bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Digestive Enzyme Inhibitors from Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven
Authors: Morales Dulce , Ramirez Guillermo , Herrera-Arellano Armando , Tortoriello Jaime , Zavala Miguel , Zamilpa Alejandro
Published: July 2018

Current antiobesity and antidiabetic tools have been insufficient to curb these diseases and frequently cause side effects; therefore, new pancreatic lipase and α–glucosidase inhibitors could be excellent aids for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. The aim of this study was to identify, quantify, and characterize the chemical compounds with the highest degree of inhibitory activity of these enzymes, contained in a Ludwigia octovalvis hydroalcoholic extract. Chemical purification was performed by liquid–liquid separation and column chromatography. Inhibitory activities were measured in vitro, employing acarbose, orlistat, and a Camellia sinensis hydroalcoholic extract as references. For structural elucidation, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance was carried out, and High Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to quantify the compounds. For α–glucosidases, L. octovalvis hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction showed half–maximal Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) values of 700 and 250 μg/mL, for lipase, 480 and 718 μg/mL, while C. sinensis showed 260 and 587 μg/mL. The most active compounds were identified as ethyl gallate (1, IC50 832 μM) and gallic acid (2, IC50 969 μM); both displayed competitive inhibition of α–glucosidases and isoorientin (3, IC50 201 μM), which displayed uncompetitive inhibition of lipase. These data could be useful in the development of a novel phytopharmaceutical drug.
The First Step of Health Policy-Making for Lifestyle Modifications at Middle Age: Problem Identification in 40- to 60-Year-Old Population, Northern Iran
Authors: Mouodi Simin , Hosseini Seyed Reza , Ghadimi Reza , Bijani Ali , Cumming Robert Graham , Amiri Hassan Ashrafian , Bayani Fatemeh , Sum Shima
Published: July 2018

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine the current situation of lifestyle behaviors and related outcomes, as the first step to make proper local health policies for improvement of health lifestyle behaviors.Materials and Methods. This analytic research has been conducted as a cross-sectional study on the middle-aged (40–60 years old) population of Amirkola, Northern Iran. The Persian translation of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used for data collection. Also, anthropometric variables, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and serum lipids profile were examined.Results. Three hundred one individuals have been enrolled in the study. Results showed that 10.6% of the participants had unhealthy lifestyle behaviors in the subdomain of spiritual growth; 46.8% in the subdomain of health responsibility; and 48.2% in the subdomains of stress management, physical activity, and nutrition; men had more physical activity than women (p<0.001). Totally, 189 persons (63.9%) had serum cholesterol greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL; seventy-five individuals (25%) had high blood pressure. One hundred twenty-six persons (81.8%) of women and 103 (70.1%) of men were overweight or obese.Conclusions. Health lifestyle behaviors in 40- to 60-year-old population need a proper intervention to improve the current situation.
Effect of a Low-Dose/High-Frequency Training on Real-Life Neonatal Resuscitation in a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Cavicchiolo Maria Elena , Cavallin Francesco , Bertuola Federica , Pizzol Damiano , Segafredo Giulia , Wingi Olivier Manzungu , Da Dalt Liviana , Putoto Giovanni , Trevisanuto Daniele
Published: July 2018

Background: As intrapartum-related events represent a quarter of all neonatal deaths, education on neonatal resuscitation is a critical priority. Objective: To assess the impact of a low-dose/high-frequency neonatal resuscitation training on clinical practice of midwives in a low-resource setting. Methods: Eight months after a modified Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) course, we implemented a low-dose/high-frequency training for midwives at Beira Central Hospital, Mozambique. The training lasted 6 months and included weekly practice sessions. Fifty consecutive resuscitations after the low-dose/high-frequency training were compared with those registered before (n = 50) and after (n = 50) participation in the adapted NRP course using video recording. Results: All 150 neonates received the initial steps; 103 required bag-mask ventilation and 41 required chest compressions. The scores for initial steps, bag-mask ventilation and chest compressions improved after the course (p < 0.0001, p = 0.005 and p = 0.03) and did not change after the low-dose/high-frequency training (p = 0.34, p = 0.99 and p = 0.30). The low-dose/high-frequency training decreased the total time of the procedure (p < 0.0001) and anticipated start time of airway suctioning and tactile stimulation (p = 0.003 and p < 0.0001), but had no effect on the time of initiation of bag-mask ventilation (p = 0.30). Conclusions: In a low- income setting, a low-dose/high-frequency training after participation in an adapted NRP course contributed to improving the initiation and times of some procedures. However, many aspects of neonatal resuscitation remained poor. Low-dose/high-frequency training should focus on improving the prevention of thermal loss, face mask ventilation and heart rate assessment.
Elimination of ABO Blood Group Incompatible Fetal Red Blood Cells in the Maternal Circulation: Relevance to the Diagnosis of Fetal-Maternal Hemorrhage
Authors: Dana Mutaz , Fibach Eitan
Published: July 2018

