bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ureteral Embolization to Prevent Thrombotic Obstruction of Nephrostomy Catheters in the Context of Refractory Hemorrhagic Radiation Cystitis with Severe Vesicoureteral Reflux
Authors: Yarlagadda Vidhush , Pettibon Keith , Ertel Nathan , Nix Jeffrey
Published: February 2016

We present a case of refractory hemorrhagic radiation cystitis in a patient who failed conservative management and was unable to undergo operative urinary diversion secondary to multiple comorbidities. His management was complicated by recurrent obstruction of his nephrostomy catheters due to marked ureteral thrombus formation from blood refluxing into the ureters from the urinary bladder. We were successful in treating his condition by occluding his distal ureters with a combination of embolization coils and glue to prevent the reflux of blood in order to allow his nephrostomy catheters to function properly.
TIMP-1 as well as Microvessel Invasion and High Nuclear Grade Is a Significant Determinant Factor for Extension of Tumor Diameter in Localized RCC
Authors: Kawata Nozomu , Yamaguchi Kenya , Igarashi Tomohiro , Takahashi Satoru
Published: February 2016

Objectives. To clarify what kind of pathological factor is necessary for the extension of tumor diameter in localized RCC, we studied localized RCC patients.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 237 RCC patients in our institute who underwent nephrectomy. We performed immune histological analysis of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and MT-MMP-1 for all samples.Results. Among the clinicopathological factors, multivariate analysis revealed nuclear grade; TIMP-2 and MT-MMP-1 were independent prognostic factors of localized RCC (risk ratio 1.50,p=0.037, risk ratio 1.12,p=0.008, and risk ratio 1.84,p=0.045, resp.). By the multiple logistic regression analysis among pT1a versus pT1b, TIMP-1 was an independent factor (risk ratio 3.30,p=0.010) whereas all pT1 versus pT2a and all pT1 + pT2a versus pT2b high nuclear grade (risk ratio 5.15,p=0.0015) and Micro vessel invasion (MVI, risk ratio 3.08,p=0.002) were independent factors. For all pT1 + pT2a versus pT2b, nuclear grade (risk ratio 3.39,p=0.020) and MVI (risk ratio 2.91,p=0.018) were independent factors.Conclusion. Higher expression of TIMP-1 is necessary for advancement tumor diameter from pT1a to pT1b, and a process of tumor diameter extension beyond pT1 and pT2a category needs presence of MVI and high nuclear grade.
Cerebral Hemispheric Lateralization Associated with Hippocampal Sclerosis May Affect Interictal Cardiovascular Autonomic Functions in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Ghchime Rokia , Benjelloun Halima , Kiai Hajar , Belaidi Halima , Lahjouji Fatiha , Ouazzani Reda
Published: February 2016

It is well established that the temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is linked to the autonomic nervous system dysfunctions. Seizures alter the function of different systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possible factors which may be involved in interictal cardiovascular autonomic function in temporal lobe epilepsy with complex partial seizures, and with particular attention to hippocampal sclerosis. The study was conducted in 30 patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (19 with left hippocampal sclerosis, 11 with right hippocampal sclerosis). All subjects underwent four tests of cardiac autonomic function: heart rate changes in response to deep breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure variations throughout resting activity and during hand grip, mental stress, and orthostatic tests. Our results show that the right cerebral hemisphere predominantly modulates sympathetic activity, while the left cerebral hemisphere mainly modulates parasympathetic activity, which mediated tachycardia and excessive bradycardia counterregulation, both of which might be involved as a mechanism of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP).
Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Impacts of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) and Parsley (Petroselinum sativum) Aqueous Extracts: Lessons from Experimental Rats
Authors: Abou Khalil Nasser S. , Abou-Elhamd Alaa S. , Wasfy Salwa I. A. , El Mileegy Ibtisam M. H. , Hamed Mohamed Y. , Ageely Hussein M.
Published: February 2016

Medicinal plants are effective in controlling plasma glucose level with minimal side effects and are commonly used in developing countries as an alternative therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential antidiabetic and antioxidant impacts ofBalanites aegyptiacaandPetroselinum sativumextracts on streptozotocin-induced diabetic and normal rats. The influences of these extracts on body weight, plasma glucose, insulin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and liver-pyruvate kinase (L-PK) levels were assessed. Furthermore, the weight and histomorphological changes of the pancreas were studied in the different experimental groups. The herbal preparations significantly reduced the mean plasma glucose and MDA levels and significantly increased the mean plasma insulin, L-PK, and TAC levels in the treated diabetic groups compared to the diabetic control group. An obvious increase in the weight of the pancreas and the size of the islets of Langerhans and improvement in the histoarchitecture were evident in the treated groups compared to untreated ones. In conclusion, the present study provides a scientific evidence for the traditional use of these extracts as antidiabetic and antioxidant agents in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
A Dynamic Platform for Developing 3D Facial Avatars in a Networked Virtual Environment
Authors: Zarrad Anis
Published: February 2016

