bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrow thermal hysteresis of NiTi shape memory alloy thin films with submicrometer thickness
Authors: Hou Huilong , Hamilton Reginald F. , Horn Mark W.
Published: July 2016

NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) thin films were fabricated using biased target ion beam deposition (BTIBD), which is a new technique for fabricating submicrometer-thick SMA thin films, and the capacity to exhibit shape memory behavior was investigated. The thermally induced shape memory effect (SME) was studied using the wafer curvature method to report the stress-temperature response. The films exhibited the SME in a temperature range above room temperature and a narrow thermal hysteresis with respect to previous reports. To confirm the underlying phase transformation, in situ x-ray diffraction was carried out in the corresponding phase transformation temperature range. The B2 to R-phase martensitic transformation occurs, and the R-phase transformation is stable with respect to the expected conversion to the B19′ martensite phase. The narrow hysteresis and stable R-phase are rationalized in terms of the unique properties of the BTIBD technique.
Crushed Ice Ingestion Does Not Improve Female Cycling Time Trial Performance in the Heat
Authors: Zimmermann Matthew , Landers Grant Justin , Wallman Karen Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

This study examined the effects of precooling via ice ingestion on female cycling performance in hot, humid conditions. Ten female endurance athletes, mean age (28 ± 6 y), height (167.6 ± 6.5 cm) and body-mass (68.0 ± 11.5 kg) participated in the study. Participants completed an 800 kJ cycle time-trial in hot, humid conditions (34.9 ± 0.3 °C, 49.8 ± 3.5% RH). This was preceded by the consumption of 7 g∙kg-1 of crushed ice (ICE) or water (CON). There was no difference in performance time (CON 3851 ± 449 s; ICE 3767 ± 465 s), oxygen consumption (CON 41.6 ± 7.0 ml∙kg∙min-1; ICE 42.4 ± 6.0 ml∙kg∙min-1) or respiratory exchange ratio (CON 0.88 ± 0.05; ICE 0.90 ± 0.06) between conditions (p > .05, d < 0.5). Core and skin temperature following the precooling period were lower in ICE (Tc 36.4 ± 0.4 °C; Tsk 31.6 ± 1.2 °C) compared with CON (Tc 37.1 ± 0.4 °C; Tsk 32.4 ± 0.7 °C) and remained lower until the 100 kJ mark of the cycle time-trial (p < .05, d > 1.0). Sweat onset occurred earlier in CON (228 ± 113 s) compared with ICE (411 ± 156 s) (p < .05, d = 1.63). Mean thermal sensation (CON 1.8 ± 2.0; ICE 1.2 ± 2.5, p < .05, d = 2.51), perceived exertion (CON 15.3 ± 2.9; ICE 14.9 ± 3.0, p < .05, d = 0.38) and perceived thirst (CON 5.6 ± 2.2; ICE 4.6 ± 2.4, p < .05, d = 0.98) were lower in ICE compared with CON. Crushed ice ingestion did not improve cycling performance in females, although perceptual responses were reduced.
Physical Education Teachers’ Perspectives and Experiences When Teaching FMS to Early Adolescent Girls
Authors: Lander Natalie J. , Hanna Lisa , Brown Helen , Telford Amanda , Morgan Philip J. , Salmon Jo , Barnett Lisa M.
Published: July 2016

Purpose:

Competence in fundamental movement skills (FMSs) is positively associated with physical activity, fitness, and healthy weight status. However, adolescent girls exhibit very low levels of fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency.

Method:

In the current study, interviews were carried out with physical education teachers to investigate their perspectives of: (i) the importance and relevance of teaching FMSs to Year 7 girls, and (ii) the factors influencing effective FMS instruction.

Results:

There were two major findings in the data: Year 7 was perceived to be a critical period to instruct girls in FMSs; and current teaching practices were perceived to be suboptimal for effective FMS instruction.

Conclusion:

Apparent deficits in current FMS teaching practice may be improved with more comprehensive teacher training (both during physical education teacher education (PETE) and in in-service professional development) in pedagogical strategies, curriculum interpretation, and meaningful assessment.
Synergistically acting agonists and antagonists of G protein–coupled receptors prevent photoreceptor cell degeneration
Authors: Chen Yu , Palczewska Grazyna , Masuho Ikuo , Gao Songqi , Jin Hui , Dong Zhiqian , Gieser Linn , Brooks Matthew J. , Kiser Philip D. , Kern Timothy S. , Martemyanov Kirill A. , Swaroop Anand , Palczewski Krzysztof
Published: July 2016

Systems pharmacology reveals a combination of GPCR-targeted drugs that prevent retinal degeneration.
Paper of note in
Science Translational Medicine
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: July 2016

This week’s article describes a different approach to inhibit type IIB activin receptor signaling in tumors without the muscle-wasting side effects in patients.
Boosting energy expenditure
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: July 2016

Amino acid–coupled fatty acids function as mitochondrial uncouplers.
Use of Comparative Genomics To Characterize the Diversity of Acinetobacter baumannii Surveillance Isolates in a Health Care Institution
Authors: Wallace Lalena , Daugherty Sean C. , Nagaraj Sushma , Johnson J. Kristie , Harris Anthony D. , Rasko David A.
Published: July 2016

