bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Feature Tracking and Similarity Estimation in Time‐Dependent Scalar Fields
Authors: Saikia H. , Weinkauf T.
Published: July 2017

We present an algorithm for tracking regions in time‐dependent scalar fields that uses global knowledge from all time steps for determining the tracks. The regions are defined using merge trees, thereby representing a hierarchical segmentation of the data in each time step. The similarity of regions of two consecutive time steps is measured using their volumetric overlap and a histogram difference. The main ingredient of our method is a directed acyclic graph that records all relevant similarity information as follows: the regions of all time steps are the nodes of the graph, the edges represent possible short feature tracks between consecutive time steps, and the edge weights are given by the similarity of the connected regions. We compute a feature track as the global solution of a shortest path problem in the graph. We use these results to steer the – to the best of our knowledge – first algorithm for spatio‐temporal feature similarity estimation. Our algorithm works for 2D and 3D time‐dependent scalar fields. We compare our results to previous work, showcase its robustness to noise, and exemplify its utility using several real‐world data sets.
Sliceplorer: 1D slices for multi‐dimensional continuous functions
Authors: Torsney‐Weir T. , Sedlmair M. , Möller T.
Published: July 2017

Multi‐dimensional continuous functions are commonly visualized with 2D slices or topological views. Here, we explore 1D slices as an alternative approach to show such functions. Our goal with 1D slices is to combine the benefits of topological views, that is, screen space efficiency, with those of slices, that is a close resemblance of the underlying function. We compare 1D slices to 2D slices and topological views, first, by looking at their performance with respect to common function analysis tasks. We also demonstrate 3 usage scenarios: the 2D sinc function, neural network regression, and optimization traces. Based on this evaluation, we characterize the advantages and drawbacks of each of these approaches, and show how interaction can be used to overcome some of the shortcomings.
Dynamic Scene Graph: Enabling Scaling, Positioning, and Navigation in the Universe
Authors: Axelsson Emil , Costa Jonathas , Silva Cláudio , Emmart Carter , Bock Alexander , Ynnerman Anders
Published: July 2017

In this work, we address the challenge of seamlessly visualizing astronomical data exhibiting huge scale differences in distance, size, and resolution. One of the difficulties is accurate, fast, and dynamic positioning and navigation to enable scaling over orders of magnitude, far beyond the precision of floating point arithmetic. To this end we propose a method that utilizes a dynamically assigned frame of reference to provide the highest possible numerical precision for all salient objects in a scene graph. This makes it possible to smoothly navigate and interactively render, for example, surface structures on Mars and the Milky Way simultaneously. Our work is based on an analysis of tracking and quantification of the propagation of precision errors through the computer graphics pipeline using interval arithmetic. Furthermore, we identify sources of precision degradation, leading to incorrect object positions in screen‐space and z‐fighting. Our proposed method operates without near and far planes while maintaining high depth precision through the use of floating point depth buffers. By providing interoperability with order‐independent transparency algorithms, direct volume rendering, and stereoscopy, our approach is well suited for scientific visualization. We provide the mathematical background, a thorough description of the method, and a reference implementation.
State of the Art in Edge and Trail Bundling Techniques
Authors: Lhuillier A. , Hurter C. , Telea A.
Published: July 2017

Bundling techniques provide a visual simplification of a graph drawing or trail set, by spatially grouping similar graph edges or trails. This way, the structure of the visualization becomes simpler and thereby easier to comprehend in terms of assessing relations that are encoded by such paths, such as finding groups of strongly interrelated nodes in a graph, finding connections between spatial regions on a map linked by a number of vehicle trails, or discerning the motion structure of a set of objects by analyzing their paths. In this state of the art report, we aim to improve the understanding of graph and trail bundling via the following main contributions. First, we propose a data‐based taxonomy that organizes bundling methods on the type of data they work on (graphs vs trails, which we refer to as paths). Based on a formal definition of path bundling, we propose a generic framework that describes the typical steps of all bundling algorithms in terms of high‐level operations and show how existing method classes implement these steps. Next, we propose a description of tasks that bundling aims to address. Finally, we provide a wide set of example applications of bundling techniques and relate these to the above‐mentioned taxonomies. Through these contributions, we aim to help both researchers and users to understand the bundling landscape as well as its technicalities.
STAR: Visual Computing in Materials Science
Authors: Heinzl C. , Stappen S.
Published: July 2017

Visual computing has become highly attractive for boosting research endeavors in the materials science domain. Using visual computing, a multitude of different phenomena may now be studied, at various scales, dimensions, or using different modalities. This was simply impossible before. Visual computing techniques provide novel insights in order to understand complex material systems of interest, which is demonstrated by strongly rising number of new approaches, publishing new techniques for materials analysis and simulation.

