bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Gene Expression Classifier from Whole Blood Distinguishes Benign from Malignant Lung Nodules Detected by Low-Dose CT
Authors: Kossenkov Andrew V. , Qureshi Rehman , Dawany Noor B. , Wickramasinghe Jayamanna , Liu Qin , Majumdar R. Sonali , Chang Celia , Widura Sandy , Kumar Trisha , Horng Wen-Hwai , Konnisto Eric , Criner Gerard , Tsay Jun-Chieh J. , Pass Harvey , Yendamuri Sai , Vachani Anil , Bauer Thomas , Nam Brian , Rom William N. , Showe Michael K. , Showe Louise C.
Published: November 2018

Low-dose CT (LDCT) is widely accepted as the preferred method for detecting pulmonary nodules. However, the determination of whether a nodule is benign or malignant involves either repeated scans or invasive procedures that sample the lung tissue. Noninvasive methods to assess these nodules are needed to reduce unnecessary invasive tests. In this study, we have developed a pulmonary nodule classifier (PNC) using RNA from whole blood collected in RNA-stabilizing PAXgene tubes that addresses this need. Samples were prospectively collected from high-risk and incidental subjects with a positive lung CT scan. A total of 821 samples from 5 clinical sites were analyzed. Malignant samples were predominantly stage 1 by pathologic diagnosis and 97% of the benign samples were confirmed by 4 years of follow-up. A panel of diagnostic biomarkers was selected from a subset of the samples assayed on Illumina microarrays that achieved a ROC-AUC of 0.847 on independent validation. The microarray data were then used to design a biomarker panel of 559 gene probes to be validated on the clinically tested NanoString nCounter platform. RNA from 583 patients was used to assess and refine the NanoString PNC (nPNC), which was then validated on 158 independent samples (ROC-AUC = 0.825). The nPNC outperformed three clinical algorithms in discriminating malignant from benign pulmonary nodules ranging from 6–20 mm using just 41 diagnostic biomarkers. Overall, this platform provides an accurate, noninvasive method for the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules in patients with non–small cell lung cancer.

Significance:

These findings describe a minimally invasive and clinically practical pulmonary nodule classifier that has good diagnostic ability at distinguishing benign from malignant pulmonary nodules.
Aspirin and Non-Aspirin NSAID Use and Prostate Cancer Incidence, Mortality, and Case Fatality in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Hurwitz Lauren M. , Joshu Corinne E. , Barber John R. , Prizment Anna E. , Vitolins Mara Z. , Jones Miranda R. , Folsom Aaron R. , Han Misop , Platz Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2018

Background:

NSAIDs appear to moderately reduce prostate cancer risk. However, evidence is limited on whether NSAIDs protect against prostate cancer mortality (death from prostate cancer among men without a cancer history) and case fatality (death from prostate cancer among men with prostate cancer), and whether benefits are consistent in white and black men. This study investigated associations of aspirin and non-aspirin (NA) NSAID use with prostate cancer incidence, mortality, and case fatality in a population-based cohort of white and black men.

Methods:

We included 6,594 men (5,060 white and 1,534 black) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study without a cancer history at enrollment from 1987 to 1989. NSAID use was assessed at four study visits (1987–1998). Cancer outcomes were ascertained through 2012. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate adjusted HRs, overall and by race.

Results:

Aspirin use was not associated with prostate cancer incidence. However, aspirin use was inversely associated with prostate cancer mortality [HR, 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.36–0.96]. This association was consistent among white and black men and appeared restricted to men using aspirin daily and/or for cardiovascular disease prevention. Aspirin use was inversely associated with case fatality (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22–0.94). NA-NSAID use was not associated with these endpoints.

Conclusions:

Aspirin use was inversely associated with prostate cancer mortality and case fatality among white and black men.

Impact:

If confirmed by additional studies, benefits of aspirin for preventing prostate cancer mortality may need to be factored into risk–benefit calculations of men considering an aspirin regimen.
BIRC3 Expression Predicts CLL Progression and Defines Treatment Sensitivity via Enhanced NF-κB Nuclear Translocation
Authors: Asslaber Daniela , Wacht Nathalie , Leisch Michael , Qi Yuan , Maeding Nicole , Hufnagl Clemens , Jansko Bettina , Zaborsky Nadja , Villunger Andreas , Hartmann Tanja N. , Greil Richard , Egle Alexander
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathophysiology is characterized by a complex crosstalk of tumor cells with the microenvironment. In this regard, NF-κB signaling is considered as important signaling axis, with a variety of key molecules aberrantly expressed or genetically altered in patients with CLL. One of these molecules is BIRC3 (cIAP2), a central regulator of noncanonical NF-κB signaling that serves as pathway brake in the absence of microenvironmental signals. However, the contribution of BIRC3 expression to CLL progression and potential therapeutic implications is unknown.

Experimental Design: We analyzed the role of BIRC3 mRNA expression in primary CLL samples in correlation to clinical datasets and used ex vivo assays to investigate functional consequences on the level of NF-κB signaling and downstream target gene regulation. For proof-of-principle experiments, we used genetically modified cell lines.

Results:

We demonstrate that patients with CLL with low BIRC3 expression experience a more rapid disease progression, which coincides with an enhanced activation of canonical NF-κB target genes evidenced by an increased p65/Rel-B nuclear translocation ratio. As a consequence of enhanced canonical NF-κB target gene activation, both anti- and proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members were upregulated in BIRC3low primary CLL cells, which was associated with higher sensitivity to venetoclax treatment in vitro.

