bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research and Improvement of Content-Based Image Retrieval Framework
Authors: Hou Yong , Wang Qingjun
Published: May 2018

This paper proposed a high-performance image retrieval framework, which combines the improved feature extraction algorithm SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform), improved feature matching, improved feature coding Fisher and improved Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) for image retrieval. Aiming at the problem of slow convergence of traditional GMM algorithm, an improved GMM is proposed. This algorithm initializes the GMM by using on-line [Formula: see text]-means clustering method, which improves the convergence speed of the algorithm. At the same time, when the model is updated, the storage space is saved through the improvement of the criteria for matching rules and generating new Gaussian distributions. Aiming at the problem that the dimension of SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform) algorithm is too high, the matching speed is too slow and the matching rate is low, an improved SIFT algorithm is proposed, which preserves the advantages of SIFT algorithm in fuzzy, compression, rotation and scaling invariance advantages, and improves the matching speed, the correct match rate is increased by an average of 40% to 55%. Experiments on a recently released VOC 2012 database and a database of 20 category objects containing 230,800 images showed that the framework had high precision and recall rates and less query time. Compared with the standard image retrieval framework, the improved image retrieval framework can detect the moving target quickly and effectively and has better robustness.
Feature Extraction Based on Dimension Reduction and Clustering for Maize Leaf Spot Images
Authors: Wang Xue , Xie Qiuju , Ma Tiemin , Zhu Jingfu
Published: May 2018

Image recognition and feature extraction play an important role in precision agriculture. In this paper, a manifold learning algorithm was used for dimension reduction of gray and RGB color images. To clarify the boundaries of disease spots and leaf background, three clustering algorithms were applied in experiments to realize clearer maize leaf disease images. Locally, linear embedding (LLE) and Gustafson–Kessel (GK) algorithms were selected to realize image feature extraction. It was shown that the recognition rate of feature extraction for gray and color images were 95% and 99%, respectively.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS AND THEIR FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL
Authors: LIU XING , WANG JUN , LI HE LIN
Published: May 2018

This paper mainly discusses the continuous functions whose fractal dimension is 1 on [Formula: see text]. First, we classify continuous functions into unbounded variation and bounded variation. Then we prove that the fractal dimension of both continuous functions of bounded variation and their fractional integral is 1. As for continuous functions of unbounded variation, we solve several special types. Finally, we give the example of one-dimensional continuous function of unbounded variation.
COMPARISON OF FRACTIONAL NOISE DISTRIBUTIONS FOR GENERATING HETEROGENEOUS PERMEABILITY FIELDS IN OIL RESERVOIR SIMULATIONS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: GHORBANI MARYAM , MOVAGHAR MOHAMMAD REZA KHORSAND
Published: May 2018

Prediction of reservoir rock properties, especially permeability distribution is needed for precise simulation of heterogeneous reservoirs. Interwell permeability fields have recently been considered for dynamic simulation using geostatistical models and fractal geometries. The geostatistical models employ experimentally observed variograms to characterize the spatial variability of regionalized variables such as permeability. Fractal models can be useful in assessing the spatial correlation of a property because their variogram can be characterized with a single parameter called the Hurst exponent. In this study, based on core permeability data of each well, Hurst exponent (using [Formula: see text] analysis) is assigned locally to each well by means of stream lines and as averaged value for interwell spaces. Then, permeability distributions are created using Fractional Brownian Motion (FBM) and Fractional Gaussian Noise (FGN) models by implementing fast Fourier transform (FFT). Through comparison between simulation results of these models, as well as real grid simulation results, the averaged distribution was shown to give better results over a locally assigned fractal distribution. Furthermore, predictions of field pressure using the FGN model were shown to function better than the FBM model for vertical wells.
Nonlinear Free Flexural Vibration of Curvilinear Fibre Composite Laminates Using a Higher-Order Element
Authors: Ganapathi Manickam , Venkatachari Anand , Haboussi Mohamed , Mathew Arun Tom
Published: May 2018

In the present work, the nonlinear free flexural vibration of thick curvilinear fiber composite laminates is investigated using a higher-order shear flexible eight-noded quadrilateral element developed considering the variation of in-plane and transverse displacement through the thickness. The formulation includes both the geometric nonlinearity and inertia effects. The governing equations, derived based on Lagrange’s equations of motion, are solved iteratively through an eigenvalue approach. The formulation is tested against various problems for which the solutions are available in the literature. A detailed analysis is made to assess the influence of fiber angles, lamination schemes, boundary conditions, thickness, and aspect ratios on the nonlinear frequency ratio at large amplitude vibrations of the laminates. A comparative study is also done along with the first-order and simple higher-order theory deduced from the present model by neglecting the thickness stretching effects. The present analysis shows the degree of hardening behavior getting affected noticeably compared to those of the traditional straight fibers, thus exhibiting the occurrence of drop off in frequency ratio and redistribution of mode shapes at certain amplitudes of vibration.
Aeroelastic Stability Analysis of Aircraft Wings with High Aspect Ratios by Transfer Function Method
Authors: Duan Jing Bo , Zhang Zhong Yuan
Published: May 2018

