bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Chemotherapy in the Management of Cervical Cancer: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Gupta Sudeep
Published: July 2016

The management of locally advanced cervix cancer has undergone a paradigm shift during the last decade. Concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) (with cisplatin alone or in combination) is currently the standard treatment approach. CCRT results in a 5-year overall survival rate of 66% and a disease-free survival of 58%. About 30-40% of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer fail to achieve complete response to CCRT; alternative approaches are needed to improve the outcome for such patients. Weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for 4-6 weeks as dose-dense chemotherapy prior to CCRT could be one such potential approach. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy after CCRT in patients with positive lymph nodes, larger tumor volume and stage III-IVA disease needs further exploration. Adjuvant chemotherapy is also being investigated for early-stage (stages IA2, IB1 or IIA) cervical cancer with presence of risk factors such as lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular space invasion and invasion depth of more than 10 mm, microscopic parametrial invasion, non-squamous histology and positive surgical margins. For patients with early-stage disease (IA2-IIA), short-course chemotherapy prior to surgery is associated with an improved outcome in many studies. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by fertility preservation surgery is feasible in carefully selected young patients with bulky stage IB1 disease. Recently, a number of molecular pathways have been identified as potential therapeutic targets. Bevacizumab - an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor - is associated with improved survival in patients with recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer. Whether bevacizumab and other similar novel agents targeting molecular pathways could be used in front-line treatment along with cytotoxic chemotherapy is likely to be an area of research in future studies.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Malik Prabhat Singh , Jain Deepali , Kumar Lalit
Published: July 2016

The advent of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has led to a paradigm shift in the management of advanced adenocarcinoma of the lung. The key to success of these therapies lies in the precise identification of their molecular targets, i.e. sensitizing EGFR mutations. The variations in the prevalence of these mutations among different ethnicities necessitate regional studies for a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of the disease and clinical decision-making. This is even more relevant for countries like India where genetic heterogeneity is a rule. Here, we make an attempt to review the epidemiology of EGFR mutations in India versus other Asian countries and the West. We also review the clinical experience with EGFR TKIs and suggest the way forward in a resource-limited setting.
Up-Regulation of CD74 Expression in Parietal Epithelial Cells in a Mouse Model of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Yamazaki Takeshi , Sasaki Satoshi , Okamoto Takayuki , Sato Yasuyuki , Hayashi Asako , Ariga Tadashi
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: De novo expression of CD44 is considered as a marker of parietal epithelial cell (PEC) activation. The aim of our study was to explore CD74 expression, which can form a complex with CD44, in PECs during the progression of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). To clarify the role of CD74 expression and of its interaction with CD44, we generated a new mouse model with enhanced PEC activation through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) application to adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy mice (LPS-treated ADR mice). Methods: As a new model, LPS was intraperitoneally injected into the mice 3 weeks after ADR injection. The mice were divided into 3 categories: control mice, ADR mice and LPS-treated ADR mice. Renal function parameters, histologic changes and immunohistochemical expression of CD74 and other PEC activation markers were analyzed after LPS application. Results: After LPS stimulation, the glomeruli were characterized by enlarged epithelial cells with strong CD74 expression, followed by pseudo-crescent formation. By double staining, CD74-positive enlarged cells showed co-expression of classical PEC markers, but not of Lotus tetragonolobus lectin (marker of proximal tubular cells), suggesting amplification of PEC activation. Time-course analysis displayed marked upregulation of CD74 expression during rapid PEC activation compared with CD44. Additionally, the time-dependent change in ERK phosphorylation showed a similar pattern to CD74. Conclusion: Our results indicate that CD74 can be a marker for PEC activation in FSGS. By modifying the ADR mouse model through LPS treatment, we found that CD74 upregulation better reflects a rapid amplification of PEC activation than CD44 expression.
Theorising Children’s Rights and Child Welfare Paradigms
Authors: Waldock Thomas
Published: July 2016

By employing the principles and standards of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (crc), this paper explores the significance and implications of children’s rights for child welfare, with a specific focus on theoretical paradigms of practice. Reform discussions in child welfare scholarship often have centred on deficiencies in the Anglo-American child protection paradigm associated with liberal welfare states. Alternative paradigms are contrasted, most notably the family service approach to child welfare generally found in Nordic, social democratic welfare states. Whilst the crc supports a family service paradigm, the paper highlights disturbing tendencies in reform discussions that are traceable to theoretical roots in the widely adopted and referenced Esping-Andersen/Gilbert classifications of cultures and child welfare paradigms. Whilst the classifications have proven to be useful, the paper explores the need for a more nuanced and complex characterisation of cultures and paradigms, to avoid misunderstandings and conceptual confusion. In particular, children’s rights often are associated only with liberal welfare states and child protection paradigms, and therefore adopting a family service paradigm is conceptualised as moving away from a children’s rights or child protection focus. In fact, a children’s rights framework for child welfare would establish provision, protection and participation as equal and interrelated priorities, whilst still emphasising the importance of a child-centred analysis.
Critical Evaluation of Adler’s Challenge to the cdc’s Male Circumcision Recommendations
Authors: Rivin Beth E. , Diekema Douglas S. , Mastroianni Anna C. , Krieger John N. , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Morris Brian J.
Published: July 2016

