bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Bilateral Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip without Pregnancy
Authors: Okada Yasuaki , Tsukada Sachiyuki , Saito Masayoshi , Tasaki Atsushi
Published: August 2016

Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is a rare disorder characterized by acute severe coxalgia and temporary osteopenia in the proximal femur. Although most cases were unilateral or staged bilateral TOH, some authors reported that the pregnant patients simultaneously had TOH in their bilateral hips. However, there has been no report of simultaneous bilateral TOH in the patient without pregnancy. A 25-year-old Japanese woman without pregnancy had acute simultaneous bilateral hip pain. Plain X-ray of the bilateral hips did not show a periarticular osteopenia. However, magnetic resonance image obtained one week after the onset demonstrated increased T2-weighted signal intensity and decreased T1-weighted signal intensity in the bilateral femoral heads. She was treated conservatively, and follow-up magnetic resonance image at seven weeks after the onset returned to normal bone marrow signal intensity. Her bilateral coxalgia subsided gradually. At one year after the onset, she had no sign of symptomatic flair. Our experience with this case indicates that recognizing the possibility of simultaneous bilateral TOH is important unless the patient is pregnant, and magnetic resonance image is predictable test to make a diagnosis of TOH, even in the absence of abnormal finding on plain X-ray.
Gait Tracking Control of Quadruped Robot Using Differential Evolution Based Structure Specified Mixed SensitivityH∞Robust Control
Authors: Sutyasadi Petrus , Parnichkun Manukid
Published: August 2016

This paper proposed a control algorithm that guarantees gait tracking performance for quadruped robots. During dynamic gait motion, such as trotting, the quadruped robot is unstable. In addition to uncertainties of parameters and unmodeled dynamics, the quadruped robot always faces some disturbances. The uncertainties and disturbances contribute significant perturbation to the dynamic gait motion control of the quadruped robot. Failing to track the gait pattern properly propagates instability to the whole system and can cause the robot to fall. To overcome the uncertainties and disturbances, structured specified mixed sensitivityH∞robust controller was proposed to control the quadruped robot legs’ joint angle positions. Before application to the real hardware, the proposed controller was tested on the quadruped robot’s leg planar dynamic model using MATLAB. The proposed controller can control the robot’s legs efficiently even under uncertainties from a set of model parameter variations. The robot was also able to maintain its stability even when it was tested under several terrain disturbances.
Design, Construction, and Modeling of a252Cf Neutron Irradiator
Authors: Anderson Blake C. , Holbert Keith E. , Bowler Herbert
Published: August 2016

Neutron production methods are an integral part of research and analysis for an array of applications. This paper examines methods of neutron production, and the advantages of constructing a radioisotopic neutron irradiator assembly using252Cf. Characteristic neutron behavior and cost-benefit comparative analysis between alternative modes of neutron production are also examined. The irradiator is described from initial conception to the finished design. MCNP modeling shows a total neutron flux of 3 × 105 n/(cm2·s) in the irradiation chamber for a 25 μg source. Measurements of the gamma-ray and neutron dose rates near the external surface of the irradiator assembly are 120 μGy/h and 30 μSv/h, respectively, during irradiation. At completion of the project, total material, and labor costs remained below $50,000.
The Role of TEE in Diagnosing Hepatopulmonary Syndrome and Cryptogenic Cirrhosis
Authors: Scott-Herridge Joel , Bhagirath Kapil , Janda Surinder , Jassal Davinder S.
Published: August 2016

In the vast majority of cases, ongoing hypoxemia in a cirrhotic patient is usually hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) until proven otherwise; in this case, HPS was suspected prior to any known diagnosis of cirrhosis. This is the first reported case in the literature whereby HPS and cirrhosis were diagnosed after the fact, rather than with the preexisting knowledge of liver cirrhosis.
Clinical Management of Two Root Resorption Cases in Endodontic Practice
Authors: Mincik Jozef , Urban Daniel , Timkova Silvia
Published: August 2016

Root resorption is a pathological process involving loss of hard dental tissues. It may occur as a consequence of dental trauma, orthodontic treatment, and bleaching, and occasionally it accompanies periodontal disease. Although the mechanism of resorption process is examined in detail, its etiology is not fully understood. Wide open apical foramen is more difficult to manage and the root canal may often overfill. In this report we present two cases of root resorption and describe means for its clinical management. We conclude that useful measure of a success or failure in managing root resorption is the persistence of the resorption process. It is a clear sign of an active ongoing inflammatory process and shows the clinical need for retreatment.
A Grey Theory Based Approach to Big Data Risk Management Using FMEA
Authors: Mendonça Silva Maisa , Poleto Thiago , Camara e Silva Lúcio , Henriques de Gusmao Ana Paula , Cabral Seixas Costa Ana Paula
Published: August 2016

