bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomy and phylogenetic relationships of a new catfish species from northeastern Argentina with comments on the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Rhamdella Eigenmann and Eigenmann 1888 (Siluriformes, Heptapteridae)
Authors: BOCKMANN FLÁVIO A. , MIQUELARENA AMALIA M.
Published: May 2019

Rhamdella cainguae, a new species of the family Heptapteridae is described from the Arroyo Cuña-Pirú, a tributary of the Río Paraná, in the subtropical forest of Misiones, northeastern Argentina. The presence of a large differentiated ovoid area on the supraorbital laterosensory canal along the frontal-sphenotic boundary, delimited by the slender dorsal walls of the bones, and with no foramen for a laterosensory branch, is an autapomorphy for R. cainguae. A detailed description of the skeleton and laterosensory system of R. cainguae is provided. The genus Rhamdella is rediagnosed on the basis of three autapomorphies: a very large opening in the frontal for the exit of the s6 (epiphyseal) branch of the supraorbital laterosensory canal (reversed in R. rusbyi), a large optic foramen, and a dark stripe along the lateral surface of the body (reversed in R. rusbyi). Rhamdella is considered to be the sister group of a large heptapterid clade composed of the Nemuroglanis sub-clade plus the genera Brachyglanis, Gladioglanis, Leptorhamdia, and Myoglanis. Rhamdella is herein restricted to five valid species: R. aymarae, R. cainguae, R. eriarcha, R. longiuscula, and R. rusbyi. A sister group relationship between R. aymarae and R. rusbyi is supported by three synapomorphies. Rhamdella cainguae shares 12 apomorphic features with R. eriarcha and R. longiuscula.
A new species of clawed frog (genus Xenopus) from the Itombwe Massif, Democratic Republic of the Congo: implications for DNA barcodes and biodiversity conservation
Authors: EVANS BEN J. , CARTER TIMOTHY F. , TOBIAS MARTHA L. , KELLEY DARCY B. , HANNER ROBERT , TINSLEY RICHARD C.
Published: May 2019

Here we describe a new octoploid species of clawed frog from the Itombwe Massif of South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This new species is the sister taxon of Xenopus wittei, but is substantially diverged in morphology, male vocalization, and mitochondrial and autosomal DNA. Analysis of mitochondrial “DNA barcodes” in polyploid clawed frogs demonstrates that they are variable between most species, but also reveals limitations of this type of information for distinguishing closely related species of differing ploidy level. The discovery of this new species highlights the importance of the Itombwe Massif for conservation of African biodiversity south of the Sahara.
The Palaearctic species of the Pegomya terminalis species group (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), with descriptions of two new species
Authors: MICHELSEN VERNER
Published: May 2019

The Pegomya terminalis species group is redefined on the basis of the characteristic, exceptionally long and apically strongly depressed female oviscapt. A North American species has once been reared from horsetail (Equisetum sp.), and it is believed that all the species in this group as larvae feed on this unusual diet. The present paper reviews the known Palaearctic species with an identification key to males and females, illustrated descriptions and new records. The number of known species is raised from two to four with descriptions of two new species: P. glabroides sp. nov. from Norway, Sweden, Finland and France and P. skulei sp. nov. from Greece. A fifth undescribed species from Turkey is keyed and discussed. The P. terminalis species group is known with certainty only from the western part of the Palaearctic Region, where most species are confined to the southern, Mediterranean parts. Elsewhere, the species group is represented by 5– 6 endemic species in North America and one unnamed species in South Africa.
A new synonym and new records of Tychiini (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) from Madeira Archipelago and Selvagens Islands
Authors: CALDARA ROBERTO , AGUÍN-POMBO DORA
Published: May 2019

Tychius bicolor Brisout, 1862 and Sibinia arenariae Stephens, 1831 are reported from the Archipelago of Madeira, respectively Madeira and Porto Santo, for the first time. Two additional specimens of T. filirostris Wollaston, 1854, known previously from only two specimens from Porto Santo, were examined. Following the study of these specimens and others from the Canary Islands (Tenerife, La Palma) and Selvagen Pequena, T. colonnellii Caldara, 1991 from Tenerife is proposed as a junior synonym of T. filirostris.
Nomenclatoral changes for some Pseudophyllinae (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae)
Authors: BRAUN HOLGER , MAEHR MICHAEL D.
Published: May 2019

Recently Özdikmen (2007 & 2008) proposed substitute names for two generic names in the subfamily Pseudophyllinae which are junior homonyms: Colobotettix Beier 1960 (preoccupied by a leafhopper genus) was renamed Beierotettix and Alloschema Beier 1954 (preoccupied by a weevil) became Beieroschema. Similarly in accordance with article 60 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (1999) we propose substitute names for two additional genus group names in the same subfamily, concerning also Neotropical taxa described by Beier.
A synopsis of the orchid weevil genus Orchidophilus Buchanan (Curculionidae, Baridinae), with taxonomic rectifications and description of one new species
Authors: PRENA JENS
Published: May 2019

