bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlocal Riemann–Liouville fractional evolution inclusions in Banach space
Authors: Bilal Shamas , Donchev Tzanko , Kitanov Nikolay , Javaid Nasir
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we study the existence of solutions for nonlocal semilinear fractional evolution inclusions involving Riemann–Liouville derivative in a general Banach space. The fixed point theorem for contractive valued multifunction is used. Illustrative example is provided.
A modified Lorenz system: Definition and solution
Authors: Zlatanovska Biljana , Dimovski Donc̆o
Published: March 2020

Based on the approximations of the Lorenz system of differential equations from the papers [B. Zlatanovska and D. Dimovski, Systems of difference equations approximating the Lorentz system of differential equations, Contributions Sec. Math. Tech. Sci. Manu. XXXIII 1–2 (2012) 75–96, B. Zlatanovska and D. Dimovski, Systems of difference equations as a model for the Lorentz system, in Proc. 5th Int. Scientific Conf. FMNS, Vol. I (Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, 2013), pp. 102–107, B. Zlatanovska, Approximation for the solutions of Lorenz system with systems of differential equations, Bull. Math. 41(1) (2017) 51–61], we define a Modified Lorenz system, that is a local approximation of the Lorenz system. It is a system of three differential equations, the first two are the same as the first two of the Lorenz system, and the third one is a homogeneous linear differential equation of fifth order with constant coefficients. The solution of this system is based on the results from [D. Dimitrovski and M. Mijatovic, A New Approach to the Theory of Ordinary Differential Equations (Numerus, Skopje, 1995), pp. 23–33].
On stochastic models in biology and medicine
Authors: Nikolova Iveta
Published: March 2020

Stochastic models along with deterministic models are successfully used for mathematical description of biological processes. They apply knowledge from probability theory and mathematical statistics to analyze specific characteristics of living systems. The paper is devoted to some stochastic models of various phenomena in biology and medicine. Basic concepts and definitions used in classical probability models are considered and illustrated by several examples with solutions. The stochastic kinetic modeling approach is described. A new kinetic model of autoimmune disease is presented. It is a system of nonlinear partial integro-differential equations supplemented by corresponding initial conditions. The modeling problem is solved computationally.
Unitary Menger algebra of C-quantifier free formulas of type (τn,(2))
Authors: Busaman Saofee
Published: March 2020

Using an [Formula: see text]-ary superposition operation [Formula: see text] on the set [Formula: see text] of all [Formula: see text]-ary term of [Formula: see text], one obtains a unitary Menger algebra [Formula: see text] of rank [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we define the set [Formula: see text] of all [Formula: see text]-ary C-quantifier free formulas of type [Formula: see text] on the set [Formula: see text] and define the operation [Formula: see text] on the set [Formula: see text]. After this definition, we have a unitary Mengar algebra [Formula: see text].
The condition pseudospectrum of a operator pencil
Authors: Ammar Aymen , Jeribi Aref , Mahfoudhi Kamel
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we establish some properties concerning the condition pseudospectrum of the linear operator pencils [Formula: see text] when, [Formula: see text] is not necessarily invertible. Also, we give some results related to the generalized condition pseudospectra and the generalized essential condition pseudospectra of linear operators. We start by studying the stability of these condition pseudospectra and some characterization.
Functional continuity of topological algebras with orthonormal bases
Authors: Siva G. , Ganesa Moorthy C.
Published: March 2020

(i) Every complex [Formula: see text]-algebra with an identity and with an orthonormal basis is functionally continuous; (ii) Every complex complete LMC algebra with an orthogonal basis is functionally continuous; (iii) Every complex sequentially complete locally convex algebra with an unconditional orthonormal basis and with an element [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text]th coefficient functional value tends to infinity as [Formula: see text] tends to infinity is functionally continuous. These results are proved and an example is provided for non-extendability of these results. A representation for positive linear functionals on a sequentially complete locally convex algebra with an unconditional orthonormal basis, with an identity, and with an element [Formula: see text] mentioned in (iii) is obtained. All results are obtained only for commutative algebras.
On uniqueness of meromorphic mappings from complete Kähler manifold into ℙn(ℂ)
Authors: Giang Ha Huong , Nhung Nguyen Thi
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we prove a uniqueness theorem for meromorphic mappings of a complete Kähler manifold [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text] sharing hyperplanes in general position under a general condition that the codimension of the intersection of inverse images of any [Formula: see text] hyperplanes is at least two.
The comparative analysis of metric and edge metric dimension of some subdivisions of the wheel graph
Authors: Raza Zahid , Bataineh M. S.
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study is to compute the edge metric dimension of some subdivision of the wheel graphs. In particular, we determine and compare the metric and edge metric dimensions of the graphs obtained after the cycle, spoke and barycentric subdivisions of the wheel graph. Furthermore, some families of graphs have been constructed through subdivision process for which [Formula: see text], and also [Formula: see text] which partially answer a question in [A. Kelenc, N. Tratnik and I. G. Yero, Uniquely identifying the edges of a graph: The edge metric dimension, Discrete Appl. Math. 251 (2018) 204–220].
Eigenvectors of a matrix under random perturbation
Authors: Benaych-Georges Florent , Enriquez Nathanaël , Michaïl Alkéos
Published: March 2020

