bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the activity of selamectin, imidacloprid and fipronil for the treatment of dogs infested experimentally withCtenocephalldes canisandCtenocephalides felis felis
Authors: Cadiergues M. C. , Caubet C. , Franc M.
Published: May 2019

Twenty‐four beagles were randomly allocated into four groups of six and housed in separate cages. Each dog was infested with 25Ctenocephalides canisand 25Ctenocephalides felis felisand two days later (day 0) the dogs in groups 1, 2 and 3 received a spot‐on application of selamectin (6 mg/kg), imidacloprid (10 mg/kg), or fipronil (6.7 mg/kg), respectively, while the dogs in group 4 were not treated. The dogs were combed 48 hours later, the fleas were removed, counted and their species were determined. All the dogs were reinfested with the same number of the two species of fleas on days 7,14,21,28 and 35, and the efficacy of the treatments was calculated 48 hours after each infestation. The mean numbers of fleas on the control dogs were 19.8C canisand 14.7C felis felis. The three treatments were effective for the full 35 days of the trial; over the first 28 days, the efficacy of selamectin ranged from 81 to 100 and 92 to 99 per cent againstC felis felisandC canis, respectively, the efficacy of imidacloprid ranged from 98 to 100 per cent and the efficacy of fipronil was 100 per cent against both species. There were no significant differences between the three treatments.
Detrital zircon U–Pb insights into the timing and provenance of the South Pyrenean Jaca basin
Authors: Roigé M. , Gómez-Gras D. , Stockli D.F. , Teixell A. , Boya S. , Remacha E.
Published: May 2019

We investigate how sedimentary systems respond to tectonic uplift during the last stages of infilling of a foreland basin. Massive conglomeratic deposits characterize the last stage of basin fill in the Jaca basin, the western portion of the South Pyrenean foreland. We conduct detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology in a 3000 m thick Cenozoic section containing the transition from deltaic to alluvial environments with the aim of reconstructing changes of provenance in this key stage of evolution of the basin. The last conglomeratic deposits of the basin belong to the San Juan de la Peña alluvial fan, which has previously been assigned an early Oligocene age. Our results show the presence of earliest Miocene detrital zircons at the base of the fan. Zircon double-dating reveals identical U–Pb and (U–Th)/He ages, which is indicative of a volcanic origin for these zircons. We therefore conclude that this fan was deposited during early Miocene times. Our data establish a new chronological framework for deformation and sedimentation in the South Pyrenean foreland, with strong implications for the dynamics and palaeogeography governing the last episodes of basin fill. Our results support synchronous sedimentation in the Jaca piggy-back basin and in the autochthonous Ebro basin during the last stages of Pyrenean compression in the Miocene. This work emphasizes the tectonic controls on the configuration of the drainage basin and gives insights into the evolution of the drainage network in internally drained basins.

Supplementary material: S1: Extended Zircon U-Pb LA-ICP-MS methodology. S2: Reduced detrital zircon U-Pb dataset for all analysis. S3: All age spectra. S4: zHe data. S5: Sample location for the analyzed samples are available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4507073
Marinobufagenin Inhibits Neutrophil Migration and Proinflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Carvalho Deyse C. M. , Cavalcante-Silva Luiz Henrique Agra , Lima Éssia de A. , Galvão José G. F. M. , Alves Anne K. de A. , Feijó Priscilla R. O. , Quintas Luís E. M. , Rodrigues-Mascarenhas Sandra
Published: May 2019

Cardiotonic steroids, such as ouabain and digoxin, are known to bind to Na+/K+-ATPase and to promote several biological activities, including anti-inflammatory activity. However, there are still no reports in the literature about inflammation and marinobufagenin, a cardiotonic steroid from the bufadienolide family endogenously found in mammals. Therefore, the aim of this work was to analyze,in vivoandin vitro, the role of marinobufagenin in acute inflammation.Swissmice were treated with 0.56 mg/kg of marinobufagenin intraperitoneally (i.p.) and zymosan (2 mg/mL, i.p.) was used to induce peritoneal inflammation. Peritoneal fluid was collected and used for counting cells by optical microscopy and proinflammatory cytokine quantification (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) by immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Zymosan stimulation, as expected, induced increased cell migration and proinflammatory cytokine levels in the peritoneum. Marinobufagenin treatment reduced polymorphonuclear cell migration and IL-1βand IL-6 levels in the peritoneal cavity, without interfering in TNF-αlevels. In addition, the effect of marinobufagenin was evaluated using peritoneal macrophages stimulated by zymosan (0.2 mg/mL)in vitro. Marinobufagenin treatment at different concentrations (10, 100, 1000, and 10000 nM) showed no cytotoxic effect on peritoneal macrophages. Interestingly, the lowest concentration, which did not inhibit Na+/K+-ATPase activity, attenuated proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-αlevels. To investigate the putative mechanism of action of marinobufagenin, the expression of surface molecules (TLR2 and CD69) and P-p38 MAPK were also evaluated, but no significant effect was observed. Thus, our results suggest that marinobufagenin has an anti-inflammatory rolein vivoandin vitroand reveals a novel possible endogenous function of this steroid in mammals.
A Unified Framework for Behaviour Monitoring and Abnormality Detection for Smart Home
Authors: Grewal Anupam , Kaur Maninder , Park Jong Hyuk
Published: May 2019

