bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decentralised fault‐tolerant finite‐time control for a class of interconnected non‐linear systems
Authors: Hua Changchun , Li Yafeng , Wang Hongbin , Guan Xinping
Published: September 2015

This study investigates decentralised fault‐tolerant finite‐time stabilisation problem for a class of interconnected non‐linear systems with gain fault in each actuator. Each subsystem of the interconnected system is with lower‐triangular structure. In the procedure of controller design, unknown faults of the system are eliminated via robust control technology. Then, based on finite‐time Lyapunov stability theorem and recursive design algorithm, decentralised state feedback controller is proposed to guarantee global finite‐time stabilisation of the interconnected system. Finally, two simulation examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Super‐resolution reconstruction based on multisource bidirectional similarity and non‐local similarity matching
Authors: Liang Meiyu , Du Junping , Cao Shouxin , Li Linghui
Published: September 2015

A novel super‐resolution (SR) reconstruction algorithm based on multisource bidirectional similarity and non‐local similarity matching for multi‐exposure dynamic image sequences is proposed in this study. First, luminance compensation for multi‐exposure dynamic images is implemented based on multisource bidirectional similarity. Then, combining a self‐adaptive regional correlation evaluation strategy and a weighting strategy based on pseudo‐Zernike moment feature similarity and structural similarity yields a novel and robust non‐local similarity matching scheme (PZ‐NSM) to learn non‐local similarity priors between low‐ and high‐resolution dynamic image patches at different spatio‐temporal scales without additional training. Finally, SR reconstruction is implemented based on PZ‐NSM and spatio‐temporal trans‐scale fusion of non‐local similarities between dynamic images. The proposed algorithm does not rely on accurate estimation of subpixel motion and can therefore be adapted to more complex motion patterns. It has high rotation invariance effectiveness and is robust to noise and illumination. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing algorithms in terms of both subjective and objective evaluations.
Corona segmentation for nighttime brake light detection
Authors: Alpar Orcan
Published: September 2015

Brake light detection of front cars has become a very important issue in safety of transport systems in recent years. As an adjunct component of automatic braking or warning systems, recognition and discrimination of the brake lights using vehicle‐mounted cameras provides early warning to avoid rear‐end collisions for the vehicles. Therefore in this paper a single camera‐based segmentation method is introduced for detecting the brake lights in nighttime cruising and discriminating them from the other lights, such as tail lights and turn lights. Basically, a novel system is put forward for discriminating brake lights which is initialised with capturing the frames of front car having the tail lights on, with a mounted camera. Subsequent to acquisition, image enhancement is applied to frames for whitening the red corona and darkening the rest including the centre of the light sources. Region of interests are determined using the cumulative contrast differences as well as rear light positions with calculation of white and black pixel ratios in coronas. Yet, the tail lights have the approximately same ratio for all distances, ratios of the brake lights are significantly high, resulting in discrimination of brake lights from others, for the vehicles cruising in the dark.
Interpretation of adjoint sensitivity analysis for shape optimal design of electromagnetic systems
Authors: Lee Hyang‐beom , Ida Nathan
Published: September 2015

An interpretation of the meaning of the adjoint system and its variable, as used in the process of shape optimal design of electro‐magnetic systems with sensitivity analysis is introduced. Sensitivity formulae for the discrete and continuum approach are compared and the meaning of the adjoint system is discussed. The adjoint system simplifies sensitivity calculations, and provides the link between the objective function and design variables.
Population structure in a wide-ranging coastal teleost (Argyrosomus japonicus, Sciaenidae) reflects marine biogeography across southern Australia
Authors: Barnes Thomas C. , Junge Claudia , Myers Steven A. , Taylor Mathew D. , Rogers Paul J. , Ferguson Greg J. , Lieschke Jason A. , Donnellan Stephen C. , Gillanders Bronwyn M.
Published: September 2015

Population structure in marine teleosts is often investigated to aid conservation and fisheries management (e.g. to assess population structure to inform restocking programs). We assessed genetic population structure of the important estuary-associated marine fish, mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus), within Australian waters and between Australia and South Africa. Genetic variation was investigated at 13 polymorphic microsatellite markers. FST values and Bayesian estimates in STRUCTURE suggested population differentiation of mulloway within Australia and confirm strong differentiation between South Africa and Australia. The 12 Australian sample sets fell into one of four spatially separated genetic clusters. Initially, a significant signal of isolation-by-distance (IBD) was evident among Australian populations. However, further investigation by decomposed-pairwise-regression (DPR) suggested five sample sets were influenced more by genetic-drift, rather than gene-flow and drift equilibrium, as expected in strong IBD cases. Cryptic oceanographic and topographical influences may isolate mulloway populations from south-western Australia. The results demonstrate that DPR is suitable to assess population structure of coastal marine species where barriers to gene flow may be less obvious than in freshwater systems. Information on the relative strengths of gene flow and genetic drift facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary forces that lead to population structure, which in turn informs fisheries and assists conservation management. Large-bodied predatory scale-fish may be under increasing pressure on a global scale, owing to a variety of anthropogenic reasons. In southern Australia, the iconic sciaenid A. japonicus (mulloway, jewfish or kob) is no exception. Despite the species supporting important fisheries, much of its ecology is poorly understood. It is possible that a greater understanding of their genetic population structure can help ensure a sustainable future for the only southern Australian sciaenid.
Akt1/protein kinase B enhances transcriptional reprogramming of fibroblasts to functional cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhou Huanyu , Dickson Matthew E. , Kim Min Soo , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric N.
Published: September 2015

