bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AUTOMATED CLASSIFICATION OF DEPRESSION EEG SIGNALS USING WAVELET ENTROPIES AND ENERGIES
Authors: BAIRY G. MURALIDHAR , NIRANJAN U. C. , PUTHANKATTIL SUBHA D.
Published: July 2015

Depression is a mental disorder that relates to a state of sadness and dejection. It also affects the emotional and physical state of a person. Currently, there are no standard diagnostic tests for depression that are able to produce conclusive results and more over the symptoms of depression are hard to diagnose. A lot of people who are suffering from depression are unaware of their illness. The electroencephalographic (EEG) signals can be used to detect the alterations in the brain’s electrochemical potential. The present work is based on the automated classification of the normal and depression EEG signals. Thus, signal processing methods are used to extract hidden information from the EEG signals. In this work, normal and depression EEG signals are used and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is performed up to two levels. The features (skewness, energy, kurtosis, standard deviation (SD), mean and entropy) are extracted at the various detailed coefficients levels of the DWT. The extracted features then undergo a statistical analysis method, which is the Student’s t-test that determines the significance of differences in the features. Support Vector Machine classifier with Radial Basis Kernel Function (SVM RBF) was used and the classification accuracy results of 88.9237% was obtained. Hence, this proposed automatic classification system can serve as a useful diagnostic and monitoring tool for detection of depression.
A short note on the Bruiner–Kohnen sign equidistribution conjecture and Halász’ theorem
Authors: Inam Ilker , Wiese Gabor
Published: July 2015

In this note, we improve earlier results towards the Bruinier–Kohnen sign equidistribution conjecture for half-integral weight modular eigenforms in terms of natural density by using a consequence of Halász’ theorem. Moreover, by applying a result of Serre, we remove all unproved assumptions.
Sedimentary basins and continental margin processes – from modern hyper-extended margins to deformed ancient analogues: an introduction
Authors: Gibson George M. , Roure Francois , Manatschal Gianreto
Published: July 2015

Continental margins and their fossilized analogues are important repositories of natural resources. With better processing techniques and increased availability of high-resolution seismic and potential field data, imaging of present-day continental margins and their embedded sedimentary basins, in which the majority of these resources are located, has reached unprecedented levels of refinement and definition, as illustrated by papers in this volume. This, in turn, has led to greatly improved geological, geodynamic and numerical models for the crustal and mantle processes involved in continental-margin formation from the initial stages of rifting through to continental rupture and break-up, to the eventual development of a new ocean basin. Further informing these models, and contributing to a better understanding of the features imaged in the seismic and potential field data, are observations made on fossilized fragments of exhumed subcontinental mantle lithosphere and ocean–continent transition zones preserved in ophiolites and orogenic belts of both Palaeozoic and Mesozoic age from several different continents, including Europe, South Asia and Australasia.
Social stress in mice induces urinary bladder overactivity and increases TRPV1 channel-dependent afferent nerve activity
Authors: Mingin Gerald C. , Heppner Thomas J. , Tykocki Nathan R. , Erickson Cuixia Shi , Vizzard Margaret A. , Nelson Mark T.
Published: July 2015

Social stress has been implicated as a cause of urinary bladder hypertrophy and dysfunction in humans. Using a murine model of social stress, we and others have shown that social stress leads to bladder overactivity. Here, we show that social stress leads to bladder overactivity, increased bladder compliance, and increased afferent nerve activity. In the social stress paradigm, 6-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice were exposed for a total of 2 wk, via barrier cage, to a C57BL/6 retired breeder aggressor mouse. We performed conscious cystometry with and without intravesical infusion of the TRPV1 inhibitor capsazepine, and measured pressure-volume relationships and afferent nerve activity during bladder filling using an ex vivo bladder model. Stress leads to a decrease in intermicturition interval and void volume in vivo, which was restored by capsazepine. Ex vivo studies demonstrated that at low pressures, bladder compliance and afferent activity were elevated in stressed bladders compared with unstressed bladders. Capsazepine did not significantly change afferent activity in unstressed mice, but significantly decreased afferent activity at all pressures in stressed bladders. Immunohistochemistry revealed that TRPV1 colocalizes with CGRP to stain nerve fibers in unstressed bladders. Colocalization significantly increased along the same nerve fibers in the stressed bladders. Our results support the concept that social stress induces TRPV1-dependent afferent nerve activity, ultimately leading to the development of overactive bladder symptoms.
The effect of resting blood flow occlusion on exercise tolerance and W′
Authors: Broxterman Ryan M. , Craig Jesse C. , Ade Carl J. , Wilcox Samuel L. , Barstow Thomas J.
Published: July 2015