Conclusions:

Here we show the impact of BIRC3 expression in CLL disease progression in the absence of BIRC3 mutations and show altered canonical NF-κB target gene activation with therapeutic implications.
Targeted Therapy for EBV-Associated B-cell Neoplasms
Authors: Ganguly Siddhartha , Kuravi Sudhakiranmayi , Alleboina Satyanarayana , Mudduluru Giridhar , Jensen Roy A. , McGuirk Joseph P. , Balusu Ramesh
Published: November 2018

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is directly implicated in several B-cell lymphoid malignancies. EBV-associated lymphomas are characterized by prominent activation of the NF-κB pathway and targeting this pathway establishes a rationale for a therapeutic approach. The ubiquitin/proteasome signaling plays an essential role in the regulation of the NF-κB pathway. Ixazomib is an FDA-approved, orally bioavailable proteasome inhibitor. Here we report the first preclinical evaluation of ixazomib-mediated growth-inhibitory effects on EBV-infected B-lymphoblastoid cell lines Raji and Daudi. Ixazomib induced apoptosis in these cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Cell-cycle analysis demonstrated ixazomib treatment induced cell-cycle arrest at the G2–M phase with a concomitant decrease in G0–G1 and S phases. The results further revealed an increase in p53, p21, and p27 levels and a decrease in survivin and c-Myc protein levels. Mechanistically, ixazomib treatment resulted in the accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins, including phosphorylated IκBα with a significant reduction of p65 subunit nuclear translocation. Altogether, our preclinical data support the rationale for in vivo testing of ixazomib in EBV-associated B-cell neoplasms.

Implications:

This preclinical study supports the use of oral proteasome inhibitor ixazomib for targeting NF-κB signaling in the treatment of EBV-associated B-cell neoplasms.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/17/4/839/F1.large.jpg.
A Phase I/Ib Trial of the VEGFR-Sparing Multikinase RET Inhibitor RXDX-105
Authors: Drilon Alexander , Fu Siqing , Patel Manish R. , Fakih Marwan , Wang Ding , Olszanski Anthony J. , Morgensztern Daniel , Liu Stephen V. , Cho Byoung Chul , Bazhenova Lyudmila , Rodriguez Cristina P. , Doebele Robert C. , Wozniak Antoinette , Reckamp Karen L. , Seery Tara , Nikolinakos Petros , Hu Zheyi , Oliver Jennifer W. , Trone Denise , McArthur Katherine , Patel Rupal , Multani Pratik S. , Ahn Myung-Ju
Published: November 2018

RET fusions are oncogenic drivers of various tumors, including non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). The safety and antitumor activity of the multikinase RET inhibitor RXDX-105 were explored in a phase I/Ib trial. A recommended phase II dose of 275 mg fed daily was identified. The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (25%), diarrhea (24%), hypophosphatemia (18%), maculopapular rash (18%), and nonmaculopapular rash (17%). In the phase Ib cohort of RET inhibitor–naïve patients with RET fusion–positive NSCLCs, the objective response rate (ORR) was 19% (95% CI, 8%–38%, n = 6/31). Interestingly, the ORR varied significantly by the gene fusion partner (P < 0.001, Fisher exact test): 0% (95% CI, 0%–17%, n = 0/20) with KIF5B (the most common upstream partner for RET fusion–positive NSCLC), and 67% (95% CI, 30%–93%, n = 6/9) with non-KIF5B partners. The median duration of response in all RET fusion–positive NSCLCs was not reached (range, 5 to 18+ months).

Significance:

Although KIF5B–RET is the most common RET fusion in NSCLCs, RET inhibition with RXDX-105 resulted in responses only in non–KIF5B–RET-containing cancers. Novel approaches to targeting KIF5B–RET-containing tumors are needed, along with a deeper understanding of the biology that underlies the differential responses observed.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 305
Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young due to Glucokinase, HNF1-A, HNF1-B, and HNF4-A Mutations in a Cohort of Turkish Children Diagnosed as Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ozsu Elif , Cizmecioglu Filiz Mine , Yesiltepe Mutlu Gul , Yuksel Aysegul Bute , Calıskan Mursel , Yesilyurt Ahmet , Hatun Sukru
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a rare condition often misdiagnosed as type 1 diabetes (T1D). The purposes of this study were: to identify any patients followed in a large Turkish cohort as T1D, with an atypical natural history, who may in fact have MODY, and to define the criteria which would indicate patients with likely MODY as early as possible after presentation to allow prompt genetic testing. Methods: Urinary C-peptide/creatinine ratio (UCPCR) was studied in 152 patients having a diagnosis of T1D for at least 3 years. Those with a UCPCR ≥0.2 nmol/mmol were selected for genetic analysis of the Glucokinase (GCK), Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1a (HNF1A), Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4a (HNF4A), and Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1b (HNF1B) genes. This UCPCR cut-off was used because of the reported high sensitivity and specificity. Cases were also evaluated using a MODY probability calculator. Results: Twenty-three patients from 152 participants (15.1%) had a UCPCR indicating persistent insulin reserve. The mean age ± SD of the patients was 13.6 ± 3.6 years (range 8.30–21.6). Of these 23, two (8.7%) were found to have a mutation, one with HNF4A and one with HNF1B mutation. No mutations were detected in the GCK or HNF1A genes. Conclusion: In Turkish children with a diagnosis of T1D but who have persistent insulin reserve 3 years after diagnosis, up to 9% may have a genetic mutation indicating a diagnosis of MODY.
Current Data on Effects of Long-Term Missions on the International Space Station on Skin Physiological Parameters
Authors: Braun Nicole , Binder Sabrina , Grosch Hanna , Theek Carmen , Ülker Jasmina , Tronnier Hagen , Heinrich Ulrike
Published: November 2018

