bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Game-Theoretic Solution for Virtual Routers with Padding Misbehavior in Cloud Computing
Authors: Bi Xia-an , Wang Xiaohui , Liu Hong
Published: October 2015

With the development of cloud computing and virtualization, a physical router can be multiplexed as a large number of virtual routers. TCP-based interactive applications have an incentive to improve their performance by padding “junk packets” into the network among real communication packets. This padding misbehavior will upgrade short TCP flows from “mice” to “elephants” and consequently lead to network congestion and breakdown. This paper presents a detailed solution and analysis for describing the normal behavior and padding misbehavior of virtual routers. In particular, a system model for analyzing behavior of virtual routers is based on evolutionary game model, and, through analyzing the stability of the equilibrium points, the stable point is the solution to the problem. The clear evolutionary path of network applications with the normal behavior and padding misbehavior is analyzed by the corresponding graph. Then this paper gives the behavior control suggestions to effectively restrain the padding misbehavior and maintain stable high-throughputs of the router. The simulation results demonstrate that our solution can effectively restrain the padding misbehavior and maintain stable high-throughputs of the router simultaneously compared with the classical queue management.
Automatic Prosodic Analysis to Identify Mild Dementia
Authors: Gonzalez-Moreira Eduardo , Torres-Boza Diana , Kairuz Héctor Arturo , Ferrer Carlos , Garcia-Zamora Marlene , Espinoza-Cuadros Fernando , Hernandez-Gómez Luis Alfonso
Published: October 2015

This paper describes an exploratory technique to identify mild dementia by assessing the degree of speech deficits. A total of twenty participants were used for this experiment, ten patients with a diagnosis of mild dementia and ten participants like healthy control. The audio session for each subject was recorded following a methodology developed for the present study. Prosodic features in patients with mild dementia and healthy elderly controls were measured using automatic prosodic analysis on a reading task. A novel method was carried out to gather twelve prosodic features over speech samples. The best classification rate achieved was of 85% accuracy using four prosodic features. The results attained show that the proposed computational speech analysis offers a viable alternative for automatic identification of dementia features in elderly adults.
A Multiperiod Vehicle Lease Planning for Urban Freight Consolidation Network
Authors: Yang Woosuk , Cheong Taesu , Song Sang Hwa
Published: October 2015

This paper considers a multiperiod vehicle lease planning problem for urban freight consolidation centers (UFCCs) in the urban freight transport network where short-term-leased and long-term-leased vehicles are hired together. The objective is to allocate the two kinds of leased vehicles optimally for direct transportation services from the associated origin node to the associated UFCC or from the associated UFCC to the associated destinations so as to satisfy a given set of period-to-period freight demands over a given planning horizon at total minimum vehicle allocation cost subject to demand-dependent transportation time restriction. The problem is formulated as an integer programming model and proven to be NP-hard in a strong sense. Thus, a Lagrangian heuristic is proposed to find a good solution efficiently. Numerical experiments show that the proposed algorithm finds good lower and upper bounds within reasonable time.
Effectiveness of Sorafenib in Patients with Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) Refractory and Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Arizumi Tadaaki , Ueshima Kazuomi , Minami Tomohiro , Kono Masashi , Chishina Hirokazu , Takita Masahiro , Kitai Satoshi , Inoue Tatsuo , Yada Norihisa , Hagiwara Satoru , Minami Yasunori , Sakurai Toshiharu , Nishida Naoshi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims: Patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) refractory to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) are considered to be candidates for sorafenib. The aim of this study was to evaluate the superiority of conversion of treatment to sorafenib on overall survival (OS) for cases refractory to TACE. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study carried out on 497 patients with HCC who were treated with TACE therapy at our hospital between January 2008 and December 2013. Fifty-six patients were diagnosed as refractory to TACE during their clinical course and they were divided into two cohorts, (1) those who switched from TACE to sorafenib and (2) those who continued TACE. The overall survival (OS) after the time of being refractory to TACE was evaluated between the two groups. Results: After refractoriness to TACE therapy was confirmed, 24 patients continued with TACE (TACE-group) and 32 patients underwent treatment conversion to sorafenib (sorafenib-group). The median OS was 24.7 months in the sorafenib-group and 13.6 months in the TACE-group (p=0.002). Conclusions: Conversion to sorafenib significantly improves the OS in patients refractory to TACE therapy with intermediate-stage HCC. Administration of sorafenib is therefore recommended in such circumstances of TACE treatment failure.
New Options of Apheresis in Renal Diseases: How and When?
Authors: Korsak Jolanta , Wańkowicz Zofia
Published: October 2015

