bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular targeted therapy in the treatment of advanced stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Barr Kumarakulasinghe Nesaretnam , Zanwijk Nico van , Soo Ross A.
Published: February 2015

Historically, patients with advanced stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated with chemotherapy alone, but a therapeutic plateau has been reached. Advances in the understanding of molecular genetics have led to the recognition of multiple molecularly distinct subsets of NSCLC. This in turn has led to the development of rationally directed molecular targeted therapy, leading to improved clinical outcomes. Tumour genotyping for EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangement has meant chemotherapy is no longer given automatically as first‐line treatment but reserved for when patients do not have a ‘druggable’ driver oncogene. In this review, we will address the current status of clinically relevant driver mutations and emerging new molecular subsets in lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and the role of targeted therapy and mechanisms of acquired resistance to targeted therapy.
Summoning Schwann cells for neuromuscular recovery
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: February 2015

Mitochondrial stress signals released from injured motor neurons activate nearby Schwann cells, aiding recovery from neuromuscular paralysis.
Systematic review of genetic association studies involving histologically confirmed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wood Kayleigh L , Miller Michael H , Dillon John F
Published: February 2015

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has an increasing prevalence in Western countries, affecting up to 20% of the population.

Objective

The aim of this project was to systematically review and summarise the genetic association studies that investigate possible genetic influences that confer susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Design

The MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases were searched to identify candidate gene studies on histologically diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Results

A total of 85 articles have been summarised and categorised on the basis of the general pathway each candidate gene is involved in, including lipid metabolism, lipoprotein processing, cholesterol synthesis, glucose homoeostasis, inflammatory response, protection against oxidative stress and whole body metabolism.

Conclusions

The main findings demonstrate a small but consistent association of PNPLA3 with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Genetic association studies have investigated general disease susceptibility, histological characteristics, severity and progression. However, further study is required to better elucidate the genetic factors influencing fatty liver disease.
Experimental mixing of a north-temperate lake: testing the thermal limits of a cold-water invasive fish
Authors: Lawson Zach J. , Vander Zanden M. Jake , Smith Colin A. , Heald Emily , Hrabik Thomas R. , Carpenter Stephen R.
Published: February 2015

Species’ thermal limits play a key role in determining spatial distributions and understanding their response to changing environments. Manipulation of thermal habitat is a potential avenue of exploration for management of invasive species such as the cold-water rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), which has adverse effects on native fish communities in central North American inland lakes. In an effort to test the thermal limits and selectively eradicate rainbow smelt, we experimentally mixed Crystal Lake, Wisconsin, USA, during summer of 2012 and 2013 to warm the hypolimnion and eliminate cold-water habitat. This whole-ecosystem manipulation allowed for field testing of published thermal thresholds reported for rainbow smelt. The rainbow smelt population responded to the thermal manipulation by exhibiting unexpected shifts in behavior, intrapopulation divergence in body condition, and significant population declines. Small individuals of each adult age-class tended to survive the manipulation, and the population persisted despite high mortality rates. Our results indicate a high degree of size-based intrapopulation variation in thermal sensitivity for this species. Our findings also raise questions regarding applicability of lab- and model-derived thermal limits to field scenarios, highlighting a need for further field evaluations of species’ thermal limits.
Ferrimagnetic order and spontaneous magnetization in a mixed-spin XXZ chain with single-ion anisotropy
Authors: Qiang Ling , Liu Guang-Hua , Tian Guang-Shan
Published: February 2015

The ground-state properties of the spin-(1/2, 1) mixed-spin XXZ chain with single-ion anisotropy (D) are investigated by the infinite time-evolving block decimation (iTEBD) method. A ground-state phase diagram including three phases, i.e., a fully polarized phase, an XY phase and a ferrimagnetic phase, is obtained. The ferrimagnetic phase is found to extend to the regions with (Δ > 1, D > 0) and (Δ < 1, D < 0), where Δ denotes the coupling anisotropy between the localized spins. By the discontinuous behavior of bipartite entanglement, quantum phase transitions (QPTs) between the XY phase and the other two phases are verified to be of the first-order. Furthermore, two constant spontaneous magnetization values (Mz= 3/2 and 1/2) are observed in the fully polarized and the ferrimagnetic phases, respectively. In both cases of Δ → +∞ and D → -∞, the ground state tends to the Ising limit. In addition, both the long-range ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic orders are found to coexist in the whole ferrimagnetic phase.
Crystallographic analysis and conductivity fluctuations of the Y2Ba5Cu8O17 superconductor
Authors: Barrera E. W. , Téllez D. A. Landínez , Roa-Rojas J.
Published: February 2015

