bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of KIR3DL2 to Diagnose, Follow-Up, and Manage the Treatment of Patients with Sézary Syndrome
Authors: Hurabielle Charlotte , Thonnart Nicolas , Ram-Wolff Caroline , Sicard Hélène , Bensussan Armand , Bagot Martine , Marie-Cardine Anne
Published: January 2017

Purpose: KIR3DL2 is a recently discovered marker of the malignant clonal cell population in Sézary syndrome. We intended to evaluate the expression of KIR3DL2 on blood T cells as a diagnostic, prognostic, and follow-up marker of Sézary syndrome.

Experimental Design: Sixty-four patients diagnosed with Sézary syndrome were included in this monocentric study. We collected the percentage of KIR3DL2+ cells among CD3+ T cells, obtained by flow cytometry, and other classical diagnostic criteria for Sézary syndrome at diagnosis and during the follow-up.

Results: Compared with the classical diagnostic factors, KIR3DL2 was the most sensitive diagnostic factor for Sézary syndrome. Univariate and multivariate analyses established that an eosinophil cell count >700/mm3 and a percentage of KIR3DL2+ cells within the CD3+ T cells >85% at diagnosis were associated with a significantly reduced disease-specific survival. Moreover, KIR3DL2 immunostaining allowed the assessment of treatment efficiency and specificity toward tumor cells, the detection of the residual disease following treatment, and the occurrence of relapse, even though patients clinically experienced complete remission and/or undetectable circulating Sézary cells by cytomorphologic analysis.

Conclusions: We show that KIR3DL2 expression is the most sensitive diagnostic criterion of Sézary syndrome when compared with all other available biological criteria. It also represents the best independent prognostic factor for Sézary syndrome–specific death and the most relevant feature for the follow-up of Sézary syndrome, showing the invasion of the functional lymphocytes pool by Sézary cells. KIR3DL2 therefore represents a valuable tool for routine use as a clinical parameter at diagnosis, for prognosis and during patient follow-up. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3619–27. ©2017 AACR.
In Vitro and In Vivo Synergistic Antitumor Activity of the Combination of BKM120 and Erlotinib in Head and Neck Cancer: Mechanism of Apoptosis and Resistance
Authors: Anisuzzaman Abu Syed Md , Haque Abedul , Wang Dongsheng , Rahman Mohammad Aminur , Zhang Chao , Chen Zhengjia , Chen Zhuo Georgia , Shin Dong M. , Amin A.R.M. Ruhul
Published: January 2017

We previously reported that the EGFR-targeted inhibitor erlotinib induces G1 arrest of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) cell lines without inducing significant apoptosis. Large-scale genomic studies suggest that >50% of SCCHN cases have activation of PI3K pathways. This study investigated whether cotargeting of EGFR and PI3K has synergistic antitumor effects and apoptosis induction. We examined growth suppression, apoptosis, and signaling pathway modulation resulting from single and combined targeting of EGFR and PI3K with erlotinib and BKM120, respectively, in a panel of SCCHN cell lines and a xenograft model of SCCHN. In a panel of 12 cell lines, single targeting of EGFR with erlotinib or PI3K with BKM120 suppressed cellular growth without inducing significant apoptosis. Cotargeting of EGFR and PI3K synergistically inhibited SCCHN cell line and xenograft tumor growth, but induced variable apoptosis; some lines were highly sensitive, others were resistant. Mechanistic studies revealed that the combination inhibited both axes of the mTORC1 (S6 and 4EBP1) pathway in apoptosis-sensitive cell lines along with translational inhibition of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1, but failed to inhibit p-4EBP1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1 in an apoptosis-resistant cell line. siRNA-mediated knockdown of eIF4E inhibited Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 and sensitized this cell line to apoptosis. Our results strongly suggest that cotargeting of EGFR and PI3K is synergistic and induces apoptosis of SCCHN cell lines by inhibiting both axes of the AKT–mTOR pathway and translational regulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. These findings may guide the development of clinical trials using this combination of agents.
Exploiting AR-Regulated Drug Transport to Induce Sensitivity to the Survivin Inhibitor YM155
Authors: Nyquist Michael D. , Corella Alexandra , Burns John , Coleman Ilsa , Gao Shuai , Tharakan Robin , Riggan Luke , Cai Changmeng , Corey Eva , Nelson Peter S. , Mostaghel Elahe A.
Published: January 2017

Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is fundamental to prostate cancer and is the dominant therapeutic target in metastatic disease. However, stringent androgen deprivation therapy regimens decrease quality of life and have been largely unsuccessful in curtailing mortality. Recent clinical and preclinical studies have taken advantage of the dichotomous ability of AR signaling to elicit growth-suppressive and differentiating effects by administering hyperphysiologic levels of testosterone. In this study, high-throughput drug screening identified a potent synergy between high-androgen therapy and YM155, a transcriptional inhibitor of survivin (BIRC5). This interaction was mediated by the direct transcriptional upregulation of the YM155 transporter SLC35F2 by the AR. Androgen-mediated YM155-induced cell death was completely blocked by the overexpression of multidrug resistance transporter ABCB1. SLC35F2 expression was significantly correlated with intratumor androgen levels in four distinct patient-derived xenograft models, and with AR activity score in a large gene expression dataset of castration-resistant metastases. A subset of tumors had significantly elevated SLC35F2 expression and, therefore, may identify patients who are highly responsive to YM155 treatment.

