bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Drilling Parameters on Pore Size in Keyhole Mode Welding
Authors: Wei P. S. , Chao T. C.
Published: May 2015

The pore sizes affected by different drilling parameters during high power density laser and electron beam welding processes are theoretically determined in this study. The drilling parameters include incident energy absorbed by the mixture in the keyhole, radius, and Mach number at the base, drilling speed, and location of the shock wave or surrounding pressure. The factors affecting the pore sizes are still lacking, even though porosity often occurs and limits the widespread industrial application of keyhole mode welding. In order to determine the pore shape, this study introduces the equations of state at the times when the keyhole is about to be enclosed and when the temperature drops to melting temperature. The gas pressure, temperature, and volume required at the time when the keyhole is about to be closed are determined by calculating the compressible flow of the vapor–liquid dispersion in a vertical keyhole with varying cross sections, paying particular attention to the transition between annular and slug flows. It is found that the final pore size decreases as absorbed energy, radius, and Mach number at the base increase, and decreases axial location of the shock wave or higher surrounding pressure for the keyhole containing a supersonic mixture. For a subsonic mixture in the keyhole, the final pore size decreases as released energy, radius, and Mach number at the base increase. This work provides an exploratory and systematical investigation of the pore size during keyhole mode welding.
Approximate Controllability of Partial Fractional Neutral Integro-Differential Inclusions With Infinite Delay in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Yan Zuomao , Zhang Hongwu
Published: May 2015

We study the approximate controllability of a class of fractional partial neutral integro-differential inclusions with infinite delay in Hilbert spaces. By using the analytic α-resolvent operator and the fixed point theorem for discontinuous multivalued operators due to Dhage, a new set of necessary and sufficient conditions are formulated which guarantee the approximate controllability of the nonlinear fractional system. The results are obtained under the assumption that the associated linear system is approximately controllable. An example is provided to illustrate the main results.
Detection of alkaptonuria in a 1-week-old infant
Authors: Thalagahage Krishan Nilantha Hewa , Jayaweera Jayaweera Arachchige Asela Sampath , Kumbukgolla Wikum Widuranga , Senavirathne Indika
Published: May 2015

Alkaptonuria is a rare disorder that results from an inherited deficiency of aromatic amino acid metabolism. Only 21% of the children under the age of 1 year having the disease are identified in clinics. We report a case of a 1-week-old child of a first-degree consanguineous couple with a symptom of frequent nappy staining. Analysis of urine showed a homogentisic acid concentration exceeding 200 mg/dL. The physical examination revealed that the child was healthy. The parents’ watchfulness and the close attention paid to the child were the keys to the early detection of this rare disease. After identifying the disease, adequate follow-up of the patient is important to reduce further complications. Anti-inflammatory therapy and increasing the muscle strength by exercises such as swimming would be useful to restrict joint pains and immobilisation. A low protein diet also could be recommended; that fact is yet to be proven by clinical trials.
Biotinidase deficiency mimicking primary immune deficiencies
Authors: Kiykim Ertugrul , Kiykim Ayca , Cansever Mehmet Serif , Aktuglu Zeybek Cigdem Ayse
Published: May 2015

Biotinidase deficiency (BD) is an inborn metabolic disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Partially due to high consanguinity rates in Turkey, BD incidence is high in Turkey. If left untreated, neurological abnormalities including seizures, hypotonia, sensorineural deafness, alopecia, egzamatous skin rash and candidiasis may occur. Three-years-old girl was admitted to hospital with recurrent infections, candidiasis and egzamatous skin rash. Immunological evaluation was normal. Associated deafness and consanguinity of the parents suggested BD which has been proven by enzyme activity measurement. With this report, we want to emphasise that BD can be the underlying cause of recurrent infections and candidiasis.
The relationship between smoking status and health-related quality of life among smokers who participated in a 1-year smoking cessation programme in Taiwan: a cohort study using the EQ-5D
Authors: Chen Pei-Ching , Kuo Raymond Nien-Chen , Lai Chih-Kuan , Tsai Shih-Tzu , Lee Yue-Chune
Published: May 2015

Objective

To assess the relationship between smoking status and health-related quality of life 1 year after participation in a smoking cessation programme in Taiwan.

Design

A cohort study of smokers who voluntarily participated in a smoking cessation programme with two follow-up assessments of smoking status via telephone interview, conducted 6 months and 1 year after finishing the smoking cessation programme.

Setting

Hospitals and clinics providing smoking cessation services.

Participants

A total of 3514 participants completed both telephone interviews, which represents a response rate of 64%. After the interviews, participants were divided into four groups according to their smoking status: (1) long-term quitters: participants who had quit tobacco use for 1 year; (2) short-term quitters: participants who had been smoking for at least 6 months and then quit tobacco for 6 months after participating in the programme; (3) relapsed smokers: participants who relapsed into tobacco use after ceasing tobacco use for 6 months; and (4) continuing smokers: participants who failed to quit smoking for at least 1 year, despite participating in the programme.

Interventions

The Outpatient Smoking Cessation Service of Taiwan provides counselling and pharmacotherapy to individuals seeking to quit smoking.

Primary outcomes

The health-related quality of life of the participants was measured using an approved Chinese version of the EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ-5D-3L) descriptive system.

