bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foveal avascular zone morphology and parafoveal capillary perfusion in sickle cell retinopathy
Authors: Lynch Giselle , Scott Adrienne W , Linz Marguerite O , Han Ian , Andrade Romo Jorge S , Linderman Rachel E , Carroll Joseph , Rosen Richard B , Chui Toco Y
Published: July 2019

Background/aims

To assess foveal avascular zone (FAZ) morphology and parafoveal capillary perfusion in patients with various stages of sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).

Methods

This is a multi-institutional retrospective study of patients with various stages of SCR compared with healthy controls. Parafoveal OCT-A images obtained using a commercial spectral domain-OCT system were reviewed. Foveal-centred 3×3 mm full vascular slab OCT-As were used for image processing and data analysis. FAZ area, perimeter, and acircularity index were determined on the OCT-A image after manual delineation of the FAZ border. Quadrant-based parafoveal capillary density and per cent area deviating from normal distribution were also measured.

Results

Fifty-two patients with SCR (33 non-proliferative and 19 proliferative) and 20 age and race-matched healthy controls were included. One randomly selected eye per study participant was analysed. FAZ perimeter and acircularity index were significantly greater in SCR eyes when compared with the controls. While parafoveal capillary density was significantly lower, per cent area deviated from normal distribution was significantly higher in SCR eyes than that of the control. However, no statistically significant difference between the two SCR stages was observed. In quadrant-based analysis, the temporal quadrant showed greater parafoveal capillary dropout due to SCR, with the most profound effect in patients with proliferative SCR.

Conclusions

Abnormal FAZ morphology and altered parafoveal capillary perfusion were found in patients with SCR. Our customised OCT-A image analysis method uniquely highlights significant quantitative alterations in perfusion density mapping in a qualitative display, with minimal obscuration of OCT-A image detail.
Vessel wall imaging in intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Samaniego Edgar A , Roa Jorge A , Hasan David
Published: July 2019

High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) is becoming a useful tool in the characterization and identification of unstable unruptured brain aneurysms. However, it has not been validated for clinical use. The current evidence on HR-VWI techniques for characterization of brain aneurysms is described in this review. Specific imaging approaches such as aneurysm wall contrast enhancement, MRI-quantitative susceptibility mapping, and 7T MRI are described in detail.
Hydrochronology of a proposed deep geological repository for low- and intermediate-level nuclear waste in southern Ontario from U–Pb dating of secondary minerals: response to Alleghanian events
Authors: Sutcliffe C.N. , Thibodeau A.M. , Davis D.W. , Al-Aasm Ihsan , Parmenter A. , Zajacz Z. , Jensen M.
Published: July 2019

U–Pb ages have been measured on secondary dolomite and silica cements in Cambrian sandstone at the base of an 840 m thick sub-horizontally bedded sedimentary sequence beneath the Bruce nuclear site in southern Ontario to document the history of fluid movement. Results show an average U–Pb age of 320 ± 10 Ma. The initial common Pb end member is slightly, but distinctly, enriched in 206Pb compared with that in older and younger calcite cements elsewhere within the sedimentary section. Combined with previous hydro-geochemical and fluid inclusion studies of the same rocks, the age is interpreted to record episodic migration of a saturated hydrothermal brine. Previously dated calcite cement in sub-horizontal fractures about 500 m higher in the stratigraphic section near the base of the Silurian sequence records similar U–Pb ages of 318 ± 10 Ma by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and 313 ± 1 Ma by isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry. We suggest that the subhorizontal fractures were generated by slumping that resulted from dissolution of underlying evaporite deposits. These ages overlap with the peak of plutonism in the Alleghanian mountains, which were being uplifted contemporaneously 500 km to the southeast. The results suggest the transport of hydrothermal brine from areas of crustal melting through the deep Cambrian sandstone aquifer, while at higher crustal levels meteoric water was also driven over equally large distances by hydraulic gradients from the Alleghanian mountains.
Ginkgo biloba Pretreatment Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via mitoBKCa
Authors: Li Tonghua , Zhang Yuyang , Tian Jianwei , Yang Lu , Wang Jianchang
Published: July 2019

Ginkgo biloba extracts (EGb) alleviate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been characterized. This study aimed to investigate whether activation of large-conductance [Formula: see text]-activated [Formula: see text] channels at the inner mitochondrial membrane ([Formula: see text] of cardiomyocytes is involved in Ginkgo biloba extract-mediated cardioprotection. Shuxuening injection (SXNI, 12.5[Formula: see text]ml/kg/d), a widely prescribed herbal medicine containing Ginkgo biloba extracts in China, or vehicle, was administered to C57BL/6 mice via tail vein injection for one week prior to surgical procedures. The mitoBKCa blocker paxilline (PAX) (1[Formula: see text]ml/kg, 115 nM) was administered via tail vein injection 30[Formula: see text]min prior to the onset of ischemia. The mice were randomly divided into the following groups: Sham, MI/R, MI/R+SXNI, and MI/R+SXNI+PAX. MI/R was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30[Formula: see text]min with subsequent reperfusion for 24[Formula: see text]h. SXNI pretreatment conferred cardioprotective effects against MI/R injury as evidenced by reduced infarct size, improved cardiac function, and improved mitochondrial function. However, these effects were abrogated by co-administration with PAX. In addition, activation of mitoBKCa by Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 reduced hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte injury in vitro through the inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation, restoration of the mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased generation of superoxide, and inhibition of apoptosis which is associated with alleviating mitochondrial [Formula: see text] overload. These results indicated that Ginkgo biloba extracts pretreatment protected against MI/R injury via activation of mitoBKCa.
YEAR-LONG ULTRASONOGRAPHIC OBSERVATION OF FOLLICULAR FEATURES IN CAPTIVE YELLOW-MARGINED BOX TURTLES (CUORA FLAVOMARGINATA) FROM TAIWAN
Authors: Wu Sheng-Hai , Tang Hao-Ping , Wang Hsien-Chi , Chang Li-Jen , Lee Wei-Ming , Chen Kuan-Sheng
Published: July 2019

