bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Component Forests in 2-D: Hierarchical Image Representations Suitable for Tera-Scale Images
Authors: Gazagnes Simon , Wilkinson Michael H. F.
Published: March 2019

The standard representations known as component trees, used in morphological connected attribute filtering and multi-scale analysis, are unsuitable for cases in which either the image itself or the tree do not fit in the memory of a single compute node. Recently, a new structure has been developed which consists of a collection of modified component trees, one for each image tile. It has to-date only been applied to fairly simple image filtering based on area. In this paper, we explore other applications of these distributed component forests, in particular to multi-scale analysis such as pattern spectra, and morphological attribute profiles and multi-scale leveling segmentations.
Optimizing I/O Performance of HPC Applications with Autotuning
Authors: Behzad Babak , Byna Surendra , Prabhat  , Snir Marc
Published: March 2019

Parallel Input output is an essential component of modern high-performance computing (HPC). Obtaining good I/O performance for a broad range of applications on diverse HPC platforms is a major challenge, in part, because of complex inter dependencies between I/O middleware and hardware. The parallel file system and I/O middleware layers all offer optimization parameters that can, in theory, result in better I/O performance. Unfortunately, the right combination of parameters is highly dependent on the application, HPC platform, problem size, and concurrency. Scientific application developers do not have the time or expertise to take on the substantial burden of identifying good parameters for each problem configuration. They resort to using system defaults, a choice that frequently results in poor I/O performance. We expect this problem to be compounded on exascale-class machines, which will likely have a deeper software stack with hierarchically arranged hardware resources.

We present as a solution to this problem an autotuning system for optimizing I/O performance, I/O performance modeling, I/O tuning, and I/O patterns. We demonstrate the value of this framework across several HPC platforms and applications at scale.
E-Cigarette Chemistry and Analytical Detection
Authors: Strongin Robert M.
Published: March 2019

The study of e-cigarette aerosol properties can inform public health while longer-term epidemiological investigations are ongoing. The determination of aerosol levels of known toxins, as well as of molecules with unknown inhalation toxicity profiles, affords specific information for estimating the risks of e-cigarettes and for uncovering areas that should be prioritized for further investigation.
Understanding, Predicting, and Designing Ferroelectric Domain Structures and Switching Guided by the Phase-Field Method
Authors: Wang Jian-Jun , Wang Bo , Chen Long-Qing
Published: March 2019

Understanding mesoscale ferroelectric domain structures and their switching behavior under external fields is critical to applications of ferroelectrics. The phase-field method has been established as a powerful tool for probing, predicting, and designing the formation of domain structures under different electromechanical boundary conditions and their switching behavior under electric and/or mechanical stimuli. Here we review the basic framework of the phase-field model of ferroelectrics and its applications to simulating domain formation in bulk crystals, thin films, superlattices, and nanostructured ferroelectrics and to understanding macroscopic and local domain switching under electrical and/or mechanical fields. We discuss the possibility of utilizing the structure-property relationship learned from phase-field simulations to design high-performance relaxor piezoelectrics and electrically tunable thermal conductivity. The review ends with a summary of and an outlook on the potential new applications of the phase-field method of ferroelectrics.
Computational Methods in Environmental and Resource Economics
Authors: Cai Yongyang
Published: March 2019

Computational methods are required to solve problems without closed-form solutions in environmental and resource economics. Efficiency, stability, and accuracy are key elements for computational methods. This review discusses state-of-the-art computational methods applied in environmental and resource economics, including optimal control methods for deterministic models, advances in value function iteration and time iteration for general dynamic stochastic problems, nonlinear certainty equivalent approximation, robust decision making, real option analysis, bilevel optimization, solution methods for continuous time problems, and so on. This review also clarifies the so-called curse of dimensionality, and discusses some computational techniques such as approximation methods without the curse of dimensionality and time-dependent approximation domains. Many existing economic models use simplifying and/or unrealistic assumptions with an excuse of computational feasibility, but these assumptions might be able to be relaxed if we choose an efficient computational method discussed in this review.
Circulating Tumor DNA: A Step into the Future of Cancer Management
Authors: Fernandes Marques Joana , Pereira Reis Joana , Fernandes Gabriela , Hespanhol Venceslau , Machado José Carlos , Costa José Luís
Published: March 2019

Liquid biopsy was introduced to the oncology field with the promise of revolutionizing the management of cancer patients, minimizing the exposure to invasive procedures such as tissue biopsy, and providing reliable information regarding therapy response and detection of disease relapse. Despite the significant increase in the number of published studies on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the past years, the emphasis of most studies is on the development of new technologies or on the clinical utility of ctDNA. This leaves a clear gap of knowledge concerning the biology of ctDNA, such as the fundamental mechanisms through which DNA from tumor cells is released into the circulation. Moreover, considering that ctDNA analysis is now currently being applied in clinical practice, the need for rigorous quality control is arising, and with it the necessity to standardize procedures, from sample collection to data analysis. This review focuses on the main aspects of ctDNA, including approaches currently available to evaluate tumor genetics, as well as the points that still require improvement in order to make liquid biopsy a key player in precision medicine.
Identifying Features that Enhance Older Adults’ Acceptance of Robots: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Chu Li , Chen Hung-Wen , Cheng Pei-Yi , Ho Pokuan , Weng I-Tan , Yang Pei-Ling , Chien Sung-En , Tu Yun-Chen , Yang Chien-Chun , Wang Te-Mei , Fung Helene H. , Yeh Su-Ling
Published: March 2019

