bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhopalomenia glandulosa spec. nov., and the restoration of Entonomenia Leloup (Mollusca: Solenogastres)
Authors: EISENHUT A. , SALVINI-PLAWEN L. V.
Published: March 2019

A new species of Solenogastres from the Rockall Basin (NW of Scotland) at 1270 m is described. The organisation of Rhopalomenia glandulosa spec. nov. coincides with that of the type species R. aglaopheniae (Kowalevsky & Marion, 1887) in the presence of two different types of foregut glandular organs (characterised as type A or extraepithelial and type C or intraepithelial). Compared with other Rhopalomeniidae, this condition is generic and leads to the restoration of the currently synonymised genus Entonomenia Leloup, 1948, which has glandular organs consisting of ducts with subepithelially/extraepithelially arranged glandular cells only (= type A ). Besides E. atlantica Leloup, 1948 (type species), six species described as Rhopalomenia are transferred to Entonomenia.
Taxonomic notes on the Volucella pellucens species group (Diptera: Syrphidae) with a description of one new species from the Eastern Palaearctic
Authors: CHOI DEUK-SOO , ÔHARA KENJI , HAN HO-YEON
Published: March 2019

Volucella thompsoni n.sp. is described and illustrated. The following characters distinguish it from the other species of the Volucella pellucens group: 1) abdominal tergite 2 longer than tergite 3, or at most 2.4x wider than long; 2) male basoflagellomere in lateral view slightly constricted in middle; and 3) surstylus greatly shortened in lateral view. This species was erroneously named as V. matsumurai Han et Choi replacing V. pellucens var. japonica Matsumura for homonymy. Subsequent examination of the holotype of V. pellucens var. japonica revealed that it was merely a variant of V. pellucens tabanoides Motschulsky. In addition, we compared V. thompsoni n.sp. with the other known species and subspecies of the pellucens species group (V. inflata, V. nigricans, V. pellucens pellucens and V. pellucens tabanoides). For V. pellucens, we discussed the status of the Asian and European populations, and provided a justification for recognizing them as two subspecies. We also provided a key and diagnoses for the included species with the detailed illustrations of their male genitalia and other body parts.
Porites decasepta: a new species of scleractinian coral (Scleractinia, Poritidae) from Oman
Authors: CLAEREBOUDT MICHEL R.
Published: March 2019

A new species of scleractinian coral, Porites decasepta spec. nov. (Scleractinia, Poritidae) is described from the Bar Al-Hikman reef complex along the Arabian Sea coast of the Sultanate of Oman. Porites decasepta spec. nov. forms encrusting, bright blue colonies rarely exceeding 7 cm in diameter. Corallites, about 1mm in diameter, have only 10 septa: the two lateral septa of the ventral triplet typical of Porites septal arrangement are missing or strongly reduced. Une nouvelle espèce de scleractiniaire, Porites decasepta spec. nov. (Scleractinia Poritidae) est décrite du complex récifal de Bar Al-Hikman situé le long de la côte de la mer d’arabie du Sultanat d’Oman. La nouvelle espèce forme de petites colonies encroûtantes, de couleur bleu-violet, ne dépassant guère 7 cm de diamètre. Les corallites d’à peu près 1mm de diamètre n’ont que 10 septa: les deux septa latéraux du triplet ventral étant le plus souvent manquants ou fortement réduits.
Head Morphology of some Neotropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera)
Authors: CARNEIRO EDUARDO , MIELKE OLAF H.H. , CASAGRANDE MIRNA M.
Published: March 2019

Using standardized dissection and observation methods, we describe and illustrate the external surface of the head and itsappendices of four Neotropical Hesperiidae species classified in different subfamilies or tribes. Here we discuss the dif-ferential characters encountered in these species which appear to be capable of providing information for improving the classification of the family and its subgroups.
A survey of the internal oral features and external morphology of Physalaemus larvae (Anura, Leptodactylidae)
Authors: RUGGERI JOICE , WEBER LUIZ NORBERTO
Published: March 2019

There are 45 species currently described for the genus Physalaemus that are allocated into seven morphological groupsand 29 of them have their tadpoles described, of which 12 have information on their internal oral anatomy. In order to helpresolving taxonomic and systematic problems, tadpoles from this genus had their external and internal oral morphologiesstudied, described and compared. During this study, it was noticed that different terms are sometimes used to refer to thesame character and a standardized nomenclature is suggested. This study is divided into two parts. First, we describe theoral cavity anatomy of the tadpoles of Physalaemus aguirrei, P. atlanticus, P. camacan, P. cicada, P. gracilis, P. irroratus,P. maximus, P. rupestris, P. signifer and P. soaresi. Second, we present a comparison among tadpoles of these ten speciesplus the tadpoles of P. albifrons, P. angrensis, P. centralis, P. crombiei, P. cuvieri, P. henselii, P. jordanensis, P. marmora-tus, P. moreirae and P. spiniger. This study adds information on tadpoles of the genus Physalaemus that corroborates someof the species groups proposed for adult specimens, but also shows that although they have a typical pond-living externalmorphology, being very similar to one another, the oral disc and the internal oral morphologies present many features with interspecific variation that may be used to identify the specimens.
Discovered in historical collections: Two new Japalura species (Squamata: Sauria: Agamidae) from Yulong Snow Mountains, Lijiang Prefecture, Yunnan, PR China
Authors: MANTHEY ULRICH , DENZER WOLFGANG , HOU MIAN , WANG XIAOHE
Published: March 2019

