bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gadolinium Retention and Clearance in the Diabetic Brain after Administrations of Gadodiamide, Gadopentetate Dimeglumine, and Gadoterate Meglumine in a Rat Model
Authors: Wang Shu-ting , Hua Zheng-xu , Fan Dong-xiao , Zhang Xin , Ren Ke
Published: May 2019

Purpose. To evaluate gadolinium (Gd) retention and clearance in the brain of diabetic rats after administrations of gadodiamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine, and gadoterate meglumine. Materials and Methods. Both diabetic rats (n = 52) and normal rats (n = 52) intravenously received 20 injections of 0.6 mmol Gd/kg gadodiamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine, gadoterate meglumine, or saline. Both diabetic rats and normal rats were divided into 2 subgroups of 24 and 28 rats for the 7-day and 42-day evaluations (i.e., they were sacrificed at 7 days (n = 6 per group) and 42 days (n = 7 per group)), respectively, after the last injection. For the 7-day subgroup, 6 rats were euthanized for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. For the 42-day subgroup, 6 rats underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ICP-MS, and 1 rat was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results. The T1 enhancements in the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCNs) of diabetic rats were lower than those of normal rats in both linear Gd-based contrast agent (GBCA) groups (p < 0.05). The average Gd concentrations in the brains of diabetic rats were significantly lower than those of healthy rats in both the short-term groups and long-term groups (p < 0.05). The highest Gd retentions were in the olfactory bulb, DCN, and striatum with gadodiamide. Compared with the results obtained 7 days after the last injection, the residual Gd concentrations of the 42-day subgroups in the brains of diabetic rats showed no significant difference in both linear GBCA groups (p>0.05). Conclusions. Compared with normal rats, the diabetic status decreased the residual Gd concentrations in the brain after multiple administrations of gadodiamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine, and gadoterate meglumine. The clearable fraction of Gd in the brain was eliminated faster in diabetic rats than in normal rats.
An Outranking Multicriteria Method for Nominal Classification Problems with Minimum Performance Profiles
Authors: Silva Maisa M. , Gusmão Ana Paula H. de , Costa Ana Paula C. S.
Published: May 2019

In recent years, nominal classification problems have gained importance, especially in the context of strategic management of organizations. In this sense, this paper presents a novel multicriteria nominal classification method, derived from the concepts of PROMETHEE, applied to use in problems characterized by minimum performance profiles (MMP) for the classes. The main advantages of this proposal are criterion and alternative flexibility for classes; robustness, because it uses the concepts of a well‐known method (PROMETHEE); and usefulness, because many real situations are characterized by MMP for the classes. Moreover, a real‐world example is presented: a retailer’s assignment in a bank, showing the applicability of the method. The proposal of a new multicriteria nominal classification method emerges from a need to devise a more flexible and realistic procedure for characterizing classes because the feature of criterion and alternative flexibility for classes has not been addressed in any extant multicriteria nominal classification procedure. The present proposal thereby endeavors to address this deficit in the multicriteria field.
Stability and Stabilization for Polytopic LPV Systems with Parameter‐Varying Time Delays
Authors: Chen Fu , Kang Shugui , Li Fangyuan
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we deal with the problem of stability and stabilization for linear parameter‐varying (LPV) systems with time‐varying time delays. The uncertain parameters are assumed to reside in a polytope with bounded variation rates. Being main difference from the existing achievements, the representation of the time derivative of the time‐varying parameter is under a polytopic structure. Based on the new representation, delay‐dependent sufficient conditions of stability and stabilization are, respectively, formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMI). Simulation examples are then provided to confirm the effectiveness of the given approach.
Integrated Guidance and Control for Hypersonic Morphing Missile Based on Variable Span Auxiliary Control
Authors: Bao Cunyu , Wang Peng , Tang Guojian
Published: May 2019

The morphing aircraft can improve the flight performance of hypersonic vehicles by satisfying the flight requirements of large airspace and large velocity field. In this paper, for the hypersonic variable span missile, the dynamic model and aerodynamic model are established on the variable span characteristic. The adaptive dynamic surface control back-stepping method is used to establish the integrated guidance and control (IGC) with terminal angular constraint in the dive phase of the hypersonic variable span missile. The span variety is used to assist the lift control to achieve fast and stable control for the centroid motion. The simulation results demonstrate that the feasibility and robustness of the IGC method of the hypersonic variable span missile is better than the invariable span.
Iterative Methods for Computing the Resolvent of the Sum of a Maximal Monotone Operator and Composite Operator with Applications
Authors: Chen Bao , Tang Yuchao
Published: May 2019

