bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in factors indicating increased risk for STI among key subpopulations in the United States, 2002–2015
Authors: Leichliter Jami S , Dittus Patricia J , Copen Casey E , Aral Sevgi O
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Within the context of rising rates of reportable STIs in the USA, we used national survey data to examine temporal trends in high-risk factors that indicate need for STI/HIV preventive services among key subpopulations with disproportionate STI rates.

Methods

We used data from the 2002 (n=12 571), 2006–2010 (n=22 682) and 2011–2015 (n=20 621) National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). NSFG is a national probability survey of 15–44 year olds living in US households. We examined STI risk factors among sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) and Hispanic, non-Hispanic black, 15–19 year old, 20–24 year old, and 25–29 year old women who have sex with men (WSM) and men who have sex with women (MSW). Risk behaviours included: received money or drugs for sex, gave money or drugs for sex, partner who injected drugs, partner who has HIV, non-monogamous partner (WSM, MSW only) and male partner who had sex with other men (WSM only). Endorsement of any of these behaviours was recoded into a composite variable focusing on factors indicating increased STI risk (yes/no). We used chi-squares and logistic regression (calculating predicted marginals to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs)) to examine STI risk factors over time among the key subpopulations.

Results

From 2002 to 2011–2015, reported STI risk factors did not change or declined over time among key subpopulations in the USA. In adjusted analyses comparing 2002 to 2011–2015, we identified significant declines among WSM: Hispanics (aPR=0.84 (0.68–1.04), non-Hispanic blacks (aPR=0.69 (0.58–0.82), adolescents (aPR=0.71 (0.55–0.91) and 25–29 year olds (aPR=0.76 (0.58–0.98); among MSW: Hispanics (aPR=0.53 (0.40–0.70), non-Hispanic blacks (aPR=0.74 (0.59–0.94) and adolescents (aPR=0.63 (0.49–0.82); and among MSM (aPR=0.53 (0.34–0.84).

Conclusions

While reported STIs have increased, STI risk factors among key subpopulations were stable or declined. Condom use related to these risk factors, sexual mixing patterns and STI testing should be examined.
Phenotypic plasticity under desert environment constraints: mandible variation in the dwarf fat-tailed jerboa, Pygeretmus pumilio (Rodentia: Dipodidae)
Authors: Kryštufek B. , Janžekovič F. , Shenbrot G. , Ivajnšič D. , Klenovšek T.
Published: July 2019

Arid areas have a comparatively narrow range of habitat types, with restricted variation in environmental parameters, leaving narrow boundaries for phenotypic variation to correlate with ecological variables. To test this presumption, we explored variation in size and shape of the mandible in the dwarf fat-tailed jerboa (Pygeretmus pumilio (Kerr, 1792)) under the constraints of a rigorous desert environment. Size varied significantly and predictably with geographic position and demonstrated a strong, nonlinear longitudinal pattern. Moreover, size was associated with several other climatic variables but not with soil properties or with proxies for primary productivity. Our results suggest that for rodents exposed to rapid and extreme changes, larger size may have multiple advantages, notably in maintaining euthermia during cold nights and efficient water metabolism under aridity stress, in accumulating fat reserves for hibernation, and in digging deeper burrows, better protected from surface extremes. Shape varied clinally along the longitudinal transect, and the pattern was affected more by temperature than by precipitation. We conclude that the success of dwarf fat-tailed jerboa in occupying an extensive geographic range relies on their ability to meet environmental heterogeneity through cohesive and diverse responses, including physiology, behaviour, life-history traits, and morphological plasticity.
Investigation of self-excited oscillation chamber cavitation effect with special emphasis on wall shape
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Hu Yanan , Chen Si , Zhou Lin , Xu Wenxia , Lien Fue-Sang
Published: July 2019

Analysis of the self-excited oscillating jet nozzle makes it possible to investigate the influence of structural and geometric shapes on the effect of self-excited oscillation cavitation and energy efficiency. In this paper, a new self-excited oscillation chamber structure was obtained using a Bézier curve to reconstruct the wall transition surface, and the cavitation airbag energy concentration was maximized to efficiently utilize the pulse energy. Numerical analysis and simulation were used to study the turbulent kinetic energy, steam volume fraction, and vortex growth cycle of the outlet. The results showed that the novel chamber wall structure weakens the interior secondary vortex in the self-excited oscillation chamber and forms a large cavitation airbag area and reduces energy dissipation. In addition, using the new chamber with redesigned wall structure, the peak turbulent kinetic energy, the velocity at the jet exit, and the vapor volume fraction inside the chamber increased approximately 10.3%, 14.6%, and 9.1%, respectively.
Mobility of spin polarons with vertex corrections
Authors: Callelero Marcielow J. , Yanga Danilo M.
Published: July 2019

