bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New records of Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea) from Mexico
Authors: GONZÁLEZ–MORENO ALEJANDRA , BORDERA SANTIAGO
Published: February 2019

A total of 55 first records of Ichneumonidae are reported from Mexico, raising the total number of known species from Mexico to 1,115. Two genera, Picrostigeus and Paraphylax, are reported for the first time from the Neotropical Region. Material was collected over a one year period by Malaise traps in three habitats; dry forest, savannah and coastal dune scrubland in the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yucatán, Southeast Mexico. A total of 1,302 individuals of Ichneumonidae are included in this paper. 45 species (81%) of the new records have a Neotropical distribution; seven species (12%) have been reported previously only from the Nearctic; and one species (2%) are recorded from both the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Most species have a higher abundance in the rainy season, and the dry forest habitat provided more new records than the other habitats.
A new species of Hedya Hübner from Iran with proposed rearrangement of some species currently assigned to Metendothenia Diakonoff (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: ALIPANAH HELEN , BAIXERAS JOAQUÍN
Published: February 2019

Hedya tritofa, new species, is described and illustrated based on eleven males and five females collected in northern Iran (Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces). Morphology and diagnostic characters of Hedya Hübner, 1825, Metendothenia Diakonoff, 1973, the Olethreutes group of genera, and the Neopotamia group of genera are discussed. We propose the resurrection of the combinations Hedya atropunctana (Zetterstedt, 1840), revised status, and H. separatana (Kearfott, 1907), revised status, and the new combination H. inouei (Kawabe, 1987).
Morphological, bioacoustical, and genetic variation in Miniopterus bats from eastern Madagascar, with the description of a new species
Authors: GOODMAN STEVEN M. , RAMASINDRAZANA BEZA , MAMINIRINA CLAUDETTE P. , SCHOEMAN M. CORRIE , APPLETON BELINDA
Published: February 2019

Recent molecular genetic work, combined with morphological comparisons, of Malagasy members of the bat genus Miniopterus (Family Miniopteridae), has revealed several cryptic species. Based on new specimens and associated tissues, we examine patterns of variation in the recently described species M. petersoni, the holotype of which comes from extreme southeastern Madagascar, and for which specimens from more northerly portions of eastern Madagascar were noted to show some morphological divergence from typical M. petersoni. On the basis of morphological and genetic (cytochrome b) characters we described a new species, M. egeri sp. nov. This taxon also shows bioacoustical differences from M. petersoni. Miniopterus egeri is widely distributed in the eastern portion of Madagascar across an elevational range from near sea level to 550 m. The specific status of moderately small Miniopterus from Montagne d’Ambre in the far north remains to be determined.
Taxonomic identity of the patagonian frog Atelognathus jeinimenensis (Anura: Neobatrachia) as revealed by molecular and morphometric evidence
Authors: DÍAZ-PÁEZ HELEN , VIDAL MARCELA A. , ORTIZ JUAN C. , ÚBEDA CARMEN A. , BASSO NÉSTOR G.
Published: February 2019

The frog genus Atelognathus is currently represented by nine species distributed in Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia. It is mainly distributed in Argentina, and there are only three species in Chile (A. ceii, A. grandisonae and A. jeinimenensis). Regarding the morphological relationships among Atelognathus species, Meriggio et al. (2004) suggest that A. jeinimenensis is more related to A. salai than other species. A. salai was described from Laguna Los Gendarmes (Argentina), 90 km air line from the type locality of A. jeinimenensis. This paper presents a morphological analysis and a study of population genetics using mtDNA nucleotide data from Argentinean and Chilean localities to assess the genetic distance between A. salai and A. jenimenensis. We obtained 477 bp-long d-loop sequences from 51 Atelognathus specimens collected in four localities. According to our results, the morphological differences between A. salai and A. jeinimenensis populations are limited to size, and there are no distinctive characteristics that would separate two species, in addition to which a simple geographic pattern of genetic diversity suggests a single species of Atelognathus. Also, the populations from Chile (Cerro Castillo, RN Lago Jeinimeni and Chile Chico) and Argentina (Laguna de Los Gendarmes) have low levels of genetic divergence that may be consistent with glaciations during the Late Pleistocene. We propose Atelognathus jeinimenensis as a junior synonym of A. salai and that the Chilean populations should be assigned to A. salai.
Pseudoscorpions (Arachnida) from Argentina. New records of distributions and habitats, corrections and an identification key
Authors: MAHNERT VOLKER , IORIO OSVALDO DI , TURIENZO PAOLA , PORTA ANDRES
Published: February 2019

Seventy-two named species of Pseudoscorpiones, representing 14 families, are recorded from Argentina, of which Chernetidae (40 species) and Withiidae (11 species) are the most diverse. Three species are new country records: Parachernes melanopygus, P. plumosus and P. peruanus. The provincial distributions and habitat preferences of the species are given and discussed. Synonymies, old combinations and misidentifications (only those concerning Argentina), original localities, number of specimens, instars and repositories are given (when known), along with new provincial records, localities and habitats, and a key to the families, genera and species known from Argentina.
Kabutos, a new genus for the western Pacific leucosiid crab, Merocryptus durandi Serène, 1955 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)
Authors: KOMATSU HIRONORI , NG PETER K. L.
Published: February 2019

