bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Operational Efficiency of Bicycle-Sharing Based on the Influencing Factor Analyses: A Case Study in Nanjing, China
Authors: Hu Beibei , Gao Yunfeng , Yan Jiechen , Sun Yue , Ding Yang , Bian Ji , Dong Xianlei , Sun Huijun
Published: January 2021

With the expansion of urban scale and the growth of urban population, the bicycle-sharing system has been greatly helping grease the wheels of convenience and diversity of citizens' travel. Nevertheless, there are a set of additional problems, including imbalance of supply and demand at rental stations and low utilization of system operation, which have disrupted the travel experience of consumers, the profitability of businesses, and the coordination of government. In this study, we take Nanjing as an example to measure the operating efficiency of bicycle-sharing by calculating the capacity utilization rate (CUR). Afterwards, based on the IC card data of bicycle-sharing users, we statistically analyzed the traffic inflow and outflow at rental stations. Besides, this paper discusses the factors influencing the use of bicycle-sharing, by introducing the method of sampling stepwise regression into the study of rental situation and geographical environment. The results are as follows: (1) demand for bicycle-sharing is higher on weekdays than on weekends, especially during the morning and evening rush hours. (2) The daily average capacity utilization rate of bicycle-sharing is less than 0.08, indicating that the system is not efficient enough. During morning and evening rush hours, only less than 10% of rental stations have high inflow and outflow, and there is an imbalance of inflow and outflow for the same rental station at different times of the day. (3) The stepwise regression results show that the inflow and outflow of bicycle-sharing rental stations are mainly affected by the distribution of traffic, education, entertainment, medical, and other functional zones near the stations. These findings could provide relevant government departments and enterprises with strategies and suggestions for the efficient and healthy operation of the urban bicycle-sharing system.
A Study on the Influence of the Conglomerate Mesostructure on Fracture Failure Behavior Based on Discrete Element Method
Authors: Yan Yu , Li Shiyuan
Published: January 2021

Rich in valuable reserves, conglomerate reservoirs in China have gradually emerged as a fundamental development source. Currently, research pertaining to the macromechanical properties of crack propagation in conglomerates is conducted either by directly employing various physical tests or by formulating a simplified numerical model for simulation, while disregarding the influence of the conglomerate mesostructure. In this paper, the analysis is performed by adopting techniques such as CT scanning and Particle Flow Code (PFC) numerical simulation. CT scanning is used to identify the mesoscopic structure of the conglomerate, and then, a numerical model is devised in accordance with the CT scanned digital image. Three-point bending simulation experiments are conducted for 3 sets of semicircular conglomerate specimens possessing prefabricated cracks, to analyze the influence of the initiation and evolution of mesostructure on the fracture failure behavior. Research suggests: ① The mesostructure within the conglomerate is complexified due to the presence of gravel. Conglomerate specimens exhibiting different mesostructures tend to diversify the possible modes of destruction of the conglomerate. ② A fluctuation is noticed at peak load under the fracture toughness test. The numerical simulation of the fracture toughness undertaken via the PFC method revealed the reason for the peak load fluctuation during the fracture propagation to be the constant penetration of the cracks into or out of gravel particles. ③ The fracture toughness simulation tests ascertain the existence of certain fracture characteristic units during the fracture propagation process, wherein the evolution of the internal mesostructure considerably influences the macroscopic failure mode of the conglomerate.
Incoherence Analysis of RD-AIC-Based Observation Matrix and Its Application in Power Quality Disturbance Signal
Authors: Liu Yan , Tang Wei
Published: January 2021

In the theory of compressed sensing, restricted isometry property (RIP) decides the universality and reconstruction robustness of an observation matrix. At present, an observation matrix based on RD-AIC (RD-AIC-based observation matrix) can compress sparse continuous signals with a simple structure, but RIP analysis of this matrix is lack and challenging to prove. In this paper, this problem is relaxed. Instead, we demonstrate the incoherence analysis process, derive the orthogonality and nonsingularity of the matrix, propose the generalized relevance calculation steps of the matrix, and propose the hardware parameter design principles to improve the incoherence of the matrix. Moreover, compression and reconstruction experiments used in power quality disturbance signals are developed for testing the incoherence. The results show that the RD-AIC-based observation matrix has substantial incoherence under suitable hardware parameters, equivalent to the Gaussian random matrix and the Bernoulli random matrix.
Decision Model for Allocation of Intensive Care Unit Beds for Suspected COVID-19 Patients under Scarce Resources
Authors: Frej Eduarda Asfora , Roselli Lucia Reis Peixoto , Ferreira Rodrigo José Pires , Alberti Alexandre Ramalho , de Almeida Adiel Teixeira
Published: January 2021

This paper puts forward a decision model for allocation of intensive care unit (ICU) beds under scarce resources in healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The model is built upon a portfolio selection approach under the concepts of the Utility Theory. A binary integer optimization model is developed in order to find the best allocation for ICU beds, considering candidate patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19. Experts’ subjective knowledge and prior probabilities are considered to estimate the input data for the proposed model, considering the particular aspects of the decision problem. Since the chances of survival of patients in several scenarios may not be precisely defined due to the inherent subjectivity of such kinds of information, the proposed model works based on imprecise information provided by users. A Monte-Carlo simulation is performed to build a recommendation, and a robustness index is computed for each alternative according to its performance as evidenced by the results of the simulation.
Compound-Specific Chlorine Isotope Analysis of Organochlorine Pesticides by Gas Chromatography-Negative Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Shenghua , Gui Jianye , Li Xiaoya , Qi Guochen
Published: January 2021

