bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular Risk and Metabolic Syndrome Characteristics in Patients with Nonfunctional Pituitary Macroadenoma
Authors: Vargas-Ortega Guadalupe , González-Virla Baldomero , Balcázar-Hernández Lourdes , Nieto-Guzmán Oriana , Garrido-Mendoza Ana Pamela , Flores-Maya Marco Antonio , Mendoza-Zubieta Victoria
Published: August 2018

Context. An elevated incidence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been reported in patients with nonfunctional pituitary macroadenoma (NFPMA). There is no information about metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in patients with NFPMA in our population.Objective. Analyze the metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and estimate cardiovascular risk in patients with NFPMA.Design and Setting. Retrospective study, at the tertiary care center.Patients and Methods. 71 patients with NFPMA treated according to a preestablished multimodal protocol.Main Outcome Measures. Prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and cardiovascular risk and its relationship with the clinical and biochemical characteristics.Results. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity at diagnosis was 30%, 27%, 48%, and 85% and did not change upon the last visit. The prevalence of MetS changes from 54 to 48% (p=0.001). NFPMA patients showed a significant increase risk for high total cholesterol (SMR 1.68, 95% CI 1.28–2.17,p=0.001) and diabetes (SMR 3.19, 95% CI 2.19–4.49,p=0.01). According to Globorisk, the male gender was an evidence of high CVD before (81% versus 18%,p=0.01) and after (72% versus 28%,p=0.01) multimodal treatment.Conclusion. A high prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic disease and a high cardiovascular risk were evidenced in patients with NFPMA, especially in men. Risk factors such as the personal history of hypertension and dyslipidemia could explain the foregoing, so the control and treatment of metabolic parameters and cardiovascular risk should be an integral part of the follow-up of these patients.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Hygienic Practices of Boiled Hypocotyls (Borassus aethiopum Mart) Vended in the Streets of Cotonou City and Its Outskirts, Benin
Authors: Ohin Brice M. , Adéoti Kifouli , Kouhoundé Sonagnon S. , Noumavo Pacôme A. , Ogoua Sabine M. , Wabi Nansirine , Faïnou Marcellin C. , Baba-Moussa Lamine , Toukourou Fatiou , Baba-Moussa Farid
Published: August 2018

In Benin, the boiled hypocotyl (Borassus aethiopum Mart) is one of the most common street foods consumed for its therapeutic properties. However, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of boiled hypocotyl food sellers are poorly known despite the high contamination potential of these street foods. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of boiled hypocotyls food vendors in the streets of Cotonou and its outskirts. The approach used concerned the process of good hygiene and production. Face-to-face interviews of 300 hypocotyls vendors and producers from Cotonou, Sèmè, Ouidah, and Abomey-Calavi were conducted. Concurrently, 200 samples of boiled hypocotyl were collected among study vendors. Results showed that all of the interviewed population (100%) of this activity are women. They are generally illiterate and 75% of them have never been to school. Additionally, 76.7% of street boiled hypocotyls sellers interviewed were mobile. The microbial profile of the boiled hypocotyls showed the lack of control and poor understanding of hygiene rules. The processes management also revealed two diagrams processes. The conditions in which hypocotyls vendors operate are largely unacceptable from a food safety point of view and an effort should be made to provide them with adequate infrastructure including potable water. In view of the socioeconomic impact of hypocotyl activities in Benin and their role in the unexpected arrival of food-borne diseases, vendors should be regularly trained in order to prevent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Service Availability at Rural Health Care Facilities in Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Mulogo Edgar Mugema , Matte Micheal , Wesuta Andrew , Bagenda Fred , Apecu Richard , Ntaro Moses
Published: August 2018

There is a paucity of information on the state of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) at health care facilities in Uganda. A survey on WASH service availability was conducted at 50 health care facilities across 4 districts of rural southwestern Uganda between September and November 2015. The main water points at the majority (94%) of the health care facilities were improved sources, while improved toilets were available at 96% of the health care facilities visited. Hospitals had the poorest toilet to patient ratio (1 : 63). Only 38% of the health care facilities had hand washing facilities at the toilets. The lack of hand washing facilities was most prominent at the level IV health centre toilets (71%). Hand washing facilities were available at other points within most (76%) of the health care facilities. However, both water and soap were present at only 24% of these health care facilities. The poor toilet to patient/caregiver ratios particularly in the high volume health care facilities calls for the provision of cheaper options for improved sanitation in these settings. Priority should also be given to the sustainable provision of hygiene amenities such as soap for hand washing particularly the high patient volume health care facilities, in this case the level IV health centres and hospitals.
HYBINT: A Hybrid Intelligence System for Critical Infrastructures Protection
Authors: Hingant Javier , Zambrano Marcelo , Pérez Francisco J. , Pérez Israel , Esteve Manuel
Published: August 2018

