bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient reduction of nitroarenes in water catalyzed by reusable Pd nanoparticles immobilized on chitosan-functionalized graphene oxide
Authors: Sarvestani Mosayeb , Azadi Roya
Published: December 2018

Graphene oxide was functionalized with chitosan for palladium immobilization (GO–Chit–Pd), which was used as an efficient catalyst for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds using sodium borohydride in water. To achieve the best catalytic efficacy, various parameters such as temperature, solvent, mole ratio of hydrogen sources, and the amount of catalyst were optimized. The method has been applied to the reduction of a broad range of nitroarenes with different properties. The easy purification, convenient operation, environmental friendliness, and high product yields render this method viable for use. The nanocatalyst can be easily separated and efficiently recovered and reused for multiple cycles without appreciable loss in its catalytic activity.
All envelop traveling wave patterns to nonlinear Schrödinger equation in parabolic law medium
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Yang
Published: December 2018

Nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) with higher-order nonlinearity and dispersion terms in parabolic law medium is investigated in detail. By transforming the NLSE into integral form and using the complete discrimination system for polynomial method, all electric envelop solutions are obtained. In particular, the consistent conditions of parameters are given. These results show the complete and rich envelop traveling wave patterns of the NLSE in parabolic law medium.
Black holes in the turbulence phase of viscous rip cosmology
Authors: Brevik Iver , Jamil Mubasher
Published: December 2018

We study the phantom fluid in the late universe, thus assuming the equation of state parameter [Formula: see text] to be less than [Formula: see text]. The fluid is assumed to consist of two components, one laminar component [Formula: see text] and one turbulent component [Formula: see text], the latter set proportional to [Formula: see text] as well as to the Hubble parameter, [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] a positive constant associated with the turbulence. The effective energy density is taken to be [Formula: see text], and the corresponding effective pressure is [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] constant. These basic assumptions lead to a Big Rip universe; the physical quantities diverging during a finite rip time [Formula: see text]. We then consider the mass accretion of a black hole in such a universe. The most natural assumption of setting the rate [Formula: see text] proportional to [Formula: see text] times the sum [Formula: see text] leads to a negative mass accretion, where [Formula: see text] goes to zero linearly in [Formula: see text] near the singularity. The Hubble parameter diverges as [Formula: see text], whereas [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] diverge as [Formula: see text]. We also discuss other options and include, for the sake of comparison, some essential properties of mass accretion in the early (inflationary) universe.
Statistical Characteristics of Long-Term High-Resolution Precipitable Water Vapor Data at Darwin
Authors: Leung Kimberly , Subramanian Aneesh C. , Shen Samuel S. P.
Published: December 2018

This paper studies the statistical characteristics of a unique long-term high-resolution precipitable water vapor (PWV) data set at Darwin, Australia, from 12 March 2002 to 28 February 2011. To understand the convective precipitation processes for climate model development, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program made high-frequency radar observations of PWV at the Darwin ARM site and released the best estimates from the radar data retrievals for this time period. Based on the best estimates, we produced a PWV data set on a uniform 20-s time grid. The gridded data were sufficient to show the fractal behavior of precipitable water with Hausdorff dimension equal to 1.9. Fourier power spectral analysis revealed modulation instability due to two sideband frequencies near the diurnal cycle, which manifests as nonlinearity of an atmospheric system. The statistics of PWV extreme values and daily rainfall data show that Darwin’s PWV has El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signatures and has potential to be a predictor for weather forecasting. The right skewness of the PWV data was identified, which implies an important property of tropical atmosphere: ample capacity to hold water vapor. The statistical characteristics of this long-term high-resolution PWV data will facilitate the development and validation of climate models, particularly stochastic models.
Liver repair and regeneration after ischemia-reperfusion injury is associated with prolonged fibrosis
Authors: Konishi Takanori , Schuster Rebecca M. , Lentsch Alex B.
Published: December 2018

Liver recovery after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is characterized by clearance of dead tissue and its replacement with functional liver parenchyma. Previous reports have observed fibrosis after liver I/R. To determine whether liver fibrosis after I/R was a pathologic consequence of the injury response, we assessed the development of liver fibrosis after I/R and its impact on subsequent insult. A murine model of partial I/R was used to induce liver injury and study the reparative response. During liver remodeling after I/R, expression of the profibrotic genes increased in the ischemic liver. Histologically, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)/myofibroblasts increased, and collagen deposition was enhanced along the injured site. Selective staining experiments showed that HSCs, not portal fibroblasts, were the major source of myofibroblasts. During liver repair after I/R, liver fibrosis was readily observed at the interface between necrotic tissue and regenerating liver in association with HSCs/myofibroblasts. The number of HSCs/myofibroblasts decreasing shortly after the full resolution of necrotic injury and restoration are normal liver architecture. However, liver fibrosis persisted for several more weeks before gradually resolving. Resolution of liver fibrosis was accompanied by upregulated expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13. After resolution of fibrosis, the administration of CCl4 did not result in exacerbated liver injury, suggesting that I/R injury does not predispose the liver to future fibrotic insults. The data suggest that liver fibrosis is a component of tissue repair after I/R, is caused by myofibroblasts derived from HSC, and does not increase susceptibility of the liver to subsequent hepatic injury.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to assess pathology of liver fibrosis during the reparative process after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Here we show that profibrotic gene expression increased in the liver after I/R, and collagen accumulation produced by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)/myofibroblasts enhanced at the interface between necrotic tissue and regenerating liver. Liver fibrosis gradually resolved concomitant with decreasing activation of HSC and upregulating matrix metalloproteinase-13. After resolution of fibrosis, the liver was not more susceptible to subsequent hepatic injury.
Regulators of A20 (TNFAIP3): new drug-able targets in inflammation
Authors: Momtazi G. , Lambrecht B. N. , Naranjo J. R. , Schock B. C.
Published: December 2018

