bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deforming charged black holes with dipolar differential rotation boundary
Authors: Hu Tong-Tong , Sun Shuo , Li Hong-Bo , Wang Yong-Qiang
Published: July 2020

Motivated by the recent studies of the novel asymptotically global$$\hbox {AdS}_4$$AdS4black hole with deformed horizon, we consider the action of Einstein–Maxwell gravity in AdS spacetime and construct the charged deforming AdS black holes with differential boundary. In contrast to deforming black hole without charge, there exists at least one value of horizon for an arbitrary temperature. The extremum of temperature is determined by chargeqand divides the range of temperature into several parts. Moreover, we use an isometric embedding in the three-dimensional space to investigate the horizon geometry. The entropy and quasinormal modes of deforming charged AdS black hole are also studied in this paper. Due to the existence of chargeq, the phase diagram of entropy is more complicated. We consider two cases of solutions: (1) fixing the chemical potential$$\mu $$μ; (2) changing the value of$$\mu $$μaccording to the values of horizon radius and charge. In the first case, it is interesting to find there exist two families of black hole solutions with different horizon radii for a fixed temperature, but these two black holes have same horizon geometry and entropy. The second case ensures that deforming charged AdS black hole solutions can reduce to standard RN–AdS black holes.
Increasing Penetration of DERs in Smart Grid Framework: A State-of-the-Art Review on Challenges, Mitigation Techniques and Role of Smart Inverters
Authors: Wankhede Sumeet Kumar , Paliwal Priyanka , Kirar Mukesh K.
Published: July 2020

The world is witnessing a transformation from the conventional electrical grid into the smart grid. The smart grid can provide an effective solution to alarming problems associated with a conventional grid with increased reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. Integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) comprising of renewable energy sources (RESs) is a vital component of the smart grid. DERs not only can provide a viable solution for environmental concerns arising due to conventional fossil fuel-based plants, but can also contribute towards the system reliability. However, the integration of DERs is associated with several challenges.  Thus, the successful deployment of DERs in smart grid framework calls for a comprehensive analysis. This paper presents an exhaustive review of various challenges associated with increased penetration of DERs. An organized classification of various technical challenges along with their mitigation measures has been critically reviewed. Smart inverters equipped with advanced control structure are emerging as a potential solution to address these challenges effectively. Hence, a review of smart inverter along with its functional capabilities has also been discussed in this paper.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PREVALENCE OF SELF-REPORTED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AND GENERAL HEALTH AMONG IRANIAN OIL REFINERY WORKERS
Authors: Mohammadi Ghorbanali
Published: July 2020

Musculoskeletal symptoms are the most frequent occupational health problems and accounts for a large number of losses in working days and disability for workers in modern industrialization. The aim of this paper was to investigate the relationship between the self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the head/neck, upper back and lower back and certain individual, work- related physical, psychological and general health factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a descriptive questionnaire which was distributed to 350 oil refinery workers in Iran and collected between April to December 2016. A total of 282 workers returned completed questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 81%. For the head/neck region, working at the long periods in uncomfortable posture (adjusted [Formula: see text], 95% [Formula: see text]–2.58) and doing repetitive activity (adjusted [Formula: see text], 95% [Formula: see text]–2.67) increased the risk experiencing head/neck symptoms. For the upper back region, lifting and transferring during work increased the risk of experiencing upper back symptoms (adjusted [Formula: see text], 95% [Formula: see text]–2.79). For the lower back region, working for more than 8[Formula: see text]h a week shows the strongly significant association for the risk of lower back symptoms. Lower back pain was associated with symptoms of anxiety and dysfunction in social functioning. Some physical and psychological factors were associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine among oil refinery workers. These data emphasize the need to develop and implement preventive measures that reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among workers.
Electron Charge Transport in Non-Peripherally Substituted Copper Phthalocyanine
Authors: Chaure Nandu B. , Barard S. , Chambrier Isabelle , Cammidge Andrew N. , Ray Asim. K.
Published: July 2020

Bottom-gate, bottom-contact organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) were fabricated using solvent soluble copper-1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octakis(hexyl)phthalocyanine as the active semiconductor layer. The compound was deposited as 70 nm thick spin-coated films onto gold source-drain electrodes supported on octadecyltrichlorosilane treated 250 nm thick SiO2 gate insulator. The analysis of experimental results showed the n-type field effect behaviour. Devices annealed at 100 oC under vacuum were found to exhibit the field-effect mobility of 0.0989 cm2 V−1 s−1, with an on/off current modulation ratio of ∼106, a reduced threshold voltage of 0.7 V and a sub-threshold swing of 2.12 V decade−1. The variations in surface morphology of the devices are found reflected considerably in the electrical measurements. The device contact resistance was found to be decreased as the gate bias increased and also with the annealing.
Skeletal muscle microvascular insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes is not improved by eight weeks of regular walking
Authors: Park Lauren K. , Parks Elizabeth J. , Pettit-Mee Ryan J. , Woodford Makenzie L. , Ghiarone Thaysa , Smith James A. , Sales Allan R. K. , Martinez-Lemus Luis A. , Manrique-Acevedo Camila , Padilla Jaume
Published: July 2020

