bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Models for Unsupervised, Semi-Supervised, and Supervised Transliteration Mining
Authors: Sajjad Hassan , Schmid Helmut , Fraser Alexander , Schütze Hinrich
Published: March 2017

We present a generative model that efficiently mines transliteration pairs in a consistent fashion in three different settings: unsupervised, semi-supervised, and supervised transliteration mining. The model interpolates two sub-models, one for the generation of transliteration pairs and one for the generation of non-transliteration pairs (i.e., noise). The model is trained on noisy unlabeled data using the EM algorithm. During training the transliteration sub-model learns to generate transliteration pairs and the fixed non-transliteration model generates the noise pairs. After training, the unlabeled data is disambiguated based on the posterior probabilities of the two sub-models. We evaluate our transliteration mining system on data from a transliteration mining shared task and on parallel corpora. For three out of four language pairs, our system outperforms all semi-supervised and supervised systems that participated in the NEWS 2010 shared task. On word pairs extracted from parallel corpora with fewer than 2% transliteration pairs, our system achieves up to 86.7% F-measure with 77.9% precision and 97.8% recall.
Galium verum var. hallaensis, a replacement name for the Korean Galium pusillum Nakai (Rubiaceae)
Authors: JEONG KEUM SEON , SHIN JAE-KWON , JANG KAE SUN , CHOI KYUNG
Published: March 2017

Galium Linnaeus (1753: 105) is one of the largest genera within the family Rubiaceae and consists of approximately 650 species (Soza & Olmstead 2010), mostly annual and perennial herbaceous plants, mainly distributed in temperate regions. The genus is characterized by more than two leaf-like whorls, number of divided petal, rudimentary calyx and two locular ovaries (Ehrendorfer et al. 1994, 2014). Galium has serious problems for identification and taxon delimitation due to severe variations in the morphology of leaves, seed hairs and flowers. It is difficult to be correctly identified because the plants present a seasonal change in the morphology of vegetative parts (Soza & Olmstead, 2010).
Fritzschia furnensis (Marcetia alliance, Melastomataceae): an endangered new species from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: ROMERO ROSANA , ROCHA MARIA JOSÉ REIS DA
Published: March 2017

During a floristic survey of Melastomataceae carried out in Delfinópolis and Capitólio, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, a new species of Fritzschia was found. Fritzschia furnensis has stems peeling in thin, woody flakes, petiole 2–10 mm long, large leaf blades (23–38 × 10–29 mm) and an indumentum of glandular trichomes on the branches, petioles, leaves, bracteoles, pedicels, hypanthia, and sepals. The new species is regarded as endangered (EN) due to a restricted distribution, small populations and the destruction of its habitat.
Description of a new genus of Elaphidiini with two new species (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae)
Authors: SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO , GALILEO MARIA HELENA M.
Published: March 2017

Elaphidiini Thomson, 1864 is a large tribe of Cerambycidae composed of 92 genera with species distributed from Canada to southern South America. Lingafelter (1998) performed a generic level phylogenetic analysis of the tribe and provided a key to the known genera. According to Lingafelter, Elaphidiini is characterized as follows: mesally-spined antenna (lost in some taxa), narrow metepisternum with a centrally positioned keel, strongly sclerotized below and membranous above; prosternal process between procoxae slightly to strongly expanded at apex (rarely linear and unexpanded); terminal palpomeres much wider at apex than base; and coarsely faceted eyes (with few exceptions).
Five new species of the genus Tetroxyrhina Hendel from China (Diptera, Lauxaniidae)
Authors: SHI LI , GAIMARI STEPHEN D. , YANG DING
Published: March 2017

Five species of the genus Tetroxyrhina Hendel from China are described as new to science: Tetr. dashahensis sp. nov., Tetr. dentata sp. nov., Tetr. jinpingensis sp. nov., Tetr. menglunensis sp. nov. and Tetr. tengchongensis sp. nov., and the species Tetr. sauteri (Hendel), also from China, is redescribed. The genitalia of these species are illustrated and described. Trigonometopus alboapicalis Shatalkin, is synonymized under Tetr. sauteri, syn. nov. A key to separate all species of the genus is provided, along with nomenclatural details for all species, and photographs of all primary type specimens.
New or little-known species of Chaetocladius s. str. Kieffer, 1911 (Diptera:
Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) from the Amur River basin (Russian Far East)
Authors: MAKARCHENKO EUGENYI A. , MAKARCHENKO MARINA A. , SEMENCHENKO ALEXANDER A.
Published: March 2017

