bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Quality Tracing System on Safety of Agricultural Product
Authors: Zhao Jun , Zhou Bin
Published: February 2015

Frequent occurrence of food safety incidents in recent years has made analyzing safety of agricultural product in view of contract theory become academic research focus. Based on incentive theory, in this paper we establish a static game under the condition of asymmetric information and analyze how the “company + farmer” contract is influenced by a complete quality tracing system composed of ex-ante inspection and ex-post traceability. Meanwhile, we find out that a complete quality tracing system can increase the safety level of agricultural product and that ex-ante inspection and ex-post traceability can replace each other in the process. Finally, we put forward policy suggestion for the policy-maker to solve the problem of food safety.
Subacute Right Ventricle Perforation by Pacemaker Lead Presenting with Left Hemothorax and Shock
Authors: Nichols Julianne , Berger Natalie , Joseph Praveen , Datta Debapriya
Published: February 2015

Cardiac perforation by pacemaker is a rare but potentially fatal complication. Acute perforations occurring within twenty-four hours of insertion of pacemaker can lead to hemopericardium, cardiac tamponade, and death. Hemothorax occurring as an acute complication of pacemaker insertion is reported but extremely rare. Previously, hemothorax and shock as a subacute complication following pacemaker insertion have not been reported. We report the case of an 85-year-old patient who presented with shock from hemothorax caused by pacemaker perforation, two weeks after insertion. Device interrogation showed normal function. Chest X-ray and echocardiogram missed lead dislocation and the diagnosis was made on computed tomogram (CT) of the chest. Following surgical repair, a new ventricular pacemaker was placed transvenously in the right ventricular septum. This case illustrates that CT scan of the chest should be performed in all patients in whom cardiac perforation by pacemaker is suspected but not diagnosed on chest X-ray and echocardiogram. Normal functioning of pacemaker on device interrogation does not exclude perforation.
Treatment of Primary Fetal Hydrothorax with OK-432 (Picibanil): Outcome in 14 Fetuses and a Review of the Literature
Authors: O''Brien Brooke , Kesby Greg , Ogle Robert , Rieger Ingrid , Hyett Jon A.
Published: February 2015

Background: Primary fetal hydrothorax (PFHT) is an uncommon condition with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 10,000/15,000 pregnancies. Therapeutic interventions include thoracocentesis, thoraco-amniotic shunting (TAS), and pleurodesis using OK-432. Methods: A review of the literature was performed to identify all cases of PFHT treated with TAS and OK-432. All cases of PFHT referred to the Fetal Maternal Unit at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between 2002 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. In the cohort of fetuses treated with OK-432, the main perinatal outcomes evaluated were termination of pregnancy, live birth, neonatal death, and fetal death in utero. Secondary outcomes included gestational age (GA) at diagnosis, GA at treatment, GA at resolution, birth weight, and GA at birth. The development of the children was screened using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Version 3 (ASQ-3, 2009). Results: Primary hydrothorax was diagnosed in 31 fetuses, of which 14 had treatment with OK-432. One pregnancy terminated after treatment with OK-432. Survival was 85% (11/13): 100% in fetuses treated with OK-432 without hydrops, and 78% in those treated with hydrops. This compares well to the cases of TAS in the literature with an average survival of 63%: 85% in fetuses without hydrops and 55% with hydrops. The mean GA at birth was 36+4 weeks and mean birth weight 3,007 g. Eight of the 9 children screened with ASQ-3 scored well within the normal range. Conclusion: OK-432 appears to be a valid treatment option in fetuses with PFHT, particularly in those diagnosed at early GAs.
Pre-Operative Twin Anemia/Polycythemia in the Setting of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)
Authors: Van Winden Kristi R. , Quintero Ruben A. , Kontopoulos Eftichia V. , Korst Lisa M. , Llanes Arlyn , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) are classified as distinct clinical disorders associated with unbalanced blood flow through placental vascular communications. Typically, TAPS placentas demonstrate few <1 mm arteriovenous (AV) communications, and at fetoscopy the twins are visibly pale and plethoric. Materials and Methods: In a cohort of TTTS patients who underwent laser surgery, those with preoperative findings suggestive of anemia/polycythemia (AP) were compared to those with TTTS alone. AP was defined as middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in one twin >1.5 multiples of the median (MoM), and <1.0 MoM in the other. Results: Of 369 TTTS patients, 9 (2.4%) met criteria for preoperative AP. The mean number (±SD) of AV communications in the TTTS + AP group was 5.6 ± 5.7, compared with 8.8 ± 4.8 in the TTTS-alone group (p = 0.013). Five TTTS + AP patients (56%) had a few thin AV communications (mean 2.8 ± 1.6); all 5 had visibly pale and plethoric twins. The remaining 4 (44%) had large or numerous anastomoses (mean 10.5 ± 6.8); none had fetal skin color discordance. Discussion: Preoperative AP affected 2% of TTTS patients. Of these, approximately half had placental and skin color findings typically reported with isolated TAPS.
Trepanation or Complete Removal of the Outer Table of the Calvarium for Granulation Induction: The Erbium:YAG Laser as an Alternative to the Rose Head Burr
Authors: Valesky Eva M. , Vogl Thomas , Kaufmann Roland , Meissner Markus
Published: February 2015

