bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimensionless Analysis of Segmented Constrained Layer Damping Treatments with Modal Strain Energy Method
Authors: Tian Shitao , Xu Zhenbang , Wu Qingwen , Qin Chao
Published: January 2016

Constrained layer damping treatments promise to be an effective method to control vibration in flexible structures. Cutting both the constraining layer and the viscoelastic layer, which leads to segmentation, increases the damping efficiency. However, this approach is not always effective. A parametric study was carried out using modal strain energy method to explore interaction between segmentation and design parameters, including geometry parameters and material properties. A finite element model capable of handling treatments with extremely thin viscoelastic layer was developed based on interlaminar continuous shear stress theories. Using the developed method, influence of placing cuts and change in design parameters on the shear strain field inside the viscoelastic layer was analyzed, since most design parameters act on the damping efficiency through their influence on the shear strain field. Furthermore, optimal cut arrangements were obtained by adopting a genetic algorithm. Subject to a weight limitation, symmetric and asymmetric configurations were compared. It was shown that symmetric configurations always presented higher damping. Segmentation was found to be suitable for treatments with relatively thin viscoelastic layer. Provided that optimal viscoelastic layer thickness was selected, placing cuts would only be applicable to treatments with low shear strain level inside the viscoelastic layer.
Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Regeneration of Vocal Folds: A Study on a Chronic Vocal Fold Scar
Authors: Valerie Angelou , Vassiliki Kalodimou , Irini Messini , Nikolaos Psychalakis , Karampela Eleftheria , Apostolos Papalois
Published: January 2016

Background. The aim of the study was to assess the histological effects of autologous infusion of adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSC) on a chronic vocal fold scar in a rabbit model as compared to an untreated scar as well as in injection of hyaluronic acid. Study Design. Animal experiment. Method. We used 74 New Zealand rabbits. Sixteen of them were used as control/normal group. We created a bilateral vocal fold wound in the remaining 58 rabbits. After 18 months we separated our population into three groups. The first group served as control/scarred group. The second one was injected with hyaluronic acid in the vocal folds, and the third received an autologous adipose‐derived stem cell infusion in the scarred vocal folds (ADSC group). We measured the variation of thickness of the lamina propria of the vocal folds and analyzed histopathologic changes in each group after three months. Results. The thickness of the lamina propria was significantly reduced in the group that received the ADSC injection, as compared to the normal/scarred group. The collagen deposition, the hyaluronic acid, the elastin levels, and the organization of elastic fibers tend to return to normal after the injection of ADSC. Conclusions. Autologous injection of adipose‐derived stem cells on a vocal fold chronic scar enhanced the healing of the vocal folds and the reduction of the scar tissue, even when compared to other treatments.
An Object-Based Change Detection Approach Using Uncertainty Analysis for VHR Images
Authors: Hao Ming , Shi Wenzhong , Deng Kazhong , Zhang Hua , He Pengfei
Published: January 2016

This paper proposes an object-based approach to supervised change detection using uncertainty analysis for very high resolution (VHR) images. First, two temporal images are combined into one image by band stacking. Then, on the one hand, the stacked image is segmented by the statistical region merging (SRM) to generate segmentation maps; on the other hand, the stacked image is classified by the support vector machine (SVM) to produce a pixel-wise change detection map. Finally, the uncertainty analysis for segmented objects is implemented to integrate the segmentation map and pixel-wise change map at the appropriate scale and generate the final change map. Experiments were carried out with SPOT 5 and QuickBird data sets to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed approach. The results indicate that the proposed approach often generates more accurate change detection maps compared with some methods and reduces the effects of classification and segment scale on the change detection accuracy. The proposed method supplies an effective approach for the supervised change detection for VHR images.
Maresin 1, a Proresolving Lipid Mediator, Mitigates Carbon Tetrachloride‐Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Li Ruidong , Wang Yaxin , Zhao Ende , Wu Ke , Li Wei , Shi Liang , Wang Di , Xie Gengchen , Yin Yuping , Deng Meizhou , Zhang Peng , Tao Kaixiong
Published: January 2016

Maresin 1 (MaR 1) was recently reported to have protective properties in several different animal models of acute inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory response. However, its function in acute liver injury is still unknown. To address this question, we induced liver injury in BALB/c mice with intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride with or without treatment of MaR 1. Our data showed that MaR 1 attenuated hepatic injury, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation induced by carbon tetrachloride, as evidenced by increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reactive oxygen species levels were inhibited by treatment of MaR 1. Furthermore, MaR 1 increased activities of antioxidative mediators in carbon tetrachloride‐treated mice liver. MaR 1 decreased indices of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐1β, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, myeloperoxidase, cyclooxygenase‐2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Administration of MaR 1 inhibited activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κb) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the liver of CCl4 treated mice. In conclusion, these results suggested the antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory properties of MaR 1 in CCl4 induced liver injury. The possible mechanism is partly implicated in its abilities to inhibit ROS generation and activation of NF‐κb and MAPK pathway.
Stem Cell Imaging: Tools to Improve Cell Delivery and Viability
Authors: Wang Junxin , Jokerst Jesse V.
Published: January 2016

