bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identity-Based Blind Signature Scheme with Message Recovery
Authors: James Salome , Gowri T. , Ramesh Babu G.V. , Reddy P. Vasudeva
Published: October 2017

Blind signature allows a user to obtain a signature on a message without revealing anything about the message to the signer. Blind signatures play an important role in many real world applications such as e-voting, e-cash system where anonymity is of great concern. Due to the rapid growth in popularity of both wireless communications and mobile devices, the design of secure schemes with low-bandwidth capability is an important research issue. In this paper, we present a new blind signature scheme with message recovery in the ID-based setting using bilinear pairings over elliptic curves. The proposed scheme is unforgeable with the assumption that the Computational Diffie-Hellman problem is hard. We compare our scheme with the related schemes in terms of computational and communicational point of view.
QoS Framework for a Multi-stack based Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Panimozhi K. , Mahadevan G.
Published: October 2017

Wireless sensor nodes consist of a collection of sensor nodes with constrained resources in terms of processing power and battery energy. Wireless sensors networks are used increasingly in many industrial and consumer applications. Sensors detect events and send via multi hop routing to the sink node for processing the event. The routing path is established through proactive or reactive routing protocols. To improve the performance of the Wireless Sensor Networks, multi stack architecture is addressed. But the multi stack architecture has many problems with respect to life time, routing loop and QOS. In this work we propose a solution to address all these three problems of life time, routing loop and QOS in case of multi stack architecture.
A Novel Optimization towards Higher Reliability in Predictive Modelling towards Code Reusability
Authors: H.M. Manoj , A.N. Nandakumar
Published: October 2017

Although, the area of software engineering has made a remarkable progress in last decade but there is less attention towards the concept of code reusability in this regards.Code reusability is a subset of Software Reusability which is one of the signature topics in software engineering. We review the existing system to find that there is no progress or availability of standard research approach toward code reusability being introduced in last decade. Hence, this paper introduced a predictive framework that is used for optimizing the performance of code reusability. For this purpose, we introduce a case study of near real-time challenge and involved it in our modelling. We apply neural network and Damped-Least square algorithm to perform optimization with a sole target to compute and ensure highest possible reliability. The study outcome of our model exhibits higher reliability and better computational response time.
Modeling of Dynamical System Piloted by Discrete Subsystem Based on Bond Graph Approach
Authors: Salem J Ben , M.N. Lakhoua , Amraoui L El
Published: October 2017

This paper is a contribution to the analysis and modeling of a mechatronic system with dynamic behavior that is controlled by a digital computer. In this paper, a bibliographic research on mechatronic systems is presented by specifying a case study of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Then, a methodology of systemic modeling of the ABS system based on two methods Structured Analysis Design Technique (SADT) and bond graph (BG) is proposed. The model created is validated with three software programs:  CarSim, 20 Sim and Simulink.
Pedestrian Detection using Triple Laser Range Finders
Authors: Rahman Abdul Hadi Abd , Zainol Ariffinv Khairul Akram , Sani Nor Samsiah , Zamzuri Hairi
Published: October 2017

Pedestrian detection is one of the important features in autonomous ground vehicle (AGV). It ensures the capability for safety navigation in urban environment. Therefore, the detection accuracy became a crucial part which leads to implementation using Laser Range Finder (LRF) for better data representation. In this study, an improved laser configuration and fusion technique is introduced by implementation of triple LRFs in two layers with Pedestrian Data Analysis (PDA) to recognize multiple pedestrians. The PDA integrates various features from feature extraction process for all clusters and fusion of multiple layers for better recognition. The experiments were conducted in various occlusion scenarios such as intersection, closed-pedestrian and combine scenarios. The analysis of the laser fusion and PDA for all scenarios showed an improvement of detection where the pedestrians were represented by various detection categories which solve occlusion issues when low number
of laser data were obtained.
An Optimal LFC in Two-Area Power Systems Using a Meta-heuristic Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Najeeb Mushtaq , Mansor Muhamad , Feyad Hameed , Taha Esam , Abdullah Ghassan
Published: October 2017

In this study, an optimal meta-heuristic optimization algorithm for load frequency control (LFC) is utilized in two-area power systems. This meta-heuristic algorithm is called harmony search (HS), it is used to tune PI controller parameters ( ) automatically. The developed controller (HS-PI) with LFC loop is very important to minimize the system frequency and keep the system power is maintained at scheduled values under sudden loads changes. Integral absolute error (IAE) is used as an objective function to enhance the overall system performance in terms of settling time, maximum deviation, and peak time. The two-area power systems and developed controller are modelled using MATLAB software (Simulink/Code). As a result, the developed control algorithm (HS-PI) is more robustness and efficient as compared to PSO-PI control algorithm under same operation conditions.
Práticas de vida. Entre Sémiótica, comunicação e política
Authors: Demuru Paolo
Published: October 2017

