bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Reduced Basis Approach for Modeling the Movement of Nuclear Reactor Control Rods
Authors: Sartori Alberto , Cammi Antonio , Luzzi Lelio , Rozza Gianluigi
Published: February 2016

This work presents a reduced order model (ROM) aimed at simulating nuclear reactor control rods movement and featuring fast-running prediction of reactivity and neutron flux distribution as well. In particular, the reduced basis (RB) method (built upon a high-fidelity finite element (FE) approximation) has been employed. The neutronics has been modeled according to a parametrized stationary version of the multigroup neutron diffusion equation, which can be formulated as a generalized eigenvalue problem. Within the RB framework, the centroidal Voronoi tessellation is employed as a sampling technique due to the possibility of a hierarchical parameter space exploration, without relying on a “classical” a posteriori error estimation, and saving an important amount of computational time in the offline phase. Here, the proposed ROM is capable of correctly predicting, with respect to the high-fidelity FE approximation, both the reactivity and neutron flux shape. In this way, a computational speedup of at least three orders of magnitude is achieved. If a higher precision is required, the number of employed basis functions (BFs) must be increased.
Highly stable carbon nanotube cathode for electron beam application
Authors: Kang Jung Su , Hong Ji Hwan , Chung Min Tae , Park Kyu Chang
Published: February 2016

The authors fabricated an optimized electron beam (e-beam) with a carbon nanotube (CNT) cathode and triode configuration. CNT emitters grown with a resist-assisted patterning process were used as an electron source. The gate mesh was aligned with the CNT emitter islands for a lower leakage current, resulting in a higher electron emission current and transmission ratio. Additionally, the width between CNT islands and the pitch between CNTs were optimized to enhance the electric field at the tip of the CNT emitters. With the optimized e-beam module, consisting of a CNT cathode and gate mesh, CNT pitch of 30 μm, dot size of 3 μm, line width of 210 μm, and gate mesh width of 75 μm, the emission current showed an increase of 165 times and operated for more than 500 h with DC driving. The optimized e-beam can be a building block for vacuum nanoelectronic devices.
Brief Heat Training: No Improvement of the Lactate Threshold in Mild Conditions
Authors: Chalmers Samuel , Esterman Adrian , Eston Roger , Norton Kevin
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

Athletes often seek the minimum required time that might elicit a physiological or performance change. It is reasonable to suggest that heat training may improve aerobic-based performance in mild conditions. Therefore, rather than providing a traditional heat-exposure stimulus (ie, 7–10 × 60–100 min sessions), the current article details 2 studies that aimed to determine the effect of brief (≤240 min exposure) heat training on the second lactate threshold (LT2) in mild conditions.

Methods:

Forty-one participants completed 5 (study 1, n = 18) or 4 (study 2, n = 23) perceptually regulated treadmill exercise training sessions in 35°C and 30% relative humidity (RH) (experimental group) or 19°C and 30% RH (control group). Preincremental and postincremental exercise testing occurred in mild conditions (19°C and 30% RH). Linear mixed-effects models analyzed the change in LT2.

Results

Heat training did not substantially change LT2 in either study 1 (+1.2%, d = 0.38, P = .248) or study 2 (+1.9%, d = 0.42, P = .163). LT2 was not substantially changed in the control group in study 1 (+1.3%, d = 0.43, P = .193), but a within-group change was evident in study 2 (+2.3%, d = 1.04, P = .001).

Conclusions:

Brief heat training was inadequate to improve the speed at LT2 in mild conditions more than comparable training in mild conditions. The brief nature of the heattraining protocol did not allow adaptations to develop to the extent required to potentially confer a performance advantage in an environment that is less thermally stressful than the training conditions.
Comparison of Hip- and Back-Muscle Activity and Pelvic Compensation in Healthy Subjects During 3 Different Prone Table Hip-Extension Exercises
Authors: Jeon In-cheol , Kwon Oh-yun , Weon Jong-hyuck , Hwang Ui-jae , Jung Sung-hoon
Published: February 2016

Context:

Prone hip extension has been recommended for strengthening the back and hip muscles. Previous studies have investigated prone hip extension conducted with subjects on the floor in the prone position. However, no study has compared 3 different table hip-extension (THE) positions in terms of the activities of the back- and hip-joint muscles with lumbopelvic motion.

Objective:

To identify more effective exercises for strengthening the gluteus maximus (GM) by comparing 3 different exercises (THE alone, THE with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver [THEA], and THEA with chair support under the knee [THEAC]) based on electromyographic muscle activity and pelvic compensation.

Design:

Repeated-measure within-subject intervention.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Participants:

16 healthy men.

Main Outcome Measures:

Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to obtain data on the GM, erector spinae (ES), multifidus, biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST). Pelvic compensation was monitored using an electromagnetic motion-tracking device. Exertion during each exercise was recorded. Any significant difference in electromyographic muscle activity and pelvic motion among the 3 conditions (THE vs THEA vs THEAC) was assessed using a 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc test.

