bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPMDL
Authors: Alshayeb Mohammad , Shaaban Yasser , Al-Ghamdi Jarallah
Published: April 2018

Software metrics are becoming more acceptable measures for software quality assessment. However, there is no standard form to represent metric definitions, which would be useful for metrics exchange and customization. In this article, we propose the Software Product Metrics Definition Language (SPMDL). We develop an XML-based description language to define software metrics in a precise and reusable form. Metric definitions in SPMDL are based on meta-models extracted from either source code or design artifacts, such as the Dagstuhl Middle Meta-model, with support for various abstraction levels. The language defines several flexible computation mechanisms, such as extended Object Constraint Language queries and predefined graph operations on the meta-model. SPMDL provides an unambiguous description of the metric definition; it is also easy to use and is extensible.
Experience
Authors: Musyaffa Fathoni A. , Engels Christiane , Vidal Maria-Esther , Orlandi Fabrizio , Auer Sören
Published: April 2018

Public administrations are continuously publishing open data, increasing the amount of government open data over time. The published data includes budgets and spending as part of fiscal data; publishing these data is an important part of transparent and accountable governance. However, open fiscal data should also meet open data publication guidelines. When requirements in data guidelines are not met, effective data analysis over published datasets cannot be performed effectively. In this article, we present Open Fiscal Data Publication (OFDP), a framework to assess the quality of open fiscal datasets. We also present an extensive open fiscal data assessment and common data quality issues found; additionally, open fiscal data publishing guidelines are presented. We studied and surveyed main quality factors for open fiscal datasets. Moreover, the collected quality factors have been scored according to the results of a questionnaire to score quality factors within the OFDP assessment framework. We gather and comprehensively analyze a representative set of 77 fiscal datasets from several public administrations across different regions at different levels (e.g., supranational, national, municipality). We characterize quality issues commonly arising in these datasets. Our assessment shows that there are many quality factors in fiscal data publication that still need to be taken care of so that the data can be analyzed effectively. Our proposed guidelines allow for publishing open fiscal data where these quality issues are avoided.
Introduction of Genetically Modified CD3ζ Improves Proliferation and Persistence of Antigen-Specific CTLs
Authors: Miyao Kotaro , Terakura Seitaro , Okuno Shingo , Julamanee Jakrawadee , Watanabe Keisuke , Hamana Hiroshi , Kishi Hiroyuki , Sakemura Reona , Koyama Daisuke , Goto Tatsunori , Nishida Tetsuya , Murata Makoto , Kiyoi Hitoshi
Published: April 2018

The clinical efficacy of T-cell therapies based on T cells transduced with genes encoding tumor-specific T-cell receptors (TCR-T) is related to the in vivo persistence of the T cells. To improve persistence without modifying TCR affinity, we instead modified intracellular signaling, using artificial T cell–activating adapter molecules (ATAM), generated by inserting the intracellular domain (ICD) of activating T-cell signaling moieties into CD3ζ. ATAMs with the ICD of either CD28 or 4-1BB were generated, assembled into the TCR complex as a part of CD3ζ, and enhanced downstream signaling from the supramolecular activation cluster. ATAMs were retrovirally introduced into human CMV-specific or NY-ESO-1–specific TCR-transduced CD8+ T lymphocytes, and downstream functionality was then examined. ATAM-transduced NY-ESO-1 TCR-T cells were also investigated using the U266-xenograft mouse model. ATAMs were successfully transduced and localized to the cell membrane. ATAM-transduced CMV-specific T cells retained their cytotoxic activity and cytokine production against peptide-pulsed target cells without altering antigen-specificity and showed resistance to activation-induced cell death. Upon both single and repeated stimulation, CD3ζ/4-1BB–transduced T cells had superior proliferation to the CD3ζ-transduced T cells in both the CMV-specific and the NY-ESO-1 TCR-T models and significantly improved antitumor activity compared with untransduced T cells both in vitro and in a mouse xenograft model. ATAM-transduced TCR-T cells demonstrated improved proliferation and persistence in vitro and in vivo. This strategy to control the intracellular signaling of TCR-T cells by ATAM transduction in combination with various tumor-specific TCRs may improve the efficacy of TCR-T therapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(6); 733–44. ©2018 AACR.
Epinephrine in the Prevention of Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Hatami Behzad , Kashfi Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Abbasinazari Mohammad , Nazemalhosseini Mojarad Ehsan  , Pourhoseingholi Mohammad Amin , Zali Mohammad Reza , Mohammad Alizadeh Amir Houshang 
Published: April 2018

