bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased preparation time reduces, but does not abolish, action history bias of saccadic eye movements
Authors: Reuter Eva-Maria , Marinovic Welber , Welsh Timothy N. , Carroll Timothy J.
Published: February 2019

The characteristics of movements are strongly history-dependent. Marinovic et al. (Marinovic W, Poh E, de Rugy A, Carroll TJ. eLife 6: e26713, 2017) showed that past experience influences the execution of limb movements through a combination of temporally stable processes that are strictly use dependent and dynamically evolving and context-dependent processes that reflect prediction of future actions. Here we tested the basis of history-dependent biases for multiple spatiotemporal features of saccadic eye movements under two preparation time conditions (long and short). Twenty people performed saccades to visual targets. To prompt context-specific expectations of most likely target locations, 1 of 12 potential target locations was specified on ~85% of the trials and each remaining target was presented on ~1% trials. In long preparation trials participants were shown the location of the next target 1 s before its presentation onset, whereas in short preparation trials each target was first specified as the cue to move. Saccade reaction times and direction were biased by recent saccade history but according to distinct spatial tuning profiles. Biases were purely expectation related for saccadic reaction times, which increased linearly as the distance from the repeated target location increased when preparation time was short but were similar to all targets when preparation time was long. By contrast, the directions of saccades were biased toward the repeated target in both preparation time conditions, although to a lesser extent when the target location was precued (long preparation). The results suggest that saccade history affects saccade dynamics via both use- and expectation-dependent mechanisms and that movement history has dissociable effects on reaction time and saccadic direction.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The characteristics of our movements are influenced not only by concurrent sensory inputs but also by how we have moved in the past. For limb movements, history effects involve both use-dependent processes due strictly to movement repetition and processes that reflect prediction of future actions. Here we show that saccade history also affects saccade dynamics via use- and expectation-dependent mechanisms but that movement history has dissociable effects on saccade reaction time and direction.
Cryptotanshinone Ameliorates Radiation-Induced Lung Injury in Rats
Authors: Jiang Yifang , You Fengming , Zhu Jie , Zheng Chuan , Yan Ran , Zeng Jinhao
Published: February 2019

Cryptotanshinone (CTS) was reported to repress a variety of systemic inflammation and alleviate cardiac fibrosis, but it is still unclear whether CTS could prevent radiation-induced lung injury (RILI). Here, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of CTS on a RILI rat model. Our data revealed that CTS could efficiently preserve pulmonary function in RILI rats and reduce early pulmonary inflammation infiltration elicited, along with marked decreased levels of IL-6 and IL-10. Moreover, we found that CTS is superior to prednisone in attenuating collagen deposition and pulmonary fibrosis, in parallel with a marked drop of HYP (a collagen indicator) andα-SMA (a myofibroblast marker). Mechanistically, CTS inhibited profibrotic signals TGF-β1 and NOX-4 expressions, while enhancing the levels of antifibrotic enzyme MMP-1 in lung tissues. It is noteworthy that CTS treatment, in consistent with trichrome staining analysis, exhibited a clear advantage over PND in enhancing MMP-1 levels. However, CTS exhibited little effect on CTGF activation and on COX-2 suppression. Finally, CTS treatment significantly mitigated the radiation-induced activation of CCL3 and its receptor CCR1. In summary, CTS treatment could attenuate RILI, especially pulmonary fibrosis, in rats. The regulation on production and release of inflammatory or fibrotic factors IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β1, NOX-4, and MMP-1, especially MMP-1 and inhibition on CCL3/CCR1 activation, may partly attribute to its attenuating RILI effect.
Cryptococcal Meningitis in a HIV Seronegative Patient: A Rare Complication of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Detected with a New Cisternographic Technique
Authors: Chime Chukwunonso , Ishak Charbel , Kumar Kishore , Kamal Muhammad , Krishna Srinivasan , Kelly Paul , Chilimuri Sridhar
Published: February 2019

Immune deficiency is usually the underlying predisposing factor for cryptococcal meningitis, though there have been case reports of immunocompetent patients presenting with same. The portal of entry for Cryptococcus neoformans is the respiratory tract, and by hematogenous spread, it causes systemic symptoms. The presence of CSF leak is described to have predisposed our immunocompetent patient to infection by this organism possibly through direct spread. The gold standard for diagnosing CSF leak is by cisternography. In this case, we added a technique where nasal gauze is inserted during the procedure and scanned afterwards for dye, thus increasing the confidence of diagnosis of CSF leak through the nares. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is key to prevent adverse outcomes, and we propose that in patients with cryptococcal meningitis without any identifiable risk factor, evaluation for CSF leak should be considered especially with history of head trauma.
Comparison of Toric and Spherical Orthokeratology Lenses in Patients with Astigmatism
Authors: Jiang Jun , Lian Lili , Wang Feifu , Zhou Ling , Zhang Xuhong , Song E.
Published: February 2019