Chironomids of the subgenus Chaetocladius s. str. from the Amur River basin are revised using both morphological characters and molecular data. Three new species, C. egorych sp. nov., C. lopatinskiy sp. nov. and C. yavorskayae sp. nov., are described and figured. The pupa of C. fedotkin is described for the first time. Adult males of C. ligni and C. piger, little-known in the Far East, are redescribed and annotated, and key to males of the Chaetocladius s. str. from the Amur River basin is provided. A reference 658 bp barcode sequence from a fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) was used as a tool for species delimitation. Comparisons with corresponding regions of COI between 5 species in the subgenus produced K2P genetic distances of 8.3–12.6%, values well associated with interspecific variation. Molecular data were also used for the reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships within the subgenus Chaetocladius s. str.
Taxonomy should be more photography based-eliminate need of physical specimen to study morphology
Authors: CHALADZE GIORGI
Published: March 2017

Recently, a new species of Diptera was described without preserving a type specimen (Evenhuis & Masrshall 2015). This publication caused controversy among taxonomists, of which many urged to restrict image-based descriptions to exceptional cases and insisted on the need to preserve specimens for future reproducibility of observations (Ceríaco et al. 2016; Krell 2016). I agree that type material is important in taxonomy for studying features that could not be captured on images. However, in the modern digital era, the need for actual specimen to study morphology can be circumvented.
Reinstatement of Spirostreptus kandyanus Humbert, 1865 and deletion of Thyropygus allevatus (Karsch, 1881) and Sphaeropoeus hercules (Brandt, 1833) in the checklist of Sri Lankan Diplopoda
Authors: ZOYSA H. K. S. DE , UKUWELA KANISHKA D. B. , WICKRAMASINGHE S. , NGUYEN ANH D. , HOLLIER JOHN
Published: March 2017

The Diplopoda have been studied for some 250 years, but until the later part of the nineteenth century most descriptions were rather cursory and neither the species concept nor type concept were well established (Hoffman 2009). Even for well-explored regions like Europe, the description of the Diplopoda saw a proliferation of synonyms (Enghoff 1976) while the complexity of Diplopoda systematics was severely underestimated until very recently (Brewer et al. 2012).
Distinct Patterns of Tropical Pacific SST Anomaly and Their Impacts on North American Climate
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Ting Mingfang , Wen Zhiping , Lee Dong Eun
Published: March 2017

A neural-network-based cluster technique, the so-called self-organizing map (SOM), was performed to extract distinct sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly patterns during boreal winter. The SOM technique has advantages in nonlinear feature extraction compared to the commonly used empirical orthogonal function analysis and is widely used in meteorology. The eight distinguishable SOM patterns so identified represent three La Niña–like patterns, two near-normal patterns, and three El Niño–like patterns. These patterns show the varied amplitude and location of the SST anomalies associated with El Niño and La Niña, such as the central Pacific (CP) and eastern Pacific (EP) El Niño. The impact of each distinctive SOM pattern on winter-mean surface temperature and precipitation changes over North America was examined. Based on composite maps with observational data, each SOM pattern corresponds to a distinguishable spatial structure of temperature and precipitation anomaly over North America, which seems to result from differing wave train patterns, extending from the tropics to mid–high latitudes induced by longitudinally shifted tropical heating. The corresponding teleconnection as represented by the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmospheric Model, version 4 (CAM4), was compared with the observational results. It was found that the 16-member ensemble average of the CAM4 experiments with prescribed SST can reproduce the observed atmospheric circulation responses to the different SST SOM patterns, which suggests that the circulation differences are largely SST driven rather than due to internal atmospheric variability.
Exploring the Twin Tracks of Economic and Governance Reforms in the Two States of Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Kumar Radhika
Published: March 2017

Second-generation economic reforms in India, a feature of the mid-1990s, have also included subnational level reforms and restructuring. These reforms have also run the course of about 15 years with there being many temporal and spatial variations with regard to experiences of individual states. However, common to this reform experience are three features. First, that funding for these reforms has largely come from international financial institutions (IFIs), in particular, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Second, and drawing from the first, is the feature that the framework for reforms, development sectors covered as well as pace, prospects and outcome of reforms are determined by the same lending agencies. Third, reforms so initiated have invariably incorporated ‘good governance’ strategies. What is paradoxical then is that reform programmes which have been tailor-made to suit the economic specificities of a given state actually prescribe similar remedies for all. Increased economic autonomy of state governments in the post-liberalisation period has been limited to courting the IFIs for reform-linked loans. These loans come with concomitant conditionalities albeit made politically palatable by the terminology of good governance. The neoliberal model of development has found a pan-India appeal with there being little or no state-level variations in its adoption and implementation.
A fast mass spring model solver for high-resolution elastic objects
Authors: Zheng Mianlun , Yuan Zhiyong , Zhu Weixu , Zhang Guian
Published: March 2017

