bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Modified Active Appearance Model Based on an Adaptive Artificial Bee Colony
Authors: Abdulameer Mohammed Hasan , Sheikh Abdullah Siti Norul Huda , Othman Zulaiha Ali
Published: August 2014

Active appearance model (AAM) is one of the most popular model-based approaches that have been extensively used to extract features by highly accurate modeling of human faces under various physical and environmental circumstances. However, in such active appearance model, fitting the model with original image is a challenging task. State of the art shows that optimization method is applicable to resolve this problem. However, another common problem is applying optimization. Hence, in this paper we propose an AAM based face recognition technique, which is capable of resolving the fitting problem of AAM by introducing a new adaptive ABC algorithm. The adaptation increases the efficiency of fitting as against the conventional ABC algorithm. We have used three datasets: CASIA dataset, property 2.5D face dataset, and UBIRIS v1 images dataset in our experiments. The results have revealed that the proposed face recognition technique has performed effectively, in terms of accuracy of face recognition.
Tumorigenic Factor CRIPTO-1 Is Immunolocalized in Extravillous Cytotrophoblast in Placenta Creta
Authors: Bandeira Carla Letícia , Urban Borbely Alexandre , Pulcineli Vieira Francisco Rossana , Schultz Regina , Zugaib Marcelo , Bevilacqua Estela
Published: August 2014

CRIPTO-(CR)1 is a protein associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis. Here we demonstrate that CR-1 expression in normal and creta placentas is associated with various degrees of uterine invasion. Cytokeratin (CK) and CR-1 protein expression was visualized by immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded placental specimens (control placentas,n=9; accreta,n=6; increta,n=10; percreta,n=15). The pattern of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell morphology was distinctive in creta placentas: densely-compacted cell columns and large star-shaped cells with a typically migratory phenotype, not common among third trimester control placentas. Quantification revealed higher CR-1 immunoreactivities in accreta(P=0.001), increta(P=0.0002), and percreta placentas(P=0.001)than in controls. In contrast to controls, there was a significant positive relationship between CR-1 and CK reactivity in all creta placentas (accreta,P=0.02; increta,P=0.0001, and percreta,P=0.025). This study demonstrated CR-1 expression in the placental bed, its increased expression in creta placentas, and EVT cells as the main CR-1-producing cell type. Morphological examination revealed an immature and invasive trophoblast profile in creta placentas, suggesting impairment of the trophoblast differentiation pathway. These findings provide important new insights into the pathophysiology of abnormal creta placentation and its gestational consequences.
Extension of Modified Polak-Ribière-Polyak Conjugate Gradient Method to Linear Equality Constraints Minimization Problems
Authors: Dai Zhifeng
Published: August 2014

Combining the Rosen gradient projection method with the two-term Polak-Ribière-Polyak (PRP) conjugate gradient method, we propose a two-term Polak-Ribière-Polyak (PRP) conjugate gradient projection method for solving linear equality constraints optimization problems. The proposed method possesses some attractive properties: (1) search direction generated by the proposed method is a feasible descent direction; consequently the generated iterates are feasible points; (2) the sequences of function are decreasing. Under some mild conditions, we show that it is globally convergent with Armijio-type line search. Preliminary numerical results show that the proposed method is promising.
Supply Chain Contracts in Fashion Department Stores: Coordination and Risk Analysis
Authors: Shen Bin , Chow Pui-Sze , Choi Tsan-Ming
Published: August 2014

In the fashion industry, department stores normally trade with suppliers of national brands by markdown contract whilst developing private labels with cooperated designers by profit sharing contract. Motivated by this real industrial practice, we study a single‐supplier single‐retailer two‐echelon fashion supply chain selling a short‐life fashion product of either a national brand or a private label. The supplier refers to the national/designer brand owner and the retailer refers to the department store. We investigate the supply chain coordination issue and examine the supply chain agents’ performances under the mentioned two contracts. We find the analytical evidence that there is a similar relative risk performance but different absolute risk performances between the national brand and the private label. This finding provides an important implication in strategic interaction for the risk‐averse department stores in product assortment and brand management. Furthermore, we explore the impact of sales effort on the supply chain system and find that the supply chain is able to achieve coordination if and only if the supplier (i.e., the national brand or the private label) is willing to share the cost of the sales effort.
Molecular Pathways: Regulation and Targeting of Kinetochore–Microtubule Attachment in Cancer
Authors: Herman Jacob A. , Toledo Chad M. , Olson James M. , DeLuca Jennifer G. , Paddison Patrick J.
Published: August 2014

Kinetochores are large protein structures assembled on centromeric DNA during mitosis that bind to microtubules of the mitotic spindle to orchestrate and power chromosome movements. Deregulation of kinetochore–microtubule (KT–MT) attachments has been implicated in driving chromosome instability and cancer evolution; however, the nature and source of KT–MT attachment defects in cancer cells remain largely unknown. Here, we highlight recent findings suggesting that oncogene-driven changes in kinetochore regulation occur in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and possibly other cancers exhibiting chromosome instability, giving rise to novel therapeutic opportunities. In particular, we consider the GLE2p-binding sequence domains of BubR1 and the newly discovered BuGZ, two kinetochore-associated proteins, as candidate therapeutic targets for GBM. Clin Cancer Res; 21(2); 233–9. ©2014 AACR.
New Strategies in Advanced Cervical Cancer: From Angiogenesis Blockade to Immunotherapy
Authors: Tewari Krishnansu S. , Monk Bradley J.
Published: August 2014

