bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual differences in growth and defence of Populus yunnanensis under drought stress
Authors: Zhang Rong , Liu Junyan , Liu Qinsong , He Hengguo , Xu Xiao , Dong Tingfa
Published: January 2019

Dioecious woody species often exhibit male-biased sex ratios under drought habitat, which may result in vulnerability in drying soils. However, whether biased sex ratios are associated with sex-specific responses in growth and defence against insect herbivory under drought stress conditions is unknown. We investigated the sexual responses in terms of growth and defence in Populus yunnanensis Dode in response to two water treatments (40% and 100% field capacity). Drought stress reduced the plant growth (e.g., height increment, gas exchange, photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency, and water potential) of both sexes and reduced the leaf water content and defensive performance (increased damaged area by leaf-chewing generalists and decreased leaf contents of total phenolics, condensed tannins, and flavonoids) of the females but not the males. Moreover, female defensive performance was lower than that of the males under drought conditions. Additionally, the plant mortality rate increased for both sexes, and it was higher for females than for males during drought stress in response to all leaf defoliation treatments. Our results suggest that sexual responses in terms of growth and defence to drought are significantly different and that P. yunnanensis females have a lower defence capability than males, which may explain the male-biased sex ratio that exists in the natural population. Hence, this study provides new insight into forecasting population dynamics for dioecious plant species in drying habitats.
On the Number of Limit Cycles of Discontinuous Liénard Polynomial Differential Systems
Authors: Jiang Fangfang , Ji Zhicheng , Wang Yan
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we investigate the number of limit cycles for two classes of discontinuous Liénard polynomial perturbed differential systems. By the second-order averaging theorem of discontinuous differential equations, we provide several criteria on the lower upper bounds for the maximum number of limit cycles. The results show that the second-order averaging theorem of discontinuous differential equations can predict more limit cycles than the first-order one.
Hamiltonian analysis of a topological theory in the presence of boundaries
Authors: Corichi Alejandro , Vukašinac Tatjana
Published: January 2019

We perform the canonical Hamiltonian analysis of a topological gauge theory, that can be seen both as a theory defined on a four-dimensional spacetime region with boundaries — the bulk theory —, or as a theory defined on the boundary of the region — the boundary theory —. In our case, the bulk theory is given by the 4-dimensional [Formula: see text] Pontryagin action and the boundary one is defined by the [Formula: see text] Chern–Simons action. We analyze the conditions that need to be imposed on the bulk theory so that the total Hamiltonian, smeared constraints and generators of gauge transformations be well defined (differentiable) for generic boundary conditions. We pay special attention to the interplay between the constraints and boundary conditions in the bulk theory on the one side, and the constraints in the boundary theory, on the other side. We illustrate how both theories are equivalent, despite the different canonical variables and constraint structure, by explicitly showing that they both have the same symmetries, degrees of freedom and observables.
A Multi-Echelon Global Supply Chain Network Design Based on Transfer-Pricing Strategy
Authors: Zhang Rongyao , Wang Kan
Published: January 2019

An inimitable global supply chain would provide multinational enterprises (MNEs) competitive advantage and transfer pricing strategy to coordinate the relationship between the facilities within the global value chain. In this paper, we present a framework of multi-echelon global supply chain consisting of supplier, manufacturer and a distribution center which enables the MNEs to coordinate the facilities within the value chain based on the maximization total profits theory. An optimal model is established to describe how the transfer price affects the performance of the global supply chain. Through the numerical analysis, we find that the network of global supply chain positively affects the total performance of MNEs and transfer price strategy as a kind of coordinate method which impacts the total profit of the global supply chain.
Moisture Sorption Isotherms and Prediction Models of Carboxymethyl Chitosan Films from Different Sources with Various Plasticizers
Authors: Tantala Juthamas , Rachtanapun Chitsiri , Tongdeesoontorn Wirongrong , Jantanasakulwong Kittisak , Rachtanapun Pornchai
Published: January 2019

Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) from different chitosan sources (shrimp, crab, and squid) and molecular sizes (polymer and oligomer) were synthesized via carboxymethylation reaction. The CMCH films were prepared by solution casting. All the CMCH films had high water solubility, higher than 85% of the dry matter of the films. The sorption isotherm of the CMCH films was evaluated at several values of relative humidity (0% RH, 23% RH, 34% RH, 43% RH, 65% RH, 77% RH, and 86% RH) at 25 ± 1°C. The equilibrium moisture content values of all the CMCH films were low at lower aw but increased considerably above aw = 0.65. The sigmoidal moisture sorption isotherms of this product can be classified as type II. Understanding of sorption isotherms is an important prerequisite for the prediction of moisture sorption properties of films via moisture sorption empirical models. The experimental data were analyzed and fitted by the nine sorption models. The various constants determined by linear fitting of the sorption equation with r2 values were in the range of 0.7647 to 0.999. The GAB model was found to be the best-fitted model for CMCH films (aw = 0.23–0.86, 25 ± 1°C), and the model presented the optimal root-mean-square percentage error (%RMS) values when compared with other models. In conclusion, it can be stated that the GAB model was found to be better estimated for predicting the CMCH films than other models. Therefore, the constant derived from different sorption models were applied for use in terms of information and for the determination of the stability of CMCH packaging films for specific end uses.
TD-DFT Investigations on Optoelectronic Properties of Fluorescein Dye Derivatives in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)
Authors: Juma Juma Mzume , Vuai Said Ali H. , Babu N. Surendra
Published: January 2019