The 100-year anniversary of the first experimental apheresis performed by John Abel on uremic dogs in 1914 provides the opportunity for discussion on the current state of classic apheresis as well as technological progress and clinical experiences with its new options presented in the world literature in the last 15 years, such as the following: double filtration, plasma adsorption and immunoadsorption, leuko- and cytapheresis and low-density lipoprotein apheresis. In our review, we highlight the potential limitations for further development of those highly promising techniques, such as the following: the lack of multicenter, controlled clinical studies; insufficient knowledge of the mechanisms of those techniques and last but not least, the restricted access to apheresis, caused both by high expenditure and organizational negligence, even in highly developed countries. Special attention was paid to the most recent recommendations by the American Society of Apheresis in primary and secondary renal diseases, which are the subject of our professional interest.
Modular PIC
Authors: D’Alessandro Roberta , Scheer Tobias
Published: October 2015

This article argues that there can only be one chunk-defining device in grammar: a theory cannot afford to have the same work done twice, once by phases, a second time by prosodic constituency. As it stands, however, phase theory is unable to describe all phonologically relevant chunks; these are too small and too diverse to be delineated. To qualify as the only chunk-defining device in grammar, phase theory therefore needs to be made more flexible—that is, to be adapted to the demands of phonology. To allow phase theory to describe all phonologically relevant chunks, we propose the separation of the Spell-Out operation from the Phase Impenetrability Condition (PIC). When Spell-Out occurs, every access point may or may not be associated with a PIC at PF, and the same optional endowment with a PIC holds for syntax. This is what we call Modular PIC. Empirically, on the basis of Abruzzese raddoppiamento fonosintattico and data from Bantu, we show that PIC effects in syntax and phonology are entirely independent: a given Spell-Out operation may leave traces in both modules, in either one, or in neither.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) – a century-old battle
Authors: Seid Awol , Fininsa Chemeda , Mekete Tesfamariam , Decraemer Wilfrida , Wesemael Wim M.L.
Published: October 2015

The encounter betweenMeloidogynespecies and tomato is many centuries old.Meloidogynespecies are known to cause high levels of economic loss worldwide in a multitude of agricultural crops, including tomato. This review was initiated to provide an overview of the damage potential ofMeloidogynespp. on cultivars of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and to compile the different studies done on the management ofMeloidogynespp. on tomato with particular emphasis on theMiresistance gene. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the damage potential of root-knot nematode on various tomato cultivars; its yield loss potential ranges from 25 to 100%. A range of management options from using synthetic nematicides to soilless cultures have been tried and are available for managingMeloidogynespp. Resistant commercial cultivars and rootstocks carrying theMigene have been used successfully to manageMeloidogyne incognita,M. javanicaandM. arenaria. However, virulent populations have been detected. Relying on a single root-knot nematode management strategy is an outdated concept and different management options should be used in an integrated management context by considering the whole system of disease management. In future management ofMeloidogynespecies, care must be taken in directly extrapolating the tolerance limit determined elsewhere, since it is affected by many factors such as the type of initial inoculum and physiological races ofMeloidogynespp., environmental conditions, types of cultivars and experimental approaches used.
Towards a better understanding of Tetrapyrgos (Basidiomycota, Agaricales): new species, type studies, and phylogenetic inferences
Authors: Honan Amy H , Desjardin Dennis E. , Perry Brian A , Horak Egon , Baroni Timothy J
Published: October 2015

Tetrapyrgos (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) is recognized as a genus characterized by basidiomes with a central or eccentric, well-developed stipe with a black to bluish black stipe base arising from a basal pad or disc; hyaline, inamyloid, distinctly tetrahedral basidiospores; non-gelatinous or weakly gelatinous pileipellis and pileus tramal tissues; and apically bulbous cheilocystidia with diverticulate central axis. It is distinguished from Campanella, which has basidiomes that are sessile or with a pseudostipe that lacks black or bluish black pigmentation, and does not arise from a pad or basal disc; basidiospores ellipsoid or bulging slightly on one side; strongly gelatinous pileipellis and pileus tramal tissues; and cheilocystidia typically with central portion of axis non-diverticulate. Analyses and taxonomic status of 16 species placed in Tetrapyrgos (and their reported synonyms) are provided, based on examinations of 80 recently collected specimens and 85 exsiccata. Nine species are recognized here in Tetrapyrgos, supported by morphological and molecular data, including two new species, T. longicystidiata and T. parvispora. The remaining 7 species are recognized as belonging in Campanella or are of uncertain taxonomic placement. Comprehensive descriptions for all accepted species, type studies, and phylogenetic inferences derived from ITS analyses are provided.
Hyophila flavolimbata, a new species of Pottiaceae from northwestern Yunnan, China
Authors: He Si , Yi Yan-Jun , Ma Wen-zhang
Published: October 2015

