bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synopsis of the genus Diabroctis Gistel, 1857 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) with a new species description
Authors: Valois Marcely , Harada Layse , Vaz-de-Mello Fernando , Silva Fernando
Published: August 2019

This paper provides a synopsis of the South American genus Diabroctis Gistel, 1858. Five species are assigned to the genus. The type species D. mimas is widely distributed and shows considerable morphological variation in male secondary sexual characters. A substantial number of morphological and geographic data are used to provide an updated diagnosis of this species, and to describe intraspecific variation. A new Brazilian species is described as Diabroctis pseudomimas
sp. nov., which has been recognized among specimens confused with D. mimas (Linnaeus) in entomological collections. Additionally, the subspecies D. mimas venezuelensis is elevated to species level. Lectotypes are designated for Phanaeus mirabilis and Phanaeus mimaeformis. Diagnoses, distribution data, and an identification key are provided for all species included in the genus.
Activity of free fatty acids-rich non-polar fractions from fruits of Capsicum chinense var. Criolla and Jaguar
Authors: Efrain Ramirez-Benitez J. , Paredes Ibis Vargas , Cuevas Glory Luis F. , Duch Enrique Sauri , Moo Huchin Victor M. , Pereira Sara Solis , Uc Gabriel Lizama
Published: August 2019

Plant-essential oils have been considered as an important source of bioactive molecules like antimicrobials, analgesics, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogen agents. Biological functions of plant extracts from the genus Capsicum are unknown. In the present work, non-polar fractions of ripe and unripe fruits of Capsicum chinense Jacq. Cultivar (cv.) Jaguar and Criollo were obtained by hexane-batch extraction and tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacterial strain Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Gram-positive bacterial strains Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), and yeast Candida albicans (ATCC 90028). Non-polar fractions from ripe fruits for both cv. exhibited greater antimicrobial activity compared to unripe fruits. Implication of numbered FFA’s on observed antimicrobial activity are discussed.
Phylogenetic methods applied to extinct beetles — the case of †Tunguskagyrus (Gyrinidae or †Triaplidae)

Authors: BEUTEL ROLF G. , YAN EVGENY V. , LAWRENCE JOHN F.
Published: August 2019

†Tunguskagyrus, a Late Permian beetle fossil, was assigned to the adephagan family Gyrinidae in the original description. This placement was challenged in a recent study, where the genus was considered as part of a broad new concept of the extinct family †Triaplidae and transferred from Adephaga to Archostemata. Even though some structural features deviate from the typical pattern found in extant Gyrinidae, we maintain the placement of †Tunguskagyrus in the stemgroup of this family as the most plausibe interpretation. The suggested taxonomic changes concerning †Triaplidae (and †Schizophoroidea) are invalidated by an insufficient phylogenetic approach and several misinterpretations of the fossil imprints. The arguments are based on 1) general habitual similarity, 2) ubiquitous characters, 3) plesiomorphies, or 4) apomorphic conditions (compared to the Coleopteran groundplan) occurring in many beetle groups, strongly affected by homoplasy. The taxonomic shift of †Tunguskagyrus and the new concept of †Schizophoroidea and †Triaplidae are discarded due to the lack of a defined phylogenetic methodology and synapomorphies.
Disambiguating the scientific names of cockroaches

Authors: LI XINRAN
Published: August 2019

Cockroaches are typically recognized as an order or a suborder in insects, sometimes rank-free. Many scientific names for cockroaches are in use, most of them are ambiguous because of frequent changes of the spelling and definition, and the discrepancy between phenetics and cladistics. Omission of the authorship of the name and of the definition further confuses readers, which include taxonomists. The underlying causes of the ambiguity are the paraphyly of cockroaches and various reproduction strategies (crucial in cockroach classification) of fossil cockroaches. This paper historically reviews the scientific names for cockroaches, and recommends the following names with phylogenetic definition (details and authorship are given in the text): 1) Blattodea are cockroaches with internal ovipositors (producing oothecae of the extant type) and all descendants including termites; 2) suborder Blattaria are Blattodea minus termites; 3) order Dictyoptera are cockroaches that produce genuine oothecae and all descendants including Blattodea, Mantodea and Alienoptera; 4) Holopandictyoptera are all insects that are recognized as cockroaches and their descendants; 5) Eoblattodea are the so-called ‘roachoids’, i.e., cockroaches bearing long external ovipositors, no genuine oothecae. Accordingly, the cockroaches in the broader sense fall into three taxa: Blattaria, basal Dictyoptera, and Eoblattodea.
A new sinoalid assemblage from the topmost Late Jurassic Daohugou Bed indicating the evolution and ecological significance of Juroala Chen & Wang, 2019 (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea) during more than one million years