This report provides evidence that in sedentary subjects with type 2 diabetes diminished insulin-stimulated increases in leg vascular conductance and ensuing blunted capillary perfusion in skeletal muscle are not restorable by increased walking alone. More innovative physical activity interventions that ultimately result in a robust mitigation of metabolic risk factors may be vital for reestablishing skeletal muscle microvascular insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.
Prevalence of Genotypes and Subtypes of Gardnerella vaginalis in South African Pregnant Women
Authors: Pillay Kayla , Nzimande Silondiwe , Naicker Meleshni , Ramsuran Veron , Tinarwo Partson , Abbai Nathlee
Published: July 2020

Background. Gardnerella vaginalis, a microorganism highly linked to bacterial vaginosis (BV), is understudied in terms of genotypic heterogeneity in South African populations. This study investigated the prevalence of G. vaginalis genotypes in BV-positive, BV-intermediate, and BV-negative South African pregnant women. Methods. The study population included n=354 pregnant women recruited from a public hospital in Durban, South Africa. The women provided self-collected vaginal swabs for BV diagnosis by Nugent scoring. For the genotyping assays, the 16S rRNA and sialidase A genes from BV-negative, BV-intermediate, and BV-positive samples were amplified with G. vaginalis-specific primers. The16S rRNA amplicon was digested with TaqI to generate genotyping profiles, and subtypes were determined by correlating BamHI and HindIII digestion profiles. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the 16S rRNA and sialidase A sequences. The data analysis was performed with R Statistical Computing software, version 3.6.2. Results. Two different genotypes, GT1 and GT2, were detected. The most prevalent genotype was GT1. Four subtypes (1, 2B, 2AB, and 2C) were shown to be present. The most prevalent subtype was 2B, followed by subtypes 1, 2C, and 2AB. The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA showed the presence of 5 clusters. The tree displayed clusters which contained sequences from the same BV group with different genotypes and subtypes. Clusters with sequences from across the BV groups carrying the same genotype and subtype were present. Diversity of the sialidase A across BV groups and genotypes was observed. Finally, the study did not find a significant association (p>0.05) between reported symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge and genotype harboured. Conclusion. This study provided the first report on the diversity of G. vaginalis in South African pregnant women. Diversity assessments of G. vaginalis with respect to genotypes and virulence factors may aid in a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of this microorganism.
Positive Solutions for Schrödinger-Poisson Systems with Sign-Changing Potential and Critical Growth
Authors: He Pengfei , Suo Hongmin
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study the existence of positive solutions for Schrödinger-Poisson systems with sign-changing potential and critical growth. By using the analytic techniques and variational method, the existence and multiplicity of positive solutions are obtained.
Mean Platelet Volume/Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Indicator for HBV-Related Decompensated Cirrhosis
Authors: Wu JianPing , Mao WeiLin , Li XinKe
Published: July 2020

Aim. To evaluate the prognostic role of the mean platelet volume/lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR) for mortality in patients with hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis (HBV-DeCi). Methods. The medical records of 101 patients with HBV-DeCi were retrospectively reviewed, and their baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics were extracted. The predictive value of the MPVLR for death was estimated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model. Results. Patients with HBV-DeCi in the high-MPVLR group exhibited significantly increased 90-day mortality compared with that of the patients within the low-MPVLR group, and MPVLR was an independent predictor of 90-day mortality in patients with HBV-DeCi. Conclusions. Increased MPVLR is associated with poor outcomes in patients with HBV-DeCi and might be a useful component of future prognostic scores.
Benign Histiocyte-Rich Pseudotumor Developing Postchemotherapy and Mimicking Residual Disease
Authors: Singh Amrit P. , Murray Glenn P. , Pandey Soumya
Published: July 2020

Histiocyte-rich pseudotumors (HRPT) developing postchemoradiation therapy are a florid response to treatment and reparative change. Although these are benign processes, clinically and radiologically, these may mimic recurrent/relapsed disease. We describe a case of an adult male with history of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), status postchemoradiation therapy, who developed HRPT at the site of original involvement, mimicking relapse of disease on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. This is one of the few reported cases of posttreatment HRPT. This entity is important to point out the limitations of PET/CT imaging in patients with lymphomas and metastatic disease and stresses the importance of an excisional biopsy for determining relapse and the need for further treatment.
Visualization of Gas Diffusion-Sorption in Coal: A Study Based on Synchrotron Radiation Nano-CT
Authors: Sun Yingfeng , Zhao Yixin , Zhang Hongwei , Zhang Cun
Published: July 2020

