bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The systematics of Boulengerula fischeri (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: GOWER DAVID J. , PAPADOPOULOU ANNA , DOHERTY-BONE THOMAS M. , PUPIN FABIO , SAN MAURO DIEGO , LOADER SIMON P. , WILKINSON MARK
Published: January 2019

Eight new specimens are reported for the caecilian amphibian Boulengerula fischeri, a species known in detail previously only from its holotype collected in 1987. The new material was collected at the type locality in Rwanda in 2009, and is used to expand and refine the morphological characterization of the species. Mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences were used to assess the phylogenetic position of B. fischeri in the context of a recent molecular phylogeny of six of the seven other species of Boulengerula (from Kenya and Tanzania). Among nominal species, only B. denhardti remains to be included in molecular phylogenetic studies of Boulengerula. Boulengerula is recovered as monophyletic, with either B. fischeri or (more probably) B. boulengeri sister to all other sampled species. There are at least three deep lineages within Boulengerula: (1) B. boulengeri, (2) B. fischeri, and (3) all other Eastern Arc Mountain and Coastal Forest species from Kenya and Tanzania. The status of Afrocaecilia, a genus erected by Taylor in 1968 to contain all Boulengerula except B. boulengeri, is not yet resolved.
Crassispira (Crassispirella) tuckerana, a replacement name for Crassispira (Crassispirella) tuckeri Bonfitto & Morassi, 2004 (Gastropoda: Turridae: Crassispirinae) not Crassispira tuckeri Le Renard, 1994
Authors: BONFITTO A. , MORASSI M.
Published: January 2019

Bonfitto & Morassi (2004) described Crassispira (Crassispirella) tuckeri based on Recent material from Muqdisho, Somalia. Crassispira tuckeri, however, was first proposed by Le Renard (1994) as a new name for Pleurotoma dubia Deshayes, 1835, a Middle Eocene species from France, a homonym of Pleurotoma dubia Cristofori & Jan, 1832. Additionally, no potentially valid synonyms are available for Crassispira (Crassispirella) tuckeri Bonfitto & Morassi, 2004 (ICZN Art. 60.2). Thus, in accordance with Article 60.3 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (1999), a replacement name for Crassispira (Crassispirella) tuckeri Bonfitto & Morassi, 2004 is required.
Describing unexplored biodiversity: Zootaxa in the International Year of Biodiversity
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: January 2019

In the International Year of Biodiversity (2010), Zootaxa published 1,582 papers (including 92 monographs) in 405 issues, with a total of 32,330 pages. These papers included descriptions of 3,951 new taxa, of which 3,664 are of the species-group, 268 of the genus-group and 19 of the family-group. It is estimated that the total new animal species described in 2010 is most likely to be between 15,000 and 20,000, and Zootaxa has thus contributed 18 to 24% of the total.
Molecular and morphological description of a new species of Halisarca (Demospongiae: Halisarcida) from Mediterranean Sea and a redescription of the type species Halisarca dujardini
Authors: ERESKOVSKY ALEXANDER V. , LAVROV DENNIS V. , BOURY-ESNAULT NICOLE , VACELET JEAN
Published: January 2019

Halisarca harmelini sp. nov. is described from the northwestern Mediterranean Sea at depths between 15–65 m from coralligenous rocks. The new species occurs as thin sheets only on the bryozoan Smittina cervicornis. Morphologically, it is characterized by its thin layer architecture, skin-like, lusterless and smooth surface, a soft, very delicate and easily torn texture, and pale-yellow colour. At the cytological level H. harmelini is characterized by a complex of cells with inclusions: spherulous, vacuolar, granular, microgranular and rhabdiferous cells. The new species is clearly different in cell and endobiotic bacteria content and in external morphology from all previously described species of Halisarca. In addition to the description of the new species, we have conducted a thorough ultrastructural investigation and re-described the type species Halisarca dujardini Johnston, 1842 using specimens from different region of the North Atlantic, Arctic and North Pacific. To investigate the relationships between H. harmelini and H. dujardini on the molecular level, we determined the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences of the new species of Halisarca and compared it with that of H. dujardini. The two mitochondrial genomes are identical in gene content and gene arrangement but differ in size by ~1,300 bp (6.8%). The overall genetic distance between coding sequences is 0.1, much greater than what has been previously reported for individual species of non-bilaterian animals. The latter observation supports the new species status of H. harmelini.
A new fossil species of Pycnomerus Erichson (Coleoptera: Zopheridae) from Baltic amber, and a replacement name for a Recent North American congener
Authors: BUKEJS ANDRIS , ALEKSEEV VITALII I. , COOPER DAVID M.L. , KING GAVIN A. , MCKELLAR RYAN C.
Published: January 2019

