bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel transports and related phases according to Frenet and Darboux frame in ℝ13
Authors: Gürbüz Nevin
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we present the modified Fermi–Walker parallel transport, the generalized Fermi–Walker parallel transport and related phases according to Frenet and Darboux frame in Minkowski 3-space.
n-Tuple principal bundles
Authors: Grabowska Katarzyna , Grabowski Janusz
Published: October 2018

We develop the concept of a double (more generally [Formula: see text]-tuple) principal bundle departing from a compatibility condition for a principal action of a Lie group on a groupoid.
Load analyzing of nonstationary load history of engineering vehicles by switching Markov chain
Authors: Wu Yuqian , You Shuang , Li Yi , Liang Yunlong , Wang Jixin
Published: October 2018

Engineering vehicles are widely used under various harsh working conditions. For many components in them, service loadings they suffered are usually random and nonstationary due to their remarkable characteristic called cyclic operation. To deal with that, section method can be applied. However, this method will neglect those transition cycles caused by switching load section, which can contribute a lot to fatigue. In order to consider those transition cycles, this paper applied the model called “Switching Markov Chain of Turning Points” (SMCTP). Then the expected rain-flow matrix is compared with the overall rain-flow matrix conducted by section method. The comparison result shows that SMCTP can perform well in processing nonstationary loadings. As a result, the Switching Markov Chain method (SMC) was proved to be effective in stochastically characterizing the nonstationary switching loadings of engineering vehicles.
Making Constrained Things Reachable
Authors: Novo Oscar
Published: October 2018

The widespread adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) has created a demand for ubiquitous connectivity of IoT devices into the Internet. While end-to-end connectivity for IoT requires in practice IPv6, a vast majority of nodes in Internet are only IPv4-capable. To address this issue, the use of Network Address Translation (NAT) at the IoT network boundary becomes necessary. However, the constrained nature of the IoT devices hinders the integration of traditional NAT traversal architectures through IoT networks.

In this article, we introduce a novel transition mechanism that transparently enables IoT devices behind NATs to connect across different network-layer infrastructures. Our mechanism adopts the IoT standards to provide a global connectivity solution in a transparent, secure, and elegant way. Additionally, we revisit the NAT solutions for IoT and describe and evaluate our current implementation.
Adoption of Labor-Saving Technologies in Agriculture
Authors: Gallardo R. Karina , Sauer Johannes
Published: October 2018

Labor-saving technologies in agriculture have been fundamental to the advancement of the agricultural industry, and in general, the economies of nations. This article presents a review of several economic theories that form the basis of the economics of labor-saving technologies, including the theory of induced innovation and subsequent theories developed from it. The review also includes empirical application studies and classifies existing literature into ex ante and ex post analyses of technology adoption. It also presents a thorough review of economic studies on the most successful labor-saving technology adoptions in agriculture, including crops and livestock. Finally, we discuss the future of labor-saving technologies in agriculture and their implications for new societal and economic structures.
Potential pitfalls in analyzing structural uncoupling of eNOS: aging is not associated with increased enzyme monomerization
Authors: Chang Fumin , Flavahan Sheila , Flavahan Nicholas A.
Published: October 2018

Homodimer formation is essential for the normal activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Structural uncoupling of eNOS, with generation of enzyme monomers, is thought to contribute to endothelial dysfunction in several vascular disorders, including aging. However, low-temperature SDS-PAGE of healthy arteries has revealed considerable variation between studies in the relative expression of eNOS dimers and monomers. While assessing structural uncoupling of eNOS in aging arteries, we identified methodological pitfalls that might contribute to such variation. Therefore, using human cultured aortic endothelial cells and aortas from young and aged Fischer-344 rats, we investigated optimal approaches for analyzing the expression of eNOS monomers and dimers. The results demonstrated that published differences in treatment of cell lysates can significantly impact the relative expression of several eNOS species, including denatured monomers, partially folded monomers, dimers, and higher-order oligomers. In aortas, experiments initially confirmed a large increase in eNOS monomers in aging arteries, consistent with structural uncoupling. However, these monomers were actually endogenous IgG, which, under these conditions, has mobility similar to eNOS monomers. Increased IgG levels in aged aortas likely reflect the aging-induced disruption of endothelial junctions and increased arterial penetration of IgG. After removal of the IgG signal, there were low levels of eNOS monomers in young arteries, which were not significantly different in aged arteries. Therefore, structural uncoupling of eNOS is not a prominent feature in young healthy arteries, and the process is not increased by aging. The study also identifies optimal approaches to analyze eNOS dimers and monomers.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Structural uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is considered central to endothelial dysfunction. However, reported levels of eNOS dimers and monomers vary widely, even in healthy arteries. We demonstrate that sample processing can alter relative levels of eNOS species. Moreover, endothelial dysfunction in aging aortas results in IgG accumulation, which, because of similar mobility to eNOS monomers, could be misinterpreted as structural uncoupling. Indeed, enzyme monomerization is not prominent in young or aging arteries.
Visual Field Variability after Gene Therapy for Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Yuan Jia-jia , Zhang Yong , Wang Li-ling , Cheng Ming-shi , Ma Si-qi , Gao Qin , Li Bin
Published: October 2018

