bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral Characterization of Pigment from the No. 1 Cave, Kizil Cave-Temple Complex
Authors: Liu Liu , He Jintao , Ye Mei , Zhu Zhanyun , Zhong Qing , Yang Junchang
Published: September 2019

The Kizil Cave-Temple Complex has been registered as a World Heritage site and was formerly a part of Kucha—one of the most powerful and prosperous regions of ancient China. The No. 1 Cave is of great significance due to its three surviving clay sculptures. The mural paintings inside the cave are experiencing severe degradation. Scientific methods such as optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffusion (XRD) were applied to analyze the pigments and organic coating used in the No. 1 Cave. The results show that paratacamite, gypsum, and lapis lazuli were used as the green, white, and blue pigments, respectively. Poly-n-butyl methacrylate (PBMA) was used as an organic coating of the blue pigment and has accelerated the aging of the mural paintings. This study shares insights into the materials and techniques employed and assesses the preservation status of the mural paintings, providing scientific support for protection and restoration schemes.
One More Accuracy k-Anonymity Framework for LBS
Authors: Zheng Fang , Peng Xinguang , Li Pingzhen
Published: September 2019

To achieve privacy protection in the k-anonymity algorithm, replacing the starting positions of k users with the center of the cloaked area results in the route from the starting position to the center of the cloaked area probably nonlinear, which will bring out the inconvenience for the user. This paper proposes a new anonymous server framework, on which we add the function of electronic map and navigation compared to the original one based on the framework of k-anonymity for LBS. In addition to the original tasks including computing the center of cloaked area O and the actual query result ri corresponding to the query qi, the anonymous server with the new architecture will plan the actual path loi−O from the starting query location oi to the center of the cloaked area O and return the new result collection of ri,rO−si for the user ui. Moreover, this paper improves the algorithm of computing the route rO−si to make it more in line with the actual situation of road network operation. Finally, we prove the importance of the approach by the experiment demonstration.
Performance Analysis and Optimization of CRNs Based on Fixed Feedback Probability Mechanism with Two Classes of Secondary Users
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Li Hongyi , Liu Jiemin
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we conduct a research based on the classified secondary users (SUs). SUs are divided into two categories: higher‐priority SU1 and lower‐priority SU2, and two types of users generate two types of packets, respectively. Due to the lowest spectrum usage rights of SU2 packets, the SU2 packets’ transmission is easily interrupted by other packets with higher rights. With the purpose of controlling the SU2 packets’ retransmission behavior, we introduce two system parameters, namely, feedback threshold T and feedback probability q. When the amount of SU2 packets in the buffer reaches the feedback threshold T, the interrupted SU2 packets either enter the buffer with probability q for retransmission or leave the channel by probability (1 − q), where q is a fixed parameter. We construct a three‐dimensional Markov model based on the presented retransmission control mechanism and derive some important performance indicators of SU2 packets based on the one‐step transfer probability matrix and steady‐state distribution. Then, we analyze the impact of some key parameters on the performance indicators through numerical experiments. Finally, we establish a cost function and use particle swarm optimization algorithm to optimize the feedback threshold and feedback probability.
Proteomic Analysis Reveals Allergen Variability among Breeds of the Dust Mite Blomia tropicalis
Authors: Santos da Silva Eduardo , Marques Ponte João Carlos , Barbosa da Silva Márcia  , Silva Pinheiro Carina , Carvalho Pacheco Luis Gustavo , Ferreira Fatima , Briza Peter , Alcantara-Neves Neuza Maria
Published: September 2019

Background: The dawn of the “omics” technologies has changed allergy research, increasing the knowledge and identification of new allergens. However, these studies have been almost restricted to Dermatophagoides spp. Although Blomia tropicalis has long been established as a clinically important source of allergens, a thorough proteomic characterization is still lacking for this dust mite. Objective: To increase knowledge of B. tropicalis allergens through proteomic analysis. Methods: Eleven in-bred lineages of B. tropicalis were obtained from 11 unique different pregnant females. Their somatic extracts were analyzed and compared with a commercially available extract by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: Considerable differences in the protein expression profiles were found among the breeds, and most of them displayed higher expression levels of major allergens than the commercially available extract. Blo t 2 was the most prominent allergenic protein in the analyzed extracts. Six identified allergens and 14 isoforms have not yet been recognized by IUIS. Conversely, 3 previously recognized B. tropicalis allergens were not found. Conclusions: The clear impact of inbreeding on allergen content shown by our study leads us to conclude that the quantification and/or identification of allergens from in-bred lines should be routinely considered for mite cultivation in order to select breeds with higher amounts of major allergens. In this sense, LC-MS/MS may be a useful method to achieve this quality control for research and commercial purposes.
Comparison of Neonatal Intubation Practice and Outcomes between the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Delivery Room
Authors: Herrick Heidi Meredith , Glass Kristen M. , Johnston Lindsay C. , Singh Neetu , Shults Justine , Ades Anne , Nadkarni Vinay , Nishisaki Akira , Foglia Elizabeth E. ,   for the NEAR4NEOS Investigators
Published: September 2019