Several specimens from historical collections made in Yunnan (PR China) were found to be inconsistent with hithertoknown species of Japalura. Two species are described as new: Japalura brevicauda spec. nov. and Japalura yulongensisspec. nov. Diagnostic features for the new species are compiled and a key to closely related species is produced. The geographical distribution of these species is outlined and discussed.
A new species of Coleodactylus Parker, 1926 (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) from the Atlantic Forest of northeast Brazil
Authors: GONÇALVES UBIRATAN , TORQUATO SELMA , SKUK GABRIEL , DE ARAÚJO SENA GEORGE
Published: March 2019

A new species, Coleodactylus elizae sp. nov., is described for the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil. It is distinguishedfrom other Coleodactylus species by the following character combinations: one nearly completely divided or two rostralscales, dorsal scales smooth and four scales forming the ungual sheath. The color pattern consists of white spots distributed over a pinkish background. Coleodactylus elizae sp. nov. is a forest species inhabiting bromeliads.
A new species of Parapercis (Teleostei: Pinguipedidae) from Madagascar. Zootaxa, 3024, 31–39. (Erratum)
Authors: SPARKS J. S. , BALDWIN Z. H.
Published: March 2019

Erratum
Identification of Neotropical blow flies of the genus Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) with the description of a new species
Authors: WHITWORTH TERRY , ROGNES KNUT
Published: March 2019

A key to the six known species of Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from the Neotropical Regionis given. Species distributions and key characters are discussed. Calliphora irazuana Townsend, 1908 is resurrected as avalid name for a species found in Central America and Mexico, stat. nov. Calliphora triseta sp. nov. is described fromnumerous specimens from Costa Rica, El Salvador and Mexico. Nominal species Calliphora nigra Mello, 1974 and Cal-liphora antojuanae Mariluis, 1982 are synonymized with Calliphora nigribasis Macquart, 1851, n. syn. An Appendix isprovided that clarifies the status of the names Calliphora peruviana Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, Lucilia peruviana Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, and Calliphora peruviana Macquart, 1851.
Reptiles of Venezuela: an updated and commented checklist
Authors: RIVAS GILSON A. , MOLINA CÉSAR R. , UGUETO GABRIEL N. , BARROS TITO R. , BARRIO-AMORÓS CÉSAR L. , KOK PHILIPPE J.R.
Published: March 2019

We update the list of reptiles of Venezuela, reporting a total of 370 species from the country (four of these exotic), arrangedin 122 genera (one exotic), 30 families and three orders. Introduced species and dubious or erroneous records are discussed.Taxonomic, nomenclatural and distributional comments are provided when required. Considering species of probableoccurrence in the country (known to occur in Colombia, Brazil and Guyana at localities very close to the Venezuelan border) and still undescribed taxa, we estimate that the total number of species in Venezuela could exceed 400.Se actualiza la lista de reptiles de Venezuela a un total de 370 especies (cuatro de ellas exóticas), pertenecientes a 122géneros (un exótico), 30 familias y tres órdenes. Se discuten las especies introducidas, los registros dudosos o erróneos yse proporcionan comentarios taxonómicos, nomenclaturales o de distribución en casos necesarios. Después de considerarlas especies de probable presencia en el país (registros conocidos cercanos a la frontera con Colombia, Brasil y Guyana) y los taxones aun no descritos, se estima que el número total de especies en Venezuela podría superar las 400 especies.
John Edward Gray (1800–1875): his malacological publications and molluscan taxa
Authors: PETIT RICHARD E.
Published: March 2019

John Edward Gray was a major figure in zoology in the middle of the 19th Century. An annotated bibliography of his mol-luscan publications is given with all works collated and dated, with questions of authorship discussed. Genus-group andspecies-group molluscan taxa introduced by, or incorrectly attributed to, Gray are listed. Family level names are not in-cluded as most, gastropods and bivalves, have been recently treated by Bouchet & Rocroi (2005, 2010). The included lists treat 937 genus-group nomina and 1,649 species-group nomina associated with Gray.Action is taken to conserve three names in current use found to be junior synonyms. The genus-group name Baster-otia Hörnes, 1859 is declared a nomen protectum over Harlea Gray, 1842, a nomen oblitum. The species-group namesTrochus pellisserpentis W. Wood, 1828 and Trochus armillatus W. Wood, 1828 are declared nomina protecta over Trochusemma Gray, 1827 and Trochus henslowi Gray, 1828 respectively, which become nomina oblita.The type species of five genus-group names introducd by Gray are fixed under Article 70.3.2: Euthria, Pirenella,Pusionella, Rissoella, and Tagelus.First Reviser action is taken regarding Anapa Gray, 1842 and Placobranchus euchlorus Gray, 1850. Recurring no-menclatural issues and those too complex to treat within the regular catalogue are discussed in 57 Taxa Notes. The lists are fully referenced with 743 literature titles in addition to the 307 listed for Gray.
Vertical Structure and Microphysical Characteristics of Frontal Systems Passing over a Three-Dimensional Coastal Mountain Range
Authors: Zagrodnik Joseph P. , McMurdie Lynn A. , Houze Robert A. , Tanelli Simone
Published: March 2019

