bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking Control of a Galfenol-Actuated Nanopositioning Stage Using Feedforward Control with a Disturbance Observer
Authors: Jiang Shiping , Xu Bin , Liu Shuxin , Zhu Wei
Published: November 2019

The main challenge of the galfenol actuator for high-precision positioning is the inherent nonsmooth hysteresis, which may lead to undesirable inaccuracies or oscillations and even instability. The primary aim of this study is to develop a tracking control method to precisely control the output displacement of a galfenol-actuated nanopositioning stage using feedforward control with a disturbance observer. In order to accurately describe the rate-dependent hysteresis, considering the dynamic behavior of the power amplifier, a novel dynamic model is put forward. Then, a developed controller is designed. In this controller, a feedforward control is developed to compensate the rate-dependent hysteresis, and a disturbance observer is employed to restrain disturbances, high-order unmodeled dynamics, and hysteresis compensation error. The comparative experimental results show that the proposed control method can significantly improve the positioning accuracy and suppress disturbances. This research can be applied in various micro and nanopositioning and vibration control fields.
The Priming Effects of Mirror Visual Feedback on Bilateral Task Practice: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Li Yi-chun , Wu Ching-yi , Hsieh Yu-wei , Lin Keh-chung , Yao Grace , Chen Chia-ling , Lee Ya-Yun
Published: November 2019

The priming effect of mirror visual feedback can be simply provided by inexpensive mirror therapy (MT), which exhibits beneficial effects on sensorimotor recovery in stroke. The present study was a single-blind pretest-posttest study that examined whether the priming effect of mirror visual feedback on bilateral task practice would render better outcomes. Twenty-three patients with chronic stroke were randomized to receive hospital-based task-oriented MT or bilateral arm training (BAT) for 4 weeks at 90 minutes/day, 3 days/week and a home practice for 30-40 minutes/day, 5 days/week. There was the potential trend for MT to improve temperature sense as measured by the revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment (Cohen’s d=1.00; 95% confidence interval, -0.09 to 2.09), and MT increased the Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 total score (d=0.89; 0.003 to 1.71). MT also showed a trend for greater improvements in the Motor Activity Log (amount of use: d=0.62; -0.24 to 1.44; quality of movement: d=0.50; -0.35 to 1.31). MT involving bilateral movement practice with the priming effect of mirror visual feedback may render beneficial effects. The unilateral approach or MT augmented by extra feedback might be appropriate modifications.
miR-98-5p Alleviated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Renal Fibrosis via Targeting Hmga2 in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Zhu Yingchun , Xu Jiang , Liang Wenxing , Li Ji , Feng Linhong , Zheng PengXi , Ji Tingting , Bai Shoujun
Published: November 2019

Recently, microRNAs have been recognized as crucial regulators of diabetic nephropathy (DN) development. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can play a significant role in tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and it is a hallmark of diabetic nephropathy progression. Nevertheless, the function of miR-98-5p in the modulation of EMT and renal fibrosis during DN remains barely investigated. Hence, identifying the mechanisms of miR-98-5p in regulating EMT and fibrosis is of huge significance. In our present research, decreased miR-98-5p was demonstrated in db/db mice and mice mesangial cells treated with the high dose of glucose. Meanwhile, activated EMT and increased fibrosis was accompanied with the decrease of miR-98-5p in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, to further find out the roles of miR-98-5p in DN development, overexpression of miR-98-5p was applied. Firstly, in vivo investigation exhibited that elevation of miR-98-5p restrained proteinuria, serum creatinine, BUN, the EMT process, and fibrosis. Furthermore, high glucose was able to promote mice mesangial cell proliferation, EMT process, and induced renal fibrosis, which could be prevented by overexpression of miR-98-5p. Moreover, high mobility group A (HMGA2) can exhibit an important role in diverse biological processes. Here, HMGA2 was investigated as a target of miR-98-5p currently. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted and the correlation of miR-98-5p and HMGA2 was validated. Moreover, it was displayed that HMGA2 was remarkably elevated in db/db mice and mice mesangial cells. Furthermore, miR-98-5p strongly depressed HMGA2 protein and mRNA levels in mice mesangial cells. Overall, these revealed miR-98-5p could suppress the EMT process and renal fibrosis through targeting HMGA2 in DN.
Salivary and Plasmatic Antioxidant Profile following Continuous, Resistance, and High-Intensity Interval Exercise: Preliminary Study
Authors: Souza Adriele V. , Giolo Jéssica S. , Teixeira Renata R. , Vilela Danielle D. , Peixoto Leonardo G. , Justino Allisson B. , Caixeta Douglas C. , Puga Guilherme M. , Espindola Foued S.
Published: November 2019