Results

After controlling for sex, age, education, marital status, job status, monthly income and disease status at baseline, our results revealed that long-term (OR=0.61 (0.48 to 0.77)) and short-term (OR=0.65 (0.54 to 0.79)) quitters experienced less anxiety and depression than did continuing smokers.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence to support claims that all quitters, regardless of whether they stop smoking for 6 months or 1 year, have better quality of life with regard to anxiety or depression.
Feeding infants directly at the breast during the postpartum hospital stay is associated with increased breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Forster Della A , Johns Helene M , McLachlan Helen L , Moorhead Anita M , McEgan Kerri M , Amir Lisa H
Published: May 2015

Objective

To explore whether feeding only directly from the breast in the first 24–48 h of life increases the proportion of infants receiving any breast milk at 6 months.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

Three maternity hospitals in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

1003 postpartum English-speaking women with a healthy singleton term infant, who intended to breast feed, were recruited between 2009 and 2011. Women were excluded if they or their infant were seriously ill. 92% (n=924) were followed up at 6 months postpartum.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Main exposure variable—type of infant feeding in hospital up to time of study recruitment (24–48 h postpartum), categorised as ‘fed directly at the breast only’ or ‘received at least some expressed breast milk (EBM) or infant formula’.Primary outcome—proportion of infants receivinganybreast milk feeding at 6 months postpartum.Secondary outcomes—proportion of infants receivingonlybreast milk feeding at 6 months; breast milk feeding duration; and maternal characteristics associated with giving any breast milk at 6 months.

Results

Infants who had fed only at the breast prior to recruitment were more likely to be continuing to have any breast milk at 6 months than those who had received any EBM and/or infant formula (76% vs 59%; adjusted OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.48 (adjusted for parity, type of birth, breastfeeding intention, breastfeeding problems at recruitment, public/private status, epidural for labour or birth, maternal body mass index and education)).

Conclusions

Healthy term infants that fed only directly at the breast 24–48 h after birth were more likely to be continuing to breast feed at 6 months than those who received any EBM and/or formula in the early postpartum period. Support and encouragement to initiate breastfeeding directly at the breast is important.
Republished: Corking the WEB and coiling through a jailed microcatheter: WEB assisted coiling, a useful technique avoiding the use of stents in treating wide-necked large intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Leyon Joe Joseph , Chavda Swarupsinh , Lamin Saleh
Published: May 2015

The WEB is an endovascular flow-disrupting device used in treating wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. Although the device is available in varying sizes, large aneurysms pose a challenge with the need for custom-made devices. We describe the use of coils as an adjunct to the WEB device in successfully treating large aneurysms in two patients, one with an acutely ruptured aneurysm. This novel technique of jailing a microcatheter, deploying the WEB and then coiling the aneurysm saves the need for intracranial stenting, thereby avoiding the need for antiplatelet therapy, which is of benefit in the setting of acute aneurysm rupture.
Green tea extract supplementation does not hamper endurance-training adaptation but improves antioxidant capacity in sedentary men
Authors: Kuo Yu-Chi , Lin Jung-Charng , Bernard Jeffrey R. , Liao Yi-Hung
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of green tea extract (GTE) supplementation combined with endurance training on endurance capacity and performance in sedentary men. Forty untrained men (age: 20 ± 1 years) participated in this study. Subjects were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: (i) placebo-control (CTRL), (ii) GTE, (iii) endurance training (Ex), and (iv) endurance training with GTE (ExGTE). During the 4-week intervention, exercise training was prescribed as 75% oxygen uptake reserve for three 20-min sessions per week, and either GTE (250 mg/day) or placebo was provided. Endurance capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), and creatine kinase (CK) were examined. Ex and ExGTE but not GTE improved exhaustive-run time (Ex: +8.2%, p = 0.031; ExGTE: +14.3%, p < 0.001); in addition, Ex and ExGTE significantly increased maximal oxygen uptake by ∼14% (p = 0.041) and ∼17% (p = 0.017) above the values of the CTRL group, respectively. Both Ex and ExGTE significantly decreased the increase of CK by ∼11%–32% below that of CTRL following an exhaustive run (Ex: p = 0.007; ExGTE: p = 0.001). Moreover, TAS levels increased by ∼11% in ExGTE after training (p = 0.040), and GTE, Ex, and ExGTE markedly attenuated exercise-induced MDA production (p = 0.01, p = 0.005, p = 0.011, respectively). In conclusion, this investigation demonstrated that daily ingestion of GTE during endurance training does not impair improvements in endurance capacity. Moreover, endurance training combined with GTE not only increases antioxidant capacity without attenuating endurance training adaptations, but also further attenuates acute exercise-induced CK release.
Static Analysis for Exact Vibration Analysis of Clamped Plates
Authors: Eisenberger Moshe , Deutsch Aharon
Published: May 2015

