bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frailty Trajectories After Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease in Older Patients
Authors: Freiheit Elizabeth A. , Hogan David B. , Patten Scott B. , Wunsch Hannah , Anderson Todd , Ghali William A. , Knudtson Merril , Maxwell Colleen J.
Published: May 2016

Background—

Frailty is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes. However, its trajectory after coronary artery disease treatment is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Three hundred seventy-four patients undergoing nonemergent cardiac catheterization followed by treatment (ie, 128 coronary artery bypass graft [CABG], 150 percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], 96 medical therapy only) were observed for 30 months. A frailty index (FI) score was calculated at baseline (before initial treatment) and 6, 12, and 30 months after treatment. Random-effects models compared FI score trajectories by sex, age, and treatment group. Mean baseline FI scores were 0.170, 0.154, and 0.154 for CABG, PCI, and medical therapy only, respectively. FI scores decreased (improved) 6 months after initial treatment, then increased (worsened) at 12 and 30 months (
P
<0.001 for differences over time). Women had nonsignificantly higher FI scores than men (
P
=0.097) but followed the same trajectory (
P
=0.352 for differences over time). In patients aged ≥75 years, FI scores increased postbaseline for CABG and medical therapy only and after 6 months for PCI patients. Patients <75 years assigned to PCI and CABG experienced a sustained frailty reduction, whereas those assigned to medical therapy only showed stable frailty over the 30-month follow-up period (
P
value for differences over time by age and treatment group=0.041).

Conclusions—

With coronary artery disease treatment, frailty generally follows a U-shaped trajectory, but the pattern may differ by age and treatment. Further investigation is needed to confirm these observations and determine whether patients might benefit from consideration of frailty status.
In Liddle Syndrome, Epithelial Sodium Channel Is Hyperactive Mainly in the Early Part of the Aldosterone-Sensitive Distal Nephron
Authors: Nesterov Viatcheslav , Krueger Bettina , Bertog Marko , Dahlmann Anke , Palmisano Ralf , Korbmacher Christoph
Published: May 2016

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is rate limiting for Na
+
absorption in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron comprising the late distal convoluted tubule (DCT2), the connecting tubule (CNT), and the entire collecting duct. Liddle syndrome (pseudohyperaldosteronism), a severe form of salt-sensitive hypertension, is caused by gain-of-function mutations of ENaC, but the precise tubular site of increased ENaC function is unknown. In the cortical collecting duct (CCD), ENaC is known to be regulated by aldosterone. In contrast, we recently reported aldosterone-independent ENaC regulation in the early part of the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron. Here, we investigated ENaC function in the transition zone of DCT2/CNT or CNT/CCD microdissected from mice homozygous for Liddle syndrome mutation or from wild-type control mice. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were used to measure amiloride-sensitive ENaC currents in nephron fragments from mice maintained on different sodium diets to vary plasma aldosterone levels. Our data indicate that in mice with Liddle syndrome, the primary site of increased Na
+
reabsorption is the DCT2/CNT. In addition, increased aldosterone responsiveness of ENaC in CNT/CCD may contribute to salt-sensitive hypertension in Liddle syndrome. Single channel properties of ENaC were similar in Liddle syndrome mutation and wild-type mice, but ENaC expression at the apical membrane was increased in Liddle syndrome mutation when compared with wild-type mice, in particular, in animals maintained on a high salt diet. Our findings highlight the importance of ENaC function and regulation in the early part of the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron for the maintenance of sodium balance and blood pressure control.
Admission Heart Rate Predicts Poor Outcomes in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Qiu Miaoyan , Sato Shoichiro , Zheng Danni , Wang Xia , Carcel Cheryl , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Sandset Else C. , Delcourt Candice , Arima Hisatomi , Wang Jiguang , Chalmers John , Anderson Craig S.
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Faster heart rate predicts higher mortality in coronary heart disease and acute ischemic stroke, but its prognostic significance in intracerebral hemorrhage remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the effect of admission heart rate on clinical and imaging outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods—

A post hoc pooled analysis of the pilot and main phases of the Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial (INTERACT 1 and 2). Clinical outcomes were mortality and modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days; and imaging outcome was absolute growth in hematoma volume during the initial 24 hours. Patients were divided into 4 categories according to baseline heart rate (<65, 65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 bpm) and analyzed using multivariable adjusted models with the lowest heart rate group as the reference.

Results—

Of 3185 patients with available data, higher admission heart rate was associated with both mortality and worse modified Rankin Scale score: adjusted hazard ratio for heart rate (≥85 versus <65 bpm) 1.50 (95% confidence interval, 1.07–2.11) and adjusted odds ratio 1.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.63), respectively (both
P
-trend <0.05). There was no significant relationship between heart rate and absolute growth in hematoma volume (
P
-trend, 0.196).

