bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of unnecessary psychiatric readmissions: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Kim Bo , Weatherly Christopher , Wolk Courtney Benjamin , Proctor Enola K
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Care transition for patients being discharged from inpatient mental healthcare to outpatient settings is a growing focus for healthcare delivery systems. Many studies of this inpatient to outpatient transition use the rate of postdischarge readmissions as a patient-level outcome measure to assess the quality of transition. However, it is unclear how studies define the measure, and whether there is a shared understanding by the field regarding which definition is appropriate for which circumstances. This scoping review thus aims to examine how published studies have approached measuring unnecessary psychiatric readmissions.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review will be structured according to Levacet al’s enhancement to Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for conducting scoping reviews. The protocol is registered through the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/5nxuc/). We will search literature databases for studies that (1) are about care transition processes associated with unnecessary psychiatric readmissions and (2) specify use of at least one readmission time interval (ie, time period since previous discharge from inpatient care, within which a hospitalisation can be considered a readmission). Screening and review of articles will be carried out by two reviewers, first independently then involving a third reviewer as needed for consensus. We will assess review findings through both tabular and thematic analyses, noting prevalent trends in study characteristics and emergent themes across our reviewed studies.

Ethics and dissemination

This work comes at a time of heightened interest by many mental healthcare systems in high-quality practices that structure their care processes towards effective inpatient to outpatient transitions. Findings will support the systems’ careful examination of alternative potential transitional interventions, helping to ensure that their often limited quality enhancement resources are put to optimal use. We will focus on disseminating our findings to the healthcare community through strong communication infrastructures and connections with health system stakeholders that our multidisciplinary study consultants will foster throughout this study.
Role ofCTLA4A49G polymorphism in systemic lupus erythematosus and its geographical distribution
Authors: Kailashiya Vikas , Sharma Hanjabam Barun , Kailashiya Jyotsna
Published: July 2019

CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4) or CD152 is an inhibitory receptor expressed constitutively on CD4+ CD25+ T regulatory lymphocytes and transiently on activated CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Its inhibitory function promotes long-lived anergy in immune cells and prevents autoimmunity. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in T cell-mediated autoimmunity, and thus in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is encoded byCTLA4gene in humans. AtoG polymorphism at position +49 ofCTLA4gene is the only polymorphism which changes amino acid sequence from alanine to threonine in the leader sequence, which may affect the function of CTLA-4. Association ofCTLA4polymorphisms with SLE has been investigated in several reports in different ethnic populations from different countries, which have shown highly inconsistent findings. In this review, we have compiled previous studies which have reported the association ofCTLA4A49G polymorphism in SLE and its geographical distribution.
Stop paying through the nose: student and trainee medical conferences offer better value for money than professional alternatives
Authors: Sharp Elliott W , Curlewis Keegan , Clarke Thomas H S
Published: July 2019

Background

Scientific conferences in the UK are attended by practising doctors and medical students for sharing research, networking and professional development. Student/trainee conferences are typically cheaper than professional conferences, but as they are not acknowledged in national scoring systems for medical and surgical training applications, they may have worse attendance than otherwise possible. We questioned whether student/trainee conferences are of a similar scientific quality to professional conferences, while being considerably cheaper.

Methods

In this cross-sectional database review, 162 conferences were identified through a systematic search of two conference databases by three independent researchers. χ2 tests were used to compare scientific quality between student/trainee and professional conferences and the likelihood of offering different types of discounts. Independent t-tests were employed to determine cost differences between the two categories of conferences.

Results

Our data revealed that there was no significant difference between student/trainee and professional conferences likelihood of declaring information on their abstract review processes (p=0.105). There was no difference in speaker seniority, determined by the tool the authors developed (p=0.172). Student/trainee conferences were significantly more likely to offer workshops (p<0.0005) and were cheaper than professional conferences (p<0.0005).

Conclusion

Our results show that student/trainee conferences offer a similar level of scientific quality to professional medical conferences in the UK at a fraction of the cost, which should be reflected within the national scoring systems.
Investigation of a decommissioned landfill barrier system containing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) waste after 25 years in service
Authors: McWatters R.S. , Jones D.D. , Rowe R.K. , Markle J.M.
Published: July 2019

