bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Location Fingerprint Extraction for Magnetic Field Magnitude Based Indoor Positioning
Authors: Shao Wenhua , Zhao Fang , Wang Cong , Luo Haiyong , Muhammad Zahid Tunio , Wang Qu , Li Dongmeng
Published: December 2016

Smartphone based indoor positioning has greatly helped people in finding their positions in complex and unfamiliar buildings. One popular positioning method is by utilizing indoor magnetic field, because this feature is stable and infrastructure-free. In this method, the magnetometer embedded on the smartphone measures indoor magnetic field and queries its position. However, the environments of the magnetometer are rather harsh. This harshness mainly consists of coarse-grained hard/soft-iron calibrations and sensor electronic noise. The two kinds of interferences decrease the position distinguishability of the magnetic field. Therefore, it is important to extract location features from magnetic fields to reduce these interferences. This paper analyzes the main interference sources of the magnetometer embedded on the smartphone. In addition, we present a feature distinguishability measurement technique to evaluate the performance of different feature extraction methods. Experiments revealed that selected fingerprints will improve position distinguishability.
Recruitment Maneuver in Elderly Patients with Different Peripheral Chemoreflex Sensitivity during Major Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Trembach Nikita , Zabolotskikh Igor
Published: December 2016

The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of a recruitment maneuver on respiratory biomechanics, oxygenation, and hemodynamics in patients suffering from chronic heart failure with different peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity. The study was conducted in 115 elderly patients which underwent major abdominal surgery under general/epidural surgery. Peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity (PCS) was evaluated with breath-holding duration (BHD) during breath-holding test. All patients were divided into two groups: group H had a high PCS (BHD = 38 seconds or less,n=49); Group M had a middle PCS (BHD more than 38 seconds,n=66). Recruitment maneuver improved oxygenation and respiratory biomechanics in all cases. However, cardiac output decreased by an average of 18%–31% in group H compared to 18%–28% in group M. SVR either remained unchanged or decreased by up to 14% of the initial value in group H, while, in group M, it had a tendency to increase, which was 24% of the initial value. So, recruitment maneuver is an effective method to improve oxygenation and biomechanical properties of the respiratory system but in patients with increased peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity it associates with the risk of hemodynamic disturbances.
Volitional and Real-Time Control Cursor Based on Eye Movement Decoding Using a Linear Decoding Model
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Wang Baozeng , Zhang Cheng , Hong Jun
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study is to build a linear decoding model that reveals the relationship between the movement information and the EOG (electrooculogram) data to online control a cursor continuously with blinks and eye pursuit movements. First of all, a blink detection method is proposed to reject a voluntary single eye blink or double-blink information from EOG. Then, a linear decoding model of time series is developed to predict the position of gaze, and the model parameters are calibrated by the RLS (Recursive Least Square) algorithm; besides, the assessment of decoding accuracy is assessed through cross-validation procedure. Additionally, the subsection processing, increment control, and online calibration are presented to realize the online control. Finally, the technology is applied to the volitional and online control of a cursor to hit the multiple predefined targets. Experimental results show that the blink detection algorithm performs well with the voluntary blink detection rate over 95%. Through combining the merits of blinks and smooth pursuit movements, the movement information of eyes can be decoded in good conformity with the average Pearson correlation coefficient which is up to 0.9592, and all signal-to-noise ratios are greater than 0. The novel system allows people to successfully and economically control a cursor online with a hit rate of 98%.
Vibration Control of Nuclear Power Plant Piping System Using Stockbridge Damper under Earthquakes
Authors: Chang Seongkyu , Sun Weipeng , Cho Sung Gook , Kim Dookie
Published: December 2016

Generally the piping system of a nuclear power plant (NPP) has to be designed for normal loads such as dead weight, internal pressure, temperature, and accidental loads such as earthquake. In the proposed paper, effect of Stockbridge damper to mitigate the response of piping system of NPP subjected to earthquake is studied. Finite element analysis of piping system with and without Stockbridge damper using commercial software SAP2000 is performed. Vertical and horizontal components of earthquakes such as El Centro, California, and Northridge are used in the piping analysis. A sine sweep wave is also used to investigate the control effects on the piping system under wide frequency range. It is found that the proposed Stockbridge damper can reduce the seismic response of piping system subjected to earthquake loading.
Postheated Model of Confined High Strength Fibrous Concrete
Authors: Zaidi Kaleem A. , Sharma Umesh K. , Bhandari N. M. , Bhargava P.
Published: December 2016

HSC normally suffers from low stiffness and poor strain capacity after exposure to high temperature. High strength confined fibrous concrete (HSCFC) is being used in industrial structures and other high rise buildings that may be subjected to high temperature during operation or in case of an accidental fire. The proper understanding of the effect of elevated temperature on the stress-strain relationship of HSCFC is necessary for the assessment of structural safety. Further stress-strain model of HSCFC after exposure to high temperature is scarce in literature. Experimental results are used to generate the complete stress-strain curves of HSCFC after exposure to high temperature in compression. The variation in concrete mixes was achieved by varying the types of fibre, volume fraction of fibres, and temperature of exposure from ambient to 800°C. The degree of confinement was kept constant in all the specimens. A comparative assessment of different models on the high strength confined concrete was also conducted at different temperature for the accuracy of proposed model. The proposed empirical stress-strain equations are suitable for both high strength confined concrete and HSCFC after exposure to high temperature in compression. The predictions were found to be in good agreement and well fit with experimental results.
Classifying Quadratic Forms Over Z2 in Three Variables
Authors: Thompson Gerard
Published: December 2016