With the revolution in smart infrastructure in the recent past, the smart healthcare system has been paid more considerable attention. The continuous upgradation of electricity meters to smart electricity devices has probed into a new market of intelligent data analysis services, providing aid to the health care systems. This paper presents a unified framework for extracting user behaviour patterns from home-based smart electricity meter data. The structure allows exploration and integration of frequent pattern growth algorithm for pattern mining and application of a variety of machine learning algorithms for categorizing the activities into manually labelled classes along with the implementation of Local Outlier Factor method for detection of an abnormal pattern of the inhabitant of smart homes. To evaluate the proposed framework, the work is implemented on the smart electricity dataset from the United Kingdom by separating the data into four distinct data files meant for the morning, afternoon, evening, and night energy utilization records. The results show a remarkable performance of Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) classifiers with kappa statics greater than 0.95 for all time slots data. The resultant frequent device utilization patterns with anomaly score more than the threshold value, reflecting abnormal activity patterns, are found more in evening time data in comparison to other time slots, requiring the immediate attention of concerned healthcare authorities.
Real-Time Data Recovery in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Spatiotemporal Correlation Based on Sparse Representation
Authors: He Jingfei , Zhou Yatong
Published: May 2019

Due to data loss and sparse sampling methods utilized in WSNs to reduce energy consumption, reconstructing the raw sensed data from partial data is an indispensable operation. In this paper, a real-time data recovery method is proposed using the spatiotemporal correlation among WSN data. Specifically, by introducing the historical data, joint low-rank constraint and temporal stability are utilized to further exploit the data spatiotemporal correlation. Furthermore, an algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers is described to solve the resultant optimization problem efficiently. The simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods for different types of signal in the network.
A Class of Two-Derivative Two-Step Runge-Kutta Methods for Non-Stiff ODEs
Authors: Aiguobasimwin I. B. , Okuonghae R. I.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a new class of two-derivative two-step Runge-Kutta (TDTSRK) methods for the numerical solution of non-stiff initial value problems (IVPs) in ordinary differential equation (ODEs) is considered. The TDTSRK methods are a special case of multi-derivative Runge-Kutta methods proposed by Kastlunger and Wanner (1972). The methods considered herein incorporate only the first and second derivatives terms of ODEs. These methods possess large interval of stability when compared with other existing methods in the literature. The experiments have been performed on standard problems, and comparisons were made with some standard explicit Runge-Kutta methods in the literature.
Experimental Investigation of Thermal Modal Characteristics for a Ship’s Foundation under 300°C
Authors: Ding Zheyu , Bai Hongbai , Wu Yiwan , Zhu Yue , Shao Yichuan
Published: May 2019

How to further reduce vibration and noise is a major challenge for modern ship design. High‐temperature environment will significantly influence the mechanical properties (such as elastic modulus and stiffness) of the ship’s foundation. These properties will have a serious impact on the inherent vibration characteristics of the foundation. In this paper, a simplified foundation is taken as the research object, and a thermal‐vibration joint test system is developed for investigating the thermal modal characteristics of the foundation under different temperatures. The joint test system consists of a transient aerodynamic heating environment simulation system and a vibration excitation and acquisition system. Finite element method (FEM) is used to analyze the distribution of thermal fields. The influence of the ceramic rods and the different ambient temperatures on the modal characteristics of the foundation is studied. The results indicate that the effect of ceramic rods on the modal characteristic of the foundation is negligible. The results also show that the greater the vibration response amplitude is as the temperature increases and the first‐order natural frequency does not change, the smaller the second‐order natural frequency and the damping ratio will become smaller. The variation of natural frequency and damping ratio of the foundation under different temperature conditions can provide a reliable experimental basis for the design of the vibration and noise reduction of the ship’s foundation in the thermal‐vibration environment.
Design and Implementation of H∞ Miscellaneous Information Feedback Control for Vehicle Suspension System
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhou Zhijin
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we investigate an H∞ miscellaneous information feedback controller (HMIFC) for active suspension system stabilization. An auxiliary feedback signal is introduced in the control channel via a wireless communication network. Under this scheme, the onboard measured signal and network transmission signal are simultaneously used to improve the control performance. To handle the impact of network‐induced delays, a delay‐dependent stability criterion for the closed‐loop system is derived based on Lyapunov theory and the linear matrix inequality (LMI) method. By considering an augmented Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) and a relaxed integral inequality, a new existence condition of the miscellaneous feedback controller can be obtained. Compared with the traditional H∞ controller, the designed controller can acquire better ride comfort subject to the same constraints. Finally, comparative simulation and experimental results prove the effectiveness of the presented H∞ miscellaneous information feedback controller.
Gas Network Development in Compact Bentonite: Key Controls on the Stability of Flow Pathways
Authors: Harrington J. F. , Graham C. C. , Cuss R. J. , Norris S.
Published: May 2019

