bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signal Identification in Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Khan Atikur R. , Poskitt D. S. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThis paper provides an information theoretic analysis of the signal identification problem in singular spectrum analysis. We present a signal‐plus‐noise model based on the Karhunen‐Loève expansion and use this model to motivate the construction of a minimum description length criterion that can be employed to identify the dimension (rank) of the signal component. We show that under very general regularity conditions the criterion will identify the true signal dimension with probability one as the sample size increases. A by‐product of this analysis is a procedure for selecting a window length consistent with the Whitney embedding theorem. The upshot is a modeling strategy that results in a specification that yields a signal‐noise reconstruction that minimises mean squared reconstruction error. Empirical results obtained using simulated and real world data series indicate that theoretical properties presented in the paper are reflected in observed behaviour, even in relatively small samples, and that the minimum description length modeling strategy provides the practitioner with an effective addition to the SSA tool box.
Comparison of 1.8‐mm incision versus 2.75‐mm incision cataract surgery in combined phacoemulsification and 23‐gauge vitrectomy
Authors: Czajka Marcin Piotr , Frajdenberg Agata , Johansson Björn 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPurposeTo compare 1.8 mm micro‐incision and 2.75 mm standard incision in coaxial cataract surgery combined with 23‐Gauge (23G) vitrectomy with respect to intraoperative and postoperative complications and outcomes.MethodsIn this prospective study 30 eyes of 30 patients planned for combined phacoemulsification and 23G vitrectomy were enrolled, and randomized to undergo either Standard 2.75 mm Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS, 15 eyes) or Coaxial 1.8 mm Micro‐Incision Cataract Surgery (C‐MICS, 15 eyes) followed by vitrectomy. Inclusion criteria were cataract and macular disorders including macular hole, epiretinal membrane and vitreomacular traction. Data were collected at preoperative evaluation and 1 and 12 months or more after surgery.ResultsIncision leakage occurred in two eyes (7%: one per group), retinal break in nine (30%: four in C‐MICS, five in SICS). Fibrin in anterior chamber (AC) occurred day 1 in three eyes (10%: two C‐ and one SICS). Posterior capsule opacification developed in 22 eyes (78%: 13 MICS, nine SICS, p = 0.1). A myopic shift of −0.63 ± 0.7 was noted (−0.59 ± 0.8 MICS, −0.68 ± 0.6 SICS, p = 0.74). Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was significantly smaller in C‐MICS group (ΔKP, −0.019 ± 0.095 versus −0.141 ± 0.219, p = 0.0038) at 1 month but not at final follow‐up (ΔKP, 0.0005 ± 0.16 in C‐MICS versus −0.057 ± 0.12, p = 0.3ConclusionsBoth techniques were equally safe with respect to intraoperative and postoperative findings. Coaxial micro‐incision cataract surgery (C‐MICS) was associated with less surgically‐induced astigmatism (SIA) 1 month after surgery but differences were not statistically significant at final follow‐up indicating a faster refractive recovery with C‐MICS than with SICS.
Drusen maculopathy: a risk factor for visual deterioration
Authors: Algvere Peep V. , Kvanta Anders , Seregard Stefan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of visual loss after the age of 65, displays a degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and photoreceptors in the retinal centre (macula). The central macula (fovea) that contains mostly cone photoreceptors mediates the high visual acuity. Drusen maculopathy may lead to visual deterioration. Drusen are extracellular deposits of debris that accumulate on Bruch′s membrane. Drusen attract inflammatory, immunological and vasoactive stimuli. RPE and photoreceptor cells overlying drusen exhibit biochemical and morphological signs of degeneration. Strong and intermittent light exposure (photons) induces the formation of free radicals in the very high oxygen tension milieu of the retina. The negative effects of irradiation stimulate accumulation of lipofuscin in RPE and photoreceptor cells leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic cell death. A hydrophobic barrier is built up in Bruch′s membrane reducing diffusion to the choroid. Hereditary and inflammatory factors modify the risk for AMD. There is a genetic dysregulation of the complement system leading to inappropriate complement activation. The genetic polymorphism of complement factor H (CFH) and age‐related maculopathy susceptibilty 2 (ARMS2) increase the risk of progression to advanced AMD. The photoelectric effect creates free radicals, resulting in a continuous increase of lipofuscin formation and impairing mitochondrial activity. In addition, inflammation and complement dysregulation contribute to the formation of drusen and vasoproliferative reactions with neovascularization. Antioxidants neutralize reactive oxygen species and reduce lipofuscin accumulation in RPE and photoreceptor cells. For prophylactic treatment of drusen maculopathy, high doses of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthine and zinc are used according to the Age‐Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS 2). The risk of developing advanced AMD was reduced by 27% at 10 years follow‐up. No adverse events were noted.