A new method is developed for the aeroelastic stability analysis of a high-aspect-ratio wing based on the transfer function. First, the flutter governing equations for three types of wing elements including clear wing element, wing element with a control surface and that with an external store are, respectively, established by combining the corresponding bend-twist vibration model with the Theodrosen’s unsteady aerodynamic model. Then, in order to use the transfer function method, the element governing equations are processed by the Fourier transform and are formulated in a state-space form using state vector. Based on the finite element procedure, the global governing equations of the whole wing are obtained. Both the flutter velocity and flutter frequency are derived by solving a complex eigenvalue problem with the graphical approach. Additionally, the torsional divergence of the high-aspect-ratio wing is obtained by solving a real eigenvalue problem, which is a degenerated form of the wing flutter governing equations. Finally, illustrative examples are prepared to demonstrate the validity of the present method, which is insensitive to mesh density and does not require structural modal analysis for aeroelastic stability.
Development of Human Vulnerability 2012–2017
Authors: Feldmeyer Daniel , Birkmann Joern , Welle Torsten
Published: May 2018

Vulnerability defined as the predisposition to be negatively affected, often decide whether hazards and extreme natural events can lead to disasters or severe suffering or not. The WorldRiskIndex (WRI) is an approach to assess exposure, vulnerability and risk patterns at the global scale and it is based on national scale resolution data. The new results of the WRI 2017 and the analysis of the development trends of vulnerability between 2012 to 2017 show that risk of natural hazards and climate change is particularly high in Oceania, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean as well as Central America. Also, the impacts of extreme weather events, such as Taifun Haiyan in 2013 that hit the Philippines and Vietnam revealed that vulnerable communities suffer most. The event caused more than 6,000 fatalities. However, also sea level rise as considered in the WRI can be seen as an extreme event even though it is a rather creeping process in many world regions. The analysis of the development of vulnerability, namely the examination of susceptibility, coping capacity and adaptive capacities between 2012 and 2017 reveals interesting differences. While at the global or international level, we can observe a reduction in vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change, there are significant differences at the regional scale. While the vulnerability in Asia is showing also a reduction in susceptibility and an increasing capacity to cope and to adapt, the world region Oceania shows a different trend. In Oceania, we found that some countries showed an increasing vulnerability and that the overall world region is characterized by a constant and even slightly increasing vulnerability level, in contrast to other world regions which mainly show significant improvements. Also, the high persistence of vulnerability in various countries in Africa — that show progress but often too little — suggests that it is likely that these countries might not be able to effectively reduce risks solely on their own. Adaptation policies and risk reduction strategies need to address these differential development trends of vulnerability at regional scale in order to provide a context for effective risk reduction at national and local levels. The results can also inform the Global Stock take for adaptation policies.
Discriminating between the origins of remotely sensed circular structures: carbonate mounds, diapirs or periclinal folds? Purbeck Limestone Group, Weymouth Bay, UK
Authors: Bosence Dan W.J. , Collier Jenny S. , Fleckner Simon , Gallois Arnaud , Watkinson Ian M.
Published: May 2018

Many sedimentary rock successions contain plan-view circular structures, such as impacts, diapirs and carbonate build-ups. When remotely sensed, it can be difficult to discriminate between their formation mechanisms. Here we examine this problem by assessing the origins of circular structures imaged in high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data from Weymouth Bay, UK. The imagery shows 30–150 m across, concave-down structures within the upper Purbeck Limestone Group on the southern limb of the Purbeck Anticline. Similar structures have not been identified in the extensive outcrops around the bay. The morphology and geological setting of the structures are consistent with three different interpretations: carbonate mounds, periclinal folds and evaporite diapirs. However, none of these structures has been previously recorded in the upper Purbeck Limestone Group outcrops of this internationally renowned geological region. We apply a scoring system to 25 features of the circular structures to discriminate between these three alternative interpretations. This analysis indicates that evaporite diapirs are the least likely and carbonate mounds the most likely origin of the structures. The presence of carbonate mounds revises the upper Purbeck palaeofacies distribution in its type area and provides an analogue for the exploration for hydrocarbon reservoirs in lacustrine mounds.

Supplementary material:
The methods used in this paper and metrics of the circular structures are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4103840
The Weakness of CTC Qubits and the Power of Approximate Counting
Authors: O'Donnell Ryan , Say A. C. Cem
Published: May 2018

We present results in structural complexity theory concerned with the following interrelated topics: computation with postselection/restarting, closed timelike curves (CTCs), and approximate counting. The first result is a new characterization of the lesser known complexity class BPP
path
in terms of more familiar concepts. Precisely, BPP
path
is the class of problems that can be efficiently solved with a nonadaptive oracle for the approximate counting problem. Similarly, PP equals the class of problems that can be solved efficiently with nonadaptive queries for the related approximate difference problem. Another result is concerned with the computational power conferred by CTCs, or equivalently, the computational complexity of finding stationary distributions for quantum channels. Using the preceding characterization of PP, we show that any poly(
n
)-time quantum computation using a CTC of
O
(log
n
) qubits may as well just use a CTC of 1 classical bit. This result essentially amounts to showing that one can find a stationary distribution for a poly(
n
)-dimensional quantum channel in PP.
Are Dynamic Capabilities the Missing Link Between the IS Strategy and Performance Relationship?
Authors: Lo Janice , Leidner Dorothy
Published: May 2018

