bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gauss–Bonnet modified gravity models with bouncing behavior
Authors: Escofet Anna , Elizalde Emilio
Published: June 2016

The following issue is addressed: How the addition of a Gauss–Bonnet term (generically coming from most fundamental theories, as string and M theories), to a viable model, can change the specific properties, and even the physical nature, of the corresponding cosmological solutions? Specifically, brand new original dark energy models are obtained in this way with quite interesting properties, which exhibit, in a unified fashion, the three distinguished possible cosmological phases corresponding to phantom matter, quintessence and ordinary matter, respectively. A model, in which the equation of state (EoS) parameter, w, is a function of time, is seen to lead either to a singularity of the Big Rip kind or to a bouncing solution which evolves into a de Sitter universe with w = −1. Moreover, new Gauss–Bonnet modified gravity models with bouncing behavior in the early stages of the universe evolution are obtained and tested for the validity and stability of the corresponding solutions. They allow for a remarkably natural, unified description of a bouncing behavior at early times and accelerated expansion at present.
Quantum correlations in two coupled superconducting charge qubits
Authors: Batle J. , Bagdasaryan Armen , Farouk Ahmed , Abutalib M. , Abdalla S.
Published: June 2016

Quantum correlations are considered analytically in a model that contains two coupled superconducting charge qubits sharing a large Josephson junction. Dynamical properties for the reduced two-qubit state are addressed in the quantum evolution when the coupling between the field and the qubits is either constant or time-dependent. In the latter case, adiabatic and nonergodic features are present for extremely low and fast evolutions, respectively. Finally, the case where the coupling drops to zero is also considered.
An Area-Efficient DAMQ Buffer with Congestion Control Support
Authors: Zhang Heying , Wang Kefei , Pang Zhengbin , Xiao Liquan , Dou Qiang , Yuan Yuan
Published: June 2016

As the port count of routers in an interconnection network increases rapidly, the amount of buffers within the router chip also increases greatly. To improve the buffer utilization and to reduce the buffer size, the dynamically allocated multi-queue (DAMQ) algorithm is commonly used. However, traditional DAMQ buffer management suffers from high write latency and read latency, and one virtual channel (VC) monopolizes the entire buffer. To address these issues, we propose a fast and area-efficient DAMQ buffer-management algorithm and a novel flow-control mechanism based on credit with congestion-control support. The simulation results show that the new DAMQ algorithm can achieve low latency and prevent one VC from occupying the entire buffer during periods of congestion. Additionally, it can achieve high throughput with a shallow buffer, which leads to a reduced chip area.
A self-force approach to the two-body problem: The Green function method
Authors: Casals Marc
Published: June 2016

The inspiral of a stellar-mass astrophysical object into a massive black hole may be modeled within perturbation theory of General Relativity via the so-called self-force. In this paper, we present a novel method for the calculation of the self-force which is based on the Green function (GF) of the wave equation satisfied by the field created by the smaller object. We review the results in [M. Casals, S. Dolan, A. C. Ottewill and B. Wardell, Phys. Rev. D 88 (2013) 044022; B. Wardell, C. R. Galley, A. Zenginoğlu, M. Casals, S. R. Dolan and A. C. Ottewill, Phys. Rev. D 89 (2014) 084021] on the GF and the self-force on a scalar charge (as a model for the gravitational case) moving on a Schwarzschild black hole spacetime. This GF method offers an appealing geometrical insight into the origin of the self-force and is a promising candidate for practical self-force calculations.
Higher powers of analytical operators and associated ∗-Lie algebras
Authors: Ettaieb Aymen , Khalifa Narjess Turki , Ouerdiane Habib , Rguigui Hafedh
Published: June 2016

We introduce a new product of two test functions denoted by [Formula: see text] (where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the Schwartz space [Formula: see text]). Based on the space of entire functions with [Formula: see text]-exponential growth of minimal type, we define a new family of infinite dimensional analytical operators using the holomorphic derivative and its adjoint. Using this new product [Formula: see text], such operators give us a new representation of the centerless Virasoro–Zamolodchikov-[Formula: see text]∗-Lie algebras (in particular the Witt algebra) by using analytical renormalization conditions and by taking the test function [Formula: see text] as any Hermite function. Replacing the classical pointwise product [Formula: see text] of two test functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text], we prove the existence of new ∗-Lie algebras as counterpart of the classical powers of white noise ∗-Lie algebra, the renormalized higher powers of white noise (RHPWN) ∗-Lie algebra and the second quantized centerless Virasoro–Zamolodchikov-[Formula: see text]∗-Lie algebra.
3D Vibration Analysis of Hermetic Capsules by Using Ritz Method
Authors: Kang Jae-Hoon
Published: June 2016

