bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VEGFR1+ Metastasis–Associated Macrophages Contribute to Metastatic Angiogenesis and Influence Colorectal Cancer Patient Outcome
Authors: Freire Valls Aida , Knipper Karl , Giannakouri Evangelia , Sarachaga Víctor , Hinterkopf Sascha , Wuehrl Michael , Shen Ying , Radhakrishnan Praveenkumar , Klose Johannes , Ulrich Alexis , Schneider Martin , Augustin Hellmut G. , Ruiz de Almodovar Carmen , Schmidt Thomas
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To investigate the clinical relevance of macrophages in liver metastasis of colorectal cancer and their influence on angiogenesis and patient survival. Moreover to evaluate specific blood monocytes as markers of disease recurrence.

Experimental design: In a mouse model with spontaneous liver metastasis, the angiogenic characteristics of tumor- and metastasis (MAM)-associated macrophages were evaluated. Macrophages and the vasculature from 130 primary tumor (pTU) and 123 patients with liver metastasis were assessed. In vivo and in human samples, the clinical relevance of macrophage VEGFR1 expression was analyzed. Blood samples from patients (n = 157, 80 pTU and 77 liver metastasis) were analyzed for assessing VEGFR1-positive (VEGFR1+) cells as suitable biomarkers of disease recurrence.

Results:

The number of macrophages positively correlated with vascularization in metastasis. Both in the murine model as well as in primary isolated human cells, a subpopulation of MAMs expressing VEGFR1 were found highly angiogenic. While VEGFR1 expression in pTU patients did not predict prognosis; high percentage of VEGFR1+ cells in liver metastasis was associated with worse patient outcome. Interestingly, VEGFR1+-circulating monocytes in blood samples from patients with liver metastasis not only predicted progression but also site of recurrence.

Conclusions:

Our findings identify a new subset of proangiogenic VEGFR1+ MAMs in colorectal cancer that support metastatic growth and may become a liquid biomarker to predict disease recurrence in the liver.
Cigarette Smoke Induces Metabolic Reprogramming of the Tumor Stroma in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Domingo-Vidal Marina , Whitaker-Menezes Diana , Martos-Rus Cristina , Tassone Patrick , Snyder Christopher M. , Tuluc Madalina , Philp Nancy , Curry Joseph , Martinez-Outschoorn Ubaldo
Published: June 2019

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is comprised of metabolically linked distinct compartments. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and nonproliferative carcinoma cells display a glycolytic metabolism, while proliferative carcinoma cells rely on mitochondrial oxidative metabolism fueled by the catabolites provided by the adjacent CAFs. Metabolic coupling between these reprogrammed compartments contributes to HNSCC aggressiveness. In this study, we examined the effects of cigarette smoke–exposed CAFs on metabolic coupling and tumor aggressiveness of HNSCC. Cigarette smoke (CS) extract was generated by dissolving cigarette smoke in growth media. Fibroblasts were cultured in CS or control media. HNSCC cells were cocultured in vitro and coinjected in vivo with CS or control fibroblasts. We found that CS induced oxidative stress, glycolytic flux and MCT4 expression, and senescence in fibroblasts. MCT4 upregulation was critical for fibroblast viability under CS conditions. The effects of CS on fibroblasts were abrogated by antioxidant treatment. Coculture of carcinoma cells with CS fibroblasts induced metabolic coupling with upregulation of the marker of glycolysis MCT4 in fibroblasts and markers of mitochondrial metabolism MCT1 and TOMM20 in carcinoma cells. CS fibroblasts increased CCL2 expression and macrophage migration. Coculture with CS fibroblasts also increased two features of carcinoma cell aggressiveness: resistance to cell death and enhanced cell migration. Coinjection of carcinoma cells with CS fibroblasts generated larger tumors with reduced apoptosis than control coinjections, and upregulation of MCT4 by CS exposure was a driver of these effects. We demonstrate that a tumor microenvironment exposed to CS is sufficient to modulate metabolism and cancer aggressiveness in HNSCC.

Implications:

CS shifts cancer stroma toward glycolysis and induces head and neck cancer aggressiveness with a mitochondrial profile linked by catabolite transporters and oxidative stress.

Visual Overview:

http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/17/9/1893/F1.large.jpg.
Breast Hyperplasias, Risk Signature, and Breast Cancer
Authors: Poola Indira , Yue Qingqi , Gillespie John W. , Sullivan Peggy S. , Aguilar-Jakthong Josephine , Rao JianYu , Shaaban Abeer M. , Sauter Edward R. , Ricci Andrew J.
Published: June 2019