Gas diffusion-sorption is a critical step in coalbed methane (CBM) exploitation and carbon dioxide sequestration. Because of the particularity of gas physical properties, it is difficult to visualize the gas diffusion-sorption process in coal by experimental methods. Due to the limitation of experimental approaches to image the three-dimensional coal pore structure, it is impossible to obtain the three-dimensional pore structure images of coal. As a result, the visualization of gas diffusion-sorption in coal pore structure by numerical ways is impossible. In this study, gas diffusion coefficients were firstly estimated by experiments. Then, a gas diffusion-sorption coupled model was developed which can be applied to the nanoscale geometry imaged by synchrotron radiation nano-CT. The dynamic process of gas diffusion and ad-/desorption in the nanoscale microstructure of coal was visualized by the developed gas diffusion-adsorption coupled model and the numerical simulation based on MATLAB. The simulation results show a good agreement with the experimental results. The gas diffusion-sorption coupled model and numerical method can help to investigate the effect of microstructure on gas diffusion and ad-/desorption and provides a possibility to investigate the multiscale gas transportation and adsorption in coal pore-fracture system.
First-in-Human Study of AT13148, a Dual ROCK-AKT Inhibitor in Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: McLeod Robert , Kumar Rajiv , Papadatos-Pastos Dionysis , Mateo Joaquin , Brown Jessica S. , Garces Alvaro H. Ingles , Ruddle Ruth , Decordova Shaun , Jueliger Simone , Ferraldeschi Roberta , Maiques Oscar , Sanz-Moreno Victoria , Jones Paul , Traub Stephanie , Halbert Gavin , Mellor Sarah , Swales Karen E. , Raynaud Florence I. , Garrett Michelle D. , Banerji Udai
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

AT13148 is an oral AGC kinase inhibitor, which potently inhibits ROCK and AKT kinases. In preclinical models, AT13148 has been shown to have antimetastatic and antiproliferative activity.

Patients and Methods:

The trial followed a rolling six design during dose escalation. An intrapatient dose escalation arm to evaluate tolerability and a biopsy cohort to study pharmacodynamic effects were later added. AT13148 was administered orally three days a week (Mon–Wed–Fri) in 28-day cycles. Pharmacokinetic profiles were assessed using mass spectrometry and pharmacodynamic studies included quantifying p-GSK3β levels in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and p-cofilin and p-MLC2 levels in tumor biopsies.

Results:

Fifty-one patients were treated on study. The safety of 5–300 mg of AT13148 was studied. Further, the doses of 120–180–240 mg were studied in an intrapatient dose escalation cohort. The dose-limiting toxicities included hypotension (300 mg), pneumonitis, and elevated liver enzymes (240 mg), and skin rash (180 mg). The most common side effects were fatigue, nausea, headaches, and hypotension. On the basis of tolerability, 180 mg was considered the maximally tolerated dose. At 180 mg, mean Cmax and AUC were 400 nmol/L and 13,000 nmol/L/hour, respectively. At 180 mg, ≥50% reduction of p-cofilin was observed in 3 of 8 posttreatment biopsies.

Conclusions:

AT13148 was the first dual potent ROCK-AKT inhibitor to be investigated for the treatment of solid tumors. The narrow therapeutic index and the pharmacokinetic profile led to recommend not developing this compound further. There are significant lessons learned in designing and testing agents that simultaneously inhibit multiple kinases including AGC kinases in cancer.
Predictive Factors for Changes in Quality of Life after Steroid Treatment for Active Moderate-to-Severe Graves’ Orbitopathy: A Prospective Trial
Authors: Hoppe Elena , Lee Alan Chun Hong , Hoppe David , Kahaly George J.
Published: July 2020

Objectives: To investigate the predictive factors for changes in the quality of life (GO-QoL) of patients with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) prior to and after specific treatment. Methods: A prospective follow-up study was conducted at an academic tertiary referral orbital center with a joint thyroid-eye clinic on 100 consecutive patients with GO. Before and after the standard 12-week course of weekly intravenous methylprednisolone (cumulative dose 4.5 g), the GO-QoL questionnaire provided by the European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) was completed. Endocrine and ophthalmic assessments were performed at each visit. Results: All patients were biochemically euthyroid and untreated for GO at baseline and presented with active and moderate-to-severe disease. Both GO-QoL subscales (visual functioning [VF] and appearance [AP]) significantly increased after immunosuppressive therapy and showed a sustained improvement for 6 months. At baseline, demographic variables (sex, age, and smoking) influenced QoL in the stepwise linear regression (p < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.24 for VF and p < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.21 for AP). In contrast, 6 months after treatment, the improved QoL was now exclusively associated with ophthalmic parameters (p < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.47 for VF; p < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.23 for AP). Conclusions: Predictive factors for GO-QoL differed not only between the 2 subscales but also before and after the first treatment of GO.
Acute Kidney Injury in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infected Patients: A Meta-Analytic Study
Authors: Brienza Nicola , Puntillo Filomena , Romagnoli Stefano , Tritapepe Luigi
Published: July 2020

