bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Development, and Analysis of a Densely Packed 500x Concentrating Photovoltaic Cell Assembly on Insulated Metal Substrate
Authors: Micheli Leonardo , Sarmah Nabin , Reddy K. S. , Luo Xichun , Mallick Tapas K.
Published: August 2015

The paper presents a novel densely packed assembly for high concentrating photovoltaic applications, designed to fit 125x primary and 4x secondary reflective optics. This assembly can accommodate 144 multijunction cells and is one of the most populated modules presented so far. Based on the thermal simulation results, an aluminum-based insulated metal substrate has been used as baseplate; this technology is commonly exploited for Light Emitting Diode applications, due to its optimal thermal management. The original outline of the conductive copper layer has been developed to minimize Joule losses by reducing the number of interconnections among the cells in series. Oversized Schottky diodes have been employed for bypassing purposes. The whole design fits the IPC-2221 requirements. The plate has been manufactured using standard electronic processes and then characterized through an indoor test and the results are here presented and commented on. The assembly achieves a fill factor above 80% and an efficiency of 29.4% at 500x, less than 2% lower than that of a single cell commercial receiver. The novel design of the conductive pattern is conceived to decrease the power losses and the deployment of an insulated metal substrate represents an improvement towards the awaited cost-cutting for high concentrating photovoltaic technologies.
Fully Automated Quantification of the Striatal Uptake Ratio of [99mTc]-TRODAT with SPECT Imaging: Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance in Parkinson’s Disease and the Temporal Regression of Striatal Tracer Uptake
Authors: Fang Yu-Hua Dean , Chiu Shao-Chieh , Lu Chin-Song , Yen Tzu-Chen , Weng Yi-Hsin
Published: August 2015

Purpose. We aimed at improving the existing methods for the fully automatic quantification of striatal uptake of [Tc99m]-TRODAT with SPECT imaging.Procedures. A normal [Tc99m]-TRODAT template was first formed based on 28 healthy controls. Images from PD patients (n=365) and nPD subjects (28 healthy controls and 33 essential tremor patients) were spatially normalized to the normal template. We performed an inverse transform on the predefined striatal and reference volumes of interest (VOIs) and applied the transformed VOIs to the original image data to calculate the striatal-to-reference ratio (SRR). The diagnostic performance of the SRR was determined through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.Results. The SRR measured with our new and automatic method demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance with 92% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 92% accuracy, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94. For the evaluation of the mean SRR and the clinical duration, a quadratic function fit the data withR2=0.84.Conclusions. We developed and validated a fully automatic method for the quantification of the SRR in a large study sample. This method has an excellent diagnostic performance and exhibits a strong correlation between the mean SRR and the clinical duration in PD patients.
Privacy Protection Method for Multiple Sensitive Attributes Based on Strong Rule
Authors: Yi Tong , Shi Minyong
Published: August 2015

At present, most studies on data publishing only considered single sensitive attribute, and the works on multiple sensitive attributes are still few. And almost all the existing studies on multiple sensitive attributes had not taken the inherent relationship between sensitive attributes into account, so that adversary can use the background knowledge about this relationship to attack the privacy of users. This paper presents an attack model with the association rules between the sensitive attributes and, accordingly, presents a data publication for multiple sensitive attributes. Through proof and analysis, the new model can prevent adversary from using the background knowledge about association rules to attack privacy, and it is able to get high-quality released information. At last, this paper verifies the above conclusion with experiments.
Global Production Planning Process considering the Supply Risk of Overseas Manufacturing Sites
Authors: Jung Hosang , Sim Seungbae
Published: August 2015

Although global manufacturers can produce most of their final products in local plants, they need to source components or parts from desirable overseas manufacturing partners at low cost in order to fulfill customer orders. In this global manufacturing environment, capacity information for planning is usually imprecise owing to the various risks of overseas plants (e.g., foreign governments’ policies and labor stability). It is therefore not easy for decision-makers to generate a global production plan showing the production amounts at local plants and overseas manufacturing facilities operated by manufacturing partners. In this paper, we present a new global production planning process considering the supply risk of overseas manufacturing sites. First, local experts estimate the supply capacity of an overseas plant using their judgment to determine when the risk could occur and how large the risk impact would be. Next, we run a global production planning model with the estimated supply capacities. The proposed process systematically adopts the qualitative judgments of local experts in the global production planning process and thus can provide companies with a realistic global production plan. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed process with a real world case.
Analysis Technique on Water Permeability in Concrete with Cold Joint considering Micro Pore Structure and Mineral Admixture
Authors: Choi Se-Jin , Kang Suk-Pyo , Kim Sang-Chel , Kwon Seung-Jun
Published: August 2015