Avatar facial expression and animation in 3D collaborative virtual environment (CVE) systems are reconstructed through a complex manipulation of muscles, bones, and wrinkles in 3D space. The need for a fast and easy reconstruction approach has emerged in the recent years due to its application in various domains: 3D disaster management, virtual shopping, and military training. In this work we proposed a new script language based on atomic parametric action to easily produce real-time facial animation. To minimize use of the game engine, we introduced script-based component where the user introduces simple short script fragments to feed the engine with a new animation on the fly. During runtime, when an embedded animation is required, an xml file is created and injected into the game engine without stopping or restarting the engine. The resulting animation method preserves the real-time performance because the modification occurs not through the modification of the 3D code that describes the CVE and its objects but rather through modification of the action scenario that rules when an animation happens or might happen in that specific situation.
Astrocyte-Derived CCL2 is Associated with M1 Activation and Recruitment of Cultured Microglial Cells
Authors: He Mingfeng , Dong Hongquan , Huang Yahui , Lu Shunmei , Zhang Shu , Qian Yanning , Jin Wenjie
Published: February 2016

Background/Aims: Microglia are an essential player in central nervous system inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated that the astrocytic chemokine, CCL2, is associated with microglial activation in vivo. However, CCL2-induced microglial activation has not yet been studied in vitro. The purpose of the current study was to understand the role of astrocyte-derived CCL2 in microglial activation and to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s). Methods: Primary astrocytes were pre-treated with CCL2 siRNA and stimulated with TNF-α. The culture medium (CM) was collected and added to cultures of microglia, which were incubated with and without CCR2 inhibitor. Microglial cells were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR to determine whether they polarized to the M1 or M2 state. Microglial migratory ability was assessed by transwell migration assay. Results: TNF-α stimulated the release of CCL2 from astrocytes, even if the culture media containing TNF-α was replaced with fresh media after 3 h. CM from TNF-α-stimulated astrocytes successfully induced microglial activation, which was ascertained by increased activation of M1 and enhanced migration ability. In contrast, CM from astrocytes pretreated with CCL2 siRNA showed no effect on microglial activation, compared to controls. Additionally, microglia pre-treated with RS102895, a CCR2 inhibitor, were resistant to activation by CM from TNF-α-stimulated astrocytes. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the CCL2/CCR2 pathway of astrocyte-induced microglial activation is associated with M1 polarization and enhanced migration ability, indicating that this pathway could be a useful target to ameliorate inflammation in the central nervous system.
Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Reflects Both Inflammation and Kidney Function in Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lindberg Søren , Jensen Jan S. , Hoffmann Søren , Iversen Allan Z. , Pedersen Sune H. , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Galatius Søren , Flyvbjerg Allan , Mogelvang Rasmus , Magnusson Nils E.
Published: February 2016

Background/Aims: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a marker for acute kidney injury and cardiovascular outcome. However, the relative importance of inflammation versus kidney function on plasma NGAL levels is uncertain, making the interpretation of plasma NGAL unclear. Accordingly, we investigated the relationship between plasma NGAL, inflammation and kidney function in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: We prospectively included 584 patients with acute ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 2006 to 2008. Blood samples were drawn immediately before PCI. Additionally, we included 42 patients who had 4 blood samples drawn before and after PCI. Plasma NGAL was measured using a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay. Cross-sectional analyses were performed in these two single-center, prospective study cohorts. Results: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was associated significantly more strongly with plasma NGAL when eGFR was abnormal compared to normal eGFR: a decrease in eGFR of 10 ml/min was associated with an increase in NGAL of 27% (18-36%) versus 4% (1-7%), respectively (p < 0.001). Leukocyte count and C-reactive protein were the main determinants of plasma NGAL in patients with normal eGFR, whereas eGFR was the main determinant at reduced kidney function. Conclusions: eGFR determines the association of NGAL with either inflammation or kidney function; in patients with normal eGFR, plasma NGAL reflects inflammation but when eGFR is reduced, plasma NGAL reflects kidney function, highlighting the dual perception of plasma NGAL. From a clinical perspective, eGFR may be used to guide the interpretation of elevated NGAL levels in patients with STEMI.
Update Reference Charts: Fetal Biometry between the 15th and 20th Week of Gestation
Authors: Kubiak Karol , Koch Raphael , Klockenbusch Walter , Steinhard Johannes , Schmitz Ralf
Published: February 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to derive reference charts between the 15th and 20th week of gestation for biparietal diameter (BPD), occipito-frontal diameter (OFD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) compared to commonly used curves and to evaluate the impact of maternal body mass index (BMI), ultrasound equipment, fetal gender and nicotine abuse. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 4,265 low-risk pregnancies, biometric data were obtained between the 15th and 20th week of gestation. The statistical analysis included descriptive data, fitting regression curves for the 5th, 50th and 95th quantile as well as multivariate quantile regression analyses. Results: Reference curves for BPD, OFD, HC, AC and FL showed a linear increase between the 15th and 20th week of gestation. New equations and reference charts are presented in this study. In a comparison of influence factors sex, BMI and ultrasound systems have an impact. Conclusion: As a result of the study, we determined current growth curves for BPD, OFD, HC, AC and FL for both sexes as well as for males and females separately. The updated growth curves for all biometric parameters differ from the curves used commonly in the last two decades.
Serum Uric Acid Levels and Renal Impairment among ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Intervention
Authors: Shacham Yacov , Gal-Oz Amir , Flint Nir , Keren Gad , Arbel Yaron
Published: February 2016