Stem cell therapy (SCT) has shown very promising preclinical results in a variety of regenerative medicine applications. Nevertheless, the complete utility of this technology remains unrealized. Imaging is a potent tool used in multiple stages of SCT and this review describes the role that imaging plays in cell harvest, cell purification, and cell implantation, as well as a discussion of how imaging can be used to assess outcome in SCT. We close with some perspective on potential growth in the field.
Problem Detection in Real-Time Systems by Trace Analysis
Authors: Côté Mathieu , Dagenais Michel R.
Published: January 2016

This paper focuses on the analysis of execution traces for real-time systems. Kernel tracing can provide useful information, without having to instrument the applications studied. However, the generated traces are often very large. The challenge is to retrieve only relevant data in order to find quickly complex or erratic real-time problems. We propose a new approach to help finding those problems. First, we provide a way to define the execution model of real-time tasks with the optional suggestions of a pattern discovery algorithm. Then, we show the resulting real-time jobs in a Comparison View, to highlight those that are problematic. Once some jobs that present irregularities are selected, different analyses are executed on the corresponding trace segments instead of the whole trace. This allows saving huge amount of time and execute more complex analyses. Our main contribution is to combine the critical path analysis with the scheduling information to detect scheduling problems. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated with two test cases, where problems that were difficult to identify were found in a few minutes.
Clinical Experience with the PillCam Patency Capsule prior to Video Capsule Endoscopy: A Real-World Experience
Authors: Römmele C. , Brueckner J. , Messmann H. , Gölder S. K.
Published: January 2016

Background.In patients with known or suspected risk factors for gastrointestinal stenosis, the PillCam patency capsule (PC) is given before a video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in order to minimize the risk of capsule retention (CR). CR is considered unlikely upon excretion of the PC within 30 hours, excretion in an undamaged state after 30 hours, or radiological projection to the colon.Methods.We performed a retrospective analysis of 38 patients with risk factors for CR, who received a PC from 02/2013 to 04/2015 at Klinikum Augsburg.Results.Sixteen of our 38 patients observed a natural excretion after a mean time of 34 hours past ingestion. However, only 8 patients observed excretion within 30 hours, as recommended by the company. In 20 patients passage of the PC into the colon was shown via RFID-scan or radiological imaging (after 33 and 45 hours, resp.). Only 2 patients showed a pathologic PC result. In consequence, 32 patients received the VCE; no CR was observed.Conclusion.Our data indicates that a VCE could safely be performed even if the PC excretion time is longer than 30 hours and the excreted PC was not screened for damage.
Heat Pump Drying of Fruits and Vegetables: Principles and Potentials for Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Fayose Folasayo , Huan Zhongjie
Published: January 2016

Heat pump technology has been used for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning in domestic and industrial sectors in most developed countries of the world including South Africa. However, heat pump drying (HPD) of fruits and vegetables has been largely unexploited in South Africa and by extension to the sub-Saharan African region. Although studies on heat pump drying started in South Africa several years ago, not much progress has been recorded to date. Many potential users view heat pump drying technology as fragile, slow, and high capital intensive when compared with conventional dryer. This paper tried to divulge the principles and potentials of heat pump drying technology and the conditions for its optimum use. Also, various methods of quantifying performances during heat pump drying as well as the quality of the dried products are highlighted. Necessary factors for maximizing the capacity and efficiency of a heat pump dryer were identified. Finally, the erroneous view that heat pump drying is not feasible economically in sub-Saharan Africa was clarified.
HMGB1 and Its Hyperacetylated Isoform are Sensitive and Specific Serum Biomarkers to Detect Asbestos Exposure and to Identify Mesothelioma Patients
Authors: Napolitano Andrea , Antoine Daniel J. , Pellegrini Laura , Baumann Francine , Pagano Ian , Pastorino Sandra , Goparaju Chandra M. , Prokrym Kirill , Canino Claudia , Pass Harvey I. , Carbone Michele , Yang Haining
Published: January 2016

Purpose: To determine whether serum levels of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) could differentiate malignant mesothelioma patients, asbestos-exposed individuals, and unexposed controls.

Experimental Design: Hyperacetylated and nonacetylated HMGB1 (together referred to as total HMGB1) were blindly measured in blood collected from malignant mesothelioma patients (n = 22), individuals with verified chronic asbestos exposure (n = 20), patients with benign pleural effusions (n = 13) or malignant pleural effusions not due to malignant mesothelioma (n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 20). Blood levels of previously proposed malignant mesothelioma biomarkers fibulin-3, mesothelin, and osteopontin were also measured in nonhealthy individuals.

