bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective neuronal damage and blood pressure in atherosclerotic major cerebral artery disease
Authors: Yamauchi Hiroshi , Kagawa Shinya , Takahashi Masaaki , Kusano Kuninori , Okuyama Chio
Published: May 2019

Objective

In patients with atherosclerotic major cerebral artery disease, low blood pressure might impair cerebral perfusion, thereby exacerbate the risk of selective neuronal damage. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine whether low blood pressure at follow-up is associated with increased selective neuronal damage.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data from 76 medically treated patients with atherosclerotic internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery disease with no ischaemic episodes on a follow-up of 6 months or more. All patients had measurements of the distribution of central benzodiazepine receptors twice using positron emission tomography and 11C-flumazenil. Using three-dimensional stereotactic surface projections, we quantified abnormal decreases in the benzodiazepine receptors of the cerebral cortex within the middle cerebral artery distribution and correlated these changes in the benzodiazepine receptors index with blood pressure values at follow-up examinations.

Results

The changes in the benzodiazepine receptor index during follow-up (mean 27±21 months) were negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure at follow-up. The relationship between changes in benzodiazepine receptor index and systolic blood pressure was different among patients with and without decreased cerebral blood flow at baseline (interaction, p<0.005). Larger increases in benzodiazepine receptor index (neuronal damage) were observed at lower systolic blood pressure levels in patients with decreased cerebral blood flow than in patients without such decreases.

Conclusion

In patients without ischaemic stroke episodes at follow-up but with decreased cerebral blood flow due to arterial disease, low systolic blood pressure at follow-up may be associated with increased selective neuronal damage.
Causal relationship between years of education and the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bae Sang-Cheol , Lee Young Ho
Published: May 2019

Objective

To search out whether or not years of education is causally related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Method

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis employing inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median and MR-Egger regression analysis. We chose statistic data of years of education from the UK Biobank genome-wide association studies (GWASs) (n=293 723) as the exposure and a meta-analysis of GWASs of RA with autoantibody (n=5539) and European controls (n=20 169) as the outcome.

Results

We selected a total of 49 single nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables (IVs). The IVW method instructed an inverse causative relationship between years of education and RA (β=− 0.039, SE=0.283, p=0.008). MR-Egger regression test showed that directional pleiotropy seems not to bias the MR results (intercept=0.028; p=0.358). MR-Egger analysis demonstrated no causative relationship between RA and years of education (β=− 2.320, SE=1.709, p=0.181). However, the weighted median approach indicated a causative association between RA and years of education (β=−0.950, SE=0.355, p=0.008).

Conclusions

The MR analysis supported a potential inverse causative relationship between years of education and development of RA.
Time in remission and low disease activity state (LDAS) are associated with a better quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: results from LUMINA (LXXIX), a multiethnic, multicentre US cohort
Authors: Ugarte-Gil Manuel Francisco , Pons-Estel Guillermo J , Vila Luis M , McGwin Gerald , Alarcón Graciela S
Published: May 2019

Aims

To determine whether the proportion of time systemic lupus erythematosus patients achieve remission/low disease activity state (LDAS) is associated with a better quality of life (QoL).

Patients and methods

Patients from a well-established multiethnic, multicentre US cohort were included: remission: Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) score=0, prednisone≤5 mg/day and no immunosuppressants); LDAS not in remission, SLAM score≤3, prednisone≤7.5 mg/day, no immunosuppressants; the combined proportion of time patients were in these states was the independent variable. The endpoints were the Physical and Mental Components Summary measures (PCS and MCS, respectively) and the individual subscales of the Short Form (SF)-36 at the last visit. Linear regression was used to estimate the association between the proportion of follow-up time in remission/LDAS and the SF-36 measures with and without adjustment for possible confounders.

Results

Four hundred and eighty-three patients were included. The per cent of time on remission/LDAS was associated with better QoL after adjusting for potential confounders; for the PCS the parameter estimate was 9.47 (p<0.0001), for the MCS 5.89 (p=0.0027), and for the subscales they ranged between 7.51 (p=0.0495) for mental health and 31.79 (p<0.0001) for role physical.

Conclusions

The per cent of time lupus patients stay on remission/LDAS is associated with a better QoL as measured by SF-36.
Geometry of ultraperipheral nuclear collisions
Authors: Dremin I. M.
Published: May 2019

It is advocated that geometry of the interaction region of two heavy nuclei colliding at large impact parameters is important for the relative role of light-by-light scattering and QCD-initiated processes. Exclusive production of resonances is possible by dense electromagnetic fields in the interior space between the nuclei. The cross-section of the two-photon processes is evaluated and some examples are considered. It is speculated that the exclusive production of [Formula: see text]-mesons by “two-photon” processes forbidden by the Landau–Yang rule may be allowed within strong magnetic fields due to odd number of photons becoming involved.
The Suliciu approximate Riemann solver is not invariant domain preserving
Authors: Guermond Jean-Luc , Klingenberg Christian , Popov Bojan , Tomas Ignacio
Published: May 2019

