bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Microscopic Hematuria after Induction of Remission in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Vandenbussche Cyrille , Bitton Laura , Bataille Pierre , Glowacki Francois , Azar Raymond , Hatron Pierre-Yves , Macnamara Evelyne , Gheerbrant Jean-Dominique , Cardon Gérard , Hoffmann Maxime , Auxenfants Eric , Gnemmi Viviane , Quéméneur Thomas
Published: May 2019

Background: Pauci-immune glomerulonephritis (PIGN) is a major prognostic factor in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis (AAV). Renal remission is usually defined as improvement or stabilization of serum creatinine and proteinuria levels but the significance of hematuria is unclear. We evaluated the prognostic value of microscopic hematuria in patients in remission from a first flare of PIGN. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted of all patients with histologically proven PIGN in northern France who presented a first renal flare of AAV between 2003 and 2013. All patients received conventional induction treatment and were considered in remission. Two groups were defined by the presence (H+) or absence (H–) of hematuria (dipstick 1+ and/or cytology ≥10,000 erythrocytes/mL). The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of renal relapse (RR) and/or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Results: Eighty-six patients were included: 41 (48%) had hematuria at remission. The median follow-up time was 44 ± 34 months. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the primary endpoint or the number of RR. However, the survival rate without RR was significantly lower in the H+ group (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, risk factors for RR were hematuria at remission for relapses within 44 months (hazard ratio [HR] 4.15; 95% CI 1.15–15.01; p = 0.03) and the duration of maintenance immunosuppressive therapy (HR 0.96 per additional month; 95% CI 0.94–0.99; p = 0.002). Conclusion: Hematuria at remission after a first PIGN flare was not associated with ESRD but with the occurrence of RR within 44 months of remission.
Effect of a Vasopressin V2 Receptor Antagonist on Polycystic Kidney Disease Development in a Rat Model
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Constans Megan M. , Chebib Fouad T. , Torres Vicente E. , Pellegrini Lorenzo
Published: May 2019

Background: Vasopressin V2 receptor inhibition is a clinically validated mechanism of action in the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). In this study, the effect of lixivaptan, a potent, selective vasopressin V2 antagonist, was evaluated in PCK rats, a validated animal model of PKD. Methods: Four-week old PCK rats were fed rodent chow with 0.5% lixivaptan (low dose) or 1% lixivaptan (high dose), or chow only (control) for 8 weeks. Urine output was measured at weeks 7 and 10 of age. Animals were killed at 12 weeks of age; kidneys and livers were collected, weighted, and analyzed for cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) levels and cystic burden and fibrosis; serum creatinine and sodium were measured. Results: Consistent with the development of a polycystic kidney phenotype, control PCK rats showed enlarged kidneys, extensive cyst formation, and early signs of serum creatinine elevation at 12 weeks of age. Compared to controls, PCK rats treated with low-dose lixivaptan showed a 26% reduction in % kidney weight/body weight (p < 0.01); a 54% reduction in kidney cystic score (p < 0.001), a histomorphometric measure of cystic burden; a 23% reduction in kidney cAMP levels (p < 0.05), a biochemical marker of disease; and a 13% reduction in plasma creatinine (p < 0.001), indicating preserved renal function. These reductions were associated with 3-fold increases in 24-h urine output, demonstrating the potent aquaretic effect of lixivaptan. The fact that the high dose was less efficacious than the low dose is discussed. Conclusions: These results provide the first evidence of the potential utility of lixivaptan for the treatment of ADPKD.
Spindle Cell Lesions of the Breast on Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy: A Miscellany of Masses
Authors: Michelow Pamela M. , Field Andrew S.
Published: May 2019

A variety of primary breast and metastatic lesions to the breast can present with spindle cell cytomorphology. These lesions may range from benign reactive or inflammatory lesions to high-grade malignancies. Spindle cell lesions of the breast are not often seen on fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) but need to be correctly managed when they are encountered. While mesenchymal lesions of the breast have a spindle morphology, lesions derived from the epithelium and myoepithelium can be spindled as well. By assessing if the lesion comprises spindle cells only or if other components such as epithelial cells are apparent and then determining whether the spindle cells appear bland or pleomorphic, together with close clinicoradiologic correlation and prudent use of ancillary tests, a variety of lesions can be diagnosed on FNAB. However, core needle biopsy or excision biopsy may be required in some patients. The cytomorphology, ancillary studies, and clinicoradiologic findings of a range of spindle cell lesions of the breast are further discussed.
Value of Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Assessment of Achalasia Subtypes and Detection of Pulmonary and Thoracic Complications
Authors: Jovanovic Sanja , Djuric-Stefanovic Aleksandra , Simić Aleksandar , Skrobic Ognjan , Pesko Predrag
Published: May 2019