Results: HMGB1 serum levels reliably distinguished malignant mesothelioma patients, asbestos-exposed individuals, and unexposed controls. Total HMGB1 was significantly higher in malignant mesothelioma patients and asbestos-exposed individuals compared with healthy controls. Hyperacetylated HMGB1 was significantly higher in malignant mesothelioma patients compared with asbestos-exposed individuals and healthy controls, and did not vary with tumor stage. At the cut-off value of 2.00 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of serum hyperacetylated HMGB1 in differentiating malignant mesothelioma patients from asbestos-exposed individuals and healthy controls was 100%, outperforming other previously proposed biomarkers. Combining HMGB1 and fibulin-3 provided increased sensitivity and specificity in differentiating malignant mesothelioma patients from patients with cytologically benign or malignant non–mesothelioma pleural effusion.

Conclusions: Our results are significant and clinically relevant as they provide the first biomarker of asbestos exposure and indicate that hyperacetylated HMGB1 is an accurate biomarker to differentiate malignant mesothelioma patients from individuals occupationally exposed to asbestos and unexposed controls. A trial to independently validate these findings will start soon. Clin Cancer Res; 22(12); 3087–96. ©2016 AACR.
Pooled Analysis of the Prognostic Relevance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Janni Wolfgang J. , Rack Brigitte , Terstappen Leon W.M.M. , Pierga Jean-Yves , Taran Florin-Andrei , Fehm Tanja , Hall Carolyn , de Groot Marco R. , Bidard François-Clement , Friedl Thomas W.P. , Fasching Peter A. , Brucker Sara Y. , Pantel Klaus , Lucci Anthony
Published: January 2016

Purpose: Although unequivocal evidence has shown the prognostic relevance of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the peripheral blood of patients with metastatic breast cancer, less evidence is available for the prognostic relevance of CTCs at the time of primary diagnosis.

Experimental Design: We conducted a pooled analysis of individual data from 3,173 patients with nonmetastatic (stage I–III) breast cancer from five breast cancer institutions. The prevalence and numbers of CTCs were assessed at the time of primary diagnosis with the FDA-cleared CellSearch System (Janssen Diagnostics, LLC). Patient outcomes were analyzed using meta-analytic procedures, univariate log-rank tests, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. The median follow-up duration was 62.8 months.

Results: One or more CTCs were detected in 20.2% of the patients. CTC-positive patients had larger tumors, increased lymph node involvement, and a higher histologic tumor grade than did CTC-negative patients (all P < 0.002). Multivariate Cox regressions, which included tumor size, nodal status, histologic tumor grade, and hormone receptor and HER2 status, confirmed that the presence of CTCs was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival [HR, 1.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.47–2.26], distant disease-free survival (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.49–2.40), breast cancer–specific survival (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.52–2.75), and overall survival (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.51–2.59).

Conclusions: In patients with primary breast cancer, the presence of CTCs was an independent predictor of poor disease-free, overall, breast cancer–specific, and distant disease-free survival. Clin Cancer Res; 22(10); 2583–93. ©2016 AACR.
Efficacy and Safety of Methotrexate Combined with Low- to Moderate-Dose Corticosteroids for Severe Alopecia Areata
Authors: Anuset Delphine , Perceau Geraldine , Bernard Philippe , Reguiai Ziad
Published: January 2016

Background: In severe alopecia areata (AA), spontaneous recovery is unlikely, and treatment is not standardized. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of methotrexate (MTX) used alone or combined with low- to moderate-dose oral corticosteroids (OC) for treating severe AA (totalis, universalis and severe multifocal). Methods: Retrospective monocentric study of all consecutive patients receiving this treatment between 2006 and 2012. Efficacy was defined as achieving a total regrowth of terminal hair. Results: 26 patients were included (17 with AA universalis or totalis and 9 with severe multifocal AA). Total regrowth was noted in 15/26 patients. After 3 months of treatment, hair regrowth >80% was associated with further complete regrowth, and hair regrowth <30% was associated with later treatment failure (p = 0.0014). When treatment was tapered, 11/15 patients with initial complete efficacy experienced AA relapse. Conclusion: MTX combined with low- to moderate-dose OC may be an efficient and well-tolerated treatment for severe AA. However, long-term maintenance treatment is usually required.
Use of Anti-Noxa Antibody for Differential Diagnosis between Epithelioid Mesothelioma and Reactive Mesothelial Hyperplasia
Authors: Kushitani Kei , Amatya Vishwa Jeet , Mawas Amany Sayed , Miyata Yoshihiro , Okada Morihito , Takeshima Yukio
Published: January 2016