Despite the increasing prevalence of the nosocomial pathogen
Acinetobacter baumannii
, little is known about which genomic components contribute to clinical presentation of this important pathogen. Most whole-genome comparisons of
A. baumannii
have focused on specific genomic regions associated with phenotypes in a limited number of genomes. In this work, we describe the results of a whole-genome comparative analysis of 254 surveillance isolates of
Acinetobacter
species, 203 of which were
A. baumannii
, isolated from perianal swabs and sputum samples collected as part of an infection control active surveillance program at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The collection of surveillance isolates includes both carbapenem-susceptible and -resistant isolates. Based on the whole-genome phylogeny, the
A. baumannii
isolates collected belong to two major phylogenomic lineages. Results from multilocus sequence typing indicated that one of the major phylogenetic groups of
A. baumannii
was comprised solely of strains from the international clonal lineage 2. The genomic content of the
A. baumannii
isolates was examined using large-scale BLAST score ratio analysis to identify genes that are associated with carbapenem-susceptible and -resistant isolates, as well as genes potentially associated with the source of isolation. This analysis revealed a number of genes that were exclusive or at greater frequency in each of these classifications. This study is the most comprehensive genomic comparison of
Acinetobacter
isolates from a surveillance study to date and provides important information that will contribute to our understanding of the success of
A. baumannii
as a human pathogen.
A High-Throughput Approach To Identify Compounds That Impair Envelope Integrity in Escherichia coli
Authors: Baker Kristin R. , Jana Bimal , Franzyk Henrik , Guardabassi Luca
Published: July 2016

The envelope of Gram-negative bacteria constitutes an impenetrable barrier to numerous classes of antimicrobials. This intrinsic resistance, coupled with acquired multidrug resistance, has drastically limited the treatment options against Gram-negative pathogens. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate an assay for identifying compounds that increase envelope permeability, thereby conferring antimicrobial susceptibility by weakening of the cell envelope barrier in Gram-negative bacteria. A high-throughput whole-cell screening platform was developed to measure
Escherichia coli
envelope permeability to a β-galactosidase chromogenic substrate. The signal produced by cytoplasmic β-galactosidase-dependent cleavage of the chromogenic substrate was used to determine the degree of envelope permeabilization. The assay was optimized by using known envelope-permeabilizing compounds and
E. coli
gene deletion mutants with impaired envelope integrity. As a proof of concept, a compound library comprising 36 peptides and 45 peptidomimetics was screened, leading to identification of two peptides that substantially increased envelope permeability. Compound 79 reduced significantly (from 8- to 125-fold) the MICs of erythromycin, fusidic acid, novobiocin and rifampin and displayed synergy (fractional inhibitory concentration index, <0.2) with these antibiotics by checkerboard assays in two genetically distinct
E. coli
strains, including the high-risk multidrug-resistant, CTX-M-15-producing sequence type 131 clone. Notably, in the presence of 0.25 μM of this peptide, both strains were susceptible to rifampin according to the resistance breakpoints (
R
> 0.5 μg/ml) for Gram-positive bacterial pathogens. The high-throughput screening platform developed in this study can be applied to accelerate the discovery of antimicrobial helper drug candidates and targets that enhance the delivery of existing antibiotics by impairing envelope integrity in Gram-negative bacteria.
Failure of the Amikacin, Cefoxitin, and Clarithromycin Combination Regimen for Treating Pulmonary Mycobacterium abscessus Infection
Authors: Ferro Beatriz E. , Srivastava Shashikant , Deshpande Devyani , Pasipanodya Jotam G. , van Soolingen Dick , Mouton Johan W. , van Ingen Jakko , Gumbo Tawanda
Published: July 2016

In a hollow-fiber model, we mimicked the drug exposures achieved in the lungs of humans treated with standard amikacin, clarithromycin, and cefoxitin combination therapy for
Mycobacterium abscessus
infection. At optimal dosing, a kill rate of −0.09 (95% confidence interval, −0.04 to 0.03) log
10
CFU per ml/day was achieved over the first 14 days, after which there was regrowth due to acquired drug resistance. Thus, the standard regimen quickly failed. A new regimen is needed.
Fusidic Acid Inhibits Hepatic Transporters and Metabolic Enzymes: Potential Cause of Clinical Drug-Drug Interaction Observed with Statin Coadministration
Authors: Gupta Anshul , Harris Jennifer J. , Lin Jianrong , Bulgarelli James P. , Birmingham Bruce K. , Grimm Scott W.
Published: July 2016

