bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Drug Penetrability with iRGD Leverages the Therapeutic Response to Sorafenib and Doxorubicin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Schmithals Christian , Köberle Verena , Korkusuz Hüdayi , Pleli Thomas , Kakoschky Bianca , Augusto Eduardo Alonso , Ibrahim Ahmed Atef , Arencibia Jose M. , Vafaizadeh Vida , Groner Bernd , Korf Horst-Werner , Kronenberger Bernd , Zeuzem Stefan , Vogl Thomas J. , Waidmann Oliver , Piiper Albrecht
Published: August 2015

iRGD is a derivative of the integrin-binding peptide RGD, which selectively increases the penetrability of tumor tissue to various coadministered substances in several preclinical models. In this study, we investigated the ability of iRGD to improve the delivery of sorafenib and doxorubicin therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using established mouse models of the disease. A contrast-enhanced MRI method was developed in parallel to assess the in vivo effects of iRGD in this setting. We found that iRGD improved the delivery of marker substances to the tumors of HCC-bearing mice about three-fold without a parallel increase in normal tissues. Control peptides lacking the critical CendR motif had no effect. Similarly, iRGD also selectively increased the signal intensity from tumors in Gd-DTPA–enhanced MRI. In terms of antitumor efficacy, iRGD coadministration significantly augmented the individual inhibitory effects of sorafenib and doxorubicin without increasing systemic toxicity. Overall, our results offered a preclinical proof of concept for the use of iRGD coadministration as a strategy to widen the therapeutic window for HCC chemotherapy, as monitored by Gd-DTPA–enhanced MRI as a noninvasive, clinically applicable method to identify iRGD-reactive tumors. Cancer Res; 75(15); 3147–54. ©2015 AACR.
Disrupting Vestibular Activity Disrupts Body Ownership
Authors: Hoover Adria E. N. , Harris Laurence R.
Published: August 2015

People are more sensitive at detecting asynchrony between a self-generated movement and visual feedback concerning that movement when the movement is viewed from a first-person perspective. We call this the ‘self-advantage’ and interpret it as an objective measure of self. Here we ask if disruption of the vestibular system in healthy individuals affects the self-advantage. Participants performed finger movements while viewing their hand in a first-person (‘self’) or third-person (‘other’) perspective and indicated which of two periods (one with minimum delay and the other with an added delay of 33–264 ms) was delayed. Their sensitivity to the delay was calculated from the psychometric functions obtained. During the testing, disruptive galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) was applied in five-minute blocks interleaved with five minutes of no stimulation for a total of 40 min. We confirmed the self-advantage under no stimulation (31 ms). In the presence of disruptive GVS this advantage disappeared and there was no longer a difference in performance between perspectives. The threshold delay for the ‘other’ perspective was not affected by the GVS. These results suggest that an intact vestibular signal is required to distinguish ‘self’ from ‘other’ and to maintain a sense of body ownership.
Vestibular Function and Depersonalization/Derealization Symptoms
Authors: Jáuregui Renaud Kathrine
Published: August 2015

Patients with an acquired sensory dysfunction may experience symptoms of detachment from self or from the environment, which are related primarily to nonspecific symptoms of common mental disorders and secondarily, to the specific sensory dysfunction. This is consistent with the proposal that sensory dysfunction could provoke distress and a discrepancy between the multi-sensory frame given by experience and the actual perception. Both vestibular stimuli and vestibular dysfunction can underlie unreal experiences. Vestibular afferents provide a frame of reference (linear and angular head acceleration) within which spatial information from other senses is interpreted. This paper reviews evidence that symptoms of depersonalization/derealization associated with vestibular dysfunction are a consequence of a sensory mismatch between disordered vestibular input and other sensory signals of orientation.
Redescription of the advertisement call of Physalaemus albifrons (Spix, 1824) (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae)
Authors: PEDERASSI JONAS , LIMA MAURO SÉRGIO CRUZ SOUZA , CARAMASCHI ULISSES , SOUZA PATRÍCIA DOS SANTOS , SANTOS MAYRA CAROLINY DE OLIVEIRA , SILVA ISLAÍANE COSTA
Published: August 2015

The genus Physalaemus Fitzinger, 1826 is composed by 46 species occuring from north to southern South America, east of the Andes (Frost 2015). Physalaemus albifrons is morphologically differentiated from the other species mainly due to the presence of a second tarsal tubercle located nearly the tibio-tarsal articulation (Bokermann 1966). Physalaemus albifrons occurs in Brazil from north of the State of Maranhão through the states of Piauí, Ceará, Bahia, Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Alagoas, being its more austral occurrence in the State of Minas Gerais (Frost 2015). The advertisement call of P. albifrons was described by Bokermann (1966); however, the description needs improvement by applying new technologies, which we provide herein.
Periclimenes macrorhynchia sp. nov., a new hydrozoan-associated pontoniine shrimp (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from North East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: EILBRACHT JONI , FRANSEN CHARLES H.J.M.
Published: August 2015

