bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ubiquitous and Non Intrusive System for Pervasive Advertising using NFC and Geolocation Technologies and Air Hand Gestures
Authors: Borrego-Jaraba Francisco M. , Ruiz Irene Luque , Gómez-Nieto Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2015

In this paper we present a pervasive proposal for advertising using mobile phones, Near Field Communication, geolocation and air hand gestures. Advertising post built by users in public/private spaces can store multiple ads containing any kind of textual, graphic or multimedia information. Ads are automatically shows in the mobile phone of the users using a notification based process considering relative user location between the posts and the user preferences. Moreover, ads can be stored and retrieved from the post using hand gestures and Near Field Communication technology. Secure management of information about users, posts, and notifications and the use of instant messaging enable the development of systems to extend the current advertising strategies based on Web, large displays or digital signage.
Computer Based Correlation of the Texture of P63 Expressed Nuclei with Histological Tumour Grade, in Laryngeal Carcinomas
Authors: Ninos Konstantinos , Kostopoulos Spiros , Kalatzis Ioannis , Ravazoula Panagiota , Sakelaropoulos George , Panayiotakis George , Economou George , Cavouras Dionisis
Published: January 2015

Background. P63 immunostaining has been considered as potential prognostic factor in laryngeal cancer. Considering that P63 is mainly nuclear stain, a possible correlation between the texture of P63-stained nuclei and the tumor’s grade could be of value to diagnosis, since this may be related to biologic information imprinted as texture on P63 expressed nuclei.Objective. To investigate the association between P63 stained nuclei and histologic grade in laryngeal tumor lesions.Methods. Biopsy specimens from laryngeal tumour lesions of 55 patients diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas were immunohistochemically (IHC) stained for P63 expression. Four images were digitized from each patient’s IHC specimens. P63 positively expressed nuclei were identified, the percentage of P63 expressed nuclei was computed, and 118 textural, morphological, shape, and architectural features were calculated from each one of the 55 laryngeal lesions. Data were split into the low grade (21 grade I lesions) and high grade (34 grade II and grade III lesions) classes for statistical analysis.Results. With advancing grade, P63 expression decreased, P63 stained nuclei appeared of lower image intensity, more inhomogeneous, of higher local contrast, contained smaller randomly distributed dissimilar structures and had irregular shape.Conclusion. P63 expressed nuclei contain important information related to histologic grade.
Performance Evaluation Considering Iterations per Phase and SA Temperature in WMN-SA System
Authors: Sakamoto Shinji , Kulla Elis , Oda Tetsuya , Ikeda Makoto , Barolli Leonard , Xhafa Fatos
Published: January 2015

One of the key advantages of Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) is their importance for providing cost-efficient broadband connectivity. There are issues for achieving the network connectivity and user coverage, which are related with the node placement problem. In this work, we consider Simulated Annealing Algorithm (SA) temperature and Iteration per phase for the router node placement problem in WMNs. We want to find the optimal distribution of router nodes in order to provide the best network connectivity and provide the best coverage in a set of Normal distributed clients. From simulation results, we found how to optimize both the size of Giant Component and number of covered mesh clients. When the number of iterations per phase is big, the performance is better in WMN-SA System. From for SA temperature, when SA temperature is 0 and 1, the performance is almost same. When SA temperature is 2 and 3 or more, the performance decrease because there are many kick ups.
Next-Generation Technologies for Multiomics Approaches Including Interactome Sequencing
Authors: Ohashi Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Mai , Wakimoto Kentaro , Miyamoto-Sato Etsuko
Published: January 2015

The development of high-speed analytical techniques such as next-generation sequencing and microarrays allows high-throughput analysis of biological information at a low cost. These techniques contribute to medical and bioscience advancements and provide new avenues for scientific research. Here, we outline a variety of new innovative techniques and discuss their use in omics research (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and interactomics). We also discuss the possible applications of these methods, including an interactome sequencing technology that we developed, in future medical and life science research.
Late-Onset Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma into a Hot Thyroid Nodule: An Uncommon Finding Not to Be Overlooked
Authors: Foppiani Luca , Massollo Michela , Del Monte Patrizia , Bandelloni Roberto , Arlandini Anselmo , Piccardo Arnoldo
Published: January 2015

We report the case of a 74-year-old man with a four-year history of right nephrectomy for clear cell renal carcinoma (CCRC) who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. On ultrasound (US), a 5 cm solid isohypoechoic nodule with intranodular vascularization was found in the left thyroid lobe. The nodule was deemed autonomous onT99mcthyroid scan. Methimazole was started and serum thyroid hormone levels quickly normalized; euthyroidism was maintained with a very low dosage of antithyroid drug. Over time, compressive symptoms and local pain occurred and US revealed growth of the nodule. Total thyroidectomy was performed and the combined histological and immunohistochemical evaluation deemed the nodule compatible with metastasis of CCRC; on 2-year follow-up, no tumor relapse was ascertained. In patients with a history of cancer, a thyroid nodule, even if hyperfunctioning, must be suspected of being a metastasis and investigated. Hot nodules, which are largely benign, may be vulnerable to metastatic colonization owing to their rich vascularization. In these cases, surgery may be curative.
Peripheral Blood Derived Mononuclear Cells Enhance the Migration and Chondrogenic Differentiation of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Hopper Niina , Wardale John , Howard Daniel , Brooks Roger , Rushton Neil , Henson Frances
Published: January 2015

