bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tadpole of the hylid frog Bokermannohyla gouveai (Peixoto & Cruz, 1992)
Authors: COSTA PAULO NOGUEIRA , LOURENÇO ANA CAROLINA CALIJORNE , ALMEIDA-SANTOS PATRICIA , VAN SLUYS MONIQUE
Published: December 2018

The genus Bokermannohyla Faivovich, Haddad, Garcia, Frost, Campbell & Wheeler, 2005 currently comprises 29 species that are distributed in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes of Brazil (Faivovich et al. 2009; Frost 2010; Napoli & Pimenta 2009). This genus has recently been erected to accommodate the former Hyla circumdata, Hyla claresignata, Hyla martinsi, and Hyla pseudopseudis species groups (Faivovich et al. 2005). The Bokermannohyla circumdata group is composed by seventeen species (Table 1), all occurring mainly in mountain stream habitats in the Atlantic Rainforest, being the dark vertical stripes on the posterior surface of the thigh a putative morphological synapomorphy of this group (Heyer 1985). Despite the importance of larval characters for phylogenetic and taxonomic studies (e.g. Haas 2003), tadpoles of only seven species are formally described for this group (Table 1). Herein we describe the tadpole of B. gouveai known only from habitats above 1800 m (IUCN, 2010) in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, States of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil.
Synodus cresseyi Prokofiev, 2008, an unnecessary replacement for S. macrocephalus Cressey, 1981, and a description of a new species from the Western Indian Ocean (Teleostei: Synodontidae)
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , PROKOFIEV ARTÉM M. , SHAO KWANG-TSAO
Published: December 2018

Synodus cresseyi Prokofiev, 2008 is an unnecessary replacement name for S. macrocephalus Cressey, 1981 according to Article 23.9.5 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The material used for the description of S. cresseyi includes two species. One of them represents a new species which differs from its congeners in the following combination of characters: anterior palatine teeth not longer than posterior teeth; preopercle scaled posterior to corner of mouth; membranous posterior flap of anterior nostril slender, with a pointed tip, reaching to above posterior nostril when laid back; pectoral fins reaching a line connecting dorsal and pelvic fin origins; pelvic process broad; color in alcohol without any marking, deep brown on dorsal surface restricted to central two-third of head and body, about two scale rows above lateral line, lateral and ventral surface uniformly silver white without blotches.
Microdytes Balfour-Browne of India with description of three new species (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae)
Authors: MILLER KELLY B. , WEWALKA GÜNTHER
Published: December 2018

Three new species in the genus Microdytes Balfour-Browne (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) are described from southwestern India: M. cameroni n. sp., M. svensoni n. sp. and M. whitingi n. sp. A key to the ten species of the genus Microdytes currently known from India is provided, and some new records of Indian Microdytes are given.
Two new fossil species of Itaphlebia (Mecoptera: Nannochoristidae) from Jiulongshan Formation, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: LIU NAN , Zhao Yunyun , REN DONG
Published: December 2018

Two new species, Itaphlebia exquisita sp. nov and Itaphlebia laeta sp. nov., were collected from the Jiulongshan Formation (Middle Jurassic) of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. A key to the species of the genus Itaphlebia is provided and diagnosis of the genus is revised. Itaphlebia exquisita sp. nov differs from other species in having an extra medial vein branch. Itaphlebia laeta sp. nov shows a transitional character to the extant genera by having a simple Sc. These new findings expand the distribution of Itaphlebia from middle-southern Russia to northeastern China.
A new genus and one new species of the Tribe Selizini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae) from China, with a checklist of the tribe from the Oriental Region
Authors: PENG LING-FEI , WANG YING-LUN , ZHANG YA-LIN
Published: December 2018

This paper describes one new genus Pseudoseliza gen. n. and one new species P. crassiprocessa sp. n. of Flatidae from China. The new genus is assigned to the tribe Selizini of the subfamily Flatinae. A key to genera of the tribe Selizini from the Oriental Region is proposed and a checklist of all known species of the tribe from the Oriental Region is provided.
A new species of the genus Monopelopia from South Brazil, with keys to the Neotropical–Nearctic species (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae)
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA CAROLINE SILVA NEUBERN , MENDES HUMBERTO FONSECA , DA SILVA MÁRIO ANTÔNIO NAVARRO
Published: December 2018

A new species, Monopelopia paranaense is described and illustrated, based on immatures collected in a little pond in Parana State (South Brazil) and adults reared in laboratory. Keys to males, larvae and pupae of all species of the genus Monopelopia Fittkau known in the New World are also provided.
Redescription of Proisotoma ramosi Arlé, 1959 from Brazil (Collembola: Isotomidae) with designation of the neotype
Authors: DE MENDONÇA MARIA CLEIDE , ABRANTES EDUARDO ASSIS
Published: December 2018

