bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Level set method for image segmentation based on local variance and improved intensity inhomogeneity model
Authors: Li Zhongguo , Zeng Lei , Xu Yifu , Chen Jian , Yan Bin
Published: August 2016

This study proposes an improved level set method for segmenting images with intensity inhomogeneity. One of the improvements is to consider the difference between an original image and an estimated image without bias field in the image model. Apart from using this difference, Gaussian distribution with means and variance is utilised as the local intensity descriptor to map the original image into another domain so the object and the background can be better separated in the transformed domain. Then, an improved level set energy function that combines the image term, local variance, and the above difference is defined. The minimisation of the function can be processed by level set evolution. The proposed method is compared with existing methods, and experiments on both synthetic and real images demonstrate that authors’ method has superior performance.
Design of reconfigurable coplanar waveguide‐fed planar antenna for multiband multi‐input–multi‐output applications
Authors: Valizade Shahmirzadi Nooshin , Oraizi Homayoon
Published: August 2016

A new design of frequency reconfigurable planar coplanar waveguide‐fed array antenna for multiband MIMO (multi‐input–multi‐output) applications is presented in this study. The proposed two elements MIMO array antenna consists of two identical basic reconfigurable antenna elements. Each basic antenna structure consists of two quarter‐wavelength resonators and is capable of operating in WLAN (wireless area network) and WiMAX frequency bands. The centre frequencies of the operating bands are controllable independently by tuning the length of the corresponding resonators. Employing switches on the proposed structure has led to three different switchable operations [WiMAX (3.36–3.7 GHz), WLAN (5–5.8 GHz) and WiMAX and WLAN (3.17–3.77 and 5.13–5.88 GHz) simultaneously]. Moreover, by arranging the antenna elements in an orthogonal alignment in space and using polarisation diversity technique, the multipath performance of the presented MIMO antenna is improved. The fabricated reconfigurable MIMO antenna has a compact size of 48.5 × 25 mm2 while having more than 16 dB isolation level between its ports for all its various switchable performances. The measured results reveal that the proposed antenna can be a good candidate for modern multiband MIMO applications.
TOV in SMs during MMC riding through zero DC voltage fault: analysis and suppression
Authors: Hu Jiabing , Lu Maozeng , Lin Lei
Published: August 2016

A comprehensive analysis and a suppression method of sub‐modules’ (SMs’) transient over‐voltage (TOV) in a hybrid modular multilevel converter are presented, consisting of half half‐bridge SMs and half full‐bridge SMs, during riding through zero DC voltage faults. Analytical expressions of SMs’ TOV are initially explored. The relations among transient voltages of SMs in six arms with the same fault moment and those in a fixed arm with different fault moments are deduced. Furthermore, the maximum value of SMs’ transient voltages dependent on the fault moment is also presented. A suppression method using common‐mode voltage injection is proposed without sacrificing the performance of the converter on riding through zero DC voltage faults. Simulated results are provided to demonstrate the validity of the analytical results and the feasibility of the proposed suppression scheme.
DC fault ride‐through of MMCs for HVDC systems: a review
Authors: Hu Jiabing , Zeng Rong , He Zhiyuan
Published: August 2016

As the increasing penetration of modular multilevel converter (MMC)‐based high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) into bulky power transmission systems, the performance of MMC on dealing with DC faults, especially on temporary DC fault in overhead transmission lines, has been becoming more and more significant. A comprehensive overview of MMC on DC fault ride‐through (FRT) capability is discussed. Compared with DC fault blocking capability considered as a passive DC FRT strategy focusing on isolating DC fault from AC sides, the DC FRT capability emphasises remaining converters continuous operating during DC faults to regulate and support the connected AC grids. The principle and prerequisite of MMC on DC FRT are analysed, and then improved MMC topologies with DC fault handling capability are summarised and a corresponding comparison among them is conducted. Finally, applications of MMC with DC FRT capability on HVDC systems and its relative control strategies are presented.
Buckling analysis of a microbeam embedded in an elastic medium with deformable boundary conditions
Authors: Yayli Mustafa Özgür
Published: August 2016

The buckling of elastically restrained embedded microbeam under axial compression load is researched. The effects of small size, axial compression load and surrounding elastic medium are taken into account at the same time. Winkler elastic foundation approach is used to simulate the interaction between microbeam and elastic medium. Fourier sine series is employed for the simulation of microbeam deflections. A coefficient matrix is obtained with the aid of applying Stokes' transformation to corresponding boundary conditions. The buckling characteristics of elastically restrained embedded microbeams are investigated in some numerical examples. There are very good agreements between this study and the previous results indicating the validity of the presented method.
Electric characterisation of fine wires formed with capillary‐effect‐based screen‐printing
Authors: Hokari Ryohei , Kurihara Kazuma , Takada Naoki , Matsumoto Junichi , Matsumoto Sohei , Hiroshima Hiroshi
Published: August 2016

