bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Honokiol-Mediated Mitophagy Ameliorates Postoperative Cognitive Impairment Induced by Surgery/Sevoflurane via Inhibiting the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Hippocampus
Authors: Ye Ji-Shi , Chen Lei , Lu Ya-Yuan , Lei Shao-Qing , Peng Mian , Xia Zhong-Yuan
Published: February 2019

Background. The potential mechanism of postoperative cognitive impairment is still largely unclear. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome had been reported to be involved in neurodegenerative diseases, including postoperative cognitive change, and is closely related to mitochondrial ROS and mitophagy. Honokiol (HNK) owns multiple organic protective effects. This study is aimed at observing the neuroprotective effect of HNK in postoperative cognitive change and examining the role of HNK in the regulation of mitophagy and the relationship between these effects and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mice induced by surgery/anesthesia. Methods. In this study, mice were divided into several groups: control group, surgery group, surgery+HNK group, and surgery+HNK+3-methyladenine (3-MA) group. Hippocampal tissue samples were harvested and used for proinflammatory cytokines, mitochondrial ROS, and malondialdehyde (MDA) assay. The process of mitophagy and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome were observed by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. Results. The results showed that HNK treatment obviously recovered the postoperative decline and enhanced the expressions of LC3-II, Beclin-1, Parkin, and PINK1 at protein levels after surgery/sevoflurane treatment, which are both an autophagy marker and a mitophagy marker. In addition, HNK attenuated mitochondrial structure damage and reduced mtROS and MDA generation, which are closely associated with NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Honokiol-mediated mitophagy inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. Using 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor, the neuroprotective effects of HNK on mitophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome activation were eliminated. Conclusion. These results indicated that HNK-mediated mitophagy ameliorates postoperative cognitive impairment induced by surgery/sevoflurane. This neuroprotective effect may be involved in inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and suppressing inflammatory responses in the hippocampus.
Improvement in Mechanical Properties and Heat Resistance of PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA by Melt Blending with PDLA-b-PEG-b-PDLA for Potential Use as High-Performance Bioplastics
Authors: Pasee Supasin , Baimark Yodthong
Published: February 2019

Ecofriendly poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA) are flexible bioplastics. In this work, the blending of poly(D-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D-lactide) (PDLA-b-PEG-b-PDLA) with various blend ratios for stereocomplex formation has been proved to be an effective method for improving the mechanical properties and heat resistance of PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA films. The PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA/PDLA-b-PEG-b-PLDA blend films were prepared by melt blending followed with compression molding. The stereocomplexation of PLLA and PDLA end-blocks were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The content of stereocomplex crystallites of blend films increased with the PDLA-b-PEG-b-PDLA ratio. From XRD, the blend films exhibited only stereocomplex crystallites. The stress and strain at break of blend films obtained from tensile tests were enhanced by melt blending with the PDLA-b-PEG-b-PDLA. The heat resistance of blend films determined from testing of dimensional stability to heat and dynamic mechanical analysis were improved with the PDLA-b-PEG-b-PDLA ratio. The sterecomplex PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA/PDL-b-PEG-b-PDLA films prepared by melt processing could be used as flexible and good heat-resistance packaging bioplastics.
Unfolded Protein Response Pathways Correlatively Modulate Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Responses in Rat Retinal Müller Cells
Authors: Wu Shengyu , Zhu Xiaolu , Guo Biechuan , Zheng Tian , Ren Jiangbo , Zeng Wen , Chen Xiaomin , Ke Min
Published: February 2019

Background. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in the retinal Müller cells is a key factor contributing to the retinal inflammation and vascular leakage in diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms through which the 3 main unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways regulate ERS and to examine the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in Müller cells in vitro. Methods. Rat Müller cell lines were stimulated with high glucose to mimic a diabetic environment in vitro. PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) were downregulated or upregulated with shRNA or overexpression plasmids. The transfected Müller cells were cultivated in high glucose medium for 48 hours. Expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), ATF6, and VEGF was examined with immunofluorescence and western blot. Results. Our data indicated that ERS was found in both high glucose and osmotic control groups. Overexpression or downregulation of UPR pathways effectively increased or reduced the production of GRP78, ATF4, XBP1, ATF6, and VEGF, respectively. These 3 signaling pathways had similar regulatory effects on VEGF. Conclusion. The 3 UPR-mediated inflammatory pathways were dependent on each other. Inhibition any of these signaling pathways in UPR might be a potential therapeutic target for DR.
Mutation Spectrum in TPO Gene of Bangladeshi Patients with Thyroid Dyshormonogenesis and Analysis of the Effects of Different Mutations on the Structural Features and Functions of TPO Protein through In Silico Approach
Authors: Begum Mst. Noorjahan , Islam Md Tarikul , Hossain Shekh Rezwan , Bhuyan Golam Sarower , Halim Mohammad A. , Shahriar Imrul , Sarker Suprovath Kumar , Haque Shahinur , Konika Tasnia Kawsar , Islam Md. Sazzadul , Rahat Asifuzzaman , Qadri Syeda Kashfi , Sultana Rosy , Begum Suraiya , Sultana Sadia , Saha Narayan , Hasan Mizanul , Hasanat M. A. , Banu Hurjahan , Shekhar Hossain Uddin , Chowdhury Emran Kabir , Sajib Abu A. , Islam Abul B. M. M. K. , Qadri Syed Saleheen , Qadri Firdausi , Akhteruzzaman Sharif , Mannoor Kaiissar
Published: February 2019

