bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Polylactic Acid with Aliphatic-Aromatic Polyester
Authors: Shinyama Katsuyoshi
Published: June 2018

Assuming an application where polylactic acid (PLA), a hard bioplastic, is used to sheath electrical wire, the author added 20 wt% of aliphatic-aromatic polyester or polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT), a soft resin, to PLA and then investigated the softened PLA’s mechanical and electrical properties. As a result of adding PBAT to PLA, Tg shifted to about 10°C lower than PLA. In addition, adding PBAT to PLA made the PLA softer and even more so at temperatures above 40°C. Furthermore, adding PBAT to PLA decreased the electric breakdown strength (EB) of the PLA by about 1 MV/cm over the temperature range of 0°C to 50°C, and EB was slightly higher than that of PVC over the temperature range of −10 to 60°C.
Nasal and Pharyngeal Colonization by Bacterial Pathogens: A Comparative Study between Preclinical and Clinical Sciences Medical Students
Authors: Bhatta Dharm Raj , Hamal Deependra , Shrestha Rajani , Parajuli Ranjana , Baral Nisha , Subramanya Supram Hosuru , Nayak Niranjan , Gokhale Shishir
Published: June 2018

Background. Upper respiratory tract is one of the commonest sites for microbial colonization. The colonized individuals are at risk of infections and can be a source of transmission of pathogens. Medical students are frequently exposed to a variety of infectious agents and more likely to get colonized by them. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and to compare the colonization rates of nasal and pharyngeal bacterial pathogens among preclinical and clinical sciences medical students. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 preclinical and 100 clinical sciences medical students. Isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates were performed by standard microbiological techniques. Results. The nasal colonization by S. aureus and MRSA was 35% (70/200) and 19.5% (39/200), respectively. The nasal colonization by S. aureus and MRSA was significantly higher among clinical sciences students as compared to preclinical sciences students. Pharyngeal colonization by Haemophilus influenzae was significantly higher among clinical sciences students as compared to preclinical sciences students. The pharyngeal colonization by beta-hemolytic streptococci (nongroup A) was higher among preclinical sciences students than clinical sciences students. Conclusion. The nasal colonization by S. aureus and MRSA was higher among clinical sciences students. Pharyngeal colonization by potential bacterial pathogens was higher among clinical sciences students than preclinical students. Periodic screening of MRSA and potential throat pathogens of clinical sciences students and may reduce the incidences of nosocomial transmission of pathogens.
An Objective Penalty Function-Based Method for Inequality Constrained Minimization Problem
Authors: Lian Shujun , Meng Sitong , Wang Yiju
Published: June 2018

For inequality constrained minimization problem, we first propose a new exact nonsmooth objective penalty function and then apply a smooth technique to the penalty function to make it smooth. It is shown that any minimizer of the smoothing objective penalty function is an approximated solution of the original problem. Based on this, we develop a solution method for the inequality constrained minimization problem and prove its global convergence. Numerical experiments are provided to show the efficiency of the proposed method.
In Vitro Culture of Single Bovine Embryos with Microwell Plates Made of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Cured under Low Pressure
Authors: Iwamoto Daisaku , Kato Nobuhiro , Taniguchi Shunji , Taguchi Yoshitomo , Kishi Masao , Saeki Kazuhiro
Published: June 2018

Single embryo culture is useful for assessing the developmental competence of an embryo in detail. Recently, a device made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), which is biocompatible and nontoxic, has been widely used for culture various types of cells. However, PDMS plates are porous, causing the serious osmolality increment of the medium (over 600 mOsm/kg from Day 4 to Day 7). Here, we report that curing the PDMS under low pressure (LP-PDMS) greatly reduced the porosity, resulting in a constant osmolality of the medium. The blastocyst rate of single bovine embryos cultured with LP-PDMS microwell (MW) plates was the same as that of group-cultured embryos (25 embryos/50 μl droplet; control, P>0.05). These results indicate that MWs on a plate made of PDMS cured under low pressure can be successfully used for individual embryo culture.
Secret Sarcoma: A Cardiac Mass Disguised as Influenza
Authors: DeZorzi Christopher , Harris Katherine I.
Published: June 2018

This case presentation discusses an extremely rare diagnosis presenting with common symptoms, attributed to influenza, which were not investigated further when clear cardiac symptoms developed. The patient initially presented with symptoms consistent with influenza, but when orthopnea and dyspnea on exertion developed, these cardiac symptoms continued to be attributed to a postviral syndrome and were not further evaluated. Premature closure bias contributed to a delay in diagnosing a rare cardiac condition. The diagnostic momentum, or the continuing of a diagnostic label, occurred across multiple providers and settings. This case demonstrates the risk of premature closure and diagnostic momentum and reminds clinicians to reframe the differential diagnosis as more information on history or physical exam becomes available.
Design of Optical Sensor Membrane Based on Polymer Poly(methyl methacrylate) for Paracetamol Detection in Traditional Herbal Medicine
Authors: Pratiwi Rimadani , Suherman Shelvy Elizabeth , Poongan Rajkannah A. L. , Mutakin Mutakin , Hasanah Aliya Nur
Published: June 2018

