bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Study on the Expression of Toll-Like Receptors 7 and 8 in Bladder Urothelial Tumors
Authors: Garau Gianmarco , Rocca Paolo Cossu , Manca Alessandra , Madonia Massimo , Siracusa Giuseppe , Sotgiu Giovanni , Corbu Carlo 
Published: July 2015

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-8 and to confirm the expression of TLR-7 on bladder transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) analyzing the changes in expression between low-grade (LG) and high-grade (HG) and between non-muscle invasive (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive (MIBC) bladder cancers. In our study, 25 patients who underwent transurethral resection (TURB) for bladder TCC have been selected. Thirteen of those had an LG form, while the other cases were classified as HG; the lesions were NMIBC in 18 patients and MIBC in the others seven. The analysis of TLRs expression has been performed by immuno histochemistry. TRL-8 expression seems to be higher in MIBC (85%) than in NMIBC (78%), but it is associated with a reduced percentage of immuno reactive cells and with a lower intensity. The expression had a large nuclear localization in NMIBC (80%), althoughit was mainly cytoplasmic in MIBC (72%). TLR-7 was expressed in all NMIBC samples (where the localization was mainly nucleo-cytoplasmic) and in the 71% of MIBC samples (mainly in the nucleus). A higher expression of TRL-8 in HG TCC had been observed, while TRL-7 seems to be more expressed in LG forms. Our study allowed to document the immunohistochemical expression of TLR-8 in TCCs, confirm the immunohistochemical expression of TLR-7, and suggest an increased expression of TLR-7 in LG TCC and NMIBC, and a prevalent expression of TLR-8 in HG TCC and MIBC.
A Hybrid of Modified PSO and Local Search on a Multi-Robot Search System
Authors: Rastgoo Mohammad Naim , Nakisa Bahareh , Ahmad Nazri Mohd Zakree 
Published: July 2015

Particle swarm optimization (PSO), a new population-based algorithm, has recently been used on multi-robot systems. Although this algorithm is applied to solve many optimization problems as well as multi-robot systems, it has some drawbacks when it is applied on multi-robot search systems to find a target in a search space containing big static obstacles. One of these defects is premature convergence. This means that one of the properties of basic PSO is that when particles are spread in a search space, as time increases they tend to converge in a small area. This shortcoming is also evident on a multi-robot search system, particularly when there are big static obstacles in the search space that prevent the robots from finding the target easily; therefore, as time increases, based on this property they converge to a small area that may not contain the target and become entrapped in that area. Another shortcoming is that basic PSO cannot guarantee the global convergence of the algorithm. In other words, initially particles explore different areas, but in some cases they are not good at exploiting promising areas, which will increase the search time. This study proposes a method based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique on a multi-robot system to find a target in a search space containing big static obstacles. This method is not only able to overcome the premature convergence problem but also establishes an efficient balance between exploration and exploitation and guarantees global convergence, reducing the search time by combining with a local search method, such as A-star. To validate the effectiveness and usefulness of algorithms, a simulation environment has been developed for conducting simulation-based experiments in different scenarios and for reporting experimental results. These experimental results have demonstrated that the proposed method is able to overcome the premature convergence problem and guarantee global convergence.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per la comarca de la Cerdanya: des de Puigcerdà cap a La Tor de Querol, Porte i cap a les mines de Pimorent
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim 
Published: July 2015

Recorregut realitzat el 3 d juliol del 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva totalitat pel Sistema Pirinenc. I més concretament ho farà per tres sectors diferenciats: per una banda per l’extrem septentrional del Mantell del Cadí, (prop del seu contacte amb la Depressió de la Cerdanya); per d’altra, a través d’aquesta depressió acabada d’esmentar; i finalment, a través dels denominats Apilaments Antiformes de la Zona Axial Pirinenca (i més concretament pels sectors corresponents al Massís dels Tres Senhors). Així, el recorregut s’iniciarà dintre de la Depressió de la Cerdanya, per la qual es transitarà en el primer tram del recorregut, entre les localitats de Puigcerdà i Enveig. Per d’altra banda, el recorregut entre la població d’Enveig i les Mines de Ferro de Pimorent (situades prop del port del mateix nom), s’endinsarà pels Apilaments Antiformes de la Zona Axial Pirinenca, els quals es troben situats al Nord de la Depressió de la Cerdanya. També cal dir que la totalitat del recorregut es farà dintre de la comarca de la Cerdanya, començant a la Baixa Cerdanya i finalitzant a l´Alta, però prop de la seva frontera amb Andorra i amb el País de Foix.
