bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open challenges for data stream mining research
Authors: Krempl Georg , Žliobaite Indre , Brzeziński Dariusz , Hüllermeier Eyke , Last Mark , Lemaire Vincent , Noack Tino , Shaker Ammar , Sievi Sonja , Spiliopoulou Myra , Stefanowski Jerzy
Published: October 2014

Every day, huge volumes of sensory, transactional, and web data are continuously generated as streams, which need to be analyzed online as they arrive. Streaming data can be considered as one of the main sources of what is called big data. While predictive modeling for data streams and big data have received a lot of attention over the last decade, many research approaches are typically designed for well-behaved controlled problem settings, overlooking important challenges imposed by real-world applications. This article presents a discussion on eight open challenges for data stream mining. Our goal is to identify gaps between current research and meaningful applications, highlight open problems, and define new application-relevant research directions for data stream mining. The identified challenges cover the full cycle of knowledge discovery and involve such problems as: protecting data privacy, dealing with legacy systems, handling incomplete and delayed information, analysis of complex data, and evaluation of stream mining algorithms. The resulting analysis is illustrated by practical applications and provides general suggestions concerning lines of future research in data stream mining.
Human Cytomegalovirus: Coordinating Cellular Stress, Signaling, and Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Shenk Thomas , Alwine James C.
Published: October 2014

Viruses face a multitude of challenges when they infect a host cell. Cells have evolved innate defenses to protect against pathogens, and an infecting virus may induce a stress response that antagonizes viral replication. Further, the metabolic, oxidative, and cell cycle state may not be conducive to the viral infection. But viruses are fabulous manipulators, inducing host cells to use their own characteristic mechanisms and pathways to provide what the virus needs. This article centers on the manipulation of host cell metabolism by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). We review the features of the metabolic program instituted by the virus, discuss the mechanisms underlying these dramatic metabolic changes, and consider how the altered program creates a synthetic milieu that favors efficient HCMV replication and spread.
Inventing Viruses
Authors: Summers William C.
Published: October 2014

In the nineteenth century, “virus” commonly meant an agent (usually unknown) that caused disease in inoculation experiments. By the 1890s, however, some disease-causing agents were found to pass through filters that retained the common bacteria. Such an agent was called “filterable virus,” the best known being the virus that caused tobacco mosaic disease. By the 1920s there were many examples of filterable viruses, but no clear understanding of their nature. However, by the 1930s, the term “filterable virus” was being abandoned in favor of simply “virus,” meaning an agent other than bacteria. Visualization of viruses by the electron microscope in the late 1930s finally settled their particulate nature. This article describes the ever-changing concept of “virus” and how virologists talked about viruses. These changes reflected their invention and reinvention of the concept of a virus as it was revised in light of new knowledge, new scientific values and interests, and new hegemonic technologies.
PHIRE and TWiV: Experiences in Bringing Virology to New Audiences
Authors: Hatfull Graham F. , Racaniello Vincent
Published: October 2014

Virology encompasses a broad spectrum of topics touching upon many aspects of our everyday lives. However, appreciation of this impact is too often restricted to those who have specialized training and participate in virology research. The Phage Hunters Integrating Research and Education (PHIRE) program and the This Week in Virology (TWiV) podcast seek to bring virology to new audiences through two different approaches—direct involvement of undergraduates in discovering and genomically characterizing bacteriophages (PHIRE) and clear, accessible, and free discussions among experts of all topics in virology (TWiV). Here we discuss these two high-impact programs, the audiences that they serve, their broader impacts, and their future potential.
Activation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla is required for glucose-induced sympathoexcitation
Authors: Bardgett Megan E. , Sharpe Amanda L. , Toney Glenn M.
Published: October 2014

Energy expenditure is determined by metabolic rate and diet-induced thermogenesis. Normally, energy expenditure increases due to neural mechanisms that sense plasma levels of ingested nutrients/hormones and reflexively increase sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). Here, we investigated neural mechanisms of glucose-driven sympathetic activation by determining contributions of neuronal activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and activation of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Glucose was infused intravenously (150 mg/kg, 10 min) in male rats to raise plasma glucose concentration to a physiological postprandial level. In conscious rats, glucose infusion activated CRF-containing PVN neurons and TH-containing RVLM neurons, as indexed by c-Fos immunofluorescence. In α-chloralose/urethane-anesthetized rats, glucose infusion increased lumbar and splanchnic SNA, which was nearly prevented by prior RVLM injection of the CRF receptor antagonist astressin (10 pmol/50 nl). This cannot be attributed to a nonspecific effect, as sciatic afferent stimulation increased SNA and ABP equivalently in astressin- and aCSF-injected rats. Glucose-stimulated sympathoexcitation was largely reversed during inhibition of PVN neuronal activity with the GABA-A receptor agonist muscimol (100 pmol/50 nl). The effects of astressin to prevent glucose-stimulated sympathetic activation appear to be specific to interruption of PVN drive to RVLM because RVLM injection of astressin prior to glucose infusion effectively prevented SNA from rising and prevented any fall of SNA in response to acute PVN inhibition with muscimol. These findings suggest that activation of SNA, and thus energy expenditure, by glucose is initiated by activation of CRF receptors in RVLM by descending inputs from PVN.
The Biology of YAP/TAZ: Hippo Signaling and Beyond
Authors: Piccolo Stefano , Dupont Sirio , Cordenonsi Michelangelo
Published: October 2014

