bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract B68: Spatial and temporal conditions for Smarcb1 deletion determines mouse AT/RT (atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor) subtype
Authors: Han Zhi-Yan , Andrianteranagna Mamy , Jesus-Lobon-Iglesias Maria , Tauziède-Espariat Arnault , Beccaria Kevin , Fréneaux Paul , Waterfall Joshua J. , Masliah-Planchon Julien , Bourneix Christine , Pierron Gaelle , Leruste Amaury , Chauvin Céline , Surdez Didier , Varlet Pascale , Dufour Christelle , Delattre Olivier , Dangouloff-Ros Volodia , Bourdeaut Franck
Published: August 2020

The cell(s) of origin of AT/RTs remain(s) unknown. We previously developed a mouse model consisting of tamoxifen inducible system in a Smarcb1Flox/Flox;Rosa26-CreERT2 background. We obtained two molecular subgroups of intracranial tumors, one with neuronal and the other with non-neuronal features, consistent with the diversity observed in human AT/RTs. To investigate the potential cell(s) of origin of these various AT/RTs, we first explored whether different time points of Smarcb1 inactivation correlated with anatomic location and/or molecular subgroups. We observed that the neuronal group, primarily developing from the subventricular zone and the spinal cord, was almost exclusively obtained with the earliest inactivation time points (E6-E7). In contrast, the non-neuronal group emerged upon Smarcb1 inactivation at any time point (E6-E10) and showed intracranial but extra-parenchymal/meningeal origins. High-resolution analysis of anatomic distribution of 55 human AT/RT and molecular subgroups is in progress. In order to more specifically identify the cell(s) of origin for the neuronal group, we next generated developmental stage-specific conditional knockout mice carrying Smarcb1 inactivation by restricting Cre expression with promoters characteristic for various neural stem cells/progenitors. While Smarcb1Flox/Flox;Atoh1CreERT2 showed ataxia but failed to give rise to any tumor at any embryonal time point, Smarcb1Flox/Flox;Ascl1CreERT2 did not show any phenotype. Targeting Nestin-expressing cells led to tumors with morphologic rhabdoid features; these tumors again showed molecular diversity as observed in human AT/RTs. In conclusion, we show that deletion of Smarcb1 determines mouse AT/RT subtypes depending on spatial and temporal factors. Our new mouse models not only give insight into the cell(s) of origin, but also provide interesting preclinical models of AT/RTs.

Citation Format: Zhi-Yan Han, Mamy Andrianteranagna, Maria Jesus-Lobon-Iglesias, Arnault Tauziède-Espariat, Kevin Beccaria, Paul Fréneaux, Joshua J. Waterfall, Julien Masliah-Planchon, Christine Bourneix, Gaelle Pierron, Amaury Leruste, Céline Chauvin, Didier Surdez, Pascale Varlet, Christelle Dufour, Olivier Delattre, Volodia Dangouloff-Ros, Franck Bourdeaut. Spatial and temporal conditions for Smarcb1 deletion determines mouse AT/RT (atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor) subtype [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 17-20; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(14 Suppl):Abstract nr B68.
Abstract IA02: Novel strategies for early cancer detection and prevention: The Li-Fraumeni syndrome story
Authors: Malkin David , Light Nicholas , Subrasi Valli , Brew Benjamin , Paramathas Sangeetha , Nabbi Arash , Prykhozhij Sergei , Pugh Trevor , Berman Jason , Goldenberg Anna , Shlien Adam
Published: August 2020

More than 85% of patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome harbor germline TP53 mutations. The spectrum of mutations and the heterogeneity of tumor presentation (age of onset and type) within and between families is remarkable and indicates that modifiers must play an important role in defining the phenotype of each patient and each family. We recently reported the feasibility and utility of a clinical surveillance protocol for early detection of tumors in TP53 mutation carriers (Villani et al., Lancet Oncol 2016). Results from deep sequencing of the genome and epigenome of germline and tumor tissues of TP53 mutation carriers provide exciting new insight into the role of modifiers on both the functional activity of p53 in the germline as well as their influence on tumor onset, tumor spectrum, and clinical outcome/response to therapy. Data will be presented to support the creation of molecular algorithms that may be used in a precise manner to predict cancer onset, as well as to better define the molecular landscape of cancers that arise in TP53 mutation carriers. It is anticipated that the combined use of this germline and somatic landscape data can more effectively refine and guide the creation of personalized surveillance and chemoprevention strategies for these patients.