Purpose. This retrospective study aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of toric and spherical orthokeratology lenses in the treatment of patients with moderate to high astigmatism.Methods. Fifty adolescents with myopia and moderate to high astigmatism (≥1.50 D) who underwent consecutive orthokeratology treatment for at least 1 year were included in this study. The toric group comprised 25 subjects (25 eyes, 11 M, 14 F; age, 10.67 ± 1.46 years) who were fitted with toric orthokeratology lenses. The spherical group comprised 25 subjects (25 subjects, 11 M, 14 F; age, 11.45 ± 1.63 years) who were fitted with traditional spherical orthokeratology lenses as a control. Corneal topography, visual acuity, axial length, and slit-lamp examinations were performed to determine the differences between these two groups. The corneal tangential difference mapping was conducted between baseline and every subsequent visit to calculate the magnitude of lens decentration. The corrective effect of ortho-K lens was measured by using the corneal axial difference map.Results. The mean decentration and its vertical vector were significantly less in the toric group than in the spherical group after 1 month of lens wear. In toric group, the corneal astigmatism decreased from 1.85 ± 0.31 D at baseline to 1.45 ± 0.85 D after the first month of wear. There was a significant linear correlation between the change in corneal astigmatism and lens decentration in the toric group from 1 month to 1 year (Y = 3.268 ∗ X + 0.9182,R2 = 0.5035,p<0.0001(X: lens decentration;Y: astigmatic changes)). There were no significant differences in the post-OK uncorrected visual acuity, myopia control, or ocular health between the toric and spherical groups.Conclusion. The toric orthokeratology lens design can effectively reduce the lens decentration magnitude and CJ180 from 1-month visit to 12-month visit of patients with high or moderate corneal astigmatism. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in visual acuity, myopia control, and ocular health throughout 12 months. However, the effect of toric lenses on corneal morphology may be susceptible to lens positioning.
Coupling Musculoskeletal Dynamics and Subject-Specific Finite Element Analysis of Femoral Cortical Bone Failure after Endoprosthetic Knee Replacement
Authors: Mo Fuhao , Zhang Haotian , Zhao Siqi , Xiao Zhi , Liu Tang
Published: February 2019

Background and Objective. A common reconstruction procedure after a wide resection of bone tumors around the knee is endoprosthetic knee replacement. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of bone injury of the patient after endoprosthetic knee replacement during walking. Methods. A subject-specific finite element model of the femur-prosthesis-tibia complex was established via CT scans. To obtain its physiologically realistic loading environments, the musculoskeletal inverse dynamic analysis was implemented. The extracted muscle forces and ground forces were then applied to the finite element model to investigate bone stress distribution at various stages of the gait cycle. Results. The maximum femur stress of each stage varied from 33.14 MPa to 70.61 MPa in the gait cycle. The stress concentration position with a distance of 267.2 mm to the tibial plateau showed a good agreement with the patient injury data. Conclusions. Overall results indicated the reasonability of the simulation method to determine loading environments and injury characteristics which the patient experienced with knee endoprosthesis during walking.
A Study on the Adjustment of Emulsification Degree to Interlayer Interference in Class III Reservoir
Authors: Huang Bin , Dai Tingge , Liu Hongjuan , Fu Cheng , Zhu Tingting , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2019

Emulsions play an important role in enhancing oil recovery during the reservoir flooding process. In order to reveal the profile control ability and the effect of adjustments to the interlayer interference during the migration of the emulsion in the porous media, a stable emulsion system and an alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) system were selected to simulate the underground emulsification process by verifying influencing factors of the emulsion. A parallel-core displacement experiment was used to investigate the oil displacement efficiency and the difference of fractional flow in each layer under different emulsification degrees and different permeability contrasts. The results indicate that the stability of the emulsion is related to the shearing strength, the water content, and the type and concentration of chemical system. The oil displacement efficiency of emulsion flooding is better than that of ASP flooding. For parallel core with an average permeability of 40 mD and a permeability contrast of 2, the emulsion flooding can enhance oil recovery by 21.16% compared to water flooding. With increasing permeability contrast, the oil recovery percent of emulsion flooding will further increase. The emulsion system has good profile control ability. Within a certain range, the stronger the heterogeneity of porous media, the better the effect of emulsification on the adjustment of the interlayer interference.
A Deep Neural Network Based on Classification of Traffic Volume for Short‐Term Forecasting
Authors: Bai Jing , Chen Yehua
Published: February 2019

This paper developed a deep architecture to predict the short‐term traffic flow in an urban traffic network. The architecture consists of three main modules: a pretraining module, which generates initialized weights and provides a rough learning of the features firstly with the training set in an unsupervised manner; a classification module, which performs the data classification operation through adding the logistic regression on top of the pretrained architecture to distinguish the traffic state; and a fine‐tuning module, which predicts the traffic flow with supervised training based on the initialized weights in the first module. The classification module provides the fine‐tuning modules with two classified datasets for more accurate forecasting. Furthermore, both upstream and downstream data are utilized to improve the prediction performance. The effectiveness of the proposed model was verified by the traffic prediction of the road segments of Nanming District of Guiyang. And with the comparison analysis over the existing approaches, the proposed model shows superiority in short‐term traffic prediction, especially under incident conditions.
A Novel EM Implementation for Initial Alignment of SINS Based on Particle Filter and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Guo Yanbing , Miao Lingjuan , Lin Yusen
Published: February 2019

