bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interval between carotid artery stenting and open heart surgery is related to perioperative complications
Authors: Dong Hui , Jiang Xiongjing , Peng Meng , Zou Yubao , Che Wuqiang , Qian Haiyan , Xu Bo , Song Lei , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To assess 30‐day outcomes and the optimal interval between carotid artery stenting (CAS) and open heart surgery (OHS).

Background

Whether or not they show symptoms of carotid atherosclerosis, patients with significant carotid stenosis who underwent OHS face a high risk of perioperative stroke. Planning appropriate treatment for carotid stenosis before OHS has become an important clinical issue.

Methods

From January 2005 to June 2010, 154 inpatients scheduled for CAS and OHS were recruited and followed up for 30 days after OHS. The primary end point was a composite of major stroke or neurological death. The secondary end points included a composite of major stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) or any death, minor stroke, and acute kidney injury (AKI).

Results

The incidence of the primary end point, the composite of major stroke, MI or any death, minor stroke and AKI was 3.2%, 5.8%, 2.6%, and 4.5%, respectively. Only an interval between CAS and OHS of ≤5 days could independently predict the incidence of the primary end point (OR, 14.06, 95% CI, 1.52‐130.13; P=0.020). Moreover, congestive heart failure (OR, 7.07, 95% CI, 1.55‐21.27; P=0.012) and an interval between CAS and OHS of ≤5 days (OR, 7.05, 95% CI, 1.58‐31.40; P=0.010) were identified as independent risk factors for the composite of major stroke, MI, or any death.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that CAS followed by OHS is safe and feasible. More importantly, an interval between CAS and OHS of >5 days may decrease periprocedural complications, especially major stroke and neurological death. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Voltammetric and Analytical Applications of Some Fluorine Substituted Spirosteroidalthiazolidin‐4‐one Derivatives of Sulfa Drugs
Authors: Makki M. S. T. , Alfooty K. O. , Abdel‐Rahman R. M. , El‐Shahawi M. S.
Published: January 2016

A new 5‐arylidene‐4‐oxo‐(sulfonamoyl phenyl)‐spiro[thiazolidinone‐2,2′‐steroids] series (7–10) was prepared by condensation of sulfanilamide, sulfapyridine and sulfadiazine sulfa drugs with testosterone, epiandrosterone and progesterone steroids, respectively. The resultant imino derivatives 1–3 upon cycloaddition with thioacetic acid in dry 1,4‐dioxane afforded 3‐sulfo‐namoylphenylspiro[4‐oxo‐thiazolidin‐2,2′steroids] (4–6). The latter compounds (4–6) upon condensation with p‐fluorobenzaldehyde in ethanol‐piperidine yielded the corresponding 4‐fluoroarylidene derivatives 7, 8 & 9, respectively. All the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by UV, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectral data, elemental analysis and molecular weight determination. In vitro antimicrobial screening of some of the synthesized compounds showed good antimicrobial activities towards some pathogenic Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria and fungi vs. piperacillin and mycostatine antibiotics as standard antibacterial and antifungal agents, respectively. The voltammetric behavior of two newly spirothiazolidinone steroids (2a & 5a) was critically studied. Compound 5a physically immobilized polyurethane foam solid sorbent was successfully used for removal and/or separation of bismuth(III) from water.
Capturing fast relaxing spins with SWIFT adiabatic rotating frame spin–lattice relaxation (T1ρ) mapping
Authors: Zhang J. , Nissi M.J. , Idiyatullin D. , Michaeli S. , Garwood M. , Ellermann J.
Published: January 2016

Rotating frame spin–lattice relaxation, with the characteristic time constant T1ρ, provides a means to access motion‐restricted (slow) spin dynamics in MRI. As a result of their restricted motion, these spins are sometimes characterized by a short transverse relaxation time constant T2 and thus can be difficult to detect directly with conventional image acquisition techniques. Here, we introduce an approach for three‐dimensional adiabatic T1ρ mapping based on a magnetization‐prepared sweep imaging with Fourier transformation (MP‐SWIFT) sequence, which captures signal from almost all water spin populations, including the extremely fast relaxing pool. A semi‐analytical procedure for T1ρ mapping is described. Experiments on phantoms and musculoskeletal tissue specimens (tendon, articular and epiphyseal cartilages) were performed at 9.4 T for both the MP‐SWIFT and fast spin echo (FSE) read outs. In the phantom with liquids having fast molecular tumbling and a single‐valued T1ρ time constant, the measured T1ρ values obtained with MP‐SWIFT and FSE were similar. Conversely, in normal musculoskeletal tissues, T1ρ values measured with MP‐SWIFT were much shorter than the values obtained with FSE. Studies of biological tissue specimens demonstrated that T1ρ‐weighted SWIFT provides higher contrast between normal and diseased tissues relative to conventional acquisitions. Adiabatic T1ρ mapping with SWIFT readout captures contributions from the otherwise undetected fast relaxing spins, allowing more informative T1ρ measurements of normal and diseased states. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary supplements and prostate cancer prevention
Authors: Marra Giancarlo , Oderda Marco , Gontero Paolo
Published: January 2016