Fusidic acid (FA), which was approved in the 1960s in many European and Asian countries, has gained renewed interest due to its continued effectiveness against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
. As rhabdomyolysis has been reported upon coadministration of FA with statins, we aimed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to FA-statin drug-drug interactions. Because of the association between rhabdomyolysis and increased exposure to statins, we investigated if cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and transporters involved in the disposition of various statins are inhibited by FA. FA was found to inhibit BCRP and OATP1B1 but not P-gp. In overexpressing cell systems, FA inhibited BCRP-mediated efflux (50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
], ∼50 to 110 μM) and OATP1B1-mediated uptake (IC
50
, ∼4 to 35 μM) of statins at clinically relevant concentrations achievable in the intestine and liver (based on a 550-mg oral dose of FA, the expected maximum theoretical gastrointestinal concentration is ∼4 mM, and the maximum total or unbound concentration in the inlet to the liver was reported to be up to 223 μM or 11 μM, respectively, upon multiple dosing). Similarly, FA inhibited metabolism of statins in human liver microsomes (IC
50
, ∼17 to 195 μM). These data suggest that FA inhibits at least 3 major dispositional pathways (BCRP, OATP1B1, and CYP3A) and thus affects the clearance of several statins. We confirmed that FA is eliminated via phase 1 metabolism (primarily via CYP3A); however, there is also some phase 2 metabolism (mediated primarily by UGT1A1). Taken together, these data provide evidence for molecular mechanisms that may explain the occurrence of rhabdomyolysis when FA is administered with statins.
Proinflammatory M1 Macrophages Inhibit RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuguno , Movila Alexandru , Kataoka Shinsuke , Wisitrasameewong Wichaya , Ruiz Torruella Montserrat , Murakoshi Michiaki , Murakami Shinya , Kawai Toshihisa
Published: July 2016

In response to a defined panel of stimuli, immature macrophages can be classified into two major phenotypes: proinflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2). Although both phenotypes have been implicated in several chronic inflammatory diseases, their direct role in bone resorption remains unclear. The present study investigated the possible effects of M1 and M2 macrophages on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. In osteoclastogenesis assays using RAW264.7 cells or bone marrow cells as osteoclast precursors, addition of M1 macrophages significantly suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis compared to nonstimulated conditions (M0), addition of M2 macrophages, or no macrophage addition (
P
< 0.05), suggesting that M1 macrophages can downregulate osteoclastogenesis. This effect was maintained when direct contact between M1 and osteoclast precursors was interrupted by cell culture insertion, indicating engagement of soluble factors released from M1. M1 macrophages developed from interferon gamma (IFN-γ) knockout (IFN-γ–KO) mice lost the ability to downregulate osteoclastogenesis. Antibody-based neutralization of interleukin-12 (IL-12), but not IL-10, produced by M1 macrophages also abrogated M1-mediated downregulation of osteoclastogenesis. Real-time PCR analyses showed that IFN-γ suppressed gene expression of NFATc1, a master regulator of osteoclastogenesis, whereas IL-12 increased the apoptosis of osteoclasts, suggesting molecular mechanisms underlying the possible roles of IFN-γ or IL-12 in M1-mediated inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. These findings were confirmed in an
in vivo
ligature-induced mouse periodontitis model in which adoptive transfer of M1 macrophages showed a significantly lower level of bone loss and less tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cell induction than M0 or M2 macrophage transfer. In conclusion, by its secretion of IFN-γ and IL-12, M1, but not M0 or M2, was demonstrated to inhibit osteoclastogenesis.
An investigation of routes to cancer diagnosis in 10 international jurisdictions, as part of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership: survey development and implementation
Authors: Weller David , Vedsted Peter , Anandan Chantelle , Zalounina Alina , Fourkala Evangelia Ourania , Desai Rakshit , Liston William , Jensen Henry , Barisic Andriana , Gavin Anna , Grunfeld Eva , Lambe Mats , Law Rebecca-Jane , Malmberg Martin , Neal Richard D , Kalsi Jatinderpal , Turner Donna , White Victoria , Bomb Martine , Menon Usha
Published: July 2016

Objectives

This paper describes the methods used in the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership Module 4 Survey (ICBPM4) which examines time intervals and routes to cancer diagnosis in 10 jurisdictions. We present the study design with defining and measuring time intervals, identifying patients with cancer, questionnaire development, data management and analyses.

Design and setting

Recruitment of participants to the ICBPM4 survey is based on cancer registries in each jurisdiction. Questionnaires draw on previous instruments and have been through a process of cognitive testing and piloting in three jurisdictions followed by standardised translation and adaptation. Data analysis focuses on comparing differences in time intervals and routes to diagnosis in the jurisdictions.

Participants

Our target is 200 patients with symptomatic breast, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer in each jurisdiction. Patients are approached directly or via their primary care physician (PCP). Patients’ PCPs and cancer treatment specialists (CTSs) are surveyed, and ‘data rules’ are applied to combine and reconcile conflicting information. Where CTS information is unavailable, audit information is sought from treatment records and databases.

Main outcomes

Reliability testing of the patient questionnaire showed that agreement was complete (κ=1) in four items and substantial (κ=0.8, 95% CI 0.333 to 1) in one item. The identification of eligible patients is sufficient to meet the targets for breast, lung and colorectal cancer. Initial patient and PCP survey response rates from the UK and Sweden are comparable with similar published surveys. Data collection was completed in early 2016 for all cancer types.

