bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and treatment of neck metastases in patients with salivary gland cancers
Authors: Yoo Shin‐Hyuk , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Kim Seon‐Ok , Cho Kyung‐Ja , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: May 2015

Background

Management of the neck in patients with salivary gland cancer is controversial. This study aimed to identify clinicopathologic characteristics associated with regional metastases and regional recurrence in patients with salivary gland carcinoma.

Methods

Of 363 study patients, 51 underwent therapeutic neck dissection (TND) and 312 underwent either elective neck dissection (END, n = 110) or no neck dissection (NoND, n = 202). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify clinicopathologic characteristics associated with regional metastases and recurrence.

Results

Pathologic neck metastases were identified in 17/110 (15.5%) END patients and neck recurrence was identified in 5/202 (2.5%) NoND patients. Histologic grade (P < 0.001), tumor site (P = 0.008), and lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for neck metastases. Nodal metastases were more common in high‐grade tumors (P < 0.001), at levels I–III in END patients and levels I–V in TND patients. Multivariate analyses identified histologic grade (P = 0.020), clinical N2 classification (P = 0.007), and extranodal extension (P = 0.005) as independent factors for regional recurrence after treatment.

Conclusions

Patients with high‐grade cancers should receive END involving levels I–III, whereas patients with node‐positive salivary cancers should receive comprehensive TND involving all levels (I–V). J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:1000–1006. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic factors for low rectal cancer patients undergoing intersphincteric resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiation
Authors: Lee Soo Young , Jo Jeong Seon , Kim Hun Jin , Kim Chang Hyun , Kim Young Jin , Kim Hyeong Rok
Published: May 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate prognostic factors for low rectal cancer patients undergoing intersphincteric resection (ISR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 163 primary rectal cancer patients without distant metastasis who underwent ISR following neoadjuvant CRT between January 2006 and December 2011. Prognostic factors for disease‐free survival (DFS) and local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) were evaluated.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 53 months (range, 0–82 months). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated different 3‐year DFS (stage 0, 96.2%; I, 84.8%; II, 72.9%; III, 38.0%) and 3‐year LRFS (stage 0, 100.0%; I, 92.4%; II, 91.1%; III, 70.9%) according to pathologic TNM stages, particularly stage III. Multivariable Cox regression analysis suggested that DFS was associated with ypT (3/4 vs. 0/1/2) and ypN (1/2 vs. 0) stages, whereas LRFS with ypN stage (1/2 vs. 0), tumor size (≥3.5 cm vs. <3.5 cm), and tumor height from the anal verge (≤2 cm vs. >2 cm).

Conclusions

ISR following CRT could be feasible in stage‐I and II low rectal cancer patients, but might be related to poor oncologic outcomes in those with stage‐III disease. The indication for ISR or abdominoperineal resection should be carefully evaluated in cases of low rectal cancer with suspicious lymph node metastasis after CRT. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:1054–1058. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copper‐catalyzed reactions: Research in the gas phase
Authors: Tsybizova Alexandra , Roithová Jana
Published: May 2015

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) is becoming an important tool for mechanistic studies in organic and organometallic chemistry. It allows investigation of reaction mixtures including monitoring of reactants, products, and intermediates, studying properties of the intermediates and their reactivity. Studying the reactive species in the gas phase can be advantageously combined with theoretical calculations. This review is focused on ESI‐MS studies of copper‐catalyzed reactions. Possible effects of the electrospray process on the transfer of the copper complexes to the gas phase are discussed. The plethora of mass spectrometric approaches is demonstrated on copper mediated C‐H activations, cross coupling reactions, rearrangements, organocuprate chemistry, and other examples. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 35: 85–110, 2016.
Versatile pulse sequence device to conserve hyperpolarization for NMR and MRI studies
Authors: Ghosh Rajat K. , Kuzma Nicholas N. , Kadlecek Stephen J. , Rizi Rahim R.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Levitt and co‐workers have described the M2S pulse sequence which transfers between longitudinal and singlet spin order. Building on this work, we describe the construction of a portable M2S pulse sequence generator to increase the relaxation time of polarized compounds. Additionally, we investigate the efficiency of spin order transfer under conditions where physical parameters of the system are not known precisely.

Theory and Methods

A portable M2S generator is built. Longitudinally polarized N2O is converted to the singlet state by both adiabatic transfer and by the M2S sequence. Density matrix simulations are used to model the effects of mismatched chemical shift, flip angle, and scalar couplings.

Results

Density matrix simulations suggest that to convert 95% of the longitudinal m = 1 triplet state population to the singlet order we must match the Larmor precession frequency to the excitation radiofrequency field by 10%, the scalar couplings must be determined to better than 0.6%, and the flip angle must be calibrated to better than 2%.