Cold joint in concrete due to delayed concrete placing may cause a reduced shear resistance and increased water permeation. This study presents an analytical model based on the concept of REV (Representative Element Volume) to assess the effect of water permeability in cold joint concrete. Here, OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) concrete samples with cold joint are prepared and WPT (Water Permeability Test) is performed on the samples cured for 91 days. In order to account for the effect of GGBFS (Granulated Ground Blast Furnace Slag) on water permeability, concrete samples with the same W/B (Water to Binder) ratio and 40% replacement ratio of GGBFS are tested as well. Utilizing the previous models handling porosity and saturation, the analysis technique for equivalent water permeability with effective cold joint width is proposed. Water permeability in cold joint increases to 140.7% in control case but it decreases to 120.7% through GGBFS replacement. Simulation results agree reasonably well with experimental data gathered for sound and cold joint concrete.
Underground Coal Mining: Relationship between Coal Dust Levels and Pneumoconiosis, in Two Regions of Colombia, 2014
Authors: Torres Rey Carlos Humberto , Ibañez Pinilla Milciades , Briceño Ayala Leonardo , Checa Guerrero Diana Milena , Morgan Torres Gloria , Groot de Restrepo Helena , Varona Uribe Marcela
Published: August 2015

In Colombia, coal miner pneumoconiosis is considered a public health problem due to its irreversibility, high cost on diagnosis, and lack of data related to its prevalence in the country. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was carried out in order to determine the prevalence of pneumoconiosis in underground coal mining workers in two regions of Colombia. The results showed a 35.9% prevalence of pneumoconiosis in the study group (42.3% in region 1 and 29.9% in region 2). An association was found between a radiologic diagnosis of pneumoconiosis and a medium risk level of exposure to carbon dust (OR: 2.901, 95% CI: 0.937, 8.982), medium size companies (OR: 2.301, 95% CI: 1.260–4.201), length of mining work greater than 25 years (OR: 3.222, 95% CI: 1.806–5.748), and a history of smoking for more than one year (OR: 1.479, 95% CI: 0.938–2.334). These results establish the need to generate an intervention strategy aimed at preventing the identified factors, as well as a timely identification and effective treatment of pneumoconiosis in coal miners, in which the commitment of the General Health and Social Security System and the workers compensation system is ensured.
Multiple Factors Related to the Secretion of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1
Authors: Wang XingChun , Liu Huan , Chen Jiaqi , Li Yan , Qu Shen
Published: August 2015

The glucagon-like peptide-1 is secreted by intestinal L cells in response to nutrient ingestion. It regulates the secretion and sensitivity of insulin while suppressing glucagon secretion and decreasing postprandial glucose levels. It also improves beta-cell proliferation and prevents beta-cell apoptosis induced by cytotoxic agents. Additionally, glucagon-like peptide-1 delays gastric emptying and suppresses appetite. The impaired secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 has negative influence on diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance related diseases. Thus, glucagon-like peptide-1-based therapies (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors) are now well accepted in the management of type 2 diabetes. The levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 are influenced by multiple factors including a variety of nutrients. The component of a meal acts as potent stimulants of glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion. The levels of its secretion change with the intake of different nutrients. Some drugs also have influence on GLP-1 secretion. Bariatric surgery may improve metabolism through the action on GLP-1 levels. In recent years, there has been a great interest in developing effective methods to regulate glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion. This review summarizes the literature on glucagon-like peptide-1 and related factors affecting its levels.
Evaluation of Discoloration Removal by Polishing Resin Composites Submitted to Staining in Different Drink Solutions
Authors: Spina Denis Roberto Falcão , Grossi João Ricardo Almeida , Cunali Rafael Schlögel , Baratto Filho Flares , Cunha Leonardo Fernandes da , Gonzaga Carla Castiglia , Correr Gisele Maria
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the discoloration effects of water, cola-based soft drink, coffee, and wine on resin composites used in restorative dentistry and the possibility of removing the stain with chair side manual polishing. The A2 shade of three materials was tested. Disc specimens were prepared. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the baseline CIE-Lab color parameters of each material (n=10) 24 hours after sample preparation. Samples were then immersed in a cola-based soft drink, coffee, or wine for 1 hour every day, for 30 days. For the remaining hours, the specimens were stored in distilled water. In the control group, the specimens were immersed in water for the whole period. The color differences (ΔE) were calculated after 7 and 30 days of storage, and after polishing with coarse Sof-Lex discs, and analyzed by two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey’s HSD test (α=0.05). Luna presented higher ΔE values 3.41a followed by Durafill 2.82b and Herculite 2.24c. For the drink solutions, ΔE values were higher for wine 4.40a followed by coffee 2.59b and for cola-based soft drink 2.23c and water 2.13c which were statistically similar. For time, ΔE values were higher for 30 days 3.97a and then for 7 days 2.48b and after polishing 2.04c. The results indicate that color stability is material dependent. The types of drinks that patients consume also influence the color stability of restorative materials.
Participation of WNT andβ-Catenin in Physiological and Pathological Endometrial Changes: Association with Angiogenesis
Authors: Kiewisz Jolanta , Wasniewski Tomasz , Kmiec Zbigniew
Published: August 2015