Compacted bentonite is proposed as an engineered barrier material within facilities for the geological disposal of radioactive waste. Barrier performance and its interaction with a free gas phase must be considered as part of sound repository design. This study involved the long-term experimental examination of gas flow in precompacted bentonite, with particular consideration of gas network stability. Results demonstrate that the stress field experienced by the clay is strongly coupled with gas flow. For the first time, three controls on this behaviour are considered: (i) injection flow rate, (ii) constant vs. variable gas pressure, and (iii) stimulation of the microfracture network. A detailed stress analysis is used to examine changes in the gas flow network. The results indicate a degree of metastability despite these changes, except in the case of stimulation of the microfracture network by removal of the primary drainage route. In this case, a rapid redevelopment of the gas flow network was observed. As such, availability of drainage pathways will represent a key control on the generation of peak gas pressures and distribution of gas within the engineered barrier. The cessation of gas flow is shown to result in crack closure and self-sealing. Observations from this study highlight that characterisation of the gas network distribution is of fundamental importance in predicting gas dissipation rates and understanding the long-term fate of gas in radioactive waste repositories.
In Silico Analysis of Coding/Noncoding SNPs of Human RETN Gene and Characterization of Their Impact on Resistin Stability and Structure
Authors: Elkhattabi Lamiae , Morjane Imane , Charoute Hicham , Amghar Soumaya , Bouafi Hind , Elkarhat Zouhair , Saile Rachid , Rouba Hassan , Barakat Abdelhamid
Published: May 2019

Resistin (RETN) is a gene coding for proinflammatory adipokine called resistin secreted by macrophages in humans. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in RETN are linked to obesity and insulin resistance in various populations. Using dbSNP, 78 nonsynonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) were retrieved and tested on a PredictSNP 1.0 megaserver. Among these, 15 nsSNPs were predicted as highly deleterious and thus subjected to further analyses, such as conservation, posttranscriptional modifications, and stability. The 3D structure of human resistin was generated by homology modeling using Swiss model. Root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), hydrogen bonds (h-bonds), and interactions were estimated. Furthermore, UTRscan served to identify UTR functional SNPs. Among the 15 most deleterious nsSNPs, 13 were predicted to be highly conserved including variants in posttranslational modification sites. Stability analysis predicted 9 nsSNPs (I32S, C51Y, G58E, G58R, C78S, G79C, W98C, C103G, and C104Y) which can decrease protein stability with at least three out of the four algorithms used in this study. These nsSNPs were chosen for structural analysis. Both variants C51Y and C104Y showed the highest RMS deviations (1.137 Å and 1.308 Å, respectively) which were confirmed by the important decrease in total h-bonds. The analysis of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions showed important differences between the native protein and the 9 mutants, particularly I32S, G79C, and C104Y. Six SNPs in the 3′UTR (rs920569876, rs74176247, rs1447199134, rs943234785, rs76346269, and rs78048640) were predicted to be implicated in polyadenylation signal. This study revealed 9 highly deleterious SNPs located in the human RETN gene coding region and 6 SNPs within the 3′UTR that may alter the protein structure. Interestingly, these SNPs are worth to be analyzed in functional studies to further elucidate their effect on metabolic phenotype occurrence.
Development of a Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model of Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity following Vertebral Column Decancellation
Authors: Wang Tianhao , Cai Zhihua , Zhao Yongfei , Zheng Guoquan , Wang Wei , Qi Dengbin , Song Diyu , Wang Yan
Published: May 2019

Background. Vertebral column decancellation (VCD) is a new spinal osteotomy technique to correct thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity (TLKD). Relevant biomechanical research is needed to evaluate the safety of the technique and the fixation system. We aimed to develop an accurate finite element (FE) model of the spine with TLKD following VCD and to provide a reliable model for further biomechanical analysis. Methods. A male TLKD patient who had been treated with VCD on L2 and instrumented from T10 to L4 was a volunteer for this study. The CT scanning images of the postoperative spine were used for model development. The FE model, simulating the spine from T1 to the sacrum, includes vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal ligaments, pedicle screws, and rods. The model consists of 509580 nodes and 445722 hexahedrons. The ranges of motion (ROM) under different loading conditions were calculated for validation. The stresses acting on rods, screws, and vertebrae were calculated. Results. The movement trend, peak stress, and ROM calculated by the current FE model are consistent with previous studies. The FE model in this study is able to simulate the mechanical response of the spine during different motions with different loading conditions. Under axial compression, the rod was the part bearing the peak stress. During flexion, the stress was concentrated on proximal pedicle screws. Under extension and lateral bending, an osteotomized L1 vertebra bore the greatest stress on the model. During tests, ligament disruption and unit deletion were not found, indicating an absence of fracture and fixation breakage. Discussion. A subject-specific FE model of the spine following VCD is developed and validated. It can provide a reliable and accurate digital platform for biomechanical analysis and surgical planning.
Pricing Vulnerable Option under Jump-Diffusion Model with Incomplete Information
Authors: Jiahui Yang , Shengwu Zhou , Haitao Zhou , Kaiqiang Guo
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the closed-form pricing formula for the European vulnerable option with credit risk and jump risk under incomplete information was derived. Noise was introduced to the option writers assets while the underlying asset price and the value of corporation were assumed to follow the jump-diffusion processes. Finally the numerical experiment showed that jumps of underlying assets would increase the value of the option, but noise of corporation value was opposite.
Geospatial Statistics Elucidate Competing Geological Controls on Natural CO2 Seeps in Italy
Authors: Roberts Jennifer J. , Bell Andrew F. , Wood Rachel A. , Haszeldine R. Stuart
Published: May 2019

