bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A protocol for developing early warning score models from vital signs data in hospitals using ensembles of decision trees
Authors: Xu Michael , Tam Benjamin , Thabane Lehana , Fox-Robichaud Alison
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Multiple early warning scores (EWS) have been developed and implemented to reduce cardiac arrests on hospital wards. Case–control observational studies that generate an area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) are the usual validation method, but investigators have also generated EWS with algorithms with no prior clinical knowledge. We present a protocol for the validation and comparison of our local Hamilton Early Warning Score (HEWS) with that generated using decision tree (DT) methods.

Methods and analysis

A database of electronically recorded vital signs from 4 medical and 4 surgical wards will be used to generate DT EWS (DT-HEWS). A third EWS will be generated using ensemble-based methods. Missing data will be multiple imputed. For a relative risk reduction of 50% in our composite outcome (cardiac or respiratory arrest, unanticipated intensive care unit (ICU) admission or hospital death) with a power of 80%, we calculated a sample size of 17 151 patient days based on our cardiac arrest rates in 2012. The performance of the National EWS, DT-HEWS and the ensemble EWS will be compared using AUROC.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was received from the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (#13-724-C). The vital signs and associated outcomes are stored in a database on our secure hospital server. Preliminary dissemination of this protocol was presented in abstract form at an international critical care meeting. Final results of this analysis will be used to improve on the existing HEWS and will be shared through publication and presentation at critical care meetings.
The palaeoecological record of gray birch (Betula populifolia) in eastern North America
Authors: Lavoie Martin , Pellerin Stéphanie
Published: September 2015

Gray birch (Betula populifolia Marshall) is a pioneer tree species that generally colonizes both poor, dry soils and disturbed sites. Its current range appears to be expanding, and it has been observed to establish gradually and often massively in ombrotrophic peatlands. We examined data from sites within and beyond its continuous range that have been subjected to macrofossil analyses to determine whether this species was more abundant during certain periods since deglaciation. The most abundant macroremains were found in the eastern United States and date from the early Holocene (11 700 – 7000 cal. BP). Gray birch was present in mixed forests in which fires were probably more frequent than today. Only a few sites, located in pine barrens that experienced recurrent fires, show a continuous presence of the species during the middle and late Holocene. Palaeoecological data suggest that the colonization of peatlands by gray birch is a recent phenomenon (20th century), and one unique in peatland history. Anthropic disturbances seem to create conditions that foster this species, which could consequently increase its range in the coming decades.
Variational tricomplex of a local gauge system, Lagrange structure and weak Poisson bracket
Authors: Sharapov A. A.
Published: September 2015

We introduce the concept of a variational tricomplex, which is applicable both to variational and nonvariational gauge systems. Assigning this tricomplex with an appropriate symplectic structure and a Cauchy foliation, we establish a general correspondence between the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian pictures of one and the same (not necessarily variational) dynamics. In practical terms, this correspondence allows one to construct the generating functional of a weak Poisson structure starting from that of a Lagrange structure. As a byproduct, a covariant procedure is proposed for deriving the classical BRST charge of the BFV formalism by a given BV master action. The general approach is illustrated by the examples of Maxwell’s electrodynamics and chiral bosons in two dimensions.
Gauge hierarchy problem, supersymmetry, and fermionic symmetry
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiharu
Published: September 2015

We reconsider the gauge hierarchy problem from the viewpoint of effective field theories and a high-energy physics, motivated by the alternative scenario that the standard model holds up to a high-energy scale such as the Planck scale. The problem is restated as the question whether it is possible to construct a low-energy effective theory and the interaction with heavy particles, without spoiling the structure of a high-energy physics supported by an excellent concept. Based on this reinterpretation, we give a conjecture that theories with hidden fermionic symmetries can be free from the gauge hierarchy problem and become candidates of the physics beyond and/or behind the standard model, and present toy models with particle-ghost symmetries as illustrative examples and a prototype model for the grand unification.
The effects of nonstandard neutrino interactions (NSIs) in KL0 → π0νν̄, B+ → π+νν̄, B+ → K∗+νν̄ and B → Xsνν̄
Authors: Mahmood Shakeel , Tahir Farida , Mir Azeem
Published: September 2015

We study the rare decays [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for the search of NSIs. We want to constrain the NSIs by using these reactions. We show that there is a strong dependence of these reactions on new physics free parameter [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. We include second and third generation of quarks in the loop for these decays. We show that the [Formula: see text] is providing very precise bounds as compared to all other semileptonic decays, having neutrinos in their final state. We further show that the interference between standard model and NSIs is giving dominant contribution for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We point out that the constraints for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are more precise as compared to [Formula: see text]. The analysis of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], provide us that the [Formula: see text]-quark induced Br of NSIs are giving very small contribution. We also compare these decays to the decays of charm and kaons having neutrinos in the final state.
Unrestricted virtual braids, fused links and other quotients of virtual braid groups
Authors: Bardakov Valeriy G. , Bellingeri Paolo , Damiani Celeste
Published: September 2015