Background: Skin reaction to spaceflight has not really been studied yet, although the skin has a very important barrier function to protect the body and can contribute to a more general understanding of physiology. It is proposed here to make a more thorough investigation of the skin during long-term spaceflight, using noninvasive techniques. Aims: The aim of the present Skin-B study is to investigate the kinetics and range of possible skin modifications during long-duration spaceflights and their recovery. Methods: In order to investigate the effect on skin physiological parameters during spaceflight, measurements were carried out on 6 astronauts with respect to skin hydration, transepidermal water loss/barrier function, and surface evaluation of the living skin in orbit. Additional measured parameters on the ground were skin elasticity, skin density and thickness, as well as microcirculation. Results: Data from the Skin-B subjects (n = 6) contradict the results obtained in the previous pilot study SkinCare (n = 1 subject). In the present study, no deterioration of the skin was found but rather an improvement in skin hydration and skin barrier function, and no changes or improvement in the appearance of the skin surface. Furthermore, the skin density and skin thickness as well as skin elasticity values were unchanged from pre-flight values. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that spaceflight under present conditions has no negative impact on skin physiological parameters.
Association of Hemoglobin and Blood Pressure in a Chinese Community-Dwelling Population
Authors: Xuan Yan , Zuo Junli , Zheng Shuping , Ji Jinbao , Qian Yi
Published: November 2018

This study investigated the relationship between hemoglobin (Hb) level and blood pressure in a Chinese community-dwelling population with normal glucose metabolism. Hb, fasting plasma glucose, glycated Hb A1c, hepatic and renal function, lipid, electrolytes, and anthropometric parameters were measured. Hb level was found to be positively correlated with systolic (SBP; r = 0.075, p < 0.001) and diastolic (DBP; r = 0.272, p < 0.001) blood pressure in the cohort. The relationship was not affected by age, BMI, serum creatinine (Cr), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in both males and females. Multivariate stepwise regression showed that age (β = 0.556, p < 0.001), BMI (β = 1.107, < 0.001), Hb (β = 0.082, p < 0.001), Cr (β = –0.032, p < 0.001), and LDL (β = 1.023, p < 0.001) were independent factors for SBP, and Hb (β = 0.168, p < 0.001), BMI (β = 0.519, p = 0.001), and LDL (β = 0.331, p < 0.001) for DBP. Hb level is positively associated with both SBP and DBP in a Chinese community-dwelling population with normal glucose metabolism.
A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain in Adults: Meckel’s Diverticulitis
Authors: Pirzada Usman , Tariq Hassan , Azam Sara , Kumar Kishore , Dev Anil
Published: November 2018

A 42-year-old man presented to the emergency room with complaints of periumbilical abdominal pain. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed mucosal thickening in the small bowel of the right abdomen. There was a fairly large small bowel diverticulum associated with this segment. Findings were suggestive of small bowel diverticulitis or possibly focal enteritis. A Meckel’s diverticulum scan was diagnostic of Meckel’s diverticulum. The patient was then immediately taken to the operating room for emergency laparotomy and was intra-operatively found to have a thickened Meckel’s diverticulitis with adjacent small bowel obstruction. Meckel’s diverticulectomy was performed in continuity with the adjacent inflamed small bowel. The patient had a stable postoperative course without any complications and was discharged within 10 days. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient was well and remained asymptomatic.
Stroke in Patients with Infective Endocarditis: A 15-Year Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Cao Gui-fang , Liu Wei , Bi Qi
Published: November 2018

Objective: To explore the relationship between infective endocarditis (IE) and stroke. Methods: The clinical data of patients diagnosed with IE from January 2003 to December 2017 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 861 patients (mean age: 40.79 ± 16.27 [SD]) with IE was recruited. Vegetations were confirmed in 97.32% of all the patients, among whom 296 were diagnosed with congenital heart disease and another 53 with rheumatic valvular disease. The most common pathogens were Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and various types of fungi (13.12, 7.31, and 1.16% respectively). Out of the 138 patients diagnosed with stroke, 101 cases were of ischemic stroke, 23 cases were of hemorrhagic stroke, and 12 cases were of concurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. There were 31 patients who had infarction lesions in more than 2 vascular systems. The mean age of stroke patients was significantly higher than that of patients without stroke (45.76 ± 17.88 vs. 39.83 ± 15.77, p = 0.000). The incidence of mitral valve vegetation (57.24 vs. 43.01%, p = 0.002), atrial fibrillation (4.34 vs. 1.38%, p = 0.018), fungal infection (2.89 vs. 0.83%, p = 0.038) in patients with stroke was significantly higher than those without stroke. Mitral valve vegetation (OR 1.648; 95% CI 1.113–2.442) and age (OR 1.019; 95% CI 1.007–1.032) were independent risk factors for stroke in IE patients. Stroke increased the risk of hospital deaths (OR 7.673 95%CI 3.634–16.202). Conclusion: Stroke is a common complication of IE. Mitral valve vegetation and old age may incerease the risk of stroke in patients with IE.
ПІДЛІТКОВЕ ОЖИРІННЯ ЯК ФАКТОР РИЗИКУ НИЗКИ ЗАХВОРЮВАНЬ
Authors: Artemenko A. S.
Published: November 2018

