bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low red: Far-red light ratio causes faster in vitro flowering in lentil
Authors: Mobini Saeid H. , Lulsdorf Monika , Warkentin Thomas D. , Vandenberg Albert
Published: April 2016

Artificial light in growth chambers typically has a higher red to far-red (R:FR) ratio compared with natural light. This higher ratio may delay flowering and reduce plant height in some long-day plants. Modification of light spectral quality to lower than the critical threshold of R:FR for a given plant species can have important implications with respect to plant structural and physiological traits. The objective of this study was to accelerate lentil (Lens culinaris) flower induction in growth chambers re-fitted with T5 fluorescent bulbs, using supplemental FR bulbs to re-balance the R:FR ratio. Lentil cultivars CDC Greenland and CDC Maxim were grown under three light sources differing in R:FR, namely light emitting diodes (LED; R:FR = 3.09), T5 fluorescent bulbs (R:FR = 5.6), and T5 supplemented with near far-red bulbs (R:FR = 3.1). All three light sources provided 500 µmol m−2 s−1 of photosynthetic photon flux (PPF). Lentil floral induction was significantly affected by the R:FR ratio. Plants grown under R:FR ratios of 3.1 or less flowered 10–11 d earlier than plants grown under an R:FR ratio of 5.6. Both cultivars had the same response to R:FR ratio in terms of days to flowering and flowering rate.
Radiative Pion Capture in Flight and Charged Pion Photoproduction in Nuclei
Authors: Cannata F. , Lamers B. A. , Lucas C. W. , Nagl A. , Überall H. , Werntz C. , Kelly F. J.
Published: April 2016

Differential and total cross sections are calculated for charged pion photoproduction and radiative pion capture in flight close to threshold [Formula: see text], mainly for a target of 12C. At the lower energies, selective bound state excitation may be studied in photo-production since the giant resonance is kinematically suppressed here. Pion absorption is found to increase considerably with decreasing pion energy due to a 1/νπ factor, and it shows a dip in the forward direction except for the 1+ state. Distortion and absorption effects on the pion are calculated, and are estimated to lead to only a small reduction of the cross section in the energy region considered.
Acoustic End-Correction in a Flow-Reversal End Chamber Muffler: A Semi-Analytical Approach
Authors: Mimani A. , Munjal M. L.
Published: April 2016

This work presents a semi-analytical technique based on the Green’s function and uniform-piston driven model to determine the end-correction length [Formula: see text] in an axially long flow-reversal end chamber muffler having an end-inlet and an end-outlet. The semi-analytical procedure is based on the 3D analytical uniform piston-driven model for obtaining the impedance [Z] matrix parameters and numerically evaluating the frequency [Formula: see text] at which the imaginary part of the cross-impedance parameter [Formula: see text] crosses the frequency axis at the first instance. The frequency [Formula: see text] corresponds to the low-frequency peak in the transmission loss (TL) spectrum of the axially long flow-reversal end-chamber muffler obtained a priori to its computation by considering the influence of higher order evanescent transverse modes. The effective chamber length (and thence, the end-correction length) in the low-frequency range are determined by using the expression for resonance frequency of a classical quarter-wave resonator. This method is employed to determine the end-correction in axially long elliptical cylindrical end chambers and circular cylindrical end chambers (with or without a rigid concentric circular pass-tube). The TL graph predicted by the 1D axial plane wave model (incorporating the end-correction length) is shown to be in an excellent agreement with that obtained by the 3D analytical approach and an experimental result (from literature) up to the low-frequency limit, thereby validating the semi-analytical technique. Parametric studies are conducted using the proposed semi-analytical method to investigate and qualitatively explain the effect of angular location and offset distance of the end ports and the pass-tube diameter on the end-correction length, thereby yielding important insights into the influence of transverse evanescent modes on dominant axial plane wave modes of the axially long end-chamber. Development of an empirical end-correction expression in a flow-reversal circular end-chamber with offset inlet and outlet ports is a practically useful contribution of this work.
On higher holonomy invariants in higher gauge theory II
Authors: Zucchini Roberto
Published: April 2016

This is the second of a series of two technical papers devoted to the analysis of holonomy invariants in strict higher gauge theory with end applications in higher Chern–Simons theory. We provide a definition of trace over a crossed module to yield surface knot invariants upon application to 2-holonomies. We show further that the properties of the trace are best described using the theory quandle crossed modules.
An Efficient Fast-Mapping SLAM Method for UAS Applications Using Only Range Measurements
Authors: Torres-González A. , Martinez-de Dios J. R. , Jiménez-Cano A. , Ollero A.
Published: April 2016