Significance

After a heart attack, millions to billions of cardiomyocytes are lost. Because the adult mammalian heart possesses little regenerative potential, a precipitous loss of cardiac function ensues. Patients with heart failure could benefit from repopulating injured areas of the heart with functional cardiomyocytes. To date, cellular transplantation has been therapeutically unsuccessful. Direct lineage reprogramming offers a new approach to repopulate cardiomyocytes in the heart. We report here that addition of Akt1 to our established (GHMT) reprogramming cocktail dramatically enhances the generation of cardiomyocytes from fibroblasts. Our findings provide insights into the molecular basis of cardiac reprogramming.
English syllabic consonants vs. schwa at discourse level
Authors: Arboleda Inmaculada de Jesús , Monroy Rafael
Published: September 2015

This is a perceptual study on the production of English syllabic consonants vs. schwa in word final position at discourse level. It is intended to find out whether the speaker’s gender, accent, speech rate and emphasis placed upon words have any bearing on the production of this alternation. The effect the aforementioned factors may have on the production of this apparently anarchic phonetic alternation demands further exploration (see, however, O’Shaughnessy, 1981; Byrd, 1994; Wells, 1995; Töft, 2002). The informants for this study were 80 non-rhotic native newsreaders (40 males and 40 females) taken from theBBC learning English website(2009). Three female listeners not knowledgeable about the purposes of the study had to decide whether they perceived a syllabic consonant in certain words (800 overall) or not. Results show that there is a statistically significant relationship between each of these factors and the production of English syllabic consonants vs. schwa.
Spanish pre-service teachers of English
Authors: Barrios Elvira
Published: September 2015

This study examined patterns of perceived strategy use among prospective Spanish primary teachers of English and the relationship between those strategies and the prospective teachers’ English proficiency. A total of 116 student teachers were administered the Oxford’s Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) version 7.0 (ESL/EFL). The Oxford Placement Test was used to obtain a measure of proficiency in English. Descriptive statistics, apost hocthematic analysis and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the participants were medium-to-high strategy users overall and that they reported using metacognitive strategies and those relating to understanding most frequently, while memory and affective strategies were used least frequently. According to the self-reported study data, the most frequently-used individual strategy involved paying attention to language whereas the least-used strategy involved writing down feelings in a learning diary. Findings indicate a generally low correlation between strategy group scores and English proficiency. In addition, there is no significant correlation between the SILL and proficiency scores; however, when the low-use strategies are not computed for the measure of frequency of language learning strategy use, a significant positive correlation is found between self-reported frequency of strategy use and proficiency.
Conceptual complexity in metaphorical resemblance operations revisited
Authors: Galera Masegosa Alicia , Iza Erviti Aneider
Published: September 2015

The present article is concerned with the analysis of so-called metaphoric resemblance operations. Our corpus of animal metaphors, as representative of resemblance metaphors, reveals that there are complex cognitive operations other than simple one-correspondence mappings that are necessary to understand the interpretation process of the selected expressions (which include metaphor and simile). We have identified a strong underlying situational component in many of the examples under scrutiny, which requires the metonymic expansion of the metaphoric source. Additionally, metaphoric amalgams (understood as the combination of the conceptual material from two or more metaphors) and high-level metonymy in interaction with low-level metaphor are also essential for the analysis of animal metaphors.
Una experiencia de enseñanza combinada en un curso universitario de español/L2
Authors: López Pérez Maria Victoria , Bueno-Alastuey María Camino
Published: September 2015

This article evaluates the way 46 students of a university ‘Spanish as a second language’ blended course used the virtual resources available for learning language and culture, and the students’ ratings of the contribution of those technological resources and tools to their learning. Results showed students perceived vocabulary, cultural contents, grammar and receptive skills as the ones benefitting the most from the use of technologies. The students also mentioned many of the strengths and weaknesses of the blended learning methodology, which have already been mentioned by other authors. Our analysis may serve as empirical evidence for the design of courses based on this model.
Effect of textual enhancement on idioms
Authors: Salazar Campillo Patricia
Published: September 2015

The present study aimed at investigating the impact of textual enhancement on the comprehension of transparent and opaque English idioms among Spanish lower-intermediate students studying English as a foreign language. Two short texts including visually enhanced idioms (i.e., they were underlined) were designed for the Experimental Group, and the Control Group received an unenhanced version of the texts. The results reveal that textual enhancement made transparent idioms salient enough for them to have an impact on comprehension; however, underlining had a poorer effect on comprehension as far as opaque idioms are concerned. In addition, we aimed at examining the effect of textual enhancement on the noticing of idioms. Findings show that it did not have a positive effect on recognition of idioms, since the Control Group outperformed the Experimental Group in the multiple-choice task.
Prominencia estructural y prominencia fonética en el funcionamiento de la memoria fonológica a corto plazo
Authors: Vares González Elena
Published: September 2015

It seems that children are born with sophisticated abilities to perceive speech sounds. Phonological short-term memory plays a key role in the process of language acquisition in the storage of unknown phonological forms while more permanent representations are stored in the long-term memory.