A major challenge in cartilage repair is the lack of chondrogenic cells migrating from healthy tissue into damaged areas and strategies to promote this should be developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of peripheral blood derived mononuclear cell (PBMC) stimulation on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from the infrapatellar fat pad of human OA knee. Cell migration was measured using an xCELLigence electronic migration chamber system in combination with scratch assays. Gene expression was quantified with stem cell PCR arrays and validated using quantitative real-time PCR (rtPCR). In both migration assays PBMCs increased MSC migration by comparison to control. In scratch assay the wound closure was 55% higher after 3 hours in the PBMC stimulated test group (P=0.002), migration rate was 9 times faster (P=0.008), and total MSC migration was 25 times higher after 24 hours (P=0.014). Analysis of MSCs by PCR array demonstrated that PBMCs induced the upregulation of genes associated with chondrogenic differentiation over 15-fold. In conclusion, PBMCs increase both MSC migration and differentiation suggesting that they are an ideal candidate for inclusion in regenerative medicine therapies aimed at cartilage repair.
Characterization of Red Blood Cells with Multiwavelength Transmission Spectroscopy
Authors: Serebrennikova Yulia M. , Huffman Debra E. , Garcia-Rubio Luis H.
Published: January 2015

Multiwavelength transmission (MWT) spectroscopy was applied to the investigation of the morphological parameters and composition of red blood cells (RBCs). The MWT spectra were quantitatively analyzed with a Mie theory based interpretation model modified to incorporate the effects of the nonsphericity and orientation of RBCs. The MWT spectra of the healthy and anemic samples were investigated for the RBC indices in open and blinded studies. When MWT performance was evaluated against a standard reference system, very good agreement between two methods, withR2>0.85for all indices studied, was demonstrated. The RBC morphological parameters were used to characterize three types of anemia and to draw an association between RBC morphology and anemia severity. The MWT spectra of RBCs infected with malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparumat different life cycle stages were analyzed for RBC morphological parameters. The changes in the RBC volume, surface area, aspect ratio, and hemoglobin composition were used to trace the morphological and compositional alterations in the infected RBCs occurring with parasites’ development and to provide insights into parasite-host interactions. The MWT method was shown to be reliable for determination of the RBC morphological parameters and to be valuable for identification of the RBC pathologic changes and disease states.
Development, Characterization, andIn VitroBiological Performance of Fluconazole-Loaded Microemulsions for the Topical Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Oliveira Marcela Brito , Calixto Giovana , Graminha Márcia , Cerecetto Hugo , González Mercedes , Chorilli Marlus
Published: January 2015

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a resistant form of leishmaniasis that is caused by a parasite belonging to the genusLeishmania. FLU-loaded microemulsions (MEs) were developed by phase diagram for topical administration of fluconazole (FLU) as prominent alternative to combat CL. Three MEs called F1, F2, and F3 (F1—60% 50 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 (PB) as aqueous phase, 10% cholesterol (CHO) as oil phase, and 30% soy phosphatidylcholine/oil polyoxyl-60 hydrogenated castor oil/sodium oleate (3/8/6) (S) as surfactant; F2—50% PB, 10% CHO, and 40% S; F3—40% PB, 10% CHO, and 50 % S) were characterized by droplet size analysis, zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction, continuous flow, texture profile analysis, andin vitrobioadhesion. MEs presented pseudoplastic flow and thixotropy was dependent on surfactant concentration. Droplet size was not affected by FLU. FLU-loaded MEs improved the FLU safety profile that was evaluated using red cell haemolysis andin vitrocytotoxicity assays with J-774 mouse macrophages. FLU-unloaded MEs did not exhibit leishmanicidal activity that was performed using MTT colourimetric assays; however, FLU-loaded MEs exhibited activity. Therefore, these MEs have potential to modulate FLU action, being a promising platform for drug delivery systems to treat CL.
Improving Clinical Practice: What Dentists Need to Know about the Association between Dental Fear and a History of Sexual Violence Victimisation
Authors: Larijani Houman Hadad , Guggisberg Marika
Published: January 2015

Anecdotal evidence suggests lack of dentist knowledge and uncertainty about how clinical practice can be improved when dealing with victims of sexual violence. This systematic review presents a synthesis of the available literature, which examined the association between dental fear and a history of sexual violence victimisation. All studies indicated, to various degrees, that dental fear is associated with a history of sexual violence victimisation. The analysis identified several common themes including a perception of lack of control, avoidance behaviours, experiences of flashbacks, feelings of embarrassment, difficulties with the physical proximity to the dentist, the sex of the dentist reminding patients of the perpetrator, being placed into a horizontal body position, the specific impact of fellatio, the smell of latex, experienced lack of knowledge of dental professionals leading to insensitive treatment as well as revictimisation experiences, and the occurrence of disproportionate dental problems among patients who had experienced event(s) of sexual violence. All these themes are discussed in detail. Specific strategies are offered to assist dental practitioners in providing sensitive treatment for patients with a history of sexual violence. Additionally, several suggestions are made that may assist both researchers and dental practitioners alike.
Floquet-Bloch Theory and Its Application to the Dispersion Curves of Nonperiodic Layered Systems
Authors: Gómez García Pablo , Fernández-Álvarez José-Paulino
Published: January 2015

