bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and Error Correction of the ECMWF Subseasonal Precipitation Forecast over Eastern China during Summer
Authors: He Huanran , Yao Suxiang , Huang Anning , Gong Kejian
Published: March 2020

Subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) prediction is a highly regarded skill around the world. To improve the S2S forecast skill, an S2S prediction project and an extensive database have been established. In this study, the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model hindcast, which participates in the S2S prediction project, is systematically assessed by focusing on the hindcast quality for the summer accumulated ten-day precipitation at lead times of 0–30 days during 1995–2014 in eastern China. Additionally, the hindcast error is corrected by utilizing the preceding sea surface temperature (SST). The metrics employed to measure the ECMWF hindcast performance indicate that the ECMWF model performance drops as the lead time increases and exhibits strong interannual differences among the five subregions of eastern China. In addition, the precipitation forecast skill of the ECMWF hindcast is best at approximately 15 days in some areas of Southeast China; after correcting the forecast error, the forecast skill is increased to 30 days. At lead times of 0–30 days, regardless of whether the forecast error is corrected, the root mean square errors are lowest in Northeast China. After correcting the forecast error, the performance of the ECMWF hindcast shows better improvement in depicting the quantity and temporal and spatial variation of precipitation at lead times of 0–30 days in eastern China. The false alarm ratio (FAR), probability of detection (POD), and equitable threat score (ETS) reveal that the ECMWF model has a preferable performance at forecasting accumulated ten-day precipitation rates of approximately 20∼50 mm and indicates an improved hindcast quality after the forecast error correction. In short, adopting the preceding SST to correct the summer subseasonal precipitation of the ECMWF hindcast is preferable.
A Case of an Incidentally Removed Lingual Osseous Choristoma
Authors: Hemmi Tomotaka , Suzuki Jun , Sato Satoko , Tabata Masumi , Watanabe Kojiro , Sugawara Mitsuru , Katori Yukio
Published: March 2020

Lingual osseous choristoma is a rare benign tumor consisting of normal matured bone tissue. It was first reported in 1913, and less than 100 cases of lingual osseous choristomas, mainly in their twenties and thirties, have been reported in the English literature until now. Here, we report an additional case of lingual osseous choristoma, in an elderly patient, that was incidentally removed by coughing and cured without additional interventions. An 89-year-old male patient was referred to our department for an evaluation of chronic cough. When we examined his oral cavity and pharynx, he expectorated a 10 -mm mass which was histologically diagnosed as an osseous choristoma. We confirmed the well-defined, rounded, high-density mass with a tiny pedicle on the base of the tongue in previous cervical spine CT images. No signs of recurrence were found during the 15-month follow-up examination. Our case serves as a reminder of this rare entity in the diagnosis of tongue masses of the elderly.
The Driver Time Memory Car-Following Model Simulating in Apollo Platform with GRU and Real Road Traffic Data
Authors: Fei Rong , Li Shasha , Hei Xinhong , Xu Qingzheng , Liu Fang , Hu Bo
Published: March 2020

Car following is the most common phenomenon in single-lane traffic. The accuracy of acceleration prediction can be effectively improved by the driver’s memory in car-following behaviour. In addition, the Apollo autonomous driving platform launched by Baidu Inc. provides fast test vehicle following vehicle models. Therefore, this paper proposes a car-following model (CFDT) with driver time memory based on real-world traffic data. The CFDT model is firstly constructed by embedded gantry control unit storage capacity (GRU assisted) network. Secondly, the NGSIM dataset will be used to obtain the tracking data of small vehicles with similar driving behaviours from the common real road vehicle driving tracks for data preprocessing according to the response time of drivers. Then, the model is calibrated to obtain the driver’s driving memory and the optimal parameters of the model and structure. Finally, the Apollo simulation platform with high-speed automatic driving technology is used for 3D visualization interface verification. Comparative experiments on vehicle tracking characteristics show that the CFDT model is effective and robust, which improves the simulation accuracy. Meanwhile, the model is tested and validated using the Apollo simulation platform to ensure accuracy and utility of the model.
A Primary Adrenal Epithelioid Angiomyolipoma (PEComa) in a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Torres Luna Nancy , Mosquera Jorge Esteban , Comba Isin Yagmur , Kinaan Mustafa , Otoya Jorge
Published: March 2020

Epithelioid angiomyolipomas (EAMLs) are mesenchymal tumors that are part of the family of the perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms (PEComas). These tumors portray a potential aggressive behavior with metastatic lesions found in around 30% of reported cases. EAMLs might present sporadically or in association with the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). They typically involve the kidneys, liver, and lungs. It is extremely rare for these tumors to arise from other organs. The present report describes an unusual case of an adult patient with a history of TSC who developed EAML of the adrenal gland. Moreover, he presented with metastatic disease to the liver, a feature rarely described. The diagnosis of EAMLs can be challenging as they are hard to distinguish from other adrenal or renal tumors without a thorough histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluation. Due to the potential aggressive behavior of these malignancies, timely diagnosis is extremely important and has significant therapeutic and prognostic implications.
Reconfigurability Evaluation of Multifunctional Intelligent Boom Sprayer Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
Authors: Ma Luqiang , Xu Youlin , Zheng Jiaqiang , Dai Xiang
Published: March 2020