Based on a well-preserved specimen from Eocene Baltic amber, the second fossil species belonging to the genus Pycnomerus Erichson (Coleoptera: Zopheridae: Zopherinae), P. agtsteinicus Bukejs, Alekseev & McKellar sp. nov. is described and illustrated using synchrotron X-ray micro-CT observations. The new species adds to the sparse fossil record of Pycnomerus, which consists of the Baltic amber discoveries, and only four subfossil records in sediments that are less than one million years old. As part of this work, the new replacement name Pycnomerus lordi Bukejs, Alekseev & McKellar nom. nov. is also established for the extant species Pycnomerus sulcicollis LeConte, 1863 [non Pycnomerus sulcicollis (Germar, 1824)].
A Simple Model of a Balanced Boundary Layer Coupled to a Large-Scale Convective Circulation
Authors: Beare Robert J. , Cullen Michael J. P.
Published: January 2019

Many simple models of large-scale tropical circulations do not include a frictional boundary layer. A simple model is presented where the convective circulation is coupled to the boundary layer convergence. In the free troposphere, convection and boundary layer heating try to relax to a moist adiabat from the local sea surface temperature with a time scale τc, but other processes act to maintain a weak temperature gradient. There is a mass balance between radiatively driven subsidence and the large-scale convective mass flux. For a prescribed Gaussian surface temperature, the model predicts a mass flux that varies as and a convective width proportional to its reciprocal. In the boundary layer, there can be significant horizontal temperature gradients and a balance between the pressure gradient and drag is assumed. Coupling between the two layers is mediated by the vertical velocity at the top of the boundary layer. The boundary layer constrains the circulation in three ways. First, it may lengthen the relaxation time scale compared to deep convection. Second, the evaporation in the nonconvecting region constrains the horizontal moisture advection. Third, it maintains a convective boundary layer where there is a convective mass flux; this condition cannot be satisfied if τc is too small or if the drag is too large, thus showing that such values are physically impossible. These results provide testable hypotheses concerning the physics and large-scale dynamics in weather and climate models.
Subgrid Precipitation Properties of Mesoscale Atmospheric Systems Represented by MODIS Cloud Regimes
Authors: Tan Jackson , Oreopoulos Lazaros
Published: January 2019

The distribution of mesoscale precipitation exhibits diverse patterns: precipitation can be intense but sporadic, or it can be light but widespread. This range of behaviors is a reflection of the different weather systems in the global atmosphere. Using MODIS global cloud regimes as proxies for different atmospheric systems, this study investigates the subgrid precipitation properties within these systems. Taking advantage of the high resolution of Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG; GPM is the Global Precipitation Measurement mission), precipitation values at 0.1° are composited with each cloud regime at 1° grid cells to characterize the regime’s spatial subgrid precipitation properties. The results reveal the diversity of the subgrid precipitation behavior of the atmospheric systems. Organized convection is associated with the highest grid-mean precipitation rates and precipitating fraction, although on average only half the grid is precipitating and there is substantial variability between different occurrences. Summer extratropical storms have the next highest precipitation, driven mainly by moderate precipitation rates over large areas. These systems produce more precipitation than isolated convective systems, for which the lower precipitating fractions balance out the high intensities. Most systems produce heavier precipitation in the afternoon than in the morning. The grid-mean precipitation rate is also found to scale with the fraction of precipitation within the grid in a faster-than-linear relationship for most systems. This study elucidates the precipitation properties within cloud regimes, thus advancing our understanding of the precipitation structures of these atmospheric systems.
Cognitive Biases about Climate Variability in Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia
Authors: Waldman Kurt B. , Vergopolan Noemi , Attari Shahzeen Z. , Sheffield Justin , Estes Lyndon D. , Caylor Kelly K. , Evans Tom P.
Published: January 2019

Given the varying manifestations of climate change over time and the influence of climate perceptions on adaptation, it is important to understand whether farmer perceptions match patterns of environmental change from observational data. We use a combination of social and environmental data to understand farmer perceptions related to rainy season onset. Household surveys were conducted with 1171 farmers across Zambia at the end of the 2015/16 growing season eliciting their perceptions of historic changes in rainy season onset and their heuristics about when rain onset occurs. We compare farmers’ perceptions with satellite-gauge-derived rainfall data from the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station dataset and hyper-resolution soil moisture estimates from the HydroBlocks land surface model. We find evidence of a cognitive bias, where farmers perceive the rains to be arriving later, although the physical data do not wholly support this. We also find that farmers’ heuristics about rainy season onset influence maize planting dates, a key determinant of maize yield and food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings suggest that policy makers should focus more on current climate variability than future climate change.
School-level (dis)advantage and adolescents’ substance-use behaviours: The role of collective efficacy and norms
Authors: Olsson Gabriella , Modin Bitte
Published: January 2019