The mobility of holes in the spin polaron theory is discussed in this paper using a representation where holes are described as spinless fermions and spins as normal bosons. The hard-core bosonic operator is introduced through the Holstein–Primakoff transformation. Mathematically, the theory is implemented in the finite temperature (Matsubara) Green’s function method. The expressions for the zeroth-order term of the hole mobility is determined explicitly for hole occupation factor taking the form of Fermi–Dirac distribution and the classical Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution function. These are proportional to the relaxation time and the square of the renormalization factor. In the Ising limit, we showed that the mobility is zero and the holes are localized. The calculation of the hole mobility is generalized by considering the vertex corrections, which included the ladder diagrams. One of the vertex functions in the hole mobility can be evaluated using the Ward identity for hole-spin wave weak interaction. We also derived an expression for the hole mobility with vertex corrections in the low-temperature limit and vanishing self-energy effects. Our calculation is made up to second-order correction in the case where the hole occupation factor follows the Fermi–Dirac distribution.
Energy storage analysis of CO2 in MOF-74 and UIO-66 nanoparticles: A molecular simulation study
Authors: Wang Qiang , Tang Shengli
Published: July 2019

Adding porous nanoparticles into fluid can modify the energy storage properties of working fluid in the thermodynamic cycles. The adsorption capacity and thermal energy storage of CO2 in MOF-74 and UIO-66 at different temperatures and pressures are investigated in this paper via molecular simulations. The results denote that the adsorption of CO2 in the two studied metal organic frameworks (MOFs) differ from each other due to the different structures. The adsorption capacity of CO2 in MOF-74 is larger than that in UIO-66. However, the desorption heat of CO2 in MOF-74 is lower than that in UIO-66. Also, UIO-66 impacts more than MOF-74 on the thermal energy storage property of CO2.
A simple entanglement criterion of two-qubit system
Authors: Zhao Chao-Ying , Guo Qi-Zhi , Tan Wei-Han
Published: July 2019

We present a novel method to judge the entanglement of two-qubit system, the density matrix of a two-qubit system can be constituted by the principle density matrix [Formula: see text] and the separable density matrices [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the two-qubit system, the three involved coefficients p [Formula: see text] 0, p [Formula: see text] 0, p [Formula: see text] 0, and the principal density matrix [Formula: see text] being separable, then the two-qubit system is separable, otherwise the two-qubit system is entangled. Finally, the criterion for several known density matrices have been verified in this way.
Deep learning the holographic black hole with charge
Authors: Tan Jing , Chen Chong-Bin
Published: July 2019

We use the deep learning algorithm to learn the Reissner–Nordström (RN) black hole metric by building a deep neural network. Plenty of data are determined in boundary of AdS and we propagate them to the black hole horizon through AdS metric and equation of motion (e.o.m). We label these data according to the values near the horizon, and together with initial data they constitute a data set. Then we construct corresponding deep neural network and train it with the data set to obtain the Reissner–Nordström (RN) black hole metric. Finally, we discuss the effects of learning rate, batch-size and initialization on the training process.
Taming Hyper-parameters in Deep Learning Systems
Authors: Mai Luo , Koliousis Alexandros , Li Guo , Brabete Andrei-Octavian , Pietzuch Peter
Published: July 2019

Deep learning (DL) systems expose many tuning parameters ("hyper-parameters") that affect the performance and accuracy of trained models. Increasingly users struggle to configure hyper-parameters, and a substantial portion of time is spent tuning them empirically. We argue that future DL systems should be designed to help manage hyper-parameters. We describe how a distributed DL system can (i) remove the impact of hyper-parameters on both performance and accuracy, thus making it easier to decide on a good setting, and (ii) support more powerful dynamic policies for adapting hyper-parameters, which take monitored training metrics into account. We report results from prototype implementations that show the practicality of DL system designs that are hyper-parameter-friendly.
Both gain and loss of Nampt function promote pressure overload-induced heart failure
Authors: Byun Jaemin , Oka Shin-ichi , Imai Nobushige , Huang Chun-Yang , Ralda Guersom , Zhai Peiyong , Ikeda Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Shohei , Sadoshima Junichi
Published: July 2019

The heart requires high-energy production, but metabolic ability declines in the failing heart. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl-transferase (Nampt) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the salvage pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) synthesis. NAD is directly involved in various metabolic processes and may indirectly regulate metabolic gene expression through sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), an NAD-dependent protein deacetylase. However, how Nampt regulates cardiac function and metabolism in the failing heart is poorly understood. Here we show that pressure-overload (PO)-induced heart failure is exacerbated in both systemic Nampt heterozygous knockout (Nampt+/−) mice and mice with cardiac-specific Nampt overexpression (Tg-Nampt). The NAD level declined in Nampt+/− mice under PO (wild: 377 pmol/mg tissue; Nampt+/−: 119 pmol/mg tissue; P = 0.028). In cultured cardiomyocytes, Nampt knockdown diminished mitochondrial NAD content and ATP production (relative ATP production: wild: 1; Nampt knockdown: 0.56; P = 0.0068), suggesting that downregulation of Nampt induces mitochondrial dysfunction. On the other hand, the NAD level was increased in Tg-Nampt mice at baseline but not during PO, possibly due to increased consumption of NAD by Sirt1. The expression of Sirt1 was increased in Tg-Nampt mice, in association with reduced overall protein acetylation. PO-induced downregulation of metabolic genes was exacerbated in Tg-Nampt mice. In cultured cardiomyocytes, Nampt and Sirt1 cooperatively suppressed mitochondrial proteins and ATP production, thereby promoting mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, Nampt overexpression upregulated inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Thus endogenous Nampt maintains cardiac function and metabolism in the failing heart, whereas Nampt overexpression is detrimental during PO, possibly due to excessive activation of Sirt1, suppression of mitochondrial function, and upregulation of proinflammatory mechanisms.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl-transferase (Nampt) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the salvage pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthesis. We demonstrate that pressure overload-induced heart failure is exacerbated in both systemic Nampt heterozygous knockout mice and mice with cardiac-specific Nampt overexpression. Both loss- and gain-of-function models exhibited reduced protein acetylation, suppression of metabolic genes, and mitochondrial energetic dysfunction. Thus endogenous Nampt maintains cardiac function and metabolism in the failing heart, but cardiac-specific Nampt overexpression is detrimental rather than therapeutic.
Blockade of Immune-Checkpoint B7-H4 and Lysine Demethylase 5B in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Confers Protective Immunity against P. gingivalis Infection
Authors: Yuan Xiang , Liu Yiwen , Li Guifang , Lan Zijun , Ma Mingyang , Li Huaxu , Kong Jinyu , Sun Jiangtao , Hou Gaochao , Hou Xurong , Ma Yingjian , Ren Feng , Zhou Fuyou , Gao Shegan
Published: July 2019

