bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test Case Prioritization Technique Based on Error Probability and Severity of UML Models
Authors: Zhang Tianning , Wang Xingqi , Wei Dan , Fang Jinglong
Published: June 2018

Test case prioritization is one of the most useful activities in testing. Most existing test case prioritization techniques are based on code coverage, which requires access to source code. However, code-based testing comes late in the software development life cycle, when errors are detected, the cost of testing is very high. Therefore, in this paper, we provide a test case prioritization technique based on Unified Modeling Language (UML) model, built before coding, to detect errors as earlier as possible and reduce the cost of modification. The technique consists of the following main parts: (1) using C&K metrics to estimate the error probability of class; (2) using dependences, obtained from the model slicing, to estimate error severity; (3) generating test case priority from error probability and severity, then prioritizing the test case. With our technique, test engineers need the UML model only and the test cases can be prioritized automatically. To evaluate our technique, we applied our technique to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) flight control system and performed test case prioritization. The results show that the error can be detected effectively and stability can be increased significantly as compared to the current code-based techniques.
The holographic spacetime model of cosmology
Authors: Banks Tom , Fischler W.
Published: June 2018

This essay outlines the Holographic Spacetime (HST) theory of cosmology and its relation to conventional theories of inflation. The predictions of the theory are compatible with observations, and one must hope for data on primordial gravitational waves or non-Gaussian fluctuations to distinguish it from conventional models. The model predicts an early era of structure formation, prior to the Big Bang. Understanding the fate of those structures requires complicated simulations that have not yet been done. The result of those calculations might falsify the model, or might provide a very economical framework for explaining dark matter and the generation of the baryon asymmetry.
Gravity beyond general relativity
Authors: Koyama Kazuya
Published: June 2018

We introduce the standard model of cosmology based on general relativity and discuss its successes and problems. We then discuss motivations to consider gravitational theories beyond general relativity and summarize observational and theoretical constraints that these theories need to satisfy. A special focus is laid on screening mechanisms, which hide deviations from general relativity in the Solar System and enable large modifications to general relativity on astrophysical and cosmological scales. Finally, several modified gravity models are introduced, which satisfy the Solar System constrains as well as the constraint on the speed of gravitational waves obtained from almost simultaneous detections of gravitational waves and gamma ray bursts from a neutron star merger (GW170817/GRB 170817A).
Laboratory constraints
Authors: Brax Philippe , Burrage Clare , Davis Anne-Christine
Published: June 2018

We review laboratory constraints on theories of modified gravity and show that they are complementary to cosmological and astrophysical tests. We particularly focus on the environmentally dependent dilaton, as a worked example to show how such constraints are derived. Finally we discuss precision photons experiments, and why these may also give us information about possible modifications of gravity.
Principle Component Analysis Based on New Symmetric Similarity Measures for Heavy-Tailed Data
Authors: Seidpisheh Mohammad , Mohammadpour Adel
Published: June 2018

We consider the principal component analysis (PCA) for the heavy-tailed distributions. A traditional measure for the classical PCA is the covariance measure. Due to the non-existence of variance of many heavy-tailed distributions, this measure cannot be used for them. We will clarify how to perform PCA in heavy-tailed data by extending a similarity measure based on covariance. We introduce similarity measures based on a new dependence coefficient of heavy-tailed distributions. Using real and artificial datasets, the performance of the proposed PCA is evaluated and compared with the classical one.
Preparation of Graphene Oxide/Chitosan Pellets and Their Adsorption Properties for Congo Red
Authors: Du Qiuju , Li Yanhui , Li Jiabin , Zhang Zhao , Qiao Bin , Sui Kunyan , Wang Dechang , Wang Cuiping , Li Hongliang , Xia Yanzhi
Published: June 2018

A facile and easily separated adsorbent, graphene oxide (GO) pellets wrapped by chitosan (GOP) were prepared. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to study the adsorption properties of congo red onto GOP by varying the experimental parameters such as the contact time, the initial concentration of congo red, the solution pH, the adsorbent dose, and the temperature. The kinetic studies showed that the adsorption data fitted a pseudo-second-order model well. The isotherm analysis showed that the adsorption data fitted the Freundlich model well. The adsorption mechanism was mainly attributed to electrostatic interactions, [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] stacking interaction, hydrogen bond, and van der Waals force. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous.
In Vitro Green Synthesis of Phoenix dactylifera Silver Nanoparticles: Assessing Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Abusahid Zahwa , Kandiah Mathivathani
Published: June 2018