Drawing upon ideas stemming from social disorganisation theory, this study explores how structural and social aspects of the school context affect youth substance-use behaviours in terms of smoking, alcohol and/or drug use. A key focus is to investigate the joint effect of school collective efficacy and schools’ substance-use norms on students’ substance use. Analyses are based on combined information from two independent data collections conducted in 2014 among ninth grade students ( n = 5122) and teachers ( n = 1105) in 81 senior-level schools in Stockholm. Results from multilevel analyses confirm previous research by suggesting that the proneness to engage in substance use varies depending on the socioeconomic profile of the school. Youth in socioeconomically advantaged schools were more prone to engage in substance use than youth in disadvantaged school settings. Furthermore, collective incentives for exerting social control against substance use seem to be weaker in schools where conventional values towards substance use (anti-substance-use norms) are suppressed.
Bevacizumab as Treatment for Epistaxis in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Literature Review
Authors: Kini Sameer D. , Yiu Daniel W. , Weisberg Reid A. , Davila Juan F. , Chelius Daniel C.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Severe, recurring epistaxis is the most common symptom of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasias (HHT). Current treatment modalities range from noninvasive treatments that frequently fail to achieve even short-term control to surgeries and systemic therapies that carry significant risk of complications. Recently, bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, has been proposed as an alternative option to alleviate epistaxis symptoms in HHT.

Objective:

To review the current literature regarding the use of bevacizumab for the treatment of epistaxis in patients with HHT and provide guidance on its usage for this indication.

Methods:

A narrative literature review was performed to analyze various methods and dosages of bevacizumab administration for the treatment of HHT-related epistaxis, along with a review of current treatment modalities and their drawbacks.

Results:

The current standard of care for HHT-related epistaxis consists of treatments that are largely ineffective or invasive with significant potential complications. Submucosal bevacizumab has demonstrated efficacy in reducing frequency, duration, and severity of epistaxis in those with HHT.

Conclusion:

Given the inadequacies and potential drawbacks of current treatments for epistaxis in HHT, there is a need for new therapeutic options. Submucosal bevacizumab has been effective with a limited risk profile in a number of studies and should now be considered as a treatment option for refractory epistaxis. Controlled studies are recommended to quantify optimal dosing, treatment schedule, and specific subpopulations that will respond best to this treatment.
Angels in the Clouds: Stillbirth and Virtual Cemeteries on 50 YouTube Videos
Authors: Sani Livia , Laurenti Dimanche Anne-Charlotte , Bacqué Marie-Frédérique
Published: January 2019

Today every aspect of our life is published and shared online, including grief. The virtual cemeteries and social networks’ use could be considered as a new modern mortuary ritual. Starting from the keyword stillbirth, 50 videos published on YouTube since 2008 have been analyzed qualitatively. The videos, 70% published by the mother, with an average length of 5.52 minutes, a mean of 2,429,576 views and 2,563 of comments, follow a sort of script: the second part with black and white photos, background music, and religious references. Could the continuous access to the child’s technological grave encourage a complicated grief or be a support, given by the interaction with users, limiting the sense of isolation. The parent shows his or her own conceptions about death and, as a modern baptism, presents the child to the whole society. Videos keep child’s memory alive and fuel a process of personalization and tenderness in the user.
The Social Pipeline: How Friend Influence and Peer Exposure Widen the STEM Gender Gap
Authors: Raabe Isabel J. , Boda Zsófia , Stadtfeld Christoph
Published: January 2019

Individuals’ favorite subjects in school can predetermine their educational and occupational careers. If girls develop weaker preferences for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), it can contribute to macrolevel gender inequalities in income and status. Relying on large-scale panel data on adolescents from Sweden (218 classrooms, 4,998 students), we observe a widening gender gap in preferring STEM subjects within a year (girls, 19 to 15 percent; boys, 21 to 20 percent). By applying newly developed random-coefficient multilevel stochastic actor-oriented models on social network data (27,428 friendships), we investigate how social context contributes to those changes. We find strong evidence that students adjust their preferences to those of their friends (friend influence). Moreover, girls tend to retain their STEM preferences when other girls in their classroom also like STEM (peer exposure). We conclude that these mechanisms amplify preexisting preferences and thereby contribute to the observed dramatic widening of the STEM gender gap.
Grandparents as the Primary Care Providers for Their Grandchildren: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Chinese and U.S. Samples
Authors: Wang Chiachih DC , Hayslip Bert , Sun Qiwu , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: January 2019

This study compared American and Chinese caregiving grandparents regarding variables reflecting challenges and resources in dealing with the demands of raising a grandchild. A total of 238 grandparent caregivers in the United States and 106 Chinese grandparent caregivers were sampled and completed research questionnaires for this study. Analyses indicated that after controlling for grandparents’ gender, age, health, length of caregiving, and number of grandchildren, main effects for culture were significant for parental efficacy, authoritative parenting style, grandchild negative interpersonal dynamics, role satisfaction, well-being, and attachment to the grandchild. Correlational findings provided further understanding of cross-cultural similarities and differences in grandparent caregiving. Findings are discussed in the context of the globality of grandparent caregiving and the salience of family dynamic and values among Chinese grandparent caregivers. These findings also underscore the lack of supportive services for Chinese grandparents in light of their personal adaptive qualities and the demands of raising a grandchild.
Age‐Related Trends of Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy: Analysis of US Inpatient Data from 2005 to 2013
Authors: Echanique Kristen A. , Govindan Aparna , Mohamed Omar M. , Sylvester Michael , Baredes Soly , Yu‐Lan Ying Mary , Kalyoussef Evelyne
Published: January 2019

Objectives

As the country ages, thyroidectomies can be expected to be performed more frequently among the elderly. In this study, we stratified patients by age to explore demographics and complications of patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Study Design

Retrospective study with a national database.