We show that the first-order finite volume technique based on the Suliciu approximate Riemann solver, while being positive, violates the invariant domain properties of the [Formula: see text]-system.
Role for diet in normal gut barrier function: developing guidance within the framework of food-labeling regulations
Authors: Camilleri Michael , Lyle Barbara J. , Madsen Karen L. , Sonnenburg Justin , Verbeke Kristin , Wu Gary D.
Published: May 2019

A reduction in intestinal barrier function is currently believed to play an important role in pathogenesis of many diseases, as it facilitates passage of injurious factors such as lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, whole bacteria, and other toxins to traverse the barrier to damage the intestine or enter the portal circulation. Currently available evidence in animal models and in vitro systems has shown that certain dietary interventions can be used to reinforce the intestinal barrier to prevent the development of disease. The relevance of these studies to human health is unknown. Herein, we define the components of the intestinal barrier, review available modalities to assess its structure and function in humans, and review the available evidence in model systems or perturbations in humans that diet can be used to fortify intestinal barrier function. Acknowledging the technical challenges and the present gaps in knowledge, we provide a conceptual framework by which evidence could be developed to support the notion that diet can reinforce human intestinal barrier function to restore normal function and potentially reduce the risk for disease. Such evidence would provide information on the development of healthier diets and serve to provide a framework by which federal agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration can evaluate evidence linking diet with normal human structure/function claims focused on reducing risk of disease in the general public.
Knockdown of long noncoding RNA PVT1 suppresses cell proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer via upregulation of microRNA-214-3p
Authors: Shang An-Quan , Wang Wei-Wei , Yang Yi-Bao , Gu Chen-Zheng , Ji Ping , Chen Chen , Zeng Bing-Jie , Wu Jun-Lu , Lu Wen-Ying , Sun Zu-Jun , Li Dong
Published: May 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the occurrence and tumorigenesis of numerous malignant cancers. Microarray expression profiles were used to screen colorectal cancer (CRC)-related differentially expressed genes and lncRNAs, which revealed that insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) were highly expressed in CRC. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of lncRNA PVT1 in CRC. Subcellular localization detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization identified that lncRNA PVT1 was primarily located in the cytoplasm. The interaction between lncRNA PVT1 and microRNA-214-3p (miR-214-3p) and IRS1 was predicted using the RNA22 website. Next the dual luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays verified lncRNA PVT1 to be a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) against miR-214-3p, and IRS1 was found to be a target of miR-214-3p. The expression pattern of lncRNA PVT1, miR-214-3p, IRS1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and Akt was characterized in response to lncRNA PVT1 silencing or miR-214-3p upregulation. Meanwhile, their regulatory effects on cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were detected in CRC cells. With increased levels of miR-214-3p and decreased levels of lncRNA PVT1 in CRC cells, the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, putative (PI3K) and Akt was reduced, and consequently, the cell apoptosis was stimulated and cell proliferation and invasion were suppressed. All in all, lncRNA PVT1 competitively binds to miR-214-3p to upregulate the expression of IRS1 thus activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thus accelerating CRC progression. This study suggests that lncRNA PVT1 might be a potential target of therapeutic strategies for CRC treatment.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study mainly suggests that long noncoding (lnc)RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) is a downregulated lncRNA in colorectal cancer (CRC), accelerating CRC progression. Strikingly, lncRNA PVT1 acts as a competitive endogenous RNA against microRNA (miR)-214-3p, whereas miR-214-3p targets insulin receptor substrate 1, which draws a comprehensive picture of the potential molecular mechanisms of lncRNA PVT1 in CRC.
Pericyte constriction underlies capillary derecruitment during hyperemia in the setting of arterial stenosis
Authors: Methner Carmen , Mishra Anusha , Golgotiu Kirsti , Li Yuandong , Wei Wei , Yanez N. David , Zlokovic Berislav , Wang Ruikang K. , Alkayed Nabil J. , Kaul Sanjiv , Iliff Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2019

Capillary derecruitment distal to a coronary stenosis is implicated as the mechanism of reversible perfusion defect and potential myocardial ischemia during coronary hyperemia; however, the underlying mechanisms are not defined. We tested whether pericyte constriction underlies capillary derecruitment during hyperemia under conditions of stenosis. In vivo two-photon microscopy (2PM) and optical microangiography (OMAG) were used to measure hyperemia-induced changes in capillary diameter and perfusion in wild-type and pericyte-depleted mice with femoral artery stenosis. OMAG demonstrated that hyperemic challenge under stenosis produced capillary derecruitment associated with decreased RBC flux. 2PM demonstrated that hyperemia under control conditions induces 26 ± 5% of capillaries to dilate and 19 ± 3% to constrict. After stenosis, the proportion of capillaries dilating to hyperemia decreased to 14 ± 4% ( P = 0.05), whereas proportion of constricting capillaries increased to 32 ± 4% ( P = 0.05). Hyperemia-induced changes in capillary diameter occurred preferentially in capillary segments invested with pericytes. In a transgenic mouse model featuring partial pericyte depletion, only 14 ± 3% of capillaries constricted to hyperemic challenge after stenosis, a significant reduction from 33 ± 4% in wild-type littermate controls ( P = 0.04). These results provide for the first time direct visualization of hyperemia-induced capillary derecruitment distal to arterial stenosis and demonstrate that pericyte constriction underlies this phenomenon in vivo. These results could have important therapeutic implications in the treatment of exercise-induced ischemia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the setting of coronary arterial stenosis, hyperemia produces a reversible perfusion defect resulting from capillary derecruitment that is believed to underlie cardiac ischemia under hyperemic conditions. We use optical microangiography and in vivo two-photon microscopy to visualize capillary derecruitment distal to a femoral arterial stenosis with cellular resolution. We demonstrate that capillary constriction in response to hyperemia in the setting of stenosis is dependent on pericytes, contractile mural cells investing the microcirculation.
Spontaneous superimposed preeclampsia: chronology and expression unveiled by temporal transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Maeda Kenji J. , Showmaker Kurt C. , Johnson Ashley C. , Garrett Michael R. , Sasser Jennifer M.
Published: May 2019

