bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative approaches to investigator-initiated, multicentre paediatric clinical trials in Canada
Authors: Kelly Lauren E , Richer Lawrence , Ali Samina , Plint Amy C , Poonai Naveen , Freedman Stephen B , Knisley Lisa , Shimmin Carolyn , Hickes Serena , ’t Jong Geert W , Pechlivanoglou Petros , Offringa Martin , Lacaze Thierry , Klassen Terry P
Published: June 2019

Data from clinical trials are needed to guide the safe and effective use of medicines in children. Clinical trials are challenging to design and implement in all populations, and children present additional considerations. Several regions including the UK, USA and Europe have established clinical trial infrastructure to capitalise on expertise and promote clinical trials enrolling children. Our objective is to describe the partnerships and operational considerations for the development of paediatric clinical trials infrastructure in Canada. We describe the design and conduct of four emergency room paediatric trials, with four separate sponsors, across four provinces in parallel. Operations discussed include multisite contract development, centralised risk-based data monitoring, ethical review and patient engagement. We conclude with lessons learnt, additional challenges and potential solutions to facilitate drug development for children in Canada.
Health-related quality of life and caregiver perspectives in glioblastoma survivors: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Piil Karin , Christensen Ib Jarle , Grunnet Kirsten , Poulsen Hans Skovgaard
Published: June 2019

Background

The purpose of antineoplastic treatment of high-grade glioma (HGG) is to achieve progression-free survival with delayed neurological and cognitive deterioration. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become increasingly important next to more traditional outcome measures such as progression-free survival. However, the clinical outcome of long-term, HGG survivors and their caregivers’ quality of life is poorly understood.

Objective

This study aims to address HRQOL and perspectives on the daily life experiences of long-term survivors (LTS) with HGG and their caregivers.

Methods

This mixed-methods study applies a convergent design using identical sampling. Separate telephone interviews with patients diagnosed for more than 3 years and their caregivers were conducted. Patients filled out self-reported questionnaires; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT), General and Brain (FACT-Br), and the Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results

Three themes shared by patients and their caregivers were identified: searching for meaningful activities, selecting information that enhances self-management strategies and protection for safety reasons. Ten per cent showed moderate depressive symptoms, which is lower compared with the newly diagnosed. The HRQOL scores seem to be rated higher than the normative sample. The FACT-Br total score indicated that a previously identified significant increase in the emotional well-being of 1-year survivors was the same or improved. A central finding is that the LTS expressed frustration and sadness due to their reduced ability to manage work and daily life activities. Caregivers are challenged throughout the entire trajectory, and patient safety issues are a key concern for them.

Conclusions

The LTS desire participation in satisfying, meaningful activities that consider their cognitive and physical capacities. Advance care planning must be a key component in future research, as discussing life strategies can enhance positive beliefs, which are apparently imperative to their well-being.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trial.gov:NCT02965144
Earlier identification of seriously ill patients: an implementation case series
Authors: Lakin Joshua R , Desai Meghna , Engelman Kyle , O'Connor Nina , Teuteberg Winifred G , Coackley Alison , Kilpatrick Laurel B , Gawande Atul , Fromme Erik K
Published: June 2019

Objective

To describe the strategies used by a collection of healthcare systems to apply different methods of identifying seriously ill patients for a targeted palliative care intervention to improve communication around goals and values.

Methods

We present an implementation case series describing the experiences, challenges and best practices in applying patient selection strategies across multiple healthcare systems implementing the Serious Illness Care Program (SICP).

Results

Five sites across the USA and England described their individual experiences implementing patient selection as part of the SICP. They employed a combination of clinician screens (such as the ‘Surprise Question’), disease-specific criteria, existing registries or algorithms as a starting point. Notably, each describes adaptation and evolution of their patient selection methodology over time, with several sites moving towards using more advanced machine learning–based analytical approaches.

Conclusions

Involving clinical and programme staff to choose a simple initial method for patient identification is the ideal starting place for selecting patients for palliative care interventions. However, improving and refining methods over time is important and we need ongoing research into better patient selection methodologies that move beyond mortality prediction and instead focus on identifying seriously ill patients—those with poor quality of life, worsening functional status and medical care that is negatively impacting their families.
Republished: Metformin-associated lactic acidosis precipitated by liraglutide use: adverse effects of aggressive antihyperglycaemic therapy
Authors: Hooda Ananya , Mehta Anurag , Hannallah Franck
Published: June 2019

In conjunction with BMJ Case Reports, DTB will feature occasional drug-related cases that are likely to be of interest to readers. These will include cases that involve recently marketed drugs for which there is limited knowledge of adverse effects and cases that highlight unusual reactions to drugs that have been marketed for several years.
Trends in antidepressant prescriptions in children and young people in England, 1998–2017: protocol of a cohort study using linked primary care and secondary care datasets
Authors: Jack Ruth H , Hollis Chris , Coupland Carol , Morriss Richard , Knaggs Roger David , Cipriani Andrea , Cortese Samuele , Hippisley-Cox Julia
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Increasing numbers of children and young people (CYP) are receiving prescriptions for antidepressants. This is the protocol of a study aiming to describe the trends and variation in antidepressant prescriptions in CYP in England, and to examine the indications for the prescriptions recorded and whether there was contact with secondary care specialists on or around the time of the first antidepressant prescription.