Setting

Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 414,079 thyroidectomy cases from 2005 to 2013 were identified. Complications, outcomes, demographics, length of stay, and hospital charges were evaluated among patients and stratified by age into 4 cohorts: younger (<65 years), advanced age (65‐74 years), elderly (75‐84 years), and superelderly (≥85 years).

Results

Of 414,079 thyroidectomy cases identified, patients aged <65 years accounted for 75.6% of cases, while those aged 65‐74, 75‐84, and ≥85 years accounted for 16.3%, 7.2%, and 0.9%, respectively (P <. 001). There was a significant difference in length of stay, total hospital charges, and mortality throughout the different age groups (P <. 001), all trending upward with advancing age. In the aging population, incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, transfusion of erythrocytes, and acute cardiac complications increased with increasing age (P <. 001), while hypoparathyroidism decreased with age ≥65 but ≤85 years (P <. 001). Patients aged ≥75 years had increased odds of mortality as compared with their younger counterparts (P <. 001).

Conclusion

This study utilized a national database to describe and elucidate trends in older populations undergoing thyroidectomy. Thyroid‐related complications, including blood transfusion and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, increased with increasing patient age. This information will help to guide pre‐ and postoperative care for aging patients undergoing thyroidectomy.
Development of a 34-in. Tall Thrie-Beam Guardrail Transition to Accommodate Future Roadway Overlays
Authors: Rosenbaugh Scott K. , Faller Ronald K. , Schmidt Jennifer D. , Bielenberg Robert W.
Published: January 2019

Roadway resurfacing and overlay projects effectively reduce the height of roadside barriers placed adjacent to the roadway, which can negatively affect their crashworthiness. More recently, bridge rails and concrete barriers have been installed with slightly increased heights to account for future overlays. However, adjacent guardrails and approach transitions have not yet been modified to account for overlays. The objective of this project was to develop an increased-height approach guardrail transition (AGT) to be crashworthy both before and after roadway overlays of up to 3 in. The 34-in. tall, thrie-beam transition detailed here was designed such that the system would be at its nominal 31-in. height following a 3-in. roadway overlay. Additionally, the upstream end of the AGT incorporated a symmetric W-to-thrie transition segment that would be replaced by an asymmetric transition segment after an overlay to keep the W-beam guardrail upstream from the transition at its nominal 31-in. height. The 34-in. tall AGT was connected to a modified version of the standardized buttress to mitigate the risk of vehicle snag below the rail. The barrier system was evaluated through two full-scale crash tests in accordance with Test Level 3 (TL-3) of AASHTO’s Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) and satisfied all safety performance criteria. Thus, the 34-in. tall AGT with modified transition buttress was determined to be crashworthy to MASH TL-3 standards. Finally, implementation guidance was provided for the 34-in. tall AGT and its crashworthy variations.
The Tensions of Transparency in Urban and Environmental Planning
Authors: Marantz Nicholas J. , Ulibarri Nicola
Published: January 2019

Government transparency is generally uncontroversial, intuitively appealing, and held to be a cornerstone of planning practice. This article systematically reviews planning scholars’ treatment of government transparency in the twenty-first century. We find that transparency frequently underpins key theoretical constructs and policy prescriptions, but scholars rarely define or operationalize the term and generally treat it as unproblematic. We then identify how transparency requirements can conflict with the goals of accountability, participation, and inclusion, and we conclude by discussing the implications for assessing the role of transparency in social change.
Linguistic Markers of Stance and Genre in Upper-Level Student Writing
Authors: Aull Laura
Published: January 2019

Stance is a growing focus of academic writing research and an important aspect of writing development in higher education. Research on student writing to date has explored stance across different levels, language backgrounds, and disciplines, but has rarely focused on stance features across genres. This article explores stance marker use between two important genre families in higher education—persuasive argumentative writing and analytic explanatory writing—based on corpus linguistic analysis of late undergraduate and early graduate-level writing in the Michigan Corpus of Upper-Level Student Papers (MICUSP). The specific stance markers in the study, both epistemic and textual cues, have been shown to distinguish student writing across levels; this study, then, extends the analysis to consider the comparative use of these markers across genres. The findings show two stance expectations persistent across genres as well as significant distinctions between argumentative and explanatory writing vis-à-vis stance markers that intensify and contrast. The findings thus point to important considerations for instruction, assignment design, and future research.
Hyaluronic Acid Filler Emergency Kit
Authors: Fakih-Gomez Nabil , Orte-Aldea Maria del Carmen , Poonja Kartik , Khanna Deepak
Published: January 2019