Activation of pulmonary and lymph node dendritic cells during chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in mice
Authors: Damlund Dina Silke Malling , Christophersen Lars , Jensen Peter Østrup , Alhede Morten , Høiby Niels , Moser Claus 
Published: March 2016

The majority of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients acquire chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection, resulting in increased mortality and morbidity. The chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection is characterized by bacteria growing in biofilm surrounded by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). However, the infection is not eradicated and the inflammatory response leads to gradual degradation of the lung tissue. In CF patients, a Th2‐dominated adaptive immune response with a pronounced antibody response is correlated with poorer outcome. Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial in bridging the innate immune system with the adaptive immune response. Once activated, the DCs deliver a set of signals to uncommitted T cells that induce development, such as expansion of regulatory T cells and polarization of Th1, Th2 or Th17 subsets. In this study, we characterized DCs in lungs and regional lymph nodes in BALB/c mice infected using intratracheal installation of P. aeruginosa embedded in seaweed alginate in the lungs. A significantly elevated concentration of DCs was detected earlier in the lungs than in the regional lymph nodes. To evaluate whether the chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection leads to activation of DCs, costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 were analyzed. During infection, the DCs showed significant elevation of CD80 and CD86 expression in both the lungs and the regional lymph nodes. Interestingly, the percentage of CD86‐positive cells was significantly higher than the percentage of CD80‐positive cells in the lymph nodes. In addition, cytokine production from Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐stimulated DCs was analyzed demonstrating elevated production of IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐12. However, production of IL‐12 was suppressed earlier than IL‐6 and IL‐10. These results support that DCs are involved in skewing of the Th1/Th2 balance in CF and may be a possible treatment target.
Independent surgical validation of the new prostate cancer grade‐grouping system
Authors: Spratt Daniel E. , Cole Adam I. , Palapattu Ganesh S. , Weizer Alon Z. , Jackson William C. , Montgomery Jeffrey S. , Dess Robert T. , Zhao Shuang G. , Lee Jae Y. , Wu Angela , Kunju Lakshmi P. , Talmich Emily , Miller David C. , Hollenbeck Brent K. , Tomlins Scott A. , Feng Felix Y. , Mehra Rohit , Morgan Todd M. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo report the independent prognostic impact of the new prostate cancer grade‐grouping system in a large external validation cohort of patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP).Patients and methodsBetween 1994 and 2013, 3 694 consecutive men were treated with RP at a single institution. To investigate the performance of and validate the grade‐grouping system, biochemical recurrence‐free survival (bRFS) rates were assessed using Kaplan–Meier tests, Cox‐regression modelling, and discriminatory comparison analyses. Separate analyses were performed based on biopsy and RP grade.ResultsThe median follow‐up was 52.7 months. The 5‐year actuarial bRFS for biopsy grade groups 1–5 were 94.2%, 89.2%, 73.1%, 63.1%, and 54.7%, respectively (P < 0.001). Similarly, the 5‐year actuarial bRFS based on RP grade groups was 96.1%, 93.0%, 74.0%, 64.4%, and 49.9% for grade groups 1–5, respectively (P < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratios for bRFS relative to biopsy grade group 1 were 1.98, 4.20, 5.57, and 9.32 for groups 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively (P < 0.001), and for RP grade groups were 2.09, 5.27, 5.86, and 10.42 (P < 0.001). The five‐grade‐group system had a higher prognostic discrimination compared with the commonly used three‐tier system (Gleason score 6 vs 7 vs 8–10).ConclusionsIn an independent surgical cohort, we have validated the prognostic benefit of the new prostate cancer grade‐grouping system for bRFS, and shown that the benefit is maintained after adjusting for important clinicopathological variables. The greater predictive accuracy of the new system will improve risk stratification in the clinical setting and aid in patient counselling.
