bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in lowland dry-forest native and alien plant communities on Réunion Island (Indian Ocean) over 16 years
Authors: Barbé Marion , Fenton Nicole J. , Lavergne Christophe , Le Péchon Timothée , Baider Cláudia , Gigord Luc D.B.
Published: September 2015

Native floras of oceanic islands are among the most threatened on Earth. For example, only 1% of intact dry-forest ecosystems remain on Réunion, harbouring numerous endangered native species. Alien species invasion is one of the more important threats facing these ecosystems, as it has been hypothesized that, over time, the abundance of alien species will increase more than that of native species. To explore this, we studied floristic changes over a 16 year period (1995–2011) in six dry-forest remnants. Species richness and abundance increased for both alien and native species over this period, but at a significantly higher rate for the abundance of invasive alien plants. Despite this, Jaccard’s coefficient indicates a high level of similarity between the communities of 1995 and 2011. Also, the single site that benefited from invasive species management experienced the largest increase in native species, both in terms of specific richness and abundance. This study underlines the importance of permanent plots in studying the dynamics of invaded communities and in understanding plant succession. It also suggests a potential temporal persistence of island dry-forest communities, despite the expansion of alien species, and suggests the development of a new pathway in secondary succession where native and alien species coexist.
Filtration and Dubrovin valuation on matrix ring
Authors: Anjom SHoa Mohammad Hassan , Hosseini Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we show if [Formula: see text] is a filtered ring then we can define a filtration on [Formula: see text] which induced by a filtration on [Formula: see text], and we prove some properties and relations for [Formula: see text]. Also, we show if [Formula: see text] is a filtered ring then we can define a filtration on [Formula: see text], and we prove some properties and relation for [Formula: see text]. Later we show that, there exist a Dubrovin valuation on [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text] is a semisimple ring.
On the rainbow domination subdivision numbers in graphs
Authors: Dehgardi N. , Falahat M. , Sheikholeslami S. M. , Khodkar Abdollah
Published: September 2015

A [Formula: see text]-rainbow dominating function (2RDF) of a graph [Formula: see text] is a function [Formula: see text] from the vertex set [Formula: see text] to the set of all subsets of the set [Formula: see text] such that for any vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] the condition [Formula: see text] is fulfilled, where [Formula: see text] is the open neighborhood of [Formula: see text]. The weight of a 2RDF [Formula: see text] is the value [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text]-rainbow domination number of a graph [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the minimum weight of a 2RDF of G. The [Formula: see text]-rainbow domination subdivision number [Formula: see text] is the minimum number of edges that must be subdivided (each edge in [Formula: see text] can be subdivided at most once) in order to increase the 2-rainbow domination number. It is conjectured that for any connected graph [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we first prove this conjecture for some classes of graphs and then we prove that for any connected graph [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text].
Spatial Loss Systems
Authors: Foss S. , Juneja S. , Mandjes M. R.H. , Moka S. B.
Published: September 2015

We consider spatial marked Poisson arrivals in a Polish space. These arrivals are accepted or lost in a general state dependent manner. The accepted arrivals remain in the system for a random amount of time, where the individual sojourn times are i.i.d. For such systems, we develop semi-closed form expressions for the steady state probabilities that can be seen to be insensitive to the sojourn time distribution, and that rely essentially on the static probabilities of marked Poisson objects meeting the state acceptance criteria. The latter observation is then exploited to yield straightforward exact simulation algorithms to sample from the steady state distribution. In addition, for the special case where the arrivals are spheres in a Euclidean space that are lost whenever they overlap with an existing sphere, we develop large deviations asymptotics for the probability of observing a large number of spheres in the system in steady state, under diverse asymptotic regimes. Applications include modeling interference in wireless networks and connectivity in ad-hoc networks.
Learning Optimal Policies in Markov Decision Processes with Value Function Discovery?
Authors: Onderwater Martijn , Bhulai Sandjai , van der Mei Rob
Published: September 2015

In this paper we describe recent progress in our work on Value Function Discovery (vfd), a novel method for discovery of value functions for Markov Decision Processes (mdps). In a previous paper we described how vfd discovers algebraic descriptions of value functions (and the corresponding policies) using ideas from the Evolutionary Algorithm field. A special feature of vfd is that the descriptions include the model parameters of the mdp. We extend that work and show how additional information about the structure of the mdp can be included in vfd. This alternative use of vfd still yields near-optimal policies, and is much faster. Besides increased performance and improved run times, this approach illustrates that vfd is not restricted to learning value functions and can be applied more generally.
Stability and instability of individual nodes in multi-hop wireless CSMA/CA networks
Authors: Shneer Seva , van de Ven Peter M.
Published: September 2015

