bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Galois transformers and modular abstract interpreters: reusable metatheory for program analysis
Authors: Darais David , Might Matthew , Van Horn David
Published: December 2015

The design and implementation of static analyzers has become increasingly systematic. Yet for a given language or analysis feature, it often requires tedious and error prone work to implement an analyzer and prove it sound. In short, static analysis features and their proofs of soundness do not compose well, causing a dearth of reuse in both implementation and metatheory. We solve the problem of systematically constructing static analyzers by introducing Galois transformers: monad transformers that transport Galois connection properties. In concert with a monadic interpreter, we define a library of monad transformers that implement building blocks for classic analysis parameters like context, path, and heap (in)sensitivity. Moreover, these can be composed together independent of the language being analyzed. Significantly, a Galois transformer can be proved sound once and for all, making it a reusable analysis component. As new analysis features and abstractions are developed and mixed in, soundness proofs need not be reconstructed, as the composition of a monad transformer stack is sound by virtue of its constituents. Galois transformers provide a viable foundation for reusable and composable metatheory for program analysis. Finally, these Galois transformers shift the level of abstraction in analysis design and implementation to a level where non-specialists have the ability to synthesize sound analyzers over a number of parameters.
Approximate computation with outlier detection in Topaz
Authors: Achour Sara , Rinard Martin C.
Published: December 2015

We present Topaz, a new task-based language for computations that execute on approximate computing platforms that may occasionally produce arbitrarily inaccurate results. Topaz maps tasks onto the approximate hardware and integrates the generated results into the main computation. To prevent unacceptably inaccurate task results from corrupting the main computation, Topaz deploys a novel outlier detection mechanism that recognizes and precisely reexecutes outlier tasks. Outlier detection enables Topaz to work effectively with approximate hardware platforms that have complex fault characteristics, including platforms with bit pattern dependent faults (in which the presence of faults may depend on values stored in adjacent memory cells). Our experimental results show that, for our set of benchmark applications, outlier detection enables Topaz to deliver acceptably accurate results (less than 1% error) on our target approximate hardware platforms. Depending on the application and the hardware platform, the overall energy savings range from 5 to 13 percent. Without outlier detection, only one of the applications produces acceptably accurate results.
Versatile yet lightweight record-and-replay for Android
Authors: Hu Yongjian , Azim Tanzirul , Neamtiu Iulian
Published: December 2015

Recording and replaying the execution of smartphone apps is useful in a variety of contexts, from reproducing bugs to profiling and testing. Achieving effective record-and-replay is a balancing act between accuracy and overhead. On smartphones, the act is particularly complicated, because smartphone apps receive a high-bandwidth stream of input (e.g., network, GPS, camera, microphone, touchscreen) and concurrency events, but the stream has to be recorded and replayed with minimal overhead, to avoid interfering with app execution. Prior record-and-replay approaches have focused on replaying machine instructions or system calls, which is not a good fit on smartphones. We propose a novel, stream-oriented record-and-replay approach which achieves high-accuracy and low-overhead by aiming at a sweet spot: recording and replaying sensor and network input, event schedules, and inter-app communication via intents. To demonstrate the versatility of our approach, we have constructed a tool named VALERA that supports record-and-replay on the Android platform. VALERA works with apps running directly on the phone, and does not require access to the app source code. Through an evaluation on 50 popular Android apps, we show that: VALERA's replay fidelity far exceeds current record-and-replay approaches for Android; VALERA's precise timing control and low overhead (about 1% for either record or replay) allows it to replay high-throughput, timing-sensitive apps such as video/audio capture and recognition; and VALERA's support for event schedule replay enables the construction of useful analyses, such as reproducing event-driven race bugs.
Ablation of a small subpopulation of diabetes-specific bone marrow-derived cells in mice protects against diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Urabe Hiroshi , Terashima Tomoya , Kojima Hideto , Chan Lawrence
Published: December 2015

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a major diabetic complication. Previously, we showed that hyperglycemia induces the appearance of proinsulin (PI)-producing bone marrow-derived cells (PI-BMDCs), which fuse with dorsal root ganglion neurons, causing apoptosis, nerve dysfunction, and DPN. In this study, we have devised a strategy to ablate PI-BMDCs in mice in vivo. The use of this strategy to selectively ablate TNFα-producing PI-BMDCs in diabetic mice protected these animals from developing DPN. The findings provide powerful validation for a pathogenic role of PI-BMDCs and identify PI-BMDCs as an accessible therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of DPN.
Indoor Decontamination Textiles by Photocatalytic Oxidation: A Review
Authors: Memon Hafeezullah , Yasin Sohail , Ali Khoso Nazakat , Hussain Munir
Published: December 2015

