bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ perception of animal or virtual laboratory in physiology practical classes in PBL medical hybrid curriculum
Authors: Durand Marina de Toledo , Restini Carolina Baraldi Araujo , Wolff Amora C. D. , Faria Jr. Milton , Couto Lucélio Bernardes , Bestetti Reinaldo Bulgarelli
Published: August 2019

Over the years, much criticism against animal use for physiology teaching has been made. Hence, replacement by suitable alternatives has increased in several pedagogical approaches. This study examined students’ perceptions of animal versus virtual (video/computer) laboratory classes in physiological sciences associated with the effectiveness of the problem-based learning (PBL) hybrid curriculum. Three cohorts of medical students from the University of Ribeirão Preto, who participated in animal or virtual physiology classes or both, were asked to fill out a 5-point Likert questionnaire about knowledge acquisition/motivation, importance to PBL learning goals, skills acquired, need for animal use, academic formation, learning impairment, and alternative methods. We also assessed their grades in the final exam. A total of 350 students were included, in which 108 participated only in virtual classes, 120 only in practical animal laboratory classes, and 122 in both approaches. The majority agreed that the two methods improved their knowledge acquisition/motivation and helped to reinforce tutorial goals and to acquire skills. However, the cohort who experienced both approaches favored animal laboratory. Students believe animal use is needed and did not impair their learning. Conversely, their opinion about academic formation without animal laboratory classes was divided, as was whether this approach inspired them to seek alternative methods. Despite the different perceptions, there was no difference among the groups’ final grades (7.3 ± 1 vs. 7.2 ± 1 vs. 7.2 ± 2 for virtual or practical animal laboratory classes or both, respectively). Therefore, virtual activities are not as effective as animal use in the opinions of the students, but they are successful strategies in physiology learning that can be used in practical classes in a hybrid PBL curriculum.
Cell type- and tissue-specific functions of ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73)
Authors: Minor Marquet , Alcedo Karel P. , Battaglia Rachel A. , Snider Natasha T.
Published: August 2019

Ecto-5′-nucleotidase [cluster of differentiation 73 (CD73)] is a ubiquitously expressed glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein that converts extracellular adenosine 5′-monophosphate to adenosine. Anti-CD73 inhibitory antibodies are currently undergoing clinical testing for cancer immunotherapy. However, many protective physiological functions of CD73 need to be taken into account for new targeted therapies. This review examines CD73 functions in multiple organ systems and cell types, with a particular focus on novel findings from the last 5 years. Missense loss-of-function mutations in the CD73-encoding gene NT5E cause the rare disease “arterial calcifications due to deficiency of CD73.” Aside from direct human disease involvement, cellular and animal model studies have revealed key functions of CD73 in tissue homeostasis and pathology across multiple organ systems. In the context of the central nervous system, CD73 is antinociceptive and protects against inflammatory damage, while also contributing to age-dependent decline in cortical plasticity. CD73 preserves barrier function in multiple tissues, a role that is most evident in the respiratory system, where it inhibits endothelial permeability in an adenosine-dependent manner. CD73 has important cardioprotective functions during myocardial infarction and heart failure. Under ischemia-reperfusion injury conditions, rapid and sustained induction of CD73 confers protection in the liver and kidney. In some cases, the mechanism by which CD73 mediates tissue injury is less clear. For example, CD73 has a promoting role in liver fibrosis but is protective in lung fibrosis. Future studies that integrate CD73 regulation and function at the cellular level with physiological responses will improve its utility as a disease target.
NK2 receptor-mediated detrusor muscle contraction involves Gq/11-dependent activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+channels and the RhoA-Rho kinase pathway
Authors: Dér Bálint , Molnár Péter József , Ruisanchez Éva , Őrsy Petra , Kerék Margit , Faragó Bernadett , Nyirády Péter , Offermanns Stefan , Benyó Zoltán
Published: August 2019

Tachykinins (TKs) are involved in both the physiological regulation of urinary bladder functions and development of overactive bladder syndrome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the signal transduction pathways of TKs in the detrusor muscle to provide potential pharmacological targets for the treatment of bladder dysfunctions related to enhanced TK production. Contraction force, intracellular Ca2+concentration, and RhoA activity were measured in the mouse urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM). TKs and the NK2 receptor (NK2R)-specific agonist [β-Ala8]-NKA(4–10) evoked contraction, which was inhibited by the NKR2 antagonist MEN10376. In Gαq/11-deficient mice, [β-Ala8]-NKA(4–10)-induced contraction and the intracellular Ca2+concentration increase were abolished. Although Gq/11proteins are linked principally to phospholipase Cβ and inositol trisphosphate-mediated Ca2+release from intracellular stores, we found that phospholipase Cβ inhibition and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+depletion failed to have any effect on contraction induced by [β-Ala8]-NKA(4–10). In contrast, lack of extracellular Ca2+or blockade of voltage-dependent Ca2+channels (VDCCs) suppressed contraction. Furthermore, [β-Ala8]-NKA(4–10) increased RhoA activity in the UBSM in a Gq/11-dependent manner and inhibition of Rho kinase with Y-27632 decreased contraction force, whereas the combination of Y-27632 with either VDCC blockade or depletion of extracellular Ca2+resulted in complete inhibition of [β-Ala8]-NKA(4–10)-induced contractions. In summary, our results indicate that NK2Rs are linked exclusively to Gq/11proteins in the UBSM and that the intracellular signaling involves the simultaneous activation of VDCC and the RhoA-Rho kinase pathway. These findings may help to identify potential therapeutic targets of bladder dysfunctions related to upregulation of TKs.
Visual responses in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus at early stages of retinal degeneration in rd1 PDE6β mice
Authors: Procyk Christopher A. , Allen Annette E. , Martial Franck P. , Lucas Robert J.
Published: August 2019