Ultrasonography is widely used to examine reproductive systems in chelonians. Previous studies have described how follicular size is associated with the reproductive stages of yellow-margined box turtles (YMBTs), but our understanding of follicular morphology remains limited. This study describes the different ultrasonographic appearances of preovulatory follicles of these turtles in Taiwan. Randomly selected 28 adult captive female turtles were examined under ultrasonography, weekly from November 2012 to November 2013. The females were divided into ovulatory and non-ovulatory groups with equal number coincidentally based on the whole-year ovulation records. The ovulatory group had significantly larger follicles than the non-ovulatory group (average size of largest follicle, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm versus [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm; [Formula: see text]). Across both groups, preovulatory follicles exhibited five different morphologies: previtellogenic, homogeneous, heterogeneous, atretic, and multilayered. The multilayered follicles were only observed in the ovulatory group during the late preovulatory (February) and early ovulatory periods (March), resulting in a significant correlation with ovulatory stage ([Formula: see text]). During the preovulatory period (from December to February), homogeneous follicles were the predominant follicles in both groups. During the ovulation period, heterogeneous follicles were the main follicles, but only in the ovulatory group. Finally, atretic follicles were predominant in the non-ovulatory group during the early latent period (August). This study provides detailed ultrasonographic data clarifying the correlation between turtle follicular morphology and reproductive cycle. A better understanding of how such morphology is associated with reproductive stages should improve breeding programs in zoos and thus facilitate conservation efforts.
White-Box vs. Black-Box Complexity of Search Problems
Authors: Komargodski Ilan , Naor Moni , Yogev Eylon
Published: July 2019

Ramsey theory assures us that in any graph there is a clique or independent set of a certain size, roughly logarithmic in the graph size. But how difficult is it to find the clique or independent set? If the graph is given explicitly, then it is possible to do so while examining a linear number of edges. If the graph is given by a black-box, where to figure out whether a certain edge exists the box should be queried, then a large number of queries must be issued. But what if one is given a program or circuit for computing the existence of an edge? This problem was raised by Buss and Goldberg and Papadimitriou in the context of TFNP, search problems with a guaranteed solution.

We examine the relationship between black-box complexity and white-box complexity for search problems with guaranteed solution such as the above Ramsey problem. We show that under the assumption that collision-resistant hash function exists (which follows from the hardness of problems such as factoring, discrete-log, and learning with errors) the white-box Ramsey problem is hard and this is true even if one is looking for a much smaller clique or independent set than the theorem guarantees. This is also true for the colorful Ramsey problem where one is looking, say, for a monochromatic triangle.

In general, one cannot hope to translate all black-box hardness for TFNP into white-box hardness: we show this by adapting results concerning the random oracle methodology and the impossibility of instantiating it.

Another model we consider is that of succinct black-box, where the complexity of an algorithm is measured as a function of the description size of the object in the box (and no limitation on the computation time). In this case, we show that for all TFNP problems there is an efficient algorithm with complexity proportional to the description size of the object in the box times the solution size. However, for promise problems this is not the case.

Finally, we consider the complexity of graph property testing in the white-box model. We show a property that is hard to test even when one is given the program for computing the graph (under the appropriate assumptions such as hardness of Decisional Diffie-Hellman). The hard property is whether the graph is a two-source extractor.
Associated Determinants of Surface Urban Heat Islands across 1449 Cities in China
Authors: Li Yuanzheng , Wang Lan , Liu Min , Zhao Guosong , He Tian , Mao Qizheng
Published: July 2019

