bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genus Manota Williston (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) in Peruvian Amazonia, with description of sixteen new species and notes on local species richness
Authors: HIPPA HEIKKI , KURINA OLAVI , SÄÄKSJÄRVI ILARI E.
Published: February 2017

A comprehensive study of material of the worldwide fungus gnat genus Manota Williston, sampled from the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve in Peruvian Amazonia, was conducted. The following 16 species are described as new: M. aligera sp. n., M. aristoseta sp. n., M. calva sp. n., M. ciliata sp. n., M. exigua sp. n., M. digitata sp. n., M. flabellata sp. n., M. iquitosensis sp. n., M. limulata sp. n., M. micella sp. n., M. minutula sp. n., M. nuda sp. n., M. parvula sp. n., M. pauloides sp. n., M. pustulosa sp. n. and M. serrulata sp. n. In addition, the following 16 species are recorded: M. acuminata Jaschhof & Hippa, 2005, M. acutistylus Jaschhof & Hippa, 2005, M. anfracta Hippa & Kurina, 2013, M. appendiculata Hippa & Kurina, 2013, M. aristata Hippa & Kurina, 2013, M. bisulca Hippa & Kurina, 2013, M. diversiseta Jaschhof & Hippa, 2005, M. iota Hippa & Kurina, 2013, M. micula Hippa & Kurina, 2013, M. papillosa Hippa & Kurina, 2013, M. paula Hippa & Kurina, 2013, M. penicillata Jaschhof & Hippa, 2005, M. pisinna Hippa & Kurina, 2013, M. quantula Hippa & Kurina, 2013, M. spinosa Jaschhof & Hippa, 2005 and M. virgata Hippa & Kurina, 2013. Altogether 67 species of Manota are now known from the Neotropical region.
New species of Callichromatini Swainson, 1840. (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). New Cerambycidae from Vietnam. Part 6
Authors: VIVES EDUARD , PHAM HONG THAI
Published: February 2017

Three new species of Cerambycidae, Callichromatini from Vietnam are described: Aphrodisium lingafelteri sp. nov., Mimochelidonium vietnamicum sp. nov., and Polyzonus (Striatopolyzonus) tonkinensis sp. nov. The genus Mimochelidonium Bentanachs & Drouin is recorded as new for the fauna of Vietnam.
Anopheles prachongae, a new species of the Gigas Complex of subgenus Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand, contrasted with known forms of the complex
Authors: HARBACH RALPH E. , RATTANARITHIKUL RAMPA , HARRISON BRUCE A.
Published: February 2017

Anopheles (Anopheles) prachongae, a new species of the Gigas Complex from northern Thailand, is described and illustrated in the adult, pupal and larval stages, and bionomics and chaetotaxy tables are provided for the immature stages. The species is distinguished from Anopheles baileyi, the only other species of the complex known to occur in Thailand, and contrasted with other taxa of the complex that occur in the Oriental Region. Available morphological data indicate that An. gigas sumatrana is unique and is therefore formally afforded species status. The three other Sumatran subspecies may be conspecific. The taxonomic status of the non-Sumatran subspecies, i.e. crockeri (Borneo), formosus (Philippines), refutans (Sri Lanka) and simlensis (south-central Asia), is questioned but their status is unchanged pending further study.
New hexactinellid sponges from deep Mediterranean canyons
Authors: BOURY-ESNAULT NICOLE , VACELET JEAN , DUBOIS MAUDE , GOUJARD ADRIEN , FOURT MAÏA , PÉREZ THIERRY , CHEVALDONNÉ PIERRE
Published: February 2017

During the exploration of the NW Mediterranean deep-sea canyons (MedSeaCan and CorSeaCan cruises), several hexactinellid sponges were observed and collected by ROV and manned submersible. Two of them appeared to be new species of Farrea and Tretodictyum. The genus Farrea had so far been reported with doubt from the Mediterranean and was listed as "taxa inquirenda" for two undescribed species. We here provide a proper description for the specimens encountered and sampled. The genus Tretodictyum had been recorded several times in the Mediterranean and in the near Atlantic as T. tubulosum Schulze, 1866, again with doubt, since the type locality is the Japan Sea. We here confirm that the Mediterranean specimens are a distinct new species which we describe. We also provide18S rDNA sequences of the two new species and include them in a phylogenetic tree of related hexactinellids.
A review of subtribe Cymindidina Laporte, 1834 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Lebiini) in Southwestern Saudi Arabia, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: RASOOL IFTEKHAR , FELIX RON F.F.L. , ABDEL-DAYEM MAHMOUD S. , ALDHAFER HATHAL M.
Published: February 2017

