bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular systematics of Serrasalmidae: Deciphering the identities of piranha species and unraveling their evolutionary histories
Authors: FREEMAN BARBIE , NICO LEO G. , OSENTOSKI MATTHEW , JELKS HOWARD L. , COLLINS TIMOTHY M.
Published: June 2019

Piranhas and their relatives have proven to be a challenging group from a systematic perspective, with difficulties in identification of species, linking of juveniles to adults, diagnosis of genera, and recognition of higher-level clades. In this study we add new molecular data consisting of three mitochondrial regions for museum vouchered and photo-documented representatives of the Serrasalmidae. These are combined with existing serrasalmid sequences in GenBank to address species and higher-level questions within the piranhas using parsimony and Bayesian methods. We found robust support for the monophyly of Serrasalmus manueli, but not for Serrasalmus gouldingi when GenBank specimens identified as S. gouldingi were included in the analysis. “Serrasalmus gouldingi” sequences in GenBank may, however, be misidentified. Linking of juveniles to adults of the same species was greatly facilitated by the addition of sequence data. Based on our sampling and identifications, our data robustly reject the monophyly of the genera Serrasalmus and Pristobrycon. We found evidence for a well-supported clade comprised of Serrasalmus, Pygocentrus, and Pristobrycon (in part). This clade was robustly supported in separate and combined analyses of gene regions, and was also supported by a unique molecular character, the loss of a tandem repeat in the control region. Analysis of specimens and a literature review suggest this clade is also characterized by the presence of a pre-anal spine and ectopterygoid teeth. A persistent polytomy at the base of this clade was dated using an independent calibration as 1.8 million years old, corresponding to the beginning of the Pleistocene Epoch, and suggesting an origin for this clade more recent than dates cited in the recent literature. The sister group to this clade is also robustly supported, and consists of Catoprion, Pygopristis, and Pristobrycon striolatus. If the term piranha is to refer to a monophyletic clade, it should be restricted to Serrasalmus, Pygocentrus, and Pristobrycon (in part), or expanded to include these taxa plus Pygopristis, Catoprion, and Pristobrycon striolatus.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on the centipede genera Chomatobius, Ityphilus, Hapleurytion, Plateurytion, and Steneurytion (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha)
Authors: BONATO LUCIO , PEREIRA LUIS A. , MINELLI ALESSANDRO
Published: June 2019

Based on critical analysis of published information, we revise and discuss the taxonomic circumscription, diagnosis and nomenclature of the chilopod genera Chomatobius Humbert & Saussure, 1870, Ityphilus Cook, 1899, Hapleurytion Verhoeff, 1940, Plateurytion Attems, 1909 and Steneurytion Attems, 1909. Hapleurytion and Plateurytion are raised to the genus rank for the first time, and Plateurytion is recognised as the replacement name for Eurytion Attems, 1903, which is a junior homonym of Eurytion Jaennicke, 1867 (Diptera). The following synonymies are new: Chilerium Chamberlin, 1955 = Plateurytion Attems, 1909; Pachymeroides Chamberlin, 1920 = Zelanion Chamberlin, 1920 = Steneurytion Attems, 1909; Geophilus schauinslandi Attems, 1903 = Geophilus antipodum Pocock, 1891, following fixation of a lectotype for the former in this paper. The following generic combinations are new: Chomatobius auximus (Chamberlin, 1938), C. bakeri (Chamberlin, 1912), C. euphorion (Crabill, 1953), C. minor (Chamberlin, 1912) and C. minor arizonicus (Chamberlin, 1925), all from Gosiphilus Chamberlin, 1912; Ityphilus boteltobogensis (Wang, 1955), I. microcephalus (Brölemann, 1909) and I. tenuicollis (Takakuwa, 1934), all from Thalthybius Attems, 1901; Hapleurytion aporopus (Attems, 1922), from Eurytion Attems, 1903; Plateurytion badiceps (Attems, 1909), P. brevis (Verhoeff, 1937), P. dentatus (Attems, 1909), P. dolichocephalus (Attems, 1928), P. gracillimus (Verhoeff, 1937), P. heurtaultae (Pereira, 2006), P. kalaharinus (Attems, 1909), P. kalaharinus elongatus (Verhoeff, 1937), P. lethifer (Crabill, 1968), P. mumbwae (Dobroruka, 1969), P. paucipes (Lawrence, 1955), P. quadridentatus (Lawrence, 1955), P. sabulosus (Attems, 1909), P. transvaalicus (Lawrence, 1966), P. trichopus (Attems, 1928) and P. yungarum (Pereira, 2005), all from Eurytion Attems, 1903; P. dudichii (Verhoeff, 1940), from Schizotaenia Cook, 1896; P. gracilis (Gervais, 1849), P. metopias (Attems, 1903), P. michaelseni (Attems, 1903) and P. tenebrosus (Meinert, 1886), all from Geophilus Leach, 1814; P. mundus (Chamberlin, 1955) and P. zapallar (Chamberlin, 1955), both from Chilerium Chamberlin, 1955; Steneurytion antipodum (Pocock, 1891), from Geophilus Leach, 1814; S. dux (Chamberlin, 1920) and S. hawaiiensis (Chamberlin, 1953), both from Zelanion Chamberlin, 1920; S. incisunguis (Attems, 1911) and Steneurytion mjoebergi (Verhoeff, 1925), both from Eurytion Attems, 1903.
Two new species of Platymantis (Anura: Ranidae) from New Britain
Authors: KRAUS FRED , ALLISON ALLEN
Published: June 2019

