bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra- and interspecific analysis of first instar larval morphology in the genus Berberomeloe Bologna 1989 (Coleoptera: Meloidae)
Authors: SETTANNI CHIARA , GIULIO ANDREA Di , FINOIA MARIA GRAZIA , BOLOGNA MARCO A.
Published: July 2019

The first instar larva of Berberomeloe insignis (Charpentier, 1818) is described and figured for the first time and compared to that of B. majalis (Linnaeus, 1758). Diagnostic larval characters of the genus and of both species are identified. Morphometric data from different populations are analyzed statistically. Results support species differentiation and characters definition. Additionally, analyses also suggest that whereas B. majalis is structured in the Iberian Peninsula, there is a lack of differentiation between Iberian and North African populations.
Description of the bromeliad-dwelling final instar larva of Leptagrion andromache Hagen in Selys (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: MUZÓN JAVIER , MUÑOZ SOLEDAD WEIGEL , CAMPOS RAÚL
Published: July 2019

The Neotropical genus Leptagrion Selys is composed by 16 species, mainly distributed in northern and central South America (Costa & Garrison 2001; De Marmels & Garrison 2005; Lencioni 2006). Only phytotelmic habitats were recorded for its larvae, exclusively in bromeliads, e.g., Vriesia, Neoregelia, Quesnelia, Portea, Bilbergia, Canistrum, Aechmea (Santos 1966, 1968, 1978, 1979; Lounibos et al. 1987; Corbet 1999). However, no final stage larva of any species of Leptagrion has been described to date. De Marmels (1985) described that of L. fernandezianum Rácenis, but this species was transferred to the newly erected and related genus Bromeliagrion De Marmels in De Marmels & Garrison (De Marmels & Garrison 2005). In addition, Torreias et al. (2008) described the final instar larva of B. rehni Garrison from Guzmania bromeliads. Leptagrion andromache Hagen in Selys belongs to the porrectum species group and was previously recorded from Brazil (Espirito Santo) (Costa & Garrison 2001; Lencioni 2006). In this paper we describe the final instar larva of L. andromache based on reared specimens of both sexes collected in Misiones province, Argentina and we compare them with that of B. fernandezianum and B. rehni.
The Cycloneura Marshall group of genera in New Zealand (Diptera: Mycetophilidae: Leiini)
Authors: JASCHHOF MATHIAS , KALLWEIT UWE
Published: July 2019

The Cycloneura group of genera, as it is here defined, represents a significant component of the Leiini (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) in New Zealand. The group includes little known genera, such as Cawthronia Tonnoir & Edwards, Cycloneura Marshall, Paracycloneura Tonnoir & Edwards, Paradoxa Marshall and Sigmoleia Tonnoir & Edwards, which are reviewed, as well as two new genera, Tonnwardsia gen. n. and Waipapamyia gen. n., which are described here. The prominent feature of Cycloneura-like leiines is the peculiar course of the hind wing veins, CuA2 and A1. Typically, A1 approaches the sinuous course of CuA2, or the two veins even join each other, thereby forming a closed posterior cubital cell. In New Zealand the Cycloneura group is more speciose than previously thought. New species described in this paper are: Paracycloneura inopinata sp. n., Sigmoleia peterjohnsi sp. n., Sigmoleia separata sp. n., Sigmoleia similis sp. n., Waipapamyia dentata sp. n., Waipapamyia elongata sp. n., and Waipapamyia truncata sp. n. The New Zealand members of the Cycloneura group do not form a monophyletic group in themselves, but are variously related to extralimital taxa the majority of which is found in the southern Neotropics, South Africa, Australia, and New Caledonia. Possible relationships, with supporting arguments from adult morphology, are discussed.
A review of the genus Gargela Walker in China, with descriptions of ten new species (Lepidoptera: Crambidae, Crambinae)
Authors: SONG SHIMEI , CHEN FUQIANG , WU CHUNSHENG
Published: July 2019

The present paper reports twelve species of the genus Gargela Walker from China. Ten species are reported as new to science, named herein G. bilineata, G. distigma, G. hastatela, G. xizangensis, G. hainana, G. albidusa, G. quadrispinula, G. furca, G. fuscusa, G. minuta. The adults and genital structures of new species are described, with photographs of the adults and illustrations of genitalia. A key to the Chinese species, based on male specimens is provided.
Two new species of the genus Phobeticomyia from China (Diptera, Lauxaniidae)
Authors: SHI LI , LI WENLIANG , YANG DING
Published: July 2019

The following two species are described as new to science: Phobeticomyia digitiformis sp. nov. and Phobeticomyia uncinata sp. nov.. Phobeticomyia spinosa Sasakawa is newly recorded for China. A key to separate these species is presented.
A revision of the genera Acrosathe Irwin and Lyneborg, Arenigena Irwin and Lyneborg, and Litolinga Irwin and Lyneborg (Diptera: Therevidae: Therevinae) from the Nearctic Region
Authors: WEBB DONALD W.
Published: July 2019

