bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Regularization in Background and Foreground Modeling
Authors: Wang Si-Qi , Feng Xiang-Chu
Published: August 2014

Background and foreground modeling is a typical method in the application of computer vision. The current general “low-rank + sparse” model decomposes the frames from the video sequences into low-rank background and sparse foreground. But the sparse assumption in such a model may not conform with the reality, and the model cannot directly reflect the correlation between the background and foreground either. Thus, we present a novel model to solve this problem by decomposing the arranged data matrixDinto low-rank backgroundLand moving foregroundM. Here, we only need to give the priori assumption of the background to be low-rank and let the foreground be separated from the background as much as possible. Based on this division, we use a pair of dual norms, nuclear norm and spectral norm, to regularize the foreground and background, respectively. Furthermore, we use a reweighted function instead of the normal norm so as to get a better and faster approximation model. Detailed explanation based on linear algebra about our two models will be presented in this paper. By the observation of the experimental results, we can see that our model can get better background modeling, and even simplified versions of our algorithms perform better than mainstream techniques IALM and GoDec.
Is There a Gender Difference in Fat Distribution around the Hamstring Tendon Insertion? A Prospective MRI Evaluation of 40 Cases
Authors: Ahearn Nathanael , Howells Nick R. , Williams James L.
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Knee ligament reconstructions are commonly performed using hamstring tendon grafts. We observed anecdotally that there was a difference in the fat distribution superficial to the pes anserinus between men and women and proposed that this effect was independent of BMI, being significantly greater in women. Methods. We performed a prospective study to evaluate 40 MRI scans performed in 20 women and 20 men. The scans allowed visualisation of the insertion of the hamstring tendons at the pes anserinus. Results. The mean BMI of the male patients was 25.6 (19.8–37.2) and of the female patients was 24.7 (17.9–34.5). The mean fat distribution superficial to the pes anserinus in men was 16.2 mm (4.1–29.4) and in women was 29.7 mm (19.6–47.5). There was a significant increase in fat superficial to the hamstring tendons in women compared with men (P<0.001), despite no significant difference in BMI (P=0.5). Conclusions. Our evaluation of a prospective series of MRI scans has shown that there is significantly more fat superficial to the insertion of the hamstring tendons in women than in men. This effect is independent of BMI and may influence exposure during hamstring tendon graft harvesting.
VEGF Genetic Polymorphisms May Contribute to the Risk of Diabetic Nephropathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Li , Yuan Quan , Cao Ning , Guo Wei , Yao Li , Feng Jiang-Min , Ma Jian-Fei , Wang Li-Ning
Published: August 2014

Objective. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate a comprehensive and reliable conclusion on the correlations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene with the risk of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods. We screened PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, CINAHL, Google Scholar, CBM, and CNKI databases for those relevant studies that investigated the association of 14,945 subjects with clinicopathological parameters in gastric cancer. Results. Eleven case-control studies that met all inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 14,945 subjects were involved, including 3,049 DN patients and 11,896 DM patients. Our meta-analysis results revealed that VEGF rs2010963 and rs3025039 polymorphisms might contribute to the risk of DN in DM patients. Ethnicity-stratified analysis suggested that VEGF genetic polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of DN among Asians. However, we found no correlations of VEGF genetic polymorphisms with susceptibility to DN among Caucasians. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that VEGF rs2010963 and rs3025039 polymorphisms may contribute to the risk of DN in DM patients, especially among Asians. Thus, VEGF genetic polymorphisms could be useful biomarkers for early diagnosis of DN in DM patients.
Effectiveness of Posaconazole in Recalcitrant Fungal Keratitis Resistant to Conventional Antifungal Drugs
Authors: Altun A. , Kurna S. A. , Sengor T. , Altun G. , Olcaysu O. O. , Aki S. F. , Simsek M. H.
Published: August 2014

Purpose. To present the success of posaconazole in two cases with recalcitrant fugal keratitis that were resistant to conventional antifungal drugs.Method. We presented two cases that were treated with posaconazole after the failure of fluconazole or voriconazole, amphotericin B, and natamycin therapy. Case 1 was a 62-year-old man with a history of ocular trauma. He had been using topical fluorometholone and tobramycin. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was hand motion. He had 5.0 × 4.5 mm area of deep corneal ulcer with stromal infiltration. Case 2 was a 14-year-old contact lens user. He had been using topical moxifloxacin, tobramycin, and cyclopentolate. His BCVA was 20/200. He had a 4.0 × 3.0 mm area of pericentral corneal ulcer with deep corneal stromal infiltration and 2 mm hypopyon.Results. Both patients initially received systemic and topical fluconazole or voriconazole and amphotericin B and topical natamycin that were all ineffective. But the response of posaconazole was significant. After posaconazole, progressive improvement was seen in clinical appearance. BCVA improved to 20/100 in case 1 and 20/40 in case 2.Conclusion. Posaconazole might be an effective treatment option for recalcitrant fusarium keratitis and/or endophthalmitis resistant to conventional antifungal drugs.
Tracking Pedestrians across Multiple Microcells Based on Successive Bayesian Estimations
Authors: Taniguchi Yoshiaki , Sasabe Masahiro , Watanabe Takafumi , Nakano Hirotaka
Published: August 2014