We redescribe the poorly known Platymantis akarithymus and describe two new species of this terrestrial frog genus from the Nakanai Mts. of eastern New Britain Island. All are small inhabitants of the leaf litter. Discovery of the two new species increases the known diversity of the genus on New Britain to 15 species, ten of which we routinely found to occur in syntopy. The two new fossorial species are diminutive and extend the morphological and ecological diversity seen in this assemblage. Several pairs of apparent sibling species are found on New Britain and these are likely the result of geological events that have divided the island into smaller islands in the past. We anticipate that further sibling species will be discovered once the Whiteman Range of western New Britain is properly explored.
New mites of the genus Pachyseius Berlese from Bulgaria (Acari: Pachylaelapidae)
Authors: MAŠÁN PETER , MIHÁL IVAN
Published: June 2019

Three new species, Pachyseius cicaki sp. nov., P. morazae sp. nov. and P. pachylaelapoides sp. nov., collected from the Stara Planina Mountains in Bulgaria, are described and illustrated. A key to the females of the known species of Pachyseius is provided.
Curved Laryngopharyngoscope With Flexible Next-Generation Robotic Surgical System for Transoral Hypopharyngeal Surgery: A Preclinical Evaluation
Authors: Eguchi Kohtaro , Chan Jason Y. K. , Tateya Ichiro , Shimizu Akira , Holsinger F. Christopher , Sugimoto Taro
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

The indication of transoral robotic surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer is limited because of poor accessibility. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a curved laryngopharyngoscope used in combination with a next-generation flexible robotic surgical system for accessing and resecting the hypopharynx.

Methods:

A comparative evaluation of the curved laryngopharyngoscope versus standard straight-blade retractors using the flexible robotic surgical system was conducted on 2 cadavers. End points measured included visualization, accessibility, and ease of dissection for accessing and resecting the hypopharynx.

Results:

Visualization, accessibility, and dissection were superior with the curved laryngopharyngoscope in all subareas of the hypopharynx. The advantages of accessibility and visualization were much more evident in the cadaver with a high body mass index.

Conclusions:

These preclinical data suggest that using a curved laryngopharyngoscope in combination with a flexible robotic surgical system may lead to technical innovations concerning transoral surgery of the hypopharynx.
Cognitive Shortcuts and Public Support for Intervention
Authors: Brownlee Jason
Published: June 2019

Scholars of public opinion on military intervention agree that survey respondents make judgments from limited information. Yet researchers still question whether ordinary Americans reflect elite attitudes or instead reach their own “pretty prudent” conclusions from the stated principal policy objective (PPO). This article adjudicates the debate while incorporating lessons from the study of bounded rationality. Evidence comes from an original data set of aggregate US public opinion, covering 1,080 nationally representative survey items about launching operations, across thirty-five countries, during 1981 to 2016. Tests show that PPO matters: pursuing “internal policy change” is less popular than restraining international aggression. However, language reflecting White House cues and one prominent cognitive shortcut (the “availability heuristic”) statistically and substantively outperforms PPO at predicting intervention support. The results indicate that when ordinary Americans are polled about using force against salient foes (Saddam Hussein, al-Qaeda, Islamic State in Iraq and Syria), elements of bounded rationality can overtake the prudence expressed toward less vivid problems.
Systemic Immunologic Consequences of Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Gaudilliere D.K. , Culos A. , Djebali K. , Tsai A.S. , Ganio E.A. , Choi W.M. , Han X. , Maghaireh A. , Choisy B. , Baca Q. , Einhaus J.F. , Hedou J.J. , Bertrand B. , Ando K. , Fallahzadeh R. , Ghaemi M.S. , Okada R. , Stanley N. , Tanada A. , Tingle M. , Alpagot T. , Helms J.A. , Angst M.S. , Aghaeepour N. , Gaudilliere B.
Published: June 2019

Chronic periodontitis (ChP) is a prevalent inflammatory disease affecting 46% of the US population. ChP produces a profound local inflammatory response to dysbiotic oral microbiota that leads to destruction of alveolar bone and tooth loss. ChP is also associated with systemic illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying these adverse health outcomes are poorly understood. In this prospective cohort study, we used a highly multiplex mass cytometry immunoassay to perform an in-depth analysis of the systemic consequences of ChP in patients before ( n = 28) and after ( n = 16) periodontal treatment. A high-dimensional analysis of intracellular signaling networks revealed immune system–wide dysfunctions differentiating patients with ChP from healthy controls. Notably, we observed exaggerated proinflammatory responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis–derived lipopolysaccharide in circulating neutrophils and monocytes from patients with ChP. Simultaneously, natural killer cell responses to inflammatory cytokines were attenuated. Importantly, the immune alterations associated with ChP were no longer detectable 3 wk after periodontal treatment. Our findings demarcate systemic and cell-specific immune dysfunctions in patients with ChP, which can be temporarily reversed by the local treatment of ChP. Future studies in larger cohorts are needed to test the boundaries of generalizability of our results.
The practice of jurisdictionalizing: How engineers use documents to shape and maintain professional authority
Authors: Meilvang Marie Leth
Published: June 2019