It has previously been postulated that the anaerobic work capacity (W′) may be utilized during resting blood flow occlusion in the absence of mechanical work. We tested the hypothesis that W′ would not be utilized during an initial range of time following the onset of resting blood flow occlusion, after which W′ would be utilized progressively more. Seven men completed blood flow occlusion constant power severe intensity handgrip exercise to task failure following 0, 300, 600, 900, and 1,200 s of resting blood flow occlusion. The work performed above critical power (CP) was not significantly different between the 0-, 300-, and 600-s conditions and was not significantly different from the total W′ available. Significantly less work was performed above CP during the 1,200-s condition than the 900-s condition ( P < 0.05), while both conditions were significantly less than the 0-, 300-, and 600-s conditions ( P < 0.05). The work performed above CP during these conditions was significantly less than the total W′ available ( P < 0.05). The utilization of W′ during resting blood flow occlusion did not begin until 751 ± 118 s, after which time W′ was progressively utilized. The current findings demonstrate that W′ is not utilized during the initial ∼751 s of resting blood flow occlusion, but is progressively utilized thereafter, despite no mechanical work being performed. Thus, the utilization of W′ is not exclusive to exercise, and a constant amount of work that can be performed above CP is not the determining mechanism of W′.
Renal denervation for the treatment of resistant hypertension: review and clinical perspective
Authors: Iliescu Radu , Lohmeier Thomas E. , Tudorancea Ionut , Laffin Luke , Bakris George L.
Published: July 2015

When introduced clinically 6 years ago, renal denervation was thought to be the solution for all patients whose blood pressure could not be controlled by medication. The initial two studies, SYMPLICITY HTN-1 and HTN-2, demonstrated great magnitudes of blood pressure reduction within 6 mo of the procedure and were based on a number of assumptions that may not have been true, including strict adherence to medication and absence of white-coat hypertension. The SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial controlled for all possible factors believed to influence the outcome, including the addition of a sham arm, and ultimately proved the demise of the initial overly optimistic expectations. This trial yielded a much lower blood pressure reduction compared with the previous SYMPLICITY trials. Since its publication in 2014, there have been many analyses to try and understand what accounted for the differences. Of all the variables examined that could influence blood pressure outcomes, the extent of the denervation procedure was determined to be inadequate. Beyond this, the physiological mechanisms that account for the heterogeneous fall in arterial pressure following renal denervation remain unclear, and experimental studies indicate dependence on more than simply reduced renal sympathetic activity. These and other related issues are discussed in this paper. Our perspective is that renal denervation works if done properly and used in the appropriate patient population. New studies with new approaches and catheters and appropriate controls will be starting later this year to reassess the efficacy and safety of renal denervation in humans.
Mammalian target of rapamycin is required for phrenic long-term facilitation following severe but not moderate acute intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Dougherty Brendan J. , Fields Daryl P. , Mitchell Gordon S.
Published: July 2015

Phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF) is a persistent increase in phrenic nerve activity after acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH). Distinct cell-signaling cascades give rise to pLTF depending on the severity of hypoxemia within hypoxic episodes. Moderate AIH (mAIH; three 5-min episodes, PaO2 ∼35–55 mmHG) elicits pLTF by a serotonin (5-HT)-dependent mechanism that requires new synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), activation of its high-affinity receptor (TrkB), and ERK MAPK signaling. In contrast, severe AIH (sAIH; three 5-min episodes, PaO2 ∼25–30 mmHG) elicits pLTF by an adenosine-dependent mechanism that requires new TrkB synthesis and Akt signaling. Although both mechanisms require spinal protein synthesis, the newly synthesized proteins are distinct, as are the neurochemicals inducing plasticity (serotonin vs. adenosine). In many forms of neuroplasticity, new protein synthesis requires translational regulation via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Since Akt regulates mTOR activity, we hypothesized that mTOR activity is necessary for sAIH- but not mAIH-induced pLTF. Phrenic nerve activity in anesthetized, paralyzed, and ventilated rats was recorded before, during, and 60 min after mAIH or sAIH. Rats were pretreated with intrathecal injections of 20% DMSO (vehicle controls) or rapamycin (0.1 mM, 12 μl), a selective mTOR complex 1 inhibitor. Consistent with our hypothesis, rapamycin blocked sAIH- but not mAIH-induced pLTF. Thus spinal mTOR activity is required for adenosine-dependent (sAIH) but not serotonin-dependent (mAIH) pLTF, suggesting that distinct mechanisms regulate new protein synthesis in these forms of spinal neuroplasticity.
Homotypic synaptic coupling and the cellular bases of gamma oscillatory activity
Authors: Wiesman Alex I.
Published: July 2015

Although the importance of gamma oscillatory activity in brain function is well established, the exact contributions of neuron and synapse type remains unclear. In their study, Hu and Agmon ( J Neurophysiol 114: 624–637, 2015) show that precision as well as firing rate dependence of gamma synchrony rely primarily on cellular coupling type (chemical, electrical, or dual), rather than properties intrinsic to cell type. These findings are discussed with a focus on current ramifications and the implications for future research.
Aspergilli Response to Benzalkonium Chloride and Novel‐Synthesized Fullerenol/Benzalkonium Chloride Nanocomposite
Authors: Unković Nikola , Ljaljević Grbić Milica , Stupar Miloš , Vukojević Jelena , Janković Vesna , Jović Danica , Djordjević Aleksandar
Published: July 2015

