.5 and y=0.15, 0.25, and 0.35 known as PNZT has been prepared by conventional mixed oxide route at a temperature of 1100°C. The formation of the perovskite phase was established by X-ray diffraction analysis. The surface morphology studied by scanning electron microscopy shows the formation of fairly dense grains and elemental composition was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Dielectric properties like dielectric constant and dielectric loss (ε′ and tan⁡δ) indicate poly-dispersive nature of the material. The temperature dependent dielectric constant (ε′) curve indicates relaxor behaviour with two dielectric anomalies. The poly-dispersive nature of the material was analysed by Cole-Cole plots. The activation energy follows the Arrhenius law and is found to decrease with increasing frequency for each composition. The frequency dependence of ac conductivity follows the universal power law. The ac conductivity analysis suggests that hopping of charge carriers among the localized sites is responsible for electrical conduction. The ferroelectric studies reveal that these ternary systems are soft ferroelectric.
Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Pelvic Floor Support Systems of Subjects with and without Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Ren Shuang , Xie Bing , Wang Jianliu , Rong Qiguo
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to develop three-dimensional finite element models of the whole pelvic support systems of subjects with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP) that can be used to simulate anterior and posterior wall prolapses. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in one healthy female volunteer (55 years old, para 2) and one patient (56 years old, para 1) with anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Contours of the pelvic structures were traced by a trained gynecologist. Smoothing of the models was conducted and attachments among structures were established. Finite element models of the pelvic support system with anatomic details were established for both the healthy subject and the POP patient. The models include the uterus, vagina with cavity, cardinal and uterosacral ligaments, levator ani muscle, rectum, bladder, perineal body, pelvis, obturator internus, and coccygeal muscle. Major improvements were provided in the modeling of the supporting ligaments and the vagina with high anatomic precision. These anatomically accurate models can be expected to allow study of the mechanism of POP in more realistic physiological conditions. The resulting knowledge may provide theoretical help for clinical prevention and treatment of POP.
Role of NEK2A in Human Cancer and Its Therapeutic Potentials
Authors: Xia Jiliang , Franqui Machin Reinaldo , Gu Zhimin , Zhan Fenghuang
Published: February 2015

Chromosome instability (CIN) has been identified as a common feature of most human cancers. A number of centrosomal kinases are thought to cause CIN in cancer cells. Part of those centrosomal kinases exhibit elevated expression in a wide variety of tumours and cancer cell lines. Additionally, critical roles in many aspects of cancer cell growth, proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance have been assigned to some of these centrosomal kinases, such as polo-like kinase 1 (PLk1) and Aurora-A kinase. Recent studies from our group and others revealed that a centrosomal kinase, Never in Mitosis (NIMA) Related Kinase 2A (NEK2A), is frequently upregulated in multiple types of human cancers. Uncontrolled activity of NEK2A activates several oncogenic pathways and ABC transporters, thereby leading to CIN, cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and enhanced drug resistance. In this paper, we highlight recent findings on the aberrant expression and functional significance of NEK2A in human cancers and emphasize their significance for therapeutic potentials.
VGDD: A Virtual Grid Based Data Dissemination Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks with Mobile Sink
Authors: Khan Abdul Waheed , Abdullah Abdul Hanan , Razzaque Mohammad Abdur , Bangash Javed Iqbal , Altameem Ayman
Published: February 2015

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is considered as the enabling technology to bridge the gap between the physical and digital world. Some of the applications environments of WSN require a mobile sink to operate in the sensor field where delayed and/or partial data delivery might lead to inappropriate conclusions and thus require high quality of service in terms of latency and packets delivery ratio. Majority of existing mobile sink based data dissemination schemes aim to prolong network lifetime whereas few schemes improve the data delivery performance by employing multiple mobile sinks which add to the hardware and operating cost. In this paper we propose a virtual grid based data dissemination (VGDD) scheme that aims to optimize the tradeoff between network lifetime and data delivery performance while adhering to the low cost theme of WSN. Using the virtual structure, the proposed VGDD scheme follows a set of rules to disseminate sink's mobility updates in an energy efficient manner thereby maintaining nearly optimal routes. Furthermore, to cope with speed's variation of mobile sink, VGDD makes use of appropriate forwarder nodes for guaranteed data delivery. Simulation results reveal improved data delivery performance in terms of latency and data delivery ratio compared to existing work.
The Influence of Electromagnetic Radiation Generated by a Mobile Phone on the Skeletal System of Rats
Authors: Sieroń-Stołtny Karolina , Teister Łukasz , Cieślar Grzegorz , Sieroń Dominik , Śliwinski Zbigniew , Kucharzewski Marek , Sieroń Aleksander
Published: February 2015