A three-dimensional (3D) method of analysis is presented for determining the free vibration frequencies of a hermetic capsule comprising a cylinder closed with hemi-ellipsoidal caps at both ends. Unlike conventional shell theories, which are mathematically 2D, the present method is based upon the 3D dynamic equations of elasticity. Displacement components [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] in the radial, circumferential, and axial directions, respectively, are taken to be periodic in [Formula: see text] and in time, and the Legendre polynomials in the r and z directions instead of ordinary ones. Potential (strain) and kinetic energies of the hermetic capsule are formulated, and the Ritz method is used to solve the eigenvalue problem, thereby yielding upper bound values of the frequencies. As the degree of the Legendre polynomials is increased, frequencies converge to the exact values. Typical convergence studies are carried out for the first five frequencies. The frequencies from the present 3D method are in good agreement with those obtained from other 3D approach and 2D shell theories proposed by previous researchers.
Effects of A-site nonstoichiometry on oxide ion conduction in 0.94Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Prasertpalichat Sasiporn , Schmidt Whitney , Cann David P.
Published: June 2016

Lead free 0.94(Bi[Formula: see text]Na[Formula: see text]TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state mixed oxide route with the A-site stoichiometry modified to incorporate donor-doping (through Bi-excess) and acceptor-doping (through Na-excess). Both stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric ceramics exhibited a single perovskite phase with pseudo-cubic symmetry. A significant improvement in the dielectric properties was observed in Bi-excess compositions and a deterioration in the dielectric properties was observed in Na-excess compositions. Impedance spectroscopy was utilized to analyze the effects of A-site nonstoichiometry on conduction mechanisms. Compositions with Bi-excess resulted in an electrically homogeneous microstructure with an increase in resistivity by [Formula: see text]3–4 orders of magnitude and an associated activation energy of 1.57[Formula: see text]eV which was close to half of the optical bandgap. In contrast, an electrically heterogeneous microstructure was observed in both the stoichiometric and Na-excess compositions. In addition, the Na-excess compositions exhibited low resistivities ([Formula: see text]-cm) with characteristic peaks in the impedance data comparable to the recent observations of oxide ion conduction in (Bi[Formula: see text]Na[Formula: see text]TiO3. Long term annealing studies were also conducted at 800[Formula: see text]C to identify changes in crystal structure and electrical properties. The results of this study demonstrates that the dielectric and electrical properties of 0.94(Bi[Formula: see text]Na[Formula: see text]TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 ceramics are very sensitive to Bi/Na stoichiometry.
Multi-Objective Parametric Query Optimization
Authors: Trummer Immanuel , Koch Christoph
Published: June 2016

We propose a generalization of the classical database query optimization problem: multi-objective parametric query optimization (MPQ). MPQ compares alternative processing plans according to multiple execution cost metrics. It also models missing pieces of information on which plan costs depend upon as parameters. Both features are crucial to model query processing on modern data processing platforms. MPQ generalizes previously proposed query optimization variants such as multi-objective query optimization, parametric query optimization, and traditional query optimization. We show however that the MPQ problem has different properties than prior variants and solving it requires novel methods. We present an algorithm that solves the MPQ problem and finds for a given query the set of all relevant query plans. This set contains all plans that realize optimal execution cost tradeoffs for any combination of parameter values. Our algorithm is based on dynamic programming and recursively constructs relevant query plans by combining relevant plans for query parts. We assume that all plan execution cost functions are piecewise-linear in the parameters. We use linear programming to compare alternative plans and to identify plans that are not relevant. We present a complexity analysis of our algorithm and experimentally evaluate its performance.
Serum response factor provokes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal tubular epithelial cells of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhao Long , Chi Lingzhen , Zhao Jun , Wang Xueling , Chen Zhixin , Meng Linghang , Liu Gang , Guan Guangju , Wang Fei
Published: June 2016

We investigated the role of serum response factor (SRF) in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The expression of SRF, epithelial markers (E-cadherin and ZO-1), and mesenchymal markers (fibronectin, collagen-1, α-SMA, FSP-1) was examined in human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) or renal medulla tissues following high glucose. SRF was upregulated by SRF plasmids and downregulated by CCG-1423 (a small molecule inhibitor of SRF) to investigate how SRF influenced EMT in TECs of DN. Streptozotocin was used to generate DM in rats. In HK-2 cells after high-glucose treatment and renal medulla tissues of diabetic rats, SRF, fibronectin, collagen-1, α-SMA, and FSP-1 increased, while E-cadherin and ZO-1 declined. SRF overexpression in HK-2 cells induced expression of Snail, an important transcription factor mediating EMT. Blockade of SRF by CCG-1423 reduced Snail induction and protected TECs from EMT both in vitro and in vivo. Together, increased SRF activity promotes EMT in TECs and dysfunction in DN. Targeting SRF by small molecule inhibitor may be an attractive therapeutic strategy for DN.
Preeclampsia, of mice and women
Authors: Sones Jenny L. , Davisson Robin L.
Published: June 2016