Proisotoma ramosi Arlé is redescribed based on specimens collected for the first time at National Park of “Serra dos Órgãos”, Teresópolis, State of Rio de Janeiro. This species is easily identified by a set of characters: color white, 2+2 eyes, PAO long and narrow, labral setae pattern 4/554, external lobe of maxilla with bifurcate palp and 3 sublobal setae, sensillar pattern 53/22335 by half tergite, retinaculum with 4+4 teeth and two setae on corpus, manubrium with two anterior-distal setae, dens with 7 posterior and 11 anterior setae, mucro bidentate. Neotype for P. ramosi is designated.
Revision of Hista Oiticica (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) and discussion on the validity of its subspecies
Authors: MORAES SIMEÃO S. , DUARTE MARCELO , GONZÁLEZ JORGE M.
Published: December 2018

Diurnal Lepidoptera tend to have colorful and conspicuous wing patterns, which is the reason the first classifications of day-flying moths and butterflies were based mainly on wing color and pattern characters. This is the case with the Neotropical Castniidae, which are usually large and colorful day-flying moths. One classification listed 134 species in 32 genera while an alternate classification recognized 81 species. In this paper we examine the taxonomic structure of the genus Hista Oiticica. It is the purpose of this paper to evaluate taxonomically useful characters besides wing pattern with the goal of classifying the taxa of Hista rather than classifying the variation of its wing pattern. In so doing, the results resolve the differences between the two proposed classifications of Hista. In addition, a lectotype is designated for Castnia boisduvalii Walker, 1854 (new synonym of Castnia fabricii Swainson, 1823) to ensure the stability of the name. Other new synonyms are proposed for C. fabricii (C. papagaya Westwood, 1877) and Castnia hegemon Kollar, 1839 (C. menetriesi Boisduval, [1875] and C. hegemon variegata Rothschild, 1919).
Shaoshia, an unusual new cicada genus from Pakistan with the description of a new species (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)
Authors: WEI CONG , AHMED ZUBAIR , RIZVI SYED ANSER
Published: December 2018

Shaoshia zhangi gen. & sp. n., from Pakistan, is described and placed in the cicada tribe Cicadatrini. The new genus is characterized by its completely hyaline wings with seven apical cells in the forewing and four apical cells in the hind wing, which is unique among Cicadidae. The relationship between the new genus and other taxa is discussed.
Description and molecular phylogeny of Tethya leysae sp. nov. (Porifera, Demospongiae, Hadromerida) from the Canadian Northeast Pacific with remarks on the use of microtomography in sponge taxonomy
Authors: HEIM ISABEL , NICKEL MICHAEL
Published: December 2018

The sponge Tethya leysae sp. nov. (Porifera, Demospongiae, Hadromerida, Tethyidae) is a new species from the Canadian Northeast Pacific. Its type locality is the infralittoral around Ohiat Islet, Barkely Sound, Vancouver Island in Canada. Tethya leysae sp. nov. is a medium-sized spherical sponge with a verrucose surface, orange-yellow to light red alive and white with a greyish core in ethanol. The highly variable oxyspherasters (25-115 µm in size, R/C 0.34-0.69) are densely scattered almost throughout the entire cortex. The micrasters comprise acanthoxyspherasters, acanthostrongylasters, acanthotylasters and small oxyspherasters, which are present at low densities throughout the sponge and form a dense layer associated with the exopinacoderm. The megascleres and the auxiliary megascleres comprise oxeas and strongyloxeas. The new species is clearly distinguishable from the closely related T. californiana by the absence of spherules among the micrasters, the lack of an alveolar cortex and the extremely high density of megasters in the cortex. In addition, the R/C values of the megasters differ between the two species and the oxyspherasters of T. leysae sp. nov. rarely display bent rays. The morphological differences between the species are confirmed by nucleotide and amino acid substitutions within the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA gene. Phylogenetic analyses group T. leysae sp. nov. with T. californiana, T. actinia and T. minuta, which together form a sister group to a MediterraneanNorth Atlantic species cluster. Morphological analyses of the skeleton included x-ray microtomography (µCT) and virtual 3D reconstruction, which was used for the first time in conjunction with the description of a new sponge species. Microtomography permitted the visualization and analysis of spicules within the skeletal context or isolated in silico. The method represents a valuable extension to the sponge taxonomist’s toolbox since it allows morphometric measurements in 3D. µCT will thus supplement classical morphological methods such as light and scanning electron microscopy.
A new Peruvian land planarian species of the genus Gigantea (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Geoplanidae)
Authors: NEGRETE LISANDRO H. L. , BRUSA FRANCISCO , CARBAYO FERNANDO
Published: December 2018

A new species of Geoplaninae land planarian from south Peru, Gigantea urubambensis sp. nov., is described. The most outstanding features of the new species are the very dorsal location of the testes, between the dorsal diagonal and the supra-intestinal parenchymatic muscle layers; a penis papilla projecting from the roof of the male atrium and acentrally traversed by the ejaculatory duct; and the absence of glandular ridges on the penis papilla.
Reef fishes of the Mazunte-Bahías de Huatulco reef track, Oaxaca, Mexican Pacific
Authors: PÉREZ RAMÓN ANDRÉS LÓPEZ , PÉREZ-MALDONADO IMELDA LÓPEZ , ORTIZ ARIADNA MONTSERRAT LÓPEZ , SERVIN LINDA MARGARITA BARRANCO , VILLALOBOS JAVIER BARRIENTOS , Morales Gerado Esteban Leyte
Published: December 2018

