bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of bamboo vinegar powder as an antibiotic alternative on the digesta bacteria communities of finishing pigs
Authors: Qu Huan , Huang Yanjie , Shi Yinghao , Liu Ying , Wu Shenglong , Bao Wenbin
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the use for bamboo vinegar powder as an antibiotic alternative in the diet of growing–finishing pigs by examining their digestive bacterial communities. Forty-five Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire growing–finishing pigs were randomly allocated to five diet groups: 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% bamboo vinegar levels and antibiotics. After 37 days, the digesta in duodenum of four pigs from each treatment were analyzed for their bacterial community compositions using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The addition of 1.5% bamboo vinegar powder had an effect on the intestinal microflora most similar to that of antibiotics, indicating its potential to promote the growth and development of finishing pigs. We also found the 1.5% bamboo vinegar powder group to have an increased abundance of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes compared with the other bamboo vinegar powder groups, which may enhance the ability of the host to absorb food energy and store more body fat. Additionally, the effects of bamboo vinegar powder on promoting the abundances of Lactobacillus and Thalassospira and on inhibiting Streptococcus and Prevotella growth revealed it may play an important role in animal production. Moreover, functional predictions of microbes via PICRUSt indicated that feed supplemented with 1.5% bamboo vinegar powder could promote many vital metabolic pathways.
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) reproduction undeterred by predator scent inside nest boxes
Authors: Blackwell Bradley F. , Seamans Thomas W. , Pfeiffer Morgan B. , Buckingham Bruce N.
Published: May 2018

Indirect predator cues near nests have been shown to enhance perceived predation risk and associated antipredator behaviours in breeding animals across taxa and particularly with birds. We hypothesized that scent from the raccoon (Procyon lotor (Linnaeus, 1758)) inside nest boxes would, despite being an evolutionarily unique predator, enhance perceived risk to the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758)), thus reducing use of treated sites and reproduction. During early spring, starlings selected from nest boxes treated with equal volumes of predator scent, a novel odour, or water (n = 40 boxes per treatment). We evaluated effects of treatment on reproductive traits via generalized linear models. Starlings established nest bowls in 61% of nest boxes (predator scent, n = 27 boxes; novel odour, n = 24 boxes; control (water), n = 22 boxes); clutches were laid in 68 boxes. We observed no effects of treatment on the likelihood of a clutch (≥1 egg) or nest failure. Further, we found no treatment effects on date of first egg, clutch size, or hatchling number. We conclude that starling antipredator response to enhanced, indirect risk of nest predation is contingent upon a combination of predator cues, as well as direct or indirect experience with nest predation.
Design of multiwing-multiscroll grid compound chaotic system and its circuit implementation
Authors: Ai Wei , Sun Kehui , Fu Yuanli
Published: May 2018

Based on the simplified Lorenz multiwing attractor and the generalized Jerk multiscroll attractor, the grid compound chaotic systems are designed via state variables exchanging, state variables scale transformation, coordinate transformation and switching control. By designing different switching controllers, four kinds of grid compound attractors are realized. Dynamical characteristics of these grid compound systems are analyzed by the means of phase diagram, Poincaré section, bifurcation diagram and the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE). The digital circuit and analog circuit are designed, which verify the feasibility of the circuit implement of the compound chaotic system.
New 8-Level Basic Structure for Cascaded Multilevel Inverters with Reduced Number of Switches and DC Voltage Sources
Authors: Babaei Ebrahim , Buccella Concettina , Cecati Carlo
Published: May 2018

Multilevel inverters are generally used in medium-voltage and high-power applications. In this paper, a new 8-level basic structure for cascaded multilevel inverters is proposed. Based on proposed basic structure, two different cascaded multilevel topologies are proposed. The proposed cascaded multilevel inverters use less number of power switches, IGBTs and dc voltage sources compared with the conventional multilevel inverters. In order to generate all steps at the output voltage, three different algorithms to determine the amplitudes of dc voltage sources are presented. To reconfirm the performance and correct operation of the proposed topologies, the experimental results for a 15-level inverter are presented.
A 12-bit 350 MS/s Single-Channel Pipeline ADC with 75 dB SFDR in 0.18 μm BiCMOS
Authors: Sun Jie , Wu Jianhui
Published: May 2018

A 12-bit 350[Formula: see text]MS/s ADC with 75[Formula: see text]dB SFDR fabricated in 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m SiGe BiCMOS process is presented. To improve the power efficiency, the ADC employs a novel residue amplifier (RA) by exploiting the hetero-junction bipolar transistor (HBT). We also propose a fast comparator to save time for the residue settling of pipeline stages. A fully integrated reference buffer with “negative bootstrap power” (NBP) is proposed to improve both high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) and ground supply rejection ratio (GSRR). A bandgap reference (BGR) with ultra-low leakage current start-up loop is also presented. The measured results show that with Nyquist input, the SFDR achieves 75[Formula: see text]dB and 63[Formula: see text]dB SNDR up to 350[Formula: see text]MS/s and consumes 180[Formula: see text]mW (only ADC core) with 580[Formula: see text]fj/cov Waldon FOM.
Efimov physics in curved spacetime: Field fluctuations and exotic matter
Authors: Pinto Fabrizio
Published: May 2018

