bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Phase of Calcium Scoring Scan Applied as the Center of Acquisition Window of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Improves Image Quality in Minimal Acquisition Window Scan (Target CTA Mode) Using the Second Generation 320-Row CT
Authors: Maeda Eriko , Yamamoto Kodai , Kanno Shigeaki , Ino Kenji , Tomizawa Nobuo , Akahane Masaaki , Torigoe Rumiko , Ohtomo Kuni
Published: February 2016

Objective.To compare the image quality of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) acquired under two conditions: 75% fixed as the acquisition window center (Group 75%) and the diagnostic phase for calcium scoring scan as the center (CS; Group CS).Methods.320-row cardiac CT with a minimal acquisition window (scanned using “Target CTA” mode) was performed on 81 patients. In Group 75% (n= 40), CS was obtained and reconstructed at 75% and the center of the CCTA acquisition window was set at 75%. In Group CS (n= 41), CS was obtained at 75% and the diagnostic phase showing minimal artifacts was applied as the center of the CCTA acquisition window. Image quality was evaluated using a four-point scale (4-excellent) and the mean scores were compared between groups.Results.The CCTA scan diagnostic phase occurred significantly earlier in CS (75.7 ± 3.2% vs. 73.6 ± 4.5% for Groups 75% and CS, resp.,p= 0.013). The mean Group CS image quality score (3.58 ± 0.63) was also higher than that for Group 75% (3.19 ± 0.66,p< 0.0001).Conclusions.The image quality of CCTA in Target CTA mode was significantly better when the center of acquisition window is adjusted using CS.
Pilot Study on Visual Function and Fundus Autofluorescence Assessment in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Calvo-Maroto Ana M. , Esteve-Taboada José J. , Pérez-Cambrodí Rafael J. , Madrid-Costa David , Cerviño Alejandro
Published: February 2016

Purpose. Evaluate optimized fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging in early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and relate findings with conventional colour fundus imaging and visual function in diabetic patients and control subjects.Materials and Methods. FAF and colour images were obtained using the CR-2 Plus digital nonmydriatic retinal camera in seven diabetic patients and thirteen control subjects. Visual-Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) and Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ) were used to assess the quality of life and diabetes self-care. Contrast sensitivity function (CSF) was evaluated with the Vistech 6500 chart.Results. FAF and optimized-FAF imaging showed more retinal alterations related to DR than colour imaging. In diabetic patients, compatible signs with microaneurysms, capillary dilations, and haemorrhages were less numerous in colour imaging than optimized-FAF and FAF imaging in areas analysed. Control subjects at risk of developing DM showed more retinal pigment epithelium defects than those without risk in all retinal areas. Significant differences were not found in VFQ-25 and CSF between diabetic patients and control subjects.Conclusions. FAF and optimized-FAF imaging showed significant alterations related to DR not observed in colour imaging. FAF and optimized-FAF images could be a useful complementary tool for detecting early alterations associated with the development and progression of DR.
A Core Set Based Large Vector-Angular Region and Margin Approach for Novelty Detection
Authors: Chen Jiusheng , Zhang Xiaoyu , Guo Kai
Published: February 2016

A large vector-angular region and margin (LARM) approach is presented for novelty detection based on imbalanced data. The key idea is to construct the largest vector-angular region in the feature space to separate normal training patterns; meanwhile, maximize the vector-angular margin between the surface of this optimal vector-angular region and abnormal training patterns. In order to improve the generalization performance of LARM, the vector-angular distribution is optimized by maximizing the vector-angular mean and minimizing the vector-angular variance, which separates the normal and abnormal examples well. However, the inherent computation of quadratic programming (QP) solver takesO(n3)training time and at leastO(n2)space, which might be computational prohibitive for large scale problems. By(1+ε)  and  (1-ε)-approximation algorithm, the core set based LARM algorithm is proposed for fast training LARM problem. Experimental results based on imbalanced datasets have validated the favorable efficiency of the proposed approach in novelty detection.
Propagation of Love-Type Wave in Porous Medium over an Orthotropic Semi-Infinite Medium with Rectangular Irregularity
Authors: Vaishnav Pramod Kumar , Kundu Santimoy , Gupta Shishir , Saha Anup
Published: February 2016