WNT proteins are involved in embryonic development, sex determination, stem cell recruitment, angiogenesis, and cancer. They take part in morphological changes in the endometrium during development, regulate processes of endometrial proliferation and differentiation. This review presents current knowledge about implication of WNT proteins andβ-catenin in physiological endometrial functions as well as their involvement in uterine carcinogenesis. Influence of WNT proteins on the formation of blood vessel, taking place both under healthy and pathological conditions, is also considered. Participation of WNT proteins,β-catenin, and inhibitors and inducers of WNT signaling in the process of endometrial angiogenesis is largely unknown. Thus, confirmation of their local and systemic participation in the process of endometrial angiogenesis may in the long term help to establish new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in conditions associated with the pathology of the female reproductive system.
Sulfiredoxin Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis through a Novel Mechanism of Enhancing EGFR Signaling
Authors: Jiang Hong , Wu Lisha , Chen Jing , Mishra Murli , Chawsheen Hedy A. , Zhu Haining , Wei Qiou
Published: August 2015

Sulfiredoxin (SRXN1/Srx) is a multifunction enzyme with a primary antioxidant role of reducing the overoxidized inactive form of peroxiredoxins (Prxs). The function and mechanisms of Srx in cancer development are not well understood. Here, Srx is preferentially expressed in human colorectal cancer cells but not in normal colon epithelial cells. Loss-of-function studies demonstrate that knockdown of Srx in poorly differentiated colorectal cancer cells not only leads to the inhibition of colony formation and cell invasion in vitro, but also reduces tumor xenograft growth and represses metastasis to distal organs in a mouse orthotopic implantation model. Notably, exactly opposite effects were observed in gain-of-function experiments when Srx was ectopically expressed in well-differentiated colorectal cancer cells. Mechanistically, expression of Srx enhances the activation of MAPK signaling through increasing the C-terminal tyrosine phosphorylation levels of EGFR. This function of Srx is mediated through its inhibition of EGFR acetylation at K1037, a novel posttranslational modification of EGFR in human colorectal cancer cells identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS-MS) proteomic analysis. Furthermore, abolishment of K1037 acetylation in human colorectal cancer cells by site-specific mutagenesis leads to sustained activation of EGFR–MAPK signaling. Combined, these data reveal that Srx promotes colorectal cancer cell invasion and metastasis through a novel mechanism of enhancing EGFR signaling.

Implications: Sulfiredoxin is a critical oncogenic protein that can be used as a molecular target to develop therapeutics for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 13(12); 1554–66. ©2015 AACR.
Chemopreventive Effects of Dietary Eicosapentaenoic Acid Supplementation in Experimental Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Finch Emily R. , Kudva Avinash K. , Quickel Michael D. , Goodfield Laura L. , Kennett Mary J. , Whelan Jay , Paulson Robert F. , Prabhu K. Sandeep
Published: August 2015

Current therapies for treatment of myeloid leukemia do not eliminate leukemia stem cells (LSC), leading to disease relapse. In this study, we supplemented mice with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5), a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid, at pharmacologic levels, to examine whether the endogenous metabolite, cyclopentenone prostaglandin delta-12 PGJ3 (Δ12-PGJ3), was effective in targeting LSCs in experimental leukemia. EPA supplementation for 8 weeks resulted in enhanced endogenous production of Δ12-PGJ3 that was blocked by indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor. Using a murine model of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) induced by bone marrow transplantation of BCR-ABL–expressing hematopoietic stem cells, mice supplemented with EPA showed a decrease in the LSC population, and reduced splenomegaly and leukocytosis, when compared with mice on an oleic acid diet. Supplementation of CML mice carrying the T315I mutation (in BCR-ABL) with EPA resulted in a similar effect. Indomethacin blocked the EPA effect and increased the severity of BCR-ABL–induced CML and decreased apoptosis. Δ12-PGJ3 rescued indomethacin-treated BCR-ABL mice and decreased LSCs. Inhibition of hematopoietic-prostaglandin D synthase (H-PGDS) by HQL-79 in EPA-supplemented CML mice also blocked the effect of EPA. In addition, EPA supplementation was effective in a murine model of acute myeloid leukemia. EPA-supplemented mice exhibited a decrease in leukemia burden and a decrease in the LSC colony-forming unit (LSC-CFU). The decrease in LSCs was confirmed through serial transplantation assays in all disease models. The results support a chemopreventive role for EPA in myeloid leukemia, which is dependent on the ability to efficiently convert EPA to endogenous COX-derived prostanoids, including Δ12-PGJ3. Cancer Prev Res; 8(10); 989–99. ©2015 AACR.
Different Effects of Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab on Platelet Activation Profile
Authors: Sobolewska Bianka , Grimmel Cornelia , Gatsiou Aikaterini , Sopova Kateryna , Klein Judith , Biedermann Tilo , Stellos Konstantinos , Ziemssen Focke
Published: August 2015

