bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some words used in scale insect names (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea)
Authors: WILLIAMS D. J.
Published: March 2019

In the Introduction to the present International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, 1999) (herein referred to as the Code), there is a remark that few zoologists today or in the future can have any knowledge of the Latin language although there is adherence to Latin grammar in the Code. The present Code, nevertheless, retains the requirement that Latin or latinized adjectival species-group names must always agree in gender with the generic name with which they are combined. Furthermore, Article 30 of the Code states that a genus-group name takes the gender given for that word in standard Latin dictionaries. Moreover, Article 39.1.2.a. states that a genus-group name that is, or ends in, a Greek word transliterated into Latin without change takes the gender given for that word in standard Greek dictionaries. However, such dictionaries may not be readily available to some people. The third edition of the Code, published in 1985, contained an appendix with recommendations on the formation of names that proved useful, but this section was omitted from the present edition of the Code.
Validity of Lampetra pacifica (Petromyzontiformes: Petromyzontidae), a brook lamprey described from the lower Columbia River Basin
Authors: REID STEWART B. , BOGUSKI DAVID A. , GOODMAN DAMON H. , DOCKER MARGARET F.
Published: March 2019

The Pacific Brook Lamprey, Lampetra pacifica Vladykov, 1973 was described from the lower Columbia River Basin near Portland, Oregon. Subsequently, L. pacifica has generally been treated as a junior synonym of the Western Brook Lamprey, L. richardsoni Vladykov and Follett, 1965, a species described from the Fraser River Drainage east of Vancouver, British Columbia. We reexamine the available morphological data used by previous authors (trunk myomere counts), report on recent collections from the Columbia Basin, and reinterpret the trunk myomere data in the context of recent genetic sampling from the same populations. Populations of L. pacifica are distinguished from those of L. richardsoni by trunk myomere counts of 53–60 (means 59), respectively, and by genetic sequence divergence (cyt b) of 2.85 to 3.20%. We find no support for placing L. pacifica in the synonymy of L. richardsoni and recognize L. pacifica as a valid species. However, we recognize that there is considerable unresolved diversity in the western North American lampreys and recommend restriction of L. pacifica to the Columbia Basin, suggesting that unresolved populations of Lampetra brook (non-parasitic) lampreys outside the basin with mean trunk myomere counts below 59 be referred to as L. cf. pacifica, until further systematic information is available.
Hemipenial morphology in the North American snake genus Phyllorhynchus (Serpentes: Colubridae), with a review of and comparisons with natricid hemipenes
Authors: CADLE JOHN E.
Published: March 2019

Hemipenes of species in the North American colubrid genus Phyllorhynchus are described. Contrary to previous reports of a divided sulcus spermaticus, both species have an unusual morphology in which the lips of the sulcus diverge near the apex so that the sulcus groove opens into an extensive apical nude region. Two distinctive hemipenial morphologies were discovered within P. browni, which may signal unresolved systematic issues. Phyllorhynchus hemipenes are additionally unusual for colubrids in having calyces reduced (P. decurtatus) or absent (P. browni). These features resemble some natricid hemipenes, which are reviewed in order to make detailed comparisons. That review led to a reassessment of some hemipenial characters of natricids and the recognition of several novelties, including calyces in Rhabdophis and a peculiar lobular pocket in Xenochrophis cerasogaster. I conclude that the resemblance of the sulcus configurations in Phyllorhynchus and natricids is only superficial and therefore convergent. Other evidence supports the phylogenetic placement of Phyllorhynchus with Colubridae, for which the sulcus configuration, highly reduced calyces, and extensive apical nude areas are unusual. Relationships of Phyllorhynchus within Colubridae are unclear, but the genus shares with Salvadora an unusual morphology of the rostral scale and nude hemipenial apices. However, in other respects Salvadora and Phyllorhynchus differ greatly in morphology and ecology.
Mortonagrion indraneil spec. nov. from Borneo, and a redescription of M. arthuri Fraser (Odonata: Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: DOW RORY A.
Published: March 2019

M. indraneil spec. nov. is described from locations in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Both sexes of M. arthuri Fraser are re-described based on recent material. Records of M. amoena Ris from Borneo in fact refer to M. indraneil; there is no evidence that M. amoena occurs on Borneo. Relationships between Argiocnemis, Agriocnemis and Mortonagrion are discussed.
A new species of Placusa Erichson (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae) from China
Authors: GAO JIANGYONG , JI BAOZHONG , LIU SHUWEN
Published: March 2019

A new species, Placusa pinearum Gao, Ji, Liu, sp. nov. from China, is described and illustrated. The line drawings of aedeagus, spermatheca and scanning electron micrographs of different parts of mouthparts and body are provided.
The status of three species names in the mealybug genus Rastrococcus Ferris (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: WILLIAMS DOUGLAS J.
Published: March 2019