Six species of the weevil genus Orchidophilus Buchanan are recognized: O. epidendri (Murray) comb. n. (=Acythopeus genuinus Pascoe syn. n., =Baris orchivora Blackburn syn. n., =Apotomorhinus orchidearum Kolbe syn. n.), O. aterrimus (Waterhouse), O. eburifer (Pascoe) comb. n. (=Acythopeus gilvonotatus Barber syn. n.), O. peregrinator Buchanan, O. ran Morimoto and O. insidiosus Prena sp. n. These species appear to be native to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore but are dispersed frequently with orchid cultivars by global trade. Orchidophilus aterrimus has been intercepted most frequently and now is established in several Indo-Pacific regions outside its native range. Nearly as common as, and occasionally confused with, the former is O. epidendri. Orchidophilus ran is of some significance in Japan and Korea, while O. peregrinator, O. eburifer and O. insidiosus were intercepted occasionally at scattered locations before 1970. An identification key for the six species is provided. Lectotypes are designated for Baridius aterrimus Waterhouse, Acythopeus genuinus Pascoe, Baris orchivora Blackburn and Apotomorhinus orchidearum Kolbe; a neotype is designated for Centrinus epidendri Murray.
Three new species of the genus Krisna Kirkaldy (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae) from China, with a checklist of the genus
Authors: ZHANG YALIN , ZHANG XINMIN , DAI WU
Published: May 2019

Eight species of the genus Krisna Kirkaldy from China including three new species are recognized: Krisna concava Li & Wang, K. furcata sp. nov., K. nigromarginata Cai & He, K. rufimarginata Cai & He, K. strigicollis (Spinola), K. viridula Li & Wang, K. daiyunensis sp. nov., K. viraktamathi sp. nov. Two new synonyms are revealed, Krisna bimaculata Cai & He, 1998 syn. nov., a junior synonym of Krisna concava Li & Wang, 1991 and Krisna burmanica Viraktamath, 2006 syn. nov., a junior synonym of Krisna rufimarginata Cai & He, 1998. A key is proposed to ten Chinese species. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of eight species are given and a checklist of all known species of the genus is also provided.
New species of Nemoura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from China
Authors: LI WEIHAI , YANG DING
Published: May 2019

Five species of the genus Nemoura from China are described as new to science: Nemoura concava sp. n., Nemoura junhuae sp. n., Nemoura mesospina sp. n., Nemoura stellata sp. n., and Nemoura wangi sp. n. Their relationships with related species are discussed.
Three new species of leaflitter frogs from the upper Amazon forests: cryptic diversity within Pristimantis "ockendeni" (Anura: Strabomantidae) in Ecuador
Authors: ELMER KATHRYN R. , CANNATELLA DAVID C.
Published: May 2019

We describe three new species of Pristimantis leaflitter frogs from the upper Amazon basin of Ecuador: Pristimantis achuar, Pristimantis altamnis, and Pristimantis kichwarum. Each of these new species was previously considered to be part of a single species, formerly known as Eleutherodactylus ockendeni (Boulenger) morph B. However, analysis of DNA sequences together with examination of the morphology of more than 600 specimens from Ecuador reveals that multiple species were confused under the same name. The morphological differences among the three new species are subtle but consistent: presence or absence of a black canthal stripe and/or supratympanic ridge, snout-vent length, and ventral colouration. The three species are generally allopatric and geographically restricted, although at some localities two of the species occur sympatrically.Describimos tres especies nuevas de ranas del sotobosque de la cuenca Amazónica Ecuatoriana: Pristimantis achuar, Pristimantis altamnis y Pristimantis kichwarum. Estas especies fueron consideradas antes como una sola especie bajo el nombre Eleutherodactylus ockendeni (Boulenger) morfo B. Sin embargo, el análisis de secuencias de ADN y la examinación de la morfología de más que 600 especímenes Ecuatorianos indican que en realidad existen tres especies. Sus diferencias morfológicas son sutiles pero constantes: presencia o ausencia de una raya cantal negra y/o de un pliegue supratimpánico y su coloración ventral. Las tres especies tienen distribuciones alopátricas y distintas aunque en algunas localidades se puede encontrar dos de las tres especies juntas.
New records, and nomenclatural and biological notes on Reduviidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from Bolivia and Brazil
Authors: GIL-SANTANA HÉLCIO R.
Published: May 2019

New occurrences of Reduviidae from Bolivia and Brazil are recorded for the first time. Morphological remarks on the female of Heza gilsantanai Bérenger (Harpactorinae) are given. The possible aposematicism between Notocyrtus colombianus Carvalho & Costa (Harpactorinae) and Ptilotrigona lurida (Smith) (Hymenoptera; Apidae; Apinae) is suggested. Based on biological observations, Zelus nigrispinus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1848) (Harpactorinae) is considered a junior synonym of Zelus versicolor (Herrich-Schäffer, 1848).
Ten new species of the genus Draconarius (Araneae: Amaurobiidae) from China
Authors: XU XIANG , LI SHUQIANG
Published: May 2019