Cyberattacks, which consist of exploiting security vulnerabilities of computer networks and systems for any kind of malicious purpose (e.g., extortion, data steal, assets hijacking), have been continuously increasing worldwide in recent years. Cyberspace appears today as a new battlefield, along with physical world scenarios (land, sea, air, and space), for the organizations defence and security. Besides, by the fact that attacks from the physical world may have significant implications in the cyber world and vice versa, these dimensions cannot be understood independently. However, the most common intelligence systems offer an insufficient situational awareness exclusively focused on one of these decision spaces. This article introduces HYBINT, an enhanced intelligence system that provides the necessary decision-making support for an efficient critical infrastructures protection by combining the real-time situation of the physical and cyber domains in a single visualization space. HYBINT is a real cross-platform solution which supplies, through Big Data analytical methods and advanced representation techniques, hybrid intelligence information from significant data of both physical and cyber data sources in order to bring an adequate hybrid situational awareness (HSA) of the cyber-physical environment. The proposal will be validated in a detailed scenario in which HYBINT system will be evaluated.
Handwritten Bangla Character Recognition Using the State-of-the-Art Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Alom Md Zahangir , Sidike Paheding , Hasan Mahmudul , Taha Tarek M. , Asari Vijayan K.
Published: August 2018

In spite of advances in object recognition technology, handwritten Bangla character recognition (HBCR) remains largely unsolved due to the presence of many ambiguous handwritten characters and excessively cursive Bangla handwritings. Even many advanced existing methods do not lead to satisfactory performance in practice that related to HBCR. In this paper, a set of the state-of-the-art deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) is discussed and their performance on the application of HBCR is systematically evaluated. The main advantage of DCNN approaches is that they can extract discriminative features from raw data and represent them with a high degree of invariance to object distortions. The experimental results show the superior performance of DCNN models compared with the other popular object recognition approaches, which implies DCNN can be a good candidate for building an automatic HBCR system for practical applications.
Comparison of Different Techniques of Pancreatic Stump Management in Robot-Assisted Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Gonzalez-Heredia Raquel , Durgam Samarth , Masrur Mario , Gonzalez-Ciccarelli Luis Fernando , Gangemi Antonio , Bianco Francesco M. , Giulianotti Pier C.
Published: August 2018

Background: Various technical improvements have decreased the morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most feared complication, and the ideal technique for pancreatic reconstruction is undetermined. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors and incidence of POPF with different types of pancreatic stump management after robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (RAPD). Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent RAPD at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System between September 2007 and January 2016. The cohort was divided based on the type of pancreatic stump management: pancreatic duct occlusion with cyanoacrylate glue (CG), pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ), posterior pancreaticogastrostomy (PPG), and transgastric pancreaticogastrostomy (TPG). Results: The cohort included 69 patients: pancreatic duct occlusion with CG (n = 18), PJ (n = 12), PPG (n = 11), and TPG (n = 28). Pancreatic duct diameter < 3 mm and duct occlusion with CG were identified as risk factors for POPF (p < 0.05). The incidence of POPF was lower when TPG and PJ were performed (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Reconstruction with PJ and TPG had better results compared to pancreatic duct occlusion with CG and PPG. However, TPG was the technique of choice and showed comparable results to PJ.
Skeletal Muscle Loss during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Is an Independent Risk Factor for Postoperative Infectious Complications in Patients with Advanced Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Motoori Masaaki , Fujitani Kazumasa , Sugimura Keijiro , Miyata Hiroshi , Nakatsuka Rie , Nishizawa Yujiro , Komatsu Hisateru , Miyazaki Susumu , Komori Takamichi , Kashiwazaki Masaki , Iwase Kazuhiro , Yano Masahiko
Published: August 2018

Objective: Neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery has been the standard treatment for advanced esophageal cancer. Severe toxicities may influence body composition, including skeletal muscle mass, and increase postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of sarcopenia, changes in body composition, and adverse events during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on postoperative complications in esophageal cancer patients. Methods: A total of 83 patients with esophageal cancer undergoing NACT followed by esophagectomy were included. Body composition was assessed before chemotherapy and before esophagectomy. The relationships between postoperative infectious complications and sarcopenia, changes in body composition, and adverse events during NACT were investigated. Results: Univariate analysis revealed that skeletal muscle loss during NACT, but not preoperative sarcopenia, was significantly higher in the complication (+) group. Febrile neutropenia tended to occur frequently in the complication (+) group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that skeletal muscle loss was the only factor significantly associated with infectious complications (p = 0.029). Among adverse events, febrile neutropenia was significantly associated with a decrease in skeletal muscle mass. Conclusion: Loss of skeletal muscle mass during NACT was a significant risk factor for postoperative infectious complications in patients with esophageal cancer. Prevention of severe adverse events may reduce postoperative infectious complications.
Complement and Bacterial Infections: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Heesterbeek Dani A.C. , Angelier Mathieu L. , Harrison Richard A. , Rooijakkers Suzan H.M.
Published: August 2018