Although thyroid dyshormonogenesis (TDH) accounts for 10-20% of congenital hypothyroidism (CH), the molecular etiology of TDH is unknown in Bangladesh. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is most frequently associated with TDH and the present study investigated the spectrum of TPO mutations in Bangladeshi patients and analyzed the effects of mutations on TPO protein structure through in silico approach. Sequencing-based analysis of TPO gene revealed four mutations in 36 diagnosed patients with TDH including three nonsynonymous mutations, namely, p.Ala373Ser, p.Ser398Thr, and p.Thr725Pro, and one synonymous mutation p.Pro715Pro. Homology modelling-based analysis of predicted structures of MPO-like domain (TPO142-738) and the full-length TPO protein (TPO1-933) revealed differences between mutant and wild type structures. Molecular docking studies were performed between predicted structures and heme. TPO1-933 predicted structure showed more reliable results in terms of interactions with the heme prosthetic group as the binding energies were -11.5 kcal/mol, -3.2 kcal/mol, -11.5 kcal/mol, and -7.9 kcal/mol for WT, p.Ala373Ser, p.Ser398Thr, and p.Thr725Pro, respectively, implying that p.Ala373Ser and p.Thr725Pro mutations were more damaging than p.Ser398Thr. However, for the TPO142-738 predicted structures, the binding energies were -11.9 kcal/mol, -10.8 kcal/mol, -2.5 kcal/mol, and -5.3 kcal/mol for the wild type protein, mutant proteins with p.Ala373Ser, p.Ser398Thr, and p.Thr725Pro substitutions, respectively. However, when the interactions between the crucial residues including residues His239, Arg396, Glu399, and His494 of TPO protein and heme were taken into consideration using both TPO1-933 and TPO142-738 predicted structures, it appeared that p.Ala373Ser and p.Thr725Pro could affect the interactions more severely than the p.Ser398Thr. Validation of the molecular docking results was performed by computer simulation in terms of quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In conclusion, the substitutions mutations, namely, p.Ala373Ser, p.Ser398Thr, and p.Thr725Pro, had been involved in Bangladeshi patients with TDH and molecular docking-based study revealed that these mutations had damaging effect on the TPO protein activity.
Occupational Therapists’ Perceived Confidence in the Management of Concussion: Implications for Occupational Therapy Education
Authors: Finn Christina
Published: February 2019

The purposes of this study were to examine occupational therapists’ perceived confidence in the treatment and assessment of patients who have sustained concussion, to determine what factors are associated with higher versus lower levels of confidence, and to determine if concussion was a topic covered in occupational therapy curricula. This study utilized an electronic questionnaire sent out to occupational therapists in all areas of practice through social media, AOTA discussion forums, and through a continuing education company. Results indicate that there is variability in occupational therapists’ perceived confidence in evaluation and treatment for individuals who have sustained concussion. Chi-square analysis indicates that higher levels of perceived confidence are associated with more clinical experience and greater amounts of continuing education in the area of concussion. Occupational therapists may benefit from additional training and education in the area of concussion.
Auto-Cross-Linking Hydrogels of Hydrogen Peroxide-Oxidized Pectin and Gelatin for Applications in Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Garrido Claudia A. , Vargas Michel , Alvarez-Barreto Jose F.
Published: February 2019

Pectin-based hydrogels for biomedical applications have attracted recent attention due to their low cost, large availability of the materials, and high levels of biocompatibility. Specifically, periodate-oxidized pectin has been combined with chitosan and gelatin to form different structures. However, hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidation of pectin has not been studied for this application; furthermore, there is little information on the effect of the degree of oxidation on hydrogel characteristics nor has the feasibility of these systems as controlled drug delivery matrices been explored. Thus, the present work proposes to study the properties of gelatin-peroxide-oxidized pectin hydrogels as drug delivery systems in wound dressing applications. Combinations of pectin at different degrees of oxidation (high, low, and native pectin) and gelatin were analyzed and tested by swelling properties, reswelling from xerogel and aerogel forms, SEM, FTIR, and drug release. It was determined that hydrogels that contained oxidized pectin had improved swelling ratios and stability, at 32°C, compared to those with native pectin and only gelatin. The porosity of the oxidized pectin hydrogels allowed to have sustained and high release rates, which would make them an attractive alternative for wound dressings.
The Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injection Combined with Miniscalpel-Needle Release in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome vs. Steroid Injection Alone: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Zhang Subo , Wang Fei , Ke Songjian , Lin Caina , Liu Cuicui , Xin Wenjun , Wu Shaoling , Ma Chao
Published: February 2019

