bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic Mastocytosis with Smoldering Multiple Myeloma: Report of a Case
Authors: Ghanem Sassine , Garcia Gwenalyn , Ying Liu , Hurford Matthew , Odaimi Marcel
Published: May 2016

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a disease characterized by a clonal infiltration of mast cells affecting various tissues of the body. It is grouped into six different subtypes according to the World Health Organization classification. It is called indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) when there is no evidence of end organ dysfunction, while the presence of end organ dysfunction defines aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM). When SM coexists with a clonal hematological disorder, it is classified as systemic mastocytosis with associated clonal hematological nonmast cell lineage disease (SM-AHNMD). Over 80% of SM-AHNMD cases involve disorders of the myeloid cell lines. To our knowledge, there are only 8 reported cases to date of SM associated with a plasma cell disorder. We report a patient with ISM who was found to have concomitant smoldering multiple myeloma. His disease later progressed to ASM. We discuss this rare association between SM and a plasma cell disorder, and potential common pathophysiologic mechanisms linking the two disorders will be reviewed. We also discuss prognostic factors in SM as well as the management options considered during the evolution of the patient’s disease.
Energy Landscape of Pentapeptides in a Higher-Order (ϕ,ψ) Conformational Subspace
Authors: ElSawy Karim M.
Published: May 2016

The potential energy landscape of pentapeptides was mapped in a collective coordinate principal conformational subspace derived from principal component analysis of a nonredundant representative set of protein structures from the PDB. Three pentapeptide sequences that are known to be distinct in terms of their secondary structure characteristics, (Ala)5, (Gly)5, and Val.Asn.Thr.Phe.Val, were considered. Partitioning the landscapes into different energy valleys allowed for calculation of the relative propensities of the peptide secondary structures in a statistical mechanical framework. The distribution of the observed conformations of pentapeptide data showed good correspondence to the topology of the energy landscape of the (Ala)5 sequence where, in accord with reported trends, the α-helix showed a predominant propensity at 298 K. The topography of the landscapes indicates that the stabilization of the α-helix in the (Ala)5 sequence is enthalpic in nature while entropic factors are important for stabilization of the β-sheet in the Val.Asn.Thr.Phe.Val sequence. The results indicate that local interactions within small pentapeptide segments can lead to conformational preference of one secondary structure over the other where account of conformational entropy is important in order to reveal such preference. The method, therefore, can provide critical structural information for ab initio protein folding methods.
Gas Bubbles Investigation in Contaminated Water Using Optical Tomography Based on Independent Component Analysis Method
Authors: Mohd Khairi Mohd Taufiq , Ibrahim Sallehuddin , Md Yunus Mohd Amri , Faramarzi Mahdi
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the results of concentration profiles for gas bubble flow in a vertical pipeline containing contaminated water using an optical tomography system. The concentration profiles for the bubble flow quantities are investigated under five different flows conditions, a single bubble, double bubbles, 25% of air opening, 50% of air opening, and 100% of air opening flow rates where a valve is used to control the gas flow in the vertical pipeline. The system is aided by the independent component analysis (ICA) algorithm to reconstruct the concentration profiles of the liquid-gas flow. The behaviour of the gas bubbles was investigated in contaminated water in which the water sample was prepared by adding 25 mL of colour ingredients to 3 liters of pure water. The result shows that the application of ICA has enabled the system to detect the presence of gas bubbles in contaminated water. This information provides vital information on the flow inside the pipe and hence could be very significant in increasing the efficiency of the process industries.
Sulfur Speciation in the Surface Sediments of Lakes from Different Regions, China: Characterization by S K-Edge XANES Spectroscopy
Authors: Jingfu Wang , Jingan Chen , Zhihui Dai , Haiquan Yang , Chenyan Ma
Published: May 2016

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy affords the opportunity to determine redox status for element S in the aquatic ecosystems. However, there have been relatively few studies of S XANES spectroscopy in the terrestrial aquatic ecosystems. In this study, XANES technology was used to examine changes in S speciation in the sediments collected from Taihu Lake, Qinghai Lake, Dianchi Lake, Caohai Lake, and Hongfeng Lake located in distinct geological background areas of China. The results showed that sedimentary S in Qinghai Lake has a high proportion of sulfate averaged 88.9% due to physical weathering of watershed rocks, while deposited S in Taihu Lake has a high fraction of intermediate S (36.5%), which may be the response of the agricultural nonpoint source pollution in drainage basin. The three lakes located in Southwest China have similar composition characteristics of S species, indicating similar S sources including chemical weathering of carbonate and atmospheric deposition. 60–90% of S compounds in the surface sediments were in the form of sulfate and FeS. In deeper layers, the ratio of FeS2and the intermediate S significantly increased, suggesting rapid processes of sulfate reduction and sulfide reoxidation with the increasing depths.
An Improved Empirical Fuel Cell Polarization Curve Model Based on Review Analysis
Authors: Hao Dong , Shen Jianping , Hou Yongping , Zhou Yi , Wang Hong
Published: May 2016