Compound-specific stable chlorine isotope analysis (CSIA-Cl) is an important method for identifying sources of organochlorine contaminants and helping assess their quantification of transformation processes. However, the present CSIA-Cl is challenged by either redundant conversion pretreatment or complicated mathematical correction. To overcome the mentioned problems, a novel method has been developed for the CSIA-Cl of eight organochlorine pesticides using gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC-NCI-qMS) in this study. The instrument parameters, acquisition mode, and required injection amounts were optimized in terms of the precision of GC-NCI-qMS. An ionization energy of 90 eV and emission current of 90 μA were selected, and the precisions for eight organochlorine pesticides were in the range of 0.37‰–2.15‰ in single ion monitoring (SIM) mode when the injected amount was 0.50 mg L−1 (viz. 0.5 ng on column). Furthermore, when standards from Supelco and O2si were calibrated using standards from AccuStandard regarded as external isotope standard, chlorine isotope composition of α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) and 2, 2-dichloro−1, 1-bis (4-chlorophenyl) ethylene (p, p′-DDE) in Supelco and O2si was confidently differentiated. The provenance identification method was validated by three organochlorine contaminated groundwater samples and showed a prospect in identifying the source of organochlorine pesticides.
A Fuzzy‐Logic‐Based Double Q‐Learning Routing in Delay‐Tolerant Networks
Authors: Wu Jiagao , Yuan Fan , Guo Yahang , Zhou Hongyu , Liu Linfeng
Published: January 2021

Delay‐tolerant networks (DTNs) are wireless mobile networks, which suffer from frequent disruption, high latency, and lack of a complete path from source to destination. The intermittent connectivity in DTNs makes it difficult to efficiently deliver messages. Research results have shown that the routing protocol based on reinforcement learning can achieve a reasonable balance between routing performance and cost. However, due to the complexity, dynamics, and uncertainty of the characteristics of nodes in DTNs, providing a reliable multihop routing in DTNs is still a particular challenge. In this paper, we propose a Fuzzy‐logic‐based Double Q‐Learning Routing (FDQLR) protocol that can learn the optimal route by combining fuzzy logic with the Double Q‐Learning algorithm. In this protocol, a fuzzy dynamic reward mechanism is proposed, and it uses fuzzy logic to comprehensively evaluate the characteristics of nodes including node activity, contact interval, and movement speed. Furthermore, a hot zone drop mechanism and a drop mechanism are proposed, which can improve the efficiency of message forwarding and buffer management of the node. The simulation results show that the fuzzy logic can improve the performance of the FDQLR protocol in terms of delivery ratio, delivery delay, and overhead. In particular, compared with other related routing protocols of DTNs, the FDQLR protocol can achieve the highest delivery ratio and the lowest overhead.
[Retracted] Euryops arabicus Promotes Healing of Excised Wounds in Rat Skin: Emphasis on Its Collagen‐Enhancing, Antioxidant, and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Abdel-Lateff Ahmed , Abdel-Naim Ashraf B. , Alarif Walied M. , Algandaby Mardi M. , Alburae Najla A. , Alghamdi Ali M. , Nasrullah Mohammed Z. , Fahmy Usama A.
Published: January 2021

Euryops arabicus Steud (E. arabicus) belongs to the family Asteraceae. It has several uses in folk medicine in the Arabian Peninsula. The current study aimed at evaluating the wound healing properties of the E. arabicus extract in rats. Primarily, E. arabicus successfully accelerated cell migration in vitro and it also showed no signs of dermal toxicity. Topical application of E. arabicus extract (5% or 20%) expedited healing of excised skin in rats. Histological examinations indicated that E. arabicus shortened epithelization period, stimulated fibroblast activity, and increased collagen deposition in wound tissues. The plant extract exerted antioxidant activity as evidenced by inhibition of GSH depletion and MDA accumulation and enhanced mRNA expression of Sod1 in wound tissues collected at the end of the experiment. Further, E. arabicus inhibited the rise of TNF‐α and IL‐1β in the skin wound region. The anti‐inflammatory was confirmed by the observed down regulation of Ptgs2, Nos2, IL‐6, and NF‐κB mRNA expression. In addition, the extract enhanced the expression of TGF‐β1 and HIF‐1α in wounded skin tissues as indicated immunohistochemically. Conclusively, E. arabicus expedites excision wound healing in rats. Collagen‐enhancing, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant properties mediate the observed wound healing activity. These findings might contribute to our understanding of the ethnobotanical use of E. arabicus in wounds.
High-Density, Targeted Monitoring of Tyrosine Phosphorylation Reveals Activated Signaling Networks in Human Tumors
Authors: Stopfer Lauren E. , Flower Cameron T. , Gajadhar Aaron S. , Patel Bhavin , Gallien Sebastien , Lopez-Ferrer Daniel , White Forest M.
Published: January 2021

