bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Micro–Nano Structure with Variable Colour: Applications for Anti-Counterfeiting
Authors: Liu Hailu , Xie Dong , Shen Huayan , Li Fayong , Chen Junjia
Published: December 2019

Colour patterns based on micro-nano structure have attracted enormous research interests due to unique optical switches and smart surface applications in photonic crystal, superhydrophobic surface modification, controlled adhesion, inkjet printing, biological detection, supramolecular self-assembly, anti-counterfeiting, optical device and other fields. In traditional methods, many patterns of micro-nano structure are derived from changes of refractive index or lattice parameters. Generally, the refractive index and lattice parameters of photonic crystals are processed by common solvents, salts or reactive monomers under specific electric, magnetic and stress conditions. This review focuses on the recent developments in the fabrication of micro-nano structures for patterns including styles, materials, methods and characteristics. It summarized the advantages and disadvantages of inkjet printing, angle-independent photonic crystal, self-assembled photonic crystals by magnetic field force, gravity, electric field, inverse opal photonic crystal, electron beam etching, ion beam etching, laser holographic lithography, imprinting technology and surface wrinkle technology, etc. This review will provide a summary on designing micro-nano patterns and details on patterns composed of photonic crystals by surface wrinkles technology and plasmonic micro-nano technology. In addition, colour patterns as switches are fabricated with good stability and reproducibility in anti-counterfeiting application. Finally, there will be a conclusion and an outlook on future perspectives.
Sagittal Craniosynostosis with Uncommon Anatomical Pathologies in a 56-Year-Old Male Cadaver
Authors: Frolov Andrey , Lawson Craig , Olatunde Joshua , Goodrich James T. , Martin III John R.
Published: December 2019

Sagittal craniosynostosis (CS) is a pathologic condition that results in premature fusion of the sagittal suture, restricting the transverse growth of the skull leading in some cases to elevated intracranial pressure and neurodevelopmental delay. There is still much to be learned about the etiology of CS. Here, we report a case of 56-year-old male cadaver that we describe as sagittal CS with torus palatinus being an additional anomaly. The craniotomy was unsuccessful (cephalic index, CI = 56) and resulted in abnormal vertical outgrowth of the craniotomized bone strip. The histological analysis of the latter revealed atypical, noncompensatory massive bone overproduction. Exome sequencing of DNA extracted from the cadaveric tissue specimen performed on the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform yielded 81 genetic variants identified as pathologic. Nine of those variants could be directly linked to CS with five of them targeting RhoA GTPase signaling, with a potential to make it sustained in nature. The latter could trigger upregulated calvarial osteogenesis leading to premature suture fusion, skull bone thickening, and craniotomized bone strip outgrowth observed in the present case.
Increased COUP-TFII Expression Mediates the Differentiation Imbalance of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Femoral Head Osteonecrosis
Authors: Wang Sheng-Hao , Gou Guo-Hau , Wu Chia-Chun , Shen Hsain-Chung , Lin Leou-Chyr , Pan Ru-Yu
Published: December 2019

Objective.Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have multilineage differentiation potential, which allows them to progress to osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis. An imbalance of differentiation between osteogenesis and adipogenesis will result in pathologic conditions inside the bone. This type of imbalance is also one of the pathological findings in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) was previously reported to mediate the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. This study investigated the expression of the osteogenesis regulator Runx2, osteocalcin, the adipogenesis regulator PPARγ, and COUP-TFII in the femoral head tissue harvested from ONFH patients, and characterized the effect of COUP-TFII on the differentiation of primary BMSCs.Methods.Thirty patients with ONFH were recruited and separated into 3 groups: the trauma-, steroid- and alcohol-induced ONFH groups (10 patients each). Bone specimens were harvested from patients who underwent hip arthroplasty, and another 10 specimens were harvested from femoral neck fracture patients as the control group. Expression of the osteogenesis regulator Runx2, osteocalcin, the adipogenesis regulator PPARγ, C/EBP-α, and COUP-TFII was analyzed by Western blotting. Primary bone marrow mesenchymal cells were harvested from ONFH cells treated with COUP-TFII RNA interference to evaluate the effect of COUP-TFII on MSCs.Results.ONFH patients had significantly increased expression of the adipogenesis regulator PPARγand C/EBP-α and decreased expression of the osteogenesis regulator osteocalcin. ONFH bone tissue also revealed higher COUP-TFII expression. Immunohistochemical staining displayed strong COUP-TFII immunoreactivity adjacent to osteonecrotic trabecular bone. Increased COUP-TFII expression in the bone tissue correlated with increased PPARγand decreased osteocalcin expression. Knockdown of COUP-TFII with siRNA in BMSCs reduced adipogenesis and increased osteogenesis in mesenchymal cells.Conclusion.Increased COUP-TFII expression mediates the imbalance of BMSC differentiation and progression to ONFH in patients. This study might reveal a new target in the treatment of ONFH.
Hemophilia A in Females: Considerations for Clinical Management
Authors: Bryant Paulette , Boukouvala Aikaterini , McDaniel Jenny , Nance Danielle
Published: December 2019

