bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Structure Characteristics of Osteocyte Lacunae on Squeeze Damage Resistance of Osteons
Authors: Liu Yuxi , Li Aihua , Chen Bin
Published: February 2020

Scanning electron-microscopic observations show that there are many osteocyte lacunae between the circumferential lamellae, which are nonuniform in distribution. The lacunae are elliptical, and their major axes are along the circumferential direction of the osteon, which can be denoted as circumferential elliptical lacunae (CE). The observations also show that there are many circumferential microcracks in the osteons, and these microcracks are initiated from 2 endpoints of the major CE axis. To investigate the effects of the structural characteristics of osteocyte lacunae on the crack-propagated route and squeeze damage resistance of oste­ons, 3 different osteon models – CE, radially elliptical lacunae (RE), and circular lacunae (CL) – were created. The microcrack initiation and propagation of the 3 different osteon models were calculated and simulated based on progressive damage analysis. The results show that the crack-propagated route of the CE osteons is along the circumferential direction of the osteon, which is consistent with experimental observations, while those of the RE and CL are in the radial direction of the osteon. CE around the osteon in the bone is the result of long-term natural evolution, which is an important factor for bone to have strong fracture toughness.
Nurse-Guided Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in General Practice: Results from a Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Van der Zweerde Tanja , Lancee Jaap , Slottje Pauline , Bosmans Judith E. , Van Someren Eus J.W. , van Straten Annemieke
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Guidelines recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the first line of treatment for insomnia in general practice, but CBT-I is rarely available. Nurse-guided Internet-delivered CBT-I might be a solution to improve access to care. Objective: We aimed to determine the effectiveness of nurse-guided Internet-delivered CBT-I (I-CBT-I) on insomnia severity experienced by patients in general practice. Methods: Nurse-guided I-CBT-I (“i-Sleep”) was compared to care-as-usual (and I-CBT-I after 6 months) in 15 participating general practices among 134 patients (≥18 years old) with clinical insomnia symptoms. Assessments took place at 8, 26 and 52 weeks. Primary outcome was self-reported insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index) at 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes were sleep diary indices, depression and anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), fatigue, daytime consequences of insomnia, sleep medication and adverse events. Results: Two thirds of the 69 intervention patients (n = 47; 68%) completed the whole intervention. At the posttest examination, there were large significant effects for insomnia severity (Cohen’s d =1.66), several sleep diary variables (wake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, terminal wakefulness, sleep efficiency, sleep quality) and depression. At 26 weeks there were still significant effects on insomnia severity (d = 1.02) and on total sleep time and sleep efficiency. No significant effects were observed for anxiety, fatigue, daily functioning or sleep medication. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Nurse-guided I-CBT-I effectively reduces insomnia severity among general practice patients. I-CBT-I enables general practitioners to offer effective insomnia care in accordance with the clinical guidelines.
Association of Serum Indirect Bilirubin Concentrations with Motor Subtypes of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Li Jun , Zhao Lei , Wang Zhong , Zhao Xiuying , Wu Jian
Published: February 2020

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the change of serum indirect bilirubin (IBIL) concentrations in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and whether IBIL concentrations were associated with the motor subtypes of PD. Methods: A case-control study was performed to evaluate differences in bilirubin concentrations between 78 PD subjects and 78 controls. Venous blood samples were collected, and total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), and IBIL concentrations were analyzed between PD subjects and controls. PD patients were classified into three motor subtypes: tremor-dominant (TD), intermediate (I), and postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD). It was evaluated whether there were differences in IBIL concentrations between the different motor subtypes and between motor subtypes and controls. Results: PD patients had lower IBIL concentrations compared to controls (6.51 ± 4.03 vs. 10.82 ± 4.61, p< 0.001). There was no significant difference in IBIL concentrations between PD males and PD females (6.66 ± 3.64 vs. 6.22 ± 4.79, p =0.655). IBIL concentrations had negative relationships with levodopa-equivalent daily dose (LEDD) (R = –0.452, p < 0.001) and positive relationships with tremor score (R = 0.360, p = 0.001). IBIL concentrations were significantly lower for PIGD than for TD subtype (4.88 ± 4.03 vs. 9.00 ± 4.15, p< 0.001). The lower IBIL concentrations in PD compared to controls were mainly driven by the PIGD patients. Conclusions: PD subjects showed lower levels of IBIL compared to controls. Higher IBIL levels were associated with TD motor subtype in PD, which could be related to the antioxidative properties of IBIL.
Glucose Exposure in Peritoneal Dialysis Is a Significant Factor Predicting Peritonitis
Authors: Uiterwijk Herma , Franssen Casper F.M. , Kuipers Johanna , Westerhuis Ralf , Nauta Ferdau L.
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Loss of residual renal function (RRF) as well as high peritoneal glucose exposure are associated with increased peritonitis frequency in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Our objective was to investigate the contribution of RRF and peritoneal glucose exposure to peritonitis in PD patients. Methods: In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, 105 incident end-stage renal disease patients that started PD between January 2006 and 2015 were studied. Follow-up was 5 years with censoring at death or switch to another treatment modality. Cox regression models were used to calculate the association between glucose exposure, RRF, and peritonitis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to examine the difference in occurrence of peritonitis between patients with high and low glucose exposure and between those with and without residual diuresis. Results: One hundred and five patients were followed for a mean of 23 months. Fifty-one patients developed a peritonitis. Cox regression models at 6 months showed that glucose exposure and not residual diuresis significantly predicted PD peritonitis. Kaplan-Meier analysis after 6 months of follow-up showed that time to first PD peritonitis was significantly longer in the low glucose exposure group. Similarly, patients with RRF had a significantly longer interval to first peritonitis compared to patients without RRF. Conclusion: A higher exposure to glucose rather than loss of RRF is associated with an increased risk of peritonitis. This confirms the detrimental effects of glycemic harm to the peritoneal host defense on invading microorganisms and argues for the use of the lowest PD glucose concentrations possible.
Granger Causality–Based Analysis for Classification of Fibrillation Mechanisms and Localization of Rotational Drivers
Authors: Handa Balvinder S. , Li Xinyang , Aras Kedar K. , Qureshi Norman A. , Mann Ian , Chowdhury Rasheda A. , Whinnett Zachary I. , Linton Nick W.F. , Lim Phang Boon , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Efimov Igor R. , Peters Nicholas S. , Ng Fu Siong
Published: February 2020