Presented herein is a new method for the analysis of plates with clamped edges. The solutions for the natural frequencies of the plates are found using static analysis. The starting are the equations of motion of an isotropic rectangular plate supported on Winkler elastic foundation, with a positive or negative value. In either case, one can solve the displacements of such a plate under a given concentrated load. This deflection will be infinite if the plate losses its stiffness, or in other words, the generalized foundation is causing the plate to be unstable. The solution for the vibration frequencies of the plate is equivalent to finding the values of the negative elastic foundation that will yield infinite deflection under a point load on the plate. The solution for a clamped plate is decomposed as the sum of three cases of plates resting on elastic foundation: simply supported plate with a concentrated load, and two cases of distributed moments along opposite edges. The solution for simply supported plates with elastic foundation is found using Navier's method. For zero force, the vibration frequencies are found up to the desired accuracy by careful calculations at the neighborhood of the roots.
HOW DO OSS PROJECTS CHANGE IN NUMBER AND SIZE? A LARGE-SCALE ANALYSIS TO TEST A MODEL OF PROJECT GROWTH
Authors: SCHWEITZER FRANK , NANUMYAN VAHAN , TESSONE CLAUDIO J. , XIA XI
Published: May 2015

Established open source software (OSS) projects can grow in size if new developers join, but also the number of OSS projects can grow if developers choose to found new projects. We discuss to what extent an established model for firm growth can be applied to the dynamics of OSS projects. Our analysis is based on a large-scale data set from SourceForge (SF) consisting of monthly data for 10 years, for up to 360,000 OSS projects and up to 340,000 developers. Over this time period, we find an exponential growth both in the number of projects and developers, with a remarkable increase of single-developer projects after 2009. We analyze the monthly entry and exit rates for both projects and developers, the growth rate of established projects and the monthly project size distribution. To derive a prediction for the latter, we use modeling assumptions of how newly entering developers choose to either found a new project or to join existing ones. Our model applies only to collaborative projects that are deemed to grow in size by attracting new developers. We verify, by a thorough statistical analysis, that the Yule–Simon distribution is a valid candidate for the size distribution of collaborative projects except for certain time periods where the modeling assumptions no longer hold. We detect and empirically test the reason for this limitation, i.e., the fact that an increasing number of established developers found additional new projects after 2009.
Principal frequency of the p-Laplacian and the inradius of Euclidean domains
Authors: Poliquin Guillaume
Published: May 2015

We study the lower bounds for the principal frequency of the p-Laplacian on N-dimensional Euclidean domains. For p > N, we obtain a lower bound for the first eigenvalue of the p-Laplacian in terms of its inradius, without any assumptions on the topology of the domain. Moreover, we show that a similar lower bound can be obtained if p > N - 1 assuming the boundary is connected. This result can be viewed as a generalization of the classical bounds for the first eigenvalue of the Laplace operator on simply connected planar domains.
Competition between compressive strain and Mn doping on tuning the structure and magnetic behavior of BiFeO3 thin films
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Wang Yao , Deng Yuan
Published: May 2015

BiFe 1-x Mn x O 3 (BFMO) films (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1) were grown on (001) LaAlO 3 (LAO) substrates to demonstrate the role of chemical pressure on the lattice structure and magnetic behaviors of compressively-strained BiFeO 3 (BFO) films. The structural analyses indicated that the substitution of Jahn–Teller active ion Mn at Fe site tuned the ferroelectric distortion and antiferrodistortive (AFD) rotation in BFO lattice, thus weakened the tetragonal-like (T-like) phase originated from the large substrate clamping. The phase transition mechanism was discussed to reveal the competition between inner lattice distortion and external stress in BFO films. Clear domain variants change from (T-like) phase to rhombohedral-like (R-like) phase provided further evidence for the structure alteration. Meanwhile the gradual relaxation in total lattice strain of BFMO films with increasing x reduced the magnetism contribution from the strong spin and lattice coupling.
In vitro particulate matter exposure causes direct and lung-mediated indirect effects on cardiomyocyte function
Authors: Gorr Matthew W. , Youtz Dane J. , Eichenseer Clayton M. , Smith Korbin E. , Nelin Timothy D. , Cormet-Boyaka Estelle , Wold Loren E.
Published: May 2015

Particulate matter (PM) exposure induces a pathological response from both the lungs and the cardiovascular system. PM is capable of both manifestation into the lung epithelium and entrance into the bloodstream. Therefore, PM has the capacity for both direct and lung-mediated indirect effects on the heart. In the present studies, we exposed isolated rat cardiomyocytes to ultrafine particulate matter (diesel exhaust particles, DEP) and examined their contractile function and calcium handling ability. In another set of experiments, lung epithelial cells (16HBE14o- or Calu-3) were cultured on permeable supports that allowed access to both the basal (serosal) and apical (mucosal) media; the basal media was used to culture cardiomyocytes to model the indirect, lung-mediated effects of PM on the heart. Both the direct and indirect treatments caused a reduction in contractility as evidenced by reduced percent sarcomere shortening and reduced calcium handling ability measured in field-stimulated cardiomyocytes. Treatment of cardiomyocytes with various anti-oxidants before culture with DEP was able to partially prevent the contractile dysfunction. The basal media from lung epithelial cells treated with PM contained several inflammatory cytokines, and we found that monocyte chemotactic protein-1 was a key trigger for cardiomyocyte dysfunction. These results indicate the presence of both direct and indirect effects of PM on cardiomyocyte function in vitro. Future work will focus on elucidating the mechanisms involved in these separate pathways using in vivo models of air pollution exposure.
Effects of milrinone and epinephrine or dopamine on biventricular function and hemodynamics in an animal model with right ventricular failure after pulmonary artery banding
Authors: Hyldebrandt Janus Adler , Sivén Eleonora , Agger Peter , Frederiksen Christian Alcaraz , Heiberg Johan , Wemmelund Kristian Borup , Ravn Hanne Berg
Published: May 2015