This research work was conducted to investigate the structural, molecular, electronic, and photophysical parameters of the fluorescein dye derivatives using the density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent-density functional theory (TD-DFT) computations. The organic donor-π-acceptor dye used for dye-sensitized solar cells, based on 2-(3-hydroxy-6-oxo-6H-xanthene-9-yl)benzoic acid (fluorescein) and its five derivatives, was investigated. The derivatives were formed by attaching different donor groups at para position. The excited state energies, electron absorption spectra, and oscillator strengths (f) were calculated using TD-DFT/B3LYP/6-311G basis set calculations on fully DFT-optimized geometries. The HOMO orbital, LUMO orbital, and energy gap values show that fluorescein attached with thiophene (FST) compound has a smaller energy gap compared to others and the fluorescein attached with an amine (FSA) have a larger energy gap than all compounds. The increasing order of the energy gap between HOMO and LUMO for the fluorescein and its derivatives is FST < FSE < FSM < FS < FSO < FSA. In terms of electron injection efficiency, it was found that the FST has higher electron injection efficiency compared with other derivatives. In addition, light-harvesting efficiencies (LHEs) were calculated and the results showed that the FST has the highest LHE value. It is therefore suggested that FST has better properties for application in DSSC according to the result obtained.
Effect of Grain Size and Film Thickness on the Thermoelectric Properties of Flexible Sb2Te3 Thin Films
Authors: Wanarattikan Pornsiri , Jitthammapirom Piya , Sakdanuphab Rachsak , Sakulkalavek Aparporn
Published: January 2019

In this work, stoichiometric Sb2Te3 thin films with various thicknesses were deposited on a flexible substrate using RF magnetron sputtering. The grain size and thickness effects on the thermoelectric properties, such as the Seebeck coefficient (S), electrical conductivity (σ), power factor (PF), and thermal conductivity (k), were investigated. The results show that the grain size was directly related to film thickness. As the film thickness increased, the grain size also increased. The Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity corresponded to the grain size of the films. The mean free path of carriers increases as the grain size increases, resulting in a decrease in the Seebeck coefficient and increase in electrical conductivity. Electrical conductivity strongly affects the temperature dependence of PF which results in the highest value of 7.5 × 10−4 W/m·K2 at 250°C for film thickness thicker than 1 µm. In the thermal conductivity mechanism, film thickness affects the dominance of phonons or carriers. For film thicknesses less than 1 µm, the behaviour of the phonons is dominant, while both are dominant for film thicknesses greater than 1 µm. Control of the grain size and film thickness is thus critical for controlling the performance of Sb2Te3 thin films.
Eradication of Neuroblastoma by T Cells Redirected with an Optimized GD2-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor and Interleukin-15
Authors: Chen Yuhui , Sun Chuang , Landoni Elisa , Metelitsa Leonid , Dotti Gianpietro , Savoldo Barbara
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

A delay in encountering the cognate antigen while in the circulation, and the suboptimal costimulation received at the tumor site are key reasons for the limited activity of chimeric antigen receptor–redirected T cells (CAR-T) in solid tumors. We have explored the benefits of incorporating the IL15 cytokine within the CAR cassette to provide both a survival signal before antigen encounter, and an additional cytokine signaling at the tumor site using a neuroblastoma tumor model.

Experimental Design:

We optimized the construct for the CAR specific for the NB-antigen GD2 without (GD2.CAR) or with IL15 (GD2.CAR.15). We then compared the expansion, phenotype, and antitumor activity of T cells transduced with these constructs against an array of neuroblastoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo using a xenogeneic metastatic model of neuroblastoma.

Results:

We observed that optimized GD2.CAR.15-Ts have reduced expression of the PD-1 receptor, are enriched in stem cell–like cells, and have superior antitumor activity upon repetitive tumor exposures in vitro and in vivo as compared with GD2.CAR-Ts. Tumor rechallenge experiments in vivo further highlighted the role of IL15 in promoting enhanced CAR-T antitumor activity and survival, both in the peripheral blood and tissues. Finally, the inclusion of the inducible caspase-9 gene (iC9) safety switch warranted effective on demand elimination of the engineered GD2.CAR.15-Ts.

Conclusions:

Our results guide new therapeutic options for GD2.CAR-Ts in patients with neuroblastoma, and CAR-T development for a broad range of solid tumors.
Circulating miRNAs and PD-L1 Tumor Expression Are Associated with Survival in Advanced NSCLC Patients Treated with Immunotherapy: a Prospective Study
Authors: Boeri Mattia , Milione Massimo , Proto Claudia , Signorelli Diego , Lo Russo Giuseppe , Galeone Carlotta , Verri Carla , Mensah Mavis , Centonze Giovanni , Martinetti Antonia , Sottotetti Elisa , Pastorino Ugo , Garassino Marina Chiara , Sozzi Gabriella
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have improved the survival of patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, only a subset of patients benefit from ICIs, and the role of PD-L1 as predictive biomarker is still debated. A plasma immune-related miRNA-signature classifier (MSC) was established in lung cancer screening settings to identify the lethal form of the disease in early stages. In this exploratory study, we tested the efficacy of the MSC as prognostic marker in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICIs.