Methods and analysis

All eligible CYP aged between 5 and 17 years in 1998–2017 from the QResearch primary care database will be included. Incidence and prevalence rates of any antidepressant prescription in each year will be calculated. We will examine four different antidepressant classes: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic and related antidepressants, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and other antidepressants, as well as for individual drugs. Linked primary and secondary care data (hospital episode statistics) in the year before and up to 6 months after the first antidepressant prescription will be examined for CYP whose first antidepressant prescription was in 2006–2017. Whether there were records of indications and being seen by psychiatric or paediatric specialists will be identified. Trends over time and differences by region, deprivation and ethnicity will be examined using Poisson regression.

Discussion

This large, population-based study will give an up-to-date picture of antidepressant prescribing in CYP and identify any variation. Understanding what indications are recorded when CYP are being prescribed antidepressants, and whether this was done in partnership with secondary care specialists, will provide evidence of whether appropriate guidelines are being followed.
Emergency medical service delays in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis
Authors: Alrawashdeh Ahmad , Nehme Ziad , Williams Brett , Stub Dion
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To evaluate emergency medical services (EMS) delays and their impact on time to treatment and mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Method

We collected data on EMS time intervals from published studies across five electronic databases. The primary EMS interval was the time in minutes between first medical contact and arrival at hospital door (FMC-to-door time). Secondary intervals were other components of EMS delay. Weighted means were measured using random-effects models. Meta-regression was used to identify factors associated with EMS delays and to assess the impact of EMS delay on the proportion of patients treated within90 min and mortality.

Results

Two independent reviewers included 100 studies (125 343 patients) conducted in 20 countries. The weighted mean FMC-to-door time was 41 min (n=101 646; 95% CI 39 to 43, range 21–88). However, substantial heterogeneity was observed with each interval, which could be explained by region and urban classification, distance to hospital and method of ECG interpretation. In a meta-regression adjusted for door-to-balloon time, a 10 min increase in FMC-to-door time was associated with a 10.6% (95% CI 7.6% to 13.5%; p<0.001) reduction in the proportion of patients treated within 90 min. Shorter EMS delay was significantly associated with lower short-term mortality in patients receiving prehospital thrombolysis (p=0.018).

Conclusion

EMS delays account for half of the total system delay in STEMI. There is a fourfold global variation in EMS delays, which are not completely explained by differences in system characteristics. Reducing unexplained variation could yield improvements in the time to treatment and outcome of STEMI patients.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017074118.
Operation RUMAN and the Ministry of Defence response to Hurricane Irma
Authors: Connolly Michael , Breeze J
Published: June 2019

Operation RUMAN was the British government’s combined military and humanitarian operations in September 2017 to provide relief to the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Irma. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), in conjunction with the Department for International Development, produced a tangible effect by the delivery of healthcare and a response to a humanitarian disaster with very little time for planning. The rescue element was accomplished within days but this was followed swiftly by a recovery phase requiring a ‘whole force approach’, with additional assets from non-governmental organisations and the private sector. The aim of this article is to provide information on the role of the Defence Medical Services on behalf of the MoD, and other departmental organisations in achieving the mission of providing medical and logistical support for these British Overseas Territories.
Link failure in wheel type networks
Authors: Yiğit Esin , Berberler Zeynep Nihan
Published: June 2019

Link residual closeness (LRC) is a new sensitive characteristic for network vulnerability analysis. LRC measures the vulnerability even when the removal of links does not disconnect the network. In this paper, the robustness of wheel type network topologies is modeled and analyzed via LRC in the face of possible link destruction.
The concept of electric charge and the hypothesis of magnetic poles
Authors: Finkelstein Robert J.
Published: June 2019

We examine a generic field theory in which the field particle has two couplings. It is of particular interest when these are the electroweak, [Formula: see text], and the hypothetical magnetoweak, [Formula: see text]. The new field operators are obtained by replacing the field operators [Formula: see text] of the Standard Model or of similar models by [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is an element of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional representation of the SLq(2) algebra, which is also the knot algebra. The new field is assumed to exist in two phases distinguished by two values of [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] which label the electroweak and magnetoweak phases, respectively.

We assume that the observed leptons and quarks are mainly composed of [Formula: see text]-preons and are in agreement with the observed charge spectrum of leptons and quarks. It is now proposed that there is also a [Formula: see text]-phase where [Formula: see text]-leptons and [Formula: see text]-quarks are composed of mainly [Formula: see text]-preons. It is assumed that the [Formula: see text]-charge is very large compared to the [Formula: see text]-charge and the mass of the [Formula: see text]-charged particle is even larger since the mass of all of these particles is partially determined by the eigenvalues of [Formula: see text], a polynomial in [Formula: see text], that multiplies the Higgs mass term and where [Formula: see text]

Since these values of [Formula: see text] indicate that particles in the [Formula: see text]-phase are much more massive, they should be harder to produce or to observe. Since the remote parts of the universe are at increasingly higher temperatures, magnetic poles are perhaps most likely to be found in deep probes of space as well as in high energy accelerators.