Right ventricular (RV) failure due to chronic pressure overload is a main determinant of outcome in congenital heart disease. Medical management is challenging because not only contractility but also the interventricular relationship is important for increasing cardiac output. This study evaluated the effect of milrinone alone and in combination with epinephrine or dopamine on hemodynamics, ventricular performance, and the interventricular relationship. RV failure was induced in 21 Danish landrace pigs by pulmonary artery banding. After 10 wk, animals were reexamined using biventricular pressure-volume conductance catheters. The maximum pressure in the RV increased by 113% ( P < 0.0001) and end-diastolic volume by 43% ( P < 0.002), while left ventricular (LV) pressure simultaneously decreased ( P = 0.006). Concomitantly, mean arterial pressure (MAP; −16%, P = 0.01), cardiac index (CI; −23%, P < 0.0001), and mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2; −40%, P < 0.0001) decreased. Milrinone increased CI (11%, P = 0.008) and heart rate (HR; 21%, P < 0.0001). Stroke volume index (SVI) decreased (7%, P = 0.03), although RV contractility was improved. The addition of either epinephrine or dopamine further increased CI and HR in a dose-dependent manner but without any significant differences between the two interventions. A more pronounced increase in biventricular contractility was observed in the dopamine-treated animals. LV volume was reduced in both the dopamine and epinephrine groups with increasing doses In the failing pressure overloaded RV, milrinone improved CI and increased contractility. Albeit additional dose-dependent effects of both epinephrine and dopamine on CI and contractility, neither of the interventions improved SVI due to reduced filling of the LV.
Grade-Dependent Metabolic Reprogramming in Kidney Cancer Revealed by Combined Proteomics and Metabolomics Analysis
Authors: Wettersten Hiromi I. , Hakimi A. Ari , Morin Dexter , Bianchi Cristina , Johnstone Megan E. , Donohoe Dallas R. , Trott Josephine F. , Aboud Omran Abu , Stirdivant Steven , Neri Bruce , Wolfert Robert , Stewart Benjamin , Perego Roberto , Hsieh James J. , Weiss Robert H.
Published: May 2015

Kidney cancer [or renal cell carcinoma (RCC)] is known as “the internist's tumor” because it has protean systemic manifestations, suggesting that it utilizes complex, nonphysiologic metabolic pathways. Given the increasing incidence of this cancer and its lack of effective therapeutic targets, we undertook an extensive analysis of human RCC tissue employing combined grade-dependent proteomics and metabolomics analysis to determine how metabolic reprogramming occurring in this disease allows it to escape available therapeutic approaches. After validation experiments in RCC cell lines that were wild-type or mutant for the Von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor, in characterizing higher-grade tumors, we found that the Warburg effect is relatively more prominent at the expense of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative metabolism in general. Further, we found that the glutamine metabolism pathway acts to inhibit reactive oxygen species, as evidenced by an upregulated glutathione pathway, whereas the β-oxidation pathway is inhibited, leading to increased fatty acylcarnitines. In support of findings from previous urine metabolomics analyses, we also documented tryptophan catabolism associated with immune suppression, which was highly represented in RCC compared with other metabolic pathways. Together, our results offer a rationale to evaluate novel antimetabolic treatment strategies being developed in other disease settings as therapeutic strategies in RCC. Cancer Res; 75(12); 2541–52. ©2015 AACR.
Paracrine Effect of NRG1 and HGF Drives Resistance to MEK Inhibitors in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Cheng Hanyin , Terai Mizue , Kageyama Ken , Ozaki Shinji , McCue Peter A. , Sato Takami , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: May 2015

Uveal melanoma patients with metastatic disease usually die within one year, emphasizing an urgent need to develop new treatment strategies for this cancer. MEK inhibitors improve survival in cutaneous melanoma patients but show only modest efficacy in metastatic uveal melanoma patients. In this study, we screened for growth factors that elicited resistance in newly characterized metastatic uveal melanoma cell lines to clinical-grade MEK inhibitors, trametinib and selumetinib. We show that neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) provide resistance to MEK inhibition. Mechanistically, trametinib enhances the responsiveness to NRG1 and sustained HGF-mediated activation of AKT. Individually targeting ERBB3 and cMET, the receptors for NRG1 and HGF, respectively, overcome resistance to trametinib provided by these growth factors and by conditioned medium from fibroblasts that produce NRG1 and HGF. Inhibition of AKT also effectively reverses the protective effect of NRG1 and HGF in trametinib-treated cells. Uveal melanoma xenografts growing in the liver in vivo and a subset of liver metastases of uveal melanoma patients express activated forms of ERBB2 (the coreceptor for ERBB3) and cMET. Together, these results provide preclinical evidence for the use of MEK inhibitors in combination with clinical-grade anti-ERBB3 or anti-cMET monoclonal antibodies in metastatic uveal melanoma. Cancer Res; 75(13); 2737–48. ©2015 AACR.
Postimplantation Changes of Electrophysiological Parameters in Patients with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Molisz Andrzej , Zarowski Andrzej , Vermeiren Annelies , Theunen Tinne , De Coninck Liesbeth , Siebert Janusz , Offeciers Erwin F.
Published: May 2015