Conclusion

The sequence is robust against many mismatched physical parameters of the species we are converting. Additionally, the instrument's portability allows for the conversion of hyperpolarized species near a polarizer. The lifetime is increased by ∼12‐fold. This is highly advantageous in systems where the hyperpolarized media relax rapidly. Magn Reson Med 75:1822–1830, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utilizing magnetization transfer imaging to investigate tissue remodeling in a murine model of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Kline Timothy L. , Irazabal Maria V. , Ebrahimi Behzad , Hopp Katharina , Udoji Kelly N. , Warner Joshua D. , Korfiatis Panagiotis , Mishra Prasanna K. , Macura Slobodan I. , Venkatesh Sudhakar K. , Lerman Lilach O. , Harris Peter C. , Torres Vicente E. , King Bernard F. , Erickson Bradley J.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Noninvasive imaging techniques that quantify renal tissue composition are needed to more accurately ascertain prognosis and monitor disease progression in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Given the success of magnetization transfer (MT) imaging to characterize various tissue remodeling pathologies, it was tested on a murine model of autosomal dominant PKD.

Methods

C57Bl/6 Pkd1 R3277C mice at 9, 12, and 15 months were imaged with a 16.4T MR imaging system. Images were acquired without and with RF saturation in order to calculate MT ratio (MTR) maps. Following imaging, the mice were euthanized and kidney sections were analyzed for cystic and fibrotic indices, which were compared with statistical parameters of the MTR maps.

Results

The MTR‐derived mean, median, 25th percentile, skewness, and kurtosis were all closely related to indices of renal pathology, including kidney weight/body weight, cystic index, and percent of remaining parenchyma. The correlation between MTR and histology‐derived cystic and fibrotic changes was R2 = 0.84 and R2 = 0.70, respectively.

Conclusion

MT imaging provides a new, noninvasive means of measuring tissue remodeling PKD changes and may be better suited for characterizing renal impairment compared with conventional MR techniques. Magn Reson Med 75:1466–1473, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance.
Wideband arrhythmia‐Insensitive‐rapid (AIR) pulse sequence for cardiac T1 mapping without image artifacts induced by an implantable‐cardioverter‐defibrillator
Authors: Hong KyungPyo , Jeong Eun‐Kee , Wall T. Scott , Drakos Stavros G. , Kim Daniel
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a wideband arrhythmia‐insensitive‐rapid (AIR) pulse sequence for cardiac T1 mapping without image artifacts induced by implantable‐cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD).

Methods

We developed a wideband AIR pulse sequence by incorporating a saturation pulse with wide frequency bandwidth (8.9 kHz) to achieve uniform T1 weighting in the heart with ICD. We tested the performance of original and “wideband” AIR cardiac T1 mapping pulse sequences in phantom and human experiments at 1.5 Tesla.

Results

In five phantoms representing native myocardium and blood and postcontrast blood/tissue T1 values, compared with the control T1 values measured with an inversion‐recovery pulse sequence without ICD, T1 values measured with original AIR with ICD were considerably lower (absolute percent error > 29%), whereas T1 values measured with wideband AIR with ICD were similar (absolute percent error < 5%). Similarly, in 11 human subjects, compared with the control T1 values measured with original AIR without ICD, T1 measured with original AIR with ICD was significantly lower (absolute percent error > 10.1%), whereas T1 measured with wideband AIR with ICD was similar (absolute percent error < 2.0%).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility of a wideband pulse sequence for cardiac T1 mapping without significant image artifacts induced by ICD. Magn Reson Med 74:336–345, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Violence‐Related Trauma from the Cistercian Abbey of St Mary Graces and a Late Black Death Cemetery
Authors: Krakowka K.
Published: May 2015

The skeletal assemblage excavated from the precinct of St Mary Graces in London (part of the MIN86 collection curated at the Museum of London) is composed of two separate burial populations: the abbey burials, both intra‐ and extramural, and the western cemetery, which was a burial ground for victims of the later waves of the Black Death. Representing both ends of the social status spectrum, these two cemeteries offer a unique look at the patterns and prevalence of violence in a small cross section of the medieval London population. The lower status males from the western cemetery presented with a large number of skull fractures, indicating a high level of violence. The high‐status individuals buried within the abbey were not immune from violence‐related trauma. They presented with a large number of rib fractures, possibly a result of combat or combat practice as many of these individuals were knights and lords. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trauma in the Titicaca Basin, Bolivia (AD 1000–1450)
Authors: Juengst S. L. , Chávez S. J. , Hutchinson D. L. , Mohr Chávez K. L.
Published: May 2015

The Late Intermediate Period (LIP) (AD 1000–1450) in the Andes was a time of turbulent political and social change as two major states, Wari and Tiwanaku, lost power. Increased rates of skeletal trauma in parts of Peru and Chile for this time period have been interpreted as increased interpersonal violence, perhaps as a result of the political vacuum left in the wake of state collapse. In the Titicaca Basin, people increasingly built defensive architecture on the northern lake shore; however, in the southern lake basin, people did not. Few skeletal remains have been excavated in the lake basin overall to corroborate an increase in violent activity or measure if violent activity was increasing for all populations. This paper reports the skeletal trauma for nine LIP individuals excavated from a common tomb on the Copacabana Peninsula in the southern Titicaca basin. This small sample is important for several reasons: (i) they are the only skeletal remains from the Copacabana Peninsula during the LIP; (ii) 100% of the sample population experienced traumatic injury, possibly because of interpersonal violence; and (iii) trauma was often survived. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of melt blending process of nylon 6‐POSS: Improving mechanical properties of spun fibers
Authors: Andrade Ricardo J. , Weinrich Zachary N. , Ferreira Creusa I. , Schiraldi David A. , Maia João M.
Published: May 2015

