bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primer reporte de la familia Cyrtaucheniidae (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) en la fauna actual de La Hispaniola
Authors: Alayón García Giraldo , De los Santos Gabriel
Published: May 2019

Se registra por primera vez la familia Cyrtaucheniidae para la fauna actual de la Hispaniola .
Descripción de los machos de Peltidium nichollsi Geddes, 1968 y Peltidium proximus Varela, 2005 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Peltidiidae)
Authors: Varela Carlos
Published: May 2019

Los machos de Peltidium nichollsi y P. proximus se describen por primera vez. Además, esta es la primera cita de P. nichollsi para aguas cubanas.
A Lubber Grasshopper, Xyleus discoideus Rosulentus (stål, 1878) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae: Romaleinae) in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Perez-Gelabert Daniel , Bastardo Ruth , Hierro Brigido
Published: May 2019

The grasshopper Xyleus discoideus rosulentus (Stål, 1878) is reported for the first time in the Dominican Republic. This is the first record of the family Romaleidae in the Greater Antilles. The record probably represents an unintended introduction of this species from its natural range in Central America and Colombia.
Registros más occidentales de Cyrtophora citricola (Forskål, 1775) (Araneae: Araneidae) en Cuba
Authors: Martín-Castejón Yulianis , Sánchez-Ruiz Alexander
Published: May 2019

Se amplía la distribución conocida de Cyrtophora citricola (Forskål, 1775) a la provincia de Camagüey en Cuba. Estos constituyen, hasta el momento, los registros más occidentales de esta especie exótica invasora en Cuba.
Especie nueva de Rhypasma Pascoe, 1862 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) de República Dominicana
Authors: Garrido Orlando H. , Varela Carlos
Published: May 2019

Se describe una especie nueva de Rhypasma de República Dominicana. Las diferencias fundamentales con las restantes especies conocidas también son presentadas.
Aspectos del comportamiento de forrajeo de la cigüita del río Parkesia motacilla (Aves: Passeriformes: Parulidae) en época no reproductiva
Authors: Almonte-Espinosa Hodali , Latta Steven
Published: May 2019

Se estudió el comportamiento de forrajeo de Parkesia motacilla (Parulidae) durante los meses septiembre-noviembre y enero-marzo (2008-2009) en una localidad de la provincia Duarte, en el noreste de República Dominicana. Los aspectos considerados fueron: maniobras de alimentación, sustrato de forrajeo y tasa de forrajeo. Las maniobras de alimentación más utilizadas por la cigüita del río, en orden de frecuencia, fueron Picoteo Normal (PN), Picoteo Rápido (PR) y Picoteo al Aire (PA). En cuanto a los sustratos evaluados, encontramos que esta especie prefiere buscar sus alimentos sobre Rocas o Piedra (R-P) y Suelo o Arena (S). No se detectaron diferencias significativas en la frecuencia de forrajeo durante los períodos de estudio.
Nuevos registros de géneros y especies de arañas (Araneae) para la Hispaniola, con nuevos datos de distribución
Authors: De los Santos Gabriel , Alayón Giraldo
Published: May 2019

Se registran por primera vez para la fauna de La Hispaniola las especies y géneros de arañas: Mimetus notius Chamberlin, 1923; Tapinopa bilineata Banks, 1893; Leucauge moerens (O. P.-Cambridge, 1896); Kapogea alayoi (Archer, 1958); Ctenus ottleyi (Petrunkevitch, 1930); Xysticus pellax O. P.-Cambridge, 1894; Megalostrata raptor (L. Koch, 1866); Mazax O. P.-Cambridge, 1898; Orchestina Simon, 1882; Neohannia Mello-Leitão, 1917; Pholcomma Thorell, 1869; Camillina Berland, 1919; Zelotes Gistel, 1848; y Tibellus Simon, 1875. También se presentan nuevas localidades para las especies endémicas: Ochyrocera cachote Hormiga, Álvarez-Padilla et Benjamin, 2007; Trujillina spinipes Bryant, 1948; Lausus pulchellus Bryant, 1948; Eustala bisetosa Bryant, 1948; Larinia minor Bryant, 1945 y el género Cobanus O. P.-Cambridge, 1900. Se discuten brevemente algunos aspectos taxonómicos y biogeográficos de estas especies.
Nuevo registro de localidad para Osteopilus vastus (Anura: Hylidae) en la República Dominicana
Authors: Marte Pimentel Cristian
Published: May 2019

Se registra una nueva localidad para la rana arborícola gigante de La Hispaniola Osteopilus vastus (Cope, 1871) en Baní, provincia Peravia, República Dominicana.
Corrigenda a los escarabajos (Coleoptera) en la lista de artrópodos de la Hispaniola
Authors: Perez-Gelabert Daniel E.
Published: May 2019

La Lista de los Artrópodos de La Hispaniola (Perez-Gelabert, 2008) contiene errores que ameritan corrección. Aquí se enmiendan los errores relativos a los escarabajos (Coleoptera), el grupo animal con mayor diversidad de especies. Algunos se refieren a importantes especies plagas, lo que es buena razón para hacer estas correcciones inmediatamente disponibles.
El género Eurycotis (Dictyoptera: Blattaria: Blattidae: Polyzosteriinae) 1. Especies de la Hispaniola. Primera parte: seis especies nuevas
Authors: Gutiérrez Esteban
Published: May 2019

