bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay between microglial states and major risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease through the eyes of single-cell RNA-sequencing: beyond black and white
Authors: von Maydell Djuna , Jorfi Mehdi
Published: July 2019

Microglia constitute ~10–20% of glial cells in the adult human brain. They are the resident phagocytic immune cells of the central nervous system and play an integral role as first responders during inflammation. Microglia are commonly classified as “HM” (homeostatic), “M1” (classically activated proinflammatory), or “M2” (alternatively activated). Multiple single-cell RNA-sequencing studies suggest that this discrete classification system does not accurately and fully capture the vast heterogeneity of microglial states in the brain. In fact, a recent single-cell RNA-sequencing study showed that microglia exist along a continuous spectrum of states. This spectrum spans heterogeneous populations of homeostatic and neuropathology-associated microglia in both healthy and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse brains. Major risk factors, such as sex, age, and genes, modulate microglial states, suggesting that shifts along the trajectory might play a causal role in AD pathogenesis. This study provides important insight into the cellular mechanisms of AD and underlines the potential of novel cell-based therapies for AD.
Transsaccadic integration benefits are not limited to the saccade target
Authors: Stewart Emma E. M. , Schütz Alexander C.
Published: July 2019

Across saccades, humans can integrate the low-resolution presaccadic information of an upcoming saccade target with the high-resolution postsaccadic information. There is converging evidence to suggest that transsaccadic integration occurs at the saccade target. However, given divergent evidence on the spatial specificity of related mechanisms such as attention, visual working memory, and remapping, it is unclear whether integration is also possible at locations other than the saccade target. We tested the spatial profile of transsaccadic integration, by testing perceptual performance at six locations around the saccade target and between the saccade target and initial fixation. Results show that integration benefits do not differ between the saccade target and surrounding locations. Transsaccadic integration benefits are not specific to the saccade target and can occur at other locations when they are behaviorally relevant, although there is a trend for worse performance for the location above initial fixation compared with those in the direction of the saccade. This suggests that transsaccadic integration may be a more general mechanism used to reconcile task-relevant pre- and postsaccadic information at attended locations other than the saccade target.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that integration of pre- and postsaccadic information across saccades is not restricted to the saccade target. We found performance benefits of transsaccadic integration at attended locations other than the saccade target, and these benefits did not differ from those found at the saccade target. This suggests that transsaccadic integration may be a more general mechanism used to reconcile pre- and postsaccadic information at task-relevant locations.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Transcriptomic Data Reveals Novel Key Genes Regulating Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose Stem Cells
Authors: Cheng Jinluo , Zhao Xinyuan , Liu Juan , Cui Li , Zhu Yanfeng , Yuan Xiaoqing , Gao Jianbo , Du Yunfeng , Yan Xinmin , Hu Shen
Published: July 2019

Adipose stem cells (ASCs) are an attractive cell source for treating many human diseases including osteoporosis. However, the molecular mechanisms accounting for ASC osteogenesis are poorly known. In this study, ASCs were first isolated from the fat tissues from the patients with osteoporosis. The global transcriptome profile between osteogenic differentiated ASCs and undifferentiated ASCs was compared using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Then, bioinformatic analysis was performed to reveal the central genes and pathways that regulated the osteogenic differentiation of ASCs. One of the interested genes C5AR1 was chosen for further investigation. A total of 1521 upregulated and 3020 downregulated genes were identified between the ASCs with osteogenic induction and controls. Functional gene ontology analysis revealed that these significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with cell cycle, protein binding, and nucleotide binding. Pathway analysis showed that many canonical pathways, such as the MAPK signaling pathway and the PI3K-AKT pathway, might actively be involved in regulating osteogenic differentiation of ASCs. A total of three subnetworks and 20 central nodes were identified by the protein-protein interaction analysis. In addition, the expression level of C5AR1 was significantly increased during osteogenic differentiation of ASCs. The downregulation of C5AR1 dramatically reduced the expression levels of osteogenic differentiation biomarkers and calcium nodule formation capacity. Collectively, we have provided a number of novel genes and pathways that might be indispensable for ASC osteogenic differentiation. Manipulating the levels of this candidate gene might contribute to the osteoporosis therapy.
A Density Peak Clustering Algorithm Based on the K‐Nearest Shannon Entropy and Tissue‐Like P System
Authors: Jiang Zhenni , Liu Xiyu , Sun Minghe
Published: July 2019

This study proposes a novel method to calculate the density of the data points based on K‐nearest neighbors and Shannon entropy. A variant of tissue‐like P systems with active membranes is introduced to realize the clustering process. The new variant of tissue‐like P systems can improve the efficiency of the algorithm and reduce the computation complexity. Finally, experimental results on synthetic and real‐world datasets show that the new method is more effective than the other state‐of‐the‐art clustering methods.
Typhoon Cloud System Identification and Forecasting Using the Feng-Yun 4A/Advanced Geosynchronous Radiation Imager Based on an Improved Fuzzy Clustering and Optical Flow Method
Authors: Wang Gen , Wang Dongyong , Han Wei , Yin Jian
Published: July 2019

