bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Drug Desensitization with Chemotherapeutics (Platins, Taxanes, and Others): A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Kendirlinan Reşat , Gümüşburun Reyhan , Çerçi Pamir , Özbek Emre , Altıner Seda , Çelebi Sözener Zeynep , Soyyiğit Şadan , Aydın Ömür , Bavbek Sevim
Published: March 2019

Background: Rapid drug desensitization (RDD) induces a temporary tolerance to chemotherapeutics that induce hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). Purpose: Our objective is to report our experience with RDD to platins, taxanes, etoposide, doxorubicin, and irinotecan. Methods: The study was conducted as a retrospective chart review of patients with symptoms of HSRs to chemotherapeutics. HSRs were classified as grade I, II, or III, based on their severity. Skin prick/intradermal tests were performed with implicated chemotherapeutics. A 12-step RDD protocol was used. Results: The study consisted of 38 women and 3 men (mean age 53.3 ± 11.6 years). Patients had ovarian (n = 13, 31.8%), breast (n = 10, 24.4%), colon (n = 7, 17%), lung (n = 4, 9.8%), and other cancers (n = 7; endometrial sarcoma, testicular cancer, uterine cancer, ampulla of Vater tumor, choledochal tumor, peritonitis carcinomatosa, and Merkel cell carcinoma, n = 1, respectively). Twenty-two patients experienced HSRs to platins, 15 to taxanes, and 4 to other chemotherapeutics (doxorubicin, irinotecan, and etoposide). A total of 122 RDDs (47 to platins, 52 to taxanes, 23 to other chemotherapeutics) were performed. In 25 (61%) patients no reactions occurred during RDD, but breakthrough reactions developed in 16 patients (39%) with platins (n = 11), taxanes (n = 3), doxorubicin (n = 1), and irinotecan (n = 1). RDD procedures could not be completed in only 2 patients with grade II breakthrough reactions to carboplatin and oxaliplatin. Conclusion: In our experience, 98.3% of 122 RDDs were completed. We found that RDD was safe and effective in this the largest series of RDD with chemotherapeutics in our country.
Correlation between Visual Function and Structural Characteristics of the Macula in Advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Son Gisung , Lee Suhwan , Kim Yoon Jeon , Lee Joo Yong , Kim June-Gone , Yoon Young Hee
Published: March 2019

We aimed to correlate the visual function and structural characteristics of the retina and choroid in advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients. A cross-sectional, retrospective review was conducted of medical records of 149 RP patients who reported visual field constriction on a central 30-2 Humphrey visual field chart. Using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography, central foveal thickness (CFT), ellipsoid zone (EZ) length, macular volume (MV), and submacular choroidal thickness (SMChT) were measured. A control cohort (68 eyes of 68 patients) was included for comparing the macular structure. Quantitative correlations between visual function indices [visual field index (VFI) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA)] and structural indices (CFT, EZ length, and SMChT) were evaluated. Mean age was 46.3 ± 15.5 years; mean illness duration was 60.7 ± 60.0 months. SMChT was thinner than that in normal controls. Per Pearson’s correlation, BCVA and VFI exhibited a progressive worsening related to age and disease duration. In multivariate linear regression, BCVA and VFI were significantly correlated with CFT, EZ length, and MV at the central 1-mm area. Among RP patients with visual field constriction within 30°, VFI and BCVA closely correlate with the degree of retinal structural change, including the CFT, EZ length, and MV. SMChT uniformly decreased in this study population and exhibited no significant correlation with BCVA or VFI degree.
Evaluation of Acquired HIV Drug Resistance among People Living with HIV Who Have Taken Antiretroviral Therapy for 9–15 Months in 14 Triangular Clinics in Iran, 2015–2016
Authors: Mohraz Minoo , Tayeri Katayoun , Namdari Tabar Hengameh , Bayat Jozani Zahra , Sadeghi Leila , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Esmaeilzadeh Ali , Adl Tabatabai Reza , Sajjadipour Mansour , Gholami Mohammad , Bayanolhagh Saeed
Published: March 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate drug resistance patterns among Iranian people living with HIV who have taken antiretroviral therapy for 9–15 months. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2015 and May 2016. Two hundred fifty-two blood samples were collected from all eligible HIV-infected patients at fourteen healthcare settings, located in major provinces in Iran. The samples were examined for presence of drug resistance strains and viral load level. Moreover, a phylogenetic tree, using neighbor joining, was constructed and HIV subtypes were determined. Results: The most common subtypes were CRF35-AD (47.6%) and A1 (42.8%), followed by 45_CPX (4.8%) and C (4.8%). The resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and protease inhibitors was reported as 19.2, 19.2, and 10.3%, respectively. M184I/V mutation was the most frequent (31.6%) mutation among NRTI-based regimens. Moreover, K103E/N was the most frequent (34.2%) NNRTI mutation. Conclusions: This is the first study to illuminate the emergence of the CPX genotype among Iranian patients. The drug resistance rate of NNRTIs was similar to that of NRTIs. By assessing drug resistance, it is possible to evaluate the efficacy of treatment and patient adherence to treatment.
Identifying True Celiac Disease and Wheat Allergy in the Era of Fashion Driven Gluten-Free Diets
Authors: Spoerl David , Bastid Caroline , Ramadan Salim , Frossard Jean-Louis , Caubet Jean-Christoph , Roux-Lombard Pascale
Published: March 2019