Multifunctional intelligent boom sprayer is a development direction of boom sprayers, and it could satisfy needs of precision and variable spraying and achieve aims of sustainable development of pesticide spraying, ecological protection, and efficient plant protection by reconfiguring its structures. Therefore, the evaluation of multifunctional intelligent boom sprayer reconfigurability has a role in improving product reconfigurability while reducing product function redundancy and production costs and reducing product function redundancy and production cost. In order to comprehensively evaluate the reconfigurability of a multifunctional intelligent boom sprayer, this paper established an evaluation index system and realized the evaluation process by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, analytic hierarchy process, and validity test. The evaluation result would avail to directly and effectively guide product optimization and upgrade process in accordance with quantitatively analyzed evaluation indexes of intelligent boom sprayer reconfigurability by using mathematical methods such as analytic hierarchy process and validity test in evaluation process. The index system was formed from six components, which were key design information, quality, cost, efficiency, intelligence, and operational capability. Index weights were calculated by the analytic hierarchy process. Finally, a multifunctional shiftable boom intelligent sprayer was evaluated for product reconfigurability improvements by using the evaluation method. Reconfigurability evaluation result of the multifunctional shiftable boom intelligent sprayer belonged to "good" evaluation interval by the calculation of formulas. There was further room to improve product reconfigurability, as the membership degree in the “good” evaluation interval was below 0.5. The study could provide a scientific basis for improving the reconfigurability, technical performance, and operation quality of products in intelligent boom sprayer design. In addition, it may be possible to decrease the arbitrary nature of subjective design factors and support economic and ecological goals when businesses upgrade products.
Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia with Trisomy 21 and Tetrasomy 21 Clones in a Phenotypically Normal Child with Mosaic Trisomy 21
Authors: Won Eric , Gruber Tanja A. , Tucker Suzanne , Schiff Deborah E.
Published: March 2020

Pediatric acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that may be divided into two subgroups: (1) Down syndrome- (DS-) related AMKL which generally has a favorable prognosis and (2) non-DS-related AMKL which generally has a poorer outcome. We report a phenotypically normal child with AMKL with trisomy 21 (T21) and tetrasomy 21 clones. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with mosaic T21. She underwent reduced-intensity therapy with good outcome. We review the literature regarding AMKL-associated cytogenetic abnormalities and AMKL in association with DS. We suggest evaluation for mosaic T21 in phenotypically normal pediatric patients with T21-positive AML.
Altered Body Composition and Increased Resting Metabolic Rate Associated with the Postural Instability/Gait Difficulty Parkinson’s Disease Subtype
Authors: Femat-Roldán Giovana , Gaitán Palau María Andrea , Castilla-Cortázar Inma , Elizondo Ochoa Georgina , Moreno Nancy Guadalupe , Martín-Estal Irene , Jiménez Yarza Miguel
Published: March 2020

Background. Weight loss in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients is a common but poorly understood manifestation. Several studies have reported that weight changes could be related to motor symptoms, drug side effects, dysphagia, depression, and/or dementia. Weight loss in PD is not a benign phenomenon and it has several clinical and prognostic implications with increased morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is crucial to determine nutritional changes in PD patients in order to prevent malnutrition and improve their quality of life. Objective. To compare body composition and resting metabolic rates between PD patients and controls. Methods. A total of 64 PD patients and 52 controls were studied. The Hoehn-Yahr scale was used to determine the disease stage, clinical and epidemiological data were recorded from verbal questionnaire, Inbody S10® was used to collect corporal parameters, and FitMate system was used to assess the resting metabolic rate. Results. No significant differences were found between both experimental groups in age, gender, height, cholesterol levels, and the presence of hypertension, diabetes, and hypo/hyperthyroidism. However, the PD group showed lower body fat mass, whole-body fat percentage, and greater resting metabolic rate compared to controls (p<0.05), with no significant differences in musculoskeletal mass. Parkinson’s disease postural instability/gait difficulty (PD-PIGD) subtype showed lower body fat parameters, increased fat-free mass, and higher resting metabolic rates. Conclusions. These results suggest that PD patients present an increased resting metabolic rate associated with the postural instability/gait difficulty PD subtype, allowing a selective decrease of body fat mass and not musculoskeletal mass. Of note, several disease-related factors may contribute to this weight loss in PD patients, being a complex and multifactorial consequence. Our findings could likely be one of the many contributing factors. However, present findings may further add to our understanding of the phenomenon of weight loss in patients with PD.
Study on the Thin Plate Model with Elastic Foundation Boundary of Overlying Strata for Backfill Mining
Authors: Chen Dongdong , Wu Xiaoyu , Xie Shengrong , Sun Yanding , Zhang Qing , Wang En , Sun Yaohui , Wang Long , Li Hui , Jiang Zaisheng , Wu Xiaowei
Published: March 2020

