bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the Stenting Versus Aggressive Medical Therapy Trial Support Stenting for Subgroups With Intracranial Stenosis?
Authors: Lutsep Helmi L. , Lynn Michael J. , Cotsonis George A. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Turan Tanya N. , Fiorella David , Janis L. Scott , Lane Bethany F. , Montgomery Jean , Chimowitz Marc I. ,   for the SAMMPRIS Investigators
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose—

Although the Stenting Versus Aggressive Medical Therapy for Intracranial Arterial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial showed that medical therapy alone was superior to stenting plus medical therapy for preventing recurrent strokes in patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis, we determined whether SAMMPRIS supported the use of stenting in any subpopulations of patients with symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis.

Methods—

The primary outcome, 30-day stroke and death and later strokes in the territory of the qualifying artery, was compared in those with and without baseline factors in the 2 treatment arms, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) plus aggressive medical therapy versus aggressive medical therapy alone. Baseline factors included sex, age, race, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lipid disorder, smoking status, type of qualifying event, qualifying event hypoperfusion symptoms, use of antithrombotic or proton pump inhibitor at baseline, days to enrollment, old infarcts in the same territory, percent stenosis, other artery stenosis, and location of the symptomatic artery.

Results—

A total of 451 patients were enrolled, 227 randomized to aggressive medical therapy and 224 to PTAS. Of all variables evaluated, the observed 2-year event rates were higher with PTAS than with aggressive medical therapy in the vast majority and the interaction with treatment was not statistically significant for any of the factors.

Conclusions—

The SAMMPRIS results do not provide evidence to support the use of PTAS using the Wingspan stent system compared with medical treatment in any examined subpopulation of patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis, including those with qualifying event hypoperfusion symptoms.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00576693.
Bayesian Feature Selection with Strongly Regularizing Priors Maps to the Ising Model
Authors: Fisher Charles K. , Mehta Pankaj
Published: September 2015

Identifying small subsets of features that are relevant for prediction and classification tasks is a central problem in machine learning and statistics. The feature selection task is especially important, and computationally difficult, for modern data sets where the number of features can be comparable to or even exceed the number of samples. Here, we show that feature selection with Bayesian inference takes a universal form and reduces to calculating the magnetizations of an Ising model under some mild conditions. Our results exploit the observation that the evidence takes a universal form for strongly regularizing priors—priors that have a large effect on the posterior probability even in the infinite data limit. We derive explicit expressions for feature selection for generalized linear models, a large class of statistical techniques that includes linear and logistic regression. We illustrate the power of our approach by analyzing feature selection in a logistic regression-based classifier trained to distinguish between the letters B and D in the notMNIST data set.
A Catalogue of the Bryophytes of the Guianas. II. Musci.
Authors: Waard J. Florschütz-de
Published: September 2015

This catalogue provides an annotated listing of the mosses (MUSCI) reported from the Guianas (Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana), based on work on the Moss Flora of Suriname, which is now nearing completion. In total 238 species in 90 genera are listed. A list of synonyms (including 10 new ones) and a systematic arrangement of the genera and families are also provided. The following new combinations are proposed: Callicostella guatemalensis (Bartr.), Sematophyllum lonchophyllum (Mont.), Sematophyllum pacimoniense (Mitt.) and Trichosteleum intricatum (Thér.).
Scleria pantadenia and Scleria tricristata: Two new species of Scleria subgenus Hypoporum (Cyperaceae, Cyperoideae, Sclerieae) from Tanzania

Authors: Bauters Kenneth , Meganck Kenny , Vollesen Kaj , Goetghebeur Paul , Larridon Isabel
Published: September 2015

Scleria pantadenia Meganck & Bauters and Scleria tricristata Meganck & Bauters are presented as new species of Scleria (Cyperaceae) from Tanzania. Scleria pantadenia is a small, tufted annual sedge species characterized by its delicate, brittle appearance and its small nutlets with gland-like tubercules and basal rim of swollen tuberculate cells. Scleria tricristata is a small, tufted annual sedge species characterized by a single, terminal unbranched spike and its remarkable nutlets with three protruding dentate ridges of translucent tissue. Both species are described, illustrated and compared with their closest relatives.
Telothelepodidae, Thelepodidae and Trichobranchidae (Annelida, Terebelliformia) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: HUTCHINGS PAT , NOGUEIRA JOÃO MIGUEL de MATOS , CARRERETTE ORLEMIR
Published: September 2015

In a survey of the polychaetes of the Lizard Island region, six species of polychaetes belonging to the families Telothelepodidae Nogueira, Fitzhugh & Hutchings, 2013, Thelepodidae Hessle, 1917 and Trichobranchidae Malmgren, 1866 were found, from material collected during the Lizard Island Polychaete Taxonomic Workshop, and material collected by previous projects undertaken by the Australian Museum. This material includes one new species of Rhinothelepus Hutchings, 1974 (Telothelepodidae); one new species of each of the genera, Euthelepus McIntosh, 1885, Streblosoma Sars, 1872, and Thelepus Leuckart, 1849 (Thelepodidae); and one new species of Terebellides Sars, 1835 and another of Trichobranchus Malmgren, 1866 (Trichobranchidae). Keys for identification of these species are provided, together with full descriptions for all species, as well as comparisons with the morphologically most similar congeners.
Serpulidae (Annelida) of Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: KUPRIYANOVA ELENA K. , SUN YANAN , HOVE HARRY A. TEN , WONG EUNICE , ROUSE GREG W.
Published: September 2015

