bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Moanabacter tarae,” Representing a Novel Marine Verrucomicrobial Lineage
Authors: Vosseberg Julian , Martijn Joran , Ettema Thijs J. G.
Published: October 2018

The Tara Oceans Consortium has published various metagenomes of marine environmental samples. Here, we report a contig of 2.6 Mbp from the assembly of a sample collected near the Marquesas Islands in the Pacific Ocean, covering a nearly complete novel verrucomicrobial genome.
The Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) guide: developing a clinical decision support tool to simplify, standardise and strengthen primary healthcare delivery
Authors: Cornick Ruth , Picken Sandy , Wattrus Camilla , Awotiwon Ajibola , Carkeek Emma , Hannington Juliet , Spiller Pearl , Bateman Eric , Doherty Tanya , Zwarenstein Merrick , Fairall Lara
Published: October 2018

For the primary health worker in a low/middle-income country (LMIC) setting, delivering quality primary care is challenging. This is often complicated by clinical guidance that is out of date, inconsistent and informed by evidence from high-income countries that ignores LMIC resource constraints and burden of disease. The Knowledge Translation Unit (KTU) of the University of Cape Town Lung Institute has developed, implemented and evaluated a health systems intervention in South Africa, and localised it to Botswana, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Brazil, that simplifies and standardises the care delivered by primary health workers while strengthening the system in which they work. At the core of this intervention, called Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK), is a clinical decision support tool, the PACK guide. This paper describes the development of the guide over an 18-year period and explains the design features that have addressed what the patient, the clinician and the health system need from clinical guidance, and have made it, in the words of a South African primary care nurse, ‘A tool for every day for every patient’. It describes the lessons learnt during the development process that the KTU now applies to further development, maintenance and in-country localisation of the guide: develop clinical decision support in context first, involve local stakeholders in all stages, leverage others’ evidence databases to remain up to date and ensure content development, updating and localisation articulate with implementation.
On the oxidative damage by cadmium to kidney mitochondrial functions
Authors: Pavón Natalia , Buelna-Chontal Mabel , Macías-López Arturo , Correa Francisco , Uribe-Álvarez Cristina , Hernández-Esquivel Luz , Chávez Edmundo
Published: October 2018

In the kidney, the accumulation of heavy metals such as Cd2+produces mitochondrial dysfunctions, i.e., uncoupling of the oxidative phosphorylation, inhibition of the electron transport through the respiratory chain, and collapse of the transmembrane electrical gradient. This derangement may be due to the fact that Cd2+induces the transition of membrane permeability from selective to nonselective via the opening of a transmembrane pore. In fact, Cd2+produces this injury through the stimulation of oxygen-derived radical generation, inducing oxidative stress. Several molecules have been used to avoid or even reverse Cd2+-induced mitochondrial injury, for instance, cyclosporin A, resveratrol, dithiocarbamates, and even EDTA. The aim of this study was to explore the possibility that the antioxidant tamoxifen could protect mitochondria from the deleterious effects of Cd2+. Our results indicate that the addition of 1 μmol/L Cd2+to mitochondria collapsed the transmembrane electrical gradient, induced the release of cytochrome c, and increased both the generation of H2O2and the oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA (among other measured parameters). Of interest, these mitochondrial dysfunctions were ameliorated after the addition of tamoxifen.
Discriminating methane sources in ground gas emissions in NW England
Authors: Teasdale Christopher J. , Hall Jean A. , Martin John P. , Manning David A. C.
Published: October 2018

The identification of the source of methane (CH
4
) and carbon dioxide (CO
2
) in gases within unconsolidated deposits outside municipal landfill sites, where there are multiple potential contributing gas inputs, is important for regulation and to inform gas management policy. Stable isotope analysis was applied to ground gas samples from boreholes close to but external to landfill cells, and landfill gas, to differentiate CH
4
from biological and abiological geological sources at sites in NW England. Landfill flare gas and landfill without external gas inputs were biogenic references. Ground gases adjacent to one landfill had potential external CH
4
inputs from underlying Coal Measures. Mineshaft vent gas and commercially-supplied North Sea gas were used as non-biological, thermogenic, source references. Ground gas samples were subjected to Compound-Specific Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-IRMS) and conventional IRMS examination.

δ

13

C

C

H

4

values for landfill flare gas and landfill Site 1 were −65.0 and −61.0‰, and

δ

D

C

H

4

values were −319 and −298‰ respectively, consistent with a wholly biogenic origin.