In this text, based on elementary computations, we provide a perturbative expansion of the coordinates of the eigenvectors of a Hermitian matrix of large size perturbed by a random matrix with small operator norm whose entries in the eigenvector basis of the first one are independent, centered, with a variance profile. This is done through a perturbative expansion of spectral measures associated to the state defined by a given vector.
An Architecture of a Two-Layer Cloud-Based Web System Using a Fuzzy-Neural Request Distribution
Authors: Zatwarnicki Krzysztof , Zatwarnicka Anna
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, a significant part of human activity is supported by information systems, especially Web systems, hosted in the Web clouds. The architectures of Web cloud systems are in most cases complex. In this paper, we try to determine which cloud configuration in double-layer architecture is the best when using the fuzzy-neural intelligent method of request distribution. We present the distribution strategy, a testbed and the results of the conducted experiments. At the end of this paper, we discuss results and present final conclusions.
Experimental Therapeutics for Challenging Clinical Care of a Patient with an Extremely Rare Homozygous APOC2 Mutation
Authors: Ueda Masako , Wolska Anna , Burke Frances M. , Escobar Maria , Walters Laura , Lalic Dusanka , Hegele Robert A. , Remaley Alan T. , Rader Daniel J. , Dunbar Richard L.
Published: March 2020

Background. Among many causes of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare monogenic disorder that manifests as severe HTG and acute pancreatitis. Among the known causal genes for FCS, mutations in APOC2 only account for <2% of cases. Medical nutrition therapy is critical for FCS because usual triglyceride- (TG-) lowering medications are ineffective. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is an option to urgently reduce TG and pancreatitis episodes. Several novel biologics are under development to treat HTG and may provide therapeutic options for FCS in the future. Objective. We present the challenging care of a 43-year-old man with FCS with apoC-II deficiency and the results of two types of TPE and of investigational TG-lowering biologic therapies. Results. The patient’s lipid profile was consistent with FCS. A novel homozygous variant was identified in APOC2, and its pathogenicity was confirmed. Even on a fat-restricted diet, his care was tremendously complicated with unremitting bouts of pancreatitis. TPE with FFP replacement lowered TG >90% post-sessions and appeared to reduce pancreatitis episodes. Experimental ANGPTL3 and APOC3 inhibitors each lowered TG by >50%. Conclusions. Our case demonstrates the importance of delineating and defining the underlying etiology of a rare disorder to optimize therapy and to minimize unfavorable outcomes.
The Impact of Venture Capital on the Growth of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Agriculture
Authors: Du Junjuan , Cai Zheng-Qun
Published: March 2020

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are considered to have potential innovation capabilities and can create new market opportunities. Venture capital can financially support entrepreneurial activities for economic growth and governs and nurtures the growth of the SMEs. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence mechanism of venture capital on the development of SMEs in agri-food industry. Based on the enterprise growth theory, this study constructed an evaluation model, consisting of technological innovation, profitability, development capability, and solvency, to examine the effect of venture capital on the growth of agricultural SMEs. Using data of 40 agricultural SEMs from the SME and ChiNext boards in China, the empirical analysis has been conducted with the multivariate regression analysis method. The results show that the venture capital can significantly improve the technology innovation, profitability, and growth ability of SMEs. For the solvency of SMEs, the promoting role of venture capital is not obvious. Finally, the practical implications of this study for venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and regulators are discussed.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Opioid-Induced Constipation in an Older National Veteran Cohort
Authors: FitzHenry Fern , Eden Svetlana K. , Denton Jason , Cao Hui , Cao Aize , Reeves Ruth , Chen Guanhua , Gobbel Glenn , Wells Nancy , Matheny Michael E.
Published: March 2020

Objectives. This research describes the prevalence and covariates associated with opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in an observational cohort study utilizing a national veteran cohort and integrated data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Methods. A cohort of 152,904 veterans with encounters between 1 January 2008 and 30 November 2010, an exposure to opioids of 30 days or more, and no exposure in the prior year was developed to establish existing conditions and medications at the start of the opioid exposure and determining outcomes through the end of exposure. OIC was identified through additions/changes in laxative prescriptions, all-cause constipation identification through diagnosis, or constipation related procedures in the presence of opioid exposure. The association of time to constipation with opioid use was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression adjusted for patient characteristics, concomitant medications, laboratory tests, and comorbidities. Results. The prevalence of OIC was 12.6%. Twelve positively associated covariates were identified with the largest associations for prior constipation and prevalent laxative (any laxative that continued into the first day of opioid exposure). Among the 17 negatively associated covariates, the largest associations were for erythromycins, androgens/anabolics, and unknown race. Conclusions. There were several novel covariates found that are seen in the all-cause chronic constipation literature but have not been reported for opioid-induced constipation. Some are modifiable covariates, particularly medication coadministration, which may assist clinicians and researchers in risk stratification efforts when initiating opioid medications. The integration of CMS data supports the robustness of the analysis and may be of interest in the elderly population warranting future examination.
Significance of SUV Max for Predicting Occult Lymph Node Metastasis and Prognosis in Early-Stage Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Chunmiao , Li Hailiang , Seng Dongjie , Liu Fei
Published: March 2020