Propagation of Love-type wave in an initially stressed porous medium over a semi-infinite orthotropic medium with the irregular interface has been studied. The method of separation of variables has been adopted to get the dispersion relation of Love-type wave. The irregularity is assumed to be rectangular at the interface of the layer and half-space. Finally, the dispersion relation of Love wave has been obtained in classical form. The presence of porosity, irregularity, and initial stress in the dispersion equation approves the significant effect of these parameters in the propagation of Love-type waves in porous medium bounded below by an orthotropic half-space. The scientific effect of porosity, irregularity, and initial stress in the phase velocity of the Love-type wave propagation has been studied and shown graphically.
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Arising in Children and Adolescent Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Ultrasonographic and Pathologic Findings
Authors: Jeong Sun Hye , Hong Hyun Sook , Lee Eun Hye , Kwak Jeong Ja
Published: February 2016

Objectives. We compared the ultrasonography and pathology features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in pediatric and adolescents with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) with those of non-HT patients.Materials and Methods. Eleven patients who were surgically confirmed to have pediatric or adolescent PTC from 2006 to 2014 were included in this study. We retrospectively analyzed the preoperative ultrasonography and pathology features of PTC arising in HT and non-HT patients.Results. On ultrasonography, thyroid gland was lobulated and enlarged, with many scattered microcalcifications in four of five HT patients. Four of six non-HT patients had suspicious masses with calcifications. The diffuse sclerosing variant of PTC (DSVPTC) was found in three of five HT patients, but none in non-HT patients. Macroscopic or microscopic extrathyroidal extension was evident in all of the HT patients and four of the non-HT patients. Neck lymph node metastases were in all HT patients and five of non-HT patients.Conclusions. Three of five PTCs in pediatric and adolescent HT patients were DSVPTC, whereas all PTCs of the non-HT patients were classic type. On ultrasonography, thyroid gland was diffusely enlarged with scattered microcalcifications in four of five HT patients. All five HT cases had aggressive disease, including extrathyroidal extension and cervical lymph node metastases.
A Retained Bullet in Pericardial Sac: Penetrating Gunshot Injury of the Heart
Authors: Kaya Adnan , Caliskan Emine , Tatlisu Mustafa Adem , Hayiroglu Mert Ilker , Tekessin Ahmet Ilker , Cakilli Yasin , Avsar Sahin , Oz Ahmet , Uzman Osman
Published: February 2016

Penetrating cardiac trauma is rarely seen but when present there is a short time lag to keep the patients alive. Cardiac gunshot injuries are exceptional and it occurs mostly during interpersonal disagreements casualties or a mistakenly fired gun nowadays. Here we present a case of cardiac gunshot injury from the war of Kobani, Syria. The patient was mistakenly diagnosed to have a sole bullet in the left shoulder while he had a penetrating cardiac trauma with a bullet in the heart and pericardial effusion possibly giving rise to pericardial tamponade. Luckily the cardiac gunshot injury was noticed one day later and the patient was referred to a tertiary hospital. Intrapericardial bullet was conservatively followed up. The patient was discharged one week later after resection of the bullet in the shoulder.
Temporal Analyses of the Response of Intervertebral Disc Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Nutrient Deprivation
Authors: Turner Sarah A. , Wright Karina T. , Jones Philip N. , Balain Birender , Roberts Sally
Published: February 2016

Much emphasis has been placed recently on the repair of degenerate discs using implanted cells, such as disc cells or bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This study examines the temporal response of bovine and human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and MSCs cultured in monolayer following exposure to altered levels of glucose (0, 3.15, and 4.5 g/L) and foetal bovine serum (0, 10, and 20%) using an automated time‐lapse imaging system. NP cells were also exposed to the cell death inducers, hydrogen peroxide and staurosporine, in comparison to serum starvation. We have demonstrated that human NP cells show an initial “shock” response to reduced nutrition (glucose). However, as time progresses, NP cells supplemented with serum recover with minimal evidence of cell death. Human NP cells show no evidence of proliferation in response to nutrient supplementation, whereas MSCs showed greater response to increased nutrition. When specifically inducing NP cell death with hydrogen peroxide and staurosporine, as expected, the cell number declined. These results support the concept that implanted NP cells or MSCs may be capable of survival in the nutrient‐poor environment of the degenerate human disc, which has important clinical implications for the development of IVD cell therapies.
Cement Stabilized Soil Blocks Admixed with Sugarcane Bagasse Ash
Authors: James Jijo , Pandian P. Kasinatha , Deepika K. , Manikanda Venkatesh J. , Manikandan V. , Manikumaran P.
Published: February 2016

