bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mass Loss Behavior of Fractured Rock in Seepage Process: The Development and Application of a New Seepage Experimental System
Authors: Kong Hailing , Wang Luzhen
Published: October 2018

In order to study the water‐inrush mechanism in fractured geological structure, seepage instability theory is picked up, which considers that water‐inrush is the embodiment of seepage instability. Seepage tests are the basis for studying seepage instability in the fractured rock system, while the experimental system and equipment are the foundation of seepage tests. In this paper, we introduce a new experimental system for the seepage test on fractured rock accompanying with mass migration and loss and discuss its development and application. It presents the designed and manufactured experimental system, the subsystems, components and their functions, and the experimental scheme and the experimental process. Compared to the previous experimental system, more functions are satisfied, among which, the most important improvements are realizing a long‐term permeate and keeping water pressure stable at a high level. These improvements are verified by a series of tests, and the results show that our experimental system has higher accuracy, stability, and reliability. The distribution of the permeate times and lost mass of different Talbol power exponents are obtained, and the time‐varying rules of water pressure, water flow, the lost mass, and porosity are also revealed through the results. Although the experimental system also has some limitations, for instance, the measuring accuracy of pressure transducers and flow transducers, the provided maximum pressure of the quantitative displacement piston pump, the fine particles collection subsystem, etc., we will continue to improve it in our further research.
Asymptotics for Optimal Design Problems for the Schrödinger Equation with a Potential
Authors: Waters Alden , Merkurjev Ekaterina
Published: October 2018

We study the problem of optimal observability and prove time asymptotic observability estimates for the Schrödinger equation with a potential in L∞Ω, with Ω⊂Rd, using spectral theory. An elegant way to model the problem using a time asymptotic observability constant is presented. For certain small potentials, we demonstrate the existence of a nonzero asymptotic observability constant under given conditions and describe its explicit properties and optimal values. Moreover, we give a precise description of numerical models to analyze the properties of important examples of potentials wells, including that of the modified harmonic oscillator.
Active Impedance Control of Bioinspired Motion Robotic Manipulators: An Overview
Authors: Al-Shuka Hayder F. N. , Leonhardt Steffen , Zhu Wen-Hong , Song Rui , Ding Chao , Li Yibin
Published: October 2018

There are two main categories of force control schemes: hybrid position-force control and impedance control. However, the former does not take into account the dynamic interaction between the robot’s end effector and the environment. In contrast, impedance control includes regulation and stabilization of robot motion by creating a mathematical relationship between the interaction forces and the reference trajectories. It involves an energetic pair of a flow and an effort, instead of controlling a single position or a force. A mass-spring-damper impedance filter is generally used for safe interaction purposes. Tuning the parameters of the impedance filter is important and, if an unsuitable strategy is used, this can lead to unstable contact. Humans, however, have exceptionally effective control systems with advanced biological actuators. An individual can manipulate muscle stiffness to comply with the interaction forces. Accordingly, the parameters of the impedance filter should be time varying rather than value constant in order to match human behavior during interaction tasks. Therefore, this paper presents an overview of impedance control strategies including standard and extended control schemes. Standard controllers cover impedance and admittance architectures. Extended control schemes include admittance control with force tracking, variable impedance control, and impedance control of flexible joints. The categories of impedance control and their features and limitations are well introduced. Attention is paid to variable impedance control while considering the possible control schemes, the performance, stability, and the integration of constant compliant elements with the host robot.
Group Consensus for Discrete‐Time Heterogeneous Multiagent Systems with Input and Communication Delays
Authors: Jiang Yiliu , Ji Lianghao , Pu Xingcheng , Liu Qun
Published: October 2018

Group consensus seeking is investigated for a class of discrete‐time heterogeneous multiagent systems composed of first‐order and second‐order agents with both communication and input time delays. Considering two types of system topologies, novel protocols based on the competitive and cooperative relationships among the agents are presented, respectively. By matrix theory and frequency domain analysis method, the sufficient conditions solving consensus problem are obtained. The results show that the achievement of group consensus is bound up with the input time delays, coupling weights between the agents and the system’s control parameters, but it is irrelevant to the communication delays. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the correctness of the theoretical results.
Fault Diagnosis of Rotating Machinery Based on Stochastic Resonance with a Bistable Confining Potential
Authors: Li Zhixing , Shi Boqiang
Published: October 2018

