bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The almost complex structure on 𝕊6 and related Schrödinger flows
Authors: Ding Qing , Zhong Shiping
Published: November 2018

In this paper, by using the [Formula: see text]-structure on Im[Formula: see text] from the octonions [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]-binormal motion of curves [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] associated to the almost complex structure on [Formula: see text] is studied. The motion is proved to be equivalent to Schrödinger flows from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], and also to a nonlinear Schrödinger-type system (NLSS) in three unknown complex functions that generalizes the famous correspondence between the binormal motion of curves in [Formula: see text] and the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation. Some related geometric properties of the surface [Formula: see text] in Im[Formula: see text] swept by [Formula: see text] are determined.
Community detection via closure extension
Authors: Zhang Jingming , Cheng Jianjun , Feng Xiaosu , Chen Xiaoyun
Published: November 2018

Identifying community structure in networks plays an important role in understanding the network structure and analyzing the network features. Many state-of-the-art algorithms have been proposed to identify the community structure in networks. In this paper, we propose a novel method based on closure extension; it performs in two steps. The first step uses the similarity closure or correlation closure to find the initial community structure. In the second step, we merge the initial communities using Modularity [Formula: see text]. The proposed method does not need any prior information such as the number or sizes of communities, and it is able to obtain the same resulting communities in multiple runs. Moreover, it is noteworthy that our method has low computational complexity because of considering only local information of network. Some real-world and synthetic graphs are used to test the performance of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that our method can detect deterministic and informative community structure in most cases.
Low trigger voltage bulk FinFET silicon controlled rectifier in nanotechnology
Authors: Jiang Yibo , Bi Hui , Li Hui
Published: November 2018

The bulk fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) has been the primary semiconductor technology in nanotechnology. To protect low supply voltage circuits based on FinFET, trigger voltage [Formula: see text] of the silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) which acts as electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device should be lowered further. In this paper, in order to lower the [Formula: see text] an extra implant technique is proposed to form bridging well low trigger voltage FinFET SCR (FinFET BRLVTSCR). The experiments demonstrate that the trigger voltage can be lowered effectively. Moreover, the TCAD simulations bring an in-depth physical understanding of ESD current conduction and failure mechanism during ESD protection. Finally, the turn-on characteristic demonstrates proposed novel SCRs are fast and effective under TLP and very fast TLP (VFTLP) stress.
Studies on the hydrodynamics of a square near the wall
Authors: Cao Yong-Hui
Published: November 2018

A numerical study is performed to investigate the hydrodynamics of a square near the wall. The fluid dynamics around this bluff body is considered at the Reynolds number Re ≈ 100. The numerical results show that the time-varying force on the square would keep static when the gap between the square and wall is smaller, while it varyingly changes at higher gap. Moreover, the time-mean drag on the square firstly increases and then decreases with keeping increase of the gap between the square and wall, while the time-mean lift on the square gradually decreases. This finding may be helpful for designing the offshore structure in a varied oceanic topography.
Systematic analysis and identification of unexpected interactions from the neuroprotein drug interactome in hydrocephalus pharmacological intervention
Authors: Lu Youming , Yuan Lei , Chen Xin , Zhang Aijun , Zhang Pengqi , Zou Dongdong
Published: November 2018

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid; pharmacological intervention of the disease has been found to elicit a variety of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in central nervous system (CNS) by unexpectedly targeting certain functional neuroproteins. Here, a systematic neuroprotein drug interactome (SNDI) is created for 11 hydrocephalus drugs/metabolites plus 20 control drugs across 518 druggable pockets on the surface of 472 CNS neuroproteins via a large-scale molecular docking approach. Heuristic clustering analysis of the SNDI profile divides the 31 investigated drug ligands into a distinct panel and a background panel; the former consists of two hydrocephalus drugs (Furosemide and Triamterene) and their respective metabolites (Furosemide glucuronide and Hydroxytriamterene) that are inferred to have generally high affinity towards the whole array of neuroprotein pockets. A total of 13 neuroproteins are enriched in gene ontology semantic mining as putative unexpected targets of the distinct panel, and their intermolecular interactions with hydrocephalus drugs/metabolites are investigated in detail using dynamics simulation and energetics analysis. We also perform kinase assay and viability test to substantiate the interactome analysis. It is found that the Furosemide and Triamterene have significant cytotoxic effects on normal human astrocytes, in which the Triamterene can inhibit the neurokinase ROCK2, a representative of putative unexpected targets, with a high activity, which is comparable with the sophisticated ROCK2 inhibitor Fasudil.
A Slow-Wave Structure Optimization with Variable Helix Section Length in STWT Based on CI-NMCSO Algorithm
Authors: Liu Huijuan , Zhao Dongming , Xia Kewen
Published: November 2018