As midlatitude cyclones pass over a coastal mountain range, the processes producing their clouds and precipitation are modified, leading to considerable spatial variability in precipitation amount and composition. Statistical diagrams of airborne precipitation radar transects, surface precipitation measurements, and particle size distributions are examined from nine cases observed during the Olympic Mountains Experiment (OLYMPEX). Although the pattern of windward enhancement and leeside diminishment of precipitation was omnipresent, the degree of modulation was largely controlled by the synoptic environment associated with the prefrontal, warm, and postfrontal sectors of midlatitude cyclones. Prefrontal sectors contained homogeneous stratiform precipitation with a slightly enhanced ice layer on the windward slopes and rapid diminishment to a near-complete rain shadow in the lee. Warm sectors contained deep, intense enhancement over both the windward slopes and high terrain and less prominent rain shadows owing to downstream spillover of ice particles generated over terrain. Surface particle size distributions in the warm sector contained a broad spectrum of sizes and concentrations of raindrops on the lower windward side where high precipitation rates were achieved from varying degrees of both liquid and ice precipitation-generating processes. Spillover precipitation was rather homogeneous in nature and lacked the undulations in particle size and concentration that occurred at the windward sites. Postfrontal precipitation transitioned from isolated convective cells over ocean to a shallow, mixed convective–stratiform composition with broader coverage and greater precipitation rates over the sloping terrain.
Tidal Conversion and Dissipation at Steep Topography in a Channel Poleward of the Critical Latitude
Authors: Hughes Kenneth G. , Klymak Jody M.
Published: March 2019

In high-latitude fjords and channels in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, walls support radiating internal tides as Kelvin waves. Such waves allow for significant barotropic to baroclinic tidal energy conversion, which is otherwise small or negligible when poleward of the critical latitude. This fundamentally three-dimensional system of a subinertial channel is investigated with a suite of numerical simulations in rectangular channels of varying width featuring idealized, isolated ridges. Even in channels as wide as 5 times the internal Rossby radius, tidal conversion can remain as high as predicted by an equivalent two-dimensional, nonrotating system. Curves of tidal conversion as a function of channel width, however, do not vary monotonically. Instead, they display peaks and nulls owing to interference between the Kelvin waves along the wall and similar waves that propagate along the ridge flanks, the wavelengths of which can be estimated from linear theory to guide prediction. Because the wavelengths are comparable to width scales of Arctic channels and fjords, the interference will play a first-order role in tidal energy budgets and may consequently influence the stability of glaciers, the ventilation of deep layers, the locations of sediment deposition, and the fate of freshwater exiting the Arctic Ocean.
Mesoscale SST Dynamics in the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension Region
Authors: Jing Zhao , Chang Ping , Shan Xuan , Wang Shengpeng , Wu Lixin , Kurian Jaison
Published: March 2019

Mesoscale eddies have been extensively studied based on the sea surface height anomaly (SSHA). However, it is the sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) that is vital to the mesoscale eddy–atmosphere interactions. In this study, we analyze the amplitude relationship between SSHA and SSTA (referred to as the H-T amplitude relationship) in the Kuroshio–Oyashio extension (KOE) region using both observational and reanalysis data. It is found that the spatial distribution of mesoscale SSHA variance is not coincident with mesoscale SSTA variance. The former peaks in the Kuroshio extension around 35°N whereas the latter is strongest in the Oyashio extension around 40°N. Regression analyses indicate that the rate of SSTA change per SSHA change is 1.8°C m−1 in the Kuroshio extension (145°–160°E, 34°–36°N) but increases drastically by a factor of 3–4 to 6.2°C m−1 in the Oyashio extension (145°–160°E, 39°–41°N). A theoretical expression for the H-T amplitude relationship is derived. Analyzing this expression suggests that the stronger H-T amplitude relationship in the Oyashio extension than the Kuroshio extension is mainly attributed to 1) the smaller thermal expansion coefficient due to the colder background SST, 2) the stronger salinity compensation effect that works against the contribution of SSTA change to sea surface density anomaly (SSDA) change, and 3) the shallower vertical structure of mesoscale eddies. The second factor is ascribed to the strong surface salinity front in the Oyashio extension, while the third factor is found to be qualitatively consistent with the shallower baroclinically unstable modes due to the shallower density front there.
Schools can be supporting environments in disadvantaged neighborhoods
Authors: Stattin Håkan , Svensson Ylva , Korol Liliia
Published: March 2019