Results:

The muscle activities recorded by EMG differed significantly among the 3 exercises (P < .01). GM activity was increased significantly during THEAC (P < .01). There was a significant difference in lumbopelvic kinematics in terms of anterior tilting (F = 19.49, P < .01) and rotation (F= 27.38, P < .01) among the 3 exercises.

Conclusions:

The THEAC exercise was the most effective for strengthening the GM without overactivity of the ES, BF, and ST muscles and lumbopelvic compensation compared with THE and THEA.
Role of the Medial Preoptic Area in Electroacupuncture Treatment of Reproductive Dysfunction in Ovariectomised Rats
Authors: Ma Shulan , Li Dongju , Jiang Jianwei , Shen Bo
Published: February 2016

Objective

To investigate the role of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of the hypothalamus in electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of reproductive dysfunction in ovariectomised (OVX) rats and to examine the underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods

62 female Sprague-Dawley rats (200–220 g) underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). Three weeks later, 32 rats assigned to experiment 1 were randomly divided into four groups: two groups underwent MPOA lesioning (n=16) followed by EA at CV4, CV3, SP6 and bilateral Zigong (30 min per day) for 3 days (OVX+MPOA+EA group, n=8) or no treatment (OVX+MPOA group, n=8); and two groups underwent sham (S) surgery (n=16) followed by EA (OVX+SMPOA+EA group, n=8) or no treatment (OVX+SMPOA group, n=8). Plasma oestradiol and luteinising hormone (LH) were measured by radioimmunoassay and mature vaginal epithelial cells stained and quantified post-treatment. 30 rats assigned to experiment 2 were randomised to receive EA (OVX+EA group, n=15) or remain untreated (OVX group, n=15), following which push-pull perfusion in combination with high pressure liquid chromatography/electrochemical (HPLC-EC) detection was used to measure neurotransmitter release in the MPOA.

Results

EA significantly increased the percentage of mature vaginal epithelial cells and plasma oestradiol levels in sham MPOA-lesioned rats compared with MPOA-lesioned OVX rats (p<0.05). In sham MPOA-lesioned OVX rats, EA significantly decreased plasma LH levels compared with no treatment (p<0.01). HPLC-EC results showed that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and β-endorphin levels in the MPAO were significantly increased in OVX rats following EA (p<0.01).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that the MPOA plays a crucial role in EA treatment of abnormal reproductive function in OVX rats.
Recurrent uveitis and pigment dispersion in an eye with in-the-bag acrylic foldable intraocular lens
Authors: Thakur Monica , Bhatia Prashant , Chandrasekhar Garudadri , Senthil Sirisha
Published: February 2016

Phacoemulsification with in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is the standard procedure for cataract surgery. Pigment dispersion and uveitis can result when an IOL is placed in the sulcus. We report a case of a 64-year-old woman, with pigmentary glaucoma, who developed recurrent uveitis following uneventful cataract surgery and an in-the-bag hydrophobic acrylic IOL implant. Recurrent uveitis did not subside despite use of topical steroids over 3 months. Dilated examination revealed capsulophimosis with anterior dislocation of the IOL haptic. The mechanical trauma to the iris due to the displaced haptic was implicated as the cause of recurrent uveitis, which completely resolved after capsular excision and IOL repositioning. This case illustrates a rare cause of recurrent uveitis due to IOL haptic dislocation following severe capsulophimosis.
Quality of care in university hospitals in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review
Authors: Aljuaid Mohammed , Mannan Fahmida , Chaudhry Zain , Rawaf Salman , Majeed Azeem
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To identify the key issues, problems, barriers and challenges particularly in relation to the quality of care in university hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and to provide recommendations for improvement.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out using five electronic databases, for articles published between January 2004 and January 2015. We included studies conducted in university hospitals in KSA that focused on the quality of healthcare. Three independent reviewers verified that the studies met the inclusion criteria, assessed the quality of the studies and extracted their relevant characteristics. All studies were assessed using the Institute of Medicine indicators of quality of care.

Results

Of the 1430 references identified in the initial search, eight studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The included studies clearly highlight a need to improve the quality of healthcare delivery, specifically in areas of patient safety, clinical effectiveness and patient-centredness, at university hospitals in KSA. Problems with quality of care could be due to failures of leadership, a requirement for better management and a need to establish a culture of safety alongside leadership reform in university hospitals. Lack of instructions given to patients and language communication were key factors impeding optimum delivery of patient-centred care. Decision-makers in KSA university hospitals should consider programmes and assessment tools to reveal problems and issues related to language as a barrier to quality of care.

Conclusions

This review exemplifies the need for further improvement in the quality of healthcare in university hospitals in KSA. Many of the problems identified in this review could be addressed by establishing an independent body in KSA, which could monitor healthcare services and push for improvements in efficiency and quality of care.
Change to costs and lengths of stay in the emergency department and the Brisbane protocol: an observational study
Authors: Cheng Qinglu , Greenslade Jaimi H , Parsonage William A , Barnett Adrian G , Merollini Katharina , Graves Nicholas , Peacock W Frank , Cullen Louise
Published: February 2016

Objective

To compare health service cost and length of stay between a traditional and an accelerated diagnostic approach to assess acute coronary syndromes (ACS) among patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) of a large tertiary hospital in Australia.