Background: With global aging, robots are considered a promising solution for handling the shortage of aged care and companionships. However, these technologies would serve little purpose if their intended users do not accept them. While the socioemotional selectivity theory predicts that older adults would accept robots that offer emotionally meaningful relationships, selective optimization with compensation model predicts that older adults would accept robots that compensate for their functional losses. Objective: The present study aims to understand older adults’ expectations for robots and to compare older adults’ acceptance ratings for 2 existing robots: one of them is a more human-like and more service-oriented robot and the other one is a more animal-like and more companion-oriented robot. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted with 33 healthy, community-dwelling Taiwanese older adults (age range: 59–82 years). Participants first completed a semi-structured interview regarding their ideal robot. After receiving information about the 2 existing robots, they then completed the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology questionnaires to report their pre-implementation acceptance of the 2 robots. Results: Interviews were transcribed for conventional content analysis with satisfactory inter-rater reliability. From the interview data, a collection of older adults’ ideal robot characteristics emerged with highlights of humanlike qualities. From the questionnaire data, respondents showed a higher level of acceptance toward the more service-oriented robot than the more companion-oriented robot in terms of attitude, perceived adaptiveness, and perceived usefulness. From the mixed methods analyses, the finding that older adults had a higher level of positive attitude towards the more service-oriented robot than the more companion-oriented robot was predicted by higher expectation or preference for robots with more service-related functions. Conclusion: This study identified older adults’ preference toward more functional and humanlike robots. Our findings provide practical suggestions for future robot designs that target the older population.
The Clinical Relevance of Natural Rubber Latex-Specific IgE in Patients Sensitized to Timothy Grass Pollen
Authors: Brandi Sandra Louise , Poulsen Lars K. , Garvey Lene Heise 
Published: March 2019

Background: In pollen-allergic patients, cross-reacting allergens including cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) and profilins may result in positive natural rubber latex (NRL)-specific IgE (sIgE) antibody tests but the relationship between this sensitization and clinical NRL type 1 allergy is poorly described. Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the frequency and clinical relevance of NRL sIgE in grass pollen-sensitized individuals and to investigate which NRL allergen components these individuals were sensitized to. Methods: A total of 383 grass-sensitized patients answered questions about NRL allergy symptoms and their stored sera from previous investigations were analyzed for NRL sIgE. Patients with NRL sIgE (n = 32) underwent further investigations comprising medical history, skin prick test with NRL and inhalational allergens, and an additional blood sample. The additional blood samples were analyzed for total IgE and sIgE against NRL, timothy grass, birch, rHev b 1, 3, 5, 6.01, 6.02, 8, 9, 11, rPhl p 12, and MUXF3, which was used as a marker of CCD sensitization. Results: Overall, 9.4% of all grass pollen-sensitized individuals showed IgE sensitization to NRL but only 1.6% had a confirmed type I NRL allergy. CCD and Hev b 8 explained the clinically irrelevant NRL IgE sensitization in 65% of the cases. We found a highly significant correlation between NRL profilin (Hev b 8) sensitization and grass profilin (Phl p 12) sensitization (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Data from this study support the hypothesis that in patients with grass pollen sensitization, Hev b 8 mono-sensitization has little or no clinical relevance and is caused by cross sensitization from grass profilin (Phl p 12).
Exposure to Negative Life Events and Post-Traumatic Embitterment Symptoms in Young Adults in Korea: Cumulative and Differential Effects
Authors: Lee Jung Hyun , Kim Sori
Published: March 2019

Background: Post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) has recently been introduced as a subgroup of adjustment disorders related to stressful life events. Embitterment is defined as persistent feelings of inadequacy or hoping for revenge after being insulted but feeling helpless after experiencing a life stressor. This study aims to investigate the cumulative and differential effects of negative life events on the risk of developing embitterment among young adults in South Korea. Methods: Data for the present study were collected from a web-based survey of 1,000 young adults aged 18–35 years. All participants completed a list of negative life events, the PTED Self-Rating Scale. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationships between the number of negative life events and reactive embitterment. Analyses of the relationships between each negative life event and reactive embitterment were performed using covariates, including childhood trauma, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Results: The total number of participants with reactive embitterment (cut-off scores > 2.5) was 452 (45.2%). Greater exposure to negative life events increased the risk of reactive embitterment compared to no negative events. Negative life events, including financial problems, family problems, and being excluded by friends, had significant associations with the risk of reactive embitterment. Conclusions: The present study revealed a substantial number of young adults with a high level of embitterment. Furthermore, cumulative and differential effects of negative events increased the risk for reactive embitterment. Our findings underlined the crucial role of adverse life events in the development of reactive embitterment.
Plasma C-Type Natriuretic Peptide: Emerging Applications in Disorders of Skeletal Growth
Authors: Espiner Eric , Prickett Tim , Olney Robert
Published: March 2019