A new species of pontoniine shrimp belonging to the ‘Periclimenes obscurus species group’ is described from the Berau Islands, North East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Specimens were obtained from aglaopheniid hydrozoans of the genus Macrorhynchia. The new species is here described and figured. Its affinities with related species are discussed and a DNA-barcode is provided.
Subsphaerolaimus minor sp. n. and Micromicron cephalatum Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda) from the Yen River Estuary of Vietnam
Authors: GAGARIN VLADIMIR G. , THANH NGUYEN VU
Published: August 2015

Two nematode species found in Yen River Estuary of Vietnam are described and illustrated. Subsphaerolaimus minor sp. n. is similar to S. lamasus Gerlach, 1956, but differs from it in the shorter body, comparatively shorter pharynx and shorter cephalic setae. A pictorial key for determination of valid species in the genus Subsphaerolaimus Lorenzen, 1978 is given. Micromicron cephalatum Cobb, 1920 is redescribed and reillustrated based on numerous males and females. The genus Micromicron Cobb, 1920 is confirmed as a valid genus with type and only species, M. cephalatum Cobb, 1920.
Sometimes two arms are enough—an unusual life-stage in brittle stars (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)
Authors: STÖHR SABINE , ALME ØYDIS
Published: August 2015

Off West Africa (Angola–Morocco), benthos samples were collected in the years 2005–2012. These contained 124 specimens of brittle stars with two long arms and three extremely short or absent arms and an elongated, narrow disc. These unusual brittle stars, as well as 33 specimens with five fully developed arms, were identified as Amphiura ungulata. The specimens with unequal arms were juvenile stages, whereas adults had five equal arms. The large number of specimens with unequal arms suggests that this condition is not the result of damage and regeneration, but a normal growth pattern in this species. This study documents the morphology by SEM, amends the species description, and discusses possible explanations for the evolution of this condition. Although brittle star species with unequal arm growth have been reported, this is an extreme case that was unknown before this study.
Solitary Waves and Undular Bores in a Mesosphere Duct
Authors: Grimshaw Roger , Broutman Dave , Laughman Brian , Eckermann Stephen D.
Published: August 2015

Mesospheric bores have been observed and measured in the mesopause region near 100-km altitude, where they propagate horizontally along a duct of relatively strong density stratification. Here, a weakly nonlinear theory is developed for the description of these mesospheric bores. It extends previous theories by allowing internal gravity wave radiation from the duct into the surrounding stratified regions, which are formally assumed to be weakly stratified. The radiation away from the duct is expected to be important for bore energetics. The theory is compared with a numerical simulation of the full Navier–Stokes equations in the Boussinesq approximation. Two initial conditions are considered. The first is a solitary wave solution that would propagate without change of form if the region outside the duct were unstratified. The second is a sinusoid that evolves into an undular bore. The main conclusion is that, while solitary waves and undular bores decay by radiation from the duct, they can survive as significant structures over sufficiently long periods (~100 min) to be observable.
Seasonality and Predictability of the Indian Ocean Dipole Mode: ENSO Forcing and Internal Variability
Authors: Yang Yun , Xie Shang-Ping , Wu Lixin , Kosaka Yu , Lau Ngar-Cheung , Vecchi Gabriel A.
Published: August 2015

This study evaluates the relative contributions to the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) mode of interannual variability from the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) forcing and ocean–atmosphere feedbacks internal to the Indian Ocean. The ENSO forcing and internal variability is extracted by conducting a 10-member coupled simulation for 1950–2012 where sea surface temperature (SST) is restored to the observed anomalies over the tropical Pacific but interactive with the atmosphere over the rest of the World Ocean. In these experiments, the ensemble mean is due to ENSO forcing and the intermember difference arises from internal variability of the climate system independent of ENSO. These elements contribute one-third and two-thirds of the total IOD variance, respectively. Both types of IOD variability develop into an east–west dipole pattern because of Bjerknes feedback and peak in September–November. The ENSO forced and internal IOD modes differ in several important ways. The forced IOD mode develops in August with a broad meridional pattern and eventually evolves into the Indian Ocean basin mode, while the internal IOD mode grows earlier in June, is more confined to the equator, and decays rapidly after October. The internal IOD mode is more skewed than the ENSO forced response. The destructive interference of ENSO forcing and internal variability can explain early terminating IOD events, referred to as IOD-like perturbations that fail to grow during boreal summer. The results have implications for predictability. Internal variability, as represented by preseason sea surface height anomalies off Sumatra, contributes to predictability considerably. Including this indicator of internal variability, together with ENSO, improves the predictability of IOD.
A Mechanism of Internal Decadal Atlantic Ocean Variability in a High-Resolution Coupled Climate Model
Authors: Menary Matthew B. , Hodson Daniel L. R. , Robson Jon I. , Sutton Rowan T. , Wood Richard A.
Published: August 2015

