bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Branchial Cleft Malformation with Duplication of External Auditory Canal
Authors: Parida Pradipta Kumar , Alexander Arun , Raja Kalairasi , Surianarayanan Gopalakrishnan , Ganeshan Sivaraman
Published: November 2013

First branchial cleft anomalies are uncommon, accounting for less than 10% of all branchial abnormalities. Their rare occurrence and varied presentation have frequently led to misdiagnosis and inadequate and inappropriate treatment of these conditions leading to repeated recurrences and secondary infection. In this paper, a case of 11-year girl with type 2 first branchial cleft defect is described. She first presented with a nonhealing ulcer of upper neck from childhood. Diagnosis had previously been missed and treated as tubercular ulcer. We confirmed the correct diagnosis by history and computerized tomography fistulogram. The lesion was completely excised with no further recurrence.
A Study on Contact Fatigue Performance of Nitrided and TiN Coated Gears
Authors: Xu Hongbin , Li Hui , Hu Jianjun , Wang Song
Published: November 2013

This paper discusses the effects of TiN coating on gear contact fatigue performance through contact fatigue experiment and gear rig test. The results reveal that the deposition on gears with hard coating TiN could provide the subsurface protection and improve the contact fatigue life, and the contact fatigue strength of nitrided+TiN coated 32Cr2MoV is 1557 MPa at survival probability of 99%, 284 MPa higher than that of nitrided 32Cr2MoV. Although TiN coating on the the edge of the meshing zone wore out, there is no obvious pitting at the site and the rest of meshed zone of TiN coated gear keeps well without pittings and wear grooves, which is opposite to nitrided gears with pittings and peeling off. TiN coating is dense and smooth with lower surface roughness, and it wraps up the gear tooth so that the gear surface no longer contacts with lubricant and prevents the cracks initiation, prolonging the contact fatigue life of gears.
Influence of Heat Treatment on the Corrosion of Microalloyed Steel in Sodium Chloride Solution
Authors: Seikh Asiful Hossain
Published: November 2013

Microalloyed Steels find wide application in car bodies and other engineering parts because of its high strength as well as high ductility. Very fine grained microstructure is the reason behind the combination of strength and ductility. It has been reported that repeated quenching leads to further refining of microstructure. In the present investigation, corrosion resistance property of E34 microalloy steel has been studied in 3.5% NaCl solution in different microstructural conditions such as the as rolled one and three repeated quenched conditions. Weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization method, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques have been used. To reveal the corrosion resistance of different treated steels, some significant characterization parameters such as Ecorr, Icorr, Rp, and Rct in linear polarization and EIS curves were analyzed and compared. It is found that with repeated recrystallization grains become finer, and corrosion rate increases suggesting that a compromise has to strike between high mechanical property and corrosion rate.
Smoking Prevalence Increases following Canterbury Earthquakes
Authors: Erskine Nick , Daley Vivien , Stevenson Sue , Rhodes Bronwen , Beckert Lutz
Published: November 2013

Background. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Canterbury in September 2010. This earthquake and associated aftershocks took the lives of 185 people and drastically changed residents’ living, working, and social conditions. Aim. To explore the impact of the earthquakes on smoking status and levels of tobacco consumption in the residents of Christchurch. Methods. Semistructured interviews were carried out in two city malls and the central bus exchange 15 months after the first earthquake. A total of 1001 people were interviewed. Results. In August 2010, prior to any earthquake, 409 (41%) participants had never smoked, 273 (27%) were currently smoking, and 316 (32%) were ex‐smokers. Since the September 2010 earthquake, 76 (24%) of the 316 ex‐smokers had smoked at least one cigarette and 29 (38.2%) had smoked more than 100 cigarettes. Of the 273 participants who were current smokers in August 2010, 93 (34.1%) had increased consumption following the earthquake, 94 (34.4%) had not changed, and 86 (31.5%) had decreased their consumption. 53 (57%) of the 93 people whose consumption increased reported that the earthquake and subsequent lifestyle changes as a reason to increase smoking. Conclusion. 24% of ex‐smokers resumed smoking following the earthquake, resulting in increased smoking prevalence. Tobacco consumption levels increased in around one‐third of current smokers.
Design and Analysis of a Dynamic Mobility Management Scheme for Wireless Mesh Network
Authors: Majumder Abhishek , Roy Sudipta
Published: November 2013

Seamless mobility management of the mesh clients (MCs) in wireless mesh network (WMN) has drawn a lot of attention from the research community. A number of mobility management schemes such as mesh network with mobility management (MEMO), mesh mobility management (M3), and wireless mesh mobility management (WMM) have been proposed. The common problem with these schemes is that they impose uniform criteria on all the MCs for sending route update message irrespective of their distinct characteristics. This paper proposes a session‐to‐mobility ratio (SMR) based dynamic mobility management scheme for handling both internet and intranet traffic. To reduce the total communication cost, this scheme considers each MC’s session and mobility characteristics by dynamically determining optimal threshold SMR value for each MC. A numerical analysis of the proposed scheme has been carried out. Comparison with other schemes shows that the proposed scheme outperforms MEMO, M3, and WMM with respect to total cost.
A Case of Recurrent Mesocolon Myxoid Liposarcoma and Review of the Literature
Authors: Eltweri Amar M. , Gravante Gianpiero , Read-Jones Sarah Louise , Rai Sonpreet , Bowrey David J. , Haynes Ian Gordon
Published: November 2013