Background: Large scalp defects devoid of periosteum following tumor excisions are a surgical challenge. In this case, drilling the outer table of the calvarium with a rose head burr is a standard method to induce granulation tissue. Objectives: We describe an alternative for trepanation or complete removal of the outer table of the calvarium. Methods: We demonstrate the use of an erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (erbium:YAG) laser for the induction of granulation tissue, compare this technique with the standard procedure and evaluate the benefits and limitations. Results: The erbium:YAG laser is an excellent method for trepanation or complete removal of the outer table of the calvarium and induction of granulation tissue. Conclusion: The use of the laser for trepanation of the calvarium gives results comparable to those of the rose head burr for inducing granulation tissue but has its benefits. Therefore, this method should become a standard alternative to the known procedure.
The Correlation between Hepatitis C Core Antigen and Hepatitis C Virus RNA Levels with Respect to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Status, Hepatitis C Virus Genotype and Interferon-Lambda-4 Polymorphism
Authors: Duy Thong Vo , Akkarathamrongsin Srunthron , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Theamboonlers Apiradee , Poovorawan Yong , Tangkijvanich Pisit
Published: February 2015

Objectives: Serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (HCVcAg) concentrations correlate with HCV RNA levels in HCV monoinfected patients. Data in HCV/HIV coinfected patients are still limited. We aim to compare the use of HCVcAg measurement with respect to HIV status, HCV genotypes, interferon-lambda-4 (IFNL4) polymorphism and clinical parameters. Methods: We analyzed an untreated cohort of 104 patients with HCV monoinfection and 85 patients with HCV/HIV coinfection. Serum HCVcAg was measured by a commercial chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. The presence of IFNL4 polymorphism ss469415590 was identified by real-time PCR. Results: log10 HCVcAg levels were significantly correlated with corresponding log10 HCV RNA levels (r = 0.889, p < 0.001), but not with ALT levels and liver stiffness. The correlation between HCV RNA and HCVcAg was particularly high in coinfected patients and those with high viremia. Mean log10 HCVcAg concentration was significantly higher in coinfected patients than in monoinfected patients. Patients harboring the TT/TT genotype of ss469415590 had significantly higher levels of log10 HCVcAg than those with the non-TT/TT genotype. HCVcAg levels were similar across HCV genotypes. Conclusions: HCVcAg concentrations had an excellent correlation with HCV RNA levels, particularly in HCV/HIV-coinfected individuals and might be associated with IFNL4 polymorphism. HCVcAg testing could be used as an alternative to HCV RNA assays in resource-limited settings.
Reference Equations for Static Lung Volumes and TLCO from a Population Sample in Northern Greece
Authors: Michailopoulos Pavlos , Kontakiotis Theodoros , Spyratos Dionisios , Argyropoulou-Pataka Paraskevi , Sichletidis Lazaros
Published: February 2015

Background: The most commonly used reference equations for the measurement of static lung volumes/capacities and transfer factor of the lung for CO (TLCO) are based on studies around 30-40 years old with significant limitations. Objectives: Our aim was to (1) develop reference equations for static lung volumes and TLCO using the current American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines, and (2) compare the equations derived with those most commonly used. Methods: Healthy Caucasian subjects (234 males and 233 females) aged 18-91 years were recruited. All of them were healthy never smokers with a normal chest X-ray. Static lung volumes and TLCO were measured with a single-breath technique according to the latest guidelines. Results: Curvilinear regression prediction equations derived from the present study were compared with those that are most commonly used. Our reference equations in accordance with the latest studies show lower values for all static lung volume parameters and TLCO as well as a different way of deviation of those parameters (i.e. declining with age total lung capacity, TLCO age decline in both sex and functional residual capacity age rise in males). Conclusions: We suggest that old reference values of static lung volumes and TLCO should be updated, and our perception of deviation of some spirometric parameters should be revised. Our new reference curvilinear equations derived according to the latest guidelines could contribute to the updating by respiratory societies of old existing reference values and result in a better estimation of the lung function of contemporary populations with similar Caucasian characteristics.
Differential Diagnosis of Cystic Pancreatic Lesions Including the Usefulness of Biomarkers
Authors: Lévy Philippe , Rebours Vinciane
Published: February 2015