Prevention of prostate cancer through the use of dietary supplements is an attractive proposition for patients and doctors. Many patients already turn to supplements, but doctors are not sure what to say when asked for an opinion on their potential benefits. In this article, the authors take a critical look at the evidence for supplements in prostate cancer and find that, in general, the evidence is wanting.
Survivorship and prostate cancer: the TrueNTH Supported Self‐Management programme
Authors: Madaan Sanjeev , Reekhaye Abhishek , McFarlane Jonathan
Published: January 2016

With the rapid increase in the number of new prostate cancer diagnoses and the growing number of cancer survivors, there is a need for a new model of survivorship care to address the holistic needs of our patients. The TrueNTH initiative, launched by the Movember Foundation, is set to markedly change the survivorship experience of men with prostate cancer and has the potential to make a big impact on their lives.
L'expressionentre guillemets. Un marqueur de modalisation à la mode
Authors: BRANCA-ROSOFF SONIA
Published: January 2016

Cet article aborde la question de la formation et de la diffusion du modalisateur entre guillemets en exploitant trois sortes de données. Frantext permet d'examiner ses commencements vers 1913; le web, le moment où son usage est ressenti comme proliférant entre 2000 et 2010; le corpus CFPP2000, sa diffusion – peut-être provisoire – à l'oral.

Les résultats montrent qu'il est suremployé par des locuteurs des couches moyennes d'origine populaire. Cependant, l'expression ne connaît pas la perte de contenu sémantique caractéristique de la pragmaticalisation. Ses emplois restent ceux d'un modalisateur signalant une défaillance dans la nomination du réel.
Rehabilitation of Executive Functions in Patients with Chronic Acquired Brain Injury with Goal Management Training, External Cuing, and Emotional Regulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tornås Sveinung , Løvstad Marianne , Solbakk Anne-Kristin , Evans Jonathan , Endestad Tor , Hol Per Kristian , Schanke Anne-Kristine , Stubberud Jan
Published: January 2016

Executive dysfunction is a common consequence of acquired brain injury (ABI), causing significant disability in daily life. This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of Goal Management TrainingTM(GMT) in improving executive functioning in patients with chronic ABI. Seventy patients with a verified ABI and executive dysfunction were randomly allocated to GMT (n=33) or a psycho-educative active control condition, Brain Health Workshop (BHW) (n=37). In addition, all participants received external cueing by text messages. Neuropsychological tests and self-reported questionnaires of executive functioning were administered pre-intervention, immediately after intervention, and at 6 months follow-up. Assessors were blinded to group allocation. Questionnaire measures indicated significant improvement of everyday executive functioning in the GMT group, with effects lasting at least 6 months post-treatment. Both groups improved on the majority of the applied neuropsychological tests. However, improved performance on tests demanding executive attention was most prominent in the GMT group. The results indicate that GMT combined with external cueing is an effective metacognitive strategy training method, ameliorating executive dysfunction in daily life for patients with chronic ABI. The strongest effects were seen on self-report measures of executive functions 6 months post-treatment, suggesting that strategies learned in GMT were applied and consolidated in everyday life after the end of training. Furthermore, these findings show that executive dysfunction can be improved years after the ABI. (JINS, 2016,22, 436–452)
Arctic States Nearing Science Cooperation Pact
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: January 2016

Negotiations are focusing on removing obstacles to conducting research rather than on setting international scientific priorities. Research priorities among Arctic nations already overlap considerably, according to a U.S. negotiator.
Record Global Warmth in 2015, but Some Places Bucked the Trend
Authors: Sullivan Cody
Published: January 2016

As the planet's average surface temperature jumped to a new high last year, variations in ocean conditions on a smaller scale led to some distinct deviations from the overall pattern.
Toward dissecting the etiology of schizophrenia: HDAC1 and DAXX regulate GAD67 expression in an in vitro hippocampal GABA neuron model
Authors: Subburaju S , Coleman A J , Ruzicka W B , Benes F M
Published: January 2016

Schizophrenia (SZ) is associated with GABA neuron dysfunction in the hippocampus, particularly the stratum oriens of sector CA3/2. A gene expression profile analysis of human postmortem hippocampal tissue followed by a network association analysis had shown a number of genes differentially regulated in SZ, including the epigenetic factors HDAC1 and DAXX. To characterize the contribution of these factors to the developmental perturbation hypothesized to underlie SZ, lentiviral vectors carrying short hairpin RNA interference (shRNAi) for HDAC1 and DAXX were used. In the hippocampal GABA neuron culture model, HiB5, transduction with HDAC1 shRNAi showed a 40% inhibition of HDAC1 mRNA and a 60% inhibition of HDAC1 protein. GAD67, a enzyme associated with GABA synthesis, was increased twofold (mRNA); the protein showed a 35% increase. The expression of DAXX, a co-repressor of HDAC1, was not influenced by HDAC1 inhibition. Transduction of HiB5 cells with DAXX shRNAi resulted in a 30% inhibition of DAXX mRNA that translated into a 90% inhibition of DAXX protein. GAD1 mRNA was upregulated fourfold, while its protein increased by ~30%. HDAC1 expression was not altered by inhibition of DAXX. However, a physical interaction between HDAC1 and DAXX was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation. Inhibition of HDAC1 or DAXX increased expression of egr-1, transcription factor that had previously been shown to regulate the GAD67 promoter. Our in vitro results point to a key role of both HDAC1 and DAXX in the regulation of GAD67 in GABAergic HiB5 cells, strongly suggesting that these epigenetic/transcription factors contribute to mechanisms underlying GABA cell dysfunction in SZ.
Highly Hg2+-sensitive and selective fluorescent sensors in aqueous solution and sensors-encapsulated polymeric membrane
Authors: Kraithong Sasiwimon , Damrongsak Pattareeya , Suwatpipat Kullatat , Sirirak Jitnapa , Swanglap Pattanawit , Wanichacheva Nantanit
Published: January 2016

