bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Entomological Contributions of Josef Nissley Knull (1891-1975)
Authors: DAVIDSON J. M. , BELLAMY C. L.
Published: September 2016

The first bibliography of the scientific papers of Josef N. Knull (1891-1975) and list of names proposed are presented. One hundred and ninety four papers by Knull and his co-authors are listed along with a tabulation of the new taxa proposed in those works. Data are presented on dates of publication, location of types, and the current status of taxa described or considered by J. N. Knull and A. B. Champlain and J. N. Knull.
A new species of Proartacris Mohanasundaram (Acari: Eriophyidae) on Cedrus sp. in France
Authors: FLECHTMANN CARLOS H.W. , KREITER SERGE
Published: September 2016

Proartacris cedrina n.sp. (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyidae) is described from adults of both sexes collected on needles of Cedrus sp. in Reims, France. A key to the species of Proartacris is provided.
Species-richness in Neotropical Sericothripinae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: LIMA ÉLISON FABRÍCIO B. , MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: September 2016

Two of the three recognized genera of Sericothripinae are known from the Neotropics, and 14 new species from this area are here described in this subfamily. Illustrated keys are provided to females of seven species of Hydatothrips, and 41 species of Neohydatothrips, mainly from Brazil but including all recorded species south of the border between Mexico and USA. Plant species on which breeding has been recorded are indicated where possible, notes are provided on the few species of economic importance, and a key is appended to second instar larvae of seven species. Neohydatothrips burungae (Hood) stat. rev. and N. aztecus Johansen stat. rev. are recalled from synonymy with Neohydatothrips signifer (Priesner), and N. denigratus (De Santis) syn. n. is synonymized with N. burungae. Hydatothrips williamsi (Hood) comb. n. is relocated from Neohydatothrips, and as this produces a homonym in the genus, Hydatothrips tareei nom. nov. is proposed for Hydatothrips williamsi Mound & Tree from Australia.
Correction of Cassicinae Bonaparte, 1853 (Aves, Icteridae) to Cacicinae Bonaparte, 1853
Authors: SCHODDE RICHARD , REMSEN J.V., JR
Published: September 2016

In our recently published revised classification of the Icteridae (Remsen et al. 2016), we used the family group name Cassicinae Bonaparte, 1853 on the assumption that its type genus was Cassicus Illiger, 1811. We have since confirmed, after kind advice from Thomas Donegan (pers. comm. 2016), that Cassicus Illiger (1811: 214) is simply an unjustified emendation of Cacicus Lacépède, 1799, made clear by Illiger (l.c.) in a footnote to his description of Cassicus. Under Articles 32.5.3.2 and 35.4.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999), a family-group name formed from an unjustified emendation of the name of its type genus is to be corrected, unless the emendation has come into use as a substitute name or through prevailing use. This is not the case here, and accordingly we correct the spelling of Cassicinae to Cacicinae. Bonaparte (1853) retains authorship; and, although not expressly mentioned before, his originally ligatured suffix -eoe for the name was automatically corrected by us (Remsen et al. l.c.) under Articles 11.7.1.3 and 32.5.3 of the Code (ICZN l.c.).
The second species of Phanoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from China, P. hainana sp. nov., from Hainan Island
Authors: LI WEIHAI , QIN XUEFENG
Published: September 2016

The genus Phanoperla Banks was originally established as a subgenus of Neoperla and its genus delimitation was not fully clear until the revisionary work by Zwick (1982). It currently contains 49 known species from the Oriental region (Banks 1938, 1939, Cao & Bae 2009, Cao et al. 2007, DeWalt et al. 2016, Jewett 1975, Kawai 1968, Stark 1983, 1987, Stark & Sheldon 2009, Sivec & Stark 2010, 2011, Stark & Sivec 2007, Sivec et al. 1988, Zwick 1982, Zwick 1986, Zwick & Sivec 1985). Although species of Phanoperla are not rare in many areas of Southeast Asia bordering China, especially Vietnam and India (Cao & Bae 2009, Mason & Stark 2015), P. pallipennis Banks, 1938 is the only known species of the genus known from China. In this paper, we describe a new species of Phanoperla from Hainan Island of the southernmost province of China. The northern portion of the island has a humid subtropical climate, whereas the remainder of the island has tropical monsoon climate.
Descriptions of the spermathecae and male genitalia of the species of Crocidium Loew described by Hesse (Diptera, Bombyliidae, Crocidiinae)
Authors: LAMAS CARLOS JOSÉ EINICKER , EVENHUIS NEAL L. , COURI MÁRCIA SOUTO
Published: September 2016

The great contribution of A. J. Hesse to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Bombyliidae, included the description of 17 new species of Crocidium Loew. Despite the very detailed descriptions of the external morphology, data on the spermatheca and male genital segments were not always included. The present contribution includes the description of the male genitalia and spermathecae of species described by Hesse: C. costilabre, C. dichopticum, C. lactipenne, C. microstictum, C. namaquense; the male genitalia of C. tinctipenne and the spermatheca of C. chrysonotum, C. dasypolium, C. karooanum, C. nitilabre, C. phaenochilum, C. phaeopterale and C. pterostictum.
A review of the genus Elephantomyia Osten Sacken in Brazil, with description of two new species (Diptera: Tipulomorpha, Limoniidae)
Authors: RIBEIRO GUILHERME CUNHA , AMORIM DALTON DE SOUZA
Published: September 2016