The section entitled “Introduction” was added only after it was generally realized that the birth of the present universe was probably due to a nuclear explosion.
The Use of Mode Shape Estimated from a Passing Vehicle for Structural Damage Localization and Quantification
Authors: He Wen-Yu , He Jian , Ren Wei-Xin
Published: June 2019

Mode shapes estimated from the vehicle responses are normally used to detect bridge damage efficiently for their high spatial resolution. However, an updated baseline finite element model (FEM) is normally required to quantify damages for such an approach. A two-stage damage detection procedure is presented for bridges by utilizing the mode shape estimated from a moving vehicle. Damage locations are first determined through a damage localization index (DLI) defined by regional mode shape curvature (RMSC). Then the relationship between the damage extents and the RMSC changes is investigated by FEM simulation. Finally, an equation set to quantify the single and multiple damages is deduced by combining the RMSCs and the relationship between the damage extents and the RMSC changes established by an un-updated FEM. Numerical and experimental examples are carried out to verify the validity and efficiency of the two-stage method. The results revealed that it can localize and quantify damages with satisfactory precision by using the response measured from one sensor only.
On the vanishing of relative negative K-theory
Authors: Sadhu Vivek
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we study the relative negative [Formula: see text]-groups [Formula: see text] of a map [Formula: see text] of schemes. We prove a relative version of Weibel’s conjecture; i.e. if [Formula: see text] is a smooth affine map of Noetherian schemes with [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] and the natural map [Formula: see text] is an isomorphism for all [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] We also prove a vanishing result for relative negative [Formula: see text]-groups of a subintegral map.
Sharing Economy: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Agarwal Nivedita , Steinmetz Robert
Published: June 2019

The paper employs a Systematic Literature Review approach to investigate the evolution of the term sharing economy and to identify the future potential research pathways. Analysis of the key publications reveals high emphasis on conceptual studies and qualitative methodologies within the academic literature on sharing economy. This study classifies the literature into five main categories of sustainability, participant behavior, regulatory framework, business models and conceptual studies. Highlighting the research gaps, this study also calls for further research on understanding the roles of other stakeholders such as government and municipalities, analyzing the influence of cultural background and exploring the possibilities for B2B businesses to engage in sharing economy.
Kernel Treelets
Authors: Xia Hedi , Ceniceros Hector D.
Published: June 2019

A new method for hierarchical clustering of data points is presented. It combines treelets, a particular multiresolution decomposition of data, with a mapping on a reproducing kernel Hilbert space. The proposed approach, called kernel treelets (KT), uses this mapping to go from a hierarchical clustering over attributes (the natural output of treelets) to a hierarchical clustering over data. KT effectively substitutes the correlation coefficient matrix used in treelets with a symmetric and positive semi-definite matrix efficiently constructed from a symmetric and positive semi-definite kernel function. Unlike most clustering methods, which require data sets to be numeric, KT can be applied to more general data and yields a multiresolution sequence of orthonormal bases on the data directly in feature space. The effectiveness and potential of KT in clustering analysis are illustrated with some examples.
Anticatabolic Effects of Morin through the Counteraction of Interleukin-1β-Induced Inflammation in Rat Primary Chondrocytes
Authors: Lee Gyeong-Je , Cho In-A , Oh Ji-Su , Seo Yo-Seob  , You Jae-Seek , Kim Su-Gwan , Kim Jae-Sung
Published: June 2019

Morin, a flavonoid isolated from various medicinal herbal plants, has an anti-inflammatory effect. This study aimed to elucidate the anticatabolic effects and cellular mechanism of morin against interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rat primary chondrocytes. Morin at 10–100 μM did not affect the viability of rat primary chondrocytes. Treatment with morin for 21 days ameliorated the IL-1β-induced decrease in extracellular matrix. Furthermore, treatment with morin attenuated IL-1β-induced proteoglycan loss in the articular cartilage through suppression of catabolic factors, such as matrix metalloproteinases, inflammatory mediators, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These data indicated that morin exerted anticatabolic effects that can prevent and reduce progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage, and thus may be a potential candidate treatment for osteoarthritis.
HIV Drug Efavirenz Inhibits CYP21A2 Activity with Possible Clinical Implications
Authors: Malikova Jana , Zingg Tanja , Fingerhut Ralph , Sluka Susanna , Grössl Michael , Brixius-Anderko Simone , Bernhardt Rita , McDougall Jane , Pandey Amit V. , Flück Christa E.
Published: June 2019