The study was focused on the influence of electromagnetic field generated by mobile phone on the skeletal system of rats, assessed by measuring the macrometric parameters of bones, mechanical properties of long bones, calcium and phosphorus content in bones, and the concentration of osteogenesis (osteocalcin) and bone resorption (NTX, pyridinoline) markers in blood serum. The study was carried out on male rats divided into two groups: experimental group subjected to 28-day cycle of exposures in electromagnetic field of 900 MHz frequency generated by mobile phone and a control, sham-exposed one. The mobile phone-generated electromagnetic field did not influence the macrometric parameters of long bones and L4vertebra, it altered mechanical properties of bones (stress and energy at maximum bending force, stress at fracture), it decreased the content of calcium in long bones and L4vertebra, and it altered the concentration of osteogenesis and bone resorption markers in rats. On the basis of obtained results, it was concluded that electromagnetic field generated by 900 MHz mobile phone does not have a direct impact on macrometric parameters of bones; however, it alters the processes of bone mineralization and the intensity of bone turnover processes and thus influences the mechanical strength of bones.
Genetic Divergence in Northern Benin Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Landraces as Revealed by Agromorphological Traits and Selection of Candidate Genotypes
Authors: Dossou-Aminon Innocent , Loko Laura Yêyinou , Adjatin Arlette , Ewédjè Eben-Ezer B. K. , Dansi Alexandre , Rakshit Sujay , Cissé Ndiaga , Patil Jagannath Vishnu , Agbangla Clément , Sanni Ambaliou , Akoègninou Akpovi , Akpagana Koffi
Published: February 2015

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important staple food crop in northern Benin. In order to assess its diversity in Benin, 142 accessions of landraces collected from Northern Benin were grown in Central Benin and characterised using 10 qualitative and 14 quantitative agromorphological traits. High variability among both qualitative and quantitative traits was observed. Grain yield (0.72–10.57 tons/ha), panicle weight (15–215.95 g), days to 50% flowering (57–200 days), and plant height (153.27–636.5 cm) were among traits that exhibited broader variability. Correlations between quantitative traits were determined. Grain yield for instance exhibited highly positive association with panicle weight (r = 0.901,  P = 0.000) and 100 seed weight (r = 0.247,  P = 0.000). UPGMA cluster analysis classified the 142 accessions into 89 morphotypes. Based on multivariate analysis, twenty promising sorghum genotypes were selected. Among them, AT41, AT14, and AT29 showed early maturity (57 to 66 days to 50% flowering), high grain yields (4.85 to 7.85 tons/ha), and shorter plant height (153.27 to 180.37 cm). The results obtained will help enhancing sorghum production and diversity and developing new varieties that will be better adapted to the current soil and climate conditions in Benin.
Application of Stochastic Automata Networks for Creation of Continuous Time Markov Chain Models of Voltage Gating of Gap Junction Channels
Authors: Snipas Mindaugas , Pranevicius Henrikas , Pranevicius Mindaugas , Pranevicius Osvaldas , Paulauskas Nerijus , Bukauskas Feliksas F.
Published: February 2015

The primary goal of this work was to study advantages of numerical methods used for the creation of continuous time Markov chain models (CTMC) of voltage gating of gap junction (GJ) channels composed of connexin protein. This task was accomplished by describing gating of GJs using the formalism of the stochastic automata networks (SANs), which allowed for very efficient building and storing of infinitesimal generator of the CTMC that allowed to produce matrices of the models containing a distinct block structure. All of that allowed us to develop efficient numerical methods for a steady-state solution of CTMC models. This allowed us to accelerate CPU time, which is necessary to solve CTMC models, ∼20 times.
Ensemble Classifier for Epileptic Seizure Detection for Imperfect EEG Data
Authors: Abualsaud Khalid , Mahmuddin Massudi , Saleh Mohammad , Mohamed Amr
Published: February 2015