Since the weak fault characteristics of mechanical equipment are often difficult to extract in strong background noise, stochastic resonance (SR) is widely used to extract the weak fault characteristics, which is able to utilize the noise to amplify weak fault characteristics. Although classical bistable stochastic resonance (CBSR) can enhance the weak characteristics by adjusting the parameters of potential model, when potential barrier height is adjusted potential well width is also changed and vice versa. The simultaneous change of both potential well width and barrier height is difficult to obtain a suitable potential model for better weak fault characteristic extraction and further fault diagnosis of machinery. For this reason, the output signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of CBSR is greatly reduced, and the corresponding enhancement ability of weak fault characteristics is limited. In order to avoid the shortcomings, a new SR method is proposed to extract weak fault characteristics and further diagnose the faults of rotating machinery, where the classical bistable potential is replaced with a bistable confining potential to get the optimal SR. The bistable confining potential model not only has the characteristics of the classical bistable potential model but also has the ability to adjust the potential width, barrier height, and wall steepness independently. Simulated data are used to demonstrate the proposed new SR method. The results indicate that the weak fault characteristics can be effectively extracted from simulated signals with heavy noise. Experiments on the bearings and planetary gearboxes demonstrate that the proposed SR method can correctly diagnose the faults of rotating machinery and moreover has higher spectrum peak and better recognition degree compared with the CBSR method.
Prevalence and Factors Influencing Alcohol Use in Pregnancy among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Dodoma Region, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mpelo Matunga , Kibusi Stephen Matthew , Moshi Fabiola , Nyundo Azan , Ntwenya Julius Edward , Mpondo Bonaventura C. T.
Published: October 2018

Background. Alcohol use during pregnancy is high despite the well-established evidence on its adverse pregnancy outcomes and poor child development. Early identification and behavioural modification are of great significance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of alcohol use during pregnancy among women in Dodoma region. Methods. 365 randomly selected pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Dodoma region were included. Structured questionnaires were used to assess sociodemographic characteristic and alcohol use. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were used to estimate the prevalence and independent relationships of factors associated with alcohol use in pregnancy, respectively. Results. Results showed a prevalence of 15.1% out of the 365 women attending antenatal services in Dodoma region. Prepregnancy alcohol use and having relatives who use alcohol were associated with alcohol use (AOR= 5.19; 95% CI: 4.791-34.867 and AOR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.393-6.248), respectively. Moreover, other associated factors included low education status (AOR=10.636; 95% CI: 1.89-19.844), making local brews as a source of income (AOR=11.44; 95% CI: 1.008-19.86), and not having had complications in previous pregnancies (AOR=4.93; 95% CI: 1.031-23.59). Conclusion. There is a significantly high prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy in Dodoma. Social networks and low social, economic status were associated with alcohol use in pregnancy. There is a need for public health interventions to address alcohol use particularly targeting women of reproductive age with low socioeconomic status.
Suspected Pericardial Tuberculosis Revealed as an Amyloid Pericardial Mass
Authors: Cicco Sebastiano , Solimando Antonio G. , Leone Patrizia , Battaglia Stefano , Ria Roberto , Vacca Angelo , Racanelli Vito
Published: October 2018

Primary systemic amyloidosis is not easily diagnosed. The immunoglobulin deposits are usually localized in the kidney, heart, and liver. We describe an unusual case of a patient suffering from a pericardial amyloidoma with internal calcifications and air bubbles that compressed the right ventricle and shifted the heart to the left. Since the patient was in shock, urgent pericardiotomy was performed. This site showed PET uptake. A monoclonal component was present. On these findings, differential diagnoses included multiple myeloma and atypical pericardial tuberculosis, whereas a periumbilical fat tissue biopsy demonstrated amyloidosis. A previous Salmonella species infection had most likely stimulated the production of amyloid. The patient received bortezomib/dexamethasone treatment and achieved a good response.
Synthesis and Crystalline Structure of Zinc Complexes with Antihypertensive Drug Lisinopril
Authors: de Souza Márcia C. , Diniz Luan F. , Franco Chris H. J. , Diniz Renata
Published: October 2018

The structural investigation of Zn2+ complexes with the ligand lisinopril (LIS), an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), was performed. The main objective is to compare if Zn-LIS coordination in vitro is similar to that observed in vivo. Two zinc complexes were obtained from different synthetic routes. The synthesis of LISZn1 used stirring, while for LISZn2 involved solvothermal conditions, which favoured the full deprotonation of lisinopril ligand. In this sense, the different synthetic routes resulted in the formation of complexes with notorious chemical and structural differences. The crystal structure of LISZn2 showed that the ligand is coordinated to Zn2+ ion by oxygen and nitrogen atoms which is different from that observed in vivo. In vitro, the coordination of lisinopril occurs only by an oxygen atom of the central carboxylate group. LISZn2 forms a one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymer and presents disorder atoms in its unit cell.
Helicobacter pylori Infection and Its Risk Factors: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study in Resource-Limited Settings of Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Markos , Wondifraw Baynes Habtamu , Geremew Demeke
Published: October 2018

