bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision of New World Leptocera Olivier (Diptera, Sphaeroceridae)
Authors: BUCK MATTHIAS , MARSHALL STEPHEN A.
Published: July 2019

The 35 species of Leptocera in the New World are revised and keyed. Five species groups are recognised: L. caenosa group (15 spp.: widespread), L. fontinalis group (10 spp.: North and Central America), L. fulva group (5 spp.: Florida and Neotropical), L. nigra group (1 sp.: Venezuela, introduced), L. plax group (3 spp.: Central America and Ecuador), species incertae sedis (L. schlingeri Richards: Ecuador, Peru). Twenty-one species are newly described (authorship by M.B.): L. argentinica sp.n., L. erratica sp.n., L. gongylotheca sp.n., L. longilimbata sp.n., L. papallacta sp.n., L. parallelipennis sp.n., and L. sphaerotheca sp.n. (L. caenosa group); L. angulispina sp.n., L. cymatonota sp.n., L. hexadike sp.n., L. kanata sp.n., L. neofinalis sp.n., L. neovomerata sp.n., and L. tenuispina sp.n. (L. fontinalis group); L. dicrofulva sp.n., L. insularum sp.n., L. prolixofulva sp.n., and L. rhadinofulva sp.n. (L. fulva group); L. plax sp.n., L. posteronitens sp.n., and L. tapanti sp.n. (L. plax group). Leptocera pararoralis Duda is given new status as subspecies of L. erythrocera Becker. Lectotypes are designated for L. aequilimbata Duda, L. pararoralis Duda, L. abdominiseta Duda and L. scutellaris (Williston) [= L. discalis (Malloch)]. The relationship between Leptocera and its putative sister genus Rachispoda is discussed in detail. Based on a newly hypothesized transformation series of the male cercus, Leptocera is probably paraphyletic with regard to Rachispoda. Putative synapomorphies for the different species groups of Leptocera are discussed and monophyly is demonstrated for all groups except the L. fontinalis group.
Orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: NEMÉSIO ANDRÉ
Published: July 2019

A detailed synopsis of all the orchid-bee species known to occur in the Atlantic Forest Domain, eastern Brazil, is provided, including synonymy, complete type data, diagnoses, relevant data on biology and geographic distribution (with detailed localities of known occurrence of each species), colorful illustrations of onomatophores (“name-bearing type specimens”), and a list with the main references dealing with each species. Fifty-four species are recognized to occur in the Atlantic Forest Domain. Identification keys are presented for each genus and their species occurring in the Atlantic Forest. Euglossa carinilabris Dressler, 1982, Euglossa cyanaspis Moure, 1968, Eulaema (Eulaema) niveofasciata (Friese, 1899) and Exaerete lepeletieri Oliveira & Nemésio, 2003, considered junior synonyms of other species by different authors, are reinstated as valid species. A full discussion on the status of the four orchid-bee species described by Linnaeus is presented, as well as colorful illustrations of the four onomatophores. The two existing onomatophores of orchid bee species described by Fabricius are also illustrated and his Apis cingulata has been shown to be the species recently described as Eulaema (Apeulaema) pseudocingulata Oliveira, 2006, which, thus, becomes a junior synonym (syn. n.). Euglossa aratingae sp. n., Euglossa carolina sp. n., Euglossa nanomelanotricha sp. n., Euglossa roderici sp. n., Euglossa roubiki sp. n., Eulaema (Eulaema) atleticana sp. n., and Eulaema (Apeulaema) marcii sp. n. are described as new species. Neotypes are designated for Eufriesea violacea (Blanchard, 1840) and Exaerete frontalis (Guérin-Méneville, 1844). Some corrections concerning the repository institutions of some onomatophores of orchid bees were also made: Eufriesea auriceps (Friese, 1899) holotype has been listed as belonging to the US National Museum (Washington) or to the American Museum of Natural History (New York) but, in fact, it belongs to the Zoologisches Museum der Humboldt Universität (Berlin); the lectotype of Eufriesea aeneiventris (Mocsáry, 1896) has been listed as belonging to the Istituto e Museo di Zoologia, Universita di Torino (Turin), but it actually belongs to the Hungarian Museum of Natural History (Budapest). Publication dates of both Exaerete frontalis Guérin-Méneville and Exaerete smaragdina Guérin-Méneville have been listed as 1845 but, in fact, the actual date is 1844. Based on the known geographic distribution and abundance of each species in orchid-bee inventories, IUCN criteria were applied and three species are recommended to be included in future lists of threatened species in one of the IUCN categories of risk: Eufriesea brasilianorum (Friese, 1899) and Euglossa cognata Moure, 1970 are suggested to be listed as “vulnerable”, and Euglossa cyanocholora Moure, 1996 is suggested to be listed as “endangered”. A fully annotated check list of all known orchid bee species is also presented as an Appendix.
A new species of the genus Microhyla (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae) from Guizhou Province, China
Authors: LI SHIZE , ZHANG MEIHUA , XU NING , LV JINGCAI , JIANG JIANPING , LIU JING , WEI GANG , WANG BIN
Published: July 2019

