bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Hybrid Matrix Metalloproteinase-Targeted and Dynamic
201
Tl Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography Imaging for Evaluation of Early Post-Myocardial Infarction Remodeling
Authors: Thorn Stephanie L. , Barlow Shayne C. , Feher Attila , Stacy Mitchel R. , Doviak Heather , Jacobs Julia , Zellars Kia , Renaud Jennifer M. , Klein Ran , deKemp Robert A. , Khakoo Aarif Y. , Lee TaeWeon , Spinale Francis G. , Sinusas Albert J.
Published: November 2019

Background:

The induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and reduction in tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) plays a role in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury post-myocardial infarction (MI) and subsequent left ventricular remodeling. We developed a hybrid dual isotope single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography approach for noninvasive evaluation of regional myocardial MMP activation with
99m
Tc-RP805 and dynamic
201
Tl for determination of myocardial blood flow, to quantify the effects of intracoronary delivery of recombinant TIMP-3 (rTIMP-3) on I/R injury.

Methods:

Studies were performed in control pigs (n=5) and pigs following 90-minute balloon occlusion–induced ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) of left anterior descending artery (n=9). Before reperfusion, pigs with I/R were randomly assigned to intracoronary infusion of rTIMP-3 (1.0 mg/kg; n=5) or saline (n=4). Three days post-I/R, dual isotope imaging was performed with
99m
Tc-RP805 and
201
Tl along with contrast cineCT to assess left ventricular function.

Results:

The ischemic to nonischemic ratio of
99m
Tc-RP805 was significantly increased following I/R in saline group (4.03±1.40), and this ratio was significantly reduced with rTIMP-3 treatment (2.22±0.57;
P
=0.03). This reduction in MMP activity in the MI-rTIMP-3 treatment group was associated with an improvement in relative MI region myocardial blood flow compared with the MI-saline group and improved myocardial strain in the MI region.

Conclusions:

We have established a novel hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging approach for the quantitative assessment of regional MMP activation, myocardial blood flow, and cardiac function post-I/R that can be used to evaluate therapeutic interventions such as intracoronary delivery of rTIMP-3 for reduction of I/R injury in the early phases of post-MI remodeling.
Intravascular Lithotripsy in Calcified Coronary Lesions
Authors: Aksoy Adem , Salazar Carlos , Becher Marc Ulrich , Tiyerili Vedat , Weber Marcel , Jansen Felix , Sedaghat Alexander , Zimmer Sebastian , Leick Jürgen , Grube Eberhard , Gonzalo Nieves , Sinning Jan-Malte , Escaned Javier , Nickenig Georg , Werner Nikos
Published: November 2019

Background:

Optimal plaque preparation of calcified coronary lesions is key to prevent stent failure. The purpose of this study was to determine the strategy success and safety of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in calcified lesions of an all-comers cohort.

Methods:

Patients with calcified coronary lesions were screened in 3 centers. Seventy-one patients were eligible for IVL. Patients were assigned to (group A) primary IVL therapy for patients with calcified de-novo lesions (n=39 lesions), (group B) secondary IVL therapy for patients with calcified lesions in which noncompliant balloon dilatation failed (n=22 lesions), and (group C) tertiary IVL therapy in patients with stent underexpansion after previous stenting (n=17 lesions). Primary end point was strategy success (stent expansion with <20% in-stent residual stenosis) and safety outcomes (procedural complications, in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular event).

Results:

Seventy-eight calcified lesions were treated using the Shockwave C
2
balloon. Mean diameter stenosis of calcified lesions was 71.8±13.1% at baseline, decreased to 45.1±17.4% immediately after IVL, and to 17.5±15.2% after stenting. Mean minimal lumen diameter was 1.01±0.49 mm at baseline and increased to 1.90±0.61 after IVL, and to 2.88±0.56 mm after stenting. The primary end point of strategy success was reached in 84.6% (group A), 77.3% (group B), and 64.7% (group C). Device delivery and IVL treatment were possible in all lesions. Four type b dissections were observed without further sequelae. No patient suffered from in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular event. Seven Shockwave balloons ruptured during treatment without any sequelae.

Conclusions:

IVL provides a valid strategy for lesion preparation in severely calcified coronary lesions with high success rate, low procedural complications, and low major adverse cardiovascular event rates.
Alirocumab Reduces Total Hospitalizations and Increases Days Alive and Out of Hospital in the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES Trial
Authors: Szarek Michael , Steg Ph. Gabriel , DiCenso Dina , Bhatt Deepak L. , Bittner Vera A. , Budaj Andrzej , Diaz Rafael , Goodman Shaun G. , Gotcheva Nina , Jukema J. Wouter , Pordy Robert , Roe Matthew T. , Sourdille Timothée , White Harvey D. , Xavier Denis , Zeiher Andreas M. , Schwartz Gregory G. ,   for the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES Committees and Investigators*
Published: November 2019

Background:

In ODYSSEY OUTCOMES (Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome During Treatment With Alirocumab), alirocumab was compared with placebo, added to high-intensity or maximum tolerated statin treatment after acute coronary syndrome in 18 924 patients. Alirocumab reduced first occurrence of the primary composite end point—coronary heart disease death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal or nonfatal ischemic stroke, or hospitalization for unstable angina—as well as total nonfatal cardiovascular events and all-cause deaths. The present analysis determined whether alirocumab reduced total (first and subsequent) hospitalizations and death and increased days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) and percent DAOH in ODYSSEY OUTCOMES.