The transcriptional regulators YAP and TAZ are the focus of intense interest given their remarkable biological properties in development, tissue homeostasis and cancer. YAP and TAZ activity is key for the growth of whole organs, for amplification of tissue-specific progenitor cells during tissue renewal and regeneration, and for cell proliferation. In tumors, YAP/TAZ can reprogram cancer cells into cancer stem cells and incite tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. As such, YAP/TAZ are appealing therapeutic targets in cancer and regenerative medicine. Just like the function of YAP/TAZ offers a molecular entry point into the mysteries of tissue biology, their regulation by upstream cues is equally captivating. YAP/TAZ are well known for being the effectors of the Hippo signaling cascade, and mouse mutants in Hippo pathway components display remarkable phenotypes of organ overgrowth, enhanced stem cell content and reduced cellular differentiation. YAP/TAZ are primary sensors of the cell's physical nature, as defined by cell structure, shape and polarity. YAP/TAZ activation also reflects the cell “social” behavior, including cell adhesion and the mechanical signals that the cell receives from tissue architecture and surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). At the same time, YAP/TAZ entertain relationships with morphogenetic signals, such as Wnt growth factors, and are also regulated by Rho, GPCRs and mevalonate metabolism. YAP/TAZ thus appear at the centerpiece of a signaling nexus by which cells take control of their behavior according to their own shape, spatial location and growth factor context.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide: Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Russell F. A. , King R. , Smillie S.-J. , Kodji X. , Brain S. D.
Published: October 2014

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37-amino acid neuropeptide. Discovered 30 years ago, it is produced as a consequence of alternative RNA processing of the calcitonin gene. CGRP has two major forms (α and β). It belongs to a group of peptides that all act on an unusual receptor family. These receptors consist of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) linked to an essential receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) that is necessary for full functionality. CGRP is a highly potent vasodilator and, partly as a consequence, possesses protective mechanisms that are important for physiological and pathological conditions involving the cardiovascular system and wound healing. CGRP is primarily released from sensory nerves and thus is implicated in pain pathways. The proven ability of CGRP antagonists to alleviate migraine has been of most interest in terms of drug development, and knowledge to date concerning this potential therapeutic area is discussed. Other areas covered, where there is less information known on CGRP, include arthritis, skin conditions, diabetes, and obesity. It is concluded that CGRP is an important peptide in mammalian biology, but it is too early at present to know if new medicines for disease treatment will emerge from our knowledge concerning this molecule.
Newtonian and Non‐Newtonian Fluids through Permeable Boundaries
Authors: Maritz Riëtte , Doungmo Goufo Emile Franc
Published: October 2014

We considered the situation where a container with a permeable boundary is immersed in a larger body of fluid of the same kind. In this paper, we found mathematical expressions at the permeable interface Γ of a domain Ω, where . Γ is defined as a smooth two‐dimensional (at least class C2) manifold in Ω. The Sennet‐Frenet formulas for curves without torsion were employed to find the expressions on the interface Γ. We modelled the flow of Newtonian as well as non‐Newtonian fluids through permeable boundaries which results in nonhomogeneous dynamic and kinematic boundary conditions. The flow is assumed to flow through the boundary only in the direction of the outer normal n, where the tangential components are assumed to be zero. These conditions take into account certain assumptions made on the curvature of the boundary regarding the surface density and the shape of Ω; namely, that the curvature is constrained in a certain way. Stability of the rest state and uniqueness are proved for a special case where a “shear flow” is assumed.
Short Term Recovery of Function following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomised Study of the Medial Parapatellar and Midvastus Approaches
Authors: Nutton Richard W. , Wade Frazer A. , Coutts Fiona J. , van der Linden Marietta L.
Published: October 2014

This pilot double blind randomised controlled study aimed to investigate whether the midvastus (MV) approach without patellar eversion in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) resulted in improved recovery of function compared to the medial parapatellar (MP) approach. Patients were randomly allocated to either the MV approach or the MP approach. Achievements of inpatient mobility milestones were recorded. Knee kinematics, muscle strength, Timed Up and Go, WOMAC, and daily step count were assessed before and up to six months after surgery. Cohen’s effect size d was calculated to inform the sample size in future trials. Twenty-eight participants (16 males, 12 females) participated. Patient mobility milestones such as straight leg raise were achieved on average 1.3 days (95% CI −3.4 to 0.7, d=0.63) earlier in the MV group. Knee extensor strength at 6 weeks after surgery was higher (95% CI −0.38 to 0.61, d=0.73) in the MV group. No trends for differences between the groups were observed in knee kinematics, TUG, WOMAC, or step count. Our results suggest a short term advantage in the first 6 weeks after surgery of the MV approach over the MP approach, but a larger study is required to confirm these findings. This trial is registered with NCT056445.
Rectal Dieulafoy Lesions: A Rare Etiology of Chronic Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Dogan Ugur , Gomceli Ismail , Koc Umit , Habibi Mani , Bulbuller Nurullah
Published: October 2014