A new species of the microhylid frog genus Microhyla is described from the Fanjing Mountain of Guizhou Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the the mitochondrial 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and COI genes supported the new species as an independent lineage, closely related to M. beilunensis, M. mixtura and M. okinavensis. The uncorrected genetic distance on 16S rRNA gene between the new species and its closest congeners M. beilunensis, M. mixtura and M. okinavensis are 3.5%, 4.6% and 4.6% respectively. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) body of medium size (SVL 19.0–22.7 mm in males and 22.5–23.0 mm in females); (2) disk and dorsal median longitudinal groove on finger tips absent; (3) toe with rudimentary webbing at base; (4) disk with dorsal median longitudinal groove present at toe tips except for the toe I; (5) two metatarsal tubercles on palm; (6) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level between eye to nostril when leg stretched forward; (7) a distinct V-shaped white stripe on the upper midsection. The new species is known only from the type locality, and thus the finding of it has contributed to the endemic species diversity of China. It is needed to take strategy to protect the species and habitats due to the increased threats of environmental changes.
Overview of the Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition: Study of Preindustrial-like Aerosols and Their Climate Effects (ACE-SPACE)
Authors: Schmale Julia , Baccarini Andrea , Thurnherr Iris , Henning Silvia , Efraim Avichay , Regayre Leighton , Bolas Conor , Hartmann Markus , Welti André , Lehtipalo Katrianne , Aemisegger Franziska , Tatzelt Christian , Landwehr Sebastian , Modini Robin L. , Tummon Fiona , Johnson Jill S. , Harris Neil , Schnaiter Martin , Toffoli Alessandro , Derkani Marzieh , Bukowiecki Nicolas , Stratmann Frank , Dommen Josef , Baltensperger Urs , Wernli Heini , Rosenfeld Daniel , Gysel-Beer Martin , Carslaw Ken S.
Published: July 2019

Uncertainty in radiative forcing caused by aerosol–cloud interactions is about twice as large as for CO2 and remains the least well understood anthropogenic contribution to climate change. A major cause of uncertainty is the poorly quantified state of aerosols in the pristine preindustrial atmosphere, which defines the baseline against which anthropogenic effects are calculated. The Southern Ocean is one of the few remaining near-pristine aerosol environments on Earth, but there are very few measurements to help evaluate models. The Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition: Study of Preindustrial-like Aerosols and their Climate Effects (ACE-SPACE) took place between December 2016 and March 2017 and covered the entire Southern Ocean region (Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans; length of ship track >33,000 km) including previously unexplored areas. In situ measurements covered aerosol characteristics [e.g., chemical composition, size distributions, and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentrations], trace gases, and meteorological variables. Remote sensing observations of cloud properties, the physical and microbial ocean state, and back trajectory analyses are used to interpret the in situ data. The contribution of sea spray to CCN in the westerly wind belt can be larger than 50%. The abundance of methanesulfonic acid indicates local and regional microbial influence on CCN abundance in Antarctic coastal waters and in the open ocean. We use the in situ data to evaluate simulated CCN concentrations from a global aerosol model. The extensive, available ACE-SPACE dataset (https://zenodo.org/communities/spi-ace?page=1&size=20) provides an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate models and to reduce the uncertainty in radiative forcing associated with the natural processes of aerosol emission, formation, transport, and processing occurring over the pristine Southern Ocean.
On the Linearity of the Stratospheric and Euro-Atlantic Sector Response to ENSO
Authors: Trascasa-Castro Paloma , Maycock Amanda C. , Scott Yiu Yu Yeung , Fletcher Jennifer K.
Published: July 2019

The dependence of the winter stratospheric and Euro-Atlantic climate response on ENSO amplitude is investigated using the HadGEM3 model. Experiments are performed with imposed east Pacific sea surface temperature perturbations corresponding to Niño-3.4 anomalies of ±0.75, 1.5, 2.25, and 3.0 K. In the North Pacific, El Niño (EN) deepens and shifts the Aleutian low eastward, while the equivalent magnitude La Niña (LN) perturbations drive anomalies of opposite sign that are around 4 times weaker. The muted North Pacific response to LN can be traced back to the weaker response of tropical convection and the associated anomalous Rossby wave source. The EN perturbations weaken the Arctic polar vortex, with the winter mean zonal mean zonal wind at 60°N and 10 hPa decreasing approximately linearly with Niño-3.4 anomaly by around −3.6 m s−1 K−1. For the strongest EN case (+3 K), the frequency of sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) increases by ~60% compared to the control experiment. Hence the results do not support a saturation of the stratospheric pathway for strong EN as suggested in previous literature. The equivalent amplitude LN perturbations cause a weak strengthening of the polar vortex and no substantial change in SSW frequency, in contrast to some reanalysis-based studies. EN induces a negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index throughout boreal winter, which increases approximately linearly with the Niño-3.4 anomaly by around −0.6 standard deviations K−1. Only the response to the strongest LN perturbations projects onto a weak positive NAO in November, suggesting that the mechanism for the Euro-Atlantic response to LN may be distinct from EN.
The Australian Northwest Cloudband: Climatology, Mechanisms, and Association with Precipitation
Authors: Reid Kimberley J. , Simmonds Ian , Vincent Claire L. , King Andrew D.
Published: July 2019