A new genus of the family Leucosiidae, Kabutos n. gen., is described for Merocryptus durandi Serène, 1955, from the western Pacific. Kabutos n. gen. is differentiated from other leucosiid genera by the combination of morphological features in the orbit, third maxilliped, chela and abdomen. Kabutos durandi is redescribed and the affinities with allied genera are discussed.
Bembidion (Plataphodes) kmecoi sp. nov. from China, Sichuan (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Bembidiina)
Authors: TOLEDANO LUCA , NAKLÁDAL OTO
Published: February 2019

Bembidion kmecoi sp. nov. herewith described, sister species of Bembidion farkaci Toledano & Sciaky, 1998, is the third species of the subgenus Plataphodes Ganglbauer, 1891 known from China. A key for the identification of these species is provided. Another species, B. elatum Andrewes, 1930, formerly known as Plataphodes, is transferred to Blepharoplataphus Netolitzky, 1920. Nomenclatorial acts proposed in this paper: Description of Bembidion (Plataphodes) kmecoi sp. nov. (China); Species transferred from Bembidion subg. Plataphodes Ganglbauer, 1891 to Bembidion subg. Blepharoplataphus Netolitzky, 1920: B. elatum Andrewes, 1930.
On the identity of Benglebra Mahmood & Ahmad, and other Mukariini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from Bangladesh and Pakistan
Authors: KHATRI IMRAN , WEBB MICHAEL D.
Published: February 2019

The leafhopper tribe Mukariini (Deltocephalinae) is newly recorded from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Members of the tribe are reviewed including the genus Benglebra Mahmood & Ahmed 1969 from Bangladesh, which was previously placed in Typhlocybinae, new placement. The identities of its two included species, B. alami Mahmood & Ahmed and B. bipunctata Mahmood & Ahmed are discussed, and their types re-examined and illustrated. Two other, included and figured, Mukariini newly recorded from Bangaldesh and Pakistan are: Mukaria splendida Distant and Flatfronta sp., respectively. Hussainiana tripunctata Mahmood & Ahmed 1969 is synonymised with Kolla ceylonica Melichar 1903, syn. nov., of the subfamily Cicadellinae, resulting in the synonymy of Hussainiana with Kolla Distant 1908, syn. nov.
The genus Birdantis Stål in Australia (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae)
Authors: CONSTANT JEROME
Published: February 2019

Three new species of Birdantis Stål, 1863, B. virginiae n. sp., B. goemansi n. sp. and B. mouldsi n. sp. are described from Queensland, Australia. The species are endemic in Australia and compared to the other species of the mainly Papuan genus. Male genitalia and habitus are illustrated. Distribution maps and an identification key are given.
Apseudes talpa revisited (Crustacea; Tanaidacea).The impact on apseudidaen systematics
Authors: LARSEN KIM , BERTOCCI IACOPO , FROUFE ELSA
Published: February 2019

The species Apseudes talpa is redescribed and its impact on the systematics of Apseudidae is discussed. The finding of multiple conflicting characters with the generic diagnosis, as well as the novel character of a denticulate ridge on the mandibular body, suggest that a redefinition of the genus Apseudes is necessary. The genus Androgynella is here demoted to a junior synonym of Apseudes.
Eohypsibiidae (Eutardigrada, Tardigrada) from the Faroe Islands with the description of a new genus containing three new species
Authors: TRYGVADÓTTIR BIRNA VÁR , KRISTENSEN REINHARDT MØBJERG
Published: February 2019

A diverse eutardigrade fauna of the family Eohypsibiidae Bertolani & Kristensen, 1987 was collected on the Faroe Islands. The first record of Bertolanius weglarskae (Dastych, 1972) and new records of Eohypsibius nadjae Kristensen, 1982 are documented. The new genus Austeruseus is established and three new species, Austeruseus faeroensis, nov. sp., A. balduri nov. sp. and A. rokuri nov. sp. are described. The genus differentiates from the genera Bertolanius and Eohypsibius in the buccal tube. The apophyses for the insertion of stylet muscles are (two or six) lateral hooks and the entire length of the mouth and buccal tube are straight in Austeruseus, while Bertolanius and Eohypsibius have the apophyses for the insertion of stylet muscles as crests with ventral and dorsal hooks, and the mouth and buccal tube are flared or trumpet shaped. With five species the Faroese tardigrade fauna is the richest in the world with regard to the family Eohypsibiidae. The genus Austeruseus is primarily found in mosses at high mountain biotopes, and the new genus may be a glacial relic.
Redescription of the Indian toadfish Perulibatrachus aquilonarius Greenfield (Teleostei: Batrachoididae)
Authors: BINEESH K. K. , GREENFIELD DAVID W.
Published: February 2019

The second known specimen of Perulibatrachus aquilonarius from India is compared to the holotype and new information on fresh color is presented. A mitochondrial COI barcode also was generated for the specimen.
Description of the egg and larva of Paederidus Mulsant & Rey, 1878 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae) based on the two European species
Authors: STANIEC BERNARD , PIETRYKOWSKA-TUDRUJ EWA , SAŁAPA DOROTA
Published: February 2019