The two known Brazilian species of Elephantomyia (Diptera, Limoniidae), E. juquiensis Alexander, 1945, and E. primogenia Alexander, 1948 are redescribed and illustrated. Two new species, E. corniculata sp.n. and E. vesca sp.n., from southeastern Brazil are described and illustrated. Comments are made on the systematic position of Elephantomyia, on the hypothesis of a close relationship between Elephantomyia and Helius, and on the relationships among the Brazilian species.
New records of plant mites (Acari, Acaridae, Tetranychidae) from Guadeloupe and Marie Galante with descriptions of five new eriophyid species
Authors: FLECHTMANN CARLOS H.W. , ETIENNE JEAN
Published: September 2016

Eight species are reported and described from Guadeloupe and Marie Galante: an acarid mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank), two spider mites, Mononychellus planki (McGregor) and Tetranychus desertorum ( Banks), and five new species of Eriophyidae, namely Cosella nudifemoralis, C. spinicauda, Ectomerus triquetrus, Acalitus simplex and Cenaca decorata.
A new species of Panonychus (Acari: Tetranychidae) from Peru
Authors: DE VIS R. M.J. , DE MORAES G. J.
Published: September 2016

A new spider mite, Panonychus inca n. sp., collected on Malus domestica in Peru is described. This is the only known Panonychus species with the distal end of the aedeagus bent up and forward.
Forestomach ciliate Protozoa in Egyptian dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: KUBESY A. A. , DEHORITY BURK A.
Published: September 2016

The forestomach contents of 20 dromedary camels were examined for total, generic and species composition of ciliate protozoa. The geometric mean value of total ciliate protozoa was 13.9 X 10 4 / ml with values ranging from 4.9 to 109.4 X 10 4 / ml. A total of ten genera containing 31 species and 16 forms were identified. Five species of Entodinium (E. biconcavum, E. bimastus, E. ekendrae, E. parvum and E. tsunodai) and Ostracodinium trivesticulatum represent a new host record. Two new spinated forms of Diplodinium cameli were observed, one has a single spine arising from the left lateral surface near the posterior end and the second has an additional spine on the posterior right lateral surface. Previous reports on concentration and species composition in the camel are summarized and compared to the present results.
The genus Folsomides Stach of the Ibero-balearic fauna, with description of a new species (Collembola, Isotomidae)
Authors: ARBEA JAVIER I. , JORDANA RAFAEL
Published: September 2016

The genus Folsomides Stach, 1922 is represented by nine species in the Ibero-balearic fauna, one of which is new to the science. Folsomides mediterraneus n. sp. is found in Northern Spain (Navarra and Zaragoza) and Central Spain (Madrid). The new species is related to the Folsomides angularis (Axelson, 1905) group and it is easily distinguishable from other species by the chaetotaxy of microsensilla. A key for the identification of Ibero-balearic species of Folsomides is given.
New species and new records for the genus Nascioides Kerremans, 1903 (Insecta: Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: WILLIAMS GEOFF , BELLAMY CHARLES L.
Published: September 2016

Two new species of the Australasian buprestine genus Nascioides Kerremans, 1903 are described: N. caledonicus from New Caledonia, and N. subcostatus from the Windsor Tablelands, North Queensland. Nascioides caledonicus represents the first species of the genus from New Caledonia. New distribution, larval and adult host records and morphological variation notes are included for 12 species. The name Nascioides walfordi Williams is emended to N. walfordorum Williams.
An illustrated key to Neotropical termite genera (Insecta: Isoptera) based primarily on soldiers
Authors: CONSTANTINO REGINALDO
Published: September 2016

A key for the identification of neotropical termite genera is presented, with illustrations of representatives of most genera. The key is chiefly based on the external morphology of soldiers, except for the soldierless Apicotermitinae and a few genera of Termitidae, where worker characters were used, especially gut morphology. Distribution maps are presented for some genera. Relevant taxonomic works and keys to species are indicated for each genus, when available.
The spittle bug Philaenus tesselatus Melichar, 1899 (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Cercopidae) is a distinct species
Authors: DROSOPOULOS S. , QUARTAU J. A.
Published: September 2016

Philaenus tesselatus Melichar, 1899, was described more than a century ago, originally from Tunisia, but later appeared to be a problematic species. In 1959, it was reduced to a geographic subspecies of the closely related P. spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758), with which in 1972 it was synonymized. However, P. tesselatus does possess constant species-level characters. We have found that: (i) both species occur in Portugal, where P. tesselatus is statistically significantly larger than P. spumarius; (ii) the best diagnostic characters are the appendages of the male aedeagus (larger in P. tesselatus than in P. spumarius); (iii) in Portugal, P. spumarius seems to occur in large numbers north of Lisbon, becoming rare in the south, while P. tesselatus occurs only south of Lisbon; and (iv) the six colour morphs appear to be identical in both species. We do not know if the two species hybridize where they occur sympatrically.
Publication and dating of the two "Bulletins" of the Société Entomologique de France (1873-1894)
Authors: EVENHUIS NEAL L.
Published: September 2016

