bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China’s Contribution to the African Power Sector: Policy Implications for African Countries
Authors: Powanga Luka , Giner-Reichl Irene
Published: February 2019

China has over the past thirty years experienced unprecedented economic growth averaging over 10% per year (“China GDP Annual Growth Rate ∣ 1989-2018 ∣ Data ∣ Chart ∣ Calendar” n.d.). For this reason, the relationship between China and Africa is often characterized as a case of China colonizing Africa to own natural resources and their associated infrastructure to feed its industrialization. Despite this postulation, Africa sees the cooperation as based on mutual interests in areas such as energy. The two regions could leverage their cooperation with the help of the international community to significantly advance access to electricity in Africa by improving energy efficiency, deploying cookstove programs to reduce health hazards and deaths from smoke inhalation, diversifying energy portfolio, and creating power pools that countries experiencing hiccups in their systems could tap into to meet their electricity needs. The two regions could also formulate energy policies to support these programs. Additionally, the energy infrastructure in Africa is still in infancy presenting an excellent opportunity to utilize emerging technologies and new power systems that are more efficient, resilient, and clean.
Mobile Robot Indoor Positioning System Based on K-ELM
Authors: Wang Haixia , Li Junliang , Cui Wei , Lu Xiao , Zhang Zhiguo , Sheng Chunyang , Liu Qingde
Published: February 2019

Mobile Robot Indoor Positioning System has wide application in the industry and home automation field. Unfortunately, existing mobile robot indoor positioning methods often suffer from poor positioning accuracy, system instability, and need for extra installation efforts. In this paper, we propose a novel positioning system which applies the centralized positioning method into the mobile robot, in which real-time positioning is achieved via interactions between ARM and computer. We apply the Kernel extreme learning machine (K-ELM) algorithm as our positioning algorithm after comparing four different algorithms in simulation experiments. Real-world indoor localization experiments are conducted, and the results demonstrate that the proposed system can not only improve positioning accuracy but also greatly reduce the installation efforts since our system solely relies on Wi-Fi devices.
Random Optimization Algorithm on GNSS Monitoring Stations Selection for Ultra‐Rapid Orbit Determination and Real‐Time Satellite Clock Offset Estimation
Authors: Yang Xu , Wang Qianxin , Xue Shuqiang
Published: February 2019

Geographical distribution of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) ground monitoring stations affects the accuracy of satellite orbit, earth rotation parameters (ERP), and real‐time satellite clock offset determination. The geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) is an important metric used to measure the uniformity of the stations distribution. However, it is difficult to find the optimal configuration with the lowest GDOP when taking the 71% ocean limitation into account, because the ground stations are hardly uniformly distributed on the whole of the Earth surface. The station distribution geometry needs to be optimized and besides the stability and observational quality of the stations should also be taken into account. Based on these considerations, a method of configuring global station tracking networks based on grid control probabilities is proposed to generate optimal configurations that approximately have the minimum GDOP. A random optimization algorithm method is proposed to perform the station selection. It is shown that an optimal subset of the total stations can be obtained in limited iterations by assigning selecting probabilities for the global stations and performing a Monte Carlo sampling. By applying the proposed algorithm for observation data of 201 International GNSS Service (IGS) stations for 3 consecutive days, an experiment of ultra‐rapid orbit determination and real‐time clock offset estimation is conducted. The distribution effects of stations on the products accuracy are analyzed. It shows that (1) the accuracies of GNSS ultra‐rapid observed and predicted orbits and real‐time clock offset achieved using the proposed algorithm are higher than those achieved with the traditional method having the drawbacks of lacking evaluation indicators and being time‐consuming, corresponding to the improvements 17.15%, 19.30%, and 31.55%, respectively. Only using 30 stations selected by the proposed method, the accuracies achieved reach 2.01 cm (RMS), 4.93 cm (RMS), and 0.20 ns (STD), respectively. Using 60 stations, the accuracies are 1.47 cm, 3.50 cm, and 0.17 ns, respectively. (2) With the increasing number of stations, the accuracies of the Global Positioning System (GPS) orbit and clock offset improve continuously, but more than 60 stations, the improvement on the orbit determination becomes more gradual, while for more than 30 stations, there is no appreciable increase in the accuracy of the real‐time clock offset.
Adult Nesidioblastosis in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lozano-Melendez Eduardo , Aguilar-Soto Mercedes , Graniel-Palafox Luis Eugenio , Ceceña-Martínez Laura Elena , Valdez-Ortiz Rafael , Solis-Jimenez Fabio
Published: February 2019