To improve the productivity of electronic devices, it is imperative to develop screen‐printing techniques that can form finer wires with a higher‐aspect ratio. The electric characteristics of conductive wires formed by the proposed screen‐printing process combined with an imprinting technique were evaluated. Fine wires with a high‐aspect ratio can be realised, owing to the capillary force of parallel‐walled structures (PWSs) on polymer films. With the proposed process, printed wires with a line width of only 7.0 µm and an aspect ratio of up to 8.6 were obtained. To optimise the shape of the PWS, the dependence of the shape of PWSs was evaluated electrically. They compared the electric resistance of wires with a width of 10 µm formed using the proposed process to that of 81 µm wires formed using a conventional process. The measured resistance was almost the same, at around 54 kΩ/mm, despite the fact that the proposed process realised wires that were an eighth of the width. By controlling the printing conditions, they confirmed that capillary‐effect‐based screen‐printing is also feasible using highly conductive ink. The resistance of a 13 µm wide printed wire achieved 3.0 Ω/mm.
Psychotherapy from the perspective of Chilean patients with schizophrenia / Psicoterapia desde la perspectiva de pacientes chilenos con esquizofrenia
Authors: Abarzúa Marianella , Silva Macarena , Navarro Daniela , Krause Mariane
Published: August 2016

While the contribution of patients’ perspectives regarding their psychotherapeutic experiences has been widely recognized, some have received less attention from research, as is the case of people with schizophrenia. This paper focuses on the subjective experience of psychotherapy in order to go more in-depth into aspects related to the therapeutic success. A study of multiple cases was carried out which included four patients who participated in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed based on the Grounded Theory. Results show that the process of psychotherapeutic change in people with schizophrenia can be understood as a progressive reintegration of the self into the biographical continuity and they contribute to understanding the meaning that psychotherapy can have for people suffering from schizophrenia.
Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in the Immunocompetent Patient—Many Questions, Some Answers
Authors: Fisher John F. , Valencia-Rey Paula A. , Davis William B.
Published: August 2016

Background.  There are no prospective data regarding the management of pulmonary cryptococcosis in the immunocompetent patient. Clinical guidelines recommend oral fluconazole for patients with mild to moderate symptoms and amphotericin B plus flucytosine followed by fluconazole for severe disease. It is unclear whether patients who have histological evidence of Cryptococcus neoformans but negative cultures will even respond to drug treatment. We evaluated and managed a patient whose presentation and course raised important questions regarding the significance of negative cultures, antifungal choices, duration of therapy, and resolution of clinical, serologic, and radiographic findings.

Methods.  In addition to our experience, to answer these questions we reviewed available case reports and case series regarding immunocompetent patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis for the last 55 years using the following definitions: Definite - Clinical and/or radiographic findings of pulmonary infection and respiratory tract isolation of C. neoformans without other suspected etiologies; Probable - Clinical and radiographic findings of pulmonary infection, histopathologic evidence of C. neoformans, and negative fungal cultures with or without a positive cryptococcal polysaccharide antigen.

Results.  Pulmonary cryptococcosis resolves in most patients with or without specific antifungal therapy. Clinical, radiographic, and serologic resolution is slow and may take years.

Conclusions.  Persistently positive antigen titers are most common in untreated patients and may remain strongly positive despite complete or partial resolution of disease. Respiratory fungal cultures are often negative and may indicate nonviable organisms.
DIABLO: from multi-omics assays to biomarker discovery, an integrative approach
Authors: Singh Amrit , Shannon Casey P. , Gautier Benoît , Rohart Florian , Vacher Michaël , Tebbutt Scott J. , Lê Cao Kim-Anh
Published: August 2016

Systems biology approaches, leveraging multi-omics measurements, are needed to capture the complexity of biological networks while identifying the key molecular drivers of disease mechanisms. We present DIABLO, a novel integrative method to identify multi-omics biomarker panels that can discriminate between multiple phenotypic groups. In the multi-omics analyses of simulated and real-world datasets, DIABLO resulted in superior biological enrichment compared to other integrative methods, and achieved comparable predictive performance with existing multi-step classification schemes. DIABLO is a versatile approach that will benefit a diverse range of research areas, where multiple high dimensional datasets are available for the same set of specimens. DIABLO is implemented along with tools for model selection, and validation, as well as graphical outputs to assist in the interpretation of these integrative analyses (http://mixomics.org/).
A confident source of hard X-rays: radiation from a tokamak applicable for runaway electrons diagnosis
Authors: Kafi M. , Salar Elahi A. , Ghoranneviss M. , Ghanbari M. R. , Salem M. K.
Published: August 2016