A comprehensive comparative analysis of antifungal potential of benzalkonium chloride and newly synthesized fullerenol/benzalkonium chloride nanocomposite was conducted to assess the possible impact of carbon‐based nanocarrier on antimicrobial properties of the commonly used biocide. Physical characterization of synthesized nanocomposite showed zeta potential of +37.4 mV and inhomogeneous particles size distribution, with nanocomposite particles’ dimensions within 30–143 nm and maximum number of particles at 44 nm. The effect of pure and fullerenol nanocarrier‐bound biocide was evaluated in eight Aspergillus species. In mycelial growth assay, nanocomposite was more potent, as fungicidal effect of 1.04/0.6 μg mL−1 was obtained in all but one of the isolates (A. niger), while proportional concentration of pure biocide (0.6 μg mL−1) completely inhibited mycelial growth of only three Aspergillus species. However, conidia appear to be less susceptible to nanocomposite treatment, as lower fungistatic (MIC) and fungicidal (MFC) concentrations were obtained with biocide alone (MIC in range from 0.03 to 0.15 μg mL−1 and MFC from 0.075 to 0.45 μg mL−1). To a different degree, both substances stimulated aflatoxin B1 production and inhibited ochratoxin A synthesis. Very low mycelium biomass yield, in range from 1.0 to 3.0 mg dry weight, was documented in both biocide and nanocomposite enriched medium.
Application of MD Simulations to Predict Membrane Properties of MOFs
Authors: Adatoz Elda , Keskin Seda
Published: July 2015

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new group of nanomaterials that have been widely examined for various chemical applications. Gas separation using MOF membranes has become an increasingly important research field in the last years. Several experimental studies have shown that thin‐film MOF membranes can outperform well known polymer and zeolite membranes due to their higher gas permeances and selectivities. Given the very large number of available MOF materials, it is impractical to fabricate and test the performance of every single MOF membrane using purely experimental techniques. In this study, we used molecular simulations, Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics, to estimate both single‐gas and mixture permeances of MOF membranes. Predictions of molecular simulations were compared with the experimental gas permeance data of MOF membranes in order to validate the accuracy of our computational approach. Results show that computational methodology that we described in this work can be used to accurately estimate membrane properties of MOFs prior to extensive experimental efforts.
Performance Prediction Modelling for Flexible Pavement on Low Volume Roads Using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis
Authors: Makendran C. , Murugasan R. , Velmurugan S.
Published: July 2015

Prediction models for low volume village roads in India are developed to evaluate the progression of different types of distress such as roughness, cracking, and potholes. Even though the Government of India is investing huge quantum of money on road construction every year, poor control over the quality of road construction and its subsequent maintenance is leading to the faster road deterioration. In this regard, it is essential that scientific maintenance procedures are to be evolved on the basis of performance of low volume flexible pavements. Considering the above, an attempt has been made in this research endeavor to develop prediction models to understand the progression of roughness, cracking, and potholes in flexible pavements exposed to least or nil routine maintenance. Distress data were collected from the low volume rural roads covering about 173 stretches spread across Tamil Nadu state in India. Based on the above collected data, distress prediction models have been developed using multiple linear regression analysis. Further, the models have been validated using independent field data. It can be concluded that the models developed in this study can serve as useful tools for the practicing engineers maintaining flexible pavements on low volume roads.
Baclofen-Induced Encephalopathy in End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Meillier Andrew , Heller Cara , Patel Shyam
Published: July 2015

Baclofen is a highly used centrally acting GABA agonist that continues to be an effective therapy for spasticity and chronic hiccups. The renally dependent excretion determines the circulating concentrations and guides effective dosing to decrease adverse reactions. Caution should be considered in administering baclofen to patients with decreased renal function. We present a patient with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis with recent baclofen ingestion who presented with toxic encephalopathy that was resolved with additional dialysis sessions.
Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Inhibitors Involved in ROS Production Induced by Acute High Concentrations of Iodide and the Effects of SOD as a Protective Factor
Authors: Wang Lingyan , Duan Qi , Wang Tingting , Ahmed Mohamed , Zhang Na , Li Yongmei , Li Lanying , Yao Xiaomei
Published: July 2015

A major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is the mitochondria. By using flow cytometry of the mitochondrial fluorescent probe, MitoSOX Red, western blot of mitochondrial ROS scavenger Peroxiredoxin (Prx) 3 and fluorescence immunostaining, ELISA of cleaved caspases 3 and 9, and TUNEL staining, we demonstrated that exposure to 100 μM KI for 2 hours significantly increased mitochondrial superoxide production and Prx 3 protein expression with increased expressions of cleaved caspases 3 and 9. Besides, we indicated that superoxide dismutase (SOD) at 1000 unit/mL attenuated the increase in mitochondrial superoxide production, Prx 3 protein expression, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and improved the relative cell viability at 100 μM KI exposure. However, SOD inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DETC) (2 mM), Rotenone (0.5 μM), a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, and Antimycin A (10 μM), a complex III inhibitor, caused an increase in mitochondrial superoxide production, Prx 3 protein expression, and LDH release and decreased the relative cell viability. We conclude that the inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I or III may be involved in oxidative stress caused by elevated concentrations of iodide, and SOD demonstrates its protective effect on the Fischer rat thyroid cell line (FRTL) cells.
A Comparison of the Impacts of Radiosonde and AMSU Radiance Observations in GSI Based 3DEnsVar and 3DVar Data Assimilation Systems for NCEP GFS
Authors: Kutty Govindan , Wang Xuguang
Published: July 2015