CSMA/CA is a popular random-access algorithm for wireless networks, but its stability properties are poorly understood. We consider a linear multi-hop network of three nodes where the neighbouring nodes interfere with each other and medium access is governed by the CSMA/CA algorithm. We assume that the source node is saturated and packets are forwarded through the network, each node transmitting towards its neighbour on the right. We demonstrate that the queue of the second node is saturated (unstable) and the queue of the third node is stable; this confirms heuristic arguments and simulation results found in the research literature. Providing a rigorous proof for the (in)stability of these nodes is complicated by the fact that neither queue is Markovian when considered in isolation, and the two queues are dependent. We then compute the limiting behavior of node 3, and use this to determine the end-to-end throughput of the network. Finally, we vary the access probabilities of the nodes, and evaluate how this affects the stability and throughput of the system.
A Fluid model based Heuristic for Optimal Speed-scaling of Multi-class Single Server Queues
Authors: Brun O. , Cheikh H. Ben , Prabhu B. J.
Published: September 2015

We investigate the energy-delay tradeoff in multi-class queues in which the server can regulate its speed according to the load of the system. Assuming that the queue is initially congested, we investigate the rate allocation to the classes that drains out the queue with minimum total energy and delay cost. We propose to solve this stochastic problem using a deterministic fluid approximation. We show that the optimal-fluid solution follows the well-known c? rule and obtain an explicit expression for the optimal speed. Numerical results show the utility and the applicability of the fluid-optimal policy.
About Joint Stable User Association and Resource Allocation in Multi-Rate IEEE 802.11 WLANs
Authors: Touati Mikael , Elazouzi Rachid , Coupechoux Marceau , Altman Eitan , Kelif Jean-Marc
Published: September 2015

This paper aims at proposing an alternative approach for both the modeling of the IEEE 802.11 resource allocation scheme and the design of mechanisms to reduce the impact of the anomaly of the protocol. We use game theory to model the IEEE 802.11 resource allocation and mobiles users to APs association as a coalition matching game. We propose a new mechanism that gives mobile users and APs the incentive to associate with each others in a way that both absorbs the load and reduce the negative impact of the anomaly in IEEE 802.11.
Greening Multi-Tenant Data Center Demand Response
Authors: Chen Niangjun , Ren Xiaoqi , Ren Shaolei , Wierman Adam
Published: September 2015

Data centers have become critical resources for emergency demand response (EDR). However, currently, data centers typically participate in EDR by turning on backup (diesel) generators, which are both expensive and environmentally unfriendly. In this paper, we focus on "greening" demand response in multi-tenant data centers by incentivizing tenants' load reduction and reducing on-site diesel generation. Our proposed mechanism, ColoEDR, which is based on parameterized supply function mechanism, provides provably near-optimal efficiency guarantees, both when tenants are price-taking and when they are price-anticipating.
Miss behavior for caching with lease
Authors: Tan Jian , Zhang Li , Wang Yandong
Published: September 2015

Caching with lease is to evict the data record from cache after its associated lease term expires. This policy differs from the traditional caching algorithms, e.g., LRU, by introducing a dimension of time to the data record stored in the cache. This model has recently attracted increasing interest not only from a theoretical perspective, but also in real system implementation. For the related theoretical studies, lease of each data record, also known as cache characteristic time and Time-To-Live (TTL), provides a convenient approximation that can simplify the complexity in analyzing popular caching algorithms such as LRU. This approach ignores the finite capacity of the cache size and assumes the lease term to be a known parameter that matches with the measurements. Recently, with new development in system engineering, caching with lease has been shown to be an efficient way to improve the performance of RDMA based key-value stores. This engineering practice imposes new challenges for designing caching algorithms based on lease. It calls for further theoretical investigation on the lease term in presence of a finite cache capacity. To this end, we derive the miss probabilities for caching with lease compared to LRU, when the frequency of requesting a data record is equal to the generalized Zipf's law. Based on the miss probability depending on the lease term, we also discuss adaptive algorithms that can optimally determine the lease term.
On the Optimality of Greedy Garbage Collection for SSDs
Authors: Yang Yudong , Misra Vishal , Rubenstein Dan
Published: September 2015

Solid state drives have been widely applied in modern computer systems. The lifetime of the SSD depends heavily on the efficiency of the implementation of the garbage collection (GC) algorithm that reclaims previously used pages. In this paper, we present the first detailed proof that the greedy GC algorithm has the optimal performance (minimized write amplification) for memoryless workloads.
Introduction to this special issue
Authors: Nittel Silvia
Published: September 2015

The last two decades have seen unprecedented advances in the development of small-scale sensors, as well as inexpensive, small computing platforms and a plethora of wireless communication media. These technological developments have lead to the research area of geosensor networks (GSN), which are wireless sensor networks deployed in geographic space. From a practical perspective, we see GSN often as 'networked geosensors' that live-stream information to the Internet today. Sensors can range from stationary environmental sensors to drones, ocean drifters, autonomous unmanned vehicles collecting environmental data or even humans acting as sensors. A GSN enables us to observe, reason about and react to events in geographic space in near real-time.
Challenges to using decentralized spatial algorithms in the field
Authors: Duckham Matt , Zhong Xu , Toohey Kevin
Published: September 2015