The study involved investigating the performance of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) stabilized soil blocks amended with sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA). Locally available soil was tested for its properties and characterized as clay of medium plasticity. This soil was stabilized using 4% and 10% OPC for manufacture of blocks of size 19 cm × 9 cm × 9 cm. The blocks were admixed with 4%, 6%, and 8% SBA by weight of dry soil during casting, with plain OPC stabilized blocks acting as control. All blocks were cast to one target density and water content followed by moist curing for a period of 28 days. They were then subjected to compressive strength, water absorption, and efflorescence tests in accordance with Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) specifications. The results of the tests indicated that OPC stabilization resulted in blocks that met the specifications of BIS. Addition of SBA increased the compressive strength of the blocks and slightly increased the water absorption but still met the standard requirement of BIS code. It is concluded that addition of SBA to OPC in stabilized block manufacture was capable of producing stabilized blocks at reduced OPC content that met the minimum required standards.
Advancements in RNASeqGUI towards a Reproducible Analysis of RNA-Seq Experiments
Authors: Russo Francesco , Righelli Dario , Angelini Claudia
Published: February 2016

We present the advancements and novelties recently introduced in RNASeqGUI, a graphical user interface that helps biologists to handle and analyse large data collected in RNA-Seq experiments. This work focuses on the concept ofreproducible researchand shows how it has been incorporated in RNASeqGUI to provide reproducible (computational) results. The novel version of RNASeqGUI combines graphical interfaces with tools for reproducible research, such as literate statistical programming, human readable report, parallel executions, caching, and interactive and web-explorable tables of results. These features allow the user to analyse big datasets in a fast, efficient, and reproducible way. Moreover, this paper represents a proof of concept, showing a simple way to develop computational tools for Life Science in the spirit of reproducible research.
Dirichlet Problem for Complex Poisson Equation in a Half Hexagon Domain
Authors: Shupeyeva Bibinur
Published: February 2016

The parqueting-reflection method is applied to a nonregular domain and the harmonic Green function for the half hexagon is constructed. The related Dirichlet problem for the Poisson equation is solved explicitly.
Template Transfer Nanoimprint for Uniform Nanopores and Nanopoles
Authors: Li Jianjun , Zhang Weiwei , Song Yujun , Yin Weiting , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2016

A new methodology is developed for the fabrication of nanostructures on substrate based on anodized Al2O3(AAO) porous template transfer process. It includes (1) forming amorphous alloy, negative UV-resist resin (i.e., SU-8), or PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) plate nanorod arrays by hot-press molding amorphous alloy, negative UV-resist resin (i.e., SU-8), or PMMA plate into the anodized Al2O3porous substrates; (2) removing AAO templates by chemical etching process after suitable posttreatment (annealing and/or irradiation) to improve the mechanical strength of the nanorod arrays; (3) reforming nanopore films by hot-embossing the nanorod arrays into a thin layer of polymer film on substrates (e.g., silica); (4) cleaning the bottom residues in pores of the films by oxygen plasmon. The results indicate that the diameters of amorphous alloy (or negative UV-resist resin or PMMA) nanorod arrays can be ranged from 32 nm to 200 nm. The diameters of the imprinted ILR-1050 photoresist nanopores are about 94.5 ± 12.2 nm and the diameters of the imprinted or SU-8 resin on glass slides nanopores are about 207 ± 26.4 nm, which inherit the diameters of AAO templates. This methodology provides a general method to fabricate nanorods arrays and/or thin nanopore films by template transfer nanoimprint process.
Hypoxic Signaling and the Cellular Redox Tumor Environment Determine Sensitivity to MTH1 Inhibition
Authors: Bräutigam Lars , Pudelko Linda , Jemth Ann-Sofie , Gad Helge , Narwal Mohit , Gustafsson Robert , Karsten Stella , Carreras Puigvert Jordi , Homan Evert , Berndt Carsten , Berglund Ulrika Warpman , Stenmark Pål , Helleday Thomas
Published: February 2016

