bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exotic orbits due to spin–spin coupling around Kerr black holes
Authors: Han Wen-Biao , Yang Shu-Cheng
Published: September 2017

We report exotic orbital phenomena of spinning test particles orbiting around a Kerr black hole, i.e. some orbits of spinning particles are asymmetrical about the equatorial plane. When a nonspinning test particle orbits around a Kerr black hole in a strong field region, due to relativistic orbital precessions, the pattern of trajectories is symmetrical about the equatorial plane of the Kerr black hole. However, the patterns of the spinning particles’ orbit are no longer symmetrical about the equatorial plane for some orbital configurations and large spins. We argue that these asymmetrical patterns come from the spin–spin interactions between spinning particles and Kerr black holes, because the directions of spin–spin forces can be arbitrary, and distribute asymmetrically about the equatorial plane.
The downward directed grounds hypothesis and very large cardinals
Authors: Usuba Toshimichi
Published: September 2017

A transitive model [Formula: see text] of ZFC is called a ground if the universe [Formula: see text] is a set forcing extension of [Formula: see text]. We show that the grounds of[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text] are downward set-directed. Consequently, we establish some fundamental theorems on the forcing method and the set-theoretic geology. For instance, (1) the mantle, the intersection of all grounds, must be a model of ZFC. (2) [Formula: see text] has only set many grounds if and only if the mantle is a ground. We also show that if the universe has some very large cardinal, then the mantle must be a ground.
Constructions of rotated lattice constellations in dimensions power of 3
Authors: Ferrari Agnaldo José , de Andrade Antonio Aparecido
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we present the constructions of rotated [Formula: see text]-lattices, where [Formula: see text] is a positive integer, via [Formula: see text]-modules of the ring of the integers [Formula: see text]. Our focus is on totally real number fields since the associated lattices have full diversity and then may be suitable for signal transmission over both Gaussian and Rayleigh fading channels. Lower bounds for the minimum product distances of such construction are also presented.
Compactly generated triangulated subcategories of homotopy categories induced by cotorsion pairs
Authors: Chen Wenjing , Liu Zhongkui , Yang Xiaoyan
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we investigate the homotopy categories [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with respect to a complete and hereditary cotorsion pair [Formula: see text] in a bicomplete abelian category. We prove that [Formula: see text] is compactly generated provided that [Formula: see text] is compactly generated. We introduce and characterize Gorenstein [Formula: see text]-complexes with respect to [Formula: see text] and show that a complex is a Gorenstein [Formula: see text]-complex if and only if its every term is a Gorenstein [Formula: see text]-object. We also show that the inclusion functors [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have right adjoints respectively when [Formula: see text] is compactly generated.
Upper bounds for some Brill–Noether loci over a finite field
Authors: Khuri-Makdisi Kamal
Published: September 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a smooth projective algebraic curve of genus [Formula: see text], over the finite field [Formula: see text]. A classical result of H. Martens states that the Brill–Noether locus of line bundles [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is of dimension at most [Formula: see text], under conditions that hold when such an [Formula: see text] is both effective and special. We show that the number of such [Formula: see text] that are rational over [Formula: see text] is bounded above by [Formula: see text], with an explicit constant [Formula: see text] that grows exponentially with [Formula: see text]. Our proof uses the Weil estimates for function fields, and is independent of Martens’ theorem. We apply this bound to give a precise lower bound of the form [Formula: see text] for the probability that a line bundle in [Formula: see text] is base point free. This gives an effective version over finite fields of the usual statement that a general line bundle of degree [Formula: see text] is base point free. This is applicable to the author’s work on fast Jacobian group arithmetic for typical divisors on curves.
On the number of representations by certain octonary quadratic forms with coefficients 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6
Authors: Ramakrishnan B. , Sahu Brundaban , Singh Anup Kumar
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we find formulas for the number of representations of certain diagonal octonary quadratic forms with coefficients [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We obtain these formulas by constructing explicit bases of the space of modular forms of weight [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] with character.
Applications of group theory to conjectures of Artin and Langlands
Authors: Wong Peng-Jie
Published: September 2017

In this note, we study conjectures of Artin and Langlands and derive the automorphy of all solvable groups of order at most 200, three groups excepted.
A Hypervisor Approach to Enable Live Migration with Passthrough SR-IOV Network Devices
Authors: Xu Xin , Davda Bhavesh
Published: September 2017

Single-Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV) is a specification that allows a single PCI Express (PCIe) device (physical function or PF) to be used as multiple PCIe devices (virtual functions or VF). In a virtualization system, each VF can be directly assigned to a virtual machine (VM) in passthrough mode to significantly improve the network performance. However, VF passthrough mode is not compatible with live migration, which is an essential capability that enables many advanced virtualization features such as high availability and resource provisioning.