Several experimental detections have demonstrated the existence of Borromean states predicted by Vitaly Efimov within a nuclear physics context, that is, trimers bound despite the absence of bound states of any of the two-body subsystems. I show that novel Efimov Physics is expected in gravitationally polarizable nonbaryonic dark matter beyond the Standard Model with van der Waals-like forces driven by quantum gravitational fluctuations. I also discuss ground and space-based tests of spacetime curvature effects on weakly bound, highly diffuse quantum three-body systems with standard electrodynamical van der Waals forces. Finally, I consider exotic gravitational quantum matter from higher-order Brunnian structures and analogies with classical systems, already proven in three-stranded DNA, driven by the stochastic gravitational wave background.
Trilinear forms with double Kloosterman sums
Authors: Shparlinski Igor E.
Published: May 2018

We obtain several estimates for trilinear form with double Kloosterman sums. In particular, these bounds show the existence of nontrivial cancellations between such sums.
Embeddings of free groups into asymptotic cones of Hamiltonian diffeomorphisms
Authors: Alvarez-Gavela D. , Kaminker V. , Kislev A. , Kliakhandler K. , Pavlichenko A. , Rigolli L. , Rosen D. , Shabtai O. , Stevenson B. , Zhang J.
Published: May 2018

Given a symplectic surface [Formula: see text] of genus [Formula: see text], we show that the free group with two generators embeds into every asymptotic cone of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the Hofer metric. The result stabilizes to products with symplectically aspherical manifolds.
New large sets of t-designs from t-homogeneous groups
Authors: Emami M. , Naserian O.
Published: May 2018

One of the most common direct methods for constructing [Formula: see text]-designs and large sets of [Formula: see text]-designs is assembling orbits obtained from the action of a permutation group [Formula: see text] on the set of all [Formula: see text]-subsets of a [Formula: see text]-set. It is well known that when G is a [Formula: see text]-homogeneous group, then each orbit is a [Formula: see text]-design. Therefore the problem is that how one could assemble these orbits to make [Formula: see text]-designs with the same index to construct a large set of [Formula: see text]-designs. The case where the orbit sizes are limited up to two values is already investigated. Here, we present a generalization of this method to assemble the set of orbits when the orbit sizes are limited up to three values. Meanwhile, as an example of this method, we construct the large sets [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] two of them are new.
The birth and development of the oil and gas industry in the Northern Carpathians (up until 1939)
Authors: Krzywiec Piotr
Published: May 2018

The northern segments of the Carpathians, stretching between Limanowa (Poland) and Kosów (Ukraine), belonged to the most prolific hydrocarbon province in the world in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The earliest written accounts of natural occurrences of hydrocarbons in the Carpathians date back to the sixteenth century. In the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Rzączyński, Kluk, Hacquest and Staszic provided accounts on methods of practical use related to oil. Staszic's geological map shows numerous oil seeps and different rock types containing hydrocarbons. The development of the oil industry was triggered by Łukasiewicz's discovery of an oil-distillation process and the construction of a kerosene lamp. Following this, the oil industry flourished in the Northern Carpathians. Oil production peaked at 2 Mt (million tons) of crude oil in 1910. In subsequent years, the level of oil production steadily decreased due to a turbulent economy. Exploration for oil, gas and ozokerite resulted in the development of modern micropalaeontology and geological mapping, with a prime example being the regional coverage of almost the entire Northern Carpathians provided by the
Atlas Geologiczny Galicyi
(
Geological Atlas of Galicia
), which consisted of 99 high-quality geological maps at a scale of 1:75 000. Geophysical surveying techniques were applied to subsurface mapping, and higher educational institutions were established in order to support exploration efforts.
The Macroeconomics of Rational Bubbles: A User's Guide
Authors: Martin Alberto , Ventura Jaume
Published: May 2018

This review provides a guide to macroeconomic applications of the theory of rational bubbles. It shows that rational bubbles can be easily incorporated into standard macroeconomic models and illustrates how they can be used to account for important macroeconomic phenomena. It also discusses the welfare implications of rational bubbles and the role of policy in managing them. Finally, it provides a detailed review of the literature.
Venoarterial communication mediates arterial wall shear stress-induced maternal uterine vascular remodeling during pregnancy
Authors: Ko Nga Ling , Mandalà Maurizio , John Liam , Gelinne Aaron , Osol George
Published: May 2018