Although studies in experimental animals show that blood levels of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its bioinactive aminoterminal propeptide (NTproCNP) are potential biomarkers of long bone growth, a lack of suitable assays and appropriate reference ranges has limited the application of CNP measurements in clinical practice. Plasma concentrations of the processed product of proCNP, NTproCNP – and to a lesser extent CNP itself – correlate with concurrent height velocity throughout all phases of normal skeletal growth, as well as during interventions known to affect skeletal growth in children. Since a change in levels precedes a measurable change in height velocity during interventions, measuring NTproCNP may have predictive value in clinical practice. Findings from a variety of genetic disorders affecting CNP signaling suggest that plasma concentrations of both peptides may be helpful in diagnosis, provided factors such as concurrent height velocity, feedback regulation of CNP, and differential changes in peptide clearance are considered when interpreting values. An improved understanding of factors affecting plasma levels, and the availability of commercial kits enabling accurate measurement using small volumes of plasma, can be expected to facilitate potential applications in growth disorders including genetic causes ­affecting the CNP signaling pathway.
Body Mass Index at Diagnosis as a Prognostic Factor for Early-Stage Invasive Breast Cancer after Surgical Resection
Authors: Wang Xue , Hui Tian-Li , Wang Mei-Qi , Liu Huan , Li Ruo-Yang , Song Zhen-Chuan
Published: March 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and prognosis of Chinese women with breast cancer. Patients and Methods: 3,380 primary breast cancer patients who underwent surgery from 2010 to 2012 were selected and classified as low BMI group (BMI < 25.0) and high BMI group (BMI ≥ 25.0). The follow-up data for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were obtained from 3,178 patients (median follow-up of 58 months). Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of BMI on DFS and OS. Results: The high BMI group showed more aggressive pathological features. BMI was negatively associated with OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.66; p = 0.012) but not DFS (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.94–1.40; p = 0.17). Furthermore, when stratified by age, BMI was significantly and negatively associated with OS (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.05–1.95; p = 0.025) in patients above 50 years of age, but this effect was not detected in younger patients. Conclusion: BMI was an independent prognostic factor of OS in Chinese women with breast cancer, and age might be a mitigating factor. Among patients above 50 years of age, those with a high BMI were at greater risk of poor prognosis compared to individuals with a low BMI.
Fast Biodegradation of Diesel Hydrocarbons at High Concentration by the Sophorolipid-Producing Yeast Candida catenulata KP324968
Authors: Babaei Faezeh , Habibi Alireza
Published: March 2019

In the last decades, biodegradation as an environmentally friendly approach has raised interest in connection with the removal of hydrocarbon pollutants. Its capacity for removing pollutants strongly depends on the type of living cell and environmental conditions. The degradative activity of a new sophorolipid-producing yeast, Candida catenulata KP324968, in the removal of high concentrations of diesel from effluents was statistically evaluated considering the initial pH, the agitation speed, and the initial diesel concentration. The optimal setting of the operational variables at an initial pH of 4.7, an agitation speed of 204 rpm, and an initial diesel concentration of 93.4 g L–1 resulted in the highest total petroleum hydrocarbon removal efficiency: about 82.1% after 6 days (biodegradation rate: 0.378 g gcell–1 h–1). During the cell growth phase, the emulsification index in the medium increased and reached its highest level at 64.6% after 48 h. Further tests indicated that the emulsification capacity was obtained by in situ production of two sophorolipid molecules with an m/z of 533 and 583. In summary, its effective diesel removal and high emulsification capacity makes C. catenulata KP324968 an attractive candidate yeast for the degradation of hydrocarbons from aqueous environments.
A Rare Presentation of Breast Cancer
Authors: Martins Figueiredo Luísa , Horta David Valadas , Reis Jorge A.
Published: March 2019

Breast cancer is the most common tumour in women. Only 5–15% of breast cancer patients have distant metastases at diagnosis. Here we describe the case of a previously healthy 43-year-old woman with nausea, postprandial epigastric pain, and constipation as the first clinical presentation of breast cancer. Total colonoscopy revealed colon metastases and the immunohistochemical profile favoured primitive invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast. Gastrointestinal tract metastases are more frequent in lobular histology of breast cancer. Stomach and small intestine are the most common metastatic sites, while colon metastases are a rare occurrence.
Protective Effects of Butyrate on Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Zheng Yi , Zhang Zhewei , Zhang Nan
Published: March 2019