A large number of researches have been made to make the textile intelligent and smarter; this is achieved by imparting functionality to the textile materials. The indoor environment possesses a variety of pollutants which do not come from the outer environment, but they come from the inner environment itself. Today, the smarter fabrics that may clean the indoor air have been studied by various researchers. The smarter fabrics contain the nanocoating of semiconductor oxides, mostly TiO2; thus the synthesis and application of these nanoparticles on the textile material have been reviewed in this paper. Moreover, there are lots of environmental and health issues regarding nanoparticles that have also been discussed in brief.
Enhancement of UV Excited Photoluminescence by Fabry-Perot Microcavity
Authors: Tao Chunxian , Ruan Jun , Liang Dong , Han Zhaoxia , He Liang , Hong Ruijin , Cui Xiao , Zhang Dawei
Published: December 2015

A light-emitting microcavity with the structure of dielectric mirror/phosphor coating/dielectric mirror for the enhancement of PL efficiency excited under UV light was designed and fabricated. The fluorescence emission of Lumogen S0795 coating within microcavity structure is significantly enhanced compared with the coating on bare substrate. The measurement results indicate the possibility of developing front illuminated CCD based on optical resonant cavity for UV-visible imaging with higher sensitivity.
A Comparison of Three Gap Filling Techniques for Eddy Covariance Net Carbon Fluxes in Short Vegetation Ecosystems
Authors: Zhao Xiaosong , Huang Yao
Published: December 2015

Missing data is an inevitable problem when measuring CO2, water, and energy fluxes between biosphere and atmosphere by eddy covariance systems. To find the optimum gap-filling method for short vegetations, we review three-methods mean diurnal variation (MDV), look-up tables (LUT), and nonlinear regression (NLR) for estimating missing values of net ecosystem CO2exchange (NEE) in eddy covariance time series and evaluate their performance for different artificial gap scenarios based on benchmark datasets from marsh and cropland sites in China. The cumulative errors for three methods have no consistent bias trends, which ranged between −30 and +30 mgCO2 m−2from May to October at three sites. To reduce sum bias in maximum, combined gap-filling methods were selected for short vegetation. The NLR or LUT method was selected after plant rapidly increasing in spring and before the end of plant growing, and MDV method was used to the other stage. The sum relative error (SRE) of optimum method ranged between −2 and +4% for four-gap level at three sites, except for 55% gaps at soybean site, which also obviously reduced standard deviation of error.
The MEH‐PPV/YAG:Ce Hybrid Nanocomposite Material for Solution Processing Fabrication of Optoelectronic Device
Authors: Dinh Van Chau , Dinh Van Thuong
Published: December 2015

The fabrication and the property investigation of the hybrid nanocomposite material made of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV) polymer and Y3Al5O12:Ce (YAG:Ce) with the relative weight ratio of 1 : 1 in order to apply for optoelectronic devices are reported. Thermal analysis showed the hybrid material’s deterioration or decomposition when the temperature exceeded 200°C under inert gas atmosphere. Rheological measurement concluded that the material solution can be used for spinning or soft moulding lithography making large‐ or flexible substrate surface. Optical properties of the hybrid material are investigated. The effect of thermal treatment on the optical properties showed that, at 180°C under inert gas environment, the optical properties were enhanced. An MEH‐PPV/YAG:Ce hybrid nanocomposite converted LED lamp was fabricated showing that the hybrid material is suitable as conversion material for white LED fabrication.
Oral Administration of Oleuropein and Its Semisynthetic Peracetylated Derivative Prevents Hepatic Steatosis, Hyperinsulinemia, and Weight Gain in Mice Fed with High Fat Cafeteria Diet
Authors: Lepore Saverio Massimo , Morittu Valeria Maria , Celano Marilena , Trimboli Francesca , Oliverio Manuela , Procopio Antonio , Di Loreto Carla , Damante Giuseppe , Britti Domenico , Bulotta Stefania , Russo Diego
Published: December 2015

The high consumption of olive tree products in the Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower incidence of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, the protective effects of olive oil have been attributed to the presence of polyphenols such as oleuropein (Ole) and its derivatives. We have synthesized a peracetylated derivative of Ole (Ac-Ole) which has shownin vitroantioxidant and growth-inhibitory activity higher than the natural molecule. In this study, male C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice were fed with a standard (std), cafeteria (caf) diet, and caf diet supplemented with Ole (0.037 mmol/kg/day) and Ac-Ole (0.025 mmol/kg/day) for 15 weeks. We observed a significant reduction in the caf diet-induced body weight gain and increase of abdominal adipose tissue. Also, Ole and Ac-Ole prevented the development of hepatic steatosis. Finally, Ole and Ac-Ole determined a lower increase of HDL and LDL-cholesterol levels and corrected caf diet-induced elevation of plasma glucose concentrations by improving insulin sensitivity. The observed beneficial properties of Ole and Ac-Ole make these compounds and in particular Ac-Ole promising candidates for a potential pharmaceutic use in metabolic disorders.
Low-Thrust Transfer Design of Low-Observable Geostationary Earth Orbit Satellite
Authors: Hua Bing , Shao Zhujun
Published: December 2015