Although expansive remodeling of the maternal uterine circulation during pregnancy is essential for maintaining uteroplacental perfusion and normal fetal growth, the underlying physiological mechanisms are not well understood. Using a rat model, surgical approaches were used to alter uterine hemodynamics and wall shear stress (WSS) to evaluate the effects of WSS and venoarterial communication (e.g., transfer of placentally derived growth signals from postplacental veins to preplacental arteries) on gestational uterine vascular remodeling. Changes in WSS secondary to ligation of the cervical but not the ovarian end of the main uterine artery and vein provoked significant expansive remodeling at the opposite end of both vessels, but only in pregnant animals. The ≈50% increase in lumen diameter (relative to the contralateral horn) was associated with an upregulation of total endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase expression and was abolished by in vivo NO synthase inhibition with N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. Complete removal of a venous segment adjacent to the uterine artery to eliminate local venous influences significantly attenuated the WSS-induced remodeling by about one-half ( P < 0.05). These findings indicate that, during pregnancy, 1) increased WSS stimulates uterine artery growth via NO signaling and 2) the presence of an adjacent vein is required for arterial remodeling to fully occur.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides the first in vivo evidence for the importance of venous influences on arterial growth within the uteroplacental circulation.
Exercise cardiac MRI unmasks right ventricular dysfunction in acute hypoxia and chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Jaijee Shareen , Quinlan Marina , Tokarczuk Pawel , Clemence Matthew , Howard Luke S.G.E. , Gibbs J. Simon R. , O’Regan Declan P.
Published: May 2018

Coupling of right ventricular (RV) contractility to afterload is maintained at rest in the early stages of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but exercise may unmask depleted contractile reserves. We assessed whether elevated afterload reduces RV contractile reserve despite compensated resting function using noninvasive exercise imaging. Fourteen patients with PAH (mean age: 39.1 yr, 10 women and 4 men) and 34 healthy control subjects (mean ageL 35.6 yr, 17 women and 17 men) completed real-time cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during submaximal exercise breathing room air. Control subjects were then also exercised during acute normobaric hypoxia (fraction of inspired O2: 12%). RV contractile reserve was assessed by the effect of exercise on ejection fraction. In control subjects, the increase in RV ejection fraction on exercise was less during hypoxia ( P = 0.017), but the response of left ventricular ejection fraction to exercise did not change. Patients with PAH had an impaired RV reserve, with half demonstrating a fall in RV ejection fraction on exercise despite comparable resting function to controls (PAH: rest 53.6 ± 4.3% vs. exercise 51.4 ± 10.7%; controls: rest 57.1 ± 5.2% vs. exercise 69.6 ± 6.1%, P < 0.0001). In control subjects, the increase in stroke volume index on exercise was driven by reduced RV end-systolic volume, whereas patients with PAH did not augment the stroke volume index, with increases in both end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes. From baseline hemodynamic and exercise capacity variables, only the minute ventilation-to-CO2 output ratio was an independent predictor of RV functional reserve ( P = 0.021). In conclusion, noninvasive cardiac imaging during exercise unmasks depleted RV contractile reserves in healthy adults under hypoxic conditions and patients with PAH under normoxic conditions despite preserved ejection fraction at rest.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Right ventricular (RV) reserve was assessed using real-time cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and in healthy control subjects under normobaric hypoxia, which has been previously associated with acute pulmonary hypertension. Hypoxia caused a mild reduction in RV reserve, whereas chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension was associated with a marked reduction in RV reserve.
Reforma Tributaria: la adaptación de los contadores
Authors: Manquez Hatta Manuel
Published: May 2018

El presidente del Colegio de Contadores de Chile, Alejandro Vera, está preocupado; al igual que el gremio que lidera a nivel nacional. Este sentimiento, según lo ha explicado en diferentes medios de prensa se fue generado a medida que los contadores han ido avanzando en el estudio y dominio de la compleja Reforma Tributaria que se puso en marcha en septiembre del año 2014, y que fue modificada con la simplificación de ésta, en febrero de 2016. Las proyecciones que hacen los contadores es que la Operación Renta del año tributario 2018 generará muchas diferencias de impuesto a pagar por los contribuyentes en fiscalizaciones posteriores y las correspondientes multas que eso conlleva. Lo que ha ocurrido, es que las complejidades contenidas en la reforma redundan en un ejercicio de la profesión contable definitivamente desafiante; y no sólo por la gran carga de trabajo que representan los meses de enero a abril, sino por lo que representa el resto del año con las fiscalizaciones.
Integrin β3 Inhibition Enhances the Antitumor Activity of ALK Inhibitor in ALK-Rearranged NSCLC
Authors: Noh Ka-Won , Sohn Insuk , Song Ji-Young , Shin Hyun-Tae , Kim Yu-Jin , Jung Kyungsoo , Sung Minjung , Kim Mingi , An Sungbin , Han Joungho , Lee Se-Hoon , Lee Mi-Sook , Choi Yoon-La
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive cancers are sensitive to small-molecule ALK kinase inhibitors, but most cases experience failure following treatment. Hence, additional drug targets and combination therapeutic treatments are needed. We investigated gene expression that is regulated by the expression of ALK and explored its roles in cancer progression and therapeutic implication.

Experimental Design: We screened ALK-rearranged non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization and then conducted multiplex gene expression analysis. We also performed a clinicopathologic analysis to validate the findings. Additional cellular experiments, including inhibition and migration assays, and in vivo lung cancer model studies were performed.

