bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aluminum adsorption on graphene: Theoretical study of dispersion effects
Authors: Rossi Fernández Ana C. , Domancich Nicolás F. , Ferullo Ricardo M. , Castellani Norberto J.
Published: May 2019

The interaction between a single atom and graphene is an example in which the density functional theory (DFT) presents serious difficulties in giving an appropriate description of the adsorbate–substrate interaction, giving also different predictions according to the chosen approximation. The present calculations sustain that the inclusion of dispersion interactions in the framework of DFT for the Al/graphene system lead to potential energy curves of different nature according to the theoretical approach employed. The adsorption of an Al atom on the graphene surface was studied using both cluster and slab models. Cluster DFT–PBE calculations show the presence of a minimum at hollow site at an Al–graphene distance of about 2.1–2.3 Å corresponding to an exothermic state. Conversely, under B3LYP the same adsorption mode is endothermic. In comparison, our MP2 reference calculations predict the formation of two minima, both of exothermic nature, separated by an important energy barrier (about 0.2–0.4[Formula: see text]eV). The incorporation of empirical van der Walls (vdW) corrections to B3LYP changes the original behavior, giving an exothermic adsorption; furthermore, it produces a second, more external minimum. Slab calculations with PBE, and specially using the vdW-DF2 functional, predict also the formation of a minimum of very low depth at about 3.1 Å. The analysis of results obtained with cluster and slab models sustains that the bonding of the inner minima is of ionic character while that of the external ones is of dispersion character.
INCREASING CROWDFUNDING SUCCESS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA: THE IMPORTANCE OF REACH AND UTILISATION IN REWARD-BASED CROWDFUNDING
Authors: CLAUSS THOMAS , NIEMAND THOMAS , KRAUS SASCHA , SCHNETZER PATRICK , BREM ALEXANDER
Published: May 2019

The rising use of crowdfunding makes it important for project initiators to know how they can increase the likelihood of success of their crowdfunding campaign. The effects of using social media, although relatively easy to do via most crowdfunding platforms, have not yet been analysed in greater detail in scientific research. We address this research gap by investigating the effects of social media reach and utilisation on measures of reward-based crowdfunding success, based on an analysis of 230 projects from the crowdfunding platform wemakeit. Our results show that social media reach via the number of social media accounts that belong to the project and the number of accounts that belong to the project initiator increases the number of investors and the percentage of the funding goal that is obtained. Furthermore, social media reach via the size of the projects’ and the individuals’ social networks has not been found to be important for crowdfunding success. Social media utilisation in regard to the amount of content shared is found to be positively associated with crowdfunding success.
The Development of Plant Conservation in Botanic Gardens and the Current and Future Role of Conservation Genetics for Enhancing Those Conservation Efforts
Authors: Edwards Christine E. , Jackson Peter Wyse
Published: May 2019

Botanic gardens play major roles in plant conservation globally. Since the 1980s, the number of botanic gardens worldwide and their involvement in integrating ex situ and in situ plant conservation has increased significantly, with a growing focus on understanding, documenting, and capturing genetic diversity in their living collections. This article outlines why genetic diversity is important for conservation, and explores how botanic gardens can establish and expand the use of molecular techniques to support their plant conservation efforts.
Automata Processing in Reconfigurable Architectures
Authors: Bo Chunkun , Dang Vinh , Xie Ted , Wadden Jack , Stan Mircea , Skadron Kevin
Published: May 2019

We present a general automata processing framework on FPGAs, which generates an RTL kernel for automata processing together with an AXI and PCIe based I/O circuitry. We implement the framework on both local nodes and cloud platforms (Amazon AWS and Nimbix) with novel features. A full performance comparison of the proposed framework is conducted against state-of-the-art automata processing engines on CPUs, GPUs, and Micron’s Automata Processor using the ANMLZoo benchmark suite and some real-world datasets. Results show that FPGAs enable extremely high-throughput automata processing compared to von Neumann architectures. We also collect the resource utilization and power consumption on the two cloud platforms, and find that the I/O circuitry consumes most of the hardware resources and power. Furthermore, we propose a fast, symbol-only reconfiguration mechanism based on the framework for large pattern sets that cannot fit on a single device and need to be partitioned. The proposed method supports multiple passes of the input stream and reduces the re-compilation cost from hours to seconds.
LncRNA SNHG10 Facilitates Hepatocarcinogenesis and Metastasis by Modulating Its Homolog SCARNA13 via a Positive Feedback Loop
Authors: Lan Tian , Yuan Kefei , Yan Xiaokai , Xu Lin , Liao Haotian , Hao Xiangyong , Wang Jinju , Liu Hong , Chen Xiangzheng , Xie Kunlin , Li Jiaxin , Liao Mingheng , Huang Jiwei , Zeng Yong , Wu Hong
Published: May 2019

Understanding the roles of noncoding RNAs (ncRNA) in tumorigenesis and metastasis would establish novel avenues to identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Here, we aimed to identify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)–specific ncRNA and to investigate their roles in hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis. RNA-seq of xenografts generated by lung metastasis identified long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 10 (SNHG10) and its homolog SCARNA13 as novel drivers for the development and metastasis of HCC. SNHG10 expression positively correlated with SCARNA13 expression in 64 HCC cases, and high expression of SNHG10 or SCARNA13 was associated with poor overall survival. As SCARNA13 showed significant rise and decline after overexpression and knockdown of SNHG10, respectively, we hypothesized that SNHG10 might act as an upstream regulator of SCARNA13. SNHG10 and SCARNA13 coordinately contributed to the malignant phenotype of HCC cells, where SNHG10 served as a sponge for miR-150-5p and interacted with RPL4 mRNA to increase the expression and activity of c-Myb. Reciprocally, upregulated and hyperactivated c-Myb enhanced SNHG10 and SCARNA13 expression by regulating SNHG10 promoter activity, forming a positive feedback loop and continuously stimulating SCARNA13 expression. SCARNA13 mediated SNHG10-driven HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and facilitated the cell cycle and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of HCC cells by regulating SOX9. Overall, we identified a complex circuitry underlying the concomitant upregulation of SNHG10 and its homolog SCARNA13 in HCC in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis.