Pathogens are capable of hijacking immune defense mechanisms, thereby creating a tolerogenic environment for hypermutated malignant cells that arise within the site of infection. Immune checkpoint–oriented immunotherapies have shown considerable promise. Equally important, the epigenetic reprogramming of an immune-evasive phenotype that activates the immune system in a synergistic manner can improve immunotherapy outcomes. These advances have led to combinations of epigenetic- and immune-based therapeutics. We previously demonstrated that Porphyromonas gingivalis isolated from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) lesions represents a major pathogen associated with this deadly disease. In this study, we examined the mechanisms associated with host immunity during P. gingivalis infection and demonstrated that experimentally infected ESCC responds by increasing the expression of B7-H4 and lysine demethylase 5B, which allowed subsequent in vivo analysis of the immunotherapeutic effects of anti–B7-H4 and histone demethylase inhibitors in models of chronic infection and immunity against xenografted human tumors. Using three different preclinical mouse models receiving combined therapy, we showed that mice mounted strong resistance against P. gingivalis infection and tumor challenge. This may have occurred via generation of a T cell–mediated response in the microenvironment and formation of immune memory. In ESCC subjects, coexpression of B7-H4 and KDM5B correlated more significantly with bacterial load than with the expression of either molecule alone. These results highlight the unique ability of P. gingivalis to evade immunity and define potential targets that can be exploited therapeutically to improve the control of P. gingivalis infection and the development of associated neoplasia.
First Human Use of a New Robotic-Assisted Fiber Optic Sensing Navigation System for Small Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Fielding David I.K. , Bashirzadeh Farzad , Son Jung Hwa , Todman Maryann , Chin Adrian , Tan Lionel , Steinke Karin , Windsor Morgan N. , Sung Arthur Wai
Published: July 2019

Background: We tested a new, investigational robotic-assisted bronchoscope system with a remotely controlled catheter to access small peripheral bronchi with real-time driving under live visualization and distal tip articulation of the catheter. The unique catheter remains stationary once located at the biopsy position. Objectives: The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new shape-sensing robotic bronchoscope system to bronchoscopically approach and facilitate the sampling of small peripheral pulmonary nodules of 1–3 cm. Secondary objectives included evaluating procedural characteristics and early performance trends associated with the use of the new robotic bronchoscope system. Methods: Subjects were enrolled according to study eligibility criteria at a single center. Navigation pathways were semi-automatically created using pre-procedure CT scans. Simultaneous (real-time) viewing of actual and virtual bronchi was used real time during navigation to the displayed target. An endobronchial ultrasound mini-probe was used to confirm lesion location. Flexible 19- to 23-G needles specifically designed to accommodate tight bend radii in transbronchial needle aspiration were used along with conventional biopsy tools. Enrolled subjects completed follow-up visits up to 6 months after the procedure. Results: The study included 29 subjects with a mean lesion size of 12.2 ± 4.2, 12.3 ± 3.3, and 11.7 ± 4.1 mm in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes, respectively. The CT bronchus sign was absent in 41.4% of cases. In 96.6% of cases, the target was reached, and samples were obtained. No device-related adverse events and no instances of pneumothorax or excessive bleeding were observed during the procedure. Early performance trends demonstrated an overall diagnostic yield of 79.3% and a diagnostic yield for malignancy of 88%. Conclusion: This new robotic-assisted bronchoscope system safely navigated to very small peripheral airways under continuous visualization, and through maintenance of a static position, it provides a unique sampling capability for the biopsy of small solitary pulmonary nodules.
Investigation of the Safety of Injection Laryngoplasty under Antithrombotic Therapy
Authors: Sato Taku , Nito Takaharu , Ueha Rumi , Goto Takao , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: July 2019