Background: Fetal-maternal hemorrhage (FMH) occurs when fetal red blood cells (RBC) pass into the maternal circulation as a result of obstetric- or trauma-related complications to pregnancy. Their detection in the maternal blood is commonly used as a diagnostic test. There is, however, a serious and general limitation to this test that is sometimes ignored. Fetal RBC carrying the father’s antigens (most crucially, the ABO blood antigens) may be incompatible with the mother’s plasma. They are expected to be eliminated by the maternal natural antibodies, thus, negative results may be false. Objectives: By simulating fetal-maternal ABO incompatibility, we studied the fate of fetal RBC in vitro. Methods: Adult blood samples (n = 6) of O-blood group (type) were mixed with 1–5% cord blood or neonatal blood of A- or O-type, representing incompatible and compatible fetal RBC, respectively. The survival of fetal RBC was quantified after an overnight incubation. The supernatant was assayed for fetal hemoglobin (HbF) using the spectrophotometric alkaline-resistance benzidine assay, while the pellet was assayed for HbF/carbonic anhydrase (CA) expression in RBC by flow cytometry. The HbFhigh/CAlow phenotype characterizes fetal RBC. Results: Both assays demonstrated disappearance of the fetal RBC due to lysis upon incubation in incompatible blood. Conclusions: A similar situation may also occur in vivo. Thus, under these conditions, negative results in the FMH test may be false, and lead to misdiagnosis.
Regulation of Memory CD8+ T Cell Differentiation by MicroRNAs
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhang Chaoqi , Li Feng , Zhang Bin , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators of T lymphocyte survival, differentiation and function, all of which are key factors impacting the outcome of adoptive T cell-based immunotherapy. It has become increasingly clear that the adoptive transfer of memory CD8+ T cell subsets is highly correlated with objective clinical responses for patients with advanced cancer. However, it is unclear how to improve the long-term persistence of transferred CD8+ T cells using miRNAs. Here, we highlight the current advances in our understanding of the role of miRNAs in regulating the differentiation of memory CD8+ T cells. We specifically discuss the effect of miRNAs on key transcription factors, immune checkpoints and signal pathways, which contribute to the differentiation of effector and memory T cell subsets. Ultimately, miRNAs may be easily integrated into existing T cell receptor (TCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) platforms to promote adoptive T cell therapy with multiple advantages. Thus, combining T cell-based therapy with miRNAs could be considered a promising and robust strategy for cancer treatment.
Quatro mulheres, quatro canções: A representação do estereótipo feminino na lírica de Chico Buarque
Authors: Araujo Henrique Lima
Published: July 2018

O artigo buscou analisar a representação do estereótipo feminino em quatro canções femininas da obra de Chico Buarque, levando em conta suas letras, mas também seus arranjos e entoações. São elas: “Com açúcar, com afeto”; “Olhos nos olhos”; “Folhetim” e “Se eu soubesse”. Ao final, conclui-se que, embora a sociedade tenha mudado da primeira à última canção, a representação das mulheres seguiu-se semelhante.
Quarto de Despejo: uma análise acerca do racismo e da branquitude
Authors: Santos Jorge Luis Felizardo dos
Published: July 2018

O presente artigo procura analisar o livro Quarto de Despejo, obra de Carolina Maria de Jesus, tendo como foco a temática étnico racial, pois entendemos que é na superação das barreiras raciais que residirá uma sociedade mais plural, que entenda que diferença não está relacionada com desigualdade ou desnível social. Atentando-nos a alguns excertos dessa obra, que faz referência ao elemento branco é que intentaremos discutir a visão do branco em relação a si mesmo.
Mediação e transculturação no orientalismo de Antero de Quental
Authors: Vanzelli José Carvalho
Published: July 2018

Este texto pretende discutir se houve um processo de transculturação nas ideias do poeta português Antero de Quental (1842-1891) a partir de seu contato com o Oriente ao longo de sua vida. Para tanto, nos baseamos na teoria de transculturação do teórico uruguaio Ángel Rama e estudamos em um selecionado de cartas do poeta como sua interação com o pensamento oriental – mais especificamente com a filosofia budista – se alterou desde a década de 70, seu período mais combativo, até sua morte em 1891.
A ressonância das vozes dos paratextos ficcionais em Vinte e zinco, de Mia Couto
Authors: Molina Maria de Fátima Castro de Oliveira
Published: July 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a presença das vozes que compõem os paratextos ficcionais na composição textual do romance Vinte e zinco (1999), de Mia Couto, a partir da relação que se instaura entre as epígrafes e a temática da narrativa. Os pressupostos teóricos de Gerard Genette (2010) fornecem subsídios para a compreensão dos efeitos de sentido que esses “sinais acessórios” fornecem ao texto, a partir do olhar que a ficção direciona para o tempo histórico encenado.
A quebra do silêncio: o espaço da fronteira cultural na escrita de Gloria Anzaldúa e Milton Hatoum
Authors: Silva Fidelainy Sousa
Published: July 2018