Background: The HIV drugs lopinavir and ritonavir have recently been reported to cause transient adrenal insufficiency in preterm newborns. We, therefore, considered HIV drugs as a cause of transiently elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) levels in a neonatal screening test for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in a preterm girl exposed to zidovudine, efavirenz, tenofovir, and emtricitabine. Objective: So far, HIV drugs have not been tested for their effect on steroidogenesis and the steroidogenic enzyme activity of CYP21A2 specifically in an in vitro system. Methods: We tested the effect of efavirenz, tenofovir, emtricitabine, and zidovudine on steroidogenesis of human adrenal H295R cells. Cells were treated with the drugs at different concentrations including concentrations in therapeutic use. The effect on CYP21A2 activity was assessed by testing the conversion of radiolabeled 17OHP to 11-deoxycortisol. Cell viability was tested by an MTT assay. In addition, recombinant human CYP21A2 protein was used to assess direct drug effects on CYP21A2 activity. Results: We observed significantly decreased CYP21A2 activity in both in vitro testing systems after treatment with efavirenz at therapeutic concentrations. Moreover, efavirenz affected cell viability. By contrast, the other test drugs did not affect steroidogenesis. Follow-up of our patient revealed elevated 17OHP and androgen levels during the first weeks of life, but values normalized spontaneously. Genetic testing for CYP21A2 mutations was negative. Thus, it remains unsettled whether the transient 17OHP elevation in this baby was due to a drug effect. Conclusion: The HIV drug efavirenz inhibits CYP21A2 activity in vitro through direct interaction with enzyme catalysis at therapeutic concentrations. This may have clinical implications for HIV treatment in children and adults. However, so far, clinical data are scarce, and further studies are needed to be able to draw clinical conclusions.
Fast Screening of Olfactory Function Using the Q-Sticks Test
Authors: Sorokowska Agnieszka , Oleszkiewicz Anna , Minovi Amir , Konnerth Claus Günther , Hummel Thomas
Published: June 2019

Objectives: Classical, longer olfactory tests are associated with difficulties in everyday practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility of the Q-Sticks test within the context of a multicenter study. Methods: A total of 333 subjects, aged between 12 and 88 years, completed a 3-item Q-Sticks test and a longer Sniffin’ Sticks identification test. We analyzed the sensitivity and specificity of the test results for different cutoffs for anosmia and hyposmia. Results: Our study showed that the test can be used on subjects aged 12 years and older, regardless of their sex. The data indicated a test sensitivity and specificity of 91.8 and 92%, respectively, with a score of 2 taken as a cutoff for olfactory dysfunction. Conversely, normal olfactory function can be declared with high probability with a score of 3 in the Q-Sticks test. Conclusion: We reconfirmed that the Q-Sticks test is a good screening tool for everyday medical practice and in laboratory settings, although it has to be kept in mind that the test can produce false-negative results at a score of 3. The test was relatively sensitive to anosmia and differences between normosmic and hyposmic/anosmic patients.
Schwannoma of the Small Intestine
Authors: Fukushima Naoko , Aoki Hiroaki , Fukazawa Nei , Ogawa Masaichi , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: June 2019

Schwannomas of the gastrointestinal tract are rare. Herein, we report a case of schwannoma originating from the small intestine. A 78-year-old woman underwent medical follow-up after surgery for bladder cancer, and a mass in the upper part of the pelvis was revealed by abdominal CT. With the diagnosis of a submucosal tumor of the small intestine, she underwent partial intestinal resection. The submucosal tumor was pathologically composed of S100-positive spindle cells and diagnosed as schwannoma. We report this case of rare schwannoma of the small intestine and review the literature.
In vitro Post-Antifungal Effect of Posaconazole and Its Impact on Adhesion-Related Traits and Hemolysin Production of Oral Candida dubliniensis Isolates
Authors: Ellepola Arjuna Nishantha Bandara , Dassanayake Ranil Samantha , Khan Ziauddin
Published: June 2019

Objective: Candidal adherence to denture acrylic surfaces (DAS) and oral buccal epithelial cells (BEC), formation of candidal germ tubes (GT), candidal cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), and hemolysin production are important pathogenic traits of Candida. The antifungal drug-induced post-antifungal effect (PAFE) also impacts the virulence of Candida. Candida dubliniensis isolates are associated with the causation of oral candidiasis which could be managed with posaconazole. Thus far there is no evidence on posaconazole-induced PAFE and its impact on adhesion-related attributes and production of hemolysin by C. dubliniensis isolates. Hence, the PAFE, adhesion to DAS and BEC, formation of GT, CSH, and hemolysin production of 20 oral C. dubliniensis isolates after brief exposure to posaconazole was ascertained. Materials and Methods: The PAFE, adherence to DAS and BEC, formation of GT, candidal CSH, and hemolysin production were investigated by hitherto described in vitro assays. Results: The mean PAFE (h) induced by posaconazole on C. dubliniensis isolates was 1.66. Exposure to posaconazole suppressed the ability of C. dubliniensis to adhere to DAS, BEC, formation of candidal GT, candidal CSH and to produce hemolysin by a reduction of 44, 33, 34, 36, and 15% (p < 0.005 to p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Exposure of C. dubliniensis isolates to posaconazole for a brief period induced an antimycotic impact by subduing its growth in addition to suppressing pathogenic adherence-associated attributes, as well as production of hemolysin.
Failure to Respond to Rising Income Inequality: Processes That Legitimize Growing Disparities
Authors: Hing Leanne S. Son , Wilson Anne E. , Gourevitch Peter , English Jaslyn , Sin Parco
Published: June 2019