Australian northwest cloudbands (NWCBs) are continental-scale bands of continuous cloud that stretch from northwest to southeast Australia. In earlier studies, where the characteristics of NWCBs and their relationship with precipitation were identified from satellite imagery, there was considerable uncertainty in the results due to limited quality and availability of data. The present study identifies NWCBs from 31 years of satellite data using a pattern-matching algorithm. This new climatology is the longest record based entirely on observations. Our findings include a strong annual cycle in NWCB frequency, with a summer maximum and winter minimum, and a statistically significant increase in annual NWCB days over the period 1984–2014. Physical mechanisms responsible for NWCB occurrences are explored to determine whether there is a fundamental difference between summer and winter NWCBs as hypothesized in earlier studies. Composite analyses are used to reveal that a key difference between these is their genesis mechanisms. Whereas summer NWCBs are triggered by cyclonic disturbances, winter NWCBs tend to form when meridional sea surface temperature gradients trigger baroclinic instability. It was also found that while precipitation is enhanced over parts of Australia during a cloudband day, it is reduced in other regions. During a cloudband day, precipitation extremes are more likely over northwest, central, and southeast Australia, while the probability of extreme precipitation decreases in northeast and southwest Australia. Additionally, cold fronts and NWCBs can interact, leading to enhanced rainfall over Australia.
Practical Uncertainties in the Limited Predictability of the Record-Breaking Intensification of Hurricane Patricia (2015)
Authors: Nystrom Robert G. , Zhang Fuqing
Published: July 2019

Hurricane Patricia (2015) was a record-breaking tropical cyclone that was difficult to forecast in real time by both operational numerical weather prediction models and operational forecasters. The current study examines the potential for improving intensity prediction for extreme cases like Hurricane Patricia. We find that Patricia’s intensity predictability is potentially limited by both initial conditions, related to the data assimilation, and model errors. First, convection-permitting assimilation of airborne Doppler radar radial velocity observations with an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) demonstrates notable intensity forecast improvements over assimilation of conventional observations alone. Second, decreasing the model horizontal grid spacing to 1 km and reducing the surface drag coefficient at high wind speed in the parameterization of the sea surface–atmosphere exchanges is also shown to notably improve intensity forecasts. The practical predictability of Patricia, its peak intensity, rapid intensification, and the underlying dynamics are further investigated through a high-resolution 60-member ensemble initialized with realistic initial condition uncertainties represented by the EnKF posterior analysis perturbations. Most of the ensemble members are able to predict the peak intensity of Patricia, but with greater uncertainty in the timing and rate of intensification; some members fail to reach the ultimate peak intensity before making landfall. Ensemble sensitivity analysis shows that initial differences in the region beyond the radius of maximum wind contributes the most to the differences between ensemble members in Patricia’s intensification. Ensemble members with stronger initial primary and secondary circulations beyond the radius of maximum wind intensify earlier, are able to maintain the intensification process for longer, and thus reach a greater and earlier peak intensity.
Linkages between Extreme Precipitation Events in the Central and Eastern United States and Rossby Wave Breaking
Authors: Moore Benjamin J. , Keyser Daniel , Bosart Lance F.
Published: July 2019

Linkages between extreme precipitation events (EPEs) in the central and eastern United States and synoptic-scale Rossby wave breaking are investigated using 1979–2015 climatologies of EPEs and upper-level potential vorticity (PV) streamers. The investigation focuses on two domains over the central and eastern United States, respectively, and emphasizes widespread EPEs, events exhibiting exceptionally large precipitation volumes. The relative frequency of PV streamers is found to be significantly enhanced relative to climatology immediately upstream of each domain during widespread EPEs. Majorities of the widespread EPEs in the central (~79%) and eastern (~56%) U.S. domains co-occur with a PV streamer positioned immediately upstream. Odds ratios of EPEs for days when a PV streamer occurs upstream of each domain indicate a strong, statistically significant association between EPEs and Rossby wave breaking. The strength of the EPE–Rossby wave breaking linkage, as measured by co-occurrence fractions and odds ratios, tends to increase with increasing EPE precipitation volume, such that the strongest linkage exists for widespread EPEs. Composite analyses reveal that Rossby wave breaking can result in widespread EPEs by establishing a persistent high-amplitude synoptic-scale wave pattern, within which strong poleward water vapor transport and ascent are forced over the EPE region immediately downstream of an elongated upper-level trough. Additional analyses demonstrate that, compared to corresponding null cases, Rossby wave breaking cases resulting in widespread EPEs exhibit a significantly higher-amplitude wave pattern that favors greater poleward transport of moist, conditionally unstable air and stronger ascent over the EPE region.
A motivating approach to introduce object-oriented programming to engineering students
Authors: Brito Agostinho de Medeiros , Medeiros Adelardo Adelino Dantas de
Published: July 2019