Brain status information is captured by physiological electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, which are extensively used to study different brain activities. This study investigates the use of a new ensemble classifier to detect an epileptic seizure from compressed and noisy EEG signals. This noise‐aware signal combination (NSC) ensemble classifier combines four classification models based on their individual performance. The main objective of the proposed classifier is to enhance the classification accuracy in the presence of noisy and incomplete information while preserving a reasonable amount of complexity. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the NSC technique, which yields higher accuracies of 90% for noiseless data compared with 85%, 85.9%, and 89.5% in other experiments. The accuracy for the proposed method is 80% when SNR = 1 dB, 84% when SNR = 5 dB, and 88% when SNR = 10 dB, while the compression ratio (CR) is 85.35% for all of the datasets mentioned.
Training Spiking Neural Models Using Artificial Bee Colony
Authors: Vazquez Roberto A. , Garro Beatriz A.
Published: February 2015

Spiking neurons are models designed to simulate, in a realistic manner, the behavior of biological neurons. Recently, it has been proven that this type of neurons can be applied to solve pattern recognition problems with great efficiency. However, the lack of learning strategies for training these models do not allow to use them in several pattern recognition problems. On the other hand, several bioinspired algorithms have been proposed in the last years for solving a broad range of optimization problems, including those related to the field of artificial neural networks (ANNs). Artificial bee colony (ABC) is a novel algorithm based on the behavior of bees in the task of exploring their environment to find a food source. In this paper, we describe how the ABC algorithm can be used as a learning strategy to train a spiking neuron aiming to solve pattern recognition problems. Finally, the proposed approach is tested on several pattern recognition problems. It is important to remark that to realize the powerfulness of this type of model only one neuron will be used. In addition, we analyze how the performance of these models is improved using this kind of learning strategy.
Epidural Venous Plexus Engorgement: What Lies Beneath?
Authors: Donmez Fuldem Yildirim
Published: February 2015

Epidural venous plexus engorgement may occur due to several conditions that prevent the normal venous circulation. Inferior vena cava agenesis is a very rare cause of epidural venous enlargement. We present a case with a very thin inferior vena cava and left iliac vein agenesis who presented with back pain due to epidural vein engorgement and lacked other venous problems such as deep vein thrombosis.
Study on the Use of Hydride Fuel in High-Performance Light Water Reactor Concept
Authors: Tsige-Tamirat Haileyesus , Ammirabile Luca
Published: February 2015

Hydride fuels have features which could make their use attractive in future advanced power reactors. The potential benefit of use of hydride fuel in HPLWR without introducing significant modification in the current core design concept of the high-performance light water reactor (HPLWR) has been evaluated. Neutronics and thermal hydraulic analyses were performed for a single assembly model of HPLWR with oxide and hydride fuels. The hydride assembly shows higher moderation with softer neutron spectrum and slightly more uniform axial power distribution. It achieves a cycle length of 18 months with sufficient excess reactivity. At Beginning of Cycle the fuel temperature coefficient of the hydride assembly is higher whereas the moderator and void coefficients are lower. The thermal hydraulic results show that the achievable fuel temperature in the hydride assembly is well below the design limits. The potential benefits of the use of hydride fuel in the current design of the HPLWR with the achieved improvements in the core neutronics characteristics are not sufficient to justify the replacement of the oxide fuel. Therefore for a final evaluation of the use of hydride fuels in HPLWR concepts additional studies which include modification of subassembly and core layout designs are required.
Lysine Demethylase LSD1 Coordinates Glycolytic and Mitochondrial Metabolism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Sakamoto Akihisa , Hino Shinjiro , Nagaoka Katsuya , Anan Kotaro , Takase Ryuta , Matsumori Haruka , Ojima Hidenori , Kanai Yae , Arita Kazunori , Nakao Mitsuyoshi
Published: February 2015

The hallmark of most cancer cells is the metabolic shift from mitochondrial to glycolytic metabolism for adapting to the surrounding environment. Although epigenetic modification is intimately linked to cancer, the molecular mechanism, by which epigenetic factors regulate cancer metabolism, is poorly understood. Here, we show that lysine-specific demethylase-1 (LSD1, KDM1A) has an essential role in maintaining the metabolic shift in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Inhibition of LSD1 reduced glucose uptake and glycolytic activity, with a concurrent activation of mitochondrial respiration. These metabolic changes coexisted with the inactivation of the hypoxia-inducible factor HIF1α, resulting in a decreased expression of GLUT1 and glycolytic enzymes. In contrast, during LSD1 inhibition, a set of mitochondrial metabolism genes was activated with the concomitant increase of methylated histone H3 at lysine 4 in the promoter regions. Consistently, both LSD1 and GLUT1 were significantly overexpressed in carcinoma tissues. These findings demonstrate the epigenetic plasticity of cancer cell metabolism, which involves an LSD1-mediated mechanism. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1445–56. ©2015 AACR.
Intracrine Androgens and AKR1C3 Activation Confer Resistance to Enzalutamide in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Liu Chengfei , Lou Wei , Zhu Yezi , Yang Joy C. , Nadiminty Nagalakshmi , Gaikwad Nilesh W. , Evans Christopher P. , Gao Allen C.
Published: February 2015