Background: Cystic pancreatic lesions are more and more often found. Malignant risk ranges from nil to more than 60%. A precise diagnosis is required to adapt surveillance or therapeutic strategy. Methods: We tried to identify the most difficult differential diagnoses encountered in a tertiary center of pancreatology and to guide the reader as how to reach the correct strategy and diagnosis in these situations. Results: We identified eight clinically difficult situations: i) chronic pancreatitis versus intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, ii) serous versus mucinous cystic neoplasms, iii) serous cystic neoplasms versus branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, iv) intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms versus acinar cell cystadenoma, v) (pseudo-)solid serous cystic neoplasm versus neuroendocrine tumor, vi) pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors versus solid pseudopapillary tumors, vii) cystic forms of a solid tumor, and viii) rare pancreatic or peripancreatic cystic lesions. The work-up should rely on computed tomography scan, pancreatic magnetic resonance imaging, and, only if necessary, endoscopic ultrasound with or without fine needle aspiration. Conclusion: An expert analysis of imaging data allows a precise diagnosis in most of the cases. Pancreatic resection should no longer be performed in case of diagnostic doubt.
Acneiform Rash Induced by EGFR Inhibitors: Review of the Literature and New Insights
Authors: Fabbrocini Gabriella , Panariello Luigia , Caro Gemma , Cacciapuoti Sara
Published: February 2015

Acneiform rash is the most common side effect of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors (EGFRis), and it occurs in 50-100% of patients. This condition can affect the quality of life of these patients and can sometimes lead to a discontinuation of the antineoplastic therapy. Several recent prospective studies have addressed and evaluated different interventions to mitigate or reduce the severity of EGFRis-associated skin rash. With this aim, we have established a dermocosmetological outpatient clinic for cancer patients at the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II in collaboration with the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami. An interdisciplinary network of physicians can improve the quality of life of the cancer patients, focusing on such important aspects as dermocosmetological skin care, but also on the evaluation of new therapeutic and diagnostic algorithms in order to make further progress in the field of prevention. In this review, we summarize the state of the art of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of EGFRis acneiform rash, and we describe our outpatient clinical experience.
Pilot Study of the Influence of Eyeliner Cosmetics on the Molecular Structure of Human Meibum
Authors: Hunter Morgan , Bhola Rahul , Yappert Marta C. , Borchman Douglas , Gerlach Dylan
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: It has been suggested that eye makeup could interact with human meibum causing a decrease in the stability of the tear film. The aim of this pilot study was to measure makeup-human meibum interactions in vitro. Methods: Human meibum-makeup interactions were quantified by measuring order-to-disorder lipid phase transitions using infrared spectroscopy. Results: Makeup products exhibited lipid phase transition temperatures that were much higher than those for meibum. One product increased the lipid phase transition temperature by 4.2°C when combined with human meibum causing a large increase (from 30 to 49%) in the order of the meibum-lipid hydrocarbon chains and significantly decreased the minimum frequency, enthalpy and entropy of the phase transition of human meibum. Another eyeliner caused no significant (p < 0.05) change in the phase transition parameters of human meibum. Conclusion: Infrared spectroscopy may be used to measure interactions between human meibum and makeup. One makeup product increased the lipid order (viscosity) which could have adverse effects on tear film stability. Modern cosmetics are highly regulated and relatively safe to use; however, it could be beneficial to design makeup products that do not interact with meibum, especially since women have a higher prevalence of dry eye symptoms.
Decreased Number of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients
Authors: Matusiak Łukasz , Batycka-Baran Aleksandra , Bieniek Andrzej , Szepietowski Jacek C.
Published: February 2015

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is nowadays regarded as a systemic disease associated with metabolic syndrome. Some recent studies have also demonstrated an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with HS. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an integral role in the regulation and protection of the endothelium and in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the possible alterations in the number of EPCs in patients with HS compared to controls. Methods: The number of EPCs, identified as CD133+/KDR+ cells, was determined with flow cytometry in the peripheral blood of 25 HS patients and 31 controls. Results: The number of EPCs was significantly reduced in HS sufferers compared with controls (p < 0.0001). The mean number of EPCs was assessed as 191.3 ± 118.5/ml and 672.4 ± 343.0/ml for patients and controls, respectively. Conclusion: A decreased number of EPCs among HS sufferers may contribute to endothelial malfunction resulting in increased cardiovascular risk in this group of patients.
Chromosomal Mapping of Repetitive DNAs in Gobionellus oceanicus and G. stomatus (Gobiidae; Perciformes): A Shared XX/XY System and an Unusual Distribution of 5S rDNA Sites on the Y Chromosome
Authors: Lima-Filho Paulo A. , Amorim Karlla D.J. , Cioffi Marcelo B. , Bertollo Luiz A.C. , Molina Wagner F.
Published: February 2015