δ

13

C

C

H

4

values for Site 2 landfill were −55 to −48‰, and

δ

D

C

H

4

values were −173 to +55‰. Mineshaft vent gas and North Sea gas CH
4

δ

13

C

C

H

4

values were −46.2 and −43.5‰, and

δ

D

C

H

4

values were −214 and −203‰, respectively. Given their similarity to these data, gases in the vicinity of Site 2 landfill are considered to have a thermogenic CH
4
contribution, due to
13
C and D enrichment in CH
4
.
Fine-grained Emotion Role Detection Based on Retweet Information
Authors: Yu Zhiwen , Yi Fei , Ma Chao , Wang Zhu , Guo Bin , Chen Liming
Published: October 2018

User behaviors in online social networks convey not only literal information but also one’s emotional attitudes towards the information. To compute this attitude, we define the concept of emotion role as the concentrated reflection of a user’s online emotional characteristics. Emotion role detection aims to better understand the structure and sentiments of online social networks and support further analysis, e.g., revealing public opinions, providing personalized recommendations, and detecting influential users. In this article, we first introduce the definition of a fine-grained emotion role, which consists of two dimensions: emotion orientation (i.e., positive, negative, and neutral) and emotion influence (i.e., leader and follower). We then propose a Multi-dimensional Emotion Role Mining model (MERM) to determine a user’s emotion role in online social networks. Specifically, we tend to identify emotion roles by combining a set of features that reflect a user’s online emotional status, including degree of emotional characteristics, accumulated emotion preference, structural factor, temporal factor, and emotion change factor. Experiment results on a real-life micro-blog reposting dataset show that the classification accuracy of the proposed model can achieve up to 90.1%.
Type I Interferons in Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Crow Mary K. , Olferiev Mikhail , Kirou Kyriakos A.
Published: October 2018

Type I interferons, which make up the first cytokine family to be described and are the essential mediators of antivirus host defense, have emerged as central elements in the immunopathology of systemic autoimmune diseases, with systemic lupus erythematosus as the prototype. Lessons from investigation of interferon regulation following virus infection can be applied to lupus, with the conclusion that sustained production of type I interferon shifts nearly all components of the immune system toward pathologic functions that result in tissue damage and disease. We review recent data, mainly from studies of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, that provide new insights into the mechanisms of induction and the immunologic consequences of chronic activation of the type I interferon pathway. Current concepts implicate endogenous nucleic acids, driving both cytosolic sensors and endosomal Toll-like receptors, in interferon pathway activation and suggest targets for development of novel therapeutics that may restore the immune system to health.
Expression of endothelin type B receptors (EDNRB) on smooth muscle cells is controlled by MKL2, ternary complex factors, and actin dynamics
Authors: Krawczyk Katarzyna K. , Skovsted Gry Freja , Perisic Ljubica , Dreier Rasmus , Berg Jais Oliver , Hedin Ulf , Rippe Catarina , Swärd Karl
Published: October 2018

The endothelin type B receptor (ETB or EDNRB) is highly plastic and is upregulated in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) by arterial injury and following organ culture in vitro. We hypothesized that this transcriptional plasticity may arise, in part, because EDNRB is controlled by a balance of transcriptional inputs from myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) and ternary complex factors (TCFs). We found significant positive correlations between the TCFs ELK3 and FLI1 versus EDNRB in human arteries. The MRTF MKL2 also correlated with EDNRB. Overexpression of ELK3, FLI1, and MKL2 in human coronary artery SMCs promoted expression of EDNRB, and the effect of MKL2 was antagonized by myocardin (MYOCD), which also correlated negatively with EDNRB at the tissue level. Silencing of MKL2 reduced basal EDNRB expression, but depolymerization of actin using latrunculin B (LatB) or overexpression of constitutively active cofilin, as well as treatment with the Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y27632, increased EDNRB in a MEK/ERK-dependent fashion. Transcript-specific primers indicated that the second EDNRB transcript (EDNRB_2) was targeted, but this promoter was largely unresponsive to LatB and was inhibited rather than stimulated by MKL2 and FLI1, suggesting distant control elements or an indirect effect. LatB also reduced expression of endothelin-1, but supplementation experiments argued that this was not the cause of EDNRB induction. EDNRB finally changed in parallel with ELK3 and FLI1 in rat and human carotid artery lesions. These studies implicate the actin cytoskeleton and ELK3, FLI1, and MKL2 in the transcriptional control of EDNRB and increase our understanding of the plasticity of this receptor.
Alterations in regional kidney oxygenation during expansion of extracellular fluid volume in conscious healthy sheep
Authors: Lankadeva Yugeesh R. , Evans Roger G. , Kosaka Junko , Booth Lindsea C. , Iguchi Naoya , Bellomo Rinaldo , May Clive N.
Published: October 2018

Expansion of extracellular fluid volume with crystalloid solutions is a common medical intervention, but its effects on renal cortical and medullary oxygenation are poorly understood. Therefore, we instrumented sheep under general anesthesia to enable continuous measurement of systemic and renal hemodynamics, global renal oxygen delivery and consumption, and intrarenal tissue perfusion and oxygen tension (Po2) in conscious animals ( n = 7). The effects of three sequential intermittent infusions of 500 ml of compound sodium lactate solution, administered at hourly intervals, were determined. Volume expansion induced transient increases in mean arterial pressure (+7 ± 2%), central venous pressure (+50 ± 19%), and cardiac output (+15 ± 3%). There were sustained increases in renal medullary tissue Po2 (+35 ± 10%) despite increases in global renal oxygen consumption (+66 ± 18%) and renal oxygen extraction (+64 ± 8%). Volume expansion did not significantly alter renal blood flow, renal oxygen delivery, or medullary perfusion. The sustained increase in medullary Po2 was paralleled by increased bladder urine Po2 (34 ± 4%). Cortical perfusion and Po2 did not change significantly. Our findings indicate that extracellular fluid volume expansion can increase renal medullary oxygenation, providing a potential mechanistic basis for its use as prophylaxis against iatrogenic acute kidney injury. They also indicate that continuous measurement of bladder urine Po2 could be used to monitor the effects of volume expansion on medullary oxygenation. However, the mechanisms mediating increased medullary oxygenation during volume expansion remain to be determined.
What we need to know about lipid-associated injury in case of renal ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Erpicum Pauline , Rowart Pascal , Defraigne Jean-Olivier , Krzesinski Jean-Marie , Jouret François
Published: October 2018