The carabid subtribe Cymindidina Laporte, 1834 is reviewed for the southwestern Saudi Arabia. Five species belonging to two genera (Afrotarus Jeannel, 1949 and Cymindis Latreille, 1806) are studied, including two species described as new: A. fadli sp. n. from Baha Province and A. soudaensis sp. n. from Asir Province. A key to genera and species of Saudi Arabia is given.
Mesoscale Modeling of the Meteorological Impacts of Irrigation during the 2012 Central Plains Drought
Authors: Aegerter Clint , Wang Jun , Ge Cui , Irmak Suat , Oglesby Robert , Wardlow Brian , Yang Haishun , You Jingshen , Shulski Martha
Published: February 2017

In the summer of 2012, the central plains of the United States experienced one of its most severe droughts on record. This study examines the meteorological impacts of irrigation during this drought through observations and model simulations using the Community Land Model coupled to the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. A simple parameterization of irrigation processes is added into the WRF Model. In addition to keeping soil moisture in irrigated areas at a minimum of 50% of soil moisture hold capacity, this irrigation scheme has the following new features: 1) accurate representation of the spatial distribution of irrigation area in the study domain by using a MODIS-based land surface classification with 250-m pixel size and 2) improved representation of the time series of leaf area index (LAI) values derived from crop modeling and satellite observations in both irrigated and nonirrigated areas. Several numerical sensitivity experiments are conducted. The WRF-simulated temperature field when including soil moisture and LAI modification within the model is shown to be most consistent with ground and satellite observations, all indicating a temperature decrease of 2–3 K in irrigated areas relative to the control run. Modification of LAI in irrigated and dryland areas led to smaller changes, with a 0.2-K temperature decrease in irrigated areas and up to a 0.5-K temperature increase in dryland areas. Furthermore, the increased soil moisture and modified LAI are shown to lead to statistically significant increases in surface divergence and surface pressure and to decreases in planetary boundary layer height over irrigated areas.
An Explanation for the Sensitivity of the Mean State of the Community Atmosphere Model to Horizontal Resolution on Aquaplanets
Authors: Herrington Adam R. , Reed Kevin A.
Published: February 2017

The sensitivity of the mean state of the Community Atmosphere Model to horizontal resolutions typical of present-day general circulation models is investigated in an aquaplanet configuration. Nonconvergence of the mean state is characterized by a progressive drying of the atmosphere and large reductions in cloud coverage with increasing resolution. Analyses of energy and moisture budgets indicate that these trends are balanced by variations in moisture transport by the resolved circulation, and a reduction in activity of the convection scheme. In contrast, the large-scale precipitation rate increases with resolution, which is approximately balanced by greater advection of dry static energy associated with more active resolved vertical motion in the ascent region of the Hadley cell.

An explanation for the sensitivity of the mean state to horizontal resolution is proposed, based on linear Boussinesq theory. The authors hypothesize that an increase in horizontal resolution in the model leads to a reduction in horizontal scale of the diabatic forcing arising from the column physics, facilitating finescale flow and faster resolved convective updrafts within the dynamical core, and steering the coupled system toward a new mean state. This hypothesis attempts to explain the underlying mechanism driving the variations in moisture transport observed in the simulations.
Near-Surface Thermodynamic Sensitivities in Simulated Extreme-Rain-Producing Mesoscale Convective Systems
Authors: Schumacher Russ S. , Peters John M.
Published: February 2017

This study investigates the influences of low-level atmospheric water vapor on the precipitation produced by simulated warm-season midlatitude mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). In a series of semi-idealized numerical model experiments using initial conditions gleaned from composite environments from observed cases, small increases in moisture were applied to the model initial conditions over a layer either 600 m or 1 km deep. The precipitation produced by the MCS increased with larger moisture perturbations as expected, but the rainfall changes were disproportionate to the magnitude of the moisture perturbations. The experiment with the largest perturbation had a water vapor mixing ratio increase of approximately 2 g kg−1 over the lowest 1 km, corresponding to a 3.4% increase in vertically integrated water vapor, and the area-integrated MCS precipitation in this experiment increased by nearly 60% over the control. The locations of the heaviest rainfall also changed in response to differences in the strength and depth of the convectively generated cold pool. The MCSs in environments with larger initial moisture perturbations developed stronger cold pools, and the convection remained close to the outflow boundary, whereas the convective line was displaced farther behind the outflow boundary in the control and the simulations with smaller moisture perturbations. The high sensitivity of both the amount and location of MCS rainfall to small changes in low-level moisture demonstrates how small moisture errors in numerical weather prediction models may lead to large errors in their forecasts of MCS placement and behavior.
A Preliminary Case Report of a High-Quality Cost-effective Rigid Laryngoscopy Setup
Authors: Zhang Fan , McMurray J.Scott , Devine Erin E. , Xue Chao , McCulloch Timothy M. , Jiang Jack J.
Published: February 2017

Objective:

To evaluate a cost-effective modified rigid laryngoscopy setup with a portable light source and high-resolution commercially available digital camera for use in smaller otolaryngology and family practice clinics.

Methods:

The modified setup was used to obtain images of the larynx using both a traditional light source and a portable light source. Varying shutter speeds and ISOs were evaluated, and the optimal settings were determined for the modified setup.