Conclusions—

Higher admission heart rate is independently associated with death and poor functional outcome after acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00226096 and NCT00716079.
Determinants and Outcomes of Stroke Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention by Indication
Authors: Myint Phyo Kyaw , Kwok Chun Shing , Roffe Christine , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Zaman Azfar , Berry Colin , Ludman Peter F. , de Belder Mark A. , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Stroke after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a serious complication, but its determinants and outcomes after PCI in different clinical settings are poorly documented.

Methods—

The British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) database was used to study 560 439 patients who underwent PCI in England and Wales between 2006 and 2013. We examined procedural-type specific determinants of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and the likelihood of subsequent 30-day mortality and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (a composite of in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction or reinfarction, and repeat revascularization).

Results—

A total of 705 stroke cases were recorded (80% ischemic). Stroke after an elective PCI or PCI for acute coronary syndrome indications was associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes compared with those without stroke; 30-day mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events outcomes in fully adjusted model were odds ratios 37.90 (21.43–67.05) and 21.05 (13.25–33.44) for elective and 5.00 (3.96–6.31) and 6.25 (5.03–7.77) for acute coronary syndrome, respectively. Comparison of odds of these outcomes between these 2 settings showed no differences; corresponding odds ratios were 1.24 (0.64–2.43) and 0.63 (0.35–1.15), respectively.

Conclusions—

Hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke complications are uncommon, but serious complications can occur after PCI and are independently associated with worse mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events outcomes in both the elective and acute coronary syndrome setting irrespective of stroke type. Our study provides a better understanding of the risk factors and prognosis of stroke after PCI by procedure type, allowing physicians to provide more informed advice around stroke risk after PCI and counsel patients and their families around outcomes if such neurological complications occur.
Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Characteristics on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Relate With History of Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Selwaness Mariana , Bos Daniel , van den Bouwhuijsen Quirijn , Portegies Marileen L.P. , Ikram M. Arfan , Hofman Albert , Franco Oscar H. , van der Lugt Aad , Wentzel Jolanda J. , Vernooij Meike W.
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Because atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, presence and composition on 1 location may relate to ischemic events in distant locations. We examined whether carotid atherosclerotic wall thickness, stenosis, and plaque composition are related to history of ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods—

From the population-based Rotterdam Study, 1731 asymptomatic participants (mean age, 72.4±9.1 years; 55% males) underwent magnetic resonance imaging of both carotid arteries. We assessed carotid wall thickness, stenosis and plaque composition, that is presence of intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid, and calcification. History of ischemic stroke and CHD was assessed until date of magnetic resonance imaging. The study was approved by the institutional review board, and all participants gave informed consent. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were used to study sex-specific associations between plaque characteristics and clinical events.

Results—

We found that both carotid stenosis and intraplaque hemorrhage were associated with ischemic stroke in men but not in women (men: odds ratio [OR] for stenosis [per 10% increase]: 1.17 [95% CI, 1.06–1.30] and for intraplaque hemorrhage 2.39 [95% CI, 1.32–4.35]). In both men and women, carotid stenosis was associated with CHD (men: OR per 10% increase 1.12 [95% CI, 1.04–1.21] and women: OR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.03–1.34]) and carotid wall thickness was associated with CHD (men: OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.03–1.39] and women: OR, 1.21 [95% CI, 0.88–1.65]). None of the plaque components was associated with CHD.

Conclusions—

Whereas carotid plaque thickness and stenosis are associated with the history of ischemic stroke and CHD, carotid intraplaque hemorrhage is associated with ischemic stroke, but not with CHD, providing novel insights into the pathogenesis of cardiovascular events.
Neural Mechanisms Underlying Compensatory and Noncompensatory Strategies in Risky Choice
Authors: Van Duijvenvoorde Anna C. K. , Figner Bernd , Weeda Wouter D. , Van der Molen Maurits W. , Jansen Brenda R. J. , Huizenga Hilde M.
Published: May 2016

Individuals may differ systematically in their applied decision strategies, which has critical implications for decision neuroscience but is yet scarcely studied. Our study's main focus was therefore to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying compensatory versus noncompensatory strategies in risky choice. Here, we compared people using a compensatory expected value maximization with people using a simplified noncompensatory loss-minimizing choice strategy. To this end, we used a two-choice paradigm including a set of “simple”
Task-specific Aspects of Goal-directed Word Generation Identified via Simultaneous EEG–fMRI
Authors: Shapira-Lichter Irit , Klovatch Ilana , Nathan Dana , Oren Noga , Hendler Talma
Published: May 2016