Objective: To evaluate multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings in patients with achalasia, to assess its role in differentiating subtypes in detecting lung involvement and extra-esophageal thoracic complications. Subjects and Methods: This clinical retrospective study included 51 patients with manometrically confirmed achalasia who underwent chest X-ray and MDCT in diagnostic work-up. Esophageal wall thickness and morphology, luminal dilatation, lung changes, and extra-esophageal manifestations were analyzed on MDCT by 2 readers. Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test were used for assessing the differences among the achalasia subtypes, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) assessing the inter-observer agreement between the measurements of 2 readers. Results: Fourteen (27.5%) patients had achalasia subtype I, 21 (60.8%) had subtype II while 6 (11.8%) had subtype III. Esophageal wall thickness of the esophageal body (EB) and distal esophageal segment (DES) as well as nodular/lobulated appearance of DES were found significantly more often in subtype III (p = 0.024, p < 0.001, p = 0.009, respectively). Esophageal dilatation gradually decreased from subtype I to III (p = 0.006). Chest X-ray revealed lung changes in 9 (17%) and MDCT in 21 (41%) patients (p = 0.001), most frequently in subtype I, with predominance of ground-glass opacities. Tracheal/carinal compression was detected in 27 (52.9%) and left atrial compression in 17 (33.3%) patients. Excellent inter-observer agreement was observed in measuring the EB and DES wall thickness, and diameter of EB (ICC 0.829, 0.901, and 0.922). Conclusion: MDCT is a useful tool for detecting lung and extra-esophageal thoracic complications in patients with achalasia, and could be a valuable additional imaging modality in the differentiation of achalasia subtypes.
Smartwatch Performance for the Detection and Quantification of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wasserlauf Jeremiah , You Cindy , Patel Ruchi , Valys Alexander , Albert David , Passman Rod
Published: May 2019

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) burden and duration appear to be related to stroke risk. A wearable consumer electronic device could provide long-term assessment of these measures inexpensively and noninvasively. This study compares the accuracy of an AF-sensing watch (AFSW; Apple Watch with KardiaBand) with simultaneous recordings from an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM; Reveal LINQ).

Methods:

SmartRhythm 2.0, a convolutional neural network, was trained on anonymized data of heart rate, activity level, and ECGs from 7500 AliveCor users. The network was validated on data collected in 24 patients with ICMs and a history of paroxysmal AF who simultaneously wore the AFSW with SmartRhythm 0.1 software. The primary outcome was sensitivity of the AFSW for AF episodes ≥1 hour. Secondary end points included sensitivity of the AFSW for detection of AF by subject and sensitivity for total AF duration across all subjects. Subjects with >50% false-positive AF episodes on ICM were excluded.

Results:

We analyzed 31 348.9 hours (mean (SD), 11.3 (4.4) hours/day) of simultaneous AFSW and ICM recordings in 24 patients. The ICM detected 82 episodes of AF ≥1 hour while the AFSW was worn, with a total duration of 1127.1 hours. Of these, the SmartRhythm 2.0 neural network detected 80 episodes (episode sensitivity, 97.5%) with a total duration of 1101.1 hours (duration sensitivity, 97.7%). Three of the 18 subjects with AF ≥1 hour had AF only when the watch was not being worn (patient sensitivity, 83.3%; or 100% during time worn). Positive predictive value for AF episodes was 39.9%.

Conclusions:

An AFSW is highly sensitive for detection of AF and assessment of AF duration in an ambulatory population when compared with an ICM. Such devices may represent an inexpensive, noninvasive approach to long-term AF surveillance and management.
A Computational Perspective of the Role of the Thalamus in Cognition
Authors: Dehghani Nima , Wimmer Ralf D.
Published: May 2019

The thalamus has traditionally been considered as only a relay source of cortical inputs, with hierarchically organized cortical circuits serially transforming thalamic signals to cognitively relevant representations. Given the absence of local excitatory connections within the thalamus, the notion of thalamic relay seemed like a reasonable description over the past several decades. Recent advances in experimental approaches and theory provide a broader perspective on the role of the thalamus in cognitively relevant cortical computations and suggest that only a subset of thalamic circuit motifs fits the relay description. Here, we discuss this perspective and highlight the potential role for the thalamus, and specifically the mediodorsal (MD) nucleus, in the dynamic selection of cortical representations through a combination of intrinsic thalamic computations and output signals that change cortical network functional parameters. We suggest that through the contextual modulation of cortical computation, the thalamus and cortex jointly optimize the information and cost trade-off in an emergent fashion. We emphasize that coordinated experimental and theoretical efforts will provide a path to understanding the role of the thalamus in cognition, along with an understanding to augment cognitive capacity in health and disease.
Effects of competition, female size, and their distance on the claw-waving rate of male fiddler crabs (Brachyura, Ocypodidae)
Authors: Tina Fahmida Wazed
Published: May 2019

The alteration of signals of animals in response to changes in environmental factors is a common phenomenon. In male fiddler crabs, waving major claws towards females is energetically costly; thus, males need to adjust their waving in a way that increases the chance of potential mate attraction while reducing the waving cost. In this study, I examined how Austruca perplexa males adjusted their waving rate based on male-male competition (male numbers in a cluster [Austruca perplexa males make groups and wave synchronously towards females]), female body size, and the distances of the receiver females from the signaller males. Forty clusters were selected randomly; from each cluster, I randomly selected one male, video recorded his waving behaviour and calculated waving rate (waves/min). Body size (carapace width) and distances of receiver females were measured. To analyze the effects of competition, female size, and their distances on male waving rate through binary logistic regression analysis, all variables were divided into two categories (male waving rate: low and high, competition: low and high, female size: small and large, and female distances: short and long) based on a median split method. Afterwards a series of binary logistic regression models were built and the relative supports of various models were assessed based on the corrected Akaike information criterion. Results showed that competition, female body size and their distances affected the male waving rate in an additive manner, but their interactions did not show any effect. Further research can be conducted to investigate how breeding season and predation risk along with competition, female size and female distances affect the claw-waving display of male fiddler crabs.
A New Road to Walk Together: Lessons from Dewey’s Political Activism
Authors: Shepherd Aaron Pratt
Published: May 2019

