bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy-Efficient Data Recovery via Greedy Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zou Zhi-qiang , Li Ze-ting , Shen Shu , Wang Ru-chuan
Published: February 2016

Accelerating energy consumption and increasing data traffic have become prominent in large-scale wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Compressive sensing (CS) can recover data through the collection of a small number of samples with energy efficiency. General CS theory has several limitations when applied to WSNs because of the high complexity of its [Formula: see text]-based conventional convex optimization algorithm and the large storage space required by its Gaussian random observation matrix. Thus, we propose a novel solution that allows the use of CS for compressive sampling and online recovery of large data sets in actual WSN scenarios. The [Formula: see text]-based greedy algorithm for data recovery in WSNs is adopted and combined with a newly designed measurement matrix that is based on LEACH clustering algorithm integrated into a new framework called data acquisition framework of compressive sampling and online recovery (DAF_CSOR). Furthermore, we study three different greedy algorithms under DAF_CSOR. Results of evaluation experiments show that the proposed sparsity-adaptive DAF_CSOR is relatively optimal in terms of recovery accuracy. In terms of overall energy consumption and network lifetime, DAF_CSOR exhibits a certain advantage over conventional methods.
Increasing the Cruise Range and Reducing the Capital Cost of Electric Vehicles by Integrating Auxiliary Unit with the Traction Drive
Authors: Kumar N. Satheesh
Published: February 2016

Poor cruise performance of Electric Vehicles (EVs) continues to be the primary reason that impends their market penetration. Adding more battery to extend the cruise range is not a viable solution as it increases the structural weight and capital cost of the EV. Simulations identified that a vehicle spends on average 15% of its total time in braking, signifying an immense potential of the utilization of regenerative braking mechanism. Based on the analysis, a 3 kW auxiliary electrical unit coupled with the traction drive during braking events increases the recoverable energy by 8.4%. In addition, the simulation revealed that, on average, the energy drawn from the battery is reduced by 3.2% when traction drive is integrated with the air-conditioning compressor (an auxiliary electrical load). A practical design solution of the integrated unit is also included in the paper. Based on the findings, it is evident that the integration of an auxiliary unit with the traction drive results in enhancing the energy capturing capacity of the regenerative braking mechanism and decreases the power consumed from the battery. Further, the integrated unit boosts other advantages such as reduced material cost, improved reliability, and a compact and lightweight design.
Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Mediastinitis due to Esophageal Perforation
Authors: Zuluaga Claudia Patricia , Aluja Jaramillo Felipe , Velásquez Castaño Sergio Andrés , Rivera Bernal Aura Lucía , Granada Julio Cesar , Carrillo Bayona Jorge Alberto
Published: February 2016

Esophageal perforation is a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates; it requires early diagnosis and treatment. The most common complication of esophageal rupture is mediastinitis. There are several case reports in the literature of mediastinitis secondary to esophageal perforation and development of aortic pseudoaneurysm as a complication. We report the case of a patient with an 8-day history of esophageal perforation due to foreign body (fishbone) with mediastinitis and aortic pseudoaneurysm. The diagnosis was made using Computed Tomography (CT) with intravenous and oral water-soluble contrast material. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy did not detect the perforation.
Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Carbon-Based Graded Coatings
Authors: Kot M. , Major Ł. , Lackner J. M. , Chronowska-Przywara K. , Janusz M. , Rakowski W.
Published: February 2016

The paper presents research on coatings with advanced architecture, composed of a Cr/Cr2N ceramic/metal multilayer and graded carbon layers with varying properties from Cr/a-C:H to a-C:N. The microstructure of the coatings was analysed using transmission electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, the mechanical properties were tested by nanoindentation, spherical indentation, and scratch testing, and tribological tests were also conducted. The proper selection of subsequent layers in graded coatings allowed high hardness and fracture resistance to be obtained as well as good adhesion to multilayers. Moreover, these coatings have higher wear resistance than single coatings and a friction coefficient equal to 0.25.
Prosthodontic Management of Xerostomic Patient: A Technical Modification
Authors: Gurkar Haraswarupa , Venkatesh Omprakash Yadahally , Somashekar Jagadeesh Mandya , Gowda Muthuraj Hariharapura Lakshme , Dwivedi Madhavi , Ningthoujam Ishani
Published: February 2016

Xerostomia is often a contributing factor in both minor and serious health problems. It can affect nutrition and dental as well as psychological health. Common problems faced by such patients are glossitis, mucositis, angular cheilitis, dysgeusia, and difficulty in chewing and swallowing. One of the major problems associated with xerostomic patients is the poor tolerance and retention of removable dental prostheses because of thin dry atrophic mucosa and lack of a saliva film. This paper describes a new technique of incorporating a salivary reservoir in the maxillary complete denture. The salivary reservoir fabricated by this technique provided good lubrication of the oral tissues and was easily cleansed by the wearer and was fabricated from routine denture materials.
Effect of Microenvironment on Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells into HepatocytesIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Xue Gai , Han Xiaolei , Ma Xin , Wu Honghai , Qin Yabin , Liu Jianfang , Hu Yuqin , Hong Yang , Hou Yanning
Published: February 2016