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential influence of ranibizumab and bevacizumab on platelet activation and aggregation, which are critical processes in the pathogenesis of arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs). Methods: For the assessment of platelet function, flow cytometry and aggregometry were employed. Platelets were isolated from healthy volunteers and exposed to ranibizumab (1 mg/ml and 150 ng/ml) and bevacizumab (2.5 mg/ml and 3 μg/ml) or their solvents for 10 and 30 min prior to the addition of TRAP (25 μM), PAR-4-AP (25 μM) or thrombin (0.02 U/ml). The surface expression of activated GP IIb/IIIa, P-selectin (CD62P) and platelet-bound stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) was measured on resting (nonactivated) and activated platelets by flow cytometry. The platelet aggregation capacity was examined using light transmission aggregometry. Results: The expression of surface activation markers did not differ significantly between nonstimulated and TRAP-, PAR-4-AP- or thrombin-activated platelets after incubating with ranibizumab. However, GP IIb/IIIa, CD62P and SDF-1 were significantly downregulated in PAR-4-AP- and thrombin-activated platelets after exposure to bevacizumab 2.5 mg/ml. In addition, ranibizumab- and bevacizumab-FITC were significantly increased in all activated platelets. No significant differences were observed in the aggregation of activated platelets after incubation with ranibizumab or bevacizumab. Conclusion: All ranibizumab concentrations as well as the bevacizumab concentration of 3 μg/ml had no influence on platelet activation and aggregation. Therefore, this in vitro study did not show any relationship between the exposition of activated platelets to ranibizumab or bevacizumab and the development of ATEs. However, the highest level of bevacizumab interfered with platelet activation, leading to downregulation of platelet activation markers. This observation might explain why the systemic treatment with high-dose bevacizumab could be associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Regarding the use of lower intravitreal dosages, further research should focus on the complex interactions between platelets and other cells, such as endothelial cells, which might stronger relate to a potentially increased risk of ATEs and depend on systemic vascular endothelial growth factor levels. Facing the different activation profiles, the diverse effects of the drugs on the cellular level have to be critically scrutinized for their clinical relevance.
Changes in Visual Acuity after Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Removal: Good versus Poor Preoperative Visual Acuity
Authors: Byon Ik Soo , Jo Sung Ho , Kwon Han Jo , Kim Kyong Ho , Park Sung Who , Lee Ji Eun
Published: August 2015

Purpose: To investigate postoperative visual acuity changes following idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery as well as investigate the relationship between outcome and baseline visual acuity. Methods: The medical records of 159 consecutive eyes were retrospectively reviewed for best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), and the ellipsoid zone (EZ) signal of the photoreceptor layer at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: group A, with good vision of 20/50 or better, and group B, with poor visual acuity worse than 20/50. Results: Seventy-nine eyes were included in group A and 80 eyes in group B. Mean baseline BCVA was 0.28 and 0.65 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), and the mean baseline CSMT was 423.7 and 505.6 μm in group A and group B, respectively. In group A, BCVA worsened to 0.39 logMAR at 1 month (p < 0.001) and gradually improved to 0.25 logMAR at 6 months, which was not different from baseline BCVA. In group B, BCVA and CSMT improved at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.05). The EZ signal improved in group B (p = 0.003) but not in group A. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the improvement in BCVA of ≥2 lines was significant for preoperative BCVA (0.717, 95% confidence interval 0.638-0.797; p < 0.001). The cutoff value was 0.35 on the logMAR scale. Conclusion: After ERM surgery, patients with good vision maintained visual acuity after temporary worsening of vision, and patients with poor vision achieved significant BCVA improvement.
The Relationship between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 1154G/A Polymorphism and Recurrent Implantation Failure
Authors: Vagnini Laura D. , Nascimento Adriana M. , Canas Maria do Carmo T. , Renzi Adriana , Oliveira-Pelegrin Gabriela R. , Petersen Claudia G. , Mauri Ana L. , Oliveira João Batista A. , Baruffi Ricardo L.R. , Cavagna Mario , Franco Jr. José G.
Published: August 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between herpesvirus-associated ubiquitin-specific protease (HAUSP A/G, rs1529916), tumor protein p53 (TP53 Arg/Pro, rs1042522), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF G/T, rs929271), glycoprotein 130 (gp130 A/T, rs1900173) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF G/A, rs1570360) polymorphisms and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) in Brazilian women. Subjects and Methods: A total of 120 women with RIF (i.e. those with ≥5 cleaved embryos transferred and a minimum of 2 failed in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection attempts) were included. The control group involved 89 women who had experienced at least 1 live birth (without any infertility treatment). DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of all participants, and the abovementioned single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The data were evaluated using Fisher's test. Results: A significant difference between the RIF and control groups was found in the VEGF gene where the GG genotype showed a 2.1-fold increased chance of not being included in the RIF group, while the presence of an A allele increased this risk 1.6-fold. No significant differences were found for the other polymorphisms. Conclusion: This study showed an association between the VEGF -1154G/A polymorphism and RIF in Brazilian women.
Clinical SYNTAX Score Can Predict Acute Kidney Injury following On-Pump but Not Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Gursoy Mete , Hokenek Abdulkadir Faruk , Duygu Egemen , Atay Mehmet , Yavuz Asuman
Published: August 2015