Although fish are one of the most abundant, conspicuous and structurally important inhabitants of reef systems, the group has remained largely ignored from biodiversity accounts on the Oaxaca reef track. Reef icthyofauna composition at 10 sites between Mazunte and Isla Montosa was gathered through stationary visual census techniques during 19982008. A total of 112 species belonging to 81 genera, 40 families and 11 orders were recorded. Species richness of the study area is higher than similar reef communities in the Mexican Pacific. Thirty species represent new records for the study area, and some discrepancies were found between local (this study) and regional accounts. Our data suggest that species composition in the area is still incomplete.
Review, cladistic analysis and biogeography of Nezara Amyot & Serville (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: FERRARI AUGUSTO , SCHWERTNER CRISTIANO FELDENS , GRAZIA JOCELIA
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the genus Nezara Amyot & Serville is reviewed and a hypothesis of relationships among its species is proposed. Also, diagnoses for the genus and the 12 included species are provided. A key to separate the species is also provided. Of the seven other species assigned to Nezara in the literature, four of them are considered incertae sedis, two are transferred to different genera, and one is considered a junior synonym. The cladistic analysis include 15 taxa and 34 characters. The cladogram was rooted with Carpocoris purpureipennis (DeGeer); outgroup comparison also include species of the sister-groups Aethemenes chloris (Dallas), and Pseudoacrosternum cachani Day. The results showed Nezara as a monophyletic taxon. Biogeographical scenarios of the evolution of Nezara were discussed.
The Central Asian Herina (Diptera: Ulidiidae), with the description of a new species from Afghanistan
Authors: KAMENEVA ELENA P. , PLJUSHTCH IGOR G.
Published: December 2018

Herina odnosumi sp. nov. from Afghanistan is described and illustrated. Herina odnosumi sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other Old World species by its predominantly reddish yellow body, acute flagellomere 1 and yellow to brown wing pattern. The other Central Asian species, H. monticola (Stackelberg, 1945), previously known from a Russian brief original description and a short illustrated note on its taxonomic position in is also redescribed. A key to the two species of Herina Robineau-Desvoidy occurring in Central Asia is provided.
A new species of Lauromacromia (Odonata: Corduliidae) from Southeastern Brazil, with a cladistic analysis of the genus and comments on Neotropical dragonfly biogeography
Authors: PINTO ÂNGELO PARISE , CARVALHO ALCIMAR DO LAGO
Published: December 2018

Lauromacromia melanica sp. nov. from Conceição da Barra municipality, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, is described and illustrated based on two males (both in MNRJ nº 135). The new species is similar to L. picinguaba differing from it mainly by the absence of pale spots on S3–6 and by the ellipsoid shape of metepisternal pale stripe. A key for males of all species of the genus is provided. A cladistic analysis encompassing 43 external morphological male characters carried out in two distinct procedures, the first with all characters unordered and the second with two or three state characters ordered. The unordered analysis generated only one most-parsimonious tree (66 steps of length, CI = 0.69, RI = 0.62). The hypothesis of monophyly of Lauromacromia is supported and includes three groups, one formed by the Atlantic Forest species (L. melanica sp. nov. + L. picinguaba), and another by the Cerrado species (L. flaviae + (L. bedei + L. luismoojeni)), and L. dubitalis, positioned in polytomy with these two groups. The ordered analysis also generated only one most-parsimonious tree (68 steps of length, CI = 0.70, RI = 0.67), which maintained the monophyly of Lauromacromia but L. dubitalis positioned basally as sister-group to the Atlantic Forest + Cerrado species groups. The geographic distribution of Lauromacromia is updated with a new record of L. luismoojeni based on one adult male (Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul State) and probable first Brazilian records for L. dubitalis (Amazonas and Pará States) based on two larvae. A vicariance hypothesis is proposed to explain spatial evolution of Lauromacromia, and based on current biogeographical classifications we consider Gomphomacromia and Rialla apart from Neotropical biota. Some aspects of biology and ecology of Lauromacromia are also discussed.
Molecules meet macroecology—combining Species Distribution Models and phylogeographic studies
Authors: RÖDDER DENNIS , WEINSHEIMER FRANK , LÖTTERS STEFAN
Published: December 2018

Combination of various techniques allows the identification of unique genetic lineages and/or taxa new to science via integrative taxonomy approaches. Next to molecular methods such as DNA ‘barcoding’ and phylogeographic analyses, Species Distribution Models may serve as compliment techniques allowing spatially explicit predictions of a species’ potential distribution even across millennia. They may facilitate the identification of possible recent and historical gene flow pathways. Herein, we highlight advantages of the combination of both molecular and macroecological approaches using the African miniature leaf litter frog Arthroleptis xenodactyloides as example.
Bioacoustic data of the recently described Boophis calcaratus (Anura: Mantellidae: Boophinae), a cryptic treefrog from Eastern Madagascar
Authors: ROSA GONÇALO M. , ANDREONE FRANCO
Published: December 2018