Results: Among patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC, integrin β3 (ITGB3) was one of the overexpressed genes in comparison with that in ALK-negative NSCLC (P = 0.0003). ALK and integrin β3 expression were positively correlated, and we discovered that high integrin β3 mRNA expression was associated with metastasis and more advanced tumor stages (P < 0.005; P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that inhibition of both ALK and integrin β3 led to increased drug sensitivity in vitro and in vivo (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions: We discovered a positive correlation between ALK and integrin β3 expression levels in ALK-rearranged NSCLC. Our findings suggest that high integrin β3 expression in ALK-rearranged NSCLC is associated with tumor progression and a worse prognosis. This finding demonstrates the prognostic value of integrin β3 and provides a rationale for combination treatment with ALK and integrin β3 inhibitors in patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC. Clin Cancer Res; 24(17); 4162–74. ©2018 AACR.
Effect of 2 Psoriasis Treatments on Vascular Inflammation and Novel Inflammatory Cardiovascular Biomarkers
Authors: Mehta Nehal N. , Shin Daniel B. , Joshi Aditya A. , Dey Amit K. , Armstrong April W. , Duffin Kristina Callis , Fuxench Zelma Chiesa , Harrington Charlotte L. , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Kalb Robert E. , Menter Alan , Rader Daniel J. , Reilly Muredach P. , Simpson Eric L. , Takeshita Junko , Torigian Drew A. , Werner Thomas J. , Troxel Andrea B. , Tyring Stephen K. , Vanderbeek Suzette Baez , Van Voorhees Abby S. , Playford Martin P. , Ahlman Mark A. , Alavi Abass , Gelfand Joel M.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with dyslipidemia, cardiovascular events, and mortality. We aimed to assess and compare the effect of treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis with adalimumab or phototherapy on vascular inflammation and cardiovascular biomarkers.

Methods and Results:

Randomized, double-blind, trial of adalimumab, phototherapy, and placebo (1:1:1) for 12 weeks, with crossover to adalimumab for 52 weeks total. Outcomes included vascular inflammation by
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and biomarkers of inflammation, insulin resistance, and lipoproteins. Ninety-seven patients were randomized, 92 completed the randomized controlled trial portion; 81 entered the adalimumab extension with 61 completing 52 weeks of adalimumab. There was no difference in change in vascular inflammation at week 12 in the adalimumab group (change compared with placebo, 0.64%; 95% confidence interval, −5.84% to 7.12%) or the phototherapy group (−1.60%; 95% confidence interval, −6.78% to 3.59%) or after 52-week adalimumab treatment (0.02% compared with initiation; 95% confidence interval, −2.85% to 2.90%). Both adalimumab and phototherapy decreased inflammation by serum CRP, interleukin-6. Only adalimumab reduced tumor necrosis factor and glycoprotein acetylation at 12 and 52 weeks. Neither had an impact on metabolic markers (insulin, adiponectin, and leptin). Only phototherapy increased high-density lipoprotein-p at 12 weeks. At 52-week of adalimumab cholesterol efflux and high-density lipoprotein-p were reduced.

Conclusions:

Adalimumab reduced key markers of inflammation including glycoprotein acetylation compared with phototherapy with no effect on glucose metabolism and vascular inflammation, and potential adverse effects on high-density lipoprotein. Glycoprotein acetylation improvement may partially explain the beneficial effects of adalimumab seen in observational studies. Larger studies with more detailed phenotyping of vascular disease should assess the comparative differences in the effects of adalimumab and phototherapy seen in our study.

Clinical Trial Registration

: URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT01866592 and NCT01553058.
Clinical Utility of Electronic Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score Software in the ENCHANTED Trial Database
Authors: Nagel Simon , Wang Xia , Carcel Cheryl , Robinson Thompson , Lindley Richard I. , Chalmers John , Anderson Craig S.
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose—

Clinical utility of electronic Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (e-ASPECTS), an automated system for quantifying signs of infarction, was evaluated in a large database of thrombolyzed patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

All baseline noncontrast computed tomographic scans of patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke who participated in the alteplase dose arm of the randomized controlled trial ENCHANTED (Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study) were reviewed; poor quality and large (>6 mm) slice thickness were excluded. Included scans had e-ASPECTS scores correlated with baseline neurological severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores) and 90-day disability outcomes (modified Rankin Scale scores). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the predictive ability of e-ASPECTS for disability outcomes and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Results—

Of 2426 available computed tomographic images, 1480 (61%) were included in analyses of e-ASPECTS scores (median 9 [interquartile range, 8–10], 77% with good [range, 8–10] scores). Lower e-ASPECTS scores (per 1-point decrease) were significantly associated with increasing baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (
r
, −0.31;
P
<0.0001) and 90-day poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores, 2–6;
r
, −0.27;
P
<0.001). Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for 90-day outcomes were death or disability (modified Rankin Scale scores, 2–6; 0.91 [0.85–0.97]), death and major disability (modified Rankin Scale scores, 3–6; 0.89 [0.83–0.95]), and death (0.86 [0.79–0.95]); and for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, according to the Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-Monitoring Study criteria was 0.87 (0.72–1.05).

