bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonfat Set Yogurt: Effect of Okra Gum and Various Starches on the Rheological, Sensory, and Storage Qualities and Wheying-Off
Authors: Saleh Ali , Mohamed A. A. , Alamri M. S. , Hussain S. , Qasem A. A. , Ibraheem M. A. , Shahzad Syed Ali
Published: June 2020

This work was intended to determine the effect of okra gum in combination with various starches on the flow and sensory properties of nonfat set yogurt. The selected starches include potato (PS), sweet potato (SPS), corn (CO), chickpea (CP), and Turkish beans (TB). The control is the yogurt prepared with okra gum only. Samples were analyzed under optimum conditions for their shear viscosity, viscoelasticity, texture, wheying-off, and sensory evaluation. Tests were performed at the beginning of the cold storage and after 7 or 15 days. By adding 1.0% starch, significant (p<0.05) reduction in wheying-off and firmer yogurt was obtained. Variations in the properties of yogurt were obvious and can be attributed to starch origin and amylose content. Therefore, the qualities of yogurts with tuber starches (PS and SPS) were different compared to corn or legume starches (CP and TB). The effect of the starches on yogurt properties changed over storage time, where some starches performed better only at the beginning of the storage period, and steady pH was maintained throughout the storage time. Wheying-off was significantly reduced irrespective of the origin of the starch. Sensory evaluation showed preference for yogurts prepared with starch compared to the control, regardless of starch type. Nonetheless, CP was preferred over other starches with respect to wheying-off, power law parameters, and overall acceptability.
Gastrodiae Rhizoma Water Extract Ameliorates Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Hyperactivity and Inflammation Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress in Rats
Authors: Wang Min , Dong Wanrui , Wang Ruiying , Xu Xudong , Wu Ying , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: June 2020

Gastrodiae Rhizoma is a highly valuable traditional herbal medicine commonly used to treat neurological disorders. The present study is designed to determine the antidepressant‐like effect of the Gastrodiae Rhizoma water extract (GRWE) on a depression model and the potential mechanisms. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model was used to induce depression. The sucrose preference test, open field test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test were performed to assess the depressive‐like behaviors, respectively. Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) function was measured via plasma corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), hypothalamic corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) concentrations. Plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were also evaluated. The results showed that GRWE significantly attenuates the behavioral abnormalities in CUMS rats, as shown by elevated sucrose consumption, raised locomotor activity, and reduced immobility duration. Moreover, GRWE treatment reduced CORT, ACTH, CRF, and GR levels and decreased the plasma IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α concentrations. These findings indicate that GRWE improves depressive behaviors in a chronic stress model of rats; its effect may be ascribed to the modulation of the HPA axis activity and inflammatory response.
Pricing and Collection Rate for Remanufacturing Industry considering Capacity Constraint in Recycling Channels
Authors: Xu Lang , Shi Jia , Chen Jihong
Published: June 2020

This paper explores the decision-making and coordination mechanism of pricing and collection rate in a closed-loop supply chain with capacity constraint in recycling channels, which consists of one manufacturer and one retailer. On the basis of game theory, the equilibriums of decisions and profits in the centralized and decentralized scenarios are obtained and compared. Through the performance analysis of a different scenario, a higher saving production cost and lower competition intensity trigger the members to engage in remanufacturing. Furthermore, we try to propose a two-part tariff contract through bargaining to coordinate supply chain and achieve a Pareto improvement. The results show that when the capacity constraints in recycling channels exceed a threshold, the decisions and profit will change. Additionally, for closed-loop supply chain, the selling price is more susceptible to the influence of capacity constraint in recycling channel than the members’ profit.
A Scene Text Detector for Text with Arbitrary Shapes
Authors: Wu Weijia , Xing Jici , Yang Cheng , Wang Yuxing , Zhou Hong
Published: June 2020

