bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Explantation Rate of Poly Implant Prothèse, Allergan, and Pérouse Silicone Breast Implants within the First Four Years after Reconstructive Surgery before the Poly Implant Prothèse Alert by the French Regulatory Authority
Authors: Leduey Alexandre , Mazouni Chafika , Leymarie Nicolas , Alkhashnam Heba , Sarfati Benjamin , Garbay Jean-Rémi , Gaudin Amélie , Kolb Frédéric , Rimareix Françoise
Published: October 2015

Background. In March 2010, ANSM (Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Medicament), the French Medical Regulatory Authority, withdrew Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) breast implants from the market due to the use of non-medical-grade silicone gel. The aim of this study was to compare the removal rate (and reasons thereof) of breast implants produced by different manufacturers before the ANSM alert.Materials and Methods. From October 2006 to January 2010, 652 women received 944 implants after breast cancer surgery at the Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Center, Paris (France). The complications and removal rates of the different implant brands used (PIP, Allergan, and Pérouse) were evaluated and compared.Results. PIP implants represented 50.6% of the used implants, Allergan 33.4%, and Pérouse 16%. The main reasons for implant removal were patient dissatisfaction due to aesthetic problems (43.2%), infection (22.2%), and capsular contracture (13.6%). Two years after implantation, 82% of Pérouse implants, 79% of PIP, and 79% of Allergan were stillin situ. There was no difference in removal rate among implant brands.Conclusion. Before the ANSM alert concerning the higher rupture rate of PIP breast implants, our implant removal rate did not predict PIP implant failure related to the use of nonapproved silicone gel.
The Effects of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Infection on GM‐CSF‐ and M‐CSF‐Induced Mouse Bone Marrow‐Derived Macrophage from Resistant and Susceptible Mice Strains
Authors: de Souza Silva Calliandra , Tavares Aldo Henrique , Sousa Jeronimo Marcio , Soares de Lima Yasmin , da Silveira Derengowski Lorena , Lorenzetti Bocca Anamélia , Silva-Pereira Ildinete
Published: October 2015

Considering the importance of macrophages as the first line of defense against fungal infection and the different roles played by the two M1‐ and M2‐like polarized macrophages, we decided to evaluate the effects of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection on GM‐CSF‐ and M‐CSF‐induced bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMM) from the A/J and B10.A mouse strains, an established model of resistance/susceptibility to PCM, respectively. Upon differentiation, the generated GM‐ or M‐BMMs were characterized by morphological analyses, gene expression profiles, and cytokines production. Our main results demonstrate that GM‐BMMs derived from A/J and B.10 produced high levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines that may contribute to generate an unbalanced early immune response. In accordance with the literature, the B10.A susceptible mice lineage has an innate tendency to polarize into M1‐like phenotype, whereas the opposite phenotype occurs in A/J resistance mice. In this context, our data support that susceptibility and resistance are strongly correlated with M1 and M2 polarization, respectively.
Energy Efficiency Oriented Access Point Selection for Cognitive Sensors in Internet of Things
Authors: Ju ChunHua , Shao Qi
Published: October 2015

This paper studies the distributed energy efficient access point (AP) selection for cognitive sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT). The energy consumption is critical for the wireless sensor network (WSN), and central control would cause extremely high complexity due to the dense and dynamic deployment of sensors in the IoT. The desired approach is the one with lower computation complexity and much more flexibility, and the global optimization is also expected. We solve the multisensors AP selection problem by using the game theory and distributed learning algorithm. First, we formulate an energy oriented AP selection problem and propose a game model which is proved to be an exact potential game. Second, we design a distributed learning algorithm to obtain the globally optimal solution to the problem in a distributed manner. Finally, simulation results verify the theoretic analysis and show that the proposed approach could achieve much higher energy efficiency.
Phase Synchronization Is the Amplified Result by the Hilbert Transform
Authors: Lu Ming-Chi , Ho Hsing-Chung , Chan Chen-An , Liu Chia-Ju , Lih Jiann-Shing , Ho Ming-Chung
Published: October 2015

We investigate the interplay between phase synchronization and amplitude synchronization in nonlinear dynamical systems. It is numerically found that phase synchronization intends to be established earlier than amplitude synchronization. Nevertheless, amplitude synchronization (or the state with large correlation between the amplitudes) is crucial for the maintenance of a high correlation between two time series. A breakdown of high correlation in amplitudes will lead to a desynchronization of two time series. It is shown that these unique features are caused essentially by the Hilbert transform. This leads to a deep concern and criticism on the current usage of phase synchronization.
Iterative Learning Control with Extended State Observer for Telescope System
Authors: Cai Huaxiang , Huang Yongmei , Du Junfeng , Tang Tao , Zuo Dan , Li Jinying
Published: October 2015