This study adopted an improved fuzzy clustering and optical flow method for the multiscale identification and forecasting of a cloud system based on the cloud images from a 10.8-micron infrared channel of the Advanced Geosynchronous Radiation Imager. First, we used the locally constrained fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering method to identify typhoon-dominant cloud systems. Second, we coupled the background field-constrained optical flow method with the semi-Lagrangian scheme to forecast typhoon-dominant cloud systems. The experimental results for Typhoon Maria showed that the improved FCM method was able to effectively identify changes in the cloud system while retaining its edge information through the effective removal of the offset field. The identified dominant cloud system was consistent with the precipitation field of the Global Precipitation Measurement mission. We optimized the semi-Lagrangian nonlinear extrapolation of the optical flow field by introducing background field information, thus improving the forecast accuracy of the optical flow field. Based on the assessment indicators of structural similarity, normalized mutual information, peak signal-to-noise ratio, relative standard deviation, and root mean square error, the forecast results demonstrated that the forecast effect of the background field-constrained optical flow method was better than that of the standard optical flow method.
Experimental Study on Influence of Vaporous Water on Salt Expansion of Sulfate Saline Soil
Authors: Peng Shuquan , Wang Fan , Fan Ling
Published: July 2019

The harm of salt expansion of saline soil in arid areas has always been a major problem to be solved urgently. According to the conversion rule between sodium sulfate and sodium sulfate decahydrate, sodium sulfate decahydrate crystals can be precipitated from sodium sulfate solution by cooling. Besides, when the relative humidity (RH) exceeds the critical relative humidity (CRH), sodium sulfate decahydrate can be formed by the combination of sodium sulfate and vaporous water, resulting in the salt volume expansion. However, at present, in the salt expansion mechanism of sulfate saline soil, only the influence of liquid water is considered while vaporous water is not involved. To study the effects of temperature, salinity, and ARH on salt expansion, the salt expansion test of dry sulfate saline soil under the action of vaporous water was conducted, and its composition was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technology. Experimental results showed that sodium sulfate decahydrate crystals were produced in the sulfate saline soil if the relative humidity (RH) of pore gas exceeded the critical one so that salt expansion occurred. Salt expansion and salt expansion rate of sulfate saline soil increased with the increase of RH and salinity but decreased with the increase of temperature. Therefore, the new salt expansion mechanism of sulfate saline soil under vaporous water is verified. The experimental results further perfected the original salt expansion mechanism of sulfate saline soil under the action of liquid water and guided the study of new treatment methods of sulfate saline soil.
Prediction Method for Hydraulic Conductivity considering the Effect of Sizes of Ellipsoid Soil Particles from the Microscopic Perspective
Authors: Shen Caihua , Zhu Jun , Gu Wenbo
Published: July 2019

In the existing research studies of hydraulic conductivity, most of them assume that soil consists of spheroidal particles and the value of hydraulic conductivity can be designated by the particle size. In the actual soil layers, the shape of soil particles is mostly ellipsoid or rod‐like rather than ideal sphere. Therefore, the prediction of soil permeability using current method often deviates from the actual situation and cannot capture the anisotropy nature of soil without consideration of the effect of the axis size of soil particles in two different directions. To solve this problem, a new theoretical model with three different soil particle arrangements is introduced to derive a new hydraulic conductivity‐particle size relationship considering the size difference in two directions. This model, from a microscopic perspective, divides pores into numerous pore units and obtains hydraulic conductivity of each tube unit, eventually predicting the permeability of soil layer based on an equivalence principle. The proposed equation is validated in comparison with experimental data from the existing literature and is proved to have a satisfied accuracy to predict hydraulic conductivity for a wide range of soils, from bentonite‐silt mixed soils to sandy soils. The proposed model provides a new perspective for accurately predicting the hydraulic conductivity.
An Improved Taguchi Algorithm Based on Fitting and Prediction for Linear Antenna Array Synthesis
Authors: Xu Xiaomin , Liao Cheng , Cheng Youfeng , Peng Fan
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a Taguchi method based on fitting and prediction is proposed to accelerate the optimization process in antenna array synthesis. The implementation procedure combines the normal Taguchi method and the curve fitting technique. A possible solution is determined by prediction based on fitting curves. Specifically, the fitting curves are obtained by using the dynamic points calculated and updated as the Taguchi method progress and recorded in the response table necessarily produced in the procedure. Test functions are used for conducting some confirmation experiments, and the results verify the validity of the proposed method. In order to illustrate its good practicability, two linear antenna arrays with a null controlled pattern and a flat top pattern, respectively, are successfully optimized by using both of the normal Taguchi method and the proposed one. Some comparisons and discussions of their results are given in the paper, which proves that the proposed method has a better practicability, not only because it inherits the global optimization characteristics of the normal Taguchi method but also because it accelerates the convergence process.
A Benzenediamine Analog FC-99 Drives M2 Macrophage Polarization and Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Gong Wei , Zhu Haiyan , Lu Li , Hou Yayi , Dou Huan
Published: July 2019