Authors: FU YANZHE , HUANG DIYING
Published: August 2019

Herein, two recently described nominal genera of Sinoalidae, Juroala Chen & Wang, 2019a, with a single species, and Parasinoala Fu & Huang, 2019a with three species from the Middle to Upper Jurassic Daohugou Bed, are revised. Parasinoala is considered a junior synonym of Juroala syn. nov., and Parasinoala minuta is transferred to Juroala comb. nov.; and because of also transferring P. daohugouensis to Juroala, it is preoccupied and is given the new replacement name Juroala daidaleos nom. nov.. A new fossil horizon yielding very rich sinoalid assemblage was recently discovered at the topmost Daohugou Bed with many specimens of Juroala collected. On the basis of these well-preserved new materials, the morphological details of three described species of Juroala are revised and intraspecific variation is discussed. The new fossil horizon has a geological age distinctly younger than other described sinoalid assemblages. All the three species of Juroala present extremely limited morphological changes but slightly larger sizes than the previously described specimens. The new fossil horizon is rich in sinoalids, unlike other layers from the Daohugou Bed that are dominated by the procercopids, suggesting a possible different high altitude adaptability of Jurassic cercopoids.
New species of Calamus (Arecaceae; Calamoideae; Calaminae) from Sumatra

Authors: HENDERSON ANDREW , RUSTIAMI HIMMAH
Published: August 2019

Seven new species of Calamus (Arecaceae; Calamoideae; Calaminae) from Sumatra are described and illustrated, and compared with similar species.
Notes on the identity of Justicia diffusa var. hedyotidifolia (Acanthaceae) with reduction of Justicia gambleana

Authors: SOUMYA PULIYAKODE , SUNOJKUMAR PURAYIDATHKANDY
Published: August 2019

Taxonomic identity of Justicia diffusa var. hedyotidifolia is discussed and Justicia gambleana is reduced to the synonym. Detailed description, photographs, and distributional notes are provided. The lectotypification of Justicia diffusa var. hedyotidifolia is also discussed.
The identity of Dicliptera cyclostegia (Acanthaceae)
Authors: YI TONG , DENG YUNFEI
Published: August 2019

Critical examination of herbarium specimens and observations on living plants reveal that the syntypes of Dicliptera cyclostegia belong to Justicia sect. Harnieria and the three gatherings represent a different species each. A lectotype is designated here for the name Dicliptera cyclostegia and a new combination, Justicia cyclostegia is proposed. A detailed description, illustration and distribution map are also provided.
Type designation of the Lamarck’s name Buxus balearica (Buxaceae)

Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO PEDRO PABLO , Rosselló Josep Antoni , Sáez Llorenç
Published: August 2019

The Lamarck’s name Buxus balearica is discussed and neotypified from a specimen preserved at MA collected in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). In addition, the lectotypes of B. longifolia and B. balearica f. granatensis, currently treated as two heterotypic synonyms of B. balearica, are designated from original material preserved at G-BOIS and MA, respectively
Lectotypification of the monotypic genus Pseudodichanthium (Andropogoneae: Poaceae)

Authors: TIWARI ARJUN PRASAD , CHORGHE ALOK
Published: August 2019

The monotypic genus Pseudodichanthium Bor (1940: 272) is represented by the species Pseudodichanthium serrafalcoides (Cooke & Stapf 1908: 450) Bor (1940: 272) occurring in India and the Oman (Clayton et al. 2006). In India, the species is distributed in the Ahmednagar, Khandala, Kolhapur, Mahableshwar, Pune, Purandhar Fort, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Satara. Singh et al. (2015) have been reported this genus as endemic to India. The present investigation reveals that it is not endemic to India, and also occurs in the Saharo-Arabian region, in the country of Oman (Ghazanfar, 1992). The single species, P. serrafalcoides, is found in monsoon forests. Oman tends to have affinities with India in terms of climate in contrast to most of the Arabian Peninsula whose affinities are closer to continental Africa. Pseudodichanthium has been derived from Dichanthium Willemet (1796: 11) because of its unusual morphology characterised by the scarious lower glumes which are broadly winged with inflexed margins.
A new and most complete pampathere (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Cingulata) from the Quaternary of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: MOURA JORGE FELIPE , GÓIS FLÁVIO , GALLIARI FERNANDO CARLOS , FERNANDES MARCELO ADORNA
Published: August 2019

Pampatheriidae is a group of South American native cingulates recorded from the Middle Miocene to the Early Holocene. These animals arrived in North America during the Great American Biotic Interchange. During the Quaternary, at least three genera existed: Tonnicinctus Góis, González Ruiz, Scillato-Yané and Soibelzon, Pampatherium Gervais and Ameghino, and Holmesina Simpson. They are differentiated mainly by craniodental and osteodermal characters. In this paper, we describe a new species of Holmesina from Bahia state, Brazil. Two well-preserved specimens possessing osteoderms associated with their skeletons enabled us to determine the genus and species more reliably. Holmesina cryptae sp. nov. differs from the other Quaternary pampatheres by having the simplest ornamental pattern of osteoderms, sharing characteristics between Pampatherium and Holmesina osteoderms and the most robust skull among the Holmesina species, however preserving the main synapomorphies of the genus. Moreover, the integrity of the remains of H. cryptae sp. nov. enabled us to describe elements of the hyoid apparatus, the clavicle, the entire vertebral column and the pelvis. It was also possible to measure its total axial length (2.2 m) more reliably, which is smaller than previously estimated for other pampatheres. Holmesina cryptae sp. nov. constitutes the sixth species of the genus, and it is the fourth in South America.
Description of the male of Distoleon sambalpurensis Ghosh, 1984 (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) from India
Authors: KAUR SIMARJIT , PANDHER MANPREET SINGH , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: August 2019