Este artigo visa discutir sobre o espaço de fronteira cultural, tendo como ponto de partida a escrita de Gloria Anzaldúa em Borderlands/La frontera: The New Mestiza (1987) e Milton Hatoum em Dois Irmãos (2000). Trata-se de um esforço teórico para compreender o (não) lugar da escrita ficcional de resistência. Com a voz de Anzaldúa e de Hatoum pretende-se analisar as imbricações do texto ficcional para questionar o silenciamento identitário dos sujeitos da região de fronteira entre o México e Estados Unidos e também a região de Manaus na Amazônia Brasileira, respectivamente.
From Text to Battle: Fame and rumor in the Civil Wars (49 a 45 b.c e 68-69 A.D.)
Authors: Belchior Ygor Klain
Published: July 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo estudar os rumores evidenciados na literatura latina sobre as guerras civis entre César e Pompeu e o ano dos quatro imperadores. Para tanto, selecionamos dois vocábulos distintos, são eles, a fama e o rumor, e que pretendemos problematizar e explorar as várias e possíveis conexões entre os rumores com a política e as relações sociais resultantes dessa interação no ambiente da guerra, por meio de uma abordagem teórica que priorize uma nova visão dos rumores dentro da própria literatura clássica. Consideramos que o rumor, por se mostrar um ponto polêmico nas análises das fontes disponíveis sobre o período, já que é entendido apenas como artifício literário, pode ser um tema chave capaz de revelar aspectos importantes a respeito da interação dos agentes envolvidos em Guerras Civis.
A autonomia do paciente idoso no contexto dos cuidados em saúde e seu aspecto relacional
Authors: PARANHOS Denise G. A. M. , ALBUQUERQUE Aline
Published: July 2018

O objetivo do presente artigo é analisar a autonomia do paciente idoso no contexto dos cuidados em saúde sob a perspectiva relacional. Embora normas nacionais e internacionais estabeleçam a necessidade de se estimular e respeitar a autonomia da pessoa idosa, poucas conquistas podem ser verificadas nessa seara, em especial no âmbito das relações médicas. A partir do estudo conceitual de autonomia sob diferentes pensamentos – quais sejam, a autonomia tradicional biomédica, a autonomia vista sob um prisma sociológico e a autonomia relacional defendida pelos direitos humanos –, procurou-se refletir sobre a situação do paciente idoso, duplamente fragilizado pela idade e pela doença, e cujo exercício da autonomia geralmente não é respeitado pelos profissionais da saúde e pelos familiares. Concluiu-se que o marco teórico mais adequado para caracterizar a autonomia do paciente idoso é o da autonomia relacional, pois só a partir do reconhecimento de sua especial vulnerabilidade e levando-se em conta seus valores, cultura, relacionamentos e contexto social é possível entendê-lo como um todo, integrá-lo ao processo de cuidados e, assim, motivá-lo a participar do tratamento. Os direitos humanos dos pacientes endossam a autonomia relacional e, para assegurar os direitos do paciente idoso, faz-se necessário o estabelecimento de uma rede de proteção social instituída por políticas públicas que tornem o paciente idoso visível e preservem sua dignidade, bem como motivem o exercício e o respeito de sua autonomia nas decisões que envolvam sua saúde.
Diagnostic Performance of Extracellular Volume, Native T1, and T2 Mapping Versus Lake Louise Criteria by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for Detection of Acute Myocarditis
Authors: Pan Jonathan A. , Lee Yoo Jin , Salerno Michael
Published: July 2018

Background:

The Lake Louise Criteria (LLC) were established in 2009 and are the recommended cardiac magnetic resonance imaging criterion for diagnosing patients with suspected myocarditis. Subsequently, newer parametric imaging techniques which can quantify T1, T2, and the extracellular volume (ECV) have been developed and may provide additional utility in the diagnosis of myocarditis. However, whether their diagnostic accuracy is superior to LLC remains unclear. In this meta-analysis, we compared the diagnostic performance of native T1, T2, ECV to LLC in diagnosing acute myocarditis.

Methods and Results:

We searched PubMed for published studies of LLC, native T1, ECV, and T2 diagnostic criteria used to diagnose acute myocarditis. Seventeen studies were included, with a total of 867 myocarditis patients and 441 control subjects. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of all diagnostic tests were assessed by bivariate analysis. LLC had a pooled sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 86%, and diagnostic odds ratio of 17.7. Native T1 had a significantly higher sensitivity than LLC (85% versus 74%,
P
=0.025). Otherwise, there was no significant difference in sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio when comparing LLC to native T1, T2, or ECV.

Conclusions:

Native T1, T2, and ECV mapping provide comparable diagnostic performance to LLC. Although only native T1 had significantly better sensitivity than LLC, each technique offers distinct advantages for evaluating and characterizing myocarditis when compared with the LLC.
Dec1 and CLOCK Regulate Na
+
/K
+
-ATPase β1 Subunit Expression and Blood Pressure
Authors: Nakashima Ayumu , Kawamoto Takeshi , Noshiro Mitsuhide , Ueno Toshinori , Doi Shigehiro , Honda Kiyomasa , Maruhashi Tatsuya , Noma Kensuke , Honma Sato , Masaki Takao , Higashi Yukihito , Kato Yukio
Published: July 2018