Synthesis of the Y 2 Ba 5 Cu 8 O 17 superconducting material by the standard solid state reaction is reported. DC resistivity measurements reveal a bulk Tc = 104.95 K which was determined by the criterion of the maximum in the numerical temperature derivative of electrical resistivity. Structure characterization was performed by means of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. A Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns shows that the material crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure, space group Pmm2 with cell parameters a = 3.8712(0) Å, b = 3.8481(4) Å and c = 27.1601(4) Å. In order to study the pairing mechanism close to Tc, conductivity fluctuation analysis was performed by the method of logarithmic temperature derivative of the conductivity excess. Close and above Tc, the conductivity fluctuation analysis reveal the occurrence of two fluctuation regimes characterized by the critical exponents λ 3D = 0.52 and λ 1D = 1.51, corresponding to 3D and 1D Gaussian regimes, respectively. The correlations of the critical exponents with the dimensionality of the fluctuation system for each Gaussian regime were performed by using the Aslamazov–Larkin theory.
Semiautomatic Parametric Modelling of the Buildings on Town Scale Models
Authors: Chevrier Christine
Published: February 2015

This article presents the semiautomatic parametric method we have conceived and developed for the 3D modelling of town parts of physical town scale models. On one hand, most photogrammetric and lasergrammetric methods do not use parametric models to assist the 3D modelling. On the other hand, architectural parametric models do not use automatic photogrammetric and lasergrammetric methods to position and dimension the parametric models. This article brings both techniques together to provide an entirely automatic system for the 3D modelling of the buildings of physical scale models. In a previous experience, our method was not completely automatic and not parametric. This led to a time-consuming process and some difficulties for the handling and adjustments of the buildings arose. Town scale models realised between the 16th and the 19th centuries are used as an application of our method. These physical models are made out of wood and paper with a scale of around 1:600. From textured meshes obtained from pictures with 123D Catch software, we automatically extract the relevant features. We also identify the type of parametric building before determining the parameters' values to be assigned to the building model. Around 95% of the scale model's buildings are of the most common types of building and can be easily modelled with parametric components. The remaining are unique and/or complex cases that can be treated as before or described by a specific parametric model added to the library by the user. Indeed, the parametric models are described by the user in a specific part of the software, so that the library is easily extendable by a non--computer science developer.
A Virtual Experience on the Very First Italian Computer
Authors: Cignoni Giovanni A. , Gadducci Fabio , Paci Stefano
Published: February 2015

Despite their temporal proximity, the technologies of the early computers are far from us. Yet, they are part of the history of science and technology, and they deserve to be studied and popularized. Being machines made to run software programs, they should be exhibited running. Unfortunately, old machines still in working condition are extremely rare. Restoring or rebuilding an old computer is a hard, expensive task: the original components are rare, and the technology is forgotten and sometimes lost. The research needed to re-understand those computers has to adopt experimental archaeology methods: rebuilding old hardware/software requires proceeding by hypotheses and experiments.

However, a rebuilt or restored computer is a unique exemplar and a precious specimen: it is not suitable to let people interact with it. A more flexible solution is to use software simulations. First of all, simulation is a valuable tool to carry out the experiments needed to study past technology. Second, the simulators are virtual replicas that let people fully understand the old machines by interacting with them without jeopardizing those precious relics of the past.

This article presents the virtual rebuilding of the first computer made in Italy: the Macchina Ridotta (MR) of the University of Pisa. The MR was dismantled after few months of intensive usage to cannibalize the materials for a second computer. As a consequence, the MR disappeared from later chronicles and for many years was ignored by historians. When we attempted to reconstruct the MR history, we found that the survived documentation was far from complete. Simulation proved to be the key tool to support the experimental approach adopted for understanding the MR technology, rebuilding it, and assessing its achievements. The MR simulator is now used at the Museum of Computing Machinery of Pisa as a mean to truly experience a working session on the MR—a typical computer from the 1950s. The exhibit and the workshops, by exploiting the accurately reproduced characteristics of the MR, address popularization of computer science from several perspectives: from technological mechanisms to scientific foundations, passing through the representation of computers in popular culture.
What do you think?
Authors: Settle Amber
Published: February 2015

As with last year's conferences, the organizers of SIGITE/RIIT 2014 asked conference attendees to complete an evaluation. There were 73 responses to the conference evaluation, for a 57% response rate. A majority of responses (38 or 52%) reported that they primarily attended SIGITE sessions. Eight respondents (11%) attended primarily RIIT sessions, twenty five (34%) attended both conferences equally, and two (3%) indicated other. All aspects of the program (papers, panel, workshops, lightning talks, the keynote, and the sponsor interactions) were rated at or above good, with the workshops and the lightning talks particularly praised with an average rating of very good. All aspects of the venue and facilities were rated at or above very good, indicating overwhelming support for the logistical execution of the conference. The web site, registration, and general organization were rated at or above good, and respondents felt that the proceedings were on average very good. The vast majority of respondents (54 or 76%) indicated that having access to the proceedings via the ACM Digital Library before and during the conference was helpful.

When asked in an open-ended question about the positive aspects of SIGITE/RIIT 2014, the people and networking opportunities as well as the quality of the papers were mentioned several times. The importance of being able to see what is happening in IT education and IT research was also mentioned as a positive. When asked how the conferences could be improved, several comments suggested improving the quality of the presentations and keynote. Changes to the structure of parallel sessions and the conference submission site were mentioned by a few respondents. Responses to the open-ended question asking what would make SIGITE/RIIT 2015 better conferences included an expansion of the size of the conferences, especially the number of paper presentations, the number and quality of keynote speakers, and the number of attendees. Suggestions were also made that more local opportunities, such as tours of the city or events related to local companies, be provided.