To solve this problem, we design SRVM which provides hypervisor support to ensure the VF device can be correctly used by the migrated VM and the applications. SRVM is implemented in the hypervisor without modification in guest operating systems or guest VM drivers. SRVM does not increase VM downtime. It only costs limited resources (an extra CPU core only during the live migration pre-copy phase), and there is no significant runtime overhead in VM network performance.
Sustainability as a first-class metric for developers and end-users
Authors: Soundararajan Vijayaraghavan , Schnee Joshua
Published: September 2017

Sustainability is increasingly important as datacenters continue to consume vast quantities of resources worldwide. VMware is already well-positioned to reduce power consumption by increasing server consolidation, as a recent IDC report attests. However, improved server consolidation is only one piece of the sustainability puzzle, and individual engineers may be hard-pressed to understand how they can individually contribute to improving sustainability. The conventional methods for demonstrating sustainability do not provide a true measure of the amount of impact an individual engineer can make.

In this paper, we explore the sustainability life cycle of our products, not just from the perspective of an end consumer, but also from an internal developer perspective. We take three simple use cases and explore how optimizations can implicitly lead to improved sustainability. From these use cases, we discuss various ways in which sustainability can be quantified. We argue that VMware should start recording and publishing sustainability metrics and use these metrics to help drive customer adoption and help drive internal productivity improvements.
OS Support for Adaptive Components in Self-aware Systems
Authors: Reis João Gabriel , Fröhlich Antônio Augusto
Published: September 2017

The current pace of innovation in computing makes it difficult to assume a fixed set of requirements for the whole life span of a system. Aggressive technology scaling also imposes additional constraints to modern hardware platforms. An answer to this question are self-aware systems, which are capable of autonomously sensing and actuating upon themselves to cope with varying requirements. In this paper, we discuss the design and implementation of adaptive components in this scenario from the perspective of the OS. Components can exist in multiple avors that can by dynamically chosen according to current demands. The proposed framework supports this variability for components while preserving their interface contracts, even if avors exist in different domains (software, hardware, remote). The synthesis process delivers tailored wrapper for components according to their avors. Besides reconfiguration, we also support adaptations through dynamic power management and task remapping. The framework also supports component designers in terms of sensing via an event-based mechanism. The framework is validated through a case with three adaptive components in a telecommunication switch (AES, ADPCM, and DTMF) with little overhead both in terms of execution time and memory/silicon consumption.
Analysis of the Biceps Brachii Muscle by Varying the Arm Movement Level and Load Resistance Band
Authors: Burhan Nuradebah , Kasno Mohammad ‘Afif , Ghazali Rozaimi , Said Md Radzai , Abdullah Shahrum Shah , Jali Mohd Hafiz
Published: September 2017

Biceps brachii muscle illness is one of the common physical disabilities that requires rehabilitation exercises in order to build up the strength of the muscle after surgery. It is also important to monitor the condition of the muscle during the rehabilitation exercise through electromyography (EMG) signals. The purpose of this study was to analyse and investigate the selection of the best mother wavelet (MWT) function and depth of the decomposition level in the wavelet denoising EMG signals through the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) method at each decomposition level. In this experimental work, six healthy subjects comprised of males and females (26 ± 3.0 years and BMI of 22 ± 2.0) were selected as a reference for persons with the illness. The experiment was conducted for three sets of resistance band loads, namely, 5 kg, 9 kg, and 16 kg, as a force during the biceps brachii muscle contraction. Each subject was required to perform three levels of the arm angle positions (30°, 90°, and 150°) for each set of resistance band load. The experimental results showed that the Daubechies5 (db5) was the most appropriate DWT method together with a 6-level decomposition with a soft heursure threshold for the biceps brachii EMG signal analysis.
Benign Effect of Extremely Low‐Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Brain Plasticity Assessed by Nitric Oxide Metabolism during Poststroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Cichoń Natalia , Czarny Piotr , Bijak Michał , Miller Elżbieta , Śliwiński Tomasz , Szemraj Janusz , Saluk-Bijak Joanna
Published: September 2017

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important signal molecules, involved in both physiological and pathological processes. As a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, NO regulates cerebral blood flow, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of the extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic field (ELF‐EMF) on generation and metabolism of NO, as a neurotransmitter, in the rehabilitation of poststroke patients. Forty‐eight patients were divided into two groups: ELF‐EMF and non‐ELF‐EMF. Both groups underwent the same 4‐week rehabilitation program. Additionally, the ELF‐EMF group was exposed to an extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic field of 40 Hz, 7 mT, for 15 min/day. Levels of 3‐nitrotyrosine, nitrate/nitrite, and TNFα in plasma samples were measured, and NOS2 expression was determined in whole blood samples. Functional status was evaluated before and after a series of treatments, using the Activity Daily Living, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Mini‐Mental State Examination. We observed that application of ELF‐EMF significantly increased 3‐nitrotyrosine and nitrate/nitrite levels, while expression of NOS2 was insignificantly decreased in both groups. The results also show that ELF‐EMF treatments improved functional and mental status. We conclude that ELF‐EMF therapy is capable of promoting recovery in poststroke patients.
An Optimized Replica Distribution Method in Cloud Storage System
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Jinkuan
Published: September 2017