Cervical cancer remains unique among solid tumor malignancies. Persistent infection with oncogenic subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) results in carcinogenesis, predominantly occurring at the cervical transformation zone where endocervical columnar cells undergo metaplasia to a stratified squamous epithelium. The molecular cascade involving viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7 and their degradative interactions with cellular tumor suppressor gene products, p53 and pRb, respectively, has been precisely delineated. The precursor state of cervical neoplasia may last for years allowing for ready detection through successful screening programs in developed countries using cervical cytology and/or high-risk HPV DNA testing. Prophylactic HPV L1 capsid protein vaccines using virus-like-particle technology have been developed to prevent primary infection by the most common high-risk HPVs (16 and 18). Women who lack access to health care and those who undergo sporadic screening remain at risk. Although radical surgery (including fertility-sparing surgery) is available for patients with early-stage cancers, and chemoradiation plus high-dose-rate brachytherapy can cure the majority of those with locally advanced disease, patients with metastatic and nonoperable recurrent cervical cancer constitute a high-risk population with an unmet clinical need. On August 14, 2014, the FDA approved the antiangiogenesis drug bevacizumab for women with advanced cervical cancer. This review will highlight advances in translational science, antiangiogenesis therapy and immunotherapy for advanced disease. Clin Cancer Res; 20(21); 5349–58. ©2014 AACR.
The Nuclear Pool of Tetraspanin CD9 Contributes to Mitotic Processes in Human Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Rappa Germana , Green Toni M. , Lorico Aurelio
Published: August 2014

Tetraspanin-29 (CD9) is an integral membrane protein involved in several fundamental cell processes and in cancer metastasis. Here, characterization of a panel of breast cancer cells revealed a nuclear pool of CD9, not present in normal human mammary epithelial cells. Antibody binding to surface CD9 of breast cancer cells resulted in increased nuclear CD9 fluorescence. CD9 was also found, along with a plasma membrane–associated pool, in the nuclei of all primary ductal breast carcinoma patient specimens analyzed. In all patients, about 40% of the total CD9 cellular fluorescence was nuclear. CD9 colocalized at the nuclear level with CEP97, a protein implicated in centrosome function, and with the IGSF8, an established CD9 partner in the plasma membrane. Co-immunoprecipitation of CEP97 and IGSF8 with CD9 was shown in nuclear extracts from breast cancer cells expressing a CD9–GFP fusion protein. However, by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis, no direct binding of CD9 with either protein was observed, suggesting that CD9 is part of a larger nuclear protein complex. CD9 depletion or exposure of parental breast cancer cells to anti-CD9 mAb resulted in polynucleation and multipolar mitoses. These data indicate that the nuclear CD9 pool has an important role in the mitotic process.

Implications: The discovery of a nuclear pool of CD9 has prognostic and/or therapeutic potential for patients with ductal carcinoma of the breast. Mol Cancer Res; 12(12); 1840–50. ©2014 AACR.
Reproducibility and Repeatability of Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness Measurements in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Carpineto Paolo , Aharrh-Gnama Agbeanda , Ciciarelli Vincenzo , Mastropasqua Alessandra , Di Antonio Luca , Toto Lisa
Published: August 2014

Purpose: To assess the reproducibility and repeatability of macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness measurements in healthy subjects. Procedures: In this observational study, 60 healthy eyes were subjected to macular GC-IPL thickness measurements by means of Cirrus™ high-definition optical coherence tomography (Cirrus version 6.0; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, Calif., USA) by two examiners in two sessions. Average, minimum and 6 sectoral GC-IPL thicknesses were measured. Inter- and intraobserver reproducibility was tested and analyzed by means of the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). The repeatability of measurements was assessed by the coefficient of repeatability (CR). Results: Mean age (±SD) was 29.63 (±5.1) years. The CRs for average GC-IPL thickness were 2.1 and 2.2 µm for the first and the second operator, respectively. Inter- and intraobserver CCCs ranged from 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89-0.93) to 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99) and from 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88-0.94) to 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99), respectively. Conclusions: GC-IPL thickness measurements in young healthy subjects showed excellent reproducibility and repeatability, especially for average and sectoral GC-IPL thickness measurements.
Value of Clinical and Laboratory Inflammation Factors in the Postoperative Period after Laparoscopic Urogynecological Surgery
Authors: Noé Günter-Karl , Anapolski Michael , Soltész Stefan , Spüntrup Carolin , Mettler Liselotte , Schollmeyer Thoralf , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: August 2014