John Dewey’s role as a “public philosopher” is well-documented; his political activism, however, has not received much attention from philosophers. While Dewey is well remembered as a philosopher who escaped the walls of the academy to speak to and write for general audiences, he also lent his name, status, and intellectual energy to political organizations and movements in American politics. In the first part of the paper, I provide an introduction to Dewey’s activism and its relation to the philosophical project of “democratization.” I consider present-day parallels between Dewey’s diagnosis of America’s political problems and the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, as well as the structural and methodological challenges facing a Deweyan progressive politics. I conclude by advocating for a new conception of “public pragmatism” that reflects lessons learned and contemporary conditions for political activism by philosophers seeking to follow in Dewey’s footsteps.
HOW JOSEPH OE MAISTRE READ PLATO'S LAWS
Authors: Kochin Michael S.
Published: May 2019

Maistre's Soirées de Saint-Pétersbourg is modeled on Plato's Laws. Plato and Maistre both demand the political control of natural inquiry, and implement these controls through theodictic conversation. Maistre, following the lead of Plato's legislator, publishes an exemplary conversation about providence between a young man tempted by an atheistic Enlightenment and two older, wiser, and more learned men of affairs. Maistre defends providentialism from materialist interpretations of natural science even as Plato defended it from ancient materialism.
A Sociological Analysis of the Understanding, Application, and Importance of Shari’a in Everyday Living of Young Muslims in Sydney
Authors: Ali Jan A.
Published: May 2019

Muslims believe that shari’a is God’s law or a divinely revealed law. In Islamic tradition shari’a covers the physical, intellectual, and spiritual needs of human life and comprises a composite of rules of conduct and forms a source of complete guidance towards the right path – siraat al mustaqeem – for the entire humanity. Islam as a complete way of life demands its adherents to follow and carry out the injunctions of the shari’a in all aspects of life. However, Muslims in Australia are a part of a modern secular nation-state which operates under common law system and its constitution demands a separation of church and state. It is in this context this paper sociologically examines the understanding and application of shari’a in Muslim everyday living. It posits that despite the secular nature of Australian state, Muslims are able to implement shari’a in their everyday-living as it is an essential source of guidance for them and forms the basis of being a “good” Muslim. Muslims don’t demand the constitutionalization of shari’a but a wider recognition of it in Australia as it continues to be important and the foundation of their religion, their mode of existence, and ethico-moral structure.
Cliona minuscula, sp. nov. (Hadromerida : Clionaidae) and other bioeroding sponges that only contain tylostyles
Authors: SCHÖNBERG CHRISTINE HANNA LYDIA , GRASS STEFANIE , HEIERMANN ANKE TARJA
Published: May 2019

A new bioeroding sponge belonging to the genus Cliona is described from the Australian Great Barrier Reef, Cliona minuscula, sp. nov. As the sponge lacked microscleres, comparison with existing clionaid species was difficult. We considered 15 other species of Cliona with only tylostyles: C. alderi, C. arenosa. C. caesia nov. comb., C. californiana, C. celata, C. delitrix, C. dissimilis, C. ecaudis, C. insidiosa, C. janitrix, C. kempi, C. laticavicola, C. macgeachii, C. millepunctata and C. peponaca. Characters of all species are presented in table-form to facilitate comparison during future studies. We listed additional species of Cliona that were not directly compared to the new species, because they were either invalid, insufficiently described, or they may not be obligate bioeroders. The form and dimensions of the megascleres of C. minuscula, sp. nov. indicated that it is distinct from all considered species. Its mean tylostyle dimensions were 225.3 µm length, 4.5 µm shaft width and 6.8 µm tyle width, which is comparatively small. Because other morphological features were small as well (erosion chambers, papillar diameter), this species was named C. minuscula. The species record for sponges of the genus Cliona reported from Australia is now 11.
Iberorhyzobius Raimundo & Canepari gen. nov., for Coccidula rondensis Eizaguirre (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: RAIMUNDO ARMANDO , CANEPARI CLAUDIO , MENDEL ZVI , BRANCO MANUELA , FRANCO JOSÉ CARLOS
Published: May 2019

A new genus of Coccidulinae from the Iberian Peninsula, Iberorhyzobius Raimundo & Canepari, is described for the species Coccidula rondensis Eizaguirre, 2004. Description and illustrations of the adult and larva are presented. Differences between Iberorhyzobius and other European Coccidulini are discussed. Adults and larvae of this species were collected in maritime pine stands, Pinus pinaster Aiton. Larvae were found preying upon ovisacs of the pine bast scale Matsucoccus feytaudi Ducasse. Both adults and larvae were lured by the sex pheromone of this prey. Our findings support the hypothesis that the new genus is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula.
Descriptions of three new species of Odonata from Brazil
Authors: COSTA JANIRA M. , DE SOUZA LUIZ O.I. , MUZÓN JAVIER
Published: May 2019

