bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sirt5 Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury through Regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and Bcl-2
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Yuanyuan , Li You , Zhao Yueyue , Jiang Hong
Published: November 2019

Cisplatin- (CDDP) induced acute kidney injury (AKI) limits the clinical use of cisplatin. Several sirtuin (SIRT) family proteins are involved in AKI, while the roles of Sirt5 in cisplatin-induced AKI remain unknown. In the present study, we characterized the role and mechanism of Sirt5 in cisplatin-induced apoptosis using the human kidney 2 (HK-2) cell line. CDDP treatment decreased Sirt5 expression of HK-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Sirt5 overexpression enhanced the metabolic activity in CDDP-treated HK-2 cells while Sirt5 siRNA attenuated it. Forced expression of Sirt5 inhibited CDDP-induced apoptosis while Sirt5 siRNA showed the opposite effects. Accordingly, Sirt5 overexpression inhibited the level of caspase 3 cleavage and cytochrome c levels. Furthermore, we found that Sirt5 increased mitochondrial membrane potentials and ameliorated intracellular ROS production. Mitotracker Red staining indicated that Sirt5 overexpression was able to maintain the mitochondrial density during CDDP treatment. We also investigated possible downstream targets of Sirt5 and found that Sirt5 increased Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 while it decreased Bax protein expression. Sirt5 siRNA showed the opposite effect on these proteins. The levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 proteins in HK-2 cells were also decreased after CDDP treatment. Moreover, Nrf2 and Bcl-2 siRNA partly abolished the protecting effect of Sirt5 on CDDP-induced apoptosis and cytochrome c release. Catalase inhibitor 3-AT also abolished the cytoprotective effect of Sirt5. Together, the results demonstrated that Sirt5 attenuated cisplatin-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial injury in human kidney HK-2 cells, possibly through the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and Bcl-2.
miR-185 and SEPT5 Genes May Contribute to Parkinson’s Disease Pathophysiology
Authors: Rahimmi Arman , Peluso Ilaria , Rajabi Aref , Hassanzadeh Kambiz
Published: November 2019

There are still unknown mechanisms involved in the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which elucidating them can assist in developing efficient therapies. Recently, studies showed that genes located on the human chromosomal location 22q11.2 might be involved in the development of PD. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the role of two genes located on the chromosomal location (miR-185 and SEPT5), which were the most probable candidates based on our bibliography. In vivo and in vitro models of PD were developed using male Wistar rats and SHSY-5Y cell line, respectively. The expression levels of miR-185, SEPT5, LRRK2, and PARK2 genes were measured at a mRNA level in dopaminergic areas of rats’ brains and SHSY-5Y cells using the SYBR Green Real-Time PCR Method. Additionally, the effect of inhibition on the genes or their products on cell viability and gene expression pattern in SHSY-5Y cells was investigated. The level of miR-185 gene expression was significantly decreased in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum (ST) of the rotenone-treated group (control group) compared to the healthy normal group (P<0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the expression of SEPT5 gene (P<0.05) in the substantia nigra between two studied groups. The results of an in vitro study showed no significant change in the expression of the genes; however, the inhibition on miR-185 gene expression led to the increase in LRRK2 gene expression in SHSY-5Y cells. The inhibition on LRRK2 protein also decreased the cellular toxicity effect of rotenone on SHSY-5Y cells. The results suggested the protective role of miR-185 gene in preventing the development of PD.
Menu Recommendation System Using Smart Plates for Well-balanced Diet Habits of Young Children
Authors: Namgung Kwon , Kim Tae-Hwan , Hong Youn-Sik
Published: November 2019

A well-balanced diet habit of a wide variety of foods and adequate nutrition can help to maintain proper growth and healthy life for young children. In Korea, young children aged 3 to 6 years use their own plates to eat lunch served in the kindergarten or childcare facilities. In this paper, we propose a smart plate that can easily measure how much food children have eaten. The smart plate has five load cell sensors to measure the weight of five places. Using them, the amount of food intake can be determined by measuring the weight of food before and after meals, respectively. This helps to know which foods young children prefer and which foods they do not prefer and identifies nutritional deficiencies in them. In addition, long-term accumulated data can be used to predict the growth index of young children. Finally, menus are recommended based on the nutrition facts consumed on a monthly basis by analyzing nutrition ingredients that were insufficient or excessive for children.
Conceptual Design of an Unmanned Fixed-Wing Aerial Vehicle Based on Alternative Energy
Authors: Escobar-Ruiz Alan G. , Lopez-Botello Omar , Reyes-Osorio Luis , Zambrano-Robledo Patricia , Amezquita-Brooks Luis , Garcia-Salazar Octavio
Published: November 2019