The Genetic Paradox of Invasions revisited: the potential role of inbreeding × environment interactions in invasion success
Authors: Schrieber Karin , Lachmuth Susanne 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTInvasive species that successfully establish, persist, and expand within an area of introduction, in spite of demographic bottlenecks that reduce their genetic diversity, represent a paradox. Bottlenecks should inhibit population growth and invasive expansion, as a decrease in genetic diversity should result in inbreeding depression, increased fixation of deleterious mutations by genetic drift (drift load), and reduced evolutionary potential to respond to novel selection pressures. Here, we focus on the problems of inbreeding depression and drift load in introduced populations as key components of the Genetic Paradox of Invasions (GPI). We briefly review published explanations for the GPI, which are based on various mechanisms (invasion history events, reproductive traits, genetic characteristics) that mediate the avoidance of inbreeding depression and drift load. We find that there is still a substantial lack of explanation and empirical evidence for explaining the GPI for strongly bottlenecked invasions, or for during critical invasion phases (e.g. initial colonization, leading edges of range expansion) where strong genetic depletion, inbreeding depression and drift load occurs. Accordingly, we suggest that discussion of the GPI should be revived to find additional mechanisms applicable to explaining invasion success for such species and invasion phases. Based on a synthesis of the literature on the population genetics of invaders and the ecology of invaded habitats, we propose that inbreeding × environment (I × E) interactions are one such mechanism that may have strong explanatory power to address the GPI. Specifically, we suggest that a temporary or permanent release from stress in invaded habitats may alleviate the negative effects of genetic depletion on fitness via I × E interactions, and present published empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis. We additionally discuss that I × E interactions can result in rapid evolutionary changes, and may even contribute to adaptation of invaders in the absence of high genetic variation. With a view to encouraging further empirical research, we propose an experimental approach to investigate the occurrence of I × E interactions in ongoing invasions. Revived research on the GPI should provide new fundamental insights into eco‐evolutionary invasion biology, and more generally into the evolutionary consequences of the interactions between inbreeding and environment.
NASAL cytology: practical aspects and clinical relevance
Authors: Gelardi M. , Iannuzzi L. , Quaranta N. , Landi M. , Passalacqua G. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryNasal cytology is a simple and safe diagnostic procedure that allows to assess the normal and pathological aspects of the nasal mucosa, by identifying and counting the cell types and their morphology. It can be easily performed by a nasal scraping followed by May–Grunwald–Giemsa staining and optical microscopy reading. This procedure allows to identify the normal cells (ciliated and mucinous), the inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells), bacteria, or fungal hyphae/spores. Apart from the normal cell population, some specific cytological patterns can be of help in discriminating among various diseases. Viral infections, allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis and overlapping forms can be easily identified. According to the predominant cell type, various entities can be defined (named asNARES,NARESMA,NARMA). This implies a more detailed knowledge and assessment of the disease that can integrate the standard diagnostic procedures. Nasal cytology also represents a useful research tool for diagnosis and therapy.
Afferent visual pathways in multiple sclerosis: a review
Authors: Graham Stuart L , Klistorner Alexander 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that involves inflammation and demyelination at multiple sites and causes a wide variety of clinical presentations with variable neurological deficits. The visual pathways are frequently involved with either visual or motor dysfunction. Optic neuritis (ON) is one the most common and best characterized presentations of the disease, but there are many other manifestations depending on the site of the lesion. Eyes that have never had ON show slow progressive loss of axons and retinal ganglion cells. Previously unrecognized optic radiation lesions may be associated with residual latency delays on visual evoked potentials. Both anterograde and retrograde degeneration may occur along the visual pathway. This review covers the features of MS in the anterior and posterior visual system and describes advances that have been made with newer techniques such as retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion tensor imaging and probabilistic tractography (DTI) and multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEPs). We report on the inter‐relationship between these measures of structure and function, and how they may be used as biomarkers for the disease.