Background: Characteristics of neonatal tracheal intubations (TI) may vary between the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and delivery room (DR). The impact of the setting on TI outcomes is not well characterized. Objective: The aim of this study was to define variation in neonatal TI practice between settings, and identify the association between setting and TI success and safety outcomes. Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of TIs in the National Emergency Airway Registry for Neonates from October 2014 to September 2017. The setting (NICU vs. DR) was the exposure of interest. The outcomes were first attempt success, course success, success within 4 attempts, adverse TI-associated events, severe desaturation, and bradycardia. We compared TI characteristics and outcomes between settings in univariable analysis. Factors significant in univariable analysis (p < 0.1) were included in a logistic regression model, with adjustment for clustering by center, to identify the independent impact of the setting on TI outcomes. Results: There were 3,145 TI encounters (2279 NICU, 866 DR) in 9 centers. Almost all baseline characteristics significantly varied between settings. First attempt success rates were 48% (NICU) and 46% (DR). In multivariable analysis, the setting was not associated with first attempt success. DR was associated with a higher adjusted OR (aOR) of success within 4 attempts (1.48, 95% CI 1.06–2.08) and a lower aOR for bradycardia (0.43, 95% CI 0.26–0.71). Conclusion: Significant differences in patient, provider, and practice characteristics exist between NICU and DR TIs. There is substantial room for improvement in first attempt success rates. These results suggest interventions to improve safety and success need to be targeted to the distinct setting.
The Efficacy of Argon Plasma Coagulation versus Carvedilol for Treatment of Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy
Authors: El Shahawy Mohamed S. , Shady Zakarya M. , Gaafar Abdullah
Published: September 2019

Background/Aim: Several treatment options have been developed for portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG); medications and endoscopic management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation (APC) versus Carvedilol in treatment of a cohort of Egyptian patients with severe PHG. Methods: A total of 130 patients with severe PHG were enrolled; 10 patients were excluded due to death and failure to complete the treatment sessions accordingly, 120 patients were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A (n = 52) treated with APC; Group B (n = 68) treated with oral Carvedilol. Success was defined as stabilization of hemoglobin (Hb) over 100 g/dL or Hb increase >10% from pretreatment level and reduction of blood transfusion requirements over the following 3 months after the start of therapy. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed to assess the degree and site of PHG. APC was conducted to areas with mucosal ectatic vascular lesions. Results: PHG was mostly fundic (36.35%) in APC group and (36.76%) in Carvedilol group (p = 0.56). Throughout follow-up period, there was significant increase in Hb level, serum iron, and serum ferritin with a significant decrease in total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in APC group as compared to Carvedilol group (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was gradual increase in the mean Hb, serum iron, and serum ferritin and gradual decrease of TIBC in Carvedilol group. Accordingly, there was an overall improvement of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in both groups; however, it was significantly better in APC group than in Carvedilol group. No major adverse events were detected in both the groups. Conclusion: APC significantly improves IDA and decreases transfusion requirements in patients with severe PHG as compared to oral Carvedilol with small risk of adverse events. Furthermore, the combination of APC and Carvedilol unless contraindicated could have a synergistic effect in controlling severe PHG.
Cold Atmospheric Plasma Disarms M1 Protein, an Important Streptococcal Virulence Factor
Authors: Persson Sandra T. , Ekström Simon , Papareddy Praveen , Herwald Heiko
Published: September 2019

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been demonstrated to be a successful antiseptic for chronic and infected wounds. Although experimental work has focused on elucidation of the curative power of CAP for wound healing, the molecular mechanisms behind this ability are less understood. To date, the direct effect of CAP on the activity of microbial virulence factors has not been investigated. In the present study, we therefore examined whether CAP can modulate the detrimental activity of M1 protein, one of the most studied Streptococcus pyogenes virulence determinant. Our results show that CAP abolishes the ability of M1 protein to trigger inflammatory host responses. Subsequent mass spectrometric analysis revealed that this effect was caused by oxidation of Met81 and Trp128 located at the sub-N-terminal region of M1 protein provoking a conformational change. Notably, our results also show that CAP has an insignificant effect on the host immune system, supporting the benefits of using CAP to combat infections. Considering the growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, novel antimicrobial therapeutic approaches are urgently needed that do not bear the risk of inducing additional resistance. Our study therefore may open new research avenues for the development of novel approaches for the treatment of skin and wound infections caused by S. pyogenes.
Acquired Lymphangioma Circumscriptum of the Penis Treated by Electrocoagulation
Authors: Bonini Julie , Ducharme Océane , Ponroy Berengere , Dauendorffer Jean-Noel , Baubion Emilie
Published: September 2019

Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a vascular malformation resulting from a developmental anomaly of the superficial lymphatic system of the skin. It is benign albeit uncommon. LC less frequently occurs on the penis. LC may be either congenital or acquired. Acquired cases appear to develop most frequently after interventions in the area or underlying pathologies. It is often mistaken for genital warts or molluscum contagiosum. We report here about a case of LC misdiagnosed with genital warts for 15 years. A biopsy eventually provided histopathological evidence. Various treatments are available for LC including surgical excision (which is the gold standard), CO2 laser ablation, cryotherapy, flash lamp pulsed dye laser, and electrocoagulation therapy. For our patient, one session of electrocoagulation was performed under local anesthesia. This treatment allowed an almost complete regression of the lesion without recurrence after 3 years of follow-up. Electrocoagulation may be an efficient treatment for LC in locations that may be surgically challenging such as penis.
Spatial Epidemiology of Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Apulia, Italy
Authors: Puopolo Maria , Catelan Dolores , Capellari Sabina , Ladogana Anna , Sanguedolce Antonio , Fedele Alberto , Aprile Valerio , Turco Giuseppa Lucia , Colaizzo Elisa , Tiple Dorina , Vaianella Luana , Parchi Piero , Biggeri Annibale , Pocchiari Maurizio
Published: September 2019

Background: Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by prions that is randomly distributed in all countries, with an overall yearly mortality rate of about 1–2 cases per million people. On a few occasions, however, sporadic CJD occurred with higher than expected rates, but further investigations failed to recognize any convincing causal link. In Italy, cluster analyses of sporadic CJD cases have not been performed previously. Objective: To investigate the geographical distribution of sporadic CJD using municipality geographical data of Apulia with the aim of detecting spatial clusters of disease. Patients and Methods: Patients included in this study were diagnosed as probable or definite sporadic CJD and were residents of the Apulia Region (Italy). Bayesian hierarchical models with spatially structured and unstructured random components were used to describe the spatial pattern of the disease and to assess the extent of heterogeneity among municipalities. The Kulldorff-Nagarwalla scan test and the flexible spatial scan statistic were used for detecting spatial clusters. Results: Smoothed Bayesian relative risks above the null value were observed in a few adjacent municipalities in the north and middle areas of Apulia. However, both the circular scanning method and the flexible spatial scan statistic identified only a single cluster in the central part of the region. Conclusion: Geographical analyses and tests for spatial randomness identified a restricted area with an unusually high number of sporadic CJD cases in the Apulia region of Italy. Environmental and genetic risk factors other than mutations in the prion protein gene however, need to be investigated.
A Rare Case of Atrophic Dermatofibroma Featuring Linear Skin Dimple
Authors: Takafuji Madoka , Tanemura Atsushi , Hanaoka Yuma , Tamai Katsuto , Fujimoto Manabu
Published: September 2019

Dermatofibroma (DF) is a benign skin tumor that is well-known among dermatologists. We herein present a rare case of atrophic dermatofibroma presenting linear skin dimpling. The patient was a 25-year-old woman with a history of wild-type recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa who had noticed linear concavity on her right lateral back 1 year before her initial presentation. Anetoderma, atrophic scar, localized morphea, or lupus erythematosus profundus were clinically suspected; however, a biopsy specimen from the dimpling lesion showed the fibrous and histiocytic tumor in the deep dermis. The spindle-to-rhomboid-shaped tumor cells were arranged with irregularly storiform pattern, and immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells were positive for factor XIIIa, and negative for CD34 and CD68. Elastica van Gieson staining showed an almost complete loss of elastic fibers, especially at the center of the lesion. The reduction of elastic fibers might have influenced the skin depression in this case. This rare case suggests the need to consider a subtype of DF in the differential diagnosis of dimpling skin lesions.
Rhythmic Release of Corticosterone Induces Circadian Clock Gene Expression in the Cerebellum
Authors: Bering Tenna , Hertz Henrik , Rath Martin Fredensborg
Published: September 2019

Neurons of the cerebellar cortex contain a circadian oscillator, with circadian expression of clock genes being controlled by the master clock of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). However, the signaling pathway connecting the SCN to the cerebellum is unknown. Glucocorticoids exhibit a prominent SCN-dependent circadian rhythm, and high levels of the glucocorticoid receptor have been reported in the cerebellar cortex; we therefore hypothesized that glucocorticoids may control the rhythmic expression of clock genes in the cerebellar cortex. We here applied a novel methodology by combining the electrolytic lesion of the SCN with implantation of a micropump programmed to release corticosterone in a circadian manner mimicking the endogenous hormone profile. By use of this approach, we were able to restore the corticosterone rhythm in SCN-lesioned male rats. Clock gene expression in the cerebellum was abolished in rats with a lesioned SCN, but exogenous corticosterone restored the daily rhythm in clock gene expression in the cerebellar cortex, as revealed by quantitative real-time PCR and radiochemical in situ hybridization for the detection of the core clock genes Per1, Per2, and Arntl. On the contrary, exogenous hormone did not restore circadian rhythms in body temperature and running activity. RNAscope in situ hybridization further revealed that the glucocorticoid receptor colocalizes with clock gene products in cells of the cerebellar cortex, suggesting that corticosterone exerts its actions by binding directly to receptors in neurons of the cerebellum. However, rhythmic clock gene expression in the cerebellum was also detectable in adrenalectomized rats, indicating that additional control mechanisms exist. These data show that the cerebellar circadian oscillator is influenced by SCN-dependent rhythmic release of corticosterone.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Supraoptic Vasopressin Neurons in Hyponatremia
Authors: Balapattabi Kirthikaa , Little Joel T. , Bachelor Martha , Cunningham J. Thomas
Published: September 2019