Inherited retinal degenerations encompass a wide range of diseases that result in the death of rod and cone photoreceptors, eventually leading to irreversible blindness. Low vision survives at early stages of degeneration, at which point it could rely on residual populations of rod/cone photoreceptors as well as the inner retinal photoreceptor, melanopsin. To date, the impact of partial retinal degeneration on visual responses in the primary visual thalamus (dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, dLGN) remains unknown, as does their relative reliance on surviving rod and cone photoreceptors vs. melanopsin. To answer these questions, we recorded visually evoked responses in the dLGN of anesthetized rd1 mice using in vivo electrophysiology at an age (3–5 wk) at which cones are partially degenerate and rods are absent. We found that excitatory (ON) responses to light had lower amplitude and longer latency in rd1 mice compared with age-matched visually intact controls; however, contrast sensitivity and spatial receptive field size were largely unaffected at this early stage of degeneration. Responses were retained when those wavelengths to which melanopsin is most sensitive were depleted, indicating that they were driven primarily by surviving cones. Inhibitory responses appeared absent in the rd1 thalamus, as did light-evoked gamma oscillations in firing. This description of fundamental features of the dLGN visual response at this intermediate stage of retinal degeneration provides a context for emerging attempts to restore vision by introducing ectopic photoreception to the degenerate retina.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides new therapeutically relevant insights to visual responses in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus during progressive retinal degeneration. Using in vivo electrophysiology, we demonstrate that visual responses have lower amplitude and longer latency during degeneration, but contrast sensitivity and spatial receptive fields remain unaffected. Such visual responses are driven predominantly by surviving cones rather than melanopsin photoreceptors. The functional integrity of this visual pathway is encouraging for emerging attempts at visual restoration.
Effects of Osteocalcin on Synthesis of Testosterone and INSL3 during Adult Leydig Cell Differentiation
Authors: Coskun Gulfidan , Sencar Leman , Tuli Abdullah , Saker Dilek , Alparslan Mustafa Muhlis , Polat Sait
Published: August 2019

Proliferation and differentiation of adult Leydig cells are mainly completed in puberty. In many studies, apart from normal postnatal development process, it is widely indicated that, through administrating EDS, Leydig cell population is eliminated and regenerated. It is believed that osteocalcin released from osteoblasts, which is responsible for modulating bone metabolism, induces testosterone production in Leydig cells, independent of the HPG axis. In addition, INSL3 produced by Leydig cells, such as testosterone, plays a critical role in bone metabolism and is known to reflect the development process and functional capacities of Leydig cells. This study is aimed at investigating OC-mediated testosterone regulation and INSL3 synthesis during differentiation of adult Leydig cells that are independent of LH. For this purpose, male rats were divided into 2 groups: prepubertal normal rats and adult EDS-injected rats. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups in which GnRH antagonist or OC was applied. After adult Leydig cells completed their development, testicular tissue samples obtained from the sacrificed rats were examined by light-electron microscopic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical methods. Slight upregulation in 3βHSD, INSL3, and GPRC6A expressions along with the increase in serum testosterone levels was observed in groups treated with osteocalcin against GnRH antagonist. In addition, biochemical and microscopic findings in osteocalcin treated groups were similar to those in control groups. While there was no significant difference in the number of Leydig cells reported, the presence of a significant upregulation in INSL3 and GPRC6A expressions and the increase in serum testosterone and ucOC levels were observed. After evaluation of findings altogether, it is put forward that, for the first time in this study, although osteocalcin treatment made no significant difference in the number of Leydig cells, it increased the level of testosterone through improving the function of existing adult Leydig cells during normal postnatal development process and post-EDS regeneration. This positive correlation between osteocalcin-testosterone and osteocalcin-INSL3 is concluded to be independent of LH at in vivo conditions.
Effects of Facial Threading on Female Skin Texture: A Prospective Trial with Physiological Parameters and Sense Assessment
Authors: Lin Li-Ying , Chiou Shang-Chia , Wang Shu-Hui , Chi Ching-Chi
Published: August 2019