Persistent activation of the transcription factor Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is central to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders, including those of the lung such as cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite recent advances in treatment, management of the inflammatory component of these diseases still remains suboptimal. A20 is an endogenous negative regulator of NF-κB signaling, which has been widely described in several autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and more recently in terms of chronic lung disorders. However, the underlying mechanism for the apparent lack of A20 in CF, COPD, and asthma has not been investigated. Transcriptional regulation of A20 is complex and requires coordination of different transcription factors. In this review we examine the existing body of research evidence on the regulation of A20, concentrating on pulmonary inflammation. Special focus is given to the repressor downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) and its nuclear and cytosolic action to regulate inflammation. We provide evidence that would suggest the A20-DREAM axis to be an important player in (airway) inflammatory responses and point to DREAM as a potential future therapeutic target for the modification of phenotypic changes in airway inflammatory disorders. A schematic summary describing the role of DREAM in inflammation with a focus on chronic lung diseases as well as the possible consequences of altered DREAM expression on immune responses is provided.
Early effects of eccentric contractions on muscle glucose uptake
Authors: Andersen Ole Emil , Nielsen Ole Bækgaard , Overgaard Kristian
Published: December 2018

Muscle-damaging eccentric exercise impairs muscle glucose uptake several hours to days after exercise. Little, however, is known about the acute effects of eccentric exercise on contraction- and insulin-induced glucose uptake. This study compares glucose uptake rates in the first hours following eccentric, concentric, and isometric contractions with and without insulin present. Isolated rat extensor digitorum longus muscles were exposed to either an eccentric, concentric, or isometric contraction protocol, and muscle contractions were induced by electric stimulation that was identical between contraction protocols. In eccentric and concentric modes, length changes of 0.6 or 1.2 mm were used during contractions. Both contraction- and insulin-induced glucose uptake were assessed immediately and 2 h after contractions. Glucose uptake increased significantly following all modes of contraction and was higher after eccentric contractions with a stretch of 1.2 mm compared with the remaining contraction groups when assessed immediately after contractions [eccentric (1.2 mm) > eccentric (0.6 mm), concentric (1.2 mm), concentric (0.6 mm), isometric > rest; P < 0.05]. After 2 h, contraction-induced glucose uptake was still higher than noncontracting levels, but with no difference between contraction modes. The presence of insulin increased glucose uptake markedly, but this response was blunted by, respectively, 39–51% and 29–36% ( P < 0.05) immediately and 2 h after eccentric contractions stretched 1.2 mm compared with concentric and isometric contractions. The contrasting early effects of eccentric contractions on contraction- and insulin-induced glucose uptake suggest that glucose uptake is impaired acutely following eccentric exercise because of reduced insulin responsiveness.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that, in isolated rat muscle, muscle-damaging eccentric contractions result in a transient increase in contraction-induced glucose uptake compared with isometric and concentric contractions induced by identical muscle activation protocols. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that, in contrast, the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake is impaired immediately following muscle-damaging eccentric contractions.
GZFLW Induces Apoptosis of Ectopic Endometrial Stromal Cells via Promoting VPS53 Protein Stability
Authors: Zhang Ziyu , Liu Faying , Xu YunYun , Huang Huang , Zou Yang , Yang Bicheng , Luo Yong , Zhang Quan , Xiong Anwen , Wang Liqun , Huang Ouping
Published: December 2018

Endometriosis is still a major problem in obstetrics and gynecology. While GZFLW (Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan) has been originally used for treating gynecological diseases, however, the molecular mechanism that GZFLW acts on endometriosis is not clear. To investigate the molecular mechanism that GZFLW plays role on endometriosis, iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification) proteomics and human endometrial stromal cells (Y14) obtained from a patient with endometriosis were used in in vitro study. Our results demonstrated that GZFLW decreased Y14 cells proliferation while increased cells apoptosis. The differential expression protein VPS53 (Vacuolar protein sorting 53 homolog) was predicted by iTRAQ coupled LC‐MS/MS and further identified by western blot. Besides, GZFLW induced VPS53 protein level by promoting its stabilization. Our findings highlight a novel role for VPS53 in gynecology and provide a potent therapeutic strategy against endometriosis.
Identifying the Growth Factors for Improving Neointestinal Regeneration in Rats through Transcriptome Analysis Using RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Jwo Shyh-Chuan , Chung I-Fang , Wang Hsei-Wei , Chang Ting-Yu
Published: December 2018