Preeclampsia (PE) is a devastating disorder of pregnancy that affects up to 8% of pregnant women in the United States. The diagnosis of PE is made by the presentation of new-onset hypertension, ≥140 mmHg systolic blood pressure (BP) or ≥90 mmHg diastolic BP, and either proteinuria or another accompanying sign/symptom, such as renal insufficiency, thrombocytopenia, hepatic dysfunction, pulmonary edema, or cerebral/visual. These signs can occur suddenly and without warning. PE that presents before 34 wk of gestation is considered early onset and carries a greater risk for perinatal morbidity/mortality than late-onset PE that occurs at or after 34 wk of gestation. At this time there is no cure for PE, and the only effective treatment is delivery of the baby and placenta. If allowed to progress to eclampsia (PE with neurologic involvement), seizures will occur and possibly death through stroke. PE also carries the risk of significant fetal and neonatal morbidity/mortality in addition to long-term health risks for mother and child. Despite significant research efforts to accurately predict, diagnose, and treat PE, a cure eludes us. Elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms that can cause PE will aid in our ability to accurately prevent, manage, and treat PE to avoid maternal and fetal losses. Intense research efforts are focused on PE, and the mouse has proven to be a useful animal model for investigating molecular mechanisms that may hold the key to unraveling the mysteries of PE in women.
DNA Methylation in Cancer and Aging
Authors: Klutstein Michael , Nejman Deborah , Greenfield Razi , Cedar Howard
Published: June 2016

DNA methylation is known to be abnormal in all forms of cancer, but it is not really understood how this occurs and what is its role in tumorigenesis. In this review, we take a wide view of this problem by analyzing the strategies involved in setting up normal DNA methylation patterns and understanding how this stable epigenetic mark works to prevent gene activation during development. Aberrant DNA methylation in cancer can be generated either prior to or following cell transformation through mutations. Increasing evidence suggests, however, that most methylation changes are generated in a programmed manner and occur in a subpopulation of tissue cells during normal aging, probably predisposing them for tumorigenesis. It is likely that this methylation contributes to the tumor state by inhibiting the plasticity of cell differentiation processes. Cancer Res; 76(12); 3446–50. ©2016 AACR.
Evaluating Ultra-long-Chain Fatty Acids as Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Perttula Kelsi , Edmands William M.B. , Grigoryan Hasmik , Cai Xiaoming , Iavarone Anthony T. , Gunter Marc J. , Naccarati Alessio , Polidoro Silvia , Hubbard Alan , Vineis Paolo , Rappaport Stephen M.
Published: June 2016

Background: Cross-sectional studies reported a novel set of hydroxylated ultra-long-chain fatty acids (ULCFA) that were present at significantly lower levels in colorectal cancer cases than controls. Follow-up studies suggested that these molecules were potential biomarkers of protective exposure for colorectal cancer. To test the hypothesis that ULCFAs reflect causal pathways, we measured their levels in prediagnostic serum from incident colorectal cancer cases and controls.

Methods: Serum from 95 colorectal cancer patients and 95 matched controls was obtained from the Italian arm of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort and analyzed by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry. Levels of 8 ULCFAs were compared between cases and controls with paired t tests and a linear model that used time to diagnosis (TTD) to determine whether case–control differences were influenced by disease progression.

Results: Although paired t tests detected significantly lower levels of four ULCFAs in colorectal cancer cases, confirming earlier reports, the case–control differences diminished significantly with increasing TTD (7 days–14 years).

Conclusion: Levels of several ULCFAs were lower in incident colorectal cancer cases than controls. However, because case–control differences decreased with increasing TTD, we conclude that these molecules were likely consumed by processes related to cancer progression rather than causal pathways.

Impact: ULCFA levels are unlikely to represent exposures that protect individuals from colorectal cancer. Future research should focus on the diagnostic potential and origins of these molecules. Our use of TTD as a covariate in a linear model provides an efficient method for distinguishing causal and reactive biomarkers in biospecimens from prospective cohorts. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(8); 1216–23. ©2016 AACR.
DNA Methylation Signature Reveals Cell Ontogeny of Renal Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Malouf Gabriel G. , Su Xiaoping , Zhang Jianping , Creighton Chad J. , Ho Thai H. , Lu Yue , Raynal Noël J.-M. , Karam Jose A. , Tamboli Pheroze , Allanick Frederick , Mouawad Roger , Spano Jean-Philippe , Khayat David , Wood Christopher G. , Jelinek Jaroslav , Tannir Nizar M.
Published: June 2016

Purpose: DNA methylation is a heritable covalent modification that is developmentally regulated and is critical in tissue-type definition. Although genotype–phenotype correlations have been described for different subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), it is unknown if DNA methylation profiles correlate with morphological or ontology based phenotypes. Here, we test the hypothesis that DNA methylation signatures can discriminate between putative precursor cells in the nephron.

Experimental Designs: We performed deep profiling of DNA methylation and transcriptome in diverse histopathological RCC subtypes and validated DNA methylation in an independent dataset as well as in The Cancer Genome Atlas Clear Cell and Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma Datasets.

Results: Our data provide the first mapping of methylome epi-signature and indicate that RCC subtypes can be grouped into two major epi-clusters: C1, which encompasses clear-cell RCC, papillary RCC, mucinous and spindle cell carcinomas and translocation RCC; C2, which comprises oncocytoma and chromophobe RCC. Interestingly, C1 epi-cluster displayed 3-fold more hypermethylation as compared with C2 epi-cluster. Of note, differentially methylated regions between C1 and C2 epi-clusters occur in gene bodies and intergenic regions, instead of gene promoters. Transcriptome analysis of C1 epi-cluster suggests a functional convergence on Polycomb targets, whereas C2 epi-cluster displays DNA methylation defects. Furthermore, we find that our epigenetic ontogeny signature is associated with worse outcomes of patients with clear-cell RCC.