Dieulafoy lesion is rarely seen, yet it can be life-threatening. This lesion makes up to 1-2% of gastrointestinal bleedings and must definitely be considered in gastrointestinal bleedings whose source cannot be identified. In this case study, the 75-year-old woman was suffering from active, fresh, and massive rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy was applied in order to find out the source of bleeding. In the typical endoscopic appearance of the lesion a single round mucosal defect in the rectum and arterial bleeding were observed. To procure hemostasis, epinephrine was injected into the lesion and the bleeding vein was sutured.
Correlates of Inconsistent Refusal of Unprotected Sex among Armenian Female Sex Workers
Authors: Markosyan Karine , Lang Delia L. , DiClemente Ralph J.
Published: October 2014

This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and correlates of inconsistent refusal of unprotected sex among female sex workers (FSWs) in Armenia. One hundred and eighteen street-based FSWs between the ages of 20 and 52 completed a questionnaire assessing FSWs’ demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics. A total of 52.5% (n=62) of FSWs reported inconsistent refusal of unprotected sex with clients in the past 3 months. Logistic regression analysis controlling for participants’ age and education revealed that perceiving more barriers toward condom use (AOR = 1.1;P<0.01), reporting more types of abuse (AOR = 2.1;P<0.01), and setting lower fees for service (AOR = 0.9;P=0.02) significantly predicted inconsistent refusal of unprotected sex. HIV-risk-reduction behavioral interventions tailored to FSWs working in Yerevan Armenia should address the factors identified in this study toward the goal of enhancing refusal of unprotected sex and ultimately preventing acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.
Macroscopic Theory of Dark Sector
Authors: Meierovich Boris E.
Published: October 2014

A simple Lagrangian with squared covariant divergence of a vector field as a kinetic term turned out to be an adequate tool for macroscopic description of the dark sector. The zero-mass field acts as the dark energy. Its energy-momentum tensor is a simple additive to the cosmological constant. Massive fields describe two different forms of dark matter. The space-like massive vector field is attractive. It is responsible for the observed plateau in galaxy rotation curves. The time-like massive field displays repulsive elasticity. In balance with dark energy and ordinary matter it provides a four-parametric diversity of regular solutions of the Einstein equations describing different possible cosmological and oscillating nonsingular scenarios of evolution of the Universe. In particular, the singular big bang turns into a regular inflation-like transition from contraction to expansion with the accelerated expansion at late times. The fine-tuned Friedman-Robertson-Walker singular solution is a particular limiting case at the lower boundary of existence of regular oscillating solutions in the absence of vector fields. The simplicity of the general covariant expression for the energy-momentum tensor allows displaying the main properties of the dark sector analytically. Although the physical nature of dark sector is still unknown, the macroscopic theory can help analyze the role of dark matter in astrophysical phenomena without resorting to artificial model assumptions.
The Matrix Equation XA- AX=Xαg(X) over Fields or Rings
Authors: Bourgeois Gerald
Published: October 2014

Let n,α∈N≥2 and let K be an algebraically closed field with characteristic 0 or greater than n. We show that if f∈K[X] and A,B∈Mn(K) satisfy [A,B]=f(A), then A,B are simultaneously triangularizable. Let R be a reduced ring such that n! is not a zero divisor and let A be a generic matrix over R; we show that X=0 is the sole solution of AX-XA=Xα. Let R be a commutative ring with unity; let A be similar to diag(λ1In1,…,λrInr) such that, for every i≠j,λi-λj is not a zero divisor. If X is a nilpotent solution of XA-AX=Xαg(X) where g∈R[X], then AX=XA.
Pain in Breast Cancer Treatment: Aggravating Factors and Coping Mechanisms
Authors: Guerreiro Godoy Maria de Fatima , Pereira de Godoy Livia Maria , Barufi Stelamarys , de Godoy José Maria Pereira
Published: October 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate pain in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema and the characteristics of aggravating factors and coping mechanisms. The study was conducted in the Clinica Godoy, São Jose do Rio Preto, with a group of 46 women who had undergone surgery for the treatment of breast cancer. The following variables were evaluated: type and length of surgery; number of radiotherapy and chemotherapy sessions; continued feeling of the removed breast (phantom limb), infection, intensity of pain, and factors that improve and worsen the pain. The percentage of events was used for statistical analysis. About half the participants (52.1%) performed modified radical surgery, with 91.3% removing only one breast; 82.6% of the participants did not perform breast reconstruction surgery. Insignificant pain was reported by 32.60% of the women and 67.3% said they suffered pain; it was mild in 28.8% of the cases (scale 1–5), moderate in 34.8% (scale 6–9), and severe in 4.3%. The main mechanisms used to cope with pain were painkillers in 41.30% of participants, rest in 21.73%, religious ceremonies in 17.39%, and chatting with friends in 8.69%. In conclusion, many mastectomized patients with lymphedema complain of pain, but pain is often underrecognized and undertreated.
Extensive Profiling of the Expression of the Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 Protein in Normal and Tumoral Human Tissues
Authors: Théate Ivan , van Baren Nicolas , Pilotte Luc , Moulin Pierre , Larrieu Pierre , Renauld Jean-Christophe , Hervé Caroline , Gutierrez-Roelens Ilse , Marbaix Etienne , Sempoux Christine , Van den Eynde Benoît J.
Published: October 2014

