bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osmiarufa L. (Hym. Megachilidae) as a Pollinator of Plants in Greenhouses
Authors: HOLM SVEND NØRGAARD
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Osmiarufa has been successfully used as a pollinator of early flowering plants in an unheated greenhouse. This species showed a favourable sex ratio which enhanced propagation; it readily occupied artificial domiciles, hibernated well at 4–-5°C in a refrigerator, and could be available for immediate use as pollinator.

The bees were easily trapped in nature by means of cardboard tubes. The females preferred tubes of 6 mm diameter, but also nested in 8 mm tubes. The latter tubes gave a considerable increase in sex ratio both in nature and under greenhouse conditions.

The value of O. rufa as a pollinator is discussed.
Aricia artaxerxes F. ssp. horkei H.-Guld.
Authors: HØEGH-GULDBERG OVE
Published: November 2018

Abstract

On the island of Öland, in the Baltic, a species of the Aricia genus is rather frequent. From the appearance of the imago, it was previously regarded as A. agestis Schiff., however, since 1966 it has been registered as ssp. horkei Høegh-Guldberg under A. artaxerxes F. (=allous G.-Hb.) because it must be considered univoltine.

In 1972, the author examined the morphology and biology of the early stages which point towards artaxerxes; and renewed expanded analyses of imaginal morphology likewise confirm the results from 1966 which, in spite of certain agestis-like features, showed that the Oland Ariciae are artaxerxes.

A crossing experiment with A. artaxerxes ssp. rambringi Høegh-Guldberg from Sandhammaren, Skane, likewise indicates that the two populations belong to the same species.
An initial survey of aquatic and semi-aquatic Heteroptera (Insecta) from the Cardamom Mountains and adjacent uplands of southwestern Cambodia, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: Polhemus Dan A.
Published: November 2018

Previous collections of aquatic Heteroptera from Cambodia have been limited, and the biota of the country has remained essentially undocumented until the past several years. Recent surveys of aquatic Heteroptera in the Cardamom Mountains and adjacent Kirirom and Bokor plateaus of southwestern Cambodia, coupled with previous literature records, demonstrate that 11 families, 35 genera, and 68 species of water bugs occur in this area. These collections include 13 genus records and 37 species records newly listed for the country of Cambodia. The following four new species are described based on these recent surveys: Amemboa cambodiana n. sp. (Gerridae); Microvelia penglyi n. sp., Microvelia setifera n. sp. and Microvelia bokor n. sp. (all Veliidae). Based on an updated checklist provided herein, the aquatic Heteroptera biota of Cambodia as currently known consists of 78 species, and has an endemism rate of 7.7%, although these numbers should be considered provisional pending further sampling.
Auditory–Visual Aversive Stimuli Modulate the Conscious Experience of Fear
Authors: Taffou Marine , Guerchouche Rachid , Drettakis George , Viaud-Delmon Isabelle
Published: November 2018

In a natural environment, affective information is perceived via multiple senses, mostly audition and vision. However, the impact of multisensory information on affect remains relatively undiscovered. In this study, we investigated whether the auditory–visual presentation of aversive stimuli influences the experience of fear. We used the advantages of virtual reality to manipulate multisensory presentation and to display potentially fearful dog stimuli embedded in a natural context. We manipulated the affective reactions evoked by the dog stimuli by recruiting two groups of participants: dog-fearful and non-fearful participants. The sensitivity to dog fear was assessed psychometrically by a questionnaire and also at behavioral and subjective levels using a Behavioral Avoidance Test (BAT). Participants navigated in virtual environments, in which they encountered virtual dog stimuli presented through the auditory channel, the visual channel or both. They were asked to report their fear using Subjective Units of Distress. We compared the fear for unimodal (visual or auditory) and bimodal (auditory–visual) dog stimuli. Dog-fearful participants as well as non-fearful participants reported more fear in response to bimodal audiovisual compared to unimodal presentation of dog stimuli. These results suggest that fear is more intense when the affective information is processed via multiple sensory pathways, which might be due to a cross-modal potentiation. Our findings have implications for the field of virtual reality-based therapy of phobias. Therapies could be refined and improved by implicating and manipulating the multisensory presentation of the feared situations.
Cell wall thickening in developing tension wood of artificially bent poplar trees
Authors: Abedini Raoufeh , Clair Bruno , Pourtahmasi Kambiz , Laurans Françoise , Arnould Olivier
Published: November 2018

Trees can control their shape and resist gravity thanks to their ability to produce wood under tensile stress. This stress is known to be produced during the maturation of wood fibres but the mechanism of its generation remains unclear. This study focuses on the formation of the secondary wall in tension wood produced in artificially tilted poplar saplings. Thickness of secondary wall layer (SL) and gelatinous layer (GL) were measured from cambium to mature wood in several trees sampled at different times after tilting. Measurements on wood fibres produced before tilting show the progressive increase of secondary wall thickness during the growing season. After the tilting date, SL thickness decreased markedly from normal wood to tension wood while the total thickness increased compared to normal wood, with the development of a thick GL. However, even after GL formation, SL thickness continues to increase during the growing season. GL thickening was observed to be faster than SL thickening. The development of the unlignified GL is proposed to be a low cost, efficient strategy for a fast generation of tensile stress in broadleaved trees.
Identification of the woods used to make the Riley Cabinet
Authors: Heady R.D. , Peters G.N. , Evans P.D.
Published: November 2018