Serpulidae are obligatory sedentary polychaetes inhabiting calcareous tubes that are most common in subtropical and tropical areas of the world. This paper describes serpulid polychaetes collected from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia in 1983–2013 and deposited in Australian museums and overseas. In total, 17 serpulid genera were recorded, but although the study deals with 44 nominal taxa, the exact number of species remains unclear because a number of genera (i.e., Salmacina, Protula, Serpula, Spirobranchus, and Vermiliopsis) need world-wide revisions. Some species described herein are commonly found in the waters around Lizard Island, but had not previously been formally reported. A new species of Hydroides (H. lirs) and two new species of Semivermilia (S. annehoggettae and S. lylevaili) are described. A taxonomic key to all taxa found at Lizard Island is provided.
New records of Cotylea (Polycladida, Platyhelminthes) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with remarks on the distribution of the Pseudoceros Lang, 1884 and Pseudobiceros Faubel, 1984 species of the Indo-Pacific Marine Region
Authors: Marquina Daniel , Aguado M. Teresa , Noreña Carolina
Published: September 2015

In the present work eleven polyclad species of Lizard Island are studied. Seven of them are new records for this locality of the Australian coral reef and one is new to science, Lurymare clavocapitata n. sp. (Family Prosthiostomidae). The remaining recorded species belong to the genera Pseudoceros (P. bimarginatus, P. jebborum, P. stimpsoni, P. zebra, P. paralaticlavus and P. prudhoei) and Pseudobiceros (Pb. hancockanus, Pb. hymanae, Pb. flowersi and Pb. uniarborensis). Regardless of the different distribution patterns, all pseudocerotid species show brilliant colours, but similar internal morphology. Furthermore, differences in the form and size of the stylet are characteristic, because it is a sclerotic structure that is not affected during fixation. In Pseudoceros, the distance between the sucker and the female pore also differs among species. These features do not vary enough to be considered as diagnostic, but they provide information that can help to disentangle similarly coloured species complexes. A key of the genera Pseudoceros and Pseudobiceros of the Indo-Pacific region is provided, in order to facilitate the identification of species from this area.
Polycirridae (Annelida, Terebelliformia) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: NOGUEIRA JOÃO MIGUEL de MATOS , HUTCHINGS PAT , CARRERETTE ORLEMIR
Published: September 2015

In a survey of the polychaetes of the Lizard Island Group, sixteen species of polycirrids were found, from material collected during the two weeks Lizard Island Taxonomic Workshop, together with material collected by previous projects of the Australian Museum based at Lizard Island, including CReefs (http://www.aims.gov.au/creefs/field-program.html). Those species are distributed as follows: two species of Amaeana Hartman, 1959, one new species of Hauchiella Levinsen, 1893, 2 species of Lysilla Malmgren, 1866, one of which is new to science, and 11 species of Polycirrus Grube, 1850, eight of which are new to science. Keys for identification of these genera and species are provided, together with full descriptions for all species, except for those with recent descriptions, and comparisons with the morphologically most similar congeners, in the case of the new species.
Terebellidae (Annelida, Terebelliformia) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: NOGUEIRA JOÃO MIGUEL de MATOS , HUTCHINGS PAT , CARRERETTE ORLEMIR
Published: September 2015

In a survey of the polychaetes of the Lizard Island region, sixteen new species of terebellids, plus one previously described species, were found from material collected during the two week long Lizard Island Taxonomic Workshop in 2013, along with material collected from previous projects carried out at Lizard Island. This included the CReefs Project (http://www.aims.gov.au/creefs/field-program.html), of which Lizard was one of the nodes. Those species are distributed as follows: one species of each of the following genera Eupolymnia Verrill, 1900, Lanice Malmgren, 1866; Lanicides Hessle, 1917, Lanicola Hartmann-Schröder, 1986, Pistella Hartmann-Schröder, 1996, Reteterebella Hartman, 1963, and Terebella Linnaeus, 1767; two species of Nicolea Malmgren, 1866; three species of Pista Malmgren, 1866 and four of Loimia Malmgren, 1866, together with another new species, belonging to the new genus Lizardia n. gen. Keys for identification of these genera and species are provided, together with generic diagnoses and full descriptions for all species; for each new species, comparisons with the morphologically most similar congeners are provided. A redescription of Reteterebella queenslandia Hartman, 1963 is also included.
Six new species of the genus Armandia Filippi, 1861 (Polychaeta, Opheliidae) from Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)
Authors: PARAPAR JULIO , MOREIRA JUAN
Published: September 2015