Background. Liposarcoma is the second most common soft tissue sarcoma affecting predominantly the retroperitoneal space and extremities. Mesenteric liposarcoma is uncommon and occurs in the small bowel mesentery. In this paper we report the case of a recurrent mesocolon myxoid liposarcoma manifesting 6 years from the initial right hemicolectomy for the primary tumour.Case Report. A 41-year-old female presented with a 4-day history of signs and symptoms indicative of small bowel obstruction, subsequently confirmed on plain abdominal X-ray. In 2006 she underwent a right hemicolectomy for a myxoid liposarcoma of the mesentery. The patient was initially managed conservatively; however she showed no signs of improvement and was taken to theatre for an exploratory laparotomy and division of adhesional bands. During this procedure an incidental finding of a dark purple, smooth pelvic mass was identified with similar macroscopic appearance to that of splenic tissue. Histological examination revealed a recurrent mesocolon myxoid liposarcoma.Conclusion. Mesocolon myxoid liposarcoma is a rare soft tissue neoplastic pathology and carries a high risk of recurrence. Therefore, a symptomatic patient with a previous history of primary liposarcoma excision should be treated with a high index of suspicion and a longer period of followup should be considered.
Preparation of BSA-ZnWO4Nanocomposites with Enhanced Adsorptional Photocatalytic Activity for Methylene Blue Degradation
Authors: Singh Pardeep , Raizada Pankaj , Pathania Deepak , Kumar Amit , Thakur Pankaj
Published: November 2013

This study explains the effect of adsorption on dye degradation using bovine serum alum and ZnWO4based nanocomposite (BSA-ZnWO4). The synthesis of BSA-ZnWO4was performed by a hydrothermal method involving the encapsulation of ZnWO4with BSA. BSA-ZnWO4was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectral techniques. The photocatalytic experiments were performed under solar light. The dye removal was investigated under different reaction conditions. The photocatalytic efficiency of solar/BSA-ZnWO4process was higher compared to solar/ZnWO4, dark/BSA-ZnWO4, solar/BSA, dark/ZnWO4, and solar light systems. The simultaneous adsorption and photodegradation process (A + P) was the most efficient process due to rapid destruction of adsorbed dye molecules. BSA-ZnWO4showed superior degradation efficiency and reusability over ZnWO4for MB degradation.
Characterisation of Structure‐Borne Sound Source Using Reception Plate Method
Authors: Putra A. , Saari N. F. , Bakri H. , Ramlan R. , Dan R. M.
Published: November 2013

A laboratory‐based experiment procedure of reception plate method for structure‐borne sound
source characterisation is reported in this paper. The method uses the assumption that the input
power from the source installed on the plate is equal to the power dissipated by the plate. In this
experiment, rectangular plates having high and low mobility relative to that of the source were
used as the reception plates and a small electric fan motor was acting as the structure‐borne
source. The data representing the source characteristics, namely, the free velocity and the source
mobility, were obtained and compared with those from direct measurement. Assumptions and
constraints employing this method are discussed.
A New Hyperchaotic System and the Synchronization Using Active Variable Universe Adaptive Fuzzy Controller
Authors: Zhang Baojie , Li Hongxing , Guo Haigang
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a new hyperchaotic system by introducing an additional state variable into Lorenz system. The system’s characteristics, including the dissipativity, equilibrium, and Lyapunov exponents, are studied. A controller is developed which consists of an active control term and a variable universe adaptive fuzzy system. By using this controller, the synchronization of the new hyperchaotic systems with uncertain linear part is accomplished according to Lyapunov’s direct method. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Efficiency of Demand Shocks in Order to Reduce Current Account Imbalances in the EMU
Authors: Menguy Séverine
Published: November 2013

With the current European sovereign public debt crisis and current account imbalances difficulties in the EMU, many papers now underline that the problem of the European construction is its lack of institutional framework and common economic governance necessary to make a monetary union viable. According to these papers, the solution would lie in a stronger economic cooperation, with the Northern European countries contributing to lighten the burden of the Southern debtor countries. In this context, our model shows that a symmetric positive demand shock in the EMU could only slightly reduce the external indebtedness of the Southern European countries but would efficiently reduce their public debt levels. To the contrary, an asymmetric positive demand shock in the creditor Northern European countries (e.g., an increase in German wages) could reduce the current account deficits of the Southern European countries,
in particular for countries with the highest openness to trade. Nevertheless, it would worsen the indebtedness levels, and it would also increase the recessionary risks in these countries.
Existence and Uniqueness of the Solutions for Some Initial-Boundary Value Problems with the Fractional Dynamic Boundary Condition
Authors: Krasnoschok Mykola , Vasylyeva Nataliya
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we analyze some initial-boundary value problems for
the subdiffusion equation with a fractional dynamic boundary condition in a
one-dimensional bounded domain. First, we establish the unique solvability
in the Hölder space of the initial-boundary value problems for the equation , , where L is a uniformly elliptic
operator with smooth coefficients with the fractional dynamic boundary condition. Second, we apply the contraction theorem to prove the existence and
uniqueness locally in time in the Hölder classes of the solution to the corresponding nonlinear problems.
Primary Spinal Germ Cell Tumors: A Case Analysis and Review of Treatment Paradigms
Authors: Loya Joshua J. , Jung Henry , Temmins Caroline , Cho Nam , Singh Harminder
Published: November 2013