Complement is a complex protein network of plasma, and an integral part of the innate immune system. Complement activation results in the rapid clearance of bacteria by immune cells, and direct bacterial killing via large pore-forming complexes. Here we review important recent discoveries in the complement field, focusing on interactions relevant for the defense against bacteria. Understanding the molecular interplay between complement and bacteria is of great importance for future therapies for infectious and inflammatory diseases. Antibodies that support complement-dependent bacterial killing are of interest for the development of alternative therapies to treat infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, a variety of novel therapeutic complement inhibitors have been developed to prevent unwanted complement activation in autoimmune inflammatory diseases. A better understanding of how such inhibitors may increase the risk of bacterial infections is essential if such therapies are to be successful.
Analysis of Polymorphisms in Genes Differentially Expressed in the Enamel of Mice with Different Genetic Susceptibilities to Dental Fluorosis
Authors: Charone Senda , Küchler Erika Calvano , Leite Aline de Lima , Silva Fernandes Mileni , Taioqui Pelá Vinicius , Martini Tatiana , Brondino Bárbara Margarido , Magalhães Ana Carolina , Dionisio Thiago J. , F. Santos Carlos , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo
Published: August 2018

Genes expressed during amelogenesis are candidates to increase the risk of dental fluorosis (DF). Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the association between polymorphisms in enamel development genes and susceptibility to DF in mice. Mice of both sexes, representing strains 129P3/J (n = 20; resistant to DF) and A/J (n = 20; susceptible to DF), were divided into 2 groups. Each strain received a diet with a low concentration of fluoride (F) and drinking water containing 0 or 50 mg/L of F for 6 weeks. Clinical evaluation and analysis of Vickers enamel microhardness of the incisors were performed. Livers were collected for genomic DNA extraction. Seventeen genetic polymorphisms in Amelx, Ambn, Ambn, Col14a1, Col1a1, Col5a2, Enam, Fam20a, Fam83h, Foxo1, Klk4, Mmp20, Serpinf1, Serpinh1, Smad3, Tuft1, and Wdr72 were genotyped by real-time PCR using Taqman chemistry. Overrepresentation of alleles and genotypes in DF was evaluated using the χ2 test with an alpha of 5%. The clinical aspects of the enamel and the surface enamel microhardness confirmed the DF condition. In the polymorphisms rs29569969, rs13482592, and rs13480057 in Ambn, Col14a1, and Mmp20, respectively, genotype and allele distributions were statistically significantly different between A/J and 129P3/J strains (p < 0.05). In conclusion, polymorphisms in Ambn, Col14a1, and Mmp20 are associated with the susceptibility to DF.
Variation between Pathological Measurement and Endoscopically Estimated Size of Colonic Polyps
Authors: Atalaia-Martins Catarina , Marcos Pedro , Leal Carina , Barbeiro Sandra , Fernandes Alexandra , Santos Antonieta , Eliseu Liliana , Gonçalves Cláudia , Cotrim Isabel , Vasconcelos Helena
Published: August 2018

Background and Aims: Accurate determination of colonic polyp size is vital to an appropriate surveillance. The main aim of this study was to evaluate variation between the polyp size reported by the endoscopist and its pathological measurement. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all colonic adenomatous polyps resected in a 12-month period was performed at our center. Endoscopic and pathological size for each polyp were compared, and overestimation rates, underestimation rates, and endoscopic-pathological variation (EPV) were calculated. Results: Among the 573 polyps that were included, the mean endoscopic and pathological sizes were 8.00 and 6.66 mm, respectively. The most frequent error, in 62.1%, was overestimation by the colonoscopist. Overestimation and EPV were associated with resection technique (higher in endoscopic mucosal resection and smaller with biopsy forceps) and colonoscopist. They were not associated with years of experience in colonoscopy. Overestimation was more frequent in larger polyps. Conclusions: Our study shows significant discordance between endoscopic and pathological size of colonic polyps with a clear tendency for endoscopic overestimation. Larger polyps are more difficult to accurately assess than smaller ones. This propensity for error was not related to colonoscopist’s years of experience and seems to be an individual tendency.
Pancreatic Cancer Cell Fraction Estimation in a DNA Sample
Authors: Ishihara Hiroki , Yamashita Satoshi , Amano Ryosuke , Kimura Kenjiro , Hirakawa Kosei , Ueda Takako , Murakami Yoshiki , Tamori Akihiro , Tanabe Kazunari , Kawada Norifumi , Hagihara Atsushi , Ushijima Toshikazu
Published: August 2018

Objective: Pancreatic cancers are characterized by dense stroma. To estimate the degree of interference by coexisting noncancer cells in molecular analyses, we aimed to develop a DNA methylation marker that assesses a cancer cell fraction in DNA samples. Methods: The microarray data of 22 pancreatic cancer tissues from the The Cancer Genome Atlas database and 9 noncancer tissues were used for genome-wide screening. Thirty-one surgical tumor samples (10 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms [IPMNs] and 21 pancreatic cancers), 4 normal, and 26 nontumor samples were used for validation. Gene-specific methylation analysis was conducted by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Results: Genome-wide screening isolated SIM1, MIR129-2, NR1I2, and HOXB-AS4, as specifically methylated in pancreatic cancer cells. Bisulfite pyrosequencing validated that one or more of three genes (SIM1, MIR129-2, and NR1I2) were methylated in 22 (71.0%) tumor samples (8 IPMNs and 14 cancers), and all showed low levels of methylation in 26 (86.7%) normal and nontumor samples. Therefore, the three genes collectively constituted one marker for a pancreatic cancer cell fraction. The cancer cell fraction estimated by the marker was highly correlated with that estimated using the KRAS mutant allele frequency (R = 0.79). Conclusion: The DNA methylation marker is useful to estimate the pancreatic cancer cell fraction in DNA samples.
Characterization of a Novel Thermostable Enzyme from Thermus sp. 2.9 with Phospholipase and Acyltransferase Activities
Authors: Navas Laura Emilce , Florin-Christensen Mónica , Benintende Graciela Beatriz , Zandomeni Rubén Oreste , Berretta Marcelo Facundo
Published: August 2018

