bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mind Your Crossings
Authors: Ahmetovic Dragan , Manduchi Roberto , Coughlan James M. , Mascetti Sergio
Published: April 2017

For blind travelers, finding crosswalks and remaining within their borders while traversing them is a crucial part of any trip involving street crossings. While standard Orientation & Mobility (O&M) techniques allow blind travelers to safely negotiate street crossings, additional information about crosswalks and other important features at intersections would be helpful in many situations, resulting in greater safety and/or comfort during independent travel. For instance, in planning a trip a blind pedestrian may wish to be informed of the presence of all marked crossings near a desired route.

We have conducted a survey of several O&M experts from the United States and Italy to determine the role that crosswalks play in travel by blind pedestrians. The results show stark differences between survey respondents from the U.S. compared with Italy: the former group emphasized the importance of following standard O&M techniques at all legal crossings (marked or unmarked), while the latter group strongly recommended crossing at marked crossings whenever possible. These contrasting opinions reflect differences in the traffic regulations of the two countries and highlight the diversity of needs that travelers in different regions may have.

To address the challenges faced by blind pedestrians in negotiating street crossings, we devised a computer vision--based technique that mines existing spatial image databases for discovery of zebra crosswalks in urban settings. Our algorithm first searches for zebra crosswalks in satellite images; all candidates thus found are validated against spatially registered Google Street View images. This cascaded approach enables fast and reliable discovery and localization of zebra crosswalks in large image datasets. While fully automatic, our algorithm can be improved by a final crowdsourcing validation. To this end, we developed a Pedestrian Crossing Human Validation web service, which supports crowdsourcing, to rule out false positives and identify false negatives.
Web-Based Interventions Alone or Supplemented with Peer-Led Support or Professional Email Counseling for Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance in Women from Rural Communities: Results of a Clinical Trial
Authors: Hageman Patricia A. , Pullen Carol H. , Hertzog Melody , Pozehl Bunny , Eisenhauer Christine , Boeckner Linda S.
Published: April 2017

Objective. This trial compared the effectiveness of a web-based only (WO) intervention with web-based supplemented by peer-led discussion (WD) or professional email counseling (WE) across 3 phases to achieve weight loss and weight maintenance in women from underserved rural communities.Methods. 301 women (BMI of 28–45 kg/m2) randomly assigned to groups participated in guided weight loss (baseline to 6 months), guided weight loss and maintenance (6 to 18 months), and self-managed weight maintenance (18 to 30 months).Results. Retention was 88.7%, 76.5%, and 71.8% at 6, 18, and 30 months, respectively. Intent-to-treat analyses demonstrated no group differences in change in weight within any phases. At 6 months, observed mean (SD) weight loss was 5.1 (6.0) kg in WO, 4.1 (5.6) kg in WD, and 6.0 (6.3) kg in WE, with 42%, 38%, and 51%, respectively, meeting ≥ 5% weight loss. These proportions dropped by a third after phase 2 with no further change during phase 3.Conclusion. Web-based interventions assisted women from rural communities in achieving 6-month weight loss, with weight regain by half at 30 months. No group differences were potentially due to the robust nature of the web-based intervention.Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT01307644.
Magnetic Resonance Elastography Shear Wave Velocity Correlates with Liver Fibrosis and Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient in Adults with Advanced Liver Disease
Authors: Gharib Ahmed M. , Han Ma Ai Thanda , Meissner Eric G. , Kleiner David E. , Zhao Xiongce , McLaughlin Mary , Matthews Lindsay , Rizvi Bisharah , Abd-Elmoniem Khaled Z. , Sinkus Ralph , Levy Elliot , Koh Christopher , Myers Robert P. , Subramanian G. Mani , Kottilil Shyam , Heller Theo , Kovacs Joseph A. , Morse Caryn G.
Published: April 2017

Background.Portal hypertension, an elevation in the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), can be used to monitor disease progression and response to therapy in cirrhosis. Since obtaining HVPG measurements is invasive, reliable noninvasive methods of assessing portal hypertension are needed.Methods.Noninvasive markers of fibrosis, including magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) shear wave velocity, were correlated with histologic fibrosis and HVPG measurements in hepatitis C (HCV) and/or HIV-infected patients with advanced liver disease enrolled in a clinical trial of treatment with simtuzumab, an anti-LOXL2 antibody.Results.This exploratory analysis includes 23 subjects: 9 with HCV monoinfection, 9 with HIV and HCV, and 5 with HIV and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Median Ishak fibrosis score was 4 (range 1–6); 11 subjects (48%) had cirrhosis. Median HVPG was 6 mmHg (range 3–16). Liver stiffness measured by MRE correlated with HVPG (r=0.64,p=0.01), histologic fibrosis score (r=0.71,p=0.004), noninvasive fibrosis indices, including APRI (r=0.81,p<0.001), and soluble LOXL2 (r=0.82,p=0.001). On stepwise multivariate regression analysis, MRE was the only variable independently associated with HVPG (R2=0.377,p=0.02).Conclusions.MRE of the liver correlated independently with HVPG. MRE is a valid noninvasive measure of liver disease severity and may prove to be a useful tool for noninvasive portal hypertension assessment.Trial Registration Number. This trial is registered withNCT01707472.
Apolipoprotein E Genotype in Very Preterm Neonates with Intrauterine Growth Restriction: An Analysis of the German Neonatal Network Cohort
Authors: Norda Stephen , Rausch Tanja K. , Orlikowsky Thorsten , Hütten Matthias , Schulz Sören , Göpel Wolfgang , Pecks Ulrich
Published: April 2017