In a tokamak with a toroidal electric field, electrons that exceed the critical velocity are freely accelerated and can reach very high energies. These so-called `runaway electrons' can cause severe damage to the vacuum vessel and are a dangerous source of hard X-rays. Here the effect of toroidal electric and magnetic field changes on the characteristics of runaway electrons is reported. A possible technique for runaways diagnosis is the detection of hard X-ray radiation; for this purpose, a scintillator (NaI) was used. Because of the high loop voltage at the beginning of a plasma, this investigation was carried out on toroidal electric field changes in the first 5 ms interval from the beginning of the plasma. In addition, the toroidal magnetic field was monitored for the whole discharge time. The results indicate that with increasing toroidal electric field the mean energy of runaway electrons rises, and also an increase in the toroidal magnetic field can result in a decrease in intensity of magnetohydrodynamic oscillations which means that for both conditions more of these high-energy electrons will be generated.
Application of an ePix100 detector for coherent scattering using a hard X-ray free-electron laser
Authors: Sikorski Marcin , Feng Yiping , Song Sanghoon , Zhu Diling , Carini Gabriella , Herrmann Sven , Nishimura Kurtis , Hart Philip , Robert Aymeric
Published: August 2016

A prototype ePix100 detector was used in small-angle scattering geometry to capture speckle patterns from a static sample using the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) hard X-ray free-electron laser at 8.34 keV. The average number of detected photons per pixel per pulse was varied over three orders of magnitude from about 23 down to 0.01 to test the detector performance. At high average photon count rates, the speckle contrast was evaluated by analyzing the probability distribution of the pixel counts at a constant scattering vector for single frames. For very low average photon counts of less than 0.2 per pixel, the `droplet algorithm' was first applied to the patterns for correcting the effect of charge sharing, and then the pixel count statistics of multiple frames were analyzed collectively to extract the speckle contrast. Results obtained using both methods agree within the uncertainty intervals, providing strong experimental evidence for the validity of the statistical analysis. More importantly it confirms the suitability of the ePix100 detector for X-ray coherent scattering experiments, especially at very low count rates with performances surpassing those of previously available LCLS detectors.
An unprecedented binuclear cadmium dithiocarbamate adduct: bis[μ2-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-isopropylcarbamodithioato-κ3
S:S,S′]bis{[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-isopropylcarbamodithioato-κ2
S,S′](3-{(1E)-[(E)-2-(pyridin-3-ylmethylidene)hydrazin-1-ylidene]methyl}pyridine-κN)cadmium]} dihydrate
Authors: Arman Hadi D. , Poplaukhin Pavel , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: August 2016

The asymmetric unit in the title binuclear compound, [Cd(C6H12NOS2)2(C12H10N4)]2·2H2O, comprises a CdII atom, two dithiocarbamate (dtc) anions, a monodentate 3-pyridinealdazine ligand and a lattice water molecule. The binuclear molecule is constructed by the application of inversion symmetry. One dtc ligand simultaneously chelates one cadmium atom and bridges the centrosymmetric mate, while the other dtc ligand is chelating only. This leads to a centrosymmetric [Cd(dtc)2]2 core to which are appended two 3-pyridinealdazine ligands. The resulting NS5 donor set is based on an octahedron. The three-dimensional molecular packing is sustained by hydroxyl-O—H(hydroxyl) and water-O—H...O(hydroxyl) hydrogen bonding, leading to supramolecular layers parallel to (101) which are connected by water-O—H...N(pyridyl) hydrogen bonding; additional C—H...O, S π(chelate ring) interactions are also evident. The retention of the central [Cd(dtc)2]2 core upon adduct formation is unprecedented in the structural chemistry of the zinc-triad dithiocarbamates.
Crystal structure of TiBi2
Authors: Watanabe Kei , Yamane Hisanori
Published: August 2016

Black granular single crystals of monotitanium dibismuth, TiBi2, were synthesized by slow cooling of a mixture of Bi and Ti from 693 K. The title compound is isostructural with CuMg2 (orthorhombic Fddd symmetry). Ti atoms are located in square antiprisms of Bi atoms. The network of one type of Bi atom spirals along the a-axis direction while honeycomb layers of the other type of Bi atom spreading in the ab plane interlace one another.
(7R)-6-Methyl-7,9-bis(prop-2-yn-1-yl)-7H,8H,9H-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazepin-8-one
Authors: El Bakri Youness , Harmaoui Abdallah , Sebhaoui Jihad , Ramli Youssef , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: August 2016

In the title molecule, C12H11N5O, the seven-membered ring derived from triazepine adopts a boat conformation. Intermolecular C—H...N hydrogen bonds and C—H...π-ring interactions form columns of molecules parallel to theaaxis, which are further associated into the three-dimensional crystal structure by additional C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Are we all here for the same purpose? Social media and individualized collective action
Authors: Pang Natalie , Goh Debbie Pei Chin
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– Building on studies examining the role of social media in contemporary forms of collective action and social movements, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between prior informational use of social media and individualized collective action.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 220 participants were surveyed in real-time during a protest against overpopulation in Singapore.

Findings

– Social media use was significant in disseminating information about the protest, and reflecting perceived personal relevance for specific issues. The authors found mixed motivations for attending the protest, significantly shaped by social proximity to organizers and personal relevance.