Methods and Results:

In prespecified analyses, hazard functions for total hospitalizations and death were jointly estimated by a semiparametric model, while in post hoc analyses, DAOH and percent DAOH were compared between treatment groups with Poisson regression and one-inflated beta regression, respectively. With 16 629 total hospitalizations and 726 deaths, 331 fewer hospitalizations, and 58 fewer deaths were observed with alirocumab compared with placebo, translating to 15.6 total hospitalizations or deaths avoided with alirocumab per 1000 patient-years of assigned treatment. Alirocumab reduced total hospitalizations (hazard ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.92–1.00];
P
=0.04) and increased DAOH relative to placebo (rate ratio, 1.003 [95% CI, 1.000–1.007];
P
=0.05), primarily through a reduction in days dead (rate ratio, 0.847 [95% CI, 0.728–0.986];
P
=0.03). Patients randomized to alirocumab were also more likely to survive to the end of the study without hospitalization (odds ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.00–1.13];
P
=0.03).

Conclusions:

Alirocumab reduced total hospitalizations with corresponding small increases in DAOH and percent DAOH. These outcomes provide alternative patient-centered metrics to capture the totality of alirocumab clinical efficacy after acute coronary syndrome.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01663402.
Inhibition of mTOR Signaling Enhances Maturation of Cardiomyocytes Derived From Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells via p53-Induced Quiescence
Authors: Garbern Jessica C. , Helman Aharon , Sereda Rebecca , Sarikhani Mohsen , Ahmed Aishah , Escalante Gabriela O. , Ogurlu Roza , Kim Sean L. , Zimmerman John F. , Cho Alexander , MacQueen Luke , Bezzerides Vassilios J. , Parker Kevin Kit , Melton Douglas A. , Lee Richard T.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Current differentiation protocols to produce cardiomyocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are capable of generating highly pure cardiomyocyte populations as determined by expression of cardiac troponin T. However, these cardiomyocytes remain immature, more closely resembling the fetal state, with a lower maximum contractile force, slower upstroke velocity, and immature mitochondrial function compared with adult cardiomyocytes. Immaturity of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes may be a significant barrier to clinical translation of cardiomyocyte cell therapies for heart disease. During development, cardiomyocytes undergo a shift from a proliferative state in the fetus to a more mature but quiescent state after birth. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)–signaling pathway plays a key role in nutrient sensing and growth. We hypothesized that transient inhibition of the mTOR-signaling pathway could lead cardiomyocytes to a quiescent state and enhance cardiomyocyte maturation.

Methods:

Cardiomyocytes were differentiated from 3 human iPSC lines using small molecules to modulate the Wnt pathway. Torin1 (0 to 200 nmol/L) was used to inhibit the mTOR pathway at various time points. We quantified contractile, metabolic, and electrophysiological properties of matured iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. We utilized the small molecule inhibitor, pifithrin-α, to inhibit p53 signaling, and nutlin-3a, a small molecule inhibitor of MDM2 (mouse double minute 2 homolog) to upregulate and increase activation of p53.

Results:

Torin1 (200 nmol/L) increased the percentage of quiescent cells (G
0
phase) from 24% to 48% compared with vehicle control (
P
<0.05). Torin1 significantly increased expression of selected sarcomere proteins (including TNNI3 [troponin I, cardiac muscle]) and ion channels (including Kir2.1) in a dose-dependent manner when Torin1 was initiated after onset of cardiomyocyte beating. Torin1-treated cells had an increased relative maximum force of contraction, increased maximum oxygen consumption rate, decreased peak rise time, and increased downstroke velocity. Torin1 treatment increased protein expression of p53, and these effects were inhibited by pifithrin-α. In contrast, nutlin-3a independently upregulated p53, led to an increase in TNNI3 expression and worked synergistically with Torin1 to further increase expression of both p53 and TNNI3.

Conclusions:

Transient treatment of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes with Torin1 shifts cells to a quiescent state and enhances cardiomyocyte maturity.
Effects of Race on Statin Prescribing for Primary Prevention With High Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in a Large Healthcare System
Authors: Dorsch Michael P. , Lester Corey A. , Ding Yuting , Joseph Megan , Brook Robert D.
Published: November 2019

Background

Although guidelines recommend statins with a high level of evidence for 4 primary prevention benefit groups, prescribing disparities still exist. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of race on statin prescribing for primary prevention.