We evaluate Peter Adler’s challenge to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc) draft recommendations on male circumcision (this issue, see pp. 237–262). Thecdcadvocates elective male circumcision (mc) to improve public health in theusabased on strong scientific evidence. In marked contrast to thecdc, Adler’s criticisms depend on speculative claims and obfuscation of the scientific data. Adler’s central argument that circumcision in infancy should be delayed to allow a boy to make up his own mind as an adult fails to appreciate that circumcision later in life is a more complex operation, entails higher risk, is more likely to involve general anaesthesia and presents financial, psychological and organisational barriers. These limitations are avoided by circumcision early in infancy, when it is convenient, safe, quick, low risk, usually involves local anaesthesia and provides benefits immediately. Benefits of male circumcision include: protection against: urinary tract infections that are ten times higher in uncircumcised infants; inflammatory skin conditions; other foreskin problems; sexually transmitted infections and genital cancers in the male and his female sexual partners. Circumcision during infancy is also associated with faster healing and improved cosmetic outcomes. Circumcision does not impair sexual function or pleasure. Some authorities regard the failure to offer circumcision as unethical, just as it would be unethical to fail to encourage paediatric vaccination. Since the benefits vastly outweigh the risks, each intervention is in the best interests of the child. In conclusion, Adler’s criticisms of thecdc’s evidence-based male circumcision policy are flawed scientifically, ethically and legally, and should be dismissed as endangering public health and individual well-being.
The Practical Sociologist: Role and Performance of Pastoral Sociologists in the West German Catholic Church, 1945–1970
Authors: Ziemann Benjamin
Published: July 2016

The article is discussing the practical work of pastoral sociologists in the West German Catholic Church from 1945 to 1970. In this context the distinction between “consultant,” “practitioner,” and “researcher in a practical setting,” can be used to highlight different sets of values, forms of engagement, and conceptual approaches to sociological work in the church. Using one specific example for each of the three types, this article argues that pastoral sociology during the 1960s was increasingly self-reflexive, and that different notions of “sociological enlightenment” were an important part of pastoral sociology, in the wake of the contestation of “1968”.
Seychellaria barbata (Triuridaceae), a new species from Marojejy National Park, Madagascar
Authors: NURALIEV MAXIM S. , CHEEK MARTIN R. , BEER ANTON S.
Published: July 2016

Seychellaria barbata, a new species of Triuridaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was discovered in 2015 during fieldwork in Marojejy National Park (Northern Madagascar). Seychellaria barbata possesses long hairs at the apex and margins of the larger tepals of male flowers, whereas all its congeners are characterized by glabrous perianths. This feature is also known in a closely related genus Sciaphila, which makes the newly discovered species crucial for reassessing generic delimitations within the tribe Sciaphileae. The new species is also characterized by 6–7 flowers per inflorescence, 1 fully developed flower per node, the presence of bracteoles free from bracts, absence of connective appendages, clavate staminodes slightly longer than the stamens, and ca. 40–50 carpels in the female flowers. Distribution of the genus Seychellaria in Madagascar is discussed. An updated key to all currently known species of Seychellaria is provided. Diversity of inflorescence architecture in Seychellaria is reviewed; S. barbata is reported to possess aborted flowers in bracteole axils; presence/absence of bracteoles is suggested as the most important feature of the inflorescence in this genus as it distinguishes thyrses from racemes. The uncertain morphological nature of the bracteoles, being fused to the bracts, is highlighted and their similarity to bi- or three-lobed bracts indicated.
Two New Species of Scleria section Hypoporum (Cyperaceae) from Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: MAYEDO WALDO BONET , THOMAS WILLIAM WAYT
Published: July 2016

Two species of Scleria section Hypoporum from the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, are described, illustrated, mapped, and compared to two similar species, S. virgata and S. variegata. While most species of sect. Hypoporum are small and narrow-leaved, these two species are robust.
Revisiting the lectotype of Biscutella boetica (Brassicaceae)
Authors: VICENTE ALICIA , ALONSO Mª ÁNGELES , GAUTIER LAURENT , CRESPO MANUEL B.
Published: July 2016

Biscutella boetica Boiss. & Reut. in Boissier (1854: 42) was described from material collected in southern Spain (“Hab. in sterilibus Boeticae circâ Malaga, Cartagena, etc. etc.”) by P.E. Boissier. The protologue includes a detailed description with diagnostic differences with regard to other annual congeners, such as B. microcarpa Candolle (1811: 298) (currently synonymised to B. lyrata Linnaeus 1771: 254), B. didyma Linnaeus (1753: 653), B. apula Linnaeus (1771: 254) nom. illeg., or B. depressa Willdenow (1809: 673) (the latter two sometimes treated as synonyms, varieties or even subspecies of B. didyma; cf. Vicente et al. 2015). The description also cites in synonymy the name B. apula var. [α] megacarpaea Boissier (1839: 55), which he had previously applied to collections from Málaga, Estepona and Ronda (southern Spain).
A new genus and species of cardinalfish (Percomorpha, Apogonidae, Sphaeramiini) from the coastal waters of Vietnam: luminescent or not?
Authors: FRASER THOMAS H. , PROKOFIEV ARTEM M.
Published: July 2016