Background: The complexity of coronary artery disease is usually a neglected factor in risk stratification systems. We aimed to analyze the discriminative ability of the clinical SYNTAX score (CSS) for acute kidney injury (AKI) following on- and off-pump coronary artery surgery. Methods: A total of 193 patients were reviewed in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical procedure (group I: off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, n = 89; group II: on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, n = 104). Preoperative demographic data, the CSS and postoperative renal functions were evaluated. The postoperative AKI classification was made using the RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of function, and End-stage renal disease) criteria. Results: Postoperative AKI occurred in 14 of 89 patients (15.7%) in group I and in 29 of 104 patients in group II (27.8%; p = 0.046). The CSS did not vary much between the groups (31.52 ± 13.08 vs. 29.89 ± 15.70; p = 0.638). In group I, the CSS was not different between patients with AKI and those without AKI (30.167 ± 3.93 vs. 31.91± 14.75; p = 0.78). In group II, the CSS was 36.85 ± 18.33 in patients with AKI and 28.02 ± 12.32 in those without, and the difference was significant (p = 0.02). The discriminative ability of the CSS for postoperative AKI using the AUC analysis was 0.500 in group I and 0.840 in group II. Conclusion: The CSS may be a simple and successful means of risk prediction of postoperative AKI in on-pump coronary artery surgery.
TET Family of Dioxygenases: Crucial Roles and Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Li Duo , Guo Bin , Wu Haijing , Tan Lina , Lu Qianjin
Published: August 2015

DNA methylation plays an important role in the epigenetic regulation of mammalian gene expression. TET (ten-eleven translocation) proteins, newly discovered demethylases, have sparked great interest since their discovery. TET proteins catalyze 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine in 3 consecutive Fe(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)-dependent oxidation reactions. TET proteins dynamically regulate global or locus-specific 5-methylcytosine and/or 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels by facilitating active DNA demethylation. In fact, in addition to their role as methylcytosine dioxygenases, TET proteins are closely related to histone modification, interact with metabolic enzymes as well as other proteins, and cooperate in transcriptional regulation. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in this exciting field, highlighting the molecular mechanism by which TET enzymes regulate gene expression and their functions in health and disease. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting TET proteins and aberrant DNA modifications.
Potential Pitfalls in Transjugular Portosystemic Shunt Placement for Bleeding Rectal Varices
Authors: Sakib S M Nazmus , Kobayashi Katsuhiro , Jawed Mohammed
Published: August 2015

In patients with portal hypertension, bleeding from rectal varices is rare. However, it can be life-threatening. We report a case of massive bleeding from large rectal varices in a 59-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis. Emergent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement was performed following failed local endoscopic therapy. Despite normalization of the portosystemic pressure gradient, the patient had another episode of massive bleeding on the following day. Embolization of the rectal varices via TIPS successfully stopped the bleeding. After the procedure, rapid decompensation of the cirrhosis led to severe encephalopathy, and death was observed. Although TIPSs have been reported to be useful in controlling bleeding from rectal varices, our case illustrates the potential pitfalls in using this technique in the treatment of rectal variceal bleeding. TIPSs may not be always successful in controlling massive bleeding from large rectal varices, even after normalization of portal hypertension. TIPSs can also be associated with life-threatening complications that may lead to early mortality.
Association of Lower Fractional Flow Reserve Values With Higher Risk of Adverse Cardiac Events for Lesions Deferred Revascularization Among Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Masrani Mehta Shriti , Depta Jeremiah P. , Novak Eric , Patel Jayendrakumar S. , Patel Yogesh , Raymer David , Facey Gabrielle , Zajarias Alan , Lasala John M. , Singh Jasvindar , Bach Richard G. , Kurz Howard I.
Published: August 2015

Background

The safety of deferring revascularization based on fractional flow reserve (
FFR
) during acute coronary syndrome (
ACS
) is unclear. We evaluated the association of
FFR
and adverse cardiac events among patients with coronary lesions deferred revascularization based on
FFR
in the setting of
ACS
versus non‐
ACS
.

Methods and Results

The study population (674 patients; 816 lesions) was divided into
ACS
(n=334) and non‐
ACS
(n=340) groups based on the diagnosis when revascularization was deferred based on
FFR
values >0.80 between October 2002 and July 2010. The association and interaction between
FFR
and clinical outcomes was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models within each group (mean follow‐up of 4.5±2.1 years). Subsequent revascularization of a deferred lesion was classified as a deferred lesion intervention (
DLI
), whereas the composite of
DLI
or myocardial infarction (
MI
) attributed to a deferred lesion was designated as deferred lesion failure (
DLF
). In the non‐
ACS
group, lower
FFR
values were not associated with any increase in adverse cardiac events. In the
ACS
group, every 0.01 decrease in
FFR
was associated with a significantly higher rate of cardiovascular death,
MI
, or
DLI
(hazard ratio [
HR
], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [
CI
], 1.03 to 1.12),
MI
or
DLI
(
HR
, 1.09; 95%
CI
: 1.04 to 1.14),
DLF
(
HR
, 1.12; 95%
CI
, 1.06 to 1.18),
MI
(
HR
, 1.07; 95%
CI
, 1.00 to 1.14), and
DLI
(
HR
, 1.12; 95%
CI
, 1.06 to 1.18).

Conclusion

Lower
FFR
values among
ACS
patients with coronary lesions deferred revascularization based on
FFR
are associated with a significantly higher rate of adverse cardiac events. This association was not observed in non‐
ACS
patients.
Ptychanthoideae (subfam. of Lejeuneaceae, Hepaticae) fromn Vanuatu, with the description of Caudalejeunea streimannii Gyarmati sp. n.