The increase in antioxidant responses promoted by regular physical activity is strongly associated with the attenuation of chronic oxidative stress and physiological mechanisms related to exercise adaptation. The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare how different exercise protocols (HIIE: high-intensity interval exercise, CE: continuous exercise, and RE: resistance exercise) may alter salivary and plasmatic antioxidants and salivary markers of exercise intensity and nitric oxide. Thirteen healthy, trained male subjects were submitted to the three exercise protocols. Blood and saliva samples were collected at the points preexercise, postexercise, and 3 hours postexercise. Antioxidants (total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and levels of reduced glutathione and uric acid), markers of exercise intensity (salivary total protein and amylase activity), and salivary nitric oxide were evaluated. As a result, all exercise protocols increased the markers of exercise intensity and nitric oxide. Antioxidant response was increased after exercise, and it was found that a single HIIE session exerts a similar pattern of antioxidant response compared to CE, in plasma and saliva samples, while RE presented minor alterations. We suggest that HIIE may lead to alterations in antioxidants and consequently to the physiological processes related to redox, similar to the CE, with the advantage of being performed in a shorter time. In addition, the antioxidant profile of saliva samples showed to be very similar to that of plasma, suggesting that saliva may be an alternative and noninvasive tool in sports medicine for the study of antioxidants in different physical exercise protocols.
SKETRACK: Stroke-Based Recognition of Online Hand-Drawn Sketches of Arrow-Connected Diagrams and Digital Logic Circuit Diagrams
Authors: Altun Oğuz , Nooruldeen Orhan
Published: November 2019

Digitalization of handwritten documents has created a greater need for accurate online recognition of hand-drawn sketches. However, the online recognition of hand-drawn diagrams is an enduring challenge in human-computer interaction due to the complexity in extracting and recognizing the visual objects reliably from a continuous stroke stream. This paper focuses on the design and development of a new, efficient stroke-based online hand-drawn sketch recognition scheme named SKETRACK for hand-drawn arrow diagrams and digital logic circuit diagrams. The fundamental parts of this model are text separation, symbol segmentation, feature extraction, classification, and structural analysis. The proposed scheme utilizes the concepts of normalization and segmentation to isolate the text from the sketches. Then, the features are extracted to model different structural variations of the strokes that are categorized into the arrows/lines and the symbols for effective processing. The strokes are clustered using the spectral clustering algorithm based on p-distance and Euclidean distance to compute the similarity between the features and minimize the feature dimensionality by grouping similar features. Then, the symbol recognition is performed using modified support vector machine (MSVM) classifier in which a hybrid kernel function with a lion optimized tuning parameter of SVM is utilized. Structural analysis is performed with lion-based task optimization for recognizing the symbol candidates to form the final diagram representations. This proposed recognition model is suitable for simpler structures such as flowcharts, finite automata, and the logic circuit diagrams. Through the experiments, the performance of the proposed SKETRACK scheme is evaluated on three domains of databases and the results are compared with the state-of-the-art methods to validate its superior efficiency.
A Case of Urinary Sepsis Secondary to Streptococcus sanguinis
Authors: Reuter Ashley , Heyman Ashley , Stockton Benjamin , Kraklau David , Wang Michael S.
Published: November 2019

We report a case of a 71-year-old male with a history of BPH who presented with flank pain, fever, chills, abdominal pain, and nausea. He had a dental cleaning 1 month prior to admission and flosses daily. Laboratory data revealed both urine and blood cultures to be positive for streptococcus sanguinis. Computed tomography revealed a 10 mm right ureteral stone, and an ultrasound demonstrated moderate right hydronephrosis. He underwent an ureteroscopy with stent placement. A transesophageal echocardiogram was negative for endocarditis. He completed 2 weeks of IV ceftriaxone and made a complete recovery.
Investigation and Improvement of Stall Characteristic of High-Lift Configuration without Slats
Authors: Yang Zhao , Li Jie , Jin Jing , Zhang Heng , Jiang Youxu
Published: November 2019

In order to simplify the manufacturing process or because of the limitation of the propulsion system, business jet, small civil airplane, and turboprop aircraft are always designed without leading-edge slats, which poses a great challenge to the flight safety during takeoff and landing. Focusing on the low-speed stall and poststall conditions, we investigated the aerodynamic characteristics and flow mechanism of high-lift configuration without slats using an improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) model which is validated by numerical simulations of the Common Research Model (CRM). Based on the analysis of the calculated results, conclusion can be made that the stall behavior of the configurations is directly related to the onset and evaluation of flow separation on the suction side. And through further research, an efficient evaluation method that is capable of qualitatively predicting the stall performance of two-element high-lift configuration by stall angle distribution of wing sections is proposed. By using the evaluation method, together with design rules summarized from the present study, high-lift configuration with mild-stall characteristic can be obtained in the preliminary stage of design.
Calpain Small Subunit 1 Protein in the Prognosis of Cancer Survivors and Its Clinicopathological Correlation
Authors: Tang Shubin , Yin Qiushi , Liu Fangteng , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2019

