bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative morphology and scaling of the femur in yangochiropteran bats
Authors: Louzada Nathália Siqueira Veríssimo , Nogueira Marcelo Rodrigues , Pessôa Leila Maria
Published: June 2019

Better known by their remarkable forelimb morphology, bats are also unique among mammals with respect to their hindlimbs. Their legs are rotated through 180°, generally reduced in size, and in some extant taxa particular bones (e.g. fibula) can even be absent. The femur is the main leg bone, but to date few bat studies have considered its morphology in detail, none in a wide‐scale comparative study. Yangochiroptera is the largest bat taxon, spans nearly three orders of magnitude in body mass, and is highly diverse both in ecology and behavior, representing a good model for comparative analyses. Here, we describe the anatomy of the femur in a large sample of yangochiropteran bats (125 species, 70 genera, and 12 families), and explore major trends of morphological variation and scaling patterns in this bone. We used 13 categorical characters in the anatomical description and five linear dimensions in the quantitative analyses. Based on the categorical data, each family studied here was diagnosed, and those from the Neotropical region were included in an identification key. From the phylogenetic principal component analysis (pPCA) we showed that, in addition to size, major axes of variation in bat femur are related to robusticity and head morphology, features that are clearly distinct among some families. We also generated a phylomorphospace based on pPCA scores, highlighting convergences in femur shape. Molossidae, Mystacinidae, and Desmodontinae were grouped based on their greater robusticity, a pattern that was also recovered from categorical data. In these families, we found anatomical features (e.g. presence of tubercles and posterior ridges on the greater trochanter, long or medially/distally displaced lateral ridges on the shaft) that are well‐known from their functional link with quadrupedal locomotion. Using phylogenetic regressions, we found out that compared with body mass, femur length scaled with negative allometry, as expected, but that femur width scaled isometrically, counter to expectations. As a result, robusticity index (the ratio of width to length), scaled with positive allometry – larger bats tended to have more robust hindlimbs. At species level, our most remarkable finding was related to Myotis simus, which presented the most robust femur (for its size) among yangochiropterans. Our results reinforce the informative potential of the chiropteran femur from both taxonomic and functional perspectives. Furthermore, the allometric trends seen in this bone may help understand the strategies adopted by flying vertebrates to deal with the high energetic cost of flight and, at the same time, evolve diversified foraging behaviors.
The optimal cleansing method for the removal of sunscreen:Water, cleanser or cleansing oil?
Authors: Chen Wei , He Mei , Xie Li , Li Li
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the cleaning efficacy of sunscreen with or without water‐resistant performance by water, or a foaming cleanser or a cleansing oil.

Methods

Photos of 20 participants were taken by VISIA prior and subsequent to application of the sunscreen as a negative control and a positive control, respectively. Volunteers were instructed to wash off sunscreen with water only, the cleanser or the cleansing oil and photos were taken by VISIA again after face washing. Assessment of the cleansing efficacy was conducted by Photoshop CS6 and volunteer‐reported outcomes.

Results

For the non‐waterproof sunscreen, the residue rate of water, cleanser, and cleansing oil group were 54.0% ± 19.2%, 15.6% ± 6.1%, 13.4% ± 4.6%, respectively. No significant difference was found between the cleanser group and the negative control group (9.9% ± 4.8%) or between the cleansing oil group and the negative control group. For the waterproof sunscreen, the residue rate of water, cleanser, and cleansing oil group were 59.3% ± 10.4%, 36.8% ± 8.8%, 5.8% ± 3.3%, respectively. No significant difference was found between cleansing oil group and the negative control group (3.2% ± 2.2%).

For adverse events, eight participants in cleanser group and one participant in cleansing oil group reported dry skin after face washing.

Conclusion

The non‐waterproof sunscreen may be washed off by the cleanser or cleansing oil and the waterproof sunscreen by the cleansing oil. Moreover, the cleansing oil may cause less skin irritation and dryness compared with the cleanser. Future studies are needed to investigate other types of sunscreens and washing products.
Effect of four sessions of aerobic exercise with abdominal radiofrequency in adipose tissue in healthy women: Randomized control trial
Authors: Vale Ana Luísa , Pereira Ana Sofia , Morais Andreia , de Carvalho Paulo , Vilarinho Rui , Mendonça Adriana , Noites Andreia
Published: June 2019

Background

Abdominal adiposity is a cardiovascular risk factor; it is assumed that the combination of radiofrequency and physical exercise may decrease this excess of adipose tissue.

Purpose

To analyze the effect of four intervention sessions on abdominal adipose tissue.

Methodology

The study analyzes the effect of four sessions of aerobic exercise combined with radiofrequency. Participants were 28 healthy female volunteers, aged 18‐28 years, randomly assigned to an experimental group and a placebo group. They were characterized by a sociodemographic questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Food Frequency Questionnaire. The groups performed four sessions of abdominal radiofrequency followed by moderate aerobic exercise, assessing body mass, body mass index, fat mass, waist circumference, waist/height ratio, subcutaneous adipose thickness, and horizontal abdominal adipose fold at the first and fourth sessions. In the experimental group, a percentage of potency was used that allowed to maintain the temperature between 40°C and 42°C to the epidermis. In the placebo group, the power of the radiofrequency was 0 W. To compare results, Student's t test was used for a significance level of 0.05.

