bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology of new Indian/Indonesian Gamasomorpha and Xestaspis species (Araneae: Oonopidae)
Authors: EICHENBERGER BEATA , KRANZ-BALTENSPERGER YVONNE , OTT RICARDO , GRABER WERNER , NENTWIG WOLFGANG , KROPF CHRISTIAN
Published: March 2019

The oonopid genera Gamasomorpha and Xestaspis are very diverse and differ only by the shape of the booklung covers.New Indian/Indonesian Gamasomorpha and Xestaspis species, characterized by sternal furrows consisting of large, drop-like pits are described. Fourteen species are newly described (G. asterobothros n. sp., G. keri n. sp., G. petoteca n. sp., G.insomnia n. sp., G. ophiria n. sp., G. squalens n. sp., G. coniacris n. sp., G. raya n. sp., G. fricki n. sp., G. schmilingi n. sp.,X. kandy n. sp., X. paulina n. sp., X. semengoh n. sp., X. biflocci n. sp.); two species are redescribed (G. seximpressa andG. taprobanica). The high significance of somatic features for species identification, the degree of intraspecific variationand the complexity of the female genitalia are remarkable. The current work suggests that a phylogenetic revision of thegenera Gamasomorpha and Xestaspis and an examination of the validity of the shape of the booklung covers of these two genera are needed.
Taxonomic study and morphology based phylogeny of the patagonic clade Liolaemus melanops group (Iguania: Liolaemidae), with the description of three new taxa
Authors: S. ABDALA C. , SEMHAN R. V. , AZOCAR D. L. MORENO , BONINO M. , PAZ M. M. , CRUZ F.
Published: March 2019

The genus Liolaemus is a group of lizards with more than 230 recognized species, which have been grouped in differentclades and subgroups. One of the monophyletic groups is the one of Liolaemus boulengeri or “the patch group”; this cladeitself is integrated by several monophyletic groups: the groups Liolaemus anomalus, Liolaemus wiegmanii, Liolaemusdarwinii and Liolaemus melanops. The latter group is constituted almost exclusively by Patagonian lizards, and it is ourfocal group. In the present work we describe three new species belonging to the Liolaemus melanops group. One of thenew taxon described, Liolaemus tromen sp. nov., is related to the Liolaemus fitzingerii clade, inhabits in the Center-Westof Neuquén Province, and was confused initially with Liolaemus hermannunezi, a mountain Chilean species. The secondspecies described, Liolaemus purul sp. nov., belongs to the Liolaemus telsen clade, inhabits in the center and north-westof Neuquén Province, and was confused first with Liolaemus boulengeri and then with Liolaemus loboi. While the thirdspecies, Liolaemus dumerili sp. nov., is basal of the L. goetschi group, inhabits in the center-south of Río Negro provinceand was considered as Liolaemus melanops. In addition, we present a phylogenetic analysis based in the morphology and we contribute with a dichotomic key for males of the Liolaemus melanops group.
A new species of Nemapalpus Macquart (Diptera, Psychodidae, Bruchomyiinae) from caverns in Minas Gerais State in southeastern Brazil
Authors: BRAVO FREDDY , BARATA RICARDO ANDRADE
Published: March 2019

A new species of Nemapalpus Macquart collected in caverns in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, is described and named Nemapalpus spinosus sp. nov. A current list of the western hemisphere species of the genus is provided.
Review of the bryozoan genus Bryopesanser Tilbrook, 2006 (Escharinidae: Cheilostomata) with the description of 11 new species
Authors: TILBROOK KEVIN J.
Published: March 2019

Geographically widespread material originally assigned to the Floridan species Bryopesanser pesanseris (Smitt, 1873)was thoroughly examined and found to mask a hitherto unknown diversity. Smitt’s (1873) species has previously beennoted as “well-known and widely distributed” but this is not the case. This paper reviews the species previously assignedto Bryopesanser Tilbrook, 2006 (B. pesanseris, B. capitaneus, B. grandicella, and B. latesco) and describes 11 new species(B. tonsillorum n. sp., B. gardineri n. sp., B. puncturella n. sp., B. thricyng n. sp., B. ascendosolaris n. sp., B. ecphyma-totes n. sp., B. hebelomaia n. sp., B. lobiones n. sp., B. crebricollis n. sp., B. baderae n. sp., B. tiara n. sp.). All the Bry-opesanser species are, to a greater or lesser extent, geographically limited in their distribution. However, two species aremore widespread than the rest and truly Indo-Pacific in their distribution: B. latesco is recorded from the Red Sea, acrossthe Indo-Pacific to the Caribbean coast of Panama; B. tonsillorum n.sp. is even more broadly distributed, from Sri Lanka and Indonesia to the Pacific coast of Colombia and also West Africa.
François-Louis Comte de Castelnau (1802–1880) and the mysterious disappearance of his original insect collection
Authors: EVENHUIS NEAL L.
Published: March 2019

A brief biography of François Louis Comte de Castelnau is presented, correcting his birthdate and surname, and the ultimate fate of his original personal collection of insects and other natural history material is discussed.
Gobiid fishes of the genus Bryaninops from the Red Sea, with description of two new species and two new records
Authors: SUZUKI TOSHIYUKI , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , RANDALL JOHN E.
Published: March 2019

