bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma extracellular vesicle long RNA profiling identifies a diagnostic signature for the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Shulin , Li Yuchen , Liao Zhuan , Wang Zheng , Wang Zhen , Li Yan , Qian Ling , Zhao Jingjing , Zong Huajie , Kang Bin , Zou Wen-Bin , Chen Kun , He Xianghuo , Meng Zhiqiang , Chen Zhen , Huang Shenglin , Wang Peng
Published: September 2019

Objective

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult to diagnose at resectable stage. Recent studies have suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain long RNAs. The aim of this study was to develop a diagnostic (d-)signature for the detection of PDAC based on EV long RNA (exLR) profiling.

Design

We conducted a case-control study with 501 participants, including 284 patients with PDAC, 100 patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and 117 healthy subjects. The exLR profile of plasma samples was analysed by exLR sequencing. The d-signature was identified using a support vector machine algorithm and a training cohort (n=188) and was validated using an internal validation cohort (n=135) and an external validation cohort (n=178).

Results

We developed a d-signature that comprised eight exLRs, including FGA, KRT19, HIST1H2BK, ITIH2, MARCH2, CLDN1, MAL2 and TIMP1, for PDAC detection. The d-signature showed high accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.960, 0.950 and 0.936 in the training, internal validation and external validation cohort, respectively. The d-signature was able to identify resectable stage I/II cancer with an AUC of 0.949 in the combined three cohorts. In addition, the d-signature showed superior performance to carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in distinguishing PDAC from CP (AUC 0.931 vs 0.873, p=0.028).

Conclusion

This study is the first to characterise the plasma exLR profile in PDAC and to report an exLR signature for the detection of pancreatic cancer. This signature may improve the prognosis of patients who would have otherwise missed the curative treatment window.
Pediatric multicenter cohort comparison of percutaneous endoscopic and non-endoscopic gastrostomy technique outcomes
Authors: Kumar Ashwath S , Bani Yaghoub Majid , Rekab Kamel , Hall Matt , Attard Thomas Mario
Published: September 2019

Enteral access is one of the mainstays of nutritional support. Several different modalities for gastrostomy placement are established. In pediatrics, however, there is a limited evidence base supporting the choice of 1 modality over the others. We retrospectively compared elective percutaneous endoscopically placed gastrostomy (PEG) with surgical and interventional radiology-placed gastrostomy outcomes using the Pediatric Hospital Inpatient Sample multicenter administrative database (Pediatric Health Information System). Pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing planned elective gastrostomy (2010–2015) were included. Coded gastrostomy procedure subtype, patient demographic characteristics, chronic comorbidities and subsequent related outcomes, mortality, readmission, length of stay and total cost of admission were analyzed. Univariate analysis differentiated among gastrostomy techniques. The effect of gastrostomy on mortality and 30-day readmission were determined using a forward, stepwise, binary logistic regression. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the effect of gastrostomy type on length of stay and total cost. During the study period, 11,712 children underwent gastrostomy, including PEG (27%). Patients with chronic comorbidities were more, or as likely to undergo non-PEG procedures. Postoperatively, PEG patients were less likely to require mechanical ventilation and total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Gastrostomy type was not predictive of mortality; predictors included non-White race and need for mechanically assisted ventilation. Readmission following gastrostomy was common (29.5%), and more likely in PEG patients (OR 1.31). Predictors of readmission included earlier TPN (OR 1.39), cardiovascular (OR 1.17) and oncology (OR 4.17) comorbidities. Our study suggests that PEG placement entails similar length of stay and cost as in non-PEG gastrostomy. Patients undergoing PEG were less likely to require mechanical ventilation and TPN postoperatively. Mortality is similar in both groups although more likely with specific comorbidities. Racial background appeared to be associated with choice of gastrostomy, length of stay and mortality.
Refining a great idea: the consolidation of PECS I, PECS II and serratus blocks into a single thoracic fascial plane block, the SAP block
Authors: Franco Carlo D , Inozemtsev Konstantin
Published: September 2019

