bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and Disparities in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Uptake for Young Female Adolescents among U.S. States: NIS-Teen (2008–2016)
Authors: Yoo Wonsuk , Koskan Alexis , Scotch Matthew , Pottinger Heidi , Huh Warner K. , Helitzer Deborah
Published: April 2020

Background:

Several studies have reported differential vaccine uptake outcomes that are associated with sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as provider type. However, none has examined a trend over a multiple-year span. In this study, we utilize a longitudinal data-based approach to examine state-level human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine trends and their influences over time.

Methods:

We analyzed National Immunization Survey – Teen data (2008–2016) to estimate HPV vaccine initiation rate in young female adolescent ages 13–17 years old among U.S. States. We identified growth patterns using the latent class growth method and explored state-level characteristics, including socioeconomic and sociodemographic attributes, and health legislation and policy-related programs among patterns.

Results:

We identified three growth patterns, which showed gradually increasing vaccination trends but different baseline HPV uptake rates (high, moderate, low). States within Pattern 1 (highest HPV vaccination rates) included the lowest percentage of families with incomes below federal poverty level, the highest percentage of bachelor's degree or higher, and the lowest number of uninsured, while states within Pattern 3 (lowest HPV vaccination rates) included families with socioeconomic attributes along the opposite end of the spectrum.

Conclusions:

Latent class growth models are an effective tool to be able to capture health disparities in heterogeneity among states in relation to HPV vaccine uptake trajectories.

Impact:

These findings might lead to designing and implementing effective interventions and changes in policies and health care coverage to promote HPV vaccination uptake for states represented under the lowest trajectory pattern.
FS222, a CD137/PD-L1 Tetravalent Bispecific Antibody, Exhibits Low Toxicity and Antitumor Activity in Colorectal Cancer Models
Authors: Lakins Matthew A. , Koers Alexander , Giambalvo Raffaella , Munoz-Olaya Jose , Hughes Robert , Goodman Emma , Marshall Sylwia , Wollerton Francisca , Batey Sarah , Gliddon Daniel , Tuna Mihriban , Brewis Neil
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

With the increased prevalence in checkpoint therapy resistance, there remains a significant unmet need for additional therapies for patients with relapsing or refractory cancer. We have developed FS222, a bispecific tetravalent antibody targeting CD137 and PD-L1, to induce T-cell activation to eradicate tumors without the current toxicity and efficacy limitations seen in the clinic.

Experimental Design:

A bispecific antibody (FS222) was developed by engineering CD137 antigen–binding sites into the Fc region of a PD-L1 IgG1 mAb. T-cell activation by FS222 was investigated using multiple in vitro assays. The antitumor efficacy, survival benefit, pharmacodynamics, and liver pharmacology of a murine surrogate molecule were assessed in syngeneic mouse tumor models. Toxicology and the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile of FS222 were investigated in a non-human primate dose-range finding study.

Results:

We demonstrated simultaneous binding of CD137 and PD-L1 and showed potent T-cell activation across CD8+ T-cell activation assays in a PD-L1–dependent manner with a CD137/PD-L1 bispecific antibody, FS222. FS222 also activated T cells in a human primary mixed lymphocyte reaction assay, with greater potency than the monospecific mAb combination. FS222 showed no signs of liver toxicity up to 30 mg/kg in a non-human primate dose-range finding study. A surrogate molecule caused significant tumor growth inhibition and survival benefit, concomitant with CD8+ T-cell activation, in CT26 and MC38 syngeneic mouse tumor models.

Conclusions:

By targeting CD137 agonism to areas of PD-L1 expression, predominantly found in the tumor microenvironment, FS222 has the potential to leverage a focused, potent, and safe immune response augmenting the PD-(L)1 axis blockade.
Tumor CD155 Expression Is Associated with Resistance to Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy in Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Lepletier Ailin , Madore Jason , O'Donnell Jake S. , Johnston Rebecca L. , Li Xian-Yang , McDonald Elizabeth , Ahern Elizabeth , Kuchel Anna , Eastgate Melissa , Pearson Sally-Ann , Mallardo Domenico , Ascierto Paolo A. , Massi Daniela , Merelli Barbara , Mandala Mario , Wilmott James S. , Menzies Alexander M. , Leduc Charles , Stagg John , Routy Bertrand , Long Georgina V. , Scolyer Richard A. , Bald Tobias , Waddell Nicola , Dougall William C. , Teng Michele W.L. , Smyth Mark J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Resistance to anti-PD1–based immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) remains a problem for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Tumor cells as well as host myeloid cells can express the immune checkpoint ligand CD155 to regulate immune cell function. However, the effect of tumor CD155 on the immune context of human melanoma has not been well described. This observational study characterizes tumor CD155 ligand expression by metastatic melanoma tumors and correlates results with differences in immune cell features and response to ICB.

Experimental Design:

Pretreatment tumor specimens, from 155 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with ICB and from 50 patients treated with BRAF/MEK-directed targeted therapy, were assessed for CD155 expression by IHC. Intratumor T-cell features were analyzed using multiplex-immunohistofluorescence for CD8, PD1, and SOX10. Correlations were made between CD155 tumor level and bulk tumor RNA sequencing results, as well as clinical RECIST response and progression-free survival.