Purpose: To assess changes in visual field (VF) values after gene therapy for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Methods: VF recovery, VF indices, and mean deviation in injected and uninjected eyes, before and after gene therapy, were examined in 2 groups of patients according to disease duration (≤2 years and > 2 years). Nine patients with LHON were treated by monocular intravitreal injection of AAV2-ND4. Finally, 7 patients were considered for subsequent comparisons; the first and second eyes were treated separately. Results: There were no significant differences in VF indices and mean deviation between injected and uninjected eyes (p = 0.910 and p = 0.929, respectively). However, there was a significant difference before and after injection (p = 0.016 and p = 0.015, respectively). There was no significant difference in VF improvement between patients with ≤2 years’ disease duration and those with a longer disease duration. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant VF improvement after gene therapy. This suggests that monocular intravitreal injection of AAV2-ND4 can improve binocular VF values. This study also suggests that gene therapy can be effective in patients with a disease duration of > 2 years.
Serum Lipid Concentrations and FADS Genetic Variants in Young Mexican College Students: The UP-AMIGOS Cohort Study
Authors: Vazquez-Vidal Itzel , Voruganti V. Saroja , Hannon Bridget A. , Andrade Flavia Cristina Drumond , Aradillas-García Celia , Nakamura Manabu T. , Terán-García Margarita
Published: October 2018

Background: Recent genome-wide association studies in the Mexican population have identified several genetic loci associated with blood lipid levels in adults. However, studies focusing on the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster have been understudied in this population, even though it seems associated with lipid profiles in other ethnicities. The aim of this study was to test associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FADS cluster (rs174546, rs1535, rs174548, rs174550, rs174450, and rs174618) and serum lipid profiles in young Mexicans. Methods: Anthropometrics, serum lipid profiles, and FADS SNPs were measured in 998 subjects in the UP-AMIGOS cohort study. Genotype-phenotype (total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], and very-low-density lipoprotein [VLDL]) associations were assessed using PLINK adjusted for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Among 6 FADS SNPs, we found that carriers of the C-allele of the FADS1-rs174546 showed a significant association with lower TG concentrations (β = –12.6 mg/dL, p = 0.009) and lower VLDL concentrations (β = –2.52 mg/dL, p = 0.005). We found that rs174546, rs1535, and rs174550 were in high linkage disequilibrium (r2 > 0.80). There were no significant associations between rs174550, rs174548, and rs174618 and lipid profiles. Conclusion: A genetic variant in the FADS1 (rs174546) gene is a major contributor of plasma TG and VLDL concentrations in healthy young Mexicans.
Epirubicin is More Effective than Miriplatin in Balloon-Occluded Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shirono Tomotake , Iwamoto Hideki , Niizeki Takashi , Shimose Shigeo , Nakano Masahito , Satani Manabu , Okamura Syuusuke , Noda Yu , Kamachi Naoki , Kuromatsu Ryoko , Sakai Miwa , Nomiyama Mika , Kuwano Toru , Tanaka Masatoshi , Koga Hironori , Torimura Takuji
Published: October 2018

Background: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a standard therapy used in the treatment of intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, balloon-occluded TACE (B-TACE) has been developed. Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the effects of B-TACE in patients with HCC, with a focus on which drug is suitable to suspend in Lipiodol for B-TACE. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 35 patients with HCC treated with B-TACE. Factors associated with enhanced time to progression (TTP) after B-TACE were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 35 patients with HCC (40 nodules) were treated with B-TACE between June 2013 and August 2016. Epirubicin was used in 25 nodules and miriplatin was used in 15 nodules. Epirubicin (15.1 months) was significantly better than miriplatin (3.2 months) in prolonging the local TTP after B-TACE (p = 0.0293). Epirubicin showed a positive tendency in TE4 (100% tumor necrosis) rate when compared with miriplatin (p = 0.058). Achievement of TE4 was the only significant factor associated with better TTP after B-TACE. Epirubicin- and TACE-naïve statuses were significant factors in achieving TE4 with B-TACE. Conclusion: To enhance the TTP with B-TACE, TE4 should be achieved. Epirubicin is a more optimal anticancer drug (as a Lipiodol suspension) than miriplatin for achieving TE4 with B-TACE.
Clinical and Sonographic Model to Predict Cesarean Delivery after Induction of Labor at Term
Authors: Migliorelli Federico , Baños Núria , Angeles Martina Aida , Rueda Claudia , Salazar Laura , Gratacós Eduard , Palacio Montse
Published: October 2018

Objective: To develop a model combining clinical and sonographic features to predict the risk of cesarean delivery after the induction of labor (IOL). Methods: We designed a prospective observational study involving women admitted for IOL. The main outcome was defined as cesarean delivery due to failed IOL or arrest of labor. Several clinical and ultrasonographic variables were collected. Seventy percent of the sample was used to build the predictive model, using stepwise logistic regression, while the remaining sample was used for validation. The final model was estimated and calibrated using all participants. Results: We analyzed 477 pregnancies. The main outcome occurred in 102/477 (21.4%) women. The final model included previous vaginal delivery (odds ratio [OR] 0.088; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04–0.21), height (OR 0.904; 95% CI 0.87–0.94), body mass index before delivery (OR 1.084; 95% CI 1.02–1.15), ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight (OR 3.965; 95% CI 2.18–7.22), and ultrasonographic cervical length (OR 1.065; 95% CI 1.04–1.09) as predictors. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.826 (95% CI 0.78–0.87). For a 5% false-positive rate, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were 44.1%, 94.9%, 8.7, and 0.59, respectively. Conclusion: Our model combining clinical and ultrasonographic features might offer individualized counseling regarding risk of cesarean delivery to women who are candidates for IOL.
O lugar do conflito e da naturalização da pobreza: uma leitura da luta por moradia na periferia de Palmas - TO
Authors: Bottura Ana Carla
Published: October 2018