The performance of text detection is crucial for the subsequent recognition task. Currently, the accuracy of the text detector still needs further improvement, particularly those with irregular shapes in a complex environment. We propose a pixel-wise method based on instance segmentation for scene text detection. Specifically, a text instance is split into five components: a Text Skeleton and four Directional Pixel Regions, then restoring itself based on these elements and receiving supplementary information from other areas when one fails. Besides, a Confidence Scoring Mechanism is designed to filter characters similar to text instances. Experiments on several challenging benchmarks demonstrate that our method achieves state-of-the-art results in scene text detection with an F-measure of 84.6% on Total-Text and 86.3% on CTW1500.
Electrical Impedance Tomography-Based Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat Estimation Method Using Deep Learning
Authors: Lee Kyounghun , Yoo Minha , Jargal Ariungerel , Kwon Hyeuknam
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a deep learning method based on electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to estimate the thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat. EIT for evaluating the thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat is an absolute imaging problem that aims at reconstructing conductivity distributions from current-to-voltage data. Existing reconstruction methods based on EIT have difficulty handling the inherent drawbacks of strong nonlinearity and severe ill-posedness of EIT; hence, absolute imaging may not be possible using linearized methods. To handle nonlinearity and ill-posedness, we propose a deep learning method that finds useful solutions within a restricted admissible set by accounting for prior information regarding abdominal anatomy. We determined that a specially designed training dataset used during the deep learning process significantly reduces ill-posedness in the absolute EIT problem. In the preprocessing stage, we normalize current-voltage data to alleviate the effects of electrodeposition and body geometry by exploiting knowledge regarding electrode positions and body geometry. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated through numerical simulations and phantom experiments using a 10 channel EIT system and a human-like domain.
The Release of Cyclophilin A from Rapamycin-Stimulated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Mediated by Myosin II Activation: Involvement of Apoptosis but Not Autophagy
Authors: Su Zizhuo , Lin Maohuan , Zhang Haijun , Li Jiajie , Wu Meiping , Lv Hanlu , Wang Jingfeng , Xie Shuanglun
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The exocytosis of cyclophilin A (CyPA) by a vesicular pathway in response to reactive oxygen species has been determined. However, other sources of extracellular CyPA remain obscure. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of autophagy in the secretion of CyPA. Methods and Results: Rapamycin induced the activation of autophagy and release of CyPA from primary cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). However, inhibition of autophagy by knockdown of Atg7 or chloroquine did not affect the rapamycin-induced release of CyPA. With the exception of myosin II activity, rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK), actin remodelling, and synaptic vesicles were not implicated in the release of rapamycin-induced CyPA. Finally, we confirmed that rapamycin-induced extracellular CyPA originated from apoptotic RASMCs. Furthermore, the decreased activation of myosin II by blebbistatin blocked the release of CyPA from apoptotic RASMCs induced by rapamycin. Conclusions: Rapamycin induced the release of CyPA from apoptotic RASMCs but did not affect exocytosis through autophagosomes. ROCK, actin remodelling, and synaptic vesicles were not involved in the apoptosis-related release of CyPA. Myosin II activation modulated the apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and the release of CyPA from rapamycin-induced apoptotic cell death.
Treatment Outcome of Second-Line Chemotherapy for Gynecologic Carcinosarcoma
Authors: Ebata Takahiro , Yonemori Kan , Nishikawa Tadaaki , Sudo Kazuki , Shimomura Akihiko , Noguchi Emi , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Kato Tomoyasu , Hasegawa Kosei , Fujiwara Keiichi , Tamura Kenji
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Carcinosarcoma is a rare cancer, and its prognosis is poor. There are few reports on the prognostic factors of patients with carcinosarcoma who receive second-line chemotherapy. Objective: To investigate the outcome and prognostic factors of patients who received second-line chemotherapy for gynecologic carcinosarcoma. Methods: We retrospectively investigated patients with ovarian or uterine carcinosarcoma, who were treated at two institutions from July 2006 to March 2018. All patients who had received second-line chemotherapy for advanced or recurrent disease were eligible. The efficacy of second-line chemotherapy and prognostic factors were evaluated. Results: Forty-six patients were eligible. Combination chemotherapy was used in approximately half (52.2%) of the patients. The response rate and disease control rate of second-line chemotherapy were 32.6 and 60.9%, respectively. The median follow-up period was 11.0 (range, 8.8–107.5) months. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 6.3 (95% CI, 3.2–7.5) months and 12.9 (95% CI, 7.8–16.0) months, respectively. In the multivariate analysis of overall survival, a treatment-free interval >180 days was a significant good prognostic factor. The median overall survival was 7.8 (95% CI, 5.1–10.5) months in the <180 days group and 16.4 (95% CI, 13.1–130.6) months in the >180 days group (p = 0.0052; hazard ratio, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.10–0.66), respectively. Conclusion: The outcome of gynecologic carcinosarcoma in the second-line setting is poor, especially in patients with a short treatment-free interval.
Impact of Aging on the Characterization of Brown and White Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Mice
Authors: Zhang Daxiu , He Shuangli , Wang Qian , Pu Shiming , Zhou Zuping , Wu Qiong
Published: June 2020

Adipose tissue enriched with adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) is often used for stem cell-based therapies. However, the characteristics of ASCs from different types of adipose tissue have varying biochemical and functional properties. We aimed to investigate how age affected the biological and functional characteristics of ASCs from brown (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT). ASCs were obtained and cultured from mouse BAT and WAT at different ages: young (2 months of age) and older mice (22 months of age). Mesenchymal markers were characterized by flow cytometry, and cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation potential, senescence, and metabolism were then determined. The percentage of WAT was higher in elderly mice, and the percentage of BAT was higher in young mice. All ASC sample phenotypes were characterized as CD29+/CD44+/CD105+/CD45–; the proliferation rate was not statistically different among all age groups. However, the number of senescent cells and the percentage of apoptosis in elderly mouse ASCs were significantly increased, and the ability of osteogenic and lipogenic differentiation was decreased in these same animals. In addition, ASCs from young mice were more inclined to undergo osteogenic differentiation, especially BAT-ASCs, whose gene expression of fat-consuming components was also significantly higher than of WAT-ASCs. The results indicated that ASCs derived from both WAT and BAT possessed different characteristics of fat metabolism and cell differentiation relative to the osteo- and adipolineages. In particular, because BAT-ASCs from young mice contributed to fat consumption, if used for cell grafting, they may potentially be attractive vehicles for treating obesity.
Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration Secondary to BRAF Mutant Melanoma Metastasis from an Occult Primary Cancer
Authors: Jiménez-Zarazúa Omar , Vélez-Ramírez Lourdes Noemí , Alcocer-León María , Hernández-Domínguez Diego Armando , Tadeo-González Juana Elizabeth , Martínez-Rivera María Andrea , López-González Martín Daniel Alejandro , Tafoya-Rojas Sandra Xaviera Lizeth , Mondragón Jaime Daniel
Published: June 2020