Experimental Design:

The MSC risk level was prospectively assessed in a consecutive series of 140 patients with NSCLC before starting treatment with ICIs. Overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in strata of PD-L1 and MSC alone or combined were considered as endpoints. Multiple plasma samples to monitor MSC risk level during treatment were also profiled.

Results:

Adequate tissue and plasma samples were available from 111 (79%) and 104 (75%) patients with NSCLC, respectively. MSC risk level was associated with ORR (P = 0.0009), PFS [multivariate HR = 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17–0.56; P = 0.0001], and OS (multivariate HR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.18–0.59; P = 0.0002). The combination of MSC and PD-L1 stratified patients into three risk groups having 39%–18%–0% 1-year PFS (P < 0.0001) and 88%–44%–0% 1-year OS (P < 0.0001), according to the presence of 2–1–0 favorable markers. During treatment, MSC risk level decreased or remained low until tumor progression in patients with responsive or stable disease.

Conclusions:

The plasma MSC test could supplement PD-L1 tumor expression to identify a subgroup of patients with advanced lung cancer with worse ORR, PFS, and OS in immunotherapy regimens.
Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Myocardial Infarction in Hospitals With and Without On-Site Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Hannan Edward L. , Zhong Ye , Wu Yifeng , Berger Peter B. , Jacobs Alice K. , Walford Gary , Venditti Ferdinand J. , Ling Frederick S.K. , Tamis-Holland Jacqueline , King Spencer B.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Many studies have revealed no outcome differences among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in hospitals with and without surgery on-site (SOS), but one earlier study found differences in target vessel PCI rates and in mortality for patients with acute myocardial infarction who did not undergo PCI. It is important to examine outcome differences between SOS and non-SOS hospitals with more contemporary data.

Methods and Results:

A total of 21 924 propensity-matched patients who were discharged between January 1, 2013, and November 30, 2015, who were in the New York PCI registry and other hospital databases were used to compare outcomes in hospitals with and without SOS for all patients and for patients with and without ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing PCI. Also, 30-day mortality was compared for patients with STEMI regardless of whether they underwent PCI. For all patients with PCI and patients without STEMI, there were no significant differences in in-hospital/30-day mortality, 2-year mortality, or 2-year repeat target lesion PCI. For patients with STEMI, there were no significant mortality differences between patients in SOS and non-SOS hospitals. Patients with STEMI in SOS hospitals had significantly lower 2-year repeat target lesion PCI rates (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.68 [0.49–0.94]). There was no difference in the percentage of patients undergoing PCI in the 2 types of hospitals (75.7% versus 74.6%;
P
=0.21) or in 30-day mortality of all patients with STEMI (patients who did and did not undergo PCI, 10.86% versus 11.32%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.06 [0.88–1.29]).

Conclusions:

Short-term and long-term outcomes were not different in SOS and non-SOS hospitals except that 2-year repeat target lesion PCI rates were lower in SOS hospitals for patients with STEMI.
Two new millipede genera from northwest Tasmania, Australia (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Dalodesmidae)
Authors: MESIBOV ROBERT
Published: January 2019

Setoisenoton pallidus n. gen., n. sp. and Dysmicodesmus jeekeli n. gen., n. sp. occupy small ranges (S. pallidus resembles Notonesiotes aucklandensis Johns, 1970 from the subantarctic Auckland Islands, but differs in gonopod details. D. jeekeli is unusual in the Tasmanian dalodesmid fauna in having basally fused telopodites.
A new endemic rock Gecko Cnemaspis Strauch 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Gunung Jerai, Kedah, northwestern Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: ONN CHAN KIN , GRISMER L. LEE , ANUAR SHAHRUL , QUAH EVAN , MUIN MOHD ABDUL , SAVAGE ANNA E. , GRISMER JESSE L. , AHMAD NORHAYATI , REMIGIO ANA-CAROLINE , GREER LEE F.
Published: January 2019

A new species of endemic Cnemaspis is described from Gunung Jerai (also known as Kedah Peak) in the northwestern state of Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia. Cnemaspis harimau sp. nov. differs from all other Sundaland congeners except C. affinis, C. biocellata, C. kumpoli, C. mcguirei, C. pseudomcguirei, and C. shahruli in having a black shoulder patch with a white or yellow ocellus anteriorly located. It is most similar in appearance to its sister species, C. affinis, but differs by having a smaller maximum SVL of 40.7 mm vs. 50.8 mm; three vs. five postmentals; caudal tubercles encircling vs. not encircling tail; lateral caudal tubercles on anterior 25% of tail highly spinose and protruding vs. slightly spinose; and an overall higher degree of scale keeling (most prominent on the tail). The discovery of another montane endemic once again highlights the understudied nature of Peninsular Malaysia’s extensive mountain ranges.
A new species of Pygopus (Pygopodidae; Gekkota; Squamata) from north-eastern Queensland
Authors: OLIVER PAUL M. , COUPER PATRICK , AMEY ANDREW
Published: January 2019