Conclusion

An international questionnaire-based survey of patients with cancer, PCPs and CTSs has been developed and launched in 10 jurisdictions. ICBPM4 will help to further understand international differences in cancer survival by comparing time intervals and routes to cancer diagnosis.
High-frequency side-scan sonar fish reconnaissance by autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Grothues Thomas M. , Newhall Arthur E. , Lynch James F. , Vogel Kaela S. , Gawarkiewicz Glen G.
Published: July 2016

A dichotomy between depth penetration and resolution as a function of sonar frequency, draw resolution, and beam spread challenges fish target classification from sonar. Moving high-frequency sources to depth using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) mitigates this and also co-locates transducers with other AUV-mounted short-range sensors to allow a holistic approach to ecological surveys. This widely available tool with a pedigree for bottom mapping is not commonly applied to fish reconnaissance and requires the development of an interpretation of pelagic reflective features, revisitation of count methods, image-processing rather than wave-form recognition for automation, and an understanding of bias. In a series of AUV mission test cases, side-scan sonar (600 and 900 kHz) returns often resolved individual school members, spacing, size, behavior, and (infrequently) species from anatomical features and could be intuitively classified by ecologists — but also produced artifacts. Fish often followed the AUV and thus were videographed, but in doing so removed themselves from the sonar aperture. AUV-supported high-frequency side-scan holds particular promise for survey of scarce, large species or for synergistic investigation of predators and their prey because the spatial scale of observations may be similar to those of predators.
Lighting Equilibrium Distribution Maps and Their Application to Face Recognition Under Difficult Lighting Conditions
Authors: Dong Jun , Yuan Xue , Xiong Fanlun
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a novel facial-patch based recognition framework is proposed to deal with the problem of face recognition (FR) on the serious illumination condition. First, a novel lighting equilibrium distribution maps (LEDM) for illumination normalization is proposed. In LEDM, an image is analyzed in logarithm domain with wavelet transform, and the approximation coefficients of the image are mapped according to a reference-illumination map in order to normalize the distribution of illumination energy due to different lighting effects. Meanwhile, the detail coefficients are enhanced to achieve detail information emphasis. The LEDM is obtained by blurring the distances between the test image and the reference illumination map in the logarithm domain, which may express the entire distribution of illumination variations. Then, a facial-patch based framework and a credit degree based facial patches synthesizing algorithm are proposed. Each normalized face images is divided into several stacked patches. And, all patches are individually classified, then each patch from the test image casts a vote toward the parent image classification. A novel credit degree map is established based on the LEDM, which is deciding a credit degree for each facial patch. The main idea of credit degree map construction is the over-and under-illuminated regions should be assigned lower credit degree than well-illuminated regions. Finally, results are obtained by the credit degree based facial patches synthesizing. The proposed method provides state-of-the-art performance on three data sets that are widely used for testing FR under different illumination conditions: Extended Yale-B, CAS-PEAL-R1, and CMUPIE. Experimental results show that our FR frame outperforms several existing illumination compensation methods.
Qualitative study of Bianchi type-I, III and Kantowski–Sachs cosmological models with scalar field
Authors: Chaubey Raghavendra , Raushan Rakesh
Published: July 2016

A qualitative analysis of Bianchi type-I, III and Kantowski–Sachs (KS) cosmological models with a scalar field and matter fluid is performed. The analysis of the resulting equations is made by the dynamical system method. To analyze the evolution equations, we have introduced suitable transformation of variables. The evolution of the corresponding solutions is represented by curves in the phase-plane diagram. We analyze the evolution of the effective equation of state parameter for Bianchi type-I, III and KS cosmological models. The nature of critical points are analyzed and stable attractors are examined for each cosmological model.
Distributed Multirobot Formation and Tracking Control in Cluttered Environments
Authors: Khan Muhammad Umer , Li Shuai , Wang Qixin , Shao Zili
Published: July 2016

In this article, we propose formation control of nonholonomic mobile robots avoiding obstacles in a distributed manner for cluttered environments. The introduction of a virtual robot restructures the formation control problem into a tracking control problem between the virtual reference robot and follower robots. A novel obstacle avoidance approach is proposed based upon the scaling of whole (partial) formation corresponding to a centralized (distributed) framework. For the distributed environment with limited communication, our approach utilized proportional-integral average consensus estimators, whereby information from each robot diffuses through the communication network. The theoretical contribution is to determine the time constant involved in the diffusion process, which can affect overall system performance. The asymptotic convergence of follower robots to the position and orientation of the reference robot is ensured using the Lyapunov function. The new technique is tested with complete, limited, and no information availability. Several simulation results are provided that demonstrate the formation control and obstacle avoidance for multirobots using the proposed scheme.
Energy-Efficient Aquatic Environment Monitoring Using Smartphone-Based Robots
Authors: Wang Yu , Tan Rui , Xing Guoliang , Wang Jianxun , Tan Xiaobo , Liu Xiaoming
Published: July 2016