Hyponatremia due to elevated arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion increases mortality in liver failure patients. The mechanisms causing dysregulation of AVP secretion are unknown. Our hypothesis is that inappropriate AVP release associated with liver failure is due to increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the supraoptic nucleus (SON). BDNF diminishes GABAA inhibition in SON AVP neurons by increasing intracellular chloride through tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) activation and downregulation of K+/Cl– cotransporter 2 (KCC2). This loss of inhibition could increase AVP secretion. This hypothesis was tested using shRNA against BDNF (shBDNF) in the SON in bile duct ligated (BDL) male rats. All BDL rats had significantly increased liver weight (p < 0.05; 6–9) compared to shams. BDL rats with control ­shRNA injections (BDL scrambled [SCR]) developed hyponatremia with increased plasma AVP and copeptin (CPP; all p < 0.05; 6–9) compared to sham groups. This is the first study to show that phosphorylation of TrkB is significantly increased along with significant decrease in phosphorylation of KCC2 in BDL SCR rats compared to the sham rats (p < 0.05;6–8). Knockdown of BDNF in the SON of BDL rats (BDL shBDNF) significantly increased plasma osmolality and hematocrit compared to BDL SCR rats (p < 0.05; 6–9). The BDL shBDNF rats had significant (p < 0.05; 6–9) decreases in plasma AVP and CPP concentration compared to BDL SCR rats. The BDNF knockdown also significantly blocked the increase in TrkB phosphorylation and decrease in KCC2 phosphorylation (p < 0.05; 6–8). The results indicate that BDNF produced in the SON contributes to increased AVP secretion and hyponatremia during liver failure.
Flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais
Authors: Colli-Silva Matheus , Esteves Gerleni Lopes , Duarte Marília Cristina
Published: September 2019

Este trabalho é uma contribuição ao projeto “Flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brasil” para Malvaceae sensu lato. Com base no material coletado e analisado ao longo das últimas décadas, foram registradas nesta Serra onze espécies de Byttnerioideae de cinco gêneros (Ayenia, Byttneria, Guazuma, Melochia, Waltheria), uma espécie de Sterculia em Sterculioideae e duas espécies de Helicteres em Helicterioideae, totalizando treze espécies em sete gêneros nas três subfamílias. São apresentadas chaves para identificação das subfamílias, gêneros e espécies, assim como descrições diagnósticas, ilustrações selecionadas e comentários atualizados sobre a distribuição e ecologia dos táxons
Unlocking the Secrets of Mitochondria in the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Tian Rong , Colucci Wilson S. , Arany Zoltan , Bachschmid Markus M. , Ballinger Scott W. , Boudina Sihem , Bruce James E. , Busija David W. , Dikalov Sergey , Dorn Gerald W. , Galis Zorina S. , Gottlieb Roberta A. , Kelly Daniel P. , Kitsis Richard N. , Kohr Mark J. , Levy Daniel , Lewandowski E. Douglas , McClung Joseph M. , Mochly-Rosen Daria , O’Brien Kevin D. , O’Rourke Brian , Park Joon-Young , Ping Peipei , Sack Michael N. , Sheu Shey-Shing , Shi Yang , Shiva Sruti , Wallace Douglas C. , Weiss Robert G. , Vernon Hilary J. , Wong Renee , Longacre Lisa Schwartz , Shi Scarlet
Published: September 2019

Mitochondria have emerged as a central factor in the pathogenesis and progression of heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases, as well, but no therapies are available to treat mitochondrial dysfunction. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a group of leading experts in heart failure, cardiovascular diseases, and mitochondria research in August 2018. These experts reviewed the current state of science and identified key gaps and opportunities in basic, translational, and clinical research focusing on the potential of mitochondria-based therapeutic strategies in heart failure. The workshop provided short- and long-term recommendations for moving the field toward clinical strategies for the prevention and treatment of heart failure and cardiovascular diseases by using mitochondria-based approaches.
ACE2 and ADAM17 Interaction Regulates the Activity of Presympathetic Neurons
Authors: Mukerjee Snigdha , Gao Hong , Xu Jiaxi , Sato Ryosuke , Zsombok Andrea , Lazartigues Eric
Published: September 2019