Generally, regulation states that herbal medicines are remedies containing plants or preparation of plants as active ingredients only. Paracetamol is one of the drugs that is frequently added in herbal medicine to enhance the effect as an analgesic. The government regulation disallows chemical drugs contained in herbal medicine due to the toxic effect of uncontrolled consumption. On this study, the optical sensor membrane from polymer poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was synthesized by phase inversion method and was used to detect paracetamol in herbal medicine. PMMA was made in three different concentrations 5%, 7.5%, and 10% and was mixed with ferric chloride (FeCl3), Folin-Ciocalteu, and Nessler reagent as specific colorimetric reagents for paracetamol detection, with a ratio of solvent:reagent was 6:4; 7:3; and 8:2. The result of the experiment shows that PMMA-FeCl3 7.5% (7:3), PMMA-Folin 5% (6:4), and PMMA-Nessler 5% (6:4) give the best performance for paracetamol detection. Real herbal medicine samples were analyzed to confirm the practical application of this sensor, and the result shows good agreement with UV-Vis data. The results show that optical sensor membrane which has been developed can be used as new detection method of paracetamol for community application.
Septic Infrapatellar Bursitis in an Immunocompromised Female
Authors: Herring Kenneth , Mathern Seth , Khodaee Morteza
Published: June 2018

Bursitis is a relatively common occurrence that may be caused by traumatic, inflammatory, or infectious processes. Septic bursitis most commonly affects the olecranon and prepatellar bursae. Staphylococcus aureus accounts for 80% of all septic bursitis, and most cases affect men and are associated with preceding trauma. We present a case of an 86-year-old female with an atypical septic bursitis involving the infrapatellar bursa. Not only are there very few reported cases of septic infrapatellar bursitis, but also this patient’s case is particularly unusual in that she is a female with no preceding trauma who had Pseudomonas aeruginosa on aspirate. The case also highlights the diagnostic workup of septic bursitis through imaging modalities and aspiration. This patient had full resolution of her septic bursitis with appropriate IV antibiotics.
A Mobile‐Based Question‐Answering and Early Warning System for Assisting Diabetes Management
Authors: Xie Wenxiu , Ding Ruoyao , Yan Jun , Qu Yingying
Published: June 2018

With increasing demand for preventive management of chronic diseases in real time by using the Internet, interest in developing a convenient device on health management and monitoring has intensified. Unlike other chronic diseases, diabetes particularly type 2 is a lifelong chronic disease and usually requires daily health management by patients themselves. This study is to develop a mobile‐based diabetes question‐answering (Q&A) and early warning system named Dia‐AID, assisting diabetes patients and populations at high risk. The Dia‐AID system consists of three modules: a large‐scale multilanguage diabetes frequently asked question repository, a multimode fusion Q&A framework, and a health data management module. A list of services including risk assessment and health early warning is provided to users for health condition monitoring. Using the diabetes frequently asked question repository as data, experiments are conducted on answer ranking and answer selection aspects. Results show that two essential methods in the system outperform baseline methods on both aspects.
Apelin in Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Different Species: A Critical Review
Authors: Kurowska Patrycja , Barbe Alix , Różycka Marta , Chmielińska Justyna , Dupont Joelle , Rak Agnieszka
Published: June 2018

Apelin has been isolated from the bovine stomach extracts as an endogenous ligand of the previously orphan receptor APJ. Expression of the apelinergic system (apelin and APJ) was described in many organs where pleiotropic effects like regulation of food intake, body weight, or cardiovascular and immune function were described. Recent studies have shown that apelin also plays an important role in the regulation of female and male reproduction. Some data showed that the gene and protein of apelin/APJ are expressed in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis tissue. Thus, apelin is synthesized locally in the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, and testis of many species and has autocrine and/or paracrine effects. Most research indicates that apelin has an inhibitory effect on gonadotropin secretion and participates in the direct regulation of steroidogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in gonads. The article summarizes also results of a series of recent studies on the effect of apelin on reproduction pathology, like polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and ovarian cancer. Many of these pathologies are still in critical need of therapeutic intervention, and recent studies have found that apelin can be targets in reproductive pathological states.
On Super Mean Labeling for Total Graph of Path and Cycle
Authors: Inayah Nur , Sudarsana I. Wayan , Musdalifah Selvy , Daeng Mangesa Nurhasanah
Published: June 2018

Let G(V,E) be a graph with the vertex set V and the edge set E, respectively. By a graph G=(V,E) we mean a finite undirected graph with neither loops nor multiple edges. The number of vertices of G is called order of G and it is denoted by p. Let G be a (p,q) graph. A super mean graph on G is an injection f:V→{1,2,3…,p+q} such that, for each edge e=uv in E labeled by f⁎e=fu+f(v)/2, the set fV∪{f⁎e:e∈E} forms 1,2,3,…,p+q. A graph which admits super mean labeling is called super mean graph. The total graph T(G) of G is the graph with the vertex set V∪E and two vertices are adjacent whenever they are either adjacent or incident in G. We have showed that graphs T(Pn) and TCn are super mean, where Pn is a path on n vertices and Cn is a cycle on n vertices.
Treatment of Angina: Where Are We?
Authors: Balla Cristina , Pavasini Rita , Ferrari Roberto
Published: June 2018