Using our novel surgical model of simultaneous intestinal adaptation “A” and neointestinal regeneration “N” conditions in individual rats to determine feasibility for research and clinical application, we further utilized next generation RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) here in normal control tissue and both conditions (“A” and “N”) across time to decipher transcriptome changes in neoregeneration and adaptation of intestinal tissue at weeks 1, 4, and 12. We also performed bioinformatics analyses to identify key growth factors for improving intestinal adaptation and neointestinal regeneration. Our analyses indicate several interesting phenomena. First, Gene Ontology and pathway analyses indicate that cell cycle and DNA replication processes are enhanced in week 1 “A”; however, in week 1 “N”, many immune-related processes are involved. Second, we found some growth factors upregulated or downregulated especially in week 1 “N” versus “A”. Third, based on each condition and time point versus normal control tissue, we found in week 1 “N” BMP2, BMP3, and NTF3 are significantly and specifically downregulated, indicating that the regenerative process may be inhibited in the absence of these growth factors. This study reveals complex growth factor regulation in small neointestinal regeneration and intestinal adaptation and provides potential applications in tissue engineering by introducing key growth factors identified here into the injury site.
IT-Enabled Clinical Decision Support: An Empirical Study on Antecedents and Mechanisms
Authors: van de Wetering Rogier
Published: December 2018

Modern hospitals increasingly make use of innovations and information technology (IT) to improve workflow and patient’s clinical journey. Typical innovative solutions include patient records and clinical decision support systems to enhance the process of decision making by doctors and other healthcare practitioners. However, currently, it remains unclear how hospitals could facilitate and enable such a decision support capability in clinical practice. We ground our work on the resource-based view of the firm and put forth the notion of IT-enabled capabilities which emphasizes critical IT investment and capability development areas that hospitals could exploit in their quest to improve clinical decision support. We develop a research model that explains how “health information exchange” and enhanced “information capability” collectively drive a hospital’s “clinical decision support capability.” We used partial least squares path modeling on large-scale cross-sectional data from 720 European hospitals. Outcomes suggest that health information exchange positively impacts information capability. In turn, information capability complementary partially mediates the relationship between information exchange and clinical decision support. Hence, this research contributes to the literature on clinical decision support and provides valuable insights into how to support such innovative technologies and capabilities in clinical practice. We conclude with a discussion and conclusion. Also, we outline the inherent limitations of this study and outline directions for future research.
New Locked-Wire-Type External Fixator (the Ichi-Fixator) for Fourth and Fifth Carpometacarpal Joint Dislocation
Authors: Ichihara Satoshi , Suzuki Masao , Hara Akira , Kudo Toshiya , Maruyama Yuichiro
Published: December 2018

We developed a new fixation method that involves the insertion of two wires and external wire fixation using a metal clamp. The aim of this technique was to increase the stability and rigidity of conventional percutaneous Kirchner wire fixation. Here, we present a patient with dislocation of the fourth and fifth carpometacarpal joints who was satisfactorily treated with closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with a linking external wire fixator (Ichi-Fixator). Operative treatment using the Ichi-Fixator system facilitates anatomical reduction and immediate full mobilization, resulting in good outcomes. The patient could perform all routine activities with normal grip strength and a full range of hand motion without pain. Such a treatment that improves comfort after the operation and may allow an immediate return to work will clearly boost patient satisfaction. Linked external wire-type fixation enables enhanced security of fixation, facilitates postoperative mobilization, and may allow an immediate return to work.
Effect of CXCR2 Inhibition on Behavioral Outcomes and Pathology in Rat Model of Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Jones Melina V. , Levy Michael
Published: December 2018

Objective. To reduce immune-mediated damage in a rat model of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) by blocking neutrophil migration using SCH527123, a drug that inhibits CXCR2. Background. Neuromyelitis optica is a relapsing autoimmune disease that preferentially targets the optic nerves and spinal cord leading to blindness and paralysis. Part of the immunopathogenesis of this disease is thought to involve neutrophils, which are present within NMO lesions. We tested the effect of blocking neutrophil migration in an NMO rat model. Methods. The Lewis rat model of NMO uses a myelin-reactive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) background with passive transfer of pooled human antibody from patients with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) seropositive NMO at onset of EAE symptoms. We treated rats early in the course of EAE with CXCR2 inhibitor and assessed the extent of neutrophil infiltration into the spinal cord and the extent of AQP4 depletion. Results. CXCR2 inhibitor decreased neutrophil migration into the spinal cord of AQP4 IgG-treated EAE rats. However, there was no difference in the acute behavioral signs of EAE or the extent and distribution of AQP4 lesions. This suggests that neutrophils are not centrally involved in the immunopathogenesis of the Lewis rat NMO disease model. Conclusions. CXCR2 inhibitor blocks neutrophil migration into the spinal cord during EAE but does not significantly reduce inflammation or AQP4 lesions in the Lewis rat model of NMO.
Evaluation of Electroencephalogram Using Exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography During Photic Driving Response in Patients with Migraine
Authors: Shiina Tomohiko , Takashima Ryotaro , Pascual-Marqui Roberto D. , Suzuki Keisuke , Watanabe Yuka , Hirata Koichi
Published: December 2018