This paper deals with 3D Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), where the UAS uses only range measurements to build a local map of an unknown environment and to self-localize in that map. In the recent years Range Only (RO) SLAM has attracted significant interest, it is suitable for non line-of-sight conditions and bad lighting, being superior to visual SLAM in some problems. However, some issues constrain its applicability in practical cases, such as delays in map building and low map and UAS estimation accuracies. This paper proposes a 3D RO-SLAM scheme for UAS that specifically focuses on improving map building delays and accuracy levels without compromising efficiency in the consumption of resources. The scheme integrates sonar measurements together with range measurements between the robot and beacons deployed in the scenario. The proposed scheme presents two main advantages: (1) it integrates direct range measurements between the robot and the beacons and also range measurements between beacons — called inter-beacon measurements — which significantly reduce map building times and improve map and UAS localization accuracies; and (2) the SLAM scheme is endowed with a supervisory module that self-adapts the measurements that are integrated in SLAM reducing computational, bandwidth and energy consumption. Experimental validation in field experiments with an octorotor UAS showed that the proposed scheme improved map building times in 72%, map accuracy in 40% and UAS localization accuracy in 12%.
The challenges of partially automated driving
Authors: Casner Stephen M. , Hutchins Edwin L. , Norman Don
Published: April 2016

Car automation promises to free our hands from the steering wheel but might demand more from our minds.
Inflow and Retention in OSS Communities with Commercial Involvement
Authors: Zhou Minghui , Mockus Audris , Ma Xiujuan , Zhang Lu , Mei Hong
Published: April 2016

Motivation:
Open-source projects are often supported by companies, but such involvement often affects the robust contributor inflow needed to sustain the project and sometimes prompts key contributors to leave. To capture user innovation and to maintain quality of software and productivity of teams, these projects need to attract and retain contributors.
Aim:
We want to understand and quantify how inflow and retention are shaped by policies and actions of companies in three application server projects.
Method:
We identified three hybrid projects implementing the same JavaEE specification and used published literature, online materials, and interviews to quantify actions and policies companies used to get involved. We collected project repository data, analyzed affiliation history of project participants, and used generalized linear models and survival analysis to measure contributor inflow and retention.
Results:
We identified coherent groups of policies and actions undertaken by sponsoring companies as three models of community involvement and quantified tradeoffs between the inflow and retention each model provides. We found that full control mechanisms and high intensity of commercial involvement were associated with a decrease of external inflow and with improved retention. However, a shared control mechanism was associated with increased external inflow contemporaneously with the increase of commercial involvement.
Implications:
Inspired by a natural experiment, our methods enabled us to quantify aspects of the balance between community and private interests in open- source software projects and provide clear implications for the structure of future open-source communities.
Use-case 2.0
Authors: Jacobson Ivar , Spence Ian , Kerr Brian
Published: April 2016

The hub of software development.
The internet of things we don't own?
Authors: Schultz Jason
Published: April 2016

Who will control the 'ordinary pursuits of life' in the digital economy?
Do patent commons and standards-setting organizations help navigate patent thickets?
Authors: Wen Wen , Forman Chris
Published: April 2016

Examining the institutions underlying the patent system for information and communication technologies.
Objects with intent
Authors: Rozendaal Marco
Published: April 2016

We live in a world where everyday objects, digital services, and human beings are increasingly interconnected. This forum aims to offer and promote a rich discussion on the challenges of designing for a broader ecology of materials, artifacts, and practices.
--- Elisa Giaccardi, Editor
On Dynamical Net-Charge Fluctuations within a Hadron Resonance Gas Approach
Authors: Tawfik Abdel Nasser , Abou-Salem L. I. , Shalaby Asmaa G. , Hanafy M.
Published: April 2016

The dynamical net-charge fluctuations (νdyn) in different particle ratiosK/π,K/p, andp/πare calculated from the hadron resonance gas (HRG) model and compared with STAR central Au+Au collisions atsNN=7.7–200 GeV and NA49 central Pb+Pb collisions atsNN=6.3–17.3 GeV. The three charged particle ratios (K/π,K/p, andp/π) are determined as total and average of opposite and average of the same charges. We find an excellent agreement between the HRG calculations and the experimental measurements, especially from STAR beam energy scan (BES) program, while the strange particles in the NA49 experiment at lower Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) energies are not reproduced by the HRG approach. We conclude that the utilized HRG version seems to take into consideration various types of correlations including strong interactions through the heavy resonances and their decays especially at BES energies.
Effect of Two Biological Formulations Based onBacillus subtilisandPseudomonas fluorescenson Control ofDidymella applanata, the Causal Agent of Red Raspberry Cane Spur Blight
Authors: Shternshis Margarita , Shpatova Tatyana , Belyaev Anatoly
Published: April 2016

In vitroandin vivostudies were conducted to estimate the efficacy of the two microbial formulations based onBacillus subtilisCohn. andPseudomonas fluorescensMig. on the fungusDidymella applanata(Niessl.) Sacc., the causal agent of red raspberry (Rubus idaeusL.) spur blight.In vitro, both bacteria reduced the growth ofD. applanata. In inoculation experiments with raspberry canes in two cultivars with different susceptibility toD. applanata, these antagonistic bacteria suppressed fungal development by reducing the lesions area and the number ofD. applanatafruiting bodies. Field trials of two biological formulations under natural conditions showed a significant suppression of the disease.B. subtilisandP. fluorescensincluded in the formulations revealed antagonistic activity towardsD. applanatathat depended on the red raspberry cultivar and weather conditions. In all cases,B. subtilisshowed better results thanP. fluorescensin biocontrol of the raspberry spur blight. This study demonstrated for the first time the ability of the biocontrol agentsB. subtilisandP. fluorescensto suppress red raspberry cane spur blight, a serious worldwide disease.
Parallelizing Backpropagation Neural Network Using MapReduce and Cascading Model
Authors: Liu Yang , Jing Weizhe , Xu Lixiong
Published: April 2016