The recent systematic classification of Malagasy amphibians by Glaw & Vences (2006) proposed a new monophyletic Boophis subgenus (Sahona), that includes the species formerly ascribed to the B. tephraeomystax group. This subgenus contains ten described species (Vallan et al. 2009), which show a rather cryptic colouration, sometimes reminding tree corks and lichens, as it is the case of B. lichenoides, B. guibei, and possibly also in B. xerophilus (Andreone 2002; Glaw & Vences 2007).
A new black fly species from Brazil, closely related to Simulium guianense Wise (Diptera, Simuliidae), revealed by morphology and DNA barcoding
Authors: HAMADA NEUSA , PEPINELLI MATEUS , MATTOS-GLÓRIA ALINE , LUZ SERGIO LUIZ BESSA
Published: December 2018

The male, female, pupa and larva of Simulium litobranchium n. sp. are described and illustrated. This new species has 12 gill filaments, as do S. duodenicornium Pepinelli, Hamada & Trivinho-Strixino, S. guianense Wise, S. hirtipupa Lutz, S. perplexum Shelley, Maia-Herzog, Lunas Dias & Couch and S. scutistriatum Lutz, but it can be distinguished from these other species by a combination of characters observed at the pupal and adult stages. DNA barcoding showed that Simulium litobranchium n. sp. exhibits more than 4% nucleotide divergence in cytochrome oxidase I from three other closely related species in the Neotropical subgenus S. (Thyrsopelma). The new species was collected in the Brazilian states of Goiás and Minas Gerais and inhabits rivers 30–40 m in width in the Paraná River hydrographic basin. Females were not observed engaging in anthropophilic behavior.
Comparisons of Electromagnetic Scattering Properties of Real Hailstones and Spheroids
Authors: Jiang Zhiyuan , Kumjian Matthew R. , Schrom Robert S. , Giammanco Ian , Brown-Giammanco Tanya , Estes Heather , Maiden Ross , Heymsfield Andrew J.
Published: December 2018

Severe (>2.5 cm) hail causes >$5 billion in damage annually in the United States. However, radar sizing of hail remains challenging. Typically, spheroids are used to represent hailstones in radar forward operators and to inform radar hail-sizing algorithms. However, natural hailstones can have irregular shapes and lobes; these details significantly influence the hailstone’s scattering properties. The high-resolution 3D structure of real hailstones was obtained using a laser scanner for hail collected during the 2016–17 Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) Hail Field Study. Plaster casts of several record hailstones (e.g., Vivian, South Dakota, 2010) were also scanned. The S-band scattering properties of these hailstones were calculated with the discrete dipole approximation (DDA). For comparison, scattering properties of spheroidal approximations of each hailstone (with identical maximum and minimum dimensions and mass) were calculated with the T matrix. The polarimetric radar variables have errors when using spheroids, even for small hail. Spheroids generally have smaller variations in the polarimetric variables than the real hailstones. This increased variability is one reason why the correlation coefficienttends to be lower in observations than in forward-simulated cases using spheroids. Backscatter differential phaseδalso is found to have large variance, particularly for large hailstones. Irregular hailstones with a thin liquid layer produce enhanced and more variable values for reflectivity factor at horizontal polarizationZHH, differential reflectivityZDR, specific differential phaseKDP, linear depolarization ratio (LDR), andδcompared with dry hailstones;is also significantly reduced.
Does It Pay to Be Real? Understanding Authenticity in TV Advertising
Authors: Becker Maren , Wiegand Nico , Reinartz Werner J.
Published: December 2018

Marketing managers and creatives alike believe that authenticity is an essential element for effective advertising. However, no common understanding of authenticity in advertising exists, and empirical knowledge about its impact on consumer behavior is limited. In this study, the authors use a comprehensive literature review and qualitative studies to identify four dimensions of authenticity in an advertising context. By examining 323 television ads across 67 brands and four years, they investigate these dimensions’ effects on the sales performance of advertised products. Because the impact of authenticity may depend on brand or product characteristics, the authors also analyze how these effects vary with brand size or across hedonic and utilitarian products. The results suggest that authenticity influences consumer behavior in a more nuanced manner than previously recognized. For instance, whereas an ad congruent with the brand’s essence has a positive effect on sales in most cases, an overly honest advertising message can actually hurt performance; the latter is true especially for hedonic products, for which consumers rely more on subjective information when making purchase decisions.
On Habermas’s differentiation of rightness from truth: Can an achievement concept do without a validity concept?
Authors: Strydom Piet
Published: December 2018

The metaproblematic of this article is the cognitive structure of morality. In the context of an investigation into Habermas’s theory of validity which respects his strong cognitivism and emphasis on moral knowledge, the focus is on his proposal to treat rightness as ‘justification-immanent’ rather than as ‘justification-transcendent’, as in the case of truth. The imputation of asymmetrical validity bases to rightness and truth is probed in terms of the distinction between achievement and validity concepts which is informed by the mathematical–philosophical conceptual pair of finite and infinite ideal limit concepts. The thrust of the argument is spearheaded by the question whether the process of the discursive construction and justification of rightness is not of necessity required, as in the case of truth, to have recourse to a transcendent – albeit immanently rooted – cognitive property beyond formal-pragmatically backed procedural presuppositions to secure its validity. A final brief coda collates suggestions made in the course of the argumentation towards a cognitive–sociological approach that links up with Habermas’s central concepts and could complement his inspiring vision of the ‘cultural embodiment of reason’.
Applied Force during Piston Prosthesis Placement in a 3D‐Printed Model: Freehand vs Robot‐Assisted Techniques
Authors: Razavi Christopher R. , Wilkening Paul R. , Yin Rui , Lamaison Nicolas , Taylor Russell H. , Carey John P. , Creighton Francis X.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To describe a 3D‐printed middle ear model that quantifies the force applied to the modeled incus. To compare the forces applied during placement and crimping of a stapes prosthesis between the Robotic ENT Microsurgery System (REMS) and the freehand technique in this model.