Significance:

These findings unveil the role of a noncoding RNA in carcinogenesis and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
miR-450a Acts as a Tumor Suppressor in Ovarian Cancer by Regulating Energy Metabolism
Authors: Muys Bruna Rodrigues , Sousa Josane F. , Plaça Jessica Rodrigues , de Araújo Luíza Ferreira , Sarshad Aishe A. , Anastasakis Dimitrios G. , Wang Xiantao , Li Xiao Ling , de Molfetta Greice Andreotti , Ramão Anelisa , Lal Ashish , Vidal Daniel Onofre , Hafner Markus , Silva Wilson A.
Published: May 2019

Dysregulation of miRNA expression is associated with multiple diseases, including cancers, in which small RNAs can have either oncogenic or tumor suppressive functions. Here we investigated the potential tumor suppressive function of miR-450a, one of the most significantly downregulated miRNAs in ovarian cancer. RNA-seq analysis of the ovarian cancer cell line A2780 revealed that overexpression of miR-450a suppressed multiple genes involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Overexpression of miR-450a reduced tumor migration and invasion and increased anoikis in A2780 and SKOV-3 cell lines and reduced tumor growth in an ovarian tumor xenographic model. Combined AGO-PAR-CLIP and RNA-seq analysis identified a panel of potential miR-450a targets, of which many, including TIMMDC1, MT-ND2, ACO2, and ATP5B, regulate energetic metabolism. Following glutamine withdrawal, miR-450a overexpression decreased mitochondrial membrane potential but increased glucose uptake and viability, characteristics of less invasive ovarian cancer cell lines. In summary, we propose that miR-450a acts as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer cells by modulating targets associated with glutaminolysis, which leads to decreased production of lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids, as well as inhibition of signaling pathways associated with EMT.

Significance:

miR-450a limits the metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells by targeting a set of mitochondrial mRNAs to reduce glycolysis and glutaminolysis.
Changes in DNA Level of Oncogenic Human Papillomaviruses Other Than Types 16 and 18 in Relation to Risk of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grades 2 and 3
Authors: Xi Long Fu , Schiffman Mark , Hughes James P. , Galloway Denise A. , Koutsky Laura A. , Kiviat Nancy B.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Epidemiologic data addressing clinical relevance of viral load fluctuation of oncogenic types other than human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 are limited.

Methods:

A type-stratified set of infections by non-HPV16/18 oncogenic types that were detected at ≥2 visits was randomly selected from women who were enrolled in a clinical trial and followed every 6 months for 2 years for detection of HPV and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and 3 (CIN2/3). Type-specific viral load was measured on both first and last HPV-positive cervical swab samples.

Results:

CIN2/3 was initially confirmed at the last HPV-positive visit for 67 of 439 infections. The increase in risk of CIN2/3 was associated with high, relative to low, viral load at both first and last positive visits [ORadjusted = 3.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–11.32] and marginally associated with a change of viral load from low to high levels (ORadjusted = 3.15; 95% CI, 0.96–10.35) for infection by species group alpha-9 non-HPV16 oncogenic types but not species group alpha-5-7 non-HPV18 oncogenic types. Among women with an initial diagnosis of CIN2/3 at the first positive visit, CIN2/3 was more frequently redetected at the last positive visit for infections with, compared with without, high DNA load of species group alpha-9 non-HPV16 oncogenic types at both visits (Pexact = 0.04).

Conclusions:

In agreement with data on baseline viral load, the viral load change–associated risk of CIN2/3 differs by HPV species groups.

Impact:

These findings underscore the importance of distinguishing species groups in future studies of clinical relevance of HPV DNA load.
The Amount of Weight Loss Six Months after Bariatric Surgery: It Makes a Difference
Authors: Nedeljkovic-Arsenovic Olga , Banovic Marko , Radenkovic Dejan , Rancic Nemanja , Polovina Snezana , Micic Dragan , Nedeljkovic Ivana
Published: May 2019

Background: Bariatric surgery, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), has become the most frequently used therapy for morbid obesity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of surgically induced weight loss on cardiopulmonary function 6 months after the procedure, as well as the effect of such an intervention on well-known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on 66 morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥40 or ≥35 kg/m2 with present comorbidities), comparing their cardiopulmonary function prior to and 6 months after RYGB surgery. Results: The substantial amount of weight loss (29.80 ± 13.27 kg) after RYGB surgery was associated with significant reduction of comorbidities, especially diabetes and sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002, respectively). Regarding functional capacity, there was significant increase in peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak, p = 0.003), duration of exercise testing, metabolic equivalents (exercise time and METs, p < 0.001), and in peak O2 pulse. These findings were particularly pronounced in a group of patients who had lost more than 18% of initial weight. Conclusions: Reduction of body weight after RYGB surgery is associated with significantly improved cardiorespiratory function 6 months after surgery, especially in patients who lost more than 18% of their initial body weight. In addition, substantial decreases in body weight were also associated with a reduction of cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, hypertriglyceridemia, and sedentary lifestyle.
Comparisons of Cardiotoxicity and Efficacy of Anthracycline-Based Therapies in Breast Cancer: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Mao Zhujun , Shen Keping , Zhu Limin , Xu Midie , Yu Fei , Xue Daoji , Li Hegen , Xue Cheng
Published: May 2019