Aiming at establishing a shared storage environment, cloud storage systems are typical applications of cloud computing. Therefore, data replication technology has become a key research issue in storage systems. Considering the performance of data access and balancing the relationship between replica consistency maintenance costs and the performance of multiple replicas access, the methods of replica catalog design and the information acquisition method are proposed. Moreover, the deputy catalog acquisition method to design and copy the information is given. Then, the nodes with the global replica of the information replicate data resources, which have the high access frequency and the long response time. Afterwards, the Markov chain model is constructed. And a matrix geometric solution is used to export the steady-state solution of the model. The performance parameters in terms of the average response time, finish time, and the replica frequency are given to optimize the number of replicas in the storage system. Finally, numerical results with analysis are proposed to demonstrate the influence of the above parameters on the system performance.
Comprehensive Uncertainty Quantification in Nuclear Safeguards
Authors: Bonner E. , Burr T. , Krieger T. , Martin K. , Norman C.
Published: September 2017

Nuclear safeguards aim to confirm that nuclear materials and activities are used for peaceful purposes. To ensure that States are honoring their safeguards obligations, quantitative conclusions regarding nuclear material inventories and transfers are needed. Statistical analyses used to support these conclusions require uncertainty quantification (UQ), usually by estimating the relative standard deviation (RSD) in random and systematic errors associated with each measurement method. This paper has two main components. First, it reviews why UQ is needed in nuclear safeguards and examines recent efforts to improve both top-down (empirical) UQ and bottom-up (first-principles) UQ for calibration data. Second, simulation is used to evaluate the impact of uncertainty in measurement error RSDs on estimated nuclear material loss detection probabilities in sequences of measured material balances.
Regulation of Osteogenic Differentiation of Placental-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Insulin-Like Growth Factors and Low Oxygen Tension
Authors: Youssef Amer , Han Victor K. M.
Published: September 2017

Placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate in vitro to multiple lineages, including bone. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs, IGF-1 and IGF-2) participate in maintaining growth, survival, and differentiation of many stem cells, including osteoprogenitors. Low oxygen tension (PO2) can maintain stem cell multipotency and impede osteogenic differentiation. In this study, we investigated whether PMSC osteogenic differentiation is influenced by low PO2 and by IGFs. Our results indicated that low PO2 decreased osteogenic markers RUNX2 and OPN; however, re-exposure to higher oxygen tension (room air) restored differentiation. IGFs, especially IGF-1, triggered an earlier expression of RUNX2 and enhanced OPN and mineralization. RUNX2 was phosphorylated in room air and augmented by IGFs. IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) was increased in low PO2 and reduced by IGFs, while insulin receptor (IR) was increased in differentiating PMSCs and enhanced by IGF-1. Low PO2 and IGFs maintained higher IR-A which was switched to IR-B in room air. PI3K/AKT was required for osteogenic differentiation, while MEK/ERK was required to repress an RUNX2 and OPN increase in low PO2. Therefore, IGFs, specifically IGF-1, trigger the earlier onset of osteogenic differentiation in room air, whereas, reversibly, low PO2 impedes complete differentiation by maintaining higher multipotency and lower differentiation markers.
Efficient Network Coding with Interference-Awareness and Neighbor States Updating in Wireless Networks
Authors: Chen Xiaojiang , Zhao Jingjing , Xu Dan , Cao Shumin , Li Haitao , Meng Xianjia , Fang Dingyi
Published: September 2017

Network coding is emerging as a promising technique that can provide significant improvements in the throughput of Internet of Things (IoT). Previous network coding schemes focus on several nodes, regardless of the topology and communication range in the whole network. Consequently, these schemes are greedy. Namely, all opportunities of combinations of packets in these nodes are exploited. We demonstrate that there is still room for whole network throughput improvement for these greedy design principles. Thus, in this paper, we propose a novel network coding scheme, ECS (Efficient Coding Scheme), which is designed to achieve a higher throughput improvement with lower computational complexity and buffer occupancy compared to current greedy schemes for wireless mesh networks. ECS utilizes the knowledge of the topologies to minimize interference and obtain more throughput. We also prove that the widely used expected transmission count metric (ETX) in opportunistic listening has an inherent error ratio that would lead to decoding failure. ECS therefore exploits a more reliable broadcast protocol to decrease the impact of this inherent error ratio in ETX. Simulation results show that ECS can greatly improve the performance of network coding and decrease buffer occupancy.
For Better or Worse: The Effect of Prismatic Adaptation on Auditory Neglect
Authors: Tissieres Isabel , Elamly Mona , Clarke Stephanie , Crottaz-Herbette Sonia
Published: September 2017