The quadratic forms in three variables over the field Z2 are classified. Some remarks are made about the group of equivalences GL(3,Z2) of the quadratic forms.
Altered Intracellular ATP Production by Activated CD4+ T-Cells in Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Aquilano Giulia , Capretti Maria Grazia , Nanni Francesca , Corvaglia Luigi , Aceti Arianna , Gabrielli Liliana , Chiereghin Angela , Faldella Giacomo , Lazzarotto Tiziana
Published: December 2016

Background. The neonatal immune system is not fully developed at birth; newborns have adequate lymphocytes counts but these cells lack function.Objective. To assess the activity of T-cells and the influence of the main perinatal factors in very preterm infants (birth weight < 1500 g).Design. Blood samples from 59 preterm infants (21/59 were dizygotic twins) were collected at birth and at 30 days of life to measure CD4+ T-cell activity using the ImmuKnow™ assay. Fifteen healthy adults were included as a control group.Results. CD4+ T-cell activity was lower in VLBW infants compared with adults (p<0.001). Twins showed lower immune activity compared to singletons (p=0.005). Infants born vaginally showed higher CD4+ T-cell activity compared to those born by C-section (p=0.031); infants born after prolonged Premature Rupture of Membranes (pPROM) showed higher CD4+ T-cell activity at birth (p=0.002) compared to infants born without pPROM. Low CD4+ T-cell activity at birth is associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in the first week of life (p=0.049).Conclusions. Preterm infants show a lack in CD4+ T-cell activity at birth. Perinatal factors such as intrauterine inflammation, mode of delivery, and zygosity can influence the adaptive immune activation capacity at birth and can contribute to exposing these infants to serious complications such as NEC.
A Man with Pancreatic Head Mass Lesion on Endoscopic Ultrasound and Granuloma on Cytopathology
Authors: Rad Neda , Heidarnezhad Arash , Soheili Setareh , Mohammad-Alizadeh Amir Houshang , Nikmanesh Arash
Published: December 2016

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is an unlikely malignancy accounting for less than 0.5% of pancreatic tumors. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific and may be clinically misdiagnosed as pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Here we present an Iranian case of primary pancreatic lymphoma in a 47-year-old male suffering from jaundice and 20% weight loss. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a mixed echoic mass lesion at the head of pancreas. The patient underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of solid pancreatic mass and histopathologic diagnosis revealed granuloma. Computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy was performed and eventually histological examination showed granuloma that was coherent with the diagnosis of primary pancreatic lymphoma. Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare entity presenting with nonspecific symptoms, laboratory and radiological findings. Computed tomography results in combination with clinical and radiological studies generally provide guidance for appropriate investigation.
Orbitofrontal Cortex Volume and Effortful Control as Prospective Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder in Adolescence
Authors: Cheetham Ali , Allen Nicholas B. , Whittle Sarah , Simmons Julian , Yücel Murat , Lubman Dan I.
Published: December 2016

Background: Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) dysfunction has been proposed to increase the risk for developing a substance use disorder (SUD) during adolescence. In this study, we suggest that a reduction in OFC volumes might underlie temperament-based risk factors for SUD, and examined whether smaller OFC volumes during early adolescence could predict later development of SUD. Methods and Materials: Adolescents (n = 107; 58 male, 49 female) underwent structural MRI and completed a self-report measure of temperamental effortful control at age 12. At 3 subsequent assessments (aged 15, 16, and 18) SUD was assessed via a semi-structured clinical interview. By the third assessment, 24 participants (22.4%) had received a lifetime diagnosis of SUD. Results: Smaller volumes of the left OFC, right OFC, and left medial subregions predicted lifetime history of SUD by age 18. Volumes of the left OFC and left lateral subregions were positively correlated with effortful control, and left OFC volumes mediated the relationship between effortful control and SUD. Conclusions: Smaller volumes of the OFC and low effortful control during adolescence appear to be associated phenotypes that increase the risk of subsequent SUD. Further studies examining the temporal sequence of these risk factors are needed to fully understand this relationship.
Giant Basal Cell Carcinomas Arising on the Bilateral Forearms of a Patient: A Case Report and Review of Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Authors: Shangraw Sarah , Stone Rivka C. , Cho-Vega Jeong Hee , Kirsner Robert S.
Published: December 2016

Giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCCs) are large basal cell carcinomas (BCCs; <5 cm) with a greater propensity to invade and metastasize than standard BCCs. The presence of 2 GBCCs in a single individual is rare. We present the case of a 71-year-old Caucasian male with bilateral GBCCs on the dorsal forearms, measuring 130 cm2 and 24 cm2, respectively, that developed over a 21-year period. Over this period, the patient treated the tumors with herbal remedies. Histologic evaluation showed a conventional nodular BCC for both tumors. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T4N0M0 stage for the larger lesion. Surgical excision and grafting and reconstruction were offered, but he declined. This case highlights a shared belief in holistic treatments and rejection of Western medical interventions that are common among many patients with GBCC. Studies reporting nonsurgical treatments for GBCCs, including radiotherapy, vismodegib, topical imiquimod, and acitretin are reviewed.
Placental Growth during Normal Pregnancy - A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Langhoff Lasse , Grønbeck Lene , von Huth Sebastian , Axelsson Anna , Jørgensen Connie , Thomsen Carsten , Vejlstrup Niels
Published: December 2016

Objective: To investigate normal human placental growth longitudinally throughout the second and third trimesters using MRI. Methods: Twenty normal, first-time singleton pregnancies were scanned 7 times between the 14th and 38th week of gestation, at 4-week intervals, using MRI. Placental volumes were measured in both sagittal and transversal slices. All placentas were weighed after delivery to make a comparative study. Results: Sixteen of the 20 women had increasing placental volumes from the 14th to 38th week of gestation. The 6th and 7th scan showed that 4 women had placentas of the same size. The mean placental volume increases linearly from the 14th till the 38th week of gestation, with a constant mean growth rate of 29.97 ml/week. The median placental volume extrapolated to delivery was to 856 ml (range 602-1,050 ml). The median weight of the exsanguinated placenta after delivery was 640 g (range 500-787 g). All pregnancies were carried to term, resulting in the delivery of healthy infants with good correlation between placental size and birth weight (R = 0.56, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Placental growth was measured systematically in a longitudinal study through the second and third trimesters using MRI. MRI provides a safe and feasible method to measure placental growth. The mean placental growth was linear throughout the second and third trimesters.
Fetal Heart-Rate Variability: Validation of a New Continuous, Noninvasive Computerized Analysis
Authors: Garabedian Charles , Butruille Laura , Servan-Schreiber Elie , Ficheur Grégoire , Storme Laurent , Deruelle Philippe , De Jonckheere Julien , Houfflin-Debarge Véronique
Published: December 2016

Objective: We developed a computerized heart-rate variability index related to the fetal parasympathetic activity: the Fetal Stress Index (FSI). The objective was to determine whether the FSI is related to the visual analysis of the fetal heart rate (FHR). Methods: Thirty tracings recorded at a labor ward were classified according to the NICHD categories: (I) normal FHR tracing, (II) intermediate risk of acidosis, and (III) high risk. FSI was calculated as minimum, maximum, and mean, and was evaluated before the onset of the FHR pattern, during the 10 min following, and between 10 and 20 min after that. Results: The FSI for categories II and III was similar to that of category I before the onset of the FHR pattern. FSI min was lower just after the onset of the abnormal FHR in category III, compared with that of category I (33 vs. 43, p < 0.001). Between 10 and 20 min after the onset of the abnormal FHR, we observed a significant reduction in FSI min in categories II and III (44 vs. 39 vs. 29.7, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Although further studies are necessary for the sake of clinical validation, FSI could constitute an interesting method for the evaluation of fetal well-being.
Are Basophils and Mast Cells Masters in HIV Infection?
Authors: Marone Gianni , Varricchi Gilda , Loffredo Stefania , Galdiero Maria Rosaria , Rivellese Felice , de Paulis Amato
Published: December 2016

The World Health Organization AIDS epidemic update estimates that more than 37 million people are living with HIV infection. Despite the unprecedented success of antiretroviral treatments, significant challenges remain in the fight against HIV. In particular, how uninfected cells capture HIV and transmit virions to target cells remains an unanswered question. Tissue mast cells and peripheral blood basophils can be exposed to virions or HIV products during infection. Several HIV proteins (i.e., envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41, Tat, and Nef) can interact with distinct surface receptors expressed by human basophils and mast cells and modulate their functional responses at different levels. Additionally, several groups have provided evidence that human mast cells can be infected in vitro, as well as in vivo, by certain strains of HIV. Recently, it has been demonstrated that basophils purified from healthy donors and intestinal mast cells can efficiently capture HIV on their cell surface and, cocultured with CD4+ T cells, they can transfer the virus to the cocultured cells leading to infection. Direct contact between human basophils or intestinal mast cells and CD4+ T cells can mediate viral trans-infection of T cells through the formation of viral synapses. Thus, basophils and mast cells can provide a cellular basis for capturing and then spreading viruses throughout the body. Collectively, these findings suggest that human basophils and mast cells play a complex and possibly distinct role in HIV infection, warranting further investigations.
Evidence of AS3MTd2d3-Associated Variants within 10q24.32-33 in the Genetic Risk of Major Affective Disorders
Authors: Li Lingyi , Chang Hong , Peng Tao , Li Ming , Xiao Xiao
Published: December 2016