Background:

The mechanisms sustaining myocardial fibrillation remain disputed, partly due to a lack of mapping tools that can accurately identify the mechanism with low spatial resolution clinical recordings. Granger causality (GC) analysis, an econometric tool for quantifying causal relationships between complex time-series, was developed as a novel fibrillation mapping tool and adapted to low spatial resolution sequentially acquired data.

Methods:

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) optical mapping was performed in Langendorff-perfused Sprague-Dawley rat hearts (n=18), where novel algorithms were developed using GC-based analysis to (1) quantify causal dependence of neighboring signals and plot GC vectors, (2) quantify global organization with the causality pairing index, a measure of neighboring causal signal pairs, and (3) localize rotational drivers (RDs) by quantifying the circular interdependence of neighboring signals with the circular interdependence value. GC-based mapping tools were optimized for low spatial resolution from downsampled optical mapping data, validated against high-resolution phase analysis and further tested in previous VF optical mapping recordings of coronary perfused donor heart left ventricular wedge preparations (n=12), and adapted for sequentially acquired intracardiac electrograms during human persistent atrial fibrillation mapping (n=16).

Results:

Global VF organization quantified by causality pairing index showed a negative correlation at progressively lower resolutions (50% resolution:
P
=0.006,
R
2
=0.38, 12.5% resolution,
P
=0.004,
R
2
=0.41) with a phase analysis derived measure of disorganization, locations occupied by phase singularities. In organized VF with high causality pairing index values, GC vector mapping characterized dominant propagating patterns and localized stable RDs, with the circular interdependence value showing a significant difference in driver versus nondriver regions (0.91±0.05 versus 0.35±0.06,
P
=0.0002). These findings were further confirmed in human VF. In persistent atrial fibrillation, a positive correlation was found between the causality pairing index and presence of stable RDs (
P
=0.0005,
R
2
=0.56). Fifty percent of patients had RDs, with a low incidence of 0.9±0.3 RDs per patient.

Conclusions:

GC-based fibrillation analysis can measure global fibrillation organization, characterize dominant propagating patterns, and map RDs using low spatial resolution sequentially acquired data.
Prospective
CYP2C19
Genotyping to Guide Antiplatelet Therapy Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Tuteja Sony , Glick Henry , Matthai William , Nachamkin Irving , Nathan Ashwin , Monono Karen , Carcuffe Craig , Maslowski Karen , Chang Gene , Kobayashi Taisei , Anwaruddin Saif , Hirshfeld John , Wilensky Robert L. , Herrmann Howard C. , Kolansky Daniel M. , Rader Daniel J. , Giri Jay
Published: February 2020

Background:

CYP2C19
loss-of-function alleles impair clopidogrel effectiveness after percutaneous coronary intervention, but the clinical impact of implementing
CYP2C19
genotyping in a real-world setting is unknown. The purpose of the study was to determine whether returning
CYP2C19
genotype results along with genotype-guided pharmacotherapy recommendations using a rapid turnaround test would change antiplatelet prescribing following percutaneous coronary intervention.The primary outcome was the rate of prasugrel or ticagrelor prescribing in each arm. Secondary outcomes included agreement to the genotype-guided recommendations.

Methods:

At the time of percutaneous coronary intervention, participants were randomly assigned to prospective rapid point-of-care genotyping of
CYP2C19
major alleles (*2, *3, *17) via salivary swab (genotyped group) or no genotyping (usual care) to guide antiplatelet drug selection. Interventional cardiologists at 2 cardiac catheterization laboratories within the same health system were provided genotype information along with genotype-guided pharmacotherapy recommendations.