Background: Elevated serum uric acid (UA) levels are associated with adverse outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the relation between UA and acute kidney injury (AKI) in this population is unclear. We evaluated the effect of elevated UA levels on the risk to develop AKI among consecutive STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 1,372 consecutive patients admitted with the diagnosis of STEMI between January 2008 and February 2015. Patients were stratified into quartiles according to UA levels as follows: quartile 1, <4.7 mg/dl; quartile 2, 4.8 to <5.6 mg/dl; quartile 3, 5.7 to <6.6 mg/dl, and quartile 4, >6.7 mg/dl. Results: STEMI patients with elevated UA levels had a higher frequency of AKI (4 vs. 6% vs. 10 vs. 24%; p < 0.001). In a subgroup analysis of patients with reduced baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (≤60 ml/min/1.73 m2), an elevated UA level was associated with a significant risk to develop AKI, with 46% of patients developing AKI in the highest UA quartile. In a multivariate logistic regression model, for every 1-mg/dl increase in the UA concentration, the adjusted risk for AKI increased by 46% (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.18-1.66; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, elevated UA levels are an independent predictor of AKI.
Euphorbia grandicornis Sap Keratouveitis: A Case Report
Authors: Gómez-Valcárcel María , Fuentes-Páez Graciana
Published: February 2016

Purpose: To describe a case of keratouveitis caused by Euphorbia grandicornis sap, that resolved with topic steroids. Methods: We report a case presentation of a patient with keratouveitis. Results: A 70-year-old woman suffered from accidental ocular contact with E. grandicornis sap in her left eye. Two hours after the contact, she attended the clinic due to conjunctival hyperemia and pain. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/25. The toxic conjunctivitis was treated with topical lubricant and steroid. After 24 h, she presented blurred vision. BCVA was 20/80. Toxic keratouveitis was diagnosed. Topical treatment with 1% cyclopentolate t.i.d., 5% sodium chloride, 1.14% dexamethasone phosphate each hour, and 4% sodium hyaluronate each hour was continued. Complete resolution was obtained 1 week later. Euphorbia sap content analysis was performed using dissolvent extraction spectrophotometry. Its contents included flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols and sesquiterpene lactones. Conclusion: Corneal exposure to E. grandicornis sap is a cause of nonvisually threatening keratouveitis when adequately treated with corticosteroids.
Why We Trust Other Nations
Authors: Kleiner Tuuli-Marja
Published: February 2016

This article explores why citizens of one nation trust other nations. It is suggested that additional to economic and political performance, cultural excellence constitutes a national image from which transnational trust is derived if the image is prestigious. Using data from the European Election Study, the European Values Study, and Eurostat, multi-level fixed effects regressions are conducted to test this hypothesis. Results indicate that transnational trust is grounded in economic, political, societal and cultural sources. The findings show, furthermore, that for transnational trust, a nation’s ‘cultural modernity’ seems to be the most influential foundation.
The earwig fauna (Insecta: Dermaptera) of Penang Island, Malaysia, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: KAMIMURA YOSHITAKA , NISHIKAWA MASARU , LEE CHOW-YANG
Published: February 2016

The earwig (Dermaptera) fauna of Penang Island, Malaysia, was evaluated by means of an extensive field survey together with revision of the few published data. Based on the results of the field survey, 31 species are recognized (2 Diplatyidae, 3 Pygidicranidae, 5 Anisolabididae, 2 Labiduridae, 14 Spongiphoridae, 4 Chelisochidae, 1 Forficulidae). Fifteen of these taxa are new to Peninsular Malaysia (=West Malaysia): Diplatys annandalei Burr, 1911, Diplatys mutiara n. sp., Euborellia philippinensis Srivastava, 1979, Metisolabis punctata (Dubrony, 1879), Pseudovostox brindlei Srivastava, 2003, Chaetospania anderssoni Brindle, 1971, Chaetospania javana Borelli, 1926, Chaetospania huisiangi n. sp., Paralabellula boettcheri (Borelli, 1923), Paralabellula rotundifrons (Hincks, 1954), Nesogaster amoenus (Stål, 1855), Hamaxas crassus Borelli, 1926, Proreus coalescens (Borelli, 1927), Hypurgus humeralis (Kirby, 1891), and an unidentified Echinosoma sp. Species composition of the island are compared with the dermapteran fauna of Thailand. Descriptions of females (or female genitalia) are given for some species for the first time.
Notes on Oriental and East Palaearctic Manota Williston (Diptera, Mycetophilidae), with the description of seven new species
Authors: HIPPA HEIKKI , SAIGUSA TOYOHEI
Published: February 2016

The following new species of Manota are described: M. adunca (Taiwan), M. incilis (Nepal), M. integra (China), M. mitrata (China), M. nepalensis (Nepal), M. tayal (Taiwan) and M. vesca (Philippines). New records of the following species are given: M. acutangula Hippa (China, Taiwan), M. curvistylus Hippa, Kjærandsen and Saigusa (China), M. oblonga Hippa (China), M. perlobata Hippa (China) and M. planilobata Hippa (China). Characters of the Chinese material of M. curvistylus are discussed and drawings of the hypopygium of a Chinese specimen are given.
A checklist of Indian armored spiders (Araneae, Tetrablemmidae) with the description of a new species from the Western Ghats
Authors: SANKARAN PRADEEP M. , SEBASTIAN POTHALIL A.
Published: February 2016