Genome-wide association studies suggest that 10q24.32-33 is a risk region for schizophrenia (SCZ). Considering the substantial genetic overlap between SCZ and major affective disorders, we would like to investigate whether the 10q24.32-33 region confers risk of affective disorders. We chose three SCZ genome-wide significant SNPs (rs7914558, rs7085104, and rs11191580) in 10q24.32-33 and collected the statistical data from European and Asian populations to perform systematic meta-analyses, which finally included up to 26,413 cases with affective disorders and 24,849 controls. Meta-analyses showed that all SNPs were nominally associated with major affective disorders. Considering the a priori evidence that these SNPs were associated with the expression of AS3MTd2d3 isoform in the human brain, our data confirms the potential involvement of AS3MTd2d3 in the genetic risk of major affective disorders.
CFTR Controls the Activity of NF-κB by Enhancing the Degradation of TRADD
Authors: Wang Hua , Cebotaru Liudmila , Lee Ha Won , Yang QingFeng , Pollard Bette S. , Pollard Harvey B. , Guggino William B.
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Chronic lung infection in cystic fibrosis leads to an inflammatory response that persists because of the chronic presence of bacteria and ultimately leads to a catastrophic failure of lung function. Methods: We use a combination of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology to study the interaction of TRADD, a key adaptor molecule in TNFα signaling, with CFTR in the regulation of NFκB. Results: We show that Wt CFTR binds to and colocalizes with TRADD. TRADD is a key signaling intermediate connecting TNFα with activation of NFκB. By contrast, ΔF508 CFTR does not bind to TRADD. NF-κB activation is higher in CFBE expressing ΔF508 CFTR than in cells expressing Wt CFTR. However, this differential effect is abolished when TRADD levels are knocked down. Transfecting Wt CFTR into CFBE cells reduces NF-κB activity. However the reduction is abolished by the CFTR chloride transport inhibitor-172. Consistently, transfecting in the correctly trafficked CFTR conduction mutants G551D or S341A also fail to reduce NFκB activity. Thus CFTR must be functional if it is to regulate NF-κB activity. We also found that TNFα produced a greater increase in NF-κB activity in CFBE cells than in the same cell when Wt CFTR-corrected. Consistently, the effect is also abolished when TRADD is knocked down by shRNA. Thus, Wt CFTR control of TRADD modulates the physiological activation of NF-κB by TNFα. Based on studies with proteosomal and lysosomal inhibitors, the mechanism by which Wt CFTR, but not ΔF508 CFTR, suppresses TRADD is by lysosomal degradation. Conclusion: We have uncovered a novel mechanism whereby Wt CFTR regulates TNFα signaling by enhancing TRADD degradation. Thus by reducing the levels of TRADD, Wt CFTR suppresses downstream proinflammatory NFκB signaling. By contrast, suppression of NF-κB activation fails in CF cells expressing ΔF508 CFTR.
RNAi-Mediated Down-Regulation of CD47 Protects against Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Myocardial Damage via Activation of eNOS in a Rat Model
Authors: Wang Hui-bo , Yang Jun , Ding Jia-wang , Chen Li-hua , Li Song , Liu Xiao-wen , Yang Chao-jun , Fan Zhi-xin , Yang Jian
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Oxidative stress is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial damage caused by ischemia reperfusion (I/R). Previous studies have confirmed that cardiac CD47 drives left ventricular heart failure. However, the role for CD47 in myocardial I/R injury (MIRI) has not previously been proposed. This study was designed to investigate whether down-regulation of CD47 using RNA interference (RNAi) technology can relieve inhibition of nitric oxide signaling and attenuate myocardial damage in a rat model of I/R. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40) were randomly allocated to four groups and pre-treated either with saline (Sham and I/R groups), or adenovirus expressing either control (Ad-EGFP-N) or CD47-targeting (Ad-EGFP-CD47) RNAi. After four days, the rat MIRI model was established by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 3 h. Heart tissue was harvested and assessed by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and quantitative RT-PCR. Outcome measures included infarct size, myocardial enzyme (creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase) levels in serum, markers of oxidative stress, and morphological changes to the myocardium. Results: Delivery of Ad-EGFP-CD47 RNAi into the myocardium remarkably decreased CD47 expression levels. Down-regulation of CD47 was significantly associated with reduced infarct size and serum levels of myocardial enzymes, increased activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, increased levels of nitric oxide, and decreased levels of oxidative stress. Conclusion: These data indicate that down-regulation of CD47 exerts a protective effect against MIRI, which may be attributable to attenuation of oxidative stress via activation of the eNOS/NO signaling pathway.
Early Motor Fluctuations in a Patient with Striatonigral Degeneration
Authors: Yoshii Fumihito , Moriya Yusuke , Ohnuki Tomohide , Takahashi Wakoh , Ryo Masafuchi
Published: December 2016

We report a 44-year-old female with striatonigral degeneration (SND) who showed wearing-off oscillations after 4 months of levodopa treatment. The patient presented with asymmetric left-side dominant rigidity, and levodopa was effective at first. However, she began to show wearing-off oscillations of motor symptoms, which gradually worsened thereafter. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed linear lateral putamen hyperintensities, and positron emission tomography (PET) studies using 18F-fluorodopa (FD) and 11C-N-methylspiperon (NMSP) showed a marked decrease of radioactivity in the right putamen, especially in the posterior putamen. The results of MRI and 2 PET studies with FD and NMSP were well consistent with the diagnosis of SND.
Classification of Drug Hypersensitivity into Allergic, p-i, and Pseudo-Allergic Forms
Authors: Pichler Werner J. , Hausmann Oliver
Published: December 2016