Patients with auditory neglect attend less to auditory stimuli on their left and/or make systematic directional errors when indicating sound positions. Rightward prismatic adaptation (R-PA) was repeatedly shown to alleviate symptoms of visuospatial neglect and once to restore partially spatial bias in dichotic listening. It is currently unknown whether R-PA affects only this ear-related symptom or also other aspects of auditory neglect. We have investigated the effect of R-PA on left ear extinction in dichotic listening, space-related inattention assessed by diotic listening, and directional errors in auditory localization in patients with auditory neglect. The most striking effect of R-PA was the alleviation of left ear extinction in dichotic listening, which occurred in half of the patients with initial deficit. In contrast to nonresponders, their lesions spared the right dorsal attentional system and posterior temporal cortex. The beneficial effect of R-PA on an ear-related performance contrasted with detrimental effects on diotic listening and auditory localization. The former can be parsimoniously explained by the SHD-VAS model (shift in hemispheric dominance within the ventral attentional system; Clarke and Crottaz-Herbette 2016), which is based on the R-PA-induced shift of the right-dominant ventral attentional system to the left hemisphere. The negative effects in space-related tasks may be due to the complex nature of auditory space encoding at a cortical level.
Automatic Measurement of Fetal Brain Development from Magnetic Resonance Imaging: New Reference Data
Authors: Link Daphna , Braginsky Michael B. , Joskowicz Leo , Ben Sira Liat , Harel Shaul , Many Ariel , Tarrasch Ricardo , Malinger Gustavo , Artzi Moran , Kapoor Cassandra , Miller Elka , Ben Bashat Dafna
Published: September 2017

Background: Accurate fetal brain volume estimation is of paramount importance in evaluating fetal development. The aim of this study was to develop an automatic method for fetal brain segmentation from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, and to create for the first time a normal volumetric growth chart based on a large cohort. Subjects and Methods: A semi-automatic segmentation method based on Seeded Region Growing algorithm was developed and applied to MRI data of 199 typically developed fetuses between 18 and 37 weeks' gestation. The accuracy of the algorithm was tested against a sub-cohort of ground truth manual segmentations. A quadratic regression analysis was used to create normal growth charts. The sensitivity of the method to identify developmental disorders was demonstrated on 9 fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Results: The developed method showed high correlation with manual segmentation (r2 = 0.9183, p < 0.001) as well as mean volume and volume overlap differences of 4.77 and 18.13%, respectively. New reference data on 199 normal fetuses were created, and all 9 IUGR fetuses were at or below the third percentile of the normal growth chart. Discussion: The proposed method is fast, accurate, reproducible, user independent, applicable with retrospective data, and is suggested for use in routine clinical practice.
Hospitalisation in Children with Adrenal Insufficiency and Hypopituitarism: Is There a Differential Burden between Boys and Girls and between Age Groups?
Authors: Rushworth R. Louise , Chrisp Georgina L. , Dean Benjamin , Falhammar Henrik , Torpy David J.
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: To determine the burden of hospitalisation in children with adrenal insufficiency (AI)/hypopituitarism in Australia. Methods: A retrospective study of Australian hospitalisation data. All admissions between 2001 and 2014 for patients aged 0–19 years with a principal diagnosis of AI/hypopituitarism were included. Denominator populations were extracted from national statistics datasets. Results: There were 3,779 admissions for treatment of AI/hypopituitarism in patients aged 0–19 years, corresponding to an average admission rate of 48.7 admissions/million/year. There were 470 (12.4%) admissions for an adrenal crisis (AC). Overall, admission for AI/hypopituitarism was comparable between the sexes. Admission rates for all AI, hypopituitarism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and “other and unspecified causes” of AI were highest among infants and decreased with age. Admissions for primary AI increased with age in both sexes. Males had significantly higher rates of admission for hypopituitarism. AC rates differed by both sex and age group. Conclusion: This nationwide study of the epidemiology of hospital admissions for a principal diagnosis of AI/hypopituitarism shows that admissions generally decreased with age; males had higher rates of admission for hypopituitarism; females had higher rates of admission for CAH and “other and unspecified causes” of AI; and AC incidence varied by age and sex. Increased awareness of AI and AC prevention strategies may reduce some of these admissions.
Crosstalk of Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Su Wen , Cao Rong , He Yong Cheng , Guan You Fei , Ruan Xiong Zhong
Published: September 2017

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is defined by the functional, structural, and clinical abnormalities of the kidney that are caused by diabetes. Summary: One-third of both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients suffer from DKD, which is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, and is also associated with cardiovascular disease and high public health care costs. Serum glucose level and lipid level are key factors in the pathogenesis of DKD and are modifiable. The goal of this review is to provide an update on the roles of glucose and lipid metabolism in DKD and their crosstalk at the molecular level. We will further discuss the recent advances regarding metabolic nuclear receptors in glucose-lipid crosstalk, which may provide new potential therapeutic targets for DKD. Key Message: AMPK, SREBP-1, and some metabolic hormone receptors including liver X receptors, farnesoid X receptors, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors mediate the crosstalk of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in diabetic kidney disease and might be potential treatment candidates.
Celiac Disease: What Do We Know in 2017
Authors: Amil Dias Jorge
Published: September 2017