Total variation image denoising models have received considerable attention in the last two decades. To solve constrained total variation image denoising problems, we utilize the computation of a resolvent operator, which consists of a maximal monotone operator and a composite operator. More precisely, the composite operator consists of a maximal monotone operator and a bounded linear operator. Based on recent work, in this paper we propose a fixed‐point approach for computing this resolvent operator. Under mild conditions on the iterative parameters, we prove strong convergence of the iterative sequence, which is based on the classical Krasnoselskii–Mann algorithm in general Hilbert spaces. As a direct application, we obtain an effective iterative algorithm for solving the proximity operator of the sum of two convex functions, one of which is the composition of a convex function with a linear transformation. Numerical experiments on image denoising are presented to illustrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed iterative algorithm. In particular, we report the numerical results for the proposed algorithm with different step sizes and relaxation parameters.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Pneumothorax Model in CT-Guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy for Solitary Pulmonary Nodule
Authors: Wang Saibin , Tu Junwei , Chen Wei
Published: May 2019

Computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (CT-TNB) is widely used in the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). However, CT-TNB-induced pneumothorax occurs frequently. This study aimed to establish a predictive model for pneumothorax following CT-TNB for SPN. The prediction model was developed in a cohort that consisted of 311 patients with SPN who underwent CT-TNB. An independent external validation cohort contained 227 consecutive patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression analysis was used for data dimension reduction and predictors selection. Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop the predictive model, which was presented with a nomogram. Area under the curve (AUC) was used to determine the discrimination of the proposed model. The calibration was used to test the goodness-of-fit of the model, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used for evaluating its clinical usefulness. Five variables (age, diagnosis of nodule, puncture times, puncture distance, and puncture position) were filtered by Lasso regression. AUC of the predictive model and the validation were 0.801 (95% CI, 0.738-0.865) and 0.738 (95% CI, 0.656-0.820), respectively. The model was well-calibrated (P > 0.05), and DCA demonstrated its clinical usefulness. Thus, this predictive model might facilitate the individualized preoperative prediction of pneumothorax in CT-TNB for SPN.
Effect of Different Types of Fly Ash on Properties of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Mirković Katarina , Tošić Nikola , Mladenović Goran
Published: May 2019

In order to preserve natural resources, the use of waste and alternative materials in the construction and maintenance of roads is increasingly investigated. This paper presents the results of testing wearing course asphalt mixtures (AC 11s SURF 50/70) made with various percentages of fly ash, used as a partial or complete substitute for mineral filler. The properties of fly ash were determined to assess their suitability for use in asphalt mixtures. The experimental research was performed on asphalt samples containing fly ash from three different sources, with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of mineral filler substitution. The control mixture was prepared with 100% of mineral filler. The paper presents the volumetric composition, stability, and flow of asphalt mixtures tested on standard Marshall’s samples, water sensitivity, and resistance to permanent deformation. The results of this study indicate that a satisfactory volumetric composition can be achieved by adding fly ash, while the bulk density and voids of the mineral and asphalt mixture generally depend on the type of fly ash and its content. The stability and flow of mixtures with fly ash are favourable compared with the control mixture. The water sensitivity of mixtures with fly ash is generally lower compared with the control mixture and depends on the type and percentage of fly ash. The resistance to permanent deformation of the asphalt mixtures depends on the fly ash type and percentage. The results obtained in this study are an important step towards broader implementation of fly ash in asphalt mixtures.
Finite Element Method Analysis of Compression Fractures on Whole-Spine Models Including the Rib Cage
Authors: Nishida Norihiro , Ohgi Junji , Jiang Fei , Ito Saki , Imajo Yasuaki , Suzuki Hidenori , Funaba Masahiro , Nakashima Daisuke , Sakai Takashi , Chen Xian
Published: May 2019

Spinal compression fractures commonly occur at the thoracolumbar junction. We have previously constructed a 3-dimensional whole-spine model from medical images by using the finite element method (FEM) and then used this model to develop a compression fracture model. However, these models lacked the rib cage. No previous study has used whole-spine models including the rib cage constructed from medical images to analyze compression fractures. Therefore, in this study, we added the rib cage to whole-spine models. We constructed the models, including a normal spine model without the rib cage, a whole-spine model with the rib cage, and whole-spine models with compression fractures, using FEM analysis. Then, we simulated a person falling on the buttocks to perform stress analysis on the models and to examine to what extent the rib cage affects the analysis of compression fractures. The results showed that the intensity of strain and the vertebral body with minimum principle strain differed between the spine model including the rib cage and that excluding the rib cage. The strain on the spine model excluding the rib cage had approximately twice the intensity of the strain on the spine model including the rib cage. Therefore, the rib cage contributed to the stability of the thoracic spine, thus preventing deformation of the upper thoracic spine. However, the presence of the rib cage increased the strain around the site of compression fracture, thus increasing the possibilities of a refracture and fractures of adjacent vertebral bodies. Our study suggests that the analysis using spine models including the rib cage should be considered in future investigations of disorders of the spine and internal fracture fixation. The development of improved models may contribute to the improvement of prognosis and treatment of individual patients with disorders of the spine.
A Description of Transverse Momentum Distributions in p+p Collisions at RHIC and LHC Energies
Authors: Hui Jia-Qi , Jiang Zhi-Jin
Published: May 2019