Objectives: The histological differential diagnosis between epithelioid mesothelioma (EM) and reactive mesothelial hyperplasia (RMH) is not always straightforward. The aim of the present study was to search for new immunohistochemical markers to distinguish EM from RMH. Methods: We evaluated and compared the expression of apoptosis-related genes in EM and RMH by real-time RT-PCR array analysis followed by clustering of significant gene expression. Immunohistochemical staining and statistical analysis of Noxa expression in 81 cases of EM and 55 cases of RMH were performed and compared with the utility of other previously reported antibodies such as Desmin, EMA, GLUT-1, IMP-3 and CD146. Results: Noxa mRNA expression levels were found to be increased in EM when compared to RMH by RT-PCR array analysis. In the immunohistochemical analysis, Noxa showed sensitivity of 69.0%, specificity of 93.6% and positive predictive value of 93.0% as a positive marker of EM in distinguishing it from RMH, and these values were almost similar to IMP-3. Conclusion: Noxa is a marker with relatively high specificity, and can be used to distinguish EM from RMH. It would be a valuable addition to the current antibody panel used for the differential diagnosis of EM and RMH.
Bifactor Models Show a Superior Model Fit: Examination of the Factorial Validity of Parent-Reported and Self-Reported Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Rodenacker Klaas , Hautmann Christopher , Görtz-Dorten Anja , Döpfner Manfred
Published: January 2016

Background: Various studies have demonstrated that bifactor models yield better solutions than models with correlated factors. However, the kind of bifactor model that is most appropriate is yet to be examined. The current study is the first to test bifactor models across the full age range (11-18 years) of adolescents using self-reports, and the first to test bifactor models with German subjects and German questionnaires. Sampling and Methods: The study sample included children and adolescents aged between 6 and 18 years recruited from a German clinical sample (n = 1,081) and a German community sample (n = 642). To examine the factorial validity, we compared unidimensional, correlated factors and higher-order and bifactor models and further tested a modified incomplete bifactor model for measurement invariance. Results: Bifactor models displayed superior model fit statistics compared to correlated factor models or second-order models. However, a more parsimonious incomplete bifactor model with only 2 specific factors (inattention and impulsivity) showed a good model fit and a better factor structure than the other bifactor models. Scalar measurement invariance was given in most group comparisons. Conclusion: An incomplete bifactor model would suggest that the specific inattention and impulsivity factors represent entities separable from the general attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder construct and might, therefore, give way to a new approach to subtyping of children beyond and above attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Sleep Duration in Relation to Cognitive Function among Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Authors: Devore Elizabeth E. , Grodstein Francine , Schernhammer Eva S.
Published: January 2016

Context: Increasing evidence suggests that circadian and sleep parameters influence cognitive function with aging. Objective: To evaluate observational studies of sleep duration and cognition in older adults. Data Sources: A systematic review of OVID Medline and PsycINFO through September 2015, and review of bibliographies from studies identified. Study Selection: English-language articles reporting observational studies of sleep duration and cognitive function in older populations. Data Extraction: Data extraction by 2 authors using predefined categories of desired information. Results: Thirty-two studies met our inclusion criteria, with nearly two-thirds published in the past 4 years. One-third of studies indicated that extreme sleep durations were associated with worse cognition in older adults. More studies favored an association with long vs. short sleep durations (35 vs. 26% of studies, respectively). Four studies found that greater changes in sleep duration over time were related to lower cognition. Study design and analytic methods were very heterogeneous across studies; therefore, meta-analysis was not undertaken. Limitations: We reviewed English-language manuscripts only, with a qualitative summary of studies identified. Conclusions and Implications of Key Findings: Observational studies of sleep duration and cognitive function in older adults have produced mixed results, with more studies suggesting that long (rather than short) sleep durations are related to worse cognition. Studies more consistently indicate that greater changes in sleep duration are associated with poor cognition. Future studies should be prospectively designed, with objective sleep assessment and longer follow-up periods; intervention studies are also needed to identify strategies for promoting cognitive health with aging.
Diabetes and Body Mass Index Are Associated with Neuropathy and Prognosis in Colon Cancer Patients Treated with Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Ottaiano Alessandro , Nappi Anna , Tafuto Salvatore , Nasti Guglielmo , De Divitiis Chiara , Romano Carmela , Cassata Antonino , Casaretti Rossana , Silvestro Lucrezia , Avallone Antonio , Capuozzo Maurizio , Capozzi Monica , Maiolino Piera , Quagliariello Vincenzo , Scala Stefania , Iaffaioli Vincenzo Rosario
Published: January 2016

Background: There are few background data on the impact of clinical factors on neurotoxicity and prognosis in patients treated with adjuvant capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) chemotherapy. Methods: 102 stage II high-risk and stage III colorectal cancer patients were treated for 6 months with adjuvant CAPOX, then they were followed up. Associations between clinical variables, metabolic syndrome components, smoking and neurotoxicity were evaluated by the χ2 test. The Kaplan-Meier product limit method was applied to graph disease-free survival (DFS). Univariate analysis was done with the log-rank test. Cox's proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the effect of several risk factors on DFS. Results: Significant associations were found between diabetes (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.01) and the occurrence of chronic neurotoxicity. After a median follow-up of 46 months, 14 patients (13.7%) had suffered recurrence. An analysis of the prognostic factors for DFS showed that prognosis is unfavorable for patients with high lymph-nodal involvement (HR: 5.23, p = 0.0007), diabetes (HR: 4.86; p = 0.03) and a BMI ≥25 (HR: 3.69, p = 0.002). Discussion: Common mediators in diabetes and obesity could be involved in peripheral neuropathy and in stimulating micro-metastases. Further studies are necessary to explain this interesting connection between diabetes, obesity and colon cancer.
Juvenile Adamantiades-Behçet Disease
Authors: Vaiopoulos Aristeidis G. , Kanakis Meletios A. , Kapsimali Violetta , Vaiopoulos Georgios , Kaklamanis Phedon G. , Zouboulis Christos C.
Published: January 2016