The North Atlantic Ocean subpolar gyre (NA SPG) is an important region for initializing decadal climate forecasts. Climate model simulations and paleoclimate reconstructions have indicated that this region could also exhibit large, internally generated variability on decadal time scales. Understanding these modes of variability, their consistency across models, and the conditions in which they exist is clearly important for improving the skill of decadal predictions—particularly when these predictions are made with the same underlying climate models. This study describes and analyzes a mode of internal variability in the NA SPG in a state-of-the-art, high-resolution, coupled climate model. This mode has a period of 17 yr and explains 15%–30% of the annual variance in related ocean indices. It arises because of the advection of heat content anomalies around the NA SPG. Anomalous circulation drives the variability in the southern half of the NA SPG, while mean circulation and anomalous temperatures are important in the northern half. A negative feedback between Labrador Sea temperatures/densities and those in the North Atlantic Current (NAC) is identified, which allows for the phase reversal. The atmosphere is found to act as a positive feedback on this mode via the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which itself exhibits a spectral peak at 17 yr. Decadal ocean density changes associated with this mode are driven by variations in temperature rather than salinity—a point which models often disagree on and which may affect the veracity of the underlying assumptions of anomaly-assimilating decadal prediction methodologies.
Through the Lens of Katrina
Authors: Frailing Kelly , Harper Dee Wood
Published: August 2015

This article serves to provide background information on Hurricane Katrina and to introduce the content of each substantive article in this issue.
The Therapy Beneath the Fun
Authors: Ofir Shoshi , Tener Dafna , Lev-Wiesel Rachel , On Avi , Lang-Franco Nessia
Published: August 2015

Objective. The qualitative research presented here is part of a larger project on the significance of medical clowning during invasive examinations in children in the Department of Gastroenterology and the Center for the Sexually Abused in a hospital in Israel. It investigated what makes up the essence of medical clowning, what skills and techniques are used by medical clowns, and whether their work contains therapeutic elements. Methods. A total of 9 children undergoing invasive examinations and 9 of their accompanying parents participated in semistructured interviews, which were analyzed using a thematic analysis methodology assisted by an Atlas-ti software program. Results. The interviews revealed that the medical clowning intervention during invasive examinations was essentially therapeutic, with the clown using theatrical and clowning tools to incorporate therapeutic elements such as empowerment, reversal of role, reframing, and building a therapeutic alliance. In addition, during the invasive examinations, the medical clowning followed the model of brief crisis intervention therapy. Conclusion. The study advances the need to incorporate medical clowns as an integral part of medical teams performing invasive procedures and to include clowns in all stages of the hospital visit when children undergo invasive examinations.
Forever adaptable: The United Nations system at 70
Authors: MacKenzie David
Published: August 2015

The United Nations (and the associated specialized agencies, commissions, and committees that make up the “UN system”) turns 70 this year and, as it has at every major anniversary, it faces another round of demands for its reform. Looking back at its history, it is clear that the UN is not as good at “reform” as it is at “adaptation”—reinventing itself with each generation to meet changing global challenges. Indeed, it could be argued that because the organization responds to the demands of its members and focuses its attention on those issues selected by the members, since 1945 the UN has always reflected its time—and the interests of its member-governments—and adapted to the changing world around it. It is likely to continue doing so in the future and, in this way, it remains forever adaptable.
The influence of flow diverter’s angle of curvature across the aneurysm neck on its haemodynamics
Authors: Karunanithi Kaavya , Lee Chang Joon , Chong Winston , Qian Yi
Published: August 2015

Flow diverter stents have provided a new method of endovascular reconstruction for large and complex aneurysms. Understanding the impact of the flow diverter’s angle of curvature across the neck and its metal coverage rate on the haemodynamics of aneurysm is crucial to maximize the mass flow reduction inside the aneurysm, post-deployment. The aim of this study is to understand the correlation between the angle of curvature of flow diverter across the aneurysm neck and the metal coverage rate, and the aneurysm’s haemodynamics, using computational fluid dynamics. Varying the flow diverter angle resulted in varying metal coverage rate across the aneurysm neck for two patient vessel geometries, A (straight artery) and B (curved artery) with aspect ratios of 3.1 and 2.9, respectively. The results indicate that there exists a relationship between the aneurysm’s haemodynamics and the flow diverter’s angle of curvature across its neck. Moreover, the calculations indicated that cases with a moderately curved flow diverter, with an associated metal coverage rate of 50%–60%, achieve maximum flow reduction inside the aneurysm due to a stable flow resistance in the direction normal to the blood flow.
A novel simulator for mechanical ventilation in newborns: MEchatronic REspiratory System SImulator for Neonatal Applications
Authors: Baldoli Ilaria , Cuttano Armando , Scaramuzzo Rosa T , Tognarelli Selene , Ciantelli Massimiliano , Cecchi Francesca , Gentile Marzia , Sigali Emilio , Laschi Cecilia , Ghirri Paolo , Menciassi Arianna , Dario Paolo , Boldrini Antonio
Published: August 2015