Conclusions: Our data define the epi-clusters that can discriminate between distinct RCC subtypes and for the first time define the epigenetic basis for proximal versus distal tubule derived kidney tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 6236–46. ©2016 AACR.
Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Prevent Therapeutic Escape in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Xianhui , Wong Jason , Sevinsky Christopher J. , Kokabee Leila , Khan Faiza , Sun Yan , Conklin Douglas S.
Published: June 2016

We have reported that a novel isoform of BTK (BTK-C) expressed in breast cancer protects these cells from apoptosis. In this study, we show that recently developed inhibitors of BTK, such as ibrutinib (PCI-32765), AVL-292, and CGI-1746, reduce breast cancer cell survival and prevent drug-resistant clones from arising. Ibrutinib treatment impacts HER2+ breast cancer cell viability at lower concentrations than the established breast cancer therapeutic lapatinib. In addition to inhibiting BTK, ibrutinib, but not AVL-292 and CGI-1746, efficiently blocks the activation of EGFR, HER2, ErbB3, and ErbB4. Consequently, the activation of AKT and ERK signaling pathways are also blocked leading to a G1–S cell-cycle delay and increased apoptosis. Importantly, inhibition of BTK prevents activation of the AKT signaling pathway by NRG or EGF that has been shown to promote growth factor–driven lapatinib resistance in HER2+ breast cancer cells. HER2+ breast cancer cell proliferation is blocked by ibrutinib even in the presence of these factors. AVL-292, which has no effect on EGFR family activation, prevents NRG- and EGF-dependent growth factor–driven resistance to lapatinib in HER2+ breast cancer cells. In vivo, ibrutinib inhibits HER2+ xenograft tumor growth. Consistent with this, immunofluorescence analysis of xenograft tumors shows that ibrutinib reduces the phosphorylation of HER2, BTK, Akt, and Erk and histone H3 and increases cleaved caspase-3 signals. As BTK-C and HER2 are often coexpressed in human breast cancers, these observations indicate that BTK-C is a potential therapeutic target and that ibrutinib could be an effective drug especially for HER2+ breast cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2198–208. ©2016 AACR.
Evolution of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans to DFSP-Derived Fibrosarcoma: An Event Marked by Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition–like Process and 22q Loss
Authors: Stacchiotti Silvia , Astolfi Annalisa , Gronchi Alessandro , Fontana Andrea , Pantaleo Maria A. , Negri Tiziana , Brenca Monica , Tazzari Marcella , Urbini Milena , Indio Valentina , Colombo Chiara , Radaelli Stefano , Brich Silvia , Dei Tos Angelo P. , Casali Paolo G. , Castelli Chiara , Dagrada Gian Paolo , Pilotti Silvana , Maestro Roberta
Published: June 2016

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare and indolent cutaneous sarcoma. At times, a fibrosarcomatous transformation marked by a more aggressive clinical behavior may be present. We investigated the natural history and the molecular bases of progression from classic DFSP to the fibrosarcomatous form (FS-DFSP), looking, retrospectively, at the outcome of all patients affected by primary DFSP treated at our institution from 1993 to 2012 and analyzing the molecular profile of 5 DFSPs and 5 FS-DFSPs by an integrated genomics approach (whole transcriptome sequencing, copy number analysis, FISH, qRT-PCR, IHC). The presence of fibrosarcomatous features was identified in 20 (7.6%) patients out of 263 DFSP. All cases were treated with macroscopic complete surgery. A local relapse occurred in 4 of 23 patients who received a microscopic marginal surgery (2 classic DFSP, 2 FS-DFSP), while metastasis affected 2 patients, both FS-DFSP (10% of FS-DFSP), being the first event. DFSP evolution to FS-DFSP was paralleled by a transcriptional reprogramming. The recurrent loss of chromosome 22q appeared to contribute to this phenomenon by promoting the expression of epigenetic regulators, such as EZH2. Loss of the p16/CDKN2A/INK4A locus at 9p was also observed in two FS-DFSP metastatic cases.

Implications: FS-DFSP is a rare subgroup among DFSP, with a 10% metastatic risk, that was independent from local recurrence and that was not observed in DFSP, that were all cured by wide surgery. Chromosome 22q deletion might play a role in FS-DFSP, and p16 loss may convey a poor outcome. EZH2 dysregulation was also found and represents a druggable target. Mol Cancer Res; 14(9); 820–9. ©2016 AACR.
Gene Methylation and Cytological Atypia in Random Fine-Needle Aspirates for Assessment of Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Stearns Vered , Fackler Mary Jo , Hafeez Sidra , Bujanda Zoila Lopez , Chatterton Robert T. , Jacobs Lisa K. , Khouri Nagi F. , Ivancic David , Kenney Kara , Shehata Christina , Jeter Stacie C. , Wolfman Judith A. , Zalles Carola M. , Huang Peng , Khan Seema A. , Sukumar Saraswati
Published: June 2016