Background: Acute pancreatitis is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) ranges between 15 and 20% among patients at high risk of developing PEP. The efficacy of indomethacin administration in the prevention of PEP is rather debatable. In the present randomized trial study, we evaluated whether or not the combination of indomethacin and epinephrine in comparison to the single administration of indomethacin differs in the pathogenesis and prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Patients and Methods: One hundred and ninety-two patients were randomized in a double-blinded manner into 3 groups: the epinephrine group (group A), the indomethacin group (group B), and the combined epinephrine and indomethacin group (group C). After the procedure, patients were evaluated for the PEP development. Results: During the procedure, 66 patients were randomized to the epinephrine group (group A), 68 cases to the indomethacin group (group B), and 58 individuals to the indomethacin-epinephrine group (group C). The mean age of patients in the epinephrine group was 59.59 ± 15.680 years, in the indomethacin group it was 58.06 ± 17.125 years, and in the combination group it was 59.62 ± 15.369 years. In the present study, we did not observe a significant difference between the 3 groups in sex, age, pre-ERCP amylase, lipase, and patient and procedure risk factors including pancreatic duct (PD) dilation (p = 0.404), PD cannulation (p = 0.329), and difficult cannulation (p = 0.076) among others. PEP developed in 7 of the 192 individuals (3.6%), 6 PEP cases occurred in the indomethacin group and 1 in the epinephrine group (p = 0.016). Univariate analysis of risk factors for PEP in patients with and without pancreatitis revealed no significant difference between the pancreatitis group and the non-pancreatitis group. Conclusion: In comparison to the administration of indomethacin alone, a single application of epinephrine and the combination of epinephrine and indomethacin seem to be effective in reducing the cases of PEP. A further randomized clinical trial with a larger sample size is required to confirm the efficacy of our medication in the prevention of pancreatitis after ERCP.
Colorectal Adenocarcinoma with an Alternative Serrated Pathway
Authors: Eizuka Makoto , Kawasaki Keisuke , Toya Yosuke , Akasaka Risaburo , Otsuka Koki , Sasaki Akira , Matsumoto Takayuki , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: April 2018

In a 64-year-old woman, we identified a flat, elevated lesion that was located at the caecum and was composed of 3 different areas (areas A, B, and C). We diagnosed it as “carcinoma with sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P)” histologically. Although area A was diagnosed as classical SSA/P, area B was regarded as a high-grade SSA/P. In contrast, area C showed a differentiated-type adenocarcinoma that invaded the submucosa. The patient had a recurrence of cancer 1.5 years after endoscopic resection. Overexpression of TP53 was detected in area C. Although BRAF mutation was detected in all areas, CpG island methylator phenotype-high cancer was found only in area C. The genomic phenotype of the cancerous tissue was classified as microsatellite stable (MLH1 gene not methylated). In the present case, we showed that a lesion with genetic alterations based on the histological sequence SSA/P → high-grade SSA/P → cancer in SSA/P and an alternative serrated pathway may exhibit aggressive behavior.
Exclusive Phlebosclerosis of Submucosal Veins Leading to Ischemic Necrosis and Perforation of the Large Bowel: First European Case
Authors: Klein Sebastian , Buchner Denise , Chang De-hua , Büttner Reinhard , Drebber Uta , Fries Jochen W.U.
Published: April 2018

Phlebosclerotic colitis (PC) is a rare, potentially life-threatening disease of unclear pathogenesis almost exclusively reported in Asian patients of both genders. A fibrous degeneration of venous walls leads to threadlike calcifications along mesenteric vessels and colonic wall thickening, detectable by CT. This causes disturbed blood drainage and hemorrhagic infarction of the right-sided colonic wall. This is a report of PC in a Caucasian woman in Europe without Asian background and no history of herbal medications, a suspected cause in Asian patients. CT revealed no calcification of the mesenteric vein or its tributaries. Instead, submucosal veins of the left-sided colonic wall were calcified, leading to subsequent transmural necrosis. Clinically, the patient developed a paralytic ileus and sigmoidal perforation during a 2-week hospitalization due to a bleeding cerebral vascular aneurysm. This case of a European woman with PC is unique in its course as well as its radiologic, clinical, and pathologic presentation.
PROJETO URBANO SUSTENTÁVEL PARA A CIDADE DE ITU
Authors: Ximenes Deize Sbarai Sanches
Published: April 2018

Este artigo é fruto de uma pesquisa de doutorado da FAUUSP, desenvolvida na cidade de Itu – interior oeste de São Paulo, a qual teve uma expansão desordenada e uma dispersão urbana vinculada à especulação imobiliária e ao uso inadequado dos recursos naturais. Novos cenários foram propostos para o desenvolvimento de um projeto urbano sustentável para Itu, criando uma conexão entre o Centro Velho e o Novo Centro, a partir de três eixos estruturadores: ecológico, cultural e hídrico, por meio de uma mobilidade sustentável e um ordenamento territorial do Centro Histórico. A intenção é promover uma melhor qualidade de vida urbana, uma valorização e apropriação das áreas verdes e dos conjuntos arquitetônicos de importância histórica, para uso público, e a preservação e o uso racional dos recursos naturais disponíveis no meio urbano.
O PAPEL DA VEGETAÇÃO NO CONTROLE DOS VENTOS PARA O CONFORTO TÉRMICO
Authors: Zanlorenzi Helena Cristina Padovani , Silva Filho Demóstenes Ferreira da
Published: April 2018