Background: Photophobia is a common feature of migraine, which may involve abnormal cortical information processing. In electroencephalograms (EEG), photic driving is known as a reaction to visual stimulation. Both photophobia and photic driving response are present during light stimulation. We hypothesized that cortical response to photic stimulation would differ between migraine patients with and without aura. Methods: We recruited 50 migraine patients (migraine with aura [MWA] = 21; migraine without aura [MWOA] = 29). Spontaneous eyes-closed resting EEG from 20 electrodes on the scalp during the interictal phase was recorded. After recording, each photic stimulation was separately selected. We analyzed EEG by fast Fourier transform and observed the spectrum frequency peaks and topographies in response to photic stimulation. Exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) was used to compute the 3-dimensional intracerebral distribution of EEG activity. Results: Photic stimulation at frequencies 5, 8, 15, and 20 Hz showed significant differences between migraine patients with and without aura. MWOA patients consistently had a stronger response to photic stimulation than MWA patients. In all patients, the differential response was located in the visual cortex, except for the stimulation at 20 Hz, where the difference at subharmonic 10 Hz was located in the parietal cortex (Brodmann Area 7). Conclusion: We confirmed high incidences of photic hypersensitivity and photic driving responses in migraine patients. We suggest that repeated occurrences of cortical spreading depression in MWA may suppress cortical function, thus contributing to a weaker visual cortical response to photic stimulation in MWA patients compared with MWOA patients.
Expression Density of Receptors as a Potent Regulator of Cell Function and Property in Health and Pathology
Authors: Sennikov Sergey Vitalievich , Alshevskaya Alina A. , Zhukova Julia , Belomestnova Irina , Karaulov Alexander V. , Lopatnikova Julia A.
Published: December 2018

The expression of cytokine receptors has a crucial role in many cellular processes. Recent studies reported that changes of receptor expression could control the action of mediators on target cells. The initiation of different signaling pathways and, therefore, specific effects on cells, depends on certain components forming the cytokine-receptor complex. These mechanisms control the immune response and affect both the course of diseases (oncological, autoimmune, inflammatory) and the effectiveness of therapy. This review describes the potential of immune mediator receptors to regulate the efficiency of cytokine activity during pathologic processes and ensure the variability of their biological effects. Our aim was to investigate the spectrum of potential roles of changes in mediator receptor expression for main classes of pathologies. For all major types of immune mediators (cytokines, interleukins, chemokines, growth factors, and tumor necrosis factors), it has been shown that changes in their receptor expression are associated with impaired functioning of the organism in chronic diseases.
Tele-Oncology: A Validation Study of Choroidal and Iris Nevi
Authors: Roelofs Kelsey , Weis Ezekiel
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: To evaluate teleophthalmological assessment of choroidal and iris nevi (tele-oncology) compared to traditional in-person clinical evaluation for detection of either axial or basal growth. Methods: This is a validation study. All 97 eyes of 99 patients were evaluated with an in-person ocular oncology visit utilizing standard testing, and subsequently had a tele-oncology evaluation with the standardized tests. The tele-oncology reviewer was blinded to the in-person examination findings. The primary study outcome was detection of nevus growth on tele-oncology compared to in-person clinical examination. Results: Patients had a mean age of 61 years and the majority had nevi located in the choroid (n = 87; 88%). The most common diagnosis was a low-risk nevus (n = 38; 44%). By tele-oncology assessment, 11 eyes showed growth. Ten of these patients had growth confirmed on in-person clinical examination. Resultantly, tele-oncology assessment of choroidal and iris nevi growth had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 91%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that tele-oncology is a safe platform for monitoring choroidal and iris nevi for growth, with excellent sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV.
Delayed Gadolinium Enhancement Magnetic Resonance Imaging Detected Anatomic Gap Length in Wide Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Ablation Lesions Is Associated With Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Linhart Markus , Alarcon Francisco , Borràs Roger , Benito Eva M. , Chipa Fredy , Cozzari Jennifer , Caixal Gala , Enomoto Norihiro , Carlosena Alicia , Guasch Eduard , Arbelo Elena , Tolosana Jose Maria , Prat-Gonzalez Susana , Perea Rosario J. , Doltra Adelina , Sitges Marta , Brugada Josep , Berruezo Antonio , Mont Lluís
Published: December 2018

Background:

There is limited knowledge about the impact of anatomic gaps as assessed by delayed gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after first pulmonary vein (PV) isolation.

Methods:

Consecutive patients underwent delayed gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance 3 months after radiofrequency circumferential PV isolation. Delayed gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance images were assessed from 360 PV resulting in 2880 segments in the 2×8-segment model from 94 patients (52±11 years, 62% paroxysmal AF). Left atria were segmented using dedicated software. Anatomic gap was defined as discontinuation of the ablation line by ≥3 mm. Relative gap length was calculated as absolute gap length divided by the total length of the ablation line. AF recurrence was assessed after a mean follow-up duration of 15±10 months

Results:

Mean number of anatomic gaps was 5.4 per patient. Recurrence within the first year of ablation was observed in 21 patients with paroxysmal AF (36%) and 19 patients with persistent AF (53%). In the univariate analysis, CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score, AF type, and relative gap length were predictive of recurrence. In the multivariate analysis, only relative gap length was significantly associated with recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.16 [1.02–1.31] per each 10% of gap).