У статті описано особливості розвитку підліткового ожиріння. Проаналізовано погляди вчених, які займаються цією проблемою. Ожиріння – одна з найактуальніших проблем сучасності, вирішення якої дозволить не лише зберегти та зміцнити здоров’я людини, а й запобігти виникненню низки супутніх захворювань. У статті висвітлено основні проблеми ожиріння у сучасному світі.
РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЯ ПАЦІЄНТІВ ПІСЛЯ АРТРОСКОПІЧНОЇ МЕНІСКЕКТОМІЇ
Authors: Novikova P. P. , Kitsak Y. M. , Liakhovych R. M. , Dzhus M. Y.
Published: November 2018

У статті розглянуто основні принципи застосування методів фізичної реабілітації хворих після артроскопічної меніскектомії. Значну увагу приділено вибору програми фізичної реабілітації, що націлена на зменшення післяопераційних ускладнень та відновлення функції суглоба.
ОЖИРІННЯ ЯК НАСЛІДОК ЦУКРОВОЇ ЗАЛЕЖНОСТІ У ДІТЕЙ
Authors: Nadtochiy K. O.
Published: November 2018

У статті аналізується взаємозв’язок між уживанням доданих цукрів та проблемою ожиріння у дітей.
Daily and social activities influence the quality of life of renal chronic patients in hemodialysis
Authors: Silva Filho Antonio Batista Da , Xavier Camila Dos Santos , Santos Carolina Guilherme dos , Corá Luiza Franco , Fonseca Marcela Machado , Denadai Amanda Silveira , Ferreira-Paim Kennio , Fonseca Fernanda Machado
Published: November 2018

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the physical and social factors that influence the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD). Study Design: Descriptive and cross-sectional. Methods: There were 149 patients with CKD routinely submitted to HD that answered a questionnaire adapted (Medical Results Survey; SF-36) about the presence of symptoms during and after the HD sessions, main diseases concomitant, and the presence of factors that influence the quality of life. Results: According to the multivariate analysis, the presence of symptoms after the HD contributes to a decrease in the quality of life (p=0.04). However, emotional well-being was positively associated with social activities (p=0.01). The daily activities and the absence of concomitant diseases are associated with good health and, therefore, a better quality of life for patients with CKD (p<0.05). Patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes should be better observed, since such illnesses are always associated with renal dysfunction. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that the chronic renal patients should be inserted into social environments and should perform daily activities despite the limitations of the treatment since an active lifestyle contributes positively to their well-being and quality of life.
The Emergence of Canalization and Evolvability in an Open-Ended, Interactive Evolutionary System
Authors: Huizinga Joost , Stanley Kenneth O. , Clune Jeff
Published: November 2018

Many believe that an essential component for the discovery of the tremendous diversity in natural organisms was the evolution of evolvability, whereby evolution speeds up its ability to innovate by generating a more adaptive pool of offspring. One hypothesized mechanism for evolvability is developmental canalization, wherein certain dimensions of variation become more likely to be traversed and others are prevented from being explored (e.g., offspring tend to have similar-size legs, and mutations affect the length of both legs, not each leg individually). While ubiquitous in nature, canalization is rarely reported in computational simulations of evolution, which deprives us of in silico examples of canalization to study and raises the question of which conditions give rise to this form of evolvability. Answering this question would shed light on why such evolvability emerged naturally, and it could accelerate engineering efforts to harness evolution to solve important engineering challenges. In this article, we reveal a unique system in which canalization did emerge in computational evolution. We document that genomes entrench certain dimensions of variation that were frequently explored during their evolutionary history. The genetic representation of these organisms also evolved to be more modular and hierarchical than expected by chance, and we show that these organizational properties correlate with increased fitness. Interestingly, the type of computational evolutionary experiment that produced this evolvability was very different from traditional digital evolution in that there was no objective, suggesting that open-ended, divergent evolutionary processes may be necessary for the evolution of evolvability.
A new entomopathogenic fungus, Ophiocordyceps ponerus sp. nov., from China
Authors: QU JIAOJIAO , YU LAN QING , ZHANG JIAN , HAN YANFENG , ZOU XIAO
Published: November 2018

A new species, Ophiocordyceps ponerus, is reported from a survey of invertebrate-associated fungi in Xiaochehe Wetland Park, Guiyang City, China. Evidence for the new species is provided by morphological and molecular characters. Synnemata of this species emerged from cadavers of soldier ants of Ponera sp. (Hymenoptera). It differs from similar species mainly in having verticillate phialides on the upper portions of the synnemata with septa, 112–158 × 7.5–10 μm; cylindrical or oval conidiogenous cells, which are inflated at the base, and suddenly tapering to a short, thin and verrucose neck, 13–25 × 2.5–5 μm; solitary, smooth conidia nearly oval or forming curved orange segments, 7.5–10 × 3.8–5 μm. Phylogenetic analysis using combined ITS, SSU, RPB2 and TEF sequence data support its systematic position in Ophiocordyceps and as a new species.
Typification of plant names belonging to subfamily Apioideae (Apiaceae) for the Flora of Argentina
Authors: CALVIÑO CAROLINA ISABEL , MARTÍNEZ SUSANA GRACIELA
Published: November 2018