Outlining the proximity of materials science and visual computing, this state of the art report focuses on the intersection of both domains in order to guide research endeavors in this field. We provide a systematic survey on the close interrelations of both fields as well as how they profit from each other. Analyzing the existing body of literature, we review the domain of visual computing supported materials science, starting with the definition of materials science as well as material systems for which visual computing is frequently used. Major tasks for visual computing, visual analysis and visualization in materials sciences are identified, as well as simulation and testing techniques, which are providing the data for the respective analyses. We reviewed the input data characteristics and the direct and derived outputs, the visualization techniques and visual metaphors used, as well as the interactions and analysis workflows employed. All our findings are finally integrated in a cumulative matrix, giving insights about the different interrelations of both domains. We conclude our report with the identification of open high level and low level challenges for future research.
Going rogue
Authors: Brower Andrew V. Z.
Published: July 2017

The problem of ‘rogue taxa’ explored by Buenaventura et al. (2017, Cladistics 33: 109–133) is due to complementary patterns of missing data in their matrix, which are evident from perusal of their supplementary table S1.
Does Secretory Clearance Follow Glomerular Filtration Rate in Chronic Kidney Diseases? Reconsidering the Intact Nephron Hypothesis
Authors: Chapron A , Shen DD , Kestenbaum BR , Robinson‐Cohen C , Himmelfarb J , Yeung CK
Published: July 2017

Drug‐dose modification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) utilizes glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with the implicit assumption that multiple renal excretory processes decline in parallel as CKD progresses. We compiled published pharmacokinetic data to evaluate if GFR predicts renal clearance changes as a function of CKD severity. For each drug, we calculated ratio of renal clearance to filtration clearance (Rnf). Of 21 drugs with Rnf >0.74 in subjects with GFR >90 mL/min (implying filtration and secretion), 13 displayed significant change in Rnf vs. GFR (slope of linear regression statistically different from zero), which indicates failure of GFR to predict changes in secretory clearance. The dependence was positive (n = 3; group A) or negative (n = 10; group B). Eight drugs showed no correlation (group C). Investigated drugs were small molecules, mostly hydrophilic, and ionizable, with some characterized as renal transporter substrates. In conclusion, dosing adjustments in CKD require refinement; in addition to GFR, biomarkers of tubular function are needed for secreted drugs.
Metastatic sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma manifesting as a subcutaneous soft tissue mass
Authors: Logunova Valentina , Sokumbi Olayemi , Iczkowski Kenneth A.
Published: July 2017

Metastases from visceral malignancies to subcutaneous soft tissues are relatively rare and their diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion. It is even more challenging if a metastatic lesion shows non‐specific high‐grade spindle cell morphology overlapping with various primary cutaneous and soft tissue tumors. We describe a unique case of subcutaneous metastasis of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma which was the first manifestation of the occult malignancy. The patient had a history of lipomas and dysplastic nevi and presented with an upper back mass. The mass, located superficially within the subcutis, was composed of atypical spindle cells arranged in a storiform pattern. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were strongly diffusely positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and vimentin and negative for Melan‐A, S‐100 protein, SOX10, melanoma cocktail, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), p63, CK7, CK18, CK20, smooth muscle actin (SMA), desmin, CD34, TTF‐1, CD21, CD99 and bcl‐2. Scattered tumor cells were positive for MDM2 immunostain, but MDM2 amplification was not detected using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Co‐expression of cytokeratin and vimentin by the tumor raised the possibility of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and positivity of the tumor for PAX8 supported this hypothesis. A large renal mass was detected radiologically and the subsequent nephrectomy specimen showed high‐grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid features.
Passive Conformism in Academia: Saudi Organization, Education, and Technology
Authors: Al Lily Abdulrahman Essa , Alhazmi Ahmed Ali
Published: July 2017

Academia is expected to act as a cognitive arena in which members intellectually challenge one another, problematize social structures, and destabilize dominant ideologies. It is, supposedly, a cognitively unstable environment wherein intellectualism pushes social boundaries and acts as an agent for social change. It is a training camp wherein people come to be trained in the practice of critical thinking. Hence, one would imagine that academia would be the last place to find passive conformism. However, does this image reflect reality? Having interviewed four groups of 50 students, 47 academics, and 28 support staff in three Saudi universities, passive conformism (be it unethical, managerial, or in the form of logistical conformism) appears to be a necessity in Saudi academia. This suggests that, although academia acts as an authority in regard to critical thinking, it may not internalize this philosophy or expose its own organizational activities to such thinking. Passive conformism in Saudi academic organizations is enhanced by wider Saudi culture which promotes conformism among its citizens and directs every aspect of public and private lives, including the lives of its academic organizations. A theoretical proposition could be therefore that passive conformism in a society could be transmitted to its organizations.
Firms’ Choice of Financiers in M&A Deals: The Value of Bank‐Firm Relationships
Authors: Pantjes Rik , Tümer‐Alkan Günseli
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we investigate the link between the financing of mergers and acquisitions deals and existing bank‐firm relationships by using a unique dataset consisting of forty M&A deals in the Netherlands from 2004 to 2012. The dataset allows us to identify the existing relationship lender to the firm and the offers received from different banks to finance the deal. The results indicate that the existing bank relationship is the most important factor for a firm when choosing the financier of the deal. As expected, loan price, fee and loan size determine the choice too. The existing relationship continues to be valuable during the crisis, however, other deal specific factors start to matter as well. Finally, when switching between banks firms make their decisions depending on the cost level, value of collateral and loan size. Overall, the results point to the value of bank‐firm relationships even though the borrowers may be relying too much on the old relationship bank.
Outcomes of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria with or without aplastic anemia
Authors: Lee Sung‐Eun , Park Sung Soo , Jeon Young‐Woo , Yoon Jae‐Ho , Cho Byung‐Sik , Eom Ki‐Sung , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Lee Seok , Min Chang‐Ki , Kim Hee‐Je , Cho Seok‐Goo , Kim Dong‐Wook , Min Woo‐Sung , Lee Jong Wook
Published: July 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term outcomes of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) with or without aplastic anemia (AA).