Conclusions:

The total relative gap length but not the number of anatomic gaps in the PV ablation line as assessed by delayed gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance was associated with AF recurrence 1 year after first PV isolation. An increase of 10% relative gap length increased the likelihood of AF recurrence by 16%.
Prevalence and Clinical Factors of Migraine in Patients With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Authors: Kok Susan N. , Hayes Sharonne N. , Cutrer F. Michael , Raphael Claire E. , Gulati Rajiv , Best Patricia J. M. , Tweet Marysia S.
Published: December 2018

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a cause of acute coronary syndrome predominantly in women without usual cardiovascular risk factors. Many have a history of migraine headaches, but this association is poorly understood. This study aimed to determine migraine prevalence among SCAD patients and assess differences in clinical factors based on migraine history.

Methods and Results

A cohort study was conducted using the Mayo Clinic SCAD “Virtual” Multi‐Center Registry composed of patients with SCAD as confirmed on coronary angiography. Participant‐provided data and records were reviewed for migraine history, risk factors, SCAD details, therapies, and outcomes. Among 585 patients (96% women), 236 had migraine history; the lifetime and 1‐year prevalence of migraine were 40% and 26%, respectively. Migraine was more common in SCAD women than comparable literature‐reported female populations (42% versus 24%,
P
<0.0001; 42% versus 33%,
P
<0.0001). Among all SCAD patients, those with migraine history were more likely to be female (99.6% versus 94%;
P
=0.0002); have SCAD at a younger age (45.2±9.0 years versus 47.6±9.9 years;
P
=0.0027); have depression (27% versus 17%;
P
=0.025); have recurrent post‐SCAD chest pain at 1 month (50% versus 39%;
P
=0.035); and, among those assessed, have aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, or dissections (28% versus 18%;
P
=0.018). There was no difference in recurrent SCAD at 5 years for those with versus without migraine (15% versus 19%;
P
=0.39).

Conclusions

Many SCAD patients have a history of migraine. SCAD patients with migraine are younger at the time of SCAD; have more aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, and dissections among those imaged; and more often report a history of depression and post‐SCAD chest pain.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT01429727, NCT01427179.
Role of QRS Fragmentation for Risk Stratification in Adults With Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Egbe Alexander C. , Miranda William R. , Mehra Nandini , Ammash Naser M. , Missula Venkata R. , Madhavan Malini , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Farouk Abdelsamid Mohamed , Kothapalli Srikanth , Connolly Heidi M.
Published: December 2018

Background

Patients with tetralogy of Fallot (
TOF
) remain at risk for cardiovascular events despite successful repair. Some of the current risk stratification tools require advanced imaging and invasive studies, and hence are difficult to apply to routine patient care. A recent study showed that
QRS
fragmentation (
QRS
‐f) is predictive of mortality in patients with TOF. The current study aims to validate this result by assessing whether severity of
QRS
‐f could predict all‐cause mortality in a different
TOF
population.

Methods and Results

The authors reviewed the Mayo Adult Congenital Heart Disease database for patients with TOF who had
ECG
from 1990–2017.
QRS
‐f was defined as notches in
QRS
complex in ≥2 contiguous leads on
ECG
, not related to bundle branch block, and classified as none, mild (≤3 leads), moderate (4 leads), or severe (≥5 leads). Of 465 patients (age 37±14 years) in the study,
QRS
‐f was present in 161 (35%): mild (n=43, 9%), moderate (n=77, 17%), and severe (n=41, 9%). There were 55 deaths (12%) during 13.6±8.2 years of follow‐up. Severity of
QRS
‐f remained an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality after adjustment for other
ECG
parameters, patient demographics, and atrial and ventricular arrhythmia (hazard ratio, 1.74 per class; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.93 [
P
=0.041]).

Conclusions

The presence of severe
QRS
‐f may be used as complementary data to the usual clinical indices to determine whether interventions such as invasive electrophysiology study should be performed in patients with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia or to proceed with pulmonary valve replacement in patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation with ventricular volumes below the guideline‐directed threshold for intervention.
Familial status of Lophiotremataceae and its related families in Pleosporales
Authors: HONGSANAN SINANG , ZENG YUJIA , HYDE KEVIN D. , XIE NING
Published: December 2018