An Iterative Learning Control (ILC) method with Extended State Observer (ESO) is proposed to enhance the tracking precision of telescope. Telescope systems usually suffer some uncertain nonlinear disturbances, such as nonlinear friction and unknown disturbances. Thereby, to ensure the tracking precision, the ESO which can estimate system states (including parts of uncertain nonlinear disturbances) is introduced. The nonlinear system is converted to an approximate linear system by making use of the ESO. Besides, to make further improvement on the tracking precision, we make use of the ILC method which can find an ideal control signal by the process of iterative learning. Furthermore, this control method theoretically guarantees a prescribed tracking performance and final tracking accuracy. Finally, a few comparative experimental results show that the proposed control method has excellent performance for reducing the tracking error of telescope system.
Advanced Aerostructural Optimization Techniques for Aircraft Design
Authors: Zuo Yingtao , Chen Pingjian , Fu Lin , Gao Zhenghong , Chen Gang
Published: October 2015

Traditional coupled aerostructural design optimization (ASDO) of aircraft based on high-fidelity models is computationally expensive and inefficient. To improve the efficiency, the key is to predict aerostructural performance of the aircraft efficiently. The cruise shape of the aircraft is parameterized and optimized in this paper, and a methodology named reverse iteration of structural model (RISM) is adopted to get the aerostructural performance of cruise shape efficiently. A new mathematical explanation of RISM is presented in this paper. The efficiency of RISM can be improved by four times compared with traditional static aeroelastic analysis. General purpose computing on graphical processing units (GPGPU) is adopted to accelerate the RISM further, and GPU-accelerated RISM is constructed. The efficiency of GPU-accelerated RISM can be raised by about 239 times compared with that of the loosely coupled aeroelastic analysis. Test shows that the fidelity of GPU-accelerated RISM is high enough for optimization. Optimization framework based on Kriging model is constructed. The efficiency of the proposed optimization system can be improved greatly with the aid of GPU-accelerated RISM. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is optimized using this framework and the range is improved by 4.67% after optimization, which shows effectiveness and efficiency of this framework.
Normal Limiting Distribution of the Size of Binary Interval Trees
Authors: Liu Jie , Yang Yang
Published: October 2015

The limiting distribution of the size of binary interval tree is investigated. Our illustration is based on the contraction method, and it is quite different from the case in one-sided binary interval tree. First, we build a distributional recursive equation of the size. Then, we draw the expectation, the variance, and some high order moments. Finally, it is shown that the size (with suitable standardization) approaches the standard normal random variable in the Zolotarev metric space.
Radiographic Thrombus within the External Jugular Vein: Report of a Rare Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zia Sayyad Yaseen , Bakst Richard L. , Si Qiusheng , Yao Mike , Som Peter M.
Published: October 2015

We are reporting a case of a 91-year-old male with a primary malignancy of the right parotid gland with radiographic thrombus extension within the right external jugular vein. He was treated with palliative radiation therapy to the right parotid mass with a marked clinical response. The rarity of this occurrence as documented in the review of the literature provides for uncertainty with regard to proper management. Radiographic evidence of thrombus in the absence of clinical manifestations, the role of anticoagulation, and the proper radiation target delineation were all challenges encountered in the care of this patient. Our case represents a rare occurrence with unique radiologic findings that has implications for management.
Music Engineering as a Novel Strategy for Enhancing Music Enjoyment in the Cochlear Implant Recipient
Authors: Kohlberg Gavriel D. , Mancuso Dean M. , Chari Divya A. , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: October 2015

Objective. Enjoyment of music remains an elusive goal following cochlear implantation. We test the hypothesis that reengineering music to reduce its complexity can enhance the listening experience for the cochlear implant (CI) listener.Methods. Normal hearing (NH) adults (N=16) and CI listeners (N=9) evaluated a piece of country music on three enjoyment modalities: pleasantness, musicality, and naturalness. Participants listened to the original version along with 20 modified, less complex, versions created by including subsets of the musical instruments from the original song. NH participants listened to the segments both with and without CI simulation processing.Results. Compared to the original song, modified versions containing only 1–3 instruments were less enjoyable to the NH listeners but more enjoyable to the CI listeners and the NH listeners with CI simulation. Excluding vocals and including rhythmic instruments improved enjoyment for NH listeners with CI simulation but made no difference for CI listeners.Conclusions. Reengineering a piece of music to reduce its complexity has the potential to enhance music enjoyment for the cochlear implantee. Thus, in addition to improvements in software and hardware, engineering music specifically for the CI listener may be an alternative means to enhance their listening experience.
Optimizing Negotiation Conflict in the Cloud Service Negotiation Framework Using Probabilistic Decision Making Model
Authors: Rajavel Rajkumar , Thangarathinam Mala
Published: October 2015