Tyrosine phosphorylation (pTyr) plays a pivotal role in signal transduction and is commonly dysregulated in cancer. As a result, profiling tumor pTyr levels may reveal therapeutic insights critical to combating disease. Existing discovery and targeted mass spectrometry–based methods used to monitor pTyr networks involve a tradeoff between broad coverage of the pTyr network, reproducibility in target identification across analyses, and accurate quantification. To address these limitations, we developed a targeted approach, termed “SureQuant pTyr,” coupling low input pTyr enrichment with a panel of isotopically labeled internal standard peptides to guide data acquisition of low-abundance tyrosine phosphopeptides. SureQuant pTyr allowed for reliable quantification of several hundred commonly dysregulated pTyr targets with high quantitative accuracy, improving the robustness and usability of targeted mass spectrometry assays. We established the clinical applicability of SureQuant pTyr by profiling pTyr signaling levels in human colorectal tumors using minimal sample input, characterizing patient-specific oncogenic-driving mechanisms. While in some cases pTyr profiles aligned with previously reported proteomic, genomic, and transcriptomic molecular characterizations, we highlighted instances of new insights gained using pTyr characterization and emphasized the complementary nature of pTyr measurements with traditional biomarkers for improving patient stratification and identifying therapeutic targets. The turn-key nature of this approach opens the door to rapid and reproducible pTyr profiling in research and clinical settings alike and enables pTyr-based measurements for applications in precision medicine.

Significance:

SureQuant pTyr is a mass spectrometry–based targeted method that enables sensitive and selective targeted quantitation of several hundred low-abundance tyrosine phosphorylated peptides commonly dysregulated in cancer, including oncogenic signaling networks.
Rapamycin Inhibitors for Eye Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Renal Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Infante Barbara , Coviello Nicola , Troise Dario , Gravina Matteo , Bux Valeria , Castellano Giuseppe , Stallone Giovanni
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The immunosuppressive efficiency obtained in the last decades in kidney transplantation significantly improved graft survival. However, there is still a high risk and incidence of cancer in transplant patients strongly and directly related to the type of immunosuppression. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway may play a pivotal role in the development and progression of several neoplastic diseases. Case Presentation: We describe a 47-year-old male patient who received a cadaveric primary renal transplant in November 2008 developing a poorly differentiated infiltrating and ulcerated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at the eye level. In this patient, the modification of an immunosuppressive regimen with introduction of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) led to the resolution of this severe condition. Conclusion: The introduction of mTOR inhibitors and withdrawal of CNIs in kidney-transplanted patients with de novo eye SCC should be considered in this clinical setting.
Update on the Management of Urological Problems Following Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Sarier Mehmet , Yayar Ozlem , Yavuz Asuman , Turgut Hasan , Kukul Erdal
Published: January 2021

Urological problems in kidney transplant recipients are not limited only to posttransplantation urological complications. These problems are a cause of significant patient mortality and morbidity that have wide-ranging effects on graft survival throughout the entire life of the graft. Ultimately, the transplant comprises a major portion of the urinary system; therefore, the transplant team should be prepared for foreseeable and unforeseeable urological problems in the short and long terms. These mainly include postoperative urological complications (urine leakage, ureteral stenosis, and vesicoureteral reflux), bladder outlet obstruction, and graft urolithiasis. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the management of urological complications, especially due to advances in endourologic interventions. The aim of this review is to summarize the management of urological problems after kidney transplantation in the context of the current literature.
Resistance Exercise for Breast Cancer Patients? Evidence from the Last Decade
Authors: Gerland Lars , Baumann Freerk T. , Niels Timo
Published: January 2021

Background: Breast cancer is associated with many therapy-induced side effects that impact patients’ lives from diagnosis to long-term survivorship. Physical activity has become an important and proven supportive measure in treating side effects like loss of muscle strength, fatigue, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, lymphedema, and loss of quality of life. Resistance training (RT) is an established exercise intervention for breast cancer patients, but the correct type, timing, intensity, and duration of exercise remain unclear. It is necessary to investigate different resistance training interventions and their effects on breast cancer patients by covering all stages of treatment, beginning with prehabilitation, through the period of acute therapy, to long-term survivorship. Conclusion: Upon evaluation of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the past decade, RT was found to be feasible and safe. Furthermore, there is evidence on the impact of RT on muscle strength, CRF and QoL amongst other factors. Studies implementing mixes of aerobic and strength exercises are rather common, but RCTs of RT-only protocols remain scarce. Different strength training protocols at distinct stages of breast cancer treatment have been conducted, but with the complexity of treatments and the variety of training styles, a large field of study remains. Key Messages: Although the overall data on RT for breast cancer patients has increased, there are many different methodological approaches and testing measures as well as gaps in study documentation. There is still very little of the evidence that would facilitate the compilation of standardized and individualized guidelines.
Eugen Warming: um dinamarquês desvenda o cerrado brasileiro
Authors: Cavassan Osmar , Weiser Veridiana de Lara
Published: January 2021