Tryptophan catabolism by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) plays a key role in tumoral resistance to immune rejection. In humans, constitutive expression of IDO1 has been observed in several tumor types. However, a comprehensive analysis of its expression in normal and tumor tissues is still required to anticipate the risks and potential benefits of IDO1 inhibitors. Using a newly validated monoclonal antibody to human IDO1, we performed an extensive immunohistochemical analysis of IDO1 expression in normal and tumor tissues. In normal tissues, IDO1 was expressed by endothelial cells in the placenta and lung and by epithelial cells in the female genital tract. In lymphoid tissues, IDO1 was expressed in mature dendritic cells with a phenotype (CD83+, DC-LAMP+, langerin−, CD123−, CD163−) distinct from plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Importantly, IDO1-expressing dendritic cells were not enriched in tumor-draining lymph nodes, in contrast with previously reported findings. IDO1-expressing cells were observed in a large fraction (382/624, 61%) of human tumors. They comprised tumor cells, endothelial cells, and stromal cells in proportions that varied depending on the tumor type. Tumors showing the highest proportions of IDO1-immunolabeled samples were carcinomas of the cervix, followed by endometrium, bladder, kidney, and lung. This hierarchy of IDO1 expression was confirmed by gene expression data mined from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Expression of IDO1 may be used to select tumors likely to benefit from targeted therapy with IDO1 inhibitors.
Influences of Frailty Syndrome on Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Postural Control Strategy
Authors: Toosizadeh Nima , Mohler Jane , Wendel Christopher , Najafi Bijan
Published: October 2014

Background: As the population of older adults quickly increases, the incidence of frailty syndrome, a reduction in physiological reserve across multiple physiological systems, likewise increases. To date, impaired balance has been associated with frailty; however, the underlying frailty-related postural balance mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the current study was to use open-loop (OL; postural muscles) and closed-loop (CL; postural muscles plus sensory feedback) mechanisms to explore differences in postural balance mechanisms between nonfrail (n = 44), prefrail (n = 59) and frail individuals (n = 19). Methods: One hundred and twenty-two older adults (age ≥65 years) without major mobility disorders were recruited, and frailty was measured using Fried's criteria. Each participant performed two 15-second trials of Romberg balance assessment, once with their eyes open and once with their eyes closed. Body-worn sensors were used to estimate center of gravity (COG) plots. Body-sway (traditional stabilogram analysis) and OLCL (stabilogram diffusion analysis) parameters were derived using COG plots and compared between groups using ANOVA. Frailty and prefrailty were estimated using a multiple variable logistic regression while controlling for age, body mass index, body-sway and OLCL parameters. Results: Between-group differences in the parameters of interest were more pronounced during the eyes-closed condition, for which OL duration was approximately 33 and 22% shorter, respectively, in the frail and prefrail groups when compared to nonfrail controls (mean = 1.9 ± 1.1 s, p = 0.01). The average rate of sway during the OL was 164 and 66% higher, respectively, in frail and prefrail when compared to nonfrail subjects (0.03 ± 0.02 cm2/s, p < 0.001). Results also suggest that OLCL parameters can predict frail and prefrail categories when compared to nonfrail controls. Using this method, frailty was identified with a sensitivity and specificity of 97 and 88% (as compared to nonfrail), and prefrailty with 82 and 92%, respectively. Conclusions: This study suggested an innovative method to differentiate between frailty status using sensory dependency characteristics of postural control. Results suggest that postural muscle deconditioning may compromise balance in frail elders, leading to dependency on somatosensory feedback to compensate for errors and stabilize the system.
Extraintestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Influence of Smoking
Authors: Roberts Henry , Rai Shesh N. , Pan Jianmin , Rao J. Michael , Keskey Robert C. , Kanaan Ziad , Short Ethan P. , Mottern Edward , Galandiuk Susan
Published: October 2014

Aims: To define the number/frequency of organ systems affected by extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), to identify factors affecting the clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and EIM development, and to determine the impact of smoking, disease duration and location on the diagnosis of EIMs in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: IBD patients were derived from a single university colorectal surgery practice. Smoking data were obtained through a modified Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The frequencies of arthritis/arthralgia, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), ocular and cutaneous EIMs were determined. Results: Of the 757 patients evaluated (CD 488, UC 269), 50% had ≥1 EIM. Arthritis/arthralgia, cutaneous and ocular EIMs were significantly higher in frequency in CD compared to UC patients. Prolonged disease duration was associated with increased prevalence of arthritis/arthralgia in IBD (p ≤ 0.001) as well as PSC (p = 0.049), ocular (p = 0.030) and cutaneous (p = 0.009) EIMs in CD. Disease location affected the occurrence of EIMs in CD. Smoking appeared to increase the prevalence of ocular EIMs in UC (p = 0.026). Conclusion: Arthritis/arthralgia, cutaneous and ocular EIMs occurred in a significantly higher proportion of CD patients. CD patients with longer disease duration had a significantly higher prevalence of PSC, ocular and cutaneous EIMs. Smoking was found to increase ocular EIMs in UC.
Azithromycin and Other Macrolides for Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nair Vrinda , Loganathan Prakash , Soraisham Amuchou Singh
Published: October 2014