We propose a method for tracking multiple pedestrians using a binary sensor network. In our proposed method, sensor nodes are composed of pairs of binary sensors and placed at specific points, referred to as gates, where pedestrians temporarily change their movement characteristics, such as doors, stairs, and elevators, to detect pedestrian arrival and departure events. Tracking pedestrians in each subregion divided by gates, referred to as microcells, is conducted by matching the pedestrian gate arrival and gate departure events using a Bayesian estimation-based method. To improve accuracy of pedestrian tracking, estimated pedestrian velocity and its reliability in a microcell are used for trajectory estimation in the succeeding microcell. Through simulation experiments, we show that the accuracy of pedestrian tracking using our proposed method is improved by up to 35% compared to the conventional method.
Study on Compatibility of Polymer Hydrodynamic Size and Pore Throat Size for Honggang Reservoir
Authors: Yin Dan-Dan , Li Yi-Qiang , Chen Bingchun , Zhang Hui , Liu Bin , Chang Qingle , Li Yanyue
Published: August 2014

Long core flow experiment was conducted to study problems like excessive injection pressure and effective lag of oil wells during the polymer flooding in Honggang reservoir in Jilin oilfield. According to the changes in viscosity and hydrodynamic dimensions before and after polymer solution was injected into porous media, the compatibility of polymer hydrodynamic dimension and the pore throat size was studied in this experiment. On the basis of the median of radiusRof pore throats in rocks with different permeability, dynamic light scattering method (DLS) was adopted to measure the hydrodynamic size Rh of polymer solution with different molecular weights. The results state that three kinds of 1500 mg/L concentration polymer solution with 2000 × 104, 1500 × 104, and 1000 × 104molecular weight matched well with the pore throat in rocks with permeability of 300 mD, 180 mD, and 75 mD in sequence. In this case, the ratios of core pore throat radius median to the size of polymer molecular clewR/Rhare 6.16, 5.74, and 6.04. For Honggang oil reservoir in Jilin, when that ratio ranges from 5.5 to 6.0, the compatibility of polymer and the pore structure will be relatively better.
Collapsing Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Tariq Hassan , Rafiq Arsalan , Franchin Giovanni
Published: August 2014

We present a case of a 36-year-old female from Ghana who presented with atypical chest pain and shortness of breath and was found to have bilateral transudative pleural effusion and trivial pericardial effusion. Further work-up revealed serological markers consistent with active lupus and negative HIV. She developed rapid deterioration of her renal function requiring dialysis. Her renal biopsy showed collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, consistent with lupus nephritis class II along with tubular degenerative changes. She was started on high dose steroids and later on mycophenolate mofetil. Her renal function slowly recovered to baseline.
Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Lentil Byproduct on Performance and Oxidative Stability of Eggs in Laying Quail
Authors: Çabuk Metin , Eratak Serdar , Basmacioğlu Malayoğlu Hatice
Published: August 2014

One hundred and sixty-eight 11-week-old laying quails(Coturnix coturnix japonica)were fed one of the following three diets: (1) control: basal diet with no lentil(Lens culinaris L.)byproduct; (2) inclusion of 10% lentil byproduct; (3) inclusion of 20% lentil byproduct. In the recent years, colour sorting machines are used in order to separate red lentils according to their colours. The goal is to select the items which are discoloured, not as ripe as required, or still with hull even after dehulling of lentil seed. During the sorting, a new byproduct called “sorting byproduct” leftover is obtained. The byproduct is cleaner and is of a higher quality than other lentil byproducts. This experiment was conducted to study the effects of the inclusion of different levels of lentil byproduct on laying quail performance. The experimental treatment included 10% or 20% lentil byproduct in the diet, and this was fed to quails aged between 11 and 22 weeks. The inclusion of 10% and 20% levels of lentil byproduct in the diet significantly increased egg production, but feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected. Egg weight decreased significantly following the inclusion of 20% lentil byproduct. The inclusion of lentil byproduct in the diet increased the deposition of yellow yolk pigments and decreased malonaldehyde formation in the yolk.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of IL-37b in Children with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Deng Li , Chen Yanqiu , Sun Changzhi , Wang Jie , Zhou Lifeng , Li Huabin , Luo Renzhong
Published: August 2014

Background. Interleukin-37 (IL-37), a newly described member of IL-1family, functioned as a fundamental inhibitor of innate inflammatory and immune responses, especially its isoform IL-37b.Objective. This study was undertaken to evaluate the expression and regulation of IL-37b in children with allergic rhinitis (AR).Methods. Forty children with AR and twenty-five normal controls were included. The relationship between IL-37b and Th1/2 cytokines production in serum and nasal lavage was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were purified for in vitro regulation experiment of IL-37b. Intranasal mometasone furoate was given in AR children and IL-37b change after one-month treatment was detected using ELISA.Results. We observed significantly decreased IL-37b expression levels in both serum and nasal lavage compared to controls. IL-37b was negatively correlated with Th2 cytokines. Our results also showed that IL-37b downregulated Th2 cytokine expressed by PBMCs and this modulation was through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. We also found that intranasal mometasone furoate therapy can promote nasal IL-37b expression.Conclusion. IL-37b may be involved in Th2 cytokine regulation in AR and its expression was related to the efficacy of intranasal steroid therapy.
An Improved Method for Sizing Standalone Photovoltaic Systems Using Generalized Regression Neural Network
Authors: Khatib Tamer , Elmenreich Wilfried
Published: August 2014