From the study of the material collected during the Polychaete Workshop held in Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia) in August 2013, six species belonging to the genus Armandia (Polychaeta, Opheliidae) are newly described. Armandia bifida n. sp. is characterised by the bifid shape of the prechaetal lobe in CH1–CH3, A. dolio n. sp. by the barrel-shaped anal (=pygidial) tube (=funnel), A. filibranchia n. sp. by the extremely long and thin branchiae, A. laminosa n. sp. by the foliose shape and large size of the prechaetal lobe in CH1–CH3, A. paraintermedia n. sp. by the squared-shaped anal tube and size and shape of anal cirri, and A. tubulata n. sp. by the tubular shape of the anal tube. All species are fully described and illustrated, and compared with similar species. Several body characters of taxonomic relevance (e.g., anal tube and parapodia shape) are studied based on SEM micrographs. A key of the Armandia species hitherto described or reported in South-East Asia and Australasia is provided based on features of the anal tube.
Seven new species of Paleanotus (Annelida: Chrysopetalidae) described from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, and coral reefs of northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific: two cryptic species pairs revealed between western Pacific Ocean and the eastern Indian Ocean
Authors: WATSON CHARLOTTE
Published: September 2015

Morphological investigation into the paleate genus Paleanotus Schmarda 1861 of the family Chrysopetalidae from northern Australian coral reefs, primarily Lizard Island and outlying reefs, included a complex of very small, slender individuals (length < 5 mm). This complex resolved into 7 new species, described herein: Paleanotus inornatus n. sp., P. adornatus n. sp., P. chrysos n. sp., P. aquifolia n. sp., P. latifolia n. sp., P. silus n. sp., and P. silopsis n. sp. A key is provided to the new species and Paleanotus distinguished from Treptopale and Hyalopale, two closely related genera. Diagnostic features of the apical structure and shape of the notochaetal main paleae plus median paleae shape and raised rib pattern, differentiates each species from the other. Gametous states are described. Two cryptic species pairs (Paleanotus silopsis n. sp. and P. silus n. sp.; Paleanotus aquifolia n. sp. and P. latifolia n. sp.) were identified. In each case one species is restricted to either the NE or NW Australian coast. In each pair the most eastern point for the NW Australian species range occurs at Darwin, western Arnhemland, Northern Territory. Additional material for each species pair extends their respective ranges northwards: NW Australia to Thailand, Andaman Sea, eastern Indian Ocean or NE Australia, Great Barrier Reef to the Philippines, western Pacific Ocean. Cryptic morphology and potential genetic diversity is discussed in Paleanotus inornatus n. sp. and P. adornatus n. sp. that possess overlapping widespread distribution patterns across northern Australia and Indo-Pacific reefs. The smallest bodied taxon, Paleanotus chrysos n. sp. is the only species with a Coral Sea range encompassing Lizard Island, Heron Island and New Caledonia.
New records of Pectinariidae (Polychaeta) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia and the description of two new species
Authors: WONG EUNICE , HUTCHINGS PAT
Published: September 2015

Five species of Pectinariidae have previously been reported from Australia. This study documents the first records of this family from the Lizard Island region: Pectinaria antipoda is recorded, in addition to its already currently wide Australian distribution; two new species, Amphictene lizardensis n. sp. and Pectinaria carnosus n. sp. were also discovered and described. A key to all Australian species of Pectinariidae is provided.
New and previously known species of Oenonidae (Polychaeta: Annelida) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: ZANOL JOANA , RUTA CHRISTINE
Published: September 2015

The family Oenonidae consists of Eunicida species with prionognath jaws. Its Australian fauna had been reported to comprise six species belonging to Arabella, Drilonereis, and Oenone. This study provides descriptions for four new species, redescriptions for three species (two previously recorded and a new record, Drilonereis cf. logani) and diagnoses for the genera recorded from Australia. Currently, eleven species of oenonids, distributed in three genera, are known for the Australian coast. On Lizard Island, this family shows low abundance (19 specimens collected) and high richness (seven species). Our results suggest that despite the increasing accumulation of information, the biodiversity of the family is still poorly estimated.
Orbiniidae (Annelida: Errantia) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia with notes on orbiniid phylogeny
Authors: ZHADAN ANNA , STUPNIKOVA ALEXANDRA , NERETINA TATIANA
Published: September 2015

The fauna of Orbiniidae (Annelida: Errantia) from the Lizard Island has been studied. Five species were found and each was redescribed and illustrated using light microscopy and SEM. Scoloplos acutissimus Hartmann-Schröder, 1991 and Scoloplos dayi Hartmann-Schröder, 1980 collected for the first time since their original descriptions and confirmed through re-examination of their type materials. Molecular analyses were carried out using nuclear 18S rDNA and mitochondrial 16S rDNA and CO1 gene sequences with evolutionary distances and the Neighbor-Joining Method. The molecular analyses did not support the monophyly of the genera Scoloplos, Leitoscoloplos, Leodamas, and Naineris, and its results are incongruent with morphological data.
Polychaetes and allies of Lizard Island
Authors: HUTCHINGS PAT , KUPRIYANOVA ELENA
Published: September 2015