Method

A total of 33 patients withPNHclones who underwent allogeneicSCTwere analyzed.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 57 months (range, 6.0‐151.3), the 5‐year estimated overall survival rate was 87.9±5.7%. Four patients died of transplant‐related mortality (TRM). With the exception of one patient with earlyTRM, 32 patients were engrafted. Two patients who had developed delayed GF received a second transplant and recovered. The cumulative incidences of acute graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) (≥gradeII) and chronicGVHD(≥moderate) were 27.3±7.9% and 18.7±7.0%, respectively. Twenty‐one patients receivingSCTwith reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) had available follow‐up data forPNHcell population for the first 6 months post‐transplant. Analysis of these data revealed that thePNHclones disappeared within approximately 2 months.

Conclusion

RICregimen was sufficient to eradicatePNHclones with sustained donor‐type engraftment after allogeneicSCT. Therefore, application of allogeneicSCTwithRICshould be considered in patients withPNH, in accordance with the severity of the underlying bone marrow failure.
Multidate, multisensor remote sensing reveals high density of carbon‐rich mountain peatlands in the páramo of Ecuador
Authors: Hribljan John A. , Suarez Esteban , Bourgeau‐Chavez Laura , Endres Sarah , Lilleskov Erik A. , Chimbolema Segundo , Wayson Craig , Serocki Eleanor , Chimner Rodney A.
Published: July 2017

Tropical peatlands store a significant portion of the global soil carbon (C) pool. However, tropical mountain peatlands contain extensive peat soils that have yet to be mapped or included in global C estimates. This lack of data hinders our ability to inform policy and apply sustainable management practices to these peatlands that are experiencing unprecedented high rates of land use and land cover change. Rapid large‐scale mapping activities are urgently needed to quantify tropical wetland extent and rate of degradation. We tested a combination of multidate, multisensor radar and optical imagery (Landsat TM/PALSAR/RADARSAT‐1/TPI image stack) for detecting peatlands in a 2715 km2 area in the high elevation mountains of the Ecuadorian páramo. The map was combined with an extensive soil coring data set to produce the first estimate of regional peatland soil C storage in the páramo. Our map displayed a high coverage of peatlands (614 km2) containing an estimated 128.2 ± 9.1 Tg of peatland belowground soil C within the mapping area. Scaling‐up to the country level, páramo peatlands likely represent less than 1% of the total land area of Ecuador but could contain as much as ~23% of the above‐ and belowground vegetation C stocks in Ecuadorian forests. These mapping approaches provide an essential methodological improvement applicable to mountain peatlands across the globe, facilitating mapping efforts in support of effective policy and sustainable management, including national and global C accounting and C management efforts.
Evaluation of the accuracy of nine electronic apex locators by using Micro‐CT
Authors: Connert T. , Judenhofer M. S. , Hülber‐J M. , Schell S. , Mannheim J. G. , Pichler B. J. , Löst C. , ElAyouti A.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To determine the accuracy of locating the apical constriction using apex locators.

Methodology

Extracted teeth were micro‐CT scanned preoperatively to localize the apical constriction. Electronic length measurements of 91 root canals were made using nine electronic apex locators (EAL) connected to a mounting model. Distances from the major foramen were recorded at each scale bar of the EALs, and a file was fixed in the canal at a position indicated by each EAL to be the apical constriction. A second micro‐CT scan was conducted, and distances from the file tip to constriction and major foramen were calculated for each EAL. The accuracy of EALs was determined with a tolerance of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mm, and the 95% confidence interval was used to compare the EALs. A rank analysis was performed in which measurements beyond the major foramen were considered as inaccurate.

Results

Regardless of the type of teeth, there was no significant difference in the accuracy of determining the apical constriction and major foramen between the nine EALs within a tolerance of ±0.5 mm and 1 mm, but there was a significant difference for the tolerances of ±0.1 and 0.25 mm. The highest ranks close to the constriction (98% and 94%) and to the major foramen (86% and 73%) were observed in Dentaport ZX and Elements Diagnostic Unit, respectively. Overestimation of working length beyond the major foramen was observed in all EALs (5% to 71%) when the scale for the major foramen, as recommended by the manufacturers, was used. However, when the scale for the constriction was used, only 3% of the measurements were beyond the major foramen.

