bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety results from a Phase 3, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of subcutaneous golimumab in Chinese patients with active rheumatoid arthritis despite methotrexate therapy
Authors: Li Zhanguo , Zhang Fengchun , Kay Jonathan , Fei Kaiyin , Han Chenglong , Zhuang Yanli , Wu Zhong , Hsia Elizabeth C.
Published: August 2015

Aim

The efficacy and safety of golimumab + methotrexate (MTX) were evaluated in Chinese patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite MTX therapy.

Methods

Chinese patients (n = 264) were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to receive subcutaneous injections of placebo + MTX with crossover to golimumab 50 mg + MTX at week 24 (Group 1) or to golimumab 50 mg + MTX (Group 2) every 4 weeks. Group 1 patients with inadequate response entered blinded early escape to golimumab 50 mg + MTX at week 16. At least a 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR20) criteria at week 14 was the primary endpoint. Other assessments included the 28‐joint count Disease Activity Score using C‐reactive protein (DAS28‐CRP) and Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Disability Index (HAQ‐DI) through week 52. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored through week 56.

Results

ACR20 response at week 14 was significantly higher in Group 2 (40.9% [54/132]) compared with Group 1 (15.9% [21/132]; P < 0.001). Greater proportions of patients in Group 2 compared with Group 1 had a DAS28‐CRP response at week 14 (65.2% vs. 30.3%, P < 0.001) or ACR20 response at week 24 (42.4% vs. 15.9%, P < 0.001), and Group 2 had a significantly greater change in HAQ‐DI at week 24 (−0.26 vs. 0.15, P < 0.001). After week 24, the proportion of patients achieving ACR20 in Group 1 approached that in Group 2. Through week 16, 23.5% of Group 1 and 26.7% of Group 2 patients reported AEs. Among golimumab + MTX‐treated patients, 50.2% and 4.2% had ≥ 1 AE or serious AE, respectively, through week 56. No unexpected safety signals were observed.

Conclusion

Among MTX‐experienced Chinese patients with active RA, a significantly greater proportion of patients receiving golimumab + MTX had improvements in the signs and symptoms of RA compared with MTX monotherapy. Safety findings were consistent with previous studies of golimumab in patients with RA.
Conservation prioritization in the context of uncertainty
Authors: Collen B.
Published: August 2015

Read the Feature Paper: Setting evolutionary‐based conservation priorities for a phylogenetically data‐poor taxonomic group (Scleractinia); other Commentaries on this paper: Valuing species on the cheap; Regional specific approach is a next step for setting evolutionary‐based conservation priorities in the scleractinian corals and the Response from the authors: Setting evolutionary based conservation priorities for a phylogenetically data‐poor taxonomic group (Scleractinia): response to the commentaries
Protection of farmed camels (Camelus Dromedarius): Welfare problems and legislative perspective
Authors: Previti Annalisa , Guercio Bartolomeo , Passantino Annamaria
Published: August 2015

In the last years animal welfare has assumed an increasing interest in our society, influencing legislation to enact many provisions aimed at the protection of animals. Along with increased consumer awareness of the need to maintain ethically acceptable conditions of raised animals, scientists too have begun to investigate the conditions of animal welfare, the tools for its evaluation and for its improvement. Although there are many advances in knowledge, much remains to be investigated concerning many species considered "minor", that is, camels and dromedaries. Dromedaries, recently, have attracted the interest of some breeders following the results of studies concerning the nutritional and therapeutic properties of their products ‐ milk in particular ‐ that make them ideal for some particular categories of consumers, such as diabetics, obesity sufferers, lactose‐intolerant subjects, menopausal women and so on. Considering their use in dairy husbandry, dromedaries are reared under intensive and/or semi‐intensive systems with the resulting emergence of specific needs, which should be fulfilled in order to have appropriate welfare. This paper's purpose is to give practical elements in order to find out dromedary welfare standards, promoting a comprehensive set of regulations on welfare, care and protection of this animal.
Laparoscopic and open right‐sided colonic resection in daily routine practice. A prospective multicentre study within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol
Authors: Tiefenthal M. , Asklid D. , Hjern F. , Matthiessen P. , Gustafsson U. O.
Published: August 2015

Aim

The study compared the outcome of laparoscopic and open surgery in daily practice when performed in a strict Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) environment.

Method

Two‐hundred and ninety‐two consecutive patients who received elective surgery, in three Swedish ERAS centres, for cancer or adenoma in the right colon in the period 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2012, were prospectively registered in a Web‐based ERAS database. Peri‐operative data were collected from the database and patient charts. The primary end‐points included postoperative recovery and morbidity. The secondary objective was to identify preoperative variables that influenced the selection of patients for laparoscopic or open surgery.

Results

One‐hundred and twenty‐three (42%) patients were selected for laparoscopic surgery. The overall preoperative ERAS‐compliance rate was 87% and no significant difference was seen between the surgical techniques. In multivariate analysis, patients treated with laparoscopy had significantly earlier pain control (2.4 ± 3.2 days vs 4.2 ± 5.9 days; P = 0.016) and a shorter length of hospital stay (LOS) (4 days vs 6 days; P = 0.002) compared with open surgery. There was no significant difference in the complication rate [18.7% vs 21.3%; OR = 1.0 (95% CI: 0.5–2.0)], the number of lymph nodes removed or the rate of R0 resection between laparoscopic and open surgery. Tumours selected for laparoscopy were generally smaller, had a lower T‐stage and were predominantly situated in the caecum and the ascending colon compared with those of patients selected for open surgery.