Study Design

Prospective feasibility study.

Setting

Robotics laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

A middle ear model was designed and 3D printed to facilitate placement and crimping of a piston prosthesis. The modeled incus was mounted to a 6–degree of freedom force sensor to measure forces/torques applied on the incus. Six participants—1 fellowship‐trained neurotologist, 2 neurotology fellows, and 3 otolaryngology–head and neck surgery residents—placed and crimped a piston prosthesis in this model, 3 times freehand and 3 times REMS assisted. Maximum force applied to the incus was then calculated for prosthesis placement and crimping from force/torque sensor readings for each trial. Robotic and freehand outcomes were compared with a linear regression model.

Results

Mean maximum magnitude of force during prosthesis placement was 126.4 ± 73.6 mN and 105.0 ± 69.4 mN for the freehand and robotic techniques, respectively (P =. 404). For prosthesis crimping, the mean maximum magnitude of force was 469.3 ± 225.2 mN for the freehand technique and 272.7 ± 97.4 mN for the robotic technique (P =. 049).

Conclusions

Preliminary data demonstrate that REMS‐assisted stapes prosthesis placement and crimping are feasible with a significant reduction in maximum force applied to the incus during crimping with the REMS in comparison with freehand.
Montelukast and Nasal Corticosteroids to Treat Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Liming Bryan J. , Ryan Matthew , Mack Douglas , Ahmad Iram , Camacho Macario
Published: December 2018

Objective

To systematically review the literature on anti‐inflammatory medications for treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and perform meta‐analysis of the available data.

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE and 4 additional databases.

Review Methods

Three authors independently and systematically searched through June 28, 2018, for studies that assessed anti‐inflammatory therapy for treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Data were compiled and analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 (Nordic Cochrane Centre).

Results

After screening 135 studies, 32 were selected for review with 6 meeting inclusion criteria. In total, 668 patients aged 2 to 5 years met inclusion criteria for meta‐analysis. Of these, 5 studies (166 children) that evaluated montelukast alone as treatment for pediatric OSA found a 55% improvement in the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) (mean [SD] 6.2 [3.1] events/h pretreatment and 2.8 [2.7] events/h posttreatment; mean difference [MD] of −2.7 events/h; 95% confidence interval [CI], –5.6 to 0.3) with improvement in lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) from 89.5 (6.9) to 92.1 (3.6) (MD, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.5‐4.0). Two studies (502 children) observing the effects of montelukast with intranasal corticosteroids on pediatric OSA found a 70% improvement in AHI (4.7 [2.1] events/h pretreatment and 1.4 [1.0] events/h posttreatment; MD of −4.2 events/h; 95% CI, –6.3 to −2.0), with an improvement in LSAT from 87.8 (3.1) to 92.6 (2.2) (MD, 4.8; 95% CI, 4.5‐5.1).

Conclusions

Treatment with montelukast and intranasal steroids or montelukast alone is potentially beneficial for short‐term management of mild pediatric OSA.
Electrocardiographic manifestations in severe hypokalemia
Authors: Wang Xiqiang , Han Dan , Li Guoliang
Published: December 2018

Hypokalemia is one of the most common electrolyte disturbances in the clinic and it can increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Electrocardiographic characteristics associated with hypokalemia include dynamic changes in T-wave morphology, ST-segment depression, and U waves, which are often best seen in the mid-precordial leads (V2–V4). The PR interval can also be prolonged along with an increase in the amplitude of the P wave. We report a case of a patient with hypokalemia (1.31 mmol/L) who showed typical electrocardiographic characteristics of hypokalemia.
Guardianship in the Digital Age
Authors: Reynald Danielle M.
Published: December 2018

This conceptual article focuses on the potential to advance and extend guardianship using new digital crime prevention applications that have been developed as a consequence of technological advancements in communication and social engagement. The new opportunity structure for informal guardianship through active citizen participation and involvement in crime prevention and control efforts using the Internet and smartphones is discussed to emphasize how this has changed in the digital age. Specifically, the article highlights how the fundamental tenets of guardianship (i.e., what it means to be available, how supervision or monitoring is carried out and ways of intervening) have evolved due to neighborhood watch/community safety mobile applications. Based on what we have learned about guardianship, this article considers the potential for these digital crime prevention applications to extend and support guardianship. It also assesses these applications critically by highlighting some of the concerns and risks that need to be considered amid the proliferation of these new platforms for crime control. The article concludes by weighing up the pros and cons with a view to focusing on key issues in the continued development of such applications so their potential can be maximized.
Call for Revision of Weisman and Montgomery’s Review of Functional Family Therapy
Authors: Robbins Michael S. , Turner Charles W.
Published: December 2018