Big data is the term used to denote enormous sets of data that differ from other classic databases in four main ways: (huge) volume, (high) velocity, (much greater) variety, and (big) value. In general, data are stored in a distributed fashion and on computing nodes as a result of which big data may be more susceptible to attacks by hackers. This paper presents a risk model for big data, which comprises Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Grey Theory, more precisely grey relational analysis. This approach has several advantages: it provides a structured approach in order to incorporate the impact of big data risk factors; it facilitates the assessment of risk by breaking down the overall risk to big data; and finally its efficient evaluation criteria can help enterprises reduce the risks associated with big data. In order to illustrate the applicability of our proposal in practice, a numerical example, with realistic data based on expert knowledge, was developed. The numerical example analyzes four dimensions, that is, managing identification and access, registering the device and application, managing the infrastructure, and data governance, and 20 failure modes concerning the vulnerabilities of big data. The results show that the most important aspect of risk to big data relates to data governance.
Genus Tinospora: Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology
Authors: Chi Sensen , She Gaimei , Han Dan , Wang Weihua , Liu Zhao , Liu Bin
Published: August 2016

The genus Tinospora includes 34 species, in which several herbs were used as traditional medicines by indigenous groups throughout the tropical and subtropical parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia. The extensive literature survey revealed Tinospora species to be a group of important medicinal plants used for the ethnomedical treatment of colds, headaches, pharyngitis, fever, diarrhea, oral ulcer, diabetes, digestive disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis. Indian ethnopharmacological data points to the therapeutic potential of the T. cordifolia for the treatment of diabetic conditions. While Tinospora species are confusing in individual ingredients and their mechanisms of action, the ethnopharmacological history of those plants indicated that they exhibit antidiabetic, antioxidation, antitumor, anti‐inflammation, antimicrobial, antiosteoporosis, and immunostimulation activities. While the clinical applications in modern medicine are lacking convincing evidence and support, this review is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicities of the genus Tinospora to reveal its therapeutic potentials and gaps, offering opportunities for future researches.
Incidence of Clavicular Rhomboid Fossa in Northeastern Thais: An Anthropological Study
Authors: Kaewma Ailadda , Sampannang Apichakan , Tuamsuk Panya , Kanpittaya Jaturat , Iamsaard Sitthichai
Published: August 2016

The rhomboid fossa of clavicle is used to determine the age and sex in anthropology and forensic sciences. The variant types of rhomboid fossa on inferior surface have been reported in many races except in Thais. This study therefore was aimed at classifying the types of the rhomboid fossa in Northeastern Thais. The identified 476 Northeastern Thais dried clavicles (270 males and 206 females) were observed and recorded for the types of rhomboid fossa. The results showed that Thai-rhomboid fossa could be classified into 4 types: Type 1: smooth; Type 2: flat; Type 3: elevated; and Type 4: depressed, respectively. The incidences of rhomboid fossa were as follows: Type 1: 0.21%; Type 2: 19.75%; Type 3: 76.26%; and Type 4: 3.78%, respectively. Additionally, it was found that the percentage of Type 4 (11.84%) was much greater than that of female (1.94%) compared to other types. This incidence of rhomboid fossa types especially Type 4 may be a basic knowledge to be used in sex identification. The high incidence of rhomboid fossa in both sexes of Northeastern Thai clavicles was Type 3 (elevated type).
Inflammation-Related DNA Damage and Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Shumin , Ma Ning , Zhao Weilin , Midorikawa Kaoru , Kawanishi Shosuke , Hiraku Yusuke , Oikawa Shinji , Zhang Zhe , Huang Guangwu , Murata Mariko
Published: August 2016

Nitrative and oxidative DNA damage plays an important role in inflammation-related carcinogenesis. To investigate the involvement of stem cells in Epstein-Barr virus infection-related nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we used double immunofluorescence staining to examine several cancer stem/progenitor cell markers (CD44v6, CD24, and ALDH1A1) in NPC tissues and NPC cell lines. We also measured 8-nitroguanine formation as an indicator of inflammation-related DNA lesions. The staining intensity of 8-nitroguanine was significantly higher in cancer cells and inflammatory cells in the stroma of NPC tissues than in chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. Expression levels of CD44v6 and ALDH1A1 were significantly increased in cancer cells of primary NPC specimens in comparison to chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. Similarly, more intense staining of CD44v6 and ALDH1A1 was detected in an NPC cell line than in an immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line. In the case of CD24 staining, there was no significant difference between NPC and chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. 8-Nitroguanine was detected in both CD44v6- and ALDH1A1-positive stem cells in NPC tissues. In conclusion, CD44v6 and ALDH1A1 are candidate stem cell markers for NPC, and the increased formation of DNA lesions by inflammation may result in the mutation of stem cells, leading to tumor development in NPC.
A Comparison between Cure Model and Recursive Partitioning: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Iranian Female with Breast Cancer
Authors: Safe Mozhgan , Faradmal Javad , Mahjub Hossein
Published: August 2016