Objectives. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common nerve entrapment syndromes, which has a serious impact on patients’ work and life. The most effective conservative treatment is steroid injection but its long-term efficacy is still not satisfactory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of steroid injection combined with miniscalpel-needle (MSN) release for treatment of CTS under ultrasound guidance versus steroid injection alone. We hypothesized that combined therapy could be more beneficial. Methods. Fifty-one patients with CTS were randomly allocated into two groups, namely, steroid injection combined with MSN release group and steroid injection group. The therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated using Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve, and four electrophysiological parameters, including distal motor latency (DML), compound muscle action potential (CMAP), sensory nerve action potential (SNAP), and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Results. Compared with baseline, all the parameters in both groups showed statistically significant improvement at week 4 and week 12 follow-up, respectively (P<0.05). When compared with steroid injection group, the outcomes including BCTQ, DML, CMAP, SNCV, and CSA of the median nerve were significantly better in steroid injection combined with MSN release group at week 12 after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusions. The effectiveness of steroid injection combined with MSN release for CTS is superior to that of steroid injection alone, which may have important implications for future clinical practice. This Chinese clinical trial is registered with ChiCTR1800014530.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients Undergoing Urgent Reperfusion for Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation-Related Ischemic Stroke: A Brief Report on Literature Evidence
Authors: Masotti Luca , Grifoni Elisa , Dei Alessandro , Vannucchi Vieri , Moroni Federico , Panigada Grazia , Nicotra Costanza , Spolveri Stefano , Landini Giancarlo
Published: February 2019

Introduction. The optimal timing for starting anticoagulation in the early phase of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF)-related acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains a challenge, especially in patients undergoing urgent reperfusion by systemic thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy. The aim of our study was to review the literature evidence reporting on safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) starting in the early phase of NVAF-related AIS undergoing systemic thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy. Materials and Methods. We reviewed the PubMed databases searching articles reporting on efficacy and safety of DOACs starting time within two weeks from AIS onset in patients undergoing systemic thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy. Results. Three studies were selected, overall including one hundred and six patients (62 females, 58.4%). Median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at hospital admission ranged from 9 to 13 points. Median DOACs starting time ranged from 2 to 6 days. Median CHA2DS2-VASC score ranged from 4 to 6 points. Follow-up was limited to 14 days in one study, 30 days in another, and 90 days in a third one. Overall, stroke recurrence and/or intracranial bleeding occurred in two patients (1.9%) and no patient died at follow-up. Conclusion. Small sample size real life studies seem to demonstrate that the introduction of DOACs in the early phase of NVAF-related AIS undergoing urgent reperfusion is efficacious and safe. Prospective RCTs are necessary to confirm these findings.
The Impact of Surgery on Long-Term Survival of Patients with Primary Gastric Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A SEER Population-Based Study
Authors: Lin Ju-Li , Lin Jian-Xian , Li Ping , Xie Jian-Wei , Wang Jia-bin , Lu Jun , Chen Qi-Yue , Cao Long-long , Zheng Chao-Hui , Huang Chang-Ming
Published: February 2019

Background. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the long-term survival of patients receiving conservative with surgical treatment to analyze the prognostic factors and the impact of surgery on oncological outcomes of patients with primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Methods. A total of 2647 patients diagnosed with primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from 1998 to 2014 were extracted from SEER database. Propensity matching was performed to compare the clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups. Based on the recursive partitioning analysis, the patients were divided into three risk subgroups: low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk. Results. After propensity score matching, patient characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. The 5-year cancer-specific survival rates of the surgical group and the conservative treatment group were, respectively, 60% and 59.2% (P=0.952) before propensity matching and 64.2% and 58.6% (P=0.046) after propensity matching. According to the multivariate analysis, age, tumor stage, and chemotherapy and surgery were independent risk factors for long-term survival. The 5-year cancer-specific survival rates differed significantly between the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk patients (76.2% vs. 57.4% vs. 25.5%, respectively, P<0.001). The 5-year cancer-specific survival rate of the surgical group was significantly higher than that of the conservative treatment group in the low-risk patients. However, it did not differ significantly in the intermediate-risk and high-risk patients (P>0.05). Conclusions. A prognostic model was constructed based on the independent risk factors of age, tumor stage, and chemotherapy. The prognostic model indicated that low-risk patients (age<75 years, stage I/II, with/without chemotherapy) undergoing surgical treatment may benefit from long-term survival, while intermediate- and high-risk patients (age≥75 years, stage I/II, with/without chemotherapy or III/IV patients, with/without chemotherapy) gain no significant benefit from surgery.
The Big Yawning: Pathological Yawning as a Symptom of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Spahlinger Veronika , Niessen Annette , Rauer Sebastian , Krämer Stefan , Reinhard Matthias
Published: February 2019

Pathological yawning is rarely observed in cerebral or spinal diseases. A 67-year-old woman was admitted with a seven-day progressive hemisyndrome with left-sided limb ataxia and hypesthesia. The patient yawned with a high frequency, partially in salve-like episodes. MRI showed a cervical myelitis over more than three vertebral segments up to the lower medulla and Aquaporin-4-antibodies were positive (diagnostic criteria for a Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder were fulfilled). Under treatment with methylprednisolone, followed by plasmapheresis and immunoadsorption, clinical symptoms were regressive and the frequency of yawning completely normalized. When observing pathological yawning, even in the absence of other cerebral or brainstem symptoms, one should be aware of NMOSD as a possible cause.
Familial nomina in harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones)
Authors: KURY ADRIANO B.
Published: February 2019