It has long been debated whether the hydrodynamics is suitable for the smaller colliding systems such as p+p collisions. In this paper, by assuming the existence of longitudinal collective motion and long-range interactions in the hot and dense matter created in p+p collisions, the relativistic hydrodynamics incorporating with the nonextensive statistics is used to analyze the transverse momentum distributions of the particles. The investigations of the present paper show that the hybrid model can give a good description of the currently available experimental data obtained in p+p collisions at RHIC and LHC energies, except for p and p¯ produced in the range of pT>3.0 GeV/c at s=200 GeV.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Promotes the Differentiation Potential ofXenopus tropicalisImmature Sertoli Cells
Authors: Nguyen Thi Minh Xuan , Vegrichtova Marketa , Tlapakova Tereza , Krulova Magdalena , Krylov Vladimir
Published: May 2019

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process in embryonic development by which sessile epithelial cells are converted into migratory mesenchymal cells. Our laboratory has been successful in the establishment ofXenopus tropicalisimmature Sertoli cells (XtiSCs) with the restricted differentiation potential. The aim of this study is the determination of factors responsible for EMT activation in XtiSCs and stemness window acquisition where cells possess the broadest differentiation potential. For this purpose, we tested three potent EMT inducers—GSK-3 inhibitor (CHIR99021), FGF2, and/or TGF-β1 ligand. XtiSCs underwent full EMT after 3-day treatment with CHIR99021 and partial EMT with FGF2 but not with TGF-β1. The morphological change of CHIR-treated XtiSCs to the typical spindle-like cell shape was associated with the upregulation of mesenchymal markers and the downregulation of epithelial markers. Moreover, only CHIR-treated XtiSCs were able to differentiate into chondrocytesin vitroand cardiomyocytesin vivo. Interestingly, EMT-shifted cells could migrate towards cancer cells (HeLa)in vitroand to the injury sitein vivo. The results provide a better understanding of signaling pathways underlying the generation of testis-derived stem cells.
Satellite Forensics: Analysing Sparse Beacon Data to Reveal the Fate of DTUsat-2
Authors: Fléron René W.
Published: May 2019

The CubeSat DTUsat-2 was designed and built by students and faculty at the Technical University of Denmark and launched to low earth orbit on June 2014. Its mission was to aid ornithologists in bird migration research. Shortly after launch and orbit injection, it became apparent that all was not nominal. To understand the problem and find the causes, a forensic investigation was initiated. The investigation used recorded Morse-encoded beacons emitted by the satellite as a starting point. This paper presents the real-life data from DTUsat-2 on orbit and the methodologies used to visualize the key element in the investigation, namely, the correlation between orbit position and the beacon counter. Based on the data presented, an explanation for the observed behaviour of DTUsat-2 is given.
Spontaneously Formed Spheroids from Mouse Compact Bone-Derived Cells Retain Highly Potent Stem Cells with Enhanced Differentiation Capability
Authors: Chen Kai , Li Xianqi , Li Ni , Dong Hongwei , Zhang Yiming , Yoshizawa Michiko , Kagami Hideaki
Published: May 2019

The results from our recent study showed the presence of two distinct spheroid-forming mechanisms, i.e., spontaneous and mechanical. In this study, we focused on the spontaneously formed spheroids, and the character of spontaneously formed spheroids from mouse compact bone-derived cells (CBDCs) was explored. Cells from (C57BL/6J) mouse leg bones were isolated, and compact bone-derived cells were cultured after enzymatic digestion. Spontaneous spheroid formation was achieved on a culture plate with specific water contact angle as reported. The expression levels of embryonic stem cell markers were analyzed using immunofluorescence and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Then, the cells from spheroids were induced into osteogenic and neurogenic lineages. The spontaneously formed spheroids from CBDCs were positive for ES cell markers such as SSEA1, Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog. Additionally, the expressions of fucosyltransferase 4/FUT4 (SSEA1), Sox2, and Nanog were significantly higher than those in monolayer cultured cells. The gene expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers was almost identical in both spheroids and monolayer-cultured cells, but the expression of Sca-1 was higher in spheroids. Spheroid-derived cells showed significantly higher osteogenic and neurogenic marker expression than monolayer-cultured cells after induction. Spontaneously formed spheroids expressed stem cell markers and showed enhanced osteogenic and neurogenic differentiation capabilities than cells from the conventional monolayer culture, which supports the superior stemness.
Tolerance Analysis of Planar Mechanisms Based on a Residual Approach: A Complementary Method to DLM
Authors: Tinoco Hector A. , Durango Sebastián
Published: May 2019