O botânico Johannes Eugenius Bülow Warming (1841-1924) atuou como professor de botânica nas Universidades de Copenhagen e Estocolmo, sendo também reitor em ambas e diretor do Jardim Botânico de Copenhagen. Visitou vários países em expedições científicas e foi conferencista em eventos, inclusive o Brasil. Figura de destaque  na ecologia vegetal, Warming influenciou a geração de jovens botânicos e ecólogos que o sucederam, principalmente pela abordagem sistêmica ao cerrado. Alguns ecólogos atribuem a ele a expressão “fatores ecológicos”. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar informações sobre a vida e obra de Warming destacando seus estudos sobre o cerrado e o seu papel na definição de linhas de pesquisa em ecologia vegetal. Warming, esteve no Brasil, mais precisamente em Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais, de 1863 a 1866. Nesse período, coletou, descreveu e registrou em desenhos e fotografias a vegetação e representantes da flora do cerrado daquela região. Ele não se limitou aos aspectos estéticos, mas associou   a vegetação e a flora do cerrado às características climáticas, edáficas e ocorrência de fogo.  A importância de sua obra reside na maneira como ele procedeu em sua pesquisa. Publicou o primeiro estudo sobre o cerrado brasileiro na língua dinamarquesa, que foi traduzido para o português como Lagoa Santa: coribuição para a geografia phytobiologica por Johan Albert Constantin Löfgren (1854-1918) em 1908.
A modinha como expressão nacional do século XIX: desmistificando a aura de gênio do Padre José Maurício Nunes Garcia
Authors: Vaccari Pedro
Published: January 2021

A figura do gênio romântico, atormentado e incompreendido, que morre na miséria, tem acompanhado o fluxo de mistificação histórica desde o século XVIII, na figura de Mozart. Transladado para os trópicos, esse personagem foi personificado em José Maurício Nunes Garcia, compositor negro da Corte de D. João VI no Brasil, que teria Marcos Portugal como rival e antípoda – o Salieri de Portugal/Brasil. Por meio de uma pesquisa que analisou todos os Jornais de Modinha publicados em Lisboa de 1792 a 1796, e as Modinhas Imperiais que vieram a prelo pelas mãos de Mário de Andrade em 1930, pudemos perceber, entretanto, que o gênero modinha, cultivado por José Maurício em pelo menos quatro peças sobreviventes, possui elos motívicos que podem caracterizá- lo como pertencente a uma nacionalização incipiente da música brasileira. A partir dessa premissa foi possível traçar um perfil do Padre que desmistifica a aura do gênio, já que suas modinhas, em específico “Marília, si me não amas…”, trazem elementos que remontam à tradição popular oral brasileira. A Modinha, gênero que ressoaria em suas próprias missas para constituir uma brasilidade em música, não seria antes um gênero aglutinador de influências folclóricas e populares urbanas, e o fato de José Maurício compor nesse estilo não o aproximaria das correntes tradicionais de retórica neo-trovadoresca?
O Ensino musical na Educação Infantil e sua possível relação com a teoria desenvolvimental proposta por L. Vigotski
Authors: Mião Cícero Rodarte , Lima Sonia Regina Albano de
Published: January 2021

O texto a seguir pontua a importância do ensino musical durante a Educação Infantil propagada nos ordenamentos pedagógicos voltados para essa faixa etária, mais intensamente esboçado na Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BRASIL, 2018). Também se preocupou em apontar como a Teoria Desenvolvimental de Vigotski pode fundamentar parte das ações, práticas e atividades ali presentes, subsidiando uma proposta de ensino artístico que toma para si aspectos voltados para a valorização histórico social deste ensino. A partir desse relato fica notório a necessidade de implantarmos um ensino musical que se estenderá desde a fase infantil até a educação básica.
A pesquisa em artes: uma discussão conceitual
Authors: Veiga Paulo , Rolnik Daniel
Published: January 2021

Em síntese, neste dossiê, apresenta-se, transcrito e editado, o profícuo diálogo que se desenvolveu entre a banca e o público a respeito da pesquisa em artes. A íntegra do evento encontra-se disponível na Plataforma YouTube[1]. Essas falas, gravadas e transcritas, passaram por edição e revisão até à sua configuração final, expressa neste documento, em caráter mais conciso e formal. Ainda em relação ao seu processo de edição, agradece a Daniel Portioli Rolnik, Técnico para Assuntos Administrativos do Departamento de Música da FFCLRP-USP, a transcrição exímia que possibilitou ao organizador apresentar este texto final.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UyqFi-UnlU&t=19028s&ab_channel=USPFILARM%C3%94NICARubensRussomannoRicciardi
Chondroitin Sulfate
N
-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-2 Impacts Foam Cell Formation and Atherosclerosis by Altering Macrophage Glycosaminoglycan Chain
Authors: Adhikara Imam Manggalya , Yagi Keiko , Mayasari Dyah Samti , Suzuki Yoko , Ikeda Koji , Ryanto Gusty Rizky Teguh , Sasaki Naoto , Rikitake Yoshiyuki , Nadanaka Satomi , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Miyata Okiko , Igarashi Michihiro , Hirata Ken-ichi , Emoto Noriaki
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are the primary constituents of the macrophage glycosaminoglycan and extracellular microenvironment. To examine their potential role in atherogenesis, we investigated the biological importance of one of the chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis gene, ChGn-2 (chondroitin sulfate
N
-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-2), in macrophage foam cell formation.

Approach and Results:

ChGn-2-deficient mice showed decreased and shortened glycosaminoglycans. ChGn-2
−/−
/LDLr
−/−
(low-density lipoprotein receptor) mice generated less atherosclerotic plaque after being fed with Western diet despite exhibiting a metabolic phenotype similar to that of the ChGn-2
+/+
/LDLr
−/−
littermates. We demonstrated that in macrophages, ChGn-2 expression was upregulated in the presence of oxLDL (oxidized LDL), and glycosaminoglycan was substantially increased. Foam cell formation was significantly altered by ChGn-2 in both mouse peritoneal macrophages and the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. Mechanistically, ChGn-2 enhanced oxLDL binding on the cell surface, and as a consequence, CD36—an important macrophage membrane scavenger receptor—was differentially regulated.