Names of Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae were found to need typification, as part of the studies for the Flora of Argentina project. To resolve typifications, protologues and type specimens of all names were studied. As a result, 27 lectotypifications (including two second step lectotypifications) and 2 epitypifications are designated here, giving brief justifications for each selection. In addition, a new synonym in Daucus is proposed.
Lectotypification of the name Striga densiflora (Orobanchaceae)
Authors: MOOLAYIL OMALSREE , ARJUNAN SUJANA K , SREENIVAS VADAKKEKARA
Published: November 2018

The genus Striga Loureiro (1790: 22) belongs to the family Orobanchaceae and comprises about 43 species (Omalsree et al. 2015) with the highest diversity in tropical Africa, where 28 taxa have been recorded and 22 of them are endemic (Mohamed et al. 2001, Fischer et al. 2011). In India, ten species were recorded so far including four recently described species, viz. Striga kamalii Omalsree et al. (2015: 166), S. indica Prabhu et al. (2013: 284), S. musselmanii Omalsree & V.K. Sreenivas (2018a: 99) and S. scottiana Jeeva et al. (2012: 79). Very limited information is available on the genus in India except some sketchy enumerations in the state floras and few geographical distribution reports (Hooker 1884, Gamble & Fischer 1923, Saldanha 1963, Matthew 1981, Sasidharan 2013). The taxonomic position of less known Indian species as S. densiflora Bentham (1835: 41) Bentham (1836: 363), S. masuria (Buch.- Ham. ex Benth. 1835: 41) Benth, (1836: 364), S. sulphurea Dalzell & A. Gibson (1861: 182) etc. is still not clear. As a result, majority of specimens deposited in various herbaria are misidentified and plants are often referred to unresolved names (S. sulphurea) in databases (e.g. The Plant List 2018).
Leptochilus sarawakensis nom. nov. (Polypodiaceae) from Malaysia
Authors: ZHANG LIANG , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: November 2018

Recent molecular work has found that the fern genera Colysis C. Presl (1849: 146), Kontumia S.K. Wu & K.L. Phan (2005: 245), and Paraleptochilus Copeland (1947: 198) should be subsumed under Leptochilus Kaulfuss (1824: 147) (Dong et al. 2008, Kreier et al. 2008, Kim et al. 2012, Zhang et al. in press) so that Leptochilus can be maintained as monophyletic. The newly defined Leptochilus is then characterized by having an epiphytic habit, simple sterile leaves (except in Kontumia), and much contracted fertile leaves fully covered (except in Kontumia) with sori (acrostichoid sori). Following the results of a new molecular phylogeny (Zhang et al. in press) and morphological study nine new combinations in Leptochilus were made recently (Zhang et al. 2018) including L. fluviatilis (Lauterbach 1910: 507) Liang Zhang & Li Bing Zhang in Zhang et al. (2018: 173). However, the epithet “fluviatilis” is not available when Polypodium fluviatile Lauterbach in Winkler (1910: 507) is transferred to Leptochilus. Here we provide a new name for Polypodium fluviatile in Leptochilus.
New combinations in Ancistrosporella (Roccellaceae, Arthoniales)
Authors: ERTZ DAMIEN
Published: November 2018

Opegrapha leucophila and O. onchospora, two species of lichen-forming fungi originally described from Colombia, are newly combined in the genus Ancistrosporella because of their paraphysoids with enlarged and brown apices and their ascospores that lack a gelatinous sheath and have one end curved to hooked. Lectotypes are designated for O. leucophila and O. onchospora. Ancistrosporella psoromica is reduced into synonymy with A. leucophila.
Two new species in the phyllophorid genus Massinium (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) with redescription of Massinium magnum
Authors: SAMYN YVES , THANDAR AHMED S. , VANDENSPIEGEL D.
Published: November 2018

The recently erected phyllophorid genus Massinium Samyn & Thandar, 2003 hithertho held three species: the southern African endemics Massinium arthroprocessum (Thandar, 1989) and M. maculosum Samyn & Thandar, 2003 (type species), and the central Indo-Pacific M. magnum (Ludwig, 1882). Careful examination of the incomplete holotype of M. magnum and material assigned to this species from various museums allowed us to completely redescribe the type, supplement the description with information from entire voucher specimens, and recognise two species new to science, previously assigned to M. magnum. In addition, the diagnosis of Massinium is amended to also include Neothyonidium dissimilis Cherbonnier, 1988 from Madagascar. The six currently recognised congenerics are keyed.
A study on the genus Macroscytus Fieber, 1860 from China (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Cydnidae)
Authors: ZHU GENG-PING , LIU GUO-QING , LIS JERZY A.
Published: November 2018

Eight species of the genus Macroscytus Fieber, 1860 are reported from China. Among these is M. vietnamicus J.A. Lis, 1991, recorded for the first time from the country; moreover, the occurrence of M. badius (Walker, 1867) in its southern parts (Hainan Province) is confirmed. A key to the Chinese species of the genus is provided, along with habitus figures and illustrations of hind legs and the male genitalia. A phenomenon of instability in the cephalic chaetotaxy of M. aequalis (Walker, 1867), M. badius, M. popovi J.A. Lis, 1991, and M. vietnamicus J.A. Lis, 1994, are briefly discussed.
Lithoseopsis Mockford (Psocodea: Troctomorpha: Amphientomidae): a new species and first record for South America
Authors: ALDRETE ALFONSO N. GARCÍA , DA SILVA NETO ALBERTO MOREIRA , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: November 2018