The kinematic performance of mechanisms is affected by different uncertainty sources involved in the manufacturing and assembling cycle; among these are the geometric variations. It is known that the effects of these variations produce position errors which are not usually included in the design process. With this objective, a complementary method for the tolerance analysis of planar mechanisms that incorporate geometric variations is presented in this paper. The approach is based on Direct Linearization Method (DLM) that does not consider all the kinematically admissible solutions. DLM naturally minimizes a residual functional H; however it is possible to maximize the residual by means of a proposed complementary method called H‐Based Residual Method (RMH). From the proposed methodology, local and global error domains can be defined to predict the maximum and minimum position errors caused by the input variations. DLM and RMH were applied in a four‐bar mechanism with dimensional and angular variations to estimate positioning errors. The results show intervals where output positions were invariant with respect to angular variations of the crank. These computations were performed through a distance ratio established with the output deviations determined with nominal angular variations. Furthermore, domain errors were predicted for a set of positions generated by a multivariate normal random algorithm with 1000 combinations of input variations (links lengths). These domains delimited all solutions created in each position stage. It means that by applying the proposed methodology it is possible to estimate the geometric errors of any combination of variations.
A Rare Case of Malignant Tumor of the Larynx with Good Prognosis: Laryngeal Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Elktaibi Abderrahim , Rharrassi Issam , Hammoune Nabil , Darouassi Youssef , Hanine Mohammed Amine , Ammar Haddou
Published: May 2019

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma is a rare laryngeal tumor that most frequently originates from the cricoid cartilage. The majority of lesions are low grade and the distinction from benign chondromas must be made. We present a case of a laryngeal chondrosarcoma arising from the cricoid cartilage in a 75-year-old Arab man who presented with hoarseness, dysphonia, and dyspnea. Endoscopic and radiological examinations showed a mass of the wall of his larynx with displaced structures, airway obstruction, and destruction of the cartilage. The patient underwent total laryngectomy. Histological examination supported the diagnosis of low-grade chondrosarcoma. Five months later, the radiological and clinical findings showed no evidence of recurrence or metastases. Laryngeal chondrosarcomas remain a rare disease of unknown etiology, with slow and insidious symptoms. The treatment is surgical, given the importance of preserving the larynx to patients’ quality of life. The prognosis is favorable and metastases rarely occur.
Modelling and Structural Design for Parallel Umbrella‐Shaped Cable‐Strut Structures Based on Stationary Potential Energy Principles
Authors: Ding Mingmin , Luo Bin , Han Lifeng , Shi Qianhao
Published: May 2019

A method for the modelling and structural design of a parallel umbrella‐shaped cable‐strut structure (PUSC) is presented. First, simplified calculation models of a PUSC are built. Next, based on the principle of stationary potential energy, the relationships among the cable sectional areas, prestress forces, vector height, sag height, overall displacement, and local deformation are proposed. Then, the static responses of the PUSC under vertical loads and wind loads are put forward. Finally, a calculation model of a 100 m‐span PUSC is developed and optimized to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. The results show that when the combinations of the loading, variation ranges of the vector height and sag height, and material properties of the components are given, the sectional areas of the cables, dimensions of the inner strut, and prestress forces of these components can be obtained. A greater external load requires a corresponding increase in vector height and sag height to increase the overall stiffness, leading to larger sectional dimensions of the components and a greater prestress of the entire structure. Therefore, the total weight of the cables and inner struts are determined. Moreover, because the weight of the cables decreases and the weight of the inner struts increases as the vector height and sag height increase, the total weight of the cables and struts decreases sharply during the initial stage, decreases gradually during the second stage, and increases slowly during the last stage after reaching the minimum value. For the optimal design of the calculation model, using the vector height and sag height as design variables provides an adequate geometric stiffness and a suitable prestress for the PUSC to fulfill the requirements of all the loading combinations.
MicroRNA-145 Regulates the Differentiation of Adipose Stem Cells Toward Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Promotes Angiogenesis
Authors: Arderiu Gemma , Peña Esther , Aledo Rosa , Juan-Babot Oriol , Crespo Javier , Vilahur Gemma , Oñate Blanca , Moscatiello Fabrizio , Badimon Lina
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a potential adult mesenchymal stem cell source for restoring endothelial function in ischemic tissues. However, the mechanism that promotes ASCs differentiation toward endothelial cells (ECs) is not known.

Objective:

To investigate the mechanisms of ASCs differentiation into ECs.

Methods and Results:

ASCs were isolated from clinical lipoaspirates and cultured with DMEM or endothelial cell-conditioned medium. Endothelial cell-conditioned medium induced downregulation of miR-145 in ASCs and promoted endothelial differentiation. We identified bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) released by ECs as inducer of ASCs differentiation through receptor-induced AKT (protein kinase B) signaling and phosphorylation of FOXO1 (forkhead box protein O1) suppressing its transcriptional activity and decreasing miR-145 expression. Blocking bFGF-receptor or PI3K/AKT signaling in ASCs increased miR-145 levels. Modulation of miR-145 in ASCs, using a miR-145 inhibitor, regulated their differentiation into ECs: increasing proliferation, migration, inducing expression of EC markers (VE-cadherin, VEGFR2 [vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2], or VWF [von Willebrand Factor]), and tube-like formation. Furthermore, in vivo, downregulation of miR-145 in ASCs enhanced angiogenesis in subcutaneously implanted plugs in mice. In a murine hindlimb ischemia model injection of ASCs with downregulated miR-145 induced collateral flow and capillary formation evidenced by magnetic resonance angiography. Next, we identified ETS1 (v-ets avian erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 1) as the target of miR-145. Upregulation of miR-145 in ASCs, by mimic miR-145, suppressed ETS1 expression and consequently abolished EC differentiation and the angiogenic properties of endothelial cell-conditioned medium-preconditioned ASCs; whereas, overexpression of ETS1 reversed the abrogated antiangiogenic capacity of miR-145. ETS1 overexpression induced similar results to those obtained with miR-145 knockdown.