Citation Format: David Malkin, Nicholas Light, Valli Subrasi, Benjamin Brew, Sangeetha Paramathas, Arash Nabbi, Sergei Prykhozhij, Trevor Pugh, Jason Berman, Anna Goldenberg, Adam Shlien. Novel strategies for early cancer detection and prevention: The Li-Fraumeni syndrome story [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 17-20; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(14 Suppl):Abstract nr IA02.
Abstract IA10: Activating innate and adaptive immunity to improve outcome for “cold” tumors
Authors: Sondel Paul M.
Published: August 2020

Unlike some adult cancers, most pediatric cancers are considered immunologically cold and generally less responsive to immunotherapy. Anti-GD2 mAb plus cytokine-based immunotherapy has already been incorporated into standard-of-care treatment for pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma achieving remission. However, overall survival remains poor. We are pursuing clinical and preclinical studies to engage innate and adaptive immune responses against immunologically cold tumors. In a recent trial of adjuvant/neoadjuvant anti-GD2 mAb + IL2 (in the form of the hu14.18-IL2 immunocytokine) for advanced resectable melanoma, we evaluated whole-genome transcriptomics (using RNAseq determined immunologic signatures found to be predictive of outcome for patients with neuroblastoma) on resected tumors. The immunologic signatures were highly correlated with overall survival and relapse-free survival for tumors obtained 2 weeks after starting hu14.18-IL2, but not for tumors obtained 2 weeks before starting hu14.18-IL2. In a “functionally cold” mouse melanoma model, we found that radiation and hu14.18-IL2 immunocytokine generate an in situ vaccination-induced adaptive immune response in syngeneic mice bearing large tumors. In contrast, this same approach was not effective in mice bearing a very cold, low-tumor-mutation burden, MYCN driven syngeneic neuroblastoma (9464D-GD2). The addition of checkpoint blockade (IgG2a anti-CTLA-4) was not able to induce tumor eradication. However, the further addition of CpG (as a “danger signal”) and agonist anti-CD40 mAb (as an activator of effector macrophages and of dendritic cells) resulted in tumor-free mice with immune memory. These results suggest that immune activation, with “off the shelf” reagents, may be applicable to the treatment of cold cancers, via innate/adaptive immune engagement. They also suggest that monitoring of intratumoral immune activation could potentially become a useful predictor of which patients will respond to their therapy and which will require additional or alternate therapy.

Citation Format: Paul M. Sondel. Activating innate and adaptive immunity to improve outcome for “cold” tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 17-20; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(14 Suppl):Abstract nr IA10.
Abstract IA16: Accelerating innovation for children with cancer in the new regulatory environment
Authors: Vassal Gilles
Published: August 2020

Over the last 20 years, several pieces of regulation have been launched, in the US and in Europe, to mandate and incentivize the development of safe and effective medicines for children. It has been a success in several pediatric specialties such as rheumatology, infection diseases, cardiovascular diseases, allergy, and several rare pediatric diseases. In oncology, the landscape of pediatric drug development has significantly changed, but very few new anticancer medicines have been approved for the treatment of pediatric malignancies over the last 10 years as compared to the high number of anticancer drugs approved for the treatment of cancer in adults: dinutuximab for neuroblastoma, blinatumomab and tisagenlecleucel for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and larotrectinib for NTRK positive malignancies. So far, the regulations mandated the pediatric development of any drug if the indicated disease in adults occurred in children. If not, a waiver was issued and the company did not have to study the drug in children. In oncology, malignancies in children and in adults are different, but the same drugs are used to treat both, and often the same biologic alterations (targets) are found in both adult and pediatric malignancies. Too many oncology drugs have been waived. In addition, the pediatric trials of oncology products as part of Pediatric Investigation Plans and Pediatric Study Plans started late in the life cycle of product development and often close to or after the marketing authorization. There is a crucial need to improve and accelerate new drug development for children and adolescents with cancer. The goal is to drive pediatric oncology drug developments through science (using biology, preclinical evaluation, and precision medicine), to better meet patients’ unmet medical needs and to facilitate prioritization among all compounds in development. The FDA Race for Children Act is setting a new regulatory environment that will improve the situation by asking pediatric development of oncology products if their target is “directed at a molecular target that the Secretary determines to be substantially relevant to the growth or progression of a pediatric cancer.” In addition, over the last 5 years, the value of having all stakeholders, i.e. academia, parents, industry and regulators, working together has been demonstrated by ACCELERATE, the international multistakeholder platform (www.accelerate-platform.org). Accelerating innovation for pediatric cancers is urgently needed and feasible in the new regulatory environment and requires international cooperation of all stakeholders.

Citation Format: Gilles Vassal. Accelerating innovation for children with cancer in the new regulatory environment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 17-20; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(14 Suppl):Abstract nr IA16.
Abstract PR16: Comprehensive transcriptomic characterization of 1,400 sarcomas for diagnosis and immune contexture
Authors: Vibert Julien , Watson Sarah , Benoist Camille , Waterfall Joshua , Pierron Gaëlle , Delattre Olivier
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Sarcomas represent about 15 % of all childhood cancers and are still lethal in a large proportion of cases. They comprise a heterogeneous group of bone and soft tissue tumors with more than 100 distinct histologic entities, often presenting a diagnostic challenge to pathologists.

Methods: To address this pathological complexity and better characterize the molecular biology of sarcomas, we performed whole-transcriptome RNA-seq on frozen tumor tissues as part of the diagnostic workflow for more than 1,400 patients, mainly children and young adults, addressed for sarcoma molecular diagnosis throughout France.