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) are clinically and functionally heterogeneous. Different subclassifications based on timing of symptom appearance or type of immune mechanism have been proposed. Here, we show that the mode of action of drugs leading to immune/inflammatory cell stimulation is a further decisive factor in understanding and managing DHR. Three mechanisms can be delineated: (a) some drugs have or gain the ability to bind covalently to proteins, form new antigens, and thus elicit immune reactions to hapten-carrier complexes (allergic/immune reaction); (b) a substantial part of immune-mediated DHR is due to a typical off-target activity of drugs on immune receptors like HLA and TCR (pharmacological interaction with immune receptors, p-i reactions); such p-i reactions are linked to severe DHR; and (c) symptoms of DHR can also appear if the drug stimulates or inhibits receptors or enzymes of inflammatory cells (pseudo-allergy). These three distinct ways of stimulations of immune or inflammatory cells differ substantially in clinical manifestations, time of appearance, dose dependence, predictability, and cross-reactivity, and thus need to be differentiated.
Tuberculous Subretinal Abscess in a Non-HIV Patient with Miliary Tuberculosis
Authors: Paez Soria Eugenia , Magnano Paula , Schlaen Ariel , Luvini Paula , Arevalo Calderon Gisela , Martinez Cartier Mauricio , Chiaradía Pablo , Couto Cristóbal
Published: December 2016

This case report describes the features of a tuberculous subretinal abscess in a non-HIV patient. It includes the characterization of the lesion with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus autofluorescence examination. SD-OCT and autofluorescence imaging showed external retinal involvement during development of the tuberculous subretinal abscess. Patients with tuberculous lesions need a multidisciplinary approach, since the disease may involve any part of the body. In this case in particular, incidental findings at computed tomography scan led to the detection of this rare ocular manifestation of tuberculous disease.
Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis in HIV Infection
Authors: Patarata Eunice , Bernardino Vera , Martins Ana , Pereira Rui , Loureiro Conceição , Moraes-Fontes Maria Francisca
Published: December 2016

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare condition characterized by emotional and behavioral disturbances, dyskinesias, and extrapyramidal signs. It occurs in young women of reproductive age and is classically described as a paraneoplastic phenomenon. We present a 36-year-old, HIV-positive female who was admitted to the hospital in an acute confusional state, with a stiff posture, periods of motor agitation, and myoclonic jerks of the hands. Her mental state progressively deteriorated. Without evidence of infection, the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies both in serum and cerebrospinal fluid clinched the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis. No evidence of neoplastic disease was found, and the beneficial response to immunosuppressive therapy was exceptional. This is the first report of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in an HIV-infected individual, reminding us that autoimmune encephalitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of a young patient presenting in an acute confusional state.
Effect of AST-120 in Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment: Still a Controversy?
Authors: Yamaguchi Junna , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Inagi Reiko
Published: December 2016

AST-120 (kremezin; Kureha Chemical, Tokyo, Japan) is an oral spherical carbonaceous adsorbent, which was approved for clinical use in Japanese chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in 1991. It adsorbs indole, the precursor of indoxyl sulfate, in the intestines and prevents indoxyl sulfate production. Indoxyl sulfate, initially identified as a major uremic toxin that causes uremic symptoms, contributes to CKD progression. Since AST-120 decreases serum indoxyl sulfate in a dose-dependent manner, multicenter prospective trials have been conducted in Japan in the 1980s; these trials were mostly in favor of the efficacy of AST-120 in delaying the initiation of dialysis in patients with advanced stage CKD. Many animal studies support the effects of AST-120 on renal outcomes as well as on cardiovascular complications. However, there are yet no reports that unequivocally demonstrate the improvement of hard renal endpoints and/or cardiovascular endpoints. This commentary briefly reviews the major outcomes of the recent clinical trials on AST-120.
Telomere Shortening, Regenerative Capacity, and Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors: Hammadah Muhammad , Al Mheid Ibhar , Wilmot Kobina , Ramadan Ronnie , Abdelhadi Naser , Alkhoder Ayman , Obideen Malik , Pimple Pratik M. , Levantsevych Oleksiy , Kelli Heval M. , Shah Amit , Sun Yan V. , Pearce Brad , Kutner Michael , Long Qi , Ward Laura , Ko Yi-An , Hosny Mohammed Kareem , Lin Jue , Zhao Jinying , Bremner J. Douglas , Kim Jinhee , Waller Edmund K. , Raggi Paolo , Sheps David , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Vaccarino Viola
Published: December 2016

Rationale:

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a biological marker of aging, and shorter LTL is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Reduced regenerative capacity has been proposed as a mechanism. Bone marrow–derived circulating progenitor cells are involved in tissue repair and regeneration.