Based on a review analysis of empirical fuel cell polarization curve models in the literature, an improved model that can predict fuel cell performance with only measured current-voltage data is developed. The fitting characteristics of this new model are validated by fitting bench test data and road test data. In the case of bench test data, a comparison of the new model and two representative models is conducted, and the results show that the new model presents the best fitting effects over a whole range of current densities. Moreover, the fitted ohmic resistances derived from the new model show good agreement with the measured values obtained through a current interruption test. In the case of using road test data, the new model also presents excellent fitting characteristics and convenience for application. It is the author’s belief that the new model is beneficial for the application-oriented research of fuel cells due to its prominent features, such as conciseness, flexibility, and high accuracy.
Hydraulic Conductivity of Compacted Laterite Treated with Iron Ore Tailings
Authors: Yusuf Umar Sa’eed , Slim Matawal Danladi , Uchechukwu Elinwa Augustine
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of iron ore tailings (IOT) on hydraulic conductivity of compacted laterite. The IOT conforms to ASTM C 618-15 Type F designations. In the present study, soil was admixed with 0–20% IOT and compacted at moulding water content ranging from 10 to 25% using four types of compactive efforts. Hydraulic conductivities of the compacted soil-IOT mixtures were determined using deionized water and municipal solid waste leachate as the permeant fluids, respectively. Deionized water was the reference permeant fluid. Results of this study showed that hydraulic conductivity decreased with increase in IOT content as a result of improvement in mechanical properties of the soil. Permeation of the soil-IOT mixtures with leachate caused the hydraulic conductivity to drop to less than 1 × 10−9 m/s especially at higher compactive efforts. Also, bioclogging of the soil pores due to accumulation of biomass from bacteria and yeast present in the leachate tends to significantly reduce the hydraulic conductivity. From an economic point of view, it has been found from the results of this study that soil specimens treated with up to 20% IOT and compacted at the British Standard Light (BSL) compactive effort met the maximum regulatory hydraulic conductivity of less than or equal to 1 × 10−9 m/s for hydraulic barrier system.
Association Study between Promoter Polymorphism of TPH1 and Progression of Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Yablanski Vasil , Nikolova Svetla , Vlaev Evgeni , Savov Alexey , Kremensky Ivo
Published: May 2016

The concept of disease-modifier genes as an element of genetic heterogeneity has been widely accepted and reported. The aim of the current study is to investigate the association between the promoter polymorphism TPH1 (rs10488682) and progression of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in Eastern European population sample. A total of 105 patients and 210 healthy gender-matched controls were enrolled in this study. The TPH1 promoter polymorphism was genotyped by amplification followed by restriction. The statistical analysis was performed by Fisher’s Exact Test. The results indicated that the genotypes and alleles of TPH1 (rs10488682) are not correlated with curve severity, curve pattern, or bracing. Therefore, the examined polymorphic variant could not be considered as a genetic factor with modifying effect of IS. In conclusion, this case-control study revealed no statistically significant association between TPH1 (rs10488682) and progression of IS in Eastern European population sample. These preliminary results should be replicated in extended population studies including larger sample sizes. The identification of molecular markers for IS could be useful for a more accurate prognosis of the risk for a rapid progression of the curve. That would permit early stage treatment of the patient with the least invasive procedures.
Structure-Dependent Mechanical Properties of ALD-Grown Nanocrystalline BiFeO3Multiferroics
Authors: Majtyka Anna , Nowak Anna , Marchand Benoît , Chrobak Dariusz , Ritala Mikko , Räisänen Jyrki , Nowak Roman
Published: May 2016

The present paper pertains to mechanical properties and structure of nanocrystalline multiferroic BeFiO3(BFO) thin films, grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the Si/SiO2/Pt substrate. The usage of sharp-tip-nanoindentation and multiple techniques of structure examination, namely, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, enabled us to detect changes in elastic properties(95 GPa≤E≤118 GPa)and hardness(4.50 GPa≤H≤7.96 GPa)of BFO after stages of annealing and observe their relation to the material’s structural evolution. Our experiments point towards an increase in structural homogeneity of the samples annealed for a longer time. To our best knowledge, the present report constitutes the first disclosure of nanoindentation mechanical characteristics of ALD-fabricated BeFiO3, providing a new insight into the phenomena that accompany structure formation and development of nanocrystalline multiferroics. We believe that our systematic characterization of the BFO layers carried out at consecutive stages of their deposition provides pertinent information which is needed to control and optimize its ALD fabrication.
A Fractional Creep Constitutive Model for Frozen Soil in Consideration of the Strengthening and Weakening Effects
Authors: Hou Feng , Li Quanming , Liu Enlong , Zhou Cheng , Liao Mengke , Luo Huiwu , Liu Xingyan
Published: May 2016

