bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using DNA barcodes to assess identity and diversity of Dendropsophus minutus: Failure?
Authors: SMITH M. ALEX
Published: May 2019

The 5' end (Folmer or Barcode region) of cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1) has been proposed as the gene region of choice for a standardized animal DNA barcode (Hebert et al. 2003). Concerns have been raised regarding the decision to utilize this particular mitochondrial gene region as a barcode. Nevertheless, widely divergent taxonomic groups have reported success using CO1 for both species identification and discovery. The utility of CO1 for barcoding amphibians was raised early on (Vences, et al. 2005) and concerns for this group were reported widely (Waugh 2007)—although some considered that the reporting of the concerns outstripped the data that had been analyzed at that point (Smith et al. 2008). Indeed, our analysis of CO1 for a small group of Holarctic amphibians was neither more difficult to generate nor to analyze than for other groups where we have utilized the technique.
Echiniscidae (Tardigrada, Heterotardigrada) from Faial and Pico Islands, the Azores, with the description of two new species
Authors: FONTOURA PAULO , PILATO GIOVANNI , LISI OSCAR
Published: May 2019

Nine species of Echiniscidae (Heterotardigrada) are recorded for Faial and Pico Islands. Two of them, Echiniscus azoricus and Bryodelphax atlantis are new to science. Echiniscus merokensis Richters, 1904, Echiniscus perviridis Ramazzotti, 1959 and Echiniscus scabrospinosus Fontoura, 1982 are recorded in the Azores for the first time. Echiniscus azoricus n. sp. has dorsal plates sculptured with dark knobs surrounded by a ring of small pores. Lateral and dorsal appendages are spines B, C, D, E, C d and D d . Bryodelphax atlantis n. sp. has no ventral plates; it has small lateral supplementary plates between the paired plates, short filament A and a dentate collar on the hind legs with short and wide triangular teeth. A dichotomous key to the species of the genus Bryodelphax is also given.
Vosmaeria Fristedt, 1885 (Porifera, Demospongiae, Halichondriidae): revision of species, phylogenetic reconstruction and evidence for split
Authors: GERASIMOVA ELENA , ERPENBECK DIRK , PLOTKIN ALEXANDER
Published: May 2019

All species of Vosmaeria are re-described using type and additional material. The phylogenetic relationships between Vosmaeria ssp. and other demosponge taxa are reconstructed based on 28S-rDNA sequences analyses. V. crustacea, the type species, is widely distributed in the NE Atlantic and characterized by a thinly encrusting growth form, the location of ostia and oscula exclusively on papillae, a dense and firm ectosomal skeleton, the absence of subectosomal aquiferous cavities and the blunt distal tips of tylostyles. Hydrochemical conditions may account for the smaller spicule size of the White Sea population compared to those in the North and Barents Sea. V. reticulosa, known from the Chilean and Peruvian coasts, is distinguished by a massive growth form, a reticulated ectosomal skeleton, the absence of papillae, the scattering of ostia and oscula over the surface, the presence of subectosomal cavities and the acerate distal tips of tylostyles. V. levigata, known exclusively from the English Channel, shares the absence of papillae and the acerate distal tips of tylostyles with V. reticulosa, but the only surviving material consists of dissociated spicules slides, and consequently its status remains unclear. On the basis of substantial morphological differences we propose to split Vosmaeria into two monospecific genera – Vosmaeria, with type species V. crustacea, and Johannesia gen. nov., with type species V. reticulosa. Both genera clearly belong to Halichondriidae based on the tangential arrangement of the ectosomal skeleton, the presence of oxeas. Molecular phylogenetic analyses support a split into two genera and confirm the classification of both within the Halichondriidae.
A taxonomic review of the genus Frisilia Walker (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae), with description of two new species
Authors: PARK KYU-TEK , WU CHUNSENG , KUN ANDRAS , SOHN JAE-CHEON
Published: May 2019

The genus Frisilia Walker of the world is reviewed, with all of the 31 known species including two new species, F. cornualis sp. nov. and F. nesiotes sp. nov. The genus can be divided into the nesciatella and the anningensis species groups, on basis of the presence or absence of a median process of the juxta in the male genitalia. For all of the known species, we provide photos of adults and their male or female genitalia, all available taxonomic information including original references, type localities, type depositories, sources of available specimens, geographical distributions, and some recently collected data of the species. Frisilia striapunctata Wu is transferred to the genus Homaloxestis Meyrick, due to the normal slender labial palpus of the male and its wing venation. Frisilia drimyba Diakonoff (1967), known from the Philippines, is excluded from the genus Frisilia because of its lanceolate forewing with sharply pointed apex.
Additions to the holothuroid fauna of the southern African temperate faunistic provinces, with descriptions of new species
Authors: THANDAR AHMED S.
Published: May 2019