In Sweden, as in many other European countries, poor neighborhoods with ethnically diverse inhabitants and high crime rates have grown up around big cities in the last decades. We hypothesized that, compared with adolescents in advantaged neighborhoods, adolescents in disadvantaged neighborhoods would perceive their schools as relatively safe, due to their contrast with the more threatening and dangerous neighborhoods they lived in. Also, they would perceive their schools as relatively more open to their influence, due to the contrast with a lack of influence in their families. More broadly, they would experience their schools as supporting environments to a greater extent than adolescents in advantaged neighborhoods. We tested these ideas using a sample of 1390 adolescents ( Mage = 14.34, SD = 1.01) in a Swedish city. The hypotheses were supported, and the findings were most salient for immigrant adolescents in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Thus, particularly for immigrant adolescents in disadvantaged neighborhoods, schools can be supporting environments, which should have implications for local policies regarding resource allocation to schools and student influence. Overall, schools seem to be able to play an important role in students’ lives by functioning as a positive contrast to negative out-of-school experiences in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Exploring the spatial relationship between primary road distance to antenatal clinics and HIV prevalence in pregnant females of Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Amuquandoh Amy , Escamilla Veronica , Mofolo Innocent , Rosenberg Nora E
Published: March 2019

While urbanization in a sub-Saharan African (SSA) context can lead to greater independence in women, various sociological, biological, and geographical factors in urban areas may keep women at a higher risk for HIV than men. Access to major roads during Malawi’s transition into rapid urbanization may leave women disproportionately vulnerable to HIV infection. It is not well established whether women who report to health clinics closer to major roads have higher or lower levels of HIV. In this study we explored the spatial heterogeneity of HIV prevalence among pregnant females in Lilongwe District, Malawi. Using Geographic Information Systems, we visually represented patterns of HIV prevalence in relation to primary roads.

HIV prevalence data for 2015 were obtained from 44 antenatal clinics (ANC) in Lilongwe District. ANC prevalence data were aggregated to the administrative area and mapped. Euclidean distance between clinics and two primary roads that run through Lilongwe District were measured. A correlation was run to assess the relationship between area-level ANC HIV prevalence and clinic distance to the nearest primary road.

ANC HIV prevalence ranged from 0% to 10.3%. Clinic to major road distance ranged from 0.1 to 35 km. Correlation results ( r= −0.622, p = 0.002) revealed a significant negative relationship between clinic distance to primary road and HIV prevalence, indicating that the farther the clinics stood from primary roads, the lower the reported antenatal HIV prevalence. Overall, the clinic catchments through which the major roads run reported higher ANC HIV prevalence.

Antenatal HIV prevalence decreases as ANC distance from primary roads increases in Lilongwe, Malawi. As urbanization continues to grow in this region, road distance may serve as a good indicator of HIV burden and help to guide targeted prevention and treatment efforts.
Some Recent Cases in the Bottom of the Pyramid Concept: Lessons from India
Authors: Gupta Ananda Das
Published: March 2019

Ethical concerns, challenges and problems are an integral part of every business endeavour because at the core of all business activity, there is the fundamental and natural tension between buyer and seller. Regardless of country, culture, income level, market served, product or service category, high or low tech, this tension is there, raising ethical questions that must be addressed. As has been emphasized above, engaging in business with the world’s poorest consumers towards the goal of eradicating global poverty creates its own unique set of ethical problems.

Engagement with the base of the pyramid (BOP) markets can be successful only if the core elements of CSR are understood and incorporated into the BOP strategy. Satisfactory profits are essential, and the financial interest of shareholders can never be forgotten or neglected, but there are other stakeholders who must be considered as well. Indeed, engaging with the BOP creates an especially sensitive and complex stakeholder map. The ‘inclusive growth’ as a strategy of economic development received attention owing to growing concern that the benefits of economic growth have not been equitably shared. Growth is inclusive when it creates economic opportunities along with ensuring equal access to them.
Agricultural Commodities and FMCG Stock Prices in India: Evidence from the ARDL Bound Test and the Toda and Yamamoto Causality Analysis
Authors: Kaur Gursimran , Dhiman Babli
Published: March 2019