Respiratory problems are among the main causes of mortality for preterm newborns with pulmonary diseases; mechanical ventilation provides standard care, but long-term complications are still largely reported. In this framework, continuous medical education is mandatory to correctly manage assistance devices. However, commercially available neonatal respiratory simulators are rarely suitable for representing anatomical and physiological conditions; a step toward high-fidelity simulation, therefore, is essential for nurses and neonatologists to acquire the practice needed without any risk. An innovative multi-compartmental infant respirator simulator based on a five-lobe model was developed to reproduce different physio-pathological conditions in infants and to simulate many different kinds of clinical scenarios. The work consisted of three phases: (1) a theoretical study and modeling phase, (2) a prototyping phase, and (3) testing of the simulation software during training courses. The neonatal pulmonary simulator produced allows the replication and evaluation of different mechanical ventilation modalities in infants suffering from many different kinds of respiratory physio-pathological conditions. In particular, the system provides variable compliances for each lobe in an independent manner and different resistance levels for the airway branches; moreover, it allows the trainer to simulate both autonomous and mechanically assisted respiratory cycles in newborns. The developed and tested simulator is a significant contribution to the field of medical simulation in neonatology, as it makes it possible to choose the best ventilation strategy and to perform fully aware management of ventilation parameters.
Towards optimal design of sport footwear based on muscle activity and minimum loading rate using simplified model
Authors: Khassetarash Arash , Hassannejad Reza
Published: August 2015

Recently, researchers have been looking for a model to relate the ground reaction force to the vibration parameters of sport shoes. A 4-degrees-of-freedom mass–spring–damper model and a dimensionless objective function have been used in the literature in order to simulate the functionality of the central nervous system based on muscle tuning paradigm. In this study, a two-phase optimization method was proposed in order to better simulate the functionality of the central nervous system. A comparison between the results of this method and those in the literature demonstrates more accuracy. Additionally, it has been reported that the loading rate in the time history of the ground reaction force has a role in overuse injuries in the tibia and tarsals; therefore, in order to introduce an optimum design for sport shoes, in this study, a new objective function was introduced and the proposed method was used in order to find the best possible range of shoe parameters for pre-fatigued and post-fatigued conditions. Results indicated that there is no possible solution which brings the loading rate to the desired value; however, the region in which the least values for the objective function achieved was introduced as the safe region. It was shown that the size of this safe region shrinks as muscles fatigue. The results also demonstrated high dependency of the safe region to the mass distribution and touchdown velocities of the lower extremities.
Real-World Impact of Setting a Narrow International Normalized Ratio Target Range in the Management of Older Adult Patients on Warfarin
Authors: Ong Peter Y. S. , Koomanan Narendran , Cheen McVin H. H. , Lai Yi Feng , Lim Seng Han , Kong Ming Chai , Ng Heng Joo
Published: August 2015

Introduction:

Elderly patients intrinsically have higher bleeding risks, deterring clinicians from prescribing them oral anticoagulants. Setting a narrow international normalized ratio (INR) target range might potentially mitigate some of these risks. This study sought to compare the outcomes of elderly patients who were assigned to either a narrow INR target range or the conventional INR target range in a real-world environment.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study with the primary and secondary outcomes being the mean percentage time above INR 3.0 and the mean percentage time below INR 2.0 and the incidents of bleeding and thromboembolism associated with oral anticoagulant therapy, respectively. Patients and health care workers managing them had no prior knowledge of this study.

Results:

Data of 150 patients with a narrow INR target range (2.0-2.5) and 164 patients with a conventional INR target range (2.0-3.0) were collected and analyzed. The narrow INR group had significantly higher underlying risks of bleeding than the conventional INR group. Patients in the narrow INR group had a significantly lower percentage time above INR 3.0 but no significant difference in the percentage time below INR 2.0. Adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) for bleeding events was significantly lower for the narrow INR group, while the adjusted IRR for thromboembolic events between both groups was similar.

Conclusion:

Patients assigned to a narrow INR target range in real-world practice spent a significantly lower amount of time below an INR of 3.0 compared to conventional INR target range with lower incidents of bleeding complications and no increase in subtherapeutic INRs.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Authors: Elsallabi Osama , Bhatt Vijaya Raj , Dhakal Prajwal , Foster Kirk W. , Tendulkar Ketki K.
Published: August 2015