Renal segmental metabolism is reflected by the complex distribution of the main energy pathways along the nephron, with fatty acid oxidation preferentially used in the cortex area. Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is due to the restriction of renal blood flow, rapidly leading to a metabolic switch toward anaerobic conditions. Subsequent unbalance between energy demand and oxygen/nutrient delivery compromises kidney cell functions, resulting in a complex inflammatory cascade including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Renal IRI especially involves lipid accumulation. Lipid peroxidation is one of the major events of ROS-associated tissue injury. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge of renal cell lipid metabolism in normal and ischemic conditions. Next, we focus on renal lipid-associated injury, with emphasis on its mechanisms and consequences during the course of IRI. Finally, we discuss preclinical observations aiming at preventing and/or attenuating lipid-associated IRI.
NFAT5 regulates renal gene expression in response to angiotensin II through Annexin-A2-mediated posttranscriptional regulation in hypertensive rats
Authors: Fähling Michael , Paliege Alexander , Jönsson Sofia , Becirovic-Agic Mediha , Melville Jacqueline M. , Skogstrand Trude , Hultström Michael
Published: October 2018

The aim was to identify new targets that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level in angiotensin II (ANGII)-mediated hypertension. Heparin affinity chromatography was used to enrich nucleic acid-binding proteins from kidneys of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive Wistar rats. The experiment was repeated with 14-day ANGII infusion using Alzet osmotic mini pumps, with or without ANGII receptor AT1a inhibition using losartan in the drinking water. Mean arterial pressure increased after 2K1C or ANGII infusion and was inhibited with losartan. Heparin affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to identify Annexin-A2 (ANXA2) as having differential nucleic acid-binding activity. Total Annexin-A2 protein expression was unchanged, whereas nucleic acid-binding activity was increased in both kidneys of 2K1C and after ANGII infusion through AT1a stimulation. Costaining of Annexin-A2 with α-smooth muscle actin and aquaporin 2 showed prominent expression in the endothelia of larger arteries and the cells of the inner medullary collecting duct. The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) transcription factor was identified as a likely Annexin-A2 target using enrichment analysis on a 2K1C microarray data set and identifying several binding sites in the regulatory region of the mRNA. Expression analysis showed that ANGII increases NFAT5 protein but not mRNA level and, thus, indicated that NFAT5 is regulated by posttranscriptional regulation, which correlates with activation of the RNA-binding protein Annexin-A2. In conclusion, we show that ANGII increases Annexin-A2 nucleic acid-binding activity that correlates with elevated protein levels of the NFAT5 transcription factor. NFAT signaling appears to be a major contributor to renal gene regulation in high-renin states.
APOL1 polymorphisms and kidney disease: loss-of-function or gain-of-function?
Authors: Bruggeman Leslie A. , O’Toole John F. , Sedor John R.
Published: October 2018

The mechanism that explains the association of APOL1 variants with nondiabetic kidney diseases in African Americans remains unclear. Kidney disease risk is inherited as a recessive trait, and many studies investigating the intracellular function of APOL1 have indicated the APOL1 variants G1 and G2 are associated with cytotoxicity. Whether cytotoxicity results from the absence of a protective effect conferred by the G0 allele or is induced by a deleterious effect of variant allele expression has not be conclusively established. A central issue hampering basic biology studies is the lack of model systems that authentically replicate APOL1 expression patterns. APOL1 is present in humans and a few other primates and appears to have important functions in the kidney, as the kidney is the primary target for disease associated with the genetic variance. There have been no studies to date assessing the function of untagged APOL1 protein under native expression in human or primate kidney cells, and no studies have examined the heterozygous state, a disease-free condition in humans. A second major issue is the chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated APOL1 variants are conditional mutations, where the disease-inducing function is only evident under the appropriate environmental stimulus. In addition, it is possible there may be more than one mechanism of pathogenesis that is dependent on the nature of the stressor or other genetic variabilities. Studies addressing the function of APOL1 and how the CKD-associated APOL1 variants cause kidney disease are challenging and remain to be fully investigated under conditions that faithfully model known human genetics and physiology.
Human perception of whole body roll-tilt orientation in a hypogravity analog: underestimation and adaptation
Authors: Galvan-Garza Raquel C. , Clark Torin K. , Sherwood David , Diaz-Artiles Ana , Rosenberg Marissa , Natapoff Alan , Karmali Faisal , Oman Charles M. , Young Laurence R.
Published: October 2018