Objective. Primary intramedullary spinal germ cell tumors are exceedingly rare. As such, there are no established treatment paradigms. We describe our management for spinal germ cell tumors and a review of the literature.Clinical Presentation. We describe the case of a 45-year-old man with progressive lower extremity weakness and sensory deficits. He was found to have enhancing intramedullary mass lesions in the thoracic spinal cord, and pathology was consistent with an intramedullary germ cell tumor. A video presentation of the case and surgical approach is provided.Conclusion. As spinal cord germinomas are highly sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy, a patient can be spared radical surgery. Diverse treatment approaches exist across institutions. We advocate biopsy followed by local radiation, with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, as the optimal treatment for these tumors. Histological findings have prognostic value if syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells (STGCs) are found, which are associated with a higher rate of recurrence. The recurrence rate in STGC-positive spinal germinomas is 33% (2/6), whereas it is only 8% in STGC-negative tumors (2/24). We advocate limited volume radiotherapy combined with systemic chemotherapy in patients with high risk of recurrence. To reduce endocrine and neurocognitive side effects, cranio-spinal radiation should be used as a last resort in patients with recurrence.
Effects of Different Amounts of Supplemental Selenium and Vitamin E on the Incidence of Retained Placenta, Selenium, Malondialdehyde, and Thyronines Status in Cows Treated with Prostaglandin F2α for the Induction of Parturition
Authors: Jovanović Ivan B. , Veličković Miljan , Vuković Dragan , Milanović Svetlana , Valčić Olivera , Gvozdić Dragan
Published: November 2013

The incidence of retained placenta (RP) in cows increases in cases of parturition induced by prostaglandin F2α. We analyzed the effects of different doses of supplemental selenium and vitamin E on the incidence of RP, blood selenium, plasma thyronines, and malondialdehyde concentration. Thirty-three clinically healthy, multiparous Holstein-Frisian cows were assigned to 3 groups and supplemented with a single intramuscular injection of sodium selenite (SS) and tocopherol acetate (TAc) between days 250 to 255 of gestation: control—unsupplemented; group A—10 mg SS + 400 mg TAc; group B—20 mg SS + 800 mg TAc. Parturition was induced using PGF2α not before day 275 of gestation. The RP incidence was reduced from 66.7% in the control to 38.2 and 30.8% in groups A and B, respectively. Blood selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity in treated groups were significantly higher compared to control, with no significant difference between groups A and B. Plasma malondialdehyde in group B was significantly lower than that in control and group A, while thyronines levels were not affected. Comparison of RP and non-RP cows, independently of supplement treatment, revealed higher blood selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity and lower MDA and thyroxine in non-RP animals, while triiodothyronine level did not differ.
Prediction of Gene Phenotypes Based on GO and KEGG Pathway Enrichment Scores
Authors: Zhang Tao , Jiang Min , Chen Lei , Niu Bing , Cai Yudong
Published: November 2013

Observing what phenotype the overexpression or knockdown of gene can cause is the basic method of investigating gene functions. Many advanced biotechnologies, such as RNAi, were developed to study the gene phenotype. But there are still many limitations. Besides the time and cost, the knockdown of some gene may be lethal which makes the observation of other phenotypes impossible. Due to ethical and technological reasons, the knockdown of genes in complex species, such as mammal, is extremely difficult. Thus, we proposed a new sequence-based computational method calledkNNA-based method for gene phenotypes prediction. Different to the traditional sequence-based computational method, our method regards the multiphenotype as a whole network which can rank the possible phenotypes associated with the query protein and shows a more comprehensive view of the protein's biological effects. According to the prediction result of yeast, we also find some more related features, including GO and KEGG information, which are making more contributions in identifying protein phenotypes. This method can be applied in gene phenotype prediction in other species.
Numerical Simulation of Vortex-Induced Vibration with Three-Step Finite Element Method and Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian Formulation
Authors: Tang Guoqiang , Lu Lin , Teng Bin , Liu Mingming
Published: November 2013

Numerical simulations were performed in this paper to investigate an elastically mounted circular cylinder subjected to vortex-induced vibration (VIV). A three-step finite element method (FEM) is introduced for solving the incompressible fluid flow equations in two dimensions. The computational procedure is coupled with a mesh movement scheme by use of the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation on account of the body motion in the flow field. On running the numerical simulations, the Reynolds number was kept constant of Re = 100 and the reduced velocity [Formula: see text] = U/([Formula: see text] D) was varied from 3.0 to 10.2 by changing the natural frequency [Formula: see text] of the cylinder. The mass ratio m* = 4m/ρπD2 and damping ratio ξ are set to be 10.0 and 0.01, respectively, where U is free-stream velocity, D the diameter of the circular cylinder, m the mass of the cylinder per unit length, and ρ the density of the fluid. Numerical results are examined for the response amplitude of transverse direction as well as the phase angle, φ, between the lift force and the transverse displacement of the cylinder. The numerical results reveal that the transverse amplitudes present only two branches, namely, initial branch and lower branch, rather than three branches as the results obtained from high-Re experiments with low m∗ξ. On the other hand, the phase angles present almost linear increase with the reduced velocity in the synchronization region. However, experiments concerned with high Re exhibit a sudden jump in phase angle of approximate [Formula: see text]. The difference between the present study and the high-Re experiment is attributed to no substantial vortex shedding mode transition at the present numerical results of laminar flow.
Environmental Perception and Sensor Data Fusion for Unmanned Ground Vehicle
Authors: Zhao Yibing , Li Jining , Li Linhui , Zhang Mingheng , Guo Lie
Published: November 2013