Background and Objective:Ureaplasma spp. infection has been associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Macrolides have been used for the treatment of Ureaplasma spp. infection, with an intention to prevent BPD. The objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the use of macrolides in the prevention of BPD in preterm infants. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, abstracts of the major pediatric society meetings and bibliographies of retrieved articles. We included randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of macrolides therapy on BPD in preterm infants. A random/fixed-effect model was used to synthesize predefined outcomes. Results: Six studies involving 469 preterm infants were eligible for the analysis. Macrolides when used prophylactically (4 studies) did not show significant reduction in BPD (risk ratio, RR, 0.88, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.75-1.03), death (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.79-1.01) or in the composite outcome of BPD/death. Similarly, there was no significant reduction in BPD (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.31-1.31) or the composite outcome of BPD/death (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.05-3.13), when macrolides were used in Ureaplasma-positive infants. However, prophylactic azithromycin therapy (3 studies) was associated with significant reduction in BPD (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71-0.97; number needed to treat, NNT, 10) and composite outcome of BPD/death (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.97; NNT 10). Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates prophylactic azithromycin therapy was associated with statistically significant reduction in BPD and the composite outcome of BPD/death in preterm infants. However, given the limited information on pharmacokinetics and potential harmful effects, further studies should be done before routine use of azithromycin in the neonatal population.
Prostatakrebs mit einzelnen Foki: Aktueller Stand der Diagnose und Behandlung
Authors: Efthimiou Ioannis , Skrepetis Konstadinos , Bournia Elefteria
Published: October 2014

Die Diagnostik kleiner Foki von Prostatakarzinomen stellt Pathologen und Urologen vor eine große Herausforderung, da sie mit dem Risiko einer falsch-positiven oder falsch-negativen Diagnose und entsprechender klinischer Folgen verbunden ist. Für die Erkennung kleinster Prostatakarzinom-Herde ist ein streng methodisches Diagnoseverfahren erforderlich, das die Suche nach Haupt- und weiteren Merkmalen bei niedriger und hoher Vergrößerung umfasst. Mehrdeutige Fälle lassen sich mithilfe von Basalzell-Immunmarkern in Verbindung mit einem positiven Indikator für Malignität abklären. Trotz der neuen diagnostischen Möglichkeiten wird es weiterhin ein paar Zweifelsfälle geben, die eine erneute Biopsie nötig machen können.
Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Monitoring in Preterm Infants Undergoing Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation: A Comparison with Echocardiography
Authors: Weisz Dany E. , Jain Amish , Ting Joseph , McNamara Patrick J. , EL-Khuffash Afif
Published: October 2014

Background: Non-invasive cardiac output monitoring (NICOM; NICOM™) may be useful in the management of extremely premature preterm infants. Objectives: To evaluate a new bioreactance-based method of continuous NICOM in preterm infants following patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation. Methods: Infants underwent three paired NICOM and echocardiography assessments of stroke volume (SV) and left ventricular output (LVO) in the postoperative period: at 1, 6-8, and 16-18 h postoperatively. NICOM- and echocardiography-measured SV and LVO during those periods were compared using Bland-Altman analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Twenty-five infants with a median (interquartile range) gestational age and birth weight of 25.0 weeks (24.5-25.9) and 700 g (615-775), respectively, were included. The overall systematic bias (limits of agreement) across all time points between the NICOM and echocardiography SV readings was 39% (8-69) with NICOM consistently underestimating echocardiography values. There was moderate consistency between NICOM and echocardiography SV values (ICC 0.78, p < 0.001). Compared with the 1-hour scans, the 6- to 8- and 16- to 18-hour scans had increased biases of 7.9% (95% CI 2.5-13.2) and 9.7% (95% CI 3.6-15.8), respectively. Conclusion: Continuous LVO measurement using NICOM was feasible and demonstrated a consistent systematic bias compared with echocardiography in unstable extremely preterm infants without a PDA ligation. NICOM may be used as a trending tool for continuous monitoring in this population, but wide limits of agreement and increasing bias over time suggest it is not interchangeable with echocardiography.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Promoter Polymorphisms and Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: Kaplan Michael , Renbaum Paul , Hammerman Cathy , Vreman Hendrik J. , Wong Ronald J. , Stevenson David K.
Published: October 2014

Background: Heme oxygenase (HO) is the initial, rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of heme to bilirubin. Dinucleotide (GT)n repeat length in the promoter region of the encoding gene modulates transcription: shorter alleles, in contrast with longer allele counterparts, are associated with greater gene expression and should result in increased heme catabolism. Objective: We compared the rates of heme catabolism and plasma total bilirubin (TB) between HO-1 promoter genotypes of varying (GT)n repeat lengths in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-normal and -deficient neonates. Methods:HO-1 promoter length was determined from genomic DNA from previous studies by size discrimination of fluorescently-labeled PCR products with capillary electrophoresis. Sizing was confirmed by sequencing homozygote samples. Alleles were categorized as: short (≤24 GT repeats), medium (25-33 GT repeats), and long (≥34 GT repeats). Previously determined values for blood carboxyhemoglobin, corrected for inspired carbon monoxide (COHbc), and TB were used to determine the rate of heme catabolism and 3rd day TB values for each HO-1 promoter length genotype, respectively. G6PD Mediterranean was determined by PCR analysis. Results: Neither COHbc nor TB values were significantly different between various HO-1 promoter genotypes for either G6PD-normal or -deficient neonates. Conclusions: In the steady state, HO-1 promoter genotypes, based on the length of (GT)n repeats, do not modulate heme catabolism or 3rd day TB values in either G6PD-normal or -deficient neonates.
Inhibition of the Dephosphorylation of Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2E Ameliorates Murine Experimental Colitis
Authors: Okazaki Takashi , Nishio Akiyoshi , Takeo Masahiro , Sakaguchi Yutaku , Fukui Toshiro , Uchida Kazushige , Okazaki Kazuichi
Published: October 2014