In the field of nanotechnology, the utilization of nanoparticle (NP) synthesis is of great interest to researchers. Numerous attempts have been made for the green synthesis of silver NPs using plant extracts and some methods have successfully accomplished this. This research focuses on using an eco-friendly method for the green synthesis of silver NPs using six cultivars of Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract and determining their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. These NPs were then characterized by their optical property using ultraviolet-visible spectral analysis. The surface plasmon resonance for these synthesized NPs was observed at 420[Formula: see text]nm in the ultraviolet-visible spectra. These NPs were subjected to total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2’-azino-bis3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power for evaluating their antioxidant properties and compared with the results of water extracts of the fruit. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Overall, NPs exhibited good-to-moderate antioxidant activity and strong antimicrobial activity. The TAC and TPC of NPs were found to be lower, but TFC was relatively high compared with water extracts. The ferric reducing ability of NPs varied according to the date cultivar and was higher than water extracts in only some date varieties. On studying the antimicrobial activity, NPs showed greater bacterial inhibition than water extracts, and Staphylococcus aureus was more potent than Escherichia coli. The overall findings highlight the potential use of green synthesis of silver NPs for antioxidant activity and particularly antimicrobial activity and may be beneficial for biomedical and pharmaceutical purposes.
Klein–Gordon field in spinning cosmic-string space-time with the Cornell potential
Authors: Hosseinpour Mansoureh , Hassanabadi Hassan , de Montigny Marc
Published: June 2018

We study the relativistic quantum dynamics of a Klein–Gordon scalar field subject to a Cornell potential in spinning cosmic-string space-time, in order to better understand the effects of gravitational fields produced by topological defects on the scalar field. We solve the Klein–Gordon equation in the presence of scalar and vector interactions by utilizing the Nikiforov–Uvarov formalism and two ansätze, one of which leads to a biconfluent Heun differential equation. We obtain the wave-functions and the energy levels of the relativistic field in that space-time. We discuss the effect of various physical parameters and quantum numbers on the wave-functions.
Gregarious star factorization of the tensor product of graphs
Authors: Hemalatha P.
Published: June 2018

In this paper, it is shown that the necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of an [Formula: see text]-factorization of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] for some integer [Formula: see text] for the given integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]
Subtree Isomorphism Revisited
Authors: Abboud Amir , Backurs Arturs , Hansen Thomas Dueholm , Vassilevska Williams Virginia , Zamir Or
Published: June 2018

The
Subtree Isomorphism
problem asks whether a given tree is contained in another given tree. The problem is of fundamental importance and has been studied since the 1960s. For some variants, e.g.,
ordered trees
, near-linear time algorithms are known, but for the general case truly subquadratic algorithms remain elusive.

Our first result is a reduction from the Orthogonal Vectors problem to Subtree Isomorphism, showing that a truly subquadratic algorithm for the latter refutes the Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis (SETH).

In light of this conditional lower bound, we focus on natural special cases for which no truly subquadratic algorithms are known. We classify these cases against the quadratic barrier, showing in particular that:

• Even for binary, rooted trees, a truly subquadratic algorithm refutes SETH.

• Even for rooted trees of depth
O
(log log
n
), where
n
is the total number of vertices, a truly subquadratic algorithm refutes SETH.

• For every constant
d
, there is a constant ε

d

> 0 and a randomized, truly subquadratic algorithm for degree-
d
rooted trees of depth at most (1+ ε

d

) log

d

n
. In particular, there is an
O
(min { 2.85

h

,
n
2
}) algorithm for binary trees of depth
h
.

Our reductions utilize new “tree gadgets” that are likely useful for future SETH-based lower bounds for problems on trees. Our upper bounds apply a folklore result from randomized decision tree complexity.
A Computational Architecture for Coupling Heterogeneous Numerical Models and Computing Coupled Derivatives
Authors: Hwang John T. , Martins Joaquim R.R.A.
Published: June 2018

One of the challenges in computational modeling is coupling models to solve multidisciplinary problems. Flow-based computational frameworks alleviate part of the challenge through a modular approach, where data
flows
from component to component. However, existing flow-based frameworks are inefficient when coupled derivatives are needed for optimization. To address this, we develop the
modular analysis and unified derivatives
(MAUD) architecture. MAUD formulates the multidisciplinary model as a nonlinear system of equations, which leads to a linear equation that unifies all methods for computing derivatives. This enables flow-based frameworks that use the MAUD architecture to provide a common interface for the chain rule, adjoint method, coupled adjoint method, and hybrid methods; MAUD automatically uses the appropriate method for the problem. A hierarchical, matrix-free approach enables modern solution techniques such as Newton--Krylov solvers to be used within this monolithic formulation without computational overhead. Two demonstration problems are solved using a Python implementation of MAUD: a nanosatellite optimization with more than 2 million unknowns and 25,000 design variables, and an aircraft optimization involving over 6,000 design variables and 23,000 constraints. MAUD is now implemented in the open source framework OpenMDAO, which has been used to solve aircraft, satellite, wind turbine, and turbofan engine design problems.
Deterministic Algorithms for Submodular Maximization Problems
Authors: Buchbinder Niv , Feldman Moran
Published: June 2018

Randomization is a fundamental tool used in many theoretical and practical areas of computer science. We study here the role of randomization in the area of submodular function maximization. In this area, most algorithms are randomized, and in almost all cases the approximation ratios obtained by current randomized algorithms are superior to the best results obtained by known deterministic algorithms. Derandomization of algorithms for general submodular function maximization seems hard since the access to the function is done via a value oracle. This makes it hard, for example, to apply standard derandomization techniques such as conditional expectations. Therefore, an interesting fundamental problem in this area is whether randomization is inherently necessary for obtaining good approximation ratios.

