bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algorithm 984
Authors: Weinstein Matthew J. , Rao Anil V.
Published: August 2017

A toolbox called ADiGator is described for algorithmically differentiating mathematical functions in MATLAB. ADiGator performs source transformation via operator overloading using forward mode algorithmic differentiation and produces a file that can be evaluated to obtain the derivative of the original function at a numeric value of the input. A convenient by-product of the file generation is the sparsity pattern of the derivative function. Moreover, because both the input and output to the algorithm are source codes, the algorithm may be applied recursively to generate derivatives of any order. A key component of the algorithm is its ability to statically exploit derivative sparsity at the MATLAB operation level to improve runtime performance. The algorithm is applied to four different classes of example problems and is shown to produce runtime efficient derivative code. Due to the static nature of the approach, the algorithm is well suited and intended for use with problems requiring many repeated derivative computations.
Verifying efficient function calls in CakeML
Authors: Owens Scott , Norrish Michael , Kumar Ramana , Myreen Magnus O. , Tan Yong Kiam
Published: August 2017

We have designed an intermediate language (IL) for the CakeML compiler that supports the verified, efficient compilation of functions and calls. Verified compilation steps include batching of multiple curried arguments, detecting calls to statically known functions, and specialising calls to known functions with no free variables. Finally, we verify the translation to a lower-level IL that only supports closed, first-order functions.

These compilation steps resemble those found in other compilers (especially OCaml). Our contribution here is the design of the semantics of the IL, and the demonstration that our verification techniques over this semantics work well in practice at this scale. The entire development was carried out in the HOL4 theorem prover.
No-brainer CPS conversion (functional pearl)
Authors: Davis Milo , Meehan William , Shivers Olin
Published: August 2017

Algorithms that convert direct-style λ-calculus terms to their equivalent terms in continuation-passing style (CPS) typically introduce so-called “administrative redexes:” useless artifacts of the conversion that must be cleaned up by a subsequent pass over the result to reduce them away. We present a simple, linear-time algorithm for CPS conversion that introduces no administrative redexes. In fact, the output term is a normal form in a reduction system that generalizes the notion of “administrative redexes” to what we call “no-brainer redexes,” that is, redexes whose reduction shrinks the size of the term. We state the theorems which establish the algorithm's desireable properties, along with sketches of the full proofs.
Kami: a platform for high-level parametric hardware specification and its modular verification
Authors: Choi Joonwon , Vijayaraghavan Muralidaran , Sherman Benjamin , Chlipala Adam , Arvind
Published: August 2017

It has become fairly standard in the programming-languages research world to verify functional programs in proof assistants using induction, algebraic simplification, and rewriting. In this paper, we introduce Kami, a Coq library that enables similar expressive and modular reasoning for hardware designs expressed in the style of the Bluespec language. We can specify, implement, and verify realistic designs entirely within Coq, ending with automatic extraction into a pipeline that bottoms out in FPGAs. Our methodology, using labeled transition systems, has been evaluated in a case study verifying an infinite family of multicore systems, with cache-coherent shared memory and pipelined cores implementing (the base integer subset of) the RISC-V instruction set.
Visitors unchained
Authors: Pottier François
Published: August 2017

Traversing and transforming abstract syntax trees that involve name binding is notoriously difficult to do in a correct, concise, modular, customizable manner. We address this problem in the setting of OCaml, a functional programming language equipped with powerful object-oriented features. We use visitor classes as partial, composable descriptions of the operations that we wish to perform on abstract syntax trees. We introduce "visitors", a simple type-directed facility for generating visitor classes that have no knowledge of binding. Separately, we present "alphaLib", a library of small hand-written visitor classes, each of which knows about a specific binding construct, a specific representation of names, and/or a specific operation on abstract syntax trees. By combining these components, a wide range of operations can be defined. Multiple representations of names can be supported, as well as conversions between representations. Binding structure can be described either in a programmatic style, by writing visitor methods, or in a declarative style, via preprogrammed binding combinators.
Constrained type families
Authors: Morris J. Garrett , Eisenberg Richard A.
Published: August 2017

We present an approach to support partiality in type-level computation without compromising expressiveness or type safety. Existing frameworks for type-level computation either require totality or implicitly assume it. For example, type families in Haskell provide a powerful, modular means of defining type-level computation. However, their current design implicitly assumes that type families are total, introducing nonsensical types and significantly complicating the metatheory of type families and their extensions. We propose an alternative design, using qualified types to pair type-level computations with predicates that capture their domains. Our approach naturally captures the intuitive partiality of type families, simplifying their metatheory. As evidence, we present the first complete proof of consistency for a language with closed type families.
Automating sized-type inference for complexity analysis
Authors: Avanzini Martin , Dal Lago Ugo
Published: August 2017