Background: Glottic insufficiency negatively affects phonation and swallowing function. Injection laryngoplasty is a convenient and minimally invasive treatment for glottic insufficiency. This study assessed whether injection laryngoplasty is safe under continued administration of antithrombotic drugs, and aimed to establish measurable laboratory values under which such a procedure can be safely performed. Method: This retrospective medical record review covered the period from November 2012 to June 2018. We examined 17 patients who underwent injection laryngoplasty (47 injections) under continued administration of antithrombotic drugs at the University of Tokyo Hospital. We analyzed clinical and demographic profiles, complications, and blood test values. Statistical analyses were performed regarding the risks of complications due to injection side, route of administration, and number of antithrombotic drugs. Results: No patients exhibited airway narrowing or dyspnea; however, bleeding after injection laryngoplasty was observed in 3 patients. All patients exhibited values within the optimal treatment range. There were no significant differences regarding the risks of complications due to injection side, route of administration, or number of antithrombotic drugs. Conclusions: When the platelet count, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, and activated partial thromboplastin time were within the optimal range prior to treatment, injection laryngoplasty could safely be performed, regardless of the administration of antithrombotic drugs.
Seventeen-Year Mortality following the Acute Coronary Syndrome: Gender-Specific Baseline Variables and Impact on Outcome
Authors: Ravn-Fischer Annica , Perers Elisabeth , Karlsson Thomas , Caidahl Kenneth , Hartford Marianne
Published: July 2019

Background: Gender differences in outcome and its predictors in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) continue to be debated. Objectives: To assess long-term mortality and explore its association with the baseline variables in women and men. Methods: We followed 2,176 consecutive patients (665 women and 1,511 men) with ACS admitted to a single hospital and still alive after 30 days for a median of 16 years 8 months. Results: At the end of the follow-up, 415 (62.4%) women and 849 (56.2%) men had died (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] for women/men 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.33, p =0.005). After adjustment for age, the HR was reversed to 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78–1.00, p =0.04). Additional adjustment for potential confounders yielded a HR of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.76–0.98, p = 0.02). Using multivariable Cox regression, previous heart failure, previous or new-onset atrial fibrillation, and psychotropic drugs at discharge were significantly associated with increased long-term mortality in men only. Known hypertension, elevated creatinine, and inhospital Killip class >1/cardiogenic shock were significantly associated with mortality only in women. For late mortality, hypertension and inhospital Killip class >1/cardiogenic shock interacted significantly with gender. Conclusion: For patients with ACS surviving the first 30 days, late mortality was lower in women than in men after adjusting for age. The effects of several baseline characteristics on late outcome differed between women and men. Gender-specific strategies for long-term follow-up of ACS patients should be considered.
40-Year Longitudinal Caries Development in German Adolescents in the Light of New Caries Measures
Authors: Splieth Christian H. , Santamaria Ruth M. , Basner Roger , Schüler Elisabeth , Schmoeckel Julian
Published: July 2019

This study assessed the 40-year longitudinal caries development in German adolescents in the light of the sixth National Oral Health Survey in Children (NOHSC, 2016) employing initial DMFT (IDMFT), Significant Caries Index (SiC) and Specific Affected Caries Index (SaC). On the basis of the current NOHSC (randomized cluster selection using school list or regional community school surveys, 55,956 12-year-old sixth-graders examined by 482 calibrated community/study dentists) DMFT, SiC, a novel IDMFT including initial lesions (IT) and the recently introduced SaC were calculated and also recalculated for national and international surveys from the last 4 decades. In 2016, 78.8% of children were caries-free (DMFT = 0), 65.5% including IT lesions. The mean DMFT was 0.44 (single components: DT = 0.14, MT = 0.02, FT = 0.29, IT = 0.52) showing a clear association with the school type as marker for the socio-economic status. The mean number of affected teeth in children with DMFT >0 was 2.07 (SaC) in comparison to almost 9 teeth in the 1970s. The current care index on the tooth level was 66.3%, leaving only 7.7% of children with restorative treatment needs. Longitudinally, a continuous caries decline of more than 80%, including the risk groups (SiC/SaC), to an internationally extremely low level was observed. In conclusion, the National Oral Health Surveys reveal a continuous caries decline to a very low caries level in 12-year-old 6th-graders in Germany even if IT lesions are included (IDMFT). In spite of proportional reductions in the risk groups (SiC/SaC), the polarized caries distribution according to socio-economic parameters reveals the need for targeted preventive programmes.
Bortezomib-Based Chemotherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Huang Jing , Sun Chunyan , Su Hua , Zhang Chun , Xiong Jing
Published: July 2019