Se describen seis especies nuevas del género de cucarachas Eurycotis Stål para la República Dominicana (Hispaniola). Se brindan diagnosis diferenciales, ilustraciones y comentarios para los táxones nuevos y las dos especies previamente conocidas de la Hispaniola.
Dos nuevas especies de la familia Peltidiidae Boeck, 1873 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) de Cuba
Authors: Varela Carlos , Gómez Samuel
Published: May 2019

Se describen dos especies nuevas de copépodos de la familia Peltidiidae. Una de estas pertenece al género Peltidium Philippi, 1838 y se asocia con el grupo de especies compuesto por P. ovale Thompson I. C. & Scott A., 1903, P. simplex Nicholls, 1941, P. proximus Varela, 2005 y P. perturbatum Geddes, 1968. Estas especies comparten el exopodito alargado de la pata cinco (P5) en la hembra, lóbulo basoendopodal pobremente desarrollado y la armadura del endopodito de las patas 2-4 (P2-P4). La nueva especie parece ser más similar a P. ovale y P. simplex, pero difiere en el número de setas/espinas en el exopodito de la P5 de la hembra y en el rostro. La otra especie nueva descrita pertenece al género Eupelte Claus, 1860, tratándose del primer registro de este género para el Mar Caribe. Esta nueva especie de Eupelte parece ser más similar a E. gracilis y E. aurulenta Wells y Rao, 1987, pero difiere de ambas en la proporción entre las longitudes de ambos exopoditos de la P1. Esta dos especies se suman a otras de copépodos harpacticoides marinos encontradas recientemente en Cuba, las que han resultado ser nuevos táxones para la ciencia o primeros registros para esta isla.
Primer registro de la familia Agaonidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) en la fauna viviente de la Hispaniola
Authors: Ramírez Pérez Candy
Published: May 2019

Se registra la presencia de la familia Agaonidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) para la República Dominicana en base a ejemplares colectados recientemente. Hasta el momento se han identificado los géneros Pegoscapus Cameron, 1906 y Tetrapus Mayr, 1885.
El género Triepeolus Robertson, 1901 en la Hispaniola, con la descripción de una especie nueva (Hymenoptera: Anthophila: Apidae)
Authors: Genaro Julio A.
Published: May 2019

Se revisan las abejas cleptoparasíticas del género Triepeolus que habitan en la Hispaniola. Una especie nueva: T. danieli y la hembra previamente desconocida de T. nisibonensis se describen. Con esta descripción el número de especies se eleva a tres. Se presenta la distribución en la isla, amplitud geográfica, época de vuelo y una clave para separar las especies.
Studies on neotropical Phasmatodea XV: A remarkable new stick insect from highly montane habitats of Hispaniola (Pseudophasmatidae: Xerosomatinae: Hesperophasmatini)
Authors: Conle Oskar V. , Hennemann Frank H. , Perez-Gelabert Daniel E.
Published: May 2019

The new genus and new species Tainophasma monticola gen. nov., sp. nov., a highly montane taxon which is remarkable for its very small size, compact body, short legs and proportionally very large head, is described and illustrated from both sexes and the egg.
Estudio comparativo de las comunidades de milpiés (Arthropoda: Diplopoda) presentes en la sabana de pajón, el pinar y el bosque latifoliado del Parque Nacional Valle Nuevo, República Dominicana
Authors: Rodríguez Soto Katihusca , Suriel Carlos
Published: May 2019

Se comparó la diversidad de las comunidades de diplópodos en áreas delimitadas de tres tipos de vegetación del Parque Nacional Valle Nuevo (sabana de pajón, pinar y bosque latifoliado) durante la temporada lluviosa. Se establecieron tres estaciones de estudio correspondientes a los tres tipos de vegetación considerados. La riqueza total registrada fue 15 especies. El bosque latifoliado fue el tipo de vegetación que registró el más alto valor en riqueza de especies (12), mientras que la sabana de pajón fue el que presentó el valor más bajo con ocho especies. La mayor abundancia de especímenes la registró el pinar (205) y la menor la presentó el bosque latifoliado (73). Las especies más abundantes del estudio fueron Achromoporus platyurus y Prostemmiulus setosus. La comunidad del bosque latifoliado fue la más diversa de acuerdo con el valor obtenido con el índice de diversidad de Shannon y el recíproco del índice de dominancia de Simpson (H’ = 2.25; D = 8.91). La sabana de pajón mostró ser la más pobre en relación con la diversidad alfa según los resultados de estos índices (H’ = 1.42; D = 3.32). El índice de similitud de Jaccard arrojó el más bajo valor al relacionar los ecosistemas sabana de pajón y bosque latifoliado (50%), mientras que la mayor similitud se observó al comparar la sabana de pajón con el pinar (72%). Este último resultado fue estadísticamente significativo para una probabilidad (p) de 0.05, mostrando que existe un alto grado de semejanza faunística en cuanto a los diplópodos entre ambos tipos de vegetación. Esta alta similitud podría deberse a la homogeneidad estructural de estos dos tipos de vegetación. Se hizo un dendrograma que reflejó estos mismos resultados. Las curvas de acumulación de especies y estimadores de riqueza reflejaron la existencia de una diversidad de diplópodos que aún no ha sido registrada completamente.
Listado actualizado y claves para Polyplacophora (Mollusca) en Cuba
Authors: Tejeda Carmen R. , Maceira David , García-Ríos Cedar , Espinosa José
Published: May 2019