Blood pressure shows a circadian rhythm, and recent studies have suggested the involvement of a molecular clock system in its control. In the clock system, the CLOCK (circadian locomotor output cycles kaput):BMAL1 (brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein-1) heterodimer enhances promoter activity of clock genes, and DEC1 (BHLHE40/STRA13/SHARP-2) represses CLOCK/BMAL1-enhanced promoter activity through competition for binding to the clock element, CACGTG E-box. However, the molecular mechanisms by which this system regulates blood pressure remain unclear. Here, we show that DEC1 suppressed the expression of
ATP1B1
, which encodes the β1 subunit of the Na
+
/K
+
-ATPase and elevated blood pressure. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip analyses, we found that DEC1 and CLOCK bound to E-boxes in the
ATP1B1
promoter. Luciferase assays revealed that CLOCK:BMAL1 heterodimer enhanced transcription from the
ATP1B1
promoter, whereas DEC1 suppressed this transactivation. Accordingly,
Atp1b1
mRNA and protein levels in mouse kidney, aorta, and heart showed a circadian rhythm that was antiphasic to the blood pressure rhythm. Furthermore,
Dec1
-deficient mice showed enhanced
Atp1b1
expression in these tissues and reduced blood pressure. In contrast,
Clock
-mutant mice showed reduced
Atp1b1
expression and elevated blood pressure. Our results raise the possibility that transcriptional regulation of
Atp1b1
by DEC1 and CLOCK:BMAL1 contributes to blood pressure.
Prediction Models for Clinical Outcome After a Carotid Revascularization Procedure
Authors: Volkers Eline J. , Algra Ale , Kappelle L. Jaap , Jansen Olav , Howard George , Hendrikse Jeroen , Halliday Alison , Gregson John , Fraedrich Gustav , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Calvet David , Bulbulia Richard , Brown Martin M. , Becquemin Jean-Pierre , Ringleb Peter A. , Mas Jean-Louis , Bonati Leo H. , Brott Thomas G. , Greving Jacoba P. ,   on behalf of the Carotid Stenosis Trialists’ Collaboration
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

Prediction models may help physicians to stratify patients with high and low risk for periprocedural complications or long-term stroke risk after carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy. We aimed to evaluate external performance of previously published prediction models for short- and long-term outcome after carotid revascularization in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

Methods—

From a literature review, we selected all prediction models that used only readily available patient characteristics known before procedure initiation. Follow-up data from 2184 carotid artery stenting and 2261 carotid endarterectomy patients from 4 randomized trials (EVA-3S [Endarterectomy Versus Angioplasty in Patients With Symptomatic Severe Carotid Stenosis], SPACE [Stent-Protected Angioplasty Versus Carotid Endarterectomy], ICSS [International Carotid Stenting Study], and CREST [Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial]) were used to validate 23 short-term outcome models to estimate stroke or death risk ≤30 days after the procedure and the original outcome measure for which the model was developed. Additionally, we validated 7 long-term outcome models for the original outcome measure. Predictive performance of the models was assessed with C statistics and calibration plots.

Results—

Stroke or death ≤30 days after the procedure occurred in 158 (7.2%) patients after carotid artery stenting and in 84 (3.7%) patients after carotid endarterectomy. Most models for short-term outcome after carotid artery stenting (n=4) or carotid endarterectomy (n=19) had poor discriminative performance (C statistics ranging from 0.49–0.64) and poor calibration with small absolute risk differences between the lowest and highest risk groups and overestimation of risk in the highest risk groups. Long-term outcome models (n=7) had a slightly better performance with C statistics ranging from 0.59 to 0.67 and reasonable calibration.

Conclusions—

Current models did not reliably predict outcome after carotid revascularization in a trial population of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. In particular, prediction of short-term outcome seemed to be difficult. Further external validation of existing prediction models or development of new prediction models is needed before such models can be used to support treatment decisions in individual patients.
Trajectory Groups of 24-Hour Systolic Blood Pressure After Acute Ischemic Stroke and Recurrent Vascular Events
Authors: Kim Beom Joon , Cho Yong-Jin , Hong Keun-Sik , Lee Jun , Kim Joon-Tae , Choi Kang Ho , Park Tai Hwan , Park Sang-Soon , Park Jong-Moo , Kang Kyusik , Lee Soo Joo , Kim Jae Guk , Cha Jae-Kwan , Kim Dae-Hyun , Nah Hyun-Wook , Lee Byung-Chul , Yu Kyung-Ho , Oh Mi-Sun , Kim Dong-Eog , Ryu Wi-Sun , Choi Jay Chol , Kim Wook-Joo , Shin Dong-Ick , Yeo Min-Ju , Sohn Sung Il , Hong Jeong-Ho , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Juneyoung , Han Moon-Ku , Gorelick Philip B. , Bae Hee-Joon
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

Blood pressure dynamics in patients with acute ischemic stroke may serve as an important modifiable and prognostic factor.

Methods—

A total of 8376 patients with acute ischemic stroke were studied from a prospective multicenter registry. Patients were eligible if they had been admitted within 24 hours of symptom onset and had ≥5 systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements during the first 24 hours of hospitalization. SBP trajectory groups in the first 24 hours were identified using the TRAJ procedure in SAS software with delta-Bayesian Information Criterion and prespecified modeling parameters. Vascular events, including recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and death, were prospectively collected. The risk of having vascular events was calculated using the frailty model to adjust for clustering by hospital.