With radar and surface-to-air missiles posing an increasing threat to on-orbit spacecraft, low-observable satellites play an important role in low-thrust transfers. This paper presents the design for a low-thrust geostationary earth orbit (GEO) transfer control strategy which takes into consideration the low-observable constraint and discusses Earth shadow and perturbation. A control parameter optimization addresses the orbit transfer problem, and five thrust modes are used. Simulation results show that the method outlined in this paper is simple and feasible and results in reduced transfer time with a small amount of calculation. The method therefore offers a useful reference for low-thrust GEO transfer design.
Repeated Three-Hour Maternal Separation Induces Depression-Like Behavior and Affects the Expression of Hippocampal Plasticity-Related Proteins in C57BL/6N Mice
Authors: Bian Yaoyao , Yang Lili , Wang Zhongli , Wang Qing , Zeng Li , Xu Guihua
Published: December 2015

Adverse early life experiences can negatively affect behaviors later in life. Maternal separation (MS) has been extensively investigated in animal models in the adult phase of MS. The study aimed to explore the mechanism by which MS negatively affects C57BL/6N mice, especially the effects caused by MS in the early phase. Early life adversity especially can alter plasticity functions. To determine whether adverse early life experiences induce changes in plasticity in the brain hippocampus, we established an MS paradigm. In this research, the mice were treated with mild (15 min, MS15) or prolonged (180 min, MS180) maternal separation from postnatal day 2 to postnatal day 21. The mice underwent a forced swimming test, a tail suspension test, and an open field test, respectively. Afterward, the mice were sacrificed on postnatal day 31 to determine the effects of MS on early life stages. Results implied that MS induces depression-like behavior and the effects may be mediated partly by interfering with the hippocampal GSK-3β-CREB signaling pathway and by reducing the levels of some plasticity-related proteins.
Enhanced Classification of Interstitial Lung Disease Patterns in HRCT Images Using Differential Lacunarity
Authors: Vasconcelos Verónica , Barroso João , Marques Luis , Silvestre Silva José
Published: December 2015

The analysis and interpretation of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images of the chest in the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a time-consuming task which requires experience. In this paper, a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) scheme is proposed to assist radiologists in the differentiation of lung patterns associated with ILD and healthy lung parenchyma. Regions of interest were described by a set of texture attributes extracted using differential lacunarity (DLac) and classical methods of statistical texture analysis. The proposed strategy to compute DLac allowed a multiscale texture analysis, while maintaining sensitivity to small details. Support Vector Machines were employed to distinguish between lung patterns. Training and model selection were performed over a stratified 10-fold cross-validation (CV). Dimensional reduction was made based on stepwise regression (F-test,pvalue < 0.01) during CV. An accuracy of 95.8 ± 2.2% in the differentiation of normal lung pattern from ILD patterns and an overall accuracy of 94.5 ± 2.1% in a multiclass scenario revealed the potential of the proposed CAD in clinical practice. Experimental results showed that the performance of the CAD was improved by combining multiscale DLac with classical statistical texture analysis.
Assessment of Some Heavy Metals Pollution and Bioavailability in Roadside Soil of Alexandria-Marsa Matruh Highway, Egypt
Authors: Elnazer Ahmed A. , Salman Salman A. , Seleem Elmontser M. , Abu El Ella Elsayed M.
Published: December 2015

To assess the roadside soils contamination with Pb, Cd, and Zn, 34 soil samples were collected along Alexandria-Marsa Matruh highway, Egypt, and analyzed by using the atomic absorption. The contamination with these metals was evaluated by applying index of geoaccumulation(Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), the single ecological risk index(Ei), and the potential ecological risk index (PERI). The average concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn were 38.2, 2.3, and 43.4 μg/g, respectively.Igeoindicates the pollution of soil with Pb and Cd as opposed to Zn.Eishows that the roadside soils had low risk from Pb and Zn and had considerable to high risk from Cd. Most of the samples (62%) present low PERI risk associated with metal exposure and the rest of the samples (38%) are of moderate PERI. The bioavailable fraction (EDTA-Extract) was 72.5 and 37.5% for Pb and Cd contents, respectively. These results indicate the remarkable effect of vehicular and agricultural activities on Pb and Cd contents in soil.
The Effect of External Gaseous Environments on the Photoluminescence Intensity of Quantum‐Dimensional Composite System
Authors: Danilov V. V. , Khrebtov A. I. , Shtrom I. V. , Cirlin G. E. , Samsonenko Yu B.
Published: December 2015

The luminescence properties of the composite system based on colloidal CdSe/ZnS core shell quantum dots and GaAs nanowires under continuous laser irradiation are investigated. The phenomenon of photoinduced luminescence enhancement under various gaseous environments is shown. In addition to the previously reported mechanisms of the photoluminescence enhancement, a new one which is connected to the quantum dots losses of vibrational energy during the collisions with molecules of external gases is proposed.
Fluid Therapy: Double-Edged Sword during Critical Care?
Authors: Benes Jan , Kirov Mikhail , Kuzkov Vsevolod , Lainscak Mitja , Molnar Zsolt , Voga Gorazd , Monnet Xavier
Published: December 2015