The genus Acrosathe Irwin and Lyneborg is revised and includes six species from the Nearctic Region. Acrosathe falcata spec. nov. is new to science. Thereva novella Coquillett is found to be a junior synonym of Acrosathe vialis (Osten Sacken). The genus Arenigena Irwin and Lyneborg is revised and includes five species from the Nearctic Region. Arenigena albiseta spec. nov., Arenigena bajaensis spec. nov., and Arenigena floridensis spec. nov. are new to science. Psilocephala brunnea Kröber is found to be a junior synonym of Arenigena marcida (Coquillett). The genus Litolinga Irwin and Lyneborg is revised and includes two species from the Nearctic Region. Each species is described or redescribed with illustrations of their genitalia, a key to their identification, and a map of their distribution.
A review of the marine and brackish-water species of Testudinella (Rotifera: Monogononta, Testudinellidae), with the description of two new species
Authors: DE SMET WILLEM H.
Published: July 2019

Two new morphospecies of the rotifer genus Testudinella (Rotifera, Monogononta, Testudinellidae), T. bicorniculata sp. nov. and T. elongata sp. nov., are described from marine psammon collected in the Mediterranean. T. bicorniculata sp. nov. is characterized by two antero-lateral lorica projections; dorsal and ventral anterior margins undulate with shallow median sinus; foot opening sub-terminal, inverted U-shaped; distal foot pseudosegment short; fulcrum with proximal opening. T. elongata sp. nov. is characterized by its strongly elongate and striate lorica; dorsal anterior margin tri-lobed; ventral margin projecting, almost straight; foot opening sub-terminal, inverted U-shaped; distal foot pseudosegment long; fulcrum with proximal opening. The new species are related to T. obscura Althaus, 1957, which is redescribed. Brief descriptions of the external morphology and trophi, as well as biogeographical information are provided for the other Testudinella species reported from marine and brackish environments. T. pseudoclypeata Bērziņš, 1943 is synonymized with T. elliptica (Ehrenberg, 1834).
Chromaspirina guanabarensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Desmodoridae) and a new illustrated dichotomous key to Chromaspirina species
Authors: MARIA TATIANA FABRICIO , ESTEVES ANDRÉ MORGADO , SMOL NICOLE , VANREUSEL ANN , DECRAEMER WILFRIDA
Published: July 2019

A new species of Chromaspirina is described from Bica Beach, a polluted beach situated at Ilha do Governador, Guanabara Bay on the coast of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The new species belongs to the group of species within the genus which bears a poorly developed dorsal tooth. The new species is characterized by large body size, conoid tail shape, small acute dorsal tooth, long slender spicules with sclerotised hooked capitulum, and sexual dimorphism of the nonstriated part of the tail. A new illustrated dichotomous key to males of species of Chromaspirina is proposed.
Halichoeres sazimai, a new species of wrasse (Perciformes: Labridae) from the Western South Atlantic
Authors: LUIZ OSMAR J. , FERREIRA CARLOS E. L. , ROCHA LUIZ A.
Published: July 2019

Halichoeres sazimai, n. sp. is described from the Western South Atlantic. During many years it was misidentified as H. bathyphilus from the Northwestern Atlantic, but it can be distinguished from the latter by striking color differences between the two species, with H. sazimai being characterized by a white body with a midline, zigzag patterned stripe on body, black and brownish in terminal males and yellow or golden in females and juveniles. Preserved specimens can also be distinguished by the visible mid-body stripe in H. sazimai, which disappears in H. bathyphilus. Diagnostic differences in the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene separate H. sazimai from all other Western Atlantic labrids, with H. bathyphilus being its sister species. Individuals of H. sazimai were observed living on the deeper parts (20-40 m) of rocky reefs and sand bottoms, apparently associated with water temperatures lower than 18°C. This species is currently known from the southeastern and southern coasts of Brazil, from Espírito Santo to Santa Catarina States.
Four new troglophilous species of the genus Belisana Thorell, 1898 (Araneae, Pholcidae) from Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Chen HUI-MING , ZHANG FENG , ZHU MING-SHENG
Published: July 2019

Four new troglophilous, six-eyed pholcid spiders belonging to the genus Belisana from caves in Shuicheng County, Zhijing County, Xishui County and Yanhe Tujia Autonomic County, Guizhou, China, are diagnosed, described and illustrated: Belisana douqing sp. nov., B. daji sp. nov., B. xishui sp. nov., and B. yanhe sp. nov..
Recent discoveries of alien Watersipora (Bryozoa) in Western Europe, with redescriptions of species
Authors: RYLAND JOHN S. , DE BLAUWE HANS , LORD RICHARD , MACKIE JOSHUA A.
Published: July 2019