Widespread use of facial filler has led to a rise in reports of associated complications. The aim of this kit is to encompass all needed items to treat the patient and to be organized and prepared to provide correct treatment in urgent situations. A search was performed to gather information on the treatment of complications that occur after injection of soft tissue fillers. The search included reports published in English up to June 2018. We focused on reports of complications arising from emergent/urgent situations following the use of hyaluronic acid injectables; these included filler embolization resulting in impending skin necrosis, blindness or partial loss of vision, and anaphylaxis. We collated treatment of emergent complications from our search of published articles. There were 2 described protocols for filler complications in the literature. One protocol, the “old” protocol, was based on a low dose of hyaluronidase with longer intervals of injections and ancillary treatment. This protocol did not show good results in comparison with the “new” protocol, which was needed to improve these results. The new protocol demonstrated that a high dose of hyaluronidase had better efficacy; this protocol involves hourly injections with no ancillary treatment required except for aspirin. We propose a filler emergency kit (FEK) to deal with complications of hyaluronic acid fillers according to the new protocol to manage the stresses caused by these situations. Every physician needs to be prepared for any potential complication; therefore, there is a need to have a FEK as a crash kit in the clinic to avoid distressing the physician and the patient.
Management, European Works Councils and institutional malleability
Authors: Pulignano Valeria , Waddington Jeremy
Published: January 2019

We show that most managers responsible for European Works Councils do not comply with the information and consultation requirements stipulated in legislation, and cite stock market regulations as the principal reason for non-compliance. Compared to employee representatives, managers also downplay the importance of articulation between European Works Councils and national institutions of labour representation, using them to achieve managerial objectives. We thus illustrate the ‘malleability’ of European Works Councils and argue that further regulatory intervention is required if they are to function as information and consultation institutions as originally intended by EU policy makers.
Holocene evolution of closed depressions and its relation to landscape dynamics in the loess areas of Poland
Authors: Kołodyńska-Gawrysiak Renata
Published: January 2019

Past Pleistocene topography of the loess uplands is rich in local sinks (closed depressions (CDs)) influencing sediment fluxes. Soil-sediment sequences from CDs constituting geoarchives where landscape changes under natural and anthropogenic conditions have been recorded. Pedo-sedimentary archives from 10 CDs in the Polish loess belt and human settlements were analysed. Phases of the Holocene evolution of the CDs were correlated with landscape dynamics in loess areas in Poland and Central Europe. Phases of infilling of CDs occurring (2) from the late Boreal/early Atlantic Period until the (middle) late Bronze Age/early Iron Age and (4) since the early Middle Ages until today were documented. These were phases of long-term soil erosion and colluviation corresponding to the increasing agricultural land use of Polish loess uplands. Phases of soil formation related to geomorphic stabilization of CDs occurred (1) from the late Vistulian until the late Boreal/early Atlantic Period and (3) from the late Bronze Age/early Iron Age until the early/high Middle Ages. These were phases of decreased soil erosion and landform conservation in a considerable part of Poland’s loess areas. Pedo-sedimentary archives from the CDs have recorded soil erosion strongly related with human-induced land-use changes. The mean soil erosion rate in the catchment of CDs was 0.33 t·ha−1·yr−1 during prehistory and 4.0 t·ha−1·yr−1 during the last approximately 1000 years. Phases of CD evolution are representative for the main phases of sediment and landscape dynamics in Poland’s loess areas recorded in various archives, and are not synchronous with some of these phases in Central Europe.
Raccoons accumulate PrPSc after intracranial inoculation of the agents of chronic wasting disease or transmissible mink encephalopathy but not atypical scrapie
Authors: Moore S. Jo , Smith Jodi D. , Richt Jürgen A. , Greenlee Justin J.
Published: January 2019