We consider the group of unrestricted virtual braids, describe its structure and explore its relations with fused links. Also, we define the groups of flat virtual braids and virtual Gauss braids and study some of their properties, in particular their linearity.
Collective neutrino oscillations and spontaneous symmetry breaking
Authors: Duan Huaiyu
Published: September 2015

Neutrino oscillations in a hot and dense astrophysical environment such as a core-collapse supernova pose a challenging, seven-dimensional flavor transport problem. To make the problem even more difficult (and interesting), neutrinos can experience collective oscillations through nonlinear refraction in the dense neutrino medium in this environment. Significant progress has been made in the last decade towards the understanding of collective neutrino oscillations in various simplified neutrino gas models with imposed symmetries and reduced dimensions. However, a series of recent studies seem to have "reset" this progress by showing that these models may not be compatible with collective neutrino oscillations because the latter can break the symmetries spontaneously if they are not imposed. We review some of the key concepts of collective neutrino oscillations by using a few simple toy models. We also elucidate the breaking of spatial and directional symmetries in these models because of collective oscillations.
A note on Ramanujan’s factorial approximation
Authors: You Xu
Published: September 2015

The aim of this note is to improve an approximation formula of Ramanujan-type discussed by Hirschhorn and Villarino.
Overpartition function modulo 16 and some binary quadratic forms
Authors: Xiong Xinhua
Published: September 2015

Let [Formula: see text] denote the number of overpartitions of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we will give a complete determination of [Formula: see text] modulo [Formula: see text] by relating it to some binary quadratic forms; this will generalize the result of Kim on [Formula: see text] modulo [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we give infinitely many new Ramanujan-like congruences for overpartition function modulo [Formula: see text].
Efficient computation of limit spectra of sample covariance matrices
Authors: Dobriban Edgar
Published: September 2015

Models from random matrix theory (RMT) are increasingly used to gain insights into the behavior of statistical methods under high-dimensional asymptotics. However, the applicability of the framework is limited by numerical problems. Consider the usual model of multivariate statistics where the data is a sample from a multivariate distribution with a given covariance matrix. Under high-dimensional asymptotics, there is a deterministic map from the distribution of eigenvalues of the population covariance matrix (the population spectral distribution or PSD), to the of empirical spectral distribution (ESD). The current methods for computing this map are inefficient, and this limits the applicability of the theory.

We propose a new method to compute numerically the ESD from an arbitrary input PSD. Our method, called SPECTRODE, finds the support and the density of the ESD to high precision; we prove this for finite discrete distributions. In computational experiments SPECTRODE outperforms existing methods by orders of magnitude in speed and accuracy. We apply it to compute expectations and contour integrals of the ESD, which are often central in applications.

We also illustrate that SPECTRODE is directly useful in statistical problems, such as estimation and hypothesis testing for covariance matrices. Our proposal, implemented in open source software, may broaden the use of RMT in high-dimensional data analysis.
Re-evaluating the geochronology of the Permian Tarim magmatic province: implications for temporal evolution of magmatism
Authors: Shangguan Shimai , Peate Ingrid Ukstins , Tian Wei , Xu Yigang
Published: September 2015

The Permian Tarim magmatic province has 118 published ages, ranging from 358 to 205 Ma, but the timing of mafic magmatism is not well constrained. We report two new secondary ion mass spectrometry U–Pb zircon dates on the Halahatang trachydacite and Wajilitag olivine clinopyroxenite, which are 287.2 ± 2.0 Ma and 283.2 ± 2.0 Ma, respectively. The trachydacite overlies the uppermost basalt and constrains the latest eruption age of basalt in northern Tarim. The latter is the first high-resolution date for the Wajilitag mafic layered intrusion. By screening all published ages, we identified 22 robust ages, ranging from 290.9 ± 4.1 to 261.7 ± 1.8 Ma. The robust ages together with our new data reveal a protracted period of mafic magmatism at
c
. 283 and
c
. 267 Ma. Silicic magmatism occurred from 291 to 272 Ma. Although the current known volume of Tarim basalt is too small to qualify as a large igneous province, the eroded and intrusive components, as well as pyroclastic deposits and silicic lavas, may increase the estimated volume. Further work is required to refine the duration of magmatism and the volume estimate of the province.

Supplementary material:

A list of all the published dates, raw data of published

40

Ar–
39
Ar dates, raw data of published U–Pb dates, published geochemistry data used for calculation and complete details of the data evaluation are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18862
.
MicroRNA signature of inflamed lymphatic endothelium and role of miR-9 in lymphangiogenesis and inflammation
Authors: Chakraborty Sanjukta , Zawieja David C. , Davis Michael J. , Muthuchamy Mariappan
Published: September 2015