Macrophages have variable functional phenotypes, high diversity, and plasticity and are involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced liver injury. Alteration of macrophage polarization through activated (M1) macrophage to alternatively activated (M2) macrophage has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy. This study was designed to explore the effect of a benzenediamine analog FC-99 on macrophage polarization in vitro and lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced liver injury followed by the underlying mechanisms. For in vitro experiments, FC-99 inhibited M1-related macrophage factors and promoted M2-related markers induced by IL-4 in the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7. Moreover, FC-99-induced macrophages polarized to M2 phenotype which could be repressed by a PPAR-γ inhibitor but not STAT6 siRNA knockdown, indicating FC-99-induced M2 macrophage polarization through PPAR-γ rather than STAT6 signal. In LPS-induced septic mice, FC-99 pretreated mice displayed lower expression of M1 markers together with the increased M2 marker CD206 and improvement of liver injury. These findings illustrated that FC-99 could promote M2 macrophage polarization via PPAR-γ signaling and seemed to be a potential therapeutic candidate for inflammatory liver injury.
Investigation and Improvement of Bursting Force Equations in Posttensioned Anchorage Zone
Authors: Lee Young Hak , Kim Min Sook
Published: July 2019

In posttensioned concrete members, the high local stress under the anchorage causes transverse tensile stress. Therefore, it is very important to predict the bursting force to determine appropriate reinforcement details. In the present work, the existing equations of the bursting force for the anchorage zone were evaluated and an equation for the bursting force based on finite element analysis was proposed to improve the model’s accuracy. Parametric analysis was performed considering the anchorage shape, tendon angle, and eccentric distance. The analytical results indicate that the existing equations underestimate or overestimate the bursting force. The proposed equation is able to predict the bursting force reasonably well for an anchorage zone with rectangular bearing plate, cavity, and eccentric distance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Use in the Treatment of Acute Heart Failure in Western Medicine Hospitals in China: Analysis From the China PEACE Retrospective Heart Failure Study
Authors: Yu Yuan , Spatz Erica S. , Tan Qi , Liu Shuling , Lu Yuan , Masoudi Frederick A. , Schulz Wade L. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Li Jing ,   the China PEACE Collaborative Group
Published: July 2019

Background

Traditional Chinese medicine (
TCM
) is used in the treatment of many conditions, including heart failure (
HF
), although it is not well characterized.

Methods and Results

We conducted a retrospective analysis of
TCM
use in a random sample of hospitalizations for
HF
within a random sample of Western medicine hospitals in China in 2015 using data from the China PEACE 5r‐HF (China Patient‐Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events 5 Retrospective Heart Failure Study). We describe the frequency of
TCM
use and its association with patient characteristics, in‐hospital use of evidence‐based therapies, and hospital characteristics using hierarchical logistic regression models. Finally, we assessed risk‐adjusted in‐hospital bleeding and mortality. Among 10 004 patients hospitalized with
HF
(median age, 73 years; 48.9% women) from 189 hospitals, 74.7% received
TCM
(83.3% administered intravenously). The most commonly used agent was Salvia miltiorrhiza (51.2%). Patients with coronary artery disease (odds ratio [
OR]
, 1.73; 95%
CI
, 1.53–1.95) or stroke (
OR
, 1.32; 95%
CI
, 1.15–1.51) were more likely to receive
TCM
; there was no correlation with evidence‐based therapy use. Nearly all hospitals (99.4%) used
TCM
, with substantial variation across hospitals (median OR, 3.29; 95%
CI
, 2.82–3.76). In‐patient bleeding (
OR
, 1.39; 95%
CI
, 1.03–1.88) and mortality (
OR
, 1.36; 95%
CI
, 1.04–1.79) were higher with Salvia miltiorrhiza, although not with other
TCM
s.

Conclusions

In a nationally representative sample of patients hospitalized with acute
HF
in China, three fourths received
TCM
. Nearly all hospitals used
TCM
, although use varied substantially by hospital. Although
TCM
was not used in lieu of evidence‐based therapies for
HF
, we found a signal for harm with the most commonly used
TCM
.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02877914.
Conioscypha tenebrosa sp. nov. (Conioscyphaceae) from China and notes on Conioscypha species
Authors: LIU NING-GUO , BHAT D. JAYARAMA , HYDE KEVIN D. , LIU JIAN-KUI (JACK)
Published: July 2019

Conioscypha is an asexual morph genus placed in the family Conioscyphaceae. During our study of brown-spored hyphomycetes, a new taxon C. tenebrosa was found on decaying wood collected in Guizhou Province, China. The new species is characterized by having micronematous, hyaline conidiophores which are often reduced to conidiogenous cells, with a cup-shaped, percurrently developed, multi-collaretted phialide, and globose to subglobose, obovoid conidia with broadly rounded apex and subtruncate base. The phylogenetic analysis of combined LSU, SSU, ITS and RPB2 sequence data showed that isolates of C. tenebrosa are phylogenetically distinct from other species. Conioscypha tenebrosa sp. nov. is therefore introduced here with a description and morphological illustration. Taxonomic notes and a morphological comparison of Conioscypha species are provided.
ErratumAguilera, G., Mirande, J.M. & Azpelicueta, M.M. (2009) A new species of Cnesterodon (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from a small tributary of arroyo Cuñá-Pirú, río Paraná basin, Misiones, Argentina. Zootaxa, 2195, 3442.
Authors: AGUILERA G. , MIRANDE J. M. , AZPELICUETA M. M.
Published: July 2019