Results: From a clinical perspective, RNA-seq proves to be a powerful complementary test to pathology for diagnosis of sarcomas: it allows agnostic detection of subtype-specific fusion transcripts, as well as diagnostic indication by gene-expression profile clustering. In addition to its diagnostic utility, RNA-seq provides a rich source of information for studying the molecular biology of sarcomas. Indeed, as shown recently in our group, it allows detection of previously uncharacterized sarcoma entities associated with novel fusion genes. Using dimensionality reduction techniques, either linear such as PCA, or nonlinear such as t-SNE or UMAP, we perform unsupervised clustering of our cohort, revealing insights into the global structure of the transcriptomic landscape of sarcomas. We show that many histologic entities have a distinct gene-expression profile, emphasizing the utility of RNA-seq for diagnosis. To explore the immune microenvironment of sarcomas and potential correlates of response to immunotherapy, we deconvolute bulk RNA-seq data to estimate the presence of immune and stromal cell types, allowing a comprehensive characterization of the immune landscape of sarcomas. Finally, we apply state-of-the-art deep learning tools to perform unsupervised clustering and nonlinear dimensional reduction of our RNA-seq samples, allowing a finer and more insightful representation of the structure of the sarcoma transcriptomic landscape.

Conclusion: Besides improving the diagnostic workflow for patients, our comprehensive analysis of sarcoma RNA-seq allows characterization of distinct molecular subtypes and of the immune landscape, opening up perspectives for better diagnosis, classification, and biologic discoveries in sarcoma.

This abstract is also being presented as Poster B75.

Citation Format: Julien Vibert, Sarah Watson, Camille Benoist, Joshua Waterfall, Gaëlle Pierron, Olivier Delattre. Comprehensive transcriptomic characterization of 1,400 sarcomas for diagnosis and immune contexture [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 17-20; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(14 Suppl):Abstract nr PR16.
Sequencing Systemic Therapy Pathways for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Cost Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Sherrow Christopher , Attwood Kristopher , Zhou Kehua , Mukherjee Sarbajit , Iyer Renuka , Fountzilas Christos
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer worldwide and carries a poor prognosis. Historically, sorafenib was the only available systemic treatment for advanced HCC. However, in recent years, 6 new treatments have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): regorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, pembrolizumab, ramucirumab, and nivolumab. Data are lacking regarding the most appropriate sequencing pathway for these agents. Our objective was to conduct a comprehensive cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) of different 1st- and 2nd-line treatment pathways for HCC reflecting all new drug approvals, and then use our data to provide guidance for clinicians on which pathway is the most cost-effective. Materials and Methods: Markov models were used to evaluate the cost effectiveness of 8 different 1st- and 2nd-line treatment sequences. The model allowed for 9 possible states. Cost effectiveness ratios (CER) and incremental CER (ICER) were calculated to compare costs between different pathways and against a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. Efficacy and toxicity data were extracted from the landmark trials for each agent. All agents except ramucirumab were included. The cost of each agent was based on the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) in USD as of June 2019. Monte-Carlo methods were used to simulate the experience of 1,000,000 patients per treatment sequence for a 12-month period. Results: The pathway with the lowest CER was sorafenib, followed by pembrolizumab (USD 227,741.03/quality-adjusted life year [QALY]). ICER analysis supported implementing 2nd-line pembrolizumab-based pathways at a higher WTP threshold of 300,000/quality-adjusted life year. Sensitivity analysis did not substantially change these results. Conclusions: The most cost-effective strategy was 1st-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy followed by 2nd-line immunotherapy. All pathways exceeded a commonly accepted WTP of USD 100–150,000/QALY. Our preliminary results warrant further studies to best inform real-world practices.
Renal Functional Reserve Is Related to the Nondipping Phenotype and to the Exercise Heart Rate Response in Patients with Essential Hypertension and Preserved Renal Function
Authors: Damianaki Katerina , Burnier Michel , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Tsioufis Costas , Petras Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

Background: Renal functional reserve (RFR), defined as the difference between stress and resting glomerular filtration rate (GFR), may constitute a diagnostic tool to identify patients at higher risk of developing acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. Blunted RFR has been demonstrated in early stages of hypertension and has been attributed to impaired vascular reactivity due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether RFR correlates with other phenotypes expressing overactivity of the SNS in patients with essential hypertension and preserved renal function. Methods: Thirty-six patients with untreated essential hypertension and a GFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were enrolled. The following parameters were measured: RFR, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) profile, a treadmill stress test, and an echocardiographic examination. Urine and venous samples were obtained at specific time points for the determination of clinical parameters, and both resting and stress GFR were calculated by using endogenous creatinine clearance for the measurement of RFR after an acute oral protein load (1 g/kg). Results: Twenty-one patients had a RFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 15 had a RFR above this cutoff. A nondipping pattern of 24-h BP was significantly more frequent in patients with low RFR (57.1 vs. 25.0%, p < 0.05 for systolic BP and 52.3 vs. 10.0%, p < 0.02 for diastolic BP). Moreover, patients with lower RFR values showed a blunted heart rate (HR) response to exercise during treadmill test (r = 0.439, p < 0.05). None of the echocardiographic parameters differed between the two groups of patients. Conclusions: In hypertensive patients with preserved GFR, reduced RFR is related to nondipping BP phenotype as well as to attenuated exercise HR response. Overactivity of the SNS may be a common pathway. Since loss of RFR may represent a risk factor for acute or chronic kidney injury, hypertensive patients with blunted RFR might need a more careful renal follow-up.
Correlation of High-Risk HPV Genotypes with Pap Test Findings: A Retrospective Study in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kussaibi Haitham , Al Dossary Reem , Ahmed Ayesha , Muammar Aroub , Aljohani Raghad
Published: August 2020