The effects of anthracycline-based chemical therapies on breast cancer are controversial and inconclusive. We undertook a network meta-analysis to assess the cardiotoxicity and effects of anthracycline therapies in breast cancer. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to August 2018 were reviewed. We identified 19 randomized clinical trials including 3,484 patients with breast cancer which assessed both cardiotoxicity and the effects of anthracycline-based therapies. Eligible studies included the following five treatment strategies: doxorubicin, epirubicin, liposomal doxorubicin (LD), doxorubicin + dexrazoxane (DD), and epirubicin + dexrazoxane (ED). In a direct meta-analysis, epirubicin, LD, DD, and ED had significantly superior cardioprotective effects compared with doxorubicin with odds ratios and 95% CIs of 1.64 (1.04, 2.57), 3.75 (2.46, 5.70), 2.88 (1.93, 4.29), and 3.66 (1.09, 12.33), respectively. Doxorubicin showed no significant difference of response rate compared with epirubicin or LD or DD, respectively. In a network meta-analysis, the ranking order of cardiotoxicity was doxorubicin (worst), epirubicin, DD, LD, and ED (best). The ranking order of the response rate was LD (best), doxorubicin, epirubicin, ED, and DD (worst). The most favorable balance between benefit and risk was shown for ED (best) followed by LD, DD, epirubicin, and doxorubicin. In conclusion, LD or ED is the suitable anthracycline treatment for breast cancer in consideration of both cardiotoxicity and efficacy.
A dinâmica transmídia de fake news conforme a concepção pragmática de verdade
Authors: Alzamora Geane Carvalho , Andrade Luciana
Published: May 2019

A propagação de notícias falsas sobre o julgamento do ex-presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, em janeiro de 2018, é aqui examinada conforme a concepção pragmática de verdade proposta por Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914). Por meio de coleta em redes sociais on-line, observou-se esforço coletivo para fixação de crenças concorrentes, conforme os métodos peirceanos de tenacidade e autoridade. O processo comunicacional analisado, caracterizado como ativismo transmídia, foi impulsionado pela mediação de hashtags que remetiam à polarização política e pelos posts atribuídos a celebridades. Conclui-se que a disputa pelo valor semiótico da verdade fomentou a expansão transmídia de conteúdos falsos e, paradoxalmente, de notícias verificadas.
Contranarrativas fílmicas Guarani Mbya
Authors: Felipe Marcos Aurélio
Published: May 2019

Este trabalho analisa a produção documental do Coletivo Guarani Mbya de Cinema. Intercalando à crítica pós-colonial os estudos fílmicos, o objetivo é compreender como os cineastas indígenas, à medida que assumem os registros audiovisuais sobre si, problematizam as versões oficiais e estereotipadas sobre o seu mundo histórico. A partir da matriz decolonial, identifica-se um regime imagético que configura atos de desobediência fílmica e histórica, além de desnudar a colonialidade do poder, do saber e do ser em volta do povo Guarani. Identificam-se também processos de metalinguagem, que confundem os espaços fílmicos e históricos, criam uma rede intrincada entre os filmes e forçam o cinema para além de suas fronteiras.
Perversão clean na cultura do consumo
Authors: Prado José Luiz Aidar
Published: May 2019