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative changes of the basic electrophysiological and psychophysical parameters in cochlear implant (CI) patients: the impedance of the electrode contacts, the electrically-evoked compound action potential (ECAP) thresholds and the T/C levels. Study Design and Setting: Retrospective case review in a quaternary otologic referral centre. Materials and Methods: Data on the impedance of the electrode contacts, the ECAP thresholds and the T/C levels were collected in 20 consecutive CI patients divided into 2 groups. Group 1 comprised 10 prelingually deaf children implanted before the age of 18 months, and group 2 comprised 10 postlingually deaf adults (average age of 58 years). All patients were users of the Nucleus 24RECA (Freedom, Contour advance off-stylet electrode) CI. Results and Conclusions: (1) The mid-portion and the apical electrodes showed a decrease in the impedance values between the 1st and the 6th postoperative months and stabilization in the later course. Impedance of the most basal electrodes grew during the first postoperative months and stabilized later on, but remained higher than the impedance of the mid-portion and the apical electrodes. (2) The neural response telemetry threshold values tended to decrease within the first 3 months after surgery to reach a plateau afterwards. (3) The behavioural threshold levels remained generally stable, except for the basal electrodes where a decrease could be observed. The hearing comfort levels showed an increase during the first 6 months of the implant use and remained stable afterwards.
Effects of Moderate Hyperbilirubinemia on Nutritive Swallowing and Swallowing-Breathing Coordination in Preterm Lambs
Authors: Bourgoin-Heck Mélisande , Specq Marie-Laure , Samson Nathalie , Nadeau Charlène , Prodel Martin , Corbin François , Praud Jean-Paul
Published: May 2015

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia (HB) occurs in 90% of preterm newborns. HB induces acute neurological disorders (somnolence, abnormal tone, feeding difficulties, auditory dysfunction) and alterations in respiratory control. These findings suggest brainstem neurotoxicity that could also affect swallowing centers. Objective: To test the hypothesis that HB impairs nutritive swallowing (NS) and swallowing-breathing coordination. Methods: Two groups of preterm lambs (born 14 days prior to term), namely control (n = 6) and HB (n = 5), were studied. On day 5 of life (D0), moderate HB (150-250 µmol/l) was induced during 17 h in the HB group. Swallowing was assessed via recording of pharyngeal pressure and respiration by respiratory inductance plethysmography and pulse oximetry. The effect of HB on NS was assessed during standardized bottle-feeding. A second recording was performed 48 h after recovery from HB (D3). Results: Swallows were less frequent (p = 0.003) and of smaller volume (p = 0.01) in HB lambs while swallowing frequency was decreased (p = 0.004). These differences disappeared after HB normalization. Swallowing-breathing coordination was impaired in HB lambs, with a decrease in percent time with NS burst-related apneas/hypopneas at D0 and D3. Simultaneously, HB lambs tended to experience more severe desaturations (<80%) during bottle-feeding. Finally, following bottle-feeding, the respiratory rate was significantly lower, along with an increased apnea duration in HB lambs. Conclusions: Swallowing and swallowing-breathing coordination are altered by acute moderate HB in preterm lambs. Decreased efficiency at bottle-feeding is accompanied by continuation of breathing during swallow bursts, which may promote lung aspiration.
Intracoronary Delivery of Self-Assembling Heart-Derived Microtissues (Cardiospheres) for Prevention of Adverse Remodeling in a Pig Model of Convalescent Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gallet Romain , Tseliou Eleni , Dawkins James , Middleton Ryan , Valle Jackelyn , Angert David , Reich Heidi , Luthringer Daniel , Kreke Michelle , Smith Rachel , Marbán Linda , Marbán Eduardo
Published: May 2015

Background—

Preclinical studies in rodents and pigs indicate that the self-assembling microtissues known as cardiospheres may be more effective than dispersed cardiosphere-derived cells. However, the more desirable intracoronary route has been assumed to be unsafe for cardiosphere delivery: Cardiospheres are large (30–150 μm), raising concerns about likely microembolization. We questioned these negative assumptions by evaluating the safety and efficacy of optimized intracoronary delivery of cardiospheres in a porcine model of convalescent myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

First, we standardized the size of cardiospheres by modifying culture conditions. Then, dosage was determined by infusing escalating doses of cardiospheres in the left anterior descending artery of naive pigs, looking for acute adverse effects. Finally, in a randomized efficacy study, 14 minipigs received allogeneic cardiospheres (1.3×10
6
) or vehicle 1 month after myocardial infarction. Animals underwent magnetic resonance imaging before infusion and 1 month later to assess left ventricular ejection fraction, scar mass, and viable mass. In the dosing study, we did not observe any evidence of microembolization after cardiosphere infusion. In the post-myocardial infarction study, cardiospheres preserved LV function, reduced scar mass and increased viable mass, whereas placebo did not. Moreover, cardiosphere decreased collagen content, and increased vessel densities and myocardial perfusion. Importantly, intracoronary cardiospheres decreased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and increased cardiac output.