This article describes experiences of teaching object-oriented programming to undergraduate Electrical Engineering students. The proposed project-based methodology increased the interest of students in programming. The project focuses on the development of a small C++ class that allows students to build geometric models by manipulating a three-dimensional matrix. The class methods (C++ member functions) can draw complex scenes by using combinations of them. Students can improve their programming skills according to the points of view of a class developer and a class user. In addition, students try to create beautiful models to present to each other, making the learning experience pleasant and motivating.
Climate Change Mainstreaming in Extension Agents Training Curricula: A Case of Mopani and Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Zikhali Zafezeka Mbali , Mafongoya Paramu L. , Mudhara Maxwell , Jiri Obert
Published: July 2019

This study assessed the provision of informal training offered by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, South Africa, to agricultural extension officers (AEOs). The study used surveyed 90 public extension officers purposively sampled. There were statistically significant differences in extension officers’ exposure to climate change between their education levels and in the provision of climate change training between extension officers’ work experience ( P⩽0.05). The study concluded that the majority of AEOs have not been fully exposed to climate information prior to their employment. This suggests that the information gap in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) stems from the slow mainstreaming and integration of climate change information.
Influence of TiC content on mechanical, wear and corrosion properties of hot-pressed AZ91/TiC composites
Authors: Aydin Fatih , Sun Yavuz , Emre Turan M
Published: July 2019

This study aims to investigate the mechanical, wear and corrosion performances of TiC reinforced AZ91 matrix composites. AZ91 alloy and AZ91/TiC composites with different weight fractions of 10, 20 and 30 (wt%) were fabricated by powder metallurgy incorporating hot pressing. Microstructure characterization shows that partial agglomeration of particles is present especially in AZ91/30 wt% TiC composite. The addition of TiC led to significant improvement in hardness and wear resistance. Observed wear mechanism is abrasive. As compared with AZ91, compressive yield strength and ultimate compressive strength of the composites were also significantly improved. On the other hand, corrosion rate increased with the addition of TiC particles by virtue of presence of the galvanic reactions.
Practicing civility in an uncivil age
Authors: Kelsey James
Published: July 2019

In a time when public discourse is becoming coarser and more combative, believers have an opportunity to demonstrate Christian character by practicing civility. Civility is more demanding than manners. Manners are codes by which we move smoothly through the world and secure our place in society. Civility, on the other hand, has a moral component; it asks us to sacrifice for the wellbeing of the community. Civility is fueled by curious empathy and involves self-restraint. It falls into the domain Lord John Fletcher Mouton called the domain of “Obedience to the unenforceable.” The language we use and how we use language is a good barometer of how developed our civility skills are. Our task of building our capacity for civility is aided by an understanding of how we have become so politically divided as a nation. The Scriptures provide a sound rationale for building our capacity to practice civility. Biblical anthropology, instructions to the exiles in Babylon, along with texts about loving our neighbor and having regard for others in our congregations, all cast the qualities of civility as part of Christian character.
Likes, retweets, and polarization
Authors: Kaylor Brian
Published: July 2019

A key part of today’s polarized society is the polarized and polarizing world of social media. Although social media platforms bring the potential of more democratic involvement, greater public dialogue, and faster flow of news and information, the dark side of such Web 2.0 platforms also should concern church leaders and theologians. Already-existing polarization in society leads to a polarized use of social media as individuals seek like-minded online communities. Social media, however, also adds to that polarization by providing echo chambers, and features of social media encourage speed over accuracy and more aggressive communication. Three ways in which social media both represents and adds to polarization in politics, society, and churches are balkanization, as people separate into homogenous, polarized communities, the speeding nature of communication that allows inaccurate and overly emotional information to spread, and the flaming that occurs as anonymity and depersonalization of these communication platforms encourage aggressive and even violent rhetoric.
Solomon, Sheba, and the haunting of race in the Church and biblical interpretation
Authors: Serino Ron M.
Published: July 2019

In order to counteract racial polarization within and among US churches and society today, this article proposes remembering, confessing, and repenting of traditions of racialized biblical interpretation that have been complicit with traditional, hierarchical gender, race, and class divisions. Alternative interpretations of the Solomon and Sheba narrative in 1 Kings 10 offer ways to reconsider how race continues to haunt society and Christian churches in the United States. The author suggests that the moral imperative of whiteness is for white US Christians to embrace white racial particularity as a first step in dismantling the subtle racism of assumed white cultural normativity. As part of multiracial, multicultural, multifaith, global communities, white US Christians need more than ever to ponder the cultural consequences of our biblical interpretations.
Congregations respond to divisive issues: Finding paths past polarity
Authors: Knox Marv
Published: July 2019