Results:

A total of 504 participants were randomized, 249 to the genotyped and 255 to the usual care group. The participants were primarily men (73%); age, 63±10 years; and 50% had acute coronary syndromes. In the genotyped group, 28% were carriers of loss-of-function alleles (*2, *3). The use of prasugrel or ticagrelor was significantly higher in the genotyped group compared with the usual care group (30% versus 21%; odds ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.07–2.42];
P
=0.03). Within the genotyped group, 53% of loss-of-function allele carriers were started on prasugrel/ticagrelor, while 47% were started on clopidogrel.

Conclusions:

In a randomized controlled trial of clinical
CYP2C19
genotyping implementation, pharmacogenetic test results significantly influenced antiplatelet drug prescribing; however, almost half of
CYP2C19
loss-of-function carriers continued to receive clopidogrel. Interventional cardiologists consider both clinical and genetic factors when selecting antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT02508116.
The Dead Are Dead/Ancestors Never Die: Migrants, Rural Linkages, and Religious Change in Northeastern Madagascar
Authors: Tilghman Laura M.
Published: February 2020

This manuscript explores the dynamic between religion and rural-urban linkages in northeastern Madagascar. I find that church leaders have coalesced around two competing narratives of ancestors. Catholic churches see some types of migrant linkages (e.g., burial in the rural family tomb and participation in rural ancestral rituals) as being in line with Christian beliefs, while Protestant churches see these same activities as morally questionable or potentially satanic. To some degree Protestant migrants exert agency in the face of these religious teachings, and do not view their religion as an impediment to maintaining rural connections. However, quantitative analysis of rural-urban linkage behavior over a twelve-month period shows that Protestants have weaker rural ties compared to Catholics, even for behaviors that are not the focus of religious prohibitions. I offer several explanations for this finding. Protestant migrants are less motivated to invest in all types of rural linkages due to family conflicts after conversion, uncertainty about burial in the rural family tomb, reduced opportunities to develop affective ties with kin, and economic motivations to reduce rural demands on their urban wages.
Addressing the Threat of Uncontrolled Escalation by Means of Conventional Arms Control in Europe
Authors: Zellner Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

nato and Russia have given up on cooperative approaches and returned to deterrence; in parallel, arms control regimes are collapsing or eroding. Any deterrence relationship involves a danger of uncontrolled escalation, aggravated by uncertainty, sub-regional crises and a larger role for nuclear weapons. This article explores the possibilities for addressing these threats by means of sub-regional conventional arms control, combining disengagement with transparency and verification measures. Such an approach would address the real threat, mainly by adapting existing agreements, and would also be inexpensive in financial terms.
Typifications of 31 names in Azorella (Azorelloideae, Apiaceae) from South America

Authors: FERNÁNDEZ MARTINA , MARTÍNEZ SUSANA GRACIELA , CALVIÑO CAROLINA ISABEL
Published: February 2020

The genus Azorella, as currently circumscribed, with 58 species, is taxonomically complex. Therefore, the typification of its names is particularly important for the correct delimitation of its species. Recent taxonomic revisions within the group contributed to the nomenclature in this respect, but as part of the studies for the Flora of Argentina project, many names in Azorella still need typifications. To resolve typifications, protologues and available original material for all names were studied, and decisions were made following the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, and based on our expertise on the taxonomy of the group. As a result, 27 lectotypes, and 4 neotypes are designated here.
Mucuna guangxiensis, a new species of Mucuna subg. Macrocarpa (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) from China

Authors: JIANG KAIWEN , HUANG YUNFENG , MOURA TÂNIA M.
Published: February 2020

Mucuna guangxiensis sp. nov. (Fabaceae), a woody liana species bearing pods up to 70 cm long, which is only known from Guangxi Province in China, is described and illustrated here. The new species is similar to Mucuna macrocarpa but differs from it by totally yellowish or greenish white corolla and more densely sericeous hairs on the abaxial surface; and also to Mucuna birdwoodiana but differs from it by the thinly papyraceous leaves, the dense indumentum on the abaxial surface of leaflets, and the longer legumes without paired robust wings at both margin. This new species should be a new member of Mucuna subg. Macrocarpa according to its long ovary, numerous seeds per legume and linear and long legumes with woody epicarp, and a detailed key of the subgenus is provided in this article.
A new species of Vriesea (Bromeliaceae) from Pedra dos Pontões, Espírito Santo, Brazil: an area of endemism for Bromeliaceae at Atlantic Forest

Authors: COUTO DAYVID R. , KESSOUS IGOR M. , COSTA ANDREA F.
Published: February 2020

Vriesea mimosoensis is described and illustrated as a new taxon from the Atlantic Forest in Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil. Morphological comparisons of this taxon with related species are presented. Here we discuss taxonomy comments, etymology, geographical distribution and the conservation status of this new species.
Typification of the name Iris benacensis A.Kern. ex Stapf (Iridaceae)