Methods and Results

A retrospective cohort analysis of patients within a large academic health system was performed to investigate statin prescribing among primary prevention groups. The statin benefits groups were patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, with an low‐density lipoprotein ≥190 mg/
dL
, or with an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (
ASCVD
) 10‐year risk ≥7.5%. Statin prescribing was 20% in the
ASCVD
≥7.5% group, followed by 37.8% in the low‐density lipoprotein ≥190 mg/
dL
group and 40.5% in the diabetes mellitus group. Blacks were less likely to be prescribed a statin compared with whites in the diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 0.64; 95%
CI
, 0.49–0.82;
P
=0.001) and
ASCVD
≥7.5% groups (odds ratio, 0.38; 95%
CI
, 0.26–0.54;
P
<0.0001). Blacks 60 to 69 years of age (odds ratio, 7.97; 95%
CI
, 3.14–20.2;
P
=0.003) and 70 to 79 years of age (odds ratio, 4.21; 95%
CI
, 1.81–9.79;
P
=0.008) were more likely to be prescribed a statin compared with blacks <60 years of age in the
ASCVD
≥7.5% group.

Conclusions

Blacks are less likely to be prescribed statins in diabetes mellitus and
ASCVD
≥7.5% groups compared with whites. Younger blacks with
ASCVD
risk ≥7.5% are less likely to be prescribed statins compared with older blacks. Future research should focus on tailored interventions to address statin prescribing disparities in blacks.
The WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body as a Voice Mechanism
Authors: Paine Joshua
Published: November 2019

This article focuses on the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) – the diplomatic body, consisting of representatives of WTO members, that administers the dispute settlement system. Focusing on the WTO, the article provides one perspective on the relationship between international tribunals and the political bodies that oversee the governance of such tribunals. Specifically, I argue that the DSB operates as an important ‘voice’ mechanism, which enables members to provide regular feedback to WTO adjudicators, and helps sustain the internal legitimacy of WTO adjudication. However, the DSB can also be used in ways that undermine judicial independence. In short, the DSB is a key site where the tension plays out between WTO adjudicators’ independence from members, and control by, and accountability to, members. The episodes examined in detail to develop this argument are the crisis of a generation ago over amicus curiae briefs, and the ongoing crisis over Appellate Body appointments.
The lichen genus Coccocarpia from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Authors: Makhija Urmila , Adawadkar Bharati , Patwardhan P. G.
Published: November 2019

Seven species of Coccocarpia are reported from the Andaman Islands and two from the Nicobar Islands. These include four species new to India and to the Andaman Islands, viz. C. glaucina, C. cf. myriocarpa, C. sp. 1 and C. sp. 2, and two species new to the Nicobar Islands, viz. C. erythroxyli and C. palmicola. A key to all nine species of Coccocarpia known from India is presented and information on morphology, chemistry and distribution given.
A small collection of bryophytes from the Seychelles
Authors: Een Gillis , Kristoferson Lars
Published: November 2019

16 taxa of mosses and 4 taxa of hepatics have been identified from a recent collection of Seychelles bryophytes. Isopterygium subleptoblastum C.Müller is new to the Seychelles. Ectropothecium squarrifolium (Broth.) Nishimura is new to Africa 3 sensu Index Muscorum, but the identification is somewhat uncertain.
Six new Thesium (Santalaceae) species endemic to the Greater Cape Floristic Region, South Africa, and one new name

Authors: ZHIGILA DANIEL ANDRAWUS , VERBOOM G. ANTHONY , STIRTON CHARLES H. , SMITH HARRY J. , MUASYA A. MUTHAMA
Published: November 2019

Six new species of Thesium endemic to the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa are described and illustrated. These are Thesium aspermontanum, T. dmmagiae, T. neoprostratum, T. nigroperianthum, T. rhizomatum, and T. stirtonii. In addition, Thesium assimile var. pallidum is elevated to species rank as T. sawae. Morphological and ecological differences of each species, along with their putative affinities, preliminary conservation status, phenology, etymology, and distributional maps are presented.
Two new species of Aphelochaeta (Polychaeta: Cirratulidae) from deep water off northern California

Authors: DONER STACY A , BLAKE JAMES A
Published: November 2019

Two new species belonging to the genus Aphelochaeta (Polychaeta: Cirratulidae) are described from continental slope sediments off northern California. Specimens were collected during extensive monitoring of the San Francisco Deep Ocean Disposal Site off the Farallon Islands from 1996 to 2004. The genus Aphelochaeta is one of the more speciose genera collected from depths of 2400–3200 m. A. bullata sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of four peristomial annulations, a pronounced dorsal crest, and elongated, natatory-like simple capillaries in the noto- and neuropodia of the thoracic region. A. guttata sp. nov. has a unique methyl green staining pattern consisting of speckles all over the body, thoracic segments that are swollen ventrally, and weakly inflated posterior segments. Comparison is made with the type species A. monilaris (Hartman, 1960) and other continental shelf and slope species from California. Morphological characters important for differentiation of these species are discussed; these include characters related to the peristomium, shape of abdominal segments and methyl green staining patterns. The generic definition is emended to include numbers of asetigerous peristomial annulations.
Obituary Edward B. Cutler (1935–2006)