In this research an improved approach for sizing standalone PV system (SAPV) is presented. This work is an improved work developed previously by the authors. The previous work is based on the analytical method which faced some concerns regarding the difficulty of finding the model’s coefficients. Therefore, the proposed approach in this research is based on a combination of an analytical method and a machine learning approach for a generalized artificial neural network (GRNN). The GRNN assists to predict the optimal size of a PV system using the geographical coordinates of the targeted site instead of using mathematical formulas. Employing the GRNN facilitates the use of a previously developed method by the authors and avoids some of its drawbacks. The approach has been tested using data from five Malaysian sites. According to the results, the proposed method can be efficiently used for SAPV sizing whereas the proposed GRNN based model predicts the sizing curves of the PV system accurately with a prediction error of 0.6%. Moreover, hourly meteorological and load demand data are used in this research in order to consider the uncertainty of the solar energy and the load demand.
The Regulation of Inflammatory Pathways and Infectious Disease of the Cervix by Seminal Fluid
Authors: Adefuye Anthonio , Katz Arieh Anthony , Sales Kurt Jason
Published: August 2014

The connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the consequent sequelae which establishes cervical neoplastic transformation and invasive cervical cancer has redefined many aspects of cervical cancer research. However there is still much that we do not know. In particular, the impact of external factors, like seminal fluid in sexually active women, on pathways that regulate cervical inflammation and tumorigenesis, have yet to be fully understood. HPV infection is regarded as the initiating noninflammatory cause of the disease; however emerging evidence points to resident HPV infections as drivers of inflammatory pathways that play important roles in tumorigenesis as well as in the susceptibility to other infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Moreover there is emerging evidence to support a role for seminal fluid, in particular, the inflammatory bioactive lipids, and prostaglandins which are present in vast quantities in seminal fluid in regulating pathways that can exacerbate inflammation of the cervix, speed up tumorigenesis, and enhance susceptibility to HIV infection. This review will highlight some of our current knowledge of the role of seminal fluid as a potent driver of inflammatory and tumorigenic pathways in the cervix and will provide some evidence to propose a role for seminal plasma prostaglandins in HIV infection and AIDS-related cancer.
Detailed Shoulder MRI Findings in Manual Wheelchair Users with Shoulder Pain
Authors: Morrow Melissa M. B. , Van Straaten Meegan G. , Murthy Naveen S. , Braman Jonathan P. , Zanella Elia , Zhao Kristin D.
Published: August 2014

Shoulder pain and pathology are common in manual wheelchair (MWC) users with paraplegia, and the biomechanical mechanism of injury is largely unknown. Establishing patterns of MRI characteristics in MWC users would help advance understanding of the mechanical etiology of rotator cuff disease, thus improving the logic for prescribed interventions. The purpose of this study was to report detailed shoulder MRI findings in a sample of 10 MWC users with anterolateral shoulder pain. The imaging assessments were performed using our standardized MRI Assessment of the Shoulder (MAS) guide. The tendon most commonly torn was the supraspinatus at the insertion site in the anterior portion in either the intrasubstance or articular region. Additionally, widespread tendinopathy, CA ligament thickening, subacromial bursitis, labral tears, and AC joint degenerative arthrosis and edema were common. Further reporting of detailed shoulder imaging findings is needed to confirm patterns of tears in MWC users regarding probable tendon tear zone, region, and portion. This investigation was a small sample observational study and did not yield data that can define patterns of pathology. However, synthesis of detailed findings from multiple studies could define patterns of pathological MRI findings allowing for associations of imaging findings to risk factors including specific activities.
Exploiting Visibility Information in Surface Reconstruction to Preserve Weakly Supported Surfaces
Authors: Jancosek Michal , Pajdla Tomas
Published: August 2014

We present a novel method for 3D surface reconstruction from an input cloud of 3D points augmented with visibility information.
We observe that it is possible to reconstruct surfaces that do not contain input points. Instead of modeling the surface from input points, we model free space from visibility information of the input points. The complement of the modeled free space is considered full space. The surface occurs at interface between the free and the full space. We show that under certain conditions a part of the full space surrounded by the free space must contain a real object also when the real object does not contain any input points; that is, an occluder reveals itself through occlusion. Our key contribution is the proposal of a new interface classifier that can also detect the occluder interface just from the visibility of input points. We use the interface classifier to modify the state-of-the-art surface reconstruction method so that it gains the ability to reconstruct weakly supported surfaces. We evaluate proposed method on datasets augmented with different levels of noise, undersampling, and amount of outliers. We show that the proposed method outperforms other methods in accuracy and ability to reconstruct weakly supported surfaces.
Research on Nonlinear Dynamics of Drive Mode inZ-Axis Silicon Microgyroscope
Authors: Xu Lu , Li Hongsheng , Liu Jia , Ni Yunfang , Huang Libin
Published: August 2014