A novel slow-wave structure optimization method on Chaos-improved Normal mutation cat swarm optimization (CI-NMCSO) algorithm is proposed. Under the variable helix section length in STWT, the CI-NMCSO combined with 1D CHRISTINE code is used to calculate the best set of pitch distribution and section length with the objective function of electron beam efficiency improvement. Quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) and Cauchy mutated cat swarm optimization (CMCSO) algorithms are applied to make performance comparison. Experimental results show that the beam efficiency has been increased by CI-NMCSO from rated value 30% to 45.3%, and the values using CMCSO and QPSO are 41.8% and 36.5%, respectively, the convergence speed of CI-NMCSO is the fastest, only 16 iterations, while CMCSO and QPSO take 19 and 23 iterations, so the performance of CI-NMCSO is better than CMCSO and QPSO on both optimization precision and calculation speed in terms of slow-wave structure optimization, and is also superior to that with equal section length when the helix section length is variable.
The Elastic Contact of Rough Spheres Investigated Using a Deterministic Multi-Asperity Model
Authors: Yastrebov Vladislav A.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we use a deterministic multi-asperity model to investigate the elastic contact of rough spheres. Synthetic rough surfaces with controllable spectra were used to identify individual asperities, their locations and curvatures. The deterministic analysis enables to capture both particular deformation modes of individual rough surfaces and also statistical deformation regimes, which involve averaging over a big number of roughness realizations. Two regimes of contact area growth were identified: the Hertzian regime at light loads at the scale of a single asperity, and the linear regime at higher loads involving multiple contacting asperities. The transition between the regimes occurs at the load which depends on the second and the fourth spectral moments. It is shown that at light indentation the radius of circumference delimiting the contact area is always considerably larger than Hertzian contact radius. Therefore, it suggests that there is no scale separation in contact problems at light loads. In particular, the geometrical shape cannot be considered separately from the surface roughness at least for approaching greater than one standard roughness deviation.
High-Temperature Combined Fatigue Tests on Full-Scale Turbine Blades
Authors: Yan Xiaojun , Qin Xiaoyu , Huang Dawei
Published: November 2018

Compared with standard specimens, fatigue tests on full-scale turbine blades can take factors such as geometry and manufacturing process into consideration of life assessment. However, for combined fatigue tests of full-scale turbine blades, there exist two challenges. The first one is that it is difficult to apply combined loads of centrifugal force (low cycle fatigue, LCF) and vibration force (high cycle fatigue, HCF) properly because of the interaction between these loads. The second one is that it is hard to determine the range of HCF load/stress which the blade experiences at service conditions. To address these two challenges, firstly, a set of two-path fixture is designed to apply combined loads on the test blade, which can transfer LCF and HCF load separately by different paths. And secondly, two methods, i.e. the inverse method and the contrast method are proposed to estimate the HCF stress level for turbine blades at service conditions. The inverse method infers the HCF stress level by comparing blade failure data between field (in service) and bench tests conditions, while the contrast method obtains HCF stress level by comparing blade failure data between new and used blades under bench tests conditions. Detailed procedures of high temperature combined fatigue tests on full-scale blade are presented, and experimental life data is also included and analyzed.
Sequential Linear Analysis for the Prediction of the Symmetrical or Non-Symmetrical Character of the Debond Onset and Propagation Along a Fiber-Matrix Interface
Authors: Moreno Laura , Távara Luis , Correa Elena , París Federico
Published: November 2018

In this work, a recently proposed numerical tool is used to predict the onset and growth of debonds appearing along a single glass/carbon fiber embedded in an epoxy matrix subjected to transverse loads. The fiber-matrix system is modelled using the FEA commercial code ABAQUS, together with a solving algorithm programmed in Python and named Sequential Linear Analysis (SLA). Besides, the interface behavior is modeled using the Linear Elastic Brittle Interface Model (LEBIM) included in ABAQUS by means of a UMAT subroutine. The developed models are able to reproduce the non-symmetrical (one-side) debond at the fiber-matrix interface. Moreover, the results obtained show that the appearance of a unilateral debond may be affected both by the material employed and the size of the matrix cell where the fiber is embedded.
Culturally Responsive Teaching in the Online Classroom
Authors: Rhodes Christy M. , Schmidt Steven W.
Published: November 2018

The concept of culturally responsive teaching has long been associated with the traditional, face-to-face classroom. However, the growth of distance education has meant that traditional classrooms are being replaced by online courses, and educators who were used to teaching in face-to-face classrooms now find themselves in a very different situation of teaching online. Culturally responsive teaching is important in all classrooms, and it can be done online. This article examines basic principles of culturally responsive teaching in the context of elearning. It focuses on practical ideas for instructors interested in developing their own culturally responsive online teaching skills.
What Do College Faculty And Businesses Think About Online Education?
Authors: Andrews Melissa
Published: November 2018

Since 1994, student enrollments in online education programs have dramatically increased. As colleges and businesses expand their use of e-learning, it has become more and more important to find cost-effective ways to deliver instruction and training that will meet student and business needs. Perceptions of what constitutes quality programs by faculty members, the community, administrators and businesses all vary making planning for the future even more difficult. Little research in the field also compounds the complexity of knowing which strategy will provide colleges and businesses the quality standards that it requires. This indecision and lack of information is often what leads to poor training practices for online instructors, limited knowledge of program components by hiring managers and biases about student capabilities when comparing an online to traditional programs. Questions about how to strategically plan online programs, determining the quality of online programs and responding to growth are issues that colleges will have to address in the future to sustain growth. This article highlights various studies and statistics to explain why perceptions about online learning are contributing to the lack of planning and indecision in online education focus. As more and more students obtain online degrees and enter the job market, it is interesting to explore how businesses and college faculty really feel about the switch from traditional to online degree programs.
Selection for Fit
Authors: Barrick Murray R. , Parks-Leduc Laura
Published: November 2018