Brain renin angiotensin system within the paraventricular nucleus plays a critical role in balancing excitatory and inhibitory inputs to modulate sympathetic output and blood pressure regulation. We previously identified ACE2 and ADAM17 as a compensatory enzyme and a sheddase, respectively, involved in brain renin angiotensin system regulation. Here, we investigated the opposing contribution of ACE2 and ADAM17 to hypothalamic presympathetic activity and ultimately neurogenic hypertension. New mouse models were generated where ACE2 and ADAM17 were selectively knocked down from all neurons (AC-N) or Sim1 neurons (SAT), respectively. Neuronal ACE2 deletion revealed a reduction of inhibitory inputs to AC-N presympathetic neurons relevant to blood pressure regulation. Primary neuron cultures confirmed ACE2 expression on GABAergic neurons synapsing onto excitatory neurons within the hypothalamus but not on glutamatergic neurons. ADAM17 expression was shown to colocalize with angiotensin-II type 1 receptors on Sim1 neurons, and the pressor relevance of this neuronal population was demonstrated by photoactivation. Selective knockdown of ADAM17 was associated with a reduction of FosB gene expression, increased vagal tone, and prevented the acute pressor response to centrally administered angiotensin-II. Chronically, SAT mice exhibited a blunted blood pressure elevation and preserved ACE2 activity during development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Bicuculline injection in those models confirmed the supporting role of ACE2 on GABAergic tone to the paraventricular nucleus. Together, our study demonstrates the contrasting impact of ACE2 and ADAM17 on neuronal excitability of presympathetic neurons within the paraventricular nucleus and the consequences of this mutual regulation in the context of neurogenic hypertension.
Metabolic Activity in Central Neural Structures of Patients With Myocardial Injury
Authors: Fiechter Michael , Roggo Andrea , Haider Ahmed , Bengs Susan , Burger Irene A. , Marędziak Monika , Portmann Angela , Treyer Valerie , Becker Anton S. , Messerli Michael , Mühlematter Urs J. , Kudura Ken , von Felten Elia , Benz Dominik C. , Fuchs Tobias A. , Gräni Christoph , Pazhenkottil Aju P. , Buechel Ronny R. , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Gebhard Catherine
Published: September 2019

Background

Increasing evidence suggests a psychosomatic link between neural systems and the heart. In light of the growing burden of ischemic cardiovascular disease across the globe, a better understanding of heart‐brain interactions and their implications for cardiovascular treatment strategies is needed. Thus, we sought to investigate the interaction between myocardial injury and metabolic alterations in central neural areas in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results

The association between resting metabolic activity in distinct neural structures and cardiac function was analyzed in 302 patients (aged 66.8±10.2 years; 70.9% men) undergoing fluor‐18‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography and
99m
Tc‐tetrofosmin single‐photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging. There was evidence for reduction of callosal, caudate, and brainstem fluor‐18‐deoxyglucose uptake in patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (<55% versus ≥55%:
P
=0.047,
P
=0.022, and
P
=0.013, respectively) and/or in the presence of myocardial ischemia (versus normal perfusion:
P
=0.010,
P
=0.013, and
P
=0.016, respectively). In a sex‐stratified analysis, these differences were observed in men, but not in women. A first‐order interaction term consisting of sex and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction or myocardial ischemia was identified as predictor of metabolic activity in these neural regions (left ventricular ejection fraction:
P
=0.015 for brainstem; myocardial ischemia:
P
=0.004,
P
=0.018, and
P
=0.003 for callosal, caudate, or brainstem metabolism, respectively).

Conclusions

Myocardial dysfunction and injury are associated with reduced resting metabolic activity of central neural structures, including the corpus callosum, the caudate nucleus, and the brainstem. These associations differ in women and men, suggesting sex differences in the pathophysiological interplay of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Phlebiella ailaoshanensis sp. nov. (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) described from China

Authors: HUANG RUO-XIA , CHEN JUN-ZHU , WU JIAN-RONG , ZHAO CHANG-LIN
Published: September 2019

Phlebiella P. Karst. (1890: 271) (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) was typified by P. vaga (Fr.) P. Karst. (1890: 271), which is a cosmopolitan genus characterized by a combination of resupinate to effused basidiocarps, hymenophore smooth to ceraceous to subgelatinous, a monomitic hyphal structure with clamped generative hyphae, basidia pleural and basidiospores hyaline, thin- to thick-walled, warted, subglobose, ellipsoid, cylindrical and acyanophilous (Karsten 1890, Bernicchia & Gorjón 2010). So far about ten species have been accepted in the genus worldwide (Karsten 1890, Bondartsev 1953, Hjortstam & Larsson 1987, Roberts 1995, Bernicchia & Gorjón 2010).
Aircraft Observations of Tropical Cyclone Boundary Layer Turbulence over the South China Sea
Authors: Sparks N. , Hon K. K. , Chan P. W. , Wang S. , Chan J. C. L. , Lee T. C. , Toumi R.
Published: September 2019

There have been no high-frequency aircraft observations of tropical cyclone (TC) eyewall boundary layer turbulence since two flights into Atlantic hurricanes in the 1980s. We present an analysis of the first TC boundary layer flight observations in the South China Sea by the Hong Kong Observatory comprising four eyewall penetrations. We derive the vertical flux of momentum and vertical momentum diffusivity from observed turbulence parameters. We observe negative (upward) vertical fluxes of tangential momentum near the eyewall consistent with a jet below the flight level near the radius of maximum wind. Our observations of vertical momentum diffusivity support a superlinear relationship between diffusivity and wind speed at the high wind speeds in the inner-core of TCs (power-law exponent of 1.73 ± 0.20) while the few existing boundary layer hurricane observations in the North Atlantic suggest a more linear relationship.
Reasonable thickness design of expressway pavement structures based on gray relation analysis of subgrade soil improvement
Authors: Zhang Ming , Yi Junyan , Feng Decheng
Published: September 2019