Real-time simulation of elastic objects is of great importance for computer graphics and virtual reality applications. The fast mass spring model solver can achieve visually realistic simulation in an efficient way. Unfortunately, this method suffers from resolution limitations and lack of mechanical realism for a surface geometry model, which greatly restricts its application. To tackle these problems, in this paper we propose a fast mass spring model solver for high-resolution elastic objects. First, we project the complex surface geometry model into a set of uniform grid cells as cages through *cages mean value coordinate method to reflect its internal structure and mechanics properties. Then, we replace the original Cholesky decomposition method in the fast mass spring model solver with a conjugate gradient method, which can make the fast mass spring model solver more efficient for detailed surface geometry models. Finally, we propose a graphics processing unit accelerated parallel algorithm for the conjugate gradient method. Experimental results show that our method can realize efficient deformation simulation of 3D elastic objects with visual reality and physical fidelity, which has a great potential for applications in computer animation.
Toward the cottonization of hemp fibers by steam explosion – Part 1: defibration and morphological characterization
Authors: Sauvageon Thibaud , Lavoie Jean-Michel , Segovia César , Brosse Nicolas
Published: March 2017

Fine hemp fibers (cottonized hemp) were processed using steam explosion. The quantification of the defibration rate was performed by image processing. Based on this method, the hemp defibration was optimized using a response surface methodology based on three-variable central composite design for the production of elementary fibers with low variability. Optimal parameters for the steam processes were as follows: time = 4.1 min; temperature = 191℃. Biomass was impregnated with a solution of NaOH (8%) before treatment, leading to a defibration rate of 91.2%, which is producing ≈50% fibers with length <3 mm, in good agreement with the experimental data. Damaged fibers originating from the conjugated effect of steam explosion and alkali hydrolysis were also observed.
Experimental evaluation and modified Weibull characterization of the tensile behavior of tri-component elastic-conductive composite yarn
Authors: Wang Yong , Yu Weidong , Wang Fumei
Published: March 2017

In order to clarify the effects of the extension rate and gauge length upon the distribution of tensile strength of tri-component elastic-conductive composite yarn (t-ECCY), experimental as well as theoretical studies have been performed in this paper. Influences of the extension rate and gauge length are highlighted. The yarn exhibits an extension-rate strengthening effect, and the higher extension rate results in a higher strength and fracture strain, irrespective of the gauge length considered, and vice versa. Expressed in terms of gauge length, yarn tenacity shows a drop for a longer testing length at all extension rates, based on the weakest-link theory. A modified two-parameter Weibull strength distribution model, taking into account the effects of extension rate and gauge length, can be reasonably used to quantify the degree of variability in tensile strength and to obtain the individual Weibull parameters for practical applications. Different fracture mechanisms of the t-ECCY are demonstrated at lower and higher extension rates. A “cascade-like” break happens at lower extension rates due to inner sliding, weaker interactive transverse force of individual fibers, and sufficient time available for the fiber realignment. Nevertheless, a “chimney-like” break dominates at higher extension rates by virtue of the reduced reorientation of some disordered fibers and intensive instant impact force of the stainless steel filament component along the load direction.
Bio-degumming technology of Apocynum venetum bast by Pectobacterium sp. DCE-01
Authors: Duan Shengwen , Cheng Lifeng , Feng Xiangyuan , Zheng Ke , Peng Yuande , Liu Zhengchu
Published: March 2017

Apocynum venetum fiber is known as the “king of wild fibers”. The traditional chemical degumming method for A. venetum limits the development of the industry due to serious pollution and fiber damage. By machine rolling preprocessing, bacteria culture, soaking fermentation, inactivation, water scrubbing, and drying under fermentation conditions of bath ratio 1:15, inoculum size 2%, temperature 33℃, and fermentation time 16 h, A. venetum fiber could be extracted from A. venetum bast. Strain Pectobacterium sp. DCE-01 simultaneously secreted pectinase, mannanase, and xylanase, which can decompose the main components of A. venetum non-cellulose. The catalytic activities of pectase, mannanase, xylanase, and cellulase at 16 h were 12.47, 7.56, 6.02, and 2.82 U/ml respectively. Compared with chemical degumming, bio-degumming exhibited 22.56% higher residual gum content, 18.14% higher breaking strength, and 44.33% lower chemical oxygen demand.
Patients With Mitochondrial Disease Have an Inadequate Nutritional Intake
Authors: Zweers Heidi , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Leij Susanne , Wanten Geert
Published: March 2017

Background: Mitochondrial disease (MD) is a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell. Malnutrition in patients with MD may lead to increased mitochondrial dysfunction, which may enhance already existing symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with MD have an insufficient or unbalanced food intake and to establish which nutrients and product groups are particularly compromised in this patient group. Methods: In this observational, cross‐sectional, retrospective study, sixty 3‐day nutrition diaries of adult patients with MD were analyzed and compared with the Dutch recommended daily allowance and the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS). Results: The intake of all macronutrients and micronutrients of patients with MD was significantly different from Dutch recommended daily allowance values with the exception of fat and iron. In particular, protein and calcium intake in patients with MD was significantly lower when compared with the DNFCS. Interindividual differences were high. Also, intake of fiber, sugars, saturated fat, and vitamin D differed from recommendations for the overall population. In comparison with DNFCS, the intake of dairy products and drinks was significant lower in patients. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that many patients with MD have an inadequate diet. Specifically, intake of protein, calcium, dairy products, and fluids were low. Overall, eating a healthy diet seems as difficult for patients with MD as for the general population. Since interindividual differences are high, individual diet counseling is recommended for all adult patients with MD.
Fibroblasts in Hypoxic Conditions Mimic Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Yin Linda X. , Motz Kevin M. , Samad Idris , Duvvuri Madhavi , Murphy Michael , Ding Dacheng , Hillel Alexander T.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To elucidate the role of hypoxia and inflammatory pathways in the pathogenesis of iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (iLTS).