The egg of Paederidus ruficollis (Fabricius, 1781) and larvae of that and P. rubrothoracicus carpathicola Scheerpeltz, 1957 are described and illustrated. This is the first thorough description of immature stages for the genus Paederidus Mulsant & Rey (1878). The immature stages were obtained by rearing adults. Morphological differences between instars of the same species and also between the studied species are found in the detailed structure of the antenna, nasale, maxillary palp, labial palp, tarsungulus and urogomphus; chaetotaxy of pronotum, profemur and protibia; proportions of same body parts; microstructure of urogomphus and body colour. Comparative characters of larvae of two subtribes Paederina and Stilicina are presented.
Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of the East and Southeast Asian Meghimatium slugs (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Philomycidae) and description of a new species
Authors: TSAI CHI-LI , LU CHUNG-CHENG , KAO HSIAO-WEI
Published: February 2019

Meghimatium is a group of terrestrial slugs distributed in Asia. 185 specimens were collected from Taiwan, China, Okinawa (Japan), Thailand and Malaysia. Phylogenetic analyses using concatenated DNA sequences of cytochrome C oxidase subunit I, 16S ribosomal RNA and nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA genes revealed that clades in the resulting molecular phylogeny of Meghimatium are largely congruent with taxa identified on the basis of their genitalia. Four monophyletic groups, i.e., the M. fruhstorferi, M. burchi, M. uniforme and M. striatum complexes, with moderate to strong statistical supports (86/53/0.98/66, 100/100/1.00/100, 100/100/1.00/100, 100/100/1.00/100) were identified. M. pictum is paraphyletic and is clustered with M. bilineatum to constitute an additional monophyletic group (100/100/1.00/100). Body size does not show an evolutionary trend either from small to large or vice versa, based on the phylogenetic tree. A new species, M. baoshanense sp. nov., is named based on the included specimens constituting a monophyletic group, its medium size (40.1–52.7 mm in body length) and its genitalia with 10–18 papillae at the lower end of the spermathecal duct where it connects to the uterus and vagina.
Erratum: OKANISHI, M. & FUJITA, T. (2011) Two new species of the subgenus Asteroporpa (Astromoana) (Ophiuroidea: Euryalida: Gorgonocephalidae) from Japan. Zootaxa, 2751, 25–39.
Authors: OKANISHI M. , FUJITA T.
Published: February 2019

(Erratum)
A new species of Phanerotoma Wesmael (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Cheloninae), a parasitoid of Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from South China
Authors: TSANG WINSON , YOU LAN-SHAO , VAN ACHTERBERG CORNELIS , LIANG GUANG-WEN
Published: February 2019

Phanerotoma conopomorphae sp. nov. (Cheloninae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is described and illustrated; a solitary parasitoid of the litchi fruit borer Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) of Litchi chinensis Sonn. in Guangdong (South China). The new species is compared with related species from the Oriental region.
Euglossa marianae sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Apidae): a new orchid bee from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and the possible first documented local extinction of a forest-dependent orchid bee
Authors: NEMÉSIO ANDRÉ
Published: February 2019

The orchid bee faunas of Floresta Nacional do Rio Preto, Reserva Biológica Córrego Grande, and Reserva Biológica Córrego do Veado, in the northernmost portion of the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil, were surveyed for orchid bees for the first time. A total of 1,603 males belonging to 24 species were attracted to 16 different scent baits and actively collected with insect nets during 100 hours from December, 2009, to February, 2010. One species of Euglossa, known as strongly dependent on well preserved mature forests, once recorded at the region, was not found in this survey and may indicate the first documented local extinction of an orchid bee species. This species, which Atlantic Forest population has been treated as Euglossa analis Westwood, 1840, is here considered a new species, Euglossa marianae sp. n.
Review of the genus Dopasia Gray, 1853 (Squamata: Anguidae) in the Indochina subregion
Authors: NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG , BÖHME WOLFGANG , NGUYEN TAO THIEN , LE QUYET KHAC , PAHL KRISTIAN ROBERT , HAUS TANJA , ZIEGLER THOMAS
Published: February 2019

A review of the genus Dopasia Gray, 1853 in the Indochina subregion is provided with the first country record of D. hainanensis for Vietnam and new distribution records for other species. In addition, we herein confirm the validity of Dopasia ludovici, previously a synonym of D. harti, based on overlooked external morphological differences.
Nedubroviidae, a new family of Mecoptera: the first Paleozoic long-proboscid scorpionflies
Authors: BASHKUEV ALEXEI S.
Published: February 2019

Nedubroviidae fam. nov. consists of Nedubrovia gen. nov., with Nedubrovia shcherbakovi sp. nov. as the type species, N. deformis sp. nov., and N. mostovskii comb. nov., originally described in Mesopanorpodes. The second genus of Nedubroviidae is Paranedubrovia gen. nov., with Paranedubrovia novokshonovi sp. nov. as the type species, and including P. minutissima sp. nov. Of these five species, all originate from the Late Permian of European Russia except for the Early Triassic N. mostovskii. The wing venation of these species indicates membership in the long-proboscid mecopteran clade Aneuretopsychina. The body structure of one species, N. shcherbakovi, includes a long proboscis consistent with fluid feeding on contemporaneous plants.
A new species of Miobantia Giglio-Tos, 1917 with a novel morphological feature (Mantodea: Thespidae: Miobantiinae)
Authors: SCHERRER MARCUS V. , AGUDELO ANTONIO A.
Published: February 2019