The impact of observations can be dependent on many factors in a data assimilation (DA) system including data quality control, preprocessing, skill of the model, and the DA algorithm. The present study focuses on comparing the impacts of observations assimilated by two different DA algorithms. A three-dimensional ensemble-variational (3DEnsVar) hybrid data assimilation system was recently developed based on the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) data assimilation system and was implemented operationally for the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS). One question to address is, how the impacts of observations on GFS forecasts differ when assimilated by the traditional GSI-three dimensional variational (3DVar) and the new 3DEnsVar. Experiments were conducted over a 6-week period during Northern Hemisphere winter season at a reduced resolution. For both the control and data denial experiments, the forecasts produced by 3DEnsVar were more accurate than GSI3DVar experiments. The results suggested that the observations were better and more effectively exploited to increment the background forecast in 3DEnsVar. On the other hand, in GSI3DVar, where the observation will be making mostly local, isotropic increments without proper flow dependent extrapolation is more sensitive to the number and types observations assimilated.
Hyperuricemia: An Early Marker for Severity of Illness in Sepsis
Authors: Akbar Sana R. , Long Dustin M. , Hussain Kashif , Alhajhusain Ahmad , Ahmed Umair S. , Iqbal Hafiz I. , Ali Ailia W. , Leonard Rachel , Dalton Cheryl
Published: July 2015

Background.Uric acid can acutely activate various inflammatory transcription factors. Since high levels of oxyradicals and lower antioxidant levels in septic patients are believed to result in multiorgan failure, uric acid levels could be used as a marker of oxidative stress and poor prognosis in patients with sepsis.Design.We conducted a prospective cohort study on Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) patients and hypothesized that elevated uric acid in patients with sepsis is predictive of greater morbidity. The primary end point was the correlation between hyperuricemia and the morbidity rate. Secondary end points were Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), mortality, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and duration of stay.Results.We enrolled 144 patients. 54 (37.5%) had the primary end point of hyperuricemia. The overall morbidity rate was 85.2%. The probability of having hyperuricemia along with AKI was 68.5% and without AKI was 31.5%. Meanwhile the probability of having a uric acid value <7 mg/dL along with AKI was 18.9% and without AKI was 81.1% (pvalue < 0.0001).Conclusion.We report that elevated uric acid levels on arrival to the MICU in patients with sepsis are associated with poor prognosis. These patients are at an increased risk for AKI and ARDS.
Vitamin D, Essential Minerals, and Toxic Elements: Exploring Interactions between Nutrients and Toxicants in Clinical Medicine
Authors: Schwalfenberg Gerry K. , Genuis Stephen J.
Published: July 2015

In clinical medicine, increasing attention is being directed towards the important areas of nutritional biochemistry and toxicant bioaccumulation as they relate to human health and chronic disease. Optimal nutritional status, including healthy levels of vitamin D and essential minerals, is requisite for proper physiological function; conversely, accrual of toxic elements has the potential to impair normal physiology. It is evident that vitamin D intake can facilitate the absorption and assimilation of essential inorganic elements (such as calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, and selenium) but also the uptake of toxic elements (such as lead, arsenic, aluminum, cobalt, and strontium). Furthermore, sufficiency of essential minerals appears to resist the uptake of toxic metals. This paper explores the literature to determine a suitable clinical approach with regard to vitamin D and essential mineral intake to achieve optimal biological function and to avoid harm in order to prevent and overcome illness. It appears preferable to secure essential mineral status in conjunction with adequate vitamin D, as intake of vitamin D in the absence of mineral sufficiency may result in facilitation of toxic element absorption with potential adverse clinical outcomes.
Ranibizumab for Visual Impairment due to Diabetic Macular Edema: Real-World Evidence in the Italian Population (PRIDE Study)
Authors: Menchini Ugo , Bandello Francesco , De Angelis Vincenzo , Ricci Federico , Bonavia Luigi , Viola Francesco , Muscianisi Elisa , Nicolò Massimo
Published: July 2015