Approximately 50% of female carriers of hemophilia A have factor VIII (FVIII) levels below 0.5 IU/dL and may be categorized as having mild hemophilia. Females with hemophilia may go undiagnosed for years because the most common symptoms – menorrhagia and bleeding after childbirth – also occur in females without hemophilia. Females with hemophilia can exhibit increased bleeding tendencies despite current guidelines of expected, adequate FVIII levels. The cases described illustrate the clinical variability and presentation of hemophilia in females and highlight the importance of a timely diagnosis, effective management, and monitoring. Prophylactic factor replacement therapy is recommended in females with hemophilia, particularly those with joint disease or gynecologic complications. Affected individuals should receive infusion training and education on treatment options, physical activities, the importance of treatment adherence, and recognizing bleeding symptoms warranting treatment. Further study is needed to increase awareness of hemophilia in females and reassess current guidelines for their management and monitoring.
Hypomagnesemia and Short-Term Mortality in Elderly Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lu Caibao , Wang Yiqin , Wang Daihong , Nie Ling , Zhang Ying , Lei Qiuyu , Xiong Jiachuan , Zhao Jinghong
Published: December 2019

Background: The relationship between magnesium and mortality in hemodialysis patients has been evaluated in several prospective studies, but few have assessed the risk of all-cause mortality in elderly hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between magnesium levels and the risk of cardiovascular and overall mortality in elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study, and patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were screened for eligibility at a single dialysis center between July and December 2016. Patients were divided into two groups based on their magnesium levels: a low magnesium level group and a high magnesium level group. Associations between magnesium level and risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were analyzed with a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results: In total, 413 patients were included with a median follow-up period of 12 months. We found that compared to patients with high magnesium levels, those with low magnesium levels had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, phosphate, potassium, chloride, albumin, and spKt/V (p < 0.05 for each parameter). There was a strong correlation between the baseline mean serum magnesium concentration 1 year prior and the concentration 1 year later (r2 = 0.519, p < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed hypomagnesemia to be an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients. Furthermore, subgroup analysis was performed, revealing that serum magnesium levels were still strongly associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in patients older than 60 years, with HR values of 0.020 (95% CI 0.001–0.415) and 0.010 (95% CI 0.000–0.491), respectively. In addition, there were still significant associations between the serum magnesium level and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in elderly dialysis patients at the 6-month follow-up visit. Conclusion: Our study indicates that lower serum magnesium levels are strongly associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients, especially in the short term and in those who are elderly. Factors affecting serum magnesium concentrations in hemodialysis patients should be investigated, and correcting hypomagnesemia may benefit elderly hemodialysis patients.
Management of Ponatinib in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Santoro Marco , Accurso Vincenzo , Mancuso Salvatrice , Contrino Angelo Davide , Sardo Mariano , Novo Giuseppina , Di Piazza Florinda , Perez Alessandro , Russo Antonio , Siragusa Sergio
Published: December 2019

Cardiovascular (CV) adverse events are considered common complications of ponatinib treatment. Recently, it has been demonstrated that ponatinib dose reductions in definite settings can obtain optimal responses and lower ponatinib-related CV events. In this study, we describe the management of 5 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with ponatinib, from second to fourth line of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, carrying high pre-ponatinib CV risk, who obtained optimal molecular response and developed no CV adverse event during follow-up. Among these 5 patients, 2 had diagnosis of ischemic heart disease and underwent percutaneous angioplasty, 2 had type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension, and 1 had only arterial hypertension. Median follow-up for ponatinib therapy is 1,039 days (34.6 months). Median dosage administered is 30 mg a day. SCORE charts were used to estimate risk of CV death in 10 years and Charlson Comorbidity Index was applied to estimate age-adjusted risk of death related to comorbidities. Strict cardiologic follow-up (complete evaluation every 3 to 6 months) and maximum effort in the control of CV modifiable risk factors are strongly recommended in the management of ponatinib treatment in patients at high risk for CV events and may allow the use of ponatinib in patients belonging to CV risk category.
Natural History of Acromegaly: Incidences, Re-operations, Cancers, and Mortality Rates in a National Cohort
Authors: Wu Jau-Ching , Huang Wen-Cheng , Chang Hsuan-Kan , Ko Chin-Chu , Lirng Jiing-Feng , Chen Yu-Chun
Published: December 2019