Weisman and Montgomery completed an overview of reviews to evaluate the status of research concerning functional family therapy (FFT). Despite reporting modest effects on delinquency, substance use, and secondary outcomes, the authors conclude that the research base supporting FFT is tenuous and that it “may not be advisable to continue adopting FFT without reexamining and testing the effects.” We present a critique of their flawed analysis and question their inconsistent and potentially harmful recommendations. At present, clinicians provide FFT services in over 340 sites in 12 countries with more than 50,000 youth/families. More than a dozen independent cost analyses suggest that these communities save more than US$1 billion annually in social service costs from avoided incarcerations and more than US$4 billion in avoided victim costs. These youth and families, and their communities could experience serious harm if policy makers adopted Weisman and Montgomery’s recommendations.
Predicting strength and strain enhancement ratios of circular fiber-reinforced polymer tube confined concrete under axial compression using artificial neural networks
Authors: Khan Qasim S , Sheikh M Neaz , Hadi Muhammad NS
Published: December 2018

Numerous research studies experimentally investigated the axial compressive behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer tube confined concrete cylinders in the past two decades. However, only a limited number of research studies developed stress–strain models to predict the strength and strain enhancement ratio of fiber-reinforced polymer tube confined concrete cylinders under axial compression. The available strength and strain enhancement ratio models of fiber-reinforced polymer tube confined concrete cylinders are a function of actual confinement ratio only. This study develops strength and strain enhancement ratio models for circular fiber-reinforced polymer tube confined concrete under axial compression based on artificial neural network analyses using Purelin and Tansig transfer functions. The developed strength and strain enhancement ratio models are functions of actual confinement ratio, orientation of fibers, height to diameter ratio, and axial strain in unconfined concrete at peak axial stress. The formulation and performance evaluation of the developed strength and strain enhancement ratio models are carried out using experimental investigation results of 238 circular fiber-reinforced polymer tube confined concrete under concentric axial compression compiled from a database of 599 fiber-reinforced polymer tube confined concrete specimens. The predictions of the developed strength and strain enhancement ratio models match well with the experimental investigation results of the compiled database. The developed strength and strain enhancement ratio models exhibit smaller statistical errors than the available models in the research studies for predicting the strength and strain enhancement ratios of circular fiber-reinforced polymer tube confined concrete under axial compression.
Force-monitoring ring based on white-light interferometry for bridge cable force monitoring and its temperature compensation
Authors: Li Shengyuan , Lv Haifeng , Kuang Yachuan , Deng Nianchun , Sun Changsen , Zhao Xuefeng
Published: December 2018

This article proposes a novel white-light interference (WLI) force-monitoring ring for bridge cable force monitoring and temperature compensation. The WLI force-monitoring ring employs a sensing optical fiber wrapped around the outer surface of an elastomer to measure the expansion caused by applied load and temperature. By installing WLI force-monitoring ring between the anchor plate and the spherical plate of the cable, cable force can be captured by the sensing optical fiber and thus measured after temperature compensation. Based on white-light interferometry, two force-monitoring rings with resolution of 0.25 µ are designed. To find a route to temperature compensation, laboratory experiments are carried to study the effects of temperature on WLI force-monitoring ring both in free and forced states. Theoretical analysis and calibration experiments are implemented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed WLI force-testing ring, and the experiment results expose that the temperature-induced strain can be compensated using a WLI force-monitoring ring in free state. As a comparison, similar work is made for four fiber Bragg grating sensors attached to the elastomer evenly near the sensing optical fiber. The comparison results verify that the WLI method achieves better linear relation and repeatability than fiber Bragg grating. The WLI force-monitoring ring provides a high-precision and low-cost method for bridge cable force monitoring.
Digital storytelling using co-production with vulnerable young people
Authors: Heron Gavin , Steckley Laura
Published: December 2018

The importance of listening to young people is enshrined in legislative and policy frameworks and is integral to the children’s rights agenda. However, social work has often struggled to give a voice to vulnerable young people, especially when their views conflict with adult perspectives. This project pioneers the use of digital storytelling using a co-productive approach to address an ongoing deficit in the way accommodated young people express their views at key decision making forums. A four-day residential retreat was used as the venue for co-constructing a digital story and collecting data about young people’s experiences of the process. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes emerging from participants’ accounts of their experiences.

Findings

The findings suggest that child care meetings should be re-conceptualized as a process in which young people undertake the role of educator, rather than their current positioning as passive information giver. The shift from a passive provider of information to educator is theorised by linking the concepts of scaffolding and Zone of Proximal Development to co-production.