This study examines two dynamic capabilities which are possible intervening mechanisms by which an information systems strategy relates to information systems performance. It also explores the relevance of the dynamic capabilities absorptive capacity and agility at three different levels of environmental dynamism. Responses from a sample of over 200 CIOs suggest that absorptive capacity and agility are indeed intervening mechanisms by which information systems strategy is linked to performance, particularly for innovative strategies and in environments that are highly dynamic. It suggests that pursuit of the strategy that is able to develop and maintain the highest levels of dynamic capabilities would be the one to likewise gain the most ground on performance. The findings also bring to light the fact that even in relatively stable environments, dynamic capabilities still play major roles in effectuating performance.
The Benefit of Being Second: An Event Study of Social Media Adoption
Authors: Cummings Jeff , Dennis Alan , O'Donoghue Shawn , Cooney Kevin
Published: May 2018

New technologies are continually being introduced and changing how firms interact with their customers. Because of this rapid rate of change, one of the most fundamental questions a firm faces is deciding whether, and when, to adopt a new technology. This is even more challenging for public social media technologies (e.g., Facebook) that can be adopted by all competitors in a marketplace. Our study uses event study analysis to investigate the impact on firm value of adopting two social media technologies: Facebook and Twitter. We find increased value following the adoption of both Facebook and Twitter, but not all firms experienced an increase in value. Interestingly, it was the second wave of adopters (i.e., those that quickly followed the initial adopters) that benefited more than first movers or later adopters. This study sheds light on strategies for companies considering if (and when) they should invest in new social media technologies and other technologies of the same form -direct-to-consumer technologies and apps offered by a third party that are open to all competitors.
It's Not You, It's Me:
Authors: Schmalz Marc , Carter Michelle , Lee Jin Ha
Published: May 2018

Online retailers often incorporate crowdsourced product reviews to make customers feel more informed and comfortable with online purchases, and thus increase profits. The evaluation of these reviews is also crowdsourced, ostensibly to identify "helpful" reviews. The resulting helpfulness ratings are frequently used as measures for discerning what makes reviews helpful, and are used to determine which reviews are given priority viewing on the site. However, there is no empirical evidence that helpfulness voting reflects customers' attempts to evaluate product reviews objectively. This study examines review helpfulness voting from the position of the subjective customer rather than the objective anatomy of the review. We develop and empirically test a model, informed by self-verification theory, which explains relationships between online reviewers' overall opinions of products under consideration (star ratings), product type, and perceived helpfulness of online product reviews. Results suggest that customers' unconscious attempts to confirm what they already know and believe about themselves, referred to as self-verification, influences helpfulness voting. This work contributes to theoretical understanding of the role of reviews from the users' perspective and how, through suggesting new ways to identify helpful reviews, human behaviors can inform design of recommender systems.
Small-Molecule Screening for Genetic Diseases
Authors: Markossian Sarine , Ang Kenny K. , Wilson Christopher G. , Arkin Michelle R.
Published: May 2018

The genetic determinants of many diseases, including monogenic diseases and cancers, have been identified; nevertheless, targeted therapy remains elusive for most. High-throughput screening (HTS) of small molecules, including high-content analysis (HCA), has been an important technology for the discovery of molecular tools and new therapeutics. HTS can be based on modulation of a known disease target (called reverse chemical genetics) or modulation of a disease-associated mechanism or phenotype (forward chemical genetics). Prominent target-based successes include modulators of transthyretin, used to treat transthyretin amyloidoses, and the BCR-ABL kinase inhibitor Gleevec, used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia. Phenotypic screening successes include modulators of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, splicing correctors for spinal muscular atrophy, and histone deacetylase inhibitors for cancer. Synthetic lethal screening, in which chemotherapeutics are screened for efficacy against specific genetic backgrounds, is a promising approach that merges phenotype and target. In this article, we introduce HTS technology and highlight its contributions to the discovery of drugs and probes for monogenic diseases and cancer.
NRG1 Fusions in KRAS Wild-Type Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Heining Christoph , Horak Peter , Uhrig Sebastian , Codo Paula L. , Klink Barbara , Hutter Barbara , Fröhlich Martina , Bonekamp David , Richter Daniela , Steiger Katja , Penzel Roland , Endris Volker , Ehrenberg Karl Roland , Frank Stephanie , Kleinheinz Kortine , Toprak Umut H. , Schlesner Matthias , Mandal Ranadip , Schulz Lothar , Lambertz Helmut , Fetscher Sebastian , Bitzer Michael , Malek Nisar P. , Horger Marius , Giese Nathalia A. , Strobel Oliver , Hackert Thilo , Springfeld Christoph , Feuerbach Lars , Bergmann Frank , Schröck Evelin , von Kalle Christof , Weichert Wilko , Scholl Claudia , Ball Claudia R. , Stenzinger Albrecht , Brors Benedikt , Fröhling Stefan , Glimm Hanno
Published: May 2018