This article explores via the concept of professional jurisdiction how engineers shape and maintain authority in practice, and points to the important role of specific professional documents in this practice. Drawing on the sociology of conventions, the article shows how the documents work as standardized and ‘invested’ forms that help professional actors coordinate internally in the profession, as well as compromise, maintain boundaries and forge alliances with actors outside the profession. Empirically, the article analyses historic documents, called writings, from a professional committee under the Danish Society of Engineers, and shows how these documents have helped engineers shape and maintain authority over the Danish field of urban water management.
How effective is local beneficiation policy in enhancing rural income and employment? The case of agro-processing beneficiation in Tzaneen, South Africa
Authors: Habiyaremye Alexis , Mupela Evans
Published: June 2019

Confronted with a sluggish growth and very high rates of rural unemployment, South Africa has put local beneficiation at the core of its strategy for employment-intensive re-industrialisation. Its industrial policy action plan identified agro-processing as one of the priority areas for this strategy because of its potential employment multiplier in rural areas. Despite the appeal of its industrialisation potential, beneficiation strategy is often contested and its effectiveness as a viable engine of industrialisation in African countries is recurrently questioned. This paper presents an empirical evaluation of the income and employment effects of an agro-processing beneficiation programme launched by the Department of Science and Technology for the processing of abundant mango harvest in the area of Tzaneen in Limpopo province. Using inverse probability weighting estimation on a sample of 385 households residing in and around the beneficiation target area, we find clear positive income effects of the agro-processing project for the beneficiary households. The success of this project in the domestic and international agro-processing markets suggests that local beneficiation strategy can provide a sound basis for rural industrialisation if adequately prepared.
LncRNA-NEF is downregulated in postmenopausal osteoporosis and is related to course of treatment and recurrence
Authors: Ma Xiaoyong , Guo Zhixue , Gao Wenshan , Wang Jianzhong , Liu Yong , Gao Fei , Sun Shaosong , Zhou Xiaozhe , Yang Zhaoyu , Zheng Wenkui
Published: June 2019

Objectives

We investigated the role of long non-coding (lnc) RNA-NEF (neighboring enhancer of FoxA2), a characterized oncogene in cancer biology, in postmenopausal osteoporosis and its diagnostic and prognostic value in this disease.

Methods

Expression of lncRNA-NEF in plasma was detected by RNA extraction and real-time quantitative PCR. The diagnostic value of lncRNA-NEF and interleukin (IL)-6 for postmenopausal osteoporosis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with postmenopausal osteoporosis patients as true positive cases and healthy volunteers as true negative cases.

Results

We showed that plasma lncRNA-NEF was downregulated and plasma IL-6 was upregulated in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients compared with healthy controls. Altered plasma levels of lncRNA-NEF and IL-6 separated postmenopausal osteoporosis patients from healthy controls, and lncRNA-NEF and IL-6 were inversely and significantly correlated in osteoporosis patients. Patients were divided into high (n = 68) and low lncRNA-NEF (n = 73) groups according to Youden’s index. Patients with high lncRNA-NEF levels required a significantly shorter treatment course and had a lower post-treatment recurrence rate.

Conclusion

We showed that lncRNA-NEF is downregulated in postmenopausal osteoporosis and is related to course of treatment and recurrence. The involvement of lncRNA-NEF in postmenopausal osteoporosis is likely related to IL-6.
Intervening Paths From Strain to Delinquency Among High School and Vocational School Students in China
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Jinwu , Wang Xiaoxiang , Liu Jianhong
Published: June 2019

Chinese education system comprises high schools and vocational school, and their differences on delinquency have seldom been investigated. From the perspective of general strain theory, the present study examined the differences among high school and vocational school students for delinquency, strain, and other explanatory variables. General strain theory delineates the effect of strain on delinquency or deviance and presents the paths from strain to delinquency or deviance through social control and social learning variables. Using a sample of 1,852 tenth-grade students in Guangzhou City, the present study tests the intervening paths from strains to deviance among high school and vocational school students. Results indicated that vocational school students have higher likelihood to be strained and delinquent, and have lower social control and higher interactions with delinquent peers. School type is a significant predictor for strain, as well as social control and delinquent peers.
Impact of Function Focused Care and Physical Activity on Falls in Assisted Living Residents
Authors: Resnick Barbara , Galik Elizabeth , Boltz Marie , Zhu Shijun , Fix Steven , Vigne Erin
Published: June 2019

Background

There continues to be a belief among nurses, patients, and families that physical activity increases the risk of falling.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that controlling for age, function, cognition, medication use, gender, comorbidities, and cognition, residents who are exposed to Function Focused Care for Assisted Living (FFC-AL-EIT) and engage in moderate levels of physical activity would not be more likely to fall.