Objective:

Main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between LTL and progenitor cells and their impact on adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods and Results:

We measured LTL by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 566 outpatients (age: 63±9 years; 76% men) with coronary artery disease. Circulating progenitor cells were enumerated by flow cytometry. After adjustment for age, sex, race, body mass index, smoking status, and previous myocardial infarction, a shorter LTL was associated with a lower CD34
+
cell count: for each 10% shorter LTL, CD34
+
levels were 5.2% lower (
P
<0.001). After adjustment for the aforementioned factors, both short LTL (<Q1) and low CD34+ levels (<Q1) predicted adverse cardiovascular outcomes (death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, or cerebrovascular events) independently of each other, with a hazard ratio of 1.8 and 95% confidence interval of 1.1 to 2.0, and a hazard ratio of 2.1 and 95% confidence interval of 1.3 to 3.0, respectively, comparing Q1 to Q2–4. Patients who had both short LTL (<Q1) and low CD34+ cell count (<Q1) had the greatest risk of adverse outcomes (hazard ratio =3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–7.1).

Conclusions:

Although shorter LTL is associated with decreased regenerative capacity, both LTL and circulating progenitor cell levels are independent and additive predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in coronary artery disease patients. Our results suggest that both biological aging and reduced regenerative capacity contribute to cardiovascular events, independent of conventional risk factors.
Introduction: The Phenomenon of Foreign Fighters and Foreign Terrorist Fighters
Authors: Karska Elżbieta , Karski Karol
Published: December 2016

Modern international law defines a very narrow definition of mercenarism. It does not include all aspects of this phenomenon as it was known and understood for centuries. At the same time the emergence of new forms of mercenary-related activities is observed. The terms ‘foreign fighters’ and ‘foreign terrorist fighters’ should be analysed in this context inter alia from a legal perspective. A question needs to be answered if those existing regulations relating to mercenaries can apply to these terms. It is also important to note how both mercenaries and their activities are perceived under international law. The international legal analysis of factual and legal measures undertaken by states towards foreign fighters and foreign terrorist fighters is also interesting. Frequently these activities concern not just the fighters alone but apply also to all of us. This requires us to look at them in the context of international human rights law. These issues are the subject of current works undertaken within the scope of international organisations. un Security Council adopted resolution 2170 (2014) and 2178 (2014) regarding foreign terrorist fighters. The un General Assembly and un Human Rights Council also tackle these issues. The activity of foreign fighters and foreign terrorist fighters on one side and the activities of the states in reaction to this activity on the other side are also monitored inter alia by the un Working Group on the use of mercenaries.
Transprofessional Diplomacy
Authors: Constantinou Costas M. , Cornago Noé , McConnell Fiona
Published: December 2016

Diplomacy is no longer restricted to a single vocation nor implemented exclusively through interaction amongst official representatives. In exploring the challenges that these transformations produce, this work surveys firstly, thegenealogyof diplomacy as a profession, tracing how it changed from a civic duty into a vocation requiring training and the acquisition of specific knowledge and skills. Secondly, using the lens of thesociologyof professions, the development of diplomacy as a distinctive profession is examined, including its importance for the consolidation of the power of modern nation-states. Thirdly, it examines how the landscape of professional diplomacy is being diversified and enriched by a series of non-state actors, with their corresponding professionals, transforming thephenomenologyof contemporary diplomacy. Rather than seeing this pluralization of diplomatic actors in negative terms as thedeprofessionalization of diplomacy, we frame these trends astransprofessionalization, that is, as a productive development that reflects the expanded diplomatic space and the intensified pace of global interconnections and networks, and the new possibilities they unleash for practising diplomacy in different milieus.
‘Deliberate Ambiguity’ and the Demise of China’s Claim to Historic Rights in the South China Sea
Authors: Beckman Robert
Published: December 2016

The Award of the Arbitral Tribunal in the Philippines v China case was a resounding victory for the Philippines as well as a bold and potentially landmark decision.

The key issue for the Philippines was whether China could lawfully claim historic rights to resources within the nine-dash line on Chinese maps, if such areas are within the exclusive economic zone or on the continental shelf of the Philippines under unclos. In deciding this issue the Tribunal had to address the fact the exact legal basis for China’s claim to historic rights in the South China Sea, and the nature and scope of such claims, was ambiguous. The Tribunal addressed the issue of ambiguity in its award on jurisdiction, and ruled that it could draw inferences from China’s conduct in determining the nature of its claim to historic rights.

In its Award on the Merits the Tribunal ruled that unclos allocated rights and jurisdiction to the natural resource in the oceans, and that under unclos, coastal States have sovereign rights to explore and exploit the natural resources in their exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Consequently, whatever historic rights China claimed to resources in the South China Sea, those rights were extinguished when UNCLOS entered into force insofar as they were a claim to resources that are now in the maritime zone of other States.
Chrysophycean stomatocysts from Xinjiang Province, China
Authors: PANG WANTING , WANG QUANXI
Published: December 2016

Chrysophycean stomatocysts from 167 samples taken at 35 localities in Xinjiang Province, China were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The stomatocysts assemblages are characterized by low diversity and low abundance. Only 19 morphotypes were identified, of which nine are new to science. New stomatocysts were described following International Statospore Working Group (ISWG) guidelines. This is the first report of chrysophycean stomatocysts from Central Asia.
Sarcodontia crocea (Basidiomycota, Polyporales) is unrelated to Spongipellis
Authors: TOMŠOVSKÝ MICHAL
Published: December 2016