The SIGITE/RIIT conference organizers appreciate the feedback provided by the attendees of the 2014 conferences and plan to use the comments shared to improve the 2015 conferences.
Glutathione Transferase GSTπ In Breast Tumors Evaluated By Three Techniques
Authors: Molina Rafael , Oesterreich Steffi , Zhou Jian-Liang , Tandon Atul K. , Clark Gary M. , Allred D. Craig , Townsend Alan J. , Moscow Jeffry A. , Cowan Kenneth H. , Mcguire William L. , Fuqua Suzanne A. W.
Published: February 2015

The glutathione transferases are involved in intracellular detoxification reactions. One of these, GSTπ, is elevated in some breast cancer cells, particularly cells selected for resistance to anticancer agents. We evaluated GSTπ expression in 60 human breast tumors by three techniques, immunohistochemistry, Northern hybridization, and Western blot analysis. There was a significant positive correlation between the three methods, with complete concordance seen in 64% of the tumors. There was strong, inverse relationship between GSTπ expression and steroid receptor status with all of the techniques utili zed. [n addition, there was a trend toward higher GSTπ expression in poorly differentiated tumors, but no correlation was found between tumor GSTπ content and DNA ploidy or %S‐phase. GSTπ expression was also detected in adjacent benign breast tissue as well as infiltrating lymphocytes; this expression may contribute to GSTπ measurements using either Northern hybridization or Western blot analysis. These re sults suggest that immunohistochemistry is the method of choice for measuring GSTπ in breast tumors.
Laboratory Studies of Electric Current Generated during Fracture of Coal and Rock in Rock Burst Coal Mine
Authors: Li Zhonghui , Wang Enyuan , He Miao
Published: February 2015

Experiments show that electric current would be produced in uniaxial compression of coal and roof rock. The electric current of coal shows a rapid increasing tendency when the loading stress is greater than or equal to 0.75σmax which can be regarded as an omen for coal failure. The current of roof rock shows reversal tendency while loading stress is greater than or equal to 0.91σmax and revised from negative to positive at the main fracture and the reversal of current can be regarded as the omen of rock fracture. There are obvious differences in physical and mechanical properties, composition, and failure process between coal and rock. The dominant mechanism of electric current generated by coal is triboelectrification of coal particles and charge separation during crack propagation. The mechanism of electric current of roof rock is piezoelectric effect of quartz materials in the early stage and charge separation during crack propagation in the later stage of loading. It can be found that the rapid increasing and reversal characteristic of electric current can reflect the failure process of coal and roof rock, respectively. Thus, it can be considered the omen of coal and rock failure.
Regression Model to Estimate Standard Time through Energy Consumption of Workers in Manual Assembly Lines under Moderate Workload
Authors: Ayabar Abdul , De la Riva Jorge , Sanchez Jaime , Balderrama Cesar
Published: February 2015

We propose a Standard Time (ST) Estimate Model based on energy demand to attain more equal work distribution in manual assembly lines. The proposal was developed estimating the energy consumption by monitoring the heart rate (HR) of 84 people between 18 and 48 years old while performing repetitive activities under moderate workload (2.5–5.0 kilocalories/minute (Kcal/min)). Variables on one model were determined, which were based on energy consumption (EC) using the 13-variable Best-Subset function. Subsequently, a general equation for the Standard Time (ST) Estimate Model was calculated through lineal regression. Two significant variables were obtained: total kilocalories (Kcal tot.)/pieces and total Kcal/operation time (OT) for each station, which are included in a Standard Time Estimate Model. ST can be represented with a regression model measuring the total number of kilocalories consumed by workers and the OT, which can help companies to balance the cycle time in their assembly lines.
The Influence of Vitamin D Receptor Genetic Variants on Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis in Chinese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: He Wei , Liu Ming , Huang Xiaonan , Qing Zuhong , Gao Wei
Published: February 2015

Growing evidence indicates that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is an important candidate gene for influencing the development of osteoporosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential association between genetic variants ofVDRgene and bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis in Chinese postmenopausal women. The study included 970 Chinese postmenopausal women at the postmenopausal osteoporosis (482) and healthy controls (488). The BMD of lumbar spine (L2–4anterior-posterior view), femoral neck hip, and total hip was evaluated using the Norland XR-46 dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The genotypes ofVDRgenetic variants were determined by the created restriction site-PCR (CRS-PCR) and confirmed by DNA sequencing methods. Our data indicated that theVDRp.Glicine (Gly)14 alanine (Ala) and p.histidine (His) 305 glutanine (Gln) genetic variants were statistically associated with adjusted femoral neck hip BMD, adjusted lumbar spine BMD, and adjusted total hip BMD (Pvalues < 0.05). Results from this study suggest that theVDRp.Gly14Ala and p.His305Gln genetic variants are significantly associated with BMD decrease in Chinese postmenopausal women and might be used as molecular markers for assessing the risk of BMD and osteoporosis.
Molecular Changes Associated with Acquired Resistance to Crizotinib in ROS1-Rearranged Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Song Ahnah , Kim Tae Min , Kim Dong-Wan , Kim Soyeon , Keam Bhumsuk , Lee Se-Hoon , Heo Dae Seog
Published: February 2015

Purpose: Although ROS1-rearranged non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is sensitive to crizotinib, development of resistance is inevitable. Here, we identified molecular alterations in crizotinib-resistant tumors from two NSCLC patients with the CD74–ROS1 rearrangement, and in HCC78 cells harboring SLC34A2–ROS1 that showed resistance to crizotinib (HCC78CR cells).