O objetivo do presente artigo é reafirmar e debater a necessidade de uma perspectiva sociosemiopolítica e semiótico-comunicacional no estudo das práticas de vida. Defende-se a tese de que tal abordagem deveria fundar-se em dois movimentos teórico-metodológicos: (i) na edificação de pontes entre a análise de micro e a análise de macro configurações de sentido, que revelem os elos que as práticas tecem com outras práticas, textos, discursos e ideologias do universo ou dos universos socioculturais em que se inscrevem, a fim de desvendar as relações de força que se escondem nos meandros da existência, bem como as resistências que os sujeitos lhe opõem; (ii) no vínculo entre a análise das práticas “em ato” e à análise de suas representações discursivas, sejam estas produzidas pelos sujeitos nelas envolvidos ou por enunciadores externos. Nesta perspectiva, o que define a identidade de uma prática não é apenas o ato performativo ou a cena predicativa “em si”, mas também as narrações – principalmente, hoje em dia, as narrações midiáticas, tanto das velhas quanto das novas mídias digitais – que, de algum modo, a instruem, a moldam e a dirigem, contribuindo, para usarmos os termos de Paul Ricoeur, a configurar, refigurar e, muitas vezes, prefigurar seu sentido.
A Imagem do Rio de Janeiro Projetada por Turistas em uma Mídia Social: experiência, qualidade e valor
Authors: Mayer Verônica Feder , Silva Andressa Martins da , Bárcia Liana Cid
Published: October 2017

Ocompartilhamento de informações em mídias sociais possibilita que as pessoas tenham acesso de maneira rápida e gratuita a um conteúdo gerado por turistas que já vivenciaram determinada experiência, o que pode influenciar a escolha de outros, e impõe uma nova dinâmica às relações de consumo, afetando a imagem e a competitividade dos destinos. Este estudo investigou a imagem projetada por turistas que visitaram o Rio de Janeiro nos anos de 2015 e 2016 em relação aos seguintes aspectos: experiência nos principais atrativos da cidade, qualidade percebida dos serviços e julgamento de preço e valor. Para tal, foi realizada a análise de conteúdo de 612 comentários postados no site TripAdvisor, a mídia social dedicada ao turismo de maior audiência no mundo. Os resultados mostram que a grande maioria dos turistas relatou experiências favoráveis, avaliou positivamente a qualidade dos serviços e o valor, apresentando altos níveis de satisfação nos principais atrativos da cidade. As dimensões da experiência mais presentes nos comentários foram a estética e o entretenimento, reforçando a importância das belezas naturais e arquitetônicas na formação da imagem do Rio de Janeiro. Quanto aos comentários com teor negativo, a análise do conteúdo revelou pontos que devem ser monitorados e aprimorados por gestores públicos e privados ligados ao turismo.
Platelet-Specific p38α Deficiency Improved Cardiac Function After Myocardial Infarction in Mice
Authors: Shi Panlai , Zhang Lin , Zhang Mingliang , Yang Wenlong , Wang Kemin , Zhang Junfeng , Otsu Kinya , Huang Gonghua , Fan Xuemei , Liu Junling
Published: October 2017

Objective—

MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases), especially p38, play detrimental roles in cardiac diseases and cardiac remodeling post-myocardial infarction. However, the activation and function of MAPKs in coronary thrombosis in vivo and its relationship with clinical outcomes remain poorly understood.

Approach and Results—

Here, we showed that p38α was the major isoform expressed in human and mouse platelets. Platelet-specific p38α-deficient mice presented impaired thrombosis and hemostasis but had improved cardiac function, reduced infarct size, decreased inflammatory response, and microthrombus in a left anterior descending artery ligation model. Signaling analysis revealed that p38 activation was one of the earliest events in platelets after treatment with receptor agonists or reactive oxygen species. p38α/MAPK-activated protein kinase 2/heat shock protein 27 and p38α/cytosolic phospholipases A2 were the major pathways regulating receptor-mediated or hydrogen peroxide-induced platelet activation in an ischemic environment. Moreover, the distinct roles of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal–regulated kinase) in receptor- or reactive oxygen species-induced p38-mediated platelet activation reflected the complicated synergistic relationships among MAPKs. Analysis of clinical samples revealed that MAPKs were highly phosphorylated in platelets from preoperative patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, and increased phosphorylation of p38 was associated with no-reflow outcomes.

Conclusions—

We conclude that p38α serves as a critical regulator of platelet activation and potential indicator of highly thrombotic lesions and no-reflow, and inhibition of platelet p38α may improve clinical outcomes in subjects with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.
Prevention of Stroke with the Addition of Ezetimibe to Statin Therapy in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome in IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial)
Authors: Bohula Erin A. , Wiviott Stephen D. , Giugliano Robert P. , Blazing Michael A. , Park Jeong-Gun , Murphy Sabina A. , White Jennifer A. , Mach Francois , Van de Werf Frans , Dalby Anthony J. , White Harvey D. , Tershakovec Andrew M. , Cannon Christopher P. , Braunwald Eugene
Published: October 2017

Background:

Patients who experience an acute coronary syndrome are at heightened risk of recurrent ischemic events, including stroke. Ezetimibe improved cardiovascular outcomes when added to statin therapy in patients stabilized after acute coronary syndrome. We investigated the efficacy of the addition of ezetimibe to simvastatin for the prevention of stroke and other adverse cardiovascular events in IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial), with a focus on patients with a stroke before randomization.