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of misfolded prion protein (PrPSc) in the brain and other tissues. Animal prion diseases include scrapie in sheep, chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids, and transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) in ranch-raised mink. We investigated the susceptibility of raccoons to various prion disease agents and compared the clinicopathologic features of the resulting disease. Raccoon kits were inoculated intracranially with the agents of raccoon-passaged TME (TMERac), bovine-passaged TME (TMEBov), hamster-adapted drowsy (TMEDY) or hyper TME (TMEHY), CWD from white-tailed deer (CWDWtd) or elk (CWDElk), or atypical (Nor98) scrapie. Raccoons were euthanized when they developed clinical signs of prion disease or at study endpoint (<82 mo post-inoculation). Brain was examined for the presence of spongiform change, and disease-associated PrPSc was detected using an enzyme immunoassay, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. All raccoons inoculated with the agents of TMERac and TMEBov developed clinical disease at ~6.6 mo post-inoculation, with widespread PrPSc accumulation in central nervous system tissues. PrPSc was detected in the brain of 1 of 4 raccoons in each of the CWDWtd-, CWDElk-, and TMEHY-inoculated groups. None of the raccoons inoculated with TMEDY or atypical scrapie agents developed clinical disease or detectable PrPSc accumulation. Our results indicate that raccoons are highly susceptible to infection with raccoon- and bovine-passaged TME agents, whereas CWD isolates from white-tailed deer or elk and hamster-adapted TMEHY transmit poorly. Raccoons appear to be resistant to infection with hamster-adapted TMEDY and atypical scrapie agents.
An Interprofessional Quality Improvement Training Program That Improves Educational and Quality Outcomes
Authors: Baernholdt Marianne , Feldman Moshe , Davis-Ajami Mary Lynn , Harvey L. Dale , Mazmanian Paul E. , Mobley Debbie , Murphy Jenifer K. , Watts Carolyn , Dow Alan
Published: January 2019

A key component of quality improvement (QI) is developing leaders who can implement QI projects collaboratively. A yearlong interprofessional, workplace-based, continuing professional development program devoted to QI trained 2 cohorts of teams (dyads or triads) to lead QI projects in their areas of work using Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology. Teams represented different specialties in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They spent 4 to 6 hours/week on seminars, online modules, bimonthly meetings with a QI coach, and QI project work. Evaluations conducted after each session included pre–post program QI self-efficacy and project milestones. Post-program participants reported higher levels of QI self-efficacy (mean = 3.47; SD = 0.39) compared with pre program (mean = 2.02, SD = 0.51; P = .03, Cohen’s d = 3.19). Impact on clinical units was demonstrated, but varied. The coach was identified as a key factor for success. An interprofessional, workplace-based, continuing professional development program focused on QI increased QI knowledge and skills and translated to improvements in the clinical setting.
Usability Testing and Feedback Collection in a School Context: Case Poetry Machine
Authors: Kantosalo Anna , Riihiaho Sirpa
Published: January 2019

Evaluation methods emphasizing children’s natural interaction help in getting feedback from children for product development. This paper presents a case study with 9- to 10-year-old children in a school context. The evaluated system was an artificial intelligence–based poetry writing system, and the methods used were peer tutoring with paired interviews and group testing with a new Feedback Game. The evaluation criteria included the number of usability problems, usefulness, and fun. The applicability of the methods is discussed along with the resources required. Peer tutoring revealed numerous problems, whereas group testing and the Feedback Game were quick to conduct and analyze.
Changes in Mannose-Binding Lectin and Collectin Kidney 1 Levels in Sepsis Patients With and Without Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Hayakawa Mineji , Ohtani Katsuki , Wakamiya Nobutaka
Published: January 2019

In sepsis, systemic coagulation activation frequently causes disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and the uncontrolled activation of the complement system can induce multiple organ dysfunction and poor prognosis. This study aimed to examine the association of DIC with levels of collectin kidney 1 (CL-K1), a novel collectin of the complement system, and mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a classical-type collectin in patients with sepsis. We collected blood samples prospectively from adult patients with sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from day 1 (admission) to day 5. The CL-K1 and MBL levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and DIC was diagnosed by using a scoring algorithm. The correlation of CL-K1 and MBL levels with other coagulation markers was analyzed. There were 37 patients with DIC (DIC group) and 15 without DIC (non-DIC group). Compared to the non-DIC group, the DIC group had more severe conditions and higher mortality. During the 5 days after ICU admission, plasma CL-K1 levels were similar between the groups, but plasma MBL levels were significantly lower in the DIC group. Plasma CL-K1 levels were weakly correlated with prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and antithrombin levels; plasma MBL levels were weakly correlated with fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product levels and DIC score. In conclusion, during the first 5 days of ICU admission, plasma CL-K1 levels were similar between the DIC and non-DIC groups. However, plasma MBL levels were lower in the DIC group compared to the non-DIC group, and the significance of this difference grew gradually over time.
Internal uniform hydrostatic stresses in a three-phase non-elliptical inclusion subjected to a nearby concentrated couple
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: January 2019

We apply conformal mapping techniques with analytic continuation to study the existence of a uniform hydrostatic stress field inside a non-elliptical inclusion bonded to an infinite matrix via a finite thickness interphase layer when the matrix is simultaneously subjected to a concentrated couple as well as uniform remote in-plane stresses. We show that the desired internal uniform hydrostatic stress field is possible for given material and geometric parameters provided a certain constraint is placed on the remote loading. Subsequently, when the single loading parameter, five material parameters and three geometric parameters are prescribed, all of the unknown complex coefficients appearing in the series representing the corresponding conformal mapping function can be uniquely determined from a set of nonlinear recurrence relations. We find that the internal uniform hydrostatic stress field, the constant mean stress in the interphase layer and the hoop stress along the inner interface on the interphase layer side are all unaffected by the existence of the concentrated couple whereas the non-elliptical shape of the (three-phase) inclusion is attributed solely to the influence of the nearby concentrated couple.
Evaluation and modeling of changes in shelf life, firmness and color of ‘Hass’ avocado depending on storage temperature
Authors: Sierra Neidy M , Londoño Alexandra , Gómez José M , Herrera Aníbal O , Castellanos Diego A
Published: January 2019