Context. Nesidioblastosis is a rare cause of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in adults. The diagnosis is further complicated in patients with kidney failure, since impaired renal function can cause hypoglycemia by itself and diagnostic criteria for this clinical scenario have not been developed yet. Case Description. We present the case report of a 36-year-old patient with end stage chronic kidney disease who presented to the emergency department because of hypoglycemia. However, the patient’s hypoglycemia did not respond well to medical treatment; the diagnosis of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia was made due to the presence of inappropriately high levels of insulin, proinsulin, and C-peptide during an episode of hypoglycemia. Imaging studies were performed without any conclusive findings; so selective intra-arterial pancreatic stimulation with hepatic venous sampling (SACTS) was done. Based on the results of this study the patient was referred for subtotal pancreatectomy. Classic criteria for the diagnosis of insulinoma with SACTS required a 2-fold increase in insulin levels but newer criteria suggest thresholds that are useful in the differential diagnosis of insulinoma and nesidioblastosis. In our patient, the former criteria were positive; however, the new criteria were not compatible with insulinoma but with nesidioblastosis, which was the final histopathological diagnosis. Conclusion. This seems to be the first case report of a patient with end stage chronic kidney disease and nesidioblastosis, as well as the first case of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in the context of kidney failure diagnosed by SACTS. We consider this method to be very useful in patients with renal impairment because peripancreatic insulin levels do not depend on the renal function.
Dynamic Property of a New Type of Postearthquake Temporary Prefabricated Lightweight Steel Structure
Authors: Xing GuoQi , Li Qing-hai , Yu JingJie , Xuan Wei
Published: February 2019

For a new type of postearthquake temporary prefabricated lightweight steel structure proposed in this paper, mainly composed of steel frame, prefabricated hanger slabs, prefabricated hanger columns, reinforced concrete superposed slabs, etc., parameters of dynamic property for the structure, including natural frequency, vibration mode, damping ratio, etc., are determined by the test method. For prefabricated hanger columns and prefabricated hanger slabs, they are all produced with construction waste in factory and assembled on‐site, which can form exterior walls. The united method, based on forced vibration method and ambient random vibration method, can quickly obtain accurate natural frequencies of the full‐scale two‐story experimental model. In this paper, damping oscillatory method is used to obtain damping ratio which can be determined only by the test method. In order to analyse the modal of the experimental model, a finite element model for the full‐scale two‐story experimental model is established, where the weight of prefabricated hanger slabs is assumed to be supported by prefabricated hanger columns, and the stiffness of prefabricated hanger columns is also increased. In addition, the connections between lightweight steel frame and prefabricated hanger columns are regarded as flexible connection. Comparing natural frequencies obtained from the finite element method with that obtained from the test method, magnification factor of stiffness for prefabricated hanger column is determined. In the analysis of modal for the full‐scale two‐story experimental model, the results show that the experimental model satisfies the requirement of design for seismic performance.
Safety and Efficacy of a New Renal Denervation Catheter in Hypertensive Patients in the Absent of Antihypertensive Medications: A Pilot Study
Authors: Li Yang , Nawabi Abdul Qadir , Feng Yi , Dai Qiming , Ma Genshan , Liu Naifeng
Published: February 2019

Aim. The aim of present study was to determine the safety and efficacy of a new renal artery denervation system for treatment of hypertensive patients. Methods. Hypertensive patients with mean office systolic blood pressure ≥150mmHg and ≤180mmHg or an average of 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure ≥145mmHg and ≤170mmHg after stopping hypertensive medications for 2 weeks or more were enrolled to undergo renal denervation (RDN) using a new RDN system. Changes in office blood pressure and mean 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and safety were assessed after 6 months. Results. Fifteen patients underwent RDN and followed up for 6 months. At the 6-month follow-up, office systolic blood pressure decreased 11.5±9.9mmHg (P<0.01) and office diastolic blood pressure decreased 6.9±4.8mmHg (P<0.01); mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure decreased 7.5±7.7mmHg (P<0.05) and mean 24-hour diastolic blood pressure decreased 3.3±4.7mmHg (P>0.05) compared to baseline values. There were no serious RDN-related adverse events during follow-up. Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that the new RDN system is safe and could significantly reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients in the absence of antihypertensive medications. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800017815.
Efficacy and Safety of Safflower Yellow in Early Diabetic Nephropathy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jin Xiuze , Shi Liuyan , Chang Feng , Lu Yun
Published: February 2019

Background. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end-stage renal disease. In order to palliate renal function impairment and reduce kidney related mortality, it is crucial to treating DN patients at the early stage. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of conventional therapy combined with safflower yellow versus conventional therapy alone in early DN patients. Methods. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared safflower yellow plus conventional therapy with conventional therapy alone in early DN patients was conducted. Papers were searched using the electronic databases and reference lists. Two reviewers working independently extracted relevant data and carried out risk-of-bias assessments. Statistical analysis was undertaken in Review Manager 5.3. Results. Fourteen trials (1,072 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Conventional therapy combined with safflower yellow was associated with a higher effective rate (RD, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.30) and a greater decline in urinary albumin excretion rates (SMD, -1.34; 95% CI, -1.77 to -0.92), fasting blood glucose (MD, -0.57; 95% CI, -0.98 to -0.16), serum creatinine (MD, -12.36; 95% CI, -14.66 to -10.06), and blood urea nitrogen (SMD, -0.93; 95% CI, -1.13 to -0.73) in the subgroup with a follow-up time > 15 days. The incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between these two regimens (RD, -0.01; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.01). Findings were similar in the subgroup with a follow-up time < 15 days. Conclusions. Conventional therapy combined with safflower yellow had a more beneficial effect than conventional therapy alone in early DN patients. There were significant differences in effective rate, urinary albumin excretion rates, fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen between the two regimens and no significant difference in adverse events. More randomized controlled research using standardized protocols would be needed in the future to compare these two regimens.
Combination Therapy with Empagliflozin and Insulin Results in Successful Glycemic Control: A Case Report of Uncontrolled Diabetes Caused by Autoimmune Pancreatitis and Subsequent Steroid Treatment
Authors: Kishimoto Miyako , Yamaoki Kazuhide , Adachi Masayuki
Published: February 2019