Implications: The combination of androgen therapy with YM155 represents a novel drug synergy, and SLC35F2 may serve as a clinical biomarker of response to YM155. Mol Cancer Res; 15(5); 521–31. ©2017 AACR.
Dysregulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 by Multiple miRNAs in Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Su Shu-Han , Wu Chun-Hsien , Chiu Ya-Lin , Chang Shing-Jyh , Lo Hung-Hao , Liao Ko-Hsun , Tsai Cheng-Fong , Tsai Tsung-Neng , Lin Chi-Hung , Cheng Shu-Meng , Cheng Cheng-Chung , Wang Hsei-Wei
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) have the potential to be used in regenerative medicine. Dysfunction of ECFCs is correlated with the onset of cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary artery disease (CAD). Binding of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) triggers cell motility and angiogenesis of ECFCs, which are crucial to vascular repair. Methods: To identify the miRNA-VEGFR2-dependent regulation of ECFC functions, ECFCs isolated from peripheral blood of disease-free and CAD individuals were subjected to small RNA sequencing for identification of anti-VEGFR2 miRNAs. The angiogenic activities of the miRNAs were determined in both in vitro and in vivo mice models. Results: Three miRNAs, namely miR-410-3p, miR-497-5p, and miR-2355-5p, were identified to be upregulated in CAD-ECFCs, and VEGFR2 was their common target gene. Knockdown of these miRNAs not only restored the expression of VEGFR2 and increased angiogenic activities of CAD-ECFCs in vitro, but also promoted blood flow recovery in ischemic limbs in vivo. miR-410-3p, miR-497-5p, and miR-2355-5p could serve as potential biomarkers for CAD detection as they are highly expressed in the plasma of CAD patients. Conclusions: This modulation could help develop new therapeutic modalities for cardiovascular diseases and other vascular dysregulated diseases, especially tumor angiogenesis.
Environmental and Occupational Exposures and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in New England
Authors: Andrew Angeline S. , Caller Tracie A. , Tandan Rup , Duell Eric J. , Henegan Patricia L. , Field Nicholas C. , Bradley Walter G. , Stommel Elijah W.
Published: January 2017

Background: Recent data provide support for the concept that potentially modifiable exposures are responsible for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Objective: To evaluate environmental and occupational exposures as risk factors for sporadic ALS. Methods: We performed a case-control study of ALS among residents of New England, USA. The analysis compared questionnaire responses from 295 patients with a confirmed ALS diagnosis to those of 225 controls without neurodegenerative illness. Results: Self-reported job- or hobby-related exposure to one or more chemicals, such as pesticides, solvents, or heavy metals, increased the risk of ALS (adjusted OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.64-3.89). Industries with a higher toxicant exposure potential (construction, manufacturing, mechanical, military, or painting) were associated with an elevated occupational risk (adjusted OR 3.95; 95% CI 2.04-8.30). We also identified increases in the risk of ALS associated with frequent participation in water sports, particularly waterskiing (adjusted OR 3.89; 95% CI 1.97-8.44). Occupation and waterskiing both retained independent statistical significance in a composite model containing age, gender, and smoking status. Conclusions: Our study contributes to a growing body of literature implicating occupational- and hobby-related toxicant exposures in ALS etiology. These epidemiologic study results also provide motivation for future evaluation of water-body-related risk factors.
Hypothalamic Insulin Resistance in Obesity: Effects on Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Chen Weiyi , Balland Eglantine , Cowley Michael A.
Published: January 2017

The central link between obesity and type 2 diabetes is the development of insulin resistance. To date, it is still not clear whether hyperinsulinemia causes insulin resistance, which underlies the pathogenesis of obesity-associated type 2 diabetes, owing to the sophisticated regulatory mechanisms that exist in the periphery and in the brain. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated the existence of insulin resistance within the hypothalamus. In this review, we have integrated the recent discoveries surrounding both central and peripheral insulin resistance to provide a comprehensive overview of insulin resistance in obesity and the regulation of systemic glucose homeostasis. In particular, this review will discuss how hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia in obesity impair insulin sensitivity in tissues such as the liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the brain. In addition, this review highlights insulin transport into the brain, signaling pathways associated with hypothalamic insulin receptor expression in the regulation of hepatic glucose production, and finally the perturbation of systemic glucose homeostasis as a consequence of central insulin resistance. We also suggest future approaches to overcome both central and peripheral insulin resistance to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Lipid Droplet Biogenesis and Function in the Endothelium
Authors: Kuo Andrew , Lee Monica Y. , Sessa William C.
Published: January 2017

Rationale:

Fatty acids (FA) are transported across the capillary endothelium to parenchymal tissues. However, it is not known how endothelial cells (EC) from large vessels process a postprandial surge of FA.