Background/Aims. Calpain small subunit 1 (Capn4) is implicated in tumorigenesis and plays a key role in multiple tumors. This study aimed to fully illustrate the prognostic value of Capn4 protein in cancer patients. Methods. A systematic search was conducted against several online databases. Hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratio (ORs) were used to investigate the relationship between Capn4 protein expression and prognosis as well as clinical parameters in cancer survivors. Results. Eleven studies involving 1775 patients were identified. Overall, the results showed that Capn4 protein was associated with poor prognosis of overall survival (OS) (HR=1.74; 95% CI:1.47-2.01; p<0.001) and event-free survival (EFS) (HR=1.73; 95% CI:1.39-2.07; p<0.001) in various cancers. And expression of Capn4 protein was related to depth of invasion (OR= 4.17; 95% CI: 1.42-12.27; p=0.01), venous invasion (OR=2.34; 95% CI: 1.07-5.13; p=0.03), lymph node metastasis (2.74; 95% CI: 1.98-3.79; p<0.001), distant metastasis (OR=4.02; 95% CI: 2.14-7.57; p<0.001), and clinical stage (OR=2.87; 95% CI: 1.94-4.26; p<0.001), whereas expression of the Capn4 protein was not associated with gender (OR=1.09; 95% CI: 0.86-1.39; p=0.47) and tumor differentiation (OR=1.16; 95% CI: 0.90-2.23; p=0.25). Conclusions. Expression of Capn4 protein is associated with cancer survival and clinicopathologic characteristics in patients.
Burden of Coronary Artery Disease and Peripheral Artery Disease: A Literature Review
Authors: Bauersachs Rupert , Zeymer Uwe , Brière Jean-Baptiste , Marre Caroline , Bowrin Kevin , Huelsebeck Maria
Published: November 2019

Background. Atherothrombotic disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), can lead to cardiovascular (CV) events, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, limb ischemia, heart failure, and CV death. Aim. Evaluate the humanistic and economic burden of CAD and PAD and identify unmet needs through a comprehensive literature review. Methods. Relevant search terms were applied across online publication databases. Studies published between January 2010 and August 2017 meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected; guidelines were also included. Two rounds of screening were applied to select studies of relevance. Results. Worldwide data showed approximately 5–8% prevalence of CAD and 10–20% prevalence of PAD, dependent on the study design, average age, gender, and geographical location. Data from the REACH registry indicated that 18–35% of patients with CAD and 46–68% of patients with PAD had disease in one or more vascular beds. Use of medication to control modifiable CV risk factors was variable by country (lower in France than in Canada); statins and aspirin were the most widely used therapies in patients with chronic disease. Survival rates have improved with medical advancements, but there is an additional need to improve the humanistic burden of disease (i.e., associated disability and quality of life). The economic burden of atherothrombotic disease is high and expected to increase with increased survival and the aging population. Conclusion. CAD and PAD represent a substantial humanistic and economic burden worldwide, highlighting a need for new interventions to reduce the incidence of atherothrombotic disease.
Dramatic Response to First Line Single Agent Pembrolizumab in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Spalart Valérie , Legius Barbara , Segers Kurt , Coolen Johan , Maes Brigitte , Decoster Lynn
Published: November 2019

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a deadly disease with very limited therapeutic options. There is an urgent need for new and efficacious drugs. Unfortunately accrual in clinical trials is problematic because of the rarity of the disease and often poor performance status at diagnosis. Recently some data have emerged suggesting a role for immunotherapy in the treatment of ATC. We describe the case of a 75-year-old patient with poor performance status and compromised airway and oesophagus at diagnosis, showing a rapid and dramatic response to first line single agent pembrolizumab. Disease progression in the brain occurred 16 months after initial diagnosis. At that time there was ongoing extracranial disease control.
Toll-like Receptor-6 Signaling Prevents Inflammation and Impacts Composition of the Microbiota During Inflammation-Induced Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kim Jee-Hyun , Kordahi Melissa C. , Chac Denise , DePaolo R. William
Published: November 2019

Tightly regulated immune responses must occur in the intestine to avoid unwanted inflammation, which may cause chronic sequela leading to diseases such as colorectal cancer. Toll-like receptors play an important role in preventing aberrant immune responses in the intestine by sensing endogenous commensal microbiota and delivering important regulatory signals to the tissue. However, the role that specific innate receptors may play in the development of chronic inflammation and their impact on the composition of the colonic microbiota is not well understood. Using a model of inflammation-induced colorectal cancer, we found that Lactobacillus species are lost more quickly in wild-type (WT) mice than TLR6-deficient mice resulting in overall differences in bacterial composition. Despite the longer retention of Lactobacillus, the TLR6-deficient mice presented with more tumors and a worse overall outcome. Restoration of the lost Lactobacillus species suppressed inflammation, reduced tumor number, and prevented change in the abundance of Proteobacteria only when given to WT mice, indicating the effect of these Lactobacillus are TLR6 dependent. We found that the TLR6-dependent effects of Lactobacillus could be dissociated from one another via the involvement of IL10, which was necessary to dampen the inflammatory microenvironment, but had no effect on bacterial composition. Altogether, these data suggest that innate immune signals can shape the composition of the microbiota under chronic inflammatory conditions, bias the cytokine milieu of the tissue microenvironment, and influence the response to microbiota-associated therapies.
Effects of 2-Phenethyl Isothiocyanate on Metabolism of 1,3-Butadiene in Smokers
Authors: Boldry Emily J. , Yuan Jian-Min , Carmella Steven G. , Wang Renwei , Tessier Katelyn , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Hecht Stephen S. , Tretyakova Natalia Y.
Published: November 2019