We review person-organization fit theory and research on selection and recruitment, and also highlight practical recommendations. The article is framed around explaining how and why people who are well matched to their organization experience optimal psychological reactions and performance. We address five key challenges to person-organization fit research and provide a brief overview of the critical distinction between “fitting in” decisions linked to the attraction-selection-attrition (ASA) model and day-to-day forces linked to “doing well” at work. Additionally, we organize the “fit on” domain into a parsimonious set of fundamental motivational constructs, highlighting a taxonomic perspective that broadly captures the “fit on” purposeful work goals (e.g., achievement, autonomy, communion, and status; Barrick et al. 2013 ) to enhance our understanding as to the nature of the joint nonlinear person-organization effects. We conclude by reviewing research findings using this organizing framework to systematically build knowledge to advance theory, concluding with practical implications for best management practices.
Impaired proteostasis in senescent vascular endothelial cells: a perspective on estrogen and oxidative stress in the aging vasculature
Authors: Hwang HyunTae V. , Lin Yun , Rebuffatti Michelle N. , Tran Darlene T. , Lee Lily , Gomes Aldrin V. , Li Chin-Shang , Knowlton Anne A.
Published: November 2018

The heat shock response is an important cytoprotective mechanism for protein homeostasis and is an essential protective response to cellular stress and injury. Studies on changes in the heat shock response with aging have been mixed with regard to whether it is inhibited, and this, at least in part, reflects different tissues and different models. Cellular senescence is a key feature in aging, but work on the heat shock response in cultured senescent (SEN) cells has largely been limited to fibroblasts. Given the prevalence of oxidative injury in the aging cardiovascular system, we investigated whether SEN primary human coronary artery endothelial cells have a diminished heat shock response and impaired proteostasis. In addition, we tested whether this downregulation of heat shock response can be mitigated by 17β-estradiol (E2), which has a critical cardioprotective role in women, as we have previously reported that E2improves the heat shock response in endothelial cells (Hamilton KL, Mbai FN, Gupta S, Knowlton AA. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 24: 1628–1633, 2004). We found that SEN endothelial cells, despite their unexpectedly increased proteasome activity, had a diminished heat shock response and had more protein aggregation than early passage cells. SEN cells had increased oxidative stress, which promoted protein aggregation. E2treatment did not decrease protein aggregation or improve the heat shock response in either early passage or SEN cells. In summary, cellular senescence in adult human endothelial cells is accompanied by increased oxidative stress and a blunting of proteostasis, and E2did not mitigate these changes.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Senescent human endothelial cells have a diminished heat shock response and increased protein aggregates. Senescent human endothelial cells have increased basal oxidative stress, which increases protein aggregates. Physiological level of 17β-estradiol did not improve proteostasis in endothelial cells.

Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/proteostasis-in-senescent-endothelial-cells/ .
Role of renin-angiotensin system antagonists in the prevention of bevacizumab- and sunitinib-mediated cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Mozolevska Viktoriya , Schwartz Anna , Cheung David , Goyal Vineet , Shaikh Bilal , Dingman Bella , Kim Esther , Mittal Ishika , Asselin Chantal Y. , Edel Andrea , Ravandi Amir , Thliveris James , Singal Pawan K. , Czaykowski Piotr , Jassal Davinder S.
Published: November 2018

Although anticancer systemic therapy agents clearly lead to improved survival in patients with cancer, these can come at the cost of serious complications including cardiotoxicity. Two types of targeted systemic therapies currently in use for colorectal cancer (CRC) and renal cell cancer (RCC), respectively, include the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor bevacizumab (BVZ) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib (SNT). Despite the beneficial effects of BVZ and SNT in improving clinical outcomes in the settings of CRC and RCC, there is an increased risk of cardiac dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to determine whether prophylactic administration of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors would attenuate the cardiotoxic side effects of BVZ or SNT in a chronic in vivo murine model. A total of 194 wild-type C57Bl/6 male mice received: 1) 0.9% saline, 2) BVZ (10 mg·kg−1·wk−1), or 3) SNT (40 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 4 wk. Within each arm, mice received daily prophylactic treatment with hydralazine (0.05 mg/ml), aliskiren (50 mg/kg), perindopril (4 mg/kg), or valsartan (2 mg/kg). Although hydralazine effectively lowered blood pressure in BVZ- or SNT-treated mice, it did not prevent left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Prophylactic administration of aliskiren, perindopril, or valsartan prevented adverse cardiovascular remodeling in mice treated with either BVZ or SNT. The addition of RAS antagonists also downregulated expression of phosphorylated p38 and Bcl-2-like 19-kDa interacting protein 3 in SNT-treated mice. In our chronic in vivo murine model, RAS antagonists partially attenuated the development of BVZ- or SNT-mediated cardiac dysfunction. Future clinical studies are warranted to investigate the cardioprotective effects of prophylactic treatment with RAS inhibitors in the settings of CRC and RCC.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the evolving field of cardio-oncology, bevacizumab and sunitinib improve clinical outcomes in the settings of metastatic colorectal cancer and renal cell cancer, respectively. These anticancer drugs, however, are associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity. The prophylactic administration of renin-angiotensin system antagonists is partially cardioprotective against bevacizumab- and sunitinib-mediated cardiac dysfunction.
Peri/epicellular protein disulfide isomerase-A1 acts as an upstream organizer of cytoskeletal mechanoadaptation in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Tanaka Leonardo Y. , Araujo Thaís L. S. , Rodriguez Andres I. , Ferraz Mariana S. , Pelegati Vitor B. , Morais Mauro C. C. , Santos Aline M. dos , Cesar Carlos L. , Ramos Alexandre F. , Alencar Adriano M. , Laurindo Francisco R. M.
Published: November 2018