Objective:

This study was designed to characterize lipid droplet (LD) formation in EC by manipulating pathways leading to the formation and degradation of LD. In addition, several functions of LD-derived FA were assessed.

Methods and Results:

LD were present in EC lining the aorta after the peak in plasma triglycerides initiated by a gavage of olive oil in mice, in vivo. Similarly, in isolated aorta, oleic acid treatment generates LD in EC ex vivo. Cultured EC readily form LD largely via the enzyme DGAT (diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1) and degrade LD via ATGL (adipocyte triglyceride lipase) after FA loading. Functionally, LD-derived FA are dynamically regulated and function to protect EC from lipotoxic stress and provide FA for metabolic needs.

Conclusions:

Our results delineate endothelial LD dynamics for the first time in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, LD formation protects EC from lipotoxic stress, regulates EC glycolysis, and provides a source of FA for adjacent cells in the vessel wall or tissues.
Three Arterial Grafts Improve Late Survival
Authors: Gaudino Mario , Puskas John D. , Di Franco Antonino , Ohmes Lucas B. , Iannaccone Mario , Barbero Umberto , Glineur David , Grau Juan B. , Benedetto Umberto , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Gaita Fiorenzo , Girardi Leonard N. , Taggart David P.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Little evidence shows whether a third arterial graft provides superior outcomes compared with the use of 2 arterial grafts in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. A meta-analysis of all the propensity score-matched observational studies comparing the long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting with the use of 2-arterial versus 3-arterial grafts was performed.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify relevant articles. Long-term mortality in the propensity score-matched populations was the primary end point. Secondary end points were in-hospital/30-day mortality for the propensity score-matched populations and long-term mortality for the unmatched populations. In the matched population, time-to-event outcome for long-term mortality was extracted as hazard ratios, along with their variance. Statistical pooling of survival (time-to-event) was performed according to a random effect model, computing risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

Eight propensity score-matched studies reporting on 10 287 matched patients (2-arterial graft: 5346; 3-arterial graft: 4941) were selected for final comparison. The mean follow-up time ranged from 37.2 to 196.8 months. The use of 3 arterial grafts was not statistically associated with early mortality (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–1.22;
P
=0.62). The use of 3 arterial grafts was associated with statistically significantly lower hazard for late death (hazard ratio, 0.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.87;
P
<0.001), irrespective of sex and diabetic mellitus status. This result was qualitatively similar in the unmatched population (hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.98;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions:

The use of a third arterial conduit in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting is not associated with higher operative risk and is associated with superior long-term survival, irrespective of sex and diabetic mellitus status.
YAMATO Study (Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator and Edaravone Combination Therapy)
Authors: Aoki Junya , Kimura Kazumi , Morita Naomi , Harada Masafumi , Metoki Norifumi , Tateishi Yohei , Todo Kenichi , Yamagami Hiroshi , Hayashi Kouji , Terasawa Yuka , Fujita Koji , Yamamoto Nobuaki , Deguchi Ichiro , Tanahashi Norio , Inoue Takeshi , Iwanaga Takeshi , Kaneko Nobuyuki , Mitsumura Hidetaka , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Ueno Yasushi , Kuramoto Yoji , Ogata Toshiyasu , Fujimoto Shigeru , Yokoyama Mutsumi , Nagahiro Shinji
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—

We investigated whether administration of edaravone, a free radical scavenger, before or during tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) can enhance early recanalization in a major arterial occlusion.

Methods—

The YAMATO study (Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator and Edaravone Combination Therapy) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter (17 hospitals in Japan), prospective, randomized, and open-label study. Patients with stroke secondary to occlusion of the M1 or M2 portion of the middle cerebral artery and within 4.5 hours of the onset were studied. The subjects were randomly allocated to the early group (intravenous edaravone [30 mg] was started before or during tPA) and the late group (edaravone was started after tPA and the assessment of early recanalization).

Results—

One-hundred sixty-five patients (96 men; median age [interquartile range], of 78 [69–85] years) were randomized 1:1 to either the early group (82 patients) or the late group (83 patients). Primary outcome, defined as an early recanalization 1.5 hour after tPA, was observed in 53% of the early group and in 53% of the late group (
P
=1.000). About secondary outcomes, the rate of significant recanalization of ≥50% was not different between the 2 groups (28% versus 34%;
P
=0.393). The symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage has occurred in 4 patients (5%) in the early group and in 2 patients (2%) in the late group (
P
=0.443). The favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) at 3 months was also similar between the groups (53% versus 57%;
P
=0.738).

Conclusions—

The timing of edaravone infusion does not affect the rate of early recanalization, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, or favorable outcome after tPA therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm
. Unique identifier: UMIN000006330.
Cervical Carotid Pseudo-Occlusions and False Dissections
Authors: Grossberg Jonathan A. , Haussen Diogo C. , Cardoso Fabricio B. , Rebello Leticia C. , Bouslama Mehdi , Anderson Aaron M. , Frankel Michael R. , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—

Pseudo-occlusion (PO) of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) refers to an isolated occlusion of the intracranial ICA that appears as an extracranial ICA occlusion on computed tomography angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography because of blockage of distal contrast penetration by a stagnant column of unopacified blood. We aim to better characterize this poorly recognized entity.