What happens when pastors attempt to lead their congregations to conduct civil discussions about potentially polarizing issues? How can congregations engage difficult, controversial, or otherwise challenging issues without splintering, and perhaps even leverage those conversations to achieve charitable clarity and greater unity? Based on interviews with respected pastors, this article examines seven local Baptist churches that engaged in processes that propelled them to examine, discuss, and sometimes make decisions regarding topics that could have fractured their fellowship. Topics range from race, to baptism, to LGBTQ inclusion, to church staff and budgets, to other challenging subjects. In the case studies, each pastor discusses: (a) the issue or issues the church confronted; (b) how the church went about examining, discussing, and deciding on the issue or issues; (c) the results of those processes, or what happened when they talked; (d) what went right; (e) what went wrong; and (f) what the pastor would do differently the next time the congregation enters a similar process. The insights presented by these case studies offer guidance for pastors and church leaders whose congregations face polarizing experiences. In addition, they provide useful material for student discussions of pastoral ministry and ethics.
Digital welfare for children in China: Human needs and sustainability
Authors: Pissin Annika
Published: July 2019

This article examines the potential of digital welfare policies and practices to enhance the wellbeing of children in China, and the congruencies and contradictions of such policies with sustainable welfare. Can child welfare be supported digitally in ways that are not environmentally destructive? The rapidly diffusing concepts of digital welfare and sustainable welfare are presented, emphasising aspects of precarity, connectivity, surveillance, polarisation and environmental degradation. The context of child welfare and digital welfare policies in China is outlined and considered from the perspective of sustainable welfare. Given the underlying contradictions between digital welfare and sustainable welfare, and the inconsistencies between practices associated with these policy fields, the prospects of applying digital welfare policies to achieve sustainable wellbeing of children, in China and elsewhere, are deemed problematic.
“They’re playing our song”: Couple-defining songs in intimate relationships
Authors: Harris Celia B. , Baird Amee , Harris Sophia A. , Thompson William Forde
Published: July 2019

Music has been argued to contribute to well-being in multiple ways, through its links to identity, social relationships, emotion, and memory. We investigated the phenomenon of “couple-defining songs (CDSs),” in which members of a couple come to jointly identify their relationship with a particular song. Two hundred participants who were currently in a romantic relationship, diverse in age and relationship length and status, reported whether they had a CDS. Those who reported a CDS described its origins and meaning, and any memories and emotions elicited by thinking about their song. In addition, participants completed measures of music appreciation and relationship intimacy. We found that CDSs were common, relatively unique to romantic relationships, and associated with higher music appreciation and higher intimacy. CDSs tended to be acquired early in relationships, and they cued positive emotions and specific memories. These findings suggest that CDSs represent a common and understudied phenomenon. We propose that the multifaceted nature of music may contribute to the prevalence of CDSs in intimate relationships.
Detection of lesions depends on the DARTEL template used in group comparisons with voxel-based morphometry
Authors: Goto Masami , Kamatgata Koji , Saito Asami , Abe Osamu , Motoi Yumiko , Miyajima Masakazu , Nakajima Madoka
Published: July 2019

Background

In many brain volumetry reports, data from both controls and patients have been used to create the diffeomorphic anatomical registration through exponentiated lie algebra (DARTEL) templates for spatial normalization, whereas some studies used data from only the control group.

Purpose

To investigate the association between lesion detection and the processes used in creating DARTEL template in group comparisons with voxel-based morphometry.

Material and Methods

Three-dimensional T1-weighted MRI data of 31 healthy controls, 31 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and 31 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus were obtained using a 3-T magnetic resonance scanner. Segmented gray matter images were then deformed into three types of DARTEL templates using the Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 software.

Results

Processes 1 (DARTEL template with all individuals) and 2 (DARTEL template with healthy controls) showed significant lesions, as observed in previous reports, whereas process 3 (DARTEL template with individuals divided into two groups) showed significantly larger lesions than those noted with processes 1 and 2.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that lesion detection depends on the processes used in the creation of the DARTEL template.
Comparison of treatment outcomes in lumbar disc herniation patients treated with epidural steroid injections: interlaminar versus transforaminal approach
Authors: Bensler Susanne , Walde Melissa , Fischer Michael A , Pfirrmann Christian WA , Peterson Cynthia K , Sutter Reto
Published: July 2019

Background

The study describes the difference of pain reduction in interlaminar and transforaminal injections.

Purpose

To compare treatment outcomes after interlaminar versus transforaminal epidural steroid injections in patients with disc herniations at the level L3/4–L5/S1 and analyze associated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Material and Methods

This retrospective comparative effectiveness outcome study included 198 patients with computed tomography (CT)-guided interlaminar (n = 99) or transforaminal (n = 99) epidural injections with particulate steroids. Pain levels at baseline and one day, one week, and one month after injection were assessed using the 11-point Numerical Rating Scale for Pain. Overall improvement was assessed after one day, one week, and one month using the Patients Global Impression of Change. MRI analysis was performed by two radiologists. Student’s t-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test were calculated.

Results

Baseline pain scores were equal for interlaminar and transforaminal injections (6.23, SD = 2.10 vs. 5.84, SD = 2.02; P = 0.18). There were no significant differences in improvement between the interlaminar and transforaminal approach of epidural steroid injections after one day (30.5% vs. 21.2%, P = 0.432), one week (41.7% vs. 40.8%, P = 1.000), and one month (53.3% vs. 43.9%, P = 0.322), but there was a trend towards better effect of interlaminar injections at one day and one month. The change in Numerical Rating Scale for Pain scores showed no significant differences between the two cohorts after one day, one week, and one month ( P ≥ 0.115). None of the MR findings predicted a better or worse outcome ( P ≥ 0.171).