Methods:

Patients who experienced acute coronary syndrome were randomized to a placebo/simvastatin or ezetimibe/simvastatin regimen and followed for a median of 6 years. Treatment efficacy was assessed for the entire population and by subgroups for the first and total (first and subsequent) events for the end points of stroke of any etiology, stroke subtypes, and the primary trial end point at 7 years.

Results:

Of 18 144 patients, 641 (3.5%) experienced at least 1 stroke; most were ischemic (527, 82%). Independent predictors of stroke included prior stroke, older age, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, and renal dysfunction. There was a nonsignificant reduction in the first event of stroke of any etiology (4.2% versus 4.8%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73–1.00;
P
=0.052) with ezetimibe/simvastatin versus placebo/simvastatin, driven by a significant 21% reduction in ischemic stroke (3.4% versus 4.1%; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67–0.94;
P
=0.008) and a nonsignificant increase in hemorrhagic stroke (0.8% versus 0.6%; HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.93–2.04;
P
=0.11). Evaluating total events, including the first and all recurrent strokes, ezetimibe/simvastatin reduced stroke of any etiology (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70–0.98;
P
=0.029) and ischemic stroke (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63–0.91;
P
=0.003). Patients who had experienced a stroke prior to randomization were at a higher risk of recurrence and demonstrated an absolute risk reduction of 8.6% for stroke of any etiology (10.2% versus 18.8%; number needed to treat=12; HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38–0.95;
P
=0.030) and 7.6% for ischemic stroke (8.7% versus 16.3%; number needed to treat=13; HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31–0.86;
P
=0.011) with ezetimibe added to simvastatin therapy.

Conclusions:

The addition of ezetimibe to simvastatin in patients stabilized after acute coronary syndrome reduces the frequency of ischemic stroke, with a particularly large effect seen in patients with a prior stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00202878.
Rapamycin and CHIR99021 Coordinate Robust Cardiomyocyte Differentiation From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Via Reducing p53‐Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Qiu Xiao‐Xu , Liu Yang , Zhang Yi‐Fan , Guan Ya‐Na , Jia Qian‐Qian , Wang Chen , Liang He , Li Yong‐Qin , Yang Huang‐Tian , Qin Yong‐Wen , Huang Shuang , Zhao Xian‐Xian , Jing Qing
Published: October 2017

Background

Cardiomyocytes differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells can serve as an unexhausted source for a cellular cardiac disease model. Although small molecule–mediated cardiomyocyte differentiation methods have been established, the differentiation efficiency is relatively unsatisfactory in multiple lines due to line‐to‐line variation. Additionally, hurdles including line‐specific low expression of endogenous growth factors and the high apoptotic tendency of human pluripotent stem cells also need to be overcome to establish robust and efficient cardiomyocyte differentiation.

Methods and Results

We used the H9–human cardiac troponin T–e
GFP
reporter cell line to screen for small molecules that promote cardiac differentiation in a monolayer‐based and growth factor–free differentiation model. We found that collaterally treating human pluripotent stem cells with rapamycin and
CHIR
99021 during the initial stage was essential for efficient and reliable cardiomyocyte differentiation. Moreover, this method maintained consistency in efficiency across different human embryonic stem cell and human induced pluripotent stem cell lines without specifically optimizing multiple parameters (the efficiency in H7, H9, and
UQ
1 human induced pluripotent stem cells is 98.3%, 93.3%, and 90.6%, respectively). This combination also increased the yield of cardiomyocytes (1:24) and at the same time reduced medium consumption by about 50% when compared with the previous protocols. Further analysis indicated that inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin allows efficient cardiomyocyte differentiation through overcoming p53‐dependent apoptosis of human pluripotent stem cells during high‐density monolayer culture via blunting p53 translation and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that mammalian target of rapamycin exerts a stage‐specific and multifaceted regulation over cardiac differentiation and provides an optimized approach for generating large numbers of functional cardiomyocytes for disease modeling and in vitro drug screening.
Multivessel Versus Culprit Vessel–Only Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Among Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: Insights From the TRANSLATE‐ACS Observational Study
Authors: Ibrahim Homam , Sharma Praneet K. , Cohen David J. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Kaltenbach Lisa A. , Effron Mark B. , Zettler Marjorie E. , Peterson Eric D. , Wang Tracy Y.
Published: October 2017

Background

Among patients with acute myocardial infarction (
MI
) who have multivessel disease, it is unclear if multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
) improves clinical and quality‐of‐life outcomes compared with culprit‐only intervention. We sought to compare clinical and quality‐of‐life outcomes between multivessel and culprit‐only
PCI
.

Methods and Results

Among 6061 patients with acute
MI
who have multivessel disease in the
TRANSLATE‐ACS
(Treatment With Adenosine Diphosphate Receptor Inhibitors: Longitudinal Assessment of Treatment Patterns and Events After Acute Coronary Syndrome) study, we used inverse probability‐weighted propensity adjustment to study the associations between multivessel and culprit‐only intervention during the index
PCI
and major adverse cardiovascular events, unplanned all‐cause readmission, and angina frequency at 6 weeks and 1 year. Multivessel
PCI
was performed in 1208 (20%) of patients with MI who had multivessel disease. Relative to the culprit‐only intervention, patients receiving multivessel
PCI
were similarly aged and more likely to be seen with
non–ST‐segment elevation MI
or cardiogenic shock. At 6 weeks, the initial multivessel
PCI
strategy was associated with lower
major adverse cardiovascular events
and unplanned readmission risks, whereas angina frequency was not significantly different between multivessel and culprit‐only
PCI
. At 1 year,
major adverse cardiovascular event
risk was persistently lower in the multivessel
PCI
group (adjusted
hazard ratio,
0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–0.99), whereas long‐term readmission risk (adjusted hazard ratio
,
0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.84–1.04) and angina frequency were similar between groups (adjusted
odds ratio,
1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–1.24). Similar associations were seen when
patients with ST‐segment elevation MI
and
non–ST‐segment elevation MI
were examined separately.