The lymphatics have emerged as critical players in the progression and resolution of inflammation. The goal of this study was to identify specific microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate lymphatic inflammatory processes. Rat mesenteric lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) were exposed to the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α for 2, 24, and 96 h, and miRNA profiling was carried out by real-time PCR arrays. Our data demonstrate a specific set of miRNAs that are differentially expressed (>1.8-fold and/or P < 0.05) in LECs in response to tumor necrosis factor-α and are involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, and cell proliferation and senescence. We further characterized the expression of miRNA 9 (miR-9) that was induced in LECs and in inflamed rat mesenteric lymphatics. Our results showed that miR-9 overexpression significantly repressed NF-κB expression and, thereby, suppressed inflammation but promoted LEC tube formation, as well as expression of the prolymphangiogenic molecules endothelial nitric oxide synthase and VEGF receptor type 3. LEC viability and proliferation and endothelial-mesenchymal transition were also significantly induced by miR-9. This study provides the first evidence of a distinct profile of miRNAs associated with LECs during inflammation. It also identifies the critical dual role of miR-9 in fine-tuning the balance between lymphatic inflammatory and lymphangiogenic pathways.
Tactile orientation perception: an ideal observer analysis of human psychophysical performance in relation to macaque area 3b receptive fields
Authors: Peters Ryan M. , Staibano Phillip , Goldreich Daniel
Published: September 2015

The ability to resolve the orientation of edges is crucial to daily tactile and sensorimotor function, yet the means by which edge perception occurs is not well understood. Primate cortical area 3b neurons have diverse receptive field (RF) spatial structures that may participate in edge orientation perception. We evaluated five candidate RF models for macaque area 3b neurons, previously recorded while an oriented bar contacted the monkey's fingertip. We used a Bayesian classifier to assign each neuron a best-fit RF structure. We generated predictions for human performance by implementing an ideal observer that optimally decoded stimulus-evoked spike counts in the model neurons. The ideal observer predicted a saturating reduction in bar orientation discrimination threshold with increasing bar length. We tested 24 humans on an automated, precision-controlled bar orientation discrimination task and observed performance consistent with that predicted. We next queried the ideal observer to discover the RF structure and number of cortical neurons that best matched each participant's performance. Human perception was matched with a median of 24 model neurons firing throughout a 1-s period. The 10 lowest-performing participants were fit with RFs lacking inhibitory sidebands, whereas 12 of the 14 higher-performing participants were fit with RFs containing inhibitory sidebands. Participants whose discrimination improved as bar length increased to 10 mm were fit with longer RFs; those who performed well on the 2-mm bar, with narrower RFs. These results suggest plausible RF features and computational strategies underlying tactile spatial perception and may have implications for perceptual learning.
Catalyst‐Free Bottom‐Up Synthesis of Few‐Layer Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Stanley Shena M. , Chakrabarti Amartya , DeMuth Joshua J. , Tempel Vanessa E. , Hosmane Narayan S.
Published: September 2015

A novel catalyst‐free methodology has been developed to prepare few‐layer hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets using a bottom‐up process. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (both high and low resolution) exhibit evidence of less than ten layers of nanosheets with uniform dimension. X‐ray diffraction pattern and other additional characterization techniques prove crystallinity and purity of the product.
Mean-Square Almost Periodic Solutions for Impulsive Stochastic Host-Macroparasite Equation on Time Scales
Authors: Wang Pan , Lin Qingmei , Li Yongkun
Published: September 2015

We consider an impulsive stochastic host-macroparasite equation on time scales. By use of the Banach fixed point theorem and Gronwall-Bellman’s inequality technique on time scales, we obtain the existence and exponential stability of mean-square almost periodic solutions for the host-macroparasite equation on time scales. Finally, we give an example to illustrate the feasibility of our results.
Modeling Unidirectional Pedestrian Movement: An Investigation of Diffusion Behavior in the Built Environment
Authors: Liu Ying , Sun Cheng , Bie Yiming
Published: September 2015

Unidirectional pedestrian movement is a special phenomenon in the evacuation process of large public buildings and urban environments at pedestrian scale. Several macroscopic models for collective behaviors have been built to predict pedestrian flow. However, current models do not explain the diffusion behavior in pedestrian crowd movement, which can be important in representing spatial-temporal crowd density differentiation in the movement process. This study builds a macroscopic model for describing crowd diffusion behavior and evaluating unidirectional pedestrian flow. The proposed model employs discretization of time and walking speed in geometric distribution to calculate downstream pedestrian crowd flow and analyze movement process based on upstream number of pedestrians and average walking speed. The simulated results are calibrated with video observation data in a baseball stadium to verify the model precision. Statistical results have verified that the proposed pedestrian diffusion model could accurately describe pedestrian macromovement behavior within the margin of error.
Real-Time Corrected Traffic Correlation Model for Traffic Flow Forecasting
Authors: Lu Hua-pu , Sun Zhi-yuan , Qu Wen-cong , Wang Ling
Published: September 2015