Study Design

(1) Examination of mucosal surface gene expression in human iLTS. (2) In vitro comparison of normal and scar laryngotracheal fibroblasts under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital in a research university (2012‐2016).

Subjects and Methods

Brush biopsies were obtained from normal laryngotracheal tissue and scar in iLTS patients; gene expression was compared. Fibroblasts were isolated from normal and scarred trachea and grown in vitro in either a 1% O2 or normoxic environment. Cell growth and gene and protein expression were compared. Statistical analysis utilized a multilevel mixed effects model.

Results

Expression of IL‐6 (fold change = 2.8, P <. 01), myofibroblast marker αSMA (fold change = 3.0, P =. 01), and MMP13 (fold change = 5.4, P =. 02) was significantly increased in scar biopsy samples as compared to normal. Under hypoxic conditions in vitro, normal laryngotracheal fibroblasts proliferated significantly faster (n = 8, P <. 01 each day). Expression of IL‐6 (n = 8, fold change = 2.6, P <. 01) increased significantly after 12 hours under hypoxia. Expression of αSMA (n = 8, fold change= 2.0, P =. 03), COL1 (n = 8, fold change = 1.1, P =. 03), and MMP13 (n = 8, fold change = 1.6, P =. 01) increased significantly after 48 hours under hypoxia. Scar fibroblasts also proliferated significantly faster under hypoxic conditions but did not display the same expression profile.

Conclusion

Human iLTS scar has a myofibroblast phenotype. Under hypoxic conditions in vitro, normal laryngotracheal fibroblasts can transdifferentiate into a similar phenotype. These changes may be mediated by IL‐6, a fibrosis‐related cytokine.
The Role of Tonsillectomy in Adults with Tonsillar Hypertrophy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Smith Matthew M. , Peterson Ed , Yaremchuk Kathleen L.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To determine if tonsillectomy alone is an effective treatment in improving obstructive sleep apnea in adult subjects with tonsillar hypertrophy and to evaluate the effect of tonsillectomy on patient‐reported quality‐of‐life indices.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

Academic hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty‐four subjects completed enrollment and intervention from January 2011 to January 2016. Subjects completed pre‐ and postoperative quality‐of‐life questionnaires, including the Insomnia Severity Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire–10. Surgical response to treatment was defined by a >50% decrease in the Apnea‐Hypopnea Index and a decrease in the overall Apnea‐Hypopnea Index to <20. Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank tests were used to test each variable to assess for a change from pre‐ to postintervention. Subjects were then split into 3 BMI subgroups, with results also evaluated by Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank tests.

Results

There was a significant difference discovered between the mean preoperative Apnea‐Hypopnea Index of 31.57 and the mean postoperative value of 8.12 (P <. 001). All patient‐reported outcomes improved significantly following tonsillectomy. After stratifying all outcome variables (Apnea‐Hypopnea Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire–10) by sex, race, and tonsil size, no statistically significant difference was noted among any of these subgroups. There was a 78% surgical response to treatment.

Conclusion

Tonsillectomy appears to be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in a select population of adults with tonsillar hypertrophy.
Comparative effectiveness of botulinum toxin versus non-surgical treatments for treating lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Yu-Ching , Wu Wei-Ting , Hsu Yu-Chun , Han Der-Sheng , Chang Ke-Vin
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

To explore the effectiveness of botulinum toxin compared with non-surgical treatments in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Methods:

Data sources including PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Airity Library from the earliest record to February 2017 were searched. Study design, patients’ characteristics, dosage/brand of botulinum toxin, injection techniques, and measurements of pain and hand grip strength were retrieved. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) in pain relief and grip strength reduction were calculated at the following time points: 2-4, 8-12, and 16 weeks or more after injection.

Results:

Six randomized controlled trials (321 participants) comparing botulinum toxin with placebo or corticosteroid injections were included. Compared with placebo, botulinum toxin injection significantly reduced pain at all three time points (SMD, -0.729, 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.286 to -0.171; SMD, -0.446, 95% CI, -0.740 to -0.152; SMD, -0.543, 95% CI, -0.978 to -0.107, respectively). Botulinum toxin was less effective than corticosteroid at 2-4 weeks (SMD, 1.153; 95% CI, 0.568-1.737) and both treatments appeared similar in efficacy after 8 weeks. Different injection sites and dosage/brand did not affect effectiveness. Botulinum toxin decreased grip strength 2-4 weeks after injection, and high equivalent dose could extend its paralytic effects to 8-12 weeks.