Background. Facial threading is a common tradition in Taiwan, Southeast Asia (called “Bande Abru”), Middle East (called “Khite”), and Egypt (called “Fatlah”). In addition to the ability to remove facial vellus hairs, facial threading can make the skin fairer and shinier. However, there has been a lack of hard evidence regarding the effects of facial threading on the skin. Objective. To examine the effects of facial threading on skin physiology as well as visual and touch senses by using scientific instruments. Methods. A total of 80 participants were allocated to receive facial threading, application of powder only, exfoliation, and shaving. Prior to and following the assigned treatment, a noninvasive skin condition detection device was used to measure skin coarseness, hydration, melanin, and erythema index. Sense assessment and image analysis were also performed. Results. This study showed that facial threading was found to improve the facial skin roughness indices with significant decreases by 30.4%, 35.9%, and 16.7%, respectively, for the participants’ forehead, cheek, and mouth corner skin. No significant adverse changes in moisture levels and skin pigment indices were detected. In addition, there was improvement in subjects’ touch sense of their skin and feelings about skin color. Conclusions. Traditional facial threading can remove facial vellus hairs and lower skin roughness levels, thereby improving the skin texture. However, pricking sensation appeared during the facial threading process, which might cause concerns about irritation.
Stimulation Parameters of Manual Acupuncture and Their Measurement
Authors: Lyu Ruoyun , Gao Ming , Yang Huayuan , Wen Zonglin , Tang Wenchao
Published: August 2019

The therapeutic effect of manual acupuncture (MA) is closely related to the stimulation amount. In the clinical studies, the stimulation amount is often difficult to be determined. The reason is that there are many parameters affecting the stimulation amount, including manipulation selection, treatment time, needling velocity, and force, and no complete and reasonable scheme is available for the measurement of stimulation parameters. This paper reviewed the theoretical and laboratory measurement studies on MA stimulation, summarized 4 types of available parameters according to the theory of physics, and compared the advantages and disadvantages of the existing methods of parameter measurement. Such efforts are hoped for providing reference for the establishment of the stimulation parameter system of MA and possible technical solutions for future measurement experiments.
Integrated Vibration Control of In‐Wheel Motor‐Suspensions Coupling System via Dynamics Parameter Optimization
Authors: Wang Wei , Niu Mu , Song Yuling
Published: August 2019

In order to integrally control the vibration of in‐wheel motor‐ (IWM‐) suspensions coupling system of an electric vehicle, a novel nonlinear dynamics model of the coupling system, which consists of the motor magnetic gap (MMG), is established. Synthesizing subtargets of the vertical vibration acceleration of bodywork, the vertical deformation of tire, the suspension travel, and the vertical fluctuation of MMG, a composite optimization mathematical model is set up. Based on artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA), a novel dynamics parameter optimization method is proposed to search the optimal parameter combination existing in the nonlinear dynamics model. Simulation analyses demonstrate that the proposed optimization method is superior to genetic algorithm (GA) under the same optimization conditions, and it can significantly decrease the fluctuation of MMG and improve ride comfort.
Hybrid Numerical Investigation on Soil‐Hammer Interaction during Dynamic Compaction
Authors: Wang Jian , Cui Yinghui , Li Qimin
Published: August 2019

To investigate the mechanism of hammer‐soil interaction under the action of dynamic compaction (DC) on a coarse‐grained soil foundation, based on the theory of projectile penetration, the continuous‐discrete coupling method is used to simulate the hammer‐soil interaction process with different hammer shapes and different particle radii. The physical phenomena and mechanical parameters presented by the hammers and soil particles are quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the penetrating ability of the hammer is proportional to its lateral extrusion shearing ability and inversely proportional to its vertical extrusion capacity. The convex‐bottomed hammer has the maximum penetration and lateral extrusion capability, the flat‐bottomed hammer has the smallest penetration ability and the lateral extrusion capacity, and the concave‐bottomed hammer has a penetration and lateral extrusion ability between those of the convex‐ and flat‐bottomed hammers. The impact strength and vertical disturbance of the flat‐bottomed hammer are the strongest, followed by the concave‐bottomed hammer and the convex‐bottomed hammer. In addition, it is found that the smaller the particle size of the coarse‐grained soil is, the greater the depth of the crater formed and the smaller the contact force and the influence range of vertical disturbance. These research results reveal the interaction mechanisms of different hammer types and coarse‐grained soil, which is expected to provide reference and guidance for the design and construction of coarse‐grained soil foundations enhanced by DC.
A Wideband Differential-Fed Microstrip Patch Antenna Based on Radiation of Three Resonant Modes
Authors: Chen Taohua , Chen Yueyun , Jian Rongling
Published: August 2019

A wideband differential-fed microstrip patch antenna based on radiation of three resonant modes of TM12, TM30, and slot is proposed in this paper. Firstly, two symmetrical rectangular slots are cut on the radiating patch where the zero-current position of the TM30 mode excites another resonant slot mode. In addition, the slot’s length is enlarged to decrease the frequency of the slot mode with little effect on that of the TM30 mode. To further expand the impedance bandwidth, the width of patch is reduced to increase the frequency of the TM12 mode, while having little influence on that of the TM30 and slot modes. Moreover, a pair of small rectangular strips is adopted on the top of the feeding probes to achieve a good impedance matching. Finally, based on the arrangements above, a broadband microstrip patch antenna with three in-band minima is realized. The results show that the impedance bandwidth (Sdd11<−10 dB) of the proposed antenna is extended to 35.8% at the profile of 0.067 free-space wavelength. Meanwhile, the proposed antenna maintains a stable radiation pattern in the operating band.
Platelet-Rich Plasma with Endothelial Progenitor Cells Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing in Rats by Upregulating the Notch1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhu Yu , Lu Shengdi , Zhong Wanrun , Wang Yanmao , Chai Yimin
Published: August 2019