For nonlinear systems in which the measurement noise parameters vary over time, adaptive nonlinear filters can be applied to precisely estimate the states of systems. The expectation maximization (EM) algorithm, which alternately takes an expectation‐ (E‐) step and a maximization‐ (M‐) step, has been proposed to construct a theoretical framework for the adaptive nonlinear filters. Previous adaptive nonlinear filters based on the EM employ analytical algorithms to develop the two steps, but they cannot achieve high filtering accuracy because the strong nonlinearity of systems may invalidate the Gaussian assumption of the state distribution. In this paper, we propose an EM‐based adaptive nonlinear filter APF to solve this problem. In the E‐step, an improved particle filter PF_new is proposed based on the Gaussian sum approximation (GSA) and the Monte Carlo Markov chain (MCMC) to achieve the state estimation. In the M‐step, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is applied to estimate the measurement noise parameters. The performances of the proposed algorithm are illustrated in the simulations with Lorenz 63 model and in a semiphysical experiment of the initial alignment of the strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) in large misalignment angles.
Effects of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) on Stiffness of Hot Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Movilla-Quesada D. , Raposeiras A. C. , Olavarría J.
Published: February 2019

In recent years, Chile’s vehicle fleet has undergone great changes, with 25% growth in motor vehicles. This increase is directly related to improvements in the performance of flexible pavements, which make infrastructure less susceptible to permanent deformations and/or cracking at high and low temperatures, respectively. In 2016, the Ministry of the Environment passed the Law on Recycling and Accountability to promote the search for innovative ideas and materials in different sectors. This research focused on the experimental study of the mechanical behaviour of a mixture of hot asphalt, incorporating thick particles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from bottle recycling, using the Marshall stability and flow test and the resilience module (rigidity) test at 5°C and 22°C. Based on previous research, significant PET fibre sizes were used, increasing the optimum amount of polyethylene terephthalate from 6% to 14% in the mixture. The results show that incorporating this polymeric additive provides greater stability, in addition to an increase in resistance to permanent deformations and fatigue, compared to a “traditional” mixture.
Expression of PAPP-A2 and IGF Pathway-Related Proteins in the Hip Joint of Normal Rat and Those with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Chen Yufan , Lv Haixiang , Li Lianyong , Wang Enbo , Zhang Lijun , Zhao Qun
Published: February 2019

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the major causes of child disability and early osteoarthritis. Genetic factors play an important role, but which still remain unclear. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPP-A2), a special hydrolase of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5), has been confirmed to be associated with DDH by previous studies. The aim of this study was firstly, to investigate the expression of PAPP-A2 and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway-related proteins in normal rat’s hip joints; secondly, to compare the variations of those proteins between DDH model rats and normal ones. The DDH model was established by swaddling the rat’s hind legs in hip adduction and extension position. The hip joints were collected for expression study of fetal rats, normal newborn rats, and DDH model rats. Positive expression of PAPP-A2 and IGF pathway-related proteins was observed in all the hip joints of growing-stage rats. Ultimately, IGF1 was downregulated; insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) showed an opposite trend in DDH rats when compared with normal group. The PAPP-A2 and IGF pathway-associated proteins may also be involved in the development of the rat’s hip joint, which bring the foundation for further revealing the pathogenic mechanism of DDH.
Melatonin in Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury in Term and Preterm Babies
Authors: Paprocka Justyna , Kijonka Marek , Rzepka Beata , Sokół Maria
Published: February 2019

Melatonin may serve as a potential therapeutic free radical scavenger and broad-spectrum antioxidant. It shows neuroprotective properties against hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in animal models. The authors review the studies focusing on the neuroprotective potential of melatonin and its possibility of treatment after perinatal asphyxia. Melatonin efficacy, low toxicity, and ability to readily cross through the blood-brain barrier make it a promising molecule. A very interesting thing is the difference between the half-life of melatonin in preterm neonates (15 hours) and adults (45-60 minutes). Probably, the use of synergic strategies—hypothermia coupled with melatonin treatment—may be promising in improving antioxidant action. The authors discuss and try to summarize the evidence surrounding the use of melatonin in hypoxic-ischemic events in term and preterm babies.
lnCAR: A Comprehensive Resource for lncRNAs from Cancer Arrays
Authors: Zheng Yueyuan , Xu Qingxian , Liu Mengni , Hu Huanjing , Xie Yubin , Zuo Zhixiang , Ren Jian
Published: February 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) have emerged as promising biomarkers in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Recent studies suggest that a large number of coding gene expression microarray probes could be reannotated as lncRNAs. Microarray, once the most cutting-edge high-throughput gene expression technology, has been used for thousands of cancer studies and has brought invaluable resources for studying the functions of lncRNA in cancer development. However, a comprehensive lncRNA resource based on microarray data is still lacking. Here, we present lnCAR (lncRNAs from cancer arrays), a comprehensive open resource for providing expression profiles and prognostic landscape of lncRNAs derived from reannotation of public microarray data. Currently, lnCAR contains 52,300 samples for differential expression analysis and 12,883 samples for survival analysis from 10 cancer types. lnCAR allows users to interactively explore any annotated or novel lncRNAs. We believe lnCAR will serve as a valuable resource for the community focused on lncRNA research in cancer.