We used whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing to identify clinically actionable genomic alterations in young adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Molecular characterization of 17 patients with PDAC enrolled in a precision oncology program revealed gene fusions amenable to pharmacologic inhibition by small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors in all patients with KRAS wild-type (KRASWT) tumors (4 of 17). These alterations included recurrent NRG1 rearrangements predicted to drive PDAC development through aberrant ERBB receptor–mediated signaling, and pharmacologic ERBB inhibition resulted in clinical improvement and remission of liver metastases in 2 patients with NRG1-rearranged tumors that had proved resistant to standard treatment. Our findings demonstrate that systematic screening of KRASWT tumors for oncogenic fusion genes will substantially improve the therapeutic prospects for a sizeable fraction of patients with PDAC.

Significance: Advanced PDAC is a malignancy with few treatment options that lacks molecular mechanism-based therapies. Our study uncovers recurrent gene rearrangements such as NRG1 fusions as disease-driving events in KRASwt tumors, thereby providing novel insights into oncogenic signaling and new therapeutic options in this entity. Cancer Discov; 8(9); 1087–95. ©2018 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1047
Bone Mineral Density Corrected for Size in Childhood Leukaemia Survivors Treated with Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Total Body Irradiation
Authors: Wei Christina , Candler Toby , Davis Nikki , Elson Ruth , Crabtree Nicola , Stevens Michael , Crowne Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

Background: Childhood leukaemia survivors treated with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and total body irradiation (HSCT-TBI) have multiple risk factors for reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and growth failure; hence, BMD assessment must take body size into consideration. This study aimed to evaluate size-corrected BMD in leukaemia survivors treated with and without HSCT-TBI. Methods: Childhood leukaemia survivors treated with HSCT-TBI (n = 35), aged 17.3 (10.5–20.9) years, were compared with those treated with chemotherapy only, (n = 16) aged 18.5 (16.1–20.9) years, and population references. Outcome measures included anthropometric measurements and BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. BMD was corrected for size as bone mineral apparent density (BMAD). Statistical analysis was performed by 1- and 2-sample t tests as well as regression analysis (5% significance). Results: HSCT-TBI survivors were lighter and shorter with reduced spinal heights compared with chemotherapy-only subjects and population references. Compared with population references, HSCT-TBI survivors showed lower BMD standard deviation scores (SDS) (p = 0.008), but no difference in BMAD-SDS, and chemotherapy-only survivors showed no differences in neither BMD-SDS nor BMAD-SDS. All HSCT-TBI participants with BMD-SDS <–2 had BMAD-SDS >–2. BMAD-SDS was negatively associated with age (r = –0.38, p = 0.029) in HSCT-TBI survivors. Conclusions: Size-corrected BMD are normal in HSCT-TBI survivors in young adulthood, but may reduce overtime. BMD measurements should be corrected for size in these patients to be clinically meaningful.
Comparing Cytokine Kinetics between Ranibizumab and Aflibercept in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion with Macular Edema
Authors: Kotake Osamu , Noma Hidetaka , Yasuda Kanako , Motohashi Ryosuke , Goto Hiroshi , Shimura Masahiko
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To investigate dynamic changes in aqueous humor levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), and inflammatory factors in patients receiving intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IRI) or intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) to treat central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with macular edema. Methods: In 22 CRVO patients scheduled to receive 3 doses of ranibizumab (11 eyes) or aflibercept (11 eyes) at monthly intervals, aqueous samples were collected at the time of intravitreal injection. The concentrations of VEGF, PlGF, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 (CCL2), platelet-derived growth factor-AA, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 (CXCL8), IL-12(p70) (IL12B), and IL-13 in aqueous samples were measured by the suspension array method. Results: Visual acuity and foveal thickness improved significantly in both the IRI group and the IAI group. In addition, aqueous levels of VEGF and PlGF as well as MCP-1 and IL-6 decreased significantly over time in both groups. These parameters did not significantly differ between both groups. Conclusions: In CRVO patients, both ranibizumab and aflibercept achieved similar improvement in clinical parameters and similar reductions in aqueous VEGF, PlGF, MCP-1, and IL-6 levels.
Validation of a Real-Time ISE Methodology to Quantify the Influence of Inhibitors of Demineralization Kinetics in vitro Using a Hydroxyapatite Model System
Authors: Huang Wei-Te , Shahid Saroash , Anderson Paul
Published: May 2018