Cancer cells are commonly in a state of redox imbalance that drives their growth and survival. To compensate for oxidative stress induced by the tumor redox environment, cancer cells upregulate specific nononcogenic addiction enzymes, such as MTH1 (NUDT1), which detoxifies oxidized nucleotides. Here, we show that increasing oxidative stress in nonmalignant cells induced their sensitization to the effects of MTH1 inhibition, whereas decreasing oxidative pressure in cancer cells protected against inhibition. Furthermore, we purified zebrafish MTH1 and solved the crystal structure of MTH1 bound to its inhibitor, highlighting the zebrafish as a relevant tool to study MTH1 biology. Delivery of 8-oxo-dGTP and 2-OH-dATP to zebrafish embryos was highly toxic in the absence of MTH1 activity. Moreover, chemically or genetically mimicking activated hypoxia signaling in zebrafish revealed that pathologic upregulation of the HIF1α response, often observed in cancer and linked to poor prognosis, sensitized embryos to MTH1 inhibition. Using a transgenic zebrafish line, in which the cellular redox status can be monitored in vivo, we detected an increase in oxidative pressure upon activation of hypoxic signaling. Pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine protected embryos with activated hypoxia signaling against MTH1 inhibition, suggesting that the aberrant redox environment likely causes sensitization. In summary, MTH1 inhibition may offer a general approach to treat cancers characterized by deregulated hypoxia signaling or redox imbalance. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2366–75. ©2016 AACR.
SIRT6 Overexpression Potentiates Apoptosis Evasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via BCL2-Associated X Protein–Dependent Apoptotic Pathway
Authors: Ran Long-Kuan , Chen Yong , Zhang Zhen-Zhen , Tao Na-Na , Ren Ji-Hua , Zhou Li , Tang Hua , Chen Xiang , Chen Ke , Li Wan-Yu , Huang Ai-Long , Chen Juan
Published: February 2016

Purpose: To characterize the functional role of SIRT6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Experimental Design: The expression of SIRT6 in 60 paired paraffin-embedded HCC tissues and adjacent nontumoral liver tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry. The expression of SIRT6 in 101 paired frozen HCC tissues and adjacent nontumoral liver tissues was analyzed by Western blotting analysis and qPCR. The biologic consequences of overexpression and knockdown of SIRT6 in HCC cell lines were studied in vitro and in vivo.

Results: SIRT6 expression was frequently upregulated in clinical HCC samples, and its expression was highly associated with tumor grade (P = 0.02), tumor size (P = 0.02), vascular invasion (P = 0.004), and shorter survival (P = 0.024). Depletion of SIRT6 from multiple liver cancer cell lines inhibited their growth and induced apoptosis in vitro. At the molecular level, we observed that the activation of the BCL2-associated X protein (Bax) signaling pathway, a major pathway that determines cancer cell apoptosis, is regulated by SIRT6 via its deacetylase activity. SIRT6 was recruited to the promoter of Bax, where it deacetylated histone 3 lysine 9 and suppressed its promoter activity. Binding of transcription factors (p53 and E2F-1) to Bax promoter was also generally increased in SIRT6-depleted cells. In mouse xenografts, SIRT6 suppression inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis. Finally, there is a negative correlation between SIRT6 and Bax mRNA expressions in human HCC samples.