Conclusions:

When treating lateral epicondylitis, botulinum toxin was superior to placebo and could last for 16 weeks. Corticosteroid and botulinum toxin injections were largely equivalent, except the corticosteroid injections were better at pain relief in the early stages and were associated with less weakness in grip in the first 12 weeks.
Intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma and solitary hypovascular liver metastases: is the differential diagnosis using diffusion-weighted MRI possible?
Authors: Kovač Jelena Djokić , Galun Danijel , Đurić-Stefanović Aleksandra , Lilić Gordana , Vasin Dragan , Lazić Ljubica , Mašulović Dragan , Šaranović Đorđije
Published: March 2017

Background

Intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocellular carcinoma (IMC) is the second most common primary liver tumor. The differentiation between IMC and solitary hypovascular liver metastases (SHLM) represents a diagnostic challenge due to many overlapping magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.

Purpose

To determine the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in addition to conventional MRI for the distinction between intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma and solitary hypovascular liver metastases.

Material and Methods

Fifty-three patients with pathologically proven IMC (n = 31) and SHLM (n = 22) who had undergone MRI and DWI before surgery or percutaneous biopsy were enrolled in this study. The following MRI features were analyzed: the size and shape of the lesion, presence of capsular retraction and segmental biliary dilatation, T2-weighted (T2W) signal intensity, the presence of target sign on DWI and enhancement pattern. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated for each lesion ( b = 800 s/mm2). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant differentiating features between IMCs and SHLMs.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that following parameters favor diagnosis of IMCs over SHLMs: lobulating shape, heterogeneous T2W signal intensity, capsular retraction, segmental biliary dilatation, target sign on DWI and rim-like enhancement on arterial phase followed by progressive enhancement in delayed phases. ADC values measured in the periphery of the lesion were significantly lower in IMCs in comparison to SHLMs. Multivariate analysis revealed that target sign on DWI was the most significant predictor of IMCs.

Conclusion

Qualitative DWI analysis with target sign significantly improves diagnostic accuracy for differentiation among IMC and SHLM lesions.
Implementing system-wide risk stratification approaches: A review of critical success and failure factors
Authors: Huckel Schneider Carmen , Gillespie James A , Wilson Andrew
Published: March 2017

Risk stratification has become a widely used tool for linking people identified at risk of health deterioration to the most appropriate evidence-based care. This article systematically reviews recent literature to determine key factors that have been identified as critical enablers and/or barriers to successful implementation of risk stratification tools at a system level. A systematic search found 23 articles and four promising protocols for inclusion in the review, covering the use to 20 different risk stratification tools. These articles reported on only a small fraction of the risk stratification tools used in health systems; suggesting that while the development and statistical validation of risk stratification algorithms is widely reported, there has been little published evaluation of how they are implemented in real-world settings. Controlled studies provided some evidence that the use of risk stratification tools in combination with a care management plan offer patient benefits and that the use of a risk stratification tool to determine components of a care management plan may contribute to reductions in hospital readmissions, patient satisfaction and improved patient outcomes. Studies with the strongest focus on implementation used qualitative and case study methods. Among these, the literature converged on four key areas of implementation that were found to be critical for overcoming barriers to success: the engagement of clinicians and safeguarding equity, both of which address barriers of acceptance; the health system context to address administrative, political and system design barriers; and data management and integration to address logistical barriers.
A new discrete time delay control of hydraulic manipulators
Authors: Wang Yaoyao , Gu Linyi , Chen Bai , Wu Hongtao
Published: March 2017

A new discrete time delay control design is presented and investigated for the joint-space control of hydraulic manipulators in this article. Thanks to the time delay estimation technique, our new designed controller no longer needs the detailed system model, which is very fascinating for practical applications. Also, the proposed discrete time delay control method requires no acceleration information to be obtained through quadratic differential, which is usually essential for the continuous-time version time delay control method of hydraulic manipulators. This may result in fewer requirements of computational effort or unavailability of sensors for obtaining the acceleration signal. Furthermore, the newly proposed discrete time delay control requires no future predicted values of the desired trajectory or system states compared with the traditional discrete time delay control method, which is more suitable for practical applications. The corresponding stability is analyzed using the bounded input bounded output stability theory. The easiness for actual applications and robustness against disturbance are verified through some 2-degree-of-freedom experiments.
Inhibition of l-type amino acid transporter 1 activity as a new therapeutic target for cholangiocarcinoma treatment
Authors: Yothaisong Supak , Dokduang Hasaya , Anzai Naohiko , Hayashi Keitaro , Namwat Nisana , Yongvanit Puangrat , Sangkhamanon Sakkarn , Jutabha Promsuk , Endou Hitoshi , Loilome Watcharin
Published: March 2017