Aim.Cord blood of intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) neonates displays lipid changes towards atherosclerotic profiles. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and its isoforms (e2, e3, and e4) are involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Specifically, ApoE e4 has been associated with atherosclerotic diseases, while e2 has a favorable effect. We therefore hypothesized that ApoE e4 haplotype is frequently observed in IUGR neonates and contributes to impaired fetal growth and the association of IUGR with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life.Methods.A cohort of 4885 preterm infants (≥22+0 and <32+0 weeks of gestation and birth weight below 1500 g) from the GNN study cohort was analyzed. Neonates were categorized into subgroups of <3rd, 3rd–10th, and >10th birth weight percentile. Analysis of the single nucleotides rs429358 and rs7412, identifying the ApoE genotype, was carried out using TaqMan® SNP genotyping assays. The proportional odds model was used to assess data.Results.No association was found between genotype and birth weight percentiles in each of the subgroups.Conclusion.ApoE genotype and low birth weight depict two distinct risk factors for cardiovascular disease without being directly associated.
The Effects of Biochar and Its Combination with Compost on Lettuce (Lactuca sativaL.) Growth, Soil Properties, and Soil Microbial Activity and Abundance
Authors: Trupiano Dalila , Cocozza Claudia , Baronti Silvia , Amendola Carla , Vaccari Francesco Primo , Lustrato Giuseppe , Di Lonardo Sara , Fantasma Francesca , Tognetti Roberto , Scippa Gabriella Stefania
Published: April 2017

Impacts of biochar application in combination with organic fertilizer, such as compost, are not fully understood. In this study, we tested the effects of biochar amendment, compost addition, and their combination on lettuce plants grown in a soil poor in nutrients; soil microbiological, chemical, and physical characteristics were analyzed, together with plant growth and physiology. An initial screening was also done to evaluate the effect of biochar and compost toxicity, using cress plants and earthworms. Results showed that compost amendment had clear and positive effects on plant growth and yield and on soil chemical characteristics. However, we demonstrated that also the biochar alone stimulated lettuce leaves number and total biomass, improving soil total nitrogen and phosphorus contents, as well as total carbon, and enhancing related microbial communities. Nevertheless, combining biochar and compost, no positive synergic and summative effects were observed. Our results thus demonstrate that in a soil poor in nutrients the biochar alone could be effectively used to enhance soil fertility and plant growth and biomass yield. However, we can speculate that the combination of compost and biochar may enhance and sustain soil biophysical and chemical characteristics and improve crop productivity over time.
A Tale of Two Cysts: Steatocystoma Multiplex and Eruptive Vellus Hair Cysts—Two Case Reports and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Waldemer-Streyer Rachel J. , Jacobsen Ellen
Published: April 2017

Background. Steatocystoma multiplex (SM) and eruptive vellus hair cysts (EVHC) are uncommon benign tumors of the pilosebaceous unit. Both SM and EVHC are characterized by smooth, asymptomatic papules or nodules, most commonly presenting on the chest, limbs, and abdomen. Most cases of SM and EVHC are sporadic, although less common autosomal dominant inherited forms have been reported. Main Observation. In this report we present two cases of cutaneous cysts exhibiting characteristics of either SM or EVHC. Both patients presented with numerous 1-2 mm asymptomatic papules and responded well to surgical expression by incision and drainage (I&D). Conclusion. SM and EVHC are similar in clinical presentation and management. Previously reported “hybrid-type” tumors present strong evidence for a relationship between the two lesions pathologically. Due to potential similarity of EVHC and SM cyst contents, I&D and subsequent microscopic examination cannot definitely differentiate between EVHC, SM, and hybrid cysts.
Deformable Nanovesicles Synthesized through an Adaptable Microfluidic Platform for Enhanced Localized Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Subbiah Naren , Campagna Jesus , Spilman Patricia , Alam Mohammad Parvez , Sharma Shivani , Hokugo Akishige , Nishimura Ichiro , John Varghese
Published: April 2017

Phospholipid-based deformable nanovesicles (DNVs) that have flexibility in shape offer an adaptable and facile method to encapsulate diverse classes of therapeutics and facilitate localized transdermal delivery while minimizing systemic exposure. Here we report the use of a microfluidic reactor for the synthesis of DNVs and show that alteration of input parameters such as flow speeds as well as molar and flow rate ratios increases entrapment efficiency of drugs and allows fine-tuning of DNV size, elasticity, and surface charge. To determine the ability of DNV-encapsulated drug to be delivered transdermally to a local site, we synthesized, characterized, and tested DNVs carrying the fluorescently labeled hydrophilic bisphosphonate drug AF-647 zoledronate (AF647-Zol). AF647-Zol DNVs were lyophilized, resuspended, and applied topically as a paste to the calvarial skin of mice. High-resolution fluorescent imaging and confocal microscopy revealed significant increase of encapsulated payload delivery to the target tissue—cranial bone—by DNVs as compared to nondeformable nanovesicles (NVs) or aqueous drug solutions. Interestingly, NV delivery was not superior to aqueous drug solution. Our studies show that microfluidic reactor-synthesized DNVs can be produced in good yield, with high encapsulation efficiency, reproducibility, and stability after storage, and represent a useful vehicle for localized transdermal drug delivery.
Prediction of Canola Residue Characteristics Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Stubbs Tami L. , Kennedy Ann C.
Published: April 2017