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in waist circumference, abdominal subcutaneous adipose thickness, and horizontal abdominal fold in the experimental group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Combined exercise intervention with radiofrequency has been shown to be effective in reducing abdominal adiposity.
Testing Alternative Learning Theories: Evidence From Subscription Contracts
Authors: Ater Itai , Landsman Vardit
Published: June 2019

Analyzing panel data of 32,650 checking‐account holders facing a menu of three‐part tariff contracts, we document several findings that indicate that subscribers use simple heuristics to learn about the desirability of the contracts they have chosen. Our main findings are: subscribers change contracts in a direction that diminishes the probability of re–experiencing the trigger for switching; subscribers exhibit recency effects in switching; and after switching the majority of switchers systematically pay higher fees than they did before. We argue that directional learning theory best explains why consumers behave in a manner that yields suboptimal economic outcomes.
Sincerest Form of Flattery? Product Innovation and Imitation in the European Automobile Industry
Authors: Thurk Jeff
Published: June 2019

I study the impact of imitation on the returns to technological innovation when products are differentiated. Using data that capture Volkswagen’s introduction of the TDI diesel engine and the technology’s imitation by rival European firms, I estimate a discrete choice, oligopoly model of horizontally differentiated products. Imitation benefited consumers by increasing product variety and reducing prices but also limited Volkswagen to 14% of potential profits from the TDI. Volkswagen’s ability to differentiate its diesel models made the TDI a worthwhile investment nonetheless. This indicates firms can mitigate imitation risk by bundling easy‐to‐copy technological advancements with difficult‐to‐copy product characteristics including brand.
The role of HLA variation in lymphoma aetiology and survival
Authors: Zhong C. , Cozen W. , Bolanos R. , Song J. , Wang S. S.
Published: June 2019

Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence has consistently supported a strong inflammatory and immune component for lymphoma aetiology. These studies have consistently implicated variation in the immune gene, human leucocyte antigen (HLA), to be associated with lymphoma risk. In this review, we summarize the historical and recent evidence of HLA in both lymphoma aetiology and survival. The recent momentum in uncovering HLA associations has been propelled by the conduct of genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), which has permitted the evaluation of imputed HLA alleles in much larger sample sizes than historically feasible with allelotyping studies. Based on the culmination of smaller HLA typing studies and larger GWAS, we now recognize several HLA associations with Hodgkin (HL) and non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) and their subtypes. Although other genetic variants have also been implicated with lymphoma risk, it is notable that HLA associations have been reported in every NHL and HL subtype evaluated to date. Both HLA class I and class II alleles have been linked with NHL and HL risk. It is notable that the associations identified are largely specific to each lymphoma subtype. However, pleiotropic HLA associations have also been observed. For example, rs10484561, which is in linkage disequilibrium with HLA‐DRB1*01:01˜DQA1*01:01˜DQB1*05:01, has been implicated in increased FL and DLBCL risk. Opposing HLA associations across subtypes have also been reported, such as for HLA‐A*01:01 which is associated with increased risk of EBV‐positive cHL but decreased risk of EBV‐negative cHL and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small cell lymphoma. Due to extensive linkage disequilibrium and allele/haplotypic variation across race/ethnicities, identification of causal alleles/haplotypes remains challenging. Follow‐up functional studies are needed to identify the specific immunological pathways responsible in the multifactorial aetiology of HL and NHL. Correlative studies linking HLA alleles with known molecular subtypes and HLA expression in the tumours are also needed. Finally, additional association studies investigating HLA diversity and lymphoma survival are also required to replicate initial associations reported to date.
Maximising access to kidney transplantation: A single‐centre audit of people receiving dialysis
Authors: Burns Tania , Turner Kylie , Brown Mark
Published: June 2019

Background

Despite transplantation being well documented as the renal replacement therapy option that gives the best morbidity and mortality outcomes, the best quality of life and the best value for healthcare dollar, not all patients are on a kidney transplant waiting list.

Objectives

The aims of this study were (1) to explore possible reasons for a demonstrated a higher rate of people being listed as suitable for transplant in a non‐transplanting unit and (2) to describe a formal process of review and referral as a method for maximising the number of people gaining access to the transplant waiting list.

Methods

We prospectively audited all patients who were undergoing dialysis in our metropolitan, non‐transplanting renal unit annually over six years to determine whether not being on the transplant waiting list was in keeping with available eligibility guidelines of medical and behavioural criteria.

Results

In every age group, the percentage of patients listed for transplant was higher than that seen in national data. The most common reasons for people not to be listed were malignancy, obesity and cardiovascular disease. This unit's patients had fewer smokers, less females and less Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders which may have contributed towards a higher rate of activation on the list.