Three species of the gobiid fish genus Bryaninops were previously known for the Red Sea: B. natans, B. ridens, and B.yongei. Two new species are described, B. discus, similar to B. loki, differing in coloration and in having dish-like insteadof cup-like pelvic fins in adults; and B. spongicolus, closely related to B. dianneae from Fiji, distinct in having shorterpelvic fins, a rounded instead of truncate caudal fin, and differences in life color. Bryaninops loki and B. tigris are reportedas first records for the Red Sea, the former from a specimen from Sudan and an underwater photo from the Sinai Peninsula, the latter from an underwater photo taken off Egypt.
How diverse is sponge fauna in the Adriatic Sea?
Authors: BAKRAN-PETRICIOLI TATJANA , RADOLOVIĆ MIRKO , PETRICIOLI DONAT
Published: March 2019

The Adriatic Sea can be considered as a large, mostly shallow embayment of the Mediterranean Sea. The latitudinal SE-NW extension of the Adriatic results in considerable climate differences along its coast. In this work we compiled the listof sponges from classes Demospongiae and Homoscleromorpha recorded in the Adriatic up to now: we performed a thor-ough literature check and we added the results of our decade long research with a special emphasis on sponge fauna inmarine caves. All the records were assigned to the North, Middle or South Adriatic according to their geographic location,and the analysis showed a very high similarity among the sponge fauna of the 3 areas. The likeness between the N. andthe M. Adriatic is over 83 %, between the M. and the S. Adriatic over 76 % and between the N. and the S. Adriatic over66 %. Altogether 283 species of sponges from these two classes (our field data and literature survey) have been recordedin the whole Adriatic up to now, which is a considerably higher number than in previous reviews. Among the 125 speciesthat we found so far in our research along the Croatian coast, 77 were found in marine caves. We are still discovering spe-cies not previously found in the Adriatic Sea (especially from cryptic habitats) and here we report 15 new records for the Adriatic Sea, 9 of which were noted only in caves.
Lathrolestes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from Central Asia, with a key to the species of the tripunctor species-group
Authors: RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY
Published: March 2019

Six new species of Lathrolestes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) are described from Central Asia: L. obliquus sp. nov.from Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan; L. aitmatovi sp. nov. from Kyrgyzstan; L. kozlovi sp. nov. fromInner Mongolia, China; L. hovdensis sp. nov. from Mongolia; L. grahami sp. nov. from Sichuan, China; and L. ruficaudussp. nov. from Tadjikistan. The tripunctor species-group is established and an illustrated key to species of this speciesgroup is provided.
Redescription of the grassland leafhopper genus Doraturopsis Lindberg (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Chiasmini) with description of a new genus and species from China
Authors: DUAN YANI , ZHANG YALIN
Published: March 2019

The deltocephaline leafhopper genus Doraturopsis Lindberg (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Chiasmini) andspecies D. heros (Melichar) are redescribed, and a new genus and species Zahniserius cylindricus, gen. n., sp. n. fromChina, with an aedeagus similar to that of Doraturopsis, are described. Keys are provided to separate the genera of Chinese Chiasmini Distant and two species of Doraturopsis.
Wuelkerella toncekensis n. gen., n. sp. (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae) from Argentina
Authors: SUÁREZ DIEGO A. AÑÓN , SUBLETTE JAMES E.
Published: March 2019

A new chironomid genus Wuelkerella is described. Pupae collected from the ultraoligotrophic Lakes Tonĉek and Jujuy, inRío Negro Province, Argentina were individually reared to adults. Pupa and adult male and female of Wuelkerella toncekensis sp. n. show intermediate features of Alotanypus Roback, Brundiniella Roback and Radotanypus Fittkau et Murray.
A new species of Streothrips (Thysanoptera:Aeolothripidae) from Malaysia, with description of male and key to species
Authors: NG Y. F. , EOW L. X.
Published: March 2019

Streothrips moundi sp. n. is described from Malaysia based on both sexes, and a key is provided to the three known speciesof this Asian genus. This is the first record of any Aeolothripidae from Malaysia, and the first description of a male Streo-thrips. The male has a pair of tubercles on the posterolateral angles of the seventh abdominal segment, unlike any other recorded male in the Aeolothripidae.
Light and ultrastructural analysis of Myxobolus insignis (Myxozoa), infecting the Amazonian Fish Semaprochilodus insignis (Prochilodontidae)
Authors: AZEVEDO CARLOS , CLEMENTE SÉRGIO C.S. , CASAL GRAÇA , MATOS PATRÍCIA , OLIVEIRA ELSA , AL-GURAISHY SALEH , MATOS EDILSON
Published: March 2019