Chewing efficiency, bite force and oral health‐related quality of life with narrow diameter implants ‐ a prospective clinical study: results after one year
Authors: Enkling Norbert , Saftig Marcus , Worni Andreas , Mericske‐Stern Regina , Schimmel Martin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveThis prospective study aimed to investigate the evolution of chewing efficiency, maximum voluntary bite force (MBF) and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in edentulous patients treated with narrow diameter implants (NDIs) over the course of 1 year.Materials and MethodsFour NDIs (MDI®, 3M ESPE, diameter 1.8 mm) were placed interforaminally in 20 edentulous patients. They were immediately loaded by converting the existing prosthesis into an implant overdenture. Participants were examined six times pre‐ and postoperatively [baseline (BL) to week 52 (w52)]. Chewing efficiency was evaluated with a colour‐mixing ability test by evaluation of the standard deviation of hue (VOH, ViewGum©). MBF was measured using a digital force gauge. OHRQoL was determined with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIPG49). Nonparametric Brunner–Langer models were applied for statistical testing.ResultsThe study failed to demonstrate an effect on chewing efficiency. MBF increased continuously during the observation period (medians: MBF[N]@BL = 46.6 [iqr 50.1]; MBF[N]@w52 = 103.9 [iqr 76.0]; P = 0.002). OHRQoL increased steeply after implant loading and continued improving (medians: BL ∑OHIPG49 = 31 [iqr 40.0]; w4 ∑OHIPG49 = 11.5 [iqr 19.5]; w52 ∑OHIPG49 = 6 [iqr 13.0], P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe stabilisation of a lower complete prosthesis with four NDIs is a feasible minimally invasive and economical approach to improve oral function and OHRQoL, especially in elderly patients with limited bone support. Functional benefits might be more evident if patients receive chewing instructions. Larger studies need to confirm a positive effect on chewing efficiency and develop long‐term maintenance solutions if patients become frail because no easy downgrading approaches of one‐piece titanium implants exist.
Effects of grazing intensity on pollinator abundance and diversity, and on pollination services
Authors: LÁZARO AMPARO , TSCHEULIN THOMAS , DEVALEZ JELLE , NAKAS GEORGIOS , PETANIDOU THEODORA 
Published: March 2016

1. Pollinating insects provide important ecosystem services and are influenced by the intensity of grazing. Based on the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH), pollinator diversity is expected to peak at intermediate grazing intensities. However, this hump‐shaped relationship is rarely found.2. The effect of grazing intensity was tested on flower cover, on the abundance and richness of bees, hoverflies and bee flies, and on pollination services to early‐flowering bee‐pollinated Asphodelus ramosus L. For that, we used data on 11 plant–pollinator phryganic communities from Lesvos Island (Greece) widely differing in grazing intensities.3. Flower abundance and richness showed hump‐shaped relationships with grazing intensity. Grazing affected the abundance and richness of bees and hoverflies directly and also indirectly, through changes in the flower community. Grazing influenced directly the richness but not the abundance of bee flies. Overall, pollinator abundance and richness showed hump‐shaped relationships with grazing intensity, but variations in strength (hoverfly abundance) and direction (bee community) of the effect appeared along the season. Early in the season, grazing increased bee abundance but decreased richness, resulting in increased pollen limitation in A. ramosus.4. The effects of grazing on pollinators vary with the intensity of the disturbance, generally supporting the IDH, and the timing of land‐use activities may influence pollination services. Management strategies should include moderate grazing levels to preserve overall diversity in this area, however, the conservation of particular early bee or bee‐pollinated species may benefit from reduced grazing in early spring.
Intrathecal amantadine for prolonged spinal blockade of sensory and motor functions in rats
Authors: Tzeng Jann‐Inn , Kan Chung‐Dann , Wang Jieh‐Neng , Wang Jhi‐Joung , Lin Heng‐Teng , Hung Ching‐Hsia 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe aimed to compare the hypothesized local anesthetic action of amantadine (1‐adamantanamine) with that of the known local anesthetic mepivacaine. Motor, proprioceptive, and nociceptive functions were evaluated in rats after intrathecal administration. Amantadine elicited spinal anesthesia in a dose‐related fashion and produced a better sensory‐selective action over motor blockade (P < 0.01). On the 50% effective dose (ED50) basis, the rank of potency on spinal motor, proprioceptive, and nociceptive block was mepivacaine > amantadine (P < 0.01 for the differences). Amantadine (63.5 μmol/kg) and mepivacaine (7.1 μmol/kg) produced complete spinal block of motor function, proprioception, and nociception. On an equipotent basis (ED25, ED50, and ED75), the duration of amantadine was longer (P < 0.01) than that of mepivacaine on spinal motor, proprioceptive, and nociceptive block. Our preclinical data demonstrated that amantadine was less potent than mepivacaine at producing spinal anesthesia. The spinal block duration produced by amantadine was greater than that produced by mepivacaine. Both amantadine and mepivacaine produced a markedly nociceptive‐specific blockade.