The excavation and analysis of the barrier systems for four engineered containment cells, constructed from 1984 to 1987, is described. Very limited polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) migration was observed over the 22–25 year period prior to decommissioning. PCBs were predominantly, and preferentially, retarded by the geotextiles (GTXs) and, where present, geomembranes (GMBs). The migration of PCBs in the primary compacted clay liner (CCL) during this period was limited both when used alone and with a GMB. The exhumed GMBs, from both cover and base barriers, had diffusive properties (with respect to volatile organic compounds) comparable to unaged GMBs. For cells with a CCL as the primary base barrier, the inferred PCB diffusion coefficient, De, was 1–2 × 10−10m2/s and distribution coefficient, Kd, was 10–15 mL/g. For cells where a GMB was the primary base barrier, the inferred PCB partitioning coefficient, Sgf, was 150 000 and diffusion coefficient, Dg, was 1 × 10−14m2/s. Modelling beyond the 25 years in service predicts no unacceptable PCB impact of the landfill on groundwater and indicates that the design of the barrier system was adequate for an indefinite period given the low service temperatures to which it was subjected. In this diffusion-governed system, small changes to the diffusive properties were found to have a large impact on migration.
Chronic ethanol consumption induces micturition dysfunction and alters the oxidative state of the urinary bladder
Authors: do Vale Gabriel T. , Sousa Arthur H. , Gonzaga Natália A. , de Oliveira Mariana G. , Justo Alberto F.O. , Alexandre Eduardo C. , Tanus-Santos Jose E. , Antunes Edson , Tirapelli Carlos R.
Published: July 2019

Oxidative stress is pointed out as a major mechanism by which ethanol induces functional and structural changes in distinctive tissues. We evaluated whether ethanol consumption would increase oxidative stress and cause micturition dysfunction. Male C57BL/6J mice were treated with 20% ethanol (v/v) for 10 weeks. Our findings showed that chronic ethanol consumption reduced micturition spots and urinary volume in conscious mice, whereas in anaesthetized animals cystometric analysis revealed reduced basal pressure and increased capacity, threshold pressure, and maximum voiding. Treatment with ethanol reduced the contraction induced by carbachol in isolated bladders. Chronic ethanol consumption increased the levels of oxidant molecules and thiobarbituric acid reactive species in the mouse bladder. Upregulation of Nox2 was detected in the bladder of ethanol-treated mice. Increased activity of both superoxide dismutase and catalase were detected in the mouse bladder after treatment with ethanol. Conversely, decreased levels of reduced glutathione were detected in the bladder of ethanol-treated mice. The present study first demonstrated that chronic ethanol consumption induced micturition dysfunction and that this response was accompanied by increased levels of oxidant molecules in the mousebladder. These findings suggest that ethanol consumption is a risk factor for vesical dysfunction.
The role of carbon sources in relation to pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Valencia peanut
Authors: Lujan Phillip , Dungan Barry , Holguin Omar , Sanogo Soum , Puppala Naveen , Randall Jennifer
Published: July 2019

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen with a very wide host range. Isolates of this pathogen are normally described as having fluffy and white mycelium; however, isolates of S. sclerotiorum with darkly-pigmented mycelium on potato dextrose agar medium have been identified in eastern New Mexico and western Texas from Valencia peanut fields. Mutant non-pigmented S. sclerotiorum isolates (SW) were created in an earlier study from wild-type pigmented isolates (SD) using melanin inhibitors. The SD isolates were pathogenic on Valencia peanut, whereas the SW isolates were not. The current study was conducted to further characterize the differences between SD and SW isolates in regards to metabolite production and utilization, including the effects of carbon sources and oxalic acid precursors on oxalic acid production and pathogenicity on Valencia peanut. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) metabolomics analysis revealed a down-regulation of several sugars and compounds within the citric acid cycle as well as oxalic acid for SW isolates of S. sclerotiorum. The addition of glucose to potato dextrose agar medium allowed for the production of oxalic acid and restored pathogenicity in SW isolates that were previously non-pathogenic on Valencia peanut. This study indicates that glucose alone plays a major role in oxalic acid production and pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum.
Type II compact almost homogeneous manifolds of cohomogeneity one-II
Authors: Guan Daniel
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we start the program of the existence of the smooth equivariant geodesics in the equivariant Mabuchi moduli space of Kähler metrics on type II cohomogeneity one compact Kähler manifold. In this paper, we deal with the manifolds [Formula: see text] obtained by blowing up the diagonal of the product of two copies of a [Formula: see text].
Radiative decays and the SU(6) Lie algebra
Authors: Slaughter Milton Dean
Published: July 2019

We present research on radiative decays of vector [Formula: see text] to pseudoscalar [Formula: see text] particles ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] quark system) using broken symmetry techniques in the infinite-momentum frame and equal-time commutation relations and the [Formula: see text] Lie algebra, and conducted without ascribing any specific form to meson quark structure or intra-quark interactions. We utilize the physical electromagnetic current [Formula: see text] including its singlet [Formula: see text] term and focus on the [Formula: see text] 35-plet. We derive new relations involving the electromagnetic current (including its singlet — proportional to the [Formula: see text] singlet). Remarkably, we find that the electromagnetic current singlet plays an intrinsic role in understanding the physics of radiative decays and that the charged and neutral [Formula: see text] meson radiative decays into [Formula: see text] are due entirely to the singlet term in [Formula: see text]. Although there is insufficient radiative decay experimental data available at this time, parametrization of possible predicted values of [Formula: see text] is made. For conciseness and self-containment, we compute all [Formula: see text] Lie algebra simple roots, positive roots, weights and fundamental weights which allow the construction of all [Formula: see text] representations. We also derive all nonzero [Formula: see text] generator commutators and anticommutators — useful for further research on grand unified theories.
Performance enhancement of MEMS-guided four beam piezoelectric transducers for energy harvesting and acceleration sensing
Authors: Ghoddus Hossein , Kordrostami Zoheir , Amiri Peyman
Published: July 2019