Background: Diagnosing both celiac disease (CD) and wheat allergy (WA) might be challenging due to the increasingly popular gluten-free diets. Objectives: This study investigates the value of anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTGIgA) and wheat-specific IgE (WIgE), and identifies clinical and serological features associated with CD and WA. Method: Serological markers of autoimmunity and allergy along with medical charts of patients assessed for tTGIgA and WIgE between 2010 and 2016 were evaluated. Results: During the last years, an increasing number of patients have been tested for tTGIgA, while the number of positive results decreased linearly. Among the 2,965 patients included, 128 patients showed at least once a positive tTGIgA. All patients with tTGIgA levels higher than the 12-fold upper normal limit had CD. The ratio of tTGIgA/total IgA did not perform better as a diagnostic test for CD compared to tTGIgA. tTGIgA and anti-nuclear antibodies were significantly associated. WA was only rarely investigated, particularly in adults. However, positive WIgE were found in nearly 50% of the cases. WIgE and tTGIgA values were negatively correlated. Conclusions: tTGIgA were increasingly tested, while the rate of positive results decreased in recent years, possibly reflecting the impact of current alimentary trends on clinical practice. Associated autoimmune disease was frequently found in CD. High levels of tTGIgA accurately predicted CD diagnosis. WA was rarely investigated and deserves more attention, in particular in children with atopic background. WA does not seem to be associated with CD.
The Effect of Morbidity and Sex on Postnatal Growth of Very Preterm Infants: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Zozaya Carlos , Avila-Alvarez Alejandro , Arruza Luis , García-Muñoz Rodrigo Fermín , Fernandez-Perez Cristina , Castro Abdón , Cuesta María Teresa , Vacas Beatriz , Couce María L. , Vento Torres Máximo , Saenz de Pipaón Miguel
Published: March 2019

Background: Extrauterine growth restriction is common in the preterm infant, and it is associated with poor neurodevelopment. Nutrition plays an important role in postnatal growth, but growth is also influenced by other factors like co-morbidity, and, also, there might be sex differences. Methods: This is a cohort study including preterm infants < 32 weeks at birth (n = 21,825) from the Spanish Neonatal Network database. The effect of sex and morbidity (patent ductus arteriosus, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis) on weight gain as well as linear and head growth from birth to discharge/death was assessed with linear regression models adjusted by gestational age and Z-scores at birth. Results: The 4 selected morbidities had an independent effect on all 6 growth parameters studied, which was greater in the case of necrotizing enterocolitis: changes in weight, length and head Z-scores were –0.60 (95% CI: –0.66 to –0.55), –0.62 (95% CI: –0.70 to –0.54) and –0.63 (95% CI: –0.71 to –0.56), respectively. Weight gain and linear growth were overall more affected than head growth. Girls lost slightly more weight Z-scores (–0.03; 95% CI: –0.06 to –0.002) than boys after adjustment by morbidity. There were no significant gender differences regarding linear and head growth velocity (cm/week), although girls lost more head Z-scores (–0.14; 95% CI: –0.18 to –0.10). Conclusions: Main co-morbidities associated with prematurity have an impact on postnatal growth. Head growth is less affected than length and weight. Girls are at slightly higher risk of postnatal weight and head restriction after adjustment by morbidity.
Trastuzumab Emtansine (T-DM1) Plus S-1 in Patients with Trastuzumab-Pretreated HER2-Positive Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Phase Ib Study
Authors: Kojima Yasuyuki , Yoshie Reiko , Kawamoto Hisanori , Shimo Arata , Uejima Tomoko , Iwatani Tsuguo , Motoyoshi Ai , Kanemaki Yoshihide , Boku Narikazu , Tsugawa Koichiro
Published: March 2019

Background: In treating human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer, the efficacy of capecitabine combined with HER2-directed agents such as trastuzumab and lapatinib is supported by some evidence. The combination of T-DM1 and S-1, another oral 5-FU, may be a safe alternative treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Objectives: The optimal dose of S-1 was evaluated in combination with T-DM1 for patients with HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The safety and clinical response of this combination treatment were also assessed. Methods: This 3 + 3 dose-escalation study of S-1 given for the first 2 of 3 weeks, in combination with T-DM1 (3.6 mg/kg given every 3 weeks) to patients with trastuzumab-pretreated HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer was designed to evaluate the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) occurrence in the first cycle. We also evaluated the safety and clinical activity of this combination treatment in multiple cycles. Two different dose levels of S-1 (65 and 80 mg/m2/day) were planned, although the capecitabine arm was abandoned because of slow recruitment. Results: Twelve out of the 13 patients enrolled were evaluable for DLT. One DLT (grade ≥3 non-hematological adverse events) occurred at dose level 0, leading to the expansion of this cohort to 6 patients, with an additional DLT (≥7 days discontinuation of medication), while no DLT occurred at dose level 1. As a result, the maximum tolerable dose of S-1 was determined to be 80 mg/m2/day for 14 days with T-DM1 3.6 mg/kg, repeated every 3 weeks. Two patients had grade 3 thrombocytopenia at dose level 0, and 1 patient at dose level 1. Conclusions: S-1 can be safely combined with the clinically relevant dose of T-DM1 in patients with HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Further evaluation with a larger sample size is required for efficacy assessment.
History of Lifetime Cannabis Use Is Associated with Better Cognition and Worse Real-World Functioning in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Menendez-Miranda Isabel , Garcia-Alvarez Leticia , Garcia-Portilla Maria Paz , Gonzalez-Blanco Leticia , Saiz Pilar Alejandra , Bobes Julio
Published: March 2019