We report the introduction of the encrusting bryozoan Watersipora subtorquata to Atlantic coasts of Europe. This species is highly invasive, having become common on coastlines throughout cool-temperate areas of the world since the 1980s. Confusion exists over the identity of this and other Watersipora species, which lack characters that are conventionally used in bryozoan systematics. W. subtorquata has not been well distinguished from W. cucullata which, reports dating back to the mid 1800s suggest, is native to the Mediterranean Basin or represents an early shipping introduction. W. cucullata has been placed in synonymy with W. subovoidea, a taxon lacking a holotype. We designate a neotype for W. subovoidea, recognizing its conspecificity with W. cucullata, and demonstrate a simple morphometric means of separating this species from W. subtorquata using zooid feature ratios (operculum area versus total frontal shield). An orange watersiporid population that was first recognized in Guernsey, in the European-Atlantic, in 2007, is shown by morphometric and mitochondrial genetic analysis to match W. subtorquata. It contains the commonest, widely introduced COI haplotype that, along with other evidence, suggests recent transfer via shipping traffic to Europe. A second population (previously referred alternatively to W. aterrima or W. subovoidea) has been reported from Brittany and Bordeaux (Atlantic coastline, France). This population is also aligned with W. subtorquata based on morphometrics and COI haplotype. In contrast to the Guernsey introduction, the earlier French-Atlantic introduction appears related to oyster imports from Japan.
Austrokatanga, gen. nov., new genus of Ectrichodiinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Australia
Authors: WEIRAUCH CHRISTIANE , RABITSCH WOLFGANG , REDEI DAVID
Published: July 2019

A new genus and one new species of Ectrichodiinae are described from Australia. Austrokatanga monteithi, n.gen., n.sp., is distinct from other Ectrichodiinae by a combination of characters including the cylindrical shape of the head, aptery in both sexes, armature of legs, and armature of abdominal sternites in the male. The species is highly polymorphic and shows considerable sexual dimorphism. Digital macrophotographs, scanning electron micrographs, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided.
Review of the oriental Issid genus Tetricodes Fennah (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Issidae) with the description of one new species
Authors: ZHANG ZHENGGUANG , CHEN XIANGSHENG
Published: July 2019

Species in the genus Tetricodes Fennah, 1956 (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Issidae: Parahiraciini) are reviewed. The genus consists of two species: T. polyphemus Fennah, 1956 and T. songae Zhang & Chen, sp. nov.. The male of T. polyphemus Fennah, collected from Leigongshan National Natural Reserve, Leishan, Guizhou Province, and Pianma, Lushui, Yunnan Province, is reported and described for the first time. The generic characteristics are redefined. The main morphological characters and male genitalia of the two species are described, or redescribed, and illustrated. A key to species in the genus is provided.
New species of Metatrichia Coquillett (Diptera: Scenopinidae) from Australia and Venezuela
Authors: WINTERTON SHAUN L. , WOODLEY NORMAN E.
Published: July 2019

Two new species of the cosmopolitan genus Metatrichia Coquillett are described. Metatrichia dhimurru sp. nov. is described from Arnhem Land (Northern Territory), Australia and represents the third species of the genus to be described from the Australasian region. Metatrichia venezuelensis sp. nov. from Venezuela is the third extant species of the genus to be described from the New World.
Abrotoxyela gen. nov. (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Xyelidae) from the Middle Jurassic of Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: GAO TAIPING , REN DONG , SHIH CHUNGKUN
Published: July 2019

Abrotoxyela gen. nov. of Xyelidae and Abrotoxyela lepida sp. nov. and Abrotoxyela multiciliata sp. nov. are described from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou Village, Inner Mongolia, China. The new genus is established on basis of the triple-branched vein Sc of the fore wing with first branch intersecting C at nearly 1/4 of its length; Sc terminates at C distal to the origin of Rs; and basal section of Rs approximately as long as that of M.
Two new species of Borboropora Kraatz from Mexico (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: DELGADO LEONARDO , SANTIAGO-JIMÉNEZ QUIYARI J.
Published: July 2019

Borboropora pseudoquadriceps Delgado & Santiago-Jiménez, sp. nov., and B. mixe Delgado & Santiago-Jiménez, sp. nov., are described and illustrated. Both species represent the first record of the genus from Mexico. Diagnostic characters of this genus are discussed. A key to the New World species of this genus is also included.
New species of Ptychozoon (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from the Nicobar Archipelago, Indian Ocean
Authors: DAS INDRANEIL , VIJAYAKUMAR S. P.
Published: July 2019

A new species of Ptychozoon is described from the central portion of the Nicobar Archipelago, Bay of Bengal, India. It has been formerly referred to P. kuhli, a species widely distributed in Sundaland. Ptychozoon nicobarensis sp. nov. reaches an SVL of 100.3 mm, and is diagnosable from congeneric species in showing the following combination of characters: dorsum with a tan vertebral stripe, lacking dark transverse bars; supranasals in contact; cutaneous expansions on sides of head; absence of predigital notch in preantebrachial cutaneous expansion; imbricate parachute support scales; four irregular rows of low, rounded enlarged scales on dorsum; 20–29 scales across widest portion of tail terminus; three indistinct chevrons on dorsum; 7–11 pairs of preanal pores; femoral pores absent; tail with an expanded terminal flap and weak lobe fusion at proximal border of tail terminus. The curious distribution of the new species, centred around the central Nicobars is speculated to be the result of competition with and/or predation by large gekkonid species, to the north (Gekko verreauxi) and south (G. smithii) of the group of islands occupied by the new Ptychozoon from the central Nicobars.
Tardigrades from northwestern Patagonia (Neuquén Province, Argentina) with the description of three new species
Authors: ROSSI GUSTAVO , CLAPS MARIA , ARDOHAIN DIEGO
Published: July 2019