Actualmente existe un parcial desconocimiento sobre cuáles especies de quitones están presentes en Cuba y sobre su correcto arreglo taxonómico, además, se carece de claves dicotómicas para su identificación. Empleando el listado de los moluscos marinos cubanos elaborado por Espinosa (2006), se actualizó la clase Polyplacophora empleando los criterios taxonómicos de García-Ríos (2003), Espinosa et al. (2012) y de Kaas y Van Belle (1998). Esta actualización permitió registrar por primera vez para Cuba un orden, dos subórdenes, cuatro familias, siete subfamilias, 12 géneros y 27 especies de quitones vivientes y se proponen claves que permiten la identificación de los taxones.
Nueva especie fósil de Cerion Röding, 1798 (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Cerionidae) de Cuba oriental
Authors: Suárez Torres Alexis
Published: May 2019

Se describe en estado fósil el taxon Cerion petreus sp. nov. con localidad tipo en El Guanal, Punta de Maisí, provincia de Guantánamo. Este hallazgo permite ubicar la existencia del género en el oriente de Cuba desde Plioceno-Pleistoceno inferior.
Inventario de las arañas (Arachnida: Araneae) del Parque Nacional Sierra Martín García, República Dominicana, con nuevos registros de género y especie para la Hispaniola
Authors: De los Santos Gabriel , Carrero Jiménez Solanlly
Published: May 2019

Se ofrecen los resultados de un inventario de las arañas del Parque Nacional Sierra Martín García, República Dominicana. Se registran 90 especies, 79 géneros y 33 familias para esta área protegida. El género Fageicera Dumitrescu et Georgescu, 1992 (Ochyrocerathidae) y la especie Yabisi habanensis Rheims et Brescovit, 2004 (Hersiilidae) se registran por primera vez para la República Dominicana y la Hispaniola. Se consideran como objetos de conservación a las 16 especies endémicas, particularmente Aculepeira busu Levi, 1991, Bythocrotus crypticus Zhang et Maddison, 2012 y Thaloe remotus (Bryant, 1948); las dos primeras por ser endemismos locales de este parque y la tercera por ser una especie muy rara, siendo esta apenas la segunda localidad donde se registra.
A revision of the green Anoles of Hispaniola with description of eight new species (Reptilia, Squamata, Dactyloidae)
Authors: Köhler Gunther , Blair Hedges S.
Published: May 2019

We revise the species of green anoles (i.e., the species related to Anolis aliniger, A. chlorocyanus, and A. coelestinus) occuring on Hispaniola. Based on our analyses of morphological and molecular genetic data we recognize 16 species of green anoles, eight of which we describe as new species (A. apletolepis sp. nov., A. chlorodius sp. nov., A. divius sp. nov., A. eladioi sp. nov., A. gonavensis sp. nov., A. leucodera sp. nov., A. prasinorius sp. nov. and A. viridius sp. nov.) and three of which are raised from subspecific to species level (A. cyanostictus, A. demissus and A. pecuarius) and one is resurrected from synonymy with A. chlorocyanus (A. peynadoi). Because the six syntypes of A. chlorocyanus (MNHN 785, 787, 2007.2066–09) are conspecific with the only available syntype of A. coelestinus (i.e., MCZ 3347), we have petitioned the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) to use its plenary power to set aside the type status of the syntypes of Anolis chlorocyanus and to allow the designation of a neotype in order to stabilize the current and long established usage of the names A. chlorocyanus and A. coelestinus. For each species we provide a standardized description of external morphology, color descriptions in life, color photographs in life, description and illustration of hemipenis morphology (if available), distribution maps based on the specimens examined, comments on the conservation status, and natural history notes. Finally, we provide a dichotomous key for the identification of the 16 species of green anoles occuring on Hispaniola.
Svårigheter i att definiera begreppet kompetens
Authors: Schaffar Birgit
Published: May 2019

This article discusses theoretically and philosophically difficulties in defining the notion of competence. ‘Competence’ is a key-concept in today’s educational discussion, where it combines both a psychological meaning of an inner disposition, and a sociological meaning as a category that organises tasks and power-relations in public and private institutions. A short historical overview shows that ‘competence’ has a complex etymology that explains these different layers of possible usages and the different ontological and epistemological assumptions that arise from them. Still, the article argues that an ambiguous notion is not a notion with an indistinct meaning. In concrete situations, ‘competence’ just has different meanings. Inspired by Wittgenstein, the article takes a philosophical view on science and methodology and argues that the strive to define ‘competence’ unequivocally can be understood in different ways. Notions have to be defined unambiguously to make empirical measurements possible. But definitions are running the risk to ignore important meaningful usages for the sake of what is empirically possible to measure and what kind of political interests there are in measuring certain aspects of a complex notions. Finally, it is argued that an ambiguous notion implies risks of undermining critical voices in the discussion about global educational policy.
Preclinical Characteristics of the Irreversible Pan-HER Kinase Inhibitor Neratinib Compared with Lapatinib: Implications for the Treatment of HER2-Positive and HER2-Mutated Breast Cancer
Authors: Collins Denis M. , Conlon Neil T. , Kannan Srinivasaraghavan , Verma Chandra S. , Eli Lisa D. , Lalani Alshad S. , Crown John
Published: May 2019