In order to better study the movement principles of overlying strata during backfill mining, we established a thin plate model on an elastic foundation with elastic foundation boundary of the main roof. And by the finite difference method, the variation principles of the main roof’s principal moments and maximum subsidence ω0 with the elastic foundation coefficient k1 of the coal seam, the elastic foundation coefficient k2 of backfill body, the thickness h, Young’s modulus E, and Poisson’s ratio μ of main roof are calculated and studied. Using these calculations, we were able to determine that the main roof had three principal bending moment extreme points, including Mzz in backfill areas, Mc of the long side area, and Md of the short side area. The distance Lc of Mc advancing coal wall continuously increased with the increase in k2, while the principal moment of main roof’s middle area decreased with an increase in k2; when k2 became larger, the maximum principal moment in the midpoint of main roof transferred to the surrounding and the maximum principal moments was in four-corner area; Mc and Md decreased with an increase in k2, and Md was more sensitive to k2 than Mc; and Md decreased significantly with the increase in k2. Lc continuously decreased with the increase in k1, while Mc, Md and Mzz increased with the increase in k1 and the reduced amplitude of Mzz was the minimum. The effect of μ on principal bending moments and ω0 was very small; The growth rate of Mzz was the largest when E or h increased. Md, Mzz, and Lc remained unchanged when k1, k2, and Young’s modulus E of the main roof increased while the ratio value remained constant (k1/k2/E). Finally, the theoretical calculations were applied to the I26 backfill working face in the Xingdong mine to calculate the final subsidence amounts of the main roof. Field observations and theoretical calculations were about 48 mm, verifying the method’s applicability.
Effect of Caesalpinia bonduc Polyphenol Extract on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats in Attenuating Hyperglycemia by Upregulating Insulin Secretion and Inhibiting JNK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Iftikhar Asra , Aslam Bilal , Iftikhar Maryam , Majeed Wafa , Batool Mehwish , Zahoor Bushra , Amna Naseem , Gohar Hareem , Latif Iqra
Published: March 2020

Caesalpinia bonduc has been used in herbal medicines for the treatment of a wide range of diseases from decades. The present study has explored the remedial potential and underlying mechanism of polyphenol extract of Caesalpinia bonduc in alloxanized diabetic rats. HPLC/MS analysis confirmed the presence of phenolics in considerable concentrations in Caesalpinia bonduc extract. Administration of different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) of CPP extract to hyperglycemic rats for 8 weeks restored blood and serum glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, leptin, amylin, and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes level towards normal compared to alloxanized diabetic group. The effect of CPP extract on various genes such as Pdx-1, Ins-1, ngn-3, GLUT-4, and IRS-1 in insulin signaling pathway and Traf-4, Traf-6, and Mapk-8 in MAPK downstream JNK cascade was examined through qRT-PCR to access the core molecular mechanism involved in CPP-induced recovery of diabetes. Results have revealed that CPP extract reduced oxidative stress in pancreaticβcells by restoring free radical scavenging potential, reducing the mRNA expression of Mapk-8, Traf-4, and Traf-6, and increasing the Pdx-1, Ins-1, ngn-3, GLUT-4, and IRS-1 expression ensuing regeneration ofβcells and subsequent insulin release from pancreas. The results obtained in this study recommend that CPP extract may be a promising therapeutic restorative agent in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Best Lag Window for Spectrum Estimation of Law Order MA Process
Authors: Rashid Ali Sami , Hawas Allami Mohammed Jabber , Mutasher Ahmed Kareem
Published: March 2020

In this article, we investigate spectrum estimation of law order moving average (MA) process. The main tool is the lag window which is one of the important components of the consistent form to estimate spectral density function (SDF). We show, based on a computer simulation, that the Blackman window is the best lag window to estimate the SDF of MA1 and MA2 at the most values of parameters βi and series sizes n, except for a special case when β=−1 and n≥40 in MA1. In addition, the Hanning–Poisson window appears as the best to estimate the SDF of MA2 when β1=β2=−0.5 and n≥40.
A Case of Early Calciphylaxis Diagnosed by Bone Scan
Authors: Di Jia , Liu Yuqiu , Wang Dongyan , Yang Min
Published: March 2020

Calcium uremic aortic disease (calciphylaxis) has long been considered as a rare, life-threatening small vessel disease. The diagnosis of calciphylaxis depends mainly on clinical symptoms and high risk factors, and skin biopsy can be used to confirm the diagnosis. However, noninvasive testing methods are still the focus of exploration currently. There is increasing evidence that bone scintigraphy is helpful in the diagnosis of calciphylaxis, especially for assessing the involvement of muscles and internal organs. Here, we describe a pathology-proven case of calciphylaxis case and the corresponding imaging findings on Tc-99 m MDP bone scan imaging.
Effect of Natural Fermentation of Sorghum on Resistant Starch Molecular Structure and Fermentation Property
Authors: Ge YunFei , Wang WeiHao , Shen Meng , Kang ZiYue , Wang Juan , Quan ZhiGang , Xiao JinLing , Zhao ShuTing , Liu DeZhi , Cao LongKui
Published: March 2020