Introduction: In clinical reports on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is extremely variable, although AKI is described as an independent risk factor for mortality. A meta-analysis was performed to clarify the incidence and the impact of COVID-19-related AKI on mortality. Methods: All trials reporting the incidence of AKI in COVID-19 patients were searched using MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases (last update April 26, 2020). Results: Ten trials with a sample of 5,166 patients were included. AKI occurred in 947 out of 5,166 (18.3%) patients. AKI incidence was higher in severe cases: 62/305 severe patients developed AKI (20%) versus 27/1,268 nonsevere patients (2%) (p = 0.00001). AKI occurred in 475 out of 915 (52%) deceased patients versus 183 out of 2,678 (7%) survivors (p = 0.00001). Continuous renal replacement therapy was significantly more frequent in severe cases and in dead patients. Conclusion: A significant increase in mortality rate was observed in COVID patients who developed AKI, and AKI incidence was also higher in severe cases. Any supportive strategies to protect kidney could represent valuable intervention to reduce mortality in severe COVID-19 patients.
Glutamyl-Prolyl-tRNA Synthetase Regulates Proline-Rich Pro-Fibrotic Protein Synthesis During Cardiac Fibrosis
Authors: Wu Jiangbin , Subbaiah Kadiam C. Venkata , Xie Li Huitong , Jiang Feng , Khor Eng-Soon , Mickelsen Deanne , Myers Jason R. , Tang Wai Hong Wilson , Yao Peng
Published: July 2020

Rationale:

Increased protein synthesis of profibrotic genes is a common feature in cardiac fibrosis and heart failure. Despite this observation, critical factors and molecular mechanisms for translational control of profibrotic genes during cardiac fibrosis remain unclear.

Objective:

To investigate the role of a bifunctional ARS (aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase), EPRS (glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase) in translational control of cardiac fibrosis.

Methods and Results:

Results from reanalyses of multiple publicly available data sets of human and mouse heart failure, demonstrated that EPRS acted as an integrated node among the ARSs in various cardiac pathogenic processes. We confirmed that EPRS was induced at mRNA and protein levels (≈1.5–2.5-fold increase) in failing hearts compared with nonfailing hearts using our cohort of human and mouse heart samples. Genetic knockout of one allele of
Eprs
globally (
Eprs
+/−
) using CRISPR-Cas9 technology or in a Postn-Cre-dependent manner (
Eprs
flox/+
;
Postn
MCM/+
) strongly reduces cardiac fibrosis (≈50% reduction) in isoproterenol-, transverse aortic constriction-, and myocardial infarction (MI)-induced heart failure mouse models. Inhibition of EPRS using a PRS (prolyl-tRNA synthetase)-specific inhibitor, halofuginone, significantly decreases translation efficiency (TE) of proline-rich collagens in cardiac fibroblasts as well as TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β)-activated myofibroblasts. Overexpression of EPRS increases collagen protein expression in primary cardiac fibroblasts under TGF-β stimulation. Using transcriptome-wide RNA-Seq and polysome profiling-Seq in halofuginone-treated fibroblasts, we identified multiple novel Pro-rich genes in addition to collagens, such as Ltbp2 (latent TGF-β-binding protein 2) and Sulf1 (sulfatase 1), which are translationally regulated by EPRS. SULF1 is highly enriched in human and mouse myofibroblasts. In the primary cardiac fibroblast culture system, siRNA-mediated knockdown of SULF1 attenuates cardiac myofibroblast activation and collagen deposition. Overexpression of SULF1 promotes TGF-β-induced myofibroblast activation and partially antagonizes anti-fibrotic effects of halofuginone treatment.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that EPRS preferentially controls translational activation of proline codon rich profibrotic genes in cardiac fibroblasts and augments pathological cardiac remodeling.

Graphical Abstract:

A graphical abstract is available for this article.
First‐Trimester Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation Reduced Risks of Severe and Most Congenital Heart Diseases in Offspring: A Large Case‐Control Study
Authors: Qu Yanji , Lin Shao , Zhuang Jian , Bloom Michael S. , Smith Maggie , Nie Zhiqiang , Mai Jinzhuang , Ou Yanqiu , Wu Yong , Gao Xiangmin , Tan Hongzhuan , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: July 2020

Background

Maternal folic acid supplementation (FAS) reduces the risk of neural tube defects in offspring. However, its effect on congenital heart disease (CHDs), especially on the severe ones remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the individual and joint effect of first‐trimester maternal FAS and multivitamin use on CHDs in offspring.

Methods and Results

This is a case‐control study including 8379 confirmed CHD cases and 6918 controls from 40 healthcare centers of 21 cities in Guangdong Province, China. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of FAS and multivitamin use between CHD cases (overall and specific CHD phenotypes) and controls were calculated by controlling for parental confounders. The multiplicative interaction effect of FAS and multivitamin use on CHDs was estimated. A significantly protective association was detected between first‐trimester maternal FAS and CHDs among offspring (aOR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.62–0.76), but not for multivitamin use alone (aOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.73–2.78). There was no interaction between FAS and multivitamin use on CHDs (
P
=0.292). Most CHD phenotypes benefited from FAS (aORs ranged from 0.03–0.85), especially the most severe categories (ie, multiple critical CHDs [aOR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.12–0.22]) and phenotypes (ie, single ventricle [aOR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.004–0.21]).

Conclusions

First‐trimester maternal FAS, but not multivitamin use, was substantially associated with lower risk of CHDs, and the association was strongest for the most severe CHD phenotypes. We recommend that women of childbearing age should supplement with folic acid as early as possible, ensuring coverage of the critical window for fetal heart development to prevent CHDs.
Alteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients Aged >80 Years
Authors: Bluhmki Erich , Danays Thierry , Biegert Gabriele , Hacke Werner , Lees Kennedy R.
Published: July 2020

Background/Purpose:

Expert guidelines specify no upper age limit for alteplase for thrombolysis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) but, until recently, European regulatory criteria restricted its use to patients aged 18 to 80 years. We performed pooled analyses of randomized controlled trial (RCT) and registry data to evaluate the benefit-risk profile of alteplase for AIS among patients aged >80 years to support a regulatory application to lift the upper age restriction.