Applications

This study expands current conceptualisations of co-production as an approach to digital storytelling that holds transformative potential for genuine inclusion of children’s voices in decision-making forums. Whilst the study focused on accommodated young people, the findings are relevant to other service user groups. New technology presents exciting opportunities for practitioners and policy makers to involve those most excluded in society, and at a time when key decisions are made about their lives.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Treatment During Radiotherapy Is Associated With Survival Benefit in Patients With Lung Cancer
Authors: Du Rui , Hu Pingping , Liu Qiqi , Zhang Jingxin , Deng Guodong , Hu Dan , Zhang Jiandong
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, an agent commonly used for neutropenia treatment, plays an important role in cancer treatment. However, the effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment on patient’s survival during radiation therapy in lung cancer remains unknown.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study of patients with lung cancer who underwent radiation therapy from 2012 to 2015 at Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital was performed. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered when grade 3 or 4 leukopenia and/or neutropenia occurred during radiation therapy, and no prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was used in this study. Patients were classified into high and low granulocyte colony-stimulating factor group according the dosage of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor use during radiation therapy. The influence of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on survival was investigated. In addition, the predict value of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in concurrent chemoradiotherapy group and radiation therapy alone group was also evaluated, respectively.

Results:

A total of 231 patients were enrolled, with 56 in the high granulocyte colony-stimulating factor group and 175 in the low granulocyte colony-stimulating factor group. High dose of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for the entire population group was associated with a favorable overall survival (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.798 [1.260-2.568]; P = .001) and a longer progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 1.550 [1.127-2.132]; P = .007). However, compared with a lower granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, a higher granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was associated with significant better overall survival and progression-free survival in radiation therapy group, not in concurrent chemoradiotherapy group. Although there was no statistical significance in concurrent chemoradiotherapy group, the median overall survival and progression-free survival of patients in the higher granulocyte colony-stimulating factor group were longer than those in the lower group. Furthermore, the treatment strategy was also associated with the overall survival, not the progression-free survival.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment during radiation therapy has favorable impact on outcome in patients with lung cancer. Besides, results showed that patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy had better prognosis than those treated with radiation therapy alone.
Shenqi Fuzheng Injection in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Shuyu , Zhang Dan , Wu Jiarui , Wang Kaihuan , Zhao Yi , Ni Mengwei , Meng Ziqi , Zhang Xiaomeng
Published: December 2018

Objective: This meta-analysis synthesized the available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of Shenqi Fuzheng injection (SQFZI) combined with chemotherapy for breast cancer. Method: A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted to identify the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on breast cancer treated by SQFZI in several electronic database up to October 29, 2017. The included RCTs were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool; data were extracted and analyzed via RevMan 5.3 and Stata 13.0 software. Results: A total of 31 eligible RCTs comprising 2543 participants were selected in this present meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that compared with receiving conventional chemotherapy alone, SQFZI treatment combined with chemotherapy was more efficient in improving clinical total effective rate (relative risk [RR] = 1.31, 95% CI 1.19-1.44, P < .00001) and performance status (RR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.88-2.65, P < .00001). Additionally, SQFZI combined with chemotherapy was capable of enhancing immune function and alleviating adverse drug reactions for patients with breast cancer. Conclusions: The current evidence suggested that using SQFZI as an adjunct treatment to chemotherapy may be preferable for patients with breast cancer compared to chemotherapy alone. Because of the limitations of the quantities and qualities of included RCTs, more well-designed RCTs are needed to further support our conclusion.
Finite-time predictor line-of-sight–based adaptive neural network path following for unmanned surface vessels with unknown dynamics and input saturation
Authors: Yu Yalei , Guo Chen , Yu Haomiao
Published: December 2018

In the presence of unknown dynamics and input saturation, a finite-time predictor line-of-sight–based adaptive neural network scheme is presented for the path following of unmanned surface vessels. The proposed scheme merges with the guidance and the control subsystem of unmanned surface vessels together. A finite-time predictor–based line-of-sight guidance law is developed to ensure unmanned surface vessels effectively converging to and following the referenced path. Then, the path-following control laws are designed by combining neural network-based minimal learning parameter technique with backstepping method, where minimal learning parameter is applied to account for system nonparametric uncertainties. The key features of this scheme, first, the finite-time predictor errors are guaranteed; second, designed controllers are independent of the system model; and third, only required two parameters update online for each control law. The rigorous theory analysis verifies that all signals in the path-following guidance-control system are semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded via Lyapunov stability theory. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the presented scheme.
Ultrasound in the evaluation of necrotic bowel in children: A pictorial essay
Authors: Wang Mark QW , Lee Margaret YW , El Teo Harvey
Published: December 2018