Generating words according to a given rule relies on retrieval-related search and postretrieval control processes. Using fMRI, we recently characterized neural patterns of word generation in response to episodic, semantic, and phonemic cues by comparing free recall of wordlists, category fluency, and letter fluency [Shapira-Lichter, I., Oren, N., Jacob, Y., Gruberger, M., & Hendler, T. Portraying the unique contribution of the default mode network to internally driven mnemonic processes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A., 110, 4950–4955, 2013]. Distinct selectivity for each condition was evident, representing discrete aspects of word generation-related memory retrieval. For example, the precuneus, implicated in processing spatiotemporal information, emerged as a key contributor to the episodic condition, which uniquely requires this information. Gamma band is known to play a central role in memory, and increased gamma power has been observed before word generation. Yet, gamma modulation in response to task demands has not been investigated. To capture the task-specific modulation of gamma power, we analyzed the EEG data recorded simultaneously with the aforementioned fMRI, focusing on the activity locked to and immediately preceding word articulation. Transient increases in gamma power were identified in a parietal electrode immediately before episodic and semantic word generation, however, within a different time frame relative to articulation. Gamma increases were followed by an alpha-theta decrease in the episodic condition, a gamma decrease in the semantic condition. This pattern indicates a task-specific modulation of the gamma signal corresponding to the specific demands of each word generation task. The gamma power and fMRI signal from the precuneus were correlated during the episodic condition, implying the existence of a common cognitive construct uniquely required for this task, possibly the reactivation or processing of spatiotemporal information.
Neural Correlates of Word Recognition: A Systematic Comparison of Natural Reading and Rapid Serial Visual Presentation
Authors: Kornrumpf Benthe , Niefind Florian , Sommer Werner , Dimigen Olaf
Published: May 2016

Neural correlates of word recognition are commonly studied with (rapid) serial visual presentation (RSVP), a condition that eliminates three fundamental properties of natural reading: parafoveal preprocessing, saccade execution, and the fast changes in attentional processing load occurring from fixation to fixation. We combined eye-tracking and EEG to systematically investigate the impact of all three factors on brain-electric activity during reading. Participants read lists of words either actively with eye movements (eliciting fixation-related potentials) or maintained fixation while the text moved passively through foveal vision at a matched pace (RSVP-with-flankers paradigm, eliciting ERPs). The preview of the upcoming word was manipulated by changing the number of parafoveally visible letters. Processing load was varied by presenting words of varying lexical frequency. We found that all three factors have strong interactive effects on the brain's responses to words: Once a word was fixated, occipitotemporal N1 amplitude decreased monotonically with the amount of parafoveal information available during the preceding fixation; hence, the N1 component was markedly attenuated under reading conditions with preview. Importantly, this preview effect was substantially larger during active reading (with saccades) than during passive RSVP with flankers, suggesting that the execution of eye movements facilitates word recognition by increasing parafoveal preprocessing. Lastly, we found that the N1 component elicited by a word also reflects the lexical processing load imposed by the previously inspected word. Together, these results demonstrate that, under more natural conditions, words are recognized in a spatiotemporally distributed and interdependent manner across multiple eye fixations, a process that is mediated by active motor behavior.
Leveraging Passive Haptic Feedback in Virtual Environments with the Elastic-Arm Approach
Authors: Achibet Merwan , Girard Adrien , Marchal Maud , Lécuyer Anatole
Published: May 2016

Haptic feedback is known to improve 3D interaction in virtual environments but current haptic interfaces remain complex and tailored to desktop interaction. In this paper, we describe an alternative approach called “Elastic-Arm” for incorporating haptic feedback in immersive virtual environments in a simple and cost-effective way. The Elastic-Arm is based on a body-mounted elastic armature that links the user's hand to the body and generates a progressive egocentric force when extending the arm. A variety of designs can be proposed with multiple links attached to various locations on the body in order to simulate different haptic properties and sensations such as different levels of stiffness, weight lifting, and bimanual interaction. Our passive haptic approach can be combined with various 3D interaction techniques and we illustrate the possibilities offered by the Elastic-Arm through several use cases based on well-known techniques such as the Bubble technique, redirected touching, and pseudo-haptics. A user study was conducted which showed the effectiveness of our pseudo-haptic technique as well as the general appreciation of the Elastic-Arm. We believe that the Elastic-Arm could be used in various VR applications which call for mobile haptic feedback or human-scale haptic sensations.
Mutuality as a Postcolonial Praxis for Mission
Authors: Mainwaring Simon James
Published: May 2016

In an era in North-Atlantic societies of an increasing move away from religious affiliation and practice, churches have attempted to reimagine what it means to be Christian communities of faith with an eye on creating a spaciousness for the so-called non-believer. However, the same sort of intentionality has not been applied to what liberation theologians have called the ‘non-person’, those who live at the margins of society. Drawing from the conceptual framework of postcolonial theory, this essay presents mutuality as a praxis for mission, seeking to explore how ecclesial identity and authority, worship practices and service ministries might be reimagined accordingly.
Dante and the Construction of a Mediterranean Literary Space
Authors: Benigni Elisabetta
Published: May 2016

This article examines the ideological implications of the literary debate about the Arab-Islamic influences on Dante’sDivina Commediaand the emergence of the idea of Mediterranean literature. It traces the question of “influences” back to 16th century Italy, casts the modern controversy about Dante and the Arabs in the broader context of borders, and questions the definition of European and Romance literatures in relation to Arabic literature. It then focuses on the 20th century debate about the Arabic roots of theCommediain Italy, Spain and the Arab world in order to account for the reception and translation of theCommediainto Arabic.
Rubiparvus bistigma, a new genus and species of Empoascini (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae), with a checklist of the Alebroides group in Chinese fauna
Authors: XU YE , WANG YU-RU , LU SI-HAN , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , QIN DAO-ZHENG
Published: May 2016