In the present paper, guided four beam (G4B) piezoelectric transducers with enhanced sensitivities have been designed. Based on the suggested G4B structures, piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) and acceleration transducers with higher voltages than their previously reported counterparts and with lower displacements than the single-cantilever PEHs (SC-PEHs) have been proposed. We have shown that it is possible to arrive at much more output voltages in comparison with the conventional PEHs by redesigning the structure of the cantilever beams. In 1 g acceleration, the maximum output voltage obtained from the proposed PEHs has been 13.49 V whereas the output voltage for the conventional G4B-PEH is 2.87 V. This paper for the first time proposes G4B-PEHs with smaller displacements and larger voltages compared to a SC-PEH. The same G4B framework has been studied as a piezoelectric acceleration transducer. The effect of piezoelectric length on the extracted voltage in both unimorph and bimorph cantilevers has been discussed and the optimized length has been calculated. An analytical method is developed to compute the resonance frequencies of different beam shapes whose results are in a good agreement with numerical simulations.
2,7,12,17-Tetra(2,5-thienylene)-substituted porphycenes
Authors: Kuzuhara Daiki , Nakaoka Haruka , Matsuo Kyohei , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko
Published: July 2019

We report syntheses of thiophene and dithiophene-substituted porphycenes (ThPc and DThPc) at 2,7,12,17-positions by McMurry coupling. The crystal structure of ThPc revealed that the porphycene plane shows a highly planar structure, and the dihedral angles between the porphycene core and thiophene are relatively small at 21[Formula: see text] and 18[Formula: see text]. ThPc and DThPc exhibit red-shifted and broadened absorption because of the extension of [Formula: see text] conjugations through porphycene to the substituted thiophenes. We found that introduction of thiophene units onto porphycene results in decreasing the HOMO–LUMO differences effectively.
DFT-Based Study on Electronic, Magnetic and Thermodynamic Properties of HoMnO3: A Half-Metallic Material with Nearly Linear Band Crosses
Authors: Li Ting-Zhou , Khenata R. , Khachai Houari , Wang Xiaotian
Published: July 2019

A novel half-metallic family of materials, the multiple Dirac cones half-metals, has received considerable interest from researchers. Benefiting from its novel electronic structure, they are promising candidates for ultra-performance spintronic devices. In this paper, we propose a new half-metallic material, perovskite-type [Formula: see text] HoMnO3, which possesses similar Dirac-like multiple linear band crosses. We investigated its electronic, magnetic and thermodynamic properties in detail on the basis of density functional theory. The excellent band structures are robust enough against spin-orbit coupling and electron and hole doping. Through calculations, we confirmed its multi-aspect stability. Based on the current study, we confirm that HoMnO3 has potential for next-generation spintronic applications.
China’s Role in a World of Epochal Changes
Authors: Zhao Kejin
Published: July 2019

Fundamental changes are taking place both within national borders and on the international stage. While technological advances are accelerating globalization, which brings all the nations closer together, the resurgence of populism, protectionism and nationalism is causing greater divisions along racial, ethnic, and national lines. The spectacular rise of China and the growing weight of developing nations as a whole are changing the world’s geopolitical and geoeconomic landscapes, constraining the West’s influence in global affairs and strengthening the developing world’s capacity in bargaining with advanced economies. In a new era of growing uncertainty and unpredictability, leadership and vision are the most valuable assets for any great power that seeks to shape a new world order according to its grand blueprints. From the Chinese perspective, an era of uncertainty does not only imply hidden risks and threats, but may also bring forth unprecedented strategic opportunities. Standing on the threshold of a new era with ever more readiness to claim its rightful place in the world, China is in the best position since the beginning of its modern history to play a significant role in fostering a new, truly multilateral order.
Cell Reprogramming: The Many Roads to Success
Authors: Aydin Begüm , Mazzoni Esteban O.
Published: July 2019

Cellular reprogramming experiments from somatic cell types have demonstrated the plasticity of terminally differentiated cell states. Recent efforts in understanding the mechanisms of cellular reprogramming have begun to elucidate the differentiation trajectories along the reprogramming processes. In this review, we focus mainly on direct reprogramming strategies by transcription factors and highlight the variables that contribute to cell fate conversion outcomes. We review key studies that shed light on the cellular and molecular mechanisms by investigating differentiation trajectories and alternative cell states as well as transcription factor regulatory activities during cell fate reprogramming. Finally, we highlight a few concepts that we believe require attention, particularly when measuring the success of cell reprogramming experiments.
Consequences of Multispecies Introductions on Island Ecosystems
Authors: Russell James C. , Kaiser-Bunbury Christopher N.
Published: July 2019