Entender o clima dos espaços urbanos em suas diversas conformações é objeto de grande interesse para a melhoria da qualidade de vida de seus usuários. O presente estudo é parte integrante da dissertação de mestrado que teve por objetivo avaliar elementos de vegetação como barreira aos ventos visando o conforto térmico em espaços abertos. O procedimento utilizado foi quantificar a interferência de elementos vegetais na passagem dos ventos, na altura dos pedestres, a partir de configurações de vegetação pré-estabelecidas. O cenário eleito para este estudo foi a área externa do Campus da Universidade Metodista de Piracicaba (UNIMEP), localizado no bairro Taquaral em Piracicaba, SP. Foram estudadas três espécies dispostas em arranjos de barreira aos ventos: Jasminum mesnyi Hance, Pseudosasa japonica (Steud.) Makino e Pinus caribaea Morelet.  As variáveis microclimáticas medidas foram temperatura do ar, umidade relativa do ar e velocidade dos ventos, em três posições distintas por espécie: em um campo aberto próximo, antes e depois da barreira. O período de coleta de dados foi das 9 às 21 horas, em intervalos de 3 a 5 minutos, durante três dias por espécie, nos meses de agosto e setembro de 2014. Foi feita a medição do LAI (Índice de Área Foliar) das barreiras, para análise da viabilidade de adoção do LAI como parâmetro na previsão de resultados, o que permitiria sua aplicabilidade a outras espécies. Os resultados obtidos indicam uma tendência favorável a este princípio, porém estudos com maior intensidade amostral são necessários para obtenção desta correlação. Outras aplicações podem ser beneficiadas com esta linha de estudo, como a previsão do risco de queda de árvores.
“You give me letters instead of money?” Commercial transactions in the Near East and the Western Mediterranean ca. 1100-600 BCE: social innovation and institutional inhibition of Phoenician commerce
Authors: Pappa Eleftheria
Published: April 2018

Dois dos problemas mais importantes e fundamentais na pesquisa proto-histórica e antropológica são relacionados à popularização da alfabetização e às origens do dinheiro. As razões por trás da propagação repentina e abrangente do alfabeto fenício no século VII1,VII a.C. permanecem sem solução, apesar dos debates contínuos. Ao mesmo tempo, permanece largamente ignorado na pesquisa acadêmica o paradoxo de que os fenícios, comerciantes da antiguidade por excelência, aparentemente náo usaram nenhuma forma de moeda física, apesar de possuírem redes comerciais no Mediterrâneo. No entanto, pesquisas recentes suportam o alto grau de monetização das redes comerciais fenícias, bem como o fato de que formas de "proto-moeda" circulavam no Levante pelo menos a partir do século VI11 a.C. Este artigo pretende analisar esses dois problemas de uma perspectiva totalmente nova, explorando os vínculos entre eles e testando se uma causalidade pode ser estabelecida entre a repentina divulgação da alfabetização e a ausência de moeda física na economia fenícia, com foco no Ocidente. E sugerido que o aumento da monetização foi possível através dos padrões de intercâmbio comercial estabelecidos no Próximo Oriente desde o terceiro milênio a.C., que permitiram transações usando letras de crédito (notas promissórias), com pagamentos eventuais efetuados em vários meios através de um índice estabelecido de valor (por exemplo, relativo à prata).
Health Care Costs After Cardiac Arrest in the United States
Authors: Damluji Abdulla A. , Al-Damluji Mohammed S. , Pomenti Sydney , Zhang Tony J. , Cohen Mauricio G. , Mitrani Raul D. , Moscucci Mauro , Myerburg Robert J.
Published: April 2018

Background:

This study was designed to estimate the costs of index hospitalizations after cardiac arrest in the United States.

Methods and Results:

We used the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2003–2012) to identify patients with cardiac arrest. Log transformation of inflation-adjusted cost was determined for care to patient outcomes. Overall, an estimated 1 387 396 patients were hospitalized after cardiac arrest. The mean age of the cohort was 66 years, 45% were women, and the majority were white. Inpatient procedures included coronary angiography (15%), percutaneous coronary intervention (7%), intra-aortic balloon pump (4.4%), therapeutic hypothermia (1.1%), and mechanical circulatory support (0.1%). The rates of therapeutic hypothermia increased from zero in 2003 to 2.7% in 2012 (
P
<0.001). Both hospital charges and inflation-adjusted cost increased linearly over time. In a multivariate analysis, predictors of inflation-adjusted cost included large hospital size, urban teaching hospital, and length of stay. Among comorbidities, atrial fibrillation or fluid and electrolytes imbalance was most associated with cost. Among selected interventions, the cost was significantly increased with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (odds ratio, 1.83;
P
<0.001), intra-aortic balloon pump (odds ratio, 1.50;
P
<0.001), hypothermia (odds ratio, 1.28;
P
<0.001), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio, 2.38;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

In the period between 2003 and 2012, postcardiac arrest hospitalizations resulted in a steady rise in associated health care cost, likely related to increased length of stay, medical procedures, and systems of care. Although targeted cost containment for postarrest interventions may reduce the finance burden, there is an increasing need for funding research into prediction and prevention of cardiac arrest, which offers greater societal benefit.
New Substrate-Guided Method of Predicting Slow Conducting Isthmuses of Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Kuroki Kenji , Nogami Akihiko , Igarashi Miyako , Masuda Keita , Kowase Shinya , Kurosaki Kenji , Komatsu Yuki , Naruse Yoshihisa , Machino Takeshi , Yamasaki Hiro , Xu Dongzhu , Murakoshi Nobuyuki , Sekiguchi Yukio , Aonuma Kazutaka
Published: April 2018

Background:

Several conducting channels of ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be identified using voltage limit adjustment (VLA) of substrate mapping. However, the sensitivity or specificity to predict a VT isthmus is not high by using VLA alone. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combined use of VLA and fast-Fourier transform analysis to predict VT isthmuses.