This paper is the third and the final one in the series reporting on the numerous lots of unidentified holothuroids received from the South African and Natal Museums. While the first two papers were limited to the fauna of the subtropical east coast, this paper is limited to the fauna of the temperate region of southern Africa, west of the Port St. Johns-East London area, encompassing the warm and cold temperate faunistic provinces, stretching into Namibia. It records and/or describes 23 nominal and four indeterminate species of mostly dendrochirotid holothuroids. Altogether seven new species and three new records for the region under consideration are included and some new data presented for previously described but poorly known species, where this was lacking. The new species are Sclerothyone unicolumnus, Ocnus rowei, Cladodactyla brunspicula, Panningia trispicula, Psolidium pulcherrimum, P. pseudopulcherrimum and Synallactes samyni whereas the new records for South Africa are Pannychia moseleyi Théel; for the temperate region, Pawsonellus africanus Thandar; and for Namibia, Pseudoaslia tetracentriophora Heding.
Phylogeny and revision of Diplectanidae Monticelli, 1903 (Platyhelminthes: Monogenoidea)
Authors: DOMINGUES MARCUS V. , BOEGER WALTER A.
Published: May 2019

A hypothesis on the phylogenetic relationships of diplectanid genera is proposed based on 36 morphological characters using cladistic methods. The analysis supports two subfamilies, Diplectaninae Monticelli, 1903 and Lamellodiscinae Oliver, 1969, and the proposal of two new subfamilies: Nasobranchitrematinae n. subfam., monotypic, composed by Nasobranchitrema Yamaguti, 1965; and Pseudomurraytrematoidinae n. subfam. comprising Pseudomurraytrematoides n.gen. Murraytrematoides pricei (Caballero, Bravo-Hollis & Grocott, 1955) is transferred to Pseudomurraytrematoides as P. pricei comb. n. Lamellodiscinae is supported by two synapomorphies and comprises Calydiscoides, Protolamellodiscus, Lamellodiscus, Telegamatrix and Furnestinia. The analysis indicates that Lamellodiscus is polyphyletic. Diplectaninae comprises Paradiplectanum n. gen., Rhabdosynochus, Pseudodiplectanum, Monoplectanum, Latericaecum, Pseudolamellodiscus, Acleotrema, Diplectanum, Lobotrema, Murraytrema, Lepidotrema, Spinomatrix, Rhamnocercus, Rhamnocercoides, Oliveriplectanum n. gen., Murraytrematoides, Anoplectanum, Laticola, Pseudorhabdosynochus and Echinoplectanum. Rhabdosynochinae Oliver, 1987; Rhamnocercinae Monaco, Wood & Mizelle, 1954; and Murraytrematoidinae Oliver, 1982 are considered junior synonyms of Diplectaninae. Diplectanum is restricted to species that present (1) male copulatory organ with nested tubes; (2) accessory copulatory organ; (3) prostatic reservoir separated into three zones; (4) ventral and dorsal squamodiscs. Based on the analysis, Cornutohaptor Mendonza-Franco, Violante-González & Vidal-Martinez, 2006 is a junior synonym of Rhabdosynochus Mizelle & Blatz, 1941. Diplectanum cazauxi Oliver & Paperna, 1984 is transferred to Latericaecum as L. cazauxi (Oliver & Paperna, 1984) comb. n. Diplectanocotyla, Lamellodiscinae and Diplectaninae are considered sedis mutabilis.
A new ricinuleid of the genus Ricinoides Ewing (Arachnida, Ricinulei) from Ghana
Authors: NASKRECKI PIOTR
Published: May 2019

A new species of ricinuleid, Ricinoides atewa n. sp., is described from the Eastern Region of Ghana. This species is the largest known extant ricinuleid. It is associated with undisturbed, closed canopy, mid-elevation evergreen forests. Comparative illustrations are provided for the related species R. afzelii (Thorell, 1892).
Description of Harpactea sadistica n. sp. (Araneae: Dysderidae) - a haplogyne spider with reduced female genitalia
Authors: ŘEZÁČ MILAN
Published: May 2019

Spiders of the genus Harpactea (Araneae: Dysderidae) are non-web building predators that forage on the ground and on tree trunks at night. During the day, they hide in silk retreats under stones or wood, in leaf litter or under tree bark. They occur mainly in xerothermic forests (see Deeleman-Reinhold 1993). Harpactea is the second most speciose dysderid genus (after Dysdera), with 149 described and valid species (Platnick 2007). Interestingly, almost all species appear to be endemics that are narrowly restricted to parts of the Mediterranean, with only some representatives also found in adjacent areas (Platnick 2007). The contributions to the Harpactea fauna of the Middle East were made by Denis (1955), who described the two new species from Lebanon (Harpactea rugichelis Denis, 1955 and H. straba Denis, 1955), and by Brignoli (1978), who described the species Harpactea herodis Brignoli, 1978 from Israel.
First checklist of pyraloid moths (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea) in Croatia
Authors: GUMHALTER DANIJELA
Published: May 2019