Adamantiades-Behçet disease (ABD) is a chronic, multisystemic, recurrent, inflammatory vascular disorder of unknown etiology. Patients with symptoms initially appearing at the age of 16 or less are considered as cases of juvenile-onset ABD (JABD). JABD is relatively rare compared to ABD of adults, and only case reports and case studies have been published regarding this subtype of the disease. Epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of JABD are discussed in this review.
Phenotyping Exercise Limitation in Systemic Sclerosis: The Use of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Authors: Boutou Afroditi K. , Pitsiou Georgia G. , Siakka Panagiota , Dimitroulas Theodoros , Paspala Asimina , Sourla Evdokia , Chavouzis Nikolaos , Garyfallos Alexandros , Argyropoulou Paraskevi , Stanopoulos Ioannis
Published: January 2016

Background: Exercise impairment is a common symptom of systemic sclerosis (SSc), a disorder which is frequently complicated by cardiopulmonary involvement. Objectives: This study's aims were: (a) to define the prevalence and the potential causes of limited exercise capacity and (b) to study potential differences in clinical, radiological and functional characteristics and blood serology among SSc patients with exercise limitation of different etiology. Methods: Prospectively collected data on SSc patients who had conducted full lung function testing, blood serology, thorax high-resolution computed tomography, Doppler echocardiogram and a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) were retrospectively analyzed. Using a CPET algorithm, patients were characterized as having normal or subnormal exercise capacity (N), respiratory limitation (RL), left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) or pulmonary vasculopathy (PV). Group comparisons were conducted using either one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The study population consisted of 78 patients (53.7 ± 13.7 years old; 10.3% male). PV was present in 32.1%, LVD in 25.6% and RL in 10.2%, while 32.1% of the patients constituted the N group. The presence of antisclero-70 antibodies, low anaerobic threshold and low peak exercise capacity measures could discriminate LVD from the other groups. Low end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure and its change from rest to anaerobic threshold could discriminate between the PV, LVD and N groups, while respiratory restriction along with ventilatory inefficiency indices could differentiate the RL group from the rest. Conclusions: The combined evaluation of CPET gas exchange patterns with baseline measurements could discriminate the causes of exercise limitation among SSc patients.
The Eutherian Pseudoautosomal Region
Authors: Raudsepp Terje , Chowdhary Bhanu P.
Published: January 2016

The pseudoautosomal region (PAR) is a unique segment of sequence homology between differentiated sex chromosomes where recombination occurs during meiosis. Molecular and functional properties of the PAR are distinctive from the autosomes and the remaining regions of the sex chromosomes. These include a higher rate of recombination than genome average, bias towards GC-substitutions and increased interindividual nucleotide divergence and mutations. As yet, the PAR has been physically demarcated in only 28 eutherian species representing 6 mammalian orders. Murid rodents have the smallest, gene-poorest and most diverged PARs. Other eutherian PARs are largely homologous but differ in size and gene content, being the smallest in equids and human/simian primates and much larger in other eutherians. Because pseudoautosomal genes escape X inactivation, their dosage changes with sex chromosome aneuploidies, whereas phenotypic effects of the latter depend on the size and gene content of the PAR. Thus, X monosomy is more viable in mice, humans and horses than in species with larger PARs. Presently, little is known about the functions of PAR genes in individual species, though human studies suggest their involvement in early embryonic development. The PAR is, thus, of evolutionary, genetic and biomedical significance and a ‘research hotspot' in eutherian genomes.
Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma of the Nasal Type with Skin Metastases
Authors: Al Akhrass Fadi , Hensley Brooklyn , Thomas Lillian , Elsoueidi Raymond
Published: January 2016

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) of the nasal type is a rare, clinically aggressive disease. ENKL of the nasal type is often localized in the upper aerodigestive tract, including the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, tonsils, hypopharynx and larynx, and usually presents as stage I/II. Extranasal involvement can occur, and a common site of extranasal involvement or metastatic disease includes the skin. Identifying skin metastases is important for the appropriate staging and treatment. We report a case of ENKL of the nasal type that presented with localized disease and subsequent skin lesions that were consistent with skin metastases.
Acute Stroke Syndromes with Isolated Hypoperfusion on MRI - A Clinical and MRI Study
Authors: Alonso Angelika , Szabo Kristina , Wolf Marc E. , Ebert Anne D. , Griebe Martin , Hennerici Michael G. , Gass Achim
Published: January 2016