Site selection for the geological storage of CO2 for long timespans requires an understanding of the controls on containment, migration, and surface seepage of subsurface CO2 fluids. Evidence of natural CO2 migration from depth to the surface is documented at 270 sites from Italy, a prolific CO2 province. Previous studies indicate that CO2 delivery to and from buried structures that host CO2 accumulations is fault controlled but competing controls on the CO2 flow pathways affect the location and style of CO2 release. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis using a novel geospatial approach to statistically determine the relationship between the geological setting and structures and the CO2 seep spatial distribution and characteristics (morphological type, flux, and temperature) in Central Italy. We find that seep distribution differs on two spatial scales corresponding to the geological setting. On large scales (>5 km), seeps are isotropically distributed and align with regional structures such as anticlines, decollements, and extensional faults. On local scales (<5 km), seeps cluster and align with subsidiary geologic structures, including faults and lithological boundaries. The detailed location and flux of seeps within clusters are influenced by the regional structural domain: in the Tyrrhenian, seeps tend to be located along fault traces, whereas seeps are located as springs in the tip and ramp regions of fault scarps in the Apennines. Thus, our geospatial approach evidences, at a regional scale, how macrocrustal fluid flow is governed by deep extensional and compressional features but once CO2 reaches shallower structures, it evidences how smaller scale features and hydrogeological factors distribute the CO2 fluids in the near surface, dependent on the geological setting. This work not only demonstrates useful application of a novel geospatial approach to characterize competing crustal controls on CO2 flow at different scales but also informs the design of appropriate site characterization and surface monitoring programs at engineered carbon stores.
Mapping a Multilayer Air Transport Network with the Integration of Airway, Route, and Flight Network
Authors: Zhou Qinyan , Yang Wendong , Zhu Jinfu
Published: May 2019

This paper develops a mapping approach to explore the relationship between different layers of a multilayer air transport network composed of airway, route, and flight network. A two-step methodology is adopted to investigate the hierarchical structure and mapping relationship of the integrated network. First, the relationship between airway and route network is characterized by a multisource multisink shortest path method based on a generalized incidence matrix. Second, the relationship between route and flight network is formulated by a two-dimension array. A case study of an en route airspace in Lanzhou air traffic control area in China verifies the feasibility of the proposed two-step methodology.
A Quaternion‐Based Robust Adaptive Spherical Simplex Unscented Particle Filter for MINS/VNS/GNS Integrated Navigation System
Authors: Jia Ke , Pei Yifei , Gao Zhaohui , Zhong Yongmin , Gao Shesheng , Wei Wenhui , Hu Gaoge
Published: May 2019

An improved filtering algorithm‐robust adaptive spherical simplex unscented particle filter (RASSUPF) is proposed to achieve high accuracy, induce the amount of computation, and resist the influence of abnormal interference for the MINS/VNS/GNS integrated navigation system. This algorithm adopts spherical simplex unscented transformation (SSUT) to approximate the probability distribution, employs the spherical simplex unscented Kalman filter (SSUKF) to generate the importance sampling density of particle filter, and applies robust and adaptive estimation to control the influence of the abnormal information on the state model and the observation model. Simulation results demonstrate the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the navigation error, improve the navigation positioning precision, and decrease the computation cost.
Nonlinear Torsional Vibration Analysis and Nonlinear Feedback Control of Complex Permanent Magnet Semidirect Drive Cutting System in Coal Cutters
Authors: Sheng Lianchao , Li Wei , Xin Gaifang , Wang Yuqiao , Fan Mengbao , Yang Xuefeng
Published: May 2019

The semidirect drive cutting transmission system of coal cutters is prone to unstable torsional vibration when the resistance values of its driving permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) are affected by changes in temperatures and tough conditions. Besides, the system has the properties of complex electromechanically coupling such as the coupling between electrical parameters and mechanical parameters. Therefore, in this study, the nonlinear torsional vibration equation was established on the basis of the Lagrange‐Maxwell theory. Moreover, in light of the nonlinear dynamic bifurcation theory, the system stability was analyzed by taking the resistance value of power motor as the bifurcation parameter. In addition, the influence of subcritical bifurcation on the torsional vibration was studied by investigating the necessary and sufficient conditions for dynamic Hopf bifurcation and classifying the bifurcation types. At last, in order to suppress destabilizing oscillation induced by Hopf bifurcation, the nonlinear feedback controller was constructed, with the introduction of feedback from the motor velocity as well as the selection of voltage value on the q shaft as the controlled variable. Meanwhile, the three‐order normal form and controlling parameters of the system were obtained with the aid of the multiple scales method and the harmonic balance method. In this way, the Hopf bifurcation point was transferred to control the stability of Hopf bifurcation and the amplitude of limit cycle, thus guaranteeing reliable and safe operation of the system. The numerical simulation results indicate that the designed controller boosts an ideal controlling effect.
Promises and Pitfalls of Using Liquid Biopsy for Precision Medicine
Authors: Rossi Giovanna , Ignatiadis Michail
Published: May 2019

