bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A degenerate Fermi gas of polar molecules
Authors: De Marco Luigi , Valtolina Giacomo , Matsuda Kyle , Tobias William G. , Covey Jacob P. , Ye Jun
Published: January 2019

Coaxing quantumness in a molecular gas

A dilute atomic gas cooled down to very cold temperatures can enter the so-called quantum degenerate regime, where quantum properties of the gas come to the fore. This regime has been achieved for both bosonic and fermionic atoms, but molecules, with their many internal states, present a special challenge. De Marco
et al.
cooled a bulk gas of fermionic potassium-rubidium molecules to quantum degeneracy (see the Perspective by Zelevinsky). The authors first cooled atomic potassium and rubidium gases separately, then bound them together into potassium-rubidium molecules, and finally brought the molecules down to their ground state. The density profile of the molecular gas revealed the system's quantum nature, which in turn kept the gas stable by suppressing chemical reactions.

Science
, this issue p.
853
; see also p.
820
Cortical column and whole-brain imaging with molecular contrast and nanoscale resolution
Authors: Gao Ruixuan , Asano Shoh M. , Upadhyayula Srigokul , Pisarev Igor , Milkie Daniel E. , Liu Tsung-Li , Singh Ved , Graves Austin , Huynh Grace H. , Zhao Yongxin , Bogovic John , Colonell Jennifer , Ott Carolyn M. , Zugates Christopher , Tappan Susan , Rodriguez Alfredo , Mosaliganti Kishore R. , Sheu Shu-Hsien , Pasolli H. Amalia , Pang Song , Xu C. Shan , Megason Sean G. , Hess Harald , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Hantman Adam , Rubin Gerald M. , Kirchhausen Tom , Saalfeld Stephan , Aso Yoshinori , Boyden Edward S. , Betzig Eric
Published: January 2019

Combining expansion and the lattice light sheet

Optical and electron microscopy have made tremendous inroads into understanding the complexity of the brain. Gao
et al.
introduce an approach for high-resolution tracing of neurons, their subassemblies, and their molecular constituents over large volumes. They applied their method, which combines expansion microscopy and lattice light-sheet microscopy, to the mouse cortical column and the entire
Drosophila
brain. The approach can be performed at speeds that should enable high-throughput comparative studies of neural development, circuit stereotypy, and structural correlations to neural activity or behavior.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau8302
Cerebellar modulation of the reward circuitry and social behavior
Authors: Carta Ilaria , Chen Christopher H. , Schott Amanda L. , Dorizan Schnaude , Khodakhah Kamran
Published: January 2019

The cerebellum and reward-driven behavior

Damage to the cerebellum manifests itself in various forms of cognitive impairment and abnormal social behavior. However, the exact role the cerebellum plays in these conditions is far from clear. Working in mice, Carta
et al.
found direct projections from the deep cerebellar nuclei to the brain's reward center, a region called the ventral tegmental area (see the Perspective by D'Angelo). These direct projections allowed the cerebellum to play a role in showing a social preference. Intriguingly, this pathway was not prosocial on its own. Cerebellar inputs into the ventral tegmental area were more active during social exploration. Depolarization of ventral tegmental area neurons thus represents a similar reward stimulus as social interaction for mice.

Science
, this issue p.
eaav0581
; see also p.
229
Flagellar microtubule doublet assembly in vitro reveals a regulatory role of tubulin C-terminal tails
Authors: Schmidt-Cernohorska M. , Zhernov I. , Steib E. , Le Guennec M. , Achek R. , Borgers S. , Demurtas D. , Mouawad L. , Lansky Z. , Hamel V. , Guichard P.
Published: January 2019

Assembly of the ciliary microtubule doublet

The cilium is a conserved organelle that is crucial for motility as well as for sensing the extracellular environment. Its core structure is characterized by nine microtubule doublets (MTDs). The mechanisms of MTD assembly are unclear. Schmidt-Cernohorska
et al.
developed an assay to reconstitute MTD assembly in vitro. Tubulin carboxyl-terminal tails played a critical inhibitory role in MTD formation. Molecular dynamics revealed that carboxyl-terminal tails of the A11 microtubule protofilament regulated MTD initiation. Furthermore, live-cell imaging showed an unexpected bidirectional isotropic elongation of the MTD.

Science
, this issue p.
285
CMCdG, a Novel Nucleoside Analog with Favorable Safety Features, Exerts Potent Activity against Wild-Type and Entecavir-Resistant Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Higashi-Kuwata Nobuyo , Hayashi Sanae , Das Debananda , Kohgo Satoru , Murakami Shuko , Hattori Shin-ichiro , Imoto Shuhei , Venzon David J. , Singh Kamalendra , Sarafianos Stefan G. , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: January 2019