Methods and Results:

VLA and fast-Fourier transform analyses of local ventricular bipolar electrograms during sinus rhythm were performed in 9 postinfarction patients who underwent catheter ablation for a total of 13 monomorphic VTs. Relatively higher voltage areas on an electroanatomical map were defined as high voltage channels (HVCs), and relatively higher fast-Fourier transform areas were defined as high-frequency channels (HFCs). HVCs were classified into full or partial HVCs (the entire or >30% of HVC can be detectable, respectively). Twelve full HVCs were identified in 7 of 9 patients. HFCs were located on 7 of 12 full HVCs. Five VT isthmuses (71%) were included in the 7 full HVC+/HFC+ sites, whereas no VT isthmus was found in the 5 full HVC+/HFC− sites. HFCs were identical to 9 of 16 partial HVCs. Eight VT isthmuses (89%) were included in the 9 partial HVC+/HFC+ sites, whereas no VT isthmus was found in the 7 partial HVC+/HFC− sites. All HVC+/HFC+ sites predicted VT isthmus with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 80%.

Conclusions:

Combined use of VLA and fast-Fourier transform analysis may be a useful method to detect VT isthmuses.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Adiposity: Implications in Youth
Authors: Fyfe‐Johnson Amber L. , Ryder Justin R. , Alonso Alvaro , MacLehose Richard F. , Rudser Kyle D. , Fox Claudia K. , Gross Amy C. , Kelly Aaron S.
Published: April 2018

Background

The American Heart Association set 2020 Strategic Impact Goals that defined cardiovascular risk factors to be included in the concept of ideal cardiovascular health (
ICH
). The prevalence of
ICH
among differing levels of adiposity in youth, especially severe obesity, is uncertain.

Methods and Results

The cross‐sectional study measured
ICH
metrics in 300 children and adolescents stratified by adiposity: normal weight, overweight/obese, and severely obese.
ICH
incorporates 7 behavioral and health metrics, and was characterized as poor, intermediate, or ideal. Individual
ICH
metrics were transformed into standardized sample
z
‐scores; a summary
ICH
sample
z
‐score was also calculated. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate differences in
ICH
sample
z
‐scores by adiposity status. Of the 300 participants, 113 were classified as having normal weight, 87 as having overweight/obesity, and 100 as having severe obesity (mean age 12.8 years,
SD
2.7; 48% female). No participants met the criteria for
ICH
; 80% of those classified as having normal weight, 81% of those with overweight/obesity, and all of those with severe obesity were in poor cardiovascular health. After multivariable adjustment, those with overweight/obesity (sample
z
‐score: −1.35; 95% confidence interval, −2.3, −1.1) and severe obesity (sample
z
‐score: −1.45; 95% confidence interval, −2.9, −0.92) had lower overall
ICH
sample
z
‐scores compared with participants with normal weight. Results were similar for individual
ICH
metrics.

Conclusions

Poor cardiovascular health was highly prevalent in youth;
ICH
sample
z
‐scores increased across levels of adiposity. Youth with obesity, particularly those with severe obesity, remain a rich target for primary prevention efforts.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01508598.
Predictors of Mortality and Symptomatic Outcome of Patients With Low‐Flow Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Mangner Norman , Stachel Georg , Woitek Felix , Haussig Stephan , Schlotter Florian , Höllriegel Robert , Adam Jennifer , Lindner Anna , Mohr Friedrich W. , Schuler Gerhard , Kiefer Philipp , Leontyev Sergey , Borger Michael A. , Thiele Holger , Holzhey David , Linke Axel
Published: April 2018

Background

Impaired left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction is a common finding in patients with aortic stenosis and serves as a predictor of morbidity and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. However, conflicting data on the most accurate measure for
LV
function exist. We wanted to examine the impact of LV ejection fraction, mean pressure gradient, and stroke volume index on the outcome of patients treated by transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Methods and Results

Patients treated by transcatheter aortic valve replacement were primarily separated into normal flow (
NF
; stroke volume index >35 mL/m
2
) and low flow (
LF
; stroke volume index ≤35 mL/m
2
). Afterwards, patients were divided into 5 groups: “NF–high gradient,” “NF–low gradient” (
NF
‐
LG
), “LF–high gradient,” “paradoxical LF‐LG,” and “classic LF‐LG.” The 3‐year mortality was the primary end point. Of 1600 patients, 789 (49.3%) were diagnosed as having
LF
, which was characterized by a higher 30‐day (
P
=0.041) and 3‐year (
P
<0.001) mortality.
LF
was an independent predictor of all‐cause (hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.62;
P
=0.03) and cardiovascular (hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.77;
P
=0.016) mortality. Neither mean pressure gradient nor LV ejection fraction was an independent predictor of mortality. Patients with paradoxical LF‐LG (35.0%), classic LF‐LG (35.1%) and
LF
–high gradient (38.1%) had higher all‐cause mortality at 3 years compared with
NF
–high gradient (24.8%) and
NF
‐
LG
(27.9%) (
P
=0.001). However, surviving patients showed a similar improvement in symptoms regardless of aortic stenosis entity.