We address the dilemma faced by oncologists in administering preventative measures to “at risk” patients diagnosed with atypical and nonatypical hyperplasias due to lack of any molecular means of risk stratification and identifying high-risk subjects. Our study purpose is to investigate a four marker risk signature, MMP-1, CEACAM6, HYAL1, and HEC1, using 440 hyperplastic tissues for identifying high-risk subjects who will benefit from preventative therapies. We assayed the markers by IHC and combined their expression levels to obtain a composite value from 0–10, which we called a “Cancer Risk Score.” We demonstrate that the four marker-based risk scores predict subsequent cancer development with an accuracy of 91% and 86% for atypical and nonatypical subjects, respectively. We have established a correlation between risk scores and cancer rates by stratifying the samples into low risk (score ≤ 0.5); intermediate risk (score ≤ 5.4), and high risk (score >5.4) groups using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. We have evaluated cancer rates at 5, 10, and 15 years. Our results show that the average cancer rates in the first 5 years among low- and intermediate-risk groups were 2% and 15%, respectively. Among high-risk group, the average cancer rates at 5 years were 73% and 34% for atypical and nonatypical subjects, respectively. The molecular risk stratification described here assesses a patient's tumor biology–based risk level as low, intermediate, or high and for making informed treatment decisions. The outcomes of our study in conjunction with the available prophylactic measures could prevent approximately 20%–25% of sporadic breast cancers.
Anti–CTLA-4 Activates Intratumoral NK Cells and Combined with IL15/IL15Rα Complexes Enhances Tumor Control
Authors: Sanseviero Emilio , O’Brien Erin M. , Karras Jenna R. , Shabaneh Tamer B. , Aksoy Bulent Arman , Xu Wei , Zheng Cathy , Yin Xiangfan , Xu Xiaowei , Karakousis Giorgos C. , Amaravadi Ravi K. , Nam Brian , Turk Mary Jo , Hammerbacher Jeff , Rubinstein Mark P. , Schuchter Lynn M. , Mitchell Tara C. , Liu Qin , Stone Erica L.
Published: June 2019

Antibodies targeting CTLA-4 induce durable responses in some patients with melanoma and are being tested in a variety of human cancers. However, these therapies are ineffective for a majority of patients across tumor types. Further understanding the immune alterations induced by these therapies may enable the development of novel strategies to enhance tumor control and biomarkers to identify patients most likely to respond. In several murine models, including colon26, MC38, CT26, and B16 tumors cotreated with GVAX, anti–CTLA-4 efficacy depends on interactions between the Fc region of CTLA-4 antibodies and Fc receptors (FcR). Anti–CTLA-4 binding to FcRs has been linked to depletion of intratumoral T regulatory cells (Treg). In agreement with previous studies, we found that Tregs infiltrating CT26, B16-F1, and autochthonous BrafV600EPten−/− melanoma tumors had higher expression of surface CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) than other T-cell subsets, and anti–CTLA-4 treatment led to FcR-dependent depletion of Tregs infiltrating CT26 tumors. This Treg depletion coincided with activation and degranulation of intratumoral natural killer cells. Similarly, in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma patient-derived tumor tissue, Tregs had higher sCTLA-4 expression than other intratumoral T-cell subsets, and Tregs infiltrating NSCLC expressed more sCTLA-4 than circulating Tregs. Patients with cutaneous melanoma who benefited from ipilimumab, a mAb targeting CTLA-4, had higher intratumoral CD56 expression, compared with patients who received little to no benefit from this therapy. Furthermore, using the murine CT26 model we found that combination therapy with anti–CTLA-4 plus IL15/IL15Rα complexes enhanced tumor control compared with either monotherapy.
IRF1 Inhibits Antitumor Immunity through the Upregulation of PD-L1 in the Tumor Cell
Authors: Shao Lulu , Hou Weizhou , Scharping Nicole E. , Vendetti Frank P. , Srivastava Rashmi , Roy Chandra Nath , Menk Ashley V. , Wang Yiyang , Chauvin Joe-Marc , Karukonda Pooja , Thorne Stephen H. , Hornung Veit , Zarour Hassane M. , Bakkenist Christopher J. , Delgoffe Greg M. , Sarkar Saumendra N.
Published: June 2019

Multiple studies have associated the transcription factor IRF1 with tumor-suppressive activities. Here, we report an opposite tumor cell–intrinsic function of IRF1 in promoting tumor growth. IRF1-deficient tumor cells showed reduced tumor growth in MC38 and CT26 colon carcinoma and B16 melanoma mouse models. This reduction in tumor growth was dependent on host CD8+ T cells. Detailed profiling of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes did not show changes in the various T-cell and myeloid cell populations. However, CD8+ T cells that had infiltrated IRF1-deficieint tumors in vivo exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity. IRF1-deficient tumor cells lost the ability to upregulate PD-L1 expression in vitro and in vivo and were more susceptible to T-cell–mediated killing. Induced expression of PD-L1 in IRF1-deficient tumor cells restored tumor growth. These results indicate differential activity of IRF1 in tumor escape.
Loss of the Normal Gradient in Arterial Compliance and Outcomes of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Bai Qiong , Su Chun-Yan , Zhang Ai-Hua , Wang Tao , Tang Wen
Published: June 2019