The aim was to validate a novel protocol to measure the cariostatic efficacies of demineralization inhibitors by repeating previous SMR (scanning microradiography) studies investigating the dose response of Zn2+ and F– on demineralization kinetics in vitro using real-time Ca2+ ion selective electrodes (ISEs). In this study, Ca2+ release was used as a proxy for the extent of demineralization. Forty-eight hydroxyapatite (HAP) discs were allocated into 16 groups (n = 3) and adding either increasing [Zn2+], or [F–], similar to those used in the previous SMR studies. Each HAP disc was immersed in 50 mL, pH 4.0, buffered acetic acid for 1 h, and real-time ISE methodology was used to monitor the rate of increase in [Ca2+] in the demineralization solution. Next, either zinc acetate or sodium fluoride was added into each demineralization solution accordingly. Then after each [Zn2+] or [F–] addition, the HAP disc was further demineralized for 1 h, and ISE measurements were continued. The percentage reduction in the rate of calcium loss from hydroxyapatite (PRCLHAP) at each [Zn2+] or [F–] was calculated from the decrease in Ca2+ release rate, similar to that used in the previous SMR studies. A log-linear relationship between mean PRCLHAP and inhibitor concentration was found for both Zn2+ and F–, similar to that reported for each ion in the previous SMR studies. In conclusion, real-time Ca2+ ISE systems can be used to measure the cariostatic efficacies of demineralization inhibitors.
Conserved Domains in the Transformer Protein Act Complementary to Regulate Sex-Specific Splicing of Its Own Pre-mRNA
Authors: Tanaka Arisa , Aoki Fugaku , Suzuki Masataka G.
Published: May 2018

The transformer (tra) gene, which is a female-determining master gene in the housefly Musca domestica, acts as a memory device for sex determination via its auto-regulatory function, i.e., through the contribution of the TRA protein to female-specific splicing of its own pre-mRNA. The TRA protein contains 4 small domains that are specifically conserved among TRA proteins (domains 1-4). Domain 2, also named TRA-CAM domain, is the most conserved, but its function remains unknown. To examine whether these domains are involved in the auto-regulatory function, we performed in vitro splicing assays using a tra minigene containing a partial genomic sequence of the M. domestica tra (Mdtra) gene. Co-transfection of the Mdtra minigene and an MdTRA protein expression vector into cultured insect cells strongly induced female-specific splicing of the minigene. A series of deletion mutation analyses demonstrated that these domains act complementarily to induce female-specific splicing. Domain 1 and the TRA-CAM domain were necessary for the female-specific splicing when the MdTRA protein lacked both domains 3 and 4. In this situation, mutation of the well-conserved 3 amino acids (GEG) in the TRA-CAM domain significantly reduced the female-specific splicing activity of MdTRA. GST-pull down analyses demonstrated that the MdTRA protein specifically enriched on the male-specific exonic region (exon 2b), which contains the putative TRA/TRA-2 binding sites, and that the GEG mutation disrupts this enrichment. Since the MdTRA protein interacts with its own pre-mRNA through TRA-2, our findings suggest that the conserved amino acid residues in the TRA-CAM domain may be crucial for the interaction between MdTRA and TRA-2, enhancing MdTRA recruitment on its pre-mRNA to induce female-specific splicing of tra in the housefly.
Metabolite Profiling of Feces and Serum in Hemodialysis Patients and the Effect of Medicinal Charcoal Tablets
Authors: Liu Sixiu , Liang Shanshan , Liu Hua , Chen Lei , Sun Lingshuang , Wei Meng , Jiang Hongli , Wang Jing
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Recently, the colon has been recognized as an important source of various uremic toxins in patients with end stage renal disease. Medicinal charcoal tablets are an oral adsorbent that are widely used in patients with chronic kidney disease in China to remove creatinine and urea from the colon. A parallel fecal and serum metabolomics study was performed to determine comprehensive metabolic profiles of patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). The effects of medicinal charcoal tablets on the fecal and serum metabolomes of HD patients were also investigated. Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to investigate the fecal and serum metabolic profiles of 20 healthy controls and 31 HD patients before and after taking medicinal charcoal tablets for 3 months. Results: There were distinct metabolic variations between the HD patients and healthy controls both in the feces and serum according to multivariate data analysis. Metabolic disturbances of alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism figured prominently in the serum. However, in the feces, alterations of tryptophan metabolism, lysine degradation and beta-alanine metabolism were pronounced, and the levels of several amino acids (leucine, phenylalanine, lysine, histidine, methionine, tyrosine, and tryptophan) were increased dramatically. Nineteen fecal metabolites and 21 serum metabolites were also identified as biomarkers that contributed to the metabolic differences. Additionally, medicinal charcoal treatment generally enabled the serum and fecal metabolomes of the HD patients to draw close to those of the control subjects, especially the serum metabolic profile. Conclusion: Parallel fecal and serum metabolomics uncovered the systematic metabolic variations of HD patients, especially disturbances in amino acid metabolism in the colon. Medicinal charcoal tablets had an impact on the serum and fecal metabolomes of HD patients, but their exact effects still need to be studied further.
Adjustment for Atherosclerosis Diagnosis Distorts the Effects of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and the Ranking of Hospital Performance
Authors: Niknam Bijan A. , Arriaga Alexander F. , Rosenbaum Paul R. , Hill Alexander S. , Ross Richard N. , Even‐Shoshan Orit , Romano Patrick S. , Silber Jeffrey H.
Published: May 2018

Background

Coronary atherosclerosis raises the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and is usually included in AMI risk‐adjustment models. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not cause atherosclerosis, but may contribute to the notation of atherosclerosis in administrative claims. We investigated how adjustment for atherosclerosis affects rankings of hospitals that perform PCI.