Originality/value

– The authors address research gaps in the link between social media use and individualized collective action, and real-time data collection during a protest. It is often difficult to study this link, given that social media may not be always the only platform used prior to a protest by participants. The case discussed here provides a unique opportunity for this to be addressed: the protest was not publicized by local mainstream media prior to the event and social media was the only place for both activists and the public to find and disseminate information about the protest. In other words, how participants used social media had a direct and meaningful impact on their participation in the protest.
AUTISMO E POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE INCLUSÃO NO BRASIL
Authors: Guareschi Taís , Alves Marcia Doralina , Naujorks Maria Inês
Published: August 2016

No Brasil, a Política Nacional de Educação Especial na perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva, promulgada em 2008, reafirma o direito de todos os alunos frequentarem o ensino regular. A partir da publicação dessa política, os dispositivos legais que se seguiram e os demais documentos orientadores passaram a tratar mais especificamente da inclusão escolar dos alunos com autismo, tema deste trabalho. O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar como o autismo foi sendo nomeado e concebido no campo da Educação Especial, em políticas públicas nacionais e documentos publicados pelo Ministério da Educação no Brasil. Para desenvolver essa investigação utilizou‐se como metodologia a pesquisa documental, tomando como materialidade de análise políticas nacionais brasileiras e documentos orientadores publicados de 1994 a 2013. A análise empreendida é importante para problematizarmos a inclusão dos alunos com autismo, uma vez que esses documentos produzem efeitos nas políticas das instituições escolares e nas práticas pedagógicas para esses alunos.
Modeling the Highly Dynamic Loading of Mercury Species in the Carson River and Lahontan Reservoir System, Nevada
Authors: Carroll Rosemary W.H. , Warwick John J.
Published: August 2016

The semiarid Carson River — Lahontan Reservoir system in Nevada, United States is highly contaminated with mercury (Hg) from historic mining with contamination dispersed throughout channel and floodplain deposits. Work builds on previous research using a fully dynamic numerical model to outline a complete conceptualization of the system that includes transport and fate of both sorbed and dissolved constituents. Flow regimes are defined to capture significant mechanisms of Hg loading that include diffusion, channel pore water advective flux, bank erosion, and overbank deposition. Advective flux of pore water is required to reduce dilution and likely represents colloidal‐mediated transport. Fluvial concentrations span several orders of magnitude with spatial and temporal trends simulated within 10‐24% error for all modeled species. Over the simulation period, 1991‐2008, simulated loads are 582 kg/yr (THg2+), 4.72 kg/yr (DHg2+), 0.54 kg/yr (TMeHg), and 0.07 kg/yr (DMeHg) with bank erosion processes the principal mechanism of loading for both total and dissolved species. Prediction error in the reservoir is within one‐order of magnitude and considered qualitative; however, simulated results indicate internal cycling within the receiving reservoir accounts for only 1% of the reservoir's water column contamination, with river channel sediment sources more influential in the upper reservoir and bank erosion processes having greater influence in the lower reservoir.
Treatment interruption during radiation therapy: Experience at a single institution in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lee Jung Ae , Lee Nam Kwon , Yoon Won Sup , Yang Dae Sik , Kim Chul Yong , Lee Se Ryun , Seong Hwa Jeong
Published: August 2016

Aim

Our study analyzed the frequency and causes of treatment interruption among patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT).

Methods

A total of 1637 RT courses in 1500 patients were reviewed from September 2009 to October 2013. A continuous break over 7 days or a discontinuous break over 14 days was regarded as a temporary break and RT under 80% of planned treatment was regarded as incomplete.

Results

Two‐hundred and twenty courses (13.4%) with treatment interruption were identified. Half of the patients received RT with a definitive aim, and the other half for palliative care. Completion after temporary break, near completion and incompletion were noticed in 12.3%, 21.3%, and 66.4% of cases, respectively. Among patients with a definite aim, thorax (19.2%) and abdomen (16.3%) had a higher interruption rate. For brain and bone with a palliative aim, the frequency of interruption was about 16%. Old age and worse performance negatively affected interruption. The most common cause of treatment interruption was cancer progression including death (30%) and the next was treatment‐related side effects (23.1%).