A myxosporean infecting the gill filaments of the freshwater teleost Semaprochilodus insignis collected in the TrombetasRiver (Central Amazonian Region, Brazil) is described using light and electron microscopy. The spores were ovoid infrontal view with round extremities and measured 15.4 ± 0.6μm in total length, 12.4 ± 0.5μm wide and 8.1 ± 0.7μmthick; the spore valves (up to 0.4μm) were surrounded by an uniform dense layer with variable thickness up to ~1.0μm)due to the presence of a complex network of anastomosed microfibrils closely adherent to the valves. Two symmetric polarcapsules measured 5.9 ± 0.4μm long and 3.4 ± 0.5μm wide, each having a polar filament with 7-8 coils slightly obliquelyto the longitudinal axis of the polar capsule. The polar capsule wall measured ~0.4μm thick and was constituted by a hy-aline substance (~0.25μm thick) surrounded by a layer of electron dense granular material (~0.15μm thick). In this paper the Amazonian region, which was previously described based on light microscopy (Eiras et al. 2005b).we present, by the first time, ultrastructural aspects of the spores of Myxobolus insignis found in a teleost collected from
Molecular taxonomy of Speleonectes fuchscockburni, a new pseudocryptic species of Remipedia (Crustacea) from an anchialine cave system on the Yucatán Peninsula, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Authors: NEIBER MARCO T. , HANSEN FINJA C. , ILIFFE THOMAS M. , GONZALEZ BRETT C. , KOENEMANN STEFAN
Published: March 2019

A new species of Remipedia (Crustacea) is described from a recently discovered section of the anchialine cave systemCenote Crustacea, situated on the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Speleonectes fuchscockburni n. sp. is thesecond remipede species from the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Adult specimens are relatively small and slender, with bodylengths between 12 and 16 mm, and up to 35 trunk segments. The new species can be distinguished morphologically fromS. tulumensis by sparsely setose appendages, a ventral antennular flagellum composed of 5–6 segments, and 10–12 deeplyincised denticles of the terminal maxillary and maxillpedal claws. The status of Speleonectes fuchscockburni as a new spe-cies is validated by a comparison of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from selected remipede taxa, includ-ing Speleonectes tulumensis. The uniquely high abundance of S. tulumensis in Cenote Crustacea and the distribution of the two remipedes in this cave are discussed in relation to hydrology and cave morphology.
Two genera of Panchaetothripinae newly recorded from China, with first description of males of Opimothrips tubulatus (Thysanoptera, Thripidae)
Authors: XIE YANLAN , LI YAJIN , LI ZHENGYUE , ZHANG HONGRUI
Published: March 2019

The subfamily Panchaetothripinae comprises 40 extant genera worldwide (ThripsWiki 2019), although only 15 genera are previously recorded from China (Mirab-balou et al. 2016; Li et al. 2018). Panchaetothripinae thrips are characterized by the strong reticulations on the body and leg. Wilson (1975) recognized three tribes in this subfamily, Panchaetothripini, Monilothripini and Tryphactothripini, but only tribe Tryphactothripini was relatively supported based on morphological characters (Mound et al. 2001). Species in this Tribe have abdominal segment II constricted at the base and bearing laterally patches of strong ridges, wart-like tubercles or stoutly recurved microtrichia, and abdominal segment X tends to be asymmetrical. Recently, two further genera of Tryphactothripini were found in Southern China, Noathrips and Opimothrips. These two monotypic genera are reported only from the Old World tropics, Noathrips from India and Sri Lanka, and Opimothrips only from Thailand (Bhatti 1967; Kudô 1979; Nonaka & Okajima 1992). The purpose of this paper is to record these two genera from China, together with the first description of the male of Opimothrips tubulatus.
Bioclimatic characterization of the world areas of Endemism identified for Mammals
Authors: ESCALANTE TANIA , GUEVARA-JUÁREZ LINDA M. , MERCADO-GÓMEZ JORGE D.
Published: March 2019

Areas of endemism (AoE) are identified by the congruence of two or more geographic distribution areas. They represent patterns of distribution resulting from ecological and evolutionary processes and constitute the basic units of biogeographic regionalizations; however, they are not usually environmentally characterized. The 54 world areas of endemism identified for terrestrial mammals were bioclimatically characterized by climate and biome type, using two diversity indices. The climatic characterization shows that tropical climates, mainly Aw (equatorial savannah with dry winter) and Af (equatorial rainforest, fully humid) were the most frequent; included in 32 areas of endemism. The most frequent biomes were the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, which grow at low altitudes. Most of the endemic taxa are located in lowlands, frequently from 0 to 1,000 m of altitude. Our results suggest that AoE are concentrated in tropical latitudes; however, we did not find any correlation between the homogeneity of the climate or the biome and the number of endemic taxa within each AoE. Therefore, we suggest that these AoE could have been mainly shaped by tectonic events, combined with environmental influence.
Provisional checklist of freshwater fish diversity and distribution in Perak, Malaysia, and some latest taxonomic concerns
Authors: NG CASEY KEAT CHUAN , LIM TEOW YEONG , AHMAD AMIRRUDIN B. , KHAIRONIZAM MD ZAIN
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the published literature and incorporates our field data from 1997 to September 2018 to generate an inventory report of primary freshwater fishes for Perak State in Malaysia. We critically examined and enumerated 186 species from 2 classes, 16 orders, 43 families and 114 genera in 57 localities. A total of 173 fish species (91.4%) are native to Perak and 17 species (8.6%) are non-native. The provisional checklist presented herein is conservative and excludes doubtful inventory records that lack synthesis and traceability. We encountered seven taxonomic discrepancies and we also could not confidently identify eight species. These are explicitly discussed to inform future workers.
A new species of soft scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) on fig trees in Iran
Authors: MOGHADDAM MASUMEH , FAGHIH HOSIEN
Published: March 2019