Xeniamia atrithorax is a diminutive new genus and new species. The following combination of melanophore patterns is unique among known apogonids: a large cluster of melanophores in the skin anterior to the insertion of the pelvic-fin base, then extending forward along the sides of the isthmus; posterior portion of the oral chamber is black with melanophores extending below the gill apparatus forward along the base of the oral chamber thence along the basibranchials ending posterior to and below the level of the tongue; a line of large melanophores extends along the inner side of the ceratohyals; black to blackish stomach; and the anterior portion of the intestine is mostly pale with few black spots becoming more densely spotted with melanophores past the first bend and black from the second intestinal turn to the anus. The peritoneum is silvery with scattered melanophores that are more densely distributed along the lower portion of the abdominal cavity. There are two pale, large pyloric caeca at the connection between the stomach and intestine. The combination of eight first-dorsal spines, two supernumerary dorsal spines, one supraneural, lacking an ossified basisphenoid, two epurals and fused hypurals 1+2, preopercle with a smooth ridge and edges, fourth dorsal spine longer than third distinguish this cardinalfish from all other genera. This new genus may be related to Jaydia in the Sphaeramiini rather than with the Ostorhinchini or Siphamiini. Possible luminescent activity is inferred from anatomy and unique melanization patterns versus suppression of light from luminescent prey in the alimentary canal. A table lists suspected and known luminescent apogonids.
The Spanish support for the Third Reich in the Second World War: New considerations about the Etappenorganisation
Authors: Díaz Benítez Juan J
Published: July 2016

The goal of this article is to study the great Spain–Portugal supply area as part of the international deployment of the Etappenorganisation before and during the Second World War. To accomplish this objective, the records of the German Naval War Command are analysed to demonstrate three hypotheses: Spain was part of the Etappenorganisation long before the beginning of the war; she played an important role in the preparation of supply vessels and blockade runners, supported by Spanish non-belligerence; the dismantling of the Etappenorganisation in Spain provisionally began in 1942 and continued in the following years.
Caveolin-1, Ring finger protein 213, and endothelial function in Moyamoya disease
Authors: Bang Oh Young , Chung Jong-Won , Kim Suk Jae , Oh Mi Jeong , Kim Soo Yoon , Cho Yeon Hee , Cha Jihoon , Yeon Je Young , Kim Keon Ha , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Chung Chin-Sang , Lee Kwang Ho , Ki Chang-Seok , Jeon Pyoung , Kim Jong-Soo , Hong Seung Chyul , Moon Gyeong Joon
Published: July 2016

Background

Moyamoya disease is a unique cerebrovascular occlusive disease of unknown etiology. Ring finger protein 213 ( RNF213) was identified as a susceptibility gene for Moyamoya disease in East Asian countries. However, the pathogenesis of Moyamoya disease remains unclear.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed clinical data for 139 patients with Moyamoya disease (108 bilateral Moyamoya disease, 31 unilateral Moyamoya disease), 61 patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stroke, and 68 healthy subjects. We compared the genetic ( RNF213 variant) and protein biomarkers for caveolae (caveolin-1), angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and receptor (VEGFR2), and antagonizing cytokine (endostatin)) and endothelial dysfunction (asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and nitric oxide and its metabolites (nitrite and nitrate)) between patients with Moyamoya disease and intracranial atherosclerotic stroke. We then performed path analysis to evaluate whether a certain protein biomarker mediates the association between genes and Moyamoya disease.

Results

Caveolin-1 level was decreased in patients with Moyamoya disease and markedly decreased in RNF213 variant carriers. Circulating factors such as VEGF and VEGFR2 did not differ among the groups. Markers for endothelial dysfunction were significantly higher in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stroke but normal in those with Moyamoya disease. Path analysis showed that the presence of the RNF213 variant was associated with caveolin-1 levels that could lead to Moyamoya disease. The level of combined marker of Moyamoya disease (caveolin-1) and intracranial atherosclerotic stroke (ADMA, an endothelial dysfunction marker) predicted Moyamoya disease with good sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that Moyamoya disease is a caveolae disorder but is not related to endothelial dysfunction or dysregulation of circulating cytokines.
Reversible Pulmonary Hypertension due to Extrinsic Compression Caused by Massive Pleural Effusion
Authors: Mishra Rashmi , Adrish Muhammad , Toolsie Omesh , Diaz-Fuentes Gilda
Published: July 2016