Conclusions: SIRT6 is an important protumorigenic factor in liver carcinogenesis. Thus, the therapeutic targeting of SIRT6 may offer options for HCC treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3372–82. ©2016 AACR.
PlGF/VEGFR-1 Signaling Promotes Macrophage Polarization and Accelerated Tumor Progression in Obesity
Authors: Incio Joao , Tam Josh , Rahbari Nuh N. , Suboj Priya , McManus Dan T. , Chin Shan M. , Vardam Trupti D. , Batista Ana , Babykutty Suboj , Jung Keehoon , Khachatryan Anna , Hato Tai , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Krop Ian E. , Puchner Stefan B. , Schlett Christopher L. , Hoffmman Udo , Ancukiewicz Marek , Shibuya Masabumi , Carmeliet Peter , Soares Raquel , Duda Dan G. , Jain Rakesh K. , Fukumura Dai
Published: February 2016

Purpose: Obesity promotes pancreatic and breast cancer progression via mechanisms that are poorly understood. Although obesity is associated with increased systemic levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), the role of PlGF in obesity-induced tumor progression is not known. PlGF and its receptor VEGFR-1 have been shown to modulate tumor angiogenesis and promote tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) recruitment and activity. Here, we hypothesized that increased activity of PlGF/VEGFR-1 signaling mediates obesity-induced tumor progression by augmenting tumor angiogenesis and TAM recruitment/activity.

Experimental Design: We established diet-induced obese mouse models of wild-type C57BL/6, VEGFR-1 tyrosine kinase (TK)-null, or PlGF-null mice, and evaluated the role of PlGF/VEGFR-1 signaling in pancreatic and breast cancer mouse models and in human samples.

Results: We found that obesity increased TAM infiltration, tumor growth, and metastasis in pancreatic cancers, without affecting vessel density. Ablation of VEGFR-1 signaling prevented obesity-induced tumor progression and shifted the tumor immune environment toward an antitumor phenotype. Similar findings were observed in a breast cancer model. Obesity was associated with increased systemic PlGF, but not VEGF-A or VEGF-B, in pancreatic and breast cancer patients and in various mouse models of these cancers. Ablation of PlGF phenocopied the effects of VEGFR-1-TK deletion on tumors in obese mice. PlGF/VEGFR-1-TK deletion prevented weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet, but exacerbated hyperinsulinemia. Addition of metformin not only normalized insulin levels but also enhanced antitumor immunity.

Conclusions: Targeting PlGF/VEGFR-1 signaling reprograms the tumor immune microenvironment and inhibits obesity-induced acceleration of tumor progression. Clin Cancer Res; 22(12); 2993–3004. ©2016 AACR.
Renal Effects and Carcinogenicity of Occupational Exposure to Uranium: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Stammler Leonhard , Uhl Andreas , Mayer Benjamin , Keller Frieder
Published: February 2016

Purpose: Uranium is a heavy metal with alpha radioactivity. We state the hypothesis that uranium exposure is harmful to human kidneys and carcinogenic to body tissues. Therefore, we review epidemiological studies from people with known long-lasting uranium exposure. Materials and Methods: Three meta-analyses are performed using clinical studies published in the PubMed database and applying RevMan 5.3 from the Cochrane Collaboration to calculate the outcome. The first two meta-analyses examine the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and the standardized incidence ratio for any cancers of uranium workers who were operating in areas ranging from uranium processing to the assembly of final uranium products. The third meta-analysis evaluates the nephrotoxic risk in uranium workers as well as soldiers and of individuals with exposure to drinking water containing uranium. Results: Overall and contrasting to our hypothesis, the tumor risk is significantly lower for uranium workers than for control groups (SMR = 0.90 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.84 to 0.96). In addition and also contrasting to our hypothesis, the risk of nephrotoxicity is not increased either. This holds for both the incidence and the mortality due to renal cell carcinoma or due to acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. In contrast, a significantly better creatinine clearance is found for the uranium cohort as compared to the control groups (mean difference = 7.66 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.12 to 15.2). Conclusion: Our hypothesis that a chronic uranium exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality or of kidney failure is refuted by clinical data. The decreased risk may result from better medical surveillance of uranium workers.
The Utility of Core Needle Biopsy and Fine-Needle Aspiration in the Workup of Tumors of Suspected Müllerian Origin
Authors: Crumley Suzanne , Okoye Ekene , Deavers Michael , Coffey Donna
Published: February 2016