This paper attempts to establish the correct status of three species names in the mealybug genus Rastrococcus Ferris (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae). At present, 31 species are included in the genus (García Morales et al. 2019). The natural distribution of the species is southern Asia and Australasia, but two species have been introduced into Africa and one of them has reached French Guiana.
The Influence of Lifting Condensation Level on Low-Level Outflow and Rotation in Simulated Supercell Thunderstorms
Authors: Brown Matthew C. , Nowotarski Christopher J.
Published: March 2019

This paper reports on results of idealized numerical simulations testing the influence of low-level humidity, and thus lifting condensation level (LCL), on the morphology and evolution of low-level rotation in supercell thunderstorms. Previous studies have shown that the LCL can influence outflow buoyancy, which can in turn affect generation and stretching of near-surface vertical vorticity. A less explored hypothesis is tested: that the LCL affects the relative positioning of near-surface circulation and the overlying mesocyclone, thus influencing the dynamic lifting and intensification of near-surface vertical vorticity. To test this hypothesis, a set of three base-state thermodynamic profiles with varying LCLs are implemented and compared over a variety of low-level wind profiles. The thermodynamic properties of the simulations are sensitive to variations in the LCL, with higher LCLs contributing to more negatively buoyant cold pools. These outflow characteristics allow for a more forward propagation of near-surface circulation relative to the midlevel mesocyclone. When the mid- and low-level mesocyclones become aligned with appreciable near-surface circulation, favorable dynamic updraft forcing is able to stretch and intensify this rotation. The strength of the vertical vorticity generated ultimately depends on other interrelated factors, including the amount of near-surface circulation generated within the cold pool and the buoyancy of storm outflow. However, these simulations suggest that mesocyclone alignment with near-surface circulation is modulated by the ambient LCL, and is a necessary condition for the strengthening of near-surface vertical vorticity. This alignment is also sensitive to the low-level wind profile, meaning that the LCL most favorable for the formation of intense vorticity may change based on ambient low-level shear properties.
The Impact of Neighborhood Environment on Women’s Willingness to Have a Second Child in China
Authors: Chen Hongsheng , Wang Xingping , Li Zhigang , Zhu Zhenjun
Published: March 2019

In recent years, the Chinese government has changed the one-child policy that was implemented more than 3 decades ago and has began encouraging couples to have 2 children. However, this cannot quickly change people’s reproductive concepts after more than 30 years of low fertility rate and birth control. In this context, the aim of our study was to assess the effect of neighborhood environment on Chinese women’s fertility-willingness for a second child. Our results show that there is a statistically significant relationship between neighborhood environment and women’s fertility-willingness for a second child. Women living in affluent neighborhoods with better living environments have lower fertility-willingness for a second child than those in poor neighborhoods. However, childcare institutions (such as kindergartens) provide shared childcare and improve women’s fertility-willingness. We suggest that to encourage more couples to have a second child, it is necessary to increase the number of neighborhood kindergartens. In addition, local governments must improve the social welfare of migrant households and loosen the requirements for migrant households to obtain local hukou, which will allow migrant children to enjoy local public services, especially education services.
Exchange Ideology, Performance Pay, and Pay Satisfaction: Evidence From South Korean Central Government
Authors: Campbell Jesse W. , Im Tobin
Published: March 2019

The use of performance pay in public organizations is contentious partly because it can crowd out the intrinsic motivation associated with public service. However, not all public employees are service oriented and sensitivity to extrinsic rewards varies between them. Exchange ideology measures the strength of an individual’s belief that work effort should be proportional to treatment by the organization. We argue that this psychological trait conditions the relationship between performance pay and pay satisfaction. An analysis of survey data collected from Korean government employees shows that performance pay is positively related to pay satisfaction in the average case, and second that this relationship is stronger for employees with higher levels of exchange ideology. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the size of the moderating effect is nontrivial. We discuss the relevance of our findings to performance-oriented human resource reform in the public sector.
“The Rules Change”: Exploring Faculty Experiences and Work Expectations Within a Drifting Community College Context
Authors: Martinez Edna
Published: March 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of faculty working within baccalaureate degree–granting community colleges. Method: Data sources included 16 semi-structured interviews, numerous publicly available organizational documents, and participant observations. Results: Analysis revealed three distinct, yet interconnected themes. In light of the institutionalization of baccalaureate degrees, faculty experienced shifting and intensifying work expectations related to service, research, and research-related activities. These shifts exacerbated existing tensions, which in turn led faculty to live with uncertainty in terms of tenure and promotion, the direction of the college, and whether or not they could thrive in a highly contradictory environment. Contributions: This study adds to the literature concerning the community college baccalaureate—a topic of heightened interest. It is essential that we gain a better understanding of the implications of this trend for faculty, which in turn carry implications for students.
Two Experiments Testing Order, Interaction, and Absolute Effects of Esteem Support Messages Directed Toward Job Seekers
Authors: Shebib Samantha J. , Holmstrom Amanda J. , Summers Morgan E. , Clare David D. , Reynolds Reed M. , Poland Travis L. , Royer Haley R. , Mazur Allison P. , Moore Salena
Published: March 2019