A new species of Pottiaceae, Hyophila flavolimbata S. He & Y.-J. Yi, is described and illustrated from northwestern Yunnan Province, China. The new species is most similar to H. involuta in having spathulate leaves with non-papillose leaf cells and two stereid bands in costa. Its distinguishing characteristics include a differentiated leaf margin bordered by 3–4 rows of lightly yellowish thick-walled cells, leaf cells completely plane on both abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces, papillose stem epidermal cells, a layer of pseudoleptoids developed next to hydroids in central strand, and the presence of subguide cells in costa.
The Arbitrary Definition of the Current Atlantic Major Hurricane Landfall Drought
Authors: Hart Robert E. , Chavas Daniel R. , Guishard Mark P.
Published: October 2015

A major hurricane [96+ knots (kt; 1 kt = 0.51 m s–1) of maximum sustained wind] has not made landfall in the United States since Wilma (2005). Recent elegant stochastic–statistical modeling estimates the return period of a 9-yr streak for this metric as 177 yr, suggesting extraordinary rarity, especially in the context of the length of the record (1851–2014). Current awareness of the drought is increased given that the 2015 hurricane season is expected to be suppressed from El Niño and the recent anniversaries of several noteworthy landfalls.

Yet, here we show that the significance or even existence of the current 9-yr drought is highly dependent on the metric used. Acknowledging that wind intensity estimates are binned every 5 kt and have approximate 10-kt uncertainty, we examine the same record using landfall thresholds of 95–105 kt. Using 105-kt landfall, 1993–2003 becomes a previously unreported yet more remarkable 11-yr drought and 1981–88 becomes an 8-yr drought. Further, landfall minimum sea level pressure is more reliably estimated than maximum sustained wind speed. For landfall intensities stronger than 960 hPa (a climatological threshold for 100 kt), the current drought disappears because of Irene (2011) and Sandy (2012). A coastline-independent yet nearby proximity metric is tested and reveals a nonexistent drought.

Accordingly, this study suggests the following: 1) Caution is advised when identifying a hurricane drought and its historical significance. 2) Using hurricane landfall statistics to infer a climate signal is fraught with issues (threshold, coastline, and potentially nonscientific contributions), regardless of intensity metric. 3) From a societal context, human and financial losses matter most, and Irene [2011; $8 billion (U.S. dollars)] and Sandy (2012; $88 billion) occurred during the current drought.
Effects of Climatological Model Biases on the Projection of Tropical Climate Change
Authors: Zhou Zhen-Qiang , Xie Shang-Ping
Published: October 2015

Climate models suffer from long-standing biases, including the double intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) problem and the excessive westward extension of the equatorial Pacific cold tongue. An atmospheric general circulation model is used to investigate how model biases in the mean state affect the projection of tropical climate change. The model is forced with a pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) increase derived from a coupled simulation of global warming but uses an SST climatology derived from either observations or a coupled historical simulation. The comparison of the experiments reveals that the climatological biases have important impacts on projected changes in the tropics. Specifically, during February–April when the climatological ITCZ displaces spuriously into the Southern Hemisphere, the model overestimates (underestimates) the projected rainfall increase in the warmer climate south (north) of the equator over the eastern Pacific. Furthermore, the global warming–induced Walker circulation slowdown is biased weak in the projection using coupled model climatology, suggesting that the projection of the reduced equatorial Pacific trade winds may also be underestimated. This is related to the bias that the climatological Walker circulation is too weak in the model, which is in turn due to a too-weak mean SST gradient in the zonal direction. The results highlight the importance of improving the climatological simulation for more reliable projections of regional climate change.
How Has Human-Induced Climate Change Affected California Drought Risk?
Authors: Cheng Linyin , Hoerling Martin , AghaKouchak Amir , Livneh Ben , Quan Xiao-Wei , Eischeid Jon
Published: October 2015

The current California drought has cast a heavy burden on statewide agriculture and water resources, further exacerbated by concurrent extreme high temperatures. Furthermore, industrial-era global radiative forcing brings into question the role of long-term climate change with regard to California drought. How has human-induced climate change affected California drought risk? Here, observations and model experimentation are applied to characterize this drought employing metrics that synthesize drought duration, cumulative precipitation deficit, and soil moisture depletion. The model simulations show that increases in radiative forcing since the late nineteenth century induce both increased annual precipitation and increased surface temperature over California, consistent with prior model studies and with observed long-term change. As a result, there is no material difference in the frequency of droughts defined using bivariate indicators of precipitation and near-surface (10 cm) soil moisture, because shallow soil moisture responds most sensitively to increased evaporation driven by warming, which compensates the increase in the precipitation. However, when using soil moisture within a deep root zone layer (1 m) as covariate, droughts become less frequent because deep soil moisture responds most sensitively to increased precipitation. The results illustrate the different land surface responses to anthropogenic forcing that are relevant for near-surface moisture exchange and for root zone moisture availability. The latter is especially relevant for agricultural impacts as the deep layer dictates moisture availability for plants, trees, and many crops. The results thus indicate that the net effect of climate change has made agricultural drought less likely and that the current severe impacts of drought on California’s agriculture have not been substantially caused by long-term climate changes.
“They have Moses and the Prophets”: The enduring demand of the Law and Prophets in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
Authors: Stigall Josh
Published: October 2015