A new leafhopper genus of the tribe Empoascini, Rubiparvus gen. nov., is described based on Rubiparvus bistigma sp. nov. from Yunnan (southwest China). Habitus photos and illustrations of male genitalia of this new species are given. Differences between the new genus and closely related genera are discussed. A checklist of the Alebroides generic group in the Chinese fauna is provided.
First fossil record of Ischaliidae Blair, 1920 (Coleoptera) from Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: ALEKSEEV VITALII I. , TELNOV DMITRY
Published: May 2016

Ischalia Pascoe, 1860, the monotypic genus of Ischaliidae, was placed as a subfamily among Pyrochroidae or Anthicidae by earlier authors. Nikitsky (1992) raised the status of Ischaliidae to the family rank. This position has been largely accepted and consequently followed by recent authors dealing with Ischalia, as well as in our paper. Ischaliidae is known from the Palaearctic (the Himalayas, East Asia: easternmost Russia, Japan, E China), South East Asia (southwards to Java, Borneo and the Philippines), and the Nearctic region (southern Canada, U.S.A.). No recent European representatives of Ischalia are known. At present, this genus is composed of 43 species worldwide (Gusakov & Telnov 2007; Saitô 2011; Young 2011; Young 2014; Saitô & Young 2015) placed in three subgenera (Young 2011): Ischalia s. str.—37 species, Eupleurida LeConte, 1862—5 species, Nitidischalia Young, 2011—1 species. Ischaliidae is most diverse in tropical rainforests, but many species are also known from subtropical to temperate zones. Adults and larvae of two Nearctic Ischalia feed on fungal mycelium growing on decaying wood of coniferous and broad-leaved trees (e.g. Pinus ponderosa, Lithocarpus densiflora) (Young 1985). Mimicry has been described among Bornean Ischaliidae, Tenebrionidae and Chrysomelidae (Telnov 2005) and also among Ischaliidae, Omalisidae, Lycidae and Endomychidae (Kazantsev & Young 2010).
Spectra Transfer Between a Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Laboratory and a Miniaturized Handheld Near-Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Hoffmann Uwe , Pfeifer Frank , Hsuing Chang , Siesler Heinz W.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this contribution is to demonstrate the transfer of spectra that have been measured on two different laboratory Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectrometers to the format of a handheld instrument by measuring only a few samples with both spectrometer types. Thus, despite the extreme differences in spectral range and resolution, spectral data sets that have been collected and quantitative as well as qualitative calibrations that have been developed thereof, respectively, over a long period on a laboratory instrument can be conveniently transferred to the handheld system. Thus, the necessity to prepare completely new calibration samples and the effort required to develop calibration models when changing hardware platforms is minimized. The enabling procedure is based on piecewise direct standardization (PDS) and will be described for the data sets of a quantitative and a qualitative application case study. For this purpose the spectra measured on the FT-NIR laboratory spectrometers were used as “master” data and transferred to the “target” format of the handheld instrument. The quantitative test study refers to transmission spectra of three-component liquid solvent mixtures whereas the qualitative application example encompasses diffuse reflection spectra of six different current polymers. To prove the performance of the transfer procedure for quantitative applications, partial least squares (PLS-1) calibrations were developed for the individual components of the solvent mixtures with spectra transferred from the master to the target instrument and the cross-validation parameters were compared with the corresponding parameters obtained for spectra measured on the master and target instruments, respectively. To test the retention of the discrimination ability of the transferred polymer spectra sets principal component analyses (PCAs) were applied exemplarily for three of the six investigated polymers and their identification was demonstrated by Mahalanobis distance plots for all polymers.
Writing Disabilities in Spanish-Speaking Children: Introduction to the Special Series
Authors: Jiménez Juan E.
Published: May 2016

This special issue of the Journal of Learning Disabilities focuses on studies of writing disabilities in Spanish-speaking children. The World Health Organization (2001) included writing difficulties as one of the problems considered to constitute an impediment to school participation, a significant element in the normal developmental process of the child. In this introduction, I describe the background of a larger project promoted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This special series offers recent findings on writing disabilities in Spanish-Speaking children within the UNESCO project. The pilot study was carried out in the Canary Islands, an autonomous Spanish region located between three continents and composed of seven islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the current empirical evidence on writing disabilities comes from English, a language with deep orthography; therefore, it is very relevant to investigate the writing process in Spanish, a language with shallow, fine-grained orthography. Included are a number of articles that form a conspectus on writing disabilities in the Spanish language. Topics center on early grade writing assessment, prevalence of writing disabilities, handwriting and keyboarding, transcription and text generation, graphonomic and handwriting analysis, and instructional practices with an learning disabled population.
Lung Cancer Care Before and After Medicare Eligibility
Authors: Huesch Marco D. , Ong Michael K.
Published: May 2016