This article is an attempt to study the cointegration and causality between agricultural commodities and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) stock index in India for the period January 2007 to December 2017. Autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) bound test is applied to investigate the cointegration between the variables used. The findings indicate the absence of cointegration between National Commodity and Derivative Exchange (NCDEX) agricultural commodities and National Stock Exchange (NSE) FMCG index. Besides, the Toda and Yamamoto approach of Granger causality test is employed to study causal relationship between variables under study. It confirms the absence of causal relationship between NCDEX agricultural commodities and NSE FMCG index except barley, cottonseed, jeera, mustard seed and wheat. This test finally confirms the unidirectional causal relationship runs from barley, cottonseed, jeera, mustard seed and wheat to NSE FMCG index. Therefore, in case of absence of cointegration and causality between agricultural commodities and NSE FMCG index, investors can hedge their risk by diversifying portfolio in both the markets.
Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication use in older patients with multiple myeloma, related to fall risk and autonomous neuropathy
Authors: Umıt Elif G , Baysal Mehmet , Bas Volkan , Asker Ismail , Kırkızlar Onur , Demır Ahmet M
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Multiple myeloma is a chronic, uncurable hematological cancer with the involvement of multiple organ systems. As a disease affecting older patients, the treatment of multiple myeloma should be based on individual patient characteristics. Polypharmacy is an increasing problem in the care of older patients and in patients with multiple myeloma, polypharmacy is almost inevitable. We aimed to evaluate the applicability of polypharmacy definitions and the relation of polypharmacy with disease outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma.

Methods

Eighty patients older than 65 years and diagnosed with multiple myeloma were retrospectively enrolled. Patient files, prescriptions, evaluations for polypharmacy were determined according to Beers and START/STOPP criteria. Outcomes were recorded from files in terms of fractures, autonomous neuropathy, and renal functions.

Results

Polypharmacy with ≥4 drugs was observed in 65 patients while polypharmacy with ≥5 drugs was observed in 51 patients. Autonomous neuropathy, polypharmacy with more than four or five medications, and use of multiple medications in the same category were related with poor ECOG performance status in women, while prolonged use of benzodiazepines and central nervous system (CNS) affecting drugs and inappropriate polypharmacy were more frequent in men with poor ECOG performance status. The majority of patients aged 75–84 years were observed to use inappropriate polypharmacy. Autonomous neuropathy and fall risk were observed to be significantly related with inappropriate polypharmacy.

Conclusions

Drugs affecting balance and perception should be reconsidered in patients with multiple myeloma.
Hospital Care and Surgical Treatment of Children With Congenital Upper Limb Defects
Authors: Koskimies-Virta E. , Helenius I. , Pakkasjärvi N. , Nietosvaara Y.
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims:

To evaluate hospital care of children with congenital upper limb defects.

Materials and Methods:

Three hundred and sixty-two children with an upper limb defect, born 1993–2005, and alive after birth admission were identified in the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations. The data on hospital care, with focus on operative treatment, were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Register, until 31 December 2009. Mean follow-up was 10.2 years (range: 4–17 years). The results were compared with data on the whole children population (1.1 million) in Finland.

Results:

Most children (321, 87%) with upper limb defects had hospital admissions: on average, one admission/year (range: 0–36), and they were treated in hospital 5 days/year (range: 0–150), which is 11-fold compared with an average child in Finland. Four surgical procedures/child were done (range: 0–45), including one hand surgical procedure. The most common procedures were orthopedic (513); gastrointestinal (263); ear, nose, and throat (143); dental (118); thoracic (48); and urologic (44). Of the 513 orthopedic procedures, 326 were directed to upper limbs, 107 to the lower limbs, and 10 to the spine. Median operation age was 2 years 7 months. Altogether, 60% of hospital admissions were non-surgical. Leading causes of non-operative hospital admissions were congenital anomalies (32%), gastroenterological problems (20%), respiratory tract conditions (13%), neurological problems (7%), perinatal conditions (5%), and infectious diseases (5%).

Conclusion:

Treatment of children with upper limb defects is teamwork between pediatric and surgical subspecialties. Burden of hospital care is 11-fold as compared with an average child.
Weak multiculturalism and fears of cultural encroachment: Meanings of multiculturalism among young elites in Britain
Authors: Warikoo Natasha
Published: March 2019

While politicians and scholars have debated the meaning, value, and purposes of multiculturalism for decades, less attention has been paid to the views of a broader group of Britons. In this paper I analyze the meaning of multiculturalism for elite university students in Britain. Many British leaders spend their early adulthood in elite universities. Do they hold the same conceptions of multiculturalism that scholars, the media, and politicians espouse? And, do they express strong support for multiculturalism (as they understand it) as discussions about political division in Britain assume? This paper answers these important questions by analyzing 67 in-depth interviews with undergraduates at Oxford University. I find that students define multiculturalism as a diverse array of ethnic groups living in the same society. Most simultaneously report little impact on their lives. Still, a significant minority express concerns about a perceived lack of integration and impingement on traditional British culture. These findings demonstrate precarious support for multiculturalism even among those who express more tolerant, inclusive understandings of British society related to immigration and Brexit in opinion polls.
Endovascular therapy versus femoropopliteal bypass surgery for medium-length TASC II B and C lesions of the superficial femoral artery: An observational propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Vossen RJ , Vahl AC , Fokkema TM , Leijdekkers VJ , van Swijndregt AD Montauban , Balm R
Published: March 2019

Objectives

This study was designed to compare clinical outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with optional stenting (PTA/s) and femoropopliteal bypass (FPB) surgery as primary invasive treatment in patients with medium-length superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions.