2-Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a natural product found as a conjugate in cruciferous vegetables. It has been reported to have preventative properties against lung cancer and to inhibit metabolic activation of tobacco carcinogens. In this study, we evaluated the ability of PEITC to influence the metabolism of the human carcinogen 1,3-butadiene in current smokers in a phase II clinical trial with a crossover design. Urinary mercapturic acids of 1,3-butadiene were quantified at baseline and during PEITC treatment. Seventy-nine smokers were randomly assigned to one of two arms: PEITC followed by placebo or placebo followed by PEITC. During the 1-week treatment period, each subject took PEITC (10 mg in 1 mL of olive oil, 4 times per day). There was a 1-week washout period between the PEITC and placebo periods. Oral ingestion of PEITC increased urinary levels of BD-mercapturic acids (MHBMA and DHBMA) by 11.1% and 3.7%, respectively, but these increases were not statistically significant (P = 0.17 and 0.64, respectively). A much stronger effect was observed among subjects with the null genotype of both GSTM1 and GSTT1: in these individuals, PEITC increased urinary levels of MHBMA by 58.7% (P = 0.004) and 90.0% (P = 0.001), respectively, but did not have a significant effect on urinary DHBMA. These results reveal a potentially protective effect of PEITC treatment with respect to the detoxification of 1,3-butadiene in cigarette smokers, specifically in those null for GSTT1, and provide further evidence in support of stronger chemopreventive effects from consumption of dietary isothiocyanates in these individuals.
Rediscovery, after over a century, of the endemic climbing vine Argyreia lawii (Convolvulaceae) from the Western Ghats of India
Authors: Lawand Pramod R. , Gurav Rajaram V. , Shimpale Vinod B.
Published: November 2019

Argyreia lawii C.B. Clarke, an endemic to Western Ghats of India is reported here as an after century collection. Detailed description and photo plates are given for easy identification and IUCN status of the species has been accessed.
Impact of cyclone Fani on the breeding success of sandbar-nesting birds along the Mahanadi River in Odisha, India
Authors: Debata Subrat
Published: November 2019

Cyclonic storms have detrimental effect on birds particularly those inhabit and breed in open and exposed areas like sea and riverine habitats. This note reports the effect of ‘Fani’, one of the severe cyclones that affected Odisha in May 2019 on sandbar- nesting birds along the Mahanadi River. The study found significant relative decline in population, complete failure of nests and survival of chicks. As tropical cyclones are expected to be more frequent in future, it may emerge as new threats for survival of sandbar-nesting birds.
Plasma Kallikrein Contributes to Coagulation in the Absence of Factor XI by Activating Factor IX
Authors: Visser Mayken , van Oerle René , ten Cate Hugo , Laux Volker , Mackman Nigel , Heitmeier Stefan , Spronk Henri M.H.
Published: November 2019

Objectives:

FXIa (factor XIa) induces clot formation, and human congenital FXI deficiency protects against venous thromboembolism and stroke. In contrast, the role of FXI in hemostasis is rather small, especially compared with FIX deficiency. Little is known about the cause of the difference in phenotypes associated with FIX deficiency and FXI deficiency. We speculated that activation of FIX via the intrinsic coagulation is not solely dependent on FXI(a; activated FXI) and aimed at identifying an FXI-independent FIX activation pathway.

Approach and Results:

We observed that ellagic acid and long-chain polyphosphates activated the coagulation system in FXI-deficient plasma, as could be demonstrated by measurement of thrombin generation, FIXa-AT (antithrombin), and FXa-AT complex levels, suggesting an FXI bypass route of FIX activation. Addition of a specific PKa (plasma kallikrein) inhibitor to FXI-deficient plasma decreased thrombin generation, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, and diminished FIXa-AT and FXa-AT complex formation, indicating that PKa plays a role in the FXI bypass route of FIX activation. In addition, FIXa-AT complex formation was significantly increased in
F11

−/−

mice treated with ellagic acid or long-chain polyphosphates compared with controls and this increase was significantly reduced by inhibition of PKa.

Conclusions:

We demonstrated that activation of FXII leads to thrombin generation via FIX activation by PKa in the absence of FXI. These findings may, in part, explain the different phenotypes associated with FIX and FXI deficiencies.
Persistent Renal Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kurogi Kazumasa , Ishii Masanobu , Sakamoto Kenji , Komaki Soichi , Marume Kyohei , Kusaka Hiroaki , Yamamoto Nobuyasu , Arima Yuichiro , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Kaikita Koichi , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: November 2019