Background: In dialysis patients, loss of the normal gradient in arterial compliance, assessed by the pulse wave velocity (PWV) ratio, predicts all-cause mortality better than does carotid-femoral PWV (CF-PWV) alone. However, the prognostic significance of the PWV ratio for outcome in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients remains unclear. Methods: In this longitudinal cohort study, CKD patients who visited our CKD management clinic between April 27, 2006, and March 27, 2008, were included and followed up. To assess the gradient in arterial compliance, the PWV ratio was calculated using CF-PWV divided by carotid-radial PWV. Results: A total of 209 patients in CKD stages 1–4 with a median follow-up of 3.74 years were included. Patients with higher PWV ratio were relatively older (p < 0.001) and had worse renal function (p < 0.001), more hypertension (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), and cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease (p < 0.001). The median time to patient outcome (death, renal replacement therapy, or double increase in serum creatinine from baseline) in the group with a PWV ratio above the median (89.8 months, 95% CI 84.2–95.5) was shorter than that in the group with a PWV ratio below the median (105.3 months, 95% CI 101.3–109.3, p = 0.001). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that both PWV ratio and CF-PWV were significantly associated with patient outcome. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, both PWV ratio and CF-PWV were associated with patient outcome. However, the HR for CF-PWV (2.177, 95% CI 1.064–4.453, p = 0.033) was slightly higher than that for PWV ratio (2.091, 95% CI 1.049–4.167, p = 0.036). There was a significant interaction effect between PWV ratio and CKD stage. It was shown that patients with advanced CKD stages and higher PWV ratios had a significantly higher risk of adverse CKD outcome (p = 0.006). Conclusions: The PWV ratio, as a measure of loss of the normal gradient in arterial compliance, was associated with CKD patient outcome. Patients with advanced CKD and a higher PWV ratio had a significantly higher risk of adverse CKD outcome.
Use of Genetic Variants Related to Antihypertensive Drugs to Inform on Efficacy and Side Effects
Authors: Gill Dipender , Georgakis Marios K. , Koskeridis Fotios , Jiang Lan , Feng Qiping , Wei Wei-Qi , Theodoratou Evropi , Elliott Paul , Denny Joshua C. , Malik Rainer , Evangelou Evangelos , Dehghan Abbas , Dichgans Martin , Tzoulaki Ioanna
Published: June 2019

Background:

Drug effects can be investigated through natural variation in the genes for their protein targets. The present study aimed to use this approach to explore the potential side effects and repurposing potential of antihypertensive drugs, which are among the most commonly used medications worldwide.

Methods:

Genetic proxies for the effect of antihypertensive drug classes were identified as variants in the genes for the corresponding targets that associated with systolic blood pressure at genome-wide significance. Mendelian randomization estimates for drug effects on coronary heart disease and stroke risk were compared with randomized, controlled trial results. A phenome-wide association study in the UK Biobank was performed to identify potential side effects and repurposing opportunities, with findings investigated in the Vanderbilt University biobank (BioVU) and in observational analysis of the UK Biobank.

Results:

Suitable genetic proxies for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were identified. Mendelian randomization estimates for their effect on coronary heart disease and stroke risk, respectively, were comparable to results from randomized, controlled trials against placebo. A phenome-wide association study in the UK Biobank identified an association of the CCB standardized genetic risk score with increased risk of diverticulosis (odds ratio, 1.02 per standard deviation increase; 95% CI, 1.01–1.04), with a consistent estimate found in BioVU (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.02). Cox regression analysis of drug use in the UK Biobank suggested that this association was specific to nondihydropyridine CCBs (hazard ratio 1.49 considering thiazide diuretic agents as a comparator; 95% CI, 1.04–2.14) but not dihydropyridine CCBs (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.83–1.32).

Conclusions:

Genetic variants can be used to explore the efficacy and side effects of antihypertensive medications. The identified potential effect of nondihydropyridine CCBs on diverticulosis risk could have clinical implications and warrants further investigation.
C
2
HEST Score and Prediction of Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Poststroke Patients: A French Nationwide Study
Authors: Li Yan‐Guang , Bisson Arnaud , Bodin Alexandre , Herbert Julien , Grammatico‐Guillon Leslie , Joung Boyoung , Wang Yu‐Tang , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Fauchier Laurent
Published: June 2019

Background

The C
2
HEST score (coronary artery disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [1 point each]; hypertension [1 point]; elderly [age ≥75 years, 2 points]; systolic heart failure [2 points]; thyroid disease [hyperthyroidism, 1 point]) was initially proposed for predicting incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population. Its performance in poststroke patients remains to be established, especially because patients at high risk for incident AF should be targeted for more comprehensive screening. This study aimed to evaluate this newly established incident AF prediction risk score in a post–ischemic stroke population.

Methods and Results

Validation was based on a hospital‐based nationwide cohort with 240 459 French post–ischemic stroke patients. Kaplan–Meier curves for incident rate of AF depict differences between varying risk categories. Discrimination of the C
2
HEST score was evaluated using the C index, the net reclassification index, integrated discriminatory improvement, and decision curve analysis. During 7.9±11.5 months of follow‐up, 14 095 patients developed incident AF. The incidence of AF increased from 23.5 per 1000 patient‐years in patients with a C
2
HEST score of 0 to 196.8 per 1000 patient‐years in patients with a C
2
HEST score ≥6. Kaplan–Meier curves showed a clear difference among different risk strata (log‐rank
P
<0.0001). The C
2
HEST score had good discrimination with a C index of 0.734 (95% CI, 0.732–0.736), which was better than the Framingham risk score and the CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 [doubled], diabetes mellitus, stroke [doubled], vascular disease, age 65 to 74 years, and female sex) (
P
<0.0001, respectively). The C
2
HEST score was also superior to the Framingham risk score and the CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score as shown by the net reclassification index, integrated discriminatory improvement (
P
<0.0001, respectively) and decision curve analysis.