Two experiments were conducted to extend research on the Cognitive-Emotional Theory of Esteem Support Messages by examining order, interaction, and absolute effects of emotion- and problem-focused esteem support in the context of the job search. Participants were presented with an esteem support message and rated its perceived effects on their job-search state self-esteem and self-efficacy. Study 1 participants ( N = 228) were college students seeking post-graduation employment. Study 2 participants ( N = 268) were adults in the community with experience seeking full-time employment. Results of both studies revealed that a message that addressed the esteem threat and contained problem- or emotion-focused content was rated as more effective than a message that failed to address the esteem threat and contained neither form of content. Mixed-focused messages were rated similarly to messages containing only high emotion-focused content, though some differences between the samples emerged. No order effects were observed in either study.
“Minimum Dwelling” All’italiana: From the Case Popolari to the 1929 “Model Houses” of Garbatella
Authors: Kallis Aristotle
Published: March 2019

At the twelfth congress of the International Federation of Housing and Town Planning (IFHTP), held in Rome in September 1929, a set of thirteen “model” affordable houses situated in the garden suburb of Garbatella were presented to the delegates. While generally recognized as shining fragments from a distinctly “Roman” register of idiosyncratic architectural modernism, the dwellings of Garbatella’s Lot XXIV also deserve to be reappraised as a key symbolic moment in the history of interwar Italian architecture and urban planning—and as an alternative vision for a scalable model of modern “minimum dwelling” ( Existenzminimum). I analyze the project in the context of the 1929 IFHTP congress in Rome as a carefully staged attempt to juxtapose an alternative, “third way” vision of architectural design for urban social housing that sought to accommodate the emerging international modernist canon of functionality with individual architectural design and respect for regional building traditions.
Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Impulsive Decision-Making
Authors: Morrison Kate L. , Smith Brooke M. , Ong Clarissa W. , Lee Eric B. , Friedel Jonathan E. , Odum Amy , Madden Gregory J. , Ledermann Thomas , Rung Jillian , Twohig Michael P.
Published: March 2019

This study examined the transdiagnostic effect of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on impulsive decision-making in a community sample. A total of 40 adults were randomized to eight individual sessions of ACT or an inactive control. Participants completed pre-, mid-, and post-assessments for psychological symptoms; overall behavior change; valued living; delay discounting; psychological flexibility; and distress tolerance. Data were analyzed with multilevel modeling of growth curves. Significant interaction effects of time and condition were observed for psychological flexibility, distress tolerance, psychological symptoms, and the obstruction subscale of valued living. No significant interaction effect was found for two delay discounting tasks nor the progress subscale of valued living. The ACT condition had a significantly larger reduction of problem behavior at post-assessment. The results support use of ACT as a transdiagnostic treatment for impulsive behaviors. The lack of change in delay discounting contrasts previous research.
Effective Surgical Teams: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Teunissen Claudia , Burrell Beverley , Maskill Virginia
Published: March 2019

It is imperative to understand the factors that contribute to effective surgical teams. The aim of this integrative review was to evaluate the aids and barriers for perioperative teams in functioning effectively, preventing adverse events, and fostering a culture of safety. The literature search was undertaken of 15 databases, which resulted in 70 articles being included. It was found perioperative teamwork was not widely understood. Findings indicated barriers to effective surgical teams comprised of confusion in tasks and responsibilities, existing hierarchies and prevailing misconceptions and understanding among team members. Although numerous quality initiatives exist, the introduction of protocols and checklists, team effectiveness in the perioperative setting is still insufficient and challenges in establishing effective surgical teams continue. Further research is recommended to obtain a comprehensive perception of environmental influences and barriers surgical teams encounter in the delivery of safe quality care.
Utilising ‘modern slave’ narratives in social policy research
Authors: Phillips Coretta
Published: March 2019

Modern slavery has received somewhat limited attention in social policy. Partially responding to this gap, while acknowledging the contested nature of the term ‘modern slavery’, this article makes the case for the primary and secondary analysis of ‘slave narratives’ which provide experiential and agential accounts by those directly harmed by forced labour, coerced sex work and other forms of exploitation. Analysis of a narrative interview with Sean, a (citizen-)victim of forced labour proved under s.71 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, demonstrates the multifaceted nature of labour exploitation and its multiple, severe and long-lasting harms. That the form and structure of Sean’s narrative of forced labour resembles those used in the abolitionist cause against antebellum slavery points to a certain timeless essence to forced labour exploitation. The article concludes with implications for intervention.
Remotely Sensed Freeze-Thaw from the Soil Moisture Active Passive Instrument to Inform the Timing of Seasonal Load Restrictions in Alaska
Authors: Kraatz Simon , Miller Heather J. , Jacobs Jennifer M.
Published: March 2019