During the design of pavement structures, determining a reasonable thickness for pavement layers is critical. When an expressway is to be built in an area with a poor soil foundation, a reasonable subgrade treatment will make the pavement more durable. However, determining the optimal thickness of subgrade treatment is a difficult task for designers. A thicker treatment means a huge cost increase for the project, whereas a thinner treatment cannot achieve significant improvement in the mechanical behavior of pavement structures. This study used the finite-element method to analyze the mechanical response of real field pavement with subgrade treatments at certain depths. The study used an orthogonal design and gray relational theory to analyze the design indicators and make a better design for the pavement structure of a field expressway. The numerical calculation index and theoretical analysis results show that the treatment depth of subgrade soil has a significant influence on the stresses in an asphalt pavement structure and the bottom tensile strains of the asphalt layers. Therefore, designing a pavement structure with equal structural strength, using a reasonable depth for the cement-treated subgrade, instead of increasing the asphalt layer’s thickness, is a more cost-effective solution.
Scanning Electron Microscopy in the Evaluation of Defects to the Ossicular Chain in the Course of Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Wiatr Agnieszka , Swiezy Katarzyna , Skladzien Jacek , Wiatr Maciej
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Chronic otitis media is a heterogeneous disorder. Chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma and, to a lesser extent, chronic otitis media with granulation lead to the destruction of bone structures within the middle ear. Bone loss may appear in the prominence of the horizontal semicircular canals and the bony canal of the facial nerve. The inflammatory process may spread to the bony labyrinth of the sigmoidal sinuses and the cranial cavities.

Materials and Methods:

The analysis comprised the examination of fragments of auditory ossicles removed during surgery in 21 patients with various types of chronic inflammation of the middle ear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of scanning electron microscopy in evaluating the erosion of middle ear ossicles in different types of chronic otitis media. Images captured at various magnifications were used for the best possible illustration of the observed lesions in bone tissue.

Results:

The observed lesions and the degree of bone surface damage were dependent on the type of chronic inflammation of the middle ear. The largest destructive changes in the ossicular chain were observed in chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma; smaller changes were observed in chronic otitis media with granulation.

Conclusion:

In the case of damage to the ossicles inflicted by inflammation, the use of a modeled bone block made of a temporal bone taken from outside the tympanic cavity or a biomaterial prosthesis is a good choice in ossiculoplasty.
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Patients With Low Vitamin B12 Levels
Authors: Özdemir Doğukan , Mehel Dursun Mehmet , Küçüköner Ömer , Ağrı İbrahim , Yemiş Tuğba , Akgül Gökhan , Özgür Abdulkadir
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Vitamin B12 deficiency-induced hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated with impaired microarterial flow, demyelization, and neuronal damage, resulting in cochlear damage and auditory dysfunction. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the possible vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) abnormalities in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Material and Method:

In this prospective study, 37 patients diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency (<220 pg/mL) were compared with 31 audiologically healthy participants with normal B12 levels. Burst-evoked cervical VEMP (cVEMP) measurements were performed on all participants. Additionally, cVEMP responses were analyzed for P1-N1 latency, interpeak amplitude, and amplitude asymmetry ratio. The results of audiometric examination and VEMP records as well as absent responses were evaluated and compared between groups.

Results:

The rate of absent VEMP responses was twice as high in the patient group than in the healthy control group (12 vs 6 cases, respectively). Moreover, the mean values of interpeak amplitude in both right and left ears were statistically shorter in the patient group than the control group ( P values = .024 and .007, respectively). Similarly, the mean amplitude asymmetry ratio was statistically higher in the patient group than the control group ( P = .050). There were no statistically significant differences in latency responses between groups. Furthermore, positive, statistically significant correlation was detected between values of the left P1-N1 interpeak amplitude and vitamin B12 levels ( r = 0.287, P = .037).

Conclusions:

Increased rates of absent VEMPs and decreased amplitudes with normal latencies are attributed to peripheral vestibular hypofunction in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Contact stiffness ratio of tribological interface using the equivalent thin layer and the micro-slip model
Authors: Sun Yunyun , Xiao Huifang , Xu Jinwu
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a method for evaluating the contact stiffness ratio of the elastic rough interface is proposed. The rough contact interface subjected to normal load is replaced by an equivalent thin layer with isotropic material. The interfacial stiffness ratio is characterized using the material parameters of the thin layer. The shear modulus and Young’s modulus of the thin layer are determined by introducing the stuck length coefficient combined with the micro-contact analysis of the deformed asperity. The derived stiffness ratio is related to the surface topography, interfacial separation, material properties of the contacting bodies, and the stuck length coefficient. The implicit solution of the stuck length coefficient is also obtained. Variations of the stiffness ratio with the interfacial separation and the normal force are analyzed for different surface topographies and stuck length coefficients. Comparisons between the interfacial stiffness ratio of the proposed method and the experimental results as well as the calculated values of existing models are performed.
The development of an HIV-specific complexity rating scale
Authors: Bulsara SM , Begley K , Smith DE , Chan DJ , Furner V , Coote KV , Hennessy RM , Alperstein DM , Price A , Smith M , Wyson A , Wand H
Published: September 2019