In this work, we give evidence that randomization is not necessary for obtaining good algorithms by presenting a new technique for derandomization of algorithms for submodular function maximization. Our high level idea is to maintain explicitly a (small) distribution over the states of the algorithm, and carefully update it using marginal values obtained from an extreme point solution of a suitable linear formulation. We demonstrate our technique on two recent algorithms for unconstrained submodular maximization and for maximizing a submodular function subject to a cardinality constraint. In particular, for unconstrained submodular maximization we obtain an optimal deterministic 1/2-approximation showing that randomization is unnecessary for obtaining optimal results for this setting.
Practical Polytope Volume Approximation
Authors: Emiris Ioannis Z. , Fisikopoulos Vissarion
Published: June 2018

We experimentally study the fundamental problem of computing the volume of a convex polytope given as an intersection of linear halfspaces. We implement and evaluate randomized polynomial-time algorithms for accurately approximating the polytope’s volume in high dimensions (e.g., few hundreds) based onhit-and-run random walks. To carry out this efficiently, we experimentally correlate the effect of parameters, such as random walk length and number of sample points, with accuracy and runtime. Our method is based on Monte Carlo algorithms with guaranteed speed and provably high probability of success for arbitrarily high precision. We exploit the problem’s features in implementing a practical rounding procedure of polytopes, in computing only partial “generations” of random points, and in designing fast polytope boundary oracles. Our publicly available software is significantly faster than exact computation and more accurate than existing approximation methods. For illustration, volume approximations of Birkhoff polytopes
B
11
,…,
B
15
are computed, in dimensions up to 196, whereas exact methods have only computed volumes of up to
B
10
.
Enabling Live Video Analytics with a Scalable and Privacy-Aware Framework
Authors: Wang Junjue , Amos Brandon , Das Anupam , Pillai Padmanabhan , Sadeh Norman , Satyanarayanan Mahadev
Published: June 2018

We show how to build the components of a privacy-aware, live video analytics ecosystem from the bottom up, starting with OpenFace, our new open-source face recognition system that approaches state-of-the-art accuracy. Integrating OpenFace with interframe tracking, we build RTFace, a mechanism for denaturing video streams that selectively blurs faces according to specified policies at full frame rates. This enables privacy management for live video analytics while providing a secure approach for handling retrospective policy exceptions. Finally, we present a scalable, privacy-aware architecture for large camera networks using RTFace and show how it can be an enabler for a vibrant ecosystem and marketplace of privacy-aware video streams and analytics services.
NKA enhances bladder-afferent mechanosensitivity via urothelial and detrusor activation
Authors: Grundy Luke , Chess-Williams Russ , Brierley Stuart M. , Mills Kylie , Moore Kate H. , Mansfield Kylie , Rose’Meyer Roselyn , Sellers Donna , Grundy David
Published: June 2018

Tachykinins are expressed within bladder-innervating sensory afferents and have been shown to generate detrusor contraction and trigger micturition. The release of tachykinins from these sensory afferents may also activate tachykinin receptors on the urothelium or sensory afferents directly. Here, we investigated the direct and indirect influence of tachykinins on mechanosensation by recording sensory signaling from the bladder during distension, urothelial transmitter release ex vivo, and direct responses to neurokinin A (NKA) on isolated mouse urothelial cells and bladder-innervating DRG neurons. Bath application of NKA induced concentration-dependent increases in bladder-afferent firing and intravesical pressure that were attenuated by nifedipine and by the NK2 receptor antagonist GR159897 (100 nM). Intravesical NKA significantly decreased bladder compliance but had no direct effect on mechanosensitivity to bladder distension (30 µl/min). GR159897 alone enhanced bladder compliance but had no effect on mechanosensation. Intravesical NKA enhanced both the amplitude and frequency of bladder micromotions during distension, which induced significant transient increases in afferent firing, and were abolished by GR159897. NKA increased intracellular calcium levels in primary urothelial cells but not bladder-innervating DRG neurons. Urothelial ATP release during bladder distention was unchanged in the presence of NKA, whereas acetylcholine levels were reduced. NKA-mediated activation of urothelial cells and enhancement of bladder micromotions are novel mechanisms for NK2 receptor-mediated modulation of bladder mechanosensation. These results suggest that NKA influences bladder afferent activity indirectly via changes in detrusor contraction and urothelial mediator release. Direct actions on sensory nerves are unlikely to contribute to the effects of NKA.
Comparing the Efficacy of CBASP with Two Versions of CBT for Depression in a Routine Care Center: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rief Winfried , Bleichhardt Gabi , Dannehl Katharina , Euteneuer Frank , Wambach Katrin
Published: June 2018