Results:

Picture quality was adequate, and the portable light source was bright enough. ISO from 640 to 1600 with shutter speeds ranging from 1/60 to 1/160 are ideal under the normal light source, while it is better to set the ISO between 4000 and 10 000 with shutter speeds from 1/60 to 1/100 under the portable light source. Picture quality was adequate with a resolution of 2768 pixels × 1848 pixels with 350 dpi × 350 dpi.

Conclusions:

Results show that the modified setup obtains images of adequate quality for use in the clinic. Additionally, since the larynx requires the most illumination for endoscopic imaging, a similar setup would work for imaging the ear and nose. This setup may make laryngoscopic exams more accessible to patients at smaller laryngoscopy clinics or family practice providers.
Experimental analysis of diamond and regular tubular braided composites using three-dimensional digital image correlation
Authors: Melenka Garrett W , Carey Jason P
Published: February 2017

Braided composites can be manufactured in a variety of braid patterns: Diamond (1/1), Regular (2/2), and Hercules (3/3) and with longitudinal reinforcement (Triaxial). The complex strain fields, which could help reveal phenomenological behavior of braids, have not been experimentally assessed. As such, the objectives of this article were to investigate the effect of braid pattern (Diamond, Regular), braid angle (35°, 45°, 55°), and load (tensile, torsion) on the strain field and elastic properties (longitudinal and shear moduli) using a three-dimensional digital image correlation method. The methodology presented in this manuscript will be used to validate a new analytical model, which predicts the elastic properties of tubular braided of both varying braid type and braid angle.
Do the robot
Authors: Colaresi Michael , Mahmood Zuhaib
Published: February 2017

Increasingly, scholars interested in understanding conflict processes have turned to evaluating out-of-sample forecasts to judge and compare the usefulness of their models. Research in this vein has made significant progress in identifying and avoiding the problem of overfitting sample data. Yet there has been less research providing strategies and tools to practically improve the out-of-sample performance of existing models and connect forecasting improvement to the goal of theory development in conflict studies. In this article, we fill this void by building on lessons from machine learning research. We highlight a set of iterative tasks, which David Blei terms ‘Box’s loop’, that can be summarized as build, compute, critique, and think. While the initial steps of Box’s loop will be familiar to researchers, the underutilized process of model criticism allows researchers to iteratively learn more useful representations of the data generation process from the discrepancies between the trained model and held-out data. To benefit from iterative model criticism, we advise researchers not only to split their available data into separate training and test sets, but also sample from their training data to allow for iterative model development, as is common in machine learning applications. Since practical tools for model criticism in particular are underdeveloped, we also provide software for new visualizations that build upon already existing tools. We use models of civil war onset to provide an illustration of how our machine learning-inspired research design can simultaneously improve out-of-sample forecasting performance and identify useful theoretical contributions. We believe these research strategies can complement existing designs to accelerate innovations across conflict processes.
Financing rebellion
Authors: Daxecker Ursula , Prins Brandon C
Published: February 2017

A prominent explanation of the resource–conflict relationship suggests that natural resources finance rebellion by permitting rebel leaders the opportunity to purchase weapons, fighters, and local support. The bunkering of oil in the Niger Delta by quasi-criminal syndicates is an example of how the black-market selling of stolen oil may help finance anti-state groups. More systematic assessments have also shown that the risk and duration of conflict increases in the proximity of oil and diamond deposits. Yet despite the emphasis on rebel resource extraction in these arguments, empirical assessments rely almost exclusively on latent resource availability rather than actual resource extraction. Focusing on maritime piracy, this article argues that piracy is a funding strategy neglected in current research. Anecdotal evidence connects piracy in the Greater Gulf of Aden to arms trafficking, the drug trade, and human slavery. The revenue from attacks may find its way to Al-Shabaab. In Nigeria, increasing attacks against oil transports may signal an effort by insurgents to use the profits from piracy as an additional revenue stream to fund their campaign against the Nigerian government. The article hypothesizes that piracy incidents, that is, actual acts of looting, increase the intensity of civil conflict. Using inferential statistics and predictive assessments, our evidence from conflicts in coastal African and Southeast Asian states from 1993 to 2010 shows that maritime piracy increases conflict intensity, and that the inclusion of dynamic factors helps improve the predictive performance of empirical models of conflict events in in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts.
A rare fatality due to calcified stylohyoid ligament (Eagle syndrome)
Authors: Gupta Avneesh , Aggrawal Anil , Setia Puneet
Published: February 2017

