bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of a Gum-Elastic Bougie for Difficult Airway Management in Infants: A Simulation-Based Crossover Analysis
Authors: Komasawa Nobuyasu , Hyoda Akira , Matsunami Sayuri , Majima Nozomi , Minami Toshiaki
Published: October 2015

Background.Direct laryngoscopy with the Miller laryngoscope (Mil) for infant tracheal intubation is often difficult to use even for skilled professionals. We performed a simulation trial evaluating the utility of a tracheal tube introducer (gum-elastic bougie (GEB)) in a simulated, difficult infant airway model. Methods.Fifteen anesthesiologists performed tracheal intubation on an infant manikin at three different degrees of difficulty (normal [Cormack-Lehane grades (Cormack) 1-2], cervical stabilization [Cormack 2-3], and anteflexion [Cormack 3-4]) with or without a GEB, intubation success rate, and intubation time.Results.In the normal and cervical stabilization trials, all intubation attempts were successful regardless of whether or not the GEB was used. In contrast, only one participant succeeded in tracheal intubation without the GEB in the anteflexion trial; the success rate significantly improved with the GEB (P=0.005). Intubation time did not significantly change under the normal trial with or without the GEB (without, 12.7 ± 3.8 seconds; with, 13.4 ± 3.6 seconds) but was significantly shorter in the cervical stabilization and anteflexion trials with the GEB.Conclusion.GEB use shortened the intubation time and improved the success rate of difficult infant tracheal intubation by anesthesiologists in simulations.
Model Free Command Filtered Backstepping Control for Marine Power Systems
Authors: Zhou Hongcheng , Xu Dezhi , Jiang Bin
Published: October 2015

In order to retrain chaotic oscillation of marine power systems which are excited by periodic electromagnetism perturbation, two novel model free command-filtered backstepping control methods are designed in this paper. Firstly, the dynamic model of marine power system based on the two parallel nonlinear models is established. Secondly, extended state observer (ESO) and adaptive neural network observer (NNO) are designed to estimate the velocity signal and the unknown dynamic model. Moreover, the uniform form of ESO and NNO is given. Next, the model free command-filtered backstepping controller is put forward based on the uniform observer form. Finally, the simulation results indicate that the two proposed control algorithms can quickly retrain chaotic oscillation and their effectiveness and potential are amply demonstrated.
Chinese Herbal Medicines Might Improve the Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Results of a Decision-Analytic Markov Model
Authors: Wang Shao-Li , Wang Cheng-Long , Wang Pei-Li , Xu Hao , Chen Ke-Ji , Shi Da-Zhuo
Published: October 2015

Aims. The priority of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) plus conventional treatment over conventional treatment alone for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was documented in the 5C trial (chictr.org number:
ChiCTR-TRC-07000021). The study was designed to evaluate the 10-year effectiveness of CHMs plus conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone with decision-analytic model for ACS after PCI.Methods and Results. We constructed a decision-analytic Markov model to compare additional CHMs for 6 months plus conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone for ACS patients after PCI. Sources of data came from 5C trial and published reports. Outcomes were expressed in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the model. The model predicted that over the 10-year horizon the survival probability was 77.49% in patients with CHMs plus conventional treatment versus 77.29% in patients with conventional treatment alone. In combination with conventional treatment, 6-month CHMs might be associated with a gained 0.20% survival probability and 0.111 accumulated QALYs, respectively.Conclusions. The model suggested that treatment with CHMs, as an adjunctive therapy, in combination with conventional treatment for 6 months might improve the long-term clinical outcome in ACS patients after PCI.
Visual Internal Urethrotomy for Adult Male Urethral Stricture Has Poor Long-Term Results
Authors: Al Taweel Waleed , Seyam Raouf
Published: October 2015

Objective. To determine the long-term stricture-free rate after visual internal urethrotomy following initial and follow-up urethrotomies.Methods. The records of all male patients who underwent direct visual internal urethrotomy for urethral stricture disease in our hospital between July 2004 and May 2012 were reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze stricture-free probability after the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth urethrotomies.Results. A total of 301 patients were included. The overall stricture-free rate at the 36-month follow-up was 8.3% with a median time to recurrence of 10 months (95% CI of 9.5 to 10.5, range: 2–36). The stricture-free rate after one urethrotomy was 12.1% with a median time to recurrence of eight months (95% CI of 7.1–8.9). After the second urethrotomy, the stricture-free rate was 7.9% with a median time to recurrence of 10 months (95% CI of 9.3 to 10.6). After the third to fifth procedures, the stricture-free rate was 0%. There was no significant difference in the stricture-free rate between single and multiple procedures.Conclusion. The long-term stricture-free rate of visual internal urethrotomy is modest even after a single procedure.
Ferulic Acid Induces Th1 Responses by Modulating the Function of Dendritic Cells and Ameliorates Th2-Mediated Allergic Airway Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Lee Chen-Chen , Wang Ching-Chiung , Huang Huei-Mei , Lin Chu-Lun , Leu Sy-Jye , Lee Yueh-Lun
Published: October 2015