We designed, synthesized, and characterized a novel nucleoside analog, (1
S
,3
S
,5
S
)-3-(2-amino-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-9H-purin-9-yl)-5-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylene-cyclopentanecarbonitrile, or 4′-cyano-methylenecarbocyclic-2′-deoxyguanosine (CMCdG), and evaluated its anti-hepatitis B virus (anti-HBV) activity, safety, and related features. CMCdG’s
in vitro
activity was determined using quantitative PCR and Southern blotting assays, and its cytotoxicity was determined with a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay, while its
in vivo
activity and safety were determined in human liver-chimeric mice infected with wild-type HBV genotype Ce (HBV
WT
Ce
) and an entecavir (ETV)-resistant HBV variant containing the amino acid substitutions L180M, S202G, and M204V (HBV
ETV-R
L180M/S202G/M204V
).
The Biology of
Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Lemos J.A. , Palmer S.R. , Zeng L. , Wen Z.T. , Kajfasz J.K. , Freires I.A. , Abranches J. , Brady L.J.
Published: January 2019

As a major etiological agent of human dental caries,
Streptococcus mutans
resides primarily in biofilms that form on the tooth surfaces, also known as dental plaque. In addition to caries,
S. mutans
is responsible for cases of infective endocarditis with a subset of strains being indirectly implicated with the onset of additional extraoral pathologies. During the past 4 decades, functional studies of
S. mutans
have focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms the organism employs to form robust biofilms on tooth surfaces, to rapidly metabolize a wide variety of carbohydrates obtained from the host diet, and to survive numerous (and frequent) environmental challenges encountered in oral biofilms. In these areas of research,
S. mutans
has served as a model organism for ground-breaking new discoveries that have, at times, challenged long-standing dogmas based on bacterial paradigms such as
Escherichia coli
and
Bacillus subtilis
. In addition to sections dedicated to carbohydrate metabolism, biofilm formation, and stress responses, this article discusses newer developments in
S. mutans
biology research, namely, how
S. mutans
interspecies and cross-kingdom interactions dictate the development and pathogenic potential of oral biofilms and how next-generation sequencing technologies have led to a much better understanding of the physiology and diversity of
S. mutans
as a species.
Fatal case of necrotising fasciitis due toVibrio vulnificusin a patient with alcoholic liver disease and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bhat Prasanna , Bhaskar Maanasa , Sistla Sujatha , Kadhiravan Tamilarasu
Published: January 2019

Vibrio vulnificusis a halophilicVibriofound globally. They are thought to be normal microbiome in the estuaries along the coasts associated with seawater and seashells. Infection usually results from consumption of raw oysters or shellfish or exposure of broken skin or open wounds to contaminated salt or brackish water. Clinical manifestations range from gastroenteritis to skin and subcutaneous infection and primary sepsis. Pathogen has the ability to cause infections with significant mortality in high-risk populations, including patients with chronic liver disease, immunodeficiency, diabetes mellitus and iron storage disorders. There is often a lack of clinical suspicion in cases due toVibrio vulnificusleading to delay in treatment and subsequent mortality. Herein we report a case of necrotising fasciitis in a diabetic patient with alcoholic liver disease caused byVibrio vulnificuswhich ended fatally.
The economics of physical activity in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Ranasinghe Priyanga Diloshini , Pokhrel Subhash , Anokye Nana Kwame
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Evidence on the economic costs of physical inactivity and the cost-effectiveness of physical activity interventions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is sparse, and fragmented where they are available. This is the first review aimed to summarise available evidence on economics of physical activity in LMICs, identify potential target variables for policy, and identify and report gaps in the current knowledge on economics of physical activity in LMICs.

Methods and analysis

Peer-reviewed journal articles of observational, experimental, quasi-experimental and mixed-method studies on economics of physical activity in LMICs will be identified by a search of electronic databases; Scopus, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus. Websites of WHO, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence international, World Bank and reference lists of included studies will be searched for relevant studies. The study selection process will be a two-stage approach; title and abstract screen for inclusion, followed by a review of selected full-text articles by two independent reviewers. Disagreements will be resolved by consensus and discussion with a third reviewer. Data will be extracted using standardised piloted data extraction forms. Risk of bias will be critically appraised using standard checklists based on study designs. Descriptive synthesis of data is planned. Where relevant, summaries of studies will be classified according to type of economic analysis, country or country category, population, intervention, comparator, outcome and study design. Meta-analysis will be performed where appropriate. This protocol for systematic review is prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analysis for Protocols −2015 statement.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not obtained as original data will not be collected as part of this review. The completed review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018099856.
How much emergency department use by vulnerable populations is potentially preventable?: A period prevalence study of linked public hospital data in South Australia
Authors: Banham David , Karnon Jonathan , Densley Kirsten , Lynch John W
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To quantify emergency department (ED) presentations by individuals within vulnerable populations compared with other adults and the extent to which these are potentially preventable.

Design

Period prevalence study from 2005-2006 to 2010–2011.

Setting

Person-linked, ED administrative records for public hospitals in South Australia.

Participants

Adults aged 20 or more in South Australia’s metropolitan area presenting to ED and categorised as Refugee and Asylum Seeker Countries of birth (RASC); Aboriginal; those aged 75 years or more; or All others.

Main outcome measures

Unadjusted rates of ambulatory care sensitive condition (ACSC), general practitioner (GP)–type presentations and associated direct ED costs among mutually exclusive groups of individuals.