O presente artigo tem como objetivo principal contribuir com o debate acerca da formação das periferias no Brasil e seus desdobramentos, aproximando-o do contexto da cidade de Palmas, capital do Tocantins e com ênfase na atuação dos movimentos de luta pela moradia, entendidos enquanto sujeitos políticos periféricos. Apresenta-se, inicialmente, um compêndio de conceitos e dimensões analíticas que se entende como chave para a intepretação da periferização na cidade contemporânea, seguido pela apresentação de um breve panorama acerca da criação da cidade de Palmas e a instantaneidade da sua periferia. Como ponto de chegada, propõe-se uma interpretação dos principais aspectos que fundamentam a predominância e persistência do modelo de urbanização excludente sob o qual a mesma se constrói, tomando como base discursos encontrados em trabalho de campo e entrevistas realizadas com diferentes agentes da produção do espaço urbano, incluindo representantes de movimentos de luta por moradia locais, sujeitos de conflitos urbanos envolvendo as zonas periféricas da cidade.
Entre a gestão pública e as empresas privadas: circuitos de conhecimento na urbanização de favelas e nas políticas socioambientais em São Paulo
Authors: Pulhez Magaly Marques , Ferrara Luciana Nicolau
Published: October 2018

Há mais três décadas as ações públicas de intervenção em favelas, no Brasil, reúnem técnicos com grande conhecimento acumulado sobre variados e complexos aspectos que envolvem o tema. Desde 1990, programas de urbanização buscam solucionar, além da moradia e infraestruturas, questões ambientais. O “Programa Guarapiranga” (posteriormente, “Programa Mananciais”) foi um exemplo emblemático desenvolvido entre 1992 e 2016, em São Paulo, pois visou qualificar e sanear os assentamentos precários situados no manancial metropolitano. A sua implementação contou com a contratação de empresas privadas de gerenciamento e consultoria, que passaram a concentrar o conhecimento sobre as intervenções, reunindo técnicos especializados formados a partir de projetos públicos. Hoje, esse circuito de conhecimento representa restrita rede de grandes empresas, também influentes na estruturação da política.  À luz do Programa Mananciais o texto problematiza de que modo a gestão pública conduz a política, ao passar por um processo que pressiona para uma “redução” do Estado, indagando sobre as consequências e limites desse modelo.
Entre conceitos e a prática: construindo identidades e lugares metropolitanos no processo de planejamento na região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte
Authors: Cruz Mariana De Moura , Grossi de Oliveira Laís , Nassif Thaís
Published: October 2018

O planejamento da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte que teve início no final da década de 1970 vem passando por um importante processo de transformação: após um período de hiato na década de 1990, o projeto metropolitano foi retomado junto à Universidade, buscando superar a experiência de bases tecnocráticas do período militar e assumir cada vez mais uma base participativa. Esse novo modelo de gestão metropolitana é pautado pela ideia de que é o processo de planejamento(talvez mais do que os planos finais) que permite a gestão democrática do território da metrópole. Para isso, a UFMG, na elaboração do Plano Diretor de Desenvolvimento Integrado da RMBH, apoia-se na criação de umaidentidade metropolitana e no reconhecimento de lugares metropolitanos nos quais o cidadão metropolitano pode compartilhar um cotidiano dotado de regras construídas e compartilhadas localmente. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir um pouco mais esses conceitos que são referências importantes ao atual processo de planejamento metropolitano a partir das experiências práticas que dele se desdobraram, no intuito de ampliar o debate sobre as possibilidades e as limitações de cada um deles.
PİYASA YOĞUNLUĞUNUN ÖLÇÜLMESİ: BEYAZ EŞYA SEKTÖRÜ ÜZERİNE BİR UYGULMA
Authors: TATLI Halim
Published: October 2018

Yoğunlaşma, herhangi bir sektördeki ekonomik faaliyetlere birkaç firmanın
hakim olması olarak ifade edilmektedir. Bir piyasadaki yüksek yoğunlaşma oranı,
o piyasanın rekabetçi bir yapıdan uzak olduğunu gösterir. Bu çalışmanın amacı CRn,
Herfindahl-Hirschman Indeksi, Entropy Indeksi, Rosenbluth/Hall
Tideron İndeksi, Hannah-Kay ve Gini Indeksi kullanarak Türk beyaz eşya sektöründeki yoğunlaşma düzeyini
analiz etmektir. Çalışmada Türkiye beyaz eşya sektöründe 2005-2015
yılları arasında faaliyet gösteren firmaların üretimden net satış rakamları kullanılarak
yoğunlaşma oranları belirlenmiştir. Yapılan analizler sonucunda Türk beyaz eşya
endüstrisinde yoğunlaşma oranının oldukça yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir ve rekabet
düzeyi oligopol piyasalarına yakın olduğu saptanmıştır. Ayrıca çalışmada
sektördeki rekabetin sağlanmasına yönelik öneriler sunulmuştur.
HARCAMA BİLEŞENLERİ VE SEKTÖREL İSTİHDAM ARASINDAKİ NEDENSELLİK İLİŞKİSİ
Authors: Ersin İrfan , Ergeç Etem Hakan
Published: October 2018