The dating of the bi-monthly and quarterly versions of the Bulletin de la Société Entomologique deFrance from 1873–1894 is presented. The publication background and history of the little-knownbi-monthly version of the Bulletin is given.
Notes on the functional morphology of terminalia from Prorates ballmeri Nagatomi and Liu (Diptera: Scenopinidae: Proratinae) collected while in copula, with a description of the previously unknown female
Authors: METZ MARK A. , WINTERTON SHAUN L. , IRWIN MICHAEL E.
Published: September 2016

A male and female specimen of Prorates ballmeri Nagatomi and Liu were collected while in copula. The specimens were dissected to find that the elongate distiphallus of the male had been inserted within the spermathecal ducts of the female. The association of the male and female genitalia for this species is figured and discussed in relation to associated taxa with similar genitalic features. The species was originally described from three male specimens, which did not allow for comprehensive study of the variation in many characters. The male is redescribed based on many newly collected specimens to include additional characters and the species variation and the previously unknown female is described. Additional notes on the taxonomy of the genus Prorates are included.
A revision of Nearctic species of the genus Geostiba Thomson, 1858 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: GUSAROV VLADIMIR I.
Published: September 2016

Nearctic species of the genus Geostiba Thomson, 1858 are revised. Redescription and illustrations are provided for distinguishing the genus Geostiba from other aleocharine genera. Six new species of Geostiba are described (G. (Sibiota) crepusculigena Gusarov, sp. n. from Tennessee, G. (S.) pluvigena Gusarov, sp. n. from North Carolina, G. (S.) coeligena Gusarov, sp. n. and G. (S.) nebuligena Gusarov, sp. n. from Tennessee and North Carolina, G. (S.) appalachigena Gusarov, sp. n. from West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Wisconsin and Québec; G. (S.) silvigena Gusarov, sp. n. from California). Nine species are redescribed (G. (S.) alticola Lohse & Smetana, 1988, G. (S.) balsamensis Pace, 1997, G. (S.) bicarinata Lohse & Smetana, 1988, G. (S.) graveyardensis Pace, 1997 and G. (S.) nubigena Lohse & Smetana, 1988 known from North Carolina, G. (S.) carteriensis Pace, 1997 and G. (S.) nimbicola Lohse & Smetana, 1988 known from Tennessee and North Carolina, G. (S.) impressula (Casey, 1906) known from Oregon, and G. (s. str.) circellaris (Gravenhorst, 1806) introduced from Europe to Newfoundland). A key for identification of Nearctic species of Geostiba is provided. Geostiba impressula (Casey, 1906) is removed from synonymy with G. circellaris. Ditroposipalia Scheerpeltz, 1951 is placed in synonymy with Sibiota Casey, 1906 (a valid subgenus of Geostiba), Geostiba fossata (Casey, 1910) with G. impressula (Casey, 1906), Sipaliella Casey, 1911 with Meotica Mulsant & Rey, 1873 (a valid genus in tribe Oxypodini) and Sipalia (Sipaliella) filaria Casey, 1911 with Meotica pallens (Redtenbacher, 1849). Tylosipalia Scheerpeltz, 1951 is confirmed to be a synonym of Typhlusida Casey, 1906 (a valid subgenus of Geostiba). The lectotype of Sipalia fossata Casey, 1906 is designated. The geographical distribution of Geostiba in the Southern Appalachians is discussed.
A revision of Nearctic species of the genus Earota Mulsant & Rey, 1874 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: GUSAROV VLADIMIR I.
Published: September 2016

Nearctic species of the genus Earota Mulsant & Rey, 1874a are revised. Synonymy of generic names Earota and Macroterma Casey, 1906 is confirmed. Earota dentata (Bernhauer, 1906) (= E. alutacea (Casey, 1906) = E. borealis (Casey, 1906) = E. iowensis (Casey, 1910a)) is recognized as the only valid Nearctic species of the genus. Redescription and illustrations are provided for distinguishing Earota from other aleocharine genera. Atheta sulcata Blatchley, 1910 is placed in synonymy with A. klimschi Bernhauer, 1909 and transferred from Earota to Atheta Thomson, 1858. Lectotypes for Atheta dentata Bernhauer, 1906, Macroterma alutacea Casey, 1906, M. borealis Casey, 1906, A. klimschi Bernhauer, 1909, A. iowensis Casey, 1910a and A. sulcata Blatchley, 1910 are designated.
Reconciling Land–Ocean Moisture Transport Variability in Reanalyses with P − ET in Observationally Driven Land Surface Models
Authors: Robertson Franklin R. , Bosilovich Michael G. , Roberts Jason B.
Published: September 2016

Vertically integrated atmospheric moisture transport from ocean to land [vertically integrated atmospheric moisture flux convergence (VMFC)] is a dynamic component of the global climate system but remains problematic in atmospheric reanalyses, with current estimates having significant multidecadal global trends differing even in sign. Continual evolution of the global observing system, particularly stepwise improvements in satellite observations, has introduced discrete changes in the ability of data assimilation to correct systematic model biases, manifesting as nonphysical variability. Land surface models (LSMs) forced with observed precipitation P and near-surface meteorology and radiation provide estimates of evapotranspiration (ET). Since variability of atmospheric moisture storage is small on interannual and longer time scales, VMFC = P − ET is a good approximation and LSMs can provide an alternative estimate. However, heterogeneous density of rain gauge coverage, especially the sparse coverage over tropical continents, remains a serious concern.