Diabetic wounds, as a kind of refractory wound, are very difficult to heal. Both endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) transplantation and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can improve diabetic wound healing to some extent. However, PRP application cannot provide reparative cells, while EPC transplantation cannot replenish the required growth factors for wound healing. Thus, when applied alone, neither of these factors is sufficient for effective wound healing. Furthermore, the proliferation, differentiation, and fate of the transplanted EPCs are not well known. Therefore, in this study, we examined the efficacy of combined PRP application with EPC transplantation in diabetic wound healing. Our results indicated that PRP application improved EPC proliferation and migration. The Notch signaling pathway plays a key role in the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells and angiogenesis in wound healing. The application of PRP upregulated the Notch pathway-related gene and protein expression in EPCs. Furthermore, experiments with shNotch1-transfected EPCs indicated that PRP enhanced the function of EPCs by upregulating the Notch1 signaling pathway. In vivo studies further indicated that the combination of PRP and EPC transplantation increased neovascularization, reduced wound size, and improved healing in rat wound models. Thus, PRP application can provide the necessary growth factors for wound healing, while EPC transplantation offers the required cells, indicating that the combination of both is a potent novel approach for treating diabetic wounds.
Contribution of Short-Time Occlusion of the Amblyopic Eye to a Passive Dichoptic Video Treatment for Amblyopia beyond the Critical Period
Authors: Sauvan Lauren , Stolowy Natacha , Denis Danièle , Matonti Frédéric , Chavane Frédéric , Hess Robert F. , Reynaud Alexandre
Published: August 2019

Dichoptic movie viewing has been shown to significantly improve visual acuity in amblyopia in children. Moreover, short-term occlusion of the amblyopic eye can transiently increase its contribution to binocular fusion in adults. In this study, we first asked whether dichoptic movie viewing could improve the visual function of amblyopic subjects beyond the critical period. Secondly, we tested if this effect could be enhanced by short-term monocular occlusion of the amblyopic eye. 17 subjects presenting stable functional amblyopia participated in this study. 10 subjects followed 6 sessions of 1.5 hour of dichoptic movie viewing (nonpatched group), and 7 subjects, prior to each of these sessions, had to wear an occluding patch over the amblyopic eye for two hours (patched group). Best-corrected visual acuity, monocular contrast sensitivity, interocular balance, and stereoacuity were measured before and after the training. For the nonpatched group, mean amblyopic eye visual acuity significantly improved from 0.54 to 0.46 logMAR (p<0.05). For the patched group, mean amblyopic eye visual acuity significantly improved from 0.62 to 0.43 logMAR (p<0.05). Stereoacuity improved significantly when the data of both groups were combined. No significant improvement was observed for the other visual functions tested. Our training procedure combines modern video technologies and recent fundamental findings in human plasticity: (i) long-term plasticity induced by dichoptic movie viewing and (ii) short-term adaptation induced by temporary monocular occlusion. This passive dichoptic movie training approach is shown to significantly improve visual acuity of subjects beyond the critical period. The addition of a short-term monocular occlusion to the dichoptic training shows promising trends but was not significant for the sample size used here. The passive movie approach combined with interocular contrast balancing even over such a short period as 2 weeks has potential as a clinical therapy to treat amblyopia in older children and adults.
Phylogenetic Analysis and Screening of Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Culturable Bacteria Associated with the AscidianStyela clavafrom the Yellow Sea, China
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Xue-Ning , Fu Chang-Ming , Wang Guang-Yu
Published: August 2019

Over 1,000 compounds, including ecteinascidin-743 and didemnin B, have been isolated from ascidians, with most having bioactive properties such as antimicrobial, antitumor, and enzyme-inhibiting activities. In recent years, direct and indirect evidence has shown that some bioactive compounds isolated from ascidians are not produced by ascidians themselves but by their symbiotic microorganisms. Isolated culturable bacteria associated with ascidians and investigating their potential bioactivity are an important approach for discovering novel compounds. In this study, a total of 269 bacteria were isolated from the ascidianStyela clavacollected from the coast of Weihai in the north of the Yellow Sea, China. Phylogenetic relationships among 183 isolates were determined using their 16S rRNA gene sequences. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial activity against seven indicator strains, and an antiproliferative activity assay was performed to test for inhibition of human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel 7402 and human cervical carcinoma HeLa cell proliferation. Our results showed that the isolates belonged to 26 genera from 18 families in four phyla (Firmicutes,Actinobacteria,Proteobacteria, andBacteroidetes).BacillusandStreptomyceswere the most dominant genera; 146 strains had potent antimicrobial activities and inhibited at least one of the indicator strains. Crude extracts from 29 strains showed antiproliferative activity against Bel 7402 cells with IC50values below 500μg·mL−1, and 53 strains showed antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells, with IC50values less than 500μg·mL−1. Our results suggest that culturable bacteria associated with the ascidianStyela clavamay be a promising source of novel bioactive compounds.
Promoter Hypomethylation Is Responsible for Upregulated Expression of HAI-1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Du Xiaoxiao , Wu Lingyan , Ur Rahman Muhammad Saif , Teng Xiaodong , Teng Lisong , Ye Jingjia , Cao Jiang
Published: August 2019