İstihdama
ilişkin politikaların, amaca uygun şekillendirilmesi için önemli konulardan
biri de ekonomi ve emek piyasaları arasındaki karmaşık ilişkilerin detaylı
analizidir. Bu çalışma işsizlikle mücadele eden ve yoğun genç nüfusa sahip Türkiye
ekonomisinde, GSYİH içinde yer alan harcama bileşenleri (Özel Tüketim, Devletin
Nihai Tüketim, Gayrisafi Stok Oluşumu, İhracat ve İthalat) ve sektörel istihdam
(Tarım, Sanayi, İnşaat ve Hizmetler) arasındaki nedensellik ilişkisi
incelenmiştir. 2000Q1-2016Q4 arası verilerin Toda-Yamamoto yöntemi ile
analizinde, harcama ve istihdam arasındaki nedensellik ilişkisi bazı harcama ve
bazı sektörler arasında tespit edilmiştir. Ulaşılan
sonuçların, istihdama ilişkin politikaların şekillendirilmesine katkı
sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.
HEKİMLERİN İŞGÜCÜ VERİMLİLİĞİNİ BELİRLEYEN FAKTÖRLER: SELÇUK ÜNİVERSİTESİ TIP FAKÜLTESİ HASTANESİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: Karaçor Zeynep , Güvenek Burcu , Mirza Emel , Öztürk Rahime Hülya
Published: October 2018

Sağlık
sektörü emek yoğun yapısı ile işgücü verimliliğinin büyük önem taşıdığı bir
sektör olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Sağlıkla ilgili harcamaların devlet
bütçelerinde önemli bir paya sahip olduğu günümüzde, sağlık kuruluşlarında
çalışanlardan en yüksek verimi elde edebilmek gittikçe daha önem kazanmıştır.
Sağlık sektöründe temel hizmet sağlayıcısı konumunda bulunan hekimlerin işgücü
verimliliği tüm sektörün verimliliğinin de belirleyicisi olabilmektedir. Bu
nedenle hekimlerim işgücü verimliliğini etkileyen faktörlerin belirlenmesi ve
buna göre verimliliği artırıcı düzenlemelerin yapılması gerekmektedir. Bu
faktörlerin belirlenmesine yönelik bu çalışmada, Konya ili Selçuk Üniversitesi
Tıp Fakültesi Hastanesinde çalışan hekimler örneklem olarak seçilerek anket
çalışması yapılmıştır. Bu anket ile yönetsel ve örgütsel faktörler, fiziksel
faktörler, teknik faktörler ve sosyal faktörlerin hekimlerin verimliliğini ne
oranda etkiledikleri kendi değerlendirmeleri yoluyla anlaşılmaya çalışılmıştır.
Ayrıca hekimlerin demografik özellikleri ve uzmanlık derecelerine göre
verimliliği belirleyen faktörlerde değişme olup olmadığı da araştırılmıştır.
A new species and a new record of Xanthagaricus (Agaricaceae, Agaricales) from China
Authors: WANG FENGJIAN , QI LIANGLIANG , ZHOU XIANGYU , LI YU
Published: October 2018

Two species of Xanthagaricus discovered in Hubei Province of China are described based on the macro- and micromorphological features. Their identity is further supported by molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the ribosomal RNA gene. The phylogeny obtained here showed that one of the Chinese species is nested in an exclusive clade which in combination with its striking morphological features, infers that it represents a new species, named X. ianthinus, while the other species is placed as a member in the X. epipastus clade. Descriptions are accompanied with illustrations of macro- and micromorphological characters and a discussion of related taxa is presented.
Nomenclature and typification in Polyosma (Escalloniaceae) from New Caledonia, with the description of a new species
Authors: PILLON YOHAN
Published: October 2018

The taxonomy of Polyosma (Escalloniaceae) in New Caledonia is reviewed. All names validly published in Polyosma in this archipelago are discussed and lectotypified when necessary and possible. A new combination is made, Polyosma subintegrifolia; and a new species, Polyosma kouaouana, is described. Seven species (all endemic) are recognized in New Caledonia: P. brachystachys, P. discolor, P. kouaouana, P. leratii, P. pancheriana, P. spicata, and P. subintegrifolia. A preliminary identification key is provided.
Two new species of earthworms belonging to the genus Amynthas (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) from Guangxi Province, China
Authors: DONG YAN , YUAN ZHU , JIANG JIBAO , ZHAO QI , QIU JIANGPING
Published: October 2018

Two new species of earthworms belonging to the genus Amynthas are described from Guangxi Province, China: Amynthas crassitubus sp. nov. and Amynthas stabilis sp. nov. from Shiwan Mountain Nature Reserve. The two species have three pairs of spermathecal pores in 6/7–8/9, and belong to the sieboldi-group. COI barcode sequences support their status as new species.
Four new Amynthas and Metaphire earthworm species from nine provinces in southern China
Authors: SUN JING , JIANG JI-BAO , BARTLAM SCOTT , QIU JIANG-PING , HU FENG
Published: October 2018