This article represents the first published checklist of Pyraloidea in Croatia, including a total of 363 species; 201 Crambidae and 162 Pyralidae. This represents about 43% of the European pyraloid fauna. The checklist is based on historic documents and recent publications, examination of specimens from museum collections in Croatia and unpublished results from private field investigation. It provides references to the publication and/or collection, sorted from the first records in the past until present day. The categories included in this list are families, subfamilies, genera, tribes and species. The current species name is followed by synonyms under which it was published in the past, sometimes including the categories subspecies, varieties and forms. In addition to this, several interesting species and their status are discussed. Furthermore, the distribution of all listed species is given according to the three biogeographical zones of Croatia. This is followed by an analysis of occurrence in the biogeographical zones and a comparison of the exploration level of other European coutries from the region.
Dynamical Aquaplanet Experiments with Uniform Thermal Forcing: System Dynamics and Implications for Tropical Cyclone Genesis and Size
Authors: Chavas Daniel R. , Reed Kevin A.
Published: May 2019

Existing hypotheses for the dynamical dependence of tropical cyclone genesis and size on latitude depend principally on the Coriolis parameter f. These hypotheses are tested via dynamical aquaplanet experiments with uniform thermal forcing in which planetary rotation rate and planetary radius are varied relative to Earth values; the control simulation is also compared to a present-day Earth simulation. Storm genesis rate collapses to a quasi-universal dependence on f that attains its maximum at the critical latitude, where the inverse-f scale and Rhines scale are equal. Minimum genesis distance from the equator is set by the equatorial Rhines (or deformation) scale and not by a minimum value of f. Outer storm size qualitatively follows the smaller of the two length scales, including a slow increase with latitude equatorward of 45° in the control simulation, similar to the Earth simulation. The latitude of peak size scales with the critical latitude for varying planetary radius but not rotation rate, possibly because of the dependence of genesis specifically on f. The latitudes of peak size and peak packing density scale closely together. Results suggest that temporal effects and interstorm interaction may be significant for size dynamics. More generally, the critical latitude separates two regimes: 1) a mixed wave–cyclone equatorial belt, where wave effects are strong and the Rhines scale likely limits storm size, and 2) a cyclone-filled polar cap, where wave effects are weak and cyclones persist. The large-planet limit predicts a world nearly covered with long-lived storms, equivalent to the f plane. Overall, spherical geometry is likely important for understanding tropical cyclone genesis and size on Earthlike planets.
Extratropical Transition of Hurricane Irene (2011) in a Changing Climate
Authors: Jung Chunyong , Lackmann Gary M.
Published: May 2019

Tropical cyclones (TCs) undergoing strong extratropical transition (ET) can produce adverse societal impacts in areas that rarely experience direct TC impacts. This, in conjunction with projected environmental changes in climatological ET regions, motivates the investigation of possible future changes in ET characteristics. We utilize a small ensemble of numerical model simulations to examine how warming affects the ET of Hurricane Irene. To assess the effects of climate change, we use the pseudo-global warming method in which thermodynamic changes, derived from an ensemble of 20 CMIP5 GCMs, are applied to analyzed initial and lateral boundary conditions of model simulations. We find increased storm intensity in the future simulations, both in reduced minimum sea level pressure and strengthened 10-m wind speed. Storm-centered composites indicate a strengthening of tropospheric potential vorticity near the center of Irene, consistent with enhanced latent heat release. The results also demonstrate that Irene’s precipitation in the warmed simulations increases at a rate that exceeds Clausius–Clapeyron scaling, owing to enhanced moisture flux convergence and an additional contribution from increased surface evaporation. The duration of the transition process increased in the warmed simulations due to a weakened midtropospheric trough and reduced vertical wind shear and meridional SST gradient with a slower northward translation. These results suggest that transitioning storms may exhibit an increased ability to extend TC-like conditions poleward, and motivates additional research.
Charles Kingsley as Historian and Historical Novelist, On Asceticism, Mysticism, and Scripture
Authors: Horbury William
Published: May 2019

This article is a revised version of a talk, which formed one of a series at Chester Cathedral organized by Professor George Brooke to mark the 150th anniversary of Kingsley’s installation as canon of Chester, and the bicentenary of his birth.
Irenaeus on Adam’s Sin
Authors: Choi Michael Jin
Published: May 2019

What was the nature of Adam’s sin according to Irenaeus? It can be understood most lucidly from the standpoint of the temptation account of the last Adam. This article’s main purpose is to propose that for Irenaeus the original sin of humanity was essentially rooted in Adam’s failure to become established in his identity by always looking to God to be nurtured, matured, and perfected through his ongoing relationship with his creator. The three responses to the tempter by the last Adam reveal the true identity of the imago Dei, by exhibiting the three critical dimensions of self-concept which were neglected in the first couple.
A Move-marker List: A Study of Rhetorical Move-lexis Linguistic Realizations of Research Article Abstracts in Social and Behavioural Sciences
Authors: Khany Reza , Malmir Bahareh
Published: May 2019