Methods to determine individualized breast cancer risk lack sufficient sensitivity to select women most likely to benefit from preventive strategies. Alterations in DNA methylation occur early in breast cancer. We hypothesized that cancer-specific methylation markers could enhance breast cancer risk assessment. We evaluated 380 women without a history of breast cancer. We determined their menopausal status or menstrual cycle phase, risk of developing breast cancer (Gail model), and breast density and obtained random fine-needle aspiration (rFNA) samples for assessment of cytopathology and cumulative methylation index (CMI). Eight methylated gene markers were identified through whole-genome methylation analysis and included novel and previously established breast cancer detection genes. We performed correlative and multivariate linear regression analyses to evaluate DNA methylation of a gene panel as a function of clinical factors associated with breast cancer risk. CMI and individual gene methylation were independent of age, menopausal status or menstrual phase, lifetime Gail risk score, and breast density. CMI and individual gene methylation for the eight genes increased significantly (P < 0.001) with increasing cytological atypia. The findings were verified with multivariate analyses correcting for age, log (Gail), log (percent density), rFNA cell number, and body mass index. Our results demonstrate a significant association between cytological atypia and high CMI, which does not vary with menstrual phase or menopause and is independent of Gail risk and mammographic density. Thus, CMI is an excellent candidate breast cancer risk biomarker, warranting larger prospective studies to establish its utility for cancer risk assessment. Cancer Prev Res; 9(8); 673–82. ©2016 AACR.
Forecasting Cytokine Storms with New Predictive Biomarkers
Authors: Rouce Rayne H. , Heslop Helen E.
Published: June 2016

Summary: T cells genetically modified with CD19 chimeric antigen receptors have produced impressive clinical responses in patients with refractory B-cell malignancies, but therapeutic responses are often accompanied by cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Teachey and colleagues have identified predictive biomarkers for this complication that may allow testing of earlier intervention with agents such as the IL6 receptor blocker tocilizumab to evaluate whether CRS can be ameliorated without jeopardizing clinical responses. Cancer Discov; 6(6); 579–80. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Teachey et al., p. 664.
FTO Genotype Interacts with Improvement in Aerobic Fitness on Body Weight Loss During Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Sailer Corinna , Schmid Vera , Fritsche Louise , Gerter Tsvetelina , Machicao Fausto , Niess Andreas , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Stefan Norbert , Fritsche Andreas , Heni Martin
Published: June 2016

Objective: Not every participant responds with a comparable body weight loss to lifestyle intervention, despite the same compliance. Genetic factors may explain parts of this difference. Variation in fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is the strongest common genetic determinant of body weight. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of FTO genotype differences in the link between improvement of fitness and reduction of body weight during a lifestyle intervention. Methods: We genotyped 292 healthy subjects for FTO rs8050136. Participants underwent a 9-month lifestyle intervention. Before and after intervention, aerobic fitness was tested by bicycle (VO2max) and treadmill spiroergometry (individual anaerobic threshold (IAT), subgroup of N = 192). Results: Participants lost body weight (p < 0.0001) independent of FTO genotype (p = 0.5). There was a significant correlation between improvement in VO2max and decrease in body weight (p < 0.0001). FTO genotype interacted with this relationship (p = 0.0042 for VO2max, p = 0.0049 for IAT). When stratifying the cohort according to their improvement in VO2max, FTO obesity-risk A-allele carriers in the higher quartiles of improvement in fitness lost significantly less body weight. Conclusions: Our data reveal that genetic variation in FTO impacts on body weight reduction during lifestyle intervention only in subjects with marked improvement in aerobic fitness.
Prostate Cancer Detection Rate with Koelis Fusion Biopsies versus Cognitive Biopsies: A Comparative Study
Authors: Oderda Marco , Faletti Riccardo , Battisti Giacomo , Dalmasso Ettore , Falcone Marco , Marra Giancarlo , Palazzetti Anna , Zitella Andrea , Bergamasco Laura , Gandini Giovanni , Gontero Paolo
Published: June 2016

Objective: Targeted fusion biopsies have led to an improved prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate (CDR). Our aim was to assess if device-assisted fusion biopsies are superior to cognitive ones in terms of CDR. The association between multiparametric MRI parameters and PCa was also evaluated. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 50 patients who underwent transrectal biopsy with elastic fusion (Koelis; group KB, n = 25) or cognitive approach (group CB, n = 25). Targeted biopsies were done on targets, while a variable number of random biopsies were performed depending on the clinical case. Results: The groups did not significantly differ in terms of age, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume and previous biopsies. Mean number of random cores was significantly inferior in KB group (8.4 vs. 12.1) and mean number of targeted biopsies was significantly higher (3.6 vs. 2.6). CDR was higher in fusion biopsies (64 vs. 40%), with the gap becoming significant when considering CDR of MRI targets only (59 vs. 27%). The difference was marked for lesions ≤10 mm, where CDR was 52% in KB against 21% in CB group. Conclusions: According to our study, elastic fusion biopsies performed with Koelis achieve an increased per-patient and per-lesion CDR as compared to cognitive biopsies, especially in the case of lesions ≤10 mm.
Relation between Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels in Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels at Initial Surgery and Recurrence
Authors: Saito Gota , Sadahiro Sotaro , Okada Kazutake , Tanaka Akira , Suzuki Toshiyuki , Kamijo Akemi
Published: June 2016