An estimated 15–20% of breast cancers overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2/neu). Two small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), lapatinib and neratinib, have been approved for the treatment of HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. Lapatinib, a reversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ERBB1/HER1) and HER2 TKI, is used for the treatment of advanced HER2+ breast cancer in combination with capecitabine, in combination with trastuzumab in patients with hormone receptor-negative metastatic breast cancer, and in combination with an aromatase inhibitor for the first-line treatment of HER2+ breast cancer. Neratinib, a next-generation, irreversible pan-HER TKI, is used in the US for extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage HER2+ breast cancer following 1 year of trastuzumab. In Europe, neratinib is used in the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage hormone receptor-positive HER2+ breast cancer who are less than 1 year from the completion of prior adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy. Preclinical studies have shown that these agents have distinct properties that may impact their clinical activity. This review describes the preclinical characterization of lapatinib and neratinib, with a focus on the differences between these two agents that may have implications for patient management.
New Era for Next-Generation Sequencing in Japan
Authors: Takeda Masayuki , Sakai Kazuko , Takahama Takayuki , Fukuoka Kazuya , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Nishio Kazuto
Published: May 2019

Recent progress in understanding the molecular basis of cancer—including the discovery of cancer-associated genes such as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes—has suggested that cancer can become a treatable disease. The identification of driver oncogenes such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF and HER2 has already been successfully translated into clinical practice for individuals with solid tumor. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have led to the ability to test for multiple cancer-related genes at once with a small amount of cells and tissues. In Japan, several hospitals have started NGS-based mutational profiling screening in patients with solid tumor in order to guide patients to relevant clinical trials. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan has also approved several cancer gene panels for use in clinical practice. However, there is an urgent need to develop a medical curriculum of clinical variant interpretation and reporting. We review recent progress in the implementation of NGS in Japan.
Roof Cutting Parameters Design for Gob-Side Entry in Deep Coal Mine: A Case Study
Authors: Fan Deyuan , Liu Xuesheng , Tan Yunliang , Song Shilin , Gu Qingheng , Yan Lei , Xu Qiang
Published: May 2019

Roof cutting is an effective technique for controlling the deformation and failure of the surrounding rock in deep gob-side entry. The determination of the roof cutting parameters has become a popular research subject. Initially, two mechanical models are established for the non-roof-cutting and roof-cutting of gob-side entry in deep mining conditions. On this basis, the necessity and significance of roof cutting is revealed by analysing the stress and displacement of roadside prop. The Universal Distinct Element Code numerical simulation model is established to determine the key roof-cutting parameters (cutting angle and cutting height) according to the on-site situation of No. 2415 headentry of the Suncun coal mine, China. The numerical simulation results show that with the cutting angle and height increase, the vertical stress and horizontal displacement of the coal wall first increase and then decrease, as in the case of the vertical stress and displacement of roadside prop. Therefore, the optimum roof cutting parameters are determined as a cutting angle of 70° and cutting height of 8 m. Finally, a field application was performed at the No. 2415 headentry of the Suncun coal mine. In situ investigations show that after 10 m lagged the working face, the stress and displacement of roadside prop are obviously reduced with the hanging roof smoothly cut down, and they are stable at 19 MPa and 145 mm at 32 m behind the working face, respectively. This indicates that the stability of the surrounding rock was effectively controlled. This research demonstrates that the key parameters determined through a numerical simulation satisfactorily meet the production requirements and provide a reference for ensuring safe production in deep mining conditions.
The Role of Off-Grid Houses in the Energy Transition with a Case Study in the Netherlands
Authors: Quintero Pulido Diego F. , Ten Kortenaar Marnix V. , Hurink Johann L. , Smit Gerard J.M.
Published: May 2019

Off-grid houses can be considered an important concept to increase the access to electricity throughout the world. Although there are quite some initiatives in place to improve the access to electricity, the implementation rate of practical solutions is far below the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7: Energy (SDG 7) + for 2030. This situation is most apparent in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the current trends of electricity access calculated by the World Bank indicate that this region will not be able to achieve the SDG 7 target. Another worldwide trend which may help to increase electricity access is that currently, a lot of renewable energy generation is realized locally in houses (especially Solar Photovoltaics (PV)). This paper reviews the recent developments to increase the access to electricity in the world and the implementation of off-grid houses in different scenarios. The focus here is on the different efforts to create off-grid houses considering their challenges on a macro and micro level. Moreover, potential research directions for technologies in off-grid houses are presented in more detail. For this, a case description of a possible off-grid house in the Netherlands is presented together with some initial simulations results for this case using solar PV, the Sea-Salt battery, and a Glycerol Fuel Cell. The simulations use the DEMkit software and the analysis is performed using measured house load data for a period in winter and in summer.
Numerical Simulation on Deflecting Hydraulic Fracture with Refracturing Using Extended Finite Element Method
Authors: Li Jianxiong , Dong Shiming , Hua Wen , Yang Yang , Li Xiaolong
Published: May 2019