Conclusion

In this dialysis patient population having a formal process of review for suitability and referral, as well as a specialist renal transplant coordinator nurse positively affected the number of patients being activated on the transplant waiting list.
Training High School Student “Citizen Scientists” to Document School Water Access: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Walkinshaw Lina Pinero , Hecht Christina , Patel Anisha , Podrabsky Mary
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Youth water consumption is inadequate. Increasing adolescent water consumption could support decreased dental caries and body mass index (BMI). Most schools are required to provide free, potable water. However, there is evidence that schools' self‐reported compliance data overestimate access to water in schools. We tested the feasibility of using student citizen scientists to collect high quality observational data about water sources in schools.

METHODS

We trained 12 teams of high school students to use a validated photo‐evidence protocol to photograph and submit data on water sources in elementary and secondary schools. We surveyed students and advisors to assess student learning, advisor burden, and project feasibility.

RESULTS

Students submitted data for 325 water sources across 40 racially and economically diverse schools. We were able to use 99% of the student‐submitted photographs to measure water source wear, cleanliness, accessibility, and flow. The majority of students (72%, N = 70) spent under 2 hours photographing each school. The majority of students and advisors felt the project was valuable and feasible.

CONCLUSIONS

High school students can use a photographic method to collect data for analysis, and understand access to water in schools. This is a feasible, scalable, cost‐effective method to gather valid water source data.
Dietaryl‐arginine supplementation influences growth performance and B‐cell secretion of immunoglobulin in broiler chickens
Authors: Liu Shasha , Tan JianZhuang , Hu Yadi , Jia Xianbo , Kogut Michael H. , Yuan Jianmin , Zhang Hongfu
Published: June 2019

Our previous study has shown that high levels ofl‐arginine (ARG) have reduced serum and mucosal antibody concentrations. In order to provide a better understanding in the application of ARG supplementation in the poultry industry, the study was conducted to investigate the effect of high levels of ARG on performance and B‐cell secretion of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG development in broiler chickens. A total of 192 1‐day‐old male Arbor Acres Plus broilers were randomly allocated into 4 groups (8 replicates per group, 6 birds per replicate) fed diets containing one of four ARG concentrations (analysed): 9.8, 14.7, 19.1 and 23.4 g/kg respectively. Growth performance was measured based on body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Increasing ARG quadratically increased (p < 0.05) BWG and FI with reaching plateau at 14.7 g/kg, while linearly decreased (p < 0.05) FCR, indicating that maximal performance required ARG no more than 14.7 g/kg in diets. Serum IgG and IgM concentrations were linearly reduced (p < 0.05) with increasing ARG. Chickens fed 19.1 g/kg or 23.4 g/kg ARG had lower (p < 0.05) serum IgG or IgM than chickens fed 9.8 g/kg ARG. As for the mRNA expression of bursal IgG and IgM, they were significantly downregulated with increasing ARG (p < 0.05). Chickens on ARG (>19.1 g/kg) had a lower (p < 0.05) IgG and IgM mRNA expression than chickens fed 9.8 g/kg. Activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mRNA expression was linearly reduced with increasing ARG (p < 0.05), the transcriptional repressor B‐cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) mRNA expression was quadratically (p < 0.05) responded, and these cytokines had the lowest expression at 19.1 g/kg. ARG supplementation (>14.7 g/kg) did not significantly improve the growth performance, while it may have a potential negative regulatory effect on B‐cell‐mediated humoral immunity in chickens associated with suppression of the STAT3 expression associated with the JAK/STAT3 pathway.
Killer whales (Orcinus orca) feeding on lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) in northern Norway
Authors: Jourdain Eve , Karoliussen Richard , de Vos Jacques , Zakharov Stanislav E. , Tougard Christelle
Published: June 2019

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Norwegian waters have long been known to rely on Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) as a main prey resource. However, research almost exclusively conducted at seasonal herring grounds may have biased studies away from detecting other potentially significant prey species. Since 2013, dedicated research efforts have focused on monitoring killer whale occurrence and foraging ecology throughout the year in northern Norway. This study presents results on site‐fidelity of photographically identified individuals, predation records and behavioral patterns from five spring seasons (March–April) in 2014–2018 in Andfjord, northern Norway. A minimum number of 75 adult and subadult killer whales (out of a catalog of 971 individuals) returned seasonally to the study area for foraging and residency for up to six weeks. Lumpfish (or lumpsucker, Cyclopterus lumpus) was the only type of prey identified (based on molecular or visual identification) on 22 predation events from 2016 (n = 4), 2017 (n = 2) and 2018 (n = 16). Spatial group cohesion observed when foraging was a potential adaptation for efficiently hunting this prey species. These whales were also encountered at herring wintering grounds the same years, but with different group sizes. Such behavioral adaptations suggested intraannual switching between prey resources and foraging strategies.
Development of demyelinating lesions in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): Comparison of magnetic resonance images and neuropathology of post‐mortem brain
Authors: Ono Daisuke , Shishido‐Hara Yukiko , Mizutani Saneyuki , Mori Yoko , Ichinose Keiko , Watanabe Mutsufusa , Tanizawa Tohru , Yokota Takanori , Uchihara Toshiki , Fujigasaki Hiroto
Published: June 2019