Results:

High pretreatment CD155 tumor levels correlated with high parenchymal PD1+CD8+/CD8+ T-cell ratios (PD1tR) and poor response to anti-PD1 therapy. In PDL1 negative tumors, high CD155 tumor expression was associated with patients who had poor response to combination anti-PD1/CTLA4 therapy.

Conclusions:

Our findings are the first to suggest that tumor CD155 supports an increase in the fraction of PD1+CD8+ T cells in anti-PD1 refractory melanoma tumors and, further, that targeting the CD155 pathway might improve response to anti-PD1 therapy for patients with metastatic melanoma.
An Association of Varicella Zoster Virus, Facial Palsy, and Meningitis in a Young Immunocompetent Male
Authors: Ashour Amr , Obeidat Khaldun , Azrieh Bahjat , Alsaud Arwa , Yassin Mohamed
Published: April 2020

Varicella zoster is a secondary infection caused by the virus of chickenpox, after becoming latent in neurons of dorsal root ganglia or trigeminal ganglia. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can be reactivated years later to produce shingles (zoster), generally in immunocompromised adults to produce neurological deficits and rash. Meningeal involvement of VZV is also reported and can be diagnosed. Herein, we report a 39-year-old immunocompetent male adult with a rare manifestation caused by VZV. The report is an association between facial nerve palsy and a polymerase chain reaction-confirmed VZV meningitis, even without the dermal typical rash. The patient eventually recovered after receiving acyclovir intravenously.
Carbohydrate (Chondroitin 4) Sulfotransferase-11-Mediated Induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Generation of Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Behrens Alice , Jousheghany Fariba , Yao-Borengasser Aiwei , Siegel Eric R. , Kieber-Emmons Thomas , Monzavi-Karbassi Behjatolah
Published: April 2020

Introduction: We have previously shown that the expression of carbohydrate (chondroitin 4) sulfotransferase-11 (CHST11) is elevated in human breast cancer tissues, and that its expression in human breast cancer cell lines is associated with aggressive behavior of cells. The clinical significance of CHST11 expression is unknown, and its function in breast cancer cells is not fully understood. Objective: The current study was performed to define the clinical significance of this gene and address its biological function in promoting the aggressive behavior of breast cancer cells. Methods: Publicly available datasets were analyzed to determine the correlation of CHST11 expression with breast cancer survival. MCF-7 cells were transfected with the human CHST11 gene, and MCF-7-CHST11 cells with stable expression of the gene were established. Morphology and metastatic capacity of transfected cells were monitored in vitro. E-cadherin and β-catenin expression was compared by immunofluorescence. The expression of genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and pluripotency was determined using real-time PCR. The Wnt inhibitor, Wnt-C59, was used to examine the involvement of Wnt in CHST11-mediated morphology. Results: The elevated expression of CHST11 in breast tumor specimens was significantly associated with poor survival among patients. MCF-7-CHST11 cells displayed morphological characteristics consistent with EMT, together with a significantly higher proliferation rate, enhanced migratory potential, and more robust anchorage-independent growth. MCF-7-CHST11 cells showed decreased expression of E-cadherin and increased accumulation of β-catenin, as assessed by immunofluorescence. Consistently, increased expression of CHST11 resulted in upregulation of key EMT and stem cell markers. Morphological transition in MCF-7-CHST11 cells was partially reversed by co-incubation with an inhibitor of the Wnt pathway. Conclusions: Our findings support a role for CHST11 in induction of EMT and stem cell-like properties. Our data also associate the expression levels of CHST11 in breast tumor specimens with patients’ survival. The results have a significant implication for CHST11 expression level as a novel molecular signature for predictive and prognostic purposes in breast cancer. Moreover, with a possible role in driving tumor cell aggressiveness, CHST11 expression might be further considered as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Does Intravenous Thrombolysis Influence the Time of Recanalization and Success of Mechanical Thrombectomy during the Acute Phase of Cerebral Infarction?
Authors: Charbonnier Guillaume , Bonnet Louise , Bouamra Benjamin , Vuillier Fabrice , Vitale Giovanni , Moulin Thierry , Medeiros De Bustos Elisabeth , Biondi Alessandra
Published: April 2020

Objectives: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion. Recanalization time is a key factor in the treatment of AIS. It has previously been suggested that intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) may be associated with a shorter recanalization time. The aim of our study was to investigate whether IVT or other factors could be associated with shorter or longer MT procedure times. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a local cohort of patients treated by MT. We collected procedure time (puncture to recanalization and clot visualization to recanalization), demographic data, localization of the thrombus, antithrombotic treatment at arrival, IVT infusion, and stroke subtype at discharge according to the TOAST classification. We planned to analyze the full cohort and the successful revascularization subgroup. Results: There was no difference in procedure times between patients who received IVT and those who did not. In the successful revascularization subgroup, patients presenting with cardioembolic stroke had a significantly shorter time between clot visualizations and revascularization than the other patients (41 vs. 56 min, p = 0.024), but this was not the case in the full cohort. Also in the successful revascularization subgroup, the revascularization time was 76 vs. 61 min (p = 0.075) in patients presenting with tandem occlusion vs. the others, but there was no difference between these groups in the full cohort. Conclusions: There was no difference in terms of procedure times in patients treated by IVT and MT vs. patients treated by MT alone either in the full cohort or in the successful revascularization subgroup. The data from the successful revascularization subgroup may be useful for studying revascularization times, provided that data from procedures that were stopped prematurely by the operator due to the length of time since symptom onset is removed.
Decreased Ratio of VEGF165b/VEGF in Aqueous Humor Predicts Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Jiang Feng , Chong Liuyun , Du Shufang , Duan Yajian , Wang Ying , Wang Jiaxing , Chen Song , He Tiangeng
Published: April 2020