Background: Data on associations between cannabis use and psychopathology, cognition and functional impairment in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) is controversial. Objectives: To examine the effect of cannabis on psychopathology, cognition and real-world functioning in SSD patients. Method: Naturalistic cross-sectional study, 123 clinically stable SSD outpatients. Assessment: demographic and clinical data, psychometric evaluation: Positive and Negative Syndrome, Hamilton Depression Rating, Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Personal and Social Performance and Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry (SCIP) scales. Patients were classified as cannabis user patients (CUP) and non cannabis user patients (NCUP) according to self-report, both lifetime and last year. Statistical analysis: chi-square, Student t test, ANOVA (Duncan post hoc), and general linear model analysis for adjusting for antipsychotic doses. Results: Mean age 40.75, 66.7% male, single (66.7%), prior hospital admissions 2.75, mean length of illness 13.85 years. 53.7% were lifetime cannabis users and 8.9% last year users. Lifetime CUP had more hospitalizations (p = 0.013) at a younger age (p = 0.002), and showed better cognitive functioning globally (CGI-C: p = 0.045) and on working memory and processing speed (SCIP-2: p = 0.039; SCIP-5: p = 0.033) and worse functioning in socially useful activities (p = 0.014) than NCUP. All these differences remained after adjusting for antipsychotic doses. Last year cannabis users had worse mood (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 9.66 vs. 5.64; p = 0.002), but this difference disappears when adjusting for antipsychotic doses. Conclusions: Lifetime cannabis use is associated with better working memory and processing speed and worse real-world functioning in the area of socially useful activities in patients with schizophrenia-related disorders. Clinicians should, therefore, be aware of it to provide patient-centred care in their daily clinical practice.
Cardiac Toxicity Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Agrawal Nikhil , Khunger Arjun , Vachhani Pankit , Colvin Teresa A. , Hattoum Alexander , Spangenthal Edward , Curtis Anne B. , Dy Grace K. , Ernstoff Marc S. , Puzanov Igor
Published: March 2019

The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced stage cancers. However, immune-related adverse events are frequently observed. Cardiac toxicity from ICI therapy can range from asymptomatic troponin-I elevations to conduction abnormalities of the heart and even fulminant myocarditis. Although rare, myocarditis is a potentially fatal adverse effect of ICI therapy. We present a series of five cases of ICI-related cardio-toxicity diagnosed and managed at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center along with a review of published case reports in the literature. Our series highlights the importance of high clinical suspicion, early diagnosis of myocarditis, and prompt initiation of immunosuppressive therapy.
Safe-Testing Algorithm for Individual-Donation Nucleic Acid Testing: 10 Years of Experience in a Low-Prevalence Country
Authors: Stolz Martin , Gowland Peter , Tinguely Caroline , Niederhauser Christoph
Published: March 2019

Introduction: A highly sensitive and specific nucleic acid test (NAT) for the blood-borne viruses human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis B (HBV) is essential for the safety of blood components. Since more than 2 decades, NAT screening of blood donations has become standard in developed countries that have implemented the individual-donation (ID-NAT) and mini-pool NAT (MP-NAT) approaches. With this powerful technique, confirmation of initial reactive (IR) NAT samples becomes a challenge. Different algorithms are currently in use to eliminate false reactive results. To show that the algorithm implemented in 2007, that uses repeat testing of IR samples in duplicate runs, is a safe strategy, especially in low endemic countries, data from a 10-year experience of ID-NAT were extensively analyzed when follow-up data were available. Methods: From July 2007 to December 2014, the Procleix Ultrio assay on a Procleix Tigris system, and from January 2015 to December 2017, the cobas MPX on a cobas 8800 platform, were used for ID-NAT screening. All IR samples were subjected to repeat testing in duplicate independent runs. Only when both tests remained negative were the products released. Donor data from the last 10 years were investigated retrospectively, looking for the reoccurrence of a reactive result in a follow-up sample. Only those donors with at least an x + 1 donation result were included for the confirmation of a false reactive result. Results: From the 1,830,657 donations tested, 2,450 samples were IR (0.13%); only 228 were repeat reactive ([RR], 18 HIV, 61 HCV, and 149 HBV samples), and 2,222 were non-RR (0.12%). Follow-up data were available from 1,267 donors (57%) for further analysis. All except one of these donors were ID-NAT-negative in all follow-up samples. The one exception was from a donor who acquired a fresh HBV infection 10 years after the IR donation (in the x + 28 donation) and subsequently seroconverted. Subsequent serological tests from all succeeding donations (x + 1, x + 2, etc.) were negative in all the other cases, proving that no seroconversion took place after the IR ID-NAT result. Conclusions: The algorithm to deal with IR ID-NAT donations using duplicate repeat testing is very safe and cost-effective in low-prevalence countries. There is no unnecessary destruction of blood products, no counseling of false reactive donors, and also no need to add further complexity to the screening algorithm.
A criação da Biblioteca Pública em 1831
Authors: Galves Marcelo Cheche
Published: March 2019