Refracturing is a key technology in enhancing the conductivity of fractures from hydraulically-fractured wells. However, the deflecting mechanism of the diverting fracture is still unclear. In this paper, a fully coupled seepage-stress model based on the extended finite element method (XFEM) was developed to realize the deflection mechanism of the refracturing fractures. The modified construction of refracturing was then verified by laboratory experiments. Furthermore, two new deflection angles considering the influence area along initial fracture length were introduced to evaluate the refracturing. The numerical results demonstrated that: (1) lower stress difference, larger perforation angle and longer perforation depth can lead to a higher deflection angle, thereby a more curving propagation path of the diverting fracture; (2) increasing injection rate or fluid viscosity can significantly enhance the diverting behavior; and (3) an initial location near the root of the initial fracture results in a larger value of the deflection angle, which is preferred for far-field refracturing. The conclusions in this study can be a systematic guide for the parameter optimization in refracturing treatment.
Respiratory Physiology of European Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) Exposed to Prymnesium parvum
Authors: Bergsson Heiðrikur , Reducha Andersen Nikolaj , Søndergaard Svendsen Morten Bo , Juel Hansen Per , Fleng Steffensen John
Published: May 2019

During the last century, the blooms of the toxic haptophyte Prymnesium parvum have been responsible for massive fish kills in both aquaculture and wild populations. Despite decades of research, the ichthyotoxic properties of P. parvum, and how this alga affects fish, is still debated. Using a novel device to measure the respirometry, ventilation volume, ventilation frequency, oxygen extraction, and oxygen consumption of undisturbed European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) were acquired during exposure to two algal species as well as hypoxia. Fourteen fish (258 ± 44 g) were initially exposed to severe hypoxia and left to recover for at least 48 h. Half of these fish were then exposed to known harmful concentrations of P. parvum (median ± standard deviation (SD); 2.6 × 105 ± 0.6 × 105 cells mL−1), while the remaining half were exposed to the non-toxic alga Rhodomonas salina (median ± SD; 3.2 × 105 ± 0.7 × 105 cells mL−1). During exposure to severe hypoxia, all of the fish were able to maintain oxygen consumption by increasing the ventilation volume. The results from fish that were exposed to P. parvum showed a significant decrease in oxygen extraction (median ± SD; 52.6 ± 6.9 percentage points) from pre-exposure to the end of the experiment, as opposed to fish exposed to R. salina, which were unaffected. These results indicate that suffocation affects the European plaice when exposed to P. parvum. The observed severe decrease in oxygen extraction can be ascribed to either damage of the gill epithelia or increased mucus secretion on the gills, as both would limit the transfer of oxygen, and both have been observed.
Social Reproduction at the End of Times: Jenni Fagan’s and John Burnside’s Degrowth Imaginaries
Authors: Introna Arianna
Published: May 2019

This article will explore how degrowth imaginaries inform the representation of social reproduction and environmental collapse in Jenni Fagan’s The Sunlight Pilgrims (2016) and John Burnside’s Havergey (2017). It will argue that the two novels deploy the trope of the end of times to frame the unravelling of the world-ecology that binds capital and nature together in the Capitalocene, according to Jason Moore. They suggest that this is what makes possible, and necessary, a re-organisation of social reproduction and of the patterns of energy consumption or generation with which this is entangled. The first part of this article will examine the metabolic rift with which The Sunlight Pilgrims and Havergey are concerned, while the second part will delineate the ways in which degrowth imaginaries frame the representation of reorganised forms of social (re-)production. Drawing on disability studies and situating The Sunlight Pilgrims and Havergey within the disciplinary framework of Scottish literature, I will continue to consider how Burnside’s and Fagan’s novels feature narratives of disability and the nation. These may come across as marginal to the plot but function as the foci through which the politics of the degrowth communities represented come to the fore.
Soil Moisture Monitoring in Iran by Implementing Satellite Data into the Root-Zone SMAR Model
Authors: Gheybi Fatemeh , Paridad Parivash , Faridani Farid , Farid Ali , Pizarro Alonso , Fiorentino Mauro , Manfreda Salvatore
Published: May 2019

Monitoring Surface Soil Moisture (SSM) and Root Zone Soil Moisture (RZSM) dynamics at the regional scale is of fundamental importance to many hydrological and ecological studies. This need becomes even more critical in arid and semi-arid regions, where there are a lack of in situ observations. In this regard, satellite-based Soil Moisture (SM) data is promising due to the temporal resolution of acquisitions and the spatial coverage of observations. Satellite-based SM products are only able to estimate moisture from the soil top layer; however, linking SSM with RZSM would provide valuable information on land surface-atmosphere interactions. In the present study, satellite-based SSM data from Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS), Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2), and Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) are first compared with the few available SM in situ observations, and are then coupled with the Soil Moisture Analytical Relationship (SMAR) model to estimate RZSM in Iran. The comparison between in situ SM observations and satellite data showed that the SMAP satellite products provide more accurate description of SSM with an average correlation coefficient (R) of 0.55, root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.078 m3 m−3 and a Bias of 0.033 m3 m−3. Thereafter, the SMAP satellite products were coupled with SMAR model, providing a description of the RZSM with performances that are strongly influenced by the misalignment between point and pixel processes measured in the preliminary comparison of SSM data.
Does Food Safety Risk Perception Affect the Public’s Trust in Their Government? An Empirical Study on a National Survey in China
Authors: Han Guanghua , Yan Simin
Published: May 2019