Background: Different splicing of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene results in 2 families of VEGF, the proangiogenic isoforms (VEGFxxxa) and the antiangiogenic isoforms (VEGFxxxb). VEGF165b is the major antiangiogenic isoform of VEGF and the most studied member of the VEGFxxxb family so far. Objectives: To determine the concentration of VEGF165b and VEGF in the aqueous humor (AH) in diabetic eyes with or without diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to address the predictive value of VEGF165b/VEGF ratio for progression of DR. Methods: AH samples from 20 eyes in healthy controls (CON group), 40 eyes in diabetic patients without DR (nDR group), and 30 eyes in diabetic patients with mild nonproliferative DR (DR group) were collected. All of the patients were followed up for at least 5 years. VEGF165b and VEGF levels of AH samples were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The predictive value of the initial VEGF165b/VEGF ratio for progression of DR was studied. Results: The mean concentration of VEGF165b significantly decreased in diabetic eyes vs. controls. The mean concentration of VEGF significantly increased in the DR group vs. the CON group. The VEGF165b/VEGF ratio was significantly lower in diabetic patients compared to the CON group. The VEGF165b/VEGF ratio was significantly lower in diabetic patients compared to the control group. The mean follow-up was 66.1months (range 60–71 months). The risk of DR progression was greater with a lower VEGF165b/VEGF ratio. Conclusion: The VEGF165b/VEGF ratio is lower in the AH of DR patients and the decreased ratio of VEGF165b/VEGF predicts DR progression.
O efeito de aposentadorias, pensões e programas sociais na frequência escolar e oferta de trabalho dos jovens brasileiros
Authors: Rodrigues Luciana Oliveira , Costa Edward Martins , Mariano Francisca Zilania , Guedes João Paulo Martins
Published: April 2020

A pesquisa analisou o impacto de aposentadorias/pensões e programas sociais sobre a frequência escolar e oferta de trabalho dos jovens de 15 a 21 anos de idade. Dos resultados encontrados, verificou-se que em domicílios em que residem aposentados e/ou pensionistas há uma redução na oferta de trabalho e aumento da frequência escolar dos jovens nas áreas urbanas. Concluiu-se que o impacto de programas sociais, tanto na zona urbana, como no meio rural, aumenta as chances de os jovens estudarem e trabalharem, sendo que o efeito médio sobre aqueles jovens “nem-nem” é menor.
Productive complex of defense and security in Brazil: dimensional, sectoral and technological impacts
Authors: Morceiro Paulo César , Tessarin Milene Simone , Guilhoto Joaquim José Martins
Published: April 2020

In a novel way, we have measured the Brazilian defense and security complex. It corresponded to 3.7% of the Brazilian GDP in 2014. We have also estimated that the investment projects of Armed Forces have high socioeconomic impacts and great technological potential by demanding high-tech products and services. Unpublished information was collected from several public agencies (Ministries, Public Security, and Government Transparency Portal). With this, we estimate the security and defense sector in Brazilian input-output matrix and identify the sectoral profile of the defense investment projects. This innovative methodology can be applied to evaluate other public policies.
Cardiovascular Risk and Resilience Among Black Adults: Rationale and Design of the MECA Study
Authors: Islam Shabatun J. , Kim Jeong Hwan , Topel Matthew , Liu Chang , Ko Yi‐An , Mujahid Mahasin S. , Sims Mario , Mubasher Mohamed , Ejaz Kiran , Morgan‐Billingslea Jan , Jones Kia , Waller Edmund K. , Jones Dean , Uppal Karan , Dunbar Sandra B. , Pemu Priscilla , Vaccarino Viola , Searles Charles D. , Baltrus Peter , Lewis Tené T. , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Taylor Herman
Published: April 2020

Background

Cardiovascular disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality have declined in the past several decades; however, disparities persist among subsets of the population. Notably, blacks have not experienced the same improvements on the whole as whites. Furthermore, frequent reports of relatively poorer health statistics among the black population have led to a broad assumption that black race reliably predicts relatively poorer health outcomes. However, substantial intraethnic and intraracial heterogeneity exists; moreover, individuals with similar risk factors and environmental exposures are often known to experience vastly different cardiovascular health outcomes. Thus, some individuals have good outcomes even in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, a concept known as resilience.