Conclusion

Interlaminar and transforaminal injections with particulate corticosteroids were equally effective, with a non-significant advantage of interlaminar injections at one day and one month. None of the MR findings were associated with treatment outcomes.
Redifferentiated Chondrocytes in Fibrin Gel for the Repair of Articular Cartilage Lesions
Authors: Bianchi Vanessa J. , Lee Adrienne , Anderson Jesse , Parreno Justin , Theodoropoulos John , Backstein David , Kandel Rita
Published: July 2019

Background:

Autologous chondrocyte implantation, which uses passaged chondrocytes, commonly leads to the formation of fibrocartilage. When chondrocytes are passaged to increase cell numbers, they lose their phenotype and ability to form hyaline cartilage. The use of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) to redifferentiate passaged chondrocytes has been validated in vitro; however, it is unknown if redifferentiated chondrocytes will enhance defect repair when implanted in vivo. Furthermore, fibrin gel is used in orthopaedic surgery as a fixative and scaffold and could be an appropriate carrier to enhance retention of cells in the repair site.

Purpose:

To investigate if passaged redifferentiated chondrocytes in fibrin gel have the ability to form cartilage tissue and if these redifferentiated cells will enhance the formation of hyaline cartilage in vivo when implanted into critical-size osteochondral defects.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Rabbit and human chondrocytes were serially passaged twice in monolayer culture. Twice-passaged cells were used directly (dedifferentiated) or redifferentiated in high-density culture with TGFβ3. Dedifferentiated or redifferentiated cells were mixed with fibrin gel to form fibrin clots, which were cultured in vitro to assess the use of fibrin gel as a scaffold or implanted in vivo in a critical-size osteochondral defect in New Zealand White rabbit knee joints. Rabbits were sacrificed 6 weeks after implantation, and tissues were assessed histologically and by immunohistochemistry.

Results:

Redifferentiation of passaged chondrocytes by means of 3-dimensional culture in the presence of TGFβ3 improved the formation of cartilaginous tissues in vitro, and culture in fibrin gel did not affect the cell phenotype. Implantation of dedifferentiated cells in vivo resulted in fibrocartilaginous repair tissues. Redifferentiated chondrocyte implants resulted in granulation tissues containing the hyaline cartilage marker collagen type 2.

Conclusion:

Redifferentiated chondrocytes will maintain their chondrogenic differentiation in fibrin clots. Implanted redifferentiated chondrocytes show a different reparative response than dedifferentiated chondrocytes and do not appear to enhance repair at an early time point. Another study of longer duration is required to assess tissue maturation over time.

Clinical Relevance:

Redifferentiation of passaged chondrocytes with TGFβ3 before implantation does not improve defect repair in the first 6 weeks.
Communicating Under the Regimes of Divergent Ideas: How Public Agencies in Sweden Manage Tensions Between Transparency and Consistency
Authors: Fredriksson Magnus , Edwards Lee
Published: July 2019

In this article we draw on Scandinavian institutionalism to argue that ideas act as imperatives for organizations’ communication, whereby differences between ideas can generate tensions that organizations must manage. We focus on transparency and consistency, ideas that frequently underpin organizational communication, but are mobilized by different problems and offer different solutions. An analysis of communication policy and strategy documents in 188 Swedish public agencies shows how transparency and consistency coexist, but are translated into local settings in divergent ways. The resulting tensions relate to the purpose of communication, roles of organizational actors and of media, and stakeholder identities. Tensions are managed using three strategies: firewalling, ranking, and compromising. The findings show that ideas are fundamental to organizational communication, but that organizations also contribute to transformations and hybridizations of ideas. We suggest further analyses of interactions among institutions, organizations, and communication, particularly of how the translations of ideas generate tensions that must be resolved.
Reliability and sustainability of wire arc additive manufactured plates using ER 347 wire-mechanical and metallurgical perspectives
Authors: Duraisamy R , Mohan Kumar S , Rajesh Kannan A , Siva Shanmugam N , Sankaranarayanasamy K
Published: July 2019

The steel wall measuring 120 mm in length and 210 mm in height was manufactured by wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) using ER347 wire and gas metal arc welding (GMAW). The mechanical integrity and microstructure of the WAAM treated plate were examined. It was found that the steel plate was well formed, no clear boundaries between the layers were observed, and different thermal history leads to a variety of microstructures. The hardness of the WAAM-processed plate gradually varied from top to bottom and was between 203.5 HV and 248.2 HV. Microstructure of WAAM 347 consists of columnar dendrites and equiaxed dendrite in the multilayer deposition. The percent volume fraction of delta ferrite in the as-deposited WAAM plate was 4.2 and the predicted ferrite number from WRC-1992 diagram is 4.1. The mechanical properties of the welded parts were anisotropic; the sample at 45° orientation has a higher tensile strength compared to 0° and 90° orientation samples. The fractured tensile specimens in the as-deposited state were characterized by dimple-like structures revealing the ductile fracture. SEM line mapping confirms the presence of intermetallic compounds (NbC) in the WAAM 347 plate.
Deciphering archeological contexts from the magnetic map: Determination of daub distribution and mass of Chalcolithic house remains
Authors: Pickartz Natalie , Hofmann Robert , Dreibrodt Stefan , Rassmann Knut , Shatilo Liudmyla , Ohlrau René , Wilken Dennis , Rabbel Wolfgang
Published: July 2019