(Erratum)
The geographic distribution of echiurans in the Atlantic Ocean (Phylum Echiura)
Authors: BISESWAR RAMLALL
Published: July 2019

This report provides a checklist of the echiurans from the Atlantic Ocean and maps their distribution. Investigations on the taxonomy of this group since the publication of the monograph by Stephen and Edmonds (1972) on the phyla Sipuncula and Echiura have yielded two new genera, 12 new species and 13 new records. Currently the echiuran fauna of the Atlantic comprises three families, 25 genera and 63 species. The family Bonelliidae contains 35 species in 18 genera; the Echiuridae is represented by six genera and 27 species, and the Urechidae by a single species Urechis chilensis (Müller). This study shows that the Atlantic has a relatively high species diversity, comprising about 38% of the known world fauna. Bonelliids alone comprise about 56% of the echiuran fauna of the Atlantic. An analysis of distribution is given in relation to general biogeographic regions and faunistic provinces. Dichotomous keys for the identification of genera and species of echiurans from the Atlantic is provided. The North Temperate component is the richest and most diverse, making up about 68% of the Atlantic echiuran fauna; 25 species have been recorded from within the tropics; and the South Temperate component is poorly represented, with only about 19% of the total fauna. The cosmopolitan component is also poorly represented, with only four species, so far, known. Thirteen species of echiurans are provisionally considered to be endemic to the Atlantic. Members of the Echiuridae are usually shallow-water inhabitants of intertidal and subtidal zones while bonelliids exhibit a higher species richness on deeper bottoms of all oceans, mostly at depths of 1000–6000 m in the Atlantic.
Glabrimycetoporus amoenus, a new tachyporine genus and species of Mesozoic Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) from Liaoning, China
Authors: YUE YANLI , ZHAO YUNYUN , REN DONG
Published: July 2019

A new genus and species of well-preserved fossil Staphylinidae is described and illustrated. Glabrimycetoporus amoenus Yue, Zhao & Ren, gen. et sp. nov. is assigned to the tribe Mycetoporini in the subfamily Tachyporinae based on the following characters: head more or less inserted into prothorox, the tenth abdominal tergite broad and oblong; antennal insertions exposed and located anterior to a line drawn between anterior edges of eyes; body strongly tapered to the narrow head and abdominal apex. The specimen was discovered in the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, NE China.
Phyllomedusa itacolomi Caramaschi, Cruz & Feio, 2006, a junior synonym of Phyllomedusa ayeaye (B. Lutz, 1966) (Hylidae, Phyllomedusinae)
Authors: BAÊTA DÉLIO , CARAMASCHI ULISSES , CRUZ CARLOS ALBERTO G. , POMBAL JR. JOSÉ P.
Published: July 2019

Based on the analysis of the type specimens and recently collected specimens, the taxonomic status of Phyllomedusa ayeaye (B. Lutz, 1966) and Phyllomedusa itacolomi Caramaschi, Cruz & Feio, 2006 is reevaluated. We concluded that both species are morphologically indistinguishable therefore the name Phyllomedusa itacolomi is designated as a junior synonym of Phyllomedusa ayeaye. Additionally, we suggest the removal of P. ayeaye from Red Lists of threatened species.
A new hermit crab (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguroidea: Paguridae) from the eastern North Pacific
Authors: NG NGAN KEE , MCLAUGHLI PATSY A.
Published: July 2019

A new intertidal species of the hermit crab genus Pagurus, recently discovered on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, is described and illustrated. This species, Pagurus holmi n. sp., is compared and contrasted to other regional shallowwater species.
A Taxonomic Review of the Australian Butterfly Ray Gymnura australis (Ramsay & Ogilby, 1886) and Other Members of the family Gymnuridae (Order Rajiformes) from the Indo-West Pacific
Authors: JACOBSEN IAN P. , BENNETT MIKE B.
Published: July 2019

The taxonomy of G. australis was examined as part of a wider review of Indo-West Pacific Gymnuridae species. The study revealed two distinct morphological variants: G. australis var. eastern Australia and G. australis var. northern Australia. Gymnrua australis var. eastern Australia has ≤ 3 complete or partially-complete white tail-bands and may or may not have a dorsal fin. Gymnura australis var. northern Australia has a longer tail region, always possesses a dorsal fin and has ≥ 4 predominantly complete white tail-bands. Morphological and genetic comparisons indicate the observed differences were intraspecific (1.22% genetic gap difference). Wider morphometric comparisons between Indo-West Pacific gymnurids, revealed species differ principally in tail morphology. Dorsal-fin development in G. zonura also varied intraspecifically. Results obtained from the study, help clarify the taxonomic status of the family and provide strong evidence that all Gymnuridae species belong to a single genus Gymnura, with Aetoplatea subsequently defined as a junior synonym.
A new species of the genus Mesonemoura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) and a key to the males of species known from China
Authors: LI WEIHAI , YANG DING
Published: July 2019