Design, setting and participants

This historically controlled study analysed data collected from two independent patient cohorts presenting to the ED with potential ACS. The first cohort of 938 patients was recruited in 2008–2010, and these patients were assessed using the traditional diagnostic approach detailed in the national guideline. The second cohort of 921 patients was recruited in 2011–2013 and was assessed with the accelerated diagnostic approach named the Brisbane protocol. The Brisbane protocol applied early serial troponin testing for patients at 0 and 2 h after presentation to ED, in comparison with 0 and 6 h testing in traditional assessment process. The Brisbane protocol also defined a low-risk group of patients in whom no objective testing was performed. A decision tree model was used to compare the expected cost and length of stay in hospital between two approaches. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to account for model uncertainty.

Results

Compared with the traditional diagnostic approach, the Brisbane protocol was associated with reduced expected cost of $1229 (95% CI −$1266 to $5122) and reduced expected length of stay of 26 h (95% CI −14 to 136 h). The Brisbane protocol allowed physicians to discharge a higher proportion of low-risk and intermediate-risk patients from ED within 4 h (72% vs 51%). Results from sensitivity analysis suggested the Brisbane protocol had a high chance of being cost-saving and time-saving.

Conclusions

This study provides some evidence of cost savings from a decision to adopt the Brisbane protocol. Benefits would arise for the hospital and for patients and their families.
Rationale and design of the African group A streptococcal infection registry: the AFROStrepstudy
Authors: Barth Dylan D , Engel Mark E , Whitelaw Andrew , Alemseged Abdissa , Sadoh Wilson E , Ali Sulafa K M , Sow Samba O , Dale James , Mayosi Bongani M
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Group A β-haemolyticStreptococcus(GAS), a Gram-positive bacterium, also known asStreptococcus pyogenes, causes pyoderma, pharyngitis and invasive disease. Repeated GAS infections may lead to autoimmune diseases such as acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Invasive GAS (iGAS) disease is an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The burden of GAS infections is, however, unknown in Africa because of lack of surveillance systems.

Methods and analysis

The African group A streptococcal infection registry (the AFROStrepstudy) is a collaborative multicentre study of clinical, microbiological, epidemiological and molecular characteristics for GAS infection in Africa. The AFROStrepregistry comprises two components: (1) active surveillance of GAS pharyngitis cases from sentinel primary care centres (non-iGAS) and (2) passive surveillance of iGAS disease from microbiology laboratories. Isolates will also be subjected to DNA isolation to allow for characterisation by molecular methods and cryopreservation for long-term storage. The AFROStrepstudy seeks to collect comprehensive data on GAS isolates in Africa. The biorepository will serve as a platform for vaccine development in Africa.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for the AFROStrepregistry has been obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Cape Town (HREC/REF: R006/2015). Each recruiting site will seek ethics approval from their local ethics’ committee. All participants will be required to provide consent for inclusion into the registry as well as for the storage of isolates and molecular investigations to be conducted thereon. Strict confidentiality will be applied throughout. Findings and updates will be disseminated to collaborators, researchers, health planners and colleagues through peer-reviewed journal articles, conference publications and proceedings.
Association between traffic-related air pollution and asthma in preschool children in a national Japanese nested case–control study
Authors: Hasunuma Hideki , Sato Tosiya , Iwata Tsutomu , Kohno Yoichi , Nitta Hiroshi , Odajima Hiroshi , Ohara Toshimasa , Omori Takashi , Ono Masaji , Yamazaki Shin , Shima Masayuki
Published: February 2016

Objectives

There has been little study on the effect of traffic-related air pollution on the incidence and persistence of asthma in preschool children. We evaluated the association of exposure to traffic-related air pollution with the incidence/persistence of asthma during the first 3 years of life using a population-based study.

Methods

A baseline survey was conducted in 1½-year-old children (n=63 266). A follow-up survey at 3 years of age (n=43 343) identified new-onset asthma cases (n=853) and persistence of asthma (n=214). In the prevalence/persistence study, the outdoor concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and elemental carbon (EC) at home during the first 1½ years of life were estimated by a dispersion model. In the nested case–control study, which regarded incidence of asthma as cases, the personal exposure levels were estimated by dispersion model including time-activity pattern.

Results

There was no statistically significant association between the incidence of asthma between age 1½ and 3 years and personal exposure levels to NOx nor EC. However, the persistence of asthmatic symptoms (between 1½ and 3 years) was significantly associated with outdoor concentrations of NOx. ORs for the persistence of asthmatic symptoms were 6.02 (95% CI 1.51 to 23.92) for the comparison between the upper 5th and lower 25th centiles of NOx.

Conclusions

While no statistically significant association was observed for the incidence of asthma, the persistence of asthmatic symptoms in preschool children was significantly associated with traffic-related air pollution. This supports its importance as a risk factor in childhood airway disease.
Results and lessons from the Spironolactone To Prevent Cardiovascular Events in Early Stage Chronic Kidney Disease (STOP-CKD) randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ng Khai P , Jain Poorva , Gill Paramjit S , Heer Gurdip , Townend Jonathan N , Freemantle Nick , Greenfield Sheila , McManus Richard J , Ferro Charles J
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To determine whether low-dose spironolactone can safely lower arterial stiffness in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3 in the primary care setting.