The Oriental armored spider genus Shearella Lehtinen, 1981 is recorded for the first time from India. Detailed description and illustrations of both sexes of Shearella alii sp. nov. are given. The geographic distribution of the genus is updated. Sinamma sanya (Lin & Li, 2010) is transferred back to Shearella, and Shearella browni (Shear, 1978) back to Monoblemma Gertsch, 1941. A checklist of all Indian tetrablemmid species currently known and a distribution map of all known Shearella spp. are presented.
The Double Peak in Upwelling and Heating in the Tropical Lower Stratosphere
Authors: Ming Alison , Hitchcock Peter , Haynes Peter
Published: February 2016

The processes responsible for double-peak latitudinal structures in the time-averaged tropical lower-stratospheric upwelling, centered near 70 hPa and 20°N/S, previously noted in ERA-Interim and other reanalysis and model datasets, are considered. It is demonstrated that the structure of the wave force resolved by ERA-Interim consistently balances the angular momentum transport associated with the double peak. Analysis of the corresponding structures in diabatic heating rates from ERA-Interim indicates that the peaks arise predominantly from the meridional structure in ozone concentrations and the associated absorption of both shortwave and longwave radiation. Additional smaller contributions arise from local absorption of longwave radiation emitted from the relatively warm layers above and below, as well as from cloud-related radiative effects and nonradiative diabatic heating. The temperature at 70 hPa is slightly higher near 20°N/S than at the equator, opposite of what would be expected if the latitudinal structure in radiative heating were associated with local relaxation. It is proposed on the basis of this analysis that the primary cause of the peaks in upwelling is the externally imposed (i.e., nonrelaxational) part of the radiative heating field. The dynamical plausibility of this hypothesis is investigated in a companion paper.
Highlights from the 11th ISCB Student Council Symposium 2015
Authors: Wilkins Katie , Hassan Mehedi , Francescatto Margherita , Jespersen Jakob , Parra R. Gonzalo , Cuypers Bart , DeBlasio Dan , Junge Alexander , Jigisha Anupama , Rahman Farzana , Laenen Griet , Willems Sander , Thorrez Lieven , Moreau Yves , Raju Nagarajan , Chothani Sonia Pankaj , Ramakrishnan C. , Sekijima Masakazu , Gromiha M. Michael , Slator Paddy J , Burroughs Nigel J , Szałaj Przemysław , Tang Zhonghui , Michalski Paul , Luo Oskar , Li Xingwang , Ruan Yijun , Plewczynski Dariusz , Fiscon Giulia , Weitschek Emanuel , Ciccozzi Massimo , Bertolazzi Paola , Felici Giovanni , Cuypers Bart , Meysman Pieter , Vanaerschot Manu , Berg Maya , Imamura Hideo , Dujardin Jean-Claude , Laukens Kris , Domanova Westa , Krycer James R. , Chaudhuri Rima , Yang Pengyi , Vafaee Fatemeh , Fazakerley Daniel J. , Humphrey Sean J. , James David E. , Kuncic Zdenka
Published: February 2016

Table of contents

A1 Highlights from the eleventh ISCB Student Council Symposium 2015

Katie Wilkins, Mehedi Hassan, Margherita Francescatto, Jakob Jespersen, R. Gonzalo Parra, Bart Cuypers, Dan DeBlasio, Alexander Junge, Anupama Jigisha, Farzana Rahman

O1 Prioritizing a drug’s targets using both gene expression and structural similarity

Griet Laenen, Sander Willems, Lieven Thorrez, Yves Moreau

O2 Organism specific protein-RNA recognition: A computational analysis of protein-RNA complex structures from different organisms

Nagarajan Raju, Sonia Pankaj Chothani, C. Ramakrishnan, Masakazu Sekijima; M. Michael Gromiha

O3 Detection of Heterogeneity in Single Particle Tracking Trajectories

Paddy J Slator, Nigel J Burroughs

O4 3D-NOME: 3D NucleOme Multiscale Engine for data-driven modeling of three-dimensional genome architecture

Przemysław Szałaj, Zhonghui Tang, Paul Michalski, Oskar Luo, Xingwang Li, Yijun Ruan, Dariusz Plewczynski

O5 A novel feature selection method to extract multiple adjacent solutions for viral genomic sequences classification

Giulia Fiscon, Emanuel Weitschek, Massimo Ciccozzi, Paola Bertolazzi, Giovanni Felici

O6 A Systems Biology Compendium for Leishmania donovani

Bart Cuypers, Pieter Meysman, Manu Vanaerschot, Maya Berg, Hideo Imamura, Jean-Claude Dujardin, Kris Laukens

O7 Unravelling signal coordination from large scale phosphorylation kinetic data

Westa Domanova, James R. Krycer, Rima Chaudhuri, Pengyi Yang, Fatemeh Vafaee, Daniel J. Fazakerley, Sean J. Humphrey, David E. James, Zdenka Kuncic
A multiple testing procedure for multi-dimensional pairwise comparisons with application to gene expression studies
Authors: Grandhi Anjana , Guo Wenge , Peddada Shyamal D.
Published: February 2016

Background

Often researchers are interested in comparing multiple experimental groups (e.g. tumor size) with a reference group (e.g. normal tissue) on the basis of thousands of features (e.g. genes) and determine if a differentially expressed feature is up or down regulated in a pairwise comparison. There are two sources of false discoveries, one due to multiple testing involving several pairwise comparisons and the second due to falsely declaring a feature to be up (or down) regulated when it is not (known as directional error). Together, the total error rate is called the mixed directional false discovery rate (mdFDR).