This paper introduces a new methodology for the complexity analysis of higher-order functional programs, which is based on three ingredients: a powerful type system for size analysis and a sound type inference procedure for it, a ticking monadic transformation and constraint solving. Noticeably, the presented methodology can be fully automated, and is able to analyse a series of examples which cannot be handled by most competitor methodologies. This is possible due to various key ingredients, and in particular an abstract index language and index polymorphism at higher ranks. A prototype implementation is available.
Influence of Moderate High-Pressure Homogenization on Quality of Bioactive Compounds of Functional Food Supplements
Authors: Aguayo Encarna , Tarazona-Díaz Martha Patricia , Martínez-Sánchez Ascensión , García-González Antonio
Published: August 2017

Current interest in health has led to an increase in demand for functional food supplements as well as in industry concern for maintaining the bioactive compounds of such foods via the application of new technologies. In this study, we evaluated the effect of moderate high-pressure homogenization (HPH) treatments (80 and 120 MPa) versus thermal treatment (80°C, atmospheric pressure) on the functional bioactive compounds from four different functional supplements stored under accelerated conditions (40°C  ±  2°C and 75%  ±  5% relative humidity) for 6 months. HPH proved to be a better alternative than thermal treatment for functional supplements containing heat-sensitive compounds such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and unsaturated fatty acids (10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid). The proanthocyanidin, cynarin, chlorogenic, and iron contents, however, were not initially affected by HPH treatments. The storage time caused important reductions in the majority of the compounds studied (mainly in vitamins C, B12, and A), although the lowest decrease was found in the HPH samples. The food matrix had an important effect on the final functional composition and required the optimization of HPH treatments for each functional food supplement. HPH is a recommended alternative to thermal treatment for functional food supplements, in particular when they are rich in thermolabile bioactive compounds.
Highly Variable Genomic Landscape of Endogenous Retroviruses in the C57BL/6J Inbred Strain, Depending on Individual Mouse, Gender, Organ Type, and Organ Location
Authors: Lee Kang-Hoon , Lim Debora , Greenhalgh David , Cho Kiho
Published: August 2017

Transposable repetitive elements, named the “TREome,” represent ~40% of the mouse genome. We postulate that the germ line genome undergoes temporal and spatial diversification into somatic genomes in conjunction with the TREome activity. C57BL/6J inbred mice were subjected to genomic landscape analyses using a TREome probe from murine leukemia virus-type endogenous retroviruses (MLV-ERVs). None shared the same MLV-ERV landscape within each comparison group: (1) sperm and 18 tissues from one mouse, (2) six brain compartments from two females, (3) spleen and thymus samples from four age groups, (4) three spatial tissue sets from two females, and (5) kidney and liver samples from three females and three males. Interestingly, males had more genomic MLV-ERV copies than females; moreover, only in the males, the kidneys had higher MLV-ERV copies than the livers. Perhaps, the mouse-, gender-, and tissue/cell-dependent MLV-ERV landscapes are linked to the individual-specific and dynamic phenotypes of the C57BL/6J inbred population.
Nonlinear Material Behavior Analysis under High Compression Pressure in Dynamic Conditions
Authors: Zahid Muhammad Zubair , Butt Shahid Ikramullah , Iqbal Tauqeer , Ejaz Syed Zohaib , Faping Zhang
Published: August 2017

Gun chamber pressure is an important parameter in proofing of ammunition to ensure safety and reliability. It can be measured using copper crushers or piezoelectric sensor. Pressure calculations in copper crusher method are based on linear plastic deformation of copper after firing. However, crusher pressure deformation at high pressures deviates from the corresponding values measured by piezoelectric pressure transducers due to strain rate dependence of copper. The nonlinear deformation rate of copper at high pressure measurements causes actual readings from copper crusher gauge to deviate from true pressure values. Comparative analysis of gun chamber pressure was conducted for 7.62 × 51 mm ammunition using Electronic Pressure, Velocity, and Action Time (EPVAT) system with piezoelectric pressure transducers and conventional crusher gauge. Ammunitions of two different brands were used to measure chamber pressure, namely, NATO standard ammunition and non-NATO standard ammunition. The deformation of copper crushers has also been simulated to compare its deformation with real time firing. The results indicate erratic behavior for chamber pressure by copper crusher as per standard deviation and relative spread and thus prove piezo sensor as more reliable and consistent mode of peak pressure measurement. The results from simulation, cost benefit analysis, and accuracy clearly provide piezo sensors with an edge over conventional, inaccurate, and costly method of copper crusher for ballistic measurements due to its nonlinear behavior.
The Effect of Charcot Neuroarthropathy on Limb Preservation in Diabetic Patients with Foot Wound and Critical Limb Ischemia after Balloon Angioplasty
Authors: Çildağ Mehmet Burak , Köseoğlu Ömer Faruk Kutsi
Published: August 2017