Conclusions

The C
2
HEST score performed well in discriminating the individual risk of developing incident AF in a white European population hospitalized with previous ischemic stroke. This simple score may potentially be used as a risk stratification tool for decision making in relation to a screening strategy for AF in post–ischemic stroke patients.
Taking MT Evaluation Metrics to Extremes: Beyond Correlation with Human Judgments
Authors: Fomicheva Marina , Specia Lucia
Published: June 2019

Automatic Machine Translation (MT) evaluation is an active field of research, with a handful of new metrics devised every year. Evaluation metrics are generally benchmarked against manual assessment of translation quality, with performance measured in terms of overall correlation with human scores. Much work has been dedicated to the improvement of evaluation metrics to achieve a higher correlation with human judgments. However, little insight has been provided regarding the weaknesses and strengths of existing approaches and their behavior in different settings. In this work we conduct a broad meta-evaluation study of the performance of a wide range of evaluation metrics focusing on three major aspects. First, we analyze the performance of the metrics when faced with different levels of translation quality, proposing a local dependency measure as an alternative to the standard, global correlation coefficient. We show that metric performance varies significantly across different levels of MT quality: Metrics perform poorly when faced with low-quality translations and are not able to capture nuanced quality distinctions. Interestingly, we show that evaluating low-quality translations is also more challenging for humans. Second, we show that metrics are more reliable when evaluating neural MT than the traditional statistical MT systems. Finally, we show that the difference in the evaluation accuracy for different metrics is maintained even if the gold standard scores are based on different criteria.
Nomenclatural notes in the Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae): miscellaneous
Authors: KARREMANS ADAM P. , AGUILAR-SANDÍ DIEGO , ARTAVIA-SOLÍS MIGUEL , CEDEÑO-FONSECA MARCO , CHINCHILLA ISLER F. , GIL-AMAYA KAREN , ROJAS-ALVARADO GUSTAVO , SOLANO-GUINDON NAOMI , VILLEGAS-MURILLO JORDÁN
Published: June 2019

Nomenclatural amendments and notes are provided for taxa belonging to diverse genera within subtribe Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae) in order to comply with the International Code for algae, fungi, and plants. The proposed changes include new species, new names, new combinations, author citations, name spelling and synonymy. Brief notes are provided.
Learning from Linnaeus: towards developing the foundation for a general structure concept for morphology
Authors: VOGT LARS
Published: June 2019

Morphology has fundamental problems regarding aperspectival objectivity of its data—morphological terminology is often based on homology assumptions, lacks standardization, and has problems with comparability, reproducibility, and transparency. This is astonishing given that with his sexual system Linnaeus had already established a high degree of aperspectival objectivity in morphology that unfortunately has been lost subsequently. In the first part of the article a brief introduction to the history of classification is given that provides an answer to the question why morphology only initially has been gripped by the general trend towards objectification that started in the seventeenth century. The conceptual shortcomings of Aristotle’s concept of essences and its link to the definition of species and taxa in natural philosophy play an important part in this development. The only solution to the problem of essences was to link it to the evolutionary concept of homology, which explains why morphological terminology today often rests on homology assumptions. By taking a closer look at Linnaeus’ sexual system, basic principles for developing a general structure concept for morphology are discussed, which would provide the conceptual basis for establishing a high degree of aperspectival objectivity for morphological data. The article concludes with discussing the role of data bases and ontologies for developing a data standard in morphology. A brief introduction to the basic principles of Resource Description Framework (RDF) ontologies is given. A morphological ontology has high potential for establishing a general morphological structure concept if it is developed on grounds of the following principles: morphological terms and concepts must be defined taxon-independently, homology-free, preferably purely anatomically, and if functionally only by clearly indicating the trait’s active participation in a specific biological process.
Actual usage of biological nomenclature and its implications for data integrators; a national, regional and global perspective
Authors: HUSSEY CHARLES , DE JONG YDE , REMSEN DAVID
Published: June 2019

Biological names play an important role in resource identification and as anchors for all sorts of associated information. This is borne out in ever-expanding online resources but the ways in which names are stored and presented give rise to challenges and pitfalls that can lead to missed or misinterpreted information. These resources must serve a variety of users and keep abreast of changes in nomenclature and systematics. Observations on the use of biological names are presented and some solutions to the challenges are offered.
The Linnean foundations of zoological and botanical nomenclature
Authors: KRAUS OTTO
Published: June 2019

In contrast to primary taxonomic research, nomenclature is a tool to be used in information retrieval and with the aim of ensuring world-wide understanding. Radical changes to its guiding principles would be counterproductive as they would produce disorder in a system of internationally accepted conventions that have developed and matured over decades. Classifications are ordering systems. They are even more utilitarian in function and should not be constantly adapted to potentially ephemeral phylogenies. In principle, the Linnaean foundations of nomenclature and classification survive. Attempts to introduce fundamental changes or even alternatives were proposed a century too late to get enforced; they therefore failed.
Morphological nomenclature, between patterns and processes: segments and segmentation as a paradigmatic case
Authors: FUSCO GIUSEPPE
Published: June 2019