Melanoma metastasis from an unknown primary cancer has an incidence of 3.2% among melanoma patients. Furthermore, paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are rare, occurring in 1–3% of patients with malignancies. Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is one of the classic PNS and is characterized by acute or subacute onset of ataxia and/or presence of onconeural antibodies. A 61-year-old male with ataxia, vertigo, and headache later developed dysarthria, multidirectional nystagmus, hyperactive delirium, auditory hallucinations, psychomotor agitation, and myoclonus. Toxicological, metabolic, infectious, and autoimmune etiologies were assessed and reported negative. An osteolytic lesion was observed in the right iliac crest via computed tomography (CT). A positron emission tomography-CT reported increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake of a right iliac and right inguinal ganglion. After biopsy of the right inguinal ganglion, a BRAF mutation-positive melanoma metastasis from an occult primary cancer was diagnosed. Dermatologic, ophthalmologic, and endoscopic gastrointestinal assessment did not reveal a primary malignant melanoma. The patient’s movement disorders and neuropsychiatric symptoms improved with quetiapine, prednisone, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide. Oncological management was conducted with MAPK pathway inhibitors (i.e., dabrafenib and trametinib). Movement disorders associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms are complex to diagnose. PNS are rare and often associated with antibodies against neural antigens expressed by the tumor. The case presented above describes a patient with a BRAF-positive malignant melanoma metastasis from an occult primary associated with PCD – to the best of our knowledge, the first reported in the literature.
Maintaining Aging Hippocampal Function with Safe and Feasible Shaking Exercise in SAMP10 Mice
Authors: Yao Runhong , Nishii Kazuhiro , Aizu Naoki , Kito Takumi , Sakai Kazuyoshi , Yamada Kouji
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The disabling effects of dementia, an incurable disease with little effect on mortality, affect society far more than many other conditions. Objective: The aim of this study was to stop or delay the onset of dementia using low-cost methods such as physical exercise. Methods: Senescence-accelerated model-prone (SAMP) 10 mice were made to perform a user-friendly shaking exercise for 25 weeks. The motor function and hippocampal functions (learning, spatial cognition) of the mice were evaluated using behavioral experiments. The degree of hippocampal aging was evaluated based on brain morphology. The association between behavioral performance of the mice and the degree of hippocampal aging was then evaluated. Results: The behavioral test results showed that the shaking group had higher motor coordination (p < 0.01) and motor learning (p < 0.05). Significantly higher performances in the learning ability were observed in the shaking group at a middle-period experiment (p < 0.05); the spatial cognitive functions also improved (p < 0.05). The shaking group showed delayed ageing of cells in the dentate gyrus (DG; area: p < 0.01) and cornu Ammonis (CA; area: p < 0.01) regions of the hippocampus. Conclusions: The shaking exercise enhances the activity of mice and reduces age-associated decreases in learning and spatial cognitive functions. Regarding hippocampal morphology, shaking exercise can prevent non-functional protein accumulation, cell atrophy, and cell loss. Specifically, shaking exercise protects cell growth and regeneration in the DG area and enhances the learning function of the hippocampus. Furthermore, shaking exercise maintained the spatial cognitive function of cells in the CA3 and CA1 regions, and prevented the chronic loss of CA2 transmission that decreased the spatial memory decline in mice.
Primary Liver Lymphoma Presenting as Liver Nodules
Authors: Silva João Manuel , Saraiva Rita Ornelas , Simões Guilherme , Araújo Catarina , Calinas Filipe , Coimbra João
Published: June 2020

The liver is usually affected in advanced stages of lympho­proliferative diseases, but primary liver lymphomas (PLLs) are rare. The diagnosis is usually late, especially in patients without identifiable risk factors, with consequent worse prognosis. We report the case of a 59-year-old female with progressive worsening pain in the right hypochondrium and weight loss. She was previously healthy and had a family history of gastrointestinal and gynecologic neoplasms. During the initial investigation, three liver nodules suggestive of liver metastases were found. Nevertheless, no primary neoplasm was identified in a subsequent evaluation with imaging and endoscopic exams. Laboratory exams excluded hepatic infections, metabolic diseases, and acquired immunosuppression. Biopsy of the lesions revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Lymph node and medullar involvement were excluded, and the diagnosis of PLL was assumed. The patient started chemotherapy with R-CHOP. With this case, we intend to alert for this differential diagnosis of liver nodules, even in the absence of predisposing conditions for lymphoma. We point out the need to define universal diagnosis criteria for this pathology.
A Very Rare Case of Mass-Like Mesenteric Fat Necrosis in a Patient with Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Lourenço Ana Luísa , Lopes Dias João , Marques Joana , Bernardino Vera
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Intra-abdominal fat is a metabolically active tissue that can undergo necrosis due to torsion, infarction, or trauma. Despite being asymptomatic in most cases, fat necrosis or steatonecrosis can cause abdominal pain. Case Presentation: This article describes the case of a male patient admitted to the emergency department with diffuse abdominal pain for the past month. The patient had a past medical history of antiphospholipid syndrome with multiple venous thromboembolic events and one episode of lower limb vasculitis, currently under anticoagulation treatment. Imaging studies with computed tomography and magnetic resonance revealed a mesenteric mass-like lesion adjacent to the ileal bowel loops. The patient underwent surgical resection, and the microscopic analysis revealed extensive organizing fat necrosis with reactive panniculitis and hemorrhage. Discussion and Conclusion: This article describes a rare case of a mesenteric mass-like encapsulated fat necrosis in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome, with very atypical location and imaging features.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology Is an Effective Diagnostic Tool in Paediatric Patients with Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma as Secondary Neoplasm
Authors: Ronchi Andrea , Di Martino Martina , Caputo Alessandro , Zeppa Pio , Colella Giuseppe , Franco Renato , Cozzolino Immacolata
Published: June 2020