Conclusions:

bFGF released by ECs induces ASCs differentiation toward ECs through miR-145-regulated expression of ETS1. Downregulation of miR-145 in ASCs induce vascular network formation in ischemic muscle.
Association Between Medication Adherence and 1‐Year Major Cardiovascular Adverse Events After Acute Myocardial Infarction in China
Authors: Shang Pu , Liu Gordon G. , Zheng Xin , Ho P. Michael , Hu Shuang , Li Jing , Jiang Zihan , Li Xi , Bai Xueke , Gao Yan , Xing Chao , Wang Yun , Normand Sharon‐Lise , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: May 2019

Background

Secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) requires long‐term guideline‐directed medical therapy. However, the level of medication adherence, factors associated with poor adherence, and extent to which good adherence can reduce adverse events after
AMI
in China remain uncertain.

Methods and Results

In 2013 to 2014, 4001
AMI
patients aged ≥18 years were discharged alive from 53 hospitals across China (mean age 60.5±11.7 years; 22.7% female). Good adherence was defined as taking medications (aspirin, β‐blockers, statins, clopidogrel, or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin‐receptor blockers) ≥90% of the time as prescribed. Cox models assessed the association between good adherence (a time‐varying covariate) and 1‐year cardiovascular events after
AMI
. The most common medications were aspirin (82.2%) and statins (80.5%). There were 243 patients who were not prescribed any medications during follow‐up; 1‐year event rates were higher for these patients (25.1%, 95%
CI
19.7–30.6%) versus those taking ≥1 medications (6.6%, 95%
CI
5.76–7.34%). The overall rate of good adherence was 52.9%. Good adherence was associated with lower risk of 1‐year events (adjusted hazard ratio 0.61, 95%
CI
0.49–0.77). The most common reason for poor adherence was belief that one's condition had improved/no longer required medication. More comorbidities and lower education level were associated with poor adherence.

Conclusions

Good adherence reduced 1‐year cardiovascular event risk after
AMI
. About half of our cohort did not have good adherence. National efforts to improve
AMI
outcomes in China should focus on medication adherence and educating patients on the importance of cardiovascular medications for reducing risk of recurrent events.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01624909.
Psychological Distress and Subsequent Cardiovascular Events in Individuals With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Pimple Pratik , Lima Bruno B. , Hammadah Muhammad , Wilmot Kobina , Ramadan Ronnie , Levantsevych Oleksiy , Sullivan Samaah , Kim Jeong Hwan , Kaseer Belal , Shah Amit J. , Ward Laura , Raggi Paolo , Bremner J. Douglas , Hanfelt John , Lewis Tene , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Vaccarino Viola
Published: May 2019

Background

Higher symptom levels of a variety of measures of emotional distress have been associated with cardiovascular disease (
CVD
), especially among women. Here, our goal was to investigate the association between a composite measure of psychological distress and incident cardiovascular events.

Methods and Results

In a prospective cohort study, we assessed 662 individuals (28% women; 30% blacks) with stable coronary artery disease. We used a composite score of psychological distress derived through summation of Z‐transformed psychological distress symptom scales (depression, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, anger, hostility, and perceived stress) as a predictor of an adjudicated composite end point of adverse events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, or unstable angina). During a mean follow‐up of 2.8 years, 120 (18%) subjects developed
CVD
events. In the overall population, there was no association between the psychological distress measure and
CVD
events, but there was a sex‐based interaction (
P
=0.004). In women, higher psychological distress was associated with a higher incidence of
CVD
events; each SD increase in the composite score of psychological distress was associated with 1.44 times adjusted hazard of
CVD
events (95% CI, 1.09–1.92). No such association was found in men.

Conclusions

Among patients with coronary artery disease, higher psychological distress is associated with future cardiovascular events in women only.
Door‐to‐Targeted Temperature Management Initiation Time and Outcomes in Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Insights From the Continuous Chest Compressions Trial
Authors: Stanger Dylan , Kawano Takahisa , Malhi Navraj , Grunau Brian , Tallon John , Wong Graham C. , Christenson James , Fordyce Christopher B.
Published: May 2019

Background

Targeted temperature management (
TTM
) is a recommended treatment modality to improve neurological outcomes in patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. The impact of the duration from hospital admission to
TTM
initiation (door‐to‐
TTM
;
DTT
) on clinical outcomes has not been well elucidated. We hypothesized that shorter
DTT
initiation intervals would be associated with improved survival with favorable neurological outcome.