Sarcodontia crocea (Schwein.) Kotl. (Kotlaba 1953: 117), is a resupinate wood-inhabiting basidiomycete with waxy, dentate-aculeate (toothed-spiny) hymenophore. This is characterized by the subulate, densely crowded spines, pale to sulphur-chrome yellow, turning to ochre and amber-brown with age; and a remarkable unpleasant acid-sweetish-fruity odour of young basidiomes. The preferred habitat of the fungus is decayed wood under bark or in cavities of old, unmanaged apple trees (Malus spp.), rarely other broadleaved hosts (Bernicchia and Gorjón 2010, Breitenbach and Kränzlin 1986).
A new species of Matelea s. l. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from México
Authors: LOZADA‒PÉREZ LUCIO , ALVARADO-CÁRDENAS LEONARDO O.
Published: December 2016

It is herein described Matelea cervantesii as a new species for the Mexican flora. The new species is endemic to southern Mexico and it is morphologically akin to Matelea crenata (Matelea subgenus Heliostemma). Comparative illustrations are also provided in the present work.
A new species of Senegalia (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) from the Caatinga Domain, Brazil
Authors: TERRA VANESSA , GARCIA FLÁVIA CRISTINA PINTO
Published: December 2016

We describe, illustrate and compare Senegalia cearensis, a new Brazilian species of Senegalia from the Caatinga domain in the state of Ceará, with its most morphologically similar species, S. tubulifera. Additionally, we provide an identification key to all Senegalia species similar to S. cearensis occurring in Caatinga domain, and comments on the geographic distribution, flowering and fruiting period of S. cearensis.
Morphological cladistic analysis of Ophiurolepis Matsumoto, 1915 (Ophiurida: Ophiuridae) from the Southern Ocean
Authors: HUNTER REBECCA L.
Published: December 2016

A phylogenetic analysis using morphological characters was done on the Antarctic ophiuroid genus Ophiurolepis Matsumoto, 1915. This genus is one of the more abundant and ecologically dominant ophiuroid genera in the Antarctic and surrounding Southern Ocean. Maximum parsimony was used to infer phylogenetic relationships. Although strongly supported nodes were not recovered for most groupings within Ophiurolepis, this first attempt at a phylogeny revealed the presence of three tentative clades. Two of the three Ophiurolepis clades included species currently assigned to other genera, but closely allied with Ophiurolepis in the taxonomic literature. This indicates that Ophiurolepis as currently defined is not a monophyletic group. Additional forms of data, namely molecular, are needed to more definitively resolve relationships within this group.
Epimeria schiaparelli sp. nov., an amphipod crustacean (family Epimeriidae) from the Ross Sea, Antarctica, with molecular characterisation of the species complex
Authors: LÖRZ ANNE-NINA , MAAS ELIZABETH W. , LINSE KATRIN , FENWICK GRAHAM D.
Published: December 2016

Epimeria schiaparelli sp. nov. from the Ross Sea, Antarctica, is described in detail. The new species occurs on the shelf in 130–350 m depth. Epimeria schiaparelli can be distinguished from the most similar species, E. similis Chevreux, 1912 and E. macrodonta Walker, 1906 by a relatively short rostrum and a short second pereonite amongst other characters. Two distinct colour patterns are reported. Partial gene sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) from 11 specimens of E. schiaparelli confirm that this species is new to science and closely related to E. similis, E. macrodonta and E. reoproi. The recent and historical separation of this Antarctic species is discussed. The syntypes of E. macrodonta consist of two species, so a lectotype is here designated.
Four new species of Sabatieria Rouville, 1903 (Nematoda, Comesomatidae) from the Continental Slope of Atlantic Southeast
Authors: BOTELHO ALESSANDRA PRATES , DA SILVA MARIA CRISTINA , ESTEVES ANDRÉ MORGADO , FONSÊCA-GENEVOIS VERÔNICA
Published: December 2016

Sabatieria is the most abundant genus along the Campos Basin, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Four new species of Sabatieria (Nematoda-Comesomatidae) from the Continental Slope of Atlantic Southeast are described. Sabatieria spiculata sp.nov. is characterized by the size of spicule and the presence of dorsal tooth ; S. paraspiculata sp. nov. by tail shape and the maximum diameter; S. bitumen sp. nov. by spicule shape with an arrow-like distal part and the S. subrotundicauda sp.nov. by a round tail and reflected ovary.
Classifying Urban Rainfall Extremes Using Weather Radar Data: An Application to the Greater New York Area
Authors: Hamidi Ali , Devineni Naresh , Booth James F. , Hosten Amana , Ferraro Ralph R. , Khanbilvardi Reza
Published: December 2016