Fifteen moss and lichen samples collected in localities of the Neuquén province, Argentina, contained tardigrades and their eggs. Eighteen species were found, three being new to science: Macrobiotus neuquensis sp. nov., Macrobiotus tehuelchensis sp. nov., and Minibiotus claxtonae sp. nov. Macrobiotus neuquensis sp. nov. can be differentiated from the other species of the harmsworthi group by the presence of a cuticular bar and a refractile zone in the first three pairs of legs. Also the characteristics of the eggs such as the shape and distribution of processes allow a distinction from other species. Macrobiotus tehuelchensis sp. nov. differs from other similar species by the measurements of some structures of the buccal apparatus and the characteristics of the eggs (the shape of the processes). Minibiotus claxtonae sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of three macroplacoids, a microplacoid, and cuticular pores arranged in transverse bands. The new species of Minibiotus is distinguished from other species of the genus by the distribution and shape of the pores (round and star shaped), presence of granulation on the legs, and some characteristics of the eggs (e.g., the absence of a membrane and the shape of the processes).
A redescription of Polystoma africanum Szidat, 1932 (Monogenea: Polystomatidae)
Authors: AISIEN MARTINS S. O. , PREEZ LOUIS H. DU
Published: July 2019

Polystoma africanum was originally described from a single specimen recovered from the common African toad, Amietophrynus regularis. The parasite has also been reported from the Angola river frog, Amietia angolensis, in Ethiopia; the Mascarene ridged frog, Ptychadena mascareniensis, in Uganda; and Ptychadena sp. in Zaire. One of the characters ascribed to this species was the lack of caecal anastomoses. Based on this and other characteristics, other polystomes from frog species like Pty. mascareniensis have been identified as P. africanum. A large collection of parasite specimens retrieved from A. regularis collected in Nigeria allowed a thorough re-examination of the species. A good proportion of the specimens (37%) correspond closely with the type in lacking intercaecal anastomoses. Other specimens showed considerable variation in this regard by possessing one to four intercaecal anastomoses. An unusual feature observed in several specimens is where two adjacent medial diverticula on one side join to form a loop. The type specimen also has a loop. The handle and guard of the hamuli are well separated, as in the type specimen from Liberia, and in other specimens from A. regularis (syn. Bufo regularis) in Uganda. The mean hamuli length of 388μm is close to the 370μm recorded for the type species, but this value is considerably smaller than the 459μm recorded for the specimens from Pty. mascareniensis in Uganda. On the basis of the aforementioned and invoking strict host specificity, we conclude that P. africanum is exclusively parasitic in A. regularis, and that the polystomes retrieved from Pty. mascareniensis from Uganda and a Ptychadena sp. from Zaire are most likely Polystoma pricei. The materials from A. angolensis most likely represent another species.
Public online databases as a tool of collaborative taxonomy: a case study on subteranean amphipods
Authors: FIŠER CENE , SKET BORIS , TURJAK MARTIN , TRONTELJ PETER
Published: July 2019

Public databases are a promising tool for collaborative taxonomy. A collaborative revision requires a number of decisions, which – unlike in individual work – need to be clarified in advance. The success of such initiatives depends on acceptable guidelines for possible-yet-unknown participants. The nature of morphological variation constrains the scope of this kind of taxonomy to a level of single genera or families. The database should contain information also on sub and infra-subspecific taxa in order to preserve their identity and retain full knowledge of morphological diversity. All information on morphological variation to be included in the open-access database needs to be subject to peer-review, e.g. in the form of species descriptions. We expect the Web-accessed morphological databases to centralize and unify scattered taxonomical efforts, to foster taxonomy of difficult taxa, to provide free identification aids, and to condense the publication-citation cycle in the notoriously undercited field of alpha taxonomy. Specific issues are illustrated by the case of the amphipod family Niphargidae (http://niphargus.info/).
A new species of Depressizona and the family rank of Depressizonidae
Authors: GEIGER DANIEL L.
Published: July 2019

The microscopic scissurellids are being currently revised; scissurellids is used here for the small Vetigastropoda formerly classified in Scissurelloidea, but which has been shown to be a polyphyletic assemblage (e.g., Geiger 2008, Geiger & Thacker 2005). Geiger (2003) presented an overview, where the new monotypic subfamily, genus, and species were introduced: Depressizoninae with Depressizona exorum Geiger, 2003. Here a second species in the genus is described, which also helps to justify the family-level rank of the group.
Diversity of Siphonophora (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) in the Western Caribbean Sea: new records from deep-water trawls
Authors: GASCA REBECA
Published: July 2019