Thespidae is the most diverse family among the Neotropical Mantodea, currently containing 33 genera and 146 species of praying mantises (Wieland & Svenson, 2018). Miobantia Giglio-Tos, 1917 are small, dark coloured mantids, often found in low vegetation of humid forests near the South American Atlantic coast, from the Brazilian Northeast to the Argentine Patagonia (Scherrer, 2014). Males are active fliers, while females, apterous, are often found in leaf litter or in plants close to the ground (Scherrer, 2014; Santos et al., 2018). Despite their commonness in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest the genus received little taxonomic attention, yet had a complicated nomenclatural history. Scherrer (2014) provided a comprehensive taxonomic and nomenclatural revision of Miobantia after incorporating both molecular and morphological data to reorganize the group, resulting in the description of four new species, detailed identification keys, illustrations, association of conspecific sexes, and maps for all known species. The most recent contribution to the taxonomy of the genus was the addition of Metathespis precaria Piza, 1968 as a junior synonym of Miobantia rustica (Fabricius, 1781) (Agudelo & Rivera, 2015).
The genus Ranatra Fabricius (Heteroptera: Nepidae) in Borneo, with a redescription of Ranatra spinifrons Montandon and the description of a new species
Authors: TRAN A.D. , POGGI R.
Published: February 2019

The type of Ranatra spinifrons Montandon, 1910 is redescribed and this taxon is reported from Brunei for the first time. Ranatra heoki sp.n. is described from Sarawak and belongs to the Ranatra gracilis group (sensu Lansbury, 1972). The present paper also provides the first records of the following species for Borneo: Ranatra parmata Mayr, 1865 (from Sabah and Kalimantan); Ranatra rafflesi Tran & Polhemus, 2012 (from Sarawak). The latter is also reported from Sumatra for the first time. Ranatra longipes longipes Stål, 1861, previously known from Kalimantan and Sabah, is now reported from Sarawak for the first time. Thus, six species of Ranatra are currently known from Borneo.
Pareisactus evrostos, a new basal iguanodontian (Dinosauria: Ornithopoda) from the Upper Cretaceous of southwestern Europe
Authors: PÁRRAGA JAVIER , PRIETO-MÁRQUEZ ALBERT
Published: February 2019

We describe a new genus and species of a basal iguanodontian ornithopod dinosaur, Pareisactus evrostos, from lower Maastrichtian strata of the Conques Formation in the south-central Pyrenees of northeastern Spain. This animal is solely represented by a scapula characterized by having a dorsoventral extent of the proximal constriction as deep as it is thick; a lateral surface of the proximal region of the scapula under the acromion process forming a deep and thick roof over an extremely deep deltoid fossa; and a long apex of the glenoid that accounts for half of the maximum depth of the proximal region of scapula. Pareisactus is recovered as a member of Rhabdodontidae, sharing with Rhabdodon a well-demarcated deltoid ridge. P. evrostos represents the seventh species of rhabdodontid in Europe and third specimen of this endemic clade of European iguanodontians in the eastern Tremp Syncline of the southern Pyrenean region. [Zoobank registration: genus Pareisactus: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:0ACDCF80-1ECF-4EEF-8A77-9297CB7A1572, species P. evrostos: urn:lsid:zoo bank.org:act:8CB207EE-30CF-421D-A611-75DB57E92054]
Two new Mesoceration Janssens, 1967 from the Piketberg, South Africa (Coleoptera, Hydraenidae)
Authors: BILTON DAVID T. , MLAMBO MUSA C.
Published: February 2019

Mesoceration explanatum sp. nov. and M. piketbergense sp. nov. are described from the Piketberg range in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, bringing the total number of known species in the genus to 55, all of which are endemic to South Africa. M. explanatum sp. nov. is a member of the truncatum group, whilst M piketbergense sp. nov. belongs to the endroedyi group and is apparently closely related to M. concessum Perkins & Balfour-Browne, 1994 and M. tabulare Perkins, 2008, both of which are endemic to the Cape Peninsula. The two new species were both relatively abundant in the Piketberg, and may be narrowly endemic to this inselberg-like mountain range.
Inhomogeneous Turbulent Dispersion across the Nearshore Induced by Surfzone Eddies
Authors: Spydell Matthew S. , Feddersen Falk , Suanda Sutara
Published: February 2019