Molecular dating analysis is an additional set of evidence that can be used to consider the status of taxa, especially at the higher levels (family, order) and is based on the general laws of speciation processes in individual group of organisms. Some families in Pleosporales such as Aquasubmersaceae, Cryptocoryneaceae, and Hermatomycetaceae, have recently been introduced using phylogenetic evidence. In this study, we test the status of Aquasubmersaceae, Cryptocoryneaceae and Hermatomycetaceae using molecular dating. Phylogenetic analyses of 106 sequences (ITS, LSU, rpb2, SSU and tef1 regions) from species of Lophiotremataceae and their relatives were used in this study. Molecular dating analysis was applied to the same data set. The phylogenetic results and molecular dating analysis indicate that the familial status of Amniculicolaceae, Anteagloniaceae, Aquasubmersaceae, Cryptocoryneaceae, Hermatomycetaceae, Lophiotremataceae, Pseudoastrosphaeriellaceae, Testudinaceae and Tetraplosphaeriaceae are well-supported. In the molecular dating they have stem ages of over 50 MYA. A discussion of the familial status of these families is provided. Additionally, Pseudolophiotremataceae fam. nov. is introduced in this paper to accommodate Pseudolophiotrema which has a stem age of 95 MYA.
The tadpole of Leptodactylus pentadactylus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from Central Amazonia
Authors: MENIN MARCELO , LIMA ALBERTINA P. , RODRIGUES DOMINGOS J.
Published: December 2018

The Leptodactylus pentadactylus species group is composed of 19 species of medium to large-sized frogs with distributions in tropical forest, cerrado, and caatinga habitats of Central and South America (Frost 2010).  Nine of them are associated with Amazonian Biome (Frost 2010). The larvae of five species have been formally described for species occurring in this region: L. knudseni, L. lithonaetes, L. rhodomystax, L. rhodonotus, and L. rugosus (Heyer 1979, 1995; Heyer & Thompson 2000; Heyer & Heyer 2006; Rodrigues et al. 2007). The majority of the species in the L. pentadactylus group deposits foam nests in excavated basins close to water bodies and the tadpoles complete their development in the water (see Silva & Giaretta 2009). But other species (L. pentadactylus and L. stenodema) deposit foam nests in burrows or cavities in the forest floor isolated from forest pools or swamps and the tadpoles complete their development in the nests (Hero & Galatti 1990). The tadpole of L. pentadactylus has been mentioned briefly in two papers, but has not yet been formally described. Hero & Galatti (1990) presented a brief description of specimens from Manaus, Brazil; and Hero (1990) described a few external features (e.g. LTRF and body coloration) for an identification key of tadpoles of the Brazilian central Amazon. In this paper we describe the tadpole of L. pentadactylus based on individuals from several stages of development and also provide comments on the spawning sites.
Erratum: KARNS, D.R., LUKOSCHEK, V., OSTERHAGE, J., MURPHY, J.C. & VORIS, H.K. (2010) Phylogeny and biogeography of the Enhydris clade (Serpentes: Homalopsidae). Zootaxa, 2452, 18–30.
Authors: KARNS D. R. , LUKOSCHEK V. , OSTERHAGE J. , MURPHY J. C. , VORIS H. K.
Published: December 2018

(Erratum)
Erratum: FRITZÉN, N.R. (2010) Natural history and description of Zatypota kerstinae sp.nov. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) reared from Theridion palmgreni Marusik et Tsellarius (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Finland. Zootaxa, 2487, 52–60.
Authors: FRITZÉN N. R.
Published: December 2018

(Erratum)
A new subgenus of eusirid amphipod (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Eusiridae) from subterranean waters and springs of the Eastern Sikhote-Alin Mountain Ridge, with comments on the morphology of sternal humps, genital papillae and pleopods
Authors: SIDOROV DMITRY A.
Published: December 2018

A new stygomorphic freshwater subgenus of Paramoera Miers, 1875, Ganigamoera subgen. nov., is described and compared with the four North Pacific subgenera and with allied Far Eastern representatives. The classsification of Ganigamoera subgen. nov. is based on two closely-related species: Paramoera (G.) myslenkovi sp. nov., from subterranean fresh waters of the Kievka River basin, and Paramoera (G.) tiunovi sp. nov., from a spring in the Solontsovaya River basin. The new species are identified by the presence of sternal humps, male genital papillae and modified pleopods 1–3. The second pleopod of males is sexually dimorphic. The affinity of the new species for their congeners is discussed, emphasizing morphological and biogeographical relationships.
Pseudolaguvia virgulata, a new sisorid catfish (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Mizoram, northeastern India
Authors: NG HEOK HEE , - LALRAMLIANA
Published: December 2018

Pseudolaguvia virgulata, a new South Asian sisorid catfish species, is described from the Barak River drainage in Mizoram, India. The new species can be distinguished from congeners in having a brown body with two or three narrow, pale longitudinal stripes and a pale Y-shaped marking on the dorsal surface of the head. Additional distinguishing characters from its congeners are a serrated anterior edge of the dorsal spine, the thoracic adhesive apparatus reaching beyond the base of the last pectoral-fin ray, head width, pectoral-fin length, length of dorsal-fin base, dorsal-spine length, body depth at anus, length of adipose-fin base, caudal peduncle length, caudal peduncle depth, snout length, interorbital distance, and total number of vertebrae.
Tonsuritermes, a new soldierless termite genus and two new species from South America (Blattaria: Isoptera: Termitidae: Apicotermitinae)
Authors: CONSTANTINI JOICE P. , CARRIJO TIAGO FERNANDES , PALMA-ONETTO VALERIA , SCHEFFRAHN RUDOLF , CARNOHAN LUCAS PAUL , ŠOBOTNÍK JAN , CANCELLO ELIANA M.
Published: December 2018