This is a contribution to the knowledge of the neuropteran fauna of India. The male genitalia of Distoleon sambalpurensis Ghosh, 1984 is described and illustrated for the first time from India. Further, the female is redescribed and re-illustrated based on the recently collected material. Taxonomic change is also proposed by considering Distoleon subtentus Yang 1986 as synonym of Distoleon sambalpurensis Ghosh, 1984 based on the morphological similarity.
The Mastigitae genus †Baltostigus in Upper Eocene Rovno amber (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ , PERKOVSKY EVGENY
Published: August 2019

Three species of the extinct Eocene genus Baltostigus (Mastigitae: Baltostigini) were known in Baltic amber from Poland, Lithuania and Russia. In Rovno amber, although it was relatively well-studied, only one Mastigitae genus and species was recorded, belonging to Leptochromini. We report the occurrence of Baltostigus in the area of the present day Ukraine during the Eocene, on the basis of three inclusions in Rovno amber. One specimen belongs to a newly described species, Baltostigus substriatus sp. n.; two specimens are putatively identified as Baltostigus cf. horribilis, and may represent females of this species. However, further study based on more specimens is necessary to clarify the identity of these specimens.
Rediscovery, redescription, and reclassification of the rare and unusual fly Pyrgometopa penicillata Kertész (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: PIRANI GABRIELA , GRIMALDI DAVID A.
Published: August 2019

For slightly more than a century only the type specimen has been known for Pyrgometopa penicillata, a monotypic genus of Drosophilidae whose sole species has an ocellar triangle distended into a bizarre tubercle bearing a tuft of large, spine-like bristles in both sexes. Here we report additional specimens of both sexes of the species, recently rediscovered from Brazil, Peru and French Guyana, allowing us to state that Pyrgometopa is a junior synonym for Stegana, a large cosmopolitan genus. A detailed redescription of Stegana penicillata (Kertész) new combination is provided, including new morphological information, like the male and female terminalia, the egg and a short discussion is provided about its hallmark feature.
Molecular identity of Nemoura lacustris (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) throughout its distributional range
Authors: FOCHETTI ROMOLO , OLIVERIO MARCO , RUSSINI VALERIA , TAPIA GLORIA , DE FIGUEROA JOSÈ MANUEL TIERNO
Published: August 2019

The recent report of Nemoura lacustris Pictet, 1865 in Great Britain has raised doubts on its identity, given the isolation with respect to the Mediterranean and continental populations of this species. Using molecular analyses, we tested if populations from  the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula were conspecific and tested the hypotheses of a recent colonization event versus a more ancient origin for the British populations. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial marker COI allowed us to conclude that the United Kingdom specimens morphologically ascribed to N. lacustris were conspecific with populations from France and the Iberian Peninsula. Based on the genetic divergence of the two reciprocally monophyletic clades from the Iberian Peninsula and Great Britain/France, respectively, the present distribution of N. lacustris can be postulated as a relatively recent dispersal or introduction into Great Britain from France.                Finally, we note the isolated position displayed by N. lacustris in the phylogenetic tree of Nemoura species based on COI sequences, as the sister to all included species of the genus. This isolated position corresponds with the specific morphology of N. lacustris genitalia and requires additional studies to ascertain clearer generic boundaries within the Nemouridae.-
A Bayesian Processor of Uncertainty for Precipitation Forecasting Using Multiple Predictors and Censoring
Authors: Reggiani Paolo , Boyko Oleksiy
Published: August 2019

A Bayesian processor of uncertainty for numerical precipitation forecasts is presented. The predictive density is estimated on the basis of normalized variates, the use of censored distributions, and the implementation of a parameter-parsimonious and computationally efficient processor that is applicable in operational settings. The structure of the processor is sufficiently generic to handle mixed binary-continuous random processes such as intermittent rainfall (and similarly ephemeral river flows), and an arbitrary number of predictors. First, predictors and observations, the parent data sample, are mapped into standard Gaussian variates, obtaining a nonparametric approximately multivariate normal distribution (MVND) that is considered censored for days with no precipitation. To convert the Gaussian binary-continuous multivariate precipitation process into a continuous one, the parent sample is augmented into the negative range through Bayesian imputation by Gibbs sampling, recovering the true, a priori unknown variance–covariance structure of the full uncensored sample. The dependency among marginal distributions of observations and predictions is hereby assumed multivariate normal, for which closed-form expressions of conditional densities exist. These are then mapped back into the variable space of provenience to yield the predictive density. The processor is applied to a well-monitored study area in Switzerland. Standard forecast performance evaluation and verification metrics are employed to set the approach into perspective against Bayesian model averaging (BMA).
A green method to fabricate porous polypropylene fibers: development toward textile products and mechanical evaluation
Authors: Yan Xiang , Cayla Aurélie , Salaün Fabien , Devaux Eric , Liu Pengqing , Huang Tingjian
Published: August 2019