The elongation or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament that leads to pressure symptoms, or entrapment of nearby glossopharyngeal nerve or carotid artery, is known as Eagle syndrome. A PubMed search leads to finding of rare fatality among the 49 reported cases. In the present case, the deceased was a 40-year-old male who choked on his food. We hypothesise that the impaction of food in the upper respiratory tract, as well as the inability to intubate the person, were both the result of the calcified stylohyoid ligament.
Receiving Spiritual Care: Experiences of Dying and Grieving Individuals
Authors: Bonavita Anthony , Yakushko Oksana , Morgan Consoli Melissa L. , Jacobsen Steve , Mancuso Rev. Laura L.
Published: February 2017

The study examines the perceptions of interfaith spiritual care, received through a volunteer hospice organization, by 10 individuals facing death and dying. Qualitative methodology based on the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to collect and analyze the data. Four superordinate themes reflected meanings ascribed to spirituality and spiritual care in facing end of life: Vital Role of Spirituality in the End-of-Life Care, Definitions and Parameters of Spirituality and Interfaith Spiritual Care, Distinct Aspects of Interfaith Spiritual Care, and Unmet Spiritual Needs. The results expand an understanding of the role of spirituality and spiritual care as part of the hospice and palliative care through attention to individual perceptions and experiences, as well as to ways to expand attention to spirituality within the hospice care.
Reorganizing Popular Sector Incorporation
Authors: Silva Eduardo
Published: February 2017

Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela are cases in which, despite of the collapse of party systems, the fragmentation of popular sectors, and the dismantling of corporatism that resulted from neoliberal reforms, a new mode of incorporation nonetheless emerged. This article argues that left government responses to the demands of heterogeneous, mobilized, popular sectors shaped a new incorporation in the political arena. In it governments deal differentially with the proliferation of politically significant popular sectors and subaltern social groups. This segmented popular interest intermediation is explained by the interaction of three broad conditions: the configuration of popular sector forces and their linkages to left parties when they took office after the crisis of neoliberalism, the ideational frames of said parties’ leadership, and the dynamics of opposition and support for the regime’s project. The new incorporation establishes a new normal in the relationship of popular sectors to politics in democratic regimes.
A calculating method for the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of metal fiber blended fabric
Authors: Liang Ranran , Cheng Wenjuan , Xiao Hong , Shi Meiwu , Tang Zhanghong , Wang Ni
Published: February 2017

In order to obtain a simple and accurate calculation method of shielding effectiveness for woven fabric containing metal fiber yarns, a conductive grid structure model composed of two parallel metal yarn periodic arrays was established. The two periodic arrays were cross-arrangement. The calculation formula of shielding effectiveness for the fabric was deduced through the transfer matrix of the electromagnetic field. The theoretical value of shielding effectiveness of the fabric using the theoretical formula and the measured value tested by the shielding chamber method were compared. Both sets of data were analyzed respectively from the metallic yarn periodic spacing, diameter, electric conductivity, electromagnetic wave polarization direction, and the weaving angle. The result shows that a reasonable agreement between the theoretical value and the measured value has been achieved in a frequency range from 4 to 14 GHz. This shows that the theoretical calculation model is simple, highly precise, and is valuable for the design and development of fabric containing metal fiber yarns. It can be used for estimating the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the fabric.
Effect of fabric structural parameters and weaving conditions to warp tension of aramid fabrics for protective garments
Authors: Kim Seung Jin , Kim Hyun Ah
Published: February 2017

This study examined the weavability of technical fabrics according to the weave density coefficient (WDC) and loom settings, such as the weaving speed, front shedding angle, and fabric take-up speed using an aramid filament on a Dornier rapier loom (PTS 2/SC, Germany). For this purpose, the warp tension and its variations were measured, and are discussed in terms of the WDC and loom settings according to the measured time during weaving. Regression analysis of the effects of the WDC and loom settings on the measured warp tension was carried out. The measured mean warp tension increased with increasing yarn linear density and increased with increasing WDC. The measured mean warp tension in the twill fabric was higher than that of the plain fabric despite having the same WDC. The measured mean warp tension increased with an increasing shedding angle due to an increase in shedding height. The measured mean warp tension increased with increasing take-up speed. The measured warp tension variation according to the time during weaving ranged from 5 cN/thread to 13 cN/thread, irrespective of the yarn number, weave pattern, fabric density, and weaving conditions. Regression analysis revealed the shedding angle and WDC to be the most important factors affecting the measured warp tension, but the weaving speed also affects the warp tension at a high fabric cover factor.
The co-development of perceived support and the Big Five in middle and older adulthood
Authors: Hill Patrick L. , Weston Sara J. , Jackson Joshua J.
Published: February 2017

The current study examined whether relationships also influence personality trait development during middle and older adulthood, focusing on the individual’s perception of support from the relationship partner. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study ( n = 20,422; mean age = 65.9 years), we examined the longitudinal relationships between Big Five personality trait levels and perceived support from children, family, friends, and spouses. Results found that participants who reported more positive social support and lower negative support also tended to score higher on conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience, but lower on neuroticism. Moreover, changes in positive support across relationship partners coincided with trait changes over time, in the form of more positive support was associated with seemingly adaptive changes on the Big Five. Findings are discussed with respect to identifying social influences on personality development in adulthood.
African Americans in Standard Behavioral Treatment for Obesity, 2001-2015: What Have We Learned?
Authors: Goode Rachel W. , Styn Mindi A. , Mendez Dara D. , Gary-Webb Tiffany L.
Published: February 2017