Over recent years considerable research effort has focused on developing decentralized algorithms for highly distributed computing environments, such as wireless geosensor networks. There are several putative advantages of decentralization, including scalability, energy efficiency, and operational latency. However, decentralized algorithms today are primarily found in simulations and lab-based deployments, but rarely if ever in the field in true deployments. In this paper, we review the principles of and drivers behind decentralization. We then contrast these drivers with a recent field deployment of a large wireless geosensor network for monitoring environmental conditions relevant to wildfire hazard, called RISERnet. The comparison highlights the key areas of difference, where current technology and applications of wireless geosensor networks are not yet able to take advantage of decentralization.
Formal foundations of sensor network applications
Authors: Beal Jacob , Viroli Mirko
Published: September 2015

One of the key features that distinguishes sensor networks from other networked applications is that their focus is generally not the sensors per se, but space-filling phenomena of the environment through which the sensors are deployed. Following the mathematical implications of this observation leads to a formal grounding of sensor network applications in a
field calculus
that describes sensing, modeling, and interpretation of space-filling phenomena directly in terms of operations on mathematical fields. This points to more flexible, scalable, and resilient approaches to sensor network applications, as well as simpler approaches to developing decentralized applications that can provide robust services in difficult operating environments such as natural disasters, mass events, and critical cyber-physical systems.
The Third ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Analysis for Big Spatial Data Dallas, Texas, USA - November 4, 2014
Authors: Chandola Varun , Vatsavai Ranga Raju
Published: September 2015

Big data is emerging as an important area of research for data researchers and scientists. This area has also seen significant interest from the industry and federal agencies alike, as evidenced by the recent White House initiative on "Big data research and development". Within the realm of big data, spatial and spatiotemporal data is one of fastest growing types of data With advances in remote sensors, sensor networks, and the proliferation of location sensing devices in daily life activities and common business practices, the generation of disparate, dynamic, and geographically distributed spatiotemporal data has exploded in recent years. In addition, significant progress in ground, air- and space-borne sensor technologies has led to an unprecedented access to earth science data for scientists from different disciplines, interested in studying the complementary nature of different parameters. Today, analyzing this data poses a massive challenge to researchers.
Light lies
Authors: Connellan Kathleen , Riggs Damien W. , Due Clemence
Published: September 2015

Light illuminates but also reflects, and when the medium of glass is a dominant design material it communicates within the architectural space. In this paper we suggest that the transience of light and transparencies of glass posit a duplicity that is aesthetically seductive but communicatively misleading. Specifically, the central aim of the paper is to address where truth sits between reflections and reason in the glass surfaces of a mental health environment. To provide a framework the paper first covers a brief history of glass, engages with its technological properties, its language(s) of the inner and outer, its aesthetic effects in an architectural poetry of light, and the messages conveyed to vulnerable clients and careful clinicians. Then, using a detailed case study of a purpose built mental health ward in Australia, we explore how glass engenders visibility, security, surveillance and power, concluding with recommendations for future builds.
e-health first impressions and visual evaluations
Authors: Lazard Allison J. , Mackert Michael S.
Published: September 2015

Design plays a critical role in the development of e-health, greatly impacting the outreach potential for pertinent health communication. Design influences viewers' initial evaluations of electronic displays of health information, as well as directly impacting the likelihood one will attend to and favorably evaluate the information, essential actions for processing the health concepts presented. Individuals with low health literacy, representing a hard-to-reach audience susceptible to worsened health outcomes, will benefit greatly from the application of theory-based design principles. Design principles that have been shown to appeal and engage audiences are the necessary first step for effective message delivery. Design principles, which directly impact increased attention, favorable evaluations, and greater information processing abilities, include: web aesthetics, visual complexity, affordances, prototypicality, and persuasive imagery. These areas of theory-driven design research should guide scholars in e-health investigation with research goals of broader outreach, reduction of disparities, and potential avenues for reduced health care costs. Improving design by working with this hard-to-reach audience will simultaneously improve practice, as the applications of key design principles through theory-driven design research will allow practitioners to create effective e-health that will benefit people more broadly.
The hospitalist model
Authors: Burleson Debra
Published: September 2015

A primary information source for many patients and caregivers is an organization's website. This study analyzes 17 of the top hospitals in the U.S. to determine how they are communicating about the role of the hospitalist in the care of patients. Beginning with a review of the evolution and implantation of the hospitalist in the hospital setting, this paper then goes on to outline the information gathered and analyzed from the websites used in this study. The findings indicate that hospital systems need to improve the types and kinds of communication that it posts on their websites to assist patients with their information needs.
Assembly and Function of Spinal Circuits for Motor Control
Authors: Catela Catarina , Shin Maggie M. , Dasen Jeremy S.
Published: September 2015