In this paper we present the results of a study on the influence of two factors in the short-term memory: the degree of perceptibility (phonetic prominence) and the type of syllable structure (structural prominence) of the stimuli used. The results showed a larger influence of the latter at the expense of the amount of phonetic substance. This reinforces the importance of the role of syllabic structure in the early stages of language acquisition, used as a clue for learning the stress rules on speech and, subsequently, in the process of learning how to read.
Overproximity. L’inconsistance de la frontière entre protagoniste et prochain dans les romans d’Amélie Nothomb
Authors: Alvares Cristina
Published: September 2015

The paper focus on the ‘scénario-type’ of Amélie Nothomb’s novels, which consists in a dialectic confrontation between the Protagonist and the Neighbor. This confrontation dramatizes what Slavoj Zizek calls overproximity which is the effect and the sign of the inconsistency of the symbolic order in contemporary societies. In Nothomb’s novels, the Protagonist has to handle the massive and unbearable presence of the Neighbor threatening its subjective structure. With Jacques Lacan, Slavoj Zizek and René Girard, we propose an interpretation of the ontological and ethical meanings of the necessary border between the Protagonist and the Neighbor in the novels of the most popular Belgian writer. The suppression and the resurgence of the border are understood in the larger framework of the antinomic tension between desire and enjoyment (jouisance), which affects the stability of the subjective and social structures.
Physical limits on kinesin-5–mediated chromosome congression in the smallest mitotic spindles
Authors: McCoy Kelsey M. , Tubman Emily S. , Claas Allison , Tank Damien , Clancy Shelly Applen , O’Toole Eileen T. , Berman Judith , Odde David J.
Published: September 2015

A characteristic feature of mitotic spindles is the congression of chromosomes near the spindle equator, a process mediated by dynamic kinetochore microtubules. A major challenge is to understand how precise, submicrometer-scale control of kinetochore micro­tubule dynamics is achieved in the smallest mitotic spindles, where the noisiness of microtubule assembly/disassembly will potentially act to overwhelm the spatial information that controls microtubule plus end–tip positioning to mediate congression. To better understand this fundamental limit, we conducted an integrated live fluorescence, electron microscopy, and modeling analysis of the polymorphic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, which contains one of the smallest known mitotic spindles (<1 μm). Previously, ScCin8p (kinesin-5 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was shown to mediate chromosome congression by promoting catastrophe of long kinetochore microtubules (kMTs). Using C. albicans yeast and hyphal kinesin-5 (Kip1p) heterozygotes ( KIP1/kip1∆), we found that mutant spindles have longer kMTs than wild-type spindles, consistent with a less-organized spindle. By contrast, kinesin-8 heterozygous mutant ( KIP3/kip3∆) spindles exhibited the same spindle organization as wild type. Of interest, spindle organization in the yeast and hyphal states was indistinguishable, even though yeast and hyphal cell lengths differ by two- to fivefold, demonstrating that spindle length regulation and chromosome congression are intrinsic to the spindle and largely independent of cell size. Together these results are consistent with a kinesin-5–mediated, length-dependent depolymerase activity that organizes chromosomes at the spindle equator in C. albicans to overcome fundamental noisiness in microtubule self-assembly. More generally, we define a dimensionless number that sets a fundamental physical limit for maintaining congression in small spindles in the face of assembly noise and find that C. albicans operates very close to this limit, which may explain why it has the smallest known mitotic spindle that still manifests the classic congression architecture.
Phosphorylation of the Scc2 cohesin deposition complex subunit regulates chromosome condensation through cohesin integrity
Authors: Woodman Julie , Hoffman Matthew , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Hansen Kirk C. , Megee Paul C.
Published: September 2015