Authors: MAGRINI SARA , ZUCCONI LAURA
Published: February 2020

The present contribution is related to the project “Italian loci classici census”, promoted by the Italian Botanical Society and aimed at recognizing and typifying all the names of the taxa described from Italy and their loci classici, in order to increase their systematic knowledge and promote further studies (Domina et al. 2012; Brundu et al. 2012; Peruzzi et al. 2019). One of these taxa is Iris benacensis A.Kern. ex Stapf (1887: 649), a species of hybrid origin, often regarded as a heterotypic synonym of I. aphylla Linnaeus (1753: 38) or I. variegata Linnaeus (1753: 38), even if morphologically and genetically distinct (Colasante & Mathew 2008). Iris benacensis was first observed by A. Kerner in northern Italy, near Arco (Trento), and formally described by Stapf (1887). To date, the occurrence of I. benacensis is confirmed only for the Southern Alps, in Trentino Alto Adige near the Lake Garda (known to the Romans as Benacus, from which the name of the species), while the report for Austria needs to be confirmed (Colasante 2014). To the best of our knowledge, the name Iris benacensis was not yet typified.
Long-term macrobenthic community structure changes in the Upper Sakarya River System (1995–2015)

Authors: ARSLAN NAIME , MERCAN DENIZ
Published: February 2020

The Upper Sakarya River System (USRS) is one of the most important river systems in Turkey. Its primary drainage is provided by the Porsuk Seydi and Bardakçı Rivers and their tributaries. Long term benthic invertebrate community structure in the USRS was investigated from 1995–2015 (with sampling conducted every five years) in order to assess changes in their composition and in relation to water quality. Oligochaete specimens sorted from samples were identified to the species level when possible; all other invertebrate specimens sorted from samples were identified to order and family level. In addition, some environmental parameters (e.g., dissolved oxygen, temperature, and hydrogen ion concentration as pH) were measured in situ.      Although Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera fauna were the most abundant group in fauna of USRS during the years 1995, 2000 and (in part) 2005 (18.80, 17.69, and 14.07%, respectively), this ratio decreased to 7.90% during the more recent years of monitoring. In 1995, 2000 and 2005, Nais bretscheri, Chaetogaster diastrophus, Chaetogaster langi, Pristinella jenkinae, Aulodrilus pigueti, Aulodrilus pluriseta, Potamothrix hammoniensis, and Psammoryctides albicola were the dominant oligochaete taxa. After 2005, tubificine species became more prevalent in samples. While 6 stations had high BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party) value in 1995, 2000 and 2005, only 1 station had high value after 2005. Values of Shannon Diversity Indices ranged from 2.00 to 3.05 for the years 1995–2000, 1.87 to 2.24 for the years 2000–2005, 1.06 to 1.85 for the years 2005–2010, and 0.97 to 1.80 for the years 2010–2015. In USRS, while values of dissolved oxygen were measured as 8.00 mg/l and 9.00 mg/l in 1995 and 2000, this high value was measured only at one station in 2015. It was found that numerical and proportional distributions of benthic invertebrates in the USRS have changed considerably between 1995 and 2015. It is obvious that these changes are the result of anthropogenic habitat degradation.
Observations on the life cycles of aquatic Oligochaeta in aquaria

Authors: TIMM TARMO
Published: February 2020

Observations on the life cycles of aquatic oligochaetes were made in the period 1962–2017 at the Võrtsjärv Limnological Station (Estonia) using small aquaria with sieved profundal mud covered with unaerated water. The aquaria were mostly inseminated with 10 juvenile worms and checked four times a year, changing the mud and eliminating the progeny, until the natural death of the original worms. Besides, mass cultures were kept in bigger aquaria. Many individuals of Tubifex tubifex, T. newaensis, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, L. udekemianus, Ilyodrilus templetoni, Psammoryctides barbatus, Spirosperma ferox, Potamothrix moldaviensis, P. vejdovskyi, P. bavaricus, Stylodrilus heringianus and Rhynchelmis tetratheca survived for several years, reproduced repeatedly, and died out one by one during the observation period. In some cases, the most longevous individuals reached an age of up to 8 years (I. templetoni), 10–12 years (T. tubifex), 15–17 years (L. hoffmeisteri, P. barbatus, S. heringianus), or even more than 20 years (L. udekemianus, S. ferox, T. newaensis). Criodrilus lacuum did not reproduce in aquaria, although the oldest individual spent 46 years there. Potamothrix hammoniensis, Lophochaeta ignota, Lamprodrilus isoporus, most naidines and some others did not thrive in aquaria and usually died without reproducing. In a cellar, where temperature conditions imitated seasonal fluctuations in lakes, or when the aquaria were maintained at continuously low temperature, the lifetime of worms was often longer than at room temperature. At elevated temperatures (+25° to +35°C) T. tubifex and L. hoffmeisteri formed cocoons mostly with only 1–2 eggs while their life span was then shorter. Architomic clones of Potamothrix bedoti, Bothrioneurum vejdovskyanum, Aulodrilus pluriseta and A. japonicus survived and propagated for years. The architomic Lumbriculus variegatus was thriving only when fed, e.g., with yeast. Uniparental reproduction by parthenogenesis was observed in T. tubifex, L. hoffmeisteri and S. heringianus kept or reared single. Two special races(?) were noted both within T. tubifex and L. udekemianus.
North American Branchiobdellida (Annelida: Clitellata) or Crayfish Worms in France: the most diverse distribution of these exotic ectosymbionts in Europe

