bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatigue Analysis at the Tower of a 12MW Floating Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Kim Junbae , Ahn Hyeonjeong , Seo Byoungcheon , Shin Hyunkyoung
Published: December 2018

The initial design of a 12-MW floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) was made by the University of Ulsan (UOU) based on the 5-MW offshore wind turbine of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) using the law of similarity. The tower design was checked through the eigenfrequency and fatigue strength analysis according to the GL guideline of tower design conditions. The direct expansion of the 5 MW wind turbine support structure caused a resonance problem of the tower of the 12-MW UOU FOWT and the tower length was adjusted to avoid the 3P resonance. Wind turbines are required to have a design life of more than 20 years and shall be designed to endure both ultimate and fatigue loads experienced during the design life. The platform pitch motion of FOWTs due to combined wave and wind loading may result severely in both fore-aft forces and moments at the base of the tower. In this study, we used the simplified fatigue analysis, which is generally applied when considering safety margins by stress to predict the fatigue life of tower. In order to calculate the fatigue load, the Markov matrix was constructed by using the cycle counting method to determine range, average value, and cycle number of loads from peak and valley values of actual load histories simulated by FAST v8 of the tower base. The predicted fatigue life at the tower base was follow by S/N curves for welded steel structures and it was calculated by the Palmgren-Miner’s rule.
Comparison of Two Wind Turbine Loading Emulation Techniques Based on Tests of a TLP-FOWT in Combined Wind, Waves and Current
Authors: Gueydon Sébastien , Lindeboom René , van Kampen Wouter , de Ridder Erik-Jan
Published: December 2018

A Tension Leg Platform supporting a wind turbine was tested in combined waves, wind and current in the Offshore Basin of MARIN. The wind turbine loads were simulated in two ways for these tests. Firstly, the wind turbine was modelled by a physical wind turbine following the approach of performance scaling. This approach intends to scale down the wind, the wind turbine inertia, the rotation speed of the rotor according to Froude’s scaling laws while it keeps the thrust that is representative of the considered wind turbine. The Marin Stock Wind Turbine (MSWT) was used in these tests. Secondly, the wind turbine was replaced by a system actuating the wind turbine loads in which the aerodynamic loads are calculated by a numerical code and applied through a system of winches to a frame mounted on the floater. Lift and drag coefficients of the blades of the MSWT were used by the computer program during these tests. The TLP was tested with both techniques for the same environmental conditions. Tests were done in waves, wind and current with the two techniques in the same basin, enabling an objective comparison of these two methods. The experimental results of both methods are analyzed and compared to each other in this study.
Hydrodynamic Simulations to Increase the Workability for Offshore Wind Maintenance Operations
Authors: Lindeboom René , Sreenivasan Atheendra , Serraris Jorrit-Jan , de Ridder Erik-Jan
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the operability of an Offshore Service Vessel (OSV) is looked into for different heading orientations of the vessel. Traditionally, the OSV heading orientation has been into the predominant current direction to prevent large beam current forces and thruster utility. However, such an orientation can lead to unfavourable wave headings which can cause large first order motions making it difficult to operate the gangway on board the vessel. Hydrodynamic time domain simulations were run for 1-year of hindcast weather data from an operational wind farm site in the Netherlands for different OSV heading orientations. The results of the simulations can be used to optimize the OSV heading strategy and increase uptime, reduce waiting time and energy loss associated to this waiting time.
Cyclic Soil Loads on an Offshore Wind Turbine During Storm
Authors: Wang Shaofeng , Larsen Torben J.
Published: December 2018

Offshore wind turbines are subjected to combined static and cyclic loads due to its self weight, wind, current and waves. For the design of support structures, a point of concern is whether the highly varying loads may cause cyclic degradation of the soil leading to a permanent undesired pile settlement and tilting for the wind turbine. In particular during a severe storm, the large cyclic loads are being more critical as the wind and waves are typically from a single direction. The DTU 10MW wind turbine supported by a jacket at 33 m water depth is considered in this study, where the piles are axially loaded in order to bear the moment under wind and wave actions. This paper investigates the cyclic loads using traditional linear irregular waves and fully nonlinear irregular waves realized from the wave solver Ocean-Wave3D previously validated until near-breaking wave conditions. This study shows that the nonlinear irregular waves introduce more extreme cyclic loads, which result in significantly larger pile settlement than using linear wave realizations. For the case in this study, linear wave theory underestimates pile settlement at least 30% compared to nonlinear wave realizations.
A Safety Concept for Penetration Analysis of Suction Caissons and Anchors in Clay and Layered Soils
Authors: Sturm Hendrik , Roberts Julia
Published: December 2018

Suction caissons and anchors are widely used for the foundation of both bottom-fixed and floating offshore structures. They are installed by means of self-weight and underpressure applied to the inside of the skirt compartment. The penetration resistance during installation is the sum of the tip resistance and wall friction of the skirt, both of which are functions of the foundation geometry, soil properties, soil-state and boundary conditions.

Several authors have proposed methods to predict the penetration resistance during installation. In general, high estimates of soil strength parameters are used to predict the installation resistance for design purposes. In addition, safety factors may be applied when predicting the achievable penetration depth and the corresponding loads acting on the structural components. However, current standards and guidelines lack a consistent approach for evaluating these loads and safety factors.