Blends of nylon 6 and a silsesquioxane additive, aminopropyl isobutyl POSS containing 2.5% POSS by weight, were melt‐compounded with different process conditions in order to test a previously proposed mechanism for reinforcement of PA6 by POSS. In this work, we proposed that above the POSS melting temperature of 267°C POSS becomes partially soluble in the nylon 6 matrix, leading to smaller domains upon cooling, and the remaining nondiffused POSS agglomerates need to have an acceptable size distribution, typically 16 µm2 or less in area. In this work, we test this hypothesis by producing blends with POSS existing as phase‐separated aggregates of even smaller size than before and processing them under various thermomechanical conditions. Although there were no significant differences in the morphology and mechanical properties between the different extruded samples, the results from the spun fibers present significant improvements in tensile properties relative to previous reports. Our results suggest that in order to maximize the tensile strength of melt spun fibers, the extruded blends should be processed at temperatures above the POSS melting temperature and at intermediate shear rates, since these conditions lead to lower debonding between POSS particles and the matrix, and smaller average particle size. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1580–1588, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Benchmark study on glyphosate‐resistant cropping systems in the United States. Part 7: Effects of weed management strategy (grower practices versus academic recommendations) on the weed soil seedbank over 6 years
Authors: Gibson David J , Young Bryan G , Owen Micheal DK , Gage Karla L , Matthews Joseph L , Jordan David L , Shaw David R , Weller Stephen C , Wilson Robert G
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Shifts in weed species composition and richness resulting from near‐exclusive reliance on herbicides in glyphosate‐resistant (GR) cropping systems has necessitated the implementation of alternative weed management tactics to reduce selection pressures of herbicides. We contrasted the response of the weed soil seedbank to effects of weed management strategy, comparing grower practices with academic recommendations for best management practices (BMPs) over 6 years and across five weed hardiness zones in the US Midwest at sites subject to GR cropping systems.

RESULTS

Total weed population density and species richness varied according to cropping system, location and prior year's crop, but less so to weed management strategy. The seedbank population density for 11 of the 14 most frequent weed species was affected by weed management strategy either alone or in an interaction with hardiness zone or year, or both. In only 29% of comparisons was weed population density lower following academic recommendations, and this depended upon prior crop and cropping system. The population density of high‐risk weed species was reduced by academic recommendations, but only in two of six years and under continuous GR maize. Overall, the weed population density was decreasing in field halves subject to the BMPs in the academic recommendations relative to grower practices.

CONCLUSION

The soil seedbank is slow to respond to academic recommendations to mitigate glyphosate‐resistant weeds, but represents a biological legacy that growers need to keep in mind even when management practices reduce emerged field weed population densities. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Behavioral response of spotted‐wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, to aversive odors and a potential oviposition deterrent in the field
Authors: Wallingford Anna K , Hesler Stephen P , Cha Dong H , Loeb Gregory M
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Drosophilia suzukii Matsumura is an invasive pest insect that lays its eggs in the fruit of several commercially grown crops. An effective oviposition deterrent could contribute to its management. Repellant odors were evaluated in the laboratory and in the field.

RESULTS

Geosmin and 1‐octen‐3‐ol were found to be aversive to seven‐day‐old female D. suzukii at concentrations of 10−1 and 10−2 in laboratory choice tests. Field experiments found that fewer eggs were observed in fruit on the day of harvest and fewer adult D. suzukii were reared from fruit associated with 1‐octen‐3‐ol odors than control fruit in cultivated red raspberry.

CONCLUSION

Geosmin and 1‐octen‐3‐ol induce aversive behaviors in Drosophila suzukii and are potential oviposition deterrents for its management in fruit crops. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Autonomous Aerial Water Sampling
Authors: Ore John‐Paul , Elbaum Sebastian , Burgin Amy , Detweiler Carrick
Published: May 2015

Obtaining spatially separated, high‐frequency water samples from rivers and lakes is critical to enhance our understanding and effective management of freshwater resources. In this work, we present an aerial water sampler and assess the system through field experiments. The aerial water sampler has the potential to vastly increase the speed and range at which scientists obtain water samples while reducing cost and effort. The water sampling system includes 1) a mechanism to capture three 20 ml samples per mission, 2) sensors and algorithms for altitude approximation over water, and 3) software components that integrate and analyze sensor data, control the vehicle, drive the sampling mechanism, and manage risk. We validate the system in the lab, characterize key sensors, develop a framework for quantifying risk, and present results of outdoor experiments that characterize the performance of the system under windy conditions. In addition, we compare water samples from local lakes obtained by our system to samples obtained by traditional sampling techniques. We find that even winds of 5.8 m/s have little impact on the water sampling system and that the samples collected are consistent with traditional techniques for most properties. These experiments show that despite the challenges associated with flying precisely over water, it is possible to quickly obtain scientifically useful water samples with an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Interference management schemes for multi‐user cooperative wireless networks
Authors: Omri Aymen , Hasna Mazen O.
Published: May 2015