Phospholipases are classified in different enzyme families according to the ester bond they cleave within phospholipids. The use of phospholipases in industrial processes has prompted the search for new enzymes with differential properties. A gene encoding a novel phospholipase (PLP_2.9) was identified in the genome of the thermophilic strain Thermus sp. 2.9. The analysis of the primary sequence unveiled a patatin-like domain. The alignment of the amino acid sequence of PLP_2.9 to other bacterial patatin-related proteins showed that the four blocks characteristic of this type of phospholipases and the amino acids representing the catalytic dyad are conserved in this protein. PLP_2.9 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and the purified enzyme was characterized biochemically. PLP_2.9 hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl palmitate at alkaline pH over a wide range of temperatures (55–80°C), showing high thermostability. PLP_2.9 displayed phospholipase A and acyltransferase activities on egg yolk phosphatidylcholine. Due to its high thermostability, PLP_2.9 has potential applications as a catalyst in several industrial processes.
Prevalence of Testicular Adrenal Rest Tumor and Factors Associated with Its Development in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Mendes-dos-Santos Carolina Taddeo , Martins Daniel Lahan , Guerra-Júnior Gil , Baptista Maria Tereza Matias , de-Mello Maricilda Palandi , de Oliveira Laurione Candido , Morcillo André Moreno , Lemos-Marini Sofia Helena Valente
Published: August 2018

Background: Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) can cause infertility in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) males. Aims: To determine TART prevalence in patients with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) and evaluate possible factors associated with its development. Methods: This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study evaluating males with the classical form of 21-OHD through testicular ultrasonography and serum inhibin B dosages. Data on prescribed glucocorticoid dose and serum levels of 17- hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), androstenedione (Andro), ACTH, renin, and LH were obtained from medical records. Results: Thirty-eight males were evaluated. The mean age on ultrasonography was 15.2 ± 6.7 (3–27) years. Nine patients (23.7%) had TART, 4 of them were prepubertal and the youngest was 5 years old. No association was found between TART and 21-OHD phenotype, glucocorticoid dose, or 17-OHP, ACTH, LH, renin, and inhibin B levels measured in the 6 preceding years. However, 50% of the patients who presented increased Andro 2 years prior to the evaluation had TART (p = 0.018, OR = 8.00 [95% CI: 1.42–44.92]), whereas in the normal Andro group only 16.7% had tumors. Conclusion: This study showed that TART can occur in prepubertal patients and that disease control could be a factor associated with its development. Therefore, we suggest investigating TART development early in childhood, mainly in poorly controlled 21-OHD patients.
Seasonal Variation in Japanese Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Kida Teruyo , Kobayashi Takatoshi , Sato Takaki , Fukumoto Masanori , Ikeda Tsunehiko
Published: August 2018

Purpose: We investigate seasonal variations found in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods: We retrospectively investigated 201 CSC patients at the Osaka Medical College Hospital from January 2011 to December 2016 and evaluated their seasonal and monthly distributions. Results: The study population comprised 149 males and 52 females. There were significant seasonal differences in the distribution of patients, with 62 cases in spring, 37 in summer, 59 in autumn, and 43 in winter, and the monthly prevalence of CSC was high in March (n = 24), April (n = 22), and November (n = 23). In addition, seasonal variation of serous retinal detachment (SRD) in the macula could be observed in 12 recurrent CSC cases. Conclusions: The prevalence of CSC development was the highest in spring. In addition, recurrent SRD in the macula showed seasonal variation in some CSC patients. As factors related to CSC, season and temperature might influence the pathophysiology of CSC.
Effects of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Children with Crohn’s Disease on the Muscle-Bone Unit: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Altowati Mabrouka A. , Shepherd Sheila , McGrogan Paraic , Russell Richard K. , Ahmed S. Faisal , Wong Sze Choong
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: There is limited information on the impact of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on the muscle-bone unit in children with Crohn’s disease (CD). In this pilot study, we report on the effects of rhGH on bone formation, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) total body (TB) bone mineral density adjusted for height and lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral apparent density (BMAD), and body composition. Methods: Prospective study of 8 children with CD (6 male), aged 14.8 years (9.0–16.4), who received rhGH for 24 months. Serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) was measured at baseline and at 6 months. DXA was performed every 6 months. Results: Six months of rhGH led to improvement in P1NP SDS adjusted for bone age from –3.6 (–7.9 to –0.9) to –2.4 (–3.7 to 0.4) (p = 0.01). At baseline, reduction in LS-BMAD and TB lean mass SDS was observed being –1.2 (–3.6 to 0.8) (p = 0.01 vs. zero) and –0.8 (–2.4 to 3.0) (p = 0.11 vs. zero), respectively. No significant changes were seen in DXA bone and muscle parameters over the 24 months. Conclusion: Twenty-four months of therapy with rhGH in CD did not lead to an improvement in DXA BMD and lean mass, despite improvement in P1NP and linear growth.
Fecal Calprotectin Pretreatment and Induction Infliximab Levels for Prediction of Primary Nonresponse to Infliximab Therapy in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Beltrán Belén , Iborra Marisa , Sáez-González Esteban , Marqués-Miñana Maria R. , Moret Inés , Cerrillo Elena , Tortosa Luis , Bastida Guillermo , Hinojosa Joaquín , Poveda-Andrés Jose Luis , Nos Pilar
Published: August 2018