In various oceanic regions, drifter-derived diffusivities reach a temporal maximum and subsequently decrease. Often, these are regions of inhomogeneous eddies, however, the effect of inhomogeneous turbulence on dispersion is poorly understood. The nearshore region (spanning from the surfzone to the inner shelf) also has strong cross-shore inhomogeneous turbulence. Nearshore Lagrangian statistics are estimated from drifter trajectories simulated with a wave-resolving two-dimensional Boussinesq model with random, normally incident, and directionally spread waves. The simulation is idealized and does not include other (wind, tidal, Coriolis) processes. The eddy field cross-shore inhomogeneity affects both the mean cross-shore drift and cross- and alongshore diffusivities. Short-time diffusivities are locally ballistic, and the mean drift is toward the eddy velocity variance maximum. The diffusivities reach a maximum and subsequently decrease, that is, are subdiffusive. The diffusivity maximum and time to maximum are parameterized taking into account the eddy field inhomogeneity. At long times, the cross- and alongshore diffusivities scale as t−1/2 and t−1/4, respectively, which is related to the offshore decay of the eddy intensity. A diffusion equation, with a space-dependent Fickian diffusivity related to the eddy velocity variance, reproduced the short-, intermediate-, and long-time behavior of the mean drift and cross-shore diffusivity. The small Middleton parameter, indicating fixed float dispersion, suggests the Eulerian time scale can parameterize the Lagrangian time scale in this region. Although this idealized simulation had no mean currents, and thus no shear dispersion or mixing suppression, inhomogeneous turbulence effects may be relevant in other regions such as the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) and western boundary current extensions.
Uncertainty in Retrieving Raindrop Size Distribution from Polarimetric Radar Measurements
Authors: Huang Hao , Zhang Guifu , Zhao Kun , Liu Su , Wen Long , Chen Gang , Yang Zhengwei
Published: February 2019

Drop size distribution (DSD) is a fundamental parameter in rain microphysics. Retrieving DSDs from polarimetric radar measurements extends the capabilities of rain microphysics research and quantitative precipitation estimation. In this study, issues in rain DSD retrieval were studied with simulated and measured data. It was found that a three-parameter gamma distribution model was not suitable for directly retrieving DSD from polarimetric radar measurements. A statistical constraint, such as the shape–slope relation used in the constrained-gamma (C-G) distribution model, helped to reduce the uncertainties and errors in the retrieval. The inclusion of specific differential phase (KDP) measurements resulted in more accurate DSD retrieval and rain physical parameter estimation if the measurement errors were properly characterized in the error minimization analysis (EMA), which was verified using two real precipitation events. The study demonstrated the potential of using full polarimetric radar measurements to improve rain DSD retrieval.
Application of Spectral Polarimetry to a Hailstorm at Low Elevation Angle
Authors: Wang Yadong , Yu Tian-You , Ryzhkov Alexander V. , Kumjian Matthew R.
Published: February 2019

Spectral polarimetry has the potential to be used to study microphysical properties in relation to the dynamics within a radar resolution volume by combining Doppler and polarimetric measurements. The past studies of spectral polarimetry have focused on using radar measurements from higher elevation angles, where both the size sorting from the hydrometeors’ terminal velocities and polarimetric characteristics are maintained. In this work, spectral polarimetry is applied to data from the 0° elevation angle, where polarimetric properties are maximized. Radar data collected by the C-band University of Oklahoma Polarimetric Radar for Innovations in Meteorology and Engineering (OU-PRIME) during a hailstorm event on 24 April 2011 are used in the analysis. The slope of the spectral differential reflectivity exhibits interesting variations across the hail core, which suggests the presence of size sorting of hydrometeors caused by vertical shear in a turbulent environment. A nearby S-band polarimetric Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (KOUN) is also used to provide insights into this hailstorm. Moreover, a flexible numerical simulation is developed for this study, in which different types of hydrometeors such as rain and melting hail can be considered individually or as a combination under different sheared and turbulent conditions. The impacts of particle size distribution, shear, turbulence, attenuation, and mixture of rain and melting hail on polarimetric spectral signatures are investigated with the simulated Doppler spectra and spectral differential reflectivity.
The Revival of Fairness Discourse in Competition Policy
Authors: Ducci Francesco , Trebilcock Michael
Published: February 2019

The resurrection of the free trade–fair trade debate at the international level parallels a renewed pressure to incorporate fairness considerations within domestic competition policies, originating from a perceived reduction in the level of competition in various industries. Both supporters and critics of notions of fairness, however, have failed to advance a normatively persuasive case in their favor, neglecting the multifaceted nature of fairness in the competition policy domain. In this article, we disaggregate and evaluate four specific notions of fairness that are pertinent to domestic markets: vertical fairness between producers and consumers, horizontal fairness on the demand side, horizontal fairness on the supply side, and procedural fairness. We defend a narrow dimension of horizontal fairness on the supply side consistent with efficiency goals and of procedural fairness in the enforcement of competition laws. We conclude by comparing the free trade–fair trade debate with the return of fairness in competition policy.
Effect of stress gene-by-environment interactions on hippocampal volumes and cortisol secretion in adolescent girls
Authors: Malhi Gin S , Das Pritha , Outhred Tim , Dobson-Stone Carol , Irwin Lauren , Gessler Danielle , Bryant Richard , Mannie Zola
Published: February 2019

Objective:

Adolescence is a time of increased susceptibility to environmental stress and mood disorders, and girls are particularly at risk. Genes interacting with the environment (G × E) are implicated in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, hippocampal volume changes and risk or resilience to mood disorders. In this study, we assessed the effects of stress system G × E interactions on hippocampal volumes and cortisol secretion in adolescent girls.

Methods:

We recruited 229 girls aged 12–18 years, and scans were obtained from 202 girls. Of these, 76 had been exposed to higher emotional trauma (abuse or neglect). Hippocampal volumes were measured using Freesurfer and high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging scans. Saliva samples were collected for measurement of cortisol levels and genotyping of stress system genes: FKBP5, NR3C1 (both N = 194) and NR3C2 ( N = 193).