The Riley cabinet is a historically-significant piece of Australian furniture built by convict artisans in 1817–1820, only 30 years after colonisation of Australia began. The timber species used to make the cabinet were hitherto unknown. This paper describes the novel use of a truncated veterinary syringe needle as a minimally-invasive tool for obtaining very small wood-identification samples from the cabinet. We also describe how, using utmost economy of sample material, we identified the different cabinet woods, with varying levels of precision. Identification of the thirteen species encountered relied on macroscopic and microscopic features of the woods and consideration of the availability of different timbers to the cabinet-maker at the time the cabinet was made. We conclude that the early British settlers of Australia rapidly gained knowledge of the wide variety of indigenous woods suitable for cabinet manufacture, and suggest that the methods used to sample and identify the woods in the Riley cabinet may have wider application for identifying woods found in other historically-significant wooden objects.
Bark and wood anatomy of the Tribe Hamelieae (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Martínez-Cabrera Dorismilda , Terrazas Teresa , Ochoterena Helga , López-Mata Lauro
Published: November 2018

We studied wood and bark anatomy of six (Deppea, Hamelia, Hoffmannia, Omiltemia, Pinarophyllon, and Plocaniophyllon) of the seven genera of the tribe Hamelieae sensu Robbrecht, and Syringantha with as main purposes to determine if there are characters that support the boundaries of the Hamelieae, to evaluate the status of Syringantha as a member of the Hamelieae, and to evaluate the taxonomic position of Hamelieae within the subfamilies Rubioideae or Cinchonoideae. In addition, we studied for comparative purposes representative species of Psychotria (Psychotrieae, Rubioideae), Exostema, and Hintonia (Portlandia group, Cinchonoideae), Randia (Gardenieae, Ixoroideae), and Bouvardia (incertae sedis). Bark of most genera studied had a single periderm, while a rhytidome was observed in Exostema and few species of Psychotria. The mineral inclusions allowed recognizing related genera, for example, raphides in Hamelieae and Psychotria, prisms in Exostema, and druses in Randia. Members of Hamelieae showed wood type II, distinctive by the occurrence of libriform septate fibres, vessels in radial multiples of 2–6 vessels (80–90%, vessel grouping index 1.79–2.74), and diffuse apotracheal parenchyma. Syringantha shares with members of Hamelieae the presence of an endodermis, raphides in the bark, and wood type II. The combination of other wood characters mainly lend quantitative support to the taxonomic delimitation of some genera within Hamelieae. Raphides and wood type II supported a close relationship between Hamelieae and Hillieae within Cinchonoideae; characters that distinguish them from the other members of Cinchonoideae. Our results suggest independent origins of wood type II within the Rubiaceae. In addition, vessel density and diameter are discussed as possible adaptations to the different forest types where members of Hamelieae occur.
Reorientation Strategies in leaning stems of young maritime pine (Pinus Pinaster) and Loblolly Pine (Pinus Taeda)
Authors: Ba Maodo , Salin Franck , Fourcaud Thierry , Stokes Alexia
Published: November 2018

To test for different stem reorientation strategies in leaning seedlings of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), we inclined dormant plants at 0°, 45° and 90° for 35 days in optimal growthconditions. Stem angle to the vertical was measured at regular intervals. After 22 and 35 days, bending tests were carried out to determine stem elasticity and stiffness. The quantity of compression wood (CW) formed was also measured. Results showed that after 24 h, the apices of leaning maritime pine stems had completely reoriented to the vertical, whereas no such primary tropic response was observed in loblolly pine. After 22 days, the significantly stiffer loblolly pines had begun straightening up from the stem base, but not maritime pine. After 35 days, the overall secondary reorientation process was more efficient in loblolly pine, with significantly more CW produced. In both species, CW had formed immediately on tilting stems, i.e. no early wood cells had formed. As maritime pine originates from a dry to semi-arid region, having less CW will mean that water uptake will be greater for the same xylem area compared to loblolly pine which possesses more CW. In establishing maritime pine seedlings, rapid apical orientation with regard to light and gravity will compensate for a slower straightening up mechanism in the more lignified parts of the stem. Therefore, juvenile needle exposure to patches of light will be maximised at all times.
Seasonal ultrastructural changes in the cambial zone of beech (Fagus sylvatica) grown at two different altitudes
Authors: Prislan Peter , Schmitt Uwe , Koch Gerald , Gričar Jožica , Čufar Katarina
Published: November 2018