Methods—

Retrospective review of an endovascular database (2010–2015; n=898). Only patients with isolated intracranial ICA occlusions as confirmed by angiographic exploration were included. CTA and digital subtraction angiography images were categorized according to their apparent site of occlusion as (1) extracranial ICA PO or (2) discernible intracranial ICA occlusion.

Results—

Cervical ICA PO occurred in 21/46 (46%) patients on CTA (17 proximal cervical; 4 midcervical). Fifteen (71%) of these patients also had PO on digital subtraction angiography. A flame-shaped PO mimicking a carotid dissection was seen in 7 (33%) patients on CTA and in 6 (29%) patients on digital subtraction angiography. Patients with and without CTA PO had similar age (64.8±17.1 versus 60.2±15.7 years;
P
=0.35), sex (male, 47% versus 52%;
P
=1.00), and intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator use (38% versus 40%;
P
=1.00). The rates of modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia 2b-3 reperfusion were 71.4% in the PO versus 100% in the non-PO cohorts (
P
<0.01). The rates of parenchymal hematoma, 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0–2, and 90-day mortality were 4.8% versus 8% (
P
=0.66), 40% versus 66.7% (
P
=0.12), and 25% versus 21% (
P
=0.77) in PO versus non-PO patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that PO patients had lower chances of modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia 3 reperfusion (odds ratio 0.14; 95% confidence interval 0.02–0.70;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Cervical ICA PO is a relatively common entity and may be associated with decreased reperfusion rates.
Automated Software System to Promote Anticoagulation and Reduce Stroke Risk
Authors: Holt Tim A. , Dalton Andrew , Marshall Tom , Fay Matthew , Qureshi Nadeem , Kirkpatrick Susan , Hislop Jenny , Lasserson Daniel , Kearley Karen , Mollison Jill , Yu Ly-Mee , Hobbs F.D. Richard , Fitzmaurice David
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—

Oral anticoagulants (OAC) substantially reduce risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation, but uptake is suboptimal. Electronic health records enable automated identification of people at risk but not receiving treatment. We investigated the effectiveness of a software tool (AURAS-AF [Automated Risk Assessment for Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation]) designed to identify such individuals during routine care through a cluster-randomized trial.

Methods—

Screen reminders appeared each time the electronic health records of an eligible patient was accessed until a decision had been taken over OAC treatment. Where OAC was not started, clinicians were prompted to indicate a reason. Control practices continued usual care. The primary outcome was the proportion of eligible individuals receiving OAC at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included rates of cardiovascular events and reports of adverse effects of the software on clinical decision-making.

Results—

Forty-seven practices were randomized. The mean proportion–prescribed OAC at 6 months was 66.3% (SD=9.3) in the intervention arm and 63.9% (9.5) in the control arm (adjusted difference 1.21% [95% confidence interval −0.72 to 3.13]). Incidence of recorded transient ischemic attack was higher in the intervention practices (median 10.0 versus 2.3 per 1000 patients with atrial fibrillation;
P
=0.027), but at 12 months, we found a lower incidence of both all cause stroke (
P
=0.06) and hemorrhage (
P
=0.054). No adverse effects of the software were reported.

Conclusions—

No significant change in OAC prescribing occurred. A greater rate of diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (possibly because of improved detection or overdiagnosis) was associated with a reduction (of borderline significance) in stroke and hemorrhage over 12 months.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.isrctn.com
. Unique Identifier: ISRCTN55722437.
What is an Ersatz Part?
Authors: Miller Kristie , Hariman Johann
Published: January 2017

This paper develops four proposals for explicating the notion of an ersatz part. It then evaluates each proposal with respect to a number of jobs for which ersatz parts are posited. We argue that each of the four notions of ersatz parthood do better with respect to some jobs, and worse with respect to others. Thus, we think, it’s horses for courses: which notion of ersatz part one chooses will be sensitive to which metaphysical project one is pursuing.
Biodiversity and phylogeny of Marasmius (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from Madagascar
Authors: SHAY JACKIE E. , DESJARDIN DENNIS E. , PERRY BRIAN A. , GRACE CHRIS L. , NEWMAN DANNY S.
Published: January 2017

Prior to this monographic treatment, limited research on the genus Marasmius (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) had been conducted in Madagascar. Based on field work in January 2013 and January–February 2014, which generated 45 specimens of Marasmius sensu stricto, supplemented by herbarium exsiccatae and published literature, 35 species of Marasmius are documented from Madagascar. Of these, 5 species are recognized herein as new to science, viz., Marasmius madagascariensis, M. rubrobrunneus, M. dendrosetosus, M. sokola and M. tanaensis; an additional 11 species represent new distribution records for Madagascar. Species delimitations are based on comprehensive morphological descriptions and molecular sequences (ITS) data. Line drawings of salient micromorphological features, color photographs of basidiomes, comparisons with allied taxa, a key to aid in identification, and phylogenetic inferences are provided.
Silene nemrutensis (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from south-eastern Anatolia
Authors: YILDIZ KEMAL , ÇIRPICI ALİ , DADANDI MEHMET YAŞAR , FIRAT MEHMET
Published: January 2017