The adult female of a soft scale insect species from Iran, Ericerus farsicus Moghaddam & Faghih, sp. n. (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae), is described and illustrated. The species is placed in the subfamily Eulecaniinae and belongs to the Ericerus-group, based on possession of numerous stigmatic spines in each spiracular cleft. In addition, the soft scale species Saissetia miranda (Cockerell & Parrott) is recorded as new pest on Ficus carica (Moraceae) in Iran.
Application of the Cell Perturbation Method to Large-Eddy Simulations of a Real Urban Area
Authors: Lee Gwang-Jin , Muñoz-Esparza Domingo , Yi Chaeyeon , Choe Hi Jun
Published: March 2019

With the continuous increase in computing capabilities, large-eddy simulation (LES) has recently gained popularity in applications related to flow, turbulence, and dispersion in the urban atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Herein, we perform high-resolution building-scale LES over the Seoul, South Korea, city area to investigate the impact of inflow turbulence on the resulting turbulent flow field in the urban ABL. To that end, LES using the cell perturbation method for inflow turbulence generation is compared to a case where no turbulence fluctuations in the incoming ABL are present (unperturbed case). Validation of the model results using wind speed and wind direction observations at 3 m above ground level reveals minimal differences irrespective of the presence of incoming ABL turbulence. This is due to the high density of building structures present at the surface level that create shear instabilities in the flow field and therefore induce local turbulence production. In the unperturbed case, turbulent fluctuations are found to slowly propagate in the vertical direction with increasing fetch from the inflow boundaries, creating an internal boundary layer that separates the turbulent region near the building structures and the nonturbulent flow aloft that occupies the rest of the ABL. Analysis of turbulence quantities including energy spectra, velocity correlations, and passive scalar fluxes reveals significant underpredictions that rapidly grow with increasing height within the ABL. These results demonstrate the need for realistic inflow turbulence in building-resolving LES modeling to ensure proper interactions within the ABL.
Modulation of the Impacts of the Indian Ocean Basin Mode on Tropical Cyclones over the Northwest Pacific during the Boreal Summer by La Niña Modoki
Authors: Huangfu Jingliang , Chen Wen , Huang Ronghui , Feng Juan
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates how La Niña Modoki modulates the impacts of the warm Indian Ocean basin mode (IOBM) on the boreal summer climate and the genesis of tropical cyclones (TCs) over the northwest Pacific (NWP). The results showed that the influence of the Indian Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) on TC genesis is the primary mechanism during the boreal summer, while La Niña Modoki exerts a secondary influence. However, although the summertime index of the IOBM shows a high negative correlation with the number of TCs generated over the NWP, warm IOBM events without La Niña Modoki have only limited influences on the boreal summertime circulations and TC genesis. The present study showed that when warm IOBM events and La Niña Modoki coexisted, the average location of TC genesis shifted westward, and the annual number of generated TCs substantially decreased. La Niña Modoki–related cold sea surface temperature anomalies over the central Pacific further suppressed convective activities over the eastern NWP compared with warm IOBM events without La Niña Modoki. Upper-level convergence and enlarged tropospheric vertical wind shears both contributed to the weakening of the low-level relative vorticity in the coupled cases, leading to a suppressed NWP monsoon trough. Additionally, together with the weaker moisture supply, the impacts of warm IOBM cases were significantly enhanced under the modulation of La Niña Modoki, leading to poorer TC genesis conditions over the eastern NWP. In addition, the energy conversion processes in the aforementioned modulation showed that joint cases will provide fewer initial disturbance seedlings for TC genesis. These results are useful for further understanding the role of warm IOBM cases in TC genesis over the NWP.
Alone in the world?: Making sense of Canada’s disputes with Saudi Arabia and China
Authors: Paris Roland
Published: March 2019

Canada has found itself in serious diplomatic disputes over the past year with Saudi Arabia and China. The Saudis took issue with the Canadian foreign minister’s call to release human rights activists from prison, whereas China was angry at Canada’s arrest of a senior Chinese executive on an extradition request from the United States. These incidents should not be viewed as isolated aberrations. Authoritarian regimes seem increasingly emboldened to lash out at countries that displease them, including allies of the United States. But Ottawa has succeeded in rallying considerable international support for its position in the China dispute, suggesting that while Canada may be exposed, it is not destined to be alone.
Illiberalism, geopolitics, and middle power security: Lessons from the Norwegian case
Authors: Græger Nina
Published: March 2019

Middle powers have played a key role in supporting global governance, a rules-based order, and human rights norms. Apart from conveying and effectuating global solidarity and responsibility, multilateral cooperation has been an arena where middle powers seek protection and leverage relatively modest power to greater effect, sometimes as “helpful fixers” to great powers. This article argues that geopolitical revival and the contestation of the liberal order are challenging middle powers' traditional sheltering policies, based on empirical evidence from the Norwegian case. First, the weakening of multilateral organizations is making middle powers more vulnerable to great power rivalry and geopolitics, and Norway's relationship with Russia is particularly pointed. Second, existing shelters such as NATO and bilateral cooperation with the US are negatively affected by the latter's anti-liberal foreign policies, making looser sheltering frameworks important supplements. While Norway's and other middle powers' traditional policies within the “soft power” belt may continue, “doing good” may become less prioritized, due to the need for security.
Feminism and Solidarity on the Left: Rethinking the Unhappy Marriage Metaphor
Authors: Alexander Kirsty , Eschle Catherine , Morrison Jenny , Tulbure Mairi
Published: March 2019