Conclusions—

e-ASPECT scores from thin computed tomographic slices (≤6 mm) were highly correlated with baseline neurological severity and independently predict functional recovery and adverse outcomes in acute ischemic stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01422616.
The Distribution of Heirless Books to Morocco by the Jewish Cultural Reconstruction, Inc.
Authors: Guedj David
Published: May 2018

This article looks into the one-of-a-kind encounter between the inter-diasporic Jewish corporation Jewish Cultural Reconstruction (JCR), and the Alliance Israélite Universelle’s (AIU) Hebrew teachers’ seminary in Casablanca, an encounter that studies into JCR’s history have all but failed to cite. Nevertheless, Morocco’s case is of considerable significance, Morocco being the only Islamic country where the Jewish community managed to obtain books from JCR. This unique case warrants a review into what facilitated the encounter between the seminary and the corporation, and an examination in light of broader historic processes that took place as part of the Moroccan Jewish relations with other diasporic Jews.
Molecular species delimitation of the Asian chestnut gall wasp biocontrol agent released in Italy
Authors: Montagna M. , Gonella E. , Mereghetti V. , Magoga G. , Ferrari E. , Pontini M. , Ferracini C. , Alma A.
Published: May 2018

Molecular species recognition and identification, based on the mitochondrial cox1 and on the nuclear ITS2, were performed on individuals of Torymus sinensis collected in Italy, on its close relative T. beneficus and on native torymids. The automatic-gap-discovery (ABGD) analyses correctly separate almost all morphospecies. On the basis of cox1, individuals of late-spring T. beneficus clustered with T. sinensis, and those identified as early-spring T. beneficus were recognized as a separate entity. Whereas, T. beneficus ecotypes clustered with T. sinensis on the basis of ITS2. Coalescent tree-based methods confirmed these results. The cox1-based recognition of early-spring T. beneficus as a separate phylospecies led us to conclude that this taxon deserves to be treated as a valid species, whereas individuals identified as late-spring T. beneficus might be considered as part of T. sinensis. Morphological identification and BLAST analyses confirmed that no T. beneficus was imported into Italy to control Dryocosmus kuriphilus.
The genus Bolbonema Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda: Desmodoridae): emended diagnosis, key to males, and description of three new species from the continental shelf off northeastern Brazil
Authors: LARRAZÁBAL-FILHO ALEXANDRE L. , NERES PATRÍCIA F. , ESTEVES ANDRÉ M.
Published: May 2018

The marine nematode genus Bolbonema has three valid species, the most recent one described eight years ago. Characteristics of the genus include the well-defined globular cephalic capsule and the long and short somatic setae along the body. Three previously undescribed species of this genus were collected on the continental shelf of the Potiguar Basin in northeastern Brazil. Bolbonema braziliensis sp. n. has a relatively large cryptospiral fovea amphidialis, gubernaculum a bent rod dorsally oriented and two subventral precloacal setae inserted on two small papillae above the cloaca. Bolbonema papillae sp. n. has a large multispiral fovea amphidialis with three turns, arched spicules with the proximal region rounded, a laminar and well-developed gubernaculum enfolding the distal portion of the spicules, and two subventral precloacal papillae just above the cloaca. Bolbonema zildae sp. n. has a spiral fovea amphidialis, no supplements, arched spicules with a velum, and the gubernaculum with a dorsal apophysis. These three new species increase to six the number of taxa known in the genus. A dichotomous key based on males, an emended diagnosis of the genus, and the first record of Bolbonema brevicolle Cobb, 1920 from Brazil are provided.
Associations Between Childhood Learning Disabilities and Adult-Age Mental Health Problems, Lack of Education, and Unemployment
Authors: Aro Tuija , Eklund Kenneth , Eloranta Anna-Kaija , Närhi Vesa , Korhonen Elisa , Ahonen Timo
Published: May 2018

We studied the impact of diverse subtypes of learning disabilities (LD) on adult-age mental health, education, and employment by comparing the LD group ( n = 430) with a matched control group without a known history of LD ( n = 2,149). The clinical archived data were merged with lifelong register data on sickness allowances/disability pensions granted on the basis of psychiatric illnesses, reimbursements for psychoactive medication, having a degree after compulsory education, and having received unemployment allowances. Differences emerged between the LD and control groups in all outcomes, suggesting that a higher proportion of individuals with LD had mental health problems compared to the control group, and a notable share of them had not attained a degree after compulsory education and had been unemployed for an extended period. Subgroup comparisons indicated that math disability (MD) was associated with antidepressant use and unemployment, whereas the reading disability (RD) group showed the least problems with employment. Interactions between subgroup and gender suggested that MD (with/without RD) may pose a higher risk than RD for females, whereas RD seemed to pose a risk for males. The findings suggest the need for researchers, clinicians, and those involved with adult education to consider mental health and educational problems among individuals with LD.
Qualitative Assessment of Smoke-Free Policy Implementation in Low-Income Housing: Enhancing Resident Compliance
Authors: Anthony Jodi , Goldman Roberta , Rees Vaughan W. , Frounfelker Rochelle L. , Davine Jessica , Keske Robyn R. , Brooks Daniel R. , Geller Alan C.
Published: May 2018

Purpose:

As public housing agencies and other low-income housing providers adopt smoke-free policies, data are needed to inform implementation approaches that support compliance.