Methods and Results

This was a retrospective cohort study of 414 715 Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for AMI between 2009 and 2011. The outcome was 30‐day mortality. Regression models determined the association between patient characteristics and mortality. Rankings of the 100 largest PCI and non‐PCI hospitals were assessed with and without atherosclerosis adjustment. Patients admitted to PCI hospitals or receiving interventional cardiology more frequently had an atherosclerosis diagnosis. In adjustment models, atherosclerosis was associated, implausibly, with a 42% reduction in odds of mortality (odds ratio=0.58,
P
<0.0001). Without adjustment for atherosclerosis, the number of expected lives saved by PCI hospitals increased by 62% (
P
<0.001). Hospital rankings also changed: 72 of the 100 largest PCI hospitals had better ranks without atherosclerosis adjustment, while 77 of the largest non‐PCI hospitals had worse ranks (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Atherosclerosis is almost always noted in patients with AMI who undergo interventional cardiology but less often in medically managed patients, so adjustment for its notation likely removes part of the effect of interventional treatment. Therefore, hospitals performing more extensive imaging and more PCIs have higher atherosclerosis diagnosis rates, making their patients appear healthier and artificially reducing the expected mortality rate against which they are benchmarked. Thus, atherosclerosis adjustment is detrimental to hospitals providing more thorough AMI care.
Conforming Line
Authors: Ramírez Naomi Elena
Published: May 2018

A practice of experimental graphic scoring for performance explores the ambiguity and transformation at the conflation of boundaries between dance/performance and photography. Within the score, fragments of the moving gestural body are photographed and then placed upon the page in relation to and modified by lines.

Naomi Elena Ramírez (b. Hermosillo, Mexico) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work encompasses visual art, video art, and performance, and the process by which the different mediums can inform each other. Her work has been presented by A.I.R. Gallery, the Institute of (Im)Possible Subjects, Movement Research at the Judson Church, DoublePlus at Gibney Dance, The Bronx Latin American Art Biennial, Nurture Art Gallery, BRIC Contemporary Arts online exhibitions, Wallplay Gallery, and The Situation Room, LA.
Act Like Jackie Chan: The Cinematic Legacy of Jingju Training Schools in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Pui-Lun
Published: May 2018

The jingju (Peking Opera) training schools that developed in Hong Kong between the 1950s and the 1970s had an unanticipated impact on the martial arts movie industry. Jackie Chan and his cohort at the China Drama Academy made the move from trainees to movie actors, bringing their jingju skills to their film roles.
Space for “Speculative Friendships”: Keith Hennessy and Jassem Hindi’s future friend/ships
Authors: Avila Robert
Published: May 2018

Starting from the ineffable brutality of the Syrian Civil War, and the larger world of war and empire, dancer/performers and cocreators Keith Hennessy and Jassem Hindi draw on Arab Futurism, queer politics and aesthetics, and Donna Haraway’s conception of Science Fiction, embracing and queering the SF imagination to create “speculative friend/ships.”
Plato’s Geach Talks to Socrates: Definition by Example-and-Exemplar in the Hippias Major
Authors: Politis Vasilis
Published: May 2018

The paper argues that Plato, in the Hippias Major gives due consideration to the question whether, for some qualities F, such as beauty, it is possible to give an account of what F is by pointing to an example-and-exemplar. He takes seriously, and gives cogent reasons in defense of, an affirmative answer to this question in a manner comparable to Geach—although he argues that these reasons lead to inconsistency, if combined with the view that it is possible to make comparisons in regard to F among significantly different examples-and-exemplars of a thing that is F.
Inter-population and seasonal changes in food habits of the Moroccan Spiny-tailed lizard along an aridity gradient
Authors: Bendami Safaa , Znari Mohammed , Loulida Soumia
Published: May 2018

Food habits of the Moroccan Spiny-tailed lizard, Uromastyx nigriventris, from three localities along an aridity gradient from north-east (Mediterranean) to southwest (Atlantic pre-Saharan) of the Atlas range, Morocco, were investigated in spring and autumn 2015 using fecal microhistological analysis. The obtained results showed that these lizards are predominantly herbivorous feeding on 4 to 13 different plant species depending on locality and season, but some insects, namely coleopterans and ants (Formicidae) (up to 6%) are also consumed. They heavily ingested annual and perennial herbaceous plants through a single season. There were significant differences among seasons and localities in terms of species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity indexes. These indexes increased significantly, respectively for the spring and autumnal diets, and correlatively with the species richness in the habitat along the aridity gradient. The Stress-Gradient Hypothesis could explain this increase. According to Pianka’s niche overlap index (), dietary overlap was low between Saka (the least arid locality) and Skoura (the intermediate locality) in spring. Conversely, there was a substantial overlap in the diets in autumn with a more pronounced similarity between Saka and Skoura. A review of published information on food habits among Spiny-tailed lizard species and populations was established.
Forging New Political Identities in the Shanty Towns of Durban, South Africa
Authors: Pithouse Richard Michael
Published: May 2018