Control of movement is a fundamental and complex task of the vertebrate nervous system, which relies on communication between circuits distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord. Many of the networks essential for the execution of basic locomotor behaviors are composed of discrete neuronal populations residing within the spinal cord. The organization and connectivity of these circuits is established through programs that generate functionally diverse neuronal subtypes, each contributing to a specific facet of motor output. Significant progress has been made in deciphering how neuronal subtypes are specified and in delineating the guidance and synaptic specificity determinants at the core of motor circuit assembly. Recent studies have shed light on the basic principles linking locomotor circuit connectivity with function, and they are beginning to reveal how more sophisticated motor behaviors are encoded. In this review, we discuss the impact of developmental programs in specifying motor behaviors governed by spinal circuits.
Stress Signaling Between Organs in Metazoa
Authors: Owusu-Ansah Edward , Perrimon Norbert
Published: September 2015

Many organisms have developed a robust ability to adapt and survive in the face of environmental perturbations that threaten the integrity of their genome, proteome, or metabolome. Studies in multiple model organisms have shown that, in general, when exposed to stress, cells activate a complex prosurvival signaling network that includes immune and DNA damage response genes, chaperones, antioxidant enzymes, structural proteins, metabolic enzymes, and noncoding RNAs. The manner of activation runs the gamut from transcriptional induction of genes to increased stability of transcripts to posttranslational modification of important biosynthetic proteins within the stressed tissue. Superimposed on these largely autonomous effects are nonautonomous responses in which the stressed tissue secretes peptides and other factors that stimulate tissues in different organs to embark on processes that ultimately help the organism as a whole cope with stress. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which tissues in one organ adapt to environmental challenges by regulating stress responses in tissues of different organs.
Evolutionary Interactions Between Plant Reproduction and Defense Against Herbivores
Authors: Johnson Marc T.J. , Campbell Stuart A. , Barrett Spencer C.H.
Published: September 2015

Coevolution is among the most important evolutionary processes that generate biological diversity. Plant–pollinator interactions play a prominent role in the evolution of reproductive traits in flowering plants. Likewise, plant–herbivore interactions select for myriad defenses that protect plants from damage. These mutualistic and antagonistic interactions, respectively, have traditionally been considered in isolation from one another. Here, we consider whether reproductive traits and antiherbivore defenses are interdependent as a result of pollinator- and herbivore-mediated selection. The evolution of floral traits, self-fertilization, and separate sexes frequently affects the expression and evolution of plant defenses. In turn, the evolution of defense can affect allocation to reproductive traits, and herbivores often impose strong selection directly on floral traits. Theory and empirical evidence suggest that herbivores can influence the evolution of selfing from outcrossing and potentially the evolution of separate sexes from combined sexes. We identify several areas in which future research is needed to increase our understanding of the evolutionary interplay between reproduction and defense in plants.
Engineering of Secondary Metabolism
Authors: O'Connor Sarah E.
Published: September 2015

Secondary (specialized) metabolites, produced by bacteria, fungi, plants, and other organisms, exhibit enormous structural variation, and consequently display a wide range of biological activities. Secondary metabolism improves and modulates the phenotype of the host producer. Furthermore, these biological activities have resulted in the use of secondary metabolites in a variety of industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Metabolic engineering presents a powerful strategy to improve access to these valuable molecules. A critical overview of engineering approaches in secondary metabolism is presented, both in heterologous and native hosts. The recognition of the increasing role of compartmentalization in metabolic engineering is highlighted. Engineering approaches to modify the structure of key secondary metabolite classes are also critically evaluated.
Morris Halle: An Appreciation
Authors: Liberman Mark
Published: September 2015

Morris Halle has been one of the most influential figures in modern linguistics. This is partly due to his scientific contributions in many areas: insights into the sound patterns of English and Russian, ideas about the nature of metered verse, ways of thinking about phonological features and rules, and models for argumentation about phonological description and phonological theory. But he has had an equally profound influence through his role as a teacher and mentor, and this personal influence has not been limited to students who follow closely in his intellectual and methodological footsteps. It has been just as strong—or stronger—among researchers who disagree with his specific ideas and even his general approach, or who work in entirely different subfields. This appreciation is a synthesis of reflections from colleagues and former students whom he has formed, informed, and inspired.
Mapping the Pathways of Resistance to Targeted Therapies
Authors: Wood Kris C.
Published: September 2015

Resistance substantially limits the depth and duration of clinical responses to targeted anticancer therapies. Through the use of complementary experimental approaches, investigators have revealed that cancer cells can achieve resistance through adaptation or selection driven by specific genetic, epigenetic, or microenvironmental alterations. Ultimately, these diverse alterations often lead to the activation of signaling pathways that, when co-opted, enable cancer cells to survive drug treatments. Recently developed methods enable the direct and scalable identification of the signaling pathways capable of driving resistance in specific contexts. Using these methods, novel pathways of resistance to clinically approved drugs have been identified and validated. By combining systematic resistance pathway mapping methods with studies revealing biomarkers of specific resistance pathways and pharmacologic approaches to block these pathways, it may be possible to rationally construct drug combinations that yield more penetrant and lasting responses in patients. Cancer Res; 75(20); 4247–51. ©2015 AACR.
Breast Cancer Tumor Suppressors: A Special Emphasis on Novel Protein Nischarin
Authors: Maziveyi Mazvita , Alahari Suresh K.
Published: September 2015