Little work has been done to characterize and quantify the residue traits affecting decomposition of winter and spring canola (Brassica napus L.) residue in dryland farming systems of the Pacific Northwest United States. Traditional methods of characterizing residue fiber and nutrients are time-consuming and expensive and require large quantities of chemical reagents. The goal of this research was to determine whether near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) could accurately predict neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) of canola stems, litter, and roots and decomposition of canola stems. Canola residue varied in decomposition, fiber, and nutrients by year, location, and type. NIRS predictions were successful for NDF and ADF in 2011 (standard error of prediction SEP<2.67; R2>0.95) and NDF, ADF, and N in 2012 (SEP<2.38; R2>0.91). Other predictions for residue fiber and nutrient characteristics were considered moderately successful. Prediction of canola residue decomposition with NIRS was useful for screening purposes. Near-infrared spectroscopy shows promise for rapidly and reproducibly predicting some canola residue fiber and nutrient traits and may be useful for estimating residue decomposition potential in dryland conservation cropping systems.
Downward-Looking Linear Array 3D SAR Imaging Based on Multiple Measurement Vectors Model and Continuous Compressive Sensing
Authors: Liu Qi-yong , Zhang Qun , Gu Fu-fei , Chen Yi-chang , Kang Le , Qu Xiao-yu
Published: April 2017

This paper concerns the problems of huge data and off-grid effect of cross-track direction in downward-looking linear array (DLLA) 3D SAR imaging. Since the 3D imaging needs a great deal of memory space, we consider the methods of downsampling to reduce the data quantity. In the azimuth direction, we proposed a method based on the multiple measurement vectors (MMV) model, which can enhance computational efficiency and elevate the performance of antinoise, to recover the signal. Further, in cross-track direction, since the resolution is restricted by the length of array, as well as platform size, the influence of off-grid effect is more serious than azimuth direction. Continuous compressive sensing (CCS), which can solve the off-grid effect of the classical compressive sensing (CS), is presented to obtain the precise imaging result under the noise scenarios. Finally, we validate our method by extension numerical experiments.
Concomitant Central Giant Cell Granuloma and Aneurysmal Bone Cyst in a Young Child
Authors: Pai Deepika , Kamath Abhay Taranath , Kudva Adarsh , Solomon Monica Monica Charlotte , Kumar Saurabh , Sasikumar Prem
Published: April 2017

Although Central Giant Cell Granuloma (CGCG) is a benign tumor of the jaw and aneurysmal bone cyst seen in children, its aggressive behavior causes extensive loss of hard tissue requiring wide excision and extensive rehabilitation. We report a rare case of concomitant CGCG and aneurysmal bone cyst in a two-year-old male child, involving the coronoid and condylar process. Young age, large tumor, its aggressive nature, and future growth of orofacial region pose a significant challenge in the management of such conditions. For a successful outcome, the systematic approach to the presurgical evaluation and appropriate treatment planning is essential for such conditions.
Robustness of Supercavitating Vehicles Based on Multistability Analysis
Authors: Lv Yipin , Xiong Tianhong , Yi Wenjun , Guan Jun
Published: April 2017

Supercavity can increase speed of underwater vehicles greatly. However, external interferences always lead to instability of vehicles. This paper focuses on robustness of supercavitating vehicles. Based on a 4-dimensional dynamic model, the existence of multistability is verified in supercavitating system through simulation, and the robustness of vehicles varying with parameters is analyzed by basins of attraction. Results of the research disclose that the supercavitating system has three stable states in some regions of parameters space, namely, stable, periodic, and chaotic states, while in other regions it has various multistability, such as coexistence of two types of stable equilibrium points, coexistence of a limit cycle with a chaotic attractor, and coexistence of 1-periodic cycle with 2-periodic cycle. Provided that cavitation number varies within a small range, with increase of the feedback control gain of fin deflection angle, size of basin of attraction becomes smaller and robustness of the system becomes weaker. In practical application, robustness of supercavitating vehicles can be improved by setting parameters of system or adjusting initial launching conditions.
The Influence of pH of Extracting Water on the Composition of Seaweed Extracts and Their Beneficial Properties onLepidium sativum
Authors: Godlewska Katarzyna , Michalak Izabela , Tuhy Łukasz , Chojnacka Katarzyna
Published: April 2017