Background: Acromegaly is so rare that its natural history, including incidence, risk of cancers, and mortality rates, remains elusive. This natural study utilized a nationwide database to provide a better understanding of acromegaly’s disease course. Methods: A cohort of 1,195 acromegaly patients were identified and followed-up from 1997 to 2013. Incidence, operation, and re-operation rates were calculated. Excessive mortality and cancer risk related to acromegaly were estimated by standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and standardized incidence ratio (SIR). Results: The incidence was 2.78 per million-person-years, with little gender predominance (female vs. male, 49.5 vs. 50.5%, respectively). There was female predominance only among 50 and 60 year-olds (incidence rate ratio: 1.37 and 1.43, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). Among them, 673 (56.3%) had hypophysectomy surgery, and the young-onset (<40 years) patients had more re-operations (15.5%, p = 0.01). The overall mortality rate was 22.3 per 1,000 person-years, with a median survival of 4.67 years (with no gender differences, p = 0.38). The overall SMR of acromegaly patients was 1.41, and the onset-age-specific SMRs of the early- and middle-onset patients were higher than for those with late-onset. There were 87 newly diagnosed cancers in the cohort, with an incidence rate of 10.6 per 1,000 person-years (median 5.4 years). The overall SIR of cancers was 1.91, and there were no differences among gender, onset-age, and disease duration (all SIR >1, approximately 2). Conclusion: Acromegaly is associated with an excessive risk of mortality and two-fold higher risk of cancers. Patients with acromegaly should be managed appropriately after the diagnosis.
Incorporando relações
Authors: Blanco Lis Furlani
Published: December 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é tratar das relações entre “comida” e “risco” a partir do pressuposto de que a comida carrega com ela, para além de simbolismo, materialidades que são incorporadas, literalmente, através do ato de ingestão. Este texto, além da ambição de contribuir com uma revisão teórica sobre a temática da alimentação na Antropologia, pretende propor uma abordagem metodológica sobre comida que vá mais além de sua definição como linguagem, ou como mediador social, compreendendo-a enquanto objeto promulgador de realidade. A maneira como definimos comida definiria não só a materialidade daqueles que a incorporam, mas as próprias relações que estes estabelecem com o mundo, e o “risco” seria o recorte pelo qual podemos entender como um objeto é definido como comida em um contexto que é muitas vezes concebido como a antítese da cultura: o contexto da pobreza extrema. Para tanto, articularei a discussão mais atual sobre o projeto da “farinata”, do ex-prefeito João Doria Júnior, em relação a cenas etnográficas resultantes de minha pesquisa de campo, em 2013, na cidade de São Paulo.
O efeito de padronização de corpos, dietas e regimes pelo discurso médico
Authors: Esteves Phellipe Marcel da Silva
Published: December 2019

Neste artigo, tomaremos como material de análise enciclopédias publicadas no Brasil de 1958 a 1973, procurando investigar, de modo geral, de que maneira os sentidos sobre comida e alimentação circulam em meados do século XX nesses instrumentos, e, especificamente, quais as relações entre comida, alimentação, corpo, gênero e sujeito na fase de publicação das enciclopédias investigadas, quando elas se multiplicam e se popularizam no sistema editorial brasileiro.
Fragility Index in Cardiovascular Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Ochani Rohan Kumar , Shaikh Asim , Usman Muhammad Shariq , Yamani Naser , Khan Safi U. , Murad M. Hassan , Mandrola John , Doukky Rami , Krasuski Richard A.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Efficacy of an intervention is commonly evaluated using
P
values, in addition to effect size measures such as absolute risk reduction, relative risk reduction, and numbers needed to treat. However, these measures are not always intuitive to clinicians. The fragility index (FI) is a more intuitive number that can facilitate interpretation but can only be used with binary outcomes. FI is the minimum number of patients who must be moved from the nonevent group to the event group to turn a significant result nonsignificant. In this retrospective analysis, we assessed the robustness of cardiovascular randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which report a positive (statistically significant) primary outcome by using the FI.

Methods and Results:

We searched Medline from 2007 to 2017 to identify cardiovascular RCTs published in 6 high impact journals (
The Lancet
,
New England Journal of Medicine
,
Journal of the American Medical Association
,
Circulation
,
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
and
European Heart Journal
). Only RCTs with sample sizes >500 and a 2-by-2 factorial design or dichotomous primary outcomes were selected. FI was calculated using a defined approach. Among the cohort of 123 RCTs that met inclusion criteria, median FI was 13 (interquartile range, 5–26). In 28 trials (22.8%), FI ranged between 1 and 4. In 37 trials (30.1%), number of patients lost to follow-up was higher than the FI. Pharmaceutical interventions had higher FI compared with other interventions, FI=19 (7–52;
P
=0.002). Median FI varied according to subspecialty (electrophysiology=2; heart failure=11; interventional cardiology=8;
P
=0.020) and multiregional RCTs had higher FI=22 (12–53.25;
P
=0.023). FI did not differ based on risk of bias indicators, funding, or publication year.

Conclusions:

Considerable variations in FI were observed among cardiovascular trials, suggesting the need for careful interpretation of results, particularly when number of patients lost to follow-up exceeds FI.
Brachial‐Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity Versus Its Stiffness Index β‐Transformed Value as Risk Marker for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Tomiyama Hirofumi , Ohkuma Toshiaki , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Nakano Hiroki , Matsumoto Chisa , Avolio Alberto , Kohro Takahide , Higashi Yukihito , Maruhashi Tatsuya , Takase Bonpei , Suzuki Toru , Ishizu Tomoko , Ueda Shinichiro , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Furumoto Tomoo , Kario Kazuomi , Inoue Teruo , Koba Shinji , Takemoto Yasuhiko , Hano Takuzo , Sata Masataka , Ishibashi Yutaka , Node Koichi , Maemura Koji , Ohya Yusuke , Furukawa Taiji , Ito Hiroshi , Chikamori Taishiro , Yamashina Akira
Published: December 2019

Background

The difference in the predictive ability of the brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (ba
PWV
) and its stiffness index β‐transformed value (β‐ba
PWV
, ie, ba
PWV
adjusted for the pulse pressure) for the development of pathophysiological abnormalities related to cardiovascular disease or future occurrence of cardiovascular disease was examined.