Dispersion curves play a relevant role in nondestructive testing. They provide estimations of the elastic and geometrical parameters from experiments and offer a better perspective to explain the wave field behavior inside bodies. They are obtained by different methods. The Floquet-Bloch theory is presented as an alternative to them. The method is explained in an intuitive manner; it is compared to other frequently employed techniques, like searching root based algorithms or the multichannel analysis of surface waves methodology, and finally applied to fit the results of a real experiment. The Floquet-Bloch strategy computes the solution on a unit cell, whose influence is studied here. It is implemented in commercially finite element software and increasing the number of layers of the system does not bring additional numerical difficulties. The lateral unboundedness of the layers is implicitly taken care of, without having to resort to artificial extensions of the modelling domain designed to produce damping as happens with perfectly matched layers or absorbing regions. The study is performed for the single layer case and the results indicate that for unit cell aspect ratios under 0.2 accurate dispersion curves are obtained. The method is finally used to estimate the elastic parameters of a real steel slab.
A Rate-Distortion Optimized Coding Method for Region of Interest in Scalable Video Coding
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Zhang Dong , Li Houqiang
Published: January 2015

The support for region of interest (ROI) browsing, which allows dropping background part of video bitstreams, is a desirable feature for video applications. With the help of the slice group technique provided by H.264/SVC, rectangular ROI areas can be encoded into separate ROI slices. Additionally, by imposing certain constraints on motion estimation, ROI part of the bitstream can be decoded without background slices of the same layer. However, due to the additional spatial and temporal constraints applied to the encoder, overall coding efficiency would be significantly decreased. In this paper, a rate-distortion optimized (RDO) encoding scheme is proposed to improve the coding efficiency of ROI slices. When background slices are discarded, the proposed method uses base layer information to generate the prediction signal of the enhancement layer. Thus, the temporal constraints can be loosened during the encoding process. To do it in this way, the possible mismatch between generated reference frames and original ones is also considered during rate-distortion optimization so that a reasonable trade-off between coding efficiency and decoding drift can be made. Besides, a new Lagrange multiplier derivation method is developed for further coding performance improvement. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves significant bitrate saving compared to existing methods.
Beneficial Role of Bitter Melon Supplementation in Obesity and Related Complications in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Alam Md Ashraful , Uddin Riaz , Subhan Nusrat , Rahman Md Mahbubur , Jain Preeti , Reza Hasan Mahmud
Published: January 2015

Diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are becoming epidemic both in developed and developing countries in recent years. Complementary and alternative medicines have been used since ancient era for the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Bitter melon is widely used as vegetables in daily food in Bangladesh and several other countries in Asia. The fruits extract of bitter melon showed strong antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities in experimental condition bothin vivoandin vitro. Recent scientific evaluation of this plant extracts also showed potential therapeutic benefit in diabetes and obesity related metabolic dysfunction in experimental animals and clinical studies. These beneficial effects are mediated probably by inducing lipid and fat metabolizing gene expression and increasing the function of AMPK and PPARs, and so forth. This review will thus focus on the recent findings on beneficial effect ofMomordica charantiaextracts on metabolic syndrome and discuss its potential mechanism of actions.
Extraction of Heart Rate Variability from Smartphone Photoplethysmograms
Authors: Peng Rong-Chao , Zhou Xiao-Lin , Lin Wan-Hua , Zhang Yuan-Ting
Published: January 2015

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful clinical tool for autonomic function assessment and cardiovascular diseases diagnosis. It is traditionally calculated from a dedicated medical electrocardiograph (ECG). In this paper, we demonstrate that HRV can also be extracted from photoplethysmograms (PPG) obtained by the camera of a smartphone. Sixteen HRV parameters, including time-domain, frequency-domain, and nonlinear parameters, were calculated from PPG captured by a smartphone for 30 healthy subjects and were compared with those derived from ECG. The statistical results showed that 14 parameters (AVNN, SDNN, CV, RMSSD, SDSD, TP, VLF, LF, HF, LF/HF, nLF, nHF, SD1, and SD2) from PPG were highly correlated (r>0.7,P<0.001) with those from ECG, and 7 parameters (AVNN, TP, VLF, LF, HF, nLF, and nHF) from PPG were in good agreement with those from ECG within the acceptable limits. In addition, five different algorithms to detect the characteristic points of PPG wave were also investigated: peak point (PP), valley point (VP), maximum first derivative (M1D), maximum second derivative (M2D), and tangent intersection (TI). The results showed that M2D and TI algorithms had the best performance. These results suggest that the smartphone might be used for HRV measurement.
Morphine for the Treatment of Pain in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Gupta Mihir , Msambichaka Lilian , Ballas Samir K. , Gupta Kalpna
Published: January 2015