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a fatal, multifactorial disorder, which may present with thrombocytopenia, hemolysis, acute renal failure, mental status changes and involvement of other organs. The pathogenesis of TA-TMA is complex and includes multiple risk factors such as certain conditioning regimens, calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), human leukocyte antigen mismatch, and opportunistic infections. The end result of these insults is endothelial injury in the kidney and other organs. Recent studies also indicate a role of complement activation in tissue damage. The lack of sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for TA-TMA often results in delayed diagnosis. Biopsy is not always possible for diagnosis because of the risk of complications such as bleeding. Recently, an emerging role of renal-centered screening approach has been demonstrated, which utilize the monitoring of blood pressure, urine protein, serum lactate dehydrogenase and hemogram for early detection. Therapeutic options are limited, and plasma exchange plays a minor role. Withdrawal of offending agent such as CNIs and the use of rituximab can be effective in some patients. However, the current treatment strategy is suboptimal and associated with high mortality rate. Recently, eculizumab has been utilized in a few patients with good outcomes. Patients, who develop TA-TMA, are also at an increased risk of GVHD, infection, renal, cardiovascular, and other complications, which can contribute to high mortality. Better understanding of molecular pathogenesis, improvement in posttransplant management, leading to early diagnosis, and management of TA-TMA are required to improve outcomes of this fatal entity.
Ehrlichia Meningitis Mimicking Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Dredla Brynn , Freeman William D.
Published: August 2015

Thunderclap headache is a sudden and severe headache that can occur after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention and hospitalization. Patients with thunderclap headache often undergo a noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) scan to ascertain SAH bleeding and, if the scan is negative, then undergo a lumbar puncture to look for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) red blood cells (RBCs), which would be consistent with an aneurysmal leak. If the initial CT is negative and CSF is positive for RBCs, patients are usually admitted to the hospital for evaluation of intracranial aneurysm. We encountered a patient with thunderclap headache whose initial head CT was negative for SAH and whose CSF tested positive for RBCs. The patient was referred to our center for evaluation and management of aneurysmal SAH. However, on careful review of the patient’s medical history, serum laboratory values, and spinal fluid values, the patient was diagnosed with Ehrlichia chaffeensis meningitis. While Ehrlichia meningitis is rare, it is important to recognize the clinical clues that could help avoid formal cerebral angiography, a costly and potentially unnecessary procedure. We present how this case represented a cognitive framing bias and anchoring heuristic as well as steps that medical providers can use to prevent such cognitive errors in diagnosis.
Boot Camp for Occupational Health Nurses
Authors: Wolf Debra M. , Olszewski Kimberly
Published: August 2015

Social media is a buzzword frequently referred to in marketing materials, general media, and personal conversations. Although many refer to the term social media, some individuals do not understand its meaning or how it affects their daily lives at work and home. Since the expansion of the Internet to web 2.0, multiple platforms of communication occur virtually through various social media. Understanding and learning how to use these platforms are essential to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues; advance connections to professional organizations; and extend educational opportunities. This article presents basic information for occupational health nurses to improve their understanding of social media and how to communicate virtually using different platforms safely and securely.
Transcriptome of the egg parasitoid Fopius arisanus: an important biocontrol tool for Tephritid fruit fly suppression
Authors: Calla Bernarda , Sim Sheina B. , Hall Brian , DeRego Theodore , Liang Guang Hong , Geib Scott M.
Published: August 2015

Background

The Braconid wasp Fopius arisanus (Sonan) has been utilized for biological control of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), and the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis), both of which are phytophagous fruit fly pests of economic importance in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. We have sequenced and assembled the transcriptome of this wasp using tissue from four different life stages: larvae, pupae, adult males and adult females, with the aim to contribute foundational resources to aid in the understanding of the biology and behavior of this important parasitoid.

Findings

The transcriptome of the parasitic wasp Fopius arisanus was sequenced and reconstructed using a strategy that identified 15,346 high confidence, non-redundant transcripts derived from 8,307 predicted unigenes. In addition, Pfam domain annotations were detected in 78 % of these transcripts. The distribution of transcript length is comparable to that found in other hymenoptera genomes. Through orthology analysis, 7,154 transcripts were identified as having orthologs in at least one of the four other hymenopteran parasitoid species examined. Approximately 4,000 core orthologs were found to be shared between F. arisanus and all four of the other parasitoids.

Conclusions

Availability of high quality genomic data is fundamental for the improvement and advancement of research in any biological organism. Parasitic wasps are important in the biological control of agricultural pests. The transcriptome data presented here represent the first large-scale molecular resource for this species, or any closely related Opiine species. The assembly is available in NCBI for use by the scientific community, with supporting data available in GigaDB.
Effect of the different assays of HbA1c on diabetic patients monitoring
Authors: Razi Farideh , Nasli Esfahani Ensieh , Rahnamaye Farzami Marjan , Tootee Ali , Qorbani Mostafa , Ebrahimi Soltan Ahmad , Nahid Mehrzad , Pasalar Parvin
Published: August 2015

Background

HbA1c test is widely used for glycemic monitoring of diabetic patients. This study aimed to evaluate clinical performance of different assays for classification of patients into controlled and uncontrolled group base on ADA recommendations.

Method

A total of 154 samples from patients with diabetes type 2 with HbA1c concentration covering the whole clinical range were analyzed by four commercially methods; D-10 Hb A1c (Bio-Rad Laboratories), Cobas Integra 400 (Roche Diagnostics), NycoCard Reader II (Axis-Shield) and DS5 (Drew Scientific). For each individual assay, patient’s results were classified into controlled and uncontrolled groups (less or more than three decision levels; 6.5 %, 7 % and 8 %) compared to D10 results as reference method. The frequency of each group and also sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value were estimated.