Background: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) usually causes acute kidney injury. There is an urgent need to develop an effective agent to prevent renal IRI. This study aimed to examine the effect of butyrate on renal IRI in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups (10 rats in each group): the sham group, the IRI group, and the butyrate group. Rats were injected intravenously with 300 mg/kg of sodium butyrate in the butyrate group and with a saline solution in the sham group and IRI group 30 min before renal ischemia. After 24 h of reperfusion, renal function and histologic damage were examined. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assay, in situ apoptosis examination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemical assay, and Western blot were performed as well. Results: Butyrate pretreatment significantly reduced renal dysfunction and histologic damage induced by renal IRI. Butyrate pretreatment caused a significant attenuation of neutrophil infiltration, which was reflected by the reduction of renal MPO activity. Butyrate also reduced apoptotic tubular cell death and improved caspase-3 activation. The expression of TNF-α was decreased following butyrate pretreatment. Conclusions: Butyrate pretreatment protects rats from renal IRI by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. Therefore, butyrate may be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing renal IRI.
Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Molidustat for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: DIALOGUE Extension Studies
Authors: Akizawa Tadao , Macdougall Iain C. , Berns Jeffrey S. , Bernhardt Thomas , Staedtler Gerald , Taguchi Megumi , Iekushi Kazuma , Krueger Thilo
Published: March 2019

Background: Molidustat, a novel hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, is being investigated for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The efficacy and safety of molidustat were recently evaluated in three 16-week phase 2b studies. Here, we report the results of two long-term extension studies of molidustat. Methods: Both studies were parallel-group, open-label, multicenter studies of ≤36 months’ duration, in patients with anemia due to CKD, and included an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent as active control. One study enrolled patients not receiving dialysis (n = 164), and the other enrolled patients receiving hemodialysis (n = 88). The primary efficacy variable for both studies was change in blood hemoglobin (Hb) level from baseline to each post-baseline visit, and safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs). Results: In patients not on dialysis, the mean ± SD Hb concentrations at baseline were 11.28 ± 0.55 g/dL for molidustat and 11.08 ± 0.51 g/dL for darbepoetin. The mean ± SD blood Hb concentrations throughout the study (defined as mean of each patient’s overall study Hb levels) were 11.10 ± 0.508 and 10.98 ± 0.571 g/dL in patients treated with molidustat and darbepoetin, respectively. Similar proportions of patients reported at least one AE in the molidustat (85.6%) and darbepoetin (85.7%) groups. In patients on dialysis, mean ± SD Hb levels at baseline were 10.40 ± 0.70 and 10.52 ± 0.53 g/dL in the molidustat and epoetin groups, respectively. The mean ± SD blood Hb concentrations during the study were 10.37 ± 0.56 g/dL in the molidustat group and 10.52 ± 0.47 g/dL in the epoetin group. Proportions of patients who reported at least one AE were 91.2% in the molidustat group and 93.3% in the epoetin group. Conclusions: Molidustat was well tolerated for up to 36 months and appears to be an effective alternative to darbepoetin and epoetin in the long-term management of anemia associated with CKD.
Characteristics, Outcomes, and Treatment of Heart Failure With Improved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Park Chan Soon , Park Jin Joo , Mebazaa Alexandre , Oh Il‐Young , Park Hyun‐Ah , Cho Hyun‐Jai , Lee Hae‐Young , Kim Kye Hun , Yoo Byung‐Su , Kang Seok‐Min , Baek Sang Hong , Jeon Eun‐Seok , Kim Jae‐Joong , Cho Myeong‐Chan , Chae Shung Chull , Oh Byung‐Hee , Choi Dong‐Ju
Published: March 2019

Background

Many patients with heart failure (
HF
) with reduced ejection fraction (
HF
r
EF
) experience improvement or recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (
LVEF
). Data on clinical characteristics, outcomes, and medical therapy in patients with HF with improved ejection fraction (HFiEF) are scarce.

Methods and Results

Of 5625 consecutive patients hospitalized for acute
HF
in the KorAHF (Registry [Prospective Cohort] for Heart Failure in Korea) study, 5103 patients had baseline echocardiography and 2302 patients had follow‐up echocardiography at 12 months.
HF
phenotypes were defined as persistent
HF
r
EF
(
LVEF
≤40% at baseline and at 1‐year follow‐up),
HF
i
EF
(
LVEF
≤40% at baseline and improved up to 40% at 1‐year follow‐up),
HF
with midrange ejection fraction (LVEF between 40% and <50%), and
HF
with preserved ejection fraction (
LVEF
≥50%). The primary outcome was 4‐year all‐cause mortality from the time of
HF
i
EF
diagnosis. Among 1509
HF
r
EF
patients who had echocardiography 1 year after index hospitalization, 720 (31.3%) were diagnosed as having
HF
i
EF
. Younger age, female sex, de novo
HF
, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and β‐blocker use were positive predictors and diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease were negative predictors of
HF
i
EF
. During 4‐year follow‐up, patients with
HF
i
EF
showed lower mortality than those with persistent
HF
r
EF
in univariate, multivariate, and propensity‐score–matched analyses. β‐Blockers, but not renin–angiotensin system inhibitors or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, were associated with a reduced all‐cause mortality risk (hazard ratio: 0.59; 95%
CI
, 0.40–0.87;
P
=0.007). Benefits for outcome seemed similar among patients receiving low‐ or high‐dose β‐blockers (log‐rank,
P
=0.304).