The introduction of enzalutamide and abiraterone has led to improvement in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, acquired resistance to enzalutamide and abiraterone therapies frequently develops within a short period in many patients. In the present study, we developed enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells in an effort to understand the mechanisms of resistance. Global gene-expression analysis showed that the steroid biosynthesis pathway is activated in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells. One of the crucial steroidogenic enzymes, AKR1C3, was significantly elevated in enzalutamide-resistant cells. In addition, AKR1C3 is highly expressed in metastatic and recurrent prostate cancer and in enzalutamide-resistant prostate xenograft tumors. LC/MS analysis of the steroid metabolites revealed that androgen precursors such as cholesterol, DHEA and progesterone, as well as androgens are highly upregulated in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells compared to the parental cells. Knockdown of AKR1C3 expression by shRNA or inhibition of AKR1C3 enzymatic activity by indomethacin resensitized enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells to enzalutamide treatment both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, overexpression of AKR1C3 confers resistance to enzalutamide. Furthermore, the combination of indomethacin and enzalutamide resulted in significant inhibition of enzalutamide-resistant tumor growth. These results suggest that AKR1C3 activation is a critical resistance mechanism associated with enzalutamide resistance; targeting intracrine androgens and AKR1C3 will overcome enzalutamide resistance and improve survival of advanced prostate cancer patients. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1413–22. ©2015 AACR.
Humoral Immune Response against Nontargeted Tumor Antigens after Treatment with Sipuleucel-T and Its Association with Improved Clinical Outcome
Authors: GuhaThakurta Debraj , Sheikh Nadeem A. , Fan Li-Qun , Kandadi Harini , Meagher T. Craig , Hall Simon J. , Kantoff Philip W. , Higano Celestia S. , Small Eric J. , Gardner Thomas A. , Bailey Kate , Vu Tuyen , DeVries Todd , Whitmore James B. , Frohlich Mark W. , Trager James B. , Drake Charles G.
Published: February 2015

Purpose: Antitumor activity of cancer immunotherapies may elicit immune responses to nontargeted (secondary) tumor antigens, or antigen spread. We evaluated humoral antigen spread after treatment with sipuleucel-T, an immunotherapy for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), designed to target prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP; primary antigen).

Experimental Design: Serum samples from patients with mCRPC enrolled in the placebo-controlled phase III IMPACT study (evaluable n = 142) were used to assess humoral antigen spread after treatment with sipuleucel-T. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to self-antigens (including tumor antigens) were surveyed using protein microarrays and confirmed using Luminex xMAP. IgG responses were subsequently validated in ProACT (n = 33), an independent phase II study of sipuleucel-T. Association of IgG responses with overall survival (OS) was assessed using multivariate Cox models adjusted for baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and lactate dehydrogenase levels.

Results: In patients from IMPACT and ProACT, levels of IgG against multiple secondary antigens, including PSA, KLK2/hK2, K-Ras, E-Ras, LGALS8/PCTA-1/galectin-8, and LGALS3/galectin-3, were elevated after treatment with sipuleucel-T (P < 0.01), but not control. IgG responses (≥2-fold elevation posttreatment) occurred in ≥25% of patients, appeared by 2 weeks after sipuleucel-T treatment, and persisted for up to 6 months. IgG responses to PSA and LGALS3 were associated with improved OS in sipuleucel-T–treated patients from IMPACT (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions: Sipuleucel-T induced humoral antigen spread in patients with mCRPC. IgG responses were associated with improved OS in IMPACT. The methods and results reported may identify pharmacodynamic biomarkers of clinical outcome after sipuleucel-T treatment, and help in clinical assessments of other cancer immunotherapies. Clin Cancer Res; 21(16); 3619–30. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Hellstrom and Hellstrom, p. 3581