Results

We develop a general powerful mdFDR controlling testing procedure and illustrate the methodology by analyzing uterine fibroid gene expression data (PLoS ONE 8:63909, 2013). We identify several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways that are specifically enriched according to the size of a uterine fibroid.

Conclusions

The proposed general procedure strongly controls mdFDR. Several specific methodologies can be derived from this general methodology by using appropriate testing procedures at different steps of the general procedure. Thus we are providing a general framework for making multiple pairwise comparisons. Our analysis of the uterine fibroid growth gene expression data suggests that molecular characteristics of a fibroid changes with size. Our powerful methodology allowed us to draw several interesting conclusions regarding the molecular characteristics of uterine fibroids. For example, IL-1 signaling pathway (Sci STKE 2003:3, 2003), associated with inflammation and known to activate prostaglandins that are implicated in the progression of fibroids, is significantly enriched only in small tumors (volume < 5.7cm3). It appears that the molecular apparatus necessary for fibroid growth and development is established during tumor development. A complete list of all DEGs and the corresponding enriched pathways according to tumor size is provided for researchers to mine these data. Identification of these DEGs and the pathways may potentially have clinical implications.
First-In-Human safety and long-term exposure data for AAB-003 (PF-05236812) and biomarkers after intravenous infusions of escalating doses in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Delnomdedieu Marielle , Duvvuri Sridhar , Li David Jianjun , Atassi Nazem , Lu Ming , Brashear H. Robert , Liu Enchi , Ness Seth , Kupiec James W.
Published: February 2016

Background

In the First-In-Human (FIH), 39-week, randomized, adaptive design study, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and biomarkers were measured in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) after infusion of a humanized monoclonal antibody to amyloid β, AAB-003 (NCT01193608; registered 19 August 2010). AAB-003 was developed by modifying bapineuzumab to reduce Fc-receptor-mediated effector function as a strategy to reduce the removal of amyloid from vessel walls associated with amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with edema/effusions (ARIA-E) without diminishing overall amyloid clearance.

Methods

Eighty-eight patients with AD received up to three infusions of AAB-003 (or placebo) 13 weeks apart at doses of 0.5, 1, 2, 4 or 8 mg/kg in the FIH trial. Dose escalation was based on safety data reviews using a Bayesian escalation algorithm. Subjects who completed the FIH study were permitted to enter a 1-year open-label extension trial with four additional intravenous infusions of AAB-003 (NCT01369225; registered 10 May 2011).

Results

Dose-dependent increases in plasma amyloid β and AAB-003 were observed. No significant changes in cerebral spinal fluid biomarkers were observed. Pharmacokinetics elimination half-life (21–28 days) clearance and volume of distribution values were consistent across dose groups indicating linearity. ARIA-E was the most notable safety finding detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 8 mg/kg in two patients. Three cases of microhemorrhage were observed. No new safety findings or MRI abnormalities were observed for the 52 subjects who received AAB-003 in the extension trial.

Conclusion

Based on integrated review of laboratory, electrocardiogram, adverse events, and MRI, AAB-003 was safe and well tolerated up to 8 mg/kg for up to 91 weeks (FIH and extension trials) in patients with mild to moderate AD. Asymptomatic and resolvable ARIA-E was observed after the first or second infusion of AAB-003, similar to bapineuzumab. The AAB-003 dose at which ARIA-E was observed was higher compared to bapineuzumab, supporting the hypothesis that reducing Fc-receptor effector function may reduce the ARIA associated with monoclonal antibodies targeting cerebral amyloid.
An Inventory-Routing Problem with Pickups and Deliveries Arising in the Replenishment of Automated Teller Machines
Authors: van Anholt Roel G. , Coelho Leandro C. , Laporte Gilbert , Vis Iris F. A.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this paper is to introduce, model, and solve a rich multiperiod inventory-routing problem with pickups and deliveries motivated by the replenishment of automated teller machines in the Netherlands. Commodities can be brought to and from the depot, as well as being exchanged among customers to efficiently manage their inventory shortages and surpluses. A single customer can both provide and receive commodities at different periods, since its demand changes dynamically throughout the planning horizon and can be either positive or negative. In the case study, new technology provides these machines with the additional functionality of receiving deposits and reissuing banknotes to subsequent customers. We first formulate the problem as a very large-scale mixed-integer linear programming model. Given the size and complexity of the problem, we first decompose it into several more manageable subproblems by means of a clustering procedure, and we further simplify the subproblems by fixing some variables. The resulting subproblems are strengthened through the generation of valid inequalities and solved by branch and cut. We assess the performance of the proposed solution methodology through extensive computational experiments using real data. The results show that we are able to obtain good lower and upper bounds for this new and challenging practical problem.
What Counts versus what can be Counted: The Complex Interplay of Market Orientation and Marketing Performance Measurement
Authors: Frösén Johanna , Luoma Jukka , Jaakkola Matti , Tikkanen Henrikki , Aspara Jaakko
Published: February 2016