Background. Breast cancer which is the most common cause of women cancer death has an increasing incidence and mortality rates in Iran. A proper modeling would correctly detect the factors’ effect on breast cancer, which may be the basis of health care planning. Therefore, this study aimed to practically develop two recently introduced statistical models in order to compare them as the survival prediction tools for breast cancer patients.Materials and Methods. For this retrospective cohort study, the 18-year follow-up information of 539 breast cancer patients was analyzed by “Parametric Mixture Cure Model” and “Model-Based Recursive Partitioning.” Furthermore, a simulation study was carried out to compare the performance of mentioned models for different situations.Results. “Model-Based Recursive Partitioning” was able to present a better description of dataset and provided a fine separation of individuals with different risk levels. Additionally the results of simulation study confirmed the superiority of this recursive partitioning for nonlinear model structures.Conclusion. “Model-Based Recursive Partitioning” seems to be a potential instrument for processing complex mixture cure models. Therefore, applying this model is recommended for long-term survival patients.
Parkinson’s Disease and Homocysteine: A Community-Based Study in a Folate and Vitamin B12 Deficient Population
Authors: Wei Zhang , Tiandong Wang , Yang Li , Huaxing Meng , Guowen Min , Yalan Fang , Xiaoyuan Niu
Published: August 2016

Background. Homocysteine (Hcy) levels were higher in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This could be partially explained by levodopa treatment. Whether untreated PD patients have higher Hcy levels is contradictory.Methods.A community-based study was conducted using a two-stage approach for subjects ≥ 55 years to find PD patients in 3 towns of Lüliang City. Blood samples were collected. Serum Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 concentrations were measured. For each untreated PD patient, 5 controls were selected matched with age and sex to evaluate the relationship between Hcy levels and PD.Results. Of 6338 eligible residents, 72.7% participated in the study. 31 PD cases were identified. The crude prevalence of PD for people ≥ 55 years was 0.67%. Blood samples were collected from 1845 subjects, including 17 untreated PD patients. There was no difference for concentrations of serum Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 between cases and controls (P>0.05). In univariate and multivariate analysis, there was significant inverse relation between PD and current smoking (P<0.05). No other factor was significant statistically.Conclusions. The prevalence of PD was comparable to earlier studies in China. Hyperhomocysteinemia was not a risk factor of PD, as well as folate and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Improved Morphology of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(styrenesulfonate) Thin Films for All-Electrospray-Coated Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Liao Yingjie , Fukuda Takeshi , Kamata Norihiko
Published: August 2016

Spray coating technique has been established as a promising substitute for the traditional coating methods in the fabrication of organic devices in many reports recently. Control of film morphology at the microscopic scale is critical if spray-coated devices are to achieve high performance. Here we investigate electrospray deposition protocols for the fabrication of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin films with a single additive system under ambient conditions at room temperature. Critical deposition parameters including solution composition, applied voltage, and relative humidity are discussed systematically. Optimized process for preparing homogenous PEDOT:PSS thin films is applied to all-electrospray-coated organic photovoltaic cells and contributes to a power conversion efficiency comparable to that of the corresponding all-spin-coated device.
Low Complexity Signed Response Based Sybil Attack Detection Mechanism in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Saud Khan M. , Khan Noor M.
Published: August 2016

Security is always a major concern in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Identity based attacks such as spoofing and sybil not only compromise the network but also slow down its performance. This paper proposes a low complexity sybil attack detection scheme, that is, based on signed response (SRES) authentication mechanism developed for Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications. A probabilistic model is presented which analyzes the proposed authentication mechanism for its probability of sybil attack. The paper also presents a simulation based comparative analysis of the existing sybil attack schemes with respect to the proposed scheme. It is observed that the proposed sybil detection scheme exhibits lesser computational cost and power consumption as compared to the existing schemes for the same sybil detection performance.
F(R)Gravity’s Rainbow and Its Einstein Counterpart
Authors: Hendi S. H. , Eslam Panah B. , Panahiyan S. , Momennia M.
Published: August 2016

Motivated by UV completion of general relativity with a modification of a geometry at high energy scale, it is expected to have an energy dependent geometry. In this paper, we introduce charged black hole solutions with power Maxwell invariant source in the context of gravity’s rainbow. In addition, we investigate two classes ofF(R)gravity’s rainbow solutions. At first, we study energy dependentF(R)gravity without energy-momentum tensor, and then we obtainF(R)gravity’s rainbow in the presence of conformally invariant Maxwell source. We study geometrical properties of the mentioned solutions and compare their results. We also give some related comments regarding thermodynamical behavior of the obtained solutions and discuss thermal stability of the solutions.
Integrin-α10 Dependency Identifies RAC and RICTOR as Therapeutic Targets in High-Grade Myxofibrosarcoma
Authors: Okada Tomoyo , Lee Ann Y. , Qin Li-Xuan , Agaram Narasimhan , Mimae Takahiro , Shen Yawei , O'Connor Rachael , López-Lago Miguel A. , Craig Amanda , Miller Martin L. , Agius Phaedra , Molinelli Evan , Socci Nicholas D. , Crago Aimee M. , Shima Fumi , Sander Chris , Singer Samuel
Published: August 2016

Myxofibrosarcoma is a common mesenchymal malignancy with complex genomics and heterogeneous clinical outcomes. Through gene-expression profiling of 64 primary high-grade myxofibrosarcomas, we defined an expression signature associated with clinical outcome. The gene most significantly associated with disease-specific death and distant metastasis was ITGA10 (integrin-α10). Functional studies revealed that myxofibrosarcoma cells strongly depended on integrin-α10, whereas normal mesenchymal cells did not. Integrin-α10 transmitted its tumor-specific signal via TRIO and RICTOR, two oncoproteins that are frequently co-overexpressed through gene amplification on chromosome 5p. TRIO and RICTOR activated RAC/PAK and AKT/mTOR to promote sarcoma cell survival. Inhibition of these proteins with EHop-016 (RAC inhibitor) and INK128 (mTOR inhibitor) had antitumor effects in tumor-derived cell lines and mouse xenografts, and combining the drugs enhanced the effects. Our results demonstrate the importance of integrin-α10/TRIO/RICTOR signaling for driving myxofibrosarcoma progression and provide the basis for promising targeted treatment strategies for patients with high-risk disease.