Tumor suppressor genes regulate cell growth and prevent spontaneous proliferation that could lead to aberrant tissue function. Deletions and mutations of these genes typically lead to progression through the cell-cycle checkpoints, as well as increased cell migration. Studies of these proteins are important as they may provide potential treatments for breast cancers. In this review, we discuss a comprehensive overview on Nischarin, a novel protein discovered by our laboratory. Nischarin, or imidazoline receptor antisera-selected protein, is a protein involved in a vast number of cellular processes, including neuronal protection and hypotension. The NISCH promoter experiences hypermethylation in several cancers, whereas some highly aggressive breast cancer cells exhibit genomic loss of the NISCH locus. Furthermore, we discuss data illustrating a novel role of Nischarin as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. Analysis of this new paradigm may shed light on various clinical questions. Finally, the therapeutic potential of Nischarin is discussed. Cancer Res; 75(20); 4252–9. ©2015 AACR.
Extracellular DNA: A Bridge to Cancer
Authors: Hawes Martha C. , Wen Fushi , Elquza Emad
Published: September 2015

DNase I is a secreted enzyme whose function has been presumed to control “waste management” in the human system, by degrading DNA that leaks from dead and dying cells. Emerging studies have instead yielded evidence that DNase I plays a central role in newly defined dynamics of immune and autoimmune diseases, as well as cancer and vascular disorders, including thrombosis. Cancer cells have been reported to be associated with distinctive extracellular structures that facilitate aggregation and implantation. The fact that DNA is a component of such structures and that it plays a role in cancer development is illustrated by direct evidence: DNase I added to tumor cells eliminates the structures and inhibits tumorigenicity of some cancer cell lines. DNase I injected into experimental animals, moreover, results in significant inhibition of metastasis. Despite independent observations of such phenomena in diverse cancers for over 50 years, the potential for using DNase I as a clinical tool to prevent or treat cancer remains unexplored. The discovery of neutrophil extracellular traps has yielded a conceptual framework for interpreting how extracellular DNA may function in cancer development and why it may prove to be an important clinical target in stopping cancer outside the cell. Cancer Res; 75(20); 4260–4. ©2015 AACR.
Effect of Irbesartan on Chemerin in the Renal Tissues of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Yu Qiu-Xia , Zhang Hong , Xu Wen-Hui , Hao Fei , Liu Su-Lai , Bai Meng-Meng , Mu Jia-Wei , Zhang Hui-Juan
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Chemerin was introduced as a novel adipokine that plays a crucial role in insulin signaling and diabetic nephropathy. Serum chemerin levels are significantly elevated in type 2 diabetes patients with macroalbuminuria. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We conducted a preliminary investigation of the effects of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on chemerin expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were randomized into control, diabetic, and irbesartan-treated groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect mRNA expression of chemerin, angiotensin II type 1a receptor (AT1a), angiotensin II type 1b receptor (AT1b) and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2). Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect chemerin in renal tissues. Results: Expression levels of chemerin in renal tissues were significantly elevated in the diabetic group compared to the control group. In the irbesartan-treated group, chemerin expression levels and RAS-related protein levels (i.e. AT1a and AT1b) were markedly decreased compared to the diabetic group. Irbesartan treatment reduced chemerin overexpression and RAS-related protein levels in diabetic rats (i.e. AT1a and AT1b). Conclusion: Irbesartan may inhibit intrarenal RAS in diabetic rats, which may affect the expression of chemerin in the kidneys; however, the precise underlying mechanism remains to be determined.
Measuring End-Tidal Carbon Monoxide of Jaundiced Neonates in the Birth Hospital to Identify Those with Hemolysis
Authors: Christensen Robert D. , Malleske Daniel T. , Lambert Diane K. , Baer Vickie L. , Prchal Josef T. , Denson Leslie E. , Gerday Erick , Weaver Lewis Kimberlee A. , Shepherd JuLyn G.
Published: September 2015