Market orientation (MO) and marketing performance measurement (MPM) are two of the most widespread strategic marketing concepts among practitioners. However, some have questioned the benefits of extensive investments in MO and MPM. More importantly, little is known about which combinations of MO and MPM are optimal in ensuring high business performance. To address this research gap, the authors analyze a unique data set of 628 firms with a novel method of configurational analysis: fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. In line with prior research, the authors find that MO is an important determinant of business performance. However, to reap its benefits, managers need to complement it with appropriate MPM, the level and focus of which vary across firms. For example, whereas large firms and market leaders generally benefit from comprehensive MPM, small firms may benefit from measuring marketing performance only selectively or by focusing on particular dimensions of marketing performance. The study also finds that many of the highest-performing firms do not follow any of the particular best practices identified.
Anticipation of Future Variety Reduces Satiation from Current Experiences
Authors: Sevilla Julio , Zhang Jiao , Kahn Barbara E.
Published: February 2016

Satiation frequently occurs from repeated consumption of the same items over time. However, results from five experiments show that when people anticipate consuming something different in the future, they satiate at a slower rate in the present. The authors find the effect in both food and nonfood consumption settings using different approaches to measure satiation. This effect is cognitive; specifically, anticipating variety in future consumption generates positive thoughts about that future experience. The authors find two boundary conditions: the future consumption outcome must be (1) in a related product category and (2) at least as attractive as the present consumption outcome. The authors rule out potential alternative explanations such as mere exposure to variety, the possibility that the future experience is more attractive (rather than just different) than the current one, and perceptions of scarcity associated with the item consumed in the present.
Migration patterns of San Francisco Bay Area Hermit Thrushes differ across a fine spatial scale
Authors: Nelson Allison R. , Cormier Renée L. , Humple Diana L. , Scullen Josh C. , Sehgal Ravinder , Seavy Nathaniel E.
Published: February 2016

Effective conservation of short-distance migrants requires an understanding of intraspecific variation in migratory patterns across small spatial scales. Until the advent of ultra-light geolocation devices, our knowledge of the migratory connectivity of songbirds was limited. For the Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), subspecies delineations and connectivity patterns have been unclear in the portion of their breeding range in western North America from southeastern Alaska to northwestern Washington, where individuals wintering in the San Francisco Bay Area of California purportedly breed. To determine breeding locations and migratory timing of the Bay Area’s wintering Hermit Thrushes, we deployed geolocators at sites to the north and south of the San Francisco Bay. We compared results from these two regions to one another and to connectivity patterns suggested by subspecies definitions. We collected morphometrics to identify regional differences. Hermit Thrushes that wintered in the North Bay had a wider and more southerly breeding distribution from the British Columbia coast to northwestern Washington, whereas South Bay thrushes migrated to southeastern Alaska and the British Columbia coast. In general, North Bay thrushes departed wintering grounds and arrived on breeding grounds earlier than South Bay thrushes, but we cannot eliminate sex as a factor in these differences. Regional morphology differed only in bill length. Intraspecific isolation in glacial refugia during the Late Pleistocene may explain these fine-scale geographic variations in migration patterns and morphology.
Magnetic resonance brain classification by a novel binary particle swarm optimization with mutation and time-varying acceleration coefficients
Authors: Wang Shuihua , Phillips Preetha , Yang Jianfei , Sun Ping , Zhang Yudong
Published: February 2016

Aim:

To develop an automatic magnetic resonance (MR) brain classification that can assist physicians to make a diagnosis and reduce wrong decisions.

Method:

This article investigated the binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) approach and proposed its three new variants: BPSO with mutation and time-varying acceleration coefficients (BPSO-MT), BPSO with mutation (BPSO-M), and BPSO with time-varying acceleration coefficients (BPSO-T). We first extracted wavelet entropy (WE) features from both approximation and detail sub-bands of eight-level decomposition. Afterwards, we used the proposed BPSO-M, BPSO-T, and BPSO-MT to select features. Finally, the selected features were fed into a probabilistic neural network (PNN).

Results:

The proposed BPSO-MT performed better than BPSO-T and BPSO-M. It finally selected two features of entropies of the following two sub-bands (V1, D1). The proposed system “WE + BPSO-MT + PNN” yielded perfect classification on Data160 and Data66. In addition, it yielded 99.53% average accuracy for the Data255, over 10 repetitions of k-fold stratified cross validation (SCV), higher than state-of-the-art approaches.