With nearly 2,000 species, Gobiidae is the most specious family of the vertebrates. This high level of speciation is accompanied by conspicuous karyotypic modifications, where the role of repetitive sequences remains largely unknown. This study analyzed the karyotype of 2 species of the genus Gobionellus and mapped 18S and 5S ribosomal RNA genes and (CA)15 microsatellite sequences onto their chromosomes. G. oceanicus (2n = 56; ♂ 12 metacentrics (m) + 4 submetacentrics (sm) + 1 subtelocentric (st) + 39 acrocentrics (a); ♀ 12m + 4sm + 2st + 38a) and G. stomatus (2n = 56; ♂ 20m + 14sm + 1st + 21a; ♀ 20m + 14sm + 2st + 20a) possess the highest diploid chromosome number among the Gobiidae and have different karyotypes. Both species share an XX/XY sex chromosome system with a large subtelocentric X and a small acrocentric Y chromosome which is rich in (CA)15 sequences and bears 5S rRNA sites. Although coding and noncoding repetitive DNA sequences may be involved in the genesis or differentiation of the sex chromosomes, the exclusive presence of 5S rDNA sites on the Y, but not on the X chromosome of both species, represents a novelty in fishes. In summary, the karyotypic differences, as well as new data on the sex chromosome systems in these 2 Gobiidae species, confirm the high chromosomal dynamism observed in this family.
Main- and Branch-Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms: Extent of Surgical Resection
Authors: Hackert Thilo , Fritz Stefan , Büchler Markus W.
Published: February 2015

Background: Surgical treatment of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) requires a differentiated approach regarding indications and extent of resection. Methods: The review summarizes the current literature on indication, timing, and surgical procedures in IPMN. Results: The most important differentiation has to be made between main-duct and branch-duct IPMN as well as mixed-type lesions that biologically mimic main-duct types. In main-duct and mixed-type IPMN, the resection should be indicated by the time of the diagnosis - in accordance with the international consensus guidelines - and should follow oncological principles. Depending on IPMN localization, this implies partial pancreatoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy and includes the corresponding types of lymphadenectomy. Furthermore, branch-duct IPMN > 3 cm or bearing high-risk features (mural nodules in magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or endoscopic ultrasound imaging; symptomatic lesions; elevated tumor markers) are similarly treated. As the risk for malignancy in smaller branch-duct IPMN is lower, the decision for surgical treatment is often individually made - despite the updated 2012 guidelines. In these lesions, limited surgical approaches, including enucleation and central pancreatectomy, are possible. Conclusion: Timely and radical resection of IPMN offers the unique opportunity to prevent pancreatic cancer, and even in malignant IPMN surgery can offer a curative approach with excellent long-term outcome in early stages. A structured imaging follow-up should be considered to recognize IPMN recurrence and metachronous pancreatic cancer as well as gastrointestinal neoplasias by endoscopic surveillance.
Intrachromosomal 3p Insertion as a Cause of Reciprocal Pure Interstitial Deletion and Duplication in Two Siblings: Further Delineation of the Emerging Proximal 3p Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Lloveras Elisabet , Vendrell Teresa , Fernández Asunción , Castells Neus , Cueto Ana , del Campo Miguel , Hernando Cristina , Villa Olaya , Plaja Alberto
Published: February 2015

Very few cases of constitutional interstitial deletions of the proximal short arm of chromosome 3 have been reported; however, the proximal 3p deletion is emerging as a clinically recognizable syndrome. We present an intrachromosomal insertion of 3p12.3p14.1 in a phenotypic normal man (46,XY,ins(3)(p25p12.3p14.1)) which is responsible for the unbalanced karyotype in 2 affected offspring, one with a 3p12.3p14.1 interstitial deletion and the other with a reciprocal duplication. The exceptionality of these 2 reciprocal recombinants contributes to a better definition of the proximal 3p deletion syndrome and its duplication counterpart.
The Clinical and Socio-Economic Relevance of Increased IPMN Detection Rates and Management Choices
Authors: Budde Christoph , Beyer Georg , Kühn Jens-Peter , Lerch Markus M. , Mayerle Julia
Published: February 2015

Background: Increased usage of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging has led to a large increase in identified pancreatic cysts of up to 25% in population-based studies. The clinical and economic relevance of identifying so many cystic lesions has not been established. Compared to other organs such as liver or kidney, dysontogenetic pancreatic cysts are rare. Pancreatic cysts comprise a variety of benign, premalignant or malignant lesions; however, precise diagnosis before resection has an accuracy of only 80%. The focus of recent research was the malignant potential of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) with the aim of establishing clinical pathways addressing risk of malignancy, age and comorbidity, treatment-related morbidity and mortality as well as cost-effectiveness of treatment and surveillance. The focus of this review is to analyze the clinical and socio-economic relevance as well as the cost-benefit relation for IPMNs. Methods: For analysis, the following MESH terms were used to identify original articles, reviews, and guidelines in PubMed: (‘intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm' OR ‘pancreatic cysts') and (incidence OR relevance OR socio-economic OR economic OR cost-effectiveness OR cost-benefit). The retrieved publications were reviewed with a focus on clinical and socio-economic relevance in relation to the increasing incidence of IPMN. Results: Addressing the increasing prevalence of pancreatic cystic lesions, recent consensus guidelines suggested criteria for risk stratification according to ‘worrisome features' and ‘high-risk stigmata'. Recent prospective cohort studies evaluated whether these can be applied in clinical practice. Evaluation of three different clinical scenarios with regard to costs and quality-adjusted life years suggested a better effectiveness of surveillance after initial risk stratification by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration with cyst fluid analysis compared with immediate resection or follow-up without further intervention. Of interest, the ‘immediate surgery' strategy was lowest for cost-effectiveness. Conclusions: The increasing incidence of identified pancreatic cysts requires an improved strategy for non-invasive risk stratification based on advanced imaging strategies. In light of a malignancy risk of 2% for branch-duct IPMN, the socio-economic necessity of a balance between surveillance and resection has to be agreed on.
On Pragmatism and Legal Idolatry: Fortress Europe and the Desertion of the Refugee
Authors: El-Enany Nadine
Published: February 2015