Design

A multicentre, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study.

Setting

11 primary care centres in South Birmingham, England.

Participants

Adult patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Main exclusion criteria were diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, severe hypertension, systolic blood pressure <120 mm Hg or baseline serum potassium ≥5 mmol/L.

Intervention

Eligible participants were randomised to receive either spironolactone 25 mg once daily, or matching placebo for an intended period of 40 weeks.

Outcome measures

The primary end point was the change in arterial stiffness as measured by pulse wave velocity. Secondary outcome measures included the rate of hyperkalaemia, deterioration of renal function, barriers to participation and expected recruitment rates to a potential future hard end point study.

Results

From the 11 practices serving a population of 112 462, there were 1598 (1.4%) patients identified as being eligible and were invited to participate. Of these, 134 (8.4%) attended the screening visit of which only 16 (1.0%) were eligible for randomisation. The main reasons for exclusion were low systolic blood pressure (<120 mm Hg: 40 patients) and high estimated glomerular filtration rate (≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2: 38 patients). The trial was considered unfeasible and was terminated early.

Conclusions

We highlight some of the challenges in undertaking research in primary care including patient participation in trials. This study not only challenged our preconceptions, but also provided important learning for future research in this large and important group of patients.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN80658312.
Improving the safety and efficiency of outpatient lumbar puncture service
Authors: Sweeney Mark , Al-Diwani Adam , Hadden Robert
Published: February 2016

Lumbar puncture (LP) is a commonly performed procedure in diagnosis and management of neurological conditions. LP is generally safe, however there are a number of potentially serious complications, including epidural haematoma and cerebral herniation. The risks of these should be considered and minimised prior to undertaking LP.

Our regional neuroscience centre provides an outpatient LP service for patients throughout southeast England. Referrals from distant hospitals meant there was frequently no access to important clinical information, including indication for LP, past medical history, or medication history until the day of the procedure, and no access to results of investigations such as coagulation profile, platelet count, or intracranial imaging. Furthermore, there was limited capacity or time available in the day ward to perform these tests prior to LP. As a result, patients were either having LPs cancelled on the day of the procedure, were delayed by several hours on the day of the procedure for investigations, or were subject to the risk of having the LP performed without the knowledge of these key safety indicators.

To address this issue we implemented an LP safety checklist to be completed by referring neurologists, providing details of the patient’s medical history and results of investigations performed locally. In doing this, we increased the proportion of patients with an available platelet count prior to LP from 25% to 89%, and available coagulation profile from 18% to 82%. In addition, we saw a qualitative increase in the confidence of junior doctors in the safety of the LP clinic, as measured by a survey taken before and after the implementation of this system.

This simple intervention made a rapid and remarkable difference to the safety and efficiency of this outpatient LP clinic. We would encourage other units to adopt this approach to address similar problems in a variety of outpatient settings.
Conscientious objection in healthcare: why tribunals might be the answer
Authors: Hughes Jonathan A
Published: February 2016

A recent focus of the debate on conscientious objection in healthcare is the question of whether practitioners should have to justify their refusal to perform certain functions. A recent article by Cowley addresses a practical aspect of this controversy, namely the question of whether doctors claiming conscientious objector status in relation to abortion should be required, like their counterparts claiming exemption from military conscription, to defend their claim before a tribunal. Cowley argues against the use of tribunals in the medical case, on the grounds that there are likely to be fewer unjustified claims to conscientious objection in this context than in the military, and that in any case tribunals will not be an effective way of distinguishing genuine and false cases. I reject these arguments and propose a different conception of the role of a medical conscientious objection tribunal.
Effets physiologiques de l'atrazine à doses sublétales sur Lemna minor. V. Influence sur l'ultrastructure des chloroplastes
Authors: Beaumont G. , Lord A. , Grenier G.
Published: February 2016

A sublethal concentration of 0.25 ppm of atrazine produced many ultrastructural changes on the chloroplasts of mesophyll cells of Lemna minor L., cultivated aseptically in a mineral solution. The number of grana per chloroplast increased, whereas the intralamellar vesicles disappeared and outgrowths formed at the ends of chloroplasts. The grana of treated chloroplasts showed a reduction in the number of lamellae and formed a very dense network. The stroma of the same chloroplasts was reduced and accumulated osmiophilic globules.
Light transmission in window-leaved plants
Authors: Krulik Gerald A.
Published: February 2016

Window-leaved plants are succulent plants which possess areas of clear epidermis on their leaves. The underlying water storage tissue is transparent to allow light penetration to the internal chlorenchyma. The most highly evolved window-leaved plants with the most transparent tissue grow completely underground in desert regions. Only the rounded leaf tips are level with the soil surface and directly exposed to incident light. Light transmission curves were measured using live windows of five species of plants from three families (Liliaceae, Piperaceae, Mesembryanthemaceae). These results suggest that subterranean window leaves may be limited to a relatively short effective maximum length because of light absorption by the tissues involved. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of these plants show considerable differences in surface structure which may help to modulate incident light. Comparisons with related Mesembryanthemaceae illustrate that a complex series of adaptations have been developed to allow underground growth.
Influence of Glomus fasciculatus mycorrhizae on some physical and chemical characteristics of Platanus occidentalis seedlings
Authors: Pope P. E.
Published: February 2016