Objective. The aim of this article is to investigate one-year limb preservation rates after below-the-knee angioplasty in patients with diabetic foot wound who only have critical limb ischemia (CLI) and those who have Charchot neuroarthropathy (CN) accompanied by CLI. Methods. This single-center, retrospective study consists of 63 patients with diabetic foot wound who had undergone lower extremity balloon angioplasty of at least 1 below-the-knee (BTK) vessel. Only those patients with postprocedural technical success of 100% were selected from the database. All patients were classified into two groups as patients with CLI and CN and patients with CLI only without CN. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the limb preservation rates for the two groups. Results. There was no statistically significant difference between patient age, gender, diabetic disease duration, and comorbid disease such as chronic renal insufficiency, hypertension, and coronary artery disease of the two groups (p>0.05). Limb preservation in the 12 months was 59.1% in the CN group and 92.7% in the group without CN. Also, limb preservation rates between the two groups displayed statistically significant differences (p<0.005). Conclusion. This study showed that CLI can accompany CN in patients with diabetes. Limb preservation rates with endovascular treatment in diabetic patients with CLI only are better than in diabetic patients with CLI and CN.
Towards Rehabilitation Robotics: Off-the-Shelf BCI Control of Anthropomorphic Robotic Arms
Authors: Athanasiou Alkinoos , Xygonakis Ioannis , Pandria Niki , Kartsidis Panagiotis , Arfaras George , Kavazidi Kyriaki Rafailia , Foroglou Nicolas , Astaras Alexander , Bamidis Panagiotis D.
Published: August 2017

Advances in neural interfaces have demonstrated remarkable results in the direction of replacing and restoring lost sensorimotor function in human patients. Noninvasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are popular due to considerable advantages including simplicity, safety, and low cost, while recent advances aim at improving past technological and neurophysiological limitations. Taking into account the neurophysiological alterations of disabled individuals, investigating brain connectivity features for implementation of BCI control holds special importance. Off-the-shelf BCI systems are based on fast, reproducible detection of mental activity and can be implemented in neurorobotic applications. Moreover, social Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) is increasingly important in rehabilitation robotics development. In this paper, we present our progress and goals towards developing off-the-shelf BCI-controlled anthropomorphic robotic arms for assistive technologies and rehabilitation applications. We account for robotics development, BCI implementation, and qualitative assessment of HRI characteristics of the system. Furthermore, we present two illustrative experimental applications of the BCI-controlled arms, a study of motor imagery modalities on healthy individuals’ BCI performance, and a pilot investigation on spinal cord injured patients’ BCI control and brain connectivity. We discuss strengths and limitations of our design and propose further steps on development and neurophysiological study, including implementation of connectivity features as BCI modality.
Angiopoietin-2 Levels as Predictors of Outcome in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Tsangaris Iraklis , Tsantes Argirios , Vrigkou Eleni , Kopterides Petros , Pelekanou Aimilia , Zerva Katerina , Antonakos George , Konstantonis Dimitrios , Mavrou Irini , Tsaknis Georgios , Kyriazopoulou Evdoxia , Mouktaroudi Maria , Kokori Styliani , Orfanos Stylianos E. , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Armaganidis Apostolos
Published: August 2017

Pulmonary endothelium dysfunction is a key characteristic of ARDS. The aim of this study was to investigate endothelium-derived markers, such as angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan), at the vascular and alveolar compartments as outcome predictors in ARDS. Fifty-three consecutive ARDS patients were studied. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Secondary endpoints were days of unassisted ventilation and days with organ failure other than ARDS, during the 28-day study period. Nonsurvivors presented higher lung injury scores and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) Ang-2 levels compared to survivors, with no significant differences in plasma Ang-2, endocan, and protein C concentrations between the two groups. In logistic regression analysis, ELF Ang-2 levels > 705 pg/ml were the only independent variable for 28-day mortality among the previous four. Plasma endocan values > 13 ng/pg were the only parameter predictive against days of unassisted ventilation during the 28-day study period. Finally, lung injury score > 2.25 and ELF Ang-2 levels > 705 pg/ml were associated with increased number of days with organ failure, other than ARDS. Our findings suggest that Ang-2 levels are increased in the alveolar compartment of ARDS patients, and this may be associated both with increased mortality and organ failure besides lung.
Classification of Hand Grasp Kinetics and Types Using Movement-Related Cortical Potentials and EEG Rhythms
Authors: Jochumsen Mads , Rovsing Cecilie , Rovsing Helene , Niazi Imran Khan , Dremstrup Kim , Kamavuako Ernest Nlandu
Published: August 2017