Authors: DEAN HARLAN K.
Published: November 2019

Edward B. Cutler passed away peacefully on September 2, 2006, at the age of 71 after a long battle with prostate cancer. His energy and enjoyment of life continued almost to the very end as did his interest in the biology and systematics of the Sipuncula and other worms.
A review of paragnath morphology in Nereididae (Polychaeta)
Authors: BAKKEN TORKILD , GLASBY CHRISTOPHER J. , WILSON ROBIN S.
Published: November 2019

The form and arrangement of hardened paragnaths on the pharynx of polychaetes in the family Nereididae has for 150 years been used as a principal system of characters to distinguish species and other taxonomic ranks. Recent studies have shown that phylogenetic relationships based solely on paragnaths give different topologies and clade support than relationships inferred from other character systems. Furthermore, recent revisions and species descriptions continue to increase the range of known paragnath forms. We provide the first comprehensive overview of these important morphological characters, with the aim of encouraging more consistent observation and use of a standardized terminology in future studies. Illustrated descriptions and definitions of all known paragnath types are presented and compared. New terminology is introduced to improve description of paragnath types. Hypotheses are proposed for the chemical composition of paragnaths (scleroprotein), homology between different paragnaths types, and earlier studies implicitly proposing the homology of scleroprotein paragnaths with the more plesiomorphic pharyngeal soft papillae are addressed.
New records for Limoniidae and Pediciidae (Diptera) from the Caucasus, Russia
Authors: LANTSOV VLADIMIR I.
Published: November 2019

Ormosia (Ormosia) hederae (Curtis, 1835) (Limoniidae) and Dicranota (Paradicranota) minuta Lackschewitz, 1940 (Pediciidae) are new for Russia. The first species is new for the North Caucasus, the second one and  Dicranomyia (Idiopyga) halterella Edwards, 1921 (Limoniidae) are new to the Caucasus. The material was collected in the Rtsyvashki valley (the Central Caucasus). Data on species ecology were presented.
The life and contributions of Prof Xin Jie-Liu (1909–1994)
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG , DONG HUI-QIN
Published: November 2019

Prof Xin Jie-Liu (1909–1994) was an outstanding entomologist in China during the last century. He was one of the founders of acarology and stored product entomology in China.  He was also a pioneer of forest entomology, insect pathology, insect physiology and soil zoology in China. This tribute is prepared to commemorate the centenary of his birth. An account of his life and career was given, along with analyses of his works and contributions to the development of acarology and entomology in China. A bibliography of his 133 papers and 42 books (including 17 translated books) was presented for the first time.
The genus Paduniella (Trichoptera: Psychomyiidae) in Japan

Authors: NISHIMOTO HIROYUKI
Published: November 2019

The Japanese Paduniella Ulmer species are reviewed with descriptions of 3 new species.  Paduniella communis Li & Morse and P. uralensis Martynov are recorded from Japan for the first time and redescribed. Records of P. amurensis Martynov from Japan are based on misidentification.  Illustrations of male genitalia are provided for each species.
A new species of the genus Megophrys (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae) from Hunan, China
Authors: WANG LU , DENG XUEJIAN , LIU YONG , WU QIANQIAN , LIU ZHAO
Published: November 2019

We describe a new species of Megophryidae frog, Megophrys shunhuangensis sp. nov., from Hunan Province, Southern China. It can be distinguished from other known species in the subgenus Panophrys by morphological characters, bioacoustic data and a molecular divergence in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene similar to that found among other species of Panophrys. M. shunhuangensis sp. nov. is characterized by a relatively small body size, with adult females measuring 37.6 mm and adult males measuring 30.3–33.6 mm in snout to vent length; maxillary teeth present, vomerine teeth absent; tongue smooth, not notched behind; hindlimb slender, heels overlapping, tibio-tarsal articulation reaches forward between the nasal and tip of snout. Molecular phylogenetic analyses also show that M. sp. 6 from (Mao’er Shan, China) from Chen et al. (2017) and M. sp. 24 (Anjiangping and Mao’er Shan, China) from Liu et al. (2018) may be the same species as M. shunhuangensis sp. nov., we consequently speculate that the new species also distributed in Anjiangping and Mao’er Shan, China. At present, the genus Megophrys contains 85 species of which 48 species are distributed in China, and 30 belong to the subgenus Panophrys.
5. Spatial imaginaries and personal topographies in Siberian life stories
Authors: Long Joseph J.
Published: November 2019

Joseph Long continues this line of inquiry in Chapter 5 on the basis of travel biography interviews conducted by himself and other research team members, examining the ways in which “home”, travel destinations, and collectively-held spatial imaginaries come to be woven together in personal topographies. Photo albums and travelogues highlight the value of personal topographies and trajectories in the expression of a specific identity and style.
5. Port and Hinterlands
Authors: Black John , Roso Violeta
Published: November 2019