Methods

This was a secondary data analysis using data from the first two cohorts of a randomized trial testing FFC-AL-EIT in the United States.

Results

The study included 381 residents, the majority of whom were female (70%), white (97%), with a mean age of 87.72 (standard deviation = 7.47). Those who engaged in more moderate-intensity physical activity were 1% less likely to fall (odds ratio = .99, p = .03). There was no significant association between exposure to function focused care and falling (odds ratio = 1.58, p = .09).

Conclusion

There was no indication that those who were exposed to function focused care or those who engaged in moderate-level physical activity were more likely to fall. In fact, engaging in moderate-level physical activity was noted to be slightly protective of falling.
‘Indian Stock Market Volatility’: A Study of Inter-linkages and Spillover Effects
Authors: (Pal) Suparna Nandy , Chattopadhyay Arup Kr.
Published: June 2019

The article attempts to examine interdependence between Indian stock market and other domestic financial markets, namely, foreign exchange market, bullion market, money market, and also Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) trade and foreign stock markets comprising one regional stock market represented by Nikkei of Japan and other stock market for the rest of the world represented by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 of the USA. Attempts are also made to examine asymmetric volatility spillover, first, between the Indian stock market and other domestic financial markets and second, between the Indian stock market and global stock markets (represented by Nikkei and S&P 500) along with the foreign exchange market. To measure linear interdependence among multiple time series of financial markets multivariate Vector Autoregression (VAR) analysis, Granger causality test, impulse response function and variance decomposition techniques are used. For estima-ting the volatility spillover among the aforesaid markets Dynamic Conditional Correlation-Multivriate-Threshold Autoregressive Condi-tional Heteroscedastic (DCC-MV-TARCH) (1, 1) model is applied on daily data for a quite long period of time from 01 April 1996 to 31 March 2012. The results of multi­variate VAR analysis, Granger causality test, variance decomposition analysis and impulse response function estimation establish significant interdependence between domestic stock market and different other financial markets in India and abroad. The results of DCC-MV-TARCH (1, 1) model estimation further show signi- ficant asymmetric volatility spillover between the domestic stock market and the foreign exchange market and also from the domestic stock market to bullion market and changes in gross volume of FII trade. We also find (a) both way asymmetric volatility spillover between the domestic stock market and the Asian stock market and (b) its unidirectional movement from the world stock market to the domestic stock market. The results of the study may help market regulators in setting regulatory policies considering the inter-linkages and pattern of volatility spillovers across different financial markets.

JEL Classification: G15, G17
Parent-Implemented Communication Strategies During Storybook Reading
Authors: Akamoglu Yusuf , Meadan Hedda
Published: June 2019

Children with developmental disabilities (DD) may experience delays in their ability to speak and communicate with their parents, peers, and others. These children often benefit from evidence-based, parent-implemented communication interventions. In the current study, two mothers were trained and coached to use storybook reading techniques and evidence-based naturalistic communication teaching strategies (i.e., modeling, mand-model, and time delay) while reading books with their children with DD. Using a multiple-baseline design across naturalistic teaching strategies, the following three components were examined: (a) mothers’ use of book reading techniques, (b) mothers’ rate and fidelity in using the three naturalistic teaching strategies, and (c) children’s communication outcomes. After training and coaching, the mothers used the modeling, mand-model, and time delay strategies with higher rates and higher fidelity. The children initiated more communicative acts upon their mothers’ use of time delay. The mothers reported that the training and coaching helped them implement the strategies and led to improvements in their children’s communication skills.
Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists Regarding Speech Management for Children With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Hardin-Jones Mary , Jones David L. , Dolezal Riley C.
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The purpose of the present study was to examine practice patterns and opinions that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have about speech-language intervention for children with cleft lip and palate.

Methods:

One hundred seven speech-language pathology members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Group 5: Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Disorders Special Interest Group completed a 37-item online survey that examined common practices in early intervention as well as opinions about speech characteristics, assessment, and management strategies for children with cleft lip and palate.

Results:

The overwhelming majority of respondents (96%) agreed that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) should meet with parents before palatal surgery to discuss speech-language issues. Although 90% of the SLPs identified increasing consonant inventory as an early intervention goal, lack of consensus was evident regarding the type of consonant to stimulate. Respondents agreed that while blowing activities are not useful in strengthening labial, lingual, or velopharyngeal movements, they are useful in heightening awareness of oral airflow for children with cleft palate. A large degree of variability was evident in opinions regarding prevalence and treatment of compensatory articulations as well as the effectiveness of treatment strategies designed to reduce perceived hypernasality and audible nasal emission.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study indicate a large degree of variability in opinions of SLP respondents regarding assessment and treatment of children with cleft lip and palate.
Are Juveniles Who Have Committed Sexual Offenses the Same Everywhere? Psychometric Properties of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol–II in a Portuguese Youth Sample
Authors: Barroso Ricardo , Pechorro Pedro , Ramião Eduarda , Figueiredo Patrícia , Manita Celina , Gonçalves Rui Abrunhosa , Nobre Pedro
Published: June 2019