Background: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant salivary gland tumour in paediatric population, accounting for 16% of all cases. Patients affected by a previous solid or leukaemic neoplasm during their childhood may develop a second different tumour during the follow-up. In this setting, salivary gland MEC is relatively frequent, accounting for 6% of the second neoplasms in paediatric patients. Consequently, the occurrence of salivary gland nodules in paediatric patients with a previous neoplasm should be considered an event with a high risk of malignancy that poses peculiar diagnostic challenges. Summary: This study was designed to define clinical and instrumental findings and morphological features of MEC on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples in paediatric patients with and without a previous neoplasm. Five patients under 19 years are included in this series. FNAC was performed in all patients on a parotid nodule. We have identified 2 groups of patients: (a) 2 cases with previous history of malignancy (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and Hodgkin lymphoma) and (b) 3 cases without previous malignant neoplasms. In all cases, a final diagnosis of MEC was rendered. Key Messages: MEC may occur as a second malignancy in paediatric patients. FNAC is certainly a valid and accurate diagnostic tool for this type of neoplasm, even in the paediatric age, allowing the correct management of the patients.
COVID-19 Experience in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cue for Therapeutic Heparin-Based Strategies?
Authors: Pisani Antonio , Rizzo Manuela , Angelucci Valentina , Riccio Eleonora
Published: June 2020

In our opinion, the use of heparin could play a crucial role in these patients. In fact, recent studies have shown that heparin, the most commonly used anticoagulant during HD procedures, had anti-inflammatory properties and a direct antiviral action, due to its ability to prevent SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entry into host cells. These activities, together with its anticoagulant action, could explain the ability of heparin to ameliorate COVID-19 clinical course.
The Role of Cannabinoids in Allergic Diseases: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2020
Authors: Angelina Alba , Pérez-Diego Mario , López-Abente Jacobo , Palomares Oscar
Published: June 2020

The human endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex signalling network involved in many key physiological processes. The ECS includes the cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoid ligands, and the enzymes related to their synthesis and degradation. Other cannabinoids encompass the phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativaL.(marijuana) and the synthetic cannabinoids. Alterations in the ECS are associated with different diseases, including inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders such as allergy. Allergy is a global health problem of increasing prevalence with high socio-economic impact. Different studies have convincingly demonstrated that cannabinoids play a role in allergy, but their actual contribution is still controversial. It has been shown that cannabinoids exert anti-inflammatory properties in the airways and the skin of allergic patients. Other studies reported that cannabinoids might exacerbate asthma and atopic dermatitis mainly depending on CB2-mediated signalling pathways. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the mode of action of specific cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors on relevant immune cells under different biological contexts might well contribute to the design of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. Future research in this promising emerging field in the context of allergy is warranted for the upcoming years.
Predictive Value of Sudden Olfactory Loss in the Diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Haehner Antje , Draf Julia , Dräger Sarah , de With Katja , Hummel Thomas
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Recent reports suggest that sudden smell loss might be a symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of olfactory loss in an outpatient population who presented to a coronavirus testing center during a 2-week period and to evaluate the diagnostic value of the symptom “sudden smell loss” for screening procedures. Methods: In this cross-sectional controlled cohort study, 500 patients who presented with symptoms of a common cold to a corona testing center and fulfilled corona testing criteria completed a standardized diagnostic questionnaire which included the patients’ main symptoms, time course, and an additional self-assessment of the patients’ current smell, taste function, and nasal breathing compared to the level before the onset of symptoms. Results: Out of the 500 patients, 69 presented with olfactory loss. Twenty-two of them subsequently tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Only 12 out of the patients without olfactory loss tested positive, resulting in a frequency of 64.7% for the symptom “sudden smell loss” in COVID-19 patients. Compared to COVID-19 patients without smell loss, they were significantly younger and less severely affected. Changes in nasal airflow were significantly more pronounced in SARS-CoV-2 negative patients with olfactory complaints compared to the patients with smell loss who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. By excluding patients with a blocked nose, the symptom “sudden smell loss” can be attested a high specificity (97%) and a sensitivity of 65% with a positive predictive value of 63% and negative predictive value of 97% for COVID-19. Conclusion: Considering the high frequency of smell loss in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients, acute olfactory impairment should be recognized as an early symptom of the disease and should be tested for on a regular basis. In contrast to other acute viral smell impairment, COVID-19-associated smell loss seems to be only rarely accompanied by a severely blocked nose.
Evaluation of Clinical Practices Related to Variants of Uncertain Significance Results in Inherited Cardiac Arrhythmia and Inherited Cardiomyopathy Genes
Authors: Muller Reka D. , McDonald Thomas , Pope Kathleen , Cragun Deborah
Published: June 2020