This article adopts a critical approach in analysing restriction as a response to the refugee in policy and legal scholarship. eu migration policy hinders territorial access and poses methodological and epistemological challenges to progressively minded policy-makers and researchers. Contesting migration control means, crudely, arguing for removing restrictions or accepting them and advocating incremental protection improvements. This choice creates three conditions resulting in the refugee’s desertion. First, “legal idolisers”, who cling to protective laws, overlooking their exclusive function and second, “pragmatist-realists”, who argue a realist approach to restriction is necessary to further protection. Consequently, the field becomes vulnerable to opportunistic research designed to be palatable to policy-makers. This creates, thirdly, a sinking ship for those arguing for the removal of restrictions. Mainstream scholarship and public debate paint migration control critics as adopting a “cuddle policy” towards “illegals” and abstract the migration discourse from structures of domination and questions of historical injustice.
The echr and the Protection of Irregular Migrants in the Social Sphere
Authors: Da Lomba Sylvie
Published: February 2015

For more than a decade, the Council of Europe has expressed deep concern over irregular migrants’ poor access to basic social rights. With this in mind, I consider the extent to which the European Convention on Human Rights can contribute to protect irregular migrants in the social sphere. To this end, I consider the role of international supervisory bodies in social rights adjudication and discuss the suitability of international adjudication as a means to uphold irregular migrants’ social rights. Having reached the conclusion that international adjudication can help protect irregular migrants’ social rights, I examine the ‘social dimension’ of the European Convention on Human Rights and the significance that the European Court of Human Rights attaches to immigration status. I posit that the importance that the Court attaches to resource and immigration policy considerations in N v. United Kingdom significantly constrains the ability of the European Convention on Human Rights to afford irregular migrants protection in the social sphere.
Public Policy and the Administrative Government of Unlawful Detention: The Landmark Case of Lumba and Mighty
Authors: Zartaloudis Thanos
Published: February 2015

This article critically analyses the landmark case of wl (Congo) 1 & 2 v. sshd; km (Jamaica) v. sshd [2011] uksc 12 (Lumba and Mighty) which examined whether certain breaches of public policy and law were capable of rendering unlawful the detention of foreign national prisoners pending their deportation under the Immigration Act 1971. The liability finding in this case is a welcome reminder of the critical role that the Courts can play in this field of litigation as well as the great difficulty within which they are placed. Yet the award of nominal damages not only dilutes the significance of the nature of liberty as a fundamental right, but forces the Court into having to read down its role along the lines of a managerial logic of immigration control which has increasingly displaced a principled approach to immigration law and policy.
Death Zones, Comfort Zones: Queering the Refugee Question
Authors: Bruce-Jones Eddie
Published: February 2015

Sexuality-based refugee claims constitute an expanding area of legal practice and scholarship. This expansion in the field of refugee law mirrors international efforts to address homophobia in various sites around the globe, and in legal terms, this has predominantly taken the form of rights-based protections, such as decriminalising same-sex sexual acts as a matter of civil and political rights. The strategies of addressing sex-, gender- and sexuality-based oppression in the context of free movement on one hand and constitutional protections on the other share a common set of tensions and dilemmas, and both risk re-inscribing fundamental aspects of the very violence that they each seek to address. This article asks what it might mean to “queer” refugee law, particularly in the context of its dynamic relationship with the discourse of decriminalisation. The article takes forward the centrality of sexual politics within the moral economy of migration regulation and attempts to approach it with the methodological impulse and transformative potential that “queer” suggests.
On the occurrence of Varanus nebulosus (Gray, 1831) (Squamata: Varanidae) on Riau Archipelago, Indonesia
Authors: ARIDA EVY , SETYAWATININGSIH SRI CATUR
Published: February 2015

The occurrence of Varanus nebulosus (Gray, 1831) on Sumatra still remains open for debates, while records are limited, especially those associated with a voucher specimen. The oldest record of V. nebulosus that is associated with a specimen, i.e. SMF 11554 is dated back to 1889 and presumably from Bengal (“Bengalen”), which now lies around Bangladesh. The specimen is kept at Senckenberg Museum Frankfurt (SMF) in Germany. We collected specimens from two islands in the Riau Archipelago, just west of Sumatra and provided new distribution data for this protected species of Monitor lizard in Indonesia. The two recent records represent populations of V. nebulosus other than those already known in the literature and are among the closest known occurrences to Sumatra. We suggest that islands in the Riau Archipelago might have been the stepping stones for a historical dispersal of this species from mainland Southeast Asia and Singapore.
Review of the genus Abiskomyia Edwards (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae), with description of new taxa from the Russian Far East and bordering territories
Authors: MAKARCHENKO EUGENYI A. , MAKARCHENKO MARINA A.
Published: February 2015