This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of ferulic acid (FA) on antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs)in vitroand its antiallergic effects against ovalbumin- (OVA-) induced Th2-mediated allergic asthma in mice. The activation of FA-treated bone marrow-derived DCs by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation induced a high level of interleukin- (IL-) 12 but reduced the expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)α. Compared to control-treated DCs, FA significantly enhanced the expressions of Notch ligand Delta-like 4 (Dll4), MHC class II, and CD40 molecules by these DCs. Furthermore, these FA-treated DCs enhanced T-cell proliferation and Th1 cell polarization. In animal experiments, oral administration of FA reduced the levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG1and enhancedIgG2aantibody production in serum. It also ameliorated airway hyperresponsiveness and attenuated eosinophilic pulmonary infiltration in dose-dependent manners. In addition, FA treatment inhibited the production of eotaxin, Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13), and proinflammatory cytokines but promoted the Th1 cytokine interferon- (IFN-)γproduction in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the culture supernatant of spleen cells. These findings suggest that FA exhibits an antiallergic effect via restoring Th1/Th2 imbalance by modulating DCs function in an asthmatic mouse model.
Influence of OH−Ion Concentration on the Surface Morphology of ZnO-SiO2Nanostructure
Authors: Tinio Jessica Ven G. , Simfroso Key T. , Peguit Amber Dea Marie V. , Candidato Rolando T.
Published: October 2015

The influence of varying OH−ion concentration on the surface morphology of chemically deposited ZnO-SiO2nanostructures on glass substrate was investigated. The morphological features, phase structure, and infrared characteristics were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. Results revealed that silica significantly changes the hexagonal morphology of bare ZnO rod to “pointed tips” when using low initial OH−precursor concentration. Increasing OH−ion concentration resulted in a “flower-like” formation of ZnO-SiO2and a remarkable change from “pointed tips” to “hemispherical tips” at the top surface of the rods. The surface capping of SiO2to ZnO leads to the formation of these “hemispherical tips.” The infrared spectroscopic analysis showed the characteristics peaks of ZnO and SiO2as well as the Si-O-Zn band which confirms the formation of ZnO-SiO2. Phase analysis manifested that the formed ZnO-SiO2is of wurtzite structure. Furthermore, a possible growth mechanism is proposed based on the obtained results.
Semiannual Imaging Surveillance Is Associated with Better Survivalin Patients with Non‐B, Non‐C Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shindo Kuniaki , Maekawa Shinya , Komatsu Nobutoshi , Tatsumi Akihisa , Miura Mika , Sato Mitsuaki , Suzuki Yuichiro , Matsuda Shuya , Muraoka Masaru , Amemiya Fumitake , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Uetake Tomoyoshi , Inoue Taisuke , Sakamoto Minoru , Sato Tadashi , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: October 2015

Since it remains elusive whether and how the imaging surveillance affects the survival in patients with non‐B, non‐C hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC‐HCC), we conducted this retrospective study which investigated the association between the semiannual surveillance prior to HCC diagnosis and the survival in patients with the initial diagnosis of HCC induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections (N = 141) and non‐B, non‐C etiology (N = 30). It was demonstrated that surveillance was less frequently performed in the NBNC‐HCC patients compared to that in HCC patients with HBV and/or HCV infections (B/C‐HCC patients), and the survival was unfavorable in NBNC‐HCC patients. On the other hand, the survival of NBNC‐HCC patients with semiannual surveillance was significantly favorable than those patients without semiannual surveillance, and the survival was similar between B/C‐HCCs and NBNC‐HCCs with semiannual surveillance. In conclusion, though NBNC‐HCC patients compared to B/C‐HCC patients had poorer prognosis overall, these NBNC‐HCC patients with semiannual surveillance had a better survival almost equivalent to the survival of B/C‐HCC patients with semiannual surveillance, demonstrating the clinical utility of the semiannual imaging surveillance program for NBNC‐HCCs.
Highly Compact MIMO Antenna System for LTE/ISM Applications
Authors: Yang Lingsheng , Li Tao , Yan Su
Published: October 2015

Planar monopole antenna is proposed as the antenna element to form a compact dual-element multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system for LTE2300 (used in Asia and Africa) and ISM band operation. The system can cover a 310 MHz (2.20–2.51 GHz) operating bandwidth, with the total size of 15.5 mm × 18 mm × 1.6 mm. Measured isolation higher than 16 dB is obtained without any specially designed decoupling structures, while the edge-to-edge element spacing is only 7.8 mm (0.08λat 2.20 GHz). Radiation characteristics, correlation coefficient, and the performance of the whole system with a metal sheet and a plastic housing show this system is competitive for practical MIMO applications. The antenna element is further used to build an eight-element MIMO antenna system; also good results are achieved.
Analytic Model Predictive Control of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems: A Fuzzy Adaptive Approach
Authors: Peng Xiuyan , Jia Shuli , Wang Xingmei
Published: October 2015

A fuzzy adaptive analytic model predictive control method is proposed in this paper for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems. Specifically, invoking the standard results from the Moore-Penrose inverse of matrix, the unmatched problem which exists commonly in input and output dimensions of systems is firstly solved. Then, recurring to analytic model predictive control law, combined with fuzzy adaptive approach, the fuzzy adaptive predictive controller synthesis for the underlying systems is developed. To further reduce the impact of fuzzy approximation error on the system and improve the robustness of the system, the robust compensation term is introduced. It is shown that by applying the fuzzy adaptive analytic model predictive controller the rudder roll stabilization system is ultimately uniformly bounded stabilized in theH-infinity sense. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Mal-Netminer: Malware Classification Approach Based on Social Network Analysis of System Call Graph
Authors: Jang Jae-wook , Woo Jiyoung , Mohaisen Aziz , Yun Jaesung , Kim Huy Kang
Published: October 2015