Detection of single-trial movement intentions from EEG is paramount for brain-computer interfacing in neurorehabilitation. These movement intentions contain task-related information and if this is decoded, the neurorehabilitation could potentially be optimized. The aim of this study was to classify single-trial movement intentions associated with two levels of force and speed and three different grasp types using EEG rhythms and components of the movement-related cortical potential (MRCP) as features. The feature importance was used to estimate encoding of discriminative information. Two data sets were used. 29 healthy subjects executed and imagined different hand movements, while EEG was recorded over the contralateral sensorimotor cortex. The following features were extracted: delta, theta, mu/alpha, beta, and gamma rhythms, readiness potential, negative slope, and motor potential of the MRCP. Sequential forward selection was performed, and classification was performed using linear discriminant analysis and support vector machines. Limited classification accuracies were obtained from the EEG rhythms and MRCP-components: 0.48±0.05 (grasp types), 0.41±0.07 (kinetic profiles, motor execution), and 0.39±0.08 (kinetic profiles, motor imagination). Delta activity contributed the most but all features provided discriminative information. These findings suggest that information from the entire EEG spectrum is needed to discriminate between task-related parameters from single-trial movement intentions.
A New Mathematical Method for Solving Cuttings Transport Problem of Horizontal Wells: Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Yongwang Liu , Yu-ming Liu , Heng-bin Qiu , Yan-feng Bai
Published: August 2017

Cuttings transport problem has long been recognized as one of the key difficulties in drilling horizontal wells, and the models in cuttings transport research are usually formulated with highly nonlinear equations set. When using Newton methods to solve real engineering problems with nonlinear equations set, the problems of result dependence on initial values, Jacobian matrix singularity, and variable outflow of its definition domain in iterations are three of the often‐encountered difficulties. In this paper, the ant colony algorithm is applied to solve the two‐layer cuttings transport model with highly nonlinear equations set. The solution‐searching process of solving nonlinear equations set is transformed into an optimization process of searching the minimum value of an objective function by applying ant colony algorithm. Analyzing the results of the example, it can be concluded that ant colony algorithm can be used to solve the highly nonlinear cuttings transport model with good solution accuracy; transforming the solution‐searching process of solving nonlinear equations set into an optimization process of searching the minimum value of the objective function is necessary; the real engineering problem should be simplified as much as possible to decrease the number of unknown variables and facilitate the use of ant colony algorithm.
Predictability of Urinary CD80 in the Relapse of Primary Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Liao Juan , Wu Xiao-Chuan , Cheng Qia , Li Can-Lin , Yi Zhu-Wen , Cao Yan , Shuai Lan-Jun
Published: August 2017

Purpose. The current study is aimed at investigating whether urinary CD80 is reliable to predict the recurrence of pediatric PNS. Materials and Methods. A total of 128 children, 105 males and 23 females, were enrolled in this study. Urinary samples were collected from SSNS and SRNS patients and 25 healthy children as controls. Urinary CD80 was measured by ELISA and adjusted for urinary creatinine excretion. Results. Urinary CD80 in relapse stage of SSNS was significantly higher, and the urinary CD80 of paired relapse and remission stages of each SSNS patient were also significantly different. No significant difference was found between the urinary CD80 in SRNS relapse group, SRNS remission group, and the control group. Similarly, there was no significant difference between frequent SSNS and not frequent SSNS in remission group, as well as the relapse group. There is no correlation between urinary CD80 and 24-hour urinary protein. Conclusion. The increase of urinary CD80 was closely associated with the relapse of SSNS but was not related to the frequency of relapse. The urinary CD80 changes of concentration were reliable to predict the recurrence of SSNS. However, it cannot be used to predicate the frequent recurrence of PNS.
Oncolytic Reactivation of KSHV as a Therapeutic Approach for Primary Effusion Lymphoma
Authors: Zhou Feng , Shimoda Michiko , Olney Laura , Lyu Yuanzhi , Tran Khiem , Jiang Guochun , Nakano Kazushi , Davis Ryan R. , Tepper Clifford G. , Maverakis Emanual , Campbell Mel , Li Yuanpei , Dandekar Satya , Izumiya Yoshihiro
Published: August 2017

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection. Currently, treatment options for patients with PEL are limited. Oncolytic viruses have been engineered as anticancer agents and have recently shown increased therapeutic promise. Similarly, lytic activation of endogenous viruses from latently infected tumor cells can also be applied as a cancer therapy. In theory, such a therapeutic strategy would induce oncolysis by viral replication, while simultaneously stimulating an immune response to viral lytic cycle antigens. We examined the combination of the FDA-approved drug ingenol-3-angelate (PEP005) with epigenetic drugs as a rational therapeutic approach for KSHV-mediated malignancies. JQ1, a bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) protein inhibitor, in combination with PEP005, not only robustly induced KSHV lytic replication, but also inhibited IL6 production from PEL cells. Using the dosages of these agents that were found to be effective in reactivating HIV (as a means to clear latent virus with highly active antiretroviral therapy), we were able to inhibit PEL growth in vitro and delay tumor growth in a PEL xenograft tumor model. KSHV reactivation was mediated by activation of the NF-κB pathway by PEP005, which led to increased occupancy of RNA polymerase II onto the KSHV genome. RNA-sequencing analysis further revealed cellular targets of PEP005, JQ1, and the synergistic effects of both. Thus, combination of PEP005 with a BET inhibitor may be considered as a rational therapeutic approach for the treatment of PEL. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(11); 2627–38. ©2017 AACR.
Synthetic Lethality Interaction Between Aurora Kinases and CHEK1 Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Alcaraz-Sanabria Ana , Nieto-Jiménez Cristina , Corrales-Sánchez Verónica , Serrano-Oviedo Leticia , Andrés-Pretel Fernando , Montero Juan Carlos , Burgos Miguel , Llopis Juan , Galán-Moya Eva María , Pandiella Atanasio , Ocaña Alberto
Published: August 2017