The sensors in solutions and sensors encapsulated polymeric membranes exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for Hg2+ detection, with detection limits of 0.2–49 ppb.
A computational study of two-phase viscoelastic systems in a capillary tube with a sudden contraction/expansion
Authors: Izbassarov Daulet , Muradoglu Metin
Published: January 2016

Two-phase viscoelastic systems are computationally studied in a pressure-driven flow with a sudden contraction and expansion using a finite-difference/front-tracking method. The effects of viscoelasticity in drop and bulk fluids are investigated including high Weissenberg and Reynolds number cases up to Wi = 100 and Re = 100. The Finitely Extensible Non-linear Elastic–Chilcott and Rallison (FENE-CR) model is used to account for the fluid viscoelasticity. Extensive computations are performed to examine drop dynamics for a wide range of parameters. It is found that viscoelasticity interacts with drop interface in a non-monotonic and complicated way, and the two-phase viscoelastic systems exhibit very rich dynamics especially in the expansion region. At high Re, the drop undergoes large deformation in the contraction region followed by strong shape oscillations in the downstream of the expansion. For a highly viscous drop, a re-entrant cavity develops in the contraction region at the trailing edge which, in certain cases, grows and eventually causes encapsulation of ambient fluid. The re-entrant cavity formation is initiated at the entrance of the contraction and is highly influenced by the viscoelasticity. Compared to the corresponding straight channel case, the effects of viscoelasticity are reversed in the constricted channel: Viscoelasticity in drop/continuous phase hinders/enhances formation of the re-entrant cavity and entrainment of ambient fluid into main drop. Encapsulation of ambient fluid into main droplet may be another route to produce a compound droplet in microfluidic applications.
2016—Leaping (and looking) ahead
Authors: Gordon Sharona E.
Published: January 2016

Looking to the future and welcoming a new editor and board members.
Rietveld refinement of the crystal structures of Rb2XSi5O12(X= Ni, Mn)
Authors: Bell Anthony M. T. , Henderson C. Michael B.
Published: January 2016

The synthetic leucite silicate framework mineral analogues Rb2XSi5O12{X= Ni [dirubidium nickel(II) pentasilicate] and Mn [dirubidium manganese(II) pentasilicate]} have been prepared by high-temperature solid-state synthesis. The results of Rietveld refinements, using X-ray powder diffraction data collected using CuKα X-rays, show that the title compounds crystallize in the space groupPbcaand adopt the cation-ordered structure of Cs2CdSi5O12and other leucites. The structures consist of tetrahedral SiO4andXO4units sharing corners to form a partially substituted silicate framework. Extraframework Rb+cations sit in channels in the framework. All atoms occupy the 8cgeneral position for this space group. In these refined structures, silicon andXatoms are ordered onto separate tetrahedrally coordinated sites (T-sites). However, the Ni displacement parameter and the Ni—O bond lengths suggest that for theX= Ni sample, there may actually be some T-site cation disorder.
Leader-member exchange and job performance
Authors: Choy Jerome , McCormack Darcy , Djurkovic Nikola
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) and job performance and the utility of delegation and participation as mediators of the aforementioned relationship.

Methodology

– A survey approach was used in this research. Regression analyses, including mediation analyses, on data from 268 employees in a large public sector organisation were conducted.

Findings

– The findings revealed that both delegation and participation were significant mediating variables of the relationship between LMX and job performance.

Research limitation

– The limitations of the study include the use of self-report and cross-sectional data. Future research could include multi-source data, and a longitudinal research design.

Practical implication

– The implications of the findings for theory and management are discussed, including the use of delegation and participation as effective instruments for developing and maintaining strong manager-employee relationships to improve social capital and enhance job performance.

Originality value

– This paper enhances understanding of LMX, and sheds some light on how LMX and participative decision making can influence employee job performance.
Enhancing knowledge adoption with recipients’ characteristics
Authors: Chirawattanakij Suphong , Vathanophas Ractham Vichita
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to envisage human characteristics and resources as critical factors in the adoption process. While an individual’s intention to adopt knowledge is considered as the primary motivator in the adoption process, these characteristics, in the appropriate amount, can accelerate the recipients’ knowledge adoption behavior. In this study four personal characteristics, comprising shared language between a knowledge sender and a recipient, the recipient’s prior knowledge, the recipient’s enjoyment in adopting knowledge, and the recipient’s self-confidence have been chosen.

Methodology

– This research uses four human characteristics, consisting of shared language between knowledge senders and recipients, recipients’ prior knowledge, recipients’ enjoyment in knowledge adoption, and recipients’ self-confidence, to identify their optimal roles in the adoption process. Along with the intention to adopt new knowledge, each of these characteristics was tested in both forms. A survey was conducted with white collar workers. Nine models were designed and regression technique was used for analyzing data and interpreting outcomes of these models.

Findings

– This study reveals that shared language between a knowledge sender and a recipient as well as a recipient’s self-confidence to adopt new knowledge directly enhances the individual’s likelihood to start learning. Shared language and self-confidence perform better as mutual predictors, while prior knowledge and enjoyment are the moderators.