In order to apply a consistent safety concept in the structural caisson design, two methods for assessing the penetration resistance and hence required suction pressure are investigated; a simplified CPT-based method and a more advanced bearing-capacity-based method. For that purpose, a probability-based analysis has been performed, assuming statistical distributions of the corresponding input parameters, and a representative target failure probability. The performance of the two methods methods is investigated using the example of a generic sand and a generic clay profile. Based on these analysis, partial safety factors for the use in a deterministic design are proposed.
Comparison of Seabed Friction Formulations in a Lumped-Mass Mooring Model
Authors: Devries Kellen , Hall Matthew
Published: December 2018

This paper explores the impact of friction models on mooring line simulations. Seabed friction can play an important role in the determination of mooring loads of slack-moored floating offshore wind turbines. Most mooring models include a relatively simple seabed friction formulation, if any, and little examination of their accuracy is available in literature. Current implementations typically represent seabed contact as coulombic friction with ramping near zero velocity to mitigate instability in the numerical time integration. To assess the impact of this friction model’s use, we compare it against a more sophisticated friction model. This model differentiates between static and kinetic friction, where the former is dependent upon the forces acting on the line and the latter is a function of seabed’s normal response. Both friction models have been implemented into the MoorDyn mooring dynamics simulator and tested under a set of prescribed scenarios including snap loads and oscillatory motion, where the fairlead of a mooring line was driven along both linear and circular paths. Additionally, coupled floating wind turbine simulations using the OC4-DeepCwind semisubmersible show how the friction models affect the platform global response and the extreme and fatigue mooring loads. The results highlight practical differences between the models in terms of both loads prediction and simulation stability/consistency.
Urbanization affects peak timing, prevalence, and bimodality of influenza pandemics in Australia: Results of a census-calibrated model
Authors: Zachreson Cameron , Fair Kristopher M. , Cliff Oliver M. , Harding Nathan , Piraveenan Mahendra , Prokopenko Mikhail
Published: December 2018

Simulations associate urbanization with earlier peaks, higher peak prevalence, and shifting bimodality of pandemics in Australia.
Alzheimer's disease: The right drug, the right time
Authors: Golde Todd E. , DeKosky Steven T. , Galasko Douglas
Published: December 2018

Lessons from failed clinical trials can improve the development of Alzheimer's disease–modifying therapies
Physician mothers’ experience of workplace discrimination: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Halley Meghan C , Rustagi Alison S , Torres Jeanette S , Linos Elizabeth , Plaut Victoria , Mangurian Christina , Choo Esther , Linos Eleni
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To report woman physicians’ experiences, in their own words, of discrimination based on their role as a mother.

Design

Qualitative analysis of physician mothers’ free-text responses to the open question: “We want to hear your story and experience. Please share” included in questions about workplace discrimination. Three analysts iteratively formulated a structured codebook, then applied codes after inter-coder reliability scores indicated high concordance. The relationships among themes and sub-themes were organized into a conceptual model illustrated by exemplary quotes.

Participants

Respondents to an anonymous, voluntary online survey about the health and wellbeing of physician mothers posted on a Facebook group, the Physician Moms Group, an online community of US physicians who identify as mothers.

Results

We analyzed 947 free-text responses. Participants provide diverse and vivid descriptions of experiences of maternal discrimination. Gendered job expectations, financial inequalities (including lower pay than equally qualified colleagues and more unpaid work), limited opportunities for advancement, lack of support during the pregnancy and postpartum period, and challenging work-life balance are some of the key themes identified. In addition, participants’ quotes show several potential structural drivers of maternal discrimination and describe the downstream consequences of maternal discrimination on the physician herself, her career, family, and the healthcare system.

Conclusions

These findings provide a view of maternal discrimination directly from the perspective of those who experience it. Women physicians report a range of previously uncharacterized ways in which they experience maternal discrimination. While certain aspects of these experiences are consistent with those reported by women across other professions, there are unique aspects of medical training and the medical profession that perpetuate maternal discrimination.
Multidecadal trajectories of soil chemistry and nutrient availability following cutting vs. burning disturbances in Upper Great Lakes forests
Authors: Nave Lucas E. , Le Moine James M. , Gough Christopher M. , Nadelhoffer Knute J.
Published: December 2018

What are the successional trajectories and impacts of disturbances on forest soil nutrient availability? Answers remain elusive because the time scale of interest is long and many factors affect soil properties. We address this question on a regionally representative landscape in northern Michigan, U.S.A. Late-successional reference stands aside, most forests on this landscape were clearcut and burned between 1870 and 1911; subsequently, stands comprising two chronosequences were either cut and burned again, or cut only, at multidecadal intervals. Influences of disturbance and succession were detectable in A, B, and C horizons, particularly for properties affected by ash deposition: pH, Ca, and Mg declined with age but were higher in twice-burned stands. A horizon NH4+was lower in twice-burned than once-burned stands and declined with age in both chronosequences. B horizon Fe increased with age in both chronosequences but remained lower in twice-burned stands, suggesting slower recovery of pedogenesis following more severe disturbance. Contrasted against A and B horizons, where soil properties were driven by disturbance and succession, textural influences were evident in C horizons through variation in Ca, Mg, K, Al, and cation exchange capacity. Collectively, these results indicate deep, long-lasting disturbance impacts and a bottom-up influence of parent material at the landscape level.
Global phenomenological optical model potentials for 8,10,11B projectiles
Authors: Xu Yong-Li , Guo Hai-Rui , Han Yin-Lu , Shen Qing-Biao
Published: December 2018