This paper studies the impacts of food safety risk perception on the different dimensions of governmental trust. A logistic regression model was constructed based on the multidimensional analysis of government trust (i.e., competence, benevolence and honesty) with food safety risk perception, economic growth, combating corruption, social trust, political participation and demographic characteristics as explanatory variables. The main findings are that respondents with low levels of food risk perception, high political participation and a positive evaluation of economic growth and anti-corruption performance show high levels of trust in government competence, benevolence and honesty. Social trust has a spillover effect, which has a significant impact on government competence and benevolence but has no significant impact on the honesty of the government, which reflects the distinction between different dimensions of the public’s trust in their government. Highly educated people have low levels of trust in government competence, high levels of trust in government benevolence, and no significant impact on the judgment of government honesty. In general, the public speak lowly of the status of food safety and have limited interest in political participation. The government is better to strengthen food safety supervision and develop social capital to further enhance the public’s governmental trust.
Associations of Neighborhood Walkability with Sedentary Time in Nigerian Older Adults
Authors: Oyeyemi Adewale L. , Kolo Sanda M. , Rufai Adamu A. , Oyeyemi Adetoyeje Y. , Omotara Babatunji A. , Sallis James F.
Published: May 2019

Previous studies have investigated the potential role of neighborhood walkability in reducing sedentary behavior. However, the majority of this research has been conducted in adults and Western developed countries. The purpose of the present study was to examine associations of neighborhood environmental attributes with sedentary time among older adults in Nigeria. Data from 353 randomly-selected community-dwelling older adults (60 years and above) in Maiduguri, Nigeria were analyzed. Perceived attributes of neighborhood environments and self-reported sedentary time were assessed using Nigerian-validated and reliable measures. Outcomes were weekly minutes of total sedentary time, minutes of sitting on a typical weekday, and minutes of sitting on a typical weekend day. In multivariate regression analyses, higher walkability index, proximity to destinations, access to services, traffic safety, and safety from crime were associated with less total sedentary time and sedentary time on both a weekday and a weekend day. Moderation analysis showed that only in men was higher walking infrastructure and safety found to be associated with less sedentary time, and higher street connectivity was associated with more sedentary time. The findings suggest that improving neighborhood walkability may be a mechanism for reducing sedentary time among older adults in Nigeria.
Local Alcohol Policy Implementation in Scotland: Understanding the Role of Accountability within Licensing
Authors: Wright Alex
Published: May 2019

Scotland has been ambitious in its policy and legislative efforts to tackle alcohol-related harm, efforts which include the innovative feature of a ‘public health objective’ within local alcohol licensing. However, the persistence of alcohol-related harms and inequalities requires further examination of both the overarching Scottish alcohol strategy and its specific implementation. A qualitative case study was undertaken to explore how alcohol policy is implemented locally in Scotland, with data generated from (i) documentary analysis of 12 relevant policies, legislation, and guidance documents; and (ii) a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 54 alcohol policy implementers in three Scottish localities and nine national-level stakeholders. The data suggest there is a tension between the intentions of licensing legislation and the way it is enacted in practice, and that accountability emerges as an important factor for understanding why this occurs. In particular, there are a lack of accountability mechanisms acting upon Scottish Licensing Boards to ensure they contribute to the public health goals of the Scottish alcohol strategy. From a public health perspective, this has perpetuated a system in which Licensing Boards continue to act with autonomy from the rest of the alcohol policy implementation system, creating a challenge to the achievement of public health goals. Alcohol policy in Scotland is likely to fall short of intended goals as long as the tension between licensing legislation and enacted licensing practices remains.
Susceptibility Profiles of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Deltamethrin Reveal a Contrast between the Northern and the Southern Benin
Authors: Tossou Eric , Tepa-Yotto Ghislain , Kpindou Ouorou K. Douro , Sandeu Ruth , Datinon Benjamin , Zeukeng Francis , Akoton Romaric , Tchigossou Généviève M. , Djègbè Innocent , Vontas John , Martin Thibaud , Wondji Charles , Tamò Manuele , Bokonon-Ganta Aimé H. , Djouaka Rousseau
Published: May 2019

Helicoverpa armigera is an indigenous species in Africa and has been reported in the destruction of several crops in Benin. Management of H. armigera pest is mainly focused on the use of synthetic pyrethroids, which may contribute to resistance selection. This study aimed to screen the susceptibility pattern of field populations of H. armigera to deltamethrin in Benin. Relevant information on the type of pesticides used by farmers were gathered through surveys. Collected samples of Helicoverpa (F0) were reared to F1. F0 were subjected to morphological speciation followed by a confirmation using restriction fragment length polymorphism coupled with a polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). F1 (larvae) were used for insecticide susceptibility with deltamethrin alone and in the presence of the P450 inhibitor Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO). Deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin were the most used pyrethroids in tomato and cotton farms respectively. All field-sampled Helicoverpa were found to be H. armigera. Susceptibility assays of H. armigera to deltamethrin revealed a high resistance pattern in cowpea (resistance factor (RF) = 2340), cotton (RF varying from 12 to 516) and tomato (RF=85) farms which is a concern for the control of this major polyphagous agricultural pest. There was a significant increase of mortality when deltamethrin insecticide was combined with piperonyl butoxide (PBO), suggesting the possible involvement of detoxification enzymes such as oxidase. This study highlights the presence of P450 induced metabolic resistance in H. armigera populations from diverse cropping systems in Benin. The recorded high levels of deltamethrin resistance in H. armigera is a concern for the control of this major agricultural pest in Benin as the country is currently embarking into economical expansion of cotton, vegetables and grain-legumes cropping systems.
A Nonlinear Inexact Two-Stage Management Model for Agricultural Water Allocation under Uncertainty Based on the Heihe River Water Diversion Plan
Authors: Zhang Chenglong , Yue Qiong , Guo Ping
Published: May 2019