Background/Aims: Leukocytes and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are often used to detect infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and screening validity of leukocytes and CRP levels as well as body temperature >38° C to predict infections after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Methods: The study included 287 patients suffering from genital prolapse higher than POP-Q I. In addition to the sacrocolpopexy, a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy was performed in cases of preexisting uterus (n = 171). Leukocytes and CRP levels were analyzed preoperatively and 4 days after surgery. Early and late onset of infections was documented. Results: Urinary tract infection was identified as the most frequent early postoperative complication (11.4%). Early wound infections were found in 2.8% of the patients (8/287). Late onset of infections was found in 1% of patients (3/287). Areas under ROC curves were low for both leukocytes (0.52, 95% CI: 0.37-0.66) and CRP levels (0.60, 95% CI: 0.44-0.77). Conclusion: Our findings question the benefit of routine determination of leukocytes and CRP levels 4 days after surgery. The sensitivity and specificity of leukocytes and CRP levels are probably more significant after normalization of the initial tissue response (days 8-10).
C1-esterase inhibitor treatment: preclinical safety aspects on the potential prothrombotic risk
Authors: Raquet Elmar , Nolte Marc , May Frauke , Müller-Cohrs Jochen , Björkqvist Jenny , Dickneite Gerhard , Schürmann Daniel , Herzog Eva , Pragst Ingo
Published: August 2014

Human plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor (C1–INH) is an efficacious and safe treatment for hereditary angioedema. However, thrombotic events in subjects treated with C1–INH at recommended or offlabel, high doses have been reported. In this study, we addressed the potential prothrombotic risk of C1–INH treatment in high doses using a non-clinical rabbit model. Following intravenous infusion of C1–INH to rabbits at doses up to 800 IU/kg, the exposure and the pharmacodynamic efficacy of C1–INH in rabbits were confirmed by activity measurements of C1-esterase, and coagulation factors XIa and XIIa, respectively. Potential prothrombotic effects were assessed following induction of venous and arterial thrombosis using in vivo models of venous and arterial stasis, complemented by various in vitro assays of coagulation markers. Administration of C1–INH at doses up to 800 IU/ kg did not potentiate thrombus formation during venous stasis. In contrast, inhibition of arterial occlusion was observed upon C1–INH administration when compared with isotonic saline treatment, indicating antithrombotic rather than prothrombotic activity of high dose C1–INH treatment in vivo. This was further confirmed in vitro by decreased thrombin generation, increased activated partial thromboplastin time, clotting time and clot formation time, and inhibition of platelet aggregation. No relevant changes in fibrinolysis or in the levels of thrombin-antithrombin complexes, and prothrombin fragment 1+2 were observed upon high dose C1–INH treatment. The data suggest that treatment of healthy rabbits with high doses of C1–INH could potentially inhibit coagulation and thrombus formation rather than induce a prothrombotic risk.
Genetic deletion of platelet glycoprotein Ib alpha but not its extracellular domain protects from atherosclerosis
Authors: Koltsova Ekaterina , Sundd Prithu , Zarpellon Alessandro , Ouyang Hui , Mikulski Zbigniew , Zampolli Antonella , Ruggeri Zaverio , Ley Klaus
Published: August 2014

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis involves the interplay of haematopoietic, stromal and endothelial cells. Platelet interactions with endothelium and leukocytes are pivotal for atherosclerosis promotion. Glycoprotein (GP) Ibα is the ligand-binding subunit of the platelet GPIb-IX-V receptor complex; its deficiency causes the Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS), characterised by absent platelet GPIb-IX-V, macrothrombocytopenia and bleeding. We designed this study to determine the role of platelet GPIbα in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis using two unique knockout models. Ldlr-/- mice were reconstituted with wild-type (wt), GPIbα-/- (lacks GPIbα) or chimeric IL-4R/GPIbα-Tg (lacks GPIbα extracellular domain) bone marrow and assayed for atherosclerosis development after feeding with pro-atherogenic “western diet”. Here, we report that Ldlr-/- mice reconstituted with GPIbα-/- bone marrow developed less atherosclerosis compared to wt controls; accompanied by augmented accumulation of pro-inflammatory CD11b+ and CD11c+ myeloid cells, reduced oxLDL uptake and decreased TNF and IL 12p35 gene expression in the aortas. Flow cytometry and live cell imaging in whole blood-perfused microfluidic chambers revealed reduced platelet-monocyte aggregates in GPIbα-/- mice, which resulted in decreased monocyte activation. Interestingly, Ldlr -/- mice reconstituted with IL-4R/GPIbα-Tg bone marrow, producing less abnormal platelets, showed atherosclerotic lesions similar to wt mice. Platelet interaction with blood monocytes and accumulation of myeloid cells in the aortas were also essentially unaltered. Moreover, only complete GPIbα ablation altered platelet microparticles and CCL5 chemokine production. Thus, atherosclerosis reduction in mice lacking GPIbα may not result from the defective GPIbα-ligand binding, but more likely is a consequence of functional defects of GPIbα-/- platelets and reduced blood platelet counts.
Coagulation factor VII variants resistant to inhibitory antibodies
Authors: Pfeiffer Caroline , Batorova Angelika , Giansily-Blaizot Muriel , Schved Jean , Mariani Guglielmo , Pinotti Mirko , Branchini Alessio , Baroni Marcello , Bernardi Francesco
Published: August 2014