Based on a combination of morphological and genetic data, geographically isolated populations of Pygopus from northeastern Queensland, formerly referred to Pygopus lepidopodus (Lacépède), are herein described as a new species. Pygopus robertsi sp. nov. can be diagnosed from its congeners by a suite of scalation characters, including fewer keeled dorsal scales, presence of a single continuous row of supracilaries and a lower number of midbody scale rows. It is also deeply divergent genetically from samples of Pygopus lepidopodus from southern Australia. The known distribution of Pygopus robertsi sp. nov. is similar to that of a number of taxa centred upon relatively dry ecotonal habitats at the western edge of the rainforest blocks of north-eastern Queensland. Additional samples and systematic work will be required to examine the evolutionary divergence of apparently isolated populations of the new species, and the significance of considerable genetic and morphological diversity within remaining populations of Pygopus lepidopodus from south-eastern and southern Australia.
World Catalog of Symphyta (Hymenoptera)
Authors: TAEGER ANDREAS , BLANK STEPHAN M. , LISTON ANDREW D.
Published: January 2019

The first complete World Catalog of sawflies (Hymenoptera, suborder Symphyta) for over 100 years is presented. It contains references to the original descriptions and provides brief distributional data for 803 genera, 8353 species (123 with two or more subspecies) and 161 subspecies in addition to the nominal subspecies. 15245 proposed names are treated, including replacement names, infrasubspecific names and nomina nuda, of which only 22 could not be checked in the original publications. Current taxonomic placement of genera and species and occurrence in zoogeographic regions are indicated. The list of names contains 31245 name combinations, variant spellings and family-group names. The authors attempted to consult all publications with taxonomic content referring to Symphyta that have appeared up to 31.12.2009. The 2960 cited references include all those that are known to contain original descriptions of taxa. Short biographical data and portraits of 168 symphytologists as well as images of representatives of extant sawfly taxa are included.
An annotated synopsis of Taiwanese bark and ambrosia beetles, with new synonymy, new combinations and new records (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: BEAVER R. A. , LIU L. Y.
Published: January 2019

The state of knowledge of Taiwanese bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is summarised to serve as a baseline for future studies of the fauna, with a checklist including information on distribution, host trees, biology and taxonomy. Six faunal elements based on geographical distribution are discussed in relation to their breeding sites and habits, and host preferences. One hundred and thirty-three species are recorded from Taiwan, of which thirtyeight are recorded for the first time. The following new synonymy is proposed: Ambrosiodmus lewisi (Blandford) (= Ozopemon tuberculatus Strohmeyer n. syn.), Anisandrus hirtus (Hagedorn) (= Xyleborus taiwanensis Browne n. syn.), Cyclorhipidion fukiensis (Eggers) (= Xyleborus tenuigraphus Schedl n. syn.), Cyrtogenius luteus (Blandford) (=Orosiotes formosanus Schedl n. syn.), Diuncus haberkorni (Eggers) (=Xyleborus taichuensis Schedl n. syn.) , Dryocoetes hectographus Reitter (=Ozopemon ater Eggers n. syn., =Dryocoetes formosanus Nobuchi n. syn.), Hypothenemus taihokuensis (Schedl) (=Hypothenemus cosmoderoides Murayama n. syn.), Xyleborinus artestriatus (Eichhoff) (= Xyleborus beaveri Browne n. syn.), Xyleborus pinicola Eggers (= Xyleborus pinivorus Browne n. syn.). The synonymy of Webbia camphorae Eggers and Webbia medius Eggers with Arixyleborus rugosipes Hopkins is confirmed. The following new combinations are given: Ernoporus formosanus (Browne) from Ptilopodius Hopkins; Ambrosiophilus hunanensis (Browne), A.metanepotulus (Eggers), A. satoi (Schedl), A. subnepotulus (Eggers), Cyclorhipidion formosanus (Browne), C. fukiensis (Eggers), C. ohnoi (Browne), C. xyloteroides (Schedl), Microperus kirishimanus (Murayama), Planiculus minutus (Blandford), all originally described in Xyleborus Eichhoff. Previous records of 23 species are considered dubious and require confirmation.
Molecular phylogeny of the spoonbills (Aves: Threskiornithidae) based on mitochondrial DNA
Authors: CHESSER R. TERRY , YEUNG CAROL K. L. , YAO CHENG-TE , TIAN XIU-HUA , LI SHOU-HSIEN
Published: January 2019