A new species of the genus Mesonemoura, M. yulongana Li & Yang, sp. nov., is described from Yunnan Province, China. Its relationship with related species is discussed. A key to males of the 12 known species from China is provided.
Pterygosoma (Pterygosoma) pseudotrapelus sp. nov. (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae)—ectoparasite of Pseudotrapelus sinaitus (Squamata: Agamidae) from Jordan
Authors: BOCHKOV ANDRE V. , MELNIKOV DANIEL A. , MELNIKOV ROMAN. A.
Published: July 2019

A new ectoparasitic mite species, Pterygosoma (Pterygosoma) pseudotrapelus sp. nov. (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) is described from Pseudotrapelus sinaitus (Squamata: Agamidae) collected from Jordan. According to leg setation, this species belongs to group 4 established by Jack (1964). It differs from the other three species of the group by the following female characters: from P. sinaita Jack by the presence of 15–18 pairs of long peripheral setae (vs. 3–4 pairs of short setae in P. sinaita), and 1 pair of strong and stout genital setae (vs. 3 short spur-like setae); from P. foliosetis Jack by the long peripheral setae with slightly expanded tips (vs. strongly expanded setae in P. foliosetis), barbed filiform anterior-lateral setae (vs. smooth expanded setae), and pseudoanal setae being much longer than wide (vs. as long as wide setae); from P. rhipidostichata Bertrand et al. by the presence of 23–28 pairs of antero-lateral setae (vs. over 50 pairs in P. rhipidostichata), peripheral setae slightly expanded apically (vs. pointed setae), presence of a pair of the stout genital setae (vs. lacking genital setae), and the presence of 4 pairs of pseudoanal setae of uniform shape (vs. 5 pairs of setae of different shape).
Calliscelio elegans (Perkins), a tramp species, and a review of the status of the genus Caenoteleia Kieffer (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae)
Authors: MASNER LUBOMÍR , JOHNSON NORMAN F. , MUSETTI LUCIANA
Published: July 2019

The monobasic genus Caenoteleia Kieffer (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) is considered to be a junior synonym of the widespread and common genus Calliscelio Ashmead, new synonymy. Calliscelio elegans (Perkins) is redescribed, transferred to Calliscelio, new combination, and its geographic distribution documented. Originally described from Hawai‘i, this species is widespread through the tropics. The species likely is distributed by human commerce, possibly in association with cricket pests (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) of sugar cane.
New water mites species (Acariformes: Hydrachnidia) from the Far East of Russia
Authors: TUZOVSKIJ PETR V. , SEMENCHENKO KSENIA A.
Published: July 2019

Illustrated descriptions of five water mite species, Sperchon (Hispidosperchon) nevelskoii sp. n., Teutonia (Subteutonia) minor sp. n., Lebertia (Mixolebertia) sokolowi sp. n., Mixobates amurensis sp. n. and Feltria (Feltria) orientalis sp. n., from running and standing waters of the Far East of Russia are presented.
Systematics of the Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula; Serpentes: Colubridae) and the burden of heritage in taxonomy
Authors: PYRON R. ALEXANDER , BURBRINK FRANK T.
Published: July 2019

We present a systematic revision of the Lampropeltis getula group, based on a recent range-wide phylogeographic analysis. We define our theoretical and operational concepts of species delimitation, and provide diagnoses based on mitochondrial DNA evidence, ecological niche modeling, morphology, and historical precedence. We find support for the recognition of five distinct species, which bear the name of the nominate subspecies found primarily within the range of each phylogeographic lineage: the Eastern lineage (Lampropeltis getula, Eastern Kingsnake), the Mississippi lineage (L. nigra, Black Kingsnake), the Central lineage (L. holbrooki, Speckled Kingsnake), the Desert lineage (L. splendida, Desert Kingsnake), and the Western lineage (L. californiae, California Kingsnake). Interestingly, all of these taxa had originally been described as distinct species and recognized as such for up to 101 years (in the case of L. californiae) before being demoted to subspecies. We discuss the impact that increasingly detailed genetic information from phylogeographic analyses may have on traditional taxonomy.
Living with HIV in post-Soviet states: Rejecting individual stigma through social activism
Authors: Sultan Aysel , Mažeikienė Natalija
Published: July 2019

This article addresses the continuing resilience of two post-Soviet governments – Azerbaijan and Lithuania – against community-based engagement and social protection of HIV-positive people by exploring the challenges of two social activists. The analysis shows how basic social and medical needs of people living with HIV/AIDS remain unmet, while stigmatisation informs the local health policies and manifests as a protective mechanism against contrary promotion effects. The findings call for urgent policy changes to prevent the further suffering of these people because of poor state strategies. The aim is to help further intervention practices and improve social care services for HIV-positive people in the two countries.
It Is More Than Just Alcohol: A Criminological Perspective on Routine Drinking Activities, Opportunity, and Alcohol-Related Crashes
Authors: Stringer Richard , White Garland , Gainey Randy , Triplett Ruth
Published: July 2019

This project expands on the “routine drinking activities” perspective by examining alcohol outlets, alcohol-related crashes, and theoretically derived contextual measures. Using census tract–level data from two U.S. cities, we draw on the prevention literature and routine activities theory to develop measures of alcohol availability and context. Spatially lagged regression models examined both direct and conditional relationships between alcohol outlets and alcohol-related crashes. Results indicate that the alcohol outlet and crash relationship was moderated by contextual factors (e.g., driving under the influence [DUI] enforcement and environmental hazards). Thus, alcohol availability may be just a part of a broader community system that affects the opportunity for alcohol-related crashes to occur.
Designing Democratic Innovations as Deliberative Systems: The Ambitious Case of NHS Citizen
Authors: Dean Rikki , Boswell John , Smith Graham
Published: July 2019