Why is there not more public outcry in the face of rising income inequality? Although public choice models predict that rising inequality will spur public demand for redistribution, evidence often fails to support this view. We explain this lack of outcry by considering social-psychological processes contextualized within the spatial, institutional, and political context that combine to dampen dissent. We contend that rising inequality can activate the very psychological processes that stifle outcry, causing people to be blind to the true extent of inequality, to legitimize rising disparities, and to reject redistribution as an effective solution. As a result, these psychological processes reproduce and exacerbate inequality and legitimize the institutions that produce it. Finally, we explore ways to disrupt the processes perpetuating this cycle.
Description of two new Caribbean species from the Hypnea musciformis complex (Cystocloniaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: NAUER FABIO , CASSANO VALÉRIA , OLIVEIRA MARIANA C.
Published: June 2019

Hypnea musciformis is a red macroalgal species with economic importance as a source for production of carrageenan. Recent phylogeographic studies revealed a hidden diversity of cryptic species, putting in check its cosmopolitan distribution. The DNA barcode marker COI-5P and plastid rbcL, in addition to morphological studies, were used to investigate the species in this complex and to compare them with specimens from other countries including the type locality in Italy. The divergences between sequences within the H. musciformis complex were significantly high for both markers. Based on these analyses two new species are described, Hypnea caraibica Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira sp. nov. and Hypnea schneideri Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira sp. nov. Hypnea caraibica seems to be a common, widespread species in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean and was recently introduced into Hawaii. This species was unnoticed due to lack of phylogeographic studies in the region. Hypnea schneideri seems to be more geographically restricted, but further surveys are needed to understand the distribution of this species. Because the identification of Hypnea species is complicated by their relatively simple and plastic morphology, DNA barcoding surveys and other molecular studies are essential to uncover hidden biodiversity in the genus and to supplement traditional studies based on morphology.
Revision of the genus Caracladus with the description of Caracladus zamoniensis spec. nov. (Araneae, Linyphiidae, Erigoninae)
Authors: FRICK HOLGER , MUFF PATRICK
Published: June 2019

The genus Caracladus Simon, 1884 with two Asian and formerly two European species is revised and one new species, Caracladus zamoniensis spec. nov., is described. The new species has been overlooked for over one hundred years. All Caracladus species are diagnosed and described and data on their distribution, habitat and phenology are given. The phylogenetic placement of the genus Caracladus and the relationships between its species are discussed based on 49 morphological characters. Caracladus is deeply nested in the “distal erigonines” with closest relations to Tapinocyba Simon. Detailed illustrations are given for the type species C. avicula (L. Koch, 1869), C. leberti (Roewer, 1942), C. tsurusakii Saito, 1988 and C. zamoniensis spec. nov. Erigone pauperula (Bösenberg & Strand, 1906) nov. comb. (formerly Caracladus pauperulus) is illustrated with some supplementary notes on its description.
Water mites of the family Torrenticolidae Piersig, 1902 (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from Thailand, Part I. The genera Torrenticola Piersig, 1896, Neoatractides Lundblad, 1941 and Pseudotorrenticola Walter, 1906
Authors: PESIC VLADIMIR , SMIT HARRY
Published: June 2019

New records of water mites of the genera Torrenticola Piersig, 1896, Neoatractides Lundblad, 1941 and Pseudotorrenticola Walter, 1906 (Acari: Hydrachnidia, Torrenticolidae) from streams in Thailand are presented. A detailed description is provided for all species of Torrenticola Piersig, 1896 and Neoatractides Lundblad, 1941. Three species new to science are described: Torrenticola siamis, T. thailandicus and T. wilesi; a first description of the male is given for T. malaisei (Lundblad, 1941). Additionally, first records from Thailand are given for Torrenticola maharashtris Cook, 1967, T. malaisei (Lundblad, 1941), T. turkestanica (Sokolow, 1926), T. tetrapora (Viets, 1935), T. sp., Neoatractides bahtilli (Wiles, 1991) and N. malayensis (Wiles, 1991).
First records of Thryaplax Castro, 2007 and Calocarcinus Calman, 1909 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) from the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand
Authors: AHYONG SHANE T.
Published: June 2019

Among the Brachyura from the Kermadec Islands in the invertebrate collection of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand (NIWA), are two specimens representing two deep-water species previously not known from the region. Both specimens were collected at the same station, together with the paratypes of the parthenopid crab, Garthambrus tani Ahyong, 2008. The new records are reported below to formally document their occurrence at the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand; both also represent the first records of their respective genera from New Zealand waters.  Measurements of specimens, in millimetres, refer to carapace length (cl) and carapace width (cw).
Four new species of Nanocladius Kieffer from Oriental China (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae)
Authors: FU YUE , WANG XINHUA
Published: June 2019