Background: End-tidal breath carbon monoxide (ETCOc) levels correlate with catabolism of heme, but until recently, this measurement was not readily available for application to neonatology practice. Objectives: We performed a prospective, multihospital, test-of-concept study where ETCOc was measured during the birth hospitalization of neonates with a total bilirubin (TB) value >75th percentile on the Bhutani bilirubin nomogram. This was done to test the feasibility and ease of use of this new device. Methods: Neonates with an elevated ETCOc (with a >95th percentile reference interval previously established) were labeled as having ‘hemolytic jaundice'. We recommended a follow-up TB check <24 h after hospital discharge to these families. Results: One hundred and fifteen neonates were eligible for the study, the parents of 103 provided consent, and measurements were obtained for 100. Sixty-three had normal and 37 had elevated ETCOc values. By means of a direct antiglobulin test (DAT; Coombs), 11 of these 37 were found positive for ABO hemolytic disease; the remaining 26 had other etiologies. Thirty-six of the 37 with an elevated ETCOc had repeat TB monitoring <24 h after discharge home. None of the 100 were rehospitalized for jaundice treatment compared with a rate of 2.99 rehospitalizations per 100 control neonates who had a TB value >75th percentile (p = 0.079). Conclusion: ETCOc measurement is a feasible means of assessing hemolysis in jaundiced neonates during the birth hospitalization. When hemolysis is identified, parents are likely to comply with instructions to bring the infant for a TB checkup <24 h after discharge home.
Self-Ambivalence in the Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Bhar Sunil S. , Kyrios Michael , Hordern Celia
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Despite emerging interest in the role of self-concept in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), current research has failed to consider the role of self-perceptions in the cognitive-behavioural treatment of OCD. This study examined the relationship between ambivalence about self-worth and treatment outcomes in patients diagnosed with OCD. Methods: Sixty-two volunteers (59.7% female, mean age = 36.05 years, standard deviation, SD = 11.58) with a primary diagnosis of OCD were assigned to 16 sessions of face-to-face cognitive-behavioural treatment delivered in an individual format. Symptom severity, self-ambivalence, depressive symptoms and anxiety were measured using self-report measures at 5 time points: prewaitlist, pretreatment, midtreatment, posttreatment and 6- month follow-up. Results: All variables improved significantly at the posttreatment compared to the earlier time points, inclusive of OCD severity and self-ambivalence, and improvements were maintained at follow-up. As revealed through a series of logistical and stepwise regression analyses, controlling for various pretreatment levels of symptom severity and/or changes in mood severity, pre-post changes in self-ambivalence were predictive of lower posttreatment OCD severity and recovery from OCD. Of particular note, participants who changed by 1 SD in self-ambivalence were 2.5-3.9 times more likely to be recovered in OCD symptoms at the posttreatment time point, depending on what factors were entered first in the regression analysis. Conclusion: These results suggest that resolution of self-ambivalence predicts positive treatment outcomes in the cognitive-behavioural treatment of OCD. Assisting patients resolve self-ambivalence may be an important target in the psychological treatment of OCD.
Outcomes of Pure Laparoscopic versus Open Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Patients: A Case-Control Study with Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Tanaka Shogo , Takemura Shigekazu , Shinkawa Hiroji , Nishioka Takayoshi , Hamano Genya , Kinoshita Masahiko , Ito Tokuji , Kubo Shoji
Published: September 2015

Background/Purpose: Laparoscopic hepatic resection (LH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has gradually gained ground as a safe and minimally invasive treatment, although LH for cirrhotic patients remains challenging. Methods: Between January 2007 and August 2014, 28 and 57 patients with histologically proven cirrhosis (histological activity index, fibrosis score 4) underwent pure LH and open hepatic resection (OH; less than segmentectomy), respectively, for peripheral HCC ≤5 cm. To correct the difference in clinicopathological factors, including difficulty scores, between the two groups, propensity score matching was used at a 1:1 ratio, which resulted in a comparison of 20 patients per group. We compared the short- and long-term outcomes of LH and OH to investigate the efficacy of LH. Results: Clinicopathological variables, including difficulty scores, were well balanced between the two groups. The incidence of complications and mean intraoperative blood loss were lower in the LH group than the OH group (0 vs. 45% and 180 vs. 440 ml, p = 0.001 and 0.04, respectively). The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 42% in the LH group and 30% in the OH group (p = 0.533), whereas the 5-year overall survival rates were 46 and 60%, respectively (p = 0.606). Conclusions: LH is a safe and effective treatment option for cirrhotic patients with HCC in terms of intraoperative blood loss and morbidity.
Combined Inhibition of Histamine H1 Receptors and Leukotrienes Reduces Compound 48/80-Induced Contraction of the Human Bronchus in vitro
Authors: Benko Rita , Molnar Tamas F. , Szombati Veronika , Benkö István , Bartho Lorand
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Bronchial asthma continues to be a big challenge to therapy. Mast cells play an important role in allergic asthma. Histamine and leukotrienes are established mast cell mediators, but antihistamines currently play no role in asthma therapy. Methods: Human bronchial strips were exposed to the mast cell activator compound 48/80 (200 μg/ml) in isolated organ experiments. Results: The contractile response was not inhibited by the H1 receptor antagonist antihistamine chloropyramine (0.3 μmol/l), the leukotriene cys-LT1 receptor antagonist MK 571 (3 μmol/l), the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor MK 886 (5 μmol/l), the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (5 μmol/l), tetrodotoxin, or atropine. Chloropyramine, combined with either MK 571 or MK 886 significantly reduced the response. Conclusion: A supra-additive effect is proposed for the antihistamine and the anti-leukotrienes, which might have relevance to human asthma therapy as well; such a combination deserves a large-scale clinical study. These data also indicate that substances like compound 48/80 should be denoted as mast cell activators rather than ‘histamine liberators'.
Effects of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Cardiac Nerves on Atrial Arrhythmia in Experimental Pulmonary Artery Hypertension
Authors: Zhao Qingyan , Deng Hongping , Jiang Xuejun , Dai Zixuan , Wang Xiaozhan , Wang Xule , Guo Zongwen , Hu Wei , Yu Shengbo , Yang Bo , Tang Yanhong , Huang Congxin
Published: September 2015