The triaxial creep tests of frozen silty clay mixed with sands were performed under different pressures, and the test results demonstrated that, under the low confining pressure, when the shear stress is lower than the long-term strength, the test specimen exhibits an attenuation creep because the strengthening effect is greater than the weakening effect. When the shear stress is higher than the long-term strength, the test specimen exhibits a nonattenuation creep due to the level of the strengthening and weakening effects change in different stages. As the confining pressure increases, the test specimens only exhibit an attenuation creep because of the enhancing strengthening effect. Both the hardening parameter and the damage variable were introduced to describe the strengthening and weakening effects, respectively, and a new creep constitutive model for frozen soil considering these effects was put forward based on the theory of elastoviscoplastic and the fractional derivative. Finally, the model parameters were analyzed and their determination method was also provided to reveal the trend of parameters according to the triaxial test results. The calculated results of the constitutive model show that the proposed model can describe the whole creep process of frozen soil well.
Preparation, Characterization, and Antitumor Evaluation of Electrospun Resveratrol Loaded Nanofibers
Authors: Zhou Hui , Liu Xiaoxing , Wu Fenglei , Zhang Junting , Wu Zhen , Yin Haitao , Shi Hui
Published: May 2016

Resveratrol has been reported as a potential antitumor agent for several years. The possible application was greatly hampered by its poor solubility. The current study reported the construction of electrospun Resveratrol loaded nanofibers with methoxypolyethylene glycol-poly(caprolactone) (mPEG-PCL) block copolymers as drug carriers. Characterization studies showed the successful encapsulation of Rsv in the nanofibers with anin vitrosustained release pattern.In vitroXTT assay suggested the superior cytotoxicity of Rsv-NFs with more apoptosis induction on cancer cells. Cells that exposed to Rsv-NFs showed less clonogenic ability when compared to the equivalent dose of free Rsv. In addition, the migration and invasion ability of cells were also significantly lower when treated with Rsv-NFs. In thein vivostudy, local implantation of Rsv-NFs greatly increased the growth inhibitory effect compared to free Rsv. Therefore, results from the current study demonstrated a promising way to improve the antitumor effect of Rsv by nanofiber delivery.
Characterization of Rock Mechanical Properties Using Lab Tests and Numerical Interpretation Model of Well Logs
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhou Wen , Xie Runcheng , Da Lina , Xiao Christopher , Shan Yuming , Zhang Haotian
Published: May 2016

The tight gas reservoir in the fifth member of the Xujiahe formation contains heterogeneous interlayers of sandstone and shale that are low in both porosity and permeability. Elastic characteristics of sandstone and shale are analyzed in this study based on petrophysics tests. The tests indicate that sandstone and mudstone samples have different stress-strain relationships. The rock tends to exhibit elastic-plastic deformation. The compressive strength correlates with confinement pressure and elastic modulus. The results based on thin-bed log interpretation match dynamic Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio predicted by theory. The compressive strength is calculated from density, elastic impedance, and clay contents. The tensile strength is calibrated using compressive strength. Shear strength is calculated with an empirical formula. Finally, log interpretation of rock mechanical properties is performed on the fifth member of the Xujiahe formation. Natural fractures in downhole cores and rock microscopic failure in the samples in the cross section demonstrate that tensile fractures were primarily observed in sandstone, and shear fractures can be observed in both mudstone and sandstone. Based on different elasticity and plasticity of different rocks, as well as the characteristics of natural fractures, a fracture propagation model was built.
Quantization for Robust Distributed Coding
Authors: Wu Xiaolin , Bais Abdul , Sarshar Nima
Published: May 2016

A distributed source coding approach is proposed for robust data communications in sensor networks. When sensor measurements are quantized, possible correlations between the measurements can be exploited to reduce the overall rate of communication required to report these measurements. Robust distributed source coding (RDSC) approaches differentiate themselves from other works in that the reconstruction error of all sources will not exceed a given upper bound, even if only a subset of the multiple descriptions of the distributed source code are received. We deal with practical aspects of RDSC in the context of scalar quantization of two correlated sources. As a benchmark to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme, we derive theoretically achievable distortion-rate performances of an RDSC for two jointly Gaussian sources by applying known results on the classical multiple description source coding.
Optimization of ThermoreversibleIn SituNasal Gel of Timolol Maleate
Authors: Jagdale Swati , Shewale Nirupama , Kuchekar Bhanudas S.
Published: May 2016

Nasal route had shown better systemic bioavailability due to its large surface area, porous endothelial membrane, high total blood flow, and avoidance of first-pass metabolism. Timolol maleate is a beta blocker used primarily in the treatment of hypertension. Drug undergoes extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism (80%). The drug has half-life of 4 hrs. Oral bioavailability of timolol maleate is 61%. The aim of the present study was to optimize controlled releasein situnasal delivery for timolol maleate. HPMC and Poloxamer 407 were selected as polymer in formulation of thermoreversiblein situnasal gel. Optimization was carried out using 32factorial design. It was observed that formulations f1 and f4 revealed the highest % drug release, that is, 93.57% and 91.66%, respectively. Factorial design study indicated that the drug release and viscosity were most significant dependent factors.Ex vivodiffusion study through nasal mucosa indicated 67.26 ± 2.10% and 61.07 ± 2.49% drug release for f1 and f4 formulations. f1 was the optimized batch. This batch thus can act as a potential nasal delivery with enhanced bioavailability for the drug.
In VitroandIn VivoEvaluation of Niosomal Formulation for Controlled Delivery of Clarithromycin
Authors: Shilakari Asthana Gyati , Sharma Parveen Kumar , Asthana Abhay
Published: May 2016