Conclusions

LF
is a common finding within the aortic stenosis population and, in contrast to LV ejection fraction or mean pressure gradient, an independent predictor of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. Despite increased long‐term mortality, high procedural success and excellent functional improvement support transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with
LF
severe aortic stenosis.
Evaluation of Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality After Intensive Blood Pressure Control in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Burgess L. Goodwin , Goyal Nitin , Jones G. Morgan , Khorchid Yasser , Kerro Ali , Chapple Kristina , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Chang Jason J.
Published: April 2018

Background

We sought to assess the risk of acute kidney injury (
AKI
) and mortality associated with intensive systolic blood pressure reduction in acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods and Results

Patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage had spontaneous cause and symptom onset within 24 hours. We excluded patients with structural causes, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, and preexisting end‐stage renal disease. We defined
AKI
using the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. Chronic kidney disease status was included in risk stratification and was defined by Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative staging. Maximum systolic blood pressure reduction was defined over a 12‐hour period and dichotomized using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Descriptive statistics were done using independent sample
t
tests, χ
2
tests, and Mann‐Whitney
U
tests, whereas multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate for predictors for
AKI
and mortality. A total of 448 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage met inclusion criteria. Maximum systolic blood pressure reduction was dichotomized to 90 mm Hg and found to increase the risk of
AKI
in patients with normal renal function (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–3.62;
P
=0.010) and chronic kidney disease (odds ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–12.15;
P
=0.019). The risk of
AKI
was not significantly different in normal renal function versus chronic kidney disease groups when adjusted for demographics, presentation characteristics, and medications associated with
AKI
.
AKI
positively predicted mortality for patients with normal renal function (odds ratio, 2.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–5.22;
P
=0.026) but not for patients with chronic kidney disease (odds ratio, 3.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–15.01;
P
=0.154).

Conclusions

These results indicate that intensive systolic blood pressure reduction with a threshold >90 mm Hg in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage may be an independent predictor for
AKI
.
Estrogen Deficiency Promotes Cerebral Aneurysm Rupture by Upregulation of Th17 Cells and Interleukin‐17A Which Downregulates E‐Cadherin
Authors: Hoh Brian L. , Rojas Kelley , Lin Li , Fazal Hanain Z. , Hourani Siham , Nowicki Kamil W. , Schneider Matheus B. , Hosaka Koji
Published: April 2018

Background

Estrogen deficiency is associated with the development of cerebral aneurysms; however, the mechanism remains unknown. We explored the pathway of cerebral aneurysm development by investigating the potential link between estrogen deficiency and inflammatory factors.

Methods and Results

First, we established the role of interleukin‐17 (
IL
‐17)A. We performed a cytokine screen demonstrating that
IL
‐17A is significantly expressed in mouse and human aneurysms (
P
=0.03). Likewise,
IL
‐17A inhibition was shown to prevent aneurysm formation by 42% (
P
=0.02) and rupture by 34% (
P
<0.05). Second, we found that estrogen deficiency upregulates T helper 17 cells and
IL
‐17A and promotes aneurysm rupture. Estrogen‐deficient mice had more ruptures than control mice (47% versus 7%;
P
=0.04). Estradiol supplementation or
IL
‐17A inhibition decreased the number of ruptures in estrogen‐deficient mice (estradiol 6% versus 37%;
P
=0.04;
IL
‐17A inhibition 18% versus 47%;
P
=0.018). Third, we found that
IL
‐17A‐blockade protects against aneurysm formation and rupture by increased E‐cadherin expression.
IL
‐17‐inhibited mice had increased E‐cadherin expression (
P
=0.003). E‐cadherin inhibition reversed the protective effect of
IL
‐17A inhibition and increased the rate of aneurysm formation (65% versus 28%;
P
=0.04) and rupture (12% versus 0%;
P
=0.22). However, E‐cadherin inhibition alone does not significantly increase aneurysm formation in normal mice or in estrogen‐deficient mice. In cell migration assays, E‐cadherin inhibition promoted macrophage infiltration across endothelial cells (
P
<0.05), which may be the mechanism for the estrogen deficiency/
IL
‐17/E‐cadherin aneurysm pathway.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that estrogen deficiency promotes cerebral aneurysm rupture by upregulating
IL
‐17A, which downregulates E‐cadherin, encouraging macrophage infiltration in the aneurysm vessel wall.
TÜRKİYE’DE İÇ GÖÇÜN BELİRLEYİCİLERİNİN ANALİZİ
Authors: ÇETİN İrem , ÇETİN Semih
Published: April 2018

Türkiye’de 1950’lili yıllardan itibaren artış gösteren iç göç, nedenleri ve sonuçları dikkatli bir şekilde ele alınması gereken önemli bir sorunsal haline gelmiştir. Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu Adrese Dayalı Nüfus Kayıt Sistemi 2015 yılı sonuçlarına göre, Türkiye’de nüfusun %64.9’u doğduğu ilden farklı bir ilde ikamet etmektedir. Bu çerçevede, çalışmada, Türkiye’de iç göçün belirleyicilerinin analiz edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla, Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu İstatiksel Bölge Birimleri Sınıflaması 2. Düzey (26 bölge) için 2008-2013 yılları verileri kullanılarak panel veri analizi yapılmıştır. Çalışmada elde edilen sonuçlara göre, kişi başına düşen gelir ve eğitim hizmetleri göçü pozitif yönde etkilerken,  tarım sektörü istihdam oranı ve enflasyon oranı göçü negatif yönde etkilemektedir. Diğer taraftan, işsizlik oranı ve sağlık hizmetlerinin göç üzerindeki etkisi ise istatistiksel olarak anlamsız bulunmuştur.
TÜRK KAMU YÖNETİMİ PERSPEKTİFİNDEN E-SAĞLIK HİZMETLERİ VE SAĞLIK POLİTİKALARINDAKİ YERİ ÜZERİNE BİR İNCELEME
Authors: COŞKUN Mehmet Burhanettin
Published: April 2018