Conclusion

The use of laparoscopy in routine right‐sided colectomy in an ERAS environment, with data on outcome corrected for selection bias, may result in faster recovery compared with open surgery.
The irreversibility of sensitive period effects in language development: evidence from second language acquisition in international adoptees
Authors: Norrman Gunnar , Bylund Emanuel
Published: August 2015

The question of a sensitive period in language acquisition has been subject to extensive research and debate for more than half a century. While it has been well established that the ability to learn new languages declines in early years, the extent to which this outcome depends on biological maturation in contrast to previously acquired knowledge remains disputed. In the present study, we addressed this question by examining phonetic discriminatory abilities in early second language (L2) speakers of Swedish, who had either maintained their first language (L1) (immigrants) or had lost it (international adoptees), using native speaker controls. Through this design, we sought to disentangle the effects of the maturational state of the learner on L2 development from the effects of L1 interference: if additional language development is indeed constrained by an interfering L1, then adoptees should outperform immigrant speakers. The results of an auditory lexical decision task, in which fine vowel distinctions in Swedish had been modified, showed, however, no difference between the L2 groups. Instead, both L2 groups scored significantly lower than the native speaker group. The three groups did not differ in their ability to discriminate non‐modified words. These findings demonstrate that L1 loss is not a crucial condition for successfully acquiring an L2, which in turn is taken as support for a maturational constraints view on L2 acquisition. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/1J9X50aePeU
Successful rhIGF1 treatment for over 5 years in a patient with severe insulin resistance due to homozygous insulin receptor mutation
Authors: Carmody D. , Ladsaria S. S. , Buikema R. K. , Semple R. K. , Greeley S. A. W.
Published: August 2015

Background

Congenital insulin resistance syndromes are caused by biallelic mutations within the insulin receptor gene (INSR). Recombinant human insulin‐like growth factor (rhIGF1) has been used with mixed success; however, rigorous assessment of its efficacy is lacking. Here, we describe a child with a homozygous mutation in INSR successfully treated with rhIGF1 for more than 5 years.

Case report

The patient presented with osmotic diabetes symptoms and was noted to have dysplastic dentition, hypertrichosis, coarse and dysmorphic facial features. Acanthosis nigricans, skin tags and rugated hyperkeratosis were also evident on the posterior neck, axilla and groin. A homozygous INSR essential splice site mutation (c.1268 + 2T > C, p.G374 fs*12) was identified, for which both parents were found to be heterozygous. The patient was treated with twice daily injections of rhIGF1 and metformin for more than 5 years with improvement in her acanthosis nigricans, hyperkeratosis and hypertrichosis. A dramatic fall in fasting insulin, HOMA–IR and HbA1c has been maintained over the entire course of treatment without adverse effects. Her linear growth velocity has remained on target for her predicted adult height.

Discussion

Our case demonstrates the effectiveness of rhIGF1 as an early treatment in a patient with a biallelic mutation within INSR without evidence of fluid retention, retinopathy, muscle pain, heart failure, cerebral infarcts or benign intracranial hypertension. Her case suggests rhIGF1 can and should be considered as an initial treatment option instead of as a final option in those with INSR mutations.
The attracting power of the gaze of politicians is modulated by the personality and ideological attitude of their voters: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Cazzato Valentina , Liuzza Marco Tullio , Caprara Gian Vittorio , Macaluso Emiliano , Aglioti Salvatore Maria
Published: August 2015

Observing someone rapidly moving their eyes induces reflexive shifts of overt and covert attention in the onlooker. Previous studies have shown that this process can be modulated by the onlooker's personality, as well as by the social features of the person depicted in the cued face. Here, we investigated whether an individual's preference for social dominance orientation, in‐group perceived similarity (PS), and political affiliation of the cued‐face modulated neural activity within specific nodes of the social attention network. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, participants were requested to perform a gaze‐following task to investigate whether the directional gaze of various Italian political personages might influence the oculomotor behaviour of in‐group or out‐group voters. After scanning, we acquired measures of PS in personality traits with each political personage and preference for social dominance orientation. Behavioural data showed that higher gaze interference for in‐group than out‐group political personages was predicted by a higher preference for social hierarchy. Higher blood oxygenation level‐dependent activity in incongruent vs. congruent conditions was found in areas associated with orienting to socially salient events and monitoring response conflict, namely the left frontal eye field, right supramarginal gyrus, mid‐cingulate cortex and left anterior insula. Interestingly, higher ratings of PS with the in‐group and less preference for social hierarchy predicted increased activity in the left frontal eye field during distracting gaze movements of in‐group as compared with out‐group political personages. Our results suggest that neural activity in the social orienting circuit is modulated by higher‐order social dimensions, such as in‐group PS and individual differences in ideological attitudes.
Business Cycle Synchronization of CEECs with the Euro Area: A Regime Switching Approach
Authors: Di Giorgio Carlo
Published: August 2015