The FlexISH assay brings flexibility to cytogenetic HER2 testing
Authors: Brockhoff Gero , Bock Maria , Zeman Florian , Hauke Sven 
Published: March 2016

AimsFluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) is the method of choice for quantitative human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (also known as ERBB2) gene testing in invasive breast cancer. HER2 testing has great clinical impact, and is often claimed to expeditiously complete the entire diagnostic procedure for an individual patient. Against this background, the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and performance of a novel dual‐colour HER2/cen17 FISH assay designed to facilitate flexible (overnight) and rapid (<2 h of hybridization) FISH.Methods and resultsWe quantitatively and qualitatively compared counting results and the performance of the FlexISH SPEC ERBB2/CEN 17 dual‐colour hybridization kit with well‐established HER2FISH assays, by using 90 malignant (polysomic and non‐polysomic) and 19 benign paraffin‐embedded breast tissue specimens. We used long (overnight) and short (2 h) hybridization periods, and found an excellent correlation between the FISH results obtained with FlexISH, ZytoLight and PathVysion hybridization probes.ConclusionsThe results obtained with both the short‐run and long‐run application of FlexISH are in excellent accordance with the results obtained with other commercially available FISH kits. This appears to be true in all relevant respects: signal counts, signal‐to‐noise ratio, brightness, and distinctness of HER2 and cen17 signals. As FlexISH probes can be equivalently used as a short‐run or long‐run application, the FlexISH probe kit provides the highest flexibility in terms of time and laboratory management. If required, a reliable HER2 finding can be delivered within 4.5 h, but the standard workflow (including overnight hybridization) does not negatively affect the performance, specimen quality or diagnostic result.
C‐reactive protein and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in differential diagnosis of ascites
Authors: Abdel‐Razik Ahmed , Eldars Waleed , Elhelaly Rania , Elzehery Rasha 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and AimInsulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are produced mainly by the liver; the output of these markers in response to inflammatory processes may be affected in patients with hepatic dysfunction. This may explain the differences in IGF‐1 and CRP values in patients with non‐portal and portal hypertension ascites. We aimed to evaluate serum and ascitic fluid IGF‐1 and CRP as diagnostic markers in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites.MethodsIn this prospective study, 398 consecutive patients with ascites were included. Serum and ascitic fluid levels of IGF‐1 and CRP were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsPatients were divided into group 1, due to benign ascites (n = 324), and group 2, due to malignant ascites (n = 74). Serum and ascitic IGF‐1 were significantly increased in malignant ascites than benign ascites group [305 ± 65.7 ng/mL vs 95 ± 53.8 ng/mL; P < 0.001 and 288 ± 54.7 ng/mL vs 83.2 ± 36.7 ng/mL; P < 0.001], respectively. Serum and ascitic CRP were significantly higher in malignant ascites than benign ascites patients [12.8 ± 6.3 mg/mL vs 6.1 ± 4.9 mg/mL; P < 0.001 and 5.1 ± 2.2 mg/mL vs 1.6 ± 1.3 mg/mL; P < 0.001], respectively. At a cutoff value of 309.4 ng/mL and 7.8 mg/mL, serum IGF‐1 and CRP had (95.1%, 81%) sensitivity and (88.6%, 75.5%) specificity for detecting malignant ascites [area under the curve: 0.932, 0.845], respectively. At a cutoff value of 291.6 ng/mL and 2.6 mg/mL, ascitic IGF‐1 and CRP had (94.6%, 84%) sensitivity and (83.2%, 80.3%) specificity for detecting malignant ascites (area under the curve: 0.911, 0.893) correspondingly.ConclusionElevated serum and ascitic fluid IGF‐1 and CRP levels were associated with malignant ascites.