Cumhuriyet sonrası dönem ile birlikte önemli bir yer edinen sağlık
politikaları kamu yönetiminde önemli bir konumdadır. Özellikle dönemsel olarak
ön plana çıkan toplum sağlığı konularının da gelişmesiyle Anadolu insanının en
önemli ihtiyaçlarının temelinde sağlık konuları belirmiştir.  Konu güncel küresel tartışmaların
gözlemlendiği 2000’li yıllarda da önemini artırmış ve bu konuda kapsamlı
çalışmalarla birlikte reformlar hayata geçirilmiştir. Bu reformların konuları
genel olarak uluslararası kuruluşlarca belirlenen çeşitli standartlar olmasıyla
birlikte, Türkiye’nin özgün olarak oluşturduğu çeşitli politika oluşumları da
kamu yönetimi açısından önem kazanmıştır. 
Türk Kamu Yönetimi içerisinde Sağlık Bakanlığı’nca vatandaşların
hizmetine sunulan, sağlık politikalarının temelini oluşturan E-Sağlık
Hizmetleri ve kamusal önemi araştırmanın ana konusunu oluşturmaktadır.
A Reinforcement Learning Neural Network for Robotic Manipulator Control
Authors: Hu Yazhou , Si Bailu
Published: April 2018

We propose a neural network model for reinforcement learning to control a robotic manipulator with unknown parameters and dead zones. The model is composed of three networks. The state of the robotic manipulator is predicted by the state network of the model, the action policy is learned by the action network, and the performance index of the action policy is estimated by a critic network. The three networks work together to optimize the performance index based on the reinforcement learning control scheme. The convergence of the learning methods is analyzed. Application of the proposed model on a simulated two-link robotic manipulator demonstrates the effectiveness and the stability of the model.
Robust MST-Based Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Liu Qidong , Zhang Ruisheng , Zhao Zhili , Wang Zhenghai , Jiao Mengyao , Wang Guangjing
Published: April 2018

Minimax similarity stresses the connectedness of points via mediating elements rather than favoring high mutual similarity. The grouping principle yields superior clustering results when mining arbitrarily-shaped clusters in data. However, it is not robust against noises and outliers in the data. There are two main problems with the grouping principle: first, a single object that is far away from all other objects defines a separate cluster, and second, two connected clusters would be regarded as two parts of one cluster. In order to solve such problems, we propose robust minimum spanning tree (MST)-based clustering algorithm in this letter. First, we separate the connected objects by applying a density-based coarsening phase, resulting in a low-rank matrix in which the element denotes the supernode by combining a set of nodes. Then a greedy method is presented to partition those supernodes through working on the low-rank matrix. Instead of removing the longest edges from MST, our algorithm groups the data set based on the minimax similarity. Finally, the assignment of all data points can be achieved through their corresponding supernodes. Experimental results on many synthetic and real-world data sets show that our algorithm consistently outperforms compared clustering algorithms.
Optimal Readout of Correlated Neural Activity in a Decision-Making Circuit
Authors: Calderini Matias , Zhang Sophie , Berberian Nareg , Thivierge Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2018

The neural correlates of decision making have been extensively studied with tasks involving a choice between two alternatives that is guided by visual cues. While a large body of work argues for a role of the lateral intraparietal (LIP) region of cortex in these tasks, this role may be confounded by the interaction between LIP and other regions, including medial temporal (MT) cortex. Here, we describe a simplified linear model of decision making that is adapted to two tasks: a motion discrimination and a categorization task. We show that the distinct contribution of MT and LIP may indeed be confounded in these tasks. In particular, we argue that the motion discrimination task relies on a straightforward visuomotor mapping, which leads to redundant information between MT and LIP. The categorization task requires a more complex mapping between visual information and decision behavior, and therefore does not lead to redundancy between MT and LIP. Going further, the model predicts that noise correlations within LIP should be greater in the categorization compared to the motion discrimination task due to the presence of shared inputs from MT. The impact of these correlations on task performance is examined by analytically deriving error estimates of an optimal linear readout for shared and unique inputs. Taken together, results clarify the contribution of MT and LIP to decision making and help characterize the role of noise correlations in these regions.
Senegalia lotterii (Fabaceae) a new species endemic to the Barberton Centre of Endemism, South Africa
Authors: Hahn Norbert
Published: April 2018

Senegalia lotterii is a proposed new species to science, characterized by its paired prickles pointing straight ahead or slightly upwards one of which is often lost due to malformation. This species was found to be a distinct edaphic entity, endemic to the Barberton Centre of Endemism.
An updated checklist of the vascular flora of Sierra Nevada (SE Spain)
Authors: LORITE JUAN
Published: April 2018

To have an updated checklist available for a given area is crucial for many purposes (educational, conservation, management, etc.). In this paper, a complete and updated checklist of the vascular flora of Sierra Nevada mountain range (SE Spain), a recognized hotspot for plant diversity in the Mediterranean basin, is presented. It includes 2,353 taxa, 359 more than in the previous checklist (an increase of 15.25%). Also, data are shown on composition (in terms of families, number of hybrids, native/alien species, endemics, etc.) and threat status according to the IUCN. The result is a complete and updated checklist flora of this recognised biodiversity Mediterranean hotspot.
LANFEX: A Field and Modeling Study to Improve Our Understanding and Forecasting of Radiation Fog
Authors: Price J. D. , Lane S. , Boutle I. A. , Smith D. K. E. , Bergot T. , Lac C. , Duconge L. , McGregor J. , Kerr-Munslow A. , Pickering M. , Clark R.
Published: April 2018