Ten new Draconarius species are described: D. acutus spec. nov., D. complanatus spec. nov., D. expansus spec. nov., D. magnarcuatus spec. nov., D. pseudocoreanus spec. nov., D. subabsentis spec. nov., D. sublutulentus spec. nov., D. tensus spec. nov., D. ventrifurcatus spec. nov. and D. zonalis spec. nov. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of these new species are provided.
Alobevania, a new genus of neotropical ensign wasps (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae), with three new species: integrating taxonomy with the World Wide Web
Authors: DEANS ANDREW R. , KAWADA RICARDO
Published: May 2019

Alobevania Kawada & Deans, n. gen., and three new ensign wasps, A. gattiae Kawada & Deans, n. sp., A. tavaresi Kawada & Deans, n. sp., and A. longisaeta Kawada & Deans, n. sp. are described from specimens collected in the Neotropics. A key to species and discussion of how this previously undescribed lineage fits within Evaniidae are provided. This taxonomic effort is greatly enhanced by the integration of numerous Web resources: a) an ontology of Hymenoptera morphology, b) annotations and collections of images archived in Morphbank, c) descriptive species pages at Evanioidea Online, d) Web-based multi-entry and bifurcating diagnostic keys at Evanioidea Online, e) taxon pages at the Tree of Life Web Project, f) registration of taxa, authors, taxonomic references, and specimens at ZooBank and assignment of Life Science Identifiers (LSIDs), g) georeferencing of all specimen localities, with downloadable KML files, h) manuscript is marked up using TaxonX and is available through Plazi.
Description of the female and nymph of Philogenia mangosisa from southern Ecuador (Odonata: Megapodagrionidae)
Authors: BYBEE SETH. M. , TENNESSEN KEN J.
Published: May 2019

The previously unknown female and nymph of Philogenia mangosisa are described, illustrated, and compared with similar species.
New species of Poecilochaetus Claparede, 1875 (Polychaeta, Spionida, Poecilochaetidae) from Paranagua Bay, southeastern Brazil
Authors: SANTOS CINTHYA S. G. , MACKIE ANDREW S. Y.
Published: May 2019

Two new species, Poecilochaetus polycirratus and Poecilochaetus perequensis, are described from Paranaguá Bay, southeastern Brazil. This contribution triples the number of Poecilochaetus species known from Brazil and adds to our knowledge of the genus worldwide. A comparative table for all species is provided and characters within the genus discussed.
An overlooked threatened species of eagle: Legge's Hawk Eagle Nisaetus kelaarti (Aves: Accipitriformes)
Authors: GJERSHAUG J. O. , DISERUD O. H. , RASMUSSEN P. C. , WARAKAGODA D.
Published: May 2019

Species delimitation is fundamental to many areas of biology, and in cases where taxonomic status has not been sufficiently clarified the ramifications can be as serious as extinction due to the failure to implement conservation measures. Since 1931, the Mountain Hawk Eagle Nisaetus (Spizaetus) nipalensis Hodgson has included the allopatric Sri Lankan and southern Indian taxon N. kelaarti (Legge) as a subspecies, and its taxonomic status has not been re-evaluated. We found that N. kelaarti differs considerably from N. nipalensis in its relatively much larger bill and claws and short primary projection, and that it also differs consistently in numerous plumage characters and other mensural characters. Its vocalizations differ distinctly, and an earlier study found a moderate degree of genetic differentiation (4.4% in cyt b and 3.1% in CR) from N. nipalensis. The available evidence thus strongly and unambiguously supports the specific distinctness of N. kelaarti.
The casque-headed tree-frog Corythomantis greeningi: clarifying some points on its biology
Authors: JARED CARLOS , ANTONIAZZI MARTA MARIA
Published: May 2019

Among the anurans inhabiting the semi-arid areas of Brazil (Caatinga), the casque-headed tree-frog Corythomantis greeningi Boulenger 1896 is one of the most curious species. It is considered of wide occurrence in the Caatinga (Rodrigues, 2005) and is also found in some areas of the Cerrado, the Brazilian savannah (Colli et al, 2002). C. greeningi is characterized by its distinctive and flattened head, in which the helmet-shaped skull together with the head skin form a single coossified structure. This type of head has been associated with phragmosis (a term used for animals which close holes using parts of the body, in this particular case the head) (Jared et al., 2005). The species is well adapted to the xeric environment which led to the hypothesis that the peculiar head may function as a protection from desiccation when the animal hides inside holes. Nevertheless, even during periods of intense drought (in general in July and August) we observed these frogs remaining active. We thus inferred that the head should not be the main protection of the animal against desiccation.
New records of chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) from the black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor)
Authors: SHIMADA MEGUMI , YOSHIZAWA KAZUNORI
Published: May 2019

Three species of chewing lice—Eucolpocephalum femorale (Piaget, 1880) (Amblycera: Menoponidae), Ibidoecus plataleae (Denny, 1842) (Ischnocera: Philopteridae) and Ardeicola plataleae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Ischnocera: Philopteridae)—are reported from the black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor Temminck & Schlegel, 1849) in Japan. These three louse species are new records for this host. The black-faced spoonbill is classified as a “Critically Endangered” species in the IUCN Red List; although its species of lice are known to infest other species of spoonbills, these lice are endangered at the population level.
The new species of the genus Atanygnathus Jacobson, 1909 (Coleoptera: Styphylinidae: Staphylininae) from Réunion Island
Authors: KOCIAN MATÚŠ , HLAVÁČ PETER
Published: May 2019