Methods and Results

The MECA (Morehouse‐Emory Center for Health Equity) Study was designed to investigate the multilevel exposures that contribute to “resilience” in the face of risk for poor cardiovascular health among blacks in the greater Atlanta, GA, metropolitan area. We used census tract data to determine “at‐risk” and “resilient” neighborhoods with high or low prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, based on cardiovascular death, hospitalization, and emergency department visits for blacks. More than 1400 individuals from these census tracts assented to demographic, health, and psychosocial questionnaires administered through telephone surveys. Afterwards, ≈500 individuals were recruited to enroll in a clinical study, where risk biomarkers, such as oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers, endothelial progenitor cells, metabolomic and micro
RNA
profiles, and subclinical vascular dysfunction were measured. In addition, comprehensive behavioral questionnaires were collected and ideal cardiovascular health metrics were assessed using the American Heart Association's Life Simple 7 measure. Last, 150 individuals with low Life Simple 7 were recruited and randomized to a behavioral mobile health (eHealth) plus health coach or eHealth only intervention and followed up for improvement.

Conclusions

The
MECA
Study is investigating socioenvironmental and individual behavioral measures that promote resilience to cardiovascular disease in blacks by assessing biological, functional, and molecular mechanisms.

REGISTRATION

URL
:
https://www.clini​caltr​ials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
03308812.
Goal‐Striving Stress and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Blacks: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Glover LáShauntá M. , Cain‐Shields Loretta R. , Spruill Tanya M. , O'Brien Emily C. , Barber Sharrelle , Loehr Laura , Sims Mario
Published: April 2020

Background

Goal‐striving stress (GSS), the stress from striving for goals, is associated with poor health. Less is known about its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods and Results

We used data from the JHS (Jackson Heart Study), a study of CVD among blacks (21–95 years old) from 2000 to 2015. Participants free of CVD at baseline (2000–2004) were included in this analysis (n=4648). GSS was examined in categories (low, moderate, high) and in SD units. Incident CVD was defined as fatal or nonfatal stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD), and/or heart failure. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident CVD by levels of GSS, adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, health behaviors, risk factors, and perceived stress. The distribution of GSS categories was as follows: 40.77% low, 33.97% moderate, and 25.26% high. Over an average of 12 years, there were 140 incident stroke events, 164 CHD events, and 194 heart failure events. After full adjustment, high (versus low) GSS was associated with a lower risk of stroke (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17–0.83) and a higher risk of CHD (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.10–3.33) among women. A 1‐standard deviation unit increase in GSS was associated with a 31% increased risk of CHD (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.10–1.56) among women.

Conclusions

Higher GSS may be a risk factor for developing CHD among women; however, it appears to be protective of stroke among women. These analyses should be replicated in other samples of black individuals.
Independently Interpretable Lasso for Generalized Linear Models
Authors: Takada Masaaki , Suzuki Taiji , Fujisawa Hironori
Published: April 2020

Sparse regularization such as [Formula: see text] regularization is a quite powerful and widely used strategy for high-dimensional learning problems. The effectiveness of sparse regularization has been supported practically and theoretically by several studies. However, one of the biggest issues in sparse regularization is that its performance is quite sensitive to correlations between features. Ordinary [Formula: see text] regularization selects variables correlated with each other under weak regularizations, which results in deterioration of not only its estimation error but also interpretability. In this letter, we propose a new regularization method, independently interpretable lasso (IILasso), for generalized linear models. Our proposed regularizer suppresses selecting correlated variables, so that each active variable affects the response independently in the model. Hence, we can interpret regression coefficients intuitively, and the performance is also improved by avoiding overfitting. We analyze the theoretical property of the IILasso and show that the proposed method is advantageous for its sign recovery and achieves almost minimax optimal convergence rate. Synthetic and real data analyses also indicate the effectiveness of the IILasso.
Dynamic core-periphery structure of information sharing networks in entorhinal cortex and hippocampus
Authors: Pedreschi Nicola , Bernard Christophe , Clawson Wesley , Quilichini Pascale , Barrat Alain , Battaglia Demian
Published: April 2020

Neural computation is associated with the emergence, reconfiguration, and dissolution of cell assemblies in the context of varying oscillatory states. Here, we describe the complex spatiotemporal dynamics of cell assemblies through temporal network formalism. We use a sliding window approach to extract sequences of networks of information sharing among single units in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex during anesthesia and study how global and node-wise functional connectivity properties evolve through time and as a function of changing global brain state (theta vs. slow-wave oscillations). First, we find that information sharing networks display, at any time, a core-periphery structure in which an integrated core of more tightly functionally interconnected units links to more loosely connected network leaves. However the units participating to the core or to the periphery substantially change across time windows, with units entering and leaving the core in a smooth way. Second, we find that discrete network states can be defined on top of this continuously ongoing liquid core-periphery reorganization. Switching between network states results in a more abrupt modification of the units belonging to the core and is only loosely linked to transitions between global oscillatory states. Third, we characterize different styles of temporal connectivity that cells can exhibit within each state of the sharing network. While inhibitory cells tend to be central, we show that, otherwise, anatomical localization only poorly influences the patterns of temporal connectivity of the different cells. Furthermore, cells can change temporal connectivity style when the network changes state. Altogether, these findings reveal that the sharing of information mediated by the intrinsic dynamics of hippocampal and entorhinal cortex cell assemblies have a rich spatiotemporal structure, which could not have been identified by more conventional time- or state-averaged analyses of functional connectivity.
Salacia frutiplatensis (Celastraceae, Salacioideae), a new species of the coastal sand dunes of Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico

Authors: CASTILLO-CAMPOS GONZALO , PALACIOS-WASSENAAR OLIVIA M. , MARTÍNEZ M. LUISA
Published: April 2020

The new species Salacia frutiplatensis is described and illustrated herein. This new taxon is part of the arboreal strata of the coastal sand dunes scrub of Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico, where it is considered endemic. Salacia frutiplatensis is similar to S. elliptica, S. cordata, and S. impressifolia, but differs from these in the shape and diameter of the extra-staminal disk, pericarp thickness, greater number of seeds, and not displaying the lianous habit.
Typification of Roylean plant names in the genus Aquilegia (Ranunculaceae)

Authors: ERST ANDREY S. , BOLTENKOV EUGENY V. , PENDRY COLIN
Published: April 2020

Revision of Himalayan Aquilegia Linnaeus (1753: 533) revealed that some names need typification or clarification. Aquilegia are perennial herbs widely distributed at high elevations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan and China (Riedl & Nasir 1991, Rau 1993, Press 2000, Yonekura 2008, Shrestha et al. 2018). The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the stability of the nomenclature by typification of three Aquilegia names described by John Royle (Royle 1834, Lauener 1978). This study is based on a comprehensive investigation of the relevant literature, including protologues. For typification, we examined herbarium material and/or images deposited at E, K and LIV (herbarium codes according to Thiers 2020).
Review of the species of Anastatus (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) known from China, with description of two new species with brachypterous females
Authors: PENG LINGFEI , GIBSON GARY A. P. , TANG LU , XIANG JIAWEI
Published: April 2020

Fourteen species of Anastatus (Anastatus) Motschulsky, 1859 (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) are treated from China, of which A. (Anastatus) flavaeratus Peng and Tang n. sp. and A. (Anastatus) pariliquadrus Peng and Tang n. sp. are described based on brachypterous females. Two new synonyms are proposed, A. flavipes Sheng and Wang, 1997 under A. japonicus Ashmead, 1904 n. syn., and A. huangi Sheng and Yu, 1998 under A. gastropachae Ashmead, 1904 n. syn. The species previously reported from China under the name A. acherontiae Narayanan, Subba Rao and Ramachandra, 1960 is newly identified as Anastatus echidna (Motschulsky, 1863). Anastatus colemani Crawford, 1912, is excluded from the Chinese mainland fauna, and A. dendrolimus Kim and Pak, 1965, A. kashmirensis Mathur, 1956, and A. tenuipes Bolívar y Pieltain, 1925 are excluded from the Chinese fauna. Two previously recorded extralimital species, A. bifasciatus (Geoffroy, 1785) and A. colemani are treated as possibly present in China even though their presence was not confirmed and the records likely are based on misidentifications. Anastatus ramakrishnai (Mani, 1935), originally described from India, is compared with A. dexingensis Sheng and Wang, 1997 and A. formosanus Crawford, 1913, with the suggestion that the name could be synonymous with one of the latter two names. The males of nine species and females of all Anastatus species recognised from China are keyed, diagnosed, and illustrated. Information on recorded hosts and distribution is summarised for all the species.
Taenionema (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae), a stonefly genus new to the fauna of China
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG , YE XIAO-HAN
Published: April 2020

The taeniopterygid genus Taenionema Banks, 1905 is reported from China for the first time. A newly discovered and probable new species of this genus, Taenionema sp., is described and illustrated based on larvae from Zhejiang Province of coastal southeastern China. The species is characterized by the male larva having a bilobed post-genital plate. Adults will be necessary for a future formal species description. This contribution represents the first larval description in the family Taeniopterygidae from China.
First report of an economically important genus Euscelidius (Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Athysanini) from the Indian subcontinent, with description of a new species
Authors: NAVEED HASSAN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: April 2020