Fog is a high-impact weather phenomenon affecting human activity, including aviation, transport, and health. Its prediction is a longstanding issue for weather forecast models. The success of a forecast depends on complex interactions among various meteorological and topographical parameters; even very small changes in some of these can determine the difference between thick fog and good visibility. This makes prediction of fog one of the most challenging goals for numerical weather prediction. The Local and Nonlocal Fog Experiment (LANFEX) is an attempt to improve our understanding of radiation fog formation through a combined field and numerical study. The 18-month field trial was deployed in the United Kingdom with an extensive range of equipment, including some novel measurements (e.g., dew measurement and thermal imaging). In a hilly area we instrumented flux towers in four adjacent valleys to observe the evolution of similar, but crucially different, meteorological conditions at the different sites. We correlated these with the formation and evolution of fog. The results indicate new quantitative insight into the subtle turbulent conditions required for the formation of radiation fog within a stable boundary layer. Modeling studies have also been conducted, concentrating on high-resolution forecast models and research models from 1.5-km to 100-m resolution. Early results show that models with a resolution of around 100 m are capable of reproducing the local-scale variability that can lead to the onset and development of radiation fog, and also have identified deficiencies in aerosol activation, turbulence, and cloud micro- and macrophysics, in model parameterizations.
Reexamining the Gradient and Countergradient Representation of the Local and Nonlocal Heat Fluxes in the Convective Boundary Layer
Authors: Zhou Bowen , Sun Shiwei , Yao Kai , Zhu Kefeng
Published: April 2018

Turbulent mixing in the daytime convective boundary layer (CBL) is carried out by organized nonlocal updrafts and smaller local eddies. In the upper mixed layer of the CBL, heat fluxes associated with nonlocal updrafts are directed up the local potential temperature gradient. To reproduce such countergradient behavior in parameterizations, a class of planetary boundary layer schemes adopts a countergradient correction term in addition to the classic downgradient eddy-diffusion term. Such schemes are popular because of their simple formulation and effective performance. This study reexamines those schemes to investigate the physical representations of the gradient and countergradient (GCG) terms, and to rebut the often-implied association of the GCG terms with heat fluxes due to local and nonlocal (LNL) eddies. To do so, large-eddy simulations (LESs) of six idealized CBL cases are performed. The GCG fluxes are computed a priori with horizontally averaged LES data, while the LNL fluxes are diagnosed through conditional sampling and Fourier decomposition of the LES flow field. It is found that in the upper mixed layer, the gradient term predicts downward fluxes in the presence of positive mean potential temperature gradient but is compensated by the upward countergradient correction flux, which is larger than the total heat flux. However, neither downward local fluxes nor larger-than-total nonlocal fluxes are diagnosed from LES. The difference reflects reduced turbulence efficiency for GCG fluxes and, in terms of physics, conceptual deficiencies in the GCG representation of CBL heat fluxes.
Use of Neural Response Telemetry for Pediatric Cochlear Implants: Current Practice
Authors: Almosnino Galit , Anne Samantha , Schwartz Seth R.
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

Evaluate usage trends of neural response telemetry (NRT) in cochlear implant centers across the nation and assess reported benefits of intraoperative NRT for pediatric cochlear implant recipients.

Study Design:

Survey.

Study Participants:

All US cochlear implant centers (n = 110).

Methods:

A 15-question multiple-choice survey was distributed electronically to all centers. The survey captured demographic information of all centers, practice patterns surrounding the use of NRT, and the extent to which intraoperative NRT is of benefit.

Results:

Thirty-two invited participants (29%) completed the survey. A majority of participants reported practicing in an academic center (66%), followed by a hospital setting (19%) and private practice (16%). Seventy-two percent of survey participants reported using NRT for pediatric cochlear implant recipients. Sixty-three percent felt it improved the ability to program at initial activation, and 50% of participants felt that NRT improves satisfaction at initial activation.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that a majority of surgeons use intraoperative NRT for pediatric cochlear implantation as an additional measure to ensure appropriate electrode placement and improve device activation. Larger studies are needed to better establish the relationship between intraoperative NRT and postoperative outcomes and justify the additional costs associated with intraoperative NRT.
Resolving Intractable Conflicts Through Third-Party Facilitation: A 14-Year Study
Authors: Boss Alan D. , Boss R. Wayne , Dunford Benjamin B. , Perrigino Matthew , Boss David S.
Published: April 2018

Intractable conflicts between two individuals within an organization can be particularly detrimental, exerting ripple effects that affect other individuals, entire units, or the organization as a whole. This study extends previous research on third-party consultation interventions by exploring trust and other variables that facilitate intractable conflict resolution, while examining several outcomes over time. Data for this 14-year study in an operating room came from self-reports by the participants, behavioral observations by hospital administrators, and hospital records. Results include statistically significant improvement in trust measures, individual and group effectiveness, increased availability of surgical supplies and equipment, reduced physician abuse of scheduling privileges, decreased verbal abuse of nurses by physicians, the elimination of nursing turnover, and a decision by the surgeons to not build an outpatient surgical center. From a methodological standpoint, our quasi-experimental design using longitudinal panel data provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of organization development interventions on intractable conflicts, including not only how resolutions and positive outcomes occur but also how they can endure over time.
The Global Trust Inventory as a “Proxy Measure” for Social Capital: Measurement and Impact in 11 Democratic Societies
Authors: Liu James H. , Milojev Petar , Gil de Zúñiga Homero , Zhang Robert Jiqi
Published: April 2018