The present study was focused on formulating and evaluating clarithromycin (CLR) containing niosomal formulation forin vitroandin vivopharmacokinetic behavior. Niosomal formulations (empty and drug loaded) were prepared by using different ratio of surfactant (various Span grades 20, 40, 60, and 80) and cholesterol by thin film hydration method and were evaluated forin vitrocharacteristics, stability studies, andin vivostudy. Dicetyl phosphate (DCP) was added to the niosomal formulation. Various pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from plasma of male SD rats. Span 60 containing niosomal formulation NC2(cholesterol to surfactant ratio 1 : 1) displayed highest entrapment efficiency with desired particle size of 4.67 μm. TEM analyses showed that niosomal formulation was spherical in shape. Niosomes containing Span 60 displayed higher percentage of drug release after 24 h as compared to other formulations. NC2formulation was found to be stable at the end of the study on storage condition. Various pharmacokinetic parameters, namely, AUC, AUMC, and MRT of niosomal formulation, were found to be 1.5-fold, 4-fold, and 3-fold plain drug, respectively. The present study suggested that niosomal formulations provide sustained and prolonged delivery of drug with enhance bioavailability.
Hyperspectral Image Denoising with Composite Regularization Models
Authors: Li Ao , Chen Deyun , Lin Kezheng , Sun Guanglu
Published: May 2016

Denoising is a fundamental task in hyperspectral image (HSI) processing that can improve the performance of classification, unmixing, and other subsequent applications. In an HSI, there is a large amount of local and global redundancy in its spatial domain that can be used to preserve the details and texture. In addition, the correlation of the spectral domain is another valuable property that can be utilized to obtain good results. Therefore, in this paper, we proposed a novel HSI denoising scheme that exploits composite spatial-spectral information using a nonlocal technique (NLT). First, a specific way to extract patches is employed to mine the spatial-spectral knowledge effectively. Next, a framework with composite regularization models is used to implement the denoising. A number of HSI data sets are used in our evaluation experiments and the results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art HSI denoising methods.
Predictors of Nasal Obstruction: Quantification and Assessment Using Multiple Grading Scales
Authors: Camacho Macario , Zaghi Soroush , Certal Victor , Abdullatif Jose , Modi Rahul , Sridhara Shankar , Tolisano Anthony M. , Chang Edward T. , Cable Benjamin B. , Capasso Robson
Published: May 2016

Objective. To evaluate the association between nasal obstruction and (1) demographic factors, (2) medical history, (3) physical tests, and (4) nasal exam findings. Study Design. Case series. Methods. Chart review at a tertiary medical center. Results. Two hundred-forty consecutive patients (52.1±17.5 years old, with a Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score of 32.0±24.1) were included. Demographic factors and inferior turbinate sizes were not associated with NOSE score or Nasal Obstruction Visual Analog Scale (NO-VAS). A significant association was found between higher NOSE score on univariate analysis and positive history of nasal trauma (p=0.0136), allergic rhinitis (p<0.0001), use of nasal steroids (p=0.0108), higher grade of external nasal deformity (p=0.0149), higher internal nasal septal deviation grade (p=0.0024), and narrow internal nasal valve angle (p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified the following as independent predictors of high NOSE score: NO-VAS: ≥50 (Odds Ratio (OR) = 17.6 (95% CI 5.83–61.6), p<0.0001), external nasal deformity: grades 2–4 (OR = 4.63 (95% CI 1.14–19.9), p=0.0339), and allergic rhinitis: yes (OR = 5.5 (95% CI 1.77–18.7), p=0.0041). Conclusion. Allergic rhinitis, NO-VAS score ≥ 50, and external nasal deformity (grades 2–4) were statistically significant independent predictors of high NOSE scores on multivariate analysis. Inferior turbinate size was not associated with NOSE scores or NO-VAS.
Macrocells-User Protected Interference-Aware Transmit Power Control for LTE-A Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Ahmad Arbab Waheed , Yang Heekwon , Shahzad Gul , Lee Chankil
Published: May 2016

In Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) heterogeneous networks (HetNets), small cells are deployed within the coverage area of macrocells having 1 : 1 frequency reuse. The coexistence of small cells and a macrocell in the same frequency band poses cross-tier interference which causes outage for macrocells users and/or small cell users. To address this problem, in this paper, we propose two algorithms that consider the received interference level at the evolved NodeB (eNB) while allocating transmit power to the users. In the proposed algorithm, the transmit power of all users is updated according to the target and instantaneous signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SINR) condition as long as the effective received interference at the serving eNB is below the given threshold. Otherwise, if the effective received interference at the eNB is greater than the threshold, the transmit power of small cell users is gradually reduced in order to guarantee the target SINR for all macrocells users, aiming for zero-outage for macrocells users at the cost of an increased outage ratio for small cell users. Further, in the second algorithm, the transmit power of all users is additionally controlled by the power headroom report that considers the current channel condition while updating the transmit power which results in the outage ratio decreasing for small cell users. The extensive system-level simulations show significant improvements in the average throughput and outage ratio when compared with the conventional transmit power control technique.
Determination of Heavy Metals inAlpinia oxyphyllaMiq. Collected from Different Cultivation Regions
Authors: Zhou Dan , Fu Yurong , Lai Weiyong , Zhang Junqing
Published: May 2016