Preeclampsia (PE), a multifactorial pregnancy-specific syndrome accounting for up to 8% of pregnancy complications, is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. PE is also associated with long-term risk of hypertension and stroke for both mother and fetus. Currently, the only “cure” is delivery of the baby and placenta, largely because the pathogenesis of PE is not yet fully understood. PE is associated with impaired vascular remodeling at the maternal-fetal interface and placental insufficiency; however, specific factors contributing to this impairment have not been identified. To identify molecular pathways involved in PE, we examined temporal transcriptomic changes occurring within the uterus, uterine implantation sites, and placentae from the Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rat model of superimposed PE compared with Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. We hypothesized that targeted gene analysis and whole transcriptome analysis would identify genetic factors that contribute to development of the preeclamptic phenotype in the Dahl S rat and unveil novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and mechanistic pathways in PE. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and whole genome microarray analysis were performed on isolated total RNA from uterus ( day 0), uterine implantation sites ( days 7 and 10), and placenta ( days 14 and 20). We found 624, 332, 185, and 366 genes to be differentially expressed between Dahl S (PE) and SD (normal pregnancy) on days 0, 7, 10, and 14, respectively. Our data revealed numerous pathways that may play a role in the pathophysiology of spontaneous superimposed PE and allow for further investigation of novel therapeutic targets and biomarker development.
Nutrigenetic Testing for Personalized Nutrition: An Evaluation of Public Perceptions, Attitudes, and Concerns in a Population of French Canadians
Authors: Vallée Marcotte Bastien , Cormier Hubert , Garneau Véronique , Robitaille Julie , Desroches Sophie , Vohl Marie-Claude
Published: May 2019

Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate attitudes, perceptions, and concerns about nutrigenetic testing for personalized nutrition in the general population of the province of Quebec in Canada. Methods: A total of 1,425 individuals from the province of Quebec completed a 37-question online survey on nutrigenetics and were included in analyses. The χ2 test was used to test for associations between categorical variables. Results: The majority of the participants (93.3%) considered dietitians the best professionals to give personalized dietary advice based on nutrigenetic testing. The main reported advantage for nutrigenetic testing was “health” (23.5%), followed by “disease prevention” (22.2%). Among the disadvantages, “no disadvantage” (24.4%), followed by “diet restriction” (12.9%) were mostly reported. The 2 major concerns raised were accessibility to genetic testing by telemarketing companies and spammers (51.8%), and solicitation by companies using personal genetic data to sell products (48.6%). Conclusions: French Canadians generally have a positive attitude towards nutrigenetics and consider its use to have many benefits. They expressed concern about possible confidentiality issues associated with the management or property of genetic test results. Education about such issues is needed. Overall, our findings suggest that the population is interested in more extensive use of nutrigenetics in health management.
Poor Prognosis of Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma: Real-World Data from a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Koch Christine , Franzke Carmen , Bechstein Wolf Otto , Schnitzbauer Andreas A. , Filmann Natalie , Vogl Thomas , Gruber-Rouh Tatjana , Zeuzem Stefan , Waidmann Oliver , Trojan Joerg
Published: May 2019

Background: Incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in western countries is rising. In the palliative setting, chemotherapy is the only established treatment. The evidence for other treatments including locoregional therapy is low. However, such individual treatments are offered in a real-world setting. The aim of this study is to document the offered treatments and to analyze the survival of patients with unresectable CCA treated at a tertiary referral center. Patients and methods: Data from 220 consecutive patients with CCA treated at a German university cancer center from January 1, 2008, until December 31, 2012. Of those, 105 patients were unresectable. Survival curves were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method; log-rank test was applied for survival analysis. Results: Any palliative treatment was beneficial for patients with unresectable CCA when compared to best supportive care (BSC) alone; median OS with BSC was 10 weeks (BSC vs. transarterial chemoembolization [TACE] p = 0.017, HR 0.36; BSC vs. TACE/chemotherapy p < 0.001, HR 0.24; BSC vs. chemotherapy p < 0.001, HR 0.31). Combination of TACE and chemotherapy prolonged overall survival as compared to TACE alone (105 vs. 43 weeks, p = 0.045). Conclusion: Prognosis in advanced stage CCA is still very poor. However, multimodal treatment in palliative patients significantly prolong survival.
The Role of Perioperative Systemic Therapy in Localized Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Xie Hao , Liu Junjia , Yadav Siddhartha , Keutgen Xavier M. , Hobday Timothy J. , Strosberg Jonathan R. , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R.
Published: May 2019