A new perennial species, Silene nemrutensis (Silene sect. Spergulifoliae, Caryophyllaceae), is described and illustrated from SE-Anatolia. A macromorphological comparison with the similar species S. arguta is given as well as the ultrastructure of the seeds and pollen grains. Original photographs, geographical distribution, habitat and IUCN conservation status are also provided.
The Arctic Winter Sea Ice Quadrupole Revisited
Authors: Close S. , Houssais M.-N. , Herbaut C.
Published: January 2017

The dominant mode of Arctic sea ice variability in winter is often maintained to be represented by a quadrupole structure, comprising poles of one sign in the Okhotsk, Greenland, and Barents Seas and of opposing sign in the Labrador and Bering Seas, forced by the North Atlantic Oscillation. This study revisits this large-scale winter mode of sea ice variability using microwave satellite and reanalysis data. It is found that the quadrupole structure does not describe a significant covariance relationship among all four component poles. The first empirical orthogonal mode, explaining covariability in the sea ice of the Barents, Greenland, and Okhotsk Seas, is linked to the Siberian high, while the North Atlantic Oscillation only exhibits a significant relationship with the Labrador Sea ice, which varies independently as the second mode. The principal components are characterized by a strong low-frequency signal; because the satellite record is still short, these results suggest that statistical analyses should be applied cautiously.
Recent Wind-Driven Variability in Atlantic Water Mass Distribution and Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Evans Dafydd Gwyn , Toole John , Forget Gael , Zika Jan D. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Nurser A. J. George , Yu Lisan
Published: January 2017

Interannual variability in the volumetric water mass distribution within the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre is described in relation to variability in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. The relative roles of diabatic and adiabatic processes in the volume and heat budgets of the subtropical gyre are investigated by projecting data into temperature coordinates as volumes of water using an Argo-based climatology and an ocean state estimate (ECCO version 4). This highlights that variations in the subtropical gyre volume budget are predominantly set by transport divergence in the gyre. A strong correlation between the volume anomaly due to transport divergence and the variability of both thermocline depth and Ekman pumping over the gyre suggests that wind-driven heave drives transport anomalies at the gyre boundaries. This wind-driven heaving contributes significantly to variations in the heat content of the gyre, as do anomalies in the air–sea fluxes. The analysis presented suggests that wind forcing plays an important role in driving interannual variability in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and that this variability can be unraveled from spatially distributed hydrographic observations using the framework presented here.
Storm Tracking via Tree Structure Representation of Radar Data
Authors: Hou Jinyi , Wang Ping
Published: January 2017

An algorithm for automatic storm identification, tracking, and nowcasting using tree structure representation of radar reflectivity images is proposed. The algorithm aims to track and nowcast different kinds of storm objects (stratiform regions, convective storms, and storm cells) simultaneously and to preserve their spatial relationships in the tracking and nowcasting processes. The algorithm applies a region tree structure to represent intensity regions and their spatial relationships in radar reflectivity images. Storm objects are identified by clustering regions within the region tree structure. Storm tracking is accomplished using an iterative region tree matching algorithm. Storm nowcasting applies the tree structure to the nowcasting of the internal structures of storm objects. Using eight cases with different storm types, a comparative evaluation with the enhanced Thunderstorm Identification, Tracking, Analysis, and Nowcasting (ETITAN) method and the Storm Cell Identification and Tracking (SCIT) method has shown that the proposed tree-based storm-tracking algorithm achieves better performance in storm tracking and nowcasting. The critical success index (CSI) value of storm association is 78.16% for the tree-based method, as compared with 74.88% for SCIT and 74.71% for ETITAN. The CSI value of an 18-min nowcast is 29.02% for the tree-based method, as compared with 24.98% for SCIT and 24.44% for ETITAN. The evaluation also shows that the tree-based method is able to nowcast the internal structure of storms and therefore produces small mean absolute errors (MAE).
A systematic review of clinician-rated instruments to assess adults’ levels of functioning in specialised public sector mental health services
Authors: Burgess Philip M , Harris Meredith G , Coombs Tim , Pirkis Jane E
Published: January 2017

Background:

Functioning is one of the key domains emphasised in the routine assessment of outcomes that has been occurring in specialised public sector mental health services across Australia since 2002, via the National Outcomes and Casemix Collection. For adult consumers (aged 18–64), the 16-item Life Skills Profile (LSP-16) has been the instrument of choice to measure functioning. However, review of the National Outcomes and Casemix Collection protocol has highlighted some limitations to the current approach to measuring functioning. A systematic review was conducted to identify, against a set of pre-determined criteria, the most suitable existing clinician-rated instruments for the routine measurement of functioning for adult consumers.