A 66-year-old Japanese male presented with thirst, polyuria, and hemoglobin A1c and postprandial glucose levels (13.1% and 529 mg/dL, respectively) that indicated severe hyperglycemia. Based on his high immunoglobulin G4 level and the results of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, we diagnosed him with autoimmune pancreatitis. Insulin was initiated to control his diabetes. One month later, the patient commenced on prednisolone therapy for the treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis, after which his total insulin dosage increased to a maximum of 52 units/day. When the prednisolone dosage was later tapered, the patient’s total dosage of insulin was reduced to 42 units/day. However, he had gained 3.6 kg from the start of prednisolone therapy, and 42 units/day was insufficient for maintaining glycemic control. Thus, empagliflozin, a sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, was added. Thereafter, we were able to reduce the patient’s total dosage of insulin; it was eventually discontinued with good glycemic control and weight loss. Such results suggest that the combination of insulin with an SGLT2 inhibitor may be a viable option for the treatment of diabetic patients on prednisolone therapy.
Effect of Tensile Force on Magnetostrictive Sensors for Generating and Receiving Longitudinal Mode Guided Waves in Steel Wires
Authors: Xu Jiang , Li Yong , Chen Guang
Published: February 2019

When the longitudinal mode guided waves based on magnetostrictive effect were employed to inspect the bridge cables, we found that there was a large difference in the signal’s amplitude of the same specification cable under different tensile force. This difference would affect the test results and the identification of defects. It is necessary to study the effect of tensile force on the signal for the reliability of detection. Firstly, the effective field theory is employed to take the force as an additional bias magnetic field. Then, the effect of the tensile force on generating and receiving longitudinal mode guided waves based on magnetostrictive effect is obtained by the relationship between the bias magnetic field and the magnetostrictive coupling coefficient. Finally, the experiment of the magnetostrictive sensor is carried out on a Φ5 mm steel wire under different force. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical results. The results show that the existence of the tensile force would change the operation point for generating and receiving the longitudinal mode guided waves based on magnetostrictive effect, which associated with the coupling coefficient. In order to obtain the optimal conversion efficiency for the force state wire and cable, the applied bias magnetic field should be set smaller than the bias magnetic field for the force-free state.
Marked Vascular Dysfunction in a Case of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Khanamiri Saereh , Rhee June-Wha , Paik David T. , Chen Ian Y. , Liu Chun , Sayed Nazish
Published: February 2019

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare form of congestive heart failure characterized by left ventricular dysfunction that develops towards the end of pregnancy or during the early postpartum phase. Even though the majority of PPCM patients show partial or complete recovery of their heart functions, the mortality rate of PPCM remains high. Previous research has suggested that vascular dysfunction triggered by late-gestational hormones and potent anti-angiogenic factors play key roles in the pathogenesis of PPCM; however, the exact mechanisms remain elusive due to limited patient tissues for characterization. Here, we report a case of PPCM where the coronary vessels from the patient’s explanted heart showed marked vascular dysfunction with impaired nitric oxide response. Importantly, these vessels exhibited deficient adenosine-mediated vasorelaxation when subjected to myograph studies, suggesting impaired Kv7 ion channels. Results from this work may lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving Kv7 function in PPCM patients.
The Significance of Yolk Sac Number in Monoamniotic Twins
Authors: Fenton Christine , Reidy Karen , Demyanenko Marina , Palma-Dias Ricardo , Cole Stephen , Umstad Mark P.
Published: February 2019

Background: Detection of a single yolk sac on early first trimester ultrasound was previously thought to be a reliable diagnostic feature of monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twin pregnancies. Objectives: To determine the frequency of two yolk sacs in MCMA twin pregnancies and the association of yolk sac number with pregnancy outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of MCMA twins managed at a tertiary obstetric centre from January 2003 until February 2017. All MCMA twin pregnancies were diagnosed on tertiary centre ultrasound and, where possible, placental histopathology postnatally. All MCMA twin pregnancies, including conjoined twins, with available first trimester ultrasounds from 5 to 11 weeks’ gestation were included in the analysis. MCMA pregnancies without available first trimester ultrasounds and triplet pregnancies which included a MCMA pair were excluded from the study. Results: Sixty-seven MCMA cases were identified over 14 years. Thirty-eight cases were included in the analysis. There was one yolk sac identified in 26 cases (68%) and two yolk sacs in 12 cases (32%). Two yolk sacs were associated with a higher proportion of male fetuses (33%, 4 out of 12, vs. 8%, 2 out of 26; p = 0.01). There were no other significant differences between one and two yolk sacs for maternal or neonatal outcomes. Conclusions: Two yolk sacs are present in up to a third of all MCMA twin pregnancies, dispelling the original concept that a single yolk sac is diagnostic of MCMA pregnancies. Yolk sac number should not be used to determine amnionicity. The presence of two yolk sacs on first trimester ultrasound is associated with an increased rate of male fetuses. The number of yolk sacs has no other significant impact on perinatal outcomes.
Patient-Reported Satisfaction after Prophylactic Operations of the Breast
Authors: Keller Katja , Meisel Cornelia , Grübling Nannette , Petzold Andrea , Wimberger Pauline , Kast Karin
Published: February 2019