Monitoring aquatic environment is of great interest to the ecosystem, marine life, and human health. This article presents the design and implementation of Samba—an aquatic surveillance robot that integrates an off-the-shelf Android smartphone and a robotic fish to monitor harmful aquatic processes such as oil spills and harmful algal blooms. Using the built-in camera of the smartphone, Samba can detect spatially dispersed aquatic processes in dynamic and complex environment. To reduce the excessive false alarms caused by the nonwater area (e.g., trees on the shore), Samba segments the captured images and performs target detection in the identified water area only. However, a major challenge in the design of Samba is the high energy consumption resulted from continuous image segmentation. We propose a novel approach that leverages the power-efficient inertial sensors on smartphones to assist image processing. In particular, based on the learned mapping models between inertial and visual features, Samba uses real-time inertial sensor readings to estimate the visual features that guide image segmentation, significantly reducing the energy consumption and computation overhead. Samba also features a set of lightweight and robust computer vision algorithms, which detect harmful aquatic processes based on their distinctive color features. Last, Samba employs a feedback-based rotation control algorithm to adapt to spatiotemporal development of the target aquatic process. We have implemented a Samba prototype and evaluated it through extensive field experiments, lab experiments, and trace-driven simulations. The results show that Samba can achieve a 94% detection rate, a 5% false alarm rate, and a lifetime up to nearly 2 months.
Economic Modeling of Heart Failure Telehealth Programs: When Do They Become Cost Saving?
Authors: Liu Sheena Xin , Xiang Rui , Lagor Charles , Liu Nan , Sullivan Kathleen
Published: July 2016

Telehealth programs for congestive heart failure have been shown to be clinically effective. This study assesses clinical and economic consequences of providing telehealth programs for CHF patients. A Markov model was developed and presented in the context of a home-based telehealth program on CHF. Incremental life expectancy, hospital admissions, and total healthcare costs were examined at periods ranging up to five years. One-way and two-way sensitivity analyses were also conducted on clinical performance parameters. The base case analysis yielded cost savings ranging from$2832 to$5499 and 0.03 to 0.04 life year gain per patient over a 1-year period. Applying telehealth solution to a low-risk cohort with no prior admission history would result in$2502 cost increase per person over the 1-year time frame with 0.01 life year gain. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the cost savings were most sensitive to patient risk, baseline cost of hospital admission, and the length-of-stay reduction ratio affected by the telehealth programs. In sum, telehealth programs can be cost saving for intermediate and high risk patients over a 1- to 5-year window. The results suggested the economic viability of telehealth programs for managing CHF patients and illustrated the importance of risk stratification in such programs.
Combining Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for Rapid Recognition of an Hg-Contaminated Plant
Authors: Tang Bang-Cheng , Fu Hai-Yan , Yin Qiao-Bo , Zhou Zeng-Yan , Shi Wei , Xu Lu , She Yuan-Bin
Published: July 2016

The feasibility of rapid recognition of an Hg-contaminated plant as a soil pollution indicator was investigated using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and chemometrics. The stem and leave of a native plant,Miscanthus floridulus(Labill.) Warb. (MFLW), were collected from Hg-contaminated areas (n1=125) as well as from regular areas (n2=116). The samples were dried and crushed and the powders were sieved through an 80-mesh sieve. Reference analysis of Hg levels was performed using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The actual Hg contents of contaminated and normal samples were 16.2–30.5 and 0.0–0.1 mg/Kg, respectively. The NIRS measurements of impacted sample powders were collected in the mode of reflectance. The DUPLEX algorithm was utilized to split the NIRS data into representative training and test sets. Different spectral preprocessing methods were performed to remove the unwanted and noncomposition-correlated spectral variations. Classification models were developed using partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLSDA) based on the raw, smoothed, second-order derivative (D2), and standard normal variate (SNV) data, respectively. The prediction accuracy obtained by PLSDA with each data preprocessing option was 100%, indicating pattern recognition of Hg-contaminated MFLW samples using NIRS data was in perfect consistence with the ICP-AES results. NIRS combined with chemometrics will provide a tool to screen the Hg-contaminated MFLW, which can be potentially used as an indicator of soil pollution.
Predictors ofStaphylococcus aureusColonization and Results after Decolonization
Authors: Malcolm Tennison L. , Robinson Le Don , Klika Alison K. , Ramanathan Deepak , Higuera Carlos A. , Murray Trevor G.
Published: July 2016

Protocols for the screening and decolonization ofStaphylococcus aureusprior to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have become widely adopted. The goals of this study were to determine: (1) whether implementation of a screening protocol followed by decolonization with mupirocin/vancomycin and chlorhexidine reduces the risk of revision compared with no screening protocol (i.e., chlorhexidine alone) and (2) whether clinical criteria could reliably predict colonization with MSSA and/or MRSA. Electronic medical records of primary patients undergoing TJA that were screened (n=3,927) and were not screened (n=1,751) forStaphylococcus aureusat least 4 days prior to surgery, respectively, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received chlorhexidine body wipes preoperatively. Patients carrying MSSA and MRSA were treated preoperatively with mupirocin and vancomycin, respectively, along with the standard preoperative antibiotics and chlorhexidine body wipes. Screened patients were 50% less likely to require revision due to prosthetic joint infection compared to those not screened (p=0.04). Multivariate regression models were poorly accurate in predicting colonization with MSSA (AUC = 0.58) and MRSA (AUC = 0.62). These results support the routine screening and decolonization ofS. aureusprior to TJA.
The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Supplements of Potential Concern during Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Sweet Erin , Dowd Fred , Zhou May , Standish Leanna J. , Andersen M. Robyn
Published: July 2016