Methods:

Individual patient data were evaluated from 7 randomized trials of alteplase (0.9 mg/kg) versus placebo or open control for AIS, and the European SITS-UTMOST registry database. Clinical outcomes, including good functional outcome (score 0–1, modified Rankin Scale day 90 or Oxford Handicap Score day 180), were evaluated in the full RCT and registry populations, and specified age-based subgroups (≤80 or >80 years) who met existing European regulatory criteria for alteplase, excluding upper age restriction.

Results:

Regardless of treatment allocation, 90-day mortality was lower among RCT patients aged ≤80 versus >80 years who otherwise met existing European regulatory criteria (246/2405 [10.2%] versus 307/1028 [29.9%], respectively). Among patients aged >80 years, alteplase versus placebo was associated with a higher proportion of good stroke outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–1; 99/518 [19.1%] versus 67/510 [13.1%];
P
=0.0109) and similar 90-day mortality (153/518 [29.5%] versus 154/510 [30.2%];
P
=0.8382). The odds of a good stroke outcome following alteplase allocation in the full RCT population were independent of age (
P
=0.7383). Good stroke outcome was reported for almost half (4821/11 169 [43.2%]) of the patients who received alteplase in routine practice. Outcomes in routine practice supported those achieved in RCTs.

Conclusions:

Alteplase for AIS has a positive benefit-risk profile among patients aged >80 years when administered according to other regulatory criteria. Alteplase for AIS should be evaluated on an individual benefit-risk basis.
Irony and Metapoetics in Theocritus’ Idyll 18
Authors: Walker Guy
Published: July 2020

Although scholarship has identified multiple ironic elements throughout Theocritus’ Idyll 18, his epithalamium for Helen, this paper offers a new perspective on Theocritus’ ambiguity, his allusive puns, and his ironic comparisons that masquerade as generic hymeneal topoi. Additionally, the embedded aetiology of Helen’s tree-cult has long eluded interpretation. This paper proposes a metapoetic reading for the plane-tree and its arboreal inscription. As a mise en abyme, it forms a metatextual link between the imagined internal reader and the external audience to reflect on the power of the author and the text over the reader.
Description of the male imago of Paracloeodes eurybranchus Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty 1996 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae)
Authors: EMMERICH DANIEL , MOLINERI CARLOS
Published: July 2020

Paracloeodes Day 1955 is represented in America by 22 species, sixteen of them are present in South America (Cruz et al. 2018b). The systematic of the genus is mainly based on nymphs (Nieto & Salles 2006; Emmerich & Nieto 2009; Lima et al. 2010; Cruz et al. 2017) but the association of both stages was recognized to improve the taxonomy of the genus (Cruz et al. 2018a, b). All species are known from the nymphal stage, eleven of them are known from male adults. Paracloeodes eurybranchus is known from nymphs and female adults from Argentina and Brazil. We here describe the male imago and give some additional data for the female imago. The nymphs were collected in small pools on the banks of Los Sauces river. The entire river has a sandy substrate. Along with them, nymphs of Americabaetis alphus Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty 1996 were also collected.
Description of a new Filchneria (Plecoptera: Perlodidae), with supplementary illustrations for Taenionema japonicum (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae) from northeastern China
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG
Published: July 2020

A new species of the perlodid genus Filchneria Klapálek, F. dongruihangi sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on male and female from Heilongjiang Province of northeastern China. The new species is distinctive by the unique shape of female subgenital plate. Morphological comparisons are provided with related taxa. In addition, the taeniopterygid species, Taenionema japonicum (Okamoto) was collected from Jilin Province of northeastern China and supplemented with new illustrations.
Cochlear Implantation as a Treatment for Sudden Autoimmune Sensorineural Hearing Loss in a Patient Affected by Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Case Report and A Review of Literature
Authors: Cacco Tommaso , Castello Eolo , Canevari Frank Rikki Mauritz , Laborai Andrea , Grillone Alessandra , Zanetti Diego , Peretti Giorgio
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To report presentation, diagnostic process, management and outcome of a case of autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) related with Churg-Strauss syndrome, also known as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), treated with cochlear implantation, and review of relevant literature.

Case presentation and management:

A retrospective case report of AIED associated with EGPA treated with cochlear implantation was described. A multi-step approach for diagnosis and confirmation of AIED and hearing rehabilitation was conducted, eventually leading to left cochlear implantation.

Results:

The surgery was without complications and postoperative course was uneventful. Two years after surgery, pure-tone and speech soundfield audiometry with left cochlear implant switched on showed a good improvement in pure-tone threshold and a word recognition score of 50% at 60 dB nHL. Literature review does not report any previous case of AIED EGPA-related.