Originality value

– The research outcome is beneficial in the designing of organizational business strategies. Shared language between an instructor and a learner increases likelihood to adopt knowledge, thus it is advantageous to arrange prerequisite mandatory courses in order to enhance a learner’s language proficiencies. Organizations can leverage their employees’ prior knowledge if it is perceived to be low. To do so, supervisors should link eagerness in learning and augmenting competencies to career advancement. Advice from, and rapport with a supervisor is essential. Effective strategies can improve the knowledge sharing goals, and in turn achieve business objectives as a whole.
The Interval Testing Procedure: A General Framework for Inference in Functional Data Analysis
Authors: Pini Alessia , Vantini Simone
Published: January 2016

We introduce in this work the Interval Testing Procedure (ITP), a novel inferential technique for functional data. The procedure can be used to test different functional hypotheses, e.g., distributional equality between two or more functional populations, equality of mean function of a functional population to a reference. ITP involves three steps: (i) the representation of data on a (possibly high-dimensional) functional basis; (ii) the test of each possible set of consecutive basis coefficients; (iii) the computation of the adjusted p-values associated to each basis component, by means of a new strategy here proposed. We define a new type of error control, the interval-wise control of the family wise error rate, particularly suited for functional data. We show that ITP is provided with such a control. A simulation study comparing ITP with other testing procedures is reported. ITP is then applied to the analysis of hemodynamical features involved with cerebral aneurysm pathology. ITP is implemented in the fdatest R package.
Life with an unwelcome guest – caring in a context of protracted bodily pain
Authors: Koskinen Camilla , Aho Sonja , Nyholm Linda
Published: January 2016

Protracted bodily pain is a phenomenon that often affects a human being's whole life. Care of human beings with protracted pain is challenging because pain is not always measureable, and the experiences of pain are subjective, unique and shapeshifting. Therefore, the aim is to highlight what protracted bodily pain signifies for the human being, and human beings' experiences of what is caring in a context of protracted bodily pain. Four informants with protracted bodily pain took part in a focus group interview. The interview was analysed by using a qualitative content analysis with a hermeneutic approach. The findings show that protracted pain renders human beings speechless, limits and robs them of their lives. The pain is described as a domineering, unpleasant and unwelcome guest. The pain can change the human being's personality and creates feelings of guilt. Uncertainty about the origin of the pain as well as a nonchalant treatment or not being believed intensifies the pain. Human being experience mastering the pain, encounters with caregivers who can ease the burden, community with others and finding that little something extra in everyday life is experienced as caring. From a caring science perspective, the relation between protracted pain and suffering is obvious. Suffering emerges as illness suffering, as life suffering and as suffering caused by care. Professional as well as natural caring is important in a context of protracted bodily pain. The human being longs to encounter caregivers who are courageous enough to lay themselves on the line. Community with people who are prepared to share the burden eases the heavy burden that pain brings to life, it brings hope and relief.
Nocardiosis following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Shannon K. , Pasikhova Y. , Ibekweh Q. , Ludlow S. , Baluch A.
Published: January 2016

Background

Nocardia species are ubiquitous environmental organisms that can cause a diverse spectrum of disease. Clinical manifestations range from localized skin and soft tissue infections to life‐threatening pulmonary, central nervous system, and/or disseminated infections. Patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at risk for nocardiosis, and further data in regard to characteristics of disease in this population are warranted.

Methods

We performed retrospective chart review of patients post allogeneic HSCT at Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida diagnosed with nocardiosis from 2003 to 2013.

Results

In a decade, 15 cases of nocardiosis were identified. The majority of patients were men (11/15). The median age was 55 years (range 25–65). The most common type of transplant was matched‐related donor (n = 8), followed by matched‐unrelated donor (n = 3), mismatched‐unrelated donor (n = 3), and double umbilical cord (n = 1). Ten received myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimens. Twelve of 15 patients were on prednisone, 10 of which were on a total daily dose ≥20 mg. The median time from transplant to first positive culture was 10 months (range 1.5–93). Pulmonary nocardiosis was the most prevalent manifestation at 87%. Disseminated disease (2 or more sites of infection) was seen in 47%, whereas blood cultures were positive in 27% of the total cohort. The most common species was Nocardia nova (n = 4). At the time of diagnosis, 20% of the patients were receiving prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX). Susceptibility data were available for 8 patients: all 8 samples were susceptible to TMP‐SMX. Nocardiosis was treated with 2 or more active drugs in 93% of the patients. Overall mortality was 53%, with nocardiosis attributed as the cause in 62.5% (5/8). The absolute lymphocyte count at time of diagnoses was significantly lower in patients who ultimately experienced treatment failure.