This article investigates the possible business cycle linkages between CEECs (Central and Eastern European countries) that were candidates to enter the EMU and the euro area for the period 1993 to 2014. We analyse business cycle (a)symmetries for these countries by using Markov switching autoregressive models and synchronization tests. By analysing the correlations between the cyclical fluctuations for these countries, we examine the existence of common features between the individual cycles. By distinguishing between different regimes, we show that the indications of business cycle synchronization are quite high in the recession regime, but lower in the normal and high growth regimes, with the exceptions of Hungary and Poland.
Comparison of transarterial chemoembolization with radiofrequency ablation for unresectable Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0/A hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matching
Authors: Chen Rong‐xin , Gan Yu‐hong , Ge Ning‐lin , Chen Yi , Ma Hui , Wang Yan , Zhang Bo‐heng , Wang Yan‐hong , Ye Sheng‐long , Luo Jian‐feng , Ren Zheng‐gang
Published: August 2015

Background and Aim:

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is recommended as one of the standard treatments for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of high‐risk tumor locations unfit for RFA, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is served as an alternative option in these settings. To define the role of TACE on early HCC, we retrospectively compared the efficacies of TACE with RFA in patients with unresectable Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0/A HCC.

Materials and Methods:

Treatment‐naïve patients with unresectable BCLC stage 0/A HCC who underwent TACE or RFA were recruited from 2007 to 2011. In all, 208 patients who underwent TACE and 235 patients who underwent RFA were included in the final analysis. Using the propensity model to correct selection bias, 103 patients were selected from each treatment arm. Cumulative overall survival (OS) as the primary end point was compared after adjustment with propensity score matching.

Results:

In all patients, the OS rate was significantly higher in patients treated with RFA than that in those who received TACE (1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year OS rates, 93.7%, 72.6%, and 58.1% vs 88.1%, 50.3%, and 30.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). However, adjustment with propensity score matching yielded comparable OS between the two groups (P = 0.207). Subgroup analysis showed that RFA provided better OS than TACE in patients with serum γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase < 75 IU/L (P = 0.035). Univariate and subsequent multivariate analyses revealed that Child‐Pugh class B (hazard ratio = 1.805; 95% confidence interval, 1.805–3.003; P = 0.023) and hepatitis C virus positivity (hazard ratio = 2.478; 95% confidence interval, 1.136–5.404; P = 0.023) were independent predictors of poor prognosis.

Conclusion:

Transarterial chemoembolization is an effective alternative treatment for unresectable BCLC stage 0/A HCC when RFA is not feasible.
Reduction in mRNA and protein expression of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α8 subunit is associated with resistance to imidacloprid in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Zhang Yixi , Wang Xin , Yang Baojun , Hu Yuanyuan , Huang Lixin , Bass Chris , Liu Zewen
Published: August 2015

Target‐site resistance is commonly caused by qualitative changes in insecticide target‐receptors and few studies have implicated quantitative changes in insecticide targets in resistance. Here we show that resistance to imidacloprid in a selected strain of Nilaparvata lugens is associated with a reduction in expression levels of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit Nlα8. Synergism bioassays of the selected strain suggested resistance was conferred, in part, by a target‐site mechanism. Sequencing of N. lugens nAChR subunit genes identified no mutations associated with resistance, however, a decrease in mRNA and protein levels of Nlα8 was observed during selection. RNA interference knockdown of Nlα8 decreased the sensitivity of N. lugens to imidacloprid, demonstrating that a decrease in Nlα8 expression is sufficient to confer resistance in vivo. Radioligand binding assays revealed that the affinity of the high‐affinity imidacloprid‐binding site of native nAChRs was reduced by selection, and reducing the amount of Nlα8 cRNA injected into Xenopus oocytes significantly decreased imidacloprid potency on recombinant receptors. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that a decrease in Nlα8 levels confers resistance to imidacloprid in N. lugens, and thus provides a rare example of target‐site resistance associated with a quantitative rather than qualitative change.

image

In insects, target‐site mutations often cause high resistance to insecticides, such as neonicotinoids acting on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Here we found that a quantitative change in target‐protein level, decrease in mRNA and protein levels of Nlα8, contributed importantly to imidacloprid resistance in Nilaparvata lugens. This finding provides a new target‐site mechanism of insecticide resistance.
The Association of Fibrinous Pleural Effusion with Survival and Complications in Horses with Pleuropneumonia (2002–2012): 74 Cases
Authors: Tomlinson J.E. , Reef V.B. , Boston R.C. , Johnson A.L.
Published: August 2015

Background

Fibrinous parapneumonic pleural effusions are associated with decreased efficacy of pleural fluid drainage and increased risk of medical treatment failure in people, but similar associations have not been established in horses.

Hypothesis/Objectives

We hypothesized that fibrin deposition in the pleural cavity of horses with parapneumonic effusions increases the risk of poor outcome.

Animals

Seventy four horses with bacterial pleuropneumonia diagnosed by culture and cytology of tracheal aspirates, pleural fluid, or both, and pleural effusion diagnosed by ultrasonographic examination.