Unlike normal cells, cancer cells undergo unlimited growth and multiplication, causing them to require massive amounts of amino acid to support their continuous metabolism. Among the amino acid transporters expressed on the plasma membrane, l-type amino acid transporter-1, a Na+-independent neutral amino acid transporter, is highly expressed in many types of human cancer including cholangiocarcinoma. Our previous study reported that l-type amino acid transporter-1 and its co-functional protein CD98 were highly expressed and implicated in cholangiocarcinoma progression and carcinogenesis. Therefore, this study determined the effect of JPH203, a selective inhibitor of l-type amino acid transporter-1 activity, on cholangiocarcinoma cell inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. JPH203 dramatically suppressed [14C]l-leucine uptake as well as cell growth in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines along with altering the expression of l-type amino acid transporter-1 and CD98 in response to amino acid depletion. We also demonstrated that JPH203 induced both G2/M and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, as well as reduced the S phase accompanied by altered expression of the proteins in cell cycle progression: cyclin D1, CDK4, and CDK6. There was also cell cycle arrest of the related proteins, P21 and P27, in KKU-055 and KKU-213 cholangiocarcinoma cells. Apoptosis induction, detected by an increase in trypan blue–stained cells along with a cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 ratio, occurred in JPH203-treated cholangiocarcinoma cells at the highest concentration tested (100 µM). As expected, daily intravenous administration of JPH203 (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor growth in KKU-213 cholangiocarcinoma cell xenografts in the nude mice model in a dose-dependent manner with no statistically significant change in the animal’s body weight and with no differences in the histology and appearance of the internal organs compared with the control group. Our study demonstrates that suppression of l-type amino acid transporter-1 activity using JPH203 might be used as a new therapeutic strategy for cholangiocarcinoma treatment.
Experiencing uncertainty: On the potential of groups and a group analytic approach for making management education more critical
Authors: Mowles Chris
Published: March 2017

This article points to the potential of methods derived from group analytic practice for making management education more critical. It draws on the experience of running a professional doctorate for more experienced managers in a university in the United Kingdom over a 16-year period. Group analysis is informed by the highly social theories of S.H. Foulkes and draws heavily on psychoanalytic theory as well as sociology. First and foremost, though, it places our interdependence at the heart of the process of inquiry and suggests that the most potent place for learning about groups, where we spend most of our lives, is in a group. The article prioritises three areas of management practice for which group analytic methods, as adapted for research environment, are most helpful: coping with uncertainty and the feelings of anxiety which this often arouses; thinking about leadership as a relational and negotiated activity, and encouraging reflexivity in managers. The article also points to some of the differences between the idea of the learning community and psychodynamic perspectives more generally and the limitations of group analytic methods in particular, which may pathologise resistance in the workplace.
Why non-inferiority is more challenging than superiority?
Authors: Sormani Maria Pia
Published: March 2017

Demonstrating non-inferiority in clinical trials is usually more challenging than showing superiority. In multiple sclerosis (MS), non-inferiority trials are rarely designed since they would require prohibitive sample sizes. In this brief report, the reasons why non-inferiority trials are usually larger than superiority trials is explored.
Effects of LED light spectra on lettuce growth and nutritional composition
Authors: Hytönen T , Pinho P , Rantanen M , Kariluoto S , Lampi A , Edelmann M , Joensuu K , Kauste K , Mouhu K , Piironen V , Halonen L , Elomaa P
Published: March 2017

Year-round greenhouse production in northern latitudes depends on the use of artificial lighting. Light emitting diodes provide a promising means to save energy during cultivation as well as to modify the light spectrum to regulate the growth and quality of the crop. We compared the effects of light emitting diode lighting with different spectral compositions on the growth, development and nutritional quality of lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L. ‘Frillice’). We show that warm-white and warm-white supplemented with blue spectra provide equal growth and product quality compared to conventional high-pressure sodium lighting in the absence and presence of daylight. Our data indicate that for biomass accumulation, the far-red component in the light spectrum is more critical than green light or the red/blue ratio. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a red + blue spectrum increases the concentration of several vitamins in lettuce. However, biomass accumulation using this spectrum was insufficient when daylight was excluded.
Experimental sensitivity analysis via a secondary heat source in an oscillating thermoacoustic system
Authors: Jamieson Nicholas P , Rigas Georgios , Juniper Matthew P
Published: March 2017

In this article, we report the results of an experimental sensitivity analysis on a vertical electrically heated Rijke tube. We examine the stability characteristics of the system due to the introduction of a secondary heat source. The experimental sensitivity analysis is quantified by measuring the shift in linear growth and decay rate as well as the shift in the linear frequency during periods of growth and decay of thermoacoustic oscillations. Linear growth and decay rate measurements agree qualitatively well with the theoretical predictions from adjoint-based methods. A discrepancy in the linear frequency measurements highlight deficiencies in the model used for those predictions and shows that the experimental measurement of sensitivities is a stringent test of any thermoacoustic model. The findings suggest that adjoint-based methods are, in principle, capable of providing industry with a cheap and efficient tool for developing optimal control strategies for more complex thermoacoustic systems.
National Longitudinal Studies of Kindergarten Children
Authors: West Jerry
Published: March 2017