A novel drive method is proposed to increase the vibration amplitude of drive mode of silicon vibratory gyroscopes based on the nonlinear dynamics research made in this paper. A nonlinear dynamic equation, considering the nonlinear mechanical-elastic and electrostatic force, was firstly deduced according to the simplified structure schematic of drive mode. Then, experiments were made to characterize the nonlinear amplitude-frequency response characteristic as well as its dependence on drive voltage. Besides, by solving the nondimensional nonlinear dynamics using Matlab and Simulink, the influence of initial status of drive mode, that is, the displacement and the velocity, on the stable vibration amplitude was presented. The amplitude-frequency characteristic was also analyzed by simulation. The result of simulation shows good agreement with that of experiments. When nonlinearity is present in the amplitude-frequency characteristic, there is a wide flat region with larger amplitude than the peak amplitude obtained in the linear characteristic. Finally, a novel drive method was presented to excite the nonlinear vibration of large amplitude in the downwards-sweeping characteristic curve. It is numerically proved that this merit can be utilized to enlarge the drive mode’s vibration amplitude so as to enhance silicon gyroscopes’ performance.
An Active Learning Approach with Uncertainty, Representativeness, and Diversity
Authors: He Tianxu , Zhang Shukui , Xin Jie , Zhao Pengpeng , Wu Jian , Xian Xuefeng , Li Chunhua , Cui Zhiming
Published: August 2014

Big data from the Internet of Things may create big challenge for data classification. Most active learning approaches select either uncertain or representative unlabeled instances to query their labels. Although several active learning algorithms have been proposed to combine the two criteria for query selection, they are usually ad hoc in finding unlabeled instances that are both informative and representative and fail to take the diversity of instances into account. We address this challenge by presenting a new active learning framework which considers uncertainty, representativeness, and diversity creation. The proposed approach provides a systematic way for measuring and combining the uncertainty, representativeness, and diversity of an instance. Firstly, use instances’ uncertainty and representativeness to constitute the most informative set. Then, use the kernelk-means clustering algorithm to filter the redundant samples and the resulting samples are queried for labels. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed approach outperforms several state-of-the-art active learning approaches.
Log-Aesthetic Curves for Shape Completion Problem
Authors: Gobithaasan R. U. , Wei Yip Siew , Miura Kenjiro T.
Published: August 2014

An object with complete boundary or silhouette is essential in various design and computer graphics feats. Due to various reasons, some parts of the object can be missing hence increasing the complexity in designing process. It is therefore important to reconstruct the missing parts of an object while retaining its aesthetic appearance. In this paper, we propose Log-Aestheic Curves (LAC) for shape completion problem. We propose an algorithm to construct LAC segment and subsequently fit into the gap of the missing parts with C-shape or S-shape. For C-shape completion, we define LAC segment by specifying two endpoints and their respective tangent directions between the gaps while, for S-shape, the user defines an inflection point in between the endpoints. The final section illustrates three examples to showcase the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The results are further compared with Kimia’s method to prove that the algorithm produces equally good result. Additionally, the proposed algorithm provides an extra degree of freedom in which the user would be able to choose the type of spiral that they desire to solve the shape completion problem.
Cooperative Game Study of Airlines Based on Flight Frequency Optimization
Authors: Liu Wanming , Yang Wendong , Zhu Xinghui
Published: August 2014

By applying the game theory, the relationship between airline ticket price and optimal flight frequency is analyzed. The paper establishes the payoff matrix of the flight frequency in noncooperation scenario and flight frequency optimization model in cooperation scenario. The airline alliance profit distribution is converted into profit distribution game based on the cooperation game theory. The profit distribution game is proved to be convex, and there exists an optimal distribution strategy. The results show that joining the airline alliance can increase airline whole profit, the change of negotiated prices and cost is beneficial to profit distribution of large airlines, and the distribution result is in accordance with aviation development.
Barriers to Physical Activity in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Single-Center Pilot Study in an Italian Dialysis Facility
Authors: Fiaccadori Enrico , Sabatino Alice , Schito Franco , Angella Francesca , Malagoli Martina , Tucci Marco , Cupisti Adamasco , Capitanini Alessandro , Regolisti Giuseppe
Published: August 2014