This paper focuses on the aerodynamics and design of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on solar cells as a main power source. The procedure includes three phases: the conceptual design, preliminary design, and a computational fluid dynamics analysis of the vehicle. One of the main disadvantages of an electric UAV is the flight time; in this sense, the challenge is to create an aerodynamic design that can increase the endurance of the UAV. In this research, the flight mission starts with the attempt of the vehicle design to get at the maximum altitude; then, the UAV starts to glide and battery charge recovery is achieved due to the solar cells. A conceptual design is used, and the aerodynamic analysis is focused on a UAV as a gliding vehicle, with the calculations starting with the estimation of weight and aerodynamics and finishing this stage with the best glide angle. In fact, the aerodynamic analysis is obtained for a preliminary design; this step involves the wing, fuselage, and empennage of the UAV. In order to achieve the preliminary design, an estimation of aerodynamic coefficients, along with computational fluid dynamics analysis, is performed.
Comparison of Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Four-Level and Three-District Triage Standard and the Australasian Triage Scale
Authors: Zhu Aiqun , Zhang Jingping , Zhang Huilin , Liu Xiao
Published: November 2019

Emergency triage is an important tool for prioritizing urgent or critical patients, and its effect needs to be investigated and evaluated. This observational study aimed to compare the reliability and validity of the Chinese four-level and three-district triage standard (CHT) and the Australasian Triage Scale (ATS) in an adult emergency department of a general hospital in China. From 2016-01 to 2017-01, twelve nurses independently performed on-site triage of 254 patients and 1552 patients to assess the scales’ reliability and validity, respectively. The interrater reliability, as assessed by the weighted k scores, was 0.686 (95% CI 0.608–0.757) for the CHT and 0.731 (95% CI 0.663–0.790) for the ATS, and the k scores between the CHT and the ATS were 0.630 (95% CI 0.594–0.669). Temperature, respiration, pulse, blood oxygen saturation, waiting time, treatment time, emergency disposition, hospitalization rate, and mortality were significantly associated with the triage levels of the CHT and ATS (p<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve values of the CHT and ATS for predicting intensive care treatment were 0.845 (95% CI: 0.825–0.866) and 0.740 (95% CI: 0.715–0.765), respectively. The reliability and validity of the CHT and ATS were moderate, and both of them can be used to identify critical patients in emergency departments. It is necessary to further improve the triage system in terms of structure and content.
Rational Spectral Collocation Combined with the Singularity Separated Method for a System of Singularly Perturbed Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Yang Lufeng
Published: November 2019

A novel rational spectral collocation method is presented combined with the singularity‐separated technique for a system of singularly perturbed boundary value problems. The solution is expressed as u = w + v, where w is the solution of the corresponding auxiliary boundary value problem and v is a singular correction with explicit expressions. The rational spectral collocation method in barycentric form with the sinh transformation is applied to solve the auxiliary third boundary problem. The parameters of the singular correction can be determined by the boundary conditions of the original problem. Numerical experiments are carried out to support theoretical results and provide a favorable comparison with research results of other work.
Influence of Preservation of Normal Knee Contact Stress on Other Compartments with respect to the Tibial Insert Design for Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Koh Yong-Gon , Park Kyoung-Mi , Kang Kyoung-Tak
Published: November 2019

Recent advances in imaging technology and additive manufacturing have led to the introduction of customized unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) that can potentially improve functional performance due to customized geometries, including customized sagittal and coronal curvature and enhanced bone preservation. The purpose of this study involved evaluating the biomechanical effect of the tibial insert design on the customized medial UKA using computer simulations. We developed sagittal and coronal curvatures in a native knee mimetic femoral component design. We utilized three types of tibial insert design: flat, anatomy mimetic, and conforming design. We evaluated contact stress on the tibial insert and other compartments, including the lateral meniscus and articular cartilage, under gait and squat loading conditions. For the conforming UKA design, the tibial insert and lateral meniscus exhibited the lowest contact stress under stance phase gait cycle. However, for the conforming UKA design, the tibial insert and lateral meniscus exhibited the highest contact stress under swing phase gait cycle. For the flat UKA design, the articular cartilage exhibited the lowest contact stress under gait and squat loading conditions. The anatomy mimetic UKA design exhibited the most normal-like contact stress on the other compartments under gait and squat loading conditions. The results reveal the importance of conformity between the femoral component and the tibial insert in the customized UKA. Based on the results on the femoral component as well as the tibial insert in the customized UKA, the anatomy mimetic design preserves normal knee joint biomechanics and thus may prevent progressive osteoarthritis of the other knee compartments.
Pharmacokinetic Comparisons of Mangiferin and Mangiferin Monosodium Salt in Rat Plasma by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Guo Hongbin , Chen Mengqiao , Li Mengran , Hu Mingye , Chen Baohua , Zhou Chengyan
Published: November 2019

Mangiferin (MG) is an active component in natural medicines, and various studies have been reported on pharmacological effects, but the low solubility and bioavailability of MG limit its wide application. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic profiles of mangiferin (MG) and mangiferin monosodium salt (MG-Na) in rat plasma by UPLC-MS/MS, which were then compared between the two groups. An appropriate high sensitivity and selectivity ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was applied to the comparison of plasma pharmacokinetics in MG and MG-Na using carbamazepine as internal standard (IS). These results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters between MG and MG-Na after a single oral administration at 100 mg/kg. When compared with pharmacokinetic parameters of MG, the AUC(0-t), AUC(0–∞), Cmax,K10, and Ka of MG-Na were increased by 5.6-, 5.7-, 20.8-, 8-, and 83.6-fold, while the Tmax and CL/F were decreased by 4- and 5.7-fold (P<0.001), respectively. t1/2 value showed an increasing trend, but was statistically significant between the two groups. Moreover, the AUC value in the MG-Na group was significantly increased and the relative bioavailability was calculated to be 570% when compared with that of the MG group. These results suggested that the salification reaction of MG can effectively enhance gastrointestinal absorption and relative bioavailability by improving solubility and membrane permeability.
Analysis of Polymorphisms Associated with Base Excision Repair in Patients Susceptible and Resistant to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Ding Enmin , Guo Jiadi , Ge Xin , Sheng Rongjian , Chen Jian , Zhang Hengdong , Zhu Baoli
Published: November 2019