This paper focuses on the problems of short-term traffic flow forecasting. The main goal is to put forward traffic correlation model and real-time correction algorithm for traffic flow forecasting. Traffic correlation model is established based on the temporal-spatial-historical correlation characteristic of traffic big data. In order to simplify the traffic correlation model, this paper presents correction coefficients optimization algorithm. Considering multistate characteristic of traffic big data, a dynamic part is added to traffic correlation model. Real-time correction algorithm based on Fuzzy Neural Network is presented to overcome the nonlinear mapping problems. A case study based on a real-world road network in Beijing, China, is implemented to test the efficiency and applicability of the proposed modeling methods.
A Pleural Solitary Fibrous Tumor, Multiple Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, Moyamoya Disease, and Hyperparathyroidism in a Patient Associated with NF1
Authors: Yamamoto Yoko , Kodama Ken , Yokoyama Shigekazu , Takeda Masashi , Michishita Shintaro
Published: September 2015

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), also called von Recklinghausen’s disease, is a multisystemic disease caused by an alteration of the NF1 gene, a tumor suppressor located on the long arm of chromosome 17 (17q11.2). Loss of the gene function, due to a point mutation, leads to an increase in cell proliferation and the development of several tumors. We report a 60-year-old female patient manifesting hypercalcemia due to hyperparathyroidism, a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the pleura, multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and moyamoya disease associated with NF1. The SFT and GISTs were removed by staged operations. Then, hypercalcemia was successfully controlled after resection of the parathyroid adenoma. Based on a literature review, these combinations have never been reported, and the relevant literature is briefly discussed.
The Intervention Effects of Acupuncture on Fatigue Induced by Exhaustive Physical Exercises: A Metabolomics Investigation
Authors: Ma Haifeng , Liu Xia , Wu Ying , Zhang Naixia
Published: September 2015

In this study, the antifatigue effects of acupuncture had been investigated at the metabolic level on the young male athletes with exhaustive physical exercises. After a series of exhaustive physical exercises and a short-term rest, the athletes either were treated with needling acupuncture on selected acupoints (TA group) or enjoyed an extended rest (TR group). NMR-based metabolomics analysis was then applied to depict the metabolic profiles of urine samples, which were collected from the athletes at three time points including the time before exercises, the time before and after the treatment of acupuncture, or taking the extended rest. The results from multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the recoveries of disturbed metabolites in the athletes treated with acupuncture were significantly faster than in those only taking rest. After the treatment with acupuncture, the levels of distinguished metabolites, 2-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxyisovalerate, lactate, pyruvate, citrate, dimethylglycine, choline, glycine, hippurate, and hypoxanthine were recovered at an accelerated speed in the TA group in comparison with the TR group. The above-mentioned results indicated that the acupuncture treatment ameliorated fatigue by backregulating the perturbed energy metabolism, choline metabolism, and attenuating the ROS-induced stress at an accelerated speed, which demonstrated that acupuncture could serve as an alternative fatigue-relieving approach.
Omalizumab for Urticarial Vasculitis: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ghazanfar Misbah Nasheela , Thomsen Simon Francis
Published: September 2015

Urticarial vasculitis is characterised by inflamed itching or burning red patches or wheals that resemble urticaria but persist for greater than 24 hours. It is often idiopathic but is sometimes associated with collagen-vascular disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment options include oral antihistamines, oral corticosteroids, dapsone, colchicine or hydroxychloroquine. We describe a male patient with urticarial vasculitis who was treated with omalizumab (anti-IgE) with convincing results and provide a review of previous reports of patients with urticarial vasculitis treated with omalizumab.
Diabetic Nephropathy Induced by IncreasedAceGene Dosage Is Associated with High Renal Levels of Angiotensin (1–7) and Bradykinin
Authors: Bertoncello Nádia , Moreira Roseli Peres , Arita Danielle Yuri , Aragão Danielle S. , Watanabe Ingrid Kazue Mizuno , Dantas Patricia S. , Santos Ralmony , Mattar-Rosa Rodolfo , Yokota Rodrigo , Cunha Tatiana Sousa , Casarini Dulce Elena
Published: September 2015

Population studies have shown an association between diabetic nephropathy (DN) and insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene (ACEin humans,Acein mice). The aim was to evaluate the modulation ofAcecopies number and diabetes mellitus (DM) on renal RAS and correlate it with indicators of kidney function. Increased number of copies of theAcegene, associated with DM, induces renal dysfunction. The susceptibility to the development of DN in 3 copies of animals is associated with an imbalance in activity of RAS enzymes leading to increased synthesis of Ang II and Ang-(1–7). Increased concentration of renal Ang-(1–7) appears to potentiate the deleterious effects triggered by Ang II on kidney structure and function. Results also show increased bradykinin concentration in 3 copies diabetic group. Taken together, results indicate that the deleterious effects described in 3 copies diabetic group are, at least in part, due to a combination of factors not usually described in the literature. Thus, the data presented here show up innovative and contribute to understanding the complex mechanisms involved in the development of DN, in order to optimize the treatment of patients with this complication.
The Effect of Monochromatic Infrared Photo Energy on the Irritability of Myofascial Trigger Spot of Rabbit Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Kuan Ta-Shen , Lin Yu-Ching , Lien Wei-Chih , Hsieh Pei-Chun , Chung Yu-Ting , Lin Sheng-Hsiang , Chou Li-Wei
Published: September 2015