Methods and Results

In study 1, a 7‐year prospective observational study in cohorts of 3274 men and 3490 men, the area under the curve in the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was higher for ba
PWV
than for β‐ba
PWV
for predicting the development of hypertension (0.73, 95%
CI
=0.70 to 0.75 versus 0.59, 95%
CI
=0.56 to 0.62;
P
<0.01) and/or the development of retinopathy (0.78, 95%
CI
=0.73 to 0.82 versus 0.66, 95%
CI
=0.60 to 0.71;
P
<0.01) by the end of the study period. During study 2, a 3‐year observation period on 511 patients with coronary artery disease, 72 cardiovascular events were confirmed. The C statistics of both markers for predicting the development of cardiovascular events were similar.

Conclusions

Stiffness index β transformation of the ba
PWV
may attenuate the significance of the ba
PWV
as a risk marker for development of pathophysiological abnormalities related to cardiovascular disease in male subjects.
The pricing of open access journals: Diverse niches and sources of value in academic publishing
Authors: Siler Kyle , Frenken Koen
Published: December 2019

Open access (OA) publishing has created new academic and economic niches in contemporary science. OA journals offer numerous publication outlets with varying editorial philosophies and business models. This article analyzes the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) ( n = 12,127) to identify characteristics of OA academic journals related to the adoption of article processing charge (APC)-based business models, as well as the price points of journals that charge APCs. Journal impact factor (JIF), language, publisher mission, DOAJ Seal, economic and geographic regions of publishers, peer review duration, and journal discipline are all significantly related to the adoption and pricing of journal APCs. Even after accounting for other journal characteristics (prestige, discipline, publisher country), journals published by for-profit publishers charge the highest APCs. Journals with status endowments (JIF, DOAJ Seal) and articles written in English, published in wealthier regions, and in medical or science-based disciplines are also relatively costlier. The OA publishing market reveals insights into forces that create economic and academic value in contemporary science. Political and institutional inequalities manifest in the varying niches occupied by different OA journals and publishers.
Pratylenchus penetrans, a potential risk in glasshouse-grown lettuce: population dynamics and damage threshold
Authors: Claerbout Jolien , Neukermans Jenny , Vandevelde Isabel , Decombel An , de Sutter Nancy , Deeren Anne-Marie , Venneman Sofie , Bleyaert Peter , Höfte Monica , Viaene Nicole
Published: December 2019

The root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, causes growth reduction in glasshouse-grown lettuce and is mainly controlled by chemical soil disinfestation. Integrated management strategies require more knowledge about the population dynamics and damage threshold densities. We monitored the population during 2.5 years in a commercial glasshouse by sampling soil in the same four 1 m2 spots at 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm depth. The grower grew lettuce in rotation with leek, applied 1,3-dichloropropene in summer and left the field fallow during winter. Growing leek reduced the nematode population slightly but chemical soil disinfestation lowered the numbers drastically, although 41% of the nematodes in the deeper layer survived. Black fallow resulted in a slight increase of the population, probably due to hatching. Two pot experiments with ten densities of P. penetrans were conducted to estimate the damage threshold for a summer and autumn cultivar (‘Cosmopolia’ and ‘Brighton’, respectively). The thresholds for lettuce weight were 669 and 3834 P. penetrans (100 ml soil)−1 in summer and autumn, respectively, but with considerable variability in estimated parameters. The thresholds for root damage were much lower: 204 and 48 P. penetrans (100 ml soil)−1. Nematode numbers did not increase on lettuce in the pot tests (maximum multiplication rate was 0.40) but increased slightly in the commercial setting. These results show that populations of P. penetrans build up slowly when butterhead lettuce is rotated with leek and fallow, but chemical soil disinfestation is required to avoid numbers resulting in root damage.
Development and validation of an Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale for medical students
Authors: De Meulemeester Ann , Buysse Heidi , Peleman Renaat
Published: December 2019

The aim of this research is to develop and validate a scale for the evaluation of medical students’ information literacy self-efficacy beliefs, as this plays a crucial role in the development of lifelong learning objectives. Curriculum developers and medical educators need to have a good understanding of information literacy in order to decide when specific support and training should be integrated in the curricula. The use of a trustworthy, user-friendly tool in a large population able to detect different aspects of students’ information literacy self-efficacy beliefs could help to evaluate an entire curriculum. A 5-factor model was developed and validated within a 6-year medical curriculum (n=1252). Internal consistency of the subscales was high (α: 0.845-0.930). In conclusion, the Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale for Medicine (ILSES-M) could be an added value for evaluating medical students’ information literacy self-efficacy beliefs. Furthermore, it could form the basis for curriculum development as well as a guideline for critical curriculum reflection.
Two new species of the bamboo-feeding planthopper genus Arcofacies Muir (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Delphacidae) from China
Authors: LI HONGXING , YANG LIN , CHEN XIANGSHENG
Published: December 2019