Pulmonary hypertension is commonly seen with multiple complex disorders managed in the intensive care unit. Common causes of pulmonary hypertension in critically ill patients include severe hypoxia, sepsis, left ventricular failure, massive pulmonary emboli, drugs, and worsening of chronic pulmonary hypertension, among others. Reversible pulmonary hypertension is rare and it has been reported with mediastinal involvement of sarcoidosis and in critically ill patients with severe acute chest syndrome. We present a 43-year-old male who was admitted with acute-onset shortness of breath. A massive right-sided pleural effusion and left-sided pneumonia was found on chest roentgenogram. Echocardiogram showed severe pulmonary hypertension with normal left ventricular function. Patient was treated for presumptive pneumonia and underwent pleural fluid drainage. An echocardiogram repeated after removal of pleural fluid showed resolution of pulmonary hypertension. We hypothesize that the large pleural effusion produced mechanical compression of mediastinal and pulmonary vessels leading to severe pulmonary hypertension, which reversed upon drainage of pleural effusion. This has both diagnostic and management implications.
Study of the dehydroxylation of kaolinite and alunite from a Mexican clay with DRIFTS-MS
Authors: Osornio-Rubio N.R. , Torres-Ochoa J.A. , Palma-Tirado M.L. , Jiménez-Islas H. , Rosas-Cedillo R. , Fierro-Gonzalez J.C. , Martínez-González G.M.
Published: July 2016

Few reports exist on the use of Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometry coupled with Mass Spectrometry (DRIFTS-MS) in situ to monitor the dehydroxylation of kaolinitic clays. The use of DRIFTS-MS in situ allows study of the effect of heat treatment on the dehydroxylation, identifying intensities and temperatures at which the hydroxyl groups are released, forming metakaolinite and meta-alunite. The effluent gases from the infrared cell were analysed by mass spectrometry. The decrease in intensity of the bands at 3694, 3669, 3650 and 3621 cm−1 associated with the −OH stretching vibration modes of AlVI−OH−AlVI of kaolinite began at 450°C. Two additional bands at 3513 and 3485 cm−1 are associated with the vibration of AlVI−OH of alunite that also began to disappear during thermal treatment. Monitoring of the fractions m/e 17 and 18 using a mass spectrometer revealed that the intensity of these fractions increased starting at 450°C. Therefore, it is possible to study the dehydroxylation process of clays during thermal treatment.Chemical and mineralogical characterization of a kaolinitic clay (KN) fromMexico showed that the clay consists of 64.8% kaolinite, 11.0% alunite and 24.4% quartz based on PXRD, EDS, TG/DTA, TEM and FTIR results, and suggested that the material might have potential for use in the manufacture of ceramics, refractory bricks or geopolymers.
MAS NMR and EPR study of structural changes in talc and montmorillonite induced by grinding
Authors: Borges Roger , Dutra Lívia Macedo , Barison Andersson , Wypych Fernando
Published: July 2016

The milling process in the solid-state 2:1 clay minerals, montmorillonite and talc, which have different cation exchange capacities, is reported here. Several instrumental techniques were used to monitor systematically the products formed. The dehydroxylation/amorphization of the montmorillonite and talc structures occurs within 3 and 6 h of milling, respectively. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra indicated that structural Mn2+ was oxidized more quickly in the montmorillonite structure than in talc, while the paramagnetic defects increased during milling. Nuclear magnetic resonance was also used to monitor the environmental changes for Si and Al during milling.
Flexibly preconditioned extended least-squares migration in shot-record domain
Authors: Huang Yin , Nammour Rami , Symes William
Published: July 2016

We have developed a method for accelerating the convergence of iterative least-squares migration. The algorithm uses a pseudodifferential scaling (dip and spatially varying filter) preconditioner together with a variant of conjugate gradient (CG) iteration with iterate-dependent (flexible) preconditioning. The migration is formulated without the image stack, thus producing a shot-dependent image volume that retains offset information useful for velocity updating and amplitude variation with offset analysis. Numerical experiments indicate that flexible preconditioning with pseudodifferential scaling not only attains considerably smaller data misfit and gradient error for a given computational effort, but also produces higher resolution image volumes with more balanced amplitude and fewer artifacts than is achieved with a nonpreconditioned CG method.
Trial Design and Efficacy Thresholds for Granting Breakthrough Therapy Designation in Oncology
Authors: Kern Kenneth A.
Published: July 2016

Breakthrough therapy designation (BTD) is a new approach created by the US Congress and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of the FDA Innovation and Safety Act of 2012 to expedite the drug development process for serious illness, including cancer. By law, to qualify for BTD, a new molecular entity must demonstrate substantial clinical improvement over existing therapies. Although the administrative requirements for granting BTD have been made available by the FDA, the actual trial designs, end points, and quantitative therapeutic thresholds involved in the granting process have not been made public. This literature review evaluates nine oncology new molecular entities granted BTD involved in 10 accelerated approvals and summarizes the key factors in clinical trial design leading to successful BTD applications. This information can be used by oncology research teams to set goals for BTD when developing clinical trial designs and thresholds in expedited drug development programs.
Implementation of Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus for the Maintenance of Labor Analgesia
Authors: Carvalho Brendan , George Ronald B. , Cobb Benjamin , McKenzie Christine , Riley Edward T.
Published: July 2016

Programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) is an exciting new technology that has the potential to improve the maintenance of epidural labor analgesia. PIEB compared with a continuous epidural infusion (CEI) has the potential advantage of greater spread within the epidural space and therefore better sensory blockade. Studies have demonstrated a local anesthetic–sparing effect, fewer instrumental vaginal deliveries, less motor blockade, and improvements in maternal satisfaction with PIEB compared with CEI. However, the optimal PIEB regimen and pump settings remain unknown, and there are a number of logistical issues and practical considerations that should be considered when implementing PIEB. The PIEB bolus size and interval, PIEB start time delay period, and patient-controlled epidural analgesia bolus size and lockout time can influence the efficacy of PIEB used for epidural labor analgesia. Educating all members of the health care team is critical to the success of the technique. This review summarizes the role of PIEB for the maintenance of labor analgesia, outlines implementation strategies, suggests optimal settings, and presents potential limitations of the technique.
The “Contagious Stench” Of Idolatry: The Rhetoric of Disease and Sacrilegious Acts in Colonial New Spain
Authors: Solari Amara
Published: July 2016

In the colonial theater of New Spain, multiple actors utilized the rhetoric of disease to discuss and describe the ongoing discoveries of indigenous traditional religion, which they termed idolatry. Focusing primarily on Yucatán, this article closely analyzes these usages, arguing that the two primary modes of understanding the spread of illness in the early modern world, that of miasmic factors and that of contagion, provided rationalizations for the perseverance of idolatrous practices, informed the institutionalized prevention of these heretical acts, and ultimately provided models for their possible cure. As the definition of idolatry was expanded to include all religious crimes committed by New Spain's indigenous population, it was severed from the material aspect (idol worship) that had originally defined it. The result was the conceptual conflation of two of the defining characteristics of early colonial experience: epidemic disease and ongoing idolatries.
Can Combined Bypass Surgery at Middle Cerebral Artery Territory Save Anterior Cerebral Artery Territory in Adult Moyamoya Disease?
Authors: Cho Won-Sang , Kim Jeong Eun , Paeng Jin Chul , Suh Minseok , Kim Yong-il , Kang Hyun-Seung , Son Young Je , Bang Jae Seung , Oh Chang Wan
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND: Patients with moyamoya disease are frequently encountered with improved symptoms related to anterior cerebral artery territory (ACAt) and middle cerebral artery territory (MCAt) after bypass surgery at MCAt.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hemodynamic changes in MCAt and ACAt after bypass surgery in adult moyamoya disease.

METHODS: Combined bypass surgery was performed on 140 hemispheres in 126 patients with MCAt symptoms. Among them, 87 hemispheres (62.1%) accompanied preoperative ACAt symptoms. Clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic states were evaluated preoperatively and approximately 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS: Preoperative symptoms resolved in 127 MCAt (90.7%) and 82 ACAt (94.3%). Hemodynamic analysis of total patients showed a significant improvement in MCAt basal perfusion and reservoir capacity (P < .001 and P = .002, respectively) and ACAt basal perfusion (P = .001). In a subgroup analysis, 82 hemispheres that completely recovered from preoperative ACAt symptoms showed a significant improvement in MCAt basal perfusion and reservoir capacity (P < .001 and P = .05, respectively) and ACAt basal perfusion (P = .04). Meanwhile, 53 hemispheres that had never experienced ACAt symptoms significantly improved MCAt basal perfusion and reservoir capacity (P < .001 and P = .05, respectively); however, no ACAt changes were observed. A qualitative angiographic analysis demonstrated a higher trend of leptomeningeal formation from MCAt to ACAt in the former subgroup (P = .05). During follow-up, no ACAt infarctions were observed.

CONCLUSION: Combined bypass surgery at MCAt resulted in hemodynamic improvements in ACAt and MCAt, especially in patients with preoperative ACAt symptoms.
Application of Multiple Classifier Fusion in the Discriminant Analysis of near Infrared Spectroscopy for Agricultural Products
Authors: Luan Lili , Wang Yuheng , Li Xueying , Hu Wenyan , Li Kai , Li Junhui , Yang Kai , Shu Ruxin , Zhao Longlian , Lao Cailian
Published: July 2016