Objective. Our goal was to clarify the significance of SUV max for predicting occult lymph node metastasis and prognosis in early-stage tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods. cT1-2N0 tongue SCC patients who underwent a preoperative PET-CT examination were prospectively enrolled. The association between SUV max and occult lymph node metastasis was analyzed. The main study endpoint was locoregional control (LRC). The Cox model was used to determine the independent factors. Results. A total of 120 patients were included for analysis, and the median SUV max was 9.7. In 60 patients with an SUV max ≤9.7, 5 patients had occult metastasis; in 60 patients with an SUV max >9.7, 13 patients had occult metastasis, and the difference was significant (p=0.041). In patients with an SUV max ≤9.7, the 5-year LRC rate was 93%; in patients with an SUV max >9.7, the 5-year LRC rate was 81%, and the difference was significant (p=0.045). Conclusion. An SUV max >9.7 was a marker for occult lymph node metastasis and could decrease LRC in patients with cT1-2N0 tongue SCC.
Mechanical Properties of Sisal/Cattail Hybrid‐Reinforced Polyester Composites
Authors: Mbeche Silas M. , Wambua Paul M. , Githinji David N.
Published: March 2020

Due to environmental and energy conservation concerns, a thrust towards low‐cost lightweight materials has resulted in renewed interest in the development of sustainable materials that can replace nonbiodegradable and environmentally unfriendly materials in reinforced composites. In this study, mechanical properties of a hybrid composite consisting of polyester resin reinforced with a blend of sisal and cattail fibres were evaluated. The composite was fabricated using a hand lay‐up technique at varying hybrid fibre weight fractions (5 to 25 wt%) while maintaining a constant fibre blend ratio of 50/50. Composites were also prepared at a constant fibre weight fraction of 20% while varying the fibre blend ratio between 0 and 100%. Fabricated composites were then characterised in terms of flexural, tensile, compressive, and impact strengths following ASTM and ISO standards. Results showed that, at a constant fibre blend ratio of 50/50, there was increase in the mechanical properties as the fibre weight fraction increased from 5 to 20%. At a constant fibre weight fraction (20%), a positive improvement in flexural, tensile, and compressive properties was registered as the fibre blend ratio varied between 0 and 75% with optimal values at a sisal/cattail ratio of 75/25. The current study suggests that blending sisal and cattail fibres for production of polyester composites yields hybrid composites with enhanced mechanical properties.
Stochastic Restricted LASSO-Type Estimator in the Linear Regression Model
Authors: Kayanan Manickavasagar , Wijekoon Pushpakanthie
Published: March 2020

Among several variable selection methods, LASSO is the most desirable estimation procedure for handling regularization and variable selection simultaneously in the high-dimensional linear regression models when multicollinearity exists among the predictor variables. Since LASSO is unstable under high multicollinearity, the elastic-net (Enet) estimator has been used to overcome this issue. According to the literature, the estimation of regression parameters can be improved by adding prior information about regression coefficients to the model, which is available in the form of exact or stochastic linear restrictions. In this article, we proposed a stochastic restricted LASSO-type estimator (SRLASSO) by incorporating stochastic linear restrictions. Furthermore, we compared the performance of SRLASSO with LASSO and Enet in root mean square error (RMSE) criterion and mean absolute prediction error (MAPE) criterion based on a Monte Carlo simulation study. Finally, a real-world example was used to demonstrate the performance of SRLASSO.
The Design of an Ultralow-Power Ultra-wideband (5 GHz–10 GHz) Low Noise Amplifier in 0.13 μm CMOS Technology
Authors: Heidari Jobaneh Hemad
Published: March 2020

The calculation and design of an ultralow-power Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) are proposed in this paper. The LNA operates from 5 GHz to 10 GHz, and forward body biasing technique is used to bring down power consumption of the circuit. The design revolves around precise calculations related to input impedance, output impedance, and the gain of the circuit. MATLAB and Advanced Design System (ADS) are utilized to design and simulate the LNA. In addition, TSMC 0.13 μm CMOS process is used in ADS. The LNA is biased with two different voltage supplies in order to reduce power consumption. Noise Figure (NF), input matching (S11), gain (S21), IIP3, and power dissipation are 1.46 dB–2.27 dB, −11.25 dB, 13.82 dB, −8.5, and 963 μW, respectively.
Fermi Degenerate Antineutrino Star Model of Dark Energy
Authors: Neiser Tom F.
Published: March 2020