New species Atanygnathus poussereaui Kocian & Hlaváč, sp. n. from Réunion is described and illustrated. Key to all species of Atanygnathus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae, Tanygnathinina) of Réunion is presented.
What Can We Expect from Data Assimilation for Air Quality Forecast? Part II: Analysis with a Semi-Real Case
Authors: Bessagnet Bertrand , Menut Laurent , Couvidat Florian , Meleux Frédérik , Siour Guillaume , Mailler Sylvain
Published: May 2019

Assimilation of observational data from ground stations and satellites has been identified as a technique to improve air quality model results. This study is an evaluation of the maximum benefit expected from data assimilation in chemical transport models. Various tests are performed under real meteorological conditions; the injection of various subsets of “simulated observational data” at the initial state of a forecasting period is analyzed in terms of benefit on selected criteria. This observation dataset is generated by a simulation with perturbed input data. Several criteria are defined to analyze the simulations leading to the definition of a “tipping time” to compare the behavior of simulations. Assimilating three-dimensional data instead of ground observations clearly adds value to the forecast. For the studied period and considering the expected best favorable data assimilation experiment, the maximum benefit is higher for particulate matter (PM) with tipping times exceeding 80 h; for ozone (O3) the gain is on average around 30 h. Assimilating O3 concentrations with a delta calculated on the first level and propagated over the vertical direction provides better results on O3 mean concentrations when compared with the expected best experiment corresponding to the injection of the O3 “observations” 3D dataset, but for maximum O3 concentrations the opposite behavior is observed. If data assimilation of secondary pollutant concentrations provides an improvement, assimilation of primary pollutant emissions can have beneficial impacts when compared with an assimilation of concentrations, after several days on secondary pollutants like O3 or nitrate concentrations and more quickly for the emitted primary pollutants. An assimilation of ammonia concentrations has slightly better performances on nitrate, ammonium, and PM concentrations relative to the assimilation of nitrogen or sulfur dioxides.
Outcomes Following Transoral Laser Microsurgery With Resection of Cartilage for Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Chang Brent A. , Lott David G. , Nagel Thomas H. , Howard Brittany E. , Hayden Richard E. , Hinni Michael L.
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

The ability to treat more advanced laryngeal cancers by transoral approaches has expanded significantly in the past several decades. Transoral management of laryngeal cancers that require removal of the laryngeal framework is controversial. Resecting cartilage through endoscopic means carries inherent technical challenges and the question of oncologic safety.

Methods:

We describe a retrospective review of patients undergoing resection of the thyroid cartilage during transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for laryngeal cancer over a 10-year period. Only patients with 5-year follow-up were included.

Results:

Fourteen patients were identified that underwent attempted endoscopic resection of the thyroid cartilage. Preoperative staging ranged from T1 to T4 laryngeal cancers. Most patients underwent resection of the thyroid cartilage either for close proximity of the tumor to cartilage or microscopic involvement of the inner perichondrium, although 6 patients had gross invasion of the cartilage. Twelve patients underwent successful endoscopic clearance. Two patients were converted to total laryngectomy either at the time of surgery or shortly after due to extent of disease that was deemed not amenable to endoscopic resection. Overall 5-year survival was 71%. Disease-free survival was 62% at 5 years. The majority of patients avoided gastrostomy and tracheostomy tube dependence. One patient underwent total laryngectomy following initial TLM for chronic aspiration.

Conclusion:

We conclude that TLM for laryngeal cancer performed with removal of thyroid cartilage is feasible. Both oncologic and functional outcomes are reasonable in a select group of patients. This paper describes that cartilage can be resected endoscopically in the appropriate setting and not necessarily that cartilage invasion should routinely be treated with TLM.
Thermo-mechanical analysis of multilayered composite beams based on a new mixed global-local model
Authors: Jin Qilin , Mao Ziming , Hu Xiaofei , Yao Weian
Published: May 2019

An accurate mixed-form global-local higher-order theory including transverse normal thermal deformation is developed for thermo-mechanical analysis of multilayered composite beams. Although transverse normal deformation is considered, the number of displacement parameters is not increased. The proposed mixed-form global-local higher-order theory is derived using the displacement assumptions of global-local higher-order theory in conjunction with the Reissner mixed variational theorem. Moreover, the mixed-form global-local higher-order theory retains a fixed number of displacement variables regardless of the number of layers. In order to obtain the improved transverse shear stresses, the three-dimensional equilibrium equation is used. It is significant that the second-order derivatives of in-plane displacement variables have been eliminated from the transverse shear stress field, such that the finite element implementation is greatly simplified. The benefit of the proposed mixed-form global-local higher-order theory is that no post-processing integration procedure is needed to accurately calculate the transverse shear stresses. The equilibrium equations and analytical solution of the proposed model can be obtained based on the Reissner mixed variational equation. The performance of the proposed model is assessed through different numerical examples, and the results show that the proposed model can better predict the thermo-mechanical responses of multilayered composite beams.
Antiadipogenesis and Osseointegration of Strontium-Doped Implant Surfaces
Authors: Zhou C. , Chen Y.Q. , Zhu Y.H. , Lin G.F. , Zhang L.F. , Liu X.C. , He F.M.
Published: May 2019