Conclusions:

The proposed method is effective for MR brain classification.
Changes in identity in Alice Munro’s stories: a sociopsychological analysis
Authors: Danytė Milda
Published: February 2016

Alice Munro’s winning of the 2013 Nobel Prize for literature was a surprise only in the sense that no one who writes only short stories has ever won it before. Otherwise, among writers and literary specialists she has long been considered a leading candidate, as she is one of the masters of this complex literary genre, known especially for her probing into the small-town communities of the southern part of the province of Ontario. This is an Anglo-Celtic (English, Scottish, and Irish) society which formed through waves of immigration from the early 19th century as a farmland interspersed with small towns. These apparently dull communities are, as Munro reveals, rich in subtle class distinctions and spoken and unspoken social norms of behavior. Munro has explained how she only gradually understood the richness of the material that her home country had given her, “full of events and emotions and amazing things going on all the time”.
Kalbančios sienos Wolfgango Hilbigo romane Laikinumas ir Sigito Parulskio romane Murmanti siena
Authors: Katinienė Violeta
Published: February 2016

Seit der Wende 1989 wird das Problem der Grenze in der neuesten deutschen Literatur viel diskutiert. Die­ses allgemeinmenschliche Thema ist auch in Litau­en, als einem postsowjetischen Staat, aktuell. Nach dem Zerfall der äußeren Grenzen sind jedoch im Bewusstsein der Menschen die innerlichen Grenzen geblieben. In diesem Artikel wird anhand von zwei Romanen (Murmanti siena/Die murmelnde Mauer,2008 von Sigitas Parulskis und Das Provisorium/Laikinumas, 2000 von Wolfgang Hilbig) das Phäno­men der Existenz an der Grenze näher betrachtet. In beiden Romanen erscheint die Grenze als real exi­stierend und als innerlicher Zustand. In der Metapher der Grenze sind Überschreitung, Überwindung, das Treffen mit dem Anderen, ein Schwellenzustand ver­borgen. Die Protagonisten beider Romane befinden sich an der Schwelle, in der Grenzzone, die sie be­ängstigt, aber auch die Schwelle (oder sich selbst) zu überwinden – die Grenze zu überschreiten – zwingt. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es Fragen aufzuwerfen, die in Verbindung mit dem Phänomen der Grenze, den Versuchen sie zu überwinden in Verbindung stehen. Die Erfahrungen, die sich in den Texten offenbaren, werden anhand phänomenologischer Begriffe unter­sucht. Die aufgeworfenen Fragen könnten später zu tieferen Erkenntnissen führen.
Surveillance of the drinking water quality din the Legal Amazon: analysis of vulnerable areas
Authors: Vasconcelos Cíntia Honório , Andrade Rosane Cristina de , Bonfim Camila Vicente , Resende Rodrigo Matias de Sousa , Queiroz Fernanda Barbosa de , Daniel Mariely Helena Barbosa , Grigoletto Jamyle Calencio , Cabral Adriana Rodrigues , Redivo Andre Luciancencov , Lacerda Julio Cesar Verneque , Rohlfs Daniela Buosi
Published: February 2016

Abstract Low quality drinking water has been directly correlated to the occurrence of waterborne illnesses in northern Brazil. To minimize health risks related to the water supply, the Ministry of Health has proposed the implementation of the National Program for the Surveillance of Drinking Water Quality (VIGIAGUA) in Brazilian municipalities. Focusing on the Legal Amazon region, the present study demonstrates a historical account of the percentage of municipalities included in the VIGIAGUA program in place, which in 2013 reached 45.1% of the region municipalities. This study also identifies vulnerable areas in terms of the water quality in the states of Amapá, Amazonas and Maranhão. With this analysis of the current status of the drinking water supply, this study intends to support and direct the strategic efforts of environmental health monitoring in the region.
Body composition and maximal oxygen consumption in adult soccer players in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Pluncevikj Gligoroska Jasmina , Manchevska Sanja , Efremova Ljudmila , Todorovska Lidija , Nikolic Slobodan
Published: February 2016

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between active and passive body mass components and maximal aerobic consumption (VO2max) in adult male soccer players.Methods: The study involved seven hundred (700) male soccer players, mean age 25.06 ± 4.41 years (range 18 to 35), divided in six age groups. Body composition was assessed according the anthropometric protocol by Matiegka, and relative muscle mass (MM%), bone (BM%) and fat (BF%)  and absolute muscle mass (MMkg), bone (BMkg) and fat (BFkg) components were calculated. The Bruce protocol (incremental multistage treadmill test) was used for the estimation of maximal oxygen consumption.Results: Mean values of body mass components for total sample were as follows: muscle mass (MM%)= 52.75 ± 2.63%, bone mass (BM%)=16.63 ± 1.29% and body fat (BF%)=14.12 ± 1.54%.  Mean VO2max was 48.89±5.17 ml/kg/minute. Relative muscle mass (MM%) showed similar values across age different groups (ANOVA: F=2.174; p=0.06) while absolute muscle mass (MMkg) showed tendency of increment with age (ANOVA: F=2.136; p=0.01). Body fat (BFkg and BF%) was statistically higher in the older groups (ANOVA F=3.737; p<0.01; ANOVA F=4.117; p<0.01). Weak positive correlation between VO2 max and muscle component (r=0.243; p<0.001) and a weak negative correlation between VO2max and body fat (r=-0.08;p<0.05) were found.Conclusions: Our results confirm the assumption that subjects with larger muscle mass have greater endurance and higher maximal oxygen consumption compared to subjects with larger body fat component.
On Skepticism About EBLIP: Friendly or Otherwise!
Authors: Booth Andrew
Published: February 2016

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Exploring Publishing Patterns at a Large Research University: Implications for Library Practice
Authors: Amos Kathleen , Mower Allyson , James Mary Ann , Weber Alice , Yaffe Joanne , Youngkin Mary
Published: February 2016

Objective – The research project sought to explore the value of data on publication patterns for decision-making regarding scholarly communications and collection development programs at a research-intensive post-secondary institution, the University of Utah in the United States.