The cohesion of replicated sister chromatids promotes chromosome biorientation, gene regulation, DNA repair, and chromosome condensation. Cohesion is mediated by cohesin, which is deposited on chromosomes by a separate conserved loading complex composed of Scc2 and Scc4 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although it is known to be required, the role of Scc2/Scc4 in cohesin deposition remains enigmatic. Scc2 is a phosphoprotein, although the functions of phosphorylation in deposition are unknown. We identified 11 phosphorylated residues in Scc2 by mass spectrometry. Mutants of SCC2 with substitutions that mimic constitutive phosphorylation retain normal Scc2–Scc4 interactions and chromatin association but exhibit decreased viability, sensitivity to genotoxic agents, and decreased stability of the Mcd1 cohesin subunit in mitotic cells. Cohesin association on chromosome arms, but not pericentromeric regions, is reduced in the phosphomimetic mutants but remains above a key threshold, as cohesion is only modestly perturbed. However, these scc2 phosphomimetic mutants exhibit dramatic chromosome condensation defects that are likely responsible for their high inviability. From these data, we conclude that normal Scc2 function requires modulation of its phosphorylation state and suggest that scc2 phosphomimetic mutants cause an increased incidence of abortive cohesin deposition events that result in compromised cohesin complex integrity and Mcd1 turnover.
Cordon bleu promotes the assembly of brush border microvilli
Authors: Grega-Larson Nathan E. , Crawley Scott W. , Erwin Amanda L. , Tyska Matthew J.
Published: September 2015

Microvilli are actin-based protrusions found on the surface of diverse cell types, where they amplify membrane area and mediate interactions with the external environment. In the intestinal tract, these protrusions play central roles in nutrient absorption and host defense and are therefore essential for maintaining homeostasis. However, the mechanisms controlling microvillar assembly remain poorly understood. Here we report that the multifunctional actin regulator cordon bleu (COBL) promotes the growth of brush border (BB) microvilli. COBL localizes to the base of BB microvilli via a mechanism that requires its proline-rich N-terminus. Knockdown and overexpression studies show that COBL is needed for BB assembly and sufficient to induce microvillar growth using a mechanism that requires functional WH2 domains. We also find that COBL acts downstream of the F-BAR protein syndapin-2, which drives COBL targeting to the apical domain. These results provide insight into a mechanism that regulates microvillar growth during epithelial differentiation and have significant implications for understanding the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.
RNF: a general framework to evaluate NGS read mappers
Authors: Břinda Karel , Boeva Valentina , Kucherov Gregory
Published: September 2015

Motivation: Read simulators combined with alignment evaluation tools provide the most straightforward way to evaluate and compare mappers. Simulation of reads is accompanied by information about their positions in the source genome. This information is then used to evaluate alignments produced by the mapper. Finally, reports containing statistics of successful read alignments are created.

In default of standards for encoding read origins, every evaluation tool has to be made explicitly compatible with the simulator used to generate reads.

Results: To solve this obstacle, we have created a generic format Read Naming Format (Rnf) for assigning read names with encoded information about original positions. Futhermore, we have developed an associated software package RnfTools containing two principal components. MIShmash applies one of popular read simulating tools (among DwgSim, Art, Mason, CuReSim, etc.) and transforms the generated reads into Rnf format. LAVEnder evaluates then a given read mapper using simulated reads in Rnf format. A special attention is payed to mapping qualities that serve for parametrization of Roc curves, and to evaluation of the effect of read sample contamination.

Availability and implementation: RnfTools: http://karel-brinda.github.io/rnftools Spec. of Rnf: http://karel-brinda.github.io/rnf-spec

Contact:  karel.brinda@univ-mlv.fr
Feminist Theory
Authors: Disch Lisa , Hawkesworth Mary
Published: September 2015

This chapter introduces readers to feminist theory as a multifaceted and multi-sited project, not a bounded field. Grounded in the political struggles for women’s empowerment that have emerged in all regions of the world and convinced of the arbitrariness of exclusion based on sexual difference, feminist theory has flourished as a mode of critical theory that illuminates the limitations of popular assumptions about sex, race, sexuality, and gender. This introduction identifies three common characteristics of feminist theory projects in the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries: (1) efforts to denaturalize that which passes for difference, (2) efforts to challenge the aspiration to produce universal and impartial knowledge, and (3) efforts to engage the complexity of power relations through intersectional analysis. It sets the stage for the principal aim of this Handbook: to demonstrate how feminist theory is crucial to grasping the power dynamics operating in contemporary life.
Law in the Ottoman Empire
Authors: Gerber Haim
Published: September 2015

This article examines Ottoman law within the context of Islamic law. It first considers the fetva (Arabic, fatwa) collections as important sources shedding light on Ottoman law and their relation to kadi rulings, along with the methodological problems besetting the kadi court records as a historical source. It frames research on Ottoman law by drawing upon Max Weber, analyzing the extent to which the formal shari‘a was actually practiced in the Ottoman Empire. It considers recent research on the regulation of sexual relations and the punishment of crime. Finally, it explores the status and role of the kadi in the adjudication and professionalization of the Ottoman judiciary.
The Ambivalence of Catholic Politics in Latin America
Authors: Edmonds Amy
Published: September 2015

The Catholic Church in Latin America has played far-reaching and diverse roles in the political sphere. In the 1970s and 1980s, Catholic leaders used the Church’s prestige and its considerable resources to defend human rights and promote democratic transitions in several countries; in the modern democratic context the Church has facilitated action on social justice issues such as land reform, inequality, and the rights of the indigenous. Yet it has also defended authoritarian regimes and thwarted laws lessening restrictions on abortion and gay rights. This chapter surveys divergent Catholic responses to the challenges of authoritarianism and modernization and synthesizes the explanations for these distinctive political paths into three categories of causal variables: ideology, organizational interests, and institutional arrangements. Interests and ideology strongly influence political agendas, but their content and meaning depend on the specific institutional relations among the Church, state, and society.
At the Limits of Rhetoric
Authors: Türk Johannes
Published: September 2015