Although redox processes closely interplay with mechanoresponses to control vascular remodeling, redox pathways coupling mechanostimulation to cellular cytoskeletal organization remain unclear. The peri/epicellular pool of protein disulfide isomerase-A1 (pecPDIA1) supports postinjury vessel remodeling. Using distinct models, we investigated whether pecPDIA1 could work as a redox-dependent organizer of cytoskeletal mechanoresponses. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), pecPDIA1 immunoneutralization impaired stress fiber assembly in response to equibiaxial stretch and, under uniaxial stretch, significantly perturbed cell repositioning perpendicularly to stretch orientation. During cyclic stretch, pecPDIA1 supported thiol oxidation of the known mechanosensor β1-integrin and promoted polarized compartmentalization of sulfenylated proteins. Using traction force microscopy, we showed that pecPDIA1 organizes intracellular force distribution. The net contractile moment ratio of platelet-derived growth factor-exposed to basal VSMCs decreased from 0.90 ± 0.09 (IgG-exposed controls) to 0.70 ± 0.08 after pecPDI neutralization ( P < 0.05), together with an enhanced coefficient of variation for distribution of force modules, suggesting increased noise. Moreover, in a single cell model, pecPDIA1 neutralization impaired migration persistence without affecting total distance or velocity, whereas siRNA-mediated total PDIA1 silencing disabled all such variables of VSMC migration. Neither expression nor total activity of the master mechanotransmitter/regulator RhoA was affected by pecPDIA1 neutralization. However, cyclic stretch-induced focal distribution of membrane-bound RhoA was disrupted by pecPDI inhibition, which promoted a nonpolarized pattern of RhoA/caveolin-3 cluster colocalization. Accordingly, FRET biosensors showed that pecPDIA1 supports localized RhoA activity at cell protrusions versus perinuclear regions. Thus, pecPDI acts as a thiol redox-dependent organizer and noise reducer mechanism of cytoskeletal repositioning, oxidant generation, and localized RhoA activation during a variety of VSMC mechanoresponses.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Effects of a peri/epicellular pool of protein disulfide isomerase-A1 (pecPDIA1) during mechanoregulation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were highlighted using approaches such as equibiaxial and uniaxial stretch, random single cell migration, and traction force microscopy. pecPDIA1 regulates organization of the cytoskeleton and minimizes the noise of cell alignment, migration directionality, and persistence. pecPDIA1 mechanisms involve redox control of β1-integrin and localized RhoA activation. pecPDIA1 acts as a novel organizer of mechanoadaptation responses in VSMCs.
Atrial fibrillation and electrophysiology in transgenic mice with cardiac-restricted overexpression of FKBP12
Authors: Pan Zhenwei , Ai Tomohiko , Chang Po-Cheng , Liu Ying , Liu Jijia , Maruyama Mitsunori , Homsi Mohamed , Fishbein Michael C. , Rubart Michael , Lin Shien-Fong , Xiao Deyong , Chen Hanying , Chen Peng-Sheng , Shou Weinian , Li Bai-Yan
Published: November 2018