Background/Aims: The term monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) was introduced in 2012 to emphasize kidney lesions in monoclonal gammopathy patients. Bortezomib-based chemotherapy has become the first-line treatment for MGRS. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the strategy of combining chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) could improve prognosis and decrease functional kidney impairment in patients with MGRS. Methods: We reported the case of a 44-year-old Asian patient who was diagnosed with MGRS and received 5 cycles of Velcade® (a trade name for bortezomib), thalidomide, and dexamethasone therapy (VTD therapy), and subsequently underwent ASCT. In addition, we performed a literature review and summarized the latest advances in the characterization, treatment, and prognosis of MGRS. Results: The patient was diagnosed with light chain deposition disease by renal biopsy. After 5 cycles of VTD therapy, the patient had a very good partial response characterized by the resolution of M-protein (20.2% before treatment vs. 2.5% after treatment), remission of the level of serum free lambda (FLAM; over 80% decline), and normalization of the serum free light chain (sFLC) ratio (κ to λ). He also had a renal response characterized by a decreased serum creatinine level (1.61 vs.1.34 mg/dL) and less severe proteinuria (6.77 g/24 h vs.1.264 g/24 h) after chemotherapy. Importantly, after ASCT, the patient achieved a complete response (CR) characterized by a negative serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) result and a dramatic decrement in FLAM (over 90%). Furthermore, 6 months after ASCT, the patient still remained in stable condition with a negative IFE result, normal sFLC ratio, and low level of serum creatinine (1.31 mg/dL) and proteinuria (0.339 g/24 h). In our retrospective literature analysis, we found that MGRS patient survival time and renal outcome had been markedly improved by current therapies due to the popularization of bortezomib-based chemotherapy and ASCT. Conclusions: The patient successfully achieved CR after VTD therapy followed by ASCT. However, this treatment is controversial, and a standard therapy recommendation for MGRS has not been established. Bortezomib-based chemotherapy combined with ASCT may have prospects for the treatment of MGRS, but the exact effects of ASCT remain unclear and should be thoroughly investigated.
Partial Monosomy 4p and Trisomy 12q due to a t(4;12)(p16.3;q24.31) Familial Translocation in Two Cousins
Authors: Mozer Joaquim Tatiana , Paiva Grangeiro Carlos H. , Gaona de Oliveira Gennaro Flávia , Galvão Gomes Alexandra , Squire Jeremy A. , Martelli Lucia R.
Published: July 2019

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is caused by a distal 4p monosomy usually involving the region of the WHSC1 and WHSC2 genes. About 40-45% of WHS patients show an unbalanced translocation leading to both 4p monosomy and partial trisomy of another chromosome arm. In this case report, we describe 2 female cousins (P1 and P2) with a derivative chromosome leading to a 4p16.3pter deletion and 12q24.31qter duplication. Conventional karyotyping and genomic analyses showed that they both had the same rearrangement derived from a balanced parental translocation involving chromosomes 4 and 12, t(4;12)(p16.3;q24.31). The rearrangements occurred between 4p16.3pter and 12q24.31qter detected by array-CGH analysis, with a 2.7-Mb loss at 4p and a large 12.4-Mb gain at 12q. Both affected patients shared global developmental delay and craniofacial dysmorphisms with some distinct phenotypic findings associated with both WHS and 12qter trisomy. P2 was more severely impaired than P1, and she showed severe intellectual disability, seizures, midface hypoplasia, unilateral microtia, and deafness which were absent in P1. Previous studies of distal 4p monosomies have found phenotypic variability in WHS which does not correlate with haploinsufficiency of specific genes. Features of 12q trisomies are diverse with developmental and growth delay, intellectual disability, behavioral problems, and facial abnormalities. Collectively, our analysis of the literature of 3 similar translocations involving 4p and 12q, together with the clinical features of the affected cousins in this familial translocation, permits an evaluation of genes closely linked to WHSC1 and WHSC2 in the context of WHS and the genes involved in 12q trisomy.
A note on the taxonomy and natural history of the Summer Clicker Lahugada dohertyi (Distant, 1891) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadidae) along with its distribution in northern West Bengal, India
Authors: Sarkar Vivek
Published: July 2019

Lahugada dohertyi is one of the many lesser-known cicadas of northeastern India which has never been studied since its discovery.  Recently, a century later, a population of this elusive cicada was discovered in northern West Bengal.  This paper gives an account on its distribution in northern West Bengal, taxonomy, and natural history and suggests a common name based on its call and habitat preferences.
Bird diversity in the coastal talukas of Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Babu Rao Golusu , Babu Santhanakrishnan , Quadros Goldin , Vijay Kumar Anoop
Published: July 2019

The list of birds of Sindhudurg coastal district was compiled based on primary and secondary information.  All observations were made along the Sindhudurg coast, i.e., from Terekhol to Vijaydurg.  Wetland birds were recorded during sampling while terrestrial birds were recorded opportunistically.  Besides, we also collated bird occurrence records from published literature (including grey literature and online resources) to prepare a comprehensive list of birds for Sindhudurg coast.  During our study, we recorded 283 species, and 24 more species were compiled from secondary sources.  Altogether, 307 species belonging to 78 families and 22 orders were recorded from the Sindhudurg coast.  Order Passeriformes was dominant with 111 species.  Among the 307 species, four species are endemic to the Western Ghats.  Three species of vultures had been reported earlier but two were not encountered in recent years.  Great Knot (EN), Woolly-necked Stork (VU) and 14 other species (NT) fall under various threat categories of IUCN.  Species richness was higher in Vengurla (256) followed by Malvan (247) and Devgad talukas.  Construction of homestays, unregulated tourism in coastal areas, and conversion of natural habitats to meet increasing tourism are the major threats to the coastal avifauna of the district.  A high species richness of birds in Sindhudurg coast is attributed to the availability of a wide array of habitats (coastal to woodlands with different degrees of anthropogenic disturbances).  Considering the high species richness of birds and livelihood dependency of humans on the coastal zones, a few estuaries namely Mochemad, Karli and Mitbav estuaries may be recognized as community/ conservation reserve to manage the ecosystem sustainably for long-term conservation of these estuaries and sub-habitats therein.  Also, those sites can be perceived as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas of IBCN as they fulfill the IBA criteria.
Extended distribution of the vulnerable Cooper’s Stone Flower Corallodiscus cooperi (Gesneriaceae) in India
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Panday Samiran , Dash Sudhansu Sekhar , Sinha Bipin Kumar , Singh Paramjit
Published: July 2019