The decreased bone density and increased marrow adiposity that occur with aging may influence the outcome of dental implants. Strontium (Sr), an anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis, has an inhibitory effect on adipogenesis but favors osteogenesis of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). However, little is known about the effects and mechanisms of local Sr release on adipogenesis during bone formation in aged bone. In this study, a potential dental implant material, Sr-doped titanium, was developed via a sandblasted, large-grit, and acid-etched (SLA) method combined with a hydrothermal process. The effects of Sr-SLA on initial adhesion, proliferation, intracellular redox state, and adipogenic differentiation of senescent BMSCs were investigated. The in vitro results showed that Sr-SLA promoted spreading of senescent BMSCs via upregulation of the gene and protein expression of integrin β1. In addition, it was revealed that Sr-SLA could reduce intracellular oxidative stress by decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species and oxygen radicals and increasing the content of glutathione peroxidase. More important, Sr-SLA suppressed lipid droplet production and adipokines expression via downregulation of transcription peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, thus inhibiting adipogenesis. Finally, the Sr-SLA implants were implanted in tibiae of aged (18-mo-old) Sprague-Dawley rats for 2 and 8 wk. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that Sr-SLA implants significantly enhanced osseointegration, and the inhibition effect on marrow adipose tissue formation was moderate. All these results suggest that due to the multiple functions produced by Sr, antiadipogenesis capability and rapid osseointegration were enhanced by the Sr-SLA coatings, which have potential application in dental implantation in the aged population.
Assessing Individual Variation in Action Identification: Translation, Validation, and Shortening of the Polish Behavior Identification Form (BIF)
Authors: Pilarska Aleksandra
Published: May 2019

Action identification theory asserts that level of action identification holds implications for important aspects of personality, including self-regulation, self-concept, and vulnerability to social influence. Vallacher and Wegner’s Behavior Identification Form is a 25-item forced-choice instrument that assesses individual differences in characteristic level of action identification and is widely used in social and psychological research. This article presents studies that evaluated the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Behavior Identification Form, further modified it into a shortened version, and investigated several predicted conceptual relationships between the Behavior Identification Form and other personality measures. A total of 1153 Polish university students in three samples took part in the research. Psychometrically, the Polish Behavior Identification Form proved to be reasonably sound, with good internal consistency (avg. α = .83 and α = .72 for the full and short form, respectively). The predictive abilities of the full and short Polish Behavior Identification Form were consistently comparable, although not all of the expected associations were found.
Situating Children’s Family Troubles: Poverty and Serial Migration
Authors: Phoenix Ann
Published: May 2019

This article aims to contribute to understandings of how children experience family troubles. It considers how children’s family troubles are socially situated and interlinked with the resources children and other family members have available and the societal contexts in which they live. Since this is an under researched area, the article aims to understand how bringing together different sources of evidence can illuminate children’s perspectives. It first introduces the issue of children’s family troubles and then considers how children feel about their families when they experience two globally common but underresearched kinds of family troubles; living in poverty and rejoining their parents following a period of separation in the process of serial migration, where family members migrate consecutively, rather than together. The chapter illuminates commonalities and differences in how children make sense of family troubles in which they are situated, and the relevance of ideas of “family.”
Retrograde technique for great saphenous vein ablation using the VenaSeal™ closure system – Ideal approach for deep seated or small below the knee refluxing truncal veins
Authors: Chan Sally SJ , Tang Tjun Y , Chong Tze T , Choke Edward C , Tay Hsien T
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The VenaSeal™ closure system (Medtronic, Galway, Ireland) is a novel non-thermal, non-tumescent ablative device that induces endovenous closure by inducing fibrosis of the truncal superficial vein. The conventional IFU antegrade technique is straightforward except when the great saphenous vein is small at the planned access site below the knee, deep, or steeply traverses the fascia making passage of the introducer wire to the groin difficult. We describe our technique for retrograde great saphenous vein puncture, which mitigated these access problems and assessed the effectiveness and outcomes.

Methods

Fourteen patients (14 legs; 14 great saphenous vein) underwent VenaSeal™ ablation via a retrograde puncture, all for great saphenous vein incompetence; 10/14 (71.4%) had C4–C5 disease. Retrograde puncture introduces the VenaSeal™ catheter in a cranial-caudal manner, with the designated puncture site at the most proximal point of the great saphenous vein reflux. Patients were reviewed at 1 week, 3, 6 and 12-months post-procedure. Post-operative outcomes and complications were recorded, along with patient satisfaction.

Results

The most common reason for a retrograde puncture approach was the small great saphenous vein calibre below the knee, in 9/14 (64.3%) patients. There was 100% technical success, with no major complications from the procedure; 11/14 (78.6%) patients tolerated the procedure under local anaesthesia without any sedation. There was 100% Duplex-occlusion rate at 1 week, 3, 6 and 12-months post-procedure.