Significance:

lnCAR, a new interactive tool of reannotated public cancer-related microarray data, provides expression profiles and prognostic landscapes of lncRNAs across thousands of samples and multiple cancer types.
Genetic Ancestry Analysis Reveals Misclassification of Commonly Used Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Hooker Stanley E. , Woods-Burnham Leanne , Bathina Madhavi , Lloyd Stacy , Gorjala Priyatham , Mitra Ranjana , Nonn Larisa , Kimbro K. Sean , Kittles Rick A.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Given the scarcity of cell lines from underrepresented populations, it is imperative that genetic ancestry for these cell lines is characterized. Consequences of cell line mischaracterization include squandered resources and publication retractions.

Methods:

We calculated genetic ancestry proportions for 15 cell lines to assess the accuracy of previous race/ethnicity classification and determine previously unknown estimates. DNA was extracted from cell lines and genotyped for ancestry informative markers representing West African (WA), Native American (NA), and European (EUR) ancestry.

Results:

Of the cell lines tested, all previously classified as White/Caucasian were accurately described with mean EUR ancestry proportions of 97%. Cell lines previously classified as Black/African American were not always accurately described. For instance, the 22Rv1 prostate cancer cell line was recently found to carry mixed genetic ancestry using a much smaller panel of markers. However, our more comprehensive analysis determined the 22Rv1 cell line carries 99% EUR ancestry. Most notably, the E006AA-hT prostate cancer cell line, classified as African American, was found to carry 92% EUR ancestry. We also determined the MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell line carries 23% NA ancestry, suggesting possible Afro-Hispanic/Latina ancestry.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest predominantly EUR ancestry for the White/Caucasian-designated cell lines, yet high variance in ancestry for the Black/African American–designated cell lines. In addition, we revealed an extreme misclassification of the E006AA-hT cell line.

Impact:

Genetic ancestry estimates offer more sophisticated characterization leading to better contextualization of findings. Ancestry estimates should be provided for all cell lines to avoid erroneous conclusions in disparities literature.
Molecular Profiling Reveals Unique Immune and Metabolic Features of Melanoma Brain Metastases
Authors: Fischer Grant M. , Jalali Ali , Kircher David A. , Lee Won-Chul , McQuade Jennifer L. , Haydu Lauren E. , Joon Aron Y. , Reuben Alexandre , de Macedo Mariana P. , Carapeto Fernando C. L. , Yang Chendong , Srivastava Anuj , Ambati Chandrashekar R. , Sreekumar Arun , Hudgens Courtney W. , Knighton Barbara , Deng Wanleng , Ferguson Sherise D. , Tawbi Hussein A. , Glitza Isabella C. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Vashisht Gopal Y. N. , Hwu Patrick , Huse Jason T. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Futreal P. Andrew , Putluri Nagireddy , Lazar Alexander J. , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Marszalek Joseph R. , Zhang Jianjun , Holmen Sheri L. , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Davies Michael A.
Published: February 2019

There is a critical need to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of melanoma brain metastases (MBM). Thus, we performed RNA sequencing on 88 resected MBMs and 42 patient-matched extracranial metastases; tumors with sufficient tissue also underwent whole-exome sequencing, T-cell receptor sequencing, and IHC. MBMs demonstrated heterogeneity of immune infiltrates that correlated with prior radiation and post-craniotomy survival. Comparison with patient-matched extracranial metastases identified significant immunosuppression and enrichment of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in MBMs. Gene-expression analysis of intracranial and subcutaneous xenografts, and a spontaneous MBM model, confirmed increased OXPHOS gene expression in MBMs, which was also detected by direct metabolite profiling and [U-13C]-glucose tracing in vivo. IACS-010759, an OXPHOS inhibitor currently in early-phase clinical trials, improved survival of mice bearing MAPK inhibitor–resistant intracranial melanoma xenografts and inhibited MBM formation in the spontaneous MBM model. The results provide new insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance of MBMs.

Significance:

Improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of MBMs will facilitate the rational development and prioritization of new therapeutic strategies. This study reports the most comprehensive molecular profiling of patient-matched MBMs and extracranial metastases to date. The data provide new insights into MBM biology and therapeutic resistance.