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disorder caused by opportunistic infection of JC polyomavirus (JCV). Today, increased attention has been focused on PML development in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients under disease‐modifying therapies (DMT). Although in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) era, PML was thought to be a rapidly progressive disease with poor prognosis, drug‐associated PML is relatively slow in progress, and a favorable outcome may be expected with early diagnosis. However, early PML diagnosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently difficult, and JCV DNA copy number in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is usually low. To facilitate early PML diagnosis on MRI, the pre‐mortem images were compared with neuropathology of the post‐mortem brain, and underlying pathology corresponding to the MRI findings was evaluated. As a result, PML lesions of the autopsied brain were divided into three parts, based on the disease extension patterns: (A) Progressive white matter lesion in the right frontoparietal lobe including the precentral gyrus. Huge demyelinated lesions were formed with fusions of numerous small lesions. (B) Central lesion including deep gray matters, such as the putamen and thalamus. The left thalamic lesion was contiguous with the pontine tegmentum. (C) Infratentorial lesion of brainstem and cerebellum. Demyelination in the pontine basilar region and in cerebellar white matter was contiguous via middle cerebellar peduncles (MCPs). In addition, (D) satellite lesions were scattered all over the brain. These observations indicate that PML lesions likely evolve with three steps in a tract‐dependent manner: (1) initiation; (2) extension/expansion of demyelinating lesions; and (3) fusion. Understanding of the PML disease evolution patterns would enable confident early diagnosis on MRI, which is essential for favorable prognosis with good functional outcome.
The importance of pH reflux monitoring test for the management of low‐grade esophagitis in Chinese patients
Authors: Qiu Boyun , Zhang Xiaohao , Bai Tao , Xu Junying , Xiang Xuelian , Hou Xiaohua
Published: June 2019

Background and aims

Low‐grade esophagitis (grade A and B) are no longer believed as confirmatory evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, but there were no data about the association of low‐grade esophagitis with pathological acid reflux (PAR) in China. This study aimed to summarize the proportion of PAR in the patients with low‐grade esophagitis and to explore the differential factors between low‐grade esophagitis patients with and without PAR.

Methods

Database of the patients accepted 24‐hour pH monitoring in the motility laboratory of a tertiary center was retrospectively searched, and the patients were diagnosed as low‐grade esophagitis before the procedure was recruited. The demographics, symptoms and high‐resolution manometry and pH monitoring parameters were compared between the patients with pathological and physiological acid reflux and between patients with grade A and B esophagitis.

Results

About 24% of grade A and 55% of grade B esophagitis patients had pathological acid reflux. The demographics, symptoms, and almost all high‐resolution manometry findings were similar in patients with pathological and physiological acid reflux. About two‐thirds of the participants with physiological acid reflux reported symptom improvement after PPI administration. All participants with PPI‐resistant symptoms were with physiological acid reflux.

Conclusion

The proportion of PAR in low‐grade esophagitis is not high. For patients with low‐grade esophagitis in China, especially the patients with grade A esophagitis, regardless of symptom change, reflux monitoring is possibly needed for the patients whose esophageal mucosa break is not improved after 8 weeks of PPI treatment.
Genotype selection for physiological responses of drought tolerance using molecular markers in polycross hybrids of orchardgrass
Authors: Abtahi Mozhgan , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Mirlohi Aghafakhr
Published: June 2019

The present study aimed to assess the effect of contrasting levels of molecular and phenotypic diversity among polycross parents of orchardgrass on the performance of synthetic progeny with respect to physiological responses and drought tolerance. Four polycross groups each composed of six parental plants were evaluated under normal irrigation and drought stress conditions. A number of 923 inter simple sequence repeats and sequence related amplified polymorphism markers and several phenotypic traits were used to select contrasting levels of diversity (high and low) in parental genotypes. Highly significant correlation was observed between molecular distance and progeny performances at both normal irrigation and drought stress conditions. High molecular diversity among polycross parents led to a significant yield advantage of first generation progeny with averages of 34.40% for normal irrigation and 48.10% for drought stress conditions. Also crosses between genetically distant parents produced progeny with considerable drought tolerance and yield stability. Positive associations between phenotypic distance of parents and progeny performance were found for most physiological traits at both moisture regimes but phenotypic distances had weak association with forage yield, stress tolerance index and yield stability of progeny. Significant associations between drought tolerance index and some physiological traits confirmed the importance of these traits in conferring drought tolerance of orchardgrass. Our results underscore the effectiveness of marker‐assisted polycross breeding to improve drought tolerance and yield stability through physiological traits in orchardgrass.
Inadequate blood pressure control demonstrated by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Tangnararatchakit Kanchana , Kongkhanin Uthaiwan , Katanyuwong Poomiporn , Saisawat Pawaree , Chantarogh Songkiat , Pirojsakul Kwanchai
Published: June 2019

Background

Adequate BP control in RT recipients should not rely only by normal office BP but also on normal 24‐hour BP. This study aims to assess adequacy of BP control by ABPM and to assess ABPM parameters associated with LVMI in pediatric RT recipients.