Methods

We performed a single-center retrospective, observational analysis in all consecutive patients who had undergone initial invasive treatment for medium-length, TASC II B and TASC II C, SFA lesions from 2004 to 2015. Primary endpoints were primary and secondary clinical patency. Secondary endpoints were complication rates and number of amputations. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to compare patency rates in the two treatment groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounding variables and propensity score matching analysis was used to balance treatment groups.

Results

A total of 362 patients with a mean observation period of 4.0 years (SD ± 2.6) were analyzed. In this group, 231 patients (64%) underwent PTA/s and 131 patients (36%) FPB surgery. There was no difference in primary clinical patency at one-, three- and five-year follow-up between the PTA/s and FPB group, with rates of 79% vs. 63%, 53% vs. 78% and 71% vs. 66%, respectively ( P = 0.46). Secondary clinical patency estimates were comparable, resulting in one-, three- and five-year secondary clinical patency rates of 88%, 76% and 67% in the PTA/s group versus 88%, 80% and 79% in the bypass group ( P = 0.40). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant differences between the PTA/s and FPB groups in terms of primary clinical patency (HR 1.4; 95% CI 0.9–2.2) and secondary clinical patency (HR 1.7; 95% CI 0.9–2.9). This was confirmed in the propensity score analysis. Hospital stay (4.8 vs. 10.3 days) and complication rate (2.6% vs. 18.3%) were significantly lower in the PTA/s group ( P = 0.00). The number of amputations was comparable ( P = 0.75).

Conclusions

The clinical success of endovascular therapy and surgery for medium-length SFA lesions is comparable. Taking into account the lower morbidity rate, shorter length of hospital stay and the less invasive character of PTA/s compared with bypass surgery, patients with medium-length SFA lesions are ideally treated by an endovascular-first approach.
Multilingualism and multiliteracy in primary education in India: A discussion of some methodological challenges of an interdisciplinary research project
Authors: Tsimpli Ianthi , Mukhopadhyay Lina , Treffers-Daller Jeanine , Alladi Suvarna , Marinis Theodoros , Panda Minati , Balasubramanian Anusha , Sinha Pallawi
Published: March 2019

In the Indian context, concerns have been raised for many years about the learning outcomes of primary school children. The complexity of the issue makes it difficult to advise stakeholders on what needs to be done to improve learning in primary schools in India. As it has been shown that low socio-economic status is one of the key factors that negatively affect learning outcomes, the focus of the Multilila project (‘Multilingualism and multiliteracy: Raising learning outcomes in challenging contexts in primary schools across India’) is on educational achievement among children of low socio-economic status. In following the development of language, literacy, maths and cognitive abilities of primary school children over two years we hope to throw new light on why multilingual children in India do not always experience the cognitive advantages associated with multilingualism in other contexts. This paper focuses on some of the methodological challenges faced by this project. After explaining the rationale for the study, we sketch the contribution this project can make to the discussion about cognitive advantages of bilingualism. We then focus on the Indian context before presenting the methodology of the project (design, participants, instruments and procedure). Finally, we summarize the key challenges for the project and possible solutions to those challenges, and present an outlook towards the future.
Strengthening child inclusion in the classroom in rural schools of Pakistan and Afghanistan: What did we learn by testing the system dynamics protocol for community engagement?
Authors: Trani Jean-François , Bakhshi Parul , Mozaffari Alan , Sohail Munib , Rawab Hashim , Kaplan Ian , Ballard Ellis , Hovmand Peter
Published: March 2019

Access to education has been the central tenet of the Millennium Development Goal 2, which focused strongly on increasing enrolment yet failed to promote education quality and equity and address contextual complexities that sustain exclusion. As a consequence, many children are not learning. There is growing recognition that effective, efficient and equitable education for all will not be achieved without better accountability. The present paper details innovative methods for strengthening the learning process through better social accountability. The paper defines and tests in rural schools of Afghanistan and Pakistan a community-based system dynamics protocol using participatory group model building (GMB) techniques. We tested the protocol with two groups of teachers and one group of children, with the three produced causal loop diagrams highlighting factors that influence learning in the classroom from the perspectives of the participants. The sessions showed interest, engagement, quick mastery of how GMB methods work and clear understanding of how the current classroom system hinders learning for many students. Researchers found that large autonomy and initiative could be left to the workshop participants, keeping the facilitator’s role to one of explaining the method and asking clarification about causal relations.
What’s the problem? Investigation of Dutch policy statements in search of causes of stagnating citizenship education
Authors: Meester-van Laar Anneke , Bertram-Troost GD , Hoogland J , de Ruyter DJ
Published: March 2019

Based on the findings of the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study, the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement notes in 2010 that the development of citizenship education is stagnating. In response to this stagnation, some countries, including the Netherlands, are tempted to act more prescriptively in matters of citizenship education. Prior to and in the interest of the search for a solution, we think it is first and foremost important to gain insight into the extent to which the Dutch policy on citizenship education itself contributes to the stagnation. Reconstruction of the policy theory (as a part of document analysis) is used as a method to analyse the various policy statements. Our analysis demonstrates that there are sufficient indications to state that what the Dutch government wants and why is unclear and that there are specific normative beliefs underlying the policy which may conflict with beliefs of the implementers. We assume that the indicators found are not conducive to enable or motivate school leaders to implement the policy as desired by the government.
Nickel nanoparticles inside carbon nanostructures: atomistic simulation
Authors: Safina Liliya R. , Baimova Julia A. , Mulyukov Radik R.
Published: March 2019