Conclusions:

ChGn-2 alteration on macrophages conceivably influences LDL accumulation and subsequently accelerates plaque formation. These results collectively suggest that ChGn-2 is a novel therapeutic target amenable to clinical translation in the future.

Graphic Abstract:

A graphic abstract is available for this article.
Differences in High‐ and Low‐Value Cardiovascular Testing by Health Insurance Provider
Authors: Kini Vinay , Mosley Bridget , Raghavan Sridharan , Khazanie Prateeti , Bradley Steven M. , Magid David J. , Ho P. Michael , Masoudi Frederick A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Quality of care incentives and reimbursements for cardiovascular testing differ between insurance providers. We hypothesized that there are differences in the use of guideline‐concordant testing between Medicaid versus commercial insurance patients <65 years, and between Medicare Advantage versus Medicare fee‐for‐service patients ≥65 years.

Methods and Results

Using data from the Colorado All‐Payer Claims Database from 2015 to 2018, we identified patients eligible to receive a high‐value test recommended by guidelines: assessment of left ventricular function among patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction or incident heart failure, or a low‐value test that provides minimal patient benefit: stress testing prior to low‐risk surgery or routine stress testing within 2 years of percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Among 145 616 eligible patients, 37% had fee‐for‐service Medicare, 18% Medicare Advantage, 22% Medicaid, and 23% commercial insurance. Using multilevel logistic regression models adjusted for patient characteristics, Medicaid patients were less likely to receive high‐value testing for acute myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR], 0.84 [0.73–0.98];
P
=0.03) and heart failure (OR, 0.59 [0.51–0.70];
P
<0.01) compared with commercially insured patients. Medicare Advantage patients were more likely to receive high‐value testing for acute myocardial infarction (OR, 1.35 [1.15–1.59];
P
<0.01) and less likely to receive low‐value testing after percutaneous coronary intervention/ coronary artery bypass graft (OR, 0.63 [0.55–0.72];
P
<0.01) compared with Medicare fee‐for‐service patients.

Conclusions

Guideline‐concordant testing was less likely to occur among patients with Medicaid compared with commercial insurance, and more likely to occur among patients with Medicare Advantage compared with fee‐for‐service Medicare. Insurance plan features may provide valuable targets to improve guideline‐concordant testing.
Bridging May Increase the Risk of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage in Thrombectomy Patients With Low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score
Authors: Kaesmacher Johannes , Meinel Thomas R. , Nannoni Stefania , Olivé-Gadea Marta , Piechowiak Eike I. , Maegerlein Christian , Goeldlin Martina , Pierot Laurent , Seiffge David J. , Mendes Pereira Vitor , Heldner Mirjam R. , Grunder Lorenz , Costalat Vincent , Arnold Marcel , Dobrocky Tomas , Gralla Jan , Mordasini Pasquale , Fischer Urs , Panos Leonidas , Chaloulos-Iakovidis Panagiotis , Ribo Marc , Requena Manuel , Hajdu Steven D. , Benali Amel , Friedrich Benjamin , Schaafsma Joanna , Gawlitza Matthias
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:

Whether intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) increases the risk for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a matter of debate. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of early ischemia as a possible factor influencing the risk for sICH after IVT+MT versus direct MT.

Methods:

An explorative analysis of the BEYOND-SWIFT (Bernese-European Registry for Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated Outside Current Guidelines With Neurothrombectomy Devices Using the SOLITAIRE FR With the Intention for Thrombectomy) multicenter cohort was performed. We hypothesized that the sICH risk between IVT+MT versus direct MT differs across the strata of Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores (ASPECTS). For this purpose, all patients with ICA, M1, and M2 vessel occlusions and available noncontrast computed tomography or diffusion-weighed imaging ASPECTS (n=2002) were analyzed. We used logistic regression analysis in subgroups, as well as interaction terms, to address the risk of sICH in IVT+MT versus direct MT patients across the ASPECTS strata.

Results:

In 2002 patients (median age, 73.7 years; 50.7% women; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 16), the overall rate of sICH was 6.5% (95% CI, 5.5%–7.7%). Risk of sICH differed across ASPECTS groups (9–10: 6.3%; 6–8: 5.6% and ≤5 9.8%;
P
=0.042). With decreasing ASPECTS, the risks of sICH in the IVT+MT versus the direct MT group increased from adjusted odds ratio of 0.61 ([95% CI, 0.24–1.60] ASPECTS 9–10), to 1.72 ([95% CI, 0.69–4.24] ASPECTS 6–8) and 6.31 ([95% CI, 1.87–21.29] ASPECTS ≤5), yielding a positive interaction term (1.91 [95% CI, 1.01–3.63]). Sensitivity analyses regarding diffusion-weighed imaging versus noncontrast computed tomography ASPECTS did not alter the primary observations.