The thermal environment is closely related to human well-being. Determinants of surface urban heat islands (SUHIs) have been extensively studied. Nevertheless, some research fields remain blank or have conflicting findings, which need to be further addressed. Particularly, few studies focus on drivers of SUHIs in massive cities with different sizes under various contexts at large scales. Using multisource data, we explored 11 determinants of surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) for 1449 cities in different ecological contexts throughout China in 2010, adopting the Spearman and partial correlation analysis and machine learning method. The main results were as follows: (1) Significant positive partial correlations existed between daytime SUHII and the differences in nighttime light intensity and built-up intensity between cities and their corresponding villages except in arid or semiarid western China. The differences in the enhanced vegetation index were generally partially negatively correlated with daytime and nighttime SUHII. The differences in white sky albedo were usually partially negatively correlated with nighttime SUHII. The mean air temperature was partially positively correlated with nighttime SUHII in 40% of cases. Only a few significant partial relationships existed between SUHII and urban area, total population, and differences in aerosol optical depth. The explanation rates during daytime were larger than during nighttime in 72% of cases. The largest and smallest rates occurred during summer days in humid cold northeastern China (63.84%) and in southern China (10.44%), respectively. (2) Both the daytime and nighttime SUHII could be well determined by drivers using the machine learning method. The RMSE ranged from 0.49°C to 1.54°C at a national scale. The simulation SUHII values were always significantly correlated with the actual SUHII values. The simulation accuracies were always higher during nighttime than daytime. The highest accuracies occurred in central-northern China and were lowest in western China during both daytime and nighttime.
Distribution Law and Prediction Model of Dust Concentration under Airflow Adjustment in Fully Mechanized Heading Face
Authors: Gong Xiaoyan , Jia Congcong , Sun Kang , Cui Jian , Lei Kefan , Xue Yuxuan , Xue He
Published: July 2019

The current situation of extensive ventilation management for the fully mechanized heading face cannot dynamically control air velocity and make reasonable dust migration distribution, resulting in serious disaster of dust and environmental pollution in the roadway. In this paper, the fluid mechanics, finite element numerical simulation, and underground measurement were combined to analyze the distribution of dust concentration under the variable airflow state at the duct outlet to obtain the massive correlation data of duct outlet parameters and dust concentration. For the pedestrian breathing‐height in the backflow side and driver location, the double‐objective BP prediction model for dust concentration under airflow adjustment was established, and the performance parameters and prediction accuracy of the BP prediction model were analyzed by using the relative error and fitting analysis. In Ningtiaota coal mine, located in Northern Shaanxi province of China, the self‐developed control device is installed on the duct outlet with underground test and application verification to refine the model. The results indicated the dynamic control of airflow optimizes dust concentration distribution. The dust concentration at the pedestrian breathing‐height in the backflow side and driver location was significantly decreased after the installation of adjustment device. Dust concentration at the pedestrian breathing‐height and driver location was decreased by 31% and 34%, respectively, compared with the results before adjustment, which achieved the safe, environment‐friendly, and energy‐saving ventilation and the dust removal function in fully mechanized heading face.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Associations between Clinical Prostatitis and Prostate Cancer: New Estimates Accounting for Detection Bias
Authors: Langston Marvin E. , Horn Mara , Khan Saira , Pakpahan Ratna , Doering Michelle , Dennis Leslie K. , Sutcliffe Siobhan
Published: July 2019

Background:

Previous meta-analyses have estimated summary positive associations between clinical prostatitis and prostate cancer. However, none have accounted for detection bias, the possibility for increased prostate cancer screening and detection in men with clinical prostatitis, in their pooled estimates.

Methods:

We searched for studies that investigated the relation between clinical prostatitis and prostate cancer through November 2018. Random effects meta-analysis was used to calculate summary odds ratios (OR) among all studies and in strata defined by methods used to reduce detection bias.

Results: Although an increased odds of prostate cancer was seen among men with a history of clinical prostatitis in all 38 eligible studies combined [OR, 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.64–2.57], this estimate attenuated to null among studies that performed the most rigorous analyses to limit detection bias (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.77–1.74).

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that previously reported positive associations between clinical prostatitis and prostate cancer are likely due to detection bias.

Impact:

Studies using rigorous detection bias methods are warranted to replicate these findings, as well as to examine the possible relation between prostate inflammation and prostate cancer directly, rather than indirectly through the diagnosis of “prostatitis,” which includes a large proportion of men without evidence of prostate inflammation.
Clinical and Molecular Predictors of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Advanced Esophagogastric Cancer
Authors: Greally Megan , Chou Joanne F. , Chatila Walid K. , Margolis Matthew , Capanu Marinela , Hechtman Jaclyn F. , Tuvy Yaelle , Kundra Ritika , Daian Foysal , Ladanyi Marc , Kelsen David P. , Ilson David H. , Berger Michael F. , Tang Laura H. , Solit David B. , Diaz Luis A. , Schultz Nikolaus , Janjigian Yelena Y. , Ku Geoffrey Y.
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are effective in only a minority of patients with esophagogastric cancer (EGC). Here, we aimed to identify predictors of durable clinical benefit to ICI in EGC.

Experimental Design:

Patients with advanced EGC treated with ICIs at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY) were identified. Clinicopathologic variables were assessed. In patients profiled by MSK-IMPACT–targeted sequencing, outcomes were correlated with tumor genomic features.

Results:

One-hundred sixty-one patients were treated with ICIs (110 with anti–PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies and 51 with anti–CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 1.7 and 4.9 months, respectively. Greater number of disease sites (≥3), liver metastases, treatment with ≥3 prior therapies and ECOG performance status ≥2 were associated with poorer PFS and OS. Patients treated with combination ICI and those with PD-L1–positive tumors had improved outcomes. There was no difference in outcomes between patients treated with antibiotics during or in the 2 months preceding ICI treatment versus those who were not. Occurrence of irAEs was associated with improved OS. In genomically profiled tumors (n = 89), survival was associated with increasing tumor mutation burden (TMB). However, in multivariable analyses and when microsatellite unstable (MSI) patients were excluded, a significant association was no longer observed.