The popularity of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks has impacted the practice of regional anesthesia in profound ways, improving some techniques and introducing new ones. Some of these new nerve blocks are based on the concept of fascial plane blocks, in which the local anesthetic is injected into a plane instead of around a specific nerve. Pectoralis muscles (PECS) and serratus blocks, most commonly used for post op analgesia after breast surgery, are good examples. Among the nerves targeted by PECS/serratus blocks are different branches of the brachial plexus that traditionally have been considered purely motor nerves. This unsubstantiated claim is a departure from accepted anatomical knowledge and challenges our understanding of the sensory innervation of the chest wall. The objective of this Daring Discourse is to look beyond the ability of PECS/serratus blocks to provide analgesia/anesthesia of the chest wall, to concentrate instead on understanding the mechanism of action of these blocks and, in the process, test the veracity of the claim. After a comprehensive review of the evidence we have concluded that (1) the traditional model of sensory innervation of the chest wall, which derives from the lateral branches of the upper intercostal nerves and does not include branches of the brachial plexus, is correct. (2) PECS/serratus blocks share the same mechanism of action, blocking the lateral branches of the upper intercostal nerves, and so their varied success is tied to their ability to reach them. This common mechanism agrees with the traditional innervation model. (3) A common mechanism of action supports the consolidation of PECS/serratus blocks into a single thoracic fascial plane block with a point of injection closer to the effector site. In a nod to transversus abdominus plane block, the original inspiration for PECS blocks, we propose naming this modified block, the serratus anterior plane block.
Regular, sustained-release morphine for chronic breathlessness: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Currow David , Louw Sandra , McCloud Philip , Fazekas Belinda , Plummer John , McDonald Christine F , Agar Meera , Clark Katherine , McCaffery Nikki , Ekström Magnus Pär
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Morphine may decrease the intensity of chronic breathlessness but data from a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) are lacking. This first, large, parallel-group trial aimed to test the efficacy and safety of regular, low-dose, sustained-release (SR) morphine compared with placebo for chronic breathlessness.

Methods

Multisite (14 inpatient and outpatient cardiorespiratory and palliative care services in Australia), parallel-arm, double-blind RCT. Adults with chronic breathlessness (modified Medical Research Council≥2) were randomised to 20 mg daily oral SR morphine and laxative (intervention) or placebo and placebo laxative (control) for 7 days. Both groups could take ≤6 doses of 2.5 mg, ‘as needed’, immediate-release morphine (≤15 mg/24 hours) as required by the ethics review board. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in intensity ofbreathlessness now(0–100 mm visual analogue scale; two times per day diary) between groups. Secondary endpoints included:worst,bestandaverage breathlessness; unpleasantness ofbreathlessness now, fatigue; quality of life; function; and harms.

Results

Analysed by intention-to-treat, 284 participants were randomised to morphine (n=145) or placebo (n=139). There was no difference between arms for the primary endpoint (mean difference −0.15 mm (95% CI −4.59 to 4.29; p=0.95)), nor secondary endpoints. The placebo group used more doses of oral morphine solution during the treatment period (mean 8.7 vs 5.8 doses; p=0.001). The morphine group had more constipation and nausea/vomiting. There were no cases of respiratory depression nor obtundation.

Conclusion

No differences were observed between arms for breathlessness, but the intervention arm used less rescue immediate-release morphine.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12609000806268.
A note on quantum fields in conformally flat spacetimes
Authors: Mishra Swayamsidha , Mukherji Sudipta , Srivastava Yogesh K.
Published: September 2019

We develop a technique relating scalar fields with different masses in different conformally flat spacetimes. We apply this technique to the case of FRW spacetimes, with [Formula: see text], and discuss several examples. We also study various energy conditions and discuss how they constrain the spacetimes related by this technique. We calculate the two-point scalar correlator in the radiation-dominated universe with a hyperbolic spatial section from the one in the Milne universe using the above mapping. Finally, we consider trace anomaly and renormalized stress tensor for conformally flat spacetimes, especially Milne and radiation-dominated universe (with [Formula: see text]) using the transformation.
Electron dynamics in strained graphene
Authors: Zhai Dawei , Sandler Nancy
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a theoretical description of the effects of strain induced by out-of-plane deformations on charge distributions and transport on graphene. A review of a continuum model for electrons using the Dirac formalism is complemented with elasticity theory to represent strain fields. The resulting model is cast in terms of scalar and pseudo-magnetic fields that control electron dynamics. Two distinct geometries, a bubble and a fold, are chosen to represent the most commonly observed deformations in experimental settings. It is shown that local charge accumulation regions appear in deformed areas, with a peculiar charge distribution that favors occupation of one sublattice only. This unique phenomenon that allows to distinguish each carbon atom in the unit cell, is the manifestation of a sublattice symmetry broken phase. For specific parameters, resonant states appear in localized charged regions, as shown by the emergence of discrete levels in band structure calculations. These findings are presented in terms of intuitive pictures that exploit analogies with confinement produced by square barriers. In addition, electron currents through strained regions are spatially separated into their valley components, making possible the manipulation of electrons with different valley indices. The degree of valley filtering (or polarization) for a specific system can be controlled by properly designing the strained area. The comparison between efficiencies of filters built with this type of geometries identifies extended deformations as better valley filters. A proposal for their experimental implementations as component of devices, and a discussion for potential observation of novel physics in strained structures are presented at the end of the paper.
Ab initio study of optical and bulk properties of cesium lead halide perovskite solid solutions
Authors: Saleev Vladimir , Shipilova Alexandra
Published: September 2019