Rotated principal component analysis (RPCA) with prefiltering of VMFC to isolate the artificial variability is used to investigate artifacts in five reanalysis systems. This procedure, although ad hoc, enables useful VMFC corrections over global land. The P − ET estimates from seven different LSMs are evaluated and subsequently used to confirm the efficacy of the RPCA-based adjustments. Global VMFC trends over the period 1979–2012 ranging from 0.07 to −0.03 mm day−1 decade−1 are reduced by the adjustments to 0.016 mm day−1 decade−1, much closer to the LSM P − ET estimate (0.007 mm day−1 decade−1). Neither is significant at the 90% level. ENSO-related modulation of VMFC and P − ET remains the largest global interannual signal, with mean LSM and adjusted reanalysis time series correlating at 0.86.
Bronchial Compression and Tracheosophageal Fistula Secondary to Prolonged Esophageal Foreign Body
Authors: Liming Bryan J. , Fischer Anthony , Pitcher Graeme
Published: September 2016

Introduction:

Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric problem that can have a delayed presentation, as presented herein.

Case Report:

We present the case of a 15-year-old female who developed bronchial compression and an acquired tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to a longstanding esophageal foreign body.

Discussion:

There are several challenges in diagnosis and management of this unusual situation. We review the literature regarding prolonged retention of foreign bodies and the challenges in diagnosis in the developmentally disabled child.

Conclusion:

Providers must have a high suspicion for foreign bodies in the case of unusual symptoms present in children with neurodevelopmental delays.
Food: a new form of personalised (gut microbiome) medicine for chronic diseases?
Authors: Pallister Tess , Spector Tim D
Published: September 2016

Filling in the knowledge gaps between what we eat and the diseases we develop may lie in our guts, literally. The human large intestine houses the largest reservoir of microorganisms in or on the human body. With a 100-fold greater gene count than humans, the gut microbiome has huge potential to place a large metabolic burden (or advantage) on its host. The number of diverse gut microbial species is diminished in nearly all modern chronic conditions studied. The ‘Western diet’, rich in animal protein, fats and artificial additives, and lacking in fibre, beneficial microbes, plant phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, is thought to drive these conditions by encouraging gut dysbiosis. Evidence from recent dietary intervention studies suggest adopting a plant-based, minimally processed high-fibre diet may rapidly reverse the effects of meat-based diets on the gut microbiome. However, recent work has shown that individual diet responses may be complicated by host genetics and the wide variation in the gut microbiome. Now that we measure genes and microbes more accurately, we are embarking on an exciting era of using both food and microbes as potential therapies.
Trauma as a Cause for Hepatopathy in Newborn Göttingen Minipigs
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Weber Klaus , Moreno Lobato Beatriz , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco Miguel , Guillén Caro José Francisco , Dávila Gómez Luis , Shabat Roni , Nyska Abraham
Published: September 2016

Routine husbandry procedures during animal toxicity studies can result in incidental pathological changes. We report on trauma-induced hepatopathy in newborn Göttingen minipigs. Sixty-four neonatal minipigs were allocated to 13- and 26-week treatment arms. There was a 4-week recovery period for both arms. The animals were divided into 2 treatment groups and a vehicle group and were dosed 3 times daily by direct oral administration using a syringe. During the feeding procedure in the first weeks, the animals had to be handled firmly. After 13 weeks, randomly distributed foci of degeneration/necrosis and focal congestion and/or hemorrhage were found in the livers of several animals from all groups. Reduced incidence and severity were evident in the recovery phase, and the lesions were absent after 26 weeks. These changes were considered as related to the manual handling of the animals. Knowledge of these findings is crucial for interpretation of studies utilizing newborn minipigs.
Physical Risk Factors for a Medial Elbow Injury in Junior Baseball Players: A Prospective Cohort Study of 353 Players
Authors: Sakata Jun , Nakamura Emi , Suzukawa Makoto , Akaike Atsushi , Shimizu Kuniaki
Published: September 2016

Background:

The physical risk factors for a medial elbow injury in junior baseball players are unknown.

Purpose:

To identify the risk factors for an initial medial elbow injury in junior baseball players.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Junior baseball players (aged 6-12 years) without a history of elbow pain underwent a clinical assessment, ultrasonography, and physical function measurements before the baseball season started. Bilateral passive range of motion (ROM) of elbow extension and flexion, external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) of the shoulder, and ER and IR of the hip were measured. IR and ER strength of the shoulder and scapular muscles were measured on both sides. The thoracic kyphosis angle was measured with participants in a relaxed standing position. Before these examinations, every participant completed a questionnaire regarding his or her age, sex, total years of baseball played, position in baseball, number of balls thrown, and episodes of pain during throwing. After the initial test session, each participant was followed up for 12 months to assess for the occurrence of a new injury. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for a medial elbow injury.