Objective.To determine whether the vasodilatation effect of monochromatic infrared photo energy (MIRE) had the potential for the treatment of myofascial trigger spot (MTrS) in rabbits.Design. A randomized-controlled animal study.Subjects.Twelve adult New Zealand rabbits.Methods.For each rabbit, a MTrS (equivalent to a myofascial trigger point in humans) in one side of the biceps femoris muscle was randomly selected for MIRE treatment (experimental side), while another MTrS in the other side (control side) received a sham treatment. The intervention consisted of a daily 40 minutes treatment, three times per week for 2 weeks. The prevalence of endplate noise (EPN) loci in the MTrS was assessed before, immediately after, and one week after the completion of the 2-week treatment.Results.MIRE could suppress the prevalence of EPN in the MTrS. The degree of reduction in EPN prevalence in the MTrS between the experimental side and the control side was significantly different immediately after MIRE treatment, but not significantly different one week after MIRE treatment.Conclusion.Our study suggests that MIRE may be a useful therapeutic option for the management of the myofascial trigger point in humans.
Biocompatibility ofBletilla striataMicrospheres as a Novel Embolic Agent
Authors: Luo ShiHua , Song SongLin , Zheng ChuanSheng , Wang Yong , Xia XiangWen , Liang Bin , Feng GanSheng
Published: September 2015

We have prepared Chinese traditional herbBletilla striatainto microspheres as a novel embolic agent for decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility ofBletilla striatamicrospheres (BSMs). After a thermal test of BSMs in vitro, the cell biocompatibility of BSMs was investigated in mouse fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells using the methyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. In addition, blood biocompatibility was evaluated. In vivo intramuscular implantation and renal artery embolization in rabbits with BSMs were used to examine the inflammatory response. The experimental rabbits did not develop any fever symptoms after injection of BSMs, and BSMs exhibited no cytotoxicity in cultured mouse fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Additionally, BSMs exhibited high compatibility with red blood cells and no hemolysis activity. Intramuscular implantation with BSMs resulted in a gradually lessened mild inflammatory reaction that disappeared after eight weeks. The occlusion of small renal vessels was associated with a mild perivascular inflammatory reaction without significant renal and liver function damage. In conclusion, we believe that BSMs exhibit high biocompatibility and are a promising embolic agent.
The Long-Term Outcome of the Turner-Warwick Vaginal Obturator Shelf Urethral Repositioning Colposuspension Procedure for Urodynamically Proven Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Greenwell Tamsin , Shah Paras , Hamid Rizwan , Shah P. Julian R. , Ockrim Jeremy
Published: September 2015

Objective: To analyze long-term continence, voiding dysfunction and secondary prolapse rates following Turner-Warwick Vaginal Obturator Shelf Urethral Repositioning colposuspension (VOSURP) for urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence (USUI). Patients and Methods: Telephone and/or outpatient review of the outcomes of 50 consecutive patients undergoing VOSURP between 1997 and 2008 was conducted. Outcomes assessed included urinary continence (pad free/leak free), need to self-catheterise (ISC), secondary posterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP) development and need for further continence and POP-related surgical interventions. All patients with continued/recurrent urinary incontinence had repeat videourodynamics. Results: At a median follow-up of 108.5 months (17-153), complete urinary continence was reported in 41 (82%) of patients, post procedure new onset ISC in 2 (4%) and new onset posterior POP in 2 (4%). The cause of continued urinary incontinence was persistent USUI in 3 (6%), new onset idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) in 4 (8%) and failure of resolution of pre-existing IDO in 2 (4%). Conclusions: Long-term complete urinary continence and cure of USUI following VOSURP are excellent at 82 and 94%, respectively. Voiding dysfunction and secondary POP procedure rates are low. The VOSURP is an excellent alternative to classical Burch colposuspension for the treatment of primary and recurrent USUI.
Unique Cutaneous Reaction to Second- and Third-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Patel Anisha B. , Solomon Alvin R. , Mauro Michael J. , Ehst Benjamin D.
Published: September 2015

Background: Recently developed tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) offer first-line alternatives to patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. While these medications are generally well tolerated, cutaneous reactions occur frequently and can present a management challenge. We describe a newly recognized skin reaction to dasatinib and nilotinib and extend it to the newer agent ponatinib. Observations: Nine patients developed varying degrees of a clinically and histopathologically lichenoid exanthem comprised of erythematous, predominately follicular papules with scale and alopecia. The pattern is reminiscent of the scarring and nonscarring alopecia of follicular lichen planus/lichen planopilaris (LPP) with keratosis pilaris-like LPP - the rare Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome. Importantly, the accompanying pruritus can be severe enough to result in discontinuation of therapy. Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of this unusual eruption to the newer TKIs and the potential therapeutic challenges. Understanding these eruptions may also suggest potential mechanisms in the idiopathic forms of follicular lichen planus.
Statement on Exercise Testing in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Hebestreit Helge , Arets Hubertus G.M. , Aurora Paul , Boas Steve , Cerny Frank , Hulzebos Erik H.J. , Karila Chantal , Lands Larry C. , Lowman John D. , Swisher Anne , Urquhart Don S. ,   for the European Cystic Fibrosis Exercise Working Group
Published: September 2015