Inoculation of Platanus occidentalis seedlings with Glomus fasciculatus significantly increased plant dry weight and foliar phosphorus (P) concentration when compared with the uninoculated control. After 12 weeks inoculated seedlings were 73% taller and 200% greater in total dry weight. The largest dry weight increase was recorded for foliage (212%) followed in order by stem (202%) and root (171%). Averaged overall nutrient treatments, foliar P concentration was 22% greater for the inoculated seedlings. Nutrient regimes representing 1×, 2×, and 4× Hoagland's No. 2 solution and a control significantly influenced seedling height, dry weight, percentage of foliar N, P, and K, and the degree of root colonization. Maximum growth and foliar nutrient concentrations were associated with the 2× Hoagland's nutrient regime followed in order by the 4× and 1× nutrient treatments and the control. Degree of root colonization by G. fasciculatus increased from 42% of the root length in the unfertilized control to 48% at the 1× Hoagland's regime and sharply declined at the 2× and 4× levels. Total dry weight of inoculated seedlings was significantly greater than the noninoculated control at each nutrient level. Incremental differences were 2.71, 4.03, 4.37, and 3.08 g for the control, 1×, 2×, and 4× Hoagland's nutrient regimes, respectively. Seedling growth attributed to G. fasciculatus is directly related to degree of mycorrhizal colonization and inversely related to the amount of extractable soil P.
Esculetin Inhibits VEGF-Induced Angiogenesis BothIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Park Sung Lyea , Won Se Yeon , Song Jun-Hui , Lee Sook-Young , Kim Wun-Jae , Moon Sung-Kwon
Published: February 2016

Esculetin is known to inhibit tumor growth, but its effect in angiogenesis has not been studied. Here, we report the efficacy of esculetin on VEGF-induced angiogenesis. Esculetin treatment inhibited VEGF-induced proliferation and DNA synthesis of HUVECs with no cell toxicity. G1-phase cell-cycle arrest was associated with a decreased expression of cyclins and CDKs via the binding of p27KIP1. Esculetin down-regulated the MMP-2 expression in VEGF-stimulated HUVECs, which suppressed colony tube formation and migration. Esculetin reduced the phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 and the downstream signaling of VEGFR-2, including ERK1/2 and eNOS/Akt pathways. Esculetin suppressed microvessel outgrowth from an aortic ring ex vivo model treated with VEGF, and blocked the VEGF-induced formation of new blood vessels and hemoglobin content in an in vivo Matrigel plug model. Collectively, VEGF-stimulated responses in angiogenesis were inhibited in vitro and in vivo, providing a theoretical basis for effective use against anti-angiogenic therapies.
Mechanism of Taiwan Mingjian Oolong Tea to Inhibit Isoproterenol-Induced Hypertrophy and Apoptosis in Cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Yeh Yu-Lan , Tsai Hsiang-I , Cheng Shiu-Min , Pai Peiying , Ho Tsung-Jung , Chen Ray-Jade , Lai Chao-Hung , Huang Pei-Jane , Padma V. Vijaya , Huang Chih-Yang
Published: February 2016

This study investigates the cardio-protective effect of Nos. 1 and 5 extracts from Taiwan Mingjian Oolong Tea on H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells treated with isoproterenol (ISO). Treatment with Nos. 1 and 5 extracts increased cell viability and blocked apoptosis in ISO exposed H9c2 cells. Moreover, Nos. 1 and 5 extracts blocked hypertrophy markers like G[Formula: see text]s, calcineurin, NFATc3, and BNP, thereby increasing cell proliferation markers -PI3K and AKT in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, apoptotic proteins, such as caspase-3 and cytochrome c were decreased in H9c2 cells treated with Nos. 1 and 5 extracts. We confirmed that the protective effect of No. 1 extract was partially mediated through the expression of ERK and p38, however, the No. 5 extract showed a protective effect via the ERK, JNK, and p38 pathways. This evidence provides new insights into the pharmacological role and therapeutic mechanism of Taiwan Mingjian Oolong Tea in heart diseases.
Anisotropic Diffusion Model Based on a New Diffusion Coefficient and Fractional Order Differential for Image Denoising
Authors: Yuan Jianjun , Liu Lipei
Published: February 2016

This paper presents an improved anisotropic diffusion model which is based on a new diffusion coefficient and fractional order differential for image denoising. In the proposed model, the new diffusion coefficient can protect edges and fine characteristics from being over-smoothed. The fractional order differential is applied to weaken the staircasing effect, preserve fine characteristics. Additionally, the automatic set method of diffusion coefficient threshold is developed. Comparative experiments show that the proposed model succeeds in denoising and preserving fine characteristics.
Influence of Higher Modes on Strength and Ductility Demands of Soil–Structure Systems
Authors: Ganjavi Behnoud , Hao Hong , Hajirasouliha Iman
Published: February 2016