Celiac disease is one of the most prevalent digestive conditions. Diagnosis requires that strict criteria are used so that a life-long gluten-free diet may be correctly prescribed. Although genetic susceptibility has been known for a long time, there have been elusive environmental factors that lead to the occurrence of clinical disease. Many studies have addressed the identification of environmental modifiers, and different lines of research have been tried with variable success and even contradictory results. Infections and age of gluten introduction into the diet in the first few months of life have been evaluated, but a firm relationship could not be established. A recent paper addresses a fascinating hypothesis that could explain how some infectious agents might modulate the immune system and modify response to dietary antigens. Subsequently, animal models with genetic susceptibility were tested, and, indeed, there was abnormal response to gluten. These observations still do not provide final answers about the pathophysiology of celiac disease but certainly lead to progress in the knowledge of gluten sensitization and the role of some environmental factors.
Dramatic Response with Single-Agent Ibrutinib in Multiply Relapsed Marginal Zone Lymphoma with MYD88L265P Mutation
Authors: Lynch Ryan C. , Advani Ranjana H.
Published: September 2017

The B-cell receptor signaling pathway is important in the lymphomagenesis of many lymphomas, including marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). Herein we describe a case of extranodal MZL refractory to multiple lines of therapy. The presence of an IgM paraprotein prompted further evaluation, and the patient was found to have an MYD88L265P mutation. Treatment with ibrutinib led to a dramatic response with prompt resolution of symptoms and significant improvement in measurable sites of disease. The excellent response to ibrutinib in our patient with MYD88L265P-mutated refractory MZL supports a biological rationale for its use.
Pilot Neonatal Screening Program for Central Congenital Hypothyroidism: Evidence of Significant Detection
Authors: Braslavsky Débora , Méndez Maria Virginia , Prieto Laura , Keselman Ana , Enacan Rosa , Gruñeiro-Papendieck Laura , Jullien Nicolas , Savenau Alexandru , Reynaud Rachel , Brue Thierry , Bergadá Ignacio , Chiesa Ana
Published: September 2017

Background/Aim: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a heterogeneous entity. Neonatal screening programs based on thyrotropin (TSH) determination allow primary CH diagnosis but miss central CH (CCH). CCH causes morbidity, alerts to other pituitary deficiencies, and is more prevalent than previously thought. We aimed at developing a pilot neonatal screening program for CCH detection. Patients and Methods: A prospective 2-year pilot neonatal screening study based on simultaneous dried blood specimen TSH and thyroxine (T4) measurements was implemented in term newborns aged 2–7 days. Those with T4 ≤4.5 µg/dL (–2.3 SDS) and TSH <10 mIU/L were recalled (suspicious of CCH) and underwent clinical and biochemical assessment performed by expert pediatric endocrinologists. Results: A total of 67,719 newborns were screened. Primary CH was confirmed in 24 (1: 2,821). Forty-four newborns with potential CCH were recalled (recall rate 0.07%) at a mean age of 12.6 ± 4.8 days. In this group, permanent CCH was confirmed in 3 (1: 22,573), starting L-T4 treatment at a mean age of 12.3 ± 6.6 days; 14 boys showed T4-binding globulin deficiency (1: 4,837); 24 had transient hypothyroxinemia (21 non-thyroidal illness and 3 healthy); and 3 died before the confirmation stage. According to initial free T4 measurements, CCH patients had moderate hypothyroidism. Conclusions: Adding T4 to TSH measurements enabled the identification of CCH as a prevalent condition and contributed to improving the care of newborns with congenital hypopituitarism and recognizing other thyroidal disorders.
Serial 5-Year Evaluation of Side Branches Jailed by Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds Using 3-Dimensional Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Onuma Yoshinobu , Grundeken Maik J. , Nakatani Shimpei , Asano Taku , Sotomi Yohei , Foin Nicolas , Ng Jaryl , Okamura Takayuki , Wykrzykowska Joanna J. , de Winter Robbert J. , van Geuns Robert-Jan , Koolen Jacques , Christiansen Evald , Whitbourn Robert , McClean Dougal , Smits Pieter , Windecker Stephan , Ormiston John A. , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: September 2017

Background—

The long-term fate of Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) struts jailing side branch ostia has not been clarified. We therefore evaluate serially (post-procedure and at 6 months, 1, 2, 3, and 5 years) the appearance and fate of jailed Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold struts.

Methods and Results—

We performed 3-dimensional optical coherence tomographic analysis of the ABSORB Cohort B trial (A Clinical Evaluation of the Bioabsorbable Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System in the Treatment of Patients With De Novo Native Coronary Artery Lesions) up to 5 years using a novel, validated cut-plane analysis method. We included 29 patients with a total of 85 side branch ostia. From the 12 ostia which could be assessed in true serial fashion, 7 showed a pattern of initial decrease in the ostial area free from struts, followed by an increase in strut-free ostial area toward the end of the 5 years of follow-up. In a repeated-measures analysis with time as fixed variable and ostial area free from struts as dependent variable, we showed a numeric decrease in the estimated ostial area free from struts from 0.75 mm
2
(baseline) to 0.68 mm
2
(first follow-up visit at 6 months or 1 year) and 0.63 mm
2
(second follow-up visit at 2 or 3 years). However, from the second visit to the 5-year follow-up visit, there was a statistically significant increase from 0.63 to 0.89 mm
2
(
P
=0.001). Struts overlying an ostium divided the ostium into compartments, and the number of these compartments decreased over time.