When the Large Hadron Collider resumes operations in 2021, several experiments will directly measure the motion of antihydrogen in free fall for the first time. Our current understanding of the universe is not yet fully prepared for the possibility that antimatter has negative gravitational mass. This paper proposes a model of cosmology, where the state of high energy density of the big bang is created by the collapse of an antineutrino star that has exceeded its Chandrasekhar limit. To allow the first neutrino stars and antineutrino stars to form naturally from an initial quantum vacuum state, it helps to assume that antimatter has negative gravitational mass. This assumption may also be helpful to identify dark energy. The degenerate remnant of an antineutrino star can today have an average mass density that is similar to the dark energy density of the ΛCDM model. When in hydrostatic equilibrium, this antineutrino star remnant can emit isothermal cosmic microwave background radiation and accelerate matter radially. This model and the ΛCDM model are in similar quantitative agreement with supernova distance measurements. Therefore, this model is useful as a purely academic exercise and as preparation for possible future discoveries.
Classification of Lung Nodules Based on Deep Residual Networks and Migration Learning
Authors: Wu Panpan , Sun Xuanchao , Zhao Ziping , Wang Haishuai , Pan Shirui , Schuller Björn
Published: March 2020

The classification process of lung nodule detection in a traditional computer-aided detection (CAD) system is complex, and the classification result is heavily dependent on the performance of each step in lung nodule detection, causing low classification accuracy and high false positive rate. In order to alleviate these issues, a lung nodule classification method based on a deep residual network is proposed. Abandoning traditional image processing methods and taking the 50-layer ResNet network structure as the initial model, the deep residual network is constructed by combining residual learning and migration learning. The proposed approach is verified by conducting experiments on the lung computed tomography (CT) images from the publicly available LIDC-IDRI database. An average accuracy of 98.23% and a false positive rate of 1.65% are obtained based on the ten-fold cross-validation method. Compared with the conventional support vector machine (SVM)-based CAD system, the accuracy of our method improved by 9.96% and the false positive rate decreased by 6.95%, while the accuracy improved by 1.75% and 2.42%, respectively, and the false positive rate decreased by 2.07% and 2.22%, respectively, in contrast to the VGG19 model and InceptionV3 convolutional neural networks. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method in lung nodule classification for CT images.
Epigenetic Regulation of KL (Klotho) via H3K27me3 (Histone 3 Lysine [K] 27 Trimethylation) in Renal Tubule Cells
Authors: Han Xiaobin , Sun Zhongjie
Published: March 2020

KL (klotho) levels decline with age, which is an important mechanistic driver of aging.
KL
gene deficiency is associated with hypertension. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential role of H3K27me3 (histone 3 lysine [K] 27 trimethylation) in the regulation of
KL
gene expression and examine the related molecular pathways that may drive kidney cell aging. Kidneys were collected from 6-month-old WT (wild type; young WT), 30-month-old WT (aged WT), and 6- (young) and 20-month-old (aged)
KL
mutant mice, respectively. We demonstrated that the H3K27me3 level was increased in kidneys of aged WT and KL mutant mice versus young WT mice. Elevation of H3K27me3 levels was likely due to downregulation of the H3K27 (histone H3 Lys 27)-specific demethylase JMJD3 (the Jumonji domain containing-3) in the aged kidneys. Inhibition of PRC2 (polycomb repressive complex C2; histone trimethyltransferase) decreased the H3K27me3 levels leading to an increase in the expression of KL in cultured primary renal tubule cells assessed by Western blot and
KL
promoter activity assays. The chromatin immunoprecipitation qPCR assay revealed that H3K27me3 was physically associated with the
KL
promoter region. Furthermore, aging impaired the SGK1 (serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1)/FOXO3a (the forkhead box class O 3a) signaling leading to upregulation of p53 and p16 (aging markers) in the kidney of aged WT mice. KL may regulate the SGK1/FOXO3 signaling, which was decreased due to KL deficiency. Thus, aging-associated downregulation of
KL
gene expression may be partly attributed to upregulation of H3K27me3 levels. Downregulation of KL may impair the SGK1/FOXO3 signaling contributing to kidney cell aging.
Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome With Inhibitor MCC950 Prevents Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections in Mice
Authors: Ren Pingping , Wu Darrell , Appel Richard , Zhang Lin , Zhang Chen , Luo Wei , Robertson Avril A. B. , Cooper Matthew A. , Coselli Joseph S. , Milewicz Dianna M. , Shen Ying H. , LeMaire Scott A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Aortic aneurysms and dissections are highly lethal diseases for which an effective treatment strategy is critically needed to prevent disease progression. The nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain–like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)–caspase‐1 inflammasome cascade was recently shown to play an important role in aortic destruction and disease development. In this study, we tested the effects of MCC950, a potent, selective NLRP3 inhibitor, on preventing aortic destruction and aortic aneurysm and dissection formation.