In this study, ‘Hass’ avocado samples were stored at different temperatures to determine changes in firmness, color and other physicochemical support properties throughout the storage time and to represent shelf life depending on temperature from the evolution of these quality properties. From the experimental data, a set of models were adjusted to represent the change of each property as a function of time and temperature by using a first-order kinetics to represent the evolution of lightness (L*) and the chromatic coordinate b*, and a logistic equation to represent firmness and a*. The effect of temperature was represented by using Arrhenius equations. From the models of firmness and color, suitable equations were obtained to predict shelf life considering the relationship with the senescence stage (between 20 and 33 days). All the models were adjusted satisfactorily, obtaining regression coefficients higher than 0.95. In order to determine the predictive capacity of the proposed models, a validation experiment was carried out by storing fruits at 12 ℃ until reaching the senescence stage. With the models, it was possible to satisfactorily predict the changes in color and firmness and it was possible to estimate the shelf life time at 12 ℃ (28 ± 3.1 days).
Knowledge and Awareness of Human Papillomavirus Among College Students in South Carolina
Authors: Kasymova Salima , Harrison Sayward E , Pascal Caroline
Published: January 2019

Despite the existence of a safe and effective vaccine, human papillomavirus (HPV) remains prevalent in the United States, with late adolescence and early adulthood being periods of increased risk. Thus, targeting college-aged individuals for HPV prevention and vaccination promotion is critical—particularly in regions such as the Deep South where vaccination rates remain low. This study sought to examine awareness and knowledge of HPV as well as experiences and attitudes regarding HPV vaccination among college students in the Deep South. Specifically, we completed a cross-sectional survey of 256 undergraduate students from a large public university in South Carolina. Although a majority of participants were aware of HPV, significant knowledge gaps existed, particularly regarding prevention, symptoms, and consequences of HPV infection. Participants were also largely unaware of men’s susceptibility for negative HPV outcomes. Multivariate regression modeling was used to identify predictors of HPV knowledge, with results indicating that participants who were female and white, as well as those who were vaccinated, had higher levels of HPV knowledge. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive HPV education on college campuses and offer insights to priority populations that may be appropriate focuses of efforts to increase HPV knowledge and vaccination rates.
Assessing quality of glycemic control: Hypo- and hyperglycemia, and glycemic variability using mobile self-monitoring of blood glucose system
Authors: Guo Sophie Huey-Ming
Published: January 2019

Although mobile applications bring potential benefits of metabolic control for patients with diabetes, their effect on glycemic fluctuation has been less widely explored. The goal of this study was to utilize data from the Mobile Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose System to obtain a picture of the metabolic progression. Twenty-seven adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited to receive a mobile diabetes self-care system for a six-week period. The approach to the interpretation of glycemic control patterns, utilizes the following methods: 1) Graphical displays of the percentage of hyper-and-hypoglycemia episodes; 2) Pattern recognition of glycemic variability based on a simple equation involving both the standard deviation and the mean. Analytical results reveal that short-term usage of the developed system stabilizes the week-by-week glycemic fluctuations. Four categories were established to distinguish different patterns of patients’ glycemic variation. If patterns of glycemic control can be recognized or interpreted by newly designed mobile applications, then the collection and analysis of metabolic variation will greatly help both health care providers and patients in effective diabetes management.
Using Audio Prompting to Assist Monolingual Speech-Language Pathologists to Teach English–Spanish Vocabulary to English Learners
Authors: Rivera Pérez Jean F. , Creaghead Nancy A. , Washington Karla , Guo Ying , Raisor-Becker Lesley , Combs Sandra
Published: January 2019

This research investigates the effectiveness of using a child’s first language (L1), specifically Spanish, with Audio Prompting (AP) delivered via a tablet computer by monolingual English-speaking clinicians to enhance vocabulary growth in the L1 and second language (L2) of children who are English Learners (ELs). Outcomes of vocabulary instruction for Spanish-speaking preschoolers assigned to one of three groups: (a) Spanish–English instruction ( n = 14) with Spanish delivered through AP, (b) English-only instruction ( n = 14), and (c) control group ( n = 15) indicates that both Spanish–English instruction and English-only instruction may result in greater gains in English naming when compared with no instruction. Importantly, Spanish–English instruction may produce greater gains in English definition as well as Spanish naming and definition when compared with no instruction, with outcomes maintained post instruction. AP can be useful to increase L1 and L2 vocabulary and definition in ELs, once monolingual English-speaking speech-language pathologist is trained in the use of AP.
Successful Percutaneous Treatment of an Embolized Patent Ductus Arteriosus Occluder Device
Authors: Barutçu Süleyman , Alizade Elnur , Pala Selcuk
Published: January 2019