Purpose. An expanded access program (PRIDE study) in Italy to provide ranibizumab 0.5 mg to diabetic macular edema (DME) patients, prior to reimbursement.Methods. Open-label, prospective, phase IIIb study. Majority of patients were not treatment-naïve before enrollment. Patients received ranibizumab as per the EU label (2011). Safety was assessed by incidences of ocular/systemic adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) and efficacy in terms of visual acuity (VA) change from baseline (decimal score or Snellen (20/value)).Results. Overall, 515 patients (83.5%) completed the study. In unilateral/bilateral patients, commonly observed AEs were cardiac disorders (1.3%/1.3%) and nervous system disorders (1.3%/1.1%); SAEs were reported in 4.5%/4.8% of patients. Acute renal failure, lung carcinoma, and cardiac arrest were the causes of death in one unilateral and two bilateral patients. Ranibizumab improved/maintained VA (Snellen (20/value)/decimal scores) in both unilateral (up to −16.7/1.5) and bilateral patients (up to −23.6/1.2) at Month 5, with a mean of 4.15 and 4.40 injections, respectively. Overall, no difference was observed in the VA outcomes and treatment exposure between unilateral/bilateral patients.Conclusions. The PRIDE study provided early ranibizumab access to >600 Italian patients. Ranibizumab was well-tolerated and improved/maintained VA in 40.2%–68.8% patients, with no differences in case of unilateral or bilateral pathology. The study is registered with EudraCT.
Scleral Fixation of Posteriorly Dislocated Intraocular Lenses by 23-Gauge Vitrectomy without Anterior Segment Approach
Authors: Nadal Jeroni , Kudsieh Bachar , Casaroli-Marano Ricardo P.
Published: July 2015

Background. To evaluate visual outcomes, corneal changes, intraocular lens (IOL) stability, and complications after repositioning posteriorly dislocated IOLs and sulcus fixation with polyester sutures.Design. Prospective consecutive case series.Setting. Institut Universitari Barraquer.Participants. 25 eyes of 25 patients with posteriorly dislocated IOL.Methods. The patients underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy via the sulcus to rescue dislocated IOLs and fix them to the scleral wall with a previously looped nonabsorbable polyester suture.Main Outcome Measures. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) LogMAR, corneal astigmatism, endothelial cell count, IOL stability, and postoperative complications.Results. Mean follow-up time was 18.8 ± 10.9 months. Mean surgery time was 33 ± 2 minutes. Mean BCVA improved from 0.30 ± 0.48 before surgery to 0.18 ± 0.60(p=0.015)at 1 month, which persisted to 12 months (0.18 ± 0.60). Neither corneal astigmatism nor endothelial cell count showed alterations 1 year after surgery. Complications included IOL subluxation in 1 eye (4%), vitreous hemorrhage in 2 eyes (8%), transient hypotony in 2 eyes (8%), and cystic macular edema in 1 eye (4%). No patients presented retinal detachment.Conclusion. This surgical technique proved successful in the management of dislocated IOL. Functional results were good and the complications were easily resolved.
Asymptotic Behavior of Weak Solutions to the Generalized Nonlinear Partial Differential Equation Model
Authors: Wu Min , Wu Yousheng
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the asymptotic behavior of weak solutions to the generalized nonlinear partial differential equation model. It is proved that every perturbed weak solution of the perturbed generalized nonlinear partial differential equations asymptotically converges to the solution of the original system under the large perturbation.
Predicting Component Failures Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation
Authors: Liu Hailin , Xu Ling , Yang Mengning , Yan Meng , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: July 2015

Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) is a statistical topic model that has been widely used to abstract semantic information from software source code. Failure refers to an observable error in the program behavior. This work investigates whether semantic information and failures recorded in the history can be used to predict component failures. We use LDA to abstract topics from source code and a new metric (topic failure density) is proposed by mapping failures to these topics. Exploring the basic information of topics from neighboring versions of a system, we obtain a similarity matrix. Multiply the Topic Failure Density (TFD) by the similarity matrix to get the TFD of the next version. The prediction results achieve an average 77.8% agreement with the real failures by considering the top 3 and last 3 components descending ordered by the number of failures. We use the Spearman coefficient to measure the statistical correlation between the actual and estimated failure rate. The validation results range from 0.5342 to 0.8337 which beats the similar method. It suggests that our predictor based on similarity of topics does a fine job of component failure prediction.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in a Morbidly Obese Patient with Myasthenia Gravis: A Review of the Management
Authors: Ballal Megana , Straker Tracey
Published: July 2015

Myasthenia gravis, a disorder of neuromuscular transmission, presents a unique challenge to the perioperative anesthetic management of morbidly obese patients. This report describes the case of a 27-year-old morbidly obese woman with a past medical history significant for myasthenia gravis and fatty liver disease undergoing bariatric surgery. Anesthesia was induced with intravenous agents and maintained with an inhalational and balanced intravenous technique. The nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker Cisatracurium was chosen so that no reversal agents were given. Neostigmine was not used to antagonize the effects of Cisatracurium. The goal of this approach was to reduce the risk of complications such as postoperative mechanical ventilation. The anesthetic and surgical techniques used resulted in an uneventful hospital course. Therefore, we can minimize perioperative risks and complications by adjusting the anesthetic plan based on the patient’s physiology and comorbidities as well as the pharmacology of the drugs.
Managing Drawbacks in Unconventional Successful Glaucoma Surgery: A Case Report of Stent Exposure
Authors: Fea Antonio , Cannizzo Paola Maria Loredana , Consolandi Giulia , Lavia Carlo Alessandro , Pignata Giulia , Grignolo Federico M.
Published: July 2015