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a widely used algorithm in pattern recognition, classification, and prediction fields. Among a number of neural networks, backpropagation neural network (BPNN) has become the most famous one due to its remarkable function approximation ability. However, a standard BPNN frequently employs a large number of sum and sigmoid calculations, which may result in low efficiency in dealing with large volume of data. Therefore to parallelize BPNN using distributed computing technologies is an effective way to improve the algorithm performance in terms of efficiency. However, traditional parallelization may lead to accuracy loss. Although several complements have been done, it is still difficult to find out a compromise between efficiency and precision. This paper presents a parallelized BPNN based on MapReduce computing model which supplies advanced features including fault tolerance, data replication, and load balancing. And also to improve the algorithm performance in terms of precision, this paper creates a cascading model based classification approach, which helps to refine the classification results. The experimental results indicate that the presented parallelized BPNN is able to offer high efficiency whilst maintaining excellent precision in enabling large-scale machine learning.
Low-Grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma with Intravenous and Intracardiac Extension: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Kudaka Wataru , Inafuku Hitoshi , Iraha Yuko , Nakamoto Tomoko , Taira Yusuke , Taira Rie , Kamiya Hisashi , Tsubakimoto Maho , Totsuka Yuichi , Kuniyoshi Yukio , Tamaki Tomoko , Aoyama Hajime , Saio Masanao , Yoshimi Naoki , Aoki Yoichi
Published: April 2016

Background. A rare case of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS) extending to inferior vena cava (IVC) and cardiac chambers.Case Report. A 40-year-old woman had IVC tumor, which was incidentally detected by abdominal ultrasonography during a routine medical checkup. CT scan revealed a tumor in IVC, right iliac and ovarian veins, which was derived from the uterus and extended into the right atrium and ventricle. The operation was performed, the heart and IVC were exposed, and cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated. A right atriotomy was performed, and the intracardiac mass was removed. Then the tumor in IVC and the right internal iliac vein were removed after longitudinal venotomies in the suprarenal and infrarenal vena cava, the right common iliac vein. Next the pelvis was explored. Tumors were found originating from the posterior wall of the uterus and continuing into both the right uterine and ovarian vein. The patient underwent total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooophorectomy. Complete tumor resection was achieved. Histopathological analysis confirmed a diagnosis of LG-ESS. She showed no evidence of disease for 2 years and 3 months.Conclusions. Our case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treating this rare cardiovascular pathological condition through preoperative assessment to final operation.
A New Multi-Ingredient Recipe for the Treatment of Localized Advanced Periodontal Disease following the Surgical Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Authors: Khzam Nabil , Fell Adam , Fisher Anthony , Kim Paul , Khan Usman A. , Bakr Mahmoud M.
Published: April 2016

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of the tooth supporting structures. It leads to bone and attachment loss which is irreversible. Extraction of horizontally impacted lower third molar (L3M) teeth may result in localized periodontal pockets at the distal aspect of the adjacent lower second molars (L2M). We present a case of a 21-year-old male who suffered from a swelling and pain around his lower right second molar following surgical removal of a mesioangular impacted lower right third molar. We showed that oral hygiene measures, surgical access, mixture of autogenous and synthetic bone graft, and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) were enough to control the problem.
A Pathophysiological Insight into Sepsis and Its Correlation with Postmortem Diagnosis
Authors: Pomara C. , Riezzo I. , Bello S. , De Carlo D. , Neri M. , Turillazzi E.
Published: April 2016

Background. Sepsis is among the leading causes of death worldwide and is the focus of a great deal of attention from policymakers and caregivers. However, sepsis poses significant challenges from a clinical point of view regarding its early detection and the best organization of sepsis care. Furthermore, we do not yet have reliable tools for measuring the incidence of sepsis. Methods based on analyses of insurance claims are unreliable, and postmortem diagnosis is still challenging since autopsy findings are often nonspecific.Aim. The objective of this review is to assess the state of our knowledge of the molecular and biohumoral mechanisms of sepsis and to correlate them with our postmortem diagnosis ability.Conclusion. The diagnosis of sepsis-related deaths is an illustrative example of the reciprocal value of autopsy both for clinicians and for pathologists. A complete methodological approach, integrating clinical data by means of autopsy and histological and laboratory findings aiming to identify and demonstrate the host response to infectious insults, is mandatory to illuminate the exact cause of death. This would help clinicians to compare pre- and postmortem findings and to reliably measure the incidence of sepsis.
A Comparison of Conventional Collagen Sponge and Collagen-Gelatin Sponge in Wound Healing
Authors: Jinno Chizuru , Morimoto Naoki , Ito Ran , Sakamoto Michiharu , Ogino Shuichi , Taira Tsuguyoshi , Suzuki Shigehiko
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the collagen-gelatin sponge (CGS) with that of the collagen sponge (CS) in dermis-like tissue regeneration. CGS, which achieves the sustained release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), is a promising material in wound healing. In the present study, we evaluated and compared CGSs and conventional CSs. We prepared 8 mm full-thickness skin defects on the backs of rats. Either CGSs or CSs were impregnated with normal saline solution (NSS) or 7 μg/cm2of bFGF solution and implanted into the defects. At 1 and 2 weeks after implantation, tissue specimens were obtained from the rats of each group (n=3, totaln=24). The wound area, neoepithelial length, dermis-like tissue area, and the number and area of capillaries were evaluated at 1 and 2 weeks after implantation. There were no significant differences in the CGS without bFGF and CS groups. Significant improvements were observed in the neoepithelial length, the dermis-like tissue area, and the number of newly formed capillaries in the group of rats that received CGSs impregnated with bFGF. The effects on epithelialization, granulation, and vascularization of wound healing demonstrated that, as a scaffold, CGSs are equal or superior to conventional CSs.
Oxidative Stress in Cancer‐Prone Genetic Diseases in Pediatric Age: The Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Perrone Serafina , Lotti Federica , Geronzi Ursula , Guidoni Elisa , Longini Mariangela , Buonocore Giuseppe
Published: April 2016