Introduction: High-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) is found to be responsible for 4.5% of cancer in general, primarily cervical cancer. We aim here to highlight the prevalence and genotypes of HR HPV and correlate its association with Pap tests’ results, which are still not well known in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Over 7 years (2013–2019), the results of 164 Saudi women coinvestigated for HR HPV along with Pap tests were collected from the archive of King Fahd University Hospital. Only women who had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) on the Pap test and those at elevated risk of infection were cotested for HR HPV; otherwise, the Pap test was the only screening modality for cervical cancer. Data were organized and statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS v26. Results: Out of 164 Saudi women, 14.5% (n = 24/164) showed positive results for HR HPV (8 patients had HPV16 and 2 had both HPV16 and HPV18/45, while the remaining 14 had other HR HPV); among them, 41.5% (n = 10/24) had an abnormal Pap test (5 ASCUS and 5 LSIL), while 58.5% (n = 14/24) had a negative Pap test. On the other hand, 21% (n = 35/164) of patients, in the study, had an abnormal Pap test (24 ASCUS, 8 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [LSIL], and 3 atypical glandular cell [AGC]). In 80% (n = 19/24) of ASCUS cases, HR HPV was not detected; however, 20% (n = 5/24) were positive for other HR HPV. Concerning LSIL cases, 62.5% (n = 5/8) were positive for HR HPV (1 case showed HPV16 and HPV18/45, 2 cases showed HPV16, and 2 cases showed other HR HPV), while in the remaining 37.5% (n = 3/8) LSIL cases, HR HPV was negative; similarly, all AGC cases were negative for HR HPV. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between HPV status and Pap test findings (p value <0.001). Discussion/Conclusion: HR HPV frequency and genotype distribution, in this study, might reflect a different regional infection pattern. The high association of HR HPV with negative cytology emphasizes the need to add the HR HPV test to screening modalities of cervix cancer.
Genetics May Predict Effectiveness of Tolvaptan in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sekine Akinari , Hoshino Junichi , Fujimaru Takuya , Suwabe Tatsuya , Mizuno Hiroki , Kawada Masahiro , Hiramatsu Rikako , Hasegawa Eiko , Yamanouchi Masayuki , Hayami Noriko , Mandai Shintaro , Chiga Motoko , Kikuchi Hiroaki , Ando Fumiaki , Mori Takayasu , Sohara Eisei , Uchida Shinichi , Sawa Naoki , Takaichi Kenmei , Ubara Yoshifumi
Published: August 2020

Background: Tolvaptan is the only therapeutic drug for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The influence of mutations in polycystic kidney disease 1 and 2 genes (PKD1 and PKD2) on the treatment effects of tolvaptan is not well documented in the literature. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the relationship between genotype and the efficacy of tolvaptan in 18 patients with ADPKD who had been treated at Toranomon Hospital and undergone genetic testing between April 2016 and February 2020. Results: The annual change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR/y) from before to after tolvaptan was from a median of −5.5 to −2.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the PKD1 truncating group, −3.3 to −2.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the PKD1 non-truncating group, −3.1 to −1.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the PKD2 group, and −1.9 to −2.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the group with no PKD1/2 mutation. The median degrees of improvement of ΔeGFR/y were 2.5 (45%), 0.4 (10%), 0.6 (28%), and −0.7 (−37%) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Compared with the group of patients with any PKD1/2 mutation, the group with no PKD1/2 mutation showed significantly less improvement in ΔeGFR/y with tolvaptan (0.6 vs. −0.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; p = 0.01) and significantly less improvement in the annual rate of increase in total kidney volume (TKV) with tolvaptan (−6.7 vs. −1.1%, respectively; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Patients with ADPKD and no PKD1/2 mutation showed less improvement in ΔeGFR/y and the annual rate of increase in TKV with tolvaptan. Detecting PKD1/2 mutations may be useful for predicting the effectiveness of tolvaptan.
Begonia beijnenii (Begoniaceae, section Baryandra), a new species of Begonia from San Vicente, Palawan, the Philippines

Authors: ANG YU PIN , TANDANG DANILO N. , RUBITE ROSARIO R. , BUSTAMANTE RENE ALFRED ANTON
Published: August 2020

In our study, a distinctive new species of Begonia from an unexplored region of Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan, B. beijnenii, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to section Baryandra. It is morphologically most similar to  B. hughesii, in having a 3-winged ovary with a cucullate wing and an abortive abaxial locule, tomentose petioles, and leaves that are adaxially glabrous and abaxially subglabrous. However, B. beijnenii distinctly differs by being comparatively smaller in size. It is only known from its type locality and vicinity. Comparisons with two variegated species of Palawan: B. cleopatrae and B. gironellae are also provided to aid in identification. B. beijnenii is hereby proposed to be Vulnerable (VU) D1, based on guidelines by IUCN.
Studies on the Homalomeneae (Araceae) of Borneo XXVI—A new and highly ornamental species of Homalomena [Punctulata Clade] from Triassic-Jurassic karst formations in SW Sarawak