Near infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics and pattern recognition has become a primary focus in the discriminant analysis of agricultural products. To date, most studies have focused on using a single classifier to discriminate the origins, varieties and grades of products. Others have focused on using multiple classifier fusion by weighted voting. Due to their attributes of continuity and internal similarity, discriminant models sometimes present poor performance. In this study, we achieved better performance by applying multiple classifier fusion models, including support vector machine (SVM), discriminant partial least squares (DPLS) and principal component and Fisher criterion (PPF). PPF showed continuity and similarity among different parts of tobacco leaves [i.e. upper (B), cutter (C) and lug (X)]. The similarities between each class and the others were quantified to values, and the sum of the similarity values of each class was defined as its similarity. SVM–DPLS–PPF fusion by voting and similarity constraint for decision resulted in better performance, with the correct discriminant rate improved on average by 14.1%, 8.2%, 17.3% and 4.6% compared with those achieved using SVM, DPLS, PPF and SVM–DPLS–PPF fusion by weighted voting for decision, respectively; in addition, the incorrect discriminant rate between B and X was reduced to zero. Therefore, we demonstrated the feasibility of using SVM–DPLS–PPF fusion by voting and similarity constraint for decision to discriminate between different parts of tobacco leaves. This technique could provide a new method for tobacco quality management, computer-aided grading and intelligent acquisition. It also provides a new discriminant method for analysing the attributes of continuity and similarity of agricultural products using near infrared spectroscopy.
Non-Destructive Inspection of Insects in Chocolate Using near Infrared Multispectral Imaging
Authors: Ma Te , Kobori Hikaru , Katayama Norihisa , Tsuchikawa Satoru
Published: July 2016

Foreign matters in food products strongly affect the commercial viability of food production companies. To monitor and improve the reliability of food production processes, fast and non-destructive online inspection methods are urgently required. In this study, we exploited the high transmittance of near infrared (NIR) light, and designed an NIR transmission-type imaging device that detects low-density foreign matters (such as insects) inside chocolate. Insect parts had consistently lower transmittance than chocolate parts. To enhance the important differences between the two parts, the images were processed using principal component analysis. Furthermore, an algorithm for detecting the insect parts was developed in conjunction with image threshold processing and Laplacian of Gaussian edge detection. A favourable detection rate (93%) was achieved using spectral regions 840–870 nm, 870–900 nm and 900–930 nm. The results suggested that NIR multispectral imaging is useful for detecting low-density matter (insects) in the chocolate manufacturing industry.
Keeping Secrets: The Economics of Access Deterrence
Authors: Henry Emeric , Ruiz-Aliseda Francisco
Published: July 2016

Keeping valuable secrets requires costly protection efforts. Breaking them requires costly search efforts. In a dynamic model in which the value of the secret decreases with the number of those holding it, we examine the secret holders' protection decisions and the secret breakers' timing of entry, showing that the original secret holder's payoff can be very high, even when protection appears weak, with implications for innovators' profits from unpatented innovations. We show that the path of entry will be characterized by two waves, the first of protected entry followed by a waiting period, and a second wave of unprotected entry. (JEL C73, D74, D82, L13, L25, O31, O34)
Naked Exclusion and the Volatility of Innovation
Authors: Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: July 2016

The analysis shows that the volatility of a potential entrant's innovation is an important parameter that shapes an incumbent supplier's exclusivity strategy. Higher volatility encourages the incumbent supplier to adopt an accommodation strategy rather than a pure exclusion strategy. When volatility is above a threshold, the incumbent always chooses accommodation regardless of the expected size of the entrant's innovation. And since an accommodation strategy merely redistributes surplus without blocking efficient entry, it may not warrant a prohibition of exclusivity contracts by the antitrust authorities. (JEL D86, K21, L13, L14, L42, O31)
Inducing Leaders to Take Risky Decisions: Dismissal, Tenure, and Term Limits
Authors: Aghion Philippe , Jackson Matthew O.
Published: July 2016

How can a principal (employer or voter) induce an agent (worker or politician) to choose the “right” actions if risky actions reveal the agent's decision-making competence and only dismissal can be used as an incentive instrument? We first show that if the principal can commit to a replacement strategy, then optimal mechanisms involve either (i) a probationary period and then indefinite tenure, or (ii) dismissing poorly performing agents but also randomly replacing agents who take nonrevealing actions. When the principal cannot commit, incentives can be improved by imposing term limits on agents. (JEL D72, D82, M51)
Mandato dos dirigentes de agência reguladora: o caso da agergs
Authors: Toffoli Ministro Dias
Published: July 2016

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Cartel para contratação de serviços na área de tecnologia da informação
Authors: Chinaglia Conselheiro Olavo Zago
Published: July 2016

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Não intervenção do CNJ no regime de precatórios
Authors: Kravchychyn Conselheiro Jefferson
Published: July 2016

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Mapping paths: new approaches to dissect eukaryotic signaling circuitry
Authors: Mutlu Nebibe , Kumar Anuj
Published: July 2016

Eukaryotic cells are precisely “wired” to coordinate changes in external and intracellular signals with corresponding adjustments in the output of complex and often interconnected signaling pathways. These pathways are critical in understanding cellular growth and function, and several experimental trends are emerging with applicability toward more fully describing the composition and topology of eukaryotic signaling networks. In particular, recent studies have implemented CRISPR/Cas-based screens in mouse and human cell lines for genes involved in various cell growth and disease phenotypes. Proteomic methods using mass spectrometry have enabled quantitative and dynamic profiling of protein interactions, revealing previously undiscovered complexes and allele-specific protein interactions. Methods for the single-cell study of protein localization and gene expression have been integrated with computational analyses to provide insight into cell signaling in yeast and metazoans. In this review, we present an overview of exemplary studies using the above approaches, relevant for the analysis of cell signaling and indeed, more broadly, for many modern biological applications.
Computer navigation of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty: a narrative review
Authors: Davenport Dominic , Kavarthapu Venu
Published: July 2016