A species of Lithoseopsis Mockford, from the Brazilian state of Pará, is described and illustrated. It is the first species of Lithoseopsis recorded in Brazil, and the first of that genus known in South America. It differs from all the other species in the genus in details of the forewing pigmentation and spermapore sclerite. A map with the distribution of the Lithoseopsis species is included and two species groups of Lithoseopsis are diagnosed.
Oleia fieldsi sp. n., a new Orthocladiinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) species from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest
Authors: DA SILVA FABIO LAURINDO , SONG CHAO
Published: November 2018

One new species of the genus Oleia Andersen et Mendes, 2007 (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae), O. fieldsi sp. n. is described and figured as adult male. The specimens were collected in a fragment of secondary forest in the Atlantic Forest, at Iguaçu National Park, on the border of Argentina and Brazil.
Vertical Profiles of Aerosol Composition over Beijing, China: Analysis of In Situ Aircraft Measurements
Authors: Liu Quan , Quan Jiannong , Jia Xingcan , Sun Zhaobin , Li Xia , Gao Yang , Liu Yangang
Published: November 2018

Aerosol samples were collected over Beijing, China, during several flights in November 2011. Aerosol composition of nonrefractory submicron particles (NR-PM1) was measured by an Aerodyne compact time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (C-ToF-AMS). This measurement on the aircraft provided vertical distribution of aerosol species over Beijing, including sulfate (SO4), nitrate (NO3), ammonium (NH4), chloride (Chl), and organic aerosols [OA; hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA) and oxygenated OA (OOA)]. The observations showed that aerosol compositions varied drastically with altitude, especially near the top of the planetary boundary layer (PBL). On average, organics (34%) and nitrate (32%) were dominant components in the PBL, followed by ammonium (15%), sulfate (14%), and chloride (4%); in the free troposphere (FT), sulfate (34%) and organics (28%) were dominant components, followed by ammonium (20%), nitrate (19%), and chloride (1%). The dominant OA species was primarily HOA in the PBL but changed to OOA in the FT. For sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium, the sulfate mass fraction increased from the PBL to the FT, nitrate mass fraction decreased, and ammonium remained relatively constant. Analysis of the sulfate-to-nitrate molar ratio further indicated that this ratio was usually less than one in the FT but larger than one in the PBL. Further analysis revealed that the vertical aerosol composition profiles were influenced by complex processes, including PBL structure, regional transportation, emission variation, and the aging process of aerosols and gaseous precursors during vertical diffusion.
The Effect of Wind Stress Anomalies and Location in Driving Pacific Subtropical Cells and Tropical Climate
Authors: Graffino Giorgio , Farneti Riccardo , Kucharski Fred , Molteni Franco
Published: November 2018

The importance of subtropical and extratropical zonal wind stress anomalies on Pacific subtropical cell (STC) strength is assessed through several idealized and realistic numerical experiments with a global ocean model. Different zonal wind stress anomalies are employed, and their intensity is strengthened or weakened with respect to the climatological value throughout a suite of simulations. Subtropical strengthened (weakened) zonal wind stress anomalies result in increased (decreased) STC meridional mass and energy transport. When upwelling of subsurface water into the tropics is intensified (reduced), a distinct cold (warm) anomaly appears in the equatorial thermocline and up to the surface, resulting in significant tropical sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. The use of realistic wind stress anomalies also suggests a potential impact of midlatitude atmospheric modes of variability on tropical climate through STC dynamics. The remotely driven response is compared with a set of simulations where an equatorial zonal wind stress anomaly is imposed. A dynamically distinct response is achieved, whereby the equatorial thermocline adjusts to the wind stress anomaly, resulting in significant equatorial SST anomalies as in the remotely forced simulations but with no role for STCs. Significant anomalies in Indonesian Throughflow transport are generated only when equatorial wind stress anomalies are applied, leading to remarkable heat content anomalies in the Indian Ocean. Equatorial wind stress anomalies do not involve modifications of STC transport but could set up the appropriate initial conditions for a tropical–extratropical teleconnection involving Hadley cells, exciting an STC anomalous transport, which ultimately feeds back on the tropics.
A Framework for Diagnosing Factors Degrading the Streamflow Performance of a Soil Moisture Data Assimilation System
Authors: Mao Yixin , Crow Wade T. , Nijssen Bart
Published: November 2018