Background: Prophylactic mastectomies in carriers of mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 are becoming increasingly more accepted. We investigated the outcome after prophylactic mastectomy, especially regarding satisfaction with the procedure, in a monocenter study. Methods:BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and non-carriers with elevated pedigree-based cancer risk were followed prospectively in a structured surveillance program between 2000 and 2017. A retrospective telephone survey was conducted among all patients with documented prophylactic mastectomy. Complications and satisfaction with the decision for prophylactic mastectomy were recorded. Results: 39 patients who opted for a prophylactic mastectomy (38 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and 1 non-carrier) were interviewed. Mostly nipple-sparing mastectomy with reconstruction was performed (87%). Half of the patients (22/39; 56.4%) had a history of unilateral breast cancer. The median time since prophylactic mastectomy was 5.6 years. While 61.5% did not report any complications, flap loss was seen in 15% (3/20) and moderate limitations in everyday life were present in 20% (7/35). An improvement in quality of life was noticed by 82% after prophylactic mastectomy and no patient expressed regret with regard to the decision. Conclusions: Prophylactic mastectomy is a procedure with risk for long-term complications in some cases. Our results confirm high satisfaction with the decision and improved quality of life.
Serum Sickness after Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin in Identical Male Twins: Two Case Reports
Authors: Tawanwongsri Weeratian , Wattanakrai Penpun
Published: February 2019

We, hereby, report two cases of serum sickness in adult male identical twins who had received equine rabies immunoglobulin as a postexposure rabies treatment after cat scratches. The younger brother developed low-grade fever, polyarthritis, and multiple erythematous maculopapular eruptions, whereas low-grade fever and urticaria-like eruptions were detected in the elder brother. Both patients received a 7-day course of low-dose prednisolone and achieved good responses without recurrent attacks.
Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Al Hawsawi Khalid , Alharazi Amani , Ashary Abeer , Siddique Asmaa
Published: February 2019

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum is a very rare, benign adnexal tumor that originates from the apocrine sweat glands. Herein, we report a 25-year-old male who presented with a 10-year history of an asymptomatic slowly growing skin lesion on his face. Skin examination revealed a solitary rounded 3 × 3 cm erythematous plaque with central crustation on the right side of his face. Punch skin biopsy was taken from the lesion. The epidermis showed downward papillomatous extensions. The dermis showed multiple epithelial sheets and dilated ducts that were lined by columnar cells. On the basis of the above clinicopathological findings, the diagnosis of syringocystadenoma papilliferum was made. The patient was reassured and referred to a surgeon for surgical excision of the lesion.
Rectal Dieulafoy’s Lesion: A Rare Etiology of Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Authors: Then Eric Omar , Bijjam Rani , Ofosu Andrew , Rawla Prashanth , Culliford Andrea , Gaduputi Vinaya
Published: February 2019

A Dieulafoy’s lesion is defined as a dilated submucosal vessel that erodes the overlying epithelium without evidence of a primary ulcer or erosion. It is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that is difficult to identify and subsequently manage. Most commonly, they occur in the upper gastrointestinal tract, namely the stomach. A Dieulafoy’s lesion of the rectum, however, is an exceedingly rare presentation that can lead to life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. Our case consists of an 84-year-old man, who presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to a Dieulafoy’s lesion of the rectum.
Para a compilação do C-ORAL-ANGOLA
Authors: Rocha Bruno , Mello Heliana , Raso Tommaso
Published: February 2019

O trabalho apresenta a arquitetura e os critérios de compilação de um corpus de fala espontânea do português angolano. Após uma breve contextualização da realidade linguística de Angola, são apresentados em detalhe as modalidades de gravação e o tratamento das diferentes variações sociolinguísticas documentadas, destacando-se a atenção à variação diafásica. Em seguida, são detalhados os primeiros 27 textos gravados, que formarão um minicorpus de pelo menos 30.000 palavras, segmentado prosodicamente e oferecendo o texto alinhado ao sinal sonoro. A última parte do artigo é dedicada à discussão dos passos metodológicos da compilação do corpus: definição da qualidade acústica, critérios de transcrição, procedimento de segmentação prosódica, revisão, alinhamento e validação estatística.
Prosodização de clíticos em Português Brasileiro:
Authors: Fiel Roberta , Tenani Luciani Ester
Published: February 2019