Conclusions—

Intracoronary delivery of cardiospheres is safe. Intracoronary cardiospheres are also remarkably effective in decreasing scar, halting adverse remodeling, increasing myocardial perfusion, and improving hemodynamic status after myocardial infarction in pigs. Thus, cardiospheres may be viable therapeutic candidates for intracoronary infusion in selected myocardial disorders.
Facility-Level Variation in Hospitalization, Mortality, and Costs in the 30 Days After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Bradley Steven M. , O’Donnell Colin I. , Grunwald Gary K. , Liu Chuan-Fen , Hebert Paul L. , Maddox Thomas M. , Jesse Robert L. , Fihn Stephan D. , Rumsfeld John S. , Ho P. Michael
Published: May 2015

Background—

Policies to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are intended to improve healthcare value by reducing costs while maintaining patient outcomes. Whether facility-level hospitalization rates after PCI are associated with cost of care is unknown.

Methods and Results—

We studied 32 080 patients who received PCI at any 1 of 62 Veterans Affairs hospitals from 2008 to 2011. We identified facility outliers for 30-day risk-standardized hospitalization, mortality, and cost. Compared with the risk-standardized average, 2 hospitals (3.2%) had a lower-than-expected hospitalization rate, and 2 hospitals (3.2%) had a higher-than-expected hospitalization rate. We observed no statistically significant variation in facility-level risk-standardized mortality. The facility-level unadjusted median per patient 30-day total cost was $23 820 (interquartile range, $19 604–$29 958). Compared with the risk-standardized average, 17 hospitals (27.4%) had lower-than-expected costs, and 14 hospitals (22.6%) had higher-than-expected costs. At the facility level, the index PCI accounted for 83.1% of the total cost (range, 60.3%–92.2%), whereas hospitalization after PCI accounted for only 5.8% (range, 2.0%–12.7%) of the 30-day total cost. Facilities with higher hospitalization rates were not more expensive (Spearman ρ=0.16; 95% confidence interval, −0.09 to 0.39;
P
=0.21).

Conclusions—

In this national study, hospitalizations in the 30 day after PCI accounted for only 5.8% of 30-day cost, and facility-level cost was not correlated with hospitalization rates. This challenges the focus on reducing hospitalizations after PCI as an effective means of improving healthcare value. Opportunities remain to improve PCI value by reducing the variation in total cost of PCI without compromising patient outcomes.
Contribution of Convexal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage to Disease Progression in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Beitzke Markus , Enzinger Christian , Wünsch Gerit , Asslaber Martin , Gattringer Thomas , Fazekas Franz
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy–related cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) seems to indicate an increased risk of subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We wanted to identify the mechanisms and sequence of hemorrhagic events which are responsible for this association.

Methods—

During a 9-year-period, we identified patients with spontaneous convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) and performed a careful longitudinal analysis of clinical and neuroimaging data. A close imaging–histopathologic correlation was performed in one patient.

Results—

Of 38 cSAH patients (mean age, 77±11 years), 29 (76%) had imaging features of cerebral amyloid angiopathy on baseline magnetic resonance imaging. Twenty-six (68%) had cSS. Sixteen subjects underwent postcontrast magnetic resonance imaging. Extravasation of gadolinium at the site of the acute cSAH was seen on all postcontrast scans. After a mean of 24±22 (range 1–78) months of follow-up, 15 (39%) had experienced recurrent cSAHs and 14 (37%) had suffered lobar ICHs. Of 22 new ICHs, 17 occurred at sites of previous cSAHs or cSS. Repeated neuroimaging showed expansion of cSAH into the brain parenchyma and evolution of a lobar ICH in 4 patients. Propagation of cSS was observed in 21 (55%) patients, with 14 of those having experienced recurrent cSAHs. In the autopsy case, leakage of meningeal vessels affected by cerebral amyloid angiopathy was noted.

Conclusions—

In cerebral amyloid angiopathy, leakage of meningeal vessels seems to be a major cause for recurrent intrasulcal bleedings, which lead to the propagation of cSS and indicate sites with increased vulnerability for future ICH. Intracerebral bleedings may also develop directly from or in extension of a cSAH.
Multicontrast High-Resolution Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Its Value in Differentiating Intracranial Vasculopathic Processes
Authors: Mossa-Basha Mahmud , Hwang William D. , De Havenon Adam , Hippe Daniel , Balu Niranjan , Becker Kyra J. , Tirschwell David T. , Hatsukami Thomas , Anzai Yoshimi , Yuan Chun
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose—

Although studies have attempted to differentiate intracranial vascular disease using vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VWI), none have incorporated multicontrast imaging. This study uses T1- and T2-weighted VWI to differentiate intracranial vasculopathies.

Methods—

We retrospectively reviewed patients with clinically defined intracranial vasculopathies causing luminal stenosis/irregularity who underwent VWI studies. Two blinded experts evaluated T1 precontrast and postcontrast and T2-weighted VWI characteristics, including the pattern of wall thickening; presence, pattern, and intensity of postcontrast enhancement; and T2 signal characteristics.

Results—

Twenty-one cases of atherosclerosis (intracranial atherosclerotic disease [ICAD]), 4 of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and 4 of vasculitis were identified, with a total of 118 stenotic lesions (81 ICAD, 22 reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and 15 vasculitic lesions). There was substantial to excellent inter-reader agreement for the assessment of lesional T2 hyperintensity (
κ
=0.80), pattern of wall thickening (
κ
=0.87), presence (
κ
=0.90), pattern (
κ
=0.73), and intensity (
κ
=0.77) of enhancement. ICAD lesions were significantly more likely to have eccentric wall involvement (90.1%) than reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (8.2%;
P
<0.001) and vasculitic lesions (6.7%;
P
<0.001) and were also more likely to have T2 hyperintensity present than the other 2 vasculopathies (79% versus 0%;
P
<0.001). There were also significant differences in the presence, intensity, and pattern of enhancement between all lesion types. Combining T1 and T2 VWI increased the sensitivity of VWI in differentiating ICAD from other vasculopathies from 90.1% to 96.3%.