Background: The role of perioperative systemic therapy (PST) in the management of localized pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNEN) is unclear. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the benefit of PST compared to surgery alone (SA) in patients with localized PanNEN. Method: We selected patients with stages I–III PanNEN who underwent curative-intent surgical resection in National Cancer Database from 2006 to 2014. Patients who had both PST and surgical resection were matched with patients who received SA by propensity score at 1-to-1 ratio with nearest neighbor method. Results: Four thousand eight hundred and ninety-two patients were included in this study with median age of 60 years. Factors associated with significant more use of PST compared to SA included age <65 years, community medical facilities, grade 3 tumor, tumor in the pancreatic head, T34 tumor, and N1 tumor. Three hundred and one PST patients were matched with 301 SA patients. In the matched cohort, the PST group had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) compared to the SA group (median overall both not reached, p = 0.037). This finding was confirmed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression in the original cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 1.45, 95% CI 1.11–1.89, p = 0.006). Subgroup analyses showed that adjuvant therapy was not associated with improved OS in grades 1–2 PanNEN (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.31–3.16, p = 0.002). Conclusions: PST stratified by grade and neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy compared to SA was not associated with improved OS in patients with localized PanNEN. PST for localized PanNEN should be used with caution until prospective data are available.
ACERVO SEF: O PATRIMÔNIO ARQUITETÔNICO DA USP EM PROJETOS E FOTOGRAFIAS
Authors: Costa Sabrina Studart Fontenele
Published: May 2019

O Centro de Preservação Cultural (CPC) realizou uma profunda pesquisa sobre a gestão e preservação do patrimônio construído da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) a partir de um levantamento no Acervo de Projetos da Superintendência de Espaços Físicos (SEF). Essa unidade, que se originou a partir do antigo Fundo de Construção da USP (Fundusp), criado na década de 1960, é a responsável pelo planejamento, organização, fiscalização e preservação dos espaços da Universidade e guarda um acervo estimado em 400 mil desenhos em papel, além de documentos fotográficos, memoriais e arquivos digitais mais recentes. A diversidade de informações sobre os edifícios selecionados - entre edifícios históricos doados ou vendidos para a Universidade de São Paulo e aqueles construídos pela própria instituição - apresentava-se como um desafio para a coleta de dados que deveriam revelar os princípios gerais de projeto e intervenção no patrimônio construído da USP. A partir do recorte instituído – bens tombados ou em processo de tombamento – foi possível levantar as informações necessárias para estabelecer uma cronologia das transformações dos edifícios focalizados desde sua construção até as intervenções mais recentes.
O REGISTRO E A DOCUMENTAÇÃO DO PATRIMÔNIO INDUSTRIAL NO BRÁS E NA MOOCA
Authors: Rufinoni Manoela Rossinetti
Published: May 2019

O texto discorre sobre as iniciativas de registro do patrimônio arquitetônico da industrialização em áreas delimitadas nos bairros do Brás e da Mooca, na cidade de São Paulo, e as principais dificuldades relacionadas à documentação de bens patrimoniais na escala urbana. As experiências em pauta foram originadas de estudos e levantamentos realizados em âmbito acadêmico, iniciados em 2001, e de iniciativas de cooperação técnica entre a universidade e o poder público municipal, construídas com o intuito de viabilizar a elaboração de registros documentais do patrimônio urbano em áreas sujeitas a grandes transformações urbanísticas. A trajetória desses estudos e iniciativas evidenciou uma série de dificuldades, desde a necessidade de cunhar critérios e estratégias de registro capazes de abarcar as especificidades da escala urbana, até a constatação dos limites dos instrumentos de tutela para o tratamento desses bens. Tais iniciativas, contudo, ofereceram relevante contribuição para o aprimoramento dos instrumentos de registro e de documentação na escala urbana, além de buscar caminhos para uma maior interlocução entre os estudos acadêmicos e as práticas preservacionistas promovidas pelo poder público.
PRÁTICAS DA PRESERVAÇÃO NA FRANÇA, MÉXICO E BRASIL: CONVERGÊNCIAS DE UM DEBATE
Authors: Scifoni Simone
Published: May 2019

Partindo de questões presentes no debate de três apresentações sobre as práticas de preservação do patrimônio cultural em países como França, México e Brasil, este artigo busca sublinhar algumas convergências e aproximações entre tais experiências. Assim sendo, serão discutidas questões como: a necessidade de repensar a afirmação de que vivemos a patrimonialização excessiva; a relevância em instituir mecanismos de participação social nas ações preservacionistas; e, por fim, a urgência de incorporar um olhar mais integral na seleção dos bens a serem tombados. O objetivo é problematizar os conteúdos de cada um destes temas.
DOSSIÊ O RECONHECIMENTO DOS BENS CULTURAIS: MÉTODO, INVENTÁRIOS E REPERCUSSÕES NORMATIVAS
Authors: Kühl Beatriz Mugayar
Published: May 2019