Cooperative communication is a promising technique for future wireless networks. It can be used in improving communication reliability and enhancing spectrum efficiency by using the broadcast nature of radio communication and exploiting cooperative diversity. However, its performance gain degrades in the presence of co‐channel interference, which makes it essential to propose interference mitigation schemes. In this paper, we introduce three cooperative communication schemes with interference management for multi‐user cooperative wireless networks. The first scheme (best relay selection) is used as a performance benchmark because it completely avoids the interference problem by using the Frequency‐Division Multiple Access technique. The second scheme (best available relay selection) maximizes the received signal‐to‐noise ratio while keeping the interference levels below a certain threshold, and the third scheme (General Order Relay and User Selection) is based on iterative resource allocation algorithm. We derive exact closed‐form expressions of average bit error probability, outage probability, and average consumed power for the proposed schemes. Simulations are used to validate the analytical results. The results confirm the advantage of the proposed cooperation schemes in enhancing the system performance and improving the interference management. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mittelstädte als periphere Zentren: Kooperation, Konkurrenz und Hierarchie in schrumpfenden Regionen
Authors: Kühn Dipl. Ing. Manfred , Milstrey Ulrike
Published: May 2015

Research and policy assume that inter-municipal cooperation is necessary to strengthen the role of medium-sized cities as regional centers in shrinking and peripheral regions and to ensure that services of general interest are maintained. Against this background, the article examines how medium-sized cities manage to position themselves in peripheral regions between the poles of re-centralization and peripheralisation. We discuss how inter-municipal cooperation, competition and hierarchies interact. Using the concept of Regional Governance as a framework for the analysis the questions are investigated empirically based on two case studies: firstly, using the example of the city triangle Altmark (Saxony-Anhalt), which is a polycentric network of cities, consisting of the city of Stendal and two neighbouring towns. Secondly, the location initiative Southwest-Pfalz (Rheinland-Pfalz) is scrutinized, an urban-rural cooperation between the city of Pirmasens and the district Southwest-Pfalz. The results indicate that both the pressure for cooperation and the need for competition are increasing for local actors. Finally we assume that inter-municipal cooperation only works under specific conditions and draw conclusions for regional planning, state and urban policy.
mRNA metabolism and neuronal disease
Authors: Linder Bastian , Fischer Utz , Gehring Niels H.
Published: May 2015

To serve as templates for translation eukaryotic mRNAs undergo an elaborate processing and maturation pathway. In eukaryotes this process comprises the synthesis of mRNA precursors, their processing and transport to the site of translation and eventually their decay. During the entire life cycle, mRNAs interact with distinct sets of trans‐acting factors that determine their fate at any given phase of gene expression. Recent studies have shown that mutations in components acting in trans on mRNAs are frequent causes of a large variety of different human disorders. The etiology of most of these diseases is, however, only poorly understood, mostly because the consequences for mRNA‐metabolism are unclear. Here we discuss three prominent genetic diseases that fall into this category, namely spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and X‐linked syndromic mental retardation (XLMR). Whereas SMA and RP can be directly linked to mRNA processing, XLMR results from mutations in the mRNA surveillance system. We discuss how defects in mRNA maturation and turnover might lead to the tissue specific defects seen in these diseases.
Induction of TNF‐α signaling cascade in neonatal rat brain during propofol anesthesia
Authors: Popić Jelena , Pešić Vesna , Milanović Desanka , Lončarević‐Vasiljković Nataša , Smiljanić Kosara , Kanazir Selma , Ruždijić Sabera
Published: May 2015

Propofol anesthesia can trigger pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic signaling pathways in the rat brain. In our previous work, we demonstrated that propofol causes widespread apoptotic neurodegeneration in 7‐postnatal‐day‐old (PND7) but not in PND14 rat neurons. The mechanism responsible for these opposing outcomes is unknown, apparently linked to the specific stage of brain development. The present study aims to elucidate the anti‐apoptotic process that is activated in the cortex and thalamus of PND14 Wistar rats during the first 48 h after the onset of propofol anesthesia. We showed that the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and several components of its pathway, TNFR1 and caspase‐8, was significantly increased in the cortex and thalamus. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 was downregulated in the cortex and upregulated in the thalamus. The expression of c‐Fos was upregulated only in the cortex, showing opposed profile compared to NF‐κB p65. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed the colocalization of NF‐κB p65 with neuronal marker (NeuN), but with predominantly cytoplasmic localization. Finally, X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) was upregulated in both examined structures. Immunohistochemical staining with Iba‐1 revealed that the treatment did not induce changes in microglial morphology. Our results (i) reveal that the simultaneous activation of pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic signaling occurs after propofol anesthesia, and (ii) pinpoint the potential neuroprotective role of XIAP in anesthesia‐induced neurotoxicity.
Usefulness of brain natriuretic peptide for predicting left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with unanticoagulated nonvalvular persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ochiumi Yusuke , Kagawa Eisuke , Kato Masaya , Sasaki Shota , Nakano Yoshinori , Itakura Kiho , Takiguchi Yu , Ikeda Shuntaro , Dote Keigo
Published: May 2015

Background

The CHADS2 scoring system is simple and widely accepted for predicting thromboembolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Although congestive heart failure (CHF) is a component of the CHADS2 score, the definition of CHF remains unclear. We previously reported that the presence of CHF was a strong predictor of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the relationship between LAA thrombus and the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level in patients with unanticoagulated NVAF.