Significance: Identifying the molecular pathogenesis for myxofibrosarcoma progression has proven challenging given the highly complex genomic alterations in this tumor type. We found that integrin-α10 promotes tumor cell survival through activation of TRIO–RAC–RICTOR–mTOR signaling, and that inhibitors of RAC and mTOR have antitumor effects in vivo, thus identifying a potential treatment strategy for patients with high-risk myxofibrosarcoma. Cancer Discov; 6(10); 1148–65. ©2016 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1069
The Influence of Thyroid Function, Inflammation, and Obesity on Risk Prediction of Acute Kidney Injury by Cystatin C in the Emergency Department
Authors: Schanz Moritz , Pannes Dirk , Dippon Jürgen , Wasser Christoph , Alscher Mark Dominik , Kimmel Martin
Published: August 2016

Background/Aims: There is a growing role for emergency departments (ED) in assessing acute kidney injury (AKI) for hospital admissions but there are few studies addressing acute kidney injury biomarkers and confounding factors in the ED. Cystatin C (CysC), a newer renal biomarker, is influenced by thyroid function, inflammation and obesity. This study aims to be the first study to address the impact of these parameters in the ED. Methods: Admitted patients (n=397) were enrolled in the ED at Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany. Daily serum creatinine (sCr) was recorded for AKI classification by Kidney Diseases Improves Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria. CysC, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), C-reactive protein (CRP) and body mass index (BMI) were registered at enrollment in the ED. Serum samples were collected at enrollment, after 6 hours and in the following mornings (day 1 to day 3). The correlation of CysC and sCr was studied on a two variable logistic regression model. A linear predictor was computed to predict minimal AKI stage and area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Results: Of 397 patients enrolled for classification by KDIGO AKI criteria, n=152 (38%) developed AKI, n=69 (17.4%) reached AKI stage I, n=70 (17.6%) AKI stage II, and n=13 (3%) AKI stage III. Although a correlation between CRP and CysC levels was shown (rho=0.376), this didn't affect the predictive ability for AKI according to our data. We compared receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (DeLong test) of CysC to ROC curves of CysC with the additional variables TSH, BMI, and CRP respectively. Our data shows that addition of CRP, TSH, or BMI does not improve prediction of AKI stage beyond prediction based solely on CysC levels. Conclusions: CysC is known to be influenced by thyroid function, inflammation and obesity, but in our large ED population there was no significant impact of these factors on the diagnostic accuracy of CysC to detect AKI in ED patients.
Validation of the Coronary Artery Bypass Graft SYNTAX Score (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus) as a Prognostic Marker for Patients With Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Miyagi Tadayoshi , Asaumi Yasuhide , Nishimura Kunihiro , Nakashima Takahiro , Sakamoto Hiroki , Nakao Kazuhiro , Kanaya Tomoaki , Nagai Toshiyuki , Shimabukuro Yuji , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Fujita Tomoyuki , Kusano Kengo , Anzai Toshihisa , Kobayashi Junjirou , Noguchi Teruo , Ogawa Hisao , Yasuda Satoshi
Published: August 2016

Background—

The efficacy and prognosis of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as secondary revascularization in patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery remain uncertain.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively evaluated 434 consecutive patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery hospitalized for PCI between 2004 and 2011 (men 84%, age 71 (interquartile range, 66–76) years) and calculated the coronary artery bypass graft Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus score (CSS) before (baseline CSS) and after PCI (post-PCI CSS). Patients were divided into 2 groups based on median post-PCI CSS: low-score (≤23; n=217) and high-score groups (>23; n=217). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and unplanned repeat revascularization for myocardial ischemia. The median baseline and post-PCI CSS were 30 (interquartile range, 21–40) and 23 (interquartile range, 14.5–33.5), respectively. During a median follow-up of 69 months, the prevalence of MACE and cardiac death differed significantly between the 2 post-PCI CSS groups (MACE: low, 13.8%; high, 28.6%;
P
<0.001; cardiac death: low, 6.2%; high, 16.7%;
P
=0.002). In multivariable analysis, the high post-PCI CSS divided by the median was associated with substantially greater cumulative MACE (hazard ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–3.34;
P
=0.002) and cardiac death (hazard ratio, 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–3.98;
P
=0.042) compared with the low post-PCI CSS. Net reclassification improvement analysis revealed that post-PCI CSS resulted in significantly improved prediction of MACE and cardiac death compared with baseline CSS.