Methods – Publication data for prolific University of Utah authors were gathered from Scopus for the year 2009. The availability to University of Utah faculty, staff, and students of the journals in which University of Utah authors published was determined using the University of Utah Libraries’ catalogue; usage was estimated based on publisher-provided download statistics and requests through interlibrary loan; and costs were calculated from invoices, a periodicals directory, and publisher websites and communications. Indicators of value included the cost-per-use of journals to which the University of Utah Libraries subscribed, a comparison of interlibrary loan costs to subscription costs for journals to which the University of Utah Libraries did not subscribe, the relationship between publishing venue and usage, and the relationship between publishing venue and cost-per-use.

Results – There were 22 University of Utah authors who published 10 or more articles in 2009. Collectively, these authors produced 275 articles in 162 journals. The University of Utah provided access through library subscriptions to 83% of the journals for which access, usage, and cost data were available, with widely varying usage and at widely varying costs. Cost-per-use and a comparison of interlibrary loan to subscription costs provided evidence of the effectiveness of collection development practices. However, at the individual journal title level, there was little overlap between the various indicators of journal value, with the highest ranked, or most valuable, journals differing depending on the indicator considered. Few of the articles studied appeared in open access journals, suggesting a possible focus area for the scholarly communications program.

Conclusions – Knowledge of publication patterns provides an additional source of data to support collection development decisions and scholarly communications programming. As the estimated value of a journal is dependent on the factor being studied, gathering knowledge on a number of factors and from a variety of sources can lead to more informed decision-making. Efforts should be made to expand data considered in areas of scholarly communications and collection development beyond usage to incorporate publishing activities of institutionally affiliated authors.
Study Fails to Link ILL Usage Patterns to Liaison Activities
Authors: Marsalis Scott
Published: February 2016

A Review of:

Leykam, Andrew. “Exploring Interlibrary Loan Usage Patterns and Liaison Activities: The Experience at a U.S. University.” Interlending & Document Supply 36.4 (2008): 218-24.

Objective - To investigate Interlibrary Loan (ILL) usage patterns, and connect them to liaison activities beyond collection development.

Design – Pattern analysis of ILL requests.

Setting – Library of The College of Staten Island, a mid-size, public university with predominantly undergraduate enrolment.

Subjects – 4,875 identifiable requests over a three-year period.

Methods – A data set of requests for ILLs of monographs over a period of three years was acquired from OCLC resource sharing statistics. This data was manually reviewed to remove duplicate records of the same request, but not multiple requests for the same item. The data included requestor status, department, publication date and subject classification of requested items.

Main Results – Differences in use across user statuses and departments were identified.

Conclusion – Usage Patterns can accurately illustrate trends in the borrowing behaviour of patrons, and be used to inform liaison librarians about user needs.
Research Methods: Content Analysis
Authors: Wilson Virginia
Published: February 2016

No abstract.
Hands on Digital Information Literacy Training from Peers is Preferred by Public Service Library Staff
Authors: Merkley Cari
Published: February 2016

A Review of:

Robertson, R. (2014). Reframing ourselves: Digital information literacy skills of frontline public library staff. New Zealand Library and Information Management Journal, 53(3). doi:10.1080/00048623.2011.10722203

Abstract

Objective – To explore how and where public library employees acquire digital information literacy (DIL) skills.

Design – Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Setting – Two public libraries in New Zealand.

Subjects – Nine front line public library staff members.

Methods – A convenience sample of nine library employees was interviewed about their existing DIL skills, how and where they learned them, any barriers to this learning, and how they defined DIL in others. Interviewees ranged in age from 40 to 64 and included both those new to libraries and those with over 25 years in the profession. The interview transcripts were analyzed for key themes and placed in the theoretical framework of Kolb’s experiential learning cycle (Robertson, 2014).

Main Results – Five participants described their own DIL skills as average or below average. The remaining participants classified their skills as above average. Participants recounted acquiring DIL skills in the course of their work through formal workplace training sessions, peer support, or individual exploration; through personal exploration of tools on their own time; or through a mix of work and personal learning opportunities. The barriers they identified to their learning included insufficient time to train and practice the skills learned and the lack of access to relevant technologies. Participants noted problems such as accessing key hardware and insufficient Internet connectivity at work because of issues with organizational infrastructure and at home due to personal financial constraints. Participants largely preferred informal hands-on training by peers to formal training sessions, which were described by some as too general or held too far in advance of the implementation of new technology. The data suggested participants largely fell into Kolb’s accommodating or diverging learning styles because of their preference for “concrete experience” (Robertson, 2014).

Conclusion – Libraries may improve staff acquisition of DIL skills by increasing hands on learning opportunities and providing dedicated time to review and practice skills learned. Other suggestions included identifying potential digital peer mentors among staff and providing them with the necessary resources (time, money, and a defined role) to support their colleagues, breaking training into parts allowing time for practice, creating training plans tied to performance evaluation, and using incentives to encourage staff to participate in self-directed training.