Background/Aims: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the intestine is closely associated with the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the role of the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase in this disease is not fully known. We studied whether an inhibitor of the dephosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2E, salubrinal, improves murine experimental colitis through the amelioration of ER stress. Methods: Colitis was induced by the administration of 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 5 days. Mice were injected salubrinal intraperitoneally from the commencement of DSS treatment and were sacrificed on day 10. The severity of colitis was evaluated histologically using a scoring system. Myeloperoxidase activity and the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes in the colon were analyzed. The expression levels of ER stress-related proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. Results: The administration of salubrinal significantly attenuated body weight loss and improved colitis, as assessed histologically. The elevation of myeloperoxidase activity and the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes were suppressed in salubrinal-treated mice. The expression of glucose-regulated protein 78, activating translation factor 4, and heat-shock protein 70 was elevated in mice treated with salubrinal. Conclusion: The amelioration of ER stress may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of IBD. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Single-Lesion Measurement per Organ for Assessing Tumor Response in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kim Hyeong Su , Kim Ji Won , Kim Jung Han , Choi Dae Ro , Han A. Rum , Kim Min-Joeng , Kim Byung Chun , Zang Dae Young
Published: October 2014

Objective: The criterion of two target lesions per organ in the revised Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) is an arbitrary decision. We assumed that measuring the single largest lesion per organ (modified RECIST 1.1, hereafter referred to as mRECIST 1.1) instead of two (RECIST 1.1) might be enough to assess tumor responses. Methods: We compared tumor response using computed tomography according to the RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST 1.1 in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) who received first-line chemotherapy. Results: A total of 51 patients who had at least two target lesions in any organ according to the RECIST 1.1 were included in the study. The level of concordance in the tumor response between the RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST 1.1 was excellent (k = 0.904). Only 3 patients (5.9%) showed a disagreement of tumor responses between the two criteria. The overall response rate was not significantly different between the two criteria (45.1% by RECIST 1.1 vs. 49.0% by mRECIST 1.1, p = 0.692). Conclusion: The mRECIST 1.1 showed a high concordance with the original RECIST 1.1 in the assessment of tumor response for patients with AGC. Our result suggests that it may be possible to measure the single largest target lesion per organ for assessing tumor response in clinical practice. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Two-Dimensional Global Longitudinal Strain Rate Is a Preload Independent Index of Systemic Right Ventricular Contractility in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Patients After Fontan Operation
Authors: Schlangen Jana , Petko Colin , Hansen Jan H. , Michel Miriam , Hart Christopher , Uebing Anselm , Fischer Gunther , Becker Kolja , Kramer Hans-Heiner
Published: October 2014

Background—

Assessment of systemic right ventricular (RV) function in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome is important during long-term follow-up after Fontan repair. Traditional echocardiographic parameters to evaluate systolic ventricular function are affected by loading conditions. The only generally accepted load-independent parameter of systolic function, end systolic elastance (
E
es
), requires invasive catheterization. Therefore, we sought to determine if parameters obtained by 2-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) were affected by acute changes in preload and correlated with catheterization-derived indices of RV contractility in hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients after Fontan palliation.

Methods and Results—

Fifty-two patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (median age, 6.6; range 2.9–22.2 years) were prospectively enrolled to have echocardiography and conductance catheter studies performed simultaneously. We compared traditional echo, 2-dimensional speckle tracking and catheterization-derived parameters during different states of preload at baseline and during dobutamine infusion. Global longitudinal strain (S) showed a tendency to decrease with preload reduction, whereas global longitudinal strain rate (SR) did not change (S: −17.7±3.4% versus −16.9±3.8%,
P
=0.08; SR: −1.30±0.29 versus −1.34±0.34 s
−1
,
P
=0.3). S did not change with dobutamine infusion (−17.7±3.4% versus −18.4±3.9%,
P
=0.24), whereas SR increased significantly (−1.30±0.29 versus −2.26±0.49 s
−1
,
P
<0.001). RV
E
es
correlated with SR (
r
s
= −0.47,
P
<0.001), but not with S (
r
s
=0.07,
P
=0.5) or other echocardiographic parameters.

Conclusions—

In contrast to S, SR was not affected by preload and correlated with
E
es
of the systemic RV. SR may be a useful noninvasive surrogate of RV contractility and suitable for follow-up of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after Fontan palliation.
Targeted Temperature Management at 33°C Versus 36°C and Impact on Systemic Vascular Resistance and Myocardial Function After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Bro-Jeppesen John , Hassager Christian , Wanscher Michael , Østergaard Morten , Nielsen Niklas , Erlinge David , Friberg Hans , Køber Lars , Kjaergaard Jesper
Published: October 2014

Background—

Cardiovascular dysfunction is common after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest as part of the postcardiac arrest syndrome, and hypothermia may pose additional impact on hemodynamics. The aim was to investigate systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), cardiac index, and myocardial performance at a targeted temperature management of 33°C (TTM33) versus 36°C (TTM36).