Results

Disparity between RASC and All others was greatest for GP-type presentations (423.7 and 240.1 persons per 1000 population, respectively) with excess costs of $A106 573 (95% CI $A98 775 to $A114 371) per 1000 population. Aboriginal had highest acute ACSC presenter rates (125.8 against 51.6 per 1000 population) with twice the risk of multiple presentations and $A108 701 (95% CI $A374 to $A123 029) per 1000 excess costs. Those aged 75 or more had highest chronic ACSC presenter rates (119.7vs21.1 per 1000), threefold risk of further presentations (incidence rate ratio 3.20, 95% CI 3.14 to 3.26) and excess cost of $A385 (95% CI $A178 160 to $A184 609) per 1000 population.

Conclusions

Vulnerable groups had excess ED presentations for a range of issues potentially better addressed through primary and community healthcare. The observed differences suggest inequities in the uptake of effective primary and community care and represent a source of excess cost to the public hospital system.
Does intake of bread supplemented with wheat germ have a preventive role on cardiovascular disease risk markers in healthy volunteers? A randomised, controlled, crossover trial.
Authors: Moreira-Rosário André , Pinheiro Helder , Marques Cláudia , Teixeira José António , Calhau Conceição , Azevedo Luís Filipe
Published: January 2019

Objective

Intake of whole grains is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This evidence is also strong for bran alone, but findings about germ are conflicting. Our aim was to elucidate the role of germ in primary prevention of cardiovascular events, and therefore, a staple food was selected for 6 g of germ supplementation. This corresponds to sixfold increase in the global mean consumption of germ, while preserving the sensory proprieties of refined bread which is crucial for consumer’s acceptance.

Design

Randomised, double-blinded, crossover, controlled clinical trial with 15-week follow-up comprising a 2-week run-in, two intervention periods of 4 weeks each and a 5-week washout period.

Setting

A single centre in the north of Portugal.

Participants

55 eligible healthy adults (mean age of 34 years and body mass index between 19 and 38 kg/m2) were randomly assigned.

Interventions

The study consisted of two intervention periods including daily intake of refined wheat bread enriched with 6 g of wheat germ and control (non-enriched bread).

Outcomes

Changes in fasting cholesterol and triglycerides, fasting and postprandial glucose, insulin sensitivity and C reactive protein.

Results

We observed no significant effect of daily intake of wheat germ on cholesterol and triglycerides levels, on postprandial glucose response and on insulin sensitivity. Incremental area under curve glucose and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance did not change, suggesting that 6 g of wheat germ have no effect on glucose metabolism. No effect was also observed in the subgroup of participants who complied with the protocol (n=47).

Conclusions

The absence of alterations on lipid and glucose profiles suggests that germ up to 6 g/day may have no preventive effect on CVD risk. However, it is important to investigate other food vehicles that can accommodate higher doses of wheat germ in future studies.

Trial registration number

NCT02405507.
Elevated serum IL-35 levels in rheumatoid arthritis are associated with disease activity
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Yao Lutian , Liu Siyan , Wu Jisheng , Xia Liping , Shen Hui , Lu Jing
Published: January 2019

To investigate serum interleukin (IL)- 35 levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to describe the association between serum IL-35 levels and clinical parameters: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), global health on Visual Analog Scale, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints based on ESR (DAS28-ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPAs). The study included 129 patients with RA and 83 healthy controls. Serum IL-35 levels were detected by ELISA. ESR and CRP were measured by the Westergren method and the immune transmission turbidity method, respectively. RF and ACPA were measured using immunoturbidimetric assays and chemiluminescence analysis, respectively. The results showed that serum IL-35 levels were elevated in patients with RA. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the high serum IL-35 levels were correlated with low ESR and DAS28-ESR. These suggested that IL-35, an important anti-inflammatory cytokine, may participate in the regulation of the pathogenesis of RA, especially with disease activity.
Effects of different types and frequencies of physical activity on the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance
Authors: Kwon Junhyun , Kim Woorim , Lee Sang Ah , Choi Dongwoo , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: January 2019

This study analyzed the type and frequency of physical activity that most effectively reduces the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) among adults (≥19 years) in Asia. We used national representative data from 1645 men and 2272 women who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2015 were included in the analysis. The effects of different types and frequencies of physical activity on HOMA2-IR were investigated using a multiple regression analysis. Compared with no activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) ≥5 times per week (β: −0.214, p≤0.0198) and walking and MVPA ≥5 times per week (β: −0.183, p≤0.0049) were negatively associated with HOMA2-IR. In the subgroup analysis, the strongest effect was observed among overweight men. Additionally, walking plus MVPA ≥5 times per week had the strongest effect on men with a higher-than-recommended daily calorie intake (β: −0.350, p≤0.0030). Therefore, in conclusion, the appropriate type and frequency of physical activity can help reduce HOMA2-IR in South Korean men, especially those who are overweight and/or have a higher-than-recommended daily calorie intake.
Mitigation of liquefaction hazard by dynamic compaction — a random field perspective
Authors: Shen Mengfen , Juang C. Hsein , Chen Qiushi
Published: January 2019