What does it mean to design democratic innovation from a deliberative systems perspective? The demand of the deliberative systems approach that we turn from the single forum towards the broader system has largely been embraced by those interested in designing institutions for citizen participation. Nevertheless, there has been no analysis of the practical implications for democratic innovation. Is it possible to design differentiated but interconnected participatory and deliberative settings? Does this better connect democratic innovations to mass politics? Does it promote greater legitimacy? This article analyses one such attempt to design a systems-oriented democratic innovation: the ambitious NHS Citizen initiative. Our analysis demonstrates, while NHS Citizen pioneered some cutting-edge participatory design, it ultimately failed to resolve (and in some cases exacerbated) well-known obstacles to institutionalisation as well as generating new challenges. To effectively realise democratic renewal and reform, systems-oriented democratic innovation must evolve strategies to meet these challenges.
Female Genital Mutilation in Rural Regions of Iraqi Kurdistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abdulah Deldar Morad , Sedo Bewar Abdulaziz , Dawson Angela
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

Although female genital mutilation (FGM) is illegal in Iraqi Kurdistan, FGM continues to be performed frequently in Muslim communities in the region. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the prevalence of FGM among females living in rural areas of Iraqi Kurdistan; (2) assess the attitudes toward FGM of mothers, village community leaders, and religious leaders; and (3) compare the prevalence of FGM by maternal education.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional, double-randomized study of rural areas in Iraqi Kurdistan, we used a semi-structured questionnaire to interview 1657 mothers of 5048 daughters, 192 mullahs (religious leaders), and 386 mokhtars (community leaders). We examined data on maternal education level, daughters’ ages, whether daughters had experienced FGM, and attitudes about FGM.

Results:

A total of 2361 of 5048 (46.8%) daughters had experienced FGM. Of 1643 mothers, 565 (34.4%) supported FGM for their daughters in the future, although 825 of 1652 (49.9%) mothers were aware that it was illegal. Eighty-six of 192 (44.8%) mullahs and 339 of 382 (88.7%) mokhtars supported abandoning the practice of FGM. Support for FGM was significantly higher among uneducated mothers than among educated mothers (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-1.72; P < .001) and significantly higher among mothers with ≤9 years of education than among mothers with >9 years of education (PR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.17-2.35; P = .003).

Conclusions:

FGM continues to be prevalent in rural areas of Iraqi Kurdistan. Public health interventions in this region are needed to improve knowledge about the harmful effects of FGM, its illegality, and the importance of prevention, particularly targeting leaders and households with low education levels.
Opioid Overdose Hospitalization Trajectories in States With and Without Opioid-Dosing Guidelines
Authors: Sears Jeanne M. , Fulton-Kehoe Deborah , Schulman Beryl A. , Hogg-Johnson Sheilah , Franklin Gary M.
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

High-risk opioid-prescribing practices contribute to a national epidemic of opioid-related morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine whether the adoption of state-level opioid-prescribing guidelines that specify a high-dose threshold is associated with trends in rates of opioid overdose hospitalizations, for prescription opioids, for heroin, and for all opioids.

Methods:

We identified 3 guideline states (Colorado, Utah, Washington) and 5 comparator states (Arizona, California, Michigan, New Jersey, South Carolina). We used state-level opioid overdose hospitalization data from 2001-2014 for these 8 states. Data were based on the State Inpatient Databases and provided by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, via HCUPnet. We used negative binomial panel regression to model trends in annual rates of opioid overdose hospitalizations. We used a multiple-baseline difference-in-differences study design to compare postguideline trends with concurrent trends for comparator states.

Results:

For each guideline state, postguideline trends in rates of prescription opioid and all opioid overdose hospitalizations decreased compared with trends in the comparator states. The mean annual relative percentage decrease ranged from 3.2%-7.5% for trends in rates of prescription opioid overdose hospitalizations and from 5.4%-8.5% for trends in rates of all opioid overdose hospitalizations.

Conclusions:

These findings provide preliminary evidence that opioid-dosing guidelines may be an effective strategy for combating this public health crisis. Further research is needed to identify the individual effects of opioid-related interventions that occurred during the study period.
Necropolitics and the Slow Violence of the Everyday: Asylum Seeker Welfare in the Postcolonial Present
Authors: Mayblin Lucy , Wake Mustafa , Kazemi Mohsen
Published: July 2019

This article responds to dual calls for researching and theorising everyday social phenomena in postcolonial studies on the one hand, and serious engagement with the postcolonial within the discipline of sociology on the other. It focuses on the everyday lives of asylum seekers living on asylum seeker welfare support in the UK. Asylum seekers offer a good case study for exploring the postcolonial everyday because they live in poverty and consequently experience daily harms at the hands of the state, despite the UK fulfilling its obligations to them under human rights law. The article proposes a conceptual framework drawing together sociologies of the everyday, necropolitics and slow violence in tracing how hierarchical conceptions of human worth impact on the everyday.
Statistical characteristics for the defect occurrence of raw silk
Authors: Xu Jian-mei , Zhou Ying , Niu Jiantao , Wu Dongping , Bai Lun
Published: July 2019