Results:

Among girls with the ‘G’ allelic variant of the NR3C1 gene, those who had been exposed to higher emotional trauma had significantly smaller left hippocampal volumes ( N = 44; mean = 4069.58 mm3, standard deviation = 376.99) than girls who had been exposed to minimal emotional trauma with the same allelic variant ( N = 69; mean = 4222.34 mm3, standard deviation = 366.74).

Conclusion:

In healthy adolescents, interactions between emotional trauma and the ‘protective’ NR3C1 ‘GG’ variant seem to induce reductions in left hippocampal volumes. These G × E interactions suggest that vulnerability to mood disorders is perhaps driven by reduced ‘protection’ that may be specific to emotional trauma. This novel but preliminary evidence has implications for targeted prevention of mood disorders and prospective multimodal neuroimaging and longitudinal studies are now needed to investigate this possibility.
Influences on diet and physical activity choices of 11–13-year-olds in a school setting
Authors: McHugh Camilla A , Anderson Lindsey , Lloyd Jenny , Logan Stuart , Wyatt Katrina
Published: February 2019

Objective:

This paper uses a qualitative approach to explore the factors that influence diet and physical activity choices of 11–13-year-olds with a particular focus on the impact of the school environment.

Design:

Qualitative focus groups.

Setting:

Three purposively sampled secondary schools in Devon, UK.

Method:

A total of 53 students, aged 11–13, took part in six focus groups. Thematic, framework analysis was used to analyse the data.

Result:

Four overarching themes emerged: (1) health now and in the future; (2) the role of others; (3) provision, temptation and addiction; and (4) boundaries, strategies and support. Participants demonstrated good knowledge of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle and its importance for future health, although it was not necessarily seen as a priority at this stage of life. Key influences on their choices were their peers and family, although participants also identified that the school environment influences the food choices they make while there.

Conclusion:

In this study, 11–13-year-olds identified that schools could do more to support them to make healthier food choices. However, future research needs to understand the constraints schools face in terms of food provision in order to highlight possible opportunities for intervention.
A loading control strategy for electric load simulator based on new mapping approach and fuzzy inference in Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller
Authors: Yang Bo , Liu Fuhuang , Zhang Meng
Published: February 2019

To improve surplus torque suppression and loading performance of electric load simulators, this paper presents a loading control strategy based on the new mapping approach and fuzzy inference scheme in the fuzzy Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller. The proposed mapping approach and fuzzy inference scheme in the fuzzy Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller, designed free from the mathematical model of system, comprises a mapping fuzzy Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller and a fuzzy inference controller, in which the former is the main controller. By introducing the new mapping approach in mapping fuzzy Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller, the proposed control strategy is actually a global network with local weight updating and its continuity has been enhanced. The fuzzy inference controller is used as a fuzzy compensator. As a torque controlled system, electric load simulator takes the loading error as the performance index. The results of dynamic simulation and experiments indicate that the proposed loading control strategy can achieve favorable control performance.
Perceived discrimination and psychological distress in nine countries of the former Soviet Union
Authors: Stickley Andrew , Oh Hans , Koyanagi Ai , Leinsalu Mall , Narita Zui , Roberts Bayard , McKee Martin
Published: February 2019

Background:

Perceived discrimination has been linked to worse mental health. However, little is known about this association in the countries of the former Soviet Union (fSU).

Aim:

To address this deficit, this study examined the link between perceived discrimination and psychological distress in nine fSU countries.

Methods:

Data were analyzed from 18,000 adults aged ⩾18 years obtained during the Health in Times of Transition (HITT) survey undertaken in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine in 2010 and 2011. A single-item measure was used to assess discrimination. Psychological distress was measured with a 12-item scale. Logistic regression analysis and meta-analysis were used to examine associations.

Results:

After adjusting for all potential confounders, when using none/little discrimination as the reference category, moderate and strong discrimination were associated with significantly increased odds for psychological distress in the total population and in men and women separately with odds ratios ranging from 1.93 to 2.64. Meta-analysis based on country-wise estimates showed that the level of between-country heterogeneity was negligible.

Conclusion:

Perceived discrimination is associated with psychological distress in countries throughout the fSU. Quantitative and qualitative research is now warranted to determine its specific forms and impact on population health in individual fSU countries.
Theology of Childhood: An Essential Element of Christian Anthropology
Authors: McEvoy James Gerard
Published: February 2019

This article argues that a consideration of children and childhood should be an essential element of theological anthropology. The argument is situated against the background of recent sociology of childhood, which emphasizes children’s agency; the author offers an interpretative view of this agency. In that context, Rahner’s approach to childhood in the prescient article ‘Ideas for a Theology of Childhood’ is examined. Finally, the author proposes a modest development of Rahner’s approach by focusing on two fundamental themes of theological anthropology: children as created, and their lives as graced. A more explicit theology of childhood is indispensable for contemporary church life, especially in light of both the clergy sexual abuse crisis, and the Catholic Church’s strong commitment to Catholic schooling.
Aligning Partial Defences to Murder with the Offence of Coercive or Controlling Behaviour
Authors: Bettinson Vanessa
Published: February 2019