Conclusion

About 13% of RT cases were interrupted. Two third of patients received less than 80% of the planned RT. To improve RT completion rate, multidirectional efforts are needed.
Suspicion in the workplace: Organizational conspiracy theories and work‐related outcomes
Authors: Douglas Karen M. , Leite Ana C.
Published: August 2016

Belief in conspiracy theories about societal events is widespread and has important consequences for political, health, and environmental behaviour. Little is known, however, about how conspiracy theorizing affects people's everyday working lives. In the present research, we predicted that belief in conspiracy theories about the workplace would be associated with increased turnover intentions. We further hypothesized that belief in these organizational conspiracy theories would predict decreased organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Finally, we hypothesized that these factors would mediate the relationship between organizational conspiracy theories and turnover intentions. In three studies (one correlational and two experiments, Ns = 209, 119, 202), we found support for these hypotheses. The current studies therefore demonstrate the potentially adverse consequences of conspiracy theorizing for the workplace. We argue that managers and employees should be careful not to dismiss conspiracy theorizing as harmless rumour or gossip.
AVCpred: an integrated web server for prediction and design of antiviral compounds
Authors: Qureshi Abid , Kaur Gazaldeep , Kumar Manoj
Published: August 2016

Viral infections constantly jeopardize the global public health due to lack of effective antiviral therapeutics. Therefore, there is an imperative need to speed up the drug discovery process to identify novel and efficient drug candidates. In this study, we have developed quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR)‐based models for predicting antiviral compounds (AVCs) against deadly viruses like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), human herpesvirus (HHV) and 26 others using publicly available experimental data from the ChEMBL bioactivity database. Support vector machine (SVM) models achieved a maximum Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.72, 0.74, 0.66, 0.68, and 0.71 in regression mode and a maximum Matthew's correlation coefficient 0.91, 0.93, 0.70, 0.89, and 0.71, respectively, in classification mode during 10‐fold cross‐validation. Furthermore, similar performance was observed on the independent validation sets. We have integrated these models in the AVCpred web server, freely available at http://crdd.osdd.net/servers/avcpred. In addition, the datasets are provided in a searchable format. We hope this web server will assist researchers in the identification of potential antiviral agents. It would also save time and cost by prioritizing new drugs against viruses before their synthesis and experimental testing.
“Don't Rubbish Our Town”: “Anti‐Social Behaviour” and Indigenous‐Settler Forms of Belonging in Alice Springs, Central Australia
Authors: OTTOSSON ÅSE
Published: August 2016

Many Australian indigenous‐settler towns experience public disorder involving indigenous people. Through focussing on indigenous experiences, scholars mostly explain this in terms of structural inequality and divisions between the two categories of indigenous and non‐indigenous. Based on field‐research in Alice Springs, Central Australia, the article explores how the debate about “anti‐social behaviour” mediates contested sets of values that do not map onto an indigenous/non‐indigenous division. The author argues for an expansion of conceptual models and field approaches to account for the more complex patterns of diverging and converging interests in contemporary indigenous‐settler towns. By foregrounding place‐specific forms of belonging she reveals new forms of difference, as well as shared values, both within and across indigenous and non‐indigenous segments of the town population. [Indigenous‐Settler Towns; Belonging; Anti‐Social Behaviour; Alice Springs; Central Australia]
Elevated nitric oxide levels associated with hepatic cell apoptosis during liver injury
Authors: Liu Hui , Li Qian , Wang Ying , Hong Huimin , Chen Mengting , Wang Yingyi , Hong Fenfang , Yang Shulong
Published: August 2016

Hepatic injury is a major event in liver surgery such as liver transplantation and it always leads to hepatic cell apoptosis. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling regulation molecule. Many researchers have shown that increased NO level can influence liver cell apoptosis by promoting or inhibiting the relative signaling pathways that are involved in the caspase family, Bax/Bcl‐2, mitochondria, oxidative stress, death receptors, and mitogen‐activated protein kinases. Elucidating the relationships between NO and hepatic cell apoptosis is necessary for ameliorating prognosis of liver surgery. This article reviews the newest research progress in the relationships between higher NO levels and hepatic cell apoptosis in liver injury.
Mapping the Landscape of Future Research Themes in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Wieland Andreas , Handfield Robert B. , Durach Christian F.
Published: August 2016

Supply chain researchers are confronted with a dizzying array of research questions, many of which are not mutually independent. This research was motivated by the need to map the landscape of research themes, identify potential overlapping areas and interactions, and provide guidelines on areas of focus for researchers to pursue. We conducted a three‐phase research study, beginning with an open‐ended collection of opinions on research themes collected from 102 supply chain management (SCM) researchers, followed by an evaluation of a consolidated list of themes by 141 SCM researchers. These results were then reviewed by 10 SCM scholars. Potential interactions and areas of overlap were identified, classified, and integrated into a compelling set of ideas for future research in the field of SCM. We believe these ideas provide a forward‐looking view on those themes that will become important, as well as those that researchers believe should be focused on. While areas of research deemed to become most important include big data and analytics, the most under‐researched areas include efforts that target the “people dimension” of SCM, ethical issues and internal integration. The themes are discussed in the context of current developments that the authors believe will provide a valuable foundation for future research.
Copulatory plugs inhibit the reproductive success of rival males
Authors: Mangels R. , Tsung K. , Kwan K. , Dean M. D.
Published: August 2016