Authors: YENG WONG SIN , BOYCE PETER C.
Published: August 2020

Homalomena benedikii is described and illustrated as a new species from Serian Division, SW Sarawak, where it is restricted to forested Triassic-Jurassic karst formations, and compared with the two most similar described species H. cowleyae and H. imitator, from shales in NE Sarawak and Brunei, and C Sarawak, respectively.
Indigofera yuanjiangensis (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae), a new species from Yunnan, China

Authors: ZHAO XUE-LI , JIANG LI-SHA , GAO XIN-FEN
Published: August 2020

Indigofera yuanjiangensis X.F. Gao & Xue Li Zhao (Fabaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Information about its distribution, habitat, and phenology is also provided. The species is morphologically similar to I. megaphylla, I. esquirolii and I. sticta, but they differ in the leaf length, leaflet number, leaflet size, raceme length, flower color and standard size.
Three new hoverfly species from Greece (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: RADENKOVIĆ SNEŽANA , LIKOV LAURA , STÅHLS GUNILLA , ROJO SANTOS , PÉREZ-BAÑÓN CELESTE , SMIT JOHN , PETANIDOU THEODORA , VAN STEENIS WOUTER , VUJIĆ ANTE
Published: August 2020

An ongoing investigation on the Greek hoverfly fauna using adult morphology has revealed new species within three genera. In this study, the knowledge of the Mediterranean hoverfly fauna has been enhanced by describing the following species: Cheilosia candida Vujić et Radenković sp. n. (Pindos Mountains), Paragus thracusi Radenković, Likov et Vujić sp. n. (Rhodope Mountains) and Psilota aegeae Vujić, Ståhls et Smit sp. n. (Lesvos island). Diagnosis of new species, as well as identification keys to the Mediterranean species of the subgenus Convocheila Barkalov of Cheilosia Meigen and the European species of the genus Psilota Meigen have been provided. Additionally, mtDNA COI barcodes for the members of the Psilota atra group (except Psilota nana Smit et Vujić) have been given. In addition, the taxonomic status of Psilota anthracina Meigen has been discussed.
The Tenebrionidae Latreille, 1802 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) of the Philippines. Part 1. Description of Strongylium purcharti sp. nov. and interesting faunistic records
Authors: RUZZIER ENRICO
Published: August 2020

In the present paper, a new species of Strongylium Kirby, 1819 (Tenebrionidae, Stenochinae) is described and an updated checklist of the species present in the Philippines is provided. Agymnonyx caesarea Kulzer, 1951, Sphenolampidius hemisphaericus Kaszab, 1941, Stenothesilea cylindriformis Kulzer, 1951 Tetragonomenes crenata (Gebien, 1921) and Tetragonomenes tibialis (Kulzer, 1951) are rediscovered and illustrated for the first time; Atasthalus spectrum Pascoe, 1871, Scotaeus corallipes Hope, 1834, Simalura subopaca Kulzer, 1952 and Strongylium cultellatum Mäklin, 1867 are recorded as new for the fauna of the Philippines.
A revisional study of the genus Aulacus Jurine (Hymenoptera: Aulacidae) of Japan
Authors: KURODA KEITA , KONISHI KAZUHIKO , TURRISI GIUSEPPE FABRIZIO , YAMASAKO JUNSUKE
Published: August 2020

Japanese species of the genus Aulacus Jurine are revised and seven species are recognized. Two new species, A. davidi sp. n. and A. shizukii sp. n. are described. In addition, A. flavigenis Alekseev and A. sinensis He & Chen are newly recorded from the Japanese archipelago. Male genitalia of three species, i.e., A. davidi, A. flavigenis and A. sinensis, are described for the first time. An identification key for Japanese species and DNA barcoding data for A. davidi, A. machaerophorus Kuroda, Kikuchi & Konishi and A. sinensis are also provided.
The invasive land flatworm Obama nungara (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae) reaches a natural environment in the oceanic island of São Miguel (Açores)
Authors: LAGO-BARCIA DOMINGO , GONZÁLEZ-LÓPEZ JOSÉ RAFAEL , FERNÁNDEZ-ÁLVAREZ FERNANDO ÁNGEL
Published: August 2020

During an entomological sampling trip in the island of São Miguel (Açores, Portugal) on 02-11-2019 by José Rafael González-López, one specimen of the invasive flatworm Obama nungara Carbayo et al. 2016 was found under a rock (Fig. 1A). The specimen was photographed in situ and identified by its external morphology based on its large and broad leaf-like body with nearly parallel body margins, narrow and rounded anterior end, rounded posterior end, and dorsal pigmentation consisting of a light brown ground color covered with dark longitudinal and irregular stripes, and ventral surface grayish-white. Recent studies (Justine et al. 2020; Negrete et al. 2020) showed the reliability of photograph-based identification of O. nungara specimens. It is the sixth island where this species has been found (after Guernsey, Great Britain, Ireland, Corsica, and Madeira).
Subseasonal Forecasts of Tropical Cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere Using a Dynamical Multimodel Ensemble
Authors: Gregory Paul , Vitart Frederic , Rivett Rabi , Brown Andrew , Kuleshov Yuriy
Published: August 2020