Conclusions:

In patients with advanced EGC, heavily pretreated patients, those with high-volume disease and/or poor PS were less likely to benefit from ICI. irAEs were associated with improved OS. TMB correlated with improved survival, but this association was not observed when MSI-high patients were excluded.
Phase I and Pharmacology Study of Ropidoxuridine (IPdR) as Prodrug for Iododeoxyuridine-Mediated Tumor Radiosensitization in Advanced GI Cancer Undergoing Radiation
Authors: Kinsella Timothy , Safran Howard , Wiersma Susan , DiPetrillo Thomas , Schumacher Andrew , Rosati Kayla , Vatkevich John , Anderson Lawrence W. , Hill Kimberly D. , Kunos Charles , Collins Jerry M.
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

Iododeoxyuridine (IUdR) is a potent radiosensitizer; however, its clinical utility is limited by dose-limiting systemic toxicities and the need for prolonged continuous infusion. 5-Iodo-2-pyrimidinone-2′-deoxyribose (IPdR) is an oral prodrug of IUdR that, compared with IUdR, is easier to administer and less toxic, with a more favorable therapeutic index in preclinical studies. Here, we report the clinical and pharmacologic results of a first-in-human phase I dose escalation study of IPdR + concurrent radiation therapy (RT) in patients with advanced metastatic gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

Patients and Methods:

Adult patients with metastatic GI cancers referred for palliative RT to the chest, abdomen, or pelvis were eligible for study. Patients received IPdR orally once every day × 28 days beginning 7 days before the initiation of RT (37.5 Gy in 2.5 Gy × 15 fractions). A 2-part dose escalation scheme was used, pharmacokinetic studies were performed at multiple time points, and all patients were assessed for toxicity and response to Day 56.

Results:

Nineteen patients were entered on study. Dose-limiting toxicity was encountered at 1,800 mg every day, and the recommended phase II dose is 1,200 mg every day. Pharmacokinetic analyses demonstrated achievable and sustainable levels of plasma IUdR ≥1 μmol/L (levels previously shown to mediate radiosensitization). Two complete, 3 partial, and 9 stable responses were achieved in target lesions.

Conclusions:

Administration of IPdR orally every day × 28 days with RT is feasible and tolerable at doses that produce plasma IUdR levels ≥1 μmol/L. These results support the investigation of IPdR + RT in phase II studies.
β8 Integrin Mediates Pancreatic Cancer Cell Radiochemoresistance
Authors: Jin Sha , Lee Wei-Chun , Aust Daniela , Pilarsky Christian , Cordes Nils
Published: July 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) stroma, composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, promotes therapy resistance and poor survival rate. Integrin-mediated cell/ECM interactions are well known to control cancer cell survival, proliferation, and therapy resistance. Here, we identified β8 integrin in a high-throughput knockdown screen in three-dimensional (3D), ECM-based cell cultures for novel focal adhesion protein targets as a critical determinant of PDAC cell radiochemoresistance. Intriguingly, β8 integrin localizes with the golgi apparatus perinuclearly in PDAC cells and resection specimen from PDAC patients. Upon radiogenic genotoxic injury, β8 integrin shows a microtubule-dependent perinuclear-to-cytoplasmic shift as well as strong changes in its proteomic interactome regarding the cell functions transport, catalysis, and binding. Parts of this interactome link β8 integrin to autophagy, which is diminished in the absence of β8 integrin. Collectively, our data reveal β8 integrin to critically coregulate PDAC cell radiochemoresistance, intracellular vesicle trafficking, and autophagy upon irradiation.

Implications:

This study identified β8 integrin as an essential determinant of PDAC cell radiochemosensitivity and as a novel potential cancer target.
Schulderleben bei Zwangspatienten
Authors: Geissner Edgar , Knechtl Lina Marie , Baumert Anna , Rothmund Tobias , Schmitt Manfred
Published: July 2019