In this study, a series of immiscible polymer blend fibers with polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was obtained by a melt spinning process, and two different draw ratios were attempted. Efforts were made to obtain the porous PP fibers by removing the water-soluble PVA phase. The thermal properties of the blends were tested by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The blends showed excellent thermal stability and differentiated fractionated crystallization behaviors of PP. The melt flow indexes of the blends were evaluated, exhibiting a higher fluidity than that of the neat polymers. Among the possible candidates for the spinning process, only the PP70–PVA30 had suitable spinnability, for which the draw ratio reached 3. The morphology of the fibers was investigated by selective extraction experiment and scanning electron microscopy, as well as wide-angle X-ray diffraction. The biphasic morphology and the crystallization behaviors varied according to the PVA content. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the multifilament fibers were studied via tensile testing and dynamical mechanical analysis. The 70/30 weight ratio (PP/PVA) was the most suitable for producing biphasic fibers with a high degree of accessibility in PVA and mechanical properties that increase with the increase in the drawing ratio. The feasibility of fabric knitting was checked, and the mechanical properties and air permeability of the obtained textile structure were also evaluated.
Like a Blanket Over a Fire: Group Work and Spiritual Repair in Military Trauma
Authors: Starnino Vincent R. , Sullivan W. Patrick , Angel Clyde T. , Davis Louanne W.
Published: August 2019

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may not fully explain why some who experience war feel as though their assumptive world and sense of meaning has been shattered. Two concepts mentioned in the literature that address this feature of trauma are moral injury and spiritual injury. This work reports on qualitative findings from postgroup interviews with 18 participants who completed a spiritually integrated eight-session group intervention known as Search for Meaning. The group is designed to deal directly with issues of moral and spiritual wounds. This article discusses three main themes related to (a) the group process, (b) spiritual struggles and repair, and (c) the role of the group leaders. The findings support the call for specialized interventions to supplement mainstream PTSD treatments.
Augustine and Contemporary Republicanism: On Speech as Domination
Authors: Kabala Boleslaw Z.
Published: August 2019

I argue that Augustine can inform contemporary republicanism in a way that has not yet been considered: by means of the utility of “overlapping consensus.” I first unpack Philip Pettit’s theory of republicanism and demonstrate that his work contains a significant “blind-spot,” namely, more deliberation is required than Pettit allows to establish “arbitrary” interference in the lives of citizens for the sake of maximizing non-domination. But the deliberative settings leave an opening for domination through rhetoric. It is here that Augustine enters: although both the Confessions and City of God contain multiple striking examples of the use of rhetoric, they also provide evidence of a distrust of rhetoric given its potential for domination. It is only in Book IV of De Doctrina Christiana that Augustine lays out explicitly and theoretically a positive use of rhetoric. I then argue that, to minimize domination in the deliberative settings required to better understand the changing definition of “arbitrary” interference, Pettit may profitably look to Augustine’s explicit theoretical conceptualization of rhetoric. I end by pointing out that this does not require accepting Augustine’s ontology and metaphysics. Indeed, through an overlapping consensus, agreement may be reached on rhetorical practices that do not contribute to domination.
Furthering Proactivity and Career Adaptability Among University Students: Test of Intervention
Authors: Green Zane Asher , Noor Uzma , Hashemi Mohammad Nawaz
Published: August 2019

This study was based on a theory-driven training course, Staying Relevant. It aimed at developing university students’ proactive personality and career adaptability resources (concern, control, curiosity, and confidence) with the assumption that 6 months later, they would demonstrate appropriate adapting responses (career planning, career decision-making self-efficacy, career exploration, and occupational self-efficacy). A randomized control trial, the study used the pretest–posttest–posttest one control group ( n = 49) and one experimental group ( n = 49) design. Compared to the control group, results indicated that the training group had higher proactivity and career adaptability resources immediately after the training and 6 months later as well as showed higher adapting responses 6 months later. Theoretical contributions and practical implications of these results are also discussed. The study concluded that the Staying Relevant course embodying an eclectic mix of intervention best practices could be successful in facilitating a smooth university-to-work transition.
Role of Postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes to Predict Ankle Arthroplasty and Arthrodesis Revision
Authors: Desai Sameer , Sutherland Jason M. , Younger Alastair , Penner Murray , Veljkovic Andrea , Yusuf Fardowsa , Wing Kevin
Published: August 2019

Background:

Patient-reported outcomes are becoming common for measuring patient-centric outcomes in surgery. However, there is little known about the relationship between postoperatively collected patient-reported outcomes and objective clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to measure whether postoperative Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) values were associated with risk of revision among patients having ankle arthrodesis or total ankle arthroplasty for treatment of symptomatic end-stage ankle arthritis.

Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of a longitudinal cohort of ankle arthrodesis and total ankle arthroplasty patients. A single center recruited patients between 2003 and 2013 and follow-up was at least 4 years. Patients completed the AOS preoperatively and annually following surgery. An extended Cox regression model incorporating time-varying AOS values was used to model risk of failure. A total of 336 patients and 348 ankles were included, representing 139 ankle arthrodesis procedures and 209 total ankle arthroplasties.