Conclusions

Among patients with acute
MI
who have multivessel disease, multivessel
PCI
was associated with lower risk of all‐cause readmission at 6 weeks and lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events at 6 weeks and 1 year. However, similar short‐ and long‐term angina frequencies were noted.
RAIN: A Bio-Inspired Communication and Data Storage Infrastructure
Authors: Monti Matteo , Rasmussen Steen
Published: October 2017

We summarize the results and perspectives from a companion article, where we presented and evaluated an alternative architecture for data storage in distributed networks. We name the bio-inspired architecture RAIN, and it offers file storage service that, in contrast with current centralized cloud storage, has privacy by design, is open source, is more secure, is scalable, is more sustainable, has community ownership, is inexpensive, and is potentially faster, more efficient, and more reliable. We propose that a RAIN-style architecture could form the backbone of the Internet of Things that likely will integrate multiple current and future infrastructures ranging from online services and cryptocurrency to parts of government administration.
The Rationale for a Redefinition of Visual Art Based on Neuroaesthetic Principles
Authors: Petcu Eugen Bogdan
Published: October 2017

Recent investigational studies have indicated that fronto-orbital, temporal and parietal lobes have a decisive role in artistic creation and personal identification of “beauty” in painting. Moreover, visual artistic work and preferences could be modified by central nervous system diseases or external stimuli such as transcranial magnetic stimulation. Both creation and preferences would depend on prior art education and sociocultural norms. However, the superior activity of the brain remains of paramount importance in production and evaluation of paintings regardless of the style, representational or abstract. Therefore, redefinition of art by neuroaesthetic principles will create a better communication between the public and the artists.
Virtual Reality—Virtual Brain: Questioning Reality
Authors: Wennberg Teresa
Published: October 2017

The author’s multimedia art is inspired by memory and cognitive processes. This paper discusses certain human brain functions, including a reflection on the evolution from individual human memory to collective computer memory and the role of the artist in this vital change.
The Public Utteraton Machines: Recording What People Think of Public Art in New York City
Authors: Hackemann Rebecca
Published: October 2017

In 2015–2016 the author installed interactive public artworks on sidewalks in Brooklyn and Queens using ordinary city permits. The locations were chosen in counterbalance to the dominant choices of location for public art in New York, which tends to be placed in Manhattan or other tourist-concentrated areas. The works are entitled the Public Utteraton Machines and enable passersby to utter their opinions about other public art in the city as well as art’s role in society. The device’s earpiece recorded over 100 open-ended narratives and 391 responses to quantitative data questions via an integrated e-paper display screen. This public art project combines social practice with object-based public art into a conceptual public art practice that forms a commons or civic art. Sound archives of the responses can be found at local libraries in Queens and Brooklyn and at http://utteraton.com/ .
Croquemort: A Biographical Journey in the Context of Chad
Authors: de Bruijn Mirjam
Published: October 2017

This project captures the story of Didier Lalaye a.k.a. Croquemort,
slam artist and medical doctor from Chad, between 2013 and 2016. Following his
path during this period involves exploring many itineraries that crossed the
same scenario, going far beyond what both the researcher and the subject of the
research had initially expected. Using an innovative format, the story of this
anthropological journey is presented here in an attempt not to hide but rather
to highlight the unpredictability that marked the whole process. Reasoning in
accord with the concept of vital conjunctures (Johnson-Hanks 2002), the project
focuses on the itinerary of a single person that quickly becomes a way to
disclose a moreAcomplex story. Broader themes such as Chadian politics, new
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and the aspirations of the
youth in Africa enter into the scenario, imposing a reflection on the relations
between society and voices on the ground. The fluidity of the research, the
unexpected encounters, the embracing of the unexpected: the field becomes a
complex scenario that is constantly transformed into text, pictures,
photographs, and other virtual spaces, while an anthropological research project
becomes a story of friendship and co-creation.
http://croquemort.bridginghumanities.nl/
Weeding the nettles V: Taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of the eastern Asian species Urtica thunbergiana Sieb. & Zucc. (Urticaceae)
Authors: BECKER KARIN , GROSSE-VELDMANN BERNADETTE , WEIGEND MAXIMILIAN
Published: October 2017