Background/Aims: In patients on chronic dialysis a sedentary lifestyle is a strong, yet potentially modifiable, predictor of mortality. The present single-center pilot study evaluated social, psychological and clinical barriers that may hinder physical activity in this population. Methods: We explored the association between barriers to physical activity and sedentarism in adult patients at a chronic dialysis facility in Parma, Italy. We used different questionnaries exploring participation in physical activity, physical functioning, patient attitudes and preferences, and barriers to physical activity perceived by either patients or dialysis doctors and nurses. Results: We enrolled 104 patients, (67 males, 65%), mean age 69 years (79% of patients older than 60 years); median dialysis vintage 60 months (range 8-440); mean Charlson score 5.55, ADL (Activities of Daily Living) score 5.5. Ninety-two participants (88.5%) reported at least one barrier to physical activity. At multivariable analysis, after adjusting for age and sex, feeling to have too many medical problems (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.27 to 7.07; P=0.012), chest pain (OR 10.78, 95% CI 1.28 to 90.28; P=0.029) and sadness (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.10 to 6.09; P=0.030) were independently associated with physical inactivity. Lack of time for exercise counseling and the firm belief about low compliance/interest by the patients toward exercise were the most frequent barriers reported by doctors and nurses. Conclusion: We identified a number of patient-related and health personnel-related barriers to physical activity in patients on chronic dialysis. Solutions for these barriers should be addressed in future studies aimed at increasing the level of physical activity in this population.
Spontaneous Nephrocutaneous Fistula: A Case Report, Update of the Literature and Management Algorithm
Authors: Rubilotta Emanuele , Balzarro Matteo , Sarti Alessandra , Artibani Walter
Published: August 2014

Aims: Spontaneous nephrocutaneous fistula (NCF) is a rare and severe condition. The aim of this study was to update the data of the literature about this disease and, reporting and considering also our experience in 1 case of NCF, to make a new clinical algorithm. Methods: This study was done with a review of all the literature and a comparison with our experience. Results: The characteristic sign of spontaneous NCF is a flank sinus discharging material. Physical examination and computed tomography usually lead to the diagnosis. The main predisposing factors are renal stones/staghorn calculi, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and renal tuberculosis. In the vast majority of the cases kidneys are poorly functioning or nonfunctioning. Surgical approach is the common management and usually consists of open nephrectomy. We create a clinical management algorithm obtained by a review of the literature and our experience with spontaneous NCF. Conclusions: Spontaneous NCF represents a very serious renal disease leading to loss of the kidney in the vast majority of cases. We propose a revised and user-friendly clinical diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for spontaneous NCF based on the worldwide literature.
Toxoplasma gondii-Derived Profilin Triggers Human Toll-Like Receptor 5-Dependent Cytokine Production
Authors: Salazar Gonzalez Rosa Maria , Shehata Hesham , O'Connell Michael J. , Yang Yanfen , Moreno-Fernandez Maria E. , Chougnet Claire A. , Aliberti Julio
Published: August 2014

Up to a third of the world's population is infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Natural infection in humans can be life threatening during pregnancy and in immunocompromised individuals. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 11 is the mouse innate sensor that recognizes T. gondii profilin; however, in humans the TLR11 gene leads to transcription of no functional protein. Herein, by using a multiple sequence alignment phylogenetic analysis program between human and mouse species, we found that human TLR5 seems to be the evolutionarily closest member of the TLR gene family to mouse tlr11. We therefore asked whether human TLR5 could mediate IL-6, IL-8 and IL-12p70 production in response to the T. gondii profilin. We found that this was the case both in human cell lines as well as peripheral blood monocytes. Moreover, TLR5 neutralization and gene silencing mediated specific ablation of cytokine production after profilin exposure. Finally, peripheral blood monocytes carrying the TLR5 R392X mutation failed to produce cytokines in response to stimulation with profilin. Taken together, the results presented herein reveal a previously unappreciated cross-recognition of a relevant human pathogen-derived pathogen-associated molecular pattern.
Pirfenidone in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Real-Life Experience from a German Tertiary Referral Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases
Authors: Oltmanns Ute , Kahn Nicolas , Palmowski Karin , Träger Annette , Wenz Heinrich , Heussel Claus Peter , Schnabel Philipp A. , Puderbach Michael , Wiebel Matthias , Ehlers-Tenenbaum Svenja , Warth Arne , Herth Felix J.F. , Kreuter Michael
Published: August 2014

Background: Pirfenidone is a novel antifibrotic drug for the treatment of mild-to-moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, adverse events may offset treatment benefits and compliance. Objectives: To assess recent course of disease, adverse events and compliance in patients who started pirfenidone. Methods: In an observational cohort study, 63 patients with mild-to-moderate IPF who started pirfenidone between May 2011 and June 2013 were reviewed. Pulmonary function, adverse events and treatment compliance were recorded at each clinic visit. Disease progression was defined as a reduction of vital capacity ≥10% and/or diffusion capacity (DLCO) ≥15%. Results: Follow-up time on pirfenidone treatment was 11 (±7) months. Sixty-six percent of the patients continued with pirfenidone monotherapy and 34% of the patients received pirfenidone combined with corticosteroids (CCS) and/or N-acetylcysteine (NAC). There was a nonsignificant reduction in mean decline of percent predicted forced vital capacity after treatment start (0.7 ± 10.9%) compared to the pretreatment period (6.6 ± 6.7%, p = 0.098). Sixty-two percent of the patients had stable disease on pirfenidone treatment. Adverse events affected 85% of the patients, leading to discontinuation of pirfenidone in 20%. Adverse events and treatment discontinuation were seen more frequently in patients with concomitant CCS and/or NAC treatment. Conclusions: Adverse events affect the majority of patients treated with pirfenidone, but are mostly manageable with supportive measures. In this heterogeneous patient group, a nonsignificant effect of pirfenidone treatment on pulmonary function was seen, underlining the need for more data on patient selection criteria and efficacy of pirfenidone, particularly in patients with coexistent emphysema and concomitant NAC/CCS treatment.
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Assessment of Fetal Brain Metabolism in Late-Onset ‘Small for Gestational Age' versus ‘Intrauterine Growth Restriction' Fetuses
Authors: Sanz-Cortes Magdalena , Simoes Rui V. , Bargallo Nuria , Masoller Narcis , Figueras Francesc , Gratacos Eduard
Published: August 2014