Objective. While many Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) are unlikely to interact negatively with conventional oncology treatment, some ingestible CAM substances have biological activities that may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation. This study surveyed women with breast cancer in order to document the extent to which women with breast cancer use these CAM substances of concern concurrently with conventional treatments. Methods. A total of 398 women completed a survey describing their use of CAM at various time points in their cancer treatment. This report focuses on a subsample of 250 women receiving chemotherapy or radiation who reported using specific one or more of several chemotherapies. Results. Of those participating, 104 (43.7%) of those receiving chemotherapy (n = 238) and 45 (32.3%) of those receiving radiation (139; 58.4% of all patients) reported using one or more CAM substances that could be cause for concern when taken concurrently. Conclusion. Research is needed to understand the real risks associated with CAM and conventional polypharmacy. If risks associated with CAM conventional polypharmacy use prove to be substantial then improved systems to assure all women get advice regarding herb and supplement use during breast cancer treatment appear to be needed.
Driving a Semiautonomous Mobile Robotic Car Controlled by an SSVEP-Based BCI
Authors: Stawicki Piotr , Gembler Felix , Volosyak Ivan
Published: July 2016

Brain-computer interfaces represent a range of acknowledged technologies that translate brain activity into computer commands. The aim of our research is to develop and evaluate a BCI control application for certain assistive technologies that can be used for remote telepresence or remote driving. The communication channel to the target device is based on the steady-state visual evoked potentials. In order to test the control application, a mobile robotic car (MRC) was introduced and a four-class BCI graphical user interface (with live video feedback and stimulation boxes on the same screen) for piloting the MRC was designed. For the purpose of evaluating a potential real-life scenario for such assistive technology, we present a study where 61 subjects steered the MRC through a predetermined route. All 61 subjects were able to control the MRC and finish the experiment (mean time 207.08 s, SD 50.25) with a mean (SD) accuracy and ITR of 93.03% (5.73) and 14.07 bits/min (4.44), respectively. The results show that our proposed SSVEP-based BCI control application is suitable for mobile robots with a shared-control approach. We also did not observe any negative influence of the simultaneous live video feedback and SSVEP stimulation on the performance of the BCI system.
Optimization for Service Routes of Pallet Service Center Based on the Pallet Pool Mode
Authors: Zhou Kang , He Shiwei , Song Rui
Published: July 2016

Service routes optimization (SRO) of pallet service center should meet customers’ demand firstly and then, through the reasonable method of lines organization, realize the shortest path of vehicle driving. The routes optimization of pallet service center is similar to the distribution problems of vehicle routing problem (VRP) and Chinese postman problem (CPP), but it has its own characteristics. Based on the relevant research results, the conditions of determining the number of vehicles, the one way of the route, the constraints of loading, and time windows are fully considered, and a chance constrained programming model with stochastic constraints is constructed taking the shortest path of all vehicles for a delivering (recycling) operation as an objective. For the characteristics of the model, a hybrid intelligent algorithm including stochastic simulation, neural network, and immune clonal algorithm is designed to solve the model. Finally, the validity and rationality of the optimization model and algorithm are verified by the case.
On a New Class ofp-Valent Meromorphic Functions Defined in Conic Domains
Authors: Alamri Mohammed Ali , Darus Maslina
Published: July 2016

We define a new class of multivalent meromorphic functions using the generalised hypergeometric function. We derived this class related to conic domain. It is also shown that this new class of functions, under certain conditions, becomes a class of starlike functions. Some results on inclusion and closure properties are also derived.
A Data Mining Classification Approach for Behavioral Malware Detection
Authors: Norouzi Monire , Souri Alireza , Samad Zamini Majid
Published: July 2016

Data mining techniques have numerous applications in malware detection. Classification method is one of the most popular data mining techniques. In this paper we present a data mining classification approach to detect malware behavior. We proposed different classification methods in order to detect malware based on the feature and behavior of each malware. A dynamic analysis method has been presented for identifying the malware features. A suggested program has been presented for converting a malware behavior executive history XML file to a suitable WEKA tool input. To illustrate the performance efficiency as well as training data and test, we apply the proposed approaches to a real case study data set using WEKA tool. The evaluation results demonstrated the availability of the proposed data mining approach. Also our proposed data mining approach is more efficient for detecting malware and behavioral classification of malware can be useful to detect malware in a behavioral antivirus.
Determination of the Mechanical Properties of Friction Welded Tube Yoke and Tube Joint
Authors: Işık Efe , Özes Çiçek
Published: July 2016