The introduction to this Special Topic Collection has two parts. To provide background and context for the articles in the collection, Part 1 tells the story of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study program at the National Center for Education Statistics. It offers an abridged history of this program and describes the designs of the two national kindergarten cohort studies (ECLS-K and ECLS-K:2011) whose data were analyzed by the authors of each of the articles. Part 2 provides a brief overview of the five articles. It includes a summary of key findings from the articles and important patterns in the data. It highlights areas that have improved over the past decade and areas with little improvement. Limitations of the findings that are directly connected to the ECLS-K and ECLS-K:2011 designs are identified as well as other design limitations that have implications for future data users.
Inconsistencies in the Diagnosis of Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Patel Samir N. , Singh Ranjodh , Jonas Karyn E. , Ostmo Susan , Petrakos Paul , Gupta Mrinali P. , Campbell J. Peter , Chiang Michael F. , Chan R. V. Paul
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To determine the accuracy and reliability of diagnosing aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP).

Methods:

A total of 1220 eye examinations from 230 infants were prospectively obtained at 8 major ROP centers. An ophthalmologist at each center provided a clinical diagnosis using indirect ophthalmoscopy. Wide-angle retinal images were then obtained, which were independently read by 2 ROP experts using a web-based system for an image-based diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity of image-based AP-ROP diagnosis by the ROP experts were calculated using the clinical diagnosis as the reference standard. Agreement of AP-ROP diagnosis through image-based diagnosis and clinical diagnosis was calculated using the unweighted κ statistic.

Results:

One hundred four (9%) of the 1220 examinations had a clinical diagnosis of AP-ROP. Sensitivity and specificity for the presence of AP-ROP were 35% and 96% for expert 1 and 17% and 99% for expert 2. Using the κ statistic, expert image-based versus clinical diagnostic agreement for the diagnosis of AP-ROP was 0.34 (fair) for expert 1 and 0.24 (fair) for expert 2. Agreement for the diagnosis of AP-ROP between the image-based diagnoses of expert 1 and expert 2 was 0.49 (moderate).

Conclusion:

There are inconsistencies between the clinical diagnosis of AP-ROP (as determined by indirect ophthalmoscopy) and the image-based diagnosis of AP-ROP. This may have important implications for ROP management and the current international ROP classification system.
Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, EMPA, FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of narsarsukite from Murun Massif, Russia
Authors: Schingaro E. , Mesto E. , Lacalamita M. , Scordari F. , Kaneva E. , Vladykin F. N.
Published: March 2017

A crystal chemical study of narsarsukite from the Murun alkaline massif, Russia has been carried out combining single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe analyses, micro-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The narsarsukite single crystals are tetragonal (space group I4/m) with unit-cell parameters: 10.7140(1) ≤ a ≤ 10.7183(2) Å and 7.9478(1) ≤ c ≤ 7.9511(1) Å. The XPS analysis showed that Fe occurs in the mineral as Fe3+, whereas the FTIR spectrum showed that the sample studied is anhydrous. The average crystal chemical formula of the Murun narsarsukite is: Na2.04K0.01(V0.015+Ti0.74Zr0.01Al0.01Fe0.223+Mg0.01)1.00Si4.00(O10.74F0.23OH0.03)11.00. Structural disorder at octahedral and interstitial sites was modelled and also discussed in consideration of the main substitutional mechanism Ti4+ + O2– ↔ Fe3+ + (F–, OH–) active in the structure of the mineral.
Inhibition of WNT signaling in the bone marrow niche prevents the development of MDS in the Apcdel/+ MDS mouse model
Authors: Stoddart Angela , Wang Jianghong , Hu Chunmei , Fernald Anthony A. , Davis Elizabeth M. , Cheng Jason X. , Le Beau Michelle M.
Published: March 2017

Key Points

Loss of 1 copy of Ctnnb1 (encoding β-catenin) in an Apc-haploinsufficient microenvironment prevents the development of MDS. Modulation of WNT signaling in the niche using pyrvinium inhibits the development of MDS in Apc-haploinsufficient mice.
A classification system for zebrafish adipose tissues
Authors: Minchin James E. N. , Rawls John F.
Published: March 2017