Replacement therapy is currently used to prevent and treat bleeding episodes in coagulation factor deficiencies. However, structural differences between the endogenous and therapeutic proteins might increase the risk for immune complications. This study was aimed at identifying factor (F)VII variants resistant to inhibitory antibodies developed after treatment with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in a FVII-deficient patient homozygous for the p.A354V-p.P464Hfs mutation, which predicts trace levels of an elongated FVII variant in plasma. We performed fluorescent bead-based binding, ELISA-based competition as well as fluorogenic functional (activated FX and thrombin generation) assays in plasma and with recombinant proteins. We found that antibodies displayed higher affinity for the active than for the zymogen FVII (half-maximal binding at 0.54 ± 0.04 and 0.78 ± 0.07 BU/ml, respectively), and inhibited the coagulation initiation phase with a second-order kinetics. Isotypic analysis showed a polyclonal response with a large predominance of IgG1. We hypothesised that structural differences in the carboxyl-terminus between the inherited FVII and the therapeutic molecules contributed to the immune response. Intriguingly, a naturally-occurring, poorly secreted and 5-residue truncated FVII (FVII-462X) escaped inhibition. Among a series of truncated rFVII molecules, we identified a well-secreted and catalytically competent variant (rFVII-464X) with reduced binding to antibodies (half-maximal binding at 0.198 ± 0.003 BU/ml) as compared to the rFVII-wt (0.032 ± 0.002 BU/ml), which led to a 40-time reduced inhibition in activated FX generation assays. Taken together our results provide a paradigmatic example of mutation-related inhibitory antibodies, strongly support the FVII carboxyl-terminus as their main target and identify inhibitor-resistant FVII variants.
Cost-Effectiveness of Routine Surveillance Endomyocardial Biopsy After 12 Months Post–Heart Transplantation
Authors: Lampert Brent C. , Teuteberg Jeffrey J. , Shullo Michael A. , Holtz Jonathan , Smith Kenneth J.
Published: August 2014

Background—

Despite low risk of late rejection after heart transplant (HT), surveillance endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) are often continued for years. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of routine EMB after 12 months post-HT.

Methods and Results—

Markov model compared the following surveillance EMB strategies to baseline strategy of stopping EMB 12 months post-HT: (1) every 4 months during year 2 post-HT, (2) every 6 months during year 2, (3) every 4 months for years 2 to 3, and (4) every 6 months for years 2 to 3. Patients entered the model 12 months post-HT and were followed until 36 months. In all strategies, patients had EMB with symptoms; in biopsy strategies after 12 months, EMB was also performed as scheduled regardless of symptoms. One-way and Monte Carlo sensitivity analyses were performed. Stopping EMB at 12 months was dominant (more effective, less costly), saving $2884 per patient compared with the next best strategy (every 6 months for year 2) and gaining 0.0011 quality-adjusted life-years. Increasing the annual risk of asymptomatic rejection in years 2 to 3 from previously reported 2.5% to 8.5% resulted in the biopsy every 6 months for year 2 strategy gaining 0.0006 quality-adjusted life-years, but cost $4 913 599 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. EMB for 12 months was also no longer dominant when mortality risk from untreated asymptomatic rejection approached 11%; competing strategies still cost >$200 000 per quality-adjusted life-year as that risk approached 99%.

Conclusions—

Surveillance EMB for 12 months post-HT is more effective and less costly than EMB performed after 12 months, unless risks of asymptomatic cellular rejection and its mortality are strikingly higher than previously observed.
Measures to Reduce Radiation in a Modern Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
Authors: Agarwal Shikhar , Parashar Akhil , Ellis Stephen G. , Heupler Frederick A. , Lau Evan , Tuzcu E. Murat , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: August 2014

Background—

X-ray use in the catheterization laboratory is guided by the principle of
as low as reasonably achievable
. In accordance with this principle, we reduced the default fluoroscopic frame rate from 10 to 7.5 frames/s and increased the emphasis on the use of low-dose acquisition starting January 1, 2013. We aimed to study the impact of these measures on the total air kerma during diagnostic catheterization (DC) and percutaneous interventions (PCI).

Methods and Results—

Propensity matching based on age, sex, body surface area, total fluoroscopy time, and total acquisition time was used to select matched patients for 2012 and 2013, further stratified by DC or PCI. The total air kerma was subsequently compared between 2012 and 2013, separately for DC and PCI. Median total air kerma during DC in 2013 was 625 mGy, which was significantly lower than the corresponding values in 2012 (median, 798 mGy;
P
<0.001). Similarly, median total air kerma during PCI in 2013 was 1675 mGy, which was significantly less than corresponding values in 2012 (median 2463 mGy,
P
<0.001). On comparison of air kerma rates between corresponding projections in 2 years, we observed a significant reduction in fluoroscopy- and acquisition-based air kerma rates in 2013, after institution of radiation reduction measures in all projections.

Conclusions—

With reduction in the default fluoroscopic frame rate and a greater use of low-dose acquisition, there has been a marked reduction in the total air kerma and air kerma rates for DC and PCI.
Defining Clinically Relevant Cerebral Hemorrhage After Thrombolytic Therapy for Stroke
Authors: Rao Neal M. , Levine Steven R. , Gornbein Jeffrey A. , Saver Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Several definitions have been proposed to distinguish clinically relevant from incidental cerebral hemorrhagic transformation after thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke. We investigated which definition best identifies cerebral hemorrhages that alter long-term functional outcome in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) trials.