Results—

The group-based trajectory model classified patients with acute ischemic stroke into 5 SBP trajectory groups: low (22.3%), moderate (40.8%), rapidly stabilized (11.9%), acutely elevated (18.5%), and persistently high (6.4%) SBP. The risk of having vascular events was increased in the acutely elevated (hazard ratio, 1.28 [95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.47]) and the persistently high SBP groups (hazard ratio, 1.67 [95% confidence interval, 1.37–2.04]) but not in the rapidly stabilized group (hazard ratio, 1.13 [95% confidence interval, 0.95–1.34]), when compared with the moderate SBP group.

Conclusions—

SBP during the first 24 hours after acute ischemic stroke may be categorized into distinct trajectory groups, which differ in relation to stroke characteristics and frequency of subsequent recurrent vascular event risks. The findings may help to recognize potential candidates for future blood pressure control trials.
Moment-Based Tests under Parameter Uncertainty
Authors: Bontemps Christian
Published: July 2018

This paper considers moment-based tests applied to estimated quantities. We propose a general class of transforms of moments to handle the parameter uncertainty problem. The construction requires only a linear correction that can be implemented in sample and remains valid for some extended families of nonsmooth moments. We reemphasize the attractiveness of working with robust moments, which lead to testing procedures that do not depend on the estimator. Furthermore, no correction is needed when considering the implied test statistic in the out-of-sample case. We apply our methodology to various examples with an emphasis on the backtesting of value-at-risk forecasts.
Equilibrium Effects of Health Care Price Information
Authors: Brown Zach Y.
Published: July 2018

Do information frictions in health care markets lead to higher prices and price dispersion? Focusing on medical imaging procedures, this paper examines the equilibrium effect of a unique statewide price transparency website. Price information leads to a shift to lower-cost providers, especially for patients subject to a deductible. Furthermore, supply-side effects play a significant role in the long run, benefiting all insured individuals. Supply-side effects reduce price dispersion and are especially relevant in concentrated markets. These effects are important given that high prices are thought to be a primary cause of high private health care spending.
Geographic variation in quantitative skull traits and systematic of southern populations of the leaf-eared mice of the Phyllotis xanthopygus complex (Cricetidae, Phyllotini) in southern South America
Authors: TETA PABLO , JAYAT J. PABLO , LANZONE CECILIA , OJEDA AGUSTINA
Published: July 2018

The leaf-eared mice of the genus Phyllotis (Cricetidae, Phyllotini) encompasses at least 20 species of medium-sized Neotropical rodents mostly distributed throughout the Andean region. Its limits and contents were reviewed by several authors, based both on morphological and molecular data. However, no integrative approaches were conducted based on large samples of individuals with a wide geographical coverage. The purposes of this paper are: (i) to evaluate species limits; and (ii) to test the congruence between molecular and quantitative morphological evidences within the Phyllotis xanthopygus complex in southern South America. Our results questioned the specific status of P. bonariensis, a geographically isolated form that was either considered as a valid species or as a synonym of P. xanthopygus. Quantitative morphological (size and shape of the skull) and molecular data linked P. bonariensis with populations from central Argentina traditionally referred as P. xanthopygus vaccarum. Individuals belonging to populations from southern Argentina and Chile (P. x. xanthopygus) were remarkably homogeneous in their skull morphology, showing a subtle to non-existent differentiation from those of north-central and west-central Argentina referred to P. x. vaccarum. We found some incongruence between groups inferred from morphological (this work) and mitochondrial DNA results of previous studies. This is the case of the north-central and west-central populations, where morphological traits do not show the strong differentiation detected by molecular characters. Our results highlight the need for integrative taxonomic studies, not only to delimitate taxonomic units but also for a better and more comprehensive understanding of population variability and differentiation.
A taxonomic review of the genus Callilanguria Crotch, 1876 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Languriinae)
Authors: HUANG ZHENG-ZHONG , HAN XIN-YU , YANG XING-KE
Published: July 2018

A worldwide review of the genus Callilanguria is presented. Three new species are described: C. weiweii Huang & Yang, sp. nov. from Sabah, Malaysia; C. helleri Huang & Yang, sp. nov. from Panay, the Philippines; and C. nigripes Huang & Yang, sp. nov. from Samar Island, the Philippines. Callilanguria scrupulosa Heller, 1918 is transferred to the genus Doubledaya. The other species are C. eximia Fowler, 1885; C. gorhami Villiers, 1945; C. asymmetrica Heller, 1900; C. ruficeps Achard, 1923; C. milloti Villiers, 1945; C. stenosoma (Harold, 1879); C. flaviventris Fowler, 1886; C. wallacii Crotch, 1876; and C. luzonica Crotch, 1876. In total, twelve species are recognized in the genus Callilanguria, and a key to the described species of the genus is provided.
Four new species of the genus Eudarcia Clemens, 1880 (Lepidoptera: Meessiidae) from Crimea
Authors: BUDASHKIN YURIY I. , BIDZILYA OLEKSIY
Published: July 2018

Four species of the genus Eudarcia are described as new from Crimea: E. ajpetrica sp. nov., E. kimmeriella sp. nov., E. rutjani sp. nov. and E. zagulajevi sp. nov. All newly discovered species belong to the palanfreella-species group. The identification key, based on external and genitalia characters for the Eudarcia species from Crimea, is provided.
Evaluation of Reanalyses over British Columbia. Part I: Daily and Extreme 2-m Temperature
Authors: Odon Pedro , West Gregory , Stull Roland
Published: July 2018