Two new species of the bamboo-feeding genus Arcofacies Muir, A. longispinus sp. nov. and A. varius sp. nov., are described and illustrated from southwest China (Yunnan). A checklist to the species of Arcofacies is provided as well as a key for the Chinese species.
Revalidation and resurrection of Panaspis massaiensis (Angel, 1924) and the description of a new species of Panaspis Cope (Squamata: Scincidae) from south-eastern Kenya
Authors: KILUNDA FELISTA KASYOKA , CONRADIE WERNER , WASONGA DOMNICK VICTOR , JIN JIE-QIONG , PENG MIN-SHENG , MURPHY ROBERT W. , MALONZA PATRICK KINYATTA , CHE JING
Published: December 2019

Historically Panaspis wahlbergi (Smith, 1849) has been the only assignable species present in Kenya. Recent studies have shown that it comprises multiple cryptic species and the nominal species is now restricted to southern Africa. Newly collected mitochondrial data (16S rRNA) helped to resolve the status of the Kenyan populations, which revealed the presence of two distant related species. Pairwise distances show average 5.87% differences between the two Kenyan species, and 3.58–5.27% and 8.62–9.15% to nominal P. wahlbergi and P. maculicollis Jacobsen & Broadley, 2000 respectively. Ablepharus massaiensis Angel, 1924 was described from the Maasai plains near Nairobi, but has long been considered a junior synonym of P. wahlbergi. We herein resurrect Panaspis massaiensis comb. nov. as a valid species and describe a new species, Panaspis tsavoensis sp. nov. from the Tsavo Conservation Area in south-eastern Kenya. Morphological examinations of specimens reveal minor differences from each other as well as nominal forms of P. wahlbergi and P. maculicollis. Panaspis massaiensis comb. nov. shares with the P. wahlbergi group a white ventrolateral stripe but can be distinguished by the presence of 26 midbody scale rows versus 24. Panaspis tsavoensis sp. nov. on the other hand, lacks the white ventrolateral stripe, most similar to the P. maculicollis group but differs in that P. maculicollis breeding males have a black patch on the neck with diagonal rows of white spots. Panaspis massaiensis comb. nov. is widespread in the Kenyan and northern Tanzanian highlands, isolated dryland montane forests and rocky hills, while P. tsavoensis sp. nov. occur in the expansive arid lowlands of Tsavo Conservation Area and should be present in similar arid lowlands in northern Kenya as well as in adjacent Tanzania.
The genus Dianous in Zhejiang, East China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)
Authors: SHUAI QI , TANG LIANG
Published: December 2019

A study on the Dianous of Zhejiang Province is presented. New distributional records for D. coeruleovestitus Puthz, 2000, D. rugosipennis Puthz, 2000, D. luteostigmaticus Rougemont, 1986, D. aequalis Zheng, 1993 and D. dubiosus Puthz, 2000 are provided. A new species of the Dianous ocellatus-complex is described: D. rufidulus Shuai & Tang, sp. n. Habitus and diagnostic characters for all species are illustrated and a key to Dianous species of Zhejiang are provided.
A Checklist of Short-horned Grasshopper Species (Orthoptera: Caelifera) from Littoral Region of Cameroon with description of a new species of the genus Hemierianthus Saussure, 1903 (Orthoptera: Chorotypidae)
Authors: YETCHOM-FONDJO JEANNE AGRIPPINE , KEKEUNOU SÉVILOR , KENNE MARTIN , MISSOUP ALAIN DIDIER , HUANG HUATENG , MA LIBIN , XU SHENG-QUAN
Published: December 2019

The Littoral Region of Cameroon is one of the most highly disturbed regions in Cameroon that remain poorly studied and where no investigation regarding the grasshopper fauna has been conducted. Hence a survey was conducted from August 2015 to November 2018 in 11 localities of this region. In each locality, grasshoppers were sampled in three vegetation types (forests, fallows and cultivated farms) using sweep nets sampling method. We collected in total 51 short-horned grasshopper species belonging to the families Acrididae, Chorotypidae, Euschmidtiidae, Pyrgomorphidae and Thericleidae. Among these species, 43 belong to Acrididae, 5 to Pyrgomorphidae and only one belongs to the Chorotypidae, Euschmidtiidae and Thericleidae respectively. The Chorotypidae species Hemierianthus mbongueensis Yetchom & Xu sp.nov. is also described in this study. Twelve grasshopper species were widely distributed as they occurred in all study sites and 11 were recorded exclusively from one study site. This study showed that there is high species richness of short-horned grasshoppers in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. However, more sampling effort in different ecosystems of this region and other regions of Cameroon will certainly improve our understanding on grasshopper taxonomy, ecology and biogeography.
Macaronesian Muscidae (Diptera). I. The genus Hebecnema Schnabl with description of a new Canarian endemic species and a review of the European fauna
Authors: MICHELSEN VERNER
Published: December 2019