Corallodiscus cooperi (Craib) B.L. Burtt is reported here as a new record for India.  The IUCN Red-listed Vulnerable species was earlier known only from Bhutan and has been collected for the first time from outside the country, from Zemithang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.  A detailed description along with images and notes are provided to facilitate its easy identification.
Crowding, group size and population structure of the Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae) in the semi-arid habitat of Haryana, India
Authors: Rai Deepak , Jyoti -
Published: July 2019

To understand the population growth dynamics and life history parameters of the Blackbuck, 24 fortnightly visits were made in and around Lalpur Jheel, Dobhi Village of district Hisar (Haryana) from March 2017 to February 2018.  Scan sampling method was used to record the Blackbuck population.  In the present study, a total of 68 sightings of Blackbuck were made including a minimum of one sighting per visit to a maximum of seven sightings per visit with group size varying from one individual to a maximum of 58 individuals per sighting.  The overall mean group size and crowding of the Blackbuck population were 13.84 ± 1.89 S.E. and 31.31 (N=941 individuals), respectively.  The population structure of Blackbuck revealed six different age and sex classes, namely, adult male, adult female, sub-adult male, sub-adult female, yearling male, and fawn.  As far as the social organization of the Blackbuck is concerned, six different types of social grouping were recorded, namely lone territorial male (adult male), unimale-unifemale (adult male and adult female), bachelor herd (adult male(s)/ sub-adult male(s)/ yearling male(s)), mixed herd (adult male(s)/ sub-adult male(s)/ yearling male(s)/ adult female(s)/ sub-adult female(s)/ fawn(s)), harem herd (1 adult male/ adult female(s)/ sub-adult female(s)/ fawn(s)), and female herd (adult female(s)/ sub-adult female(s)/ fawn(s)).  It was concluded that Blackbuck shows partial social organization as both the solitary and herd were observed during the present study.
New record of Blue Perch Badis badis (Anabantiformes: Badidae) from Godavari River basin of Telangana State, India
Authors: Prasad Kante Krishna , Srinivasulu Chelmala
Published: July 2019

Badis badis (Hamilton, 1822), a freshwater fish species, has been reported for the first time from the Godavari River basin of Telangana State, India.  One specimen of B. badis was collected from a stream near Mubarakpur Village in Sangareddy District (Manjeera sub-basin) and another from a stream near Sirpur (T) Town in Asifabad District (Wardha sub-basin), Telangana State, India.  This publication provides information about B. badis occurrence in India, a short description of the collected specimen, and a discussion on its habitat and threats.
Characterization of
Kcnk3
-Mutated Rat, a Novel Model of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Lambert Mélanie , Capuano Véronique , Boet Angèle , Tesson Laurent , Bertero Thomas , Nakhleh Morad K. , Remy Séverine , Anegon Ignacio , Pechoux Christine , Hautefort Aurélie , Rucker-Martin Catherine , Manoury Boris , Domergue Valérie , Mercier Olaf , Girerd Barbara , Montani David , Perros Frédéric , Humbert Marc , Antigny Fabrice
Published: July 2019

Rationale:

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a severe lethal cardiopulmonary disease. Loss of function mutations in
KCNK3
(potassium channel subfamily K member 3) gene, which encodes an outward rectifier K
+
channel, have been identified in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients.

Objective:

We have demonstrated that KCNK3 dysfunction is common to heritable and nonheritable pulmonary arterial hypertension and to experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH). Finally, KCNK3 is not functional in mouse pulmonary vasculature.

Methods and Results:

Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generated a 94 bp out of frame deletion in exon 1 of
Kcnk3
gene and characterized these rats at the electrophysiological, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, morphological, cellular, and molecular levels to decipher the cellular mechanisms associated with loss of KCNK3. Using patch-clamp technique, we validated our transgenic strategy by demonstrating the absence of KCNK3 current in freshly isolated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells from
Kcnk3
-mutated rats. At 4 months of age, echocardiographic parameters revealed shortening of the pulmonary artery acceleration time associated with elevation of the right ventricular systolic pressure.
Kcnk3
-mutated rats developed more severe PH than wild-type rats after monocrotaline exposure or chronic hypoxia exposure.
Kcnk3
-mutation induced a lung distal neomuscularization and perivascular extracellular matrix activation. Lungs of
Kcnk3
-mutated rats were characterized by overactivation of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal–regulated kinase1-/2), AKT (protein kinase B), SRC, and overexpression of HIF1-α (hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α), survivin, and VWF (Von Willebrand factor). Linked with plasma membrane depolarization, reduced endothelial-NOS expression and desensitization of endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor,
Kcnk3
-mutated rats presented predisposition to vasoconstriction of pulmonary arteries and a severe loss of sildenafil-induced pulmonary arteries relaxation. Moreover, we showed strong alteration of right ventricular cardiomyocyte excitability. Finally,
Kcnk3
-mutated rats developed age-dependent PH associated with low serum-albumin concentration.