Ni nanoparticle on a graphene substrate, inside the fullerene and carbon nanotube was studied by molecular dynamics simulation technique. Morse interatomic potential have been used for Ni-Ni and Ni-C interactions, and AIREBO potential has been used for C-C interaction. The pairwise Morse potential was chosen for the description of the Ni–C interaction because of its simplicity. It is shown that Morse potential can satisfactory reproduce the properties of graphene-nickel system. The effect of boundary conditions on the interaction of Ni nanoparticle and graphene sheet are investigated. It is shown, that if the edges of graphene plane are set to be free, coverage of Ni nanoparticle by graphene or just crumpling of graphene is observed depending on the size of nanoparticle. It is found, that Ni nanoparticle tend to attach to the carbon surface - graphene plane or the shell of fullerene and nanotube. Moreover, Ni nanoparticle induce the deformation of the surface of carbon polymorph. The obtained results are potentially important for understanding of the fabrication of metal-carbon composites and interaction between graphene and metal nanoparticles in such a system.
Gravity modeling for crustal-scale models of rifted continental margins using a constrained 3D inversion method
Authors: Geng Meixia , Welford J. Kim , Farquharson Colin G. , Hu Xiangyun
Published: March 2019

We have developed a new constrained inversion method that is based on a probabilistic approach for resolving crustal structure from regional gravity data. The smoothness of estimated structures is included in the inversion by using a model covariance matrix, and the sparse boundary information obtained from seismic data is incorporated in the inversion by using linear equality constraints. Moreover, constraints on the average anomalous densities expected for different crustal layers are applied instead of using a depth-weighting function. Bathymetric data and sediment thicknesses are included in the inversion by using an a priori model. Using the proposed method, model structures with sharp boundaries can be obtained while the existing boundary information and sparse seismic constraints are honored. We determine through a synthetic example and a real-world example that the proposed constrained inversion method is a valid tool for studying crustal-scale structures.
Time-space-domain temporal high-order staggered-grid finite-difference schemes by combining orthogonality and pyramid stencils for 3D elastic-wave propagation
Authors: Xu Shigang , Liu Yang , Ren Zhiming , Zhou Hongyu
Published: March 2019

The presently available staggered-grid finite-difference (SGFD) schemes for the 3D first-order elastic-wave equation can only achieve high-order spatial accuracy, but they exhibit second-order temporal accuracy. Therefore, the commonly used SGFD methods may suffer from visible temporal dispersion and even instability when relatively large time steps are involved. To increase the temporal accuracy and stability, we have developed a novel time-space-domain high-order SGFD stencil, characterized by ([Formula: see text])th-order spatial and ([Formula: see text])th-order temporal accuracies ([Formula: see text]), to numerically solve the 3D first-order elastic-wave equation. The core idea of this new stencil is to use a double-pyramid stencil with an operator length parameter [Formula: see text] together with the conventional second-order SGFD to approximate the temporal derivatives. At the same time, the spatial derivatives are discretized by the orthogonality stencil with an operator length parameter [Formula: see text]. We derive the time-space-domain dispersion relation of this new stencil and determine finite-difference (FD) coefficients using the Taylor-series expansion. In addition, we further optimize the spatial FD coefficients by using a least-squares (LS) algorithm to minimize the time-space-domain dispersion relation. To create accurate and reasonable P-, S-, and converted wavefields, we introduce the 3D wavefield-separation technique into our temporal high-order SGFD schemes. The decoupled P- and S-wavefields are extrapolated by using the P- and S-wave dispersion-relation-based FD coefficients, respectively. Moreover, we design an adaptive variable-length operator scheme, including operators [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], to reduce the extra computational cost arising from adopting this new stencil. Dispersion and stability analyses indicate that our new methods have higher accuracy and better stability than the conventional ones. Using several 3D modeling examples, we demonstrate that our SGFD schemes can yield greater temporal accuracy on the premise of guaranteeing high-order spatial accuracy. Through effectively combining our new stencil, LS-based optimization, large time step, variable-length operator, and graphic processing unit, the computational efficiency can be significantly improved for the 3D case.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Screening and Management in Patients With Hematologic or Solid Malignancies Anticipating Immunosuppressive Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hwang Jessica P. , Huang Danmeng , Vierling John M. , Suarez-Almazor Maria E. , Shih Ya-Chen Tina , Chavez-MacGregor Mariana , Duan Zhigang , Giordano Sharon H. , Hershman Dawn L. , Fisch Michael J. , Cantor Scott B.
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE

National hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening recommendations for patients with cancer anticipating systemic anticancer therapy range from universal screening to screening based on risk of HBV infection, cancer therapy–specific risk of HBV reactivation, or both. We conducted cost-effectiveness analyses to identify optimal HBV screening strategies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We constructed decision-analytic models to analyze three strategies (no screening, universal screening, and selective screening based on use of an HBV infection risk tool) for hypothetic cohorts of patients anticipating anticancer therapy at high or lower risk for HBV reactivation. Model parameters were drawn from previously published studies, the SEER-Medicare database, and other online resources. Outcomes included lifetime expected cost, quality-adjusted life expectancy, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, measured in US dollars required to gain an additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY).