Ejaculated proteins play important roles in reproductive fitness. In many species, seminal fluid coagulates and forms what has been referred to as a copulatory plug in the female's reproductive tract. In mice, previous work demonstrated that knockout males missing a key seminal fluid protein were unable to form a plug and less successful at siring litters in noncompetitive matings (one female, one male), probably the result of reduced sperm transport or insufficient stimulation of the female. Here, we extend these previous studies to competitive matings (one female, two males) and make two key insights. First, when first males were unable to form a plug, they lost almost all paternity to second males to mate. Thus, the copulatory plugs of second males could not rescue the reduced fertility of first males. Second, we showed that the copulatory plug of first males effectively blocked fertilization by second males, even if first males were vasectomized. Taken together, our experiments demonstrated that first males lost almost all paternity if they never formed a plug. We discuss our results in the context of natural populations, where in spite of the strong effects seen here, pregnant female mice regularly carry litters fertilized by more than one male.
Cryptic Caribbean species of Scorpaena (Actinopterygii: Scorpaeniformes) suggested by cytogenetic and molecular data
Authors: Nirchio M. , Oliveira C. , Siccha‐Ramirez Z. R. , Sene V. F. , Sánchez‐Romero O. R. , Ehemann N. R. , Milana V. , Rossi A. R. , Sola L.
Published: August 2016

Cytogenetic and molecular analyses enabled identification of two cytotypes among individuals of the spotted scorpion fish Scorpaena plumieri from Margarita Island, Venezuela. Cytotype 1 was characterized by 48 subtelo‐acrocentric chromosomes and fundamental number (number of chromosome arms; FN) equalled 48, while cytotype 2 was characterized by two metacentric and 46 subtelo‐acrocentric chromosomes and FN was 50. These cytotypes also differed in the location of the ribosomal gene clusters and in the distribution of the constitutive heterochromatin. Moreover, fish from the cytotypes 1 and 2 were found to belong to distinct mitochondrial lineages. The presence of two S. plumieri cytotypes from two lineages separated by high genetic distance suggests that they correspond to sympatric cryptic species.
Asset Pricing without Garbage
Authors: KROENCKE TIM A.
Published: August 2016

This paper provides an explanation for why garbage implies a much lower relative risk aversion in the consumption‐based asset pricing model than National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA) consumption expenditure: Unlike garbage, NIPA consumption is filtered to mitigate measurement error. I apply a simple model of the filtering process that allows one to undo the filtering inherent in NIPA consumption. “Unfiltered NIPA consumption” well explains the equity premium and is priced in the cross‐section of stock returns. I discuss the likely properties of true consumption (i.e., without measurement error and filtering) and quantify implications for habit and long‐run risk models.
TIOtropium Safety and Performance In Respimat® (TIOSPIRTM): Analysis of Asian cohort of COPD patients
Authors: Zhong Nanshan , Moon Hwa S. , Lee Kwan H. , Mahayiddin Aziah A. , Boonsawat Watchara , Isidro Marie G.D. , Bai ChunXue , Mueller Achim , Metzdorf Norbert , Anzueto Antonio
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

The TIOtropium Safety and Performance In Respimat (TIOSPIR) trial showed similar safety and exacerbation efficacy profiles for tiotropium Respimat and HandiHaler in patients with COPD. The TIOSPIR results for patients in Asia are presented here.

Methods

TIOSPIR evaluated once‐daily tiotropium Respimat 5 and 2.5 µg with HandiHaler 18 µg in patients with COPD. Primary endpoints included time to death and time to first COPD exacerbation. Safety and exacerbation efficacy profiles were determined for the Asian region, and for Asia (all treatment arms pooled) versus the rest of the world (RoW).

Results

In Asia (n = 2356), time to death was similar for Respimat 5 and 2.5 µg versus HandiHaler 18 µg (hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI): 0.96 (0.67, 1.38) and 1.23 (0.87, 1.73)). Risk of COPD exacerbation was similar for Respimat 5 µg, but increased for 2.5 µg versus HandiHaler 18 µg (HR (95% CI): 0.99 (0.85, 1.15) and 1.17 (1.00, 1.35)). Time to death in Asia and RoW was similar (HR (95% CI): 1.15 (0.99, 1.35)). Time to first COPD exacerbation was longer (HR (95% CI): 0.84 (0.78, 0.89)) and exacerbation rates were lower in Asia, but severe exacerbations were more frequent than in the RoW. Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events was similar for both regions.