Overestimation of roll tilt in hypergravity (“G-excess” illusion) has been demonstrated, but corresponding sustained hypogravic conditions are impossible to create in ground laboratories. In this article we describe the first systematic experimental evidence that in a hypogravity analog, humans underestimate roll tilt. We studied perception of self-roll tilt in nine subjects, who were supine while spun on a centrifuge to create a hypogravity analog. By varying the centrifuge rotation rate, we modulated the centripetal acceleration (GC) at the subject’s head location (0.5 or 1 GC) along the body axis. We measured orientation perception using a subjective visual vertical task in which subjects aligned an illuminated bar with their perceived centripetal acceleration direction during tilts (±11.5–28.5°). As hypothesized, based on the reduced utricular otolith shearing, subjects initially underestimated roll tilts in the 0.5 GCcondition compared with the 1 GCcondition (mean perceptual gain change = −0.27, P = 0.01). When visual feedback was given after each trial in 0.5 GC, subjects’ perceptual gain increased in approximately exponential fashion over time (time constant = 16 tilts or 13 min), and after 45 min, the perceptual gain was not significantly different from the 1 GCbaseline (mean gain difference between 1 GCinitial and 0.5 GCfinal = 0.16, P = 0.3). Thus humans modified their interpretation of sensory cues to more correctly report orientation during this hypogravity analog. Quantifying the acute orientation perceptual learning in such an altered gravity environment may have implications for human space exploration on the moon or Mars.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Humans systematically overestimate roll tilt in hypergravity. However, human perception of orientation in hypogravity has not been quantified across a range of tilt angles. Using a centrifuge to create a hypogravity centripetal acceleration environment, we found initial underestimation of roll tilt. Providing static visual feedback, perceptual learning reduced underestimation during the hypogravity analog. These altered gravity orientation perceptual errors and adaptation may have implications for astronauts.
Intestinal Obstruction following Ingestion of Metallic Instruments in a Psychiatric Patient
Authors: Kivike Oscar , Soko Israel , Mgaya David , Sandi Frank
Published: October 2018

Pica among psychiatric patients has been well documented. We report a 25-year-old female patient who presented with abdominal distension for one week. She is a known psychiatric patient for 5 years. Through history taking, physical examination, and investigations, the patient was found to have psychotic features and features of intestinal obstruction. Surgery was done by opening the abdomen and then the stomach. The stomach, together with the proximal intestine, was found to be filled with metallic instruments weighing 780 mg. The diagnosis of a metalophagia type of pica was reached. All instruments were removed and the patient did well postoperatively.
The Third Five-Parametric Hypergeometric Quantum-Mechanical Potential
Authors: Ishkhanyan T. A. , Ishkhanyan A. M.
Published: October 2018

We introduce the third five-parametric ordinary hypergeometric energy-independent quantum-mechanical potential, after the Eckart and Pöschl-Teller potentials, which is proportional to an arbitrary variable parameter and has a shape that is independent of that parameter. Depending on an involved parameter, the potential presents either a short-range singular well (which behaves as inverse square root at the origin and vanishes exponentially at infinity) or a smooth asymmetric step-barrier (with variable height and steepness). The general solution of the Schrödinger equation for this potential, which is a member of a general Heun family of potentials, is written through fundamental solutions each of which presents an irreducible linear combination of two Gauss ordinary hypergeometric functions.
SCAR Marker for Gender Identification in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) at the Seedling Stage
Authors: Al-Qurainy Fahad , Al-Ameri Abdulhafed A. , Khan Salim , Nadeem Mohammad , Gaafar Abdel-Rhman Z. , Tarroum Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is cultivated in arid and semiarid regions worldwide. Given the dioecious nature of this plant, gender identification is very important at the seedling stage. Molecular markers are very effective tools that help in gender identification at this stage. A sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker linked to sex-specific regions in the genome of date palm was developed. Of the 300 tested randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers, only one primer (OPC-06) produced reproducible band (294 bp) in male plants. The PCR product of this primer was cloned and sequenced. The specific primers were synthesized for amplification of a 186 bp fragment in male date palm plants. These primers were validated in male and female date palm plants, wherein the designed SCAR marker was reported only in male plants and no amplification was observed in female plants. The developed SCAR marker was used with seedlings of date palm and proved very effective in identification of gender.
Fine-Grained Control-Flow Integrity Based on Points-to Analysis for CPS
Authors: Qiang Weizhong , Wang Shizhen , Jin Hai , Zhong Jiangying
Published: October 2018

A cyber-physical system (CPS) is known as a mix system composed of computational and physical capabilities. The fast development of CPS brings new security and privacy requirements. Code reuse attacks that affect the correct behavior of software by exploiting memory corruption vulnerabilities and reusing existing code may also be threats to CPS. Various defense techniques are proposed in recent years as countermeasures to emerging code reuse attacks. However, they may fail to fulfill the security requirement well because they cannot protect the indirect function calls properly when it comes to dynamic code reuse attacks aiming at forward edges of control-flow graph (CFG). In this paper, we propose P-CFI, a fine-grained control-flow integrity (CFI) method, to protect CPS against memory-related attacks. We use points-to analysis to construct the legitimate target set for every indirect call cite and check whether the target of the indirect call cite is in the legitimate target set at runtime. We implement a prototype of P-CFI on LLVM and evaluate both its functionality and performance. Security analysis proves that P-CFI can mitigate the dynamic code reuse attack based on forward edges of CFG. Performance evaluation shows that P-CFI can protect CPS from dynamic code reuse attacks with trivial time overhead between 0.1% and 3.5% (Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.).
In Vitro Effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume Essential Oil on Candida spp. Involved in Oral Infections
Authors: Rangel Marianne de Lucena , Aquino Sabrina Garcia de , Lima Jefferson Muniz de , Castellano Lúcio Roberto , Castro Ricardo Dias de
Published: October 2018