Uninsured and underinsured near-elderly may not have timely investigation, diagnosis, or care of cancer. Prior studies suggest Medicare eligibility confers significant and substantial reductions in mortality and increases in health service utilization. We compared 2245 patients diagnosed with lung cancer at ages 64.5 to 65 years and 2512 patients aged 65 to 65.5 years, with 2492 patients aged 65.5 to 66 years (controls) in 2000 to 2005. Compared with controls, patients diagnosed with lung cancer before Medicare eligibility had no statistically significant differences in cancer stage, time to treatment, type of treatment, and survival. Study power was sufficient to exclude mortality reductions and health service utilization changes of the magnitude found in prior work, suggesting that typically, appropriate lung cancer care may be sought and delivered regardless of insurance status.
Synchronization of chaotic Lur’e systems with state and transmission line time delay: a linear matrix inequality approach
Authors: Kazemy Ali , Farrokhi Mohammad
Published: May 2016

This paper is concerned with the problem of the master–slave synchronization of chaotic Lur’e systems with multiple time delays in their states and transmission line. Based on the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, some delay-dependent synchronization criteria are obtained and formulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to ascertain the global asymptotic stability of the error system such that the slave system is synchronized with the master. With the help of the LMI solvers, the time-delay feedback control law can easily be obtained. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated using some numerical simulations performed on two chaotic systems.
Adaptive control of variable-speed wind turbines for power capture optimisation
Authors: Jabbari Asl Hamed , Yoon Jungwon
Published: May 2016

Rotor speed control of wind turbines is a key factor in achieving the maximum power of wind. It is known that a high-performance controller can significantly increase the amount of energy that can be captured from this source. The main problem regarding this issue is the lack of information about the correct dynamic model of the system. This uncertainty of the model is generally associated with unknown parameters (structured uncertainty) and/or external disturbances (unstructured uncertainty). Some adaptive and robust control approaches are developed in the literature in order to deal respectively with structured and unstructured uncertainties. In this paper, to compensate for both types of uncertainty, a robust controller, which includes an adaptive feedforward term, is proposed to track the optimal speed. In addition to considering the uncertainties, another advantage of the presented approach is that, using a smooth control effort, it provides global asymptotic tracking. A complete stability proof of the system is presented, and simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the controller.
Performance of Fit Indices in Choosing Correct Cognitive Diagnostic Models and Q-Matrices
Authors: Lei Pui-Wa , Li Hongli
Published: May 2016

In applications of cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs), practitioners usually face the difficulty of choosing appropriate CDMs and building accurate Q-matrices. However, functions of model-fit indices that are supposed to inform model and Q-matrix choices are not well understood. This study examines the performance of several promising model-fit indices in selecting model and Q-matrix under different sample size conditions. Relative performance between Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion in model and Q-matrix selection appears to depend on the complexity of data generating models, Q-matrices, and sample sizes. Among the absolute fit indices, MX2 is least sensitive to sample size under correct model and Q-matrix specifications, and performs the best in power. Sample size is found to be the most influential factor on model-fit index values. Consequences of selecting inaccurate model and Q-matrix in classification accuracy of attribute mastery are also evaluated.
Query-specific signature selection for efficient k-nearest neighbour approximation
Authors: Park Youngki , Hwang Heasoo , Lee Sang-goo
Published: May 2016

Finding k-nearest neighbours ( k-NN) is one of the most important primitives of many applications such as search engines and recommendation systems. However, its computational cost is extremely high when searching for k-NN points in a huge collection of high-dimensional points. Locality-sensitive hashing (LSH) has been introduced for an efficient k-NN approximation, but none of the existing LSH approaches clearly outperforms others. We propose a novel LSH approach, Signature Selection LSH (S2LSH), which finds approximate k-NN points very efficiently in various datasets. It first constructs a large pool of highly diversified signature regions with various sizes. Given a query point, it dynamically generates a query-specific signature region by merging highly effective signature regions selected from the signature pool. We also suggest S2LSH-M, a variant of S2LSH, which processes multiple queries more efficiently by using query-specific features and optimization techniques. Extensive experiments show the performance superiority of our approaches in diverse settings.
Predictors of Failed and Delayed Decannulation after Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Isaac Andre , Zhang Han , Varshney Samarth , Hamilton Stefan , Harris Jeffrey R. , O’Connell Daniel A. , Biron Vincent L. , Seikaly Hadi
Published: May 2016

Objective

To determine the variables that are predictive of failed decannulation (FD), delayed decannulation (DD), and days to decannulation in patients who underwent head and neck cancer resection with free tissue transfer reconstruction for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care otolaryngology–head and neck surgery referral center.

Subject and Methods

Patients (N = 108) were included who underwent head and neck cancer resection with free tissue transfer reconstruction and tracheostomy between 2011 and June 2014. Patients with laryngectomy, previous tracheostomy, and other airway pathology necessitating tracheotomy were excluded. Preoperative patient variables and cancer site/staging variables were analyzed, as well as extent of structures resected and type of reconstruction. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to determine predictors of FD and DD. Cox regression analysis was used to determine predictors of days to decannulation.