The rate of non-native species introductions continues to increase, with directionality from continents to islands. It is no longer single species but entire networks of coevolved and newly interacting continental species that are establishing on islands. The consequences of multispecies introductions on the population dynamics and interactions of native and introduced species will depend on the form of trophic limitation on island ecosystems. Freed from biotic constraints in their native range, species introduced to islands no longer experience top-down limitation, instead becoming limited by and disrupting bottom-up processes that dominate on resource-limited islands. This framing of the ecological and evolutionary relationships among introduced species with one another and their ecosystem has important consequences for conservation. Whereas on continents the focus of conservation is on restoring native apex species and top-down limitation, on islands the focus must instead be on removing introduced animal and plant species to restore bottom-up limitation.
Sanitation for Low-Income Regions: A Cross-Disciplinary Review
Authors: Hyun Christopher , Burt Zachary , Crider Yoshika , Nelson Kara L. , Prasad C.S. Sharada , Rayasam Swati D.G. , Tarpeh William , Ray Isha
Published: July 2019

Sanitation research focuses primarily on containing human waste and preventing disease; thus, it has traditionally been dominated by the fields of environmental engineering and public health. Over the past 20 years, however, the field has grown broader in scope and deeper in complexity, spanning diverse disciplinary perspectives. In this article, we review the current literature in the range of disciplines engaged with sanitation research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We find that perspectives on what sanitation is, and what sanitation policy should prioritize, vary widely. We show how these diverse perspectives augment the conventional sanitation service chain, a framework describing the flow of waste from capture to disposal. We review how these perspectives can inform progress toward equitable sanitation for all [i.e., Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6]. Our key message is that both material and nonmaterial flows—and both technological and social functions—make up a sanitation “system.” The components of the sanitation service chain are embedded within the flows of finance, decision making, and labor that make material flows of waste possible. The functions of capture, storage, transport, treatment, reuse, and disposal are interlinked with those of ensuring equity and affordability. We find that a multilayered understanding of sanitation, with contributions from multiple disciplines, is necessary to facilitate inclusive and robust research toward the goal of sanitation for all.
Clinical and neurohumoral associates of variations in plasma Na+in the PREVEND cohort
Authors: Hessels Niek R. , van den Bosch Jacqueline J. O. N. , van Londen Marco , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Riphagen Ineke J. , Navis Gerjan J.
Published: July 2019

Plasma Na+concentration is regulated within narrow limits. Yet, substantial interindividual differences exist even in the normal range. The determinants of these differences are not well understood. We therefore investigated the clinical and neurohumoral associates of plasma Na+. We studied 2,364 men (age: 48 ± 12 yr) and 2,710 women (age: 47 ± 12 yr) from the prospective Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort study. In the present study, we investigated the neurohumoral factors NH2-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and aldosterone as volume markers and copeptin as a marker for osmoregulation. Clinical associating variables of plasma Na+were age, sex, and plasma glucose. Furthermore, plasma Na+levels were associated with log2copeptin (men: standardized β = 0.18, P < 0.001; women: standardized β = 0.17, P < 0.001), log2NT-proBNP (men: standardized β = 0.07, P = 0.008; women: standardized β = 0.12, P < 0.001), and log2aldosterone (men: standardized β = −0.06, P = 0.005; women: standardized β = −0.09, P < 0.001). Copeptin and NT-proBNP showed an interaction in their association with plasma Na+. Thus, our data 1) support that osmoregulation, as estimated from copeptin levels, is a main associate of plasma Na+; 2) show a consistent association with volume markers, with higher NT-proBNP and lower aldosterone in individuals with higher plasma Na+; and 3) show that the interaction between copeptin and NT-proBNP illustrates that osmoregulation and volume regulation act in concert in the regulation of plasma Na+.
Comparative Abilities of Fasting Plasma Glucose and Haemoglobin A1c in Predicting Metabolic Syndrome among Apparently Healthy Normoglycemic Ghanaian Adults
Authors: Amidu Nafiu , Owiredu William Kwame Boakye Ansah , Quaye Lawrence , Dapare Peter Paul Mwinsanga , Adams Yussif
Published: July 2019