Hintergrund: Zwangspatient(inn)en leiden, wie klinische Beobachtungen zeigen, häufig unter starker Schuld, was sich auch mit frühen psychoanalytischen Annahmen (übermäßig hohes Über-Ich) deckt, bis heute aber nicht spezifisch empirisch untersucht wurde. Auch aktuelle kognitionspsychologische Ansätze fokussieren auf diese emotionale Seite des Zwangsgeschehens nur indirekt. Unser Anliegen be­stand daher in der Untersuchung, inwieweit Zwangspatient(inn)en ausgeprägteres Schulderleben aufweisen als Personen ohne Zwang. Patient(inn)en und Methode: 100 Proband(inn)en (34 männlich, 66 weiblich) nahmen an der Studie teil, davon 50 mit einer gesicherten, IDCL-bestätigten Diagnose Zwangsstörung während eines stationären Auf­enthalts, und 50 gematchte Proband(inn)en aus der Normalbevölkerung ohne Zwang. Alle Teilnehmenden erhielten eine Untersuchung mit dem Strukturierten klinischen Interview für DSM-IV (SKID); auch wurde die Depression (Beck Depression Inventory; BDI) erhoben. Mit den Patient(inn)en wurde sodann die Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) durchgeführt. Zu Schuld bearbeiteten alle Teilneh­menden 2 nichtklinische Instrumente: (a) Schuldinventar, Traitvariante, und (b) Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA). Darüber hinaus wurde für diese Studie der Schuldinduzie­rende Szenarien Test (SIT), basierend auf vorangegangenen Interviews mit Patient(inn)en und Expert(inn)en, entwickelt (2 Skalen) und von allen Proband(inn)en bearbeitet. Er­gebnisse: Die Annahme höheren Schulderlebens von Zwangspatient(inn)en wird durch die Daten gestützt. Sehr deutliche Unterschiede zwischen ihnen und den Kon­trollproband(inn)en fanden sich für Schuld (Trait) und die Skalen SIT 1 und SIT 2; der Schuldwert im TOSCA war dagegen unspezifisch. Als Nebenbefund sind hohe Depressions­werte bei den Zwangspatient(inn)en zu verzeichnen. Diskussion: Durch die Befunde wird nahegelegt, dass in der Behandlung von Patient(inn)en mit einer Zwangserkrankung stärker als bisher das Schulderleben thematisiert werden sollte. Die Patient(inn)en leiden neben ihren Zwangshandlungen und -gedanken stark darunter. Leitliniengerechte Behandlung via Expositionen sollte insofern ergänzt werden um spezifische Behandlungsabschnitte zu Schuld und ­Schuldverarbeitung.
Obstetric Management of Copperhead Snake Envenomation in Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Michelle J. , Lu Michelle Y. , Ausbeck Elizabeth B. , Harper Lorie M.
Published: July 2019

Snakebites in pregnancy can result in significant maternal and fetal harm; however, the literature to guide management of this rare obstetric complication remains limited. We describe our approach to envenomation in pregnancy based on the currently available evidence. A 27-year-old G2P1 female presented at 27 weeks’ gestation after suffering a copperhead snakebite. She received antivenom and antenatal steroids without adverse maternal or fetal event. Antenatal testing was reassuring throughout admission, and she was discharged home with plans for close outpatient surveillance. She later developed preterm premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor, with delivery of a live infant at 33 weeks’ gestation. The risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes following snake envenomation in pregnancy may warrant closer antenatal surveillance than has been previously described.
Comparisons of Electromyography and Digital Palpation Measurement of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Postpartum Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence and Asymptomatic Parturients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yang Xinyun , Zhu Linling , Li Wenjuan , Sun Xiaoyan , Huang Qiong , Tong Baoqin , Xie Zhenwei
Published: July 2019

Aims: Early evaluation of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) in postpartum women is important for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Digital vaginal palpation and electromyography (EMG) evaluation based on Glazer protocol are widely used for the assessment of PFM. However, the correlation among digital palpation, EMG, and morbidity of postpartum SUI is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationship between postpartum SUI and PFM examinations. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 1,380 parturients during September 2016 to January 2018. We collected the clinical characteristics, PFM strength, and EMG variables of parturients 6–8 weeks after birth. Then the correlation among the results of EMG, digital palpation, and the occurrence of SUI was analyzed. Results: There is no significant difference in digital palpation scores of PFM strength between SUI and non-SUI parturients. The EMG values were closely related to SUI: the multivariate logistic regression revealed that the most reliable evaluation indicators of postpartum SUI were pelvic floor contractile amplitude of endurance contraction (B = 0.021, p = 0.019) and pretest resting baseline (B = 0.056, p = 0.019). Correlation analysis demonstrated that the contraction variables of EMG had a significant correlation with the digital palpation PFM strength in postpartum women (r = 0.467–0.545, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The EMG proved to be reliable in assessing the PFM function in postpartum women. The decreased PFM activity, according to EMG, was correlated with postpartum SUI. Although digital palpation scores were positively correlated with EMG results, no correlation was observed with SUI incidence.
Parasite-induced colour alteration of intermediate hosts increases ingestion by suitable final host species
Authors: Thünken Timo , Baldauf Sebastian A. , Bersau Nicole , Frommen Joachim G. , Bakker Theo C.M.
Published: July 2019

Parasites with complex life cycles often alter the phenotypic appearance of their intermediate hosts in order to facilitate ingestion by the final host. However, such manipulation can be costly as it might increase ingestion by less suitable or dead-end hosts as well. Species-specific parasitic manipulation is a way to enhance the transmission to suitable final hosts. Here, we experimentally show that the altered body colouration of the intermediate host Gammarus pulex caused by its acanthocephalan parasite Pomphorhynchus laevis differently affects predation by different fish species (barbel, perch, ruffe, brown trout and two populations of three-spined stickleback) depending on their suitability to act as final host. Species that were responsive to colour manipulation in a predation experiment were more susceptible to infection with P. laevis than unresponsive species. Furthermore, three-spined stickleback from different populations responded to parasite manipulation in opposite directions. Such increased ingestion of the intermediate host by preferred and suitable hosts suggests fine-tuned adaptive parasitic manipulation and sheds light on the ongoing evolutionary arms race between hosts and manipulative parasites.
Development and outcome of intrasexual contests in males and females of Chalcides viridanus (Fam. Scincidae) along breeding period
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández P. , Molina-Borja M.
Published: July 2019