Results

We found a significant correlation between assays (r: 0.937–0.945). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the evaluated method to identify uncontrolled patients were as follows: 49.2–95.7 %, 86.5–100 %, 89.1–100 %, and 52.9–93.3 %; respectively.

Conclusions

Results show that some HbA1c assays capability to classify diabetic patients according to HbA1c level is still unacceptable.
Elastic P- and S-wave autofocus imaging with primaries and internal multiples
Authors: da Costa Filho Carlos Alberto , Ravasi Matteo , Curtis Andrew
Published: August 2015

Conventional seismic imaging methods rely on the single-scattering Born approximation, requiring the removal of multiply scattered events from reflection data prior to imaging. Additionally, many methods use an acoustic approximation, representing the solid earth as an acoustic (fluid) medium. We have developed imaging methods for (solid) elastic media that use primaries and internal multiples, including their PS and SP conversions, thus obviating the need for internal multiple removal and improving handling of internal conversions. Our methods rely on the elastic autofocusing method, which estimates full multicomponent elastodynamic Green’s functions from virtual sources interior to the medium to receivers placed on the surface. They require only surface seismic reflection data and estimates of the direct waves from virtual sources interior to the medium, both of which are commonly available at the imaging step of seismic processing. We tested our methods on a synthetic model with constant P and S velocities and vertical and horizontal density variations, by producing, for the first time to our knowledge, PP and SS images from elastic autofocusing that are compared to reference seismic images based on conventional methods. The effects of multiples are greatly attenuated in the images, with fewer spurious reflectors than are observed when using Born imaging.
Detecting clandestine tunnels using near-surface seismic techniques
Authors: Sloan Steven D. , Peterie Shelby L. , Miller Richard D. , Ivanov Julian , Schwenk J. Tyler , McKenna Jason R.
Published: August 2015

Geophysical detection of clandestine tunnels is a complex problem that has met with limited success. Multiple methods have been applied, spanning several decades, but a reliable solution has yet to be found. We evaluated shallow seismic data collected at a tunnel test site representative of geologic settings found along the southwestern U.S. border. Our results demonstrated the capability of using P-wave diffraction and surface-wave backscatter techniques to detect a purpose-built subterranean tunnel. Near-surface seismic data were also collected at multiple sites in Afghanistan to detect and locate subsurface anomalies, including data collected over the escape tunnel discovered in 2011 at the Sarposa Prison in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which allowed more than 480 prisoners to escape, and data from another shallow tunnel recently discovered at an undisclosed location. The final example from Afghanistan was the first time surface-based geophysical methods have detected a tunnel whose presence and location was not previously known. Seismic results directly led to the discovery of the tunnel. Interpreted tunnel locations for all examples were within less than 2 m of the actual location. Seismic surface-wave backscatter and body-wave diffraction methods showed promise for efficient data acquisition and processing for locating purposefully hidden tunnels within unconsolidated sediments.
Induced polarization response of porous media with metallic particles — Part 1: A theory for disseminated semiconductors
Authors: Revil André , Florsch Nicolas , Mao Deqiang
Published: August 2015

A model is proposed regarding the polarization of dispersed metallic conductors (e.g., pyrite and magnetite) in porous media free of redox-active ionic species in the pore water. We studied two cases corresponding to having a background material with or without chargeability. The model was based on the polarization mechanism of a single particle using well-established bounds for the reflection coefficient entering the definition of the dipole moment of the metallic grains. We used the Maxwell-Clausius-Mossotti mixing equation to obtain the complex conductivity of the mixture of dispersed metallic particles in the background porous material composed of the pore water and the insulating grains coated by an electric double-layer. This equation can be generalized to a mixture of various types of metallic particles (with their own properties) dispersed in the background porous material. Our model led to a very simple linear relationship between the chargeability and the volume content of metallic particles in the material. In addition, the chargeability depended weakly only on the shape of the spheroidal metallic particles as long as their orientation was random. The relaxation time defined from the phase peak frequency related to the diffusion coefficient of the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-charge carriers in the metallic particles. This diffusion coefficient was consistent with the mobility of the charge carriers derived from theoretical considerations or electric conductivity measurements. In the presence of a polarizable background (e.g., a clayey matrix), we found that the total chargeability of the material can be determined from the chargeability of the metallic particles and the chargeability of the background material.
Automated reflection picking and polarity assessment through attribute analysis: Theory and application to synthetic and real ground-penetrating radar data
Authors: Dossi Matteo , Forte Emanuele , Pipan Michele
Published: August 2015