The present study demonstrates the antifungal potential of chemically characterized essential oil (EO) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume on Candida spp. biofilm and establishes its mode of action, effect on fungal growth kinetics, and cytotoxicity to human cells. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) values varied from 62.5 to 1,000 μg/mL, and the effect seems to be due to interference with cell wall biosynthesis. The kinetics assay showed that EO at MICx2 (500 μg/mL) induced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of the fungal growth after exposure for 8 h. At this concentration, the EO was also able to hinder biofilm formation and reduce Candida spp. monospecies and multispecies in mature biofilm at 24 h and 48 h (p < 0.05). A protective effect on human red blood cells was detected with the EO at concentrations up to 750 μg/mL, as well as an absence of a significant reduction (p > 0.05) in the viability of human red blood cells at concentrations up to 1,000 μg/mL. Phytochemical analysis identified eugenol as the main component (68.96%) of the EO. C. zeylanicum Blume EO shows antifungal activity, action on the yeast cell wall, and a deleterious effect on Candida spp. biofilms. This natural product did not show evidence of cytotoxicity toward human cells.
Application of the Extended Isogeometric Analysis (X-IGA) to Evaluate a Pipeline Structure Containing an External Crack
Authors: El Fakkoussi S. , Moustabchir H. , Elkhalfi A. , Pruncu C. I.
Published: October 2018

This work proposes a novel strategy for a two-dimensional problem that includes the approach of extended isogeometric analysis (X-IGA) in order to detect the behavior of a crack in pipeline structures. The nonrational B-Spline uniform function (NURBS) was used for the approximation of the solution fields (displacements) taking into account its geometry constrains. The modeling of the X-IGA was implemented under Abaqus/Standard software via subroutine (UEL) where the Stress Intensity Factor (KI) was extracted. The results permit detecting with accuracy the fracture toughness of a pipeline structure containing an external crack that can be submitted to critical pressures. To validate the performances of the novel strategy a careful comparison with existing literature and analytical and numerical computation methods was performed.
Pharmacological Management of Severe Neuropathic Pain in a Case of Eosinophilic Meningitis Related to Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Authors: Busse Jennifer , Gottlieb David , Ferreras Krystal , Bain Jennifer , Schechter William
Published: October 2018

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, is the most common infectious cause of eosinophilic meningitis and can be fatal. The parasite can be found throughout Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands and the global distribution is expanding. We present the case of a fourteen-year-old female who had previously traveled to Hawaii and developed severe neuropathic pain related to A. cantonensis infection refractory to gabapentin and pregabalin monotherapy, who was eventually managed with an ultralow dose ketamine infusion, methadone, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Ocular Biometric Characteristics of Chinese with History of Acute Angle Closure
Authors: Niu Wei-ran , Dong Chun-qiong , Zhang Xi , Feng Yi-fan , Yuan Fei
Published: October 2018

Purpose. To investigate the biometric characteristics of Chinese patients with a history of acute angle closure (AAC).Methods. In this clinic-based, retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study, biometric parameters of eyes were acquired from a general population of Chinese adults. The crowding value (defined as lens thickness (LT); central corneal thickness (CCT); anterior chamber depth (ACD)/axial length (AL)) was calculated for each patient. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for AAC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and biometric variables were compared to compile a risk assessment for AAC.Result. This study included 1500 healthy subjects (2624 eyes, mean age of 66.54 ± 15.82 years) and 107 subjects with AAC (202 eyes, mean age of 70.01 ± 11.05 years). Eyes with AAC had thicker lens (P≤0.001), shallower anterior chamber depth (P≤0.001), and shorter axial length (P≤0.001) than healthy eyes. Logistic regression analysis and ROC curve analysis indicated that a crowding value above 0.13 was a significant (P<0.05) risk factor for the development of AAC.Conclusions. Biometric parameters were significantly different between the eyes from the AAC group to the normal group. Ocular crowding value might be a new noncontact screening method to assess the risk of AAC in adults.
Manifestations and Outcomes of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Serious Infection in the Emergency Department
Authors: Su Chih-Min , Kung Chia-Te , Chen Fu-Cheng , Cheng Hsien-Hung , Hsiao Sheng-Yuan , Lai Yun-Ru , Huang Chin-Cheng , Tsai Nai-Wen , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: October 2018