The scholarly consensus has long been that Luke’s is the most gentile and, therefore, “universalistic” of the Gospel accounts in terms of its focus. Luke is concerned to show that the message of Jesus is not limited to the Jews, but is a message for all humanity. This scholarly consensus has not, of course, been without its critics, which is evident in the discussion of Luke’s posture towards the Torah. Although this article will not directly enter into the larger debate of Luke’s view of the Torah, it will instead focus on Luke’s parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus as an example of Luke’s concern for the enduring demand of the Law and the Prophets.
The fear of simulation: Scientific authority in late 19th-century French disputes over hypnotism
Authors: Hajek Kim M.
Published: October 2015

This article interrogates the way/s in which rival schools studying hypnotism in late 19th-century France framed what counts as valid evidence for the purposes of science. Concern over the scientific reality of results is particularly situated in the notion of simulation (the faking of results); the respective approaches to simulation of the Salpêtrière and Nancy schools are analysed through close reading of key texts: Binet and Féré for the Salpêtrière, and Bernheim for Nancy. The article reveals a striking divergence between their scientific frames, which helps account for the bitterness of the schools’ disputes. It then explores Bernheim’s construction of scientific authority in more detail, for insights into the messiness entailed by theorizing hypnotism in psychical terms, while also attempting to retain scientific legitimacy. Indicative of this messiness, it is argued, is the way in which Bernheim’s (apparently inconsistent) approach draws on multiple epistemic frames.
Armed Forces in India’s Northeast
Authors: Ngaihte Thangkhanlal
Published: October 2015

More than 60 years of de facto military rule through the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) 1958 in India’s northeast has engendered neither stability nor peace. Problems regarding the impunity of violence and crime, official corruption and the virtual collapse of the rule of law continue, but the Act remains in operation. This article attempts to reframe the debates on the AFSPA in terms of its necessity by turning the necessity argument on its head and arguing that the secessionist insurgencies which were originally used to justify the Act have actually long ceased to exist. Since the principle of existential necessity that provided a fig leaf to the Act no longer applies, its continued application needs to be re-examined. It is further argued that the Indian military’s increasing clout in internal security policy-making may have grave implications for Indian democracy itself, with negative impacts on the rule of law and in relation to safe inclusion strategies for India’s northeast.
Citizen Coproduction
Authors: Thomsen Mette Kjærgaard
Published: October 2015

Citizen coproduction, that is, citizens’ input to the provision of public services, holds great potential to improve services provided to citizens. It is therefore important to understand why some citizens are more likely to coproduce than others. Citizens’ skills and knowledge to coproduce are argued to be crucial for their contribution to coproduction, but research on this topic is sparse. Building on coproduction theory supplemented with theoretical insights from social psychology theory, the main contribution of this study is to develop theoretical arguments that describe how self-efficacy perception may moderate the influence of knowledge of how to coproduce on citizen coproduction undertaken by individual citizens. A large- N study in the field of education is used to examine this relation.
Cooperative multi-robot control for target tracking with onboard sensing
Authors: Hausman Karol , Müller Jörg , Hariharan Abishek , Ayanian Nora , Sukhatme Gaurav S
Published: October 2015

We consider the cooperative control of a team of robots to estimate the position of a moving target using onboard sensing. In this setting, robots are required to estimate their positions using relative onboard sensing while concurrently tracking the target. Our probabilistic localization and control method takes into account the motion and sensing capabilities of the individual robots to minimize the expected future uncertainty of the target position. Two measures of uncertainty are extensively evaluated and compared: mutual information and the trace of the extended Kalman filter covariance. Our approach reasons about multiple possible sensing topologies and incorporates an efficient topology switching technique to generate locally optimal controls in polynomial time complexity. Simulations illustrate the performance of our approach and prove its flexibility in finding suitable sensing topologies depending on the limited sensing capabilities of the robots and the movements of the target. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of our method in various experiments with single and multiple quadrotor robots tracking a ground vehicle in an indoor environment.
Endometrial cancer: correlation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) with tumor cellularity and tumor grade
Authors: Kishimoto Keiko , Tajima Shinya , Maeda Ichiro , Takagi Masayuki , Ueno Takahiko , Suzuki Nao , Nakajima Yasuo
Published: October 2015

Background

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) are widely used for detecting uterine endometrial cancer. The relationships between ADC values and pathological features of endometrial cancer have not yet been established.