Conclusions—

In this external validation study, the CSS was a potential prognostic factor after subsequent PCI, even for previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients.
Toll-Like Receptor 4/MyD88–Mediated Signaling of Hepcidin Expression Causing Brain Iron Accumulation, Oxidative Injury, and Cognitive Impairment After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Xiong Xiao-Yi , Liu Liang , Wang Fa-Xiang , Yang Yuan-Rui , Hao Jun-Wei , Wang Peng-Fei , Zhong Qi , Zhou Kai , Xiong Ao , Zhu Wen-Yao , Zhao Ting , Meng Zhao-You , Wang Yan-Chun , Gong Qiu-Wen , Liao Mao-Fan , Wang Jian , Yang Qing-Wu
Published: August 2016

Background:

Disturbance of brain iron metabolism after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) results in oxidative brain injury and cognition impairment. Hepcidin plays an important role in regulating iron metabolism, and we have reported that serum hepcidin is positively correlated with poor outcomes in patients with ICH. However, the roles of hepcidin in brain iron metabolism after ICH remain largely unknown.

Methods:

Parabiosis and ICH models combined with in vivo and in vitro experiments were used to investigate the roles of hepcidin in brain iron metabolism after ICH.

Results:

Increased hepcidin-25 was found in serum and primarily in astrocytes after ICH. The brain iron efflux, oxidative brain injury, and cognition impairment were improved in Hepc
−/−
ICH mice but aggravated by the human hepcidin-25 peptide in C57BL/6 ICH mice. Data obtained in in vitro studies showed that increased hepcidin inhibited the intracellular iron efflux of brain microvascular endothelial cells but was rescued by a hepcidin antagonist, fursultiamine. Using parabiosis ICH models also shows that increased serum hepcidin prevents brain iron efflux. In addition, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MyD88 signaling pathway increased hepcidin expression by promoting interleukin-6 expression and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation. TLR4
−/−
and MyD88
−/−
mice exhibited improvement in brain iron efflux at 7, 14, and 28 days after ICH, and the TLR4 antagonist (6R)-6-[
N
-(2-chloro-4-fluorophenyl) sulfamoyl] cyclohex-1-ene-1–carboxylate significantly decreased brain iron levels at days 14 and 28 after ICH and improved cognition impairment at day 28.

Conclusions:

The results presented here show that increased hepcidin expression caused by inflammation prevents brain iron efflux via inhibition of the intracellular iron efflux of brain microvascular endothelial cells entering into circulation and aggravating oxidative brain injury and cognition impairment, which identifies a mechanistic target for muting inflammation to promote brain iron efflux and to attenuate oxidative brain injury after ICH.
Progression of Brain Network Alterations in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Reijmer Yael D. , Fotiadis Panagiotis , Riley Grace A. , Xiong Li , Charidimou Andreas , Boulouis Gregoire , Ayres Alison M. , Schwab Kristin , Rosand Jonathan , Gurol M. Edip , Viswanathan Anand , Greenberg Steven M.
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose—

We recently showed that cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is associated with functionally relevant brain network impairments, in particular affecting posterior white matter connections. Here we examined how these brain network impairments progress over time.

Methods—

Thirty-three patients with probable CAA underwent multimodal brain magnetic resonance imaging at 2 time points (mean follow-up time: 1.3±0.4 years). Brain networks of the hemisphere free of intracerebral hemorrhages were reconstructed using fiber tractography and graph theory. The global efficiency of the network and mean fractional anisotropies of posterior–posterior, frontal–frontal, and posterior–frontal network connections were calculated. Patients with moderate versus severe CAA were defined based on microbleed count, dichotomized at the median (median=35).

Results—

Global efficiency of the intracerebral hemorrhage–free hemispheric network declined from baseline to follow-up (−0.008±0.003;
P
=0.029). The decline in global efficiency was most pronounced for patients with severe CAA (group×time interaction
P
=0.03). The decline in global network efficiency was associated with worse executive functioning (β=0.46;
P
=0.03). Examination of subgroups of network connections revealed a decline in fractional anisotropies of posterior–posterior connections at both levels of CAA severity (−0.006±0.002;
P
=0.017; group×time interaction
P
=0.16). The fractional anisotropies of posterior–frontal and frontal–frontal connections declined in patients with severe but not moderate CAA (group×time interaction
P
=0.007 and
P
=0.005). Associations were independent of change in white matter hyperintensity volume.

Conclusions—

Brain network impairment in patients with CAA worsens measurably over just 1.3-year follow-up and seem to progress from posterior to frontal connections with increasing disease severity.
A new Indian species of Pardoteleia Kozlov & Lê (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae: Scelioninae) and first description of the male
Authors: KAMALANATHAN VEENAKUMARI , MOHANRAJ PRASHANTH
Published: August 2016

Pardoteleia, a monotypic genus was described by Kozlov and Lê (1988). A new species Pardoteleia flava from India is now described and imaged. The hitherto unknown male of this genus is also described and imaged for the first time. Pardoteleia prater, the type species is redescribed and imaged with intraspecific variations in the Indian specimens.
Descriptions of larvae of four species of Hydropsyche (Hydropsychidae: Trichoptera) from Thailand
Authors: PROMMI TAENG ON
Published: August 2016