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) that can drive autonomously in cross-country environment have received a good deal of attention in recent years. They must have the ability to determine whether the current terrain is traversable or not by using onboard sensors. This paper explores new methods related to environment perception based on computer image processing, pattern recognition, multisensors data fusion, and multidisciplinary theory. Kalman filter is used for low-level fusion of physical level, thus using the D-S evidence theory for high-level data fusion. Probability Test and Gaussian Mixture Model are proposed to obtain the traversable region in the forward-facing camera view for UGV. One feature set including color and texture information is extracted from areas of interest and combined with a classifier approach to resolve two types of terrain (traversable or not). Also, three-dimension data are employed; the feature set contains components such as distance contrast of three-dimension data, edge chain-code curvature of camera image, and covariance matrix based on the principal component method. This paper puts forward one new method that is suitable for distributing basic probability assignment (BPA), based on which D-S theory of evidence is employed to integrate sensors information and recognize the obstacle. The subordination obtained by using the fuzzy interpolation is applied to calculate the basic probability assignment. It is supposed that the subordination is equal to correlation coefficient in the formula. More accurate results of object identification are achieved by using the D-S theory of evidence. Control on motion behavior or autonomous navigation for UGV is based on the method, which is necessary for UGV high speed driving in cross-country environment. The experiment results have demonstrated the viability of the new method.
Formation of Dense Pore Structure by Te Addition in Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3: An Approach to Minimize Lattice Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Hasan Syed Waqar , Mun Hyeona , Kim Sang Il , Cho Jung Young , Roh Jong Wook , Yang Sangsun , Choi Soon-Mok , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Kim Sung Wng
Published: November 2013

We herein report the electronic and thermal transport properties of p‐type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 polycrystalline bulks with dense pore structure. Dense pore structure was fabricated by vaporization of residual Te during the pressureless annealing of spark plasma sintered bulks of Te coated Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 powders. The lattice thermal conductivity was effectively reduced to the value of 0.35 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K mainly due to the phonon scattering by pores, while the power factor was not significantly affected. An enhanced ZT of 1.24 at 300 K was obtained in spark plasma sintered and annealed bulks of 3 wt.% Te coated Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 by these synergetic effects.
Lupus Nephritis in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Minocha Vinay , Rana Fauzia
Published: November 2013

Introduction. The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) can be difficult to establish because the musculoskeletal, central nervous system, and renal manifestations are similar in both diseases. In the presented case, we highlight the diagnostic challenge that can evolve in patients with a concurrence of both diseases and we establish the importance of early recognition and treatment of lupus nephritis in patients with SCD.Case Presentation. We present a case of a 31-year-old African American female with sickle-C disease (hemoglobin SC) who was admitted to our hospital with complaints of periumbilical abdominal pain associated with intractable nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension, and worsening lower extremity edema. Urine studies revealed nephrotic range proteinuria and the immunological investigations were consistent with lupus. A renal biopsy revealed focal proliferative lupus nephritis.Conclusion. It is important to consider the presence of a coexisting autoimmune disease in a patient with sickle hemoglobinopathy who displays an atypical and multisystem presentation that is unresponsive to conventional therapies. When a significant kidney disease is present, a renal biopsy is critical in identifying the etiology of a renal abnormality in the setting of coexisting SLE and SCD.
Synthesis and Bioevaluation of Novel Imatinib Base Derivatives via 1,1′‐Carbonyldiimidazole Catalyst
Authors: Patoliya M. J. , Kharadi G. J.
Published: November 2013

A series of eleven compounds were synthesized from 6‐methyl‐N′‐(4‐(pyridine‐3‐yl)pyrimidin‐2‐yl)benzene‐1,3‐diamine with various substituted carboxylic acid under solvent‐free conditions using 1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) as a catalyst. The yields of compounds are more than 72%. All the compounds were characterized by physical, spectroscopic, and elemental analysis. Compound 8b exhibited good inhibition towards antimicrobial activity compared to the other compounds.
Overexpression of luxS Cannot Increase Autoinducer‐2 Production, Only Affect the Growth and Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus suis
Authors: Wang Yang , Yi Li , Zhang Zhicheng , Fan Hongjie , Cheng Xiangchao , Lu Chengping
Published: November 2013

LuxS/AI‐2 quorum sensing (QS) system involves the production of cell signaling molecules via luxS‐based autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2). LuxS has been reported to plays critical roles in regulating various behaviors of bacteria. AI‐2 is a byproduct of the catabolism of S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) performed by the LuxS and Pfs enzymes. In our previous study, the function of LuxS in AI‐2 production was verified in Streptococcus suis (SS). Decreased levels of SS biofilm formation and host‐cell adherence as well as an inability to produce AI‐2 were observed in bacteria having a luxS mutant gene. In this study, the level of AI‐2 activity exhibits a growth‐phase dependence with a maximum in late exponential culture in SS. An SS strain that overexpressed luxS was constructed to comprehensively understand the function of AI‐2. Overexpressed luxS was not able to increase the level of pfs expression and produce additional AI‐2, and the bacteria were slower growing and produced only slightly more biofilm than the wild type. Thus, AI‐2 production is not correlated with luxS transcription. luxS expression is constitutive, but the transcription of pfs is perhaps correlated with AI‐2 production in SS.
Adaptive Control of Electromagnetic Suspension System by HOPF Bifurcation
Authors: Hao Aming , Li Xiaolong , She Longhua
Published: November 2013