Objectives: Core needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for tumors of suspected Müllerian origin may prevent unnecessary laparotomies and allow patients the benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. An assessment of the utility and limitations of CNB/FNA, with incorporation of current immunohistochemistry, is needed. Study Design: Two hundred nineteen female patients with CNB/FNA of the omentum, pelvis, abdomen, adnexa, ovary, uterus, and fallopian tube were identified. From these, 30 consecutive CNB/FNA with corresponding surgical resection were reviewed to assess diagnostic agreement and identify potential diagnostic pitfalls. Results: The most frequent diagnosis overall was adenocarcinoma (96/219; 43.8%), most commonly adenocarcinoma of gynecologic origin (65/219; 30%). Nondiagnostic or unsatisfactory material was present in a minority of cases (10/219; 5%). In the 30 CNB/FNA cases examined for diagnostic agreement with surgical resection, 24 (80%) had exact or essential agreement with the final diagnosis. Of the 23 cases that were positive and/or suspicious on cytology, 18 (78%) had neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation treatment prior to surgical resection. Conclusions: The majority of CNB/FNA for tumors of suspected Müllerian origin are diagnostic, correlate with the surgical resection, and contribute to management. A standard diagnostic algorithm is suggested.
Prestroke Antiplatelet Agents in First-Time Ischemic Stroke Are Related to Subtypes
Authors: Jung Jin-Man , Cha Jaehyung , Choi Jungsoon , Eun Mi-Yeon , Seo Woo-Keun , Oh Kyungmi , Cho Kyung-Hee , Yu Sungwook
Published: February 2016

Background: It is not well known whether prestroke antiplatelet agents (PAs) are associated with the subtypes of ischemic stroke. Methods: We screened patients in a hospital-based stroke registry. Patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of first-time ischemic stroke within 5 days of symptom onset were included. Ischemic stroke subtypes were classified in accordance with the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification based on stroke mechanism: large-artery atherosclerosis (LA), cardioembolism (CE), small vessel occlusion (SVO), other determined (OC) or undetermined causes (UC). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of PA on stroke subtypes before and after propensity score matching. Results: Among 3,025 patients, 748 (24.7%) were taking antiplatelet agents prior to stroke. After propensity score matching, 1,190 patients were ultimately included. The PA group was associated with strokes caused by SVO rather than LA in multinomial logistic regression of an unmatched dataset. However, multivariable analysis after propensity score matching demonstrated that PA use was associated with a higher probability of SVO and CE (OR 2.05, p < 0.001 and OR 1.62, p = 0.05, respectively) compared with LA. Conclusions: PAs were associated with specific index stroke subtypes.
­Molecular identification of Audouinella-like species (Rhodophyta) from China based on three short DNA fragments
Authors: Nan Fangru , Feng Jia , Han Xiaojing , Lv Junping , Liu Qi , Xie Shulian
Published: February 2016

Four algal specimens with morphological resemblance to Audouinella were collected in China, both bluish and reddish thalli included. Because of the taxonomic obscurity of the acrochaetioid lineage, a molecular phylogenetic analysis was performed to verify the phylogenetic position of these specimens based on three short DNA fragments including psbA, UPA and COI-5P. Molecular sequences were analyzed by neighbor-joining, maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and NeighborNet methods. Phylogenetic relationships based on three DNA fragments were consistent in that the four Audouinella-like thalli clustered together with Thorea hispida (Thore) Desvaux with strong support. The four specimens morphologically similar to Audouinella were concluded to represent the chantransia stage of Thoreales based on molecular trees. The reddish specimen shared no sequence divergence with the bluish ones. For identification of freshwater Audouinellla, criteria of thallus color must be used with caution and molecular tool-assisted analysis are essential. The formerly established new species Audouinella heterospora S.L.Xie & Y.J.Ling was inferred to be synonymous with the chantransia stage of T. hispida. The three DNA molecular markers demonstrated to be effective to ascertain the phylogenetic position of acrochaetioid algae specimens, and to delineate other freshwater Rhodophyta.
A striking new species of Harpalyce (Leguminosae, Brongniartieae) from highland cerrado of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: São-Mateus Wallace Messias Barbosa , Cardoso Domingos Benício Oliveira Silva , Queiroz Luciano Paganucci de , Jardim Jomar Gomes
Published: February 2016