Background. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is implicated for the causation of gastrointestinal tract infections including gastric cancer. Although the infection is prevalent globally, the impact is immense in countries with poor environmental and socioeconomic status including Ethiopia. Epidemiological study on the magnitude of H. pylori and possible risk factors has priceless implication. Therefore, in this study, we determined the prevalence and risk factors of H. pylori infection in the resource-limited area of northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on northwest Ethiopia among 201 systematically selected dyspeptic patients. Data were collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire, and stool and serum samples were collected and analyzed by SD BIOLINE H. pylori Ag and dBest H. pylori Disk tests, respectively. Chi-square test was performed to see association between variables, and binary and multinomial regression tests were performed to identify potential risk factors. P values <0.05 were taken statistically significant. Result. Prevalence of H. pylori was found to be 71.1% (143/201) and 37.3% (75/201) using the dBest H. pylori Test Disk and SD BIOLINE H. pylori Ag test, respectively. H. pylori seropositivity, using dBest H. pylori Disk tests, is significantly associated in age groups <10 years (P=0.044) and married patients (P=0.016). In those patients with H. pylori (a positive result with either the Ab or Ag test), drinking water from well sources had 2.23 times risk of getting H. pylori infection (P=0.017), and drinking coffee (1.51 (0.79–2.96, P=0.025)) and chat chewing (1.78 (1.02–3.46, P=0.008) are the common risk factors. Conclusion. The present study discovered considerable magnitude of H. pylori among the dyspeptic patients in the study area. H. pylori infection is frequent in individuals drinking water from well sources, and thus, poor sanitation and unhygienic water supply are contributing factors. Policies aiming at improving the socioeconomic status will reduce potential sources of infection, transmission, and ultimately the prevalence and incidence of H. pylori.
Review: On Segmentation of Nodules from Posterior and Anterior Chest Radiographs
Authors: Chaya Devi S. K. , Satya Savithri T.
Published: October 2018

Lung cancer is one of the major types of cancer in the world. Survival rate can be increased if the disease can be identified early. Posterior and anterior chest radiography and computerized tomography scans are the most used diagnosis techniques for detecting tumor from lungs. Posterior and anterior chest radiography requires less radiation dose and is available in most of the diagnostic centers and it costs less compared to the remaining diagnosis techniques. So PA chest radiography became the most commonly used technique for lung cancer detection. Because of superimposed anatomical structures present in the image, sometimes radiologists cannot find abnormalities from the image. To help radiologists in diagnosing tumor from PA chest radiographic images range of CAD scheme has been developed for the past three decades. These computerized tools may be used by radiologists as a second opinion in detecting tumor. Literature survey on detecting tumors from chest graphs is presented in this paper.
A New Differential Privacy Crowdsensing Scheme Based on the Multilevel Interactive Game
Authors: Kim Sungwook
Published: October 2018

With the rapid growth of network of devices with embedded technology, mobile crowdsensing (MCS) has been gaining increasing popularity. The development of 5G network services is prompting further growth in crowdsensing applications. However, MCS participants risk their privacy when reporting data with their actual sensing positions. To address this issue, the concept of differential privacy (DP) can be adopted to provide a theoretical guarantee for participants’ privacy in MCS services. In this study, we design a new DP crowdsensing scheme with game theory. Based on the multilevel interactive game model, MCS server, DP controllers, and mobile devices are regarded as rational individual decision makers that aim to maximize their own payoffs. For these decision makers, the proposed game approach analyzes suitably the competitive and coordinative MCS environments. The main novelty possessed by our control scheme is to capture the dynamics of MCS system operations with the privacy consideration. Compared with other existing protocols, performance evaluation shows the advantages of our proposed scheme in terms of the sensing task success ratio, MCS participating ratio, and normalized payoff of participating devices. Finally, we provide the guidance on the future research direction of MCS services including other issues.
Zebrafish: Speeding Up the Cancer Drug Discovery Process
Authors: Letrado Patricia , de Miguel Irene , Lamberto Iranzu , Díez-Martínez Roberto , Oyarzabal Julen
Published: October 2018

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an ideal in vivo model to study a wide variety of human cancer types. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of zebrafish in the cancer drug discovery process, from (i) approaches to induce malignant tumors, (ii) techniques to monitor cancer progression, and (iii) strategies for compound administration to (iv) a compilation of the 355 existing case studies showing the impact of zebrafish models on cancer drug discovery, which cover a broad scope of scenarios. Finally, based on the current state-of-the-art analysis, this review presents some highlights about future directions using zebrafish in cancer drug discovery and the potential of this model as a prognostic tool in prospective clinical studies. Cancer Res; 78(21); 6048–58. ©2018 AACR.
Identification of Serum Biomarker Panels for the Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Song Jin , Sokoll Lori J. , Pasay Jered J. , Rubin Abigail L. , Li Hanying , Bach Dylan M. , Chan Daniel W. , Zhang Zhen
Published: October 2018

Background:

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease for which available biomarkers, such as CA19-9, lack the desired sensitivity and specificity for early detection. Additional biomarkers are needed to improve both its sensitivity and specificity.

Methods:

Multiplex immunoassays were developed for selected biomarkers using a Bio-Plex 200 system, and analytical performance was optimized. All proteins were analyzed in sera of patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC; n = 188) or benign pancreatic conditions (131) and healthy controls (89). The clinical performance of these markers was evaluated individually or in combination for their ability to complement CA19-9 for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.