Weather-station data coverage, quality, and completeness across British Columbia, Canada, degrade outside of population centers and as one goes back in time. This data paucity motivates the search for the best reanalysis to serve as a climatological reference dataset. This study focuses on how well reanalyses represent 2-m temperature (T2M). Systematic error, random error, and two-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistics of daily maximum and minimum T2M are evaluated from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim), the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), the Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (JRA-55), and the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2). Also evaluated are the 2- and 30-yr return levels of T2M, which are estimated by the method of L moments from a fitted generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. Reanalyses are compared with observations from 57 meteorological stations distributed over the complex terrain of British Columbia from 1980 to 2010. Minimum temperatures are better captured than maximum temperatures by all four reanalyses. JRA-55 and ERA-Interim generally perform better across all metrics. Biases are largely explained by poor reanalysis terrain representation. Statistical stationarity over the 30-yr period is assessed by using Gaussian and GEV distributions fitted with and without time-dependent parameters. It is determined that stationary distributions are sufficient to represent the climate of T2M for this region and time period.
The Long-Term Electoral Legacies of Civil War in Young Democracies: Italy, 1946-1968
Authors: Costalli Stefano , Ruggeri Andrea
Published: July 2018

Are there long-term legacies of civil wars on the electoral geography of post-conflict democracies? We argue that parties derived from armed bands enjoy an organizational advantage in areas where they fought and won the war. Former combatants can create a strong local party organization that serves as a crucial mobilization tool for elections. Parties have strong incentives to institutionalize this organizational advantage and retain electoral strongholds over time. We test our theory on the case of Italy (1946-1968). Our findings indicate that, on average, the communist party managed to create a stronger organization in areas where its bands fought the resistance war against Nazi-Fascist forces—and left-wing parties had a better electoral performance in those areas in subsequent elections. A stronger party organization is correlated with a positive electoral performance for many years, while the direct effect of civil war on electoral patterns decays after few years.
Collective Expectations Protecting and Preventing Academic Achievement
Authors: Trinidad Jose Eos
Published: July 2018

High academic expectation—how far a student expects to get in school—is usually predictive of positive outcomes for a student. Yet less is known about mechanisms behind collective expectation: the proportion of students in a school who expect to pursue further studies. Using urban schools’ data from the Education Longitudinal Study 2002, this research examines how collective expectations affect short-term and long-term outcomes, and the predictors of these expectations. Through hierarchical linear models, I find that collective expectations are positively associated with academic outcomes, and that individual expectations remain significant even after controlling for socioeconomic status. I argue that the results illustrate how school structural and economic forces interact with collective expectations in protecting or preventing personal academic attainment.
Regulatory roles and functions in information-based regulation: a systematic review
Authors: Bowen Frances , Panagiotopoulos Panos
Published: July 2018

Information-based regulation occurs when regulators use information to drive changes in behaviours in order to achieve public policy objectives. Information-based regulation has emerged as an alternative way to regulate firms compared with more traditional direct command-and-control and market-based policy instruments within the contemporary regulatory state. Despite growing international interest, challenges remain in understanding the roles for regulators in information-based regulation, the functions of regulators in shaping and leveraging information flows, and the administrative capacities required to fulfil them. Based on a systematic review methodology, this article synthesises the findings of 130 peer-reviewed articles in the environmental, energy and food policy areas. It develops a typology of functions for regulators and outlines the new administrative capacities required in the contemporary regulatory state, particularly in standard setting, assurance and intermediation, and smart data management.

Points for practitioners

Regulation by information is becoming popular in many part of the world beyond its original genesis in the US and other developed countries. The design and implementation of such schemes creates new challenges for regulators. Our review integrates relevant research in three policy areas (environment, food and energy) and develops a new typology of functions performed by regulators. The article is the first to discuss how the roles and functions of regulators need to change in the contemporary information and regulatory environment. It also emphasises the importance of regulatory involvement in information-based regulation, which has traditionally been seen as a deregulatory approach.
Reading Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism: Unnarratability in Shobasakthi’s Traitor
Authors: Kailasam Vasugi
Published: July 2018

The 2001 Tamil novel Mmm (translated as Traitor in English) by Shobasakthi traverses spaces that are not often covered in contemporary Sri Lankan fiction. Set against the background of Tamil separatist movements of the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, the novel blends tales of caste and class oppression, while alternating between first- and third-person narrations. Traitor centres on a Sri Lankan Tamil militant, Nesakumaran, who flees to France as a refugee, and is eventually murdered, after being charged with the rape of his own child, Nirami. The novel showcases the breakdown of Nesakumaran’s self, as well as his familial and communal relationships, and reflects these dissolutions in the fragmentation of the narrative. This article argues that the narrative fragmentation of Traitor corresponds to the unnarratability of the violence that the novel tries to depict and illustrates the many fissures that are embedded within the rubric of Tamil nationalism. The novel depicts Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism as a more complicated concept than is conventionally assumed, a heterogeneous discourse marked by distinctions of class, caste, and gender. By wrestling with conflicts that are internal to the Tamil community, Traitor illustrates how Sri Lankan Tamil literature envisions the national space of Sri Lanka as merely a site on which to mourn the lack of an ethnic, Tamil solidarity.
Symposium on the Shema
Authors: Zaas Peter
Published: July 2018