This work is an in depth survey of all known extant and fossil Opiliones family-series nomina from the nomenclatural viewpoint, based on a corpus of 3788 bibliographic sources and aiming to serve as a reliable reference on the taxonomy of the order. A total of 194 available family-series nomina (5 fossil, 189 extant) are listed with dates and sources indicated, based on 161 distinct type genera in Opiliones. Of the 194 family-series nomina, 154 are currently considered valid and 40 invalid. Of these, seven are permanently invalid because either based on preoccupied type genera and one because otherwise invalid. Twenty one nomina were formed from incorrect original stems, all of which have been posteriorly emended. There are five unavailable family-series nomina. An unequal perception of five nomina as partly “Latinized” and partly “vernacular” is discussed. The nomen Gibocellinae Stecker 1876, hitherto in Opiliones, is suggested to belong in Notostigmata.
Reflections on the growing use of sounds in systematics and synecology: why an acoustic signal cannot become an onomatophore

Authors: DESUTTER-GRANDCOLAS LAURE , HUGEL SYLVAIN , GOUTTE SANDRA , ROBILLARD TONY
Published: February 2019

Acoustic signals are widely used by both terrestrial and aquatic animals to communicate, and bioacoustics is increasingly used to survey natural, acoustically active communities. More and more acoustic data are made available and await being used in public sound libraries; these data have proved a valuable tool in various fields ranging from ecology to integrative taxonomy. The temptation may exist to use acoustic data to formally describe new taxa by the sole acoustic productions of unseen specimens, forcing a ‘sound-based taxonomy’ on traditional taxonomy. We review the limitations of this practice.
Onymotopes in zoological nomenclature: some additional terms, with fixation of a lectonymotope for Xenopus petersii Bocage, 1895 (Amphibia, Anura)

Authors: FRÉTEY THIERRY , DEWYNTER MAËL , OHLER ANNEMARIE
Published: February 2019

A precise terminology is proposed for the distinction between different categories of onymotopes (type localities) in zoological nomenclature. To illustrate these new terms, we give concrete examples taken from nomina of African amphibians. In the course of working on these examples, we are led to designate a lectophoront (lectotype) for the frog species Xenopus petersii Bocage, 1895.
The Relictus case: it is high time that taxonomists follow the Code’s requirements for nomenclatural availability and validity of new zoological nomina

Authors: DUBOIS ALAIN , FRÉTEY THIERRY , OHLER ANNEMARIE
Published: February 2019

The new genus-series nomen Relictus, proposed by Sá et al. (2018) for a subgenus of the frog genus Chiasmocleis Méhelÿ, 1904, is unavailable for having been proposed [1] in a paper published online unregistered in Zoobank and [2] without a diagnosis stating in words characters purported to differentiate the taxon. Finally, it is also invalid for being a junior homonym of a generic nomen of fishes. Such mistakes are not new, many other similar ones having been published in the recent years. All taxonomists should give the proper attention to the nomenclatural Rules of the Code when proposing new nomina.
“If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice”
Authors: PINNA PEDRO H. , FERNANDES DANIEL S. , PASSOS PAULO
Published: February 2019

Stability is an essential feature both to taxonomy and nomenclature. However, zoology is recently being flooded with countless proposals of taxonomic and/or nomenclatural changes, some of which may be considered premature when poorly supported or based upon overestimated hypotheses. We emphasize that the choice of not proposing nomenclatural and/or taxonomic changes might be as relevant as proposing new hypotheses and, therefore, must be carefully considered. Despite being apparently obvious and intuitive, this option seems to be only rarely cogitated.
Natural history collecting and the arrogance of the modern Ark researcher
Authors: GIPPOLITI SPARTACO
Published: February 2019

A non-killing policy in biodiversity science has been recently promoted in some papers. Here the arguments pro collecting are reiterated and some issues concerning biological ethics, conservation biology and environmental awareness are stressed. Accordingly, naturalists involved with the study and preservation of biodiversity should not promote personal ethical beliefs masked by scientific arguments that may further slow down the description of life on Earth. Further, in agreement with Biological Ethic principles (sensu de Beaux), the need to assure long term maintenance of vouchers and collections and their availability to future generations of researchers is emphasized.
High-fidelity preservation of the Scarabaeoidea (Insecta) exoskeletons from the Miocene of Shanwang

Authors: HU LIANG , XIANG HUAYING , CAI CHENYANG , ZHAO TAO , HUANG DIYING , PAN YANHONG
Published: February 2019