The fifth chapter commences with a review of the literature on intermodal terminals (dry ports). It then examines the symbiotic relationships between port and hinterland, including investment costs (in current Australian dollars using an inflation calculator), with an historical case study that focuses on Port Botany in Sydney, Australia’s second largest container port. The historical backdrop is important for researchers to understand the social, economic and environmental effects of port locational decisions on its hinterland. Specifically, the development of Port Botany has been associated with environmental and social conflicts due to landside constraints and community action. The problem of increasing container volumes handled in seaports requires adequate land to be available nearby or in the immediate hinterland for port-associated functions with efficient inland multi-modal transport access. The relevance to Indonesian ports is discussed.
11. The Critical Importance of Land Transport when Considering Port Development
Authors: Parikesit Danang , Basalim Said , Wibowo Wiratno Wahyu
Published: November 2019

The eleventh chapter discusses the intricate relationship between ports and their hinterland and the critical importance of land transport when considering port development. The chapter considers the integration between a port and an industrial area. Multimodal operations of ports are discussed through a comprehensive review of the international literature which considers the following issues: regionalisation and spatial control, structural and organisation challenges of multi-mode port operation, and the disruption of land access to ports. Three Indonesian port case studies are then presented: Belawan Port in Medan, North Sumatera; Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta; and Tanjung Perak/Teluk Lamong Port Terminal in Surabaya. The case studies touch on a variety of issues: traffic congestion in and around ports; control of inbound and outbound traffic at ports; empty trips; land-use management and local-through access traffic separation; dedicated toll access; the use of inland waterways as an alternative transport mode; dedicated rail service from an industrial area/ special economic zone; expansion of rail services; use of intermodal systems; IT solutions; the green port concept; inter terminal freight transport; infrastructure that can guarantee efficient freight movement. The chapter concludes with several policy recommendations.
Rain and Cloud Perspectives on the Seasonal Cycle over the Western Equatorial Indian Ocean
Authors: King Malcolm J. , Jakob Christian
Published: November 2019

Convection over the western equatorial Indian Ocean (WEIO) is strongly linked to precipitation over Africa and Australia but is poorly represented in current climate models, and its observed seasonal cycle is poorly understood. This study investigates the seasonal cycle of convection in the WEIO through rainfall and cloud measurements. Rainfall shows a single annual peak in early austral summer, but cloud proxies identify convective activity maxima in both boreal and austral summer. These diverging measures of convection during boreal summer are indicative of a reduction in the intensity of precipitation associated with a given cloud regime or cloud-top height during this time of year but an increase in the overall occurrence of high-top clouds and convectively active cloud regimes. The change in precipitation intensity associated with regimes is found to explain most of the changes in total precipitation during the period from May to November, whereas changes in the occurrence of convective regimes explains most of the changes throughout the rest of the year. The reduction in precipitation intensities associated with cloud regimes over the WEIO during boreal summer appears to be related to large-scale monsoon circulations, which suppress convection through forcing air descent in the midtroposphere and increase the apparent occurrence of convectively active cloud regimes through the advection of high-level cloud from monsoon-active areas toward the WEIO region.
Leaky Slope Waves and Sea Level: Unusual Consequences of the Beta Effect along Western Boundaries with Bottom Topography and Dissipation
Authors: Wise Anthony , Hughes Chris W. , Polton Jeff A. , Huthnance John M.
Published: November 2019

Coastal trapped waves (CTWs) carry the ocean’s response to changes in forcing along boundaries and are important mechanisms in the context of coastal sea level and the meridional overturning circulation. Motivated by the western boundary response to high-latitude and open-ocean variability, we use a linear, barotropic model to investigate how the latitude dependence of the Coriolis parameter (β effect), bottom topography, and bottom friction modify the evolution of western boundary CTWs and sea level. For annual and longer period waves, the boundary response is characterized by modified shelf waves and a new class of leaky slope waves that propagate alongshore, typically at an order slower than shelf waves, and radiate short Rossby waves into the interior. Energy is not only transmitted equatorward along the slope, but also eastward into the interior, leading to the dissipation of energy locally and offshore. The β effect and friction result in shelf and slope waves that decay alongshore in the direction of the equator, decreasing the extent to which high-latitude variability affects lower latitudes and increasing the penetration of open-ocean variability onto the shelf—narrower continental shelves and larger friction coefficients increase this penetration. The theory is compared with observations of sea level along the North American east coast and qualitatively reproduces the southward displacement and amplitude attenuation of coastal sea level relative to the open ocean. The implications are that the β effect, topography, and friction are important in determining where along the coast sea level variability hot spots occur.
Pharmacy students’ beliefs in popular myths about health and therapy
Authors: Jasińska-Stroschein Magdalena , Kurczewska Urszula , Orszulak-Michalak Daria
Published: November 2019

Objective:

Pharmacy students are among the next generation of health-care providers who can promote medical knowledge based on scientific data or low-quality health content. Their susceptibility to popular myths related to health and medicine however threatens the proper selection and use of the best available evidence when dealing with patients in community and hospital pharmacies. The objective of this study was to explore such beliefs held by pharmacy students.