In order to consider different defects that occur during the computer simulation of raw silk size series, it is necessary to find out the statistical characteristics for the defect occurrence of raw silk. Under the newest International Organization for Standardization standard for electronic testing of raw silk, the defects are classified into small slubs, big slubs, thick places, thin places, and small imperfection elements. By analyzing some probability distributions that happen during the silk reeling process and the formation of the defects, the study proposed that Pólya distribution may fit better than Poisson distribution in describing the number of defects formed in a certain length of silk filament. To verify this theoretical deduction experimentally, the defects for 15 lots of raw silk were tested every 1000 meters using an electronic tester for raw silk; each time 12 skeins were tested together and each test was repeated from 13 to 17 times. A goodness-of-fit test method for Poisson and Pólya distributions was deduced, which was used to analyze the statistical characteristics for the defects except for small imperfection elements. The results showed that when using the capacitive sensor, the defects of big slubs, small slubs, and thick places had a Pólya distribution with a weak spreading characteristic; the thin places were a combination of independent Pólya distributions, and each subclass of thin places took Pólya distribution; when using the optical sensor, all the defects had a Pólya distribution, which was in line with the theoretical deduction.
Preparation and characterization of composite fibrous membranes for oil spill cleanup
Authors: Dong Xuan , Zheng Yuansheng , Xin Binjie , Lin Lantian , Zhang Fuli
Published: July 2019

In this study, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun fibrous membranes were manufactured and applied for oil spill cleanup. Two kinds of composite fibrous membranes composed of PAN electrospun fibrous membranes and polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate (PE/PET) core-shell fiber nonwoven fabric were fabricated. The fibrous structure, mechanical properties and surface wettability for water and oil, as well as oil absorption capacities and dynamic oil retention of the membranes, were investigated in detail. The addition of nonwoven fabric significantly enhanced the tensile strength of the PAN fibrous membranes. The oil absorption mechanisms of different membranes were studied as well. The sandwich structure composite fibrous membranes exhibited excellent mechanical property and oil absorption capacity, making it a promising candidate for treatment of oily wastewater.
The Making of New York’s Avenue of the Americas: Transnational Circuits of Urban Renewal
Authors: Siwi Marcio
Published: July 2019

This article explores the revitalization of the Avenue of the Americas. It follows the efforts of leading New Yorkers to transform the Avenue into a more profitable space while turning it into the political, commercial, and cultural capital of the Western Hemisphere. Using a transnational perspective, the article argues that the remaking of the Avenue must be understood in relation to the growing involvement of New York reformers in Latin America, especially São Paulo. It illustrates how New York urban reformers’ perception of São Paulo as a rising city and that of Brazil (and Latin America) as important allies to the United States during and after World War II (WWII) served as catalysts for growth as these actors—especially Robert Moses—strove to establish New York’s global dominance. By focusing on the networks of exchange between São Paulo and New York, this article sheds light on the ideological origins of New York’s urban renewal projects.
Distributed finite-time tracking for multiple uncertain mechanical systems with dead-zone input and external disturbances
Authors: Jia Jihong , Xie Xia , Zhang Zhikai , Duan Guangren
Published: July 2019

This paper addresses the distributed finite-time tracking problem for multiple uncertain mechanical systems with dead-zone input and external disturbances. An observer-based adaptive finite-time consensus protocol is designed, which consists of two steps. Firstly, distributed observers are developed such that all the mechanical systems can obtain the leader’s state in finite settling time. Then, based on backstepping method and adding a power integrator technique, the finite-time consensus protocol and appropriate adaptive laws are designed to track the estimated leader’s state. Rigorous proofs show that the tracking errors between each mechanical system and the leader can converge to a small neighborhood of origin in finite time despite the presence of dead-zone nonlinearity and external disturbances. Finally, simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
State and Trait Anxiety and Diabetes Outcomes in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Rechenberg Kaitlyn , Szalacha Laura , Salloum Alison , Grey Margaret
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory pilot study was to examine the associations of state and trait anxiety with glycemic control, self-management, and diabetes-specific quality of life (QOL) in youth 10 to 16 years of age with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

Bivariate Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression modeling were conducted to examine the relationship among anxiety symptoms, hemoglobin A1C (A1C), self-management, QOL, and covariates.

Results

A sample of 67 adolescents was 50.7% female, and 87.1% were non-Hispanic white, with a mean ± SD age of 13.4 ± 1.85 years and an A1C of 8.3% ± 1.2% (67 mmol/mol). Higher state anxiety was correlated with older age. Better self-management was correlated with lower trait anxiety and lower state anxiety. Higher state and trait anxiety were associated with poorer self-management. Higher state anxiety was associated with higher A1C. Higher trait anxiety was associated with poorer diabetes-specific QOL.