Based on the obtained [Formula: see text] global optical model potential, the global phenomenological optical model potential for [Formula: see text] projectile is obtained by fitting the experimental data of [Formula: see text] elastic scattering angular distributions from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] targets with incident energies below 100[Formula: see text]MeV. Using the found global optical model potential, the reaction cross-sections are predicted and compared with the available experimental data. Moreover, the elastic-scattering angular distributions and reaction cross-sections for isotopic chain [Formula: see text] projectiles are predicted by the [Formula: see text] global optical model potential at different incident energies. These results are also compared with the corresponding experimental data. The performance shows that the [Formula: see text] global phenomenological optical model potentials can give a satisfactory description for elastic scattering of these projectiles.
From Being There to Watching
Authors: Neustaedter Carman , Singhal Samarth , Pan Rui , Heshmat Yasamin , Forghani Azadeh , Tang John
Published: December 2018

Telepresence attendance at academic conferences is now a reality and allows people who cannot attend in person with the opportunity to still be “present.” This is valuable for people who face accessibility challenges, cost or travel restrictions, or limited time for travel. We have deployed and studied the use of telepresence robots at three ACM conferences, Ubicomp/ISWC 2014, CSCW 2016, and CHI 2016, ranging from remote users having dedicated telepresence robots to users sharing telepresence robots both synchronously and asynchronously. In this article, we report on the telepresence offerings along with the user behaviors, experiences, and the social norms found for remote conference attendance. Our results across the studies focus around three main themes: shared vs. dedicated robot usage, identity presentation and the value and challenges associated with it; and local in-person support through proxies and instant messaging backchannels. These themes point to three different areas of design exploration for telepresence robots, pointing out the limitations of existing design solutions with respect to each theme, areas for future telepresence design work, and the value in considering varied telepresence robot solutions, including both dedicated and shared telepresence robots.
Hemodynamic abnormalities during muscle metaboreflex activation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Roberto Silvana , Milia Raffaele , Doneddu Azzurra , Pinna Virginia , Palazzolo Girolamo , Serra Stefano , Orrù Andrea , Hosseini Kakhak Seyed Alireza , Ghiani Giovanna , Mulliri Gabriele , Pagliaro Pasquale , Crisafulli Antonio
Published: December 2018

Metaboreflex is a reflex triggered during exercise or postexercise muscle ischemia (PEMI) by metaboreceptor stimulation. Typical features of metaboreflex are increased cardiac output (CO) and blood pressure. Patients suffering from metabolic syndrome display hemodynamic abnormalities, with an exaggerated systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and reduced CO response during PEMI-induced metaboreflex. Whether patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) have similar hemodynamic abnormalities is unknown. Here we contrast the hemodynamic response to PEMI in 14 patients suffering from DM2 (age 62.7 ± 8.3 yr) and in 15 age-matched controls (CTLs). All participants underwent a control exercise recovery reference test and a PEMI test to obtain the metaboreflex response. Central hemodynamics were evaluated by unbiased operator-independent impedance cardiography. Although the blood pressure response to PEMI was not significantly different between the groups, we found that the SVR and CO responses were reversed in patients with DM2 as compared with the CTLs (SVR: 392.5 ± 549.6 and −14.8 ± 258.9 dyn·s−1·cm−5; CO: −0.25 ± 0.63 and 0.46 ± 0.50 l/m, respectively, in DM2 and in CTL groups, respectively; P < 0.05 for both). Of note, stroke volume (SV) increased during PEMI in the CTL group only. Failure to increase SV and CO was the consequence of reduced venous return, impaired cardiac performance, and augmented afterload in patients with DM2. We conclude that patients with DM2 have an exaggerated vasoconstriction in response to metaboreflex activation not accompanied by a concomitant increase in heart performance. Therefore, in these patients, blood pressure response to the metaboreflex relies more on SVR increases rather than on increases in SV and CO.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The main new finding of the present investigation is that subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an exaggerated vasoconstriction in response to metaboreflex activation. In these patients, blood pressure response to the metaboreflex relies more on systemic vascular resistance than on cardiac output increments.
Incidence of Hippocampal Metastases: Laterality and Implications for Unilateral Hippocampal Avoiding Whole Brain Radiotherapy
Authors: Kazda Tomas , Misove Adela , Burkon Petr , Pospisil Petr , Hynkova Ludmila , Selingerova Iveta , Dziacky Adam , Belanova Renata , Bulik Martin , Rehak Zdenek , Poprach Alexandr , Slama Ondrej , Slampa Pavel , Slaby Ondrej , Jancalek Radim , Lakomy Radek
Published: December 2018