Background

The long‐term prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction who develop persistent renal dysfunction (
RD
) remains unclear. We investigated risk factors and prognostic implications of persistent
RD
after contrast‐induced nephropathy (
CIN
) in patients with acute myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 952 consecutive patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.
CIN
was defined as an increase in serum creatinine levels ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% from baseline within 72 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention. Persistent
RD
was defined as residual impairment of renal function over 2 weeks, and transient
RD
was defined as recovery of renal function within 2 weeks, after
CIN
. The overall incidence of
CIN
was 8.8% and that of persistent
CIN
was 3.1%. A receiver‐operator characteristic curve showed that the optimal cutoff value of the contrast volume/baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate ratio for persistent
CIN
was 3.45. In multivariable logistic analysis, a contrast volume/baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate >3.45 was an independent correlate of persistent
RD
. At 3 years, the incidence of death was significantly higher in patients with persistent
RD
than in those with transient
RD
(
P
=0.001) and in those without
CIN
(
P
<0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that persistent
RD
(hazard ratio, 4.99; 95% CI, 2.30–10.8;
P
<0.001) was a significant risk factor for mortality. A similar trend was observed for the combined end points, which included mortality, hemodialysis, stroke, and acute myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

Persistent
RD
, but not transient
RD
, is independently associated with long‐term mortality. A contrast volume/baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate >3.45 is an independent predictor of persistent
RD
.
Molecular and morphological evidence for a new species of Siphocranion (Lamiaceae) from the Sino-Vietnamese border

Authors: CHEN YA-PING , ZHU XIN-XIN , ZHAO FEI , FENG HUI-ZHE , PATON ALAN , XIANG CHUN-LEI
Published: November 2019

Siphocranion is an oligotypic genus of Lamiaceae, with two species mainly distributed in subtropical China and one of them found also in northeastern India, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Based on field investigation, morphological comparison, and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of Siphocranion from the Sino-Vietnamese border is described as S. flavidum. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses on two nuclear ribosomal DNA regions and six plastid DNA regions reveal that S. flavidum is a distinct species in the genus and may be sister to the clade formed by the remaining two species of Siphocranion. Morphologically, the new species differs from S. macranthum and S. nudipes in its strigose stem with dark purple spots, thick papery lamina, significantly larger calyx, pale yellow corolla with tube slightly saccate at anterior side of base.
Notes on the genus Silene (Caryophyllaceae, Sileneae) in Iran

Authors: JAFARI FARZANEH , MIRTADZADINI MANSOUR , GHOLIPOUR ABBAS , RABELER RICHARD , OXELMAN BENGT , ZARRE SHAHIN
Published: November 2019

Two new species―Silene orientoalborzensis and S. circumcarmanica―are here described from Northeast and South Iran, respectively. They belong to Silene subg. Silene sect. Auriculatae which is the largest section of the genus in W-Asia. A specimen from center of Iran, which was identified erroneously as S. atocioides, is revised and identified as S. pendula which represents a new record for the Iranian flora. S. simsii is proposed as a nomen novum for Cucubalus multifidus.
Four new species and new records of Veraphis Casey in Japan (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: November 2019

Four new species of the eutheiine genus Veraphis Casey are described, all based on specimens collected in Japan: V. loebli sp. n., V. mutsuensis sp. n., V. aomoriensis sp. n., and V. sakaii sp. n. New findings increase the number of Japanese Veraphis species to fourteen, and Japan becomes a country that houses the greatest known diversity of this rarely collected genus. The grammatical gender of Veraphis is identified as feminine, and species names previously treated as masculine are corrected accordingly. The distribution of all Veraphis species in Japan is summarized.
A new species of Wesmaelia Foerster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae:Euphorinae) from China
Authors: LI JUN , ZHENG MIN-LIN , YAO JUNLI , CHEN JIA-HUA
Published: November 2019

A new species of the genus Wesmaelia Foerster, 1863, Wesmaelia longius sp. n. is described and illustrated from the Palaearctic Region of China. A key to the Chinese species of the genus Wesmaelia is provided based on the key of Papp (1995).
Type designations for Neotropical water beetles in the genus Hydrochus Leach, 1817 (Coleoptera: Hydrochidae)
Authors: PERKINS PHILIP D.
Published: November 2019

Lectotypes are designated for the following species of Neotropical Hydrochus Leach, 1817: H. argutus Knisch, H. corruscans Bruch, H. drakei Knisch, H. ducalis Knisch, H. metallipes Knisch, H. pumilio Knisch, H. purpureus Knisch, H. secretus Knisch, and H. variabilis Knisch. A neotype is designated for H. tarsalis Chevrolat. Hydrochus metallipes is a new junior synonym of H. tarsalis. Hydrochus corruscans new status is removed from synonymy with H. obscurus Sharp. High resolution digital images of the habitus and male genitalia are given, as are photographs of the pin labels of all designated types.
Notes on the Carpophilus Stephens (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) of Australia, with a new species from Victoria
Authors: POWELL GARETH S. , HAMILTON MAIYA L.
Published: November 2019