Materials and methods

Patients aged 5‐20 years who have been followed after RT were enrolled. Demographic data and BP assessed by office and ABPM were collected. Echocardiography was performed to detect LVMI.

Results

Thirty RT recipients (18 males) with median age of 15 years (IQR 13‐18.5) were included. Among 23 patients who were taking antihypertensive drugs, uncontrolled hypertension was detected in 34.8% and 78.3% by office BP measurement and ABPM, respectively. Thus, the difference in prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension observed by ABPM versus office BP was 43.5%. Those seven patients who were not taking antihypertensive drugs because of normal office BP, four patients (57.1%) had masked hypertension and one patient had elevated BP. Fifteen patients have progression of LVH after RT. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (OR 1.369, 95%CI 0.985‐1.904, P‐value = 0.062) had a trend to be associated with progression of LVH. Moreover, nighttime systolic BP z‐score was significantly correlated with LVMI (r = 0.551, P‐value = 0.002).

Conclusion

The difference in prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension uncovered by ABPM was 43.5%. Nighttime SBP z‐score was significantly correlated with LVMI.
Photodynamic therapy for solid tumors: A review of the literature
Authors: Yanovsky Rebecca L. , Bartenstein Diana W. , Rogers Gary S. , Isakoff Steven J. , Chen Steven T.
Published: June 2019

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes a sensitizer agent and light to produce selective cell death. Dermatologists are familiar with PDT for the treatment of actinic keratoses and early nonmelanoma skin cancers, and recent studies have elucidated that PDT has resulted in improved morbidity and secondary outcomes for the treatment of various cancerous and precancerous solid tumors. Light source and dosimetry may be modified to selectively target tissue, and novel techniques such as fractionation, metronomic pulsation, continuous light delivery, and chemophototherapy are under investigation for further optimization of therapy. This article aims to review the expanding indications for PDT and demonstrate the potential of this modality to decrease morbidity and increase quality of life for patients. To illustrate these new indications, we provide a focused review of the latest literature on PDT for dermatologic and other solid tumors including gastrointestinal, peritoneal, lung, genitourinary, brain, breast, and head and neck. Data on efficacy, survival, and side effects vary across tumor types but support PDT for the treatment of numerous solid tumors. With new advances in PDT, indications for this therapeutic modality may expand.
Optimal Redistributive Income Taxation and Efficiency Wages*
Authors: Aronsson Thomas , Micheletto Luca
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we integrate efficiency wage setting with the theory of optimal redistributive income taxation. In doing so, we use a model with two skill types, where efficiency wage setting characterizes the labor market faced by the low‐skilled, whereas the high‐skilled face a conventional, competitive labor market. We show that the marginal income tax implemented for the high‐skilled is negative under plausible assumptions. The marginal income tax facing the low‐skilled can be either positive or negative, in general. An increase in unemployment benefits contributes to a relaxation of the binding self‐selection constraint, which makes this instrument particularly useful from the perspective of redistribution.
Dynamics of the Market for Corporate Tax‐Avoidance Advice*
Authors: Konrad Kai A.
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses the debate over aggressive tax‐planning models and analyzes the role of tax consultants. It focuses on the dynamic interaction between innovation and imitation of aggressive tax‐planning products and governmental tax regulation, and it highlights the importance of the length of regulatory lag in comparison with the time it takes the tax‐consulting industry to imitate newly innovated tax‐avoidance products. It reveals an alignment of interests between highly innovative tax‐consulting firms and the governmental tax legislator/regulator. The conclusions are also relevant for the policy debate on mandatory disclosure rules about aggressive tax‐planning models.
The oldest known mastotermitids (Blattodea: Termitoidae) and phylogeny of basal termites
Authors: Zhao Zhipeng , Eggleton Paul , Yin Xiangchu , Gao Taiping , Shih Chungkun , Ren Dong
Published: June 2019

Five finely preserved termites from the mid‐Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber of Myanmar provide new information allowing a reanalysis of the phylogeny of basal termites. The Mastotermitidae family is recovered as monophyletic, and a redefined Hodotermitidae sensu lato is also monophyletic to include Archotermopsidae, Hodotermitidae and Stolotermitidae. Such a phylogenetic relationship agrees with the results from previous molecular phylogeny. Alongside these findings, there are many taxa that can only be shown to be termites with no other phylogenetically informative data. These form a comb of ‘grade groups’ emerging in the Late Jurassic. The new amber specimens are described as two new species. Anisotermes xiai gen. et sp.n. is described from multiple castes and has symplesiomorphic characteristics: large body size, a broad pronotum, well‐developed reticulated veins, and a large anal lobe of the hindwings. It shares wing features with the other new species, Mastotermes monostichus sp.n. Both new taxa are assigned to the Mastotermitidae, as they are shown to have synapomorphies that unite the family.