Background: Acute stroke syndromes with negative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) but extensive perfusion deficits are rare and constitute a diagnostic challenge due to different operational definitions of penumbral hypoperfusion in acute stroke patients based on MRI criteria. Methods: MR profiles of 19 patients presenting with acute stroke syndromes with negative DWI in the presence of an extensive area of hypoperfusion on time-to-peak (TTP) maps of dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) were analysed. DWI and PWI lesions were quantified and interpreted with regard to the clinical course. Results: Despite the large area of abnormal perfusion on TTP maps, the clinical course was benign (median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale 2 at admission, 0 at discharge). The volume of hypoperfused tissue was significantly smaller on postprocessed TTP maps with a TTP delay of >4 s than on unprocessed TTP maps with manual contrast adjustment. Semiquantitatively assessed TTP lesion volume was associated with the presence of DWI lesions on follow-up. Conclusion: TTP maps are highly sensitive to demonstrate even small-scale perfusion abnormalities. The additional information from TTP delay thresholds indicates critically reduced perfusion and appears to be a good prognostic indicator in combination with MR angiography and symptomatology.
Father, Son, and the Bomb
Authors: Kern Gary
Published: January 2016

This essay discusses the memoir of Boria Sax, the son of Saville Sax, a U.S. citizen who was a Communist and Soviet spy during World War II. Saville Sax failed at most things he attempted, but he proved to be a valuable asset for Soviet espionage agencies because he was the roommate of the gifted physicist Theodore Hall, who was recruited to work for the Manhattan Project. Sax convinced Hall, who shared Sax's admiration of the Soviet Union, to supply highly sensitive information to the Soviet foreign intelligence service. The memoir offers a poignant view of the terrible impact that Saville Sax's actions had on his family as well as on the country he betrayed.
An Online Policy Gradient Algorithm for Markov Decision Processes with Continuous States and Actions
Authors: Ma Yao , Zhao Tingting , Hatano Kohei , Sugiyama Masashi
Published: January 2016

We consider the learning problem under an online Markov decision process (MDP) aimed at learning the time-dependent decision-making policy of an agent that minimizes the regret—the difference from the best fixed policy. The difficulty of online MDP learning is that the reward function changes over time. In this letter, we show that a simple online policy gradient algorithm achieves regret [Formula: see text] for T steps under a certain concavity assumption and [Formula: see text] under a strong concavity assumption. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to present an online MDP algorithm that can handle continuous state, action, and parameter spaces with guarantee. We also illustrate the behavior of the proposed online policy gradient method through experiments.
A Block Successive Lower-Bound Maximization Algorithm for the Maximum Pseudo-Likelihood Estimation of Fully Visible Boltzmann Machines
Authors: Nguyen Hien D. , Wood Ian A.
Published: January 2016

Maximum pseudo-likelihood estimation (MPLE) is an attractive method for training fully visible Boltzmann machines (FVBMs) due to its computational scalability and the desirable statistical properties of the MPLE. No published algorithms for MPLE have been proven to be convergent or monotonic. In this note, we present an algorithm for the MPLE of FVBMs based on the block successive lower-bound maximization (BSLM) principle. We show that the BSLM algorithm monotonically increases the pseudo-likelihood values and that the sequence of BSLM estimates converges to the unique global maximizer of the pseudo-likelihood function. The relationship between the BSLM algorithm and the gradient ascent (GA) algorithm for MPLE of FVBMs is also discussed, and a convergence criterion for the GA algorithm is given.
Development of 22 polymorphic microsatellite markers for Taipei grass frogs (Hylarana taipehensis)
Authors: Chang Yi-Chun , Li Shou-Hsien , Lin Hsuan-You , Chen Szu-Lung , Chang Ming-Hsung
Published: January 2016

The Taipei grass frog, Hylarana taipehensis, is a slender frog widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia and thus is predicted to contain a high level of genetic diversity and undetected endemics. Habitat destruction and pesticide pollution have resulted in the population crash of some genetically distinct populations. To assign appropriate conservation measures, a genetic survey covering individuals from the entire species’ range is urgently required to reveal cryptic diversity and delineate these frogs into various management units. However, effective codominant markers are lacking for this species. Here, we reported 22 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for H. taipehensis. Alleles ranged between 6 and 17 per locus. The observed heterozygosities and expected heterozygosities were 0.280-0.893 and 0.721-0.908, respectively. These polymorphic microsatellites should be useful in identifying the most important units for conservation management of the Taipei grass frogs.
Successful Small States in the osce and the German Chairmanship of 2016
Authors: Nünlist Christian
Published: January 2016

The German chairmanship in 2016 will be an interesting diplomatic experiment for the osce. Germany is the most powerful osce participating state ever at the helm of the organization in its 20-year history. Previously, small states have predominantly held the voluntary osce presidency. This article reviews the performance of osce small states in chairing the organization since 1995. Both the motives for campaigning for the job as well as the factors that have determined whether the 12-month presidency job was done successfully or not, are analyzed. The article concludes with a warning against setting the expectations too high for the 2016 German chairmanship.
Russian Views of the osce and the 2016 German Chairmanship
Authors: Zagorski Andrei
Published: January 2016