Methods and Results

In a model of sporadic aortic aneurysm and dissection induced by challenging wild‐type mice with a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet and angiotensin II infusion, MCC950 treatment significantly inhibited challenge‐induced aortic dilatation, dissection, and rupture in different thoracic and abdominal aortic segments in both male and female mice. Aortic disease reduction by MCC950 was associated with the prevention of NLRP3–caspase‐1 upregulation, smooth muscle cell contractile protein degradation, aortic cell death, and extracellular matrix destruction. Further investigation revealed that preventing matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP‐9) expression and activation in macrophages is an important mechanism underlying MCC950's protective effect. We found that caspase‐1 directly activated MMP‐9 by cleaving its N‐terminal inhibitory domain. Moreover, the genetic knockdown of
Nlrp3
or
Casp‐1
in mice or treatment of mice with MCC950 diminished the challenge‐induced N‐terminal cleavage of MMP‐9, MMP‐9 activation, and aortic destruction.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the NLRP3–caspase‐1 inflammasome directly activates MMP‐9. Targeting the inflammasome with MCC950 is a promising approach for preventing aortic destruction and aortic aneurysm and dissection development.
Hypertension in Rural India: The Contribution of Socioeconomic Position
Authors: Thrift Amanda G. , Ragavan Rathina Srinivasa , Riddell Michaela A. , Joshi Rohina , Thankappan K. R. , Chow Clara , Oldenburg Brian , Mahal Ajay S. , Kalyanram Kartik , Kartik Kamakshi , Suresh Oduru , Mini G. K. , Ismail Jordan , Gamage Dilan Giguruwa , Hasan Aniqa , Srikanth Velandai K. , Thomas Nihal , Maulik Pallab K. , Guggilla Rama K. , Evans Roger G.
Published: March 2020

Background

Various indicators of socioeconomic position (
SEP
) may have opposing effects on the risk of hypertension in disadvantaged settings. For example, high income may reflect sedentary employment, whereas greater education may promote healthy lifestyle choices. We assessed whether education modifies the association between income and hypertension in 3 regions of South India at different stages of epidemiological transition.

Methods and Results

Using a cross‐sectional design, we randomly selected villages within each of rural Trivandrum, West Godavari, and Rishi Valley. Sampling was stratified by age group and sex. We measured blood pressure and anthropometry and administered a questionnaire to identify lifestyle factors and
SEP
, including education, literacy, and income. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between various components of
SEP
and hypertension, and interaction analyses were used to determine whether educational attainment modified the association between income and hypertension. Trivandrum, the region of highest
SEP
, had the greatest prevalence of hypertension, whereas Rishi Valley, the lowest
SEP
region, had the least. Overall, greater income was associated with greater risk of hypertension. In interaction analyses, there was no evidence that educational attainment modified the association between income and hypertension.

Conclusions

Education is widely considered to ameliorate the risk of hypertension in high‐income countries. Why this effect is absent in rural India merits investigation.
Taxonomic notes on Plectocephalus (Centaurea s.l., Centaureinae, Asteraceae) from Chile, including new combinations and synonyms

Authors: PENNECKAMP DIEGO , CHAURA RODRIGO , ROJAS GLORIA , STUESSY TOD
Published: March 2020

New taxonomic names and combinations are proposed for the genus Plectocephalus (Asteraceae) in Chile, which has traditionally been included within Centaurea s.l. Based on morphology and geographical distribution, new nomenclatural combinations for seven taxa and eleven new synonyms are given as well as complete descriptions of two species.
Rediscovery of two species of Neoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from China
Authors: MO RAORAO , LIU RUIJUN , LI WEIHAI , SHI MINGWANG
Published: March 2020

Two species of the perlid genus Neoperla of the montivaga species group, N. longispina Wu, 1938 and N. minor Chu, 1929, are redescribed from Hainan and Zhejiang provinces of China, respectively. Neotypes are designated for both taxa. Illustrations and color photographs are provided for each species. Their taxonomic relationships are discussed with related congeners.
An unusual new leafhopper species of Daochia Wei, Zhang & Webb, 2006
(Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Stegelytrini) described from China
Authors: FANG YONGQIN , WEBB MICK , XING JICHUN
Published: March 2020

A new leafhopper species Daochia fenestrata sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Stegelytrini) from China is described with habitus photos and illustrations of male and female genitalia provided. In addition to its large and spectacular appearance the new species is unusual in having a transparent ‘window-like’ patch on the forewing. Another large, spectacularly marked species, Honguchia superba Wei & Webb, 2010, from Sumatra (Indonesia) is transferred to Daochia as D. superba comb. nov.. A checklist and key to Chinese genera of Stegelytrini are provided.
Redescription of Basiria gracilis (Thorne, 1949) Siddiqi, 1963 (Rhabditida, Tylenchidae) from South Africa
Authors: SHOKOOHI EBRAHIM , ABOLAFIA JOAQUÍN , MASHELA PHATU WILLIAM
Published: March 2020