EMS-type maglev system is essentially nonlinear and unstable. It is complicated to design a stable controller for maglev system which is under large-scale disturbance and parameter variance. Theory analysis expresses that this phenomenon corresponds to a HOPF bifurcation in mathematical model. An adaptive control law which adjusts the PID control parameters is given in this paper according to HOPF bifurcation theory. Through identification of the levitated mass, the controller adjusts the feedback coefficient to make the system far from the HOPF bifurcation point and maintain the stability of the maglev system. Simulation result indicates that adjusting proportion gain parameter using this method can extend the state stability range of maglev system and avoid the self-excited vibration efficiently.
Cancer Usurps Skeletal Muscle as an Energy Repository
Authors: Luo Yi , Yoneda Junya , Ohmori Hitoshi , Sasaki Takamitsu , Shimbo Kazutaka , Eto Sachise , Kato Yumiko , Miyano Hiroshi , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Sasahira Tomonori , Chihara Yoshitomo , Kuniyasu Hiroki
Published: November 2013

Cancer cells produce energy through aerobic glycolysis, but contributions of host tissues to cancer energy metabolism are unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the cancer–host energy production relationship, in particular, between cancer energy production and host muscle. During the development and progression of colorectal cancer, expression of the secreted autophagy-inducing stress protein HMGB1 increased in the muscle of tumor-bearing animals. This effect was associated with decreased expression of pyruvate kinase PKM1 and pyruvate kinase activity in muscle via the HMGB1 receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE). However, muscle mitochondrial energy production was maintained. In contrast, HMGB1 addition to colorectal cancer cells increased lactate fermentation. In the muscle, HMGB1 addition induced autophagy by decreasing levels of active mTOR and increasing autophagy-associated proteins, plasma glutamate, and 13C-glutamine incorporation into acetyl-CoA. In a mouse model of colon carcinogenesis, a temporal increase in HMGB1 occurred in serum and colonic mucosa with an increase in autophagy associated with altered plasma free amino acid levels, increased glutamine, and decreased PKM1 levels. These differences were abolished by administration of an HMGB1 neutralizing antibody. Similar results were obtained in a mouse xenograft model of human colorectal cancer. Taken together, our findings suggest that HMGB1 released during tumorigenesis recruits muscle to supply glutamine to cancer cells as an energy source. Cancer Res; 74(1); 330–40. ©2013 AACR.
Regulation of CD4+NKG2D+ Th1 Cells in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma Treated with Sorafenib: Role of IL-15Rα and NKG2D Triggering
Authors: Romero Ana I. , Chaput Nathalie , Poirier-Colame Vichnou , Rusakiewicz Sylvie , Jacquelot Nicolas , Chaba Kariman , Mortier Erwan , Jacques Yannick , Caillat-Zucman Sophie , Flament Caroline , Caignard Anne , Messaoudene Meriem , Aupérin Anne , Vielh Philippe , Dessen Philippe , Porta Camillo , Mateus Christine , Ayyoub Maha , Valmori Danila , Eggermont Alexander , Robert Caroline , Zitvogel Laurence
Published: November 2013

Beyond cancer-cell intrinsic factors, the immune status of the host has a prognostic impact on patients with cancer and influences the effects of conventional chemotherapies. Metastatic melanoma is intrinsically immunogenic, thereby facilitating the search for immune biomarkers of clinical responses to cytotoxic agents. Here, we show that a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sorafenib, upregulates interleukin (IL)-15Rα in vitro and in vivo in patients with melanoma, and in conjunction with natural killer (NK) group 2D (NKG2D) ligands, contributes to the Th1 polarization and accumulation of peripheral CD4+NKG2D+ T cells. Hence, the increase of blood CD4+NKG2D+ T cells after two cycles of sorafenib (combined with temozolomide) was associated with prolonged survival in a prospective phase I/II trial enrolling 63 patients with metastatic melanoma who did not receive vemurafenib nor immune checkpoint–blocking antibodies. In contrast, in metastatic melanoma patients treated with classical treatment modalities, this CD4+NKG2D+ subset failed to correlate with prognosis. These findings indicate that sorafenib may be used as an “adjuvant” molecule capable of inducing or restoring IL-15Rα/IL-15 in tumors expressing MHC class I–related chain A/B (MICA/B) and on circulating monocytes of responding patients, hereby contributing to the bioactivity of NKG2D+ Th1 cells. Cancer Res; 74(1); 68–80. ©2013 AACR.
14-3-3ζ Orchestrates Mammary Tumor Onset and Progression via miR-221–Mediated Cell Proliferation
Authors: Rehman Sumaiyah K. , Li Shau-Hsuan , Wyszomierski Shannon L. , Wang Qingfei , Li Ping , Sahin Ozgur , Xiao Yi , Zhang Siyuan , Xiong Yan , Yang Jun , Wang Hai , Guo Hua , Zhang Jitao D. , Medina Daniel , Muller William J. , Yu Dihua
Published: November 2013