Methods

Retrospective study of cases was from 2002 to 2012. Information obtained from the medical records included signalment, history, sonographic findings, treatments, and outcome. The primary outcome investigated was survival and secondary outcomes were development of complications and surgical intervention. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression were applied for categorical variables. At‐test was used to find differences in continuous variables between groups.

Results

Seventy four horses met study criteria and 50 (68%) survived. Fibrinous pleural effusion was associated with higher respiratory rate and pleural fluid height at admission, necrotizing pneumonia, increased number of indwelling thoracic drains required for treatment, and decreased survival.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Fibrin accumulation in parapneumonic effusions is associated with increased mortality. Direct fibrinolytic treatment might be indicated in affected horses.
The paradox of invasion: Reeves' muntjac deer invade the British Isles from a limited number of founding females
Authors: Freeman M. S. , Beatty G. E. , Dick J. T. A. , Reid N. , Provan J.
Published: August 2015

High levels of genetic diversity and high propagule pressure are favoured by conservation biologists as the basis for successful reintroductions and ensuring the persistence of populations. However, invasion ecologists recognize the ‘paradox of invasion’, as successful species introductions may often be characterized by limited numbers of individuals and associated genetic bottlenecks. In the present study, we used a combination of high‐resolution nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers to investigate the invasion history of Reeves' muntjac deer in the British Isles. This invasion has caused severe economic and ecological damage, with secondary spread currently a concern throughout Europe and potentially globally. Microsatellite analysis based on eight loci grouped all 176 introduced individuals studied from across the species' range in the UK into one genetic cluster, and seven mitochondrial D‐loop haplotypes were recovered, two of which were present at very low frequency and were related to more common haplotypes. Our results indicate that the entire invasion can be traced to a single founding event involving a low number of females. These findings highlight the fact that even small releases of species may, if ignored, result in irreversible and costly invasion, regardless of initial genetic diversity or continual genetic influx.
Food insecurity reported by children, but not by mothers, is associated with lower quality of diet and shifts in foods consumed
Authors: Bernal Jennifer , Frongillo Edward A , Rivera Juan A
Published: August 2015

Household food security shows little indication of nutrient inadequacy among children, according to reports made by parents. We examined the associations of food insecurity as reported by children and mothers with children's consumption of energy, macronutrients such as vitaminA, calcium, iron and zinc, and selected foods, and whether these associations differed by child's gender. This cross‐sectional study had non‐probabilistic 128Venezuelan mother–child pairs. We assessed food insecurity and management strategies in children using 10‐ and nine‐item instruments, respectively. Mothers' report of food insecurity came from a previously validated 12‐item instrument. Nutrient intake of children was assessed with a 67‐item food frequency questionnaire. Comparisons were made using chi‐square test for contingency tables andt‐tests for trends (P < 0.05). Linear regression models were used for intakes of nutrients and selected foods. We tested for interactions with gender. Prevalence of child‐ and mother‐reported food insecurity was 83.6 and 61.7%, respectively (P < 0.01). Greater food insecurity or management strategies reported by boys was associated with lower calcium, iron and zinc intake (P < 0.05), but reported intakes were low in girls who are even food secure. Rice and corn flour consumption was higher with higher food insecurity in children. Papaya and banana were less consumed by food‐insecure children. We found shifts in 13 of 67 foods consumed, with less quality in those food insecure, as reported by children. Mother‐reported food insecurity was associated only with rice intake of children. In contrast to mothers' reports, food insecurity reported by children was associated with children's lower quality of diet and shifts in foods consumed.
Why the Three-Point Rule Failed to Sufficiently Reduce the Number of Draws in Soccer: An Application of Prospect Theory
Authors: Riedl Dennis , Heuer Andreas , Strauss Bernd
Published: August 2015

Incentives guide human behavior by altering the level of external motivation. We apply the idea of loss aversion from prospect theory (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979) to the point reward systems in soccer and investigate the controversial impact of the three-point rule on reducing the fraction of draws in this sport. Making use of the Poisson nature of goal scoring, we compared empirical results with theoretically deduced draw ratios from 24 countries encompassing 20 seasons each (N = 118.148 matches). The rule change yielded a slight reduction in the ratio of draws, but despite adverse incentives, still 18% more matches ended drawn than expected, t(23) = 11.04, p < .001, d = 2.25, consistent with prospect theory assertions. Alternative point systems that manipulated incentives for losses yielded reductions at or below statistical expectation. This provides support for the deduced concept of how arbitrary aims, such as the reduction of draws in the world’s soccer leagues, could be more effectively accomplished than currently attempted.
Forest or meadow: the consequences of habitat for the condition of female arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius)
Authors: Werner Jeffery R. , Krebs Charles J. , Donker Scott A. , Sheriff Michael J.
Published: August 2015