Introduction. Hippocampi sparing whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is an evolving approach in the treatment of patients with multiple brain metastases, pursuing mitigation of verbal memory decline as a consequence of hippocampal radiation injury. Accumulating data are showing different postradiotherapy changes in the left and right hippocampus with a theoretical proposal of only unilateral (dominant, left) hippocampal sparing during WBRT. Method. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe spatial distribution of brain metastases on MRI in a cohort of 260 patients (2595 metastases) and to evaluate distribution separately in the left and right hippocampus and in respective hippocampal avoiding zones (HAZ, region with subtherapeutic radiation dose), including evaluation of location of metastatic mass centre. Results. The median number of brain metastases was three, with lung cancer being the most common type of primary tumour; 36% had single metastasis. Almost 8% of patients had metastasis within hippocampus (1.1% of all metastases) and 18.1% of patients within HAZ (3.3% of all metastases). No statistically significant difference was observed in the laterality of hippocampal involvement, also when the location of centre of metastases was analyzed. There were more patients presenting the centre of metastasis within left (15) versus right (6) HAZ approaching the borderline of statistical significance. Conclusion. No significant difference in the laterality of BM seeding within hippocampal structures was observed. The hypothesized unilateral sparing WBRT would have theoretical advantage in about 50% reduction in the risk of subsequent recurrence within spared regions.
Models and Methods for Two-Echelon Location Routing Problem with Time Constraints in City Logistics
Authors: Yang Peng , Zeng Lining
Published: December 2018

This paper focuses on the two-echelon location routing problem with time constraints in city logistics system. The aim is to define the structure of a system which can optimize the location and the number of two different kinds of logistics facilities as well as the related routes on each echelon. A mathematic model considering the problem characteristics has been set up. Based on probability selection principle, this paper first puts forward a metaheuristic algorithm with comprehensive consideration of time and space accessibility to solve it. Then, random instances of different sizes are generated to verify the effectiveness of our method.
The Schur Multiplicative and Harmonic Convexities for Three Classes of Symmetric Functions
Authors: Sun Ming-bao , Li Xin-ping , Zhang Ying-hui , Zhang Zai-yuan
Published: December 2018

We investigate the Schur harmonic convexity for two classes of symmetric functions and the Schur multiplicative convexity for a class of symmetric functions by using a new method and generalizing previous result. As applications, we establish some inequalities by use of the theory of majorization, in particular, and we give some new geometric inequalities in the n-dimensional space.
Extended‐State‐Observer‐Based Collision‐Free Guidance Law for Target Tracking of Autonomous Surface Vehicles with Unknown Target Dynamics
Authors: Gao Shengnan , Peng Zhouhua , Wang Dan , Liu Lu
Published: December 2018

This paper is concerned with the target tracking problem of an autonomous surface vehicle in the presence of a maneuvering target. The velocity information of target is totally unknown to the follower vehicle, and only the relative distance and angle between the target and follower are obtained. First, a reduced‐order extended state observer is used to estimate the unknown relative dynamics due to the unavailable velocity of the target. Based on the reduced‐order extended state observer, an antidisturbance guidance law for target tracking is designed. The input‐to‐state stability of the closed‐loop target tracking guidance system is analyzed via cascade theory. Furthermore, the above result is extended to the case that collisions between the target and leader are avoided during tracking, and a collision‐free target tracking guidance law is developed. The main feature of the proposed guidance law is twofold. First, the target tracking can be achieved without using the velocity information of the target. Second, collision avoidance can be achieved during target tracking. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed antidisturbance guidance law for tracking a maneuvering target with the arbitrary bounded velocity.
Preparation of Microporous Carbon from Sargassum horneri by Hydrothermal Carbonization and KOH Activation for CO2 Capture
Authors: Zeng Ganning , Lou Sa , Ying Huijuan , Wu Xi , Dou Xin , Ai Ning , Wang Jiawei
Published: December 2018

High-performance microporous activated carbon (AHC) for CO2 capture was prepared from an emerging marine pollutant, Sargassum horneri, via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and KOH activation. The as-synthesized carbon material was characterized by N2 sorption-desorption measurement, TGA, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and elemental analysis. Impressively, the activated carbon exhibited high specific surface area (1221 m2/g), narrow distributed micropores (∼0.50 nm), and a relatively high nitrogen content (3.56 wt.%), which endowed this carbon material high CO2 uptake of 101.7 mg/g at 30°C and 1 bar. Moreover, the carbon material showed highly stable CO2 adsorption capacity and easy regeneration over four adsorption-desorption cycles. Two kinetic models were employed in this work and found that the pseudo-first-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.99) provided the best description. In addition, the high CO2 uptake is mainly attributed to the presence of abundant narrow microporous. The macroporous structure of hydrochar (HC) played an important role in the production of microporous carbon with high adsorption properties. This work provides an efficient strategy for preparing microporous activated carbon from Sargassum horneri, and AHC is a promising candidate acting as an efficient CO2 adsorbent for further industrial application.
System Framework of Robotics in Upper Limb Rehabilitation on Poststroke Motor Recovery
Authors: Zhang Kai , Chen Xiaofeng , Liu Fei , Tang Haili , Wang Jing , Wen Weina
Published: December 2018