Optimization of negotiation conflict in the cloud service negotiation framework is identified as one of the major challenging issues. This negotiation conflict occurs during the bilateral negotiation process between the participants due to the misperception, aggressive behavior, and uncertain preferences and goals about their opponents. Existing research work focuses on the prerequest context of negotiation conflict optimization by grouping similar negotiation pairs using distance, binary, context‐dependent, and fuzzy similarity approaches. For some extent, these approaches can maximize the success rate and minimize the communication overhead among the participants. To further optimize the success rate and communication overhead, the proposed research work introduces a novel probabilistic decision making model for optimizing the negotiation conflict in the long‐term negotiation context. This decision model formulates the problem of managing different types of negotiation conflict that occurs during negotiation process as a multistage Markov decision problem. At each stage of negotiation process, the proposed decision model generates the heuristic decision based on the past negotiation state information without causing any break‐off among the participants. In addition, this heuristic decision using the stochastic decision tree scenario can maximize the revenue among the participants available in the cloud service negotiation framework.
Cytokine Regulation of Microenvironmental Cells in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Hoermann Gregor , Greiner Georg , Valent Peter
Published: October 2015

The term myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) refers to a heterogeneous group of diseases including not only polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), but also chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and systemic mastocytosis (SM). Despite the clinical and biological differences between these diseases, common pathophysiological mechanisms have been identified in MPN. First, aberrant tyrosine kinase signaling due to somatic mutations in certain driver genes is common to these MPN. Second, alterations of the bone marrow microenvironment are found in all MPN types and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the diseases. Finally, elevated levels of proinflammatory and microenvironment‐regulating cytokines are commonly found in all MPN‐variants. In this paper, we review the effects of MPN‐related oncogenes on cytokine expression and release and describe common as well as distinct pathogenetic mechanisms underlying microenvironmental changes in various MPN. Furthermore, targeting of the microenvironment in MPN is discussed. Such novel therapies may enhance the efficacy and may overcome resistance to established tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in these patients. Nevertheless, additional basic studies on the complex interplay of neoplastic and stromal cells are required in order to optimize targeting strategies and to translate these concepts into clinical application.
Influence of Exhaust Gas Recirculation, and Injection Timing on the Combustion, Performance and Emission Characteristics of a Cylinder Head Porous Medium Engine
Authors: Kannan Chidambaram , Vijayakumar Thulasi
Published: October 2015

Homogeneous combustion has the potential of achieving both near-zero emissions and low specific fuel consumption. However, the accomplishment of homogeneous combustion depends on the air flow structure inside the combustion chamber, fuel injection conditions, and turbulence as well as ignition conditions. Various methods and procedures are being adopted to establish the homogeneous combustion inside the engine cylinder. In this research work, a highly porous ceramic structure was introduced into the combustion chamber (underside of the cylinder head). The influence of operating parameters such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and injection timing on the combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of such developed engine was investigated in this research work.
Highly Durable Direct Methanol Fuel Cell with Double‐Layered Catalyst Cathode
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Chun-Tao , Zhao Lei , Wang Zhen-Bo
Published: October 2015

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) is one of the key components in direct methanol fuel cells. However, the PEM usually gets attacked by reactive oxygen species during the operation period, resulting in the loss of membrane integrity and formation of defects. Herein, a double‐layered catalyst cathode electrode consisting of Pt/CeO2‐C as inner catalyst and Pt/C as outer catalyst is fabricated to extend the lifetime and minimize the performance loss of DMFC. Although the maximum power density of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with catalyst cathode is slightly lower than that of the traditional one, its durability is significantly improved. No obvious degradation is evident in the MEA with double‐layered catalyst cathode within durability testing. These results indicated that Pt/CeO2‐C as inner cathode catalyst layer greatly improved the stability of MEA. The significant reason for the improved stability of MEA is the ability of CeO2 to act as free‐radical scavengers.
Fabrication and Characterization of Al/NiO Energetic Nanomultilayers
Authors: Yan YiChao , Shi Wei , Jiang HongChuan , Xiong Jie , Zhang WanLi , Li Yanrong
Published: October 2015

The redox reaction between Al and metallic oxide has its advantage compared with intermetallic reaction and Al/NiO nanomutlilayers are a promising candidate for enhancing the performance of energetic igniter. Al/NiO nanomutlilayers with different modulation periods are prepared on alumina substrate by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering. The thicknesses of each period are 250 nm, 500 nm, 750 nm, 1000 nm, and 1500 nm, respectively, and the total thickness is 3 μm. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) results of the as‐deposited Al/NiO nanomutlilayers show that the NiO films are amorphous and the layered structures are clearly distinguished. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrates that the thickness of Al2O3 increases on the side of Al monolayer after annealing at 450°C. The thermal diffusion time becomes greater significantly as the amount of thermal boundary conductance across the interfaces increases with relatively smaller modulation period. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) curve suggests that the energy release per unit mass is below the theoretical heat of the reaction due to the nonstoichiometric ratio between Al and NiO and the presence of impurities.
A Model for Hourly Solar Radiation Data Generation from Daily Solar Radiation Data Using a Generalized Regression Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Khatib Tamer , Elmenreich Wilfried
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a model for predicting hourly solar radiation data using daily solar radiation averages. The proposed model is a generalized regression artificial neural network. This model has three inputs, namely, mean daily solar radiation, hour angle, and sunset hour angle. The output layer has one node which is mean hourly solar radiation. The training and development of the proposed model are done using MATLAB and 43800 records of hourly global solar radiation. The results show that the proposed model has better prediction accuracy compared to some empirical and statistical models. Two error statistics are used in this research to evaluate the proposed model, namely, mean absolute percentage error and root mean square error. These values for the proposed model are 11.8% and −3.1%, respectively. Finally, the proposed model shows better ability in overcoming the sophistic nature of the solar radiation data.
Sealing Clay Text Segmentation Based on Radon-Like Features and Adaptive Enhancement Filters
Authors: Zheng Xia , Wei Wei , Song Houbing , Li Wei
Published: October 2015