Urtica L. (Urticaceae) is a subcosmopolitan genus, which is also common throughout Asia. Taxon differentiation in the Asian Urtica species is difficult due to the limited diversity of taxonomically useful characters combined with a range of phenotypic variation. The present study investigates the species Urtica thunbergiana Sieb. & Zucc. (incl. U. laetevirens) from eastern Asia based on herbarium collections, including most of the type specimens. The delimitation of U. thunbergiana is expanded to include all three currently recognized subspecies of U. laetevirens Maxim. Also, one newly infraspecific taxon is described from Taiwan. Based on our revision, the recognition of a total of four subspecies of Urtica thunbergiana is proposed: subsp. thunbergiana, subsp. dentata (Hand.-Mazz.) K.Becker & Weigend, subsp. silvatica (Hand.-Mazz.) K.Becker & Weigend, and subsp. perserrata, subspec. nov. The systematic re-arrangements are based on morphological analyses and a highly resolved phylogeny based on the molecular markers ITS1–5.8S–ITS2, psbA–trnH, trnL–trnF and trnS–trnG.
Rare sporophyte found in Europe for Herbertus sendtneri with a range expansion to Africa and Malesia
Authors: HE XIAOLAN , SUN YU
Published: October 2017

The sporophytes of the genus Herbertus are rare or completely absent in some areas. The first discovery of the sporophyte of Herbertus in Europe, on H. sendtneri from a herbarium specimen collected in Austria in 1851, is reported here. We report that finely papillose spores characterize Herbertus species which have originated in the Northern Hemisphere, whereas the spores of the species which have originated in the Southern Hemisphere are tuberculate or shortly spinulose. Based on morphological studies of over 600 herbarium specimens of Herbertus, supported by previously published molecular phylogenetic studies, H. armitanus and H. circinatus are new synonyms of H. sendtneri. It is distinct from other Northern Hemisphere species by its coarsely toothed leaf base, despite large variation in leaf size and shape, and leaf apex cilia. The range of H. sendtneri is now extended to east Africa (Tanzania) and Malesia (Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands).
Morphological and phylogenetic insights resolve Plenodomus sinensis (Leptosphaeriaceae) as a new species
Authors: TENNAKOON DANUSHKA S. , PHOOKAMSAK RUNGTIWA , WANASINGHE DHANUSHKA N. , YANG JUN-BO , LUMYONG SAISAMORN , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: October 2017

Plenodomus species were collected from Tamarindus indica L. (Fabaceae) and Plukenetia volubilis L. (Euphorbiaceae) in Yunnan Province, China and subjected to morphological and molecular analysis. Morphologically novel collections comprise unique characters in having mucilaginous globoid-shaped apical and basal appendages (1.5–1.8 μm) and wider third cell from the apex in ascospores. Phylogenetic analysis (Maximum-likelihood, maximum-parsimony and Bayesian analyses) of combined LSU, SSU and ITS sequence data reveal that these collections differ from all other species in the genus. Therefore, a novel species, Plenodomus sinensis is introduced in this study. The new species is compared with other Plenodomus species and a comprehensive description and micrographs are provided.
Cheilolejeunea cyrtolejeuneoides, a new synonym of Cheilolejeunea decursiva (Marchantiophyta, Lejeuneaceae)
Authors: SHU LEI , BASTOS CID JOSÉ PASSOS , SCHÄFER-VERWIMP A. , ZHU RUI-LIANG
Published: October 2017

Cheilolejeunea decursiva (Sande Lacoste 1855: 522) Schuster (1963: 112) is a pantropical species, but only one record based on F. C. Hoehne’s collection from Southeast Brazil is known as Microlejeunea subaphanes Herzog (1950: 70) in America (Shu et al. 2014). This species is well characterized by the autoicous condition, minute size of the plants, more or less obovate and falcate leaves, strongly elongate, unicellular apical tooth of the leaf lobule, large leaf lobules about 2/5−1/2 as long as the leaf lobes, pycnolejeuneoid leaf sequence of the gynoecial innovations, and male bracteoles only at the base of the androecium (Zhu & Lai 2005; Shu et al. 2014). Owing to the very minute size of the plants, Shu et al. (2014) prophesied that C. decursiva may be found in more localities in Brazil and other neotropical regions after more detailed investigations. Recently a new species restricted to the South and Southeast Brazil, Cheilolejeunea cyrtolejeuneoides Bastos & Schäfer-Verwimp (2017: 66), was described in accordance with two collections made by one of the authors of the present paper (A. Schäfer-Verwimp) in 1987 and 1990. However, the earlier record of Cheilolejeunea decursiva in Brazil (Herzog 1950; Shu et al. 2014) was overlooked. According to the description and illustration, C. cyrtolejeuneoides is conspecific with C. decursiva.
Cleonini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Lixinae) are monophyletic and flightless: tribe overview, rampant adult homoplasy and illustrated global diversity
Authors: ARZANOV YURI G. , GREBENNIKOV VASILY V.
Published: October 2017