Conclusion

Similar safety and exacerbation efficacy profiles were observed for tiotropium Respimat 5 µg and HandiHaler 18 µg in patients with COPD from Asia, analogous to the global analysis. Asian patients had lower risk of, and fewer exacerbations overall, but a higher proportion of severe exacerbations than in the RoW.
Why are we Still Dialyzing Overdoses to Tricyclic Antidepressants? A subanalysis of the NPDS database
Authors: Lavergne Valery , Hoffman Robert S. , Mowry James B. , Cormier Monique , Gosselin Sophie , Roberts Darren M. , Ghannoum Marc
Published: August 2016

A recent analysis of the American Association of Poison Control Centers database, showed that poisonings from toxins not usually considered amenable to extracorporeal purification (“non‐classic toxins” such as ethanol and tricyclic antidepressants) continue to be reported. This publication investigates factors that may explain these findings. Our results suggest that: 1) the relatively high absolute number of ECTR performed for non‐classic toxins may simply reflect the large number of exposures to these toxins, 2) poisoning from another toxin may have been the reason for ECTR initiation in some exposures to non‐classic toxins, 3) poisoning from non‐classic toxins may receive ECTR for purposes other than toxin removal, and 4) the decisional threshold to initiate ECTR may be lower for non‐classic toxins because of heightened toxicity.
Exploring Human Cognition Using Large Image Databases
Authors: Griffiths Thomas L. , Abbott Joshua T. , Hsu Anne S.
Published: August 2016

Most cognitive psychology experiments evaluate models of human cognition using a relatively small, well‐controlled set of stimuli. This approach stands in contrast to current work in neuroscience, perception, and computer vision, which have begun to focus on using large databases of natural images. We argue that natural images provide a powerful tool for characterizing the statistical environment in which people operate, for better evaluating psychological theories, and for bringing the insights of cognitive science closer to real applications. We discuss how some of the challenges of using natural images as stimuli in experiments can be addressed through increased sample sizes, using representations from computer vision, and developing new experimental methods. Finally, we illustrate these points by summarizing recent work using large image databases to explore questions about human cognition in four different domains: modeling subjective randomness, defining a quantitative measure of representativeness, identifying prior knowledge used in word learning, and determining the structure of natural categories.
How do we manage blood product support in the massively hemorrhaging obstetric patient?
Authors: O'Brien Kerry L. , Uhl Lynne
Published: August 2016

Obstetric hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal mortality with more than 140,000 deaths annually worldwide. Abnormal placentation has increased to become the most common diagnosis requiring massive blood transfusion in obstetrics, with uterine atony a close second. At our institution, as well as nationwide, there has been a steady increase in pregnancies complicated by abnormal placentation, including accreta, increta, and percreta. Providers at our facility created the New England Center for Placental Disorders in May 2015 to address these complex patients. The incidence of accreta has actually increased 10‐fold over the past 50 years, becoming the most common reason for cesarean hysterectomy in highly industrialized countries. The most common risk factor for accreta is repeat cesarean sections, particularly those with associated placenta previa. Contemporary cesarean section rates have risen, with more than 1.2 million women having had a cesarean section in the United States in 2014. We present a case vignette of a multiparous woman presenting with heavy vaginal bleeding at 30 weeks' gestation with imaging concerning for placenta accreta and possible percreta. We describe our approach to the management of these complicated patients.
Benefits of Adding a Rapid PCR-Based Blood Culture Identification Panel to an Established Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
Authors: MacVane Shawn H. , Nolte Frederick S.
Published: August 2016

Studies have demonstrated that the combination of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) and rapid organism identification improves outcomes in bloodstream infections (BSI) but have not controlled for the incremental contribution of the individual components. Hospitalized adult patients with blood culture pathogens on a rapid, multiplex PCR-based blood culture identification panel (BCID) that included 19 bacterial species, 5
Candida
spp., and 4 antimicrobial resistance genes were studied over sequential time periods in a pre-post quasiexperimental study in 3 groups in the following categories: conventional organism identification (controls), conventional organism identification with ASP (AS), and BCID with ASP (BCID). Clinical and economic outcomes were compared between groups. There were 783 patients with positive blood cultures; of those patients, 364 (115 control, 104 AS, and 145 BCID) met inclusion criteria. The time from blood culture collection to organism identification was shorter in the BCID group (17 h;
P
< 0.001) than in the control group (57 h) or the AS group (54 h). The BCID group had a shorter time to effective therapy (5 h;
P
< 0.001) than the control group (15 h) or AS group (13 h). The AS (57%) and BCID (52%) groups had higher rates of antimicrobial de-escalation than the control group (34%), with de-escalation occurring sooner in the BCID group (48 h;
P
= 0.034) than in the AS group (61 h) or the control group (63 h). No difference between the control group, AS group, and BCID group was seen with respect to mortality, 30-day readmission, intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), postculture LOS, or costs. In patients with BSI, ASP alone improved antimicrobial utilization. Addition of BCID to an established ASP shortened the time to effective therapy and further improved antimicrobial use compared to ASP alone, even in a setting of low antimicrobial resistance rates.
Molecular Microbiological Profile of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media
Authors: Neeff Michel , Biswas Kristi , Hoggard Michael , Taylor Michael W. , Douglas Richard
Published: August 2016