Text extraction is a key issue in sealing clay research. The traditional method based on rubbings increases the risk of sealing clay damage and is unfavorable to sealing clay protection. Therefore, using digital image of sealing clay, a new method for text segmentation based on Radon-like features and adaptive enhancement filters is proposed in this paper. First, adaptive enhancement LM filter bank is used to get the maximum energy image; second, the edge image of the maximum energy image is calculated; finally, Radon-like feature images are generated by combining maximum energy image and its edge image. The average image of Radon-like feature images is segmented by the image thresholding method. Compared with 2D Otsu, GA, and FastFCM, the experiment result shows that this method can perform better in terms of accuracy and completeness of the text.
(Ir)relevance of Metformin Treatment in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: An Open-Label, Randomized Phase II Trial
Authors: Reni Michele , Dugnani Erica , Cereda Stefano , Belli Carmen , Balzano Gianpaolo , Nicoletti Roberto , Liberati Daniela , Pasquale Valentina , Scavini Marina , Maggiora Paola , Sordi Valeria , Lampasona Vito , Ceraulo Domenica , Di Terlizzi Gaetano , Doglioni Claudio , Falconi Massimo , Piemonti Lorenzo
Published: October 2015

Purpose: We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of metformin for treating patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and to identify endocrine and metabolic phenotypic features or tumor molecular markers associated with sensitivity to metformin antineoplastic action.

Experimental Design: We designed an open-label, randomized, phase II trial to assess the efficacy of adding metformin to a standard systemic therapy with cisplatin, epirubicin, capecitabine, and gemcitabine (PEXG) in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients ages 18 years or older with metastatic pancreatic cancer were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive PEXG every 4 weeks in combination or not with 2 g oral metformin daily. The primary endpoint was 6-months progression-free survival (PFS-6) in the intention-to-treat population.

Results: Between August 2010 and January 2014, we randomly assigned 60 patients to receive PEXG with (n = 31) or without metformin (n = 29). At the preplanned interim analysis, the study was ended for futility. PFS-6 was 52% [95% confidence interval (CI), 33–69] in the control group and 42% (95% CI, 24–59) in the metformin group (P = 0.61). Furthermore, there was no difference in disease-free survival and overall survival between groups. Despite endocrine metabolic modifications induced by metformin, there was no correlation with the outcome. Single-nucleotide polymorphism rs11212617 predicted glycemic response, but not tumor response to metformin. Gene expression on tumor tissue did not predict tumor response to metformin.

Conclusions: Addition of metformin at the dose commonly used in diabetes did not improve outcome in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with standard systemic therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(5); 1076–85. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Yang and Rustgi, p. 1031
Premature Epiphyseal Closure of the Lower Extremities Contributing to Short Stature after cis-Retinoic Acid Therapy in Medulloblastoma: A Case Report
Authors: Noyes Jessica J. , Levine Michael A. , Belasco Jean B. , Mostoufi-Moab Sogol
Published: October 2015

Background: Prolonged cis-retinoic acid (RA) exposure contributes to premature epiphyseal closure. cis-RA is administered in various treatment regimens for pediatric cancers, thus increasing the risk for bone deformities and compromised growth. Results: We present a case of premature epiphyseal closure in a 9-year-old female with a history of medulloblastoma and treatment with a multimodal regimen including cis-RA. She was subsequently diagnosed with radiation-induced endocrine late effects including hypothyroidism and growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Seven months after initiation of GH therapy, an increased prominence of the wrists and knees combined with a deceleration in growth velocity prompted further evaluation; radiographs revealed bilateral premature closure of the distal femur and proximal tibia growth plates despite normal left wrist bone age. Conclusion: High doses of vitamin A and its analogs are linked to premature closure of the lower-extremity growth plates in animals and children. Pediatric brain tumor patients are at increased risk of growth failure due to concurrent radiation-induced GHD, damage to the spinal bones, and cis-RA-associated premature closure of the lower-extremity growth plates, with significant reduction in adult stature. A better appreciation of the detrimental effect of cis-RA on the growing skeleton is needed to monitor at-risk patients and to provide timely interventions.
Emprego de simulações no ensino e na avaliação
Authors: Iglesias Alessandro G. , Pazin-Filho Antonio
Published: October 2015