This published work has been registered on ZooBank,
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1AD5CECA‐27B7‐48D5‐88DC‐CEC5150962D7.
Hybrid enrichment of poorly preserved museum specimens refines homology hypotheses in a group of minute litter bugs (Hemiptera: Dipsocoromorpha: Schizopteridae)
Authors: Knyshov Alexander , Hoey‐Chamberlain Rochelle , Weirauch Christiane
Published: June 2019

Although they are a valuable source of specimens, insect natural history collections continue to be under‐utilized in molecular systematics, mostly due to difficulties in obtaining DNA sequences. Old specimens or specimens stored under suboptimal conditions are intractable for traditional Sanger sequencing. In this study we use an inexpensive hybrid capture with in‐house generated baits to retrieve commonly utilized ribosomal and mitochondrial loci from old museum specimens and combine them with a Sanger‐generated dataset comprising recently collected material. We focus on the Corixidea genus group (Schizopteridae), which comprises rarely collected, small (1–2 mm) and primarily tropical insects of which only c. 10–20% of the species have been described. A molecular phylogeny is needed to resolve relationships and revise the genus‐level classification to correctly place the c. 150 yet to be described species. Applying this approach, we constructed a dataset, containing 101 taxa, 11 of which were preserved in low‐percentage ethanol, 48 are dry and point‐mounted, and 40 are > 20 years old at DNA extraction. The obtained data proved sufficient for reconstructing a well‐supported phylogeny with c. 50% of the predicted diversity, and for the oldest successfully sequenced specimen (95 years) to be unambiguously placed in that phylogeny. We confirmed monophyly of the Corixidea genus group, showed paraphyly of the genus Corixidea, and recovered nine well‐supported clades within the group. Ancestral character states of selected morphological features were inferred and used to re‐examine primary homology hypotheses and inform an upcoming taxonomic revision.
Social and behavioral characteristics of male blood donors and their sexual partners: an analysis to define risk subsets
Authors: Salomon Tassila , Gomes Isabel , Ozahata Mina Cintho , Moreira Carlos Henrique Valente , Oliveira Claudia Di Lorenzo , Gonçalez Thelma T. , Duarte Maria Esther , Miranda Carolina , Carneiro Proietti Anna Bárbara , Sabino Ester , de Almeida Neto Cesar , Custer Brian ,   For the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II), International Component
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Men who have sex with men in Brazil are deferred from donation for 1 year since their last sexual contact. Legal proceedings in front of the Brazilian Supreme Court could compel blood collection agencies to discontinue use of sexual orientation questions.

METHODS

Data from male participants in a completed HIV risk factor case‐control study were used to evaluate whether it is possible to differentiate donors at lower and higher risk for HIV using two analytical approaches: latent class and random forest analyses.

RESULTS

Male blood donors were divided into three distinct risk profile classes. Class 1 includes donors who are heterosexual (96.4%), are HIV negative (88.7%), have a main partner (99.4%), and practice unprotected sex (77.8%). Class 2 includes donors who are men who have sex with men /bisexuals' (100.0%), are HIV positive (97.4%), and were not aware of their sexual partners' HIV status (80.3%). Class 3 includes donors who are heterosexual (84.1%), practice unprotected vaginal/anal heterosexual sex (66.8% vs. 40.9%), and were both HIV positive and HIV negative (49.5% vs. 50.5%). We also found that asking donors about their partner(s)’ HIV serostatus could replace asking about donors’ sexual orientation and types of partners with relatively minor shifts in sensitivity (0.76 vs. 0.58), specificity (0.89 vs. 0.94), and positive predictive value (0.85 vs. 0.88).

CONCLUSION

Sexual orientation questions on the donor questionnaire could be replaced without great loss in the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. Social and sexual behaviors of donors and their partners are proxies for HIV risk and can help to develop modified questions that will need controlled trials to be validated.
The Chinese English dictionary: An online resource for Chinese English lexicography
Authors: Qin Melissa Xiaohui , Gao Jingyang
Published: June 2019

This study adopts a transnational perspective and attempts to survey a comprehensive range of the lexical outcome of diverse Chinese–English contact ecologies. It constructs a unified systematic framework of identifying and defining contact‐induced lexical items that originated in Chinese by qualitatively analyzing the admitted as well as excluded data of the Chinese English dictionary and evaluates the applicability of the framework by quantitatively checking the data derived from the framework against six sets of lexicographical and corpus data of three Chinese‐based varieties, namely, Hong Kong English, Singapore English and Malaysian English. Three major findings are: (1) Chinese English words (CEWs) are identifiable through three essential sets of parameters: entry form, Chinese orientation and acceptance and currency; (2) the identification criteria could be applied to locate CEWs in Chinese‐based varieties worldwide; and (3) a fair proportion of the CEWs are used in the corpora of the three Asian Englishes in GloWbE.
The legacy of Braj B. Kachru through World Englishes and culture wars
Authors: Mufwene Salikoko S.
Published: June 2019