Authors: Sass-Gyarmati Andrea
Published: August 2015

A list of 18 Lejeuneaceae (subfam. Ptychanthoideae) species of Vanuatu is given based on the collection of the late Heinar Streimann, identified by the Author. 12 species are new to Vanuatu, and one out of them is new to science.
A preliminary checklist of the bryoflora of the Taita Hills, Kenya
Authors: Bytebier Benny , Chuah-Petiot Min
Published: August 2015

A checklist of the bryoflora of the Taita Hills (Kenya) containing 168 taxa in 40 families is presented. Whilst previously only 22 mosses and 39 liverworts were recorded for the area, this study extended our knowledge to 85 and 83 respectively. Twenty taxa are newly recorded for Kenya.
Revision of the Neotropical species of the subgenus Atrichopogon (Psilokempia) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: SPINELLI GUSTAVO R. , MARINO PABLO I. , HUERTA HERÓN
Published: August 2015

This revision of the midges in the subgenus Psilokempia Enderlein of Atrichopogon Kieffer provides a brief description of the subgenus, diagnoses, descriptions, illustrations and a key to adult males and females of the 17 species from the Neotropical region, as well as distributional records of both new and previously described species. Six new species are described and illustrated: A. arti, A. javieri, A. longirostris, A. nahuelbutensis, A. sergioi and A. woodruffi (n. spp.). The type materials of all previously known Neotropical species except A. penicillatus Delècolle & Rieb were examined. Atrichopogon altivolans Macfie, A. aridus Spinelli & Marino, A. domizii Spinelli, A. glaber Macfie, A. gordoni Macfie, A. insigniventris Macfie, A. pectinatus Macfie and A. penicillatus are redescribed and illustrated, and notes on the types of A. echinodes Macfie, A. harrisi Macfie and A. sanctaeclarae Macfie are provided. Lectotypes are designated for A. glaber, A. insigniventris and A. pectinatus. The previously unknown males of A. altivolans, A. pectinatus and A. penicillatus are described and illustrated, and A. fimbriatus Macfie is recognized as a junior synonym of A. gordoni.
An EF3 Multivortex Tornado over the Ionian Region: Is It Time for a Dedicated Warning System over Italy?
Authors: Miglietta Mario Marcello , Rotunno Richard
Published: August 2015

The possibility offered by the Internet to share pictures of tornadoes, and the storm-report archiving in the European Storm Weather Database, have made it apparent that the occurrence of tornadoes over Europe has been underestimated. Together with weak waterspouts and tornadoes, large and intense vortices are occasionally observed. Among these, an EF3 multivortex tornado with a path width of some hundreds of meters affected southeastern Italy on 28 November 2012, causing one casualty and estimated damage of €60M to the largest steel plant in Europe. A tide gauge positioned near the location of tornado landfall and a vertical atmospheric profile available a few hours later near the affected region represent unique sources of information for these events in the Mediterranean. During its transit across the port of Taranto, a waterspout, which was to become the tornado, was observed to have induced a sea level rise of about 30 cm. The supercell responsible for the tornado developed from convective cells triggered by orographic uplift over the Apennines. The 0–1-km wind shear was exceptional in comparison with other Italian tornadoes, and was remarkable in comparison with U.S. events as well. Other indices for severe convection diagnosis also showed extremely high values. The occasional occurrence of events with similar or stronger intensities over Italy emphasizes the need for the Distributed National Weather Service—which will integrate Italian meteorological institutions under one agency and is currently under development—to devise a warning system dedicated to the monitoring and prediction of severe convective events.
Bayesian Exploration of Multivariate Orographic Precipitation Sensitivity for Moist Stable and Neutral Flows
Authors: Tushaus Samantha A. , Posselt Derek J. , Miglietta M. Marcello , Rotunno Richard , Delle Monache Luca
Published: August 2015

Recent idealized studies examined the sensitivity of topographically forced rain and snowfall to changes in mountain geometry and upwind sounding in moist stable and neutral environments. These studies were restricted by necessity to small ensembles of carefully chosen simulations. Research presented here extends earlier studies by utilizing a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm to create a large ensemble of simulations, all of which produce precipitation concentrated on the upwind slope of an idealized Gaussian bell-shaped mountain. MCMC-based probabilistic analysis yields information about the combinations of sounding and mountain geometry favorable for upslope rain, as well as the sensitivity of orographic precipitation to changes in mountain geometry and upwind sounding. Exploration of the multivariate sensitivity of rainfall to changes in parameters also reveals a nonunique solution: multiple combinations of flow, topography, and environment produce similar surface rainfall amount and distribution. Finally, the results also divulge that the nonunique solutions have different sensitivity profiles, and that changes in observation uncertainty also alter model sensitivity to input parameters.
Precipitation Properties Observed during Tropical Cyclone Intensity Change
Authors: Alvey III George R. , Zawislak Jonathan , Zipser Edward
Published: August 2015