Conclusion

Electronic apex locators were able to determine the apical constriction. Using EALs to determine the major foramen led to overestimation of the working length. Therefore, it may be recommended to use the EAL scale of the constriction.
Reticulocyte count and extended reticulocyte parameters by Mindray BC‐6800: Reference intervals and comparison with Sysmex XE‐5000
Authors: Buttarello M. , Rauli A. , Mezzapelle G.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

In this study, analytic performance (imprecision, carryover, time stability) and diagnostic efficiency of Mindray BC‐6800 analyzer to quantify reticulocytes and extended reticulocyte parameters was evaluated. Moreover, reference intervals on adult population were determined. Results were compared with those obtained by Sysmex XE‐5000 analyzer.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐four healthy adults of both sexes, and 368 subjects affected by various pathologic conditions (nutritional anemias before and after treatment, hemolytic and posthemorragic anemias, acute and chronic inflammations, malignancy under therapy, and beta thalassemia trait) were selected.

Results

Reference intervals were as follows: reticulocytes (×109/L): 23.2‐93.2; immature reticulocyte fraction: 0.015‐0.14; mean reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RHE) (pg): 30.9‐35.7; mean reticulocyte volume (fL): 97.8‐118. Imprecision on reticulocyte count at all concentrations was close to analytic goal based on within‐subject biological variation. Carryover (2.3%) was negligible, and time‐stability was excellent up to 8 hours.

Conclusion

When compared with XE‐5000, BC‐6800 shows a good overall correlation on counting despite evidence of difference in the upper limit of reference intervals (93.2 vs 101.3). Comparison of diagnostic efficiency of extended parameters shows a good total agreement of RHE (91.6%).
How the Criteria for Joining the European Union Affect Public Opinion: The Case of Equal Pay between Women and Men in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Page Douglas
Published: July 2017

Existing studies suggest that normative commitments to the European Union's gender equality standards remain weak in states applying for EU membership, and that citizens are unresponsive to information the EU provides. However, these studies do not gauge public support for women's rights when they are addressed as an EU issue (an EU frame). In an original experimental survey of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I examine the effect of EU framing on support for equal pay between women and men, and the responsibility assigned to the government for unequal pay. I find that EU frames affect the responsibility assigned to the government. Supporters of independence from the EU assign less responsibility to their government for unequal pay, when equal pay is addressed as an EU issue.
Retrieving overlapping crystals information from TEM nano‐beam electron diffraction patterns
Authors: VALERY A. , RAUCH E.F. , CLÉMENT L. , LORUT F.
Published: July 2017

The diffraction patterns acquired with a transmission electron microscope (TEM) contain Bragg reflections related to all the crystals superimposed in the thin foil and crossed by the electron beam. Regarding TEM‐based orientation and phase characterisation techniques, the nondissociation of these signals is usually considered as the main limitation for the indexation of diffraction patterns. A new method to identify the information related to the distinct but overlapped grains is presented. It consists in subtracting the signature of the dominant crystal before reindexing the diffraction pattern. The method is coupled to the template matching algorithm used in a standard automated crystal orientation mapping tool (ACOM‐TEM). The capabilities of the approach are illustrated with the characterisation of a NiSi thin film stacked on a monocrystalline Si layer. Then, a subtracting‐indexing cycle applied to a 70 nm thick thin foil containing polycrystalline tungsten electrical contacts shows the capability of the technique to recognise small nondominant grains.
Neurosteroidogenesis and progesterone anti‐inflammatory/neuroprotective effects
Authors: De Nicola A. F. , Garay L. I. , Meyer M. , Guennoun R. , Sitruk‐Ware R. , Schumacher M. , Gonzalez Deniselle M. C.
Published: July 2017

Progesterone shows anti‐inflammatory and promyelinating effects in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a commonly used model for multiple sclerosis (MS). Because neurosteroids have been implicated as protective factors for MS and EAE, we analysed the expression of neurosteroidogenic enzymes in the compromised spinal cord of EAE mice. EAE was induced in female C57Bl6 mice, which were then killed on day 16 after induction. Progesterone was given by pellet implantation 1 week before EAE induction. Untreated EAE mice showed decreased mRNAs for the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star), voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC), cholesterol side‐chain cleavage (P450scc), 5α‐reductase, 3α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α‐HSOR) and aromatase, whereas changes of 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) were not significant. mRNA translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) was elevated, concomitantly with a reactive microgliosis. EAE mice also showed abnormal mitochondrial ultrastructure in axons and neuronal bodies, as well as reduced expression of fission and fusion protein mRNAs. Progesterone pretreatment before EAE induction increased Star, VDAC, P450scc, 5α‐reductase type I, 3α‐HSOR and aromatase mRNAs and did not modify 3β‐HSD. TSPO mRNA was decreased, possibly as a result of reversal of microgliosis. Progesterone pretreatment also improved mitochondrial ultrastructure and increased fission/fusion protein mRNAs. These mitochondrial effects may be part of the progesterone recovery of neurosteroidogenesis. The enzymes 3β‐HSD, 3α‐HSOR and 5α‐reductase are also responsible for the formation of androgens. Because MS patients and EAE rodents show changes of central androgen levels, it is likely that, together with progestins and oestrogens, neuroandrogens afford neuroprotection for EAE and MS. The data reviewed suggest that enhanced synthesis of neurosteroids contributes in an auto/paracrine manner to reinforce the neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects of exogenous progesterone given to EAE mice.
Democratic peace as a historical phenomenon
Authors: Kustermans Jorg
Published: July 2017