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) presents with purulent otorrhea (ear discharge), is characterized by chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid cavity, and contributes to a significant disease burden worldwide. Current antibiotic therapy is guided by swab culture results. In the absence of detailed molecular microbiology studies of CSOM patients, our current understanding of the microbiota of CSOM (and indeed of the healthy ear) remains incomplete. In this prospective study, 24 patients with CSOM were recruited, along with 22 healthy controls. Culture-based techniques and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were used to profile the bacterial community for each patient. Comparisons between patients with and without cholesteatoma in the middle ear and mastoid cavity were also made. A major finding was that the middle ear of many healthy controls was not sterile, which is contradictory to the results of previous studies. However, sequencing data showed that
Staphylococcus aureus
, along with a range of other Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, were present in all subgroups of CSOM and healthy controls. Large interpatient variability in the microbiota was observed within each subgroup of CSOM and controls, and there was no bacterial community “signature” which was characteristic of either health or disease. Comparisons of the culture results with the molecular data show that culture-based techniques underestimate the diversity of bacteria found within the ear. This study reports the first detailed examination of bacterial profiles of the ear in healthy controls and patients with CSOM.
Protective Effects of Glutamine Antagonist 6-Diazo-5-Oxo-l-Norleucine in Mice with Alphavirus Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Manivannan Sivabalan , Baxter Victoria K. , Schultz Kimberly L. W. , Slusher Barbara S. , Griffin Diane E.
Published: August 2016

Inflammation is a necessary part of the response to infection but can also cause neuronal injury in both infectious and autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). A neurovirulent strain of Sindbis virus (NSV) causes fatal paralysis in adult C57BL/6 mice during clearance of infectious virus from the CNS, and the virus-specific immune response is implicated as a mediator of neuronal damage. Previous studies have shown that survival is improved in T-cell-deficient mice and in mice with pharmacological inhibition of the inflammatory response and glutamate excitotoxicity. Because glutamine metabolism is important in the CNS for the generation of glutamate and in the immune system for lymphocyte proliferation, we tested the effect of the glutamine antagonist DON (6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine) on the outcome of NSV infection in mice. DON treatment for 7 days from the time of infection delayed the onset of paralysis and death. Protection was associated with reduced lymphocyte proliferation in the draining cervical lymph nodes, decreased leukocyte infiltration into the CNS, lower levels of inflammatory cytokines, and delayed viral clearance.In vitrostudies showed that DON inhibited stimulus-induced proliferation of lymphocytes. Whenin vivotreatment with DON was stopped, paralytic disease developed along with the inflammatory response and viral clearance. These studies show that fatal NSV-induced encephalomyelitis is immune mediated and that antagonists of glutamine metabolism can modulate the immune response and protect against virus-induced neuroinflammatory disease.

IMPORTANCEEncephalomyelitis due to infection with mosquito-borne alphaviruses is an important cause of death and of long-term neurological disability in those who survive infection. This study demonstrates the role of the virus-induced immune response in the generation of neurological disease. DON, a glutamine antagonist, inhibited the proliferation of lymphocytes in response to infection, prevented the development of brain inflammation, and protected mice from paralysis and death during treatment. However, because DON inhibited the immune response to infection, clearance of the virus from the brain was also prevented. When treatment was stopped, the immune response was generated, brain inflammation occurred, virus was cleared, and mice developed paralysis and died. Therefore, more definitive treatment for alphaviral encephalomyelitis should inhibit virus replication as well as neuroinflammatory damage.
Cross-sectional study exploring barriers to adverse drug reactions reporting in community pharmacy settings in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Amin Mohammad Nurul , Khan Tahir Mehmood , Dewan Syed Masudur Rahman , Islam Mohammad Safiqul , Moghal Mizanur Rahman , Ming Long Chiau
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To assess community pharmacists'/pharmacy technicians' knowledge and perceptions about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and barriers towards the reporting of such reactions in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Method

A cross-sectional study was planned to approach potential respondents for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was delivered to community pharmacists/pharmacy technicians (N=292) practising in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Results

The overall response to the survey was 69.5% (n=203). The majority of the sample was comprised of pharmacy technicians (152, 74.9%) who possessed a diploma in pharmacy, followed by pharmacists (37, 18.2%) and others (12, 5.9%). Overall, 72 (35.5%) of the respondents disclosed that they had experienced an ADR at their pharmacy, yet more than half (105, 51.7%) were not familiar with the existence of an ADR reporting body in Bangladesh. Exploring the barriers to the reporting of ADRs, it was revealed that the top four barriers to ADR reporting were ‘I do not know how to report (Relative Importance Index (RII)=0.998)’, ‘reporting forms are not available (0.996)’, ‘I am not motivated to report (0.997)’ and ‘Unavailability of professional environment to discuss about ADR (RII=0.939)’. In addition to these, a majority (141, 69.46%) were not confident about the classification of ADRs (RII=0.889) and were afraid of legal liabilities associated with reporting ADRs (RII=0.806). Moreover, a lack of knowledge about pharmacotherapy and the detection of ADRs was another major factor hindering their reporting (RII=0.731).

Conclusions

The Directorate of Drug Administration in Bangladesh needs to consider the results of this study to help it improve and simplify ADR reporting in Bangladeshi community pharmacy settings.