O texto apresenta informações sobre cultura escrita na capitania/província do Maranhão nas primeiras décadas dos Oitocentos, fundamentadas nos registros de envio de impressos para o Maranhão, preservados pelo Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo e Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, nas atas do Conselho Presidial (1825-1831) e nos anúncios publicados por jornais maranhenses, entre 1821 e 1834. Em seguida, analisa os registros do jornal O Farol Maranhense referentes à subscrição de dinheiro e livros para criação da Biblioteca Pública, inaugurada em maio de 1831. O objetivo é explorar a demanda por uma biblioteca como componente de expansão da cultura escrita, captada em meio às tensões entre “brasileiros” e “portugueses” na província, agravadas com a chegada da notícia da abdicação de d. Pedro I.
Neural Models of Text Normalization for Speech Applications
Authors: Zhang Hao , Sproat Richard , Ng Axel H. , Stahlberg Felix , Peng Xiaochang , Gorman Kyle , Roark Brian
Published: March 2019

Machine learning, including neural network techniques, have been applied to virtually every domain in natural language processing. One problem that has been somewhat resistant to effective machine learning solutions is text normalization for speech applications such as text-to-speech synthesis (TTS). In this application, one must decide, for example, that 123 is verbalized as one hundred twenty three in 123 pages but as one twenty three in 123 King Ave. For this task, state-of-the-art industrial systems depend heavily on hand-written language-specific grammars.

We propose neural network models that treat text normalization for TTS as a sequence-to-sequence problem, in which the input is a text token in context, and the output is the verbalization of that token. We find that the most effective model, in accuracy and efficiency, is one where the sentential context is computed once and the results of that computation are combined with the computation of each token in sequence to compute the verbalization. This model allows for a great deal of flexibility in terms of representing the context, and also allows us to integrate tagging and segmentation into the process.

These models perform very well overall, but occasionally they will predict wildly inappropriate verbalizations, such as reading 3 cm as three kilometers. Although rare, such verbalizations are a major issue for TTS applications. We thus use finite-state covering grammars to guide the neural models, either during training and decoding, or just during decoding, away from such “unrecoverable” errors. Such grammars can largely be learned from data.
Two new species of Hechtia (Bromeliaceae, Hechtioideae) from Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-CÁRDENAS RODRIGO ALEJANDRO , LÓPEZ-FERRARI ANA ROSA , ESPEJO-SERNA ADOLFO
Published: March 2019

Hechtia gypsophila and H. minuta, two new species from Oaxaca, Mexico are described and illustrated. The proposed species are compared with H. pumila, taxon that present some similarities and also with other species that grow near the type localities of the two new taxa proposed. Images and a distribution map of all taxa are included.
New species and revalidations of scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae: Athyreini and Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) from Costa Rica and Panama
Authors: KOHLMANN BERT , SOLÍS ÁNGEL
Published: March 2019

The following new species of geotrupids and scarabs from Costa Rica and Panama are described: Athyreus gulesserianinew species, Ateuchus alutacius new species (the first recorded brachypterous Ateuchus species), Coprophanaeus geph-yra new species, Deltochilum acanthus new species, and Onthophagus turgidus new species. The following two speciesof Coprophanaeus are revalidated: C. kohlmanni Arnaud and C. uhleri Malý & Pokorný. Illustrations of the dorsal habitus of the new species are provided, as well as distribution maps for all species.
Revalidation of the genus Ectrepopterus Fowler (Teleostei: Characiformes), with the redescription of its type species, E. uruguayensis
Authors: MALABARBA LUIZ R. , BERTACO VINICIUS A. , CARVALHO FERNANDO R. , LITZ THOMAS O.
Published: March 2019

Ectrepopterus uruguayensis Fowler 1943 is redescribed based on the holotype and new series of additional specimensfrom the río Uruguay, río Negro, and small coastal rivers in Uruguay draining to the río de La Plata. Previously proposedsynonyms of Ectrepopterus Fowler 1943 to Megalamphodus Eigenmann 1915 and Hyphessobrycon Durbin 1908 aretested and refuted. A new diagnosis is presented for the genus based on the following apomorphies: foramen in posteriorregion of metapterygoid forms an incomplete arch, bordered posteriorly by the hyomandibula; pectoral-fin rays bearinghooks; posterior margin of second infraorbital posteroventrally oblique and second infraorbital ventrally borderinganterior region of third infraorbital; fourth infraorbital more developed longitudinally than dorsoventrally; ascending process of premaxilla reaching just anterior end of nasal; and lateral line interrupted.
Re-validation and re-description of an endemic and threatened species, Aphanius pluristriatus (Jenkins, 1910) (Teleostei, Cyprinodontidae), from southern Iran
Authors: ESMAEILI HAMID REZA , TEIMORI AZAD , GHOLAMI ZEINAB , ZAREI NEDA , REICHENBACHER BETTINA
Published: March 2019