Neurological impairments such as stroke cause damage to the functional mobility of survivors and affect their ability to perform activities of daily living. Recently, robotic treatment for upper limb stroke rehabilitation has received significant attention because it can provide high-intensity and repetitive movement therapy. In this review, the current status of upper limb rehabilitation robots is explored. Firstly, an overview of mechanical design of robotics for upper-limb rehabilitation and clinical effects of part robots are provided. Then, the comparisons of human-machine interactions, control strategies, driving modes, and training modes are described. Finally, the development and the possible future directions of the upper limb rehabilitation robot are discussed.
Human Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells Show More Efficient Angiogenesis Promotion on Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells than Umbilical Cord and Endometrium
Authors: Lu Haiyuan , Wang Fan , Mei Hua , Wang Siqi , Cheng Lamei
Published: December 2018

Angiogenesis is a complicated process in which perivascular cells play important roles. Multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) from distinct tissues have been proved to be proangiogenic and share functional properties and gene expression profiles with perivascular cells. However, different tissues derived MSCs may exhibit different potential for clinical applications. Accordingly, comparative studies on different MSCs are essential. Here, we characterized MSCs from adipose (ADSCs), umbilical cord (UCMSCs), and endometrium (EMSCs) in terms of the surface antigen expression, differentiation ability, and the ability of angiogenesis promotion on endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) both in vitro and in vivo. No significant differences in immunophenotype and differentiation were observed. In addition, three types of MSCs all located around tubular-like structures formed by ECFCs in coculture system on matrigel. But ECFCs seeded on ADSCs monolayer formed more organized capillary-like network than that on UCMSCs or EMSCs. When suspended with ECFCs in matrigel and implanted into nude mice, ADSCs promoted more functional vessel formation after 7 days. Moreover, in murine hindlimb ischemia model, cotransplantation of ECFCs with ADSCs was significantly superior to UCMSCs and EMSCs in promoting perfusion recovery and limb salvage. Furthermore, ADSC-conditioned medium (CM) contained more proangiogenic factors (such as vascular endothelial growth factor-A, platelet-derived growth factor BB, and basic fibroblast growth factor) and less inhibitory factor (such as thrombospondin-1), when compared with UCMSC-CM and EMSC-CM. And ADSC-CM more durably stabilized the vascular-like structures formed by ECFCs on matrigel and promoted ECFCs migration more efficiently. In summary, MSCs from adipose show significantly efficient promotion on angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo than UCMSCs and EMSCs. Hence, ADSCs may be recommended as a more suitable source for treating hindlimb ischemia.
Echocardiographic and Hemodynamic Parameters Associated with Diminishing Renal Filtration among Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Lo Kevin Bryan , Mezue Kene , Ram Pradhum , Goyal Abhinav , Shah Mahek , Krishnamoorthy Parasuram , Gupta Shuchita , Pressman Gregg S. , Rangaswami Janani
Published: December 2018

Background: Renal dysfunction is an important predictor of poor outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is implicated as one of the explanations for worsening renal function in cardiorenal syndrome. Novel right heart catheterization (RHC) parameters such as pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) and right atrial to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ratio (RA:PCWP) have been found as predictors of RV dysfunction. However, most studies investigating these parameters have been done in the setting of myocardial infarction or left ventricular assist device implantation, with limited data on these metrics in patients with HFpEF. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether novel RHC parameters such as RA:PCWP and PAPi correlate with long-term renal outcomes among patients with HFpEF. Methods: A retrospective single-center study of adult patients with a documented diagnosis of heart failure who had RHC was performed between January 2006 and December 2010 at Einstein Med ical Center Philadelphia. Selected patients also had a serum B-type natriuretic peptide level ≥100 pg/mL and a PCWP ≥15 mm Hg. Patients with an ejection fraction < 50%, including those with recovered ejection fraction, and end-stage renal disease were excluded. Results: A total of 81 patients with a clinical diagnosis of HFpEF were identified who met the inclusion criteria. On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, race, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac index, PAPi was associated with long-term estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (β = 3.43, 95% CI = 0.635–6.23, p = 0.017), and RA:PCWP showed a trend towards significance (β = 14.81, 95% CI = –0.096–29.73, p = 0.051). The results were unchanged after further adjustment for eGFR at the time of RHC. Conclusion: Novel hemodynamic indices obtained by RHC may have predictive value for long-term renal dysfunction in patients with HFpEF.
Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Haematoma Secondary to Autoimmune Acquired Haemophilia
Authors: Afshari Fardad T. , Parikh Dhruv , Petrik Vladimir
Published: December 2018

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma is a rare entity associated with high morbidity. Although there are previous reports of spinal haematoma secondary to X-linked genetic haemophilia, there are no such cases secondary to acquired autoimmune haemophilia. We report the case of a 71-year-old patient who presented with sudden quadriplegia secondary to cervical (C2 to T1) epidural haematoma as a result of undiagnosed autoimmune acquired haemophilia A. She underwent emergency cervical laminectomy and evacuation of spinal haematoma with significant recovery in upper limb function. This case highlights the importance of haematological investigations in patients with spontaneous spinal haematoma.
Ipsilateral Pediatric Supracondyar Humerus Fracture and Radial Head Dislocation
Authors: Kim Daniel C. , Handwerger Adam J. , Riehl John T.
Published: December 2018