A new species of the genus Carpophilus Stephens is described from Australia. This species is currently placed in the subgenus Myothorax Murray, although the group is in need of formal revision. A diagnosis is given to distinguish the new species from all other species of Myothorax in Australia. Additionally, a discussion of type material from Carpophilus described by MacLeay is added with formal lectotype designations for Carpophilus aterrimus MacLeay and Carpophilus pilipennis MacLeay. Taxonomic notes are also given for Carpophilus aterrimus MacLeay, while Carpophilus planatus Murray is removed from synonymy and treated as a valid taxon.
Assimilation of Middepth Velocities from Argo Floats in the Western South China Sea
Authors: Wang Pinqiang , Zhang Weimin , Wang Huizan , Dai Haijin , Wang Xiaohui
Published: November 2019

Previous studies are mainly limited to temperature and salinity (T/S) profiling data assimilation, while data assimilation based on Argo float trajectory information has received less research focus. In this study, a new method was proposed to assimilate Argo trajectory data: the middepth (indicates the parking depth of Argo floats in this study, ~1200 m) velocities are estimated from Argo trajectories and subsequently assimilated into the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) using four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) method. This method can avoid a complicated float trajectory model in direct position assimilation. The 2-month assimilation experiments in South China Sea (SCS) showed that this proposed method can effectively assimilate Argo trajectory information into the model and improve middepth velocity field by adjusting the unbalanced component in the velocity increments. The assimilation of the Argo trajectory-derived middepth velocity with other observations (satellite observations and T/S profiling data) together yielded the best performance, and the velocity fields at the float parking depth are more consistent with the Argo float trajectories. In addition, this method will not decrease the assimilation performance of other observations [i.e., sea level anomaly (SLA), sea surface temperature (SST), and T/S profiles], which is indicative of compatibility with other observations in the 4DVAR assimilation system.
Prostanoids for Critical Limb Ischemia: A Clinical Review and Consideration of Current Guideline Recommendations
Authors: Meini Simone , Dentali Francesco , Melillo Elio , de Donato Gianmarco , Mumoli Nicola , Mazzone Antonino
Published: November 2019

For many years, the only pharmacological option for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) unsuitable for revascularization has been prostanoids; however, some recent guidelines have become very restrictive regarding their use. We review the available evidence on the use of prostanoids and analyze the guideline positions as well as the possible reasons for changes over time. In most placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses, prostanoids showed a significant effect in improving rest pain, promoting ulcer healing and reducing major amputations. Results for iloprost were especially consistent. Different prostanoid drugs have different evidence of efficacy, thus using a generic term “prostanoids” is misleading. Unfortunately, the available evidence is often of low quality and probably not sufficient to support an extensive use of prostanoids in all patients, and further high-quality randomized trials are needed. Consequently, some recent guidelines do not recommend treatment with prostanoids in this setting. However, in our opinion, pending definitive evidence, patients with CLI who have a viable limb in whom revascularization is unfeasible or has a poor chance of success, without alternative to amputation, may benefit from treatment with iloprost, balancing harms and benefits in each case.
Impact of Heart Failure Transitions of Care Program: A Prospective Study of Heart Failure Education and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Mills Aubrey A. , Rodeffer Kathryn M. , Quick Sarah L.
Published: November 2019

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of heart failure medication education on 30-day all-cause readmission rates and patient-reported satisfaction scores. Methods: This single-center pilot study was conducted at a 396-bed tertiary-care hospital in the Midwest from September 2017 to December 2018. For research purposes, patients were divided into 2 groups. The control group was looked at retrospectively and included patients who received education by the nurse educator. The intervention group was reviewed proactively and included patients who received education by a pharmacy student. The purpose of the study was to compare readmission rates among patients who received medication education from pharmacy students with those who received the same education by the heart failure nurse educator. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause readmission rate among those with a diagnosis of heart failure. The secondary endpoints included patient satisfaction scores by phone survey. The patient satisfaction phone survey was conducted by a single pharmacist 1 week after patient education was provided. Results: For the primary endpoint, there were 222 patients in the treatment group compared with the control group of 941 patients. The treatment group resulted in 30 (13.5%) of the 222 patients being readmitted within 30 days compared with the control group where 186 (19.6%) of the 941 were readmitted ( P = .0395). The risk reduction in odds ratio and relative risk of readmission was 0.63 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.42-0.96) for the treatment group and 0.68 (CI = 0.48-0.98) for the control group. For the secondary endpoint, 56 patients were called 1 week after discharge, and there was no significant difference in overall patient satisfaction between groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that heart failure medication education provided by the pharmacist or pharmacy student resulted in improved patient outcomes and ultimately a reduction in 30-day all-cause readmission rates.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Non-Work at Work
Authors: Hamermesh Daniel S. , Genadek Katie R. , Burda Michael C.
Published: November 2019

Evidence from the American Time Use Survey 2003–2012 suggests that minority employees, especially men, spend a small but statistically significant amount of time not working at the workplace relative to non-Hispanic whites. The time differences remain significant but decrease by 25 to 50% when accounting for detailed industry and occupation controls. Union status, public- or private-sector attachment, payment method, and educational attainment do not explain the differences, although health status is important among African Americans. The estimates imply that the differences in non-work at the worksite can explain up to 10% of the adjusted wage gap between minority and non-Hispanic white workers.
Sustainable composites: Processing of coir fibres and application in hybrid-fibre composites
Authors: Ciccarelli Lucas , Cloppenburg Frederik , Ramaswamy Sangeetha , Lomov Stepan V , Van Vuure Aart , Vo Hong Nhan , Chi Thanh Truong , Minh Tri Nguyen , Thomas Gries
Published: November 2019