Local Application of Gentamicin in the Prophylaxis of Perineal Wound Infection After Abdominoperineal Resection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Musters G. D. , Burger J. W. A. , Buskens C. J. , Bemelman W. A. , Tanis P. J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground
Use of topical antibiotics to improve perineal wound healing after abdominoperineal resection (APR) is controversial. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the impact of local application of gentamicin on perineal wound healing after APR.MethodsThe electronic databases Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library were searched in January 2015. Perineal wound outcome was categorized as infectious complications, non‐infectious complications, and primary perineal wound healing.ResultsFrom a total of 582 articles, eight studies published between 1988 and 2012 were included: four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), three comparative cohort studies, and one cohort study without control group. Gentamicin was administered using sponges (n = 3), beads (n = 4), and by local injection (n = 1). There was substantial heterogeneity regarding underlying disease, definition of outcome parameters and timing of perineal wound evaluation among the included studies, which precluded meta‐analysis with pooling. Regarding infectious complications, three of six evaluable studies demonstrated a positive effect of local application of gentamicin: one of four RCTs and both comparative cohort studies. Only two RCTs reported on non‐infectious complications, showing no significant impact of gentamicin sponge. All three comparative cohort studies demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of primary perineal wound healing after local application of gentamicin beads, but only one out of three evaluable RCTs did show a positive effect of gentamicin sponges.ConclusionCurrently available evidence does not support perineal gentamicin application after APR.
Determinants of the re‐occupation and size of Grey HeronArdea cinereabreeding colonies in northern Poland
Authors: Manikowska‐Ślepowrońska Brygida , Lazarus Magdalena , Żółkoś Katarzyna , Jakubas Dariusz 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBirds select habitats on the basis of structural characteristics, food and nest‐site availability or other features that affect survival and reproduction. This study investigates factors influencing colony re‐occupation, the number of nests in 2013 and changes in the numbers of nest between 2004 and 2013 in re‐occupied colonies of Grey HeronsArdea cinereain northern Poland. The effects of following features around every colony were analysed: area of hydrographic and habitat features, habitat patchiness and microscale features. Among 28 colonies occupied in 2004, 43 % were re‐occupied in 2013. Logistic regression models revealed that models with greater area of the sea coastline zone and lower area of the water body shoreline zone and also small number of pastures determined the best colony re‐occupation. Only models with an area of water bodies and a number of pastures were significant, suggesting the important influence of other non‐habitat factors on colony re‐occupation. Ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis revealed that in re‐occupied colonies the number of nests in 2013 was higher in heronries with greater area of sea coastline zone, smaller number of forest patches and shorter distance to the nearest road. OLS regression analysis revealed that the number of nests increased between 2004 and 2013 in the colonies with greater areas covered by forests, greater number of water bodies, shorter distance to the rivers and longer distance to the sea. Our study revealed the importance of wetland habitat features to colony re‐occupation, its size and changes in size.