Over the last decade, we have witnessed consistent advances in risk assessment procedures, namely the validation of those used with juveniles who have committed sexual offenses. The adaptation of these instruments into other languages requires research examining the conceptual and metric equivalence of the instruments, not just translation equivalence. Informed by data from 141 boys, aged 13 to 18, the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol–II (J-SOAP-II), regarding reliability and construct validation, are presented and discussed. Factor structure, internal consistency, and interrater reliability were examined, and a reliable factorial structure that was consistent with the original validation of the J-SOAP was found. Scales 2 and 3 had good internal consistency, and Scale 1 had acceptable internal consistency. Results regarding concurrent validity revealed mostly statistically significant correlations. The implications of this research for juvenile sex offender risk assessments are discussed.
The Massachusetts Hepatitis C Testing Cascade, 2014-2016
Authors: Vo Quynh T , Onofrey Shauna , Church Daniel , Cranston Kevin , DeMaria Alfred , Klevens R Monina
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

To characterize hepatitis C testing in Massachusetts and guide stakeholders in addressing the needs of people living with hepatitis C.

Methods:

All persons with a positive laboratory report for anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, between 2014 and 2016, were included in the testing cascade. Outcomes were HCV tests received after a positive anti-HCV antibody test: nucleic acid test or genotype test. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with progression through the HCV testing cascade.

Results:

Among those reported anti-HCV antibody positive, a total of 13 194 (61%) cases had a subsequent RNA-based test, and 79% (10 374/13 194) were confirmed with current, active HCV infection. For confirmed HCV cases, 44% (4557/10 374) had a genotype identified. The median time from an antibody-positive test to a RNA-based test was 29 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 7-151). Differences in moving through the testing cascade were observed by birth cohort and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions:

Improved surveillance capture of demographic information is needed to help public health agencies ensure equity in HCV diagnosis and linkage to care.
Health-related quality of life in Chinese boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families
Authors: Liang Rui , Chan Sophelia Hoi Shan , Ho Frederick Ka Wing , Tang Oi Ching , Cherk Sharon Wan Wah , Ip Patrick , Lau Esther Yuet Ying
Published: June 2019

This study aims to assess the family functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Chinese boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and their parents using Pediatric Quality-of-Life Family Impact Module ( PedsQL FIM) and Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0. Findings from 15 families with DMD were compared with 15 unaffected families. The HRQOL, as measured by the mean PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scale scores for the boys with DMD were significantly lower than those of age-matched healthy boys, for overall ( p < 0.05, parent-report; p <0.001, self-report), physical ( p < 0.001, parent-report and self-report), and social ( p < 0.05, parent-report) functioning, but the emotional functioning is not affected. The parent–child concordance of our affected DMD families was generally in the moderate-to-good agreement range (intraclass correlation coefficients from 0.51 to 0.73), except for emotional (0.28) and social (0.31) functioning. The PedsQL FIM total score showed an inverse relationship with the affected child’s age (correlation coefficient: −0.55; p < 0.01) and the disease stage (correlation coefficient: −0.63; p < 0.01) confirming that parental HRQOL and overall family functioning worsened as the child increased in age with advancing disease stage.
#Bookfairs: New ‘old’ media and the digital politics of Somali literary promotion
Authors: Chonka Peter
Published: June 2019

Since 2008, Book Fairs held across the Somali Horn of Africa have been a remarkable feature of civil society activism in a region usually associated with conflict and crisis. At the forefront of these efforts to promote Somali-language print culture is a digitally connected and social media-savvy generation of young people. This article explores the work done by books (as symbolic objects) and Book Fairs (as multimedia cultural festivals) to provide spaces for debate about Somali identities. Attention to local histories of media development is necessary for understanding the relationships that exist between print and digital culture, and the destabilisation of clear temporal distinctions between ‘old’ and ‘new’ media technologies. This participant-observation based study shows how the contemporary social media environment affects the ways in which print culture is promoted – facilitating cross-border civil society networks, and intensifying the political salience of literary activism for actors articulating different visions of Somali statehood.
Knowledge-Based Statistical Inference Method for Plan Quality Quantification
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Wu Q. Jackie , Ge Yaorong , Wang Chunhao , Sheng Yang , Palta Jatinder , Salama Joseph K. , Yin Fang-Fang , Zhang Jiahan
Published: June 2019

Aim:

The aim of the study is to develop a geometrically adaptive and statistically robust plan quality inference method.

Methods and Materials:

We propose a knowledge-based plan quality inference method that references to similar plans in the historical database for patient-specific plan quality evaluation. First, a novel plan similarity metric with high-dimension geometrical difference quantification is utilized to retrieve similar plans. Subsequently, dosimetric statistical inferences are obtained from the selected similar plans. Two plan quality metrics—dosimetric result probability and dose deviation index—are proposed to quantify plan quality among prior similar plans. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, we exported 927 clinically approved head and neck treatment plans. Eight organs at risk, including brain stem, cord, larynx, mandible, pharynx, oral cavity, left parotid and right parotid, were analyzed. Twelve suboptimal plans identified by dosimetric result probability were replanned to validate the capability of the proposed methods in identifying inferior plans.