Case: A 5-year-old boy presented with left elbow pain after a fall. Radiographs revealed a radial head dislocation without ulnar involvement which was treated with closed reduction in the emergency department. Two-week follow-up radiographs revealed a periosteal reaction along the medial epicondyle at the supracondylar region, consistent with a type 1 supracondylar humerus fracture. The elbow was treated with closed reduction and casting for 2 weeks. One year after injury, the patient had full painless range of motion. Conclusion: This case report highlights an injury pattern not previously described in the literature, and no previous recommendations exist regarding treatment. Although rare, radial head dislocation with simultaneous supracondylar humerus fracture can occur in pediatric patients. Our patient obtained a good result without surgical treatment.
Laparoscopic Excisional Cholecystectomy with Full-Thickness Frozen Biopsy in Suspected Gallbladder Carcinoma
Authors: Nitta Toshikatsu , Kataoka Jun , Ohta Masato , Takashima Yuko , Fujii Kensuke , Ishii Masatsugu , Inoue Yoshihiro , Takeshita Atsushi , Ishibashi Takashi
Published: December 2018

Owing to the advantages of a laparoscopic approach, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is thought to be the treatment of choice in gallbladder disease, even in cases of suspected malignancy. However, it is difficult to differentiate between cholecystitis and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). We performed radical hepatectomy in patients with pT2 GBC diagnosed by full-thickness frozen biopsy. A 75-year-old Japanese man presented to our hospital with discomfort in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. This patient was diagnosed with suspected GBC and was scheduled to undergo LC and intraoperative histological examination. Following the procedure, we made a diagnosis of GBC with negative invasion of the cystic duct stump. We converted the laparoscopic procedure to an open surgery involving wedge liver resection with lymphadenectomy. The patient was discharged from our hospital in remission 14 days following the radical hepatectomy. Histological examination showed that the GBC had invaded the liver (T3a), but there was no lymph node metastasis (N0): stage IIIA. Between April 2009 and September 2018, 580 patients underwent cholecystectomy for gallbladder disease at our hospital. Among these, 8 (1.4%) were suspected to have GBC preoperatively and underwent laparoscopic excisional cholecystectomy. We performed elective surgery in the early stage in two patients and second-look surgery in two patients recently. We were able to perform what we termed a laparoscopic excisional cholecystectomy, involving LC with a full-thickness frozen biopsy, even in situations where intraoperative histological examination was not available. Altogether, laparoscopic excisional cholecystectomy is an effective surgical treatment for suspected early GBC.
Successful Certolizumab Pegol Treatment of Chronic Anterior Uveitis Associated with Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Yamaguchi Keiko , Hayashi Takaaki , Takahashi Genichiro , Momose Mami , Asahina Akihiko , Nakano Tadashi
Published: December 2018

This report presents details on a 45-year-old male Japanese patient with chronic and refractory anterior uveitis associated with psoriasis vulgaris who was administered certolizumab pegol (CZP), which is an anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) monoclonal antibody. Although CZP has only been formally approved for rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Japan, a clinical trial allowed us to assess CZP effectiveness in this patient. The grade 3+ anterior chamber inflammation (for both the cells and flare) observed at baseline improved to grade 0 at 3 months post-treatment. Dermatologically, the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score was 25.4, while the body surface area (BSA) was 88% at baseline. At 3 months after treatment, the scores improved to 2.8 for PASI and less than 1% for BSA. After the treatment, remission has lasted for at least 9 months. No adverse events were seen during the CZP treatment. These findings suggest that CZP could be an effective therapeutic alternative in some refractory anterior uveitis patients with psoriasis vulgaris.
Facility-Level Variation and Clinical Outcomes in Use of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy With and Without an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
Authors: Kramer Daniel B. , Normand Sharon-Lise T. , Volya Rita , Hatfield Laura A.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Little is known about real-world facility-level preferences for cardiac resynchronization therapy devices with (CRT-D) and without (CRT-P) defibrillator backup. We quantify this variation at the facility level and exploit this variation to compare outcomes of patients receiving these 2 devices.

Methods and Results:

Claims data from fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries were used to identify new CRT-P and CRT-D implants, 2006 to 2012. We modeled factors associated with receipt of each device, and compared mortality, hospitalizations, and reoperations for patients receiving each using both logistic regression and instrumental variable analysis to account for confounding. Among 71 459 device recipients (CRT-P, 11 925; CRT-D, 59 534; 31% women), CRT-P recipients were older, more likely to be women, and had more comorbidities. Variation in device selection among facilities was substantial: After adjustment for patient characteristics, the odds of receiving a CRT-P (versus CRT-D) device were 7.6× higher for a patient treated at a facility in the highest CRT-P use quartile versus a facility in the lowest CRT-P use quartile. Logistic modeling suggested a survival advantage for CRT-D devices but with falsification end points indicating residual confounding. By contrast, in the instrumental variable analysis using facility variability as the proposed instrument, clinical characteristics and falsification end points were well balanced, and 1-year mortality in patients who received CRT-P versus CRT-D implants did not differ, while CRT-P patients had a lower probability of hospitalizations and reoperations in the year following implant.