A systematic review of the genus Abiskomyia Edwards, 1937 is presented based on materials from the Russian Far East and bordering territories. Three new species: A. korbokhon sp. nov., A. levanidovi sp. nov., A. rivalis sp. nov. and one subspecies A. virgo orientalis subsp. nov. are described and figured. Emended generic diagnoses and keys to determination of adult males, pupae and fourth instar larvae of all known species and subspecies of the Abiskomyia of the Palaearctic region are provided.
A new species of Golinca Thomson (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae): first record of the genus for Brazil
Authors: VALOIS M. , SILVA F.
Published: February 2015

Golinca trevisani Valois & Silva, new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Trichiini: Incina) from Ouro Preto do Oeste, Rondônia, and Amazonas, Brazil is described, representing the first record of the genus Golinca for Brazil. Diagnosis, illustrations of key morphological characters, the first male genitalia description in the genus, and a key for identification of four species of Golinca are provided.
The Genesis of Mesovortices within a Real-Data Simulation of a Bow Echo System
Authors: Xu Xin , Xue Ming , Wang Yuan
Published: February 2015

The genesis of two mesovortices (MVs) within a real-data, convection-resolving simulation of the 8 May 2009 central U.S. bow echo system is studied. Both MVs form near the bow apex but differ distinctively in intensity, lifetime, and damage potential. The stronger and longer-lived mesovortex, MVa, stays near the bow apex where the system-scale rear-inflow jet (RIJ) is present. The descending RIJ produces strong downdrafts and surface convergence, which in turn induce strong vertical stretching and intensification of MVa into an intense mesovortex. In contrast, the weaker and shorter-lived mesovortex, MVb, gradually moves away from the bow apex, accompanied by localized convective-scale downdrafts.

Lagrangian circulation and vorticity budget analyses reveal that the vertical vorticity of MVs in general originate from the tilting of near-surface horizontal vorticity, which is mainly created via surface friction. The circulation of the material circuit that ends up to be a horizontal circuit at the foot of the MVs increases as the frictionally generated horizontal vortex tubes pass through the tilted material circuit (tilted following backward trajectories defining the material circuit) surface, especially in the final few minutes prior to mesovortex genesis. The tilted material circuit becomes horizontal at the MV foot, turning associated horizontal vorticity into vertical. The results show at least qualitatively that, in addition to baroclinicity, surface friction can also have significant contributions to the generation of low-level MVs, which was not considered in previous MV studies.
Comments on “The Tropospheric Land–Sea Warming Contrast as the Driver of Tropical Sea Level Pressure Changes”
Authors: Makarieva A. M. , Gorshkov V. G. , Nefiodov A. V. , Sheil D. , Nobre A. D. , Li B.-L.
Published: February 2015

In their paper “The tropospheric land–sea warming contrast as the driver of tropical sea level pressure changes,” Bayr and Dommenget proposed a simple model of temperature-driven air redistribution to quantify the ratio between changes of sea level pressure ps and mean tropospheric temperature Ta in the tropics. This model assumes that the height of the tropical troposphere is isobaric. Here problems with this model are identified. A revised relationship between ps and Ta is derived governed by two parameters—the isobaric and isothermal heights—rather than just one. Further insight is provided by the earlier model of Lindzen and Nigam, which was the first to use the concept of isobaric height to relate tropical ps to air temperature, and they did this by assuming that isobaric height is always around 3 km and isothermal height is likewise near constant. Observational data, presented here, show that neither of these heights is spatially universal nor does their mean values match previous assumptions. Analyses show that the ratio of the long-term changes in ps and Ta associated with land–sea temperature contrasts in a warming climate—the focus of Bayr and Dommenget’s work—is in fact determined by the corresponding ratio of spatial differences in the annual mean ps and Ta. The latter ratio, reflecting lower pressure at higher temperature, is significantly impacted by the meridional pressure and temperature differences. Considerations of isobaric heights are shown to be unable to predict either spatial or temporal variation in ps. As noted by Bayr and Dommenget, the role of moisture dynamics in generating sea level pressure variation remains in need of further theoretical investigations.
Sensitivity of Antarctic Circumpolar Current Transport and Eddy Activity to Wind Patterns in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Langlais Clothilde E. , Rintoul Stephen R. , Zika Jan D.
Published: February 2015