While a wealth of research is available on the frequent multi-word units in academic genres, studies that exclusively link lexical sequences to the rhetorical moves in research articles (RAs) are fairly limited. This study involved compiling a corpus of 8,500 RA abstracts sampled from five disciplines of economics, law, political sciences, psychology, and sociology in social and behavioural sciences. Three to nine-word ngrams were generated using AntConc 3.4.4, which is a freeware corpus analysis toolkit. All the ngrams were studied in their contexts through concordance analysis and classified based on the rhetorical moves in which they occurred using the move structure taxonomy suggested by Hatzitheodorou (2014). Eventually, ngrams were processed at multiple levels and synthesized into 84 move-marker structures. This study offers insights into the linguistic realizations of moves in RA abstracts and introduces the concept of move-marker structures. In so doing, the potentials of positionally variable move-marker structures in improving English for Academic Purposes (EAP)/English for Specific Purposes (ESP) learners’ phraseological competence are suggested.
Firefly artificial intelligence technique for model order reduction with substructure preservation
Authors: Alsmadi Othman , Al-Smadi Adnan , Gharaibeh Esra’a
Published: May 2019

Model order reduction (MOR) is a process of finding a lower order model for the original high order system with reasonable accuracy in order to simplify analysis, design, modeling and simulation for large complex systems. It is desirable that the reduced order model preserves the fundamental properties of the original system. This paper presents a new MOR technique of multi-input multi-output systems utilizing the firefly algorithm (FA) as an artificial intelligence technique. The reduction operation is proposed to maintain the exact dominant dynamics in the reduced order model with the advantage of substructure preservation. This is mainly possible for systems that are characterized as multi-time scale systems. Obtaining the reduced order model is achieved by minimizing the fitness function that is related to the error between the full and reduced order models’ responses. The new approach is compared with recently published work on firefly optimization for MOR, in addition to three other artificial intelligence techniques; namely, invasive weed optimization, particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm. As a result, simulations show the potential of the FA for the process of MOR.
Randomization Procedures for Changing Criterion Designs
Authors: Ferron John , Rohrer Lodi L. , Levin Joel R.
Published: May 2019

To strengthen the scientific credibility arguments for single-case intervention studies, randomization design-and-analysis methods have been developed for the multiple-baseline, ABAB, and alternating treatment designs, including options for preplanned designs, wherein the series and phase lengths are established prior to gathering data, as well as options for response-guided designs, wherein ongoing visual analyses guide decisions about when to intervene. Our purpose here is to develop randomization methods for another class of single-case design, the changing criterion design. We first illustrate randomization design-and-analysis methods for preplanned changing criterion designs and then develop and illustrate methods for response-guided changing criterion designs. We discuss the limitations associated with the randomization methods and the validity of the corresponding intervention-effect inferences.
“Success by Association”: The Impact of Venture Capital Firm Reputation Trend on Initial Public Offering Valuations
Authors: Chahine Salim , Filatotchev Igor , Bruton Garry D. , Wright Mike
Published: May 2019

Organizational theory recognizes reputation as a central element to understanding the firm. Examining investor valuations of 1,676 initial public offerings (IPOs) in the United States from 1990 to 2011, we find that reputation transfer through an association of an IPO firm with a venture capital (VC) firm represents a resource whose value can increase/decrease over time depending on investors’ valuations of prior IPOs funded by a VC firm. We conclude that the impact of reputation transfer through association is not unidirectional but, instead, is to be viewed in the context of prior reputational development of organizations the focal firm is associated with. Furthermore, we find that three “transfer enhancers” can improve the impact of VC firm reputation transfer on IPO valuations, including the VC firm’s past experience intensity, the diversity of IPO experiences, and the number of prior syndicated IPOs involving the VC firm as a lead investor.
The Australian drug harms ranking study
Authors: Bonomo Yvonne , Norman Amanda , Biondo Sam , Bruno Raimondo , Daglish Mark , Dawe Sharon , Egerton-Warburton Diana , Karro Jonathan , Kim Charles , Lenton Simon , Lubman Dan I , Pastor Adam , Rundle Jill , Ryan John , Gordon Paul , Sharry Patrick , Nutt David , Castle David
Published: May 2019

Background/Aim:

The aim of the current study was to review drug harms as they occur in Australia using the Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methodology adopted in earlier studies in other jurisdictions.

Method:

A facilitated workshop with 25 experts from across Australia, was held to score 22 drugs on 16 criteria: 9 related to harms that a drug produces in the individual and 7 to harms to others. Participants were guided by facilitators through the methodology and principles of MCDA. In open discussion, each drug was scored on each criterion. The criteria were then weighted using a process of swing weighting. Scoring was captured in MCDA software tool.

Results:

MCDA modelling showed the most harmful substances to users were fentanyls (part score 50), heroin (part score 45) and crystal methamphetamine (part score 42). The most harmful substances to others were alcohol (part score 41), crystal methamphetamine (part score 24) and cigarettes/tobacco (part score 14). Overall, alcohol was the most harmful drug when harm to users and harm to others was combined. A supplementary analysis took into consideration the prevalence of each substance in Australia. Alcohol was again ranked the most harmful substance overall, followed by cigarettes, crystal methamphetamine, cannabis, heroin and pharmaceutical opioids.