Elementos clíticos em Português Brasileiro (PB) são prosodizados predominantemente à direita de seu hospedeiro. Em textos escritos, alunos do Ensino Fundamental (EF) tendem a grafar clíticos junto a seu hospedeiro, como ‘puraqui’ (‘por aqui’). Essas grafias seriam, pois, motivadas pela prosodização típica dos clíticos no PB. No entanto, encontramos grafias como ‘tenque’ (‘tem que’), em que o clítico está à esquerda do hospedeiro, formando estruturas enclíticas. Identificamos características desse tipo de hipossegmentação em uma amostra de textos produzidos ao longo dos quatro últimos anos do EF. Interpretamos que essas hipossegmentações são efeito de práticas letradas, que prescrevem o uso de ênclise verbal, como ‘pegala’ (‘pegá-la’), e, simultaneamente, efeito de práticas orais em que a ênclise ocorre, como ‘tenque’. Argumentamos que essas últimas hipossegmentações são pistas de que em certas estruturas morfossintáticas e certa configuração rítmica do enunciado a direção da prosodização clíticos é à esquerda.
Estrutura Entoacional de Sentenças Neutras em Português Brasileiro na variedade de Minas Gerais
Authors: Toneli Priscila Marques , Abaurre Maria Bernadete Marques , Vigário Marina
Published: February 2019

O presente trabalho analisa a estrutura entoacional de sentenças declarativas neutras na variedade de Minas Gerais do Português Brasileiro (PB), destacando a influência do número de sílabas em palavra prosódica (PW) e a importância do grupo de palavra prosódica (PWG)  para a distribuição de acentos tonais. Foram analisados dados da variedade mineira, falada no Triângulo Mineiro, os quais foram obtidos de modo controlado experimentalmente e analisados com base nos modelos teóricos da Fonologia Prosódica e Entoacional (Beckman; Pierrehumbert, 1986; Ladd, 1996, 2008; Selkirk, 1982, 1984, 1986; Nespor e Vogel, 1986). Os resultados apresentados e analisados estatisticamente mostram que há associação praticamente categórica de um acento tonal a cada PW(G) no interior da sentença. A análise mostrou que o número de sílabas das PWs em interior de sentença também desempenha um papel relevante na alta densidade tonal na variedade analisada, assim como na variedade paulista, tal como mostrado em Vigário e Fernandes-Svartman (2010) e Fernandes-Svartman e Romano (2017).
Inflammasome Signaling and Impaired Vascular Health in Psoriasis
Authors: Garshick Michael S. , Barrett Tessa J. , Wechter Todd , Azarchi Sarah , Scher Jose U. , Neimann Andrea , Katz Stuart , Fuentes-Duculan Judilyn , Cannizzaro Maria V. , Jelic Sanja , Fisher Edward A. , Krueger James G. , Berger Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2019

Objective—

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease which heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study directly investigated vascular endothelial health and systemically altered pathways in psoriasis and matched controls.

Approach and Results—

Twenty patients (mean age, 40 years; 50% male) with active psoriasis and 10 age-, sex-matched controls were recruited. To investigate systemically alerted pathways, a deep sequencing omics approach was applied, including unbiased blood transcriptomic and targeted proteomic analysis. Vascular endothelial health was assessed by transcriptomic profiling of endothelial cells obtained from the brachial veins of recruited participants. Blood transcriptomic profiling identified inflammasome signaling as the highest differentially expressed canonical pathway (
Z
score 1.6;
P
=1×10
-7
) including upregulation of
CASP5
and interleukin (
IL
)
-1β
. Proteomic panels revealed IL-6 as a top differentially expressed cytokine in psoriasis with pathway analysis highlighting
IL-1β
(
Z
score 3.7;
P
=1.02×10
-23
) as an upstream activator of the observed upregulated proteins. Direct profiling of harvested brachial vein endothelial cells demonstrated inflammatory transcript (eg,
IL-1β, CXCL10, VCAM-1, IL-8, CXCL1
,
Lymphotoxin beta
,
ICAM-1
,
COX-2
, and
CCL3
) upregulation between psoriasis versus controls. A linear relationship was seen between differentially expressed endothelial inflammatory transcripts and psoriasis disease severity. IL-6 levels correlated with inflammatory endothelial cell transcripts and whole blood inflammasome-associated transcripts, including
CASP5
and
IL-1β
.

Conclusions—

An unbiased sequencing approach demonstrated the inflammasome as the most differentially altered pathway in psoriasis versus controls. Inflammasome signaling correlated with psoriasis disease severity, circulating IL-6, and proinflammatory endothelial transcripts. These findings help better explain the heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in psoriasis.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03228017.
Role of Noncoding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Boon Reinier A. , Maegdefessel Lars , Dimmeler Stefanie , Jo Hanjoong
Published: February 2019