Design:

Focused ethnography used including qualitative interviews with staff, focus groups with residents, and property observations.

Setting:

Four low-income housing properties in Massachusetts, 12 months postpolicy adoption.

Participants:

Individual interviews (n = 17) with property staff (managers, resident service coordinators, maintenance, security, and administrators) and focus groups with resident smokers (n = 28) and nonsmokers (n = 47).

Measures:

Informed by the social–ecological model: intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and community factors relating to compliance were assessed.

Analysis:

Utilized MAXQDA in a theory-driven immersion/crystallization analytic process with cycles of raw data examination and pattern identification until no new themes emerged.

Results:

Self-reported secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) was reduced but not eliminated. Challenges included relying on ambivalent maintenance staff and residents to report violations, staff serving as both enforcers and smoking cessation counsellors, and inability to enforce on nights and weekends. Erroneous knowledge of the policy, perception that SHSe is not harmful to neighbors, as well as believing that smokers were losing their autonomy and being unfairly singled out when other resident violations were being unaddressed, hindered policy acceptance among resident smokers. The greatest challenge to compliance was the lack of allowable outdoor smoking areas that may have reduced the burden of the policy on smokers.

Conclusion:

Smoke-free policy implementation to support compliance could be enhanced with information about SHSe for smokers and nonsmokers, cessation support from external community partners, discussion forums for maintenance staff, resident inclusion in decision-making, and framing the policy as part of a broader wellness initiative.
Veterans’ Civilian Employment Experiences: Lessons Learnt From Focus Groups
Authors: Keeling Mary Elizabeth , Ozuna Sara M. , Kintzle Sara , Castro Carl A.
Published: May 2018

Emerging evidence highlights employment as a key factor influencing the success of transition from military to civilian life. Historically, employment programs have focused on improving skills such as resume writing and interview skills. However, it is likely that employment challenges are more than these practical barriers. Four focus groups with employed and unemployed Gulf War Era II veterans were conducted aimed at moving past a practical perspective by gaining experiential understandings of veterans’ employment. Thematic analysis indicated that the veterans’ employment experiences were best understood temporally in two master themes: pretransition and the divergent experiences of veterans who did and did not plan ahead and living the transition and the veterans’ experiences of employment barriers and facilitators. Further to the two master themes, an underlying thread of the need for self-determination was evident. Interpretation of the results led to the development of recommendations for policy, service provision, and future research.
Preparation of sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite membrane for vanadium redox flow battery
Authors: Zhang Junli , Zhang Yan , Ma Yaobin
Published: May 2018

A sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone) (SPPES)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite membrane was prepared through a solution-casting method for vanadium redox flow battery (denoted as VRB). The composite membrane exhibits dramatically lower vanadium ions permeability and better cell performance compared to the pristine SPPES membrane and Nafion 115 membrane. The vanadium ion permeability of SPPES/PVDF membrane is one order of magnitude lower than that of Nafion 115 membrane. In the further work, the VRB single cell with SPPES/PVDF composite membrane shows higher columbic efficiency (92.80%) and energy efficiency (84.1%) at the current density 36 mA·cm−2 compared with the single cell with Nafion 115 membrane. In the self-discharge test, SPPES/PVDF membrane showed 1.7 times longer duration in the open circuit decay than Nafion 115 membrane. With all the good properties and low cost, this new kind of composite membrane is of excellent commercial prospects as an ion exchange membrane for VRB systems.
Contrasts in older persons’ experiences and significant others’ perceptions of existential loneliness
Authors: Larsson Helena , Edberg Anna-Karin , Bolmsjö Ingrid , Rämgård Margareta
Published: May 2018

Background:

As frail older people might have difficulties in expressing themselves, their needs are often interpreted by others, for example, by significant others, whose information health care staff often have to rely on. This, in turn, can put health care staff in ethically difficult situations, where they have to choose between alternative courses of action. One aspect that might be especially difficult to express is that of existential loneliness. We have only sparse knowledge about whether, and in what way, the views of frail older persons and their significant others concerning existential loneliness are in concordance.

Objective:

To contrast frail older (>75) persons’ experiences with their significant others’ perceptions of existential loneliness.

Methods:

A case study design was chosen for this study. Individual interviews with frail older persons (n = 15) and interviews with their significant others (n = 19), as well as field notes, served as a basis for the study. A thematic analysis was used to interpret data.

Ethical considerations:

This study was conducted in accordance with the principles of research ethics.

Findings:

The findings showed three themes: (1) Meaningless waiting in contrast to lack of activities, (2) Longing for a deeper connectedness in contrast to not participating in a social environment and (3) Restricted freedom in contrast to given up on life.

Discussion:

Knowledge about the tensions between older persons’ and their significant others’ views of existential loneliness could be of use as a basis for ethical reflections on the care of older people and in the encounter with their significant others.