Conclusions:

Cochlear implantation in AIED EGPA-related have been shown to be a viable treatment option in a stabilized phase of disease.
The importance of sociodemographic characteristics of psychotherapy patients in institutional conditions on the Balkan territory
Authors: Vezmar Milica , Colovic Olga , Meskovic Daniel , Paunovic Marina , Dukanac Vesna
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

The effects of psychotherapy are proven, compelling and far-reaching. The aim was to evaluate sociodemographic characteristics and clinical diagnosis of psychotherapeutic patients who were treated at the Institute of Mental Health in Belgrade.

Design and Methods:

Retrospective clinical study was composed of 334 patients. Patients data related to the gender, age, education, employment, marital status and clinical diagnose were processed by descriptive statistics methods and chi-square test.

Results:

Psychotherapy services were mostly used by female patients (64.1%), aged 30 to 39 years, majority finished secondary school (47.6%) and were employed (54.8%). Half of the patients were single (49.7%) with unipolar depressive non-psychotic disorder (60.5%).

Conclusions:

The research of this kind and with this volume of patients, coming from institutional conditions, has never been done among Balkan nationalities and thus represent encouragement for future studies.
Wine, Beer, and Lotto: Black Community Mobilization Against Liquor Stores in Chicago
Authors: Blackmond Larnell Twyla , Campbell Christina , Papp Jordan
Published: July 2020

Many studies find a higher density of liquor stores in urban communities with predominantly Black and/or low-income residents. Although these business establishments tend to fill commercial voids in these neighborhoods, residents complain that liquor stores often provoke serious problems. Scholars support these claims with findings showing evidence of strong correlations between liquor stores and crime, domestic abuse, and substance abuse. The present study focuses on determining whether liquor store density continues to be higher in Chicago’s low-income and Black communities. The results of spatial cluster analysis and geographically-weighted regression analysis run counter to expectations with liquor stores concentrated in wealthier areas and predominantly white communities. Further analysis show that low-income and Black communities mobilized to vote for local moratoriums on the establishments. These results (a) provide evidence of civic engagement and citizen-based political mobilization in low-income and Black communities as well as (b) reinforce the idea that “place matters” with the same institutions playing drastically different roles in different communities. The inequality of spaces perpetuates a system in which the same establishments trigger varying outcomes, thus reactions, according to neighborhood attributes.
Analysis of mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy multiwalled carbon nanocomposites
Authors: Neto JSS , Banea MD , Cavalcanti DKK , Queiroz HFM , Aguiar RAA
Published: July 2020

The main objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of the sonication process and of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) content on the mechanical and thermal properties of an epoxy matrix. Three different sonication powers (25, 50 and 75 W) were used to disperse the MWCNTs (0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% wt.) in the epoxy matrix. Tensile tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, while the thermal properties were determined by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the Differential Exploratory Calorimetry (DSC). Finally, a SEM analysis was used to investigate the morphology of the tensile fractured surface and the dispersion of the nanotubes in the polymeric matrix, since the quality of dispersion influences the mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites. It was found that the addition of carbon nanotubes to the epoxy matrix and the parameters of the sonication process affect the mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites. An increase of approx. 14% in tensile strength and 15% of Young’s modulus, when compared to the pure epoxy matrix was found for 75 W sonication power output and 0.6% MWCNTs weight percentage. The thermal analysis indicated that the presence of MWCNTs increased the Tonset of the nanocomposites when compared to pure epoxy resin. Finally, increasing the sonication power output leads to higher Tg of the nanocomposites studied here.
Physical and mechanical properties of polyurethane thermoset matrices reinforced with green coconut fibres
Authors: Faria Douglas Lamounier , Júnior Laércio Mesquita , Resende Ana Angélica , Lopes Daiane Erika , Mendes Lourival Marin , Martins Maria Alice , Marconcini José Manoel , Junior José Benedito Guimarães
Published: July 2020

Currently, the use of composites to replace parts made only with plastics has been gradually employed. The advantages of these composites are low cost, high availability of raw materials and good physical and mechanical properties. Thus, this work aimed at producing and characterizing composites produced with coconut fibre reinforced polyurethane matrices. The coconut fibres were studied as to their chemical constituents, aspect ratio, bulk density, pH, tensile properties, and surface SEM images. The composites were prepared using the hand lay-up process and four different concentrations of coconut fibre were evaluated: 30, 40, 50, and 60%. The composites were assessed as for water absorption after 20 days of immersion, bulk density, impact IZOD, tensile tests, and visualize the matrix-reinforcement interface using SEM. The electron micrographs showed a great deal of impurities on the surface of coconut fibres, such as greases, waxes, and gums, due to the high amount of extraction material (19.78%), which damages the adherence of the polymer onto the coconut fibre and, as observed, cause detachment between the reinforcement and the matrix. The tensile strength of the composites tended to increase as greater amounts of coconut fibres were added to the matrix. The averages were around 6.51 to 6.72 MPa for composites with 30 and 60% fibres, respectively. Therefore, coconut fibres can be considered as an alternative to synthetic fibres commonly used in composites, and they can be used at a ratio of 60% without prejudicing the properties of the composites, making them lighter and cheaper.
Modeling of the Transmission of Coronaviruses, Measles Virus, Influenza Virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Legionella pneumophila in Dental Clinics
Authors: Zemouri C. , Awad S.F. , Volgenant C.M.C. , Crielaard W. , Laheij A.M.G.A. , de Soet J.J.
Published: July 2020