Aphanius pluristriatus (Jenkins, 1910) (Cyprinodontidae) is a poorly known species from Fasa, located in the Mond Riverdrainage system, east of Shiraz, southern Iran. It has not been investigated since its first description, its validity has beenquestioned and a synonymy with A. sophiae (Heckel, 1849) has been suggested. In this study, we describe a new collectionof Aphanius specimens from the Zarjan spring system, which is probably the same spring system from where Jenkins(1910) collected the type specimens of A. pluristriatus. The morphological characters of our new series of specimens areconsistent with those of A. pluristriatus as originally described by Jenkins (1910). We emend the original description ofA. pluristriatus and add morphometric and meristic data. A comparison with the related taxa A. sophiae, A. farsicus (for-mer A. persicus) and A. isfahanensis reveals that A. pluristriatus can be separated from them by a smaller caudal peduncleindex, higher number of flank bars, lower number of gill rakers, and higher J scale index. Therefore A. pluristriatus rep-resents a valid species, which is at present restricted to the drainage system of the Mond River. We suggest that A. pluris-triatus originated from an ancient A. sophiae population in the Kor River Basin during the Quaternary. At that time, theKor River was draining to the Persian Gulf by the “Paleo-Kor River” and the Mond River. During the Late Quaternary orHolocene, the connection between the Kor River and the Persian Gulf has been blocked as a result of tectonic uplift (theKor River Basin is endorheic today). Thus, A. pluristriatus most likely is the relict of an ancient Aphanius population from the Quaternary “Paleo-Kor River” drainage system.
The phylogenetic position of Chalcides ocellatus (Squamata: Scincidae) from Yemen and Somalia
Authors: LAVIN BRIAN R. , PAPENFUSS THEODORE J.
Published: March 2019

The skink Chalcides ocellatus (Forskal) is distributed around the Mediterranean region, Arabian Peninsula, and Horn of Africa. We examined C. ocellatus from Yemen and Somalia to clarify the biogeography of the species in the region of the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden. We examined 3612 bp of partial and complete mtDNA fragments (12S, 16S, ND1, cyt b, ND4, and adjacent tRNA) and 5380 bp of partial nuclear DNA fragments (BDNF, C-MOS, Rag1, PNN, and R35). Bayesian inference and Maximum-likelihood analysis placed the Somalia and Yemen specimens with those from the Eastern Mediterranean. We were unable to resolve a split between East African (Somalia) and Arabian (Yemen) populations with mtDNA, nuclear loci, and combined loci analyses.
Report of Caridina babaulti Bouvier, 1918 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae) and description of a new species Caridina kutchi sp. nov. from Gujarat, India
Authors: PANDYA PRANAV J. , RICHARD JASMINE
Published: March 2019

This study aims to report the freshwater shrimps of the genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837, from the Indian state of Gujarat, which has a unique landscape and climatic conditions that form a significant environment for biological studies. Caridina babaulti Bouvier, 1918, is re-described with type specimens and fresh collections from Shetrunji River, Saurashtra Peninsula. Caridina kutchi sp. nov., is described from Khari River, Kutch Peninsula.
Two new species of Hurleyella Runyon & Robinson (Diptera: Dolichopodidae), with the first record from the Neotropics
Authors: RUNYON JUSTIN B.
Published: March 2019

Two new species of the long-legged fly genus Hurleyella Runyon & Robinson, 2010 are described and illustrated: Hurleyella belizensis sp. nov. from Belize and Hurleyella salina sp. nov. from alkali areas of the Northern Rockies of the USA (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming). The discovery of these new species greatly extends the known distribution of Hurleyella northward in the Nearctic and southward into the Neotropics. Notes, photos of habitats, a distribution map, and a key to the four known species of Hurleyella are provided.
Two new genera and species of Gyponini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from South America
Authors: DOMAHOVSKI ALEXANDRE CRUZ , GONÇALVES CLAYTON CORRÊA , TAKIYA DANIELA MAEDA , CAVICHIOLI RODNEY RAMIRO
Published: March 2019

Two new monotypic genera of Gyponini from South America are proposed, described and illustrated. Caetana gen. nov., from Brazil and Ecuador, differs from other genera of the tribe by the scutellum strongly inflated; forewing expanded apically and hind wing with long r-m and m-cu. Insolitana gen. nov., from Peru, differs from other genera by the presence of a pair of longitudinal carinae on crown; crown, noto, and clavus punctuated; male sternite VIII (= pregenital sternite) fully covering the subgenital plates; and pygofer with internal dorsoapical process.
Contrasting Conditions in the U.K. Winter of 2015/16 as a Result of Remote Tropical Influences
Authors: Maidens Anna , Knight Jeff , Martin Nicola , Andrews Martin
Published: March 2019