This paper presents the findings of a case study to quantitatively assess the effect of dynamic compaction (DC) on mitigating liquefaction hazards from a random field perspective. DC is known to increase the density and strength of loose sand deposits, leading to a decrease in liquefaction potentials. Thus, by comparing the liquefaction potentials before and after DC at a given site, the effectiveness of DC in mitigating liquefaction hazards can be quantified. In practice, however, a direct one-to-one comparison is challenging due to limited availability of in situ test data and the fact that the number and location of these data before and after DC are typically different. To overcome these challenges, a random field-based approach is proposed in this study to visualize and quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of DC across the entire project site. This approach is proven effective in assessing the effects of DC and is validated with liquefaction observations from the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake.
Peer-to-Peer Lending Platform Selection Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Set and D-S Theory of Evidence
Authors: Feng Xiaodong , Xiao Zhi , Wang Xianning , Zhong Bo
Published: January 2019

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending brings many benefits for both lenders and borrowers, as well as risk for them, especially for the lenders. To help the lenders select a reliable P2P lending platform with high return and low risk, a more comprehensive selection method is necessary. However, vast information with fluctuant, fuzzy and subjective data on the P2P lending platform make it more difficult for lenders to make the right choice. This paper intends to propose a selection method by using intuitionistic fuzzy soft set to organize the data, and using D-S theory of evidence to integrate the intuitionistic fuzzy values. Besides, the paper analyses the critical factors affecting the lenders’ decision, and presents some indicators for evaluating. Finally, an empirical experiment was given by choosing several P2P lending platforms with real data, and the results are compared with the intuitionistic fuzzy weighted average and Development Index from Wangdaizhijia, that verify the validity and superiority of the proposed method.
Personalizing health careHugh Kaul Personalized Medicine Institute, University of Alabama Birmingham
Authors: Maleki Sepideh
Published: January 2019

Hugh Kaul personalized medicine institute, University of Alabama Birmingham
miR-21-5p regulates mitochondrial respiration and lipid content in H9C2 cells
Authors: Nasci Victoria L. , Chuppa Sandra , Griswold Lindsey , Goodreau Kathryn A. , Dash Ranjan K. , Kriegel Alison J.
Published: January 2019

Cardiovascular-related pathologies are the single leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previously, we found that a 5/6th nephrectomy model of CKD leads to an upregulation of miR-21-5p in the left ventricle, targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and altering the expression of numerous transcripts involved with fatty acid oxidation and glycolysis. In the present study, we evaluated the potential for knockdown or overexpression of miR-21-5p to regulate lipid content, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial respiration in H9C2 cells. Cells were transfected with anti-miR-21-5p (40 nM), pre-miR-21-5p (20 nM), or the appropriate scrambled oligonucleotide controls before lipid treatment in culture or as part of the Agilent Seahorse XF fatty acid oxidation assay. Overexpression of miR-21-5p attenuated the lipid-induced increase in cellular lipid content, whereas suppression of miR-21-5p augmented it. The abundance of malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, was significantly increased with lipid treatment in control cells but attenuated in pre-miR-21-5p-transfected cells. This suggests that miR-21-5p reduces oxidative stress. The cellular oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was increased in both pre-miR-21-5p- and anti-miR-21-5p-transfected cells. Levels of intracellular ATP were significantly higher in anti-mR-21-5p-transfected cells. Pre-miR-21-5p blocked additional increases in OCR in response to etomoxir and palmitic acid. Conversely, anti-miR-21-5p-transfected cells exhibited reduced OCR with both etomoxir and palmitic acid, and the glycolytic capacity was concomitantly reduced. Together, these results indicate that overexpression of miR-21-5p attenuates both lipid content and lipid peroxidation in H9C2 cells. This likely occurs by reducing cellular lipid uptake and utilization, shifting cellular metabolism toward reliance on the glycolytic pathway.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Both overexpression and suppression of miR-21-5p augment basal and maximal mitochondrial respiration. Our data suggest that reliance on glycolytic and fatty acid oxidation pathways can be modulated by the abundance of miR-21-5p within the cell. miR-21-5p regulation of mitochondrial respiration can be modulated by extracellular lipids.
Epigenetic Silencing Affectsl-Asparaginase Sensitivity and Predicts Outcome in T-ALL
Authors: Touzart Aurore , Lengliné Etienne , Latiri Mehdi , Belhocine Mohamed , Smith Charlotte , Thomas Xavier , Spicuglia Salvatore , Puthier Denis , Pflumio Françoise , Leguay Thibaut , Graux Carlos , Chalandon Yves , Huguet Françoise , Leprêtre Stéphane , Ifrah Norbert , Dombret Hervé , Macintyre Elizabeth , Hunault Mathilde , Boissel Nicolas , Asnafi Vahid
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Biological explanation for discrepancies in patient-related response to chemotherapy depending on the underlying oncogenic events is a promising research area. TLX1- or TLX3-deregulated T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL; TLX1/3+) share an immature cortical phenotype and similar transcriptional signatures. However, their prognostic impacts differ, and inconsistent clinical outcome has been reported for TLX3. We therefore hypothesized that the overlapping transcriptional profiles of TLX1+ and TLX3+ T-ALLs would allow identification of candidate genes, which might determine their distinct clinical outcomes.