20 batches ofAlpinia oxyphyllaMiq. were collected from Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan province in China. The contents of heavy metals of As, Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cu were determined and compared. The results indicated that geographical source might be a major factor to influence the contents of heavy metals of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) inAlpinia oxyphyllaMiq. Compared to the criteria of heavy metals, the contents of As, Hg, Pb, and Cd in almost all the samples were in accordance with The Green Trade Standards. The contents of Cu were higher than the criteria for heavy metals except the samples from Changxing town, Qiongzhong county, Maoyang town, Qiongzhong county, Wupo town, Tunchang county, and Nanlv town, Tunchang county, in Hainan province. The best cultivation regions ofAlpinia oxyphyllaMiq. were from Changxing town, Qiongzhong county, Maoyang town, Qiongzhong county, Wupo town, Tunchang county, and Nanlv town, Tunchang county, in Hainan province. This research would provide the scientific basis for quality control and standardization ofAlpinia oxyphyllaMiq.
Impact of Sex on the Nonmotor Symptoms and the Health-Related Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kovács Márton , Makkos Attila , Aschermann Zsuzsanna , Janszky József , Komoly Sámuel , Weintraut Rita , Karádi Kázmér , Kovács Norbert
Published: May 2016

Background. Female Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients seem to experience not only more severe motor complications and postural instability but also more pronounced depression, anxiety, pain, and sleep disturbances.Objective. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of sex as a possible independent predictor of HRQoL in PD.Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 621 consecutive patients treated at the University of Pécs were enrolled. Severity of PD symptoms was assessed by MDS-UPDRS, UDysRS, Non-Motor Symptoms Scale, PDSS-2, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Lille Apathy Rating Scale, and Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination. HRQoL was assessed by PDQ-39 and EQ-5D. Multiple regression analysis was performed to estimate the PDQ-39 and EQ-5D index values based on various clinical factors.Results. Although females received significantly lower dosage of levodopa, they had significantly more disabling dyskinesia and worse postural instability. Anxiety, pain, sleep disturbances, and orthostatic symptoms were more frequent among females while sexual dysfunction, apathy, and daytime sleepiness were more severe among males. Women had worse HRQoL than men (EQ-5D index value:0.620±0.240versus0.663±0.229,p=0.025, and PDQ-39 SI:27.1±17.0versus23.5±15.9,p=0.010). Based on multiple regression analysis, sex was an independent predictor for HRQoL in PD.Conclusions. Based on our results, female sex is an independent predictor for having worse HRQoL in PD.
The Agreement between the GeneralizedpValue and Bayesian Evidence in the One-Sided Testing Problem
Authors: Yin Yuliang , Wang Bingbing
Published: May 2016

In the problem of testing one-sided hypotheses, a frequentist may measure evidence against the null hypothesis by thepvalue, while a Bayesian may measure it by the posterior probability that the null hypothesis is true. In this paper, we consider the relationship between the generalizedpvalue and the Bayesian evidence in testing one-sided hypotheses in the presence of nuisance parameters. The sufficient conditions for the agreement between these two kinds of evidence are given. Some examples are provided to show the agreement of Bayesian and frequentist evidence in many classical testing problems. This is an illustration of reconcilability of evidence in a general framework where the nuisance parameters are present.
Quinine-Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Abed Firas , Baniya Ramkaji , Bachuwa Ghassan
Published: May 2016

Every drug comes with some side effect. It is the benefit/risk ratio that determines the medical use of the drug. Quinine, a known antimalarial drug, has been used for nocturnal leg cramps since the 1930s; it is associated with severe life-threatening hematological and cardiovascular side effects. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), albeit rare, is a known coagulopathy associated with Quinine. It is imperative to inquire about the Quinine intake in medication history in patients with coagulopathy, as most patients still consider it a harmless home remedy for nocturnal leg cramps. In this report, we present a case of coagulopathy in a middle-aged woman, who gave a history of taking Quinine for nocturnal leg cramps, as her home remedy. Early identification of the offending agent led to the diagnosis, prompt discontinuation of the medication, and complete recovery and prevented the future possibility of recurrence.
Efficacy of the Ovesco Clip for Closure of Endoscope Related Perforations
Authors: Angsuwatcharakon Phonthep , Prueksapanich Piyapan , Kongkam Pradermchai , Rattanachu-ek Thawee , Sottisuporn Jaksin , Rerknimitr Rungsun
Published: May 2016