Background. Several comorbidities contribute to an increased risk of infections in Parkinson’s disease (PD) as the disease progresses. However, few studies have examined the correlation between sepsis and PD. Aim. The aim of this study is to disclose the presentation and outcome of serious infection in patients with PD in the emergency department. Methods. This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with PD who had serious infection and were admitted to the emergency department between January 2007 and December 2013. For clinical comparison, we compared the clinical features, laboratory data, and outcomes with those of age- and sex-matched patients who had serious infection but not PD. Results. There were a total of 1,200 episodes of infected PD patients and 2,400 age- and sex-matched infected patients without PD as disease controls. PD patients had fewer comorbidities and lower severity of infectious disease but longer hospital stays than control group patients. The incidences of respiratory tract and urinary tract infections were higher in PD patients. The levels of inflammatory and organ dysfunction biomarkers in PD were lower and compatible with the severity of infectious disease. A total of 86 (7.2%) infected PD patients died during the 28-day admission compared to 339 (14.1%) in non-PD patients. Serum C-reactive protein, bandemia, and lactate could be used to predict mortality in infected PD patients. Conclusions. In infected patients with PD, respiratory and urinary tract infections were the two most common infectious sources. Empiric therapy based on experience could treat both respiratory and urinary tract infections. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for survival.
In Situ Investigation of the Early-Stage Growth of Nanoporous Alumina
Authors: Gorisse Thérèse , Dupré Ludovic , Zelsmann Marc , Vlad Alina , Coati Alessandro , Garreau Yves , Buttard Denis
Published: October 2018

We report the successful use of in situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering to follow the anodization of aluminum. A dedicated electrochemical cell was designed and developed for this purpose with low X-ray absorption, with the possibility to access all azimuthal angles (360°) and to remotely control the temperature of the electrolyte. Three well-known fabrication techniques of nanoporous alumina, i.e., single, double, and pretextured, were investigated. The differences in the evolution of the scattering images are described and explained. From these measurements, we could determine at which moment the pores start growing even for very short anodization times. Furthermore, we could follow the thickness of the alumina layer as a function of the anodization time by monitoring the period of the Kiessig fringes. This work is aimed at helping to understand the different steps taking place during the anodization of aluminum at the very early stages of nanoporous alumina formation.
Low Hematocrit Is a Strong Predictor of Poor Prognosis in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Fengmin , Qiao Wenbo , Zhang Xiansheng , Zhao Zhefeng , Li Mingqi
Published: October 2018

Morbidity and mortality of lung cancer rank first in China and worldwide. Thus, noninvasive prognostic biomarkers are critical for clinicians to perform risk assessment in lung cancer patients prior to or during the course of treatment. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of preoperative hematocrit (HCT) count reduction on the long-term survival of lung cancer patients undergoing pneumonectomy and analyzed the correlation between reduced HCT counts and patients’ clinicopathological features. A total of 1022 patients who underwent surgical treatment in Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, China, from February 2006 to December 2013, were enrolled in this study. The association between the clinicopathologic variables and HCT were evaluated by Mann-Whitney U-test and chi-square test, respectively. Survival curves were generated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, and differences between the curves were analyzed by a log-rank test. Multivariable analysis showed that high HCT (P < 0.001, HR: 0.595, 95% CI: 0.458–0.774) was favorable for patients’ survival. Low HCT patients presented shorter mean months of OS than that of high HCT patients (P < 0.001). Male adenocarcinoma carcinoma patients with lower body mass index (BMI) and advanced tumor stage were more likely to observe low HCT. We identified for the first time reduced preoperative HCT count as an independent risk factor leading to poor prognosis in lung cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment.
Preparation of Graphene Oxide and Its Application as Substrates for SERS
Authors: Li Xiaodong
Published: October 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by a modified Hummer’s method and was then reduced by the hydrothermal process. Both GO and reduced GO (rGO) were employed as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates to detect rhodamine 6G (R6G). After adsorbed on the surface of GO, the fluorescence background of R6G was highly quenched, and its Raman scatterings were enhanced. When adsorbed on the surface of rGO, the fluorescence background was further quenched at the price of lower SERS intensity. The results displayed that oxygen groups on the surface of GO had positive effect on the SERS effect of GO. The amount of oxygen groups on the surface of GO should be one key parameter to adjust the SERS activity of GO.
Life Cycle Cost Comparison Study of PV and Concrete Rooftop in Jakarta
Authors: Hendarti Religiana
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a comparative study of “life cycle cost” or LCC of a building school rooftop element in Jakarta. The simulation applied two different types of roof: a concrete roof and a PV rooftop. The aim of this study is to investigate the electricity production of the solar panels, the saving to investment ratio or SIR, and the total life cycle cost of each rooftop element. To accommodate those objectives, the calculation utilized a software called “Building Life Cycle Cost (BLCC) version 5” which is a product of the US Department of Energy. The simulation results showed that the LCC can be improved by 27.6%, and the “discounted payback” is reached at year 15. Indeed, this indicates that a roof made of solar panels is promising to replace the existing concrete roof.
Progression Potential of Ductal Carcinoma in situ Assessed by Genomic Copy Number Profiling
Authors: Kitamura Mina , Nakayama Takahisa , Mukaisho Ken-ichi , Mori Tsuyoshi , Umeda Tomoko , Moritani Suzuko , Kushima Ryoji , Tani Masaji , Sugihara Hiroyuki
Published: October 2018