Background:

Increasing use of genetic tests have identified many variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in genes associated with inherited arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies. Evaluation of clinical practices, including medical management recommendations for VUS patients and their families, is important to prevent over- or under-treatment that may result in morbidity or mortality. The purpose of this study is to describe practices related to VUS results including information and medical management recommendations providers give patients and their families.

Methods:

An anonymous online survey was distributed to genetic counselors (GCs) and cardiologists who have seen at least one patient for inherited arrhythmias or cardiomyopathies. The survey explored providers’ confidence in counseling, explanation of VUSs, topics covered before and after genetic testing, and clinical recommendations using a hypothetical scenario maximizing uncertainty with an unclear clinical and molecular diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and median confidence and likelihood of making various medical recommendations were compared across provider type.

Results:

Providers (N=102) who completed the survey included 29 cardiovascular GCs, 50 GCs from other specialties, and 23 cardiologists. GCs feel more confident than cardiologists counseling about VUS results (
P
<0.001); while both cardiovascular GCs and cardiologists feel more confident than other GCs in providing input regarding medical management recommendations (
P
=0.001 and
P
=0.01, respectively). Cardiologists were more likely than cardiac GCs to recommend clinical testing for family members even though testing in the scenario is expected to be uninformative.

Conclusions:

These findings illustrate how the expertise of different providers may impact decision processes, suggesting the need for interdisciplinary clinics to optimize care for challenging cases.
Civic Engagement in Education: Insights from California's Local Control Funding Formula
Authors: Marsh Julie A. , Dhaliwal Tasminda K. , Hall Michelle , Polikoff Morgan S.
Published: June 2020

In this policy brief, we use the case of California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) to provide policy makers and educators guidance on how to involve the public in goal setting and resource distribution decisions. We provide clarity around who is and is not participating, why, and what broader lessons we can draw for implementing federal and state education policies mandating public engagement. Our findings indicate tremendous room for improvement. LCFF's target populations (e.g., low-income, English learners) are not more likely to be aware of or participate in decisions than nontargeted groups, which suggests weak accountability for the use of public funds by the policy's target populations. Although LCFF has defined a broad set of stakeholders, only a narrow segment of the public (i.e., individuals with stronger ties to and positive views of schools) is aware of and engaging with the policy. Finally, we find a substantial gap between actual participation in LCFF and interest in participation, which may relate to a lack of self-efficacy, time, trust, perceived appropriateness, and information. As states and districts respond to mandates for engagement, these results suggest the need for greater investments in: (1) communication, (2) targeting a range of stakeholders, and (3) capacity building.
The Trouble with Rubbers: A History of Condoms in Modern China
Authors: Mellors Sarah
Published: June 2020

In recent years, public health officials and scholars have voiced their concerns about comparatively low condom use in China, citing high rates of abortion and the growing HIV/AIDS crisis. By examining condom use through the lenses of gender and the history of medicine, this article traces heterosexual condom consumption in China from the early twentieth century to the present and situates contemporary attitudes toward condoms within long-term contraceptive patterns. Rather than simply taking for granted the role that men play in family planning decisions, this research takes men and masculinity as a central focus. An eye to the past reveals numerous historical obstacles to condom use, as well as an enduring aversion to condoms grounded in fears of reduced male sexual pleasure, and the gendered assumption that birth control is the sole responsibility of women. Analyzing evolving perceptions of condoms sheds light on constructions of sexuality, gender relations, and the roles of the state, society, and the individual in contraceptive decision-making in China.
High prevalence of diseases in two invasive populations of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) in southwestern Spain
Authors: Hidalgo-Vila Judit , Martínez-Silvestre Albert , Pérez-Santigosa Natividad , León-Vizcaíno Luis , Díaz-Paniagua Carmen
Published: June 2020

Non-native turtles are susceptible to pathogenic infections that may be transmitted to native species. We performed hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and microbiological analyses in two invasive populations of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), which were living alongside native turtle species in southwestern Spain. The red-eared sliders that were captured had a healthy external appearance. However, the histopathological analyses revealed that up to 88% of these turtles had internal pathologies. The most common were hepatic lipidosis and chronic nephritis, which frequently co-occurred with each other or with pulmonary or pancreatic lesions. A high proportion of turtles were susceptible to infections caused by common bacteria in these habitats. We detected Herpesvirus, Mycoplasma spp. and more than 18 Gram-negative bacteria. The high prevalence of disease recorded in the two populations suggests that red-eared sliders are poorly suited to the conditions in their non-native range.
Iʿtibārī Concepts in Suhrawardī
Authors: Kaukua Jari
Published: June 2020