Understanding the impact of fire on termites in degraded tropical peatlands and the mechanisms for their ecological success: current knowledge and research needs
Authors: Neoh Kok‐Boon , Bong Lee‐Jin , Muhammad Ahmad , Itoh Masayuki , Kozan Osamu , Takematsu Yoko , Yoshimura Tsuyoshi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPeatlands have experienced large scale changes due to extensive deforestation for logging, conversion to agro‐industrial plantations, and frequent peat fires. The adverse effects of peat fires can lead to long‐term impacts on invertebrate biodiversity in the peatland ecosystem. Although the impact of fire on termite diversity in tropical grasslands and savannas has been the focus of increased attention in recent years, little is known about the effects of peat fires on termite assemblages. In this review, we present available information about the impact of human use of peatlands on termite assemblages in the Indo‐Malayan region. By synthesizing the currently available studies conducted in temperate and tropical savanna systems, we highlight the need for studies of the relationship between termites and fire‐impacted tropical peatlands. We consider the ecological and biological scenarios in fire‐impacted peatland that are likely to shape termite assemblages, and we discuss traits of the surviving genera (i.e., Coptotermes, Schedorhinotermes, and Parrhinotermes) that may contribute to their success in the harsh post‐fire peatland environment (e.g., colony fusion, colony breeding structure, subsidiary nests, and colony migration). Knowledge of these strategies is crucial for understanding the evolutionary adaptation process of termites. This review also aims to stimulate further research in using termite ecosystem services to restore the fertility of degraded fire‐impacted peatlands.
Platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome, an underdiagnosed cause of hypoxaemia: four cases and the possible underlying mechanisms
Authors: Nassif M. , Lu H. , Konings T.C. , Bouma B.J. , Vonk Noordegraaf A. , Straver B. , Blom N.A. , Clur S.A. , Backx A.P.C.M. , Groenink M. , Boekholdt S.M. , Koolbergen D.R. , Hazekamp M.G. , Mulder B.J.M. , de Winter R.J. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Cardiac platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a position-dependent condition of dyspnoea and hypoxaemia due to right-to-left shunting. It often remains unrecognised in clinical practice, possibly because of its complex underlying pathophysiology. We present four consecutive patients with POS and patent foramen ovale (PFO) who underwent a successful percutaneous PFO closure, describe the mechanism of their POS and provide a review of the literature.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening by comprehensive molecular testing
Authors: Kurahashi Hiroki , Kato Takema , Miyazaki Jun , Nishizawa Haruki , Nishio Eiji , Furukawa Hiroshi , Miyamura Hironori , Ito Mayuko , Endo Toshiaki , Ouchi Yuya , Inagaki Hidehito , Fujii Takuma 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAlthough embryo screening by preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has become the standard technique for the treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss in couples with a balanced gross chromosomal rearrangement, the implantation and pregnancy rates of PGD using conventional fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) remain suboptimal. Comprehensive molecular testing, such as array comparative genomic hybridization and next‐generation sequencing, can improve these rates, but amplification bias in the whole genome amplification method remains an obstacle to accurate diagnosis. Recent advances in amplification procedures combined with improvements in the microarray platform and analytical method have overcome the amplification bias, and the data accuracy of the comprehensive PGD method has reached the level of clinical laboratory testing. Currently, comprehensive PGD is also applied to recurrent pregnancy loss due to recurrent fetal aneuploidy or infertility with recurrent implantation failure, known as preimplantation genetic screening. However, there are still numerous problems to be solved, including misdiagnosis due to somatic mosaicism, cell cycle‐related background noise, and difficulty in diagnosis of polyploidy. The technology for comprehensive PGD also requires further improvement.
Metagenomic Surveys of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Mandal Rahul Shubhra , Saha Sudipto , Das Santasabuj 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Gut microbiota of higher vertebrates is host-specific. The number and diversity of the organisms residing within the gut ecosystem are defined by physiological and environmental factors, such as host genotype, habitat, and diet. Recently, culture-independent sequencing techniques have added a new dimension to the study of gut microbiota and the challenge to analyze the large volume of sequencing data is increasingly addressed by the development of novel computational tools and methods. Interestingly, gut microbiota maintains a constant relative abundance at operational taxonomic unit (OTU) levels and altered bacterial abundance has been associated with complex diseases such as symptomatic atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and colorectal cancer. Therefore, the study of gut microbial population has emerged as an important field of research in order to ultimately achieve better health. In addition, there is a spontaneous, non-linear, and dynamic interaction among different bacterial species residing in the gut. Thus, predicting the influence of perturbed microbe–microbe interaction network on health can aid in developing novel therapeutics. Here, we summarize the population abundance of gut microbiota and its variation in different clinical states, computational tools available to analyze the pyrosequencing data, and gut microbe–microbe interaction networks.