Objectives: We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to evaluate brain metabolic differences in small fetuses near term as compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses. Study Design: 71 term small fetuses (estimated fetal weight <10th centile for gestational age with normal umbilical artery Doppler sonography) were subclassified as late intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (n = 50) or small for gestational age (SGA) (n = 21), and compared with 65 AGA fetuses. IUGR was defined by either abnormal middle cerebral artery, abnormal uterine artery Doppler sonography or estimated fetal weight <3rd centile. All participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging at 37 weeks of gestation, and single-voxel magnetic resonance spectra were obtained from the frontal lobe on a 3-tesla scanner. N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/choline (Cho), NAA/creatine (Cr) and Cho/Cr ratios were calculated and compared between cases and controls. The association of the metabolic ratios with the study groups was tested. Results: After MRS processing and applying quality control criteria, 31 spectra from late-onset IUGR, 11 from SGA and 30 from AGA fetuses were selected for further analysis. Both SGA and late-onset IUGR fetuses showed significantly reduced NAA/Cho levels when compared to AGA fetuses. This decrease followed a linear trend across the three clinical groups that were considered. Conclusions: Both SGA and late-onset IUGR fetuses showed differences in MRS brain metabolic ratios. The findings suggest that despite near-normal perinatal outcomes, SGA fetuses are not constitutionally small and may represent a form of growth disorder that needs to be clarified.
Inhibition of MicroRNA-125a Promotes Human Endothelial Cell Proliferation and Viability through an Antiapoptotic Mechanism
Authors: Svensson Daniel , Gidlöf Olof , Turczyńska Karolina M. , Erlinge David , Albinsson Sebastian , Nilsson Bengt-Olof
Published: August 2014

The microRNA-125a (miR-125a) is highly expressed in endothelial cells, but its role in vascular biology is not known. Endothelial cell proliferation and viability play an important role in endothelial healing, and we hypothesize that miR-125a regulates this process. The aim of the present study was to investigate if miR-125a controls human endothelial cell proliferation, viability and endothelial healing, and to assess the mechanisms involved. We showed that overexpression of miR-125a by transfection with miR-125a mimic reduced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and viability, and stimulated apoptosis as demonstrated by a miR-125a-induced increase of the proportion of annexin V-positive cells monitored by flow cytometry. Moreover, we showed that the miR-125a mimic downregulated the antiapoptotic Bcl2 protein and upregulated caspase 3, suggesting that these two proteins represent molecular targets for miR-125a. Accordingly, transfection with miR-125a inhibitor, downregulating miR-125a expression, promoted HUVEC proliferation and viability, and reduced apoptosis. Importantly, transfection with miR-125a inhibitor promoted HUVEC tube formation in Matrigel, suggesting that reduction of miR-125a has a proangiogenic effect. In conclusion, downregulation of miR-125a through local transfection with miR-125a inhibitor might be a new way to enhance endothelial cell proliferation and viability, thereby promoting the reendothelialization observed in response to intimal injury.
Evidence for the Efficacy of a Bioresonance Method in Smoking Cessation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pihtili Aylin , Galle Michael , Cuhadaroglu Caglar , Kilicaslan Zeki , Issever Halim , Erkan Feyza , Cagatay Tulin , Gulbaran Ziya
Published: August 2014

Background: Since the 1970s, MORA bioresonance therapy has globally been applied in the context of complementary medicine for various indications. In this regard, practitioners also report successful application in smoking cessation. The present study aims to verify these reports in a controlled study setting. Methods: In order to achieve the aforementioned objective, we subjected the bioresonance method to a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study involving 190 smokers. In both study groups (placebo n = 95; active bioresonance group; n = 95) the course of treatment and study conditions were standardized. Results: 1 week (77.2% vs. 54.8%), 2 weeks (62.4% vs. 34.4%), 1 month (51.1% vs. 28.6%), and 1 year (28.6% vs. 16.1%) after treatment, the success rate in the verum group differed significantly from the results in the placebo group. Also, the subjective health condition after treatment and subjective assessment of efficacy, polled after 1 week, were significantly more positive among participants in the active bioresonance therapy group than among those in the placebo group. Adverse side effects were not observed. Conclusion: According to the findings attained by this pilot study, bioresonance therapy is clinically effective in smoking cessation and does not show any adverse side effects.
Ventricular Arrhythmias Near the Distal Great Cardiac Vein
Authors: Nagashima Koichi , Choi Eue-Keun , Lin Kaity Y. , Kumar Saurabh , Tedrow Usha B. , Koplan Bruce A. , Michaud Gregory F. , John Roy M. , Epstein Laurence M. , Tokuda Michifumi , Inada Keiichi , Couper Gregory S. , Stevenson William G.
Published: August 2014

Background—

Catheter ablation for ventricular arrhythmia (VA) near the distal great cardiac vein (GCV) is often challenging, and data are limited.