This paper deals with the friction welding of the tube yoke and the tube of the drive shaft used in light commercial vehicles. Tube yoke made from hot forged microalloyed steel and the tube made from cold drawn steel, with a ratio (thickness/outside diameter ratio) of less than 0.1, were successfully welded by friction welding method. Hardness distributions on both sides of the welded joint across the welding interface were determined and the microstructure of the joint was investigated. Furthermore, joint strength was tested under tensile, static torsional, and torsional fatigue loadings. The tested data were analyzed by Weibull distribution. The maximum hardness value along the welded joint was detected as 553 Hv1. The lowest detected tensile strength of the joint was 13% less than the base materials’ tensile strength. The torsional load carrying capacity of the friction welded thin walled tubular joint without any damage was obtained as 4.252,5 Nm in 95% confidence interval. After conducting fully reversed torsional fatigue tests, the fatigue life of friction welded tubular joints was detected as 220.066,3 cycles.
Studying Radiation and Reaction Effects on Unsteady MHD Non-Newtonian (Walter’s B) Fluid in Porous Medium
Authors: Rashed Gamal M. Abdel-Rahman , El-fayez Faiza M. N.
Published: July 2016

This paper describes the studied effects of thermal radiation and chemical reaction on unsteady MHD non-Newtonian (obeying Walter’s B model) fluid in porous medium. The resulting problems are solved numerically. Graphical results for various interesting parameters are presented. Also the effects of the different parameters on the skin-friction and the heat fluxes are obtained and discussed numerically.
Biology of Beige Adipocyte and Possible Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity
Authors: Lizcano Fernando , Vargas Diana
Published: July 2016

All mammals own two main forms of fat. The classical white adipose tissue builds up energy in the form of triglycerides and is useful for preventing fatigue during periods of low caloric intake and the brown adipose tissue instead of inducing fat accumulation can produce energy as heat. Since adult humans possess significant amounts of active brown fat depots and their mass inversely correlates with adiposity, brown fat might play an important role in human obesity and energy homeostasis. New evidence suggests two types of thermogenic adipocytes with distinct developmental and anatomical features: classical brown adipocytes and beige adipocytes. Beige adipocyte has recently attracted special interest because of its ability to dissipate energy and the possible ability to differentiate itself from white adipocytes. Importantly, adult human brown adipocyte appears to be mainly composed of beige-like adipocytes, making this cell type an attractive therapeutic target for obesity and obesity-related diseases. Because many epigenetic changes can affect beige adipocyte differentiation, the knowledge of the circumstances that affect the development of beige adipocyte cells may be important for therapeutic strategies. In this review we discuss some recent observations arising from the great physiological capacity of these cells and their possible role as ways to treat obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2.
Antitumor Effect of Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) Blockade in Humanized the NOG-MHC Double Knockout Mouse
Authors: Ashizawa Tadashi , Iizuka Akira , Nonomura Chizu , Kondou Ryota , Maeda Chie , Miyata Haruo , Sugino Takashi , Mitsuya Koichi , Hayashi Nakamasa , Nakasu Yoko , Maruyama Kouji , Yamaguchi Ken , Katano Ikumi , Ito Mamoru , Akiyama Yasuto
Published: July 2016

Purpose: Humanized mouse models using NOD/Shi-scid-IL2rγnull (NOG) and NOD/LtSz-scid IL2rγnull (NSG) mouse are associated with several limitations, such as long incubation time for stem cell engraftment and the development of xenograft versus host disease in mice injected with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). To solve problems, we used humanized major histocompatibility class I- and class II-deficient NOG mice (referred to as NOG-dKO) to evaluate the antitumor effect of anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody.

Experimental Design: Humanized NOG-dKO mice, in which human PBMCs and human lymphoma cell line SCC-3, or glioblastoma cell line U87 were transplanted, were used as an immunotherapy model to investigate the effect of anti-PD-1 antibody. A biosimilar anti-PD-1 mAb generated in our laboratory was administered to humanized NOG-dKO mice transplanted with tumors.

Results: Within 4 weeks after transplantation, human CD45+ cells in antibody-treated mice constituted approximately 70% of spleen cells. The injection of anti-PD-1 antibody reduced by more 50% the size of SCC-3 and U87 tumors. In addition, induction of CTLs against SCC-3 cells and upregulation of natural killer cell activity was observed in the antibody-treated group. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte profiling showed that more exhausted marker (PD1+TIM3+LAG3+) positive T cells maintained in anti-PD-1 antibody–treated tumor. A greater number of CD8+ and granzyme-producing T cells infiltrated the tumor in mice treated with the anti-PD-1 antibody.