A new genus, Tonsuritermes Cancello & Constantini gen. nov., is described from South America. The main morphological features of the new genus are a remarkable frontal gland and protibia with two rows of spine-like bristles. Two new species of Tonsuritermes are described: T. tucki Cancello & Constantini sp. nov. and T. mathewsi Cancello & Constantini sp. nov. Comparisons, measurements, a map, histology of the frontal gland, and illustration of all fundamental morphological aspects are provided.
A review of the Neotropical sharpshooter genus Onega Distant, 1908 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini)
Authors: TAKIYA DANIELA MAEDA , CAVICHIOLI RODNEY R.
Published: December 2018

Tettigonia sanguinicollis Latreille, 1811, and its junior synonym Tettigonia farinaria Amyot & Serville, 1843, are herein transferred to the genus Onega Distant, 1908. Thus, the previously incertae sedis genus Paragonalia Evans, 1947 (type-species: T. sanguinicollis), becomes a new junior synonym of Onega. Onega sanguinicollis comb. nov. is redescribed and its female genitalia are described and illustrated for the first time. A color variant of Onega fassli Young, 1977 is described. Three new species of Onega are described and illustrated: O. freytagi sp. nov. from Colombia (Cauca Department), O. krameri sp. nov. from Ecuador (Azuay and Bol var provinces), and O. orphne sp. nov. from Ecuador (Bol var and Pichincha provinces). A key to all nine species now included in Onega is provided along with notes on the distribution of the species. O. bracteata Young, 1977 is newly recorded from Azuay province (Ecuador) and Jun n and Pasco departments (Peru), and O. fassli is newly recorded from Ecuador (Napo Province) and Cundimarca Department (Colombia). Records of Onega from Cuba are considered doubtful.
Three new species of Cumacea (Crustacea: Peracarida) from Costa Rica
Authors: PETRESCU IORGU , HEARD RICHARD W.
Published: December 2018

Three new species of Cumacea are described from Costa Rican coastal waters. The bodotriids, Cyclaspys breedyae n. sp. and Cyclaspis vargasae n. sp., occurred on the Pacific coast, and the nannastacid, Cumella spinifera n. sp., came from a shallow back reef habitat of the Caribbean coast. Cyclaspis breedyae n. sp., which was collected from shallow water (1 1.5 m) at a beach just north of Puerto Caldera, has affinities with Cyclaspis varians Calman, 1912 from the northwestern Atlantic; it differs by having a carapace with fewer (usually 4), but larger, dorsal spines behind the ocular lobe and by having the pseudorostrum not extending beyond the ocular lobe. Cyclaspis vargasae n. sp., which was collected at a depth of 35 m off San Jos Island on the northwest coast, has some similarities with western Atlantic species, Cyclaspis alba Roccatagliata & Moreira 1986 and C. variabilis Roccatagliata & Moreira, 1986, but it differs from these species by having a carapace with oblique dorsal crests and a lateral ridge running anteriorly from the posteroventral margin of the carapace to just above the antennal notch. Cumella spinifera n. sp. was collected on the Caribbean coast at Puerto Vargas and has its closest affinities with C. zimmeri Petrescu, Iliffe, & Sarbu, 1994, known from shallow Caribbean waters off Jamaica. It is distinguished from the Jamaican species by several characters, including having the female carapace with more dorsal spines (10 verses 3 on the carapace of C. zimmeri) and being more dorsally pronounced with a papulate integument.
What Can We Expect from Data Assimilation for Air Quality Forecast? Part I: Quantification with Academic Test Cases
Authors: Menut Laurent , Bessagnet Bertrand
Published: December 2018

Data assimilation has been successfully used for meteorology for many years and is now used more and more for atmospheric composition issues (air quality analysis and forecast). The data assimilation of pollutants remains difficult and its deployment is currently in progress. It is thus difficult to have quantitative knowledge of what we can expect as the maximum benefit. In this study we propose a simple framework to make this quantification. In this first part, the gain of data assimilation is quantified using academic but realistic test cases over an urbanized polluted area and during a summertime period favorable to ozone formation. Different data assimilation configurations are tested, corresponding to different amounts of data available for assimilation. For ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), it is shown that the benefit resulting from data assimilation lasts from a few hours to a possible maximum of 60 and 21 h, respectively. Maps of the number of hours are presented, spatializing the benefit of data assimilation.
Near-Surface Frontogenesis and Atmospheric Instability along the U.S. East Coast during the Extratropical Transition of Hurricane Matthew (2016)
Authors: Powell Scott W. , Bell Michael M.
Published: December 2018