A cultura contemporânea é montagem perversa, na medida em que busca liberar o sujeito egoísta para o mundo do sensível e da pulsão. Durante o século XX, houve crescente liberação das pulsões, estabelecendo-se uma ligação entre o neurótico consumidor e o perverso puritano. Busca-se a perversão, mas permanecendo-se clean, exigindo, para tal, batidas musicais pulsionais e substâncias variadas com graus entre o neurótico consumidor pós-moderno e o perverso puritano. O resultado é a interiorização da lei de mercado a fim de buscar a satisfação das pulsões, desligando quando possível a função sujeito. Para entender as transformações da cultura comunicacional da cidade perversa, é preciso uma teoria psicanalítica das pulsões e das paixões.
Ambulatory care sensitive conditions hospitalization for emergencies rates in Colombia
Authors: González-Vélez Abel E , Mejía Claudia Carolina Colmenares , Padilla Eduardo Low , Marín Sandra Yadira Moreno , Bobadilla Paola Andrea Rengifo , Sánchez Juan Pablo Rueda , Ruget Mario Arturo Isaza
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the emergency hospitalizations trend for ambulatory care sensitive conditions between 2011 and 2015 in a health insureance company of the Colombian Social Security General System. METHODS: A log-linear analysis based on age-adjusted hospitalization rates for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the Entidad Promotora de Salud Sanitas was used to estimate the annual percentage change in these rates and to identify joinponts of the rates. Data was collected from administrative sources. RESULTS: There were 38,530 hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in 26,501 Entidad Promotora de Salud Sanitas enrollees, with a significant decrease in hospitalization rates. The annual percentage change estimated for the period was -9.5% with no significant joinpoints throughout the time interval. CONCLUSIONS: A significant reduction in hospital admissions due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions in Entidad Promotora de Salud Sanitas enrollees were reported for the last five years in this study.
Sampling strategy of an epidemiological survey using a satellite image program
Authors: Ferreira Ticiane De Góes Mário , Rocha José Mariano Da , David Silvia Cardoso de , Boligon Jociana , Casarin Maísa , Grellmann Alessandra Pascotini , Marin Janice , Ardenghi Thiago Machado , Zanatta Fabricio Batistin , Cunha Moreira Carlos Heitor Cunha Moreira
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sampling strategy of an epidemiological survey with the aid of satellite images, including details of the multistage probability sampling process. METHODS: A probability sample of individuals living in the rural area of Rosário do Sul, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, aged 15 years old or more, was evaluated. Participants answered questionnaires (medical history, sociodemographic characteristics, habits, alcohol use, quality of life, stress, rumination, and self-perceived periodontal diseases), and were subjected to clinical oral examinations as well as anthropometric measurements (blood pressure, height, weight, abdominal and waist circumferences). Oral evaluation comprehended a complete periodontal exam at six sites per tooth, including the following assessments: furcation involvement; dental abrasion; tooth decay, including the indexing of missing and filled surfaces; O’Brien index; gingival abrasion; oral cavity and lip lesions; complete periapical radiographic exam, and use of prostheses. Besides this oral clinical approach, subgingival plaque, crevicular gingival fluid, saliva, and blood samples were collected. Examiners were trained and calibrated during previous evaluations. A pilot study allowed the logistic of the performed exams to be adjusted as needed. RESULTS: Among 1,087 eligible individuals, 688 were examined (63.3%). Age, sex, and skin color data were compared to data from the last demographic census (2010) of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, which served to validate the sampling strategy. CONCLUSIONS: The careful methods used in this study, in which satellite images were used in the delimitation of epidemiological areas, ensure the quality of the estimates obtained and allow for these estimates to be used in oral health surveillance and health policies improvements.
Recommendations of physical activity and rest in a Colombian prenatal control program
Authors: Ruiz-Rodríguez Myriam , Sánchez-Martínez Yuri , Ramírez-Muñoz Paula Camila , Camargo-Lemos Diana Marina
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of the registry of physical activity and rest recommendations made to pregnant women and to explore their associated factors in a prenatal care program of primary care public institutions in Bucaramanga, Colombia. METHODS: An observational study was conducted. The sampling frame consisted of the medical records of the pregnant women who attended at least one prenatal care program between January 1 and December 31, 2012 (n = 2.932), in 21 primary care health centers. We analyzed sociodemographic variables, prenatal and clinical antecedents, and information related to health personnel and the organization of health centers as possible factors associated with the recommendations of physical activity and rest recorded in the clinical history. Logistic regression models were applied to explore associations with α = 0.10. RESULTS: There was a frequency of 26.1% of PA recommendations and 3.6% of rest recommendation on record, issued by nutrition (97.3%) and medical (86.7%) professionals, respectively. The factors associated with the registration of physical activity recommendations were: being nulliparous pregnant (OR = 1.7), attending more than four Prenatal Care Attention Programs (OR = 2.2), having high or medium obstetric risk in the first prenatal care program (OR = 0.6), and being attended in the western (OR = 0.5) and eastern (OR = 0.2) administrative areas health centers. CONCLUSIONS: The low frequency of physical activity recommendations found in the records makes it necessary to reinforce the management strategies of health centers and strengthen the monitoring and accompaniment to comply with the care protocols. In addition, it is necessary to train health teams on the benefits of physical activity and their proper prescription, considering the multiple benefits derived from their practice on the maternal-fetal health.
Prenatal care in Southern Brazil
Authors: Saavedra Janaina S , Cesar Juraci A , Linhares Angélica O
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVE: To estimate coverage, examine trend and assess the disparity reduction regarding household income during prenatal care between mothers living in Rio Grande, state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016. METHODS: This study included all recent mothers living in this municipality, between 1/1 and 12/31 of those years, who had a child weighing more than 500 grams or 20 weeks of gestational age in one of the only two local maternity hospitals. Trained interviewers applied, still in the hospital and up to 48 hours after delivery, a unique and standardized questionnaire, seeking to investigate maternal demographic and reproductive characteristics, the socioeconomic conditions of the family and the assistance received during pregnancy and childbirth. To assess the adequacy of prenatal care, the criteria proposed by Takeda were used, which considers only the number of prenatal appointments and gestational age at initiation, and by Silveira et al., who in addition to these two variables, considers the achievement of some laboratory tests. Chi-square tests were used to compare proportions and assess the linear trend. RESULTS: The total of 10,669 recent mothers were included in this survey (96.8% of the total). Prenatal coverage substantially increased between 2007 and 2016. According to Takeda, it rose from 69% to 80%, while for Silveira et al., it increased from 21% to 55%. This improvement occurred for all income groups (p < 0.01). The disparity between the extreme categories of income reduced, according to Takeda, and increased according to Silveira et al. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of prenatal care, considering only the number of appointments and the early start, occurred in greater proportion among the poorest. However, only the richest recent mothers were contemplated with more elaborate care, such as laboratory tests, which increased the disparities in the provision of prenatal care.
Rationale and Design of the VITALITY-HFpEF Trial
Authors: Butler Javed , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Anstrom Kevin J. , Ezekowitz Justin , Hernandez Adrian F. , O’Connor Christopher M. , Pieske Burkert , Ponikowski Piotr , Shah Sanjiv J. , Solomon Scott D. , Voors Adriaan A. , Wu Yi , Carvalho Francine , Bamber Luke , Blaustein Robert O. , Roessig Lothar , Armstrong Paul W.
Published: May 2019