See related commentary by Egelston and Margolin, p. 581.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 565
Improving Pleasure and Motivation in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Favrod Jérôme , Nguyen Alexandra , Chaix Joséphine , Pellet Joanie , Frobert Laurent , Fankhauser Caroline , Ismailaj Alban , Brana Armando , Tamic Gwennaïg , Suter Caroline , Rexhaj Shyhrete , Golay Philippe , Bonsack Charles
Published: February 2019

Background: Negative symptoms are frequent in patients with schizophrenia and are associated with marked impairments in social functioning. The efficacy of drug-based treatments and psychological interventions on primary negative symptoms remains limited. The Positive Emotions Programme for Schizophrenia (PEPS) is designed to improve pleasure and motivation in schizophrenia patients by targeting emotion regulation and cognitive skills relevant to apathy and anhedonia. The main hypothesis of this study is that patients who attend 8 one-hour sessions of PEPS and treatment as usual (TAU) will have lower total apathy-avolition and anhedonia-asociality composite scores on the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) than patients who attend only TAU. Methods: Eighty participants diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomized to receive either TAU or PEPS + TAU. The participants were assessed by independent evaluators before randomization (T0), in a post-test after 8 weeks of treatment (T1) and at a 6-month follow-up (T2). Results: The post-test results and 6-month follow-up assessments according to an intention-to-treat analysis showed that the apathy and anhedonia composite scores on the SANS indicated statistically greater clinical improvements in PEPS participants than in non-PEPS participants. In the post-test, anhedonia but not apathy was significantly improved, thus favouring the PEPS condition. These results were sustained at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: PEPS is an effective intervention to reduce anhedonia in schizophrenia. PEPS is a short, easy-to-use, group-based, freely available intervention that is easy to implement in a variety of environments (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02593058).
Lifeforms as criterion for species delimitation: Are Aristida adscensionis and A. coerulescens (Aristidoideae, Poaceae) two species?
Authors: THIV MIKE , REYES-BETANCORT J. ALFREDO , FRAGMAN-SAPIR ORI
Published: February 2019

The distinction of the perennial Aristida coerulescens from the annual A. adscensionis and its taxonomic treatment has been subject of long discussions. We here include accessions from the Mediterranean and Macaronesia for molecular phylogenetic analyses and conducted a morphometric analysis. A lineage of A. adscensionis, A. coerulescens and A. effusa is well supported in phylogenetic trees. Moreover, a group of Mediterranean, Macaronesia and Arabian A. coerulescens and A. adscensionis is revealed where both taxa are intermingled. A morphological analysis of traditionally used spikelet characters did not indicate a clear separation of both taxa. We therefore conclude that A. coerulescens should best be treated as synonym of A. adscensionis. The differential character of annual and perennial life forms seems to be plastic in this taxon indicating rapid shifts between these two strategies.
Examination of the molecular relationships of sand frogs (Anura: Pyxicephalidae: Tomopterna) and resurrection of two species from the Horn of Africa
Authors: ZIMKUS BREDA M. , LARSON JOANNA G.
Published: February 2019

Tomopterna kachowskii and T. elegans from Ethiopia and Somalia, both currently synonyms of T. cryptotis, are resurrected based on morphological and molecular data. Tomopterna hieroglyphica is determined to be conspecific with T. kachowskii, with the latter taking precedence. Analysis of mitochondrial 12S rRNA, t-valine, 16S rRNA data reveals that these species differ from each other by 7.7%, differ from other described species of the genus by at least 3.0% and are only distantly related to T. cryptotis. A phylogeny of the genus is constructed, and the relationships among species are discussed. Discriminant function analysis was completed using 25 morphological measurements to determine if the seven clades identified in molecular analyses have concordant morphological difference. Translations of the original descriptions are provided, and a detailed redescription of T. elegans is included as the original description was made with only juvenile specimens. Tomopterna kachowskii and T. elegans are distinguished from other species of sand frogs by their visible tympana, presence of an outer metatarsal tubercle and moderate pedal webbing. Slightly more extensive webbing and variable presence of a discontinuous row of small glands beneath the tympanum distinguishes T. elegans from T. kachowskii.
A new species of Petrocephalus Marcusen 1854 (Osteoglossomorpha: Mormyridae) from the Sanaga River basin, Cameroon
Authors: LAVOUÉ SÉBASTIEN
Published: February 2019

Petrocephalus similis n. sp. is described from the Djerem River, upper Sanaga basin, in Cameroon. It can be distinguished from all other Petrocephalus from West and Central Africa by an unique combination of morphological characters including: body without melanin mark, 22–24 branched rays in the dorsal fin and 28 or 29 branched rays in the anal fin, mouth commissure under the posterior half of the eye. Petrocephalus similis mostly resembles Petrocephalus sullivani. Yet, P. similis has proportionally a larger mouth and a wider head, and reaches a longer maximum standard length. The electric organ discharge waveform of this species is not known. Molecular comparisons based on cytochrome b nucleotide sequences are congruent with morphological comparisons in independently supporting the distinctiveness of this species from 17 other species of Petrocephalus. Within the genus Petrocephalus, P. similis belongs to a group that is almost exclusively composed of endemic species of Central Africa, pointing out its likely origin from this region. Additional examinations of museum specimens from the Sanaga River basin demonstrate the occurrence of at least two other species of Petrocephalus: Petrocephalus microphthalmus, and a second species which is conservatively assigned to Petrocephalus cf. christyi, pending additional evidence.
Walkeromya plumipes (Philippi) (Diptera: Bombyliidae), a parasitoid associated with carpenter bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopini) in Argentina
Authors: ÁVALOS-HERNÁNDEZ OMAR , LUCIA MARIANO , ÁLVAREZ LEOPOLDO J. , ABRAHAMOVICH ALBERTO H.
Published: February 2019