Hurricane Matthew locally generated more than 400 mm of rainfall on 8–9 October 2016 over the eastern Carolinas and Virginia as it transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. The heaviest precipitation occurred along a swath situated up to 100–200 km inland from the coast and collocated with enhanced low-tropospheric frontogenesis. Analyses from version 3 of the Rapid Refresh (RAPv3) model indicate that rapid frontogenesis occurred over eastern North and South Carolina and Virginia on 8 October, largely over a 12-h time period between 1200 UTC 8 October and 0000 UTC 9 October. The heaviest rainfall in Matthew occurred when and where spiral rainbands intersected the near-surface front, which promoted the lift of conditionally unstable, moist air. Parallel to the spiral rainbands, conditionally unstable low-tropospheric warm, moist oceanic air was advected inland, and the instability was apparently released as the warm air mass rose over the front. Precipitation in the spiral rainbands intensified on 9 October as the temperature gradient along the near-surface front rapidly increased. Unlike in Hurricane Floyd over the mid-Atlantic states, rainfall totals within the spiral rainbands of Matthew as they approached the near-surface front evidently were not enhanced by release of conditional symmetric instability. However, conditional symmetric instability release in the midtroposphere may have enhanced rainfall 200 km northwest of the near-surface front. Finally, although weak cold-air damming occurred prior to heavy rainfall, damming dissipated prior to frontogenesis and did not impact rainfall totals.
The Clinical and Financial Impact of a Pharmacist-Driven Penicillin Skin Testing Program on Antimicrobial Stewardship Practices
Authors: Harmon Stacy , Richardson Thomas , Simons Heidi , Monforte Summer , Fanning Shea , Harrington Kaitlyn
Published: December 2018

Purpose: Pharmacist-led penicillin skin testing (PST) was incorporated into antimicrobial stewardship at a community hospital to increase use of optimal antimicrobial therapy, reduce use of broad-spectrum agents, and reduce antimicrobial therapy–related costs. Methods: A clinical decision support software alert identified qualifying patients with penicillin allergies. Patients receiving a nonoptimal antimicrobial agent were prioritized for PST. Patients were excluded if they reported a history of extreme hypersensitivity to a penicillin agent, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or mucocutaneous eruption with epidermal detachment. Pediatric patients less than 18 years old and pregnant patients were excluded. Data collected for each patient included the medication that precipitated the reaction; reaction type; age when the reaction occurred; current antibiotic therapy; indication for therapy; preferred antimicrobial agent; days of therapy on each agent used; positive, negative, or ambiguous PST result; recent antihistamine use; and any adverse events that occurred. Outcomes of the PST results, pharmacist interventions made after PST, and resulting cost savings to patients were all reported. Results: Among 31 patients tested, 27 were negative for penicillin allergy, 1 was positive for penicillin allergy, and 3 yielded an indeterminate test. Pharmacist recommendation to change therapy based on PST results was accepted in 13 of 15 patients where recommendations were made. Cost savings in antimicrobial therapy alone for patients who received PST was US $74.75 per day. Conclusion: Pharmacist-driven PST provided opportunities to clarify allergies, optimize antimicrobial therapy, and save antimicrobial therapy–related costs to patients.
The relationship between polychronicity and social networks: A mixed-methods study of research and development professionals
Authors: Bertolotti Fabiola , Mattarelli Elisa , Dukerich Janet
Published: December 2018

How do knowledge workers interact with their colleagues when organizations increasingly ask them to work on multiple activities, projects and working spheres simultaneously? Given the importance of social networks for individual and organizational success, in this study we explore the relationship between individual preferences for engaging in multiple tasks simultaneously (individual polychronicity), the perception of the organization’s demands in terms of engaging in multiple tasks simultaneously (organizational polychronicity), and centrality in instrumental networks. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, we collected data from knowledge professionals in a research and development (R&D) unit. Our results show that both individual and organizational polychronicity were related to network centrality. However, the effect of individual polychronicity on instrumental network centrality was stronger, especially for advice-related interactions, suggesting that individual preferences matter more when it comes to knowledge-related interactions. Not only do we link polychronicity to a previously unexplored context, that is, social networks, but we also propose the use of a cultural toolkit perspective to explain how individuals differentially make sense of organizational temporal demands. Finally, we advance research on the antecedents of network centrality and contribute to the ongoing debate on the delicate balance between structure and individual characteristics.
Meet the “Workwife”
Authors: McCall Suzanne H.
Published: December 2018

Combining two major societal roles — being a housewife and working outside the home — has created a new lifestyle which has revolutionary implications for marketing.
Preparation of Students for Marketing Research
Authors: Miller J. Robert
Published: December 2018

There appears to be a substantial difference between the attitudes of professors of marketing and marketing research and those of practitioners on the kind of training necessary to prepare students for careers in marketing research. Recent research shows that many professors still have the same attitudes found in a 1957 study by the subcommittee on the teaching of marketing research of the American Marketing Association. In the meantime, marketing research has taken on new dimensions that require an even broader background in the social sciences.
Selecting Scales to Measure Attitude Change
Authors: Hughes G. David
Published: December 2018

This article reports a study comparing the Thurstone Scale, a modification of the semantic differential, and the checklist scales for their ability to detect changes in attitudes, their test-retest reliability, and their acceptance among respondents.
Brand Image and Brand Usage
Authors: Bird M. , Channon C. , Ehrenberg A. S. C.
Published: December 2018

The proportion of people who express an attitude about a given brand generally depends on how recently they have used the brand.
Current Problems in Consumer Behavior Research
Authors: Kollat David T. , Engel James F. , Blackwell Roger D.
Published: December 2018

This article supplements other critical evaluations of consumer research by discussing several issues and problems that impede the development of a consumer behavior research tradition.