Methods and Results—

Single-center substudy of 171 patients included in the Target Temperature Management Trial (TTM Trial) randomly assigned to TTM33 or TTM36 for 24 hours after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Mean arterial pressure ≥65 mm Hg and central venous pressure of 10 to 15 mm Hg were hemodynamic treatment goals. Hemodynamic evaluation was performed by serial right heart catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography. Primary end point was SVRI after 24 hours of cooling and secondary end points included mean SVRI, cardiac index, systolic function, and lactate levels. The TTM33 group had a significant increase in SVRI compared with TTM36 (2595; 95% confidence interval, 2422–2767) versus 1960 (95% confidence interval, 1787–2134) dynes m
2
/s per cm
5
;
P
<0.0001, respectively) after 24 hours of cooling with an overall difference of 556 dynes m
2
/s per cm
5
(
P
group
<0.0001). TTM33 was associated with decreased cardiac index (−0.4 L/min per m
2
;
P
group
<0.0001), decreased heart rate (
P
group
=0.01), and stroke volume index (
P
group
=0.004) compared with TTM36. Left ventricular ejection fraction (
P
=0.39) and peak systolic myocardial velocity (
P
=0.62) did not differ between TTM groups. Lactate levels were significantly higher in the TTM33 group (
P
=0.0008).

Conclusions—

Targeted temperature management at 33°C with target mean arterial pressure ≥65 mm Hg is associated with increased SVRI and lower cardiac index because of lower heart rate with unaffected left ventricular systolic function compared with 36°C.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01020916.
Ethnic Disparities in Ischemic Stroke, Intracerebral Hemorrhage, and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Incidence in The Netherlands
Authors: Agyemang Charles , van Oeffelen Aloysia A.M. , Norredam Marie , Kappelle L. Jaap , Klijn Catharina J.M. , Bots Michiel L. , Stronks Karien , Vaartjes Ilonca
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose—

Data on the incidence of stroke subtypes among ethnic minority groups are limited. We assessed ethnic differences in the incidence of stroke subtypes in the Netherlands.

Methods—

A Dutch nationwide register–based cohort study (n=7 423 174) was conducted between 1998 and 2010. We studied the following stroke subtypes: ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate incidence differences between first-generation ethnic minorities and the Dutch majority population (ethnic Dutch).

Results—

Compared with ethnic Dutch, Surinamese men and women had higher incidence rates of all stroke subtypes combined (adjusted hazard ratios, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–1.50 and 1.34; 1.28–1.41), ischemic stroke (1.68; 1.57–1.81 and 1.57; 1.46–1.68), intracerebral hemorrhage (2.08; 1.82–2.39 and 1.74; 1.50–2.00), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (1.25; 0.92–1.69 and 1.26; 1.04–1.54). By contrast, Moroccan men and women had lower incidence rates of all stroke subtypes combined (0.42; 0.36–0.48 and 0.37; 0.30–0.46), ischemic stroke (0.35; 0.27–0.45 and 0.34; 0.24–0.49), intracerebral hemorrhage (0.61; 0.41–0.92 and 0.32; 0.16–0.72), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (0.42; 0.20–0.88 and 0.34; 0.17–0.68) compared with ethnic Dutch counterparts. The results varied by stroke subtype and sex for the other minority groups. For example, Turkish women had a reduced incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, whereas Turkish men had an increased incidence of ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage compared with ethnic Dutch.

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest that Surinamese have an increased risk, whereas Moroccans have a reduced risk for all the various stroke subtypes. Among other ethnic minorities, the risk seems to depend on the stroke subtype and sex. These findings underscore the need to identify the root causes of these ethnic differences to assist primary and secondary prevention efforts.
Escaping the Throne Room
Authors: McKay Ian
Published: October 2014

InThe Gramscian MomentPeter Thomas fundamentally revises the ‘textbook’ Gramsci – a theorist whose work centred on a primordial East/West distinction, focused on the superstructure, and upon the ways a ruling class secured subaltern consent to its rule. Placing special emphasis on the Notebooks from 1932, Thomas critiques readings of Gramsci by Perry Anderson and Louis Althusser, and finds that Gramsci articulated the ‘philosophy of praxis’ not so much as a synonym for, or declaration of independence from, Marxism, but rather as a tendency within Marx’s legacy that Gramsci hoped to make hegemonic within the working-class movement. Two friendly amendments emerge with respect to this persuasive account. First, the emphasis on Gramsci’sphilosophyleads the author to an over-simplified account of the role of evolutionary theory within Gramsci’s own perspective and privileges ‘philosophy’ over other fields to which Gramsci’s vision was even more decisive. Is the ‘Gramscian moment’ really best analysed by looking at those intellectuals commonly deemed philosophers? And second, does not this moment also entail a more fundamental rethinking of the orthodox concepts and methods of revolutionary-left historiography than the author sometimes implies?
The Blood of the Commonwealth
Authors: McNally David
Published: October 2014