As treatment for HIV improves, an ageing population is experiencing comorbidity which often leads to complex clinical presentations requiring an interdisciplinary care approach. This study sought to quantify clinician assessment of the level of clinical complexity, through the development of a rating scale for people living with HIV (PLHIV), to improve client care through an interdisciplinary care model. An existing alcohol and other drug complexity rating scale was selected and modified for use with PLHIV. HIV-specific items were included through consultation with an interdisciplinary team. A risk-prediction model was developed and validated using clinician ratings of clients attending The Albion Centre, a tertiary HIV clinic in Sydney, Australia, resulting in the development of the Clinical Complexity Rating Scale for HIV (CCRS-HIV). Multivariable logistic regression models identified eight characteristics based on clinician assessment of complexity in PLHIV: financial instability, social isolation, problematic crystal methamphetamine use, mental illness and/or other problematic substance use, cognitive/neurological impairment, polypharmacy, current hepatitis C infection and/or cancer, and other physical health comorbidity. A weighted risk-prediction model was developed and validated. The final model accurately predicted 85% of complex clients, with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 91%. This study developed an HIV-specific clinician-rated complexity scale. Further investigations are required to validate the CCRS-HIV with broader HIV populations. This simple complexity screening tool is a promising adjunct to clinical assessment to identify clients with complex physical and psychosocial needs who may benefit from interdisciplinary care interventions and allocation of resources.
What is ‘moral distress’ in nursing? A feminist empirical bioethics study
Authors: Morley Georgina , Bradbury-Jones Caroline , Ives Jonathan
Published: September 2019

Background

The phenomenon of ‘moral distress’ has continued to be a popular topic for nursing research. However, much of the scholarship has lacked conceptual clarity, and there is debate about what it means to experience moral distress. Moral distress remains an obscure concept to many clinical nurses, especially those outside of North America, and there is a lack of empirical research regarding its impact on nurses in the United Kingdom and its relevance to clinical practice.

Research aim

To explore the concept of moral distress in nursing both empirically and conceptually.

Methodology

Feminist interpretive phenomenology was used to explore and analyse the experiences of critical care nurses at two acute care trauma hospitals in the United Kingdom. Empirical data were analysed using Van Manen’s six steps for data analysis.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved locally by the university ethics review committee and nationally by the Health Research Authority in the United Kingdom.

Findings

The empirical findings suggest that psychological distress can occur in response to a variety of moral events. The moral events identified as causing psychological distress in the participants’ narratives were moral tension, moral uncertainty, moral constraint, moral conflict and moral dilemmas.

Discussion

We suggest a new definition of moral distress which captures this broader range of moral events as legitimate causes of distress. We also suggest that moral distress can be sub-categroised according to the source of distress, for example, ‘moral-uncertainty distress’. We argue that this could aid in the development of interventions which attempt to address and mitigate moral distress.

Conclusion

The empirical findings support the notion that narrow conceptions of moral distress fail to capture the real-life experiences of this group of critical care nurses. If these experiences resonate with other nurses and healthcare professionals, then it is likely that the definition needs to be broadened to recognise these experiences as ‘moral distress’.
Impact of Hospice on Spending and Utilization Among Patients With Lung Cancer in Medicare
Authors: Kalidindi Yamini , Segel Joel , Jung Jeah
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

To compare patterns and understand drivers of spending and utilization by month in the last 6 months of life between patients with lung cancer who used hospice versus those who did not.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort analysis using 2009 to 2013 Medicare claims.

Methods:

We used a 10% random sample of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with lung cancer who died between 2010 and 2013 (43 789 beneficiaries). Patients were assigned to 2 groups depending on whether they used hospice care in the last 6 months of life. The following outcomes were constructed by month: (1) all-cause Medicare spending, (2) indicator of hospitalization, (3) indicator of emergency department (ED) visit, (4) number of part B chemotherapy claims, and (5) number of radiation therapy sessions. We used a combination of propensity score matching and regression analysis to compare outcomes between the 2 groups.

Results:

Patients who used hospice had significantly lower spending in the last month of life compared to nonusers (US$16 907 vs US$26 906, P < .00). The spending differences in the last month of life between the 2 groups were largely driven by lower likelihood of hospitalization (54% vs 80%, P < .01) and ED visits (15% vs 22%, P < .01) and fewer chemotherapy (0.12 vs 0.32, P < .01) and radiation therapy sessions (0.80 vs 1.26, P < .01). During the other months in the 6-month period, spending was similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Timely hospice enrollment of patients with lung cancer—the group suffering from high morbidity and mortality among patients with cancer—may lead to significant cost savings.
Locke, liberty, and law: Legalism and extra-legal powers in the Second Treatise
Authors: Sharon Assaf
Published: September 2019