Results:

A 6-plex immunoassay was developed with negligible cross-reactivity, wide dynamic range, recovery of 89% to 104%, and intra-assay and interassay precision of 10.2% to 19.6% and 13.7% to 29.3%, respectively. Individually, the best biomarkers to separate PDAC early stage from chronic pancreatitis or intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) were CA19-9 and MIA or CA19-9 and MIC-1. Logistic regression modeling selected the two-marker panels that significantly improved the individual biomarker performance in discriminating PDAC early stage from chronic pancreatitis (AUCCA19-9+MIA = 0.86 vs. AUCCA19-9 = 0.81 or AUCMIA = 0.75 only, P < 0.05) or IPMN (AUCCA19-9+MIC-1 = 0.81 vs. AUCCA19-9 = 0.75 or AUCMIC-1 = 0.73 only, P < 0.05). It was observed that osteopontin (OPN) outperformed CA19-9 in separating IPMN from chronic pancreatitis (AUCOPN = 0.80 vs. AUCCA19-9 = 0.70, P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

The biomarker panels evaluated by assays with high analytical performance demonstrated potential complementary values to CA19-9, warranting additional clinical validation to determine their role in early detection of pancreatic cancer.

Impact:

The validated biomarker panels could lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes.
Cortical Thinning Associated with Age and CSF Biomarkers in Early Parkinson’s Disease Is Modified by the SNCA rs356181 Polymorphism
Authors: Sampedro Frederic , Marín-Lahoz Juan , Martínez-Horta Saul , Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime
Published: October 2018

The role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers such as CSF α-synuclein and CSF tau in predicting cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease (PD) continues to be inconsistent. Here, using a cohort of de novo PD patients with preserved cognition from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), we show that the SNCA rs356181 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) modulates the effect of these CSF biomarkers on cortical thinning. Depending on this SNP’s genotype, cortical atrophy was associated with either higher or lower CSF biomarker levels. Additionally, this SNP modified age-related atrophy. Importantly, the integrity of the brain regions where this phenomenon was observed correlated with cognitive measures. These results suggest that this genetic variation of the gene encoding the α-synuclein protein, known to be involved in the development of PD, also interferes in its subsequent neurodegeneration. Overall, our findings could shed light on the so far incongruent association of common CSF biomarkers with cognitive decline in PD.
Human Microglial Cells Undergo Proapoptotic Induction and Inflammatory Activation upon in vitro Exposure to a Naturally Occurring Level of Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Mehrzad Jalil , Hosseinkhani Saman , Malvandi Amir Mohammad 
Published: October 2018

Objective: Knowledge regarding interactions of AFB1 with the human nervous system and how a naturally occurring level of AFB1 could potentially induce neuroimmune dysregulation is very limited. To assess the cellular effects of AFB1 on the human brain, we used the human microglia cell line CHME5 as a model to pinpoint its potential in vivo translation. Methods: We used the CHME5 cell line culture system, multiplex qPCR, (chemi)bioluminescence, Luminex ELISA, and flow cytometry assays to evaluate the toxic effects of a naturally occurring level of AFB1 on human microglia. Results: A low concentration of AFB1 upregulates the mRNA expression of many proinflammatory molecules, such as TLRs, MyD88, NFκB, and CxCr4, induces intracellular ATP depletion, and increases caspase-3/7 activity at different time points following exposure to the toxin. Furthermore, AFB1-exposed microglia secreted significantly higher levels of IFN-γ and GM-CSF after treatment. We also observed a slight increase in the percentage of apoptotic microglia (annexin V+/PI−) at 48 h posttreatment. Conclusion: Our work confirmed that the environmentally relevant level of AFB1 could cause an inflammatory reaction in human microglial cells that is potentially harmful or toxic to the homeostasis of the human central nervous system and might increase susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases.
Moisturizers versus Current and Next-Generation Barrier Repair Therapy for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Elias Peter M. , Wakefield Joan S. , Man Mao-Qiang
Published: October 2018

We compare here the principal characteristics of over-the-counter moisturizers with physiologic lipid-based barrier repair therapy. Moisturizers are standard ancillary therapy for anti-inflammatory skin disorders, like atopic dermatitis (AD), and can attenuate the emergence of AD, the initial step in the “atopic march.” But not all moisturizers are beneficial; some can make skin function worse, and can even induce inflammation, possibly accounting for the frequent occurrence of “sensitive skin” in women. In contrast, physiologic lipid-based barrier repair therapy, if comprised of the 3 key stratum corneum lipids, in sufficient quantities and at an appropriate molar ratio, can correct the barrier abnormality and reduce inflammation in AD, and perhaps in other inflammatory dermatoses.
Psychometric Properties of a Flanker Task in a Sample of Patients with Dementia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sanders Lianne M.J. , Hortobágyi Tibor , Balasingham Mala , Van der Zee Eddy A. , van Heuvelen Marieke J.G.
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Reliable and valid neuropsychological tests for patients with dementia are scarce. To improve the assessment of attention and inhibitory control in dementia, we determined the feasibility, test-retest reliability, and validity of a Flanker task. Methods: Participants with all-cause diagnosed dementia (n = 22, mean age 84 years; mean Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score = 19.4) performed a computerized Flanker task twice within 7 days. The Flanker task required participants to indicate the direction of target arrows flanked by congruent or incongruent arrows. Number of completed trials, accuracy, and reaction times (RTs) were recorded, and interference scores were calculated from basic scores. We examined the psychometric properties of the Flanker task and its relationship with the MMSE and Stroop test. Results: The Flanker task was feasible. Test-retest reliability was good for number of correct answers and RTs, and fair to poor for accuracy and the interference scores. The correlation of the Flanker task with Stroop and MMSE performance was fair to poor. Conclusion: The Flanker task appears to be feasible, and a reliable and valid measure of selective attention. Although the test-retest reliability for the Flanker RT interference measure was fair, future studies need to confirm its validity to measure inhibitory control in patients with dementia.
Defining the Molecular Genetics of Dermoscopic Naevus Patterns
Authors: Tan Jean-Marie , Tom Lisa N. , Soyer H. Peter , Stark Mitchell S.
Published: October 2018