Authors: PARPET JEAN-FRANÇOIS , GELDER STUART R.
Published: February 2020

Crayfishes and other invertebrates were collected during 2010 to 2016 from 519 sites located in the river basins of the Adour, Charente, Dordogne, Garonne, Loire, Seine, Rhône and Sélune in France. North American species included Pacifastacus leniusculus at 255 sites, Faxonius limosus at 206 sites, Procambarus clarkii at 56 sites, and the endemic Austropotamobius pallipes at two sites. However, branchiobdellidans were only recorded from 100 sites with 23 of these being sampled more than once, resulting in a total of 127 collections.      The widely distributed western North American, P. leniusculus carried four of its endemic branchiobdellidan species: Cambarincola gracilis, C. okadai, Triannulata magna and Xironogiton victoriensis. X. victoriensis was found at the majority of sites, with C. okadai, C. gracilis, and T. magna at fewer locations. Although F. limosus was the second most numerous crayfish species collected, it did not carry any of its endemic North American branchiobdellidan species. However, it was found cohabiting with P. leniusculus at four sites but carried X. victoriensis at only one of these. European A. pallipes only occurred at two sites with individuals harboring X. victoriensis, although no cohabiting exotic crayfish were found. Crayfish were also absent from three sites where free-living X. victoriensis were recovered from substrate samples. Procambarus clarkii appeared at sites scattered across the country, while specimens with C. mesochoreus were restricted to the Adour drainage.      This study has shown the widespread distribution of exotic branchiobdellidans in the wild and the virtual extinction of endemic species in France. In addition, we have provided the first European record of T. magna, and the first record of C. mesochoreus in France; the latter being only the second recording in Europe. With this comprehensive survey of their crayfish hosts in France, monitoring future exotic range expansions and endemic contraction or extinction can be traced. These data will be available to authorities for future planning in maintaining healthy freshwater bodies by reducing the damaging effects caused by exotic crayfishes.
PREFACE: 14th International Symposium on Aquatic Oligochaeta

Authors: OHTAKA AKIFUMI , WETZEL MARK J.
Published: February 2020

This volume is the proceedings for the 14th International Symposium on Aquatic Oligochaeta (ISAO), held in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Honshu, Japan, from 9 through 14 September 2018, organized by the Department of Natural Science, Faculty of Education, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki. The symposium was attended by 43 participants from 16 countries who presented 30 oral and 6 poster contributions. The scientific sessions were convened at the Iwaki Conference Hall in the 50th Anniversary Auditorium, Hirosaki University. In addition to the scientific sessions, there was a one-day excursion to visit a traditional playhouse Kouraku-Kan, lunch along the edge of Lake Towada – an oligotrophic caldera lake, and hiking along the lake’s outlet stream, Oirase-Keiryu, flowing through a cool temperate forest typical of northern Honshu. The symposium organizing committee consisted of Akifumi Ohtaka, Kimio Hirabayashi, Katsutoshi Ito, Mana Ito, Takaaki Torii, Naoya Kimura, Stuart R. Gelder, and Mark J. Wetzel, with invaluable support from students from Hirosaki University.
In Memoriam: Dr. Rut Collado de la Peña (1967–2015)

Authors: WETZEL MARK J.
Published: February 2020

Our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Rut Collado de la Peña, passed away on 14 November 2015, in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain, at the age of 48.She was an associate professor ("Profesora Contratada Doctora") and member of the Science Faculty within the Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology at the Universidade da Coruña, a Spanish public university in the city of A Coruña, in Galicia, northwestern Spain.
Astacopsidrilus hibernicus sp. nov. (Phreodrilidae, Oligochaeta, Annelida) from Irish peatlands

Authors: SCHMELZ RÜDIGER M. , KLINTH MÅRTEN J. , WISDOM RACHEL , BOLGER THOMAS
Published: February 2020

The discovery of a large and flourishing population of Phreodrilidae in terrestrial peatlands in northwest Ireland was surprising on two counts: these oligochaete worms are usually aquatic and most of the species occur in the Southern Hemisphere. The phreodrilids were discovered in a project that targeted Enchytraeidae, therefore methods adapted to the investigation of enchytraeids could be applied, including the study of living animals and properly fixed whole mounts. DNA sequencing was also performed. All worms identified here belong to one species, new to science, and placed in the genus Astacopsidrilus, because of the ventral position of the spermathecal pores and the opening of the female funnels inside the spermathecal vestibule. Astacopsidrilus hibernicus sp. nov. is mainly distinguished by thick segmental cushions of epidermal gland cells on the dorsal side of the posterior body half. Male sexual organs and spermathecae are comparatively small and without the often-observed bizarre modifications common in species of this family. DNA sequencing yielded a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. This is the first description of a phreodrilid species from Europe; the few previous recordings of this family in Ireland and the United Kingdom had been left unidentified.
Preliminary report on freshwater oligochaetes from some districts of Tamil Nadu (India), along with DNA barcode sequence of a commercially important oligochaete in Chennai