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a local dilatation of the abdominal aortic vessel wall and is among the most challenging cardiovascular diseases as without urgent surgical intervention, ruptured AAA has a mortality rate of >80%. Most patients present acutely after aneurysm rupture or dissection from a previously asymptomatic condition and are managed by either surgery or endovascular repair. Patients usually are old and have other concurrent diseases and conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia making surgical intervention more difficult. Collectively, these issues have driven the search for alternative methods of diagnosing, monitoring, and treating AAA using therapeutics and less invasive approaches. Noncoding RNAs—short noncoding RNAs (microRNAs) and long-noncoding RNAs—are emerging as new fundamental regulators of gene expression. Researchers and clinicians are aiming at targeting these microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs and exploit their potential as clinical biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for AAAs. While the role of miRNAs in AAA is established, studies on long-noncoding RNAs are only beginning to emerge, suggesting their important yet unexplored role in vascular physiology and disease. Here, we review the role of noncoding RNAs and their target genes focusing on their role in AAA. We also discuss the animal models used for mechanistic understanding of AAA. Furthermore, we discuss the potential role of microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs as clinical biomarkers and therapeutics.
Rapid Alteplase Administration Improves Functional Outcomes in Patients With Stroke due to Large Vessel Occlusions
Authors: Goyal Mayank , Almekhlafi Mohammed , Dippel Diederik W. , Campbell Bruce C.V. , Muir Keith , Demchuk Andrew M. , Bracard Serge , Davalos Antoni , Guillemin Francis , Jovin Tudor G. , Menon Bijoy K. , Mitchell Peter J. , Brown Scott , White Philip , Majoie Charles B.L.M. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Hill Michael D. ,   for the HERMES Collaborators
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose—

We report the relation of onset-to-treatment time and door-to-needle time with functional outcomes and mortality among patients with ischemic stroke with imaging-proven large vessel occlusion treated with intravenous alteplase.

Methods—

Individual patient-level data from the HERMES (Highly Effective Reperfusion Evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials) collaboration were pooled from 7 trials that randomized patients to mechanical thrombectomy added to best medical therapy versus best medical therapy alone. Analysis was restricted to patients who received alteplase directly at the endovascular hospital. The primary outcome was disability defined on the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months.

Results—

Among 601 patients, mean age was 66.0 years (SD, 13.9), 50% were women, and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17. Onset-to-treatment time was median 125 minutes (interquartile range, 90–170). Door-to-treatment time was median 38 minutes (interquartile range, 26–55). Each 60-minute onset-to-treatment time delay was associated with greater disability at 90 days; the odds of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale, 0–2) at 90 days was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.66–1.03). With each 60-minute delay in door-to-needle time; the odds of functional independence was 0.55 (95% CI, 0.37–0.81) at 90 days. The absolute decline in the rate of excellent outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0–1 at 90 days) was 20.3 per 1000 patients treated per 15-minute delay in door-to-needle time. The adjusted absolute risk difference for a door-to-needle time <30 minutes versus 30 to 60 minutes was 19.3% for independent outcome (number-needed-to-treat ≈5 to gain 1 additional good outcome). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 3.4% of patients, without a significant time dependency: odds ratio, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.43–1.28).

Conclusions—

Faster intravenous thrombolysis delivery is associated with less disability at 3 months among patients with large vessel occlusion.
New insights on Hygrophorus penarioides and H. penarius (Agaricales, Hygrophoraceae) from Hungary
Authors: ZAJTA ERIK , VARGA TORDA , KOVÁCS GÁBOR M , DIMA BÁLINT
Published: February 2019

The ectomycorrhiza forming basidiomycete Hygrophorus penarius sensu lato was recognized as two species, H. penarioides and H. penarius in 2007 based on molecular and morphological evidence. However, this was based on few collections of restricted geographical origin and no studies have performed molecular analysis on additional specimens to date.To this end we sequenced the nrDNA ITS regions of 29 H. penarius s. l. collections from Hungary and Slovakia and analysed with collections from previous studies. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses confirmed the separation of H. penarioides and H. penarius in two clades with the majority of the specimens belonging to H. penarioides and only three to H. penarius. Despite the strong support of the lineages, there was no coherent difference in basidiome and spore traits. We also provide the first evidence of an intraspecific nrDNA sequence variation in the ITS2 region of H. penarioides together with morphological variability that has not been reported to date.On the basis of our result, we conclude that the Quercus associated H. penarioides is far more common in Hungary than the Fagus associated H. penarius and we suggest that identification of the two species in the absence of DNA sequence analysis should be handled with caution, especially when herbarium specimens are examined.
A new Mexican Mesene (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae)
Authors: CALLAGHAN CURTIS JOHN , LLORENTE-BOUSQUETS JORGE , LUIS-MARTINEZ A.
Published: February 2019

A new species of Riodinidae, Mesene jimena sp. nov., is described from the Pacific slope in southern Mexico, including notes on its habits, habitat and distribution. A comparison is made with its close relative, Mesene margaretta (A. White, 1843), found in southeastern Mexico (Atlantic slope) and Chiapas State. In addition to morphology, other criteria are discussed including behavior and related structures, spatial and temporal factors, comparison of distribution with areas of endemism and ecology. These factors were examined for the new taxon and found to confirm its status.
The genus Cacama Distant, 1904 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) with the description of three new species
Authors: SANBORN ALLEN F. , HEATH MAXINE S. , PHILLIPS POLLY K. , HEATH JAMES E.
Published: February 2019