Method:

We used two existing reviews of functioning measures as our starting point and conducted a search of MEDLINE and PsycINFO to identify articles relating to additional clinician-rated instruments. We evaluated identified instruments using a hierarchical, criterion-based approach. The criteria were as follows: (1) is brief (<50 items) and simple to score, (2) is not made redundant by more recent instruments, (3) relevant version has been scientifically scrutinised, (4) considers functioning in a contemporary way and (5) demonstrates sound psychometric properties.

Results:

We identified 20 relevant instruments, 5 of which met our criteria: the LSP-16, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales, the Illness Management and Recovery Scale–Clinician Version, the Multnomah Community Ability Scale and the Personal and Social Performance Scale.

Conclusion:

Further work is required to determine which, if any, of these instruments satisfy further criteria relating to their appropriateness for assessing functioning within relevant service contexts, acceptability to clinicians and consumers, and feasibility in routine practice. This should involve seeking stakeholders’ opinions (e.g. about the specific domains of functioning covered by each instrument and the language used in individual items) and testing completion rates in busy service settings.
Industrial Sector Growth Accounting of Some Indian States and Union Territories
Authors: Ahmed Shahid , K. Mathur Somesh , Joseph Toms
Published: January 2017

We work out technical efficiency levels of the Indian States and Union Territories using Data Envelopment Analysis from 1980-81 to 1997-98. We decompose net value added per worker growth into components attributable to technological changes (shifts in the overall production frontier), technological catch up (movement towards or away from the frontier) and capital accumulation (movement along the frontier). The overall production frontier is constructed using data envelopment analysis, requiring no specification of functional form for the technology nor any assumption about market structure or the absence of market imperfections. We analyze the evolution of cross states net value added distribution for the 22 Indian states and union territories from 1980-81 to 1997-98 using Kernel densities. The efficiency factor accounted for 5.07 per cent only, technological change accounted for 11.66 per cent while the contribution of capital deepening is relatively higher at 17.82 per cent while the point to point productivity change is of 11.66 per cent.

The overall averages provide evidence of productivity improvements of 173.29 over 1980-81 (base) to 1997-98 (current year) period. The efficiency factor accounted for -10.63 per cent only, technological change accounted for 173.20 while the contribution of capital deepening is 42.52 per cent to account for 173.20 per cent overall productivity change (not point to point). The results seems to suggest that there are other factors suggested in the literature like barriers to exit, a maze of rules and regulations, government import policies, high concentration, among others, rather than the ones that are included below for the growth accounting exercise which can totally account for point to point and overall productivity changes from 1980-81 to 1997-98. Also, we do find that the efficiency levels for the Indian states have gone down from what it was in 1980s to what it were in 1997-98. However, the smaller states have outperformed the larger states in terms of their efficiency levels. Also, states which had relatively lower efficiency levels and net value added per worker in 1980-81 is the ones which have grown faster than other states. We see tendency of catching up among the Indian states in terms of net value added per worker.
Performance of Onion Exports from India
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Singh Alka , Badal P.S. , Singh R.P.
Published: January 2017

Onion is one of the important vegetable crops grown in India. In terms of area, India ranks first in the world with over 479 thousand hectares spread over entire country accounting for around 18 per cent of the world area planted to onion. Globally, the country occupies the second position after China in onion production with a share of 11 per cent. In the post-liberalization era, a number of export promotion measures have been taken to boost agri-exports. Onion being one of the major export items, it is very pertinent to assess the performance of onion export in post liberalized regime in order to take corrective measures and devise future strategies to achieve greater levels of export. The paper attempts to study the changes in composition and direction of onion exports and estimation of export demand for onion. Onion was exported from the country mainly in four forms [at 8 digit HS (ITC) classification] i.e., onions fresh or chilled, onions preserved/prepared by vinegar acetic acid, onions dehydrated/dried and onions provisionally prepared. Substantial change in composition of onion and its products has taken place over the years, with the share of onions fresh in total onion exports falling to 83 per cent in TE 2002 from a high of 99 per cent in 1980. In the decade of 1990s, onion fresh recorded a marginal growth in volume terms whereas onions dehydrated/dried and onions provisionally prepared recorded a very high growth of 23 and 7 per cent respectively. Therefore, the focus in future should be to produce and export processed products of onion, i.e. onions dehydrated/dried and onions provisionally prepared by vinegar acetic acid for accelerated foreign exchange earnings. The insignificant growth of unit value realization for onions fresh or chilled, onions preserved and onions dehydrated exports is a cause of concern. In Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Mauritius Indian onion fresh or chilled was getting higher unit value price and, therefore, the focus could be to expand the market base in these countries. The Markov chain analysis was done to estimate the market share for the period 2009. It was estimated that Bangladesh would account for highest share of onion fresh exports followed by Malaysia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, etc. With the enforcement of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka, the declining trend in exports to Sri Lanka is expected to be reversed. There is a need to expand the export market of onions and also to look for avenues where higher price realization is possible. There is also a need to have long term and stable policy towards export of onion. The supply of onion for exports could be increased through increased production and by way of reduction in post harvest losses. An adequate policy support is needed to take the available technology to the farmers.
Evaluation of an organizational health intervention for low-skilled workers and immigrants
Authors: Busch Christine , Koch Tobias , Clasen Julia , Winkler Eva , Vowinkel Julia
Published: January 2017