Introduction: The association between infliximab (IFX) and fecal calprotectin (FC) levels on one hand, and the clinical and endoscopic response of patients with inflammatory bowel disease on the other, is well established. Objective and Methods: To investigate the association between inflammatory biochemical parameters and serum concentrations of IFX during induction treatment with a primary nonresponse in a prospective cohort of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. Results: Of the 35 patients included, 8 (22.8%) had primary nonresponse at the end of induction. Induction IFX levels were lower among primary nonresponders at weeks 6 and 14 (week 6: median IFX level 7.3 vs. 11.2 μg/mL, respectively, p = 0.090; week 14: median IFX level 1.5 vs. 4.7 μg/mL, respectively, p = 0.020). FC levels were higher in patients with primary nonresponse versus primary response at weeks 0, 6, and 14 (week 0: median FC level 1,830 vs. 410 μg/g, ­respectively, p = 0.030; week 6: median FC level 1,150 vs. 230 μg/g, respectively, p = 0.074; week 14: median FC level 1,210 vs. 208 μg/g, respectively, p = 0.060). For the multivariate analysis, the median IFX level at week 14 and median FC level at week 0 were independently associated with primary nonresponse. A significant inverse correlation was determined between FC level at week 0 and IFX level at week 14 (Spearman’s rho correlation, 0.440; p < 0.05). Conclusions: IFX levels (at week 14) and baseline FC levels could predict primary nonresponse after induction IFX therapy in patients with CD. A high baseline inflammatory load might modify the pharmacokinetic processes of anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs. Drug level monitoring and measurement of baseline inflammatory parameters could improve the efficacy of IFX in the induction therapy of patients with active CD.
A Simple Model for Low Variability in Neural Spike Trains
Authors: Ferrari Ulisse , Deny Stéphane , Marre Olivier , Mora Thierry
Published: August 2018

Neural noise sets a limit to information transmission in sensory systems. In several areas, the spiking response (to a repeated stimulus) has shown a higher degree of regularity than predicted by a Poisson process. However, a simple model to explain this low variability is still lacking. Here we introduce a new model, with a correction to Poisson statistics, that can accurately predict the regularity of neural spike trains in response to a repeated stimulus. The model has only two parameters but can reproduce the observed variability in retinal recordings in various conditions. We show analytically why this approximation can work. In a model of the spike-emitting process where a refractory period is assumed, we derive that our simple correction can well approximate the spike train statistics over a broad range of firing rates. Our model can be easily plugged to stimulus processing models, like a linear-nonlinear model or its generalizations, to replace the Poisson spike train hypothesis that is commonly assumed. It estimates the amount of information transmitted much more accurately than Poisson models in retinal recordings. Thanks to its simplicity, this model has the potential to explain low variability in other areas.
Predation risk and microhabitat selection by cave salamanders, Eurycea lucifuga (Rafinesque, 1822)
Authors: Bradley J. Gavin , Eason Perri K.
Published: August 2018

Habitat selection is driven by many factors, but no one location is likely to be best for all factors; thus, individuals are subject to trade-offs when selecting habitat. Caves provide a clear example of such trade-offs because these habitats are energy deprived. Cave salamanders (Eurycea lucifuga) commonly inhabit caves at least in part because this habitat is cool and wet. We tested the hypothesis that caves also provide cave salamanders with a reduction in predation risk. We used clay models to test for differences in predation risk in caves vs. forests and at low (e.g., ground) vs. elevated (e.g., cave wall) positions, and recorded locations of cave salamanders to assess vertical (i.e., wall) vs. non-vertical (e.g., ground) substrate selection in a cave. Overall, a mean of 3.2 models in caves were damaged and a mean of 8.2 were damaged in forests. Cave salamanders selected vertical substrate more often than non-vertical substrate (, ), and in caves, low-positioned models were more likely to be damaged than models on walls, although there was no effect of model height in forests. This study suggests that caves provide salamanders a refuge from increased predation pressure, a benefit that likely compensates for the costs of moving between caves and the richer foraging grounds outside them.
Description of Basilaphelenchus brevicaudatus n. sp. (Aphelenchoidea: Tylaphelenchinae) from a dead forest tree in northern Iran
Authors: Mirzaie Fouladvand Zeinab , Pourjam Ebrahim , Kanzaki Natsumi , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Pedram Majid
Published: August 2018