Spoonbills (genus Platalea) are a small group of wading birds, generally considered to constitute the subfamily Plataleinae (Aves: Threskiornithidae). We reconstructed phylogenetic relationships among the six species of spoonbills using variation in sequences of the mitochondrial genes ND2 and cytochrome b (total 1796 bp). Topologies of phylogenetic trees reconstructed using maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian analyses were virtually identical and supported monophyly of the spoonbills. Most relationships within Platalea received strong support: P. minor and P. regia were closely related sister species, P. leucorodia was sister to the minor-regia clade, and P. alba was sister to the minor-regia-leucorodia clade. Relationships of P. flavipes and P. ajaja were less well resolved: these species either formed a clade that was sister to the four-species clade, or were successive sisters to this clade. This phylogeny is consistent with ideas of relatedness derived from spoonbill morphology. Our limited sampling of the Threskiornithinae (ibises), the putative sister group to the spoonbills, indicated that this group is paraphyletic, in agreement with previous molecular data; this suggests that separation of the Threskiornithidae into subfamilies Plataleinae and Threskiornithinae may not be warranted.
First record of Cladocroce (Porifera: Haplosclerida: Chalinidae) from the Eastern Pacific ocean with the description of Cladocroce reina sp. nov.
Authors: AGUILAR-CAMACHO JOSE MARIA , CARBALLO JOSE LUIS
Published: January 2019

Chalinidae is a family of haplosclerid sponges with a delicate reticulated chaonosomal skeleton of uni-, pauci- or multispicular primary lines which are connected by unispicular secondary lines, and with an ectosomal skeleton, if present, formed by a regular hexagonal, unispicular, tangential reticulation (Weerdt 2002). Currently, the family harbors only five valid genera (Chalinula, Cladocroce, Dendrectilla, Dendroxea and Haliclona; Soest et al. 2008), although recent molecular studies suggest that a new rearrangement of the present classification is needed (Redmond et al. 2007). Cladocroce was described by Topsent (1892) from specimens collected in the Atlantic Ocean. The principal characteristic of this genus is the presence of multispicular fiber tracts with a rather dense subisotropic reticulation in between (Weerdt 2002). After that, 10 species have been described, most of them from deep waters and cold climates (Putchakarn et al. 2004). Only three species have been found living in shallow waters: C. aculeata Pulitzer-Finali, 1982 from the Great Barrier Reef, C. burapha Putchakarn et al., 2004 from the Gulf of Thailand, and C. tubulosa Pulitzer-Finali, 1993 from the port of Mombasa, in Kenya. Sponge taxonomy studies in the Mexican Pacific coast have been focused mainly on hadromerids, and particularly on boring sponges (Carballo et al. 2008), and the current knowledge of haplosclerids is very scarce (Cruz-Barraza & Carballo 2006). In this paper, a new species of Cladocroce is described and compared with the other species recorded worldwide. With this contribution the genus Cladocroce increases to 12 species.
A new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) in Phu Quoc National Park, Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, Southwestern Vietnam
Authors: VAN TRI NGO , GRISMER L. LEE , GRISMER JESSE L.
Published: January 2019

A new crevice dwelling species, Cyrtodactylus phuquocensis sp. nov. from Phu Quoc National Park on Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve in southwestern Vietnam is differentiated from all other species by the following combination of characteristics: SVL 62.2–85.8 mm; no precloacal groove; 7–9 precloacal pores arranged in an angular series; a series of enlarged femoral scales contacting a wide patch of enlarged precloacal scales; 2–5 intersuparanasals in contact with rostrum; 16–18 weakly keeled, longitudinal rows of tubercles on body; 38–43 transverse rows of ventral scales between ventrolateral folds; and dorsal caudal tubercles extending 57.8–75% down length of tail. This species most closely resembles C. intermedius Smith, 1917 to which it was previously referred. The description of this species has elevated the number of endemic species of gekkonids of this region to eight within the last three years.
A systematic review of parasites and micropredators of non-avian reptiles (Reptilia=Sauropsida) in Chile
Authors: SAN-MARTÍN-ÓRDENES JULIO , MUÑOZ-LEAL SEBASTIÁN , GARÍN CARLOS F. , GONZÁLEZ-ACUÑA DANIEL
Published: January 2019

Knowledge about the identity of parasites in vertebrates is relevant because of their influence on ecological processes and health of their hosts. This is particularly important for groups of animals currently facing conservation issues, such as reptiles. The diversity of species and supra-specific taxa of microparasites and macroparasites (such as helminths and arthropods) present in non-avian reptiles in Chile was analyzed through a systematic review. A total of 49 scientific documents (thesis projects, abstracts in congresses, book chapters and peer-reviewed articles) concerning parasites, taxonomic descriptions and parasite ecology were included in this review. The suborder Iguania was among the most studied group with 35 native species recognized as hosts of parasites and 39 species of parasites reported up to the category of species or genus. Liolaemus tenuis was the species with the most taxa of recorded parasites (11 taxa, and only three to species level), but Liolaemus chillanensis had the highest number of identified species of parasites. In addition, only one native species of Serpentes, one of Gymnophthalmoidea, and two of Gekkota, as well as some reports of exotic species, were recorded as hosts. Among parasites, Trombidiformes was the richest order with 10 species from the superfamily Pterygosomatoidea and 16 species from Trombiculoidea. Current knowledge about the richness of helminths is very limited and there were only a few records of microparasites. In general, there is an urgent need for the development of collaborative works between specialists in reptile taxonomy and epidemiology in parasitology destined to evaluate the consequences that reptiles and their parasites will suffer due to the ongoing processes of habitat loss, climate change and the still present taxonomic issues of the native reptiles.
Geographical variability of Lepyronia coleoptrata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea) across Russia
Authors: TISHECHKIN DMITRI YU.
Published: January 2019