No mundo todo atualmente busca-se, dentro da moderna ciência educacional médica, tecnologias e métodos de ensino aprendizagem realmente eficazes ao ensino de competências, que envolvam adequadamente as esferas cognitivas, comportamentais e psico-motoras.1 Mais ainda, é desejável a esse fim que se utilize de meios que, ativamente, promovam o desenvolvimento reflexivo do estudante em medicina espelhando o mais próximo possível a prática médica real. É fundamental que se assegure que o processo educacional respeite e garanta de forma inalienável e primordial a segurança física e emocional dos pacientes, no ensino e na assistência. Também é reconhecido largamente que comportamentos não podem ser adequadamente desenvolvidos através somente de memorização e reprodução da teoria médica e ou ética isoladamente. Este artigo pretende em nível introdutório apresentar e descrever o uso da Simulação como metodologia ativa de ensino, demonstrando seu potencial e suas limitações, contextualizando-a para o ensino e avaliação em áreas de saúde.
Cardiac Organ Damage and Arterial Stiffness in Autonomic Failure
Authors: Milazzo Valeria , Maule Simona , Di Stefano Cristina , Tosello Francesco , Totaro Silvia , Veglio Franco , Milan Alberto
Published: October 2015

Autonomic failure (AF) is characterized by orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension, and increased blood pressure (BP) variability. AF patients develop cardiac organ damage, similarly to essential hypertension (EH), and have higher arterial stiffness than healthy controls. Determinants of cardiovascular organ damage in AF are not well known: both BP variability and mean BP values may be involved. The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiac organ damage, arterial stiffness, and central hemodynamics in AF, compared with EH subjects with similar 24-hour BP and a group of healthy controls, and to evaluate determinants of target organ damage in patients with AF. Twenty-seven patients with primary AF were studied (mean age, 65.7±11.2 years) using transthoracic echocardiography, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, central hemodynamics, and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. They were compared with 27 EH subjects matched for age, sex, and 24-hour mean BP and with 27 healthy controls. AF and EH had similar left ventricular mass (101.6±33.3 versus 97.7±28.1 g/m
2
,
P
=0.59) and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (9.3±1.8 versus 9.2±3.0 m/s,
P
=0.93); both parameters were significantly lower in healthy controls (
P
<0.01). Compared with EH, AF patients had higher augmentation index (31.0±7.6% versus 26.1±9.2%,
P
=0.04) and central BP values. Nighttime systolic BP and 24-hour systolic BP predicted organ damage, independent of BP variability. AF patients develop hypertensive heart disease and increased arterial stiffness, similar to EH with comparable mean BP values. Twenty-four–hour and nighttime systolic BP were determinants of cardiovascular damage, independent of BP variability.
Sex-Specific Effect of Endothelin in the Blood Pressure Response to Acute Angiotensin II in Growth-Restricted Rats
Authors: Intapad Suttira , Ojeda Norma B. , Varney Elliott , Royals Thomas P. , Alexander Barbara T.
Published: October 2015

The renal endothelin system contributes to sex differences in blood pressure with males demonstrating greater endothelin type-A receptor-mediated responses relative to females. Intrauterine growth restriction programs hypertension and enhance renal sensitivity to acute angiotensin II in male growth-restricted rats. Endothelin is reported to work synergistically with angiotensin II. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that endothelin augments the blood pressure response to acute angiotensin II in male growth-restricted rats. Systemic and renal hemodynamics were determined in response to acute angiotensin II (100 mg/kg per minute for 30 minutes) with and without the endothelin type-A receptor antagonist, Atrasentan (ABT-627; 10 ng/kg per minute for 30 minutes), in rats pretreated with enalapril (250 mg/L for 1 week) to normalize the endogenous renin–angiotensin system. Endothelin type-A receptor blockade reduced angiotensin II–mediated increases in blood pressure in male control and male growth-restricted rats. Endothelin type-A receptor blockade also abolished hyper-responsiveness to acute angiotensin II in male growth-restricted rats. Yet, blood pressure remained significantly elevated above baseline after endothelin type-A receptor blockade, suggesting that factors in addition to endothelin contribute to the basic angiotensin II–induced pressor response in male rats. We also determined sex-specific effects of endothelin on acute angiotensin II–mediated hemodynamic responses. Endothelin type-A receptor blockade did not reduce acute angiotensin II–mediated increases in blood pressure in female control or growth-restricted rats, intact or ovariectomized. Thus, these data suggest that endothelin type-A receptor blockade contributes to hypersensitivity to acute angiotensin II in male growth-restricted rats and further supports the sex-specific effect of endothelin on blood pressure.
Australian spinifex grasses: new names in Triodia for Monodia and Symplectrodia
Authors: Crisp Michael Douglas , Mant Jim , Toon Alicia , Cook Lyn Gai
Published: October 2015