This Special Volume of Zootaxa has had a long gestation! Way back in 2011, Pat Hutchings was approached by Anne Hoggett, one of the Co-Directors of Lizard Island Research Station which is a facility of the Australian Museum, with the concept of running a polychaete workshop at Lizard Island. Back in 2005, the first Lizard Island taxonomic workshop investigating biodiversity of amphipod crustaceans was run by Jim Lowry of the Australian Museum and Alan Myers of National University of Ireland (Lowry & Myers 2009). This workshop was part of ongoing efforts to describe the fauna of Lizard Island and to populate the Lizard Island Field Guide (http://lifg.australianmuseum.net.au/Hierarchy.html).
Glyceriformia Fauchald, 1977 (Annelida: “Polychaeta”) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: BÖGGEMANN MARKUS
Published: September 2015

Eight species of Glyceridae (Glycera brevicirris, Glycera cf. lapidum, Glycera onomichiensis, Glycera sagittariae, Glycera tesselata, Glycera tridactyla, Glycerella magellanica, Hemipodia cf. simplex) and six species of Goniadidae (Goniada antipoda, Goniada cf. brunnea, Goniada echinulata, Goniada emerita, Goniada grahami, Goniada paucidens) have been collected during several expeditions to the vicinity of Lizard Island (Australia, Queensland). An identification key to the Glyceriformia that inhabit the region is presented. Detailed and illustrated morphological descriptions are given for all investigated species.
Sphaerodoridae (Annelida) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, including the description of two new species and reproductive notes
Authors: CAPA MARÍA , ROUSE GREG W.
Published: September 2015

Sphaerodorids are scarce at Lizard Island archipelago and other localities in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Intensive collections at a variety of habitats within the Lizard Island archipelago over the last four decades have resulted in a total of just 11 specimens. Nevertheless, they represent two new species and a new record for Lizard Island. Sphaerodoropsis aurantica n. sp. is characterised by nine longitudinal rows of sessile and spherical dorsal macrotubercles, arranged in a single transverse row per segment; parapodia with around 10 spherical papillae; and compound chaetae with thin shafts and long blades. Sphaerodoropsis plurituberculata n. sp. is characterised by more than 12 more or less clearly arranged longitudinal rows of sessile spherical dorsal tubercles (variable in size), in four transverse rows per segment; parapodia lacking papillae; and semi-compound chaetae with distally enlarged shaft and short blades. Ephesiella australiensis is reported for the first time in Lizard Island. Laboratory observations of live specimens of Sphaerodoropsis plurituberculata n. sp., revealed the use of spermatophores by males. These were found attached externally to the body surface of both sexes, indicating pseudo-copulation.
Spatial and Temporal Behavior of Soluble Manganese at the Sediment–Water Interface in the Riogrande II Reservoir in Colombia
Authors: Salazar G. J. P. , Aguirre R. N. J. , Peñuela M. G. A.
Published: September 2015

The behavior of manganese (Mn) at the sediment–water interface in bodies of water such as lakes and reservoirs is dependent on physicochemical factors such as pH, redox potential-Eh, organic matter, specific conductance, and the presence of organic and inorganic complexes. These allow the mobilization of Mn from the sediment to the water column and promote its precipitation as Mn oxyhydroxide. For the Riogrande II reservoir in Colombia (2550 m), it was found that redox potential-Eh below +350 mV is not appropriate for oxide stability. The availability and mobility of these oxides are more associated with organic complexation and desorption from sediments when the pH changes from neutral conditions to slightly acidic conditions (6.0). However, when the lower gates of the reservoir are opened during the dry season, the entry of oxygenated bottom currents most likely increases the dissolved oxygen (DO) and redox potential-Eh. Similarly, the increase in soluble Mn at the intake tower during the dry season is more associated with desorption than with reductive dissolution.

The primary objective of this study is to determine the main physicochemical factors favoring Mn remobilization from sediment to the water column and its relation to the operating mechanisms of the intake water tower of the Riogrande II reservoir.

One of the most notable results of this study is the observation that the operating mechanisms of the Riogrande II reservoir not only affect the type of water that is captured but also influence the geochemical processes at the bottom of the reservoir and in the sediment.