Aim. To study the efficacy and other treatment outcomes of Ovesco clip closure of iatrogenic perforation. Methods. Retrospective study from 3 tertiary-care hospitals in Thailand. Patients with iatrogenic perforation who underwent immediate endoscopic closure by Ovesco clip were included. Patients’ demographic data, perforation size, number of Ovesco clips used, fasting day, length of hospital stay, success rates, and complication rate were recorded. Technical success was defined as closure achievement during endoscopic procedure and clinical success was defined as the patient can be discharged without the need of additional surgical or radiological intervention. Results. There were 6 iatrogenic perforations in 2 male and 4 female patients. The median age was 59 years (range 39–78 years). The locations of perforation were 5 duodenal walls and 1 rectosigmoid junction. The median perforation size was 13 mm (range 10–40 mm). The technical success was 100% and the clinical success was 83.3%. The success rates per locations were 100% in colon and 80% in duodenum, respectively. The median fasting time was 5 days (range 1–10 days) and the median length of hospital stay was 10 days (range 2–22 days). There was no mortality in any. Conclusion. Ovesco clip seems to be an effective and safe tool for a closure of iatrogenic perforation.
Influence of Deposition Condition on Y2O3Coatings Produced by Pulsed Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Ichikawa Asumi , Suzuki Hisao , Ota Toshitaka
Published: May 2016

Y2O3nanoparticle suspension aqueous solution was prepared using citric acid. Then, Y2O3film was deposited using this solution with pulsed electrophoretic deposition (EPD). A dense Y2O3film of 25.7 μm thickness was obtained with deposition conditions of 0.5 wt% Y2O3concentration, bias voltage of 0.5 V, and bias frequency of 1 kHz. The respective resistivities of the as-deposited film and films heat-treated at 200°C and 400°C were 2.84 × 103 Ω·cm, 5.36 × 104 Ω·cm, and 2.05 × 106 Ω·cm. A 59.8 μm thick dense Y2O3film was obtained using two-step deposition with change of the bias voltage: a first step of 0.5 V and a second step of 2.0 V.
Comparative Cost-Effectiveness of Conservative or Intensive Blood Pressure Treatment Guidelines in Adults Aged 35–74 Years
Authors: Moise Nathalie , Huang Chen , Rodgers Anthony , Kohli-Lynch Ciaran N. , Tzong Keane Y. , Coxson Pamela G. , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten , Goldman Lee , Moran Andrew E.
Published: May 2016

The population health effect and cost-effectiveness of implementing intensive blood pressure goals in high-cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk adults have not been described. Using the CVD Policy Model, CVD events, treatment costs, quality-adjusted life years, and drug and monitoring costs were simulated over 2016 to 2026 for hypertensive patients aged 35 to 74 years. We projected the effectiveness and costs of hypertension treatment according to the 2003 Joint National Committee (JNC)-7 or 2014 JNC8 guidelines, and then for adults aged ≥50 years, we assessed the cost-effectiveness of adding an intensive goal of systolic blood pressure <120 mm Hg for patients with CVD, chronic kidney disease, or 10-year CVD risk ≥15%. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios <$50 000 per quality-adjusted life years gained were considered cost-effective. JNC7 strategies treat more patients and are more costly to implement compared with JNC8 strategies. Adding intensive systolic blood pressure goals for high-risk patients prevents an estimated 43 000 and 35 000 annual CVD events incremental to JNC8 and JNC7, respectively. Intensive strategies save costs in men and are cost-effective in women compared with JNC8 alone. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000 per quality-adjusted life years gained, JNC8+intensive had the highest probability of cost-effectiveness in women (82%) and JNC7+intensive the highest probability of cost-effectiveness in men (100%). Assuming higher drug and monitoring costs, adding intensive goals for high-risk patients remained consistently cost-effective in men, but not always in women. Among patients aged 35 to 74 years, adding intensive blood pressure goals for high-risk groups to current national hypertension treatment guidelines prevents additional CVD deaths while saving costs provided that medication costs are controlled.
An annotated catalogue of the gamasid mites associated with small mammals in Asiatic Russia. The family Laelapidae s. str. (Acari: Mesostigmata: Gamasina)
Authors: VINARSKI MAXIM V. , KORALLO-VINARSKAYA NATALIA P.
Published: May 2016

Twenty-nine species of mites of the family Laelapidae s. str. have been recorded as associated with small mammals (rodents, insectivores) in Asiatic Russia (Siberia and the Russian Far East). These species belong to two subfamilies (Laelapinae, Myonyssinae) and six genera: Androlaelaps Berlese, 1903, Dipolaelaps Zemskaya & Piontkovskaya, 1960, Laelaps C.L. Koch, 1836, Hyperlaelaps Zakhvatkin, 1948, Myonyssus Tiraboschi, 1904, Oryctolaelaps Lange, 1955. A list of the species, with data on synonymy, geographic ranges, and relationships with mammal hosts is provided. Some considerations concerning patterns of distribution of the parasitic Laelaptidae of Asiatic Russia are presented as well as their classifications from the point of view of known host association records.
Pseudogramma polyacantha complex (Serranidae, tribe Grammistini): DNA barcoding results lead to the discovery of three cryptic species, including two new species from French Polynesia
Authors: WILLIAMS JEFFREY T. , VIVIANI JEREMIE
Published: May 2016