To balance the competing interests of minimizing road damage while maximizing economic opportunities on low-volume roadways located in seasonal frost areas, road management agencies typically apply spring load restrictions (SLR). The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) uses an observational approach to determine SLR, which utilizes temperature data probes (TDP). Although their TDP network is fairly extensive, comprehensive coverage of all roads within the ADOT&PF domain is not feasible. Passive microwave spaceborne freeze and thaw (FT) observations may be useful for bridging these observational gaps. This study compared satellite FT retrievals with TDP data at 15 sites in Alaska to determine whether satellite-retrieved FT can inform on road FT; whether there are substantial morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) satellite-retrieved FT differences; and assess how Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP)-based SLR application dates compare with ADOT&PF SLR-applied dates. Our evaluation showed that SMAP AM (PM) FT retrievals are highly representative of FT in roads with an overall accuracy of 79% (83%). SMAP-retrieved FT states corresponded to individual TDP locations 52–95% of the time, and FT accuracy exceeded 80% at 9 (11) out of 15 TDP sites for AM (PM) data. SMAP thaw detection was very consistent with respect to road data: (1) interannual variation of FT accuracy at individual TDP sites was low (16%) and (2) strong SMAP thaw signals were detected about 10-days ahead of all roads having thawed according to TDP data.
The Influence of Time after Crushing for Cold In-Place Recycling on Compaction and Raveling
Authors: Yeung Erica , Braham Andrew
Published: March 2019

Cold in-place recycling (CIR) mills existing bound pavement with a stabilizing agent to remove all surface distresses and some structural distresses. This research investigated the influence of extending the time after crushing, aggregate type, and asphalt emulsion type on four CIR compaction metrics and on the raveling test. Aggregate was crushed in the lab to mimic the milling process of CIR and was mixed with laboratory produced asphalt emulsion at various times after crushing. Three types of aggregate were used, including one field reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), a limestone-based laboratory-produced RAP, and a syenite-based laboratory-produced RAP. Two types of cationic medium set (CMS) asphalt emulsions were also used: a proprietary and a commodity asphalt emulsion. One of the compaction metrics, the number of gyrations to 76% Density ( N76), was found to have the most promise for capturing the charge on the RAP, as the limestone aggregate and proprietary asphalt emulsion saw the highest resistance to compaction. These two materials were the most reactive so it was reasonable that they caused the fastest break of the asphalt emulsion. The raveling test did not produce similarly conclusive results. Whereas some trends from the raveling test showed the ability to capture charge on the RAP, perhaps the four-hour cure before the raveling test may have masked any influence of time after crushing and asphalt emulsion type.
When Gendered Logics Collide: Going Public and Restructuring in a High-Tech Organization
Authors: Mickey Ethel L.
Published: March 2019

Gender scholars argued that gendered organizations theory needs updating as organizational logic has shifted amid neoliberal workplace transformations. This qualitative case study of a high-tech firm reveals how features of the traditional work logic remain resilient. I analyze the gendered implications of a high-tech startup restructuring and going public, finding the flexible organization to bureaucratize, implementing specialized jobs and a hierarchy with standardized career ladders. Going public creates conflicting gendered logics that place women at a structural disadvantage, relegating them to low-status, narrow jobs while simultaneously demanding masculine ideal worker norms of visibility and self-promotion. Despite networking, women experience job insecurity and a glass ceiling, while men are assumed ideal workers and advance. By tracing one high-tech firm’s restructuring from a startup to public company, I demonstrate how the collision of new and traditional workplace logics perpetuates gender inequalities.
Ergonomic evaluation of low-cost intervention for carpet trimming workers exposed to hand vibration and noise
Authors: Singh Ashish Kumar , Meena Makkhan Lal , Chaudhary Himanshu
Published: March 2019

The aim of the study was to investigate the occupational use of low-cost intervention for carpet trimming occupation. This study quantifies the effect of hand-arm vibration and noise exposure to loss in hearing threshold among trimming workers. Ten male participants (right handed) involved in carpet trimming volunteered to participate in this interventional experiment. The participants were queried about the usability of prototype handle based on their subjective perception evaluated through the use of scoresheet/questionnaire. Results demonstrated that the handle intervention reduced the total value of root mean square frequency-weighted vibrations by more than 40% when compared with the conventional handle. The workers were exposed to noise levels ranging from 87.2 to 91.8 dB(A) (mean 89.55 dB(A)). They exhibit mild-to-moderate hearing impairment in the frequency range of 3000–6000 Hz. Based on this preliminary work, we have found that prototype handle was effective in curtailing hand-arm vibration. The prototype handle showed a positive effect on the usability ratings. More practical applications should be explored to prevail the combined effect of hand-arm vibration and noise.
New insights into dating the sediment sequence within a landslide-dammed reservoir on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Wang Xiaqing , Jin Zhangdong , He Zhong , Zhou Ling , Xu Jianwei
Published: March 2019