Authors: CHAKMA SANJIB , MARTINSSON SVANTE , SRINIVASAN SIVABALAN , GHANI AHMED ARFATH , ADAM ROHIT , NAVEED MOHAMMED IBRAHIM
Published: February 2020

A survey of aquatic Oligochaeta was conducted at Thiruvallur, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Villupuram and Nilgiris districts of Tamil Nadu from October 2015 to June 2016. Eleven taxa were recorded from a total of 922 specimens examined, eight of them were identified to species level. Five naidids identified during the present study: Branchiodrilus semperi, Dero dorsalis, Dero digitata, Dero indica and Dero zeylanica, and six tubificid taxa Branchiura sowerbyi, Tubificidae sp. 1, Tubificidae sp. 2, Tubificidae sp. 3, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and L. udekemianus. Dero dorsalis constitute the first report for Kanchipuram district. A DNA barcode sequence (GenBank accession no. MF125273) of the commercially important Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, commonly known as ‘Tubifex worms’ in Chennai, was obtained and compared with other published COI sequences from that morphospecies from around the world.
The aquatic oligochaete fauna of Lake Çıldır, Ardahan-Kars, Turkey, including an updated checklist of freshwater annelids known to occur in the country

Authors: ARSLAN NAIME , MERCAN DENIZ
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we present the results of the first survey for aquatic oligochaetes in Lake Çıldır, northeastern Turkey, during which 22 oligochaete species were recorded from the lake. The results of this survey were integrated into an updated and annotated list of oligochaetes and other aquatic annelids occurring in the country, summarized from historical and recent publications. Currently, the freshwater annelid fauna of Turkey includes 150 species of oligochaetes (1 Crassiclitellata, 21 Enchytraeidae, 1 Propappidae, 1 Haplotaxidae, 4 Lumbriculidae, 56 Naidinae, 64 Tubificinae, 2 Lumbricidae), 1 species of Branchiobdellida, and 6 species of Aphanoneura (1 Potamodrilidae and 5 Aeolosomatidae). Although studies focusing on the aquatic oligochaete fauna of Turkey have increased over the past 15–20 years, species diversity still remains unclear.
Container housing: Formal informality and deterritorialised home-making amid bulldozer urbanism in Shanghai
Authors: Ling Minhua
Published: February 2020

Bulldozer urbanism, fraught with violent demolition and forced relocation, exemplifies China’s urban transformation. Rural-to-urban migrant workers are particularly vulnerable during the process because of their in-between position in the socialist, territorialised hukou (residential registration) and land tenure systems. This paper presents in ethnographic details the practice of turning shipping containers into rental units for migrants seeking cheap housing alternatives to continue to live on Shanghai’s urban fringe. It reveals the nature and constraints of container housing that emerge out of the interplay between China’s socialist land tenure system, real estate marketisation, top-down population control and urban governance. Despite the neglected appearance of container housing, its existence and operation entail the acquiescence and surveillance of local state agents as well as entrepreneurs’ tactics of conformation, which results in formal informality and sustains structural inequality in state-led development. Container housing also contributes to the deterritorialisation of homemaking among migrant workers, who are channelled by hukou-related policies to invest and retire in their registered home places and feel removed from their urban dwelling in both time and space. The decreased significance of urban residence to migrant workers’ everyday life, as exemplified by container housing, facilitates bulldozer urbanism and perpetuates urban exclusion.
Health Disparities in the Access and Cost of Health Care for Otolaryngologic Conditions
Authors: Ruthberg Jeremy S. , Khan Hammad A. , Knusel Konrad D. , Rabah Nicholas M. , Otteson Todd D.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To demonstrate whether race, education, income, or insurance status influences where patients seek medical care and the cost of care for a broad range of otolaryngologic diseases in the United States.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, from 2007 to 2015.

Setting

Nationally representative database.

Subjects and Methods

Patients with 14 common otolaryngologic conditions were identified using self‐reported data and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. To analyze disparities in the utilization and cost of otolaryngologic care, a multivariate logistic regression model was used to compare outpatient and emergency department visit rates and costs for African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian patients, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Of 78,864 respondents with self‐reported otolaryngologic conditions, African American and Hispanic patients were significantly less likely to visit outpatient otolaryngologists than Caucasians (African American: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.57; 95% CI, 0.5‐0.65; Hispanic: aOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.73) and reported lower average costs per emergency department visit than Caucasians (African American: $4013.67; Hispanic: $3906.21; Caucasian: $7606.46; P <. 001). In addition, uninsured, low‐income patients without higher education were significantly less likely to receive outpatient otolaryngologic care than privately insured, higher‐income, and more educated individuals (uninsured: aOR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.29‐0.51; poor: aOR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64‐0.87; no degree: aOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.54‐0.82).