As the security landscape evolves over time, where thousands of species of malicious codes are seen every day, antivirus vendors strive to detect and classify malware families for efficient and effective responses against malware campaigns. To enrich this effort and by capitalizing on ideas from the social network analysis domain, we build a tool that can help classify malware families using features driven from the graph structure of their system calls. To achieve that, we first construct a system call graph that consists of system calls found in the execution of the individual malware families. To explore distinguishing features of various malware species, we study social network properties as applied to the call graph, including the degree distribution, degree centrality, average distance, clustering coefficient, network density, and component ratio. We utilize features driven from those properties to build a classifier for malware families. Our experimental results show that “influence-based” graph metrics such as the degree centrality are effective for classifying malware, whereas the general structural metrics of malware are less effective for classifying malware. Our experiments demonstrate that the proposed system performs well in detecting and classifying malware families within each malware class with accuracy greater than 96%.
Fractional Order Controller Designing with Firefly Algorithm and Parameter Optimization for Hydroturbine Governing System
Authors: Junyi Li , Chen Qijuan
Published: October 2015

A fractional order PID (FOPID) controller, which is suitable for control system designing for being insensitive to the variation in system parameter, is proposed for hydroturbine governing system in the paper. The simultaneous optimization for several parameters of controller, that is,Ki,Kd,Kp,λ, andμ, is done by a recently developed metaheuristic nature-inspired algorithm, namely, the firefly algorithm (FA), for the first time, where the selecting, moving, attractiveness behavior between fireflies and updating of brightness, and decision range are studied in detail to simulate the optimization process. Investigation clearly reveals the advantages of the FOPID controller over the integer controllers in terms of reduced oscillations and settling time. The present work also explores the superiority of FA based optimization technique in finding optimal parameters of the controller. Further, convergence characteristics of the FA are compared with optimum integer order PID (IOPID) controller to justify its efficiency. What is more, analysis confirms the robustness of FOPID controller under isolated load operation conditions.
Analysis of ACAM Data for Trace Gas Retrievals during the 2011 DISCOVER-AQ Campaign
Authors: Liu C. , Liu X. , Kowalewski M. G. , Janz S. J. , González Abad G. , Pickering K. E. , Chance K. , Lamsal L. N.
Published: October 2015

To improve the trace gas retrieval from Airborne Compact Atmospheric Mapper (ACAM) during the DSICOVER-AQ campaigns, we characterize the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the ACAM measurement. From the standard deviations of the fitting residuals, the SNRs of ACAM nadir measurements are estimated to vary from ~300 at 310 nm to ~1000 in the blue spectral region; the zenith data are noisier due to reduced levels of illumination and lower system throughput and also show many more pixels with abrupt anomalous values; therefore, a new method is developed to derive a solar irradiance reference at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) from average nadir measurements, at instrument spectral resolution and including instrument calibration characteristics. Using this reference can significantly reduce fitting residuals and improve the retrievals. This approach derives an absolute reference for direct fitting algorithms involving radiative transfer calculations and thus can be applied to both aircraft and ground-based measurements. The comparison of ACAM radiance with simulations using coincident ozonesonde and OMI data shows large wavelength-dependent biases in ACAM data, varying from ~−19% at 310 nm to 5% at 360 nm. Correcting ACAM radiance in direct-fitting based ozone profile algorithm significantly improves the consistency with OMI total ozone.
On New Families of Integrals in Analytical Studies of Superconductors within the Conformal Transformation Method
Authors: Gonczarek Ryszard , Krzyzosiak Mateusz , Gonczarek Adam , Jacak Lucjan
Published: October 2015

We show that, by applying the conformal transformation method, strongly correlated superconducting systems can be discussed in terms of the Fermi liquid with a variable density of states function. Within this approach, it is possible to formulate and carry out purely analytical study based on a set of fundamental equations. After presenting the mathematical structure of thes-wave superconducting gap and other quantitative characteristics of superconductors, we evaluate and discuss integrals inherent in fundamental equations describing superconducting systems. The results presented here extend the approach formulated by Abrikosov and Maki, which was restricted to the first-order expansion. A few infinite families of integrals are derived and allow us to express the fundamental equations by means of analytical formulas. They can be then exploited in order to find quantitative characteristics of superconducting systems by the method of successive approximations. We show that the results can be applied in studies of high-Tcsuperconductors and other superconducting materials of the new generation.
Higher-Order Hierarchical Models for the Free Vibration Analysis of Thin-Walled Beams
Authors: Giunta G. , Belouettar S.
Published: October 2015