Results:

The median follow-up time for revisions was 8.2 years and 46 patients had a revision. Higher values of patients’ AOS scores in the postoperative period were associated with a higher likelihood of revision (hazard ratio, 1.04 per 1-point increase; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.05). Ankle arthrodesis was associated with a reduced risk of revision compared with ankle fusion (hazard ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.49).

Conclusion:

This study showed that persistent pain and poor function after fusion or replacement surgery, as measured by elevated values of the AOS, were associated with higher risk of further surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Pull-through technique combined with percutaneous angioplasty for treating high-grade arteriovenous fistula stenosis
Authors: He Qing , Yu Bo , Shi Weihao , Tan Jinyun , Zhu Lei , Liang Kun
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a new pull-through technique through a brachial artery approach combined with angioplasty for the treatment of arteriovenous fistula.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, a total of 56 arteriovenous fistula patients with high-grade stenosis induced by arteriovenous fistula, which was divided into pull-through technique through a brachial artery approach (pull-through group, n = 28) and solely through a venous approach (control group, n = 28), were analyzed. Both groups underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty treatments simultaneously.

Results:

The success rate of the pull-through group (89.3%, 25 out of 28) was similar to that of the control group (75.0%, 21 out of 28, p = 0.296). Fistula restenosis occurred with time in both groups but no significant differences in the post-operative fistula patency were found between the pull-through and control groups in follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months (71.4% vs 67.9%, 57.1% vs 60.7%, and 20.0% vs 30.0%, respectively, p > 0.05). No significant difference in the post-operative patency rate in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or coronary disease was found between the pull-through and control groups in the follow-ups at 3 and 12 months, respectively. The pull-through group had significantly shorter operation times compared with the control group (45 ± 9 min vs 65 ± 15 min, p < 0.001). No surgical complications were reported in the pull-through group in contrast to three cases (11%, 3 out of 28) with puncture hematoma and acute occlusion in the control group.

Conclusion:

The pull-through technique combined with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an effective, safe and lasting option to treat high-grade arteriovenous fistula stenosis in the upper limb.
Inhaled Amphotericin B as Aspergillosis Prophylaxis in Hematologic Disease: An Update
Authors: Duckwall Madison J , Gales Mark A , Gales Barry J
Published: August 2019

This review summarizes the literature on inhaled amphotericin B for invasive aspergillosis prophylaxis in patients with neutropenia secondary to hematologic malignancy treatment or stem cell transplant. Six trials, 2 randomized controlled and 4 with historical controls, were identified. Three inhaled amphotericin B deoxycholate trials found a reduced invasive aspergillosis incidence, 1 reaching statistical significance. Three inhaled liposomal amphotericin B trials demonstrated similar reductions with 2 finding statistical significance. Relative risk reductions for invasive aspergillosis were routinely 40-60%. Both formulations were without reported systemic or severe adverse effects. The most common adverse events were cough, bad taste, and nausea. Discontinuation rates ranged from 0-45%. The only randomized, placebo-controlled trial utilized inhaled liposomal amphotericin B reported a nearly 60% relative risk reduction.

Inhaled liposomal amphotericin B 12.5 mg twice weekly is an alternative for invasive aspergillosis prophylaxis in high risk neutropenic patients with hematologic malignancies and stem cell transplant recipients when recommended azole agents are contraindicated or should not be used.
Home-based tele-rehabilitation presents comparable positive impact on self-reported functional outcomes as usual care: The Singapore Tele-technology Aided Rehabilitation in Stroke (STARS) randomised controlled trial
Authors: Asano Miho , Tai Bee C , Yeo Felicity YT , Yen Shi C , Tay Arthur , Ng Yee S , De Silva Deidre A , Caves Kevin , Chew Eiffie , Hoenig Helen , Koh Gerald C
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of a novel tele-rehabilitation system on self-reported functional outcomes compared to usual care during the first three months after stroke.

Methods

A parallel, two-arm, evaluator-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted. Adults aged ≥40 years who had suffered a stroke within four weeks of the start of the study were recruited from the general community. The intervention group received access to a novel tele-rehabilitation system and programme for three months. The primary outcome measures utilised were the frequency and limitation total scores of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) at three months.

Results

A total of 124 individuals were recruited. The mean differences in the LLDFI frequency and limitation total scores at three months comparing the intervention and control groups were –3.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) –7.81 to 1.21) and –6.90 (95% CI –15.02 to 1.22), respectively. Adjusting for the respective baseline covariates and baseline Barthel Index also showed no significant difference between interventions in the LLFDI outcomes.