Morphological characters of the larvae of four species in the genus Hydropsyche (H. dolosa, H. brontes, H. napaea, and H. camillus) are described and figured for the first time. The most important diagnostic features are illustrated, and some information regarding their distribution, biology, and habitat are included.
The Impact of the Asian Summer Monsoon Circulation on the Tropopause
Authors: Wu Yutian , Shaw Tiffany A.
Published: August 2016

Previous studies have identified two important features of summertime thermodynamics: 1) a significant correlation between the low-level distribution of equivalent potential temperature and the potential temperature θ of the extratropical tropopause and 2) a northwestward shift of the maximum tropopause θ relative to the maximum low-level . Here, the authors hypothesize these two features occur because of the Asian monsoon circulation. The hypothesis is examined using a set of idealized prescribed sea surface temperature (SST) aquaplanet simulations. Simulations with a zonally symmetric background climate exhibit a weak moisture–tropopause correlation. A significant correlation and northwestward shift occurs when a zonal wave-1 SST perturbation is introduced in the Northern Hemisphere subtropics. The equivalent zonal-mean subtropical warming does not produce a significant correlation.

A mechanism is proposed to explain the moisture–tropopause connection that involves the circulation response to zonally asymmetric surface heating and its impact on the tropopause defined by the 2-potential-vorticity-unit (PVU; 1 PVU = 10−6 K kg−1 m2 s−1) surface. While the circulation response to diabatic heating is well known, here the focus is on the implications for the tropopause. Consistent with previous research, surface heating increases the low-level and produces low-level convergence and a cyclonic circulation. The low-level convergence is coupled with upper-level divergence via convection and produces an upper-level anticyclonic circulation consistent with Sverdrup balance. The anticyclonic vorticity lowers the PV northwest of the surface heating via Rossby wave dynamics. The decreased PV leads to a northwestward shift of the 2-PVU surface on fixed pressure levels. The θ value to the northwest of the surface heating is higher, and consequently the maximum tropopause θ increases.
Northern Hemisphere Atmospheric Blocking Representation in Global Climate Models: Twenty Years of Improvements?
Authors: Davini Paolo , D’Andrea Fabio
Published: August 2016

The correct simulation of midlatitude atmospheric blocking has always been a main concern since the earliest days of numerical modeling of Earth’s atmosphere. To this day blocking represents a considerable source of error for general circulation models from both a numerical weather prediction and a climate perspective. In the present work, 20 years of global climate model (GCM) developments are analyzed from the special point of view of Northern Hemisphere atmospheric blocking simulation. Making use of a series of equivalent metrics, three generations of GCMs are compared. This encompasses a total of 95 climate models, many of which are different—successive—versions of the same model. Results from model intercomparison projects AMIP1 (1992), CMIP3 (2007), and CMIP5 (2012) are taken into consideration. Although large improvements are seen over the Pacific Ocean, only minor advancements have been achieved over the Euro-Atlantic sector. Some of the most recent GCMs still exhibit the same negative bias as 20 years ago in this region, associated with large geopotential height systematic errors. Some individual models, nevertheless, have improved and do show good performances in both sectors. Negligible differences emerge among ocean-coupled or atmosphere-only simulations, suggesting weak relevance of sea surface temperature biases. Conversely, increased horizontal resolution seems to be able to alleviate the Euro-Atlantic blocking bias.
Hypoxia in Atherogenesis
Authors: Ferns Gordon A. A. , Heikal Lamia
Published: August 2016

The anoxemia theory proposes that an imbalance between the demand for and supply of oxygen in the arterial wall is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. There is now substantial evidence that there are regions within the atherosclerotic plaque in which profound hypoxia exists; this may fundamentally change the function, metabolism, and responses of many of the cell types found within the developing plaque and whether the plaque will evolve into a stable or unstable phenotype. Hypoxia is characterized in molecular terms by the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α, a subunit of the heterodimeric nuclear transcriptional factor HIF-1 and a master regulator of oxygen homeostasis. The expression of HIF-1 is localized to perivascular tissues, inflammatory macrophages, and smooth muscle cells adjacent to the necrotic core of atherosclerotic lesions and regulates several genes that are important to vascular function including vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide synthase, endothelin-1, and erythropoietin. This review summarizes the effects of hypoxia on the functions of cells involved in atherogenesis and the evidence for its potential importance from experimental models and clinical studies.
Coronary Artery Aneurysm Differs From Coronary Artery Ectasia: Angiographic Characteristics and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Analysis in Patients Referred for Coronary Angiography
Authors: Luo Yu , Tang Jiani , Liu Xu , Qiu Jianping , Ye Zi , Lai Yan , Yao Yian , Li Jimin , Wang Xiaodong , Liu Xuebo
Published: August 2016

The differences in angiographic characteristics and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors between coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) and coronary artery ectasia (CAE) have not been compared systematically. Of 10 876 patients undergoing coronary angiography, patients with CAA (n = 85) and CAE (n = 51) were screened. The prevalence of CAA was greater than that of CAE ( P < .05). The right coronary artery was the most involved (70.6%) in CAE compared with left circumflex (52.9%) and left anterior descending (41.2%). Coronary artery aneurysm coexisted with coronary artery disease (CAD) more frequently than CAE ( P = .002), and the modified Gensini score of CAA was also higher than that of CAE ( P < .001). The average maximum diameter was smaller, and corrected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count was lower in CAA than CAE in all 3 coronary arteries ( P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that hyperlipidemia ( P = .02), smoking ( P = .04), and family history of CAD ( P = .02) were the independent variables most strongly associated with CAA, but not CAE. This study suggests that there are significant differences in coronary angiographic characteristics and CV risk factors between CAA and CAE.
A Note on the Stability of the Estimates of Standard Errors of the Ordinary Mean Estimate and the Ratio Estimate
Authors: Kokan A. R.
Published: August 2016