Data assimilation (DA) techniques have been widely applied to assimilate satellite-based soil moisture (SM) measurements into hydrologic models to improve streamflow simulations. However, past studies have reached mixed conclusions regarding the degree of runoff improvement achieved via SM state updating. In this study, a synthetic diagnostic framework is designed to 1) decompose the random error components in a hydrologic simulation, 2) quantify the error terms that originate from SM states, and 3) assess the effectiveness of SM DA to correct these random errors. The general framework is illustrated through a case study in which surface Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) data are assimilated into a large-scale land surface model in the Arkansas–Red River basin. The case study includes systematic error in the simulated streamflow that imposes a first-order limit on DA performance. In addition, about 60% of the random runoff error originates directly from rainfall and cannot be corrected by SM DA. In particular, fast-response runoff dominates in much of the basin but is relatively unresponsive to state updating. Slow-response runoff is strongly controlled by the bottom-layer SM and therefore only modestly improved via the assimilation of surface measurements. Combined, the total runoff improvement in the synthetic analysis is small (<10% over the basin). Improvements in the real SMAP-assimilated case are further limited due to systematic error and other factors such as inaccurate error assumptions and SMAP rescaling. Findings from the diagnostic framework suggest that SM DA alone is insufficient to substantially improve streamflow estimates in large basins.
Using Operational Radar to Identify Deep Hail Accumulations from Thunderstorms
Authors: Wallace Robinson , Friedrich Katja , Kalina Evan A. , Schlatter Paul
Published: November 2018

Thunderstorms that produce surface hail accumulations, sometimes as large as 60 cm in depth, have significantly affected the residents of the Front Range and High Plains of Colorado and Wyoming by creating hazardous road conditions and endangering lives and property. To date, surface hail accumulation is not part of a routine forecasting or monitoring system. Extensive coordinated hail accumulation reports and operational products designed to identify deep hail accumulating storms in real time are lacking. Kalina et al. used dual-polarization WSR-88D radar observations to calculate hail depth and hail accumulations but never validated the algorithm. This study shows how 20 quality-controlled hail depth reports from the hail depth database built by the Colorado Hail Accumulation from Thunderstorms (CHAT) project are being used to validate the Kalina et al. radar-based hail accumulation algorithm for operational application. The validated algorithm shows increased correlations between radar-derived and reported accumulations for hail depth reports not included in the validation. Furthermore, increases in computational efficiency have allowed the improved algorithm to be used operationally. With an improved hail accumulation algorithm, thunderstorms that produce hail accumulations are more frequently detected than previously reported.
Euro-Americans Favoring People of Color: Covert Racism and Economies of White Colorism
Authors: Dhillon-Jamerson Komal K.
Published: November 2018

African American colorism in the United States is often viewed as an intraracial problem in which prejudice and discrimination are relegated to the scope of internal issues. What is often lacking in the discourse on colorism is the interracial component of intraracial hierarchies—referred to as White colorism. Colorism is not a phenomenon that originated within the Black community. Rather, it is a result of European American practices that further divided Blacks according to skin color. The historical underpinnings of colorism include colonialism and slavery, yet these ideologies continue to inform racism today. This article explores how colorism was established and is now sustained by Whites in various capacities, including social and economic spheres. Additionally, racialized dichotomies, borders of Whiteness, and Black consciousness are considered to demonstrate the intersection of historical racism and current racial rhetoric. Last, the effects of White colorism on Black achievement status, including education and employment, is elucidated through an analysis of data and literature.
Bringing Light to the DOJ’s Cartel Fine Methodology with the Auto Parts Plea Agreements
Authors: Burtis Michelle , Oakes Daniel K. , Savio Mary Beth
Published: November 2018

It has been acknowledged by both practitioners and the government that transparency in the calculation of criminal antitrust fines by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is important for the continued success of criminal antitrust policy. Recent auto parts investigations provide a large and diverse set of plea agreement observations that are compared to gain a better understanding of DOJ’s criminal fining policy for corporations and to assess whether the sentencing outcomes are consistent, both across the investigations and with DOJ’s stated policies. The analysis shows that with regard to certain inputs into the fine calculations, the DOJ provided additional transparency in the auto parts plea agreements, although in other areas the methods used to determine inputs remain opaque.
Noise measurement in high-speed domino pseudo-CMOS keeper
Authors: Jaikumar R , Poongodi P
Published: November 2018

Noise immunity is the foremost issue in high-speed domino circuits. In general, better noise immunity is achieved at the cost of speed and power degradation. In this paper, pseudo-dynamic keeper design is proposed to reduce the delay and power with improved noise immunity for domino circuits. The proposed technique is able to achieve reduced delay, power consumption, and better noise immunity by using always ON keeper. The simulation results show that the proposed technique exhibits 41%, 39%, and 19% delay reduction when compared with the low power dynamic circuit for two-input OR gate, two-input EX-OR gate, and 4:1 multiplexer. The proposed logic also performs better as compared to a low power dynamic circuit with 24%, 21%, and 14% reduction in power-delay product for two-input OR gate, two-input EX-OR gate, and four input MUX, respectively. The unity noise gain is also improved as compared to all other existing methods.
Error-reduction approach for corrosion measurements of pipeline inline inspection tools
Authors: Hamed Yaman , Shafie A’fza , Mustaffa Zahiraniza , Rusma Naila
Published: November 2018

Inline inspection tools that are used to scan the interior defects of gas and oil pipelines tend to suffer from measuring error due to their sizing accuracy. This error often causes an over- or under-estimation of the operating conditions of the pipeline, which might lead to a system failure. While parametric calibration models provide a simple method to reduce the measuring error, it is limited to datasets that follow the normal distribution only. Thus, in this paper, a non-parametric calibration model based on k-nearest neighbor interpolation was proposed to improve the measurements recorded by the scanning tools. Corrosion data collected using an ultrasonic scan device and the magnetic flux leakage intelligent pig are considered in the research. The k-nearest neighbor interpolation is studied based on the effect of using six kernel functions with two different positioning approaches on the interpolation behavior. The results have shown enhancement in the accuracy of the readings obtained from the intelligent pig from ±20% of the pipeline wall thickness to only ±8%. This enhancement in the sizing accuracy is meant to prevent a possible system failure for using the corroded part of the studied pipeline for an extra 4.6 years instead of replacing it.
Human activity recognition from smart watch sensor data using a hybrid of principal component analysis and random forest algorithm
Authors: Balli Serkan , Sağbaş Ensar Arif , Peker Musa
Published: November 2018