Siphonophores are one of the least known gelatinous zooplankters in the tropical waters of the Northwestern Atlantic. Most of the regional knowledge about their diversity and distribution is based on surface samples (0–200 m). Siphonophores were collected from oceanic waters off the Mexican Caribbean across an expanded sampling range (0–940 m) during two cruises and were taxonomically examined. A total of 47 siphonophore species were recorded, of these, 14 had not been found in this sector of the Caribbean Sea and 10 represent new records for the Caribbean Basin. The number of species currently known from the western Caribbean is increased from 42 to 56. Some of these species also represent new records for the Northwestern Tropical Atlantic region. The greatest relative increase was observed among species of Lensia, five of which are exclusively deep-living forms dwelling below 300 m. A revised, expanded checklist of the siphonophores of the Western Caribbean is also provided. These results confirm the need of further deep sampling to increase our understanding of Caribbean siphonophore diversity.
Principals’ Perceptions of Transformed School Counselors
Authors: Lawrence Ashley , Stone Carolyn
Published: July 2019

This study investigated the relationship between the Transformed School Counseling (TSC) initiative counselor educator programs, the perceptions of school principals hiring TSC-prepared school counselors, and factors affecting principal’s hiring practices. Results indicated that principal’s value TSC candidates because they: (a) have effective principal-counselor relationships that positively affect students, (b) exemplify leadership qualities, (c) align their work with the mission of the school, (d) have strong communication skills, and (e) do not require additional training.
Mounting media pressure: Push and pull forces influencing agendas, resource allocation and decision-making in public bureaucracies
Authors: Figenschou Tine Ustad , Karlsen Rune , Kolltveit Kristoffer , Schillemans Thomas
Published: July 2019

Decision-making in public bureaucracies should be guided by rules and formal procedures, securing predictability, impartiality and fair decisions. Studies show that public bureaucracies are highly mediatised – but knowledge about media impact on political outcomes is scarce. In this article, we study if, how and why media affect agendas, resource allocation and case decisions within public bureaucracies. Empirically, we apply a mixed method approach to the case of Norway, utilising a comprehensive survey among civil servants in ministries and agencies, as well as in-depth interviews with civil servants and political leaders. The results clearly support the notion that media can influence agendas, resource allocation and decision-making in ministries and agencies. When media pressure and broad public support build up, action is particularly taken when the issues are deemed important by political actors, suggesting that both push and pull forces are involved when media influence public bureaucracies.
Random field generation of the material properties in the lattice discrete element method
Authors: Puglia Vicente Bergamini , Kosteski Luis Eduardo , Riera Jorge Daniel , Iturrioz Ignacio
Published: July 2019

The lattice discrete element method has been successfully used to simulate the evolution of damage in structural mechanics. The approach has led to new perspectives in the solution of fracture problems in nonhomogeneous materials. For such purpose, it is necessary to introduce correctly the parameters that characterize the random nature of the material. In this article, the fracture toughness of the material is considered a three-dimensional random field, characterized by a probability density and the spatial distribution of the simulated random field which is governed by the correlation length. The methodology used to separate the random field simulated from the discretization level used is depicted in detail. Examples are shown that verify the objectivity of the results obtained respecting the discretization levels. Finally, the article concludes by emphasizing the relevance of this implementation in the damage simulation process in the so-called heterogeneous materials.
High-frequency operation of pulsatile ventricular assist devices: A computational study on circular and elliptically shaped pumps
Authors: Loosli Christian , Rupp Stephan , Thamsen Bente , Rebholz Mathias , Kress Gerald , Meboldt Mirko , Ermanni Paolo
Published: July 2019

Pulsatile positive displacement pumps as ventricular assist devices were gradually replaced by rotary devices due to their large volume and high adverse event rates. Nevertheless, pulsatile ventricular assist devices might be beneficial with regard to gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiac recovery. Therefore, aim of this study was to investigate the flow field in new pulsatile ventricular assist devices concepts with an increased pump frequency, which would allow lower stroke volumes to reduce the pump size. We developed a novel elliptically shaped pulsatile ventricular assist devices, which we compared to a design based on a circular shape. The pump size was adjusted to deliver similar flow rates at pump frequencies of 80, 160, and 240 bpm. Through a computational fluid dynamics study, we investigated flow patterns, residence times, and wall shear stresses for different frequencies and pump sizes. A pump size reduction by almost 50% is possible when using a threefold pump frequency. We show that flow patterns inside the circular pump are frequency dependent, while they remain similar for the elliptic pump. With slightly increased wall shear stresses for higher frequencies, maximum wall shear stresses on the pump housing are higher for the circular design (42.2 Pa vs 18.4 Pa). The calculated blood residence times within the pump decrease significantly with increasing pump rates. A smaller pump size leads to a slight increase of wall shear stresses and a significant improvement of residence times. Hence, high-frequency operation of pulsatile ventricular assist devices, especially in combination with an elliptical shape, might be a feasible mean to reduce the size, without any expectable disadvantages in terms of hemocompatibility.
Successful application of CytoSorb® hemadsorption in an immunocompromised teenager with collapsing glomerulopathy, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and sepsis
Authors: Keles Elif , Fidan Kibriya , Yenicesu Idil , Kalkan Gokhan
Published: July 2019

Objective:

CytoSorb® hemadsorption is an adjunctive therapy in order to reduce elevated cytokine levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Here we present a successful administration of CytoSorb® hemadsorption in an immunocompromised pediatric patient with collapsing glomerulopathy, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and sepsis.