Conclusions

HF
i
EF
is a distinct
HF
phenotype with better clinical outcomes than other phenotypes. The use of β‐blockers may be beneficial for these patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01389843.
Limited AT1 Receptor Internalization Is a Novel Mechanism Underlying Sustained Vasoconstriction Induced by AT1 Receptor Autoantibody From Preeclampsia
Authors: Bian Jingwei , Lei Jinghui , Yin Xiaochen , Wang Pengli , Wu Ye , Yang Xiaoli , Wang Li , Zhang Suli , Liu Huirong , Fu Michael L. X.
Published: March 2019

Background

Angiotensin
II
type 1 receptor (
AT
1
R) autoantibody (
AT
1‐
AA
) was first identified as a causative factor in preeclampsia. Unlike physiological ligand angiotensin
II
(Ang
II
),
AT
1‐
AA
can induce vasoconstriction in a sustained manner, causing a series of adverse effects, such as vascular injury and poor placental perfusion. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, from the perspective of
AT
1
R internalization, the present study investigated the molecular mechanism of sustained vasoconstriction induced by
AT
1
R autoantibody.

Methods and Results

In the current study, we used the vascular‐ring technique to determine that
AT
1‐
AA
‐positive IgG, which was obtained from the sera of preeclamptic patients, induced long‐term vasoconstriction in endothelium‐intact or endothelium‐denuded rat thoracic arteries. The effect was caused by prolonged activation of
AT
1
R downstream signals in vascular smooth muscle cells, including Ca
2+
, protein kinase C, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2. Then, using subcellular protein fractionation, cell surface protein biotinylation, and total internal reflection fluorescence, we found that
AT
1‐
AA
‐positive IgG resulted in significantly less
AT
1
R internalization than in the Ang
II
treatment group. Moreover, through use of fluorescent tracing and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, we found that
AT
1‐
AA
‐positive IgG cannot induce the recruitment of β‐arrestin1/2, which mediated receptor internalization. Then, the effect of sustained
AT
1
R activation induced by
AT
1‐
AA
‐positive IgG was rescued by overexpression of β‐arrestin2.

Conclusions

These data suggested that limited
AT
1
R internalization resulting from the inhibition of β‐arrestin1/2 recruitment played an important role in sustained vasoconstriction induced by
AT
1‐
AA
‐positive IgG, which may set the stage for avoiding
AT
1
R overactivation in the management of preeclampsia.
Geographic distribution of Miridae in Minas Gerais State, Brazil (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: FERREIRA PAULO S.F. , PIRES EVALDO M. , DE PAULA ALEXANDRE S. , COELHO L. A.
Published: March 2019

We present for the first time the geographic distribution of mirids in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, taking into account the vegetation areas, climate features, and species richness. All the information about species distribution in Minas Gerais was obtained using references on Neotropical Miridae and data labels of specimens deposited in National collections. Minas Gerais represents the largest diversity of mirids in Brazil, 311 species. The mirids were collected in 42 counties in Minas Gerais. They are present in all the 4 major biomes of the State. The Atlantic Forest has the greatest richness, with 214 species, followed by Cerrado with 128 species. We suggest that the diversity of Minas Gerais mirids began in the Atlantic Forest. Fisher's PLSD test among mirid subfamilies at different elevations, temperatures, and precipitations showed a significant effect of elevation only.
The genus Keilbachia Mohrig (Diptera: Sciaridae) in a biodiversity hot spot: new sympatric species from Kambaiti, Burma
Authors: VILKAMAA PEKKA , KOMAROVA LYUDMILA A. , HIPPA HEIKKI
Published: March 2019

Eight new, strictly sympatric species of the genus Keilbachia Mohrig, 1987, from Burma (Myanmar) are described and illustrated: Keilbachia aculeata, K. apprima, K. arcuata, K. arrecta, K. demissa, K. mira, K. scutica, and K. tenuicula. Keilbachia flagrispina Mohrig is redescribed on the basis of Burmese specimens. A key to all currently known species of Keilbachia is presented.
Three new species of Tenuipalpus Donnadieu (Acari, Tenuipalpidae) from the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: FERES REINALDO J.F. , HERNANDES FÁBIO A.
Published: March 2019

Three new species of Tenuipalpus, T. carlosflechtmanni n. sp., T. moraesi n. sp. and T. ariauae n. sp., collected on wild plants in Brazil, are described and illustrated.
Revision of the genus Latrunculia du Bocage, 1869 (Porifera: Demospongiae: Latrunculiidae) with descriptions of new species from New Caledonia and the Northeastern Pacific
Authors: SAMAAI TOUFIEK , GIBBONS MARK J. , KELLY MICHELLE
Published: March 2019