Conclusions—

This study showed that in most cases, the side branch ostial area free from struts initially decreased. However, with full scaffold bioresorption, the ostial area free from scaffold increased between 2 to 3 years and 5 years in the vast majority of patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00856856.
All Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Future Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Tooher Jane , Thornton Charlene , Makris Angela , Ogle Robert , Korda Andrew , Hennessy Annemarie
Published: September 2017

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with vascular dysfunction in the pregnancy and an increased risk of long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the mother. What remains to be understood is whether the length, severity of the disease, the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy, or the subtype of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are significant predictors of future CVD. We undertook a retrospective cohort study to review all women who gave birth at a tertiary hospital in Sydney between the years 1980 and 1989 (n=31 656). A cohort of women was further defined by having hypertension during the antenatal, intrapartum, or postnatal periods (n=4387). Randomly selected records of women (n=1158) with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy were individually reviewed to collect data on their pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. The entire cohort then underwent linkage analysis to future CVDs. Women who presented with gestational hypertension were at greater risk of future hypertension and ischemic heart disease compared with the women who were diagnosed with preeclampsia. There was no significant difference between the women who were treated with antihypertensive medication and the women who did not receive antihypertensive medication or the duration of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and future admission for CVD, although severity of hypertension tracked with increased risk of future hypertension in all groups. This study demonstrated that all women who present with any of the subtypes of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are at significant risk of future CVD compared with women who remain normotensive during their pregnancy.
Sildenafil During Pregnancy
Authors: Paauw Nina D. , Terstappen Fieke , Ganzevoort Wessel , Joles Jaap A. , Gremmels Hendrik , Lely A. Titia
Published: September 2017

Sildenafil is a new approach to treat fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preeclampsia. We performed a systematic meta-analysis to evaluate effects of sildenafil. Our search identified 22 animal studies (mouse, rat, rabbit, sheep, and guinea pigs) and 2 human randomized controlled trials. Data were pooled using ratio of means and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals for fetal growth and maternal blood pressure, respectively. Meta-regression analyses were performed for study-related factors that might affect efficacy of sildenafil, including the model used (healthy pregnancy versus FGR/preeclampsia) and route of administration. Dose–response curves with dose per metabolic weight (mg/kg
0.75
per 24 hours) were fitted using splines. Our analyses show that sildenafil increases fetal growth during FGR/preeclampsia pregnancy compared with healthy pregnancy (1.10 [1.06–1.13] versus 1.03 [0.99–1.06];
P
=0.006). There was no significant effect on fetal growth in the absence of FGR/preeclampsia. Effects were similar among different species and largest after oral and continuous administration. There was a positive relation between dose and fetal growth up to a human equivalent dose of ≈450 mg/d. A significant blood pressure–lowering effect of sildenafil is present during FGR/preeclampsia pregnancy only (−19 [−25 to −13] mm Hg;
P
<0.01), with the effect size being highly dependent on baseline blood pressure and without effect in the absence of hypertension. This meta-analysis supports that sildenafil improves fetal growth and maternal blood pressure regulation during FGR and preeclampsia pregnancy. The greatest beneficial effects on fetal growth are with dosages greater than those currently used in human studies.
Left Ventricular Mass, Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Haring Bernhard , Omidpanah Adam , Suchy-Dicey Astrid M. , Best Lyle G. , Verney Steven P. , Shibata Dean K. , Cole Shelley A. , Ali Tauqeer , Howard Barbara V. , Buchwald Dedra , Devereux Richard B.
Published: September 2017

Left ventricular mass (LVM) has been shown to serve as a measure of target organ damage resulting from chronic exposure to several risk factors. Data on the association of midlife LVM with later cognitive performance are sparse. We studied 721 adults (mean age 56 years at baseline) enrolled in the Strong Heart Study (SHS, 1993–1995) and the ancillary CDCAI (Cerebrovascular Disease and Its Consequences in American Indians) Study (2010–2013), a study population with high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. LVM was assessed with transthoracic echocardiography at baseline in 1993 to 1995. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive testing were undertaken between 2010 and 2013. Generalized estimating equations were used to model associations between LVM and later imaging and cognition outcomes. The mean follow-up period was 17 years. A difference of 25 g in higher LVM was associated with marginally lower hippocampal volume (0.01%; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.00;
P
=0.001) and higher white matter grade (0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.18;
P
=0.014). Functionally, participants with higher LVM tended to have slightly lower scores on the modified mini-mental state examination (0.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–0.08;
P
=0.024). The main results persisted after adjusting for blood pressure levels or vascular disease. The small overall effect sizes are partly explained by survival bias because of the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in our population. Our findings emphasize the role of cardiovascular health in midlife as a target for the prevention of deleterious cognitive and functional outcomes in later life.
Labetalol Versus Nifedipine as Antihypertensive Treatment for Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy
Authors: Webster Louise M. , Myers Jenny E. , Nelson-Piercy Catherine , Harding Kate , Cruickshank J. Kennedy , Watt-Coote Ingrid , Khalil Asma , Wiesender Cornelia , Seed Paul T. , Chappell Lucy C.
Published: September 2017