Conclusions:

The extent of early ischemia may influence relative risks of sICH in IVT+MT versus direct MT patients, with an excess sICH risk in IVT+MT patients with low ASPECTS. If confirmed in post hoc analyses of randomized controlled trial data, IVT may be administered more carefully in patients with low ASPECTS eligible for and with direct access to MT.
Dabigatran or Aspirin After Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source in Patients With Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Diener Hans-Christoph , Chutinet Aurauma , Easton J. Donald , Granger Christopher B. , Kleine Eva , Marquardt Lars , Meyerhoff Juliane , Zini Andrea , Sacco Ralph L.
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) may increase the risk of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Guidelines suggest anticoagulation may be more effective than antiplatelets in preventing stroke in patients with ESUS and PFO when interventional closure is not performed.

Methods:

Patients with ESUS randomized to dabigatran (150/110 mg BID) or aspirin (100 mg QD) from the RE-SPECT ESUS study (Randomized, Double-Blind, Evaluation in Secondary Stroke Prevention Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of the Oral Thrombin Inhibitor Dabigatran Etexilate Versus Acetylsalicylic Acid in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source) were included. The rate of recurrent stroke (primary end point) and ischemic stroke was reported for patients with and without baseline PFO. A meta-analysis comparing the effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy on ischemic stroke in patients with PFO was updated to include RE-SPECT ESUS.

Results:

PFO was present in 680 of 5388 (12.6%) patients with documented PFO status. The risk of recurrent stroke with dabigatran versus aspirin was similar in patients with and without PFO (
P
for interaction, 0.8290). In patients with PFO, the meta-analysis found no statistically significant difference between anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy (odds ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.43–1.14]) for ischemic stroke.

Conclusions:

There is insufficient evidence to recommend anticoagulation over antiplatelet therapy for patients with ESUS and a PFO. More data are needed to guide antithrombotic therapy in this population.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02239120.
Association of Lesion Location and Depressive Symptoms Poststroke
Authors: Klingbeil Julian , Brandt Max-Lennart , Wawrzyniak Max , Stockert Anika , Schneider Hans R. , Baum Petra , Hoffmann Karl-Titus , Saur Dorothee
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:

Poststroke depression is a common stroke sequel, yet its neurobiological substrates are still unclear. We sought to determine whether specific lesion locations are associated with depressive symptoms after stroke.

Methods:

In a prospective study, 270 patients with first ever stroke were repeatedly tested with the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale within the first 4 weeks and 6 months after stroke. Voxel-based lesion behavior mapping based on clinical imaging was performed to test for associations between symptoms of depression and lesion locations.

Results:

Frequency of poststroke depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-D score >7) after 6 months was 19.6%. Higher Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-D scores for depression within the first 4 weeks were the only independent predictor for poststroke depression after 6 months in a multiple logistic regression also including age, sex, lesion volume, stroke severity, Barthel-Index, and the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Nonparametric permutation-test based voxel-based lesion behavior mapping identified a cluster of voxels mostly within the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex where lesions were significantly associated with more depressive symptoms after 6 months. No such association was observed within the right hemisphere despite better lesion coverage.

Conclusions:

Lesions in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex increase the risk of depressive symptoms 6 months poststroke. Lesions within the right hemisphere are unrelated to depressive symptoms. Recognition of left frontal lesions as a risk factor should help in the early diagnosis of poststroke depression through better risk stratification. The results are in line with evidence from functional imaging and noninvasive brain stimulation in patients without focal brain damage indicating that dysfunction in the left lateral prefrontal cortex contributes to depressive disorders.
Higher classification of the Monostilifera (Nemertea: Hoplonemertea)
Authors: KAJIHARA HIROSHI
Published: January 2021

The nemertean order Monostilifera consists of 594 species in 127 genera and is distributed worldwide. Within the Monostilifera, two suborders have been recognized, Cratenemertea and Eumonostilifera. Within the latter, two, unranked clade names, Oerstediina and Amphiporina, were recently proposed without formal taxonomic definition. In this article, I give morphological circumscriptions and clade definitions for Cratenemertea, Eumonostilifera, Oerstediina, Plectonemertidae, Oerstediidae, and Amphiporina. Oerstediina and Amphiporina are placed on the Linnaean rank of infraorder. Constituent genera and species for each higher taxon are tabulated. The genus Amphiporella Friedrich, 1939 is herein replaced with Germanemertes nom. nov. to avoid homonymy with the Carboniferous fossil bryozoan genus Amphiporella Girty, 1910. Loxorrhochmidae Diesing, 1862 is declared a nomen oblitum relative to Tetrastemmatidae Hubrecht, 1897, a nomen protectum under Article 23.9 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. There remain 308 species of eumonostiliferans whose infraorder affiliation is uncertain due to the lack of information on vascular morphology and molecular sequence data. The suborder affiliation of the two species Cinclidonemertes mooreae Crandall, 2010 and Verrillianemertes schultzei Senz, 2001 is left uncertain.
A new species of Neohydatothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from India
Authors: RACHANA R.R.
Published: January 2021