Basiria gracilis is redescribed from North West Province, South Africa, associated with willow (Salix sp.), which is a dominant ornamental tree species in the province. B. gracilis is characterised by its female body length (692–994 µm), lateral field with two longitudinal incisures, weakly cuticularised labial framework, high lip region lacking annuli, stylet 8–13 µm long, axial spermatheca filled with small rounded sperm, conical-elongated female tail with round to pointed terminus (103–146 µm, c=6.1–7.4, c’=8.8–12.1). Morphologically, B. gracilis is closely related to B. paragracilis but the taxa are differentiated on the basis of lip region and stylet morphology. In addition, B. gracilis is reported for the first time from South Africa. Line drawings, LM and SEM illustrations are given for the species.
A new species of Eremotylus Forster, 1869 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Peru, with a key to the Neotropical species
Authors: SUAREZ RODRIGO , ALVARADO MABEL
Published: March 2020

The genus Eremotylus Forster currently comprises 16 described species, two of them occurring in the Neotropical region. The genus is recorded for the first time in Peru and Eremotylus pukayana sp. nov. is described. A key for the Neotropical species is also presented.
Notes on the spider genus Segestria Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Segestriidae) in the East Palaearctic with description of three new species
Authors: FOMICHEV ALEXANDER A. , MARUSIK YURI M.
Published: March 2020

Three new species of Segestria Latreille, 1804 are described from the East Palaearctic: Segestria nekhaevae sp. n. (♀, Tajikistan), S. shtoppelae sp. n. (♂♀, Kazakhstan), and S. fengi sp. n. (♂♀, China). Two other species found in Asia, S. turkestanica Dunin, 1986 (Central Asia) and S. nipponica Kishida, 1913 (Japan) are illustrated. Segestria is reported for the first time from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
ShareDisk: A novel visual tool to assess perceptions about who should be responsible for supporting persons with mental health problems
Authors: Iyer Srividya N , Pope Megan A , Jordan Gerald , Mohan Greeshma , Loohuis Heleen , Ramachandran Padmavati , Rangaswamy Thara , Malla Ashok K
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

Views on who bears how much responsibility for supporting individuals with mental health problems may vary across stakeholders (patients, families, clinicians) and cultures. Perceptions about responsibility may influence the extent to which stakeholders get involved in treatment. Our objective was to report on the development, psychometric properties and usability of a first-ever tool of this construct.

Methods:

We created a visual weighting disk called ‘ShareDisk’, measuring perceived extent of responsibility for supporting persons with mental health problems. It was administered (twice, 2 weeks apart) to patients, family members and clinicians in Chennai, India ( N = 30, 30 and 15, respectively) and Montreal, Canada ( N = 30, 32 and 15, respectively). Feedback regarding its usability was also collected.

Results:

The English, French and Tamil versions of the ShareDisk demonstrated high test–retest reliability ( rs = .69–.98) and were deemed easy to understand and use.

Conclusion:

The ShareDisk is a promising measure of a hitherto unmeasured construct that is easily deployable in settings varying in language and literacy levels. Its clinical utility lies in clarifying stakeholder roles. It can help researchers investigate how stakeholders’ roles are perceived and how these perceptions may be shaped by and shape the organization and experience of healthcare across settings.
Too Pacifist in Peace, Too Bellicose in War: Political Information and Foreign Policy Opinion
Authors: Fordham Benjamin O. , Kleinberg Katja B.
Published: March 2020

Scholars of public opinion and foreign policy recognize that the general public is poorly informed about international affairs, but they disagree about whether and how this fact affects the policies that it will support. Some argue that the lack of information has little effect, at least in the aggregate, while others hold that political information mediates attention to elite cues. We investigate a third line of argument in which political information has a direct effect on the policy options individuals support. Low levels of political information give rise to a pattern of complacency toward likely international threats in times of relative peace and a contrasting tendency to support violent and aggressive policy options during war or acute crises. We test this argument using survey data from two relevant historical settings: the American entry into World War II and the response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Anti-intellectualism and anti-evolutionism: Lessons from Hofstadter
Authors: Branch Glenn
Published: March 2020

The forces of anti-intellectualism in American life, as described by Richard Hofstadter, have been especially prominent in the battle against the teaching of evolution. Glenn Branch discusses the different aspects of anti-intellectualism that are at the root of objections to evolution and explains how creation science, which had a transparently religious motivation, eventually gave way to intelligent design, which was less explicit in its religious aims. In the face of constitutional challenges, these modes of anti-evolutionism have been largely replaced by discourse that misrepresents evolution as “just a theory” and that misleadingly portrays miseducation about evolution as a matter of intellectual freedom. Branch then suggests how, by understanding the anti-intellectual roots of objections to evolution, science educators might teach evolution more effectively.
Climate change: The thief of childhood
Authors: Grauer Stuart R.
Published: March 2020

As predictions about the effects of climate change have become more urgent, Stuart Grauer has wondered how much to bring this information into the curriculum at his school. Would learning about the possibly disastrous effects of climate change cultivate a sense of despair in students and ruin their childhoods? When working with students in the Andes and observing the work of climate activists, Grauer came to believe that teaching students about climate change could actually reduce the sense of powerlessness that leads many to experience anxiety and depression. Helping students understand the risks ahead of them enables them to take action, and taking action can promote improved mental health. As a result of this realization, Grauer has made environmentalism and activism important parts of the curriculum.
Under the Law: Measles outbreaks motivate change
Authors: Underwood Julie
Published: March 2020