We conducted this realist evaluation study of an organizational health intervention involving 421 low-skilled workers (50% female), half of whom were immigrants, in three companies over six months. Non-profit agencies implemented peer-mentoring and taught peer-mentors and line managers how to enhance social support in order to improve workers’ work situation in a participative way. We formulated five mechanisms of change: the company management encouragement mechanism, the role model mechanism, the peer-mentor support mechanism, the line manager support mechanism, and the participative work improvement mechanism. We combined realist evaluation with a quasi-experimental design and process evaluation in a multi-methods approach. Results of multiple group latent change models and qualitative research showed that intervention-group workers perceived increases in peer-mentor support but not in line manager support. Peer-mentors managed to initiate high-quality improvements at work. Intervention-group workers showed significant reductions in blood pressure. Control-group workers experienced more psychosomatic complaints over time in significant contrast to intervention-group workers. Our results suggest that peer-mentoring offers an effective way for low-skilled workers and immigrants to achieve better health. To improve such health effects, a greater focus on line managers’ work situations is needed to help them provide support.
A Digital Signal Processing Laboratory Based on the TMS320C25
Authors: Sangwine S. J.
Published: January 2017

A digital signal processing laboratory based on the TMS320C25

Students on a B. Eng. degree course at the University of Reading take a 20 hour lecture course on DSP and 15 hours of laboratory work using an audio-band DSP system designed around the Texas TMS320C25 DSP chip. The course and DSP system are described and experiences and conclusions are drawn.
Invariant and Occluded Object Recognition Based on Graph Matching
Authors: Peng Mengkang , Gupta Narendra K.
Published: January 2017

Invariant and occluded object recognition based on graph matching

The paper describes an algorithm for object recognition using neural network. The objects may be occluded and may have any changes in position, orientation and scale. The paper aims to generate project ideas for the final year students at the university and also to provide a basis for further research.
An Elementary Approach in Teaching Brewster's Angle
Authors: Sihvola Ari
Published: January 2017

An elementary approach in teaching Brewster angle

Brewster angle is an important concept in learning optics and electromagnetic wave propagation phenomena. It conveys the emphasis on polarisation of the fields. An intuitive way is presented to derive Brewster angle by connecting impedances and reflection coefficients. The radical polarisation differences emerge clearly from this approach.
Calculation of Additional Losses Caused by Feeding an Induction Motor from a Non-Sinusoidal Supply
Authors: Eldhemy S. A. , Mohamed A. A. , Shokralla S. S.
Published: January 2017

Calculation of additional losses caused by feeding an induction motor from a non-sinusoidal supply

The authors present an equivalent circuit for induction motors fed from a non-sinusoidal supply, The equivalent circuit presented takes into consideration the effect of stray fields. The validity of the theoretical results is checked by test results. The paper presents numerical methods to compute the different loss elements.
A Training Laboratory About Bifurcations and Chaos in Electrical Power Systems
Authors: Lobry Jacques , Trecat Jacques
Published: January 2017

A training laboratory about bifurcations and chaos in electrical power systems

An introductory laboratory about bifurcations and chaos in electrical power systems is proposed to students in final year of electrical engineering. They learn the basic principles of the related new theories on stability and realise simple circuits that exhibit puzzling effects like ferroresonance, subharmonics and chaos.
Recursive Constrained Algorithms for Short Circuit and Earth Fault Protection of Generator-Transformer Unit
Authors: Basha A. M. , Jayachandran J.
Published: January 2017

Recursive constrained algorithms for short circuit and earth fault protection of generator/transformer unit

Recursive constrained protective relaying algorithms are developed for extracting 50 Hz and 150 Hz components of voltage and current signals of the generator-transformer unit. These frequency components are used for detecting internal short circuit and earth fault conditions of the combined unit. The proposed algorithms were satisfactorily tested for various simulated conditions of the system.
Post-Abortion Perceptions: a Comparison of Self-Identified Distressed and Nondistressed Populations
Authors: Congleton G. Kam , Calhoun Lawrence G.
Published: January 2017

This study investigated the experiences of 25 women who described themselves as responding in an emotionally distressed manner to abortion and a comparison group of 25 women reporting more relieving/neutral responses. Current and initial stress response to the abortion, general mental health, and demographic characteristics were assessed quantitatively, and interviews explored subjective perceptions. The distress group had significantly higher scores on initial stress response and religiosity, were more often currently affiliated with conservative churches, and reported lower degree of social support and confidence in the abortion decision. Qualitatively, 48% of the distress group recalled experiencing feelings of loss immediately post-abortion, in contrast to none in the nondistress group. Both groups identified post-abortion "catalytic" events, such as subsequent childbirth, that affected responses to the abortion over time.
The Factor Structure of the Turkish Version of the General Health Questionnaire
Authors: Stuart G.W. , Klimidis S. , Minas I.H. , Tuncer C.
Published: January 2017