The economically important genus Euscelidius Ribaut, 1942 is reported first time from the Palearctic temperate coniferous forests and montane grasslands and shrublands of Pakistan with the new species Euscelidius cornix sp. nov. Photographic illustrations and a description are provided for the habitus and male genitalia. A key and aedeagal illustrations are provided to distinguish all the species of the genus Euscelidius Ribaut worldwide along with their distribution.
Enhancements in Day-Ahead Forecasts of Solar Irradiation with Machine Learning: A Novel Analysis with the Japanese Mesoscale Model
Authors: Gari da Silva Fonseca Joao , Uno Fumichika , Ohtake Hideaki , Oozeki Takashi , Ogimoto Kazuhiko
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study is to propose and evaluate a set of modifications to enhance a machine-learning-based method for forecasting day-ahead solar irradiation. To assess the proposed modifications, they were implemented in an initial forecast method, and their effectiveness was analyzed using two years of data on a national scale in Japan. In addition, the accuracy of the modified method was compared with one of the forecast methods for solar irradiation used by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), namely, the mesoscale model (MSM). Such forecasts were made publicly available only recently, which makes this study one of the first ones to compare them with machine-learning-based forecasts. The annual root-mean-square error (RMSE) of local forecasts of the JMA-MSM varied from 0.1 to 0.14 kW h m−2; the regional equivalent varied from 0.062 to 0.091 kW h m−2. In comparison with these results, the modified model achieved an average RMSE reduction of 7.5% on the local scale and 16% on the regional scale. The modified model also had a skill score that was 23% higher than that of the JMA model. Furthermore, the performance of the JMA model had strong spatial and seasonal dependencies, which were reduced in the machine-learning-based forecasts. The results show that the proposed modifications are effective in reducing large forecasts errors, but they cannot compensate for situations in which the input data used to make the forecasts are highly inaccurate.
A Methodology for Multiobjective Evaluation of Precipitation Products for Extreme Weather (in a Data-Scarce Environment)
Authors: Lu Sha , Veldhuis Marie-claire ten , van de Giesen Nick
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a methodology is proposed to quantitatively evaluate precipitation products for multiple purposes. Evaluation mainly focuses on rainfall characteristics relevant to hydrological or agricultural applications: spatial distribution pattern, effect of aggregation over time, the capture of small-scale variability and seasonality, detection of dry spells and wet spells, and timing and volume of heavy rainfall events. Verification statistics were modified and metrics were reported for extreme weather performance, such as flood and drought monitoring. The analysis was performed for different rainfall categories, over regions dominated by different weather systems or with different topographical structures. The latest versions of seven commonly available, high-resolution rainfall estimates have been evaluated by the method against daily data from 16 rain gauge stations over Tanzania, during 1998–2006. They were TRMM 3B42, CHIRPS, TAMSAT, CMORPH_RAW, CMORPH_BLD, WFDEI_CRU, and CPCU. All products, except for CMORPH_BLD and CPCU, were poorly correlated to gauge data at daily time scale with correlation coefficients < 0.5. Five-day aggregation was the minimum time scale that can be used for the products to reach an accuracy better than monthly-mean of gauge data. Their performance varied across different climatic or topographical regions and different rainfall seasons. Timing of precipitation was inaccurately estimated by all products, particularly for heavy rains, with less than 40% hits. The results of the evaluation procedure allow discrimination between available products and better selection of the product to be used for a specific application, such as crop insurance or flood early warning, under particular climatic conditions.
A Multiscale Dynamical Model in a Dry-Mass Coordinate for Weather and Climate Modeling: Moist Dynamics and Its Coupling to Physics
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Jian , Yu Rucong , Liu Zhuang , Zhou Yihui , Li Xiaohan , Huang Xiaomeng
Published: April 2020

A multiscale dynamical model for weather forecasting and climate modeling is developed and evaluated in this study. It extends a previously established layer-averaged, unstructured-mesh nonhydrostatic dynamical core (dycore) to moist dynamics and parameterized physics in a dry-mass vertical coordinate. The dycore and tracer transport components are coupled in a mass-consistent manner, with the dycore providing time-averaged horizontal mass fluxes to passive transport, and tracer transport feeding back to the dycore with updated moisture constraints. The vertical mass flux in the tracer transport is obtained by reevaluating the mass continuity equation to ensure compatibility. A general physics–dynamics coupling workflow is established, and a dycore–tracer–physics splitting strategy is designed to couple these components in a flexible and efficient manner. In this context, two major physics–dynamics coupling strategies are examined. Simple-physics packages from the 2016 Dynamical Core Model Intercomparison Project (DCMIP2016) experimental protocols are used to facilitate the investigation of the model behaviors in idealized moist-physics configurations, including cloud-scale modeling, weather forecasting, and climate modeling, and in a real-world test-case setup. Performance evaluation demonstrates that the model is able to produce reasonable sensitivity and variability at various spatiotemporal scales. The consideration and implications of different physics–dynamics coupling options are discussed within this context. The appendix provides discussion on the energetics in the continuous- and discrete-form equations of motion.
Development of a 3-Dimensional Prognostic Score for Patients With Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease: PAD3D Score
Authors: Dopheide Jörn F. , Ramadani Hana , Adam Luise , Gahl Brigitta , Papac Lucija , Veit Jonas , Kaspar Mathias , Schindewolf Marc , Baumgartner Iris , Drexel Heinz
Published: April 2020

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a high-risk condition for cardiovascular (CV) events, but no specific prognosis assessment tool exists. We developed an individual risk score (PAD3D) based on the combined predictive value for mortality, including (1) age, (2) severity of PAD, and (3) extent of atherosclerosis. Patients (n = 1310) with symptomatic PAD were followed up for a mean of 50 ± 26 months. The cohort was randomly subdivided into a test and validation cohort. All-cause and CV mortality were prospectively analyzed for PAD3D score and in combination with classical risk factors. For the test and validation cohort (n = 655 each), all-cause and CV mortality were predicted ( P < .001) by the PAD3D score. Additional inclusion of classical risk factors did not increase discrimination compared with PAD3D as “area under receiver-operating characteristic” curves were similar for both scores at any time point. Thus, the addition of the classical risk factors to PAD3D did not further improve the prognostic value. The PAD3D score provides a risk gradient of a 4.5-fold increase in all-cause and CV mortality. We developed a score for precise prediction of all-cause and CV mortality. The PAD3D score promises to allow for personalized goals in risk intervention.
Mycosis Fungoides of the True Vocal Folds: A Case Report
Authors: Qualliotine Jesse R. , Ahluwalia Rohan , Tzachanis Dmitrios , Sanghvi Parag , Weissbrod Philip A.
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

To report a case of laryngeal involvement of mycosis fungoides and its symptomatic treatment with laser-assisted surgical ablation.