Relevant research results have suggested that fermentation can increase the content of sorghum amylose chains and their retrogradation value. Therefore, this study explored the effect of fermentation pretreatment on the yield, digestibility, molecular structure, and in vitro fermentation property of sorghum-resistant starch by conducting fermentation pretreatment of sorghum and extracting the resistant starch from fermented sorghum with pressure-heat compound enzyme method. The results were as follows. After fermentation pretreatment, the yield of sorghum-resistant starch increased, the digestibility of sorghum-resistant starch reduced, the laminated structure size on the surface of the particles became more uniform, and the stacking mode became more neat and denser. The sorghum-resistant starch prepared before and after fermentation did not produce new chemical groups, and its functional group peak remained unchanged. After fermentation, the weight-average molecular weight of sorghum-resistant starch was elevated, and the percentage content of high- and low-molecular substances increased and decreased, respectively, compared with that of the unfermented sorghum-resistant starch. The percentage content of short-chain branches in the branched chain increased, whereas that of the long-chain branches decreased; the crystallinity of sorghum-resistant starch after fermentation decreased, and the intensity of X-diffraction peak changed slightly before and after fermentation. According to the results of the in vitro fermentation experiments, the fermentation broth of sorghum-resistant starch had the highest content of butyric acid and short-chain fatty acid. Research results reveal that, after fermentation pretreatment, sorghum-resistant starch presented increased yield, more complex molecular structure, heavier molecular weight and more uniform surface morphology, more efficient butyric acid generation, and greater fermentation rate than unfermented sorghum-resistant starch.
Application of Double Hurdle Model on Effects of Demographics for Tea Consumption in China
Authors: Chen Lingwen , Guan Xi , Zhuo Jingying , Han Hua , Gasper Munishi , Doan Batoai , Yang Jiangfan , Ko Tzu-Hsing
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of demographic variables on tea consumption in China. A total of 12,745 samples collected from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2011 and a double hurdle model were used to analyze the effects of demographic variables on the extent of tea participation and consumption quantity for men and women. The results of this study indicate that the effects of demographic variables differ between genders in terms of tea participation decisions and consumption quantity decisions. For men, education, family size, region, and employment status were found to exert different effects on participation and consumption quantity decisions; for women, age, education, region, employment status, having elderly individuals in the home, and urbanization exerted different effects on their tea participation and consumption decisions. The most obvious difference between variables affecting men and women pertained to age, family size, and having elderly individuals in the home. The perspectives of each gender, coupled with the double hurdle model used in this study, offer important insights.
Relationship between Higher Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Oxidative Stress of a Group of Patients Living with Sickle Cell Anemia in Cameroon
Authors: Kubong Landry Nguepnkep , Nya Biapa Prosper Cabral , Chetcha Bernard , Yanou-Njintang Nicolas , Moor Ama Vicky Jocelyne , Pieme Constant Anatole
Published: March 2020

Dyslipidemia is highly prevalent in sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients and is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases induced by oxidative stress in Africa. The aim of this research was to investigate the correlation between higher atherogenic index of plasma (API) and oxidative stress in a group of patients living with SCA in Cameroon. Methods. A group of 85 homozygote SS patients (male and female) were enrolled at the Central hospital of Yaounde in Cameroon between May and October 2017. After informed consent through the signature of a consent form was obtained, the plasma was collected to determine the lipid profile while the lysate solution of RBC was used to explore some markers of oxidative stress using spectrophotometric methods. Results. Among the 85 patients included in our study, the mean age was 30 ± 5 years and the female to male ratio was 0.97. The majority of the patients (52–81%) had dyslipidaemia, and 22.4% of the patients demonstrated a higher level of atherogenic index of plasma. The patients with a higher level of total cholesterol (TC) (>240 mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (>159 mg/dl) had at least 1,334 fold of malondialdeheyde (MDA) concentration than those with normal level. Also in the same patients, the higher atherogenic plasmatic index (API) significantly (p<0.05) increased with the concentration of MDA. Except HDL-C, the other parameters of lipid profile had significant (p<0.05) correlation with reduced glutathione (GsH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The significant (p<0.05) and linear regression was found between the increased MDA and higher API. Conclusion. Dyslipidemia increases oxidative stress and higher API which leads to coronary vascular disease in patients with SCA.
Description of larva and pupa of the weevil Hybolabus amazonicus Voss (Attelabidae: Attelabinae), a leaf roller on Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa)
Authors: Vanin Sergio Antonio , Bená Daniela De Cássia
Published: March 2020