This chapter analyzes the systematic relationship of Carl Schmitt’s oeuvre to rhetoric, arguing that his work cannot be detached from its engagement in a simultaneously metaphysical and historical polemic. The encounter between history and metaphysics manifests in the dimension of the commonplace. Schmitt’s contributions to political theory can be understood as attempts to shift the commonplaces through which his time defines itself. Tracing the influence of Schmitt’s early literary criticism on his legal writing, the chapter demonstrates that for him, literature is a school of rhetoric, an exemplary dimension in more than one sense: it is a normative, ethical, and stylistic authority. While Schmitt’s books are contributions to specific legal, political, and critical discourse, they also claim to contribute to the great and urgent concerns of a community. This dimension inherits the genus grande and places his oeuvre at the limits of rhetoric.
Bantu Syntax
Authors: van der Wal Jenneke
Published: September 2015

This chapter provides an overview of the common syntactic features as well as the syntactic microvariation found in the Bantu languages. It particularly highlights the importance of information structure for the analysis of morphosyntax in this language family: word order, valency, voice, tense-aspect marking, subject and object marking can all be influenced and affected by the information structure expressed in the sentence. The chapter furthermore shows how Bantu languages, despite their shared basic SVO word order, noun classes and extensive verbal morphology, display a remarkable variation in the conditions determining agreement relations and word order. This has influenced syntactic theory formation in the past and should continue to do so now that more data and analyses of Bantu syntactic phenomena become available.
Sexual offenders
Authors: Lussier Patrick , Brassard Vicky
Published: September 2015

Sex offending has been considered an adultlike criminological phenomenon requiring adult-focused measures and interventions. Since the 1990s, growing concerns regarding youth involved in sexual offenses led to the importation of inappropriate repressive adult-focused policies to respond to the emerging issue of juvenile sexual offending. In fact, However, these repressive measures are based on misperceptions, myths, and unsubstantiated claims about sexual offending and have been shown to be ineffective in reducing sexual recidivism rates and Longitudinal studies on the development of crime and delinquency have enabled description of the sexual offending across life stages. This chapter reviews current knowledge of the development of sexual offending by using a criminal career approach while examining parameters such as prevalence, onset, frequency, continuity, and desistance from sexual offending. The criminal career perspective is a fruitful avenue to guide policy development for the prevention of sexual offending with evidence-based information that recognizes developmental differences between adolescents and adults.
Early Modern Anabaptist Theologies
Authors: Bach Jeff
Published: September 2015

The Anabaptist movement emerged in multiple locations in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands beginning in 1525, with multiple leaders. Adult baptism was one characteristic originally common to all Anabaptist groups. Most Anabaptists emphasized the importance of the gathered, visible church with congregational discipline, while a few prioritized inward individual spiritual experience. Most Anabaptists were pacifists, with only a few exceptions. Three groups survived into the seventeenth century: the Swiss Brethren, the Mennonites in the Netherlands and northern Germany, and the communal Hutterites in Moravia. They were pacifists and were Christocentric and Biblicist in grounding their faith and following Christ’s teachings.
Orthodox Influences on Early Modern Western Theologies
Authors: Roeber A. G.
Published: September 2015

This chapter explores the limited impact of Orthodox theology upon early modern Catholic and Protestant writers who found selected aspects of the Orthodox tradition useful in polemical exchanges. By examining ecclesiology, ecclesial discipline, liturgical and sacramental piety, and the role of monasticism and mysticism within the Orthodox tradition, one can glimpse a limited and declining impact of these theological components of Orthodoxy upon early modern Western Christianity. Of necessity, one must also distinguish geographical regions of contact and conflict between the Orthodox and their Western counterparts. Since after 1453 most of the Orthodox world, with the singular exception of Russia, could only engage in limited theological exposition or engagement, what exchanges did occur did so between unequal partners. By the late eighteenth century, both Catholic and Protestant interest in Orthodox theology suffered eclipse as Western Christianity confronted the implications of various forms of Enlightenment thought.
Ultrasound Improves Cricothyrotomy Success in Cadavers with Poorly Defined Neck Anatomy
Authors: Siddiqui Naveed , Arzola Cristian , Friedman Zeev , Guerina Laarni , You-Ten Kong Eric
Published: September 2015

AbstractAbstract

This is the first study systematically assessing whether ultrasound guidance can reduce the complications associated with cricothyrotomy performed in human cadaver. The incidence of injuries to the larynx and trachea during ultrasoundguided cricothyrotomy was significantly lower compared with conventional digital palpation technique (25 vs. 74%), whereas the insertion time was significantly longer with ultrasound than with digital palpation (196 vs. 110 s). Results of this study suggest that ultrasound guidance of the cricothyroid membrane and neck landmarks should be performed before airway management, particularly in patients with difficult palpable neck landmarks and difficult airways.