The Global Trust Inventory (GTI), conceptually assessing trust in others ranging from close interpersonal relationships to relationships with government and financial institutions as a whole, was administered to representative online samples in 11 democratic states ( N = 11,917 from Europe, the Americas, and New Zealand). A seven-factor solution had configural, metric, and reasonable scalar invariance in multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. Using latent profile analysis, individual-level measures of trust were derived that complement existing measures of social capital in their impact and implications. Western societies had proportionately more people with high propensity to trust, Catholic/European intermediate, and Latin American societies the least. A High Trust Profile had virtues associated with social capital: greater participation in political discussion, greater elaboration of political thinking, more community engagement, less prejudice, and greater participation in elections. A Low Trust Profile exhibited opposite tendencies. Demographically, high trust was associated with higher self-reported social status, home ownership, older age, and political conservatism. A more complex set of relationships differentiated two intermediate profiles, dubbed Moderate and Low Institutional Trust. Conceptually, the GTI operationalizes a holistic view of trust as a “synthetic force” that holds various aspects of society together, ranging from interpersonal to institutionalized relationships.
That’s How the Light Gets In
Authors: Knapp Charles
Published: April 2018

Out of the broad range of possible causes and helpful responses to extreme states psychosis, this article focuses on the environmental and psychological aspects, primarily from a contemplative and Windhorse therapeutic perspective. While understanding that the psychological basis for spiritual development is the same for extreme states, the helpful responses presented are based on the principles that all beings are fundamentally sane and inseparable from their environment. This discussion concludes with the recognition that each person in an extreme state, no matter how confused, has the very real potential of transforming this life disruption into a highly individual path of discovering and manifesting his or her own unique, intrinsic sanity.
A Scientific Basis for Humanae Vitae and Natural Law
Authors: Lanfranchi Angela
Published: April 2018

This article will review Humanae Vitae’s predictions of the effect of oral contraceptives (the pill) on male–female relationships and societal behaviors. A scientific, biochemical basis underpinning these predictions is made. Evidence of human pheromones will be given. Evidence for the changes in male and female pheromones caused by the pill is given. Observational and experimental evidence of changes in primate and human behaviors by pheromones is detailed. The role these changes have caused in attractiveness and selection of mate by both males and females in preferences concerning major histocompatibility genes is examined. These changes have also resulted in societal changes in sexual behavior and family structure and have led to increased violence against women. Biochemical evidence for the abortifacient properties of the pill is given. The use of natural family planning is given as a needed alternative to the harms of the pill.

Summary: The human biological bases of Humanae Vitae’s predictions of the effect of the pill on male–female relationships are examined. Evidence of the presence of pheromones in primates and humans is given. The pill changes human pheromones, odors which are subconsciously detected. These pheromones cause humans to change what they find attractive in a mate. Choosing a mate while on the pill can result in unstable and more violent unions. The biological basis for the fact that the pill causes abortion of human embryos is given. A healthy alternative for fertility control is explained.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Quality Improvement and Public Health Accreditation Readiness in Nebraska Local Health Departments, 2011-2016
Authors: Chen Li-Wu , Gregg Abbey , Palm David
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

Public health accreditation is intended to improve the performance of public health departments, and quality improvement (QI) is an important component of the Public Health Accreditation Board process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the QI maturity and accreditation readiness of local health departments (LHDs) in Nebraska during a 6-year period that included several statewide initiatives to progress readiness, including funding and technical assistance.

Methods:

We used a mixed-methods approach that consisted of both online surveys and key informant interviews to assess QI maturity and accreditation readiness. Nineteen of Nebraska’s 21 LHDs completed the survey in 2011 and 2013, 20 of 20 LHDs completed the survey in 2015, and 19 of 20 LHDs completed the survey in 2016. We facilitated a large group discussion with staff members from 16 LHDs in 2011, and we conducted key informant interviews with staff members from 4 LHDs in 2015.

Results:

Both QI maturity and accreditation readiness improved from 2011 to 2016. In 2011, of 19 LHDs, only 6 LHD directors agreed that their LHD had a culture that focused on QI, but this number increased every year up to 12 in 2016. The number of LHDs that had a high capacity to engage in QI efforts improved from 3 in 2011 to 8 in 2016. The number of LHDs with a QI plan increased from 3 in 2011 to 10 in 2016. The number of LHDs that were confident in their ability to obtain Public Health Accreditation Board accreditation improved from 6 in 2011 to 13 in 2016. Although their QI maturity generally increased over time, LHDs interviewed in 2015 still faced challenges adopting a formal QI system. External financial and technical support helped LHDs build their QI maturity and accreditation readiness.

Conclusion:

Funding and technical assistance can improve LHDs’ QI maturity and accreditation readiness. Improvement takes time and sustained efforts by LHDs, and support from external partners (eg, state health departments) helps build LHDs’ QI maturity and accreditation readiness.