Coir fibres, a byproduct of the coconut industry, have high performance qualities but are difficult to process by conventional textile methods. The purpose of the research is to combine the processibility of hemp and flax with the high-performance properties of coir to create a composite product worthy of industrial applications. The evaluation of coir fibre-reinforced composites focuses on the processibility of the coir fibre into a nonwoven, how well it interfaces with polylactic acid and an analysis of how the mechanical properties of the final product change when mixing coir with hemp and flax. The results show that the hybrid samples outperformed most of the researched values for coir composites, despite the reduced properties of control samples as in comparable research. Adding just 10% of either flax or hemp dramatically increased the mechanical properties compared to the pure coir–polylactic acid composite.
Research Combining Physical Activity and Sleep: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Memon Aamir R. , Vandelanotte Corneel , Olds Timothy , Duncan Mitch J. , Vincent Grace E.
Published: November 2019

This study used a bibliometric analysis through the Scopus database to examine papers that combined physical activity and sleep, published between 1979 and 2018. Bibliometric indicators of productivity included publication volume and citation distribution, top 10 authors, average authors per paper, single- and multicountry collaboration, collaborative index, top 10 countries, leading journals, highly cited papers and network visualization for coauthorship, international collaboration, and co-occurrence of author keywords. The initial search identified 1,509 papers, of which 607 passed through comprehensive screening and were included in the final analysis. Most of the papers were research articles (90.8%) and published in English (90.8%). Most papers (81.4%) were published within the past decade, 2009–2018. The mean number of papers published per year was 15.2, the mean number of citations per paper was 257.3, and the mean number of authors per paper was 5.5. International collaboration was evident for 21.6% of the papers, and 95.6% of papers were multiauthored. The most prolific publishing institutions and authors were from the United States, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and Brazil. Keyword analysis suggested that almost all age groups and study designs were covered, but most papers focus on noncommunicable diseases. Although there has been a rise in scientific production on combined physical activity and sleep research in recent years, future work in this area should include researchers from developing countries.
Text message content as a window into college student drinking: Development and initial validation of a dictionary of “alcohol-talk”
Authors: Jensen Michaeline , Hussong Andrea M.
Published: November 2019

The ubiquity of digital communication within the high-risk drinking environment of college students raises exciting new directions for prevention research. However, we are lacking relevant constructs and tools to analyze digital platforms that serve to facilitate, discuss, and rehash alcohol use. In the current study, we introduce the construct of alcohol-talk (or the extent to which college students use alcohol-related words in text messaging exchanges) as well as introduce and validate a novel tool for measuring this construct. We describe a closed-vocabulary, dictionary-based method for assessing alcohol-talk. Analyses of 569,172 text messages from 267 college students indicate that this method produces a reliable and valid measure that correlates as expected with self-reported alcohol and related risk constructs. We discuss the potential utility of this method for prevention studies.
Pharmacological characterisation of MDI-222, a novel AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator with an improved safety profile
Authors: Ward Simon E , Harries Mark H , Aldegheri Laura , Bradford Andrea M , Ballini Elisa , Dawson Lee , Lacroix Laurent , Pardoe Joanne , Starr Kathryn , Weil Annette , Waters Kerry , Atack John R , Woolley Marie
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

There is considerable interest in positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors as therapeutic agents for a range of cognitive and mood disorders. However, the challenge is to increase AMPA receptor (AMPAR) function sufficient to enhance cognitive function but not to the extent that there are mechanism-related pro-convulsant or convulsant side effects. In this present study, we report the preclinical pharmacology data for MDI-222, an AMPAR PAM which enhances cognition but has a much reduced side-effect (i.e. convulsant) liability relative to other molecules of this mechanism.

Methods:

The pharmacological effects of MDI-222 were characterised in in vitro and in vivo preclinical electrophysiology, efficacy (cognition), side-effect (pro-convulsant/convulsant), tolerability and toxicity assays.

Results:

We demonstrate that MDI-222 is an AMPAR PAM, since it enhanced AMPAR function in vitro at human (hGluA1-4) and rat (rGluA2) homomeric receptors, and potentiated hetero-oligomeric AMPARs in rat neurons. MDI-222 enhanced electrically evoked AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission in the anaesthetised rat at 10 mg/kg (administered intravenously) and did not significantly lower the seizure threshold in the pro-convulsant maximal electroshock threshold test (MEST) at any dose tested up to a maximum of 30 mg/kg (administered by oral gavage (p.o.)). MDI-222 reversed a delay-induced deficit in novel object recognition (NOR) in rats with a minimum effective dose (MED) of 0.3 mg/kg (p.o.) following acute administration, which was reduced to 0.1 mg/kg following sub-chronic administration, and improved passive avoidance performance in scopolamine-impaired rats with a MED of 10 mg/kg p.o. On the other hand, MDI-222 was not pro-convulsant in the MEST, resulting in a therapeutic window between plasma concentrations that enhanced cognitive performance and those associated with mechanism-related side effects of ⩾1000-fold. Unfortunately, despite the excellent preclinical profile of this compound, further development had to be halted due to non-mechanism-related issues.