Methods and Results

We performed a post hoc analysis of nontraumatic paramedic‐treated out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests. The primary outcome was favorable neurological status at hospital discharge, with a secondary outcome of survival to discharge. We fit a logistic regression analysis to determine the association of early compared with delayed
DTT
, dichotomized by the median
DTT
duration, and outcomes. Of 3805 patients enrolled in the
CCC
(Continuous Chest Compressions) Trial in British Columbia, 570 were included in this analysis. There was substantial variation in
DTT
among patients receiving
TTM
. The median
DTT
duration was 122 minutes (interquartile range 35‐218). Favorable neurological outcomes in the early and delayed
DTT
groups were 48% and 38%, respectively. Compared with delayed
DTT
(interquartile range 167‐319 minutes), early
DTT
(interquartile range 20‐81 minutes) was associated with survival (adjusted odds ratio 1.56, 95%
CI
1.02‐2.38) but not with favorable neurological outcomes (adjusted odds ratio 1.45, 95%
CI
, 0.94‐2.22) at hospital discharge.

Conclusions

There was wide variability in the initiation of
TTM
among comatose out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors. Initiation of
TTM
within 122 minutes of hospital admission was associated with improved survival. These results support in‐hospital efforts to achieve early
DTT
among out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest patients admitted to the hospital.
Minimal Recognizable Configurations Elicit Category-selective Responses in Higher Order Visual Cortex
Authors: Holzinger Yael , Ullman Shimon , Harari Daniel , Behrmann Marlene , Avidan Galia
Published: May 2019

Visual object recognition is performed effortlessly by humans notwithstanding the fact that it requires a series of complex computations, which are, as yet, not well understood. Here, we tested a novel account of the representations used for visual recognition and their neural correlates using fMRI. The rationale is based on previous research showing that a set of representations, termed “minimal recognizable configurations” (MIRCs), which are computationally derived and have unique psychophysical characteristics, serve as the building blocks of object recognition. We contrasted the BOLD responses elicited by MIRC images, derived from different categories (faces, objects, and places), sub-MIRCs, which are visually similar to MIRCs, but, instead, result in poor recognition and scrambled, unrecognizable images. Stimuli were presented in blocks, and participants indicated yes/no recognition for each image. We confirmed that MIRCs elicited higher recognition performance compared to sub-MIRCs for all three categories. Whereas fMRI activation in early visual cortex for both MIRCs and sub-MIRCs of each category did not differ from that elicited by scrambled images, high-level visual regions exhibited overall greater activation for MIRCs compared to sub-MIRCs or scrambled images. Moreover, MIRCs and sub-MIRCs from each category elicited enhanced activation in corresponding category-selective regions including fusiform face area and occipital face area (faces), lateral occipital cortex (objects), and parahippocampal place area and transverse occipital sulcus (places). These findings reveal the psychological and neural relevance of MIRCs and enable us to make progress in developing a more complete account of object recognition.
Stimulus Feature Conflicts Enhance Motor Inhibitory Control Processes in the Lateral Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Chmielewski Witold X. , Beste Christian
Published: May 2019

The ability to inhibit prepotent responses is a central facet of cognitive control. However, the role of perceptual factors in response inhibition processes is still poorly understood and an underrepresented field of research. In the current study, we focus on the role of conflicts between perceptual stimulus features (so-called S-S conflicts) for response inhibition. We introduce a novel semantic Stroop Condition task and analyze EEG data using source localization and temporal EEG signal decomposition methods to delineate the neural mechanisms how semantic S-S conflicts modulate response inhibition. We show that semantic conflicts enhance response inhibition performance by modulating neural processes relating to conflict resolution mechanisms in the middle and inferior frontal cortex, as well as the ACC. Opposed to that, Stroop-like (S-S) conflicts compromise response execution by affecting decision processes in inferior parietal cortices. The data suggest that when action control processes and their neurophysiological correlates depend on regions specialized in the processing of semantic conflicts, there is an improvement in response inhibition. The results show that Stroop-like semantic conflicts have opposite effects depending on whether a response has to be executed or inhibited. These opposing effects are then also associated with different functional–neuroanatomical structures. The results of the study show mechanisms by which stimulus-related processes influence mechanisms of response control.
Achilles Tatius and Chariton
Authors: Bird Rachel
Published: May 2019

This article will explore the nature of intertextuality between Achilles Tatius and Chariton, by focusing on key instances of Achilles Tatius’ reflection and refraction of Chariton’s second-marriage theme. By considering allusions on the level of character-narrator and author, and by looking at verbal and thematic connections between these two novels, a view of generic interplay will emerge. In turn, the full implications of how Achilles Tatius positions himself vis-à-vis Chariton, and the subversive intentions of the later author will be fully addressed. The article will contribute to the growing debate regarding intertextuality in the Greek novels, and will add weight to the idea that these authors had generic self-consciousness. The literary ambition and imaginative ability of Achilles Tatius is also a key aspect, which comes to the fore in this article.
On the Odd לארצו in Job 37:13
Authors: Pinker Aron
Published: May 2019