In response to recent increases in the number of measles cases, some states have tightened their vaccine requirements for school admission, eliminating religious and personal belief exemptions. Julie Underwood traces the history of vaccination requirements and how the court has ruled on challenges to these requirements, which argue that requiring vaccination violates various individual rights. So far, courts have ruled in favor of vaccination requirements, noting that they are intended to promote the general welfare of all.
Critical possibilities for teacher education
Authors: Kitts Hope
Published: March 2020

This article reviews the limitations of critical pedagogy in programs of teacher education, as well as several approaches of critical pedagogy, and the author, to surpass these limitations. I ask: How can teacher education manifest as a radical force in the transformation of society and cultural relations in schools for the purpose of advancing social justice, the humanization of students, and the relevancy of education curriculum? Furthermore, how can teacher education do more to challenge the status quo of an uncritical, power-obsessed teaching force which reproduces relations of domination and subordination in school? Using historical as well as current research on the political developments influencing the role of critical pedagogy in programs of teacher education, I assert that although neoliberal mandates have restricted the prominence of this approach, teacher educators, teacher education program directors and administrators can exercise agency to promote critical pedagogical concepts for the humanization of student-teachers. I offer as an example the outline of a course designed to address these goals. Although the field of teacher education subsists in a neoliberal political climate, and remains beholden to uncritical funding sources, critical pedagogy, as an alternative paradigm, offers concrete steps programs and professors of teacher education can potentially take to act as critically transformative agents in education.
Look Who’s Talking: Mediums of Contact Among Mid-to Later-Life Siblings
Authors: Hill Melanie S. , Jensen Alexander C. , Coyne Sarah M. , Yorgason Jeremy B.
Published: March 2020

Adult siblings maintain contact and remain close to one another. The current study used participants recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk ( n = 491) to conduct regression analyses examining five methods of contact (in person, telephone, email, texting, and social media) predicting sibling closeness and conflict. Further, two- and three-way interactions assessed the role of sibling dyad composition (e.g., women with a sister and women with a brother). Results suggested that as contact in person, through social media, the telephone, or email increased, sibling closeness increased, while increased contact through email indicated less conflict. Assessing sibling dyad composition suggested as telephone contact increased, sibling closeness increased for all sibling dyads, especially for women with a sister compared to men with a brother. In-person and texting contacts were beneficial for women with a brother. Even in mid- to later-life, siblings connect through synchronous and asynchronous mediums, and this contact appears beneficial for sisters.
Impact of simulation-based anesthesiology training using an anesthetized porcine model for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block
Authors: Park Sang Jun , Kim Hyun Joo , Yang Hun-Mu , Yoon Kyung Bong , Lee Ki-Young , Ha Taehoon , Jang Hun , Kim Shin Hyung
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study was performed to assess the impact of simulation-based training for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block using anesthetized pigs.

Methods

In this prospective study, 23 participating residents (10 in their second year, 13 in their third year) underwent simulation-based training for ultrasound-guided TAP block. The residents completed standard questionnaires comprising 10 multiple-choice questions regarding essential general knowledge of abdominal ultrasound and TAP block before and after the training session. On a 5-point Likert scale, they reported their levels of comfort with the use of ultrasound and block equipment, subject/operator positioning, proper block technique, image documentation, needle handling, anxiety, and their overall confidence with the procedure.

Results

Compared with those before training, the comfort levels of the residents significantly improved for all measures except needle handling. The participants also indicated significantly reduced anxiety regarding performance of the TAP block technique.

Conclusion

The use of anesthetized pigs in simulation-based training for ultrasound-guided TAP block improves procedural knowledge and confidence while reducing the associated anxiety in anesthesiology trainees.
Effect of subdural muscle packing in repairing dura mater after retrosigmoid craniotomy
Authors: Yang Hong-an , Sun Shi-cheng , Zheng Xiang-rong , Ding Feng , Bie Yi-fan
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study was performed to evaluate a new type of autologous muscle tamponade to repair dura mater that has undergone dural defects to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage or subcutaneous fluid accumulation.

Methods

Three hundred thirty-two patients who underwent retrosigmoid craniotomy were selected and divided into two groups: bone window craniotomy and bone flap craniotomy. Each group was further divided into two groups: artificial dura repair and autologous muscle repair. We then analysed the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage or subcutaneous fluid accumulation and compared the effects of the two repair methods.

Results

For all patients, autologous muscle repair of the dura mater had a lower incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage than artificial dura mater repair, especially in patients with craniotomy.