Conclusions:

We established the first
Kcnk3
-mutated rat model of PH. Our results confirm that KCNK3 loss of function is a key event in pulmonary arterial hypertension pathogenesis. This model presents new opportunities for understanding the initiating mechanisms of PH and testing biologically relevant therapeutic molecules in the context of PH.
Prospective Trial of Cerebrospinal Fluid Filtration After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via Lumbar Catheter (PILLAR)
Authors: Blackburn Spiros L. , Grande Andrew W. , Swisher Christa B. , Hauck Erik F. , Jagadeesan Bharathi , Provencio J. Javier
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose—

The PILLAR (Extracorporeal Filtration of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via Spinal Catheter) study is a first-in-human trial of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) filtration in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study evaluates the safety and feasibility of a novel filtration system to rapidly remove blood and blood breakdown products from CSF after securement of a ruptured aneurysm.

Methods—

Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage had a dual-lumen lumbar, intrathecal catheter placed after aneurysm securement and received up to 24 hours of CSF filtration (neurapheresis therapy). The catheter aspirated blood-contaminated CSF from the lumbar cistern and returned filtered CSF to the thoracic subarachnoid space. Neuro checks were performed q2 hours, and CSF samples were collected for cell counts, total protein, and gram stain. Computed tomography scans were acquired at baseline and post-filtration. Clinical follow-up occurred at 2 weeks and 30 days.

Results—

Thirteen patients had a catheter placed (mean time 24:13 hours after ictus). The system processed 632.0 mL (180.6–1447.6 mL) CSF in 15:07 hours (5:32–24:00 hours) of filtration. The mean initial CSF red blood cell count, 2.78×10
5
cells/µL, reduced to 1.17×10
5
cells/µL after filtration (52.9% reduction), and total protein reduced 71%. Independent analysis of baseline and postfiltration computed tomographies found notable cisternal blood decrease, with 46.5% mean Hijdra Score reduction. Three mild, anticipated adverse events were reported.

Conclusions—

The initial safety and feasibility of Neurapheresis therapy in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage demonstrated the potential to safely filter CSF and remove blood and blood byproducts. Future studies are warranted.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT0287263.
Human Destiny and Divine Providence in Two Byzantine Authors of the Early Eighth Century
Authors: Baranov Vladimir
Published: July 2019

The well-being of a person was viewed by the Byzantines as a complex interplay of divine providence, guiding a person throughout his life to salvation, and his will, freely choosing between virtue and sin. Several solutions were given to the problem of misfortunes which might befall a person, since they could not result from the actions of a good God: from ultimate non-involvement of God into the voluntary actions of humans, to pedagogical temporary “stepping aside” by God to demonstrate the futility of human actions which go against the best predestined course of life, to active divine intervention as “bitter medicine” for the correction of human wrongdoings and putting an end to uncorrected sin. These problems are discussed in the treatise On the Predestined Terms of Life by Patriarch Germanus I of Constantinople and in the Dialogue against the Manichees by John of Damascus, who thoroughly adapted and reworked the Homily That God Is Not the Author of Evil by Basil of Caesarea for the discussion of theodicy.
The Conversion of Pachomius Revisited
Authors: Barthel Christian
Published: July 2019

The article seeks to reassess and contextualise the conversion narrative of the Egyptian monk Pachomius, the founder of coenobitic monasticism. It thereby offers a case study into how and why the Pachomian literary tradition was shaped, altered and abridged, while also challenging the traditional views associated with Pachomius’ military career.
A Byzantine Logician’s “Image” within the Second Iconoclastic Controversy. Theodore the Studite
Authors: Goncharko Oksana Yu. , Goncharko Dmitry N.
Published: July 2019

The paper is devoted to the reconstruction of the “iconophilistic” logic theory built by Theodore the Studite in his pro-icon writings during the “scholastic” period of the Second Iconoclasm Christological controversy. We argue that Theodore the Studite invented the non-Aristotelian identity distinction and implemented the two types of identity (the identity of nature and the identity of hypostasis) within his Christological argumentation, demonstrating how the contradictory properties of the two natures of Christ should be accepted consistently. The main issue of the present paper is to discuss the examples of non-classical logical thinking undertaken by Theodore the Studite, which are devoted to the description of how the identity principle should work, why the icon principle is self-referential, and why the duality of the properties of Christ should be accepted by all Christians in order to be iconophiles and logically correct at the same time.
Al-Makīn ibn al-ʿAmīd on Moses of Crete
Authors: Seleznyov Nikolai N.
Published: July 2019

In the first, still unpublished, volume of The Blessed Compendium (al-Majmūʿ al-mu­bārak) – the historical work of the 13th-century Arabic-speaking Christian writer al-Makīn ibn al-ʿAmīd, there is a chapter on the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II the Younger (r. 402-450). In this chapter, Ibn al-ʿAmīd retells the famous story of Moses of Crete, “who appeared among the Jews” and declared himself to be the Messiah to subsequent tragic disappointment of those who believed in him. The present article discusses this story and suggests an explanation for the discrepancies between Ibn al-ʿAmīd’s text and its Arabic source – the Book of the Heading (Kitāb al-ʿUnwān) of Agapius of Manbij (Hierapolis).
Porphyry’s Lines in the To Ablabius by Gregory of Nyssa
Authors: Biriukov Dmitry
Published: July 2019