The apparent inconsistency between Locke’s commitment to legalism and his explicit endorsement of the extra-legal power of prerogative has confounded many readers. Among those who don’t ignore or dismiss it, the common approach is to qualify the role or scope of prerogative. The article advocates the opposite approach. It argues that Locke’s legalism should be understood within the context of his oft neglected conception of political liberty in terms of self-government. This not only allows for the reconciliation of Locke’s legalism with his endorsement of extra-legal powers, but also provides a fuller, more accurate account of the role of law and of political liberty in Locke’s theory.
“Gilbertville,” “Ilitchville,” and the Redevelopment of Detroit
Authors: Biles Roger , Rose Mark
Published: September 2019

First, we examine Businessmen Daniel B. “Dan” Gilbert and Michael “Mike” Ilitch’s multibillion-dollar investments in Detroit’s office buildings and entertainment venues. Next, we set their entrepreneurial activities against the city and region’s historical political economy extending back to the early 1900s. Third and finally, we determine that Gilbert and Ilitch’s plans for entertainment and commercial development took precedence over planners and their grand plans for citywide and region-wide redevelopment.
A novel routing protocol for content-based publish/subscribe model in mobile sensor networks
Authors: Lin Lin , Chen Jinfu , Kudjo Patrick Kwaku , Michael Omari
Published: September 2019

In the mobile sensor networks, the sink node registers its own events in the network, and when the sensor node finds an event of interest to the sink node, it sends a response message. The data traffic of the communication process in the application scenario has a bursting feature, and sometimes network congestion occurs. Therefore, when designing the data routing protocol, it is necessary to consider how to reduce the communication overhead in the network and improve the success rate of the query. To address this issue, this article proposes a routing protocol for content-based publish/subscribe, which is applicable in mobile sensor networks. The core idea of routing protocol for content-based publish/subscribe is that all sensor nodes in the network are divided into several clusters, and the transmission of sensing events is based on these clusters. The protocol consists of event publishing, subscription, matching, and unsubscribe. The inquirers send subscription information to the network, which are saved in the cluster head network. Published events are also transmitted to the cluster head network and the matching computation is performed. If the match is successful, events will be sent to subscribers, thus improving the success rate of queries. The simulations show that compared with existing methods, routing protocol for content-based publish/subscribe consumes lower matching events transmission energy to obtain a higher success rate. In the case of a large number of published events, the network lifetime of the routing protocol for content-based publish/subscribe protocol can be increased by 28%–54%, and the subscription success rate remains above 80%.
Playing the Afterlife: Dante’s Otherworlds in the Gaming Age
Authors: Rossignoli Claudia
Published: September 2019

In the centuries of its continuous circulation, Dante’s Comedy has been one the most productive examples of the transmedia potential of literary works. The timeless relevance of its fundamental moral questions, the cosmic dimension of its imaginative power, and the intensity of its realism, all hold unparalleled promise for any kind of adaptation, translation, or transmediation. The Comedy, and especially its first infernal cantica, gets periodically reinvented and transferred into creative outlets that are increasingly technology driven. This article will explore existing gaming adaptations of Dante’s Comedy, to focus on the one hand on textual aspects that are mostly exploited to achieve commercial success and on the other on the potential offered by the text and often marginalized by developers. The article will discuss ways in which new creative approaches would allow for a gaming experience with the authenticity, intensity, and relevance of the “original.”
Emerging Contribution of Histopathology to Our Understanding of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Endotypes: Tissue Eosinophil Count and Aggregates
Authors: Brescia Giuseppe , Alessandrini Lara , Parrino Daniela , Franz Leonardo , Barion Umberto , Marioni Gino
Published: September 2019

Background

Rhinologists are currently trying to find evidence useful for classifying chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in terms of pathophysiology-based endotypes. This would help us to tailor targeted therapies and follow-up protocols to each patient, improving treatment efficacy and reducing relapse risk. The histopathological study of inflammatory cells in tissue and their tendency to form aggregates has shown promise in determining the pathogenesis and predicting the clinical outcome.

Objective

The main purpose of this study was to assess tissue eosinophil count, eosinophil aggregation, and their relationship to different CRSwNP phenotypes.

Methods

A consecutive series of 96 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNP was retrospectively assessed. Our structured histopathological approach considered eosinophil count and eosinophil aggregates.

Results

Patients’ clinical features included allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) in 17 cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) in 19 cases, intrinsic asthma in 18 cases, extrinsic asthma in 21 cases, and allergy in 21 cases. Statistical analysis revealed more eosinophil aggregates in patients with NERD than in those with AFRS ( P = .020), intrinsic asthma ( P = .019), or extrinsic asthma ( P = .029). NERD patients had a significantly higher tissue eosinophil count than the other groups considered, apart from the AFRS ones. AFRS patients had a higher tissue eosinophil count than patients with intrinsic asthma.

Conclusion

Our results showed in particular that the NERD patient group’s rhinosinusitis was sustained by a significantly more severe eosinophilic reaction than in the other groups. Structured histopathology can provide useful information for classifying CRSwNP on pathophysiological grounds.