Conclusion

The retrograde puncture technique for the VenaSeal™ Closure system is safe and effective in ablating the great saphenous vein in patients who are not amendable to the conventional antegrade puncture approach. Patients tolerated this procedure without additional mean operative time and minimal complications. More extensive studies with longer follow-up periods are required to validate the long-term outcomes of this technique.
Ahab and Saul (1 Kgs 22.1-38)
Authors: Kim Daewook
Published: May 2019

There are similarities between the stories of Ahab in the Book of Kings and those of Saul in the Book of Samuel which appear when examining the repetition of phrases, similar motifs, and parallel plots. The linguistic links between 1 Kings 20, 21, and 22.1-38 indicate that the stories of Ahab are juxtaposed. These similarities and juxtaposition have an effect on the interpretation of 1 Kgs 22.1-38; it is suggested that Ahab’s death in 1 Kgs 22.1-38 represents YHWH’s judgment on Ahab’s two sins illustrated in 1 Kings 20 and 21, which constitutes a considerable parallel to Saul’s two sins. Furthermore, the parallelism between Ahab’s inquiry in 1 Kgs 22.1-38 and Saul’s necromancy in 1 Sam. 28.3-25 reveals that Ahab’s inquiry is condemned as syncretistic Yahwism, whereas the importance of YHWH’s words is highlighted.
Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Posterolateral Meniscal Anatomy: Defining the Popliteal Hiatus, Popliteomeniscal Fascicles, and the Lateral Meniscotibial Ligament
Authors: Aman Zachary S. , DePhillipo Nicholas N. , Storaci Hunter W. , Moatshe Gilbert , Chahla Jorge , Engebretsen Lars , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Surgical treatment of lateral meniscal tears can be challenging due to the greater mobility of the lateral meniscus, thin capsule, and management of the popliteal hiatus. There has been a lack of quantitative assessments of the structural attachments to the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM) to guide repairs.

Purpose:

To qualitatively and quantitatively describe the anatomy of the PHLM, popliteomeniscal fascicles, and the posterolateral capsule.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Fourteen male, nonpaired, fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were used. The attachments of the posterolateral capsule, popliteomeniscal fascicles, and meniscofemoral ligaments to the lateral meniscus and the attachment of the meniscotibial ligament to the tibia were identified. A 3-dimensional coordinate measuring system was used to measure the relationships of these attachments to surgically relevant landmarks and their structural relationship with the lateral meniscus.

Results:

The posterolateral capsule attachment had a confluent attachment at the superior margin of the PHLM, quantitatively attaching to the proximal 11% of the total height of the PHLM. On average, the length of the posterolateral capsule attachment to the superior surface of the PHLM was 16.7 ± 2.7 mm. The average length of the meniscotibial attachment to the posteroinferior aspect of the meniscus was 12.8 ± 3.9 mm. There was a lack of ligamentous attachments to the lateral meniscus between the lateral aspect of the meniscotibial ligament and the anterior aspect of the anterosuperior popliteomeniscal fascicle, where only popliteomeniscal fascicle and capsular attachments to the posterior meniscus were present.

Conclusion:

This anatomic study provides quantitative guidelines for the complex attachments to the PHLM. Knowledge of the quantitative descriptions of these attachments may aid in an improved intraoperative diagnosis of PHLM tears that extend to the popliteal hiatus, and further studies related to the surgical repair of the intricate attachments to the PHLM are recommended.

Clinical Relevance:

The findings of this study provide the anatomic foundation for an improved understanding of the role of the meniscocapsular, meniscotibial, and popliteomeniscal fascicle attachments of the posterolateral meniscus. Understanding the differences between the lengths of the superior and inferior aspects of the popliteal hiatus will help to further refine characterization of tears extending into the popliteal hiatus and to avoid potential overconstraint of the more mobile lateral meniscus during a repair by anatomically reproducing its native structural attachments.
Superhydrophobicity of polyvinylidene fluoride induced by integrating liquid-exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: An Lulu , Bai Changning , Bai Yongqing , Zhang Bin , Yu Yuanlie , Hu Yong
Published: May 2019

The superhydrophobicity of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes can be achieved by adding a small amount of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets ( h-BNNSs) during the preparation process. The h-BNNSs can be fabricated by two steps of facile ultrasonication of commercial h-BN powders in water and subsequent centrifugation process. The introduction of a small amount of h-BNNSs into PVDF will result in structure and morphology changes of final PVDF membranes. The changes of the structure and morphology can significantly reduce the surface wettability of PVDF membranes, even generating superhydrophobicity. However, the superoleophilicity of PVDF membranes is well kept, which is not influenced by the introduction of h-BNNSs. The excellent superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity make these porous h-BNNS/PVDF composites to be promising candidates for separating oil and water as membranes in practical oil-polluted waste water treatment.
Impact of the wastegate opening on radial turbine performance under steady and pulsating flow conditions
Authors: Ketata Ahmed , Driss Zied , Abid Mohamed Salah
Published: May 2019