Methods

The study included 524 consecutive patients with NVAF who had undergone transesophageal echocardiography to detect intracardiac thrombus before cardioversion between January 2006 and December 2008, at Hiroshima City Asa Hospital. The exclusion criteria were as follows: paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, unknown BNP levels, prothrombin time international normalized ratio ≥2.0, and hospitalization for systemic thromboembolism.

Results

Receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded optimal plasma BNP cut‐off levels of 157.1 pg/mL (area under the curve, 0.91; p<0.01) and 251.2 pg/mL (area under the curve, 0.70; p<0.01) for identifying CHF and detecting LAA thrombus, respectively. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that a BNP level >251.2 pg/mL was an independent predictor of LAA thrombus (odds ratio, 3.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–10.7; p=0.046).

Conclusions

In patients with unanticoagulated NVAF, a BNP level >251.2 pg/mL may be helpful for predicting the incidence of LAA thrombus and may be used as a surrogate marker of CHF. The BNP level is clinically useful for the risk stratification of systemic thromboembolism in patients with unanticoagulated NVAF.
A matched‐pair comparison of single plus one port versus standard extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by a single urologist
Authors: Zhang Dong‐Xu , Teng Jing‐Fei , Pan Xiu‐Wu , Wang Kai , Cui Xin‐Gang , Xu Dan‐Feng , Li Yao , Gao Yi , Yin Lei , Wang Jun‐Kai , Chen Lu
Published: May 2015

We conducted this study to report on our initial experience and assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of extraperitoneal single plus one port laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (SPOPL‐RP), and determine whether it shows any objective advantage over standard laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. From June 2009 to September 2011, 15 extraperitoneal SPOPL‐RPs were performed through a 2–3‐cm subumbilical longitudinal incision and another 5‐mm trocar placed at the McBurney point. This cohort was compared with 37 contemporary patients who underwent standard extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy performed by the same urologist. Peri‐ and postoperative outcomes, including continence, potency, and scar length, were statistically analyzed. The two groups were comparable with respect to patient demographics, estimated blood loss, drainage time, duration of catheterization, catheterization rate >14 days, complication rate, postoperative hospitalization, and postoperative functional and oncologic outcomes (p > 0.05). The SPOPL‐RP procedures had a longer mean operative time (170.1 minutes vs. 139.5 minutes, p = 0.005), but with fewer patients requiring analgesics (20% vs. 54.1%, p = 0.038) and earlier resumption of oral intake (20.7 hours vs. 26.8 hours, p = 0.037). The mean scar length in the SPOPL‐RP group was much smaller (3.4 cm vs. 5.8 cm, p = 0.000) owing to the significant reduction of the skin incision. The peri‐ and postoperative outcomes of SPOPL‐RP for low‐risk prostate cancer are comparable to those with the standard laparoscopic approach. In addition, SPOPL‐RP provides better postoperative pain control, faster recovery of bowel function, and smaller scar length than standard laparoscopy, albeit with a longer operative time.
An integrated genomic analysis of papillary renal cell carcinoma type 1 uncovers the role of focal adhesion and extracellular matrix pathways
Authors: Wala Samantha Jane , Karamchandani Jason Raj , Saleeb Rola , Evans Andrew , Ding Qiang , Ibrahim Rania , Jewett Michael , Pasic Maria , Finelli Antonio , Pace Kenneth , Lianidou Evi , Yousef George Makram
Published: May 2015

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) is the second most common RCC subtype and can be further classified as type 1 (pRCC1) or 2 (pRCC2). There is currently minimal understanding of pRCC1 pathogenesis, and treatment decisions are mostly empirical. The aim of this study was to identify biological pathways that are involved in pRCC1 pathogenesis using an integrated genomic approach. By microarray analysis, we identified a number of significantly dysregulated genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) that were unique to pRCC1. Integrated bioinformatics analyses showed enrichment of the focal adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) pathways. We experimentally validated that many members of these pathways are dysregulated in pRCC1. We identified and experimentally validated the downregulation of miR‐199a‐3p in pRCC1. Using cell line models, we showed that miR‐199a‐3p plays an important role in pRCC1 pathogenesis. Gain of function experiments showed that miR‐199a‐3p overexpression significantly decreased cell proliferation (p = 0.013). We also provide evidence that miR‐199a‐3p regulates the expression of genes linked to the focal adhesion and ECM pathways, such as caveolin 2 (CAV2), integrin beta 8 (ITGB8), MET proto‐oncogene and mammalian target of rapamycin (MTOR). Using a luciferase reporter assay, we further provide evidence that miR‐199a‐3p overexpression decreases the expression of MET and MTOR. Using an integrated gene/miRNA approach, we provide evidence linking miRNAs to the focal adhesion and ECM pathways in pRCC1 pathogenesis. This novel information can contribute to the development of effective targeted therapies for pRCC1, for which there is none currently available in the clinic.
Nerve fibers infiltrate the tumor microenvironment and are associated with nerve growth factor production and lymph node invasion in breast cancer
Authors: Pundavela Jay , Roselli Severine , Faulkner Sam , Attia John , Scott Rodney J. , Thorne Rick F. , Forbes John F. , Bradshaw Ralph A. , Walker Marjorie M. , Jobling Phillip , Hondermarck Hubert
Published: May 2015