Necrotic bowel is a serious condition involving death of gastrointestinal tissue. The diagnosis is difficult to make clinically, and plain radiography is often inconclusive. Ultrasonography is an inexpensive, portable and readily available complementary diagnostic tool. In some cases, ultrasonography can detect features of necrotic bowel earlier than plain radiography or when plain radiography is equivocal and does not correlate with the clinical findings. This pictorial essay aims to compare the ultrasonography features of normal bowel and necrotic bowel in children. The role of ultrasonography and the ultrasonographic features of necrotic bowel will be illustrated by discussing some of the causes of necrotic bowel in children. Correlation with plain radiographs and pathological specimens is made. Frequent causes of necrotic bowel in neonates include necrotising enterocolitis, malrotation with small bowel volvulus and incarcerated inguinal hernias. Causes in older children include intussusception, complications of Meckel’s diverticulum, post-surgical adhesions, internal hernias and vasculitic abnormalities. Ultrasonography features suggestive of necrotic bowel include persistently dilated loops of aperistaltic bowel, increase or decrease of bowel wall thickness, intramural or portal venous gas, loss of bowel wall perfusion, and free intraperitoneal gas and fluid. The diagnosis of necrotic bowel may be made earlier on ultrasonography than on abdominal radiographs alone. This pictorial essay will familiarise the reader with the role of ultrasonography and the ultrasonographic features of necrotic bowel through a wide range of conditions that may cause necrotic bowel in children. Familiarity with these findings will facilitate timely imaging diagnosis of necrotic bowel before complications develop.
Paclitaxel blocks Th2‐mediated TGF‐β activation in Schistosoma mansoni‐induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kassa Biruk , Mickael Claudia , Kumar Rahul , Sanders Linda , Koyanagi Dan , Hernandez‐Saavedra Daniel , Tuder Rubin M. , Graham Brian B.
Published: December 2018

Schistosomiasis is a leading cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH) worldwide. Recent studies reveal that the type‐2 immune cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐13, as well as consequent activation of TGF‐β, are key factors in the pathogenesis of Schistosoma‐PH. Paclitaxel has been reported to act as an adjuvant for Th2 inflammation while downregulating TGF‐β activation. Moreover, paclitaxel blocks PH in monocrotaline and SU5416‐hypoxia models. We hypothesized that paclitaxel would augment Th2 inflammation while blocking TGF‐β activation and PH after schistosomiasis exposure. Wild‐type mice (C57BL6/J; 6/group) were intraperitoneally (IP) sensitized and then intravenously (IV) challenged with Schistosoma mansoni eggs. One day after IV egg challenge, the mice were treated with a single IP dose of 25 mg/kg paclitaxel or vehicle. Right ventricular (RV) catheterization was performed and granuloma volumes and vascular remodeling were quantified. Lung cytokines were quantified by ELISA and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the quantity of active TGF‐β was determined using a cell reporter line. We also investigated hypoxia‐induced PH. Paclitaxel treatment significantly protected mice from Schistosoma‐PH, with decreased RV systolic pressure (P = 0.005) and pulmonary vascular media thickness. Inflammation was significantly suppressed, contrary to our hypothesis, with decreased IL‐4 and IL‐13 levels, smaller granulomas, and less active TGF‐β following paclitaxel treatment. There was no change in IFN‐γ or FoxO1 or FoxO3 expression. Paclitaxel did not suppress chronic hypoxia‐induced PH, which is also TGF‐β‐driven but independent of type‐2 immunity. Paclitaxel protects against Schistosoma‐induced PH in mice, although by blocking proximate Th2 inflammation rather than suppressing distal TGF‐β activation.
Clinical and endoscopic findings to assist the early detection of duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma
Authors: Matsuzaki Juntaro , Suzuki Hidekazu , Shimoda Masayuki , Mori Hideki , Fukuhara Seiichiro , Miyoshi Sawako , Masaoka Tatsuhiro , Iwao Yasushi , Kanai Yae , Kanai Takanori
Published: December 2018

Background

Sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm in which poor prognosis is often associated with delayed diagnosis.

Objective

A case‐control study was designed to evaluate the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of patients with nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumours (NADETs).

Methods

Patients with NADETs were chronologically divided into a discovery and a validation sets. Two age‐ and sex‐matched control individuals for each case in the discovery set were randomly selected from individuals without NADET. A prediction model for the presence of NADET, constructed in the discovery set, was evaluated in the validation set.

Results

In total, 368 adenomas, 81 adenocarcinomas, and 314 controls were analysed. Current smoking, Barrett oesophagus, fundic gland polyps, history of malignant disease, and absence of dyslipidaemia were independently associated with the presence of NADET. The combination of these five factors enabled significant discrimination for NADET in the bulb with a sensitivity of 0.81 in the validation set. We also showed that duodenal adenocarcinomas in the bulb had greater invasive potential than adenocarcinomas in the second portion.

Conclusion

The presence of a duodenal tumour in the bulb could be predicted by clinical and endoscopic findings, which helps improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients.
Application in the World of Understanding: Researchers’ Experiences of Participation in Reflective Dialogues
Authors: Nyholm Linda , Salmela Susanne , Nyström Lisbet
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to describe researchers’ experiences of participation in reflective dialogues through a hermeneutic application research approach. The aim was also to describe their perspectives on application, that is, the inner appropriation and application of theory into practice and vice versa. Twenty-one clinical coresearchers and four scientific researchers participated in reflective dialogues in a project on ethical sustainable caring cultures, in which an application research approach was used. The study included questionnaires, a focus group interview, and conversations. The findings show that participation in the reflective dialogues required that the participants are present, open for dialogue, share a common interest in the thematics of the dialogue, and are given space to express themselves. The participants described their experiences of the dual meaning underlying application. Application research strengthened the relationship between research and clinical practice and it contributed to the development of theory.