Dental health care workers are in close contact to their patients and are therefore at higher risk for contracting airborne infectious diseases. The transmission rates of airborne pathogens from patient to dental health care workers are unknown. With the outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as seasonal influenza, occasional outbreaks of measles and tuberculosis, and the current pandemic of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, it is important to estimate the risks for dental health care workers. Therefore, the transmission probability of these airborne infectious diseases was estimated via mathematical modeling. The transmission probability was modeled for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Legionella pneumophila, measles virus, influenza virus, and coronaviruses per a modified version of the Wells-Riley equation. This equation incorporated the indoor air quality by using carbon dioxide as a proxy and added the respiratory protection rate from medical face masks and N95 respirators. Scenario-specific analyses, uncertainty analyses, and sensitivity analyses were run to produce probability rates. A high transmission probability was characterized by high patient infectiousness, the absence of respiratory protection, and poor indoor air quality. The highest transmission probabilities were estimated for measles virus (100%), coronaviruses (99.4%), influenza virus (89.4%), and M. tuberculosis (84.0%). The low-risk scenario leads to transmission probabilities of 4.5% for measles virus and 0% for the other pathogens. From the sensitivity analysis, it shows that the transmission probability is strongly driven by indoor air quality, followed by patient infectiousness, and the least by respiratory protection from medical face mask use. Airborne infection transmission of pathogens such as measles virus and coronaviruses is likely to occur in the dental practice. The risk magnitude, however, is highly dependent on specific conditions in each dental clinic. Improved indoor air quality by ventilation, which reduces carbon dioxide, is the most important factor that will either strongly increase or decrease the probability of the transmission of a pathogen.
Oropharyngeal Secretion as Alternative for SARS-CoV-2 Detection
Authors: Yu C. , Li L. , Tuersun Y. , Zhao X. , Feng Q. , Zhang T. , Tay F.R. , Ma J.
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to determine if sampling of oropharyngeal secretions (OSs) helps improves detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by nucleic acid amplification testing of potential patients with COVID-19. The first prospective study consisted of 75 patients with COVID-19 who were ready for discharge and who had 2 consecutive negative results per nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) of viral samples retrieved with nasopharyngeal swabs (NPSs). Because of detection of potential false negatives in that cohort, the NAAT results of paired OS and NPS samples from 50 additional recruits with COVID-19 during their recovery stage were used in a second prospective study to compare the diagnostic values of the 2 viral RNA sampling methods. For identification of the frequency of inconsistency between the sampling methods, the McNemar’s test was used for difference analysis and the kappa statistic for consistency analysis. OSs obtained from 2 of the 75 participants in the first study yielded positive results for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. Both were male and aged >60 y. Subsequent chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassays indicated that they were positive for the SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies. For parallel NAAT of OS and NPS samples in the second study, McNemar’s test indicated that the difference between the frequencies of inconsistent parts of OS and NPS was statistically significant ( P = 0.021). Cohen’s kappa coefficient for OS and NPS was 0.244, which is indicative of fair consistency. The NPS test has a risk of sending home more patients (59%) who still have the infection, while the OS test will make such an error in fewer patients (14%). Although OS sampling improves the accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing, it has to be emphasized that this conclusion is based on a very small sample size. Detection of viral RNA from a patient’s secretions is not confirmative of viral infectivity.
How very massive atrocities end: A dataset and typology
Authors: Conley Bridget , Hazlett Chad
Published: July 2020

Understanding how the most severe mass atrocities have historically come to an end may aid in designing policy interventions to more rapidly terminate future episodes. To facilitate research in this area, we construct a new dataset covering all 43 very large mass atrocities perpetrated by governments or non-state actors since 1945 with at least 50,000 civilian fatalities. This article introduces and summarizes these data, including an inductively generated typology of three major ending types: those in which (i) violence is carried out to its intended conclusion (37%); (ii) the perpetrator is driven out of power militarily (26%); or (iii) the perpetrator shifts to a different strategy no longer involving mass atrocities against civilians (37%). We find that international actors play a range of important roles in endings, often involving encouragement and support for policy changes that reduce mass killings. Endings could be attributed principally to armed foreign interventions in only four cases, three of which involved regime change. Within the cases we study, no ending was attributable to a neutral peacekeeping mission.
French Pupils’ Lexical and Grammatical Spelling from Sixth to Ninth Grade: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bosse Marie-Line , Brissaud Catherine , Le Levier Hélène
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the results of a longitudinal spelling study conducted among 496 school children, from sixth grade (the first year of middle school in France) to ninth grade (the fourth and final year of middle school in France). Its first objective is to examine the evolution of both lexical and grammatical spelling skills in a deep orthography and to present new findings on the advanced mastery of spelling skills. Its second aim is to provide insight into pupils’ orthographic knowledge and remaining difficulties at the end of French compulsory schooling. Pupils were assessed using the same text dictation when they were sixth graders and when they were ninth graders. The data show that both lexical and grammatical performance increased from the sixth to ninth grade and that these interact with each other. The qualitative analysis of errors allows points of resistance in the acquisition of French orthography to be highlighted.
(Re)Measuring Community College Student Engagement: Testing a Seven-Factor CCSSE Model
Authors: McCarrell Kyle , Selznick Benjamin
Published: July 2020