The deposition couplets within the check dams and landslide-dammed reservoirs on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) document the processes and histories of watershed soil erosion, transportation and deposition, related to floods, eco-environment and land use changes, and human activities. Previously, dating the couplets was dominantly dependent on multiple intercomparisons among specific sediment yields of visible couplets, 137Cs activities distributions and erosive rainfall events by meteorological records. However, inter-annual division of the deposition couplets and dating historical sequence beyond meteorological records in the landslide-dammed reservoir are little known. Based on high-resolution XRF core scanning on a 22.75 m sediment sequence in Jingbian (JB) landslide-dammed reservoir on the central hilly-gully area of the CLP, and cross checking of multiple dating methods, this study tried to propose a new method to build the accurate chronology sequence based on inter-annual division by annual freeze-thaw layer and to further date the sediment without rainfall records. The results showed that a total of 126 deposition couplets and 78 annual freeze-thaw layers were identified in the JB sequence. Multimethod cross-dating, including 137Cs activities, annual freeze-thaw layers, couplet specific sediment yield and modern rainfall records, was the most accurate method of dating the JB sediment sequences since 1960s with detail meteorological records. Furthermore, the correspondence between annual freeze-thaw layers and the historical grades of flood index from literature was the valid method to date the JB historical sequences without rainfall records. Consequently, the JB sequence was deposited during the period between 1855 and 2014. High-resolution dating of the JB sequence provides the chronology for recovering natural and anthropogenic information on the central hilly-gully area of CLP since 1850s. The proposed methods will also shed new light on the accurate dating of the sediment sequences within other check dams and landslide-dammed reservoirs on the central and northern CLP.
Non-parametric statistical test for testing exponentiality with applications in medical research
Authors: Mansour MMM
Published: March 2019

The aim of designing the non-parametric statistical test in this paper is to assess some treatment methods by studying the failure behavior of the observed survival data. A treatment method represents the application of different healthcare interventions for the cure or reduction of disease-related symptoms. The survival times of patients are registered after applying the proposed treatment method. The behavior of the observed data in this paper is assumed to enjoy an increasing failure rate or constant failure rate (exponential case) property. If the survival data have increasing failure rate property, then the proposed treatment method is useless (has negative influence on patients) and another method should be recommended, while if the collected data have exponential property, then the proposed treatment method has no positive or negative influence on patients. To guarantee a right assessment using the proposed statistical test, its efficiency and power are calculated and compared with other tests. The proposed statistical test is applied in case of some cancer treatments.
The Determinants of Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from Indian Firms
Authors: Pradhan Ashis Kumar , Nibedita Barsha
Published: March 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as an area of the topical research because of perceived concerns of the associated stakeholders. Departing from the previous studies which are mostly focused on the Western countries, we intend to study the determinants of CSR by drawing a sample of Indian firms. Our cross-sectional model results show that the size of the corporate firm, asset tangibility and profitability ratio positively influences firm’s involvement in CSR activities. On the other hand, systematic risk and leverage negatively affect CSR practices carried out by the firms in India. This study provides inputs to the existing policies on CSR which aims to affect the capital structure and firms strategy of the Indian companies.
Pathology of wild Norway rats in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Rothenburger Jamie L. , Himsworth Chelsea G. , La Perle Krista M. D. , Leighton Frederick A. , Nemeth Nicole M. , Treuting Piper M. , Jardine Claire M.
Published: March 2019

To achieve a contemporary understanding of the common and rare lesions that affect wild, urban Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus), we conducted a detailed pathology analysis of 672 rats from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Grossly evident lesions, such as wounds, abscesses, and neoplasms, were present in 71 of 672 rats (11%) and tended to be severe. The most common and significant lesions were infectious and inflammatory, most often affecting the respiratory tract and associated with bite wounds. We assessed a subset of rats (up to n = 406 per tissue) for the presence of microscopic lesions in a variety of organ systems. The most frequent lesions that could impact individual rat health included cardiomyopathy (128 of 406; 32%), chronic respiratory tract infections as indicated by pulmonary inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (270 of 403; 67%), tracheitis (192 of 372; 52%), and thyroid follicular hyperplasia (142 of 279; 51%). We isolated 21 bacterial species from purulent lesions in rats with bacterial infections, the most frequent of which were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp., and Staphylococcus aureus. Parasitic diseases in rats resulted from infection with several invasive nematodes: Capillaria hepatica in the liver (242 of 672; 36%), Eucoleus sp. in the upper gastrointestinal tract (164 of 399; 41%), and Trichosomoides crassicauda in the urinary bladder (59 of 194; 30%). Neoplastic, congenital, and degenerative lesions were rare, which likely reflects their adverse effect on survival in the urban environment. Our results establish a baseline of expected lesions in wild urban rats, which may have implications for urban rat and zoonotic pathogen ecology, as well as rat control in cities worldwide.
Serum amyloid A and plasma protein electrophoresis fractions in farmed white-tailed deer
Authors: Cray Carolyn , Knibb Roxanne I. , Knibb Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2019