Ischaemic heart disease is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, while angina represents its most common symptom. It is estimated that approximately 9 million patients in the USA suffer from angina and its treatment is challenging, thus the strategy to improve the management of chronic stable angina is a priority. Angina might be the result of different pathologies, ranging from the “classical” obstruction of a large coronary artery to alteration of the microcirculation or coronary artery spasm. Current clinical guidelines recommend antianginal therapy to control symptoms, before considering coronary artery revascularization. In the current guidelines, drugs are classified as being first-choice (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and short-acting nitrates) or second-choice (ivabradine, nicorandil, ranolazine, trimetazidine) treatment, with the recommendation to reserve second-line modifications for patients who have contraindications to first-choice agents, do not tolerate them, or remain symptomatic. However, such a categorical approach is currently questioned. In addition, current guidelines provide few suggestions to guide the choice of drugs more suitable according to the underlying pathology or the patient comorbidities. Several other questions have recently emerged, such as: is there evidence-based data between first- and second-line treatments in terms of prognosis or symptom relief? Actually, it seems that newer antianginal drugs, which are classified as second choice, have more evidence-based clinical data that are more contemporary to support their use than what is available for the first-choice drugs. It follows that actual guidelines are based more on tradition than on evidence and there is a need for new algorithms that are more individualized to patients, their comorbidities, and pathophysiological mechanism of chronic stable angina.
The Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Preventing Caries in the Primary Dentition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Oliveira Branca Heloisa , Rajendra Anjana , Veitz-Keenan Analia , Niederman Richard
Published: June 2018

Objectives: To investigate whether silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is effective in preventing new caries lesions in primary teeth when compared to placebo or active treatments. Methods: Systematic review (CRD42016036963) of controlled clinical trials. Searches were performed in 9 electronic databases, 5 registers of ongoing trials, and reference lists of identified review articles. Two researchers carried out data extraction and quality appraisal independently. The primary outcome was the difference in caries increment (decayed, missing, and filled surfaces or teeth – dmfs or dmft) between SDF and control groups. These differences were pooled as weighted mean differences (WMD) and prevented fractions (PF). Results: Searches yielded 2,366 unique records; 6 reports of 4 trials that randomized 1,118 and analyzed 915 participants were included. Two trials compared SDF to no treatment, 1 compared SDF to placebo and sodium fluoride varnish (FV), and 1 compared SDF to high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC). All studies had at least 1 domain with unclear or high risk of bias. After 24 months of follow-up, in comparison to placebo, no treatment, and FV, SDF applications significantly reduced the development of new dentin caries lesions (placebo or no treatment: WMD = –1.15, PF = 77.5%; FV: WMD = –0.43, PF = 54.0%). GIC was more effective than SDF after 12 months of follow-up but the difference between them was not statistically significant (WMD, dmft: 0.34, PF: –6.09%). Conclusion: When applied to caries lesions in primary teeth, SDF compared to no treatment, placebo or FV appears to effectively prevent dental caries in the entire dentition. However, trials specifically designed to assess this outcome are needed.
Association of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 with Death and Atherosclerotic Events in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Gregg L. Parker , Tio Maria Clarissa , Li Xilong , Adams-Huet Beverley , de Lemos James A. , Hedayati S. Susan
Published: June 2018

Background: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 ­(MCP-1), a marker of inflammation and monocyte recruitment to atherosclerotic plaques, is associated with cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Although plasma levels are elevated in chronic kidney disease (CKD), associations with reduced kidney function or outcomes in CKD have not been explored. Methods: In this population-based, probability-sampled, longitudinal cohort of 3,257 participants, including 286 (8.8%) patients with CKD, we studied the association of plasma MCP-1 with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria, death, and intermediate and hard CV outcomes in CKD and non-CKD individuals. Cox proportional hazards regression assessed associations of baseline MCP-1 with all-cause death and atherosclerotic events. Results: MCP-1 was higher in CKD than non-CKD participants (p < 0.001), and negatively associated with eGFR (r = –0.23, p < 0.0001) but not albuminuria in CKD. MCP-1 was associated with pulse wave velocity and coronary artery calcification in non-CKD but not CKD individuals. At 13.5 years, there were 230 (7.7%) deaths and 168 (6.4%) atherosclerotic events in the non-CKD vs. 97 (34.0%) deaths and 62 (27.9%) events in the CKD group (p < 0.001 for each). MCP-1 was associated with death (hazards ratio [HR] 2.0 [1.4–2.9] per log-unit increase) and atherosclerotic events (1.7 [1.0–2.9]) in CKD individuals. The HR for death in CKD remained significant (1.6 [1.1–2.3]) after adjusting for CV risk factors. Conclusions: Although plasma MCP-1 increased with decreased eGFR, it remained an independent risk factor for death in CKD. MCP-1 did not correlate with intermediate CV outcomes, implicating pathways other than atherosclerosis in the association of MCP-1 with death in CKD.
Brain Barrier Disruption and Region-Specific Neuronal Degeneration during Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Pigs
Authors: Brunse Anders , Abbaspour Afrouz , Sangild Per Torp
Published: June 2018