This statement summarizes the information available on specific exercise test protocols and outcome parameters used in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and provides expert consensus recommendations for protocol and performance of exercise tests and basic interpretation of results for clinicians. The conclusions were reached employing consensus meetings and a wide-band Delphi process. Although data on utility are currently limited, standardized exercise testing provides detailed information on physiological health, allows screening for exercise-related adverse reactions and enables exercise counselling. The Godfrey Cycle Ergometer Protocol with monitoring of oxygen saturation and ventilatory gas exchange is recommended for exercise testing in people 10 years and older. Cycle ergometry only with pulse oximetry using the Godfrey protocol or treadmill exercise with pulse oximetry - preferably with measurement of gas exchange - are second best options. Peak oxygen uptake, if assessed, and maximal work rate should be reported as the primary measure of exercise capacity. The final statement was reviewed by the European Cystic Fibrosis society and revised based on the comments received. The document was endorsed by the European Respiratory Society.
Supine versus Prone Position during Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy for Treating Distal Ureteral Calculi: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Tao , Gao Liang , Chen Peng , Bu Siyuan , Cao Dehong , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: September 2015

Purpose: We aimed at evaluating the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for treating distal ureteral calculi performed in supine vs. prone position. Materials and Methods: Eligible studies were identified by 2 reviewers using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Outcomes included stone-free rate after the first and the final SWL session, the mean number of shocks per SWL session, the mean percentage of power used in the first SWL session, and the mean number of SWL sessions per patient. Results: Pooled data among the 647 included patients showed that supine SWL was associated with a significantly higher stone-free rate than prone SWL. This difference was consistent for both the first SWL session (OR 4.17; 95% CI 2.53-6.87; p < 0.00001) and the final session (OR 3.02; 95% CI 1.96-4.67; p < 0.00001). No differences in the mean number of shocks per SWL session, the mean percentage of power used in the first SWL session, and the mean number of SWL sessions per patient were observed between the positions. SWL complications were infrequent and the incidence was insufficient for further analysis. Conclusion: SWL is safe and effective for the management of distal ureteral calculi, and supine SWL is more effective than prone SWL for achieving a stone-free status.
Young Hispanic Women Experience Higher In‐Hospital Mortality Following an Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rodriguez Fátima , Foody JoAnne M. , Wang Yun , López Lenny
Published: September 2015

Background

Although mortality rates for acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) have declined for men and women, prior studies have reported a sex gap in mortality such that younger women were most likely to die after an
AMI
.

Methods and Results

We sought to explore the impact of race and ethnicity on the sex gap in
AMI
patterns of care and mortality for younger women in a contemporary patient cohort. We constructed multivariable hierarchical logistic regression models to examine trends in
AMI
hospitalizations, procedures, and in‐hospital mortality by sex, age (<65 and ≥65 years), and race/ethnicity (white, black, and Hispanic). Analyses were derived from 194 071 patients who were hospitalized for an
AMI
with available race and ethnicity data from the 2009–2010 National Inpatient Sample. Hospitalization rates, procedures (coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary interventions, and cardiac bypass surgery), and inpatient mortality were analyzed across age, sex, and race/ethnic groups. There was significant variation in hospitalization rates by age and race/ethnicity. All racial/ethnic groups were less likely to undergo invasive procedures compared with white men (
P
<0.001). After adjustment for comorbidities, younger Hispanic women experienced higher in‐hospital mortality compared with younger white men, with an odds ratio of 1.5 (95%
CI
1.2 to 1.9), adjusted for age and comorbidities.

Conclusion

We found significant racial and sex disparities in
AMI
hospitalizations, care patterns, and mortality, with higher in‐hospital mortality experienced by younger Hispanic women. Future studies are necessary to explore determinants of these significant racial and sex disparities in outcomes for
AMI
.
Taxonomic Results of the BRYOTROP-Expedition to Zaire and Rwanda 6. Aytoniaceae, Marchantiaceae

Authors: Bischler-Causse H. , Long D. G.
Published: September 2015

As outlined by Grolle (1989), A. abyssinica belongs to the distinctive subgenus Brachyblepharis along with two other African species, A. africana (Mont.) Evans and A. dissoluta (Steph.) Grolle. The last two species are characterised by their typically paroecious condition, whereas A. abyssinica is autoecious with androecia on both broad terminal and stipitate-based ventral branches.
On the Mass-Flux Representation of Vertical Transport in Moist Convection
Authors: Zhu Ping
Published: September 2015