An account is given on the three species of the muscid genus Hebecnema Schnabl occurring in the Macaronesian islands. These are Hebecnema anthracina Stein from Madeira, H. anthracinella sp. nov. from the western Canary Islands, and H. fumosa (Meigen) found in the Canary Islands, Madeira and Azores. Existing Macaronesian records of H. umbratica (Meigen) from the Azores and H. vespertina (Fallén) from the Canary Islands are based on misidentifications. Diagnoses of the European species with photos of the male terminalia and a key to species are given. It is pointed out that the two species of Muscidae recently described as new from Sweden, Mydaea forsslundi Zielke, 2017 and Hebecnema brodina Zielke, 2018, represent exotic species, probably of Oriental provenance. Finally, morphological differences in the female ovipositor divide the seven European species of Hebecnema in two species groups.
Lepechinellidae, a valid amphipod family name (Crustacea, Amphipoda)
Authors: THURSTON MICHAEL H. , HORTON TAMMY
Published: December 2019

The family Lepechinellidae has had a complex history; described under two names, subsumed into the Dexaminidae, resurrected, and most recently treated as a subfamily within the Atylidae (Lowry & Myers 2017). Lepechinellidae, based on Lepechinella Stebbing, 1908 was raised by Schellenberg (1926) to replace Dorbanellidae Schellenberg, 1925 based on Dorbanella Chevreux, 1914. The family name Lepechinellidae was used in at least ten publications until Barnard (1970) transferred the two included genera, Lepechinella and Paralepechinella Pirlot, 1933, to the Dexamininae. This arrangement was accepted tacitly or overtly by subsequent authors until Bousfield and Kendall (1994) recognized the unique nature of Lepechinella and allied genera and grouped them as Lepechinellinae within the Atylidae. Andres & Brandt (2001) provided evidence to justify recognition at the family level but Lowry & Myers (2017) reverted to the Bousfield & Kendall (1994) position. Jim Lowry (pers. comm.) recognises that the Andres & Brandt (2001) paper was not consulted by Lowry & Myers (2017) and that recognition of the family Lepechinellidae is justified.
A new species of Ischnocnema Reinhardt and Lütken, 1862 (Anura: Brachycephalidae) of the I. lactea species series from southeastern Brazil
Authors: TAUCCE PEDRO P. G. , ZAIDAN BÁRBARA F. , ZAHER HUSSAM , GARCIA PAULO C. A.
Published: December 2019

We describe a new species of Ischnocnema from the Serra da Bocaina mountain range, state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, based on morphological, bioacoustic, and mtDNA data. The new species is retrieved with high support values within the I. lactea species series as the sister species of I. spanios. Ischnocnema bocaina sp. nov. is characterized by its medium size (18.6–19.0 mm), a smooth venter, a rounded snout in dorsal view and acuminate in lateral view, a slightly expanded subgular, single vocal sac, a round and whitish, poorly-developed glandular-appearing nuptial pad on the dorsal surface of the thumb, and a nonpulsed advertisement call with 9 to 18 notes. We raise to 38 the number of Ischnocnema species, the 12th described in the past 10 years.
Climate Explorer: Improved Access to Local Climate Projections
Authors: Lipschultz Fredric , Herring David D. , Ray Andrea J. , Alder Jay R. , Dahlman LuAnn , DeGaetano Arthur T. , Fox James F. , Gardiner Edward P. , Herring Jamie , Hicks Jeff , Melton Forrest , Morefield Philip E. , Sweet William V.
Published: December 2019

The goal of the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit’s (CRT) Climate Explorer (CE) is to provide information at appropriate spatial and temporal scales to help practitioners gain insights into the risks posed by climate change. Ultimately, these insights can lead to groups of local stakeholders taking action to build their resilience to a changing climate. Using CE, decision-makers can visualize decade-by-decade changes in climate conditions in their county and the magnitude of changes projected for the end of this century under two plausible emissions pathways. They can also check how projected changes relate to user-defined thresholds that represent points at which valued assets may become stressed, damaged, or destroyed. By providing easy access to authoritative information in an elegant interface, the Climate Explorer can help communities recognize—and prepare to avoid or respond to—emerging climate hazards. Another important step in the evolution of CE builds on the purposeful alignment of the CRT with the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s (USGCRP) National Climate Assessment (NCA). By closely linking these two authoritative resources, we envision that users can easily transition from static maps and graphs within NCA reports to dynamic, interactive versions of the same data within CE and other resources within the CRT, which they can explore at higher spatial scales or customize for their own purposes. The provision of consistent climate data and information—a result of collaboration among USGCRP’s federal agencies—will assist decision-making by other governmental entities, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, and individuals.
Interseasonal Connections between the Timing of the Stratospheric Final Warming and Arctic Sea Ice
Authors: Kelleher Michael E. , Ayarzagüena Blanca , Screen James A.
Published: December 2019