Background

Misidentification of the cricothyroid membrane in a “cannot intubate-cannot oxygenate” situation can lead to failures and serious complications. The authors hypothesized that preprocedure ultrasound-guided identification of the cricothyroid membrane would reduce complications associated with cricothyrotomy.

Methods

A group of 47 trainees were randomized to digital palpation (n = 23) and ultrasound (n = 24) groups. Cricothyrotomy was performed on human cadavers by using the Portex® device (Smiths Medical, USA). Anatomical landmarks of cadavers were graded as follows: grade 1—easy = visual landmarks; 2—moderate = requires light palpation of landmarks; 3—difficult = requires deep palpation of landmarks; and 4—impossible = landmarks not palpable. Primary outcome was the complication rate as measured by the severity of injuries. Secondary outcomes were correct device placement, failure to cannulate, and insertion time.

Results

Ultrasound guidance significantly decreased the incidence of injuries to the larynx and trachea (digital palpation: 17 of 23 = 74% vs. ultrasound: 6 of 24 = 25%; relative risk, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.39 to 5.94; P = 0.001) and increased the probability of correct insertion by 5.6 times (P = 0.043) in cadavers with difficult and impossible landmark palpation (digital palpation 8.3% vs. ultrasound 46.7%). Injuries were found in 100% of the grades 3 to 4 (difficult–impossible landmark palpation) cadavers by digital palpation compared with only 33% by ultrasound (P < 0.001). The mean (SD) insertion time was significantly longer with ultrasound than with digital palpation (196.1 s [60.6 s] vs. 110.5 s [46.9 s]; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Preprocedure ultrasound guidance in cadavers with poorly defined neck anatomy significantly reduces complications and improves correct insertion of the airway device in the cricothyroid membrane.
Spinal IL-33/ST2 Signaling Contributes to Neuropathic Pain via Neuronal CaMKII–CREB and Astroglial JAK2–STAT3 Cascades in Mice
Authors: Liu Shenbin , Mi Wen-Li , Li Qian , Zhang Meng-Ting , Han Ping , Hu Shan , Mao-Ying Qi-Liang , Wang Yan-Qing
Published: September 2015

AbstractAbstract

Blocking or genetically deleting the interleukin-33 receptor ST2 greatly diminished allodynia in a spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain. Interleukin-33 works through the calcium–calmodulin-dependent kinase II–cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element–binding protein and janus kinase 2–signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways to enhance N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit 1 expression and support allodynia in this model.

Background

Emerging evidence indicates that nerve damage–initiated neuroinflammation and immune responses, which are evidenced by the up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines, contribute to the development of neuropathic pain. This study investigated the role of spinal interleukin (IL)-33 and its receptor ST2 in spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain.

Methods

The von Frey test and acetone test were performed to evaluate neuropathic pain behaviors (n = 8 to 12), and Western blot (n = 4 to 6), immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (n = 5), and Bio-Plex (n = 5) assays were performed to understand the molecular mechanisms.

Results

Intrathecal administration of ST2-neutralizing antibody or ST2 gene knockout (ST2−/−) significantly attenuated the SNI-induced mechanical and cold allodynia. On the 7th day after SNI, the expression of spinal IL-33 and ST2 was increased by 255.8 ± 27.3% and 266.4 ± 83.5% (mean ± SD), respectively. Mechanistic studies showed that the increased expression of the spinal N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit 1 after SNI was reduced by ST2 antibody administration or ST2−/−. The induction of nociceptive behaviors in naive mice due to recombinant IL-33 was reversed by the noncompetitive NMDA antagonist MK-801. ST2 antibody administration or ST2−/− markedly inhibited the increased activation of the astroglial janus kinase 2 (JAK2)–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) cascade and the neuronal calcium–calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII)–cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element–binding protein (CREB) cascade after SNI. Moreover, intrathecal pretreatment with the CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 or the JAK2–STAT3 cascade inhibitor AG490 attenuated recombinant IL-33-induced nociceptive behaviors and NMDA subunit 1 up-regulation in naive mice.

Conclusion

Spinal IL-33/ST2 signaling contributes to neuropathic pain by activating the astroglial JAK2–STAT3 cascade and the neuronal CaMKII–CREB cascade.
The Nature of Foot Ray Deficiency in Congenital Fibular Deficiency
Authors: Reyes Bryan A. , Birch John G. , Hootnick David R. , Cherkashin Alex M. , Samchukov Mikhail L.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Absent lateral osseous structures in congenital fibular deficiency, including the distal femur and fibula, have led some authors to refer to the nature of foot ray deficiency as “lateral” as well. Others have suggested that the ray deficiency is in the central portion of the midfoot and forefoot.

We sought to determine whether cuboid preservation and/or cuneiform deficiency in the feet of patients with congenital fibular deficiency implied that the ray deficiency is central rather than lateral in patients with congenital fibular deficiency.