Three new species are described here: Oxyagrion zielmae sp. nov. (Coenagrionidae) from one male collected at Costa Rica, Mato Grosso do Sul state; Lestes fernandoi sp.nov. (Lestidae) from a pair from Imperatriz, Maranhão state and Perithemis capixaba sp. nov. (Libellulidae) from one male from Mutum Preto, Espírito Santo state, all deposited at Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Oxyagrion zielmae is similar to O. pavidum Selys, 1876 but differs by having cerci and paraprocts the same size, pterostigma long and narrow and terminal segment of genital ligula with the two lobes larger than in O. pavidum. Lestes fernandoi is compared with L. auritus Hagen in Selys, 1862; L. bipupillatus Calvert, 1909; L. dichrostigma Calvert, 1909; Lestes falcifer Sjöstedt, 1918; L. forficula Rambur, 1842; L. minutus Selys, 1862 and L. paulistus Calvert, 1909. The new species is most similar to Lestes falcifer and L. paulistus, but differ by the peculiar color of pterothorax, caudal appendages and genital ligula. Perithemis capixaba is similar to P. mooma Kirby, 1889 but differs by having the first segment of vesica spermalis slowly rounded, in P. mooma this structure is trapezoidal. Illustrated keys to new species are included.
Luidia changi, a new sea star species (Echinodermata: Asteroidea: Luidiidae) from the Yellow Sea, with a review of two related species
Authors: LIU WEI , LIAO YULIN , LI XINZHENG
Published: May 2019

In the collections of the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, a new species, Luidia changi sp. nov. was discovered mixed in with two closely allied species, L. quinaria von Martens, 1865 and L. yesoensis Goto, 1914. L. changi is described herein; it differs from the two known species in details of abactinal plates, abactinal spinelets, body proportions, and in geographic distributions of the three species.
Notes on the genus Barcinus Stål 1873 (Heteroptera: Aradidae) from China, with the description of a new species
Authors: BAI XIAOSHUAN , HEISS ERNST , CAI WANZHI
Published: May 2019

Two aradid species of the genus Barcinus from China are recognized. Barcinus kormilevi Bai, Heiss & Cai is described as new to science. The female of Barcinus bhoutanensis Usinger & Matsuda 1959 is redescribed. A key to the Chinese species of Barcinus is given, and diagnostic morphological features of new species are illustrated.
Terrestrial planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Terricola) from the Iberian Peninsula: new records and description of three new species
Authors: VILA-FARRÉ MIQUEL , MATEOS EDUARDO , SLUYS RONALD , ROMERO RAFAEL
Published: May 2019

Little is known about the taxonomy and distribution of terrestrial planarians on the Iberian Peninsula. Few studies have tried to investigate the local diversity of these animals, due to both their lack of economic interest and their low abundance. In this study we have made extensive searches and collections of terrestrial planarians from the Iberian Peninsula, thus gathering new information on their taxonomy and biogeography. The study includes the description of three new species of the genus Microplana, viz. Microplana aixandrei sp. nov., Microplana grazalemica sp. nov., and Microplana gadesensis sp. nov. We present distribution maps summarizing published and new records of land planarians. The present work substantially increases our knowledge on this group of animals in Spain and Portugal and at the same time also evidences the scarcity of data and studies on the biology of these organisms.
Triplophysa lixianensis, a new nemacheiline loach species (Pisces: Balitoridae) from the upper Yangtze River drainage in Sichuan Province, South China
Authors: HE CHUNLIN , SONG ZHAOBIN , ZHANG E
Published: May 2019

Triplophysa lixianensis, a new nemacheiline loach species, is described from the Min Jiang of the upper Yangtze River drainage in Sichuan Province, South China. It can be separated from all other species of Triplophysa by having a unique combination of the following characters: posterior chamber of gas bladder greatly reduced or absent; caudal peduncle columnar with a roughly round cross-section at its beginning; anterior edge of lower jaw completely exposed or uncovered by lower lip; intestine short, forming a zigzag loop below stomach; dorsal-fin origin closer to caudal-fin base than to snout tip; pelvic fin inserted anterior to dorsal-fin origin; snout length 50.6–57.5 % of head length; eye diameter 12.3– 15.4 % of head length; caudal peduncle length 25.1–27.1 % of standard length; anal fin with five branched rays; lower lip greatly furrowed with two thick lateral lobes; and body smooth or scaleless.
Will the invasive western conifer seed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae) seize all of Europe?
Authors: LIS JERZY A. , LIS BARBARA , GUBERNATOR JERZY
Published: May 2019

In our day, thanks to high-speed transport systems, people are moving living species (intentionally or not) across ecosystems and countless borders. As we know, most introduced species usually do not survive, because they find neither a tolerable environment nor an available ecological niche. Sometimes, successful establishment may also require multiple introductions (Balcom 2004).
Three new Stenus species of the indubius group (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from China
Authors: TANG LIANG , YUN-LONG ZHAO
Published: May 2019