Basilaphelenchus brevicaudatus n. sp., the third species of this apparently rare genus, is described and illustrated. It was recovered from wood and bark samples from a dead forest tree in the Golestan province of northern Iran. It is typologically characterised by female body length (448 (365-492) μm), three lines in the lateral fields, raised cephalic region having a sclerotised vestibule and cephalic framework, stylet thin with delicate conus and thicker shaft, both parts lacking a visible lumen, and with three elongate, backwardly directed knobs, small, spherical to spade-shaped metacorpus with small, posteriorly located valve (at 72 (58-74)% of metacorpus length), simple vulva without flap at 72.5 (69-78)% of body length, post-vulval uterine sac 32.4 (29.0-37.0) μm long, functional rectum and anus, female tail conical, short (c′ = 2.6 (1.9-3.3) in female, and 2.5 (2.3-2.8) in male), dorsally convex and ventrally concave with blunt end or having a small mucron, both forms with a hyaline-like tip. Males common, with well-curved 9.2 (9.0-10.5) μm long spicules measured along the mid-line, three pairs of small caudal papillae (lacking the single P1 ventral papilla) and no bursa at tail tip, but with hyaline region, similar to females. Basilaphelenchus brevicaudatus n. sp. is compared with the two currently known species of the genus, the type species, B. persicus, and B. grosmannae. Molecular phylogenetic inferences using partial sequences of small and large subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU and LSU) from different isolates of the new species revealed that it belongs to the Tylaphelenchinae clade.
Plotinus on Light and Vision
Authors: Gurtler Gary M.
Published: August 2018

Ennead IV 5[29] has been poorly served by translators and commentators, misreporting what Plotinus wrote and, with these mangled results, asserting that this part of his treatise on the “Problems about the Soul” is merely a disjointed series of doxographical fragments with little compelling contribution to make. More careful translation and analysis reveal something strikingly different and original. First, he gives a cogent critique of the theories of Plato and Aristotle concerning the body between and the role of daylight. Second, he substitutes his own account in terms of both sympathy and the principle of two acts, explaining vision both during the day as well as at night, notably deficient in previous accounts. Third, he derives some surprisingly original corollaries about the nature of light and the source of color.
First tergal structures for the fossil stonefly genus Largusoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae): a new species and a new tribe of Acroneuriinae
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG
Published: August 2018

Based on a well-preserved adult male specimen from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, a new species of the fossil stonefly genus Largusoperla Chen et al. 2018, L. crassus sp. nov. is described. The male holotype exhibits asymmetrical paraprocts and conspicuous tergal characters, previously unknown for the genus. A new tribe of Acroneuriinae, Largusoperlini trib. nov. is proposed for this male adult based on the presence of these newly observed tergal characters.
Synonymies, transferences, redescriptions and new species in Lamiinae (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)
Authors: SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO , NASCIMENTO FRANCISCO E. DE L.
Published: August 2018

The differences between Psapharochrus Thomson, 1864 and Acanthoderes Audinet-Serville, 1835 (as well as the current subgenera of the latter) are discussed. Pteridotelus hematopus (Lameere, 1884) is synonymized with Pteridotelus laticornis White, 1855, and the species is redescribed. Psapharochrus abstersus (Bates, 1880) and Psapharochrus pupillatus (Bates, 1880) are transferred to Acanthoderes (Scythropopsis) and redescribed. Desmiphora (Desmiphora) senicula Bates, 1866 is synonymized with D. (D.) elegantula White, 1855; the species is redescribed, the holotype of D. (D.) elegantula figured for the first time, and newly recorded for the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo. Desmiphora (Desmiphora) normae sp. nov. from the Brazilian state of Bahia, is described and illustrated.
New species and new geographical record of Ochrotrichia Mosely 1934 Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil
Authors: CAVALCANTE BRUNA MARIA SILVA , DUMAS LEANDRO LOURENÇO , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: August 2018

Ochrotrichia, with about 160 extant species in the New World, is the most diverse genus assigned to the Ochrotrichiinae. Despite its diversity, only eight species were previously recorded from Brazil, only one from Rio de Janeiro state. In this paper, we describe three new species from Parque Nacional da Tijuca, an Atlantic Forest area at Rio de Janeiro. Ochrotrichia nematomorpha sp. nov. is placed within the O. xena Group, having a plate-like tergum X, with an unusual phallus which is slender and pointed apically. Ochrotrichia sagitta sp. nov. and O. taunay sp. nov. belong to the O. aldama Group, each having a divided tergum X, but being distinguished from the others in this group by the arrowhead-like apex of left lateral process of tergum X (O. sagitta) and the presence of two dorsal spine-like projections on tergum X (O. taunay). Furthermore, O. caatinga Souza, Santos & Takiya, 2014 is reported for the first time from Rio de Janeiro state.
Finescale Assessment of Mobile Home Tornado Vulnerability in the Central and Southeast United States
Authors: Strader Stephen M. , Ashley Walker S.
Published: August 2018