Conclusions—

Multicontrast VWI can be a complementary tool for intracranial vasculopathy differentiation, which often leads to more invasive workups when reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and vasculitis are in the differential diagnosis.
Ratio of Apolipoprotein A-II/B Improves Risk Prediction of Postoperative Survival After Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Duschek Nikolaus , Stojakovic Tatjana , Ghai Samarth , Strassegger Johann , Basic Jelena , Scharnagl Hubert , Falkensammer Jürgen , Huber Kurt , Assadian Afshin
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose—

Even in patients with high-grade carotid stenosis, cardiovascular morbidity causes more deaths than strokes do. Despite successful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering, a significant risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains, eventually rendering other lipid or lipoprotein ratios more efficient treatment targets. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the ratio of serum apolipoprotein A-II/B for overall mortality (primary outcome) of carotid surgery patients.

Methods—

This single-center, nonrandomized, prospective cohort study comprised 327 consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis. Baseline lipoprotein concentrations were measured, and patients were observed for the occurrence of the primary outcome until the census date (January, 2003 to January, 2012; median follow-up, 102.3 months).

Results—

The ratio of apolipoprotein A-II/B (hazard ratio, 0.74 per SD; confidence interval, 0.60–0.91;
P
=0.004) showed the highest association with the primary outcome compared with other lipid-risk parameters, significantly improving a prognostic model based on major cardiovascular risk factors, including LDL, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides in terms of overall performance, calibration, and discrimination. This led to a significantly improved reclassification of 8.9% of all patients (net reclassification improvement, 0.137;
P
=0.006 and integrated discrimination improvement, 0.041;
P
<0.001) and of 13.6% of patients with a serum baseline concentration of <100 mg/dL LDL (net reclassification improvement, 0.270;
P
=0.030 and integrated discrimination improvement, 0.061;
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—

Apolipoprotein A-II/B significantly improves risk prediction of overall survival, also in carotid surgery patients with lower LDL levels. Consequently, this ratio might provide an efficient diagnostic tool and eventually a treatment target for actual lipid-lowering therapies, which has to be addressed in future randomized controlled trials.
Philosophy and Law: An Interpretation of Plato’s Minos
Authors: Thomason Steven
Published: May 2015

Plato’s Minos presents a twofold argument. In part it is a facile defense of law directed at a typical Athenian citizen. On another level it is a sophisticated teaching that ponders the question what is law for the would-be philosopher or student of Socrates. These arguments are made in three parts. First, it becomes clear that Socrates’ interlocutor has been influenced or corrupted by the teachings of sophists. Second, Socrates attempts to reform the interlocutor’s opinion of law by suggesting there is a science of law. Finally, Socrates argues that present day Greek laws are derived from the oldest Greek laws, which were revealed and taught by Zeus himself. With this twofold argument Socrates counters his interlocutor’s sophists’ influenced opinion of law and reveals to the careful reader the complexity of the question: what is law?
Self-love in Adam Smith and the Stoic Oikeiosis
Authors: Elton María
Published: May 2015

Some interpreters associate Smith with the Stoics. My aim in this paper is to discuss this position in relation with one principal aspect of this view, adopted by most of these authors, according to which the Smith’s concept of self-love is narrowly linked to the Stoic notion of oikeiosis. I intend here to demonstrate that Smithian self-love, as seen through the lens of the Stoics themselves, is instead supportive of an Epicurean interpretation of Smith, taken from Mandeville, in spite of his Stoic narrative and his apparent rejection of the system of the author of the Fable of Bees. So it is possible to classify Smith as a ‘voluntarist’ in contrast to the ‘realism’ predominant in his time.
Shame (Ḥayāʾ) as an Affective Disposition in Islamic Legal Thought
Authors: Katz Marion Holmes
Published: May 2015

The recent “ethical turn” in the study of Islamic law has directed much attention to the cultivation of “virtuous passions” as central to the project of the classical Sharīʿa. This model has been particularly salient in the study of normative rituals, and some scholars have extended it to encompass much broader social and disciplinary aspects of the ideal Sharʿī order. The present paper focuses on the concept of ḥayāʾ (shame), understood as the fear of moral or social disapprobation, which is arguably the affective trait Muslim thinkers saw as most fundamental to proper social functioning and adherence to the law. The article compares the treatment of ḥayāʾ in ethical and legal works of scholars of the Shāfiʿī legal school in the 11th to early 12th centuries and argues that works of substantive law pursued a deliberately minimal approach to the role of affect.
A revision of Mezoneuron (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) in New Caledonia, with perspectives on vegetation, geology, and conservation
Authors: Clark Ruth , GAGNON EDELINE
Published: May 2015

Mezoneuron is a genus segregated from Caesalpinia s.l. There are five species of Mezoneuron in New Caledonia, all of which are endemic to this island group. Full descriptions of the species are provided here, together with an identification key, a composite illustration, and distribution maps. Preliminary conservation assessments have been produced using distribution data from herbarium specimens in combination with knowledge of habitats and threats. These reveal a level of threat to each species ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. Three new combinations are proposed.
Orobanche staehelinae (Orobanchaceae), a new species from southeast France
Authors: Pavon Daniel , Michaud Henri , Vela Errol , Tison Jean-Marc
Published: May 2015