Purpose

To investigate whether ADC values of endometrial cancer vary according to histologic tumor cellularity and tumor grade.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 30 pathologically confirmed endometrial cancers. All patients underwent conventional non-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DWI procedures, and ADC values were calculated. Tumor cellularity was evaluated by counting cancer cells in three high-power ( × 400) fields. The correlation between ADC values and tumor cellularity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) ADC value ( ×10−3 mm2/s) of endometrial cancer was 0.85 ± 0.22 (range, 0.55–1.71). The mean ± SD tumor cellularity was 528.36 ± 16.89 (range, 298.0–763.6). ADC values were significantly inversely correlated with tumor cellularity. No significant relationship was observed between ADC values and tumor grade (mean ADC values: G1, 0.88 ± 0.265 × 10−3 mm2/s; G2, 0.80 ± 0.178 × 10−3 mm2/s; G3, 0.81 ± 0.117 × 10−3 mm2/s).

Conclusion

There is a significant inverse relationship between ADC values and tumor cellularity in endometrial cancer. No significant differences in average ADC value were observed between G1, G2, and G3 tumors. However, the lower the tumor grade, the wider the SD.
Evaluation of guideline-adherent treatment in cluster headache
Authors: Lademann Victoria , Jansen Jan-Peter , Evers Stefan , Frese Achim
Published: October 2015

Background

Several treatment guidelines exist for cluster headache. However, it is not yet known how many cluster headache patients are treated according to these guidelines.

Methods

We enrolled 434 cluster headache patients with confirmed diagnosis referred to two tertiary pain centers. The history of treatment was registered and analyzed according to the treatment guidelines of the European Federation of Neurological Societies.

Results

Regarding acute attack treatment, 62.1% of the episodic and 71.0% of the chronic cluster headache patients were treated according to the guidelines. The efficacy rate was above 92% in both groups. Regarding prophylactic treatment, 31.3% of the episodic and 50.9% of the chronic cluster headache patients were treated according to the guidelines. The efficacy rate was 92.8% for episodic and 70.9% for chronic cluster headache.

Conclusion

The rate of guideline-adherent treatment in cluster headache is about 70% for acute treatment and about 35% for prophylactic treatment. The efficacy of this treatment is significantly higher than the efficacy of non-guideline-adherent treatment.
Is migration from Central and Eastern Europe an opportunity for trade unions to demand higher wages? Evidence from the Romanian health sector
Authors: Stan Sabina , Erne Roland
Published: October 2015

Industrial relations scholars have argued that east-west labour migration may benefit trade unions in Central and Eastern Europe. By focusing on the distributional aspect of wage policies adopted by two competing Romanian trade unions in the healthcare sector, this article challenges the assumption of a virtuous link between migration, labour shortages and collective wage increases. We show that migration may also displace collective and egalitarian wage policies in favour of individual and marketized ones that put workers in competition with one another. Thus, the question is not so much whether migration leads to wage increases in sending countries, but whether trade unions’ wage demands in response to outward migration consolidate collective solidarity and coordination in wage policy-making or support its individualization and commodification.
Reframing conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence: Bringing gender analysis back in
Authors: Davies Sara E , True Jacqui
Published: October 2015

Over the past decade, significant global attention has been paid to the issue of ‘widespread and systematic’ sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). To contribute to the prevention of SGBV, researchers have examined the relationship between the presence of armed conflict and the causes of SGBV. Much of this causal literature has focused on the individual and group perpetrator dynamics that fuel SGBV. However, we argue that research needs to lay bare the roots of SGBV in normalized and systemic gender discrimination. This article brings back structural gender inequality as a causal explanation for SGBV. In order to better understand and prevent SGBV, we propose a critical knowledge base that identifies causal patterns of gendered violence by building on existing indicators of gender discrimination.
Stepping Back and Listening
Authors: Gray Debra , Ross Kirsty , Prat-Sala Merce , Kibble Sharon , Harden Beverley
Published: October 2015

Previous research has highlighted that acute care provision can lead to a loss of confidence, control, and independent functioning in older adult patients. In addition, it is recognized that interactions between patients and health care staff are central to the prevention of functional decline in patients. In this study, we aimed to affect the staff–patient relationship by implementing a coaching intervention in an older adult acute care setting. Here, we report on staff experiences of this coaching approach. Data were collected from 16 members of staff via semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: Putting a Label on It, Stepping Back and Listening, Identifying the Opportunities, and Working as Team. Our findings show that a coaching approach can be successful in getting staff to reconsider their interactions with patients and to focus on strategies that foster the independence and autonomy of older adult patients.
Suicidality of young ethnic minority women with an immigrant background: The role of autonomy
Authors: van Bergen Diana D , Saharso Sawitri
Published: October 2015