Background: The cognitive-behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP) was developed for the treatment of chronic, early-onset depression. However, it is unclear whether this approach can be recommended for depression in general (episodic and chronic), and no direct comparisons between CBASP with different versions of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) exist. Methods: A randomized controlled trial compared 3 treatment conditions (all lasting 16 sessions) with a waiting list group (WL): CBASP, CBT with a focus on physical exercise (CBT-E), and CBT with a focus on pleasurable, low-energy and mindful activities (CBT-M). We included 173 patients and involved 41 therapists. Assessments were at baseline, after session 8, and at the end of treatment. Results: Our primary outcome Beck Depression Inventory-II indicated a general advantage of the CBT arms compared to CBASP [F(6, 154.5) = 4.2, p = 0.001], with significant contrasts in particular in favor of CBT-E. Effect sizes against WL were d = 0.91 (CBT-E), 0.87 (CBT-M), and 0.47 (CBASP). A triple interaction with an additional factor “chronic versus episodic depression” [F(6, 142.7) = 2.2, p = 0.048] indicated that the treatments resulted in different outcomes, with best results again for CBT-E in particular in episodic depression. Responder rates indicated significant improvements (56% in both CBT arms, 34% in the CBASP arm, 3.4% in WL; intention-to-treat samples). As compared to CBASP, response rates were significantly higher for CBT-E (OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.02–6.00) and CBT-M (OR = 2.46; 95% CI = 1.01–6.01). Conclusions: CBASP was more effective than WL, but less effective than the 2 CBT arms. This was mainly caused by an advantage of CBT interventions in episodic depression.
Pro-Gastrin Releasing Peptide: A New Serum Marker for Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kiseli Mine , Caglar Gamze Sinem , Yarci Gursoy Asli  , Tasci Tolga , Candar Tuba , Akincioglu Egemen , Pabuccu Emre Goksan , Boran Nurettin , Tulunay Gokhan , Umudum Haldun
Published: June 2018

Background: Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is thought to play a role in the metastatic process of various malignancies. The more stable precursor of GRP, pro-GRP (ProGRP), has been shown to be secreted by neuroendocrine tumors. This study was designed to assess the validity of ProGRP as a diagnostic marker in endometrioid adenocarcinomas (EAs) of the endometrium. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with a diagnosis of EA, 23 patients with endometrial hyperplasia, and 32 age-matched controls with normal endometrial histology were recruited for this study. Serum ProGRP and cancer antigen 125 (CA125) values were compared between groups. Results: Median serum ProGRP levels were significantly higher in the cancer group compared to corresponding levels in both the hyperplasia and control groups (p = 0.008 and p < 0.001 respectively; endometrial cancer: 27.5 pg/mL; hyperplasia: 16.1 pg/mL; controls: 12.9 pg/mL). Age and endometrial thickness were positively correlated with ProGRP levels (r = 0.322, p = 0.006 and r = 0.269, p = 0.023, respectively). Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analyses for EA revealed a threshold of 20.81 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 60.7% and specificity of 81.4%, positive predictive value of 68% and negative predictive value of 76.1%. Conclusion: Significantly higher ProGRP levels were observed in patients with EA than in controls. Serum ProGRP has good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for EA.
Molecular Nodal Staging Using miRNA Expression in Lung Cancer Patients by Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration
Authors: Inage Terunaga , Nakajima Takahiro , Itoga Sakae , Ishige Takayuki , Fujiwara Taiki , Sakairi Yuichi , Wada Hironobu , Suzuki Hidemi , Iwata Takekazu , Chiyo Masako , Yoshida Shigetoshi , Matsushita Kazuyuki , Yasufuku Kazuhiro , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: June 2018

Background: The limited negative predictive value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has often been discussed. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify a highly sensitive molecular biomarker for lymph node staging by EBUS-TBNA. Methods: Five microRNAs (miRNAs) (miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-141, and let-7e) were selected as biomarker candidates for the detection of nodal metastasis in a miRNA expression analysis. After having established a cutoff level of expression for each marker to differentiate malignant from benign lymph nodes among surgically dissected lymph nodes, the cutoff level was applied to snap-frozen EBUS-TBNA samples. Archived formalin-fixed paraffin- embedded (FFPE) samples rebiopsied by EBUS-TBNA after induction chemoradiotherapy were also analyzed. Results: The expression of all candidate miRNAs was significantly higher in metastatic lymph nodes than in benign ones (p < 0.05) among the surgical samples. miR-200c showed the highest diagnostic yield, with a sensitivity of 95.4% and a specificity of 100%. When the cutoff value for miR-200c was applied to the snap-frozen EBUS-TBNA samples, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were 97.4, 81.8, 95.0, 90.0, and 94.0%, respectively. For restaging FFPE EBUS- TBNA samples, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were 100, 60.0, 80.0, 100, and 84.6%, respectively. Among the restaged samples, 4 malignant lymph nodes were false negative by EBUS-TBNA, but they were accurately identified by miR-200c. Conclusions: miR-200c can be used as a highly sensitive molecular staging biomarker that will enhance nodal staging of lung cancer.
Pathophysiology of Depression: Molecular Regulation of Melatonin Homeostasis – Current Status
Authors: Dmitrzak-Weglarz Monika , Reszka Edyta
Published: June 2018