In this study, a nonlinear inexact two-stage management (NITM) model is proposed for optimal agricultural irrigation water management problems under uncertainty conditions. The model is derived from incorporating interval parameter programming (IPP), two-stage stochastic programming (TSP) and quadratic programming (QP) within the agricultural water management model. This model simultaneously handles uncertainties not only in discrete intervals, but also in probability distributions, as well as nonlinearity in the objective function. A concept of the law of diminishing marginal utility is introduced to reflect the relationship between unit benefits and allocated water, which can overcome the limitation of general TSP framework with a linear objective function. Moreover, these inexact linear functions of allocated water can be obtained by an interval regression analysis method. The model is applied to a real-world case study for optimal irrigation water allocation in midstream area of the Heihe River Basin in northwest China. Two Heihe River ecological water diversion plans, i.e., the original plan and an improved plan, will be used to determine the surface water availabilities under different inflow levels. Four scenarios associated with different irrigation target settings are examined. The results show that the entire study system can arrive at a minimum marginal utility and obtain maximum system benefits when optimal irrigation water allocations are the deterministic values. Under the same inflow level, the improved plan leads to a lower water shortage level than that of the original plan, and thus leads to less system-failure risk level. Moreover, the growth rate of the upper bound of economic benefits between each of two scenarios based on the improved plan are greater than that from the original plan. Therefore, these obtained solutions can provide the basis of decision-making for agricultural water allocation under uncertainty.
Gastric Cancer Extracellular Vesicles Tune the Migration and Invasion of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Cells in a Histotype-Dependent Manner
Authors: Rocha Sara , Teles Sara Pinto , Azevedo Mafalda , Oliveira Patrícia , Carvalho Joana , Oliveira Carla
Published: May 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by tumor cells modulate recipient cells’ behavior, but their effects in normal cells from the tumor microenvironment remain poorly known. In this study, we dissected the functional impact of gastric cancer cell-derived EVs (GC-EVs), representative of distinct GC histotypes, on the behavior of normal isogenic epithelial and mesenchymal cells. GC-EVs were isolated by differential centrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and imaging flow-cytometry. Epithelial and mesenchymal cells were challenged with GC-EVs and submitted to proliferation, migration, and invasion assays. Expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers was followed by immunofluorescence and flow-cytometry. Our results indicated that GC-EVs secreted by diffuse-type cancer cells decrease the migration of recipient cells. This effect was more prominent and persistent for mesenchymal recipient cells, which also increased Fibronectin expression in response to EVs. GC-EVs secreted by cancer cells derived from tumors with an intestinal component increased invasion of recipient epithelial cells, without changes in EMT markers. In summary, this study demonstrated that GC-EVs modulate the migration and invasion of epithelial and mesenchymal cells from the tumor microenvironment, in a histotype-dependent manner, highlighting new features of intestinal and diffuse-type GC cells, which may help explaining differential metastasis patterns and aggressiveness of GC histotypes.
Effects of Long-Term Citrate Treatment in the PC3 Prostate Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Caiazza Carmen , D’Agostino Massimo , Passaro Fabiana , Faicchia Deriggio , Mallardo Massimo , Paladino Simona , Pierantoni Giovanna Maria , Tramontano Donatella
Published: May 2019

Acute administration of a high level of extracellular citrate displays an anti-proliferative effect on both in vitro and in vivo models. However, the long-term effect of citrate treatment has not been investigated yet. Here, we address this question in PC3 cells, a prostate-cancer-derived cell line. Acute administration of high levels of extracellular citrate impaired cell adhesion and inhibited the proliferation of PC3 cells, but surviving cells adapted to grow in the chronic presence of 20 mM citrate. Citrate-resistant PC3 cells are significantly less glycolytic than control cells. Moreover, they overexpress short-form, citrate-insensitive phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1) together with full-length PFK1. In addition, they show traits of mesenchymal-epithelial transition: an increase in E-cadherin and a decrease in vimentin. In comparison with PC3 cells, citrate-resistant cells display morphological changes that involve both microtubule and microfilament organization. This was accompanied by changes in homeostasis and the organization of intracellular organelles. Thus, the mitochondrial network appears fragmented, the Golgi complex is scattered, and the lysosomal compartment is enlarged. Interestingly, citrate-resistant cells produce less total ROS but accumulate more mitochondrial ROS than control cells. Consistently, in citrate-resistant cells, the autophagic pathway is upregulated, possibly sustaining their survival. In conclusion, chronic administration of citrate might select resistant cells, which could jeopardize the benefits of citrate anticancer treatment.
Thymoquinone-Induced Tristetraprolin Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis through Destabilization of MUC4 mRNA
Authors: Lee Se-Ra , Mun Jeong-Yeon , Jeong Mi-So , Lee Hyun-Hee , Roh Yun-Gil , Kim Won-Tae , Kim Min-Hye , Heo Jeonghoon , Choi Yung Hyun , Kim Su Jin , Cha Hee-Jae , Jun Mira , Leem Sun-Hee
Published: May 2019