This is the first record of the association between Walkeromya plumipes (Philippi) (Diptera: Bombyliidae) and Xylocopa Latreille (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Argentina. The pupal development and morphology of Walkeromya plumipes, a parasitoid of Xylocopa splendidula Lepeletier, are described. A parasitized nest was collected from Santiago del Estero province, Argentina. The development of the bombyliid fly and large carpenter bees in the nest were observed in the laboratory for a period of 28 days. A detailed description of the fly adult and pupal stages were carried out. This is the first record of W. plumipes parasitizing X. splendidula. This is also the first complete description of this fly species, including male genitalia. With the data presented here the geographical distribution of the parasite is expanded. The results suggest a close relation between the parasitoid and its host, as the genus Walkeromya Paranov has been found parasitizing only carpenter bees of genus Xylocopa.
A new species of pitviper of the genus Protobothrops from China (Squamata: Viperidae)
Authors: YANG JIAN-HUAN , ORLOV NIKOLAI L. , WANG YING-YONG
Published: February 2019

A new species of pitviper, Protobothrops maolanensis sp. nov. is described from the forested karst region in Maolan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China based on scalation, body proportions and color pattern. Data on the natural history of the new species are provided and a new key to the currently recognized species of Protobothrops is given. The new discovery and other recent findings suggest that further research is desirable in the karst regions in southern China and adjacent Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.
Aposthonia Krauss, 1911 (Embioptera: Oligotomidae) from Thailand, with description of a new species
Authors: POOLPRASERT PISIT , SITTHICHAROENCHAI DUANGKHAE , BUTCHER BUNTIKA AREEKUL , LEKPRAYOON CHARIYA
Published: February 2019

Three embiid species of the genus Aposthonia Krauss (Oligotomidae) are recognized from Thailand (Aposthonia borneensis, A. ceylonica, A. problita sp. n.) and the new species is described. The distribution of the three species in Thailand is shown and keys to the males of 25 species of this genus and to females found in Thailand are provided.
Morphological and Molecular Approaches to the Phylogeny of Fishes:Integration or Conflict?
Authors: DE CARVALHO MARCELO R. , CRAIG MATTHEW T.
Published: February 2019

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The Ghost of Crises Past: A Reply to Mooi and Gill
Authors: CRAIG MATTHEW T.
Published: February 2019

The conclusion one might draw from all this is that the criterion used to define homology – i.e., the criterion of common ancestry – is a theoretical construct. Like truth, we must approximate it as best we can, and we have no touchstone to tell whether we have found it.---Colin Patterson, 1988: 621
Why we shouldn't let sleeping dogmas lie: a partial reply to Craig
Authors: MOOI RANDALL D. , GILL ANTHONY C.
Published: February 2019

Now, when I have spoken on these matters in the past, it has sounded to some as if I had taken upon myself the task of denigrating paleontology and individual paleontologists. That is not so. I am concerned with what I find is a real problem.—Nelson, 1969 in Williams and Ebach, 2004: 711
Taeniothrips changbaiensis sp. n. (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) living on the leaves of a Poaceae species in China
Authors: CUI YANZE , LEE GWAN-SEOK , WANG JUN
Published: February 2019

Taeniothrips changbaiensis sp. n. is described from specimens causing damage to the leaves of a species of Poaceae, Deyeuxia angustifolia, in Northeast China. This is one of three species of Taeniothrips with a banded fore wing, and one of only two species with an irregularly interrupted comb of microtrichia on abdominal tergite VIII. The number of setae is variable on the distal half of the fore wing first vein.
Further information on Lolibaia Gorbunov & Gurko, 2017 (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Synanthedonini) with description of three new species from tropical Africa
Authors: BARTSCH DANIEL , SÁFIÁN SZABOLCS
Published: February 2019

The knowledge of the clearwing moth genus Lolibaia Gorbunov & Gurko, 2017, recently described from South Sudan and until now known only from a single, damaged specimen, is extended by three new species from different parts of Africa including the as yet unknown female of the genus. L. jurateae sp. nov. is based on a single male from Kakamega Forest, Kenya; L. triangularis sp. nov. is based on six males from different localities in north-western Zambia, and L. polythyris sp. nov. is described from two females from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces, South Africa.
A revised molecular phylogeny reveals polyphyly in Schistura (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: SGOUROS KATHERINE , PAGE LAWRENCE M. , ORLOFSKE SARAH A. , JADIN ROBERT C.
Published: February 2019