New sensitive assays are currently available for the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTC). However, there remains a need for standardization of preanalytical issues and cross-platform comparison studies. Liquid biopsies are being evaluated for treatment selection, for monitoring disease response and resistance, for tracking minimal residual disease, and for cancer diagnosis. Multiple studies are underway to assess the clinical utility of CTC and ctDNA in different settings (treatment-naïve vs. resistant, adjuvant vs. metastatic) and for different treatment modalities (systemic therapy, surgery, radiation therapy). This review aims to map the challenges that remain to be addressed before liquid biopsies can be widely used for cancer management.
Identification of TP53RK-Binding Protein (TPRKB) Dependency in TP53-Deficient Cancers
Authors: Goswami Moloy T. , VanDenBerg Kelly R. , Han Sumin , Wang Lei Lucy , Singh Bhavneet , Weiss Travis , Barlow Myles , Kamberov Steven , Wilder-Romans Kari , Rhodes Daniel R. , Feng Felix Y. , Tomlins Scott A.
Published: May 2019

Tumor protein 53 (TP53; p53) is the most frequently altered gene in human cancer. Identification of vulnerabilities imposed by TP53 alterations may enable effective therapeutic approaches. Through analyzing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) screening data, we identified TP53RK-Binding Protein (TPRKB), a poorly characterized member of the tRNA-modifying EKC/KEOPS complex, as the most significant vulnerability in TP53-mutated cancer cell lines. In vitro and in vivo, across multiple benign-immortalized and cancer cell lines, we confirmed that TPRKB knockdown in TP53-deficient cells significantly inhibited proliferation, with minimal effect in TP53 wild-type cells. TP53 reintroduction into TP53-null cells resulted in loss of TPRKB sensitivity, confirming the importance of TP53 status in this context. In addition, cell lines with mutant TP53 or amplified MDM2 (E3-ubiquitin ligase for TP53) also showed high sensitivity to TPRKB knockdown, consistent with TPRKB dependence in a wide array of TP53-altered cancers. Depletion of other EKC/KEOPS complex members exhibited TP53-independent effects, supporting complex-independent functions of TPRKB. Finally, we found that TP53 indirectly mediates TPRKB degradation, which was rescued by coexpression of PRPK, an interacting member of the EKC/KEOPS complex, or proteasome inhibition. Together, these results identify a unique and specific requirement of TPRKB in a variety of TP53-deficient cancers.

Implications:

Cancer cells with genomic alterations in TP53 are dependent on TPRKB.
Hypoxia-Ischemia and Hypothermia Independently and Interactively Affect Neuronal Pathology in Neonatal Piglets with Short-Term Recovery
Authors: O’Brien Caitlin E. , Santos Polan T. , Kulikowicz Ewa , Reyes Michael , Koehler Raymond C. , Martin Lee J. , Lee Jennifer K.
Published: May 2019

Therapeutic hypothermia is the standard of clinical care for moderate neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. We investigated the independent and interactive effects of hypoxia-ischemia (HI) and temperature on neuronal survival and injury in basal ganglia and cerebral cortex in neonatal piglets. Male piglets were randomized to receive HI injury or sham procedure followed by 29 h of normothermia, sustained hypothermia induced at 2 h, or hypothermia with rewarming during fentanyl-nitrous oxide anesthesia. Viable and injured neurons and apoptotic profiles were counted in the anterior putamen, posterior putamen, and motor cortex at 29 h after HI injury or sham procedure. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) identified genomic DNA fragmentation to confirm cell death. Though hypothermia after HI preserved viable neurons in the anterior and posterior putamen, hypothermia prevented neuronal injury in only the anterior putamen. Hypothermia initiated 2 h after injury did not protect against apoptotic cell death in either the putamen or motor cortex, and rewarming from hypothermia was associated with increased apoptosis in the motor cortex. In non-HI shams, sustained hypothermia during anesthesia was associated with neuronal injury and corresponding viable neuron loss in the anterior putamen and motor cortex. TUNEL confirmed increased neurodegeneration in the putamen of hypothermic shams. Anesthetized, normothermic shams did not show abnormal neuronal cytopathology in the putamen or motor cortex, thereby demonstrating minimal contribution of the anesthetic regimen to neuronal injury during normothermia. We conclude that the efficacy of hypothermic protection after HI is region specific and that hypothermia during anesthesia in the absence of HI may be associated with neuronal injury in the developing brain. Studies examining the potential interactions between hypothermia and anesthesia, as well as with longer durations of hypothermia, are needed.
Are Neonatal Trials Better Conducted and Reported over the Last 6 Decades? An Analysis on Their Risk-of-Bias Status in Cochrane Reviews
Authors: Lai Nai Ming , Ong Joni M.J. , Chen Kee-Hsin , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Ovelman Colleen , Soll Roger
Published: May 2019