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) are considered to be an ideal cell source for cell therapy of many diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of the microenvironment to the hepatic differentiation potential of hUCMSCsin vitroandin vivoand to explore their therapeutic use in acute liver injury in rats. We established a new model to simulate the liver tissue microenvironmentin vivousing liver homogenate supernatant (LHS)in vitro. This induced environment could drive hUCMSCs to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells within 7 days. The differentiated cells expressed hepatocyte-specific markers and demonstrated hepatocellular functions. We also injected hUCMSCs into rats with CCl4-induced acute hepatic injury. The hUCMSCs were detected in the livers of recipient rats and expressed the human hepatocyte-specific markers, suggesting that hUCMSCs could differentiate into hepatocyte-like cellsin vivoin the liver tissue microenvironment. Levels of biochemistry markers improved significantly after transplantation of hUCMSCs compared with the nontransplantation group (P<0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the liver tissue microenvironment may contribute to the differentiation of hUCMSCs into hepatocytes bothin vitroandin vivo.
Involvement of Inflammatory Cytokines in Antiarrhythmic Effects of Clofibrate in Ouabain-Induced Arrhythmia in Isolated Rat Atria
Authors: Moradi Somayeh , Nikoui Vahid , Imran Khan Muhammad , Amiri Shayan , Jazaeri Farahnaz , Bakhtiarian Azam
Published: February 2016

Considering the cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of clofibrate, the aim of the present experiment was to investigate the involvement of local and systemic inflammatory cytokines in possible antiarrhythmic effects of clofibrate in ouabain-induced arrhythmia in rats. Rats were orally treated with clofibrate (300 mg/kg), and ouabain (0.56 mg/kg) was administered to animals intraperitoneally. After induction of anesthesia, the atria were isolated and the onset of arrhythmia and asystole was recorded. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in atria were also measured. Clofibrate significantly postponed the onset of arrhythmia and asystole when compared to control group (P≤0.05andP≤0.01, resp.). While ouabain significantly increased the atrial beating rate in control group (P≤0.05), same treatment did not show similar effect in clofibrate-treated group (P>0.05). Injection of ouabain significantly increased the atrial and systemic levels of all studied inflammatory cytokines (P≤0.05). Pretreatment with clofibrate could attenuate the ouabain-induced elevation of IL-6 and TNF-αin atria (P≤0.01andP≤0.05, resp.), as well as ouabain-induced increase in IL-6 in plasma (P≤0.05). Based on our findings, clofibrate may possess antiarrhythmic properties through mitigating the local and systemic inflammatory factors including IL-6 and TNF-α.
Statin Use and Survival with Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Jeon Christie Y. , Goodman Marc T. , Cook-Wiens Galen , Sundaram Vinay
Published: February 2016

Background: Limited clinical and epidemiologic data suggest that statins may improve the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which has poor prognosis.

Methods: We identified 1,036 stage I or II HCC patients, diagnosed between 2007 and 2009, through the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program and Medicare claims database. Of these, 363 patients were using statin either at the time of their HCC diagnosis or afterwards. We conducted multivariable Cox regression analysis to estimate the time-dependent effect of statin on survival. The analysis included age, sex, resection, transarterial chemoembolization, transplantation, cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hepatitis B and C.

Results: Over a median follow-up time of 21 months, 584 HCC patients died. Statin users had a longer median survival compared with nonusers: 23.9 versus 18.9 months (P = 0.047). However, after accounting for immortal time bias and confounding, statin use was not associated with survival (HR, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.20). The associations did not vary by hepatitis C or intensity of statin use.

Conclusion: Statin treatment after HCC diagnosis was not associated with survival in elderly patients with stage I/II disease.

Impact: Our study of nationally representative elderly patients with stage I or II HCC in the United States shows that statin treatment does not improve survival with liver cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(4); 686–92. ©2016 AACR.
A Novel Carcinoembryonic Antigen T-Cell Bispecific Antibody (CEA TCB) for the Treatment of Solid Tumors
Authors: Bacac Marina , Fauti Tanja , Sam Johannes , Colombetti Sara , Weinzierl Tina , Ouaret Djamila , Bodmer Walter , Lehmann Steffi , Hofer Thomas , Hosse Ralf J. , Moessner Ekkehard , Ast Oliver , Bruenker Peter , Grau-Richards Sandra , Schaller Teilo , Seidl Annette , Gerdes Christian , Perro Mario , Nicolini Valeria , Steinhoff Nathalie , Dudal Sherri , Neumann Sebastian , von Hirschheydt Thomas , Jaeger Christiane , Saro Jose , Karanikas Vaios , Klein Christian , Umaña Pablo
Published: February 2016

Purpose: CEA TCB is a novel IgG-based T-cell bispecific (TCB) antibody for the treatment of CEA-expressing solid tumors currently in phase I clinical trials (NCT02324257). Its format incorporates bivalent binding to CEA, a head-to-tail fusion of CEA- and CD3e-binding Fab domains and an engineered Fc region with completely abolished binding to FcγRs and C1q. The study provides novel mechanistic insights into the activity and mode of action of CEA TCB.