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure for primary osteoarthritis, but increasing numbers are also being performed for other pathologies such as secondary arthritis, inflammatory arthropathies and trauma. Estimates suggest that around 8.5 million people in the UK are affected by joint pain secondary to arthritis and a rising ageing population has resulted in an increase in THA operations of around 4% per year over the last six years. Multiple studies have shown that THA provides improved quality of life scores, but there remains the burden of complications which account for 15% of £1bn NHS liability payouts. DaPalma et al analysed the financial impact of complications following THA and found the additional cost of a dislocation within six weeks of surgery is 342% of the primary cost. Following primary THA, complications may occur as a result of incorrect component positioning of the femoral stem, the acetabular cup or both. It is known that acetabular malposition may lead to increased rates of dislocation, impingement, edge-loading, polyethylene wear, pelvic osteolysis and prosthesis failure. Acetabular component positioning has been described as the single most important factor in dictating risk of dislocation following THA. Furthermore, instability and dislocation after primary THA is the most common single reason for revision surgery accounting for 22.5% of all revisions and 33% of acetabular revisions. We outline the currently available methods of acetabular navigation comparing freehand techniques with computer and robotic-assisted navigation of the acetabular component.

Cite this article: Davenport D, Kavarthapu V. Computer navigation of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty: a narrative review. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:279-285. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000050.
Eating behavior as an important factor in the development of obesity and comorbid diseases
Authors: Isachenkova Ol'ga Aleksandrovna
Published: July 2016

Eating disorders is an important factor in the pathogenesis of obesity and comorbid diseases. The article describes the various forms of such disturbances, their relationship to emotional and personality disorders and unhelpful coping strategies in situations of stress, contributing to the development of mental maladjustment, and various psychosomatic disorders, including obesity. It stresses the need of psychological correction and the appropriateness of including psychotherapy in complex treatment of patients with obesity and its comorbid psychosomatic diseases.
Xenical in clinical practice
Authors: Ershova Ekaterina Vladimirovna , Troshina Ekaterina Anatol'evna , Komshilova Kseniya Andreevna
Published: July 2016

The basis of the treatment of obesity is changing eating pattern, combined with increased physical activity. However, not all patients can change their eating habits and lifestyle. This dictates a necessity to include pharmacotherapy in complex treatment of obesity. Currently, the drug of choice for the treatment of patients with complicated obesity is orlistat – peripheral drug, which exert its therapeutic effect within the gastrointestinal tract and has no systemic actions.
Study of micronutrient status of patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2 based on molecular genetics analysis
Authors: Lapik Irina Aleksandrovna , Gapparova Kamila Minkailovna , Grigoryan Olga Nikolaevna , Sharafetdinov Khaider Khamzyarovich , Sorokina Elena Yur'evna , Sentsova Tatiana Borisovna , Sokolnikov Andrew Arnol'dovich
Published: July 2016

Introduction. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2) is a major health problem worldwide. The progression of type 2 diabetes is contributed by usual for this patient group number of micronutrient deficiencies.Aim. To study the micronutrient status in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity on the basis of molecular genetic studies.Materials and methods. The study involved 80 women with type 2 diabetes and obesity of I-II degree. All patients were tested for vitamin C, B6, B12, folate, a 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as well as potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc and phosphorus in serum. DNA was isolated from blood by standard method using multicomponent lysis solution. Genotyping was performed using allele-specific amplification detection results in real time.Results. Comparative analysis of the manifestations of the polymorphic marker rs659366 UCP2 gene in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity showed that the genotype of T/T and C/T is characterized by a low content of vitamin C in the serum than genotype of C/C. Polymorphism rs1801133 of MTHFR gene in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity revealed that genotype C/T and T/T showed a lower content of vitamins B6, B12, folate in serum as compared with those indices in genotype C/C.Conclusion. The recommendation of vitamin-mineral complexes to patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity should be quided by molecular genetic studies, which might individually appoint the necessary micronutrients to improve the metabolic performance and reduce the risk of vascular complications in these patients.
Risks of endoprosthetic replacement of large joints in patients with obesity
Authors: Prikhod'ko Viktor Savel'evich , Tarbushkin Anton Aleksandrovich , Prokhorova Marina Yur'evna , Shilin Anton Pavlovich , Usmanov Damir Niyamovich , Morozov Dmitriy Sergeevich
Published: July 2016