Results:

Seventy-eight players (22.1%) sustained a medial elbow injury. Age ≥9 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.708; 95% CI, 1.224-5.990), pitcher position (OR, 2.620; 95% CI, 1.389-4.941), >100 throws per day (OR, 1.936; 95% CI, 1.072-3.497), thoracic kyphosis angle ≥30° (OR, 2.501; 95% CI, 1.381-4.531), and elbow extension deficit ≥5° (OR, 1.973; 95% CI, 1.022-3.809) were significantly associated with a medial elbow injury.

Conclusion:

The incidence of an initial medial elbow injury was 22.1%. Age, number of throws per day, thoracic kyphosis angle, and elbow extension deficit are newly discovered risk factors related to physical function. Improvement of the posture and early detection of a silent elbow extension deficit may prevent a medial elbow injury.
Traumatic and Degenerative Meniscus Tears Have Different Gene Expression Signatures
Authors: Brophy Robert H. , Sandell Linda J. , Rai Muhammad Farooq
Published: September 2016

Background:

Meniscus tears are classified as traumatic or degenerative based on the tear pattern. There is little evidence demonstrating biological differences between the 2 tear types.

Hypothesis:

Gene expression signatures in the injured meniscus are different between traumatic (vertical) and degenerative (complex, horizontal, or flap) tears.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Samples of the torn meniscus from the white-white zone were removed at the time of clinically indicated partial meniscectomy from 48 patients (37 with degenerative tears and 11 with traumatic tears). mRNA expression in the injured menisci was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for selected molecular markers of osteoarthritis, inflammation, and cartilage homeostasis (eg, cytokines/chemokines, aggrecanases/metalloproteinases, transcription factors, cartilage matrix genes, and adipokines). The tear pattern (traumatic or degenerative) and location (medial or lateral) were recorded for each patient. Gene expression differences between degenerative and traumatic tears were computed after adjusting for patients’ age, sex, and body mass index and for location of the resected meniscus (medial/lateral).

Results:

Gene expression in meniscus tears varied by pattern. Chemokines ( IL8 [ P < .001] and CXCL6 [ P < .001]) and matrix metalloproteinases ( MMP1 [ P = .011] and MMP3 [ P = .016]) were expressed at a significantly higher level in traumatic tears compared with degenerative tears. In contrast, COL1A1 was expressed at a lower level in traumatic tears compared with degenerative tears ( P = .058). None of the genes tested demonstrated significant differences between medial and lateral meniscus tears.

Conclusion:

Traumatic meniscus tears overall exhibited a higher inflammatory/catabolic response as evidenced by higher levels of chemokine and matrix metalloproteinase expression than degenerative tears. These findings suggest that there is a (molecular) biological distinction between traumatic and degenerative tears.

Clinical Relevance:

The catabolic/inflammatory differences between traumatic and degenerative tears may be relevant to treatment decisions regarding the meniscus as well as advance our understanding of how meniscus tears relate to the development of knee osteoarthritis.
Bidirectional flow measurement based on the differential pressure method for surge analysis on a small centrifugal compressor
Authors: Werner Moritz , Baar Roland , Haluska Peter , Sandor Ivo
Published: September 2016

To obtain a high temporal resolution of mass flow data, a flowmeter based on the differential pressure method has been developed. It is capable of detecting negative flow for investigations of dynamic effects in small centrifugal compressors used for turbocharging automotive internal combustion engines. Experiments were performed at a hot gas test bench focusing on the surge characteristics at different turbocharger speeds and the influence of volume modifications downstream of the compressor. Instantaneous operating points could be traced in the compressor map including the typical orbits at deep surge resulting from the cyclic character of the phenomenon.
The Pivotal Role of the Social Sciences in Environmental Health Sciences Research
Authors: Finn Symma , Collman Gwen
Published: September 2016

Environmental health sciences research seeks to elucidate environmental factors that put human health at risk. A primary aim is to develop strategies to prevent or reduce exposures and disease occurrence. Given this primary focus on prevention, environmental health sciences research focuses on the populations most at risk such as communities of color and/or low socioeconomic status. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences research programs incorporate the principles of Community-Based Participatory Research to study health disparities. These programs promote community engagement, culturally appropriate communications with a variety of stakeholders, and consideration of the social determinants of health that interact with environmental factors to increase risk. Multidisciplinary research teams that include social and behavioral scientists are essential to conduct this type of research. This article outlines the history of social and behavioral research funding at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and offers examples of National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences-funded projects that exemplify the value of social science to the environmental health sciences.
Operationalizing Social Work Science Through Research–Practice Partnerships
Authors: Palinkas Lawrence A. , He Amy S. , Choy-Brown Mimi , Hertel Amy Locklear
Published: September 2016

Recent efforts to identify and promote a distinct science for the discipline of social work have led to an ongoing debate regarding the nature and function of such a science. Central to this debate is a lack of consensus as to how to operationalize a social work science. Drawing from the field of implementation science and its application in reducing the gap between research and practice in child welfare and child mental health, this article examines the role of research–practice partnerships in creating and advancing social work science. Through the exercise of cultural exchanges among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and other stakeholders, such partnerships offer the potential to integrate different disciplinary approaches to understanding why populations experience inequity or disadvantage and what to do about it as well as different perspectives on the nature and use of research evidence to achieve such understanding.
Bilingual preschool children’s second-language vocabulary development: The role of first-language vocabulary skills and second-language talk input
Authors: Grøver Vibeke , Lawrence Joshua , Rydland Veslemøy
Published: September 2016

Aims:

In this study, we aimed to examine whether five-year-old children with varying first-language (L1) vocabulary skills benefitted differentially from second-language (L2) teacher-led group talk and peer-play talk when acquiring L2 vocabulary in preschool contexts.