Objective: Despite the popularity of the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE), this instrument has been criticized regarding its development, theoretical basis, validity, and connection to practice. In light of these concerns, this article reframes the survey by employing Chickering and Gamson’s seven principles, one of the survey’s original theoretical frameworks. A robust discussion of the new measure and its implications for research and practice is presented. Method: Chickering and Gamson’s theory was used to motivate, create, and evaluate a seven-factor model using items from the CCSSE. Drawing on responses from two community colleges ( N = 1,076), a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test this model. Results: Findings provide support for a seven-factor model with high model fit and moderate-to-strong factor reliability. Contributions: This study offers a valid alternative approach to considering CCSSE data that may influence future work in the area of community college student engagement. We also consider how institutional research practitioners and other stakeholders can leverage study insights to promote student success across community college contexts.
Experimental investigation on the effect of ethanol on micropore structure and fluid distribution of coalbed methane reservoir
Authors: Zhou Anqi , Zhang Diankun , Lai Fengpeng , Wang Maosheng , Wei Hexin , Mao Gangtao
Published: July 2020

The development of coalbed methane not only ensures the supply of natural gas but also reduces the risks of coal mine accidents. The micropore structure of coalbed methane reservoir affects the seepage of coalbed methane; improvement of pore structure is one of the effective methods to enhance the efficiency of coalbed methane exploitation. In this study, low-pressure nitrogen gas adsorption, specific surface area analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and centrifugation experiment were used to evaluate the effect of ethanol on coal microscopic pore structure and fluid distribution during hydraulic fracturing. Seven coal samples were collected from the No. 3 coal seam in Zhaozhuang Mine, Qinshui Basin. The samples are mainly composed of micropores, transition pores, and mesopores. The experimental results show that ethanol can significantly change the pore structure by increasing the pore diameter. The average specific surface area, pore volume, and pore diameter of rock samples before ethanol immersion are 1.1270 m2/g, 0.0104 cm3/g, and 14.20 nm, respectively. The three parameters of rock samples after ethanol immersion are 0.5865 m2/g, 0.0025 cm3/g, and 29.37 nm. Ethanol improves the connectivity between micropores and mesopores. The average irreducible fluid saturation of samples saturated with formation water after centrifugation is 86%, and the average irreducible fluid saturation of samples soaked in three concentrations of ethanol solution decreases. It is considered that an ethanol solution of 0.4% concentration has the best effect on improving the pore structure and fluid distribution.
Auditor Independence and Value Relevance in the European Banking Sector: Do Investor Protection Environment and Corporate Governance Matter?
Authors: Cimini Riccardo , Mechelli Alessandro , Sforza Vincenzo
Published: July 2020

Our study explores the effects of statutory auditor’s independence on value relevance, measuring the different impact against the quality of country-level investor’s protection and firm-level corporate governance. A sample of 98 European financial entities listed on the stock markets of 15 countries in the period from 2009 to 2014 is used to measure statutory auditor independence by taking into account audit firm tenure, partner tenure, and the percentage of nonaudit fees. Findings demonstrate that in different investor protection environments or in the presence of differences in corporate governance quality, phenomena that could be interpreted as a deterioration of the auditor independence do not necessarily determine a decrease in the value relevance of accounting numbers. Rather, they may determine a possible increase if the knowledge spillover effects prevail over the perception that independence has deteriorated. These findings add to the literature and provide regulators with insights by suggesting that not only accounting and auditing practices but also country features or firm-level corporate governance quality might influence the outcome of reforms on the independence of the statutory auditor as well as value relevance judgments.
Atrial functional mitral regurgitation: mechanisms and surgical implications
Authors: Fan Yiting , Wan Song , Wong Randolph Hung-Leung , Lee Alex Pui-Wai
Published: July 2020

The term atrial functional mitral regurgitation refers to a newly recognized disease entity in which mitral regurgitation occurs secondary to left atrial disease, without left ventricular dilatation and intrinsic mitral valve disease, typically in the setting of long-standing atrial fibrillation. Recent evidence suggests that atrial functional mitral regurgitation is associated with increased risk of death and heart failure re-hospitalization. The etiology, pathophysiology, and mechanism of atrial functional mitral regurgitation is not completely understood but they should not be regarded as the same as for the conventional type of functional mitral regurgitation secondary to left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. Mitral annular dilatation, atriogenic leaflet distortion, insufficient leaflet remodeling, and subtle left ventricular dysfunction may play a role in the pathogenesis of atrial functional mitral regurgitation. The therapeutic and surgical considerations of atrial functional mitral regurgitation are different from those of ventricular functional mitral regurgitation. In this review, we assess current evidence regarding this new disease entity and propose a new surgical approach based on up-to-date understanding and experience of this condition.