Objective. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common occupational health risks in both developed and industrialized countries. It occurs as a result of interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Nevertheless, inherited genetic factors contributing to NIHL are not well understood. Therefore, we aim to investigate whether genetic mutations in three important base excision repair genes (OGG1,APEX1, andXRCC1) may influence susceptibility to NIHL.Methods. Three SNPs inOGG1,APEX1, andXRCC1were genotyped from 1170 noise-exposed workers and were classified into 117 most susceptible and 117 most resistant individuals.Results. Results showed that the rs1799782 TT genotype located in theXRCC1coding region and rs1130409 GG/GT in theAPEX1coding region were associated with increased risk for NIHL in a Chinese population. Compared to the rs1799782 C allele frequency, the T allele frequency was increased in the sensitive group (adjustedOR=1.51,95%CI=1.01to 2.26,P=0.043). The rs1130409 G allele frequency was also increased in the sensitive group compared to the resistant group (adjustedOR=1.59,95%CI=1.10to 2.31,P=0.015). Moreover, rs1130409 and drinking had a statistically significant interaction (P=0.0002), while rs1799782, rs1130409, and smoking also had a statistically significant interaction (P<0.0001).Conclusions.XRCC1rs1799782 andAPEX1rs1130409 may have potential as biomarkers for the screening of susceptibility to NIHL in workers exposed severe noise.
Impact of Prior Bevacizumab Treatment on VEGF-A and PlGF Levels and Outcome Following Second-Line Aflibercept Treatment: Biomarker Post Hoc Analysis of the VELOUR Trial
Authors: Van Cutsem Eric , Paccard Caroline , Chiron Marielle , Tabernero Josep
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

Aflibercept is a targeted anti-VEGF therapy used to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) following progression on oxaliplatin-based regimens. This post hoc study evaluated the effect of prior bevacizumab treatment and growth factor levels on patient outcomes associated with aflibercept in the VELOUR phase III trial.

Experimental Design:

Baseline biomarker plasma concentrations were measured using a bead-based multiplex assay. Patients were grouped according to prior bevacizumab treatment, second-line treatment, and serum biomarker concentrations, and analyzed for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:

Plasma samples were available for 553 patients (placebo n = 265; aflibercept n = 288), of which 169 had received prior bevacizumab. Nine biomarkers implicated in angiogenesis or bevacizumab resistance correlated with prior bevacizumab therapy. VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PlGF) were the most significantly increased in patients who had received prior bevacizumab compared with those who had not received prior bevacizumab. In the placebo group, patients with high VEGF-A (>144 pg/mL) levels at baseline had worse OS and PFS compared with patients with lower levels at baseline (9.6 vs. 12.9 months). This was also seen in patients who received placebo and had high baseline PlGF (>8 pg/mL; 9.7 vs. 11.7 months). In the aflibercept group, prolonged OS and PFS were observed regardless of baseline VEGF-A or PlGF levels.

Conclusions:

High VEGF-A and PlGF serum levels may underlie development of resistance to bevacizumab in patients with mCRC. Aflibercept retains its activity regardless of baseline VEGF-A and PlGF levels and may be an effective second-line treatment for patients with bevacizumab-induced resistance.
Association between Biomarkers of Mineral and Bone Metabolism and Removal of Calcium and Phosphate in Hemodialysis
Authors: Debowska Malgorzata , Dai Lu , Wojcik-Zaluska Alicja , Poleszczuk Jan , Zaluska Wojciech , Lindholm Bengt , Waniewski Jacek
Published: November 2019