Experimental Design: CEA TCB activity was characterized on 110 cell lines in vitro and in xenograft tumor models in vivo using NOG mice engrafted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results: Simultaneous binding of CEA TCB to tumor and T cells leads to formation of immunologic synapses, T-cell activation, secretion of cytotoxic granules, and tumor cell lysis. CEA TCB activity strongly correlates with CEA expression, with higher potency observed in highly CEA-expressing tumor cells and a threshold of approximately 10,000 CEA-binding sites/cell, which allows distinguishing between high- and low-CEA–expressing tumor and primary epithelial cells, respectively. Genetic factors do not affect CEA TCB activity confirming that CEA expression level is the strongest predictor of CEA TCB activity. In vivo, CEA TCB induces regression of CEA-expressing xenograft tumors with variable amounts of immune cell infiltrate, leads to increased frequency of activated T cells, and converts PD-L1 negative into PD-L1–positive tumors.

Conclusions: CEA TCB is a novel generation TCB displaying potent antitumor activity; it is efficacious in poorly infiltrated tumors where it increases T-cell infiltration and generates a highly inflamed tumor microenvironment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3286–97. ©2016 AACR.
Olfactory Receptor Family 7 Subfamily C Member 1 Is a Novel Marker of Colon Cancer–Initiating Cells and Is a Potent Target of Immunotherapy
Authors: Morita Rena , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Torigoe Toshihiko , Ito-Inoda Satoko , Takahashi Akari , Mariya Tasuku , Asanuma Hiroko , Tamura Yasuaki , Tsukahara Tomohide , Kanaseki Takayuki , Kubo Terufumi , Kutomi Goro , Mizuguchi Toru , Terui Takeshi , Ishitani Kunihiko , Hashino Satoshi , Kondo Toru , Minagawa Nozomi , Takahashi Norihiko , Taketomi Akinobu , Todo Satoru , Asaka Masahiro , Sato Noriyuki
Published: February 2016

Purpose: Cancer-initiating cells (CICs) are thought to be essential for tumor maintenance, recurrence, and distant metastasis, and they are therefore reasonable targets for cancer therapy. Cancer immunotherapy is a novel approach to target cancer. In this study, we aimed to establish novel CIC-targeting immunotherapy.

Experimental Design: Colorectal cancer (CRC) CICs were isolated as side population (SP) cells. The gene expression profile of CRC CICs was analyzed by cDNA microarray and RT-PCR. Protein expression of olfactory receptor family 7 subfamily C member 1 (OR7C1) were analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. The functions of OR7C1 were analyzed by gene overexpression and gene knockdown using siRNAs. OR7C1-positive cells were isolated by a flow cytometer and analyzed. CTLs specific for OR7C1 peptide were generated, and the antitumor effect was addressed by mice adoptive transfer model.

Results: OR7C1 has essential roles in the maintenance of colon CICs, and the OR7C1-positive population showed higher tumorigenicity than that of the OR7C1-negative population, indicating that OR7C1 is a novel functional marker for colon CIC. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that OR7C1 high expression was correlated with poorer prognosis in CRC patients. OR7C1-derived antigenic peptide-specific CTLs showed specific cytotoxicity for CICs, and an OR7C1-specific CTL clone showed a greater antitumor effect than did a CTL clone targeting all cancer cells in a CTL adoptive transfer mouse model.

Conclusions: OR7C1 is a novel marker for colon CICs and can be a target of potent CIC-targeting immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3298–309. ©2016 AACR.
Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of NF1-Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Redig Amanda J. , Capelletti Marzia , Dahlberg Suzanne E. , Sholl Lynette M. , Mach Stacy , Fontes Caitlin , Shi Yunling , Chalasani Poornima , Jänne Pasi A.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: NF1 is a tumor suppressor that negatively regulates Ras signaling. NF1 mutations occur in lung cancer, but their clinical significance is unknown. We evaluated clinical and molecular characteristics of NF1 mutant lung cancers with comparison to tumors with KRAS mutations.

Experimental Design: Between July 2013 and October 2014, 591 non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors underwent targeted next-generation sequencing in a 275 gene panel that evaluates gene mutations and genomic rearrangements. NF1 and KRAS cohorts were identified, with subsequent clinical and genomic analysis.

Results: Among 591 patients, 60 had NF1 mutations (10%) and 141 (24%) had KRAS mutations. 15 NF1 mutations (25%) occurred with other oncogenic mutations [BRAF (2); ERBB2 (2); KRAS (9); HRAS (1); NRAS (1)]. There were 72 unique NF1 variants. NF1 tumor pathology was diverse, including both adenocarcinoma (36, 60%) and squamous cell carcinoma (10, 17%). In contrast, KRAS mutations occurred predominantly in adenocarcinoma (136, 96%). Both mutations were common in former/current smokers. Among NF1 tumors without concurrent oncogenic alterations, TP53 mutations/2-copy deletions occurred more often (33, 65%) than with KRAS mutation (46, 35%; P < 0.001). No difference between cohorts was seen with other tumor suppressors.

Conclusions: NF1 mutations define a unique population of NSCLC. NF1 and KRAS mutations present in similar patient populations, but NF1 mutations occur more often with other oncogenic alterations and TP53 mutations. Therapeutic strategies targeting KRAS activation, including inhibitors of MAP kinase signaling, may warrant investigation in NF1 mutant tumors. Tumor-suppressor inactivation patterns may help further define novel treatment strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3148–56. ©2016 AACR.
Impact of Two Measures of Micrometastatic Disease on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Ewing Sarcoma: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Vo Kieuhoa T. , Edwards Jeremy V. , Epling C. Lorrie , Sinclair Elizabeth , Hawkins Douglas S. , Grier Holcombe E. , Janeway Katherine A. , Barnette Phillip , McIlvaine Elizabeth , Krailo Mark D. , Barkauskas Donald A. , Matthay Katherine K. , Womer Richard B. , Gorlick Richard G. , Lessnick Stephen L. , Mackall Crystal L. , DuBois Steven G.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: Flow cytometry and RT-PCR can detect occult Ewing sarcoma cells in the blood and bone marrow. These techniques were used to evaluate the prognostic significance of micrometastatic disease in Ewing sarcoma.