The present article attempts to describe the behavior of wastegated turbines under various steady and pulsating flow conditions. For this, meanline and one-dimensional numerical codes including appropriate modeling approaches for wastegated turbines have been developed with the FORTRAN language. These codes were validated against experiments with an established test rig at the National School of Engineers of Sfax. The discharge coefficient map of the wastegate was determined with a developed correlation built from experiments, and it was served as an input to the developed codes for interpolations during computation. This correlation is based on a two-dimensional non-linear dose-response fitting relationship instead of classical polynomial function which is one novelty of the article in addition to the one-dimensional modeling methodology. The normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of both cycle-averaged efficiency and mass flow parameter (MFP) remains below 2% which confirms the validity of the proposed calculation approach. The results indicated a large deviation in the turbine performance under pulsating flow conditions compared to the steady state ones. The shape of the hysteresis loop of the turbine efficiency remains unchanged toward the variation of the wastegate valve angle at the same pulse frequency. The mass flow hystereses loop area is decreased by around 50% as the pulse frequency increases from 33 up to 133.33 Hz. An increase of less than 1% of the cycle-averaged efficiency has been reported when the bypass flow through the wastegate increases. The fluctuation of the efficiency is decreased by 1.5% when the wastegate valve becomes fully opened under the whole range of the pulse frequency.
Assessment of hand function during activities of daily living using motion tracking cameras: A systematic review
Authors: Reissner Lisa , Fischer Gabriella , List Renate , Giovanoli Pietro , Calcagni Maurizio
Published: May 2019

The human hand is the most frequently used body part in activities of daily living. With its complex anatomical structure and the small size compared to the body, assessing the functional capability is highly challenging. The aim of this review was to provide a systematic overview on currently available 3D motion analysis based on skin markers for the assessment of hand function during activities of daily living. It is focused on methodology rather than results. A systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed. The systematic search yielded 1349 discrete articles. Of 147 articles included on basis of title, 123 were excluded after abstract review, and 24 were included in the full-text analysis with 13 key articles. There is still limited knowledge about hand and finger kinematics during activities of daily living. A standardization of the task is required in order to overcome the nonrepetitive nature and high variability of upper limb motion and ensure repeatability of task performance. To yield a progress in the analysis of human hand movements, an assessment of human kinematics including fingers, wrist, and thumb and an identification of relevant parameters that characterize a healthy motion pattern during functional tasks are needed.
Differential tissue expression of erythroblast macrophage protein in a MRL/lpr mouse model of lupus
Authors: Fan H , Li N , Fan P , Hu X , Liang K , Zhang S , Cheng X , Wu Y
Published: May 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to observe the expression features of erythroblast macrophage protein (EMP) between the tissues of MRL/lpr mice, a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and control mice.

Methods

We examined the serum ANA in both mice groups through indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). Expression features of EMP in bone marrow, liver, renal, spleen, brain, and lung tissues of the MRL/lpr mice and control mice groups were followed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). Meanwhile, the expression of EMP was located through immunohistochemical (IHC) studies and the expressive cell identified through double immunofluorescent labeling.

Results

IIF showed that lupus mice have strong positive fluorescence, but no significant fluorescence was observed in control mice. Q-PCR detection revealed that EMP was expressed in the marrow, liver, renal, spleen, lung, and brain tissues of lupus mice. The highest levels were observed in the bone marrow, but there was no statistical difference between these tissues. EMP mRNA expression in the liver ( t = 2.747, p = 0.01) and bone marrow ( t = 3.853, p = 0.008) of lupus mice was significantly higher than in the control mice. However, no differences in EMP mRNA expression were observed in the renal, spleen, lung, and brain tissues between the lupus and control mice ( p > 0.05). In addition, the IHC results showed that EMP protein is ubiquitously expressed in all of the tissues of the lupus and control mice. The positive expression rate in the bone marrow and liver tissues of the lupus mice was higher than in the control mice, but without an obvious difference in the other tissues. The double IF staining method shows that EMP protein was expressed in macrophages in the tissues of the lupus mice and the control mice.

Conclusions

Our data showed that EMP is ubiquitously expressed in macrophages at all of the tissues of the lupus and control mice. However, the expression of EMP in bone marrow and liver tissues of lupus mice was higher than in the control mice, which indicates that EMP may be important in the development of SLE.
Attitudes of Hospice Providers Regarding Intrathecal Targeted Drug Delivery for Patients With Cancer
Authors: Warner Lindsay L. , Moeschler Susan S. , Pittelkow Thomas P. , Strand Jacob J.
Published: May 2019

Pain is one of the most commonly experienced and feared symptoms faced by patients with a serious illness. For these patients, intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDSs) provide greater potency and/or few systemic side effects. However, despite these benefits, the integration and management of IDDS for patients receiving hospice care has not been previous studied. An electronic, 18-question survey was sent to 200 hospice practitioners (physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses) in the state of Minnesota to explore their experience, confidence, and the perceived barriers to caring for patients with IDDS while being cared for on hospice. Providers were identified though mailing lists from the Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care organization. The survey was administered by the Mayo Clinic Survey Research Center with institutional review board approval. Slightly more than 50% of respondents have ever cared for a patient with an intrathecal pump. If a patient had a pump in place, only 28% of providers expressed confidence in managing their pain. Additionally, only 3 of 10 respondents felt that adjusting an intrathecal pump should be the first option when a patient with an IDDS in place had increased pain. Indeed, the vast majority (over 80%) of respondents preferred the use of systemic therapies for primary pain management. Access to IDDS vendors for changes/refills in the home is identified as another barrier with over 50% of respondents either unaware of an available vendor or reporting no vendor available. There are numerous self-reported barriers to ongoing use of IDDS with patients receiving hospice care.
“Who Knows, You May Overpower Him”: Narratives and Experiences of Masculinities Among the Dagaaba Youth of Northwestern Ghana
Authors: Dery Isaac , Ganle John Kuumuori
Published: May 2019