This study investigates to what extent the convective fluxes formulated within the mass-flux framework can represent the total vertical transport of heat and moisture in the cloud layer and whether the same approach can be extended to represent the vertical momentum transport using large-eddy simulations (LESs) of six well-documented cloud cases, including both deep and shallow convection. Two methods are used to decompose the LES-resolved vertical fluxes: decompositions based on the coherent convective features using the mass-flux top-hat profile and by two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (2D-FFT) in terms of wavenumbers. The analyses show that the convective fluxes computed using the mass-flux formula can account for most of the total fluxes of conservative thermodynamic variables in the cloud layer of both deep and shallow convection for an appropriately defined convective updraft fraction, a result consistent with the mass-flux dynamic view of moist convection and previous studies. However, the mass-flux approach fails to represent the vertical momentum transport in the cloud layer of both deep and shallow convection. The 2D-FFT and other analyses suggest that such a failure results from a number of reasons: 1) the complicated momentum distribution in the cloud layer cannot be well described by the simple top-hat profile; 2) shear-driven small-scale eddies are more efficient momentum carriers than coherent convective plumes; 3) the phase relationship between vertical velocity and horizontal momentum components is substantially different from that between vertical velocity and conservative thermodynamic variables; and 4) the structure of horizontal momentum can change substantially from case to case even in the same climate regime.
The Connection between Southern Ocean Winds, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and Indo-Pacific Upwelling
Authors: Jochum M. , Eden Carsten
Published: September 2015

Coupled GCM simulations are analyzed to quantify the dynamic effect of Southern Ocean (SO) winds on transports in the ocean. It is found that the closure for skew diffusivity in the non-eddy-resolving ocean model does not allow for a realistic eddy saturation of the zonal transports in the SO in response to the wind changes and that eddy compensation of the meridional transports in the SO is underestimated too. Despite this underestimated eddy compensation in the SO, however, and in contrast to previous suggestions, the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) strength is almost insensitive to SO winds. In the limit of weak SO winds the AMOC waters upwell not in the SO but rather in the tropical Indo-Pacific. Through their effect on sea ice, weaker SO winds also lead to less production of Antarctic Bottom Water and therefore a deeper and stronger AMOC.
The French politics of retrenchment (2007–2012): Institutions and blame avoidance strategies
Authors: Bezes Philippe , Le Lidec Patrick
Published: September 2015

While the semi-presidential French regime and the reinforcement of ‘presidentialization’ under Nicolas Sarkozy have often been associated with the idea of disruptive and heroic changes, France’s post-crisis budgetary policy appeared strongly embedded in the previous commitments made by President Sarkozy and relied largely on measures of a gradual and low-profile nature without significant U-turns. In order to explain this result, the article emphasizes the effects of French institutions on government capabilities and on the potential allocation of blame and the related political strategies connected with the electoral cycle and timing. In addition, it also explores the specific characteristics of the French national crisis and its perceptions by top bureaucrats, as well as the nature of the external macro-constraints that influenced French budgetary policy, whether originating with markets, international organizations or the European Union.

Points for practitioners

This article emphasizes the importance of institutions and political strategies in cutback management. The main argument is that budget reduction policies are embedded in political and electoral constraints that strongly affect their design and choices. The article provides many empirical elements about the specific characteristics of the French national crisis and how French governments reacted to the 2008 crisis. It puts emphasis on the specificities of French political institutions and the strong exposure to blame. The French political strategies of blame avoidance are described between 2008 and 2012, as well as the nature of the external macro-constraints that influenced French budgetary policy, whether originating with markets, international organizations or the European Union.
Firewall? or Wall on Fire? A Unified Framework of Conflict Contagion and the Role of Ethnic Exclusion
Authors: Metternich Nils W. , Minhas Shahryar , Ward Michael D.
Published: September 2015

While some borders are real firewalls against conflicts, others appear like tinder just waiting for the smallest spark. Only recently has research focused on the transnational perspective of conflict and current research has focused mostly on isolated aspects of this phenomenon. In this article, we provide a unified framework for conflict contagion that takes into account receiver, sender, dyad, and network effects. This is a novel perspective on conflict contagion, and our empirical results suggest that distinguishing between sender and receiver effects allows for a better understanding of spillover effects. We provide insights that especially excluded ethnic groups impact the risk of countries sending and receiving conflicts from its neighbors.
CCR5-CCL Axis in PDL during Orthodontic Biophysical Force Application
Authors: Lee S.Y. , Yoo H.I. , Kim S.H.
Published: September 2015

Tooth movement by application of orthodontic biophysical force primarily reflects the role of soluble molecules released from the periodontal ligament (PDL). Thus far, many factors have been reported to be involved in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), but key molecules that orchestrate responses of periodontal tissues to biophysical force are still enigmatic. In this in vivo study, in which the upper first molars in rats were moved, differential display–polymerase chain reaction revealed that CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) level was differentially increased during OTM. Strong immunoreactivity for CCR5 was found in the PDL undergoing force application. Moreover, the in vitro compression or tension force application to primary cultured human PDL cells increased the expression of CCR5 and CCR5 ligands. In vitro tension force on human PDL cells did not induce RANKL, an osteoclastogenesis-inducing factor, but did induce the upregulation of IL12, an osteoclast inhibitory factor, and osteoblast differentiation factors, including Runx2, which was attenuated under tension by CCR5 gene silencing whereas augmented with CCR5 ligands. In contrast, in vitro compression force did not induce the expression of osteoprotegerin, a decoy receptor for RANKL and Runx2, but did induce the upregulation of RANKL, which was attenuated under compression by CCR5 gene silencing. These results suggest that the CCR5–CCR5 ligands axis in PDL cells may play a crucial role in the remodeling of periodontal tissues and can be a therapeutic target for achieving efficient OTM.
What Turns Migrants into Ethnic Minorities at Work? Factors Erecting Ethnic Boundaries among Dutch Police Officers
Authors: Siebers Hans
Published: September 2015