Oxidative stress is a distinctive sign in several genetic disorders characterized by cancer predisposition, such as Ataxia‐Telangiectasia, Fanconi Anemia, Down syndrome, progeroid syndromes, Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome, and Costello syndrome. Recent literature unveiled new molecular mechanisms linking oxidative stress to the pathogenesis of these conditions, with particular regard to mitochondrial dysfunction. Since mitochondria are one of the major sites of ROS production as well as one of the major targets of their action, this dysfunction is thought to be the cause of the prooxidant status. Deeper insight of the pathogenesis of the syndromes raises the possibility to identify new possible therapeutic targets. In particular, the use of mitochondrial‐targeted agents seems to be an appropriate clinical strategy in order to improve the quality of life and the life span of the patients.
Examination of Hearing in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Population: Role of Extended-High-Frequency Audiometry in the Diagnosis of Subclinical Involvement
Authors: Lasso de la Vega Mar , Villarreal Ithzel Maria , Lopez-Moya Julio , Garcia-Berrocal Jose Ramon
Published: April 2016

Objective. The aim of this study is to analyze the high-frequency hearing levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to determine the relationship between hearing loss, disease duration, and immunological parameters.Materials and Methods.A descriptive cross-sectional study including fifty-three patients with rheumatoid arthritis was performed. The control group consisted of 71 age- and sex-matched patients from the study population (consecutively recruited in Madrid “Area 9,” from January 2010 to February 2011). Both a pure tone audiometry and an extended-high-frequency audiometry were performed.Results. Extended-high-frequency audiometry diagnosed sensorineural hearing loss in 69.8% of the patients which exceeded the results obtained with pure tone audiometry (43% of the patients). This study found significant correlations in patients with sensorineural hearing loss related to age, sex, and serum anti-cardiolipin (aCL) antibody levels.Conclusion.Sensorineural hearing loss must be considered within the clinical context of rheumatoid arthritis. Our results demonstrated that an extended-high-frequency audiometry is a useful audiological test that must be performed within the diagnostic and follow-up testing of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, providing further insight into a disease-modifying treatment or a hearing loss preventive treatment.
Retinal Electrophysiology Is a Viable Preclinical Biomarker for Drug Penetrance into the Central Nervous System
Authors: Charng Jason , He Zheng , Vingrys Algis J. , Fish Rebecca L. , Gurrell Rachel , Bui Bang V. , Nguyen Christine T.
Published: April 2016

Objective. To examine whether retinal electrophysiology is a useful surrogate marker of drug penetrance into the central nervous system (CNS).Materials and Methods. Brain and retinal electrophysiology were assessed with full-field visually evoked potentials and electroretinograms in conscious and anaesthetised rats following systemic or local administrations of centrally penetrant (muscimol) or nonpenetrant (isoguvacine) compounds.Results. Local injections into the eye/brain bypassed the blood neural barriers and produced changes in retinal/brain responses for both drugs. In conscious animals, systemic administration of muscimol resulted in retinal and brain biopotential changes, whereas systemic delivery of isoguvacine did not. General anaesthesia confounded these outcomes.Conclusions. Retinal electrophysiology, when recorded in conscious animals, shows promise as a viable biomarker of drug penetration into the CNS. In contrast, when conducted under anaesthetised conditions confounds can be induced in both cortical and retinal electrophysiological recordings.
Determinants of Short Interbirth Interval among Reproductive Age Mothers in Arba Minch District, Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Desta , Gulte Teklemariam
Published: April 2016