Revision of the genus Latrunculia du Bocage, 1869, has resulted in 27 of 36 species considered to be valid. Many species have been reassigned to genera in the poecilosclerid family Podospongiidae, in particular, and many have been transferred to other Latrunculiidae genera. Latrunculia apicalis var. biformis (Kirkpatrick 1908) and Latrunculia apicalis var. basilis (Kirkpatrick 1908) have been elevated to full and separate species status, as L. biformis Kirkpatrick and L. basilis Kirkpatrick. Two new species have been described, from New Caledonia (L. novaecaledoniae sp. nov.) and the northeastern Pacific (L. austini sp. nov.). This revision also formally recognizes the two morphological subgroups triverticillata and spinispiraefera hypothesized by Alvarez et al. (2002), as the new subgenera Latrunculia (Latrunculia) subgen. nov. and Latrunculia (Biannulata) subgen. nov.. The primary distinction between these two groups is the morphology of the anisodiscorhabd microscleres. The anisodiscorhabds of Latrunculia (Latrunculia) species have a basal whorl just above the manubrium in addition to two centralized whorls of projections. The anisodiscorhabds of Latrunculia (Biannulata) species lack this basal whorl. There is some indication that there are geographic and habitat differences between the two groups.
Eight new species of Scissurellidae and Anatomidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda) from around the world, with discussion of two new senior synonyms
Authors: GEIGER DANIEL L.
Published: March 2019

Eight new species of Scissurellidae and Anatomidae are described: Scissurella kaiserae new species from the Panamic; Scissurella lorenzi new species from the Indo-Malayan archipelago; Scissurella maraisorum new species from South Africa; Sinezona garciai new species from the Caribbean; Sinezona globosa new species from the tropical Western Pacific; Sinezona macleani new species from the Philippines; Sinezona singeri new species from the Red Sea; and Anatoma jansenae new species from southern Australia. Radulae of Scissurella kaiserae and Sinezona singeri are illustrated. Anatoma munieri (Fischer, Oct. 1862) is identified as a senior synonym of Anatoma turbinata (A. Adams, Nov. 1862), and Sukashitrochus morleti (Crosse, 1880) is shown to be a senior synonym of Sukashitrochus indonesicus Bandel, 1998, and Sukashitrochus simplex Bandel, 1998. These synonymies are based on examination of type material in the Muséum Nationale dHistoire Naturelle, Paris; scanning electron microscope images of the types are provided, and lectotypes are here selected.
Nymphs of the genus Isoperla Banks (Plecoptera, Perlodidae) from the Eastern Palaearctic Region
Authors: TESLENKO VALENTINA A. , ZHILTZOVA LIDIYA A.
Published: March 2019

The nymphs of the genus Isoperla Banks inhabiting the Eastern Palaearctic Region are reviewed. Previously unknown nymphs of Isoperla asiatica, I. eximia, I. flavescens, I. lunigera, I. maculata, I. mongolica, I. pseudornata are described and illustrated. A key is provided. Complementary distributional data are presented.
The relationship and taxonomic position of the genera Apolophus and Scolomus (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: GAULD IAN D. , WAHL DAVID B.
Published: March 2019

The metopiine genus Apolophus Townes is treated as a junior synonym [syn. nov.] of the ctenopelmatine genus Scolomus Townes & Townes. The distinguishing features of the expanded genus are described and illustrated. The systematic position of Scolomus is discussed and it is concluded that the genus belongs to the Metopiinae. The monophyly of the Ctenopelmatinae is open to question and it is suggested that the Metopiinae may have arisen from within the Ctenopelmatinae.
Hydraena (s. str.) emineae sp. n. from Antalya, southern Turkey (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)
Authors: JÄCH MANFRED A. , KASAPOGLU AHMET
Published: March 2019

Hydraena (s. str.) emineae Jäch & Kasapo™lu, sp. n. from Antalya, southern Turkey is described. The new species is tentatively assigned to the H. (s. str.) eichleri d’Orchymont species complex.
A new species of Liolaemus from central steppes of Chubut, Patagonia Argentina (Reptilia: Iguania: Iguanidae)
Authors: SCOLARO JOSÉ A. , CEI JOSÉ M.
Published: March 2019

A new Liolaemus species related to “Liolaemus kingii” complex of Patagonian species, is described. It lives at about 800 m of altitude in a sandy habitat near to Somuncurá plateau. The new species and the closely related L. somuncurae are morphologically compared, and its distribution and natural history are pointed out.
New species and a new subgenus of South American Neoathyreus Howden and Martínez (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae: Athyreini)
Authors: HOWDEN HENRY F.
Published: March 2019

Five new species of South American Neoathyreus Howden and Martínez are described and figured, these include: N. julietae, n. sp. from Bolivia; N. antennatus, n. sp. from Bolivia; N. moraguesi, n. sp. from Brazil; and N. fallolobus, n. sp. from Peru. A fifth species is placed in the new subgenus, Mesoathyreus, of Neoathyreus with N. (M.) guyanensis, n. sp. from French Guiana, as its type species.
New genera and host plant records of Asteraceae-feeding Tephritidae (Diptera) from Brazil
Authors: NORRBOM ALLEN L. , PRADO PAULO I.
Published: March 2019

Three new genera of Tephritinae (Tephritidae), Cipomyia (type species: C. totofusca, n. sp.), Eutretopsis (type species: E. albipunctata, n. sp.), and Lewinsohnia (type species: L. magna, n. sp.) are described from Brazil. The first host plant records are provided for C. totofusca, L. magna, and Caenoriata pertinax (Bates).
Description of a new species and new country records of Ancognatha Erichson (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from Colombia
Authors: PARDO-LOCARNO LUIS CARLOS , GONZALEZ RANULFO , MONTOYA-LERMA JAMES
Published: March 2019