The Shanwang Fauna has been one of the well-known Miocene Konservat-Lagerstätten for a long time, but the high-fidelity preservation of the fossils has been often ignored. This paper illustrates the exceptional preservation displayed by some fossil insects from the Shanwang Formation. The microstructures of the preserved exoskeletons were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. The epicuticle, procuticle, and some fine details such as cuticular scales could be recognized from the structural remains. These details could enable the identification of valued taxonomic and phylogenetic features and contribute to understanding the diagenetic environment.
A new species of Ceratolejeunea Jack & Steph. (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta) from Brazil
Authors: BASTOS CID JOSÉ PASSOS , BÔAS-BASTOS SILVANA B. VILAS
Published: February 2019

Ceratolejeunea falcatodentata, a new species from Brazil, is described and illustrated. This remarkable new species can be distinguished from other species by its considerably long, hook-shaped apical tooth, free margin of the lobule plane and sharply pointed leaf lobe apex.
Ninastrelnikovia lateritica sp. nov., a new and rare freshwater diatom species from the rocky pools of the Western Ghats, India with a note on the genus Ninastrelnikovia Lange-Bertalot & A.Fuhrmann (Bacillariophyta)
Authors: ROY SURAJIT , KOCIOLEK JOHN PATRICK , LOWE REX L. , KARTHICK BALASUBRAMANIAN
Published: February 2019

Ninastrelnikovia lateritica sp. nov., a new and rare freshwater biraphid diatom species was discovered from a rocky ephemeral pool of the Kaas plateau, Western Ghats, and described on the basis of light and scanning electron microscopy observations. A morphological comparison with the two other described Ninastrelnikovia taxa is provided. This new species can easily be separated from its congeners by the shape of the valve apex and absence of any second inflation along the valve margin, as well as the shape and structure of the external distal raphe ends and internal proximal raphe ends. The members of Ninastrelnikovia are characterized by two morphological types of valves. Valves on the ends of colonies exhibit one set of morphological features while valves located in the middle of colonies show another set of morphological features. Morphological details of the valves are discussed.
Dictyanthus stevensii (Apocynaceae; Asclepiadoideae; Gonolobinae), a new species from Chimalapas region, Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-MARTÍNEZ CÉSAR ADRIÁN , LOZADA-PÉREZ LUCIO , ALVARADO-CÁRDENAS LEONARDO O.
Published: February 2019

A new species of the genus Dictyanthus is herein described and illustrated, more than 30 years since the last paper describing new species of this genus. Dictyanthus stevensii sp. nov. is known only from the Zoque forest in the Chimalapas region in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. This species differs from all other species because it has the smallest flowers within the genus. It is morphologically related to D. eximius, a microendemic species of Chiapas. Information on the distribution and habitat of this new species is given, and its conservation status is proposed as Critically Endangered B2ab(ii). An identification key to Dictyanthus species in southern and southerneast Mexico is also provided.
Phylogeny and a new species of the genus Arachnomyces (Arachnomycetaceae)
Authors: SUN BING-DA , ZHOU YU-GUANG , CHEN AMANDA-JUAN , HOUBRAKEN JOS
Published: February 2019

A slow growing, asexual fungus that produces numerous arthroconidia was isolated during a mycobiota survey of pig farm soil in China. Phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and LSU rDNA sequences showed that it is a new species in the genus Arachnomyces, and the name Arachnomyces jinanicus was introduced. A. pilosus and A. scleroticus are new combinations for Chrysosporium pilosum and Onychocola sclerotica (=Malbranchia scleroticus) respectively. Currently, 11 species are accepted in Arachnomyces and an overview with type information and reference sequence data is given. The phylogenetic relationships of species within the genus are discussed, and a dichotomous key for distinguishing all reported Arachnomyces species is provided.
Homecoming: A Case Study
Authors: Krupa Bartłomiej
Published: February 2019

The study concerns the homecoming story of a Jewish Holocaust survivor, Szlomo Himelfarb, who returned to his home town of Solec on the Vistula, and his murder by local policemen. It is based on the material of so-called sierpniówki [testimonies given in 1944–1946 before summary courts for the prosecution “of fascist crimes against the civilian population and traitors of the Polish Nation”]. In conclusion, the author points to other cases of murders committed immediately after the war in Iłża (Starachowice) County.
“It’s Not a Matter of Choice”: Aleksander Smolar Interviewed by Konrad Matyjaszek
Authors: Matyjaszek Konrad
Published: February 2019

Konrad Matyjaszek’s interview with Aleksander Smolar focuses on the contemporary Polish intelligentsia, identified as a social group and a social milieu, and on this group’s self-image produced in relation to antisemitism, understood here both as a set of violence-based public activities and practices, and as an excluding prejudice that constitutes a component of the Polish culture. Aleksander Smolar discusses the history of Aneks, the Polish-language émigré socio-cultural journal, whose editor-in-chief he remained during the entire time of its activity (1973–1990). He talks about the political conditions and forms of pressure directed at the Aneks’s editorial board, composed in majority of persons forced to emigrate from Poland during the antisemitic campaign of March 1968, he also mentions the post-1968 shift of the Polish sphere of culture towards the political right and conservatism, and the rapprochement between the left-wing opposition circles and the organizations associated with the Catholic Church that was initiated in the 1970s. He also recounts reactions to the political changes expressed by his father, Grzegorz Smolar, a communist activist and an activist of the Jewish community in Poland. Afterwards, Smolar discusses the context of creation of his 1986 essay Taboo and Innocence [Tabu i niewinność] and analyses the reasons for which the majority of the Polish intelligentsia chose not to undertake cultural critique directed against the antisemitic components of the Polish culture.
The Total Astonishment of the Polish Intelligentsia
Authors: Zawadzka Anna , Tokarska-Bakir Joanna , Matyjaszek Konrad
Published: February 2019