There are arguments as to whether haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) better predicts Metabolic syndrome (MetS) than fasting plasma glucose. The aim of the study was to explore the comparative abilities of HbA1c and Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in predicting cardiometabolic risk among apparently healthy adults in the Tamale metropolis. This study was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Tamale metropolis from September, 2017, to January, 2018, among one hundred and sixty (160) apparently healthy normoglycemic adults. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to gather sociodemographic data. Anthropometric and haemodynamic data were also taken and blood samples collected for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lipid profile. MetS was classified using the harmonised criteria as indicated in the joint interim statement (JIS). Out of the 160 participants, 42.5% were males and 57.5% were females. FPG associated better with MetS and other cardiovascular risk markers, compared to HbA1c. FPG had the largest area under curve for predicting MetS and its components. This study shows a stronger association between FPG and MetS compared with haemoglobin A1c; it also provides evidence of a superior ability of FPG over HbA1c in predicting MetS and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in apparently heathy normoglycemic individuals.
A Case of Inverted Papilloma Originating from the Middle Ear and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bayindir Eray , Hanege Fatih Mehmet , Kalcioglu Mahmut Tayyar , Zenginkinet Tulay , Celik Serdal
Published: July 2019

Inverted papilloma (IP) with malignant transformation is rarely seen in the middle ear. Up to now, there have been 16 primary middle ear IPs reported in the English literature. Even though it is very rare in the middle ear, this pathology should be kept in mind for the differential diagnosis of middle ear masses. In this case, we report a 77-year-old female who had recurrent IP with malignant transformation and complication.
Assessment of Changes in Lipids Metabolism in Patients with Degenerative Joints and Discs Diseases Subjected to Spa Therapy
Authors: Kasperczak Michał , Kuciel-Lewandowska Jadwiga , Gnus Jan , Paprocka-Borowicz Małgorzata
Published: July 2019

Introduction. High levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and, connected with them, lipoprotein fractions may result in atherosclerosis. There are various forms of therapy used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as balneophysiotherapy, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by numerous scientific publications. Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of balneophysiotherapeutic procedures on the systemic metabolism of lipids in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the motor organ. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in the Health Resort Świeradów-Zdrój. Observation included patients undergoing radon water therapy. Before therapy and after 21 days of treatment, lipid profile was assessed with the use of standard colorimetric assay. Study group consisted of n=34 patients with degenerative joints and disc disease. The mean age of patients was 56.5l. The control group consisted of 17 people selected among the employees of the spa also suffering from osteoarthritis. The mean age was 54.2 years. Results. The results of the study are based on a single, 21-day health resort stay period in April/May. A statistically significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels was observed in female patients having undergone health resort treatment (P<0.01). Statistically significant drops in LDL cholesterol and TG levels were observed in the control group (P<0.01). An increase in HDL levels was observed in the male and female control subjects, with P<0.05. Conclusions. (1) After the end of therapy, there were no changes in lipid metabolism in men, while in the group of women an increase in HDL level was observed. (2) In the control group, statistically significant changes in the field of lipid metabolism may be related to lifestyle changes as a result of educational activities conducted prior to the research. (3) Due to the divergent results, it is advisable to conduct randomized studies in a larger population. This trial is registered with NCT03274128.
A Review on the Effect of Plant Extract on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Saud Bhuvan , Malla Rajani , Shrestha Kanti
Published: July 2019

Stem cell has immense potential in regenerative cellular therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can become a potential attractive candidate for therapy due to its remarkable ability of self-renewal and differentiation into three lineages, i.e., ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Stem cell holds tremendous promises in the field of tissue regeneration and transplantation for disease treatments. Globally, medicinal plants are being used for the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases. Phytochemicals like naringin, icariin, genistein, and resveratrol obtained from plants have been extensively used in traditional medicine for centuries. Certain bioactive compounds from plants increase the rate of tissue regeneration, differentiation, and immunomodulation. Several studies show that bioactive compounds from plants have a specific role (bioactive mediator) in regulating the rate of cell division and differentiation through complex signal pathways like BMP2, Runx2, and Wnt. The use of plant bioactive phytochemicals may also become promising in treating diseases like osteoporosis, neurodegenerative disorders, and other tissue degenerative disorders. Thus, the present review article is aimed at highlighting the roles and consequences of plant extracts on MSCs proliferation and desired lineage differentiations.
Targeting Sporadic and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) Related Refractory Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNST) in a Phase II Study of Everolimus in Combination with Bevacizumab (SARC016)
Authors: Widemann Brigitte C. , Lu Yao , Reinke Denise , Okuno Scott H. , Meyer Christian F. , Cote Gregory M. , Chugh Rashmi , Milhem Mohammed M. , Hirbe Angela C. , Kim AeRang , Turpin Brian , Pressey Joseph G. , Dombi Eva , Jayaprakash Nalini , Helman Lee J. , Onwudiwe Ndidi , Cichowski Karen , Perentesis John P.
Published: July 2019