We summarize knowledge of the weevil tribe Cleonini worldwide, including its monophyly, relationships, distribution, biology, immature stages, economic significance and paleontology. We score adult morphological characters for 79 of a total of 96 extant genus-group Cleonini taxa considered valid to date. The resulting matrix contains 121 parsimoniously informative characters scored for 145 ingroup (Cleonini) and 29 outgroup terminals. Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Bayesian Inference (BI) analyses consistently recover monophyletic Lixinae and Cleonini. Relationships within the latter remain unresolved with either 47 (BI) or 37 (MP) branches radiating from the tribe’s most recent common ancestor. Most of the speciose genera of Cleonini emerge as monophyletic in both BI and MP analyses (generic names followed by the number of terminals, then by BI posterior probability / MP bootstrap): Adosomus (5, 94/77), Asproparthenis (6, 99/98), Chromonotus (6, 98/85), Cleonis (3, 64/76), Coniocleonus (10, 95/41), Conorhynchus (5, 95/51), Cyphoclenus (4, 65/76), Maximus (4, 84/68), Mecaspis (4, 95/91), Scaphomorphus (4, 90/84), Temnorhinus (8, 99/62) and Xanthochelus (6, 84/71). The genera Pseudocleonus (6, -/26) and Stephanocleonus (22, -/23) are not recovered in BI and weakly supported in MP. No genera are here added to, or removed from, Cleonini. We suggest that adult morphology of Cleonini was subject to widespread homoplasy obscuring the phylogenetic signal of morphological characters. Unlike the rest of Lixinae, all extant Cleonini are hypothesised to be flightless, even though often being macropterous. All 145 ingroup terminals are illustrated in three standard views; images of the type species of 15 of the 17 genus-group taxa that are not represented in our analysis are provided.
The larva of Agapetus episkopi Malicky 1972 (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae), including a key to the larvae of Glossosomatidae of the Hellenic western Balkan region
Authors: WARINGER JOHANN , KARAOUZAS IOANNIS
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we present a description of the previously unknown larva of Agapetus episkopi Malicky 1972 (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae). Information on the morphology of the larvae is given and the most important diagnostic features are photographed. As a species of subfamily Agapetinae Martynov 1913, A. episkopi larvae belong to the group of species with sclerites present on the pro-, meso-, and metanota. Because lateral setae on abdominal segment III are lacking and the larval case lacks a sand collar at its base, A. episkopi keys with Agapetus laniger Pictet 1834 and Agapetus delicatulus McLachlan 1884. Within this trio, each of the latter two species can be easily separated from A. episkopi by the coloration pattern of their frontoclypeus, where a pale central area is present, and by the presence of only one lateral seta on each side of abdominal segment I. With respect to distribution, A. episkopi has been recorded from European Ecoregion 6 (= Hellenic western Balkan region) and Asia Minor. In addition, ecological characteristics are briefly discussed, and a key to the known glossosomatid larvae of European Ecoregion 6 is included.
Entyposis cordipenis new species from Ethiopia (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Schizonychini)
Authors: SEHNAL RICHARD
Published: October 2017

Entyposis Kolbe, 1895 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Schizonychini) was established for Schizonycha cavicollis Fairmaire, 1887 and newly described Entyposis impressa Kolbe, 1895. Lacroix & Montreuil (2012) revised the genus, designated S. cavicollis Fairmaire, 1887 as the type species and described six new species: Entyposis bidentata, E. martinezi, E. rasplusi, and E. madogolelei from Mozambique; E. excavata from Tanzania; and E. squamulata from Kenya and Tanzania. They also synonymized E. nyukana (Kolbe, 1910) and E. montana (Moser, 1913) with E. mendax Péringuey, 1904. Entyposis differs from other schizonychine genera in having a low occipital carina and with the pronotum in both sexes thickened basally into conspicuous bulges (with medial tubercle) and with deeper medial impression extending anteriorly into a weak or prominent point (Kolbe 1895; Lacroix & Montreuil 2012). Entyposis is very similar to Entypophana Moser, 1913. Both genera are characterized by conspicuous bulges (with lateral tubercle) on the pronotum, but Entypophana differs by having a double vertical frontal carina and occipital carina medially elevated into a simple or double horn or a broad, straight edge. The pronotum of both genera is laterally thickened into conspicuous bulges (with lateral tubercle) and medially bears a shallow, apically narrowing impression (Burgeon 1946; Moser 1913, 1917; Sehnal 2017).
Polarimetric Radar Relations for Quantification of Snow Based on Disdrometer Data
Authors: Bukovčić Petar , Ryzhkov Alexander , Zrnić Dusan , Zhang Guifu
Published: October 2017

Accurate measurements of snow amounts by radar are very difficult to achieve. The inherent uncertainty in radar snow estimates that are based on the radar reflectivity factor Z is caused by the variability of snow particle size distributions and snow particle density as well as the large diversity among snow growth habits. In this study, a novel method for snow quantification that is based on the joint use of radar reflectivity Z and specific differential phase KDP is introduced. An extensive dataset of 2D-video-disdrometer measurements of snow in central Oklahoma is used to derive polarimetric relations for liquid-equivalent snowfall rate S and ice water content IWC in the forms of bivariate power-law relations S = and along with similar relations for the intercept N0s and slope Λs of the exponential snow size distribution. The physical basis of these relations is explained. Their multipliers are sensitive to variations in the width of the canting angle distribution and to a lesser extent the particles’ aspect ratios and densities, whereas the exponents are practically invariant. This novel approach is tested against the S(Z) relation using snow disdrometer measurements in three geographical regions (Oklahoma, Colorado, and Canada). Significant improvement in snow estimates relative to the traditional Z-based methods is demonstrated.
Shear-Parallel Mesoscale Convective Systems in a Moist Low-Inhibition Mei-Yu Front Environment
Authors: Liu Changhai , Moncrieff Mitchell W.
Published: October 2017