The 60-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was translated into Turkish and administered to a community sample of 437 Turkish-speaking immigrants resident in Melbourne, Australia. The factor structures of the 60-item and 28-item versions of the GHQ were examined to determine the cross-cultural validity of the four subscales of the 28-item GHQ "anxiety/insomnia", "social dysfunction", "severe depression" and "somatic complaints". Four-factor principal components analyses yielded factors which corresponded to similar underlying traits, but the pattern of symptom loadings differed in several ways. Insomnia was less closely associated with anxiety, and general illness ratings such as "not feeling perfectly well" were not uniquely associated with somatic symptoms. The "anxiety/insomnia" and "severe depression" factors overlapped, with many symptoms partially correlated with both factors. These factors appeared to be due to variations in the frequency of occurrence of these symptoms rather than a qualitative distinction between anxiety and depression.
In situ Formation of Thermoplastic Composites: Ultem/Vectra
Authors: Sun T. , Baird D. G. , Huang H. H. , Done D. S. , Wilkes G. L.
Published: January 2017

This paper is concerned with the development of films of an engineering thermoplastic, polyetherimide (Ultem), reinforced with a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (Vectra). In particular the processing conditions for which fibrils of Vectra can be formed are established. The upper processing temperature is established by the point at which the polymers degrade while the lower is that at which G‘ equals G“ of the blend. The morphology, molecular orientation and mechanical properties of the in situ reinforced composite films were investigated as a function of the draw ratio in various drawing zones. With 30 wt% Vectra an increase in the dynamic modulus (both in torsion and tension) of 6–10 times over that of pure Ultem was achieved. In general, the higher the degree of orientation in the liquid crystalline Vectra phase, as determined by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), the higher the modulus of the composite.
The Adiabatic Thermoelastic Effect in Laminated Fiber Composites
Authors: Bakis Charles E. , Reifsnider Kenneth L.
Published: January 2017

The influence of material inhomogeneity and anisotropy on the reversible, adiabatic thermoelastic effect in laminated, continuous-fiber composites is investigated analytically and experimentally. The plane-stress solution for strains in a uniform laminate is combined with a simple micromechanics description of a fiber-reinforced lamina to approximate the nonhomogeneous strains in the fibers and matrix. The equations of anisotropic, linear thermoelasticity are then used to evaluate the temperature change in each of the microconstituents during an adiabatic deformation. The average temperature change of the surface plies of several carbon/epoxy laminates are computed and compared with experimental data obtained via differential infrared thermography. Results indicate that material parameters such as the volume fraction and thermoelastic properties of the microconstituent materials, the orientations of the laminae within the laminate, and the orientation of the lamina on the surface of observation affect the measurable thermoelastic response of a particular laminate. The experimental results suggested that the deformations of the polymeric composite test specimens were not perfectly adiabatic, yet the major trends in the measured thermoelastic emission patterns were nonetheless represented reasonably well by the proposed analysis. Based on the results, suggestions for further refinements to the analysis are proposed.
Combined Mode I-Mode III Fracture Toughness of a Particulate Reinforced Metal-Matrix Composite
Authors: Manoharan M. , Lewandowski J. J.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this investigation was to determine the fracture behavior of a particulate reinforced aluminum alloy composite under combined mode I-mode III loading conditions. A modified three point bend specimen was used to carry out these tests. It was found that the mode I loading condition was energetically most favorable. Addition of mode III components to the system seems to increase the amount of redundant work during fracture without affecting the critical fracture criterion.
Tensile Properties of Laminated Composites Based on Ultrahigh Carbon Steel
Authors: Lee Shyong , Wadsworth J. , Sherby Oleg D.
Published: January 2017

Laminated composites based on ultrahigh carbon steel (UHCS) have been prepared by roll bonding in three systems: UHCS/304 stainless steel, UHCS/Hadfield manganese steel, and UHCS/Fe-3%Si alloy. Tensile properties of these laminates were evaluated after various conditions of selective heat treatment. From these data, it is shown that the yield strength of the laminated composites follows the law of mixtures. The law of mixtures does predict the ductility of the laminated composites when the ductilities of the two components are similar, but does not predict the ductility for cases where the component ductilities are greatly dissimilar.
On the Prediction of Failure at a Fiber/Matrix Interface in a Composite Subjected to a Transverse Tensile Load
Authors: Folias E. S.
Published: January 2017

This paper deals with the 3-D stress field of a cylindrical fiber which is embedded into a resin matrix. The composite is then subjected to a uniform tensile load so. The strain energy release rate is computed and the criterion is used to predict debonding initiation at the fiber/matrix interface. The analysis shows that this failure is most likely to occur at the free surface, i.e. the region where the fiber intersects a free surface, for example a hole, an edge, or a crack. Moreover, it will occur at approximately (1/10) the load value required for the same failure to commence at the center of the fiber length.

The results are also extended to include a doubly periodic array of fibers which are embedded into a matrix. Based on 3-D considerations, the stiffness matrix is shown to increase as the volume fraction of the fibers increases. Similarly, the stress sr, in the matrix is shown to decrease as the volume fraction of the fibers increases.