Tools to measure the acute-phase response have been utilized widely in veterinary medicine. Evaluation by plasma protein electrophoresis (PPEP) has become an increasingly common assay in veterinary clinical pathology. Commercial reagents for serum amyloid A (SAA) have been validated for use in a variety of wildlife species. We analyzed samples from 29 healthy fawns and 60 healthy adult farmed white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) using an automated assay for SAA and a semi-automated method for PPEP. The robust statistical method for reference interval generation was used. SAA levels in fawns (0.1–26 mg/L) were found to be significantly higher than those in adults (0.1–5 mg/L, p < 0.01). The mean total protein was significantly lower in fawns (48 ± 10 g/L, p < 0.01) than in adults (73 ±5 g/L). The albumin-to-globulin ratio was also lower in fawns (0.56 ± 0.14) than in adults (1.25 ± 0.19, p < 0.01). Changes in SAA levels were observed in a variety of clinically abnormal animals. The combined use of the automated and semi-automated assays in our study may provide an additional valuable assessment tool in the care of captive WTD populations, for research studies, and for monitoring free-ranging animals.
Mobility and Functional Status Among Hospitalized COPD Patients
Authors: Shay Amy , Fulton Janet S. , O’Malley Patricia
Published: March 2019

Older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at known risk for deconditioning and functional decline during hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to examine correlations between in-hospital mobility activities and functional status indicators in hospitalized older adults with COPD. A predictive correlational, secondary analysis design using multivariate analyses assessed the relationship between mobility events and functional status indicators in patients with COPD ( n = 111) and non-COPD ( n = 190) diagnoses. Ambulation to the bathroom, ambulation outside the room, and number of days to first out-of-bed activity predicted discharge to home versus extended care facility (ECF; p ≤ .05); days to first out-of-bed activity and out-of-room ambulation predicted reduced length of stay (LOS; p ≤ .05); no variables predicted 30-day readmission. COPD patients experienced more nonweight-bearing activity and longer lengths of stay than non-COPD patients. Specific early weight-bearing activities were associated with positive functional status-related outcomes in hospitalized COPD patients.
How Do Couples Cope With Unemployment: Examining Relationships Among Support, Undermining, and Depression
Authors: Schauss Eraina , Howell Kathryn , Ellmo Frances
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine dyadic coping constructs of support and undermining and their relationship with depressive symptoms among couples experiencing unemployment. A 1-year longitudinal correlational field study employing cross-lag autoregressive models among 417 job seekers and their partners was conducted. Results highlighted the significance of full-time reemployment status as the strongest predictor of changes in depressive symptoms over time. Specifically, depressive symptoms declined for those achieving full-time reemployment. Results of χ2 difference tests indicated no difference in the effects of support and undermining on depression. Furthermore, no gender differences were found between male and female coping processes and depressive symptoms. Implications for clinical interventions and future research directions are discussed.
Selecting Tetradic Short Forms of the Taiwan Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IV
Authors: Chen Hsinyi , Hua Mau-Sun
Published: March 2019

Factor-based Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) tetrads were investigated using the Taiwan WAIS-IV standardization sample of 1,105 normal adults aged between 16 and 90 years. Various psychometric characteristics, time constraints, and qualities of estimation were compared among 90 tetrads using linear equation procedures. Among the tetrads, the Information–Visual Puzzle–Digit Span–Digit Symbol combination had higher performance than the other combinations with respect to overall estimation quality and time saved. Moreover, the Similarities–Visual Puzzle–Digit Span–Digit Symbol, Information–Matrix Reasoning–Digit Span–Digit Symbol, and Information–Visual Puzzle–Letter Number Sequencing–Digit Symbol combinations obtained the most efficient estimates. For clinicians who value the utility of Block Design, the Information–Block Design–Digit Span–Digit Symbol combination was found to provide high estimation quality. The findings also revealed that the previously recommended Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition tetrads are no longer the best solutions for the WAIS-IV. Furthermore, even the selected WAIS-IV tetrads had substantial misclassification rates; the four-factor short forms tend to underestimate the full-scaled IQ for highly intelligent adults. Therefore, these short forms should be used cautiously and for screening purposes only.
Enacting Entangled Practice: Interagency Collaboration in Domestic and Family Violence Work
Authors: Stewart Sarah L.
Published: March 2019