Shihāb al-Dīn al-Suhrawardī (d. 587/1191) famously criticised the central concepts of Avicennian metaphysics as merely mind-dependent (or iʿtibārī) notions. This paper aims to show that despite his critique, Suhrawardī held that these concepts are meaningful, indeed necessary for human cognition. By the same token, it is argued that their re-emergence in Suhrawardī’s ishrāqī metaphysics is not a matter of incoherence. Although the paper’s findings can be generalised to hold of all iʿtibārī concepts, mutatis mutandis, our focus is on the concept of substance, mainly because of the importance of the concept of ‘dusky substance’ in ishrāqī metaphysics.
“From the One, Only One Proceeds”
Authors: Amin Wahid M.
Published: June 2020

The separated intellects play a crucial but notoriously controversial role within the Neoplatonic systems of al-Fārābī and Avicenna. While both thinkers provide an array of proofs to support the existence of such immaterial substances, the most enduring of these is based on a metaphysical rule of Avicenna’s metaphysics known as the “rule of one” (qāʿidat al-wāḥid): that from the One, only one proceeds (lā yaṣdur ʿan l-wāḥid illā l-wāḥid). The following paper explores the various ways in which Avicenna defended this principle and traces their reception in the post-classical period, thereby showing how vigorously the question of emanation was debated among scholars of the later medieval period.
Morphology and molecular description of Wilmottia koreana sp. nov. (Oscillatoriales, Cyanobacteria) isolated from the Republic of Korea

Authors: LEE NAM-JU , SEO YOSEPH , KI JANG-SEU , LEE OK-MIN
Published: June 2020

Two types of Wilmottia (Cyanobacteria) were collected from the tree-bark of a tree on Mt. Gwanggyo in Suwon City, Gyeonggi-do and a rock wall of Haje Port, Geum River in Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea. Morphological observations using light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that one species was Wilmottia murrayi (Coleofasciculaceae, Oscillatoriales) and the other had similar morphology to W. murrayi, with considerable genetic variations, and thus, it was described as a new species named Wilmottia koreana. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA revealed that the family Coleofasciculaceae was clearly separated into taxonomic groups of each genus, and in them, Wilmottia forms a monophyletic lineage. W. koreana diverged the earliest, forming a unique clade separate from the others. Statistical analyses showed that the inter-species genetic distances of Wilmottia were significantly different from the intra-species distances (t-test, P < 0.001). Additionally, the secondary structures of D1–D1’, Box-B, and the V3 helices were different among the Wilmottia species. These results demonstrated that the proposed new Wilmottia species was unique in molecular traits. Therefore, we propose this to be a new species belonging to the genus Wilmottia with the name Wilmottia koreana sp. nov.
A new species of the elm powdery mildew species complex (Erysiphaceae) on Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) in East Asia segregated from Erysiphe ulmi

Authors: KIRSCHNER ROLAND , LOTZ-WINTER HERMINE , PIEPENBRING MEIKE
Published: June 2020

Powdery mildews are common pathogens on wild elm trees as well as on planted ornamentals in Asia and Europe. The taxonomy of the powdery Erysiphe species on elms (Ulmus spp., Ulmaceae) is complicated by taxonomical changes and inconsistently labelled DNA data in databases and publications. Based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis of new collections from Germany and Taiwan, E. ulmi from Europe is revised, while specimens on U. parvifolia from East Asia revealed a separate clade indicating an undescribed species. Morphologically, both species can be distinguished by length of the foot cell of the conidiophore, whereas the teleomorph characteristics were not significantly distinctive.
Novelties on Lippia sect. Goniostachyum (Verbenaceae): a new variety from the Brazilian Cerrado and additional nomenclatural and taxonomic notes

Authors: CARDOSO PEDRO HENRIQUE , MENINI NETO LUIZ , TROVÓ MARCELO , SALIMENA FÁTIMA REGINA GONÇALVES
Published: June 2020

Lippia stachyoides var. guajajarana, a new variety of Verbenaceae endemic from the Emas National Park, Goiás State, is described and illustrated. The new variety belongs to L. sect. Goniostachyum, which is characterized by numerous florescences per leaf axil and tetrastichous floral bracts. A detailed diagnosis, comparison with morphologically similar taxa, a key to the species and varieties from the section, plus habitat information, illustration, and a conservation status assessment are provided. Furthermore, L. morii is included in L. sect. Goniostachyum based on morphological traits and L. rivalis is considered a new synonym of L. origanoides. Lectotypes are designated for L. morii and L. rivalis, contributing to the taxonomy and nomenclature of the section.
Description of a new species of Plutomurus Yosii (Collembola: Tomoceridae) from Georgia, Caucasus and notes on the morphology of Plutomurus birsteini Djanashvili & Barjadze
Authors: BARJADZE SHALVA , GIORDANO ROSANNA , SOTO-ADAMES FELIPE
Published: June 2020