Cardiomyocyte-restricted overexpression of FK506-binding protein 12 transgenic (αMyHC-FKBP12) mice develop spontaneous atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the present study is to explore the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of AF in αMyHC-FKBP12 mice. Spontaneous AF was documented by telemetry in vivo and Langendorff-perfused hearts of αMyHC-FKBP12 and littermate control mice in vitro. Atrial conduction velocity was evaluated by optical mapping. The patch-clamp technique was applied to determine the potentially altered electrophysiology in atrial myocytes. Channel protein expression levels were evaluated by Western blot analyses. Spontaneous AF was recorded in four of seven αMyHC-FKBP12 mice but in none of eight nontransgenic (NTG) controls. Atrial conduction velocity was significantly reduced in αMyHC-FKBP12 hearts compared with NTG hearts. Interestingly, the mean action potential duration at 50% but not 90% was significantly prolonged in αMyHC-FKBP12 atrial myocytes compared with their NTG counterparts. Consistent with decreased conduction velocity, average peak Na+ current ( INa) density was dramatically reduced and the INa inactivation curve was shifted by approximately +7 mV in αMyHC-FKBP12 atrial myocytes, whereas the activation and recovery curves were unaltered. The Nav1.5 expression level was significantly reduced in αMyHC-FKBP12 atria. Furthermore, we found increases in atrial Cav1.2 protein levels and peak L-type Ca2+ current density and increased levels of fibrosis in αMyHC-FKBP12 atria. In summary, cardiomyocyte-restricted overexpression of FKBP12 reduces the atrial Nav1.5 expression level and mean peak INa, which is associated with increased peak L-type Ca2+ current and interstitial fibrosis in atria. The combined electrophysiological and structural changes facilitated the development of local conduction block and altered action potential duration and spontaneous AF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study addresses a long-standing riddle regarding the role of FK506-binding protein 12 in cardiac physiology. The work provides further evidence that FK506-binding protein 12 is a critical component for regulating voltage-gated sodium current and in so doing has an important role in arrhythmogenic physiology, such as atrial fibrillation.
Age-related differences in the cutaneous vascular response to exogenous angiotensin II
Authors: Lang James A. , Krajek Alex C.
Published: November 2018

Angiotensin II (ANG II) is locally produced in human skin and contributes to the reflex vasoconstriction (VC) response in aged but not young skin. We hypothesized that the exogenous ANG II-mediated VC response would be greater in older adults and would be affected by inhibition of adrenoreceptor or ANG II type II receptor (AT2R) pathways. Three microdialysis (MD) fibers were placed in the forearm skin of 11 young (26 ± 3 yr) and 11 older (68 ± 4 yr) individuals for perfusion of 1) Ringer solution (control), 2) adrenoreceptor blockade with yohimbine + propranolol, and 3) AT2R inhibition with PD-123319. ANG II was then added to the perfusates at eight graded dose concentrations ranging from 10−10 to 10−3 M. Laser Doppler flux was measured at each MD site, and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as CVC =  laser Doppler flux/mean arterial pressure and normalized to baseline CVC values collected before ANG II perfusion (%ΔCVCbaseline). At the control site, older adults (−34 ± 4%ΔCVCbaseline) exhibited a greater peak VC compared with young adults (−22 ± 2%ΔCVCbaseline, P < 0.05), which was attenuated with adrenoreceptor blockade. Young skin exhibited a vasodilation in response to lower ANG II doses that was inhibited with AT2R inhibition. AT2R inhibition also increased the VC response to higher ANG II doses such that young skin responded similarly to older skin. These results indicate that ANG II has a greater VC influence in older than young individuals. Furthermore, ANG II may be affecting multiple targets, including adrenergic and AT2R pathways.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intradermal perfusion of successive doses of angiotensin II (ANG II) revealed a role for ANG II type II receptors and dose-dependent, ANG II-mediated vasodilation in young but not older adults. In contrast, older adults exhibited greater vasoconstriction for a given dose of ANG II. The increased vasoconstriction in older adults was subsequently blunted with adrenoreceptor blockade, which indicates an interaction between ANG II and adrenergic signaling pathways in the cutaneous microcirculation.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence in Post-Stroke Neurocognitive Disorders in Hospital-Based Studies
Authors: Barbay Mélanie , Diouf Momar , Roussel Martine , Godefroy Olivier ,   GRECOGVASC study group
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Post-stroke neurocognitive disorders (post-stroke NCD) have been reported with a very variable prevalence. Methods: Based on a systematic literature search, hospital-based studies published between January 1990 and September 2015 were selected when they reported the prevalence of total, mild, and major post-stroke NCD diagnosed by using specified criteria. Factors affecting prevalence were assessed using meta-regression analysis. Results: Among the 7,440 references evaluated, 16 hospital-based studies were selected, corresponding to a total of 3,087 patients. The overall prevalence of total post-stroke NCD was 53.4% (95% CI: 46.9–59.8): 36.4% for mild post-stroke NCD (95% CI: 29–43.8) and 16.5% (95% CI: 12.1–20.8) for major post-stroke NCD. The overall prevalence was mainly influenced by the threshold score used for categorization (p = 0.0001) and, in the subgroup of studies using a conservative threshold (i.e., ≤7th percentile), by the recurrent stroke rate (p = 0.0005). The prevalence of major post-stroke NCD was mainly influenced by age (p = 0.003). Conclusion: More than half of stroke survivors experience post-stroke NCD, corresponding to mild post-stroke NCD in two-thirds of cases and major post-stroke NCD in one-third of cases. Harmonization of stroke assessment and cognitive score thresholds is urgently needed to allow more accurate estimation of post-stroke NCD prevalence, especially mild post-stroke NCD.
Effectiveness of Daily Use of Bilateral Custom-Made Ankle-Foot Orthoses on Balance, Fear of Falling, and Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Changhong , Goel Rahul , Rahemi Hadi , Zhang Qianzi , Lepow Brian , Najafi Bijan
Published: November 2018