Background: The introduction of Neonatology as a subspecialty in 1960 has stimulated an enormous amount of neonatal research. A large proportion of neonatal randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) have been included in the Cochrane reviews, within which methodological quality or risk-of-bias (ROB) assessment is an integral feature. Objectives: We described the ROB profile of neonatal RCTs published since the 1950s. Methods: We analyzed individual studies within the Cochrane Neonatal reviews published up to December 2016. We extracted the reviewers’ judgments on the ROB domains including random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data, and selective reporting. We evaluated blinding of personnel in trials in which blinding was considered feasible. Results: We assessed 1980 RCTs published between 1952 and 2016 from 294 Cochrane Neonatal systematic reviews, with full ROB assessments performed in 848 trials (42.8%). Among the ROB domains, the highest proportion of trials (73%) were judged as satisfactory (“low risk”) in handling incomplete outcome data, while fewest trials achieved blinding of outcome assessor (38.4%). In the last 6 decades, a progressive increase has been observed in the proportion of trials that were rated as low risk in random sequence generation, allocation concealment, and selective reporting. However, blinding was achieved in less than half of the trials with no clear improvement across decades (23–44% since the 1980s). Conclusions: Despite steady improvement in the overall quality of neonatal RCTs over the last 6 decades, blinding remained unsatisfactory in the majority of the trials.
A Novel Mutation at HBB: c.91delA (Codon 30, –A) Causing β-Thalassemia in a Chinese Family
Authors: Jia Wenguang , Wang Weidong  , Zhu Hengying  , Chen Ping
Published: May 2019

β-Thalassemia is a genetic disease characterized by the defective synthesis of the hemoglobin tetramer β-globin chains. So far, a number of mutations have been identified and associated with this genetic disease. A high incidence of thalassemia has been found in Guangxi (China). Herein, we report a case of a patient with slightly increased HbA2 levels (4.6%). Based on the clinical data and laboratory findings, the patient was diagnosed with β-thalassemia. Routine genetic screening tests were negative. Sequencing revealed an A deletion at codon 30 (HBB: c.91delA) and the genotype of this patient was βCD30M/β. This mutation changes the splice receptor site of intron 1 from AG to GG, which likely abolishes splicing at the normal 5′ splicing site and may cause β0-thalassemia. Based on hematological and clinical evaluations, this novel mutation was regarded as a β0-thalassemia allele. A homozygosity or compound heterozygosity of this mutation and other β0-thalassemia alleles can lead to severe thalassemia disease.
A Mini-Review of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions to Promote Well-Being for People Living with Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: D’Cunha Nathan M. , Nguyen Dung , Naumovski Nenad , McKune Andrew J. , Kellett Jane , Georgousopoulou Ekavi N. , Frost Jane , Isbel Stephen
Published: May 2019

Assistive technology including virtual reality and augmented reality has gained interest as a novel intervention in a range of clinical settings. This technology has the potential to provide mental stimulation, a connection to autobiographical memory through reminiscence, and enhanced quality of life (QoL) to people living with dementia (PLWD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this mini-review, we examine the available evidence from studies reporting on the potential benefits of virtual and augmented reality to provide enjoyable, leisurely activities that may promote QoL and psychological well-being and facilitate social interaction. In total, 10 studies of varying study designs and durations (5 min to 6 months) using virtual (n = 9) and augmented reality (n = 1) were examined in PLWD (n = 6) and MCI (n= 3), in addition to 1 study that included participants with both conditions. Overall, the virtual experiences were enjoyed by the participants, improved their mood and apathy, and were preferred when compared with nonvirtual experiences. However, small sample sizes and variations in study design limit the generalizability of the results. Nevertheless, the use of virtual and augmented reality technology for PLWD and MCI is a novel and emerging method which may provide cognitive stimulation and improve well-being. Future research should explore the potential application of this technology to promote social interaction in both the community and aged care settings. We suggest future studies in PLWD and MCI assess the effects of more sustained use of virtual and augmented reality technology on psychological outcomes including QoL, apathy, and depressive symptoms, with the incorporation of physiological biomarker outcomes.
Criteria for Living Donation from Marginal Donors: One, No One, and One Hundred Thousand
Authors: Cantarelli Chiara , Cravedi Paolo
Published: May 2019

Context: The increasing need for kidney grafts has led to a progressive expansion in the selection criteria for deceased and living donors (LDs). While concerns regarding the use of organs from suboptimal deceased donors relate to the quality of the graft, donation from “marginal” LDs may pose potential harm to the donor. Subject of Review: Living kidney donation is a safe procedure, but is associated with a small risk of end-stage kidney disease in the long- term. When elderly subjects and those with comorbidities are considered, long-term post-donation data are missing, making decisions regarding donation from these populations challenging. Further, vague guidelines have led to a wide heterogeneity in the criteria for living donation from marginal donors across centers and individuals. A recent survey by Lafranca et al. [PLoS One 2017;12:e0181846] collected information from 331 members (mainly physicians) of the European Society of Transplantation regarding several expanded LD criteria. Median refusal rate for potential expanded criteria (ECD) LDs is 15% and the authors found significant differences across regions in Europe in the acceptance of donors with ECD. Some transplant specialists did also deviate from their own transplant center policy, mainly to consider donors with high body mass index. Second Opinion: The survey by Lafranca et al. [PLoS One 2017;12:e0181846] documents extreme variability in the criteria for marginal LD selection. Many centers are deviating from the few agreed upon guideline criteria and are considering individuals with hypertension and minors for kidney donation. Intriguingly, one-fourth of the surgeons even deviate occasionally from center policy, especially when the issue is donor obesity. By and large, these data indicate that transplant community has a generally open approach toward extension of criteria for living donation, but long-term follow-up studies are needed to draw solid conclusions and guidelines.
The Prognostic Impact of the Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio in Resected Pancreatic Head Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Onoe Shunsuke , Maeda Atsuyuki , Takayama Yuichi , Fukami Yasuyuki , Takahashi Takamasa , Uji Masahito , Kaneoka Yuji
Published: May 2019