In the context of efforts to revive and reconfigure the left, fraught solidarity relations between feminism and other left forces are again under the political spotlight. This article revisits the widespread use of the ‘unhappy marriage’ metaphor to characterise these relations, given that metaphors play a significant role in structuring political discourse and action. We argue that the metaphor has been used in uncritical and limiting ways, and turn to feminist reconfigurations of the institutions of marriage to develop a more expansive, reflexive conceptual lens. We then apply this lens to three case studies of left organising in Scotland around the time of the 2012–2014 Scottish independence referendum, showing that the expanded marriage metaphor captures a more complex story of solidarity relations. Nonetheless, aspects of the marriage metaphor remain irredeemable, and we end with a call for the continued development of alternative frameworks that imagine political solidarity differently.
Group Polarization Revisited: A Processing Effort Account
Authors: Sieber Janusch , Ziegler René
Published: March 2019

Research has shown that processes of social comparison as well as persuasive argumentation are involved in group polarization. We propose a processing effort account according to which the role of these processes in determining group polarization is contingent on ability and motivation. The impact of information regarding others’ positions on group polarization should be higher given low (vs. high) ability or motivation. In contrast, the impact of persuasive argumentation should be higher given high (vs. low) ability and motivation. Results in line with these assumptions were obtained in two experiments in which individuals’ ability (Experiment 1) or motivation (Experiment 2), information regarding group average position, and argument persuasiveness were manipulated. Furthermore, consistent findings were also obtained in a third experiment testing the role of motivation in real group discussions. A processing effort account provides a novel perspective for investigating the development of group extremity.
Less in-person social interaction with peers among U.S. adolescents in the 21st century and links to loneliness
Authors: Twenge Jean M. , Spitzberg Brian H. , Campbell W. Keith
Published: March 2019

In nationally representative samples of U.S. adolescents (age: 13–18) and entering college students, 1976–2017 ( N = 8.2 million), iGen adolescents in the 2010s (vs. previous generations) spent less time on in-person (face-to-face) social interaction with peers, including getting together or socializing with friends, going to parties, going out, dating, going to movies, and riding in cars for fun. College-bound high school seniors in 2016 (vs. the late 1980s) spent an hour less a day engaging in in-person social interaction, despite declines in paid work and little change in homework or extracurricular activity time. The results suggest that time displacement occurs at the cohort level, with in-person social interaction declining as digital media use increased, but not at the individual level, where in-person social interaction and social media use are positively correlated. Adolescents’ feelings of loneliness increased sharply after 2011. Adolescents low in in-person social interaction and high in social media use reported the most loneliness.
Modeling the Effect of Power Consumption in Automated Driving Systems on Vehicle Energy Efficiency for Real-World Driving in California
Authors: Hamza Karim , Willard John , Chu Kang-Ching , Laberteaux Kenneth P.
Published: March 2019

Vehicle automation has drawn much attention in recent years, as it is perceived to usher in new levels of safety, convenience, and energy efficiency in transportation. Much uncertainty and speculation still exist regarding how automated driving (AD) would affect the overall transportation energy, as a result of some factors that are difficult to predict, such as changes in driving patterns and induced travel demand. There is also much speculation about the optimum vehicle powertrain for which AD systems are to be mounted. This study focuses on a less discussed, less speculative issue that pertains to both transportation energy efficiency and powertrain suitability. The impact of the power consumption in an AD system (for sensors, data processing, and vehicle controls) is analyzed for various powertrains via a publicly open-source simulation code, for more than 59,000 real-world vehicle trips obtained from the California Household Travel Survey. Study of scenarios of power consumption in the AD system that range from present-day values (about 3 kW) to future targets (0.5 kW) reveal interesting trends in vehicle energy efficiency. At 0.5 kW power consumption, the AD system can be of minimal impact to vehicle efficiency; however, at present-day levels of AD power consumption, the electric driving range (for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids) could be shortened by 27–47% and fuel consumption could increase by up to 37% compared with the same vehicle model with no AD system.
How Political Parties Use Referendums: An Analytical Framework
Authors: Gherghina Sergiu
Published: March 2019

This article is part of the special cluster titled Political Parties and Direct Democracy in Eastern Europe, guest-edited by Sergiu Gherghina.