Seasonal structural changes of cambial cells in mature beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees growing at elevations of 400 m a.s.l. (lowland) and 1200 m a.s.l. (mountains) are presented on the basis of light (LM) and electron microscopy (TEM). For LM, samples from trees were collected at weekly intervals and for TEM at two-month intervals from March till September, 2008. LM enabled us to follow the production of new xylem and phloem cells that lasted for 16.5 ± 3.7 weeks at the lowland site and for 10.7 ± 1.3 weeks in the mountains. TEM revealed differences in ultrastructure of cambial cells in the phases of dormancy, reactivation, activity and transition to dormancy. The seasonal patterns of ultrastructural changes in cambial cells were similar at both sites but their timing was different. TEM revealed changes in the fine structure of cambial cells, indicating their activation in spring and the earliest stages of cell divisions and development of new cell walls. When using LM, the onset of cambial activity could be observed one month later, compared with TEM. LM therefore enabled us to follow cambial productivity but not the activity and related cytoplasmic modifications during reactivation.
Relationship among extractives, lignin and holocellulose contents with performance index of seven wood species used for bows of string instruments
Authors: Longui Eduardo Luiz , Brémaud Iris , da Silva Júnior Francides Gomes , Lombardi Daniel Romeu , Alves Edenise Segala
Published: November 2018

In this paper we investigate the influence of extractives, lignin and holocellulose contents on performance index (PI) of seven woods used or tested for violin bows. Woods with higher values of this index (PI = √MOE/ρ, where MOE is modulus of elasticity and ρ is density) have a higher bending stiffness at a given mass, which can be related to bow wood quality. Extractive content was negatively correlated with PI in Caesalpinia echinata, Handroanthus sp. and Astronium lecointei. In C. echinata holocellulose was positively correlated with PI. These results need to be further explored with more samples and by testing additional wood properties. Although the chemical constituents could provide an indication of quality, it is not possible to establish appropriate woods for bows solely by examining their chemical constituents.
A Comparison of earlywood–latewood Demarcation Methods – A case study in Loblolly PINE
Authors: Antony Finto , Schimleck Laurence R. , Daniels Richard F.
Published: November 2018

Demarcating the transition from earlywood (EW) to latewood (LW) is important for accurately estimating the width of both wood types within an annual ring, their respective densities and the proportion of LW within an annual ring. Different methods have been used to define the transition from EW to LW and include Mork’s index, the threshold density method and the inflection point method. In loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) a threshold value of 480 kg/m3 (basic density) has conventionally been used to demarcate EW from LW. In this study the three methods: a threshold density of 480 kg/m3, the inflection point method and Mork’s index were used to define the point at which EW transitioned to LW using annual rings for 20 loblolly pine breast height increment cores. Significant correlation was observed among the three methods in identifying the demarcation point. However, the results indicated that EW-LW demarcation points identified using the three methods in juvenile wood rings were different to mature wood rings; with the most pronounced differences being observed for Mork’s index.
Cambial Variant in the Stem of Serjania Corrugata (Sapindaceae)
Authors: Araújo Gabriel U.C. , Costa Cecilia G.
Published: November 2018

The establishment of the cambial variant and the development of the stem of Serjania corrugata Radlk. (Sapindaceae) was analyzed. In the early stages of development, the stem is lobed, with five lobes and five furrows in cross section. Around the fourth internode, each lobe has a vascular arc with one or two more developed central vascular bundles, two lateral bundles and phloem in the interfascicular regions. Procambial strands are also found in perimedullary position, producing only phloem elements. At this stage, the beginning of the cambial activity can be seen in the central vascular bundle in each lobe. This activity then extends to the lateral vascular bundles and to the perimedullary phloem. Parenchymatic cells, located between the vascular ring of the lobe and the perimedullary phloem, dedifferentiate and initiate meristematic activity, uniting these two regions. The development of xylem masses (one in each lobe) that characterizes the adult stem results from this cambial activity. The development of the cambial variant in S. corrugata is quite similar to that previously described in S. elegans Cambess.
GROWTH AND WOOD DENSITY RESPONSES TO LATER-AGE FERTILIZER APPLICATION IN PINUS RADIATA
Authors: Nyakuengama John Gwinyai , Downes Geoffrey M. , Ng Jane
Published: November 2018

Growth or ring width responses to nitrogen, phosphorus and the two combined fertilizers were significant over five out of seven years that followed treatment (post-treatment period) in thinned, mid-rotation radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don). Responses were similar between nitrogen and phosphorus treatments and largest in the nitrogen plus phosphorus (NP) treatment. Fertilizer increased the proportion of wood formed in mid-rotation relative to juvenile wood thereby increasing tree density in comparison to the control. Fertilizers, other than nitrogen, significantly lowered density compared to the control in the posttreatment period only. Density was higher in nitrogen than phosphorus and similar between phosphorus and NP. Density responses lasted for up to 5 years and were inconsistent between treatments. Ring width and density were weakly correlated. Ring width and density responded differently to climatic variables within and between sites, signalling independent physiological controls and highlighting the importance of site specific differences.
RADIAL GRADIENTS IN WOOD SPECIFIC GRAVITY IN TREES OF CENTRAL AMAZONIAN FLOODPLAINS
Authors: Parolin Pia
Published: November 2018

Increases in wood specific gravity (SG) with distance from pith are associated with the growth strategies of trees and their environments. In the present study, radial gradients in SG were analysed for 20 species from nutrient-rich whitewater floodplains (várzea), including seven pioneer species, and for 15 species from nutrient-poor blackwater floodplains (igapó) in Central Amazonia. Average SG increased from pith to bark by 12% in the species from igapó, compared to 16% in the nonpioneers and 35% in the pioneers from várzea. The increases lie in the range of tropical dry forests. SG variation follows the growth strategies of the trees. The main trend in nutrient-rich várzea is fast growth, with low SG wood initially and higher increases in SG. In nutrientpoor igapó, the tendency is relatively constant, slow growth and low SG changes throughout tree life.
‘We Too Have a Word to Say’
Authors: Kaya Muzaffer
Published: November 2018