Data sources:

Clinical observations of one patient.

Study selection:

Case report.

Data extraction:

Data sources are clinical observation during patient management and patient’s medical records if needed. The patient’s consent was obtained prior to the study.

Data synthesis:

A 17-year-old male with diarrhea was admitted to the hospital and was later found to have elevated creatinine levels and proteinuria. The renal biopsy was consistent with collapsing glomerulopathy and treatment with multi immunosuppressive agents including corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil, and rituximab coupled with several courses of hemodialysis and plasmapheresis were administered. During the hospital stay, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremia from the blood and the catheter cultures were identified. No clinical response was achieved, and patient developed severe sepsis despite antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin, and supportive management including albumin, platelet and erythrocyte concentrations, and fresh frozen plasma. CytoSorb® hemadsorption was then added to the ongoing treatment for three consecutive days. Subsequent to CytoSorb® hemadsorption, immediate laboratory and clinical response were observed.

Conclusion:

This is the successful clinical report of an immunocompromised teenager with collapsing nephropathy, sepsis, and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome treated with a combination of renal replacement therapy and CytoSorb® hemadsorption. The usage of CytoSorb® hemadsorption represents a novel approach to improve survival of the patients with multiple organ dysfunction and sepsis.
A novel adaptive and fast deep convolutional neural network for bearing fault diagnosis under different working conditions
Authors: Xu Kun , Li Shunming , Wang Jinrui , An Zenghui , Xin Yu
Published: July 2019

Deep learning method is gradually applied in the field of mechanical equipment fault diagnosis because it can learn complex and useful features automatically from the vibration signals. Among the many intelligent diagnostic models, convolutional neural network has been gradually applied to intelligent fault diagnosis of bearings due to its advantages of local connection and weight sharing. However, there are still some drawbacks. (1) The training process of convolutional neural network is slow and unstable. It has more training parameters. (2) It cannot perform well under different working conditions, such as noisy environment and different workloads. In this paper, a novel model named adaptive and fast convolutional neural network with wide receptive field is presented to overcome the aforementioned deficiencies. The prime innovations include the following. First, a deep convolutional neural network architecture is constructed using the scaled exponential linear unit activation function and global average pooling. The model has fewer training parameters and can converge rapidly and stably. Second, the model has a wide receptive field with two medium and three small length convolutional kernels. It also has high diagnostic accuracy and robustness when the environment is noisy and workloads are changed compared with other models. Furthermore, to demonstrate how the wide receptive field convolutional neural network model works, the reasons for high model performance are analyzed and the learned features are also visualized. Finally, the wide receptive field convolutional neural network model is verified by the vibration dataset collected in the background of high noise, and the results indicate that it has high diagnostic performance.
New aspects of the trabecular bone remodeling regulatory model resulting from the shape optimization studies
Authors: Nowak Michał , Sokołowski Jan , Żochowski Antoni
Published: July 2019

The trabecular bone can adapt its form to mechanical loads and form structures that are both lightweight and very stiff. In this sense, it is a problem similar to structural optimization, especially topology optimization. The natural phenomenon leading to mechanical optimization of the bone structures is called trabecular bone remodeling. The main assumption and the benchmark for the numerical models of the phenomenon is the observation that the strain energy density on the structural surface is constant. This constant value corresponds to the homeostatic strain energy density, the state of bone tissue with a perfect balance of the loss, and gain of the bone mass. We assumed that the trabecular bone can form an optimal structure. The idea behind the investigation is to carry out studies on the ground of mechanics and to interpret clinical observations in the context of the results obtained from the optimization studies. In this way, clinical observations have been confirmed by strict arguments based on mechanics, leading to the unequivocal conclusion that equalization of the strain energy density on the trabecular bone surface allows minimizing the strain energy in the whole structure of the bone. This proves the veracity of the assumption that the remodeling process leads to the formation of the structure with the highest stiffness. In addition, this article elaborates on two new aspects of the remodeling phenomenon resulting directly from the considerations in the field of shape optimization important for numerical simulation. The first one concerns the influence of surface curvature on the remodeling process. The second one concerns the role of the bone surface where different loads are analyzed. Both aspects show the need of actual trabecular bone geometry model for the simulation of the trabecular bone remodeling phenomenon.
3′ untranslated region A>C (rs3212227) polymorphism of Interleukin 12B gene as a potential risk factor for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Brazilian children and adolescents
Authors: Silva de Oliveira Bárbara , Correia Nunes Amanda A , de Barros Ferreira Thiago , de Lima Luísa Priscilla Oliveira , Morais Adriana , Hassan Rocio , Dellalibera Edileine , de Mendonça Cavalcanti Maria do Socorro , Muniz Maria Tereza Cartaxo
Published: July 2019