The first-principles calculations of band gaps and bulk moduli of cesium lead halide perovskite solid solutions, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], are performed at the level of general gradient approximation of the density functional theory. We use supercell approach for computational modeling of disordered systems, which gives a description of the properties of the structure baasing on the average over a set of multiple configurations, namely distributions of different species over a given set of atomic positions. The calculations were performed with the CRYSTAL14 program package. The dependence of the band gap and bulk modulus on the content [Formula: see text] are investigated over the whole range [Formula: see text].
Dark energy, H0 and weak gravity conjecture
Authors: Kaloper Nemanja
Published: September 2019

We point out that the physics at the extreme IR — cosmology — might provide tests of the physics of the extreme UV — the Weak Gravity Conjecture. The current discrepancies in the determination of [Formula: see text] may hint at a modification of [Formula: see text]CDM. An extension which may fit better comprises an early contribution to dark energy which “decays” into relativistic matter. On the other hand, the discourse on WGC to date suggests that fields which support cosmic acceleration may produce relativistic matter after they traverse a [Formula: see text] Planckian distance in field space. We explain how this offers a simple realization of the requisite cosmic phenomenology. Thus, if the resolution of [Formula: see text] discrepancies is really early dark energy that ends with a shower of relativistic matter and the current ideas on WGC are indicative, this may be a rare opportunity to link the two extreme limits of quantum field theory.
COMPLEX FUNCTION PROJECTIVE SYNCHRONIZATION IN FRACTIONAL-ORDER COMPLEX NETWORKS AND ITS APPLICATION IN FRACTAL PATTERN RECOGNITION
Authors: LIN XIAORAN , ZHOU SHANGBO , SUN LIHUI , WU YALI
Published: September 2019

Based on the stability theory of fractional-order systems, a projective synchronization scheme with different coefficients is realized in [Formula: see text] complex networks to build a model for fractal pattern recognition. In the proposed complex function projection synchronization scheme, first a drive-response network is constructed with [Formula: see text] fractional-order complex nodes; And then reasonable controllers are designed to realize the function projection synchronization with different projection coefficients, which are used to encode the fractal pattern; Finally, using the synchronization error system, the input variables for identifying fractal patterns can be solved, and the fractal pattern can be recognized. From the perspective of neurodynamics, the proposed model provides a better understanding of human perception system.
Quinoline-annulated porphyrin platinum complexes as NIR emitters
Authors: Akhigbe Joshua , Luciano Michael , Atoyebi Adewole O. , Jockusch Steffen , Brückner Christian
Published: September 2019

The platinum(II) complexes of known quinoline-annulated porphyrins were prepared and spectroscopically characterized. Their optical properties (UV-vis absorption and phosphorescence spectra and phosphorescence lifetimes) were recorded and contrasted against their 2,3-dioxoporphyrin precursor platinum(II) complex. The absorbance and emission spectra (in EtOH glass at 77 K) of the quinoline-annulated porphyrins fall within the NIR optical window of tissue, ranging, depending on the derivative, between [Formula: see text]950 and 1200 nm. The much red-shifted optical spectra, when compared to their non-quinoline-annulated precursors, are attributed to the [Formula: see text]-extension and conformational non-planarity that the annulation causes. The emission yields of the mono-quinoline-annulated derivatives are too low and their lifetimes too short to be practical emitters, but the bis-annulated derivative possesses a practical lifetime and emission yield, suggesting its further exploration, particularly since the methodology toward the solubilization of the quinoline-annulated porphyrins in biological media through derivatization is known.
Peripherally carboxylic acid substituted asymmetric zinc(II) phthalocyanines: Synthesis and photophysicochemical properties
Authors: Tunç Gülenay , Albakour Mohamad , Ahsen Vefa , Gürek Ayşe Gül
Published: September 2019

Four asymmetric Zn(II) phthalocyanines (Pc1–Pc4) bearing a carboxylic acid group in the peripheral position have been designed and synthesized to investigate the influence of the distance between COOH group and the phthalocyanine core on their photophysical and photochemical properties. The novel phthalocyanine complexes were characterized by [Formula: see text]H, [Formula: see text]C NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopies, elemental analysis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI). The aggregation behavior, photophysical and photochemical properties such as fluorescence lifetime and quantum yields and singlet oxygen quantum yields of Pc1–Pc4 were explored in tetrahydrofuran (THF) to the determination of the potential use of these novel phthalocyanines as photosensitizers for different applications such as photovoltaic technologies and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Pc1–Pc4exhibited high singlet oxygen generation quantum yields (0.84, 0.66, 0.88 and 0.65, respectively). Fluorescence quantum yields could be obtained for Pc1, Pc2, Pc3 and Pc4 (0.13, 0.31, 0.10 and 0.25, respectively) in THF.
Counting dominating sets in generalized series-parallel graphs
Authors: Lin Min-Sheng
Published: September 2019