Objectives: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is widely used for postoperative surveillance of colon cancer. Even if serum CEA is negative at initial surgery, it may turn positive at recurrence. We investigated the relation between serum CEA levels and the immunohistochemical staining status of CEA in the primary and resected metastatic tissues. Methods: Out of 224 patients with recurrent colon cancer between 1998 and 2012, we studied 46 patients in whom serum CEA levels were measured and immunohistochemical staining for CEA was possible in the primary and metastatic tissues. Results: The positive rate of serum CEA did not differ between initial surgery and recurrence, regardless of whether the cutoff value was set at 5 or 10 ng/ml (p = 0.829, p = 0.671). There was no relation between the CEA staining status and serum CEA level at initial surgery. However, the CEA staining status of metastatic tissue was significantly related to the serum CEA level at recurrence (p = 0.0046 and p = 0.0026). Conclusions: The immunohistochemical staining status of CEA in metastatic tissue is closely related to the serum CEA level. This finding suggests that serum CEA levels are influenced not only by the CEA production capacity of cancer cells but also by the ability of the surrounding tissue to release CEA into the blood.
Applications and Design for a Cloud of Virtual Sensors
Authors: Jameel Hussein Ammar , Riadh Ammar , Alsultan Mohammed , Tareq Abd Al-razak
Published: June 2016

The use of sensors in our daily lives is a growing demand with the large number of electronic devices around us. These sensors will be included in our daily life requirements soon and they will affect our lives in both positive and negative ways. In this paper, we discuss the manner, applications and design issues for a cloud of virtual sensors, and we introduce a distributed system design to deal with physical sensors that reside in diverse locations and operate in different environments. This design operates in a cloud computing vision and can make virtual sensors in upper of physical one available from anywhere using ICT structure. Then, we negotiated the future of this technology, i.e., the Internet of Things (IoT). Additionally, we go over the strengths and weaknesses of using this technology. Our test lab shows high performance and good total cost of ownership and effective response time.
Comparison of Bit Error Rate of Line Codes in NG-PON2
Authors: Horvath Tomas , Fujdiak Radek , Cucka Milan , Dankova Marie , Misurec Jiri
Published: June 2016

This article focuses on simulation and comparison of line codes NRZ (Non Return to Zero), RZ (Return to Zero) and Miller’s code for NG-PON2 (Next-Generation Passive Optical Network Stage 2) using. Our article provides solutions with Q-factor, BER (Bit Error Rate), and bandwidth comparison. Line codes are the most important part of communication over the optical fibre. The main role of these codes is digital signal representation. NG-PON2 networks use optical fibres for communication that is the reason why OptSim v5.2 is used for simulation.
Where to Focus Efforts to Reduce the Black–White Disparity in Stroke Mortality
Authors: Howard George , Moy Claudia S. , Howard Virginia J. , McClure Leslie A. , Kleindorfer Dawn O. , Kissela Brett M. , Judd Suzanne E. , Unverzagt Fredrick W. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Safford Monika M. , Cushman Mary , Flaherty Matthew L. , Wadley Virginia G.
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose—

At age 45 years, blacks have a stroke mortality ≈3× greater than their white counterparts, with a declining disparity at older ages. We assess whether this black–white disparity in stroke mortality is attributable to a black–white disparity in stroke incidence versus a disparity in case fatality.

Methods—

We first assess if black–white differences in stroke mortality within 29 681 participants in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort reflect national black–white differences in stroke mortality and then assess the degree to which black–white differences in stroke incidence or 30-day case fatality after stroke contribute to the disparities in stroke mortality.

Results—

The pattern of stroke mortality within the study mirrors the national pattern, with the black-to-white hazard ratio of ≈4.0 at age 45 years decreasing to ≈1.0 at age 85 years. The pattern of black-to-white disparities in stroke incidence shows a similar pattern but no evidence of a corresponding disparity in stroke case fatality.

Conclusions—

These findings show that the black–white differences in stroke mortality are largely driven by differences in stroke incidence, with case fatality playing at most a minor role. Therefore, to reduce the black–white disparity in stroke mortality, interventions need to focus on prevention of stroke in blacks.
Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk of Stroke
Authors: Canonico Marianne , Carcaillon Laure , Plu-Bureau Geneviève , Oger Emmanuel , Singh-Manoux Archana , Tubert-Bitter Pascale , Elbaz Alexis , Scarabin Pierre-Yves
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose—

The benefit/risk analysis of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women is not straightforward and depends on cardiovascular disease. Evidence supports the safety of transdermal estrogens and the importance of progestogens for thrombotic risk. However, the differential association of oral and transdermal estrogens with stroke remains poorly investigated. Furthermore, there are no data regarding the impact of progestogens.