This paper addresses a free vibration analysis of thin-walled isotropic beams via higher-order refined theories. The unknown kinematic variables are approximated along the beam cross section as aN-order polynomial expansion, whereNis a free parameter of the formulation. The governing equations are derived via the dynamic version of the Principle of Virtual Displacements and are written in a unified form in terms of a “fundamental nucleus.” This latter does not depend upon order of expansion of the theory over the cross section. Analyses are carried out through a closed form, Navier-type solution. Simply supported, slender, and short beams are investigated. Besides “classical” modes (such as bending and torsion), several higher modes are investigated. Results are assessed toward three-dimensional finite element solutions. The numerical investigation shows that the proposed Unified Formulation yields accurate results as long as the appropriate approximation order is considered. The accuracy of the solution depends upon the geometrical parameters of the beam.
Reported Diabetes Mellitus Prevalence Rates in the Colombia Healthcare System from 2009 to 2012: Analysis by Regions Using Data of the Official Information Sources
Authors: Barengo Noël C. , Tamayo Diana Carolina
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to describe the reported diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence rates of the 20–79-year-old population in Colombia from 2009 to 2012 reported by the healthcare system. Information on number of patients treated for DM was obtained by the Integral Information System of Social Protection (SISPRO), the registry of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the High Cost Account (CAC), an organization to trace high expenditure diseases. From both sources age-standardized reported DM prevalence rates per 100.000 inhabitants from 2009 to 2012 were calculated. Whereas the reported DM prevalence rates of SISPRO revealed an increase from 964/100.000 inhabitants (2009) to 1398/100.000 inhabitants in 2012 (mean annual increase 141/100.000;pvalue: 0.001), the respective rates in the CAC register were 1082/100.000 (2009) and 1593/100.000 in 2012 (mean annual increase 165/100.000;pvalue: 0.026). The number of provinces reporting not less than 19% of the highest national reported DM prevalence rates (1593/100.000) increased from two in 2009 to ten in 2012. Apparently, the registries and the information retrieving system have been improved during 2009 and 2012, resulting in a greater capacity to identify and report DM cases by the healthcare system.
A Receiver-Initiated MAC Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Tree Topology
Authors: Park Inhye , Yi Joonhwan , Lee Hyungkeun
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes receiver-initiated X-MAC with tree topology (TRIX-MAC), an improved energy-efficient MAC protocol based on an asynchronous duty cycling for wireless sensor networks with tree topology. TRIX-MAC improves energy efficiency through utilizing short preambles and adopting the receiver-initiated approach that minimizes sender nodes’ energy consumption by enabling transmitters to predict receiver nodes’ wake-up times and reduces receiver nodes’ energy consumption by decreasing the number of control frames. In many sensor network applications, the data flow from source nodes to a sink forms a unidirectional tree. A property of tree topology, the parent-child relation, is also exploited to reduce the likelihood of collisions between frames sent by children nodes. We use the network simulator, ns-2, to evaluate TRIX-MAC’s performance. Compared to the prior asynchronous duty cycling approaches of X-MAC, RIX-MAC, and PW-MAC, the proposed protocol shows better performance in terms of throughput, energy efficiency, and end-to-end delay.
The Correlation between the Energy Gap and the Pseudogap Temperature in Cuprates: The YCBCZO and LSHCO Case
Authors: Szczȩśniak R. , Jarosik M. W. , Duda A. M.
Published: October 2015

The paper analyzes the influence of the hole density, the out-of-plane or in-plane disorder, and the isotopic oxygen mass on the zero temperature energy gap (2Δ(0))Y1-xCaxBa2Cu1-yZny3O7-δ(YCBCZO) andLa1.96-xSrxHo0.04CuO4(LSHCO) superconductors. It has been found that the energy gap is visibly correlated with the value of the pseudogap temperature (T⋆). On the other hand, no correlation between 2Δ(0) and the critical temperature (TC) has been found. The above results mean that the value of the dimensionless ratio2Δ0/kBTCcan vary very strongly together with the chemical composition, while the parameter2Δ(0)/kBT⋆does not change significantly. In the paper, the analytical formula which binds the zero temperature energy gap and the pseudogap temperature has been also presented.
Molecular Pathways: Clinical Applications and Future Direction of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Pathway Blockade
Authors: Iams Wade T. , Lovly Christine M.
Published: October 2015

The IGF1R signaling pathway is a complex and tightly regulated network that is critical for cell proliferation, growth, and survival. IGF1R is a potential therapeutic target for patients with many different malignancies. This brief review summarizes the results of clinical trials targeting the IGF1R pathway in patients with breast cancer, sarcoma, and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therapeutic agents discussed include both monoclonal antibodies to IGF1R (dalotuzumab, figitumumab, cixutumumab, ganitumab, R1507, AVE1642) and newer IGF1R pathway targeting strategies, including monoclonal antibodies to IGF1 and IGF2 (MEDI-573 and BI 836845) and a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor of IGF1R (linsitinib). The pullback of trials in patients with breast cancer and NSCLC based on several large negative trials is noted and contrasted with the sustained success of IGF1R inhibitor monotherapy in a subset of patients with sarcoma. Several different biomarkers have been examined in these trials with varying levels of success, including tumor expression of IGF1R and its pathway components, serum IGF ligand levels, alternate pathway activation, and specific molecular signatures of IGF1R pathway dependence. However, there remains a critical need to define predictive biomarkers in order to identify patients who may benefit from IGF1R-directed therapies. Ongoing research focuses on uncovering such biomarkers and elucidating mechanisms of resistance, as this therapeutic target is currently being analyzed from the bedside to bench. Clin Cancer Res; 21(19); 4270–7. ©2015 AACR.
Phase Ia Study of FoxP3+ CD4 Treg Depletion by Infusion of a Humanized Anti-CCR4 Antibody, KW-0761, in Cancer Patients
Authors: Kurose Koji , Ohue Yoshihiro , Wada Hisashi , Iida Shinsuke , Ishida Takashi , Kojima Takashi , Doi Toshihiko , Suzuki Susumu , Isobe Midori , Funakoshi Takeru , Kakimi Kazuhiro , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Udono Heiichiro , Oka Mikio , Ueda Ryuzo , Nakayama Eiichi
Published: October 2015