Discussion

The intervention and control groups self-reported similar improvements in functional outcomes. Tele-rehabilitation may be a viable option to provide post-stroke rehabilitation services in Singapore while reducing barriers to continue rehabilitation conventionally after discharge from hospital and encouraging more participation.
Marrying Within the Alma Mater: Understanding the Role of Same-University Marriages in Educational Homogamy
Authors: Ford Karly Sarita
Published: August 2019

Most prior work on educational homogamy does not distinguish between college attendees who marry someone who attended the same university (same-university marriages) and those who marry someone who attended a different university (different-university marriages). This article estimates the prevalence of partnering between individuals who attended the same university in the United States. Using rich data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), this study finds that, among college graduates who marry other college graduates, about one third have same-university spouses. As higher education has massified and feminized, rates of same-university marriages have changed very little between 1973 and 2013. By distinguishing between same-university and different-university marriages, this article highlights the role that universities, as organizational settings, play in structuring elective affinities – Pierre Bourdieu’s term for the class-based shared experiences and tastes that form the basis of social and romantic ties. Educational homogamy contributes to social stratification by consolidating the educational and social advantages of the individuals and same-university marriages make up a significant portion of these partnerships.
Preparation of bimetallic Ni–Fe/MCM-41 catalysts and their catalytic activity for CO methanation
Authors: Jiaying Zhang
Published: August 2019

A series of Ni–Fe/MCM-41 bimetallic catalysts and also Ni/MCM-41 and Fe/MCM-41 catalysts were prepared by the incipient-wetness impregnation method and tested for their activity for CO methanation in a continuous-flow microreactor. The results showed that the catalytic activities of the Ni–Fe/MCM-41 bimetallic catalysts were much higher than those of the Ni/MCM-41 and Fe/MCM-41 catalysts at low temperatures (200°C–325°C). The 10%Ni–5%Fe/MCM-41 catalyst showed the best activity with a CO conversion of almost 100% and a CH4 selectivity of 98% at 350°C under a pressure of 1.5 MPa with a 3:1 molar ratio of H2 to CO and a weight hourly space velocity of 12,000 mL h−1 g−1. The catalysts were characterized by N2 physisorption measurements, X-ray diffraction, and H2-temperature-programmed reduction. The results showed that the addition of Fe will lead to the formation of finer Ni particles and Ni–Fe alloy, which were the main reasons for the activity increase in the Ni–Fe/MCM-41 catalysts.
Pitfalls and Misconducts in Medical Writing
Authors: Lazarides Miltos K. , Gougoudi Evangelia , Papanas Nikolaos
Published: August 2019

The objective of medical research is the quest for scientific truth, as well as the communication of new knowledge to the medical society through publication of novel results. Journals publishing these results rely on the trust that all persons involved (authors, peer reviewers, editors, and publishers) remain honest, following the rules and ethics of scientific integrity. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and a wide spectrum of pitfalls and misconducts may occur, ranging from less serious violations of ethical rules to most serious ones. In ascending order of severity, these include borderline questionable practices (HARKing [Hypothesizing After the Results are Known] and hyping), redundant publications, authorship misconducts, plagiarism, and all types of fraud (data falsification or fabrication). Awareness of all these fraudulent practices is essential to mitigate misconduct in academic writing.
Path following control of an underactuated unmanned marine vehicle with model asymmetry in the presence of ocean current disturbances
Authors: Lei Zhang , Yushan Sun , Jiayuan Zhuang , Bo Wang
Published: August 2019

Path following control system of an underactuated unmanned marine vehicle is an important guarantee for its successful operation, the path following control problem of an underactuated and asymmetrical unmanned marine vehicle sailing in the presence of ocean current disturbances is addressed. Asymmetry of the unmanned marine vehicle model and higher order velocity coupling terms of damping coefficients of the unmanned marine vehicle are discussed, which would improve the accuracy of the path following control system. A kind of global differential homeomorphism transformation design is proposed to solve the difficulty of nonzero term appearing in the non-diagonal elements of the system inertia coefficient matrix and damping coefficient matrix, which is caused by the model asymmetry of unmanned marine vehicle. An improved line-of-sight guidance algorithm is presented by introducing longitudinal position error and tracking error weight factor into traditional line-of-sight algorithm, which could speed up the path following process, meanwhile the method could be extended to the application of curve path following. Virtual velocity in the tangent direction of the path to be followed is designed for the control system, by increasing a virtual control input, the underactuated control system is simplified, and the higher order velocity coupling terms of damping coefficients are integrated considered in the virtual control law. Stability of the path following control algorithm proposed for unmanned marine vehicle is proved by Lyapunov theory, and some simulation experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the path following control system designed.
Reconsolidating Intrusive Distressing Memories by Thinking of Attachment Figures
Authors: Bryant Richard A. , Datta Shiksha
Published: August 2019

Thinking of attachment security can reduce arousal, and arousal has been shown to modulate memory reconsolidation. We investigated the effect of priming attachment security during reactivation of a distressing memory. We hypothesized that attachment priming would result in less frequent, distressing, and vivid subsequent intrusive, distressing memories. Seventy-one participants viewed a traumatic film and recorded the frequency, distress, and vividness of subsequent intrusive memories for the following week. The day after initial consolidation, the memory was reactivated before presentation of either an attachment or a positive nonattachment control prime. The attachment prime reduced the vividness and distress of intrusions during the ensuing week. These effects were stronger for participants with less avoidant attachment tendencies, suggesting that the reconsolidating effect of attachment priming is stronger for those with secure attachment systems. Thinking of attachment figures during reactivation of distressing memories may decrease the distressing nature of subsequent intrusive memories.
Development of Performance Indicators for Clinical Research Coordinators Using the Balanced Scorecard in South Korea
Authors: Hwang Youn Sun , Lee Tae Wha
Published: August 2019

Background:

This is a methodological study that aims to develop performance indicators based on a balanced scorecard for the clinical research coordinator (CRC) position.