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) increases the risk of brain injury and impaired neurodevelopment. Rapid brain maturation prior to birth may explain why preterm brains are particularly vulnerable to serious infections. Using pigs as models, we hypothesized that preterm birth was associated with altered blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB) function and cerebral structural deficits, and that NEC was associated with systemic inflammation, BCSFB disruption, and neuroinflammation. First, cesarean-delivered preterm and term pigs (n = 43–44) were euthanized at birth to investigate BCSFB function and markers of brain structural maturation, or on day 5 to measure markers of blood-brain barrier maturation in the hippocampus and striatum (experiment 1). Next, preterm pigs (n = 162) were fed increasing volumes of infant formula to assess NEC lesions, systemic inflammation, BCSFB permeability, cerebral histopathology, hippocampal micro­glial density, and cytokine levels on day 5 (experiments 2 and 3). In experiment 1, preterm newborns had increased CSF-plasma ratios of albumin and raffinose, reduced CSF glucose levels, as well as increased cerebral hydration and reduced white matter myelination compared with term animals. We observed lower hippocampal (but not striatal) perivascular astrocyte coverage for the first 5 days after preterm birth, accompanied by altered cell junction protein levels. In experiments 2 and– 3, piglets with severe NEC lesions showed reduced blood thrombocytes and increased plasma C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels. NEC was associated with increased CSF-plasma albumin and raffinose ratios, reduced CSF leukocyte numbers, and increased cerebral hydration. In the hippocampus, NEC was associated with pyramidal neuron loss and increased interleukin-6 levels. In the short term, NEC did not affect cerebral myelination or microglia density. In conclusion, altered BCSFB properties and brain structural deficits were observed in pigs after preterm birth. Acute gastrointestinal NEC lesions were associated with systemic inflammation, increased BCSFB permeability and region-specific neuronal damage. The results demonstrate the importance of early interventions against NEC to prevent brain injury in preterm infants.
The Oral Provocation Test for Raw Egg in Patients with Hen Egg Allergy
Authors: Kido Jun , Nishi Natsuko , Matsumoto Tomoaki
Published: June 2018

Background: Many researchers have made efforts to develop diagnostic tools for predicting the outcome of oral food challenges (OFCs). The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of the skin prick test (SPT) and blood-specific IgE concentrations based on the outcome of the OFCs for heated and raw hen egg. Methods: This study included 103 children with suspected hen egg allergy (HEA; median age 23 months, range 10–155; 72 boys, 31 girls). Forty-three patients were diagnosed with HEA by OFC. Of 60 patients who tolerated heated egg white (HEW), 22 underwent the OFC for raw hen egg and 7 developed adverse reactions after ingesting raw egg. Their wheal diameters and specific IgE levels for egg white and ovomucoid were determined. Results: Wheal diameters as well as blood-specific IgE levels for egg white and ovomucoid were significantly larger in children with positive OFC results for HEW than in those with negative results. However, there were no significant differences between the positive and negative test results for raw hen egg white (REW) in wheal diameter or blood-specific IgE levels. Conclusions: The SPT and blood-specific IgE can be used to diagnose HEA. However, the provocation test for REW in children without HEW allergy is important because the values of SPT and specific IgE were not significantly different between children with and without raw egg allergy.
No Menstrual Cyclicity in Mood and Interpersonal Behaviour in Nine Women with Self-Reported Premenstrual Syndrome
Authors: Bosman Renske C. , Albers Casper J. , de Jong Jettie , Batalas Nikolaos , aan het Rot Marije
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Before diagnosing premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), 2 months of prospective assessment are required to confirm menstrual cyclicity in symptoms. For a diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), this is not required. Women with PMDD and PMS often report that their symptoms interfere with mood and social functioning, and are said to show cyclical changes in interpersonal behaviour, but this has not been examined using a prospective approach. We sampled cyclicity in mood and interpersonal behaviour for 2 months in women with self- reported PMS. Methods: Participants met the criteria for PMS on the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), a retrospective questionnaire. For 2 menstrual cycles, after each social interaction, they used the online software TEMPEST to record on their smartphones how they felt and behaved. We examined within-person variability in negative affect, positive affect, quarrelsomeness, and agreeableness. Results: Participants evaluated TEMPEST as positive. However, we found no evidence for menstrual cyclicity in mood and interpersonal behaviour in any of the individual women (n = 9). Conclusion: Retrospective questionnaires such as the PSST may lead to oversampling of PMS. The diagnosis of PMS, like that of PMDD, might require 2 months of prospective assessment.
Short-Term Hyperprolactinemia Reduces the Expression of Purinergic P2X7 Receptors during Allergic Inflammatory Response of the Lungs
Authors: Ochoa-Amaya Julieta E. , Queiroz-Hazarbassanov Nicolle , Namazu Lilian B. , Calefi Atilio S. , Tobaruela Carla N. , Margatho Rafael , Palermo-Neto João , Ligeiro de Oliveira Ana P. , Felicio Luciano F.
Published: June 2018