There is a general consensus that the genus Schistura (Nemacheilidae), currently with 241 species, is not monophyletic. However, weak morphological synapomorphies and a lack of genetic data for most species of Schistura and their presumptive relatives have prevented meaningful diagnoses of species groups within this genus. To aid in deciphering evolutionary relationships, sequence data from two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and D-loop) were implemented in phylogenetic analyses for species of Schistura and other nemacheilids for which data from earlier studies and recently collected material were available. This analysis of 67 nemacheilid species, including 28 species of Schistura, provides the most comprehensive phylogeny of Nemacheilidae to date. In the phylogenetic tree for the combined data set, species of Schistura clustered in three clades. One clade contained 14 species of Schistura and Sectoria heterognathos and was sister to Homatula. A second clade of 11 species of Schistura was in a larger clade with Turcinoemacheilus kosswigi and Nemacheilus corica. The third clade contained three species, all from the Mae Khlong basin of Thailand. Taxonomic implications of these results are discussed; however, a more taxon-rich dataset and nuclear sequence data are needed before making taxonomic changes.
The Therapeutic Effect of the Combination of Intratumor Injection of Bleomycin and Electroresection/Electrocautery on the Hemangiomas in Hypopharynx and Larynx Through Suspension Laryngoscopy
Authors: Xu Shengqun , Yu Yongqiang , ElHakim Hamdy , Cui Xiangguo , Yang Huaian
Published: February 2019

Objectives:

The treatment of hemangiomas in the hypopharynx and larynx can be challenging and stressful because of the high tumor recurrence rate. The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of the combination of intratumor injection of bleomycin and electroresection/electrocautery on the hemangiomas in the hypopharynx and larynx through suspension laryngoscopy.

Methods:

With patients under general anesthesia, the hemangiomas were fully exposed through suspension laryngoscopy. After intratumor injection of bleomycin, in some patients, the hemangiomas were completely resected along the bottom of the tumor pedicle by polypus-forceps electroscalpel; for other patients, the hemangiomas were pinched and held, and then the whole-tumor tissues were cauterized and coagulated by the electroscalpel. Prior to commencing the study, all participants signed informed consents, and all procedures were approved by the hospital ethical committee.

Results:

There was almost no bleeding during the operations, no postoperative dyspnea, and no hemorrhage. The patients were followed up for 3 years; the 3-year cure rate was 97%.

Conclusion:

The hemangioma in the hypopharynx and larynx can be cured by a single-session treatment, using the combination of intratumor injection of bleomycin and electroresection/electrocautery through suspension laryngoscopy. Our method is reliable, affordable, and effective, and it could be widely applied in other hospitals.
Hearing Loss in Pediatric Septo-Optic Dysplasia
Authors: Herrmann Brian William , Hathaway Campbell R. , Fadell Michael
Published: February 2019

Objective:

To identify and characterize hearing loss (HL) in children with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD).

Methods:

Otologic and audiometric data for patients less than 18 years of age identified as having SOD who were seen in the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Scottish Rite Hospital clinic between 2013 and 2017 were collected and reviewed through a HIPAA-compliant medical record search. Relevant literature was also reviewed with the assistance of Medline.

Results:

Sixty-four patients with SOD were identified, and 7 of those patients (10.9%) were diagnosed with hearing loss. Type of hearing loss was sensorineural (SNHL) in 5 patients (63%), mixed (MHL) in 1(14%), and conductive (CHL) in 1(14%). Bilateral loss presented in 60% (3/5) of SNHL patients, while the rest demonstrated unilateral loss. Unilateral findings included cochlear nerve deficiency (1) and atresia/microtia (1). Tympanostomy tubes were required in 57% (4/7) of SOD children with hearing loss. Amplification was successfully implemented in 86% (6/7).

Conclusions:

Hearing loss was found in nearly 11% of SOD children, and SNHL was identified as (63%) the predominant form of loss. To our knowledge, this is the first retrospective review of hearing loss in a pediatric SOD cohort and the first to report of cochlear nerve deficiency and atresia/microtia in this population. Based on these findings, early identification of hearing loss with imaging when appropriate and treatment of otitis in this population is recommended.
Treatment of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Background in Total Internal Reflection Ellipsometry: Characterization of RNA Polymerase II Film Formation
Authors: Hemzal Dušan , Kang Yu Ri , Dvořák Jan , Kabzinski Tomasz , Kubíček Karel , Kim Young Dong , Humlíček Josef
Published: February 2019

To deal with the general problem of biomolecule specific binding analysis, we have applied the technique of difference spectra to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-enhanced total internal reflection ellipsometry measurement. We suggest a three-step treatment of the SPR background that can easily be integrated with the usual measurement routine. First, making use of the difference spectrum in ellipsometric angle Δ, single peak footprints of the topmost layer are obtained that facilitate its sensitive detection during film growth. Subsequently, circumventing the need for explicit knowledge of the substrate properties, the difference spectra peaks can be used for the end-point analysis of a binding. Finally, tracking the binding effectivity of the analyte we determine the injection speed and analyte concentration windows needed for successful monitoring of the film growth. We demonstrate our approach on a comprehensive two-stage binding experiment involving two biologically relevant molecules: the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II and CTD-interacting domain of one of its transcription factors, the Rtt103 protein.
Discussions About Antibiotics During Adolescent Asthma Visits: Implications for Providers
Authors: Willis Zachary , Carpenter Delesha Miller , Sayner Robyn , Sleath Betsy L.
Published: February 2019