Melanocytic naevi are common melanocytic proliferations that may simulate the appearance of cutaneous melanoma. Naevi commonly harbour somatic mutations implicated in melanomagenesis but in most cases lack the necessary genomic alterations required for melanoma development. While the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and ultraviolet radiation strongly contribute to naevogenesis, the somatic mutational landscape of dermoscopic naevus subsets distinguishes some of the molecular hallmarks of naevi in relation to melanoma. We herein discuss the classification of naevi and theories of naevogenesis and review the current literature on the somatic alterations in naevi and melanoma. This review focusses on the clinical-dermoscopic-pathological and genomic correlation of naevi that shapes the current understanding of naevi.
Standard Approach to Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors - Differences between China and Europe
Authors: Tu Lin , Hohenberger Peter , Allgayer Heike , Cao Hui
Published: October 2018

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. With the considerable research and application of molecular-targeted therapy for GISTs in the last two decades, GISTs have become a model of multidisciplinary oncological treatment. Although Western clinical guidelines are available for GISTs, such as those by the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), the clinical situations in China are different from those in European countries. There are distinct differences between the clinical practice, diagnostic methods, surgical approach, and availability of new targeted agents in China and those in Europe. This review summarizes the Chinese GIST consensus guidelines compared to the European ones, which may provide an optimal approach to the diagnosis and management of GIST patients.
Methods of biological maceration in the preparation of bat skulls: benefits and limitations
Authors: Oliveira Marcione Brito de
Published: October 2018

Osteologic collections are used as an aid to scientific and teaching activities, to provide information on specific vertebrate characteristics, such as body support, posture, mode of locomotion, feeding habits and ecological niche. Known techniques for cleaning entire skeletons or mammalian skulls vary according to the destination of the material, the objective of the study, the taxonomic group, and the size of the specimen. The objective of this study was to test three different methods of maceration for cleaning bat skulls (traditional biological maceration, controlled biological maceration using Dermestes maculatus and controlled biological maceration using necrophagous fly larvae). The methods were carried out during five consecutive months, and the minimum and maximum times taken by each method were recorded and documented. Cleaning by fly larvae was the least costly method; the whole process was carried out during the preparation of the osteologic material. The flies ovulated directly on the pieces and the time spent was relatively short. Cleaning by dermestid larvae also resulted in clean parts in a short period, however, its culture needs specific maintenance conditions, since the size of the colony oscillates according to environmental temperature.
A new species of Smicridea McLachlan 1871 (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) from the Caatinga biome and new distributional records from Brazil
Authors: ALVES ANDRÉ ALMEIDA , SANTOS ALLAN PAULO MOREIRA , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: October 2018

A new species of Smicridea (Smicridea) McLachlan 1871 is described and illustrated based on specimens collected from the Caatinga biome, in Sete Cidades National Park, Piauí state, and Ubajara National Park, Ceará state, northeastern Brazil. Based on phallus morphology, Smicridea (Smicridea) caatinga sp. nov. belongs to the S. nigripennis Group and can be distinguished from other species in this group due to the phallus having two ventral sclerotized projections and, when expanded, two dorsal membranous lobes and one ventrolateral membranous lobe with two spines on the apex. New distributional records of Smicridea species are provided for different Brazilian states: S. (S.) aequalis Banks 1920 for Ceará and Piauí, S. (Rhyacophylax) coronata Flint 1980 for Rio Grande do Sul and Piauí; S. (R.) jundiai Almeida & Flint 2002 for Mato Grosso; S. (R.) marlieri Flint 1978 for Roraima; S. (R.) palmar Sganga 2005 for Goiás; S. (S.) paranensis Flint 1983 for Ceará and Piauí; and S. (R.) spinulosa Flint 1972 for Rio Grande do Sul. Furthermore, S. (S.) erecta Flint 1974b is recorded for the first time for Brazil, in Amazonas state. [Zoobank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:3C2892F9-D430-492B-98DA-A48569253A63]
Taxonomic revision of four species of the Neotropical land planarian genera Cratera and Geoplana (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) with a description of two new species and an emendation of Cratera
Authors: LAGO-BARCIA DOMINGO , CARBAYO FERNANDO
Published: October 2018