Insisting on the status of money as a creature of both the market and the state, this article challenges dualistic understandings of capitalist imperialism as entailing two fundamentally distinct logics, one capitalist, the other territorial. In opposition to the dual-logics position, the article argues for the distinctiveness of capitalist money in terms of a complex butunitarysocio-economic logic. The social dynamism of this logic involves the spatial-territorial extension of the domain of modern value relations, embodied in fully-capitalist money. Departing from the development of coinage in ancient Greece, the article proceeds to identify the 1690s in Britain as the decisive moment in the emergence of a new and distinctively capitalist form of (world) money, institutionally based upon the Bank of England, in which state debt was thoroughly integrated with private financial markets. The crucial role of the Bank of England in this new monetary system is shown to have pivoted on its capacities to finance Britain’s inter-colonial wars. Colonialism, war, slavery and dispossession underline the omnipresence of ‘blood and dirt’ (Marx) in the development and reproduction of capitalist impersonal power as expressed in world money. Undoing the impersonal power characteristic of bourgeois money thus entails undoing the economic dispossession of the labouring poor, which forms the basis of their ‘possession’ by capital.
Lectotypification of Loranthus thyrsiflorus (Loranthaceae) and its placement in Struthanthu
Authors: Kuijt Job
Published: October 2014

The species Loranthus thyrsiflorus Chamisso & Schlechtendal (1828) was based on an unnumbered specimen collected by Friedrich Sellow from an unknown Brazilian locality. Its protologue, unfortunately, does not adequately distinguish the species from most other, presently known, Brazilian entities in Struthanthus, its current generic position. The original material forming the basis of the species was destroyed in Berlin during World War II. The name Loranthus thyrsiflorus has not been typified
Xynocoris, new genus of Ochlerini from Central and South America (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Discocephalinae)
Authors: GARBELOTTO THEREZA DE A. , CAMPOS LUIZ A. , GRAZIA JOCELIA
Published: October 2014

Xynocoris Garbelotto & Campos gen. nov. is proposed for a monophyletic group recovered in the previous cladistic analysis of the Herrichella clade. The genus is proposed based in two synapomorphies: the presence of long, projected, and acute anteocular processes, and apices of posterolateral angles of pygophore tumid. Nine new species are described (X. crinitus Garbelotto & Campos sp. nov., X. recavus Garbelotto & Campos sp. nov., X. tuberculatus Garbelotto & Campos sp. nov., X. insularis Garbelotto & Campos sp. nov., X. egeri Garbelotto & Campos sp. nov., X. calosus Garbelotto & Campos sp. nov., X. meridionalis Garbelotto & Campos sp. nov., X. lucidus Garbelotto & Campos sp. nov. and X. cupreus Garbelotto & Campos sp. nov.) and one new combination is proposed for Alitocoris parvus (Distant).
The case for using the infraorder Coccomorpha above the superfamily Coccoidea for the scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha)
Authors: WILLIAMS DOUGLAS J. , HODGSON CHRIS J.
Published: October 2014

The order Hemiptera was formerly divided into two suborders, Heteroptera and Homoptera. The suborder Homoptera was also divided into two convenient groups, the Auchenorrhyncha and the Sternorrhyncha, the latter comprising the superfamilies Aphidoidea, Psylloidea, and Aleyrodoidea, plus the scale insects in the superfamily Coccoidea. Until about the mid-20th century, most workers on scale insects were content to place the scale insects in the family Coccidae but, with the ever-increasing number of subfamilies being raised to family rank, the superfamily rank Coccoidea came into general use. There are now 49 families presently recognised in the scale insects (Ben-Dov et al., 2014) including families based on fossils. In a recent publication by Kozár et al. (2013), family-group names for two families were resurrected and a new name for a new family was discussed, increasing the number of possible family-group names to 52.
Relationship between Warm Airmass Transport into the Upper Polar Atmosphere and Cold Air Outbreaks in Winter
Authors: Yu Yueyue , Cai Ming , Ren Rongcai , van den Dool Huug M.
Published: October 2014

This study investigates dominant patterns of daily surface air temperature anomalies in winter (November–February) and their relationship with the meridional mass circulation variability using the daily Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis in 1979–2011. Mass circulation indices are constructed to measure the day-to-day variability of mass transport into the polar region by the warm air branch aloft and out of the polar region by the cold air branch in the lower troposphere. It is shown that weaker warm airmass transport into the upper polar atmosphere is accompanied by weaker equatorward advancement of cold air in the lower troposphere. As a result, the cold air is largely imprisoned within the polar region, responsible for anomalous warmth in midlatitudes and anomalous cold in high latitudes. Conversely, stronger warm airmass transport into the upper polar atmosphere is synchronized with stronger equatorward discharge of cold polar air in the lower troposphere, resulting in massive cold air outbreaks in midlatitudes and anomalous warmth in high latitudes. There are two dominant geographical patterns of cold air outbreaks during the cold air discharge period (or 1–10 days after a stronger mass circulation across 60°N). One represents cold air outbreaks in midlatitudes of both North America and Eurasia, and the other is the dominance of cold air outbreaks only over one of the two continents with abnormal warmth over the other continent. The first pattern mainly corresponds to the first and fourth leading empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of daily surface air temperature anomalies in winter, whereas the second pattern is related to the second EOF mode.