Four new species belonging to genera Amyntha and Metaphire were discovered from an extensive area in southern China, covering the provinces Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangxi and Anhui. The species are named Amynthas dispersus Sun & Qiu, sp. nov., Amynthas shanghangensis Sun & Qiu, sp. nov., Amynthas dentiformis Sun & Jiang, sp. nov. and Metaphire sanmingensis Sun & Jiang, sp. nov. The first two new species have four pairs of intersegmental spermathecal pores in 5/6–8/9. A. dispersus has elliptical and glandular male pore porophores raised on a low pad-like area surrounded by two to three shallow skin folds, the genital papillae are variable in the spermathecal pore and male pore regions, and prostate glands are vestigial or rudimentary. Amynthas shanghangensis has male porophores surrounded by three papillae, each prostate gland accompanied by an accessory gland, and the distal ½–⅓ of the spermathecal diverticulum dilated into a rod-shaped seminal chamber. Amynthas dentiformis has two pairs of spermathecal pores in 7/8–8/9, male pores always surrounded by two papillae, and small sacs on the dorsal and ventral margins of the intestinal caecae; the prostate gland occasionally has stalked accessory glands. M. sanmingensis is in the Metaphire houlleti-group, and has secondary male pores opening to copulatory pouches, rod-shaped spermathecal seminal chamber, as well as variable genital papillae in spermathecal and male pores regions. The GenBank accession numbers of DNA barcode data are attached under the description of each species.
Biogeography meets taxonomy: Distribution-based inferences on the accuracy of identification and synonymization of East Asian earthworms
Authors: SHEN HUEI-PING
Published: October 2018

This paper demonstrates that the uniqueness of the geographical location of Taiwan and its adjacent islands can be taken as a basis to evaluate the accuracy of identification and synonymization of East Asian earthworms and further to clarify some disputes in earthworm taxonomy. A comprehensive review of the earthworm fauna from the Ryukyu Archipelago is given; as a result, two recorded species are recognized as new species, named here Amynthas ishigakiensis sp. nov. and Amynthas iriomotensis sp. nov. Common but harmful practices in earthworm taxonomy, synonymies with question marks and erection of sympatric subspecies, are commented.
Brasilisia n. gen. and Arraia n. gen., two new genera of Ocnerodrilidae (Annelida, Clitellata, Oligochaeta) from Eastern Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA LUIS MANUEL , BURGOS-GUERRERO JESÚS ENRIQUE , ROUSSEAU GUILLAUME XAVIER , JAMES SAMUEL WOOSTER
Published: October 2018

We describe two new species from two new genera of Ocnerodrilidae from Alcântara and Rosário counties of Maranhão, Brazil. They were collected in very sandy soil in the transition between the Amazonia and Cerrado biomes. One of the species, Brasilisia punki n. sp., is the first report of earthworms of this family with an unusual pattern of genital markings and a gizzard in segment five. The other species Arraia nelmae n. sp. has a gizzard in segment six and a pair of calciferous glands in nine. We also provide an updated key for all genera of Ocnerodrilidae.
Earthworm species in no-tillage agroecosystems and native Atlantic forests in Western Paraná, Brazil
Authors: SANTOS ALESSANDRA , GORTE TATIANE , DEMETRIO WILIAN C. , FERREIRA TALITA , NADOLNY HERLON , CARDOSO GUILHERME B.X. , TONETTI CAROLINE , RALISCH RICARDO , NUNES AMANDA P. , COQUEIRO ANA CAROLINA P. , LEANDRO HUDSON C.L. , WANDSCHEER CASSIO A.R. , BORTOLUZZI JEANKLEBER , BROWN GEORGE G. , BARTZ MARIE L.C.
Published: October 2018

Earthworm populations often increase with the adoption of no-tillage (NT) practices, but few studies have evaluated earthworm diversity in these agroecosystems. In the present study we assessed earthworm species richness in 40 sites under NT and six native Atlantic forest fragments in Western Paraná, Southern Brazil. At each site earthworms were sampled quantitatively (n=5) and qualitatively (n=5), by handsorting soil monoliths (20 x 20 cm width x 20 cm depth), totaling 460 samples overall. Earthworms were killed and fixed in 96% ethanol, counted and identified. Overall, 18 species were found, in the families Acanthodrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae, Rhinodrilidae and Ocnerodrilidae, of which 10 were native and eight exotic. No-tillage agroecosystems had larger earthworm populations and higher species richness overall than native forests, although this was mainly due to colonization of these agricultural fields by exotic species. Mostly native species were found in the Atlantic forests, highlighting the importance of these habitats as refugia for native earthworm species conservation.
Earthworm diversity in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: STEFFEN GERUSA PAULI KIST , STEFFEN RICARDO BEMFICA , BARTZ MARIE LUISE CAROLINA , JAMES SAMUEL WOOSTER , JACQUES RODRIGO JOSEMAR SEMINOTTI , BROWN GEORGE GARDNER , ANTONIOLLI ZAIDA INÊS
Published: October 2018