Conclusions:

CRT-P versus CRT-D selection varies substantially among facilities, adjusted for clinical factors. After instrumental variable adjustment for clinical covariates and facility preference, survival was no different between the devices. Therefore, CRT-P may be preferred for Medicare beneficiaries considering new CRT implantation.
Stellaria abaensis (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from China
Authors: XU HAN-FENG , MA ZHONG-HUI
Published: December 2018

Stellaria abaensis sp. nov., from Sichuan Province (southwest China), is described and illustrated. It is similar to S. media, and S. reticulivena (Subsect. Stellaria) but can be distinguished from them by its longer petiole, terete stem, glabrous pedicel, and undulate tuberculate seeds. Original photographs, distribution map, SEM images of pollen grain, and a comparative morpological table, as well as an identification key for the related taxa are provided.
Two new species of Rhynchospora (Cyperaceae) from southern Brazil
Authors: SILVA DA SILVA FILHO PEDRO JOEL , WAYT THOMAS WILLIAM , IOB BOLDRINI ILSI
Published: December 2018

Rhynchospora Vahl (1805:229) is the richest genus of Cyperaceae in southern Brazil (66 spp., Flora do Brasil 2020). Most species grow in open areas such as meadows and grasslands but some occur in forests or along forest edges. As part of a taxonomic and phylogenetic study of the related sections Luzuliformes Kük. (1950:183) and Tenues Kük. (1950:186), we revised specimens in the herbaria of the New York Botanical Garden (NY) and the United States National Herbarium (US). We found specimens of two new species from the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná in southern Brazil and sought additional specimens of these species in the principal herbaria of southern Brazil (FLOR, HBR, ICN, MBM). These two species clearly belong to sections Tenues and Luzuliformes, which were last revised by Rocha and Luceño (2002) and Silva Filho et al. (2017). Both species are here described, compared to related species (Table 1), and illustrated (Figures 1 and 2).
Lectotypification of Cycas beddomei (Cycadaceae)
Authors: KHURAIJAM JIBANKUMAR SINGH , SINGH RITA , CALONJE MICHAEL , MAZUMDAR JAIDEEP
Published: December 2018

During the revision of Indian cycads, we attempted to consult type specimens of the endangered species, Cycas beddomei(1883: 85) and in the process realized there has been a great deal of confusion in previous literature regarding the syntypes of this species. Here we attempt to resolve this situation by identifying the original material available to Dyer and designating an appropriate lectotype.
A New Orchid Species of Dendrobium Sect. Calcarifera from Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia (Orchidaceae: Dendrobiinae)
Authors: BESI EDWARD ENTALAI , NIKONG DOME , MUSTAFA MUSKHAZLI , GO RUSEA
Published: December 2018

Dendrobium mizanii, a new species to science belonging to Dendrobium Sect. Calcarifera was discovered in a summit region of a disturbed montane forest in Setiu, Terengganu, and named after His Majesty Sultan of Terengganu, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin. A description, illustration, field and comparison with the closely related species D. crocatum from Peninsular Malaysia and D. doloissumbinii from Borneo are provided here.
Cytotaxonomy and DNA taxonomy of lizards (Squamata, Sauria) from a tropical dry forest in the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve on the coast of Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: CASTIGLIA RICCARDO , ANNESI FLAVIA , BEZERRA ALEXANDRA M. R. , GARCÍA ANDRÉS , FLORES-VILLELA OSCAR
Published: December 2018

Tropical dry forests contribute to a substantial proportion of the herpetological diversity of Mexico. The south-western coast of Jalisco is one of the more important areas by number of endemics and the high presence of endangered and restricted species. In this paper we used a combined karyological and molecular genetic (sequences of mtDNA genes for NDH2, cytb or 16S rDNA) approach to genetically characterize 13 lizard species belonging to seven families that inhabit the dry forests of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve (Anguidae: Gerrhonotus cf. liocephalus; Eublepharidae: Coleonyx elegans; Phyllodactylidae: Phyllodactylus lanei; Gekkonidae: Hemidactylus frenatus; Phrynosomatidae: Sceloporus melanorhinus, S. utiformis, Urosaurus bicarinatus; Polychrotidae: Norops nebulosus; Scincidae: Mabuya unimarginata, Plestiodon parvulus; Teiidae: Ameiva undulata, Aspidoscelis communis, A. lineattissima). The karyotypes of six species were here described for the first time (G. liocephalus, 2n = 38, 14 macrochromosomes and 24 microcromosomes; C. elegans, 2n = 24 FN = 26; N. nebulosus 2n = 30, 13 macroand 17 microchromosomes; M. unimarginata 2n = 32, 18 macroand 14 microchromosomes; P. parvulus 2n = 26, 12 macroand 14 microchromosomes; A. undulata 2n = 50, 26 macroand 24 microchromosomes). Chromosomal heteromorphism was found in C. elegans, N. nebulosus, and S. melanorhinus. For P. lanei we found a karyotype different from that previously described in other localities. This variation matched with a high genetic divergence usually found in different species. The DNA typing of mtDNA genes allowed the identification of the taxonomic affinities of five Mexican endemic species, namely: U. bicarinatus, A. nebulosus, P. parvulus, A. lineattissima and A. communis. The specimen of Gerrhonotus from Chamela is very divergent by 16S rDNA and probably does not belong to the so far studied species of Gerrhonotus. High genetic divergence has been also observed between samples of A. undulata and U. bicarinatus from different regions. In these latter two cases, additional data are needed to understand the taxonomic status of these populations.
A new record of Sphaeroma annandalei Stebbing, 1911 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Sphaeromatidae) from the Persian Gulf, and description of a new related species (Sphaeroma silvai nov. sp.) from the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: KHALAJI-PIRBALOUTY VALIALLAH , WÄGELE JOHANN-WOLFGANG
Published: December 2018