Body condition of animals influences the likelihood of surviving harsh environmental conditions, successfully reproducing, and resisting disease. The sum of these individual components of fitness, in turn, have consequences for the growth and persistence of wildlife populations. Here we compared the body mass and condition of adult female arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius (Osgood, 1900)), an obligate hibernator, in source and sink habitats. We tested the hypothesis that adult females would be in poorer condition in the boreal forest than in adjacent meadows. We found that, during spring, postpartum females in forests weighed less (405 ± 7 vs. 437 ± 11 g; mean ± SE) and were in poorer condition (mean (±SE) residual of mass over structural size = −11.0 ± 10.2 vs. 20.5 ± 6.1 g) compared with females in meadow-source habitat. However, by the onset of entrance into hibernation in August, forest squirrels had reached parity with meadow squirrels and no difference was found in mass (519 ± 13 vs. 520 ± 15 g; mean ± SE) or condition (residual index = −0.01 ± 0.01 vs. 0.03 ± 0.01; mean ± SE). We suggest that for squirrels in formerly occupied boreal forests, (i) poor spring body condition decreased reproductive success and (ii) achieving compensatory growth, via increased foraging, comes at the costs of higher predation risk. These costs likely contributed to the recent local extinction of arctic ground squirrels in boreal forest habitat.
A color image enhancement algorithm based on quaternion representation of vector rotation
Authors: Lang Fangnian , Zhou Jiliu , Tang Yuan Yan , Shang Zhaowei
Published: August 2015

Detail enhancement of color images is required in many applications. Unsharp masking (UM) is the most classical tool for detail enhancement. Many generalizing UM approaches have been proposed, for example, the rational UM technique, the cubic unsharp technique, the adaptive UM technique and so on. For color images, these algorithms have three steps: (a) Implement the color2gray step; (b) design an extracting method of high frequency information (HFI) based on the luminance component (LC); (c) complete the enhancing process utilizing the HFI. However, using only the HFI of the LC may lose the HFI of the chrominance component (CC). This paper proposes a quaternion based detail enhancement algorithm to extract details of the color image using both of the luminance and CCs. The proposed algorithm is designed to address three tasks: (1) designing an extraction method of the color high frequency information (CHFI) based on quaternion description of the 3D vector rotation; (2) performing an effective fusion strategy of the CHFI and the gray high frequency information (GHFI); (3) designing a quaternion based measure method of the local dynamic range, based on which the enhancement coefficients of the proposed algorithm can be determined. The performance of the proposed algorithm compares favorably with many other similar enhancement algorithms. The eight parameters can be adjusted to control the sharpness to produce the desired results, which makes the proposed algorithm practically useful.
Differences and Similarities between Finger and Pen Stroke Gestures on Stationary and Mobile devices
Authors: Tu Huawei , Ren Xiangshi , Zhai Shumin
Published: August 2015

This study investigated differences and similarities between finger and pen gestures on stationary devices (sitting posture) and mobile devices (sitting and walking postures). The recorded gestures were analyzed according to multiple gesture features. We found (1) pen and index finger gestures were different in features like
size ratio
but similar in features like
angle difference
; (2) implement (pen vs. index finger vs. thumb) interacted with gesture complexity and size in features like
articulation time
; (3) features like
time
and
shape distance
, were different between the pen and index finger on mobile devices (walking) but similar on stationary devices; (4) one-handed thumb gestures had worse performances than index finger gestures by time and accuracy in sitting but similar performances in walking; and (5) for the three implements, gesture drawing time and accuracy on mobile devices reduced from sitting to walking condition. We discuss these findings with implications for future gesture design and research.
Predictors for Smoking Cessation with Acupuncture in a Hong Kong Population
Authors: Liu Zhao , Yang Jin-sheng , Wu Yuan , Zhang Ou , Chen Min , Huang Ling-ling , He Xiu-qing , Wu Guan-yi , Wang Ying-ying
Published: August 2015

Background. Observational studies of smoking cessation with acupuncture have been reported widely; however, few researchers have focused on its predictors.Objective. This paper attempts to explore the predictors for smoking cessation with acupuncture in a Hong Kong population, aiming to provide references for clinical treatment in the future.Methods. We performed a secondary analysis of data from our observational study “Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation (2011–2014)” in Hong Kong. A total of 23 indexes were selected as possible predictors, and study participants with complete information of 23 indexes were included. By taking 8-week and 52-week smoking cessation results as dependent variables, binary logistic regression method was used to identify the predictors. Additionally, based on an M5P decision-tree algorithm, an equation of “successful rate of smoking cessation with acupuncture” was calculated.Results. (1) 2,051 study participants were included in total. (2) According to the results of binary logistic regression, variables including treatment location, total number of acupuncture sessions received, and whether the study participants received at least 6 sessions of acupuncture were taken as the short-term predictors; gender, treatment location, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and total number of acupuncture sessions received were taken as the long-term predictors. (3) According to study participants’ FTND, treatment location, and number of cigarettes smoked/day, the equation of “successful rate of smoking cessation with acupuncture” was established.Conclusion. Receiving sufficient and qualified acupuncture is the leading factor for short-term smoking cessation with acupuncture, whereas individual factors and smoking background play a more important role in long-term smoking cessation with acupuncture.
Implementation and Real-Time and Reliability Evaluation of a WHMS Improved by LHRP and SMAM
Authors: Sun Fangmin , Fang Zhen , Zhao Zhan , Du Lidong , Chu Shulei , Chen Diliang
Published: August 2015