Design:

The participants were 26 bilingual children, speaking Turkish (L1) and Norwegian (L2), who participated in a longitudinal study. At age five, they experienced variability in the amount and diversity of the L2 talk they were exposed to in interactions with teachers and peers.

Data and analysis:

Preschool L2 talk exposure was assessed by calculating the density of word tokens and word types in video-taped teacher-led group talk and in peer-play talk. The children’s vocabulary skills were assessed in L1 at age five and in L2 at ages four, five, six, seven and 10, using translated versions of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III. To obtain a more reliable estimate of the children’s L2 vocabulary skills we used data from all time points to fit a longitudinal growth model.

Findings:

Children with more developed L1 vocabulary skills who were exposed to teacher-led talk and peer-play talk with a high density of tokens had more developed L2 vocabulary skills at age five. This interaction effect remained after controlling for maternal education.

Originality:

Few previous studies, if any, have analyzed whether the interaction effects between L1 vocabulary skills and L2 exposure may impact L2 vocabulary skills; that is, whether children with more developed L1 vocabulary skills are more prepared to make use of the L2 environment.

Implications:

Interdependency among languages may be mediated by classroom talk quality. Rather than limiting the discussion of L1–L2 relations to issues of direct transfer, future research should include children’s experiences with using socio-pragmatic skills when interpreting word meaning.
‘So many books they don’t even all fit on the bookshelf’: An examination of low-income mothers’ home literacy practices, beliefs and influencing factors
Authors: Sawyer Brook E , Cycyk Lauren M , Sandilos Lia E , Hammer Carol S
Published: September 2016

Given the need to enhance the academic language and early literacy skills of young children from low-income homes and the importance of the home literacy environment in supporting children’s development, the purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the home literacy environment of low-income African-American and Latino mothers of preschool children living in the United States. Specifically, research aims were to examine home literacy environment practices, beliefs and influential factors as well as to compare the home literacy environment of African-American and Latino, specifically Puerto Rican, families. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 African-American and 10 Puerto Rican mothers. Data were analysed using the consensual qualitative research method. Twelve themes were identified: provision of educational materials, engagement with books, focus on print, implicit language opportunities, focus on other pre-academic skills, social interactions with books, influence of school, influence of other adults, parents’ reading interest/ability, child’s reading interest, parents’ commitment to child’s success and family stressors. Few differences emerged between African-American and Puerto Rican mothers. Implications for language and literacy intervention development are discussed.
Zombie graduates driven by rickshaw faculty – a qualitative case study: Private universities in urban Bangladesh
Authors: Husain Matt M , Osswald Karina
Published: September 2016

Bangladesh’s post-secondary education has become a hunting ground for local economic conglomerates and their transnational allies. Applying a holistic lens helps to understand the factors and short-term effects of blindly applying neo-liberal induced deregulation and privatization that constructed a mushrooming “McDonaldization” culture in the local post-secondary setting (Ball, 2003; Levin, 1998). The findings of a six-week-long study on Bangladeshi private universities, involving 32 interviews with students and faculty, civil society, and business community representatives and over 100 hours of ethnographic observation, contradict the ideal roles of universities in Bangladeshi society as they lead to demands that neither the universities nor the society can satisfy (Boulton and Lucas, 2011; Collini, 2012). These findings indicate this system constructs “zombie graduates” (Husain, forthcoming), who are entitlement happy yet lack critical understanding and suffer from acute ‘philosophical poverty’ (Husain, forthcoming). In addition, this paper highlights the psyche of upper-middle-class local students and how they reinforce a habitus for effective domination (Bourdieu, 1989, 1997). Finally, this paper critically analyses the imbalanced application of economics and philosophy in higher education governance and argues that the outcomes can hurt post-colonial Bangladeshi culture and society in the long run (Harvey, 2005; Sen, 2006). Critically, these impacts contribute to two arguments: White Men’s Germ on Brown Men’s Body (Husain, forthcoming) and Betrayal by the Intellectuals (Chatterjee, 2004; Orwell, 1949).
Synergistic antitumor efficacy of antibacterial helvolic acid from Cordyceps taii and cyclophosphamide in a tumor mouse model
Authors: Xiao Jian-Hui , Zhang Yao , Liang Gui-You , Liu Ru-Ming , Li Xiao-Gang , Zhang Ling-Tao , Chen Dai-Xiong , Zhong Jian-Jiang
Published: September 2016