Counting dominating sets in a graph is a #P-complete problem even in planar graphs. This paper studies this problem for generalized series-parallel graphs, which are a subclass of planar graphs. This work develops some linear-time algorithms for counting dominating sets and their two variants, independent dominating sets and connected dominating sets in generalized series-parallel graphs.
IP Protection and Supply Chain Security through Logic Obfuscation
Authors: Shamsi Kaveh , Li Meng , Plaks Kenneth , Fazzari Saverio , Pan David Z. , Jin Yier
Published: September 2019

The globalization of the semiconductor supply chain introduces ever-increasing security and privacy risks. Two major concerns are IP theft through reverse engineering and malicious modification of the design. The latter concern in part relies on successful reverse engineering of the design as well. IC camouflaging and logic locking are two of the techniques under research that can thwart reverse engineering by end-users or foundries. However, developing low overhead locking/camouflaging schemes that can resist the ever-evolving state-of-the-art attacks has been a challenge for several years. This article provides a comprehensive review of the state of the art with respect to locking/camouflaging techniques. We start by defining a systematic threat model for these techniques and discuss how various real-world scenarios relate to each threat model. We then discuss the evolution of generic algorithmic attacks under each threat model eventually leading to the strongest existing attacks. The article then systematizes defences and along the way discusses attacks that are more specific to certain kinds of locking/camouflaging. The article then concludes by discussing open problems and future directions.
High-frequency murine ultrasound provides enhanced metrics of BAPN-induced AAA growth
Authors: Romary Daniel J. , Berman Alycia G. , Goergen Craig J.
Published: September 2019

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), defined as a pathological expansion of the largest artery in the abdomen, is a common vascular disease that frequently leads to death if rupture occurs. Once diagnosed, clinicians typically evaluate the rupture risk based on maximum diameter of the aneurysm, a limited metric that is not accurate for all patients. In this study, we worked to evaluate additional distinguishing factors between growing and stable murine aneurysms toward the aim of eventually improving clinical rupture risk assessment. With the use of a relatively new mouse model that combines surgical application of topical elastase to cause initial aortic expansion and a lysyl oxidase inhibitor, β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), in the drinking water, we were able to create large AAAs that expanded over 28 days. We further sought to develop and demonstrate applications of advanced imaging approaches, including four-dimensional ultrasound (4DUS), to evaluate alternative geometric and biomechanical parameters between 1) growing AAAs, 2) stable AAAs, and 3) nonaneurysmal control mice. Our study confirmed the reproducibility of this murine model and found reduced circumferential strain values, greater tortuosity, and increased elastin degradation in mice with aneurysms. We also found that expanding murine AAAs had increased peak wall stress and surface area per length compared with stable aneurysms. The results from this work provide clear growth patterns associated with BAPN-elastase murine aneurysms and demonstrate the capabilities of high-frequency ultrasound. These data could help lay the groundwork for improving insight into clinical prediction of AAA expansion.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work characterizes a relatively new murine model of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by quantifying vascular strain, stress, and geometry. Furthermore, Green-Lagrange strain was calculated with a novel mapping approach using four-dimensional ultrasound. We also compared growing and stable AAAs, finding peak wall stress and surface area per length to be most indicative of growth. In all AAAs, strain and elastin health declined, whereas tortuosity increased.
State‐Feedback Stabilization of Stochastic Nonholonomic Systems with an Unknown Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Du Qinghui , Cui Qianqian , Zhang Dongkai
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates the state‐feedback stabilization of stochastic nonholonomic systems with an unknown time‐varying delay. Without imposing any assumptions on the time‐varying delay, a state‐feedback controller is skillfully designed by using input‐state‐scaling technique and backstepping control approach. The switching strategy is proposed to eliminate the phenomenon of uncontrollability and to guarantee that the closed‐loop system has an almost surely unique solution for any initial state and the equilibrium of interest is globally asymptotically stable in probability. A simulation example demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Mapping Perception of Consumer Antivirus Software with Multidimensional Scaling Method
Authors: Nurhayati Ai , Frencius Frencius
Published: September 2019

Antivirus software industry is growing rapidly in the world in 2018. The domestic antivirus software industry must be able to compete on a global scale. To face free trade, Indonesia's antivirus software industry must be able to know its position in the minds of consumers, especially domestic consumers. In this research, Smadav will represent the antivirus software industry from Indonesia.In this research want to know how the position of smadav compared with its current competitors, namely Avast, Avira, AVG, Kaspersky, McAfee and Norton. This research is only done to map antivirus software based on similarity according to respondent's perception.This research uses Multidimensional scaling (MDS) method through SPSS software program version 23. The results showed that there are three groups of different antivirus software based on similarity level according to the respondent's perception.On the two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps Norton antivirus software, Avast and Avira have similar resemblance according to the respondent's perception, because the location is closest and is in the same quadrant. Smadav differs according to perceptions of respondents. AVG, McAfee and Kaspersky have similarities according to respondents' perceptions.
Traffic lane controller using RFID and IoT
Authors: Boopathy E Veera
Published: September 2019