RESULTS

For patients at high reactivation risk, universal screening dominated (ie, was cheaper and more effective than) the other two strategies. Universal screening was associated with a gain in life expectancy of 0.01 QALY compared with no screening and cost $76.06 less than no screening and $4.34 less than selective screening. For those at lower reactivation risk, universal screening still dominated selective screening; however, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the universal screening strategy compared with no screening was $186,917 per QALY gained.

CONCLUSION

Universal HBV screening is cost effective and cheaper for patients receiving anticancer therapy associated with a high reactivation risk. For patients receiving anticancer therapy associated with a lower reactivation risk, universal screening is not cost effective.
Successful Resuscitation Using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation of 2 Patients With Severe Liver Rupture: A Case Report
Authors: Haller Ingrid , Lederer Wolfgang , Glodny Bernhard , Lorenz Ingo , Wiedermann Franz J.
Published: March 2019

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a rescue treatment for respiratory or cardiac failure. Its use is limited in patients predisposed to bleeding due to heparin administration. We present 2 patients with deranged coagulation after liver rupture successfully treated by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. One patient with cardiac arrest developed a liver laceration during resuscitation. Liver suture was performed, but acute respiratory distress syndrome (Pao
2/fraction of inspired oxygen, 50) necessitated venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The other patient suffered hemothorax, thoracic aorta dissection, and liver rupture. Liver segments VI and VII were resected. Endovascular aneurysm repair of aortic dissection and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were performed. Both patients survived without neurological sequelae.
Pan-cancer repository of validated natural and cryptic mRNA splicing mutations
Authors: Shirley Ben C. , Mucaki Eliseos J. , Rogan Peter K.
Published: March 2019

We present a major public resource of mRNA splicing mutations validated according to multiple lines of evidence of abnormal gene expression. Likely mutations present in all tumor types reported in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) were identified based on the comparative strengths of splice sites in tumor versus normal genomes, and then validated by respectively comparing counts of splice junction spanning and abundance of transcript reads in RNA-Seq data from matched tissues and tumors lacking these mutations. The comprehensive resource features 341,486 of these validated mutations, the majority of which (69.9%) are not present in the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database (dbSNP 150). There are 131,347 unique mutations which weaken or abolish natural splice sites, and 222,071 mutations which strengthen cryptic splice sites (11,932 affect both simultaneously). 28,812 novel or rare flagged variants (with <1% population frequency in dbSNP) were observed in multiple tumor tissue types. Single variants or chromosome ranges can be queried using a Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH)-compliant, web-based Beacon “Validated Splicing Mutations” either separately or in aggregate alongside other Beacons through the public Beacon Network, as well as through our website.
НОВЫЙ ПОДХОД К ОЦЕНКЕ КОМПЕТЕНЦИЙ В СИСТЕМЕ СРЕДНЕГО ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОГО ПЕДАГОГИЧЕСКОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ
Authors: Yakovleva Elina Nikolaevna , Voiteleva Galina Viktorovna , Krasilova Irina Yevgenevna
Published: March 2019

Цель. Настоящая статья посвящена проекту, в реализации которого приняло участие ГОУ ВО МО «Государственный гуманитарно-технологический университет», по разработке и внедрению демонстрационного экзамена по компетенции WorldSkills «Преподавание в младших классах» в систему подготовки педагогических кадров. Анализ состояния системы независимой оценки квалификации будущих учителей начальных классов в РФ показывает, что в настоящее время эта система остро нуждается в едином инструментарии, позволяющем объективно оценить качество подготовки выпускников. Такой инструментарий задают стандарты WorldSkills. Демонстрационный экзамен по компетенции «Преподавание в младших классах» представляет собой новый формат оценки результатов профессиональной подготовки в системе среднего профессионального педагогического образования.Материалы и методы проведения работы. В ходе исследования в рамках проекта были использованы методы сопоставления и анализа отечественной и зарубежной практики независимой оценки компетенций будущих педагогов, осуществлен педагогический эксперимент (в форме пилотного проекта) по подготовке и проведению демонстрационного экзамена в формате WorldSkills, проведен комплексный анализ полученных результатов.Результаты. В результате проведенного исследования были разработаны материалы и методика проведения демонстрационного экзамена по компетенции WSR «Преподавание в младших классах».Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть интересны педагогам, методистам, исследователям в области подготовки педагогических кадров, оценки профессиональных компетенций.