With 120 described species (ThripsWiki 2020) Neohydatothrips is the most species-rich genus in the Thripidae subfamily Sericothripinae. Although widely distributed almost 70% of the species are from the New World (Lima & Mound 2016), with only seven species recorded from India (Rachana & Varatharajan 2017). The biology of most species in the genus remains unknown, but they apparently feed and breed on the leaves and/or flowers of various unrelated plants. A few species are economically important as plant pests as well as virus vectors, such as N. variabilis (Beach) (Zhou & Tzanetakis 2013; Lima & Mound 2016; Han et al. 2019). N. samayunkur (Kudo) is a pest on flowers and leaves of Tagetes spp. in many countries including India (Nakahara 1999; Bhatti et al. 2003). Even though N. gracilipes (Hood) was described originally as damaging cotton in Mexico, it is associated with weedy species of Sida in several countries including central India (Lima & Mound 2016). In southern China, N. flavicingulus Mirab-balou, Tong & Yang is reported as damaging leaves of Manglietia fordiana. In California, avocado crops are sometimes damaged by N. burungae (Hood) and this species is also recorded as distorting the young leaves of Passiflora in Colombia (Mound et al. 2019). N. gracilicornis (Williams) is reported as damaging Pinaceae and Betulaceae in Spain and South Italy (Marullo 2009). The purpose of this article is to describe a new species from India that was collected in the flowers of Jasminum sambac (Oleaceae) in Assam, northeastern India. A detailed structural diagnosis of this genus is provided by Masumoto and Okajima (2020).
Taxonomic revision of the monotypic genera of Siculodini (Lepidoptera, Thyridoidea, Thyrididae, Siculodinae)
Authors: QUEIROZ-SANTOS LUZIANY , CASAGRANDE MIRNA MARTINS , MIELKE OLAF HERMANN HENDRIK
Published: January 2021

Four monotypic genera of the tribe Siculodini are revised and adults and their genitalia illustrated for both sexes. Hepialodes Guenée, 1858, Iza Walker, 1865 and Loxiorhiza Warren, 1904 were originally described to include only one species each and they have not been subject to taxonomic revision since that time. From our study, Meskea Grote, 1877, previously with two species, becomes the monobasic Meskea horror Dyar, 1913 syn. nov. of Meskea dyspteraria Grote, 1877. These genera occur in South America, and of these only Meskea extends to the southern North America. Lectotypes are designated for Hepialodes follicula Guenée, 1858, Siculodes nubecula Guenée, 1858 and Zeuzerodes (Siculodes) cervinalis Pagenstecher, 1892.
Bryocorinae Baerensprung, 1860 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) of European Russia and the Caucasus: synopsis and key to species
Authors: KONSTANTINOV FEDOR V. , NEIMOROVETS VLADIMIR V.
Published: January 2021

This paper provides a review of the plant bug subfamily Bryocorinae (Hemiptera: Miridae) of European Russia and the Caucasus. Although several bryocorine species are widely used as biological control agents, species delimitation remains challenging even in the relatively well-studied European fauna. We provide diagnoses, distribution data, host information, and illustrated keys to six genera and 21 species found in the region. The following new records are given: Dicyphus (B.) albonasutus Wagner, 1951 (Crimea and Caucasus, North Ossetia), Dicyphus (B.) digitalidis Josifov, 1958 (Caucasus, Abkhazia), Dicyphus (B.) geniculatus (Fieber, 1858) (Armenia and Ingushetia), Dicyphus (D.) epilobii Reuter 1883 (Abkhazia and Ingushetia), Dicyphus (D.) hyalinipennis Burmeister, 1835 (Armenia). Previous records of Dicyphus (B.) annulatus (Wolff, 1804) from the Northern Caucasus (Konstantinov & Zinovyeva 2017), and Crimea were based on misidentifications and should be referred to D. albonasutus. Records of Dicyphus (D.) pallidus (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1836) from Krasnodar Terr and Azerbaijan should be referred to D. errans (Wolff, 1804).
Evaluation of Multiple Precipitation Sensor Designs for Precipitation Rate and Depth, Drop Size and Velocity Distribution, and Precipitation Type
Authors: Pickering Ben S. , Neely Ryan R. , Jeffery Judith , Dufton David , Lukach Maryna
Published: January 2021

Observations of the precipitation rate/depth, drop size distribution, drop velocity distribution, and precipitation type are compared from six in situ precipitation sensor designs over 12 months to assess their performance and provide a benchmark for future design and deployment. The designs considered are tipping bucket (TBR), drop counting (RAL), acoustic (JWD), optical (LPM), single-angle visiometer with capacitor (PWD21), and dual-angle visiometer (PWS100). Precipitation rates are compared for multiple time resolutions over the study period, while drop size and velocity distributions are compared with cases at stable precipitation rates. To examine precipitation type, a new index and a logic algorithm to amalgamate consecutive precipitation type observations consistently is introduced and applied. Overall, the choice of instrument for deployment depends on the usage. For fast response (less than 15 min), the PWD21 and TBR should not be used. As precipitation rate or the duration of a sample increases, the correlation of the TBR with the majority of other instruments increases. However, the PWD21 consistently underestimates precipitation. The RAL, PWS100, and JWD are within ±15% for precipitation depth over 12 months. All instruments are inconsistent in their ability to observe drop size and velocity distributions for differing precipitation rates. There is low agreement between the instruments for precipitation type estimation. The PWD21 and PWS100 rarely report some precipitation types, but the LPM reports more broadly. Meteorological stations should use several instrument designs for redundancy and to more accurately capture precipitation characteristics.
The Role of Eddies in the Zonal and Meridional Overturning Circulations of Buoyancy-Forced Basins
Authors: Bire Suyash , Wolfe Christopher L.P.
Published: January 2021