Tristetraprolin (TTP), a well-characterized AU-rich element (ARE) binding protein, functions as a tumor suppressor gene. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a bioactive substance derived from a natural medicinal plant affects the induction of TTP and to elucidate its mechanism. We examined the effects of natural bioactive materials including Resveratrol (RSV), thymoquinone (TQ) and curcumin on the expression of TTP in cancer cell. TQ derived from a natural plant Nigella sativa increased the expression levels of TTP mRNA and proteins in a dose-dependent manner in gastric and breast cancer cells. TQ-induced TTP increased the instability of MUC4 mRNA by direct binding of TTP to ARE in the 3′UTR of MUC4 mRNA. The induction of TTP by TQ also reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells. The expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal (EMT)-related genes, which were target genes of TTP, was also decreased by the TQ treatment. In the in vivo experiments using mouse melanoma cells, TQ-induced TTP inhibited metastasis of tumor cells. We have found that TQ-induced TTP might inhibit metastasis by reducing tumor cell migration and invasion through destabilization of MUC4 mRNA, which suggest the MUC4 as a novel target to TTP.
Recent Progress in TRPM8 Modulation: An Update
Authors: González-Muñiz Rosario , Bonache M. Angeles , Martín-Escura Cristina , Gómez-Monterrey Isabel
Published: May 2019

The transient receptor potential melastatin subtype 8 (TRPM8) is a nonselective, multimodal ion channel, activated by low temperatures (<28 °C), pressure, and cooling compounds (menthol, icilin). Experimental evidences indicated a role of TRPM8 in cold thermal transduction, different life-threatening tumors, and other pathologies, including migraine, urinary tract dysfunction, dry eye disease, and obesity. Hence, the modulation of the TRPM8 channel could be essential in order to understand its implications in these pathologies and for therapeutic intervention. This short review will cover recent progress on the TRPM8 agonists and antagonists, describing newly reported chemotypes, and their application in the pharmacological characterization of TRPM8 in health and disease. The recently described structures of the TRPM8 channel alone or complexed with known agonists and PIP2 are also discussed.
Gastric Leptin and Tumorigenesis: Beyond Obesity
Authors: Inagaki-Ohara Kyoko
Published: May 2019

Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone and its receptor (ObR) expressed in the hypothalamus are well known as an essential regulator of appetite and energy expenditure. Obesity induces abundant leptin production, however, reduced sensitivity to leptin leads to the development of metabolic disorders, so called leptin resistance. The stomach has been identified as an organ that simultaneously expresses leptin and ObR. Accumulating evidence has shown gastric leptin to perform diverse functions, such as those in nutrient absorption and carcinogenesis in the gastrointestinal system, independent of its well-known role in appetite regulation and obesity. Overexpression of leptin and phosphorylated ObR is implicated in gastric cancer in humans and in murine model, and diet-induced obesity causes precancerous lesions in the stomach in mice. While the underlying pathomechanisms remain unclear, leptin signaling can affect gastric mucosal milieu. In this review, we focus on the significant role of the gastric leptin signaling in neoplasia and tumorigenesis in stomach in the context of hereditary and diet-induced obesity.
Enhanced Homing of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 to Injury Site in a Mouse Model of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Shahror Rami Ahmad , Ali Ahmed Atef Ahmed , Wu Chung-Che , Chiang Yung-Hsiao , Chen Kai-Yun
Published: May 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as a potential therapeutic intervention for brain injury due to their neuroprotective effects and safe profile. However, the homing ability of MSCs to injury sites still needs to be improved. Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) was recently reported to enhance cells migration in different cells type. In this study, we investigated whether MSCs that overexpressing FGF21 (MSC-FGF21) could exhibit enhanced homing efficacy in brain injury. We used novel Molday IONEverGreen™ (MIEG) as cell labeling probe that enables a non-invasive, high-sensitive and real-time MRI tracking. Using a mouse model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), MIEG labeled MSCs were transplanted into the contralateral lateral ventricle followed by real-time MRI tracking. FGF21 retained MSC abilities of proliferation and morphology. MSC-FGF21 showed significantly greater migration in transwell assay compared to control MSC. MIEG labeling showed no effects on MSCs’ viability, proliferation and differentiation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that FGF21 significantly enhances the homing of MSC toward injury site. Histological analysis further confirmed the MRI findings. Taken together, these results show that FGF21 overexpression and MIEG labeling of MSC enhances their homing abilities and enables non-invasive real time tracking of the transplanted cells, provides a promising approach for MSC based therapy and tracking in TBI.
Lipid Metabolism and Endocrine Resistance in Prostate Cancer, and New Opportunities for Therapy
Authors: Stoykova Gergana E. , Schlaepfer Isabel R.
Published: May 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men, and more than 10% of men will be diagnosed with PCa during their lifetime. Patients that are not cured with surgery or radiation are largely treated with endocrine therapies that target androgens or the androgen receptor (AR), a major driver of PCa. In response to androgen deprivation, most PCas progress to castrate resistant PCa, which is treated with anti-androgens like enzalutamide, but tumors still progress and become incurable. Thus, there is a critical need to identify cellular pathways that allow tumors to escape anti-androgen therapies. Epidemiological studies suggest that high-fat diets play important roles in PCa progression. Lipid metabolism rewires the PCa metabolome to support growth and resistance to endocrine therapies, although the exact mechanisms remain obscure. Therapeutic effects have been observed inhibiting several aspects of PCa lipid metabolism: Synthesis, uptake, and oxidation. Since AR remains a driver of PCa in advanced disease, strategies targeting both lipid metabolism and AR are starting to emerge, providing new opportunities to re-sensitize tumors to endocrine therapies with lipid metabolic approaches.