Circadian rhythm alterations resulting in disturbed sleep and disturbed melatonin secretion are flagship features of depression. Melatonin, known as a hormone of darkness, is secreted by the pineal gland located near to the center of the brain between the two hemispheres. Melatonin has an antidepressant effect by maintaining the body’s circadian rhythm, by regulating the pattern of expression of the clock genes in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and modifying the key genes of serotoninergic neurotransmission that are linked with a depressive mood. Melatonin is produced via the metabolism of serotonin in two steps which are catalyzed by serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT) and acetylserotonin-O-methyltransferase (ASMT). Serotonin, SNAT, and ASMT are key melatonin level regulation factors. Melatonin acts mainly on the MT1 and MT2 receptors, which are present in the SCN, to regulate physiological and neuroendocrine functions including circadian entrainment, referred to as a chronobiotic effect. Although melatonin has been known about and refereed to for almost 50 years, the relationship between melatonin and depression is still not clear. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the genetic and epigenetic regulation of enzymes involved in melatonin synthesis and metabolism as potential features of depression pathophysiology and treatment. Confirmation that melatonin metabolism in peripheral blood partially reflects a disorder in the brain could be a breakthrough in the standardization of measurements of melatonin level for the development of treatment standards, finding new therapeutic targets, and elaborating simple noninvasive clinical tests.
Proteomic Architecture of Human Coronary and Aortic Atherosclerosis
Authors: Herrington David M. , Mao Chunhong , Parker Sarah J. , Fu Zongming , Yu Guoqiang , Chen Lulu , Venkatraman Vidya , Fu Yi , Wang Yizhi , Howard Timothy D. , Jun Goo , Zhao Caroline F. , Liu Yongmei , Saylor Georgia , Spivia Weston R. , Athas Grace B. , Troxclair Dana , Hixson James E. , Vander Heide Richard S. , Wang Yue , Van Eyk Jennifer E.
Published: June 2018

Backgound:

The inability to detect premature atherosclerosis significantly hinders implementation of personalized therapy to prevent coronary heart disease. A comprehensive understanding of arterial protein networks and how they change in early atherosclerosis could identify new biomarkers for disease detection and improved therapeutic targets.

Methods:

Here we describe the human arterial proteome and proteomic features strongly associated with early atherosclerosis based on mass spectrometry analysis of coronary artery and aortic specimens from 100 autopsied young adults (200 arterial specimens). Convex analysis of mixtures, differential dependent network modeling, and bioinformatic analyses defined the composition, network rewiring, and likely regulatory features of the protein networks associated with early atherosclerosis and how they vary across 2 anatomic distributions.

Results:

The data document significant differences in mitochondrial protein abundance between coronary and aortic samples (coronary>>aortic), and between atherosclerotic and normal tissues (atherosclerotic<<normal), and major alterations in tumor necrosis factor, insulin receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ protein networks, as well, in the setting of early disease. In addition, a subset of tissue protein biomarkers indicative of early atherosclerosis was shown to predict anatomically defined coronary atherosclerosis when measured in plasma samples in a separate clinical cohort (area under the curve=0.92 [0.83–0.96]), thereby validating the use of human tissue proteomics to discover relevant plasma biomarkers for clinical applications. In addition to the specific proteins and pathways identified here, the publicly available data resource and the analysis pipeline used illustrate a strategy for interrogating and interpreting the proteomic architecture of tissues that may be relevant for other chronic diseases characterized by multicellular tissue phenotypes.

Conclusions:

The human arterial proteome can be viewed as a complex network whose architectural features vary considerably as a function of anatomic location and the presence or absence of atherosclerosis. The data suggest important reductions in mitochondrial protein abundance in early atherosclerosis and also identify a subset of plasma proteins that are highly predictive of angiographically defined coronary disease.
Beyond Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes
Authors: Grossberg Jonathan A. , Rebello Leticia C. , Haussen Diogo C. , Bouslama Mehdi , Bowen Meredith , Barreira Clara M. , Belagaje Samir R. , Frankel Michael R. , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose—

Endovascular therapy is the standard of care for the treatment of proximal large vessel occlusion strokes. Its safety and efficacy in the treatment of distal intracranial occlusions has not been well studied.

Methods—

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Retrospective review of a prospectively collected endovascular database (2010–2015, n=949) for all patients with distal intracranial occlusions treated endovascularly. Distal occlusions were defined as any segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), posterior cerebral artery, or occlusion at or distal to the middle cerebral artery (MCA)-M3 opercular segment.