Morphological and behavioural traits influence contest development and outcome. We analysed morphological and behavioural traits in male and female staged contests of Chalcides viridanus along breeding time. There was no significant difference in any morphologic trait for winner and looser male contenders; larger hind-limbs and heads were significantly associated to winner females. ‘Approach’ was positively while ‘flee’ negatively associated to winner males. ‘Tongue-flick’ and ’approach’ were positively associated to female winners and ‘flee’ to losers. Contest intensity was higher in male than in female contests. For males it was higher in May than in March or April but for females in April and May than in March. Contest intensity was positively related to head width in loser males, suggesting fitting to a pure self-assessment model. For females there was no significant association. For the first time we have shown that skink female contests are as complex as those of males.
A Social Imagination of Forgiveness
Authors: Forster Dion
Published: July 2019

This article studies the complexity of understandings of forgiveness among a sample of Black and White South Africans within the context of an empirical intercultural Bible reading process. We will first focus on the foundation upon which the study is predicated—namely that the social imagination of forgiveness is deeply contested among South Africans. Next, we will discuss the approach that the study took to gather the necessary data, and analyse the theological views of forgiveness among the participants in the study. Finally, we shall discuss some of the primary findings of the study. These show that social identity plays a significant role in shaping theological hermeneutics. Black and White participants hold diverse, and even conflicting, expressions and expectations for forgiveness. These are characterised as predominantly social and political for the Black participants, and predominantly individual and spiritual for the White participants.
New Kids on the Block
Authors: Pacholska Magdalena
Published: July 2019

One of the most contentious issues of the “Identification of Customary International Law”, a topic the International Law Commission has recently finalized its work on, concerns the extent to which international organizations (IOs) play a part in the creation of customary norms. Conclusion 4(2) of the 2018 draft provides that “[i]n certain cases, the practice of international organizations also contributes to the formation, or expression, of rules of customary international law.” The official commentary recognizes two such cases: i) when States “have transferred exclusive competences to the [IOs]”, and ii) when States “have conferred competences upon the [IOs] that are functionally equivalent to powers exercised by States.” After questioning the utility of the Commission’s approach, this contribution outlines an alternative analytical framework for IOs’ participation in the creation of customary rules grounded in the principle of speciality and premised on the ratione personae applicability of the rule to be identified.
Hydrangea ofeliae nom. nov. (Hydrangeaceae) from the Philippines
Authors: SODUSTA PATRICK JASON A. , LUMAWAG BENITH GRACE E.
Published: July 2019

The most recent study on the molecular systematics of the Family Hydrangeaceae has shown that the genera Decumaria Linnaeus (1753: 397), Dichroa Loureiro (1790: 301), Broussaisia Gaudichaud (1830: 479), Schizophragma Siebold & Zuccarini in Siebold (1838: 58), Platycrater Siebold & Zuccarini in Siebold (1838: 62), Cardiandra Siebold & Zuccarini in Siebold (1839: 119), Pileostegia Hook.f. & Thomson (1857: 57) and Deinanthe Maximowicz (1867: 2) are congeneric with Hydrangea Linnaeus (1753: 397), so that the latter can be treated as monophyletic (De Smet et al. 2015). Following the results of this study, several new combinations were made including the species which can also be found in the Philippines, Dichroa febrifuga Loureiro (1790: 301) into Hydrangea febrifuga (Loureiro) Y.De Smet & Granados (2015: 750).
Lectotypification of the name Macaranga kurzii (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: CHAKRABARTY TAPAS , KRISHNA GOPAL
Published: July 2019

Pax & Hoffmann (1914) published a new combination, Macaranga kurzii (Kuntze 1891: 620) Pax & Hoffmann (1914: 360) because Tanarius kurzii Kuntze was found to be the earliest replacement name to provide an epithet for the illegitimate name, Macaranga membranacea Kurz (1874: 246) which was described from “Ava, Martaban” in Myanmar. The original material of M. membranacea from the type locality is missing. There is a specimen, collected by Kurz from Myanmar (Pegu, Tookee ridges, Kurz 1549 (CAL0000014004!, K000247051: image!), devoid of flowers and fruits but this sterile collection does not appear to be the type as it was collected from Pegu. It may be mentioned that there is a fruiting specimen of M. kurzii from Yunnan in China collected by D.J. Anderson in 1868 in the Kew herbarium (K001079406) which is identified by Kurz as “Macaranga membranacea Kz” in his own handwriting. There is a duplicate of this collection both at CAL and K. This duplicate was cut vertically into two pieces and the left hand side half was remounted and retained at CAL bearing Kurz’s identification and annotation (“near M. minutiflora Müll., but distinguished at once by large bracts”), while the other right hand side half was sent to Kew by George King for study by J.D. Hooker (J.D. Hooker 1887: 454) and was preserved there. According to Craib (1911: 466), “The specimen collected by Anderson, although not quoted by Kurz in his original description, probably were used by him in his description at least so far as the simple leaves are concerned.” The collection of Anderson agrees well with the protologue of M. membranacea, described on the basis of female plants and bearing identification and annotation by Kurz. We also consider it to be an uncited original material. Hence, this collection is used here to designate lectotype of the name M. membranacea Kurz (1874), non Müller (1866: 996).
Zehneria tuberifera (Cucurbitaceae), a new species from Taita Hills, Kenya
Authors: WATUMA BENJAMIN MUEMA , WEI NENG , MELLY DAVID KIMUTAI , KIPKOECH SOLOMON , KIRIKA PAUL M. , HU GUANG-WAN , WANG QING-FENG
Published: July 2019