Editorial.
Gli ultimi narratori di giustizia: un’esperienza italiana di letteratura dal diritto
Authors: Ferro Massimo
Published: February 2019

La scrittura narrativa dei giuristi è spesso incentrata sulle stesse esperienze professionalmente praticate, al punto che le scelte autorali, per quanto arbitrarie e creative, tendono ad omologare una comune difficoltà di allontanamento da quegli ambienti. Tuttavia, molte opere e racconti, pur facendo iniziare le loro storie d’invenzione dove finiscono i mestieri, si propongono di sfidare il diritto, cercandone talora un’affermazione postuma, più autentica di quella raggiunta dalla verità giudiziaria. Ed è la grande tradizione dei romanzi civili o comunque dei romanzi di genere, che cioè traggono dalle dinamiche della giustizia, specie investigativa e poi processuale, il substrato di tutte le relazioni, facendo diventare personaggi i soggetti e le parti dell’attività giudiziaria. Per altri autori, invece, proprio il limite della ricostruzione giudiziaria opera da ostacolo ad una ennesima rincorsa verso la verità storica: in tale secondo genere di letteratura, in Italia più recente e praticato da scrittori di provenienza per lo più non penalistica, sarebbe vano espiare la continua colpa dell’approssimazione al reale cui le forme giuridiche la costringono. Il patto con il lettore allora si rovescia: non più il “riordino giusto” della vita, la proiezione dell’ideale nella legge, il destino collettivo raddrizzato, ma la organizzazione dell’oblio. Contro il mondo reale, il romanzo si fa più fantastico, le storie più tarate sulle esistenze dei singoli. Quando l’invenzione mescola ogni fattore costitutivo del diritto, la riscrittura della realtà è completa e però sottotraccia riemerge il riavvicinamento molto abile alla verosimiglianza. Che è forse l’orizzonte più prezioso della maturità del giurista.
The Expression for Work in a Root's Blower
Authors: Kestin J. , Owczarek J. A.
Published: February 2019

This paper contains the derivation of an expression for the ideal work of compression in a Root's blower, which takes into account the inherent irreversibility of the process. Moreover, the expression takes into account the finite delivery volume, and it is shown that the conventional formula is contained in the more accurate formula as a limiting case for infinite delivery volume.

Formulae are derived which enable the delivery temperature to be calculated for given values of overall pressure ratio and for several values of the pocket to delivery-volume ratio. Graphs of power coefficients are given, so that the calculation of horse-power is facilitated. The horse-power can be calculated either for a given volume of free air delivered or for the volume of discharge required.
Water Turbine Governors
Authors: Dennis N. G.
Published: February 2019

In this paper is presented a general picture of closed-sequence system controls of hydro-electric plants, covering the relation between water-turbine governors and water level, power, frequency and tie-line controls.

Special mention is made of the difficulty of governing created by the inertia of the water in the pipe-line.

Different types of water-turbine governor are examined. This is followed by an analytical description of the miscellany of devices incorporated into water-turbine governors, including centrifugal devices and their drives, hydraulic and mechanical addition and subtraction, pilot relays, distributing valves and servomotors, temporary-return-motion and acceleration-sensitive devices.

A description is given of the simultaneous control of guide vanes and runner vanes, or guide vanes and relief valve, or spear and diffuser or deflector.

Various arrangements for supplying pressure oil are mentioned for small governors and for very large governors where 300,000 ft.-lb. of energy can be released in a single stroke.

This descriptive analysis is followed by a description of an actual governor.

The paper concludes with an appendix which gives a brief theoretical analysis of the behaviour of a water-turbine governor.
Creep Properties of Steels Utilized in High-pressure and High-temperature Superheater and Steam Pipe Practice. Part III: Revision of Long-time Creep Data for a Carbon Steel Header and a Carbon–Molybdenum Steel Pipe
Authors: Ridley R. W.
Published: February 2019

This report is the third of a series dealing with the creep properties of steels.

In Parts I and II†, estimated temperatures were given for 0·1-0·5 per cent creep in periods of up to 100,000 hours for three carbon, and three carbon-molybdenum, steels, over a selected range of stress; the estimates being obtained by logarithmic extrapolation of creep tests of less than 10,000 hours’ duration.