Plutomurus jordanai sp. nov. from Zeda Kvilishori Cave (Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti region, Western Georgia) is described, illustrated and differentiated from other morphologically similar species‒‒P. kelasuricus Martynova, 1969 and P. eristoi Barjadze, Baquero, Soto-Adames, Giordano & Jordana, 2016. In addition, morphological characters omitted or erroneously provided in the original description of Plutomurus birsteini Djanashvili & Barjadze, 2011 are described and illustrated from the specimen sampled in the type locality‒‒Sakishore Cave (Racha region, Western Georgia). An identification key to the species of the genus Plutomurus reported from the Caucasus is presented. A list of the invertebrate communities for Zeda Kvilishori and Sakishore caves is provided.
A new genus and species of Paralimnini leafhoppers from Israel (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
Authors: SINAIKO GUY , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H.
Published: June 2020

A new genus and species of the leafhopper tribe Paralimnini are described from Israel, viz., Paraphysifer Sinaiko & Dietrich gen. n. with P. wilsoni Sinaiko & Dietrich sp.n. as type species.
Acanthella danerii sp. nov. (Demospongiae, Bubarida, Dictyonellidae) from Chilean fjords (South Pacific Ocean)
Authors: COSTA GABRIELE , BAVESTRELLO GIORGIO , PANSINI MAURIZIO , BERTOLINO MARCO
Published: June 2020

The use of SCUBA diving for marine research in the Chilean fjords has increased the possibility of obtaining information on the sponge assemblages living in this environment. However, much work is still needed to achieve a satisfactory knowledge of the benthos of this wide region. As to sponges, just consider that seventeen new species have been recently described by several authors (Hajdu et al., 2013; Fernandez et al., 2016; Bertolino et al., 2019) with detailed information of this benthic fauna for this area. Aim of this work is the description of a new species of Acanthella (Dictyonellidae van Soest, Diaz & Pomponi, 1990), Acanthella danerii sp. nov.. It was collected at “Seno Magdalena” (44°61’48.63” S 72°95’83.12” W) (Chilean fjords) by SCUBA, at 20 m depth, on hard substrates of a vertical wall ending on a rocky bottom that slopes down to 32 m during a survey in August 2016.
A new sea-nettle from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: Chrysaora pseudoocellata sp. nov. (Scyphozoa: Pelagiidae)
Authors: MUTLU ERHAN , ÇAĞATAY I. TULAY , OLGUNER M. TUNCA , YILMAZ HASAN EMRE
Published: June 2020

A new species of Chrysaora is described from five specimens collected off Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea during December 2018. The species is characterised by its pale exumbrella, milky to creamy in colour, bearing faint and narrow markings, strap-like marginal tentacles, semi-rounded to tongue-shaped lappets, and a prominent dark spot on the exumbrella above each rhopalium. Analysis of the COI gene indicates that it may be most closely related to Chrysaora africana (Vanhöffen 1902), from which it is nevertheless 10.2 % different. It is unclear whether the species represents a previously undetected and endemic species from the Mediterranean, or whether source populations are located in the Red Sea and the northern Indian Ocean.
Thunberga gen. nov., a new genus of huntsman spiders from Madagascar
(Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae)
Authors: JÄGER PETER
Published: June 2020

A new genus of the family Sparassidae is described from Madagascar: Thunberga gen. nov. It can be distinguished from other genera of the Heteropodinae by its different cheliceral dentition and eye arrangement as well as by its uniquely dotted prosoma. Four species are transferred to the new genus: T. hildebrandti (Järvi, 1912) comb. nov. (from Rhitymna Simon, 1897a), T. malagassa (Strand, 1907) comb. nov. (from Olios Walckenaer, 1837), T. nossibeensis (Strand, 1907) comb. nov. (from Olios), T. septifer (Strand. 1908) comb. nov. (from Olios, elevated to species rank). T. hildebrandti comb. nov. is recognised as junior synonym of T. nossibeensis comb. nov. One species is described for the first time: Thunberga greta spec. nov. (female, Madagascar). The systematic placement within the family and the character “anterior epigynal pocket” are discussed.
Notes on seven Aglaopheniids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Aglaopheniidae) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands with three new records to India
Authors: CHAKRABORTY OISHINEE , RAGHUNATHAN C.
Published: June 2020

Aglaopheniids were sampled from 48 survey locations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during September 2016 to January 2019. Seven species were encountered during the study period, of which three are first reports to India recorded from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, viz., Aglaophenia cupressina Lamouroux, 1816, Lytocarpia brevirostris (Busk, 1852) and L. delicatula (Busk, 1852). The descriptions of 4 species, viz., Gymnangium hians (Busk, 1852), Macrorhynchia philippina Kirchenpeuner, 1872, M. phoenicea (Busk, 1852) and Monoserius pennarius (Linnaeus, 1758), are provided after a taxonomic gap of 108 years from the Islands. Hydroids were observed to be growing on a variety of substrates; rocks, boulders, dead corals, polychaete tubes, ship hull and sand. Some associated fauna was catalogued as well such as the bivalve, Pterelectroma physoides (Lamarck, 1819) associated with G. hians (Busk, 1852), L. delicatula (Busk, 1852), M. phoenicea (Busk, 1852) and M. philippina Kirchenpauer, 1872. The hydroid specific nudibranch Lomanotus vermiformis Eliot, 1908 was observed on M. philippina Kirchenpauer, 1872 and an unidentified sea anemone was observed on the hydrocaulus of M. pennarius. The bathymetric distribution of the aglaopheniids were observed to be between 3–20m, with L. brevirostris and M. pennarius occurring in deeper waters, i.e., 10–20m.
Rhodeus flaviventris, a new bitterling (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Acheilognathinae) from China
Authors: LI FAN , ARAI RYOICHI , LIAO TE-YU
Published: June 2020