Subseasonal tropical cyclone forecasts from two operational forecast models are verified for the 2017/18 and 2018/19 Southern Hemisphere cyclone seasons. The forecasts are generated using the ECMWF’s Medium- and Extended-Range Ensemble Integrated Forecasting System (IFS), and the Bureau of Meteorology’s seasonal forecasting system ACCESS-S1. Results show the IFS is more skillful than ACCESS-S1, which is attributed to the IFS’s greater ensemble size, increased spatial resolution, and data assimilation schemes. Applying a lagged ensemble with ACCESS-S1 increases forecast reliability, with the optimum number of lagged members being dependent on forecast lead time. To investigate the impacts of atmospheric assimilation at shorter lead times, comparisons were made between the Bureau of Meteorology’s ACCESS-S1 and ACCESS-GE2 systems, the latter a global Numerical Weather Prediction system running with the same resolution and model physics as ACCESS-S1 but using an ensemble Kalman filter for data assimilation. This comparison showed the data assimilation scheme used in the GE2 system gave improvements in forecast skill for days 8–10, despite the smaller ensemble size used in GE2 (24 members per forecast compared to 33). Finally, a multimodel ensemble was created by combining forecasts from both the IFS and ACCESS-S1. Using the multimodel ensemble gave improvements in forecast skill and reliability. This improvement is attributed to complementary spatial errors in both systems occurring across much of the Southern Hemisphere as well as an increase in the ensemble size.
The Poor Fit of Model Fit for Selecting Number of Factors in Exploratory Factor Analysis for Scale Evaluation
Authors: Montoya Amanda K. , Edwards Michael C.
Published: August 2020

Model fit indices are being increasingly recommended and used to select the number of factors in an exploratory factor analysis. Growing evidence suggests that the recommended cutoff values for common model fit indices are not appropriate for use in an exploratory factor analysis context. A particularly prominent problem in scale evaluation is the ubiquity of correlated residuals and imperfect model specification. Our research focuses on a scale evaluation context and the performance of four standard model fit indices: root mean square error of approximate (RMSEA), standardized root mean square residual (SRMR), comparative fit index (CFI), and Tucker–Lewis index (TLI), and two equivalence test-based model fit indices: RMSEAt and CFIt. We use Monte Carlo simulation to generate and analyze data based on a substantive example using the positive and negative affective schedule ( N = 1,000). We systematically vary the number and magnitude of correlated residuals as well as nonspecific misspecification, to evaluate the impact on model fit indices in fitting a two-factor exploratory factor analysis. Our results show that all fit indices, except SRMR, are overly sensitive to correlated residuals and nonspecific error, resulting in solutions that are overfactored. SRMR performed well, consistently selecting the correct number of factors; however, previous research suggests it does not perform well with categorical data. In general, we do not recommend using model fit indices to select number of factors in a scale evaluation framework.
Synchronization of mutual time-varying delay-coupled temporal Boolean networks
Authors: Wei Qiang , Xie Cheng-jun
Published: August 2020

This paper presents mutual time-varying delay-coupled temporal Boolean network model and investigates synchronization issue for mutual time-varying delay-coupled temporal Boolean networks. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the synchronization are given, and the check criterion of the upper bound is presented. An example is given to illustrate the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Commentary: Regulating Health Care Prices with One Hand Tied Behind Your Back: A Critical Evaluation of a Market‐Oriented Proposal
Authors: Kreier Rachel
Published: August 2020

Last year in this journal, I offered an explanation for America's high health care costs rooted in the concept of “supply‐side moral hazard,” and advocated for an all‐payer system of price regulation as an appropriate policy response. The good news—particularly in the current time of pandemic—is that politicians and health services researchers are beginning to acknowledge the need for some form of price regulation. Legislative proposals thus far have focused narrowly on pharmaceutical prices and “surprise billing” for out‐of‐network charges. However, a few months ago, in March 2020, three Harvard researchers released a more comprehensive proposal. The bad news is that the proposal would preserve a large role for market forces, which, I argue here, amounts to going into battle against high health care costs with one hand tied behind your back. Furthermore, the reliance on private markets would lock in place the rampant inequality and Byzantine complexity bedeviling American health care.
Research Note: Governance Indicators Explain Discrepancies in COVID‐19 Data
Authors: Baris Omer F. , Pelizzo Riccardo
Published: August 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is neutral. It does not discriminate: the outbreak affects all countries. Yet, countries with better governance detect and report COVID‐19 cases an average of 34 days earlier than countries with low governance scores. They also report a significantly higher number of cases, and more deaths but lower death‐per‐case ratios. Analyzing the statistical relationship between the good governance indicators devised by the World Bank with data pertaining to COVID‐19 (to May 10, 2020), we present some initial yet strong statistical evidence that countries with higher levels of good governance based on the Worldwide Governance Indicators report more (cases, deaths), report earlier, and are more effective at reducing fatalities. These findings remain robust after controlling for population size, population density, old‐age population, and the number of tourist arrivals. Countries with better governance are more successful in treating the disease and in reducing its deadliness. Good governance matters.
Elderspeak to Resident Dementia Patients Increases Resistiveness to Care in Health Care Profession
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhao Hui , Meng Fan-Ping
Published: August 2020