Conclusions

State and trait anxiety may differentially affect diabetes outcomes. State anxiety may be a modifiable target for physiologic (A1C) and psychosocial (QOL) outcomes in youth with T1D, while trait anxiety may be a modifiable target for psychosocial outcomes (QOL). Anxiety symptoms should be assessed at regular clinic visits. Interventions to improve anxiety symptoms may in turn improve physiologic and psychosocial outcomes.
Styles of Valuation: Algorithms and Agency in High-throughput Bioscience
Authors: Lee Francis , Helgesson Claes-Fredrik
Published: July 2019

In science and technology studies today, there is a troubling tendency to portray actors in the biosciences as “cultural dopes” and technology as having monolithic qualities with predetermined outcomes. To remedy this analytical impasse, this article introduces the concept styles of valuation to analyze how actors struggle with valuing technology in practice. Empirically, this article examines how actors in a bioscientific laboratory struggle with valuing the properties and qualities of algorithms in a high-throughput setting and identifies the copresence of several different styles. The question that the actors struggle with is what different configurations of algorithms, devices, and humans are “good bioscience,” that is, what do the actors perform as a good distribution of agency between algorithms and humans? A key finding is that algorithms, robots, and humans are valued in multiple ways in the same setting. For the actors, it is not apparent which configuration of agency and devices is more authoritative nor is it obvious which skills and functions should be redistributed to the algorithms. Thus, rather than tying algorithms to one set of values, such as “speed,” “precision,” or “automation,” this article demonstrates the broad utility of attending to the multivalence of algorithms and technology in practice.
The Posthumanities in an Era of Unexpected Consequences
Authors: Braidotti Rosi , Fuller Matthew
Published: July 2019

The posthumanities constitute an affirmative, expanded development of the traditional humanities embedded within the posthuman convergence. Numerous changes impel recognition of wider forms and constituents of conditions no longer nameable simply as human, also implying mature relations to technology and science. The posthuman condition – in fields as diverse as military strategy, health, education and machine learning – brings entities and processes into transversal relation in ways that are normatively neutral but loaded with implications. Working in this condition is a task of the posthumanities. Being transversal implies risk. One such risk is the unexpected consequence. The article builds on Jevons, Merton, Guattari and Braidotti, to examine how transversality maps unexpected consequences (such as pollution). Transversality is also a pragmatic method to render problems multi-dimensional: expressing active forces and capacities under the radar of established forms of articulation. Short summaries of articles by contributing authors complete this introduction.
Aortic root and ascending aorta dimensions in acute aortic dissection
Authors: Koechlin Luca , Macius Evelina , Kaufmann Josefin , Gahl Brigitta , Reuthebuch Oliver , Eckstein Friedrich , Berdajs Denis A
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

Aim of this study was to evaluate ascending aorta and aortic root dimension at acute type A dissection (acute aortic dissection) and to identify demographics elements being allied to the acute event.

Methods:

In a period between 2009 and 2017, 225 (n = 71, 32% female, mean age = 63 ± 12 years) patients eligible for analysis of ascending aorta and 223 (n = 70, 31% female, mean age = 63 ± 13 years) of aortic root were included in this study. Aortic diameter was assessed in preoperative computed tomography scan. The predissection diameters were modeled from the diameters obtained at diagnosis, assuming 30% augmentation of the diameter at acute event.

Results:

The mean diameter of the ascending aorta at dissection was 46 ± 8 mm and the modeled diameter was 32.3 ± 5.7 mm. The diameter of the aortic root at dissection was 42 ± 8 mm and modeled diameter was 29.5 ± 5.6 mm. In multivariate analysis, female gender (p = 0.026) and history of cerebrovascular event (p = 0.001) were associated with acute aortic dissection in small aortic root. Patient age (p < 0.001) and history of inguinal hernia (p = 0.001) in ascending aorta <55 mm correlated with acute aortic dissection.

Conclusion:

Modeling indicates that more than 90% of patients had aortic root and ascending aorta diameter <45 mm. It seems that the aortic diameter expansion over the 55 mm in development of acute aortic dissection is overestimated. Parameters other than aortic size were identified, which may be considered when patients at high risk for dissection were identified.
Effect of resistance of the exercise band on the peak femoral vein velocity during active ankle flexion
Authors: Tsuda Kouji , Takahira Naonobu , Ejiri Motoki , Sakai Kenta , Sakamoto Miki , Akamine Akihiko
Published: July 2019

Objective

To examine the resistance effect of using an exercise band on the lower extremity venous velocity during active ankle flexion.

Methods

Twenty healthy young adult men performed active ankle flexion every 2 s either with no band or with two exercise bands, marked red and silver in the order of increasing tension. They held the band in its natural length with an elbow in extension and an ankle in maximal dorsiflexion at initiation of each active plantar flexion in each posture. The peak velocity in the right superficial femoral vein was measured in each condition.

Results

Holm’s multiple comparisons revealed significant increases in the mean (individual 95% confidence intervals) peak velocities (cm/s) with no, red, and silver bands (35.8 (28.9–42.7), 46.5 (38.8–54.3), and 56.9 (47.0–66.8), respectively, in the sitting posture, and 50.7 (39.2–62.3), 60.7 (46.8–74.6), and 69.0 (55.3–82.7), respectively, in the supine posture; all p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Resistance with the exercise bands efficiently enhanced the femoral venous velocity during active ankle plantar flexion.