This article seeks to explain how in the beginning of the 1960s in Turkey the right to strike was adopted as a social right. The existing literature is divided regarding the factors that led to the shift in governmental policy. While some argue that the state granted this right without any struggle on the side of the workers, others propose that the main determinant in the process was the struggle of workers. By scrutinizing the interaction between political developments at the state and party levels, and the actions of the workers in that period, I argue that the recognition of the right to strike was the combined result of several interrelated political developments at the local and global level.
Students’ Perceptions and Acceptance of lego Robots in Syria
Authors: Mqawass Ghaith
Published: November 2018

An important recent trend in education has been the integration of different technologies such as digital games, online courses, and educational robots. The development of educational robots such as lego Mindstorms nxt allows students to learn to build their own robots. This paper describes the human-robot interaction (hri) focusing especially on the model lego Mindstorms nxt. A questionnaire among 250 Syrian school and university students was conducted to investigate the different perceptions about lego robots in 2016. The informants were grouped based on their age; participants in the first group were aged between 11 and 18 years while participants in the second between 19 and 24. The current study also focuses on the factors leading to the acceptance of lego robots. Another questionnaire was conducted to highlight what factors determine the degree of acceptance of lego robots by the studied groups. Significant age and gender effects were found. The results show a noticeable difference between the two age groups, with the younger group tending to accept lego robots more. Furthermore, it was found that male respondents show more positive reactions towards lego robots than females.
On the identity of Hybosorus hopei A. Costa, a forgotten Italian beetle (Coleoptera: Hybosoridae and Tenebrionidae)
Authors: NARDI GIANLUCA
Published: November 2018

Hybosorus hopei A. Costa, 1844 from Naples environs (Italy), described in the Lamellicornia, was later moved by Costa himself to the genus Trachyscelis Latreille, 1809 (Tenebrionidae) but was overlooked by almost all subsequent authors. Its history is summarized and the following new synonymy is established: Trachyscelis aphodioides Latreille, 1809 = Hybosorus hopei A. Costa, 1844 syn. nov. Up-to-date global and Italian distributions of T. aphodioides are provided.
A basal parvicursorine (Theropoda: Alvarezsauridae) from the Upper Cretaceous of China
Authors: XU XING , WANG DE-YOU , SULLIVAN CORWIN , HONE DAVID W. E. , HAN FENG-LU , YAN RONG-HAO , DU FU-MING
Published: November 2018

A new alvarezsaurid theropod, Xixianykus zhangi gen. et sp. nov., is described based on a partial postcranial skeleton collected from the Upper Cretaceous Majiacun Formation of Xixia County, Henan Province. The new taxon can be diagnosed by the following autapomorphies: sacral rib-transverse process complexes and zygapophyses fused to form separate anterior and posterior laminae; distinct fossa dorsal to antitrochanter on lateral surface of ilium; short ridge along posterior surface of pubic shaft near proximal end; distinct depression on lateral surface of ischium near proximal end; sharp groove along posterior surface of ischium; distal end of femur with transversely narrow ectocondylar tuber that extends considerable distance proximally as sharp ridge; transversely narrow tibial cnemial crest with sharp, ridgelike distal half; lateral margin of tibiotarsus forms step near distal end; fibula with substantial extension of proximal articular surface onto posterior face of posteriorly curving shaft; distal tarsals and metatarsals co-ossified to form tarsometatarsus; and sharp flange along anteromedial margin of metatarsal IV near proximal end. Cladistic analysis places this taxon as a basal parvicursorine within the Alvarezsauridae, a position consistent with the presence of several incipiently developed parvicursorine features in this taxon and also with its relatively early geological age. A brief analysis of vertebral functional morphology, together with data from the hindlimb, suggests that parvicursorines represent extreme cursors among non-avian dinosaurs.
A third new Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Truong Son Range, Vietnam
Authors: ZIEGLER THOMAS , NAZAROV ROMAN , ORLOV NIKOLAI , NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG , VU THANH NGOC , DANG KIEN NGOC , DINH TRI HUY , SCHMITZ ANDREAS
Published: November 2018

We describe a third cryptic species of the genus Cyrtodactylus from Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. Cyrtodactylus roesleri sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining Indochinese bent-toed geckos by a combination of the following characters: size small, with a maximum SVL of 75.3 mm; dorsal pattern consisting of dark nuchal band and 4–5 sometimes irregularly shaped dark transversal bands between limbs; ventrals in 34–40 longitudinal rows at midbody; continuous series of 20–28 precloacal and femoral pores in males; subcaudal scales transversally enlarged. It is the 15 th new reptilian taxon described as new from the karst forests of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in the past decade. In addition, it is the 19 th species of Cyrtodactylus known from Vietnam and the third Cyrtodactylus occurring in sympatry in the karst forests of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
A new dendrobatid frog (Anura: Dendrobatidae: Anomaloglossus) from the Orinoquian rainforest, southern Venezuela
Authors: BARRIO-AMORÓS CÉSAR L. , SANTOS JUAN CARLOS , JOVANOVIC OLGA
Published: November 2018