Connections across seasons in atmospheric circulation and sea ice have long been sought to advance seasonal prediction. This study presents a link between the springtime stratosphere and Arctic sea ice in summer through autumn. The polar stratospheric vortex dominates the winter stratosphere before breaking down each spring, which is called the stratospheric final warming, as solar radiation returns to the pole. Interannual variability of this breakdown is dynamically driven, leading to different springtime tropospheric and surface circulation patterns. To examine the different impacts of delayed and early final warmings, a multimodel composite was generated from selected CMIP5 models. Additionally, regressions were performed on JRA-55 against an index of springtime polar vortex strength. In both the multimodel composites and reanalysis regressions, significant anomalies in sea ice thickness persist several months following an anomalous timing of the final warming. A later final warming or stronger springtime polar stratospheric vortex leads to negative sea ice thickness anomalies in the East Siberian Sea and positive anomalies in the Beaufort Sea in comparison with an earlier final warming or weaker polar vortex. The spring polar stratospheric vortex is related to spring polar surface circulation patterns. The winds associated with this pattern induce anomalous sea ice motion, moving ice from the East Siberian Sea toward the Beaufort Sea. Reduced sea ice in the East Siberian Sea is linked to anomalous warmth over this region in autumn. Our results suggest that the timing of the stratospheric final warming exerts an influence on the tropospheric circulation and sea ice through autumn, which has implications for seasonal climate prediction.
Structure of Cyclonic Precipitation in the Northern Pacific Storm Track Measured by GPM DPR
Authors: Zhang Aoqi , Chen Yilun , Zhang Xiangdong , Zhang Qiong , Fu Yunfei
Published: December 2019

Despite the long existence of theoretical studies, few statistical studies of precipitation characteristics on the northern Pacific storm track have been reported due to lack of observation. Using data from GPM DPR and ERA-Interim, we examined the precipitation features of extratropical cyclones in the northern Pacific storm-track region. Extratropical cyclones were classified into four categories including developing, mature, dissipating, and short-term based on their life stages. Our results show that extratropical cyclones of all categories had a “comma” rainband and precipitation mostly occurred to the east of the cyclonic center. The extratropical cyclones promote precipitation to the east of their centers, but suppress precipitation to the west. Precipitation to the east of the extratropical cyclones had larger and more condensed droplets, a stronger intensity, and a higher rain top than the local seasonal average, while the opposite characteristics were seen to the west. Our results suggest that the different types of vertical air motion and moisture content in these two regions induced by the frontal structure of extratropical cyclones play important roles in the different impact of extratropical cyclones. Furthermore, the different life stages of extratropical cyclones had different degrees of impact on precipitation: the highest impact in the developing stage, followed by the mature stage, and the weakest impact in the dissipating stage.
Centering a Deviated Nose by Caudal Septal Extension Graft and Unilaterally Extended Spreader Grafts
Authors: Chen Yung Yuan , Kim Shin Ae , Jang Yong Ju
Published: December 2019

Objective:

The deviated nose presents a tremendous challenge for rhinoplasty surgeons, especially the correction of the cartilaginous dorsum deviation. In this study, we introduce the surgical techniques of correcting a deviated cartilaginous vault by creating a new center of the lower third using a caudal septal extension graft combined with unilaterally extended spreader grafts.

Methods:

This retrospective observational study was conducted in a university-based tertiary medical center from December 2014 to January 2018. Thirty-two patients who underwent primary open rhinoplasty for correction of a deviated nose using this method participated in the study. Patient characteristics and surgical records were collected. Anthropometric measurements and analyses were performed based on preoperative and postoperative photographs. The aesthetic outcome consensus of three rhinoplasty surgeons was evaluated specifically for nasal dorsum deviation correction. Postoperative complications were reviewed from the medical records.

Results:

Among the 32 patients, there were 18 males and 14 females. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 26.7 (8.76) years. Anthropometric measurements showed significant improvements in dorsal deviation angle (a 3.7° change towards midline, P < .001), nasal tip projection (increase of 6.96% measured by Goode’s method, P < .001), and nostril shape (nostril axis inclination decrease of 11.7°, P < .001) after surgery. The nasolabial angle showed no significant change. Aesthetic outcomes were excellent in seven patients (21.9%), good in fourteen patients (43.7%), fair in eight patients (25.0%), and no change in three patients (9.4%). Minor postoperative complications (four patients) were observed during follow-up.

Conclusion:

Centering the cartilaginous vault using a caudal septal extension graft combined with unilaterally extended spreader grafts is a useful technical option in the correction of a deviated nose, and provides improvement in nasal tip projection and nostril shape.
Dielectric strength and mechanical properties of epoxy resin filled with self-propagating high-temperature synthesized Al2O3/SiC nanoparticles
Authors: Hoseini M , Dini G , Bahadori M
Published: December 2019

In this study, the rice husk as a source of silica was used to synthesize the Al2O3/SiC composite via the self-propagation high-temperature synthesis (SHS) process. Then, the particle size of the synthesized product was reduced to the nanoscale using a planetary ball mill. Finally, different amounts (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) of Al2O3/SiC nanoparticles were incorporated into an epoxy resin in order to improve the mechanical properties and the dielectric strength of fabricated epoxy-based composites. The results indicated that the Al2O3/SiC composite was successfully synthesized by the SHS process from a mixture of the rice husk ash, Al, and carbon black powders as starting materials. The average size of the synthesized Al2O3/SiC particles decreased to 80 nm after 12-h ball milling. Also, the mechanical properties of the fabricated epoxy-based composite samples were improved with the addition of Al2O3/SiC nanoparticles in the investigated range in comparison with the pure epoxy sample. Additionally, the overall dielectric strength of the fabricated epoxy-based composites containing 5–15 wt.% of Al2O3/SiC nanoparticles was higher than that of the pure epoxy. These results were interpreted in terms of the synthesis mechanism of Al2O3/SiC composite via the SHS process, the rice husk ash structure, the interfacial bonding between the polymer chains and the surface of nanoparticles, and the insulation nature of the synthesized nanoparticles.
Testing and simulation of potential energy savings in renewing used split-type and window-type air-conditioners
Authors: Alabdulkarem Abdullah , Almutairi Zeyad
Published: December 2019