An upregulated expression of hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI-1) in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) associates with poor prognosis, but the underlying mechanism for expression regulation has not been elucidated. HAI-1 was expressed in HCC cell line Hep3B cells at a high level but absent or has a low level in other HCC cell lines HepG2 and SMMC7721 and immortal normal liver cell line L02 at transcriptional and translational levels, respectively. A dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that transcriptional activity of HAI-1 in the promoter region (-452 bp to -280 bp from the mRNA start site) was strongly enhanced in Hep3B and SMMC7721. Bisulfite genomic sequencing results of the HAI-1 promoter region showed an inverse correlation between levels of promoter methylation and expression in HCC cells. The expression level of HAI-1 in SMMC7721, HepG2, and L02 cells was elevated after 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment. Hypomethylation of the HAI-1 promoter region contributed to the elevated HAI-1 expression in HCC tissues. In addition, the hypomethylation of the HAI-1 promoter region correlated with poor differentiation status of HCC tissues. Our findings indicate that promoter hypomethylation is an important mechanism for aberrant HAI-1 expression regulation in HCC.
Obesity at Diagnosis and Prostate Cancer Prognosis and Recurrence Risk Following Primary Treatment by Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Langlais Crystal S. , Cowan Janet E. , Neuhaus John , Kenfield Stacey A. , Van Blarigan Erin L. , Broering Jeanette M. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Carroll Peter , Chan June M.
Published: August 2019

Background:

The association of obesity at diagnosis with prostate cancer progression is uncertain. This study aimed to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI; 18.5–<25, 25–<30, 30–<35, ≥35 kg/m2) and prognostic risk at diagnosis, compare the concordance between prognostic risk assessed at diagnostic biopsy versus pathologic risk assessed at surgery across BMI categories, and investigate the association between obesity and prostate cancer recurrence and all-cause death.

Methods:

We examined men enrolled in CaPSURE who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1995 and 2017. Multiple imputation methods were used to handle missing data and reported along with complete case findings.

Results:

Participants (n = 5,200) were followed for a median of 4.5 years; 685 experienced recurrence. Obesity was associated with higher prognostic risk at time of diagnosis (ORobese = 1.5; ORvery obese = 1.7) and upward reclassification of disease between biopsy and surgery, driven by change in tumor stage (ORobese = 1.3; ORvery obese = 1.6). We observed an association between BMI and recurrence with adjustment for disease severity using diagnostic factors (HRvery obese = 1.7); this association disappeared when adjusting for disease severity factors obtained at surgery.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that residual confounding may partially explain the conflicting evidence regarding obesity's influence on prostate cancer progression. Assessing T-stage via digital rectal exam may be complicated in larger men, potentially affecting clinical treatment decisions. A strong association with all-cause mortality demonstrates healthier BMI at diagnosis may still improve overall survival.

Impact:

Patients with greater BMI are prone to more advanced disease at diagnosis and may be more likely to have their tumor stage underestimated at diagnosis.
Anti–PD-1–Induced Pneumonitis Is Associated with Persistent Imaging Abnormalities in Melanoma Patients
Authors: Johnson Douglas B. , Taylor Kevin B. , Cohen Justine V. , Ayoubi Noura , Haugh Alexandra M. , Wang Daniel Y. , Schlick Brian D. , Voorhees Amber L. , Gage Kenneth L. , Fintelmann Florian J. , Sullivan Ryan J. , Eroglu Zeynep , Abramson Richard G.
Published: August 2019

Pneumonitis may complicate anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy, although symptoms usually resolve with steroids. The long-term effects on respiratory function, however, are not well defined. We screened melanoma patients treated with anti–PD-1, with and without ipilimumab (anti–CTLA-4), and identified 31 patients with pneumonitis. Median time to radiographic findings was 4.8 months. Twenty-three patients (74%) presented with respiratory symptoms, whereas 8 (26%) were asymptomatic, and 11 (35%) were hospitalized. With 22.1 months median follow-up, 27 patients (87%) had resolution of symptoms, whereas 4 had persistent cough, dyspnea, and/or wheezing. By contrast, the rate of radiographic resolution was lower: Only 11 (35%) had complete radiographic resolution, whereas 14 (45%) had improvement of pneumonitis with persistent scarring or opacities, and 6 (19%) had persistent or worsened ground-glass opacities and/or nodular densities. Persistence (vs. resolution) of radiographic findings was associated with older age and initial need for steroids but not with need for hospitalization, timing of onset, or treatment regimen (combination vs. monotherapy). Among patients with serial pulmonary function tests, lung function improved with time. Although symptoms of anti–PD-1–induced pneumonitis resolved quickly, scarring or inflammation frequently persisted on computerized tomography. Therefore, further study of subclinical pulmonary effects of anti–PD-1 is needed.
Anthony Collins and China: the Philosophical Impact of the Missionary Encounter
Authors: Talbot Ann
Published: August 2019

The article explores the impact of Jesuit missionary reports from China on the work of the English freethinker Anthony Collins. It considers his use of accounts of Confucian philosophy in his own writings on materialism and atheism, and in his discussion of the role of the state in relation to religion. It suggests that despite the difficulties he faced in assessing missionary reports he made use of them in his philosophical writings and may have been encouraged by his knowledge of Chinese philosophy to explore the question of emergence and the self-organization of matter. China features in his comments on metaphysics as well as political and moral philosophy. The article argues that China became a model state for Collins, representing for him a level of religious toleration largely unknown in Europe.
Neighbors Are Not Always Friendly
Authors: Halperin Charles J.
Published: August 2019