Interagency collaboration in domestic and family violence (DFV) work is generally assumed to be good practice. This article questions this assumption, suggesting caution in adopting an uncritical pro-collaboration stance, arguing the need to trace the effects of working together on victims/survivors. Employing an innovative sociomaterial approach, this ethnographic study of interagency practice unravels its complexity, showing that not all ways of working together serve the interests of victims/survivors equally. Conceptualizing interagency DFV work as two distinctive, yet entangled, modes of collaboration, the findings have important implications for interagency DFV practice and policy.
Changes in conjunctival epithelial cells after treatment with 0.2% xanthan gum eye drops in mild-moderate dry eye
Authors: Postorino Elisa Imelde , Aragona Pasquale , Rania Laura , Spinella Rosaria , Puzzolo Domenico , Micali Antonio , Mazza Anna Maria Livia , Papa Vincenzo
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

To study the effects of xanthan gum eye drops on the ocular surface and conjunctival cytology of patients with mild-moderate dry eye.

Methods:

This prospective, double-masked, controlled trial included 30 patients (age > 60 and Ocular Surface Disease Index score >12 and <33), divided into two groups of 15 subjects and treated with 0.2% xanthan gum eye drops (group 1) or 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (group 2) qid. After a run-in period with saline qid, patients were evaluated by Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, clinical assessment, and impression cytology at baseline (T0) and after 1 month (T1). For impression cytology, cellularity, cell-to-cell contacts, nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, chromatin aspect, goblet cells distribution, keratinization, and the presence of inflammatory cells were considered. Parameters were scored from 0 (no alterations) to 3 (evident alterations). For statistical analysis, Student’s t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and Mann–Whitney U-test were used.

Results:

Clinically, after 1 month of treatment, group 1 showed an improvement of corneal stain (T0 = 1.1 ± 1.4; T1 = 0.5 ± 0.7; p = 0.03) and a reduction of Schirmer I test (T0 = 9.8 ± 6.1; T1 = 5.9 ± 4.1; p = 0.001). In group 2, no differences were found between T0 and T1 for all the clinical tests. For impression cytology, in group 1 cellularity (T0 = 0.6 ± 0.5; T1 = 0.3 ± 0.5; p = 0.05), chromatin aspect (T0 = 1.2 ± 0.4; T1 = 0.8 ± 0.5; p = 0.01), keratinization (T0 = 1 ± 0.7; T1 = 0.5 ± 0.5; p = 0.03), and total score (T0 = 5.8 ± 1.3; T1 = 3.6 ± 1.7; p = 0.003) were significantly ameliorated, while in group 2 only total score improved significantly (T0 = 5 ± 1.4; T1 = 4.3 ± 1.5; p = 0.01). The comparison between groups showed significant amelioration for keratinization in group 1 at T1 (p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

The treatment with xanthan gum, a molecule with anti-oxidant and mucoadhesive properties, ameliorated conjunctival epithelium of mild-moderate dry eye patients better than carboxymethylcellulose.
‘Steve is twice the Aussie icon you will ever be’: Germaine Greer, the Crocodile Hunter’s death, and nationalistic misogyny
Authors: Taylor Anthea
Published: March 2019

In September 2006, Australia’s most iconic feminist, Germaine Greer, wrote a controversial article in response to the death of celebrity wildlife presenter Steve Irwin. In the Guardian piece, entitled ‘That sort of self-delusion is what it takes to be a real Aussie larrikin’, Greer concluded, ‘The animal world has finally taken its revenge on Irwin’. For hundreds of Australian readers, Greer’s public response to the untimely demise of a purported national ‘hero’ represented a symbolic assault not just on the ’Crocodile Hunter’s’ grieving family but on the nation itself. Following the article’s appearance, Greer’s agents – Gillon Aitken Associates, based in the United Kingdom – received copious amounts of hate mail directed towards the controversial celebrity feminist; these emails are contained in the recently acquired Greer archive at the University of Melbourne and provide important insights into affective responses to this polarising figure. Tightly policing the boundaries of what constitutes ‘Australian-ness’ as well as mobilising problematic assumptions about the correct way of publicly doing femininity, these emails call into question Greer’s authority to speak publicly not just about this matter but about any issue at all. In so doing, these emails – which include threats of violence – work to contest the ‘newness’ of the vitriolic, misogynistic hate speech commonly directed towards vocal women in the contemporary mediasphere (especially via platforms such as Twitter). Against the representation of Irwin as model Australian, Greer is dismissed not just as a ‘bad’ woman but as a ‘bad’ citizen. Accordingly, this article considers both the kind of ‘Greer’ and the kind of ‘Irwin’ being discursively constructed in these emails, and how the mutually constitutive discourses of misogyny and nationalism were deployed in these attempts to marginalise and silence Greer and to mourn and celebrate Irwin.
Managing epistemic imbalances in peer interaction during mathematics lessons
Authors: Kämäräinen Anniina , Björn Piia , Eronen Lasse , Kärnä Eija
Published: March 2019