Resistiveness to care is very common among patients of dementia as these patients do not take medicines, meals or bath very easily. Indeed, it is a very challenging task for health caregivers and there is a significant rise in time and cost involved in managing dementia patients. Amongst different factors, the type of communication between resident dementia patients and health caregivers is an important contributing factor in the development of resistiveness to care. Elderspeak (baby talk) is a type of communication in which health caregivers adjust their language and style while interacting with elderly and dependent patients. It involves the use of short sentences, simple grammar, slow and high pitch voice, repeating phrases to provide a comfortable and friendly environment to patients. Most of the time, caregivers tend to adapt elderspeak as they handle weak and fragile older patients for routine activities. Although elderspeak is meant to provide support, warmth and care to patients, yet patients perceive elderspeak as patronizing and it induces negative feelings about self-esteem. Scientists have found a correlation between the development of resistiveness to care and the extent of elderspeak in communication. Therefore, there have been strategies to develop alternative communication strategies by avoiding the use of elderspeak. Moreover, the beneficial effects of such communications have been documented as it improves the quality of life, reduces aggression, agitation and psychosocial symptoms. The present review discusses the scientific studies discussing the use of elderspeak in communication and development of resistiveness to care in resident patients of dementia.
The Bill Clinton Rationale for Welfare Reform: Examining Implications of Race, Class, and Gender Using Documents
Authors: Tahar-Djebbar Aziza
Published: August 2020

This article explores implications of such social divisions as race, class, as well as gender in politics in the United States during the 1990s and sheds new light on Bill Clinton’s rationale for welfare reform. The present study is an attempt to figure out to what extent racism, classism, and sexism influenced Bill Clinton’s decision to sign Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) in 1996. In our analysis, we draw upon primary sources, written documents, or records such as President Bill Clinton’s autobiographical memoir My Life, his book with Al Gore Putting People First, and other texts from his political speeches. Our paper endeavors to fill gaps in the existing literature on welfare reform concerning implications of race, gender, and class issues in welfare reform legislation in 1996.
The Effect of Aging Attitudes on the Quality of Life of Older Adults in China
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Guo Wei , Perez Cristina
Published: August 2020

We use data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey to examine the effect of attitudes toward aging on quality of life among older adults in China. We find that older people who experience psychosocial loss may be less satisfied with their life, and have more feelings of depression and loneliness. Compared to older women, older men have lower life satisfaction, and more depression and loneliness, though psychosocial loss has less of an effect on them. Older women who experience psychosocial loss are more likely to be dissatisfied with their life and feel more depressive and lonelier than their male counterparts. Among those who experience psychosocial loss, older people living in rural communities have a higher level of life satisfaction, while living in urban areas may counteract some of the positive impact of psychological growth on reducing the frequency of feeling depressed and lonely. Social policy can play a role in shaping constructive social/community environments to build more positive attitudes toward aging.
Parental Involvement among First- and Second-generation Latin Americans in the United States
Authors: Kramer Karen Z. , Şahin Esra , Gong Qiujie
Published: August 2020

Immigration to a host culture often involves significant changes in parenting norms and behaviors. The authors take an acculturation lens to explore parental involvement among different generations of Latin American immigrant families. It compares the quantity and type of parental involvement of first- and second-generation Latin American immigrants to that of parents who are at least a third generation in the United States while examining whether differences exist between mothers and fathers. Data from the 2003–2013 American Time Use Survey are used for our analyses, which finds differences between parenting behaviors of first-generation immigrants from Latin America and third-generation parents. Second-generation mothers were also found to be significantly different from third-generation mothers in almost every type of parental involvement, while second-generation Latin American fathers were similar to third-generation fathers in quantity and type of parental involvement.
Histopathologic Patterns and Susceptibility of Neotropical Primates Naturally Infected With Yellow Fever Virus
Authors: Santos Daniel Oliveira dos , de Oliveira Ayisa Rodrigues , de Lucena Fabiana Pizzolato , de Mattos Sara Aquino , de Carvalho Thaynara Parente , Costa Fabíola Barroso , Moreira Larissa Giannini Alves , Paixão Tatiane Alves da , Santos Renato Lima
Published: August 2020