Background

The VITALITY-HFpEF trial (Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of the Oral sGC Stimulator Vericiguat to Improve Physical Functioning in Daily Living Activities of Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction) is designed to determine the efficacy and safety of a novel oral soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, vericiguat, on quality of life and exercise tolerance in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Impaired physical functioning reduces the quality of life in patients with HFpEF. The primary goal of HF treatment along with improving survival is to improve function, reduce symptoms, and maximize quality of life. Abnormal cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling may contribute to physical limitations in patients with HFpEF via central and peripheral mechanisms. Exploratory post hoc analyses from a prior trial showed that vericiguat can improve patient-relevant domains of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, especially the physical limitation score.

Methods and Results

VITALITY-HFpEF is a placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-center, phase IIb trial of ≈735 patients, ≥45 years with HFpEF and ejection fraction ≥45% who will be randomized 1:1:1 to placebo, 10 mg, or 15 mg vericiguat. The primary end point is change in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire physical limitation score from baseline to week 24 and change in 6-minute walk test from baseline to week 24 is the secondary end point.

Conclusions

VITALITY-HFpEF is the first trial designed to assess the efficacy of vericiguat in patients with HFpEF using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire physical limitation score as a novel primary end point. This study will also extend the prior dosing experience with vericiguat in HF by studying the safety and efficacy of a 15 mg dose.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03547583.
Governing the Central Mediterranean through Indirect Rule: Tracing the Effects of the Recognition of Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Tripoli
Authors: Santer Kiri
Published: May 2019

The gradual empowerment of the Libyan Coast Guard through EU training and funding has introduced them as a new actor in the Central Mediterranean amongst other civil and military actors intervening to prevent loss of life at sea. This article examines the contested recognition of the authority of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Tripoli over the newly formalized Libyan Search and Rescue Region. It argues that the recognition of the Libyan coordination authority made by the International Maritime Organisation, has changed the way the international waters separating Libya and Europe are governed. Through the close analysis of three ethnographic vignettes depicting instances of rescue of migrants by an NGO vessel, this article illustrates how the Italian authorities are able to exercise control over this vast area indirectly via the formalization of the Libyan authority and concomitantly imped the operations of civil rescue NGO boats in the zone. This formalization enables Italian authorities (and their EU counterparts) to establish a form of indirect governance in this liminal border zone that clashes with other preceding legal orders which regulate distress cases at sea, i.e. international maritime law.
Multivariate Assessment of the Phenetic Affinities of Australasian Oystercatchers (Aves: Charadriiformes)
Authors: Baker Allan J.
Published: May 2019

Phenetic affinities of Australasian oystercatchers were elucidated by multivariate statistical analysis of seven morphometric characters taken from museum skins. Nineteen operational taxonomie units (OTUs), representing all the currently recognized species and most of the subordinate taxa, were used to calibrate morphological variation in Australasian Haematopus against the range displayed by the Haematopodidae. The rather homogeneous nature of variation among OTUs was not well suited for analysis by hierarchical clustering methods, but a non-hierarchical ordination method utilizing both principal components and nonmetric scaling produced excellent summaries of the similarity matrices.
The Amphipod Gammarus Fossarum Koch (Crustacea) as intermediate Host for some Helminth Parasites, with Notes on their Occurrence in the Final Host
Authors: van Maren Marion J.
Published: May 2019

Monthly samples of Gammarus fossarum have been taken in the Rhône river system near Lyon, to determine the size composition and reproductive activity throughout the year. The acanthocephalan parasites of this gammarid species were also regularly collected. Furthermore, the intestinal tracts of a number of fishes (amongst others Thymallus thymallus), feeding mainly on Gammaridae, have been investigated for the presence of helminth parasites.
Anoplodactylus Ophiurophilus N. Sp., a Sea Spider Associated with Brittle Stars in the Seychelles
Authors: Stock Jan H.
Published: May 2019

A new species of Pycnogonida, Anoplodactylus ophiurophilus, is described. It is associated with three species of the genus Ophiocoma in the Seychelles (Indian Ocean) and constitutes the first recorded case of a sea spider found on Ophiuroidea. In comparison with the 83 species actually recognized in Anoplodactylus, the new species shows hardly any morphological adaptations due to this remarkable association.
Transplantation Experiments with Mediterranean Gorgonians
Authors: Weinberg Steven
Published: May 2019

Branches of gorgonians belonging to four different Mediterranean species (Eunicella singularis (Esper), Paramuricea clavata (Risso), Corallium rubrum (Linnaeus) and Lophogorgia ceratophyta (Linnaeus)) were transplanted to different habitats by means of three different methods, and survival and growth rates were observed over periods ranging from three months to over two years. It was concluded that transplantation of animals still fixed on their natural substratum is to be preferred over transplantations involving artificial devices. Transplanted adult branches of all four species tolerate conditions under which the species are not usually encountered. Tolerances or preferences of larval and juvenile phases must account for these discrepancies. Transplants never survived in shallow waters. Algal competition, abrasion and mechanical destruction due to turbulent water conditions, and in some cases high irradiance values are among the lethal factors. In deeper water, sedimentation is also fatal, although in nature some colonies survive under similar conditions.
An Essay to Assess the Age of the Freshwater Interstitial Ostracods of Europe
Authors: Danielopol Dan L.
Published: May 2019