Fluid therapy is still the mainstay of acute care in patients with shock or cardiovascular compromise. However, our understanding of the critically ill pathophysiology has evolved significantly in recent years. The revelation of the glycocalyx layer and subsequent research has redefined the basics of fluids behavior in the circulation. Using less invasive hemodynamic monitoring tools enables us to assess the cardiovascular function in a dynamic perspective. This allows pinpointing even distinct changes induced by treatment, by postural changes, or by interorgan interactions in real time and enables individualized patient management. Regarding fluids as drugs of any other kind led to the need for precise indication, way of administration, and also assessment of side effects. We possess now the evidence that patient centered outcomes may be altered when incorrect time, dose, or type of fluids are administered. In this review, three major features of fluid therapy are discussed: the prediction of fluid responsiveness, potential harms induced by overzealous fluid administration, and finally the problem of protocol-led treatments and their timing.
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Assay for the Simultaneous Determination of Posaconazole and Vincristine in Rat Plasma
Authors: Khalil Hadeel A. , El-Yazbi Ahmed F. , Belal Tarek S. , Hamdy Dalia A.
Published: December 2015

Purpose. Developing a validated HPLC-DAD method for simultaneous determination of posaconazole (PSZ) and vincristine (VCR) in rat plasma.Methods. PSZ, VCR, and itraconazole (ITZ) were extracted from 200 μL plasma using diethyl ether in the presence of 0.1 M sodium hydroxide solution. The organic layer was evaporated in vacuo and dried residue was reconstituted and injected through HC-C18 (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) column. In the mobile phase, acetonitrile and 0.015 M potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (30 : 70 to 80 : 20, linear gradient over 7 minutes) pumped at 1.5 mL/min. VCR and PSZ were measured at 220 and 262 nm, respectively. Two Sprague Dawley rats were orally dosed PSZ followed by iv dosing of VCR and serial blood sampling was performed.Results. VCR, PSZ, and ITZ were successfully separated within 11 min. Calibration curves were linear over the range of 50–5000 ng/mL for both drugs. The CV% and % error of the mean were ≤18% and limit of quantitation was 50 ng/mL for both drugs. Rat plasma concentrations of PSZ and VCR were simultaneously measured up to 72 h and their calculated pharmacokinetics parameters were comparable to the literature.Conclusion.The assay was validated as per ICH guidelines and is appropriate for pharmacokinetics drug-drug interaction studies.
Threshold for the Outbreak of Cascading Failures in Degree-Degree Uncorrelated Networks
Authors: Liu Junbiao , Jin Xinyu , Jiang Lurong , Xia Yongxiang , Ouyang Bo , Dong Fang , Lang Yicong , Zhang Wenping
Published: December 2015

In complex networks, the size of the giant component formed by unfailed nodes is critically important for estimating the robustness of networks against cascading failures. In order to explore the critical moment of cascading failures break-out, we provide a cascade of overload failure model with local load sharing mechanism and then deduce the threshold of node capacity when the large-scale cascading failures happen and unfailed nodes in steady state cannot connect to each other to form a large connected subnetwork. We get the theoretical derivation of this threshold in degree-degree uncorrelated networks and validate the effectiveness of this method in simulation. This threshold provides us with a guidance to improve the network robustness under the premise of limited capacity resource when creating a network and assigning load. Therefore, this threshold is useful and important to analyze the robustness of networks. We believe that our research provides us with a guidance to improve the network robustness under the premise of limited capacity resource.
Two Uncommon Causes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Hepatitis E and Japanese Encephalitis
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Dhrubajyoti , Ganesan Vijayan , Choudhury Cankatika , Kar Suvrendu Sankar , Karmakar Parthasarathi , Choudhary Vivek , Banerjee Prasun , Bhar Debarati , Hajra Adrija , Layek Manas , Mukhopadhyay Sabyasachi
Published: December 2015

We are presenting two cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome where it is preceded by hepatitis E virus (HEV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection, respectively. Our first case is a forty-three-year-old nondiabetic, nonhypertensive female who was initially diagnosed with acute HEV induced viral hepatitis and subsequently developed acute onset ascending quadriparesis with lower motor neuron type of bilateral facial nerve palsies and respiratory failure. Second patient was a 14-year-old young male who presented with meningoencephalitis with acute onset symmetric flaccid paraparesis. After thorough investigations it was revealed as a case of Japanese encephalitis. Our idea of reporting these two cases is to make ourselves aware about this potential complication of these two common infections.
Association of Preoperative Biliary Drainage with Postoperative Morbidity after Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Liu Chang , Lu Jian-Wen , Du Zhao-Qing , Liu Xue-Min , Lv Yi , Zhang Xu-Feng
Published: December 2015