Extensive research has shown how political parties use referendums to achieve their goals. Most studies use either a policy-oriented or an institution-based approach to explain parties’ actions. In spite of much empirical evidence, to date the analytical dimensions have not been put together to facilitate the study of referendum instrumentalization across countries. This article makes a first step in that direction and proposes a typology that distinguishes between the goals and types of action of political parties. The theoretical reasoning behind such a typology is then backed by empirical evidence from the five East European countries included in the special section of this journal.
A dynamic model of party membership and ideologies
Authors: Öztürk Göktuna Bilge
Published: March 2019

We analyze the one-dimensional electoral competition between two parties when the ideology of each party is endogenously determined. The parties are composed of two factions: the ‘opportunists’ and the ‘militants’. The ideology of each party is determined by the preferences of the median citizen supporting the party. Under the proportional system, where parties are represented proportionally to the share of their votes, we first study the short-term political equilibria. We then introduce a dynamic setup that endogenizes the composition of the parties, in order to analyze the stability of these equilibria. We make explicit the stability conditions for the two equilibria where all the opportunists belong to the same party and for the unique equilibrium where they are distributed between both parties. The conditions involve the rates of party switching and of ideological adjustment. This coupled adjustment process makes it possible for party competition to sustain proportional representation, fluctuation in party positioning, and some degree of policy divergence.
Biomechanical Comparison of Low-Profile Contoured Locking Plate With Single Compression Screw to Fully Threaded Compression Screws for First MTP Fusion
Authors: Fuld Richard S. , Kumparatana Pam , Kelley Judas , Anderson Nicholas , Baldini Todd , Younger Alastair S. E. , Hunt Kenneth J.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Open metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis using locked plates produces good clinical outcomes. However, arthroscopic fusion with new-generation fully threaded compression screws is emerging as an alternative. The purpose of this study was to compare low-profile contoured locked plates with fully threaded compression screws for first MTP fusion, in a biomechanical cadaveric model.

Methods:

The first rays of 8 matched pairs of fresh frozen cadaveric feet underwent dissection and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning to measure bone mineral density (BMD). The “plate” group was prepared with cup-and-cone reamers, and fixation of the MTP joint with 1 compression screw and low-profile dorsal locked plate. The matched-pair “screws” group was prepared through a simulated arthroscopic technique, achieving fixation with 2 new-generation fully threaded compression screws. The plantar MTP gap was recorded with an extensometer during 250 000 90-N cyclic loads followed by a single load to failure.

Results:

The screw group demonstrated significantly greater stiffness, 31.6 N/mm (plates) and 51.7 N/mm (screws) ( P = .0045). There was no significant difference in plantar gapping or load to failure, 198.6 N (plates) and 290.1 N (screws) ( P = .2226). Stiffness and load to failure were highly correlated to BMD for the screw group, r =0.79 and r = 0.94, respectively, but less so for the plate group, r = 0.36 and r = 0.62, respectively. The maximum metatarsal head height measured on the lateral view was strongly correlated with load to failure for both the plate- and screw-only groups ( r > 0.9).

Conclusion:

These data demonstrate that hallux MTP arthrodesis utilizing fully threaded compression screws had similar plantar gapping and load to failure when compared with the low-profile locking plate, but with significantly more stiffness. These results support an increased role of fully threaded screws for MTP arthrodesis using either the arthroscopic or open technique. However, with decreased BMD plate fixation may remain the better fixation choice.

Clinical Relevance:

Our data suggest that with regard to construct stability, fully threaded headless compression screws may be just as effective as low-profile locking plates, but BMD and MTP joint fluoroscopic measurements should be considered in the decision-making process for fixation.
Validation of the Super Simple Hip score combined with the University of California, Los Angeles activity scale for younger patients
Authors: de Vlieger Johan C N , van Kampen Paulien M , Henkus Hans-Erik , van Beers Loes W A H , Wolkenfelt Julius , Wolterbeek Nienke , Jaspars Coen , Hogervorst Tom
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used increasingly, but for young patients with hip complaints, traditional scoring systems have a ceiling effect that limits their usability. We developed and validated the Super Simple Hip (SUSHI) score, a PROM specifically targeted at younger patients with hip complaints. Although the SUSHI measured hip problems adequately, the responsiveness of its activity rating component was considered inadequate. Consequently, we replaced the activity rating component by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale. The aim of this study was to validate the resulting new 10-item SUSHI-UCLA score.

Methods:

A prospective multicentre observational cohort study was performed. Patients between 18 and 59 years, who visited the Orthopaedic Department with hip complaints, completed the SUSHI-UCLA and hip osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) twice before their 1st appointment, and once 16 months after.

Results:

142 patients were included (mean age 49 years; SD 8.8). The SUSHI-UCLA score correlated well with the HOOS, both before and after treatment (Spearman’s rho = 0.739 and 0.847, respectively, both p < 0.001). The responsiveness of both the SUSHI-UCLA score and the UCLA activity scale was high (standardised response mean = 2.51 and 1.35 respectively). The reproducibility was good (interclass correlation coefficient for agreement = 0.962). The minimal important change was 21.2. No significant floor or ceiling effect was observed.

Conclusion:

The SUSHI-UCLA score is an adequate PROM to measure hip complaints in younger patients and includes a validated activity rating.
Antithrombotic Therapy After Revascularization in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease: What Is Here, What Is Next
Authors: Amer Mostafa R. , Chaturvedula Surya Teja , Joshi Saurabh , Ingrassia Joseph
Published: March 2019

Objective:

The optimal antithrombotic regimen in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is not known, leading to significant variations in antithrombotic treatment protocols in randomized trials and clinical practice. In device trials, antithrombotic regimens in patients receiving peripheral vascular interventions have not been clearly reported on. This review summarizes and discusses the most recent evidence on this topic to provide a potential guide to clinical practice.