Background: Foot problems are prevalent in older adults, which may increase the risk and concern for falls. Ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) have been shown to be effective in the stabilization of lower extremities, but their long-term effectiveness in improving balance and their potential to encourage older adults to become more physically active are still debated. Objective: This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of daily use of a custom-made AFO on balance, fear of falling, and physical activity in older adults. Study Design: Forty-four older adults with concern about or at risk for falling were randomly allocated to either the control group (CG; 77.3% female, age 75.6 ± 6.5 years, BMI 29.3 ± 6.4) or the intervention group (IG; 63.6% female, age 73.7 ± 6.3 years, BMI = 27.8 ± 4.8). The IG received walking shoes and bilateral custom-made AFO. The CG received only walking shoes. At the baseline and 6-month follow-ups, balance and physical activity were assessed using validated wearable instrumentation and fear of falling was assessed using the Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Adherence and acceptability toward wearing the AFO were assessed using self-reported questionnaires at the 6-month follow-up. Results: No significant between-group difference was observed at baseline (p = 0.144–0.882). Compared to baseline and the CG, hip, ankle, and center-of-mass (COM) sways were significantly reduced at the 6-month follow-up in the IG while standing with the feet together during the eyes-open condition (p = 0.005–0.040). Within the IG, the FES-I was reduced significantly (p = 0.036) and there was an increasing trend in the number of walking bouts with a medium effect size (d = 0.52, p = 0.440) compared to baseline. However, there were no significant changes in FES-I and physical activity measures in the CG (p = 0.122–0.894). The reduction in COM sway in the IG was moderately correlated with adherence (r = –0.484, p = 0.047) and strongly correlated with baseline COM sway (r = –0.903, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Results suggest that bilateral custom-made AFO plus walking shoes is effective in improving balance compared to walking shoes alone, and it significantly reduces the fear of falling, with a nonsignificant but noticeable positive trend in physical activity, compared to baseline. The results also suggest that older adults with poor balance at baseline and higher daily adherence to using the AFO will gain more benefit from the AFO intervention.
Accumulation of Transposable Elements in Autosomes and Giant Sex Chromosomes of Omophoita (Chrysomelidae: Alticinae)
Authors: Rosolen Lucas A.M. , Vicari Marcelo R. , Almeida Mara C.
Published: November 2018

Coleoptera is the most diverse order among insects, and comparative molecular cytogenetic studies in this group are lacking. The species of Omophoita (Oedionychina) possess a karyotype of 2n = 22 = 10II+X+Y. They are interesting models for evolutionary cytogenetic studies due to giant sex chromosomes which are asynaptic during meiosis. Transposable elements (TEs) confer plasticity and mobility to genomes and are considered hotspots for DNA double-strand breaks and chromosomal rearrangements. The objective of the present study was to verify the role of TEs in the karyotype and in the size expansion of the giant sex chromosomes in Omophoita. Thus, different TEs were characterized in the Omophoita genome and localized in the chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The DNA sequencing data revealed identity with TE families Tc1/Mariner and RTE/L1-56_XT. FISH showed signals of all TEs in the karyotypes and a high accumulation in the sex chromosomes of the 3 Omophoita species analyzed. These data suggest that the genome size expansion and the origin of the giant sex chromosomes of Omophoita are due to an intensive genomic invasion of TEs, as those characterized here as Tc1/Mariner-Ooc and RTE-Ooc. Differences in the chromosomal location of the TEs among the 3 species indicate that they have participated in the karyotype differentiation in Omophoita.
The first species of Eutheia (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae) in Pakistan
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: November 2018

Eutheia Stephens, 1830 is distributed in Holarctic and Neotropical regions, with a majority of species known to occur in the Palaearctic. Recent studies focused on the Russian Far East, China, Taiwan and Japan yielded many new species (Hoshina 2007; Jałoszyński 2004, 2008a, 2008b, 2010a, 2010b, 2013; Kurbatov 1990, 1991). Central and South Asia are very poorly studied, as these areas include several countries whose geopolitical situation makes field studies difficult. Besides two Himalayan species of Eutheia discovered in Nepal (Franz 1974, 1985), the scydmaenine fauna of the vast area comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan and some of the former Soviet republics is very poorly known. Southern areas of this region (mostly India) are better studied, but as Eutheia prefers temperate climate and even in the Neotropics and in Taiwan can be found only in high mountains (Jałoszyński 2008b, 2011), it is not very likely to find this genus far south of the mountain arc formed by the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush. Pakistan, with its potentially species-rich, forested sub-Himalayan region with a subtropical highland climate, is exceptionally poorly studied, with only four species of Scydmaeninae recorded: Scydmoraphes gartneri (Franz, 1979), Scydmoraphes hastipes Vít, 1999, Stenichnus fallax Vít, 1999 (all Glandulariini), Scydmaenus minangkabauensis C. Blattný, 1926 and Scydmaenus ravalpindii Franz, 1970 (Scydmaenini). However, some of these species remain problematic. The identity of Pakistani material of Sc. minangkabauensis remains unclear, as this species was described from Sumatra, and recorded from Vietnam, southern China, Java, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan (e.g., Franz 1982). Such a broad distribution seems unlikely, especially that many species of Scydmaenus share very uniform appearance and their aedeagi were often studied and illustrated by Franz just in any possible view, depending on how they solidified in euparal, without making any attempt to obtain repeatable preparations. Stenichnus fallax, in turn, is very likely a junior synonym of Stenichnus rothangensis (Franz, 1981), a species redescribed by Jałoszyński (2015) and known to occur in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, not far from the type locality of St. fallax.
Gyretes Brullé (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae) from Brazil: Morphology of eggs and early instars
Authors: COLPANI DANIARA , BENETTI CÉSAR JOÃO , HAMADA NEUSA , ANDRADE-SOUZA VANDERLY , MICHAT MARIANO C.
Published: November 2018