The article explores the challenges of the German osce Chairmanship against the background of the current stalemate within the osce and Russian policies. It argues that, despite the current engagement of the osce in Ukraine and its renaissance in Russian politics, the task of revitalizing the osce has not become easier. The German Chairmanship may be considered a success if it manages to unblock political dialogue within the osce and to redefine the agenda for future structured dialogue, which could be accepted as a fair deal in conjunction with the wider debate over a vision for a Wider Europe.
Tearing Down Real and Cognitive Walls Preventing Osce Compassion For Human Security in South-Eastern Europe
Authors: Lars-Erik Lundin
Published: January 2016

The risk of underestimating the security problems which lie ahead in South-Eastern Europe is once more significant. This time the scope is not only the Western Balkans and the appropriate perspective not only on the level of state security. The osce and indeed the incoming osce Chair for 2016, Germany, is called upon to take this challenge seriously. But the focus of osce attention needs to be prioritised in order to focus on the osce area itself.
Human Rights in Times of Crisis
Authors: Link Michael Georg
Published: January 2016

The article looks at the defense and promotion of human rights – and of the osce’s broader human dimension of security – in a context of what could be called “multiple crises”, i.e., the crisis in and around Ukraine, the refugee crisis in Europe, and the threat of terrorism. While the inclination might be to address these crises with a classical “politico-military” approach, the argument here is that an approach based on ensuring the human dimension of security – human rights, the strengthening of democratic institutions and the rule of law, and promoting tolerance while combating discrimination – is just as vital if real and lasting resolutions to these crises are to be found. The article argues that, while the current crises represent dangers in relation to security in the osce area, they also represent opportunities to reaffirm the importance of the human dimension as part of the osce’s comprehensive approach to that very same security.
The Microwave Radiative Properties of Falling Snow Derived from Nonspherical Ice Particle Models. Part II: Initial Testing Using Radar, Radiometer and In Situ Observations
Authors: Olson William S. , Tian Lin , Grecu Mircea , Kuo Kwo-Sen , Johnson Benjamin T. , Heymsfield Andrew J. , Bansemer Aaron , Heymsfield Gerald M. , Wang James R. , Meneghini Robert
Published: January 2016

In this study, two different particle models describing the structure and electromagnetic properties of snow are developed and evaluated for potential use in satellite combined radar–radiometer precipitation estimation algorithms. In the first model, snow particles are assumed to be homogeneous ice–air spheres with single-scattering properties derived from Mie theory. In the second model, snow particles are created by simulating the self-collection of pristine ice crystals into aggregate particles of different sizes, using different numbers and habits of the collected component crystals. Single-scattering properties of the resulting nonspherical snow particles are determined using the discrete dipole approximation. The size-distribution-integrated scattering properties of the spherical and nonspherical snow particles are incorporated into a dual-wavelength radar profiling algorithm that is applied to 14- and 34-GHz observations of stratiform precipitation from the ER-2 aircraftborne High-Altitude Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP) radar. The retrieved ice precipitation profiles are then input to a forward radiative transfer calculation in an attempt to simulate coincident radiance observations from the Conical Scanning Millimeter-Wave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR). Much greater consistency between the simulated and observed CoSMIR radiances is obtained using estimated profiles that are based upon the nonspherical crystal/aggregate snow particle model. Despite this greater consistency, there remain some discrepancies between the higher moments of the HIWRAP-retrieved precipitation size distributions and in situ distributions derived from microphysics probe observations obtained from Citation aircraft underflights of the ER-2. These discrepancies can only be eliminated if a subset of lower-density crystal/aggregate snow particles is assumed in the radar algorithm and in the interpretation of the in situ data.
Stochastic Convection Parameterization with Markov Chains in an Intermediate-Complexity GCM
Authors: Dorrestijn Jesse , Crommelin Daan T. , Siebesma A. Pier , Jonker Harmen J. J. , Selten Frank
Published: January 2016

Conditional Markov chain (CMC) models have proven to be promising building blocks for stochastic convection parameterizations. In this paper, it is demonstrated how two different CMC models can be used as mass flux closures in convection parameterizations. More specifically, the CMC models provide a stochastic estimate of the convective area fraction that is directly proportional to the cloud-base mass flux. Since, in one of the models, the number of CMCs decreases with increasing resolution, this approach makes convection parameterizations scale aware and introduces stochastic fluctuations that increase with resolution in a realistic way. Both CMC models are implemented in a GCM of intermediate complexity. It is shown that with the CMC models, trained with observational data, it is possible to improve both the subgrid-scale variability and the autocorrelation function of the cloud-base mass flux as well as the distribution of the daily accumulated precipitation in the tropics. Hovmöller diagrams and wavenumber–frequency diagrams of the equatorial precipitation indicate that, in this specific GCM, convectively coupled equatorial waves are more sensitive to the mean cloud-base mass flux than to stochastic fluctuations. A smaller mean mass flux tends to increase the power of the simulated MJO and to diminish equatorial Kelvin waves.
Reconceptualizing Consent for Direct-to-Consumer Health Services
Authors: Spector-Bagdady Kayte
Published: January 2016