Methods:

We identified all patients with a clinical morphologic diagnosis of congenital fibular deficiency at our institution over a 15-year period. We reviewed the records and radiographs of patients who had radiographs of the feet to allow determination of the number of metatarsals, the presence or absence of a cuboid or calcaneocuboid fusion, the number of cuneiforms present (if possible), and any other osseous abnormalities of the foot. We excluded patients with 5-rayed feet, those who had not had radiographs of the feet, or whose radiographs were not adequate to allow accurate assessment of these radiographic features. We defined the characteristic “lateral (fifth) ray present” if there was a well-developed cuboid or calcaneocuboid coalition with which the lateral-most preserved metatarsal articulated.

Results:

Twenty-six patients with 28 affected feet met radiographic criteria for inclusion in the study. All affected feet had a well-developed cuboid or calcaneocuboid coalition. The lateral-most ray of 25 patients with 26 affected feet articulated with the cuboid or calcaneocuboid coalition. One patient with bilateral fibular deficiency had bilateral partially deficient cuboids, and the lateral-most metatarsal articulated with the medial remnant of the deformed cuboids. Twenty-one of 28 feet with visible cuneiforms had 2 or 1 cuneiform.

Conclusions:

Although the embryology and pathogenesis of congenital fibular deficiency remain unknown, based on the radiographic features of the feet in this study, congenital fibular deficiency should not be viewed as a global “lateral lower-limb deficiency” nor the foot ray deficiency as “lateral.”

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—prognostic study.
Concurrent Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement and Coronary Artery Bypass via Limited Right Anterior Thoracotomy
Authors: Lewis Clifton T. P. , Stephens Richard L. , Cline Jennifer L. , Tyndal Charles M.
Published: September 2015

An 89-year-old man and an 80-year-old woman were treated surgically for critical aortic stenosis secondary to senile calcific aortic disease and high-grade calcified lesions in the ostium of the right coronary artery. Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and concurrent coronary artery bypass grafting were performed concurrently through a 5-cm right anterior thoracotomy in the second intercostal space. Surgery was uncomplicated in both cases, with no adverse events. Both patients were alive and well at midterm follow-up. Concurrent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting can be performed successfully through a limited right anterior thoracotomy.
Endoscopic Resection of a Giant Left Atrial Appendage
Authors: Ruttkay Tamas , Scheid Michael , Gotte Julia , Doll Nicolas
Published: September 2015

A 23-year-old woman with a history of arterial hypertension presented to our institution complaining of dyspnea and chest pain. Her workup including echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an aneurysm of the left atrial appendage. No thrombus was identified in the aneurysm or left atrial appendage, and the patient was in sinus rhythm. She was started on prophylactic anticoagulation, and surgical resection of the aneurysm was recommended as a definitive treatment of this lesion. The surgery was performed using a minimally invasive left-sided thoracoscopy approach. The entire left atrial appendage including the aneurysm was removed at its base using an articulating endoscopic stapler device. On postoperative echocardiography, no residual left atrial appendage tissue was evident. The patient could be taken off oral anticoagulation and left the hospital in good condition.
In-Graft Endovascular Stenting Repair for Supravalvular Stenosis from Aortic Rupture after Balloon-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Furukawa Nobuyuki , Scholtz Werner , Haas Nikolaus , Ensminger Stephan , Gummert Jan , Börgermann Jochen
Published: September 2015

An 81-year-old man with high-grade aortic valve stenosis and status post-coronary artery bypass grafting and supracoronary replacement of the ascending aorta was referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. He was in New York Heart Association class III and had dyspnea. After appropriate screening, we implanted a 29-mm SAPIEN XT valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA USA) through a transapical approach because of severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Postinterventional aortography revealed correct positioning and function of the valve and free coronary ostia but contrast extravasation in the vicinity of the interposed vascular prosthesis, resulting in severe luminal narrowing. We chose to manage the stenosis with an endovascular stent. After stenting, extravascular compression was markedly reduced, and the pressure gradient disappeared. The patient was discharged home on the 20th postoperative day. Three months later, computed tomography depicted correct positioning of both grafts. The patient's general health is good, and he is now in New York Heart Association class II. This case illustrates a complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation specific for patients with an ascending aortic graft. Although stenting may be a good solution, as depicted by this case, self-expanding transcatheter aortic valves should be preferred in patients with ascending aortic grafts to avoid the described complication.
Parannular Elliptical Posterior Resection: A Low-Impact Reparative Technique for Mitral Valve Prolapse
Authors: Da Col Uberto , Perticoni Simone , Ramoni Enrico
Published: September 2015

Objective

Although effective, Carpentier technique for mitral regurgitation presents two “Achille's heel”: the resection of the whole prolapsing section of posterior mitral leaflet (PML) including chordae tendinae and the annular distortion due to plication. An alternative technique of limited PML resection, which preserves mitral anatomy decreasing the impact on valve function, and 9-year outcome are presented.