Baltic seaweeds were used to obtain aqueous extracts (E) through changing initial pH of deionised water added to algal biomass (EpH3·H2O, EpH7·H2O, and EpH10·H2O) and through changing pH of the mixture of algae and deionised water (EpH3, EpH7, and EpH10). Algal extracts were characterized in terms of the concentration of polyphenols and micro- and macroelements. The highest concentration of polyphenols was determined in extract EpH3 and the lowest in extract EpH10·H2O. It was found that the obtained extracts had similar concentrations of elements (except EpH3). The phytotoxicity of algal extracts (0.5, 2.5, and 10%) was examined in the germination tests onLepidium sativum. No phytotoxic effects were observed. It was found that they had beneficial effects on the cultivated plants (length and weight). The best biostimulant effect was observed in the groups treated with EpH3 (2.5%), EpH7 (2.5%), and EpH7 (10%). The dry weight of plants was similar in all the groups. Algal extract also improved the multielemental composition of plant. The greatest concentration of total chlorophyll in plants was obtained by using extract EpH10·H2O, 0.5%. These results proved that algal extracts have high potential to be applied in cultivation of plants.
Computer-Aided Clinical Trial Recruitment Based on Domain-Specific Language Translation: A Case Study of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Zhang Yinsheng , Zhang Guoming , Shang Qian
Published: April 2017

Reusing the data from healthcare information systems can effectively facilitate clinical trials (CTs). How to select candidate patients eligible for CT recruitment criteria is a central task. Related work either depends on DBA (database administrator) to convert the recruitment criteria to native SQL queries or involves the data mapping between a standard ontology/information model and individual data source schema. This paper proposes an alternative computer-aided CT recruitment paradigm, based on syntax translation between different DSLs (domain-specific languages). In this paradigm, the CT recruitment criteria are first formally represented as production rules. The referenced rule variables are all from the underlying database schema. Then the production rule is translated to an intermediate query-oriented DSL (e.g., LINQ). Finally, the intermediate DSL is directly mapped to native database queries (e.g., SQL) automated by ORM (object-relational mapping).
Cellular Prion Protein PrPC and Ecto-5′-Nucleotidase Are Markers of the Cellular Stress Response to Aneuploidy
Authors: Domingues Patrícia H. , Nanduri Lalitha S.Y. , Seget Katarzyna , Venkateswaran Sharavan V. , Agorku David , Viganó Cristina , von Schubert Conrad , Nigg Erich A. , Swanton Charles , Sotillo Rocío , Bosio Andreas , Storchová Zuzana , Hardt Olaf
Published: April 2017

Aneuploidy is a hallmark of most human tumors, but the molecular physiology of aneuploid cells is not well characterized. In this study, we screened cell surface biomarkers of approximately 300 proteins by multiparameter flow cytometry using multiple aneuploid model systems such as cell lines, patient samples, and mouse models. Several new biomarkers were identified with altered expression in aneuploid cells, including overexpression of the cellular prion protein CD230/PrPC and the immunosuppressive cell surface enzyme ecto-5′-nucleotidase CD73. Functional analyses associated these alterations with increased cellular stress. An increased number of CD73+ cells was observed in confluent cultures in aneuploid cells relative to their diploid counterparts. An elevated expression in CD230/PrPC was observed in serum-deprived cells in association with increased generation of reactive oxygen species. Overall, our work identified biomarkers of aneuploid karyotypes, which suggest insights into the underlying molecular physiology of aneuploid cells. Cancer Res; 77(11); 2914–26. ©2017 AACR.
Circadian Disruption and Prostate Cancer Risk: An Updated Review of Epidemiological Evidences
Authors: Wendeu-Foyet Méyomo G. , Menegaux Florence
Published: April 2017

Since the publication of the International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph in 2007 classifying night shift work leading to a disruption of circadian rhythm as probably carcinogenic to humans, there is an increasingly growing interest in understanding how circadian disruption may play a role in cancer development.

This systematic review provides a comprehensive update on epidemiologic evidences on circadian disruption and prostate cancer since the last review published in 2012. We identified 12 new studies evaluating the effects of several circadian disruptors such as night shift work, sleep patterns, and circadian genes in prostate cancer risk. In contrast, no new studies have focused on exposure to light at night.

Several convincing and biologically plausible hypotheses have been proposed to understand how circadian disruption may be related to cancer. However, the current difficulty of concluding on the role of circadian disruption on prostate cancer risk requires further studies including a better characterization of the different night shift systems, data on sleep patterns and chronotype, measurement of biomarkers, and investigations of polymorphisms in the genes regulating the biological clock. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 985–91. ©2017 AACR.
Use of Expansion Cohorts in Phase I Trials and Probability of Success in Phase II for 381 Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Bugano Diogo D.G. , Hess Kenneth , Jardim Denis L.F. , Zer Alona , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Siu Lillian L. , Razak Albiruni R.A. , Hong David S.
Published: April 2017

Purpose: Evaluate the association between the use of phase I expansion cohorts (ECs) and drug performance in phase II as well as time to approval by the FDA.

Experimental Design: We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE for single-agent dose-finding adult oncology phase I trials published in 2006 to 2011 and subsequent phase II trials. Successful phase II trials were those that met their primary endpoints. Dates of approval were obtained from the Drugs@FDA website in April 2014. A logistic regression model was used to determine the associations between variables and success in phase II.