Background. The advantages or disadvantages of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remain unclear.Methods. A prospectively maintained database was queried for 335 consecutive patients undergoing standard PD surgery between 2009 and 2013. Clinical data and postoperative complications of the 47 patients receiving PBD and 288 patients with early surgery were compared. A matching analysis was also performed between patients receiving or not receiving PBD (no-PBD).Results. The indication for PBD was severe obstructive jaundice (81%) and cholangitis (26%) at the time of PBD. 47 PBD patients had higher bilirubin level than 288 no-PBD patients preoperatively (363.2 μmol/L versus 136.0 μmol/L,p<0.001). Although no significant difference of any complications could be observed between the two groups, positive intraoperative bile culture and wound infection seemed to be moderately increased in PBD compared to no-PBD patients (p=0.084and 0.183, resp.). In the matched-pair comparison, the incidence of wound infection was three times higher in PBD than no-PBD patients (14.9% versus 4.3%,p=0.080).Conclusions. PBD seems to moderately increase the risk of postoperative wound and bile duct infection. Therefore, PBD should be selectively performed prior to PD.
The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women: Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial
Authors: Chung Ho Seok , Hwang Insang , Oh Kyung Jin , Lee Mi Na , Park Kwangsung
Published: December 2015

This study investigated whether Korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts could improve sexual function in premenopausal women. Forty-one premenopausal women participated in this placebo-controlled, double-blind, and crossover clinical study with administration of either three ginseng capsules (1 g per capsule) or placebo daily. After 8 weeks of medication of KRG or placebo, medication was changed for the subjects to placebo or KRG after 2 weeks of washout period. The efficacy of KRG extracts was measured by using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).Results. Twenty-three women completed the study. Total FSFI scores increased after KRG treatment (from20.13±2.87to23.98±4.10,p=0.015) and placebo treatment (from20.06±2.64to23.78±3.28,p=0.003). However, this change was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.702). KRG treatment significantly improved sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction domains; however, there was no treatment effect compared with placebo. There was a case of gastric discomfort after taking KRG extracts. Oral administration of KRG extracts improved sexual function in premenopausal women; however, there were no statistical significant changes compared to placebo. It implies that KRG extracts have a substantial placebo effect in premenopausal women with sexual dysfunction.
Effect of Nonstructural Protein 2 Hypervariable Regions in the Replication of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Marc-145 Cells
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Feng-Xue , Wen Yong-Jun , Li Zhen-Guang , Liu Xing , Sun Na , Yang Yong , Zhang Shu-Qin , Zhu Hong-Wei , Cheng Shi-Peng , Wu Hua
Published: December 2015

Background: Highly pathogenic (HP) porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes prolonged high fever, red discoloration of the body, blue ears and a high mortality. Previously, we found that the PRRSV vaccine strain TJM contained a deletion of 120 amino acids (aa 628-747) in nonstructural protein 2 (Nsp2). We aimed to explore the replication features of PRRSV after adding the transiently expressed product of these 120 aa in vitro. Methods: We constructed seven eukaryotic expression plasmids containing different parts of the 120-aa sequence, transfected them into Marc-145 cells and then inoculated the cells with 103 TCID50 TJM per well. We detected virus replication at mRNA and protein level by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively, and determined the virus titer. Results: The transiently expressed 120 aa and one of its truncated polypeptides inhibited PRRSV TJM propagation on Marc-145 cells. The complete 120-aa sequence induced a remarkable decrease in PRRSV replication, causing a reduction in structural protein levels between 36 and 48 h after infection. Additionally, aa 628-727 partly reduced the replication of PRRSV on Marc-145 cells. Conclusions: The 120 aa from Nsp2, especially aa 628-727, play a negative role in PRRSV TJM proliferation.
Umbilical Artery Half-Peak Systolic Velocity Deceleration Time in Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Bustos Juan Carlos , Gonzalez Vivian , Sepulveda Waldo
Published: December 2015

Objective: To study the umbilical artery (UA) half-peak systolic velocity deceleration time (hPSV-DT) in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods: The study included 266 singleton, high-risk pregnancies with an estimated fetal weight <10th percentile, which were examined between 24 and 40 weeks' gestation and delivered within a week from the last ultrasound evaluation. UA hPSV-DT was measured with Doppler ultrasound in the same wave used to measure the pulsatility index. UA hPSV-DT values were correlated with perinatal outcome. Results: UA hPSV-DT <5th percentile was found in 87 and 98% of fetuses with moderate and severe FGR, respectively. 94% of fetuses with a UA hPSV-DT <90 ms had poor perinatal outcome including perinatal death or prolonged admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. None of the fetuses had a UA hPSV-DT <70 ms. Perinatal death occurred in 39 fetuses; UA hPSV-DT was abnormal in all of them, with 95% of these fetuses having values of ≤120 ms. In the group of fetuses with absent/reverse end-diastolic velocity in the UA, the perinatal mortality rate was 51% for those with a UA hPSV-DT ≤90 ms and only 23% for those having a UA hPSV-DT >90 ms (p < 0.01). Conclusions: UA hPSV-DT seems to be a useful technique in the evaluation of pregnancies at risk for FGR and perinatal death. Additionally, hPSV-DT was shown to be a good predictor of perinatal death, with values of <90 ms corresponding to imminent risk of intrauterine demise and values of <70 ms being likely to be incompatible with intrauterine life.
Clinical Trial Risk in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Effects of Drug Class and Inclusion Criteria
Authors: Tam Jeffrey T.Y. , Parker Jayson L. , Anastasopulos Demetri , Balter Meyer S.
Published: December 2015