Methods:

The CRC performance indicators were developed through a literature review, a data review, expert consultations, focus group interviews, and content validity verification. We also used these data to confirm whether the performance indicators were appropriately indexed.

Results:

We developed 10 strategies and 31 performance management indicators based on the 4 perspectives of the balanced scorecard (financial, customer, internal business process, and learning and growth).

Conclusions:

This research developed CRC performance indicators using a balanced scorecard in order to improve the quality of CRC work performance. These indicators establish the direction that tasks should take; they motivate CRCs by being associated with the compensation system, competence development programs, and a balanced performance evaluation system.
Understanding the “How” and “Why” Aspects of Racial-Ethnic Discrimination: A Multimethod Approach to Audit Studies
Authors: Gaddis S. Michael
Published: August 2019

Researchers have used audit studies to provide causal evidence of racial discrimination for nearly 60 years. Although audits are an excellent methodological tool to investigate the “what,” “where,” and “when” aspects of racial-ethnic discrimination, audits are less appropriate, by themselves, to investigate the “how” and “why” aspects of racial-ethnic discrimination. In this article, I review why audit studies are necessary to study racial-ethnic discrimination, the evidence from audit studies, and their limitations. I then argue that scholars should adopt a multimethod approach to audit studies to move from documenting the existence of racial-ethnic discrimination to examining how and why racial-ethnic discrimination occurs. Adoption of this multimethod approach will result in a deeper understanding of racial-ethnic discrimination with the potential to shape both opinions and policy surrounding discrimination.
First-arrival picking with a U-net convolutional network
Authors: Hu Lianlian , Zheng Xiaodong , Duan Yanting , Yan Xinfei , Hu Ying , Zhang Xiaole
Published: August 2019

In exploration geophysics, the first arrivals on data acquired under complicated near-surface conditions are often characterized by significant static corrections, weak energy, low signal-to-noise ratio, and dramatic phase change, and they are difficult to pick accurately with traditional automatic procedures. We have approached this problem by using a U-shaped fully convolutional network (U-net) to first-arrival picking, which is formulated as a binary segmentation problem. U-net has the ability to recognize inherent patterns of the first arrivals by combining attributes of arrivals in space and time on data of varying quality. An effective workflow based on U-net is presented for fast and accurate picking. A set of seismic waveform data and their corresponding first-arrival times are used to train the network in a supervised learning approach, then the trained model is used to detect the first arrivals for other seismic data. Our method is applied on one synthetic data set and three field data sets of low quality to identify the first arrivals. Results indicate that U-net only needs a few annotated samples for learning and is able to efficiently detect first-arrival times with high precision on complicated seismic data from a large survey. With the increasing training data of various first arrivals, a trained U-net has the potential to directly identify the first arrivals on new seismic data.
Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Among Patients With Cancer: A Population-Based Study Using Health Administrative and Laboratory Testing Data From Ontario, Canada
Authors: Blanchette Phillip S. , Chung Hannah , Pritchard Kathleen I. , Earle Craig C. , Campitelli Michael A. , Buchan Sarah A. , Schwartz Kevin L. , Crowcroft Natasha S. , Gubbay Jonathan B. , Karnauchow Timothy , Katz Kevin , McGeer Allison J. , McNally James D. , Richardson David C. , Richardson Susan E. , Rosella Laura C. , Simor Andrew , Smieja Marek , Zahariadis George , Campigotto Aaron , Kwong Jeffrey C.
Published: August 2019

PURPOSE

Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for patients with cancer despite concerns of disease or treatment-associated immunosuppression. The objective of this study was to evaluate vaccine effectiveness (VE) against laboratory-confirmed influenza for patients with cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted an observational test-negative design study of previously diagnosed patients with cancer 18 years of age and older who underwent influenza testing during the 2010-2011 to 2015-2016 influenza seasons in Ontario, Canada. We linked individual-level cancer registry, respiratory virus testing, and health administrative data to identify the study population and outcomes. Vaccination status was determined from physician and pharmacist billing claims. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate VE, adjusting for age, sex, rurality, income quintile, cancer characteristics, chemotherapy exposure, comorbidities, previous health care use, influenza season, and calendar time.

RESULTS

We identified 26,463 patients with cancer who underwent influenza testing, with 4,320 test-positive cases (16%) and 11,783 (45%) vaccinated. Mean age was 70 years, 52% were male, mean time since diagnosis was 6 years, 69% had solid tumor malignancies, and 23% received active chemotherapy. VE against laboratory-confirmed influenza was 21% (95% CI, 15% to 26%), and VE against laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalization was 20% (95% CI, 13% to 26%). For patients with solid tumor malignancies, VE was 25% (95% CI, 18% to 31%), compared with 8% (95% CI, –5% to 19%) for patients with hematologic malignancies ( P = .015). Active chemotherapy usage did not significantly affect VE, especially among patients with solid tumor cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our results support recommendations for influenza vaccination for patients with cancer. VE was decreased for patients with hematologic malignancies, and there was no significant difference in VE among patients with solid tumor cancer receiving active chemotherapy. Strategies to optimize influenza prevention among patients with cancer are warranted.
Endometrial Cancers in BRCA1 or BRCA2 Germline Mutation Carriers: Assessment of Homologous Recombination DNA Repair Defects
Authors: Smith Evan S. , Da Cruz Paula Arnaud , Cadoo Karen A. , Abu-Rustum Nadeem R. , Pei Xin , Brown David N. , Ferrando Lorenzo , Sebastiao Ana Paula Martins , Riaz Nadeem , Robson Mark E. , Soslow Robert A. , Reis-Filho Jorge S. , Mandelker Diana , Weigelt Britta
Published: August 2019