Conclusion:

It is of importance that health care professionals listen to both the frail older person and their significant other(s) and be aware of whose voice that the care given is based on, in order to provide care that is beneficial and not to the detriment of the older person.
Bioinformatics functional analysis of let-7a, miR-34a, and miR-199a/b reveals novel insights into immune system pathways and cancer hallmarks for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Soliman Bangly , Salem Ahmed , Ghazy Mohamed , Abu-Shahba Nourhan , El Hefnawi Mahmoud
Published: May 2018

Let-7a, miR-34a, and miR-199 a/b have gained a great attention as master regulators for cellular processes. In particular, these three micro-RNAs act as potential onco-suppressors for hepatocellular carcinoma. Bioinformatics can reveal the functionality of these micro-RNAs through target prediction and functional annotation analysis. In the current study, in silico analysis using innovative servers (miRror Suite, DAVID, miRGator V3.0, GeneTrail) has demonstrated the combinatorial and the individual target genes of these micro-RNAs and further explored their roles in hepatocellular carcinoma progression. There were 87 common target messenger RNAs (p ≤ 0.05) that were predicted to be regulated by the three micro-RNAs using miRror 2.0 target prediction tool. In addition, the functional enrichment analysis of these targets that was performed by DAVID functional annotation and REACTOME tools revealed two major immune-related pathways, eight hepatocellular carcinoma hallmarks–linked pathways, and two pathways that mediate interconnected processes between immune system and hepatocellular carcinoma hallmarks. Moreover, protein–protein interaction network for the predicted common targets was obtained by using STRING database. The individual analysis of target genes and pathways for the three micro-RNAs of interest using miRGator V3.0 and GeneTrail servers revealed some novel predicted target oncogenes such as SOX4, which we validated experimentally, in addition to some regulated pathways of immune system and hepatocarcinogenesis such as insulin signaling pathway and adipocytokine signaling pathway. In general, our results demonstrate that let-7a, miR-34a, and miR-199 a/b have novel interactions in different immune system pathways and major hepatocellular carcinoma hallmarks. Thus, our findings shed more light on the roles of these miRNAs as cancer silencers.
Blood-based biomarkers in breast cancer: From proteins to circulating tumor cells to circulating tumor DNA
Authors: Duffy Michael J , McDermott Enda W , Crown John
Published: May 2018

Biomarkers are the key to personalized treatment in patients with breast cancer. While tissue biomarkers are most useful in determining prognosis and upfront predicting response to therapy, circulating protein biomarkers such as CA 15-3 and carcinoembryonic antigen are mainly used in monitoring response to endocrine or chemotherapy in patients with advanced disease. Although several centers measure biomarkers in asymptomatic patients following curative surgery for primary breast cancer, the clinical utility of this practice is unclear. Promising new biomarkers for breast cancer include circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells. In contrast to circulating protein biomarkers, measurement of circulating tumor DNA–based biomarkers is potentially useful in identifying mechanisms of resistance to ongoing therapies as well as identifying new targets for further treatment. To increase clinical utility, both the established and emerging circulating biomarkers should where possible be incorporated into randomized trials evaluating new therapies in patients with breast cancer.
Clear Cell Chondrosarcoma With Chondroblastoma-Like Features: A Case for Team Diagnosis
Authors: Kiefer Ryan M. , Wojcik John , Cooper Kumarasen , Weber Kristy L. , Sebro Ronnie
Published: May 2018

Clear cell chondrosarcoma (CCCS) is a rare variant of conventional chondrosarcoma with low-grade malignant features that may be confused radiographically and histologically with chondroblastoma. We report a case of a 50-year-old female who presented with 6 months of left hip pain. Initial radiographs demonstrated an osteolytic lesion with adjacent area of sclerosis in the proximal left femur. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a marrow-infiltrative lesion with periosteal reaction and thickened enhancing periosteum. Biopsy of the sclerotic area demonstrated chondroblastoma-like findings, whereas biopsy of the lytic area showed features suggestive of CCCS. The patient eventually underwent en bloc resection and reconstruction with a proximal femoral megaprosthesis. The final diagnosis was CCCS. We present this unusual case with review of the radiographic and histologic features of CCCS with attention to its ability to mimic chondroblastomas. This case highlights the importance of sampling radiographically heterogeneous areas within a bone lesion to facilitate accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Erythema Nodosum as the Initial Presentation of Nivolumab-Induced Sarcoidosis-Like Reaction
Authors: Laroche Alexandre , Alarcon Chinchilla Evelyn , Bourgeault Emilie , Doré Marc-André
Published: May 2018

Background:

We report a case of nivolumab-related sarcoidosis-like syndrome that initially presented with erythema nodosum. Sarcoidosis development has been described in single and combination immunotherapy.

Case Presentation:

A 68-year-old white woman with metastatic ocular amelanotic choroid melanoma was treated with nivolumab. The patient developed histologically confirmed erythema nodosum lesions and pulmonary granuloma sarcoidosis. Nivolumab was discontinued and the patient started ipilimumab therapy.