Experimental Design:

We compared TLX1+ and TLX3+ adult T-ALL outcome in the successive French national LALA-94 and GRAALL-2003/2005 multicentric trials and analyzed transcriptomic data to identify differentially expressed genes. Epigenetic regulation of asparagine synthetase (ASNS) and in vitro l-asparaginase sensitivity were evaluated for T-ALL cell lines and primary samples.

Results:

We show that TLX1+ patients expressed low levels of ASNS when compared with TLX3+ and TLX-negative patients, due to epigenetic silencing of ASNS by both DNA methylation and a decrease of active histone marks. Promoter methylation of the ASNS gene correlated with l-asparaginase sensitivity in both T-ALL cell lines and patient-derived xenografts. Finally, ASNS promoter methylation was an independent prognostic factor for both event-free survival [HR, 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.24–0.71; P = 0.001] and overall survival (HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.23–0.70; P = 0.02) in 160 GRAALL-2003/2005 T-ALL patients and also in an independent series of 47 LL03-treated T lymphoblastic lymphomas (P = 0.012).

Conclusions:

We conclude that ASNS methylation status at diagnosis may allow individual adaptation of l-asparaginase dose.
Final Results of a Non-Interventional Study Evaluating the Quality of Life in Second-line Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma With Everolimus: The EVERPRO Study
Authors: Goebell Peter J. , Hermann Edwin , Kube Ulrich , Doehn Christian , Marschner Norbert , Dietel Anja , Blumenstengel Katja , Grimm Marc-Oliver , Scheffler Michael , Rogler Anja , Bergmann Lothar
Published: January 2019

Background: This study assessed the quality of life (QoL) and the implication of time effort of everolimus treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Methods: Adult patients with mRCC were eligible for everolimus treatment after first-line vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors or bevacizumab therapy. The primary end-point, QoL, was assessed by means of the NCCN-FACT FKSI-19 questionnaire. Results: In total, 202 patients (24% of female patients; median age, 71 years) were evaluable for QoL analyses. The median treatment duration was 4.4 months (95% CI, 3.8-5.3) and the median time to progression was 6 months (95% CI, 5.4-7.5). The median FKSI-19 total score remained stable during treatment (52.0 at therapy start, 55.0 at observation end). The median time effort spent on total therapy was 20 hours per patient. Most of the patients stated to have “no limitations,” “a little” or “moderate” limitations in their daily, social, and professional lives. Two months after the start of treatment, 65 patients reported none or a little time burden due to therapy. Conclusions: QoL was maintained during the everolimus therapy and limitations as well as time effort were acceptable for most of the patients. The study supports previous findings on switching mode of action after anti-VEGFR-targeted therapy to a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor.
Incidence of Epilepsy after Neonatal Seizures: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Andreolli Anna , Turco Emanuela Claudia , Pedrazzi Giuseppe , Beghi Ettore , Pisani Francesco
Published: January 2019

Background: The incidence of childhood and adolescence epilepsy varies in different areas and over time. Published reports in the Italian pediatric population are few and there is no information on the incidence of epilepsy using the new clinical definition of the disease signed by the International League Against Epilepsy. An increased risk of epilepsy is reported in subjects who presented with neonatal seizures (NS), but few population-based studies are available that compare incidence and age at onset of epilepsy in children with and without NS. Objectives: Ascertain the incidence of epilepsy in children in the province of Parma by applying the new practical clinical definition of epilepsy, and compare incidence and age of epilepsy onset in children with and without previous NS. Methods: The study was carried out in the province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy, using different data sources (clinical records and administrative data), and considered all the children born in the province of Parma between January 2002 and December 2014 and developing epilepsy by December 2016. We calculated the incidence of epilepsy in patients up to 14 years of age, incidence of epilepsy after NS and cumulative incidence of epilepsy at 1, 5, and 10 years’ follow-up. To evaluate age at onset of epilepsy, we divided patients into 3 groups (epilepsy onset within 1 month, between 1 and 12 months, and after 1 year of life) and we compared age at onset of epilepsy between patients who had had previous NS and those who had not. Results: The incidence of epilepsy was 78.6/100,000 persons-years (boys 88.1/100,000, girls 68.6/100,000). The incidence of epilepsy after NS was 15.2% (8.2% for male, 23.5% for female; 16.3% in born at term, 14.3% in pre-term). The incidence of epilepsy at 1, 5, and 10 years’ follow-up was higher in patients with previous NS than in others. The age at onset of epilepsy was significantly different in the 2 groups, and was younger in those with history of NS: mean age at onset was 10.5 months in those with NS and of 61.8 months in the others. Conclusions: The incidence rate of epilepsy in the Parma district was higher than that reported in other Italian areas studied, probably due to the different methodology used and the application of the most recent definition of epilepsy. Children with NS were at higher risk of epilepsy and develop the disease at a younger age.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in the Treatment of Endometrial Cancer: Why We Fail? Results of a Prospective Multicenter Study on the Factors Associated with Failure of Node Mapping with Indocyanine Green
Authors: Ianieri Manuel Maria , Puppo Andrea , Novelli Antonia , Campolo Federica , Staniscia Tommaso , Di Martino Giuseppe , Piovano Elisa , Bruni Francesco , Roviglione Giovanni , Mautone Daniele , Ceccaroni Marcello
Published: January 2019