A new species of Orobanche was discovered in the Calanques National Park near Marseille, where it seems to be endemic. Its exclusive host, Staehelina dubia (Asteraceae), was never mentioned before as a host for Orobanchaceae. The new species is described here and named Orobanche staehelinae. The diagnostic characters are given in comparison with possible related species (O. kochii, O. leptantha, O. loscosii, O. canescens and O. santolinae). Its peculiar ecology (thermophilous screes, habitat of community interest) and conservation status (endangered, IUCN red list category) are presented.
A new species of Hubera (Annonaceae) from Peninsular India
Authors: Ramachandran Muralidharan , NARASIMHAN DUVURU , BALACHANDRAN NATESAN
Published: May 2015

Annonaceae, one of the most diverse plant families in tropical forests, comprise roughly 108 genera and 2400 species (Rainer et al. 2006, Chatrou et al. 2012). As per the current understanding, Annonaceae have four subfamilies: Anaxagoreoideae, Ambavioideae, Annonoideae and Malmeoideae (Chatrou et al. 2012). Phylogenetic studies on Annonaceae (Mols et al. 2004; Erkens et al. 2007; Su et al. 2008; Nakkuntod et al. 2009; Chatrou et al. 2012) have brought significant changes in circumscription and nomenclature of several genera due to the strict adherence to the principle of monophyly (Su et al. 2005, 2010; Rainer, 2007; Mols et al. 2008; Saunders, 2009; Chaowasku et al. 2011, 2012; Xue et al. 2012, 2014). The problematic case of the polyphyletic genus Polyalthia Blume s.l. (1830: 68) has recently been studied phylogenetically in detail and presently is fully solved; species of Polyalthia s.l. have been segregated into several smaller monophyletic genera, for example, Fenerivia Diels (1925: 355; Saunders et al. 2011), Hubera Chaowasku (2012: 46; Chaowasku et al. 2012), Maasia Mols, Keßler  & Rogstad (2008: 493; Mols et al. 2008), Marsypopetalum Scheffer (1870: 342; Xue et al. 2011) and Monoon Miquel (1865: 15; Xue et al. 2012).
A new species of Simopelta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae) from Brazil and Costa Rica
Authors: FERNANDES ITANNA O. , SOUZA JORGE L. P. , FERNÁNDEZ C. FERNANDO , DELABIE JACQUES H. C. , SCHULTZ TED R.
Published: May 2015

The genus Simopelta consists of 21 described species restricted to Central America and South America. The present study describes a new cryptobiotic species, Simopelta anomma sp. nov.. The new species is blind, possesses a 3-segmented antennal club, and has the midtibia with several stout setae, a combination of characters unique within the genus. Moreover, some traits of this species require broadening the definition of the genus. The discovery of S. anomma sp. nov. suggests that many undiscovered species, some of which may be important for understanding ant evolution, remain hidden below ground in Neotropical rainforests.
A new subgenus and two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Neoribates (Acari, Oribatida, Parakalummidae) from the Philippines
Authors: ERMILOV SERGEY G. , CORPUZ-RAROS LEONILA
Published: May 2015

The oribatid mite family Parakalummidae (Oribatida, Oripodoidea) is recorded for the first time from the Philippines. A new subgenus of the genus Neoribates, N. (Pseudoneoribates) subgen. nov., is proposed and two new species, N. (Ps.) negrosensis sp. nov. and N. (Ps.) kontschani sp. nov., are described. The new subgenus differs from the other subgenera and genera of Parakalummidae by the morphology and structure of prolamellae, which are smoothly fused to lamellae basally and curving backwards in medio-anterior parts. An identification key to all known subgenera of Neoribates is given. Neoribates (N.) corticis (Ewing, 1913) combined in the subgenus Neoribates (Parakalumma): N. (Par.) corticis comb. nov..
A new species of Larimichthys from Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular
Malaysia (Perciformes: Sciaenidae)
Authors: SEAH YING GIAT , HANAFI NORHAFIZ , MAZLAN ABD GHAFFAR , CHAO NING LABBISH
Published: May 2015

A new species of Larimichthys from Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is described from specimens collected from the fish landing port at Pulau Kambing, Kuala Terengganu. Larimichthys terengganui can be readily distinguished from other species of the genus by having an equally short pair of ventral limbs at the end of the gas bladder appendages, which do not extend lateral-ventrally to the lower half of the body wall, and fewer dorsal soft rays (29–32 vs. 31–36) and vertebrae (24 vs. 25–28). Larimichthys terengganui can be distinguished from L. polyactis and L. crocea by having a gill raker at the angle of first gill arch shorter than the gill filament. Furthermore, the second anal spine in L. terengganui is equal or slightly shorter than eye diameter (vs. shorter in L. polyactis); L. terengganui has 8–9 anal soft rays (vs. only 7 in L. pamoides). Snout length of L. terengganui is greater than eye diameter, whereas in L. crocea the snout is shorter than eye diameter. A key to species of Larimichthys is provided. All obtained specimens of the species were recorded from Terengganu waters, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.