Results: We identified 533 phase I trials evaluating 381 drugs; 112 drugs had at least one phase I trial with an expansion cohort. Phase I trials with expansion cohorts of two to 20 patients were associated with a higher rate of successful phase II trials than those with no expansion cohort [48% vs. 27%; OR, 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1–4.0; P = 0.037]. Phase II success rates were the same for expansion cohort with two to 20 and more than 20 patients (48% vs. 52%). Other positive associations were disease-specific trials (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0–2.9; P = 0.037), industry sponsorship (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.5–5.7; P = 0.0024), and response rate of 6% to 20% (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.6–5.2; P = 0.0007). Drugs tested in phase I trials with expansion cohorts had a higher rate of 5-year approval (19% vs. 5%; HR, 4.4; 95% CI, 2.2–8.8; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The use of expansion cohorts in phase I trials was associated with success of subsequent phase II trials. However, confounders may play a role in this association. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4020–6. ©2017 AACR.
A Phase II Study of Dovitinib in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Dillon Patrick M. , Petroni Gina R. , Horton Bethany J. , Moskaluk Christopher A. , Fracasso Paula M. , Douvas Michael G. , Varhegyi Nikole , Zaja-Milatovic Snjezana , Thomas Christopher Y.
Published: April 2017

Purpose: Genetic and preclinical studies have implicated FGFR signaling in the pathogenesis of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Dovitinib, a suppressor of FGFR activity, may be active in ACC.

Experimental Design: In a two-stage phase II study, 35 patients with progressive ACC were treated with dovitinib 500 mg orally for 5 of 7 days continuously. The primary endpoints were objective response rate and change in tumor growth rate. Progression-free survival, overall survival, metabolic response, biomarker, and quality of life were secondary endpoints.

Results: Of 34 evaluable patients, 2 (6%) had a partial response and 22 (65%) had stable disease >4 months. Median PFS was 8.2 months and OS was 20.6 months. The slope of the overall TGR fell from 1.95 to 0.63 on treatment (P < 0.001). Toxicity was moderate; 63% of patients developed grade 3–4 toxicity, 94% required dose modifications, and 21% stopped treatment early. An early metabolic response based on 18FDG-PET scans was seen in 3 of 15 patients but did not correlate with RECIST response. MYB gene translocation was observed and significantly correlated with overexpression of MYB but did not correlate with FGFR1 phosphorylation or clinical response to dovitinib.

Conclusions: Dovitinib produced few objective responses in patients with ACC but did suppress the TGR with a PFS that compares favorably with those reported with other targeted agents. Future studies of more potent and selective FGFR inhibitors in biomarker-selected patients will be required to determine whether FGFR signaling is a valid therapeutic target in ACC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4138–45. ©2017 AACR.
Effectiveness of Autologous Whole-Blood Injections in Patients with Refractory Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Kitsioulis Nikolaos Aggelis , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Roussaki-Schulze Aggeliki-Victoria , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Zafiriou Efterpi
Published: April 2017

Background: Nonsedating antihistamines are the treatment of choice for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), while omalizumab and immunosuppressants have also been approved as an add-on treatment. Autologous whole-blood injection (AWBI) has been used in previous studies with ambiguous results. The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life (CU-Q2oL) score, and also the association of serologic markers with disease severity measures after AWBI. Methods: In this observational study, AWBIs were performed (8 courses on a weekly basis) in adults with refractory CSU, who refused an add-on treatment with either omalizumab or immunosuppressants. UAS7, DLQI, and CU-Q2oL questionnaires and serum concentrations of total IgE, C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: Nineteen patients (12 females; mean age 54 ± 20.8 years) completed the protocol. Following AWBI, significant improvements in the UAS7 (34.26 ± 8.04 vs. 12.52 ± 10.83, p < 0.001), DLQI (11.63 ± 5.51 vs. 3.47 ± 2.85, p < 0.001), and CU-Q2oL score (32.97 ± 18.71 vs. 10.94 ± 7.71, p < 0.001) were recorded. A negative correlation between the baseline D-dimer levels and UAS7 and DLQI variations (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively) was noted. D-dimer levels ≥292 ng/mL have been associated with poor responsiveness (sensitivity 75%; specificity 83.3%). No correlation with either total immunoglobulin E or CRP levels was observed. Conclusion: AWBI appears to be a safe, alternative, add-on therapeutic option in refractory CSU, particularly in patients with low plasma levels of D-dimer.
O uso do role-play no ensino de negociações internacionais
Authors: Onuki Janina , Oliveira Amâncio Jorge de
Published: April 2017

Poucos são os trabalhos dedicados a promover um balanço sobre os principais ganhos do uso de simulações, em termos pedagógicos, no ensino de Relações e Negociações Internacionais. Prevalecem amplamente, dentre os trabalhos disponíveis, relatos qualitativos sobre procedimentos e aplicações das simulações e/ou teste de hipóteses correntes na literatura. A avaliação comparada da experiência de simulações, tomando por base um grande número de aplicações, não é comum entre os estudos do gênero. Este artigo tem por objetivo preencher esta lacuna tomando por base a experiência de ensino nesta área, apoiada pela Pró-Reitoria de Graduação da USP, com o Programa Pró-Ensino.
Safety With Echocardiographic Contrast Agents
Authors: Muskula Preetham R. , Main Michael L.
Published: April 2017