A new species of Anomaloglossus is described from the Venezuelan Guayana; it is the 21 st described species of Anomaloglossus from the Guiana Shield, and the 15 th from Venezuela. This species inhabits rainforest on granitic substrate on the northwestern edge of the Guiana Shield (Estado Amazonas, Venezuela). The new species is distinguished from congeners by sexual dimorphism, its unique male color pattern (including two bright orange parotoid marks and two orange paracloacal spots on dark brown background), call characteristics and other morphological features. Though to the new species is known only from the northwestern edge of the Guiana Shield, its distribution may be more extensive, as there are no significant biogeographic barriers isolating the type locality from the granitic lowlands of Venezuela.
A new species of freshwater crab of the genus Odontothelphusa Rodríguez, 1982, (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae) from Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: VILLALOBOS JOSÉ LUIS , GARCÍA ANELLI J. , VELÁZQUEZ ERNESTO
Published: November 2018

A new species of freshwater crab of the genus Odontothelphusa is described. The specimens were collected from one tributary of the Malpaso Dam in northwestern Chiapas state, extending the geographical distribution of the genus to southwestern Mexico. The new species differs from its congeners by the presence of a basal rounded tubercle and a small acute spine near the pointed end of the strong proximomesial spine. The new species represents the seventh species in the genus.
Descriptions of 2 new genera and 13 new species of caddisflies from Australia (Trichoptera: Ecnomidae)
Authors: CARTWRIGHT DAVID I.
Published: November 2018

Descriptions, keys and a checklist are provided for males of 13 new species of ecnomid caddisflies from Australia. Females of 10 of these species are also described. The species are placed in two new genera, Absensomina gen. nov. and Wellsomina gen. nov. The new species are: A. weara, W. ampulla, W. baru, W. bucera, W. furca, W. gumurr, W. jalgoodoo, W. mattina, W. naumanni, W. saeta, W. stuarti, W. tam and W. thigi. Generic separation is based on female genitalic and wing features, supported by small differences in head warts and male genitalic characteristics. Both of the genera treated here are endemic to northern Australia.
Chromatophotina, a remarkable new genus of praying mantid from the Neotropical Region and its two new species (Mantodea: Mantidae, Photinainae)
Authors: RIVERA JULIO
Published: November 2018

A new genus and two new species of Neotropical praying mantids are described: Chromatophotina awajun from Peru and Chromatophotina cofan from Ecuador. Study of the male genitalia suggests that Chromatophotina is a member of the tribe Photinaini, subfamily Photinainae, family Mantidae. Chromatophotina is distinguishable from other Photinainae by several unique characters, including the bright yellow-orange coloration of the metathoracic wings of the females, unique among the Photinainae. Additional remarks on the distribution and systematics of the new genus are also provided.
Two new species of the genus Japananus Ball, 1931 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
Authors: XING JI-CHUN , DAI REN-HUAI , LI ZI-ZHONG
Published: November 2018

Two new species of the genus Japananus Ball from China are described and illustrated: J. meilingensis sp. nov. and J. lamellosus sp. nov.. A key is given to distinguish all species of the genus. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).
Review of the species of Betasyrphus Matsumura, 1917 (Diptera: Syrphidae) from Madagascar with description of a new species
Authors: SSYMANK AXEL
Published: November 2018

The species of the genus Betasyrphus Matsumura, 1917 from Madagascar are reviewed. Betasyrphus keiseri sp. nov. is described from Vohipara (Ramonafana National Park) and compared to the type material of Betasyrphus serarius (Wiedemann,1830). The latter species could not be confirmed from the Afrotropical region and has to be deleted from the Afrotropical catalogue. The male genitalia of the new species are figured and a key to the species from Madagascar is given. The genus contains 12 described Aftrotropical species, excluding two taxa of uncertain status. Only two valid species exist in Madagascar.
Notes on the status of some species of the Medetera jacula group (Diptera: Dolichopodidae)
Authors: NEGROBOV OLEG P.
Published: November 2018

Currently, Grichanov (2002, 2007) placed in synonymy a number of species belonging to the Medetera jacula group, but without proper discussion based on the analysis of characters of the type specimens. In this paper arguments are provided in support for the re-establishment of these species.
A socioecological perspective to understanding mental and physical health: The mediating role of relationship mindsets and goals
Authors: Lee Hajin , Lou Nigel Mantou , Johnson Matthew D. , Park Sun W.
Published: November 2018