Four new species of Nanocladius Kieffer, 1913 from Oriental China, N. (N.) baltus, N. (N.) calvatus, N. (N.) taiwanensis, and N. (N.) trinus are described and illustrated as males. A key to the males of the Chinese Nanocladius is provided.
Establishment of a new genus for Asthenognathus gallardoi Serène & Soh, 1976 within Gaeticinae Davie & N.K. Ng, 2007 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Varunidae)
Authors: NARUSE TOHRU , CLARK PAUL F.
Published: June 2019

Recently collected Asthenognathus gallardoi Serène & Soh, 1976 from Thailand and the Philippines are examined. Asthenognathus gallardoi possesses long setae of the palp of the third maxilliped and the fused male abdominal segments that are diagnostic characters of Gaeticinae Davie & N.K. Ng, 2007. Although the species lacks the longitudinal sulcus on the anterior segments of the sternum, which is another diagnostic character of Gaeticinae, the anterior part of the sternum is gently concave. The presences of these features indicate that Asthenognathus gallardoi belongs to Gaeticinae, not Asthenognathinae Stimpson, 1858. A new genus is established for Asthenognathus gallardoi to accommodate it in Gaeticinae.
Revision of the genus Hoplosauris Butler 1882 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)
Authors: PARRA LUIS E. , JIMÉNEZ-URRUTIA MARÍA C. , ZAMORA-MANZUR CARLOS
Published: June 2019

The genus Hoplosauris Butler 1882 is reviewed and redefined. Species belonging to the genera Notholoba syn. nov. and Physoloba Warren (1908) are incorporated into Hoplosauris, and the species Physoloba griseofasciata is maintained Physoloba as its type species. The following eight species are recognized in Hoplosauris: H. heliconoides Butler, 1882; H. schausi (Warren 1908) comb. nov.; H. valeria Butler 1893; H. indistincta (Butler, 1882) comb. nov.; H. macarenae Parra sp. nov.; H. granitata (Fletcher 1953) comb. nov.; H. pachrophylloides Parra sp. nov.; H. mabillei Parra sp. nov. Synapomorphic characters supporting monophyly of Hoplosauris include vesicle of anal margin of the male hindwings small, corpus bursae striated, internal surface of corpus bursae with microspines, and valvae with androconia subapically. Adult wing patterns and genitalia are illustrated, and geographic distributions discussed.
Baronniesia delioti gen. n. sp. n., a new subterranean Leptodirini from the French Pyrenees (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Cholevinae)
Authors: FRESNEDA JAVIER , BOURDEAU CHARLES , FAILLE ARNAUD
Published: June 2019

Baronniesia delioti Fresneda, Bourdeau & Faille gen. n. & sp. n., tribe Leptodirini (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae), is described from the French central Pyrenees (Hautes-Pyrénées, Esparros, subterranean river of Artigaléou-Arodets). The genus is remarkable for the large body size and the strong sexual dimorphism in antennae of its type species. The structure of the aedeagus and the inner sac, with two additional strongly curved feather-like structures, forming an inverted “V”, and the lateral styles with only three spines without other structures, indicates affinities between the new genus and the Antrocharis group, diversified in the eastern part of the Pyrenean range. The limestone area in the central Pyrenees where this new genus was discovered appears to be a contact area between the eastern and western faunas of the Pyrenean cave beetles, both for Leiodidae: Leptodirini and Carabidae: Trechini.
Checklist of marine and freshwater halacarid mite genera and species (Halacaridae: Acari) with notes on synonyms, habitats, distribution and descriptions of the taxa
Authors: BARTSCH ILSE
Published: June 2019

At the end of 2007, the family Halacaridae, superfamily Halacaroidea, included 1118 valid species in 63 genera. The genera and the number of species (in parentheses) are: Acanthohalacarus (1), Acanthopalpus (2), Acarochelopodia (8), Acaromantis (11), Acarothrix (5), Actacarus (24), Agaue (42), Agauides (2), Agauopsis (85), Anomalohalacarus (19), Arenihalacarus (1), Arhodeoporus (31), Astacopsiphagus (1), Atelopsalis (7), Australacarus (5), Bathyhalacarus (12), Bradyagaue (17), Camactognathus (3), Caspihalacarus (1), Coloboceras (3), Colobocerasides (2), Copidognathides (3), Copidognathus (359), Corallihalacarus (1), Enterohalacarus (1), Halacarellus (47), Halacaroides (2), Halacaropsis (5), Halacarus (75), Halixodes (3), Hamohalacarus (1), Himejacarus (1), Isobactrus (26), Limnohalacarus (13), Lobohalacarus (6), Lohmannella (36), Metarhombognathus (2), Mictognathus (3), Parasoldanellonyx (3), Parhalixodes (2), Pelacarus (1), Peregrinacarus (2), Phacacarus (1), Porohalacarus (2), Porolohmannella (1), Rhombognathides (6), Rhombognathus (103), Ropohalacarus (1), Scaptognathides (11), Scaptognathus (30), Simognathus (45), Soldanellonyx (9), Spongihalacarus (1), Stygohalacarus (1), Thalassacarus (1), Thalassarachna (14), Thalassophthirius (1), Troglohalacarus (1), Tropihalacarus (2), Werthella (10), Werthelloides (1), Winlundia (2), and Xenohalacarus (1). More than 1000 species live in marine and brackish water and almost 60 species exclusively in fresh or oligohaline to mesohaline brackish water (< S18‰). The checklist presents names used for halacarid genera and species of the world, names recognized as valid, synonyms, nomina nuda, names of species inquirendae and species erroneously attributed to the family Halacaridae. All valid species are supplemented with distributional data, namely, biogeographical provinces, depth zones and habitats, and references of descriptions of genera and species.
The genus Mustilizans Yang, 1995 (Lepidoptera: Endromidae) in India with the description of a new species
Authors: CHANDRA KAILASH , SINGH NAVNEET , KUMAR VIKAS , RANJAN RAHUL , GAYEN SUBRATA , DAS MOUMITA , DEY RUSHATI
Published: June 2019