Pain is a hallmark of sickle cell disease (SCD) and its treatment remains challenging. Opioids are the major family of analgesics that are commonly used for treating severe pain. However, these are not always effective and are associated with the liabilities of their own. The pharmacology and multiorgan side effects of opioids are rapidly emerging areas of investigation, but there remains a scarcity of clinical studies. Due to opioid‐induced endothelial‐, mast cell‐, renal mesangial‐, and epithelial‐cell‐specific effects and proinflammatory as well as growth influencing signaling, it is likely that when used for analgesia, opioids may have organ specific pathological effects. Experimental and clinical studies, even though extremely few, suggest that opioids may exacerbate existent organ damage and also stimulate pathologies of their own. Because of the recurrent and/or chronic use of large doses of opioids in SCD, it is critical to evaluate the role and contribution of opioids in many complications of SCD. The aim of this review is to initiate inquiry to develop strategies that may prevent the inadvertent effect of opioids on organ function in SCD, should it occur, without compromising analgesia.
Language and Visual Perception Associations: Meta-Analytic Connectivity Modeling of Brodmann Area 37
Authors: Ardila Alfredo , Bernal Byron , Rosselli Monica
Published: January 2015

Background.Understanding the functions of different brain areas has represented a major endeavor of neurosciences. Historically, brain functions have been associated with specific cortical brain areas; however, modern neuroimaging developments suggest cognitive functions are associated to networks rather than to areas.Objectives.The purpose of this paper was to analyze the connectivity of Brodmann area (BA) 37 (posterior, inferior, and temporal/fusiform gyrus) in relation to (1) language and (2) visual processing.Methods.Two meta-analyses were initially conducted (first level analysis). The first one was intended to assess the language network in which BA37 is involved. The second one was intended to assess the visual perception network. A third meta-analysis (second level analysis) was then performed to assess contrasts and convergence between the two cognitive domains (language and visual perception). The DataBase of Brainmap was used.Results.Our results support the role of BA37 in language but by means of a distinct network from the network that supports its second most important function: visual perception.Conclusion.It was concluded that left BA37 is a common node of two distinct networks—visual recognition (perception) and semantic language functions.
An Improved PRoPHET Routing Protocol in Delay Tolerant Network
Authors: Han Seung Deok , Chung Yun Won
Published: January 2015

In delay tolerant network (DTN), an end‐to‐end path is not guaranteed and packets are delivered from a source node to a destination node via store‐carry‐forward based routing. In DTN, a source node or an intermediate node stores packets in buffer and carries them while it moves around. These packets are forwarded to other nodes based on predefined criteria and finally are delivered to a destination node via multiple hops. In this paper, we improve the dissemination speed of PRoPHET (probability routing protocol using history of encounters and transitivity) protocol by employing epidemic protocol for disseminating message m, if forwarding counter and hop counter values are smaller than or equal to the threshold values. The performance of the proposed protocol was analyzed from the aspect of delivery probability, average delay, and overhead ratio. Numerical results show that the proposed protocol can improve the delivery probability, average delay, and overhead ratio of PRoPHET protocol by appropriately selecting the threshold forwarding counter and threshold hop counter values.
Patient Satisfaction in Malaysia’s Busiest Outpatient Medical Care
Authors: Ganasegeran Kurubaran , Perianayagam Wilson , Abdul Manaf Rizal , Ali Jadoo Saad Ahmed , Al-Dubai Sami Abdo Radman
Published: January 2015

This study aimed to explore factors associated with patient satisfaction of outpatient medical care in Malaysia. A cross‐sectional exit survey was conducted among 340 outpatients aged between 13 and 80 years after successful clinical consultations and treatment acquirements using convenience sampling at the outpatient medical care of Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR), Malaysia, being the country’s busiest medical outpatient facility. A survey that consisted of sociodemography, socioeconomic, and health characteristics and the validated Short‐Form Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ‐18) scale were used. Patient satisfaction was the highest in terms of service factors or tangible priorities, particularly “technical quality” and “accessibility and convenience,” but satisfaction was low in terms of service orientation of doctors, particularly the “time spent with doctor,” “interpersonal manners,” and “communication” during consultations. Gender, income level, and purpose of visit to the clinic were important correlates of patient satisfaction. Effort to improve service orientation among doctors through periodical professional development programs at hospital and national level is essential to boost the country’s health service satisfaction.
Recurrent Coagulopathy after Rattlesnake Bite Requiring Continuous Intravenous Dosing of Antivenom
Authors: Hwang Charles W. , Flach F. Eike
Published: January 2015