Background: A significant drop of serum phosphate and calcium removal or loading during hemodialysis induce reactions in mineral and bone remodeling that may inversely affect phosphate and calcium removal during dialysis. Objectives: We aimed to analyze the interdependencies between biomarkers of mineral and bone metabolism and removal of phosphate and calcium during hemodialysis, as this complex relationship is not fully understood. Methods: Three subsequent hemodialysis sessions during a 1-week treatment cycle with interdialytic periods of 2–2-3 days were monitored in 25 anuric patients. Calcium and phosphate concentrations were measured in serum before, at 1, 2, and 3 h, at the end, and 45 min after each session and in the outlet dialysate every 30 min. Biomarkers associated with mineral and bone metabolism: parathyroid hormone (PTH 1–34 and PTH 1–84), calcitonin, 25(OH)-vitamin D, fetuin-A, osteopontin, osteocalcin 1–43/49, and intact osteocalcin were assayed once in each patient before the midweek hemodialysis session. Results: Post-dialytic and intra-dialytic serum phosphate of midweek hemodialysis session and phosphate mass removed within 1 week correlated positively with serum PTH (0.40 < rho <0.46, p value <0.05). Higher concentration of serum PTH was associated with an increased level of osteocalcin. Pre-dialytic, post-dialytic, average for treatment time and average weekly concentrations of ionized calcium in serum correlated positively with serum osteocalcin. Serum osteocalcin and osteopontin levels were associated with the masses of total and ionized calcium, respectively, removed during 3 hemodialysis sessions. Conclusions: During hemodialysis, phosphate removal was associated with serum PTH, whereas calcium kinetics was influenced by serum osteocalcin and osteopontin. These results demonstrate that active processes involving biomarkers of mineral and bone metabolism are affected by the phosphate and calcium kinetics already within 4 h hemodialysis sessions.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea Secondary to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Alkhotani Amal
Published: November 2019

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a syndrome of increased intracranial pressure without a mass lesion or ventriculomegaly and normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition. Patients typically present with a headache and visual symptoms and signs. Here, we discuss a rare presentation of spontaneous CSF leak secondary to IIH and mild ophthalmic finding that worsened after the cranial repair of the CSF leak.
Red Blood Cells: Exchange, Transfuse, or Deplete
Authors: Stussi Georg , Buser Andreas , Holbro Andreas
Published: November 2019

Erythrocytapheresis, red blood cell (RBC) depletion, and RBC exchange transfusions are apheresis techniques used to rapidly lower the circulating RBC mass or to exchange the patient erythrocyte mass with donor RBC. Automated RBC exchange is performed using an apheresis device, while manual RBC exchange is based on sequential phlebotomies and isovolemic replacement. Compared to simple RBC transfusions, RBC exchange offers several advantages, e.g., a lower risk for iron accumulation and efficient control of pathological erythrocyte populations. Disadvantages are the higher costs of the procedure, the increased use of donor RBC, and the requirement of apheresis devices and trained hospital staff. The most frequent indication for RBC exchange is sickle cell disease (SCD). RBC exchange transfusions are standard treatment in SCD patients with a history of or a risk for acute stroke and are clinical options for other acute complications of SCD. The most common indication for RBC depletion is the removal of donor RBC from the bone marrow grafts in major ABO-incompatible allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to avoid immediate hemolysis. Rare indications for RBC exchange are severe infections with intraerythrocytic pathogens such as malaria or babesiosis and severe erythrocytosis or hereditary hemochromatosis where the aim is to rapidly decrease RBC populations or the iron content. However, only few high-quality studies are available looking at the efficacy of RBC exchange in the different disease entities, and treatment is often based on low levels of evidence and should therefore be decided in close collaboration with a transfusion medicine specialist.
Which Patients Require Physician-Led Inter-Hospital Transport in View of Endovascular Therapy?
Authors: Leibinger Franck , Sablot Denis , Van Damme Laurène , Gaillard Nicolas , Nguyen Them Ludovic , Lachcar Marlène , Duchateau Nathalie , Arquizan Caroline , Farouil Geoffroy , Ibanez Majo , Pujol Céline , Fadat Bénédicte , Allou Thibaut , Coll Francis , Benayoun Laurent , Mas Julie , Smadja Philippe , Ferraro-Allou Adelaïde , Mourand Isabelle , Dutray Anais , Tardieu Maxime , Jurici Snejana , Bonnec Jean-Marie , Olivier Nadège , Cardini Sandra , Aptel Sabine , Marquez Ana-Maria , Dumitrana Adrian , Costalat Vincent , Bonafe Alain
Published: November 2019

Introduction: The current guidelines advocate the implementation of stroke networks to organize endovascular treatment (ET) for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) after transfer from a Primary Stroke Centre (PSC) to a Comprehensive Stroke Centre (CSC). In France and in many other countries around the world, these transfers are carried out by a physician-led mobile medical team. However, with the recent broadening of ET indications, their availability is becoming more and more critical. Here, we retrospectively analysed data of patients transferred from a PSC to a CSC for potential ET to identify predictive factors of major complications (MC) at departure and during transport that absolutely require the presence of a physician during interhospital transfer. Methods: This observational, single-centre study included patients with evidence of intracranial LVO transferred for ET from Perpignan to a 156 km-distant CSC between January 1, 2015 and ­December 31, 2018. We compared 2 groups: MC group (patients who required emergency intervention by the medical team due to life-threatening complications, including need of mechanical ventilation at departure) and non-MC group (all other patients who experienced no or only minor complications that could be managed by the emergency paramedics alone). Results: Among the 253 patients who were transferred to the CSC, 185 (73.1%) had no complication, 57 (22.6%) minor complications, and 11 (4.3%) had MC. In multivariate analysis, MC was associated with basilar artery (BA) occlusion (p < 0.0001), initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score >22 (p < 0.005), and history of atrial fibrillation (p < 0.04). Among the 168 patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), only 1 patient (0.6%) had MC due to an IVT-related adverse event during transfer. Conclusions: Physician-led inter-hospital transports are warranted for patients with BA occlusion, initial NIHSS score >22, or history of atrial fibrillation. For the other patients, transfer without a physician may be considered, even if treated with IVT.
Impact of Autonomic Regulation Therapy in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Konstam Marvin A. , Udelson James E. , Butler Javed , Klein Helmut U. , Parker John D. , Teerlink John R. , Wedge Patricia M. , Saville Benjamin R. , Ardell Jeffrey L. , Libbus Imad , DiCarlo Lorenzo A. ,   for the ANTHEM-HFrEF Investigators and Coordinators
Published: November 2019