Infiltration of the tumor microenvironment by nerve fibers is an understudied aspect of breast carcinogenesis. In this study, the presence of nerve fibers was investigated in a cohort of 369 primary breast cancers (ductal carcinomas in situ, invasive ductal and lobular carcinomas) by immunohistochemistry for the neuronal marker PGP9.5. Isolated nerve fibers (axons) were detected in 28% of invasive ductal carcinomas as compared to only 12% of invasive lobular carcinomas and 8% of ductal carcinomas in situ (p = 0.0003). In invasive breast cancers, the presence of nerve fibers was observed in 15% of lymph node negative tumors and 28% of lymph node positive tumors (p = 0.0031), indicating a relationship with the metastatic potential. In addition, there was an association between the presence of nerve fibers and the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in cancer cells (p = 0.0001). In vitro, breast cancer cells were able to induce neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, and this neurotrophic activity was partially inhibited by anti‐NGF blocking antibodies. In conclusion, infiltration by nerve fibers is a feature of the tumor microenvironment that is associated with aggressiveness and involves NGF production by cancer cells. The potential participation of nerve fibers in breast cancer progression needs to be further considered.
BRCA1 regulates transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β1) signaling through Gadd45a by enhancing the protein stability of Smad4
Authors: Li Dan , Kang Nan , Ji Junfang , Zhan Qimin
Published: May 2015

BRCA1 is a well established tumor suppressor gene, which is involved in many cellular processes, including DNA damage repair, cell cycle control, apoptosis, as well as transcriptional control. In this work, we have found that BRCA1 is involved in regulating TGF‐β1/Smad pathway. The loss of endogenous BRCA1 greatly attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced growth inhibition and cell cycle G1 arrest. BRCA1 greatly maintains stability of Smad4 protein, and the loss of BRCA1 results in Smad4 down‐regulation, which is likely related to its downstream gene Gadd45a. Gadd45a is able to interact with β‐Trcp1, a‐F‐box protein of SCF E3 ligase, and consequently suppresses the ubiquitin‐degradation of Smad4 by SCFβ‐trcp1, as reflected by the observations that the induction of Gadd45a substantially stabilizes Smad4 protein. In addition, exogenous expression of Gadd45a can largely rescue the protein level of Smad4 in BRCA1 deficient cells. These results further demonstrate that BRCA1 may act as an important negative regulator in cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis through regulating the stability of Smad4, and define a novel link that connects BRCA1 to TGF‐β1/Smad pathway.
Late Holocene pinewoods persistence in the Gredos Mountains (central Spain) inferred from extensive megafossil evidence
Authors: Rubiales Juan M. , Génova Mar
Published: May 2015

Macro- and megafossil studies are of great value in palaeoecology because such evidence is spatially precise, directly radiocarbon dated, and usually taxon-specific. Here, we present new macro- and megafossil data from ten sites from the Gredos Mountains, central Iberian Peninsula, that suggest persistent forest cover through the late Holocene, with a widespread belt of pinewoods in the highlands of the Central Iberian Mountains. Well-preserved pine cones found at several sites revealed that bothPinus sylvestrisandPinus nigrawere present in the area during the middle and late Holocene at locations of important biogeographical interest. TheP. sylvestrisforests represent one of the southernmost locations of its entire range.P. nigrawas not known to have occurred in central Spain during the Holocene; it was found at the westernmost edge of its range in siliceous soils, a rare environment compared with the rest of its distribution. Finally, we explored the potential for obtaining a long pine chronology from central Iberia using tree-ring measurements and radiocarbon dating of pine subfossil logs.
Late Quaternary sea-level changes of the Persian Gulf
Authors: Lokier Stephen W. , Bateman Mark D. , Larkin Nigel R. , Rye Philip , Stewart John R.
Published: May 2015