Conclusion

In this study, significant racial and socioeconomic discrepancies exist in the utilization and cost of health care for otolaryngologic conditions in the United States.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Postoperative Recurrent Well‐Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Single Institution’s 15‐Year Experience
Authors: Amin Shaunak N. , Shinn Justin R. , Naguib Mark M. , Netterville James L. , Rohde Sarah L.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Identify risk factors and outcomes of recurrent well‐differentiated thyroid cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐control analysis.

Setting

Tertiary care academic center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Subjects and Methods

This single‐center analysis reviews 478 patients who underwent initial surgical management of well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma between 2002 and 2017. Patients were dichotomized with or without recurrent well‐differentiated thyroid cancer. Demographic and clinicopathologic risk factors were carefully reviewed. Univariate, multiple regression, and survival analyses were used to evaluate predictors of recurrence.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients (7.9%) who received initial surgical intervention for well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma at our institution recurred, with an average time to recurrence of 24 months. Male sex, tumor size, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, number of positive lymph nodes, and low lymph node yield were all significantly associated with locoregional recurrence (P <. 05). Multiple regression analysis showed that extrathyroidal extension, number of positive lymph nodes, and low lymph node yield were independent factors predictive of posttreatment recurrence (P <. 05). Metastatic lymph node ratio, the ratio of positive lymph nodes extracted to lymph node yield, of ≥0.3 is associated with increased risk of recurrence (P <. 001) and decreased 5‐year recurrence free survival (P <. 001).

Conclusion

Extrathyroidal extension, number of positive lymph nodes, and low lymph node yield are independent clinicopathologic risk factors for postoperative recurrence of well‐differentiated thyroid cancer. Metastatic lymph node ratio is uncommonly used but can be an important prognosticator of recurrence. Patients with metastatic lymph node ratio ≥0.3 should be counseled on their increased risk of recurrence and should undergo close surveillance following surgery.
Associations between sense of purpose and romantic relationship quality in adulthood
Authors: Pfund Gabrielle N. , Brazeau Hannah , Allemand Mathias , Hill Patrick L.
Published: February 2020

The current studies investigated the extent that sense of purpose is associated with desirable relationship variables, such as relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, perceived quality of alternatives, and investment size. Data were collected from two online surveys of 1,001 and 1,594 participants in relationships (Study 1: M = 46.68, SD = 15.77, range = 18–86; Study 2: M = 52.52, SD = 16.05, range = 18–91). Study 1 found that sense of purpose was positively associated with relationship satisfaction, commitment, and negatively associated with the perception that one’s partner was preferable to alternatives. When controlling for affective well-being and the Big Five personality traits, sense of purpose was still associated with relationship commitment and the perception that one’s partner was preferable to alternatives. Study 2 found that sense of purpose was positively associated with relationship satisfaction, commitment, and investment size (which was exclusively assessed in Study 2), but it was not significantly associated with perceived quality of alternatives. These associations held when controlling for affective well-being and the Big Five personality traits. Across both studies, age did not consistently moderate the associations between sense of purpose and relationship satisfaction, commitment, and perceived quality of alternatives. These studies suggest that sense of purpose and aspects of relationship quality are positively associated across adulthood. Findings are discussed with respect to how purpose may be considered in future close relationship research.
Post-dissolution ambivalence, breakup adjustment, and relationship reconciliation
Authors: Dailey René M. , Zhong Lingzi , Pett Rudy , Varga Sarah
Published: February 2020

Relational ambivalence is conceptualized as having conflicting thoughts and feelings toward one’s partner or relationship. The current study explored how ambivalence about an ex-partner in a post-dissolution stage was associated with breakup distress as well as reconciliation. The moderating role of whether the relationship had previously cycled through breakups and renewals (on-off) or not (non-cyclical) was also examined. The 275 participants completed an initial survey following their most recent breakup (within the past 30 days) and up to five monthly surveys. Analyses showed cognitive and emotional ambivalence were associated with greater breakup distress and a greater likelihood of relationship renewal. Additionally, although cyclical partners had slightly greater emotional, but not cognitive, ambivalence toward their former partners, relationship type did not moderate the associations between ambivalence and breakup distress or reconciliation. The findings provide insights on how ambivalence could be incorporated into research on post-dissolution experiences.
Use of information and communication technologies by Vietnamese smallholders: Implications for extension strategies
Authors: Hoang Hung Gia
Published: February 2020

In order to facilitate the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for accessing agricultural information by smallholders, it is critical to understand their perspectives on the use of ICT. However, few empirical studies have considered how smallholders utilise ICT in Central Vietnam. This research investigates the Central Vietnamese smallholders’ views on the extent of use of ICT for accessing agricultural information. A sample size of 250 smallholders was randomly selected from a total of 687 smallholders in Trieu Phong district, Central Vietnam. A two-section questionnaire was used to gather data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The smallholders used mobile phones, TV and radio networks/broadcasts as the common ICT tools, and these were also effective ICT tools for accessing agricultural information. Lack of knowledge and skills for using applications on mobile phones were the main challenge to the smallholders’ use of ICT. A statistically significant relationship, existing between the extent of mobile phone use and the smallholders’ age (χ = 10.04, p = 0.040), gender (χ = 5.99, p = 0.014) and the type of households (χ = 6.84, p = 0.033), was found. Similarly, there was a statistically significant relationship existing between the extent of radio network/broadcast use and the smallholders’ age (χ = 9.58, p = 0.048) and gender (χ = 4.83, p = 0.028).
A review of methods used on IT maturity models development: A systematic literature review and a critical analysis
Authors: Pereira Rúben , Serrano João
Published: February 2020