Numerical simulations are performed to investigate organized convection observed in the Asian summer monsoon and documented as a category of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over the U.S. continent during the warm season. In an idealized low-inhibition and unidirectional shear environment of the mei-yu moisture front, the structure of the simulated organized convection is distinct from that occurring in the classical quasi-two-dimensional, shear-perpendicular, and trailing stratiform (TS) MCS. Consisting of four airflow branches, a three-dimensional, eastward-propagating, downshear-tilted, shear-parallel MCS builds upshear by initiating new convection at its upstream end. The weak cold pool in the low-inhibition environment negligibly affects convection initiation, whereas convectively generated gravity waves are vital. Upstream-propagating gravity waves form a saturated or near-saturated moist tongue, and downstream-propagating waves control the initiation and growth of convection within a preexisting cloud layer. A sensitivity experiment wherein the weak cold pool is removed entirely intensifies the MCS and its interaction with the environment. The horizontal scale, rainfall rate, convective momentum transport, and transverse circulation are about double the respective value in the control simulation. The positive sign of the convective momentum transport contrasts with the negative sign for an eastward-propagating TS MCS. The structure of the simulated convective systems resembles shear-parallel organization in the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ).
Brain Abscess in Children: A Rare but Serious Infection
Authors: Sahbudak Bal Zumrut , Eraslan Cenk , Bolat Elif , Avcu Gulhadiye , Kultursay Nilgun , Ozkinay Ferda , Kurugol Zafer , Vardar Fadil
Published: October 2017

Brain abscess is a rare disease in childhood requiring prompt medical and/or surgical treatment. The objective was to review presentation, management, and outcome of brain abscess in children. We reviewed the clinical and radiological features and outcomes of 18 children (10 females, 8 males), with a median age of 48 months (range 1-182), that presented with brain abscesses and admitted to a tertiary pediatric infectious department between December 2010 and January 2017. One (5.5%) patient underwent craniotomy and 14 (77.7%) had burr hole aspirations. The most common localization was the frontal lobe (33.3%). The survival rate was 94.4%, and long-term neurological sequelae affected 27.7% of the patients. Empiric treatment choices require knowledge of common pathogens and local resistance. The most predominant infections were still upper respiratory infections. Clinicians may treat the children with appropriate choice and duration of antibiotic treatment for upper respiratory tract infections.
Crisis in U.S. Health Care: Corporate Power Still Blocks Reform
Authors: Geyman John
Published: October 2017

The corporate, largely privatized market-based U.S. health care system is deteriorating in terms of increasing costs, decreasing access, unacceptable quality of care, inequities, and disparities. Reform efforts to establish universal insurance coverage have failed on six occasions over the last century, largely through opposition of corporate stakeholders in the medical-industrial complex. This article provides historical perspective to previous reform attempts, updates the current battle between Republicans and Democrats over repeal of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA), and compares three financing alternatives—continuation of the ACA; its replacement by a Republican plan (the House’s American Health Care Act or its Senate counterpart, the Better Care Reconciliation Act); and single-payer national health insurance (NHI or Medicare for All). Markers are described that reveal the extent of the current crisis in U.S. health care. Evidence is presented that the private insurance industry, increasingly dependent on bailout by the government, is in a “death spiral.” NHI is gaining increasing public support as the only financing alternative to provide universal coverage. Nine lessons that are still unlearned in the United States concerning health care are discussed, together with future prospects to establish universal coverage in this embattled and changing political environment.
Gender differences in support for direct and indirect political aggression in the context of protracted conflict
Authors: Ben Shitrit Lihi , Elad-Strenger Julia , Hirsch-Hoefler Sivan
Published: October 2017

The relationship between gender and political aggression is hotly debated and the empirical evidence is often mixed. While many surveys find a gender gap, with women less supportive of politically motivated aggression and violence than men, numerous case studies point to women’s active involvement in political violence and refute the association of women with peacefulness. This article argues that the gender–aggression relation depends upon (1) the type of political aggression under study (i.e. direct vs. indirect political aggression), and (2) contextual factors, notably the salience of a protracted conflict. Using original datasets representing Israeli Jews (N = 3,126) we found that in the context of protracted conflict, gender has a unique effect on support for indirect forms of political aggression, over and above other central predictors of political aggression (i.e. political orientation and threat perceptions), such that women are actually more supportive of politically motivated social distancing and exclusion of out-groups in conflict as compared to men. Women and men, however, do not differ in their support for direct, politically motivated, violent acts against government officials. Results also shed light on potential mechanisms underlying these differences (and lack thereof), in the context of protracted conflict. The findings cast further doubt on the stereotype of ‘peaceful women’ and point to the need for policymakers concerned with conflict resolution to address context-related factors when considering the gender-based differences in political aggression.
Prefigurative Politics between Ethical Practice and Absent Promise
Authors: Gordon Uri
Published: October 2017