Background. One of the key strategies to reduce fertility and promote the health status of mothers and their children is adhering to optimal birth spacing. However, women still have shorter birth intervals and studies addressing their determinants were scarce. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess determinants of birth interval among women who had at least two consecutive live births.Methods. Case control study was conducted from February to April 2014. Cases were women with short birth intervals (<3 years), whereas controls were women having history of optimal birth intervals (3 to 5 years). Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed.Result. Having no formal education (AOR = 2.36, 95% CL: [1.23–4.52]), duration of breast feeding for less than 24 months (AOR: 66.03, 95% CI; [34.60–126]), preceding child being female (AOR: 5.73, 95% CI; [3.18–10.310]), modern contraceptive use (AOR: 2.79, 95% CI: [1.58–4.940]), and poor wealth index (AOR: 4.89, 95% CI; [1.81–13.25]) of respondents were independent predictors of short birth interval.Conclusion. In equalities in education, duration of breast feeding, sex of the preceding child, contraceptive method use, and wealth index were markers of unequal distribution of inter birth intervals. Thus, to optimize birth spacing, strategies of providing information, education and communication targeting predictor variables should be improved.
A Discrete-Time Algorithm for Stiffness Extraction from sEMG and Its Application in Antidisturbance Teleoperation
Authors: Liang Peidong , Yang Chenguang , Wang Ning , Li Ruifeng
Published: April 2016

We have developed a new discrete-time algorithm of stiffness extraction from muscle surface electromyography (sEMG) collected from human operator’s arms and have applied it for antidisturbance control in robot teleoperation. The variation of arm stiffness is estimated from sEMG signals and transferred to a telerobot under variable impedance control to imitate human motor control behaviours, particularly for disturbance attenuation. In comparison to the estimation of stiffness from sEMG, the proposed algorithm is able to reduce the nonlinear residual error effect and to enhance robustness and to simplify stiffness calibration. In order to extract a smoothing stiffness enveloping from sEMG signals, two enveloping methods are employed in this paper, namely, fast linear enveloping based on low pass filtering and moving average and amplitude monocomponent and frequency modulating (AM-FM) method. Both methods have been incorporated into the proposed stiffness variance estimation algorithm and are extensively tested. The test results show that stiffness variation extraction based on the two methods is sensitive and robust to attenuation disturbance. It could potentially be applied for teleoperation in the presence of hazardous surroundings or human robot physical cooperation scenarios.
Du‐Huo‐Ji‐Sheng‐Tang Attenuates Inflammation of TNF‐Tg Mice Related to Promoting Lymphatic Drainage Function
Authors: Chen Yan , Li Jinlong , Li Qiang , Wang Tengteng , Xing Lianping , Xu Hao , Wang Yongjun , Shi Qi , Zhou Quan , Liang Qianqian
Published: April 2016

To investigate whether Du‐Huo‐Ji‐Sheng‐Tang (DHJST) attenuate inflammation of RA related to lymphatic drainage function in vivo, we treated eight 3‐month‐old TNF‐Tg mice with DHJST (12 g/kg) or the same volume of physiological saline once every day for 12 weeks, and 3‐month‐old WT littermates were used as negative control. After twelve weeks, we performed NIR‐ICG imaging and found that DHJST increased the ICG clearance at the footpad and the pulse of efferent lymphatic vessel between popliteal lymph node and footpad. Histology staining at ankle joints showed that DHJST decreases synovial inflammation, bone erosion, cartilage erosion, and TRAP+ osteoclast area in TNF‐Tg mice. Immunohistochemical staining by using anti‐Lyve‐1 and anti‐podoplanin antibody showed that DHJST stimulated lymphangiogenesis in ankle joints of TNF‐Tg mice. And zebrafish study suggested that DHJST promoted the formation of lymphatic thoracic duct. In conclusion, DHJST inhibits inflammation severity and promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic drainage function of TNF‐Tg mice.
Self-Triggered Model Predictive Control for Linear Systems Based on Transmission of Control Input Sequences
Authors: Kobayashi Koichi
Published: April 2016

A networked control system (NCS) is a control system where components such as plants and controllers are connected through communication networks. Self-triggered control is well known as one of the control methods in NCSs and is a control method that for sampled-data control systems both the control input and the aperiodic sampling interval (i.e., the transmission interval) are computed simultaneously. In this paper, a self-triggered model predictive control (MPC) method for discrete-time linear systems with disturbances is proposed. In the conventional MPC method, the first one of the control input sequence obtained by solving the finite-time optimal control problem is sent and applied to the plant. In the proposed method, the first some elements of the control input sequence obtained are sent to the plant, and each element is sequentially applied to the plant. The number of elements is decided according to the effect of disturbances. In other words, transmission intervals can be controlled. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is shown by numerical simulations.
Cortex phellodendri Extract Relaxes Airway Smooth Muscle
Authors: Jiang Qiu-Ju , Chen Weiwei , Dan Hong , Tan Li , Zhu He , Yang Guangzhong , Shen Jinhua , Peng Yong-Bo , Zhao Ping , Xue Lu , Yu Meng-Fei , Ma Liqun , Si Xiao-Tang , Wang Zhuo , Dai Jiapei , Qin Gangjian , Zou Chunbin , Liu Qing-Hua
Published: April 2016