Conclusion

Infection with Nocardia species in allogeneic HSCT recipients appears to be a late complication of transplantation and most commonly involves the lung. Two‐thirds of the cohort received a MAC regimen and the majority of the patients were receiving steroids at the time of diagnosis. Most patients were not receiving TMP‐SMX for PJP prophylaxis at the time of nocardiosis diagnosis, and TMP‐SMX may therefore have a protective effect.
A Finite-Element Study of Metal Backing and Tibial Resection Depth in a Composite Tibia Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Tokunaga Susumu , Rogge Renee D. , Small Scott R. , Berend Michael E. , Ritter Merrill A.
Published: January 2016

Prosthetic alignment, patient characteristics, and implant design are all factors in long-term survival of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), yet the level at which each of these factors contribute to implant loosening has not been fully described. Prior clinical and biomechanical studies have indicated tibial overload as a cause of early TKA revision. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between tibial component design and bone resection on tibial loading. Finite-element analysis (FEA) was performed after simulated implantation of metal backed (MB) and all-polyethylene (AP) TKA components in 5 and 15 mm of tibial resection into a validated intact tibia model. Proximal tibial strains significantly increased between 13% and 199% when implanted with AP components (p < 0.05). Strain significantly increased between 12% and 209% in the posterior tibial compartment with increased bone resection (p < 0.05). This study indicates elevated strains in AP implanted tibias across the entirety of the proximal tibial cortex, as well as a posterior shift in tibial loading in instances of increased resection depth. These results are consistent with trends observed in prior biomechanical studies and may associate the documented device history of tibial collapse in AP components with increased bone strain and overload beneath the prosthesis.
On the Parameter Identification of Polynomial Anisotropic Yield Functions
Authors: Tong Wei
Published: January 2016

Nonquadratic anisotropic yield functions have been developed in recent years for many lightweight automotive sheet metals. Realization of the improved performance of these advanced anisotropic yield functions depends in part on a careful calibration of their material constants via simple mechanical tests. This paper describes a novel approach on the parameter identification of plane–stress polynomial anisotropic yield functions by recasting them in a special form in terms of two principal stresses and one loading orientation angle. Independent mechanical tests for the parameter identification can thus be classified according to the plane stress state and the in-plane loading orientation, respectively. Parameter identification options have been examined in detail for a fourth-order homogeneous polynomial anisotropic yield function using the proposed approach. Some new insights have been gained on the permissible types and the number of independent mechanical test measurements per type that are needed for fully calibrating the material constants of the fourth-order yield function. The use of equal biaxial plastic strain ratio instead of equal biaxial yield stress makes the experimental calibration of the yield function more feasible as only simple in-plane uniaxial tension and out-of-plane compression tests of sheet metal samples are required.
Multiobjective Optimization Under Uncertainty in Advanced Abrasive Machining Processes Via a Fuzzy-Evolutionary Approach
Authors: Abbas Adel T. , Aly Mohamed , Hamza Karim
Published: January 2016

This paper considers multiobjective optimization under uncertainty (MOOUC) for the selection of optimal cutting conditions in advanced abrasive machining (AAM) processes. Processes considered are water jet machining (WJM), abrasive water jet machining (AWJM), and ultrasonic machining (USM). Decisions regarding the cutting conditions can involve optimization for multiple competing goals, such as surface finish, machining time, and power consumption. In practice, there is also an issue of variations in the ability to attain the performance goals. This can be due to limitations in machine accuracy or variations in material properties of the workpiece and/or abrasive particles. The approach adopted in this work relies on a strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA2) framework, with specially tailored dominance operators to account for probabilistic aspects in the considered multiobjective problem. Deterministic benchmark problems in the literature for the considered machining processes are extended to include performance uncertainty and then used in testing the performance of the proposed approach. Results of the study show that accounting for process variations through a simple penalty term may be detrimental for the multiobjective optimization. On the other hand, a proposed fuzzy-tournament dominance operator appears to produce favorable results.
Papers of note in
Science
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: January 2016

This week’s articles feature insights into how small RNAs from sperm affect embryonic development, how neurons know where to go in the developing brain, and how cyclical cell death contributes to root growth in plants.
GTP sensor is a lipid kinase
Authors: Prabakaran Sudhakaran
Published: January 2016

The activity of the lipid kinase PI5P4Kβ changes with cellular GTP concentration.
Building the enteric nervous system
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: January 2016

Sonic hedgehog coordinates the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm to properly pattern the enteric nervous system.
Design of and rationale for the Japan Diabetes Optimal Integrated Treatment study for 3 major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (J-DOIT3): a multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel-group trial
Authors: Ueki Kohjiro , Sasako Takayoshi , Kato Masayuki , Okazaki Yukiko , Okahata Sumie , Katsuyama Hisayuki , Haraguchi Mikiko , Morita Ai , Ohashi Ken , Hara Kazuo , Morise Atsushi , Izumi Kazuo , Ohashi Yasuo , Noda Mitsuhiko , Kadowaki Takashi ,   the J-DOIT3 Study Group
Published: January 2016

Objective

Multifactorial intervention including the management of levels of blood glucose (BG), blood pressure (BP), and lipids has been suggested to decrease cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, the target ideal and feasible levels for these individual parameters have not been fully evaluated. In this study, we examine the hypothesis that stricter control compared with the current targets in the Japanese guideline for BG, BP, and lipids could efficiently and safely reduce CVD risk.

Research Design and Methods

We screened patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension and/or dyslipidemia among 81 hospitals in Japan and allocated them into 2 groups: the intensive therapy group (ITG) and the conventional therapy group (CTG). For the 2 respective groups, the target for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is <6.2% (44 mmol/mol) and <6.9% (52 mmol/mol), for BP it is <120/75 mm Hg and <130/80 mm Hg, and for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol it is <80 mg/dL (<70 mg/dL in the presence of CVD history) and <120 mg/dL (<100 mg/dL in the presence of CVD history). The primary end point is the occurrence of CVD events or death by any cause. These patients are scheduled for stepwise intensifications of medication for BG, BP, and lipid control in the ITG, until the number of primary end point events reaches 250.