This essay discusses the democratic peace as a historical phenomenon. The fact of democratic peace, as it is being described and accounted for by democratic peace theory, it first argues, is essentially a historical finding. It depends on the interpretation of past events and emerges from a systematic investigation of these events. But as transpires from the four books that the essay reviews, democratic peace is more than an historical finding. Democratic peace is an historical phenomenon too: a historically situated way of imagining peace that arose in a particular time, in particular historical circumstances, and that shaped up into tangible international practices in the way that it did because it arose in those circumstances. “The absence of war among democracies” describes the historical finding, but it does not suffice as a description of the democratic peace as a historical phenomenon.
Description and identification of two new diseases of guariroba palm (Syagrus oleraceae) in Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Jéssica K. B. , Nanami Danielle S. Y. , Zanutto Carlos A. , Grabicoski Edilaine M. G. , Vida João B. , Bock Clive H. , Nunes William M. C.
Published: July 2017

Guariroba is a palm species native to central Brazil. Seedlings of guariroba with leaf spots of unknown aetiology were found in Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The leaf spots were manifest as two different symptom types: the first lesion type consisted of necrotic spots with a rounded to elongate shape, with a light colour and dark edges; the second lesion type had a rounded shape, was dark brown in colour with a light brown edge. The objective of this study was to elucidate the aetiology of both diseases. The likely causal agents were isolated and Koch's postulate fulfilled. Subsequently, the ITS region of rDNA from both micro‐organisms were amplified and sequenced. According to the morphological characteristics and molecular analyses, the fungal species were identified as Pestalotiopsis adusta (causing necrotic spots with a rounded to elongate shape, with a light colour and dark edges), and Alternaria tenuissima (causing lesions with a rounded shape, dark brown in colour with a light brown edge). Identification of the causal organisms of these two diseases will help guide management approaches that might be tested to reduce impact of the disease on Guariroba, including the use of fungicides and cultural approaches.
Increased Urine Production Due to Leg Fluid Displacement Reduces Hours of Undisturbed Sleep
Authors: KIBA Keisuke , HIRAYAMA Akihide , YOSHIKAWA Motokiyo , YAMAMOTO Yutaka , TORIMOTO Kazumasa , SHIMIZU Nobutaka , TANAKA Nobumichi , FUJIMOTO Kiyohide , UEMURA Hirotsugu
Published: July 2017

Objective

To investigate whether or not the leg fluid displacement observed when moving from the standing to recumbent position at bedtime reduces the hours of undisturbed sleep (HUS).

Methods

Men aged 50 years or older who were hospitalized for urological diseases were investigated. Body water evaluation was performed three times with a bioelectric impedance method: (i) 17:00, (ii) 30 min after (short‐term), and (iii) waking up (long‐term). A frequency volume chart was used to evaluate the status of nocturnal urine production, and the factors affecting HUS were investigated.

Results

A total of 50 patients (mean age: 68 years) were enrolled. Short‐term changes in extracellular fluid (ECF in the legs showed a significant positive correlation with urine production per unit of time at the first nocturnal voiding (UFN/HUS) (r = 0.45, P = 0.01). In the comparison between patients who had <3 HUS vs. those who had ≥3 HUS, the <3 HUS group showed significantly greater short‐term changes in leg fluid volume, night‐time water intake (17:00–06:00), and UFN/HUS. Multivariate analysis to assess the risk factors for <3 HUS indicated UFN/HUS as a risk factor in the overall model, and short‐term changes in leg ECF and night‐time water intake as risk factors in the model that only considered factors before sleep.

Conclusions

Nocturnal leg fluid displacement may increase urine production leading up to first voiding after going to bed, and consequently, induce early awakening after falling asleep.
Adult Onset Nocturnal Enuresis: Identifying Causes, Cofactors and Impact on Quality of Life
Authors: LEE Dominic , DILLON Benjamin E. , LEMACK Gary E.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The objectives of the present study were: (i) Evaluate common co‐pathologies associated with, and potentially contributing to adult onset Nocturnal enuresis (NE) in a tertiary referral population; and (ii) quantify its impact on QoL with validated questionnaires.

Methods

Following Institutional Review Board approval, patients with adult onset NE were reviewed with history, physical examination, urodynamic studies, questionnaires: Overactive bladder questionnaire short‐form (OAB‐qSF), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6), AUA symptom score (AUA‐SS) and Patient Global Impression scale (PGIS).