The Brazilian land planarians Cratera crioula, C. joia, Geoplana hina, and G. taxiarcha (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Geoplanidae) are revised taxonomically from type material and additional specimens. Geoplana hina sensu Carbayo et al. (2013) was found to be an undescribed species and therefore is described and named as Cratera picuia sp. n. A new species of the genus is also described and named as Cratera arucuia sp. n. G. hina and G. taxiarcha are transferred to Cratera. The most remarkable morphological feature of Cratera—a dilated terminal portion of the ejaculatory duct—is either absent, inconspicuous, or variable in C. hina, C. joia, C. picuia sp. n., and C. arucuia sp. n. Based on the monophyletic status of Cratera inferred elsewhere, an emendation of the genus is here proposed to encompass the morphological variation observed in the genus.
A new species of freshwater crab of the genus Teretamon Yeo & Ng, 2007 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India
Authors: MITRA SANTANU , PAYRA ARAJUSH , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: October 2018

A new species of potamid crab of the genus Teretamon Yeo & Ng, 2007, is described from Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The new species, T. kempi n. sp., can be distinguished from its congeners by a distinct combination of carapace and gonopod characters: a relatively high carapace with a bilobed frontal margin; subquadrate sixth abdominal somite with nearly parallel lateral margins; and a relatively small G1 terminal segment with a semicircular to bluntly triangular dorsal flap. All known Teretamon species are compared with the new species, and a key for this genus is provided.
Drivers of Precipitation Change: An Energetic Understanding
Authors: Richardson T. B. , Forster P. M. , Andrews T. , Boucher O. , Faluvegi G. , Fläschner D. , Hodnebrog Ø. , Kasoar M. , Kirkevåg A. , Lamarque J.-F. , Myhre G. , Olivié D. , Samset B. H. , Shawki D. , Shindell D. , Takemura T. , Voulgarakis A.
Published: October 2018

The response of the hydrological cycle to climate forcings can be understood within the atmospheric energy budget framework. In this study precipitation and energy budget responses to five forcing agents are analyzed using 10 climate models from the Precipitation Driver Response Model Intercomparison Project (PDRMIP). Precipitation changes are split into a forcing-dependent fast response and a temperature-driven hydrological sensitivity. Globally, when normalized by top-of-atmosphere (TOA) forcing, fast precipitation changes are most sensitive to strongly absorbing drivers (CO2, black carbon). However, over land fast precipitation changes are most sensitive to weakly absorbing drivers (sulfate, solar) and are linked to rapid circulation changes. Despite this, land-mean fast responses to CO2 and black carbon exhibit more intermodel spread. Globally, the hydrological sensitivity is consistent across forcings, mainly associated with increased longwave cooling, which is highly correlated with intermodel spread. The land-mean hydrological sensitivity is weaker, consistent with limited moisture availability. The PDRMIP results are used to construct a simple model for land-mean and sea-mean precipitation change based on sea surface temperature change and TOA forcing. The model matches well with CMIP5 ensemble mean historical and future projections, and is used to understand the contributions of different drivers. During the twentieth century, temperature-driven intensification of land-mean precipitation has been masked by fast precipitation responses to anthropogenic sulfate and volcanic forcing, consistent with the small observed trend. However, as projected sulfate forcing decreases, and warming continues, land-mean precipitation is expected to increase more rapidly, and may become clearly observable by the mid-twenty-first century.
Recent Sea Ice Decline Did Not Significantly Increase the Total Liquid Freshwater Content of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wekerle Claudia , Danilov Sergey , Sidorenko Dmitry , Koldunov Nikolay , Sein Dmitry , Rabe Benjamin , Jung Thomas
Published: October 2018

The freshwater stored in the Arctic Ocean is an important component of the global climate system. Currently the Arctic liquid freshwater content (FWC) has reached a record high since the beginning of the last century. In this study we use numerical simulations to investigate the impact of sea ice decline on the Arctic liquid FWC and its spatial distribution. The global unstructured-mesh ocean general circulation model Finite Element Sea Ice–Ocean Model (FESOM) with 4.5-km horizontal resolution in the Arctic region is applied. The simulations show that sea ice decline increases the FWC by freshening the ocean through sea ice meltwater and modifies upper ocean circulation at the same time. The two effects together significantly increase the freshwater stored in the Amerasian basin and reduce its amount in the Eurasian basin. The salinification of the upper Eurasian basin is mainly caused by the reduction in the proportion of Pacific Water and the increase in that of Atlantic Water (AW). Consequently, the sea ice decline did not significantly contribute to the observed rapid increase in the Arctic total liquid FWC. However, the changes in the Arctic freshwater spatial distribution indicate that the influence of sea ice decline on the ocean environment is remarkable. Sea ice decline increases the amount of Barents Sea branch AW in the upper Arctic Ocean, thus reducing its supply to the deeper Arctic layers. This study suggests that all the dynamical processes sensitive to sea ice decline should be taken into account when understanding and predicting Arctic changes.
Perioperative Risk Factors Associated With Morbidity and Mortality Following Pediatric Inpatient Sinus Surgery
Authors: Burton Brittany N. , Gilani Sapideh , Desai Milli , Saddawi-Konefka Robert , Willies-Jacobo Lindia , Gabriel Rodney A.
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

Pediatric sinus surgery is indicated for a wide range of sinonasal and skull base pathologies, but it is most commonly performed for recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis or complicated acute sinusitis. The authors aim to report medical risk factors of morbidity and mortality following inpatient sinus surgery in the pediatric population.