People’s mindsets and goals regarding social relationships affect their relationship quality and psychological well-being. We employed multiple group path modeling to examine how perceived relational mobility affects mental and physical health through relationship mindsets (destiny and growth mindsets) and relationship goals (approach and avoidance goals) across countries, surveying community adults in the U.S. ( n = 206; Mage = 39.14; 48% female) and South Korea ( n = 236; Mage = 38.89; 51% female) through online questionnaires. Results showed that stronger growth mindsets and approach goals predicted better mental and physical health, whereas stronger destiny mindsets and avoidance goals predicted poorer mental and physical health in both countries. Moreover, higher levels of relational mobility were linked to higher levels of subjective well-being and fewer depressive symptoms via growth mindsets and approach goals. The results provide evidence for the importance of socioecological factors such as relational mobility in influencing relationship mindsets and goals with eventual consequences for health outcomes.
Integrated outpatient palliative care for patients with advanced cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fulton Jessica J , LeBlanc Thomas W , Cutson Toni M , Porter Starr Kathryn N , Kamal Arif , Ramos Katherine , Freiermuth Caroline E , McDuffie Jennifer R , Kosinski Andrzej , Adam Soheir , Nagi Avishek , Williams John W
Published: November 2018

Background:

Despite increasing emphasis on integration of palliative care with disease-directed care for advanced cancer, the nature of this integration and its effects on patient and caregiver outcomes are not well-understood.

Aim:

We evaluated the effects of integrated outpatient palliative and oncology care for advanced cancer on patient and caregiver outcomes.

Design:

Following a standard protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42017057541), investigators independently screened reports to identify randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies that evaluated the effect of integrated outpatient palliative and oncology care interventions on quality of life, survival, and healthcare utilization among adults with advanced cancer. Data were synthesized using random-effects meta-analyses, supplemented with qualitative methods when necessary.

Data sources:

English-language peer-reviewed publications in PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central through November 2016. We subsequently updated our PubMed search through July 2018.

Results:

Eight randomized-controlled and two cluster-randomized trials were included. Most patients had multiple advanced cancers, with median time from diagnosis or recurrence to enrollment ranging from 8 to 12 weeks. All interventions included a multidisciplinary team, were classified as “moderately integrated,” and addressed physical and psychological symptoms. In a meta-analysis, short-term quality of life improved, symptom burden improved, and all-cause mortality decreased. Qualitative analyses revealed no association between integration elements, palliative care intervention elements, and intervention impact. Utilization and caregiver outcomes were often not reported.

Conclusions:

Moderately integrated palliative and oncology outpatient interventions had positive effects on short-term quality of life, symptom burden, and survival. Evidence for effects on healthcare utilization and caregiver outcomes remains sparse.
Improving Project Budget Estimation Accuracy and Precision by Analyzing Reserves for Both Identified and Unidentified Risks
Authors: Kwon Hyukchun , Kang Chang Wook
Published: November 2018

Project risk is a critical factor in estimating project budget. Previous studies on this topic have only addressed estimation methods that consider project budget reserves against identified risks. As a result, project managers still face the challenge of completing projects within given budgets but without the relevant tools to deal with unidentified risks. This study proposes an approach for estimating reserves for both identified and unidentified risks separately. The study also suggests using the three-point estimation technique and R-value determination for estimating risk costs, which can improve budget accuracy and precision. The construction of residential building projects in South Korea demonstrates the advantages of the proposed approach compared with previous methods.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: unmasking cryptogenic environmental factors
Authors: Sack Coralynn , Raghu Ganesh
Published: November 2018

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease of unknown origin that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this perspective, we briefly review the current understanding of the pathophysiology of IPF and the importance of environmental triggers as a precipitant of disease. We discuss occult intrinsic and extrinsic environmental factors that affect the lung microenvironment and may contribute to the development and progression of disease. The clinical implications of this framework need to be further elucidated, because prompt identification and elimination of occult exposures may represent a novel treatment modality.
Effects of short-term continuous positive airway pressure withdrawal on cerebral vascular reactivity measured by blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging in obstructive sleep apnoea: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Thiel Sira , Lettau Franziska , Rejmer Protazy , Rossi Cristina , Haile Sarah R. , Schwarz Esther I. , Stöberl Anna S. , Sievi Noriane A. , Boss Andreas , Becker Anton S. , Winklhofer Sebastian , Stradling John R. , Kohler Malcolm
Published: November 2018

Impaired cerebral vascular reactivity (CVR) increases long-term stroke risk. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with peripheral vascular dysfunction and vascular events. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) withdrawal on CVR.

41 OSA patients (88% male, mean age 57±10 years) were randomised to either subtherapeutic or continuation of therapeutic CPAP. At baseline and after 2 weeks, patients underwent a sleep study and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CVR was estimated by quantifying the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) MRI response to breathing stimuli.

OSA did recur in the subtherapeutic CPAP group (mean treatment effect apnoea–hypopnoea index +38.0 events·h−1, 95% CI 24.2–52.0; p<0.001) but remained controlled in the therapeutic group. Although there was a significant increase in blood pressure upon CPAP withdrawal (mean treatment effect +9.37 mmHg, 95% CI 1.36–17.39; p=0.023), there was no significant effect of CPAP withdrawal on CVR assessedviaBOLD MRI under either hyperoxic or hypercapnic conditions.