Methods

Since April 2005 till March 2014, of 205 patients affected by mitral prolapse scheduled for repair (mitral valve repair), 54 patients have been included in the study. The rationale of the new technique was to limit PML resection to achieve a fair reduction of the prolapsing scallop(s) height, to avoid leaflet and annular distortion, and to spare the coaptation surface and other substantial structures. According to the observation that the posterior smooth zone of PML is quite free from chordal insertions, an elliptical slice of tissue was resected from this area. Annuloplasty and neochordal insertion when indicated completed the procedure.

Results

Up to 9 years of follow-up was 98% complete. One inhospital death, two late noncardiac deaths, one redo operation due to endocarditis were reported. On late follow-up, 92% patients were on New York Heart Association class I. Late echocardiography showed stability of repair (regurgitation grade of ≤1 in 92% of patients). Nearly two third of valves preserved good PML mobility.

Conclusions

The parannular elliptical posterior leaflet resection, providing excellent stable midterm results, seems to be a safe alternative method for repair of PML prolapse. It avoids distortion and weakening of annulus and leaflet, and it allows restoring a proper coaptation surface and maintains a satisfactory PML motion.
GYM score: 30-day mortality predictive model in elderly patients attended in the emergency department with infection
Authors: González del Castillo Juan , Escobar-Curbelo Luis , Martínez-Ortíz de Zárate Mikel , Llopis-Roca Ferrán , García-Lamberechts Jorge , Moreno-Cuervo Álvaro , Fernández Cristina , Martín-Sánchez Francisco Javier
Published: September 2015

Objective

To determine the validity of the classic sepsis criteria or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and leukocyte count) and the modified sepsis criteria (systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria plus glycemia and altered mental status), and the validity of each of these variables individually to predict 30-day mortality, as well as develop a predictive model of 30-day mortality in elderly patients attended for infection in emergency departments (ED).

Methods

A prospective cohort study including patients at least 75 years old attended in three Spanish university ED for infection during 2013 was carried out. Demographic variables and data on comorbidities, functional status, hemodynamic sepsis diagnosis variables, site of infection, and 30-day mortality were collected.

Results

A total of 293 patients were finally included, mean age 84.0 (SD 5.5) years, and 158 (53.9%) were men. Overall, 185 patients (64%) fulfilled the classic sepsis criteria and 224 patients (76.5%) fulfilled the modified sepsis criteria. The all-cause 30-day mortality was 13.0%. The area under the curve of the classic sepsis criteria was 0.585 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.488–0.681; P=0.106], 0.594 for modified sepsis criteria (95% CI: 0.502–0.685; P=0.075), and 0.751 (95% CI: 0.660–0.841; P<0.001) for the GYM score (Glasgow <15; tachYpnea>20 bpm; Morbidity–Charlson index ≥3) to predict 30-day mortality, with statistically significant differences (P=0.004 and P<0.001, respectively). The GYM score showed good calibration after bootstrap correction, with an area under the curve of 0.710 (95% CI: 0.605–0.815).

Conclusion

The GYM score showed better capacity than the classic and the modified sepsis criteria to predict 30-day mortality in elderly patients attended for infection in the ED.
Unreliable numbers: error and harm induced by bad design can be reduced by better design
Authors: Thimbleby Harold , Oladimeji Patrick , Cairns Paul
Published: September 2015

Number entry is a ubiquitous activity and is often performed in safety- and mission-critical procedures, such as healthcare, science, finance, aviation and in many other areas. We show that Monte Carlo methods can quickly and easily compare the reliability of different number entry systems. A surprising finding is that many common, widely used systems are defective, and induce unnecessary human error. We show that Monte Carlo methods enable designers to explore the implications of normal and unexpected operator behaviour, and to design systems to be more resilient to use error. We demonstrate novel designs with improved resilience, implying that the common problems identified and the errors they induce are avoidable.
Modelling the species jump: towards assessing the risk of human infection from novel avian influenzas
Authors: Hill A. A. , Dewé T. , Kosmider R. , Von Dobschuetz S. , Munoz O. , Hanna A. , Fusaro A. , De Nardi M. , Howard W. , Stevens K. , Kelly L. , Havelaar A. , Stärk K.
Published: September 2015

The scientific understanding of the driving factors behind zoonotic and pandemic influenzas is hampered by complex interactions between viruses, animal hosts and humans. This complexity makes identifying influenza viruses of high zoonotic or pandemic risk, before they emerge from animal populations, extremely difficult and uncertain. As a first step towards assessing zoonotic risk of influenza, we demonstrate a risk assessment framework to assess the relative likelihood of influenza A viruses, circulating in animal populations, making the species jump into humans. The intention is that such a risk assessment framework could assist decision-makers to compare multiple influenza viruses for zoonotic potential and hence to develop appropriate strain-specific control measures. It also provides a first step towards showing proof of principle for an eventual pandemic risk model. We show that the spatial and temporal epidemiology is as important in assessing the risk of an influenza A species jump as understanding the innate molecular capability of the virus. We also demonstrate data deficiencies that need to be addressed in order to consistently combine both epidemiological and molecular virology data into a risk assessment framework.