Winter 2015/16 exhibited contrasting weather patterns in western Europe. Early winter saw a succession of high-impact storms, and December was the wettest calendar month recorded in the United Kingdom. February experienced a shift to relatively cooler conditions. Overall, the winter was well forecast by GloSea5, the Met Office’s seasonal prediction system, capturing the positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in early winter and the northwesterly pattern of flow in February. In this paper, we use a series of atmospheric relaxation experiments to investigate tropical drivers of these signals and the shift in pressure patterns over the course of the winter. While December’s positive NAO is highly consistent with the strong El Niño event in the tropical Pacific Ocean, this pattern is shown to be modified by wavelike activity from the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The result is a shift in the direction of the prevailing flow from westerly to southwesterly, helping to explain the unusually high U.K. precipitation. In February, the surface pressure pattern is characteristic of a strong (rather than a moderate) El Niño, driven by the eastward extension of the Walker circulation. The relaxation experiments indicate that both the Pacific and Atlantic basins play a role in explaining the phenomena of winter 2015/16. To correctly predict the extratropical response over northern Europe, an accurate representation of tropical forcings in both basins is required.
On the Value of Time-Lag-Ensemble Averaging to Improve Numerical Model Predictions of Aircraft Icing Conditions
Authors: Xu Mei , Thompson Gregory , Adriaansen Daniel R. , Landolt Scott D.
Published: March 2019

The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model with its hourly updating cycles provides multiple weather forecasts valid at any given time. A logical combination of these individual deterministic forecasts is postulated to show more skill than any single forecast for predicting clouds containing supercooled liquid water (SLW), an aircraft icing threat. To examine the potential value of using multiple HRRR forecasts for icing prediction, a time-lag-ensemble (TLE) averaging method of combining a number of HRRR forecasts was implemented for a multiple month real-time test during the winter of 2016/17. The skills of individual HRRR and HRRR-TLE aircraft icing predictions were evaluated using icing pilot reports (PIREPs) and surface weather observations and compared with the operational Forecast Icing Product (FIP) using the Rapid Refresh (RAP) model. The HRRR-TLE was found to produce a higher capture rate of icing PIREPs and surface icing conditions of freezing drizzle or freezing rain than single deterministic HRRR forecasts. As a trade-off, the volume of airspace warned in HRRR-TLE increased, resulting in a higher false detection rate than in the deterministic HRRR forecasts. Overall, the HRRR-TLE had similar probability of detection and volume of airspace warned for icing as the operational FIP prediction for the icing probability of 25% or greater. Alternative techniques for composing TLE from multiple HRRR forecasts were tested in postseason rerun experiments. The rerun tests also included a comparison of the skills of HRRR and HRRR-TLE to the skills of RAP and RAP-TLE.
Paediatric reference intervals for plasma anti-Müllerian hormone: comparison of data from the Roche Elecsys assay and the Beckman Coulter Access assay using the same cohort of samples
Authors: Yates Allen P , Jopling Helen M , Burgoyne Nicholas J , Hayden Katharine , Chaloner Christopher M , Tetlow Lesley
Published: March 2019

Background

Autoanalyser methods for the measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone have been introduced into clinical laboratories but few reports of paediatric reference intervals using these new assays have been published.

Methods

After prior evaluation of the Roche Elecsys anti-Müllerian hormone assay against the Beckman Coulter modified second generation anti-Müllerian Hormone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using samples from adult females, a cohort of paediatric samples which had previously been assessed using the Beckman Coulter Access anti-Müllerian hormone assay was analysed using the Roche Elecsys anti-Müllerian hormone assay.

Results

The Roche Elecsys anti-Müllerian hormone assay measured significantly lower than the Beckman Coulter modified second generation anti-Müllerian Hormone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the paediatric cohort measured with the Roche Elecsys assay, male levels are very high from birth to puberty after which they fall towards postpubertal female levels. Male results were similar to those previously obtained using the Beckman Coulter Access anti-Müllerian hormone assay on the same cohort. Roche Elecsys anti-Müllerian hormone in the females was very low in the neonatal and prepubertal years and the postpubertal trend, with a steady rise from 15 years, was smoother than previously modelled using the Beckman Coulter Access anti-Müllerian hormone assay.

Conclusion

Anti-Müllerian hormone levels measured with the Roche Elecsys assay were significantly lower than the Beckman Coulter modified second generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay suggesting the need for new reference ranges. In the paediatric cohort, Roche Elecsys anti-Müllerian hormone levels between boys and girls showed good prepubertal delineation and small but statistically significant differences to previously measured levels using the Beckman Coulter Access anti-Müllerian hormone assay on the same sample cohort.
Criminal Records, Positive Credentials and Recidivism: Incorporating Evidence of Rehabilitation Into Criminal Background Check Employment Decisions
Authors: Denver Megan
Published: March 2019