Purpose: We have previously shown that domperidone-induced short-term hyperprolactinemia reduces the lung’s allergic inflammatory response in an ovalbumin antigenic challenge model. Since purinergic receptor P2X7R activity leads to proinflammatory cytokine release and is possibly related to the pathogenesis of allergic respiratory conditions, the present study was designed to investigate a possible involvement of purinergic and prolactin receptors in this phenomenon. Methods: To induce hyperprolactinemia, domperidone was injected intraperitoneally in rats at a dose of 5.1 mg × kg–1 per day for 5 days. P2X7 expression was evaluated by lung immunohistochemistry while prolactin receptor expression in bronchoalveolar lavage leukocytes was analyzed through flow cytometry. Results: Previous reports demonstrated that rats subjected to short-term hyperprolactinemia exhibited a decrease in leukocyte counts in bronchoalveolar lavage, especially granulocytes. Here, it is revealed that hyperprolactinemia promotes an increased expression of prolactin receptors in granulocytes. Also, increased expression of purinergic P2X7R observed in allergic animals was significantly reduced by hyperprolactinemia. Conclusions: Both purinergic and prolactin receptor expression changes occur during the anti-asthmatic effect of hyperprolactinemia.
Myelopoiesis in the Context of Innate Immunity
Authors: Mitroulis Ioannis , Kalafati Lydia , Hajishengallis George , Chavakis Triantafyllos
Published: June 2018

An intact and fully functional innate immune system is critical in the defense against pathogens. Indeed, during systemic infection, the ability of the organism to cope with the increased demand for phagocytes depends heavily on sufficient replenishment of mature myeloid cells. This process, designated emergency or demand-adapted myelopoiesis, requires the activation of hematopoietic progenitors in the bone marrow (BM), resulting in their proliferation and differentiation toward the myeloid lineage. Failure of BM progenitors to adapt to the enhanced need for mature cells in the periphery can be life-threatening, as indicated by the detrimental effect of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression on the outcome of systemic infection. Recent advances demonstrate an important role of not only committed myeloid progenitors but also of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in emergency myelopoiesis. In this regard, pathogen-derived products (e.g., Toll-like receptor ligands) activate HSC differentiation towards the myeloid lineage, either directly or indirectly, by inducing the production of inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines and growth factors) by hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cell populations. The inflammatory mediators driving demand-adapted myelopoiesis target not only HSCs but also HSC-supportive cell populations, collectively known as the HSC niche, the microenvironment where HSCs reside. In this review, we discuss recent findings that have further elucidated the mechanisms that drive emergency myelopoiesis, focusing on the interactions of HSCs with their BM microenvironment.
Corticosteroid for IgA Nephropathy: Are They Really Therapeutic?
Authors: Lin Yujia , Jia Junya , Guo Yipeng , He Dandan , Zhang Yaru , Wang Fuzhen , Yan Tiekun , Liu Youxia , Lin Shan
Published: June 2018

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a common chronic glomerular disease that, in most patients, slowly progresses to end-stage kidney disease. The therapy with corticosteroid in IgAN is still a worldwide problem that is confusing the clinicians. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and article reference lists were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared corticosteroids with placebo and any other non-immunosuppressive agents in treating IgAN. Twelve RCTs involving 1,057 patients were included. Results: Overall, we found that steroids had statistically significant effects in preventing the decline in renal function (relative risk 0.42, 95% CI 0.25–0.71, p < 0.001) and reducing proteinuria (SMD: –0.58 g/day, 95% CI –0.80 to –0.36 g/day) in patients with IgAN. The association between glucocorticoid and risk of kidney outcome was not modified by steroids’ type (prednisone or methylprednisone), dose (≤30 or > 30 mg/day), duration (≤8 or > 8 months), or serum creatinine (< 1.10 or ≥1.10 mg/dL). But steroids increased the risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal and endocrinium symptoms. Conclusion: This study provides the clear beneficial effects of the steroids therapy on the kidney function and proteinuria, although it should be used with caution.
Editorial
Authors: Crippa Giulia
Published: June 2018

InCID: Revista de Ciência da Informação e Documentação, Ribeirão Preto, v. 9, n. 1, mar./ago. 2018.
A new species and new records of the spider genus Taranucnus (Araneae, Linyphiidae) from the Ukrainian Carpathians
Authors: HIRNA ANNA
Published: June 2018

Taranucnus Simon, 1884 is a small Holarctic genus of the spider family Linyphiidae that contains only five species (WSC, 2018). In Europe and in Ukraine it is represented by three taxa: T. setosus (O. P.-Cambridge, 1863), T. bihari Fage, 1931 and T. carpaticus Gnelitsa, 2016 (WSC, 2018). The type species of the genus is T. setosus, widely distributed in the Palaearctic, T. bihari is known from a few localities from the Carpathians within Poland, Slovakia, and Romania (Nentwig et al. 2017). Recently, T. carpaticus was recorded from the two mountain massifs (Gorgany and Chornohora) of the Ukrainian Carpathians (Gnelitsa 2016). In this paper a fourth European species, Taranucnus beskidicus new species, is described.
Two new species of the subgenus Sabethinus of Sabethes (Diptera: Culicidae) from Costa Rica, first confirmation of members of the subgenus in Central America
Authors: HARBACH RALPH E.
Published: June 2018