Background: This study analyzed the risk of clinical trial failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) drug development between 1998 and 2015. We investigated elements that influenced clinical trial risk and factors that could improve outcomes during development. Objectives: This study aims to quantify clinical trial risk for drug development in COPD and factors that affect clinical trial risk. Methods: Drugs that commenced their phase I testing in this indication from 1998 onwards were retrieved from http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Compounds investigated had to have an endpoint relevant to the treatment of COPD and be sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry. These compounds were then analyzed based on their mechanism of action and trial inclusion criteria. Results: A total of 766 trials met our screening criteria representing 116 drugs. Of these, 9 gained approval by the US FDA during our study period. The cumulative success rate for clinical development in COPD was 13.4%. Combination therapies of long-acting β-adrenoceptor agonists (LABA)/long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)/LABA had the highest success rates at 80 and 50%, respectively. The risk-adjusted cost for drug development in COPD was USD 532.4 million. Conclusions: A 13.4% success rate in COPD implies that less than 1 in 7 compounds enrolled into clinical testing would gain FDA approval. LABA/LAMA and ICS/LABA therapies had multiple fold increases in the success rate compared to other drug classes and sizably decreased the risk-adjusted cost of drug development. Moving forward, combination therapies may offer the lowest risk of clinical failure in COPD drug development.
Expressions of Thyroid Transcription Factor-1, Napsin A, p40, p63, CK5/6 and Desmocollin-3 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, as Revealed by Imprint Cytology Using a Malinol-Based Cell-Transfer Technique
Authors: Kawai Toshiaki , Tominaga Susumu , Hiroi Sadayuki , Kameda Koji , Ogata Sho , Nakashima Hiroshi , Ozeki Yuichi , Nakanishi Kuniaki
Published: December 2015

Background: The introduction of new therapies has made it important to differentiate between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. To allow the use of various immunocytochemical stains on limited materials, we tried transferring cells from a given smear to multiple slides. Using touch-preparation samples of 215 surgically resected non-small cell lung carcinomas of confirmed histologic classification (adenocarcinoma,n = 101; squamous cell carcinoma,n = 114), we performed immunocytochemistry for thyroid transcription factor-1, napsin A, p40, p63, CK5/6 and desmocollin-3, and compared cytologic staining results with the corresponding resection. Methods: We examined: (a) the expressions of the above 6 antibodies on cells transferred from touch imprints of resected specimens, the extent of staining being considered positive if more than 5% of the area was stained, and (b) the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for each antibody. Results: The histologic corresponding rate with Papanicolaou staining was only 73%. Regarding the differentiation of adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma, the sensitivity and specificity for napsin A in adenocarcinoma were 80 and 97%, respectively, while those for p40 in squamous cell carcinoma were 84 and 98%, respectively. Conclusion: The immunocytochemical expressions of napsin A and p40 in imprint cytology seem to be of great utility for the accurate histological differentiation of lung cancers.
P-Glycoprotein Polymorphism C3435T Is Associated with Dose-Adjusted Clopidogrel and 2-Oxo-Clopidogrel Concentration
Authors: Stokanovic Dragana , Nikolic Valentina N. , Konstantinovic Sandra S. , Zvezdanovic Jelena B. , Lilic Jelena , Apostolovic Svetlana R. , Pavlovic Milan , Zivkovic Vladimir S. , Jevtovic-Stoimenov Tatjana , Jankovic Slobodan M.
Published: December 2015

Background/Aims: One of the most common polymorphisms of ABCB1 gene, a synonymous mutation C3435T (rs1045642), is associated with increased in vivo activity. The main goal of this study was to determine the association of C3435T polymorphism with clopidogrel and 2-oxo-clopidogrel concentrations in plasma. Methods: The patients were recruited upon acute myocardial infarction diagnosis. They were all tested for ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism. In plasma, drawn 1 h after the drug administration, concentrations of clopidogrel and 2-oxo-clopidogrel were measured using UHPLC-DAD-MS analysis. Results: Due to differences in the maintenance doses, we have calculated the dose-adjusted concentrations of clopidogrel (0.2 ng/ml/mg (0.1-0.4)) and 2-oxo-clopidogrel (2.1 ng/ml/mg (0.5-4.6)). Patients carrying at least one C allele achieved significantly higher serum concentration of clopidogrel (p < 0.001), as well as dose-adjusted clopidogrel (p < 0.001) and 2-oxo-clopidogrel concentrations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The ABCB1 3435CC genotype is associated with increased clopidogrel and 2-oxo-clopidogrel dose-adjusted concentrations. Therefore, the ABCB1 C3435T genotyping should be one of the parameters taken into account when deciding about the dosing regimen of clopidogrel.
Getting the Cocktail Party Started: Masking Effects in Speech Perception
Authors: Evans Samuel , McGettigan Carolyn , Agnew Zarinah K. , Rosen Stuart , Scott Sophie K.
Published: December 2015