Context. Snakebite envenomation is common and may result in systemic coagulopathy. Antivenom can correct resulting laboratory abnormalities; however, despite antivenom use, coagulopathy may recur, persist, or result in death after a latency period.Case Details. A 50-year-old previously healthy man presented to the emergency department after a rattlesnake bite to his right upper extremity. His presentation was complicated by significant glossal and oropharyngeal edema requiring emergent cricothyrotomy. His clinical course rapidly improved with the administration of snake antivenom (FabAV); the oropharyngeal and upper extremity edema resolved within several days. However, over the subsequent two weeks, he continued to have refractory coagulopathy requiring multiple units of antivenom. The coagulopathy finally resolved after starting a continuous antivenom infusion.Discussion. Envenomation may result in latent venom release from soft tissue depots that can last for two weeks. This case report illustrates the importance of close hemodynamic and laboratory monitoring after snakebites and describes the administration of continuous antivenom infusion, instead of multidose bolus, to neutralize latent venom release and correct residual coagulopathy.
An Altered Pattern of Myocardial Histopathological and Molecular Changes Underlies the Different Characteristics of Type-1 and Type-2 Diabetic Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Radovits Tamás , Korkmaz Sevil , Mátyás Csaba , Oláh Attila , Németh Balázs Tamás , Páli Szabolcs , Hirschberg Kristóf , Zubarevich Alina , Gwanmesia Patricia Neh , Li Shiliang , Loganathan Sivakkanan , Barnucz Enikő , Merkely Béla , Szabó Gábor
Published: January 2015

Increasing evidence suggests that both types of diabetes mellitus (DM) lead to cardiac structural and functional changes. In this study we investigated and compared functional characteristics and underlying subcellular pathological features in rat models of type-1 and type-2 diabetic cardiomyopathy. Type-1 DM was induced by streptozotocin. For type-2 DM, Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats were used. Left ventricular pressure-volume analysis was performed to assess cardiac function. Myocardial nitrotyrosine immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, hematoxylin-eosin, and Masson’s trichrome staining were performed. mRNA and protein expression were quantified by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Marked systolic dysfunction in type-1 DM was associated with severe nitrooxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis. These pathological features were less pronounced or absent, while cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was comparable in type-2 DM, which was associated with unaltered systolic function and increased diastolic stiffness. mRNA-expression of hypertrophy markers c-fos, c-jun, andβ-MHC, as well as pro-apoptotic caspase-12, was elevated in type-1, while it remained unaltered or only slightly increased in type-2 DM. Expression of the profibrotic TGF-β1was upregulated in type-1 and showed a decrease in type-2 DM. We compared type-1 and type-2 diabetic cardiomyopathy in standard rat models and described an altered pattern of key pathophysiological features in the diabetic heart and corresponding functional consequences.
Indirect Estimations of Lentil Leaf and Plant N by SPAD Chlorophyll Meter
Authors: Zakeri Hossein , Schoenau Jeff , Vandenberg Albert , Tayfeh Aligodarz Mohammadreza , Bueckert Rosalind A.
Published: January 2015

A Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter can be used to screen for leaf nitrogen (N) concentration in breeding programs. Lentil (Lens culinarisL.) cultivars were grown under varied N regimes, SPAD chlorophyll meter readings (SCMR) were recorded from the cultivars leaves, and leaf N concentration was measured by combustion. Linear regression and the nonlinear Radial Basis Functions (RBF) neural networks models were employed to estimate leaf N concentration (LNC) based on the SCMR values. The closest estimates of LNC were obtained from the multivariate models in which the combination of plant age, leaf thickness, and SCMR was employed as the independent variable. In comparison, SCMR as the single independent variable in both models estimated less than 50% of LNC variations. The results showed significant effects of soil moisture and plant age on the association of LNC –SCMR as well as the relationship of LNC with plant N, grain yield, and days to maturity. However, the effect of cultivar on the measured variables was negligible. Although lentil N can be diagnosed by comparing SCMR values of the crop with those from a well-fertilized (N fixing) plot, the results did not support using SPAD chlorophyll meter for screening lentil LNC.
Association between BMP4 rs17563 Polymorphism and NSCL/P Risk: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Yuan-Yuan , Qin Chuan-Qi , Deng Mo-Hong , Niu Yu-Ming , Long Xing
Published: January 2015

Objective.To investigate the association between bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) rs17563 polymorphism and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without palate (NSCL/P) risk.Methods.Four online databases were researched and the related publications were collected. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to assess the relationship; publication bias, metaregression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted to guarantee the strength of results.Results.Six published case-control studies were collected. Overall, no significant association between BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism and NSCL/P risk was found. It was notable that significant susceptibility on different ethnicity was observed in the stratified analysis. For Chinese population, the BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism was a significantly increased risk for NSCL/P (C versus T: OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.28–1.82,P<0.01,I2=0%; CC versus TT: OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.74–3.82,P<0.01,I2=0%; TC + CC versus TT: OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.14–1.84,P<0.01,I2=0%; CC versus TT + TC: OR=2.46, 95% CI = 1.46–4.14,P<0.01,I2=47.0%). On the contrary, significantly protective effects were found in Brazilian population (C versus T: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50–0.96,P=0.03,I2=68.5%; TC versus TT: OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.40–0.68,P<0.01,I2=0%; TC + CC versus TT: OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.35–0.78,P<0.010,I2=54.4%).Conclusion. This meta-analysis indicated that BMP4 rs17563 polymorphism could play a different role during the development of NSCL/P based on ethnicity diversity.
Membrane Assisted Simultaneous Extraction and Derivatization with Triphenylphosphine of Elemental Sulfur in Arabian Crude Samples by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Al-Zahrani Ibrahim , Aneel Mohammed Munzir H. , Basheer Chanbasha , Siddiqui Mohammad Nahid , Al-Arfaj Abdulrahman
Published: January 2015