Two new species of Sabethes subgenus Sabethinus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Costa Rica are formally named Sa. andreae and Sa. theresae. Descriptions consisting of differential and diagnostic morphological characters are provided for adults, male genitalia and fourth-instar larvae. The male genitalia and the fourth-instar larva and pupa of both species are illustrated. The species are compared with the four previously described species known to occur only in South America, i.e. Sa. idiogenes, Sa. intermedius, Sa. melanonymphe and Sa. xhyphydes. A new country record for Colombia is reported for Sa. xhyphydes and keys are provided to distinguish the adults and larvae of the six species.
Descriptions of five morphologically and genetically confirmed new species of the Coleophora poecilella Walsingham, 1907 species group (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae) from the Palearctic Region
Authors: TABELL JUKKA , MUTANEN MARKO , SIHVONEN PASI
Published: June 2018

Five new Coleophora species belonging to the C. poecilella species group are described: C. mirleftensis Tabell, sp. nov. from Morocco, C. embaensis Tabell, sp. nov. and C. charynensis Tabell, sp. nov. from Kazakhstan, C. nupponeni Tabell, sp. nov. from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and C. tugaicola Tabell, sp. nov. from Tajikistan. The male genitalia of C. hypomona (Falkovitsh, 1979) and the female genitalia of C. trichopterella Baldizzone, 1985 are illustrated for the first time. DNA barcodes are provided for each species, with a comparison to the genetically most similar species.
Atlantic Ocean Heat Transport Influences Interannual-to-Decadal Surface Temperature Predictability in the North Atlantic Region
Authors: Borchert Leonard F. , Müller Wolfgang A. , Baehr Johanna
Published: June 2018

An analysis of a three-member ensemble of initialized coupled simulations with the MPI-ESM-LR covering the period 1901–2010 shows that Atlantic northward ocean heat transport (OHT) at 50°N influences surface temperature variability in the North Atlantic region for several years. Three to ten years after strong OHT phases at 50°N, a characteristic pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies emerges: warm anomalies are found in the North Atlantic and cold anomalies emerge in the Gulf Stream region. This pattern originates from persistent upper-ocean heat content anomalies that originate from southward-propagating OHT anomalies in the North Atlantic. Interannual-to-decadal SST predictability of yearly initialized hindcasts is linked to this SST pattern: when ocean heat transport at 50°N is strong at the initialization of a hindcast, SST anomaly correlation coefficients in the northeast Atlantic at lead years 2–9 are significantly higher than when the ocean heat transport at 50°N is weak at initialization. Surface heat fluxes that mask the predictable low-frequency oceanic variability that influences SSTs in the northwest Atlantic after strong OHT phases, and in the northwest and northeast Atlantic after weak OHT phases at 50°N lead to zonally asymmetrically predictable SSTs 7–9 years ahead. This study shows that the interannual-to-decadal predictability of North Atlantic SSTs depends strongly on the strength of subpolar ocean heat transport at the start of a prediction, indicating that physical mechanisms need to be taken into account for actual temperature predictions.
Unusual Rainfall in Southern China in Decaying August during Extreme El Niño 2015/16: Role of the Western Indian Ocean and North Tropical Atlantic SST
Authors: Chen Jiepeng , Wang Xin , Zhou Wen , Wang Chunzai , Xie Qiang , Li Gang , Chen Sheng
Published: June 2018

Previous research has suggested that the anomalous western North Pacific anticyclone (WNPAC) can generally persist from an El Niño mature winter to the subsequent summer, influencing southern China precipitation significantly, where southern China includes the Yangtze River valley and South China. Since the late 1970s, three extreme El Niño events have been recorded: 1982/83, 1997/98, and 2015/16. There was a sharp contrast in the change in southern China rainfall and corresponding atmospheric circulations in the decaying August between the 2015/16 extreme El Niño event and the earlier two extreme El Niño events. Enhanced rainfall in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River and suppressed rainfall over South China resulted from basinwide warming in the tropical Indian Ocean induced by the extreme El Niño in August 1983 and 1998, which was consistent with previous studies. However, an anomalous western North Pacific cyclone emerged in August 2016 and then caused positive rainfall anomalies over South China and negative rainfall anomalies from the Yangtze River to the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. Without considering the effect of the long-term global warming trend, in August 2016 the negative SST anomalies over the western Indian Ocean and cooling in the north tropical Atlantic contributed to the anomalous western North Pacific cyclone and a rainfall anomaly pattern with opposite anomalies in South China and the Yangtze River region. Numerical experiments with the CAM5 model are conducted to confirm that cooler SST in the western Indian Ocean contributed more than cooler SST in the north tropical Atlantic to the anomalous western North Pacific cyclone and anomalous South China rainfall.
Assessment of a High-Resolution Climate Model for Surface Water and Energy Flux Simulations over Global Land: An Intercomparison with Reanalyses
Authors: Tian Di , Pan Ming , Wood Eric F.
Published: June 2018