In October 2007, the Food and Drug Administration mandated significant revisions to product labeling for the commercially available echocardiographic contrast agents (ECA) Definity and Optison after spontaneous healthcare provider reports of 4 patient deaths and ≈190 severe cardiopulmonary reactions occurring in close temporal relationship to ECA administration. Since then, multiple large ECA safety studies have been published and have included outpatients, hospitalized patients (including the critically ill), patients undergoing stress echocardiography, and patients with pulmonary hypertension. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration has convened 2 Advisory Committee meetings and the product labels for Optison and Definity have been substantially revised with a softening of safety restrictions. In this review, we will address the safety of ECA use in patients with serious cardiopulmonary conditions, patients with intracardiac shunts, and special patient populations including pulmonary hypertension, pediatrics, and pregnancy. In addition, we will discuss the confounding role of pseudocomplication in attribution of adverse events during diagnostic testing, the current status of the ECA Black Box Warning, and recommended safety precautions during ECA administration.
Risk of Stroke in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Adelborg Kasper , Szépligeti Szimonetta , Sundbøll Jens , Horváth-Puhó Erzsébet , Henderson Victor W. , Ording Anne , Pedersen Lars , Sørensen Henrik Toft
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

The long-term risk of specific stroke subtypes among heart failure patients is largely unknown. We examined short-term and long-term risk of ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in heart failure patients and in a general population comparison cohort.

Methods—

In this nationwide cohort study (1980−2012), we used Danish population-based medical registries to identify and follow (1) all patients hospitalized for the first time with heart failure and (2) a birth year–, sex-, and calendar year–matched general population comparison cohort. Age-, sex-, and comorbidity-adjusted stroke rate ratios were computed based on Cox regression analysis.

Results—

We included 289 353 patients with heart failure and 1 446 765 individuals from the general population in the analysis. One- and 5-year risks among heart failure patients were 1.4% and 3.9% for ischemic stroke, 0.2% and 0.5% for ICH, and 0.03% and 0.07% for SAH. The 30-day adjusted stroke rate ratio was increased markedly for ischemic stroke (5.08; 95% confidence interval, 4.58–5.63] and was also elevated for ICH (2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.53–2.97) and SAH (3.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.54–8.08). Between 31 days and 30 years, risk of all stroke subtypes remained positively associated with heart failure (1.5- to 2.1-fold for ischemic stroke, 1.4- to 1.8-fold for ICH, and 1.1- to 1.7-fold for SAH) in comparison with the general population cohort.

Conclusions—

Heart failure was associated with increased short-term and long-term risk of all stroke subtypes, suggesting that heart failure is a potent and persistent risk factor for ischemic stroke, ICH, and SAH.
The Professional Life of Clayton Paul Alderfer
Authors: Berg David N. , Smith Kenwyn K.
Published: April 2017

Clayton Paul Alderfer died on October 30, 2015. In addition to the people he left behind (family, friends, colleagues, and former students), Clay also bequeathed a richly varied scholarly legacy. This article introduces the reader to Alderfer’s life and work. Since Alderfer believed that one’s work is influenced by one’s stage of life, his work is presented in chronological order from early adulthood through late adulthood. What emerges is a picture of how the major intellectual themes he worked on—need theory, embedded intergroup relations, organizational diagnosis, and race relations—developed over the course of his adult life. Alderfer is presented in his own words, sentences and paragraphs excerpted from his published legacy, to minimize interpretation and maximize the reader’s exposure to the man and his ideas.
How Many U.S. High School Students Have a Foreign Language Reading “Disability”? Reading Without Meaning and the Simple View
Authors: Sparks Richard L. , Luebbers Julie
Published: April 2017

Conventional wisdom suggests that students classified as learning disabled will exhibit difficulties with foreign language (FL) learning, but evidence has not supported a relationship between FL learning problems and learning disabilities. The simple view of reading model posits that reading comprehension is the product of word decoding and language comprehension and that there are good readers and 3 types of poor readers—dyslexic, hyperlexic, and garden variety—who exhibit different profiles of strengths and/or deficits in word decoding and language comprehension. In this study, a random sample of U.S. high school students completing first-, second-, and third-year Spanish courses were administered standardized measures of Spanish word decoding and reading comprehension, compared with monolingual Spanish readers from first to eleventh grades, and classified into reader types according to the simple view of reading. The majority of students fit the hyperlexic profile, and no participants fit the good reader profile until they were compared with first- and second-grade monolingual Spanish readers. Findings call into question the practice of diagnosing an FL “disability” before a student engages in FL study.
A novel low add-on technology of dyeing cotton fabric with reactive dyestuff
Authors: Mao Xiaodong , Zhong Yi , Xu Hong , Zhang Linping , Sui Xiaofeng , Mao Zhiping
Published: April 2017