Purpose. There are no known effective medical treatments for refractory MPNST. Inactivation of the NF1 tumor suppressor in MPNST results in upregulation of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling and angiogenesis, which contributes to disease progression. We conducted a phase II study for patients (pts) with refractory MPNST combining everolimus (10 mg PO once daily) with bevacizumab (10 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks) to determine the clinical benefit rate (CBR) (complete response, partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD) ≥ 4 months). Patients and Methods. Patients ≥18 years old with chemotherapy refractory sporadic or NF1 MPNST were eligible. Tumor response was assessed after every 2 cycles (the WHO criteria). A two-stage design targeting a 25% CBR was used: if ≥ 1/15 pts in stage 1 responded, enrollment would be expanded by 10 pts, and if ≥ 4/25 patients had clinical benefit, the combination would be considered active. Results. Twenty-five pts, 17 with NF1 and 8 with sporadic MPNST, enrolled. One of 15 pts in stage 1 had clinical benefit. Of 10 additional pts enrolled, 2 had clinical benefit. The median number of completed cycles was 3 (range 1–16). Adverse events were similar to those known for this combination. Conclusion. With a CBR of 12% (3/25), the combination of everolimus and bevacizumab did not reach the study’s target response rate and is not considered active in refractory MPNST.
A Trajectory Partition Method Based on Combined Movement Features
Authors: Tang Ji , Liu Linfeng , Wu Jiagao
Published: July 2019

Trajectory data mining has become an increasing concern in the location-based applications, and the trajectory partition is taken as the primary procedure of trajectory data mining. The amount of movement trajectories of nodes is typically very large, and the trajectory shapes are extremely diverse, which makes the trajectory partition a vital issue to the trajectory data mining results. In this work, the movement behaviors of nodes are analyzed from the aspects of moving speeds, stop points, and moving directions, and then a novel Trajectory Partition Method based on combined movement Features (TPMF) is proposed to partition the trajectories. In TPMF, we first extract the change points where the movement speeds of nodes are varied significantly; then, we extract the stop points by detecting the speed variations of nodes; finally, the Douglas-Peucker algorithm is applied to partition the subtrajectories according to the extracted feature points (change points and stop points). Simulations are carried out on the Geolife trajectory dataset, and the simulation results indicate that TPMF can achieve a preferable trade-off between the simplification rate and the trajectory partition error, while the running time is shortened as well.
Liquid Silicone-Induced Extensive and Debilitating Granulomatosis Responding to Hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Jilani Nargis , Shabbir Javeria , Nemytova Elena
Published: July 2019

In the last two decades, there has been a significant rise in body-image improvement among the American consumers. Cosmetic injectable procedures have increased by 40.6% in the past 5 years. There has also been an increase in nonmedical, illegal, and self-appointed personnel, offering cheaper hazardous procedures. Silicone has been in use since 1965. In 1991, FDA issued guidelines prohibiting the marketing of injectable liquid silicone. However, it is biologically inert, is associated with inflammatory response, and leads to serious complications like granulomatosis, migration, acute pneumonitis, pulmonary embolism, and even death. Here, we present a case of silicone-induced granulomatosis with extensive migration which ended in bilateral mastectomy, multiple anterior chest debulking procedures, and finally peg tube placement due to compression of the esophageal lumen by granulomas. The patient was eventually started on immunomodulatory treatment, hydroxychloroquine with good response.
Do Upper and Lower Camptocormias Affect Gait and Postural Control in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease? An Observational Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Geroin Christian , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Maddalena Isacco , Smania Nicola , Tinazzi Michele
Published: July 2019

Gait impairments and camptocormia (CC) are common and debilitating in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Two types of CC affect patients with PD, but no studies investigated their relative contribution in worsening gait and postural control. Therefore, we investigated spatiotemporal gait parameters, gait variability, and asymmetry and postural control in PD patients (Hoehn & Yahr ≤4) with upper CC and lower CC and patients without CC. This observational cross-sectional study involving patients with PD and upper CC (n=16) and lower CC (n=14) and without CC (n=16). The primary outcome measure was gait speed assessed by the GAITRite System. The secondary outcome measures were other spatiotemporal parameters, gait variability, and asymmetry. Postural control and balance were assessed with posturography and the Mini-BESTest. Patients with lower CC showed a higher H&Y stage (p=0.003), a worse PDQ8 (p=0.042), and a lower Mini-BESTest score (p=0.006) than patients with PD without CC. Patients with lower CC showed a reduced gait speed (p=0.012), stride length, and velocity than patients with PD without CC. Upper CC patients showed a higher stride length than lower CC ones (p=0.007). In the eyes open and closed condition, patients with lower CC showed a higher (worse) velocity of CoP displacement in mediolateral direction and length of CoP than patients with PD without CC. No significant between-group differences were measured in gait variability and asymmetry. In conclusion, lower CC was associated with more severe gait and postural control impairment than patients with upper CC and without CC. Categorizing CC based on the bending fulcrum is compulsory to identify patients with the worst performance and to implement specific rehabilitation programs.
Convergence of a Belief Propagation Algorithm for Biological Networks
Authors: Choo Sang-Mok , Kim Young-Hee
Published: July 2019