The Australian spinifex grasses comprise an endemic radiation (69+ species) of morphologically and ecologically distinctive plants. Many species are long-lived hummock-forming perennials that bristle with needle-like leaves. Ecologically, they resemble sclerophyll shrubs rather than grasses (Rice & Westoby 1999). They are widespread in dry communities, especially the eremaean and monsoonal (savannah) biomes, where they often dominate the landscape, particularly on oligotrophic (sandy and skeletal) substrates. Across nearly one-third of the continent, spinifex plays a dominant role in structuring communities and their fire regimes, directly influencing the habitat dynamics of many animals, including endangered species (Allan & Southgate 2002, Brown et al. 2009, Dickman et al. 2011).
A taxonomic revision of South American species of the seed-harvester ant genus Pogonomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Part I
Authors: JOHNSON ROBERT A.
Published: October 2015

South American species in the seed-harvester ant genus Pogonomyrmex (subfamily Myrmicinae) are interesting biologically because of their numerous queen phenotypes and life histories. This paper provides a taxonomic revision and reviews the natural history for 21 South American species of Pogonomyrmex so that we can better study their rich and interesting ecology, life history, and evolution. Species treated herein comprise all South American species-groups except for the brevibarbis and rastratus-groups. The following taxa are raised to species: pencosensis Forel 1914 and serpens Santschi 1922. The following new synonomies are proposed: bruchi Forel 1913 is synonomized under coarctatus Mayr 1868 and cunicularius carnivora Santschi 1925 under serpens Santschi 1922. The following new species is described: tinogasta. This paper redescribes workers of all species, and I describe queens and diagnose males for the following species: bispinosus (ergatoid queen, male), inermis (queen, male), laticeps (male), lobatus (queen, male), micans (queen), naegelii (ergatoid queen), pencosensis (ergatoid queen), serpens (ergatoid queen), tinogasta (brachypterous queen), and uruguayensis (queen, male). A neotype was designated for the untraceable or possibly lost type of P. bispinosus, and a holotype or lectotype was designated from syntypes for all other previously described taxa in order to provide a single name-bearing specimen and to facilitate future taxonomic studies. Of the 21 species treated herein, five species have ergatoid (wingless) queens (bispinosus, cunicularius, pencosensis, serpens, mayri), two have brachypterous (short-winged) queens (mendozanus, tinogasta), and two have dimorphic queens (winged and ergatoid in naegelii, brachypterous and ergatoid in laticeps). I also provide keys for workers and queens (in English and Spanish), photographs of all castes, distribution maps, and a summary of known biology.
New Zealand Diastylidae and Gynodiastylidae (Crustacea: Cumacea)
Authors: GERKEN SARAH
Published: October 2015

Recent work in the collections at the New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research collections in Wellington has yielded 14 new diastylid species in five genera, Colurostylis whitireia n. sp., Diastylis acanthoelachys n. sp., D. adaioacanthus n. sp., D. curtain n. sp., D. dasys n. sp., D. enodis n. sp., D. homoacanthus n. sp., D. implanus n. sp., D. spinacellulosus n. sp., Diastylopsis aspratilis n. sp., D. bicarina n. sp., Leptostylis wisniewskiae n. sp., L. zealandiensis n. sp., Makrokylindrus semiechinata n. sp. and a single new gynodiastylid species, Gynodiastylis chathamensis n. sp. Makrokylindrus is recorded from New Zealand waters for the first time. Keys to all diastylid and gynodiastylid species from New Zealand waters are included, as well as an updated global key to Diastylopsis.
Empirical Modeling and Stochastic Simulation of Sea Level Pressure Variability
Authors: Kravtsov Sergey , Tilinina Natalia , Zyulyaeva Yulia , Gulev Sergey K.
Published: October 2015

The scope of this work is stochastic emulation of sea level pressure (SLP) for use in error estimation and statistical prediction studies. The input SLP dataset whose statistics are to be emulated was taken from the 1979–2013 ERA-Interim dataset at full 6-hourly temporal and 0.75° spatial resolutions over the Northern Hemisphere. Upon subtracting the monthly climatological mean value and mean diurnal cycle, the SLP anomalies (SLPA) were projected onto the subspace of 1000 leading empirical orthogonal functions of the daily-mean SLPA, which account for the vast majority (>99%) of the full 6-hourly fields’ variance for each season. The main step of this method is the estimation of a linear autoregressive moving-average empirical model for the daily SLPA principal components (PCs) via regularized multiple linear regression; this model was driven, at the stage of simulation, by state-dependent (multiplicative) noise. Last, a diagnostic statistical scheme has been developed and implemented for accurate interpolation of simulated daily SLPA to 6-hourly temporal resolution. Upon transforming the simulated 6-hourly SLPA PCs into the physical space and adding a seasonal climatological mean and mean diurnal cycle, the resulting SLP variability was compared with the actual variability in the ERA-Interim dataset. It is shown that this empirical model produces independent realizations of SLP variability that are nearly indistinguishable from the observed variability over a wide range of statistical measures; these measures include, among others, spatial patterns of bandpass- and low-pass-filtered variability, as well as diverse characteristics of midlatitude cyclone tracks.
Immersion Freezing of Kaolinite: Scaling with Particle Surface Area
Authors: Hartmann Susan , Wex Heike , Clauss Tina , Augustin-Bauditz Stefanie , Niedermeier Dennis , Rösch Michael , Stratmann Frank
Published: October 2015