.
CATALOGUING CULTURAL ASSETS IN ITALY: METHODS, TOOLS AND COOPERATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO MANAGE KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Negri Antonella
Published: May 2019

MIBACT’s (Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism) ICCD (Central Institute for Cataloguing and Documentation) is the in stitutional reference in terms of defining, developing methodologies and planning activities related to cataloguing Italy’s cultural heritage. To that end, it coordinates research relating to the definition of cataloguing standards for the different kinds of cultural assets under the MiBACT’s protection. It also coordinates the general national catalog of archeological, architectural, historic, artistic, ethnic and anthropologic heritage. Since its inception (1975) to this day, ICCD has consistently focused its operational policies on the “dialog” with other actors involved in the cultural assets segment to identify rules and work categories to share knowledge related to heritage, such as cataloguing standards and data exchange protocols. The creation of the new SIGECweb (Web-based General Cataloguing Information System) gave the Institute new resources and technologies to manage the entire process of producing cataloguing data, from assigning unambiguous codes to file cards publishing for free use, in order to assure consistency and the sharing of generated information. The procedures for the interoperability with external systems were defined, and ICCD was part of the development of the Vincoli in Rete (VIR) collaboration platform. This platform enables the interoperability between the three major MIBACT’s databases, it is also the main access to the shared data registry of assets related to immovable cultural heritage.
Effect of Activation Wavefront on Electrogram Characteristics During Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Authors: Martin Claire A. , Martin Ruairidh , Maury Philippe , Meyer Christian , Wong Tom , Dallet Corentin , Shi Rui , Gajendragadkar Parag , Takigawa Masateru , Frontera Antonio , Cheniti Ghassen , Thompson Nathaniel , Kitamura Takeshi , Vlachos Konstantinos , Wolf Michael , Bourier Felix , Lam Anna , Duchâteau Josselin , Massoullié Grégoire , Pambrun Thomas , Denis Arnaud , Derval Nicolas , Dubois Rémi , Hocini Mélèze , Haïssaguerre Michel , Jaïs Pierre , Sacher Frédéric
Published: May 2019

Background:

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in structural heart disease is challenging because of noninducibility or hemodynamic compromise. Ablation often depends on elimination of local abnormal ventricular activities (LAVAs) but which may be hidden in far-field signal. We investigated whether altering activation wavefront affects activation timing and LAVA characterization and allows a better understanding of isthmus anatomy.

Methods:

Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy underwent mapping using the ultra-high density Rhythmia system (Boston Scientific). Maps were generated for all stable VTs and with pacing from the atrium, right ventricular apex, and an left ventricular branch of the coronary sinus.

Results:

Fifty-six paced maps and 23 VT circuits were mapped in 22 patients. In 79% of activation maps, there was ≥1 line of block in the paced conduction wavefront, with 93% having fixed block and 32% showing functional partial block. Bipolar scar was larger with atrial than right ventricular (31.7±18.5 versus 27.6±16.3 cm
2
,
P
=0.003) or left ventricular pacing (31.7±18.5 versus 27.0±19.2 cm
2
,
P
=0.009); LAVA areas were smaller with atrial than right ventricular (12.3±10.5 versus 18.4±11.0 cm
2
,
P
<0.001) or left ventricular pacing (12.3±10.5 versus 17.1±10.7 cm
2
,
P
<0.001). LAVA areas were larger with wavefront propagation perpendicular versus parallel to the line of block along isthmus boundaries (19.3±7.1 versus 13.6±7.4 cm
2
,
P
=0.01). All patients had successful VT isthmus ablation. In 11±8 months follow-up, 2 patients had a recurrence.

Conclusions:

Wavefronts of conduction slowing/block may aid identification of critical isthmuses in unmappable VTs. Altering the activation wavefront leads to significant differences in conduction properties of myocardial tissue, along with scar and LAVA characterization. In patients where few LAVAs are identified during substrate mapping, using an alternate activation wavefront running perpendicular to the VT isthmus may increase sensitivity to detect arrhythmogenic substrate and critical sites for reentry.
Taxonomic studies on the genus Delphinium (Ranunculaceae) from China (XIX): The identity of D. calthifolium from northern Sichuan
Authors: YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: May 2019

Based on examination of herbarium specimens (including type material), we found that Delphinium calthifolium (Ranunculaceae), described from northern Sichuan in China, is conspecific with D. sinovitifolium, a species known only from its type material and misunderstood for a long time. We therefore place D. calthifolium in synonymy with D. sinovitifolium herein.
Martensolasma jocheni, a new genus and species of harvestman from Mexico (Opiliones: Nemastomatidae: Ortholasmatinae)
Authors: SHEAR WILLIAM A.
Published: May 2019

Martensolasma jocheni n. g., n. sp. is described from the Mexican State of Aguascalientes. The new genus is distinct from Dendrolasma Banks and Ortholasma Banks in lacking the extensive modifications of the eye tubercle.
Heteropoda schwendingeri Jäger 2005 (Araneae: Sparassidae) — first description of female with notes on intraspecific variation and evidences supporting species status
Authors: EUSEMANN PASCAL , JÄGER PETER
Published: May 2019