Experimental Design: ROS1 kinase domain mutations were examined in fresh tumor tissues from two NSCLC patients and HCC78CR1-3 cells by direct sequencing. Ba/F3 cells expressing ROS1 secondary mutations were constructed to evaluate resistance to crizotinib. An upregulated pathway was identified using phospho-receptor tyrosine kinase array, EGFR signaling antibody array, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Cell proliferation and ROS1 downstream signaling pathways were compared between HCC78 and HCC78CR1-3 cells.

Results: The ROS1 G2032R mutation was identified in crizotinib-resistant tumors from one patient. Furthermore, HCC78CR1 and CR2 cells harbored a novel ROS1 L2155S mutation (73.3% and 76.2%, respectively). ROS1 G2032R and L2155S mutations conferred resistance to crizotinib in Ba/F3 cells. Evidence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition with downregulated E-cadherin and upregulated vimentin was observed in HCC78CR1-2 cells and in the other patient. RNA-seq and EGFR signaling antibody array revealed that the EGFR pathway was significantly upregulated in HCC78CR3 versus HCC78 cells. Cells with the ROS1 mutation and upregulated EGFR were sensitive to foretinib, an inhibitor of c-MET, VEGFR2, and ROS1 and irreversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors plus crizotinib, respectively.

Conclusions: Molecular changes associated with acquired crizotinib resistance in ROS1-rearranged NSCLC are heterogeneous, including ROS1 tyrosine kinase mutations, EGFR activation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Clin Cancer Res; 21(10); 2379–87. ©2015 AACR.
A Comparison of 120 W Laser Photoselective Vaporization versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Bladder Outlet Obstruction by Prostate Cancer
Authors: Altay Bulent , Erkurt Bulent , Kiremit Murat Can , Horuz Rahim , Guzelburc Vahit , Albayrak Selami
Published: February 2015

Objective: To compare the mid-term outcomes of photoselective vaporization of prostate (PVP) with GreenLight HPS 120 W laser and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with prostate cancer (CaP). Patients and Methods: Seventy four patients with locally advanced (T3/T4) CaP with severe LUTS or acute urinary retention (AUR) were allocated to TURP (n = 36) or PVP (n = 38). International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), maximum flow rates (Qmax) and post-void residual volumes (Vres), PSA levels, prostate volumes, complications, catheter removal and hospitalization periods were recorded. Patients were reassessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: The catheter removal time was significantly longer in the TURP group (3.8 ± 1.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.7 days, p = 0.02), whereas failure of initial voiding trial was higher in PVP (2.7 vs. 13.1%, p = 0.01). No significant difference in IPSS, Qmax and Vres values was observed within the follow-up period between two groups. A significant difference in urethral stricture rate (8.3 vs. 0%), catheter removal time (3.8 ± 11 vs. 1.2 ± 0.7 days) and hospital stay (2.9 ± 0.6 vs. 1.1 ± 0.5 days) was observed in favor of PVP. Conclusions: Palliative PVP is very safe and effective by means of symptomatic relief in patients with locally advanced CaP.
Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Community: Disparities in Standard Therapy
Authors: Harlan Linda C. , Parsons Helen M. , Wiggins Charles L. , Stevens Jennifer L. , Patt Yehuda Z.
Published: February 2015

Background and Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is expected to rise dramatically over the next decades because of increasing hepatitis C infections and obesity-related comorbidities. However, little information exists regarding the treatment of patients with HCC in the community setting. The purpose of this article was to characterize patterns of diagnosis, treatment, and survival for HCC in the community. Methods: We identified 946 HCC patients in the 2007 National Cancer Institute's Patterns of Care study. Chi-square analyses and multivariable regression were used to examine patient and provider factors associated with treatment and survival by stage at diagnosis. Results: Our primary findings indicate that liver transplants, embolization, or radiofrequency ablation for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A patients were performed significantly less often for non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, patients in the highest income quartile, and patients with Medicaid. Patients with stage D disease were less likely to receive cancer therapy if they had Medicaid insurance compared to private insurance (p<0.001 for all). In multivariable analyses, all-cause mortality was associated with treatment in a hospital without a residency training program (hazard ratio [HR] 1.4 [1.1,1.9]), more advanced stage (HR: 10.6 [5.7, 19.5] stage D vs. A), and lack of appropriate treatment (HR: 2.4 [1.9,3.2]). Conclusions: This is the first population-based study to evaluate therapy provided for HCC in the community. Current therapy depended on patients' HCC stage at diagnosis and other clinical and demographic factors. Overall, our study identifies those least likely to receive specific therapies in a variety of health care settings and can inform strategies for promoting appropriate therapy now and as new agents are developed.
Genomic Looping: A Key Principle of Chromatin Organization
Authors: van der Valk Ramon A. , Vreede Jocelyne , Crémazy Frédéric , Dame Remus T.
Published: February 2015