Results

Between 2004 and 2016, 45 NE patients (19 male, 26 female) were identified. Twenty‐five patients (56%) had an associated diagnosis of neurogenic bladder (NGB). Five (11%) reported no other LUTS or associated conditions. Forty (89%) had at least one of the following contributing factors: sedative use, OAB (bothersome symptoms based on UDI‐6), voiding dysfunction (also based on UDI‐6 or AUA‐SS), abnormal UDS finding, and/or confirmed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Overall, 20% had two contributing factors, and 31% each had three and four factors. Among all patients, 76% reported sedative use and of 36 patients with UDS, 75% had abnormal findings. Of the 41 questionnaire respondents, mean AUA‐SS among men was 22.5 (range 8–35) and mean UDI‐6 score among women was 9.3 (range 2–16). Mean PGI‐S score was 3.1 (range 1–4) and mean Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) subscale, as part of the OAB‐q SF was 44 (range 22–78).

Conclusions

Nocturnal enuresis is associated with multiple possible co‐factors in all populations with majority reporting use of sedating medications. NE is associated with significant symptom bother and impacts greatly on QoL.
Dmrt1 polymorphism and sex‐chromosome differentiation in Rana temporaria
Authors: Rodrigues Nicolas , Studer Tania , Dufresnes Christophe , Ma Wen‐Juan , Veltsos Paris , Perrin Nicolas
Published: July 2017

Sex‐determination mechanisms vary both within and among populations of common frogs, opening opportunities to investigate the molecular pathways and ultimate causes shaping their evolution. We investigated the association between sex‐chromosome differentiation (as assayed from microsatellites) and polymorphism at the candidate sex‐determining gene Dmrt1 in two Alpine populations. Both populations harboured a diversity of X‐linked and Y‐linked Dmrt1 haplotypes. Some males had fixed male‐specific alleles at all markers (“differentiated” Y chromosomes), others only at Dmrt1 (“proto‐” Y chromosomes), while still others were genetically indistinguishable from females (undifferentiated X chromosomes). Besides these XX males, we also found rare XY females. The several Dmrt1 Y haplotypes differed in the probability of association with a differentiated Y chromosome, which we interpret as a result of differences in the masculinizing effects of alleles at the sex‐determining locus. From our results, the polymorphism in sex‐chromosome differentiation and its association with Dmrt1, previously inferred from Swedish populations, are not just idiosyncratic features of peripheral populations, but also characterize highly diverged populations in the central range. This implies that an apparently unstable pattern has been maintained over long evolutionary times.
Effects of intravenous fentanyl around the end of surgery on emergence agitation in children: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Namo , Park Jin Ha , Lee Jong Seok , Choi Taeyang , Kim Min‐Soo
Published: July 2017

Background

Emergence agitation is a serious postoperative problem in children undergoing general anesthesia. The use of fentanyl around the end of surgery has been proposed to prevent emergence agitation. However, the efficacy and disadvantages of this method remain uncertain because previous results have not been consistent, depending on the variable assessed.

Methods

In July 2016, the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and KoreaMed were searched for randomized controlled trials that compared fentanyl (1 μg/kg) and placebo administered around the end of surgery to prevent emergence agitation after general anesthesia in children between birth and 14 years of age. The collected outcomes included the incidence or score of emergence agitation, variables regarding anesthesia recovery, and adverse events (eg, postoperative nausea or vomiting).

Results

A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (718 patients, 357 receiving fentanyl) were included. Fentanyl around the end of surgery significantly decreased emergence agitation incidence (emergence agitation: relative risk 0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.35 to 0.53, I2=0.0%; severe emergence agitation: relative risk 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.31 to 0.81, I2=0.0%). From subgroup analyses, fentanyl at the end of surgery was associated with a prolonged postanesthesia care unit stay and increased postoperative nausea or vomiting incidence (weighted mean difference 6.09, 95% confidence interval 2.77 to 9.41, I2=58.6%; relative risk 2.61, 95% confidence interval 1.58 to 4.33, I2=32.4%), whereas fentanyl at 10‐20 minutes before the end of surgery did not increase postanesthesia care unit stay or postoperative nausea or vomiting risk (weighted mean difference −1.15, 95% confidence interval −5.15 to 2.85, I2=89.0%; relative risk 1.32, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 2.66, I2=0.0%).