Background: The sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping for endometrial cancer staging is gaining wide diffusion, but there is no definitive evidence on the factors associated with the failure of mapping. Objectives: To analyze the factors associated with the possible failure of bilateral SLN mapping with indocyanine green (ICG). Methods: A prospective observational study without control on 110 patients with endometrial cancer apparently confined to the uterus, underwent laparoscopic surgical staging with SLN mapping with ICG. Results: Possible risk factors associated with bilateral mapping failure were analyzed, and a multivariate analysis was performed. The bilateral detection rate for SLNs mapping was 72.7%, whereas at least one SLN was detected in 79.1% of patients. No SLNs were identified in 6.3%. None of the patients or features related to tumor were associated with a risk of failure of the method. The only factor analyzed that was significantly associated with the success of bilateral mapping was the surgeon (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Neither obesity nor the presence of lymph node metastases was associated with mapping failure. However, there remains a need for further studies to understand all the mechanisms linked to the unsuccessful method results and to reduce the use of systematic lymphadenectomy in the case of mapping failure.
The focus of visual attention in people with motor disabilities through Eye tracking
Authors: Merino Giselle Schmidt A. D. , Riascos Carmen Elena Martinez , Costa Angelina Dias Leão , Elali Gleice Virginia Medeiros de Azambuja , Merino Eugenio
Published: January 2019

Make the environment that can be achieved, fires, used and experienced by anyone, including those with reduced mobility, is an increasingly important need for professionals. Being the eye tracking is an assistive technology that enables you to identify objectively the visual perception was held an experiment that allows analyzing the people’s difficulties in internal visual identification on buildings. The article goal is to identify the focus of visual attention in people with motor disabilities using eye tracking glasses. To perform the experiment was used Senso Motoric Instruments (SMI) eye tracking glasses and was did analyses with the BeGaze software version 3.6.  The results indicate the lack of visual information causes difficulties for people to locate and identify the correct route for the offset inside a building, reducing the subjectivity in making decisions to make accessible environments.  The tests show that the participants do not have fixed their gaze on specific points, because it remained looking for visual information into the building generating lack of orientation and difficulties to define the right route at offset. With this experiment was possible to validate an application of the device to contribute to the decision-making process of professionals to make accessible environments. In addition, they recognized the particularities in the use of Assistive Technology, the glasses eye tracker, and the possibility of being used in the analysis of various tasks contributing in the Design, in the Architecture, and the Engineering.
Contribuições e limitações de modelos físicos e de realidade virtual na análise de projetos de HIS por usuários leigos
Authors: Souza Marcio Presente de , Imai César , Azuma Maurício Hidemi
Published: January 2019

A comunicação das intenções do projeto de arquitetura junto a usuários leigos demanda um processo participativo com estratégias de abordagem adequadas aos diferentes agentes envolvidos. A simulação, por meio de diferentes tipos de modelos tridimensionais pode contribuir nessa comunicação, sendo que esse tipo de representação apresenta a vantagem de possuir uma linguagem mais inteligível ao leigo e próxima do objeto que será construído. Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de duas formas de simulações tridimensionais de baixo custo - uma com características físicas e outra em ambiente virtual – que poderiam contribuir em um processo projetual participativo. O artigo relata a aplicação de uma dinâmica de simulação com dois grupos de potenciais usuários de Habitações de Interesse Social (HIS), cujo objetivo é verificar quais as potencialidades de cada modelo para coletar informações junto a esses grupos sobre o ambiente projetado. O método utilizado para avaliar esse potencial dos modelos é desenvolvido através de uma dinâmica de simulação e técnicas de percurso cognitivo, protocolo verbal, teste de usabilidade, além de observações do comportamento dos usuários. Os dados coletados permitem identificar as vantagens e limitações do uso desses procedimentos de simulação na comunicação entre os usuários de HIS e o projetista durante as etapas iniciais do processo de projeto arquitetônico. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o modelofísico associado ao uso de câmera permite uma maior compreensão do conjunto dos ambientes projetados, estimulando o usuário a propor mudanças mais abrangentes na configuração dos mesmos. O modelo virtual com imagens em 360 graus possibilita melhor compreensão sobre aspectos de leiaute, preferências por materiais e aspectos de iluminação. Também foram identificados perfis de usuários que apresentam facilidade ou dificuldade de utilização de determinado instrumento. A contribuição do estudo está nas recomendações de uso dos modelos e nas limitações identificadas durante o processo, auxiliando na revisão de procedimentos para pesquisas futuras que envolvam o processo de projeto participativo habitacional.
Diversity and taxonomy of the genus Unio Philipsson in Italy, with the designation of a neotype for Unio elongatulus C. Pfeiffer (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Unionidae)
Authors: MARRONE FEDERICO , NARDI GIANBATTISTA , CIANFANELLI SIMONE , GOVEDIČ MARIJAN , BARRA SALVATORE ALESSANDRO , ARCULEO MARCO , BODON MARCO
Published: January 2019