Traffic in urban areas is increasing day by day which leads to most critical issues of traffic management this paper proposes a smart and fully automatic traffic control system that will detect and control the congestion in real time, detect a stolen vehicle and also passes emergency vehicles smoothly with the use of passive RFID device. This effectively reduces travel delays and relieves congestion, it is necessary to control lane merge behaviors of freeway. Depending upon the count of vehicles green passage will be set dynamically and the proposed system provides special privileges for emergency vehicles like police vehicle, ambulance, VIP vehicles, etc.
An Approach towards Development of a Migration enabled Improved Datacenter Broker Policy
Authors: Banerjee Sourav , Das Debashis , Kundu Ayan , Pal Saptarshi , Biswas Utpal
Published: September 2019

Cloud computing has left its remarkable note on the computing world over the last few years. Through its effectiveness, litheness, scalability & availability cloud computing has changed the nature of computer system deployment. The Quality of Service (QoS)of a cloud service provider (CSP) is an important element of research interest which includes different critical issues such as proper load, minimization of waiting time, turnaround time, makespan and suppressing the wastage of bandwidth of the system. The Datacenter Broker (DCB) policy help assigning a cloudlet to a VM. In the present study, we proposed an algorithm, i.e., Migration enabled Cloudlet Allocation Policy (MCAP) for allocation of cloudlets to the VMs in a Datacenter by taking into account the load capacity of VMs and length of the cloudlets. The experimental results obtained using CloudSim toolkit under extensive loads that establish performance supremacy of MCAP algorithm over the existing algorithms.
An empirical study for evaluating performance of King Abdulaziz International Airport with Six Sigma
Authors: Basahel Abdullah
Published: September 2019

This research is intended to  evaluate the efficiency of proceures and processes used by the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with the help of Six Sigma. For, we have framed different objectives for analyzing the effect of six sigma in decision makings and quality control of the KAIA. The aim is also to find out the relationship of Six Sigma on an information system used by KAIA. We have used the qualitative research method (semi-structured interview method) with the target population of five employees working at KAIA. Qualitative data was collected from participants through transcribed, audio-recorded and codes. Thematic analysis was carried out in order to obtain the study result. Our study  finds that there is a significant effect of Six Sigma in streamlining of all the processes of KAIA, which contributed towards the improvement of  the quality and providing better control. We found that the KAIA applies  KPIs to measure the decision makin, empowering the decision makers or managers. We have also reflected on the role of Six Sigma towards  the effective performance of individuals in finance, customer support, and internal business process and team development.
Extract Transform Load (ETL) Process in Distributed Database Academic Data Warehouse
Authors: Yulianto Ardhian Agung
Published: September 2019

While data warehouse is designed to support the decision-making function, the most time-consuming part is Extract Transform Load (ETL) process. Case in Academic Data Warehouse, when data source came from faculty’s distributed database, although having a typical database but become not easier to integrate. This paper presents the ETL detail process following Data Flow Thread in data staging area for identifying, profiling, the content analyzing including all tables in data sources, and then cleaning, confirming dimension and data delivery to the data warehouse. Those processes are running gradually from each distributed database data sources until it merged. Dimension table and fact table are generated in a multidimensional model. ETL tool is Pentaho Data Integration 6.1. ETL testing is done by comparing data source and data target and DW testing conducted by comparing the data analysis between SQL query and Saiku Analytics plugin in Pentaho Business Analytic Server.
Internet Usage and Self-Regulated Learning Assessment at Junior High School Students in Tasikmalaya City, Indonesia
Authors: El Akbar R. Reza , Ratnaningsih Nani , Hidayat Edi
Published: September 2019

Internet use for junior high schools in Tasikmalaya city, dominated for game play and social media. This research describes the pattern of relationship between internet usages on students, on the assessment of aspects of self-regulated learning. The aspect of self-regulated learning measured from 10 aspects. This study discusses the effects of gender, the categories of schools (excellent schools and regular school), the total value of self-regulated learning and the value of math exams. In brief, the research stages consist of three stages. The first stage of research is to create and retrieve the questionnaire data. The goal is to obtain all things related to internet usage, as well as measure aspects of self-regulated learning assessment. The second stage of treatment on students. This treatment time is done for four months, where students follow the math lesson with self-regulated learning method. Students provided with multimedia devices, textbooks and other. The third stage is the assessment or math test. The analytical method used is qualitative method with descriptive statistical approach. The results obtained that the dominant male students using internet for games tend to have greater Aspects of Finding and Utilizing Relevant Learning Resources. While female, tend to be dominant in aspects of Evaluating Learning Processes and Results. The average mathematical exam results, in students who often use the game tend to have a higher value, compared with other students who often use social media
Heart Failure in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Siedler Gabriela , Sommer Kim , Macha Kosmas , Marsch Armin , Breuer Lorenz , Stoll Svenja , Engelhorn Tobias , Dörfler Arnd , Arnold Martin , Schwab Stefan , Kallmünzer Bernd
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

Heart failure (HF) in patients with acute ischemic stroke constitutes the source of various detrimental pathophysiologic mechanisms including prothrombotic and proinflammatory states, worsening of cerebral tissue oxygenation, and hemodynamic impairment. In addition, HF might affect the safety and efficacy of the acute recanalization stroke therapies.