The words we use for describing biological systems and their transformations through development and evolution can recurrently perform as ‘conceptual traps’, i.e. as representations that limit the possibilities of improving our understanding of the very processes they are called to describe. The main focus of this contribution is on the paradigmatic case of segmentation. Limits and drawbacks of the concept of ‘segment’ are critically discussed. Its value as a descriptive unit does not entitle it as a sensible unit for other uses, as for instance investigating the evolution of the developmental process of segmentation.
Telaprocera (Araneae: Araneidae), a new genus of Australian orb-web spiders with highly elongated webs
Authors: HARMER AARON M. T. , FRAMENAU VOLKER W.
Published: June 2019

A new genus of orb-web spider (Araneidae Simon), Telaprocera gen. nov., including two new species, T. maudae sp. nov. (type species) and T. joanae sp. nov., are described. Telaprocera gen. nov. differs from all other araneid genera by the presence of a dorsal keel on the male cymbium. The known range of Telaprocera maudae sp. nov. is limited to the east coast of Australia, from far northern Queensland to central New South Wales. The spiders are found in closed canopy rainforest and adults can be found year round. Telaprocera joanae sp. nov. has been found from central coastal Queensland to far eastern Victoria. They occur in similar habitats, with similar phenology, as T. maudae sp. nov. Both species build highly elongated orb-webs known as ladder-webs. A variety of phylogenetic analyses based on an updated morphological data matrix for orb-web spiders did not provide a conclusive placement of Telaprocera gen. nov. within the Araneidae. Equally weighted analysis placed the genus as sister to Kaira O. P.-Cambridge and Metepeira F. O. P.Cambridge combined. Strong downweighting of homoplasious characters placed the genus as sister taxon to the traditional Argiopinae Simon. The uncertain phylogenetic position of Telaprocera gen. nov. may reflect the insufficient knowledge of the morphology of Australian taxa—taxa that may possess characters previously not considered in phylogenetic analyses of the Araneidae.
The mosaic tiled harvestmen—taxonomic review of Gonyleptellus Roewer, 1930 (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae: Gonyleptinae)
Authors: DE ÁZARA LUDSON NEVES , KURY ADRIANO BRILHANTE
Published: June 2019

The genus Gonyleptellus Roewer, 1930 is revised and reordered; a new species Gonyleptellus angeloi sp. nov. is described from Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, three additional species are transferred from other genera and one species is removed, resulting in five species in this genus. The following nomenclatural acts are proposed herein: Gonyleptes pustulatus Sørensen, 1884 is transferred from Gonyleptes to Gonyleptellus; Gonyleptes cancellatus Roewer, 1917 and Progonyleptoides pustulosus Mello-Leitão, 1935, both currently under the synonymy of Gonyleptellus bimaculatus (Sørensen, 1884), are revalidated and transferred to Gonyleptellus. Stephanocranion bimaculatus Mello-Leitão, 1931, previously considered a junior synonym of Gonyleptes cancellatus Roewer, 1917, and thereby previously carried under the synonymy of Gonyleptes bimaculatus Sørensen, 1884, is here unlinked with the former but kept under the synonymy of the latter (of which it is also a junior secondary homonym). Stephanocranion serrulatum Mello-Leitão, 1940, currently under the synonymy of G. bimaculatus, is newly synonymized with P. pustulosus. Stephanocranion bufoninus Mello-Leitão, 1949 (currently combined under Gonyleptellus) is considered a junior subjective synonym of Discocyrtus crenulatus Roewer, 1913. The male of Gonyleptellus bimaculatus is described for the first time. The genus Gonyleptellus is restricted to the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil. A key and a map for all the five valid species are presented.
Larval development of Petrolisthes tuberculatus (Guérin, 1835) (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) reared in laboratory
Authors: GONZALEZ-CANALES MARIA EUGENIA , CUESTA JOSE A. , GONZÁLEZ-GORDILLO JUAN IGNACIO
Published: June 2019

The complete larval development of Petrolisthes tuberculatus (including two zoeal stages and the megalopa) is described and illustrated in detail for the first time, based on laboratory-reared material. In order to allow the differentiation of specimens from plankton samples, the larval stages of P. tuberculatus are compared with those known for other porcellanid crabs from Chilean waters (Allopetrolisthes angulosus, Petrolisthes granulosus, P. laevigatus and P. violaceus). As expected, this comparison lead to the inclusion of P. tuberculatus within the “sección Porcellanina” together with the other Chilean species of porcellanids.
New synonymies and transfers in Castianeira Keyserling, 1879 (Araneae, Corinnidae, Castianeirinae) from India
Authors: SANKARAN PRADEEP M. , CALEB JOHN T.D. , SEBASTIAN POTHALIL A.
Published: June 2019