14-3-3ζ is overexpressed in more than 40% of breast cancers, but its pathophysiologic relevance to tumorigenesis has not been established. Here, we show that 14-3-3ζ overexpression is sufficient to induce tumorigenesis in a transgenic mouse model of breast cancer. MMTV-LTR promoter-driven HA-14-3-3ζ transgenic mice (MMTV-HA-14-3-3ζ) developed mammary tumors, whereas control mice did not. Whey acidic protein promoter-driven HA-14-3-3ζ transgenic mice (WAP-HA-14-3-3ζ) developed hyperplastic lesions and showed increased susceptibility to carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis. When crossed with MMTV-neu transgenic mice, 14-3-3ζ.neu transgenic mice exhibited accelerated mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis compared with MMTV-neu mice. Mechanistically, 14-3-3ζ overexpression enhanced MAPK/c-Jun signaling, leading to increased miR-221 transcription, which inhibited p27 CDKI translation and, consequently, promoted cell proliferation. Importantly, this 14-3-3ζ–miR-221–p27 proliferation axis is also functioning in breast tumors in patients and is associated with high-grade cancers. Taken together, our findings show that overexpression of 14-3-3ζ has a causal role in mammary tumorigenesis and progression, acting through miR-221 in cooperation with known oncogenic events to drive neoplastic cell proliferation. Cancer Res; 74(1); 363–73. ©2013 AACR.
Quantitative ER and PgR Assessment as Predictors of Benefit from Lapatinib in Postmenopausal Women with Hormone Receptor–Positive, HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Finn Richard S. , Press Michael F. , Dering Judy , O'Rourke Lisa , Florance Allison , Ellis Catherine , Martin Anne-Marie , Johnston Stephen
Published: November 2013

Purpose: Lapatinib, a dual epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER2 inhibitor, remains unproven in non–HER2-amplified metastatic breast cancer (MBC). EGF30008, a phase III trial of letrozole and lapatinib versus letrozole and placebo, demonstrated that lapatinib significantly improves outcome for postmenopausal women with HER2-amplified, but not HER2-negative, MBC. The hypothesis that low hormone receptor status is associated with benefit in this HER2-negative cohort was tested.

Experimental Design: A blinded retrospective biomarker evaluation used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to semiquantify estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) expression (n = 821/952). HER2 status was determined by IHC and confirmed by FISH (n = 326). Effects of these biomarkers on progression-free survival (PFS) were examined in patients with available tissue.

Results: In HER2-negative, ER-positive MBC, median PFS was analyzed by ER and PgR expression (H-score) by quartile (Q). There was significant improvement in patients with low ER expression (Q1, H-score <160) with lapatinib and letrozole (13.6 vs. 6.7 months; P = 0.01). No benefit was associated with stronger ER expression (Q2/3, H-score ≥160 and <250; 13.6 vs. 14.2 months; Q4, H-score ≥250; 11.2 vs. 14.2 months). There was no association between PgR H-score and benefit from lapatinib.

Conclusion: In postmenopausal patients with advanced hormone receptor–positive disease, weak ER expression is associated with worse outcome with letrozole treatment compared with the combination. The addition of lapatinib significantly improved PFS for this patient subgroup and augments data supporting interaction between steroid hormone and peptide hormone signaling. A prospective study validating this hypothesis is required. Clin Cancer Res; 20(3); 736–43. ©2013 AACR.
Metformin Inhibits Skin Tumor Promotion in Overweight and Obese Mice
Authors: Checkley L. Allyson , Rho Okkyung , Angel Joe M. , Cho Jiyoon , Blando Jorge , Beltran Linda , Hursting Stephen D. , DiGiovanni John
Published: November 2013

In the present study, the ability of metformin to inhibit skin tumor promotion by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was analyzed in mice maintained on either an overweight control diet or an obesity-inducing diet. Rapamycin was included for comparison, and a combination of metformin and rapamycin was also evaluated. Metformin (given in the drinking water) and rapamycin (given topically) inhibited development of both papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas in overweight and obese mice in a dose-dependent manner. A low-dose combination of these two compounds displayed an additive inhibitory effect on tumor development. Metformin treatment also reduced the size of papillomas. Interestingly, all treatments seemed to be at least as effective for inhibiting tumor formation in obese mice, and both metformin and rapamycin were more effective at reducing tumor size in obese mice compared with overweight control mice. The effect of metformin on skin tumor development was associated with a significant reduction in TPA-induced epidermal hyperproliferation. Furthermore, treatment with metformin led to activation of epidermal AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and attenuated signaling through mTOR complex (mTORC)-1 and p70S6K. Combinations of metformin and rapamycin were more effective at blocking epidermal mTORC1 signaling induced by TPA consistent with the greater inhibitory effect on skin tumor promotion. Collectively, the current data demonstrate that metformin given in the drinking water effectively inhibited skin tumor promotion in both overweight and obese mice and that the mechanism involves activation of epidermal AMPK and attenuated signaling downstream of mTORC1. Cancer Prev Res; 7(1); 54–64. ©2013 AACR.
Dynamic Tumor Growth Patterns in a Novel Murine Model of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Paul Olson Terrah J. , Hadac Jamie N. , Sievers Chelsie K. , Leystra Alyssa A. , Deming Dustin A. , Zahm Christopher D. , Albrecht Dawn M. , Nomura Alice , Nettekoven Laura A. , Plesh Lauren K. , Clipson Linda , Sullivan Ruth , Newton Michael A. , Schelman William R. , Halberg Richard B.
Published: November 2013