Data from randomized controlled trials to guide antihypertensive agent choice for chronic hypertension in pregnancy are limited; this study aimed to compare labetalol and nifedipine, additionally assessing the impact of ethnicity on treatment efficacy. Pregnant women with chronic hypertension (12
+0
–27
+6
weeks’ gestation) were enrolled at 4 UK centers (August 2014 to October 2015). Open-label first-line antihypertensive treatment was randomly assigned: labetalol- (200–1800 mg/d) or nifedipine-modified release (20–80 mg/d). Analysis included 112 women (98%) who completed the study (labetalol n=55, nifedipine n=57). Maximum blood pressure after randomization was 161/101 mm Hg with labetalol versus 163/105 mm Hg with nifedipine (mean difference systolic: 1.2 mm Hg [−4.9 to 7.2 mm Hg], diastolic: 3.3 mm Hg [−0.6 to 7.3 mm Hg]). Mean blood pressure was 134/84 mm Hg with labetalol and 134/85 mm Hg with nifedipine (mean difference systolic: 0.3 mm Hg [−2.8 to 3.4 mm Hg], and diastolic: −1.9 mm Hg [−4.1 to 0.3 mm Hg]). Nifedipine use was associated with a 7.4-mm Hg reduction (−14.4 to −0.4 mm Hg) in central aortic pressure, measured by pulse wave analysis. No difference in treatment effect was observed in black women (n=63), but a mean 4 mm Hg reduction (−6.6 to −0.8 mm Hg;
P
=0.015) in brachial diastolic blood pressure was observed with labetalol compared with nifedipine in non-black women (n=49). Labetalol and nifedipine control mean blood pressure to target in pregnant women with chronic hypertension. This study provides support for a larger definitive trial scrutinizing the benefits and side effects of first-line antihypertensive treatment.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.isrctn.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN40973936.
The first Glyptostroboxylon from the Miocene of Turkey
Authors: Akkemik Ünal , Acarca Nevriye Neslihan , Hatipoglu Murat
Published: September 2017

Silicified wood preserved in the Güdül fossil forest site in the Galatian Volcanic Province (GVP) near Ankara in Central Anatolia is described. The material comprises six petrified wood samples that date from early to middle Miocene. The woods have very low rays (2–5 cells high), bordered tracheidal pitting (9–10 μm), pinoid cross-field pits and very thin, unpitted, smooth walls of axial parenchyma and rays. This combination of characters indicates affinity to the fossil-genus Glyptostroboxylon. The presence of this wood genus suggests that the local environment was either riparian or wetland forest.
The differential acoustic diagnosis between two Pseudopaludicola sister species (Anura, Leptodactylidae, Leiuperinae)
Authors: ANDRADE FELIPE SILVA DE , HAGA ISABELLE AQUEMI , BANG DAVI LEE , GIARETTA ARIOVALDO ANTONIO
Published: September 2017

The dwarf swamp frogs, genus Pseudopaludicola, include 21 species, which occur throughout South America (Frost 2016). Pseudopaludicola is recognized as monophyletic, supported by a set of osteological, morphological, and molecular characters (Veiga-Menoncello et al. 2014, and cites therein). Veiga-Menoncello et al. (2014) recognized a clade (“clade II” there), which included two species that share karyotypes with 2n = 20: P. ameghini (Cope, 1887) and P. ternetzi Miranda-Ribeiro, 1937. However, historically these two sister species have undergone many taxonomic changes and so far they do not have a clear taxonomic diagnosis one from the other (Haddad & Cardoso 1987; Lobo 1996; Fávero et al. 2011; Pansonato et al. 2013; Cardozo & Toledo 2013, and cites therein).
A new erythroneurine leafhopper genus and species from Thailand (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: SONG YUEHUA , LI CAN
Published: September 2017

A new genus of tribe Erythroneurini from Thailand, Songana gen. nov., and a new species Songana muscula sp. n., is described and illustrated.
Uncovering the Edge of the Polar Vortex
Authors: Serra Mattia , Sathe Pratik , Beron-Vera Francisco , Haller George
Published: September 2017

The polar vortices play a crucial role in the formation of the ozone hole and can cause severe weather anomalies. Their boundaries, known as the vortex “edges,” are typically identified via methods that are either frame dependent or return nonmaterial structures and, hence, are unsuitable for assessing material transport barriers. Using two-dimensional velocity data on isentropic surfaces in the Northern Hemisphere, the authors show that elliptic Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs) identify the correct outermost material surface dividing the coherent stratospheric vortex core from the surrounding incoherent surf zone. Despite the purely kinematic construction of LCSs, the authors find a remarkable contrast in temperature and ozone concentration across the identified vortex boundary. The authors also show that potential vorticity–based methods, despite their simplicity, misidentify the correct extent of the vortex edge.
Relation Between TRCA Complication Rates and Peak ACT Levels Stratified According to the BMI Tertiles
Authors: Balci Kevser Gülcihan , Maden Orhan , Balci Mustafa Mücahit , Çetin Elif Hande , Kafes Habibe , Tola Muharrem , Selcuk Hatice , Selcuk Mehmet Timur
Published: September 2017