A new species, Ancognatha veliae, from the Chocó Province, Colombia is described and its morphology and taxonomic position are discussed. The species Ancognatha atacazo Kirsch, A. castanea (Erichson), and A. horrida Endrödi are recorded as new country records for Colombia.
Hitting the ‘glass wall’: Investigating everyday ageism in the advertising industry
Authors: Brodmerkel Sven , Barker Richie
Published: March 2019

This article contributes to the growing research into the structural inequalities characterising the cultural industries by investigating the lived experience of older cultural workers. By drawing on 22 in-depth interviews with experienced advertising creatives it explores how ageism manifests itself in the creative departments of advertising agencies and how older creatives negotiate their professional identities in response to ageist representations, discourses and practices. By focusing on one of the so far mostly neglected inequality regimes prevalent in the cultural industries, this research adds to recent attempts to empirically explicate the formation of entrepreneurial subjectivities of cultural workers and the ‘psychic life of neoliberalism’. In all, the accounts provided by older advertising creatives paint a complex but also a consistent picture of entrenched ageist work cultures, which require considerable efforts on the part of older practitioners to successfully navigate. They do this by adopting an attitude we describe as resigned resilience. This notion encapsulates the ambivalence expressed by these older creatives towards their prospects in the industry and adds nuance to overly simple portrayals of the entrepreneurial subjectivities of cultural workers.
The Effects of Economic and Financial Crises on International Tourist Flows: A Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Khalid Usman , Okafor Luke Emeka , Shafiullah Muhammad
Published: March 2019

This article investigates the effect of different economic and financial crises, such as inflation crisis, stock market crash, debt crisis, and banking crisis on international tourism flows using a panel gravity data set of 200 countries over the period 1995 to 2010. The results show that the inflation crisis has a dampening effect on international tourism flows in both the host and origin countries. The results also show that domestic debt crisis encourages international tourism arrivals in the host countries, whereas its impact on international tourism services in originating countries is negative. Further, the impact of these crises on tourism is region dependent. In particular, banking crisis depresses international tourism flows in host countries situated in regions such as America and Latin America and Caribbean, whereas its impact on originating countries located in regions such as Asia and the Middle East is insignificant.
The survival of academic spinoff companies: An empirical study of key determinants
Authors: Prokop Daniel , Huggins Robert , Bristow Gillian
Published: March 2019

The formation of university spinoff companies has been studied extensively, yet limited attention has been devoted to their survival. Consequently, little is known about spinoff’s later stage developments. Spinoff companies exist in university networks where they access resources through different types of actors. However, it remains unclear on which actors specifically these firms should focus their networking efforts, especially in relation to their success. It is also poorly understood how the regional economic environment affects spinoff survival. This article examines the core determinants of survival of academic spinoff companies. The article analyses a unique sample of 870 UK spinoff companies from 81 universities formed between 2002 and 2013. The results show that spinoff company survival is dependent on three core university network actors: investors, external entrepreneurs and technology transfer offices (TTOs). In addition, spinoff companies born into less industrially diversified regions enjoy greater probability of survival.
Wristband Accelerometers to motiVate arm Exercises after Stroke (WAVES): a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Da-Silva Ruth H , Moore Sarah A , Rodgers Helen , Shaw Lisa , Sutcliffe Louise , van Wijck Frederike , Price Christopher I
Published: March 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility of a multicentre, observer-blind, pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a wristband accelerometer with activity-dependent vibration alerts to prompt impaired arm use after stroke.

Design:

Parallel-group pilot RCT.

Setting:

Four English stroke services.

Participants:

Patients 0–3 months post stroke with a new arm deficit.

Intervention:

Participants were randomized to wear a prompting or ‘sham’ wristband during a four-week self-directed therapy programme with twice-weekly therapy review.

Main outcomes:

Recruitment, retention and adherence rates, safety and completion of assessments were reported. Arm recovery was measured by Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Motor Activity Log (MAL) without statistical comparison.

Results:

In total, 33 patients were recruited (0.6 per month/site; median time post stroke: 26 days (interquartile range (IQR):15.5–45)). Baseline, four-week and eight-week median (IQR) ARAT for the control group ( n = 19) were 15 (2–35), 35 (15–26) and 31 (21–55) and those for the intervention group (n = 14) were 37 (16–45), 57 (29–57) and 57 (37–57), respectively; for MAL Amount of Use, the corresponding values in the control group were 0.2 (0.0–1.2), 1.1 (0.3–2.9) and 1.2 (0.7–2.9) and in the intervention group were 1.4 (0.5–2.6), 3.8 (1.9–4.5) and 3.7 (2.1–4.3). Four participants withdrew from the study. Wristbands were worn for 79% of the recommended time. The intervention and control group participants received a median of 6.0 (IQR: 4.3–8.0) and 7.5 (IQR: 6.8–8.0) therapy reviews. A median of 8 (IQR: 6–10) prompts were delivered per intervention participant/day. Research assessments were completed for 28/29 and 25/28 patients at four and eight weeks. Eight serious adverse events were reported, all unrelated to the intervention.