Comparative analysis of body size, coloration, penis shape, and male calling signals of Lepyronia coleoptrata from different localities in European Russia, Northern Kazakhstan, Siberia, and the Russian Far East showed that all populations studied belong to the same species. A clear boundary between European and the Far-Eastern subspecies can only be drawn based on body size and proportions. Light coloration is typical of European populations; on the contrary, in the Far East only dark specimens occur, but in Siberia a mixture of different forms presents. Penis shape and male calling signal pattern do not demonstrate geographical variability. The range of intraspecific variability of these traits is far less than interspecific differences between L. coleoptrata, L. koreana, and L. okadae.
Navigation Algorithm Applied to the Bit of Underwater Horizontal Directional Drilling in a Vibration Environment
Authors: Yang Ke
Published: January 2019

In its working state, the bit used in underwater horizontal directional drilling (UHDD) produces a high-frequency vibration that can affect accuracy of navigation. We designed a low-pass filter with linear phase on the basis of spectral characteristics of sensor data. To improve further the accuracy of navigation, we deduce the state error model on the basis of the random walk model of acceleration and angular velocity. We use an indirect Kalman filter algorithm to correct the attitude and position of the bit used with UHDD on the basis of observations coming from our working state analysis. Last, we derive a complete navigation algorithm function, including the acquisition method of steady-state component of acceleration and angular velocity. Experimental results show that the navigation algorithm proposed in this paper can obtain accurate attitude and location information of the bit in a vibration environment.
Latin Begun by Simple Stories.
Authors: Sutphen James G.
Published: January 2019

[This paper is an abstract of one read before the classical conference at Ypsilanti in the spring of 1901. In the two following years I have continued the same experiment in our beginning class here, and I am more strongly convinced than ever of the superiority of this method.]
Talks on Arithmetic—(II.)
Authors: Winship A. E.
Published: January 2019

[There is no attempt in these talks to present a body of doctrine, to make any startling announcements, or to develop special originality. They are merely “talks.”]
Structured Variation in Parental Beliefs about Autism
Authors: McLeod Jane D. , DiSabatino Lydia
Published: January 2019

We used data from the 2011 Survey of Pathways to Diagnosis and Services (N = 1,420) to evaluate a conceptual model linking social background (race-ethnicity, socioeconomic status [SES]) to parental distress through children’s clinical profiles and parental beliefs about the nature and causes of their child’s autism. Children’s clinical profiles varied by social background; white children and children of more highly educated and affluent parents were less likely to experience comorbid conditions and were more likely to be diagnosed with Asperger’s. Parental beliefs also varied such that parents of racial-ethnic minority children and parents of lower SES perceived their child’s condition as more uncertain and were less likely to attribute it to genetic causes. Parents of Hispanic children and with lower incomes were more likely to be upset by the child’s condition. Although parental beliefs had independent associations with distress, children’s clinical profiles contributed more to explaining variation in distress.
Self-concept, Adjustment to Blindness, and Quality of Friendship among Adolescents with Visual Impairments
Authors: Lifshitz Hefziba , Hen Irit , Weisse Izhak
Published: January 2019

The self-concept and quality of friendship of 40 adolescents with visual impairments (20 in public schools and 20 in a residential school) were compared to those of 41 sighted adolescents. The findings indicate a similar self-concept profile for sighted adolescents and adolescents with visual impairments, although the scores of the participants with visual impairments were higher in all domains except their fathers’ concept of them. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The Need for Health Promotion for Adults who are Visually Impaired
Authors: Capella-McDonnall Michele
Published: January 2019

Health promotion interventions for adults who are visually impaired have received little attention. This article reports what is currently known about the health, overweight and obesity, and levels of physical activity reported by these adults. Conclusions about the need for health promotion activities based on this information are provided, and suggestions for implementing these activities or interventions are offered.
Development and Validation of a Short-Form Adaptation of the Age-Related Vision Loss Scale: The AVL12
Authors: Horowitz Amy , Reinhardt Joann P. , Raykov Tenko
Published: January 2019

This article describes the development and evaluation of a short form of the 24-item Adaptation to Age-Related Vision Loss (AVL) scale. The evaluation provided evidence of the reliability and validity of the short form (the AVL12), for significant interindividual differences at the baseline and for individual-level change in AVL scores over time. Thus, the AVL12 maintains strong psychometric properties and is a shorter, more efficient measure for assessing adaptation to age-related vision loss in both research and clinical settings.
The Effects of Trained Peer Tutors on the Physical Education of Children who are Visually Impaired
Authors: Wiskochil Brian , Lieberman Lauren J. , Houston-Wilson Cathy , Petersen Susan
Published: January 2019

This study examined the effect of trained peer tutors on the academic learning time–physical education (ALT-PE) scores of children with visual impairments. It found a mean increase of 20.8% for ALT-PE and increases in ALT-PE scores for closed and open skills and that trained peer tutors were more effective than were untrained peer tutors.
The Legibility of Typefaces for Readers with Low Vision: A Research Review
Authors: Russell-Minda Elizabeth , Jutai Jeffrey W. , Strong J. Graham , Campbell Kent A. , Gold Deborah , Pretty Lisa , Wilmot Lesley
Published: January 2019