This article will reflect on the adoption of s. 76 Serious Crime Act 2015 which criminalises coercive or controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship and considers an argument for aligning partial defences to murder with it. It takes inspiration from the case of Sally Challen, granted leave to appeal her murder conviction at the Court of Appeal on 1st March 2018. Leave was granted after her lawyers successfully persuaded the court that the introduction of s. 76 Serious Crime Act 2015 amounted to fresh evidence in her defence that was unavailable at the time of her trial in 2011. Lady Justice Rafferty stated that, “It should be plainly understood that the application made today is but one step in what, it is hoped by counsel, those who instruct her and many others concerned in this case, will be a full detailed exploration of the position, based on scholarship, learning and clinical expertise, which should prevail now… A jury, it is argued, should, with the benefit of that learning, be enabled to reach a clear settled conclusion on the basis of an understanding which, it is said, was not available to the jury in 2011.” The arguments at her appeal will seek to reduce her murder conviction to manslaughter, providing an opportunity for this article to explore the complexities of aligning the partial defences to murder with the offence of coercive or controlling behaviour.
Stereotyped English Language Use and Identity in Asian Teaching Assistants: A Poststructuralist Perspective
Authors: Wang Hao
Published: February 2019

Informed by Poststructuralist Theory, this study investigated the impact of stereotyped notions of English on three doctoral Asian teaching assistants’ (TAs) professional identities development as instructors at a US university. This article employed a qualitative approach to examine the Asian TAs’ views of standard and stereotyped views of English language in academic settings and its influence on their professional identities. Using interviews as the primary data source, this article found that stereotyped notions of English language are materialized as monotone English and accented English for the three Asian TAs who are constantly monitoring and changing their language use particularly in their professional workplace. Drawing from this finding, discussions and implications focussed on the marginalization of Asian TAs’ expertise in the content knowledge, problematization of standard English language, and its relation to the larger sociopolitical world.
Process Tracing and the Problem of Missing Data
Authors: Gonzalez-Ocantos Ezequiel , LaPorte Jody
Published: February 2019

Scholars who conduct process tracing often face the problem of missing data. The inability to document key steps in their causal chains makes it difficult to validate theoretical models. In this article, we conceptualize “missingness” as it relates to process tracing, describe different scenarios in which it is pervasive, and present three ways of addressing the problem. First, researchers should contextualize the data generation process. This requires characterizing the process whereby the actors that populate models decide whether to leave traces of their actions and motives. Researchers can thus assess whether or not incentives to produce missingness are compatible with the microfoundations of the theory, and consequently, whether or not missingness is disconfirmatory. Second, researchers may invest in indirect tests of causal mechanisms. Generating out-of-context data about microfoundations offers a plausible window into inaccessible mechanisms. Third, specifying the analytical status of steps in the causal chain allows scholars to make up for deficiencies in evidentiary support.
The use of folic acid in dengue: has it any value?
Authors: Ali Syed Ahsan , Bin Zafar Saad , Ali Shah Asif , Awan Safia
Published: February 2019

Folic acid is used in dengue patients. Our study aims to compare the duration of recovery of thrombocytopenia in patients with dengue infection who received folic acid and those who did not. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of adult patients admitted over six years with a diagnosis of dengue. Of 2216 patients, 1464 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Group A were those patients who received folic acid and group B were those who did not. A total of 1322 (90.3%) patients received folic acid. The mean time period required for platelets to double the nadir was 1.7 (±2.2) days in both groups A and B ( P = 0.89). In conclusion, there is no significant difference in the recovery of thrombocytopenia in patients with dengue fever who received folic and those who did not receive folic acid.
Salvage of Recurrence after Surgery and Adjuvant Therapy: A Multi‐institutional Study
Authors: Zenga Joseph , Graboyes Evan , Janz Tyler , Drake Virgina , Rettig Eleni , Desai Shaun , Nickel Christopher , Shabani Sepehr , Padhya Tapan , Scarpinato Mario , Stadler Michael , Massey Becky , Campbell Bruce , Shukla Monica , Awan Musaddiq , Schultz Christopher J. , Wong Stuart , Jackson Ryan S. , Pipkorn Patrick
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To determine the oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) after initial treatment with surgery and adjuvant therapy.

Study Design

Retrospective case series with chart review.

Setting

Five academic tertiary care centers.

Subjects and Methods

Patients included those with OCSCC and OPSCC who were initially treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy between 2000 and 2015 and underwent salvage surgery for local and/or regional recurrence.

Results

A total of 102 patients were included (76% OCSCC, 24% OPSCC). Five‐year overall survival was 31% (95% CI, 21%‐41%) and was significantly improved among patients with human papillomavirus–associated oropharyngeal tumors (hazard ratio [HR], 0.34; 95% CI, 0.11‐0.98) and significantly worse for those with postoperative positive margins (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.43‐4.93). Adjuvant (chemo)reirradiation was not associated with disease control or survival regardless of margin status. Combined locoregional recurrence was significantly correlated with a positive margin resection (HR, 5.75; 95% CI, 1.94‐17.01). Twenty‐five patients (25%) underwent a second salvage surgical procedure, of whom 8 achieved long‐term disease control.