The cicada genus Cacama Distant is redescribed. The species C. collinaplaga Sanborn & M. Heath sp. n., C. moorei Sanborn & M. Heath sp. n., and C. pygmaea Sanborn sp. n. are described as new. A key to the 12 known species of Cacama is provided. The distributions of the new Cacama species are also illustrated.
A taxonomic revision of the genus Daedalma Hewitson with the descriptions of twenty new taxa and the immature stages of two species (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)
Authors: PYRCZ TOMASZ W. , GREENEY HAROLD F. , WILLMOTT KEITH R. , WOJTUSIAK JANUSZ
Published: February 2019

The taxonomy of the Andean butterfly genus Daedalma (Nymphalidae, Satyrinae) is discussed. Generic synapomorphies based on adult morphology are proposed, and the relationships with allied genera of the subtribe Pronophilina are evaluated. The status of Junea as the sister-genus of Daedalma is reconsidered, particularly in light of new data on the larval stages. The genus Daedalma is divided into two presumed monophyletic groups distinguished by a series of morphological and ecological characters. Three species, D. eliza n. sp., D. dognini n. sp. and D. rubroreducta n. sp., and seventeen new subspecies are described, one new status is proposed, and three lectotypes are designated. Female genitalia of Daedalma are described for the first time and their taxonomical value is assessed. The early stages of D. rubroreducta and D.dinias are described, the first larval descriptions for any species of Daedalma. Distribution and diversity patterns of Daedalma are discussed. Distribution maps, illustrations of male and female genitalia, and figures of adult butterflies of both sexes are provided for all taxa where possible, with comments on bionomics and adult behaviour for all taxa in the genus.
Five new Napaeus species (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Enidae) from Gran Canaria and El Hierro (Canary Islands)
Authors: YANES YURENA , SANTANA JESÚS , ARTILES MIGUEL , DENIZ FRANCISCO , MARTÍN JAVIER , ALONSO MARÍA R. , IBÁÑEZ MIGUEL
Published: February 2019

Five new species of Napaeus are described, four from Gran Canaria and one from El Hierro (Canary Islands): Napaeus josei n. sp., N. venegueraensis n. sp., N. arinagaensis n. sp., N. validoi n. sp. and N. grohi n. sp. The main differences from the most similar species and data on distribution are presented. At least three of the new species disguise their shells with soil, presumably to avoid predation.
Further records of the anchialine shrimp, Periclimenes pholeter Holthuis, 1973 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae)
Authors: DE GRAVE S. , SAKIHARA T. S.
Published: February 2019

Caridean shrimps are one of the most conspicuous faunal components of the Indo-West Pacific anchialine fauna (Maciolek, 1983). To date, 11 anchialine species distributed in 10 genera and 5 families have been recorded in Indo-Pacific waters, with related species occurring in Atlantic waters, notably in Mexican cenotes and caves in the Bahamas.
Distribution and conservation status of nominate Euptychia cesarense in the East Andes of Colombia
Authors: HUERTAS BLANCA , FAGUA GIOVANNY
Published: February 2019

In this issue of Zootaxa, Pulido et al. (2011) describe a new species of butterfly based on disjunct populations in the northern East Andes of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The East Andes population (nominate subspecies) of this new species was previously found in Serranía de los Yariguíes, Santander, Colombia in January 2003. A photograph of a specimen was illustrated as "Euptychia sp. nov." in Huertas (2004, Appendix 1, Plate 5; also listed in Appendix 3, p. 5) and this photograph was discussed with Pulido in 2008. The species was also reported as "Euptychia sp. nov." in Huertas & Arias (2005, p. 75) and, following discussions with other specialists, it was reported as "Pharneuptychia sp." in Huertas & Ríos (2006, p. 145). Various other new taxa have been described or have descriptions underway following expeditions in Serranía de los Yariguíes (e.g. Donegan & Huertas 2006; Huertas & Arias 2007; Huertas et al. 2009; Huertas & Fagua MS). Four other specimens of E. cesarense were found at MPUJ, collected in 2004.
Notes on Manota Williston (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) from Australia and Papua New Guinea, with description of two new species
Authors: KURINA OLAVI , HIPPA HEIKKI , AMORIM DALTON DE SOUZA
Published: February 2019

Two new species, Manota williamsi sp. n. and Manota kerri sp. n., are described from Australia and Papua New Guinea, respectively. The former represents the second Manota species recorded from continental Australia. Characterised by setose anepisternum and non-setose laterotergite, M. williamsi is similar to M. gemella Hippa, 2007, but the presence of the mid tibial organ would group it together with five species from New Zealand. Manota kerri resembles M. alulata Kurina & Hippa, 2015 in having a bilobed gonostylus and sternite 9 entirely fused with the gonocoxa, but differs by other details of the hypopygium. New records of M. subspathula Hippa, 2007 from Australia and Papua New Guinea, and M. biungulata Hippa, 2007, M. evexa Hippa 2007, M. hamulata Colless, 1966, M. perissochaeta Hippa, 2007 and M. serawei Hippa, 2007 from Papua New Guinea are presented.
The Gulf Stream North Wall: Ageostrophic Circulation and Frontogenesis
Authors: McWilliams James C. , Gula Jonathan , Molemaker M. Jeroen
Published: February 2019