Background:

The ANTHEM-HFrEF (Autonomic Regulation Therapy to Enhance Myocardial Function and Reduce Progression of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) pivotal study is an adaptive, open-label, randomized, controlled study evaluating whether autonomic regulation therapy will benefit patients with advanced HFrEF. While early-phase studies have supported potential use of vagus nerve stimulation to deliver autonomic regulation therapy for HFrEF, results of larger clinical trials have been inconsistent. The ANTHEM-HFrEF study uses a novel design, with adaptive sample size selection, evaluating effects on morbidity and mortality as well as symptoms and function.

Methods:

The ANTHEM-HFrEF study will randomize patients (2:1) to autonomic regulation therapy plus guideline-directed medical therapy, or guideline-directed medical therapy alone. The morbidity and mortality trial utilizes a conventional frequentist approach for analysis of the primary outcome end point—reduction in the composite of cardiovascular death or first HF hospitalization—and a Bayesian adaptive approach toward sample size selection. Embedded within the ANTHEM-HFrEF study is a second trial evaluating improvement in symptoms and function. Symptom/function success will require meeting 2 risk-related conditions (trend for reduced cardiovascular death/HF hospitalization and sufficient freedom from device-related serious adverse events) and 3 efficacy end point components (changes in left ventricular EF, 6-minute walk distance, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall score).

Conclusions:

Vagus nerve stimulation remains a promising, yet unproven treatment in HFrEF. A successful ANTHEM-HFrEF pivotal study would provide an important advance in HFrEF treatment and offer a model for expediting evaluation of new therapies.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03425422.
Making Community Work: Constructing Singapore’s Start-Up Community
Authors: Kripe Zane
Published: November 2019

Based on an ethnographic study of technology entrepreneurs in Singapore between 2011 and 2015, this article explores ‘community’ as an emic concept for those involved in the production of web technologies. One major area in which the concept was used was in the organization of social relationships amongst those who saw themselves as occupied with technology start-ups. However, successful applications were not free of contradictions and required significant investment. This article then takes issue with the often-implicit understanding in academic as well as popular discussions of (digital) communities as organically emerging and self-organizing. Looking at how the notion of ‘community’ operates in practice makes it apparent that in the digital economy it is applied strategically and is considered a highly productive concept in capital production and extraction.
Revision of the Oriental Chaetocnema species (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)
Authors: RUAN YONGYING , YANG XINGKE , KONSTANTINOV ALEXANDER S. , PRATHAPAN KANIYARIKKAL D. , ZHANG MENGNA
Published: November 2019