The freshwater ostracods living exclusively in interstitial and/or interstitial and cavernous habitats belong to the Candoninae, Pseudolimnocytherinae, Timiriaseviinae, Kliellinae and Darwinulidae. An assessment of the antiquity of several interstitial ostracod groups has been attempted using direct evidence from the phylogenetical affinities between living hypogean and fossil ostracod species, and indirect evidence from the morphological characters of the subterranean ostracods and from the bio- and paleobiogeographical distribution of the different ostracod groups.
Morphometric Variation in Indian Samples of the Common Myna, Acridotheres Tristis (Aves: Sturnidae)
Authors: Baker Allan J. , Moeed Abdul
Published: May 2019

Morphometric variation in 9 characters of 347 Common Mynas from 10 localities in India was analysed statistically. Both sexes have differentiated similarly among localities in all characters. Character variability within localities is not significantly correlated with that among localities. The patterns of geographic variation are not clinally ordered; contiguous localities often are not most similar morphometrically.
Die Polychaeten der Amsterdam-Expeditionen Nach Westindien
Authors: Hartmann-Schröder Gesa
Published: May 2019

Nineteen species were collected, twelve of which were already known to science, three were not or not exactly determinable and three others as well as a subspecies were new to science and described: Microphthalmia stocki n. sp., Typosyllis bifurcata n. sp., Brania glandulosa n. sp., Sphaerosyllis hystrix anoculata n. subsp. Four of the known species are widely distributed, three are circumtropical-subtropical, two have an Indo-West-Pacific distribution, one species has an amphi-Central-American distribution, and two species are endemics.
Population Dynamics of Three Gammarid Species (Crustacea, Amphipoda) in a French Chalk Stream.
Authors: Goedmakers Annemarie
Published: May 2019

The standing crop of Gammarus pulex pulex (Linnaeus, 1758), G. fossarum Koch in Panzer, 1836 and Echinogammarus berilloni (Catta, 1878) has been studied in a small French chalk stream, the Slack. A brief description of all amphipod species encountered in this river is given, with a key to different life stages.
Ecology and Distribution of Two Sympatric, Closely Related Sponge Species, Halichondria Panicea (Pallas, 1766) and H. Bowerbanki Burton, 1930 (Porifera, Demospongiae), with Remarks on their Speciation
Authors: Vethaak A. D. , Cronie R. J. A. , van Soest R. W. M.
Published: May 2019

North Atlantic coastal waters harbour two closely related sympatric sponges belonging to the genus Halichondria, viz. H. panicea and H. bowerbanki. From the study of their littoral and sublittoral microdistribution and ecology in the Oosterschelde area ( = Eastern Scheldt, S.W. part of The Netherlands) it is concluded that both occupy largely similar niches, although it was found that H. panicea is better equipped to endure exposure to air since it occurs up to a higher intertidal level than H. bowerbanki, while the latter is better equipped to withstand siltation. Other environmental factors as depth, light, current velocity and salinity affect the distribution and behaviour of both species similarly. From these observations it can be inferred, that speciation from a parent species cannot have been sympatrically through ecological segregation of individuals. The possibilities of geographical isolation of populations of a parent species on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean during past glacial periods resulting in an originally American species (H . bowerbanki) and an originally European species (H. panicea) are discussed.
Petrus Camper’s Study of the Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Sondaicus) and its Influence on Georges Cuvier
Authors: Rookmaaker L.C. , Visser R.P.W.
Published: May 2019

It has been asserted that Petrus Camper (1722-1789) was the first to distinguish the Javan Rhinoceros as a separate species. This opinion is based on a cursory remark in a posthumously published letter to the Russian scientist Peter Simon Pallas. A careful analysis of Camper’s numerous writings on the rhinoceros, both published and unpublished, has produced not the slightest confirmation of this taxonomic achievement. Therefore, it seems premature to label Camper as the discoverer of the Javan Rhinoceros. As Georges Cuvier made ample use of the material collected by Camper, we have also discussed its influence on Cuvier’s ideas with respect to rhinoceros classification.
Four New or Little-known Australiosomatini from New South Wales (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae)
Authors: Jeekel C.A.W.
Published: May 2019

Redescription of Australiosoma clavigerum (Verhoeff, 1928) based on topotypical material. Descriptions of two new species of the genus Cladethosoma Chamberlin, 1920: C. gladiator nov. spec., characterized particularly by a dagger-like femoral process of the gonopods, and C. inflatum nov. spec, in which the femoral process of the gonopods is quite strongly developed and transversely inflated. A new genus, Dicladosomella, is proposed for D. segmentata nov. spec.; it belongs to the group of Australiosomatini in which the telopodite of the gonopods is deeply split into two main branches, tibiotarsus and solenomerite, and is distinguished in particular by the solenomerite having a secondary branch in which the spermal channel makes a loop.
The Australian Species of the Genus Lembeja Distant, 1892 (Homoptera, Tibicinidae)
Authors: de Jong M. R.
Published: May 2019