Results:

After replanning, left and right parotid median doses are reduced by 31.7% and 18.2%, respectively; 83% of these cases would not be identified as suboptimal without the proposed similarity plan selection. Analysis of population plan quality reveals that average parotid sparing has been improving significantly over time (21.7% dosimetric result probability reduction from year 2006-2007 to year 2016-2017). Notably, the increasing dose sparing over time in retrospective plan quality analysis is strongly correlated with the increasing dose prescription ratios to the 2 planning targets, revealing the collective trend in planning conventions.

Conclusions:

The proposed similar plan retrieval and analysis methodology has been proven to be predictive of the current plan quality. Therefore, the proposed workflow can potentially be applied in the clinics as a real-time plan quality assurance tool. The proposed metrics can also serve the purpose of plan quality analytics in finding connections and historical trends in the clinical treatment planning workflow.
Minimizing Variability in Interpretation Modality Among Spanish-Speaking Patients With Limited English Proficiency
Authors: Villalona Seiichi , Jeannot Christian , Yanez Yuncosa Mery , Webb W. Alex , Boxtha Carol , Wilson Jason W.
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Provider–patient language discrepancies can lead to misunderstandings about follow-up care instructions and decreased adherence to treatment that may contribute to disparities in health outcomes among patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). This observational study aimed to understand how emergency department (ED) staff went about treating patients with LEP and examine the impact of consistent interpretation modality on overall patient satisfaction and comprehension.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among Spanish-speaking patients with LEP presenting to the ED. A survey was administered at two different time points: after patients provided their history of present illness and after the patient received information regarding follow-up treatment.

Results:

Analysis of average visual analog scale (VAS) scores by consistency of interpretation suggested higher overall scores among participants that received care via the same communication modalities during both the history of present illness and at disposition, when compared with patients that did not. At both time points, video-based interpretation was associated with higher VAS scores in comparison to other modalities, whereas phone-based interpretation was associated with lower VAS scores.

Conclusion:

Providing consistent modes of interpretation to patient’s with LEP throughout their ED visits improved their overall satisfaction of care provided and understandings of discharge instructions.
A priority-based congestion-avoidance routing protocol using IoT-based heterogeneous medical sensors for energy efficiency in healthcare wireless body area networks
Authors: Awan Khalid M , Ashraf Nadeem , Saleem Muhammad Qaiser , Sheta Osama E , Qureshi Kashif Naseer , Zeb Asim , Haseeb Khalid , Sadiq Ali Safaa
Published: June 2019

A wireless body area network is a collection of Internet of Things–based wearable heterogeneous computing devices primarily used in healthcare monitoring applications. A lot of research is in process to reduce the cost and increase efficiency in medical industry. Low power sensor nodes are often attached to high-risk patients for real-time remote monitoring. These sensors have limited resources such as storage capacity, battery life, computational power, and channel bandwidth. The current work proposes a multi-hop Priority-based Congestion-avoidance Routing Protocol using IoT based heterogeneous sensors for energy efficiency in wireless body area networks. The objective is to devise a routing protocol among sensor nodes such that it has minimum delay and higher throughput for emergency packets using IoT based sensor nodes, optimal energy consumption for longer network lifetime, and efficient scarce resource utilization. In our proposed work, data traffic is categorized into normal and emergency or life-critical data. For normal data traffic, next-hop selection will be selected based upon three parameters; residual energy, congestion on forwarder node, and signal-to-noise ratio of the path between source and forwarder node. We use the data aggregation and filtration technique to reduce the network traffic load and energy consumption. A priority-based routing scheme is also proposed for life-critical data to have less delay and greater throughput in emergency situations. Performance of the proposed protocol is evaluated with two cutting-edge routing techniques iM-SIMPLE and Optimized Cost Effective and Energy Efficient Routing. The proposed model outperforms in terms of network throughput, traffic load, energy consumption, and lifespan.
Meshing characteristics of a sphere–face gear pair with variable shaft angle
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhang Jinzhao
Published: June 2019

This article presents a sphere–face gear pair by substituting the convex spherical gear for the pinion of a conventional face gear pair. The sphere–face gear pair not only maintains the advantages of the face gear pair with a longitudinally modified pinion but also allows variable shaft angles or large axial misalignments. Meshing characteristics of the proposed gear pair are studied in this article. The mathematical models of the sphere–face gear pair are derived based on machining principles. The tooth contact analysis (TCA) and curvature interference check are conducted for the sphere–face gear pair with variable shaft angles. The loaded TCA is also implemented utilizing the finite element method. The results of numerical examples show that proposed gear pair has the following features. Geometrical transmission error of constant shaft angle or varying shaft angle is zero; contact points of the sphere–face gear set with variable shaft angle are located near the centre region of face gear tooth surface; there is no curvature interference in meshing; and transmission continuity of the gear pair can be guaranteed in meshing.
Model predictive control–based steering control algorithm for steering efficiency of a human driver in all-terrain cranes
Authors: Seo Ja-Ho , Oh Kwang-Seok , Noh Hong-Jun
Published: June 2019