Ovarian cancer is characterized by frequent mutations at TP53. These tumors also harbor germline mutations at homologous recombination repair genes, so they rely on DNA-damage checkpoint proteins, like the checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1) to induce G2 arrest. In our study, by using an in silico approach, we identified a synthetic lethality interaction between CHEK1 and mitotic aurora kinase A (AURKA) inhibitors. Gene expression analyses were used for the identification of relevant biological functions. OVCAR3, OVCAR8, IGROV1, and SKOV3 were used for proliferation studies. Alisertib was tested as AURKA inhibitor and LY2603618 as CHEK1 inhibitor. Analyses of cell cycle and intracellular mediators were performed by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. Impact on stem cell properties was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis of surface markers and sphere formation assays. Gene expression analyses followed by functional annotation identified a series of deregulated genes that belonged to cell cycle, including AURKA/B, TTK kinase, and CHEK1. AURKA and CHEK1 were amplified in 8.7% and 3.9% of ovarian cancers, respectively. AURKA and CHEK1 inhibitors showed a synergistic interaction in different cellular models. Combination of alisertib and LY2603618 triggered apoptosis, reduced the stem cell population, and increased the effect of taxanes and platinum compounds. Finally, expression of AURKA and CHEK1 was linked with detrimental outcome in patients. Our data describe a synthetic lethality interaction between CHEK1 and AURKA inhibitors with potential translation to the clinical setting. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(11); 2552–62. ©2017 AACR.
Caloric Restriction Prevents Carcinogen-Initiated Liver Tumorigenesis in Mice
Authors: Ploeger Jonathan M. , Manivel Juan C. , Boatner Lauren N. , Mashek Douglas G.
Published: August 2017

Caloric restriction (CR) and endurance exercise elicit wide-ranging health benefits including reduced risk of select cancers. In addition, diet composition influences oncogenesis, although its interactions with exercise and CR are not well understood. Therefore, to investigate the potential interactions between diet and lifestyle interventions on liver tumorigenesis, the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine was administered to 72 male C57Bl/6 mice that were subsequently fed diets enriched with lard (CTL) or olive oil and were further stratified to voluntary wheel running (Ex) or 30% CR for 49 weeks. Although Ex and diet composition did not influence liver oncogenesis, CR prevented hepatic tumor formation. In addition, CR reduced steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, inflammation, and immune cell infiltration, all of which are hallmarks in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to liver tumorigenesis. RNA sequencing of nontransformed liver tissues from CR mice revealed changes in metabolic pathways and reduced inflammation, cytokine production, stellate cell activation and migration, and genes associated with liver injury and oncogenesis. These data demonstrate that CR protects against steatosis, liver inflammation, and liver injury and is a robust deterrent of carcinogen-induced hepatic oncogenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 10(11); 660–70. ©2017 AACR.
Influence of NanoLC Column and Gradient Length as well as MS/MS Frequency and Sample Complexity on Shotgun Protein Identification of Marine Bacteria
Authors: Wöhlbrand Lars , Rabus Ralf , Blasius Bernd , Feenders Christoph
Published: August 2017

Protein identification by shotgun proteomics, i.e., nano-liquid chromatography (nanoLC) peptide separation online coupled to electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS)/MS, is the most widely used gel-free approach in proteome research. While the mass spectrometer accounts for mass accuracy and MS/MS frequency, the nanoLC setup and gradient time influence the number of peptides available for MS analysis, which ultimately determine the number of proteins identifiable. Here, we report on the influence of (i) analytical column length (15, 25, or 50 cm) coupled to (ii) the applied gradient length (120, 240, 360, 480, or 600 min), as well as (iii) MS/MS frequency on peptide/protein identification by shotgun proteomics of (iv) 2 marine bacteria. Longer gradients increased the number of peptides/proteins identified as well as the reproducibility of identification. Furthermore, longer analytical columns strictly enlarge the covered proteome complement. Notably, the proteome complement identified with a short column and applying a long gradient is also covered when using longer columns with shorter gradients. Coverage of the proteome complement further increases with higher MS/MS frequency. Compilation of peptide lists of replicate analyses (same gradient length) improves protein identification, while compilation of analyses with different gradient lengths yields a similar or even higher number of proteins using comparable or even less total analysis time.
Fatal Acute Liver Failure as a Consequence of Regorafenib Treatment in a Metastatic Colon Cancer
Authors: Béchade Dominique , Desjardin Marie , Castain Claire , Bernard Pierre-Henri , Fonck Marianne
Published: August 2017

Regorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor which showed benefits in pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Hepatotoxicity has been described as a frequent side effect. We report the case of a 65-year-old patient presenting with jaundice, fever, and hepatocellular insufficiency which led to death of the patient. She had previously been treated with several lines of chemotherapy for sub- and diaphragmatic ganglionic metastases of a colon adenocarcinoma. There were no liver metastases. The fatal liver failure occurred at the beginning of treatment with regorafenib at a dosage of 3 tablets per day. No concomitant treatment was given, and other causes of liver damage were eliminated. The liver biopsy showed hepatocyte necrosis with lymphocyte infiltration. This observation illustrates the risk of severe hepatic involvement typically occurring within the first 2 months of treatment. Monitoring liver biology every 2 weeks is essential during the first 2 months to detect any hepatotoxicity.
Indians and Antiquity: Subversive Classicism in Early New England Poetry
Authors: van der Woude Joanne
Published: August 2017

Two exceptional colonial poems, Thomas Morton's version of the events around his Maypole at Merrymount and Benjamin Tompson's epics on King Philip's War, are heavily classical, especially in their descriptions of Native Americans. The essay examines the advantages that the use of classical comparisons have over the more common tropes of Biblical typology.
The identity of Ranunculus ailaoshanicus (Ranunculaceae) from China
Authors: YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: August 2017

We demonstrate that Ranunculus ailaoshanicus (Ranunculaceae) described from Ailao Shan, Yunnan, China, is conspecific with R. ficariifolius, a very widespread and highly variable species. We therefore place the former in synonymy within the latter.
Revision of the Diplommatinidae (Gastropoda: Cyclophoroidea) from Java
Authors: NURINSIYAH AYU SAVITRI , HAUSDORF BERNHARD
Published: August 2017

The Diplommatinidae (Gastropoda: Cyclophoroidea) from Java is revised based on 507 lots, both from recently collected materials and museum’s collections. Twenty-three species belonging to four genera have been recorded. The most diverse genus is Diplommatina with 17 species, of which four, D. halimunensis n. sp., D. kakenca n. sp., D. heryantoi n. sp. and D. ristiae n. sp. are new to science. We synonymized D. hortulana Leschke, 1914 with D. baliana Fulton, 1899 and D. ornithorica van Benthem Jutting, 1948 with D. canaliculata Möllendorff, 1887. The two Palaina species were already known from Java. A new Arinia species, Arinia yanseni n. sp., is the first record of this genus in Java and has also been found in southern Sumatra. One of the three recorded Opisthostoma species is also a yet unknown species. Fourteen of the diplommatinid species (61%) are endemic to Java, of which four are known only from a single mountain. Determination keys are given and the geographic ranges of the Diplommatinidae species on Java are summarized and illustrated in distribution maps.
Skill and Reliability of Seasonal Forecasts for the Chinese Energy Sector
Authors: Bett Philip E. , Thornton Hazel E. , Lockwood Julia F. , Scaife Adam A. , Golding Nicola , Hewitt Chris , Zhu Rong , Zhang Peiqun , Li Chaofan
Published: August 2017

The skill and reliability of forecasts of winter and summer temperature, wind speed, and irradiance over China are assessed using the Met Office Global Seasonal Forecast System, version 5 (GloSea5). Skill in such forecasts is important for the future development of seasonal climate services for the energy sector, allowing better estimates of forthcoming demand and renewable electricity supply. It was found that, although overall the skill from the direct model output is patchy, some high-skill regions of interest to the energy sector can be identified. In particular, winter mean wind speed is skillfully forecast around the coast of the South China Sea, related to skillful forecasts of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. Such information could improve seasonal estimates of offshore wind-power generation. In a similar way, forecasts of winter irradiance have good skill in eastern central China, with possible use for solar-power estimation. Skill in predicting summer temperatures, which derives from an upward trend, is shown over much of China. The region around Beijing, however, retains this skill even when detrended. This temperature skill could be helpful in managing summer energy demand. While both the strengths and limitations of the results presented here will need to be considered when developing seasonal climate services in the future, the outlook for such service development in China is promising.
Statistics of Internal Tide Bores and Internal Solitary Waves Observed on the Inner Continental Shelf off Point Sal, California
Authors: Colosi John A. , Kumar Nirnimesh , Suanda Sutara H. , Freismuth Tucker M. , MacMahan Jamie H.
Published: August 2017