The Pseudogramma polyacantha species complex was found to harbor cryptic taxonomic diversity with three similar, but genetically divergent, species previously hidden in the complex. The true Pseudogramma polyacantha occurs from French Polynesia to South Africa and has modally 19 (many with 20) segmented dorsal-fin rays, modally 16 segmented anal-fin rays, a relatively short lateral line, no dermal flap or small tentacle dorsally on eye, and extensive scalation on the interorbital, suborbital and dentary. Pseudogramma brederi (previously synonymized with P. polyacantha) is recognized as a valid species occurring from Hawaii to Mauritius and having modally 21 segmented dorsal-fin rays, modally 17 segmented anal-fin rays, a relatively long lateral line, no dermal flap or small tentacle dorsally on eye, and relatively well-developed scalation on the interorbital, suborbital and dentary. Pseudogramma galzini n. sp. is described as a new species known only from French Polynesia and having modally 22 segmented dorsal-fin rays, modally 17 segmented anal-fin rays, a relatively long lateral line, no dermal flap or small tentacle dorsally on eye, and limited scalation on the interorbital, suborbital and dentary. Pseudogramma paucilepis n. sp. is described as a new species known only from French Polynesia and having 20 segmented dorsal-fin rays, modally 16 segmented anal-fin rays, a relatively long lateral line, no dermal flap or small tentacle dorsally on eye, and relatively reduced scalation on the interorbital, suborbital and dentary. A mtDNA COI analysis including all available Pseudogramma sequences shows well-supported genetic divergence between the two new species and among congeners.
A new species and new records of Cryptodacus (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Colombia, Bolivia and Peru
Authors: RODRIGUEZ PEDRO ALEXANDER , RODRIGUEZ ERICK J. , NORRBOM ALLEN L. , ARÉVALO EMILIO
Published: May 2016

Cryptodacus bernardoi Rodriguez & Rodriguez, new species, is described from Colombia. It was reared from fruits of Phoradendron sp. near piperoides (Kunth) Trel. New distribution records are reported for Cryptodacus ornatus Norrbom from Colombia and Peru, for Cryptodacus trinotatus Norrbom & Korytkowski from Colombia, and for Cryptodacus obliquus Hendel from Bolivia and Peru. The female abdomen and terminalia of C. obliquus is described for the first time. The Norrbom & Korytkowski (2008)`s key to species was modified to include C. bernardoi n. sp.
First report of Amynthas carnosus (Goto & Hatai, 1899) (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) in the Western Hemisphere
Authors: CARRERA-MARTÍNEZ ROBERTO , SNYDER BRUCE A.
Published: May 2016

The earthworm fauna of North America is still greatly unknown, with undescribed native species and new records of invasive species continually being discovered. The most recent checklists are difficult to reconcile, since they vary in their geographic coverage and taxonomy. Reynolds & Wetzel (2012) state that North America (including all of Mexico, some of the Caribbean, and Hawaii) is home for 256 species of earthworms, from which 188 are considered native or endemic and 68 are peregrine, exotic, and invasive species. Blakemore (2008) listed North America north of Mexico as having 183 earthworm species, of which 59 species are exotic. One Megascolecidae genus, Amynthas, is mostly located in the warmer subtropical and tropical regions of the world, with a few species that are able to survive the winter in the temperate zones of North America (Edwards & Bohlen 1995; Görres et al. 2014). Here we report for the first time the occurrence of Amynthas carnosus (Goto & Hatai, 1899) in the United States. To our knowledge, this is not only the first report of A. carnosus in North America, but also its first report in the Western Hemisphere. The description below is intended to place our specimens in the correct taxon while avoiding future confusion with similar species, without making changes to the existing classification system.
A Numerical Study of Convection in a Condensing CO2 Atmosphere under Early Mars-Like Conditions
Authors: Yamashita Tatsuya , Odaka Masatsugu , Sugiyama Ko-ichiro , Nakajima Kensuke , Ishiwatari Masaki , Nishizawa Seiya , Takahashi Yoshiyuki O. , Hayashi Yoshi-Yuki
Published: May 2016

Cloud convection of a CO2 atmosphere where the major constituent condenses is numerically investigated under a setup idealizing a possible warm atmosphere of early Mars, utilizing a two-dimensional cloud-resolving model forced by a fixed cooling profile as a substitute for a radiative process. The authors compare two cases with different critical saturation ratios as condensation criteria and also examine sensitivity to number mixing ratio of condensed particles given externally.

When supersaturation is not necessary for condensation, the entire horizontal domain above the condensation level is continuously covered by clouds irrespective of number mixing ratio of condensed particles. Horizontal-mean cloud mass density decreases exponentially with height. The circulations below and above the condensation level are dominated by dry cellular convection and buoyancy waves, respectively.

When 1.35 is adopted as the critical saturation ratio, clouds appear exclusively as intense, short-lived, quasi-periodic events. Clouds start just above the condensation level and develop upward, but intense updrafts exist only around the cloud top; they do not extend to the bottom of the condensation layer. The cloud layer is rapidly warmed by latent heat during the cloud events, and then the layer is slowly cooled by the specified thermal forcing, and supersaturation gradually develops leading to the next cloud event. The periodic appearance of cloud events does not occur when number mixing ratio of condensed particles is large.
Scale Dependence of Land–Atmosphere Interactions in Wet and Dry Regions as Simulated with NU-WRF over the Southwestern and South-Central United States
Authors: Zhou Yaping , Wu Di , K.-M. Lau William , Tao Wei-Kuo
Published: May 2016