Eastward zonal jets are common in the ocean and atmosphere, for example, the Gulf Stream and jet stream. They are characterized by atypically strong horizontal velocity, baroclinic vertical structure with an upward flow intensification, large change in the density stratification meridionally across the jet, large-scale meanders around a central latitude, narrow troughs and broad crests, and a sharp and vertically sloping northern (poleward) “wall” defined by horizontal maxima in the lateral gradients of both velocity and density. Measurements and realistic oceanic simulations show these features in the Gulf Stream downstream from its western boundary separation point. A diagnostic theory based on the conservative balance equations is developed to calculate the 3D velocity field associated with the dynamic height field. When applied to an idealized representation of a meandering jet, it explains the spatial structure of the associated ageostrophic secondary circulation around the jet and the positive frontogenetic tendency along the northern wall in the meander sector located upstream from the trough. This provides a basis for understanding why submesoscale instabilities and cross-wall intrusion and streamer events are more prevalent along the sector downstream from the trough and at the crest where there is not such a frontogenetic tendency. An important attribute for this frontogenesis pattern is the 3D shape of the jet, whose idealization is summarized above.
Lagrangian Transport by Nonbreaking and Breaking Deep-Water Waves at the Ocean Surface
Authors: Pizzo Nick , Melville W. Kendall , Deike Luc
Published: February 2019

Using direct numerical simulations (DNS), Deike et al. found that the wave-breaking-induced mass transport, or drift, at the surface for a single breaking wave scales linearly with the slope of a focusing wave packet, and may be up to an order of magnitude larger than the prediction of the classical Stokes drift. This model for the drift due to an individual breaking wave, together with the statistics of wave breaking measured in the field, are used to compute the Lagrangian drift of breaking waves in the ocean. It is found that breaking may contribute up to an additional 30% to the predicted values of the classical Stokes drift of the wave field for the field experiments considered here, which have wind speeds ranging from 1.6 to 16 m s−1, significant wave heights in the range of 0.7–4.7 m, and wave ages (defined here as cm/u*, for the spectrally weighted phase velocity cm and the wind friction velocity u*) ranging from 16 to 150. The drift induced by wave breaking becomes increasingly more important with increasing wind friction velocity and increasing significant wave height.
Ground Validation of Surface Snowfall Algorithm in GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar
Authors: Le Minda , Chandrasekar V.
Published: February 2019

Extensive evaluations have been performed on the dual-frequency classification module in the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) level-2 algorithm. Both rain type classification and melting-layer detection continue to show promising results in the validations. Surface snowfall identification is a feature newly added in the classification module to the recently released version to provide a surface snowfall flag for each qualified vertical profile. This algorithm is developed upon vertical features of Ku- and Ka-band reflectivity and dual-frequency ratio from DPR. In this paper, we validate this surface snowfall identification algorithm with ground radars including NEXRAD, NASA Polarimetric Radar (NPOL), and CSU–CHILL radar during concurrent precipitation events and GPM validation campaign Olympic Mountain Experiment (OLYMPEX). Other ground truth such as Precipitation Imaging Package (PIP) and ground report is also included in the validation. Based on 16 validation cases in the years 2014–18, the average match ratio between surface snowfall flag from space radar and ground radar is around 87.8%. Promising agreements are achieved with different validation sources. Algorithm limitation and potential improvement are discussed.
Antecedent North Pacific Jet Regimes Conducive to the Development of Continental U.S. Extreme Temperature Events during the Cool Season
Authors: Winters Andrew C. , Bosart Lance F. , Keyser Daniel
Published: February 2019

This study considers the development of continental U.S. extreme temperature events (ETEs) during the cool season (September–May), where extreme temperatures are defined in terms of percentiles and events are defined in terms of the spatial coverage of extreme temperatures. Following their identification, ETEs are classified into geographic clusters and stratified based on the state of the North Pacific jet (NPJ) stream prior to ETE initiation using an NPJ phase diagram. The NPJ phase diagram is developed from the two leading modes of NPJ variability during the cool season. The first mode corresponds to a zonal extension or retraction of the exit region of the climatological NPJ, while the second mode corresponds to a poleward or equatorward shift of the exit region of the climatological NPJ. The projection of 250-hPa zonal wind anomalies onto the NPJ phase diagram prior to ETEs demonstrates that the preferred state and evolution of the NPJ prior to ETEs varies considerably based on the geographic location of ETE initiation and the season. Southern plains extreme warm events are an exception, however, since extreme warm events in that location most frequently initiate following a retracted NPJ during all seasons. The NPJ phase diagram is subsequently utilized to examine a synoptic-scale flow evolution highly conducive to the initiation of southern plains extreme warm events via composite analysis. The composite analysis demonstrates that a retracted NPJ supports an amplification of the upper-tropospheric flow pattern over North America, which then induces persistent lower-tropospheric warm-air advection over the southern plains prior to ETE initiation.