Methods—

Patients treated with intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator or mechanical recanalization at a universitary stroke center were included into a prospective registry. Patients received cardiological evaluation, including echocardiography, during acute care. Functional outcome was assessed after 90 days by structured telephone interviews. Safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy were investigated among patients with HF and compared with patients with normal cardiac function after propensity score matching.

Results—

One thousand two hundred nine patients were included. HF was present in 378 patients (31%) and an independent predictor of unfavorable functional outcome. Recanalization rates were equal among patients with HF after intravenous thrombolysis and after mechanical recanalization or combined treatment. The rate of secondary intracranial hemorrhage was not different (7% versus 8%;
P
=0.909 after thrombolysis and 15% versus 20%,
P
=0.364 after mechanical recanalization or combined therapy). Early mortality within 48 hours after admission was equal (<1.5% in both groups).

Conclusions—

In this real-world cohort of patients with stroke, HF was an independent predictor of unfavorable functional long-term outcome, while the safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical recanalization appeared unaffected.
Adaptation to Binocular Anticorrelation Results in Increased Neural Excitability
Authors: Rideaux Reuben , Michael Elizabeth , Welchman Andrew E.
Published: September 2019

Throughout the brain, information from individual sources converges onto higher order neurons. For example, information from the two eyes first converges in binocular neurons in area V1. Some neurons are tuned to similarities between sources of information, which makes intuitive sense in a system striving to match multiple sensory signals to a single external cause—that is, establish causal inference. However, there are also neurons that are tuned to dissimilar information. In particular, some binocular neurons respond maximally to a dark feature in one eye and a light feature in the other. Despite compelling neurophysiological and behavioral evidence supporting the existence of these neurons [Katyal, S., Vergeer, M., He, S., He, B., & Engel, S. A. Conflict-sensitive neurons gate interocular suppression in human visual cortex. Scientific Reports, 8, 1239, 2018; Kingdom, F. A. A., Jennings, B. J., & Georgeson, M. A. Adaptation to interocular difference. Journal of Vision, 18, 9, 2018; Janssen, P., Vogels, R., Liu, Y., & Orban, G. A. At least at the level of inferior temporal cortex, the stereo correspondence problem is solved. Neuron, 37, 693–701, 2003; Tsao, D. Y., Conway, B. R., & Livingstone, M. S. Receptive fields of disparity-tuned simple cells in macaque V1. Neuron, 38, 103–114, 2003; Cumming, B. G., & Parker, A. J. Responses of primary visual cortical neurons to binocular disparity without depth perception. Nature, 389, 280–283, 1997], their function has remained opaque. To determine how neural mechanisms tuned to dissimilarities support perception, here we use electroencephalography to measure human observers' steady-state visually evoked potentials in response to change in depth after prolonged viewing of anticorrelated and correlated random-dot stereograms (RDS). We find that adaptation to anticorrelated RDS results in larger steady-state visually evoked potentials, whereas adaptation to correlated RDS has no effect. These results are consistent with recent theoretical work suggesting “what not” neurons play a suppressive role in supporting stereopsis [Goncalves, N. R., & Welchman, A. E. “What not” detectors help the brain see in depth. Current Biology, 27, 1403–1412, 2017]; that is, selective adaptation of neurons tuned to binocular mismatches reduces suppression resulting in increased neural excitability.
A Bridge between Worlds: Parallel Universes and the Observer in “The Celestial Plot” by Adolfo Bioy Casares
Authors: Carpenter Victoria , Halpern Paul
Published: September 2019

Adolfo Bioy Casares’s story “The Celestial Plot” (1948) is among the best known examples of Latin American science fiction writing of the early twentieth century inspired by contemporary advances in quantum physics. Most readings of the story focus on the movements of its main protagonist, Captain Ireneo Morris, as he traverses realities while test-flying a plane. This approach overlooks the role of the story’s other protagonist, Dr. Carlos Servian, who, we argue, is the lynchpin upon which the multiple realities are dependent. We read the changes to Dr. Servian’s character from a variety of scientific and philosophical perspectives on parallel universes. By addressing variations in Servian’s character and language, and focusing on the disparate representations of the key objects in the story, we show how the story anticipates in some ways the Many Worlds notion which argues that reality bifurcates during quantum measurements, leading to near-identical copies of observers.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of one new and one known species of Makatinus Heyns, 1965 (Dorylaimida: Aporcelaimidae) from Ukraine, with new insights into its phylogeny
Authors: Krainer Liubomyr , Susulovsky Andrij , Rybarczyk-Mydłowska Katarzyna , Kubicz Magdalena , Peña-Santiago Reyes
Published: September 2019