Methods—

We analyzed 4 candidate hemorrhage definitions for which the NINDS tPA trials public data set had relevant data. For each, we identified tPA-treated patients having that hemorrhage type and compared their actual functional outcomes at 90 days with their predicted outcomes had they not received tPA and not had the hemorrhage. Projected outcomes without tPA were based on a 17-variable prognostic model derived from the NINDS tPA trials placebo group.

Results—

Among the 312 patients treated with intravenous tPA, 33 (10.6%) experienced any radiological intracerebral hemorrhage <36 hours of treatment, 16 (5.1%) a radiological parenchymal hematoma, 20 (6.4%) a NINDS tPA trials–defined symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 12 (3.8%) an European-Australian Cooperative Acute Stroke Study 2 (ECASS2)–defined symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and 6 (1.9%) a modified version of the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke Monitoring Study (mSITS-MOST)–defined symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. The ECASS2 and mSITS-MOST definitions identified the largest hemorrhage-related change in 90-day modified Rankin Scale scores (2.26−0.32=1.94,
P
=0.0001; 2.81−0.63=2.18,
P
=0.0002, respectively). These definitions also distinguished the largest hemorrhage-related change in 90-day mortality (64.7%–7.6%=57.1%;
P
=0.0004 for ECASS2; 68.4%–19.5%=48.9%;
P
=0.0152 for mSITS-MOST).

Conclusions—

The ECASS2 and mSITS-MOST symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage definitions, which combine radiological features and occurrence of substantial early neurological deterioration, best identify tPA hemorrhages that alter final patient outcome.
Computed Tomographic Angiography and Cerebral Blood Volume Can Predict Final Infarct Volume and Outcome After Recanalization
Authors: Lum Cheemun , Ahmed Muhammad Ejaz , Patro Satya , Thornhill Rebecca , Hogan Matthew , Iancu Daniela , Lesiuk Howard , dos Santos Marlise , Dowlatshahi Dar
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Recanalization rates are higher in acute anterior stroke treated with stent-retrievers when compared with older techniques. However, some still have sizeable infarcts and poor outcome. This may be related to underestimation of core infarct on nonenhanced computed tomography (NECT). CT angiography (CTA) source images (CTASI) and CT perfusion may be more informative. We hypothesize that core infarct estimation with NECT, CTA, and CT perfusion predicts infarct at 24 hours and outcome after fast recanalization.

Methods—

Consecutive good recanalization patients with proximal anterior circulation stroke were evaluated. We assessed Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTs) on NECT for subtle early infarct, hypodensity, loss of gray–white (CTASI), and low cerebral blood volume (CBV; CT perfusion). Sensitivity and specificity for predicting infarct by region were calculated.

Results—

Of 46 patients, 36 (78%) had successful thrombectomy. Median ASPECTS was 10 for NECT early infarct and frank hypodensity; for CBV, CTASI-ASPECTS was 8. CTASI had the highest sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 82% for 24 hours NECT infarct. There was moderate correlation and concordance between CBV/24-hour NECT (
R
p
=0.51;
R
c
=0.50) and CTASI/24-hour NECT (
R
p
=0.54 and
R
c
=0.53). Thirty-four patients (74%) had good outcomes. Median ASPECTS was higher on CTASI (8 versus 5;
P
=0.04) and CBV (9 versus 5;
P
=0.03) for patients with good versus bad outcome. There were better outcomes with increasing CTASI-ASPECTS (
P
=0.004) and CBV-ASPECTS (
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—

CTASI and CBV were better at predicting 24-hour infarct and outcome than NECT. Appropriate advanced imaged guided selection may improve outcomes in large-vessel stroke treated with the newest techniques.
A new species of the genus Aspidiotes Schoenherr, 1847 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Tanymecini) from Middle Anatolia (Turkey)
Authors: ERBEY MAHMUT , GÜRLER YASİN
Published: August 2014

A new species of Aspidiotes Schoenherr, 1847 (Curculionidae: Tanymecini) from Turkey is described and illustrated. Aspidiotes (Phaenognathus) candani sp. nov. is closely related to A. anatolicus (Colonnelli) but can be separated by eye shape, form of pronotum, form of setae on disc of elytra, surface morphology of scales, structure of aedeagus (in dorsal view) and form of spermatheca.
Rajella paucispinosa n. sp., a new deep-water skate (Elasmobranchii, Rajidae) from the western Indian Ocean off South Mozambique, and a revised generic diagnosis
Authors: WEIGMANN SIMON , STEHMANN MATTHIAS F.W. , THIEL RALF
Published: August 2014