In this study, we investigated how students manage their lack of/insufficient understanding of the content of a mathematical task with the aim of reaching shared understanding and epistemic balance in peer interaction. The data consist of recordings collected during a mathematics project (6 × 75 minutes) in a Finnish lower secondary school. The findings, drawing on conversation analysis, showed two markedly different sequence trajectories: (1) how interaction between a K+ and a K− (more/less knowledgeable) student proceeded relatively smoothly when these positions were accepted by both participants, and consequently the K+ led epistemic work by designing turns that resembled teachers’ practices; and (2) how the K+/K− interaction became extended when a K− challenged the K+’s knowledge claims, and furthermore, how a K− steered the epistemic work using polar and wh-interrogatives. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the ways the management of epistemic imbalance can progress during peer group work.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males
Authors: Lopresti Adrian L. , Drummond Peter D. , Smith Stephen J.
Published: March 2019

Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote youthful vigor, enhance muscle strength and endurance, and improve overall health. In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, its effects on fatigue, vigor, and steroid hormones in aging men were investigated. Overweight men aged 40–70 years, with mild fatigue, were given a placebo or an ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads, delivering 21 mg of withanolide glycosides a day) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Profile of Mood States, Short Form (POMS-SF), Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire, and salivary levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol. Fifty-seven participants were enrolled, with 50 people completing the first 8-week period of the trial and 43 completing all 16 weeks. Improvements in fatigue, vigor, and sexual and psychological well-being were reported over time, with no statistically significant between-group differences. Ashwagandha intake was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S ( p = .005) and 14.7% greater increase in testosterone ( p = .010) compared to the placebo. There were no significant between-group differences in cortisol and estradiol. In conclusion, the intake of a standardized ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads) for 8 weeks was associated with increased levels of DHEA-S and testosterone, although no significant between-group differences were found in cortisol, estradiol, fatigue, vigor, or sexual well-being. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to substantiate the current findings.
In situ polymerization of polypyrrole on cotton fabrics as flexible electrothermal materials
Authors: Xie Juan , Pan Wei , Guo Zheng , Jiao Shan Shan , Ping Yang Ling
Published: March 2019

Polypyrrole/cotton composites have substantial application potential in flexible heating devices due to their flexibility, high conductivity, and thermal stability. In this context, a series of flexible polypyrrole/cotton fabrics were intrinsically prepared using in situ polymerization process with the different Py/FeCl3 concentration ratios. To investigate their structural and morphological properties, thermal stability, tensile strength, conductivity, and heat-generating property, the composite fabrics were subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermo-gravimetric analysis, mechanical properties, and resistivity measurements. The results showed that polypyrrole/cotton fabrics exhibited a low resistivity of 0.37 Ω cm. Temperature–time curve showed that temperature of the polypyrrole/cotton fabrics increased very quickly from room temperature to a steady-state maximum temperature of 168.3°C within 3 min at applied voltage of 5 V. Tensile strength of polypyrrole/cotton composites reached to 58 MPa, which far surpassed raw cotton fabrics. Therefore, polypyrrole/cotton fabrics have exhibited high electrical, thermal properties, and mechanical strength, which can be utilized as an ideal flexible heating element.
The metabolomic scent of cancer disease progression in soft tissue sarcoma: A case report
Authors: Miolo Gianmaria , Basile Debora , Carretta Andrea , Santeufemia Davide Adriano , Steffan Agostino , Corona Giuseppe
Published: March 2019

Background:

The purpose of this case report is to describe the potential that metabolomics breath analysis may have in cancer disease monitoring. The advances in mass spectrometry instrumentation allow the accurate real-time analysis of volatile metabolites exhaled in the breath. The application of such non-invasive devices may provide innovative and complementary monitoring of the physio-pathological conditions of cancer patients.

Case presentation:

A 59-year-old Caucasian woman with spindle cell malignant mesenchymal sarcoma of the presacral region started a first-line therapy with non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and ifosfamide associated with pelvic radiant treatment. After two cycles of chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, a significant pulmonary disease progression was reported. Thus, a second-line therapy with trabectedin was administered. However, after only two cycles of treatment a re-staging computed tomography scan reported further cancer disease progression of the target pulmonary lesions as well as occurrence of new satellite bilateral nodules. Real-time analysis of breath exhaled volatile organic compounds, performed by select ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) during the follow-up of the patient, showed a specific metabolic pattern not observed in the breath of other soft tissue sarcoma patients who achieved clinical benefit from the treatments.

Conclusions:

This case report revealed the importance of the non-invasive real-time volatile organic compounds breath analysis to distinguish individual specific chemo-resistance phenotypes among soft tissue sarcoma patients. Such observation seems to suggest that breath metabolomics may be particularly useful for monitoring cancer disease progression in soft tissue sarcoma patients where only cost-effective diagnostic tools, such as positron emission tomography and computed tomography, are available.