The market for direct-to-consumer (DTC) health services continues to grow rapidly with former patients converting to customers for the opportunity to purchase varied diagnostic tests without the involvement of their clinician. For the first time a DTC genetic testing company is advertising health-related reports “that meet [Food and Drug Administration] standards for being clinically and scientifically valid.” Ethicists and regulatory agencies alike have recognized the need for a more informed transaction in the DTC context, but how should we classify a commercial transaction for something normally protected by a duty of care? How can we assure informed agreements in an industry with terms and conditions as varied as the services performed? The doctrine of “informed consent” began as an ethical construct building on the promise of beneficence in the clinical relationship and elevating the principle of autonomy—but in the DTC context should we hold providers to legal standards of informed consent and associated medical malpractice liability, or contractual obligations where consumers would seek remedy for breach?

This Article analyzes the fine balance that must be struck in an industry where companies are selling services for entertainment or non-medical purposes that possess the capacity to produce serious and disquieting medical information. It begins by reviewing current standards of consent in the clinical setting from both a legal and ethical perspective and then lays forth current standards for DTC consent using two currently controversial case studies: that of keepsake fetal ultrasound and genetic testing.

DTC keepsake ultrasound and genetic testing providers attempt to de-medicalize the devices used for these procedures from their intended medical uses to non-medical uses. But while keepsake ultrasound is marketed as “intended for entertainment purposes only,” it can provide medical information as an incidental finding. 23andMe currently purports to be the only DTC genetics service that “includes” reports that meet FDA qualifications, despite disclaimers of intent to “provide medical advice.” The attempted de-medicalization of these devices, therefore, has not been fully transformative, and DTC providers should have more robust ethical and legal duties than the average goods and services seller.

This Article delineates these responsibilities, beginning with ethical duties surrounding marketing, entering into, and providing DTC services. It then turns to the legal paradigms necessary to enable, or at least allow for, DTC providers to meet these ethical obligations. While it argues that contractual, as opposed to fiduciary, requirements are most appropriate and that waivers of liability will likely be upheld, it also advocates for a heightened expectation of disclosure during contracting.
On the extended use of auxiliary information under skewness correction for process monitoring
Authors: Mehmood Rashid , Riaz Muhammad , Mahmood Tahir , Abbasi Saddam Akbar , Abbas Nasir
Published: January 2016

In this article, we have extended the design structures of dual auxiliary information-based control charts under a variety of sampling strategies and runs rules schemes. We have considered the cases of known and unknown skewed distributions by using the skewness correction (SC) method. The design structures under the skewness correction method are based on the degree of skewness of the study variable, amount of correlation between study variable and auxiliary variable, and sample size. We have investigated the performance of the developed structures in terms of probability of signals, false alarm rate and average run length by considering the symmetrical distribution, skewed distributions, heavy tailed distributions and contamination environments. Outcomes of the current article showed that control charts based on extreme ranked set strategies have higher probability of detecting an out-of-control signal and are comparatively more robust than other control charts, especially for known distributions. Furthermore, control charts for unknown skewed process distributions under extreme ranked set strategies are relatively more robust for a small sample size, followed by other ranked set strategies-based control charts for a large sample size. Moreover, we have included a real-life example for the monitoring of ground water variables to highlight the application of our proposals.
Fault diagnosis for multivariable non-linear systems based on non-linear spectrum feature
Authors: Zhang Jialiang , Cao Jianfu , Gao Feng
Published: January 2016

In this study, a novel fault diagnosis approach based on a non-linear spectrum feature is proposed for a multivariable non-linear system. The non-linear spectrum features are obtained using a non-linear output frequency response function (NOFRF) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA). In order to improve the real-time performance of obtaining non-linear spectrum features, a frequency domain variable step size normalized least mean square (FVLMS) adaptive algorithm is presented to identify NOFRF. A multi-fault classifier based on the fusion of a support vector machine (SVM) is designed according to different frequency domain scales, and a fusion method by using sub-classifier classification reliability is proposed. A simulation example about a two-input–two-output non-linear system is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed approach.
Variation in worker responses to subcontracted employment: A qualitative case study
Authors: Acar Taylan
Published: January 2016

This article shows that professional skill level of employees is a key factor in the formation of employee responses to subcontracted forms of employment. In addition, the proportion of employees hired through temporary staffing arrangements compared to the core workers determines the employees’ capacity for collective action. This article uses observational and interview data from a public university hospital, where both skilled health care professionals and janitorial workers are hired through temporary staffing arrangements. The findings reveal that skilled health care professionals develop more individualistic responses to cope with the subcontracting practices, and the co-employment of subcontracted and permanent workers undermines solidarity among them. Lacking the professional skills and positioned at the bottom of the hospital hierarchy, janitorial workers opt for collective action against the hospital administration. Finally, the analysis of counter-responses of the hospital administration points to the dynamic nature of workplace relations, and the capacity of employers to reshape the responses of workers.