A new species of the family Endromidae, Mustilizans zolotuhini sp. nov. is described from Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The subspecies, Mustilizans dierli refugialis Zolotuhin, 2007 is recorded for the first time from Sikkim, India. The distribution of the species known from India is mapped. The holotype of the new species is deposited in the Lepidoptera Section, National Zoological Collections, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
Descriptions of the larvae of Acanthagrion speculum and A. trilobatum from Costa Rica (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: ROMÁN-HERACLEO JARETH , SPRINGER MONIKA , NOVELO-GUTIÉRREZ RODOLFO
Published: June 2019

Description of the final instar of Acanthagrion trilobatum Leonard, 1977 and A. speculum Garrison, 1985 is based on associated specimens from San José, Turrialba and Sarapiquí Provinces, Costa Rica. Illustrations of these two species and a comparative table summarizing the main features of all larvae of Acanthagrion described to date are provided. The larva of A. trilobatum is distinguished from that of A. speculum by shorter lateral caudal lamellae (length 7 mm vs. 8.2 mm), lateral carina of abdominal segments 2–8 with spiniform setae on posterior 1/3 (lateral carinae of only S6–8 with spiniform setae in A. speculum), and male gonapophyses incurved (straight in A. speculum).
Conura baturitei sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae): a hyperparasitoid of spiders through Zatypota riverai (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: TAVARES MARCELO TEIXEIRA , VILLANUEVA-BONILLA GERMAN ANTONIO , SOBCZAK JOBER FERNANDO
Published: June 2019

Conura, the largest genus of Chalcididae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), is mostly distributed in the New World where 295 of the 301 described species occur. Chalcididae are in some cases hyperparasitoids of insects. In this study, we report the unusual association of the hyperparasitoid Conura baturitei sp. nov. with spider species of the genus Theridion Walckenaer (Theridiidae) through Zatypota riverai Gauld (Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae, Polysphincta genus-group), a primary ectoparasitoid of spiders. The new species is described and illustrated, and the host-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid interaction is discussed.
Gendered Conflict, Gendered Outcomes: The Politicization of Sexual Violence and Quota Adoption
Authors: Agerberg Mattias , Kreft Anne-Kathrin
Published: June 2019

Sexual violence (SV) in conflict is increasingly politicized at both the international and domestic levels. Where SV in conflict is prevalent, we argue international actors perceive gender to be salient and push for a gendered response. Simultaneously, women mobilize politically in response to the threat to their security that conflict-related SV constitutes, making demands for greater representation in politics with the goal of improving societal conditions for themselves. Jointly, we theorize the pressures from above and below push governments in conflict-affected states toward adopting gender policies. We test this theoretical framework in the case of gender quota adoption. We find that states with prevalent wartime SV indeed adopt gender quotas sooner and at higher rates than states experiencing other civil conflicts and than states experiencing no conflict in the same period. These gender quotas, we further show, are not mere window dressing but actually increase women’s legislative representation.
Radio Redux: Audience Participation and the Reincarnation of Radio for Development in Africa
Authors: Tietaah Gilbert , Amoakohene Margaret , Tuurusong Damasus
Published: June 2019

Along with the valorization of “beneficiary” participation in development praxis, contemporary communication scholarship has tended toward internet-enabled technologies and applications. This study breaks ranks with the implicit loss of faith in the capacity of the so-called legacy media, and radio in particular. It argues that precisely those advances in new technologies, together with the peculiar media ecology of Ghana and Africa generally, are the bases for prenotions about the enduring relevance of radio. To verify this claim, focus group discussions were conducted among radio audiences in Ghana. The findings suggest three factors for a renaissance of radio as a development communication medium: its contribution to democratic pluralism; the use of local languages that enables social inclusion; its appropriation of new technologies for audience participatory engagement. Radio has thus evolved from the powerful effects notions of a one-way transmitter of information to an increasingly more interactive, audience-centric medium.
Radiofrequency ablation guided by cone beam computed tomography for hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparative study of clinical results with the conventional spiral computed tomography-guided procedure
Authors: Lyu Tianshi , Wang Jian , Cao Shoujin , Song Li , Tong Xiaoqiang , Zou Yinghua
Published: June 2019

Objective

To compare the outcomes of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with those of traditional spiral computed tomography (s-CT)-guided RFA.