Atrial arrhythmia, which includes atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL), is common in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), who often have increased sympathetic nerve activity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that autonomic nerves play important roles in vulnerability to AF/AFL in PAH. The atrial effective refractory period and AF/AFL inducibility at baseline and after anterior right ganglionated plexi ablation were determined during left stellate ganglion stimulation or left renal sympathetic nerve stimulation in beagle dogs with or without PAH. Then, sympathetic nerve, β-adrenergic receptor densities and connexin 43 expression in atrial tissues were assessed. The sum of the window of vulnerability to AF/AFL was increased in the right atrium compared with the left atrium at baseline in the PAH dogs but not in the controls. The atrial effective refractory period dispersion was increased in the control dogs, but not in the PAH dogs, during left stellate ganglion stimulation. The voltage thresholds for inducing AF/AFL during anterior right ganglionated plexi stimulation were lower in the PAH dogs than in the controls. The AF/AFL inducibility was suppressed after ablation of the anterior right ganglionated plexi in the PAH dogs. The PAH dogs had higher sympathetic nerve and β1-adrenergic receptor densities, increased levels of nonphosphorylated connexin 43, and heterogeneous connexin 43 expression in the right atrium when compared with the control dogs. The anterior right ganglionated plexi play important roles in the induction of AF/AFL. AF/AFL induction was associated with right atrium substrate remodeling in dogs with PAH.
Association Between High‐Sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein and Total Stroke by Hypertensive Status Among Men
Authors: Jiménez Monik C. , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Glynn Robert J. , Ridker Paul M , Gaziano J. Michael , Sesso Howard D.
Published: September 2015

Background

High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs
CRP
), a marker of systemic inflammation, may promote atherosclerosis, particularly among adults with elevated blood pressure; however, data are sparse. We examined the association between hs
CRP
concentrations and risk of total stroke by hypertension status (normotension, prehypertension, and hypertension) among men in the Physicians’ Health Study (
PHS
).

Methods and Results

Blood samples were collected (1996–1997) and assayed for hs
CRP
among 10 456 initially healthy men from
PHS
I and
PHS II
and followed from 1997 to 2012. Self‐reported hypertension status, cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle, and alcohol consumption were obtained from the baseline questionnaire prior to randomization in
PHS II
. Strokes were updated approximately annually and confirmed by medical records according to the National Survey of Stroke criteria. Multivariable Cox models were used. We observed 395 incident total strokes over 115 791 person‐years. In analyses adjusted for potential confounders and stroke risk factors, clinically elevated hs
CRP
(>3 mg/L) was associated with a 40% significantly greater hazard of total stroke compared with hs
CRP
<1 mg/L (hazard ratio 1.40, 95%
CI
1.06 to 1.8
7
;
P
trend
=0.01). Additional adjustment for blood pressure and biomarkers associated with cardiovascular risk marginally attenuated the estimates. Results were similar by hypertension status, although not statistically significant among normotensive and prehypertensive participants due to limited events.

Conclusions

Elevated hs
CRP
levels were associated with a greater risk of total stroke, even after adjustment for potential confounders and cardiovascular risk factors. Risk of total stroke was significantly higher among hypertensive men with elevated hs
CRP
compared with normotensive men with low hs
CRP
.
Do Lower Target Temperatures or Prolonged Cooling Provide Improved Outcomes for Comatose Survivors of Cardiac Arrest Treated With Hypothermia?
Authors: Kagawa Eisuke , Dote Keigo , Kato Masaya , Sasaki Shota , Oda Noboru , Nakano Yoshinori , Miura Katsuya , Inoue Ichiro , Kihara Yasuki
Published: September 2015

Background

Optimal protocols for targeted temperature management are still unclear. This study investigated whether lower target temperatures and/or prolonged cooling could provide improved outcomes in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest.

Methods and Results

This observational study was conducted using the prospectively collected targeted temperature management database in Hiroshima, Japan. Between September 2003 and September 2014, 237 patients treated with
TTM
after cardiac arrest were enrolled in this study. The target temperatures and durations were assigned by the treating physicians regardless of the patients’ conditions. Favorable outcomes were defined as a cerebral performance category scale of 1 or 2 at the 90‐day follow‐up time point. The rate of favorable outcomes were similar between the patients whose protocols of target temperature were <34°C and ≥34°C (40% versus 35%,
P
=0.41), cooling durations were <28 and ≥28 hours (33% versus 44%,
P
=0.11), and rewarming durations were <28 and ≥28 hours (35% versus 41%,
P
=0.39). However, in patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, target temperatures <34°C were associated with more favorable outcomes (29% versus 8%,
P
=0.01). The cooling and rewarming durations >28 hours and target temperatures <34°C were associated with more frequent lethal arrhythmia, pneumonia, and/or bleedings.