This study presents an analysis showing that the freezing probability of kaolinite particles from Fluka scales exponentially with particle surface area for different atmospherically relevant particle sizes. Immersion freezing experiments were performed at the Leipzig Aerosol Cloud Interaction Simulator (LACIS). Size-selected kaolinite particles with mobility diameters of 300, 700, and 1000 nm were analyzed with one particle per droplet. First, it is demonstrated that immersion freezing is independent of the droplet volume. Using the mobility analyzer technique for size selection involves the presence of multiply charged particles in the quasi-monodisperse aerosol, which are larger than singly charged particles. The fractions of these were determined using cloud droplet activation measurements. The development of a multiple charge correction method has proven to be essential for deriving ice fractions and other quantities for measurements in which the here-applied method of size selection is used. When accounting for multiply charged particles (electric charge itself does not matter), both a time-independent and a time-dependent description of the freezing process can reproduce the measurements over the range of examined particle sizes. Hence, either a temperature-dependent surface site density or a single contact angle distribution was sufficient to parameterize the freezing behavior. From a comparison with earlier studies using kaolinite samples from the same provider, it is concluded that the neglect of multiply charged particles and, to a lesser extent, the effect of time can cause a significant overestimation of the ice nucleation site density of one order of magnitude, which translates into a temperature bias of 5–6 K.
Impact of Parameterized Physical Processes on Simulated Tropical Cyclone Characteristics in the Community Atmosphere Model
Authors: He Fei , Posselt Derek J.
Published: October 2015

This study advances the understanding of how parameterized physical processes affect the development of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) using the Reed–Jablonowski TC test case. It examines the impact of changes in 24 parameters across multiple physical parameterization schemes that represent convection, turbulence, precipitation, and cloud processes. The one-at-a-time (OAT) sensitivity analysis method quantifies the relative influence of each parameter on TC simulations and identifies which parameters affect six different TC characteristics: intensity, precipitation, longwave cloud radiative forcing (LWCF), shortwave cloud radiative forcing (SWCF), cloud liquid water path (LWP), and ice water path (IWP). It is shown that TC intensity is mainly sensitive to the parcel fractional mass entrainment rate (dmpdz) in deep convection. A decrease in this parameter can lead to a change in simulated intensity from a tropical depression to a category-4 storm. Precipitation and SWCF are strongly affected by three parameters in deep convection: tau (time scale for consumption rate of convective available potential energy), dmpdz, and C0_ocn (precipitation coefficient). Changes in physical parameters generally do not affect LWCF much. In contrast, LWP and IWP are very sensitive to changes in C0_ocn. The changes can be as large as 10 (5) times the control mean value for LWP (IWP). Further examination of the response functions for the subset of most sensitive parameters reveals nonlinear relationships between parameters and most output variables, suggesting that linear perturbation analysis may produce misleading results when applied to strongly nonlinear systems.
Probabilistic Concepts in Intermediate-Complexity Climate Models: A Snapshot Attractor Picture
Authors: Herein Mátyás , Márfy János , Drótos Gábor , Tél Tamás
Published: October 2015

A time series resulting from a single initial condition is shown to be insufficient for quantifying the internal variability in a climate model, and thus one is unable to make meaningful climate projections based on it. The authors argue that the natural distribution, obtained from an ensemble of trajectories differing solely in their initial conditions, of the snapshot attractor corresponding to a particular forcing scenario should be determined in order to quantify internal variability and to characterize any instantaneous state of the system in the future. Furthermore, as a simple measure of internal variability of any particular variable of the model, the authors suggest using its instantaneous ensemble standard deviation. These points are illustrated with the intermediate-complexity climate model Planet Simulator forced by a CO2 scenario, with a 40-member ensemble. In particular, the leveling off of the time dependence of any ensemble average is shown to provide a much clearer indication of reaching a steady state than any property of single time series. Shifts in ensemble averages are indicative of climate changes. The dynamical character of such changes is illustrated by hysteresis-like curves obtained by plotting the ensemble average surface temperature versus the CO2 concentration. The internal variability is found to be the most pronounced on small geographical scales. The traditionally used 30-yr temporal averages are shown to be considerably different from the corresponding ensemble averages. Finally, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index, related to the teleconnection paradigm, is also investigated. It is found that the NAO time series strongly differs in any individual realization from each other and from the ensemble average, and climatic trends can be extracted only from the latter.
A Systematic Review of Eligibility and Outcomes in Tinnitus Trials
Authors: Plein Colleen T. , Harounian Jonathan , Floyd Elizabeth , Irizarry Rachel , Ferzli George , Kidwai Sarah , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To analyze existing tinnitus treatment trials with regard to eligibility criteria, outcome measures, study quality, and external validity and to recognize the effect of patient demographics, symptom duration, severity, and otologic comorbidity on research findings to help practitioners apply them to patient encounters.