Conclusion:

A multicentre RCT of wristband accelerometers to prompt arm activity early after stroke is feasible. A total sample of 108 participants would be required.
Considering Physical Well-Being, Self-perceptions, and Support Variables in Understanding Youth Academic Achievement
Authors: Centeio Erin E. , Somers Cheryl L. , Moore E. Whitney G. , Garn Alex , Kulik Noel , Martin Jeffrey , Shen Bo , McCaughtry Nate
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between measures of students’ physical well-being and self-perception and their academic achievement. Specifically, we look at students’ social support for physical activity, physical activity perceptions, self-concept, self-efficacy, health behaviors, and cardiorespiratory fitness (as measured by the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run [PACER] test). Students ( n = 697 fifth graders) were surveyed at the beginning of the school year. A two-group path analysis revealed notable relationships between the predictor variables and proximal and distal outcomes, with some paths moderated by sex. One relationship that was significant for both sexes was cardiorespiratory fitness, as it was the only significant predictor of achievement. This effect was moderate to large for the female students ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) and small to large for the male students ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]). These findings can be used to guide future research and educational prevention and intervention efforts.
Minimum Sampling Size of Floating Cars for Urban Link Travel Time Distribution Estimation
Authors: Yun Meiping , Qin Wenwen
Published: March 2019

Despite the wide application of floating car data (FCD) in urban link travel time estimation, limited efforts have been made to determine the minimum sample size of floating cars appropriate to the requirements for travel time distribution (TTD) estimation. This study develops a framework for seeking the required minimum number of travel time observations generated from FCD for urban link TTD estimation. The basic idea is to test how, with a decreasing the number of observations, the similarities between the distribution of estimated travel time from observations and those from the ground-truth vary. These are measured by employing the Hellinger Distance (HD) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) tests. Finally, the minimum sample size is determined by the HD value, ensuring that corresponding distribution passes the KS test. The proposed method is validated with the sources of FCD and Radio Frequency Identification Data (RFID) collected from an urban arterial in Nanjing, China. The results indicate that: (1) the average travel times derived from FCD give good estimation accuracy for real-time application; (2) the minimum required sample size range changes with the extent of time-varying fluctuations in traffic flows; (3) the minimum sample size determination is sensitive to whether observations are aggregated near each peak in the multistate distribution; (4) sparse and incomplete observations from FCD in most time periods cannot be used to achieve the minimum sample size. Moreover, this would produce a significant deviation from the ground-truth distributions. Finally, FCD is strongly recommended for better TTD estimation incorporating both historical trends and real-time observations.
Saving Children, Damning Adults? An Examination of Public Support for Juvenile Rehabilitation and Adult Punishment
Authors: Welch Kelly , Butler Leah Fikre , Gertz Marc
Published: March 2019

Research shows that public preferences about justice system approaches to decreasing illegal behavior distinguish between adult and juvenile offending. We also know that fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization typically strengthen support for harsh punishments and reduce support for rehabilitation. What has yet to be demonstrated—and that we examine here—is whether there are youth-specific differences in the way that crime salience affects public support for punitive versus rehabilitative policies and to what extent confidence in the criminal and juvenile justice systems affects punishment orientations toward adults and juveniles. Essentially, we examine why some Americans support “child saving” yet condemn adults. This exploratory study’s findings indicate that while crime salience increases the likelihood that one will support harsh adult criminal measures, it is not associated with similar attitudes toward juvenile delinquents. Further, those for whom crime salience is lower have a greater probability of supporting rehabilitation for both juveniles and adults. Finally, results show that support for the rehabilitation of youth persists despite crime salience among those who are otherwise punitive toward adults. Justice ideology appears unaffected by confidence in the justice systems. Policy implications and recommendations for future research are offered.
Simulation and optimization of dynamic waste collection routes
Authors: Abdallah Mohamed , Adghim Mohamad , Maraqa Munjed , Aldahab Elkhalifa
Published: March 2019

Smart waste collection strategies have been developed to replace conventional fixed routes with dynamic systems that respond to the actual fill-level of waste bins. The variation in waste generation patterns, which is the main driver for the profit of smart systems, is exacerbated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to a high expatriate ratio. This leads to significant changes in waste generation during breaks and seasonal occasions. The present study aimed to evaluate a geographic information system (GIS)-based smart collection system (SCS) compared to conventional practices in terms of time, pollution, and cost. Different scenarios were tested on a local residential district based on variable bin filling rates. The input data were obtained from a field survey on different types of households. A knowledge-based decision-making algorithm was developed to select the bins that require collection based on historical data. The simulation included a regular SCS scenario based on actual filling rates, as well as sub-scenarios to study the impact of reducing the waste generation rates. An operation cost reduction of 19% was achieved with SCS compared to the conventional scenario. Moreover, SCS outperformed the conventional system by lowering carbon-dioxide emissions by between 5 and 22% for various scenarios. The operation costs were non-linearly reduced with the incremental drops in waste generation. Furthermore, the smart system was validated using actual waste generation data of the study area, and it lowered collection trip times by 18 to 42% compared to the conventional service. The present study proposes an integrated SCS architecture, and explores critical considerations of smart systems.