A panel of scholars ostensibly addressed “Shema in the Synoptic Gospels” at the 2017 Boston meeting of the National Association of Professors of Hebrew. “Ostensibly” because while all the essays acknowledge the significance of the keystone of both Jewish theology and liturgy for the authors of the New Testament, every essay focused on something larger than the narrow announced topic. Each, following the lead of Dr. Roberta Sabbath of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, who describes the polemical nature of the Shema, notes how the statement of God's unity (whether or not followed by the Love and Tzitzit Commands) functions within the theological and cultural argument among Jews, Christians and Muslim, and within the Jewish and Christian communities as well.
A longitudinal study of the development of expressive timing
Authors: Demos Alexander P. , Lisboa Tânia , Begosh Kristen T. , Logan Topher , Chaffin Roger
Published: July 2018

Tempo arches have often been reported in polished music performances, but their development during the learning of a new piece has not been studied. We examined the development of expressive timing at three levels of musical structure (piece, section, phrase) as an experienced concert soloist (the second author) prepared the Prelude from J. S. Bach’s Suite No. 6 for solo cello for public performance. We used mixed effect models to assess the development of expressive timing and the effects of the performance cues (PCs) that the cellist used as mental landmarks to guide her performance. Tempo arches appeared early in practice at all three levels of musical structure and changed over time in complex ways, first becoming more pronounced and more asymmetrical and then shrinking somewhat in later performances. Arches were also more pronounced in phrases that contained PCs, suggesting that PCs reminded the cellist where to “breathe” between phrases. The early development of tempo arches suggests that they were an automatic product of basic cognitive or motor processes. The complex trajectory of their later development appeared to be the result, at least in part, of a deliberate communicative strategy intended to draw listeners’ attention to some musical boundaries more than others.
Multisystemic Therapy in families of adopted young people referred for antisocial behaviour problems
Authors: Harrison-Stewart Bronwyn , Fox Simone , Millar Hayleigh
Published: July 2018

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intervention offered to adopted young people presenting with antisocial behaviour. Despite the substantial evidence base for MST in non-adoptive populations, a review of the literature identified that there has been no evaluation of its effectiveness in adoptive populations. This qualitative study aimed to provide the first exploration of adoptive parents’ lived experiences of standard MST in relation to their context as an adoptive family, focusing on aspects of the intervention that promoted or limited change. Ten semi-structured interviews were carried out with 11 adoptive parents. Thematic analysis identified five major themes that were service user validated: situation prior to MST; enablers to change; barriers to change; outcomes of MST; and developing MST to better meet the needs of adoptive families. Findings suggest potential advances to current MST practice to meet the needs of adoptive populations, including the importance of appropriate training and supervision, sensitivity working with adoption and the incorporation of adoption related theory. Limitations and future developments are also discussed.
A Macroscopic Multi-Lane Traffic Flow Model for ACC/CACC Traffic Dynamics
Authors: Delis Anargiros I. , Nikolos Ioannis K. , Papageorgiou Markos
Published: July 2018

An extended second-order macroscopic traffic flow model is presented that describes multi-lane traffic dynamics and also incorporates the effects of adaptive cruise control (ACC) or cooperative ACC (CACC). The extended model equations stem from a recently proposed multi-lane gas-kinetic traffic flow (GKT) model that can simulate lane changes due to vehicle interactions as well as spontaneous ones. The proposed extension that models the effects of ACC/CACC satisfies the time-gap principle of such systems on each lane and allows for consideration of mixed traffic comprising both manual and ACC/CACC vehicles. Numerical simulations are performed for a particular three-lane motorway stretch in the United Kingdom, where recurrent traffic congestion is observed during the morning peak hours, so as to compare the effects of ACC/CACC in the traffic flow conditions with those resulting from manual driving.
Operational Evaluation of Central Sharrows and Dooring Zone Treatment on Road User Behavior in Ottawa, Canada
Authors: Kassim Ali , Ismail Karim , McGuire Shawn
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study is to determine how new pavement markings (central sharrows and indication of “dooring zone”) influence cyclist and motorist interactions and positioning, especially with respect to the distance cyclists travel from the parking edge line. The markings are designed to discourage cyclists from riding in the dooring-zone area and to ride in the center of the travel lane to avoid serious safety hazards. A number of safety performance parameters were used to assess whether safer conditions existed after the new treatment was installed. Safe motorist behavior was defined as: (a) motor vehicle following a cyclist with or without visible oncoming traffic in the opposing lane, and (b) motor vehicle passing a cyclist at a safe lateral distance. Safe cyclist behavior was defined as: cyclist riding in the lane position indicated by the central sharrows and outside of the dooring-zone area. The findings indicate that the central sharrows and dooring-zone markings created more favorable conditions for cyclist safety and for motorist compliance. Cyclists rode further from the parking edge line and closer to the sharrows that were marked in the center of the travel lane, and motorists were shown to be less likely to pass and more likely to follow cyclists.
Use of the False-Profile Radiographic View to Measure Pelvic Incidence
Authors: Li Ryan T. , Liu Raymond W. , Neral Mithun , Gould Heath , Hu Emily , Nho Shane , Salata Michael J.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Pelvic incidence (PI) is an important variable in assessing spinopelvic balance that is associated with hip pathology. A lateral radiograph of the pelvis can be used to measure PI, but this view is not routinely performed in the clinical setting during evaluation of hip pain. The false-profile (FP) radiographic view of the hip is commonly obtained to measure acetabular coverage.