Moored observations of temperature and current were collected on the inner continental shelf off Point Sal, California, between 9 June and 8 August 2015. The measurements consist of 10 moorings in total: 4 moorings each on the 50- and 30-m isobaths covering a 10-km along-shelf distance and an across-shelf section of moorings on the 50-, 40-, 30-, and 20-m isobaths covering a 5-km distance. Energetic, highly variable, and strongly dissipating transient wave events termed internal tide bores and internal solitary waves (ISWs) dominate the records. Simple models of the bore and ISW space–time behavior are implemented as a temperature match filter to detect events and estimate wave packet parameters as a function of time and mooring position. Wave-derived quantities include 1) group speed and direction; 2) time of arrival, time duration, vertical displacement amplitude, and waves per day; and 3) energy density, energy flux, and propagation loss. In total, over 1000 bore events and over 9000 ISW events were detected providing well-sampled statistical distributions. Statistics of the waves are rather insensitive to position along shelf but change markedly in the across-shelf direction. Two compelling results are 1) that the probability density functions for bore and ISW energy flux are nearly exponential, suggesting the importance of interference and 2) that wave propagation loss is proportional to energy flux, thus giving an exponential decay of energy flux toward shore with an e-folding scale of 2–2.4 km and average dissipation rates for bores and ISWs of 144 and 1.5 W m−1, respectively.
Firms’ Adjustments to Employment Protection Legislation: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Baek Jisun , Park WooRam
Published: August 2017

The authors examine the impact of employment protection legislation on firm-level outcomes such as employment and profitability in South Korea. The 2007 Act on the Protection of Temporary Workers restricted the use of specific types of temporary contracts to a period of two years. Exploiting the fact that the impact of the reforms was greater for establishments that intensively used the affected temporary workers, the authors apply a difference-in-differences framework. Their results show that businesses responded to the Act by reducing the use of temporary contracts protected by the reforms and partially substituting them with permanent and other unprotected temporary contracts. As a result, the reform decreased overall employment level of establishments. Furthermore, the authors find that the newly introduced regulations had a limited negative impact on firms’ profitability. Evidence suggests that establishments also improved their capital intensity and their labor productivity in response to the labor reform.
Competing Forces of Socioeconomic Development and Environmental Degradation on Health and Happiness for Different Income Groups in China
Authors: Gu Lijuan , Rosenberg Mark W. , Zeng Juxin
Published: August 2017

China’s rapid socioeconomic growth in recent years and the simultaneous increase in many forms of pollution are generating contradictory pictures of residents’ well-being. This paper applies multilevel analysis to the 2013 China General Social Survey data on social development and health to understand this twofold phenomenon. Multilevel models are developed to investigate the impact of socioeconomic development and environmental degradation on self-reported health (SRH) and self-reported happiness (SRHP), differentiating among lower, middle, and higher income groups. The results of the logit multilevel analysis demonstrate that income, jobs, and education increased the likelihood of rating SRH and SRHP positively for the lower and middle groups but had little or no effect on the higher income group. Having basic health insurance had an insignificant effect on health but increased the likelihood of happiness among the lower income group. Provincial-level pollutants were associated with a higher likelihood of good health for all income groups, and community-level industrial pollutants increased the likelihood of good health for the lower and middle income groups. Measures of community-level pollution were robust predictors of the likelihood of unhappiness among the lower and middle income groups. Environmental hazards had a mediating effect on the relationship between socioeconomic development and health, and socioeconomic development strengthened the association between environmental hazards and happiness. These outcomes indicate that the complex interconnections among socioeconomic development and environmental degradation have differential effects on well-being among different income groups in China.
The role of gratitude and moral elevation in moral identity development
Authors: Pohling Rico , Diessner Rhett , Strobel Anja
Published: August 2017

Experiencing the moral emotions of gratitude and moral elevation are responses to witnessing virtuous deeds of others. Both emotions have been found to share similar features and behavioral consequences, including the stimulation of personal development. The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions indicates that gratitude and elevation prompt the long-term development of lasting resources. Moral identity has been found to be a personal resource in the moral domain since it is associated with higher levels of moral functioning. Therefore, using a two-wave cross-lagged panel design, the current study investigated the causal role of trait gratitude and trait elevation as antecedents of short-term moral identity development. At two points of time (time interval 17 months), a heterogeneous sample of n = 129 adults with a broad range of age completed measures of trait gratitude, trait moral elevation (engagement with moral beauty), and moral identity (internalization and symbolization of the Aquino–Reed framework). In line with our hypotheses, trait moral elevation predicted increases in moral identity internalization. In contrast to our hypotheses, the development of trait gratitude was predicted by moral identity internalization, and not the other way around. Exploratory analyses showed that no cross-lagged effects could be found for the symbolization dimension. In addition, a multi-group analysis explored which of the cross-lagged effects could be generalized across age groups. The results are discussed in the context of the moral emotion research.
Pharmaceutical Capitalism and its Logistics: Access to Hepatitis C Treatment
Authors: Quet Mathieu
Published: August 2017