Determination of trace level elemental sulfur from crude oil samples is a tedious task. Recently, several gas chromatographic methods were reported in which selective triphenylphosphine derivatization of sulfur was used to form triphenylphosphine sulfide. Direct quantitation of elemental sulfur from crude oil requires an efficient sample preparation method. This paper describes how simultaneous extraction derivatization of elemental sulfur was performed for the first time using porous hollow fiber membrane. A thick (0.25 um pore size; 1550 μm wall thickness; and 5500 μm inner diameter) hollow fiber membrane filled with triphenylphosphine (dissolved N-methylpyrrolidone) is used as a solvent bar. The solvent bar is tumbled freely in the crude oil sample; the elemental sulfur was extracted and derivatized. Finally, the derivatized sulfur was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Various experimental conditions of solvent bar microextraction (SBME) were optimized to achieve higher extraction. The linear range was established between 1 and 50 μg/mL, while a squared regression coefficient was found to be 0.9959 μg/mL. Relative standard deviation (RSD) was below 10%. Relative recoveries were calculated for SBME in crude oil samples and were in the range between 98.2% and 101.2%.
Mathematical Analysis for a Discrete Predator-Prey Model with Time Delay and Holling II Functional Response
Authors: Ding Dehong , Fang Kui , Zhao Yang
Published: January 2015

This paper is concerned with a discrete predator-prey model with Holling II functional response and delays. Applying Gaines and Mawhin’s continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory and the method of Lyapunov function, we obtain some sufficient conditions for the existence global asymptotic stability of positive periodic solutions of the model.
Review of Life‐Cycle Approaches Coupled with Data Envelopment Analysis: Launching the CFP + DEA Method for Energy Policy Making
Authors: Vázquez-Rowe Ian , Iribarren Diego
Published: January 2015

Life‐cycle (LC) approaches play a significant role in energy policy making to determine the environmental impacts associated with the choice of energy source. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) can be combined with LC approaches to provide quantitative benchmarks that orientate the performance of energy systems towards environmental sustainability, with different implications depending on the selected LC + DEA method. The present paper examines currently available LC + DEA methods and develops a novel method combining carbon footprinting (CFP) and DEA. Thus, the CFP + DEA method is proposed, a five‐step structure including data collection for multiple homogenous entities, calculation of target operating points, evaluation of current and target carbon footprints, and result interpretation. As the current context for energy policy implies an anthropocentric perspective with focus on the global warming impact of energy systems, the CFP + DEA method is foreseen to be the most consistent LC + DEA approach to provide benchmarks for energy policy making. The fact that this method relies on the definition of operating points with optimised resource intensity helps to moderate the concerns about the omission of other environmental impacts. Moreover, the CFP + DEA method benefits from CFP specifications in terms of flexibility, understanding, and reporting.
Study Partners Recommendation for xMOOCs Learners
Authors: Xu Bin , Yang Dan
Published: January 2015

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) provide an opportunity for people to access free courses offered by top universities in the world and therefore attracted great attention and engagement from college teachers and students. However, with contrast to large scale enrollment, the completion rate of these courses is really low. One of the reasons for students to quit learning process is problems which they face that could not be solved by discussing them with classmates. In order to keep them staying in the course, thereby further improving the completion rate, we address the task of study partner recommendation for students based on both content information and social network information. By analyzing the content of messages posted by learners in course discussion forum, we investigated the learners’ behavior features to classify the learners into three groups. Then we proposed a topic model to measure learners’ course knowledge awareness. Finally, a social network was constructed based on their activities in the course forum, and the relationship in the network was then employed to recommend study partners for target learner combined with their behavior features and course knowledge awareness. The experiment results show that our method achieves better performance than recommending method only based on content information.
Basins of Attraction for Two-Species Competitive Model with Quadratic Terms and the Singular Allee Effect
Authors: Brett A. , Kulenović M. R. S.
Published: January 2015

We consider the following system of difference equations:xn+1=xn2/B1xn2+C1yn2, yn+1=yn2/A2+B2xn2+C2yn2,  n=0, 1, …,  whereB1,C1,A2,B2,C2are positive constants andx0, y0≥0are initial conditions. This system has interesting dynamics and it can have up to seven equilibrium points as well as a singular point at(0,0), which always possesses a basin of attraction. We characterize the basins of attractions of all equilibrium points as well as the singular point at(0,0)and thus describe the global dynamics of this system. Since the singular point at(0,0)always possesses a basin of attraction this system exhibits Allee’s effect.
Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization of PM 597 Dye-Silica Core-Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Al-Biladi Tahani R. , Al Dwayyan A. S. , Khan M. Naziruddin , Qaid Saif M. H. , Al Zahrani Khalid
Published: January 2015