Spoken conversations typically take place in noisy environments, and different kinds of masking sounds place differing demands on cognitive resources. Previous studies, examining the modulation of neural activity associated with the properties of competing sounds, have shown that additional speech streams engage the superior temporal gyrus. However, the absence of a condition in which target speech was heard without additional masking made it difficult to identify brain networks specific to masking and to ascertain the extent to which competing speech was processed equivalently to target speech. In this study, we scanned young healthy adults with continuous fMRI, while they listened to stories masked by sounds that differed in their similarity to speech. We show that auditory attention and control networks are activated during attentive listening to masked speech in the absence of an overt behavioral task. We demonstrate that competing speech is processed predominantly in the left hemisphere within the same pathway as target speech but is not treated equivalently within that stream and that individuals who perform better in speech in noise tasks activate the left mid-posterior superior temporal gyrus more. Finally, we identify neural responses associated with the onset of sounds in the auditory environment; activity was found within right lateralized frontal regions consistent with a phasic alerting response. Taken together, these results provide a comprehensive account of the neural processes involved in listening in noise.
Extreme Hatred: Revisiting the Hate Crime and Terrorism Relationship to Determine Whether They Are “Close Cousins” or “Distant Relatives”
Authors: Mills Colleen E. , Freilich Joshua D. , Chermak Steven M.
Published: December 2015

Existing literature demonstrates disagreement over the relationship between hate crime and terrorism with some calling them “close cousins,” whereas others declare them “distant relatives.” We extend previous research by capturing a middle ground between hate crime and terrorism: extremist hate crime. We conduct negative binomial regressions to examine hate crime by non-extremists, fatal hate crime by far-rightists, and terrorism in U.S. counties (1992-2012). Results show that counties experiencing increases in general hate crime, far-right hate crime, and non-right-wing terrorism see associated increases in far-right hate crime, far-right terrorism, and far-right hate crime, respectively. We conclude that hate crime and terrorism may be more akin to close cousins than distant relatives.
Economic effects of labor migration on agricultural production of farm households in the Mekong River Delta region of Vietnam
Authors: Huy Huynh Truong , Nonneman Walter
Published: December 2015

In this article, we analyze the relationship between rural to urban migration and agricultural output in the Mekong River Delta Region of Vietnam. We use a choice-theoretic model to predict the effects of a reduction in farm hands due to migration on agricultural output. Provided remittances are reinvested, the model shows that migration may enhance household agricultural output. Based on a sample of 1,054 households, we estimate a Cobb-Douglas production function using IV. Substantial economies of scale in agricultural production with large capital elasticities suggest that the reduction of farm labor due to migration and the loss in output may be compensated by reinvested remittances. Policies facilitating migration, the flow of remittances, and their use for farm investment may contribute to reduced poverty, increased agricultural output, and reduced income uncertainty.
(Regional and) local economic development themes in contemporary South African Cities
Authors: Houghton Jennifer
Published: December 2015

Local economic development has played a significant role in South African cities as an approach to achieve economic upliftment in the democratic era. Although there have been critiques of this approach in the light of project failures and the neoliberal positionality of local economic development, South African cities continue to pursue the strategy and city policy formulation currently includes a direct focus on local economic development within their long-term development strategies. Despite a sense of the need to explore new lines of development, there is apparent continuity in terms of the pursuit of what have become traditional local economic development interventions in many of the country's cities. While this study highlights the evidence of the continuation of these trends in current urban economic development strategies, a closer examination of emergent local economic development practice in Durban points towards areas in which shifts in the practice of local economic development in South African cities are beginning to take place.
Software-based on-site estimation of fractional flow reserve using standard coronary CT angiography data
Authors: De Geer Jakob , Sandstedt Mårten , Björkholm Anders , Alfredsson Joakim , Janzon Magnus , Engvall Jan , Persson Anders
Published: December 2015

Background

The significance of a coronary stenosis can be determined by measuring the fractional flow reserve (FFR) during invasive coronary angiography. Recently, methods have been developed which claim to be able to estimate FFR using image data from standard coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) exams.

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of non-invasively computed fractional flow reserve (cFFR) from CCTA.

Material and Methods

A total of 23 vessels in 21 patients who had undergone both CCTA and invasive angiography with FFR measurement were evaluated using a cFFR software prototype. The cFFR results were compared to the invasively obtained FFR values. Correlation was calculated using Spearman’s rank correlation, and agreement using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value for significant stenosis (defined as both FFR ≤0.80 and FFR ≤0.75) were calculated.