Land surface water and energy fluxes from the ensemble mean of the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) simulations of a Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) high-resolution climate model (AM2.5) were evaluated using offline simulations of a calibrated land surface model [Princeton Global Forcing (PGF)/VIC] and intercompared with three reanalysis datasets: MERRA-Land, ERA-Interim/Land, and CFSR. Using PGF/VIC as the reference, the AM2.5 precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff showed a global positive bias of ~0.44, ~0.27, and ~0.15 mm day−1, respectively. For the energy budget, while the AM2.5 net radiation agreed very well with the PGF/VIC, the AM2.5 improperly partitioned the net radiation, with the latent heat showing positive bias and sensible heat showing negative bias. The AM2.5 net radiation, latent heat, and sensible heat relative to the PGF/VIC had a global negative bias of ~1.42 W m−2, positive bias of ~7.8 W m−2, and negative bias of ~8.7 W m−2, respectively. The three reanalyses show greater biases in net radiation, likely due to the deficiencies in cloud parameterizations. At a regional scale, the biases of the AM2.5 water and energy budget components are mostly comparable to the three reanalyses and PGF/VIC. While the AM2.5 well simulated the actual values of water and energy fluxes, the temporal anomaly correlations of the three reanalyses with PGF/VIC were mostly greater than the AM2.5, partly due to the ensemble mean of the AM2.5 members averaging out the intrinsic variability of the land surface fluxes. The discrepancies among land surface model simulations, reanalyses, and high-resolution climate model simulations demonstrate the challenges in estimating and evaluating land surface hydrologic fluxes at regional-to-global scales.
Correlation between System and Observation Errors in Data Assimilation
Authors: Berry Tyrus , Sauer Timothy
Published: June 2018

Accurate knowledge of two types of noise, system and observational, is an important aspect of Bayesian filtering methodology. Traditionally, this knowledge is reflected in individual covariance matrices for the two noise contributions, while correlations between the system and observational noises are ignored. We contend that in practical problems, it is unlikely that system and observational errors are uncorrelated, in particular for geophysically motivated examples where errors are dominated by model and observation truncations. Moreover, it is shown that accounting for the cross correlations in the filtering algorithm, for example in a correlated ensemble Kalman filter, can result in significant improvements in filter accuracy for data from typical dynamical systems. In particular, we discuss the extreme case where the two types of errors are maximally correlated relative to the individual covariances.
Mesoscale Variation in Diabatic Heating around Sumatra, and Its Modulation with the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Vincent Claire L. , Lane Todd P.
Published: June 2018

Diabatic heating in the Maritime Continent region is controlled by a unique blend of mesoscale variability associated with steep topography and complex coastlines and intraseasonal variability associated with propagating planetary-scale disturbances. In this study, the diabatic heating from a 10-yr austral summer simulation over the Maritime Continent with a 4-km horizontal grid length is analyzed with respect to diurnal, spatial, and intraseasonal variations. Results are compared, where possible, to analogous estimates from the TRMM precipitation radar. We show that the heating budget is largely a balance between latent heating and vertical advection, with rays of heating and cooling extending upward and outward from the coast evident in the advection terms, consistent with the gravity wave representation of the tropical sea breeze. By classifying rainfall into convective and stratiform components, it is shown that simulated convective heating over Sumatra peaks in MJO phases 2 and 3, while simulated stratiform heating peaks in phase 4. Similarly, spectral latent heating estimates from the TRMM Precipitation Radar show that stratiform heating peaks in phases 3 and 4, while convective heating peaks in phases 2 and 3. It is also shown that stratiform precipitation plays a greater role in offshore precipitation during the night, albeit with embedded convective cores, than over the land during the day. These results emphasize the importance of achieving a realistic representation of convective and stratiform processes in high-resolution simulations in the tropics, both for total rainfall estimates and for realistic latent heating.
CSR Needs CPR: Corporate Sustainability and Politics
Authors: Lyon Thomas P. , Delmas Magali A. , Maxwell John W. , Bansal Pratima (Tima) , Chiroleu-Assouline Mireille , Crifo Patricia , Durand Rodolphe , Gond Jean-Pascal , King Andrew , Lenox Michael , Toffel Michael , Vogel David , Wijen Frank
Published: June 2018

Corporate sustainability has gone mainstream, and many companies have taken meaningful steps to improve their own environmental performance. But while corporate political actions such as lobbying can have a greater impact on environmental quality, they are ignored in most current sustainability metrics. It is time for these metrics to be expanded to critically assess firms based on the sustainability impacts of their public policy positions. To enable such assessments, firms must become as transparent about their corporate political responsibility (CPR) as their corporate social responsibility (CSR). For their part, rating systems must demand such information from firms and include evaluations of corporate political activity in their assessments of corporate environmental responsibility.
Migrant rescue as organized hypocrisy: EU maritime missions offshore Libya between humanitarianism and border control
Authors: Cusumano Eugenio
Published: June 2018

In November 2014, Frontex started its Southern Mediterranean border monitoring operation Triton, followed in June 2015 by the Common Security and Defence Policy anti-smuggling mission EU Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med) ‘Sophia’. Both operations’ outward communication has placed considerable emphasis on the conduct of maritime search and rescue. Still, this commitment was not matched by consistent action. Triton and EUNAVFOR Med have conducted a relatively limited number of search and rescue operations, prioritizing border control and anti-smuggling tasks. This article explains the gap between the European Union missions’ humanitarian rhetoric and an operational conduct primarily focusing on curbing irregular migration as a form of organized hypocrisy. Decoupling talk and action allowed Triton and EUNAVFOR Med to reconcile the conflicting expectations arising from European governments’ willingness to reduce migrant arrivals and the normative imperative to act against the loss of life at sea. However, the European Union missions’ organized hypocrisy had several negative externalities, hindering effective management of the humanitarian crisis offshore Libya.
Faith in the Workplace
Authors: Hanes Pavel
Published: June 2018

In the following article an unbalanced theology of work is recognized as potentially jeopardizing a correct perception of our identity as workers and leading to problems in personal relationships in the workplace specifically. Against a background of philosophical and some popular contemporary views of work, the author points out the dimensions of work highlighted in the Bible. The article also shows how the biblical concept of work can become a caricature if one text is overemphasized at the expense of other balancing passages.
A participatory mobile application (app) development project with mental health service users and clinicians
Authors: McClelland Gabrielle T , Fitzgerald Martin
Published: June 2018

Objective:

The aim of this study was to establish the utility of a bespoke mobile app for mental health service users and clinicians.