All-terrain cranes with multi-axles have large inertia and long distances between the axles that lead to a slower dynamic response than normal vehicles. This has a significant effect on the dynamic behavior and steering performance of the crane. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop an optimal steering control algorithm with a reduced driver steering effort for an all-terrain crane and to evaluate the performance of the algorithm. For this, a model predictive control technique was applied to an all-terrain crane, and a steering control algorithm for the crane was proposed that could reduce the driver’s steering effort. The steering performances of the existing steering system and the steering system applied with the newly developed algorithm were compared using MATLAB/Simulink and ADAMS with a human driver model for reasonable performance evaluation. The simulation was performed with both a double lane change scenario and a curved-path scenario that are expected to happen in road-steering mode.
Impact motion control of a flexible dual-arm space robot for capturing a spinning object
Authors: Li Xiali , Wu Licheng
Published: June 2019

As an autonomous vehicle that moves on the space orbit, a space robot needs to be carefully treated on the motion planning and control method. In this article, the optimal impact and postimpact motion control of a flexible dual-arm space robot capturing a spinning object are considered. Firstly, the dynamic model of the robot systems is built by using Lagrangian formulation. The flexible links are modeled as Euler–Bernoulli beams of two bending modes. Through simulating the system’s postimpact dynamics response, the initial conditions are obtained from the impact model. Next, the initial velocities of base and joint are adjusted to minimize the velocity of the base after the capture according to generalized momentum conservation. After the capture, a proportional–derivative controller is designed to keep the robot system’s stabilization. The simulation results show that joint angles of base and manipulators reach stable state quickly, and motions of the space robots also induce vibrating motions of the flexible manipulators.
Nebuliser cleaning and disinfection practice in the home among patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: MacFarlane Mary , Carson Lesley , Crossan Amanda , Bell Jane , Moore John E , Millar B Cherie
Published: June 2019

Background:

Nebulised delivery of different classes of drugs is of fundamental importance in therapeutic regimens relating to both the management of disease progression in cystic fibrosis disease and its associated complications. The aim of this study was to determine if current nebuliser hygiene practices in the home environment by paediatric and adult cystic fibrosis populations are appropriate to ensure appropriate infection control and prevention measures have been addressed.

Methods:

An Audit Questionnaire Study was completed with adult cystic fibrosis patients ( n=20) or with parents of cystic fibrosis children ( n=24), through a healthcare professional interview on a one-to-one basis, during either a home visit or during patient/parent attendance at cystic fibrosis clinic.

Results:

Hygienic practices relating to nebuliser care varied, with paediatric carers more likely to clean and disinfect their devices. This study suggests there is much variation and confusion with regard to how to clean and disinfect nebulisers, as well as who is responsible for delivering this advice.

Conclusion:

The adult cystic fibrosis community in particular needs to be educated on practicalities associated with nebuliser hygiene and the reasons why this is important. Furthermore, to date there is a lack of a universally recommended guideline suitable for all types of cystic fibrosis nebulisers that all relevant pharmaceutical manufacturers advocate.
Phase Ib study of the combination of pexidartinib (PLX3397), a CSF-1R inhibitor, and paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Wesolowski Robert , Sharma Neelesh , Reebel Laura , Rodal Mary Beth , Peck Alexandra , West Brian L. , Marimuthu Adhirai , Severson Paul , Karlin David A. , Dowlati Afshin , Le Mai H. , Coussens Lisa M. , Rugo Hope S.
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate the safety, recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and efficacy of pexidartinib, a colony stimulating factor receptor 1 (CSF-1R) inhibitor, in combination with weekly paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Patients and Methods:

In part 1 of this phase Ib study, 24 patients with advanced solid tumors received escalating doses of pexidartinib with weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2). Pexidartinib was administered at 600 mg/day in cohort 1. For subsequent cohorts, the dose was increased by ⩽50% using a standard 3+3 design. In part 2, 30 patients with metastatic solid tumors were enrolled to examine safety, tolerability and efficacy of the RP2D. Pharmacokinetics and biomarkers were also assessed.

Results:

A total of 51 patients reported ≥1 adverse event(s) (AEs) that were at least possibly related to either study drug. Grade 3–4 AEs, including anemia (26%), neutropenia (22%), lymphopenia (19%), fatigue (15%), and hypertension (11%), were recorded in 38 patients (70%). In part 1, no maximum tolerated dose was achieved and 1600 mg/day was determined to be the RP2D. Of 38 patients evaluable for efficacy, 1 (3%) had complete response, 5 (13%) partial response, 13 (34%) stable disease, and 17 (45%) progressive disease. No drug–drug interactions were found. Plasma CSF-1 levels increased 1.6- to 53-fold, and CD14dim/CD16+ monocyte levels decreased by 57–100%.