Interleukin 12 plays an important role in immunoregulation between the T helper 1/T helper 2 lymphocytes and in the antiviral and antitumor immune response. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between the interleukin 12B polymorphism rs3212227 and the risk to develop Hodgkin’s lymphoma in childhood and adolescents. A total of 100 patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a group of 181 healthy controls were selected at random from a forensic laboratory of the University of Pernambuco. The AA genotype was detected in the controls (53.04%) and the AC genotype was found in the patients (54%). The AC genotype showed an association with the development of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (odds ratio = 2.091, 95% confidence interval = 1.240–3.523, p = 0.007). When AC + CC genotypes were analyzed together, an increase in risk of 1.9 times more chances for HL development could be observed (odds ratio = 1.923, 95% confidence interval = 1.166–3.170, p = 0.014). However, there was no association between the AC and CC genotypes of the interleukin 12B polymorphism with the clinical risk group (p = 0.992, p = 0.648, respectively). Our results suggest that the presence of the C allele may be contributing to the development of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in children and adolescents.
An Examination of Differential Item Functioning in a Rubric to Assess Solo Music Performance
Authors: Wesolowski Brian C.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine differential item functioning (DIF) in a rubric used to assess middle-school solo and ensemble performances. This study was guided by the following research questions: (a) does measurement equivalence for all items exist when used to measure subgroups of students based on their musical instrument? (b) what patterns of differential item functioning effects exist for items when used to measure subgroups of students based on their musical instrument? and (c) what size of differential item functioning effects exists for items when used to measure subgroups of students based on their musical instrument? In total, 17 adjudicators evaluated 138 middle-school instrumental students (ages 11–13) in the context of a live, formal solo and ensemble performance assessment. Using the Many Facets Rasch Partial Credit measurement model, measurement equivalence for all items did not exist when used to measure subgroups of students based on their musical instrument ([Formula: see text]2 (252) = 634.00, p < .01). Of the 252 total pairwise interactions examined between items and instruments, 57 (22.62%) significant interaction terms were identified. Overall, 26 (10.3%) significant interaction terms demonstrated a moderate to large effect (|DIF| >/= .63 logits), nine (3.6%) significant interaction terms demonstrated a slight to moderate effect (|DIF| = (.43, .63 logits)), and 22 (8.7%) significant interaction terms demonstrated a negligible effect (|DIF| < .43 logits). Implications for the fairness of music performance assessments and improved assessment protocols are discussed.
A finite element framework for a shape memory alloy actuated finger
Authors: Simone Filomena , Rizzello Gianluca , Seelecke Stefan
Published: July 2019

This article presents on finite element modeling of an artificial finger driven by shape memory alloy wires. These alloys appear as a promising transduction technology, due to their inherently high energy density which makes them a good choice for compact, lightweight, and silent actuator systems with many applications in the robotic field, ranging from industrial to biomedical ones. However, the complex nonlinear and hysteretic behavior of the material makes it difficult to accurately model and design shape memory alloy–actuated systems. The problem is even more challenging when shape memory alloys are used as actuators in articulated structures, adding complex kinematics and contact situations to the picture. In this article, a finite element model is developed to describe the behavior of a finger prototype, in which a bundle of shape memory alloy wires works against an extension spring. The commercially available software COMSOL is used for implementing the coupling and contact issues between the finger structure and the shape memory alloy wires. To describe the shape memory alloy material behavior, a COMSOL implementation of the Müller–Achenbach–Seelecke model is presented. By means of different experiments, it is demonstrated how the model predicts the prototype behavior in relation to different power stimuli and actuator geometries.
Large elastic deformation of micromorphic shells. Part I: Variational formulation
Authors: Norouzzadeh Amir , Ansari Reza , Darvizeh Mansour
Published: July 2019

We aimed to study the static deformation of geometrically nonlinear shell-type structures on the basis of micromorphic theory. Employing the most comprehensive model in the micro-continuum field, shells in low-dimensions and made of inhomogeneous materials are precisely investigated. The seven-parameter two-dimensional (2D) kinematic model is used which satisfies three-dimensional (3D) constitutive relations and represents the macro-deformation components in mid-surface area of the shell. Also, in the framework of micromorphic continua with three deformable director vectors, nine micro-deformation degrees of freedom, including micro-scale rotations, shears and stretches, are taken into account. Utilizing the energy approach in the convected curvilinear coordinate system leads to the general derivation of the variational formulations in Lagrangian description. High-order stress–strain relations are obtained via introducing the size-dependent as well as size-independent elasticity tensors for the isotropic micromorphic solid. Finally, an equivalent matrix–vector form of representation is proposed to facilitate the solution procedure of the extracted tensor-based formulation. Determining the kinetic and kinematic fields in terms of 16 macro and micro-deformation components, provides the opportunity to directly implement the interpolation-based solution methodologies, such as the finite element isogeometric analysis presented in Part II of this study. Two parts of the article, that are organized to be independent, contribute to the literature respectively from theoretical and computational perspectives.
The absence of great power responsibility in global environmental politics
Authors: Bernstein Steven
Published: July 2019