Methods and Results—

Analysis was performed in 30 patients (19 men; age, 52.8±15.5 years) who underwent catheter ablation for focal VA (11 ventricular tachycardia and 19 premature contractions) with early activation in the GCV (36.7±8.0 ms pre-QRS). Angiography in 27 patients showed earliest GCV site within 5 mm of a coronary artery in 20 (74%). Ablation was performed in the GCV in 15 patients and abolished VA in 8. Ablation was attempted at adjacent non-GCV sites in 19 patients and abolished VA in 5 patients (4 from the left ventricular endocardium and 1 from the left coronary cusp); all success had VA with an initial r wave in lead I and activation ≤7 ms after the GCV (GCV–non-GCV interval). In 13 patients, percutaneous epicardial mapping was performed, but because of adjacent coronaries only 2 received radiofrequency application with VA elimination in 1. Surgical cryoablation was performed in 3 patients and abolished VA in 2. Overall acute success was achieved in 16 (53%) patients. After a median of 2.8 months, 13 patients remained free of VA. Major complications occurred in 4 patients, including coronary injury requiring stenting.

Conclusions—

Ablation for this arrhythmia is challenging and often limited by the adjacent coronary vessels. Success of anatomically guided endocardial ablation may be identified by a short GCV–non-GCV interval and r wave in lead I.
Plume moths of Malawi (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae)
Authors: KOVTUNOVICH V. , USTJUZHANIN P. , MURPHY R.
Published: August 2014

A review of Pterophoridae of Malawi is presented; 96 species from 35 genera and five subfamilies are recorded. Fourteen species are described as new: Agdistis nyasa Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Platyptilia mugesse Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Stenoptilia juniper Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Sphenarches mulanje Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp.nov., Marasmarcha lamborni Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Arcoptilia malawica Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Apoxyptilus uzumarus Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Gypsochares murphy Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Crassuncus livingstoni Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Hellinsia namizimu Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Hellinsia сhewa Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Picardia leza Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Picardia raymondi Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Picardia tumbuka Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov. New synonymies are established for 10 species: Deuterocopus deltoptilus Meyrick, 1930 = Deuterocopus socotranus Rebel, 1907 syn. nov.; Deuterocopus henrioti Bigot & Boireau, 2006 = Deuterocopus socotranus Rebel, 1907 syn. nov.; Platyptilia periacta Meyrick, 1910 = Platyptilia farfarella Zeller, 1867 syn. nov.; Platyptilia claripicta Fletcher, 1910 = Platyptilia farfarella Zeller, 1867 syn. nov.; Platyptilia pygmaeana Strand, 1913 = Sphenarches anisodactylus (Walker, 1864) syn. nov.; Exelastis bergeri Bigot, 1969 = Exelastis crudipennis (Meyrick, 1932) syn. nov.; Prichotilus tanzanicus Gielis, 2011 = Prichotilus tara Ustjuzhanin and Kovtunovich, 2011 syn. nov.; Crassuncus chappuisi Gibeaux, 1994 = Crassuncus ecstaticus (Meyrick, 1932) syn. nov.; Paulianilus lolibai Arenberger, 2011 = Hellinsia madecasseus (Bigot, 1964) syn. nov.; Pterophorus purus Meyrick, 1913 = Crassuncus pacifica (Meyrick, 1911) syn. nov. New combinations are established for six species: Marasmarcha bengtssoni (Gielis, 2009) comb. nov.; Marasmarcha locharcha (Meyrick, 1924) comb. nov.; Marasmarcha rubriacuta (Gielis, 2009) comb. nov.; Procapperia insomnis (Townsend, 1956) comb. nov.; Crassuncus ecstaticus (Meyrick, 1932) comb. nov.; Crassuncus colubratus (Meyrick, 1909) comb. nov. For Stenoptilia viettei Gibeaux, 1994, Sphenarches bifurcatus Gielis, 2009, Crassuncus ecstaticus (Meyrick, 1932) images of the male genitalia are presented for the first time, for Marasmarcha bengtssoni (Gielis, 2009), and Stenodacma cognata Gielis, 2009 female genitalia are illustrated for the first time. Species of wide pantropical or cosmopolitan distribution are not reported as new for the fauna of Malawi.  However, 65 species of Pterophoridae are reported for the fauna of Malawi for the first time.  One of them, Stenoptilia viettei Gibeaux, 1994, described from Madagascar, is reported for continental Africa for the first time.
The identity of the treehopper genus Dysyncritus Fowler, with descriptions of new related taxa (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Heteronotinae)
Authors: EVANGELISTA OLIVIA , FLÓREZ-V CAMILO , SAKAKIBARA ALBINO M.
Published: August 2014