Short-term CPAP withdrawal did not result in statistically significant changes in CVR as assessed by functional MRI, despite the recurrence of OSA. We thus conclude that, unlike peripheral endothelial function, CVR is not affected by short-term CPAP withdrawal.
GPR119 agonist enhances gefitinib responsiveness through lactate-mediated inhibition of autophagy
Authors: Im Ji Hye , Kang Keon Wook , Kim Sun Young , Kim Yoon Gyoon , An Yong Jin , Park Sunghyouk , Jeong Byung Hwa , Choi Song-Yi , Lee Jin-Sun , Kang Keon Wook
Published: November 2018

Background

Ligand-dependent activation of the G-protein coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) lowers blood glucose via glucose-dependent insulin secretion and intestinal glucagon-like peptide-1 production. However, the function of GPR119 in cancer cells has not been studied.

Methods

GPR119 expression was assessed by real-time qPCR and immunohistochemistry in human breast cancer cell lines and breast cancer tissues. Cell proliferation and cell cycle analyses were performed by Incucyte® live cell analysis system and flow cutometry, respectively. Autophagy activity was estimeated by western blottings and LC3-GFP transfection.

Results

mRNA or protein expression of GPR119 was detected in 9 cancer cell lines and 19 tissue samples. Cotreatment with GPR119 agonist (MBX-2982 or GSK1292263) significantly potentiated gefitinib-induced cell growth inhibition in gefitinib-insensitive MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. We observed that caspase-3/7 activity was enhanced with the downregulation of Bcl-2 in MCF-7 cells exposed to MBX-2982. Gefitinib-induced autophagy is related with cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. GPR119 agonists inhibit gefitinib-induced autophagosome formation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. MBX-2982 also caused a metabolic shift to enhanced glycolysis accompanied by reduced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. MBX-2982 increased intracellular (~ 2.5 mM) and extracellular lactate (~ 20 mM) content. Gefitinib-mediated autophagy was suppressed by 20 mM lactate in MCF-7 cells.

Conclusions

GPR119 agonists reduced mitochondrial OXPHOS and stimulated glycolysis in breast cancer cells, with consequent overproduction of lactate that inhibited autophagosome formation. Because autophagy is crucial for the survival of cancer cells exposed to TKIs, GPR119 agonists potentiated the anticancer effects of TKIs.
Phytosterols and inulin-enriched soymilk increases glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion in healthy men: double-blind randomized controlled trial, subgroup study
Authors: Kietsiriroje Noppadol , Kanjanahirun Krisana , Kwankaew Jirateep , Ponrak Ratikorn , Soonthornpun Supamai
Published: November 2018

Objective

The study aimed to determine the effect of phytosterols and inulin on plasma glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 levels among healthy men after consuming phytosterols and inulin-enriched soymilk for 8 weeks.

Results

A total of 26 men at least 20 years old were randomly assigned into the 2 g/day of phytosterols and 10 g/day of inulin-enriched soymilk (intervention) group or into the standard soymilk (control) group. In the intervention group, the area under the curve of Glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion increased significantly, compared to its baseline (p = 0.003). The area under the curve of insulin secretion also increased but it did not meet statistical significance (p = 0.118). The area under the curves of plasma glucose were similar between pre- and post-test (p = 0.348). In the control group, none of the primary results significantly changed compared to their baseline levels.

Trial registration Thai Clinical Trial Registry: TCTR20160319001 date: March 19, 2016, retrospectively registered.
The Graph Rubric: Development of a Teaching, Learning, and Research Tool
Authors: Angra Aakanksha , Gardner Stephanie M.
Published: November 2018

As undergraduate biology curricula increasingly aim to provide students with access to courses and experiences that engage them in the practices of science, tools are needed for instruction, evaluation, and research around student learning. One of the important skills for undergraduate biology students to master is the selection and creation of appropriate graphs to summarize data they acquire through investigations in their course work and research experiences. Graphing is a complex skill, and there are few, discipline-informed tools available for instructors, students, and researchers to use. Here, we describe the development of a graph rubric informed by literature from the learning sciences, statistics, representations literature, and feedback and use of the rubric by a variety of users. The result is an evidence-based, analytic rubric that consists of categories essential for graph choice and construction: graph mechanics, graph communication, and graph choice. Each category of the rubric can be evaluated at three levels of achievement. Our analysis demonstrates the potential for the rubric to provide formative feedback to students and allow instructors to gauge and guide learning and instruction. We further discuss and identify potentially interesting research targets for science education researchers.
The Impact of Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Admission on Postoperative Hospital Length of Stay and Costs: A Prespecified Propensity-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Thevathasan Tharusan , Copeland Curtis C. , Long Dustin R. , Patrocínio Maria D. , Friedrich Sabine , Grabitz Stephanie D. , Kasotakis George , Benjamin John , Ladha Karim , Sarge Todd , Eikermann Matthias
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND:

In this prespecified cohort study, we investigated the influence of postoperative admission to the intensive care unit versus surgical ward on health care utilization among patients undergoing intermediate-risk surgery.

METHODS:

Of adult surgical patients who underwent general anesthesia without an absolute indication for postoperative intensive care unit admission, 3530 patients admitted postoperatively to an intensive care unit were matched to 3530 patients admitted postoperatively to a surgical ward using a propensity score based on 23 important preoperative and intraoperative predictor variables. Postoperative hospital length of stay and hospital costs were defined as primary and secondary end points, respectively.