Purpose: FoxP3+ Tregs inhibit immune responses against tumors. KW-0761 is a humanized anti-human CCR4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that has antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity. Depletion of CCR4-expressing FoxP3+ CD4 Tregs by KW-0761 infusion was investigated in solid cancer patients.

Experimental Design: We conducted a phase Ia clinical trial of KW-0761 infusion in 7 lung and 3 esophageal cancer patients. Toxicity, clinical efficacy, changes in lymphocyte subpopulations, including Tregs, and induction of immune responses were analyzed.

Results: The results showed that KW-0761 infusion in a dose range between 0.1 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg was safe and well tolerated. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Four of 10 patients showed stable disease during treatment and were long survivors. The monitoring of FoxP3+ Tregs in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells during treatment indicated efficient depletion of those cells, even at the lowest dose of 0.1 mg/kg used. The reduction in Th 1 CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells was limited, whereas a significant reduction was observed with Th 2 and Th 17 CD4 T cells. Immune responses to cancer/testis (CT) antigens and an autoantibody response to thyroid peroxidase were observed in some patients.

Conclusions: The findings showed Tregs depletion and the possible occurrence of an immune response following KW-0761 infusion. Combined use of KW-0761 to deplete FoxP3+ Tregs with other immunotherapies, such as cancer vaccines or checkpoint inhibitors, is a promising approach to augment immune responses. Clin Cancer Res; 21(19); 4327–36. ©2015 AACR.
T Regulatory Cells Gone Bad: An Oncogenic Immune Response against Enterotoxigenic B. fragilis Infection Leads to Colon Cancer
Authors: Irrazabal Thergiory , Martin Alberto
Published: October 2015

Summary: T regulatory cells trigger an oncogenic immune response against enterotoxigenic B. fragilis infection. The implications of an overall shift in the colonic homeostasis are discussed. Cancer Discov; 5(10); 1021–3. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Geis and colleagues, p. 1098.
Point-of-care genetic profiling and/or platelet function testing in acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Collet Jean-Philippe , Kerneis Mathieu , Hulot Jean-Sebastien , O’Connor Stephen A. , Silvain Johanne , Mansencal Nicolas , Brugier Delphine , Abtan Jérémie , Barthélémy Olivier , Vignalou Jean-Baptiste , Payot Laurent , Rousseau Héléne , Vicaut Eric , Montalescot Gilles ,   for the GAMMA investigators
Published: October 2015

Our aim was to demonstrate that the sequential use of the Verigene® rapid CYP2C19 test for genetic profiling and the VerifyNowTM bedside test for platelet function measurement in ACS patients may optimise P2Y12 inhibition. “Rapid” (CYP2C19*1/*1 or CYP2C19*17 carriers, n=211) and “slow” metabolisers (CYP2C19*2 carriers, n=58) were first put on clopidogrel and prasugrel for ≥ 2 weeks, respectively. Patients with low platelet reactivity (PRU< 30) on prasugrel or high platelet reactivity (> 208 PRU) on clopidogrel were then switched to clopidogrel and prasugrel, respectively. Our objectives were (i) to demonstrate that the proportion of “rapid” metabolisers on 75 mg of clopidogrel within 30–208 (PRU) of P2Y12 inhibition is non-inferior to “slow” metabolisers on prasugrel 10 mg and (ii) to evaluate the same end-point after switching drugs. The proportion of “rapid” and “slow” metabolisers within 30–208 PRU of P2Y12 inhibition was 71 % and 56.9 %, respectively, an absolute difference of +14.1 % (95 % CI, –0.05 % to 28.28 %) with a non-inferiority margin greater than the predefined margin of –10 %. Among patients out of target, all but one “slow” metabolisers displayed low-on prasugrel platelet reactivity while the majority of “rapid” metabolisers (68 %) displayed high-on clopidogrel platelet reactivity. After switching, the proportion of patients within 30–208 PRU of P2Y12 inhibition was 83.6 % and 79.3 % in “rapid” and “slow” metabolisers, respectively (+4.3 %, 95 % CI –7.3 % to 15.9 %). In conclusion, this study demonstrates a loose relationship between genotype and platelet function phenotype approaches but that they are complementary to select prasugrel or clopidogrel MD in stented ACS patients.
Comparing open wound measuring methods popularly used in experimental studies
Authors: Fernandes Ciciane Pereira Marten , Lopes Thiago Vaz , Capella Sabrina De Oliveira , Fontoura Eduardo Garcia , Tillmann Mariana Teixeira , Félix Samuel Rodrigues , Nobre Márcia De Oliveira
Published: October 2015