In honor of Professor Braj B. Kachru, this paper highlights the legacy of his final monograph, World Englishes and culture wars. Professor Kachru was a towering figure among world Englishes scholars as well as students of language contact. World Englishes and culture wars highlights the role of English in the lives of many of its Outer Circle and Expanding Circle users of the language, simultaneously acknowledging the tension from the evolution of English in diverse cultural ecosystems across the world. This book enriches our understanding of world Englishes through its critical engagement with the spread and differential evolution of English around the world, and through the inspirational scholarship which Professor Kachru brings to this work.
A Fourth Circle of English
Authors: Pandey Anita
Published: June 2019

This paper identifies a Fourth Circle of English, fueled by technology and outsourcing, and exemplified by the Indian speech community known as ‘youngistan.’ A variety of data are examined, including YouTube and other online advertisements, social media posts and exchanges, texts, as well as secondary data. To ensure a comprehensive and empirical account, the data are analyzed using applicable frameworks of critical discourse analysis, including Braj Kachru's world Englishes model premised on the notions of context‐specific, geographic interpretations through the tripartite constructs acceptability, comprehensibility, and intelligibility. In the case of the interactive exchanges examined, conversational analysis was employed, as well. In addition to the researchers’ assessment, the interpretations of undergraduate students in a Business Writing Course taught by the professor at Morgan State University, a historically black college and university (HBCU) are shared. The paper ends by discussing the implications of the types of language contact phenomena observed, before outlining directions for future research.
Enhancement of Plastering Effect on Strengthening Wellbore by Optimizing Particle Size Distribution of Wellbore Strengthening Materials
Authors: He Wenhao , Hayatdavoudi Asadollah , Chen Keyong , Sawant Kaustubh , Zhang Qin , Zhang Chi
Published: June 2019

Wellbore strengthening materials (WSMs) have been widely used to strengthen the wellbore stability and integrity, especially those lost circulation materials (LCMs) used for mud loss impairment. To enhance the wellbore strengthening effect rather than a loss impairment, plastering effect can be used to increase the fracture gradient of the wall and minimize the probability of inducing new fractures. This is done by smearing the mudcake and pores and forming an internal cake inside the rock matrix using WSMs (or LCMs). Until now, the particle size distribution (PSD) of LCMs have been widely studied for the minimization on the mud loss (e.g., Abran’s rule, ideal packing theory, D90 rule, Halliburton D50 rule, etc.). However, there are few empirical rules focused on the maximum wellbore strengthening effect. This study attempts to find the desired PSD of plastering materials to enhance wellbore stability. In this research, the Brazilian test was used to quantify tensile strength. Meanwhile, the filtration characteristics of WSMs through the rock matrix were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy-dispersive system (EDS). Finally, this paper adopts D50 of WSMs to be the mean pore throat size for a maximum improvement on the rock tensile strength. We have observed that the closer the D50 of WSMs in the WSMs to the mean pore throat size, the stronger the saturated rock matrix.
Motion Characteristics Analysis of a Novel 2R1T 3-UPU Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Chen , Chen Ziming , Li Yanwen , Huang Zhen
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a novel 3-UPU (P and U stand for prismatic and universal joints, respectively) parallel mechanism (PM) and its variant PM are proposed. Both of them have two rotational and one translational (2R1T) degrees of freedom (DOFs) without involving any parasitic motion. Mobility analysis shows that the three constraint forces provided by three limbs of the mechanism are located on the same plane and the mobile platform can translate perpendicular to this plane and rotate around any axis on it. Analysis of the mechanism’s motion characteristics demonstrates that the mobile platform outputs either pure rotation or pure translation. Moreover, the rotational axis can be fixed during the rotation process, which means no parasitic motion is involved. The causes of the motion characteristics are analyzed by the combination of an overall Jacobian matrix, a statistical method, and a geometric method. The PMs only need to translate or rotate once to move from the initial configuration to the final configuration, which allows for easy control of speeds. The relationship between mechanism parameters and singularity is analyzed. A speed control method for the PMs is proposed and a prototype is designed and made. Experiments are conducted to verify the determined motion characteristics, the speed control method, and the singularity analysis.
Optimal
Design of an Inerter-Based Dynamic Vibration Absorber Connected to
Ground
Authors: Zhou Shaoyi , Jean-Mistral Claire , Chesne Simon
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses the optimal design of a novel nontraditional inerter-based dynamic vibration absorber (NTIDVA) installed on an undamped primary system of single degree-of-freedom under harmonic and transient excitations. Our NTIDVA is based on the traditional dynamic vibration absorber (TDVA) with the damper replaced by a grounded inerter-based mechanical network. Closed-form expressions of optimal parameters of NTIDVA are derived according to an extended version of fixed point theory developed in the literature and the stability maximization criterion. The transient response of the primary system is optimized when the coupled system becomes defective, namely having three pairs of coalesced conjugate poles, the proof of which is also spelt out in this paper. Moreover, the analogous relationship between NTIDVA and electromagnetic dynamic vibration absorber is highlighted, facilitating the practical implementation of the proposed absorber. Finally, numerical studies suggest that compared with TDVA, NTIDVA can decrease the peak vibration amplitude of the primary system and enlarge the frequency bandwidth of vibration suppression when optimized by the extended fixed point technique, while the stability maximization criterion shows an improved transient response in terms of larger modal damping ratio and accelerated attenuation rate.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website, and also using Google Patents.
Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction in Physical Education
Authors: van Munster Mey A. , Lieberman Laureen J. , Grenier Michelle A.
Published: June 2019