Results

Of the 108 included patients, 16 had FD, and 26 had DD. Univariate analysis demonstrated that advanced stage (r = 0.233, P =. 021), total glossectomy (r = 0.924, P <. 001), anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction (r = 0.906, P <. 001), smoking at time of surgery (r = 0.319, P =. 002), and pack years (r = 0.322, P =. 001) were associated with FD. Cox regression analysis showed that total glossectomy, exp(B) = 15.837 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.949‐128.679); anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction, exp(B) = 8.439 (95% CI: 2.435‐29.620); and smoking status, exp(B) = 2.970 (95% CI: 1.617‐5.456) were independent predictors of days to decannulation and FD.

Conclusions

Patients with total glossectomy defects and those who continue to smoke are at increased risk for FD and DD. Aggressive smoking cessation programs may decrease the risk of FD and DD. Patients should be counseled about their risk profiles.
Mini-invasive high-tie by clip apposition versus crossectomy by ligature: Long-term outcomes and review of the available therapeutic options
Authors: Gianesini Sergio , Menegatti Erica , Malagoni Anna Maria , Occhionorelli Savino , Zamboni Paolo
Published: May 2016

Objective

The aim of the present study is to compare a mini-invasive (smaller than 2-cm incision) sapheno-femoral high-tie by clip apposition (HT group) with a traditional high-ligation by ligature (HL group).

Methods

One hundred fifty chronic venous disease patients were included in group HT and compared with 150 cases constituting the group HL. The main outcome was the sonographic detection of saphenous trunk recurrences. Procedural pain, esthetic satisfaction, and disease specific quality of life were assessed.

Results

At 4.5 ± 2.4 years follow-up, 8 cases (5.3%) of Great Saphenous Vein reflux reappearance were reported in group HT vs. 19 cases (12.6%) (odds ratio: 2.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.1–6.1; P = 0.04) of group HL. Esthetic satisfaction was scored as high and very high in group HT and HL, respectively (P < .0001).

Conclusions

Proper high-ligation technique provides satisfying outcomes both in terms of recurrence rate and patient esthetic satisfaction. The different outcomes obtained by the two groups encourage further investigations regarding recurrence pathogenesis.
Aid work as moral labour
Authors: Fechter Anne-Meike
Published: May 2016

This paper argues that some of the engagements and practices of international aid workers can be productively understood as forms of moral labour. Taking Hardt’s concept of ‘immaterial labour’ (1999) as a point of reference, the paper examines the moral practices that aid workers engage in the course of their work and personal lives. Much of the relevant literature focuses on the humanitarian imperative – that is, the implied moral responsibility of better-off nations and individuals to assist others in need. Less extensively, some development literature has adopted the understanding of aid and development assistance in moral frameworks of the gift, or ‘doing good’. What happens, though, in terms of experienced and practiced moralities in the concrete situations and scenarios generated by such helping imperatives? Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork among aid workers in Cambodia, the paper examines some of the perhaps inevitable moral entanglements which these workers find themselves in, and have to negotiate. The analytical benefits of framing these efforts as ‘moral labour’ include a broadened understanding of how morality matters in aid beyond the helping imperative, as well as a recognition that the significance of this labour does not rest on products that may result from it, but lies in the performance of the labour itself.
Epidemiology of High School Sports-Related Injuries Resulting in Medical Disqualification
Authors: Tirabassi Jill , Brou Lina , Khodaee Morteza , Lefort Roxanna , Fields Sarah K. , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: May 2016

Background:

Although rare, season- or career-ending injuries in young athletes are concerning because they can result in time lost from sport participation and school, social costs, and economic costs of medical care.

Purpose:

To describe rates and patterns of medically disqualifying (MDQ) injuries among United States high school athletes overall and by sport, sex, type of athletic activity, and mechanism.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

Sports-related injury data on high school athletes were collected during the 2005-2006 through 2013-2014 academic years from a large national sample of United States high schools via High School Reporting Information Online (RIO). MDQ injuries were defined as season- or career-ending injuries.

Results:

From 2005-2006 through 2013-2014, High School RIO captured 59,862 total injuries including 3599 MDQ injuries (6.0% of all injuries). Most MDQ injuries (60.4%) occurred in competition. Football had the highest injury rate (26.5 per 100,000 athlete-exposures), followed by gymnastics (18.6) and wrestling (17.9). MDQ injury rates were higher among girls in the sex-comparable sports of basketball (rate ratio [RR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-2.0), cross-country (RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-7.5), soccer (RR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-1.9), and track and field (RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.7-4.0). Player-player contact (48.2%) was the most common MDQ injury mechanism. The most commonly injured body site was the knee (33.7%). The most common MDQ injury diagnosis was sprains/strains (35.9%); the most common specific MDQ injury was knee sprains/strains (25.4%), with the anterior cruciate ligament being the most commonly injured knee structure. Among boys, fracture was the most common diagnosis in 3 sports, and sprain/strain was the most common in 6 sports. Among girls, sprain/strain was the most common diagnosis in 9 sports, and fracture was the most common only in softball.