Three new Stenus species of the indubius group from Sichuan Province, West-Central China, are described: S. zhuxiaoyui Tang, sp. nov., S. pectorifossatus Tang. sp. nov. and S. erlangshanus Tang, sp. nov. Diagnostic characters are illustrated and a key to Chinese species of this group is provided. The conflict between classifications of Stenus based on subgenera and species groups is briefly discussed. All three new species have diagnostic characters of the subgenus Hemistenus.
Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Cynanthus (Aves: Trochilidae), with emphasis on C. doubledayi
Authors: GARCÍA-DERAS GABRIELA M. , CORTÉS-RODRÍGUEZ NANDADEVI , HONEY MAGALI , NAVARRO-SIGÜENZA ADOLFO G. , GARCÍA-MORENO JAIME , HERNÁNDEZ-BAÑOS BLANCA E.
Published: May 2019

We investigated the phylogeny of the genus Cynanthus and the taxonomic status of C. doubledayi using partial sequences of the mitochondrial DNA gene ND2 and three phylogenetic approaches: maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference. Our results corroborate the monophyly of the genus and provide preliminary support for the validity of C. doubledayi as a full species (not a subspecies of C. latirostris, as traditionally considered). As an endemic of the coastal plain of southwestern Mexico, C. doubledayi corroborates the importance of this region for in situ speciation of birds and other taxa.
A new Helluodes Westwood species from Western Ghats with notes on habitat, distribution and phylogenetic relationships of genera Helluodes Westwood and Physocrotaphus Parry of the tribe Physocrotaphini Chaudoir (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae: Anthiinae)
Authors: SABU THOMAS K. , ABHITHA PRABHAKAR , ZHAO DANYANG
Published: May 2019

Description of Helluodes devagiriensis, n.sp. from western slopes of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hot spot in southwest India, is provided along with redescriptions of all species of Helluodes Westwood and Physocrotaphus Parry (H. taprobanae Westwood, H. westwoodi Chaudoir, Physocrotaphus ceylonicus Parry), keys to the genera of tribe Physocrotaphini and the species of genus Helluodes, notes on a curious sexually dimorphic character of species in the tribe and on termitophilous and geophilous habits of genus Helluodes, a discussion of the geographic distribution and phylogenetic relationships of the genera, and supportive evidence for the divergence of Physocrotaphini Chaudoir from Zuphiini Bonelli. Based on distributional patterns and phylogenetic relationships, (1) origin of the tribe in the southwest region of the Greater Indian Plate is hypothesized with Helluodes as basal stock; (2) Helluodes is endemic to the Western GhatsSri Lanka global hot spot of biodiversity; (3) Physocrotaphus is endemic to the globally outstanding montane evergreen forest ecoregion of Sri Lanka; (4) Pogonoglossus Chaudoir is a derivative of the Helluodes ancestral stock that dispersed into southeast Asia and beyond before Deccan trap formation; and (5) Physocrotaphus is a later derivative of the Helluodes stock after the separation of Sri Lanka from the Indian mainland.
Description of a remarkable new species of ant in the genus Daceton Perty (Formicidae: Dacetini) from South America
Authors: AZORSA FRANK , SOSA-CALVO JEFFREY
Published: May 2019

A remarkable new species in the ant genus Daceton, which has remained monotypic for 205 years, is described from Brazil and Peru. The new species, Daceton boltoni sp. nov., is similar to its sister species, D. armigerum, but differs from it mainly in the form of the pronotal lateral spines and in the pilosity of the first gastral segment. The taxonomic history and biology of the genus is reviewed.
A new red-eyed Gekko (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand
Authors: BAUER AARON M. , SUMONTHA MONTRI , PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G.
Published: May 2019

A new species of gekkonid lizard, Gekko nutaphandi, is described from Kanchanaburi Province in central western Thailand. It is a member of the large-bodied Gekko gecko group and within this group is probably most closely related to G. siamensis Grossmann & Ulber, 1990 with which it shares a similar dorsal pattern of transverse series of white spots on a drab background. It differs from G. siamensis in its greater number of precloacal pores, lower number of dorsal tubercle rows, and in having red (versus green) eyes. Comparisons are also made with several other nominal Gekko species currently synonymized with G. gecko and with undescribed, but well-characterized “forms” of G. gecko. The new species is one of many recently described Southeast Asian geckos that appears to be restricted to limestone habitats and their surroundings.
A new species of Notaepytus Skelley, 2009 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Tritomini) from Dominican amber
Authors: KELLER OLIVER , SKELLEY PAUL E.
Published: May 2019

Notaepytus quisqueya sp. nov. (Erotylidae: Erotylinae: Tritomini), is described here from Dominican amber and is the second amber fossil description for the family from the West Indies (Hispaniola). An emended key and a checklist to all known species of Notaepytus are presented.
A new Mexican species of Rhyparus Westwood (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae), with new records and a key to the Mexican and Guatemalan species
Authors: MORA-AGUILAR EDER F. , DELGADO LEONARDO
Published: May 2019