The knowledge regarding earthworm species richness in subtropical Brazil is limited, particularly in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), where only a few sites have been sampled. In this study we assessed earthworm richness in different ecosystems of RS, prioritizing un-sampled regions. Fifteen ecosystems, including native vegetation and other ecosystems with variable levels of disturbance were sampled in 30 counties in RS, totaling 77 sampling points, mainly in the Pampa biome. Qualitative sampling was performed by handsorting soil monoliths and fixing the earthworms in 4% formalin solution. Species identification was based on morphological characters, and species richness and Shannon (H) and McIntosh (U) diversity indices were calculated for each ecosystem. Twenty-one earthworm species were identified, belonging to seven families: Glossoscolecidae (8), Rhinodrilidae (2), Ocnerodrilidae (4), Megascolecidae (4), Acanthodrilidae (1), Lumbricidae (1) and Criodrilidae (1). From these, ten are new species belonging to the genera: Glossoscolex (6), Fimoscolex (1), Kerriona (1), Eukerria (1), and one aquatic species of the Criodrilidae family, belonging to a new genus. Most of the native species (Urobenus brasiliensis, Fimoscolex n.sp.1 and the Glossoscolex spp.) predominated in ecosystems little altered by human activity, while exotic (Amynthas gracilis, Amynthas rodericensis, Metaphire californica, Aporrectodea trapezoides) and peregrine species (Pontoscolex corethrurus) predominated in areas with more human disturbance. Native ecosystems with lower disturbance, particularly forests and native pastures had higher diversity than disturbed sites. This is the first record of A. rodericencis for Brazil and most sites represent new collection records for the known species in RS.
Predictability of Characteristics of Temporal Variation in Surface Solar Irradiance Using Cloud Properties Derived from Satellite Observations
Authors: Watanabe Takeshi , Nohara Daisuke
Published: October 2018

Understanding of the characteristics of variation in surface solar irradiance on time scales shorter than several hours has been limited because ground-based observation stations are located coarsely. However, satellite observation data can be used to bridge this gap. We propose an approach for predicting characteristics of a time series of surface solar irradiance in a 121-min time window for areas without ground-based measurement systems. Time series features—mean, standard deviation, and sample entropy—are used to represent the characteristics of variation in surface solar irradiance quantitatively. We examine cloud properties over the area to design prediction models of these time series features. Cloud properties averaged over the defined domain and texture features that represent characteristics of the spatial distribution of clouds are used as measures of cloud features. Predictors for time series features, where explanatory variables are cloud features, are constructed employing the random-forest regression method. The performance test for predictions indicates that the mean and standard deviation can be predicted with higher prediction skill, whereas the predictor for sample entropy has lower prediction skill. The importance of cloud features for predictors and partial dependence of the predictors on explanatory variables are also analyzed. Cloud optical thickness (COT) and cloud fraction (CFR) were important for predicting the mean. Two texture features—contrast and local homogeneity (LHM)—and COT were important for predicting the standard deviation, and COT, LHM, and CFR were important for predicting the sample entropy. These results indicate which satellite-derived cloud field properties are useful for predicting time series features of surface solar irradiance.
Ten-Year Follow-Up of Off-Pump and On-Pump Multivessel Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: MASS III
Authors: Hueb Whady , Rezende Paulo Cury , Gersh Bernard J. , Soares Paulo Rogério , Favarato Desidério , Lima Eduardo Gomes , Garzillo Cibele Larrosa , Jatene Fabio B. , Ramires José Antonio Franchini , Filho Roberto Kalil
Published: October 2018

It was a randomized trial, and 308 patients undergoing revascularization were randomly assigned: 155 to off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) and 153 to on-pump coronary artery bypass (ONCAB). End points were freedom from death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and cerebrovascular accidents. The rates for 10-year, event-free survival for ONCAB versus OPCAB were 69.6% and 64%, (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-1.02; P = .41), respectively. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratio was similar (HR: 0.92; 95% CI 0.61-1.38, P = .68). A difference occurred between the duration of OPCAB and ONCAB, respectively (4.9 ± 1.5 vs 6.6 ± 1.1 h, P < .001). Statistical differences occurred between OPCAB and ONCAB in the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (20 ± 2.5 vs 48 ± 10 hours, P < .001), time to extubation (5.5 ± 4.2 vs 10.2 ± 3.5 hours, P < .001), hospital stay (6.7 ± 1.4 vs 9.2 ± 1.3 days, P < .001), higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF; 33 vs 5 patients, P < .001), and blood requirements (46 vs 64 patients, P < .001). Grafts per patient was higher in ONCAB (3.15 vs 2.55 grafts, P < .001). No difference existed between the groups in primary composite end points at 10-year follow-up. Although OPCAB surgery was related to a lower number of grafts and higher incidence of AF, it had no effects related to long-term outcomes.
Shifting Profile of Leadership Preparation Programs in the 21st Century
Authors: Perrone Frank , Tucker Pamela D.
Published: October 2018