The results of this study highlight the influence of hydraulic processes on surface water bodies as regards the dynamics of metal remobilization, the generation of pollution into the water column, and the increasing costs of treatment and purification in reservoirs in high mountain areas in tropical countries.
Multiscale and Multivariate Evaluation of Water Fluxes and States over European River Basins
Authors: Rakovec Oldrich , Kumar Rohini , Mai Juliane , Cuntz Matthias , Thober Stephan , Zink Matthias , Attinger Sabine , Schäfer David , Schrön Martin , Samaniego Luis
Published: September 2015

Accurately predicting regional-scale water fluxes and states remains a challenging task in contemporary hydrology. Coping with this grand challenge requires, among other things, a model that makes reliable predictions across scales, locations, and variables other than those used for parameter estimation. In this study, the mesoscale hydrologic model (mHM) parameterized with the multiscale regionalization technique is comprehensively tested across 400 European river basins. The model fluxes and states, constrained using the observed streamflow, are evaluated against gridded evapotranspiration, soil moisture, and total water storage anomalies, as well as local-scale eddy covariance observations. This multiscale verification is carried out in a seamless manner at the native resolutions of available datasets, varying from 0.5 to 100 km. Results of cross-validation tests show that mHM is able to capture the streamflow dynamics adequately well across a wide range of climate and physiographical characteristics. The model yields generally better results (with lower spread of model statistics) in basins with higher rain gauge density. Model performance for other fluxes and states is strongly driven by the degree of seasonality that each variable exhibits, with the best match being observed for evapotranspiration, followed by total water storage anomaly, and the least for soil moisture. Results show that constraining the model against streamflow only may be necessary but not sufficient to warrant the model fidelity for other complementary variables. The study emphasizes the need to account for other complementary datasets besides streamflow during parameter estimation to improve model skill with respect to “hidden” variables.
An Objective Detection Method for Convective Cold Pool Events and Its Application to Northern Africa
Authors: Redl Robert , Fink Andreas H. , Knippertz Peter
Published: September 2015

Convective cold pool events in (semi) arid areas have significant impacts on their environment. They reach horizontal extents of up to several hundred kilometers and the associated turbulence and shear can cause dust emissions and threaten aviation safety. Furthermore, cold pools play a major role in the organization of deep convection and in horizontal moisture transport. They have even been proposed to have impacts on larger-scale monsoon dynamics. Cold pools are not well represented in models using a convective parameterization. To test and improve these models, it is necessary to reliably detect cold pool occurrence from standard observational data. Former studies, however, focused on single cases or short time periods.

Here, an objective and automated method for the generation of multiyear climatologies of cold-pool events is presented. The algorithm combines standard surface observations with satellite microwave data. Representativeness of stations and influence of their spatial density are addressed by comparison to a satellite-only climatology. Applying this algorithm to data from automatic weather stations and manned synoptic stations in and south of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria reveals the frequent occurrence of cold pool events in this region. On the order of six cold-pool events per month are detected from May to September when the Saharan heat low is in its northernmost position. The events tend to cluster into several-days-long convectively active periods, often with strong events on consecutive days. The algorithm is flexible enough to be applied in comparable regions around the world.
Punch and Drill
Authors: Dumon Thibaud , Medina Marimar , Sperling Neil M.
Published: September 2015

Objective:

To compare 2 surgical techniques for implantation of a percutaneous bone anchored hearing device: (1) a minimal skin punch incision without additional skin incision or soft tissue reduction and (2) implantation with an epidermal flap and soft tissues reduction.

Study Design:

Prospective study.

Setting:

Tertiary care referral center.

Subjects and Methods:

Forty patients consecutively implanted (18 males and 22 females). Twenty patients underwent implantation by means of epidermal flap and soft tissues reduction (dermatome group), and 20 patients underwent skin punch resection without soft tissues reduction (punch group). Main outcome measurements: surgical adverse events, surgical time, skin healing, skin tolerance (Holgers classification), and skin appearance and implant failure.

Results:

The surgical time was shorter with the punch technique ( P < .05). The postoperative healing was satisfactory in both groups. All implants were loaded after the healing period. The skin tolerance was good in both groups by Holgers classification (punch, 85.7%/dermatome, 86%) with no significant difference. There were no severe adverse skin events in the punch group. The appearance of the skin around the implant was improved by the punch technique.

Conclusion:

The implantation of the currently available percutaneous bone anchored hearing implants with a minimal skin punch skin resection without additional skin incision or soft tissue reduction shortens the surgery and improves the postoperative appearance. The skin tolerance is at least as good as with techniques with that include soft tissue reduction.
Development of a novel ultrasensitive enzyme immunoassay for human glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibody
Authors: Numata Satoshi , Katakami Hideki , Inoue Shinobu , Sawada Hirotake , Hashida Seiichi
Published: September 2015

Background

We developed a novel, ultrasensitive enzyme immunoassay (immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay) for determination of glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody concentrations in serum samples from patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We developed an immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay for glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody and measured glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody from 22 patients with type 1 diabetes, 29 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 32 healthy controls.

Results

A conventional ELISA kit identified 10 patients with type 1 diabetes and one patient with type 2 diabetes as glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody positive, whereas 15 patients with type 1 diabetes and six patients with type 2 diabetes were identified as glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody positive using immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay.