Conclusion

Patients presenting with resectable recurrence after initial therapy with surgery and adjuvant therapy have a reasonable salvage rate when a negative margin resection can be attained. Patients with postoperative positive margins have poor survival outcomes that are not significantly improved with adjuvant (chemo)reirradiation. Those with combined locoregional recurrence are at particularly high risk for postoperative positive margins. The functional consequences of salvage surgery and its effect on quality of life are critical in decision making and require further investigation.
Rehabilitation after resurfacing hip arthroplasty: cost-utility analysis alongside a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fusco Francesco , Campbell Helen , Barker Karen
Published: February 2019

Objective:

To assess the costs, effects, and cost-utility of an accelerated physiotherapy programme versus a standard physiotherapy programme following resurfacing hip arthroplasty.

Design:

A cost-utility analysis alongside a randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

A UK National Health Service hospital and patients’ homes.

Subjects:

A total of 80 male resurfacing hip arthroplasty patients randomized post procedure to one of the two programmes.

Interventions:

The accelerated physiotherapy programme commenced in hospital with patients being fully weight bearing, without hip precautions, and following a range of exercises facilitating gait re-education, balance, and lower limb strength. Standard physiotherapy commenced in hospital, but hip precautions were used and exercises were only partially weight bearing. In both groups, patients continued with their exercises at home for an eight-week period.

Main measures:

Data on healthcare contacts were collected from patients to 12 months and costed using unit costs from national sources. Information was also collected on patients’ costs. Health-related quality of life was measured using the EuroQol EQ-5D questionnaire and used to estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to 12 months. Mean costs and QALYs for each trial arm were compared.

Results:

On average, the accelerated physiotherapy programme was less expensive (mean cost difference −£200; 95% confidence interval: −£656 to £255) and more effective (mean QALY difference 0.13; 95% confidence interval: 0.05 to 0.21) than standard physiotherapy and had a high probability of being cost-effective.

Conclusion:

From the National Health Service perspective, an accelerated physiotherapy programme for male patients undergoing revision of total hip arthroplasty (RHA) is very likely to be cost-effective when compared to a standard physiotherapy programme.
Characterizing ipsilateral thalamic diaschisis in symptomatic cerebrovascular steno-occlusive patients
Authors: Hendrik Bas van Niftrik Christiaan , Sebök Martina , Muscas Giovanni , Piccirelli Marco , Serra Carlo , Krayenbühl Niklaus , Pangalu Athina , Bozinov Oliver , Luft Andreas , Stippich Christoph , Regli Luca , Fierstra Jorn
Published: February 2019

The clinical significance of ipsilateral thalamic diaschisis (ITD) occurring after stroke is unknown. To characterize ITD, we investigate its hemodynamic, structural, and clinical implications. A single-institution prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using 28 symptomatic cerebrovascular steno-occlusive patients undergoing both BOLD-CVR and Diamox-challenged 15(O)-H2O-PET. Follow-up was at least three months. In addition, 15 age-matched healthy subjects were included. ITD was diagnosed based on a BOLD-CVR thalamic asymmetry index (TAI) > +2 standard deviations from healthy subjects. Cerebral blood flow differences were assessed using a PET-based TAI before and after Diamox challenge. Thalamic volume masks were determined using Freesurfer. Neurological status at symptom onset and after three months was determined with NIHSS and mRS scores. ITD was diagnosed in 15 of 28 (57%) patients. PET-TAI before and after Diamox challenge were increased in patients with ITD, indicating an ipsilateral thalamic blood flow decrease. Patients with ITD exhibited a marked ipsilateral thalamic volume decrease as compared to patients without ITD and healthy subjects. Furthermore, patients with ITD had worse NIHSS and mRS at symptom onset and after three months follow-up, even after adjustment for stroke volume. The presence of ITD is characterized by thalamic volume reduction, reduced thalamic blood flow, and worse neurological performance unrelated to stroke volume.
Estimating Incident Duration Considering the Unobserved Heterogeneity of Risk Factors for Trucks Transporting HAZMAT on Expressways
Authors: Hong Jungyeol , Tamakloe Reuben , Park Dongjoo , Choi Yoonhyuk
Published: February 2019

Traffic accidents involving vehicles transporting hazardous materials (HAZMAT) on expressways not only delay traffic flow but can also cause large-scale casualties and socio-economic losses. Therefore, rapid response to and prevention of these accidents is important to minimize such loss. To ensure more efficient accident response, this study applied a random parameter hazard-based Weibull modeling approach to measure the relationship between crash characteristics and accident duration for trucks transporting HAZMAT. The study focuses on finding the key factors that have an impact on the accident duration of these vehicles as well as a statistical method to estimate the accident duration. The analysis is based on raw crash data from 2007 to 2017, obtained from the Korea Expressway Corporation, of crashes that involved HAZMAT trucks. The study found that crashes occurring during peak times of the day; crashes occurring on segments at the mainline, ramp, and roadways with a guardrail; and the number of vehicles involved in a crash, result in random parameters. In addition, the weather, season, crash severity, truck size, crash location, type of accident report, roadside features (e.g., guardrails), and status after a crash, can be used to explain the accident duration. The random parameters hazard-based model is found to have a better fit than a fixed model since it is able to capture the unobserved heterogeneity in the hazard function.