Purpose: A substantial research base focuses on principal preparation program standards, design, and effectiveness. Little is known, however, about which institutions are preparing principal candidates and how many candidates they have produced since 2003. Our study provides the field with a better understanding of the overall preparation landscape and addresses issues of principal supply and demand. Research Methods: We use several national datasets in this exploratory study to track changes in educational administration degree production at the national, state, and university level from 2000 to 2014 as well as how these compare with changing K-12 student populations and principal demand. Findings: Key findings include (a) the number of institutions granting degrees in educational administration increased by 72% this century, (b) the total number of leadership degrees granted doubled over this time period and is substantially larger at all award levels (i.e., postbaccalaureate, master’s, specialist, doctorate) in 2014 than 2000, and (c) the types of institutions offering educational leadership degrees and their production rates have changed dramatically over this time period. Implications: The supply of principal candidates far exceeds the number annual principal openings offering school systems greater choice among candidates. Further research is needed on the issues of readiness and career intentions of the candidates. The majority of growth in program offerings and degrees granted has been generated in less-resourced and less selective institutions. Researchers in the field have argued that adequate resources are critical to providing program components for effective principal preparation thus raising questions about the quality of program candidates.
Nonrestorative Treatments for Caries: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Urquhart O. , Tampi M.P. , Pilcher L. , Slayton R.L. , Araujo M.W.B. , Fontana M. , Guzmán-Armstrong S. , Nascimento M.M. , Nový B.B. , Tinanoff N. , Weyant R.J. , Wolff M.S. , Young D.A. , Zero D.T. , Brignardello-Petersen R. , Banfield L. , Parikh A. , Joshi G. , Carrasco-Labra A.
Published: October 2018

The goal of nonrestorative or non- and microinvasive caries treatment (fluoride- and nonfluoride-based interventions) is to manage the caries disease process at a lesion level and minimize the loss of sound tooth structure. The purpose of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to summarize the available evidence on nonrestorative treatments for the outcomes of 1) arrest or reversal of noncavitated and cavitated carious lesions on primary and permanent teeth and 2) adverse events. We included parallel and split-mouth randomized controlled trials where patients were followed for any length of time. Studies were identified with MEDLINE and Embase via Ovid, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Pairs of reviewers independently conducted the selection of studies, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessments, and assessment of the certainty in the evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Data were synthesized with a random effects model and a frequentist approach. Forty-four trials (48 reports) were eligible, which included 7,378 participants and assessed the effect of 22 interventions in arresting or reversing noncavitated or cavitated carious lesions. Four network meta-analyses suggested that sealants + 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish, resin infiltration + 5% NaF varnish, and 5,000-ppm F (1.1% NaF) toothpaste or gel were the most effective for arresting or reversing noncavitated occlusal, approximal, and noncavitated and cavitated root carious lesions on primary and/or permanent teeth, respectively (low- to moderate-certainty evidence). Study-level data indicated that 5% NaF varnish was the most effective for arresting or reversing noncavitated facial/lingual carious lesions (low certainty) and that 38% silver diamine fluoride solution applied biannually was the most effective for arresting advanced cavitated carious lesions on any coronal surface (moderate to high certainty). Preventing the onset of caries is the ultimate goal of a caries management plan. However, if the disease is present, there is a variety of effective interventions to treat carious lesions nonrestoratively.
Automated monitoring of mouse feeding and body weight for continuous health assessment
Authors: Ahloy-Dallaire Jamie , Klein Jon D , Davis Jerry K , Garner Joseph P
Published: October 2018

Routine health assessment of laboratory rodents can be improved using automated home cage monitoring. Continuous, non-stressful, objective assessment of rodents unaware that they are being watched, including during their active dark period, reveals behavioural and physiological changes otherwise invisible to human caretakers. We developed an automated feeder that tracks feed intake, body weight, and physical appearance of individual radio frequency identification-tagged mice in social home cages. Here, we experimentally induce illness via lipopolysaccharide challenge and show that this automated tracking apparatus reveals sickness behaviour (reduced food intake) as early as 2–4 hours after lipopolysaccharide injection, whereas human observers conducting routine health checks fail to detect a significant difference between sick mice and saline-injected controls. Continuous automated monitoring additionally reveals pronounced circadian rhythms in both feed intake and body weight. Automated home cage monitoring is a non-invasive, reliable mode of health surveillance allowing caretakers to more efficiently detect and respond to early signs of illness in laboratory rodent populations.
The development of nanofiber tubes based on nanocomposites of polyvinylpyrrolidone incorporated gold nanoparticles as scaffolds for neuroscience application in axons
Authors: Khan Muhammad Qamar , Kharaghani Davood , Nishat Nazish , Ishikawa Takahiro , Ullah Sana , Lee Hoik , Khatri Zeeshan , Kim Ick Soo
Published: October 2018

In this report, nanofiber-based tubes as scaffolds for potential neuroscience application in the axon were fabricated by polyvinylpyrrolidone incorporated with gold nanoparticles (PVP/Au) in five different diameters via electrospinning. The objective of the study was to analyze the capacity of nanofiber-based tubes for potential voltage and the ability to form tubes of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.00 mm diameter as the scaffold. The capacity for potential voltage showed that PVP/Au is a well-blended material for suitable potential voltage. The morphology of nanofiber-based tubes was examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, which showed the good structural stability and good dispersion of Au nanoparticles in the nanofibers. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectra showed the presence of the Au component in PVP/Au and characteristic peaks of PVP and Au in the spectra, respectively. A wide-angle X-ray diffraction study showed that crystallinity was increased by the incorporation of Au in the PVP solution. The study of stress and strain behavior showed that when the diameter of the tubes was increased, the tensile strength of the tube was decreased but the bending behavior of the tubes was good and suitable for the axon. So, the nanofiber-based tube having a diameter of 0.2 mm made from PVP/Au is the better substrate for further in vivo or in vitro investigation, which will make this material more useful for tissue engineering.
Race-Neutral Doesn’t Work: Black Males’ Achievement, Engagement, and School Climate Perceptions
Authors: Greer Wil , Clark-Louque Angela , Balogun Ayanna , Clay April
Published: October 2018