The female of Heteropoda schwendingeri Jäger 2005 is described for the first time. Notes on intraspecific variation are given from two males and three females from the type locality, Than Lod Yai cave. Small variation and consistent combination of both male and female characters confirm its species status.
Remarks on biology, vocalisations and systematics of Urocynchramus pylzowi Przewalski (Aves, Passeriformes)
Authors: GEBAUER AXEL , KAISER MARTIN , WASSMANN CHRISTINE
Published: May 2019

Several field studies in the Qinghai Nanshan area (Qinghai Province, China) have added new findings to the scant knowledge about Przewalski´s Rosefinch Urocynchramus pylzowi Przewalski, 1876. The hitherto completely unknown vocalisations are described and used to clarify systematic relationships. Although one could argue for a relationship to Uragus sibiricus (Pallas), based on nearly identical auditory impression and sonagram structures of their songs, detailed measurements show significant differences in time and frequency parameters. Moreover a mtDNA analysis shows no close phylogenetic relationship to either of three major emberizid clades. These results support the hypothesis that Urocynchramus belongs in its own family, the Urocynchramidae.
Hydrolagus mccoskeri sp. nov., a new species of chimaeroid fish from the Galápagos Islands (Holocephali: Chimaeriformes: Chimaeridae)
Authors: BARNETT LEWIS A.K. , DIDIER DOMINIQUE A. , LONG DOUGLAS J. , EBERT DAVID A.
Published: May 2019

A new species of chimaeroid, Hyd rolagus mccosker i sp. nov., is described from the Galápag os Islands. This species represents the second member of the family Chimaeridae known from the eastern equatorial Pacific. It can b e distinguis hed from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: small head with short, blunt snout; preopercu lar and oral lateral line canals branching from the same node off the infraorbital canal and sharing a short common b ranch; dorsum medium brown with numerous narrow, shar ply delineated circular and elongate white blotches; ventrum white to tan with extremely fine brown mottl ing. The species is compared to Hyd rolagus n ovaezealandiae and Hyd rolagus colliei , the most similar congeners in color pattern and morphology.
New Cretaceous soldier beetle (Cantharidae) from Burmese amber with preserved coloration on the elytra
Authors: ELLENBERGER SIEGHARD , FANTI FABRIZIO
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we describe a new genus and species of soldier beetles from Burmese amber, Elektrokleinia picta gen. et. sp. nov., characterized by triangular shape of the head behind the eyes, by the elytra not covering two urites and the last urite being concave at its apex. Additionally, this new specimen shows remarkable color preservation (black-blue) on the elytra, rarely present in amber or seen on fossil soldier beetles. This coloration with metallic nuances is here considered an aposematic character.
Two new species of treefrog (Pelodrydidae: Litoria) from southern New Guinea elucidated by DNA barcoding
Authors: OLIVER PAUL M. , RICHARDS STEPHEN J. , DONNELLAN STEPHEN C.
Published: May 2019

New Guinea is home to the world’s most diverse insular frog biota, but only a small number of taxa have been included in genetically informed assessments of species diversity. Here we describe two new species of New Guinea treefrog in the genus Litoria that were first flagged during assessments of genetic diversity (DNA barcoding) and are currently only known from the holotypes. Litoria pterodactyla sp. nov. is a large green species in the Litoria graminea species complex from hill forests in Western Province, Papua New Guinea and is the third member of this group known from south of the Central Cordillera. Litoria vivissimia sp. nov. is a small, spike-nosed species from mid-montane forests on the Central Cordillera. It is morphologically very similar to Litoria pronimia, but occurs nearly 1000 m higher than any known locality for that species. More extensive genetically informed assessment of diversity in New Guinea frogs seems certain to reveal many more as-yet-unrecognised taxa in complexes of morphologically similar species.
Parallel Play: Startups, Nascent Markets, and Effective Business-model Design
Authors: McDonald Rory M. , Eisenhardt Kathleen M.
Published: May 2019

Prior research has advanced several explanations for entrepreneurial success in nascent markets but leaves a key imperative unexplored: the business model. By studying five ventures in a nascent financial-technology market, we develop a novel theoretical framework for understanding how entrepreneurs effectively design business models: parallel play. Similar to parallel play by preschoolers, entrepreneurs engaged in parallel play interweave action, cognition, and timing to accelerate learning about a novel world. Specifically, they (1) borrow from peers and focus on established substitutes for their services or products, (2) test assumptions, then commit to a broad business-model template, and (3) pause before elaborating the activity system. The insights from our framework contribute to research on optimal distinctiveness and to the learning and evolutionary-adjustment literatures. More broadly, we blend organization theory with a fresh theoretical lens—business-model processes—to highlight how organizations actually work and create value.
In Situ Raman Spectroscopic Studies of Liquid Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) Under Static and Laser-Driven Shock Compression
Authors: Rao Usha , Chaurasia Shivanand , Sijoy C. D. , Mishra Vinayak , Deo M. N.
Published: May 2019