Taxonomic information regarding Gyrinidae is mostly based on adults, especially due to the difficulty in collecting immatures and assigning them to a particular species. Association between immatures and adults is sometimes difficult because closely related species can be found in the same habitat. To solve this problem a feasible technique is rearing under laboratory conditions. However, this method is challenging because larval survival rate is usually low, and emulation of natural conditions is difficult. Molecular techniques, especially the use of the COI gene, have been applied to identify species and to associate different life stages. However, in some species groups this marker has not been successful in distinguishing closely related species. The objectives of this study are to describe the egg and the first two instars of Gyretes nubilus Ochs, 1965 and the egg of G. minax Ochs, 1967 and to evaluate the utility of COI to associate immatures and adults. The association of these immature stages with adults was done either rearing adults under laboratory conditions or by using DNA sequence data (COI), corroborating the utility of this molecular marker to associate immature and adults in Gyretes. These immature stages are described, including chaetotaxic analysis of larvae for the first time for the genus Gyretes Brullé, 1835. The eggs are described based on scanning electron microscopy. The eggs are similar to those of other Gyrinidae genera in having a micropylar region in the anterior pole and a longitudinal fissure, and by the absence of an aeropyle, but they differ mainly in characters related to chorionic structure and reticulation. Larvae of Gyretes can be distinguished from those of the other Neotropical Gyrinidae genera by a combination of several characters, including the frontoclypeal seta FR3 short, presence of three conspicuous additional setae on lateral region of parietal (contiguous to stemmata), and posterior margin of lacinia smooth, with apex not indented.
First description of the male of the linyphiid spider Disembolus corneliae (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1944) (Araneae, Linyphiidae)
Authors: MILNE MARC A.
Published: November 2018

The erigonine linyphiid genus Disembolus currently contains 24 described species (World Spider Catalog 2018). Disembolus was erected by Chamberlin and Ivie (1933) to accommodate their new species D. stridulans Chamberlin and Ivie from Utah. Since then, 23 species have been added to the genus. Chamberlin (1949) described D. zygethus Chamberlin, but the majority of species were added to the genus by Millidge (1981). Millidge (1981) described 16 species from museum specimens at the American Museum of Natural History and transferred five species from the genera Tapinocyba and Soudinus (D. alpha (Chamberlin 1949), D. kesimbus (Chamberlin 1949), D. phanus (Chamberlin 1949), D. sacerdotalis (Crosby & Bishop 1933), and D. corneliae (Chamberlin & Ivie 1944)). The last species added to the genus was D. bairdi Edwards described by Edwards in 1999. Disembolus corneliae Chamberlin and Ivie was described from the female only by Chamberlin and Ivie (1944) as Soudinus corneliae. The species was then transferred to Disembolus by Millidge (1981). Herein, I describe the male of the species for the first time.
The Relationship of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Subclinical Atherosclerosis: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bai Ruocen , Zhang Yanfen , Liu Wen , Ma Chunyan , Chen Xin , Yang Jun , Sun Dandan
Published: November 2018

Cardiovascular disease has become the first cause of death for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, the relevant data is limited and the relationship between AS and subclinical atherosclerosis remains questionable. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between subclinical atherosclerosis and AS in this meta-analysis. We synthesized the primary data on flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), or pulse wave velocity (PWV)-related studies involving AS and using searched electronic databases. Not only were heterogeneity tests, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis performed overall, but also subgroup analysis and meta-regression grouped by measuring site, region, age, sex, and sample size were also carried out. A total of 35 articles involving 1535 patients with AS and 1347 normal controls were included. Significantly increased cIMT (weighted mean difference [WMD]; 95% confidence interval [CI]) = 0.071 [0.048-0.094]), PWV (WMD [95%CI] = 0.910 [0.464-1.356]), and decreased FMD (WMD [95%CI] = −4.459 [−8.389 to −0.529]) were observed in patients with AS compared to controls. The funnel plots or Egger test or Begg test showed no significant publication bias (all P > .05). Sensitivity analysis did not show statistical significance. We conclude that patients with AS have a higher risk of subclinical atherosclerosis. Early screening and intervention deserves consideration.
Incorporating the Q-Matrix Into Multidimensional Item Response Theory Models
Authors: da Silva Marcelo A. , Liu Ren , Huggins-Manley Anne C. , Bazán Jorge L.
Published: November 2018

Multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) models use data from individual item responses to estimate multiple latent traits of interest, making them useful in educational and psychological measurement, among other areas. When MIRT models are applied in practice, it is not uncommon to see that some items are designed to measure all latent traits while other items may only measure one or two traits. In order to facilitate a clear expression of which items measure which traits and formulate such relationships as a math function in MIRT models, we applied the concept of the Q-matrix commonly used in diagnostic classification models to MIRT models. In this study, we introduced how to incorporate a Q-matrix into an existing MIRT model, and demonstrated benefits of the proposed hybrid model through two simulation studies and an applied study. In addition, we showed the relative ease in modeling educational and psychological data through a Bayesian approach via the NUTS algorithm.
Dissociation between Cervical Mucus and Urinary Hormones during the Postpartum Return of Fertility in Breastfeeding Women
Authors: Bouchard Thomas , Blackwell Len , Brown Simon , Fehring Richard , Parenteau-Carreau Suzanne
Published: November 2018

Identifying the return of fertility with cervical mucus observations is challenging during the postpartum period. Use of urinary measurements of estrogen and progesterone can assist in understanding the return to fertility during this period. The purposes of this study were to describe the postpartum return of fertility by an analysis of total estrogen (TE) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PDG) profiles and to correlate these profiles with cervical mucus observations. Twenty-six participants collected urine samples during the postpartum period and recorded mucus scores. TE and PDG hormones were analyzed and compared with mucus scores. During amenorrhea, mucus reflected TE changes in only 35 percent of women; after amenorrhea, typical mucus patterns were seen in 33 percent of cycles. We concluded that postpartum mucus and hormone profiles are significantly dissociated but that monitoring urinary hormones may assist in identifying the return of fertility. We also identified different hormonal patterns in the return to fertility.

The postpartum period is a challenging time for identifying the return of fertility. The purposes of this study were to describe the hormonal patterns during the return of fertility and to correlate these patterns with cervical mucus observations. Twenty-six postpartum women collected urine samples and recorded mucus scores. Urinary estrogen and progesterone hormones were analyzed and compared with mucus scores. Before the return of menses, mucus reflected hormonal changes in only 35 percent women and after first menses in 33 percent of cycles. We found that hormone profiles do not correlate well with mucus observations during the postpartum return of fertility.
‘Cold intimacies’ in parents’ negotiations of work–family practices and parental leave?
Authors: Twamley Katherine
Published: November 2018

This article aims to assess the contention that a ‘feminist’ ideology is associated with a ‘cooling’ of intimacy in heterosexual relationships, as argued by scholars such as Arlie Hochschild and Eva Illouz. According to this thesis, such an ideology, ‘abducted’ by a commercial spirit, encourages women to disengage from warm intimate bonds with others and to prioritize their own personal fulfilment and parity in care and housework. Drawing on two qualitative empirical studies exploring couples’ intimate lives and their feminist and egalitarian preferences and practices in leave, care and housework, this article examines in detail the basis of this thesis, and its effectiveness in explaining the lived experiences of parent couples’ negotiations of this terrain. The data were collected through focus group discussions with parents not sharing leave and a detailed ethnography with couples sharing leave. The comparison shows that, far from observing a clear dichotomy between ‘cold’ feminists and ‘warm’ traditional couples, both sets of parents present a more complex picture of ‘warm’ and ‘cold’ relations. The analysis enables a critical appreciation of sociological theorizing about gender equality and intimacy, contributing to sociological debates around individualism, feminism and family life.
Discerning the Meaning of Humanae Vitae
Authors: Coleman Gerald
Published: November 2018

The landmark encyclical Humanae Vitae is frequently viewed in isolation from its context. This essay addresses this lapse by understanding the encyclical in light of the history which preceded its publication, as well as factors that followed it. The full story includes the carefully nuanced position of the majority report of the pontifical commission, the meaning of responsible parenthood in Gaudium et Spes, and the fact that Paul VI did not intend Humanae Vitae to be the last word on the meaning of conjugal morality. Nevertheless, the intrinsic link between the unitive and procreative dimensions of conjugal morality posed by the encyclical is maintained and developed in subsequent papal teaching. The major contribution of Pope Francis to the discussion is the principle of discernment as applied to the reception of the encyclical’s teaching.
A Tale of Two Translations: Rhetorical Style and the Post-Conciliar English Translations of the Mass
Authors: Stosur David A.
Published: November 2018

John O’Malley’s study of the rhetorical style of Vatican II bears also on the question of post-conciliar vernacular translations of the liturgy. This article proposes a “hospitality” model of liturgical translation as consonant with the conciliar style. Of the key instructions on liturgical translation, Comme le prévoit (1969) and Liturgiam Authenticam (2001), the earlier is more consistent with a hospitality model. Analysis of selected collects in the English translations of the Mass based on these instructions, The Sacramentary (1974/1985) and the Roman Missal (2010), respectively, indicates that The Sacramentary translation is likewise better in representing the hospitable style of Vatican II called for in the present liturgical context.