Using a 15-yr (1998–2012) multiplatform dataset of passive microwave satellite data [tropical cyclone–passive microwave (TC-PMW)] for Atlantic and east Pacific storms, this study examines the relative importance of various precipitation properties, specifically convective intensity, symmetry, and area, to the spectrum of intensity changes observed in tropical cyclones. Analyses are presented not only spatially in shear-relative quadrants around the center, but also every 6 h during a 42-h period encompassing 18 h prior to onset of intensification to 24 h after. Compared to those with slower intensification rates, storms with higher intensification rates (including rapid intensification) have more symmetric distributions of precipitation prior to onset of intensification, as well as a greater overall areal coverage of precipitation. The rate of symmetrization prior to, and during, intensification increases with increasing intensity change as rapidly intensifying storms are more symmetric than slowly intensifying storms. While results also clearly show important contributions from strong convection, it is concluded that intensification is more closely related to the evolution of the areal, radial, and symmetric distribution of precipitation that is not necessarily intense.
Resolution Dependence of Initiation and Upscale Growth of Deep Convection in Convection-Allowing Forecasts of the 31 May–1 June 2013 Supercell and MCS
Authors: Schumacher Russ S.
Published: August 2015

On 31 May 2013, a supercell thunderstorm initiated in west-central Oklahoma and produced a deadly tornado. This convection then grew upscale, with a nearly stationary line developing early on 1 June that produced very heavy rainfall and caused deadly flash flooding in the Oklahoma City area. Real-time convection-allowing (Δx = 4 km) model forecasts used during the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment (MPEX) provided accurate guidance regarding the timing, location, and evolution of convection in this case. However, attempts to simulate this event at higher resolution degraded the forecast, with the primary supercell failing to initiate and the evolution of the overnight MCS not resembling the observed system. Experiments to test the dependence of forecasts of this event on model resolution show that with grid spacing smaller than 4 km, mixing along the dryline in northwest Texas was more vigorous, causing low-level dry air to move more quickly eastward into Oklahoma. This drying prevented the supercell from initiating near the triple point in the higher-resolution simulations. Then, the lack of supercellular convection and its associated cold pool altered the evolution of subsequent convection. Whereas in observations and the 4-km forecast, a nearly stationary MCS developed parallel to, but displaced from, the supercell’s cold pool, the higher-resolution simulations instead had a faster-moving squall line that produced less rainfall. Although the degradation of convective forecasts at higher resolution is probably unusual and appears sensitive to the choice of boundary layer parameterization, these findings demonstrate that how numerical models treat boundary layer processes at different grid spacings can, in some cases, have profound influences on predictions of high-impact weather.
A Dynamical–Statistical Forecasting Model of the Western Pacific Subtropical High Area Index Based on an Improved Self-Memorization Principle
Authors: Hong Mei , Zhang Ren , Wang Dong , Wang Min , Liu Kefeng , Singh Vijay P.
Published: August 2015

A new dynamical–statistical forecasting model of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) area index (AI) was developed, based on dynamical model reconstruction and improved self-memorization, in order to address the inaccuracy of long-term WPSH forecasts. To overcome the problem of single initial prediction values, the self-memorization function was introduced to improve the traditional reconstruction model, thereby making it more effective for describing chaotic systems, such as WPSH. Processing actual data, the reconstruction equation was used as a dynamical core to overcome the problem of employing a simple core. The resulting dynamical–statistical forecasting model for AI was used to predict the strength of long-term WPSH forecasting. Based on 17 experiments with the WPSH during normal and abnormal years, forecast results for a period of 25 days were found to be good, with a correlation coefficient of ~0.80 and a mean absolute percentage error of <8%, showing that the improved model produced satisfactory long-term forecasting results. Additional experiments for predicting the ridgeline index (RI) and the west ridge-point index (WI) were also performed to demonstrate that the developed model was effective for the complete prediction of the WPSH. Compared with the authors’ previous models and other established models of reasonable complexity, the current model shows better long-term WPSH forecasting ability than do other models, meaning that the aberrations of the subtropical high could be defined and forecast by the model.
Threat, Coping, and Cost: Protection Motivation in the Context of Consumer Complaining
Authors: Bolkan San
Published: August 2015

Despite doing their best to keep customers satisfied, organizations can upset their patrons when expectations go unmet. When these organizational failures occur, consumers sometimes complain directly to companies. This type of behavior may be considered adaptive insofar as it helps individuals rectify their problems and allows organizations to fix issues for others as well. However, not all consumers complain to companies when they experience dissatisfaction; instead, many people choose to engage in less adaptive behaviors such as spreading negative word of mouth or withholding their patronage. This study was conducted to examine how variables related to protection motivation theory (i.e., threat, coping, and cost) relate to consumers’ choices regarding complaint behaviors. Four hundred fifty-four participants were solicited online to respond to hypothetical scenarios regarding organizational failures. The data indicated participants’ perceptions of threat and cost interacted to predict complaining behavior. Results are discussed as they pertain to organizational practices.
Sudden‐Onset Bilateral Blindness in a Young Girl Receiving Parenteral Nutrition: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Agarwal Nitin , Garg Gaurav , Pal Ajay Kumar , Dubey Pranjal , Garg Akhil , Dewan Pooja
Published: August 2015