The Oriental species of Chaetocnema Stephens, 1831 are revised. There are 85 valid species, including 19 new species: C. angustifrons sp. nov.; C. appendiculata sp. nov.; C. baoshanica sp. nov.; C. dapitanica sp. nov.; C. glabra sp. nov.; C. greenica sp. nov.; C. jinxiuensis sp. nov.; C. hongkongensis sp. nov.; C. latapronota sp. nov.; C. midimpunctata sp. nov.; C. nigrilata sp. nov.; C. parafusiformis sp. nov.; C. paragreenica sp. nov.; C. paraumesaoi sp. nov.; C. purerulea sp. nov.; C. reteimpunctata sp. nov.; C. sabahensis sp. nov.; C. subbasalis sp. nov.; C. trapezoida sp. nov.                Fifteen new synonyms are proposed: C. assamensis Scherer, 1969 (syn. nov.) = C. hainanensis Chen, 1932; C. birmanica Jacoby, 1892 (syn. nov.) = C. malayana Baly, 1877; C. ebenina Warchalowski, 1973 (syn. nov.) = C. yiei Kimoto, 1970; C. flavipennis Medvedev, 1996 (syn. nov.) = C. granulicollis Jacoby, 1896; C. harita Maulik, 1926 (syn. nov.) = C. westwoodi Baly, 1877; C. himalayana Medvedev, 1993 (syn. nov.) = C. melonae Chen, 1934; C. kwangsiensis Chen, 1939 (syn. nov.) = C. hainanensis Chen, 1932; C. loriae Jacoby, 1905 (syn. nov.) = C. nigrica Motschulsky, 1858; C. nepalensis Scherer, 1969 (syn. nov.) = C. bella Baly, 1877; C. nitens Baly, 1877 (syn. nov.) = C. nigrica Motschulsky, 1858; C. placida Jacoby, 1896 (syn. nov.) = C. bella Baly 1877; C. shanensis Bryant, 1939 (syn. nov.) = C. bella Baly 1877; C. subcostata Jacoby, 1889 (syn. nov.) = C. wallacei Baly, 1877; C. vietnamica Chen & Wang, 1980 (syn. nov.) = C. modigliani Jacoby, 1896; C. vietnamica Medvedev, 2009 (syn. nov.) = C. wallacei Baly, 1877.                C. vietnamica Medvedev, 2001 is a new junior homonym of C. vietnamica Chen & Wang, 1980.                C. melonae Chen, 1934 status restored and resurrected from synonymy with C. duvivieri Jacoby, 1892 in Medvedev, 2001: 613. Two subspecies are raised to species level: C. taiwanensis Chûjô, 1965 new status for C. tonkinensis taiwanensis Chûjô, 1965 and C. yunnanica Heikertinger, 1951 new status for C. discreta yunnanica Heikertinger, 1951.                Lectotypes are designated for 25 species: C. minuta Jacoby, 1896; C. granulicollis Jacoby, 1896; C. kwangsiensis Chen, 1939; C. longipunctata Maulik, 1926; C. montivaga Maulik, 1926; C. basalis Baly, 1877; C. parvula Baly, 1877; C. nitens Baly, 1877; C. geniculata Jacoby, 1896; C. simplicifrons (Baly, 1876); C. sticta Maulik, 1926; C. sumatrana Jacoby, 1896; C. wallacei Baly, 1877; C. alticola Maulik, 1926; C. belli Jacoby 1904; C. cognata Baly, 1877; C. squarrosa Baly, 1877; C. concinnipennis Baly, 1877; C. malayana Baly, 1877; C. birmanica Jacoby, 1892; C. merguiensis Bryant, 1941; C. pusaensis Maulik, 1926; C. singala Maulik, 1926; C. westwoodi Baly, 1877; C. harita Maulik, 1926.
Eye of the Storm: Observing Hurricanes with a Small Unmanned Aircraft System
Authors: Cione Joseph J. , Bryan George H. , Dobosy Ronald , Zhang Jun A. , de Boer Gijs , Aksoy Altug , Wadler Joshua B. , Kalina Evan A. , Dahl Brittany A. , Ryan Kelly , Neuhaus Jonathan , Dumas Ed , Marks Frank D. , Farber Aaron M. , Hock Terry , Chen Xiaomin
Published: November 2019

Unique data from seven flights of the Coyote small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) were collected in Hurricanes Maria (2017) and Michael (2018). Using NOAA’s P-3 reconnaissance aircraft as a deployment vehicle, the sUAS collected high-frequency (>1 Hz) measurements in the turbulent boundary layer of hurricane eyewalls, including measurements of wind speed, wind direction, pressure, temperature, moisture, and sea surface temperature, which are valuable for advancing knowledge of hurricane structure and the process of hurricane intensification. This study presents an overview of the sUAS system and preliminary analyses that were enabled by these unique data. Among the most notable results are measurements of turbulence kinetic energy and momentum flux for the first time at low levels (<150 m) in a hurricane eyewall. At higher altitudes and lower wind speeds, where data were collected from previous flights of the NOAA P-3, the Coyote sUAS momentum flux values are encouragingly similar, thus demonstrating the ability of an sUAS to measure important turbulence properties in hurricane boundary layers. Analyses from a large-eddy simulation (LES) are used to place the Coyote measurements into context of the complicated high-wind eyewall region. Thermodynamic data are also used to evaluate the operational HWRF model, showing a cool, dry, and thermodynamically unstable bias near the surface. Preliminary data assimilation experiments also show how sUAS data can be used to improve analyses of storm structure. These results highlight the potential of sUAS operations in hurricanes and suggest opportunities for future work using these promising new observing platforms.
Predictability of Midsummer Great Plains Low-Level Jet and Associated Precipitation
Authors: Malloy Kelsey M. , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: November 2019

Warm-season precipitation in the U.S. “Corn Belt,” the Great Plains, and the Midwest greatly influences agricultural production and is subject to high interannual and intraseasonal variability. Unfortunately, current seasonal and subseasonal forecasts for summer precipitation have relatively low skill. Therefore, there are ongoing efforts to understand hydroclimate variability targeted at improving predictions, particularly through its primary transporter of moisture: the Great Plains low-level jet (LLJ). This study uses the Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4), July forecasts, made as part of the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME), to assess skill in reproducing the monthly Great Plains LLJ and associated precipitation. Generally, the CCSM4 forecasts capture the climatological jet but have problems representing the observed variability beyond two weeks. In addition, there are predictors associated with the large-scale variability identified through linear regression analysis, shifts in kernel density estimators, and case study analysis that suggest potential for improving confidence in forecasts. In this study, a strengthened Caribbean LLJ, negative Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnection, El Niño, and a negative Atlantic multidecadal oscillation each have a relatively strong and consistent relationship with a strengthened Great Plains LLJ. The circulation predictors, the Caribbean LLJ and PNA, present the greatest “forecast of opportunity” for considering and assigning confidence in monthly forecasts.
Comet 27 P/Crommelin Observed in Ancient Korea
Authors: Yong-Ki Jong , Jik-Su Kim , Chol-Jun Kim , Chol-Min Choe
Published: November 2019