Novel Unio spp. populations from Slovenia, the Italian peninsula, Sardinia and Sicily were genetically analysed in order to define the distribution and diversity of the genus Unio in Italy and neighbouring areas. The presence of two primarily allopatric autochtonous species, Unio elongatulus Pfeiffer, and Unio mancus Lamarck, is confirmed for the Italian peninsula, Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily.Autochthonous populations of Unio elongatulus are present in the peri-Adriatic drainages of the Italian and Balkan peninsulas, south as far as the Ofanto River (Apulia, Italy) and Lake Skadar (Albania), while its presence in the Tyrrhenian rivers of Tuscany is likely due to anthropogenic introduction events. Conversely, Unio mancus turtonii Payraudeau, an endangered peri-Tyrrhenian taxon, was found with autochthonous populations in the Apennine-Tyrrhenian drainages of peninsular Italy, eastern Mediterranean France, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily, while the actual autochthony of the single population found in the Ionian basin of the Italian peninsula (Bradano River, Basilicata) deserves further investigation. The Italian population of U. mancus requienii Michaud, reported from Lake Montepulciano is to be considered allochthonous.The binomen U. elongatulus, although widely used in the recent scientific literature, was, to date, assigned to a doubtful species, because its type locality includes a large area inhabited by different Unio taxa, which are not clearly distinguishable by their shell alone; furthermore, no type material is present in historical collections. To retain the recently-used name, a new restricted type locality is established, where only U. elongatulus lives, and a neotype is designated. The validity of the subspecies of Unio mancus is also discussed and confirmed.Finally, hypotheses on the origin of Italian mussels, and considerations on their conservation status are discussed.
Description of a new species of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Nilgala Savannah forest,
Uva Province of Sri Lanka
Authors: KARUNARATHNA SURANJAN , BAUER AARON M. , DE SILVA ANSLEM , SURASINGHE THILINA , SOMARATNA LANKANI , MADAWALA MAJINTHA , GABADAGE DINESH , BOTEJUE MADHAVA , HENKANATHTHEGEDARA SUJAN , UKUWELA KANISHKA D.B.
Published: January 2019

A new species of Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 is described from Nilgala Savannah Forest in Sri Lanka. The new species is diagnosed from all other congeners by the following suite of characters: small body size (SVL< 33 mm), dorsal scales on trunk homogeneous, one pair of post mentals separated by a single small chin scale, ventral scales on trunk smooth, subimbricate, 17–19 scales across the belly. Subdigitals scansors smooth, entire, unnotched; lamellae under digit IV of pes 17 –18. Males with femoral pores on each thigh but lacking precloacal pores. Median row of subcaudals smooth, subimbricate, enlarged and in an irregular series of subhexagonal scales. This new species had been previously confused with Cnemaspis alwisi Wickramasinghe & Munidradasa, 2007. The new species differs from Cnemaspis alwisi by having 122–129 ventral scales (versus 146–152), 7–8 supralabials (versus 8–10), and relatively shorter SVL ranging between 31.5–32.9 mm (versus 37.8–39.9 mm). Further, the new species is genetically divergent from Cnemaspis alwisi, the species that it closely resembles by 13.5% and 7.8% from its sister species in the ND2 gene. The present discovery highlights the need for dedicated herpetofaunal explorations in Sri Lanka, especially the intermediate bioclimatic zone and associated cave systems and rock outcrops.
Review of the leafhopper genus Kalasha Distant (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Hylicinae)
Authors: TANG JIU , ZHANG YALIN
Published: January 2019

The Oriental leafhopper genus Kalasha Distant is reviewed with redescriptions and photos of all known species, and two new species are described and illustrated. The female ovipositor of K. nativa Distant is described and photographed. Kalasha sondaica Jacobi, 1914 is proposed as a junior synonym of K. nativa Distant, 1908. A key to species of the genus is provided. Kalasha nativa Distant, originally described from India (Assam), is recorded from Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam for the first time, also representing the first records of the genus from Malaysia and Thailand.
A High-Altitude Long-Range Aircraft Configured as a Cloud Observatory: The NARVAL Expeditions
Authors: Stevens Bjorn , Ament Felix , Bony Sandrine , Crewell Susanne , Ewald Florian , Gross Silke , Hansen Akio , Hirsch Lutz , Jacob Marek , Kölling Tobias , Konow Heike , Mayer Bernhard , Wendisch Manfred , Wirth Martin , Wolf Kevin , Bakan Stephan , Bauer-Pfundstein Matthias , Brueck Matthias , Delanoë Julien , Ehrlich André , Farrell David , Forde Marvin , Gödde Felix , Grob Hans , Hagen Martin , Jäkel Evelyn , Jansen Friedhelm , Klepp Christian , Klingebiel Marcus , Mech Mario , Peters Gerhard , Rapp Markus , Wing Allison A. , Zinner Tobias
Published: January 2019