A novel low add-on dyeing process of cotton fabric with C.I. Reactive Black 5 has been implemented successfully with the assistance of dye-jet ejector units to produce precise wet pick-up ranging from 20% to 50%. The steaming process of the low add-on technology was investigated through evaluating the effects of relative humidity, steaming temperature, steaming time and water ratio on the surface temperature of the wet fabric and their influence on the dye properties, as well as the effect of the wet pick-up on dye properties. The optimal dyeing process was also conducted, including build-up properties and the concentrations of the alkaline agent and the electrolyte via the evaluation of the color strength ( K/ S value) and dye fixation rate. A comparison was made between the novel low add-on dyeing process and conventional dyeing process by assessing the dye properties, color shade and color levelness. The results indicated that the fabric dyed with the low add-on process had excellent washing fastness, rubbing fastness, a similar color shade and superior levelness in comparison with conventional one-bath pad-steam dyeing.
Tourism Contribution to Poverty Alleviation in Kenya: A Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Njoya Eric Tchouamou , Seetaram Neelu
Published: April 2017

The aim of this article is to investigate the claim that tourism development can be the engine for poverty reduction in Kenya using a dynamic, microsimulation computable general equilibrium model. The article improves on the common practice in the literature by using the more comprehensive Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) index to measure poverty instead of headcount ratios only. Simulations results from previous studies confirm that expansion of the tourism industry will benefit different sectors unevenly and will only marginally improve poverty headcount. This is mainly due to the contraction of the agricultural sector caused the appreciation of the real exchange rates. This article demonstrates that the effect on poverty gap and poverty severity is, nevertheless, significant for both rural and urban areas with higher impact in the urban areas. Tourism expansion enables poorer households to move closer to the poverty line. It is concluded that the tourism industry is pro-poor.
A new global theology? Intercultural theology and the challenge of public discourse in a global church
Authors: Pieterse Hendrik R.
Published: April 2017

This article examines the potential of intercultural theology as a mode of public theologizing particularly suited for a global Christian church of extraordinary diversity today. Given the salience of “public” themes already resident within it, I suggest, intercultural theology has the potential to make a substantive contribution to the nature and practice of theology as global discourse. I explore three respects in which intercultural theology can assist the church in articulating its public witness: the demand that theology be global in scope, holistic in depth and reach, and attentive to truth.
Has the Internet Reduced Friendship? Scientific Relationships in Ghana, Kenya, and India, 1994-2010
Authors: Shrum Wesley , Palackal Antony , Dzorgbo Dan-Bright S. , Mbatia Paul , Schafer Mark , Miller Paige , Rackin Heather
Published: April 2017

Has the Internet changed the pattern of social relations? More specifically, have social relations undergone any systematic change during the recent widespread diffusion of new communications technology? This question is addressed using a unique longitudinal survey that bookends the entire period of Internet diffusion in two African nations and one Indian state. We analyze data on nine professional linkages reported by a population of agricultural and environmental scientists in Kenya, Ghana, and Kerala over a sixteen-year period (1994-2010). Factor analysis reveals two clusters of relationships, one interpretable as traditional scientific exchange, the other indicating mediated forms of collaboration. While collaboration increases in frequency, friendship declines. We interpret this shift as a consequence of communications technology that facilitates formal projects, reducing the affective dimension of professional association.
Which Fish? Knowledge, Articulation, and Legitimization in Claims about Endangered and Culturally Significant Animals
Authors: Buchanan Nicholas
Published: April 2017

This article examines how the authorization of scientific discourses in the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 has influenced the ways people make claims about culturally significant animals. In it, I focus on struggles over the management of two endangered fish species among a federally recognized Native American tribe, state resource managers, and other actors. I discuss how the requirements of the ESA, namely that decisions regarding the protection of endangered species must be made based “solely on the basis of the best scientific…data available,” have pushed people to reframe their cultural claims about the environment as scientific claims in order to gain legal authority. I argue that these animals span the social worlds of indigenous hunters and fishers, regulators, and ecological scientists. As such, they offer the opportunity to interrogate the relationships among ways of knowing the environment. I suggest that strict divisions among “types” of knowledge as well as hard-and-fast bonds between groups and “their” knowledge become problematic. Instead, people assemble eclectic articulations of knowledge to make the most authoritative claim possible in a given context, contradicting the assumption that certain people know the world only, or primarily, in a particular way.
Virtual monochromatic spectral imaging for the evaluation of vertebral inconspicuous osteoblastic metastases from lung
Authors: Yue Dong , Ru Xin Wang , Jing Chen , Fan Rong Cheng , Li Fei Sun , Ai Lian Liu , Ya Hong Luo
Published: April 2017

Background

The diagnosis of inconspicuous osteoblastic metastases (OBMs) is a challenge in computed tomography (CT) images. The virtual monochromatic spectral (VMS) image of spectral CT is useful for the detection of the low-contrast lesions.

Purpose

To select the optimal monochromatic level for VMS images of spectral CT for detecting and diagnosing inconspicuous OBMs of the vertebra from lung cancer.

Material and Methods

Thirty-five patients underwent spectral CT for chest or abdomen. The CT number and standard deviation (SD) of lesions and adjacent normal bone and the SD value of subcutaneous fat were measured on the conventional polychromatic image (140 kVp) and 40–140 keV VMS images. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was compared among the 11 VMS images and 140 kVp images. The scores of two observers for different images and the inter-observer agreement were evaluated. The diameter and CNR of the detected and missed lesions were assessed.