On the basis of a data base of 137 instances of conflict between Muscovite monasteries and their neighbors during the reign of Ivan IV (1533–1584), this article concludes that such conflicts occurred during the entire course of Ivan IV’s reign, that they occurred with members of all Muscovite social classes, including other monks, and that they occurred in many regions of Muscovy. These data do not permit concluding whether all monasteries engaged in disputes with their neighbors in all years in all districts of Muscovy. Although monasteries tended to settle disputes peacefully, they did not always act properly, even in relations with other monasteries. Monasteries were not immune to the violence endemic to such disputes, many of which involved litigation, although they may have been slightly more peaceful in their relations with other monasteries than with lay landowners and landholders and the residents of their estates.
Ophiuroid (Echinodermata) systematics—where do we come from, where do we stand and where should we go?*

Authors: STÖHR SABINE
Published: August 2019

Over 2,000 Recent species of brittle star are currently known. The most active period of species discovery was between 1850 and 1950, with an average rate of about 20 new species per year, but even today, an average of 7 species per year are described. The most prolific authors were R. Koehler, H.L. Clark, T. Lyman, T. Mortensen and C. Lütken. Early classifica­tions divided the Ophiuroidea into Euryalida and Ophiurida. Matsumoto suggested in 1917 further subdivision, accepted by some authors, rejected by others. His classification is still the most comprehensive work available. A first modern clad­istic analysis was presented in 1995 by Smith et al., but despite its shortcomings, no further attempts at reconstructing the phylogeny of the whole class have been made. It is becoming increasingly clear that Ophiuroidea have undergone rapid evolution after the great extinction event at the Permian/Triassic boundary, complicating phylogenetic analysis both with morphological and molecular data. Palaeozoologists still debate which ophiuroid group(s) survived the extinction. It has been suggested that the modern families Ophiuridae and Ophiolepididae may be traced back to the Palaeozoic, but the traditional view puts Ophiacanthidae and Ophiomyxidae at the root of the tree, with Euryalida as ancient sister group to Ophiurida. Unusual species with aberrant traits abound, but are still poorly understood. New morphological approaches, such as the study of the internal skeleton (jaws, dental plates, lateral arm plates), ontogeny and the role of paedomorpho­sis, as well as the extensive use of SEM for microstructure examinations, attempt to improve our understanding of the diversity and evolution of brittle stars.
Characterization of a population of the Harlequin crab, Lissocarcinus orbicularis Dana, 1852, an obligate symbiont of holothuroids, in Toliara bay (Madagascar)*

Authors: CAULIER GUILLAUME , PARMENTIER ERIC , LEPOINT GILLES , NEDERVELDE FLEUR VAN , EECKHAUT IGOR
Published: August 2019

Harlequin crabs, Lissocarcinus orbicularis, are commensals found on the integument and in the buccal/cloacal cavity of several species of holothuroids. The population of these crabs was investigated on holothuroids of the barrier reef of Toliara (South-West of Madagascar) from 2002 to 2008. Seventeen holothuroid species were observed and eight were crab hosts. There is generally one adult crab or a heterosexual pair per infested holothuroid but up to ten juveniles were recorded on a Thelenota ananas. Carapace length of the observed L. orbicularis was from 0.3 to 1.4 cm from the tip of the rostrum to the end of the cephalothorax, with a mean length of 0.85 cm. L. orbicularis is characterized by a weak sexual dimorphism (females are bigger than males) and the presence of pereiopods morphologically adapted to fixation on the host integument. Gravid females were observed at each month of the survey indicating that the crab reproduces all the year. Considering our results and personal observations, we also discuss the monogamy mating system of the Harlequin crab.
Rare Late Cretaceous phymosomatoid echinoids from the Hannover area (Lower Saxony, Germany)*

Authors: SCHLÜTER NILS , WIESE FRANK , FAUSTMANN HELMUT , GIROD PETER
Published: August 2019

Gauthieria mosae is recorded for the first time from upper Campanian (Belemnitella minor/Nostoceras polyplocum Zone) strata at the Teutonia Nord quarry in the Hannover area (northwest Germany), with two specimens available. This spe­cies was previously known only from the lower upper Campanian (basiplana/spiniger Zone and higher) of the province of Liège, northeast Belgium. In addition, a specimen of Gauthieria aff. pseudoradiata, from the B. minor/N. polyplocum Zone as well at the Teutonia Nord quarry, is illustrated and discussed in an attempt to elucidate the confused taxonomy of this form.
Clustered bourgueticrinid crinoid holdfasts on late Maastrichtian echinoids from northeast Belgium and southeast Netherlands*
Authors: JAGT JOHN W.M. , DONOVAN STEPHEN K. , DECKERS MART J.M.
Published: August 2019