This study explored the achievement, engagement, and school climate perceptions of African American males in urban high schools. Hierarchical regression and focus group interviews were used to analyze male sample ( n = 114) data from a larger study. Findings suggest that students’ perceptions were influenced by having information about and access to advanced placement (AP) courses, teacher patience and support, student–teacher relationships, and racial fairness in student discipline. Providing more information about and support in AP courses, ongoing cultural proficiency training, and investments in racially fair discipline systems are among the recommendations.
Impact of Lifestyle-Oriented Motivation on Small Tourism Enterprises’ Social Responsibility and Performance
Authors: Wang Caiping , Li Gang , Xu Honggang
Published: October 2018

Lifestyle-oriented motivation (LOM) is the reason that the owners of many small enterprises start and operate businesses in the tourism industry. Using a sample of guesthouses in historic Chinese towns, this study examines how LOM affects these small businesses’ corporate social responsibility (CSR), performance, and owners’ intentions to sustain operations. Applying the structural equation modeling approach to a sample of 154 guesthouses, this study finds that LOM positively influences CSR, performance, and owners’ operational intentions. Specifically, LOM promotes each dimension of CSR activities (product, environment, community, employees, and heritage protection); however, it only increases firms’ subjective performance and has no significant influence on their objective performance. The mediating effects of CSR and performance on the path from LOM to owners’ operational intentions are also demonstrated. Lastly, the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.
Scaling Sensitive Factorial Survey Analysis
Authors: Lang Volker
Published: October 2018

In recent decades, factorial survey experiments (FSEs) have become increasingly widespread and successful for analyzing attitudes and behavioral intentions. FSEs measure the ratings of multidimensional treatments embedded in textual scenarios, which are called vignettes. Analyses of FSEs often assume that these ratings are interval scaled. Past research indicates that this assumption is problematic. Therefore, the following article develops a design for interval scaling tests in FSEs and a method for analyzing FSEs which is sensitive to the scaling level of ratings. An exemplary application of scaling sensitive factorial survey analysis in comparison to standard methods yields effect sizes, which are about a sixth larger with regard to the treatments used in the FSE and about a third larger with respect to influences of between respondent differences. The new method also enables the evaluation of interval in contrast to noninterval scaled rating behavior.
Adolescents’ perceptions of school climate: Exploring its protective role in times of economic recession
Authors: Hatzichristou Chryse , Stasinou Vasiliki , Lampropoulou Aikaterini , Lianos Panayiotis
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study is to explore the way Greek junior high school students perceive school climate as a protective factor against the adversities due to the ongoing economic recession. The randomly selected sample consisted of 746 students from junior high schools (Gymnasia) in the broader area of Athens. The California School Climate Survey (2009), the Questionnaire of Subjective Well-Being/Youth Form (Grob et al., 1991) and the Economic Crisis Difficulties Questionnaire ( LSP, 2011 ) were used for data collection. The findings indicated the existence of statistically significant relations between the effects of economic recession, subjective well-being and school climate. School climate moderated the interaction between economic recession and students’ subjective well-being. Results provide a better understanding of adolescents’ needs during unsettling times contributing to the development of effective evidence-based intervention programs in school communities.
Preliminary investigation of the psychological sense of school membership scale with primary school students in a cross-cultural context
Authors: Wagle Rhea , Dowdy Erin , Yang Chunyan , Palikara Olympia , Castro Susana , Nylund-Gibson Karen , Furlong Michael J.
Published: October 2018

The Psychological Sense of School Membership (PSSM) scale has been used for more than 20 years to measure students' sense of school belonging, yet its psychometric properties have had limited examination with pre-adolescent children. This study investigated the utility and psychometrics of the PSSM in three primary school samples from the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. Exploratory factor analysis revealed good fit for a unidimensional factor structure in the US sample, which was subsequently confirmed in all three samples. Partial invariance across all three samples and full invariance across pairwise samples (United States and United Kingdom; United Kingdom and China) was found. Path analyses revealed significant positive relations of the PSSM total belonging score with gratitude and prosocial behavior, and significant negative relations with symptoms of distress. Future directions and implications are discussed.
A King Cyrus President
Authors: Barrett-Fox Rebecca
Published: October 2018

Religious right leaders and voters in the United States supported Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election for the same reason that all blocs vote as they do: They believed that the candidate offered them the best opportunity to protect and extend their power and create their preferred government. The puzzle of their support, then, is less why they chose Trump and more how they navigated the process of inserting Trump into their story of themselves as a “moral” majority. This self-understanding promotes and exploits feelings of entitlement, fear, resentment, and the desire to dominate to encourage political action. Because Trump’s speeches affirm these feelings, religious right voters were open to writing a plot twist in their story, casting Trump as a King Cyrus figure, as their champion if not a coreligionist. This article analyzes appeals to and expressions of entitlement, fear, resentment, and the desire to dominate from more than 60 sermons, speeches, and books by religious right authors, Donald Trump, and Trump surrogates. Using open coding, it identifies themes in how these emotions are recognized, affirmed, and invoked by speakers, focusing on Trump’s Cyrus effect.