Background: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is heterogeneous in terms of the risk of progression to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). To treat DCIS appropriately for its progression risk, we classified individual DCIS by its profile of genomic changes into 2 groups and correlated them with clinicopathological progression factors. Methods: We used surgically resected, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of 22 DCIS and 30 IDC lesions. We performed immunohistochemical intrinsic subtyping, array-based comparative genomic hybridization, and unsupervised clustering. Results: The samples were divided into 2 major clusters, A and B. Cluster A showed a greater number of gene and chromosome copy number alterations, a larger IDC/DCIS ratio, a higher frequency of nonluminal subtype, a lower frequency of luminal subtype, and a higher nuclear grade, when compared with cluster B. However, there was no difference in the frequencies of lymph node metastasis between clusters A and B. We identified 9 breast-cancer-related genes, including TP53 and GATA3, that highly contributed to the discrimination of A and B clusters. Conclusion: Classification of breast tumors into rapidly progressive cluster A and the other (cluster B) may contribute to select the treatment appropriate for their progression risk.
Impact of Preeclampsia on Long-Term Cognitive Function
Authors: Dayan Natalie , Kaur Amanpreet , Elharram Malik , Rossi Amanda M. , Pilote Louise
Published: October 2018

Preeclampsia increases a woman’s risk of stroke and leads to short-term cognitive complaints. Our objective was to assess the impact of preeclampsia on long-term cognitive performance. This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults cohort of healthy individuals (18–30 years) recruited from the general population in 3 cities in the United States, followed for 25 years (1985–2010). Psychomotor speed (Digit Symbol Substitution Test), executive function (Stroop Test), and memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) were contrasted between women with and without preeclampsia using multivariate linear regression. We included 568 parous women (193 with preeclampsia and 375 with normotensive pregnancy) without baseline neurological disease or depression matched according to delivery period. Approximately 18 years after delivery, preeclamptic women scored significantly lower on Digit Symbol Substitution Test than women with normotensive pregnancy (73.21±14.79 versus 75.87±15.22;
P
=0.047) and on the third trial of Stroop Test (correct answers: 38.85±3.62 versus 39.42±1.87;
P
=0.014; completion time: 44.02±10.48 versus 41.62±10.61 seconds;
P
=0.01), but there were no differences in Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. These differences were attenuated after adjustment for age, body mass index, hypertension, education, and depression. Similar differences in neurocognitive scores were noted between women with other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and normotensive pregnancy. Hypertension in pregnancy does not seem to be independently associated with neurocognitive impairment later in life.
Courtship behavior as a war of attrition in a simultaneous hermaphrodite
Authors: Lorenzi Maria Cristina , Araguas Alice , Bocquet Céline , Picchi Laura , Ricci-Bonot Claire
Published: October 2018

In outcrossing hermaphrodites with unilateral mating, where for each mating interaction one individual assumes the female role and the other the male role, each individual must take a sexual role opposite to that of its partner. In the polychaete wormOphryotrocha diadema, the decision on sexual role is likely at stake during the day-long courtship. Here we describe, for the first time, courtship and pseudocopulation in this species, quantify their pre-copulatory behavior, and search for behavioral traits predicting the prospective sexual role (i.e., behavioral sexual dimorphism), by analyzing the courtship behavior of pairs of worms during the day preceding a mating event. We did not find any behavioral cue predicting the sexual role worms were to play; partners’ pre-copulatory behaviors were qualitatively and quantitatively symmetrical. We interpret this as the outcome of a war of attrition where partners share the preference for the same sexual role, and both hide their ‘willingness’ to play the less preferred one, until one individual reaches its cost threshold and accepts the less preferred sexual role.
New Zealand Austrophthiracarus (Acari, Oribatida, Steganacaridae): two new species from the North Island
Authors: LIU DONG , ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: October 2018

Two new species of Austrophthiracarus (Oribatida: Steganacaridae) from national parks on the North Island of New Zealand are described: Austrophthiracarus taranaki sp. nov. from moss along tracks in Wilkies Pools, Egmont National Park, Taranaki and Austrophthiracarus whirinaki sp. nov. from litter in Whirinaki Forest, between Rotorua and Taupo. An updated key to all known species of Austrophthiracarus in New Zealand is presented.
New synonymies, new combinations and lectotype designations for weevils in the tribe Naupactini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)
Authors: RÍO M. GUADALUPE DEL , LANTERI ANALÍA A.
Published: October 2018

We examined the type material of 15 species of Naupactus Dejean and related genera (Curculionidae: Entiminae), most of them described by Alphonse Hustache (Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris) and Carl Boheman (Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm). The information associated with the types was compared with the original descriptions, and large series of specimens were examined in order to analyze the variation of each species throughout its range (sexual dimorphism, other kinds of polymorphism or geographic variation). Based on the results of this study we establish seven new combinations, one new placement and nine new synonymies, we make 21 lectotype designations and provide three new country and state records. Alceis curtus (Boh.), Lanterius leucophaeus (Boh.), L. sparsus (Boh.), L. sellatus (Boh.), Parapantomorus carinirostris (Hust.), Symmathetes signatus (Blanchard) and Teratopactus acerbus (Boh.) are new combinations and T. sulphureoviridis Hust. is a new placement. The following names are senior synonyms of those between parentheses: Lanterius inermis (Hust.) (syn. Macrostylus ocellatus Lanteri); Naupactus auricinctus Boh. (syn. N. ruficornis Boh.); N. bridgesii G.R. Waterhouse (syn. N. angulithorax Hust.); N. condecoratus Boh. (syn. N. bosqi Hust.); N. cyphoides (Heller) (syn. N. calamuchitanensis Hust., N. viridinitens Hust, N. viridulus Hust.); N. peregrinus (Buchanan) (syn. N. brevicrinitus Hust.); and Trichonaupactus densior Hust. (syn. T. rexus Hust.). For each species we provide the following information: synonyms, available data on type specimens (sex, body length, geographic location, kind of type, and repository), complete geographic distribution, pictures of types or specimens compared with types, an explanation about the reasons that justify the nomenclatural acts.
A new species of long-tailed mouse, genus Oligoryzomys Bangs, 1900 (Rodentia: Cricetidae), from the Bolivian Yungas
Authors: HURTADO NATALÍ , D’ELÍA GUILLERMO
Published: October 2018