A new species of the widely in temperate and tropical latitudes distributed skate genus Rajella is described based on an almost adult male specimen from the western Indian Ocean off South Mozambique. The holotype of R. paucispinosa n. sp. was caught during cruise 17 of RV ‘Vityaz’ along the deep western Indian Ocean in 1988/89. It is the northernmost record of a Rajella specimen in the western Indian Ocean. The new species is the 18th valid species of the genus and the fifth species in the western Indian Ocean. It differs from its congeners in the small maximal total length of about 50 cm and only few thorns on the dorsal surface. The new species has only two thorns on each orbit, one nuchal thorn, one right scapular thorn (left one not detectable, abraded), and one median row of tail thorns. Other species of Rajella typically have half rings of thorns on orbital rims, a triangle of thorns on nape-shoulder region, and at least three rows of tail thorns. Another conspicuous feature of the new species is the almost completely white dorsal and ventral coloration.
Dynamical Simulations of North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity Using Observed Low-Frequency SST Oscillation Imposed on CMIP5 Model RCP4.5 SST Projections
Authors: LaRow Timothy E. , Stefanova Lydia , Seitz Chana
Published: August 2014

The effects on early and late twenty-first-century North Atlantic tropical cyclone statistics resulting from imposing the patterns of maximum/minimum phases of the observed Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) onto projected sea surface temperatures (SSTs) from two climate models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) are examined using a 100-km resolution global atmospheric model. By imposing the observed maximum positive and negative phases of the AMO onto two CMIP5 SST projections from the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 scenario, this study places bounds on future North Atlantic tropical cyclone activity during the early (2020–39) and late (2080–99) twenty-first century. Averaging over both time periods and both AMO phases, the mean named tropical cyclones (NTCs) count increases by 35% when compared to simulations using observed SSTs from 1982 to 2009. The positive AMO simulations produce approximately a 68% increase in mean NTC count, while the negative AMO simulations are statistically indistinguishable from the mean NTC count determined from the 1995–2009 simulations—a period of observed positive AMO phase. Examination of the tropical cyclone track densities shows a statistically significant increase in the tracks along the East Coast of the United States in the future simulations compared to the models’ 1982–2009 climate simulations. The increase occurs regardless of AMO phase, although the negative phase produces higher track densities. The maximum wind speeds increase by 6%, in agreement with other climate change studies. Finally, the NTC-related precipitation is found to increase (approximately by 13%) compared to the 1982–2009 simulations.
Dynamical and Thermodynamical Causes of Large-Scale Changes in the Hydrological Cycle over North America in Response to Global Warming*
Authors: Seager Richard , Neelin David , Simpson Isla , Liu Haibo , Henderson Naomi , Shaw Tiffany , Kushnir Yochanan , Ting Mingfang , Cook Benjamin
Published: August 2014

The mechanisms of model-projected atmospheric moisture budget change across North America are examined in simulations conducted with 22 models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Modern-day model budgets are validated against the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Interim Re-Analysis. In the winter half year transient eddies converge moisture across the continent while the mean flow wets the west from central California northward and dries the southwest. In the summer half year there is widespread mean flow moisture divergence across the west and convergence over the Great Plains that is offset by transient eddy divergence. In the winter half year the models project drying for the southwest and wetting to the north. Changes in the mean flow moisture convergence are largely responsible across the west but intensified transient eddy moisture convergence wets the northeast. In the summer half year widespread declines in precipitation minus evaporation (P − E) are supported by mean flow moisture divergence across the west and transient eddy divergence in the Great Plains. The changes in mean flow convergence are related to increases in specific humidity but also depend on changes in the mean flow including increased low-level divergence in the U.S. Southwest and a zonally varying wave that wets the North American west and east coasts in winter and dries the U.S. Southwest. Increased transient eddy fluxes occur even as low-level eddy activity weakens and arise from strengthened humidity gradients. A full explanation of North American hydroclimate changes will require explanation of mean and transient circulation changes and the coupling between the moisture and circulation fields.
When Is the Optimal Time to Screen for Chlamydia in Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease?
Authors: Bluett-Mills Gabriella , Kanter Julie
Published: August 2014

Objectives. Louisiana has a high rate of chlamydia, an easily identifiable and treatable sexually transmitted disease. Patients with chronic diseases, such as sickle cell disease (SCD) often forgo routine primary care visits. We hypothesized that patients with SCD have an increased percentage of asymptomatic chlamydia compared with a matched population. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed over a 12-month period on eligible patients with SCD (ages 15-30 years). Patients were screened for asymptomatic chlamydia by urine polymerase chain reaction during comprehensive care visits in the SCD clinic. Results. Thirty-four patients underwent testing during the study period, and 4/34 patients (11.8%) tested positive for chlamydia. State data show a rate of 1791/100 000 (1.8%) among a demographically matched cohort. Conclusions. Patients with SCD had a larger percentage of asymptomatic chlamydia than a demographically matched control population. Patients with SCD should be screened by specialists for chlamydia in addition to undergoing routine primary care evaluations.
Accuracy of Infrared Tympanic Thermometry Used in the Diagnosis of Fever in Children
Authors: Zhen Chen , Xia Zhang , Ya Jun Zhou , Long Li , Jian Shuai , Gui Ju Cai , Long Li
Published: August 2014