O reparo tecidual surge em resposta às lesões e constitui-se de um processo dinâmico para manutenção da integridade do organismo. Nos estudos sobre cicatrização de feridas, tem se utilizado várias técnicas buscando-se uma avaliação da eficácia de meios de tratamento local. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho objetivou comparar três métodos de avaliação experimental de áreas de feridas, sendo eles: o método do relógio, papel milimetrado e avaliação computadorizada. Para realização do experimento, foram utilizados 30 ratos Wistar em condições de bem-estar. Após realizada a anestesia, foram confeccionadas duas lesões no dorso de cada animal com punch de 8 mm, sendo as feridas avaliadas após quatro, sete e 14 dias de tratamento. Observou-se que aos quatro dias de tratamento, todos os métodos apresentaram o mesmo desempenho, enquanto aos sete e 14 dias, o método do relógio, apresentou maior média de área, perdendo precisão, e aos 14 dias, a avaliação computadorizada apresentou resultados mais precisos em relação a ambos os outros métodos. Concluiu-se que a avaliação computadorizada através de software de áreas de feridas cutâneas apresenta resultados mais precisos em relação aos métodos do relógio e papel milimetrado, principalmente em lesões menores.
LM-CMA: An Alternative to L-BFGS for Large-Scale Black Box Optimization
Authors: Loshchilov Ilya
Published: October 2015

Limited-memory BFGS (L-BFGS; Liu and Nocedal, 1989 ) is often considered to be the method of choice for continuous optimization when first- or second-order information is available. However, the use of L-BFGS can be complicated in a black box scenario where gradient information is not available and therefore should be numerically estimated. The accuracy of this estimation, obtained by finite difference methods, is often problem-dependent and may lead to premature convergence of the algorithm.

This article demonstrates an alternative to L-BFGS, the limited memory covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (LM-CMA) proposed by Loshchilov ( 2014 ). LM-CMA is a stochastic derivative-free algorithm for numerical optimization of nonlinear, nonconvex optimization problems. Inspired by L-BFGS, LM-CMA samples candidate solutions according to a covariance matrix reproduced from m direction vectors selected during the optimization process. The decomposition of the covariance matrix into Cholesky factors allows reducing the memory complexity to [Formula: see text], where n is the number of decision variables. The time complexity of sampling one candidate solution is also [Formula: see text] but scales as only about 25 scalar-vector multiplications in practice. The algorithm has an important property of invariance with respect to strictly increasing transformations of the objective function; such transformations do not compromise its ability to approach the optimum. LM-CMA outperforms the original CMA-ES and its large-scale versions on nonseparable ill-conditioned problems with a factor increasing with problem dimension. Invariance properties of the algorithm do not prevent it from demonstrating a comparable performance to L-BFGS on nontrivial large-scale smooth and nonsmooth optimization problems.
Hospitality & Homicide
Authors: Verheij M.J.O.
Published: October 2015

This paper analyzes the various functions of the theme ofxeniain Euripides’Electra. While it has been duly recognized that this motif plays an important role in other adaptations of the Orestes-story, most notably in Aeschylus’Oresteia, it has gone relatively unnoticed that the theme is no less fundamental to the design of Euripides’ play. An appreciation of the complex patterns of hospitality underlying theElectrais crucial to a proper interpretation of this tragedy, and provides an important new way of approaching its much-discussed relationship with its literary predecessors. It will be argued that Euripides has employed this familiar motif in a unique and inventive way, entering into an intertextual dialogue with the examples set by Aeschylus and Homer’sOdyssey. Through a detailed analysis of several of the play’s most problematic features, including the introduction of the Farmer and the presentation of the two murder scenes, the intricate structure of this dialogue can be brought to light.
A monograph of the Anisophylleaceae (Cucurbitales) with description of 18 new species of Anisophyllea
Authors: Chen Xin , He Hai , Zhang Li-Bing
Published: October 2015

A monographic study of the family Anisophylleaceae in the order Cucurbitales was carried out. Four genera, Anisophyllea (67 spp.), Combretocarpus (1 sp.), Poga (1 sp.), and Polygonanthus (2 spp.), and together 71 species are recognized, of which 18 are described as new. The 18 new species are all in Anisophyllea and include A. bakoensis, A. biokoensis, A. borneensis, A. cuneata, A. dinghoui, A. glandibeccariana, A. glandulipetiolata, A. insularis, A. malayensis, A. myriostictoides, A. neopurpurascens, A. obanica, A. rengamensis, A. rubroglandula, A. sabahensis, A. sarawakensis, A. sessiliflora, and A. sumatrana. Keys to the genera and to species of Anisophyllea and to those of Polygonanthus are provided. All species are described in detail and all but two are illustrated. Information on their distribution and habitat, phenology, and vernacular name and local usage, if available, is given. Distribution map of every species is presented. Taxonomic history, taxonomic characters, and various taxonomic issues are discussed. We also lectotypify or neotypify 30 names in the family including Anisophyllea apetala Scortechini ex King, A. beccariana Baillon, A. boehmii Engler, A. brachystila Engler & von Brehmer, A. buettneri Engler, A. cabole Henriques, A. cordata Engler & von Brehmer, A. curtisii King, A. exellii P. A. Duvigneaud & Dewit, A. fissipetala Engler & von Brehmer, A. fruticulosa Engler & Gilg, A. gaudichaudiana Baillon, A. gossweileri Engler & Brehmer, A. griffithii Oliver, A. guianensis Sandwith, A. mayumbensis Exell, A. meniaudi Aubréville & Pellegrin, A. obtusifolia Engler & Brehmer, A. poggei Engler ex De Wildeman & T. Durand, A. pomifera Engler & Brehmer, A. purpurascens Hutchinson & Dalziel, A. scortechinii King, A. sororia Pierre, A. strychnoides Engler & Brehmer, A. tomentosa Rolfe, A. trapezoidalis Baillon, A. zeylanica Bentham, Combretocarpus motleyi J. D. Hooker, Macrosolen rotundatus Miquel, and Poga oleosa Pierre.
Entomobryoidea (Collembola) from Himachal Pradesh (India) in the Himalayas
Authors: BAQUERO ENRIQUE , MANDAL GURUPADA , JORDANA RAFAEL
Published: October 2015