Four described Australian and one described New Guinean species of the tribe Prasiini in fact represent only two species: Lembeja paradoxa (Karsch, 1890) and Lembeja vitticollis (Ashton, 1912), the only representatives of the tribe in Australia. Relationships of the species are discussed. The species are redescribed and structures of taxonomic importance as well as the whole insects are depicted. Study of type-material proved the new synonymies of Lembeja acutipennis (Karsch, 1890) and Lembeja brunneosa Distant, 1910, with Lembeja paradoxa. Lembeja vitticollis is taken out of the synonymy of Lembeja brunneosa.
Implication, Conditionality and Taxonomic Statements
Authors: Ball Ian R.
Published: May 2019

Popper’s falsifiability criterion, cast in the form of modus tollens, or ((P ⸧ Q). ~Q) ⸧ ~P, has often been applied to phylogenetic and cladistic theories. A severe criticism of such application is here examined. Questions concerning the universality, strict or numerical, of the propositions involved are irrelevant, but it is clear nevertheless that some workers have used modus tollens in an inappropriate way. Reliance on it is incorrect if the implicational statement, P ⸧ Q, is either a definitional or stochastic conditional. But if it is framed as a causal conditional then a Popperian approach to phylogenetics remains viable, although it is doubtful that this is true also of cladistics, which eschews a causal approach.
Saurenchelys Halimyon, A New Species of Nettastomid Eel, with Comments on Saurenchelys Cancrivora Peters, 1864, and a Preliminary List of Larval and Metamorphosed Anguilliformes Caught in the Mid North Atlantic
Authors: van Utrecht W.L.
Published: May 2019

A new species of nettastomid eel, Saurenchelys halimyon, is described and figured. The leptocephalus of Saurenchelys cancrivora Peters, 1864, is redescribed; no resemblance was found to the leptocephalus of Facciolella physonema (Facciola, 1914) as was supposed by Blache (1977). Fourteen species are listed of larval and metamorphosed Anguilliformes caught in April 1980 in the mid North Atlantic.
First Record of an Anthurid Isopod, Cyathura Univam sp. n., on the South American Continent
Authors: Botosaneanu Lazare
Published: May 2019

Description of Cyathura univam sp. n. (Isopoda: Anthuridea), a depigmented and eyeless species from oligohaline cave water, at Mayorquines (Peninsula de Morocoy, Venezuela). This is the first species of the suborder to be found in South America. It is related to two stygobiont species, one from Curaçao and the other from Aruba.
Tubificidae (Oligochaeta) from Subterranean Waters, with Description of Two New Genera
Authors: Dumnicka Elżbieta
Published: May 2019

Two new genera of the family Tubificidae inhabiting springs, wells and interstitial waters of a brackish lake in the West Indies are described. These are Spirospermoides stocki gen. et sp. n. and Krenedrilus papillatus gen. et sp. n. A detailed description of the morphological characters and genital organs is provided. A comparison with allied genera and species is also made. The occurrence of some other species of this family has been recorded.
The Stygobiont Amphipoda of Jamaica
Authors: Stock Jan H.
Published: May 2019

Of sixty-one stygofauna samples from Jamaica, seven contained hypogean Amphipoda. These seven samples yielded four species (three new) of the genus Metaniphargus. No other genera were encountered. Descriptive notes on these four species are provided. The cladistics of Metaniphargus and allied genera are briefly discussed.
The Genus Strandesia and other Cypricercini (Crustacea, Ostracoda) in the West Indies.
Authors: Broodbakker Nico W.
Published: May 2019

The distribution and ecology of two species of Strandesia, S. longula Broodbakker, 1983, and S. stocki Broodbakker, 1983, are discussed. Both species are very common in Haiti, and S. longula is also common in the Bahamas. Both are found on some of the Lesser Antilles, and therefore they are assumed to have a much wider distribution.
The Genus Tanycypris (Crustacea, Ostracoda) in the West Indies
Authors: Broodbakker Nico W.
Published: May 2019

A list of species that are, or probably have to be, assigned to the genus Tanycypris is given. A redescription is given of T. meridana (Furtos, 1936), a species originally described as Herpetocypris , from Yucatan (Mexico). This species was also found in Puerto Rico, two of the Lesser Antilles and two islands off the Venezuelan coast. The species is compared with other species of Tanycypris, with species of the subgenus Acanthocypris of Strandesia s.l., as defined by Broodbakker (1983), and especially with Strandesia venezolana Broodbakker, 1983, which seems to be intermediate between Tanycypris and Acanthocypris. Furthermore, a supplementary diagnosis of the genus Tanycypris is given. Tanycypris appears to be a widespread tropical genus, represented by few species with an extensive distribution.
Harmonics in Courtship Sounds of four Caribbean Reef Fish Species of the Genus Eupomacentrus (Pomacentridae)
Authors: Albrecht Helmut
Published: May 2019

Four species of sympatric damselfishes (Eupomacentrus, Pomacentridae) produce and apparently use sounds in their courtship behaviour. Up to now, time structure elements were considered the key parameters in species recognition. Audible differences between the species, that can be ascribed to frequency characteristics of these sounds, are described here for the first time. It was found that both classes of parameters, i.e. of time structure and of frequency, can equally be responsible for species specificity within one locality. In other localities, different parameters (e.g. optical signals) or different combinations of different modalities could lead to the same result.
Observations on the Behaviour of the Scarlet Ibis, Eudocimus Ruber, in Artis Zoo, Amsterdam
Authors: Spil R. E. , van Walstijn M. W. , Albrecht H.
Published: May 2019