African Americans (AAs) bear a disproportionate burden of the obesity epidemic, yet have historically been underrepresented in weight loss research. We conducted a narrative review of large ( N > 75) randomized prospective clinical trials of standard behavioral treatment for weight loss that reported results in the past 15 years (2001-2015) to (a) determine the rates of inclusion and reported results for AAs and (b) further identify strategies that may result in improved outcomes. Of the 23 trials reviewed, 69.6% of the studies met or exceeded population estimates for AAs in the United States. However, only 10 reported outcomes and/or considered race in the analytic approach. At 6 months, AA participants consistently lost less weight than White participants. The use of culturally tailored intervention materials and monthly personal telephone calls were reported as factors that may have enhanced treatment response. Future behavioral weight loss trials should also increase reporting of outcomes by race.
The Death of a Friend: Companionship, Loyalty and Affiliation in Chola South India
Authors: Ali Daud
Published: February 2017

This article argues that the languages of loyalty and affiliation that marked public and formal relations of service and hierarchy in medieval India, though traditionally understood as thinly veiled pretexts for class exploitation or self-aggrandizement, may instead be interpreted, when combined with other sorts of sources, as elements within a larger ethical landscape where men of rank shared varieties of companionship and intimacy with one another. The article will enter this realm of intimacy through an exploration of the emotions of grief and loss in two strangely parallel Chola-period friendships: one epigraphically documented to the tenth century, and the other recounted in an important contemporary hagiographical tradition. The article argues not only for the importance of male friendship and intimacy in the political and religious life of elites in medieval south India but also suggests that fragmented memories of particular lived experiences between individuals may have been embedded in or triggered by more idealized representations. I hope to suggest that there were not only structures of affect at work in the constitution of male intimacy but also models and paradigms.
Where have all the pilot studies gone? A follow-up on 30 years of pilot studies in Clinical Rehabilitation
Authors: Kaur Navaldeep , Figueiredo Sabrina , Bouchard Vanessa , Moriello Carolina , Mayo Nancy
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

Pilot studies are meritorious for determining the feasibility of a definitive clinical trial in terms of conduct and potential for efficacy, but their possible applications for planning a future trial are not always fully realized. The purpose of this review was to estimate the extent to which pilot/feasibility studies: (i) addressed needed objectives; (ii) led to definitive trials; and (iii) whether the subsequent undertaking of a definitive trial was influenced by the strength of the evidence of outcome improvement.

Methods:

Trials published in the journal Clinical Rehabilitation, since its inception, were eligible if the word ‘pilot’ or ‘feasibility’ was specified somewhere in the article. A total of 191 studies were reviewed, results were summarized descriptively, and between-group effect sizes were computed.

Results:

The specific purposes of piloting were stated in only 58% ( n = 110) of the studies. The most frequent purpose was to estimate the potential for efficacy (85%), followed by testing the feasibility of the intervention (60%). Only 12% of the studies were followed by a definitive trial; <4% of studies had a main study underway or a published study protocol. There was no relationship between observed effect size and follow-up of pilot studies, although the confidence intervals were very wide owing to small number of trials that followed on.

Discussion:

Labelling and reporting of pilot studies needs to be improved to be concordant with the recently issued CONSORT guidelines. Feasibility needs to be fully tested and demonstrated prior to committing considerable human and monetary resources.
Endovascular management for significant iatrogenic portal vein bleeding
Authors: Kim Jong Woo , Shin Ji Hoon , Park Jonathan K , Yoon Hyun-Ki , Ko Gi-Young , Gwon Dong Il , Kim Jin Hyoung , Sung Kyu-Bo
Published: February 2017

Background

Despite conservative treatment, hemorrhage from an intrahepatic branch of the portal vein can cause hemodynamic instability requiring urgent intervention.

Purpose

To retrospectively report the outcomes of hemodynamically significant portal vein bleeding after endovascular management.

Material and Methods

During a period of 15 years, four patients (2 men, 2 women; median age, 70.5 years) underwent angiography and embolization for iatrogenic portal vein bleeding. Causes of hemorrhage, angiographic findings, endovascular treatment, and complications were reported.

Results

Portal vein bleeding occurred after percutaneous liver biopsy (n = 2), percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (n = 1), and percutaneous cholecystostomy (n = 1). The median time interval between angiography and percutaneous procedure was 5 h (range, 4–240 h). Common hepatic angiograms including indirect mesenteric portograms showed active portal vein bleeding into the peritoneal cavity with (n = 1) or without (n = 2) an arterioportal (AP) fistula, and portal vein pseudoaneurysm alone with an AP fistula (n = 1). Successful transcatheter arterial embolization (n = 2) or percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (n = 2) was performed. Embolic materials were n-butyl cyanoacrylate alone (n = 2) or in combination with gelatin sponge particles and coils (n = 2). There were no major treatment-related complications or patient mortality within 30 days.