In Saudi Arabia, air-conditioners ACs are responsible for 50% of electricity consumption due to hot weather conditions as well as the delay in implementing ACs standards. In this work, six used split-type and eight used window-type ACs that have ages from 3 to 32 years were tested according to American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and Saudi Standard, Metrology and Quality Organization cooling test conditions and their performances were compared against new units that have 5.27 kW rated capacity. Test results show that coefficient of performance and cooling capacity of used split-type units compared to new one are 68% and 93%, respectively. For window-type, test results show that coefficient of performance and cooling capacity of used units compared to new one are 55% and 77%, respectively. The effect of replacing used compressor units with a new compressor was experimentally investigated. A model was developed using a commercially available software and was validated with experimental data. An economical map was developed to identify feasible ACs replacement regions.

Practical application: Using standard methods this study experimentally quantifies energy savings when used split- and window-type units are replaced with new units. This will help HVAC and energy professionals develop recommendations regarding replacing existing units for a given power tariffs. Additionally, tests were conducted with replacing compressors in used air-conditioners, rather than replacing the entire unit, so as to assist in answering how much energy savings, CO2 and payback period can be achieved by simply replacing the compressors.
From pleasure to politics: Five functions of watching TV-series for public connection
Authors: Nærland Torgeir Uberg
Published: December 2019

This article addresses the question of how engagement with fictional entertainment can enable audiences to function as citizens. It argues that existing theoretical perspectives assume spurious links between the use of fictional entertainment and politics. This article mobilizes the theoretical perspective of public connection to show how audience’s engagement with fictional entertainment can forge manifest links to the sphere of politics. The article presents five functions that capture the main varieties of how the engagement with TV series enables public connection. These functions are conceptualized as ‘Charging’, ‘Deepening’, ‘Affinitive motivation’, ‘Introduction/Extension’ and ‘Solidification’. These functions are theoretically qualified and empirically grounded in extensive qualitative research into people’s use of TV series in Norway. The article argues that these functions also apply to the engagement with other forms of fictional entertainment, including film and fiction literature.
The development of DDP-informed parenting groups for parents and carers of children looked after or adopted from care
Authors: Golding Kim S
Published: December 2019

This article describes the development of two parenting groups – Nurturing Attachments ( Golding, 2014 ) and Foundations for Attachment ( Golding, 2017 ). Both programmes are informed by the Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) model developed by Dan Hughes in the USA ( Hughes, 2011 ; Hughes, Golding and Hudson, 2019 ). The groups were devised to provide much needed support for foster, residential and kinship carers and adopters parenting children and young people of all ages. Participants express high satisfaction upon attending the groups and in the most recent evaluations, report positive and statistically significant changes to their self-efficacy, competence and reflective function. This is despite the continuing challenges presented by the children and the high levels of stress experienced by many parents. The groups are part of the package of support which these carers and parents require, and can supplement individual parenting support and therapeutic interventions as needed. As the development of the groups has been grounded in the experience of foster carers and adoptive parents, underpinned by theory and supported by robust outcome studies, it can be concluded that they provide a helpful intervention for the carers and parents.
Optimisation of biomass catalytic depolymerisation conditions by using response surface methodology
Authors: Ünsal Mehmet , Işık-Gülsaç Işıl , Üresin Ersin , Budak Mustafa Salih , Özgür-Büyüksakallı Kader , Sayar Aslı , Aksoy Parvana , Ünlü Namık , Okur Osman , Şahin Hamdi , Karadaş Mahmut
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study is to present the optimum operating conditions for reducing energy consumption in the process of obtaining bio-oil from the mixture of sawdust, waste lubricating oil, lime, and commercial catalyst. In the study where the catalytic pressureless depolymerisation (also called Katalytische Drucklose Verölung – KDV) was applied, the operating conditions were analysed with response surface methodology. According to the analysis of variance results, a mathematical model was obtained for specific product yield (bio-oil amount/energy consumption g kWe−1). Effects of temperature (260°C–290°C), catalyst rate (1–2 wt.%) and reaction time (0.5–1 h) were investigated. The optimum conditions for the three independent variables (temperature, catalyst rate, reaction time) were 279 ± 2°C, 2 wt.% and 0.5 h, respectively. Maximum specific product yield was obtained as 970.17 g kWe−1. While the reaction time was the most effective regarding the amount of bio-oil obtained at 1 kWe energy consumption, the temperature was found to be the least effective. In addition to these, bio-oil obtained under optimum conditions were characterised and compared with standard diesel specifications.