Conclusions:

We conclude that MDI-222 is an AMPAR PAM which enhances cognitive performance in rats and has a significantly improved safety profile in preclinical species.
Post-surgical opioid stewardship programs across Australia and New Zealand: Current situation and future directions
Authors: Allen Megan L , Leslie Kate , Parker Anna V , Kim Charles C , Brooks Sally L , Braat Sabine , Schug Stephan A , Story David A
Published: November 2019

Community harm associated with prescription opioids is causing global concern, and post-hospital discharge prescribing is contributing to the problem. We surveyed anaesthetists in Australia and New Zealand to determine which opioid stewardship measures are currently in place, and to gauge interest in participating in future health services research on introducing an opioid stewardship bundle of care. A total of 87 anaesthetists from 87 hospitals were invited to participate, and 45 (52%) responded. The extent of nine current opioid stewardship measures reported was highly variable. One respondent (2%) reported no measures introduced at their hospital; 12 (27%) one to two measures; 16 (36%) three or four measures; 13 (29%) five to seven measures; and 3 (7%), all nine measures were in place. Respondents were often interested in being contacted about future trial participation ( n = 33, 73%); however, concerns regarding feasibility of introducing an opioid stewardship bundle of care were widespread ( n = 22, 49%). It is possible that the variability in Australian and New Zealand opioid stewardship practice is due, in part, to the current limited evidence base for the individual measures, in addition to challenges in research translation. We have found that interest in further research on opioid stewardship is high. Comprehensive, locally adapted, evidence-based opioid stewardship measures may increase the safety of patients and the community following opioid therapy.
Effective reuse of waste material as an amendment in composite landfill liner: Assessment of geotechnical properties and pollutant retention capacity
Authors: Nambiar Namitha , Remya Neelancherry , Varghese George K
Published: November 2019

The effective reuse silica fume (S), a by-product from the silicon manufacturing industry, as an amendment in the composite landfill liner along with natural clay (C) and bentonite (B) was investigated in the present study. Experiments were conducted with various proportions of silica fume (10%–50%) to clay and bentonite to get mixtures C–B–S1 to C–B–S5. The study indicated significant improvement in the geotechnical and pollutant retention capacity by silica fume addition. The maximum dry density of the mixtures ranged from 1.568 to 1.732 g cm-3. Permeability was in the order of C–B<C–B–S1 to C–B–S5<clay. Unconfined compressive strength of the C–B mix increased with the addition of silica fume from 10% to 25%, with a maximum value of 241.31 kPa. The free swell index decreased to 3.6 and the cation exchange capacity increased to 83 meq/100 g with the addition of 50% silica fume. The percentage removal of copper with C–B–S1 to C–B–S5 was 91.2%, 92%, 93.5%, and 95.2%, respectively, when the initial copper concentration was about 30 mg L-1. Based on the assessment of geotechnical and pollution abatement capacity C–B–S3 with 25% silica fume addition was proposed as the composite liner material for the naturally available clay at the landfill site.
Incidence of Hypertension Among Children Treated With Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) or Prednisolone for Infantile Spasms
Authors: McGarry Laurel , Messer Ricka , Cree-Green Melanie , Ray Krista , Knupp Kelly
Published: November 2019

Children with infantile spasms are often treated with hormonal therapies including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and prednisolone. These have numerous systemic side effects including hypertension and, rarely, fatal cardiomyopathy; however, the incidence of these side effects has not been well described. This study aims to quantify the incidence and short-term sequelae of hypertension in this population. A retrospective chart review was performed at a single institution. Children 2 months to 2 years old with newly diagnosed infantile spasms treated from 2013 to 2017 were included. Variables collected included age, sex, etiology and treatment of infantile spasms, documented or missed diagnosis of hypertension, treatment of hypertension, echocardiogram results, referrals for hypertension, and persistence of hypertension 2 to 4 months after treatment. Analyses included descriptive statistics with percentiles, means, and medians. Differences between groups were assessed using Fisher exact tests. Hypertension occurred in 34/77 children (44%) during treatment with ACTH and 4/11 children (36%) during treatment with prednisolone. No child developed hypertension during treatment with nonhormonal therapies. The incidence of hypertension between ACTH and prednisolone groups was not significantly different ( P = .75). The incidence of hypertension was significantly higher in the ACTH and prednisolone groups compared to the nonhormonal group ( P < .001 for each). Sixteen children received echocardiograms, with no cases of cardiomyopathy. Two children had persistent hypertension at 2 months after discontinuation of hormonal therapy. Hypertension is a very common side effect of hormonal therapy for infantile spasms; however, few developed long-term hypertension and none developed cardiomyopathy. Further study is needed to determine the role of antihypertensive treatment for hormone-related hypertension.