Traditional options in managing failed trabeculectomy (bleb needling, revision, additional incisional surgery and tube surgery) have a relatively high failure and complication rate. The use of microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has generally been reserved to mild to moderate glaucoma cases, proving good safety profiles but significant limitations in terms of efficacy. We describe a patient who underwent MIGS (XEN Aquesys subconjunctival shunt implantation) after a prior failed trabeculectomy. After the surgery, the IOP was well controlled but as the stent was close to an area of scarred conjunctiva of the previous trabeculectomy, it became partially exposed. As a complete success was achieved, we decided to remove the conjunctiva over the exposed area and replace it by an amniotic membrane transplantation and a conjunctiva autograft. Six months after surgery, the unmedicated IOP is still well controlled with complete visual acuity recovery.
Prediction of Protein-Protein Interaction By Metasample-Based Sparse Representation
Authors: Du Xiuquan , Li Xinrui , Zhang Hanqian , Zhang Yanping
Published: July 2015

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play key roles in many cellular processes such as transcription regulation, cell metabolism, and endocrine function. Understanding these interactions takes a great promotion to the pathogenesis and treatment of various diseases. A large amount of data has been generated by experimental techniques; however, most of these data are usually incomplete or noisy, and the current biological experimental techniques are always very time-consuming and expensive. In this paper, we proposed a novel method (metasample-based sparse representation classification, MSRC) for PPIs prediction. A group of metasamples are extracted from the original training samples and then use thel1-regularized least square method to express a new testing sample as the linear combination of these metasamples. PPIs prediction is achieved by using a discrimination function defined in the representation coefficients. The MSRC is applied to PPIs dataset; it achieves 84.9% sensitivity, and 94.55% specificity, which is slightly lower than support vector machine (SVM) and much higher than naive Bayes (NB), neural networks (NN), andk-nearest neighbor (KNN). The result shows that the MSRC is efficient for PPIs prediction.
The Role of VATS in Lung Cancer Surgery: Current Status and Prospects for Development
Authors: Dziedzic Dariusz , Orlowski Tadeusz
Published: July 2015

Since the introduction of anatomic lung resection by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) 20 years ago, VATS has experienced major advances in both equipment and technique, introducing a technical challenge in the surgical treatment of both benign and malignant lung disease. The demonstrated safety, decreased morbidity, and equivalent efficacy of this minimally invasive technique have led to the acceptance of VATS as a standard surgical modality for early-stage lung cancer and increasing application to more advanced disease. Formerly there was much debate about the feasibility of the technique in cancer surgery and proper lymph node handling. Although there is a lack of proper randomized studies, it is now generally accepted that the outcome of a VATS procedure is at least not inferior to a resection via a traditional thoracotomy.
Clinical Use of Diuretics in Heart Failure, Cirrhosis, and Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Qavi Ahmed Hassaan , Kamal Rida , Schrier Robert W.
Published: July 2015

Diuretics play significant role in pharmacology and treatment options in medicine. This paper aims to review and evaluate the clinical use of diuretics in conditions that lead to fluid overload in the body such as cardiac failure, cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome. To know the principles of treatment it is essential to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that cause the need of diuresis in the human body. Various classes of diuretics exist, each having a unique mode of action. A systemic approach for management is recommended based on the current guidelines, starting from thiazides and proceeding to loop diuretics. The first condition for discussion in the paper is cardiac failure. Treatment of ascites in liver cirrhosis with spironolactone as the primary agent is highlighted with further therapeutic options. Lastly, management choices for nephrotic syndrome are discussed and recommended beginning from basic sodium restriction to combined diuretic therapies. Major side effects are discussed.
Insights into RHCE Molecular Analysis in Samples with Partial D Variants: the Experience of Western France
Authors: Fichou Yann , Le Maréchal Cédric , Scotet Virginie , Jamet Déborah , Férec Claude
Published: July 2015

Background: Although systematic blood group genotyping of patients/donors is virtually possible, serological studies remain the gold standard to identify samples of clinical interest that may be further genotyped. In this context, we sought to identify variant D alleles that are likely to be clinically relevant in terms of other Rh antigens in a subset of population genotyped in Western France. Methods: Samples presenting with the RHD*weak D type 4.2.2 allele (n = 47) were selected for the study. RHCE exons 1-7 were directly sequenced, and expression of Rh antigens was predicted on the basis of the molecular data. Results: Of the 47 samples tested, 19 (40.4%) were predicted to be of potential clinical interest. Moreover, we could show that selecting the samples to be genotyped by the nature of their variant D allele (i.e., RHD*weak D type 4.2.2 allele) rather than by their Duffy-null status appears to increase significantly the likelihood of identifying clinically relevant individuals for Rh status. Conclusion: On the basis of our findings we suggest that all individuals genotyped as weak D type 4.2.2 should be systematically screened for RHCE variants by molecular analysis on a routine basis.
Patterns of Motor and Non-Motor Features in Medication-Naïve Parkinsonism
Authors: Jain Samay , Park Seo-Young , Comer Diane
Published: July 2015