The aim of this case study was to describe the distinct approaches used by physical education (PE) teachers to accommodate students with disabilities in New York elementary school PE classes. The participants included 1 adapted PE specialist, 5 PE teachers, and 5 elementary school students with various impairments. Through thematic analysis, observations and interviews revealed 3 main approaches: (a) normalized instruction—traditional curriculum with no differentiation in the program; (b) differentiated instruction—adaptations tailored specifically to the needs of each student with disability; and (c) universally designed instruction based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility to all students. Differentiated instruction, entailing modifications in the program and pedagogical accommodations, was the most prevalent approach at the research site, but lessons based on UDL principles were also observed. In association, the 2 approaches (differentiated instruction and UDL) represented significant resources to accommodate students with disabilities in PE.
Evaluation of a Library of FDA-Approved Drugs for Their Ability To Potentiate Antibiotics against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Pathogens
Authors: Hind Charlotte K. , Dowson Christopher G. , Sutton J. Mark , Jackson Thomas , Clifford Melanie , Garner R. Colin , Czaplewski Lloyd
Published: June 2019

The Prestwick library was screened for antibacterial activity or “antibiotic resistance breaker” (ARB) potential against four species of Gram-negative pathogens. Discounting known antibacterials, the screen identified very few ARB hits, which were strain/drug specific.
Carbohydrate Hydrolytic Potential and Redundancy of an Anaerobic Digestion Microbiome Exposed to Acidosis, as Uncovered by Metagenomics
Authors: Bertucci Marie , Calusinska Magdalena , Goux Xavier , Rouland-Lefèvre Corinne , Untereiner Boris , Ferrer Pau , Gerin Patrick A. , Delfosse Philippe
Published: June 2019

The enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is mainly driven by the action of carbohydrate-active enzymes. By characterizing the gene profiles at the different stages of the anaerobic digestion experiment, we showed that the microbiome retains its hydrolytic functional redundancy even during severe acidosis, despite significant changes in taxonomic composition. By analyzing reconstructed bacterial genomes, we demonstrate that
Bacteroidetes
hydrolytic gene diversity likely favors the abundance of this phylum in some anaerobic digestion systems. Further, we observe genetic redundancy within the
Bacteroidetes
group, which accounts for the preserved hydrolytic potential during acidosis. This work also uncovers new polysaccharide utilization loci involved in the deconstruction of various biomasses and proposes the model of acetylated glucomannan degradation by
Bacteroidetes
. Acetylated glucomannan-enriched biomass is a common substrate for many industries, including pulp and paper production. Using naturally evolved cocktails of enzymes for biomass pretreatment could be an interesting alternative to the commonly used chemical pretreatments.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel
pic
Gene Cluster Responsible for Picolinic Acid Degradation in Alcaligenes faecalis JQ135
Authors: Qiu Jiguo , Zhao Lingling , Xu Siqiong , Chen Qing , Chen Le , Liu Bin , Hong Qing , Lu Zhenmei , He Jian
Published: June 2019

Picolinic acid is a common metabolite of
l
-tryptophan and some aromatic compounds and is an important intermediate in organic chemical synthesis. Although the microbial degradation/detoxification of picolinic acid has been studied for over 50 years, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we show that the
pic
gene cluster is responsible for the complete degradation of picolinic acid. The
pic
gene cluster was found to be widespread in other
Alpha
-,
Beta
-, and
Gammaproteobacteria
. These findings provide a new perspective for understanding the catabolic mechanisms of picolinic acid in bacteria.
Human Hemoglobin Subunit Beta Functions as a Pleiotropic Regulator of RIG-I/MDA5-Mediated Antiviral Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Yang Qian , Bai Si-Yu , Li Lian-Feng , Li Su , Zhang Yuexiu , Munir Muhammad , Qiu Hua-Ji
Published: June 2019

Hemoglobin, the most important oxygen-carrying protein, is involved in the regulation of innate immune responses. We have previously reported that the porcine hemoglobin subunit beta (HB) exerts antiviral activity through regulation of type I interferon production. However, the antiviral activities and the underlying mechanisms of HBs originating from other animals have been poorly understood. Here, we identified human HB (hHB) as a pleiotropic regulator of the replication of RNA viruses through regulation of RIG-I/MDA5-mediated signaling pathways. hHB enhances RIG-I-mediated antiviral responses by promoting RIG-I ubiquitination depending on the hHB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), while it blocks MDA5-mediated antiviral signaling by suppressing the MDA5-dsRNA interaction. Our results contribute to an understanding of the crucial roles of hHB in the regulation of the RIG-I/MDA5-mediated signaling pathways. We also provide novel insight into the correlation of the intercellular redox state with the regulation of antiviral innate immunity.