Results

We recruited 2542 patients and randomly allocated 1271 into the ITG and 1271 into the CTG between June 2006 and March 2009. The mean HbA1c was 8.0% (64 mmol/mol) and the mean duration of diabetes was 8.3 years.

Conclusions

This randomized controlled study will test the hypothesis that strict multifactorial intervention therapy is effective for the prevention of CVDs in patients with type 2 diabetes who are at high CVD risk.

Trial registration number

NCT00300976.
“两座岛、一群人”
Authors: 江 柏炜
Published: January 2016

在新加坡华人社会中，金门人是重要的社群之一。 1870年代，他们在新加坡组织了两个主要金门帮集团，一是商绅阶层的金门会馆，一是劳动阶层的浯江公会及其下属估俚间群。前者一开始以浯江孚济庙及金门公司为名，通过金门地缘信仰—恩主公陈渊的凝聚力量，建立一个提升社会地位、拓展商业网络、强化互助团结、照顾身后事务的地缘团体。同时，他们积极关注侨乡公共事务，引领金门的现代化历程，从1915年的独立设县的政治运动到1920年代至1940年代对于地方治安、交通运输等援助，俱为例证。本文旨在讨论1870年代至1949年以前新加坡金门地缘组织的实质运作，以理解其历史角色与社会意义。首先，文中将探讨金门海外移民的历史背景，以及移民们于新加坡所组织的浯江孚济庙（金门会馆前身）之过程，接着从地方史料、乡团文献等材料中，讨论20世纪初期乡团对于金门公共事务的参与，以及1927年至1937年间金门会馆的路线之争。再者，本文会具体分析1937年至1949年间，面对日军占领及国共内战处境下的动荡侨乡，海外会馆如何因应与协助。最后，在如此海外移民/海外乡团/侨乡社会/居住地社会之间的互动案例中，可以说明20世纪中叶以前新加坡华人社会的跨国主义与文化运作。
易地并声后的 "乡音"
Authors: 黄 文车
Published: January 2016

本文是笔者关注新马地区闽南语歌谣的流传与变异研究主题项目下，在闽南语过番歌的探讨分析后，聚焦马来西亚闽南语念谣作为探究文本，结合所谓的"离散"与"反离散"理论去思考南洋新马地区第一、二代和第三代华人的"家乡"与"身份"认同差异问题，并透过"歌谣地理学"思维，期待能提供海外闽南语歌谣的传播演变另一观察研究之径路。 新马地区的方言古调来自中国原乡，有着过番南来华人浓厚的思乡情结。 但当进入"现代离散"的越洋再建家园后，传统古调开始唱成南洋"家乡"歌曲。透过"歌谣地理学"的"空间移动"与"易地并声"概念去分析马来西亚闽南语念谣，可以发现当歌谣离开原乡后产生的"空间位移"，在南洋有了自己的土地和文化属性后，并产生了"易地并声"的跨文化、语言等融合现象，"离散"可能就会终结；而南洋地方唱出的"乡音"则混入特殊词汇、不同语言和文化记忆，于是马来西亚的闽南语歌谣在地化现象因而产生。
Structure of the ocean–continent transition, location of the continent–ocean boundary and magmatic type of the northern Angolan margin from integrated quantitative analysis of deep seismic reflection and gravity anomaly data
Authors: Cowie L. , Angelo R. M. , Kusznir N. , Manatschal G. , Horn B.
Published: January 2016

The crustal structure and distribution of crustal types on the northern Angolan rifted continental margin have been the subject of much debate. Hyper-extended continental crust, oceanic crust and exhumed serpentinized mantle have all been proposed to underlie the Aptian salt and the underlying sag sequence. Quantitative analysis of deep seismic reflection and gravity anomaly data, together with reverse post-break-up subsidence modelling, have been used to investigate the ocean–continent transition structure, the location of the continent–ocean boundary, the crustal type and the palaeobathymetry of Aptian salt deposition. Gravity inversion methods (used to give the depth to the Moho and the crustal thickness), residual depth anomaly analysis (used to identify departures from oceanic bathymetry) and subsidence analysis have all shown that the distal Aptian salt is underlain by hyper-extended continental crust rather than exhumed mantle or oceanic crust. We propose that the Aptian salt was deposited
c.
0.2 and 0.6 km below global sea-level and that the inner proximal salt subsided by post-rift (post-tectonic) thermal subsidence alone, whereas outer distal salt formation was synrift, prior to break-up, resulting in additional tectonic subsidence. Our analysis argues against Aptian salt deposition on the Angolan margin in a 2–3 km deep isolated ocean basin and supports salt deposition on hyper-extended continental crust formed by diachronous rifting migrating from east to west and culminating in the late Aptian.
Tapir
Authors: Yanok Ilya , Nystrom Nathaniel
Published: January 2016

Kernel probes allow code to be inserted into a running operating system kernel to gather information for debugging or profiling. Inserting code into the kernel raises a number of safety issues. Current solutions follow one of the two paths: a VM-based approach, where safety properties are checked dynamically by an interpreter, or a static-analysis approach, where probe code is guaranteed to be safe statically. While more attractive, existing static solutions depend on ad-hoc and error-prone analysis. We propose to explore enforcing safety properties using a type system, thus building our analysis on top of the well-studied ground of type theory.
Making Lock-free Data Structures Verifiable with Artificial Transactions
Authors: Yuan Xinhao , Williams-King David , Yang Junfeng , Sethumadhavan Simha
Published: January 2016

Among all classes of parallel programming abstractions, lock-free data structures are considered one of the most scalable and efficient thanks to their fine-grained style of synchronization. However, they are also challenging for developers and tools to verify because of the huge number of possible interleavings that result from finegrained synchronizations.