Conclusions

Immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay is a highly sensitive and specific assay for glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody and might be clinically useful for diabetic onset prediction and early diagnosis.
Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in osteoarthritis of the knee: relationship with clinical findings and radiographic severity
Authors: Hanada Mitsuru , Takahashi Masaaki , Furuhashi Hiroki , Koyama Hiroshi , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: September 2015

Purpose

We assessed erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration in knee osteoarthritis and non-knee osteoarthritis. In addition, we investigated potential relationship between the levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein with clinical findings and radiographic severity.

Methods

We compared erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration between 104 patients with knee osteoarthritis (knee osteoarthritis group; 25 males, 79 females; mean age, 73 y) and 50 patients without knee osteoarthritis (non-knee osteoarthritis group; 16 males, 34 females; mean age, 64 y) excluding any patients with comorbid joint osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumours or inflammatory diseases. In the knee osteoarthritis group, we assessed whether erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration differed in clinical features and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grades.

Results

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were significantly higher in the knee osteoarthritis group than in the non-knee osteoarthritis group ( P = 0.0013 and 0.00010, respectively). In the knee osteoarthritis group, erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly elevated in patients with tenderness and patellar ballottement ( P = 0.032 and 0.038, respectively), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration was significantly elevated in patients with tenderness, swelling and patellar ballottement ( P = 0.0042, 0.00030 and 0.019, respectively). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in KL-I was lower than erythrocyte sedimentation rate in KL-III and -IV ( P = 0.012 and 0.037, respectively). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in KL-II did not significantly differ from erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the other groups. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration was lower in grade I than in KL-II, -III and -IV ( P = 0.044, 0.0085 and 0.049, respectively).

Conclusions

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration were higher in patients with knee osteoarthritis and were related to clinical features. In knee osteoarthritis, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration may increase in early-stage KL-II.
Exploring Rating Quality in Rater-Mediated Assessments Using Mokken Scale Analysis
Authors: Wind Stefanie A. , Engelhard George
Published: September 2015

Mokken scale analysis is a probabilistic nonparametric approach that offers statistical and graphical tools for evaluating the quality of social science measurement without placing potentially inappropriate restrictions on the structure of a data set. In particular, Mokken scaling provides a useful method for evaluating important measurement properties, such as invariance, in contexts where response processes are not well understood. Because rater-mediated assessments involve complex interactions among many variables, including assessment contexts, student artifacts, rubrics, individual rater characteristics, and others, rater-assigned scores are suitable candidates for Mokken scale analysis. The purposes of this study are to describe a suite of indices that can be used to explore the psychometric quality of data from rater-mediated assessments and to illustrate the substantive interpretation of Mokken-based statistics and displays in this context. Techniques that are commonly used in polytomous applications of Mokken scaling are adapted for use with rater-mediated assessments, with a focus on the substantive interpretation related to individual raters. Overall, the findings suggest that indices of rater monotonicity, rater scalability, and invariant rater ordering based on Mokken scaling provide diagnostic information at the level of individual raters related to the requirements for invariant measurement. These Mokken-based indices serve as an additional suite of diagnostic tools for exploring the quality of data from rater-mediated assessments that can supplement rating quality indices based on parametric models.
Effects of Interim Assessments Across the Achievement Distribution
Authors: Konstantopoulos Spyros , Li Wei , Miller Shazia R. , van der Ploeg Arie
Published: September 2015

We use data from a large-scale experiment conducted in Indiana in 2009-2010 to examine the impact of two interim assessment programs ( mCLASS and Acuity) across the mathematics and reading achievement distributions. Specifically, we focus on whether the use of interim assessments has a particularly strong effect on improving outcomes for low achievers. Quantile regression is used to estimate treatment effects across the entire achievement distribution (i.e., provide estimates in the lower, middle, or upper tails). Results indicate that in Grades 3 to 8 (particularly third, fifth, and sixth) lower achievers seem to benefit more from interim assessments than higher achieving students.
Special Education Research Advances Knowledge in Education
Authors: Vaughn Sharon , Swanson Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2015

Research in special education has yielded beneficial outcomes for students with disabilities as well as typical achieving students. The authors provide examples of the valuable knowledge special education research has generated, including the elements of response to intervention (e.g., screening and progress monitoring), instructional practices such as systematic instruction and feedback, and intensive interventions designed to meet the specific learning needs of students with disabilities. They present the importance of maintaining an appropriate funding stream for research in special education to ensure that robust research findings continue to be available to the educational community to improve outcomes for students with disabilities as well as typical learners.
The Impact of Franchising on Labor Standards Compliance
Authors: Ji MinWoong , Weil David
Published: September 2015

Recent studies document pervasive noncompliance with basic labor standards in industries with high concentrations of low-wage workers. The authors examine how franchising, a common form of business organization in low-wage industries, affects compliance. They estimate the effect of franchise ownership on compliance with federal minimum wage and overtime standards in the fast food industry using unique data on Top 20 branded restaurants. Franchised outlets have far higher levels of noncompliance than comparable company-owned establishments. The authors argue that observed differences arise from internal incentives facing franchisees versus franchisors rather than from external enforcement pressures facing the parties.
Distributed learning algorithm for non-linear differential graphical games
Authors: Tatari Farzaneh , Naghibi-Sistani Mohammad-Bagher , Vamvoudakis Kyriakos G.
Published: September 2015