Cortex phellodendri is used to reduce fever and remove dampness and toxin. Berberine is an active ingredient of C. phellodendri. Berberine from Argemone ochroleuca can relax airway smooth muscle (ASM); however, whether the nonberberine component of C. phellodendri has similar relaxant action was unclear. An n‐butyl alcohol extract of C. phellodendri (NBAECP, nonberberine component) was prepared, which completely inhibits high K+‐ and acetylcholine‐ (ACH‐) induced precontraction of airway smooth muscle in tracheal rings and lung slices from control and asthmatic mice, respectively. The contraction induced by high K+ was also blocked by nifedipine, a selective blocker of L‐type Ca2+ channels. The ACH‐induced contraction was partially inhibited by nifedipine and pyrazole 3, an inhibitor of TRPC3 and STIM/Orai channels. Taken together, our data demonstrate that NBAECP can relax ASM by inhibiting L‐type Ca2+ channels and TRPC3 and/or STIM/Orai channels, suggesting that NBAECP could be developed to a new drug for relieving bronchospasm.
On Event/Time Triggered and Distributed Analysis of a WSN System for Event Detection, Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Dima Sofia Maria , Antonopoulos Christos , Koubias Stavros
Published: April 2016

Event detection in realistic WSN environments is a critical research domain, while the environmental monitoring comprises one of its most pronounced applications. Although efforts related to the environmental applications have been presented in the current literature, there is a significant lack of investigation on the performance of such systems, when applied in wireless environments. Aiming at addressing this shortage, in this paper an advanced multimodal approach is followed based on fuzzy logic. The proposed fuzzy inference system (FIS) is implemented on TelosB motes and evaluates the probability of fire detection while aiming towards power conservation. Additionally to a straightforward centralized approach, a distributed implementation of the above FIS is also proposed, aiming towards network congestion reduction while optimally distributing the energy consumption among network nodes so as to maximize network lifetime. Moreover this work proposes an event based execution of the aforementioned FIS aiming to further reduce the computational as well as the communication cost, compared to a periodical time triggered FIS execution. As a final contribution, performance metrics acquired from all the proposed FIS implementation techniques are thoroughly compared and analyzed with respect to critical network conditions aiming to offer realistic evaluation and thus objective conclusions’ extraction.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Medical Conditions Associated with Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma using Medicare Claims (“MedWAS”)
Authors: Engels Eric A. , Parsons Ruth , Besson Caroline , Morton Lindsay M. , Enewold Lindsey , Ricker Winnie , Yanik Elizabeth L. , Arem Hannah , Austin April A. , Pfeiffer Ruth M.
Published: April 2016

Background: Certain medical conditions affect risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), but the full range of associations is unknown. We implemented a novel method (“medical condition-wide association study,” MedWAS) to comprehensively evaluate medical risk factors for NHL documented in administrative health claims.

Methods: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data, we conducted a case–control study comparing NHL cases [N = 52,691, age 66+ years, with five subtypes: chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), T-cell lymphoma (TCL)] to controls (N = 200,000). We systematically screened for associations with 5,926 medical conditions documented in Medicare claims more than 1 year before selection.

Results: Fifty-five conditions were variously associated with NHL. Examples include well-established associations of human immunodeficiency virus, solid organ transplantation, and hepatitis C virus with increased DLBCL risk (ORs 3.83, 4.27, and 1.74, respectively), and autoimmune conditions with DLBCL and MZL (e.g., ORs of 2.10 and 4.74, respectively, for Sjögren syndrome). Risks for all NHL subtypes were increased after diagnoses of nonmelanoma skin cancer (ORs 1.19–1.55), actinic keratosis (1.12–1.25), or hemolytic anemia (1.64–4.07). Nine additional skin conditions increased only TCL risk (ORs 2.20–4.12). Diabetes mellitus was associated with increased DLBCL risk (OR 1.09). Associations varied significantly across NHL subtypes for 49 conditions (89%).

Conclusion: Using an exploratory method, we found numerous medical conditions associated with NHL risk, and many associations varied across NHL subtypes.

Impact: These results point to etiologic heterogeneity among NHL subtypes. MedWAS is a new method for assessing the etiology of cancer and other diseases. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(7); 1105–13. ©2016 AACR.
In VivoFluorescence Imaging of the Activity of CEA TCB, a Novel T-Cell Bispecific Antibody, Reveals Highly Specific Tumor Targeting and Fast Induction of T-Cell–Mediated Tumor Killing
Authors: Lehmann Steffi , Perera Ramanil , Grimm Hans-Peter , Sam Johannes , Colombetti Sara , Fauti Tanja , Fahrni Linda , Schaller Teilo , Freimoser-Grundschober Anne , Zielonka Jörg , Stoma Szymon , Rudin Markus , Klein Christian , Umana Pablo , Gerdes Christian , Bacac Marina
Published: April 2016

Purpose: CEA TCB (RG7802, RO6958688) is a novel T-cell bispecific antibody, engaging CD3ϵ upon binding to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) on tumor cells. Containing an engineered Fc region, conferring an extended blood half-life while preventing side effects due to activation of innate effector cells, CEA TCB potently induces tumor lysis in mouse tumors. Here we aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile, the biodistribution, and the mode of action of CEA TCB by combining in vitro and in vivo fluorescence imaging readouts.