Data Sources

Systematic literature search conducted by an information specialist for development of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation’s tinnitus clinical practice guideline.

Review Methods

Articles were assessed for eligibility with the PRISMA protocol (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses) and data extracted by 2 independent investigators. Studies were assessed for methodological quality, inclusion and exclusion criteria, patient demographics, and outcome measures.

Results

A total of 147 randomized trials met inclusion criteria. Nearly all studies took place in a specialist setting. More than 50% did not explicitly define tinnitus, and 44% used a subjective severity threshold, such as “severely disturbing.” Fifty‐four percent required symptom duration of at least 6 months for study eligibility, and up to 33% excluded patients with “organic” hearing loss or otologic conditions. Mean age was 52.2 years, and median follow‐up was 3 months. Only 20% had a low risk of bias.

Conclusion

Randomized trials of tinnitus interventions are most applicable to older adults with tinnitus lasting ≥6 months who are evaluated in specialty settings. High risk of bias, short follow‐up, and outcome reporting raise concerns about the validity of findings and may influence how clinicians apply trial results to individual patients and establish treatment expectations, thus demonstrating the need for further quality research in this field.
Simulation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Dry Model
Authors: Dwyer Tim , Slade Shantz Jesse , Chahal Jaskarndip , Wasserstein David , Schachar Rachel , Kulasegaram K. Mahan , Theodoropoulos John , Greben Rachel , Ogilvie-Harris Darrell
Published: October 2015

Background:

As the demand increases for demonstration of competence in surgical skill, the need for validated assessment tools also increases.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to validate a dry knee model for the assessment of performance of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The hypothesis was that the combination of a checklist and a previously validated global rating scale would be a valid and reliable means of assessing ACLR when performed by residents in a dry model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

All residents, sports medicine staff, and fellows were invited to perform a hamstring ACLR using anteromedial drilling and Endobutton fixation on a dry model of an anterior cruciate ligament. Previous exposure to knee arthroscopy and ACLR was recorded. A detailed surgical manuscript and technique video were sent to all participants before the study. Residents were evaluated by staff surgeons with task-specific checklists created by use of a modified Delphi procedure and the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET). Each procedure (hand movements and arthroscopic video) was recorded and scored by a fellow blinded to the year of training of each participant.

Results:

A total of 29 residents, 5 fellows, and 6 staff surgeons (40 participants total) performed an ACLR on the dry model. The internal reliability (Cronbach alpha) of the test when using the total ASSET score was very high (>0.9). One-way analysis of variance for the total ASSET score and the total checklist score demonstrated a difference between participants based on year of training ( P < .001). Post hoc analysis demonstrated a significant difference in global ratings and checklist scores between junior residents (postgraduate year [PGY] 1-3) and senior residents (PGY 4 and 5) and senior residents and fellows ( P < .05). A significant difference was seen between fellows and staff on the global rating ( P < .05) but not on the checklist scores ( P > .05). A good correlation was seen between the total ASSET score and prior exposure to knee arthroscopy (0.73) and ACLR (0.65). The interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) between the examiner ratings and the blinded assessor ratings for the total ASSET score was very high (>0.8).

Conclusion:

The results of this study provide evidence that the performance of an ACLR in a dry model is a reliable method of assessing a resident’s knowledge of the steps and instrumentation required, and the method shows evidence of validity.

Clinical Relevance:

These models may be used to ensure a minimal level of competence before residents and fellows perform ACLR in the operating room.
Permanency and Safety Among Children in Foster Family and Kinship Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bell Tessa , Romano Elisa
Published: October 2015

Over the past 25 years, kinship care placements have risen dramatically, such that when a child enters into care, child welfare agencies must first attempt to identify safe living arrangements with relatives or individuals known to the child before searching for alternatives. Despite the growing emphasis on kinship care, little is known about its impact on child outcomes in comparison to other placement types (e.g., foster family). Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to evaluate quantitative research on children in out-of-home care from 2007 to 2014 with regard to the following outcomes: (1) permanency (i.e., reunification, reentry, placement stability, and adoption/guardianship) and (2) safety (e.g., additional reports to child welfare). Based on these objectives, the review identified 54 studies that examined permanency and safety among children in two major placement types, namely foster family and kinship care. Across studies, children in kinship care experienced greater permanency in terms of a lower rate of reentry, greater placement stability, and more guardianship placements in comparison to children living with foster families. Children in kinship care, however, had lower rates of adoption and reunification. The findings also indicated that differences in these variables diminish over time. Findings for safety outcomes were mixed. Study methodological limitations and recommendations for future research are considered.