RESULTS:

Among patients with low propensity for postoperative intensive care unit admission, initial triage to an intensive care unit was associated with increased postoperative length of stay (incidence rate ratio, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.59–1.79]; P < .001) and hospital costs (incidence rate ratio, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.81–2.03]; P < .001). By contrast, postoperative intensive care unit admission of patients with high propensity was associated with decreased postoperative length of stay (incidence rate ratio, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.85–0.95]; P < .001) and costs (incidence rate ratio, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.88–0.97]; P = .001). Decisions regarding postoperative intensive care unit resource utilization were influenced by individual preferences of anesthesiologists and surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with an unclear indication for postoperative critical care, intensive care unit admission may negatively impact postoperative hospital length of stay and costs. Postoperative discharge disposition varies substantially based on anesthesia and surgical provider preferences but should optimally be driven by an objective assessment of a patient’s status at the end of surgery.
The Nexus of Monetary Policy and Shadow Banking in China
Authors: Chen Kaiji , Ren Jue , Zha Tao
Published: November 2018

We study how monetary policy in China influences banks’ shadow banking activities. We develop and estimate the endogenously switching monetary policy rule that is based on institutional facts and at the same time tractable in the spirit of Taylor (1993). This development, along with two newly constructed micro banking datasets, enables us to establish the following empirical evidence. Contractionary monetary policy during 2009–2015 caused shadow banking loans to rise rapidly, offsetting the expected decline of traditional bank loans and hampering the effectiveness of monetary policy on total bank credit. We advance a theoretical explanation of our empirical findings. (JEL E32, E52, G21, O16, O23, P24, P34)
Sociedade limitada: algumas das principais diferenças entre as legislações brasileira e estadunidense
Authors: Parentoni Leonardo Netto
Published: November 2018

O presente artigo traça um paralelo entre a sociedade limitada no Brasil e nos Estados Unidos, a partir de uma perspectiva regulatória, com base em estudo comparativo de legislações: o Código Civil, no Brasil, e a Lei Revisada Uniforme das Sociedades Limitadas - Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (RULLCA), nos Estados Unidos. O escopo do trabalho é destacar algumas das principais diferenças entre esses sistemas jurídicos quando tratam do mesmo tema. Por fi m, espero que este estudo ajude a identifi car os prós e os contras do cenário regulatório das sociedades limitadas em ambos os países, o que pode ser útil na reavaliação e na alteração de suas leis.
Metodologia para judicializar violações de direitos humanos na ordem jurídica brasileira
Authors: Jacarandá Rodolfo Freitas
Published: November 2018

Não existe um sistema de direitos humanos na ordem jurídica interna do Brasil. Além disso, a falta de uma correta metodologia para judicializar demandas na área dificulta o reconhecimento dessas normas por juízos e tribunais, o que atrasa a busca de reparações para as violações de direitos humanos que se multiplicam pelo país – violações individuais, coletivas e sistêmicas. Proponho no artigo a seguir as bases para uma metodologia que nos permita identificar, corretamente, violações de direitos com a finalidade de utilizar o já amplo conjunto normativo em vigor para, prioritariamente, atender as vítimas de violações e reparar as falhas do Estado que dão origem, direta ou indiretamente, a essas agressões.
Case Report: Anesthetic management for Cesarean section in a parturient with unspecified inherited bleeding disorder
Authors: Li Li , Johnsen Jill M. , Doan Chau X. , Bollag Laurent A.
Published: November 2018

Neuraxial anesthesia, as the standard of care for Cesarean deliveries, is associated with decreased blood loss. However, parturients with inherited bleeding disorders are at increased risk for epidural hematomas. A small retrospective study has shown that parturients with known factor deficiencies can safely undergo neuraxial anesthesia once the specific factors are replenished. We present a patient who had a considerably increased risk of peripartum bleeding from an unspecified inherited bleeding disorder and was provided a successful neuraxial anesthetic without complications. We discuss the multidisciplinary approach among the surgeons, anesthesiologists, hematologist, and nursing staff to maximize patient safety and comfort.
Understanding overactive bladder and urgency incontinence: what does the brain have to do with it?
Authors: Smith Ariana L.
Published: November 2018

Understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) is critical to advancing the treatment options available to men and women with this prevalent and bothersome condition. Development of novel technologies and advanced functional neuroimaging modalities has provided us with new information to support and refine existing mechanistic theories. Emerging research on central pathophysiologic mechanisms of OAB from functional magnetic resonance imaging may provide new targets for therapeutic interventions and opens the door for novel treatment strategies. Several regions of interest—specifically the anterior cingulate gyrus, insula, and frontal cortices—have been implicated as areas of activation in women with OAB, suggesting a neural correlate of the experience of urgency. The cerebellum and parietal lobe have demonstrated increased activation during inhibition of voiding, and increased connectivity between the cerebellum and parietal lobe and the right insula and anterior cingulate gyrus has been demonstrated in women with UUI compared with controls. Evolving literature is beginning to shed light on the prerequisite effective connections between regions of interest in the healthy bladder and negative connectivity in OAB and UUI. Precision medicine with individualized care pathways may better select available treatment modalities for rightful recipients, thus improving efficacy with prescribed treatment approaches and adherence to therapy.