The antibacterial agent helvolic acid, which was isolated from the active antitumor fraction of Cordyceps taii, showed potent cytotoxicity against different human cancer cells. In the present study, the in vivo antitumor effect of helvolic acid was investigated in murine sarcoma S180 tumor-bearing mice. Doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day helvolic acid did not exert significant antitumor activity. Interestingly, co-administration of 10 mg/kg/day helvolic acid and 20 mg/kg/day cyclophosphamide (CTX) – a well-known chemotherapy drug – showed promising antitumor activity with a growth inhibitory rate of 70.90%, which was much higher than that of CTX alone (19.5%). Furthermore, the combination markedly prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice. In addition, helvolic acid enhanced the immune organ index. The protein expression levels of β-catenin, cyclin D1, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were significantly suppressed in mice treated with 20 mg/kg/day helvolic acid and in those receiving combination therapy. Taken together, these results indicated that helvolic acid in combination with CTX showed potent in vivo synergistic antitumor efficacy, and its mechanism of action may involve the Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathway.
Virtual Reality Behavioral Therapy
Authors: Kim Byeol , Schwartz Warren , Catacora Danny , Vaughn-Cooke Monifa
Published: September 2016

Mental health and substance abuse patients face many challenges in receiving effective long-term outpatient behavioral therapies, including issues related to accessibility and personalized care. Mobile health technologies, particularly those integrating virtual reality (VR), are increasingly becoming more accessible and affordable, thus providing a potential avenue to deploy outpatient behavioral therapy. This paper proposes a method to address the aforementioned challenges by personalizing and validating VR simulation content for behavioral therapy. An initial demonstration will be performed for tobacco cessation, which is a critical public health treatment area for mental illness and substance abuse. The method empirically builds smoker personas from theoretically grounded survey content. The personas are then used to design and pilot VR simulation modules tailored to behavioral interventions, which will be tested in the patient population. The VR simulation will record a subject’s emotions and brain activities in real-time through subjective (surveys) and objective (neurophysiology) measures of emotional response. The overall goal of the study is to validate the VR content by demonstrating that significant differences are seen in emotional response when presenting content personalized for the patient.
Education of Future Human Factors Professionals
Authors: Rantanen Esa , Boehm-Davis Deborah , Boyle Linda Ng , Hannon Daniel , Lee John D.
Published: September 2016

The labor market as a whole and specifically those areas where human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) professionals are employed are in constant flux. Academic institutions, on the other hand, tend to be more stable with changes in programs happening much more slowly. There is some evidence that the education of new HF/E professionals falls short of meeting the knowledge and skills that human factors professionals face when they enter the workplace. This panel is convened to discuss and debate two questions: (1) What would the “ideal” education look like for the future HF/E professional, and (2) what would be the best way to deliver this ideal education. Moreover, we hope that this panel will bring together educators and employers of future HF/E professionals and foster a lively and productive exchange of ideas on how to best supply the future workforce with the evolving industry needs. It should be noted, however, that these are very difficult questions and that the panel is by no means unanimous about answers to them. Whether the ideal solution might involve undergraduate programs dedicated to human factors, survey courses offered to many different majors, or revision of existing graduate programs in response to knowledge and skills expectations in the industry is open to debate. It is just such a debate we hope to engage in within this panel, and with the members of our audience at the 2016 HFES Annual Meeting.
Reaching the Youth – Creating Entertaining and Educational HF/E Outreach Activities for Grades K-12
Authors: Avera Angie , Merta Michael , Fournier Pamela , DeLeon Ruben , Kelling Nicholas , Sutherland Steven C.
Published: September 2016

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society aims to inform the public about the field of HF/E, and a great place to continue this effort is with the involvement of children. With that goal in mind, the HFES student chapter at the University of Houston – Clear Lake created and ran an outreach project with a class of local fourth grade students, consisting of five activities to introduce the students to various concepts of HF/E. We would like to expand upon that project in this alternative session by having attendees brainstorm and create activities for grade school children with accompanying learning objectives. The expected outcome of this alternative format session is to foster the development of a website resource that will contain HF/E educational activities for students in grades K-12 with access for HFES chapters across the country to access and host similar outreach events.
Addressing Human Factors Gaps in Cyber Defense
Authors: Vieane Alex , Funke Gregory , Gutzwiller Robert , Mancuso Vincent , Sawyer Ben , Wickens Christopher
Published: September 2016

Cyber security is a high-ranking national priority that is only likely to grow as we become more dependent on cyber systems. From a research perspective, currently available work often focuses solely on technological aspects of cyber, acknowledging the human in passing, if at all. In recent years, the Human Factors community has begun to address human-centered issues in cyber operations, but in comparison to technological communities, we have only begun to scratch the surface. Even with publications on cyber human factors gaining momentum, there still exists a major gap in the field between understanding of the domain and currently available research meant to address relevant issues. The purpose for this panel is to continue to expand the role of human factors in cyber research by introducing the community to current work being done, and to facilitate collaborations to drive future research. We have assembled a panel of scientists across multiple specializations in the human factors community to have an open discussion regarding how to leverage previous human factors research and current work in cyber operations to continue to push the bounds of the field.
Effects of Display Curvature and Task Duration on Proofreading Task Performance, Visual Fatigue, Visual Discomfort, and Display Satisfaction
Authors: Park Sungryul , Yi Jihhyeon , Choi Donghee , Lee Songil , Kyung Gyouhyung , Choi Byeonghwa , Lee Ja Eun , Lee Seungbae
Published: September 2016