Purpose:

To evaluate the tolerance of PI measurements to pelvic rotation and assess the feasibility of using an FP radiograph to obtain an accurate measurement of PI.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A mathematical model was developed to predict the change in PI with rotation. Fluoroscopic images were obtained of 6 reconstructed cadaveric adult pelvis and femur specimens at varying degrees of rotation, including a perfect lateral and FP image. PI was measured with the midpoint between the centers of the femoral heads as a reference point. The findings were confirmed clinically by retrospectively reviewing FP radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans of 40 clinical patients. PI was measured on FP radiographs and CT scans by 2 independent reviewers.

Results:

With dry cadaveric pelvis specimens, the discrepancy in PI measured between fluoroscopic FP and lateral views was 1.6° (95% CI, 0.7°-2.4°). There was excellent agreement between CT and FP radiographs with regard to measurement of PI (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.78-0.98). Mean discrepancy in PI measured between the 40 clinical FP radiographs and CT scans was 2.8° (range, 0.1°-9.1°).

Conclusion:

Increased rotation from a lateral view results in greater error in measuring PI, although relatively nominally with a 2.8° error with the 25° of rotation in clinical true FP views. These data demonstrate that FP radiographs can be used to measure PI with reasonable accuracy.
Municipal solid waste management: Constraints and opportunities to improve capacity of local government authorities of Phnom Penh Capital
Authors: Spoann Vin , Fujiwara Takeshi , Seng Bandith , Lay Chanthy
Published: July 2018

Solid waste management is a challenge for Phnom Penh city owing to the increasing volume of waste produced and insufficient collection capacity. Sustainable management is required in response to continuing population growth and urbanisation. This article aims to examine the status and constraints of solid waste management in Phnom Penh and discuss the performance of local government authorities to propose possible mechanisms and strategies to improve the system. Data were collected through literature reviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions with the local government authorities. Six performance measures were used as assessment variables, including technical, environmental, institutional and organisational, financial and economic, social and cultural, and policy and legal factors. Limited institutional capacity and performance are the consequence of insufficient decentralisation power and allocation of budget and workforce for promoting technological and environmentally sustainable practices. Lack of cooperation and coordination among relevant agencies led to their unwillingness to participate in management performance. A decentralisation and provision of management services in the public–private partnership would enable operational procedures that enhance accountability, transparency, efficiency, and productivity at the local level.
Effect of a Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Program on Fatigue in Hospitalized Taiwanese End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Chou Hsiao-Yu , Chen Shu-Ching , Yen Tzung-Hai , Han Hui-Mei
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of a virtual reality-based exercise program on fatigue in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who receive hemodialysis (HD). In this quasi-experimental study design, an experimental group ( n = 32) received virtual reality training that promoted exercise, and a control group ( n = 32) received routine care (advice on physical activities). Fatigue and physiologic parameters were assessed pretest (before intervention) as well as posttest (4 weeks after the onset of intervention). Our results showed that patients in the experimental group had significantly lower levels of overall fatigue, reduction in vigor and motivation, distress and loss of control in mood, and higher hemoglobin levels compared with the control group. ANCOVA revealed that there were no differences in overall fatigue and different domains of fatigue. Exercise only increased the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels significantly in the intervention group.
Nusinersen: A Treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Claborn Melanie K. , Stevens Debra L. , Walker Cheri K. , Gildon Brooke L.
Published: July 2018

Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of nusinersen (Spinraza) in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Data Sources: An English-language literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE (1946 to June 2018) was performed using the terms nusinersen, ISIS-SMN (Rx), and spinal muscular atrophy. Manufacturer prescribing information, abstracts, article bibliographies, and clinicaltrials.gov data were incorporated for additional materials. Study Selection/Data Extraction: All clinical trials of nusinersen were identified and analyzed in the review. Data Synthesis: Nusinersen is the first drug therapy approved for the treatment of SMA. It is a novel modified antisense oligonucleotide designed to treat SMA caused by mutations in chromosome 5q that lead to survival motor neuron protein deficiency. Nusinersen has been studied for safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy in both open-label and randomized controlled trials. The studies show improvement in motor function across SMA of all types. The most common adverse effects were respiratory tract infections, headache, back pain, constipation, and post–lumbar puncture syndrome. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Based on phase III trial data, nusinersen produced positive changes in the clinical course of patients with SMA. The acquisition and administration of nusinersen present a number of challenges in clinical practice. Its intrathecal delivery and costly price tag must be recognized. Conclusion: Nusinersen is safe and effective in patients with SMA. It was well tolerated across all studied age groups.