Due to the inherent complexity, the common approach in analyzing nonlinear response of structures with soil–structure interaction (SSI) in current seismic provisions is based on equivalent Single Degree-of-Freedom systems (E-SDOF). This paper aims to study the influence of higher modes on the seismic response of SSI systems by performing intensive parametric analyses on more than 6400 linear and non-linear Multi Degree-of-Freedom (MDOF) and E-SDOF systems subjected to 21 earthquake records. An established soil-shallow foundation-structure model with equivalent linear soil behavior and nonlinear superstructure has been utilized using the concept of cone models. The lateral strength and ductility demands of MDOF soil–structure systems with different number of stories, structure-to-soil stiffness ratio, aspect ratio and level of inelasticity are compared to those of E-SDOF systems. The results indicate that using the common E-SDOF soil–structure systems for estimating the strength and ductility demands of medium and slender MDOF structures can lead to very un-conservative results when SSI effect is significant. This implies the significance of higher mode effects for soil–structure systems in comparison with fixed-based structures, which is more pronounced for the cases of elastic and low level of inelasticity.
New insights into Kawah Ijen's volcanic system from the wet volcano workshop experiment
Authors: Gunawan Hendra , Caudron Corentin , Pallister John , Primulyana Sofyan , Christenson Bruce , Mccausland Wendy , van Hinsberg Vincent , Lewicki Jennifer , Rouwet Dmitri , Kelly Peter , Kern Christoph , Werner Cynthia , Johnson Jeffrey B. , Utami Sri Budi , Syahbana Devy Kamil , Saing Ugan , Suparjan  , Purwanto Bambang Heri , Sealing Christine , Cruz Maria Martinez , Maryanto Sukir , Bani Philipson , Laurin Antoine , Schmid Agathe , Bradley Kyle , Nandaka I Gusti Made Agung , Hendrasto Mochammad
Published: February 2016

Volcanoes with crater lakes and/or extensive hydrothermal systems pose significant challenges with respect to monitoring and forecasting eruptions, but they also provide new opportunities to enhance our understanding of magmatic–hydrothermal processes. Their lakes and hydrothermal systems serve as reservoirs for magmatic heat and fluid emissions, filtering and delaying the surface expressions of magmatic unrest and eruption, yet they also enable sampling and monitoring of geochemical tracers. Here, we describe the outcomes of a highly focused international experimental campaign and workshop carried out at Kawah Ijen volcano, Indonesia, in September 2014, designed to answer fundamental questions about how to improve monitoring and eruption forecasting at wet volcanoes.
Paper presentation at conferences
Authors: Jagadish H. V.
Published: February 2016

Seeking an improved paper presentation process.
Peter Naur
Authors: CACM Staff
Published: February 2016

Peter Naur, a Danish computer scientist and 2005 recipient of the ACM A.M. Turing Award, died recently after a brief illness.
A usability test is not an interview
Authors: Hertzum Morten
Published: February 2016

This forum addresses conceptual, methodological, and professional issues that arise in the UX field's continuing effort to contribute robust information about users to product planning and design. ---
David Siegel and Susan Dray, Editors
Dichotomies for Queries with Negation in Probabilistic Databases
Authors: Fink Robert , Olteanu Dan
Published: February 2016

This article charts the tractability frontier of two classes of relational algebra queries in tuple-independent probabilistic databases. The first class consists of queries with join, projection, selection, and negation but without repeating relation symbols and union. The second class consists of quantified queries that express the following binary relationships among sets of entities: set division, set inclusion, set equivalence, and set incomparability. Quantified queries are expressible in relational algebra using join, projection, nested negation, and repeating relation symbols.

Each query in the two classes has either polynomial-time or #P-hard data complexity and the tractable queries can be recognised efficiently. Our result for the first query class extends a known dichotomy for conjunctive queries without self-joins to such queries with negation. For quantified queries, their tractability is sensitive to their outermost projection operator: They are tractable if no attribute representing set identifiers is projected away and #P-hard otherwise.
The need for research in broadening participation
Authors: Barnes Tiffany , Thiruvathukal George K.
Published: February 2016

In addition to alliances created for broadening participation in computing, research is required to better utilize the knowledge they have produced.
An interview with Stanford University president John Hennessy
Authors: Patterson David
Published: February 2016

Stanford University President John Hennessy discusses his academic and industry experiences in Silicon Valley with UC Berkeley CS Professor David Patterson.
Low-Rank Methods for Parallelizing Dynamic Programming Algorithms
Authors: Maleki Saeed , Musuvathi Madanlal , Mytkowicz Todd
Published: February 2016

This article proposes efficient parallel methods for an important class of dynamic programming problems that includes Viterbi, Needleman-Wunsch, Smith-Waterman, and Longest Common Subsequence. In dynamic programming, the subproblems that do not depend on each other, and thus can be computed in parallel, form stages or
wavefronts
. The methods presented in this article provide additional parallelism allowing multiple stages to be computed in parallel despite dependencies among them. The correctness and the performance of the algorithm relies on rank convergence properties of matrix multiplication in the tropical semiring, formed with plus as the multiplicative operation and max as the additive operation.