Indian species in the castianeirine genus Castianeira Keyserling, 1879 (Corinnidae) are partly revised based on type materials deposited in the National Zoological Collection, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Two new synonyms are recognized: Castianeira himalayensis Gravely, 1931 syn. nov. is synonymised with Corinnomma severum (Thorell, 1877), and Castianeira bengalensis Biswas, 1984 syn. nov. with the liocranid species Oedignatha scrobiculata Thorell, 1881. Castianeira albopicta Gravely, 1931 is considered as a nomen dubium. Castianeira adhartali Gajbe, 2003 and Castianeira indica Tikader, 1981 are transferred to Oedignatha Thorell, 1881 (Liocranidae). The taxonomic status of both Castianeira tinae Patel & Patel, 1973 and Castianeira quadrimaculata Reimoser, 1934 is discussed. All the examined type materials are illustrated, and the current status of the type material of each species is discussed.
Reassessing the Effect of Cloud Type on Earth’s Energy Balance in the Age of Active Spaceborne Observations. Part I: Top of Atmosphere and Surface
Authors: L’Ecuyer Tristan S. , Hang Yun , Matus Alexander V. , Wang Zhien
Published: June 2019

This study revisits the classical problem of quantifying the radiative effects of unique cloud types in the era of spaceborne active observations. The radiative effects of nine cloud types, distinguished based on their vertical structure defined by CloudSat and CALIPSO observations, are assessed at both the top of the atmosphere and the surface. The contributions from single- and multilayered clouds are explicitly diagnosed. The global, annual mean net cloud radiative effect at the top of the atmosphere is found to be −17.1 ± 4.2 W m−2 owing to −44.2 ± 2 W m−2 of shortwave cooling and 27.1 ± 3.7 W m−2 of longwave heating. Leveraging explicit cloud base and vertical structure information, we further estimate the annual mean net cloud radiative effect at the surface to be −24.8 ± 8.7 W m−2 (−51.1 ± 7.8 W m−2 in the shortwave and 26.3 ± 3.8 W m−2 in the longwave). Multilayered clouds are found to exert the strongest influence on the top-of-atmosphere energy balance. However, a strong asymmetry in net cloud radiative cooling between the hemispheres (8.6 W m−2) is dominated by enhanced cooling from stratocumulus over the southern oceans. It is found that there is no corresponding asymmetry at the surface owing to enhanced longwave emission by southern ocean clouds in winter, which offsets a substantial fraction of their impact on solar absorption in summer. Thus the asymmetry in cloud radiative effects is entirely realized as an atmosphere heating imbalance between the hemispheres.
Droughts and Agriculture in the Semi-Arid Region of Maharashtra, Western India
Authors: Todmal Rahul S.
Published: June 2019

In the prevailing climate change scenario, to cope with drought, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of meteorological droughts in water-scarce regions to formulate judicial plans for the utilization of water resources. The present investigation, therefore, endeavored to assess the intensity and frequency of droughts over the five semiarid river basins in Maharashtra during the past (1980–2013) and future (2015–50). The study was carried out with the application of standardized precipitation index (SPI) methodology. The agricultural and satellite [normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] data were analyzed to understand the effects of meteorological droughts. Although the study area experienced three severe rainfall droughts in 1985/86, 2002/03, and 2011/12, higher frequency of low-intensity droughts is observed, particularly after 2000. The estimation suggests occurrence of moderate, severe, and extreme droughts once in 6, 28, and 50 years, respectively. Among the selected basins, the Agrani, the Karha, and the Man are expected to experience intense droughts and hence require special attention in drought management. The study also highlights that El Niño events considerably retard the monsoon rainfall. However, the occurrence of the positive phase of the Indian Ocean dipole in the El Niño years reduces the intensity of droughts. As agricultural productivity and cropped areas heavily depend on the monsoon rainfall, the meteorological droughts result in agricultural droughts. Moreover, the future warming (by 1.02°C) over the study area is very likely to exacerbate the meteorological droughts (estimated to occur in the 2030s) and increase the agricultural water demand, further adding to an already difficult water management challenge in the study basins.
Health communication messaging about HPV vaccine in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Kelly-Hanku Angela , Newland Jamee , Aggleton Peter , Ase Sophie , Fiya Voletta , Aeno Herick , Vallely Lisa M , Mola Glen DL , Kaldor John M , Vallely Andrew J
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The type of health education messages that communities and individuals seek to have communicated about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is important if vaccine programmes are to succeed, especially in settings such as Papua New Guinea (PNG), which have a high burden of cervical cancer, low health literacy and negative experiences of earlier vaccination programmes. This study sought to identify the health education messages that are viewed as most appropriate in such a context.

Methodology:

A qualitative study using gender-specific focus group discussions ( N = 21) and semi-structured interviews ( N = 82) was undertaken in three sites in PNG. Sites included both rural and urban locations in Milne Bay, Eastern Highlands and Western Highlands Provinces.

Results:

Two divergent discourses emerged. One group of participants, largely young people, felt communication messages should stress that HPV is a preventable sexually transmitted infection, which can cause cervical cancer. The other group, mainly members of the older population, believed that messaging should focus on the vaccine as a prevention strategy for cervical cancer. A small minority wanted both aspects of the vaccine discussed.

Conclusion:

Sensitivity needs to be taken when engaging with communities which have negative experiences of earlier infant immunisation programmes. Ensuring that the health communication needs and priorities of different sections of the populations are taken into account is key to the successful introduction and roll-out of HPV vaccination in this setting.
Cue Utilization Differentiates Performance in the Management of Interruptions
Authors: Falkland Emma C. , Wiggins Mark W. , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To examine the role of cue utilization in the management of interruptions during a high workload, rail control simulation.