Conclusions

The current analyses indicate that fentanyl around the end of surgery reduces the incidence of emergence agitation in children undergoing general anesthesia.
Aetiology of anthracnose on grapevine shoots in Brazil
Authors: Santos R. F. , Ciampi‐Guillardi M. , Amorim L. , Massola N. S. , Spósito M. B.
Published: July 2017

Anthracnose is an important disease in vineyards in south and southeast Brazil, the main grape‐producing regions in the country. This study aimed to identify the causal agents of grapevine anthracnose in Brazil through multilocus phylogenetic analyses, morphological characterization and pathogenicity tests. Thirty‐nine Elsinoë ampelina and 13 Colletotrichum spp. isolates were obtained from leaves, stems and berries with anthracnose symptoms collected in 38 vineyards in southern and southeastern Brazil. For E. ampelina isolates, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), histone H3 (HIS3) and elongation factor 1‐α (TEF) sequences were analysed. HIS3 was the most informative region with 55 polymorphic sites including deletions and substitutions of bases, enabling the grouping of isolates into five haplotypes. Colonies of E. ampelina showed slow growth, variable colouration and a wrinkled texture on potato dextrose agar. Conidia were cylindrical to oblong with rounded ends, hyaline, aseptate, (3.57–) 5.64 (−6.95) μm long and (2.03–) 2.65 (−3.40) μm wide. Seven species of Colletotrichum were identified: C. siamense, C. gloeosporioides, C. fructicola, C. viniferum, C. nymphaeae, C. truncatum and C. cliviae, with a wide variation in colony and conidium morphology. Only E. ampelina caused anthracnose symptoms on leaves, tendrils and stems of Vitis vinifera and V. labrusca. High disease severity and a negative correlation between disease severity and shoot dry weight were observed only when relative humidity was above 95%. In this study, only E. ampelina caused anthracnose symptoms on grapevine shoots in Brazil.
Wildfire Policy in Mediterranean France: How Far is it Efficient and Sustainable?
Authors: Curt Thomas , Frejaville Thibaut
Published: July 2017

A new fire policy reinforcing aggressive fire suppression was established in Mediterranean France in response to the devastating wildfires of the 1990s, but to what extent this has changed fire activity yet remains poorly understood. For this purpose, we compared the number and location of ignitions and of burned areas between two 20‐year periods (1975–1994 vs. 1995–2014), in parallel to the changes in fuel covering, human activity promoting ignitions, and fire weather. The number of fires decreased almost continuously since 1975, but sharply after 1994, suggesting an effect of better fire prevention due to the new policy. But the major change in fire activity is a considerable reduction in fire size and burned areas after 1994, especially during summer and in the most fire‐prone places, in response to massive efforts put into fire suppression. These reductions have occurred while the covering by fuel biomass, the human pressure on ignition, and the fire weather index increased, thus making the study area more hazardous. Our results suggest that a strategy of aggressive fire suppression has great potential for counterbalancing the effects of climate changes and human activities and for controlling fire activity in the short term. However, we discuss whether such a suppression‐oriented approach is sustainable in the context of global changes, which cast new fire challenges as demonstrated by the devastative fires of 2003 and 2016. We advocate for a more comprehensive fire policy to come.
ICT for financial access: Mobile money and the financial behavior of rural households in Uganda
Authors: Munyegera Ggombe Kasim , Matsumoto Tomoya
Published: July 2017

Mobile money usage has expanded tremendously in Uganda, reaching over 40% of the adult population within 8 years of inception. We use data from 820 rural households to examine the effect of this financial innovation on their financial behavior. We find that using mobile money services increases the likelihood of saving, borrowing, and receiving remittances. The corresponding amounts of each service are also significantly higher among mobile money user households relative to their nonuser counterparts. We demonstrate that the mechanism of this impact is a reduction in transaction costs—a combination of transportation fares and service charges—associated with household proximity to mobile money agents. To illustrate the convenience of service proximity, we demonstrate that the household's likelihood and frequency of using mobile money services reduces with the distance to the nearest mobile money agent. This distance variable is then used to instrument for the potentially endogenous mobile money adoption. We finally perform propensity score matching to reinforce the robustness of our results; our results are consistent across all these specifications. The results imply that developing and enhancing access to and usage of pro‐poor financial products could be a first step to achieving greater financial inclusion.
Predictive social perception: Towards a unifying framework from action observation to person knowledge
Authors: Bach Patric , Schenke Kimberley C.
Published: July 2017

Action observation is central to human social interaction. It allows people to derive what mental states drive others' behaviour and coordinate (and compete) effectively with them. Although previous accounts have conceptualised this ability in terms of bottom‐up (motoric or conceptual) matching processes, more recent evidence suggests that such mechanisms cannot account for the complexity and uncertainty of the sensory input, even in cases where computations should be much simpler (i.e., low‐level vision). It has therefore been argued that perception in general, and social perception in particular, is better described as a process of top–down hypothesis testing. In such models, any assumption about others—their goals, attitudes, and beliefs—is translated into predictions of expected sensory input and compared with incoming stimulation. This allows perception and action to be based on these expectations or—in case of a mismatch—for one's prior assumptions to be revised until they are better aligned with the individual's behaviour. This article will give a (selective) review of recent research from experimental psychology and (social) neuroscience that supports such views, discuss the relevant underlying models, and current gaps in research. In particular, it will argue that much headway can be made when current research on predictive social perception is integrated with classic findings from social psychology, which have already shown striking effects of prior knowledge on the processing of other people's behaviour.
Counting Perron numbers by absolute value
Authors: Calegari Frank , Huang Zili
Published: July 2017