This article demonstrates the efficiency of the parallel algorithm by showing significant speedups on a variety of important dynamic programming problems. In particular, the parallel Viterbi decoder is up to 24× faster (with 64 processors) than a highly optimized commercial baseline.
Comparison of sympathetic nerve activity normalization procedures in conscious rabbits
Authors: Burke Sandra L. , Lim Kyungjoon , Moretti John-Luis , Head Geoffrey A.
Published: February 2016

One of the main constraints associated with recording sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in both humans and experimental animals is that microvolt values reflect characteristics of the recording conditions and limit comparisons between different experimental groups. The nasopharyngeal response has been validated for normalizing renal SNA (RSNA) in conscious rabbits, and in humans muscle SNA is normalized to the maximum burst in the resting period. We compared these two methods of normalization to determine whether either could detect elevated RSNA in hypertensive rabbits compared with normotensive controls. We also tested whether either method eliminated differences based only on different recording conditions by separating RSNA of control (sham) rabbits into two groups with low or high microvolts. Hypertension was induced by 5 wk of renal clipping (2K1C), 3 wk of high-fat diet (HFD), or 3 mo infusion of a low dose of angiotensin (ANG II). Normalization to the nasopharyngeal response revealed RSNA that was 88, 51, and 34% greater in 2K1C, HFD, and ANG II rabbits, respectively, than shams ( P < 0.05), but normalization to the maximum burst showed no differences. The RSNA baroreflex followed a similar pattern whether RSNA was expressed in microvolts or normalized. Both methods abolished the difference between low and high microvolt RSNA. These results suggest that maximum burst amplitude is a useful technique for minimizing differences between recording conditions but is unable to detect real differences between groups. We conclude that the nasopharyngeal reflex is the superior method for normalizing sympathetic recordings in conscious rabbits.
Management and Outcome of 64 Patients with Pancreatic Serous Cystic Neoplasms
Authors: Gomatos Ilias P. , Halloran Christopher , Ghaneh Paula , Raraty Michael , Polydoros Fotis , Campbell Fiona , Evans Jonathan , Sutton Robert , Garry Jo , Whelan Philip , Neoptolemos John P.
Published: February 2016

Background: The optimal management approach to pancreatic serous cystic neoplasms (SCNs) is still evolving. Methods: Consecutive patients with SCN managed at the Liverpool Pancreas Cancer Centre between 2000 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: There were 64 patients consisting of 39 women (60.9%) and 25 men (39.1%). Forty-seven patients (73.4%) had surgical removal and 17 (26.6%) were observed. The possibility of a non-SCN malignancy was the predominant indication for resection in 27 (57.4%) patients. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 26 (55.3%) patients with 2 (4.3%) deaths. An increased risk of resection was associated with patient's age (p = 0.011), diagnosis before 2009 (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.043), possibility of cancer (p = 0.009) and a solid SCN component on imaging (p = 0.002). Independent factors associated with resection were a diagnosis before 2009 (p = 0.005) and a solid SCN component (p < 0.001). Independent factors associated with shorter time to surgical resection were persistent pain (p = 0.003) and a solid SCN component (p = 0.007). Conclusion: There was a reduction in the proportion of resections with the application of an observe-only policy for asymptomatic patients with more definite features of SCN. Improved criteria are still required in the remainder of patients with uncertain features of SCN in deciding for intervention or surveillance.
Pre-Treatment Serum C-Reactive Protein Level Is An Independent Risk Factor for Development of Nephrotoxicity in Patients Receiving High-Dose Vancomycin
Authors: He Juan , Mao En-Qiang , Jing Feng , Jiang Hui-Ting , Yang Wan-Hua , Chen Er-Zhen
Published: February 2016

High-dose vancomycin treatment increases the likelihood of vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the pre-treatment serum CRP level as a risk factor of the development of nephrotoxicity in patients receiving high total daily doses (>2.5 g) of vancomycin. Data extracted from medical records for 174 patients who received total daily doses of >2.5 g of intravenous vancomycin for a minimum of 48 h and had their serum CRP level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate tested within 24 h before vancomycin treatment were subject to final analyses. Univariate analyses showed that patients who developed nephrotoxicity during vancomycin treatment had significantly higher median vancomycin serum concentration, duration of vancomycin treatment, and the serum CRP level within 24 h before vancomycin treatment than the non-nephrotoxicity group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for potential confounders, median vancomycin serum concentration, duration of treatment, serum CRP level within 24 h before vancomycin treatment, and nephrotoxic medication were found significantly associated with the development of nephrotoxicity. This was confirmed by multivariate hazard ratio analysis after adjustment for potential confounders. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence supporting the fact that the serum CRP level within 24 h before vancomycin treatment is an independent risk factor for the development of nephrotoxicity in patients receiving total daily doses of >2.5 g of vancomycin. Therefore, the serum CRP level within 24 h before vancomycin treatment could be a potential biomarker or prognostic factor for the development of vancomycin nephrotoxicity.
Sentidos do lado de fora: hipóteses sobre o pensamento social e o sentimento de incompletude brasileiro
Authors: Pinto Eduardo Brandão
Published: February 2016