Methods:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

A 76-year-old woman with longstanding MF previously treated with Brentuximab Vedotin who developed persistent cough and dysphonia. The patient’s laryngeal disease burden was treated with KTP-laser ablation and further reduced with doxorubicin and radiotherapy.

Conclusions:

Although laryngeal, and especially glottic, involvement is a rare finding, suspicion should be maintained in symptomatic patients with cutaneous mycosis fungoides. This the first reported surgical laser treatment of laryngeal symptoms in this context, which can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.
Prospective study comparing the outcome of a population-specific adjusted calcium equation to ionized calcium
Authors: Jassam N , Hayden K , Dearman R , Allgar V , Barth JH
Published: April 2020

Background

Calcium circulates bound to albumin and changes in albumin concentration will therefore affect total calcium measurements. In order to mitigate this, correction factors are frequently used. The most widely used correction equation was described by Payne and colleagues in 1973. This equation was derived from well-defined hospitalized patients’ data. Current clinical practice is consistent with the general application of the adjusted calcium equation irrespective of clinical setting. This study aims to assess the validity of this approach by the derivation of a community care-specific adjusted calcium equation (‘community equation’) and the comparison of its performance to a hospitalized patient equation and ionized calcium.

Method

Retrospective data were collected according to Payne’s criteria from an inpatient and community care setting. Data were used to derive the two equations: the in-patient equation and community equation. The outcome of these equations was compared with ionized calcium obtained from 123 healthy participants.

Results

The community equation correctly identified the calcium status of 92% of the 123 healthy participants, while the inpatient equation identified 46% only. Regression analysis against ionized calcium showed a higher R2 for the community equation than for the inpatient equation. Furthermore, we have shown that mean albumin and calcium concentrations are significantly different between these two populations.

Conclusion

In this study, we found that the diagnostic accuracy of the adjusted calcium equation in ambulant patients was improved by the derivation of a population-specific equation for the community care setting.
The Sociopolitical Dynamics of Coal Transition in India
Authors: Janardhanan Nandakumar , Tamura Kentaro
Published: April 2020

Energy transition has been gaining significant policy attention in India, especially in the backdrop of the concerns about growing emissions from fossil fuels and the need for cleaner energy services. However, this has been one of the strategic dilemmas for the country. On the one hand, the increasing demand for fossil fuels is prompting critical policy actions to minimize the energy-related emissions and reduce the dependency on the same. On the other hand, the national economic targets that demand high growth have been pivotal in pushing the energy demand growth and have also been unable to shift away from the conventional energy mix.

The global debates on shifting away from environmentally damaging energy sources have always paid greater focus on the coal sector. This is primarily due to the fact that coal-fuelled power generation sector has been responsible for the highest quantity of greenhouse gas emissions in many countries. Shifting away from coal sector can have significant adverse sociopolitical impacts. The workforce depending on the sector for mining and processing, as well as in the other allied sectors can be affected by the falling demand for coal. On the contrary, this article identifies that energy transition has not made any serious dent on the workforce or communities that are traditionally dependent on coal sector. Instead, the fall in employment witnessed is primarily due to the increasing mechanization taking place for the past few decades. The article discusses coal transition in the Indian context to present the arguments in this direction.
The Effect of 2008 Financial Crisis on the Distribution of Economic Power
Authors: Agarwal Manmohan , Brahmo Amrita
Published: April 2020

There has been considerable debate over whether the USA is losing its stronghold over the world economy and its power declining, giving way to new leadership from the emerging economies (EEs) like China. This article uses the notion of power based on the resources available to a state. It uses a number of measures to measure the resources available to a state and so assess economic power. It finds that there has been a slight decline in the importance of the developed countries and an increase in that of the developing countries (DCs). However, there is a slight decline in the power of the USA. The increase in the importance of developing countries is mainly on account of China. But the changes do not mean that developing countries can get the changes they desire. There is more of a stalemate.
Additive, Curvilinear, and Interactive Relations of Anxiety and Depression With Indicators of Psychosocial Functioning
Authors: Cowden Richard Gregory , Chapman Ian , Houghtaling Austin
Published: April 2020