The zebrafish model system offers significant utility for in vivo imaging of adipose tissue (AT) dynamics, and screening to identify chemical and genetic modifiers of adiposity. In particular, AT can be accurately quantified in live zebrafish using fluorescent lipophilic dyes (FLDs). Although, this methodology offers considerable promise, the comprehensive identification and classification of zebrafish ATs has not been performed. Here we utilize FLDs and in vivo imaging to systematically identify, classify and quantify the zebrafish AT pool. We identify 34 regionally distinct zebrafish ATs, including 5 visceral ATs (VATs) and 22 subcutaneous ATs (SATs). For each of these ATs we describe detailed morphological characteristics to aid their identification in future studies. Further, we quantify the areas for each AT, and construct regression models to allow prediction of expected AT size and variation across a range of developmental stages. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of this resource for identifying effects of strain variation and high-fat diet on AT growth. Together, this resource provides foundational information on the identity, dynamics, and expected quantities of zebrafish ATs for use as a reference for future studies.
Single-Particle Tracking Reveals a Dynamic Role of Actin Filaments in Assisting Long-Range Axonal Transport in Neurons
Authors: Osakada Yasuko , Zhang Kai
Published: March 2017

Here, we demonstrated that actin filaments mediate axonal transport in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons using fluorescence single-particle tracking. We employed a compartmentalized microfluidic cell culturing chamber that allows depolymerization of actin filaments within an axonal segment. We observed that local actin depolymerization results in a two-fold increase in the average pausing duration, whereas the microtubule-dependent instantaneous transport speed is not perturbed. Collectively, our data reveal an important role of actin filaments in assisting microtubule-dependent long-range NGF axonal transport in DRG neurons.
Allergic otitis externa in the dog
Authors: Paterson Sue
Published: March 2017

Otitis externa is a common presenting sign in primary care practice. Up to 75% of all cases have allergy as an underlying cause. The veterinary nurse can play a valuable role in helping to investigate disease by cytology of aural discharge to identify parasites and infection; by the institution of a hypoallergenic diet to help rule out cutaneous adverse food reaction as a primary cause and by owner education on the best ways to clean ears and the most appropriate products to use.
Bilateral peroneal artery aneurysms
Authors: El Bakbachi O , Antoniou GA , McWilliams RG , Jones DR
Published: March 2017

True aneurysm of the tibial arteries is a rare clinical condition. We report the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with a gradual onset of right calf swelling and pain. Imaging revealed large aneurysms arising from the proximal peroneal arteries bilaterally, measuring 7.4cm and 4cm on the right and left respectively. A detailed medical history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations did not identify evidence of an underlying cause. A surgical reconstruction with an interposition vein graft was successfully performed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of primary aneurysm of the peroneal artery in the English literature. We undertook a systematic literature review to identify all reported cases of primary aneurysms of the tibial arteries. The clinical presentation, modes of investigation and interventional treatments are discussed.
Ação antrópica e risco de ravinamento: o exemplo da ravina do Corgo (rio Alva)
Authors: Martins Bruno , Lourenço Luciano , Lima Hudson Rodrigues
Published: March 2017

A partir do estudo da ravina do Corgo, localizada na margem direita do rio Alva, a jusante da povoação de Penalva de Alva e em frente à das Caldas de São Paulo, no concelho de Oliveira do Hospital (Centro de Portugal), procuram-se analisar os principais factores que estiveram na sua génese e, desta forma, contribuir para o conhecimento de um dos processos erosivos que mais concorrem para a evolução das vertentes, como é o caso dos ravinamentos. https://doi.org/10.14195/1647-7723_24_16
Cambios de uso y erosión de suelos: análisis diacrónico (1960-2012) mediante SIG en la cuenca del Guiniguada (Gran Canaria, Islas Canarias, España)
Authors: Romero Martín Lidia Esther , García Romero Leví , Hernández Cordero Antonio , Pérez-Chacón Espino Emma
Published: March 2017

Se analiza la evolución de las tasas de erosión tras los cambios de usos del suelo producidos entre 1960 y 2012. Para ello se adapta el modelo empírico USLE a las especificidades de Gran Canaria, y se implementa mediante un SIG. Los resultados muestran que la eficacia antierosiva y la calidad paisajística, de las superficies abancaladas de la cuenca, se han visto desigualmente afectadas por el incremento de las tasas de erosión. https://doi.org/10.14195/1647-7723_24_5
Communal Identity Transformation in Soqotra: From Status Hierarchy to Ethnic Ranking
Authors: Elie Serge D.
Published: March 2017

This article examines the transformation of communal identities and social hierarchies on Soqotra Island. This is done through a “structural anatomy” of Soqotra’s changing social organization and a “lexical genealogy” of the collective identities ascribed to, or assumed by, Soqotrans in response to the polity formation strategies of a succession of British and Yemeni political regimes from the late nineteenth century until the present. Following a brief historical and theoretical introduction, Part I outlines the status stratification system that prevailed only a generation ago in the form of an ascriptive hierarchy based on ethno-occupational specializations and territorial segmentation linked to distinct ecological habitats, which continues to mediate the integration of Soqotrans into the emergent modern social formation. Part II describes how communal identities over the past generation have been leveraged by various national and transregional political and cultural forces, leading to an emerging hierarchy of ethnicity-based identities. The concluding section updates the current status of Soqotra’s traditional social groups and highlights the dynamic relationality between communal identity transformation and political and historical contingencies.