Methods:

A self-administered survey was completed by a sample of 195 Polish pharmacy students (years 1 and 2 as well as years 4 and 5). The students ranked their attitudes towards 36 popular mythical statements on a scale of ‘strongly disagree’ (1 point) to ‘strongly agree’ (5 points). The respondents gave fewer than half the correct answers regarding both general knowledge and more specialised pharmacy knowledge.

Results:

We explore some of the statements that were not influenced by the education process. The important determinants of student susceptibility to myths about pharmacy and therapy were year of study and preferred sources of scientific information, including the language used in these sources.

Conclusion:

More attention should be given to evidence-based medicine skills, including the selection of proper scientific information and the adoption of a critical perspective towards all transmitted information among student pharmacists. This approach would reduce the risk of future pharmacists, as care providers, popularising potentially harmful health myths and misconceptions when educating their patients.
Where there is life: Science fiction in Singapore
Authors: Smith Philip
Published: November 2019

This article seeks to situate certain works of Singaporean science fiction within their historical circumstances, demonstrating that Singaporean science fiction has historically served as social criticism, challenging both state narratives and foreign readings of the city state along the axis of East and West and “new” and “old”. The argument centres upon four texts: the anonymously-authored series “The Travels of Chang Ching Chong” (1989), Jahan Loh’s Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (2013), and two texts by Sonny Liew, namely Malinky Robot (2011) and The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye (2015). These texts, I believe, share certain thematic connections: each is interested in the relationship between new and old and foreign and familiar, and each seeks, in different ways, to counter dominant narratives of the time. Accordingly, this article is divided into two imbricated sections. The first examines science fiction responses to popular and state narratives of the West as a source of technological capital both under British rule and after independence. “The Travels of Chang Ching Chong” and the “Ah Huat’s Giant Robot” sections of The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, I demonstrate, trouble this narrative, offering stories in which Asia provides a source of technological advancement. In the second section I explore popular depictions of hypermodernity in Singapore and the enduring myth of the destruction of “traditional” Asian cultures in the wake of the post-independence industrial turn. Both Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth and Malinky Robot, I argue, complicate this narrative, presenting both hypermodernity and “old Singapore” as fantasy.
Surrogacy: An international comparative analysis of the fundamental legislative principles of Ukraine
Authors: Sylkina Svetlana M , Mynbatyrova Nurlaiym K , Umbetbayeva Zhuldyz B , Shulanbekova Gulmira K , Baitukayeva Dana U
Published: November 2019

In contemporary societies, the use of assisted reproductive technologies has become increasingly widespread, justifying the need for proper legal regulation of the relevant relationships. The purposes of the article are to analyse the nature the content of the phenomenon of surrogacy, to assess the current legislation of Ukraine in this area and to produce a comparative analysis with the legislation of other states. The aim is to formulate recommendations and outline prospects for further development of national legal regulation of surrogacy relationships. Within the framework of this research, the regulatory matrix and individual regulation of surrogacy were subjected to a comparative analysis within the context of ensuring the rights and freedoms of those citizens implementing surrogacy. This assisted in revealing medical and social dimensions of the legal relations of surrogacy, determining their purpose, considering the specifics of concluding a surrogacy agreement and reviewing the legal status of subjects.
Mapping transitional care pathways among young people discharged from adolescent forensic medium secure units in England
Authors: Livanou Maria , Singh Swaran P , Liapi Fani , Furtado Vivek
Published: November 2019

This study tracked young offenders transitioning from national adolescent forensic medium secure units to adult services in the UK within a six-month period. We used a mapping exercise to identify eligible participants moving during the study period from all national adolescent forensic medium secure units in England. Young people older than 17.5 years or those who had turned 18 years (transition boundary) and had been referred to adult and community services were included. Of the 34 patients identified, 53% moved to forensic adult inpatient services. Psychosis was the most prevalent symptom among males (29%), and emerging personality disorder symptomatology was commonly reported among females (18%) followed by learning disability (24%). The mean time for transition to adult mental-health services and community settings was eight months. There were no shared transition or discharge policies, and only two hospitals had discharge guidelines. The findings highlight the need for consistency between policy and practice among services along with the development of individualised care pathways. Future qualitative research is needed to understand and reflect on young people’s and carers’ experiences to improve transition service delivery.
Robust constrained model predictive control design for piecewise non-linear systems with multiple operating points
Authors: Shokrollahi Ali , Shamaghdari Saeed
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a robust model predictive control (MPC) scheme is developed for non-linear systems. We propose a new modeling approach, entitled piecewise non-linear, for plants with multiple operating points and with unstructured uncertainties. The systems, in each subregion, are composed of an affine model perturbed by an additive non-linear term which is locally Lipschitz. Considering a non-linear term in the model changes the control problem from a convex program to a non-convex one, which is much more challenging to solve. A standard dual-mode control strategy is introduced by parameterizing the infinite horizon control moves into a number of free control moves followed by a single state feedback law. The designed controller is robust against model uncertainty and guarantees system stability under switching between subregions. Numerical examples on a highly non-linear chemical process and another non-linear system are used to evaluate the applicability of the proposed method. Simulation results show a better performance in terms of speed of convergence and feasibility compared with the conventional robust MPC designs.
Knowledge gap with the existing building energy assessment systems
Authors: Al-Addous Mohammad , Albatayneh Aiman
Published: November 2019