Collections made during March–April, 2010, October–November, 2010 and 2011 from different districts of Himachal Pradesh, India, by the Apterygota section of the Zoological Survey of India contained new species of Entomobryoidea. Localities sampled were Solan, Shimla, Kullu, Bilaspur, Kagra, Chamba and Sirmaur districts of Himachal Pradesh. Collections were mainly made using an aspirator from leaf litter, mosses, under stones, flowering garden plants and river embankments, wetlands and rotting logs. Sixteen species were found, belonging to genera: Entomobrya, Himalanura, Homidia, Sinella, Willowsia, Lepidocyrtus (Acrocyrtus), Lepidocyrtus (Cinctocyrtus), Seira, Drepanosira and Salina. Twelve of these have been described as new species.
A checklist of comb-clawed beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Alleculinae) from Iran
Authors: NOVÁK VLADIMIR , GHAHARI HASSAN
Published: October 2015

The fauna of Iranian Alleculinae is summarized in this paper. Seventy species from 12 genera are reported: the subtribe Alleculina Laporte with 4 genera and 18 species: Hymenalia Mulsant (7 species), Hymenophorus Mulsant (3 species), Mycetocharina Seidlitz (6 species), Prionychus Solier (2 species); the subtribe Gonoderina Seidlitz with 3 genera and 6 species: Gonodera Mulsant (1 species), Isomira Mulsant (4 species), Pseudocistela Crotch (1 species), the subtribe Mycetocharina Gistel with a single genus and 3 species: Mycetochara Berthold (3 species) and the tribe Cteniopodini Solier with 4 genera and 43 species: Cteniopus Solier (5 species), Omophlina Reitter (2 species), Omophlus Dejean (32 species) and Podonta Solier (4 species). Nine species are newly recorded for the fauna of Iran: Hymenalia atronitens (Fairmaire, 1892), Mycetocharina rufotestacea Reitter, 1898, Prionychus asiatica (Fairmaire, 1892), Isomira nitidula (Kiesenwetter, 1861), Mycetochara ocularis Reitter, 1884, Cteniopus impressicolis Fairmaire, 1892, Omophlus afghanus Muche, 1965, Omophlus schmidi Muche, 1965 and Podonta elongata Ménétriés, 1832.
A new species of Short Brown Unpatterned Moray Eel of the Genus Gymnothorax (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) from the Bay of Bengal
Authors: RAY DIPANJAN , MOHAPATRA ANIL , SMITH DAVID G.
Published: October 2015

A new species of short brown unpatterned moray eel of the genus Gymnothorax, Gymnothorax mishrai sp. nov. is described from a specimen of 324 mm total length, collected from the Bay of Bengal. The species is distinguished by having the dorsal-fin origin before gill opening, jaw pores with brown rim, two branchial pores, total vertebrae 134 (MVF: 9-59-134), three median intermaxillary teeth, uniserial maxillary and vomerine teeth. The new species is distinctly different from the other eight described species of this group. This species is also the first species of short brown unpatterned moray eel to be reported from India.
Using High-Resolution GPS Tracking Data of Bird Flight for Meteorological Observations
Authors: Treep Jelle , Bohrer Gil , Shamoun-Baranes Judy , Duriez Olivier , Prata de Moraes Frasson Renato , Bouten Willem
Published: October 2015

Bird flight is strongly influenced by local meteorological conditions. With increasing amounts of high-frequency GPS data of bird movement becoming available, as tags become cheaper and lighter, opportunities are created to obtain large datasets of quantitative meteorological information from observations conducted by bird-borne tags. In this article we propose a method for estimating wind velocity and convective velocity scale from tag-based high-frequency GPS data of soaring birds in flight.

The flight patterns of soaring birds are strongly influenced by the interactions between atmospheric boundary layer processes and the morphology of the bird; climb rates depend on vertical air motion, flight altitude depends on boundary layer height, and drift off the bird’s flight path depends on wind speed and direction. We combine aerodynamic theory of soaring bird flight, the bird’s morphological properties, and three-dimensional GPS measurements at 3-s intervals to estimate the convective velocity scale and horizontal wind velocity at the locations and times of flight.