The last instar larva and the pupa of Hybolabus amazonicus Voss, 1925 are described and illustrated, based upon adults and immatures collected in the Amazonian Region (Acre and Amazonas, Brazil). The larvae live and develop inside a leaf-roll made by the female weevil. Although the species has already been reported damaging leaves of the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl., Lecythidaceae) in the states of Acre and Amazonas, the preimaginal stages have not been formerly described. These are the first descriptions of larva and pupa of a species of the genus Hybolabus Jekel, 1860.
Austrolimnius cleidecostae, a new species of riffle beetle (Coleoptera: Elmidae) from Brazil with habitat notes and updated key of the Brazilian species of the genus
Authors: Polizei Thiago Tadeu Silva , Costa Lucas De Souza Machado , Bispo Pitágoras Da Conceição
Published: March 2020

Austrolimnius cleidecostae sp. nov. is one of the smallest species of Elmidae from the Neotropical region. The new species is described and illustrated based on male and female specimens. This species represents the first record in Elmidae of mandibles with an articulated, sclerotized process on inner subapical edge. The specimens were collected from streams in the Atlantic rainforest of São Paulo and Santa Catarina, and habitat notes are given. An updated key for the Austrolimnius Carter & Zeck, 1929 of Brazil is provided. Austrolimnis browni Hinton, 1971 and A. musgravei Hinton, 1939 are recorded for the first time from Brazil.
A new species of Neapion (Neotropion) Alonso-Zarazaga from Paraguay (Brentidae: Apioninae)
Authors: De Sousa Wesley Oliveira
Published: March 2020

A new species of the genus Neapion Alonso-Zarazaga, 1990 subgenus Neotropion Alonso-Zarazaga, 1990 (Brentidae: Apioninae) is described and illustrated. Neapion (Neotropion) cleidecostae sp. nov. (Type locality: Paraguay, Misiones) is the second Apioninae species from South America with dense, thin vestiture and raised areas on the elytra. In addition to these characters, vestiture color pattern and male genitalic characters such as penis shape, length of the tuning fork-shaped sclerite in the internal sac (the largest found in Apioninae), and shape of the tegminal plate are diagnostic of this new species.
A generic key to the known larval Elmidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) of French Guiana
Authors: Shepard William D. , Clavier Simon , Cerdan Axel
Published: March 2020

An identification key is provided for 21 larval types of Elmidae (riffle beetles) known to occur in French Guiana. Not all elmid genera known to occur in French Guiana are known in the larval stage. Nor are all the known larval types assigned to known elmid genera.
A revision of Peltariosilis Wittmer (Coleoptera: Cantharidae), a surprisingly diverse Amazonian radiation
Authors: Biffi Gabriel , Geiser Michael
Published: March 2020

Peltariosilis Wittmer, 1952 is a South American Silinae genus characterised by the highly modified male pronotum and scutellum with a remarkable lamellar projection. Six species were previously recognised. The study of numerous specimens from previously unsampled localities and the revision of previously studied material shows that Peltariosilis is far more diverse than previously recognised. 15 species are here recognised as valid, nine of which are described as new: P. brancuccii, P. brunneoapicalis, P. cleidecostae, P. diversicollis, P. flavicornis, P. gracilicornis, P. major, P. orientalis and P. parviscutellaris spp. nov. A comparative study and new morphological terminologies are introduced for pronotum, scutellum and male genitalia. All Peltariosilis species are described and illustrated, including the first illustration of a female pronotum, and an identification key is provided. A map is given, including records of all known Peltariosilis, showing a distribution confined to the Amazonian subregion (Suriname, French Guiana, N Brazil, E Peru and NE Bolivia). The identity of the type species P. scutulata (Wittmer, 1952), hitherto considered as broadly distributed and highly variable, is addressed through study of their type series and additional specimens from widespread localities.
Laccodytes costae sp. nov., and new records for the genus from Brazil (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: Braga Rafael Benzi , Ferreira Junior Nelson
Published: March 2020

Laccodytes costae sp. nov., from Brazil, is described and illustrated; the new species is the third known member of the Laccodytes apalodes species-group. New records for Brazil: Laccodytes americanus Peschet, 1919, new for the country and Laccodytes rondonia Toledo, Spangler & Balke, 2010, new for the state of Pará. A modified version of the key from Toledo, Spangler & Balke (2010) is provided with new couplets to allow the identification of the new species as well as L. cobreinae Toledo, Megna & Alarie, 2011.
Two new species of Passalus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Passalidae) from the western Brazilian Amazon with comments on the taxonomic limits of the subgenera
Authors: Bevilaqua Marcus , Fonseca Claudio Ruy Vasconcelos da
Published: March 2020

Passalus Fabricius, 1792 is the largest genus of Passalidae and presents great diversity in South America, mainly in the Amazon region. Currently this complex and heterogeneous genus is subdivided into three subgenera: P. (Pertinax) Kaup, 1869, P. (Mitrorhinus) Kaup, 1871, and P. (Passalus). Herein, two new species of Passalus from the western region of the Brazilian Amazon, a diverse but poorly studied area, are described and illustrated. The new species Passalus (Pertinax) deuterocerus sp. nov. and Passalus (Passalus) cleidecostae sp. nov. are compared with similar species occurring in nearby regions. Also, the diagnostic characters used to define the subgenera and sections of Passalus are summarized.
A new species of Chlorota Burmeister (Melolonthidae: Rutelinae: Rutelini) from Cerrado and Amazon biomes transition
Authors: Medeiros Rone Andrews Freitas , Grossi Paschoal Coelho
Published: March 2020