In this paper we describe Rhyparus chimalapensis new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini), from the region of Chimalapas, Oaxaca, Mexico. New records are given for three species of Rhyparus Westwood from Mexico and Guatemala. A key to the Mexican and Guatemalan species of this genus is included.
New gnathiid isopod crustaceans (Cymothoida) from Heron Island and Wistari Reef, southern Great Barrier Reef
Authors: SVAVARSSON JÖRUNDUR , BRUCE NIEL L.
Published: May 2019

Eleven species including six new species of Gnathiidae (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cymothoida) are reported from the Heron Island and Wistari Reef, Capricorn Group, southern Great Barrier Reef: Elaphognathia queenslandica sp. nov., Gnathia acrorudus sp. nov., Gnathia capricornica sp. nov., Gnathia carinodenta sp. nov., Gnathia formosa sp. nov. and Gnathia glaucostega sp. nov. Gnathia cornuta Holdich & Harrison, 1980 and Gnathia grutterae Ferreira, Smit & Davies, 2010 are for the first time reported from Heron Island and new records from Heron Island are provided for Gnathia biorbis Holdich & Harrison, 1980, Gnathia variobranchia Holdich & Harrison, 1980, and Gnathia wistari Svavarsson & Bruce, 2012.
Revision of the genus Platyscelis Latreille, 1818 from China (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Platyscelidini)
Authors: BAI XING-LONG , REN GUO-DONG
Published: May 2019

The genus Platyscelis Latreille, 1818 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Platyscelidini) from China is revised. Sixteen valid species (subspecies) are recognized in this study, including three new ones: P. (s. str.) acutipenis sp. nov. from Gansu and Ningxia, P. (s. str.) densipunctata sp. nov. from Gansu, and P. (s. str.) helanensis sp. nov. from Inner Mongolia and Ningxia. A synonymy between P. (s. str.) brevis Baudi di Selve, 1876 and P. ballioni Reitter, 1889 is proposed based on the examination of type and additional specimens. Lectotypes are designated for P. hauseri Reitter, 1899, P. gebieni Schuster, 1915, P. (s. str.) angusticollis Kaszab, 1940, P. (s. str.) licenti Kaszab, 1940, P. (s. str.) platytarsis Kaszab, 1940 and P. (s. str.) suiyuana Kaszab, 1940. Furthermore, new distribution records, images of adults and male aedeagus, and a key to Chinese species are presented.
How Well Do Operational Numerical Weather Prediction Configurations Represent Hydrology?
Authors: Zsoter Ervin , Cloke Hannah , Stephens Elisabeth , de Rosnay Patricia , Muñoz-Sabater Joaquin , Prudhomme Christel , Pappenberger Florian
Published: May 2019

Land surface models (LSMs) have traditionally been designed to focus on providing lower-boundary conditions to the atmosphere with less focus on hydrological processes. State-of-the-art application of LSMs includes a land data assimilation system (LDAS), which incorporates available land surface observations to provide an improved realism of surface conditions. While improved representations of the surface variables (such as soil moisture and snow depth) make LDAS an essential component of any numerical weather prediction (NWP) system, the related increments remove or add water, potentially having a negative impact on the simulated hydrological cycle by opening the water budget. This paper focuses on evaluating how well global NWP configurations are able to support hydrological applications, in addition to the traditional weather forecasting. River discharge simulations from two climatological reanalyses are compared: one “online” set, which includes land–atmosphere coupling and LDAS with an open water budget, and an “offline” set with a closed water budget and no LDAS. It was found that while the online version of the model largely improves temperature and snow depth conditions, it causes poorer representation of peak river flow, particularly in snowmelt-dominated areas in the high latitudes. Without addressing such issues there will never be confidence in using LSMs for hydrological forecasting applications across the globe. This type of analysis should be used to diagnose where improvements need to be made; considering the whole Earth system in the data assimilation and coupling developments is critical for moving toward the goal of holistic Earth system approaches.
Human and Climate Effects on the Hamoun Wetlands
Authors: Maleki Saeideh , Koupaei Saeid Soltani , Soffianian Alireza , Saatchi Sassan , Pourmanafi Saeid , Rahdari Vahid
Published: May 2019

Negative impacts of climate change on ecosystems have been increasing, and both the intensification and the mitigation of these impacts are strongly linked with human activities. Management and reduction of human-induced disturbances on ecosystems can mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance the ecosystem recovery process. Here, we investigate coupled human and climate effects on the wetland ecosystem of the lower Helmand basin from 1977 to 2014. Using time series climate-variable data and land-use changes from Landsat time series imagery, we compared changes in ecosystem status between the upstream and downstream regions. Results show that despite a strong and prolonged drought in the region, the upstream region of the lower Helmand basin remained dominated by agriculture, causing severe water stress on the Hamoun wetlands downstream. The loss of available water in wetlands was followed by large-scale land abandonment in rural areas, migration to the cities, and increasing unemployment and economic hardship. Our results suggest that unsustainable land-use policies in the upstream region, combined with synergistic effects of human activities and climate in lower Helmand basin, have exacerbated the effects of water stress on local inhabitants in the downstream region.
Patients’ Conceptualizations of Responsibility for Healthcare: A Typology for Understanding Differing Attributions in the Context of Patient Safety
Authors: Heavey Emily , Waring Justin , De Brún Aoife , Dawson Pamela , Scott Jason
Published: May 2019