Conclusion:

MDQ injuries vary by sport, sex, and type of athletic activity and occur most frequently as a result of player-player contact. These findings should prompt additional research into the development, implementation, and evaluation of targeted injury prevention efforts.
Osteogenic efficacy of strontium hydroxyapatite micro-granules in osteoporotic rat model
Authors: Chandran Sunitha , Babu S Suresh , VS Hari Krishnan , Varma HK , John Annie
Published: May 2016

Excessive demineralization in osteoporotic bones impairs its self-regeneration potential following a defect/fracture and is of great concern among the aged population. In this context, implants with inherent osteogenic ability loaded with therapeutic ions like Strontium (Sr2+) may bring forth promising outcomes. Micro-granular Strontium incorporated Hydroxyapatite scaffolds have been synthesized and in vivo osteogenic efficacy was evaluated in a long-term osteoporosis-induced aged (LOA) rat model. Micro-granules with improved surface area are anticipated to resorb faster and together with the inherent bioactive properties of Hydroxyapatite with the leaching of Strontium ions from the scaffold, osteoporotic bone healing may be promoted. Long-term osteoporosis-induced aged rat model was chosen to extrapolate the results to clinical osteoporotic condition in the aged. Micro-granular 10% Strontium incorporated Hydroxyapatite synthesized by wet precipitation method exhibited increased in vitro dissolution rate and inductively coupled plasma studies confirmed Strontium ion release of 0.01 mM, proving its therapeutic potential for osteoporotic applications. Wistar rats were induced to long-term osteoporosis-induced aged model by ovariectomy along with a prolonged induction period of 10 months. Thereafter, osteogenic efficacy of Strontium incorporated Hydroxyapatite micro-granules was evaluated in femoral bone defects in the long-term osteoporosis-induced aged model. Post eight weeks of implantation in vivo regeneration efficacy ratio was highest in the Strontium incorporated Hydroxyapatite implanted group (0.92 ± 0.04) compared to sham and Hydroxyapatite implanted group. Micro CT evaluation further substantiated the improved osteointegration of Strontium incorporated Hydroxyapatite implants from the density histograms. Thus, the therapeutical potential of micro-granular Strontium incorporated Hydroxyapatite scaffolds becomes relevant, especially as bone void fillers in osteoporotic cases of tumor resection or trauma.
Analysis of the Storage Methods for Raw Human Milk from Mothers with Infants Admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, According to Brazilian Regulations
Authors: Grazziotin Maria Celestina Bonzanini , Grazziotin Ana Laura , Vidal Newton Medeiros , Freire Marcia Helena de Souza , da Silva Regina Paula Guimarães Vieira Cavalcante
Published: May 2016

Background:

Milk safety is an important concern in neonatal units and human milk banks. Therefore, evidence-based recommendations regarding raw milk handling and storage are needed to safely promote supplying hospitalized infants with their mother’s own milk.

Objectives:

To evaluate raw human milk storage methods according to Brazilian milk management regulations by investigating the effects of refrigeration (5°C) for 12 hours and freezing (–20°C) for 15 days on the acidity and energy content in a large number of raw milk samples.

Methods:

Expressed milk samples from 100 distinct donors were collected in glass bottles. Each sample was separated into 3 equal portions that were analyzed at room temperature and after either 12 hours of refrigeration or 15 days of freezing. Milk acidity and energy content were determined by Dornic titration and creamatocrit technique, respectively.

Results:

All samples showed Dornic acidity values within the established acceptable limit (≤ 8°D), as required by Brazilian regulations. In addition, energy content did not significantly differ among fresh, refrigerated and frozen milk samples (median of ~50 kcal/100 mL for each).

Conclusion:

Most samples tested (> 80%) were considered top quality milk (< 4°D) based on acidity values, and milk energy content was preserved after storage. We conclude that the storage methods required by Brazilian regulations are suitable to ensure milk safety and energy content of stored milk when supplied to neonates.
The relationship between shared leadership and administrative creativity in Kuwaiti schools
Authors: Alanezi Ahmad
Published: May 2016

To continue to fulfill their social and educational role, educational institutions must develop or adopt modern leadership trends based on solid theory and proven effectiveness. Shared leadership is a method of management that allows teachers to participate in decision making and share in the implementation of those decisions. A study sample of 636 male and female teachers was selected randomly from the study population, teachers in the State of Kuwait. A questionnaire was used which covered four categories to determine the levels of shared leadership and administrative creativity in the representative sample. The tools used were Mehmadi’s questionnaire on shared leadership and its three dimensions, and Al-Angar’s questionnaire on administrative creativity. It was found that both shared leadership and administrative creativity were at high levels. It is argued that the high level of administrative creativity in the study sample can be attributed in part to the practice of shared leadership by academic department heads.
Aflibercept: A Review of Its Use in the Management of Diabetic Eye Complications
Authors: Akiyode Oluwaranti , Major Jateh , Ojo Abiola
Published: May 2016