Results—

Distal occlusions were treated in 69 patients. The mean age was 66.7±15.8 and 57% were male. Patients (29 [42%]) received intravenous tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator). The median preprocedure National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 18 (interquartile range, 13–23). The distal occlusion was the primary treatment location in 45 patients, in 23 patients the distal occlusion was treated as a rescue strategy after successful treatment of a proximal large vessel occlusion strokes, and 1 patient had both primary and rescue treatment. The locations of the primary cases were MCA-M3 (n=21), ACA alone (n=8), ACA with a concomitant MCA-M1 or MCA-M2 (n=10), ACA with a concomitant MCA-M3 (n=3), and posterior cerebral artery (n=3). The locations of the rescue cases were MCA-M3 (n=11), ACA (n=7), posterior cerebral artery (n=4), and both MCA-M3 and ACA (n=1). There was a single patient with primary ACA and MCA-M2 occlusions treated, who then had a rescue MCA-M3 thrombectomy addressed after initial reperfusion. The most common treatment modalities used were stent-retrievers (n=37, 54%), intra-arterial tPA (n=36, 52%), and thromboaspiration (n=31, 45%). Near complete or complete reperfusion of the distal territory (modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia [mTICI] 2b-3) was achieved in 57 cases (83%). Three parenchymal hematomas (4%) occurred in the territory of the treated distal occlusion with 2 of these patients also receiving intravenous tPA. At 90 days, 21 patients (30%) had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 and 14 (20%) had died.

Conclusions—

Distal intracranial occlusions can be treated safely and successfully with endovascular therapy. These results need to be corroborated by larger prospective controlled studies.
Luciobarbus lanigarensis and L. numidiensis, two new species of barbels from the Mediterranean Sea basin in North Africa (Teostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: BRAHIMI AMINA , LIBOIS ROLAND , HENRARD ARNAUD , FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: June 2018

Two new species of Luciobarbus are described from the Mediterranean Sea basin in Morocco and Algeria. Their monophyly and phylogenetic placement are resolved by molecular analyses using two mitochondrial markers (cyt b and D-loop). Luciobarbus lanigarensis, new species, from the Tafna River drainage in Algeria and Morocco, is distinguished by having orange fins, a great predorsal length (52–59% SL) and a very long pectoral fin (79–90% HL). Luciobarbus numidiensis, new species, from the El-Kébir River drainage in Algeria, is distinguished by having a golden pectoral-fin margin, 43–47+1–3 lateral line scales and a very long anal-fin (19–23%).
Evaluation of TOPMODEL-Based Land Surface–Atmosphere Transfer Scheme (TOPLATS) through a Soil Moisture Simulation
Authors: Fu Xiaolei , Luo Lifeng , Pan Ming , Yu Zhongbo , Tang Ying , Ding Yongjian
Published: June 2018

Better quantification of the spatiotemporal distribution of soil moisture across different spatial scales contributes significantly to the understanding of land surface processes on the Earth as an integrated system. While observational data for root-zone soil moisture (RZSM) often have sparse spatial coverage, model-simulated soil moisture may provide a useful alternative. TOPMODEL-Based Land Surface–Atmosphere Transfer Scheme (TOPLATS) has been widely studied and actively modified in recent years, while a detailed regional application with evaluation currently is still lacking. Thus, TOPLATS was used to generate high-resolution (30 arc s) RZSM based on coarse-scale (0.125°) forcing data over part of the Arkansas–Red River basin. First, the simulated RZSM was resampled to coarse scale to compare with the results of Mosaic, Noah, and VIC from NLDAS. Second, TOPLATS performance was assessed based on the spatial absolute difference among the models. The comparison shows that TOPLATS performance is similar to VIC, but different from Mosaic and Noah. Last, the simulated RZSM was compared with in situ observations of 16 stations in the study area. The results suggest that the simulated spatial distribution of RZSM is largely consistent with the distribution of topographic index (TI) in most instances, as topography was traditionally considered a major, but not the only, factor in horizontal redistribution of soil moisture. In addition, the finer-resolution RZSM can reflect the in situ soil moisture change at most local sites to a certain degree. The evaluation confirms that TOPLATS is a useful tool to estimate high-resolution soil moisture and has great potential to provide regional soil moisture estimates.
Effects of Low-Level Flow Orientation and Vertical Shear on the Structure and Intensity of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Chen Buo-Fu , Davis Christopher A. , Kuo Ying-Hwa
Published: June 2018