This study examines how patients conceptualize “responsibility” for their healthcare and make sense of the complex boundaries between patient and professional roles. Focusing on the specific case of patient safety, narrative methods were used to analyze semistructured interviews with 28 people recently discharged from hospital in England. We present a typology of attribution, which demonstrates that patients’ attributions of responsibility to staff and/or to patients are informed by two dimensions of responsibility: basis and contingency. The basis of responsibility is the reason for holding an individual or group responsible. The contingency of responsibility is the extent to which that attribution is contextually situated. The article contributes to knowledge about responsibility in complex organizational environments and offers a set of conceptual tools for exploring patients’ understanding of responsibility in such contexts. There are implications for addressing patient engagement in care, within and beyond the field of patient safety.
Cyclic loading test on a locally post-tensioned precast concrete beam–column connection
Authors: Guan Dongzhi , Yang Hui , Ju Dan , Guo Zhengxing , Yang Sen
Published: May 2019

A novel precast concrete beam–column connection locally post-tensioned using arc-shaped prestressing bars was proposed for satisfactory seismic performance and rapid construction. Three full-scale cruciform specimens, including one monolithic reference specimen, were tested under reversal cyclic loadings to evaluate the seismic behaviours. Grade 630 steel rods and high-strength deformed steel rebars were used for the arc-shaped prestressing bars in the precast specimens. The results show that the proposed precast connection presents an acceptable seismic performance and that the structural details should be ameliorated to improve the energy dissipation capacity. The design philosophy of strong column-weak beam is applicable to the new precast system. Finally, a strut-and-tie model was developed to investigate the force transfer mechanism of the novel precast connection.
Aquation reaction of iminodiacetate complex of oxidovanadium(IV) with 2,2’-bipyridine induced by Fe(III) ions: Kinetic studies
Authors: Drzeżdżon Joanna , Piotrowska-Kirschling Agnieszka , Chmurzyński Lech , Jacewicz Dagmara
Published: May 2019

The kinetics of the aquation reaction of the [VO(ida)(bipy)]·2H2O (VO(ida)(bipy)) complex (where ida = iminodiacetate anion and bipy = 2,2’-bipyridine) promoted by [Fe(H2O)6]3+ ions were investigated in aqueous solutions. Spectrophotometric studies were carried out at different temperatures in the range of 293.15–313.15 K. The concentration of the [Fe(H2O)6]3+ (Fe3+) ions was kept within the range of 2 × 10–4 to 8 × 10–4 mol L–1, and the concentration of VO(ida)(bipy) was 1 × 10–3 mol L–1. The values of the observable reaction rate constants were calculated based on the Glint computer program. Furthermore, the mechanism for the aquation of VO(ida)(bipy), induced by Fe(III) ions, has been proposed.
Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early oesophageal squamous cell neoplasia at a Western centre
Authors: Lorenzo Diane , Barret Maximilien , Leblanc Sarah , Terris Benoit , Beuvon Frédéric , Coriat Romain , Chaussade Stanislas , Prat Frédéric
Published: May 2019

Background and aims

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is the reference treatment for early oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, data from Western centres are scarce.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study from a prospectively collected database at a tertiary care centre in France. All consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma were included. The main outcome was the curative resection rate. Secondary outcomes were en‐bloc resection rates, histologically complete resection rates, morbidity, recurrence‐free and overall survival.

Results

Fifty‐six cases of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (49 patients; mean age 61.5 ± 10 years; 36 men) were included. En‐bloc, histologically complete and curative resection rates were 98%, 86% and 71%, respectively. Fifteen (30%) patients received an additional treatment after endoscopic submucosal dissection, nine treated by chemoradiotherapy, four by surgery and two by further endoscopic submucosal dissection. Within a mean follow‐up of 21 ± 15 months, recurrences occurred in 14 (29%) patients (four local, eight metachronous and three distant recurrences). Eight patients died during follow‐up, of which two (4%) patients died from oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Factors significantly associated with mortality in this series were: moderate or poor differentiation of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.02) and recurrence of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Moderately or poorly differentiated cancer is a major prognostic factor and should probably be taken into account when indicating an additional treatment after endoscopic submucosal dissection. Close endoscopic follow‐up is essential considering the high recurrence rate.
Biobanking in health care: evolution and future directions
Authors: Coppola Luigi , Cianflone Alessandra , Grimaldi Anna Maria , Incoronato Mariarosaria , Bevilacqua Paolo , Messina Francesco , Baselice Simona , Soricelli Andrea , Mirabelli Peppino , Salvatore Marco
Published: May 2019

Background

The aim of the present review is to discuss how the promising field of biobanking can support health care research strategies. As the concept has evolved over time, biobanks have grown from simple biological sample repositories to complex and dynamic units belonging to large infrastructure networks, such as the Pan-European Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure (BBMRI). Biobanks were established to support scientific knowledge. Different professional figures with varied expertise collaborate to obtain and collect biological and clinical data from human subjects. At same time biobanks preserve the human and legal rights of each person that offers biomaterial for research.