We have developed a procedure to automatically detect, pick, and characterize reflections in either seismic or ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data sets. Accurate picking results are essential in many research and application fields and are mandatory to recover the underground stratigraphy and reflectivity and, therefore, to create a more constrained subsurface model. We use the cosine of the instantaneous phase to track events with lateral phase continuity and record them in terms of time-space positions, amplitude, and polarity. Moreover, we use the cosine phase to reconstruct the shape of the reflected wavelets by averaging it along the picked horizons, to recover the initial phase of each reflection and, therefore, their polarities. By comparing the polarities of the transmitted and reflected wavelets, we can recover the impedance contrasts in the subsurface and evaluate the properties of the materials. We applied the picking and polarity assessment algorithms to a synthetic data set. We inverted the picked amplitudes and traveltimes to test the accuracy of the procedure by comparing the calculated stratigraphy and velocity distribution with the initial model. The inverted results were consistent with the original data, with most discordances in the stratigraphy within a few tens of centimeters, using a wavelet with a central frequency equal to 300 MHz. Local larger discrepancies were probably caused by interferences altering the amplitudes and resulting in the overestimation of the impedance contrasts. We also applied automatic picking and phase assessment procedures to real glaciological and archaeological GPR surveys, in which the influence of noise and diffractions was critically evaluated by comparing the picked results obtained from raw and processed data.
Joint rough sets and Karhunen-Loève transform approach to seismic attribute selection for porosity prediction in a Chinese sandstone reservoir
Authors: Wang Zhiguo , Yin Cheng , Lei Xiaolan , Gu Faming , Gao Jinghuai
Published: August 2015

The Paleogene Lower Dongying Formation of the Bohai Bay Basin, China, consists of a series of vertically stacked sand-filled delta distributary channels. These laterally complex sandstones create the need for a precise interwell estimation of reservoir porosity. In this study, we integrated wireline logs from 101 wells and [Formula: see text] of seismic data to directly predict porosity in the area of an existing heavy-oil field in the middle of the Liaoxi Uplift, Bohai Bay Basin. The top and the bottom horizons of the target oil unit interpreted on high-quality 3D seismic data are used to constrain the time window for 41 horizon-based attribute extractions. Next, we used the joint rough sets and Karhunen-Loève transform (K-L transform) selection method to choose the optimal number and the type of seismic attributes that exhibit a high correlation with porosity. Finally, a method combinings multiple linear regression and radial basis function neural network was used to predict porosity based on the selected attribute subsets. After error analysis of the 101 wells, the results from the joint attribute selection approach showed the least prediction error at well locations because the joint attribute selection captured the linear and nonlinear relationship between attributes and porosities. We obtained a geologically realistic predicted porosity distribution using the joint approach, which suggested a network of main distributary channel sands characterized by high-porosity zones (approximately 32%).
EEG correlates of social interaction at distance
Authors: Giroldini William , Pederzoli Luciano , Bilucaglia Marco , Caini Patrizio , Ferrini Alessandro , Melloni Simone , Prati Elena , Tressoldi Patrizio E.
Published: August 2015

This study investigated EEG correlates of social interaction at distance between twenty-five pairs of participants who were not connected by any traditional channels of communication.

Each session involved the application of 128 stimulations separated by intervals of random duration ranging from 4 to 6 seconds. One of the pair received a one-second stimulation from a light signal produced by an arrangement of red LEDs, and a simultaneous 500 Hz sinusoidal audio signal of the same length. The other member of the pair sat in an isolated sound-proof room, such that any sensory interaction between the pair was impossible.

An analysis of the Event-Related Potentials associated with sensory stimulation using traditional averaging methods showed a distinct peak at approximately 300 ms, but only in the EEG activity of subjects who were directly stimulated. However, when a new algorithm was applied to the EEG activity based on the correlation between signals from all active electrodes, a weak but robust response was also detected in the EEG activity of the passive member of the pair, particularly within 9 – 10 Hz in the Alpha range. Using the Bootstrap method and the Monte Carlo emulation, this signal was found to be statistically significant.
Deep Sequencing of the T-cell Receptor Repertoire Demonstrates Polyclonal T-cell Infiltrates in Psoriasis
Authors: Harden Jamie L. , Hamm David , Gulati Nicholas , Lowes Michelle A. , Krueger James G.
Published: August 2015

It is well known that infiltration of pathogenic T-cells plays an important role in psoriasis pathogenesis. However, the antigen specificity of these activated T-cells is relatively unknown. Previous studies using T-cell receptor polymerase chain reaction technology (TCR-PCR) have suggested there are expanded T-cell receptor (TCR) clones in psoriatic skin, suggesting a response to an unknown psoriatic antigen. Here we describe the results of high-throughput deep sequencing of the entire αβ- and γδ- TCR repertoire in normal healthy skin and psoriatic lesional and non-lesional skin. From this study, we were able to determine that there is a significant increase in the abundance of unique β- and γ- TCR sequences in psoriatic lesional skin compared to non-lesional and normal skin, and that the entire T-cell repertoire in psoriasis is polyclonal, with similar diversity to normal and non-lesional skin. Comparison of the αβ- and γδ- TCR repertoire in paired non-lesional and lesional samples showed many common clones within a patient, and these close were often equally abundant in non-lesional and lesional skin, again suggesting a diverse T-cell repertoire. Although there were similar (and low) amounts of shared β-chain sequences between different patient samples, there was significantly increased sequence sharing of the γ-chain in psoriatic skin from different individuals compared to those without psoriasis. This suggests that although the T-cell response in psoriasis is highly polyclonal, particular γδ- T-cell subsets may be associated with this disease. Overall, our findings present the feasibility of this technology to determine the entire αβ- and γδ- T-cell repertoire in skin, and that psoriasis contains polyclonal and diverse αβ- and γδ- T-cell populations.
Methodological paradigm of the institution of entrepreneurship
Authors: Трошихин Владимир , Troshikhin Vladimir
Published: August 2015