A new plant species in the genus Zehneria (Cucurbitaceae) is here described and illustrated. The species was collected at Taita Hills tropical montane forests in Kenya, a fragment of the larger Eastern Arc Mountains biodiversity hotspot. The new species, Zehneria tuberifera, is similar to Z. oligosperma and Z. longiflora, but distinguished by its tuberous rhizome and subcoriaceous leaf blades. Furthermore, it has scattered bristles along the midrib on the adaxial surface of its young leaf blades, a shorter receptacle tube, a trilobed disk in the male flower, solitary or 2-clustered female flowers, and up-to-20-flowered and subumbelliform male inflorescences.
Typifications and additional taxonomic notes in Brazilian Stachytarpheta (Verbenaceae)
Authors: CARDOSO PEDRO HENRIQUE , LIMA LUCAS VIEIRA , DITTRICH VINÍCIUS ANTONIO DE OLIVEIRA , SALIMENA FÁTIMA REGINA GONÇALVES
Published: July 2019

Many names with typification issues were identified during the preparation of a taxonomic treatment of Stachytarpheta for the Flora do Brasil 2020 project. In this context, 22 lectotypes are designated herein along with nomenclatural notes. Additionally, two new synonyms are proposed and clarification on the taxonomic identity of S. viscidula is presented. Therefore, we contribute to stabilize the nomenclatural and taxonomic framework of the genus for the Brazilian flora.
Two new Oxytrechus species from Ecuadorian páramo (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae)
Authors: QUÉINNEC ERIC , OLLIVIER ERIC
Published: July 2019

Description and illustration of two new Oxytrechus species from the páramos of the northern Ecuadorian Andes. O. chioriae n. sp. is distributed at high altitude on the Chimborazo volcano on the Occidental Cordillera; O. cayambeensis n. sp. is located on the Oriental Cordillera and colonizes the Cayambe volcano. The two species are compared to other Ecuadorian species and some considerations about the distribution pattern of South-American species of Oxytrechus are proposed.
2. What Happened to the Ahom Language? The Politics of Language Contact in Assam
Authors: Sonntag Selma K.
Published: July 2019

This chapter takes a historical-institutionalist approach to language politics, focusing on the language shift from a Tai-Kadai language to Indo-Aryan Assamese in the precolonial Ahom kingdom of Northeastern India. This unusual language shift involves those in power abandoning their language in preference of another, rather than subordinates doing so; the concepts of state tradition and language regime are used to analyze how and why this occurred. The chapter exposes the implicit assumptions about language and power in existing research and problematizes a rigid, genealogical classification of languages.
4. The Significance of Place in Ethnolinguistic Vitality
Authors: Daurio Maya
Published: July 2019

This chapter examines the ethnolinguistic vitality of an endangered language community in Nepal over a four-decade period. It discusses mobility and internal migration. The author suggests that ethnolinguistic vitality can be differentiated both geographically and generationally and is affected by fluctuations in the status and power of the language and its speakers.
5. Speaking Chone, Speaking 'Shallow'
Authors: Daurio Maya
Published: July 2019

This chapter uses prolonged contact between Chone Tibetan and other Tibetan languages, as well as Chinese, to introduce other key concepts in the politics of language. It problematizes the concept of ‘linguistic hegemony’ to demonstrate that the usual binary of dominant versus subordinate/minority language is more complicated in the context of language contact. The authors develop the notion of ‘dual hegemonies’ to capture this sort of complex hierarchy. Language policy is argued to be the institutionalization of (not only the representation of) language ideology – language practices stem from language policies, such as adult literacy programs, which coerce minority language speakers to accept their language as inferior. Their consent to this ideology in turn justifies the practice of coercion.
6. Concluding Thoughts on Language Shift and Linguistic Diversity in the Himalaya: The Case of Nepal
Authors: Turin Mark
Published: July 2019

In this chapter, the author concludes that language shift across the Himalaya is complex, uneven and highly specific – it depends on both historical processes and local conditions. The studies contained in the volume are summarized, and the author observes the necessity for Nepal to come to terms with its own multilingualism and find ways to recognize creative innovation – even when this is not sanctioned by the state.
Decomposition of Future Moisture Flux Changes over the Tibetan Plateau Projected by Global and Regional Climate Models
Authors: Zhang Hongwen , Gao Yanhong , Xu Jianwei , Xu Yu , Jiang Yingsha
Published: July 2019