Experimental Design: Newly diagnosed patients with Ewing sarcoma were enrolled on two prospective multicenter studies. In the flow cytometry cohort, patients were defined as “positive” for bone marrow micrometastatic disease if their CD99+/CD45− values were above the upper limit in 22 control patients. In the PCR cohort, RT-PCR on blood or bone marrow samples classified the patients as “positive” or “negative” for EWSR1/FLI1 translocations. The association between micrometastatic disease burden with clinical features and outcome was assessed. Coexpression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) on detected tumor cells was performed in a subset of flow cytometry samples.

Results: The median total bone marrow CD99+CD45− percent was 0.0012% (range 0%–1.10%) in the flow cytometry cohort, with 14 of 109 (12.8%) of Ewing sarcoma patients defined as “positive.” In the PCR cohort, 19.6% (44/225) patients were “positive” for any EWSR1/FLI1 translocation in blood or bone marrow. There were no differences in baseline clinical features or event-free or overall survival between patients classified as “positive” versus “negative” by either method. CD99+CD45− cells had significantly higher IGF-1R expression compared with CD45+ hematopoietic cells (mean geometric mean fluorescence intensity 982.7 vs. 190.9; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The detection of micrometastatic disease at initial diagnosis by flow cytometry or RT-PCR is not associated with outcome in newly diagnosed patients with Ewing sarcoma. Flow cytometry provides a tool to characterize occult micrometastatic tumor cells for proteins of interest. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3643–50. ©2016 AACR.
Linalool-Incorporated Nanoparticles as a Novel Anticancer Agent for Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Han Hee Dong , Cho Young-Jae , Cho Sung Keun , Byeon Yeongseon , Jeon Hat Nim , Kim Hye-Sun , Kim Byoung-Gie , Bae Duk-Soo , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Sood Anil K. , Shin Byung Cheol , Park Yeong-Min , Lee Jeong-Won
Published: February 2016

Although cytotoxic chemotherapy is widely used against epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), adverse side effects and emergence of resistance can limit its utility. Therefore, new drugs with systemic delivery platforms are urgently needed for this disease. In this study, we developed linalool-incorporated nanoparticles (LIN-NP) as a novel anticancer agent. We prepared LIN-NPs by the self-assembly water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsion method. LIN-NP–mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis was assessed in EOC cells, and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation as the mechanism of action was evaluated. In addition, therapeutic efficacy of LIN-NP was assessed in cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models for EOC. LIN-NPs had significant cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity against EOC cells, including A2780, HeyA8, and SKOV3ip1. LIN-NP treatment increased apoptosis in EOC cells through ROS generation and a subsequent decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in caspase-3 levels. In addition, 100 mg/kg LIN-NPs significantly decreased tumor weight in the HeyA8 (P < 0.001) and SKOV3ip1 (P = 0.006) in vivo models. Although treatment with 50 mg/kg LIN-NP did not decrease tumor weight compared with the control group, combination treatment with paclitaxel significantly decreased tumor weight compared with paclitaxel alone in SKOV3ip1 xenografts (P = 0.004) and the patient-derived xenograft model (P = 0.020). We have developed LIN-NPs that induce ROS generation as a novel anticancer agent for EOC. These findings have broad applications for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(4); 618–27. ©2016 AACR.
A Critical Role of miR-144 in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Proliferation and Invasion
Authors: Wang Haiying , Wang Aihong , Hu Zhenbo , Xu Xin , Liu Zhiqiang , Wang Zhanju
Published: February 2016

MicroRNAs are endogenous noncoding RNAs that play important roles in a wide variety of biologic processes such as apoptosis, development, aging, and tumorigenesis. The B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) transcriptional repressor has emerged as a critical therapeutic target in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), but the mechanisms regulating BCL6 are still unclear. In the current study, we screened the microRNA expression profiles in DLBCL specimens and cell lines by qRT-PCR and found that the expression of miR-144 was significantly downregulated in DLBCL tissues and cell lines and negatively correlated with BCL6 expression. We further demonstrated that BCL6 was the direct target gene of miR-144, and miR-144 suppressed the expression of BCL6 via binding the 3′untranslated region of BCL6 mRNA. Biologically, forced expression of miR-144 significantly attenuated cell proliferation and invasion of OCI-Ly3 cells in vitro, and the tumor-suppressor effect of miR-144 was also confirmed using a xenograft mouse model in vivo. Taken together, our results reveal that miR-144 regulates BCL6 in DLBCL and provide a rationale for developing strategies that target miR-144 as a therapeutic intervention for DLBCL. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(4); 337–44. ©2016 AACR.
Efficacy and Toxicity of High-Dose Colistin in Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli Infections: A Comparative Study of a Matched Series
Authors: Trifi Ahlem , Abdellatif Sami , Daly Foued , Mahjoub Khaoula , Nasri Rochdi , Oueslati Mouna , Mannai Rahma , Bouzidi Montassar , Ben Lakhal Salah
Published: February 2016