The unique size and development of prehistoric megasites of the north Pontic Cucuteni-Tripolye Chalcolithic groups (4100–3600 BCE) challenge modern archeology and paleoecology. The extremely large number of houses (approximately 3000, mostly burned) necessitates the development of multidisciplinary technologies to gain a holistic understanding of such sites. In this contribution, we introduce a novel geophysical methodology and a detailed analysis of magnetic data – including evolved modeling techniques – to provide critical information about the setup of findings, enabling a thorough understanding of the settlement dynamics, apart from invasive excavation techniques. The case study is based on data from magnetic field maps and distribution maps of the daub and pottery find categories. This information is used to infer magnetic models for each find category to numerically calculate their magnetic fields for comparison with the archeological data. The comparison quantifies the sensitivity of the magnetic measurements with respect to the distribution of the different find categories. Next, via inversion computation, the characteristic depth functions of soil magnetization are used to generate maps of magnetization from the measured magnetic field maps. To validate the inverted soil magnetization maps, the magnetic excavation models are used, providing an interpretational frame for the application to magnetic anomalies outside excavated areas. This joint magnetic and archeological methodology allows estimating the find density and testing hypotheses about the burning processes of the houses. In this paper, we show internal patterns of burned houses, comparable to archeological house models, and their calculated masses as examples of the methodology. An application of the new approach to complete megasites has the potential to enable a better understanding of the settlement structure and its evolution, improve the quality of population estimations, and thus calculate the human impact on the forest steppe environment and address questions of resilience and carrying capacity.
Mucin 16 and kallikrein 13 as potential prognostic factors in colon cancer: Results of an oncological 92-multiplex immunoassay
Authors: Björkman Kajsa , Mustonen Harri , Kaprio Tuomas , Haglund Caj , Böckelman Camilla
Published: July 2019

Colon cancer represents one of the most common cancers in the world. Despite improved treatment, mortality remains high. In order to improve the assessment of prognosis for colon cancer patients, identifying new prognostic markers remains necessary. We analyzed preoperative serum samples from 148 colon cancer patients surgically treated at Helsinki University Hospital from 1998 through 2002 using a multiplex proximity extension assay (Oncology II panel, Olink Bioscience, Uppsala, Sweden), a panel constituting 92 immunological and oncological markers. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses on these patients and calculated the disease-specific survival among patients using the log-rank test for Kaplan–Meier estimates. In the univariate survival analysis of 92 biomarkers, 26 resulted in p < 0.1. Among these, eight biomarkers emerged as statistically significant (p < 0.05). Patients with low levels of kallikrein 13 had a poor prognosis. Moreover, patients with high levels of amphiregulin, carcinoembryonic antigen-related adhesion molecule 5, interleukin 6, mucin 16, syndecan 1, transforming growth factor alpha, and vimentin also had a poor prognosis. In the multivariate analysis, kallikrein 13 and mucin 16 emerged as independent prognostic markers. The role of kallikrein 13, a member of the serine protease kallikrein biomarker family, in tumorigenesis remains unclear. Mucin 16 is also known as carbohydrate antigen 125, a well-known ovarian cancer biomarker. Patients with low levels of kallikrein 13 (hazard ratio: 0.36; 95% confidence interval: 0.14–0.92; p = 0.033) and high levels of mucin 16 (hazard ratio: 3.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.68–5.93; p < 0.005) had a poor prognosis. Mucin 16 and kallikrein 13 represent independent prognostic markers for colon cancer. Furthermore, the clinical utility of mucin 16 and kallikrein 13 serum tests warrants additional investigation.
Methamphetamine use in an early psychosis service: a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study
Authors: McInnis Peter , Lee Anna
Published: July 2019

Objective:

Methamphetamine-associated psychotic symptoms are common among regular users, and can overlap with the emergence of a primary psychotic disorder. In contrast to previous research, this retrospective observational study aims to describe the characteristics of young people experiencing early psychosis who use methamphetamine regularly. We also aimed to investigate associations between regular methamphetamine use and markers of psychosocial functioning, psychosis outcomes and substance use.

Method:

This study involved 116 young people (19 using methamphetamine regularly) referred to the Camperdown Early Intervention in Psychosis Service from January 2015 to January 2016. Variables including demographic information, psychosocial functioning and psychosis outcomes were collected on referral to the service, updated throughout treatment and at discharge.