Relationship between Driving-Violation Behaviours and Risk Perception in Motorcycle Accidents
Authors: Cheng Andy S.K. , Liu Karen P.Y. , Tulliani Nikki 
Published: July 2015

Objective/Background Riding motorcycles is a popular means of community mobility in many Asian and developing countries. However, the potential harm associated with accidents is greater for motorcyclists and their passengers than for other vehicle users. The primary aims of this study were to explore the relationship between driving-violation behaviours and perceptions of the risk associated with potential accident causes, and to assess the contribution of these factors to active involvement in accidents among Chinese motorcyclists. Methods A total of 621 Chinese motorcyclists were recruited. All were asked to fill in a specially developed questionnaire to assess their driving-violation behaviours and perceptions of potential causes of motorcycle accidents. Results A relationship was identified between driving-violation behaviours and risk perceptions. Furthermore, both were significant predictors of involvement in motorcycle accidents. The motorcyclists involved in accidents demonstrated more aggressive and ordinary driving-violation behaviours. In addition, these motorcyclists exhibited lower perceptions of risk from both driving and environmental factors. Instead, these motorcyclists were more likely to identify risk in terms of belief-related causes. Conclusion This study could assist occupational-therapy practitioners involved in driving rehabilitation and training to identify strategies to deal with drivers’ violation behaviours and risk perception. It could also provide evidence-based recommendations for drivers’ education, driving-safety campaigns, or even licensing policies.
Bilateral facial nerve palsy as the sole initial symptom of syphilis: a case report
Authors: Ting Chi-Hsin , Wang Chih-Wei , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Peng Giia-Sheun , Yang Fu-Chi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBilateral facial nerve palsy is an exceedingly rare condition and presents a diagnostic challenge. Bilateral facial nerve palsy may result from cranial trauma, congenital abnormalities, inflammation, infiltration, or infection, but is rarely associated with syphilis. Here, we report a case of syphilis in which bilateral facial nerve palsy was the only initial symptom.A 22-year-old man presented at our emergency department with isolated bilateral facial nerve palsy. Results for initial serum and cerebrospinal fluid examinations were normal, including the rapid plasma reagin titer. One week later, the patient developed rashes on the torso, palms, and soles. At this time, a high serum rapid plasma reagin titer was detected, and the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination test was positive. Once the tests were confirmed, the patient admitted to a history of unprotected sexual behavior. Penicillin G treatment was effective, and a 3-month follow-up examination demonstrated a complete recovery.We recommend that syphilis be considered when diagnosing sexually experienced young men presenting with bilateral facial nerve palsy, even in the absence of skin manifestations. Failure to recognize facial signs of syphilis could result in inappropriate management, affecting the patient’s clinical outcome.