Background: Colistimethate sodium (CMS) is the commercialized form of colistin that is effective against multiresistant Gram-negative bacilli. Its main side effects are nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Pharmacodynamic dosages showed that they were infratherapeutic. Therefore, strategies with higher doses were proposed. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency and toxicity of higher-dose CMS by comparing two treatment strategies: high-dose CMS versus standard-dose CMS. Methods: A prospective and comparative study of two matched groups was conducted. Fourty-six patients in each group were matched for age, severity and nature of infection. In the high-dose colistin group, CMS was administered at a loading dose of 9 MIU followed by a maintenance dose of 4.5 MIU/12 h. In the second group, retrospectively analyzed, colistin was administered at 6 MIU/day. For each group, clinical results, bacteriological eradication and daily creatinine clearance were recorded. Primary outcome measures were clinical cure defined as disappearance of infectious signs and eradication of microorganisms in all the follow-up cultures. Secondary outcome measures were incidence of acute renal failure and mortality. Results: Ninety-two patients were analyzed by matching. There was a higher cure rate in the high-dose group (63 vs. 41.3%, p = 0.04). No higher risk of nephrotoxicity was found by increasing daily doses of colistin (32.2 versus 26%, p = 0.64). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the time to onset of renal failure (8.32 vs. 11 days, p = 1) or in the requirement of hemodialysis (26.6 vs. 41%, p = 1). Conclusion: The high-dose colistin regimen is more efficient, without significant renal or neurological toxicity.
Erosion Remineralization Efficacy of Gel-to-Foam Fluoride Toothpastes in situ: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nehme Marc , Jeffery Peter , Mason Stephen , Lippert Frank , Zero Domenick T. , Hara Anderson T.
Published: February 2016

This single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, four-treatment, four-period crossover study compared the enamel remineralization effects of low- and medium-abrasivity gel-to-foam toothpastes and a reference toothpaste (all 1,450 ppm fluoride as NaF) versus placebo toothpaste (0 ppm fluoride) using a short-term in situ erosion model. Subjects (n = 56) wearing a palatal appliance holding acid-softened bovine enamel specimens brushed their teeth with the test toothpastes. Thereafter, the specimens were removed for analysis of percent surface microhardness recovery (%SMHR) and percent relative erosion resistance (%RER) at 2, 4, and 8 h. Both low- and medium-abrasivity gel-to-foam fluoride toothpastes and the reference toothpaste provided significantly greater %SMHR than placebo at all assessment time points (all p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference of %SMHR was observed between the fluoride treatment groups at any time point. Similarly, all fluoride products provided significantly superior %RER versus placebo (all p < 0.0001), whereas no significant difference of this parameter was noted between the fluoride treatment groups. Increasing numerical improvements of %SMHR and %RER were observed in all four treatment groups over time (2, 4, and 8 h). The present in situ model is a sensitive tool to investigate intrinsic and fluoride-enhanced rehardening of eroded enamel. All three fluoride toothpastes were more efficacious than placebo, and there were no safety concerns following single dosing in this short-term in situ model.
UK National Survey of Practice Patterns of Fluid Volume Management in Haemodialysis Patients: A Need for Evidence
Authors: Dasgupta Indranil , Farrington Ken , Davies Simon J. , Davenport Andrew , Mitra Sandip
Published: February 2016

Background: Fluid management in haemodialysis (HD) affects patient experience, morbidity and mortality. Standards for best practice are lacking. A national survey of the United Kingdom was undertaken to define prevalent practice. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to all UK renal centres. Results: Forty-five of 74 centres (173 dialysis units), serving 62% (n = 14,697) of UK HD population responded. Seventy-eight per cent had no agreed policy for managing fluid balance in patients on HD; 44% did not assess fluid status routinely. Clinical assessment was the norm; 27% used bio-impedance-based device. To achieve a target-weight, 53% reduced weight as far as tolerated. Twenty-two per cent measured residual renal function (RRF). Ninety-one per cent had no policy for fluid overload. Sixty-four per cent restricted salt and water. Ninety-three per cent used diuretics in patients with RRF. Thirty-eight per cent felt management was adequate; 77% felt there was a need for better evidence. Ninety-one per cent would participate in a study addressing this. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for establishing an evidence base on the optimal approaches to fluid management.
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Drug-Eluting Stents for Infrapopliteal Lesions in Critical Limb Ischemia (PADI) Trial
Authors: Spreen Marlon I. , Martens Jasper M. , Hansen Bettina E. , Knippenberg Bob , Verhey Elke , van Dijk Lukas C. , de Vries Jean-Paul P.M. , Vos Jan-Albert , de Borst Gert Jan , Vonken Evert-Jan P.A. , Wever Jan J. , Statius van Eps Randolph G. , Mali Willem P.Th.M. , van Overhagen Hans
Published: February 2016

Background—

Endovascular infrapopliteal treatment of patients with critical limb ischemia using percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and bail-out bare metal stenting (BMS) is hampered by restenosis. In interventional cardiology, drug-eluting stents (DES) have shown better patency rates and are standard practice nowadays. An investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized trial was conducted to assess whether DES also improve patency and clinical outcome of infrapopliteal lesions.