In developed countries, people are increasingly suffering from overweight and obesity. Today, in the world there are about 1.6 billion people whose body mass index (BMI) is greater than 25. Simultaneously with this "non-infectious epidemic" there are also rising costs for global health for the treatment of obese patients. A particular problem of this category of patients is for orthopedic surgeons. And obese patients are the every second person which according to statistics will inevitably become obese in his life. Being overweight is dangerous from the standpoint of the operation to replace a hip or knee replacement. There are many risks, as well as rising costs for the surgical treatment of these patients. Operation arthroplasty is becoming increasingly the treatment of choice in the treatment of diseases of large joints. However, this benefit is associated with a high risk of re-intervention, and often in the early stages. The main reason for failure is aseptic loosening of the implant. This article describes a complex clinical case of one of the possible complications, which we had to face in our practice of knee arthroplasty in obese patients.
Metformin protects hepatocytes against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis
Authors: Vorotnikova Svetlana Yur'evna
Published: July 2016

Metformin protects  hepatocytes against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis
Limited effects of preterm birth and the first enteral nutrition on cerebellum morphology and gene expression in piglets
Authors: Bergström Anders , Kaalund Sanne S. , Skovgaard Kerstin , Andersen Anders D. , Pakkenberg Bente , Rosenørn Ann , van Elburg Ruurd M. , Thymann Thomas , Greisen Gorm O. , Sangild Per T.
Published: July 2016

Preterm pigs show many signs of immaturity that are characteristic of preterm infants. In preterm infants, the cerebellum grows particularly rapid and hypoplasia and cellular lesions are associated with motor dysfunction and cognitive deficits. We hypothesized that functional brain delays observed in preterm pigs would be paralleled by both structural and molecular differences in the cerebellum relative to term born piglets. Cerebella were collected from term (n = 56) and preterm (90% gestation, n = 112) pigs at 0, 5, and 26 days after birth for stereological volume estimations, large‐scale qPCR gene expression analyses (selected neurodevelopmental genes) and western blot protein expression analysis (Sonic Hedgehog pathway). Memory and learning was tested using a T‐maze, documenting that preterm pigs showed delayed learning. Preterm pigs also showed reduced volume of both white and gray matter at all three ages but the proportion of white matter increased postnatally, relative to term pigs. Early initiation of enteral nutrition had limited structural or molecular effects. The Sonic Hedgehog pathway was unaffected by preterm birth. Few differences in expression of the selected genes were found, except consistently higher mRNA levels of Midkine, p75, and Neurotrophic factor 3 in the preterm cerebellum postnatally, probably reflecting an adaptive response to preterm birth. Pig cerebellar development appears more affected by postconceptional age than by environmental factors at birth or postnatally. Compensatory mechanisms following preterm birth may include faster white matter growth and increased expression of selected genes for neurotrophic factors and regulation of angiogenesis. While the pig cerebellum is immature in 90% gestation preterm pigs, it appears relatively mature and resilient toward environmental factors.
Adaptive Distance Grid Based Algorithm for
Farthest Point Seeding Streamline Placement
Authors: Mebarki Abdelkrim
Published: July 2016

Streamlines are commonly used in scientific visualization.
They are the most used geometric items in
primitive-based visualization algorithms. In this paper, a
modified version of the farthest point seeding strategy
streamline placement is presented. The main advantage
compared to the original method is the use of a simple easy
to implement underlying data structure. The Delaunay triangulation
used in the original algorithm is heavy and susceptible
to the calculation robustness errors. The distances
between lines and the localization of the biggest void in
the domain are approximated using the Delaunay triangulation.
This paper presents an adaptive distance grid
to model the visualization domain and incorporate anywhere
the local distance to all the other streamlines and
the boundaries exactly without any approximation. The
streamlines are started at the farthest point from all the existing
ones and the domain boundaries. The localization
of the seed point position is directly accessible via the distance
adaptive grid. The grid update is direct too, and is
done by a greedy algorithm avoiding any additional cost.
The obtained results are sufficient, and the extension to
multi-resolution is straight and simple.
Application of the Craig-Bampton model order
reduction method to a composite structure:
MACco, COMAC, COMAC-S and eCOMAC
Authors: Fuentes Humberto Peredo , Zehn Manfred
Published: July 2016

The Craig-Bampton model order reduction (CBMOR)
method based on the Rayleigh-Ritz approach was
applied in a previous work to simulate dynamic behavior
of a composite structure (CFRP) using the modal assurance
criteria (MAC) and cross orthogonality (XOR) to validate
the correlation. Different coordinate modal assurance
criteria are applied to complement and verify the eigenfrequencies
and eigenvectors obtained of the full and reduced
models using substructures (super-elements). An
improvement is observed per paired mode-sensor with the
MAC per coordinates criterion (MACco) in a CFRP once the
stiffness parameters are updated in the full model applying
a mix-numerical experimental technique (MNET) using
a design of experiments (DOE). The coordinate modal
assurance criteria (COMAC) and the scaleCOMAC (COMACS)
results of the full models display the best results respect
to the reduced model. Furthermore, slight improvement
of the enhanced COMAC (eCOMAC) results are observed
in the reduced model despite having lower MAC
performance. This approach complements the results of
the previous work using several COMAC techniques, and
demostrates the feasibility to achieve low COMACs results
in the reduced finite element model once the stiffness parameters
of the full element model are updated. The example
was prepared and solved with MSC/NASTRAN SOL103
and SDTools-MATLAB for comparative purposes.