Methods

A literature review was conducted in April 2019 from the online database PubMed, accessed through the Bibliosan platform. Four primary topics related to biobanking will be discussed: (i) evolution, (ii) bioethical issues, (iii) organization, and (iv) imaging.

Results

Most biobanks were founded as local units to support specific research projects, so they evolved in a decentralized manner. The consequence is an urgent needing for procedure harmonization regarding sample collection, processing, and storage. Considering the involvement of biomaterials obtained from human beings, different ethical issues such as the informed consent model, sample ownership, veto rights, and biobank sustainability are debated. In the face of these methodological and ethical challenges, international organizations such as BBMRI play a key role in supporting biobanking activities. Finally, a unique development is the creation of imaging biobanks that support the translation of imaging biomarkers (identified using a radiomic approach) into clinical practice by ensuring standardization of data acquisition and analysis, accredited technical validation, and transparent sharing of biological and clinical data.

Conclusion

Modern biobanks permit large-scale analysis for individuation of specific diseases biomarkers starting from biological or digital material (i.e., bioimages) with well-annotated clinical and biological data. These features are essential for improving personalized medical approaches, where effective biomarker identification is a critical step for disease diagnosis and prognosis.
Investigation of pore structure characteristics of marine organic-rich shales using low-pressure N2 adsorption experiments and fractal theory
Authors: Zhao Difei , Yin Shuai , Guo Yinghai , Ren Chengyao , Wang Ruyue , Dinge Wenlong , Liue Jingshou
Published: May 2019

The pore structure and fractal characteristics of the Lower Cambrian marine organic-rich shale in southern China were comprehensively studied using low-pressure [Formula: see text] adsorption and organic geochemical experiments, X-ray diffraction, petrophysical property tests, and scanning electron microscope observations. The results indicate that the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the study shale varies between 0.45% and 8.50%, with an average value of 3.97%. The adsorption isotherm of the shale samples belongs to type IV, and slit-type pores are the predominant pore type in these shales. The shale has a Brunner–Emmet–Teller specific surface area ranging from 1.83 to [Formula: see text], a pore volume ranging from 0.00398 to [Formula: see text], and an average pore diameter ranging from 3.61 to 15.19 nm. Organic matter pores (OMPs) are the main contributors to the specific surface area and the pore volume. The organic matter is closely symbiotic with the epigenetic quartz. We have obtained two fractal dimensions ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) of the shale using the Frenkel-Halsey-Hill method. It was found that [Formula: see text] is suitable for the quantitative characterizing of the pore structure of nanopores inside the shale due to its good correlation with the TOC content and pore structure parameters. When the TOC content of the shale exceeds 4%, the main pore type inside the shale is OMP and the [Formula: see text] value mainly reflects the fractal characteristics of OMP. Moreover, we analyzed the seepage characteristics of different types of pores. It was found that the parallel plate-like pores and the slit-type pores are more favorable for fluid seepage than the ink bottle-like pores. The shale with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] type pore structures should be the key exploration targets for the target shale in the study area.
Closure beyond clozapine: successfully averting rebound symptoms in a patient with schizoaffective disorder and agranulocytosis
Authors: Green Alastair , Stephenson Thomas , Whiskey Eromona , Shergill Sukhi S.
Published: May 2019

‘Rebound’ or ‘withdrawal’ symptoms are frequently observed after a sudden discontinuation of clozapine. We describe a patient with treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder who developed agranulocytosis on clozapine but was successfully switched to treatment with olanzapine with no deterioration in her condition. We put forward three possible theories which may have accounted for the lack of rebound symptoms in this patient: the pharmacological profile of olanzapine, the anticholinergic effects of hyoscine hydrobromide, and the possibility that this patient may not be treatment-resistant and so have a reduced risk of rebound psychosis due to displaying a different pathophysiology.

Declaration of interest

None.
The molecular anatomy of mammalian upper lip and primary palate fusion at single cell resolution
Authors: Li Hong , Jones Kenneth L. , Hooper Joan E. , Williams Trevor
Published: May 2019

The mammalian lip and primary palate form when coordinated growth and morphogenesis bring the nasal and maxillary processes into contact, and the epithelia co-mingle, remodel and clear from the fusion site to allow mesenchyme continuity. Although several genes required for fusion have been identified, an integrated molecular and cellular description of the overall process is lacking. Here, we employ single cell RNA sequencing of the developing mouse face to identify ectodermal, mesenchymal and endothelial populations associated with patterning and fusion of the facial prominences. This analysis indicates that key cell populations at the fusion site exist within the periderm, basal epithelial cells and adjacent mesenchyme. We describe the expression profiles that make each population unique, and the signals that potentially integrate their behaviour. Overall, these data provide a comprehensive high-resolution description of the various cell populations participating in fusion of the lip and primary palate, as well as formation of the nasolacrimal groove, and they furnish a powerful resource for those investigating the molecular genetics of facial development and facial clefting that can be mined for crucial mechanistic information concerning this prevalent human birth defect.