Objective: Although the prognostic significance of systematic inflammation-based scores, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), has been explored in pancreatic cancers, few reports have investigated the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). We aimed to retrospectively investigate the prognostic value of the preoperative LMR in patients with resectable pancreatic head cancer (PHC). Methods: From 2005 to 2016, 165 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for PHC. All samples of peripheral blood were collected within 2 weeks prior to surgery. The best cutoff values of the LMR for predicting survival were determined by using a minimum p value approach (cut-off value: 2.8). The clinicopathological features of LMR <2.8 (n = 25) and ≥2.8 (n = 140) were compared. Results: Patients with LMR ≥2.8 showed significantly lower NLR and PLR, and significantly higher PNI. Levels of CEA and CA19-9 were similar, and the pathological findings were comparable between the groups. The overall survival of patients with LMR ≥2.8 (66.2% at 1 year) was superior to that of patients with LMR <2.8 (36.1% at 1 year, p = 0.015). Multivariate analysis identified LMR <2.8 (hazard ratio 1.72, 95% CI 1.02–2.89, p = 0.042), lymphatic and venous invasion and positive surgical margin as independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: LMR may carry important prognostic information for patients with resectable PHC. Preoperative LMR may be considered for use in risk stratification for individual patients with PHC.
Impact of the 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for High Blood Pressure on Evaluating Gestational Hypertension–Associated Risks for Newborns and Mothers
Authors: Hu Jie , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Bin , Zheng Tongzhang , Li Jun , Peng Yang , Zhou Aifen , Buka Stephen L. , Liu Simin , Zhang Yiming , Shi Kunchong , Xia Wei , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Xu Shunqing
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) released a new hypertension guideline for nonpregnant adults, using lower blood pressure values to identify hypertension. However, the impact of this new guideline on the diagnosis of gestational hypertension and the associated maternal and neonatal risks are unknown.

Objective:

To estimate the impact of adopting the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline on detecting gestational blood pressure elevations and the relationship with maternal and neonatal risk in the perinatal period using a retrospective cohort design.

Methods and Results:

This study included 16 345 women from China. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures of each woman were measured at up to 22 prenatal care visits across different stages of pregnancy. Logistic and linear regressions were used to estimate associations of blood pressure categories with the risk of preterm delivery, early-term delivery, and small for gestational age, and indicators of maternal liver, renal, and coagulation functions during pregnancy. We identified 4100 (25.1%) women with gestational hypertension using the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, compared with 4.2% using the former definition. Gestational hypertension, but not elevated blood pressure (subclinical blood pressure elevation), was significantly associated with altered indicators of liver, renal, and coagulation functions during pregnancy for mothers and increased risk of adverse birth outcomes for newborns; adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) for gestational hypertension stage 2 were 2.23 (1.18–4.24) for preterm delivery, 2.05 (1.67–2.53) for early-term delivery, and 1.43 (1.13–1.81) for small for gestational age.

Conclusions:

Adopting the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline would result in a substantial increase in the prevalence of gestational hypertension; subclinical blood pressure elevations during late pregnancy were not associated with increased maternal and neonatal risk in this cohort. Therefore, the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline may improve the detection of high blood pressure during pregnancy and the efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal risk. Replications in other populations are required.
Recommendations for the Establishment of Stroke Systems of Care: A 2019 Update
Authors: Adeoye Opeolu , Nyström Karin V. , Yavagal Dileep R. , Luciano Jean , Nogueira Raul G. , Zorowitz Richard D. , Khalessi Alexander A. , Bushnell Cheryl , Barsan William G. , Panagos Peter , Alberts Mark J. , Tiner A. Colby , Schwamm Lee H. , Jauch Edward C.
Published: May 2019

In 2005, the American Stroke Association published recommendations for the establishment of stroke systems of care and in 2013 expanded on them with a statement on interactions within stroke systems of care. The aim of this policy statement is to provide a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence evaluating stroke systems of care to date and to update the American Stroke Association recommendations on the basis of improvements in stroke systems of care. Over the past decade, stroke systems of care have seen vast improvements in endovascular therapy, neurocritical care, and stroke center certification, in addition to the advent of innovations, such as telestroke and mobile stroke units, in the context of significant changes in the organization of healthcare policy in the United States. This statement provides an update to prior publications to help guide policymakers and public healthcare agencies in continually updating their stroke systems of care in light of these changes. This statement and its recommendations span primordial and primary prevention, acute stroke recognition and activation of emergency medical services, triage to appropriate facilities, designation of and treatment at stroke centers, secondary prevention at hospital discharge, and rehabilitation and recovery.
Fiqh al-Daʿwa: The Emerging Standardization of Islamic Proselytism
Authors: Malik Jamal
Published: May 2019