In general, holdfasts (including distalmost stalk plates) of bourgueticrinid crinoids (Comatulidina, Bourgueticrinina) are comparatively rare in Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) strata in the extended type area (northeast Belgium, southeast Netherlands). Here we describe a number of examples of such holdfasts. Two of these are of note in comprising up to two dozen specimens in different size classes, with a predominance of juveniles, in close proximity to larger, ‘fully grown’ individuals. All specimens are of late Maastrichtian age and are found on tests of holasteroid echinoids of the genus Echinocorys Leske. The majority stem from the Lixhe 1 and 3 members (Gulpen Formation) at the former CPL SA quarry (Haccourt, Liège, Belgium), and at a disused quarry between Houtain-Saint-Siméon and Roclenge-sur-Geer (Liège). A single example is from the underlying Vijlen Member (Gulpen Formation) at the ENCI-Heidelberg Cement Group quarry (Maastricht). The clustering of juvenile and ‘fully grown’ holdfasts on two tests suggests at least three different spat falls. Settlement of crinoid larvae close to the tallest point of the test would have been conducive to further development, but the close proximity may also have had a detrimental effect on feeding, by interference from neighbours. Current action or probing by a predator or scavenger appears to have tumbled the echinoid tests, leading to the premature death of the recently settled crinoids by smothering.
Revision of the genus Rhytidaspis Redtenbacher, 1891 including the description of a new genus Haudrhytidaspis gen. nov. (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae)
Authors: INGRISCH SIGFRID
Published: August 2019

The genus Rhytidaspis Redtenbacher, 1891 is revised. The species R. fusca (Karny, 1911) is removed from the genus and combined with Haudrhytidaspis gen. nov. as type species, leaving only the type species R. picta Redtenbacher, 1891 in Rhytidaspis. The shapes of the male cerci and the complex structure of the male titillators in Rhytidaspis allows to differentiate between seven species and two subspecies of which six species and two subspecies are new to science: R. arfak sp. n., R. camela sp. n., R. genyem sp. n., R. nigropunctata sp. n., R. ornata sp. n., R. variata sp. n., R. variata brevis ssp. n., R. variata meja ssp. n.. A dichotomic key to species and a distribution map are provided. All records of Rhytidaspis known so far are from western New Guinea: Papua and Papua Barat (Indonesia) including Waigeo Island. Haudrhytidaspis fusca (Karny, 1911) had been described from New Guinea without precision.
Decimodrilus, a new enchytraeid genus from Korea (Annelida, Clitellata, Enchytraeidae)
Authors: DÓZSA-FARKAS KLÁRA , NAGY HAJNALKA , FELFÖLDI TAMÁS , HONG YONG
Published: August 2019

Two new species of the new genus Decimodrilus gen. n. are described in this paper from oak forests of South Korea using a combination of classical morphology and DNA-based molecular taxonomy. A characteristic trait of the new genus is the occurrence of the intestinal diverticula in segments IX–X. The main morphological features of the new genus are: 4–5(6) straight chaetae per bundle, origin of dorsal vessel in clitellar region, anteseptale of nephridia consisting of funnel only, coelomocytes only mucocytes, oesophageal appendages absent, spermathecae united proximally and connected jointly with the oesophagus. Decimodrilus diverticulatus sp. n. has spermathecae with two diverticula-like protrusions and two globular sperm masses. D. globulatus sp. n. has spermathecae with two or three sperm rolls. Molecular taxonomic analysis based on a concatenated phylogenetic tree supports the status of the new genus and that of the two new species.
Corrections of some errors in the paper “Molecular delineation of the Agave Red Worm Comadia redtenbacheri (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)”. Zootaxa, 4375 (3), 358–370
Authors: CÁRDENAS-AQUINO MARÍA DEL ROSARIO , ALARCÓN-RODRÍGUEZ NORMA MARINA , RIVAS-MEDRANO MARIO , GONZÁLEZ-HERNÁNDEZ HÉCTOR , VARGAS-HERNÁNDEZ MATEO , SÁNCHEZ-ARROYO HUSSEIN , LLANDERAL-CÁZARES CELINA
Published: August 2019

N/A
Comparison of ECMWF Significant Wave Height Forecasts in the China Sea with Buoy Data
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Li Benxia , Gao Zhiyi , Wang Jiuke
Published: August 2019

This paper focuses on a comprehensive comparison of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) significant wave height (SWH) forecasts with buoy data in the China Sea, and analysis of accuracy characteristics varying with related variables (SWH, water depth, and distance from shore) and different scenarios (each month, different sea area, and typhoon- and cold air activity–induced waves). This is the first time that observations from the Chinese Ocean Monitoring Network have been used to verify ECMWF wave forecasts in the China Sea. Two years’ worth of data from 24 hydrometeorological buoys are used. The comparison shows good accuracy and predictive stability of SWH forecasts for the Chinese buoys, which is consistent with Korean and global buoys. However, the accuracy in the Bohai Sea and Taiwan Strait is worse than that in the South and East China Sea. SWH forecasts for QF206 in the southern Taiwan Strait have systematically underestimated observations, which may be mainly due to the coarse resolution of wave forecasts. Besides, forecasts underestimate observations when 1.5 m < SWH ≤ 6.5 m. The accuracy and predictive stability in spring and summer are worse than those in winter, especially in April, which is the worst in 12 months. The accuracy increases with water depth and distance from shore. During typhoon conditions, the accuracy is worse than during cold air conditions.
Assessing Young Adults’ Beliefs Regarding the Importance of Romantic Relationships
Authors: Watkins Nicole K. , Beckmeyer Jonathon J.
Published: August 2019