Methods and Results—

Adults with critical limb ischemia (Rutherford category ≥4) and infrapopliteal lesions were randomized to receive PTA±BMS or DES with paclitaxel. Primary end point was 6-month primary binary patency of treated lesions, defined as ≤50% stenosis on computed tomographic angiography. Stenosis >50%, retreatment, major amputation, and critical limb ischemia–related death were regarded as treatment failure. Severity of failure was assessed with an ordinal score, ranging from vessel stenosis through occlusion to the clinical failures. Seventy-four limbs (73 patients) were treated with DES and 66 limbs (64 patients) received PTA±BMS. Six-month patency rates were 48.0% for DES and 35.1% for PTA±BMS (
P
=0.096) in the modified-intention-to-treat and 51.9% and 35.1% (
P
=0.037) in the per-protocol analysis. The ordinal score showed significantly worse treatment failure for PTA±BMS versus DES (
P
=0.041). The observed major amputation rate remained lower in the DES group until 2 years post-treatment, with a trend toward significance (
P
=0.066). Less minor amputations occurred after DES until 6 months post-treatment (
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

In patients with critical limb ischemia caused by infrapopliteal lesions, DES provide better 6-month patency rates and less amputations after 6 and 12 months compared with PTA±BMS.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00471289.
Additions, deletions and changes to the Ecuadorian Lycopodiaceae
Authors: Øllgaard Benjamin
Published: February 2016

This paper is an update of the list of Lycopodiaceae known from Ecuador, resulting from field and herbarium activities after the publication of the family in Flora of Ecuador (Øllgaard 1988). Several taxa have been recognized or recorded as new to the country or new to science after 1988. Two are deleted due to misidentification or absence in spite of expectation. Two species are described as new to science here.       The list is arranged alphabetically according to the recent classification presented in Øllgaard & Windisch (2014).
Lectotypification of Syneilesis australis (Asteraceae: Senecioneae)
Authors: Hong Yu , Xu Lian-Sheng , Ren Chen , Yang Qin-Er
Published: February 2016

Syneilesis Maximowicz (1859: 165) (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) is a small genus of seven species distributed mainly in China, Korea, and Japan (Chen & Nordenstam 2011). All its species are perennial herbs with 2 or 3 palmatisect stem leaves and a corymbose or paniculate synflorescence composed of several to many discoid capitula. The genus differs from its putative closest allies, including Miricacalia Kitamura (1936: 214), Parasenecio Smith & Small (1922: 93) and Sinacalia Robinson & Brettell (1977: 274), primarily by having a single cotyledon (Maximowicz 1859; Kitamura 1934) and a base chromosome number of x = 26 (Koyama 1961; Takeshita 1961; Arano 1964).
Lectotypifications in Orthoclada (Poaceae, Panicoideae, Zeugiteae)
Authors: Dórea Marcos Da Costa , De Oliveira Reyjane Patricia , Welker Cassiano Aimberê Dorneles
Published: February 2016

The grass genus Orthoclada Beauvois (1812: 69) is currently placed in the subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Zeugiteae (Soreng et al. 2015), and includes only two species from forests of Tropical America and Africa: O. laxa (Richard 1792: 106) Beauvois (1812: 70) and O. africana Hubbard (1940: 3419) (Kellogg 2015, The Plant List 2016). The genus was formerly included in subfamily Centothecoideae (Clayton & Renvoize 1986), which was recently submerged into the Panicoideae (Sánchez-Ken & Clark 2010, Soreng et al. 2015). Orthoclada is characterized by its bisexual flowers and the unusual fusion of its rachilla internode to the palea keels (Kellogg 2015).
One new and three known species of Geocenamus Thorne & Malek, 1968 (Nematoda: Merliniidae) from Iran
Authors: GHADERI REZA , KAREGAR AKBAR
Published: February 2016

Soil samples collected from different plants and localities in Iran yielded one new and three known species of the genus Geocenamus with tessellated cuticle. Geocenamus conicaudatus n. sp. is characterised by a hemispherical cephalic region, set-off from the rest of body by a constriction, a slender stylet 17–20 µm long with laterally directed knobs, coarsely annulated cuticle with 32–34 longitudinal striae and a conical tail with smooth, finely rounded terminus. Morphological and molecular studies on the populations of G. paniculoides and G. tartuensis indicated that G. paniculoides may be considered as a valid species. Intraspecific variability of some characters of 30 Iranian populations of G. rugosus were studied. An identification key to 32 valid species of the genus Geocenamus is given.
New species and records of Anacroneuria (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from the northeastern semi-arid region of Brazil
Authors: DUARTE TÁCIO , LECCI LUCAS SILVEIRA
Published: February 2016

The genus Anacroneuria is widely distributed in the Neotropical Region. There are about 80 species listed from Brazil, five of which are recorded from the northeastern semi-arid region of Brazil, an area characterized by irregular and low precipitation. Examination of adult Anacroneuria material from this including areas of Caatinga desert vegetation and Atlantic forest revealed two new species records, A. debilis (Pictet) and A. terere Righi-Cavallaro & Lecci. Additionally, two new species, A. calori n. sp. and A. singela n. sp., are described from this material. These new records and new species reflect a major effort to document the biodiversity of the aquatic insects of the northeastern semi-arid region of Brazil by the Research Program in Semi-arid Biodiversity.
A checklist of the family Pratylenchidae Thorne, 1949 from Iran
Authors: ALVANI SOMAYE , MAHDIKHANI-MOGHADAM ESMAT , ROUHANI HAMID , MOHAMMADI ABBAS
Published: February 2016