Background. Accurate determination and detection of fever is essential in the appropriate treatment of pediatric population. It is widely known that improper definitions of fever can cause grave and dangerous consequences in medical procedures. Infrared tympanic thermometry seems a relatively new and popular alternative for traditional measurement in the diagnosis of pediatric fever. However, its accuracy in the diagnosis of fever remains a major concern. Design. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources. Medline, Ovid, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library. Study Selection. Cross-sectional, prospective design. Data Extraction. Two investigators independently assessed selected studies and extracted data. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with other reviewers. Results. A total of 25 articles were included in our meta-analysis. The summary estimates revealed that the pooled sensitivity was 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.68-0.72), pooled specificity was 0.86 (95% CI = 0.85-0.88), and pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 47.3 (95% CI = 29.76-75.18), for the diagnosis of fever using infrared tympanic thermometry. Additionally, the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.94, and Q* value was 0.87. Conclusion. A total of 25 articles that encompassing 31 studies were analyzed. Based on our meta-analysis, accuracy of infrared tympanic thermometry in diagnosing fever is high. We can cautiously make conclusion that infrared tympanic thermometry should be widely used as fever of thermometer.
Reading Text While Driving
Authors: Liang Yulan , Horrey William J. , Hoffman Joshua D.
Published: August 2014

Objective

In this study, we investigated how drivers adapt secondary-task initiation and time-sharing behavior when faced with fluctuating driving demands.

Background

Reading text while driving is particularly detrimental; however, in real-world driving, drivers actively decide when to perform the task.

Method

In a test track experiment, participants were free to decide when to read messages while driving along a straight road consisting of an area with increased driving demands (demand zone) followed by an area with low demands. A message was made available shortly before the vehicle entered the demand zone. We manipulated the type of driving demands (baseline, narrow lane, pace clock, combined), message format (no message, paragraph, parsed), and the distance from the demand zone when the message was available (near, far).

Results

In all conditions, drivers started reading messages (drivers’ first glance to the display) before entering or before leaving the demand zone but tended to wait longer when faced with increased driving demands. While reading messages, drivers looked more or less off road, depending on types of driving demands.

Conclusions

For task initiation, drivers avoid transitions from low to high demands; however, they are not discouraged when driving demands are already elevated. Drivers adjust time-sharing behavior according to driving demands while performing secondary tasks. Nonetheless, such adjustment may be less effective when total demands are high.

Application

This study helps us to understand a driver’s role as an active controller in the context of distracted driving and provides insights for developing distraction interventions.
The Role of Hardiness in Decreasing Stress and Suicidal Ideation in a Sample of Undergraduate Students
Authors: Abdollahi Abbas , Abu Talib Mansor , Yaacob Siti Nor , Ismail Zanariah
Published: August 2014

Suicide is a serious and growing public health problem, and it remains a serious cause of death in the world; therefore, it is essential to increase our knowledge concerning the etiology of suicide among undergraduate students. Previous studies have shown that perceived stress increases vulnerability to suicidal ideation. However, factors that may explain the association have not been studied empirically. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine hardiness as a potential mediator between perceived stress and suicidal ideation among undergraduate students. The participants comprised 500 undergraduate students from Malaysian public universities. They completed the Personal Views Survey, Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Structural equation modeling estimated that undergraduate students with low levels of hardiness were more likely to report suicidal ideation. As expected, hardiness partially mediated between perceived stress and suicidal ideation. Our findings demonstrated that lower hardiness and greater perceived stress significantly predicted suicidal ideation among undergraduate students. These findings reinforce the importance of hardiness as a protective and predictive factor against perceived stress and suicidal ideation among undergraduate students.
Comments on ‘Current emerging situation of dengue in India’: with regard to the clinical and laboratory characteristics of paediatric dengue in India
Authors: Chakravarti Anita , Roy Priyamvada
Published: August 2014

Dengue is a major public health problem in India. We evaluated clinical and laboratory characteristics of 700 suspected dengue patients below the age of 12 years. Serum samples of the patients were analysed for dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibody by ELISA, and were correlated with clinical and haematological parameters. The positivity percentage of the serological tests showed an inverse relationship with age. Positive NS1 antigen and IgM antibody results were significantly associated with patients aged less than 3 years and more than 3 years, respectively. Maximum association with features of haemodynamic instability was seen in infants. The haemorrhagic manifestations of thrombocytopaenia, leucopaenia and anaemia were associated more with older age groups. This study provides evidence for age-related differences in clinical and laboratory features of paediatric dengue in an Indian setting.
Small and Medium Enterprises’ Awareness Regarding Export Credit Delivery System
Authors: Singh Fulbag , Kaur Manpreet
Published: August 2014

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is a regulating authority for commercial banks. It takes care that consumer interest is not ignored in the greed of making profits by commercial banks. Hence, from time-to-time, it issues guidelines in the form of master circulars to commercial banks on various issues. Commercial banks are required to offer a number of financing products to exporters to meet their varying needs as per RBI guidelines. Exporters can get their finance in Indian rupee or in foreign currency as per their requirements. But as commercial banks are there to make profits, they may not be interested in exporters’ awareness of the products giving lesser profits to the banks. Therefore, in the present study, an effort has been made to analyze the awareness level of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) exporters regarding various forms of export finance issued by commercial banks. Findings revealed a low level of awareness regarding various export financing products among SME exporters. Moreover commercial banks are not implementing RBI guidelines regarding export credit.
Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure by SENSEX Companies in India
Authors: Bhatia Aparna , Chander Subhash
Published: August 2014