Conclusions: These results suggest that NOG-dKO mice might serve as a good humanized immunotherapy model to evaluate the efficacy of anti-PD-1 antibody prior to the clinical treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 23(1); 149–58. ©2016 AACR.
Hypoxia-Driven Mechanism of Vemurafenib Resistance in Melanoma
Authors: Qin Yong , Roszik Jason , Chattopadhyay Chandrani , Hashimoto Yuuri , Liu Chengwen , Cooper Zachary A. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Hwu Patrick , Ekmekcioglu Suhendan , Grimm Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2016

Melanoma is molecularly and structurally heterogeneous, with some tumor cells existing under hypoxic conditions. Our cell growth assays showed that under controlled hypoxic conditions, BRAF(V600E) melanoma cells rapidly became resistant to vemurafenib. By employing both a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model and a two-dimensional (2D) hypoxic culture system to model hypoxia in vivo, we identified upregulation of HGF/MET signaling as a major mechanism associated with vemurafenib resistance as compared with 2D standard tissue culture in ambient air. We further confirmed that the upregulation of HGF/MET signaling was evident in drug-resistant melanoma patient tissues and mouse xenografts. Pharmacologic inhibition of the c-Met/Akt pathway restored the sensitivity of melanoma spheroids or 2D hypoxic cultures to vemurafenib. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(10); 2442–54. ©2016 AACR.
Vitamin D Enhances the Efficacy of Irinotecan through miR-627–Mediated Inhibition of Intratumoral Drug Metabolism
Authors: Sun Meiyan , Zhang Qunshu , Yang Xiaoyu , Qian Steven Y. , Guo Bin
Published: July 2016

Cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4 is an important drug-metabolizing enzyme, and high levels of tumoral expression of CYP3A4 are linked to drug resistance. We investigated the function of vitamin D–regulated miR-627 in intratumoral CYP3A4 suppression and its role in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy. We found that miR-627 targets CYP3A4 and suppresses CYP3A4 expression in colon cancer cell lines. Furthermore, calcitriol (the active form of vitamin D) suppressed CYP3A4 expression by activating miR-627. As a result, calcitriol inhibited CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of irinotecan (a topoisomerase I inhibitor) in cancer cells. We show that calcitriol enhanced the efficacy of irinotecan in growth inhibition and apoptosis induction. When miR-627 is inhibited, calcitriol fails to enhance the activity of irinotecan. In addition, overexpression of miR-627 or siRNA knockdown of CYP3A4 enhanced the efficacy of irinotecan in growth inhibition and apoptosis induction. In contrast, overexpression of CYP3A4 abolished the effects of calcitriol on the activity of irinotecan. Using a nude mouse xenograft model, we demonstrated that calcitriol inhibited CYP3A4 and enhanced the in vivo antitumor activity of irinotecan without causing side effects. Our study identified a novel target for improving cancer therapy, i.e., modulating the intratumoral CYP3A4-mediated drug metabolism with vitamin D. This strategy could enhance the therapeutic efficacy without eliciting the side effects. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2086–95. ©2016 AACR.
Abstract 1098: MiR-203 suppresses cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma growth and targets the myc oncogene
Authors: Lohcharoenkal Warangkana , Harada Masako , Lovén Jakob , Meisgen Florian , Landén Ning Xu , Zhang Lingyun , Nissinen Liisa , Kähäri Veli-Matti , Ståhle Mona , Sonkoly Enikö , Grander Dan , Arsenian-Henriksson Marie , Pivarcsi Andor
Published: July 2016

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cancer in man and accounts for approximately 20% of non-melanoma skin cancers. Although most cSCC are benign, poorly differentiated cSCC poses a significant risk of metastasis and death. To date, little is known about the difference in molecular background between low-risk and high risk cSCC. MicroRNAs are short regulatory RNAs that can regulate gene expression and cellular functions. Here we demonstrate for the first time that the expression of miR-203 in cSCC correlates with tumor differentiation grade, being down-regulated in poorly but not in moderately or well differentiated cSCC. In vitro, miR-203 causes a delay in G1 to S phase transition and suppresses cell proliferation in human cSCC cells. Furthermore, miR-203 suppresses scratch-wound closure, cell migration, cell invasion, colony forming ability and angiogenesis-inducing capacity of cSCC cells. Transcriptomic analysis of cSCC cells with ectopic overexpression of miR-203 reveals dramatic changes in gene networks related to carcinogenesis, with significant suppression of genes with known oncogenic functions (e.g. PCNA, EGFR, HGF). Using luciferase reporter assays and site-specific mutagenesis, we identify c-MYC as a novel target of miR-203. Highlighting the importance of c-MYC within miR-203-regulated gene network, in rescue experiments overexpression of c-MYC reverses miR-203-induced growth arrest in cSCC. In vivo, overexpression of miR-203 in cSCC cell lines result in reduced xenograft tumor volume and decreased vessel density. Together our data show that miR-203 acts a tumor suppressor in cSCC, affecting several oncogenic and angiogenic mechanisms. Importantly, its restoration may provide therapeutic benefit in particular in poorly differentiated cSCC.

Citation Format: Warangkana Lohcharoenkal, Masako Harada, Jakob Lovén, Florian Meisgen, Ning Xu Landén, Lingyun Zhang, Liisa Nissinen, Veli-Matti Kähäri, Mona Ståhle, Enikö Sonkoly, Dan Grander, Marie Arsenian-Henriksson, Andor Pivarcsi. MiR-203 suppresses cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma growth and targets the myc oncogene. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1098.