With more curved display products in the market and more exposure to such products, it is necessary to examine the effects of display curvature and task duration from the ergonomics perspective. The current study examined the effects of these two factors on visual performance, visual fatigue, visual discomfort, and display satisfaction during proofreading tasks. We incorporated five display curvatures (600R, 1140R, 2000R, 4000R, and flat) and five task durations (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min). Each of 50 individuals completed a 1-hr proofreading task at one of five display curvature conditions. The horizontal viewing distance was fixed at 600mm. Proofreading performance (speed and error rate), subjective visual fatigue [on ECQ (Eye Complaint Questionnaire)], physiological visual fatigue [CFF (Critical Fusion Frequency), blink duration, and blink frequency], visual discomfort (on VAS), and display satisfaction (on VAS) were measured. The highest mean proofreading speed was at 600R. The mean proofreading speed and error rate increased by 15.5% and 22.3%, respectively, over the 1-h task. The mean ECQ score and visual discomfort increased by 188.6% and 107.2% during 45 and 60 min of the task, respectively. The mean CFF and display satisfaction decreased by 0.49Hz and 11.2% during 15 and 15-45 min of the task. A polynomial regression model for subjective visual fatigue was developed (adjusted R2 = 0.6). These findings can be used when determining ergonomic display curvatures and predicting visual fatigue.
Error Interpretation During Everyday Automation Use
Authors: Preusse Kimberly C. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: September 2016

Experienced users of everyday technologies may perceive automation errors. This paper examines how those users know an automation error has occurred and with what level of detail users interpret those errors. Thirty participants were interviewed about incidents when their activity trackers made an error. Participants described interpreting those errors to various extents, with causal interpretations being the most frequent, but comprising only 46% of their interpretations. Participants used a variety of cues to understand errors. These cues related to context, measurement comparison, device mental models, checking their device, consistency, component information, and information provided about their device. The types of cues were related to the types of interpretations made by the participants. Additionally, participants sometimes provided multiple interpretations for the same error. Understanding what types of cues promote what types of interpretations is the first step in determining what information to provide to users to help them troubleshoot automation errors efficiently and effectively.
Effects of Touchpad Size on Pointing and Gestural Input Area and Performance
Authors: Avera Angie , Harper Christy , Russi-Vigoya Natalia , Stoll Stephen
Published: September 2016

With the introduction of gestural input, many laptops are now being designed with larger touchpads in order to allow for the most accurate use of these features. Vendors have recommended surface input area sizes ranging from 60mm (w) x 45mm (h) to 105mm (w) x 65mm (h) and larger. However, as touchpads have continued to grow, it has been discovered that large touchpads can sometimes increase usability issues from unintended activation. From observing users over time we have noticed that people tend to focus input in the center area of the touchpad, regardless of touchpad dimensions. Therefore it is questionable whether continuing to increase the size of touchpads is necessary. To answer this question we have conducted a study using two touchpads with the same surface materials, one with the dimensions of 140mm (w) x 65mm (h) and one with the dimensions of 95mm (w) x 63mm (h). We found that increased touchpad size did not have a significant effect on the input area that people used for pointing or gestural input. Additionally, we discovered that size did not have a significant effect on performance.
Automation Reliability and Other Contextual Factors in Multi-UAV Operator Selection
Authors: Lin Jinchao , Matthews Gerald , Wohleber Ryan , Chiu C.-Y. Peter , Calhoun Gloria , Funke Gregory , Ruff Heath
Published: September 2016

Multi-unmanned air vehicle (UAV) operation requires a unique set of skills and high demand for new operators requires selection from populations without previous flight training. To support developing criteria for multi-UAV operator selection, the present study investigated the role of multiple individual difference factors in performance under different multi-UAV specific contexts. Specifically, we compared performance under fatigue using a high- and low-reliability automated aid. Accuracy on surveillance tasks, as well as reliance on automation were assessed. Video gaming expertise was associated with reduced stress and less reliance with a low-reliability automated aid. Distress was the most robust predictor of performance accuracy, but high distress was harmful only when reliability was low. Personality correlates of performance varied with both automation reliability and gender. Our findings suggest that multi-UAV operator selection should take into account the reliability of the automated systems.
Comparison of the 3/9 and 6/6 Watchstanding Schedules for Crewmembers of a U.S. Navy destroyer
Authors: Shattuck Nita Lewis , Matsangas Panagiotis
Published: September 2016

This naturalistic study of 52 sailors on the USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) compared actigraphic sleep and psychomotor vigilance performance of crewmembers working a 3hours-on/9hours-off (“3/9”) with the performance of their counterparts who worked a 6hours-on/6hours-off (“6/6”) watchstanding schedule. Crewmembers on the 3/9 slept more (6.46±0.77 hours) and reported less daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score = 10.7±3.70) than their peers on the 6/6 schedule (sleep 5.89±0.87 hours; ESS = 13.1±3.45). The length of the workday for participants on the 6/6 schedule was 15 hours compared to 12.2 hours for crewmembers on the 3/9. Based on 11 of 13 Psychomotor Vigilance Task metrics, performance of crewmembers on the 6/6 schedule had significantly greater variability than the 3/9 sailors (p<0.05). Overall, participants evaluated the 6/6 as being worse and the 3/9 as the better schedule. Results showed that the 3/9 outperformed the 6/6 in terms of daily sleep duration, fatigue levels, psychomotor vigilance performance, and acceptance from the participants.