A dynamic heterogeneous and multihop (DHMH) wireless health monitoring system (WHMS) as a three-tier semi-self-organizing health monitoring network was presented. From bottom to top, the first tire of the network is the mobile data acquisition layer (DAL), the second tire of the network is the data transporting layer (DTL), and the third tire of the network is the data collection layer (DCL). A RF power control based topology management mechanism is proposed to balance the network load and to improve the network throughput. A lightweight hierarchical routing protocol (LHRP) was designed to reduce the transmission delay and improve the network throughput. For the mobile DAL nodes, the seamless mobile access mechanism (SMAM) was designed to ensure the low packet loss ratio. To evaluate the network performance, the end-to-end delay, the averaged reception ratio, and the network throughput of the DHMH were tested and the results proved that the network performance of the DHMH was improved.
A Case of Unrecognized Intrathoracic Placement of a Subclavian Central Venous Catheter in a Patient with Large Traumatic Hemothorax
Authors: Wallin Dina , Privette Alicia R. , Campbell Andre R. , Tang Julin F.
Published: August 2015

Traditional recommendations suggest placement of a subclavian central venous catheter (CVC) ipsilateral to a known pneumothorax to minimize risk of bilateral pneumothorax. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with a right hemopneumothorax who was found to have intrathoracic placement of his right subclavian CVC at thoracotomy despite successful aspiration of blood and transduction of central venous pressure (CVP). We thus recommend extreme caution with the interpretation of CVC placement by blood aspiration and CVP measurement alone in patients with large volume ipsilateral hemothorax.
Boolean Networks-Based Auction Algorithm for Task Assignment of Multiple UAVs
Authors: Sun Xiaolei , Qi Naiming , Yao Weiran
Published: August 2015

This paper presents an application of Boolean networks-based auction algorithm (BNAA) for task assignment in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) systems. Under reasonable assumptions, the assignment framework consists of mission control system, communication network, and ground control station. As the improved algorithm of consensus-based bundle algorithm (CBBA), the BNAA utilizes a cluster-based combinatorial auction policy to handle multiple tasks. Instead of empirical method based on look-up table about conditional variables, Boolean network is introduced into consensus routine of BNAA for solving the conflict of assignment across the fleet of UAVs. As a new mathematic theory, semitensor product provides the implementation and theoretical proof of Boolean networks. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of proposed BNAA method.
The Heat Transfer Coefficient of Recycled Concrete Bricks Combination with EPS Insulation Board Wall
Authors: Li Jianhua , Cao Wanlin
Published: August 2015

Four tectonic forms samples were conducted to test their heat transfer coefficients. By analyzing and comparing the test values and theoretical values of the heat transfer coefficient, a corrected-value calculation method for determining the heat transfer coefficient was proposed; the proposed method was proved to be reasonably correct. The results indicated that the recycled concrete brick wall heat transfer coefficient is higher than that of the clay brick wall, the heat transfer coefficient of recycled concrete brick wall could be effectively reduced when combined with the EPS insulation board, and the sandwich insulation type was better than that of external thermal insulation type.
UAV Recharging Opportunities and Policies for Sensor Networks
Authors: Basha Elizabeth , Eiskamp Michael , Johnson Jennifer , Detweiler Carrick
Published: August 2015

Recharging sensor networks using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provides a possible method for increasing network lifetime. In this paper, we evaluate that approach, determining how much of a benefit it provides and under what conditions. We base our simulations and field experiments on data collected from charging with our UAV-based wireless power transfer system, which has similar transfer ranges and efficiencies as other such systems. We determine that a UAV can increase the network lifetime up to 290% compared to no recharging, that the UAV should recharge 30% of the sensor node battery capacity at one time for the maximum benefit, and that the UAV should recharge the lowest powered node until the network reaches a size of approximately 306 nodes at which point it should recharge the sink. We also examine how the sensor network can aid this through sink selection. The policy varies as network size increases, with a static approach working well until 200 nodes, and then either a perimeter or heuristic approach works best. These results inform future use of UAVs in recharging and working with sensor networks.
Novel Mutation of the TINF2 Gene in a Patient with Dyskeratosis Congenita
Authors: Panichareon Benjaporn , Seedapan Thanawat , Thongnoppakhun Wanna , Limwongse Chanin , Pithukpakorn Manop , Limjindaporn Thawornchai
Published: August 2015

Dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) is a rare inherited disease that is characterized by abnormal skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy and mucosal leukoplakia. DKC is caused by an abnormality in a component of the telomerase and shelterin complexes. TINF2 encodes a protein in the shelterin complex and TERC encodes a component of the telomerase complex. Mutations of both genes have been associated with DKC. This study examined mutations in TINF2 and TERC by direct DNA sequencing in a Thai patient with DKC. We identified a novel mutation (c.845G>T) that is located in exon 6 of TINF2 and changes an arginine to leucine (Arg282Leu). This identified mutation could be applied for molecular genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling of patients with DKC.
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F-Florbetapir Binds Specifically to Myocardial Light Chain and Transthyretin Amyloid Deposits
Authors: Park Mi-Ae , Padera Robert F. , Belanger Anthony , Dubey Shipra , Hwang David H. , Veeranna Vikas , Falk Rodney H. , Di Carli Marcelo F. , Dorbala Sharmila
Published: August 2015

Background—

18
F-florbetapir is a promising imaging biomarker for cardiac light chain amyloidosis (AL) and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Our aim, using human autopsy myocardial specimens, was to test the hypothesis that
18
F-florbetapir binds specifically to myocardial AL and ATTR amyloid deposits.