The effective volume occupied by the genomes of all forms of life far exceeds that of the cells in which they are contained. Therefore, all organisms have developed mechanisms for compactly folding and functionally organizing their genetic material. Through recent advances in fluorescent microscopy and 3C-based technologies, we finally have a first glimpse into the complex mechanisms governing the 3-D folding of genomes. A key feature of genome organization in all domains of life is the formation of DNA loops. Here, we describe the main players in DNA organization with a focus on DNA-bridging proteins. Specifically, we discuss the properties of the bacterial DNA-bridging protein H-NS. Via two different modes of binding to DNA, this protein is a key driver of bacterial genome organization and provides a link between 3-D organization and transcription regulation. Importantly, H-NS function is modulated in response to environmental cues, which are translated into adapted gene expression patterns. We delve into the mechanisms underlying DNA looping and explore the complex and subtle modulation of these diverse, yet difficult-to-study, structures. DNA looping is universal and a conserved mechanism of genome organization throughout all domains of life.
Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression Profile in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients after Imatinib Mesylate and Dasatinib Therapy
Authors: Ferreira Aline Fernanda , de Oliveira Gislane L.V. , Tognon Raquel , Collassanti Maria Dulce S. , Zanichelli Maria Aparecida , Hamerschlak Nelson , de Souza Ana Maria , Covas Dimas Tadeu , Kashima Simone , de Castro Fabiola Attie
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: We investigated the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on the expression of apoptosis-related genes (BCL-2 and death receptor family members) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 32 healthy subjects and 26 CML patients were evaluated before and after treatment with imatinib mesylate (IM) and dasatinib (DAS) by quantitative PCR. Results: Anti-apoptotic genes (c-FLIP and MCL-1) were overexpressed and the pro-apoptotic BIK was reduced in CML patients. Expression of BMF, A1, c-FLIP, MCL-1, CIAP-2 and CIAP-1 was modulated by DAS. In IM-resistant patients, expression of A1, c-FLIP, CIAP-1 and MCL-1 was upregulated, and BCL-2, CIAP-2, BAK, BAX, BIK and FASL expression was downregulated. Conclusion: Taken together, our results point out that, in CML, DAS interferes with the apoptotic machinery regulation. In addition, the data suggest that apoptosis-related gene expression profiles are associated with primary resistance to IM.
Safety of Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Clinical Practice
Authors: Katz David F. , Turakhia Mintu P. , Sauer William H. , Tzou Wendy S. , Heath Russell R. , Zipse Matthew M. , Aleong Ryan G. , Varosy Paul D. , Kao David P.
Published: February 2015

Background—

Outcomes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation have been described in clinical trials and single-center studies. We assessed the safety of VT ablation in clinical practice.

Methods and Results—

Using administrative hospitalization data between 1994 and 2011, we identified hospitalizations with primary diagnosis of VT (International Classification of Diseases-9 Clinical Modification code: 427.1) and cardiac ablation (International Classification of Diseases-9 Clinical Modification code: 37.34). We quantified in-hospital adverse events (AEs), including death, stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, pericardial complications, hematoma or hemorrhage, blood transfusion, or cardiogenic shock. Secondary outcomes included major AEs (stroke, tamponade, or death) and death. Multivariable mixed effects models identified patient and hospital characteristics associated with AEs. Of 9699 hospitalizations with VT ablations (age, 56.5±17.6; 60.1% men), AEs were reported in 825 (8.5%), major AEs in 295 (3.0%), and death in 110 (1.1%). Heart failure had the strongest association with death (odds ratio, 5.52; 95% confidence interval, 2.97–10.3) and major AE (odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 2.15–4.16). Anemia (odds ratio, 4.84; 95% confidence interval, 3.79–6.19) and unscheduled admission (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–1.97) were associated with AEs. During the study period, incidence of AEs increased from 9.2% to 12.8% as did the burden of AE risk factors (0.034 patient/y;
P
<0.001). Hospital volume >25 cases/y was associated with fewer AEs compared with lower volume centers (6.4% versus 8.8%;
P
=0.008).

Conclusions—

VT ablation–associated AE rates in clinical practice are similar to those reported in the literature. Over time rates have increased as have the number of AE risk factors per patient. Ablations done electively and at hospitals with higher procedural volume are associated with lower incidence of AEs.
Doing the Right Things and Doing Them the Right Way
Authors: Mehta Rajendra H. , Chen Anita Y. , Alexander Karen P. , Ohman E. Magnus , Roe Matthew T. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: February 2015

Background—

Performance metrics currently focus on the measurement of the application of guideline-indicated medications without considering the appropriate dosing of these drugs.