High pressure (up to ∼2.2 GPa) Raman scattering studies were performed in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) under static and dynamic compressions using diamond anvil cell (DAC) and laser-driven shock methods, respectively, and their results are compared. The laser-driven shock experiments were conducted in a glass-confined target geometry. The symmetric stretching mode ν1, symmetric bending mode ν2, and asymmetric bending mode ν4 blueshifts with pressure. Mode Gruneisen parameters were obtained for the above Raman modes. Time-resolved Raman spectroscopic (TRRS) studies were performed under laser-driven shock compression at different delay times. Shock velocity deduced from the intensity ratios of Raman signal scattered from unshocked and shocked regions of symmetric stretching mode is in agreement with the one obtained from one-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations.
Multi-Analytical Study of Copper-Based Historic Pigments and their Alteration Products
Authors: Wiggins Marcie B. , Heath Emma , Booksh Karl S. , Alcántara-García Jocelyn
Published: May 2019

Copper-containing materials such as verdigris are commonly found in historic and artistic works of art, often at advanced states of decay. Applied on paper as inks and watercolors, many of which needed a binder such as gum arabic, the intrinsic instability of this pigment was known since the medieval period. The decay of verdigris (a mixture of copper acetates) as a pigment, as watercolor, and as a dye, was studied using a combination of vibrational (Fourier transform infrared) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) instrumental techniques. Changes in the copper oxidative states and the formation of copper oxide were monitored during accelerated degradation as powdered solids and applied on mockup samples (with and without binder). Accelerated aging of both commercially available and synthesized verdigris pigments showed the presence of an intermediate species, Cu(CH3COO)2•3Cu(OH)2•2H2O, which points to the beginning of the decay processes, that culminates in the formation of Cu(II) oxide. However, the presence of gum arabic seems to delay deterioration, by temporarily reducing Cu(II) to Cu(I), even when the final product includes Cu(II). This novel application of XPS and supporting techniques has significant implications in art conservation, as the identified behavior helps explain the better preservation state of some works of art.
Oral Antibiotics for Treating Children With Community-Acquired Pneumonia Complicated by Empyema
Authors: Kushner Lauren E. , Nieves Delma J. , Osborne Stephanie , Vora Hita , Arrieta Antonio , Singh Jasjit
Published: May 2019

No consensus exists on management of children with community-acquired pneumonia complicated by empyema (CAP-Em). We evaluated outpatient oral (O-Abx) compared with parenteral antibiotics (OPAT) in children with CAP-Em. We also evaluated inflammatory markers to guide length of treatment. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients discharged (2006-2016) with CAP-Em. Primary outcome measured was treatment success (no change in antibiotics or readmission to hospital for treatment of CAP-Em). White blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) serial measurements were identified. Success was achieved in 133/144 (92.4%) O-Abx and 7/12 (58%) OPAT patients ( P = .0031). WBC and CRP decreased early; and ESR increased initially (admit and switch to O-Abx) and decreased by end of treatment. O-Abx is the modality of choice for treatment of CAP-Em after hospital discharge. WBC and CRP are useful to monitor success of O-Abx switch; and ESR provides guidance for length of treatment.
Artificial Optic Flow Guides Visual Attention in a Driving Scene
Authors: Higuchi Yoko , Inoue Satoshi , Hamada Hiroto , Kumada Takatsune
Published: May 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate whether an artificial optic flow created by dot motion guides attention in a driving scene.

Background

To achieve safe driving, it is essential to understand the characteristics of human visual information processing as well as to provide appropriate support for drivers. Past research has demonstrated that expanding optic flow guides visual attention to the focus of expansion. Optic flow is an attractive candidate for use as a cue to direct drivers’ attention toward the significant information. The question addressed concerns whether an artificial optic flow can successfully guide attention even in a traffic situation involving the optic flow that naturally occurs while driving.

Method

We developed a visual search paradigm embedded in a video of a driving scene. Participants first observed an optic flow motion pattern superimposed on the video for brief period; next, when the optic flow and video ceased, they searched a static display for a target among multiple distractors.

Results

The target detection was faster when a target’s locus coincided with the implied focus of expansion from the preceding optic flow (vs. other loci).

Conclusion

The artificial optic flow guides attention and facilitates searching objects at the focus of expansion even when the optic flow was superimposed on a driving scene.

Application

Optic flow can be an effective cue for guiding drivers’ attention in a traffic situation. This finding contributes to the understanding of visual attention in moving space and helps develop technology for traffic safety.
Neo-Victorianism, settler (post)colonialism and domesticity in Patrick White’s Voss
Authors: Boccardi Mariadele
Published: May 2019

This article reads Patrick White’s 1957 novel Voss as an early example of Neo-Victorian fiction, a relatively recent but critically well-established category of postwar and contemporary fiction that has not yet been deployed with reference to Voss. I argue that, while seemingly adopting the elements of Australian narratives of exploration and settlement, White’s Neo-Victorian approach in fact contests these narratives, which began to emerge in the nineteenth century that forms the setting of the novel and were still current in the mid-twentieth century when it was written. In so doing, Voss exposes the tensions and contradictions inherent in settler narratives more generally and shows their reliance on social, cultural, and textual models imported from Britain, primary among them rural domesticity and the pastoral. My reading of Voss challenges existing scholarship on White’s novel, which tends to see Voss either as a contribution to the discourse of Australian national identity or as a work interested in ahistorical, mythological self-realization for the two protagonists, Ulrich Voss and Laura Trevelyan.
Crowded Nests: Parent–Adult Child Coresidence Transitions and Parental Mental Health Following the Great Recession
Authors: Caputo Jennifer
Published: May 2019