Methods:

A search of the literature was done for publications that reported outcomes of major PAD device trials. Reported outcomes and various antithrombotic regimens were studied.

Results:

Use of antithrombotic therapy varied significantly between various device trials. Reporting of antithrombotic regimens at the time of follow-up is lacking.

Conclusion:

Outcome data on optimal antithrombotic regimens are presently lacking largely due to the significant heterogeneity and underreporting of antithrombotic regimens at follow-up among prior clinical trials. Standardization and reporting of precise antithrombotic regimens at various points of follow-up in device trials of patients with PAD should be attempted so as to minimize differences in treatment patterns when evaluating new devices.
Efficiency improvement and evaluation of a centrifugal pump with vaned diffuser
Authors: Wang Kai , Jing Yu-cheng , He Xiang-hui , Liu Hou-lin
Published: March 2019

In order to enhance the efficiency of centrifugal pump, the structure of a centrifugal pump with vaned diffuser, whose specific speed is 190, was numerically improved by trimming back-blades of impeller and smoothing sharp corner in annular chamber. The energy performance, the internal flow field, the axial force, the radial force, and the pressure pulsation of the pump were analyzed. Results show that efficiency of the improving scheme 1 under the design flow rate is 77.47%, which can balance 69.82% of the axial force, while efficiency of the improving scheme 2 under the design flow rate is the maximum, which could still balance 62.74% of the axial force. The pressure pulsations of the improving scheme 2 at the typical monitoring points are less than that of the improving scheme 1 and the original scheme. The difference of the radial force peak between the improving scheme 1 and the improving scheme 2 is very small. The vector distributions of the radial force of the improving scheme 1 and the improving scheme 2 are more uniform than that of the original scheme. Considering the efficiency, pressure pulsation, and axial force, experiment measurements on the improving scheme 2 were carried out to verify the effectiveness of the improvement result. Results of energy performance experiment show that efficiency of the improving scheme 2 under the design flow rate is 76.48%, which is 5.26 percentage points higher than that of the original scheme.
Multi-dimensional semi-analytical model for axial stick–slip of a rod sliding on a surface with Coulomb friction
Authors: Hovda Sigve
Published: March 2019

A multi-dimensional lumped element model of a long non-rotating rod that moves on a slick surface with both dynamic and static Coulomb friction is outlined. The rod is accelerated to a constant velocity, and the free end of the rod experiences the effect of stick and slip. This article describes a new modeling approach, where the model is able to switch between different linear semi-analytical sub-models, depending on how much of the rod is moving. Fundamental understanding of the stick–slip effect is revealed, and a potential shortcoming of the model is also discussed. The model is computationally effective and may be suitable for real-time applications in, for instance, oil-well drilling.
Quantitative analysis for image segmentation by granular computing clustering from the view of set
Authors: Liu Hongbing , Diao Xiaoyu , Guo Huaping
Published: March 2019

As partition method of set, granular computing clustering is applied to image segmentation evaluated by global consistency error, variation of Information, and Rand index from the view of set. Firstly, quantitative assessment of clustering is evaluated from the view of set. Secondly, granular computing clustering algorithms are induced by the distance formulas, the granules with different shapes are defined as the forms of vectors by different distance norms, especially, the atomic granule is induced by a point of space, the union operator realizes the transformation between two granule spaces and is used to form granular computing clustering algorithms. Thirdly, the image segmentations by granular computing clustering are evaluated from the view of set, such as global consistency error, variation of Information, and Rand index. Segmentations of the color images selected from BSD300 are used to show the superiority and feasibility for image segmentation by granular computing clustering compared with Kmeans and fuzzy c-means by experiments.
Perioperative management of renal transplant patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty
Authors: Devoy Benjamin , Yaghmour Khaled M. , Chisari Emanuele , McDonnell Stephen M. , Khan Wasim
Published: March 2019

The success of renal transplantation depends on lifelong immunosuppression. This can lead to a high incidence of avascular necrosis of major joints in the body for which arthroplasty is the treatment of choice. The risk of surgical complications is high in these patients, and there is no current set of cohesive perioperative management guidelines. In this review, we discuss the perioperative management of renal transplant patients undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty.
Effects of thermal ablation on Treg/Th17 in hepatocellular carcinoma of mice
Authors: Huang Shengchuan , Qu Nina , Men Yanming , Liu Zhen
Published: March 2019