The paper on the basis of system viewpoints attempts to substantiate the methodology of the study of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial activity and discloses the main concepts of their comprehension and interpretation. Special stresses made on the methodological importance of the theories of stratification and structural and functional analysis as well as on the concepts of X- and Y-matrix, while interpreting and studying various questions connected with entrepreneurial topic.
Management of labor activity: regional characteristics and factors of the future
Authors: Резанов Владимир , Rezanov Vladimir , Зверева Елена , Zvereva Elena , Шайкина Лариса , Shaykina Larisa
Published: August 2015

The article discusses the need for and feasibility of control employed in the context of predicting the dynamics of its promising factors and taking into ac-count regional and sectoral characteristics.
The problems of underestimating the cost of securities of Russian companies in the IPO process in comparison with overseas in 2008-2014 years
Authors: Гусев Андрей , Gusev Andrey , Капин Максим , Kapin Maksim
Published: August 2015

On the base of profitability analysis of shares at the close of the first day of trading and price range of issuer´s share offering price in the «inter-crisis» period from November 2008 to June 2014 the effect of partial adaptations to the IPO of Russia, the United States, Europe and Asia is considered. Conclusion is made, that there was a phenomenon of the partial adaptations of the IPO market and the existence of the phenomenon of the partial IPO market on United States, Europe, Asia, and it was proved empirically. At the last market phenomenon of partial adaptation is discernible most clearly in comparison with other markets.
The complex estimation of project efficiency
Authors: Тихомирова Ольга , Tikhomirova Olga
Published: August 2015

The article discusses the methods of estimation of project efficiency at various stages of projects’ life cycle, from feasibility study and cost estimate to estimation of efficiency of final product. The author gives standard algorithms and examples ofcalculations of the main economic indicators of investment efficiency.
Problems import substitution farmers markets
Authors: Узбекова Юлия , Uzbekova Yuliya , Кулапина Галина , Kulapina Galina
Published: August 2015

This article deals with the problems of substitution of imports of agricultural products in the Samara Region and the Stavropol region. Statistics tracked APC Stavropol region of Samara region. The main problems and developed solutions.
Real options method in the assessment of mining industry investment
Authors: Гусев Андрей , Gusev Andrey , Нарулин Денис , Narulin Denis
Published: August 2015

Investment in mining projects involves significant costs, long period of time, consistent type of investment decisions and complex mosaic of the many unforeseen factors affecting the cost of the project. Real options valuation (ROV) is one of the modern methods of assessment that helps in adaptation and revision of mining projects under uncertainty. Application of the method is technically demanding and requires a certain knowledge of the mining industry, and also has three main barriers: the problem of marketing, analysis and consequences. The mathematical basis of this method is a valuation model based on option pricing model, invented by Black — Scholes. List of alternatives and opportunities in project phases discussed in the article demonstrates perfect suitability of the mining industry for practicing different types of real options.
Methodology of business management and evaluating of its effectiveness
Authors: Матузенко Елена , Matuzenko Elena , Трошихин Владимир , Troshikhin Vladimir , Нестерова Людмила , Nesterova Lyudmila
Published: August 2015

This article discusses the principles, functions and methods of business management as a special case of management of the organization that has its own characteristics. The authors’ methodological position is based on the fact that the results of entrepreneurial activity are influenced by the efficiency of the use of enterprise resource as one of the factors of production. They offer their own algorithm of estimating the efficiency of business activities.
Role of road transport in production and social infrastructure of Russia and the prospects of its development
Authors: Хмельницкий Александр , Khmelnitskiy Aleksandr
Published: August 2015

The article deals with the problem of road transport operations in a market economy in Russia. The author carried out a critical analysis of the situation in the sub-sector on the basis of statistical reports and the results of scientific and applied researches conducted by scientific organizations and engineering companies as well as foreign experience of functioning of road transport. The author also presents the strategic ways of activities for innovative development of road transport.
Strategies of innovative development for large knowledge-intensive companies: institutions and instruments for change management
Authors: Нижегородцев Роберт , Nizhegorodtsev Robert
Published: August 2015

The paper discusses investment strategies of agents in technology markets (innovators, imitators, conservators), competitive strategies for innovative development as well as strategies of open and closed innovations. Some conclusions on innovative strategies of change management for large knowledge-intensive companies are drawn.