This paper addresses this fundamental problem between performance and verifiability of lock-free data structure implementations. We present TXIT, a system that greatly reduces the set of possible interleavings by inserting transactions into the implementation of a lock-free data structure. We leverage hardware transactional memory support from Intel Haswell processors to enforce these artificial transactions. Evaluation on six popular lock-free data structure libraries shows that TXIT makes it easy to verify lock-free data structures while incurring acceptable runtime overhead. Further analysis shows that two inefficiencies in Haswell are the largest contributors to this overhead.
L-Type Calcium Channels Do Not Play a Critical Role in Chest Blow Induced Ventricular Fibrillation: Commotio Cordis
Authors: Madias Christopher , Garlitski Ann C. , Kalin John , Link Mark S.
Published: January 2016

Background. In a commotio cordis swine model, ventricular fibrillation (VF) can be induced by a ball blow to the chest believed secondary to activation of mechanosensitive ion channels. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate whether stretch induced activation of the L-type calcium channel may cause intracellular calcium overload and underlie the VF in commotio cordis.Method and Results. Anesthetized juvenile swine received 6 chest wall strikes with a 17.9 m/s lacrosse ball timed to the vulnerable period for VF induction. Animals were randomized to IV verapamil (n=6) or placebo (n=6). There was no difference in the observed frequency of VF between verapamil (19/26: 73%) and placebo (20/36: 56%) treated animals (p=0.16). There was also no significant difference in the combined endpoint of VF or nonsustained VF (21/26: 81% in verapamil versus 24/36: 67% in controls,p=0.22).Conclusions. In this experimental model of commotio cordis, verapamil did not prevent VF induction. Thus, in commotio cordis it is unlikely that stretch activation of the L-type calcium channel with resultant intracellular calcium overload plays a prominent role.
Spontaneous Uterine Rupture in a Preterm Pregnancy following Myomectomy
Authors: Sutton Claire , Standen Prue , Acton Jade , Griffin Christopher
Published: January 2016

A 44-year-old nulliparous woman was transferred to a tertiary obstetric hospital for investigation of acute onset abdominal pain. She was at gestation of 32 weeks and 2 days with a history of previous laparoscopic fundal myomectomy. An initial bedside ultrasound demonstrated oligohydramnios. Following an episode of increased pain early the following morning, a formal ultrasound diagnosed a uterine rupture with the fetal arm extending through a uterine rent. An uncomplicated classical caesarean section was performed and the neonate was delivered in good condition but with a bruised and oedematous right arm. The neonate was transferred to the Special Care Nursery for neonatal care. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and was discharged home three days following delivery. This is an unusual presentation of uterine rupture following myomectomy where the fetal arm had protruded through the uterine wall.
Perovskite-group minerals from the Rio Apa and Amambay regions, NE Paraguay
Authors: Gomes Celso De Barros , Comin-Chiaramonti Piero
Published: January 2016

Minerais do grupo da perovskita de rochas alcalino-carbonatíticas das regiões do Rio Apa e Amambay no Paraguai Oriental são membros da série de solução sólida perovskita-lueshita-loparita-latrappita. Loparita rica em Sr é predominante nas rochas traquíticas fenitizadas e define uma tendência evolutiva representada pelo aumento de Sr e ETRL. A cristalização dos minerais do grupo da perovskita resultou provavelmente de processos metassomáticos causados por fluidos derivados de fontes comuns alcalina ou carbonatítica, a temperaturas relativamente baixas (p.e. 400-700°C)
Diagnostic Accuracy of Tissue Doppler Index E/è for Evaluating Left Ventricular Filling Pressure and Diastolic Dysfunction/Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sharifov Oleg F. , Schiros Chun G. , Aban Inmaculada , Denney Thomas S. , Gupta Himanshu
Published: January 2016

Background

Tissue Doppler index E/è is used clinically and in multidisciplinary research for estimation of left ventricular filling pressure (
LVFP
) and diastolic dysfunction (
DD
)/heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (
HF
p
EF
). Its diagnostic accuracy is not well studied.

Methods and Results

From the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases, we identified 24 studies reporting E/è and invasive
LVFP
in preserved
EF
(≥50%). In random‐effects models, E/è had poor to mediocre linear correlation with
LVFP
. Summary sensitivity and specificity (with 95%
CIs
) for the American Society of Echocardiography–recommended E/è cutoffs (lateral, mean, and septal, respectively) to identify elevated
LVFP
was estimated by using hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic analysis. Summary sensitivity was 30% (9–48%), 37% (13–61%), and 24% (6–46%), and summary specificity was 92% (82–100%), 91% (80–99%), and 98% (92–100%). Positive likelihood ratio (
LR
+) was <5 for lateral and mean E/è.
LR
+ was slightly >10 for septal E/è obtained from 4 studies (cumulative sample size <220). For excluding elevated
LVFP
, summary sensitivity for E/è (lateral, mean, and septal, respectively) was 64% (38–86%), 36% (3–74%), and 50% (14–81%), while summary specificity was 73% (54–89%), 83% (49–100%), and 89% (66–100%). Because of data set limitations, meaningful inference for identifying
HF
p
EF
by using E/è could not be drawn. With the use of quality assessment tool for diagnostic accuracy studies (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies questionnaire), we found substantial risks of bias and/or applicability.