New and highly effective treatments against hepatitis C have come on the market in recent years. Their high cost has sparked vociferous debate concerning drug price control, the state’s responsibility towards infected populations and the power of multinational pharmaceutical companies. One possible way to understand these debates is to take into account the particular effects of pharmaceutical capitalism upon the circulation of commodities. Recent protests related to access to treatment identify circulation of medicines as an increasing site of capital accumulation and conflicts. This article defines the notion of ‘logistic regimes’ and shows how such regimes are contested. It analyzes critical ways of engaging with contemporary pharmaceutical logistics, through variations on medical tourism, critiques of patenting and pricing practices, and organization of alternative supply routes. It further proposes to deepen the notion of diversion as a political concept describing specific forms of opposition to the management practices of logistical capitalism.
Involvement of palliative care in euthanasia practice in a context of legalized euthanasia: A population-based mortality follow-back study
Authors: Dierickx Sigrid , Deliens Luc , Cohen Joachim , Chambaere Kenneth
Published: August 2017

Background:

In the international debate about assisted dying, it is commonly stated that euthanasia is incompatible with palliative care. In Belgium, where euthanasia was legalized in 2002, the Federation for Palliative Care Flanders has endorsed the viewpoint that euthanasia can be embedded in palliative care.

Aim:

To examine the involvement of palliative care services in euthanasia practice in a context of legalized euthanasia.

Design:

Population-based mortality follow-back survey.

Setting/participants:

Physicians attending a random sample of 6871 deaths in Flanders, Belgium, in 2013.

Results:

People requesting euthanasia were more likely to have received palliative care (70.9%) than other people dying non-suddenly (45.2%) (odds ratio = 2.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.5–2.9)). The most frequently indicated reasons for non-referral to a palliative care service in those requesting euthanasia were that existing care already sufficiently addressed the patient’s palliative and supportive care needs (56.5%) and that the patient did not want to be referred (26.1%). The likelihood of a request being granted did not differ between cases with or without palliative care involvement. Palliative care professionals were involved in the decision-making process and/or performance of euthanasia in 59.8% of all euthanasia deaths; this involvement was higher in hospitals (76.0%) than at home (47.0%) or in nursing homes (49.5%).

Conclusion:

In Flanders, in a context of legalized euthanasia, euthanasia and palliative care do not seem to be contradictory practices. A substantial proportion of people who make a euthanasia request are seen by palliative care services, and for a majority of these, the request is granted.
Clinical description of attack-related cognitive symptoms in migraine: A systematic review
Authors: Gil-Gouveia Raquel , Martins Isabel Pavão
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Cognitive symptoms have been described during migraine attacks since the Roman era; while being neglected throughout the centuries, they are relevant contributors to migraine-related disability.

Objective

To determine whether cognitive symptoms are included in clinical series describing migraine attack phenomenology, and which symptoms occur in each attack phase.

Method

Systematic review of existing data on clinical descriptions of migraine attacks, focusing on cognitive symptomatology. Data were organized and analyzed qualitatively, due to methodological differences between studies.

Results

Twenty-four articles were reviewed, with a total sample of 7007 patients, including 82.9% females with an average age of 39.2 years. Twenty one (75%) studies analyzed one phase of the attack (eight prodromes, five auras, one between aura and pain, three headaches and three postdromes), the remaining studied more than one phase. Cognitive complaints were the most frequent symptom of the prodromic (30%) and headache (38%) phases, while fatigue (70%) dominated the resolution phase. Not enough data is available to estimate the frequency of cognitive symptoms during the aura.

Discussion

Cognitive symptoms are described in all phases of the migraine attack phenomenology in published clinical series of migraine. Their characteristics appear to be different in each attack phase, although methodological limitations prevent generalization of this finding.
Mobilization of Mechanically Ventilated Patients in Switzerland
Authors: Sibilla Alberto , Nydahl Peter , Greco Nicola , Mungo Giuseppe , Ott Natalie , Unger Ines , Rezek Spencer , Gemperle Sarah , Needham Dale M. , Kudchadkar Sapna R.
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

Growing evidence suggests that early mobilization benefits intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, national practices and the culture of individual ICUs influence mobilization activities.

Materials and Methods:

In a 1-day, Swiss point prevalence study conducted in 35 ICUs (representing 45% of all ICUs), the highest level of mobilization for mechanically ventilated patients was characterized using the validated ICU Mobility Scale, along with data collection for potential safety events and mobilization barriers.

Results:

Among 161 mechanically ventilated patients, a total of 33% (n = 53) had active mobilization, with walking achieved by only 2% (n = 4). More severe organ failure was associated with lower mobilization (respiratory Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score: P = .037, cardiac: P = .008, neurology: P < .001). Barriers to mobilization were reported in 71% (n = 115), with deep sedation significantly higher among patients receiving passive versus active mobilization (14% vs 0%, P = .005). Potential safety events occurred in 20% (n = 33) of patients without significant differences between passive and active mobilization. Availability of physiotherapists and appropriate equipment were not reported barriers.

Conclusion:

Mobilization during mechanical ventilation occurred infrequently with greater organ failure associated with lower mobilization. Addressing the identified modifiable barriers via structured efforts to achieve multidisciplinary culture change is essential to decrease the common use of bed rest in Swiss ICUs.