Methods and Results—

We studied myocardial sections from 30 subjects with autopsy-documented AL (n=10), ATTR (n=10), and nonamyloid controls (n=10) using
18
F-florbetapir and cold florbetapir compound and digital autoradiography. Total and nonspecific binding of
18
F-florbetapir was determined using the maximum signal intensity values. Specific binding of
18
F-florbetapir was calculated by subtracting nonspecific from total binding measurements (in decays per minute/mm
2
, DPM mm
2
) and was compared with cardiac structure and function on echocardiography and the histological extent of amyloid deposits. Diffuse or focally increased
18
F-florbetapir uptake was noted in all AL and ATTR samples and in none of the control samples. Compared with control samples, mean
18
F-florbetapir–specific uptake was significantly higher in the amyloid samples (0.94±0.43 versus 2.00±0.58 DPM/mm
2
;
P
<0.001), and in the AL compared with the ATTR samples (2.48±0.40 versus 1.52±0.22 DPM/mm
2
;
P
<0.001). The samples from subjects with atypical echocardiographic features of amyloidosis showed quantitatively more intense
18
F-florbetapir–specific uptake compared with control samples (1.50±0.17 versus 0.94±0.43 DPM/mm
2
;
P
=0.004), despite smaller amyloid extent than in subjects with typical echocardiograms.

Conclusions—

18
F-florbetapir specifically binds to myocardial AL and ATTR deposits in humans and offers the potential to screen for the 2 most common types of myocardial amyloid.
Agreement Between 24-Hour Salt Ingestion and Sodium Excretion in a Controlled Environment
Authors: Lerchl Kathrin , Rakova Natalia , Dahlmann Anke , Rauh Manfred , Goller Ulrike , Basner Mathias , Dinges David F. , Beck Luis , Agureev Alexander , Larina Irina , Baranov Victor , Morukov Boris , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Vassilieva Galina , Wabel Peter , Vienken Jörg , Kirsch Karl , Johannes Bernd , Krannich Alexander , Luft Friedrich C. , Titze Jens
Published: August 2015

Accurately collected 24-hour urine collections are presumed to be valid for estimating salt intake in individuals. We performed 2 independent ultralong-term salt balance studies lasting 105 (4 men) and 205 (6 men) days in 10 men simulating a flight to Mars. We controlled dietary intake of all constituents for months at salt intakes of 12, 9, and 6 g/d and collected all urine. The subjects’ daily menus consisted of 27 279 individual servings, of which 83.0% were completely consumed, 16.5% completely rejected, and 0.5% incompletely consumed. Urinary recovery of dietary salt was 92% of recorded intake, indicating long-term steady-state sodium balance in both studies. Even at fixed salt intake, 24-hour urine collection for sodium excretion (UNaV) showed infradian rhythmicity. We defined a ±25 mmol deviation from the average difference between recorded sodium intake and UNaV as the prediction interval to accurately classify a 3-g difference in salt intake. Because of the biological variability in UNaV, only every other daily urine sample correctly classified a 3-g difference in salt intake (49%). By increasing the observations to 3 consecutive 24-hour collections and sodium intakes, classification accuracy improved to 75%. Collecting seven 24-hour urines and sodium intake samples improved classification accuracy to 92%. We conclude that single 24-hour urine collections at intakes ranging from 6 to 12 g salt per day were not suitable to detect a 3-g difference in individual salt intake. Repeated measurements of 24-hour UNaV improve precision. This knowledge could be relevant to patient care and the conduct of intervention trials.
Impaired Myocardial Oxygenation Response to Stress in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Parnham Susie , Gleadle Jonathan M. , Bangalore Sripal , Grover Suchi , Perry Rebecca , Woodman Richard J. , De Pasquale Carmine G. , Selvanayagam Joseph B.
Published: August 2015

Background

Coronary artery disease and left ventricular hypertrophy are prevalent in the chronic kidney disease (
CKD
) and renal transplant (
RT
) population. Advances in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (
CMR
) with blood oxygen level–dependent (
BOLD
) technique provides capability to assess myocardial oxygenation as a measure of ischemia. We hypothesized that the myocardial oxygenation response to stress would be impaired in
CKD
and
RT
patients.