Methods:

Using data from the Kids’ Inpatient Database from 2003 to 2012, patients with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, procedure codes for primary sinus surgery were identified. Mixed-effect multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of inpatient postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Results:

The final sample included a weighted estimate of 4965 pediatric patients. The rates of inpatient morbidity and mortality were 6% and 1%, respectively. Respiratory complications (2.5%) were the most prevalent postoperative adverse events. The most prevalent comorbidities were chronic sinusitis (59.8%), acute sinusitis (27.8%), and cystic fibrosis (26.4%). Compared with patients who did not experience any morbidity, patients with inpatient morbidity had higher rates of pneumonia, mycoses, and nasal or paranasal benign neoplasm ( P < .05). The odds of inpatient morbidity and mortality were highest for patients with leukemia (odds ratio, 2.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-4.72; P < .001) and mycoses (odds ratio, 15.84; 95% confidence interval, 6.45-38.89; P < .001), respectively.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to report the national comorbidity burden and risk factors for postoperative adverse events following inpatient sinus surgery. Knowledge of the comorbidities and independent factors associated with morbidity and mortality will help in directing preoperative optimization and counseling.

Level of Evidence:

2c
Assessing the cost-effectiveness of a routine versus an extensive laboratory work-up in the diagnosis of anaemia in Dutch general practice
Authors: Kip Michelle MA , Schop Annemarie , Stouten Karlijn , Dekker Soraya , Dinant Geert-Jan , Koffijberg Hendrik , Bindels Patrick JE , IJzerman Maarten J , Levin Mark-David , Kusters Ron
Published: October 2018

Background

Establishing the underlying cause of anaemia in general practice is a diagnostic challenge. Currently, general practitioners individually determine which laboratory tests to request (routine work-up) in order to diagnose the underlying cause. However, an extensive work-up (consisting of 14 tests) increases the proportion of patients correctly diagnosed. This study investigates the cost-effectiveness of this extensive work-up.

Methods

A decision-analytic model was developed, incorporating all societal costs from the moment a patient presents to a general practitioner with symptoms suggestive of anaemia (aged ≥ 50 years), until the patient was (correctly) diagnosed and treated in primary care, or referred to (and diagnosed in) secondary care. Model inputs were derived from an online survey among general practitioners, expert estimates and published data. The primary outcome measure was expressed as incremental cost per additional patient diagnosed with the correct underlying cause of anaemia in either work-up.

Results

The probability of general practitioners diagnosing the correct underlying cause increased from 49.6% (95% CI: 44.8% to 54.5%) in the routine work-up to 56.0% (95% CI: 51.2% to 60.8%) in the extensive work-up (i.e. +6.4% [95% CI: −0.6% to 13.1%]). Costs are expected to increase slightly from €842/patient (95% CI: €704 to €994) to €845/patient (95% CI: €711 to €994), i.e. +€3/patient (95% CI: €−35 to €40) in the extensive work-up, indicating incremental costs of €43 per additional patient correctly diagnosed.

Conclusions

The extensive laboratory work-up is more effective for diagnosing the underlying cause of anaemia by general practitioners, at a minimal increase in costs. As accompanying benefits in terms of quality of life and reduced productivity losses could not be captured in this analysis, the extensive work-up is likely cost-effective.
No Effect of Cue Format on Automation Dependence in an Aided Signal Detection Task
Authors: Bartlett Megan L. , McCarley Jason S.
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To investigate whether manipulating the format of an automated decision aid’s cues can improve participants’ information integration strategies in a signal detection task.

Background:

Automation-aided decision making is often suboptimal, falling well short of statistically ideal levels. The choice of format in which the cues from the aid are displayed may help users to better understand and integrate the aid’s judgments with their own.

Method:

Participants performed a signal detection task that asked them to classify random dot images as either blue or orange dominant. They made their judgments either unaided or with assistance from a 93% reliable automated decision aid. The aid provided a binary judgment, along with an estimate of signal strength in the form of either a raw value, a likelihood ratio, or a confidence rating (Experiments 1 and 2) or a binary judgment along with either a verbal or verbal-visuospatial expression of confidence (Experiment 3). Aided sensitivity was benchmarked to the predictions of various statistical models of collaborative decision making.

Results and Conclusion:

Aided performance was suboptimal, matching the predictions of some of the least efficient models. Most importantly, performance was similar across cue formats.