This article explores the simultaneous effect of vertical wind shear (VWS) and low-level mean flow (LMF) on tropical cyclone (TC) structure evolution. The structural evolution of 180 western North Pacific TCs from 2002 to 2014 was measured by a new parameter, the RV ratio, which is defined as the ratio of a TC’s radius of 34-kt (17.5 m s−1) wind to its maximum wind speed at the ending point of the intensification period. Whereas TCs with RV ratios in the lowest quartile of all 180 samples favored intensification over expansion, and 82% of these TCs experienced rapid intensification, TCs with RV ratios in the topmost quartile favored size expansion over intensification. A novel result of this study is that TC RV ratios were found to correlate with the LMF orientation relative to the deep-layer VWS vector. Specifically, whereas an LMF directed toward the left-of-shear orientation favors TC intensification, a right-of-shear LMF favors TC size expansion. This study further analyzed the TC rainfall asymmetry and asymmetric surface flow using satellite observations. Results show that for a TC affected by an LMF with right-of-shear orientation, the positive surface flux anomaly in the upshear outer region promotes convection in the downshear rainband region. On the other hand, a left-of-shear LMF induces a positive surface flux anomaly in the downshear outer region, thus promoting convection in the upshear inner core. Enhancement of the symmetric inner-core convection favors intensification, whereas enhancement of the downshear rainband favors expansion.
The Role of Behavioral Economics in Evidence-Based Policymaking
Authors: Congdon William J. , Shankar Maya
Published: June 2018

Behavioral economics has come to play an important role in evidence-based policymaking. In September 2015, President Obama signed an executive order directing federal agencies to incorporate insights from behavioral science into federal policies and programs. The order also charged the White House Social and Behavioral Sciences Team (SBST) with supporting this directive. In this article, we briefly trace the history of behavioral economics in public policy. We then turn to a discussion of what the SBST was, how it was built, and the lessons we draw from its experience and achievements. We conclude with a discussion of prospects for the future, arguing that even as SBST is currently lying fallow, behavioral economics continues to gain currency and show promise as an essential element of evidence-based policy.
The Office of Management and Budget: The Quarterback of Evidence-Based Policy in the Federal Government
Authors: Stack Kathy
Published: June 2018

During the Obama administration, the White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) leadership helped to initiate and cement evidence-based policymaking reforms across the federal government, particularly in social services programs. Notable accomplishments were in the design of outcome-focused programs that use and build evidence, the strengthening of agency evaluation capacity, and interagency data-linkage projects to harness administrative data. Here, I review those accomplishments and catalog the key assets and tactics that OMB used to help federal agencies increase their use of evidence and innovation. I also assess the shortcomings and limitations of the Obama-era OMB approach and draw conclusions about what could be done in the current or a future administration to further advance evidence-based policymaking in the executive branch. Specifically, I propose that Congress and the administration should work to improve agency evaluation capacity, assess and report on agencies’ progress in using and building evidence, and establish an Intergovernmental Evidence and Innovation Council.
The Role of Federal Agencies in Creating and Administering Evidence-Based Policies
Authors: Maynard Rebecca A.
Published: June 2018

The success of federal agencies in creating and using evidence-based policies hinges on (1) their commitment to include routine use of evidence—including research and program evaluations—in program design and funding decisions and (2) their capacity to adapt their operating practices accordingly. The recent push toward using evidence more deliberately in government meant that federal agencies needed to quickly improve the accessibility of existing evidence. They also had to foster internal capacity to fairly judge its quality and applicability; build capacity and support for routinely using evidence within program and policy offices to support policy development and monitoring; and create a consensus within agencies around sensible ways to categorize, rate, and apply evidence. Common evidence standards, open access to evidence review platforms, and mandates for embedding rigorous evaluations into funded programs are among the most influential tools agencies have used in this new era of evidence-based policymaking.
Pay for Success Is Quietly Undergoing a Radical Simplification
Authors: Overholser George M.
Published: June 2018

Recent changes to rules that dictate the permissible use of large social spending streams are ushering in a radical simplification of pay for success (PFS). These changes greatly reduce the amount of political effort required to secure PFS-enabled sources of spending for any given project; they make it easier to avoid the complexity of social impact bond financing arrangements; and they lead to PFS structures that work systemically across many providers at once, rather than with just one or two at a time.
Can Evidence-Based Policy Ameliorate the Nation’s Social Problems?
Authors: Knox Virginia , Hill Carolyn J. , Berlin Gordon
Published: June 2018

This article updates the pipeline paradigm for evidence building with a cyclical paradigm that encompasses evidence building, implementation, and adaptation. A cyclical paradigm for evidence-based policy and practice assumes that an intervention will be adapted over time, across settings, and across populations. These innovations and adaptations are encouraged and tested, with periodic review of the need for impact assessment. The cyclical paradigm also emphasizes service contrast at every stage, not just in the evidence-building stage where it has traditionally been a focus. A continuous cycle of evidence building, implementation, and adaptation—looping back to further evidence building—can help to ensure that the impacts of evidence-based policies and programs are sustained and grow in new settings.
Epidemiology of Swallowing Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Quality of Life Burden
Authors: Roy Nelson , Tanner Kristine M. , Merrill Ray M. , Wright Charisse , Pierce Jenny L. , Miller Karla L.
Published: June 2018

Objective:

This investigation examined the prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, and quality-of-life burden of swallowing disorders in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic, progressive autoimmune inflammatory disease.

Methods:

One hundred individuals with RA (84 women, 16 men; mean age = 61.1 years, SD = 13.1) were interviewed regarding the presence, nature, and impact of swallowing symptoms and disorders. Associations between swallowing disorders, medical factors, RA disease severity, and quality of life were examined.