Part III gives revised temperature estimates for one superheater header carbon steel at 5 tons per sq. in. and for one carbon–molybdenum steam-pipe steel at 6 tons per sq. in., based on the results of creep tests at these stresses lasting 67,000 hours. The extended tests indicate that modifications are necessary in the previously extrapolated temperatures corresponding to 100,000 hours. The two tests are being continued for the full time of 100,000 hours.
An Investigation of Fretting Corrosion
Authors: Wright K. H. R.
Published: February 2019

In this paper a series of experiments is described on the subject of fretting corrosion, an expression used to describe the surface damage occurring between two closely fitting surfaces subject to slight vibrational movement. The emphasis of the research has been placed upon obtaining quantitative measurements of the degree of fretting damage, and it has been shown that considerable reproducibility can be obtained, thus making it possible to correlate this measurement with such variables as total number of oscillations, load, or atmospheric humidity. Humidity variations have been shown to have a pronounced effect on both the form and total amount of damage, and this probably accounts for the large discrepancies between the observations obtained by different workers.

Although most of the measurements have been made using lapped carbon-steel specimens, some results were obtained with other materials such as chromium, nickel, and gold. Nickel plating has been advocated as an anti-fretting surface, but the experiments clearly show this to be ineffective, unless it can be assumed that the nickel plating has the additional effect of reducing the slip between the two surfaces.

The use of lubricated phosphated surfaces can be strongly recommended for inhibiting fretting corrosion, from the results obtained with this form of surface preparation rubbing against a steel flat.

Additional experiments have been carried out with carbon-steel surfaces to establish the significance of the absorption and diffusivity of oxygen in surrounding liquid media.
A Room Temperature Photo-elastic Technique for Three-dimensional Problems
Authors: Lamble J. H. , Bayoumi Salah E. A.
Published: February 2019

For the application of photo-elasticity to the stress analysis of three-dimensional problems, the existing methods rely on the “stress-freezing” property of thermosetting resins. This again requires the model material to have certain characteristics that are not always present. The lack of these leads to experimental difficulties that may be overcome only by skilful technique.

In the “sandwich” method described in the paper, the difficulties associated with stress-freezing— as, for example, large distortion of the model and rind effect—are avoided by loading at room temperature. In addition a series of fringe patterns is obtained for the specific plane selected for investigation, as distinct from one pattern only for a frozen slice. These patterns are repeatable for the same loading. The difficulties that arise in the production of a sandwich in “Perspex”, with “Catalin 800” as the birefringent layer, are discussed in detail. It is emphasized that, before it is made up into the sandwich, the Catalin 800 must be subjected to additional curing to bring its elastic properties into line with those of Perspex; this also improves its behaviour at room temperature.

Semicircular notches on round bars subjected to axial tension have been selected to demonstrate the correctness of the solutions obtained, and the results are in good agreement with those predicted by Neuber (1945)‡. The method has been applied also to the case of a thick cylinder under internal pressure, to investigate the increased stresses arising at a diametral port, and also to the estimation of the stress distribution in nut and bolt assemblies.

Despite certain limitations met with in each particular application, it is evident that the “composite model technique” described in the paper provides a very useful tool for stress analysis in three-dimensional problems.
Application of composite materials in inductive charging systems for electric vehicles
Authors: Mayr Tobias , Niedermeier Florian , Hassler Marius
Published: February 2019

Inductive charging is a popular possibility to enhance the acceptance toward electric vehicles. It requires a charging unit, consisting of a copper coil and a ferrite layer, integrated in the vehicle underbody for power transfer. Here different requirements like the mechanical protection or temperature distribution occur. Therefore, a sophisticated material concept for the housing of the coil and ferrite has to be applied. One possibility is the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, as the material properties promise high stiffness and thermal conductivity. Critical is the energy absorption of the material in the electromagnetic field of the inductive charging unit due to its electrical conductivity. We propose the use of isolating layers of glass fiber between the layers of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic to reduce eddy currents. In this study the electromagnetic behavior of composites that consist of a combination of electrical conductive and electrical nonconductive materials is investigated. Therefore, the electromagnetic field of the charging unit is simulated in a first step. Then, an analytical and numerical model of the composite material is validated by measurements in the homogeneous electromagnetic field of a Helmholtz coil. Finally, the models are applied to investigate the material behavior in the heterogeneous field of the inductive charging unit. The results show that a different amount of power is absorbed depending on the fiber orientation of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic and the number of isolating layers. Most suitable for the usage in the inductive charging unit are carbon fiber reinforced plastic layers that are all isolated against each other by layers of glass and have a fiber orientation of 45° in relation to the ferrite edges.
Machine vision characterisation of the 3D microstructure of ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Christian WJR , Dvurecenska K , Amjad K , Przybyla C , Patterson EA
Published: February 2019

A new approach to quantifying the microstructure of continuous fibre-reinforced composites has been presented which reduces the time required to quantify the microstructure and, hence, to better understand the microstructure-sensitive response when compared to prior methods. The technique was demonstrated by characterising the voids and fibre orientation within a continuous SiC fibre-reinforced SiNC ceramic matrix composite as these are known to affect both the oxidation and mechanical behaviour of the material. Microscopy data obtained via automated serial sectioning were analysed using standard digital image correlation algorithms to extract the 3D fibre orientation field, and histogram thresholding to extract the void shape and porosity distribution. Employing orthogonal decomposition, the dimensionality of the void shape data was also reduced, enabling interpretable comparisons between the fibre orientation field and the voids. The approach outlined here is applicable to studying the microstructure-sensitive response and optimization of processing for improved performance.
Friendship as a scientific method
Authors: Ramírez-i-Ollé Meritxell
Published: February 2019