Ethnic minority status and female gender convey a risk for suicidal behavior, yet research of suicidality of ethnic minority female immigrants is scarce. The authors of this article conducted qualitative interviews with 15 young women (of four ethnicities) in the Netherlands, who either had attempted suicide or contemplated suicide, and analyzed these in a narrative psychology tradition. Suicidality was associated with despair and frustration over the violation of the women’s personal autonomy and self-integrity regarding strategic life choices. Autonomy restrictions and violations followed two patterns, which are interconnected with four criteria regarding the capacity for autonomy. Findings are discussed with referral to Durkheim and feminist theories of autonomy.
Prevalence of neuropathic pain in early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Heitmann Henrik , Biberacher Viola , Tiemann Laura , Buck Dorothea , Loleit Verena , Selter Rebecca C , Knier Benjamin , Tölle Thomas R , Mühlau Mark , Berthele Achim , Hemmer Bernhard , Ploner Markus
Published: October 2015

Background:

Pain is considered a frequent symptom in multiple sclerosis. Neuropathic pain is the type of pain most closely related to the pathology of multiple sclerosis and its prevalence estimates vary largely.

Objective:

We prospectively assessed the prevalence of neuropathic pain in patients with early multiple sclerosis and investigated the association of neuropathic pain with other clinical parameters.

Methods:

A total of 377 outpatients with multiple sclerosis at an early disease stage were included in this prospective study. Mean disease duration was 4.2 years, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 1.6, 96.8% of patients were classified as having relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Neuropathic pain was assessed using the PainDETECT questionnaire (PDQ). Depression, fatigue and cognition were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC) and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test.

Results:

PDQ scores indicative of neuropathic pain were found in 4.2% of patients. Regression analysis revealed EDSS, BDI and FMSC scores as strongest predictors of PDQ scores.

Conclusions:

Neuropathic pain appears to be less frequent in early multiple sclerosis than expected and is significantly associated with disability, depression and fatigue. The assessment and therapy of pain in multiple sclerosis should thus take into account neuropsychiatric symptoms already at early disease stages.
From pest to partner: rethinking the Australian White Ibis in the more-than-human city
Authors: McKiernan Shaun , Instone Lesley
Published: October 2015

Calls to rethink our ethical and political responsibilities with nonhuman others abound recent work in cultural geography. Such work unpacks the more-than-human agencies reshaping and rematerialising our bodies and subjective knowledges. This article uncovers the coproduction of human knowledges and urban spaces by examining the problematic migration of the Australian White Ibis into Australian urban localities. We put forth a storied approach to human-ibis relations, capturing the multiple and situated experiences materialising our urban relations with the species. Drawing on ibis ethology, media narratives, personal and interviewee stories, we explore how ibis take part in the co-constitution of urban spaces and identities. In particular, we examine how the ibis as a pest narrative is mobilised and reproduced in public and media discourses that shape the species identity and influence modes of relating. Both the publics and our own personal intra-actions with ibis shed light on conceptions of nonhuman belonging, death and human desires for living-with. This article forwards a cosmopolitical approach to provoke a reconceptualisation of our ethical and political responsibility with urban ibis. We question the narrative of ibis-as-pest to forward ideas of living-with that provokes new modes of relating, uncomfortable for either party. Within these precarious relations, possibilities open for nonhierarchical modes of cohabitation, challenging our political and ethical responsibilities in living-with uncomfortable others.
Colour-enhanced light emitting diode light with high gamut area for retail lighting
Authors: Feng XF , Xu W , Han QY , Zhang SD
Published: October 2015

Light emitting diodes with high colour quality were investigated to enhance colour appearance and improve observers' preference for the illuminated objects. The spectral power distributions of the light emitting diodes were optimised by changing the ratios of the narrow band red, green and blue light emitting diodes, and the phosphor-converted broad-band light emitting diode to get the desired colour rendering index and high gamut area index. The influence of the light emitting diode light on different coloured fabrics was investigated. The experimental results and the statistical analysis show that by optimising the red, green, blue components the light emitting diode light can affect the colour appearance of the illuminated fabrics positively and make the fabrics appear more vivid and saturated due to the high gamut area index. Observers indicate a high preference for the colours whose saturations are enhanced. The results reveal that the colour-enhanced light emitting diode light source can better highlight products and improve visual impression over the ceramic metal halide lamp and the phosphor-converted light emitting diode light source.
Is Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Effective for Men With Poststroke Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms? A Single-Blinded Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Tibaek Sigrid , Gard Gunvor , Dehlendorff Christian , Iversen Helle K. , Biering-Soerensen Fin , Jensen Rigmor
Published: October 2015