Summary

The stabilities of the estimates of standard errors of the ordinary mean estimate and the ratio estimate are compared for bivariate normal and log normal distributions. Two numerical examples are also given. It is found that an estimate of the standard error of the ordinary mean estimate is always more stable than an estimate of the standard error of the ratio estimate in the case of simple random sampling from a bivariate normal population. For samples from a bivariate log normal population also this property holds for certain ranges of k and C2 , as seen from Table 1. The numerical examples also support this result. Hence there is need for caution in the indiscriminate use of ratio method of estimation. Only sampling with replacement is considered here, but it is likely that the conclusions drawn in this paper hold approximately well in the case of simple random sampling without replacement also.
Admissible Estimates for any Sampling Design
Authors: Hege Vijaya S.
Published: August 2016

Summary

Godambe (1960) and Roy and Chakraborti (1960) have proved the admissibility of Horvitz and Thomson's estimate viz. [Formula: see text] (the summation is taken over distinct units in the sample and P(α) in the probability of u(α) being included in the sample) in the class of all linear unbiased estimates of the population total [Formula: see text] where the population U contains a finite number N of identifiable units, u(1), u(2), ... u( N). In this paper construction of some more admissible estimates is given.
Coverage of a Record Value and Related Distribution Problems
Authors: Aggarwal M.L. , Nagabhushanam A.
Published: August 2016

For any given sequence { t r} of statistics, [Formula: see text] i.e. where x i's are observations coming from a continuous population with density function f( x), an r-coverage C r ≡ C( t r) has been defined. In particular defining the sequence { Lr} of lower record values, it has been shown that [Formula: see text] are independent of each other. Moreover, [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text] It is interesting to note that [Formula: see text] are independent negative exponential variates each with parameter 1.
A Note on Serial Correlation Coefficients and Related Characterizations of Gamma and Exponential Distributions
Authors: Shanbhag D. N. , Basawa I. V.
Published: August 2016

Summary

Some properties of the distribution of the serial correlation coefficient based on a sample of independent observations and that of a certain related statistic are used to characterize gamma and exponential distributions. Also, a certain extension of the central limit theorem is given which may be useful in establishing the asymptotic normality of serial correla­ tion­type statistics.
A Minimax Procedure for Selecting the Population with the Largest (Smallest) Scale Parameter
Authors: Ofosu J. B.
Published: August 2016

Summary

A MINIMAX procedure is given for selecting the population with the largest scale parameter from k gamma populations with unknown scale parameters and a common known shape parameter. The main results are applied to the scale parameter problem for the Weibull distribution as well as the normal distribution with known and unknown mean.
On Selection Procedures Based on The Exceedance Probability
Authors: Naik Umesh D.
Published: August 2016

A number of normal populations are to be compared in terms of exceedance probability. When comparing two populations, a population is to be designated as better than the other if it has a greater exceedance probability. A Bayes procedure is given for selecting the subset of populations which contains the best population. A Bayes sequential procedure for selection of the best population is also described.
Comparison of the Bounds for the Block Intersection Number of Incomplete Block Designs
Authors: Kageyama Sanpei
Published: August 2016

Firstly, we give a complete comparison between Agrawal's bounds (1964a) and Shah's bounds (1965) given for the block intersection number of incomplete block designs. That is, it is asserted that Agrawal's bound is generally superior to that given by Shah for certain partially balanced incomplete bloCk (PBIB) designs validating Shah's bounds. Secondly, we compare Agrawal's bound with another general bound for the block intersection numer.
On Estimation of the Conditional Probability of Correct Classification
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Shibdas
Published: August 2016

Four different estimators of the conditional probability of correct classification are considered for the two population classification problem with known covariance matrix where the population distributions follow a stationary Gaussian process. The estimators and their conditional distributions are observed to be identical to the corresponding results for the two population equal sample standard classification problem.
On the Construction of Non­Invariant Balanced Sampling Designs
Authors: Sengupta S.
Published: August 2016

The problem of constructing non­invariant balanced sampling designs of fixed effective size has been considered and solutions have been suggested to cover all possible combinations of values of the population and the sample sizes, The methods also illustrate that fixed effective size designs can easily be constructed with constant inclusion probabilities of first two orders and with the number of possible samples much smaller than that for the usual SRSWOR procedure.
On the Theory of Resistant Block Designs
Authors: Chandak M.L.
Published: August 2016

Hedayat and John (1974) opened up a new, elegant and practically useful area for research by introducing resistant and susceptible block designs. They have concluded their paper with many unsolved problems, which need to be attended. In this paper the author has made an attempt to answer some of those problems and in this process some related findings are also presented.
Limit Theorems for an Extended Coupon Collector's Problem and for Successive Subsampling with Varying Probabilites*
Authors: Sen Pranab Kumar
Published: August 2016