Conclusions:

The results of this study make an important contribution to the emerging international picture of drug harms. They highlight the persistent and pervasive harms caused by alcohol. Policy implications and recommendations are discussed. Policies to reduce harm from alcohol and methamphetamine should be a priority.
Mitragynine (Kratom) impairs spatial learning and hippocampal synaptic transmission in rats
Authors: Hassan Zurina , Suhaimi Farah W , Ramanathan Surash , Ling King-Hwa , Effendy Mohamad A , Müller Christian P , Dringenberg Hans C
Published: May 2019

Background:

Mitragynine is the major alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) or Kratom, a psychoactive plant widely abused in Southeast Asia. While addictive effects of the substance are emerging, adverse cognitive effects of this drug and neuropharmacological actions are insufficiently understood.

Aims:

In the present study, we investigated the effects of mitragynine on spatial learning and synaptic transmission in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.

Methods:

Male Sprague Dawley rats received daily (for 12 days) training sessions in the Morris water maze, with each session followed by treatment either with mitragynine (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg; intraperitoneally), morphine (5 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) or a vehicle. In the second experiment, we recorded field excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the hippocampal CA1 area in anesthetized rats and assessed the effects of mitragynine on baseline synaptic transmission, paired-pulse facilitation, and long-term potentiation. Gene expression of major memory- and addiction-related genes was investigated and the effects of mitragynine on Ca2+ influx was also examined in cultured primary neurons from E16–E18 rats.

Results/outcomes:

Escape latency results indicate that animals treated with mitragynine displayed a slower rate of acquisition as compared to their control counterparts. Further, mitragynine treatment significantly reduced the amplitude of baseline (i.e. non-potentiated) field excitatory postsynaptic potentials and resulted in a minor suppression of long-term potentiation in CA1. Bdnf and αCaMKII mRNA expressions in the brain were not affected and Ca2+ influx elicited by glutamate application was inhibited in neurons pre-treated with mitragynine.

Conclusions/interpretation:

These data suggest that high doses of mitragynine (5 and 10 mg/kg) cause memory deficits, possibly via inhibition of Ca2+ influx and disruption of hippocampal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation induction.
Global inverse kinematics via mixed-integer convex optimization
Authors: Dai Hongkai , Izatt Gregory , Tedrake Russ
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we present a novel formulation of the inverse kinematics (IK) problem with generic constraints as a mixed-integer convex optimization program. The proposed approach can solve the IK problem globally with generic task space constraints: a major improvement over existing approaches, which either solve the problem in only a local neighborhood of the user initial guess through nonlinear non-convex optimization, or address only a limited set of kinematics constraints. Specifically, we propose a mixed-integer convex relaxation of non-convex [Formula: see text] rotation constraints, and apply this relaxation on the IK problem. Our formulation can detect if an instance of the IK problem is globally infeasible, or produce an approximate solution when it is feasible. We show results on a seven-joint arm grasping objects in a cluttered environment, an 18-degree-of-freedom quadruped standing on stepping stones, and a parallel Stewart platform. Moreover, we show that our approach can find a collision free path for a gripper in a cluttered environment, or certify such a path does not exist. We also compare our approach against the analytical approach for a six-joint manipulator. The open-source code is available at http://drake.mit.edu .
Maintrainenance: Keeping Heavy Rail Maintenance on Track
Authors: Boddupalli Sreekar Shashank , Sherman Andrea , Zerkus Joe , Grossman Alice
Published: May 2019

Infrastructure management is an important aspect of transportation engineering. Contrasting views have emerged on feasible best practice in asset management for various transportation modes. The differences in current practice can provide insight into best practices and lessons learned. This paper focuses on heavy rail maintenance state of practice in the United States and compares the maintenance practices, strategies, and procedures implemented by four transit agencies across the country. The objective of the paper is to provide guidance and examples for other transit agencies in the United States to meet the short-term challenges they face and provide recommendations to improve services nationwide. This paper examines rail maintenance practices at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). The paper found that out of the four agencies studied, MARTA has the highest maintenance to operations budget ratio, and most of the maintenance expenditure is on labor. WMATA found that automation of inspection improved maintenance efficiency, and BART is working toward adopting more automated processes. New York City’s MTA shows an example of the importance of clear governance in effective budgeting.
Mechanical properties of CF-reinforced PLA parts manufactured by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Magri Anouar El , El Mabrouk Khalil , Vaudreuil Sébastien , Touhami Mohamed Ebn
Published: May 2019

Many parameters of fused deposition modeling (FDM) influence the resulting mechanical properties. This can become a key factor if those parts are intended for commercial applications. This study focuses on the influence of nozzle temperature and infill line orientations for parts made with short carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA). Tests bars made of PLA and PLA-CF composite were produced under carefully selected conditions. As expected, PLA-CF yields higher tensile properties compared to PLA, owing to the strengthening effect of high modulus CFs. Maximum tensile properties are attained for a nozzle temperature of 230°C, for both PLA and PLA-CF. This temperature was thus selected for probing the effects of infill orientations in test bars. Among the multiple orientations tested, the combination [0°, 15°, −15°] relative to the long axis of the test bar yields the highest levels of tensile properties for both PLA and PLA-CF over the “all-purpose” [45°, 135°] orientation. Annealing can also affect crystallinity and mechanical properties of manufactured parts. Through differential scanning calorimetric analyses, the degree of crystallinity was assessed for samples annealed under various conditions. Results show that annealing increases crystallinity in PLA and PLA-CF samples, with a lower cooling rate yielding higher values. The Young’s modulus exhibits the same behavior for annealed and as printed parts, with a lower cooling rate yielding higher modulus values. This is attributed to a relaxation of the material structure as well as to the orientation of polymer chains toward the CFs.
Neural network-based nonlinear dynamic inversion control of variable-span morphing aircraft
Authors: Lee Jihoon , Kim Youdan
Published: May 2019