Transcatheter closure has become the leading approach for closure of most instances of patent ductus arteriosus. However, there are some complications associated with this procedure. We report a case involving the embolization of a device in the right pulmonary artery during placement. A 20-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for percutaneous transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus. During the deployment of an Amplatzer duct occluder device, it was disconnected from the connector and became embolized in the lower branch of the right pulmonary artery. We could not grasp the device with a gooseneck snare. After various attempts, the device was captured and removed by a BiPal bioptome endomyocardial biopsy forceps. Based on our findings, we recommend that endomyocardial biopsy forceps should be considered as an alternative when such complications occur.
Effect of water temperature on a simple suspension method for lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablets
Authors: Chono Sumio , Matsui Megumi , Nakamura Katsuki
Published: January 2019

In this study, we examined the physical properties, including disintegration, passage through a nasogastric administration tube, and acidoresistance, of one branded and five generic formulations of lansoprazole orally disintegrating (OD) tablets containing enteric-coated granules to examine the feasibility of a simple suspension method. The generic tablets immediately disintegrated in warm (55°C) and lukewarm water (35°C) and released the enteric-coated granules, which passed through an administration tube. Moreover, the released enteric-coated granules were stable under a simulated gastric acid environment. However, although the branded tablet disintegrated in warm water, the released enteric-coated granules formed aggregates that did not pass through the administration tube. Meanwhile, the granules released from the branded tablet in lukewarm water did not form aggregates. The present study demonstrated the applicability of a simple suspension method using warm or lukewarm water for generic lansoprazole OD tablets. Additionally, the method is applicable to branded lansoprazole OD tablets using lukewarm water.
Expression and methylation status of LAMA2 are associated with the invasiveness of nonfunctioning PitNET
Authors: Wang Ruo-Qiang , Lan Yu-Long , Lou Jia-Cheng , Lyu Yi-Zhu , Hao Yu-Chao , Su Qian-Fei , Ma Bin-Bin , Yuan Zhong-Bo , Yu Zhi-Kuan , Zhang Hong-Qiang , Wang Dong-Sheng , Zhu Ting-Zhun , Ding Yan , Zhang Ning , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2019

The laminin subunit alpha 2 (LAMA2) gene encodes an alpha 2 chain, which constitutes one of the subunits of laminin 2 (merosin) and laminin 4 (s-merosin). In the current study, we investigated the relationship between LAMA2 promoter methylation status and the invasiveness of clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (PitNETs). Specimens from patients with nonfunctioning PitNET were classified into three groups according to preoperative computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging findings: a normal group ( n = 6), non-invasive group ( n = 11) and invasive group ( n = 6). LAMA2 expression was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting, and the methylation status of the LAMA2 promoter region was observed using sodium bisulfite sequencing. Furthermore, 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine was used to explore the relationship between decreased LAMA expression and methylation in PitNET cells. According to the RT-qPCR and western blotting results, LAMA2 expression was downregulated in invasive PitNET, while the methylation of the LAMA2 promoter was increased. Methylation of the LAMA2 promoter decreased the expression of LAMA2. Thus, changes in LAMA2 expression due to promoter methylation were inversely correlated with the invasiveness of PitNET and the protein functions as a tumor suppressor. In addition, overexpression and demethylation of LAMA2 suppressed the invasion of PitNET cells, partially by exerting effects on the PTEN-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Furthermore, a xenograft model was also generated, and LAMA2 overexpression significantly suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Thus, LAMA2 expression and methylation patterns might be used as biomarkers to predict the prognosis of patients with PitNET.
Distributional consequences of technological change: Worker-level evidence
Authors: Kurer Thomas , Gallego Aina
Published: January 2019

This paper explores the employment trajectories of workers exposed to technological change. Based on individual-level panel data from the UK, we first confirm that the share of middle-skilled routine workers has declined, while non-routine jobs in both high- and low-skilled occupations have increased, consistent with country-level patterns of job polarization. Next, we zoom in on the actual transition patterns of threatened routine workers. Despite the aggregate decline in routine work, most affected workers manage to remain in the labor market during the time they are in the study: about 64% “survive” in routine work, 24% switch to other (better or worse paying) jobs, almost 10% exit routine work via retirement and only a small minority end up unemployed. Based on this finding, the final part of our analysis studies the economic implications of remaining in a digitalizing occupational environment. We rely on an original approach that specifically captures the impact of information and communication technology at the industry level on labor market outcomes and find evidence for a digital Matthew effect: while outcomes are, on average, positive, it is first and foremost non-routine workers in cognitively demanding jobs that benefit from the penetration of new technologies in the workplace. In the conclusions, we discuss if labor market polarization is a likely source of intensified political conflict.