Late Quaternary reflooding of the Persian Gulf climaxed with the mid-Holocene highstand previously variously dated between 6 and 3.4 ka. Examination of the stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental context of a mid-Holocene whale beaching allows us to accurately constrain the timing of the transgressive, highstand and regressive phases of the mid- to late Holocene sea-level highstand in the Persian Gulf. Mid-Holocene transgression of the Gulf surpassed today's sea level by 7100–6890 cal yr BP, attaining a highstand of > 1 m above current sea level shortly after 5290–4570 cal yr BP before falling back to current levels by 1440–1170 cal yr BP. The cetacean beached into an intertidal hardground pond during the transgressive phase (5300–4960 cal yr BP) with continued transgression interring the skeleton in shallow-subtidal sediments. Subsequent relative sea-level fall produced a forced regression with consequent progradation of the coastal system. These new ages refine previously reported timings for the mid- to late Holocene sea-level highstand published for other regions. By so doing, they allow us to constrain the timing of this correlatable global eustatic event more accurately.
On the reflection and transmission of circumferential waves through nozzles
Authors: Duran Ignacio , Morgans Aimee S.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a mathematical model for predicting the propagation of circumferential waves (acoustic, entropy and vorticity waves) through an annular nozzle. Combustion chambers in modern aero-engines are typically annular, and so a model for circumferential waves is essential for understanding and predicting both combustion noise and thermoacoustic instabilities for such geometries. The linearised Euler equations are solved using the Magnus expansion to obtain the reflection and transmission coefficients of the annular nozzle for acoustic, entropy and vorticity perturbations. Predictions which account for flow physics, such as a non-zero mean flow angle and the generation of vorticity noise, are obtained for the first time. Results are compared with two numerical methods, showing that the mathematical model is able to predict the transmission and reflection of waves for both compact and non-compact frequencies. The model is used to prove one particularly interesting and relevant feature of annular geometries: the generation of a vorticity wave by the acceleration of a circumferential entropy wave. It is shown that this phenomenon originates from the baroclinic torque in the vorticity equation.
You’ve Got Some Explaining To Do The Influence of Economic Conditions and Spatial Competition on Party Strategy
Authors: Williams Laron K. , Seki Katsunori , Whitten Guy D.
Published: May 2015

Although a voluminous literature has shed light on the relationship between economic conditions and government accountability, most studies in this literature have implicitly assumed that the actions of competing political parties are either irrelevant or that they cancel each other out. In this paper, we take an important first step toward relaxing this strong assumption. We develop and test a set of theoretical propositions from the issue competition literature about the amount of emphasis that parties place on the economy during election campaigns. We test these propositions with an estimation technique that properly situates the motivations of rival elites within the context of spatial party competition using a spatial autoregressive model. On a sample of 22 advanced democracies from 1957 to 2006, we find strong support for the proposition that parties with a greater role in economic policymaking respond to worsening economic conditions by increasing their emphasis on the economy during election campaigns. We also find strong evidence of spatial contagion effects as parties respond positively to the campaign strategies of ideologically proximate parties. This finding reveals a fundamental link in the chain of economic accountability and has important implications for the study of party competition.
Excitation of electron plasma wave by filamented laser beam and third-harmonic generation in magneto plasma
Authors: Sharma Prerana
Published: May 2015

The combined effects of filamentation and magnetic field on the third-harmonic generation of electromagnetic beams have been investigated considering extended paraxial rays in magneto plasma. The analysis is done using eikonal method in which eikonal and other relevant quantities are extended up to fourth power of r. The time scale of laser beam is chosen such that the relativistic mass variation of electron becomes dominated source of nonlinearity in refractive index. The expression for coupling between ultra-intense laser beam and electron plasma wave due to relativistic nonlinearity has been deduced. Interaction of the seed plasma wave with the incident filamented laser beam excites the plasma wave and generates third harmonics. The expressions for plasma wave power and third-harmonic power have been derived. The effect of the magnetic field on the power of plasma wave and the third-harmonic power has been carried out. The role of magnetic field has been found to decrease the power of plasma wave and so as the power of third harmonic. Our results can be helpful for various laser plasma diagnostics experiments in which magnetic field present externally or generated spontaneously in the high-power laser–plasma interaction.
Unusual location of the Libman–Sacks endocarditis in a teenager: a case report
Authors: Wałdoch Anna , Kwiatkowska Joanna , Dorniak Karolina
Published: May 2015

Libman–Sacks endocarditis may be the first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. The risk of its occurrence increases with the co-existence of the anti-phospholipid syndrome. Changes usually involve the mitral valve and the aortic valve. In this report, we present a case of Libman–Sacks endocarditis of the tricuspid valve in a teenage girl.
Nonlinear Lock-In Infrared Microscopy: A Complementary Investigation Technique for the Analysis of Functional Electroceramic Components
Authors: Hofstätter Michael , Raidl Nadine , Sartory Bernhard , Supancic Peter
Published: May 2015

Using lock-in infrared microscopy as a tool for current detection on the micrometer scale in AC-driven specimens in combination with iterative grinding procedure allows preparation of current dominating microstructure regions on well-polished surfaces. This technique is applied successfully on varistor components based on specially doped ZnO-based varistor ceramics. This peculiar electroceramic material exhibits exceptional high nonlinear current–voltage (I-V) characteristics, described by a power law according I~Vα, caused by double Schottky barriers at the grain boundaries. As a novelty the thermographic response is used to evaluate local electrical properties, namely the nonlinearity coefficient α, on basis of higher order harmonics with respect to the basic electrical driving AC-frequency.