Makatinus ukrainicus sp. n. and a population of M. aquaticus, both from Ukraine, are described and illustrated using morphological, morphometric and molecular (28S rDNA) data. The new species is characterised by its 2.17-2.70 mm long body, 20-23 μm broad lip region, odontostyle 20.5-25 μm long at its ventral side and 23-27 μm long at its dorsal side, 591-672 μm long neck, uterus simple and 163-174 μm long or 2.0-4.7 corresponding body diam. long, V = 49.5-52.8, tail convex-conoid (29-39 μm, c = 61-86, c′ = 0.6-0.9), spicules 86-93 μm long, two pairs of adcloacal supplements, and 17-21 closely and regularly spaced ventromedian supplements without an hiatus. In general, the Ukrainian population of M. aquaticus fits well those previously known from Spain and Hungary, and its study confirms the identity of this species. The morphological and molecular data of the Ukrainian populations reveal an interesting diversity within the genus, which might not be a monophyletic taxon.
Two new species of Phasmarhabditis Andrássy, 1976 (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) associated with land snails in Northwest Caucasus, Russian Federation: description and molecular affiliation
Authors: Ivanova Elena S. , Geraskina Anna P. , Spiridonov Sergei E.
Published: September 2019

Two new nematode species of Phasmarhabditis were isolated from land snails in North and West Caucasus, Russian Federation. Phasmarhabditis circassica sp. n. originated from Oxychilus sp. collected by the Nickel settlement in the Adygea Republic while P. clausiliiae sp. n. came from Clausiliidae gen. sp. in the Stavropol district. Phasmarhabditis circassica sp. n. is characterised morphologically by male spicules with a hollow tip, a widely conoid, spicate female tail, ensheathed dauer juveniles 896 (813-982) μm long with a tiny but distinct cuticular apical cap and a long filamentous tail, and exsheathed dauers 773 (670-950) μm long with a tail half as long as in the ensheathed dauers and with a rounded tip. Phasmarhabditis clausiliiae sp. n. is very close to P. circassica sp. n. in having similar morphological traits and is differentiated mainly in having a longer female tail of 94 (79-111) vs 82 (54-125 μm) and the much smaller ratio c of 13.7 (10.3-18.4) vs 22.7 (16.8-27.5) and by its molecular characteristics. The molecular analysis based on partial sequences of LSU rDNA, and ITS rDNA regions has been performed and showed that the closest match for both new species was P. bohemica. Despite the morphological similarity between the species described, significant difference between these two new species was reported both for LSU rDNA and ITS rDNA.
The Uneven Travels of World Literature
Authors: Neumann Birgit
Published: September 2019

The essay engages with possibilities of translating Creole in Anglophone world literatures and investigates the socio-political frames within which translations occur. It has been argued that it is impossible to translate, read and understand the connotations of Creole without their historical and cultural contexts, from which these linguistic varieties are derived and which they conversely help produce. Texts thriving on Creole, such as Sam Selvon’s The Lonely Londoners, are highly context-sensitive and call for close, historically and locally grounded readings. The translation and translatability of Creole begs crucial questions concerning the common understanding of world literature as travelling texts. The essay discusses these questions with an eye to the role of English as a global literary vernacular, before moving on to examine Miriam Mandelkow’s recent German translation of Selvon’s The Lonely Londoners.
Cave millipedes of the United States. XVI. Two new species from Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon (Chordeumatida, Conotylidae and Caseyidae)
Authors: SHEAR WILLIAM A. , CRAWFORD RODNEY L.
Published: September 2019

Two new species of millipedes are described from Oregon Caves National Monument, Josephine County, Oregon, USA: Taiyutyla caseophila, n. sp. (Conotylidae), a troglophile; and Opiona catorycha, n. sp. (Caseyidae), a troglobiont found in at least one other cave in the region. We also provide a brief discussion of the invertebrate biodiversity of Oregon Cave.
Re-descriptions of mature larvae of two predatory species of Nudobius and Gabrius associated with bark beetle galleries (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: PIETRYKOWSKA-TUDRUJ EWA , STANIEC BERNARD , WAGNER GRZEGORZ KAROL , ZAGAJA MIROSŁAW
Published: September 2019

Detailed external structures of mature larvae of two subcortical species, Nudobius lentus (Gravenhorst) and Gabrius splendidulus (Gravenhorst), are re-described and illustrated based on light and scanning electron microscopy. A combination of characters to distinguish the mature larvae from those of other genera within the tribe Xantholinini for N. lentus, and the subtribe Philonthina for G. splendidulus is presented. Diagnostic larval characters to identify species and genera are given.
The Temporoparietal Fascia Flap is an Effective Strategy for Cochlear Implant Wound Coverage
Authors: Leonhard Lucas , Roche Joseph , Wieland Aaron , Pyle G Mark
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To report the rate of major soft tissue complications after cochlear implantation and to describe the use of the temporoparietal fascia (TPF) flap for such complications.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Setting:

Tertiary care, University Hospital.