Application:

Results indicate that changes to the format in which cues from a signal detection aid are rendered are unlikely to dramatically improve the efficiency of automation-aided decision making.
Delamination resistance of composite laminated structures reinforced with angled, threaded, and anchored Z-pins
Authors: Virakthi Ananth , Kwon Soonwook , Lee Sung W , Robeson Mark E
Published: October 2018

The delamination resistance of Z-pinned laminates is directly dependent on the strength of the pin–laminate bonding at the interface. In this paper, we investigate novel approaches to the Z-pinning technology in order to increase delamination strength via enhancing mechanical interlocking of the pins. Toward this end, we study the effect of pin insertion at an angle to the vertical in contrast to the conventional vertical pin insertion. Subsequently, a novel variety of pin, namely the threaded pin, is studied as a candidate for reinforcement which increases mechanical interlocking between the pin and the laminate as well as the epoxy-pin contact area, thus delaying delamination. In addition, the effect of anchoring reveals the length of smooth metal pins on to the surface of the laminate before curing on delamination strength is investigated. Experiments performed show increase in tensile pullout strengths when angled, threaded, or anchored pins are used. These experimental results for tensile pullout strengths validate nonlinear finite element models incorporating cohesive zones at the pin–laminate interface. In addition, fracture toughness and delamination resistance under mode-I loading are investigated by performing experiments on double cantilever beam specimens. Results demonstrate the superior delamination resistance properties for angled, threaded, and anchored pin inserts.
Study on carbon epoxy composite surfaces machined by abrasive water jet machining
Authors: Dhanawade Ajit , Kumar Shailendra
Published: October 2018

Traditional machining of carbon epoxy composite material is difficult due to excessive tool wear, excessive stresses and heat generation, delamination, high surface waviness, etc. In the present paper, research work involved in the experimental study of abrasive water jet machining of carbon epoxy composite material is described. The aim of present work is to improve surface finish and studying defects in machined samples. Taguchi's orthogonal array approach is used to design experiments. Process parameters namely hydraulic pressure, traverse rate, stand-off distance and abrasive mass flow rate are considered for this study. Analysis of machined surfaces and kerf quality is carried out using scanning electron microscope to evaluate microscopic features. Further, the effect of machining parameters on surface roughness is investigated using analysis of variance approach. It is found that traverse rate and pressure are most significant parameters to control surface roughness. Optimization of process parameters is performed using grey relational analysis. Thereafter, confirmation tests are carried out to verify the improvement in the surface quality with optimum set of process parameters. It is found that surface finish of machined samples is improved by 10.75% with optimum levels of process parameters. Defects like delamination, fiber pull-out and abrasive embedment are also studied using SEM. It is observed that delamination and fiber pull-out are prominent in samples machined at low pressure and high traverse rate.
Chitosan-Based Extrafibrillar Demineralization for Dentin Bonding
Authors: Gu L.S. , Cai X. , Guo J.M. , Pashley D.H. , Breschi L. , Xu H.H.K. , Wang X.Y. , Tay F.R. , Niu L.N.
Published: October 2018

Instability of resin-dentin bonds is the Achilles’ heel of adhesive dentistry. To address this problem, a chelate-and-rinse extrafibrillar dentin demineralization strategy has been developed that keeps intrafibrillar minerals within collagen fibrils intact to prevent activation of endogenous proteases that are responsible for collagen degradation within hybrid layers. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of using chitosan >40 kDa as an antimicrobial extrafibrillar dentin-chelating agent to enhance bond durability. Transmission electron microscopy provided evidence for retention of intrafibrillar minerals and smear plugs in dentin conditioned with 1 wt% chitosan. Analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance, Dunn’s statistic, and separate Mann-Whitney tests, tensile bond strengths to wet- and dry-bonded dentin indicated that chelating dentin with chitosan for 60 s prior to bonding did not result in a significant decline in resin-dentin bond strength when compared with that of phosphoric acid etching ( P > 0.05). Gelatinolytic activity within the hybrid layers was examined via in situ zymography after 24-h storage or after thermomechanical cycling and analyzed with 3-factor analysis of variance. After 24 h, enzymatic activity was detected only within completely demineralized phosphoric acid–etched dentin, with values derived from dry bonding significantly higher than those derived from wet bonding ( P < 0.05). Negligible fluorescence was detected within hybrid layers when dentin was conditioned with chitosan, even after thermomechanical cycling, as compared with the controls. Reduction in water permeability in chitosan-conditioned dentin, attributed to smear plug retention, also fostered long-term bond stability. Antibacterial testing performed with live/dead staining indicated that the acetic acid–solubilized chitosan possessed antibacterial activities against 3 single-species biofilms: Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Enterococcus faecalis. Taken together, the new chitosan-based extrafibrillar demineralization strategy retains intrafibrillar minerals, reduces endogenous protease-initiated collagen degradation, prevents water permeation within hybrid layers, and kills bacteria on dentin surfaces, which are crucial factors for enhancing resin-dentin bond durability.