Conclusion:

Sarcoidosis-like syndrome with lymphadenopathy is a rare adverse event that is important to recognize since it can be mistaken for metastatic disease progression. Tissue biopsy of new lesions during immunotherapy is an important step in patient evaluation.
Caring for children – ‘24-7’: The experience of WellChild Nurses and the families for whom they are providing care and support
Authors: Whiting Mark
Published: May 2018

There is a growing population of children with complex health needs and disabilities who are being cared for at home by their parents 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Community Children’s Nursing Teams are a major source of support to these children. In 2006, the charity WellChild introduced the first WellChild Nurse (WCN) post specifically focused upon this group of children. In order to gain insight into how the WCN model was supporting this group of children throughout the 24-hour day, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 12 WCNs and 10 parents of children with a range of long-term clinical care needs. Analysis of the interviews from both groups of study participants revealed complex patterns of decision-making by parents when seeking support and advice particularly ‘out of hours’. This related to four key questions: ‘Why call?’, ‘When to call?’, ‘Who to call?’ and ‘How to call?’. Parents identified how, as a result of the support provided by the WCNs, they are able to draw upon a range of decision-making skills and algorithms that enhance their ability to troubleshoot both clinical and non-clinical problems throughout the 24-hour day.
Detection of perimacular red dots and blots when screening for diabetic retinopathy: Refer or not refer?
Authors: Baltatescu Anatolie , Striglia Elio , Trento Marina , Mazzeo Aurora , Cavallo Franco , Charrier Lorena , Porta Massimo
Published: May 2018

Purpose:

Detection of microaneurysms and/or microhaemorrhages near the fovea when screening for diabetic retinopathy poses a problem because referral to retinal specialists may alarm patients and unnecessarily burden ophthalmologists.

Methods:

Six-month prospective study of patients found to have minimal red lesions within one disc diameter of the fovea when screened for diabetic retinopathy. Two 45° digital photographs, one centred on the macula and the other nasal including the optic disc, were taken for each eye. All patients received a 6-month re-screening appointment.

Results:

Out of 70 patients, 41 returned for re-screening. Diabetic retinopathy had worsened in 3 who required referral but no treatment, was unchanged in 19 and was undetectable in the other 19. Haemoglobin A1c decreased from 7.76% ± 1.50% (61.3 ± 16.2 mmol/mol) to 6.93% ± 1.7% (52.3 ± 18.9 mmol/mol) in the patients in whom diabetic retinopathy worsened but did not change in the other groups. Baseline haemoglobin A1c ( p = 0.048) and systolic blood pressure ( p = 0.007) were lower in the patients in whom diabetic retinopathy improved, but a multivariate model including haemoglobin A1c, blood pressure and known disease duration could not identify any independent risk factor.

Conclusion:

Minimal red lesions near the fovea, though commanding early re-screening, do not require immediate referral to retinal specialists.
Trust evaluation model of cloud user based on behavior data
Authors: Chen Zhenguo , Tian Liqin , Lin Chuang
Published: May 2018

In the process of using the cloud platform, how to ensure the safety of users is a matter we must concern. The user authentication can provide a certain degree of security, but when the user information was leaked, this method will not be effective. Therefore, this article proposes a trust evaluation model based on user behavior data. In this model, the user’s historical behavior will be used to construct a set of trusted behavior of the cloud users. On this basis, the direct trust of the user’s behavior can be obtained. Then, the recommendation trust can be calculated by the interaction between the users and other cloud users. Given the current historical trust, the comprehensive trust can be obtained using the weighted average method. Among them, the initial value of historical trust is set to a constant and then updated by the comprehensive trust. In order to control the user’s abnormal behavior more effectively, the suspicious threshold value and the abnormal threshold value were defined, which are used to punish the historical trust. Through the simulation of the virtual digital library cloud platform, the method can effectively evaluate the cloud users.
“The Financial Is the Main Issue, It’s Not Even the Child”: Exploring the Role of Finances in Men’s Concepts of Fatherhood and Fertility Intention
Authors: Hamm Megan , Miller Elizabeth , Jackson Foster Lovie , Browne Mario , Borrero Sonya
Published: May 2018

Despite demonstrable need, men’s utilization of sexual and reproductive health services remains low. This low utilization may particularly affect low-income men, given the disproportionate prevalence of unintended pregnancy in low-income populations. Bolstering men’s utilization of sexual and reproductive health services requires understanding the services that are most relevant to them. Semistructured interviews about fatherhood, fertility intention, and contraceptive use were conducted with 58 low-income Black and White men in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis to determine common themes that were most relevant to the men interviewed. The primacy of financial stability emerged as a dominant theme in men’s perceptions of fatherhood readiness, successful fathering, and fertility intentions. However, men had children despite feeling financially unprepared, and their contraceptive use was not always congruent with their stated fertility intentions. Some men described financial services as a feature of family planning services that they would find useful. Because of the salience of financial stability in preparation for fatherhood, integrating financial counseling and job skills training into the context of sexual and reproductive health services could be a useful structural intervention to increase men’s use of family planning services and to provide them with the support they say they need as fathers.