Partindo do ensaio de Roberto Schwarz, “As ideias fora do lugar” (1977), interpretado, por sua vez, sob instruções da “Dialética da malandragem” (1970), de Antonio Candido, busco uma leitura de duas obras que dissertaram a respeito da condição social brasileira dos momentos colonial e pós-colonial, Homens Livres na Ordem Escravocrata (1969), de Maria Sylvia Carvalho Franco, e Capitalismo e Escravidão no Brasil Meridional (1961), de Fernando Henrique Cardoso. A proposta fundamental é buscar afinidades entre as contradições notadas pelos autores na história brasileira e as tensões características do capitalismo moderno. Uma vez que na periferia desenvolveu-se uma forma de capitalismo lacunar e incompleto, isso só fez intensificar, desde os inícios de nossa história, o processo de individualização, propiciando uma experiência histórica muito distante daquela regularidade cosmológica que caracterizaria as formas tradicionais de vida. O paradoxo dado pelo par escravismo-exportação, que definiu durante a colonização a economia brasileira, cria tensões instauradoras de uma forma de vida que busca seus sentidos em meio às fragmentações e incompletudes do cotidiano.􀂔􀂋􀂃􀀃􀂄􀂔􀂃􀂕􀂋􀂎􀂇􀂋􀂔􀂃􀀃
O que há (se de fato há algo) de errado com o capitalismo? Três vias de crítica do capitalismo
Authors: Jaeggi Rahel
Published: February 2016

Partindo da questão, com base em quais fundamentos o capitalismo pode ser hoje criticado, o texto categoriza os argumentos utilizados na crítica do capitalismo em três vias argumentativas (funcional, moral, ética) e as analisa em suas linhas de raciocínio. Além disso, examinaremos se seus pontos críticos realmente tematizam características específicas de um sistema econômico e social capitalista. Dessa forma, são expostos os pontos fortes e fracos de cada modelo de argumentação. Por fim, o artigo oferece um panorama de como uma possível combinação das diferentes vias da crítica poderia resolver os déficits identificados.
A Genetic Polymorphism of the Human Dopamine Transporter Determines the Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Brain Responses to Rewards and Punishments
Authors: Greer Stephanie M. , Goldstein Andrea N. , Knutson Brian , Walker Matthew P.
Published: February 2016

Despite an emerging link between alterations in motivated behavior and a lack of sleep, the impact of sleep deprivation on human brain mechanisms of reward and punishment remain largely unknown, as does the role of trait dopamine activity in modulating such effects in the mesolimbic system. Combining fMRI with an established incentive paradigm and individual genotyping, here, we test the hypothesis that trait differences in the human dopamine transporter (DAT) gene—associated with altered synaptic dopamine signalling—govern the impact of sleep deprivation on neural sensitivity to impending monetary gains and losses. Consistent with this framework, markedly different striatal reward responses were observed following sleep loss depending on the DAT functional polymorphisms. Only participants carrying a copy of the nine-repeat DAT allele—linked to higher phasic dopamine activity—expressed amplified striatal response during anticipation of monetary gain following sleep deprivation. Moreover, participants homozygous for the ten-repeat DAT allele—linked to lower phasic dopamine activity—selectively demonstrated an increase in sensitivity to monetary loss within anterior insula following sleep loss. Together, these data reveal a mechanistic dependency on human of trait dopaminergic function in determining the interaction between sleep deprivation and neural processing of rewards and punishments. Such findings have clinical implications in disorders where the DAT genetic polymorphism presents a known risk factor with comorbid sleep disruption, including attention hyperactive deficit disorder and substance abuse.
Fusiform Gyrus Laterality in Writing Systems with Different Mapping Principles: An Artificial Orthography Training Study
Authors: Hirshorn Elizabeth A. , Wrencher Alaina , Durisko Corrine , Moore Michelle W. , Fiez Julie A.
Published: February 2016

Writing systems vary in many ways, making it difficult to account for cross-linguistic neural differences. For example, orthographic processing of Chinese characters activates the mid-fusiform gyri (mFG) bilaterally, whereas the processing of English words predominantly activates the left mFG. Because Chinese and English vary in visual processing (holistic vs. analytical) and linguistic mapping principle (morphosyllabic vs. alphabetic), either factor could account for mFG laterality differences. We used artificial orthographies representing English to investigate the effect of mapping principle on mFG lateralization. The fMRI data were compared for two groups that acquired foundational proficiency: one for an alphabetic and one for an alphasyllabic artificial orthography. Greater bilateral mFG activation was observed in the alphasyllabic versus alphabetic group. The degree of bilaterality correlated with reading fluency for the learned orthography in the alphasyllabic but not alphabetic group. The results suggest that writing systems with a syllable-based mapping principle recruit bilateral mFG to support orthographic processing. Implications for individuals with left mFG dysfunction will be discussed.