The zonal and meridional overturning circulations of buoyancy-forced basins are studied in an eddy-resolving model. The zonal overturning circulation (ZOC) is driven by the meridional gradient of buoyancy at the surface and stratification at the southern boundary. The ZOC, in turn, produces zonal buoyancy gradients through upwelling and downwelling at the western and eastern boundaries, respectively. The meridional overturning circulation (MOC) is driven by these zonal gradients rather than being directly driven by meridional gradients. Eddies lead to a broadening of the upwelling and downwelling limbs of the ZOC, as well as a decoupling of the locations of vertical and diapycnal transport. This broadening is more prominent on the eastern boundary, where westward-moving eddies transport warm water away from a poleward-flowing eastern boundary current. Most of the diapycnal downwelling occurs in the “swash zone”—the region where the isopycnals intermittently come in contact with the surface and lose buoyancy to the atmosphere. A scaling for the overturning circulations, which depends on the background stratification and the surface buoyancy gradient, is derived and found to be an excellent fit to the numerical experiments.
Australian Tornadoes in 2013: Implications for Climatology and Forecasting
Authors: Allen John T. , Allen Edwina R. , Richter Harald , Lepore Chiara
Published: January 2021

During 2013, multiple tornadoes occurred across Australia, leading to 147 injuries and considerable damage. This prompted speculation as to the frequency of these events in Australia, and whether 2013 constituted a record year. Leveraging media reports, public accounts, and the Bureau of Meteorology observational record, 69 tornadoes were identified for the year in comparison to the official count of 37 events. This identified set and the existing historical record were used to establish that, in terms of spatial distribution, 2013 was not abnormal relative to the existing climatology, but numerically exceeded any year in the bureau’s record. Evaluation of the environments in which these tornadoes formed illustrated that these conditions included tornado environments found elsewhere globally, but generally had a stronger dependence on shear magnitude than direction, and lower lifting condensation levels. Relative to local environment climatology, 2013 was also not anomalous. These results illustrate a range of tornadoes associated with cool season, tropical cyclone, east coast low, supercell tornado, and low shear/storm merger environments. Using this baseline, the spatial climatology from 1980 to 2019 as derived from the nonconditional frequency of favorable significant tornado parameter environments for the year is used to highlight that observations are likely an underestimation. Applying the results, discussion is made of the need to expand observing practices, climatology, forecasting guidelines for operational prediction, and improve the warning system. This highlights a need to ensure that the general public is appropriately informed of the tornado hazard in Australia, and provide them with the understanding to respond accordingly.
Self-Organization and Maintenance of Simulated Nocturnal Convective Systems from PECAN
Authors: Parker Matthew D.
Published: January 2021

The Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) field project was designed to explain the evolution and structures of nocturnal mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and relate them to specific mechanisms and environmental ingredients. The present work examines four of the strongest and best-organized PECAN cases, each numerically simulated at two different levels of complexity. The suite of simulations enables a longitudinal look at how nocturnal MCSs resemble (or differ from) more commonly studied diurnal MCSs. All of the simulations produce at least some surface outflow (“cold pools”), with stronger outflows occurring in environments with more CAPE and weaker near-ground stability. As these surface outflows emerge, the lifting of near-ground air occurs, causing each simulated nocturnal MCS to ultimately become “surface-based.” The end result in each simulation is a quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) that is most intense toward the downshear flank of its cold pool, with the classical appearance of many afternoon squall lines. This pathway of evolution occurs both in fully heterogeneous real-world-like simulations and horizontally homogeneous idealized simulations. One of the studied cases also exhibits a back-building “rearward off-boundary development” stage, and this more complex behavior is also well simulated in both model configurations. As a group, the simulations imply that a wide range of nocturnal MCS behaviors may be self-organized (i.e., not reliant on larger-scale features external to the convection).
Signatures of Oceanic Wind Events in Geostationary Cloud Top Temperature and Lightning Data
Authors: Thompson Kelsey B. , Bateman Monte G. , Mecikalski John R.
Published: January 2021

A total of 13 ocean-based wind events from 2018, detected by buoys and Coastal-Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) stations, were analyzed using 1-min mesoscale sector Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) cloud top brightness temperature (CTTB) data, as well as 1-min Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) lightning data. The ABI and GLM instruments are located on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16 (GOES-16) satellite. An oceanic wind event was defined as a buoy or C-MAN station-recorded peak wind gust of at least 14 m s−1, associated with a convective storm. The wind gust was required to exceed the wind speed by at least 4 m s−1 at the time of the event, but not exceed the corresponding wind speed by at least 4 m s−1 for more than 30 min. This study hypothesized that prior to a wind event, there should be unique signatures in ABI CTTB and GLM lightning datasets. The presumption was that the minimum CTTB and maximum flash rate should occur near the same time and prior to the event. The minimum CTTB occurred an average of 10.5 min and a median of 7 min prior to events, with a range from 29 min prior to 1 min after the event. Changes in CTTB were often subtle. A maximum flash rate occurred within 5 min of the minimum CTTB for 11 of the 12 events with lightning and did not exceed 11 flashes per minute for 9 of the 12 events with lightning. Operational weather forecasters might use CTTB and lightning trends to help identify storms capable of producing significant oceanic wind events.