Background:

Detecting of human movements is an important task in various areas such as healthcare, fitness and eldercare. It is now possible to achieve this aim using mobile applications. These applications provide users, doctors and related persons a better understanding about daily physical activities. It can also lead to various useful habits by following the activities of the users in their daily life. In addition, dangerous actions such as the fall of elderly people or young children are identified and necessary precautions are taken as soon as possible. Classification of human motions with motion sensor data is among the current topics of study. Smart watches have these sensors built-in. Thus, it is possible to follow the activities of a user carrying only a smart watch.

Methods:

The purpose of this work is to detect human movements using smart watch sensor data and machine learning methods. The data are obtained from the accelerometer, gyroscope, step counter and heart rate sensors of the smart watch. The obtained data have been divided into 2 s windows and a data set containing 500 patterns for each class has been created for each class.

Results and Discussion:

After the features were determined, the data set to which the principal component analysis has been applied was classified by random forest, support vector machine, C4.5 and k-nearest neighbor methods, and their performances were compared. The most successful result was obtained from the random forest method.
A refined sinusoidal model for functionally graded plates subjected to thermomechanical loading
Authors: Xiaohui Ren , Zhen Wu
Published: November 2018

A refined sinusoidal model considering transverse normal strain has been developed for thermoelastic analysis of functionally graded material plate. Although transverse normal strain has been considered, the additional displacement parameters are not increased as transverse normal strain only includes the thermal expansion coefficient and thermal loading. Moreover, the merit of the previous sinusoidal model satisfying tangential stress-free boundary conditions on the surfaces can be maintained. It is important that the effects of transverse normal thermal deformation are incorporated in the in-plane displacement field, which can actively influence the accuracy of in-plane stresses. To assess the performance of the proposed model, the thermoelastic behaviors of functionally graded material plates with various configurations have been analyzed. Without increase of displacement variables, accuracy of the proposed model can be significantly improved by comparing to the previous sinusoidal model. Agreement between the present results and quasi-dimensional solutions are very good, and the proposed model only includes the five displacement variables which can illustrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the present model. In addition, new results using several models considered in this paper have been presented, which can serve as a reference for future investigations.
Examining Reading Comprehension Profiles of Grade 5 Monolinguals and English Language Learners Through the Lexical Quality Hypothesis Lens
Authors: O’Connor Megan , Geva Esther , Koh Poh Wee
Published: November 2018

This study set out to compare patterns of relationships among phonological skills, orthographic skills, semantic knowledge, listening comprehension, and reading comprehension in English as a first language (EL1) and English language learners (ELL) students and to test the applicability of the lexical quality hypothesis framework. Participants included 94 EL1 and 178 ELL Grade 5 students from diverse home-language backgrounds. Latent profile analyses conducted separately for ELLs and EL1s provided support for the lexical quality hypothesis in both groups, with the emergence of two profiles: A poor comprehenders profile was associated with poor word-reading-related skills (phonological awareness and orthographic processing) and with poor language-related skills (semantic knowledge and, to a lesser extent, listening comprehension). The good comprehenders profile was associated with average or above-average performance across the component skills, demonstrating that good reading comprehension is the result of strong phonological and orthographic processing skills as well as strong semantic and listening comprehension skills. The good and poor comprehenders profiles were highly similar for ELL and EL1 groups. Conversely, poor comprehenders struggled with these same component skills. Implications for assessment and future research are discussed.
Price Policy of the Challenge Cream & Butter Association: I
Authors: Naden Kenneth D.
Published: November 2018

Editor's Note: This is the first of a two-part article by Mr. Naden analyzing the price policy of a large distributive cooperative organization. The second will appear in July.
Advertising, Mass Communication, and Tax Deduction
Authors: Wedding Nugent
Published: November 2018

Recent regulations of the Internal Revenue Service regarding tax deductibility of expenditures for “institutional” advertising tend to restrict and discourage the use of advertising by business management as a method of mass communication. The author points out that the concept of “institutional” advertising which the Internal Revenue Service has followed for forty years is narrow and, for many purposes, outdated. Attempts to modify present regulations under the old concept are not satisfactory.

According to the author, there is need for a recognition on the part of Treasury officials of the growing responsibilities of management and of the expanded function of advertising to carry messages, of a public-relations and public-interest nature, as a means of informing and influencing public attitudes and opinions.
What Does Automation Mean to the Marketing Man?
Authors: Head G. W.
Published: November 2018

The subject of automation in business has had extended coverage in the business press during recent months. Electronics has also captured the imagination of marketing men, but the areas for automation have not been clearly defined.

This article answers some important questions and gives specific results that have been obtained.
Problems Peculiar to Export Sales Forecasting
Authors: Anderson Henry
Published: November 2018

The export-sales forecaster is plagued by a number of problems unknown in domestic-market analysis. The nature of these problems and their methodological implications are briefly discussed in the following article.