Design:

Qualitative design using four focus groups.

Methods:

Work was conducted in three stages. The first stage involved a focus group with mental health service users and eight clinicians from a mental health early intervention service to discuss the utility of a bespoke mobile app. Visual, verbal and written prompts were used to demonstrate a mobile app and to prompt discussion. The results of the focus groups were used to create a ‘visual walk through, non-interactive mock up’ mobile app which was used to aid discussion with the same service users and clinicians in stage 2 focus groups. Stage 3 involved development of a mobile app prototype based on focus group feedback.

Results:

Key ideas emerging from the focus groups were adopted in the design of the app prototype. These were as follows: the use of colour to convey mood; simple mood tracking using familiar trigger icons; a calendar integrated with the service user’s care plan; a help button linked to personal support; an avatar to personalise the app; and the inclusion of evidence-based information.

Conclusion:

Digital health technology is an extremely important asset with scope to improve people’s lives when combined with behaviour change techniques. Co-design with service users, clinicians and digital technologists is critical to product design and adoption. The use of quality standard criteria and evidence-based content in app development and evaluation is essential.
Determination of fatigue limit of polymeric composites in fully reversed bending loading mode using self-heating effect
Authors: Katunin Andrzej , Wachla Dominik
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the fatigue limit in fibre-reinforced polymeric composites loaded in the fully reversed bending loading mode is investigated by using the self-heating effect occurring during such a type of testing. This approach provides the possibility of fast estimation of fatigue limit without the necessity of performing time-consuming high cycle fatigue tests. In order to validate the determined fatigue limit, the obtained results of temperature evolution were compared with the results of acoustic emission measurements. Based on the performed observations and comparisons, a structural degradation of polymeric composites subjected to cyclic loading with accompanied self-heating effect was described in terms of critical self-heating temperature concept. This allows for estimating the criticality of fatigue from the point of view of both mechanical and thermal failure.
Epithelial Cdc42 Deletion Induced Enamel Organ Defects and Cystogenesis
Authors: Zheng J. , Nie X. , He L. , Yoon A.J. , Wu L. , Zhang X. , Vats M. , Schiff M.D. , Xiang L. , Tian Z. , Ling J. , Mao J.J.
Published: June 2018

Cdc42, a Rho family small GTPase, regulates cytoskeleton organization, vesicle trafficking, and other cellular processes in development and homeostasis. However, Cdc42’s roles in prenatal tooth development remain elusive. Here, we investigated Cdc42 functions in mouse enamel organ. Cdc42 showed highly dynamic temporospatial patterns in the developing enamel organ, with robust expression in the outer enamel epithelium, stellate reticulum (SR), and stratum intermedium layers. Strikingly, epithelium-specific Cdc42 deletion resulted in cystic lesions in the enamel organ. Cystic lesions were first noted at embryonic day 15.5 and progressively enlarged during gestation. At birth, cystic lesions occupied the bulk of the entire enamel organ, with intracystic erythrocyte accumulation. Ameloblast differentiation was retarded upon epithelial Cdc42 deletion. Apoptosis occurred in the Cdc42 mutant enamel organ prior to and synchronously with cystogenesis. Transmission electron microscopy examination showed disrupted actin assemblies, aberrant desmosomes, and significantly fewer cell junctions in the SR cells of Cdc42 mutants than littermate controls. Autophagosomes were present in the SR cells of Cdc42 mutants relative to the virtual absence of autophagosome in the SR cells of littermate controls. Epithelium-specific Cdc42 deletion attenuated Wnt/β-catenin and Shh signaling in dental epithelium and induced aberrant Sox2 expression in the secondary enamel knot. These findings suggest that excessive cell death and disrupted cell-cell connections may be among multiple factors responsible for the observed cystic lesions in Cdc42 mutant enamel organs. Taken together, Cdc42 exerts multidimensional and pivotal roles in enamel organ development and is particularly required for cell survival and tooth morphogenesis.
Street Participatory Action Research in Prison: A Methodology to Challenge Privilege and Power in Correctional Facilities
Authors: Payne Yasser Arafat , Bryant Angela
Published: June 2018

This article presents a prison research model grounded in street participatory action research (Street PAR) methodology but programmatically facilitated in an Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program class. Street PAR’s nine tenets were adapted to a prison setting, and we demonstrate its promise with a brief case study of research projects at one prison location. This article also explores the challenges scholars and incarcerated persons as researchers may face in correctional facilities. Street PAR and Inside-Out can improve prison environments and successful transition to local communities as a function of equipping incarcerated persons with reading, writing, and analytic skill sets.