Economic and social performances are the two strong pillars of sustainable corporate growth. The companies in India are now showing a genuine interest in the upliftment of the stakeholders they serve. They have started giving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) a place in their overall strategies of growth. This paper studies the extent of CSR disclosure made by leading companies constituting BSE SENSEX in India. The disclosure practices of 25 of these companies have been studied for the year 2009–2010 by preparing a CSR Index. Content Analysis has been used. Company-wise score and item-wise score has been calculated. The results show that the CSR disclosure by the leading companies in India is low. The company-wise mean disclosure is just 31 per cent while the category-wise mean disclosure is 40.32 per cent. The category of ‘Others’ followed by ‘Environment’ and then ‘Community Involvement’ are the most well-disclosed areas.
Fast interpolation and time-optimization with contact
Authors: Hauser Kris
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a method for generating dynamically feasible, keyframe-interpolating motions for robots undergoing contact, such as in legged locomotion and manipulation. The first stage generates a twice-differentiable interpolating path that obeys kinematic contact constraints up to a user-specified tolerance. The second stage optimizes speeds along the path to minimize time while satisfying dynamic constraints. The method supports velocity, acceleration, and torque constraints, and polyhedral contact friction constraints at an arbitrary number of contact points. The method is numerically stable, and empirical running time is weakly linear in the number of degrees of freedom and polynomial in the time-domain grid resolution. Experiments demonstrate that full-body motions for robots with 100 degrees of freedom and dozens of contact points are calculated in seconds.
Clinical Assessment of Scapula and Hip Joint Function in Preadolescent and Adolescent Baseball Players
Authors: Beckett Michael , Hannon Michael , Ropiak Christopher , Gerona Christopher , Mohr Karen , Limpisvasti Orr
Published: August 2014

Background:

Proper scapulothoracic and hip mechanics are essential aspects of the throwing kinetic chain. Little is known regarding these entities in preadolescent and adolescent baseball players.

Hypothesis:

Scapular malposition and dyskinesis as well as hip dysfunction are highly prevalent in preadolescent and adolescent baseball players and may be identified by simple clinical testing.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 112 baseball players aged 7 to 18 years were recruited from local Little Leagues, traveling teams, and high schools. Participants were divided into 2 groups: preadolescents (players aged 7-12 years) and adolescents (players aged 13-18 years). Scapular symmetry was tested with the yes/no method of Kibler and by measuring forward shoulder posture via the “coracoid distance.” Hip abductor strength was measured by use of a handheld digital dynamometer. Functional gluteal and core strength was assessed by video analysis of the subjects performing the single-legged squat test. Hip range of motion was measured in the prone position by use of a handheld goniometer.

Results:

Compared with the preadolescent group, the adolescent group had a significantly higher prevalence of scapular dyskinesis in the throwing shoulder (50% vs 25.9%, P = .011). The adolescents had significantly higher normalized hip abduction strength in both the stride (17.41 vs 12.62 N/kg, P < .001) and stance (17.82 vs 12.61 N/kg, P < .001) legs. The preadolescent group was unable to perform the single-legged squat test correctly in either the stance (0% preadolescent vs 13% adolescent, P = .0127) or stride (0% preadolescent vs 9.3% adolescent, P = .0567) leg. The mean coracoid distance was elevated in the dominant (throwing) shoulder after controlling for scapular dyskinesis ( P < .0001). Presence of scapular dyskinesis was associated with a higher mean coracoid distance ( P = .0067).

Conclusion:

There was a high prevalence of dominant shoulder scapular dyskinesis in the adolescent compared with the preadolescent group, as well as universally poor single-legged squat test performance. The mean coracoid distance was higher in the dominant or throwing side compared with the nondominant side independent of scapular dyskinesis. Presence of scapular dyskinesis was associated with higher mean coracoid distance.

Clinical Relevance:

Identification of players thought to be at increased risk for throwing injuries and initiation of targeted rehabilitation programs may decrease injury rates in preadolescent and adolescent baseball players.
One More Story: Racial Relations and Stereotypes in Brazilian Literature
Authors: da Silva Paulo V. Baptista
Published: August 2014

The article deals with race relations in Brazil, analyzing how adult and children’s literature in Brazil has worked to maintain and update the “Prospero complex”. The article is guided by the hypothesis that the main challenge is to mover narratives, literature and textbooks to go beyond the homogeneity of a single story based on white as representative “natural” of the human species that discursively places the “other” as “deviant”; from the hegemony of the white hierarchy for plural discourses. In Brazilian literature racial hierarchies are largely profuse and profound. The analysis of “the Negro as an object” indicates the presence of some striking black characters as the few characters with a tendency to subordination and inferiority. The alternatives are linked to the “black literature” that demonstrates richness and strength but at the same time this literature is maintained as “marginal.” In children’s literature the process is very similar, observing continuous forms of hierarchy of whites as superior and blacks as inferior. The article discusses the production of alternatives and other new literary discourses and the need for teacher training.