Results:

There were significant associations found between regular methamphetamine use and a criminal history (p<0.001), regular cannabis use ( p=0.002) and regular nicotine use ( p<0.001).

Conclusion:

This study suggests that in early psychosis, regular methamphetamine use could signify a subgroup of young people who use multiple substances and may engage in criminal activity. Addressing substance use in early psychosis may be an important treatment target for this vulnerable group of young people.
Outcomes of Expanded Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Group for Mild-Stage Dementia: Four-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Young Daniel Kim-wan , Ng Petrus Yat-nam , Cheng Daphne , Kwok Timothy , Yang Shuyan , Ho Florence , Mak Vivan , Lau Andrew
Published: July 2019

Purposes:

This research aims to report the results of a 4-month follow-up study of an expanded cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group that combines CST and Tai Chi on improving the cognitive abilities of community-dwelling Chinese elderly with mild-stage dementia (EwMD).

Methods:

Two-group pretest–posttest design was adopted in this study, involving 101 Chinese community-dwelling EwMD who had completed an expanded CST group conducted at a local elderly center. Cognitive abilities of the EwMD were assessed by standardized assessment tools at pretreatment (T1), posttreatment (T2), and the 4-month point after completion of treatment (T3).

Results:

The repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that after completing the expanded CST group, the improved cognitive abilities of participants could be maintained up to 4 months after the completion of treatment.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that treatment effects of the expanded CST group could be maintained up to 4 months after completion of treatment.
A retrospective internet-based survey of French cat breeders about early-age neutering
Authors: Gagnon Anne-Claire , Langlade Camille , Buff Samuel , Rosset Emilie
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyse cat breeders’ application of and opinions concerning early-age (ie, <16 weeks old) neutering in cats in France.

Methods

This study analysed a retrospective cohort. A web survey was designed for French cat breeders and was published in June 2017 on the Facebook page of Livre Officiel des Origines Félines, the official feline studbook for purebred cats born in France. The early-age cat neutering habits, opinions and expectations of breeders were collected.

Results

A total of 999 breeders returned the questionnaire. Almost half of the breeders (49%) reported consistently requesting neutering of kittens before selling them, 32% claimed that they never requested it and the remaining 19% reported that they inconsistently requested it. When performed, 83% of breeders had kittens neutered at 12 weeks of age; for a large majority of these breeders (94%), the neutering was undertaken on their own initiative. Various reasons for neutering were provided, including the prevention of uncontrolled breeding, short- and long-term welfare benefits for neutered cats, and practical and economic reasons. Reported incidents related to early-age neutering were scarce. Nearly half of breeders who did not apply early-age neutering to their kittens cited a veterinarian’s unwillingness to perform the surgery as a cause.

Conclusions and relevance

A large majority of surveyed French cat breeders supported early-age neutering that would occur before kittens were sold, most of the time at the age of 3 months. These breeders reported high satisfaction with early-age neutered cats, with a low number of incidents and accidents reported.
Giving birth to a supervisory identity built upon pedagogical perspectives on teaching: The case of a novice physical education cooperating teacher
Authors: Amaral-da-Cunha Mariana , Graça Amândio , Batista Paula , MacPhail Ann
Published: July 2019

Teaching perspectives in initial teacher education are useful analytical tools for exploring the development of professional identity and the supervisory practices of cooperating teachers working with preservice teachers on school placement. A case study design was employed with an experienced physical education teacher newly appointed as a cooperating teacher to a cohort of three physical education preservice teachers to examine how his professional identity was challenged by the demands of the new role as a mentor. Data were collected throughout a one-year school placement and included three semi-structured interviews and the cooperating teacher’s weekly journal entries. Analysis was informed by grounded theory coding procedures. Open codes were collapsed into three metaphorical axial themes: (a) the chameleon, (b) a tailor-made cooperating teacher, and (c) the liaison of relations. To perform his new role as a cooperating teacher and surpass the emergent supervisory challenges in developing a pedagogical relationship with his first cohort of preservice teachers, the cooperating teacher called upon his educational perspectives on teaching physical education built on constructive, collaborative and inquiry premises, but ended up practising teaching perspectives echoing an apprenticeship model due to the preservice teachers’ personal characteristics.
The pains of detainment: Experience of time and coping strategies at immigration detention centres
Authors: Gashi Liridona , Pedersen Willy , Ugelvik Thomas
Published: July 2019

In most jurisdictions, immigration detention centres are seen as an important part of the immigration control system. Research suggests that stressful waiting and the experience of uncertainty are common at such institutions. However, few empirical studies show how detainees manage these matters. In this article, we draw on fieldwork conducted at the only detention centre in Norway. Detainees described their situation as frustrating and emotionally challenging; and we show how they as a response developed a set of coping techniques aimed at ‘making their own time’. The most important were: (1) living in ‘slow motion’; (2) censorious attacks directed at the institution to break the monotony; (3) the use of benzodiazepines to regulate the perception of time; and (4) religious practices to connect the present with the future. We conclude that when investigating coping- and resistance strategies, we should not overlook the temporal aspects of them and their implications.