Subjects and Methods:

Chart review of all patients who underwent cochlear device implantation over a 5-year period to identify patients and to determine the rate of soft tissue complications. Five patients with major soft tissue complications underwent TPF flap with device salvage or explantation/reimplantation.

Results:

The rate of major skin complications was 6 out of 281 (2.1%) over 5 years, with 5 patients undergoing TPF flap. The average follow-up was 25.8 months (range, 5-58 months). TPF flap represented the definitive, successful solution for all 5 patients. One postoperative hematoma occurred after TPF flap, with no long-term sequelae. The average hospital length of stay was 2.2 nights (range, 1-5 nights). One patient required IV antibiotics for 4 weeks; the remaining patients were treated with a postoperative course of oral antibiotics. The original device remained in place for 4 patients, while one case required device explantation and staged re-implantation. Post-TPF flap hearing results were equal to if not superior to their preoperative results.

Conclusion:

Major soft tissue complications following cochlear device implantation are rare. The temporoparietal fascia flap is an excellent option for reconstruction of device site soft tissue dehiscences when local wound care and primary closure are not sufficient, and can potentially prevent explantation of a functional implant.
Efficacy of compulsory community treatment and use in minority ethnic populations: A statewide cohort study
Authors: Kisely Steve , Moss Katherine , Boyd Melinda , Siskind Dan
Published: September 2019

Background:

There is conflicting and equivocal evidence for the efficacy of compulsory community treatment within Australia and overseas, but no study from Queensland. In addition, although people from Indigenous or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are over-represented in compulsory admissions to hospital, little is known about whether this also applies to compulsory community treatment.

Aims:

We initially investigated whether people from Indigenous or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in terms of country of birth, or preferred language, were more likely to be on compulsory community treatment using statewide databases from Queensland. We then assessed the impact of compulsory community treatment on health service use over the following 12 months. Compulsory community treatment included both community treatment orders and forensic orders.

Methods:

Cases and controls from administrative health data were matched on age, sex, diagnosis and time of hospital discharge (the index date). Multivariate analyses were used to examine potential predictors of compulsory community treatment, as well as impact on bed-days, time to readmission or contacts with public mental health services in the subsequent year.

Results:

We identified 7432 cases and controls from January 2013 to February 2017 (total n = 14,864). Compulsory community treatment was more likely in Indigenous Queenslanders (adjusted odds ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval = [1.28, 1.65]) subjects coming from a culturally and linguistically diverse background (adjusted odds ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval = [1.37, 1.72]), or those who had a preferred language other than English (adjusted odds ratio = 1.66; 95% confidence interval = [1.30, 2.11]). While community contacts were significantly greater in patients on compulsory community treatment, there was no difference in bed-days while time to readmission was shorter. Restricting the analyses to just community treatment orders did not alter these results.

Conclusion:

In common with other coercive treatments, Indigenous Australians and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are more likely to be placed on compulsory community treatment. The evidence for effectiveness remains inconclusive.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Direct Objective Measures of Situation Awareness: A Comparison of SAGAT and SPAM
Authors: Endsley Mica R.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To examine evidence of sensitivity, predictiveness, and methodological concerns regarding direct, objective measures of situation awareness (SA).

Background

The ability to objectively measure SA is important to the evaluation of user interfaces and displays, training programs, and automation initiatives, as well as for studies that seek to better understand SA in both individuals and teams. A number of methodological criticisms have been raised creating significant confusion in the research field.

Method

A meta-analysis of 243 studies was conducted to examine evidence of sensitivity and predictiveness, and to address methodological questions regarding Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT), Situation Present Assessment Technique (SPAM), and their variants.

Results

SAGAT and SPAM were found to be equally predictive of performance. SPAM (64%) and real-time probes (73%) were found to have significantly lower sensitivity in comparison to SAGAT (94%). While SAGAT was found not to be overly memory reliant nor intrusive into operator performance, SPAM resulted in problems with intrusiveness in 40% of the studies examined, as well as problems with speed-accuracy tradeoffs, sampling bias, and confounds with workload. Concerns about memory reliance, the utility of these measures for assessing Team SA, and other issues are also addressed.

Conclusion

SAGAT was found to be a highly sensitive, reliable, and predictive measure of SA that is useful across a wide variety of domains and experimental settings.

Application

Direct, objective SA measurement provides useful and diagnostic insights for research and design in a wide variety of domains and study objectives.