Energy supply, the increasing demands for energy, climate change, and the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must be considered in designing buildings. In order to design energy-efficient buildings, there should be accurate information about the thermal performance of the building. The thermal simulation readings should be precise. Its precision will also have a definite indication of the operational energy costs enabling the likelihood of conserving more energy used in building operations and reducing the greenhouse effect that is a result of emissions of greenhouse gases. Energy-efficient buildings are vital as they reduce the consumption of energy in and allow sustainable development. Erecting such buildings will require correct and realistic prediction of the buildings performance when subjected to a wide variety of harsh weather conditions in order to have a view of the impact of all the physical elements that influence the thermal performance. The behavior of the occupants also influences the thermal performance of a building. To achieve this, energy assessment instruments are used to accurately forecast the buildings thermal performance. This paper critically reviews energy rating methods for housing and the limitations of assessment systems.
African Christian Immigrants
Authors: Sackey-Ansah Alex
Published: November 2019

The latent functions of African immigration are often overlooked. Over the years, these functions have produced scenarios worth researching. Many people migrate from Africa to the West looking for greener pastures with the goal of economic upliftment. Amid this venture, however, the African immigrants come along with skills, talents, academic potentials, and religious beliefs. Most African immigrants associate with Christianity and deem it a spiritual mandate from God to impact their sphere of influence during their expeditions. Thus, these groups of immigrants raise churches, form prayer groups, preach the gospel, and create mission fields. The focus of this article is threefold. First, to examine how the religiosity of African Christian immigrants have influenced their lives and in turn impacted the American Christian landscape. Second, how immigration legislation of the United States has revolutionized the lives of African immigrants. Third, how pull and push factors have become a source of motivation for African immigration.
The effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Jin Yue , Zhang Qing , Pan Jie-Xue , Wang Fang-Fang , Qu Fan
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common endocrine-disrupting chemical, which has potential reproductive toxicity. This study aimed to explore the effects of DEHP exposure in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Methods

In this case-control study, DEHP levels in follicular fluid (FF) of women with PCOS (n = 56) and controls (n = 51) were measured. The in vitro effects of DEHP exposure on primary-cultured human granulosa cells (GCs) and a steroidogenic human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN cells) were analyzed.

Results

Concentrations of DEHP in FF were significantly higher in women with PCOS than in controls. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower in women with PCOS with high levels of DEHP than in controls. The levels of androgens produced by human GCs were significantly increased following DEHP exposure. Compared with controls, DEHP-treated human GCs and KGN cells showed significantly lower viability, cell cycle arrest, higher apoptosis, and altered expression of apoptosis-related genes.

Conclusion

Women with PCOS are exposed to increased levels of DEHP in follicles, which may be associated with pregnancy loss following in vitro fertilization. DEHP may disrupt steroid production, balance in cellular proliferation, and apoptosis in human granulosa cells.
Massive hemobilia due to a ruptured mycotic hepatic artery aneurysm associated with streptococcal endocarditis: case report
Authors: Zhu Jia-Ying , Huang Jia , Fan Wei , Lv Xia , Ren Yi-Pin , Yang Xiu-Lin
Published: November 2019