The Family Pratylenchidae comprises nematodes that are capable of penetrating and feeding on internal root tissues. The list of Pratylenchidae species known from Iran is presented. The updated species list provides information on their morphometrics, referring to full or partial descriptions, associated plants, geographical distribution and references. The list includes 37 species belonging to five genera. Two species of Pratylenchus (P. sensillatus and P. wescolagricus) are new records for the Iranian nematofauna. Some information on these two and other known species is also provided.
Two new species of Dicranocentrus Schött, 1893 (Collembola:Entomobryidae) from Serra do Gandarela, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Authors: XISTO THIAGO , MENDONÇA MARIA CLEIDE DE
Published: February 2016

Two new species of Dicranocentrus from Southeastern Brazil are described: D. melinus sp. nov. and D. cuprum sp. nov., both from “Parque Nacional da Serra do Gandarela” (Minas Gerais State), Brazil. These species can be included to gracilis-group due to the absence of chaeta A1, S2, Ps and up to 6+6 chaetae P on dorsal head. A male genital plate is for the first time illustrated for the genus.
One new genus and three new species of deep-sea nematodes (Nematoda: Microlaimidae) from the Southwest Pacific Ocean and Ross Sea
Authors: LEDUC DANIEL
Published: February 2016

New deep-sea nematodes of the family Microlaimidae are described from the Southwest Pacific Ocean and Ross Sea. Microlaimus korari n. sp. is characterised by annulated cuticle with longitudinal bars, round amphideal aperture slightly smaller than the cryptospiral amphideal fovea, spacious and heavily cuticularised buccal cavity with large dorsal tooth and right subventral tooth situated anteriorly relative to left subventral tooth, slender spicules 4.4 cloacal body diameters long, and gubernaculum 1.2 cloacal body diameters long with laterally curved distal end and swollen proximal end. Bolbolaimus tongaensis n. sp. is characterised by annulated cuticle with longitudinal bars, oval amphideal aperture and cryptocircular amphideal fovea situated between cephalic setae and only partially surrounded by cuticle annulations, and short spicules cuticularised along dorsal edge and at proximal end and with swollen portion near proximal end. Maragnopsia n. gen. is characterised by a minute, non-cuticularised mouth cavity without teeth, an elongated posterior pharyngeal bulb more than twice as long as it is wide, a single outstretched testis, and a conico-cylindrical tail 13–16 anal body diameters long. A list of all 83 valid Microlaimus species is provided. The present study provides the first microlaimid species records from deep-sea habitats (> 200 m depth) in the Southwest Pacific and Ross Sea. The presence of M. korari n. sp. on both the continental slope of New Zealand and Ross Sea abyssal plain suggests that this species has a wide geographical and depth distribution. However, molecular analyses will be required to confirm the identity of these two geographically disparate populations.
Macrozoque hoplandrioides (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae), a new genus and species of false Lomechusini from México
Authors: SANTIAGO-JIMÉNEZ QUIYARI J.
Published: February 2016

Macrozoque hoplandrioides n. gen. and n. sp. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae), is described based on specimens recently collected from the Chimalapas forest in Mexico. The systematic position of Macrozoque is discussed and is proviosionally placed in the false Lomechusini clade. A distribution map, keys and illustrations are provided.
A pictorial key to the sections, groups, and species of the Aedes (Diceromyia) in the Afrotropical Region (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: HUANG YIAU-MIN , RUEDA LEOPOLDO M.
Published: February 2016

Nine species of the subgenus Diceromyia Theobald of genus Aedes Meigen in the Afrotropical Region are treated in a pictorial key based on diagnostic morphological features. Images of the diagnostic morphological structures of the adult head, thorax, abdomen, leg and wing are included. The medical importance of the Furcifer Group species in Africa was briefly reviewed.
Potential Value of Expert Elicitation for Determining Differential Credibility of Regional Climate Change Simulations: An Exercise with the NARCCAP co-PIs for the Southwest Monsoon Region of North America
Authors: Mearns Linda O. , Bukovsky Melissa S. , Schweizer Vanessa J.
Published: February 2016

In this brief article, we report the initial results of an expert elicitation with the co-PIs (regional climate modelers) of the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program regarding their evaluation of the relative quality of regional climate model simulations focusing on the subregion dominated by the North American monsoon (NAM). We assumed that an expert elicitation framework might reveal interesting beliefs and understanding that would be different from what would be obtained from calculating quantitative metrics associated with model quality.

The simulations considered were of six regional climate models (RCMs) that used NCEP Reanalysis 2 as boundary conditions for the years 1980–2004. The domain covers most of North America and adjacent oceans. The seven participating regional modelers were asked to complete surveys on their background beliefs about model credibility and their judgments regarding the quality of the six models based on a series of plots of variables related to the NAM (e.g., temperature, winds, humidity, moisture flux, precipitation). The specific RCMs were not identified.

We also compared the results of the expert elicitation with those obtained from using a series of metrics developed to evaluate a European collection of climate model simulations. The results proved to be quite different in the two cases.