Methods—

We set up a nested case–control study of ischemic stroke (IS) within all French women aged 51 to 62 years between 2009 and 2011 without personal history of cardiovascular disease or contraindication to hormone therapy. Participants were identified using the French National Health Insurance database, which includes complete drug claims for the past 3 years and French National hospital data. We identified 3144 hospitalized IS cases who were matched for age and zip code to 12 158 controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results—

Compared with nonusers, the adjusted ORs of IS were1.58 (95% CI, 1.01–2.49) in oral estrogen users and 0.83 (0.56–1.24) in transdermal estrogens users (
P
<0.01). There was no association of IS with use of progesterone (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.49–1.26), pregnanes (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.60–1.67), and nortestosterones (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.62–2.58), whereas norpregnanes increased IS risk (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.05–4.81).

Conclusions—

Both route of estrogen administration and progestogens were important determinants of IS. Our findings suggest that transdermal estrogens might be the safest option for short-term hormone therapy use.
A Hidden Markov Model Approach to the Problem of Heuristic Selection in
Hyper-Heuristics with a Case Study in High School Timetabling Problems
Authors: Kheiri Ahmed , Keedwell Ed
Published: June 2016

Operations research is a well-established field that uses computational systems to support decisions in business and public life. Good solutions to operations research problems can make a large difference to the efficient running of businesses and organisations and so the field often searches for new methods to improve these solutions. The high school timetabling problem is an example of an operations research problem and is a challenging task which requires assigning events and resources to time slots subject to a set of constraints. In this article, a new sequence-based selection hyper-heuristic is presented that produces excellent results on a suite of high school timetabling problems. In this study, we present an easy-to-implement, easy-to-maintain, and effective sequence-based selection hyper-heuristic to solve high school timetabling problems using a benchmark of unified real-world instances collected from different countries. We show that with sequence-based methods, it is possible to discover new best known solutions for a number of the problems in the timetabling domain. Through this investigation, the usefulness of sequence-based selection hyper-heuristics has been demonstrated and the capability of these methods has been shown to exceed the state of the art.
Into the wild: developing field tests to examine the link between elasmobranch personality and laterality
Authors: Byrnes Evan E. , Pouca Catarina Vila , Chambers Sherrie L. , Brown Culum
Published: June 2016

The field of animal personality has received considerable attention in past decades, yet few studies have examined personality in the wild. This study investigated docility, a measure of boldness, in two Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) populations using field tests, and if laterality differences explained docility levels. We developed a struggle test as an assay for docility, which is particularly amenable to field studies. The struggle test was effective, and repeatable inter-individual docility differences were observed. Sex, but not population, influenced docility scores, with male sharks being less docile than females. This difference is likely due to the contrasting role each sex plays during mating. We also found individualized lateralization. However, no individual-level relationship between lateralization and docility was detected. Despite reported links between laterality and some personality traits, the relationship between laterality and boldness remains inconclusive in sharks. Further studies will prove essential to clarify the mechanisms behind personality traits in vertebrates.
Floristic and taxonomic treatment of Croton subsect. Medea (Euphorbiaceae) from Brazilian campos rupestres
Authors: MEDEIROS DÉBORA , VALLE LUCI DE SENNA , ESSER HANS-JOACHIM , ALVES RUY JOSÉ VÁLKA
Published: June 2016

Croton sect. Barhamia subsect. Medea is a South American group represented by a number of endemic and rare species, most of them subshrubs with small vegetative and floral structures. The Brazilian ‘campos rupestres’, mostly inserted in the savanna areas of Minas Gerais State, are one of the centers of species diversity of the subsection. The species of subsection Medea from Brazilian campos rupestres share a morphological pattern, which is characterized by features of stipules, bracts and sepals such as type of margin (entire or laciniate), the presence or absence of glands, and the type of gland insertion (sessile or stipitate). Based on new material collected and the study of type material, detailed species descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic keys to the species, and data on geographic distributions are provided. Lectotypes are designated for seven species. The rediscovery of Croton staechadis is also recorded.
A new species of Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae) from Guerrero and Oaxaca, México
Authors: LOZADA‒PÉREZ LUCIO , GUTIÉRREZ JORGE FERNANDO ROJAS
Published: June 2016

Passiflora quadraticordata, a new species of Mexican flora with uncinate trichomes, is herein described and illustrated. This species is endemic to the southern Sierra Madre of the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, México, and belongs to the subgenus Decaloba and the supersection Bryonioides.
A taxonomic revision of Pollia (Commelinaceae) in India with six lectotypifications
Authors: JAMEERA A. , NAMPY SANTHOSH , JANEESHA A.P.
Published: June 2016

The genus Pollia consisting of five species in India is revised based on field and herbarium studies. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, photoplates and key to the identification of Indian species are provided. Six names viz., Aclisia indica, Pollia pentasperma, P. secundiflora, P. subumbellata, P. thyrsiflora and P. aclisia var. robusta are lectotypified.
A new species of genus Anteaglonium (Anteagloniaceae, Pleosporales) with its asexual morph
Authors: JAYASIRI SUBASHINI C. , JONES E.B. GARETH , KANG JI-CHUAN , PROMPUTTHA ITTHAYAKORN , BAHKALI ALI H. , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: June 2016