Conclusions

There is insufficient evidence to support that E/è can reliably estimate
LVFP
in preserved
EF
. The diagnostic accuracy of E/è to identify/exclude elevated
LVFP
and
DD
/
HF
p
EF
is limited and requires further validation in a well‐designed prospective clinical trial.
Effects of Diet Composition and Insulin Resistance Status on Plasma Lipid Levels in a Weight Loss Intervention in Women
Authors: Le Tran , Flatt Shirley W. , Natarajan Loki , Pakiz Bilge , Quintana Elizabeth L. , Heath Dennis D. , Rana Brinda K. , Rock Cheryl L.
Published: January 2016

Background

Optimal macronutrient distribution of weight loss diets has not been established. The distribution of energy from carbohydrate and fat has been observed to promote differential plasma lipid responses in previous weight loss studies, and insulin resistance status may interact with diet composition and affect weight loss and lipid responses.

Methods and Results

Overweight and obese women (n=245) were enrolled in a 1‐year behavioral weight loss intervention and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 study groups: a lower fat (20% energy), higher carbohydrate (65% energy) diet; a lower carbohydrate (45% energy), higher fat (35% energy) diet; or a walnut‐rich, higher fat (35% energy), lower carbohydrate (45% energy) diet. Blood samples and data available from 213 women at baseline and at 6 months were the focus of this analysis. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were quantified and compared between and within groups. Triglycerides decreased in all study arms at 6 months (
P
<0.05). The walnut‐rich diet increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol more than either the lower fat or lower carbohydrate diet (
P
<0.05). The walnut‐rich diet also reduced low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in insulin‐sensitive women, whereas the lower fat diet reduced both total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in insulin‐sensitive women (
P<
0.05). Insulin sensitivity and C‐reactive protein levels also improved.

Conclusions

Weight loss was similar across the diet groups, although insulin‐sensitive women lost more weight with a lower fat, higher carbohydrate diet versus a higher fat, lower carbohydrate diet. The walnut‐rich, higher fat diet resulted in the most favorable changes in lipid levels.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01424007.
Ocean Convective Available Potential Energy. Part I: Concept and Calculation
Authors: Su Zhan , Ingersoll Andrew P. , Stewart Andrew L. , Thompson Andrew F.
Published: January 2016

Thermobaric convection (type II convection) and thermobaric cabbeling (type III convection) might substantially contribute to vertical mixing, vertical heat transport, and deep-water formation in the World Ocean. However, the extent of this contribution remains poorly constrained. The concept of ocean convective available potential energy (OCAPE), the thermobaric energy source for type II and type III convection, is introduced to improve the diagnosis and prediction of these convection events. OCAPE is analogous to atmospheric CAPE, which is a key energy source for atmospheric moist convection and has long been used to forecast moist convection. OCAPE is the potential energy (PE) stored in an ocean column arising from thermobaricity, defined as the difference between the PE of the ocean column and its minimum possible PE under adiabatic vertical parcel rearrangements. An ocean column may be stably stratified and still have nonzero OCAPE. The authors present an efficient strategy for computing OCAPE accurately for any given column of seawater. They further derive analytical expressions for OCAPE for approximately two-layer ocean columns that are widely observed in polar oceans. This elucidates the dependence of OCAPE on key physical parameters. Hydrographic profiles from the winter Weddell Sea are shown to contain OCAPE (0.001–0.01 J kg−1), and scaling analysis suggests that OCAPE may be substantially enhanced by wintertime surface buoyancy loss. The release of this OCAPE may substantially contribute to the kinetic energy of deep convection in polar oceans.
Solving the Pricing Problem in a Branch-and-Price Algorithm for Graph Coloring Using Zero-Suppressed Binary Decision Diagrams
Authors: Morrison David R. , Sewell Edward C. , Jacobson Sheldon H.
Published: January 2016

Branch-and-price algorithms combine a branch-and-bound search with an exponentially sized LP formulation that must be solved via column generation. Unfortunately, the standard branching rules used in branch and bound for integer programming interfere with the structure of the column generation routine; therefore, most such algorithms employ alternate branching rules to circumvent this difficulty. This paper shows how a zero-suppressed binary decision diagram can be used to solve the pricing problem in a branch-and-price algorithm for the graph coloring problem, even in the presence of constraints imposed by branching decisions. This approach facilitates a much more direct solution method and can improve convergence of the column generation subroutine.
Producción de nuevas «naturalezas urbanas» y sus consecuencias sobre el consumo de agua en Alicante
Authors: Larrabeiti Rodríguez Juan Jesús
Published: January 2016

Partiendo de conceptos y teorías sobre la naturaleza de lo urbano y los procesos de crecimiento y cambio de las ciudades, el presente trabajo indaga sobre los efectos transformadores del último «boom» inmobiliario (1996-2010) en la ciudad de Alicante y sus consecuencias en la gestión y consumo de agua.