Background

High-risk, high-consequence environments are characterized by cognitively demanding, time-critical activities, in which operators are required to manage frequent interruptions under conditions of high workload. Interruptions are deleterious to performance as they impose excessive cognitive demand on limited working memory resources, thereby depleting residual resources for the primary task. Cue utilization may enable superior performance in managing interruptions through efficiencies gained by the application of implicit patterns stored in long-term memory.

Method

Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, 46 university students undertook an assessment of cue utilization and subsequently engaged in a high workload, simulated rail control task while managing multiple interruptive tasks. Experiment 2 replicated and extended Experiment 1, wherein 52 university students completed a measure of cue utilization and engaged in a high workload, simulated rail control task while managing multiple interruptions and breaks.

Results

The analyses revealed that participants who demonstrated a greater capacity for cue utilization also demonstrated a reduced loss of performance following interruptions.

Conclusion

The outcomes suggest a relationship between a greater capacity for cue utilization and superior performance in the management of interruptions in high workload conditions.

Application

Assessments of cue utilization may assist in the selection and training of operators in high-consequence, high-risk environments, to ensure efficient and accurate performance during the management of interruptions.
Coking energy consumption radial basis function prediction model improved by differential evolution algorithm
Authors: Tao Wenhua , Chen Jiao , Gui Yunjin , Kong Pingping
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a radial basis function prediction model improved by differential evolution algorithm for coking energy consumption process, which is very difficult to get online and real time because of the complex process. In the energy consumption prediction model, target flue temperature, flue suction, water content, volatile coal and coking time are considered as input variables, and coking energy consumption as output variables. To overcome the shortcomings of radial basis function network, such as poor learning ability and slow convergence speed, the energy consumption prediction model optimized by differential evolution algorithm is improved. Using the strong global search ability of differential evolution algorithm, the center value, width and output weight of the basis function in radial basis function network is obtained by differential evolution algorithm. Then the optimal values are taken as the center value, width and output weight of the of radial basis function neural network. The results show that the improved radial basis function prediction has higher accuracy, stability and training speed of the network. The radial basis function prediction model has great significance in reducing coking energy consumption, saving enterprise costs, increasing coke production and improving enterprise economic benefits.
Cloud computing: Bridging the link between industry and the classroom
Authors: Al-Mousa Amjed
Published: June 2019

With the rapid expansion of cloud computing usage and applications, the need to prepare graduates with high caliber cloud computing skills is becoming a necessity. This paper discusses the challenges of teaching cloud computing, and how to overcome these to equip the graduates with modern industry-standard skills. The paper reports on the experience of achieving this goal by employing the cultural–historical activity learning theory in teaching this course. This was achieved by introducing a variety of activities in the course such as: up-to-date technical content, a hands-on projects, technical presentations, and a certification program. The paper assesses the success of the experience by analyzing the feedback of the students twice; at the end of the course, and several years afterward when they have enrolled in the job market. The results clearly show the importance of having practical and hands-on courses that would keep students engaged, at the same time it is preparing them for the job market. The results also showed that the students appreciation for the course have increased after they have started working. Specifically, two-thirds of the students believe that the course was helpful in getting their current job.
Mental health stigma among people of color: An examination of the impact of racial discrimination
Authors: Krill Williston Sarah , Martinez Jennifer H , Abdullah Tahirah
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The primary goal of this study was to examine the relations between racial discrimination experiences and different dimensions of mental health stigma among a diverse sample of people of color.

Method:

Participants were recruited through blast emails at a large public university and completed an online survey ( N = 205). Four linear regressions were completed predicting from recent racial discrimination experiences to (1) negative beliefs about mental health problems, (2) treatments, (3) treatment seeking and (4) anticipated stigma.

Results:

Results indicated that recent racial discrimination experiences contributed unique variance in anticipated stigma from loved ones, as well as negative beliefs about mental health problems.

Conclusion and Implications for Practice:

Racial discrimination contributes to increased anticipated stigma and negative beliefs about mental health problems. Addressing the impact of racial discrimination as it influences these dimensions of mental health stigma is important to promote recovery among people of color.
Nonwoven polyester interleaving for toughness enhancement in composites
Authors: Gheryani Adnan A , Fleming David C , Reichard Ronnal P
Published: June 2019

Various researchers have developed techniques to control delamination in laminated structures. One of these techniques is “interleaving,” adding high toughness material to key interfaces in a laminate. This paper studies using polyester veil as a low-cost interleaf alternative to other materials and focuses on a nonwoven, polyester spunbond material. Two different interleaf thicknesses, 0.18 mm and 0.74 mm, are primarily used. In addition, fine 4 g/m2 polyester was also compared. Carbon/epoxy composites are manufactured using 2 × 2 Twill 24″–12k carbon fibers embedded in an epoxy resin, with polyester interleaves at key interfaces. Specimens are fabricated using wet hand layup and cured at room temperature in a vacuum bag. Mode I fracture toughness is measured using the double cantilever beam test and Mode II fracture toughness is examined using the end-notched flexure test. Further evaluation is made using static indentation and full penetration impact testing. Toughness is compared, and the resulting fracture surfaces are investigated. Significant improvement is seen in Mode I testing. Up to a factor of 4 increase in propagation energy per unit area resulted from the inclusion of the interleaf material. Smaller improvements were observed in Mode II, with the best cases showing an increase in propagation energy to maximum load by about a factor of 2 compared with control cases. The polyester interleaf significantly influences the fracture morphology observed in static indentation and full penetration tests.
Difficult texts: ‘A dog at the table’ in Matthew 15.21–28
Authors: Rowlands Jonathan
Published: June 2019