To meet the requirement of high-resolution datasets for many applications, a dynamical downscaling approach using a regional climate model (the WRF Model) driven by a global climate model (CCSM4) has been adopted. This study focuses on projections of future moisture flux changes over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). First, the downscaling results for the historical period (1980–2005) are evaluated for precipitation P, evaporation E, and precipitation minus evaporation P − E against Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) data. The mechanism of P − E changes is analyzed by decomposition into dynamic, thermodynamic, and transient eddy components. Whether the historical period changes and mechanisms continue into the future (2010–2100) is investigated using the WRF and CCSM model projections under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Compared with coarse-resolution forcing, downscaling was found to better reproduce the historical spatial patterns and seasonal mean of annual average P, E, and P − E over the TP. WRF projects a diverse spatial variation of P − E changes, with an increase in the northern TP and a decrease in the southern TP, compared with the uniform increase in CCSM. The dynamic component dominates P − E changes for the historical period in both the CCSM and WRF projections. In the future, however, the thermodynamic component in CCSM dominates P − E changes under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 from the near-term (2010–39) to the long-term (2070–99) future. Unlike the CCSM projections, the WRF projections reproduce the mechanism seen in the historical period—that is, the dynamic component dominates P − E changes. Furthermore, future P − E changes in the dynamical downscaling are less sensitive to warming than its coarse-resolution forcing.
First Incoherent Scatter Measurements and Adaptive Suppression of Field-Aligned Irregularities by the PANSY Radar at Syowa Station, Antarctic
Authors: Hashimoto Taishi , Saito Akinori , Nishimura Koji , Tsutsumi Masaki , Sato Kaoru , Sato Toru
Published: July 2019

The Program of the Antarctic Syowa Mesosphere–Stratosphere–Troposphere/Incoherent Scatter (PANSY) radar is a large atmospheric radar located at the Antarctic Syowa Station (69.01°S, 39.59°E). The PANSY radar performed the first incoherent scatter (IS) measurements in the Antarctic region in 2015. Several specific observations were undertaken in 2017 including a 24-h observation of the ionosphere using a peripheral antenna array to suppress interference from the field-aligned irregularities (FAIs). This paper presents the preliminary results derived from the IS measurements using the PANSY radar and the adaptive signal processing techniques to suppress FAIs. The norm-constrained and directionally constrained minimization of power (NC-DCMP) algorithm was applied to the 24-h ionosphere observations by the PANSY radar with a weighting applied to the directional constraint based on the gain differences of the subarrays. When compared with the conventional nonadaptive approach, the number of usable power profiles was increased by about 24% by the gain-weighted NC-DCMP algorithm, suggesting its effectiveness for FAI clutter suppression in ionosphere observations. Furthermore, detection of FAIs using the dedicated antenna array was found valuable in assessing the reliability of estimations of electron density based on VHF-band IS radar data.
Positive education and the new prosperity: Exploring young people’s conceptions of prosperity and success
Authors: Trask-Kerr Kylie , Chin Tan-Chyuan , Vella-Brodrick Dianne
Published: July 2019

Positive psychology and positive education aim to broaden the definition of prosperity and success to include well-being. This qualitative study sought to explore whether students in a school with a school-wide approach to positive education expressed different ideas about prosperity and success than students who have not received explicit positive education training. Using thematic analysis techniques and with reference to Seligman’s PERMA and Cummins’ Personal Well-being Index (PWI) frameworks, the writing tasks of 205 Year 10 students were analysed. Results showed that positive education students attributed success and prosperity to relationships more frequently than students who had not participated in the positive education programme, and discussed money as indicative of success less frequently. Social equity, health and collective well-being did not feature prominently in positive education students’ responses, suggesting potential for further development of positive education programmes to promote these elements of prosperity and engender a more social definition of success.
Comparison between different non-destructive techniques methods to detect and characterize impact damage on composite laminates
Authors: Papa I , Ricciardi MR , Antonucci V , Langella A , Tirillò J , Sarasini F , Pagliarulo V , Ferraro P , Lopresto V
Published: July 2019

This paper aims to investigate the ability of ultrasonic and electronic speckle pattern interferometry to analyse the low-velocity impact internal damage mechanisms on basalt composite laminates and to provide information on the shape and the extent of the delamination in non-destructive way.

Basalt/epoxy composites with different thicknesses have been realised and characterised by mechanical tests to investigate both fibre-dominated (tensile and flexural behaviour) and matrix-dominated properties (interlaminar shear strength). Specimens were impacted at penetration and at increasing energy values, to explore the damage onset and propagation. The results showed that the damage was concentrated under the impactor–material contact point and that the composite with intermediate thickness had the best balance between the different kinds of impact damages: delamination and indentation. Further, a good agreement was found between the overall data obtained by the two non-destructive techniques, confirming the capability of both techniques to examine the composite impact damage.
An Acoustic Study of Sandhi Vowel Hiatus in Luganda
Authors: Myers Scott
Published: July 2019

In Luganda (Bantu, Uganda), a sequence of vowels in successive syllables (V.V) is not allowed. If the first vowel is high, the two vowels are joined together in a diphthong (e.g., i + a → i͜a). If the first vowel is non-high, it is deleted with compensatory lengthening of the second vowel in the sequence (e.g., e + a → aː). This paper presents an acoustic investigation of inter-word V#V sequences in Luganda. It was found that the vowel interval in V#V sequences is longer than that in V#C sequences. When the first vowel in V#V is non-high, the formant frequency of the outcome is determined by the second vowel in the sequence. When the first vowel is high, on the other hand, the sequence is realized as a diphthong, with the transition between the two formant patterns taking up most of the duration. The durational patterns within these diphthongs provide evidence against the transcription-based claim that these sequences are reorganized so that the length lies in the second vowel (/i#V/ → [jVː]). The findings bring into question a canonical case of compensatory lengthening conditioned by glide formation.