Aflibercept is the most recently approved vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) inhibitor for the management of diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of this article is to review the efficacy and safety of aflibercept in the management of diabetic eye complications and to describe its place in therapy. Anti-VEGF agents have been noted in clinical trials to be superior to laser photocoagulation, the standard therapy ( P < .0001, P ≤ .0085, respectively). Aflibercept has been comparatively studied with other anti-VEGF agents, namely, bevacizumab and ranibizumab, and noted to be equally efficacious and safe in patients with mild visual acuity loss ( P > .50). However, in the treatment of patients with diabetic macular edema having moderate to severe visual acuity loss, aflibercept outperformed the other 2 anti-VEGF agents (aflibercept vs bevacizumab, P < .001; aflibercept vs ranibizumab, P = .003). However, additional studies are needed to fully appreciate the long-term safety and efficacy of aflibercept and the anti-VEGF therapy class.
Establishing Edoxaban’s Role in Anticoagulation
Authors: Guirguis Erenie , Brown Dana , Grace Yasmin , Patel Dimple , Henningfield Samantha
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This article serves as a review of the current literature regarding the role of edoxaban for the prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Until recent years, oral treatment options for both treatment and prevention of VTE and stroke were limited to warfarin. Dabigatran was the first new oral anticoagulant approved in over 50 years followed by rivaroxaban and apixaban. These new oral anticoagulants offer many benefits over warfarin. Edoxaban is the newest member among the oral anticoagulants and exerts its action by direct inhibition of factor Xa. It may offer some advantages in that it is the second Food and Drug Administration-approved once-daily anticoagulant available and does not interact with the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system. However, there are concerns in patients with AF and preserved renal function (>95 mL/min), as these cohorts experienced a higher incidence of stroke in trials.

Conclusion

Based on the 3 clinical trials, edoxaban appears to be a safe and effective factor Xa inhibitor in patients with a creatinine clearance of <95 mL/min. It will serve as an alternative anticoagulant for those with a preference for once-daily dosing and/or taking medications that interact with the CYP450 system.
Rigid ring with Bouc–Wen tire model for vehicle dynamic analysis
Authors: Na SD , Park DW , Yoo WS
Published: May 2016

Tires are one of the main automobile components that affect driving performance and ride quality. The rigid ring tire model had been widely used to characterise a vehicle rolling over uneven road surfaces. The stiffness of an rigid ring tire is calculated in the quasi-static state; however, this model is limited in its ability to represent the dynamic response of a tire. In this study, a Bouc–Wen type force element was included in the rigid ring tire model to enhance the dynamic response of a tire, and the effectiveness of the proposed rigid ring with Bouc–Wen model was demonstrated. To validate the proposed rigid ring with Bouc–Wen tire model, two experiments were performed. The first one was performed using a flat-trac test system, and the second one was a full-car test performed over a single cleat by using accelerometers and velocity sensors. For the vehicle dynamic simulation, the equations of motion of the vehicle were established using a functional suspension model defined in terms of the kinematic and compliance characteristics of the wheel and chassis. The simulation results obtained using the proposed rigid ring with Bouc–Wen tire model were compared with the experimental results, which showed both efficiency and accuracy of the propsed model.
Functional involvement of L-type calcium channels and cyclic nucleotide-dependent pathways in cadmium-induced myometrial relaxation in rats
Authors: Saroj VK , Nakade UP , Sharma A , Yadav RS , Hajare SW , Garg SK
Published: May 2016

Modulation of myometrial spontaneity by cadmium (Cd) and its regulatory pathways was studied in rat uterus in the absence and presence of blockers of different signaling pathways. Isometric tension in myometrial strips, under a resting tension of 1 g, mounted in organ bath containing Ringer–Locke solution (RLS) continuously aerated with carbogen, was measured using data acquisition system-based physiograph and Lab Chart Pro V7.3.7 software. Mean integral tension was measured for 8 min. Cd (1 nM–0.1 mM) not only produced concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on rat myometrium but it (10 µM) also significantly ( p < 0.05) inhibited calcium chloride and BAY K-8644-induced myometrial contraction. Glybenclamide (10 µM), 4-aminopyridine (1 mM), and propranolol (10 µM) failed to significantly attenuate Cd-induced inhibitory responses, while L-NAME (0.1 mM), 1H-[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 25 µM), and 9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine (SQ 22536; 1 µM) significantly ( p < 0.05) produced inhibitory effects on Cd-induced myometrial relaxation. Phenylephrine (1 nM–10 µM) and salbutamol (0.01 nM–0.1 µM)-induced relaxant effects on rat myometrium were significantly potentiated by 10 µM Cd. Thus based on the results of present functional study, it may be inferred that inhibitory effects of Cd on rat myometrium are mediated through blockade of L-type calcium channels and activation of NOS-NO-sGC and/or AC-cAMP pathways.