Methods and Results—

We studied 39 291 patients from the Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes with Early Implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines (CRUSADE) registry with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. We evaluated hospital variability in the composite use of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline–recommended therapies (adherence) and the proportion of treated patients with the recommended dose of heparins or a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist (safety), and its association with risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality and bleeding. The rates of composite guideline adherence (median, 85%; 25th, 75th percentile, 82, 88) and antithrombotic dosing safety (median, 53%; 25th, 75th percentile, 45%, 60%) varied among hospitals. Correlation between hospital composite adherence and safety metrics was significant but low (
r
=0.16,
P
=0.008). Risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality was inversely related to both guideline adherence (odds ratio-10% increment, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.94) and safety metrics (odds ratio-10% increment, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.98). Safety was inversely related to major bleeding (adjusted odds ratio-10% increment, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.87–0.98). In comparison with hospitals with low adherence and safety (≤median performance) metrics, those with mixed performance metrics (high adherence and low safety, low adherence and high safety) had intermediate risk-adjusted mortality rates, whereas hospitals with above-average performance on both metrics (>median performance) had a trend for lowest risk adjusted mortality rates (odds ratio 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.68–1.01). Hospitals with high safety had lower bleeding rates in comparison to those with low safety.

Conclusions—

Guideline adherence and dosing safety appeared to provide independent and complementary information on hospital bleeding and mortality, supporting the need for broader metrics of quality that should include measures of both guideline-based care and safety.
Bridging the Discontinuity in Adolescent Literacy? Mixed Evidence from a Middle Grades Intervention
Authors: Dougherty Shaun M.
Published: February 2015

Strong literacy skills are crucial to ensuring an individual's future educational and economic success. Existing evidence suggests the transition from elementary to middle school is a decisive period for literacy development. In this paper I investigate the impact of extended learning time in literacy instruction on subsequent cognitive outcomes. I capitalize on the existence of a natural experiment born out of a district's use of an exogenously- determined cutoff in Iowa Test scores in fifth grade to assign students to an additional literacy course in middle school. My findings suggest that exposure to this intervention generates strong negative impacts for black students, and noisy positive impacts for white, Latino, and Asian students. My findings suggest that additional literacy instruction in middle school can have markedly different effects on students, and program differentiation or augmentation may be necessary to prevent harm for students of average literacy ability in fifth grade.
New species of pollen wasps Paramasaris fernandae sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Masarinae) from a rain forest locality in Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: SILVEIRA ORLANDO T.
Published: February 2015

Paramasaris fernandae Silveira, sp. nov. is described from the Brazilian state of Pará, and its affinities with other species in the genus are discussed. Record of this new species greatly expands geographical range of occurrences for Paramasaris Cameron as a whole, and in a kind of forest habitat unusual for the group.
A new species of Acyrthosiphon (Hemiptera, Aphididae) from France and Spain
Authors: NAFRÍA JUAN M. NIETO , ALDEA MARTA , CASTRO MARTA
Published: February 2015

A new species in one of the largest genera of Macrosiphini (Hemiptera, Aphididae), Acyrthosiphon pilosum sp. n., is described from apterous and alate viviparous females and oviparous females from French and Spanish Mediterranean localities, living on species of Ononis (Fabaceae), mainly O. natrix. The new species is characterized by the presence of many accessory setae on the ultimate rostral segment, and usually five setae on the first tarsal segments, a combination that is not present in any other known Acyrthosiphon species; in addition marginal tubercles are present on prothorax and several of abdominal segments 2–5.
Taxonomic review of four western Atlantic dendrochirotids (Holothuroidea) with the description of a new Brazilian cucumariid species and designation of neotypes
Authors: MARTINS LUCIANA , SOUTO CAMILLA
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we propose the reassignment of three western Atlantic species of the order Dendrochirotida to the family Sclerodactylidae (Euthyonidiella occidentalis comb. nov., Euthyonidiella arenicola comb. nov., and Thandarum manoelina comb. nov.) with a discussion on the classification of the dendrochirotids based on the morphology of the calcareous ring. We also propose the synonymization of Euthyonidiella dentata with Euthyonidiella occidentalis comb. nov., designate a neotype for this species and for Thandarum manoelina, and describe a new species of the genus Cucumaria from Brazil.
Revalidation of Natrix clerki Wall, 1925, an overlooked species in the genus Amphiesma Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 (Squamata: Natricidae)
Authors: DAVID PATRICK , AGARWAL ISHAN , ATHREYA RAMANA , MATHEW ROSAMMA , VOGEL GERNOT , MISTRY VIRAL K.
Published: February 2015

Natrix clerki Wall, 1925, previously known from its sole holotype and considered a synonym of Amphiesma parallelum (Boulenger, 1890), is resurrected in the genus Amphiesma on the basis of the analysis of morphological variation in 28 specimens of “Amphiesma parallelum” auctorum, plus six living, unvouchered specimens discovered in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, India, and one vouchered specimen from Talle Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Specimens from northeast India (Nagaland), northern Myanmar, and China (Yunnan), previously identified as Amphiesma parallelum either in the literature or in museum’s catalogues, are also here referred to A. clerki. The holotype of Amphiesma clerki is redescribed. As a consequence, the definition of Amphiesma parallelum is modified. A. parallelum inhabits the Khasi Hills and Naga Hills in Northeast India, whereas A. clerki has a wider range in the Eastern Himalayas, northern Myanmar and Yunnan (China). Amphiesma clerki differs from A. parallelum by its longer tail, dorsal scales more strongly keeled, scales of the first dorsal scale row strongly keeled vs. smooth, a postocular streak not interrupted at the level of the neck, and a much more vivid pattern on a darker background colour. Characters of species of the Amphiesma parallelum group, i.e. A. clerki, A. parallelum, A. bitaeniatum, A. platyceps and A. sieboldii are compared. A key to this group is provided.
Evaluating Observation Influence on Regional Water Budgets in Reanalyses
Authors: Bosilovich Michael G. , Chern Jiun-Dar , Mocko David , Robertson Franklin R. , da Silva Arlindo M.
Published: February 2015