Constructing network models of biological systems is important for effective understanding and control of the biological systems. For the construction of biological networks, a stochastic approach for link weights has been recently developed by using experimental data and belief propagation on a factor graph. The link weights were variable nodes of the factor graph and determined from their marginal probability mass functions which were approximated by using an iterative scheme. However, there is no convergence analysis of the iterative scheme. In this paper, at first, we present a detailed explanation of the complicated multistep process step by step with a network of small size and artificial experimental data, and then we show a sufficient condition for the convergence of the iterative scheme. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the whole process and to verify our result.
Urban Densification and 12‐Year Changes in Cardiovascular Risk Markers
Authors: Chandrabose Manoj , Owen Neville , Giles‐Corti Billie , Turrell Gavin , Carver Alison , Sugiyama Takemi
Published: July 2019

Background

Population densities of many cities are increasing rapidly, with the potential for impacts on cardiovascular health. This longitudinal study examined the potential impact of population‐density increases in urban areas (urban densification) on cardiovascular risk markers among Australian adults.

Methods and Results

Data were from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, in which adult participants’ cardiovascular risk markers were collected in 3 waves (in 1999–2000, 2004–2005, and 2011–2012). We included 2354 participants with a mean age of 51 years at baseline who did not change their residence during the study period. Outcomes were 12‐year changes in waist circumference, weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting and 2‐hour postload plasma glucose, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. The exposure was neighborhood population densification, defined as 12‐year change in population density within a 1‐km radius buffer around the participant’s home. Multilevel linear growth models, adjusting for potential confounders, were used to examine the relationships. Each 1% annual increase in population density was related with smaller increases in waist circumference (b=−0.043 cm/y; 95%
CI,
−0.065 to −0.021 [
P
<0.001]), weight (b=−0.019 kg/y; 95%
CI,
−0.039 to 0.001 [
P
=0.07]), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (b=−0.035 mg/
dL
per year; 95%
CI
, −0.067 to −0.002 [
P
=0.04]), and greater increases in diastolic blood pressure (b=0.032 mm Hg/y; 95%
CI
, −0.004 to 0.069 [
P
=0.08]).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that, at least in the context of Australia, urban densification may be protective against obesity risk but may have adverse effects on blood lipids and blood pressure. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms through which urban densification influences cardiovascular health.
Rhynchocyrtus gen. nov. (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from the Southeast and Northeast Brazilian regions
Authors: DE MENDOÇA MARIA CLEIDE , FERNANDES LILIANE HENRIQUES
Published: July 2019

Rhynchocyrtus gen. nov. is described and illustrated with a new type species: Rhynchocyrtus klausi sp. nov. from National Park of Tijuca (Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil). This work also includes a new record of Rhynchocyrtus gen. nov. and a new species from a remnant rainforest area of the Northeast region, in Pernambuco State, Brazil.
A new Middle Triassic genus and species of Mylacridae (Blattodea) from China
Authors: LI ZHU , HONG YOUCHONG , YANG DING
Published: July 2019

Shaanxi Entomofauna is important in the study of insect’s evolution from Paleozoic to Mesozoic. A new genus and species, Cathayiblatta longata gen. et sp. nov., of Mylacridae (Blattodea) from Middle Triassic is described. The new genus and species was found in Tongchuan City, Shaanxi Province of China, and the fossil referred to a new member of Tongchuan Entomassemblage of Shaanxi Entomofauna. The ultrastructure of wing was observed through scanning electron microscope. Comparison was made between the new genus and related genera Hemimylacris and Metaxyblatta.
A novel member of the Hemidactylus brookii complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India
Authors: CHAITANYA R. , AGARWAL ISHAN , LAJMI APARNA , KHANDEKAR AKSHAY
Published: July 2019

A new rupicolous gecko from the Hemidactylus brookii complex is described from the forests and plateaus of Amboli, in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. This medium sized (average adult SVL 56.2±5.0 to at least 62 mm), nocturnal species is superficially similar to other congeners from the ‘H. brookii’ clade, but can be distinguished from them in having 17 or 18 fairly regular longitudinal rows of enlarged, conical, keeled tubercles at midbody, extending from posterior part of the head to groin; tubercles in parasagittal rows smaller, feebly keeled and more rounded; approximately six rows of tubercles on either side of parasagittal tubercle rows, highly enlarged, remarkably conical and strongly keeled; lamellae divided in a straight transverse series—seven or eight lamellae beneath fourth digit (manus and pes) and five or six beneath first digit (manus and pes). Males with nine or ten (rarely eight) femoral pores separated by four or five poreless scales; supralabials 11–13; infralabials 8–11. Molecular data based on the mitochondrial ND2 gene supports the distinctiveness of this species and helps ascertain its phylogenetic position within the ‘H. brookii’ group of the Indian Hemidactylus radiation.
Designing Drought Indicators
Authors: Purdy A. J. , Kawata Jessie , Fisher Joshua B. , Reynolds Margaux , Om Gina , Ali Zahin , Babikian Justin , Roman Christiahn , Mann Laura
Published: July 2019