I show that Gregory of Nyssa used significant points from a passage of Porphyry’s Isa­goge while developing his doctrine of the general and the particular.
Gomphidae of Guangdong & Hong Kong, China (Odonata: Anisoptera)
Authors: WILSON KEITH DUNCAN PETER , XU ZAIFU
Published: July 2019

Guangdong is located in south China, which is recognized as a global centre of biodiversity for Gomphidae. Taxonomic and faunistic information is provided for 24 poorly known species of Gomphidae from Guangdong and Hong Kong. A total of 50 gomphid species belonging to 25 genera are enumerated, including 12 newly recorded from Guangdong and one newly recorded from Hong Kong. Four species are synonymised, one subspecies is promoted to species status and new generic combinations are provided for two species. The synonyms comprise: Lamelligomphus jiuquensis Liu 1993 = Lamelligomphus formosanus (Oguma 1926), Lamelligomphus parvulus Zhou and Li 2000 = Lamelligomphus laetus Yang and Davies 1993, Melligomphus moluami Wilson 1995 = Ophiogomphus guandongensis Chao 1994 and Phaeandrogomphus chaoi Zhu & Liang 1994 = Phaenandrogomphus tonkinicus (Fraser 1926). The subspecies Leptogomphus elegans hongkongensis Asahina 1988 is elevated to species status, viz Leptogomphus hongkongensis. Ophiogomphus guandongensis is transferred to Melligomphus Chao 1990 and Nihonogomphus indicus Lahiri 1987 is transferred to Orientogomphus Chao 1990. Keys are provided for the identification of Chinese Lamelligomphus Fraser and all known species of Nihonogomphus Oguma.
Revision of the genus Eulichas Jacobson, 1913 (Coleoptera: Eulichadidae) II. E. dudgeoni species group
Authors: HÁJEK JIŘÍ
Published: July 2019

The Eulichas dudgeoni species group of the genus Eulichas Jacobson, 1913 is revised. Three informal species complexes are established. All included species are described and their diagnostic characters are illustrated. The following eleven new species are described: E. alesbezdeki Hájek, sp. nov. (Laos, Vietnam), E. jakli Hájek, sp. nov. (Indonesia: Kalimantan), E. oborili Hájek, sp. nov. (Thailand), E. robusta Hájek, sp. nov. (Malaysia), E. sausai Hájek, sp. nov. (Indonesia: Sumatra, Malaysia), E. serricornis Hájek, sp. nov. (Malaysia), E. siamensis Hájek, sp. nov. (Laos, Thailand, Vietnam), E. similis Hájek, sp. nov. (Laos, Thailand), E. sundaensis Hájek, sp. nov. (Indonesia: Sumatra, Java), E. villosa Hájek, sp. nov. (Malaysia: Sabah), and E. wewalkai Hájek, sp. nov. (Nepal). E. baeri (Fairmaire, 1898) is synonymised with E. baeri var. innotatus Pic, 1924 syn. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Eulichas baeri innotatus (Luzon, Philippines), E. incisicollis Pic, 1933 (Cameron Highlands, Malaysia), and Lichas subocellata Fairmaire, 1898 (Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia).
Cladistic assessment and description of a new Neotropical genus and species of Lymeonina (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae)
Authors: TEDESCO ANAZÉLIA M. , AGUIAR ALEXANDRE P.
Published: July 2019

The Cryptini Petila new genus, from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, is proposed, described, illustrated, and cladistically compared with representative species of ten genera of the subtribe Lymeonina and six outgroup species. A total of 19 species and 87 characters were evaluated. All analyses clearly suggest that Petila must indeed be treated as a distinct genus, closest to Polycyrtidea Viereck. The species Petila capixaba, new species, is described and illustrated.
Austromorium, a new myrmicine ant genus from Australia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: SHATTUCK STEVEN O.
Published: July 2019

The myrmicine ant genus Austromorium is described for two Australian endemic species. One species has been known for some time but its taxonomic placement has been unclear while the second species is newly described. They are thought to be related to Lordomyrma and Austromorium is tentatively placed within the tribe Stenammini. These are ground-nesting ants although little else is known of their biology. While one species is widespread across semi-arid southern Australia the other is restricted to a narrow band of coastal south-western Western Australia.
Macrotrichia, a new genus of Ledrinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from China
Authors: ZHANG YALIN , Sun Jing , DAI WU
Published: July 2019

Macrotrichia gen. n., a new leafhopper genus of the tribe Ledrini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Ledrinae), and three species, M. deltata sp. n., M. hamata sp. n. and M. flavomarginata (Kuoh & Cai) n. comb., from southern China are described and illustrated. A key to all species is provided, and the differences between the new genus and a closely related genus Tituria Stål are discussed.
A new species of cryptically coloured day gecko (Phelsuma) from the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in western Madagascar
Authors: GLAW FRANK , KÖHLER JÖRN , VENCES MIGUEL
Published: July 2019

Phelsuma borai sp. nov. (Squamata: Gekkonidae) is described from the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a deciduous dry forest on a karstic limestone massif in western Madagascar. The new species, known from a single specimen only, has a greyish-brown ground colouration and the ability of remarkable colour change. In terms of colouration and morphology it most closely resembles Phelsuma mutabilis, which might occur in sympatry, but differs by scalation, colouration and strong genetic divergence.