Results:

Forty-one percent of participants reported a current swallowing disorder that began gradually and was longstanding (most experiencing symptoms on a daily basis for at least 4 years). Symptoms compatible with solid food dysphagia contributed disproportionately to reporting a current swallowing disorder. Risk factors for dysphagia included a self-reported voice disorder, thyroid problems, esophageal reflux, and being physically inactive. Swallowing disorders increased with self-reported RA disease severity and contributed to a significantly greater burden on overall quality of life.

Conclusion:

Chronic, longstanding swallowing disorders are common in individuals with RA and appear to increase with disease severity. Those individuals with dysphagia reported greater reductions in quality of life as compared to those without, highlighting the need for improved awareness, exploration, and management of swallowing disorders in this population.
A web-based virtual experimental platform for the course of automatic control principle
Authors: Luo Guo
Published: June 2018

In the environment of expansion of college enrollment, the current teaching resources cannot satisfy the requirements of students’ learning, which greatly restricts the students' learning interest, especially in the course of automatic control principle. With the development of computer technology and virtual instrument technology, the emergence of virtual laboratory not only provides a beneficial supplement for the traditional experiment, but also extends the experiment without limitation of time and space. Based on the concept of virtual laboratory, a virtual experiment platform is proposed for the course of automatic control principle by applying B/S network architecture and Mysql database in LABview software. The realizations of virtual experiment platform such as remote network design, interface design, basic and innovative experimental contents are further studied in this paper. This virtual experimental platform can provide network remote access for students and offer an online environment for teachers to check experimental results. This platform has completely broken the traditional experimental model and helps students to cultivate creative ability. The characteristic of excellent openness and flexibility can ensure adding new function for future education development in this platform. Further to the observation of the teaching effect of this platform applied in the Nanfang College of Sun Yat-Sen University, students are more willing to accept the automatic control principle course combined with virtual experimental platform.
Queering imperial history: The ethics of reconciliation in Tan Twan Eng’s The Gift of Rain
Authors: Tse Kelly Yin Nga
Published: June 2018

Drawing on the postcolonial discourse of reconciliation, this article critically examines The Gift of Rain (2007) by Malaysian Chinese writer Tan Twan Eng. It attends to the reparative work that the novel performs in relation to Japanese imperialism in Asia, particularly the Japanese occupation of British Malaya (1941–1945). It argues that Tan’s text, with its investment in the Buddhist-inflected queer passion between its Anglo-Chinese protagonist (the colonized) and his Japanese aikido master (the colonizer), gestures towards an ethics of reconciliation. Framing the queer romance in the Buddhist idiom of reincarnation, the novel offers a distinct cultural conception of reconciliation as an ongoing process. By queering and querying the specific Asian imperial encounter that is the Japanese Occupation, the novel ultimately registers a desire for restoring cultural connections in the wake of atrocities in postcolonial Asia.
Automatic generation and discretization of fully periodic representative volume elements of plain woven composites
Authors: Jendrysik Nadine , Schneider Konrad , Bargmann Swantje
Published: June 2018

This paper introduces an efficient and simple method to automatically generate and mesh geometrically parametrized representative volume elements for plain woven fiber-reinforced composites. The presented approach is capable of generating representative volume elements with 10%–55% fiber volume fraction. The practical feasibility of the model is demonstrated on numerical examples for isotropic and anisotropic tow materials which are compared to analytical solutions.
Image processing and data evaluation algorithms for reproducible optical in-plane permeability characterization by radial flow experiments
Authors: Fauster Ewald , Berg David C , Abliz Dilmurat , Grössing Harald , Meiners Dieter , Ziegmann Gerhard , Schledjewski Ralf
Published: June 2018

Textile permeability is one of the dictating factors in the fabrication of fibre-reinforced polymer composites. However, reproducibility of experimental in-plane permeability characterization is still a challenging task due to the lack of standardized test and evaluation procedures. The paper at hand addresses two major sources for discrepancies when characterizing in-plane permeability through optical observation of radial flow experiments: digital image processing and data evaluation algorithms. A digital image processing strategy is presented, which robustly handles varying lightning conditions, optical properties of the materials under test and image occlusions caused by mechanical elements of the test setup. The strategy is of universal validity and independent of the choice of reinforcing material and impregnating fluid. An experimental analysis compares two approaches for fitting elliptic geometry models to data points detected along the fluid flow front. The study reveals the impact of the fitting strategy on the resulting permeability data and the benefit of forcing the ellipse centre to that of the injection opening. The computation algorithm of Chan and Hwang, widely used for calculating in-plane permeability values from experimental data, is critically discussed. A correction of the algorithm is proposed which avoids a violation of isotropic data characteristics while adding robustness to the data reduction. An experimental analysis compares anisotropic in-plane permeability values obtained with different evaluation algorithms. The study highlights the impact of the computational algorithm on the permeability data and reveals discrepancies of up to 6%, which is considerable compared to the scatter typically reported for in-plane permeability data.