The Southern Hemisphere westerly winds have intensified in recent decades associated with a positive trend in the southern annular mode (SAM). However, the response of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) transport and eddy field to wind forcing remains a topic of debate. This study uses global eddy-permitting ocean circulation models driven with both idealized and realistic wind forcing to explore the response to interannual wind strengthening. The response of the barotropic and baroclinic transports and eddy field of the ACC is found to depend on the spatial pattern of the changes in wind forcing. In isolation, an enhancement of the westerlies over the ACC belt leads to an increase of both barotropic and baroclinic transport within the ACC envelope, with lagged enhancement of the eddy kinetic energy (EKE). In contrast, an increase in wind forcing near Antarctica drives a largely barotropic change in transport along closed f/H contours (“free mode”), with little change in eddy activity. Under realistic forcing, the interplay of the SAM and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influences the spatial distribution of the wind anomalies, in particular the partition between changes in the wind stress over the ACC and along f/H contours. This study finds that the occurrence of a negative or positive ENSO during a positive SAM can cancel or double the wind anomalies near Antarctica, altering the response of the ACC and its eddy field. While a negative ENSO and positive SAM favors an increase in EKE, a positive ENSO and positive SAM lead to barotropic transport changes and no eddy response.
The Role of Closed Gyres in Setting the Zonal Transport of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Authors: Nadeau Louis-Philippe , Ferrari Raffaele
Published: February 2015

Eddy-permitting simulations are used to show that basinlike gyres can be observed in the large-scale barotropic flow of a wind-driven channel with a meridional topographic ridge. This is confirmed using both two-layer quasigeostrophic and 25-level primitive equation models at high horizontal resolution. Comparing results from simulations with and without the topographic ridge, it is shown that the zonal baroclinic transport in the channel increases with increasing wind stress when the bottom topography is flat but not when there is a meridional ridge. The saturation of transport for increasing wind occurs in conjunction with the development of recirculating gyres in the large-scale barotropic streamfunction. This suggests that the total circulation can be thought of as a superposition of a gyre mode (which has zero circumpolar transport) and a free circumpolar mode (which contains all of the transport). Basinlike gyres arise in the channel because the topography steers the barotropic streamlines and supports a frictional boundary layer similar to the more familiar ones observed along western boundaries. The gyre mode is thus closely linked with the bottom form stress exerted by the along-ridge flow and provides the sink for the wind momentum input. In this framework, any increase in wind forcing spins a stronger gyre as opposed to feeding the circumpolar transport. This hypothesis is supported with a suite of experiments where key parameters are carried over a wide range: wind stress, wind stress curl, ridge height, channel length, and bottom friction.
Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme for Protecting the Survival of the Girl Child in Haryana: A Critique
Authors: Gaur Ruchi , Anand Sarita
Published: February 2015

The article explores the issue of the conditional cash transfers scheme for the girl child in Haryana. The beneficiary mothers and the persons involved in the implementation of the scheme were interviewed with the help of an in-depth interview guide to gather quantitative and qualitative data. It was found that though the scheme’s aim is to improve attitudes and create a favourable attitude towards the girl child, it has not been able to achieve the desired outcomes. Education and the upbringing of the girl child were not concerns of either parents or stakeholders responsible for implementing the scheme. The questions raised by the study are: when parents still want a male heir for their family, will governmental efforts succeed in stopping female foeticide, especially in the case of a third daughter?
Have Debates on Global Justice Ignored the Politics of Gender?
Authors: Padhee Anisha
Published: February 2015

Through this article, I will explore how international debates on peace and justice have used and abused gender politics, particularly with regard to women’s rights. Through an analysis of Catharine MacKinnon’s constructivist approach towards women’s rights and security, and Eleanor O’Gorman’s analysis of gender and conflict, I will attempt to discuss how discourses on war, peace and conflict have used the politics of gender and the manner in which debates over global justice have ignored and/or misused the politics of gender, with a case study of women militants in the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict. Finally, I will attempt to draw linkages between MacKinnon’s theory of consciousness-raising and feminist movements for integrationist policies on global justice, including UN conventions and resolutions, and their implementation. I will specifically explore how women are placed within international relations and human rights debates, and consequently, what roles nation-states play in defining the position of women and their rights within these discourses. Starting with an analysis of what global justice means, I will study three major areas—( a) the role of the state and women’s position within the international relations discourse with a case study analysis of US–Korea military relations and prostitution; ( b) the position of women’s rights within the human rights framework; and ( c) women’s role in war and the way it is constructed in wider debates of global justice. Additionally, I also contend through this article that the state is gendered, and it has a large role to play in affecting and changing the path of women’s rights within these discourses.
Book Review: Jyothsna Latha Belliappa, Gender, Class and Reflexive Modernity in India
Authors: Krishnaraj Maithreyi
Published: February 2015

Jyothsna Latha Belliappa, Gender, Class and Reflexive Modernity in India. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013. 184 pages. ₹ 5,874.
Book Review: Smita Tewari Jassal, Unearthing Gender: Folk Songs of North India
Authors: Raman Vasanthi
Published: February 2015

Smita Tewari Jassal, Unearthing Gender: Folk Songs of North India. Durham and London: Duke University Press, 2012. 296 pages. Price not stated.
Socio-economic Patterns in Inpatient Care Utilisation in India: Is the Income Effect Withering?
Authors: Ghosh Soumitra
Published: February 2015