A nonlinear command and stability augmentation system is designed based on feedback linearization for a morphing aircraft in the presence of different variable-span configurations. A variable-span morphing aircraft model is obtained by modifying a conventional aircraft model. Feed-forward neural networks are trained to learn the inverse dynamics in various morphing configurations and flight conditions. An attitude orientation system is designed to stabilize the airframe and track the commanded angular rates. Finally, an online adaptive mechanism is employed to compensate for inversion error. Even when the aircraft is changing the morphing configuration while maneuvering, the proposed design satisfies the desired handling quality specifications. Consequentially, the proposed design provides another degree of freedom to manipulate the morphing configuration, and therefore agility or fuel efficiency can be improved. Numerical simulation is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Supervision contracts for mental health professionals: a systematic review and exploration of the potential relevance to psychiatry training in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Lu Dylan , Suetani Shuichi , Cutbush Jimsie , Parker Stephen
Published: May 2019

Objective:

The use of formal supervision contracts has been strongly advocated across non-medical mental health professions. However, the use of such agreements is not a feature of the RANZCP Competency-Based Fellowship Program. This paper critically examines the evidence to support the use of formal supervision contracts.

Method:

A systematic review of empirical studies relating to the outcomes of supervision contracts was completed. Included records were subject to quality appraisal.

Results:

Two studies met the inclusion criteria; both were assessed to be of poor quality. One study found improved supervision effectiveness associated with the use of supervision contracts, and the other found no significant differences associated with formal contracting.

Conclusion:

Despite strong advocacy, limited empirical evidence was found to support the value of formal supervision contracts across mental health professions. PROSPERO registration - PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018104142
Measuring Patient-Reported Health-Related Quality of Life in Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: Reliability and Validity of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the VELO Instrument
Authors: Denadai Rafael , Raposo-Amaral Cassio Eduardo , Sabbag Anelise , Ribeiro Rafael Andrade , Buzzo Celso Luiz , Raposo-Amaral Cesar Augusto , Hung Man , Skirko Jonathan R.
Published: May 2019

Objective:

To test the Brazilian Portuguese velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) Effects on Life Outcome (VELO) instrument for reliability and validity.

Design:

Cross-sectional methodological study.

Setting:

Tertiary craniofacial medical center.

Participants:

Participants with VPI (VPI group, n = 60), with cleft and without VPI (no VPI/cleft group, n = 60), and with no cleft nor VPI (no VPI/no cleft group, n = 60) and their parents (n = 180).

Interventions:

All patients with VPI 8+ years old and their parents completed the Brazilian–Portuguese VELO instrument and other questionnaires (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory4.0, PedsQL4.0; Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life, PVRQOL; and Intelligibility in Context Scale, ICS) at baseline; patients with VPI and their parents completed the VELO instrument again 2 weeks later.

Main Outcome Measures:

The VELO instrument was tested for internal consistency, test–retest reliability, discriminant validity (participants with VPI against participants with no VPI), concurrent validity against other questionnaires, criterion validity against hypernasality severity, and construct validity against nasal air emission and overall velopharyngeal competence (speech construct) and velopharyngeal gap (anatomic construct).

Results:

The VELO had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach α 0.99 for parents and 0.98 for participants with VPI) and test–retest reliability (all intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.87). The VELO discriminated well between VPI group and unaffected groups (all P < .05). The VELO was significantly correlated with the PedsQL4.0, PVRQOL, and ICS (– r > 0.75; P < .001). The VELO met criterion validity, speech construct validity, and anatomic construct validity ( r > 0.7; P < .001).

Conclusions:

The Brazilian-Portuguese VELO instrument demonstrated reliability (internal consistency and test–retest) and validity (discriminant, concurrent, criterion, and construct).
Early femoral component migration: comparing the anterior and posterior approach to the hip
Authors: Culliton Kathryn , Louati Hakim , Sandoval Enrique , Gofton Wade , Pagé Alexandre , Gharib Georges , Beaulé Paul E
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

Early femoral component migration is a useful indicator for identifying implants at risk of failure due to aseptic loosening. The goal of this retrospective study was to identify if anterior approach (AA) treated hips are at a higher risk of failure due to aseptic loosening caused by early migration compared to hips operated on using the traditional posterior approach (PA).

Methods:

A total of 388 hips were included in this study, 139 AA and 249 PA treated hips. Femoral component migration was evaluated using EBRA-FCA and radiographs were assessed for radiolucency at latest follow-up. Preoperative and 2-year clinical outcomes were reported.