This study examines additive, curvilinear, and interactive relations of anxiety and depression with several subjective indicators of intrapersonal (i.e., hope, self-compassion, shame) and interpersonal (i.e., social connectedness, quality of social relationships) functioning in a sample of adults ( N =  547, Mage = 43.37 ± 12.02, female = 56.88%) seeking treatment for psychological difficulties. Results of complementary analyses were largely consistent with the hypothesis that increasing levels of anxiety and depression would correspond with worse psychosocial functioning, although nonlinear relations indicated that the effect of depression progressively attenuated at higher levels of symptom severity. Whereas the findings generally supported additive effects of anxiety and depression, the hypothesis that there would be synergistic effects of anxiety and depression was not supported. Supplementary group comparisons revealed that the functional implications of subsyndromal combinations of anxiety and depression may be comparable to those associated with symptoms that meet more traditional standards (i.e., syndromal or dimensional definitions) of comorbid anxiety–depression. The findings offer further insight into the complex relations of anxiety and depression with psychosocial functioning and emphasize the importance of detecting and offering appropriate treatments for anxiety and depression symptoms that coexist at subsyndromal levels.
Physical property of 3D-printed sinusoidal pattern using shape memory TPU filament
Authors: Kabir Shahbaj , Kim Hyelim , Lee Sunhee
Published: April 2020

This study has investigated the physical properties of 3D-printable shape memory thermoplastic polyurethane (SMTPU) filament and its 3D-printed sinusoidal pattern obtained by fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. To investigate 3D filaments, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and SMTPU filament were examined by conducting infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a tensile test. Then, to examine the 3D-printed sinusoidal samples, a sinusoidal pattern was developed and 3D-printed. Those samples went through a three-step heating process: (a) untreated state; (b) 5 min heating at 70°C, cooling for 30 min at room temperature; and (c) a repeat of step 2. The results obtained by the three different heating processes of the 3D-printed sinusoidal samples were examined by XRD, DMTA, DSC and the tensile test to obtain the effect of heating or annealing on the structural and mechanical properties. The results show significant changes in structure, crystallinity and thermal and mechanical properties of SMTPU 3D-printed samples due to the heating steps. XRD showed the increase in crystallinity with heating. In DMTA, storage modulus, loss modulus and the tan σ peak position also changed for various heating steps. The DSC result showed that the Tg for different steps of the SMTPU 3D-printed sample remained almost the same at around 51°C. The tensile property of the TPU 3D-printed sinusoidal sample decreased in terms of both load and elongation with increased heating processes, while for the SMTPU 3D-printed sinusoidal sample, the load decreased but elongation increased about 2.5 times.
Instrumental evaluation of fabric shape retention by image analysis
Authors: Wang Lei , Tang Qianhui , Zhang Xiaoting , Gao Weidong
Published: April 2020

Fabric shape retention is an essential property for assessing fabric usability and easy-care properties, which needs to be evaluated frequently for quality improvement. At present, certain aspects of shape retention can be characterized by particular devices, such as the crease recovery tester, the fabric drape tester, etc. To effectively and accurately reflect fabric shape retention performance, we developed an automatic crease forming device to simulate fabric crease creation and the shape recovery process in daily life, and objectively assess the shape retention by an image processing method. A specified size specimen was laid flat on the device to create a sharp crease. Then, a video image of the fabric shape recovery is acquired for measuring the evaluation indexes, such as the vertex angle ( VA), height ( H) and shape retention area ( SA). Finally, the results of this proposed method are compared with existing methods. When compared with the existing crease recovery tester, there is good consistency between the VA of the developed measurement system and the recovery angle of the fabric crease recovery tester, which indicates that the proposed method can be used to evaluate the crease recovery of fabrics. Compared with the drapability, there is linear function relationship between the H and SA of the developed measurement system and the draping coefficient of the fabric drape tester, which demonstrates that the proposed method can be used to evaluate the drapability. Therefore, experimental results indicate that the data calculated by our proposed method can be used to determine fabric shape retention.
The Socio-Spatial Contexts of HIV Risk for People Who Inject Drugs in Public Spaces in Nigeria
Authors: Nelson Ediomo-Ubong Ekpo
Published: April 2020

This article explores the socio-spatial factors shaping HIV risk for people who inject in public settings in Nigeria. It draws on thematic coding and analysis of qualitative interview accounts of people who inject drugs (PWID) in public spaces ( n = 29) recruited via snowball sampling. Drug injecting took place in diverse spaces (“bunks,” uncompleted buildings, motor parks, and night life environments) that enabled PWID to conceal illicit drug use in public settings. Public injecting resulted from intersecting socio-structural factors, including housing instability, resource constraints, and marginalized forms of drug use. Conversely, the practice was preferred as a beneficial and socially meaningful experience. Although PWID recognized the risks associated with public injecting and enacted risk reduction practices (e.g., using sterile syringes, rinsing syringes), risk reduction was undermined by socio-spatial factors including social discrimination, lack of essential amenities to enable safe injecting, poor access to sterile injecting equipment, and fear of disclosure and police arrests. These factors reproduced an environment of pervasive risk that compromised risk reduction and fostered risky practices such as rushing injection and sharing injecting equipment. There exists a need to create enabling environments for health by enabling access to secure accommodation, implementing safe injecting environment interventions, and exercising discretion in policing to enable access to essential harm reduction services for PWID.