Rhodeus flaviventris, a new species, is described from the Le-An River, a tributary flowing into Poyang Lake in the Yangtze River basin, in Jiangxi Province, China. It is distinguished from all congeners by the combination of characters: branched dorsal-fin rays 9 (9–10); branched anal-fin rays 9 (9–10); longest simple rays of dorsal and anal fins thick and stiff; longitudinal scale series 33–34; transverse scale series 11 (10–12); pored scales 4–7; vertebrae 32–34; spindle-shaped eggs with major axis of 3.1–3.7 mm; color pattern of nuptial males (iris yellowish, belly yellow, central part of caudal fin orange, dorsal and anal fins with reddish-orange stripe).
Sculpteremaeus olszanowskii gen. nov., sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Cymbaeremaeidae) from chaparral in California, USA, with a reassessment of Cymbaeremaeidae
Authors: BEHAN-PELLETIER VALERIE M. , ERMILOV SERGEY G.
Published: June 2020

A new oribatid mite genus, Sculpteremaeus gen. nov. (Oribatida, Cymbaeremaeidae), with Sculpteremaeus olszanowskii sp. nov. as type species, is proposed and described based on adults. It is from sandy soil-litter in chaparral of California, USA, an environment from which no oribatid mites have been recorded previously. Based on an analysis of adults of all genera of Cymbaeremaeidae, the new genus is closely related to Ametroproctus, from which it is most easily distinguished by the morphology of lamellae, size of lamellar cusps, and shape of the tutorium. We expand the Cymbaeremaeidae family diagnosis, and question the inclusion of Scapheremaeus based on extensive molecular evidence showing its closer relationship with Ameronothroidea and Licneremaeoidea.
Does Nasal Surgery Affect Voice Outcomes? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses
Authors: Xiao Christopher C , Luetzenberg Friederike S. , Jiang Nancy , Liang Jonathan
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

Changes in airflow dynamics after nasal surgery may have implications on voice quality. Multiple studies have evaluated the impact of nasal surgery on voice using heterogeneous outcome measures. We aim to systematically review the impact of nasal surgery on voice quality.

Methods:

Our study design was a systematic review with meta-analyses. A literature search of PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane from 1997 to 2017 was performed. Inclusion criteria included English language studies containing original data on nasal surgery and voice. Two investigators independently reviewed all manuscripts and performed a comprehensive quality assessment. Meta-analysis was completed on quantitative voice measurements.

Results:

Of 463 identified, 19 studies with 692 patients fulfilled eligibility. Nasal surgeries performed included endoscopic sinus surgery (11/20), septoplasty (11/20), rhinoplasty (2/20), and turbinate reduction (2/20). Voice outcomes measured included nasalance (8/20), fundamental frequency (11/20), jitter (10/20), shimmer (10/20), harmonic to noise ratio (HRN) (8/20), formants (5/20), and voice handicap index (VHI) (4/20). Voice examinations were assessed preoperatively and 1 to 30 months postoperatively. Meta-analysis revealed statistically significant changes in nasalance, ( P < .01) 1 month postoperatively; there was no significant difference in nasalance at 6 months postoperatively. All other variables analyzed revealed no statistically significant differences. Five of nine studies showed majority of patients did not notice subjective change in voice after surgery, but with high heterogeneity of measurements.

Conclusions:

There may be a short-term increase in nasalance that resolves at longer follow-up, but there seem to be no other objective changes in voice. There may be subjective changes after surgery, but require further study to evaluate.
Governance Settlements and Transitions in Indigenous Areas of Limited Statehood: The Case of Coalmining in Meghalaya
Authors: Vakkayil Jacob
Published: June 2020

This article explores governance issues in an area of limited statehood characterized by the combination of state and indigenous institutions. This is done by adopting an institutional lens focusing on three factors—field structures, institutional logics, and actor agency—to analyze governance settlements. The results point to how complex governance settlements in areas of limited statehood hold together with a certain degree of alignment between institutional elements. However, as the field evolves, contestations and misalignments lead to changes in governance settlements. Analyzing these transitions, this study identifies three key processes that have facilitated deeper state penetration in the field, namely, delocalization of field structures, hybridization of institutional logics, and diversification of actor agency.
Conscientization Calls: A White Dual Language Educator’s Development of Sociopolitical Consciousness and Commitment to Social Justice
Authors: Freire Juan A.
Published: June 2020

Literature is limited demonstrating how some in-service teachers have developed sociopolitical consciousness and why they commit to social justice. Drawing on interviews, email correspondence, and Facebook postings collected throughout a school year, this article shows the life experiences of one white dual language educator who developed sociopolitical consciousness and a commitment to social justice as a result of what I refer to as conscientization calls based on personal experiences and observed inequities affecting minoritized populations in U.S. and Latin American contexts. This article makes a call to promote educational equity by helping privileged pre-service and in-service teachers by using, as pedagogical tools, conscientization calls they might have received throughout their lives.