Background: Parkinsonism is defined by motor features (tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability). Accompanying non-motor features (e.g. cognitive, autonomic, sleep disturbances) are underrecognized and undertreated. We hypothesized that clinical patterns occurring in early, medication-naïve Parkinsonism are distinguished by features such as tremor, sleep, autonomic, and cognitive dysfunction. Methods: Clinical and neuroimaging data were obtained in the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative. Group comparisons of Parkinsonism with dopaminergic deficits (PDD) (n = 388), controls (n = 196), and Parkinsonism with scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficits (n = 64) were done with ANOVA, chi-square, and post-hoc pairwise tests. To examine clinical patterns within the PDD group, k-means clustering was performed with non-motor or motor features, or both. Results: Among PDD, 4 non-motor patterns (% of PDD) (impulsive (14.9%), sleep-autonomic (22.9%), cognitive-olfactory (18.0%), and mild (44.1%)), 4 motor patterns (tremor plus bradykinesia (56.2%), tremor without bradykinesia (16.2%), postural instability (6.7%) and no tremor (20.9%)) and 5 combined motor/non-motor patterns (tremor with bradykinesia (42.3%), tremor without bradykinesia (15.5%), no tremor and mild non-motor features (17.0%), postural instability with sleep-autonomic disturbances (6.7%) and oldest onset cognitive-olfactory (18.6%)) were observed. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first description of non-motor clinical patterns in early, medication-naïve Parkinsonism, suggesting that such features are intrinsic to Parkinsonian disorders.
Content Analysis of Social Media Related to Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Kostick Kristin M. , Blumenthal-Barby Jennifer S. , Wilhelms Lidija A. , Delgado Estevan D. , Bruce Courtenay R.
Published: July 2015

Background—

Social media have the potential to offer important benefits for patient education, support, and shared decision making. Despite the proliferation of social media use during the past decade, little is known about the scope and quality of available information, or the purposes that social media sites serve for patient decisional and support needs.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a mixed method study, including content analysis of social media and principal components analysis analysis of data sites discussing left ventricular assist device treatment for heart failure. This study explored aspects of interactivity, user-friendliness, appeal, medium, purpose, audience, and accuracy of information. Higher levels of interactivity (eg, posting comments) seem to enhance the appeal and usability of available information but also introduce greater potential for inaccuracy and inconsistency. The current lack of oversight into the content and quality of available information constitute a challenge for the reliable use of social media as forums for information-seeking and social network–based support.

Conclusions—

We conclude that social media outlets constitute a promising source of informational and psychosocial support for patients, caregivers, and candidates, and if used in conjunction with patient-provider dialog, can contribute to informed decision making by facilitating reflection and discussion of personal concerns, values, and informational needs.
Combined Multimodal Computed Tomography Score Correlates With Futile Recanalization After Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Stroke
Authors: Espinosa de Rueda Mariano , Parrilla Guillermo , Manzano-Fernández Sergio , García-Villalba Blanca , Zamarro Joaquín , Hernández-Fernández Francisco , Sánchez-Vizcaino Cristina , Carreón Ester , Morales Ana , Moreno Antonio
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

Futile recanalization after acute ischemic stroke occurs in almost half of the patients despite optimal angiographic results. Multimodal neuroimaging may help to improve patient’s selection but is still dismissed by many interventionalists. Our aim was to evaluate the accuracy of each parameter of multimodal computed tomography (CT) and their combination for predicting futile recanalization after successful thrombectomy.

Methods—

We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of consecutive patients with anterior circulation stroke, fully assessable multimodal CT, and successful recanalization. Nonenhanced CT, CT angiography source images, cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and mismatch CBV–CBF maps were studied by Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS); collaterals on CT angiography were graded as poor or good (≤50% or >50% of the middle cerebral artery territory). Futile recanalization was defined as modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 3 months despite successful recanalization.

Results—

One hundred fifty patients were included and 57% of them had futile recanalization. They had lower ASPECTS on nonenhanced CT, CT angiography source images, CBV, CBF, and mismatch CBV–CBF and presented more frequently poor collaterals (all
P
<0.001). Among them, CBV showed the highest area under the curve (0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.88). In multivariate analyses, CT angiography source images ≤5 (odds ratio, 5.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–21.9), CBV≤6 (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–9.7), and poor collaterals (odds ratio, 8.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.8–41.7) were independent predictors of futile recanalization. A combined score of these 3 parameters added complementary information: 57% of the patients with score-1, 89% with score-2, and 100% with score-3 had futile recanalization. Reclassification analyses indicated that this score improved prediction of futile recanalization.