Background:Parenteral nutrition (PN) via a central venous catheter is routinely used for surgical patients without a functioning gastrointestinal tract. Complications of PN can be metabolic and thrombotic. Blindness is a rare and unexpected complication. Case: A young female patient with postcorrosive pyloric stenosis was started on PN through an indwelling central venous catheter. On the sixth day of PN, the patient reported sudden painless bilateral complete loss of vision. Examination revealed bilateral normal‐sized pupils with normal pupillary reaction. There was complete bilateral absence of visual acuity with no perception of light. Fundus examination was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an acute infarct in the left occipital lobe, left corpus callosum, and posteromedial aspect of the left thalamus. No cardiac source of the thrombus could be identified. After supportive treatment, the vision started improving after 3 days; recovery was 95% after 10 days. A feeding jejunostomy was performed urgently under local anesthesia, and 1 month of enteral nutrition was administered. One month after the event, the patient's vision returned to normal. Definitive surgery in the form of antrectomy with Billroth II reconstruction was performed 8 weeks later. Conclusion: Blindness secondary to central venous catheterization is very rare; possible mechanisms are venous thrombosis with paradoxical emboli, air emboli, or accidental arterial puncture. Clinicians must exercise caution while using PN. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose and treat unexpected complications.
Genomic Profiling Reveals Unique Molecular Alterations in Hepatoblastomas and Adjacent Hepatocellular Carcinomas in B6C3F1 Mice
Authors: Bhusari Sachin , Pandiri Arun R. , Nagai Hiroaki , Wang Yu , Foley Julie , Hong Hue-Hua L. , Ton Thai-Vu , DeVito Michael , Shockley Keith R. , Peddada Shyamal D. , Gerrish Kevin E. , Malarkey David E. , Hooth Michelle J. , Sills Robert C. , Hoenerhoff Mark J.
Published: August 2015

The cell of origin of hepatoblastoma (HB) in humans and mice is unknown; it is hypothesized to be a transformed hepatocyte, oval cell, or hepatic progenitor cell. In mice, current dogma is that HBs arise from preexisting hepatocellular neoplasms as a result of further neoplastic transformation. However, there is little evidence supporting this direct relationship. To better understand the relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HB and determine molecular similarities between mouse and human HB, global gene expression analysis and targeted mutation analysis were performed using HB, HCC, and adjacent liver from the same animals in a recent National Toxicology Program bioassay. There were significant differences in Hras and Ctnnb1 mutation spectra, and by microarray, HBs showed dysregulation of embryonic development, stem cell pluripotency, and genomic imprinting compared to HCC. Meta-analysis showed similarities between HB, early mouse embryonic liver, and hepatocyte-derived stem/progenitor cells compared to HCC. Our data show that there are striking differences between HB and HCC and suggest that HB is a significantly different entity that may arise from a hepatic precursor cell. Furthermore, mouse HB is similar to the human disease at the pathway level and therefore is likely a relevant model for evaluating human cancer hazard.
Logical Inconsistencies in 3 Preference Elicitation Methods for EQ-5D Health States
Authors: Viegas Andrade Mônica , Noronha Kenya , Kind Paul , de Barros Reis Carla , Resende de Carvalho Lucas
Published: August 2015

Background. Logical inconsistency for health states preferences occurs when one logically worse health state, in terms of quality of life, is ranked higher than a logically better health state. Objective. This study explores the presence of inconsistent responses for the EQ-5D health states valuations in a Brazilian population survey. It compares the level of inconsistency in 3 preference-based methods: ranking, visual analog scale (VAS), and time tradeoff (TTO). The influence of EQ-5D health state descriptions is explored by examining the distance between states using a city-block metric as an indicator of proximity. Moreover, it examines the association between formal education and the presence of inconsistencies, as well as the effect of removing inconsistent respondents on the estimation of social value sets from TTO and VAS. Methods. Data came from a valuation study with 3362 literate individuals aged between 18 and 64 years living in urban areas of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Logical inconsistency was assessed using the percentage of inconsistent respondents and inconsistency rate. A logistic model was estimated to assess the association between formal education and the logical inconsistency. Societal preferences were estimated excluding inconsistent respondents considering city-block metric. Results. The percentage of inconsistent respondents and inconsistency rate are similar for TTO and ranking and lower for VAS. The probability of being inconsistent is higher among less educated groups in ranking and TTO. Inconsistency decreases with distance for all 3 methods. The removal of inconsistent individuals by considering city-block distance improves TTO estimation of social value sets. Conclusion. Findings suggest that removal of inconsistencies in TTO should consider city-block distance. For VAS, inconsistencies are not associated with formal education and do not affect social value set estimation.
Individual Differences in Deductive Logic, Abductive Logic, and Cognitive Styles
Authors: Visconti Tristan P. , Kunzendorf Robert G.
Published: August 2015

Participants in this study completed the CAPSOL Style of Learning Assessment-Form B and the Logical Style Exercise. Compared with the 44 participants exhibiting an “Abduction 1” logical style that accounts for more facts, the 18 participants exhibiting an “Abduction 2” logical style that accounts for newly discovered facts were significantly more likely to exhibit a deductive logical style as well and were significantly more likely to exhibit a visual cognitive style. Discussion of both results focuses on the relationship between Abduction 2 (discovery) and deduction.