Conclusion

Patients with symptomatic or life-threatening portal vein bleeding following liver-penetrating procedures can successfully be managed with embolization.
Genotyping-guided approach versus the conventional approach in selection of oral P2Y12 receptor blockers in Chinese patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Tam Chor Cheung , Kwok Janette , Wong Anthony , Yung Arthur , Shea Catherine , Kong Shun Ling , Tang Wing Hong , Siu David , Chan Raymond , Lee Stephen
Published: February 2017

Objective

The CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LoF) allele is present in half of the East Asian population and is associated with high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR). This study aimed to investigate whether a rapid genotyping-guided approach is feasible and efficacious for selecting P2Y12 receptor blockers in Chinese patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

This was a single-centre, prospective, randomized, open-label study. A total of 132 patients with ACS were randomized to the rapid genotyping-guided treatment group (GG, N = 65) or the standard treatment group (SG, N = 67). Patients in the GG group were genotyped by the Verigene system. Patients with the CYP2C19 LoF allele were switched to ticagrelor and all remaining patients continued on clopidogrel. The endpoints were HTPR at 24 hours after the first loading dose of clopidogrel and 1 month afterwards.

Results

Forty patients in the GG group switched to ticagrelor, while others continued on clopidogrel. The incidence of HTPR in the GG vs SG groups was 9.2% vs 40.3% at 24 hours and 6.5% vs 32.3% at 1 month, respectively. Rapid point-of-care genotyping showed 100% concordance with conventional genotyping by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusions

In Chinese patients suffering from ACS, the rapid genotyping-guided approach for selecting P2Y12 receptor blockers is feasible and reduces the incidence of HTPR.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01994941.
Comparison of dexmedetomidine and propofol for conscious sedation in inguinal hernia repair: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Wang Hong-mei , Shi Xiao-yu , Qin Xia-rong , Zhou Jia-li , Xia Yan-fei
Published: February 2017

Objective

The ideal agents for conscious sedation during ambulatory inguinal hernia repair are still unclear. We aimed to compare the analgesic, sedative, haemodynamic, and side effects of dexmedetomidine with those of propofol in combination with fentanyl for conscious sedation in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

Eighty patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair were prospectively randomized to receive either dexmedetomidine (n = 40) or propofol (n = 40). Dexmedetomidine and propofol dosages were adjusted to maintain the targeted level of sedation.

Results

After administration of sedative drugs, patients who received dexmedetomidine had a significantly lower heart rate. The intraoperative requirement of fentanyl was significantly lower in patients who received dexmedetomidine compared with patients who received propofol. Administration of dexmedetomidine was associated with a reduced postoperative pain score, longer time for onset of sedation, and a slightly longer recovery time. No serious adverse events occurred in either group. The patients’ overall satisfaction score was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine is an effective adjuvant when co-administered with fentanyl for conscious sedation in patients who undergo inguinal hernia repair. Administration of dexmedetomidine decreases the requirement of fentanyl and the pain score, but slightly prolongs the time to sedation and recovery.
Exercise and Quality of Life in Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ojagbemi Akin , Akin-Ojagbemi Nnenna
Published: February 2017

This study appraises evidence for the effectiveness of exercise in improving quality of life (QoL) in persons with dementia (PwDs). The Cochrane, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases were searched for peer-reviewed clinical trials of exercise in PwD. Additional searches of the PubMed for ahead-of-print citations and reference lists of articles were undertaken. Studies not including QoL as an outcome were excluded. Thirteen studies comprising 903 PwDs were identified. Random effects meta-analyses indicate that aerobic exercises may produce larger effect on QoL in PwD. However, overall postintervention results suggest exercise interventions led to small and nonsignificant improvement in QoL. Due to studies showing inconsistent results, the evidence for beneficial effects of exercise on QoL in PwD is inconclusive at this time. Future trials should tailor specific types of exercise programs for well-defined cohorts of PwDs.
A peptide-based biological coating for enhanced corrosion resistance of titanium alloy biomaterials in chloride-containing fluids
Authors: Muruve Noah , Feng Yuanchao , Platnich Jaye , Hassett Daniel , Irvin Randall , Muruve Daniel , Cheng Frank
Published: February 2017