Large-scale forcing and land–atmosphere interactions on precipitation are investigated with NASA-Unified WRF (NU-WRF) simulations during fast transitions of ENSO phases from spring to early summer of 2010 and 2011. The model is found to capture major precipitation episodes in the 3-month simulations without resorting to nudging. However, the mean intensity of the simulated precipitation is underestimated by 46% and 57% compared with the observations in dry and wet regions in the southwestern and south-central United States, respectively. Sensitivity studies show that large-scale atmospheric forcing plays a major role in producing regional precipitation. A methodology to account for moisture contributions to individual precipitation events, as well as total precipitation, is presented under the same moisture budget framework. The analysis shows that the relative contributions of local evaporation and large-scale moisture convergence depend on the dry/wet regions and are a function of temporal and spatial scales. While the ratio of local and large-scale moisture contributions vary with domain size and weather system, evaporation provides a major moisture source in the dry region and during light rain events, which leads to greater sensitivity to soil moisture in the dry region and during light rain events. The feedback of land surface processes to large-scale forcing is well simulated, as indicated by changes in atmospheric circulation and moisture convergence. Overall, the results reveal an asymmetrical response of precipitation events to soil moisture, with higher sensitivity under dry than wet conditions. Drier soil moisture tends to suppress further existing below-normal precipitation conditions via a positive soil moisture–land surface flux feedback that could worsen drought conditions in the southwestern United States.
Predicting Mortality after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors:   The Steering Committee of the Cardiac Care Network of Ontario*, Tu Jack V. , Weinstein Milton C. , McNeil Barbara J. , Naylor C. David
Published: May 2016

Objective. To compare the abilities of artificial neural network and logistic regression models to predict the risk of in-hospital mortality after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods. Neural network and logistic regression models were developed using a training set of 4,782 patients undergoing CABG surgery in Ontario, Canada, in 1991, and they were validated in two test sets of 5,309 and 5,517 patients having CABG surgery in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Results. The probabilities predicted from a fully trained neural network were similar to those of a “saturated” regression model, with both models detecting all possible interactions in the training set and validating poorly in the two test sets. A second neural network was developed by cross-validating a network against a new set of data and terminating network training early to create a more generalizable model. A simple “main effects” regression model without any interaction terms was also developed. Both of these models validated well, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.78 and 0.77 (p > 0.10) in the 1993 test set. The predictions from the two models were very highly correlated (r = 0.95). Conclusions. Artificial neural networks and logistic regression models learn similar relationships between patient characteristics and mortality after CABG surgery.
The Odes of Solomon as Solomonic Pseudepigrapha
Authors: Harkins Angela Kim
Published: May 2016

This article examines the Odes of Solomon's ancient attribution to the biblical king, a decidedly overlooked aspect of these texts. The special vibrancy of traditions about Solomon's powers over demons and his authority in many spiritual matters during the Second Temple period can be a fruitful context for helping us to understand how ancient readers understood these texts as Solomonic pseudepigrapha.
Nietzsche or Aristotle: The implications for social psychology
Authors: Sullivan Paul
Published: May 2016

In this article, I argue that there is a divide in social psychology between a mainstream paradigm for investigating the flow of power in a largely competitive social life (such as social cognition, social identity theory, and discourse analysis) and a fringe paradigm for investigating the experience of flourishing in conditions of social learning (such as “the community of practice metaphor,” “dialogical theory,” “phenomenological analysis”). Assumptions of power and flourishing demand different conceptions of the self and the social world (e.g., a strategic subject or motivated tactician in a social group versus a reflective learner/artist in a community of practice). The first goal of this article is to reveal the assumptions that lead to this new classification. The second goal is to draw dotted lines to the blind spots within these paradigms, using one as a foil for the other. These blind spots are: (a) internal goods could be useful to consider for the power paradigm and external goods for the flourishing paradigm; (b) communicative rationality is underplayed within the power paradigm, while instrumental rationality is underplayed for the flourishing paradigm; and (c) judgements and skill are underplayed in the power paradigm, self-interested motivations are underplayed in the flourishing paradigm.
A sociocultural, activity-based account of preschooler intersubjectivity
Authors: Garte Rebecca
Published: May 2016

This article offers a conceptualization of intersubjectivity as shared meaning that emerges from and is enacted within the social fabric of interaction. The proposed model defines intersubjectivity as arising from shared activity rather than internal capacities. The forms and processes by which intersubjectivity is established are described as contingent on the sociocultural context of the participants and the situation in which the activity occurs. In addition, the materials used and the nature of the activity along with the developmental characteristics of the interacting group influence the nature of their intersubjectivity. Three related elements: synchrony, a sensitive coordination of affect and attention; meaningful shared activity; and intersubjectivity are seen as developing in a bidirectional relationship during interaction. This theorization was applied to four episodes of naturally occurring preschooler peer play. Comprised of preschoolers from low income, non-White families, analysis showed major differences in the process by which intersubjectivity developed among this population of preschoolers as compared to research on the intersubjectivity of middle-class White preschoolers. Based on the qualitative analysis, a view of intersubjectivity as culturally, developmentally, and activity specific is supported. However, the desire to establish common meanings or intersubjectivity in varied forms during play appears to be universal.