Results:

The 1- and 2-year migration rates (mm/year), and total migration (mm) at 2-year follow-up were comparable between AA and PA hips, respectively: 0.52 versus 0.41, 0.18 versus 0.19, and 0.64 versus 0.63 (all p > 0.05). Though not statistically significant, a higher percentage of AA hips passed 2-year total migration thresholds that have been associated with aseptic loosening compared to PA hips: 25.4% versus 16.5% for 1.5 mm threshold, and 11.3% versus 4.1% for the 2.7 mm threshold. Migration was not associated with the presence of radiolucent lines. All clinical outcomes improved significantly between preoperative and 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

There was no association between the AA and any significant increase in femoral component migration. A higher percentage of AA hips exceeded the migration thresholds associated aseptic loosening; however, these stems had no other indications of instability and therefore suggests that this may be a difference in migration pattern.
Understanding the mechanism of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between a thioformaldehyde S-oxide and cyclobutadiene: Competition between the stepwise and concerted routes
Authors: Mohtat Bita , Siadati Seyyed Amir , Khalilzadeh Mohammad A
Published: May 2019

Changing the mechanism of the widely used 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction from its usual asynchronous one-step pattern to the rarely observed stepwise form leads to the emergence of intermediates, side products, and other impurities. Thus, it is crucial to determine the nature of the mechanism of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between a special 1,3-dipole and a specified dipolarophile (by theoretical methods) before using them for synthesizing a desired product. In this study, therefore, we have investigated the possibility of some probable intermediates emergence in the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between cyclobutadiene and thioformaldehyde S-oxide. The results showed that emergence of Int (B) (−52.1 kcal mol−1) via transition state (B-1) is favorable both thermodynamically and kinetically (in comparison with all other stepwise routes). That is, developing probable impurities should not be neglected at least in the cases of the reactions between some thioformaldehyde S-oxide and some dipolarophiles.
Bacteriophage Therapy of Chronic Nonhealing Wound: Clinical Study
Authors: Gupta Pooja , Singh Hari Shankar , Shukla Vijay K. , Nath Gopal , Bhartiya Satyanam Kumar
Published: May 2019

Background:

A chronic wound usually results due to halt in the inflammatory phase of wound healing. Bacterial infections and biofilm formation are considered to be the basic cause of it. Chronic wounds significantly impair the quality of life. Antibiotics are now failing due to biofilm formation emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.

Objective:

This study aims to see the effect of bacteriophage therapy in chronic nonhealing wound infected with the following bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Subject:

Patients with chronic nonhealing wound not responding to conventional local debridement and antibiotic therapy were included in the study. The age of patients ranged between 12 and 60 years.

Method:

A total of 20 patients selected and tissue biopsies and wound swabs were taken for isolation of the bacteria. After confirmation of organism, a cocktail of customized bacteriophages was topically applied over the wound on alternate days till the wound surface became microbiologically sterile. Mean bacterial count and clinical assessment were done and compared at the time of presentation and after 3 and 5 doses of application.

Results:

A significant improvement was observed in the wound healing, and there were no signs of infection clinically and microbiologically after 3 to 5 doses of topical bacteriophage therapy. Seven patients achieved complete healing on day21 during follow up while in others healthy margins and healthy granulation tissue were observed.

Conclusion:

Topical bacteriophage application may be quite effective therapy for the treatment of chronic nonhealing wounds.
Regional Shape Abnormalities in Thalamus and Verbal Memory Impairment After Subcortical Infarction
Authors: Liu Gang , Tan Xiaoqing , Dang Chao , Tan Shuangquan , Xing Shihui , Huang Nianwei , Peng Kangqiang , Xie Chuanmiao , Tang Xiaoying , Zeng Jinsheng
Published: May 2019

Background. Subcortical infarcts can result in verbal memory impairment, but the potential underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Objective. We investigated the spatiotemporal deterioration patterns of brain structures in patients with subcortical infarction and identified the regions that contributed to verbal memory impairment. Methods. Cognitive assessment and structural magnetic resonance imaging were performed 1, 4, and 12 weeks after stroke onset in 28 left-hemisphere and 22 right-hemisphere stroke patients with subcortical infarction. Whole-brain volumetric analysis combined with a further-refined shape analysis was conducted to analyze longitudinal morphometric changes in brain structures and their relationship to verbal memory performance. Results. Between weeks 1 and 12, significant volume decreases in the ipsilesional basal ganglia, inferior white matter, and thalamus were found in the left-hemisphere stroke group. Among those 3 structures, only the change rate of the thalamus volume was significantly correlated with that in immediate recall. For the right-hemisphere stroke group, only the ipsilesional basal ganglia survived the week 1 to week 12 group comparison, but its change rate was not significantly correlated with the verbal memory change rate. Shape analysis of the thalamus revealed atrophies of the ipsilesional thalamic subregions connected to the prefrontal, temporal, and premotor cortices in the left-hemisphere stroke group and positive correlations between the rates of those atrophies and the change rate in immediate recall. Conclusions. Secondary damage to the thalamus, especially to the left subregions connected to specific cortices, may be associated with early verbal memory impairment following an acute subcortical infarct.
Tractive performances of single grouser shoe affected by different soils with varied moisture contents
Authors: Ge Jun , Zhang Dashan , Wang Xiulun , Cao Chengmao , Fang Liangfei , Duan Yunmeng
Published: May 2019