Although many studies have examined contemporary increases in parent–adult child coresidence, questions about what this demographic shift means for the well-being of parents remain. This article draws on insights from the life course perspective to investigate the relationship between parent–adult child coresidence and parental mental health among U.S. adults ages 50+, distinguishing between parents stably living with and without adult children and those who transitioned into or out of coresidence with an adult child. Based on analyses of the 2008 to 2012 waves of the Health and Retirement Study ( N = 11,277), parents with a newly coresidential adult child experienced an increase in depressive symptoms relative to their peers without coresidential adult children. Further analyses suggest that transitions to coresidence that occurred in the southern United States or involved out-of-work children were particularly depressing for parents. These findings highlight the significance of evolving intergenerational living arrangements for the well-being of older adults.
Benefit–Cost Analysis of an Innovative Program for Self-Sufficiency and Homeownership
Authors: Galster George C. , Santiago Anna Maria , Smith Richard J. , Leroux Joffre
Published: May 2019

Background:

Federal policy has increasingly sought to build financial capability, earnings, and assets of subsidized housing recipients.

Objective:

We conduct a benefit–cost analysis of the Denver Housing Authority’s (DHA) innovative Home Ownership Program (HOP), which incentivizes participants to increase earnings, build wealth, and purchase homes.

Research design, subjects, and measures:

In assessing HOP participant benefits (earnings, home-buying, and positive exits from DHA), we use parameter estimates from quasi-experimental methods (i.e., propensity score matching) that permit drawing causal inferences of program impacts. Impact estimates are robust to alternate model specification and mostly insensitive to omitted variable bias found in the social sciences. We deploy a comprehensive accounting framework, distinguishing benefits and costs accruing to program participants, nonparticipants (other citizens, taxpayers, and governments), and society as a whole. We use Monte Carlo simulation techniques to approximate distributions of benefit and cost parameters, thereby ascertaining how reliably participation in HOP yielded net benefits compared to if families had continued to receive housing assistance during the same period.

Results:

We estimate a net social benefit from HOP of US$6,015 per participant. The simulated standard deviation was only a third of this value and 99.9% of simulations returned positive net social benefits.

Conclusion:

We conclude with a high degree of statistical confidence that HOP produced substantial net benefits to society as a whole, program participants, and nonparticipants alike. HOP offers strong potential for poverty alleviation among housing subsidy recipients and should be replicated.
Topical treatment of acne vulgaris: efficiency, side effects, and adherence rate
Authors: Sevimli Dikicier B
Published: May 2019

Objective

Adherence is a problem in the topical treatment of acne. This study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of current topical treatment and adherence in patients.

Methods

Patients with acne vulgaris who had recently been prescribed a topical therapy were selected. A dermatologist-directed questionnaire was completed. Demographic data, acne severity, treatment and the manner of use, side effects, and reason for discontinuation were recorded.

Results

A total 250 patients were included, 178 female (71.2%) and 72 male (28.8%) participants, mean age was 18.6 ± 2.8 years. Of 250 patients, 114 (45.6%) had given up therapy for two reasons: unresponsiveness in 71 (62.3%) and side effects in 43 (37.7%) patients. For antibacterial treatments, the rate of unresponsiveness was higher but the rate of side effects was lower. Discontinuation owing to unresponsiveness was higher in patients with severe acne. Side effects were higher in patients with comedonal-type acne. The lowest rates of side effects and discontinuation were among every-other-night users.

Conclusion

In this study, patients with acne gave up treatment owing to side effects and unresponsiveness, which reduced the treatment efficiency.
Clinical features and management of painless biliary type sphincter of Oddi dysfunction
Authors: Miyatani Hiroyuki , Mashima Hirosato , Sekine Masanari , Matsumoto Satohiro
Published: May 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to clarify the characteristics and management of painless biliary type sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD).

Methods

From June 2002 to July 2018, 12 patients who had recurrent liver dysfunction with a dilated bile duct or acute cholestasis of unknown cause without biliary pain (painless SOD) were included in this study. These patients’ characteristics were compared with those of 36 patients with biliary type SOD based on the conventional definition (criteria-based SOD).

Results

Patients with painless SOD had significantly more prominent bile duct dilation than patients with criteria-based SOD (13.9 vs. 12.2 mm, respectively). Prophylactic biliary drainage was performed significantly more often in patients with painless SOD than criteria-based SOD (67% vs. 11%, respectively). The short-term effectiveness rate of endoscopic sphincterotomy, the symptom recurrence rate, and the incidence of adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Painless SOD is a specific subtype of biliary SOD that causes recurring liver dysfunction or acute cholestasis without biliary pain. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was effective in the present study, but the relapse rate was as high as that in typical SOD.