This study suggests that the difficulties associated with the interpretation of לְאַרְצוֹ in Job 37:13 can be resolved, if it is assumed that v. 13 is thematically linked to vv. 11-12, and the word should be separated into two words. Elihu capitalizes in his poem on the puzzling behavior of clouds, such as their constant moving from place to place, their yielding rain, generating thunders and seemingly their causing the jagged form of lightning, to describe God’s greatness in creating and controlling precipitation. In v. 13 Elihu concludes his poem by stating that God will withhold his order (לֺא יְצַו) to the clouds when he wants to punish (אִם־לְשֵׁבֶט), but will provide his order (יַמְצִיא הַצָּו) when he wants to show his goodness (אִם־לְחֶסֶד).
The World of P
Authors: Faust Avraham
Published: May 2019

The Priestly source (P) is a common designation in scholarship for significant parts of the Pentateuch, which are assumed to have been written in priestly circles. While the social circles and theological background of P are more agreed upon, its dating is hotly debated, and various textual, intertextual, linguistic and historical evidence were employed in an attempt to date its composition. The present paper aims to examine the material world that is assumed by a number of Priestly texts, and the landscape in which the writings are embedded, in order to shed new light on their dating. The paper concludes that much of the priestly writings (inclusive of some of the texts commonly attributed to the Holiness school) are quite intelligible on the background the late Iron Age, mainly the 8th-7th centuries BCE.
Comparison among three body parts and three software packages to optimise photographic identification of a reptile (tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus)
Authors: de Sá Rocha Mello Ricardo , Jarvie Scott , Hazley Lindsay , Cree Alison
Published: May 2019

Individually identifying animals is key to ecological research. Natural marks and patterns of animals that remain stable through time may be used to identify individuals, either manually or with the aid of software. Here we compare the performance of three body parts (chest, right side and right eye) for individual identification of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) using three software packages (Wild-ID, I3S and StripeSpotter). We also explored pattern stability over time for the chest and right side, and whether the identification rate differed between life-history stages (adults and juveniles) for this long-lived reptile. We used photos of 196 tuatara, including captive and free-roaming individuals. In an initial analysis with a subset of individuals, chest and right side gave better identification rates than the eye when analysed using Wild-ID (the best-performing software). In a further analysis using all photos and Wild-ID, the false rejection rate was lower for chest (0.6%) than right side (2.4%). Although the effect of time on matching scores for chest (up to 3.5 y) and right-side (up to 1.8 y) was significant, it was not large enough to reduce the matching rate; furthermore, no difference in identification rate between adults and juveniles was detected. Overall, chest was the best-performing body part and Wild-ID the best-performing software. Thus, appropriate choice of body pattern for analysis may significantly increase the matching rate, and, as previously shown, software packages vary in performance.
Health Research, Consent and the GDPR Exemption
Authors: Donnelly Mary , McDonagh Maeve
Published: May 2019

This article analyses the balance which the GDPR strikes between two important social values: protecting personal health data and facilitating health research through the lens of the consent requirement and the research exemption. The article shows that the normative weight of the consent requirement differs depending on the context for the health research in question. This more substantive approach to consent is reflected in the research exemption which allows for a more nuanced balancing of interests. However, because the GDPR articulates the exemption at an abstract and principled level, in practice the balance is struck at Member State level. Thus, the GDPR increases difficulties for EU cross-border health projects and impedes the policy goal of creating a harmonised regulatory framework for health research. The article argues that in order to address this problem, the European Data Protection Board should provide specific guidance on the operation of consent in health research.
Remedies Available against Asylum Decisions and Deportation Orders in Turkey: An Assessment in View of European Law and the European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Ineli-Ciger Meltem
Published: May 2019

This article examines administrative and judicial remedies against asylum decisions and deportation orders in Turkey and safeguards provided within these remedies with a view to analysing to what extent they are in line with European law and the European Convention on Human Rights (echr). The article has two main parts. The first part provides an overview of the Turkish asylum system and remedies available against asylum decisions and deportation orders in Turkey. Whereas, the second part identifies main procedural safeguards to be observed in asylum and deportation appeals by reviewing EU asylum acquis, the echr and case law of the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. Building on this, the article assesses whether the Turkish law and practice incorporate these procedural safeguards and provide asylum seekers and migrants a right to effective remedy.
Le Père Joseph Gabet missionnaire en Chine au XIXe siècle
Authors: Essertel Yannick
Published: May 2019

Le Père Joseph Gabet est un missionnaire lazariste (Congrégation de la Mission), envoyé en Asie. Après un temps d’ adaptation, ses supérieurs l’ envoient dans la nouvelle mission de la Mongolie-intérieure. Il apprend les langues, convertit un jeune lama, et tente d’ évangéliser sa mission composée de populations nomades. De 1844 à 1846, il voyage avec son confrère Evariste Huc jusqu’ à Lassa, au Tibet. Obligé de rentrer en Europe, il rédige un document très critique sur la situation missionnaire en Chine, mettant en cause ses prédécesseurs qui, selon lui, n’ auraient pas appliqué les Consignes de la Propaganda Fide, surtout en ce qui concerne le clergé indigène. L’ intérêt de ce texte réside dans la capacité du Père à poser un regard de type anthropologique sur les cultures locales et à concevoir une pédagogie d’ insertion et d’ inculturation propre à la Chine. En son « essence », cette pédagogie se retrouve en Océanie et en Afrique.
The 2002 Russian Anti-Extremism Law: An Introduction
Authors: Baran Emily B. , Knox Zoe
Published: May 2019