Chlorota cleidecostae sp. nov. is described based on a unique female collected at Maranhão State, Carolina municipality, in the “Meio Norte” region, a biotope comprising Cerrado, Caatinga and Amazon biomes. The new species is distinguished from all other Chlorota species by having the striped elytral pattern with red costae, and surface of pronotum dull, dark, metallic, and smooth. An updated map and a key for species and subspecies that occur in Brazil are also presented.
A Re-evaluation of the Eucnemidae larval characters (Coleoptera)
Authors: Muona Jyrki , Teräväinen Marianna
Published: March 2020

The larval characters of Eucnemidae are re-evaluated. Tribe Schizophilini Muona, 1993 is considered to merit subfamily rank as Schizophilinae Muona new status. Larval characters congruent with previously used adult morphological characters support the earlier published sister-group hypotheses for lignicolous eucnemids with one exception, Pseudomeninae, which is here split resulting in the following evolutionary hypothesis: (Pseudomeninae (Schizophilinae (Paleoxeninae (Melasinae, Eucneminae, Macraulcinae)))). The position of three remaining clades, Anischiinae, Perothopinae and Phyllocerinae remain ambiguous.
Morphology of the adult and immatures of a striking new species of leaf-mining Brachys Dejean from Brazil (Buprestidae, Agrilinae)
Authors: Migliore Letizia Janaina , Casari Sonia A. , Paiola Gabriel
Published: March 2020

Adult and immature stages of a new species, Brachys cleidecostae sp. nov., are described and illustrated. This species represents the first leaf-mining buprestid with two broad, prominent horn-like apophyses on vertex, resembling broad horns. The material was collected within unusual shaped leaf mines in Alibertia sessilis (Vell.) K. Schum (Rubiaceae), a native species from Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado). This is the first record of Brachys associated with a host plant of family Rubiaceae.
Help-seeking patterns and funding strategies in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension on phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: an orphan disease with effective but costly treatment
Authors: Lim Y , Siti M , Low TT , Kuntjoro I , Yip J , Tay E
Published: March 2020

INTRODUCTION Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with high medical and pharmaceutical costs. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors have been found to be beneficial but costly. They are not subsidised in Singapore except via the Medication Assistance Fund (MAF) Plus scheme. In this study, we described the help-seeking behaviour of patients and funding strategies for Singaporean patients on PDE5 inhibitors in our registry. METHODS We consecutively recruited all patients with PAH who presented to our pulmonary hypertension specialty centre between 1 January 2003 and 29 December 2016. Singaporean patients on PDE5 inhibitors were included. Data recorded and analysed for this study included baseline demographics, whether the patients received MAF Plus funding, percentage of funding, and any additional source of subsidies. RESULTS 114 (77.0%) of 148 patients in the registry were Singapore citizens on PDE5 inhibitors. 75 (65.8%) of these 114 patients had been seen by a medical social worker, of whom 16 were on MAF Plus funding. 14 of the remaining 59 patients were subsidised by MediFund, whereas the remainder were self-paying. 30 (26.3%) patients in total were on some form of subsidy, and 28 (24.6%) patients were on combination therapy. Of this group, nine were receiving MAF Plus subsidies. CONCLUSION Fewer than expected patients were found to be receiving drug subsidies for PAH. This was partly due to insufficient referrals and lack of requests for financial assistance. Patients on combination therapy had greater financial challenges. This study should spur us on to study funding gaps further and address them.
William James and the Will to Alieve
Authors: Capps John
Published: March 2020

William James’ “The Will to Believe” (1896/1979) continues to attract scholarly attention. This might seem surprising since James’ central claim—that one may justifiably believe p despite having inconclusive evidence for p—seems both very clear and also very wrong. I argue that many of the interpretive and substantive challenges of this essay can be overcome by framing James’ thesis in terms of what Tamar Gendler defines as “alief.” I consider two readings of James’ position (one charitable, the other super-charitable) and conclude that the “will to believe” rests on a misnomer. “The Will to Alieve” is more accurate—though the “Right to Alieve” is even better still.
On Finding the Mortal World Enough: Value, Extinction, and the Crisis of the Humanities
Authors: Evron Nir
Published: March 2020

This essay isolates and critically assesses the motivation behind the current backlash against the broadly culturalist and historicist paradigm that has structured research in the interpretative humanities since the 1980s. That motivation, it argues, has less to do with the noble desire to rescue the humanities from the alleged absurdities of the postmodernists than it has with a reluctance to face up fully to the secularism that many of the humanities’ contemporary critics (conservatives as well as progressives; insiders as well as outsiders) profess. If historicism and constructivism are under attack today, it is not merely because they offend certain entrenched epistemological or metaethical views. Rather, and more pointedly, it is because these secularist thought styles foreclose traditional sources of spiritual consolation, which many of us (perhaps all of us at certain moments in our lives) intimately rely upon. To make this case, the essay stages a confrontation between William James’s The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902) and Sigmund Freud’s “On Transience” (1915), two texts that take a long hard look at the prospect of extinction and then diverge in their reactions.
Studies in Southeast Asian Melastoma (Melastomataceae), 4. Clarification of Melastoma crinitum in Southeast Asia and the reinstatement of Melastoma molle