Hepatic artery aneurysm rupture is a rare cause of massive hemobilia, which is potentially life-threatening, cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Cases of mycotic hepatic artery aneurysm associated with streptococcal endocarditis have rarely been reported. In the present study, we report a case of massive hemobilia that was caused by ruptured mycotic hepatic artery aneurysm in a patient who was infected with streptococcal endocarditis 3 months previously. Transarterial embolization in the patient failed, possibly due to vascular variations. However, surgical treatment was successfully performed, and the patient completely recovered. In conclusion, surgical treatment may be useful in treating massive hemobilia under life-threatening conditions, even in cases of vascular variations and failure of transarterial embolization.
Comparison of music stimuli to support mindfulness meditation
Authors: Dvorak Abbey L , Hernandez-Ruiz Eugenia
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of and preference for different auditory stimuli in supporting mindfulness meditation. Undergraduate non-musicians ( N = 57) listened to four different auditory stimuli guiding them in a mindfulness meditation: script only (i.e., Script), steady beat (i.e., Beat), beat and harmonic progression (i.e., Harmony), and beat, harmony, and melody (i.e., Melody). This study used a within-subjects repeated-measures design with the four conditions counterbalanced and randomized across participants. Participants rated responses using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), completed the Absorption in Music Scale (AIMS), and ranked auditory stimuli according to preference and usefulness for mindfulness meditation. A repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on the MAAS scores, using the AIMS as a covariate, indicated no statistically significant difference between auditory stimuli. However, with the AIMS removed, the analysis revealed significant differences between stimuli, indicating that levels of absorption in music may moderate participants’ responses to auditory stimuli for mindfulness meditation. Friedman analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and post hoc analyses indicated that participant rankings of usefulness and preference were significantly different among conditions, with the Melody and Harmony conditions ranked highest.
The heavy metal leaching property and cementitious material preparation by treating municipal solid waste incineration fly ash through the molten salt process
Authors: Zhao Peng , Jing Minghai , Feng Lei , Min Bai
Published: November 2019

This research investigated the heavy metal leaching property and cementitious material preparation by treating municipal solid waste incineration fly ash through the molten salt process. The results indicated that the heavy metal thermal evaporation of fly ash in the molten salt was related to molten salt composition, heat treatment temperature and atmosphere. After treatment with sodium chloride molten salts (contains 10–50 wt% calcium chloride) from 900°C to 1000°C for 2 h, the leaching concentrations of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc and other heavy metals in fly ash were decreased more than 90% and they could fully meet with the landfill standard. Moreover, after molten salt treatment, the weight fraction of fly ash was reduced by 50 wt% than the original one, and the fly ash has been changed as a kind of cementitious material, which has excellent cementitious property. The X-ray diffraction result indicated that the main crystal mineral composition of cementitious materials obtained was alite, belite, alinite and calcium sulphate.
Tracing the contribution of childhood studies: Maintaining momentum while navigating tensions
Authors: Canosa Antonia , Graham Anne
Published: November 2019

Over recent decades, the evolving field of childhood studies has contributed significantly to the theorisation of childhood and to research seeking to understand children’s lives and experiences in different contexts. This article traces some of the key theoretical developments within childhood studies by means of a scoping study of peer-reviewed, scholarly journals and books published between 2010 and 2018. The aim of the review was to explore the theoretical and empirical contributions of childhood studies beyond its early foundational tenets. A number of emerging tensions were identified and these are explored in this article.
Person and ethics of a psychiatrist during National Socialism: Friedrich Meggendorfer (1880–1953)
Authors: Braun Birgit
Published: November 2019

Evaluation of sources not previously considered makes it possible to describe Friedrich Meggendorfer’s role as a National Socialist university psychiatrist. Relevant archive material and literature were both assessed. The gene–hygiene affinity promulgated by Meggendorfer was based on his own scientific interests, early academic influences, and also positive reinforcement from his career choices. His application of scientific knowledge in the legitimization of National Socialist jurisdiction reflects a dark facet in Meggendorfer’s life. One can also criticize his ethics in failing to use his eugenics expertise to stop ‘euthanasia’. Future studies into the history of the ethical aspects of Nazi psychiatry should benefit from the setting up of criteria for the collection of biographical data. This would render comparisons and contrasts fairer and more stable.
Air Conditioning: Selecting the Optimal Cool Storage System
Authors: Zheng Guozhong , Jing Youyin
Published: November 2019

The present paper introduces the notion of cool storage system and summarizes its benefits, especially the environmental ones: air emissions savings and CFC reductions. Four existing cool storage types are outlined: chilled water storage, ice storage, PCM (phase change material) cool storage and high temperature water cool storage and a commonly employed value analysis method is introduced and applied to select the best cool storage option. An evaluating method is established and the best type of cool storage is obtained. The results indicate that high temperature water cool storage is the optimal option, and the method of value analysis has applicability in selecting an optimal system.
Design and verification of a novel motion-decoupled cable-driven manipulator
Authors: Jiang Surong , Wang Yaoyao , Li Binbin , Chen Bai , Hua Daren
Published: November 2019

The joint coupling relationship was studied aiming at the motion coupling among multi cable-driven robot joints. A novel motion-decoupled mechanism is proposed and investigated. Two driving cables of distal joint traverse the modular in a specific routing. As a result, cables will wind and unwind at a certain angular along the groove in the following wheel. This design can effectively compensate the length change of cables during the rotating moving of proximal joint. Afterward, a 2–degree-of-freedom cable-driven manipulator platform using this motion-decoupled modular was set up. The verification experiment has shown a productive performance in realizing motion independence. Then, a new robust controller using time-delay estimation and fuzzy algorithm is proposed for the decoupled cable-driven manipulator. Thanks to time-delay estimation and fuzzy algorithm, the proposed controller is model-free, precise and easy to use under practical applications. Finally, contrast control experiments have been performed, and the result illustrates the superiority of the proposed control strategy.