Titanium alloys are common materials in the manufacturing of dental and orthopedic implants. Although these materials exhibit excellent biocompatibility, corrosion in response to biological fluids can impact prosthesis performance and longevity. In this work, a PEGylated metal binding peptide (D-K122-4-PEG), derived from bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was applied on a titanium (Ti) alloy, and the corrosion resistance of the coated alloy specimen was investigated in simulated chloride-containing physiological fluids by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and micro-electrochemical measurements, surface characterization, and biocompatibility testing. Compared to uncoated specimen, the D-K122-4-PEG-coated Ti alloy demonstrates decreased corrosion current density without affecting the natural passivity. Morphological analysis using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirms a reduction in surface roughness of the coated specimens in the fluids. The D-K122-4-PEG does not affect the binding of HEK-293T cells to the surface of unpolished Ti alloy, nor does it increase the leukocyte activation properties of the metal. D-K122-4-PEG represents a promising coating to enhance the corrosion resistance of Ti alloys in physiological fluids, while maintaining an excellent biocompatibility.
Efficacy and Safety of Patiromer in Hyperkalemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Das Saibal , Dey Jayanta Kumar , Sen Sumalya , Mukherjee Rishav
Published: February 2017

Background:

Patients at the highest risk of hyperkalemia are those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and 4.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of patiromer in hyperkalemia in patients with heart failure or CKD.

Methods:

The Cochrane Renal Group’s Specialized Register was searched through contact with the Trials’ Search Coordinator. We aimed at including randomized controlled trials with patiromer in patients with developed or risks of developing hyperkalemia, comparing against an active comparator or placebo. Three studies matched our inclusion and exclusion criteria, which we included in the meta-analysis. All-cause mortality, reduction in hospitalization, episodes of hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal adverse events during the treatment period were our primary outcomes. Serial change in serum potassium (K+) until end of treatment or follow-up during the trial period and all other reported adverse reactions during the treatment period were our secondary outcomes. Meta-analysis (RevMan version 5.3.5) and descriptive statistics were used.

Results:

There was a non-significant improvement in all-cause mortality and serious cardiovascular events with patiromer than placebo. Hospitalization data were unavailable. Although serious gastrointestinal events were more common with placebo, there was a significant reduction ( P = .02) in the risk of non-serious gastrointestinal events with placebo. Patiromer lowered serum K+ more than placebo, and there were more patients developing hyperkalemia with placebo. High-dose patiromer was associated with better efficacy in some parameters but with more adverse events.

Conclusion:

Although patiromer seems promising, more trials with active comparator are essential to finalize its indication and use in hyperkalemia.
Synthesis and characterization of highly oxidative resistant silicon–acetylene hybrid resin grafted with modified mesoporous silica
Authors: Geng Jie , Zhou Quan , Ge Juan , Bai Bo , Ni Lizhong
Published: February 2017

This study focused on the preparation and characterization of silicon–acetylene resin by means of grafting functionalized mesoporous silica. (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane was grafted to silica surface through the hydrolysis reaction to yield mesoporous silica functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (MA). These MA nanoparticles were transferred to the chain of silicon–acetylene resin, poly(m-dietheynylbenzene-methylsilane) (PSA) to yield PSA-g-MA, with the help of the reaction of hydrochloric acid removal. PSA-g-MA was totally characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and nuclear magnetic resonance, which certified the success of silica modification and functionalized nanoparticles grafted to chain of PSA. The char content of PSA-g-MA reached to 45% at 1000°C under air atmosphere, and the residual weight was increased by nearly 10%, compared with the unmodified PSA.
Modeling the energy consumption of trains by applying neural networks
Authors: Pineda-Jaramillo Juan D , Insa Ricardo , Martínez Pablo
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the training of a neural network using consumption data measured in the underground network of Valencia (Spain), with the objective of estimating the energy consumption of the systems. After the calibration and validation of the neural network using part of the gathered consumption data, the results obtained show that the neural network is capable of predicting power consumption with high accuracy. Once fully trained, the network can be used to study the energy consumption of a metro system and for testing the hypothetical operation scenarios.
Including historical data in the analysis of clinical trials: Is it worth the effort?
Authors: van Rosmalen Joost , Dejardin David , van Norden Yvette , Löwenberg Bob , Lesaffre Emmanuel
Published: February 2017

Data of previous trials with a similar setting are often available in the analysis of clinical trials. Several Bayesian methods have been proposed for including historical data as prior information in the analysis of the current trial, such as the (modified) power prior, the (robust) meta-analytic-predictive prior, the commensurate prior and methods proposed by Pocock and Murray et al. We compared these methods and illustrated their use in a practical setting, including an assessment of the comparability of the current and the historical data. The motivating data set consists of randomised controlled trials for acute myeloid leukaemia. A simulation study was used to compare the methods in terms of bias, precision, power and type I error rate. Methods that estimate parameters for the between-trial heterogeneity generally offer the best trade-off of power, precision and type I error, with the meta-analytic-predictive prior being the most promising method. The results show that it can be feasible to include historical data in the analysis of clinical trials, if an appropriate method is used to estimate the heterogeneity between trials, and the historical data satisfy criteria for comparability.
Predatory Formations Dressed in Wall Street Suits and Algorithmic Math
Authors: Sassen Saskia
Published: February 2017