The Scarlet Ibis, Eudocimus ruber (Linnaeus), fam. Threskiornithidae, is the closest relative of the White Ibis, Eudocimus albus (Linnaeus). The two species live in adjoining geographical areas. Nothing is known about the Scarlet Ibis’s breeding biology in the wild and only little about its breeding biology in captivity. A better understanding of the breeding of this species in captivity should help to improve its management and also to elucidate its relationship with its much better known counterpart, the White Ibis.
Systématique et Répartition de Vipera Ursinii (Bonaparte, 1835) (Reptilia, Viperidae), en Roumanie
Authors: Vancea St. , Saint Girons H. , Fuhn I. E. , Stugren B.
Published: May 2019

L’etude de la répartition et de la morphologie comparée de Vipera ursinii en Roumanie apporte les résultats suivants:

1. Les populations de Fînatele Clujului, maintenant disparues, appartenaient à la sous-espèce V. ursinii rakosiensis.

2. Les populations de Moldavie, qui présentent un mélange de caractères de V. ursinii rakosiensis et de V. ursinii renardi, correspondent à une zone d’intergradation secondaire.

3. Les populations du delta du Danube, également plus ou moins intermédiaires entre ces deux sous-especès, présentent en outre quelques caractères particuliers. En attendant de nouvelles recherches, il paraît cependant plus sage de leur conserver leur statut actuel de V. u. renardi.
Four New Species and One New Subspecies of Asteroidea (Echinodermata) Collected by the “Siboga” Expedition in the Indo-Malayan Region
Authors: Aziz Aznam , Jangoux Michel
Published: May 2019

Four new species and one new subspecies of asteroids collected by the “Siboga” Expedition in the Indo-Malayan region are described. They are deep-waterspecies belonging to the families Goniasteridae, Solasteridae, Ganeriidae, Asteriidae and Brisingidae.
The Relationship of Brookesia, Rhampholeon and Chamaeleo (Chamaeleonidae, Reptilia)
Authors: Hillenius D.
Published: May 2019

Comparing the species of Brookesia and Rhampholeon with Chamaeleo it is concluded that Brookesia + Rhampholeon form a monophyletic group, arising from a branch of Chamaeleo, probably most related to the group around Chamaeleo nasutus. The separation between Rhampholeon and Brookesia is confirmed.
The Species of the Genus Pseudoniphargus Chevreux, 1901 (Amphipoda) from Northern Spain
Authors: Notenboom Jos
Published: May 2019

Based on new material collected in 1983, 1984, and 1985, the genus Pseudoniphargus proves to be distributed in northern Spain from Asturias, in the western part of the Cordillera Cantabrica, to Navarra and Huesca, in the headlands of the Pyrenees; and from coastal Atlantic regions up to the northern border of the Meseta. A total of 13 species are recognized, of which 11 are new. They are not only found in cave waters, but also in springs, hyporheic habitats, and wells.
Mediterranean Octocorallia: Description of Clavularia Carpediem n. sp. and Synonymy of Clavularia Crassa and C. Ochracea on Etho-Ecological Grounds
Authors: Weinberg Steven
Published: May 2019

A new stoloniferan octocoral from the Mediterranean (Morocco) is described under the name Clavularia carpediem and critically compared with C. marioni Von Koch, 1891 and C. arctica (Sars, 1861). A thorough redescription of the latter species is given.
On the Sexual Behaviour of the Italian Newt, Triturus Italicus (Caudata: Salamandridae)
Authors: Giacoma Cristina , Sparreboom Max
Published: May 2019

The sexual behaviour of the Italian Newt Triturus italicus is characterized by an extended phase of static display. Tail fanning is the predominant movement during this stage. Shortly before creeping, a flicking tail movement is inserted in the display. Occasionally the male retreats in front of the female before turning to the spermatophore transfer phase. This behaviour is comparable to the retreat display of the T. vulgaris-helveticus-montandoni group. The long phase of static display resembles the behaviour of another species, T. boscai. In T. italicus, behaviours like retreat and tail touch by the female appear to be less stereotyped than in the T. vulgaris-helveticus-montandoni group.
Serrivomer Beani Gill & Ryder, 1884 (Pisces, Anguilliformes, Serrivomeridae): Some Aspects of Seasonal Variation in Numbers and Distribution in the mid North Atlantic
Authors: van Utrecht W.L. , van Utrecht-Cock C.N.
Published: May 2019

In Rectangular Midwater Trawl samples taken along the 30°W meridian in the mid North Atlantic, Serrivomer beani reaches its greatest density in April-June between 25° and 34°N. In this period the larvae of this species are caught here as well.
Growth and Seasonal Variations in Distribution of Chauliodus Sloani and C. Danae (Pisces) from the mid North Atlantic
Authors: van Utrech W.L. , van Utrecht-Cock C.N. , de Graaf A.M.J.
Published: May 2019

In the mid North Atlantic Chauliodus sloani is caught mainly between 55° and 29° N, while the majority is caught north of 35° N. The greatest density is found around 40° N. Chauliodus danae has the northern limit of its distribution at about 45° N. C. danae, in particular the smaller specimens, shows clear vertical migration and has food preference, while C. sloani does not show such migration and is most probably a random feeder. In both species there is a significant increase in length from south to north.