The study was aimed to explore the possible function of thermal ablation treatment on T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells in transplantation of hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. In total, 60 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into control group, model group, and treat group. Flow cytometry was used to detect the frequency of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood. The levels of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, IL-10, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The levels of IL-17, RORγt, Foxp3, and TGF-β mRNA in tumor tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Compared with the model group, tumor size was significantly decreased after thermal ablation treatment. After treatment, the frequency of Th17 cells in peripheral blood was significantly decreased, while the frequency of Treg cells was profoundly increased ( P < 0.05). The levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were significantly downregulated, while IL-10 and TGF-β levels were upregulated ( P < 0.05). IL-17 and RORγt mRNA levels in tumor tissues were significantly decreased ( P < 0.05), and Foxp3 and TGF-β mRNA levels were significantly increased ( P < 0.05). Thermal ablation treatment plays a positive role in the treatment of hepatoma in mice through affecting the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells.
Coronal plane laxity of valgus osteoarthritic knee
Authors: McAuliffe Michael J , Garg Gautam , Orschulok Thomas , Roe John , Whitehouse Sarah L , Crawford Ross
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Balanced soft tissues are important to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes. Surgical algorithms for balancing are potentially varied in varus and valgus osteoarthritic (OA) knees. While coronal plane varus knee laxity has been documented, no study has objectively defined the medial and lateral laxity of the valgus OA knee. The lower limb was manipulated at the time of TKA using computer navigation, prior to surgical releases, to allow the limb weight-bearing axis to pass through the knee center in maximum extension, 20° and 90° of flexion. The hip-knee-ankle-angle was documented at this position. Coronal plane laxity was then measured in 30 valgus (7.9 ± 4.0°) knees as medial and lateral displacement from this point and compared to published values for healthy subjects. In maximum knee extension, lateral contracture was present in 26.6% (8/30) of subjects, and abnormally lax medial tissue was present in 46.6% (14/30). Six patterns of medial versus lateral laxity were documented in maximum extension. In maximum knee extension, mean medial laxity was 7.1° (±3.8°) compared to 2.7° (±2.7°) laterally. In 20° of knee flexion, mean medial laxity was 8.5° (±3.5°) compared to 3.0° (±2.6°) laterally. In 90° of knee flexion, mean medial laxity was 3.7° (±1.3°) and 7.5° (±3.0°) laterally. A highly significant difference ( p < 0.0001) in mean laxity was demonstrated when comparing medial versus lateral values at each measurement angle and for medial versus medial and lateral versus lateral values for maximum extension and 90° of flexion. The valgus knee at the time of TKA demonstrates significant preoperative mediolateral and flexion–extension imbalance. In maximum extension, medial tissue is significantly laxer whereas in flexion this reverses and the lateral tissue is significantly laxer. We documented more patterns of medial and lateral laxity in maximum extension than advocated in prior subjective grading systems. These findings demonstrate the challenges of valgus OA knee balancing during TKA but provide, for the first time, objective measures for the starting point of this process.
Reported Prevalence of Radiographic Cam Deformity Based on Sport: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Knapik Derrick M. , Gaudiani Michael A. , Camilleri Brian E. , Nho Shane J. , Voos James E. , Salata Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Repetitive loading and shear stress across the proximal femur account for the high prevalence of cam deformity in athletes.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature to identify the reported number, age, mean alpha angle measurements, and differences between male and female athletes with radiographic cam deformity based on sport.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted of studies in the literature between January 1990 and March 2018 that reported on athletes with radiographic cam deformity based on sport. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed, and PubMed, Biosis Previews, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and EMBASE databases were used. Inclusion criteria included studies documenting radiographic cam deformity based on alpha angle measurements categorized according to the athlete’s primary sport and according to sex. Exclusion criteria were (1) studies not documenting primary sport, (2) studies not reporting total number of athletes with radiographic cam deformity, and (3) studies not separating cam deformity based on sex or using alpha angle measurements. Statistical analysis was used to compare mean reported age and alpha angle measurements between males and females.

Results:

A total of 28 studies consisting of 1160 male and 53 female athletes with radiographic cam deformity were identified. Cam lesions were most commonly reported in soccer athletes among both males and females, followed by hockey and American football. Male athletes had significantly higher mean alpha angle measurements (59.9° ± 5.5°) compared with female athletes (48.3° ± 6.9°) ( P = .001). No significant difference in age was appreciated between males (21.1 ± 4.0 years) and females (21.7 ± 3.0 years) ( P = .62).

Conclusion:

Radiographic cam deformity is most commonly reported in athletes participating in soccer and hockey. Males possessed significantly greater mean alpha angle measurements compared with females, whereas no significant difference in mean age at the time of diagnosis was appreciated between sexes.
Intersectionality of Caste, Gender and Occupation: A Study of Safai Karamchari Women in Maharashtra
Authors: Kadlak Hemangi , Salve Pradeep S. , Karwade Payal
Published: March 2019

The issues of women safai karamcharis are less discussed in academic sphere compared to male safai karamcharis and given minimum importance. These women face multiple problems at the family level, at the working places and in the society; their problems are largely unheard. In the light of this limitation, the present study aimed to give visibility to their problems and their coping mechanisms. It is a collaborative work of three different surveys conducted with 115 safai karamcharis women in Nagpur (60), Kalyan (30) and Mumbai (25) cities applying qualitative and quantitative methods in Maharashtra. The results revealed that women aged 19 years to 46 years are engaged in safai kam and majority of them are widowed or currently married. Almost three-fourths of women resumed this occupation through preferential treatment (PT) case and those of direct recruitment are because of their Scheduled Caste background. Health problems and discrimination at the workplace are common and most of the time neglected. There is a need to establish a strong bridge between workers and academicians who form the policies and welfare programmes for safai karamcharis in order to realize their real conditions and needs. In social sciences, theories of knowledge production have to be utilized for the upliftment or betterment of the people irrespective of the caste and gender.