This article examines how assemblages of complex types of knowledge and technologies—including algorithmic mathematics, law and accounting, and high-level logistics—have generated complex predatory formations. The complexity of these formations tends to camouflage their predatory character. Further, such formations are systemic in nature. They are not produced by an elementary seizure of power. Predatory formations are often beyond the reach of ordinary policy responses, in good part because they tend to assemble elements of separate domains into novel configurations. The focus here is on one of the more powerful and complex predatory formations, (high) finance. And the effort is to explain how even the most sophisticated financial instruments require certain elementary and brutal steps, resulting in highly degraded socio-economic outcomes. The sub-prime mortgage developed in the early 2000s differentiates itself from the original 1970s concept in that its aim was not to enable access to housing. Its aim was and is to use the actual physical good (the house) to develop an asset-backed security for the financial system itself.
MicroRNA-223-3p inhibits human bladder cancer cell migration and invasion
Authors: Guo Ju , Cao Runfu , Yu Xingwei , Xiao Zewen , Chen Zhiwen
Published: February 2017

The regulation of initiation and progression during carcinogenesis of bladder carcinoma is not completely elucidated. Dysregulation of microRNAs has been detected to play critical roles in the development of various cancers, including bladder carcinoma, whereas the involvement of miR-223-3p in the tumorigenesis of bladder carcinoma has not been studied. Here, we show that significantly higher levels of nuclear receptor coactivator 1 and significantly lower levels of miR-223-3p were detected in bladder carcinoma tissue, compared to the adjacent non-tumor tissue. In addition, the levels of nuclear receptor coactivator 1 and miR-223-3p were inversely correlated. Moreover, low miR-223-3p levels in bladder carcinoma specimens were associated with poor prognosis. In vitro, depletion of miR-223-3p increased bladder carcinoma cell invasion, which was abolished by overexpression of nuclear receptor coactivator 1. Bioinformatics studies demonstrate that miR-223-3p may bind to the 3′-UTR of nuclear receptor coactivator 1 messenger RNA to inhibit its protein translation in bladder carcinoma cells. Together, our study highlights miR-223-3p as a previously unrecognized microRNA that inhibits bladder carcinoma invasiveness via nuclear receptor coactivator 1, and this finding may be important for developing innovative therapeutic targets in treating bladder carcinoma.
MicroRNAs regulate the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and influence breast cancer invasion and metastasis
Authors: Zhao Min , Ang Lin , Huang Jin , Wang Jin
Published: February 2017

MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that play a major role in the post-transcriptional regulation of genes and influence the development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of cells and the development and progression of tumors. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition is a process by which epithelial cells morphologically transform into cells with a mesenchymal phenotype. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition plays a highly important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs are tightly associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition regulation in tumor cells. In breast cancer, various microRNA molecules have been identified as epithelial–mesenchymal transition inducers or inhibitors, which, through different mechanisms and signaling pathways, participate in the regulation of breast cancer invasion and metastasis among various biological behaviors. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition–related microRNAs in breast cancer provide valuable molecules for researching cell invasion and metastasis, and they also provide candidate targets that may be significant for the targeted therapy of breast cancer.
A Role for Endogenous Brain States in Organizational Research: Moving Toward a Dynamic View of Cognitive Processes
Authors: Braeutigam Sven , Lee Nick , Senior Carl
Published: February 2017

The dominant view in neuroscience, including functional neuroimaging, is that the brain is an essentially reactive system, in which some sensory input causes some neural activity, which in turn results in some important response such as a motor activity or some hypothesized higher-level cognitive or affective process. This view has driven the rise of neuroscience methods in management and organizational research. However, the reactive view offers at best a partial understanding of how living organisms function in the real world. In fact, like any neural system, the human brain exhibits a constant ongoing activity. This intrinsic brain activity is produced internally, not in response to some environmental stimulus, and is thus termed endogenous brain activity (EBA). In the present article we introduce EBA to organizational research conceptually, explain its measurement, and go on to show that including EBA in management and organizational theory and empirical research has the potential to revolutionize how we think about human choice and behavior in organizations.
Cacophonies of discord, moments of harmony: Managing multiple needs in short-term music therapy with triplets and their mother
Authors: Loth Helen
Published: February 2017

This article explores some of the issues arising from short-term music therapy with a family of triplets, one of whom had special needs. Starved of nutrition in the womb by her two siblings, Emma was born with restricted growth and medical complications. She spent her first year in hospital, while her brother and sister grew up at home. Emma was referred to music therapy at the age of 2; however, it proved difficult to see her without her siblings. It quickly became apparent that there were many needs within the family: those of Emma, the two siblings and of their mother. Emma’s needs could easily be side-lined by her more dominant siblings. Her mother was struggling to cope with all three children together, and concerned that she had not fully bonded with Emma. Various strategies were used in the family music therapy to contain these multiple needs and attempt to meet some of them.