In the current study, we provided initial evidence for the factor structure and validity of the Brief Measure of Relationship Importance, a new measure of young adults’ beliefs about the values and costs of being in romantic relationships. Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, this measure consisted of two subscales: relationship desire (two items; viewing relationships as important and satisfying parts of one’s life) and relationship dismissal (four items; viewing relationships as less desirable or valuable for one’s life). Relationship desire and dismissal scores were associated with participants’ happiness with their romantic experiences, relationship satisfaction, having experienced relationship cycling, marriage intentions, and general interest in being in a romantic relationship. Therefore, we concluded that the Brief Measure of Relationship Importance provides a reliable and valid assessment of young adults’ romantic relationship attitudes. We discuss how our measure can be used in future research on young adults’ romantic relationship development.
The obsolescence of politics: Rereading Günther Anders’s critique of cybernetic governance and integral power in the digital age
Authors: Nosthoff Anna-Verena , Maschewski Felix
Published: August 2019

Following media-theoretical studies that have characterized digitization as a process of all-encompassing cybernetization, this paper will examine the timely and critical potential of Günther Anders’s oeuvre vis-à-vis the ever-increasing power of cybernetic devices and networks. Anders has witnessed and negotiated the process of cybernetization from its very beginning, having criticized its tendency to automate and expand, as well as its circular logic and ‘integral power’, including disruptive consequences for the constitution of the political and the social. In this vein, Anders’s works, particularly his magnum opus Die Antiquiertheit des Menschen [The Obsolescence of Man], sheds new light on the technologically organized milieus of the contemporary digital regime and also highlights a new form of cybernetic ‘conformism’. The goal of the essay is therefore, not only to emphasize the contemporary nature of Anders’s thought but also to use it to frame a critique of current neo-technocratic and, ultimately, post-political concepts, such as ‘algorithmic regulation’, ‘smart states’, ‘direct technocracy’, and ‘government as platform’. This essay argues that cybernetic capitalism is causing what Anders terms ‘ Unfestgelegtheit’ to disappear; that is, we are losing the originary possibility of technologically (re-)structuring our world in alternative ways, particularly given the determinist character of current technologies.
Influence of specimen size on the mechanical properties of microlattices obtained by selective laser melting
Authors: Gavazzoni Matteo , Boniotti Laura , Foletti Stefano
Published: August 2019

A detailed study of compression tests on lattice structures obtained by selective laser melting with AlSi7Mg powder is presented here. Two different cell topologies have been investigated: the body-centered cubic cell and the face centered cubic cell or 3D Warren structure. Specimens of different volume have been printed in order to investigate the effect of the size on the mechanical response and properties of the structure. Particular attention has been paid to the definition of the test procedure and the analysis of the data to properly characterize the microlattice. No remarkable effect of the specimen size has been found in terms of elastic modulus and yielding stress. On the contrary, the maximum stress and the failure mechanism are influenced by the size of the specimen; for the body-centered cubic cell, a detailed analysis has been performed through digital image correlation of the failure. Test results have been compared with the results of an elasto-plastic simulation performed on a single cell of lattice with periodic boundary conditions, showing a good prediction in terms of elastic modulus and yielding stress.
Transient dynamic behavior of tire traversing obstacles in full vehicle scenario
Authors: Zhang Yanlin , Zhou Tao , Yang Xiaoguang , Wang Lichen , Zang Mengyan
Published: August 2019

This paper describes an effective simulation method for studying transient dynamic behavior of tire traversing severe obstacles in full vehicle scenario. First of all, a detailed finite element tire model is developed and validated with the corresponding physical tests. Then, four tire models are assembled with the suspension components to form a full vehicle model. The vehicle modeling strategy is investigated and then applied successfully in vehicle obstacle impact simulations. The comparisons between simulation results with corresponding vehicle test results show the vehicle model has high accuracy in replicating the behavior of vehicle traversing obstacles. Based on this, a specific example of vehicle traversing the comfort obstacle is analyzed. The parametric effects of vehicle speed and obstacle height on tire impact performance are investigated.
Welfare capabilities: Evaluating distributional inequalities and welfare policy in advanced democracies
Authors: Hannah Adam , Brown Jeremiah Thomas , Gibbons Andrew
Published: August 2019

While the welfare state literature has made great advances in describing and explaining policy, comparatively less time has been spent systematically examining the outcomes of those welfare policies. Prominent debates have largely centred on the extent to which welfare states have been retrenched and whether they can be effectively classified by regime type. This article argues that while such debates have resulted in valuable theoretical and empirical advances, there is both a need and an opportunity to focus more closely on the outcomes of welfare policy. We propose using the ‘capability approach’ as an evaluative framework to consider differences in outcomes across mature welfare states. The approach, as operationalised here, regards the real-world opportunities that individuals hold, rather than only the material resources provided to them, as being essential to understanding their welfare. The article uses a new capabilities-oriented measure of welfare to make a preliminary evaluation of the outcomes associated with different types of welfare policy regimes. The measure emphasises distributional inequalities associated with the domains of health, education and the economic conditions experienced by individuals. We apply it to 18 advanced welfare states using data sourced from the 2016 wave of the OECD’s (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Better Life Index.