Results

The lowest image noise was distributed in 70 and 140 keV images and the highest CNR was noted in 70 keV images. Good and moderate inter-observer agreement were identified for the evaluation of diagnostic ability, and the subjective scores of two observers for 60 and 70 keV images were increased compared with 140 kVp images ( P < 0.05). The diameter had no significant difference between the detected and missed lesions. The CNR of the missed lesions was reduced compared with detected lesions.

Conclusion

VMS images at 70 keV may be optimal for detecting and diagnosing inconspicuous OBMs from lung cancer.
Geopolitical economy and the production of territory: The case of US–China geopolitical-economic competition in Asia
Authors: Lee Seung-Ook , Wainwright Joel , Glassman Jim
Published: April 2017

Recent work in political geography and Marxist, critical political economy has refocused attention on the interrelations between political economy and geopolitics. This paper examines the contributions of Antonio Gramsci to the theory of geopolitical economy and the production of territory. Doing so enables two key insights. First, explaining the production of territory requires unraveling multiple—sometimes competing—levels of geopolitical and geoeconomic power relations. It follows that geopolitical economy requires historicizing the practices of territorialization. The second point is that the practice of territorialization is today everywhere bound up with the project of producing and reproducing capitalist (i.e. class) social relations, including the capitalist form of the state as a social relation. To support this claim, we examine recent US–China hegemonic competition in regional, geoeconomic strategies—US’s “Trans-Pacific Partnership” and China’s “One Belt, One Road” Initiative.
Viewing the Cycle of Violence Through a Gendered Pathways Lens: Perceived Parental Tolerance of Violence, Peer Influence, and Child Aggressive Behavior
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a child’s perception of adult tolerance of violence interfaced with peer associations and violent offending. It was hypothesized that a child’s perception of his or her parents’ tolerance for violence would predict the peer influence effect for aggressive behavior in boys but not girls. Control variables included the parent’s stated tolerance of violence, the child’s personal attitude toward violence, recent parental divorce or separation, and child maltreatment within the past 12 months. Using the first three waves of the National Youth Survey (NYS), the relationships between perceived parental tolerance of violence and the peer influence and selection effects were examined. A negative binomial path analysis of the male subsample ( n = 736) revealed that perceived parental tolerance of violence predicted the peer influence effect (peer violence leading to participant violent offending) but not the peer selection effect (participant violent offending leading to peer violence) in boys. In girls ( n = 679), neither pathway was significant. The current findings indicate that in boys, perceived parental attitudes toward violence help account for the cycle of violence, perhaps by encouraging the child’s association with violent peers. Programs designed to change these perceptions and the parental/community attitudes these perceptions may reflect could be an effective means of intervention for violent youth.
Bioinformatics prediction and experimental validation of microRNA-20a targeting Cyclin D1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Karimkhanloo Hamzeh , Mohammadi-Yeganeh Samira , Ahsani Zeinab , Paryan Mahdi
Published: April 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the major form of primary liver cancer, which is the second and sixth leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women, respectively. Extensive research indicates that Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which plays a pivotal role in growth, development, and differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma, is one of the major signaling pathways that is dysregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cyclin D1 is a proto-oncogene and is one of the major regulators of Wnt signaling pathway, and its overexpression has been detected in various types of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma. Using several validated bioinformatic databases, we predicted that the microRNAs are capable of targeting 3′-untranslated region of Cyclin D1 messenger RNA. According to the results, miR-20a was selected as the highest ranking microRNA targeting Cyclin D1 messenger RNA. Luciferase assay was recruited to confirm bioinformatic prediction results. Cyclin D1 expression was first assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in HepG2 cell line. Afterward, HepG2 cells were transduced by lentiviruses containing miR-20a. Then, the expression of miR-20a and Cyclin D1 was evaluated. The results of luciferase assay demonstrated targeting of 3′-untranslated region of Cyclin D1 messenger RNA by miR-20a. Furthermore, 238-fold decline in Cyclin D1 expression was observed after lentiviral induction of miR-20a in HepG2 cells. The results highlighted a considerable effect of miRNA-20a induction on the down-regulation of Cyclin D1 gene. Our results suggest that miR-20a can be used as a novel candidate for therapeutic purposes and a biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis.
New developments in the EU system of judicial protection: the creation of the Unified Patent Court and its future relations with the CJEU
Authors: Alberti Jacopo
Published: April 2017

Created in 2013 after a troubled and long standing debate, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) is a ‘Common Court’ of 25 EU Member States that will adjudicate on ‘classical’ European Patents and on the new European patents with unitary effect. Although its establishing Agreement has not yet entered into force, the establishment of the UPC makes for a very interesting case study. It is a unique construct in the field of international courts and it might well inspire the creation of other ‘common jurisdictions’ in other fields lying on the border between international and EU law. Future dialogue between the CJEU and the UPC will have to deal with some controversial issues that might require some innovative approaches in the CJEU’s jurisprudence and some caution on the part of the UPC. Despite all the efforts made to mitigate the international origin of the UPC, it remains a fundamental anomaly in the system of EU courts, and it clearly demonstrates that the current EU system of judicial protection requires profound reconsideration.