Two similar species of Sphaeroma (Sphaeromatidae: Isopoda) are studied and described from two different Oceans. Sphaeroma annandalei Stebbing, 1911 is redescribed from different localities of the Indian Ocean, and Sphaeroma silvai sp. nov. is described from the South Atlantic Ocean. Sphaeroma silvai sp. nov. is easily distinguished from S. annandalei by its pereopod 5, where the basis carries a well extended inferior lobe; the shape of the pleotelson and the tuberculation of pereonites and pleon. Both species are distinguished from other species of the genus by transverse ridges on their pereonites. The known distribution of S. annandalei is limited to the northern areas of the Indian Ocean, from the Persian Gulf to Malaysia.
Huntsman spiders (Araneae: Sparassidae) from Xishuangbanna Rainforest, China
Authors: LIU JIE , LI SHUQIANG , JÄGER PETER
Published: December 2018

An extensive faunal survey of spiders from Xishuangbanna was carried out over one year (July 2006–August 2007) using various collecting techniques (ground pitfall traps, trunk pitfall traps, fogging and hand collecting). Three known Sparassidae species were collected: Heteropoda tetrica Thorell, 1897, Pseudopoda songi Jäger, 2008, and Pseudopoda namkhan Jäger, Pathoumthong & Vedel, 2006, the latter reported for the first time from China. Thelcticopis zhengi sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on males and females. All specimens are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing (IZCAS) and Research Institute Senckenberg in Frankfurt am Main (SMF).
Recent developments on the morphology of the brachyuran foregut ossicles and gastric teeth
Authors: BRÖSING ANDREAS
Published: December 2018

The complexity of the brachyuran foregut, in particular the foregut ossicles and gastric teeth, were investigated and documented in 66 brachyuran taxa employing a new staining method. The brachyuran groundpattern is proposed to consist of 41 ossicles. Most of the ossicles show a very conservative pattern with only a few variations. A previous classification scheme proposed by Nauck (1880) with the grouping of the recent brachyuran crabs in Heterodontea and Cyclodontea is not supported by this study. The study also shows that the Heterodontea and Cyclodontea are not monophyletic.
Description of a new species of Osmia (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) from southwestern North America, with a redescription of the enigmatic species Osmia foxi Cameron
Authors: RIGHTMYER MOLLY G. , GRISWOLD TERRY
Published: December 2018

The Osmia of southwestern North America are not well known. A new species, Osmia (Acanthosmioides) palmula, and the enigmatic Osmia (Melanosmia) foxi Cameron, known only from the male holotype, are described and figured in both sexes, with additional comments on their distribution and biology. A checklist and key to the known Osmia species from Cochise County, Arizona, Hidalgo County, New Mexico, and adjacent counties in the United States are presented.
Systematic and taxomonic revaluation of four little known Asian agamid species, Calotes kingdonwardi Smith, 1935, Japalura kaulbacki Smith, 1937, Salea kakhienensis Anderson, 1879 and the monotypic genus Mictopholis Smith, 1935 (Reptilia: Agamidae)
Authors: MAHONY STEPHEN
Published: December 2018

The systematic status of many Asian Draconine agamids has long been in dispute. Herein, four such species, Mictopholis austeniana, Japalura kaulbacki, Calotes kingdonwardi and Salea kakhienensis are examined on the basis of external morphological characters. The monotypic genus Mictopholis was compared to other Asian Draconine genera and found to be indistinguishable from Pseudocalotes, with which it is here considered a synonym. Japalura kaulbacki is compared to other members of the genus Japalura as well as other similar species. Based on external morphology it is found to be separable from Japalura and conspecific with Calotes kingdonwardi, under which it is considered a junior subjective synonym. Salea kakhienensis is redefined morphologically based on nontype material and shown to represent a close member of this group. C. kingdonwardi is most similar to Salea kakhienensis both of which share a complement of characters with M. austeniana. The generic placement of S. kakhienensis relative to Salea, both with strongly overlapping synapomorphic characters is briefly discussed with respect to biogeographical implications that strongly support the exclusion of this species from the genus. Mictopholis austeniana, Calotes kingdonwardi and Salea kakhienensis are redescribed in detail and transferred to Pseudocalotes. The inclusion of these three species provides a generic range extension of approximately 800 km north-west of the previously considered range. The nomen Oriocalotes discolor is considered a primary objective synonym of Pseudocalotes kakhienensis new comb. and the systematic status of Calotes kingdonwardi bapoensis is briefly discussed.