Dysyncritus Fowler is revised based on the examination of primary types, and restructured to exclusively accomodate Dysyncritus intectus Fowler, 1895. Allodrilus Evangelista gen. nov. (type species: Cymbomorpha nitidipennis Funkhouser, 1922 = Allodrilus nitidipennis (Funkhouser, 1922) comb. nov.) is erected with seven newly discovered taxa: A. alboferrugineus Evangelista sp. nov. (Brazil, Colombia, Guyana), A. colombiensis Flórez-V sp. nov. (Colombia), A. deitzi Evangelista sp. nov. (Ecuador), A. granulatus Evangelista sp. nov. (Ecuador), A. horizontalis Evangelista sp. nov. (Bolivia), A. intermedius Evangelista sp. nov. (Ecuador), and A. similis Evangelista sp. nov. (Peru). A key to males is provided, in addition to annotated descriptions and illustrations. Nomenclatural changes are proposed to species formerly included in Dysyncritus: Smiliorachis nubilis (Goding, 1930) comb. nov., Smiliorachis discrepans (Goding, 1930) comb. nov., and Dysyncritus lineatus Goding, 1930 (= Smiliorachis octilinea Stål, 1869 syn. nov.).
Three new bee species of Rhophitulus Ducke (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Protandrenini) from Argentina and Brazil
Authors: RAMOS KELLI S.
Published: August 2014

This work describes three newly discovered species of Rhophitulus Ducke, 1907: R. labiosus n. sp. from Minas Gerais (Brazil), R. mimus n. sp. from Salta (Argentina), and R. xenopalpus n. sp. from Catamarca and Tucumán (Argentina). Photographs of the holotype of Rhophitulus steinbachi (Friese, 1916) are provided, and modifications in the morphology of a female of R. xenopalpus n. sp. when parasitized by Strepsiptera are recorded for the first time for the genus.
A fossil Paratrombiinae mite (Actinotrichida: Trombidioidea) from the Rovno amber, Ukraine
Authors: KONIKIEWICZ MARTA , MĄKOL JOANNA
Published: August 2014

The first description of a fossil representative of Paratrombiinae from the Rovno amber, Paratrombium rovniense sp. nov., based on an unengorged larva, is provided. The discovery results in a re-definition of the Paratrombiinae and of Paratrombium, which also comprise species with two pectinalae on coxa I.
Integrating Cloud Processes in the Community Atmosphere Model, Version 5
Authors: Park Sungsu , Bretherton Christopher S. , Rasch Philip J.
Published: August 2014

This paper provides a description of the integrated representation for the cloud processes in the Community Atmosphere Model, version 5 (CAM5). CAM5 cloud parameterizations add the following unique characteristics to previous versions: 1) a cloud macrophysical structure with horizontally nonoverlapped deep cumulus, shallow cumulus, and stratus in each grid layer, where each of which has its own cloud fraction, and mass and number concentrations for cloud liquid droplets and ice crystals; 2) stratus–radiation–turbulence interactions that allow CAM5 to simulate marine stratocumulus solely from grid-mean relative humidity without relying on a stability-based empirical formula; 3) prognostic treatment of the number concentrations of stratus liquid droplets and ice crystals, with activated aerosols and detrained in-cumulus condensates as the main sources and with evaporation, sedimentation, and precipitation of stratus condensate as the main sinks; and 4) radiatively active cumulus and snow. By imposing consistency between diagnosed stratus fraction and prognosed stratus condensate, unrealistically empty or highly dense stratus is avoided in CAM5. Because of the activation of the prognostic aerosols and the parameterizations of the radiation and stratiform precipitation production as a function of the cloud droplet size, CAM5 simulates various aerosol indirect effects as well as the direct effects: that is, aerosols affect both the radiation budget and the hydrological cycle.

Detailed analysis of various simulations indicates that CAM5 improves upon CAM3/CAM4 in global performance as well as in physical formulation. However, several problems are also identified in CAM5, which can be attributed to deficient regional tuning, inconsistency between various physics parameterizations, and incomplete treatment of physics. Efforts are continuing to further improve CAM5.
The Persistence of Unaligned K–12 and Higher Education Systems
Authors: Perna Laura W. , Armijo Michael
Published: August 2014

High rates of academic remediation among college students suggest that many states have still not aligned high school and college curricular standards and assessments to ensure college readiness. One structure created by many states that is designed to improve this alignment is the P–20 Council. To understand why the lack of alignment persists despite the creation of this, and other, structures, this article draws on data collected through case studies of P–20 councils in ten states to explore these councils’ origins, implementation, and outcomes. Analyses pay particular attention to the ways that state leaders contribute to these stages of the policy process. The analyses also point to situational characteristics that have limited the effects of P–20 councils on P–20 policy reform.
The Role of State Policy in Promoting College Affordability
Authors: Delaney Jennifer A.
Published: August 2014

This article considers trends in state policies that determine college affordability, including trends in state general appropriations, institutional tuition and fees, and state student financial aid. Taken together, these trends demonstrate erosion in college affordability. This article also examines one recent federal policy intervention that has shaped state policy for higher education affordability, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). My analysis of ARRA shows that the “maintenance of effort” provision in the law was effective, as there was no drop in state general appropriations for higher education (including federal ARRA funds) following implementation. However, in a related analysis, I show that ARRA is negatively associated with state spending on student financial aid. Collectively, state policy trends and the ARRA analyses underscore the need for improved state policy in promoting college affordability, as an affordable college education is out of reach for an increasing proportion of students.