Drought indicators hold great potential to assist water management. However, drought information products are traditionally designed by scientists with little input from the end users. This has resulted in an inundation of products ill suited to stakeholder needs and requirements, limiting the potential for improving management through the use of these products. In a different field—the field of product design—product designers and strategists have matured methodologies for optimizing the creation of material products, such as shoes and cars, for example, for customers. A multitude of design-centric strategies are employed to determine customer needs and requirements (e.g., lighter shoe, more cushioning, breathable, reflectivity, arch support, width options, color options). These approaches can be extended from material to information or data products. Here, we describe how the methodological approaches within the field of product design can be interdisciplinarily employed to data products for drought indicators, with water managers as end users (i.e., the “customers”). New results for drought data products may be transformative in how drought indices are constructed, communicated, and delivered, with potentially significant improvements for water management.
Sixty Years of Widespread Warming in the Southern Middle and High Latitudes (1957–2016)
Authors: Jones Megan E. , Bromwich David H. , Nicolas Julien P. , Carrasco Jorge , Plavcová Eva , Zou Xun , Wang Sheng-Hung
Published: July 2019

Temperature trends across Antarctica over the last few decades reveal strong and statistically significant warming in West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) contrasting with no significant change overall in East Antarctica. However, recent studies have documented cooling in the AP since the late 1990s. This study aims to place temperature changes in the AP and West Antarctica into a larger spatial and temporal perspective by analyzing monthly station-based surface temperature observations since 1957 across the extratropical Southern Hemisphere, along with sea surface temperature (SST) data and mean sea level pressure reanalysis data. The results confirm statistically significant cooling in station observations and SST trends throughout the AP region since 1999. However, the full 60-yr period shows statistically significant, widespread warming across most of the Southern Hemisphere middle and high latitudes. Positive SST trends broadly reflect these warming trends, especially in the midlatitudes. After confirming the importance of the southern annular mode (SAM) on southern high-latitude climate variability, the influence is removed from the station temperature records, revealing statistically significant background warming across all of the extratropical Southern Hemisphere. Antarctic temperature trends in a suite of climate models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) are then investigated. Consistent with previous work the CMIP5 models warm Antarctica at the background temperature rate that is 2 times faster than that observed. However, removing the SAM influence from both CMIP5 and observed temperatures results in Antarctic trends that differ only modestly, perhaps due to natural multidecadal variability remaining in the observations.
On the Westward Turning of Hurricane Sandy (2012): Effect of Atmospheric Intraseasonal Oscillations
Authors: Ding Liudan , Li Tim , Xiang Baoqiang , Peng Melinda
Published: July 2019

Hurricane Sandy (2012) experienced an unusual westward turning and made landfall in New Jersey after its northward movement over the Atlantic Ocean. The landfall caused severe casualties and great economic losses. The westward turning took place in the midlatitude Atlantic where the climatological mean wind is eastward. The cause of this unusual westward track is investigated through both observational analysis and model simulations. The observational analysis indicates that the hurricane steering flow was primarily controlled by atmospheric intraseasonal oscillation (ISO), which was characterized by a pair of anticyclonic and cyclonic circulation systems. The anticyclone to the north was part of a global wave train forced by convection over the tropical Indian Ocean through Rossby wave energy dispersion, and the cyclone to the south originated from the tropical Atlantic through northward propagation. Hindcast experiments using a global coupled model show that the model is able to predict the observed circulation pattern as well as the westward steering flow 6 days prior to Sandy’s landfall. Sensitivity experiments with different initial dates confirm the important role of the ISO in establishing the westward steering flow in the midlatitude Atlantic. Thus the successful numerical model experiments suggest a potential for extended-range dynamical tropical cyclone track predictions.
Reactivity and kinetic studies of benzofuran hydrodeoxygenation over a Ni2P-O/MCM-41 catalyst
Authors: Dai Xueya , Song Hua , Song Hualin , Gong Jing , Li Feng , Liu Yanxiu
Published: July 2019

A nickel phosphide hydrodeoxygenation catalyst (Ni2P-O/MCM-41) was prepared using a new synthetic method. The as-prepared catalyst was evaluated in the hydrodeoxygenation of benzofuran, and the effects of reaction temperature, pressure, and the H2/liquid ratio were investigated. A pseudo first-order model was employed to describe the reaction kinetics of benzofuran hydrodeoxygenation over the Ni2P-O/MCM-41 catalyst. The reaction rate constants ( k1– k5) at different temperatures were determined according to this model. At 533 K, the conversion of 2-ethylphenol in to ethylbenzene began to increase dramatically, and the yield of O-free product, ethylcyclohexane, started to increase rapidly. At 573 K, 3.0 MPa, and a H2/liquid ratio of 500 (V/V), the conversion of benzofuran over Ni2P-O/MCM-41 reached 93%, and the combined yield of O-free products was 91%. Contact time analysis indicated that demethylation was not favored over the Ni2P-O/MCM-41 catalyst.