Experimental Design: CEA-expressing tumor cells (LS174T) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cocultured in vitro or cografted into immunocompromised mice. Fluorescence reflectance imaging and intravital 2-photon (2P) microscopy were employed to analyze in vivo tumor targeting while in vitro confocal and intravital time-lapse imaging were used to assess the mode of action of CEA TCB.

Results: Fluorescence reflectance imaging revealed increased ratios of extravascular to vascular fluorescence signals in tumors after treatment with CEA TCB compared with control antibody, suggesting specific targeting, which was confirmed by intravital microscopy. Confocal and intravital 2P microscopy showed CEA TCB to accelerate T-cell–dependent tumor cell lysis by inducing a local increase of effector to tumor cell ratios and stable crosslinking of multiple T cells to individual tumor cells.

Conclusions: Using optical imaging, we demonstrate specific tumor targeting and characterize the mode of CEA TCB–mediated target cell lysis in a mouse tumor model, which supports further clinical evaluation of CEA TCB. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4417–27. ©2016 AACR.

See related commentary by Teijeira et al., p. 4277
Impact of Guidelines on Clinical Practice
Authors: Chung Jong-Won , Kim Beom Joon , Han Moon-Ku , Ko Youngchai , Lee SooJoo , Kang Kyusik , Park Jong-Moo , Park Sang-Soon , Park Tai Hwan , Cho Yong-Jin , Hong Keun-Sik , Lee Kyung Bok , Lee Jun , Ryu Wi-Sun , Kim Dong-Eog , Nah Hyun-Wook , Kim Dae-Hyun , Cha Jae-Kwan , Kim Joon-Tae , Cho Ki-Hyun , Choi Jay Chol , Oh Mi-Sun , Yu Kyung-Ho , Lee Byung-Chul , Jang Myung Suk , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Juneyoung , Gorelick Philip B. , Yoon Byung-Woo , Bae Hee-Joon
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose—

Since its introduction, controversy has existed about the administration of intravenous heparin for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. We studied trends in the intravenous heparin use during a 6-year time period and the potential influence of clinical guidelines in national language on intravenous heparin administration in Korea.

Methods—

On the basis of a prospective nationwide multicenter stroke registry, we collected data on patients with acute ischemic stroke who arrived within 7 days of symptom onset during the time period 2008 to 2013. We studied patient demographics, prestroke medical history, stroke characteristics, and stroke treatment. Data from a total of 23 425 patients from 12 university hospitals or regional stroke centers were analyzed.

Results—

The administration of intravenous heparin steadily decreased throughout the study period: 9.7% in 2008, 10.9% in 2009, 9.4% in 2010, 6.0% in 2011, 4.7% in 2012, and 4.3% in 2013 (
P
for trend <0.001). The reduced intravenous heparin use was associated with moderate stroke severity, atrial fibrillation, and stroke of cardioembolic, other-, and undetermined etiology. In a multivariable logistic model, increase of 1 calendar year (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.84–0.95;
P
<0.001) and release of clinical practice guidelines in Korean (odd ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.59–0.91;
P
<0.01) were independent factors associated with reduction in the frequency of intravenous heparin use.

Conclusions—

Use of intravenous heparin for acute ischemic stroke treatment has decreased in Korea, and this change may be attributable to the spread and successful implementation of regional clinical practice guidelines.
A Survey of Word Reordering in Statistical Machine Translation: Computational Models and Language Phenomena
Authors: Bisazza Arianna , Federico Marcello
Published: April 2016

Word reordering is one of the most difficult aspects of statistical machine translation (SMT), and an important factor of its quality and efficiency. Despite the vast amount of research published to date, the interest of the community in this problem has not decreased, and no single method appears to be strongly dominant across language pairs. Instead, the choice of the optimal approach for a new translation task still seems to be mostly driven by empirical trials.

To orient the reader in this vast and complex research area, we present a comprehensive survey of word reordering viewed as a statistical modeling challenge and as a natural language phenomenon. The survey describes in detail how word reordering is modeled within different string-based and tree-based SMT frameworks and as a stand-alone task, including systematic overviews of the literature in advanced reordering modeling.

We then question why some approaches are more successful than others in different language pairs. We argue that besides measuring the amount of reordering, it is important to understand which kinds of reordering occur in a given language pair. To this end, we conduct a qualitative analysis of word reordering phenomena in a diverse sample of language pairs, based on a large collection of linguistic knowledge. Empirical results in the SMT literature are shown to support the hypothesis that a few linguistic facts can be very useful to anticipate the reordering characteristics of a language pair and to select the SMT framework that best suits them.
Notes on the genus Polycaena Staudinger (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) with descriptions of two new species from China
Authors: HUANG HAO , LI YU-FEI
Published: April 2016