Though a few studies are available with regard to socio-economic differentials in health care utilisation in India, no attempt has been made to understand the underlying decision-making process in health care utilisation. Therefore, in this article, an attempt is made to examine the utilisation of inpatient care in India, focusing on the socio-economic determinants of the extent of inpatient care use. The health care utilisation model adopted by Manning et al., (1987, American Economic Review, 77(3), 251–77), and Pohlmeier and Ulrich (1995, The Journal of Human Resources, 30(2), 339–61) was employed for studying the above objective. Cross-sectional data are taken from National Sample Survey Organization’s 60th round (2004) survey on ‘morbidity and health care’. While a two-part (double-hurdle) model is estimated for the frequency of hospitalisations, a zero-truncated negative binomial regression model is applied for the length of stay (LOS) in a hospital. The results suggest that controlling other factors, people from richer households were more likely to seek hospital admission and use inpatient care more frequently than their poorer counterparts, consistent with the supposition that rich people have greater access to health care. However, the analyses suggest that with respect to income, equity has been achieved for the LOS in the hospital for individuals suffering from various diseases. This means that income inequity exists at the time of hospital admission but once they are admitted, the duration of stay at hospital is no longer determined by their economic status. However, this requires careful interpretation because it is quite likely that poor people may have been forced to sell off assets or borrow money for meeting the cost of hospitalisation for longer duration of stay. The above argument is strengthened by the fact that when socio-economic status is measured by education, inequity continues to persist, with illiterates having longer LOSs in the hospital. The policy measure that the government could take to improve the access of quality health care services for the poor is to strengthening the public health system through enhanced investments in the National Health Mission.

JEL Classification: I140
Financial Knowledge and Behaviour of Working Adults in Malaysia
Authors: Loke Yiing Jia
Published: February 2015

Financial education is a key intervention strategy in improving consumers’ financial knowledge, but exogenous factors such as cultural differences and socio-economic factors can also affect the levels of financial knowledge. On using an ordered probit model on primary data comprising working adults in Malaysia, this study found that financial illiteracy cuts across gender and age but education, ethnicity, type of profession and the availability of government pension have significant effects on levels of financial knowledge. Furthermore, while most financial behaviour such as budgeting, investments and preparing for financial emergencies is significantly affected by levels of financial knowledge, being in financial distress is not affected by financial knowledge.

JEL Classification: D14, D91
How Stable is the Savings-led Growth Hypothesis in Malaysia? The Bootstrap Simulation and Recursive Causality Tests
Authors: Tang Chor Foon
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the vindication of the savings-led growth hypothesis for the Malaysian economy with the long-run TYDL version of the Granger causality test—Toda and Yamamoto (1995) and Dolado and Lütkepohl (1996). This study used the quarterly sample from 1970:Q1 to 2008:Q4. The recursive regression procedure will also incorporate into the TYDL causality test to measure the stability of the savings-led growth hypothesis in the long-run. Our empirical results support that the savings-led growth hypothesis is a long-run phenomenon and stable over time. Therefore, the Malaysian dataset supports the endogenous growth theory.

JEL Classification: C22, E21, O16
Pd(OAc)2-catalyzed Lactonization of Arylacetamides Involving Oxidation of C–H Bonds
Authors: Uemura Takeshi , Igarashi Takuya , Noguchi Moe , Shibata Kaname , Chatani Naoto
Published: February 2015

The reaction of arylacetamides that contain a quinolin-8-ylmethylamine as the directing group with PhI(OAc)2, in the presence of Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst, results in lactonization to give γ-lactones, the formation of which involves activation of the ortho C–H bonds, with concomitant cleavage of the directing group.
Generation of Arynes Using Trimethylsilylmethyl Grignard Reagent for Activation of ortho-Iodoaryl or ortho-Sulfinylaryl Triflates
Authors: Yoshida Suguru , Uchida Keisuke , Hosoya Takamitsu
Published: February 2015

The trimethylsilylmethyl Grignard reagent triggered efficient generation of arynes from various ortho-iodoaryl or ortho-sulfinylaryl triflates. The moderate nucleophilicity and basicity of the reagent facilitated efficient reactions between the aryne precursors and arynophiles containing organometallic nucleophile-sensitive functionalities.
Surface Treatment of the Compact TiO2 Layer for Efficient Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cojocaru Ludmila , Uchida Satoshi , Sanehira Yoshitaka , Nakazaki Jotaro , Kubo Takaya , Segawa Hiroshi
Published: February 2015

A compact TiO2 interlayer between fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and perovskite in planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells is essential for effective charge extraction and minimized recombination. The electrical property of the interface of the perovskite layer with the compact TiO2 layer is thus important for achieving high power conversion efficiency in the perovskite solar cells. The motivation for the present study was to improve cell performance by improving the property of the TiO2/perovskite interface. Interestingly, a remarkable enhancement in cell efficiency was achieved by treatment of the compact TiO2 layer with TiCl4 and UV(O3).