Children with asthma are exposed to antibiotics more frequently than their peers. The quality of provider-patient discussion about antibiotics is unknown. In this secondary data analysis, we reviewed existing transcripts of audiotaped adolescent asthma visits using a standardized coding sheet to analyze the quality of communication about antibiotics. Of 539 transcripts, we identified 12 discussions about antibiotics. No patient or parent requested antibiotics. In most cases, discussion was limited to assessment of drug allergies and preferred formulation. In 5 cases (42%), the prescribed antibiotic was not named. We propose a set of communication elements that should be included whenever antibiotics are prescribed, classified into ( a) Essential, such as the drug name and dosing schedule; ( b) Encouraged, such as expected response to therapy; or ( c) Situational, such as discussion of alternatives to antibiotics. Future research should further explore the quality of antibiotic-related conversations among different groups of providers and patients.
A Randomized Trial of a Self-Administered Parenting Intervention for Infant and Toddler Insomnia
Authors: Stevens Jack , Splaingard Deborah , Webster-Cheng Stephanie , Rausch Joseph , Splaingard Mark
Published: February 2019

Self-administered treatments may overcome access barriers to evidence-based care for pediatric sleep problems. Two hundred thirty-nine families participated in a randomized controlled trial with 3 study arms: a DVD intervention condition (the Sleep Easy Solution), a Website comparison condition, and a Wait-List comparison condition. The primary outcome was trichotomous—Do you consider your child’s sleep a problem? (not a problem at all, a small problem, a very serious problem). DVD was superior to Wait-List in terms of the primary outcome ( P = .03; odds ratio = 0.44; 95% confidence interval = 0.21-0.93). Similarly, regarding secondary outcomes, DVD was superior to Wait-List in terms of longer continuous sleep periods ( P = .003), more favorable perceptions of the child’s overall sleep ( P = .001), and higher parental confidence in managing the child’s sleep ( P = .001). Results suggest that the DVD intervention is a promising self-administered treatment for pediatric insomnia.
Ergonomic Benefits of an Angle Grinder With Rotatable Main Handle in a Cutting Task
Authors: Reinvee Märt , Aia Sander , Pääsuke Mati
Published: February 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ergonomic benefits of an angle grinder with a rotatable main handle in a cutting task.

Background:

Angle grinder manufacturers rarely address ergonomic features in their advertisements, and if they do, the benefits are expressed in a qualitative manner. Meanwhile, quantitative information about the effects of the device on the worker is required to make informed decisions during tool selection and cumulative trauma prevention.

Method:

Eleven maintenance workers and metalworkers used an angle grinder to cut a horizontal steel rod using three wrist postures. Only one of the postures was exclusively available in the case of a rotatable main handle. The postural effect was evaluated objectively with electromyography and a force-sensing-resistor-based force glove. Subjective ratings about discomfort and control were obtained with a visual analog scale.

Results:

The subjective ratings favor the near-neutral wrist posture. The forearm muscles’ electromyographic activities were similar across the postures. Forces on the hand–handle interface were concentrated on the intermediate phalanges. If the device is operated without gloves, the forces on the intermediate phalanges may exceed the discomfort pressure threshold regardless of wrist posture.

Conclusion:

In the cutting task, the subjective measures favor the posture with a near-neutral wrist, which is a feature of the rotatable main handle. The objective measures did not allow one to prefer one posture to another.

Application:

The findings give insight into the impact of wrist posture on muscle activity, forces on the hand–handle interface, and discomfort. This is useful information for the person responsible for tool selection.
An ‘African Justice’: Legal Integration and the Emergence of an African Judicial System
Authors: Fon Nguh Nwei Asanga
Published: February 2019

In 2017, the African Union adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a collective withdrawal of its members from the International Criminal Court (ICC). An exodus from the ICC poses the question of what happens next in the African judicial landscape. This paper probes into efforts to erect an African judicial infrastructure. It is a non-experimental case study that employs the characteristics of international law to examine various attempts towards forging an African judicial system. A critical examination of existing African judicial institutions against certain benchmarks of international law reveals that alternative structures and mechanisms of international justice exist in Africa.
Fabrication and characterization of chitosan-coated sisal fiber – Phytagel modified soy protein-based green composite
Authors: Verma Akarsh , Singh Chhavi , Singh VK , Jain Naman
Published: February 2019

In this article, a detailed systematic methodology to fabricate and characterize the diverse properties of soy protein and sisal fiber reinforced green composites has been presented. After fabrication by hand lay-up and solution casting method, these composites with varying sisal fiber weight percentages (0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10) were put to various characterization tests. The surfaces of sisal fiber were treated with sodium hydroxide to enhance its interfacial bonding properties. The fabricated samples were examined on the basis of microstructural tests that included the scanning electron microscopy; followed by the mechanical (tensile) and physical (water absorption) tests. Finally, the thermal tests were performed that involved the thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis tests. The phytagel modified soy protein-based composite with 5 wt.% of sisal fiber content was confirmed to be the best of all compositions under this scrutiny, which was authenticated by the micro-structural and mechanical tests. To further enhance the mechanical, physical and thermal properties of fabricated composites, chitosan coating was applied on them.