Research has illustrated that tornado disaster potential and impact severity are controlled by hazard risk and underlying physical and social vulnerabilities. Previous vulnerability studies have suggested that an important driver of disaster consequence is the type of housing affected by tornadic winds. This study employs a Monte Carlo tornado simulation tool; mobile home location information derived from finescale, land-parcel data; and census enumerations of socioeconomic vulnerability factors to assess the tornado impact probability for one of the most wind hazard–susceptible demographics in the United States: mobile home residents. Comparative analyses between Alabama and Kansas are employed to highlight regional (i.e., Southeast vs Great Plains) differences in mobile home tornado risk, exposure, and vulnerability. Tornado impact potential on mobile homes is 4.5 times (350%) greater in Alabama than in Kansas because Alabama, in comparison to Kansas, is represented by 1) a greater number of mobile homes and 2) a more sprawling mobile home distribution. Findings reveal that the Southeast’s mobile home residents are one of the most socioeconomically and demographically marginalized populations in the United States and are more susceptible to tornado impact and death than illustrated in prior research. Policy makers, engineers, and members of integrated warning teams (i.e., National Weather Service, media, emergency managers, and first responders) should use these findings to initiate a dialogue and construct interdisciplinary actions aimed at improving societal and individual resilience before, during, and after hazardous weather events.
ISMP Adverse Drug Reactions: Lithium-Induced Cardiomyopathy Fixed Drug Eruption Due to Cetirizine, Levocetirizine, and Hydroxyzine Nivolumab-Induced Myasthenia Gravis Nivolumab-Induced Cholangitic Liver Disease Torsade de Pointes Caused by Psychiatric Polypharmacy Trichotillomania Associated With Aripiprazole
Authors: Mancano Michael A. , Bulow Jacqueline Emily Von , Ro Myungsun
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers. E-mail Dr. Mancano michael.mancano@temple.edu ). Your report will be published anonymously unless otherwise requested. This feature is provided by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) in cooperation with the FDA’s MedWatch program and Temple University School of Pharmacy. ISMP is an FDA MedWatch partner.
Developing an Explicit Instruction Special Education Teacher Observation Rubric
Authors: Johnson Evelyn S. , Zheng Yuzhu , Crawford Angela R. , Moylan Laura A.
Published: August 2018

In this study, we developed an Explicit Instruction special education teacher observation rubric that details the elements of explicit instruction and tested its psychometric properties using many-facet Rasch measurement (MFRM). Video observations of classroom instruction from 30 special education teachers across three states were collected. External raters ( n = 15) were trained to observe and evaluate instruction using the rubric and assigned scores of “implemented,” “partially implemented,” or “not implemented” for each of the items. Analyses showed that the item, teacher, lesson, and rater facets achieved high psychometric quality for the instrument. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Chinese Outbound Tourist Preferences for All-Inclusive Group Package Tours: A Latent Class Choice Model
Authors: Chen Nan , Masiero Lorenzo , Hsu Cathy H. C.
Published: August 2018

Extensive studies were conducted to understand package tour participants, but little is known about the selection and trade-off for a specific tour versus another. A stated choice experiment was conducted in this study with 270 prospective mainland Chinese outbound tourists, aiming to identify their heterogeneous preferences for package tours that involved eight attributes, each with varying levels. To identify the sources of preference heterogeneity, a latent class choice model was estimated to segment each of the three predetermined budget groups into two subgroups, and profile these subgroups by sociodemographic characteristics and consumption values. Different preference patterns for tour attributes were revealed among the subgroups, whereas majority of the respondents reported common preferences for fewer designated shops and direct flights. The results provide researchers and practitioners with innovative insights into the preferences and trade-offs of mainland Chinese package tour participants, as well as practical guidance for package tour design and pricing.
Efficacy of Habit Reversal Training in Children With Chronic Tic Disorders: A Within-Subject Analysis
Authors: Viefhaus Paula , Feldhausen Marion , Görtz-Dorten Anja , Volk Helene , Döpfner Manfred , Woitecki Katrin
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study is to evaluate a cognitive-behavioral treatment for children and adolescents with tic disorder including habit reversal training (HRT) in a sample of children and adolescents ( n = 27). Multiple outcome measures were used to assess the effects of the treatment on tic symptoms. In addition, impairment/subjective burden ratings and the self-efficacy to control tics were assessed. A within-subject design with two phases (8 weeks diagnostic; 16 sessions treatment) was analyzed using multilevel modeling (MLM). During the treatment phase, significant improvements in tic symptoms, impairment, and self-efficacy to control tics were found on most outcome measures. Treatment effects were found on the clinical rating of tic symptoms ( Yale Global Tic Severity Scale [YGTSS]), the self-efficacy to control tics, and the video-observed motor tic frequency by comparing the improvements during treatment with the course of the outcome measures during the preceding diagnostic phase.
Self-Management of HIV and Diabetes in African American Women: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Literature
Authors: Zuniga Julie A. , Wright Charlotte , Fordyce Jonathan , West Ohueri Chelsi , Garciá Alexandra A.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review of qualitative literature was (1) to identify self-management strategies, (2) to identify women’s barriers to self-management, and (3) to compare self-management strategies of diabetes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). African American women living with HIV are at high risk for developing diabetes because of genetics, lifestyle, and HIV treatment. Self-management of each of these conditions is critical to decrease morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions

A literature search resulted in 15 articles: 10 on the topic of HIV and 5 on diabetes. Self-management strategies included spirituality, family and social support, and indulgent self-care. Barriers included depression, stigma, and the role of caregiver. The themes identified for HIV and diabetes self-care barriers and facilitators were exceptionally similar. Themes of spirituality, family support, and indulgent self-care were part of both HIV and diabetes self-care. Women with HIV were less concerned with their independence than women with diabetes, and focused on disclosure of their HIV status and development of a support system.
Do You See What I See? Actor and Partner Attachment Shape Biased Perceptions of Partners
Authors: Rodriguez Lindsey M. , Fillo Jennifer , Hadden Benjamin W. , Øverup Camilla S. , Baker Zachary G. , DiBello Angelo M.
Published: August 2018

The present research examined how actor and partner attachment insecurity relates to biases in perceptions of partners’ core relationship-relevant constructs. Across three dyadic studies ( Ncouples = 333, Nindividuals = 666), we examined attachment anxiety and avoidance as predictors of over- or underestimation of partners’ relationship satisfaction, commitment, and responsiveness, using partners’ own reports as the reference point for evaluating bias. Actors higher in avoidance and actors with partners higher in avoidance perceived their partners to be less satisfied and committed. In addition, actors higher in avoidance and actors higher in anxiety displayed a pessimistic bias, perceiving their partners to be less satisfied and committed than their partners reported being. Finally, actors with partners higher in avoidance displayed an optimistic bias, perceiving their partners to be more satisfied and committed than their partners reported being. Results underscore the importance of adopting a dyadic perspective on perceptual biases in romantic relationships.
Adsorption of Pb(II) by a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane bearing chelating poly(amino phosphonic acid) and poly(amino carboxylic acid) groups
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Liu Pei , Liu Fushun , Wang Xuechun , Ji Min , Song Laizhou
Published: August 2018

Pb(II) can cause a hazardous effect on ecosystem and public health due to its high biotoxicity. A polyvinylidene fluoride-type membrane bearing both poly(amino phosphonic acid) and poly(amino carboxylic acid) functional groups was fabricated for the purpose of Pb(II) removal from the aqueous solutions. The adsorption behaviors of the fabricated chelating membrane toward Pb(II) were studied by the series of static and continuous adsorption experiments. When the pH, adsorption equilibrium time, initial Pb(II) concentration, and temperature were 5.1, 300 min, 1.0 mmol g−1, and 298 K, respectively, Pb(II) uptake of the membrane was 1.1 mmol g−1. The presence of coexisting metal ions and complexing reagents decreased the Pb(II) uptake. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm adsorption followed pseudo-second-order equation and Langmuir model, respectively; this adsorption process showed a spontaneous and exothermic feature. The bed depth service time and Thomas models were suitable for describing obtained breakthrough curves.
Audio Description in the UK: What works, what doesn’t, and understanding the need for personalising access
Authors: Lopez Mariana , Kearney Gavin , Hofstädter Krisztián
Published: August 2018

Audio Description for film and television is a pre-recorded track that uses verbal descriptions to provide information on visual aspects of a film or TV programme. In the UK, it is currently the only accessibility strategy available for visually impaired audiences and although it provides access to a large number of people, its shortcomings also fail to engage others in audiovisual experiences. The Enhancing Audio Description project explores how digital audio technologies can be applied to the creation of alternatives to Audio Description with the aim of personalising access strategies. Such personalisation would allow users to select the method utilised to access audiovisual experiences, by having choices that include traditional forms of accessibility as well as sound design–based methods. The present article analyses the results of a survey and focus groups in which visually impaired participants discussed the advantages and disadvantages of AD and it demonstrates not only the diversity of experiences and needs of visually impaired groups but also their eagerness for change.
Using public opinion to serve journalistic narratives: Rethinking vox pops and live two-way reporting in five UK election campaigns (2009–2017)
Authors: Cushion Stephen
Published: August 2018

The news media are often accused of reporting politics in a too narrow and consensual way, excluding certain perspectives and issues that might better reflect the public’s agenda. This study lends weight to this argument by not only demonstrating the party political focus of UK election coverage but also in the misleading way public opinion was, at times, represented. Analysing 6647 items and/or stories in the largest ever content analysis study of 4613 sources across five first- and second-order election campaigns in the United Kingdom, it comprehensively tracks how citizens and journalists appear in television news, as well as developing a finely grained, qualitative assessment of how public opinion was represented during the 2017 election campaign. Overall, the study found that political parties received the most amount of airtime, but in some election campaigns members of the public appeared in coverage more often than politicians. However, they were mostly granted limited airtime to articulate their views in vox pops. During the 2017 election campaign, the study found the editorial construction of public opinion in vox pops and live journalistic two-ways was shaped by a relatively narrow set of assumptions made by political journalists about the public’s ideological views rather than consulting more objective measures of public opinion. So, for example, voters were portrayed as favouring more right- than left-wing policies despite evidence to the contrary. The use of citizens as sources is theorised as serving the pre-conceived narratives of journalists rather than reflecting a representative picture of public opinion. The study reinforces and advances academic debates about journalists and citizen-source interactions. More accurately engaging with people’s concerns, it is concluded, will help move broadcasters beyond the narrow set of assumptions that typically serve their narratives of political coverage.