This paper introduces differential graphical games for continuous-time non-linear systems and proposes an online adaptive learning framework. The error dynamics and the user-defined performance indices of each agent depend only on local information and the proposed cooperative learning algorithm learns the solution to the cooperative coupled Hamilton–Jacobi equations. In the proposed algorithm, each one of the agents uses an actor/critic neural network (NN) structure with appropriate tuning laws in order to guarantee closed-loop stability and convergence of the policies to the Nash equilibrium. Finally, a simulation example verifies the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
New stabilization results for discrete-time positive switched systems with forward mode-dependent average dwell time
Authors: Liu Tingting , Wu Baowei , Wang Yue-E , Liu Lili
Published: September 2015

The stability and stabilization of discrete-time linear positive switched systems are discussed in this paper. First, based on the concept of the forward mode-dependent average dwell time, a stability result for discrete-time linear positive switched systems is obtained by utilizing the multiple linear copositive Lyapunov functions. Then, by introducing multiple-sample Lyapunov-like functions variation, a new exponential stability result is derived. Finally, the conditions for the existence of mode-dependent stabilizing state feedback controllers are investigated, and two illustrative examples are given to show the correctness of the theoretical results obtained.
The consistency between measurements of the femoral neck anteversion angle in DDH on three-dimensional CT and MRI
Authors: Mao Cunhua , Liang Yanchen , Ding Chengzong , Guo Lingfei , Wang Yanbing , Zeng Qingjuan , Wang Guangbin
Published: September 2015

Background

Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) has been regarded by some investigators as the gold standard for measurements of the femoral neck anteversion angle (FNA) in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), although a simple and reliable imaging method using a non-ionizing technique is needed.

Purpose

To determine the consistency between measurements of the FNA in DDH using 3D CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to estimate the precision, reliability, and reproducibility of MRI for the measurement of the FNA and assess whether MRI could replace 3D CT.

Material and Methods

3D CT and MRI were used to measure the FNA in 22 patients, including 18 girls and four boys, with a mean age of 3 years (age range, 1–7 years). All of the measurements were performed independently by two radiologists at different times. This exercise was repeated 2 weeks later by one of the radiologists.

Results

High consistency was found between the MRI and 3D CT measurements (intraclass correlation coefﬁcient [ICC] of 0.906, P < 0.05). The mean inter-observer and intra-observer agreements were high for MRI (ICC = 0.948 and 0.964, respectively, P < 0.05 for both) and for 3D CT (ICC = 0.942 and 0.966, respectively, P < 0.05 for both).

Conclusion

Compared with 3D CT, MRI provided a precise, reliable and reproducible method of measuring the FNA in DDH. MRI is recommended as an appropriate technique for measurement of the FNA in DDH, and this approach could replace 3D CT because it delivers no ionizing radiation and offers a better display of soft tissue pathological changes.
Investigation of the functional difference between the pathological itching and neuropathic pain-induced rat brain using manganese-enhanced MRI
Authors: Jeong Keun-Yeong , Kim Hwan Mook , Kang Ji-Hyuk
Published: September 2015

Background

There is a remarkable similarity in the central sensitization of itch and pain. However, the interactions between itch and pain are only partially understood.

Purpose

To investigate the functional activity of cerebral regions to provide clear information on the neuronal pathways related to both pathological itching (PI) and neuropathic pain (NP).

Material and Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. PI was induced via neonatal capsaicin treatment, and scratching behavior was counted. NP was induced via lumbar spinal nerve 5 (L5) ligation, and mechanical allodynia was measured. The activated cerebral regions in the control, PI, and NP rats were measured using a 4.7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI). Subsequently, the cerebral activation regions were identified, and the signal intensity was compared.

Results

Cerebral activities of the PI-induced rats were found in three regions −7.10 and −4.20 mm, and two regions −2.45 mm from the bregma. In the NP-induced rats, cerebral activities were found in two regions 7.10 and −2.45 mm, and one region −4.20 mm from the bregma. Comparing the PI and NP rats, the cerebral activities were different in one region −7.10 mm and −2.45 mm, and two regions −4.20 mm from the bregma. The different regions were the midbrain area, the geniculate complex, the hypothalamic area, and the amygdala area.

Conclusion

Our MEMRI investigation indicates functionally different activity of cerebral regions due to the effect of PI or NP. These findings provide clear information of the signal transduction in the brain regarding PI or NP that share a similar neuronal pathway.
Estimating the Effective Coverage of Programs to Control Vitamin A Deficiency and Its Consequences Among Women and Young Children in Cameroon
Authors: Engle-Stone Reina , Nankap Martin , Ndjebayi Alex O. , Vosti Stephen A. , Brown Kenneth H.
Published: September 2015

Background:

To compare the cost-effectiveness of nutrition programs, the anticipated nutritional benefits of each intervention must be expressed using a common metric.