This article focuses broadly on how young men construct, negotiate, and express masculine identities in northwestern Ghana. Situated within discourses of ruling masculinity, and drawing on qualitative interviews, this article provides locally grounded insights about how young men articulate and make themselves visible by negotiating and renegotiating the interplay of complex struggles and realities to maintain dominance over peers. Findings suggest that dominant norms on the meanings of being a young Dagaaba man entail ambivalences, status insecurity, contradictory desires, and an investment to always act in satisfaction of the observer’s gaze. The danger of being looked down on emerges as an important organizing framework that shapes participants’ engagement in discursive and exaggerated behaviors and violence. Consequently, young men engage in dramatic performances and public displays to further authenticate their manhood, which provokes and authorizes young men to mask their feelings of vulnerability. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Radiographic Assessment of Foot Alignment in Juvenile Hallux Valgus and Its Relationship to Flatfoot
Authors: Kim Hyun Woo , Park Kun Bo , Kwak Yoon Hae , Jin Seokhwan , Park Hoon
Published: May 2019

Background:

The relationship between juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) and flatfoot has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to assess radiographic measurements in feet with JHV compared with matched controls and to investigate whether the foot alignment of JHV is related to flatfoot.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 163 patients with JHV as defined as hallux valgus angle greater than 20 degrees and intermetatarsal greater than angle than 10 degrees. Patients with open physes of the feet and who had weight-bearing radiographs of the feet were included. Another 55 normal participants served as controls. Patients with JHV were divided into 2 subgroups: Group 1 included patients with asymptomatic JHV and group 2 consisted of those treated with correctional surgery for painful JHV. Twelve radiographic indices were analyzed, including calcaneal pitch angle, tibiocalcaneal angle, talocalcaneal angle, naviculocuboid overlap, talonavicular coverage angle, lateral talo–first metatarsal angle, anteroposterior talo–first metatarsal angle, metatarsus adductus angle, hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, and first metatarsal cuneiform angle. The groups were compared by age, gender, and the above radiographic parameters.

Results:

There was no significant difference in hindfoot alignment of patients with JHV and controls. Naviculocuboid overlap ( P <.001), lateral talo–first metatarsal angle ( P = .002), and metatarsus adductus angle ( P = .004) were significantly greater in patients with JHV than in controls, whereas the anteroposterior talo–first metatarsal angle ( P = .026) was significantly less. Symptomatic and asymptomatic JHV patient subsets showed no significant radiologic differences.

Conclusion:

Radiographic profiles in patients with JHV were inconsistent with regard to features of flatfoot, and foot alignment was unrelated to the presence of symptoms or degree of deformity in JHV.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Vacation as a Public Health Resource: Toward a Wellness-Centered Tourism Design Approach
Authors: Lehto Xinran Y. , Lehto Mark R.
Published: May 2019

In today’s technology-driven configuration of work and life systems, wellness imbalances underscore the need for time away from sources of stress in the workplace, school, and other living scenarios. Increasingly, consumers are turning to vacation travel for health and wellness enhancement. The tourism and hospitality industries can design experiences and services that support optimal health and wellness outcomes for consumers. Drawing from interdisciplinary perspectives, this study revisits tourism as a personal health and wellness resource and discusses opportunities for better leveraging design factors in delivering, communicating, and sustaining health and wellness benefits of tourism. This article proposes a traveler wellness–centered design framework and highlights the important role of tourism and hospitality providers in safeguarding human health and wellness.
Progressive Akin Osteotomy
Authors: Martinez Gimenez Enrique , Verdu Roman Carmen , Sanz-Reig Javier , Morales Santías Manuel , Bustamante Suarez de Puga David , Mas Martinez Jesus
Published: May 2019

The most common complication associated to Akin osteotomy is the intraoperative fracture of the lateral cortex of the proximal phalanx. We present a progressive Akin osteotomy that preserves the lateral cortex of the proximal phalanx and allows to remove the exact wedge size to achieve the preoperative planned correction.
Women who contributed to past research in multiple sclerosis
Authors: McCombe Pamela A
Published: May 2019

Background:

The history of multiple sclerosis (MS) is dominated by the discoveries of famous men. However, women would like to feel part of the story and to know that women have contributed to MS research.

Objective:

To identify women who contributed to the history of discovery in MS.

Method:

This was a personal survey from my knowledge of previous work.

Results:

There were no women participants in the early stages of MS research. However, since 1950 there are many women who have contributed to MS research. In the 20th century, there were famous women who contributed to the scientific fields that form the basis of MS research. In the 21st century, more women participate in MS research but studies suggest that they are under-represented in positions of prominence.

Conclusion:

Women have been part of the effort to understand MS, but are not well recognized.