Conclusions—

In this population, a combined multimodal CT score predicted futile recanalization.
Fertility, Economic Development, and Health in the Early Twentieth-Century U.S. South
Authors: Elman Cheryl , London Andrew S. , McGuire Robert A.
Published: July 2015

Between 1880 and 1910, fertility among African-American women dropped more precipitously than among white women, although black women’s sociodemographic profile generally would not have predicted that trend. According to one perspective, regional differences in the timing of voluntary fertility control accounted for discrepancies by race. According to another, poor southern maternal health disproportionately affected African-American women’s fecundity, reducing their fertility. Tests based on the 1910 ipums and the 1916 U.S. Plantation Census show that, during the first three years of marriage, African-American women’s probabilities of having at least one birth, compared to white women’s probabilities, declined as marital durations increased. However, the probability of having at least one birth was lower for African-American and white tenant-farm women whose counties had more plantation agriculture. Findings support the influence of health-related factors, possibly linked to plantation agricultural development, on the “supply” of children.
Centurions in the Roman Legion: Computer Simulation and Complex Systems
Authors: Rubio-Campillo Xavier , Matías Pau Valdés , Ble Eduard
Published: July 2015

The role of centurions in Roman warfare has never been decisively established. Historical sources suggest that centurions exerted an influence on the performance of the Roman battle line that was highly disproportionate to their numbers, as well as to their particular actions. However, the lack of a formal framework of Roman tactics does not allow this proposition to be tested. The results obtained from an agent-based model (abm) of Roman warfare, a computer-simulation technique, however, suggest that battle formations benefited greatly from the presence of even a small percentage of psychologically resilient soldiers, especially along the first line, even if these individuals displayed no more than average levels of skill and aggression. Hence, the model’s simulated patterns of Roman warfare indicate that the multiple roles performed by the centurions as described in the sources were not distinguished so much by tactics as by experience and imperviousness to the stress of combat.
American Orientalism in Korea
Authors: Kraus Charles
Published: July 2015

People express and exercise power as much through words as through actions. Yet scholars never have examined systematically how officials and others in the United States actually talked and wrote about Korea, both north and south, during the momentous interwar period. This article unearths crude depictions of the Korean people common in American writings from the 1940s and 1950s, arguing that this rhetoric created and reinforced an unequal power relationship between the United States and Korea. These negative discourses about Koreans, as expressions of American Orientalism, had important implications for u.s.policy in Korea and for the post-war trajectory of developments on the entire Korean peninsula. They also have left a perceptible imprint on English-language scholarship engaging in assessments of Korea ever since.
The Transparency Turn of International Law
Authors: Peters Anne
Published: July 2015

In all major fields of international law—e.g. environmental law, economic law, human rights law, international humanitarian law, health law, peace-and-security law—demands for more transparency have recently been voiced by civil-society actors, by states, and within the international institutions themselves—or transparency has been brought about by illegal means. In response, much more transparency has been created in international institutions and procedures in the last 10 years. This paper diagnoses a genuine “transparency turn” in international law, it analyses the functions and drawbacks of increased transparency in global governance (especially for the well-functioning of negotiations and deliberations); it asks whether a cross-cutting legal principle of transparency is emerging, and what this might mean for international law as a whole. It concludes that from a governance perspective, transparency is only a necessary, and not a sufficient condition for bringing about participation, accountability, and possibly democracy in the global sphere.
The Equitable Distribution of Marine Resources by Agreement of States—The Case of the South China Sea
Authors: Roeben Volker
Published: July 2015

The socially just distribution of maritime spaces and their resources among States is a key concern of the 1982 un Convention on the Law of the Sea. This concern underlies the general apportionment of those spaces to coastal States as well as the concrete delimitation of any overlapping claims. The Convention prescribes that such delimitation be equitable. Much attention so far has been given to the judicial performance of such maritime boundary delimitation. This paper focuses on the alternative of delimitation by negotiated agreement of States. It conceives of delimitation as institutionalized oceans governance. This governance seeks to achieve the indeterminate objective of equitable delimitation by combining two broad approaches with machinery for their concretization. For one, the Convention adopts a geographical approach, implemented through the concept of maritime zones extending seawards of the land. Yet the Convention also countenances a non-geographical approach based on historic titles grounded in customary law. For concretising these broad approaches into principles, rules, and decisions, the Convention institutionalizes comprehensive judicial decision-making. Courts and tribunals have indeed developed an acquis judiciaire favouring delimitation by means of the equidistance/relevant circumstances method that is binding on States. However, the Convention gives preference to the equally institutionalized negotiated delimitation of marine entitlements, by means of the agreement of the coastal States concerned. These States therefore retain a considerable margin of appreciation for negotiated delimitation, drawing on state practice to identify the principles appropriate for the individual instance. The paper first develops this governance framework and then exemplifies its workings in the case of the South China Sea, marked by several, ongoing maritime delimitation disputes to be resolved by negotiated settlement.
Taking Stock: What Do We Know, and Do not Know, about the National Treatment Obligation in the gatt/wto Legal System?
Authors: Du Ming
Published: July 2015

Even though widely recognized as one of the core disciplines of international economic law, the interpretation of national treatment (“nt”) obligation has been long marked by legal indeterminacy. More recently, a series of landmark cases, including us—Clove Cigarettes, us—Tuna ii (Mexico), us—cool and ec—Seal Products, have fundamentally reshaped our collective understanding of the nt obligation in the gatt/wto system. The objective of this article is to take stock of what we have already known about the nt obligation in the wto law, identify the lingering uncertainties and discuss the options for the wto Appellate Body to bring more clarity to the nt obligation in future dispute settlements.