This contribution offers some observations with regard to political identities in a popular movement largely based in the shantytowns of Durban, South Africa. It seeks to examine, via more than a decade of immersion and research, one instance of how popular organisation and mobilisation have been mediated through shifting political identities. It argues that if discourse professionals on the left are to become effective actors it will be necessary to take popular political identities a lot more seriously, and to enable mutually transformative engagement between theory and actually-existing forms of popular striving and struggle.
An Explorative Philosophical Study of Envisaging the Electrical Energy Infrastructure of the Future
Authors: Verkerk Maarten J. , Ribeiro Paulo F. , Basden Andrew , Hoogland Jan
Published: May 2018

The electrical energy infrastructure is one of the key life-sustaining technologies of contemporary Western society. This infrastructure is extremely complex due to its size, its multifarious technologies, and its interweaving with societal structures. Smart grids are important in future infrastructure, yet extant literature does not adequately address this complexity. This paper argues that different elements of the philosophy of Dooyeweerd offer a key to understanding this intricate complexity more fundamentally. Key concepts are the ideas of normative practices, enkapsis (intertwinement) of practices, individuality structures, and ideals and basic beliefs. By developing these ideas in the context of smart grid engineering, our research contributes to philosophy of technology, philosophy of design, and philosophy of sustainability. It offers an ontological analysis of these infrastructures, pointing a direction to the development of workable infrastructures and supporting the transition to a sustainable society.
Sixteen new generic records of Korean Bryozoa from southern coastal waters and Jeju Island, East China Sea: evidence of tropical affinities
Authors: YANG HO JIN , SEO JI EUN , GORDON DENNIS P.
Published: May 2018

The first records of 16 genera of cheilostome Bryozoa not previously reported for Korea are given here. All are from southern coastal waters, especially Jeju Island, which appears to be Korea’s marine-biodiversity ‘hotspot’. Jodoella koreensis n. gen. et sp. (Robertsonidridae) is new to science. Seven additional new species are described for the genera Copidozoum, Reptadeonella, Schizosmittina, Saevitella, Torquatella, Stephanollona and Plesiocleidochasma. The other genera new to the Korean fauna are Dibunostoma, Corbulella, Onychocella, Stephanotheca, Bryopesanser, Calloporina, Hippaliosina and Pleuromucrum. The Japanese Pleistocene species Calloporina hayamiae Arakawa is newly reported alive from Jeju Island. Four of the species were previously known only from the tropical Indo–West Pacific, three others are found in semitropical/warm-temperate water, and the other known genera have warm-water species, supporting data from other taxa that Korean’s southern waters, especially in the vicinity of Jeju Island, are profoundly influenced by the warm Kuroshio Current and global warming trends. Currently, at least 112 species of Bryozoa are known from Jeju Island, 101 of them Cheilostomata, representing c. 70% of all Korean cheilostome species. Four new combinations are introduced: Copidozoum canui (Sakakura) n. comb., Schizo pedicellata (Soule, Soule & Chaney) n. comb., Torquatella ensenada (Tilbrook) n. comb. and Torquatella longiuscula (Harmer) n. comb. Torquatellidae is subsumed in Celleporidae and Predanophora in Torquatella.
Phyllocnistis podocarpa sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae), a buddhist pine leaf-miner from Japan: taxonomy, DNA barcodes, damage and parasitoids
Authors: LIU TENGTENG , SUN JIE , CAI BO , WU YING
Published: May 2018

Phyllocnistis podocarpa sp. nov., is described from mines in Podocarpus macrophyllus (Family Podocarpaceae). The host plant P. macrophyllus, also known as buddhist pine on the IUCN Red List, is a noticeable garden plant and thus of high economic value. Buddhist pine has been introduced to many other countries from its native habitat in southern Japan. Special attention has been paid for it during the overseas import in China. The morphology of the pupae of P. podocarpa, particularly the frontal process of the head and the spine clusters on terga, ones of the most useful diagnostic characters for species identification of Phyllocnistis on morphology, is demonstrated using SEM. Two parasitoid species of Eulophidae (Hymenoptera) are identified and illustrated. COI barcode sequences are provided along with a Neighbor Joining Tree covering related species for aiding identification.
Three new species of squat lobsters of the genus Munidopsis Whiteaves, 1874, from Guadeloupe Island, Caribbean Sea (Crustacea, Decapoda, Munidopsidae)
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ-FLORES PAULA C. , MACPHERSON ENRIQUE , MACHORDOM ANNIE
Published: May 2018

The genus Munidopsis is one of the most diverse genera within squat lobsters. Here, three new species of Munidopsis, M. cornuata n. sp., M. senticosa n. sp., and M. turgida n. sp., from <500 m off Guadeloupe Island (Caribbean Sea), are fully described and illustrated. Among the Atlantic species of the genus, M. cornuata n. sp. belongs to the group of species having the dorsal surface of the carapace with spines and is most similar to M. robusta (A. Milne-Edwards, 1880), from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Munidopsis senticosa n. sp. resembles M. barbarae (Boone, 1927) from the Bahamas and the Gulf of Mexico and M. penescabra Pequegnat & Williams 1995, from off Georgia and Gulf of Mexico; the three species belong to the group having the carapace covered with sharp spines. Finally, M. turgida n. sp. is characterized by having the dorsal surface of the carapace, abdomen and pereiopods covered by granules; and resembles M. granulens Mayo, 1972, from NW Caribbean Sea. Apart from the morphological evidence, the analysis of mitochondrial genes (COI and 16S) supports establishing these new species, showing very high genetic divergences compared to their congeners (from 14.5 to 17% for COI, and 7.7 to 12.8% for 16S data).
Revisiting the Marshmallow Test: A Conceptual Replication Investigating Links Between Early Delay of Gratification and Later Outcomes
Authors: Watts Tyler W. , Duncan Greg J. , Quan Haonan
Published: May 2018