‘Prefigurative politics’ has become a popular term for social movements’ ethos of unity between means and ends, but its conceptual genealogy has escaped attention. This article disentangles two components: (a) an ethical revolutionary practice, chiefly indebted to the anarchist tradition, which fights domination while directly constructing alternatives and (b) prefiguration as a recursive temporal framing, unknowingly drawn from Christianity, in which a future radiates backwards on its past. Tracing prefiguration from the Church Fathers to politicised resurfacings in the Diggers and the New Left, I associate it with Koselleck’s ‘process of reassurance’ in a pre-ordained historical path. Contrasted to recursive prefiguration are the generative temporal framings couching defences of means-ends unity in the anarchist tradition. These emphasised the path dependency of revolutionary social transformation and the ethical underpinnings of anti-authoritarian politics. Misplaced recursive terminology, I argue, today conveniently distracts from the generative framing of means-ends unity, as the promise of revolution is replaced by that of environmental and industrial collapse. Instead of prefiguration, I suggest conceiving of means-ends unity in terms of Bloch’s ‘concrete utopia’, and associating it with ‘anxious’ and ‘catastrophic’ forms of hope.
Does Awareness of the Affordable Care Act Reduce Adverse Selection? A Study of the Long-term Uninsured in South Carolina
Authors: Shi Lu , Feng Chaoling , Griffin Sarah , Williams Joel E. , Crandall Lee A. , Truong Khoa
Published: October 2017

Adverse selection predicts that individuals with lower health status would be more likely to sign up for health insurance. This hypothesis was tested among the long-term uninsured population in South Carolina (SC). This study used data from an in-person survey conducted from May 2014 to January 2015. Interviews were held with the long-term uninsured individuals at multiple sites throughout the state, using a multistage sampling method. SC residents aged 18 to 64 years who had had no health insurance for at least 24 consecutive months were eligible for the survey. The dependent variable is the participants’ attempt to obtain insurance coverage. Key independent variables are self-reported health status, hospitalization in the past year, use of emergency department in the past year, and presence of serious long-standing health problems. The analysis is stratified by the awareness of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)’s individual mandate while controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and household income. Participants’ self-reported health status was not significantly associated with the attempt to sign up for health insurance in both groups (those aware and those unaware of the individual mandate). Being hospitalized in the previous year was significantly associated with their attempt to sign up for insurance in both groups. Participants with serious long-term health problems were more likely to have attempted to sign up for insurance among those who were not aware of the ACA. However, this association was statistically insignificant among those who had heard of ACA. Sicker people were more likely to attempt to sign up for insurance. However, being aware of the ACA’s individual mandate seemed to play a role in reducing adverse selection.
How Consumers’ Pre-Crisis Associations and Attitude Certainty Impact Their Responses to Different Crises
Authors: Tao Weiting
Published: October 2017

Through two experiments, this study examines how consumers with positive or negative associations in corporate ability (CA) versus social responsibility (CSR) respond to associated-based corporate crises. It also tests how consumers further adjust their responses based on the perceived certainty in their pre-crisis company attitudes. Theoretical insights from cognitive psychology (confirmation bias and attitude certainty literature), interpersonal communication (expectancy violations theory), corporate reputation, and crisis management are used to inform predictions. Results of Experiment 1 reveal attitude certainty determines when positive pre-crisis associations buffer a company against crises or backfire. Additionally, the buffering and backfiring effects vary in magnitude dependent on the relevance of the crisis to these associations. Results of Experiment 2 show attitude certainty also matters when prior associations are negative. This study contributes to crisis communication and management scholarship by providing interdisciplinary insights on how consumers update their crisis responses according to various contextual factors.
Criminal Thinking, Psychiatric Symptoms, and Recovery Attitudes Among Community Mental Health Patients: An Examination of Program Placement
Authors: Bartholomew Nicole R. , Morgan Robert D. , Mitchell Sean M. , Van Horn Stephanie A.
Published: October 2017

Research suggests it is important to consider criminogenic needs among individuals with severe mental illness. This study aimed to determine the severity of criminal thinking in community-based clinical samples, understand the association between criminal thinking and psychiatric and criminal justice outcomes, and compare these associations between consumers enrolled in Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) programs. Participants ( N = 234) were male and female consumers enrolled in ACT and FACT programs in five states. Results revealed no significant differences in criminal thinking when comparing participants by program type or history of criminal justice involvement. There were significant positive relations between general criminal thinking and psychiatric symptomatology and the number of lifetime arrests, a negative association between recovery attitudes and general criminal thinking, and ACT participants reported a greater number of lifetime psychiatric hospitalizations than FACT participants. Result implications are discussed with specific reference to treatment programming.
Predicting Lynching Atrocity: The Situational Norms of Lynchings in Georgia
Authors: Ritchey Andrew J. , Ruback R. Barry
Published: October 2017

From 1882 to 1926, lynch mobs in Georgia killed 514 victims in 410 separate events. Based on a new comprehensive dataset, this study examined characteristics of the mobs related to the level of the atrocity of the violence in the lynchings. Consistent with prior research, the size of the crowd was a stable predictor of level of atrocity. However, in contrast to two prior studies, results did not uniformly support the self-attention perspective. Instead, the findings were more consistent with the concept that situational norms were the important mechanism behind collective violence, particularly because the violence used in a lynching event reflected the violence used in nearby lynchings. These results suggest that, rather than losing all norms of behavior through a process of deindividuation, lynchers adopted norms they viewed as appropriate for the situation.