The comet 27 P/Crommelin was discovered in 1457 and since then observed six times up to 1956, so its average period is 27.79 years. According to Korean ancient annals, however, comet 27 P/Crommelin was first observed in B.C. 44 and was observed 16 times up to 1457. We traced the records with a period of about 28 years, compiled a list of them and showed that all those records are concerned with the comet 27 P/Crommelin. According to extrapolation of the brightness, the comet 27 P/Crommelin might be one of the brightest comets observed in human history, so ancient people could easily observe this comet with the naked eye. We examined the parallel records in Chinese history and concluded that the Korean historians might have added more detail to their reports by referring to Chinese records.
The Identification of Postovulation Infertility with the Measurement of Early Luteal Phase (Peak Day +3) Progesterone Production
Authors: Hilgers Thomas W.
Published: November 2019

This study reports on 632 cycles from 105 women who were using the CREIGHTON MODEL Fertility Care™ System to avoid pregnancy and had either a serious reason to avoid pregnancy or some degree of a lack of confidence. A progesterone level was drawn on the third day after the Peak Day as they were charting, and if the progesterone level was 2.3 ng/mL or greater, then ovulation was determined to have passed. If the level was greater than 3.0 ng/mL, this indicated that an absolute period of infertility had begun. In these cases, no pregnancies were observed. In the 27 cycles in which a specific follow-up relative to pregnancy could not be definitively determined, the progesterone levels in all cases were 2.3 ng/mL or greater with 23 of the 27 cycles being 3.1 ng/mL or greater. It is highly unlikely that any of those became pregnant as well. These cycles were collected over thirteen years (2004–2016). Two case presentations are also a part of this article of two families in which the couples had very serious reasons to avoid pregnancy. In these two couples, each of the women was multi-gravid and had no evidence of subfertility or infertility. They used the family planning progesterone level (the Peak Day +3 progesterone level) for a total of 167 cycles over a number of years successfully without a subsequent pregnancy.

This article presents a thirteen-year effort to evaluate the serum progesterone level on the third day after the Peak Day as observed by women charting the CREIGHTON MODEL Fertility Care™ System. It is known that the Peak Day is associated with ovulation, and if the progesterone reaches a certain level, then an absolute period of infertility should follow. In fact, this is what this study reflects.
Is Watson for Oncology per se Unreasonably Dangerous?: Making A Case for How to Prove Products Liability Based on a Flawed Artificial Intelligence Design
Authors: Frank Xavier
Published: November 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) machines hold the world's curiosity captive. Futuristic television shows like West World are set in desert lands against pink sunsets where sleek, autonomous AI fulfill every human need, desire, and kink. But I, Robot, a movie where robots turn against the humans they serve, reminds us that AI is precarious. Academicians who study how AI interacts with tort law, such as Jessica Allain, David Vladeck, and Sjur Dyrkoltbotn, claim that the current legal regime is incapable of addressing the liability issues AI present. Both Allain and Vladeck focus their research on whether tort law can accommodate claims against fully autonomous AI machines, while Dyrkoltbotn explores how AI can be leveraged to help plaintiffs identify the genesis of their injuries. The solution this article presents is not exclusively tailored to fully autonomous AI and does not identify how technology can be used in tort claims. It instead demonstrates that the current tort law regime can provide relief to plaintiffs who are injured by AI machines. In particular, this article argues that the manner in which Watson for Oncology is designed presents a new context in which courts should adopt a per se rule of liability that favors plaintiffs who bring damage claims against AI machines by expanding the definition of what it means for a device to be unreasonably dangerous.
Right Ventricular Outflow Doppler Predicts Low Cardiac Index in Intermediate Risk Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Brailovsky Yevgeniy , Lakhter Vladimir , Weinberg Ido , Porcaro Katerina , Haines Jeremiah , Morris Stephen , Masic Dalila , Mancl Erin , Bashir Riyaz , Alkhouli Mohamad , Rosenfield Kenneth , Mathew Verghese , Lopez John , Bechara Carlos F. , Joyce Cara , Fareed Jawed , Darki Amir
Published: November 2019

Intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) has variable outcomes. Current risk stratification models lack the positive predictive value to identify patients at highest risk of PE-related mortality. We identified intermediate-risk PE patients who underwent catheter-based interventions and right heart catheterization (RHC) and identified those with low cardiac index (CI < 2.2 L/min/m2). We utilized regression models to identify echocardiographic predictors of low CI and Kaplan Meier curve to evaluate PE-related mortality when stratified by the echocardiographic predictor. Of 174 intermediate-risk PE patients, 41 underwent RHC. Within this cohort, 46.3% had low CI. Univariable linear regression identified right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (RVOT VTI), right/left ventricular ratio, S prime, inferior vena cava diameter, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure as potential predictors of low CI. Multivariable linear regression identified RVOT VTI as significant predictor of low CI (β coefficient 0.124, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.24, P = .034). Right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral <9.5 cm was associated with increased PE-related mortality, P = .002. A substantial proportion of intermediate-risk PE patients referred for catheter-based interventions had low CI despite normotension. Right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral was a significant predictor of low CI. Low RVOT VTI was associated with increased PE-related mortality.
Exploring the Social Determinants of Drinking Sugary Beverages Leading to Chronic Illness Among Latina/o Populations
Authors: Khandelwal Priyanka , Salazar Leslie Ramos
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

The aim of this qualitative study was to assess Latina/o students’ sugary drink consumption patterns and understand the social determinants leading to this consumption behavior in order to design more effective health communication–based campaigns. This study examined the perceived reasons behind high levels of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption among college students of Hispanic origin in the Texas Panhandle region.