Friendships formed in the course of scientific research are common and should be foregrounded in discussions of how the sciences are done. Inspired by the Sociology of Scientific Knowledge, I propose a ‘symmetrical’ analysis of friendships in both the social and natural sciences as a way of comparing knowledge-making practices. The research question that derives from this approach is: How are friendships with and between subjects generative of new forms of scientific knowledge and new types of relating? I provide an answer based on my experience of befriending a group of dendroclimatologists to whom I referred metaphorically as ‘my chimps’ in an analogy with the primatologist Jane Goodall’s affectionate relation with her research subjects. In my case, befriending dendroclimatologists involved cultivating a curiosity about each other’s research and worlds through different means. As a result, my work also came to matter to them and we produced it collaboratively. The instrumentalisation of friendships for the purpose of achieving a certain control and agreement with subjects and beings is, I argue, a normal aspect of knowledge formation, and should not be seen as unethical. If anything, befriending subjects promotes better research ethics as it generates a form of mutuality based on partial relatedness, constructive dissent and playfulness, rather than hybridity, totalising consensus and domination. Overall, my argument about friendship as a method in science seeks to criticise the ideal that isolation and indifference are at the heart of the way scientific knowledge, both social and natural, is and should be made.
A comprehensive approach for human hand evaluation of split or large set of fabrics
Authors: Musa Atiyyah Binti Haji , Malengier Benny , Vasile Simona , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: February 2019

Assessment of fabric handle relies on the feel of humans. The precision of the results greatly depends on the size of the fabric sets. The precision decreases with increasing number of samples as a consequence of assessors' fatigue and loss of concentration. Given the importance of handle assessment and in the absence of guidelines that assist assessment of large sample sets, this study proposes a comprehensive approach for testing large sets of fabrics by dividing them into several testing sessions, each of 10 samples at most. In the proposed way, tests can also be split over different panels, even at different locations, provided the panel accuracy is verified beforehand. The method to select the panel members, link the results obtained in different sessions and normalize the data are discussed in this paper. The proposed method was tested on 13 fabrics. Three fabric sensorial attributes (i.e. smoothness, softness and warmth) were assessed in two sessions by a panel consisting of 28 blindfolded members or assessors. Good agreement was found between the panel members for fabric smoothness and softness but the warmth of the fabrics was judged differently as shown by high disagreements between panel members. No significant origin-, gender- or age-based differences on the judgements were found. The findings of this test study are in agreement with previous studies where well-established assessment methods (i.e. instrumental methods or human panels on a smaller dataset) were applied and suggest that the proposed method can be successfully applied to assess large sets of fabrics.
Unit cell modeling on torsion damage behavior of a novel three-dimensional integrated multilayer fabric-reinforced composite tubular structure
Authors: He Bing , Mi Zhongxing , Wang Youjiang , Gu Bohong
Published: February 2019

Torsion damage behaviors of composite tubes are key factors in the design of tube structures, such as transmission shafts. During service, torsion in the transmission shaft induces delamination damage. A novel three-dimensional fully integrated multilayer tubular fabric aimed to eliminate delamination was invented by authors. This fabric is in tubular form with several layers of crimp-free in-layer yarns oriented at prescribed orientations and fully interlocked by a set of through-layer yarns, which are often made of the same type of fibers as the in-layer yarns. We investigated torsion damage behaviors of the integrated fabric-reinforced composite tubes. The torque–torsion angle curves were obtained and the torsion damages were phenomenologically analyzed. A unit cell model of the integrated fabric composite circular tube was established to numerically reveal the torsion damage mechanisms. For optimizing the torsion behaviors, the axial yarns should have high stiffness and the binder yarn should have high strength. More specifically, the axial yarn should use carbon fiber tows, and high-strength polymer fiber tows could be used for the binder yarns.
A novel cord-shaped supercapacitor with high stretchability
Authors: Nie Wenqi , Zhang Shu , Ding Xin , Hu Jiyong , Yang Xudong , Li Qiao
Published: February 2019

Cord-shaped stretchable supercapacitors have received much attention due to their high stretchability and three-dimensional flexibility. For coaxial supercapacitors, lower capacitive performance and the inextensibility of the separation layer have been the important factors hindering further developments. In this work, we developed an integration technology to fabricate multiple yarn-electrodes by a layer-to-layer braiding. Between the inner and outer electrodes there is a braided elastic separator by braiding multiple spandex yarns. The braided separator features not only a reliable separation of the inner and outer electrodes, but also a high stretchability and high porosity. The cord-shaped supercapacitor shows an excellent capacitive performance of 60.1 mF/cm2 with energy density of 5.4 μWh/cm2, power density of 0.52 mW/cm2 and extremely high capacitance retention of 99.8% under the strain of 100%, demonstrating the application value of this stretchable energy storage device.