Andean long-tailed mice of the genus Oligoryzomys have a complex and instable taxonomic history. Recent studies, in addition to circumscribe O. destructor to populations from southern Peru up to the north, and O. brendae to those from Argentina and southern Bolivia, have identified a candidate species in northern Bolivia. Herein, we assessed the status of the mentioned candidate species by morphologically comparing it with O. brendae, its sister group; with O. destructor, which is morphologically similar and distributed parapatrically; and with O. flavescens occidentalis, which is geographically codistributed. Additionally, we compared it with Oryzomys chaparensis, a poorly known form, currently placed in the synonymy of O. microtis, whose type locality is near the known distribution of the Bolivian candidate species. Results show that the assessed form is morphologically diagnosable. This fact together with its phylogenetic distinction allows us to hypothesize that it represents a new species that is named and described here.
Annotated list of the assassin bugs (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) of Belize, with the description of two new species
Authors: SWANSON DANIEL R. , CHORDAS STEPHEN W. III
Published: October 2018

Fifty-one species of Reduviidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) are recorded from Belize; literature citations are provided where relevant, and specimen data are included for examined material. Thirteen previously-described species are reported from Belize for the first time, ten of which represent new generic records: Eupheno histrionicus Stål, 1862 (Cetherinae); Ghinallelia signoreti (Dohrn, 1860) (Emesinae); Rasahus albomaculatus (Mayr, 1865) (Peiratinae); Leogorrus interruptus Champion, 1899; Microlestria laevis Champion, 1899; Nalata quadrituberculata Champion, 1899; Nalata setulosa Stål, 1862; Pseudozelurus superbus (Champion, 1899); Zelurus spinidorsis (Gray, 1832) (all Reduviinae); Oncerotrachelus conformis Uhler, 1894; Saica fuscipes Stål, 1862 (both Saicinae); Gnathobleda litigiosa Stål, 1862; and Stenopoda wygodzinskyi Giacchi, 1969 (both Stenopodainae). Among the ten subfamilies reported, Belizean records for one subfamily, Saicinae, are reported for the first time. Accompanying the checklist are the descriptions of Castolus omega Swanson sp. nov. (Harpactorinae) and Pygolampis aptena Swanson sp. nov. (Stenopodainae).
Improvements to Cloud-Top Brightness Temperatures Computed from the CRTM at 3.9 μm
Authors: Grasso Lewis , Lindsey Daniel T. , Noh Yoo-Jeong , O’Dell Christopher , Wu Ting-Chi , Kong Fanyou
Published: October 2018

In preparation for all-sky satellite radiance assimilation, the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM), version 2.1.3, was used to produce Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-12/13 (GOES-12/13) imagery near 3.9 μm. For the current study, model output simulated from different models, microphysics, and weather events was used by the CRTM to generate imagery over and near the United States. A direct comparison of observed and CRTM GOES-12/13 imagery near 3.9 μm revealed that CRTM brightness temperatures of solid-water cold cloud tops were approximately 30 K less than observed values. Two CRTM errors were identified and resolved: 1) a coding error that was found by the CRTM team and 2) incorrect optical properties of ice, resulting in improved values of brightness temperatures. Further, changes in microphysics also contributed to improvements, save for one case. The coding error solution appeared in the publicly released CRTM, version 2.3.0, on 27 November 2017, while the inclusion of the optical property solution is undetermined. Since the CRTM is the radiative transfer model within the operational data assimilation system at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), improvements to both the CRTM and model microphysics will be beneficial for future all-sky radiance assimilation activities.
Custom as a Legal Principle of Legislation for Shi’i Law
Authors: Takim Liyakat
Published: October 2018

This paper will argue that the principle of a lacuna in Shi’i law can empower jurists to go beyond the traditional parameters of the shari’a. The principle allows for an expansion of Islamic law since jurists can legislate laws that have not been explicitly prohibited by textual sources. I will demonstrate that, in the past, Shi’i jurists often appealed to local customary practices in legislating laws that were absent in revelatory sources. This juridical practice is premised on the view that all reasonable beings accept and behave according to common norms and values. I will argue also that, based on the principle of the custom of reasonable people, jurists can deploy American social norms and customs as a source of new legislation. Such considerations can lead to a radically different formulation of diasporic jurisprudence.