Polycaena sejila sp. n. (Riodinidae: Nemeobiinae: Nemeobiini: Nemeobiina) and P. wangjiaqii sp. n. are described from Tibet Autonomous Region and Yunnan province respectively. P. lua minor is raised to full species, namely P. minor stat. n.; P. lama qinghaiensis syn. n. is recognized as a new junior synonym of P. kansuensis; P. lama taibaiensis is transferred as a subspecies of P. lua, namely P. lua taibaiensis stat. n.. The male genitalia of P. sejila, P. wangjiaqii, P. lama, P. kansuensis, P. lua lua, P. lua taibaiensis and P. minor are described and illustrated. A checklist of the genus Polycaena is updated and a key to species of the genus is provided.
The Evaporative Demand Drought Index. Part II: CONUS-Wide Assessment against Common Drought Indicators
Authors: McEvoy Daniel J. , Huntington Justin L. , Hobbins Michael T. , Wood Andrew , Morton Charles , Anderson Martha , Hain Christopher
Published: April 2016

Precipitation, soil moisture, and air temperature are the most commonly used climate variables to monitor drought; however, other climatic factors such as solar radiation, wind speed, and humidity can be important drivers in the depletion of soil moisture and evolution and persistence of drought. This work assesses the Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI) at multiple time scales for several hydroclimates as the second part of a two-part study. EDDI and individual evaporative demand components were examined as they relate to the dynamic evolution of flash drought over the central United States, characterization of hydrologic drought over the western United States, and comparison to commonly used drought metrics of the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Soil Moisture Index (SSI), and the evaporative stress index (ESI). Two main advantages of EDDI over other drought indices are that it is independent of precipitation (similar to ESI) and it can be decomposed to identify the role individual evaporative drivers have on drought onset and persistence. At short time scales, spatial distributions and time series results illustrate that EDDI often indicates drought onset well in advance of the USDM, SPI, and SSI. Results illustrate the benefits of physically based evaporative demand estimates and demonstrate EDDI’s utility and effectiveness in an easy-to-implement agricultural early warning and long-term hydrologic drought–monitoring tool with potential applications in seasonal forecasting and fire-weather monitoring.
A Wind Energy Ramp Tool and Metric for Measuring the Skill of Numerical Weather Prediction Models
Authors: Bianco Laura , Djalalova Irina V. , Wilczak James M. , Cline Joel , Calvert Stan , Konopleva-Akish Elena , Finley Cathy , Freedman Jeffrey
Published: April 2016

A wind energy Ramp Tool and Metric (RT&M) has been developed out of recognition that during significant ramp events (large changes in wind power over short periods of time ) it is more difficult to balance the electric load with power production than during quiescent periods between ramp events. A ramp-specific metric is needed because standard metrics do not give special consideration to ramp events and hence may not provide an appropriate measure of model skill or skill improvement. This RT&M has three components. The first identifies ramp events in the power time series. The second matches in time forecast and observed ramps. The third determines a skill score of the forecast model. This is calculated from a utility operator’s perspective, incorporates phase and duration errors in time as well as power amplitude errors, and recognizes that up and down ramps have different impacts on grid operation. The RT&M integrates skill over a matrix of ramp events of varying amplitudes and durations.
The Unification of Law and the Postcolonial State
Authors: Künkler Mirjam , Sezgin Yüksel
Published: April 2016

The article analyzes the evolution of state law pluralism in the field of personal status law in India and Indonesia in the postcolonial era. Having inherited pluri-legal personal law systems from their colonial patrons, postindependence leaders in both countries vowed to eliminate and replace pluri-legal arrangements by uniform civil law systems that would not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, custom, or religion. Despite their attempts at legal unification from the 1940s to 1960s, however, both nations today exhibit high degrees of state law pluralism in personal law. We show that plans for legal unification were abandoned in both countries in the 1970s, and that the turn away from legal unification was mostly driven by concerns of political stability and electoral politics, not, as is often argued in the literature, due to state incapacity or ideological reorientations on part of the ruling elite.
Teacher Migration: Extension and Application of the Population Ecology Model to Explore Teacher Transfers in a Reform Environment
Authors: Hochbein Craig , Carpenter Bradley
Published: April 2016

This article assesses the association between the Title I School Improvement Grant (SIG) program’s personnel replacement policy and teacher employment patterns within an urban school district. Hannan and Freeman’s population ecology model allowed the authors to consider schools within districts as individual organizations nested within a larger organization. The data are drawn from employment records of 2,470 teachers who worked in 19 high schools in a single school district from 2006 to 2011. The personnel replacement policy of the Title I SIG program appears to have reinforced, and in some cases intensified, existing patterns of teacher selection, retention, and migration.
The Aurora-a Battery as an Assessment of Triarchic Intellectual Abilities in Upper Primary Grades
Authors: Gubbels Joyce , Segers Eliane , Keuning Jos , Verhoeven Ludo
Published: April 2016

The theory of triarchic intelligence posits that, in addition to the widely acknowledged analytical reasoning abilities, creative and practical abilities should be included in the assessments of intellectual capacities and identification of gifted students. To find support for such an approach, the present study examined the psychometric properties of the Aurora- a Assessment Battery of triarchic abilities in the upper primary grades. To assess the dimensional structure of the Aurora- a Assessment Battery, we analyzed subtest scores of 499 elementary school children. Correlational and factor analyses showed a poor fit between Aurora- a subtest scores and the triarchic theory of intelligence, indicating deficiencies in either the triarchic theory or the design of the Aurora- a Battery. Researchers should sustain their current efforts to evaluate the validity of various theories of intelligence and to develop theory-based assessment instruments.