The family Anteagloniaceae comprises the genera, Anteaglonium and Flammeascoma. The family shares similar characters with taxa in the Hysteriales, but groups in the Pleosporales. No asexual morph is known in this family. In the present study we introduce a new species Anteaglonium thailandicum, re-examine A. parvulum and document its asexual morph. We observed different culture characters with similar morphology and molecular data for four strains of A. parvulum isolated from collections in Thailand. In this study we introduce A. thailandicum which has different hysterothecial characters as compared to A. parvulum and A. globosum, especially in the globose, roughened wall, indistinct slit, short subicula and short tomentum and also based on differences in LSU, SSU and TEF sequence data.
Chromosome numbers and karyomorphology of Festuca circummediterranea Patzke group (Poaceae, Loliinae)
Authors: ARDENGHI NICOLA M.G. , FIORINI GRAZIANA , ROSSI GRAZIANO , FOGGI BRUNO
Published: June 2016

The first comprehensive karyological overview of the group of Festuca circummediterranea, comprising 10 Euro-Mediterranean taxa (5 species and 7 subspecies, including autonyms), is provided. Thirty populations were sampled from across almost the whole distributional range of the aggregate, including the loci classici of each taxon. The first chromosome counts for F. jeanpertii subsp. jeanpertii, subsp. achaica, and subsp. gracilis are reported. All the taxa were found to be diploid (2n = 14) and have a similar karyotype, characterized by the predominace of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes; the occurrence of B-chromosomes was recorded from a single taxon, F. marginata subsp. gallica.
The Rain Is Askew: Two Idealized Models Relating Vertical Velocity and Precipitation Distributions in a Warming World
Authors: Pendergrass Angeline G. , Gerber Edwin P.
Published: June 2016

As the planet warms, climate models predict that rain will become heavier but less frequent and that the circulation will weaken. Here, two heuristic models relating moisture, vertical velocity, and rainfall distributions are developed—one in which the distribution of vertical velocity is prescribed and another in which it is predicted. These models are used to explore the response to warming and moistening as well as changes in circulation, atmospheric energy budget, and stability. Some key assumptions of the models include that relative humidity is fixed within and between climate states and that stability is constant within each climate state. The first model shows that an increase in skewness of the vertical velocity distribution is crucial for capturing salient characteristics of the changing distribution of rain, including the muted rate of mean precipitation increase relative to extremes and the decrease in the total number or area of rain events. The second model suggests that this increase in the skewness of the vertical velocity arises from the asymmetric impact of latent heating on vertical motion.
Assessment of the Timing of Daily Peak Streamflow during the Melt Season in a Snow-Dominated Watershed
Authors: Chen Xing , Kumar Mukesh , Wang Rui , Winstral Adam , Marks Danny
Published: June 2016

Previous studies have shown that gauge-observed daily streamflow peak times (DPTs) during spring snowmelt can exhibit distinct temporal shifts through the season. These shifts have been attributed to three processes: 1) melt flux translation through the snowpack or percolation, 2) surface and subsurface flow of melt from the base of snowpacks to streams, and 3) translation of water flux in the streams to stream gauging stations. The goal of this study is to evaluate and quantify how these processes affect observed DPTs variations at the Reynolds Mountain East (RME) research catchment in southwest Idaho, United States. To accomplish this goal, DPTs were simulated for the RME catchment over a period of 25 water years using a modified snowmelt model, iSnobal, and a hydrology model, the Penn State Integrated Hydrologic Model (PIHM). The influence of each controlling process was then evaluated by simulating the DPT with and without the process under consideration. Both intra- and interseasonal variability in DPTs were evaluated. Results indicate that the magnitude of DPTs is dominantly influenced by subsurface flow, whereas the temporal shifts within a season are primarily controlled by percolation through snow. In addition to the three processes previously identified in the literature, processes governing the snowpack ripening time are identified as additionally influencing DPT variability. Results also indicate that the relative dominance of each control varies through the melt season and between wet and dry years. The results could be used for supporting DPTs prediction efforts and for prioritization of observables for DPT determination.
Supervision for school psychologists in training: Developing a framework from empirical findings
Authors: Gibbs Simon , Atkinson Cathy , Woods Kevin , Bond Caroline , Hill Vivian , Howe Julia , Morris Sue
Published: June 2016

Similar to other professional disciplines, the importance of supervision within school psychology has attracted considerable attention within recent years. Despite this, systematic review of current literature reveals a dearth of empirical literature proposing underlying theoretical structures. This study extends recent qualitative research by surveying 310 school psychology students undertaking a preparatory doctoral training programme within the 12 approved universities in England and Wales. Data were obtained from a 21-item closed questionnaire developed from previous empirical findings and subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis. Findings reveal three key supervisory components: Safe space for authentic learning, instructional support, and reference points for professional learning. Comparisons with other theoretical models are made and implications for practice explored. A framework for professional practice, based on key findings and other important theoretical developments, is proposed.