Maturity models can be seen as support tools for an organization. Their importance is increasing in the scientific community and IT (Information Technology) organizations are starting to implement them. The main objective of maturity models is to evaluate and improve the organization’s practices by creating an improvement roadmap. However, the utilization of the methodologies and methods by this community for the development of this kind of tools is not consensual. Several investigators have created guidelines for the development of maturity models, but the authors are not adopting them; they prefer to adopt their own methodologies. In this research, with the objective of reviewing the methodologies, methods, and guidelines used by the scientific community to develop IT maturity models, a Systematic Literature Review and a Critical analysis were made in order to realize a comparison between IT maturity models and Non-IT maturity models. In total, 109 articles of maturity models’ development were analyzed. A discussion of the articles’ results was realized.
Justice perspectives of women with disability: An Australian story
Authors: McCulloch Jude , Maher JaneMaree , Walklate Sandra , McGowan Jasmine , Fitz-Gibbon Kate
Published: February 2020

The article explores the meaning of ‘justice’ for women with disability who have experienced and reported violent crimes, typically, sexual assault and family violence. It contributes to the small body of literature that considers justice as articulated by those who have experienced violence and represents the only published research that brings to the fore perspectives on justice from the viewpoint of women with disability. Based on interviews and focus groups with 36 women with disability in the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales, it explores these women’s ‘justice’ ideals and the gap between those ideals and the responses they received from the service and criminal justice systems. Mostly, the women’s desired outcomes in response to reports of violence were focused on recognition of what had occurred, an acknowledgement of their rights and status, and a pathway to security and safety. These desires related to justice were linked to being able to leave a situation of danger, retain custody of children, have access to care and advocacy services and gain a sense of safety or, sometimes, simply survive. The women’s desires underline how inadequate the typical narrow criminal justice response is in meeting the ‘justice’ ideals and needs of women with disability because it is focused on establishing the guilt or otherwise of the defendant and on any subsequent punitive sanctions. These women’s experiences and insights highlight the impact of discrimination and inequality on both justice as an ideal and justice as it is experienced.
Probabilistic reversal learning under acute tryptophan depletion in healthy humans: a conventional analysis
Authors: Kanen Jonathan W , Arntz Frederique E , Yellowlees Robyn , Cardinal Rudolf N , Price Annabel , Christmas David M , Sahakian Barbara J , Apergis-Schoute Annemieke M , Robbins Trevor W
Published: February 2020

The involvement of serotonin in responses to negative feedback is well established. Acute serotonin reuptake inhibition has enhanced sensitivity to negative feedback (SNF), modelled by behaviour in probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) paradigms. Whilst experiments employing acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) in humans, to reduce serotonin synthesis, have shown no clear effect on SNF, sample sizes have been small. We studied a large sample of healthy volunteers, male and female, and found ATD had no effect on core behavioural measures in PRL. These results indicate that ATD effects can differ from other manipulations of serotonin expected to have a parallel or opposing action.
Generation Z and Spiritual Maturity
Authors: Bergler Thomas E.
Published: February 2020

Those wanting to form members of Generation Z into mature disciples must overcome the challenges presented by their shared generational traits. This article summarizes the biblical teaching on spiritual maturity, documents a division within Generation Z between “engaged” and “churched” Christians, synthesizes current research on Generation Z to identify traits that could hinder discipleship efforts, and uses the biblical traits of spiritual maturity to offer guidance in addressing those challenges.
Engaging Specialist Palliative Care in the Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Patient-, Family-, and Provider-Based Approach
Authors: Washington Karla T. , Kukulka Klaudia , Govindarjan Raghav , Mehr David R.
Published: February 2020

Objective: To describe key stakeholders’ perspectives on specialist palliative care and its integration into the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: The study conducted was a qualitative, noninterventional, descriptive study. Data were collected via individual interviews of 42 stakeholders (n = 14 patients, n = 16 family caregivers, and n = 12 health-care providers). Transcribed interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis techniques. Results: Stakeholders’ general impressions of specialist palliative care were highly variable. Many expressed limited or inaccurate understandings of palliative care’s definition and purpose. Perceptions of palliative care as hospice were common. Stakeholders generally supported the integration of specialist palliative care into ALS management, and many recognized the value of early integration of palliative services in both the community and the clinical setting. Conclusion: Key stakeholders readily identified a meaningful role for specialist palliative care in ALS management. Integration of specialist palliative care into existing systems of support would be facilitated by a more comprehensive understanding of the service among patients, family caregivers, and health-care providers.