This introduction offers an overview of the 2002 Russian anti-extremism law and a summary of the contributions by individual authors to this special journal issue. The authors detail the significant impact of the law, particularly for religious minorities. They note that the authors approach the law from different angles, ranging from the evolving rhetoric of extremism in Russia and the law’s application to particular religious minority cases to the censorship of the online world and the politicized and partisan nature of the Russian legal system. In doing so, they draw out the contradictions, inconsistencies, and arbitrariness of the law's application and some unexpected continuities with earlier historical periods. Overall, they conclude that the anti-extremism law represents a serious impediment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in contemporary Russia.
From Sectarians to Extremists: The Language of Marginalization in Soviet and Post-Soviet Society
Authors: Baran Emily B.
Published: May 2019

This article examines the history of marginalizing rhetoric in Russia as applied to evangelizing faiths, particularly the Jehovah’s Witnesses, from the postwar period to the present day. Such churches have been portrayed as presenting a distinct threat to Russian society, even as the cited reasons for this perceived danger have shifted over time. While obviously connected to legal definitions of toleration, the language of religious (in)tolerance existed apart from state policy. Moreover, public rhetoric frequently adopted a hostile tone toward evangelizing churches regardless of their legal status. Seen from this perspective, the recent “extremism” label is part of a broader history of sustained marginalization of evangelizing faiths in modern Russia. The article argues that Russian media has not fully embraced the rhetoric of “extremism” as applied to evangelizing communities, but has also done little to challenge the underlying state policy it represents.
Jehovah’s Witnesses as Extremists: The Russian State, Religious Pluralism, and Human Rights
Authors: Knox Zoe
Published: May 2019

This article examines the Russian Supreme Court’s 2017 decision to ban Jehovah’s Witnesses as “extremists.” The decision will bring Russia’s anti-extremism law before the Council of Europe via the European Court of Human Rights. The article considers why this particular religious minority group became a test case by examining the unique beliefs and practices of Witnesses and their history of episodic conflict with the state. It also highlights the role of the Orthodox Church in shaping attitudes, popular and political, toward religious pluralism in Russia. In the Putin era, an increasingly illiberal rhetoric about totalitarian cults and traditional values connected nontraditional faiths to national security threats, a link made clear in the Putin regime’s promotion of spiritual security. Overall, the article argues that the 2017 ban signals the repudiation of European human rights norms by Russian governmental authorities, lawmakers, and religious elites.
Resilience through Learning and Adaptation: Lebanon’s Power-Sharing System and the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Authors: Geha Carmen
Published: May 2019

This article conceptualizes the Lebanese sectarian power-sharing system as a resilient system. Utilizing the case of the Lebanese government’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the article unpacks this notion of resilience through two mechanisms of learning and adaptation. The article contributes to the literature on power-sharing by focusing on policy-making during political deadlock and crisis. Anchored in empirical evidence, this article explains how the Lebanese government exhibited learning and adaptation by facilitating the efforts of donors, municipalities and ngos to respond to the evolving refugee crisis. In doing so, the deadlock that prevailed during that time-frame did not translate into policy inaction. While not considering that the Lebanese response was a rights-based approach to addressing the crisis, the article contends that mechanisms of learning and adaptation help reveal some form of response to this crisis. Understanding this response can help in future theorizing about the continuity of power-sharing systems.
The Heart of the Paris Rulebook: Communicating ndcs and Accounting for Their Implementation
Authors: Doelle Meinhard
Published: May 2019

Nationally Determined Contributions play a critical role in the architecture of the Paris Agreement. Parties are required to prepare and communicate their ndcs and to undertake domestic efforts to meet their mitigation commitments, facilitated in some cases by support and finance from other parties. The focus of this article is on key elements of the five-year cycle that deal with the content and process of ndcs, specifically the portion of the Paris Rulebook on the communication of ndcs and the accounting for their implementation. The article concludes that while the basics appear to be in place, there are a number of gaps and uncertainties that may result in implementation challenges.
Facilitating Implementation and Promoting Compliance With the Paris Agreement Under Article 15: Conceptual Challenges and Pragmatic Choices
Authors: Zihua Gu , Voigt Christina , Werksman Jacob
Published: May 2019

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the modalities and procedures for the effective operation of the committee tasked to facilitate implementation of, and promote compliance with, the provisions of the Paris Agreement. This is done in the context of the negotiation history and the object and purpose of the Paris Agreement. The article explains how the Committee is expected to function, the situations that trigger its proceedings, and the outcomes that can be expected. The article also explores the linkages to other processes and mechanisms under the Paris Agreement, especially the Enhanced Transparency Framework, and explains how the Committee will add value to the Paris Agreement’s architecture.