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training in men with poststroke lower urinary tract symptoms. Thirty-one poststroke men, median age 68 years, were included in this single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Thirty participants, 15 in each group, completed the study. The intervention consisted of 3 months (12 weekly sessions) of pelvic floor muscle training in groups and home exercises. The effect was evaluated by the DAN-PSS-1 (Danish Prostate Symptom Score) questionnaire, a voiding diary, and digital anal palpation of the pelvic floor muscle. The DAN-PSS-1, symptom score indicated a statistical significant improvement ( p < .01) in the treatment group from pretest to posttest, but not in the control group. The DAN-PSS-1, total score improved statistically significantly in both groups from pretest to posttest (treatment group: p < .01; control group: p = .03). The median voiding frequency per 24 hours decreased from 11 at pretest to 7 (36%; p = .04) at posttest and to 8 (27%; p = .02) at follow-up in treatment group, although not statistical significantly more than the control group. The treatment group but not the control group improved statistically significantly in pelvic floor muscle function ( p < .01) and strength ( p < .01) from pretest to posttest and from pretest to follow-up ( p = .03; p < .01). Compared with the control group the pretest to posttest was significantly better in the treatment group ( p = .03). The results indicate that pelvic floor muscle training has an effect for lower urinary tract symptoms, although statistical significance was only seen for pelvic floor muscle.
Questionable Research Practices Revisited
Authors: Fiedler Klaus , Schwarz Norbert
Published: October 2015

The current discussion of questionable research practices (QRPs) is meant to improve the quality of science. It is, however, important to conduct QRP studies with the same scrutiny as all research. We note problems with overestimates of QRP prevalence and the survey methods used in the frequently cited study by John, Loewenstein, and Prelec. In a survey of German psychologists, we decomposed QRP prevalence into its two multiplicative components, proportion of scientists who ever committed a behavior and, if so, how frequently they repeated this behavior across all their research. The resulting prevalence estimates are lower by order of magnitudes. We conclude that inflated prevalence estimates, due to problematic interpretation of survey data, can create a descriptive norm (QRP is normal) that can counteract the injunctive norm to minimize QRPs and unwantedly damage the image of behavioral sciences, which are essential to dealing with many societal problems.
The obesity of bone
Authors: Greco Emanuela A. , Lenzi Andrea , Migliaccio Silvia
Published: October 2015

During the last decades, obesity and osteoporosis have become important global health problems, and the belief that obesity is protective against osteoporosis has recently come into question. In fact, some recent epidemiologic and clinical studies have shown that a high level of fat mass might be a risk factor for osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Several potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain the complex relationship between adipose tissue and bone. Indeed, adipose tissue secretes various molecules, named adipokines, which are thought to have effects on metabolic, skeletal and cardiovascular systems. Moreover, fat tissue is one of the major sources of aromatase, an enzyme that synthesizes estrogens from androgen precursors, hormones that play a pivotal role in the maintenance of skeletal homeostasis, protecting against osteoporosis. Moreover, bone cells express several specific hormone receptors and recent observations have shown that bone-derived factors, such as osteocalcin and osteopontin, affect body weight control and glucose homeostasis. Thus, the skeleton is considered an endocrine target organ and an endocrine organ itself, likely influencing other organs as well. Finally, adipocytes and osteoblasts originate from a common progenitor, a pluripotential mesenchymal stem cell, which has an equal propensity for differentiation into adipocytes or osteoblasts (or other lines) under the influence of several cell-derived transcription factors. This review will highlight recent insights into the relationship between fat and bone, evaluating both potential positive and negative influences between adipose and bone tissue. It will also focus on the hypothesis that osteoporosis might be considered the obesity of bone.
Educating Immigrant Women Through Social Support
Authors: Msengi Clementine M. , Arthur-Okor Helena , Killion Lorraine , Schoer Jennifer
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this case study was to describe a single multicultural women’s support program known as the Women of Care Project. The program was conducted in a community in the Midwest region of the United States and began in 2005 with a grant from the Open Meadows Foundation. Participants were volunteers who were recruited for the program through pre-existing access points to the Bosnian, African, and Hispanic communities, such as ethnic churches, markets, and key contacts within these communities. The support group format for the Women of Care Program was an open group format in which participants were encouraged to invite their friends to join. The initial support group consisted of women from various cultural origins, including Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Russia, Sierra Leone, Brazil, China, Taiwan, India, Nepal, Bosnia, Mexico, and the United States. This case study was based on focus group discussions, as well as observations and completion of evaluation forms. To analyze data, the focus group discussion notes and summaries were rearranged into recurring themes. The evaluation provided further feedback from the discussions to cement these themes. Findings suggested immigrants, especially women, benefit from support groups. Group involvement could empower women and increase their general sense of well-being in overcoming barriers they may face in transitioning into a new environment. It is recommended that host communities have integration programs which benefit both the host community and the immigrant: a win–win situation.
Developing Effective Diabetes Programming for Black Men
Authors: Hurt Tera R. , Seawell Asani H. , O’Connor Margaret C.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study is to obtain feedback from 20 men on developing effective programming to reduce the impact of diabetes (t2dm) among Black men. Three focus groups were convened in Des Moines, Iowa. Men were recruited, all either diagnosed with t2dm ( n = 10), pre-diabetic ( n = 1), or experienced t2dm through family and friends ( n = 9). The results highlighted themes related to t2dm knowledge, masculinity, and behavioral health; gender-centered diabetes management education; and family support and functioning. Men provided recommendations for program format and content, desirable facilitator characteristics, and whether to include spouses/partners, relatives, and friends. These results provide guidance and ideas to nurses wishing to enhance t2dm education and patient outcomes for Black men.
Diagnostic Imaging of Appendicitis With Supplementation by Transabdominal and Transvaginal Sonography
Authors: Hobbs Julia M.
Published: October 2015