Methods

This retrospective study analysed data from patients with HCC that underwent RFA guided by either CBCT or s-CT. A number of preoperative and postoperative characteristics, including operation time, ablation time, radiation dose and hospital stay were recorded for all patients. The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications was recorded. The therapeutic effect was evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months after RFA.

Results

A total of 47 patients with HCC (12 females and 35 males) underwent successful RFA: 21 underwent CBCT-guided RFA and 26 underwent s-CT-guided RFA. Except for one case of pneumothorax in the s-CT group, no serious complications occurred. The objective response rate and disease control rate at 1, 3 and 6 months after RFA showed no significant differences between the two groups. Throughout the 6-month follow-up period, the complete ablation rate was 19 of 21 patients (90.5%) in the CBCT group and 19 of 26 patients (73.1%) in the s-CT group.

Conclusions

CBCT was a safe and effective guiding modality for RFA in patients with HCC.
All-Links-Based E-Hailing Pricing and Surcharge Mechanism for Transportation System Performance Improvement
Authors: Wang Qixing , Lownes Nicholas E.
Published: June 2019

E-hailing services, in which riders request rides from their mobile devices, have rapidly developed into a viable transportation alternative for many travelers. This technology has changed the set of choices for travelers and has shifted travel patterns, most significantly away from traditional taxi services. However, several issues have arisen during this expansion. In this paper, an economical approach is proposed which considers both the effects of the travelers’ route choices and travel demand patterns. In this approach, we assume that all links can be surcharged for those using e-hailing services, and a heuristic process is applied to address this computationally difficult problem. A cost inverse function is introduced to update the demand changes along paths with different rates of e-hailing surcharges. The method is demonstrated on the mid-size network of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and on the large-scale city network of Anaheim, California. Results indicate that an optimal price could efficiently reduce e-hailing service demand during congestion hours and improve the transportation system performance to system optimal level.
Physical Accessibility and Employment among Older Adults in California
Authors: Blumenberg Evelyn , Schouten Andrew , Pinski Miriam , Wachs Martin
Published: June 2019

Older adults are delaying retirement and remaining in the paid workforce longer than in previous decades. There are many potential explanations for this trend. In this study, it is hypothesized that the ease or difficulty of traveling may significantly influence the labor force participation of older adults, just as it does for other working-age adults. As they age, older adults can face a number of barriers to mobility. The hypothesis is tested using data from the 2012 California Household Travel Survey (CHTS) and propensity score matching. The paper focuses on the effects of automobile ownership and transit access on the employment status of older adults (60+), controlling for a host of characteristics associated with the likelihood of employment. The analysis shows that transportation access has a substantial and positive association with employment for older adults, particularly older adults living in low-income households (those earning less than $35,000 per year). Access to jobs by public transit is especially influential among low-income older adults who live in households without automobiles. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing the transportation environment such that it allows older adults to travel regularly on their own by car or, in dense urban neighborhoods, by public transit. Limitations to this study suggest the need for additional quantitative analysis of longitudinal data as well as qualitative analysis of data from interviews and focus groups.
Sound analysis of the magnetically levitated left ventricular assist device HeartMate 3™
Authors: Sundbom Per , Roth Michael , Granfeldt Hans , Karlsson Daniel M , Ahn Henrik , Gustafsson Fredrik , Dellgren Göran , Hubbert Laila
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

The HeartMate 3™ has shown lower rates of adverse events compared to previous devices due to the design and absence of mechanical bearings. For previous devices, sound analysis emerged as a way to assess pump function. The aims of this study were to determine if sound analysis can be applied to the HeartMate 3 in vivo and in vitro and to evaluate an electronic stethoscope.

Method:

Sound recordings were performed with microphones and clinical accessible electronic stethoscope. The recordings were studied in both the time and the frequency domains. Recordings from four patients were performed to determine if in vivo and in vitro recordings are comparable.

Results:

The results show that it is possible to detect sound from HeartMate 3 and the sound spectrum is clear. Pump frequency and frequency of the pulsatile mode are easily determined. Frequency spectra from in vitro and in vivo recordings have the same pattern, and the major proportion (96.7%) of signal power is located at the pump speed frequency ±40 Hz. The recordings from the patients show low inter-individual differences except from location of peaks originating from pump speed and harmonics. Electronic stethoscopes could be used for sound recordings, but the dedicated equipment showed a clearer sound spectrum.

Discussion:

The results show that acoustic analysis can also be performed with the HeartMate 3 and that in vivo and in vitro sound spectrum is similar. The frequency spectra are different from previous devices, and methods for assessing pump function or thrombosis need further evaluation.