Globalization has been made responsible for a variety of (re)invented traditions with a trend toward a new religious foundation in and of societies. With Islamic proselytism having gone global, it may resemble religious resistance to the status quo, when pious Muslims instigate homogenizing daʿwa activities and attempt to endow them with moral obligations and normative superstructure. The proliferation of standards and fledgling processes of ideological framing are traceable in what is called fiqh al-daʿwa, which includes general theorizing and ostensibly legal reasoning on daʿwa. In reality, it is more of a missionary ideology given weight by being clothed in Islamic legal terminology. This paper investigates the fiqh of daʿwa in its global setting, with an emphasis on its radical Islamist articulations. It does so by examining fiqh al-daʿwa’s legally, or rather ideologically and morally, charged treatises. In this way, the article reconstructs the genealogy of this rather new genre, as well as its social composition, its ideational grounding, and its normative potential. The condensed forms and derivatives of fiqh of daʿwa will be documented by means of certain rules, methods, and strategies of Islamist ideologues and organizations, particularly the post-Huḍaybī Muslim Brotherhood.1
Egyptian Cultural Expansionism: Taha Hussein Confronts the French in North Africa (1950-1952)
Authors: Ahmed Hussam R.
Published: May 2019

This article examines Taha Hussein’s (1889-1973) efforts as minister of public instruction to create Egyptian cultural institutes in Europe and North Africa between 1950 and 1952. While scholars have explored the Egyptian interest in the Mashriq before 1952, the details of Hussein’s hitherto unknown conflict with the French authorities over the creation of such institutes in the Maghrib show that Egypt also sought to officially extend its influence to the Maghrib before Nasser came to power. The article explores how Egypt and France articulated their cultural policies in the region as Egypt tried to assert itself as the guardian of Arabic and Islamic studies. Moreover, the article shows that despite Hussein’s ties to France and his controversial claim that culture should transcend politics, his negotiations reveal that the promotion of culture was his political strategy to assert an Egyptian influence, and push back against French colonial policies in North Africa.
Review of the genus Palaeothespis Tinkham (Mantodea: Thespidae), with description of one new species
Authors: GE DE-YAN , CHEN XIANG-SHENG
Published: May 2019

The Chinese endemic genus Palaeothespis Tinkham, 1937 (Mantodea: Thespidae: Pseudomiopteriginae: Pseudomiopterigini), containing 4 species: P. oreophilus Tinkham, 1937 (Sichuan: Kangding), P. pallidus Zhang, 1987 (Guizhou: Leishan, Daozhen, Libo and Xishui; Yunnan: Lushui), P. stictus Zhou & Shen, 1992 (Guizhou: Leishan, Daozhen; Zhejiang: Longquan), and P. leigongshanensis Ge & Chen n. sp. (Guizhou: Leishan), is reviewed here. The main morphological characteristics of P. leigongshanensis Ge & Chen n. sp. are described and illustrated. A key to all species of Palaeothespis is provided.
Revision of Flagellotrema Ozaki, 1936 (Digenea, Gyliauchenidae Fukui, 1929), including the description of two species from acanthuroid fishes from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Authors: HALL KATHRYN A. , CRIBB THOMAS H.
Published: May 2019

The taxonomy of the Gyliauchenidae Fukui, 1929 (Digenea) has been confounded historically by 2 main factors: difficulty in specimen preparation and varying opinion as to the consistency of morphological characters, such as the morphology of the oesophagus and the position of the ovary. Distinction between Flagellotrema Ozaki, 1936 and Gyliauchen Nicoll, 1915 has been blurred by overlap in the diagnoses of these genera. Here we provide a diagnosis for Flagellotrema, definitively separating it from Gyliauchen. We define Flagellotrema as possessing an oesophagus with at least 1 loop, an intertesticular ovary, and a cilia-like lining of the genital atrium, and also by the position of the genital pore definitely posterior to the intestinal bifurcation. We redescribe the type-species, Flagellotrema convolutum Ozaki, 1936 from Prionurus scalprum (Acanthuridae) from Japanese waters, based on our examination of type material and the literature, and describe 2 new cryptic species from acanthuroid fishes of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Flagellotrema amphitrite n. sp. is described from Prionurus maculatus from Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia and Flagellotrema reburrus is described from Siganus punctatus (Siganidae) from the same location. We also record F. reburrus from 3 other species of Siganus, S. corallinus, S. doliatus and S. vulpinus from Heron and Lizard Islands, Australia. Distinction between F. amphitrite and F. reburrus is difficult, and is based on the combination of morphometric data and sequence data from ITS2 and 28S (D1–D3) rDNA and ND1 mtDNA genes. We provide a taxonomic key to species of Flagellotrema and discuss the taxonomy and biogeography of the group. The description of 2 new species from acan-thuroid fishes on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, expands the geographic range of Flagellotrema from Japan to the greater western Pacific Ocean.