Methods and Results

Fifty‐three subjects (23 subjects with
CKD
, 10
RT
recipients, 10 hypertensive (
HT
) controls, and 10 normal controls without known coronary artery disease) underwent
CMR
scanning. All groups had cine and
BOLD CMR
at 3 T. The
RT
and
HT
groups also had late gadolinium
CMR
to assess infarction/replacement fibrosis. The
CKD
group underwent 2‐dimensional echocardiography strain to assess fibrosis. Myocardial oxygenation was measured at rest and under stress with adenosine (140 μg/kg per minute) using
BOLD
signal intensity. A total of 2898 myocardial segments (1200 segments in
CKD
patients, 552 segments in
RT
, 480 segments in
HT
, and 666 segments in normal controls) were compared using linear mixed modeling. Diabetes mellitus (
P
=0.47) and hypertension (
P
=0.57) were similar between
CKD
,
RT
, and
HT
groups. The mean
BOLD
signal intensity change was significantly lower in the
CKD
and
RT
groups compared to
HT
controls and normal controls (−0.89±10.63% in
CKD
versus 5.66±7.87% in
RT
versus 15.54±9.58% in
HT
controls versus 16.19±11.11% in normal controls,
P
<0.0001).
BOLD
signal intensity change was associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (β=0.16, 95%
CI
=0.10 to 0.22,
P
<0.0001). Left ventricular mass index and left ventricular septal wall diameter were similar between the
CKD
predialysis,
RT
, and
HT
groups. None of the
CKD
patients had impaired global longitudinal strain and none of the
RT
group had late gadolinium hyperenhancement.

Conclusions

Myocardial oxygenation response to stress is impaired in
CKD
patients and
RT
recipients without known coronary artery disease, and unlikely to be solely accounted for by the presence of diabetes mellitus, left ventricular hypertrophy, or myocardial scarring. The impaired myocardial oxygenation in
CKD
patients may be associated with declining renal function. Noncontrast
BOLD CMR
is a promising tool for detecting myocardial ischemia in the
CKD
population.
Reading Annotations: An Alternative Approach to the Reception of Qu You’s New Tales for the Trimmed Lampwick in Tokugawa Japan
Authors: Jōo Fumiko
Published: August 2015

Qu You’s (1347-1433)New tales for the trimmed lampwick(Jiandeng xinhua) was one of the most popular Chinese texts in early modern Japan. By scrutinizing how this collection of ghost tales was referenced within Zen Buddhist commentary, this article sheds light on the significant role of annotations in popularizingNew talesin Tokugawa society. Japanese Zen scholar-monks cited Qu You’s collection for the Zen dialogue called ‘The Disembodied Soul of Qiannü’ from a Song-dynastykōancollection entitledThe gateless barrier(Wumen guan) because they consideredNew talesas the origin for the story of Qiannü and thus the renowned Qiannü kōan. The incorrect but intriguing tie that developed betweenNew talesand this famous kōan illustrates the way in which Japanese Buddhist monks incorporated a Korean annotated edition ofNew talesand how the reading practice of annotations came to give religious authority to Qu You’s ghost tales.
Taming the Fire Horse
Authors: van Steenpaal Niels
Published: August 2015

Despite the increasing popularity of studies of early modern Japanese print culture, the field has primarily restricted itself to examinations of the commercial printindustry—a bias that has come at the price of ignoring a wide variety of non-profit publications that, based on the frequency with which they appear in the archives, clearly played an important role in people’s lives. This article aims to highlight and clarify the significance of these non-profit publications through a case study of so-calledsein, or freely distributed single sheet pamphlets. Concretely, I will focus on how these pamphlets were used in the campaign against the superstition that women born in the year of the Fire Horse (hinoeuma) were a curse upon their husbands, leading them to an early death. By examining these pamphlets as they were distributed before and during the two consecutive Fire Horse years of Tenmei 6 (1786) and Kōka 3 (1846), I will show that the pamphlets were able to achieve wide circulation through a combination of extended networks of human resources, a variety of media strategies, and the phenomenon of sponsored variant woodblocks.
More records of mosses from Dominican amber
Authors: Frahm Jan-Peter
Published: August 2015

Hypnum spec., Orthostichella cf. pentasticha, Syrrhopodon flexifolius and Porotrichum aff. substriatum are recorded from Dominican amber (c. 25 mio yrs. b.p.). The first two species were known before from Dominican amber, the last two are newly reported.
Genetic Determinism, Technology Optimism, and Race
Authors: Hochschild Jennifer , Sen Maya
Published: August 2015

We begin with a typology of Americans’ understanding of the links between genetic inheritance and racial or ethnic groups. The typology has two dimensions: one running from genetic determinism to social construction, and the other from technology optimism to technology pessimism. Construing each dimension as a dichotomy enables four distinct political perspectives on the possibilities for reducing racial inequality in the United States through genomics. We then use a new public opinion survey to analyze Americans’ use of the typology. Survey respondents who perceive that some phenotypes are more prevalent in one group than another due to genetic factors are disproportionately technology optimists. Republicans and Democrats are equally likely to hold that set of views, as are self-identified blacks, whites, and Latinos. The article discusses the findings and speculates about alternative interpretations of the fact that partisanship and group identity do not differentiate Americans in their views of the links between genetic inheritance and racial inequality.
Settling Down Behind Bars
Authors: Schartmueller Doris
Published: August 2015

In many U.S. states, the number of inmates serving life with or without parole has skyrocketed in recent decades. In Alabama, a state with particularly high incarceration rates, approximately every sixth inmate is serving a life sentence. This research investigates which specific factors led to Alabama’s extensive use of life sentences. Findings suggest that Alabama’s lifer population largely stems from an inadvertent application of the state’s Habitual Felony Offender Statute. Furthermore, the state’s stringent discretionary parole practices have minimized the chances of release for parole-eligible lifers. These factors have contributed to prison overcrowding and the aging of inmates.