A configuration of the High-Altitude Long-Range Research Aircraft (HALO) as a remote sensing cloud observatory is described, and its use is illustrated with results from the first and second Next-Generation Aircraft Remote Sensing for Validation (NARVAL) field studies. Measurements from the second NARVAL (NARVAL2) are used to highlight the ability of HALO, when configured in this fashion, to characterize not only the distribution of water condensate in the atmosphere, but also its impact on radiant energy transfer and the covarying large-scale meteorological conditions—including the large-scale velocity field and its vertical component. The NARVAL campaigns with HALO demonstrate the potential of airborne cloud observatories to address long-standing riddles in studies of the coupling between clouds and circulation and are helping to motivate a new generation of field studies.
Trends in Tropical Wave Activity from the 1980s to 2016
Authors: Raghavendra Ajay , Roundy Paul E. , Zhou Liming
Published: January 2019

A frequency–wavenumber power () spectrum was constructed using satellite-derived outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and brightness temperature for the tropical latitudes. Since the two datasets overlap for over 34 years with nonintersecting sources in error and compare relatively well with each other, it is possible to diagnose trends in the tropical wave activity from the two datasets with confidence. The results suggest a weakening trend in characterized by high interannual variability for wave activity occurring in the low-frequency part of the spectrum and a steady increase in with relatively low interannual variability for wave activity occurring in the high-frequency part of the spectrum. The results show the parts of the spectrum representing the Madden–Julian oscillation and equatorial Rossby wave losing and other parts of the spectrum representing Kelvin waves, mixed Rossby–gravity waves, and tropical disturbance–like wave activity gaining . Similar results were obtained when trends in variance corresponding to the first principal component were produced using spectrally filtered OLR data representative of atmospheric equatorial waves. Spatial trends in the active phase of wave events and the mean duration of events are also shown for the different wave types. Linear trends in for the entire spectrum and regional means in the spectrum corresponding to the abovementioned five wave types with confidence intervals are also presented in the paper. Finally, we demonstrate that El Niño–Southern Oscillation variability does not appear to control the overall spatial patterns and trends observed in the spectrum.
A Deterministic Approach for Approximating the Diurnal Cycle of Precipitation for Use in Large-Scale Hydrological Modeling
Authors: Bohn Theodore J. , Whitney Kristen M. , Mascaro Giuseppe , Vivoni Enrique R.
Published: January 2019

Accurate characterization of precipitation P at subdaily temporal resolution is important for a wide range of hydrological applications, yet large-scale gridded observational datasets primarily contain daily total P. Unfortunately, a widely used deterministic approach that disaggregates P uniformly over the day grossly mischaracterizes the diurnal cycle of P, leading to potential biases in simulated runoff Q. Here we present Precipitation Isosceles Triangle (PITRI), a two-parameter deterministic approach in which the hourly hyetograph is modeled with an isosceles triangle with prescribed duration and time of peak intensity. Monthly duration and peak time were derived from meteorological observations at U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) stations and extended across the United States, Mexico, and southern Canada at 6-km resolution via linear regression against historical climate statistics. Across the USCRN network (years 2000–13), simulations using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model, driven by P disaggregated via PITRI, yielded nearly unbiased estimates of annual Q relative to simulations driven by observed P. In contrast, simulations using the uniform method had a Q bias of −11%, through overestimating canopy evaporation and underestimating throughfall. One limitation of the PITRI approach is a potential bias in snow accumulation when a high proportion of P falls on days with a mix of temperatures above and below freezing, for which the partitioning of P into rain and snow is sensitive to event timing within the diurnal cycle. Nevertheless, the good overall performance of PITRI suggests that a deterministic approach may be sufficiently accurate for large-scale hydrologic applications.
Low-Frequency Surface Currents and Generation of an Island Lee Eddy in Panay Island, Philippines
Authors: Amedo-Repollo Charina Lyn , Flores-Vidal Xavier , Chavanne Cedric , Villanoy Cesar L. , Flament Pierre
Published: January 2019

High-frequency Doppler radar (HFDR) and acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) time-series observations during the Philippine Straits Dynamics Experiment (PhilEx) were analyzed to describe the mesoscale currents in Panay Strait, Philippines. Low-frequency surface currents inferred from three HFDR (July 2008–July 2009), reveal a clear seasonal signal concurrent with the reversal of the Asian monsoon. A mesoscale cyclonic eddy west of Panay Island is generated during the winter northeast (NE) monsoon. This causes changes in the strength, depth, and width of the intraseasonal Panay coastal (PC) jet as its eastern limb. Winds from QuikSCAT and from a nearby airport indicate that these flow structures correlate with the strength and direction of the prevailing local wind. An intensive survey in 8–9 February 2009 using 24 h of successive cross-shore conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) sections, which in conjunction with shipboard ADCP measurements, show a well-developed cyclonic eddy characterized by near-surface velocities of 50 cm s−1. This eddy coincides with the intensification of the wind in between Mindoro and Panay Islands, generating a positive wind stress curl in the lee of Panay, which in turn induces divergent surface currents. Water column response from the mean transects show a pronounced signal of upwelling, indicated by the doming of isotherms and isopycnals. A pressure gradient then is set up, resulting in the spin up of a cyclonic eddy in geostrophic balance. Evolution of the vorticity within the vortex core confirms wind stress curl as the dominant forcing.