Acute appendicitis is a condition that can affect any member of the population. Without timely treatment there is a high likelihood of rupture leading to peritonitis, and early diagnosis is imperative to obtaining treatment. Sonography can be used without fear of radiation exposure to the patient and with relatively little discomfort, ideal for pediatric patients. It can also be used with little patient preparation, with the possibility of a more rapid diagnosis than other imaging modalities. For patients presenting with atypical symptoms, sonography may be used to increase diagnostic accuracy, which will lead to a drop in the surgical removal rate of a healthy appendix. When diagnostic criteria are met, sonography results can be correlated with the patient’s blood test and clinical symptoms to make a positive diagnosis. The addition of the transvaginal approach for female patients has further increased the rate of success of diagnosing acute appendicitis, so that appropriate emergent surgery can be done.
Long-term remissions after FCR chemoimmunotherapy in previously untreated patients with CLL: updated results of the CLL8 trial
Authors: Fischer Kirsten , Bahlo Jasmin , Fink Anna Maria , Goede Valentin , Herling Carmen Diana , Cramer Paula , Langerbeins Petra , von Tresckow Julia , Engelke Anja , Maurer Christian , Kovacs Gabor , Herling Marco , Tausch Eugen , Kreuzer Karl-Anton , Eichhorst Barbara , Böttcher Sebastian , Seymour John F. , Ghia Paolo , Marlton Paula , Kneba Michael , Wendtner Clemens-Martin , Döhner Hartmut , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Hallek Michael
Published: October 2015

Key Points

Long-term remissions after FCR chemoimmunotherapy in previously untreated patients with CLL. Updated results on safety and efficacy of the CLL8 trial.
Analysis of 5’ gene regions reveals extraordinary conservation of novel non-coding sequences in a wide range of animals
Authors: Davies Nathaniel J. , Krusche Peter , Tauber Eran , Ott Sascha
Published: October 2015

Background

Phylogenetic footprinting is a comparative method based on the principle that functional sequence elements will acquire fewer mutations over time than non-functional sequences. Successful comparisons of distantly related species will thus yield highly important sequence elements likely to serve fundamental biological roles. RNA regulatory elements are less well understood than those in DNA. In this study we use the emerging model organism Nasonia vitripennis, a parasitic wasp, in a comparative analysis against 12 insect genomes to identify deeply conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) conserved in large groups of insects, with a focus on 5’ UTRs and promoter sequences.

Results

We report the identification of 322 CNEs conserved across a broad range of insect orders. The identified regions are associated with regulatory and developmental genes, and contain short footprints revealing aspects of their likely function in translational regulation. The most ancient regions identified in our analysis were all found to overlap transcribed regions of genes, reflecting stronger conservation of translational regulatory elements than transcriptional elements. Further expanding sequence analyses to non-insect species we also report the discovery of, to our knowledge, the two oldest and most ubiquitous CNE’s yet described in the animal kingdom (700 MYA). These ancient conserved non-coding elements are associated with the two ribosomal stalk genes, RPLP1 and RPLP2, and were very likely functional in some of the earliest animals.

Conclusions

We report the identification of the most deeply conserved CNE’s found to date, and several other deeply conserved elements which are without exception, part of 5’ untranslated regions of transcripts, and occur in a number of key translational regulatory genes, highlighting translational regulation of translational regulators as a conserved feature of insect genomes.
On Browder’s convergence theorem and Halpern iteration process for G-nonexpansive mappings in Hilbert spaces endowed with graphs
Authors: Tiammee Jukrapong , Kaewkhao Attapol , Suantai Suthep
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we prove Browder’s convergence theorem for G-nonexpansive mappings in a Hilbert space with a directed graph. Moreover, we also prove strong convergence of the Halpern iteration process to a fixed point of G-nonexpansive mappings in a Hilbert space endowed with a directed graph. The main results obtained in this paper extend and generalize many well-known results in the literature.