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the fixed dose of 5000 IU unfractionated heparin (UFH) represented as peak activated clotting time (ACT) according to the body mass index (BMI) tertiles in patients undergoing diagnostic transradial coronary angiography (TRCA). A total of 422 patients were included in the present study, 84 in the normal weight group, 218 in the overweight group, and the 120 in the grades 1 and 2 obesity groups. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) was observed in 29 (6.8%) patients and the hematoma was observed in 43 (10.1%) patients. The rate of RAO and hematoma did not differ across the BMI tertiles ( P = .749 and P = .066). Also, peak ACT and procedure duration did not differ between the study groups ( P = .703 and P = .999). The only independent predictor of hematoma was sheath/radial artery diameter ( P = .011) and the independent predictors for RAO were peak ACT, sheath/radial artery diameter, and procedure duration ( P = .001, P = .028, and P < .001, respectively). In conclusion, a fixed dose of 5000 IU UFH is safe and effective regardless of the BMI in diagnostic TRCA procedure.
Intraductal Laser Fiber Tip Fracture and Retrieval During Sialendoscopic Laser-Assisted Lithotripsy
Authors: Goates Andrew J. , Kung Raymond W. , Tracy Chad R. , Hoffman Henry T.
Published: September 2017

Fragmentation of flexible laser fiber tips has been reported to occur during therapeutic bronchoscopy and urologic stone treatment. We report fragmentation of 200-µm single-use silica-based fibers during sialendoscopy-controlled Holmium:YAG laser treatment of a parotid and a submandibular stone. The technique employed to successfully retrieve the fiber tips is described in the context of identifying this potential complication from endoscopic management of sialolithiasis.
Mary Kahil and the Encounter Between Christianity and Islam
Authors: Wilkins Agnes
Published: September 2017

Mary Kahil was an Eastern Christian of the Melkite rite into which, through her influence, Louis Massignon was ordained a priest. The part she played in Louis Massignon’s life, though little known, cannot be overestimated. Theirs was a very unusual relationship, a spiritual friendship which lasted many years. Its high point was the Badaliya vow they took together in Damietta, Mary’s birthplace. She spent the rest of her life living out its ideals as an ‘extension’ of Massignon in Cairo, giving concrete form to his ideas. This article looks at all this from Mary’s perspective. After some discussion of her Egyptian/Syrian background, her relationship with Massignon and her work in Egypt on his behalf is discussed, followed by an account of the final years of her life after Massignon’s death. Finally, a suggestion is offered for a universal application of the Badaliya movement.
Experimental study on the glass fiber/waste cotton fabric-reinforced hybrid composites: Mechanical and rheological investigations
Authors: Bodur Mehmet S , Bakkal Mustafa , Englund Karl
Published: September 2017

In this work, the effect of hybridization on the mechanical and rheological properties of the glass fiber/waste cotton fabric-reinforced hybrid composites was investigated. For this purpose, glass fibers in different ratios of 2.5, 5, and 10 wt.% were added to the polymer composites with cotton fibers at the ratios of 12.5 and 25 wt.%. In order to have better interfacial bonding and to increase the effectiveness of glass fiber on the mechanical properties, maleic anhydride coupling agent was added to the hybrid composite samples. At the end of the study, the best ratios of maleic anhydride, cotton, and glass fiber for this kind composites were explored with respect to the economical and mechanical concerns. This study suggests that hybridization can be considered as most promising way to improve the mechanical properties for this novel composite material.
Fatigue behavior of pure polypropylene and recycled polypropylene reinforced with short glass fiber
Authors: Abdelhaleem Ayman MM , Megahed M , Saber D
Published: September 2017

In this study, the fatigue behavior of recycled polypropylene reinforced with short glass fiber with different weight fractions (5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt%) was compared to pure polypropylene under dry and wet conditions. The specimens were manufactured using injection molding process. The results show that addition of short glass fiber to recycled polypropylene resulted in increasing water uptake compared to pure polypropylene. However, flexural fatigue strength of recycled polypropylene reinforced with short glass fiber with 10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt% exhibits higher relative fatigue strength than pure polypropylene under dry and wet conditions. Fatigue strength increases with the increase in fiber contents increased in recycled polypropylene matrix.
Beyond East and West: Cognitive Style in Latin America
Authors: de Oliveira Stephanie , Nisbett Richard E.
Published: September 2017

Research on culture and cognition suggests that East Asians are relatively holistic and North Americans are relatively analytic. Social orientation and philosophical traditions have been linked to those differences; collectivism and Confucian tradition are associated with holistic thinking whereas individualism and Western philosophy are associated with analytic thinking. We tested whether Brazilians, who are Western such as North Americans and collectivistic such as East Asians, would more closely resemble U.S. Americans or Chinese participants in various measures of cognitive style. Across five studies, Brazilians were always more holistic than Americans and sometimes more holistic than Chinese participants. Brazilians differed from Chinese participants in that they were particularly optimistic in their judgments about the future (Study 3) and reported varying their emotion expressivity more by context (Study 5). Results build on previous East/West comparisons by identifying a non-Confucian, Western group that may be as holistic as East Asians.