Colorectal cancer often arises from adenomatous colonic polyps. Polyps can grow and progress to cancer, but may also remain static in size, regress, or resolve. Predicting which polyps progress and which remain benign is difficult. We developed a novel long-lived murine model of colorectal cancer with tumors that can be followed by colonoscopy. Our aim was to assess whether these tumors have similar growth patterns and histologic fates to human colorectal polyps to identify features to aid in risk stratification of colonic tumors. Long-lived ApcMin/+ mice were treated with dextran sodium sulfate to promote colonic tumorigenesis. Tumor growth patterns were characterized by serial colonoscopy with biopsies obtained for immunohistochemistry and gene expression profiling. Tumors grew, remained static, regressed, or resolved over time with different relative frequencies. Newly developed tumors demonstrated higher rates of growth and resolution than more established tumors that tended to remain static in size. Colonic tumors were hyperplastic lesions (3%), adenomas (73%), intramucosal carcinomas (20%), or adenocarcinomas (3%). Interestingly, the level of β-catenin was higher in adenomas that became intratumoral carcinomas than those that failed to progress. In addition, differentially expressed genes between adenomas and intramucosal carcinomas were identified. This novel murine model of intestinal tumorigenesis develops colonic tumors that can be monitored by serial colonoscopy, mirror growth patterns seen in human colorectal polyps, and progress to colorectal cancer. Further characterization of cellular and molecular features is needed to determine which features can be used to risk-stratify polyps for progression to colorectal cancer and potentially guide prevention strategies. Cancer Prev Res; 7(1); 105–13. ©2013 AACR.
Small RNAs Deliver a Blow to Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kasinski Andrea , Slack Frank J.
Published: November 2013

Summary: Targeted therapeutic approaches have seen tremendous advances in the last decade, for good reason. Specifically intervening with a disease-causing gene can revert the deleterious phenotype while eliminating the toxicity often associated with broad-spectrum agents. Unfortunately, because these selective agents hit one target in a single location, acquired resistance is often high. An arguably better treatment approach includes coupling multiple targeted agents or using an agent that hits an individual target in several independent locations and/or alters multiple relevant targets in the disease-causing pathway(s), precisely the approach taken by Nishimura and colleagues in their recent report aimed at identifying a better treatment option for ovarian cancer. Cancer Discov; 3(11); 1220–1. ©2013 AACR.

See related article by Nishimura et al., p. 1302
Paradoxical Reaction to Golimumab: Tumor Necrosis Factor α Inhibitor Inducing Psoriasis Pustulosa
Authors: Lopes Marien Siqueira Soto , Trope Beatriz Moritz , Rodriguez Maria Paula Rua Rochedo , Grynszpan Rachel Lima , Cuzzi Tullia , Ramos-e-Silva Marcia
Published: November 2013

Importance: Golimumab is a human monoclonal antibody, used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Adverse reactions are increasing with this class of medication (tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors). Observations: The authors present a case of a female patient who presented with psoriasis pustulosa after the use of golimumab for rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusions and Relevance: Paradoxically, in this case, golimumab, which is used for psoriasis, induced the pustular form of this disease. We are observing an increasing number of patients who develop collateral effects with tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors, and the understanding of the mechanism of action and how these adverse reactions occur may contribute to avoid these sometimes severe situations.
Presacral Ganglioneuroma: Diagnostic Considerations and Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Vardas Konstantinos , Manganas Dimitrios , Papadimitriou Georgios , Vougas Vasileios , Bakalis Athanasios , Chantziara Maria , Exarhos Dimitrios , Drakopoulos Spiros
Published: November 2013

Presacral ganglioneuroma is an extremely rare tumor of neural crest origin. To the best of our knowledge, less than 20 cases have been reported previously. The present study reports on a presacral ganglioneuroma, 10.5 × 8 × 4 cm in size, that was found incidentally in a 35-year-old man with prior history of diverticulitis. He was admitted to our hospital due to lower left abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the extension of the lesion from the S2 level to the coccyx. The mass had low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and heterogeneous high signal intensity on T2-weighted images with no intraspinal or rectal extension. T2-weighted images demonstrated a compartmentalized solid tumor with cystic components. Complete tumor resection with free surgical margins was achieved using an abdominal approach. The patient remains asymptomatic 2 years after surgery. We emphasize on clinical features, radiologic appearance and surgical treatment of this rare entity. The clinical and pathologic features of previously reported studies are also briefly reviewed.
Impact of the type of SERPINC1 mutation and subtype of antithrombin deficiency on the thrombotic phenotype in hereditary antithrombin deficiency
Authors: Pavlova Anna , Geisen Christof , Spannagl Michael , Bergmann Frauke , Krause Manuela , Alesci Sonja , Seifried Erhard , Lindhoff-Last Edelgard , Luxembourg Beate
Published: November 2013