Asymptotic normality as well as some weak invariance principles for bonus sums and waiting times in an extended coupon collector's problem are considered and incorporated in the study of the asymptotic distribution theory of estimators of (finite) population totals in successive sub-sampling (or multistage sampling) with varying probabilities (without replacement). Some applications of these theorems are also considered.
Admissible Linear Estimates of the Mean Vector
Authors: Ghosh Malay , Parsian Ahmad
Published: August 2016

For the p-variate normal mean with known variances, the Lindley-Smith (1972) estimators are shown to be generalized Bayes under symmetric bowl shaped loss, and the admissibility of such estimators is proved. Also, when the variance-covariance matrix is unknown, generalized Bayes estimators are proposed under symmetric bowl shaped loss, and their admissibility is also proved.
Asymptotic Normality of some Estimators
Authors: Awad Adnan M.
Published: August 2016

This paper uses martingale central limit theorem and continuous mapping theorem to establish asymptotic normality of log-likelihood ratio process, maximum likelihood estimators and the posterior distributions. Illustrative examples are given.
On a Family of Resolvable BIB Designs
Authors: Panandikar Sanjeev C.
Published: August 2016

In this paper we give a method of construction of a family of resolvable BIB designs with parameters v = p2 q, k = pq, λ = ( pq -1)⁄( q -1), where p is a prime or prime power and q is an integer such that p ⩾ q ⩾ 2 and ( pq- 1 )⁄( q -1) is an integer.
On Some Mixed Order Response Surface Designs Useful in Sequential Experiments
Authors: Adhikary Basudeb , Panda Rajendranath
Published: August 2016

In this paper we have introduced some mixed order response surface designs like FORD­SORD, FORD­TORD, SORD­TORD and discussed their analysis and construction. We have also explained how we can improve upon a FORD­SORD where p factors are first order and ( v- p) factors are second order to get one in which p1 factors are first order, p2 factors are seeond order and other ( v - p) factors are second order so that the design becomes a FORD­GDSORD. We can then improve it further whenp, factors are first order and ( v- p+ p2) are second order.
A Characterization of Hypodivergence Measure
Authors: Kaur Parvinder
Published: August 2016

The hypodivergence measure between two discrete distributions is characterized in this paper with the help of a functional inequality.
On Decomposition of Normal and Poisson Law
Authors: Basu A. K. , Ahsanullah M.
Published: August 2016

Crame'r's and Raikov's theorema for decomposition of Normal and Poisson Variables respectivety into Normal and Poisson Components have been partially extended to dependent (identically distributed) random variables.
On the Autoregressive Model with Random Coefficients
Authors: Ray D.
Published: August 2016

The first and second order stationarity conditions for an autore-gressive model with random coefficients are obtained. In addition, for such a type of model, the asymptotic mean squared error of an h-step ahead forecast is also considered.
Static Inventory Model with Unknown Proportion of Defectives in the Supplied Lot
Authors: Mukherjee S. P. , Pal M.
Published: August 2016

A static inventory model where lots received (against orders) are accepted through a curtailed single sampling inspection plan has been considered. Since the proportion of non-defective units in a lot is not likely to be known in advance, a probability Jaw has been assumed for the same. The optimal order quantity has been obtained by maximizing the expected net profit, taking into account selling price, purchase cost, carrying cost, shortage cost, salvage cost and inspcctioo cost.
Improved Minimax Estimators of Normal Covariance and Precision Matrices from Incomplete Samples
Authors: Sharma Divakar , Krishnamoorthy K.
Published: August 2016

Let X be an N p (o, ∑) random vector. Suppose besides n observations on X, m observations on the first q( q < p) coordinates are available. Eaton (1970), for this set up, has given a minimax estimator of ∑, which is better than the MLE. We, in this paper, obtain a class of constant risk minimax estimators (Eaton's estimator is its member), and hence estimators better than any member of this class. Similar results are derived also for the estimation of ∑-1. The loss functions considered are those of Selliah (1964) and James and Stein (1961) for the estimation of ∑ and an analogue of Stein's loss function for the estimation of ∑-1.
On Estimating the Location Parameter of an Exponential Distribution with Known Coefficient of Variation
Authors: Samanta M.
Published: August 2016

R. A. Fisher's conditionality principle is used to estimate the location parameter of an exponential distribution with known coefficient of variation. The minimal sufficient statistic includes an ancillary statistic and two estimators of the location parameter, based on the observed value of this ancillary statistic, are proposed. The conditional mean square errors of these estimators are compared with the corresponding unconditional mean square errors of the estimators obtained as optimum linear combinations of the components of the minimal sufficient statistic.
Finite Sample Analysis of the First Order Autoregressive Model
Authors: Hoque Asraul
Published: August 2016

In this paper we have derived the exact first and second moments of the OLS estimator of α in the model y t = α y t-1 + u t. Sawa (1978) has analyzed this model when u t is a white noise. We have extended his analysis to the case where u t follows MA(l) (first order moving average) proces with the coefficient different from α both with and without an intercept term in the model.