Nanostructured fluorescent pyrromethene (PM) doped-silica core-shell particles were successfully prepared by Stöber process. The average size of the particles was in the range of 10–20 nm measured by TEM micrograph. The atomic structure and morphology of PM 597/SiO2core/shell nanoparticles were studied by AFM and SEM, respectively. Absorption and emission spectra of the PM 597/SiO2core/shell nanoparticles under the UV irradiation were studied and not significantly influenced at the position of peaks. Finally, amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and photobleaching of dye were examined and found no significant influence on the peaks of PM dye due to the formation of smaller sizes of PM 597/SiO2core/shell nanoparticles. The observed PM 597/SiO2core/shell nanoparticles were different in shapes with smaller size distribution and highly luminescent. Majority of nanoparticles were roughly spherical with many of them aggregated. The less photobleaching of dye core may be due to the protection of pumped energy by SiO2shell and restricts the leakage of dye.
Sesquiterpene Lactones Inhibit Advanced Oxidation Protein Product-Induced MCP-1 Expression in Podocytes via an IKK/NF-κB-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Yan , Chen Si-jia , Wang Jian-cheng , Niu Hong-xin , Jia Qian-qian , Chen Xiao-wen , Du Xiao-yan , Lu Lu , Huang Bo , Zhang Quan , Chen Yue , Long Hai-bo
Published: January 2015

Inflammation is a relevant factor in the pathogenesis of diabetes nephropathy (DN). Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), originally isolated fromTanacetum parthenium, have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects but few studies have examined their effects on DN. To determine whether advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) can induce the expression of chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein- (MCP-) 1 in cultured mouse podocytes and to explore the mechanisms of the potential renoprotection of SLs, we treated podocytes with AOPPs and SLs (parthenolide and its derivatives micheliolide, compound 1, and compound 2). MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression were tested using quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively, and the protein levels of IKKβ, phospho-IKKβ, IκBα, NF-κB p65, phospho-NF-κB p65, and tubulin were analyzed by Western blotting. AOPPs activated the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein in a dose- and time-dependent manner, activated IKKβand NF-κB p65, and promoted IκBαdegradation. The IKK/NF-κB inhibitor parthenolide decreased AOPP-induced MCP-1 expression. Pretreatment with SLs inhibited MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression and suppressed IKKβand NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and IκBαdegradation. Taken together, these findings provide a novel explanation for the anti-inflammatory effects of SLs that will ultimately benefit DN and potentially other inflammatory and immune renal diseases.
How Does Multistep Tumorigenesis Really Proceed?
Authors: Chaffer Christine L. , Weinberg Robert A.
Published: January 2015

Summary: Identifying the cancer cells-of-origin is of great interest, as it holds the potential to elucidate biologic mechanisms inherent in the normal cell state that have been co-opted to drive the oncogenic cell state. An emerging concept, proposed here, states that cancer stem cells, key players in cancer initiation and metastasis, arise when transit-amplifying cells with mutant genomes dedifferentiate and enter the stem cell state. This model contrasts with the notion that cancer stem cells are the direct products of neoplastically transformed normal tissue stem cells. Cancer Discov; 5(1); 22–4. ©2015 AACR.
Addressing the Controversy: Do Bisphosphonates Directly Affect Primary Tumors?
Authors: Sterling Julie A.
Published: January 2015

Summary: The recent article by Junankar and colleagues focuses on demonstrating the uptake of bisphosphonates (BP) into the primary tumor in both animal models and human samples. Interestingly, the authors were able to establish tumor-associated macrophages as the cell type that takes up the BPs. These studies are an important advancement for understanding the potential benefits of using BPs as adjuvant therapy in patients with cancer. Cancer Discov; 5(1); 14–5. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Junankar and colleagues, p. 35
The Microsatellite Instable Subset of Colorectal Cancer Is a Particularly Good Candidate for Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy
Authors: Xiao Yanping , Freeman Gordon J.
Published: January 2015

Summary: The microsatellite instable (MSI) subset of colorectal cancer exhibits an active Th1/CTL immune microenvironment, probably due to recognition of a high number of tumor neoantigens. However, the high expression of checkpoint molecules PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, and IDO in MSI colorectal cancer distinguishes MSI from microsatellite stable colorectal cancer and creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment that may help MSI tumors evade immune destruction by the infiltrating immune cells. Though colorectal cancer does not have a good response rate to PD-1 pathway immunotherapy, these results suggest that the MSI subset of colorectal cancer is a particularly good candidate for checkpoint immunotherapy. Cancer Discov; 5(1); 16–8. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Llosa et al., p. 43
Hepatitis C Virus of Subtype 2l in Marseille, Southeastern France
Authors: Aherfi Sarah , Glazunova Olga , Borentain Patrick , Botta-Fridlund Daniele , Chiche Laurent , Bregigeon Sylvie , Motte Anne , Tamalet Catherine , Colson Philippe
Published: January 2015