This article addresses the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15.21–28 and Jesus’ likening of the woman to a ‘dog’ in verse 26. It provides an overview of the passage as a whole and deals in more detail with this imagery.
Sustainable Development Practice: The Central Role of the Human Needs Language
Authors: Balyejjusa Senkosi Moses
Published: June 2019

Sustainable development has become a mantra in politics, academia and development policy and practice. Indeed, many policy and practice strategies, such as the sustainable development goals, have been devised in order to achieve sustainable development. Although the contents and items in these agendas are human needs, the use of ‘human needs’ language is less emphasised/explicitly spelt out. In fact, the language of human needs is almost absent. In this article, I argue that the adoption of the human needs language will strengthen sustainable development practice, efforts and agenda. This is because, unlike other aspirations, human needs by nature are universal. Secondly, human needs are limited in number compared to wants, desires, goals and capabilities. This nature of human needs makes the human needs language effective in promoting the sustainable development agenda and efforts, thus, adequately meeting the needs of the current and future generations.
Withdrawing the No-detention Policy: Punishing Children for the System’s Failure
Authors: Rai Ambarish , Majumder Srijita
Published: June 2019

The Right to Education Act, 2009 that came into existence after a decade-long struggle by civil society organisations, mandates that no children shall be detained till they complete their elementary education, that is, Class 8. However, an amendment to the Act, The Second Amendment Bill, 2017, on the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education, 2009, amends this provision by stating that regular examinations should be held in Class 5 and Class 8. If the child fails in the examination, s/he will be given additional instructions to take a re-examination within two months and if the child again fails, then the state government will have the discretion to detain the child in the same class. There are differing views on whether children should be detained for failing examinations in elementary school. Some argue that an automatic promotion reduces incentives for children to learn and for teachers to teach. Others point out that detention demotivates children and results in increased dropouts and shifts the focus away from the systemic factors that affect learning such as the availability of trained qualified teachers, adequate infrastructure, textbooks, safety and security in schools.
Book review: T. M. Thomas Isaac and Michelle Williams, Building Alternatives: The Story of India’s Oldest Construction Workers’ Cooperative
Authors: Vishnoi Vageesh
Published: June 2019

T. M. Thomas Isaac and Michelle Williams, Building Alternatives: The Story of India’s Oldest Construction Workers’ Cooperative. New Delhi: LeftWord, 2017, 320 pp., ₹495. ISBN: 978-9380118468.
Lifeworlds and Living Words
Authors: Giri Ananta Kumar
Published: June 2019

Lifeworld is a multi-dimensional concept and reality in philosophy, social sciences and in our practice of living. The present essay explores its different meanings and interpretations starting from Edmund Husserl to Jurgen Habermas in the European intellectual tradition and Sri Aurobindo, Mahatma Gandhi, J.N. Mohanty and Margaret Chatterjee in the Indic traditions. It rethinks the Habermasian idea of colonisation of the lifeworld and argues how we need Gandhian struggles for overcoming this. It argues how lifeworld is a field of satyagraha as it exists in the midst of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. It also argues how lifeworld is a field of lokasangraha—a gathering of people which is also related to atmasangraha—a gathering of souls. With and beyond Habermas, it argues that lifeworld is not only a field of reason but also of intuition and striving for the spiritual in the midst of many rational and infra-rational forces at work in self, culture and society. The essay then links the challenges of lifeworlds to the challenge of living words in our lives—words which give birth to new words and worlds going beyond stasis, stagnation and death of language, culture, self and society. Lifeworld is a field and flow of living worlds which have both a pragmatic and a spiritual dimension. The essay explores the border crossing between pragmatism and society and looks at lifeworlds and living words as fields of spiritual pragmatism.
The Mechanics of Treatment-effect Estimate Bias for Nonexperimental Data
Authors: Penaloza Roberto V. , Berends Mark
Published: June 2019

To measure “treatment” effects, social science researchers typically rely on nonexperimental data. In education, school and teacher effects on students are often measured through value-added models (VAMs) that are not fully understood. We propose a framework that relates to the education production function in its most flexible form and connects with the basic VAMs without using untenable assumptions. We illustrate how, due to measurement error (ME), cross-group imbalances created by nonrandom group assignment cause correlations that drive the models’ treatment-effect estimate bias. We derive formulas to calculate bias and rank the models and show that no model is better in all situations. The framework and formulas’ workings are verified and illustrated via simulation. We also evaluate the performance of latent variable/errors-in-variables models that handle ME and study the role of extra covariates including lags of the outcome.