Conclusions

Prolonged durations of cooling and rewarming ≥28 hours may not improve outcomes and may increase complications. Further studies are necessary to assess the hypothesis that target temperatures <34°C provide improved outcomes in patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A review of the South Pacific Manota Williston (Diptera, Mycetophilidae), with the description of thirteen new species
Authors: KURINA OLAVI , HIPPA HEIKKI
Published: September 2015

The genus Manota is found to consist of 37 species in the South Pacific region. The following 13 species are described as new: M. acris sp. n. (Papua New Guinea (PNG)), M. alulata sp. n. (PNG), M. apentachaeta sp. n. (PNG), M. clivicola sp. n. (PNG), M. cordata sp. n. (PNG), M. feminea sp. n. (PNG), M. kaindiensis sp. n. (PNG), M. lunata sp. n. (PNG), M. nimia sp. n. (Solomon Is.), M. pentachaeta sp. n. (PNG), M. siciliculata sp. n. (PNG), M. sigma sp. n. (PNG) and M. unisetata sp. n. (Solomon Is.). New records of the following 11 species are presented: M. bicuspis Hippa, 2007 (PNG, Solomon Is.), M. biunculata Hippa, 2007 (PNG), M. evexa Hippa, 2007 (PNG), M. explicans Hippa, 2007 (PNG), M. hamulata Colless, 1966 (PNG), M. pacifica Edwards, 1928 (Samoa), M. parilis Hippa, 2007 (PNG, Vanuatu), M. perissochaeta Hippa, 2007 (PNG), M. serawei Hippa, 2007 (PNG), M. spathula Hippa, 2007 (PNG) and M. subspathula Hippa, 2007 (Australia). The latter is the first described species of Manota recorded from continental Australia. A redescription of M. pacifica Edwards, 1928 is given.
Increase in Aerosol Black Carbon in the 2000s over Ny-Ålesund in the Summer
Authors: Chen Liqi , Li Wei , Zhan Jianqiong , Wang Jianjun , Zhang Yuanhui , Yang Xulin
Published: September 2015

To investigate the concentrations, sources, and temporal variations of atmospheric black carbon (BC) in the summer Arctic, routine ground-level observations of BC by optical absorption were made in the summer from 2005 to 2008 at the Chinese Arctic “Yellow River” Station (78°55′N, 11°56′E) at Ny-Ålesund on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago. Methods of the ensemble empirical-mode decomposition analysis and back-trajectory analysis were employed to assess temporal variation embedded in the BC datasets and airmass transport patterns. The 10th-percentile and median values of BC concentrations were 7.2 and 14.6 ng m−3, respectively, and hourly average BC concentrations ranged from 2.5 to 54.6 ng m−3. A gradual increase was found by 4 ng m−3 a−1. This increase was not seen in the Zeppelin Station and it seemed to contrast with the prevalent conception of generally decreasing BC concentration since 1989 in the Arctic. Factors responsible for this increase such as changes in emissions and atmospheric transport were taken into consideration. The result indicated that BC from local emissions was mostly responsible for the observed increase from 2005 to 2008. BC temporal variation in the summer was controlled by the atmospheric circulation, which presented a significant 6–14-day variation and coherent with 1–3- and 2–5-day and longer cycle variation. Although the atmospheric circulation changes from 2005 to 2008, there was not a marked trend in long-range transportation of BC. This study suggested that local emissions might have significant implication for the regional radiative energy balance at Ny-Ålesund.
Improvement in Prediction of the Arctic Oscillation with a Realistic Ocean Initial Condition in a CGCM
Authors: Kim Hae-Jeong , Ahn Joong-Bae
Published: September 2015

This study verifies the impact of improved ocean initial conditions on the Arctic Oscillation (AO) forecast skill by assessing the one-month lead predictability of boreal winter AO using the Pusan National University (PNU) coupled general circulation model (CGCM). Hindcast experiments were performed on two versions of the model, one does not use assimilated ocean initial data (V1.0) and one does (V1.1), and the results were comparatively analyzed. The forecast skill of V1.1 was superior to that of V1.0 in terms of the correlation coefficient between the predicted and observed AO indices. In the regression analysis, V1.1 showed more realistic spatial similarities than V1.0 did in predicted sea surface temperature and atmospheric circulation fields. The authors suggest the relative importance of the contribution of the ocean initial condition to the AO forecast skill was because the ocean data assimilation increased the predictability of the AO, to some extent, through the improved interaction between tropical forcing induced by realistic sea surface temperature (SST) and atmospheric circulation. In V1.1, as in the observation, the cold equatorial Pacific SST anomalies generated the weakened tropical convection and Hadley circulation over the Pacific, resulting in a decelerated subtropical jet and accelerated polar front jet in the extratropics. The intensified polar front jet implies a stronger stratospheric polar vortex relevant to the positive AO phase; hence, surface manifestations of the reflected positive AO phase were then induced through the downward propagation of the stratospheric polar vortex. The results suggest that properly assimilated initial ocean conditions might contribute to improve the predictability of global oscillations, such as the AO, through large-scale tropical ocean–atmosphere interaction.