We replicated and extended Shoda, Mischel, and Peake’s (1990) famous marshmallow study, which showed strong bivariate correlations between a child’s ability to delay gratification just before entering school and both adolescent achievement and socioemotional behaviors. Concentrating on children whose mothers had not completed college, we found that an additional minute waited at age 4 predicted a gain of approximately one tenth of a standard deviation in achievement at age 15. But this bivariate correlation was only half the size of those reported in the original studies and was reduced by two thirds in the presence of controls for family background, early cognitive ability, and the home environment. Most of the variation in adolescent achievement came from being able to wait at least 20 s. Associations between delay time and measures of behavioral outcomes at age 15 were much smaller and rarely statistically significant.
Blindness to Curvature and Blindness to Illusory Curvature
Authors: Bertamini Marco , Kitaoka Akiyoshi
Published: May 2018

We compare two versions of two known phenomena, the Curvature blindness and the Kite mesh illusions, to highlight how similar manipulations lead to blindness to curvature and blindness to illusory curvature, respectively. The critical factor is a change in luminance polarity; this factor interferes with the computation of curvature along the contour, for both real and illusory curvature.
Different forms of pulmonary hypertension in a family with clinical and genetic evidence for hereditary hemorrhagic teleangectasia type 2
Authors: Greco Alessandra , Plumitallo Sara , Scelsi Laura , Maggi Giannantonio , Sobrero Matteo , Turco Annalisa , Raineri Claudia , Arseni Natalia , Cappelletti Donata , Visconti Luigi Oltrona , Pagella Fabio , Spinozzi Giuseppe , Ghio Stefano , Olivieri Carla , Danesino Cesare
Published: May 2018

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HTT) is an autosomal dominant disease, most frequently caused by a mutation in either ENG or ACVRL1, which can be associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this report, we describe a new unpublished ACVRL1 mutation segregating in three members of the same family, showing three different types of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the absence of BMPR2 mutations. The first patient has a form of heritable PAH (HPAH) in the absence of hepatic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs); the second one has a severe form of portopulmonary hypertension (PoPAH) associated with multiple hepatic AVMs; the third one has hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) with numerous hepatic arteriovenous fistulas and a form of post‐capillary PH due to high cardiac output. In summary, a single mutation in the ACVRL1 gene can be associated, in the same family, with an extreme phenotypic variability regarding not only the clinical presentation of HHT but also the type of PH in the absence of BMPR2 mutations. More studies are needed to evaluate if this variability can be explained by the presence of additional variants in other genes relevant for the pathogenesis of HHT.
The protean role of haptoglobin and haptoglobin genotypes on vascular complications in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dalan Rinkoo , Liuh Ling Goh
Published: May 2018

Introduction and background

Haptoglobin (Hp) is considered to be an antioxidant and protective against cardiovascular complications. Polymorphisms in the Hp gene interact with diabetes mellitus to affect the risk of vascular complications.

Methods

We review the updated literature about the protean role of Hp and Hp genotypes spanning genomics, molecular, translational and clinical studies. We searched Pubmed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar for all articles using the keywords: haptoglobin and/or haptoglobin polymorphism and diabetes. We review the diverse Hp genotypes, phenotypes and the impact on diabetes complications, including lessons from animal models and in vitro models. We describe the clinical studies on the associations of Hp genotypes with vascular complications in type 1 and type 2 diabetes comprehensively. We review the studies looking at vitamin E supplementation in a personalized manner in Hp2-2 diabetes individuals.

Results and conclusion

Hp genotypes have evolved as a result of deletions in the traditional Hp genes. The Hp genotypes have been associated with microvascular and macrovascular complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus but the association in type 2 diabetes is more consistent with cardiovascular complications. A preferential benefit of vitamin E and other antioxidants in the Hp2-2 genotype for cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes has been seen presumably secondary to interaction with high-density lipoprotein function. Hence, the Hp genotype can be used to personalize antioxidant therapeutics in diabetes patients. These results need to be corroborated in large, global, pragmatic, prospective, cardiovascular outcome trials in type 2 diabetes patients.
Key paediatric messages from the 2017 European Respiratory Society International Congress
Authors: Grigg Jonathan , Barben Jürg , Everard Mark L. , Hall Graham , Karadag Bülent , Moeller Alexander , Nenna Raffaella , Priftis Kostas N. , Rottier Robbert J. , Terheggen-Lagro Suzanne W.J. , Midulla Fabio
Published: May 2018

In this article, the group chairs of the Paediatric Assembly of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) highlight some of the most interesting findings presented at the 2017 ERS International Congress, which was held in Milan, Italy.