PURPOSE

Endometrial cancer (EC) is not considered a component of the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome but can arise in patients with germline BRCA1/2 (g BRCA1/2) mutations. Biallelic BRCA1/2 alterations are associated with genomic features of homologous recombination DNA repair deficiency (HRD) in cancer. We sought to determine if ECs in g BRCA1/2 mutation carriers harbor biallelic alterations and/or features of HRD.

METHODS

Of 769 patients with EC who underwent germline panel testing, 10 pathogenic g BRCA1/2 mutation carriers were identified, and their tumor- and normal-derived DNA was subjected to massively parallel sequencing targeting at least 410 cancer-related genes. Three g BRCA1/2-associated ECs were identified in 232 ECs subjected to whole-exome sequencing by The Cancer Genome Atlas. Somatic mutations, copy number alterations, loss of heterozygosity, microsatellite instability (MSI), and genomic HRD features were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 13 patients included who had EC, eight harbored pathogenic g BRCA1 mutations and five harbored g BRCA2 mutations. Eight (100%) and two (40%) ECs harbored biallelic BRCA1 and BRCA2 alterations through loss of heterozygosity of the wild-type allele. All ECs harbored somatic TP53 mutations. One monoallelic/sporadic g BRCA2-associated EC had MLH1 promoter methylation and was MSI high. High large-scale state transition scores, a genomic feature of HRD, were found only in ECs with bi- but not monoallelic BRCA1/2 alterations. The Signature Multivariate Analysis HRD signature Sig3 was enriched in biallelic g BRCA1/2 ECs, and the three ECs from The Cancer Genome Atlas with BRCA1 biallelic alterations subjected to whole-exome sequencing displayed a dominant HRD-related mutational signature 3.

CONCLUSION

A subset of g BRCA1/2-associated ECs harbor biallelic BRCA1/2 alterations and genomic features of HRD, which may benefit from homologous recombination–directed treatment regimens. ECs in BRCA2 mutation carriers might be sporadic and even MSI high, and may potentially benefit from immune-checkpoint inhibition.
Defining Nature in Medieval Cosmological Literature
Authors: Lamy Alice
Published: August 2019

The medieval Latin West has a long tradition of cosmological writings that stress the difficulty of conceptualizing nature as a single totality. “Nature” is subject to multiple definitions, torn between the sensory and the intelligible. “Nature” involves the universe and its immutable laws, but also the metaphysical principles of living beings, the totality of corruptible things, and creatures from the domain of physis. Engaging with the idea of nature as plastic and multifaceted in its richness, this article shows that contradiction is a dialectical principle necessary to the definition of nature. Whether understood as a broad, vague, and elusive notion, or, on the contrary, as a strong ordering principle, nature supports life and the world. Sometimes it is described as the simple element of matter, sometimes as an entity rivaling God himself. Nature inevitably conjures up the supernatural and therefore also its own supersession.
Bargaining over Babies: Theory, Evidence, and Policy Implications
Authors: Doepke Matthias , Kindermann Fabian
Published: August 2019

It takes a woman and a man to make a baby. This fact suggests that for a birth to take place, the parents should first agree on wanting a child. Using newly available data on fertility preferences and outcomes, we show that indeed, babies are likely to arrive only if both parents desire one. In addition, there are many couples who disagree on having babies, and in low-fertility countries women are much more likely than men to be opposed to having another child. We account for this evidence with a quantitative model of household bargaining in which the distribution of the burden of child care between mothers and fathers is a key determinant of fertility. The model implies that fertility is highly responsive to targeted policies that lower the child care burden specifically for mothers. (JEL C78, D13, J13, J16)
Recent advances in the search for a targeted immunomodulatory therapy for primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Leverenz David L. , St. Clair E. William
Published: August 2019

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by salivary and lacrimal gland dysfunction, leading to substantial morbidity and reduced quality of life. Many patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome also have extraglandular systemic complications, some of which can be organ- or life-threatening. Over the last decade, numerous targeted immunomodulatory therapies for primary Sjögren’s syndrome have failed to show a benefit in clinical trials, and as yet no disease-modifying therapy has been approved for this disease. Herein, we provide an updated review of the clinical trial landscape for primary Sjögren’s syndrome and the numerous efforts to move the field forward, including the development of new classification criteria and outcome measures, the results of recent clinical trials in this field, the challenges faced in the search for effective therapies, and the expanding pipeline of novel therapies under development.