To correlate the observed electrical properties to the microstructure, the polar crystal orientation of the relevant ZnO grains is determined by combining electron backscatter diffraction and orientation-dependent patterns as a result of a chemical etching procedure. These findings support a modified new model for describing the grain boundary controlled current flow in a varistor microstructure including orientation-dependent barrier properties. Hence, the experimentally observed current direction-dependent behavior can be described consistently.
Modulation of radiochemoimmunotherapy-induced B16 melanoma cell death by the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk induces anti-tumor immunity in a HMGB1-, nucleotide- and T-cell-dependent manner
Authors: Werthmöller N , Frey B , Wunderlich R , Fietkau R , Gaipl U S
Published: May 2015

One prerequisite that radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) result in anti-tumor immune responses is triggering of immunogenic cell death forms such as necroptosis. The latter is inducible by inhibition of apoptosis with the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk. The design of multimodal therapies that overcome melanoma's resistance to apoptosis is a big challenge of oncoimmunology. As hints exist that immune stimulation by hyperthermia (HT) augments the efficacy of melanoma therapies and that tumors can be sensitized for RT with zVAD-fmk, we asked whether combinations of RT with dacarbazine (DTIC) and/or HT induce immunogenic melanoma cell death and how this is especially influenced by zVAD-fmk. Necroptosis was inducible in poorly immunogenic B16-F10 melanoma cells and zVAD-fmk generally increased melanoma cell necrosis concomitantly with the release of HMGB1. Supernatants (SNs) of melanoma cells whose cell death was modulated with zVAD-fmk induced an upregulation of the activation markers CD86 and MHCII on macrophages. The same was seen on dendritic cells (DCs), but only when zVAD-fmk was added to multimodal tumor treatments including DTIC. DCs of MyD88 KO mice and DCs incubated with SNs containing apyrase did not increase the expression of these activation markers on their surface. Thein vivoexperiments revealed that zVAD-fmk decreases the tumor growth significantly and results in a significantly reduced tumor infiltration of Tregs when added to multimodal treatment of the tumor with RT, DTIC and HT. Further, a significantly increased DC and CD8+ T-cell infiltration into the tumor and in the draining lymph nodes was induced, as well as an increased expression of IFNγby CD8+ T cells. However, zVAD-fmk did not further reduce tumor growth in MyD88 KO mice, mice treated with apyrase or RAG KO mice. We conclude that HMGB1, nucleotides and CD8+ T cells mediate zVAD-fmk induced anti-melanoma immune reactions in multimodal therapy settings.
Hippocampal memory enhancing activity of pine needle extract against scopolamine-induced amnesia in a mouse model
Authors: Lee Jin-Seok , Kim Hyeong-Geug , Lee Hye-Won , Han Jong-Min , Lee Sam-Keun , Kim Dong-Woon , Saravanakumar Arthanari , Son Chang-Gue
Published: May 2015

We evaluated the neuropharmacological effects of 30% ethanolic pine needle extract (PNE) on memory impairment caused by scopolamine injection in mice hippocampus. Mice were orally pretreated with PNE (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) or tacrine (10 mg/kg) for 7 days and scopolamine (2 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally, 30 min before the Morris water maze task on first day. To evaluate memory function, the Morris water maze task was performed for 5 days consecutively. Scopolamine increased the escape latency and cumulative path-length but decreases the time spent in target quadrant, which were ameliorated by pretreatment with PNE. Oxidant-antioxidant balance, acetylcholinesterase activity, neurogenesis and their connecting pathway were abnormally altered by scopolamine in hippocampus and/or sera, while those alterations were recovered by pretreatment with PNE. As lipid peroxidation, 4HNE-positive stained cells were ameliorated in hippocampus pretreated with PNE. Pretreatment with PNE increased the proliferating cells and immature neurons against hippocampal neurogenesis suppressed by scopolamine, which was confirmed by ki67- and DCX-positive stained cells. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) in both protein and gene were facilitated by PNE pretreatment. These findings suggest that PNE could be a potent neuropharmacological drug against amnesia and its possible mechanism might be modulating cholinergic activity via CREB-BDNF pathway.
Skeletal plasticity in response to embryonic muscular activity underlies the development and evolution of the perching digit of birds
Authors: Francisco Botelho João , Smith-Paredes Daniel , Soto-Acuña Sergio , Mpodozis Jorge , Palma Verónica , Vargas Alexander O.
Published: May 2015

Most birds have an opposable digit 1 (hallux) allowing the foot to grasp, which evolved from the non-opposable hallux of early theropod dinosaurs. An important morphological difference with early theropods is the twisting of the long axis of its metatarsal. Here, we show how embryonic musculature and the onset of its activity are required for twisting of metatarsal 1 (Mt1) and retroversion of the hallux. Pharmacologically paralyzed embryos do not fully retrovert the hallux and have a straight Mt1 shaft, phenocopying the morphology of early tetanuran dinosaurs. Molecular markers of cartilage maturation and ossification show that differentiation of Mt1 is significantly delayed compared to Mt2-4. We hypothesize on how delayed maturation may have increased plasticity, facilitating muscular twisting. Our experimental results emphasize the importance of embryonic muscular activity in the evolutionary origin of a crucial adaptation.