The assimilation of observations in reanalyses incurs the potential for the physical terms of budgets to be balanced by a term relating the fit of the observations relative to a forecast first guess analysis. This may indicate a limitation in the physical processes of the background model or perhaps assimilating data from an inconsistent observing system. In the MERRA reanalysis, an area of long-term moisture flux divergence over land has been identified over the central United States. Here, the water vapor budget is evaluated in this region, taking advantage of two unique features of the MERRA diagnostic output: 1) a closed water budget that includes the analysis increment and 2) a gridded diagnostic output dataset of the assimilated observations and their innovations (e.g., forecast departures).

In the central United States, an anomaly occurs where the analysis adds water to the region, while precipitation decreases and moisture flux divergence increases. This is related more to a change in the observing system than to a deficiency in the model physical processes. MERRA’s Gridded Innovations and Observations (GIO) data narrow the observations that influence this feature to the ATOVS and Aqua satellites during the 0600 and 1800 UTC analysis cycles, when radiosonde information is not prevalent. Observing system experiments further narrow the instruments that affect the anomalous feature to AMSU-A (mainly window channels) and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). This effort also shows the complexities of the observing system and the reactions of the regional water budgets in reanalyses to the assimilated observations.
High-performance HfO
x
/AlO
y
-based resistive switching memory cross-point array fabricated by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhang Feifei , Chen Bing , Zheng Yang , Gao Bin , Liu Lifeng , Liu Xiaoyan , Kang Jinfeng
Published: February 2015

Resistive switching memory cross-point arrays with TiN/HfO
x
/AlO
y
/Pt structure were fabricated. The bi-layered resistive switching films of 5-nm HfO
x
and 3-nm AlO
y
were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Excellent device performances such as low switching voltage, large resistance ratio, good cycle-to-cycle and device-to-device uniformity, and high yield were demonstrated in the fabricated 24 by 24 arrays. In addition, multi-level data storage capability and robust reliability characteristics were also presented. The achievements demonstrated the great potential of ALD-fabricated HfO
x
/AlO
y
bi-layers for the application of next-generation nonvolatile memory.
Why do we bother? Exploring biologists' motivations to share the details of their teaching practice
Authors: Scott Graham
Published: February 2015

There exists in the UK (and across the global HE sector) a community of practitioners who define themselves as biologists but who are more than that. They are reflective educators involving themselves in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). In this paper I explore the motivations of these individuals to disseminate the detail of their teaching practice. I reflect upon my own experience and my observations of the experiences of others and in doing so I explore common enablers/disablers to engagement with SoTL. I discuss the prime importance of a supportive disciplinary SoTL community and of inspirational individuals (peers and managers alike). I reflect upon the tensions that exist between teaching and research focused career paths and I consider the possibility that this tension is of variable significance. I conclude that the barriers to individual engagement with SoTL can be overcome and that the individual drive to do so is a powerful one.
De Novo Design of Potent and Selective Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (nNOS) Inhibitors by a Fragment-Based Approach
Authors: Yelekci Kemal , Ã–rtmen Bahanur
Published: February 2015

Nitric oxide, a gaseous free radical molecule (NO) behaves, as a secondary messenger in various tissues. It is responsible for different physiological functions and pathological symptoms. Mammals contain three different nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms: neuronal NOS (nNOS: in the brain, in peripheral nervous system and muscle tissues), inducible NOS (iNOS: in macrophage cells), endothelial NOS (eNOS: in endothelial cells). Under certain pathological conditions and/or after certain ages excessive NO produced in brain causes tissue damage and oxidative stress. It also reacts with other free radicals to create specific molecular modifications. The excessive production of NO, especially by nNOS (in brain) is implicated in various disease states such as neurodegeneration, stroke, migraine and Parkinsons, Alzheimers, and Huntingtons diseases. The active sites of three NOS isoforms show great similarity; therefore, designing of selective nNOS inhibitors is not an easy task. The computational results carried out with all of the docking tools clearly demonstrate that the selected scaffold is a potential candidate for further modifications and optimization for designing selective and potent nNOS inhibitors. Subtle differences in the conformations of amino acid sequences (e.g. ASP597 in nNOS) of the three isoforms in the active site region were the determining factors for the selectivity and the potency of the compounds. In this study several hundred compounds were screenedÂ in silicoÂ using the ZINCv12 lead library for prioritization of lead candidates.Â De novoÂ design method was used rationally for the modifications of selected scaffold within a target-binding site in order to enhance its binding affinity and selectivity to nNOS enzyme. The potency and the selectivity of nNOS isoform were achieved by introducing 1-methyl amino group at the forth position of the imidazole moiety of the best inhibitor. The positively charged 1-methyl amino group makes three hydrogen bonds with the two-propionate groups of the heme cofactor, which does not occur in eNOS and iNOS. Removing of 1-methyl amino group from scaffold totally abolished both potency and selectivity for nNOS. Newly designed inhibitorÂ 7Â shows nNOS inhibition 23 and 17 fold better than both eNOS and iNOS, respectively.
Comparative study of different catalysts for the direct conversion of cellulose to sorbitol
Authors: Ribeiro Lucília S. , Órfão José J.M. , Pereira Manuel Fernando R.
Published: February 2015

The catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to obtain high added value compounds and fuels is a rapidly developing field. Given the abundance of this renewable raw material and its reduced impact on the food chain, it is an attractive source for obtaining chemicals or fuels in the context of a sustainable economy. In this work, bi-functional catalysts were developed that were capable of performing in a single step the hydrolysis and hydrogenation of cellulose to produce compounds that may be used in the production of fine chemicals or easily converted into fuels (e.g., sorbitol). Different activated carbon (AC) supported metal catalysts were examined for the one-pot hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose. Among the prepared catalysts, 0.4% Ru/AC was shown to be the most active and selective for the conversion of cellulose into sorbitol. When microcrystalline cellulose was used, a conversion of 32% was reached after 5 h of reaction, with a selectivity to sorbitol of 30%. Moreover, ball-milled cellulose allowed attaining conversions over 50%, with selectivities to sorbitol of 45%. The results obtained showed that Ru/AC is effective for the hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose to sugar alcohols and that the conversion can be greatly improved by using the substrate after pre-treatment by ball-milling.
Regulatory Impact Assessment in Mexico: A Story of Interest Groups Pressure
Authors: Reyes Renny , Romano Alessandro , Sottilotta Cecilia Emma
Published: February 2015

Over the last decade, many developing countries have adopted the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA). Despite the promise of bringing economic development, the results have been largely disappointing. The conventional wisdom is that the lack of administrative capacity and data availability are the two main reasons behind this failure. However, an in-depth analysis of two recent high-impact RIAs performed by Mexican authorities reveals that regulatory capture might be an additional and significant problem. In both cases, RIAs appear as merely instrumental to confer a scientific aura to the political rhetoric supporting a regulation that favored a specific interest group. In this vein, absent a sufficiently strong system of checks and balances, a greater sophistication of government officials might paradoxically
Correlation of Zero Field Splittings and Site Distortions V. Mn2+ in Cs2Zn3S4
Authors: Heming M. , Lehmann G.
Published: February 2015

In platelets of Cs2Zn3S4 with about 4% of the Zn substituted by Mn two nonequivalent centers of isolated Mn2+ were observed in addition to a broad EPR signal near g = 2 which is assigned to clusters of interconnected MnS4 units. The fine structure and hyperfine structure parameters for the single-ion centers (all in units of 1CT 4 cm -1) are

b0
2 = -318.3 ± 3; b2
2 = -210.3 ± 2; Ay = -62.7; Az = -63.6 ± 0.8;

b0
2 = -890 ± 18; b2
2 = -743 ± 36; Ay = -60.6; Az = - 61.4 ± 0.8;

for centers I and II, resp. Center II arises from Zn sites of C 2 site symmetry while for center I assignment to either one of two sites with D2 site symmetry is possible. The larger hyperfine splitting constants as well as the superposition analysis favor the larger sites which are not occupied by Zn, but are partly occupied in the analogous Mn (and Co) compounds. Superposition analysis yields the same value of + 0.12 ± 0.02 cm-1 for the intrinsic zero field splitting parameter b̄2 of the bridging MnS4 units in both sites. gz is significantly higher than the free ion value indicating a higher degree of covalency than in Cds and CdGa2S4.
Schwingungsspektren von Tetraphosphordekasulfid P4S10/ Vibrational Spectra of Tetraphosphorus decasulfide P4S10
Authors: Somer M. , Bues W. , Brückner W.
Published: February 2015

The solid state i.r. and the solid an molten state Raman spectra of the cage compound P4S10 have been recorded. An assignment of the vibrational frequencies, mainly based on polarization data, is proposed. For P4S10 an improved preparation method is reported. During melting the P4S10 units remain unchanged but partly lose terminal sulfur. Thermic decomposition reactions are given. They are reversible.
Estimates of Dielectric Shifts in Infrared Spectra of Pure Liquids for Use in the Theoretical Evaluation of Vapor Pressure Isotope Effects
Authors: Maessen Bärbel , Wolfsberg Max
Published: February 2015

Observed fundamentals in infrared spectra of pure liquids are red-shifted by the so-called "dielectric effect". This dielectric shift is an excited state effect, and the observed fundamentals must be corrected before one deduces the isotope effects on the zero-point vibrational energy which are needed in the theoretical evaluation of vapor pressure isotope effects. A simple formula is applied to calculate the dielectric shift, which requires only the molar concentration and the integrated absorption coefficient for the fundamental.