The results of this exercise proved very enlightening regarding regional modelers’ perceptions of model quality and their beliefs about how this information should or should not be used. Based on these pilot study results, we believe a more complete study is warranted.
Evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model in the Durance Valley Complex Terrain during the KASCADE Field Campaign
Authors: Kalverla Peter Christiaan , Duine Gert-Jan , Steeneveld Gert-Jan , Hedde Thierry
Published: February 2016

In the winter of 2012/13, the Katabatic Winds and Stability over Cadarache for the Dispersion of Effluents (KASCADE) observational campaign was carried out in southeastern France to characterize the wind and thermodynamic structure of the (stable) planetary boundary layer (PBL). Data were collected with two micrometeorological towers, a sodar, a tethered balloon, and radiosoundings. Here, this dataset is used to evaluate the representation of the boundary layer in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. In general, it is found that diurnal temperature range (DTR) is largely underestimated, there is a strong negative bias in both longwave radiation components, and evapotranspiration is overestimated. An illustrative case is subjected to a thorough model-physics evaluation. First, five PBL parameterization schemes and two land surface schemes are employed. A marginal sensitivity to PBL parameterization is found, and the sophisticated Noah land surface model represents the extremes in skin temperature better than does a more simple thermal diffusion scheme. In a second stage, sensitivity tests for land surface–atmosphere coupling (through parameterization of z0h/z0m), initial soil moisture content, and radiation parameterization were performed. Relatively strong surface coupling and low soil moisture content result in a larger sensible heat flux, deeper PBL, and larger DTR. The larger sensible heat flux is not supported by the observations, however. It turns out that, for the selected case, a combination of subsidence and warm-air advection is not accurately simulated, but this inaccuracy cannot fully explain the discrepancies found in the WRF simulations. The results of the sensitivity analysis reiterate the important role of initial soil moisture values.
Reducing Operational Hurricane Intensity Forecast Errors during Eyewall Replacement Cycles
Authors: Kossin James P. , DeMaria Mark
Published: February 2016

Eyewall replacement cycles (ERCs) are fairly common events in tropical cyclones (TCs) of hurricane intensity or greater and typically cause large and sometimes rapid changes in the intensity evolution of the TC. Although the details of the intensity evolution associated with ERCs appear to have some dependence on the ambient environmental conditions that the TCs move through, these dependencies can also be quite different than those of TCs that are not undergoing an ERC. For example, the Statistical Hurricane Prediction Scheme (SHIPS), which is used in National Hurricane Center operations and provides intensity forecast skill that is, on average, equal to or greater than deterministic numerical model skill, typically identifies an environment that is not indicative of weakening during the onset and subsequent evolution of an ERC. Contrarily, a period of substantial weakening does typically begin near the onset of an ERC, and this disparity can cause large SHIPS intensity forecast errors. Here, a simple model based on a climatology of ERC intensity change is introduced and tested against SHIPS. It is found that the application of the model can reduce intensity forecast error substantially when applied at, or shortly after, the onset of ERC weakening.
Through the Contested Terrain
Authors: Jung Jiwook
Published: February 2016

Since the 1980s, leading U.S. firms have announced massive downsizing plans in the name of maximizing shareholder value, but some observers are skeptical about how serious firms are in implementing these plans. Building on political theories of corporate governance, I examine how conflicts of interest and alignment among investors, workers, and top managers affect the implementation of announced downsizing plans. Using a sample of 656 companies between 1984 and 2005, I demonstrate the contrasting influences of these three stakeholder groups on two different implementation outcomes—total and managerial downsizing. The influence of investors who pursue profit maximization facilitates both, whereas the influence of workers who seek job security impedes the former but facilitates the latter. The power of top managers who attempt to retain managerial autonomy impedes managerial downsizing, but governance mechanisms that align their interests with investor interests facilitate total downsizing. By teasing out the influences of competing interest groups, this article contributes to a political theory of organizational policy implementation. By unpacking the implementation of downsizing and its potentially unequal effects on different groups of workers, this article also contributes to the economic sociology of downsizing and the broader stratification literature on economic inequality and job insecurity.
Intravenous Enoxaparin Versus Unfractionated Heparin in Elderly Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Liu Zhenyu , Silvain Johanne , Kerneis Mathieu , Barthélémy Olivier , Payot Laurent , Choussat Rémi , Sabouret Pierre , Cohen Marc , Pollack Charles V. , Goldstein Patrick , Zeymer Uwe , Huber Kurt , Vicaut Eric , Collet Jean-Philippe , Montalescot Gilles
Published: February 2016

Elderly (≥75 years old) patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have higher ischemic and bleeding risk compared with those <75 years old. We investigated the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) enoxaparin versus IV unfractionated heparin (UFH) in elderly patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI. A prespecified analysis of the Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated with Primary Angioplasty and Intravenous Enoxaparin or Unfractionated Heparin to Lower Ischemic and Bleeding Events at Short- and Long-term Follow-up (ATOLL) study was performed examining the 30-day outcomes in the elderly patients. Of the 165 elderly patients in the ATOLL study, 85 patients received IV enoxaparin 0.5 mg/kg and 80 patients received IV UFH. Intravenous enoxaparin did not reduce the primary end point, the main secondary efficacy end point, major bleeding, major or minor bleeding, and all-cause mortality compared with IV UFH. The rate of minor bleeding (5.9% vs 22.8%, Padjusted = .01) was significantly lower with IV enoxaparin compared with IV UFH. Intravenous enoxaparin appears to be a safe alternative to IV UFH in primary PCI of the elderly patients with STEMI.