The rate of eradication of chronic hepatitis C considerably increases with direct-acting antiviral agents, particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV) polymerase inhibitors. While implementing full-length HCV NS5B polymerase sequencing in our clinical microbiology laboratory, we identified atypical HCV sequences, classified as subtype 2l, from 2 patients. HCV-2l NS5B polymerase sequences were detected from 5 and 14 additional patients by screening our laboratory hepatitis virus sequence database and the NCBI GenBank sequence database. Phylogenetic analyses show unambiguously that all HCV-2l sequences are clustered apart from HCV 2 non-l sequences, which compose a second cluster. Mean (±SD) nucleotide identity between near full-length NS5B fragments of subtype 2l was 93.4 ± 0.8% (range: 92.4-95.1). Of note, all HCV-2l sequences obtained in our laboratory and in other centers were from serum samples collected in France. Analysis of the HCV-2l NS5B polymerase amino acid sequences at 30 positions critical for interaction with or resistance to HCV polymerase inhibitors showed specific patterns.
Genotyping of CCR5 Gene, CCR2b and SDF1 Variants Related to HIV-1 Infection in Gabonese Subjects
Authors: Mombo Landry Erik , Bisseye Cyrille , Mickala Patrick , Ossari Simon , Makuwa Maria
Published: January 2015

Objective: Given the magnitude of the HIV epidemic infection, many viral and human factors were analyzed, and the most decisive was the variant CCR5-Δ32. The presence of a low HIV prevalence (1.8%) in Gabon in the 1990s, compared to neighboring countries, represents a paradox that led us to search for viral and human genetic variants in this country. In this study, only variants of coreceptors and chemokines were investigated. Methods: Variants of the coding region of the CCR5 gene were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and then variants of SDF1 and CCR2b were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: Four rare variants of the CCR5 coreceptor were found, while CCR5-Δ32 and CCR5m303 variants were not found. No association with CCR2b-V64I (17%) and SDF1-3′A (2%) variants was determined in relation to HIV-1 infection in Gabonese patients. Conclusion: The paradox of HIV seroprevalence in Gabon, which ended in the 2000s, was not caused by human genetic variants but rather by environmental factors.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Treated with Interferon-Alpha: Risk of Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Single Center over 10 Years
Authors: Lee Hyun Jung , Yeon Jong Eun , Yoon Eileen L. , Suh Sang Jun , Kang Keunhee , Kim Hae Rim , Kang Seong Hee , Yoo Yang Jae , Je Jihye , Kim Ji Hoon , Seo Yeon Seok , Yim Hyung Joon , Byun Kwan Soo
Published: January 2015

Objectives: Interferon (IFN)-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is cost-effective and is associated with reduced risk of disease progression. We aimed to assess the incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify risk factors associated with disease progression. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 280 CHC patients who were registered at our hospital between 2001 and 2010. Results: About 80% of patients received antiviral treatment. The 10-year cumulative incidence of cirrhosis was significantly lower among patients who received antiviral therapy than among those who did not (8.3 vs. 44.0%; p = 0.001). Among them, patients with sustained virological response (SVR) had a significantly lower incidence of cirrhosis than those without SVR (0.6 vs. 33.9%; p < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression showed that SVR was the significant independent factor for reducing the risk of cirrhosis (hazard ratio, HR = 0.03; p = 0.034). The 10-year cumulative incidence of HCC was higher among patients who did not receive antiviral therapy than among those who did (43.9 vs. 6.1%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that underlying cirrhosis was the only independent risk factor associated with HCC development (HR = 7.70; p = 0.010). Conclusions: SVR secondary to IFN-based therapy could reduce cirrhosis development in CHC patients. Underlying cirrhosis was the strongest predictor of HCC development.
Assessment of Arterial Stiffness by 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Nocturnal Hypertensive or Normotensive Subjects
Authors: Drucaroff Lucas , Ramirez Agustín , Sanchez Ramiro , Cardinali Daniel P. , Perez-Lloret Santiago
Published: January 2015

Background: Nocturnal hypertension, male gender, age and arterial stiffness are important risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to assess arterial stiffness in nocturnal hypertensive or normotensive men and women >40 years of age. Methods: Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed in 144 men and 137 women. Eighty-eight subjects were between 40 and 49 years old (53% men), 98 were between 50 and 59 years old (55% men) and 95 were >60 years old (45% men). They were classified as nocturnal hypertensive if their average night systolic blood pressure and/or diastolic blood pressure was >120/70 mm/Hg. Arterial stiffness was assessed by the Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index (AASI), which is calculated as 1 minus the slope of diastolic on systolic blood pressure during the 24-hour recording period. Results were analyzed by analysis of covariance and were adjusted for 24-hour mean arterial pressure, the presence of antihypertensive treatment, height and heart rate. Results: Women showed a higher AASI compared to men, independently of age. In men, the AASI increased with age, being higher in nocturnal hypertensive than in nocturnal normotensive subjects, independently of age. Nocturnal hypertensive women showed higher AASI values than their respective nocturnal normotensive controls in the 50- to 59-year and >60-year age groups only. Conclusion: The results show that arterial stiffness is higher among nocturnal hypertensive subjects, especially in women >50 years old.