Great powers routinely face demands to take on special responsibilities to address major concerns in global affairs, and often gain special rights for doing so. These areas include peace and security, global economic management, development, and egregious violations of human rights. Despite the rise in the importance and centrality of global environmental concerns, especially climate change and issues covered by the new Sustainable Development Goals, norms or institutions that demand or recognize great power responsibility are notably absent. This absence is puzzling given expectations in several major strands of International Relations theory, including the English School, realism, liberalism, and constructivism. Drawing on the reasoning behind these expectations, the absence of great power responsibility can be explained by a lack of congruence between systemic and environmental “great powers,” weak empirical links between action on the environment and the maintenance of international order, and no link to special rights. Instead, the institutionalized distribution of environmental responsibilities arose out of North–South conflict and has eroded over time, becoming more diffuse and decentered from ideas of state responsibility. These findings suggest a need to rethink the relationship among great powers and special rights and responsibilities regarding the environment, as well as other new issues of systemic importance.
A comparison of writing tasks in ESL writing and first-year composition courses: A case study of one US university
Authors: Lee Jooyoung
Published: July 2019

Many international students in American universities are required to take writing courses in English as a second language (ESL) before participating in a mainstream first-year composition (FYC) course. Given that the goal of ESL writing course is to prepare students for FYC course, the connection between ESL and FYC courses is significant. This study investigates the correspondence of two such courses in terms of writing tasks based on the analysis of course syllabi, assignment sheets, and interviews with eight ESL course and 10 FYC instructors as well as 26 international students who are from diverse countries and took both composition courses. The findings suggest that students’ assignments from both courses are all essays in terms of genre, but show differences with regard to the text’s purpose, audience, information source, topic, and rhetorical function. Students are also aware of such similarities and differences, but occasionally demonstrate less sophisticated or inaccurate understanding of the assignments. Pedagogical implications for modifying the writing assignments in ESL courses to fit the expectations of FYC courses are discussed.
Making an expert: Sources and their contributions in news coverage of orthorexia nervosa
Authors: Ross Arguedas Amy A
Published: July 2019

In 1997, Steven Bratman, a physician specializing in alternative medicine, proposed he had identified a new eating disorder, a pathological fixation with healthy eating. Soon after, orthorexia nervosa, as he called it, began appearing in newspapers – long before it did in scientific venues. Using a mixed-methods analysis of 492 articles published between 1998 and 2016, I examine the various actors who have participated in orthorexia coverage, including those who were assigned expertise on the unofficial diagnosis. The findings demonstrate a variety of credentialed and non-credentialed sources contributed to media coverage in different ways. Experts in mental illness appeared less often than other healthcare providers, including Bratman and dietitians. Based on the findings, I argue for a more nuanced understanding of expertise to better evaluate source selection in medical journalism and propose a typology that considers both the nature of the claims and the qualifications of the person making them. I conclude with several hypotheses about news coverage of novel conditions undergoing biomedicalization.
The paradox of citizenship education in early years (and beyond): The case of education to fundamental British values
Authors: Farini Federico
Published: July 2019

In April 2015, the Early Years Inspection Handbook instructed inspectors to make a judgement on the effectiveness of leadership and management to actively promote British values in the settings. This contribution discusses the paradoxical position of fundamental British values within the cultures of education underpinning the curricular framework for early years education in England, the early years foundation stage. The introduction of education to fundamental British values as a statutory requirement for early years settings will be discussed within its historical background, linked to the arduous journey of citizenship education to its inclusion in English curricula. This historical review aims to position education to fundamental British values in early years within a much broader cultural process within education, towards the reconceptualisation of the citizenship as one of the outcomes of successful educational planning. Having positioned education to fundamental British values in early years in a powerful cultural movement within the education system, this contribution will interrogate the Early Years Inspection Handbook, early years foundation stage and other education policies via the methodology of document analysis. The aim of the analytical procedure is to explore the intersection between education to fundamental British values and the cultures of education in the early years foundation stage, to advance an assessment of the possibilities and implication of the inclusion of citizenship as an object of early years education. Such assessment suggests that the concept of child-initiated pedagogy introduced in the early years foundation stage has the potential to address children’s meanings and experience of citizenship as practised and experienced, with obvious implication for the empowerment of children’s agency. However, this requires the support of a pedagogy and analysis allowing children and young people to develop skills for critical thinking and political change.
Examining the concept of well-being and early childhood: Adopting multi-disciplinary perspectives
Authors: Lewis Alyson
Published: July 2019

Well-being is generally acknowledged as a complex concept, and leading discourses are rooted in disciplines such as philosophy, psychology and economics. Despite a wealth of theoretical explanations, child well-being is largely under-theorised. Some argue it is unlikely that philosophical discourses of well-being will straightforwardly be extended to children because they were not originally written with them in mind. Therefore, this article first examines dimensions, domains and discourses of well-being and summarises the discussion with a conceptual framework in order to provide clarity about a complex concept. Second, the article discusses current research about the meaning of child well-being and finds that while there are different terms in use, many discourses are similar in nature. Third, the article shows how knowledge and understanding of early childhood relates to various well-being discourses and suggests that a theory of child well-being may not be needed. The article highlights the new development emerging between psychology, economics and sociology and concludes by discussing the value of adopting multi-disciplinary perspectives of well-being. The article is useful for policy-makers, practitioners and researchers in understanding the complex nature of well-being, particularly in the context of early childhood education.