Yellow fever is an important zoonotic viral disease that can be fatal for both human and nonhuman primates. We evaluated histopathologic changes in free-ranging neotropical primates naturally infected with yellow fever virus (YFV) compared with uninfected cohorts. The most frequent lesions in primates infected with YFV were hepatic changes characterized by midzonal necrosis with lipidosis and mild inflammation including lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, and infrequently neutrophils. Importantly, severe necrotizing hepatic lesions were often observed in Alouatta sp. (howler monkeys), whereas Callithrix sp. (common marmosets) had nearly no hepatic changes. Moderate to severe hepatic necrosis was present in 21/23 (91%) of the YFV-positive Alouatta sp. compared with 10/29 (34%) of the YFV-positive Callithrix sp. ( P < .0001; odds ratio = 20). Similarly, hepatitis was more intense in Alouatta sp. compared with Callithrix sp. Furthermore, the frequency of YFV infection was significantly higher in Alouatta sp. compared with Callithrix sp. or Sapajus sp. (capuchin monkeys). Therefore, these data support the notion that Alouatta sp. is highly susceptible to infection and YFV-induced lesions, whereas Callithrix sp. is susceptible to infection but has a lower frequency of YFV-induced lesions.
The Visual Perception of Large-Scale Distances Outdoors
Authors: Norman J. Farley , Dukes Jessica M. , Shapiro Hannah K. , Peterson Ashley E.
Published: August 2020

The ability of 32 younger (ages ranged from 19 to 32 years) and older adults (ages ranged from 65 to 83 years) to visually perceive outdoor distances was evaluated; we used the method of equal-appearing intervals. On any given trial, the observers adjusted five distance intervals in depth so that they all appeared equivalent in magnitude (and equal to a standard initial egocentric distance of 6 m). The judgments of approximately two thirds of the younger and older observers exhibited varying degrees of perceptual compression, while those of the remaining one third were essentially accurate. Unlike a number of previous studies that evaluated the perception of shorter distances, no significant effects of age were obtained in the current experiment. In particular, there were no significant effects of age upon either accuracy or precision. The ability of human observers to evaluate large-scale distances outdoors is well maintained with increasing age.
The Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder (QoL.BD) Scale: Validation of a French Cross-Cultural Adaptation
Authors: Provencher Martin D. , Morton Emma , Beaudoin Anne Sophie , Guillemette Judith , Rheault Evelyne , Mérette Chantal , Coque Laurent , Hawke Lisa D. , Michalak Erin E.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The goal of this study was to validate the French version of the Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder (QoL.BD) scale, a condition-specific measure for bipolar disorder (BD).

Method:

The QoL.BD scale was translated into French in accordance with the recommendations for transcultural adaptation. It was administered to 125 participants with BD living in Quebec, Canada. Construct validity was evaluated through correlations with other measures of self-reported quality of life (QoL), functioning, and symptoms. Factorial structure was examined through an exploratory factor analysis.

Results:

Internal reliability and test–retest reliability standards were met. Correlations in expected directions with other QoL, functioning, and depressive symptom scales supported convergent validity. The item loadings structure of the French QoL.BD largely replicated the original English version, with some modifications.

Conclusion:

The French version of the QoL.BD (full and brief) is comparable in its psychometric properties to the English version. It is a valid and sound measure for the evaluation of the QoL of French-speaking patients with BD.
From educational work to companionship: Juxtaposing adults’ and children’s perspectives on work and play in early childhood
Authors: Turk Niskač Barbara
Published: August 2020

The paper draws on ethnographic study and goes beyond dualistic understanding of work and play to investigate the complex world of social interactions among preschoolers. While adults viewed work as an educational process through which children’s personalities are shaped in a desired way, the children perceived work as a means of social interactions. Building on the theoretical framework of sociality and intersubjectivity, the paper suggests that work, play and learning can represent complementary aspects of human existence and living.
Optimization of the geometrical parameters for elevated temperature hydro-mechanical deep drawing process of 2024 aluminum alloy
Authors: Yaghoubi S , Fereshteh-Saniee F
Published: August 2020

This research is concerned with the effects of the geometrical parameters of the die in elevated temperature Hydro-Mechanical Deep Drawing (HMDD) process of 2024 aluminum alloy. A Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) process was used to train a neural network in order to study the process behavior. Based on the maximum reduction in sheet thickness and the uniformity of the final product, an objective function was constructed. The Bees Algorithm (BA) was used to achieve the optimal values for process variables. To verify the simulation results, they were compared with the experimental findings gained via this research and an appropriate correlation was observed between these results. This comparison showed that, by optimization of the geometrical parameters of the process, the value of the combined objective function was the best one compared with all of the cases tried in the present investigation.
Energy and resources cooperation for greenhouse gases emissions reduction of industrial sector
Authors: Pyakurel Parakram , Wright Laurie
Published: August 2020

Energy and resources cooperation has a great potential of reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions of companies, especially in industrial and business parks where facilities are located in geographical proximity. Such cooperation could cut emissions without significant impact on profit, and in some cases, may even reduce costs by decreasing waste generation and improving energy efficiency. This paper combines similar themes of industrial symbiosis, sharing economy and circular economy to formulate a single robust concept of energy and resources cooperation. A framework and methodology for mass implementation of energy and resources cooperation is proposed by integrating disparate fields of industrial ecology, business studies and industrial investments. Furthermore, an approach of enhancing such cooperation is proposed which involves an establishment of a specialized Cooperation Development and Management Company. Finally, research agenda is set out to capitalise the developments of industry 4.0 and peer to peer sharing for energy and resources cooperation.