We use wind speed and direction observations from meteorological ground stations and estimates of convective velocity from the Ocean–Land–Atmosphere Model (OLAM) to evaluate our findings. Although not collocated, our wind velocity estimates are consistent with ground station data, and convective velocity–scale estimates are consistent with the meteorological model. Our work demonstrates that biologging offers a novel alternative approach for estimating atmospheric conditions on a spatial and temporal scale that complements existing meteorological measurement systems.
A Method to Assess the Wind and Solar Resource and to Quantify Interannual Variability over the United States under Current and Projected Future Climate
Authors: Haupt Sue Ellen , Copeland Jeffrey , Cheng William Y. Y. , Zhang Yongxin , Ammann Caspar , Sullivan Patrick
Published: October 2015

The National Center for Atmospheric Research and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) collaborated to develop a method to assess the interannual variability of wind and solar power over the contiguous United States under current and projected future climate conditions, for use with NREL’s Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) model. The team leveraged a reanalysis-derived database to estimate the wind and solar power resources and their interannual variability under current climate conditions (1985–2005). Then, a projected future climate database for the time range of 2040–69 was derived on the basis of the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP) regional climate model (RCM) simulations driven by free-running atmosphere–ocean general circulation models. To compare current and future climate variability, the team developed a baseline by decomposing the current climate reanalysis database into self-organizing maps (SOMs) to determine the predominant modes of variability. The current climate patterns found were compared with those of an NARCCAP-based future climate scenario, and the CRCM–CCSM combination was chosen to describe the future climate scenario. The future climate scenarios’ data were projected onto the Climate Four Dimensional Data Assimilation reanalysis SOMs. The projected future climate database was then created by resampling the reanalysis on the basis of the frequency of occurrence of the future SOM patterns, adjusting for the differences in magnitude of the wind speed or solar irradiance between the current and future climate conditions. Comparison of the changes in the frequency of occurrence of the SOM modes between current and future climate conditions indicates that the annual mean wind speed and solar irradiance could be expected to change by up to 10% (increasing or decreasing regionally).
A Comparison of Bladder Catheterization and Suprapubic Aspiration Methods for Urine Sample Collection From Infants With a Suspected Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Eliacik Kayi , Kanik Ali , Yavascan Onder , Alparslan Caner , Kocyigit Cemil , Aksu Nejat , Bakiler Ali Rahmi
Published: October 2015

This study compares 2 sampling methods for urine cultures in young infants. We analyzed data on urine samples obtained from 83 infants using 2 sources of urine: suprapubic bladder aspiration (SPA) and bladder catheterization. All specimens were subjected to both urinalysis and culture, and the results compared. Eighty-three infants with positive urine culture results obtained by bladder catheterization were subjected to SPA. Of these, only 24 (28.9%) and 20 (24%) yielded positive urine culture and abnormal urinalysis data, respectively. Samples obtained via catheterization had a high false-positive rate (71.1%). The sensitivity and specificity of urinalysis were 66.7% (95% CI, 44.68% to 84.33%) and 93.22% (95% CI, 83.53% to 98.08%), respectively. In infants younger than 12 months, SPA is the best method to avoid bacterial contamination, showing better results than transurethral catheterization.
The bored self in knowledge work
Authors: Costas Jana , Kärreman Dan
Published: October 2015

This article draws attention to reported experiences of boredom in knowledge work. Drawing on extensive qualitative data gathered at two management consultancy firms, we analyze these experiences as a particular interaction with identity regulation and work experiences. We conceptualize the reports of the bored self as a combination of unfilled aspirations and the sense of stagnation, leading to an arrested identity. Our contribution is to expand extant conceptualizations of employee interactions with identity regulation, in particular relating to identity work and identification. The findings provide a critical rendering of the glamourized image of knowledge work.
The spectrum of expert reports on clinical biochemical toxicology and medicine from an Irish practice
Authors: Tormey William P
Published: October 2015

The compounds which generated an expert opinion report in the area of medical toxicology in the period 1999 to 2015 are presented from the toxicological case files of a specialist in chemical pathology and general internal medicine. There were 132 different compounds from 86 cases. Alcohol was involved in 43%, drugs of abuse in 18.6%, volatile carbon compounds in 17.4%, metals in 9.3%, and carbon monoxide in 4.6%. Many compounds appeared once. The duty of the medical expert witness to provide an objective report for the court irrespective of the payer is stated. The addition of references from peer reviewed literature to substantiate the pros and cons of each case is recommended as a standard operating procedure in completing each report.
River and the corruption of memory
Authors: Khan Naveeda
Published: October 2015

With a focus on three films about rivers in Bangladesh, Titash Ekti Nodir Naam (A River named Titash), Padma Nodir Majhi (The Fishermen of Padma) and Chitra Nodir Parey (Beside the Chitra River), this article considers how the corruption of a river, that is, the entropy and decay immanent to it, produces the conditions of possibility for the corruption of social relations within the context of riverine lives. These filmic meditations serve as the springboard for considering the limits of ‘adaptation’, increasingly mainstreamed in policy discourse and development projects to redress the ravages of global warming and climate change, and that increasingly target the lives of Muslim farmers who live on chars (silt islands) that accrete and erode within the Jamuna River in Bangladesh. The article explores how the focus on adaptation to climate change, while producing preparedness for a looming future, carries within it the destructive potential for the corruption of chaura inter-relations and the further corruption of their memory of co-existence with Hindus/fishermen and the elision of issues of historical injustice. Taking a river’s point of view within the milieus of the films and the chars enables a perspective, necessarily fleeting, on how the politics and policies of climate change stand to short-change the present and the past.