Decision makers increasingly incorporate “evidence of rehabilitation” into criminal background checks. Positive credentials can decrease criminal record stigma and improve employment outcomes, but we lack research on whether rehabilitative factors used in such assessments are correlated with recidivism. The current study examines more than 1,000 state-mandated criminal background checks in the rapidly growing health care sector. Everyone in the sample received an initial denial and requested reconsideration by submitting evidence of rehabilitation. The findings indicate prior employer recommendations and program completion are positively correlated with clearance to work, but conditional on contesting in the first place, none of the evidence of rehabilitation factors are negatively correlated with recidivism. Persistently pursuing an employment opportunity through a contestation process may, in itself, signal rehabilitation and lower risk.
Understanding HPV vaccine initiation in Hispanic adolescents using social marketing theory
Authors: Roncancio Angelica M , Muñoz Becky T , Carmack Chakema C , Ward Kristy K , Cano Miguel A , Cribbs Felicity L , Fernandez-Espada Natalie
Published: March 2019

Objective:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among Hispanic adolescents in the USA are far below recommended levels. Using a social marketing theory framework, we assessed the four Ps (product, price, place and promotion) as they relate to efforts to promote HPV vaccine initiation.

Design:

Qualitative study involving in-depth interviews.

Setting:

A large Southern city in the USA.

Method:

Eighty-five in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with Spanish-speaking Hispanic mothers divided into initiated and uninitiated market segments based on whether or not their adolescent child had received the first dose of the HPV vaccine. Data were analysed using directed qualitative content analysis.

Results:

Results suggest that the desire to prevent illnesses and protect their child drives the decision to vaccinate (product). Most initiated mothers did not experience barriers to vaccination, and market segments described different potential barriers (price). Both marker segments reported that they needed vaccine information before vaccinating (price). Finally, interventions should target clinics, schools and community centres to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinating against HPV (place and promotion).

Conclusion:

Findings from this formative study can inform the development of an intervention to increase HPV vaccine initiation among Hispanic adolescents.
Why deservingness theory needs qualitative research: Comparing focus group discussions on social welfare in three welfare regimes
Authors: Laenen Tijs , Rossetti Federica , van Oorschot Wim
Published: March 2019

This article argues that the ever-growing research field of welfare deservingness is in need of qualitative research. Using focus group data collected in Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom, we show that citizens discussing matters of social welfare make explicit reference not only to the deservingness criteria of control, reciprocity, and need but also to a number of context-related criteria extending beyond the deservingness framework (e.g. equality/universalism). Furthermore, our findings suggest the existence of an institutional logic to welfare preferences, as the focus group participants to a large extent echoed the normative criteria that are most strongly embedded in the institutional structure of their country’s welfare regime. Whereas financial need is the guiding criterion in the “liberal” United Kingdom, reciprocity is dominant in “corporatist-conservative” Germany. In “social-democratic” Denmark, it appears impossible to single out one dominant normative criterion. Instead, the Danish participants seem torn between the criteria of need, reciprocity, and equality/universalism.
Adopting a low hardware redesigned architectural design for educational environment by using DFE-based 5G communication
Authors: Kareemullah H , Jose Deepa , Nirmal Kumar P , Radha S
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we adopt a proposal to reduce the complexity and increase the throughput in time domain using 5G. This is achieved by speeding up the conventional architecture in advance. Using this method, the number of coefficients of feedback filter is reduced, thus decreasing the hardware complexity. The convergence strategy and steady state error performance are also increased without any additional hardware requirements. This is based on storing the past values of decision maker in a separate look up table and updating it time to time using parallel error multiplexer. Using this method, the results are very efficient by decreasing the power, area and logic utilization of the new architecture. If we include this concept as a hands-on experience, students can learn and also optimize the architecture easily.
The Public–Private Mix in Primary Care Development: The Case of Ireland
Authors: Mercille Julien
Published: March 2019

In 2001, Ireland announced a Primary Care Strategy that has led to the implementation of primary care centers (PCCs) throughout the country. This article examines the nature and extent of private and public sector involvement in establishing the PCC network since 2001. The study is based on a PCC dataset constructed using unpublished data obtained from Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE). The dataset includes the date when PCCs became operational and their mode of delivery: public procurement, private lease, or public–private partnership. The results show that 140 PCCs have or will become operational by the end of 2019: 35% (49 PCCs) are public, 55% (77) are leases with private landlords, and 10% (14) are public–private partnerships. Before 2009, PCCs were delivered by traditional public procurement, but since 2009, private delivery methods have been prioritized. In conclusion, the PCC network has been increasingly implemented by relying on the private sector. This results in a more commercialized network subject to financial risks associated with public–private partnerships.
Do they know something we don’t? Diffusion of repression in authoritarian regimes
Authors: Olar Roman-Gabriel
Published: March 2019

The use of repressive strategies by authoritarian regimes received a great deal of attention in the literature, but most explanations treat repression as the product of domestic events and factors. However, the similarity in repressive actions during the Arab Spring or the intense collaboration in dissident disappearances between the military regimes of Latin America indicate a transnational dimension of state repression and authoritarian interdependence that has gone largely understudied. The article develops a theory of diffusion of repression between autocracies between institutionally and experientially similar autocracies. It proposes that the high costs of repression and its uncertain effect on dissent determines autocracies to adjust their levels of repression based on information and knowledge obtained from their peers. Autocracies’ own experience with repression can offer suboptimal and incomplete information. Repression techniques and methods from other autocracies augment the decisionmaking regarding optimal levels of repression for political survival. Then, autocracies adjust their levels of repression based on observed levels of repression in their institutional and experiential peers. The results indicate that authoritarian regimes emulate and learn from regimes with which they share similar institutions. Surprisingly, regimes with similar dissent experience do not emulate and learn from each other. The results also indicate that regional conflict does not affect autocracies’ levels of repression.
When Are You Coming Back? Presenteeism in U.K. Prison Officers
Authors: Kinman Gail , Clements Andrew James , Hart Jacqui
Published: March 2019