Use of Digital Pens for Rapid Epidemiologic Data Collection During a Foodborne Outbreak Investigation
Authors: Mathewson Abigail A. , Daly Elizabeth R. , Cavallo Steffany J. , Alic Adnela 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectivePublic health investigations require rapid assessment, response, and initiation of control measures. In 2012, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services used digital pens to rapidly acquire epidemiologic data during a gastrointestinal illness outbreak.MethodsMenus were obtained and a standard questionnaire was administered to exposed persons using digital pens. Questionnaire data were downloaded into an electronic file for analysis.ResultsSixty-nine (74%) of 93 exposed persons completed a questionnaire. Of 6389 data entries made on digital paper, 218 (3%) required correction; of these, 201 (92%) involved a free-form variable and 17 (8%) involved a check-box variable. Digital pens saved an estimated 5 to 6 hours of data-entry time.ConclusionsThis outbreak provided an opportunity to assess the value of digital pens for decreasing data-entry burden and allowing more timely data analysis in an emergent setting. Depending on the size of the outbreak and complexity of the survey, there is likely a threshold when use of digital pens would provide a clear benefit to outbreak response. As new technology becomes available for use in emergency preparedness settings, public health agencies must continuously review and update response plans and evaluate investigation tools to ensure timely disease control and response activities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:349–353)
SIGNS, CLUES AND TRACES: ANTICIPATION IN ANCIENT CHINESE POLITICAL AND MILITARY TEXTS
Authors: Galvany Albert 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn a considerable number of the military texts of ancient China the success of any manoeuvre demands adaptation to constantly changing circumstances and anticipation of the enemy's moves. Hence, idealized descriptions of the figures of the commander and the sage frequently overlap. In both cases, these are individuals who are able to move forward in time and predict the nature of events before they take definitive form. However, these skills of prognostication are the result of attentive scrutiny of the most inconspicuous aspects of reality. By analyzing military episodes and biographical material referring to some of the strategists of the time, this article attempts to demonstrate that the military commander can be seen as a master of signs and that, accordingly, the art of warfare can also be represented as requiring semiotic aptitudes and techniques which enable accurate interpretation of hints that will determine the outcome of the battle.
TAOTIE, DRAGON, PHOENIX, AND FARMER: A HIGHLY DECORATEDQINEXCAVATED FROM JIULIANDUN
Authors: Yang Yuanzheng 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe mythical origins of the Chineseqinhave been forged by ancient literature ever since the age of Confucius, nevertheless, very little is known about the morphology of the ancientqinand its embodied symbolism. This article, by analyzing a most recently discovered ancientqinfound in a fourth-centuryb.c.e.tomb in Jiuliandun, Zaoyang city, Hubei province, in 2002, will explore the relief carving and lacquered drawings found on the instrument itself and their symbolic significance as a representation of the worldview and philosophical state of mind of the Warring States period. I will suggest that aqincontemporaneous to Confucius and played by him looks distinctly different from the version produced by the fertile imagination of the medieval Chinese; instead, it was divided into five registers, and it is this segmented subdivision which defines the ancientqinand differentiates it fundamentally from its classical counterpart. Strikingly, the symbolic depictions in which it was clad represent not only the fertile imagination of the Chu aristocracy, but also include portrayal of the more menial tasks of the ordinary Chu farmer and herdsman as he proceeds through the cycle of the agricultural year, and thus provide the modern scholar with an extraordinarily vivid insight into contemporary Chu life.
Convergence of ergodic averages for many group rotations
Authors: BUCZOLICH ZOLTÁN , KESZTHELYI GABRIELLA 
Published: July 2015

Suppose that$G$is a compact Abelian topological group,$m$is the Haar measure on$G$and$f:G\rightarrow \mathbb{R}$is a measurable function. Given$(n_{k})$, a strictly monotone increasing sequence of integers, we consider the non-conventional ergodic/Birkhoff averages$$\begin{eqnarray}M_{N}^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}f(x)=\frac{1}{N+1}\mathop{\sum }_{k=0}^{N}f(x+n_{k}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}).\end{eqnarray}$$The$f$-rotation set is$$\begin{eqnarray}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}_{f}=\{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\in G:M_{N}^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}f(x)\text{ converges for }m\text{ almost every }x\text{ as }N\rightarrow \infty \}.\end{eqnarray}$$We prove that if$G$is a compact locally connected Abelian group and$f:G\rightarrow \mathbb{R}$is a measurable function then from$m(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}_{f})>0$it follows that$f\in L^{1}(G)$. A similar result is established for ordinary Birkhoff averages if$G=Z_{p}$, the group of$p$-adic integers. However, if the dual group,$\widehat{G}$, contains ‘infinitely many multiple torsion’ then such results do not hold if one considers non-conventional Birkhoff averages along ergodic sequences. What really matters in our results is the boundedness of the tail,$f(x+n_{k}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC})/k$,$k=1,\ldots ,$for almost every$x$for many$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$; hence, some of our theorems are stated by using instead of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}_{f}$slightly larger sets, denoted by$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}_{f,b}$.