Results

The mean cFFR value for the whole group was 0.81 and the corresponding mean invFFR value was 0.84. The cFFR sensitivity for significant stenosis (FFR ≤0.80/0.75) on a per-lesion basis was 0.83/0.80, specificity was 0.76/0.89, and accuracy 0.78/0.87. The positive predictive value was 0.56/0.67 and the negative predictive value was 0.93/0.94. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was ρ = 0.77 ( P < 0.001) and ICC = 0.73 ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This particular CCTA-based cFFR software prototype allows for a rapid, non-invasive on-site evaluation of cFFR. The results are encouraging and cFFR may in the future be of help in the triage to invasive coronary angiography.
Effect of Attention on the Initiation of Binocular Rivalry
Authors: Jung Yaelan , Kang Min-Suk , Chong Sang Chul
Published: December 2015

Recent studies suggest that attention is necessary for perceptual alternations in binocular rivalry. It has been shown that attention plays a role in not only accelerating but also even enabling perceptual fluctuation in ongoing phase of binocular rivalry. In this study, we tested whether attention also plays a role in suppressing a rival stimulus in its initial phases by measuring proportions of mixed dominance. We hypothesized that when attention is directed toward the location of rival stimuli prior to their presentation, the proportion of mixed dominance is lower than when attention is directed away from that location because of attentional facilitation. However, we found that the proportion of mixed dominance did not differ depending on the locus of attention, although we adopted well-established experimental paradigms for manipulating spatial attention. This result suggests that attention is not a determining factor in establishing initial perceptual dominance in binocular rivalry.
Abandoned pasts, disappearing futures: Further reflections on multiple temporalities in studying non-governmental organisation worlds
Authors: Lewis David
Published: December 2015

This paper briefly draws together ideas from the work presented by other contributors to this special issue and outlines some additional themes particularly in relation to non-governmental organisations, temporalities and changing frames of ‘development’. A focus on multiple temporalities invites us to explore understandings of how time is and how time is experienced. Brief suggestive comments are offered in relation to time and temporalities at different scales within the field of development in which non-governmental organisations are located – the individual, the organisation and within wider policy processes. For the development non-governmental organisation, perhaps both the past and the future have become sources of anxiety. The past is experienced in the world of development practice as a murky place where failures can be hidden, where there is an unwillingness to learn lessons, but where glimmers of an idealised past can sometimes be discerned and on occasion, lamented. The future is a place that is promised, and on which present activities are premised, but which never arrives.
Temporal circuits and social triage in a Papua New Guinean Clinic
Authors: Andersen Barbara
Published: December 2015

This article examines how the temporalities generated by the “NGOization” of public health can lead to exclusionary forms of social and clinical triage. Through an ethnographic case study of a public–nongovernmental organization partnership HIV/STI clinic in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, I discuss how ideas about the nature of nongovernmental institutions – as different from the long-established “government” and “church”/“mission” services – influence health workers’ triage practices. By contextualizing this case study within broader ideological and material transformations in Papua New Guinea, I show how “NGO time” interfaces with other forms of temporality. I argue that local ideas about what nongovernmental organizations are, where they come from, and to whom they are accountable are essential to understanding how “NGO time” might lead to exclusionary practices. More broadly, I suggest that an ethnographic approach to the “nongovernmental” must first consider the local specificity of “government” as a cultural object.
Repeated exponential sine sweeps for the autonomous estimation of nonlinearities and bootstrap assessment of uncertainties
Authors: Rébillat M , Ege K , Gallo M , Antoni J
Published: December 2015

Measurements on vibrating structures has been a topic of interest for decades. Vibrating structures are however generally assumed to behave linearly and in a noise-free environment, which is not the case in practice. This paper provides a methodology that allows for the autonomous estimation of nonlinearities and assessment of uncertainties by bootstrap on a given vibrating structure. Nonlinearities are estimated by means of a block-oriented nonlinear model approach based on parallel Hammerstein models and on exponential sine sweeps. Estimation uncertainties are simultaneously assessed using repetitions of the input signal (multi-sine sweeps) as the input of a bootstrap procedure. Mathematical foundations and a practical implementation of the method are discussed using an experimental example. The experiment chosen here consists in exciting a steel plate under various boundary conditions with exponential sine sweeps and at different levels in order to assess the evolution of nonlinearities and uncertainties over a wide range of frequencies and input amplitudes.
Investigation on stall inception of axial compressor under inlet rotating distortion
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Hou Anping
Published: December 2015

This paper applies a numerical approach to improve the understanding of reaction to various inflow conditions for the compressor system and the mechanism of stall inception under rotating inflow distortions. Full annulus, unsteady, three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics has been used to simulate an axial low-speed compressor operating under rotating distorted inflow conditions. The development of the flow through the rotor is then explained in terms of the redistribution of the flow field and the process of stall inception. The results suggest that the increased flow incidence close to the tip region under co-rotating inflow distortion plays an important role on the stall inception process. The presence of a strong modal wave is observed under co-rotating inflow distortions. This leads to a significant impact on the loss of stall margin, as compared with other distorted inflow conditions. There is a significant peak in the flow coefficient at stall for co-rotating inlet distortion. It can be interpreted as a resonant behavior of the compressor under a strong interaction between the flow field and inlet distortion. It indicates that the stall inception is triggered by the perturbation of the rotating distorted inflow through the long length scale disturbances.