The objective of this study is to clarify the differences of tractive performances generated by the sandy loam-grouser system and the clay soil-grouser system. The tractive performances of the grouser/track shoes are widely researched by previous researchers. However, it is essential to illustrate the influences of the soil properties on the tractive performances of the grouser shoe. Sandy loam and clay soil were used as the test soils for investigating soil parameters in this study. Moisture contents of soil were from 7.5% to 27%, dry basis. Parameters of sandy loam were obtained through direct shear tests, penetration tests, bulk density, and moisture content measurements in laboratory. The grouser shoe was made of steel. Based on the prediction result of tractive performances, the clay soil will always be performed better than the sandy loam no matter which dimension was chosen for single grouser shoe. Based on the experimental results, the grouser height of the track should be 5 cm in order to provide enough traction force, if a tracked vehicle is operated on the environment of either clay soil or sandy loam.
Outcomes of surgical repair of a single digital nerve in adults
Authors: Jain Abhilash , Dunlop Rebecca , Hems Tim , Tang Jin Bo
Published: May 2019

Current standard management of a cut digital nerve is end-to-end microsurgical nerve coaptation where possible. A recent systematic review of adult digital nerve injuries that were either repaired or left unrepaired showed that the evidence for good nerve recovery or improved function following nerve repair is poor. In the 30 studies included, only 24% of repaired nerves regained sensory recovery close to or equivalent to estimated pre-injury levels. Neuroma rates were the same in those nerves repaired (4.6%) and those not repaired (5%). Questions under debate include proper assessment methods of outcomes, decision making for repair or no repair to different fingers or the thumb, levels of injury, age, and hand dominance. This review summarizes the major evidence available and debates the surgical dogma that surrounds this injury.
Conversion of clinically isolated syndrome to multiple sclerosis: a prospective multi-center study in Eastern India
Authors: Banerjee TK , Saha M , Ghosh E , Hazra A , Das A , Choudhury D , Ojha S , Haldar A , Mukherjee A , Nandi SS , Ghosh A , Mukherjee A , Chatterjee A , Datta A , Purakayastha S
Published: May 2019

Background

In White populations more than 60% of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) convert to multiple sclerosis (MS) on a long-term follow-up; several predictors for conversion have been identified.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the conversion rate and the predictors of conversion from CIS to MS (McDonald 2010) among Indians. The other objective was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the new McDonald 2017 criteria in prediction of a second clinical attack.

Methods

Clinical and demographic data of CIS cohorts were collected. Baseline investigations included cerebrospinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing for oligoclonal band (OCB). Follow-up clinical and MRI examinations were performed annually for at least 24 months.

Results

Of the 82 subjects (age range 15–58 years), 36 (43.9%) converted to MS; 31/82 (37.8%) converted in 24 months. The predictors for conversion were earlier age of onset, CSF-OCB, cerebral MRI T2 lesion count, and periventricular and juxtacortical location of lesions. Twenty-two (26.83%) CIS fulfilled the McDonald MS 2017 criteria at baseline.

Conclusion

In this first prospective study of CIS in India, the risk factors for conversion are similar but the conversion rate to MS is lower than that in the western nations.
Pediatric recurrent aggressive spinal fibromatosis with progressive kyphosis and neurological deficits
Authors: Yogesh Kumar B , Vidyadhara S , Vadhiraja BM
Published: May 2019

Aggressive fibromatosis is a benign, locally invasive fibroblastic proliferation that can cause compressive effects on adjacent structures. The primary cure of this disease rests in wide excision of the tumor. Unfortunately even when surgical margins are clear of tumor, recurrence rates are high. Postoperative radiotherapy is indicated following surgical excision. We present a 13-year-old girl who had been operated for the intraspinal mass in upper thoracic spine and paraparesis with thoracic limited laminectomy and excision of the tumor mass elsewhere. The histopathological examination was reported to be aggressive fibromatosis. After 2 years, she presented again with 1-year duration of progressive deformity in the upper thoracic spine and weakness of both lower limbs. Focal kyphosis at T4–T5 was measuring 68°. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed recurrent tumor involvement of posterior elements of T2–T5 and paravertebral soft tissues with signal changes in the cord at T2–T5 vertebral levels with focal kyphosis and internal gibbus. She underwent posterior spinal revision decompression with internal gibbectomy and instrumented fusion. The histopathology showed features suggestive of aggressive fibromatosis. After wound healing at 2 weeks, she underwent 3-D conformal radiotherapy, based on the preoperative tumor extent on MRI (dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks). She had normal neurology at 2-year follow-up and was tumor free on MRI. Hence, aggressive fibromatosis can recur following successful surgical wide excision. Multilevel thoracic laminectomy in growing children can cause progressive spinal deformity and neurological deficits. Operative treatment of recurrent tumor involves en bloc excision with instrumented fusion followed by local radiotherapy. This is the first pediatric recurrent spinal fibromatosis reported with successful treatment as per author’s knowledge.