Method:

Fifteen Latina/o students were interviewed via an innovative social media–based online interviewing protocol.

Results:

Subsequent analyses revealed that peer pressure, socializing, unavailability of packaged drinking water during social events, targeted advertisements, and poor lifestyle choices were perceived reasons for high intake of SSB in the focal population.

Conclusion:

This study recommends designing public service announcements geared to Latino/a youth that increase awareness about the long-term health risks that can result from high consumption of SSBs. Moreover, the positive health benefits of drinking water should be highlighted and Latina/o parents should avoid glorifying SSBs and restrict their SSB consumption in front of their children. Further research should aim at designing educational messages, using theoretical backing, to test how Latina/o youth respond to them.
Associations of Partner Support and Acculturation With Physical Activity in Mexican American Women
Authors: Congello Neomie C. , Koniak-Griffin Deborah , Brecht Mary-Lynn , Hays Ron D. , Heilemann Mary-Sue V. , Nyamathi Adeline M.
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Insufficient physical activity (PA) and obesity-related health conditions have reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Mexican American women (MAW) report low leisure time physical activity. Few studies examine activities beyond leisure time. Qualitative research suggests that partner support influence provides a cultural approach relevant to PA among MAW.

Method:

This cross-sectional study used an ecological model to investigate community (the physical environment), interpersonal (partner support, attitudinal familism), and intrapersonal (age, health conditions, acculturation, employment, and body mass index) factors associated with PA among 112 MAW. Community-based participatory research recommendations guided the preparatory phase of the study and the face-to-face interviews. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were computed. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between study variables.

Results:

Moderate to high PA levels were found based on combined activities performed during leisure time, transportation, household tasks, and occupational duties. Women with greater partner support reported higher PA levels. Although acculturation levels were low among women, those with higher acculturation were found to be more physically active.

Conclusions:

Future studies should examine strategies to increase partner support and address acculturation within intervention programs to enhance overall PA among MAW.
Hyperandrogenism associated with an ovarian remnant in a spayed female cat
Authors: Jones Sarah A , Owens Scott L , Birchard Stephen J
Published: November 2019

Case summary

An 11-year-old female, reportedly spayed, domestic shorthair cat was examined for a 4-month history of weight loss, aggression, urine spraying, malodorous urine and estrus-like behavior. Physical examination revealed thickened skin, a mildly prominent vulva and confirmed malodorous urine. On abdominal ultrasonography, a 6 mm hypoechoic nodule was found in the left cranial abdomen. An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test with adrenal panel revealed elevated serum concentrations of androstenedione and testosterone pre- and post-cosyntropin stimulation, mildly decreased cortisol pre- and post-cosyntropin stimulation, and decreased resting aldosterone. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and a cystic, nodular mass was found in the region of the left ovary. The mass was surgically removed and submitted for histopathology; results were conclusive for an ovarian remnant with an intact corpus luteum and non-neoplastic parovarian cysts. Previously observed clinical signs resolved within two weeks of ovariectomy. A follow-up ACTH stimulation test with adrenal panel 6 weeks postoperatively revealed normalization of serum androstenedione, testosterone and cortisol concentrations. Four years postoperatively, at the time of writing, the cat remains free of clinical signs.

Relevance and novel information

We are unaware of any previously reported cases of non-neoplastic ovarian remnants associated with clinically relevant hyperandrogenism. A non-neoplastic ovarian-dependent hyperandrogenism should be included as a differential diagnosis of spayed female cats showing aggression and urine spraying behavior.
Making nature into infrastructure: The construction of oysters as a risk management solution in New York City
Authors: Wakefield Stephanie
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates how nature is transformed into infrastructure through an examination of New York State’s Living Breakwaters project, a $60 million risk management experiment to grow oyster reefs in order to better govern storm surge, rising seas, and coastal flooding. While oysters’ infrastructural nature is portrayed by designers and planners as an inherent natural property which now simply needs harnessing, in reality making oysters into infrastructure requires extensive concrete work—by humans and oysters. Drawing on historical research, site observation, interviews, and media and design analysis, this article traces this work required to make oysters appear, and then function, as a risk management solution. In part one, I trace the narrative work involved in establishing the idea of oysters as infrastructure. In part two, I look at what it takes to build this idea in reality, to make oysters actually function within desired governmental parameters. Making oysters into infrastructure, I conclude, is a kind of biopolitics, both in the traditional sense of making certain forms of human life live, but also in which the goal is to make nature live in a particular way, albeit one imagined as natural to the oyster. While biopolitics forwards a dystopian view of human and nonhumans as vulnerable to threatening environmental processes and heavily secured, it may be undermined by the inability to make nature’s imagined “vitality” appear.