We count various classes of algebraic integers of fixed degree by their largest absolute value. The classes of integers considered include all algebraic integers, Perron numbers, totally real integers, and totally complex integers. We give qualitative and quantitative results concerning the distribution of Perron numbers, answering in part a question of Thurston [‘Entropy in dimension one’, to appear in the Proceedings of the Banff Conference on Frontiers in Complex Dynamics].
VHDL Optimized Model of a Multiplier in Finite Fields
Authors: Sandoval-Ruiz Cecilia Esperanza
Published: July 2017

Introduction: This article presents a finite field multiplier (GF) model, studying the generalized architecture of the LFSR component (linear regression displacement records), in order to generate a concurrent description. Concepts of structural analysis, description of parameterized components, and mathematical treatment of signals have been applied. Method: The design was performed by the tabulation of the terms in the variable time function and the position in the circuit, the components of the modular reduction, thus creating an array of combined operations. This model was described in VHDL, for testing behavior and optimization of hardware. Results: The research established the equations for the implementation of the VHDL model in its generic expression with operator concatenation for the hardware configuration. It is estimated that the hardware resources, a level of logical operators, obtained a 7.89% savings in the energy consumption associated with the signal in the multiplier design by the proposed optimization technique. Conclusions: The model simplified the description of parallel circuits, high performance from a mathematical model approach to hardware description. The proposed method contributes to the field of optimization in the efficient modeling of advanced logic systems, which can be extrapolated to more complex components.
In Vitro
Susceptibility of the Relapsing-Fever Spirochete Borrelia miyamotoi to Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Koetsveld Joris , Draga Ronald O. P. , Wagemakers Alex , Manger Annemijn , Oei Anneke , Visser Caroline E. , Hovius Joppe W.
Published: July 2017

Hard-tick-borne relapsing fever (HTBRF) is an emerging infectious disease throughout the temperate zone caused by the relapsing-fever spirochete
Borrelia miyamotoi
. Antibiotic treatment of HTBRF is empirically based on the treatment of Lyme borreliosis; however, the antibiotic susceptibility of
B. miyamotoi
has not been studied to date. Thus, we set out to determine the
in vitro
antimicrobial susceptibility of
B.
miyamotoi
. A microdilution method with 96-well microtiter plates was used to determine the antibiotic susceptibilities of two
B.
miyamotoi
strains isolated on two different continents (Asia and North America), two
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato
strains, and one
Borrelia hermsii
isolate for purposes of comparison. The MIC and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by both microscopy and colorimetric assays. We were able to show that relative to the
B. burgdorferi sensu lato
isolates, both
B.
miyamotoi
strains and
B. hermsii
demonstrated greater susceptibility to doxycycline and azithromycin, equal susceptibility to ceftriaxone, and resistance to amoxicillin
in vitro
. The MIC and MBC of amoxicillin for
B. miyamotoi
evaluated by microscopy were 16 to 32 mg/liter and 32 to 128 mg/liter, respectively. Since
B. miyamotoi
is susceptible to doxycycline, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone
in vitro
, our data suggest that these antibiotics can be used for the treatment of HTBRF. Oral amoxicillin is currently used as an alternative for the treatment of HTBRF; however, since we found that the
B. miyamotoi
strains tested were resistant to amoxicillin
in vitro
, this issue warrants further study.
Digital PCR for Detection and Quantification of Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Hennebique Aurélie , Bidart Marie , Jarraud Sophie , Beraud Laëtitia , Schwebel Carole , Maurin Max , Boisset Sandrine
Published: July 2017

The emergence of fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant mutants of
Legionella pneumophila
in infected humans was previously reported using a next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) approach. This finding could explain part of the therapeutic failures observed in legionellosis patients treated with these antibiotics. The aim of this study was to develop digital PCR (dPCR) assays allowing rapid and accurate detection and quantification of these resistant mutants in respiratory samples, especially when the proportion of mutants in a wild-type background is low. We designed three dPCRgyrA assays to detect and differentiate the wild-type and one of the three
gyrA
mutations previously described as associated with FQ resistance in
L. pneumophila
: at positions 248C→T (T83I), 259G→A (D87N), and 259G→C (D87H). To assess the performance of these assays, mixtures of FQ-resistant and -susceptible strains of
L. pneumophila
were analyzed, and the results were compared with those obtained with Sanger DNA sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) technologies. The dPCRgyrA assays were able to detect mutated
gyrA
sequences in the presence of wild-type sequences at up to 1:1,000 resistant/susceptible allele ratios. By comparison, Sanger DNA sequencing and qPCR were less sensitive, allowing the detection of
gyrA
mutants at up to 1:1 and 1:10 ratios, respectively. When testing 38 respiratory samples from 23 legionellosis patients (69.6% treated with an FQ), dPCRgyrA detected small amounts of
gyrA
mutants in four (10.5%) samples from three (13.0%) patients. These results demonstrate that dPCR is a highly sensitive alternative to quantify FQ resistance in
L. pneumophila
, and it could be used in clinical practice to detect patients that could be at higher risk of therapeutic failure.