Conclusions:

The combination of pexidartinib and paclitaxel was generally well tolerated. RP2D for pexidartinib was 1600 mg/day. Pexidartinib blocked CSF-1R signaling, indicating potential for mitigating macrophage tumor infiltration.
Characteristics of Material Migration During Soil Erosion in Sloped Farmland in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China
Authors: Shen Congying , Wang Yu , Zhao Lanpo , Xu Xiaohong , Yang Xiankun , Liu Xiaolin
Published: June 2019

Loss of soil and water from sloped farmland is a major cause of regional soil degradation and declining productivity. We conducted a preliminary study on the characteristics of sloped farmland in the black soil region of Northeast China using natural rainfall-runoff plot experiments in the field. In 0-20 cm soil depth, clay content (<0.002 mm), silt content (0.002-0.02 mm), specific surface area, <0.002 mm and 0.002 to 0.02 mm microaggregates content, available phosphorus, and total phosphorus tended to increase from the top to the bottom of the slope, while sand content (>0.05 mm), 0.02 to 0.05 mm and 0.05 to 0.25 mm microaggregates content, tended to decline. This suggests that soil material and nutrients were gradually transported from the top to the bottom of the slope because of erosion, soil tended toward desertification in texture, and fertility was degraded. The content of available phosphorus and total phosphorus was positively linearly related to clay content, specific surface area, and 0.002 to 0.02 mm microaggregates content. This indicates that soil nutrients migrated down with fine particles. Therefore, soil erosion leads to the migration and loss of soil nutrients, <0.002 mm fine particles and 0.002 to 0.02 mm microaggregates on the slope, which was the main cause of soil fertility degradation.
Integrative Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies and DNA Methylation Profile Identified Genetic Control Genes of DNA Methylation for Kashin-Beck Disease
Authors: Li Ping , Wu Cuiyan , Guo Xiong , Wen Yan , Liu Li , Liang Xiao , Du Yanan , Zhang Lu , Ma Mei , Cheng Shiqiang , Cheng Bolun , Wang Sen , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2019

Objective

Epigenetic modifications of DNA are regarded as a crucial factor for understanding the molecular basis of complex phenotypes. This study aims to uncover insight into the epigenetic modifications for Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) by integrating genome-wide association studies (GWAS), methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTLs), and DNA methylation profiles data.

Design

The knee articular cartilages of 5 KBD patients and 5 healthy controls were collected for DNA methylation profiling, using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Mass spectrograph validation of identified differently methylated genes was conducted using independent samples of 4 KBD patients and 3 healthy controls, together with a previous sample of 2743 Han Chinese individuals of GWAS study for KBD and a study of 697 normal subjects for meQTLs annotation datasets. KBD GWAS single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and normal meQTLs SNPs were integrated with DNA methylation profiles of KBD articular cartilage to identify genetic control (GC) genes of DNA methylation for KBD. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to validate the mRNA expression of several identified candidate genes.

Results

A total of 162 CpG sites, 253 SNPs, and 123 GC genes for KBD were identified. Enrichment analysis detected 642 marked GO terms and 19 KEGG pathways ( P < 0.05). Six potential key GC genes were conducted for qPCR experiment (ERG, MN1, MITF, WISP1, TRIO, and NOSTRIN).

Conclusions

The results suggest that GC genes of DNA methylation may lead to the erosion of cartilage in KBD, which may help us in understanding the epigenetic alteration of KBD.
Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of inhaled levodopa from a new dry-powder inhaler in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Luinstra Marianne , Rutgers Wijnand , van Laar Teus , Grasmeijer Floris , Begeman Anja , Isufi Valmira , Steenhuis Luc , Hagedoorn Paul , de Boer Anne , Frijlink Henderik W.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Inhaled levodopa may quickly resolve off periods in Parkinson’s disease. Our aim was to determine the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of a new levodopa dry-powder inhaler.

Methods:

A single-centre, single-ascending, single-dose–response study was performed. Over three visits, eight Parkinson’s disease patients (not in the ‘off state’) received by inhalation 30 mg or 60 mg levodopa, or their regular oral levodopa. Maximum levodopa plasma concentration ( Cmax), time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) and area under the concentration time curve 0–180 min were determined. Spirometry was performed three times at each visit.

Results:

After inhalation, levodopa Tmax occurred within 15 min in all participants, whereas after oral administration, Tmax ranged from 20 min to 90 min. The bioavailability of inhaled levodopa without carboxylase inhibitor was 53% relative to oral levodopa with carboxylase inhibitor. No change in lung-function parameters was observed and none of the patients experienced cough or dyspnoea. No correlation was observed between inhalation parameters and levodopa pharmacokinetic parameters.

Conclusion:

Inhaled levodopa is well tolerated, absorbed faster than oral levodopa, and can be robustly administered over a range of inhalation flow profiles. It therefore appears suitable for the treatment of off periods in Parkinson’s disease.
Repeatedly Flashed Luminance Noise Can Make Objects Look Further Apart
Authors: Born Sabine
Published: June 2019

Luminance noise is widely used as mask in Experimental Psychology. But can luminance noise also affect where we perceive an object or change the perceived distance between objects? In this study, I investigated the effect of a repeatedly flashed luminance noise pattern on the perceived separation between two bars. Indeed, compared to conditions without dynamic luminance noise, the spacing between the bars was overestimated when the pattern flashed on-and-off in the background. The cause for this remarkably stable effect remains unknown. Potential relations to apparent motion, masking, attentional biases, and other visual illusions are discussed.