Extreme rainfall events, specifically in urban areas, have dramatic impacts on society and can lead to loss of life and property. Despite these hazards, little is known about the city-scale variability of heavy rainfall events. In the current study, gridded stage IV radar data from 2002 to 2015 are employed to investigate the clustering and the spatial variability of simultaneous rainfall exceedances in the greater New York area. Multivariate clustering based on partitioning around medoids is applied to the extreme rainfall events’ average intensity and areal extent for the 1- and 24-h accumulated rainfall during winter (December–February) and summer (June–August) seasons. The atmospheric teleconnections of the daily extreme event for winter and summer are investigated using compositing of ERA-Interim. For both 1- and 24-h durations, the winter season extreme rainfall events have larger areal extent than the summer season extreme rainfall events. Winter extreme events are associated with deep and organized circulation patterns that lead to more areal extent, and the summer events are associated with localized frontal systems that lead to smaller areal extents. The average intensities of the 1-h extreme rainfall events in summer are much higher than the average intensities of the 1-h extreme rainfall events in winter. A clear spatial demarcation exists within the five boroughs in New York City for winter extreme events. Resultant georeferenced cluster maps can be extremely useful in risk analysis and green infrastructures planning as well as sewer systems’ management at the city scale.
The Role of Setting in the Field: The Positioning of Older Bodies in the Field of Elite Women’s Gymnastics
Authors: Kerr Roslyn , Barker-Ruchti Natalie , Nunomura Myrian , Cervin Georgia , Schubring Astrid
Published: December 2016

The last decade has seen an increase in the age of elite women’s gymnasts. This article examines the older gymnastic body within the field of elite women’s gymnastics, and how gymnasts, over the age of 20, and their coaches and judges, reconstruct the field in interview accounts. While participants contested the value of differently aged and sized bodies, they also made distinctions between the capitals that were valuable in different settings such as the competition setting, a gymnast’s usual training setting or a national training camp. In order to account for these differences, we combine the work of Pierre Bourdieu with that of Erving Goffman. We argue that Goffman’s emphasis on setting adds a level of specificity to Bourdieu’s claim that fields always exist as sites of struggle through providing a way to differentiate between different value systems that may co-exist within the same field.
Qualitative modeling of multi-stage fractured horizontal well productivity in shale gas reservoir
Authors: Yu Rongze , Bian Yanan , Qi Yadong , Zhang Jinying , Zhang Jingping , Zhang Xiaowei , Guo Wei , Yan Jun , Wang Meizhu
Published: December 2016

As an important unconventional gas resource, shale gas has become an important part of gas production in recent years with the advantage of horizontal well drilling and large-scale multi-stage hydraulic fracturing completion technologies. The shale gas reservoir numerical simulation advances were reviewed and a multi-stage fractured horizontal well numerical simulation was performed to qualitatively modeling the well productivity in over-pressured shale gas reservoir based on actual shale properties and well completion parameters. A single horizontal well model was established on the basis of dual-porosity model and logarithmically spaced grid refinement. A comprehensive comparison and analysis of the initial average gas production, daily gas production, cumulative gas production, adsorbed gas and free gas cumulative production were provided to investigate the influence of matrix permeability, SRV permeability, hydraulic fracture conductivity and half length, SRV size, bottomhole pressure on the well performance. The research shows that for the high matrix permeability (Km > 10−7 mD) and low SRV permeability (KSRV < 0.01 mD), the SRV permeability has a significant impact on the initial average gas production. For the high matrix permeability (Km > 10−7 mD) and medium SRV permeability (0.01 mD < KSRV < 0.5 mD), the initial average gas production is controlled by both the matrix and SRV permeability. For the high matrix permeability (Km > 10−7 mD) and high SRV permeability (KSRV > 0.5 mD), the initial average gas production is mainly controlled by the matrix permeability. When the matrix permeability is lower than 10−9 mD, the cumulative gas production is too low to be of economic interest. For the matrix permeability (10−9 mD < Km < 10−5 mD), the matrix permeability and SRV permeability are all important factors that influence the cumulative gas production. For the matrix permeability (Km > 10−5 mD), the matrix permeability has much more impact on cumulative gas production than that of SRV permeability. The daily gas production and cumulative gas production are independent of hydraulic fracture conductivity and half length. The initial gas production of multi-stage fractured horizontal well is also independent of SRV sizes. The SRV size mainly controls the gas production decline characteristic. With the increase of the SRV size, the daily gas production declines slowly. The SRV size determines the cumulative gas production directly. With the increase of the SRV size, the cumulative gas production increases linearly. The bottomhole pressure has a significant impact on cumulative gas production. With the decrease of the bottomhole pressure, the cumulative gas production of 20 years increases linearly.
The rise of individual agency in conceptions of society: Textbooks worldwide, 1950–2011
Authors: Lerch Julia , Bromley Patricia , Ramirez Francisco O , Meyer John W
Published: December 2016

A broadly recognized sociological insight is that rising levels of individualism increasingly characterize a growing number of countries. This article examines the extent to which schooling is altered by, and transmits, this core cultural shift. It analyzes 476 secondary school social science textbooks from 78 countries from 1950 to 2011 to see whether they increasingly portray society as made up of agentic individual actors of all sorts (e.g., children, women, minorities). It is found that emphases on older social institutions remain stable, but there are striking worldwide increases in emphases on people, especially ones empowered with rights. This global peopling of social science instruction, especially strong in the recent neoliberal decades, characterizes every type of country and textbook analyzed, and occurs over and above other features of the sample.