Transnational migration flows have revitalised the interest in ethnicity in social sciences. The ethnic boundary approach (Barth, Wimmer) argues for a non-essentialist understanding of ethnicity and calls for detecting the factors that turn migrants into ethnic minorities. Based on ethnographic fieldwork among Dutch police officers between 2008 and 2013, this article presents three factors that together constitute a structural framework that produces events of ethnic boundary construction (salient ethnic identity plus ethnic closure) between migrant and non-migrant officers: (1) ethnicised precarity; (2) ethnic conflicts triggered by the ethnicising discourse in Dutch media and politics on migrants and migration; and (3) the quasi-therapeutic management style applied in the police organisation. It further calls for a differentiated understanding of migrants’ precarity, questions explanations of ethnic closure in terms of stereotypes and critically scrutinises socio-psychological approaches of ethnicity and diversity management.
Differences in Relationship Stability Between Individuals in First and Second Marriages
Authors: Jensen Todd M. , Shafer Kevin , Guo Shenyang , Larson Jeffry H.
Published: September 2015

Compared to first marriages, remarriages have consistently demonstrated higher rates of divorce. Theories used to explain this phenomenon include the family process and selection perspectives. Researchers have attempted to address selection bias in this area but have not yet employed propensity score analysis to bolster causal inference. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of covariate control methods for handling selection bias compared to propensity score methods and to examine whether a direct causal link between marriage order and relationship stability can be inferred after using propensity score greedy matching and propensity score weighting procedures. We analyze a sample of 1,679 first married and 410 remarried individuals drawn from the Relationship Evaluation Survey. Results provide support for the selection perspective and suggest that a direct causal link between marriage order and relationship stability should not be inferred. Implications, limitations, and future directions for research are discussed.
Temporal Patterns of Novel Circulating Biomarkers in IL-2-mediated Vascular Injury in the Rat
Authors: Keirstead Natalie D. , Bertinetti-Lapatki Cristina , Knapp Denise , Albassam Mudher , Hughes Valerie , Hong Feng , Roth Adrian B. , Mikaelian Igor
Published: September 2015

Recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) administration in oncology indications is hampered by vascular toxicity, which presents as a vascular leak syndrome. We used this aspect of the toxicity of rIL-2 to evaluate candidate biomarkers of drug-induced vascular injury (DIVI) in rats given 0.36 mg/kg rIL-2 daily. Groups of rats were given either 2 or 5 doses of rIL-2 or 5 doses of rIL-2 followed by a 7-day recovery. The histomorphologic lexicon and grading scheme developed by the Vascular Injury Working Group of the Predictive Safety Testing Consortium of the Critical Path Institute were utilized to enable semiquantitative integration with circulating biomarker levels. The administration of rIL-2 was associated with time-dependent endothelial cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy and perivascular inflammation that correlated with increases in circulating angiopoietin-2, lipocalin-2, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, vascular endothelial growth factor A, E-selectin, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand-1, and the microRNAs miR-21, miR-132, and miR-155. The dose groups were differentially identified by panels comprising novel candidate biomarkers and traditional hematologic parameters. These results identify biomarkers of the early stages of DIVI prior to the onset of vascular smooth muscle necrosis.
A Commission ‘Great’ for Whom? Postcolonial Contrapuntal Readings of Matthew 28:18–20 and the Irony of William Carey
Authors: Cronshaw Darren
Published: September 2015

Arguably, the modern missionary movement’s foundational text, the ‘Great Commission’ of Matthew 28:18–20 has been criticized for its use in legitimizing colonial oppression. Focusing on reception history in South Asian polycolonial contexts, this article uses ‘Saidian’ contrapuntal reading to explore whether and for whom the commission is ‘great’? William Carey used it as a proof-text in his ‘Enquiry’ for Christians to engage in foreign mission. RS Sugirtharajah brings a postcolonial critique to Carey, but Saugata Bhaduri appreciates the unintended de-colonizing consequences of Carey’s vernacular literature. Jayachitra Lalitha questions why women were absent in Matthew 28:18–20 and why Dalit women still struggle. George Soares-Prabhu’s reading alongside a Buddhist text suggests more integral mission and liberation. Despite colonialism’s distorting affect, there is historical irony in Matthew 28’s influence in South India. Contrapuntal conversations helpfully focus on the well-being of overlooked groups and recover some of the resistance implicit in Matthew’s composition.