Authors: NEO LOUISE , TAN HUGH T.W. , WONG K.M.
Published: March 2020

In the most recent revision of the genus Melastoma Linnaeus (1753: 389) across its entire distributional range, seven species were recognized for Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore (Meyer 2001). Our recent studies in Southeast Asian Melastoma have led us to re-examine some of the species defined in that account, including those recorded for Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore (Wong 2015, Wong 2016, Neo et al. 2017).
The endemic and range restricted vascular plants of Croatia: diversity, distribution patterns and their conservation status

Authors: NIKOLIĆ TONI , FOIS MAURO , MILAŠINOVIĆ BORIS
Published: March 2020

The Balkan Peninsula is recognized as an important centre of native and endemic plant species diversity as well as an important wildlife refuge area. However, although Croatia hosts more than half of plant species found on the Balkan Peninsula, the endemic taxa have never been evaluated or used to define conservation priorities. We analyzed the qualitative composition of the endemic and range restricted species, their spatial distribution, centres of endemism, and conservation status (non-IUCN).         We generated an updated and annotated checklist of 349 endemic or range-restricted plant taxa (6.9% of the entire native flora), subdivided in 231 species, 103 subspecies and 15 hybrids and belonging to 149 genera and 43 families. Among the 231 species, 69 are considered endemic to Croatia and confined to a small area (< 4,500 km2), while 162 are considered range restricted species, which have larger ranges and/or are shared with neighbouring countries. The genera Centaurea and Hieracium have the highest number of endemic and range restricted taxa.         Spatial analyses indicated two notable centres of species richness—the mountainous Dinaric Alps and the SE Adriatic coast, including the islands. Regions with a high richness of range-restricted taxa did not coincide with areas of high richness of endemic species.         Taxa exhibited modest bimodality with respect to altitudinal distribution. In addition, the greatest diversity of taxa is concentrated in northwest of Croatia and could be related to differences in mean annual air temperatures and the duration of insolation.                As regards their conservation status, 13 of the 349 taxa are endangered, and 62 are near threatened or vulnerable. Despite relatively strong legal protection of endemic and range restricted species, 37 taxa remain unprotected. Changes in conservation practice are therefore proposed.
A new species of Wahlenbergia (Campanulaceae) from the Itatiaia National Park, Brazil

Authors: ROLLIM ISIS , TROVÓ MARCELO
Published: March 2020

We describe and illustrate Wahlenbergia itatiaiensis, a new species of Campanulaceae, endemic to the Itatiaia National Park in the Atlantic Forest (Brazil). The new species is compared with W. linarioides, the sympatric and morphologically most similar species, and to W. intermedia. Wahlenbergia itatiaiensis is mainly distinguished by the linear to lanceolate leaves with few, short denticles along the margin, 3-locular ovary, and 3-lobed stigma. An identification key for these species is provided. The new species occurs on sandy and rocky, wet soils, adjacent to dirt roadsides of the upper part of the National Park. Detailed comments on the distribution and conservation status, as well as details of morphological variation and photographs are provided.
Trillium hibbersonii (Melanthiaceae), a phylogenetically distinct species from western North America

Authors: O’NEILL DARLENE M. , FARMER SUSAN B. , FLODEN AARON , LAMPLEY JAYNE , SCHILLING EDWARD E.
Published: March 2020

Trillium Linnaeus (1753: 339) species have a reputation for being difficult to distinguish from one another, both on morphological (e.g. Freeman 1985, Schilling et al. 2019) and initial studies with standard plastid markers (Osaloo et al. 1999). Thus, the species that is sister to the rest of the Parideae, Pseudotrillium rivale (Watson 1885: 378) Farmer (2002: 687), was only recognized to be distinctive after DNA sequence data became available (Farmer & Schilling 2002). In the somewhat similar case discussed here, an entity that was considered to be only a form or variety of one species, T. ovatum Pursh (1803: 216), has turned out to be so genetically distinct that it is not even placed in the same clade as T. ovatum (Farmer 2006, Lampley et al. unpubl.).
Improving Cancer Outreach Effectiveness Through Targeting and Economic Assessments: Insights from a Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: Chen Yixing , Lee Ju-Yeon , Sridhar Shrihari (Hari) , Mittal Vikas , McCallister Katharine , Singal Amit G.
Published: March 2020

Patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cancer should undergo semiannual screening tests to facilitate early detection, effective treatment options at lower cost, better recovery prognosis, and higher life expectancy. Health care institutions invest in direct-to-patient outreach marketing to encourage regular screening. They ask the following questions: (1) Does the effectiveness of outreach vary among patients and over time?; (2) What is the return on outreach?; and (3) Can patient-level targeted outreach increase the return? The authors use a multiperiod, randomized field experiment involving 1,800 patients. Overall, relative to the usual-care condition, outreach alone (outreach with patient navigation) increases screening completion rates by 10–20 (13–24) percentage points. Causal forests demonstrate that patient-level treatment effects vary substantially across periods and by patients’ demographics, health status, visit history, health system accessibility, and neighborhood socioeconomic status, thereby facilitating the implementation of the targeted outreach program. A simulation shows that the targeted outreach program improves the return on the randomized outreach program by 74%–96% or $1.6 million to $2 million. Thus, outreach marketing provides a substantial positive payoff to the health care system.
Functional clustering analysis of Chinese provincial wind power generation
Authors: Fu Yizheng , Su Zhifang
Published: March 2020

China is a broad territory country. There are significant differences in the terrain, climate, and other environmental factors between different provinces, which affect wind power generation. In order to better analyze the situation of wind power generation in Chinese provinces, this paper uses the functional clustering analysis to classify the monthly data of wind power generation in 30 Chinese provinces from March 2013 to October 2019. The empirical results of this paper show that the wind energy generation in Chinese provinces can be divided into three categories, and the results are consistent with the actual situation. In this paper, functional clustering analysis is used to analyze monthly data, compared with the traditional clustering analysis to analyze annual data which are obtained by accumulated monthly data. Higher-dimensional data can be used for analysis to reduce information loss. Moreover, data can be viewed as functions, and more information can be mined by analyzing derivative functions, and so on. The analysis of wind energy generation has certain guiding significance for the development and utilization of renewable energy.
Dry Eye and Dry Nose Caused by the Effect of Allergic Rhinitis on Tear and Nasal Secretion Osmolarity
Authors: Yenigun Alper , Elbay Ahmet , Ozdem Abdullah , Bayraktar Havvanur , Ozer Omer Faruk , Dogan Remzi , Ozturan Orhan
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Allergic rhinitis is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction of immunoglobulin E in the rhino-ocular mucosa. This study was planned to demonstrate in patients with allergic rhinitis to evaluate changes in tear, nasal secretions, and blood osmolarity compared to healthy individuals.

Method:

Forty allergic rhinitis patients, 25 patients with acute upper respiratory tract infections, and 26 healthy participants were included in the study. Positive patients with allergic symptoms and skin prick test results were included in the allergic rhinitis group. Tear, nasal secretion, and blood osmolarity values were examined for the 3 groups.

Result:

In patients with allergic rhinitis, tear and nasal secretion osmolarity values were significantly higher in patients with acute upper respiratory tract infections and those of the healthy participants ( P = .001, P = .038). In blood osmolarity measurements, there was no statistical difference between the groups ( P = .489). In patients with allergic rhinitis, Schirmer test results were significantly shorter than patients who had acute upper respiratory tract infection and those of the healthy participants ( P = .001, P = .001). Patients with allergic rhinitis and acute upper respiratory tract infections had significantly shorter Schirmer test results than in healthy participants ( P = .001, P = .001).

Conclusion:

Tear osmolarity was increased in allergic rhinitis patients, and this was thought to lead to dry eye findings. In the presence of allergic rhinitis, nasal secretions were found more hyperosmolar than tears. Nasal secretion osmolarity was higher in allergic rhinitis patients than in patients with acute upper respiratory tract infections and control group.
Effect of a Standardized Electronic Medical Record Order Set on Opioid Prescribing after Tonsillectomy
Authors: Horton Joshua D. , Corrigan Corinne , Patel Terral , Schaffer Caroline , Cina Robert A. , White David R.
Published: March 2020

Objective

Approximately 5% of children develop new persistent opioid use after tonsillectomy. Critical review of our prescribing practices revealed inconsistent and excessive opioid prescribing after this procedure in children. We sought to improve our practice by using a standardized electronic medical record (EMR)–based order set.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of outpatient tonsillectomy performed before and after institution of an EMR intervention with comparison of opioid and nonopioid analgesic (NOA) prescription characteristics as well as outcomes including hemorrhage and readmission.

Results

Analysis of 276 preorder set and 128 post–order set tonsillectomies revealed a significant increase in NOA utilization following initiation of the order set and a significant reduction in doses of opioid prescribed. Due to a change to a stronger opioid in the order set, morphine dose equivalents (MDEs) prescribed were not decreased in the post–order set cohort. Variability between prescriptions and providers was significantly decreased in the post–order set group in terms of doses and MDEs, and dangerously high outlier prescriptions were eliminated. No differences in pain control, postoperative hemorrhage, presentation to the emergency department, or readmission were identified.

Discussion

An EMR‐based intervention improved the quality and safety of posttonsillectomy opioid prescribing at our institution. Moving forward, this order set provides a platform with which to titrate opioid prescriptions and NOA to optimal pain control and safety levels.

Implications for Practice

A standardized EMR‐based order set can improve the quality of opioid prescribing after tonsillectomy.