This article presents a systematic review of the research evidence on the effects of the characteristics of typefaces on the legibility of text for adult readers with low vision. The review revealed that research has not produced consistent findings and thus that there is a need to develop standards and guidelines that are informed by evidence.
Promoting the Self-Determination of Students with Visual Impairments: Reducing the Gap between Knowledge and Practice
Authors: Agran Martin , Hong Sunggye , Blankenship Karen
Published: January 2019

Despite current interest in promoting self-determination, the extent to which self-determination instruction is provided to students with visual impairments remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of a sample of teachers of students with visual impairments about issues that are related to self-determination.
Evidence-Based Communication Practices for Children with Visual Impairments and Additional Disabilities: An Examination of Single-Subject Design Studies
Authors: Parker Amy T. , Grimmett Eric S. , Summers Sharon
Published: January 2019

This review examines practices for building effective communication strategies for children with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities, that have been tested by single-subject design methodology. The authors found 30 studies that met the search criteria and grouped intervention strategies to align any evidence of the replication of successful outcomes.
Inventory of Electronic Mobility Aids for Persons with Visual Impairments: A Literature Review
Authors: Roentgen Uta R. , Gelderblom Gert Jan , Soede Mathijs , de Witte Luc P.
Published: January 2019

This literature review of existing electronic mobility aids for persons who are visually impaired and recent developments in this field identified and classified 146 products, systems, and devices. The 21 that are currently available that can be used without environmental adaptation are described in functional terms.
Family Functioning and Low Vision: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bambara Jennifer K. , Wadley Virginia , Owsley Cynthia , Martin Roy C. , Porter Chebon , Dreer Laura E.
Published: January 2019

This review highlights the literature on the function and adjustment process of family members of persons with adult-onset vision loss. The majority of the literature has focused on the unique role that the family plays in providing both instrumental and emotional support to adults with low vision. In contrast, the impact of low vision on the psychosocial adjustment of the family has been largely understudied. The review concludes with a discussion of the implications for clinical practice, along with directions for future research on the family within the context of low vision rehabilitation.
Effectiveness of Assistive Technologies for Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jutai Jeffrey W. , Strong J. Graham , Russell-Minda Elizabeth
Published: January 2019

A systematic review of all types of assistive devices indicated the need for more research related to performance measurements and the effectiveness of vision rehabilitation devices.
Home Environments and Perceived Needs of Anglo and Latino Families of Young Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: Dote-Kwan Jamie , Chen Deborah , Hughes Margaret
Published: January 2019

This study examined the influence of home environment, socioeconomic status, and visual functioning on mothers’ perceptions of the family needs and development of 19 toddlers with visual impairments from Latino and Anglo backgrounds. Differences were found between the mothers’ perceived needs based on ethnicity and their children's degree of vision loss.
A History of Instructional Methods in Uncontracted and Contracted Braille
Authors: D'Andrea Frances Mary
Published: January 2019

This literature review outlines the history of the braille code as used in the United States and Canada, illustrating how both the code itself and instructional strategies for teaching it changed over time. The review sets the stage for the research questions of the recently completed Alphabetic Braille and Contracted Braille Study.
An Investigation of Spelling in the Written Compositions of Students who Read Braille
Authors: Clark-Bischke Christine , Stoner Julia B.
Published: January 2019

This study examined the spelling skills in the written compositions of 20 students who read braille and offers further evidence that the skills of these students are similar to those of sighted students. The assessment of writing samples focused on the number of words spelled correctly and used an error analysis to describe patterns of spelling errors.
Social Experiences of Beginning Braille Readers in Literacy Activities: Qualitative and Quantitative Findings of the ABC Braille Study
Authors: Sacks Sharon Z. , Kamei-Hannan Cheryl , Erin Jane N. , Barclay Lizbeth , Sitar Debbie
Published: January 2019

This mixed-design investigation examined the social experiences of beginning braille readers who were initially taught contracted or alphabetic braille in literacy activities as part of the ABC Braille Study. No differences in the quality or quantity of social experiences were found between the two groups over time.
Conceptual Understandings of Seasonal Change by Middle School Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Wild Tiffany A. , Trundle Kathy Cabe
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study was to understand and describe the misconceptions of students with visual impairments about seasonal change. Students who participated in traditional instruction exhibited alternative conceptions before and after instruction, whereas those who participated in inquiry-based instruction had alternative conceptions before instruction and scientific understandings after instruction.
Exploring the Relationship between access Technology and Standardized Test Scores for Youths with Visual Impairments: Secondary Analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2
Authors: Freeland Amy L. , Emerson Robert Wall , Curtis Amy B. , Fogarty Kieran
Published: January 2019

This article presents the findings of a secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 that explored the predictive association between training in access technology and performance on the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Academic Achievement: III. The results indicated that the use of access technology had a limited predictive relationship to performance on tests. Practical implications are discussed.
Visual Search Training and Obstacle Avoidance in Adults with Visual Impairments
Authors: Kuyk Thomas , Liu Lei , Elliott Jeffry , Fuhr Patti
Published: January 2019