Objective:

We present the methodology for estimating the benefits of vitamin A (VA)-related interventions among women and children in Cameroon.

Methods:

We estimated “reach” (proportion of the population that receives a program), “coverage” (proportion that is deficient and receives a program), and “effective coverage” (proportion that “converts” from inadequate to adequate VA intake following an intervention) using dietary data collected during a national survey in 3 macro-regions of Cameroon (North, South, and Yaoundé/Douala). Effective coverage of programs such as (bio)fortification and micronutrient powders was estimated by adding the dietary VA contributed by the intervention to baseline VA intakes, including the contribution of increased maternal VA intake to infant VA intake through increases in breast milk VA. For interventions that provide VA-related benefits through other pathways (eg, periodic high-dose VA supplements and deworming), we developed alternative methods of estimating “daily VA intake equivalents.”

Results:

Baseline VA intakes and intervention reach varied by geographic macro-region. On average, estimates of program reach were greater than the effective coverage estimates by ∼50%. Effective coverage varied by intervention package and macro-region, ranging from <20 000 (deworming, Yaoundé/Douala) to >400 000 (micronutrient powder or VA supplement, North) children effectively covered per year.

Conclusion:

These estimates of effective coverage, along with macro-region-specific information on the costs of each intervention package, serve as inputs into an economic optimization model to identify the most cost-effective package of VA interventions for each macro-region of Cameroon.
An Economic Optimization Model for Improving the Efficiency of Vitamin A Interventions
Authors: Vosti Stephen A. , Kagin Justin , Engle-Stone Reina , Brown Kennth H.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Vitamin A (VA) intervention programs in developing countries do not generally consider spatial differences in needs or in intervention costs. New data from Cameroon reveal nonuniform spatial distributions of VA deficiency among young children and of costs of some of the programs designed to address them.

Methods:

We develop a spatially explicit, intertemporal economic optimization tool that makes use of subnational dietary intake data and VA intervention program costs to identify more efficient sets of interventions to improve VA nutrition among young children aged 6 to 59 months in Cameroon.

Results:

The model suggests substantial changes in the composition and geographic foci of VA intervention programs vis-à-vis a business-as-usual scenario. National VA-fortified edible oil and bouillon cube programs are cost-effective, even when start-up costs are considered. High-dosage VA supplementation delivered via Child Health Days is most cost-effective in the North macro-region, where needs are greatest and the cost per child effectively covered is lowest. Overall, the VA intervention programs suggested by the optimization model are approximately 44% less expensive, with no change in the total number of children effectively covered nationwide.

Conclusions:

The VA intervention programs should consider spatial and temporal differences in needs and in the expected benefits and costs of alternative VA interventions. Doing so will require spatially disaggregated strategies and the data and political will to support them, longer planning time horizons than are currently used in most developing countries, and long-term funding commitments.
Impact of Cowpea-Based Food Containing Fish Meal Served With Vitamin C–Rich Drink on Iron Stores and Hemoglobin Concentrations in Ghanaian Schoolchildren in a Malaria Endemic Area
Authors: Egbi Godfred , Ayi Irene , Saalia Firibu Kwesi , Zotor Francis , Adom Theodosia , Harrison Eric , Ahorlu Collins K. , Steiner-Asiedu Matilda
Published: September 2015

Background:

Nutritional anemia is a public health problem among Ghanaian schoolchildren. There is need to employ dietary modification strategies to solve this problem through school and household feeding programs.

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of cowpea-based food containing fish meal served with vitamin C–rich drink to improve iron stores and hemoglobin concentrations in Ghanaian schoolchildren.

Methods:

The study involved cross-sectional baseline and nutrition intervention phases. There were 150 participants of age 6 to 12 years. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups, fish meal –vitamin C (n = 50), vitamin C (n = 50), and control (n = 50), and given different cowpea-based diets for a 6-month period. Height and weight measurements were done according to the standard procedures, dietary data were obtained by 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire, hemoglobin concentrations were determined by Hemocue Hemoglobinometer, and serum ferritin and complement-reactive protein (CRP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants’ blood samples were examined for malaria parasitemia and stools for helminthes using Giemsa stain and Kato-Katz techniques, respectively.

Results:

Mean ferritin concentration was not significantly different among groups. End line mean or change in hemoglobin concentrations between fish meal–vitamin C group (128.4 ± 7.2/8.3 ± 10.6 g/L) and control (123.1 ± 6.6/4.2 ± 10.4 g/L) were different, P < .05. Change in prevalence of anemia in fish meal–vitamin C group (19.5%) was different compared to those of vitamin C group (9.3%) and the control (12.2%). Levels of malaria parasitemia and high CRP among study participants at baseline and end line were 58% and 80% then 55% and 79%, respectively. Level of hookworm infestation was 13%.

Conclusion:

Cowpea-based food containing 3% fish meal and served with vitamin C–rich drink improved hemoglobin concentration and minimized the prevalence of anemia among the study participants.