Presenteeism has negative implications for staff well-being and the safety of prisons, but little is known about its prevalence and causes. This mixed-methods study examines these issues among 1,682 U.K. officers. Most respondents (84%) reported working while sick at least sometimes, with 53% always doing so. Six linked themes were identified that underpinned presenteeism in the prison sector: punitive absence management systems, pressure from management, short-staffing and fear of letting colleagues down, job insecurity, fear of disbelief and shaming, and duty and professionalism. The implications of presenteeism for the health and job performance of prison officers are considered.
Moisture transfer of the clothing–human body system during continuous sweating under radiant heat
Authors: Guan Manhao , Annaheim Simon , Camenzind Martin , Li Jun , Mandal Sumit , Psikuta Agnes , Rossi René Michel
Published: March 2019

Mass transfer due to perspired moisture in a clothing system is critical for the understanding of thermo-physiology and thermal protection of a clothed body. Previous studies usually investigated moisture transfer without considering the effect of liquid sweating or external heat hazards. To understand the mechanisms of sweat evaporation, accumulation and dripping with continuous sweating under radiant heat, a multi-phase experiment was designed with a sweating Torso. The concept of clothed wettedness was proposed to understand sweat evaporation of the clothed body. Results showed that the evaporation rate of the clothed body increased with increasing perspiration rate and the rate increase can be explained by the material properties (e.g., material composition, hydrophilicity and evaporative resistance ([Formula: see text])), which affected the sweat accumulation ability. Results also demonstrated a dual relationship of [Formula: see text] with the evaporation rate of the clothed body. Firstly, the evaporation rate was increased for greater [Formula: see text] due to the higher moisture accumulation. Secondly, when [Formula: see text] exceeded a certain value, the evaporation rate decreased with greater [Formula: see text] due to the reduction in the mass transfer coefficient. For radiant heat exposure, evaporated sweat may condense on the skin surface, decreasing the evaporation rate and increasing the dripping rate. The sweat transfer process was also investigated in detail by the combined analysis of the sweat transfer rate and the evaporative cooling efficiency. This study provides insights into how continuous liquid sweat transfers and evaporates in the clothed body and its interaction with clothing material and environment radiant heat, contributing to the understanding of thermo-physiological burden and thermal protection of the clothed body with intensive activities.
Technological change and international relations
Authors: Drezner Daniel W
Published: March 2019

This article reflects on the role that technological change has played in the last century on international relations. It makes two main points. First, the relationship is reciprocal; while technological change has undeniable effects on international relations, the changing nature of world politics also affects the pace of technological change. Second, any technological change is also an exercise in economic redistribution and societal disruption. It creates new winners and losers, alters actor preferences, and allows the strategic construction of new norms and organizations. The nature of the technology itself, and the extent to which the public sector drives the innovation, generates differential effects on international relations. To demonstrate these arguments, special emphasis is placed on two important innovations of the last century for international relations: nuclear weapons and the Internet.
Osteopetrosis: presenting as maxillary osteomyelitis
Authors: Gupta Sourabh , Kumar Ruchika , Agrawal Archana
Published: March 2019

Osteopetrosis is a rare congenital disease presenting with recurrent fractures, hematopoietic insufficiency and hepatosplenomegaly. Though osteomyelitis is a known complication in osteopetrosis, osteopetrosis presenting as osteomyelitis is rare. Management consists of multidisciplinary approach for complications and bone marrow transplant for the infantile form of disease.
Motivation to Become a Parent and Parental Satisfaction: The Mediating Effect of Psychological Needs Satisfaction
Authors: Ross-Plourde Mylène , Basque Dominique
Published: March 2019

The multifactorial decision to become a parent has mostly been investigated in mothers. It would seem that those who decide to have children in response to internal or external pressure, as compared with by pleasure or choice, have a less adaptive parenting experience. Guided by self-determination theory, the present study postulates that prenatal motivation to have a first child is associated for both mothers and fathers with postnatal parental satisfaction through basic psychological needs satisfaction. Results support the hypothesized mediational model and indicate that motivation to have a child significantly predicts parental satisfaction when basic psychological needs satisfaction is considered. The present study underlines the importance of basic psychological needs satisfaction for a positive parenting experience in both parents.
Bifocal pulmonary abscess in an infant and successful surgical management
Authors: Ammar Saloua , Fedj Myriam Ben , Wali Manel , Mahfoudh Abdelmajid , Dhaou Mahdi Ben , Mhiri Riadh
Published: March 2019

Lung abscess is uncommon in children. We report the case of a 6-month-old boy with pulmonary abscesses affecting more than one lobe with bronchial fistulas, which were refractory to medical treatment. We describe the surgical management and outcome.