This study assessed the effect of visual search training on the avoidance of obstacles by adults with visual impairments. A significant reduction in contacts with obstacles under mesopic conditions was found in individuals who received search training. This finding suggests that search training had a positive effect on mobility performance.
Health-Related Fitness of Youths with Visual Impairments
Authors: Lieberman Lauren J. , Byrne Heidi , Mattern Craig O. , Watt Celia A. , Fernández-Vivó Margarita
Published: January 2019

This study analyzed the passing rates on five health-related fitness items on the Brockport Physical Fitness Test of youths aged 10–17 with visual impairments. It found that the youths had low passing rates on upper-body strength, cardiovascular endurance, and body composition.
Do People who Became Blind Early in Life Develop a Better Sense of Smell? A Psychophysical Study
Authors: Cuevas Isabel , Plaza Paula , Rombaux Phillippe , Collignon Olivier , De Volder Anne G. , Renier Laurent
Published: January 2019

Using a set of psychophysical tests, we compared the olfactory abilities of 8 persons who became blind early in life and 16 sighted persons in a control group who were matched for age, sex, and handedness. The results indicated that those who became blind early in life developed compensatory perceptual mechanisms in the olfactory domain that involve basic sensory processes, such as the detection of odors.
The Competencies, Roles, Supervision, and Training Needs of Paraeducators Working with Students with Visual Impairments in Local and Residential Schools
Authors: Lewis Sandra , McKenzie Amy R.
Published: January 2019

Paraeducators who were employed by local school districts and residential schools for students with visual impairments were surveyed to determine if there are differences in their roles, training needs, and perceptions of supervisors’ competencies. The paraeducators in local schools reported more training, the provision of less direct service, and greater supervision by more competent teachers of students with visual impairments than did their residential school counterparts.
Neurological Vision Rehabilitation: Description and Case Study
Authors: Kingston John , Katsaros Jennifer , Vu Yurika , Goodrich Gregory L.
Published: January 2019

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been notable for the high rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that have been incurred by the troops. Visual impairments often occur following TBI and present new challenges for rehabilitation. We describe a neurological vision rehabilitation therapy that addresses the unique needs of patients with vision loss that is due to TBI.
Cerebral Visual Impairment in Children: A Longitudinal Case Study of Functional Outcomes beyond the Visual Acuities
Authors: Lam Fook Chang , Lovett Fiona , Dutton Gordon N.
Published: January 2019

Damage to the areas of the brain that are responsible for higher visual processing can lead to severe cerebral visual impairment (CVI). The prognosis for higher cognitive visual functions in children with CVI is not well described. We therefore present our six-year follow-up of a boy with CVI and highlight intervention approaches that have proved consistently effective.
The Reliability of the CVI Range: A Functional Vision Assessment for Children with Cortical Visual Impairment
Authors: Newcomb Sandra
Published: January 2019

Children who are identified as visually impaired frequently have a functional vision assessment as one way to determine how their visual impairment affects their educational performance. The CVI Range is a functional vision assessment for children with cortical visual impairment. The purpose of the study presented here was to examine the reliability of the CVI Range.
The Effects of Truncated Dome Detectable Warnings on Travelers Negotiating Curb Ramps in Wheelchairs
Authors: Lee Helen
Published: January 2019

Truncated domes on curb ramps benefit travelers with visual impairments. However, concerns associated with the safety and negotiability of such detectable warnings for other travelers have resulted in much controversy. The findings of the study presented here indicate that detectable warnings did not adversely affect the negotiability of ramps by the 21 participants who ambulated by wheelchairs.
Instruction in Areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum Linked to Transition Outcomes for Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Wolffe Karen , Kelly Stacy M.
Published: January 2019

A secondary analysis of pertinent measures from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 found numerous significant relationships between instruction in the content areas of the expanded core curriculum and positive outcomes for students.
The Impact of Visual Disability on the Quality of Life of Older Persons in Rural Northeast Thailand
Authors: La Grow Steven , Sudnongbua Supaporn , Boddy Julie
Published: January 2019

This study assessed the impact of self-reported visual disability on the quality of life of older persons in rural northeast Thailand. It found that those with a visual disability were worse off on 3 of 11 quality-of-life measures than were those who were sighted.
Learning to Write in Braille: An Analysis of Writing Samples from Participants in the Alphabetic Braille and Contracted (ABC) Braille Study
Authors: Erin Jane N. , Wright Tessa S.
Published: January 2019

This article reports the results of data from 114 writing samples of 39 children who read braille and who were included in the Alphabetic Braille and Contracted Braille (ABC) Study between 2002 and 2005. Writing characteristics, miscues, and composition characteristics are analyzed, and two case studies are included.
The Design of Tactile Thematic Symbols
Authors: Lawrence Megan M. , Lobben Amy K.
Published: January 2019

The study reported here investigated the design and legibility of tactile thematic maps, focusing on symbolization and the comprehension of spatial patterns on the maps. The results indicate that discriminable and effective tactile thematic maps can be produced using classed data with a microcapsule paper production method. The participants demonstrated that they could describe the spatial data patterns that were displayed.