Conclusions

Subdural craniotomy of the bone window is more effective than conventional methods in preventing cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Angiotensin II and Vasopressin for Vasodilatory Shock: A Critical Appraisal of Catecholamine-Sparing Strategies
Authors: Heavner Mojdeh S. , McCurdy Michael T. , Mazzeffi Michael A. , Galvagno Samuel M. , Tanaka Kenichi A. , Chow Jonathan H.
Published: March 2020

Vasodilatory shock is a serious medical condition that increases the morbidity and mortality of perioperative and critically ill patients. Norepinephrine is an established first-line therapy for this condition, but at high doses, it may lead to diminishing returns. Oftentimes, secondary noncatecholamine agents are required in those whose hypotension persists. Angiotensin II and vasopressin are both noncatecholamine agents available for the treatment of hypotension in vasodilatory shock. They have distinct modes of action and unique pharmacologic properties when compared to norepinephrine. Angiotensin II and vasopressin have shown promise in certain subsets of the population, such as those with acute kidney injury, high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, or those receiving cardiac surgery. Any benefit from these drugs must be weighed against the risks, as overall mortality has not been shown to decrease mortality in the general population. The aims of this narrative review are to provide insight into the historical use of noncatecholamine vasopressors and to compare and contrast their unique modes of action, physiologic rationale for administration, efficacy, and safety profiles.
The Effects of Personalized Feedback on Participation and Reporting in Mobile App Data Collection
Authors: Wenz Alexander , Jäckle Annette , Burton Jonathan , Couper Mick P.
Published: March 2020

Offering participants in mobile app studies personalized feedback on the data they report seems an obvious thing to do: Participants might expect an app to provide feedback given their experiences with commercial apps, feedback might motivate more people to participate in the study, and participants might be more motivated to provide accurate data so that the feedback is more useful to them. However, personalized feedback might lead participants to change the behavior that is being measured with the app, is costly to implement, and also constrains other design decisions for the data collection. In this article, we report on an experimental study that tested the effects of providing personalized feedback in a 1-month mobile app–based spending study. Based on the app paradata and responses to a debrief survey, it seems that participants reacted positively to the feedback. The feedback did not have the potential negative effect of altering the spending participants reported in the app. However, the feedback also did not have the intended effect of increasing initial participation or ongoing adherence to the study protocol.
Occurrence, predictors and outcome of infections at three months in hospitalized patients with SLE: A prospective study from Southern India
Authors: Alur Suhas , Mary Thabah Molly , Sistla Sujatha , Singh Negi Vir
Published: March 2020

Prospective data on infections in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from India are scarce. We studied the frequency and predictors of infections in hospitalized SLE patients. All data on infections were prospectively recorded. During the study period, 212 SLE patients (91% women) were hospitalised. Sixty-three (29.7%) had infections. The most common infections were pneumonia, skin and soft-tissue infections and urinary-tract infections. Mortality was higher in the infection group compared to the no infection group (11.1% vs. 0.7%; p=0.01). At three months, 10/63 developed another episode of infection. On logistic regression, the predictors of infection were fever [odds ratio (OR) = 4.17], vasculitis (OR = 2.64), thrombocytopaenia (OR = 3.59), presence of co-morbidities (OR = 3.59) and duration of hospital stay >11 days (OR = 3.55); p<0.001 for all. High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) and procalcitonin were measured in 95 patients. hsCRP was significantly higher in the infection group compared to the no infection group (median 27 vs. 6.5 mg/L; p<0.001). Procalcitonin was similar in both groups. A hsCRP of 11.5 mg/L had a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 72.9% to diagnose infection. To conclude, 29.7% of Indian SLE patients who are hospitalized have infections, resulting in a significantly increased duration of hospital stay. The presence of fever and co-morbidities are predictors of infection. The role of high hsCRP to support the diagnosis of infection in SLE is once again confirmed.
The disability-rights perspective within the bioethics agenda
Authors: Aarons Derrick E
Published: March 2020

The life perspectives of persons with disabilities have been neglected in many countries and particularly in lower- and middle-income countries that have fewer resources to adequately address the societal needs of these persons. Bioethics purports normative standards for the way in which we treat with others, and the virtue of care should be at the heart of everyday life. Human rights are norms that aspire to protect all persons everywhere. Within this milieu, persons with disabilities who make up a significant portion of all societies worldwide meet many social barriers that inhibit their quality of life and leave them greatly disadvantaged in comparison to able-bodied persons. This article focuses on the notion of quality of life, the presumed perspectives of biomedicine and bioethics on disability, the neglect of the lived experience of persons with disabilities, and the discrimination underlying the struggle for equal rights and opportunities for persons with disability. It argues for equal access to social and beneficial medical interventions for persons with disabilities; that persons with disabilities should be seen as different but equal; that their contributions to societal deliberations would enhance the richness of thought, views, narratives and perspectives; and that society should stop using the term disability and use instead the less value-laden term anomaly. Finally, it recommends educational campaigns to change negative attitudes towards persons with predicaments or anomalies, the respecting of human diversity, collaboration between upper-income and lower- and middle-income countries to develop strategies that seek to change negative attitudes towards persons with anomalies, and the inclusion worldwide of all these matters as a part of a bioethics agenda that advocates for respecting the human rights of persons with anomalies.