Mutations in the antithrombin (AT) gene can impair the capacity of AT to bind heparin (AT deficiency type IIHBS), its target proteases such as thrombin (type IIRS), or both (type IIPE). Type II AT deficiencies are almost exclusively caused by missense mutations, whereas type I AT deficiency can originate from missense or null mutations. In a retrospective cohort study, we investigated the impact of the type of mutation and type of AT deficiency on the manifestation of thromboembolic events in 377 patients with hereditary AT deficiencies (133 from our own cohort, 244 reported in the literature). Carriers of missense mutations showed a lower risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than those of null mutations (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–0.58, p<0.001), and the risk of VTE was significantly decreased among patients with type IIHBS AT deficiency compared to patients with other types of AT deficiency (HR 0.23, 95%CI 0.13–0.41, p<0.001). The risk of pulmonary embolism complicating deep-vein thrombosis was lower in all type II AT deficiencies compared to type I AT deficiency (relative risk 0.69, 95%CI 0.56–0.84). By contrast, the risk of arterial thromboembolism tended to be higher in carriers of missense mutations than in those with null mutations (HR 6.08-fold, 95%CI 0.74–49.81, p=0.093) and was 5.9-fold increased (95%CI 1.22–28.62, p=0.028) in type IIHBS versus other types of AT deficiency. Our data indicate that the type of inherited AT defect modulates not only the risk of thromboembolism but also the localisation and encourage further studies to unravel this phenomenon.
Mites of the superfamily Rhodacaroidea (Acari: Mesostigmata) from Colombia, with a key for the world species of Desectophis Karg (Ologamasidae)
Authors: RUEDA-RAMIREZ DIANA , CASTILHO RAPHAEL C. , De Moraes Gilberto J.
Published: November 2013

Three species of Rhodacaroidea are reported from soil in Colombia. Desectophis anthuriumsetis n. sp. (Ologamasidae) and Multidentorhodacarus colombianus n. sp. (Rhodacaridae) are described from newly-collected material. Multidentorhodacarus triramulus (Karg, 1998) is redescribed from the holotype and adult females collected in this study. A key for the separation of females of the five recognisable world species of Desectophis Karg is provided.
Description of Paravulvus moroccanus sp. n. (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Nygolaimidae) from the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco, with notes on the taxonomy of the genus
Authors: GILARTE PATRICIA , CARREIRA JOSÉ ANTONIO , PEÑA-SANTIAGO REYES
Published: November 2013

Paravulvus moroccanus sp. n., collected in the Moroccan eastern High Atlas, is described and illustrated.  The new species is characterized by its 1.06–1.36 mm long body, lip region offset by marked depression and 11–13 µm broad, mural tooth solididentoid and 5.5–6.5 µm long, neck 229–270 µm long, pharyngeal expansion 108–126 µm long or occupying less than one-half (42–48%) of total neck length, uterus 27–47 μm long or 0.7–1.1 times the corresponding body diameter, V = 46–56, paravulvae absent, female tail rounded conoid (21–27 µm, c = 42–64, c’ = 1.1–1.5), and male unknown. The taxonomy of Paravulvus is updated, with comments on its definition, a discussion of its relationships, and the provision of a list of species along with a key to their identification and a compendium of their morphometrics.
Erpetogomphus molossus, a new species from Sonora, Mexico
(Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidae)
Authors: BAILOWITZ RICHARD , DANFORTH DOUG , UPSON SANDY
Published: November 2013

Erpetogomphus molossus is described from 3 male and 3 female specimens (holotype and allotype in collection of Instituto Biologico de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) from the intermittent pine-oak woodland of the Yécora municipio in east-central Sonora, Mexico. Diagnostic features of the new species include the seemingly bulbous tip (in lateral view) and prominent baso-ventral process of the male cerci and the notched and denticled posteromesal corners of the female subgenital plate.
Leafhopper genus Pediopsoides Matsumura (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Macropsinae), with descriptions of two new species from China
Authors: YANG LIYUAN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: November 2013

Two new macropsine species, Pediopsoides (Celopsis) montaninversa and P. (Pediopsoides) anchorides spp. nov. are described and illustrated from China. A key to distinguish males of Chinese species in this genus is provided, along with a checklist of the known species worldwide.
Coastal Jet Adjustment near Point Conception, California, with Opposing Wind in the Bight
Authors: Rahn David A. , Parish Thomas R. , Leon David
Published: November 2013

Typical spring and summer conditions offshore of California consist of strong northerly low-level wind contained within the cool, well-mixed marine boundary layer (MBL) that is separated from the warm and dry free troposphere by a sharp temperature inversion. This system is often represented by two layers constrained by a lateral boundary. Aircraft measurements near Point Conception, California, on 3 June 2012 during the Precision Atmospheric MBL Experiment (PreAMBLE) captured small-scale features associated with northerly flow approaching the point with the added complexity of encountering opposing wind in the Santa Barbara Channel. An extremely sharp cloud edge extends south-southwest of Point Conception and the flight strategy consisted of a spoke pattern to map the features across the cloud edge. Lidar and in situ measurements reveal a nearly vertical jump in the MBL from 500 to 100 m close to the coast and a sharp edge at least 70 km away from the coast. In this case, it is hypothesized that it is not solely hydraulic features responsible for the jump, but the opposing flow in the Santa Barbara Channel is a major factor modifying the flow. Just southeast of Point Conception are three distinct layers: a shallow, cold layer near the surface with northwesterly winds associated with an abrupt decrease in MBL height from the north that thins eastward into the Santa Barbara Channel; a cool middle layer with easterly wind whose top slopes upward to the east; and the warm and dry free troposphere above.