Harpalyce magnibracteata is described and illustrated as a new species of the tribe Brongniartieae (Papilionoideae, Leguminosae). It is chiefly diagnosed by the unique combination of persistently attached, large leaf-like amplexicaul bracts measuring 1.2‒2.3 × 1.2‒2.3 cm, features that do not match with any other species of the genus. The new species grows as a small shrub in upland patches of savanna vegetation on gravelly soils of the mountains of Chapada Diamantina.
Bridging the gap between chewing and sucking in the hemipteroid insects:
new insights from Cretaceous amber
Authors: YOSHIZAWA KAZUNORI , LIENHARD CHARLES
Published: February 2016

The diversity of feeding apparatuses in insects far exceeds that observed in any other animal group. Consequently, tracking mouthpart innovation in insects is one of the keys toward understanding their diversification. In hemipteroid insects (clade Paraneoptera or Acercaria: lice, thrips, aphids, cicadas, bugs, etc.), the transition from chewing to piercing-and-sucking mouthparts is widely regarded as the turning point that enabled hyperdiversification of the Hemiptera, the fifth largest insect order. However, the transitional process from chewing to piercing-and-sucking in the Paraneoptera was hitherto completely unknown. In this paper, we report a well preserved mid Cretaceous amber fossil of the paraneopteran insect family Archipsyllidae and describe it as Mydiognathus eviohlhoffae gen. et sp. n. This species has elongate mandibles and styliform laciniae similar to Hemiptera but retains functional chewing mouthparts. A number of morphological characters place the Archipsyllidae as the sister group of the thrips plus hemipterans, which strongly suggests that the mouthparts of M. eviohlhoffae represent a transitional condition from primitive chewing to derived piercing-and-sucking mouthparts. The clade composed of Archipsyllidae, thrips, and hemipterans is here named Pancondylognatha, a new supra-ordinal taxon. Based on newly obtained information, we also assess the monophyly of the Paraneoptera, which was called into question by recent phylogenomic analyses. A phylogenetic analysis that includes Mydiognathus strongly supports the monophyly of the Paraneoptera.
Large branchiopod (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) egg morphology of Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India
Authors: PADHYE SAMEER , TIMMS BRIAN , GHATE HEMANT V.
Published: February 2016

The eggs of many large branchiopods have taxonomic value and are commonly used as traits in species and/or generic descriptions. In this paper we present detailed descriptions and SEMs of resting eggs of seven of the eight species of large branchiopods found in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. We highlight the inter- and intrapopulation egg morphological variation in Streptocephalus.
Fostering a Collaborative Atmospheric Chemistry Research Community in the Latin America and Caribbean Region
Authors: Andrade-Flores Marcos , Rojas Nestor , Melamed Megan L. , Mayol-Bracero Olga L. , Grutter Michel , Dawidowski Laura , Antuña-Marrero Juan Carlos , Rudamas Carlos , Gallardo Laura , Mamani-Paco Ruben , Andrade Maria de Fatima , Huneeus Nicolas
Published: February 2016

In 2013, the international Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution (iCACGP) and the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) Project Americas Working Group (iCACGP/IGAC AWG) was formed to build a cohesive network and foster the next generation of atmospheric scientists with the goal of contributing to a scientific community focused on building collective knowledge for the Americas. The Latin America–Caribbean (LAC) region shares common history, culture, and socioeconomic issues but, at the same time, it is highly diverse in its physical and human geography. The LAC region is unique because approximately 80% of its population lives in urban areas, resulting in high-density hotspots of urbanization and vast unpopulated rural areas. In recent years, most countries of the region have experienced rapid growth in population and industrialization as their economies emerge. The rapid urbanization, the associated increases in mobile and industrial sources, and the growth of the agricultural activities related to biomass burning have degraded air quality in certain areas of the LAC region. Air pollution has negative implications for human health, ecosystems, and climate. In addition, air pollution and the warming caused by greenhouse gases could impact the melting of Andean glaciers, an important source of freshwater. To better understand the links between air pollution and climate, it is necessary to increase the number of atmospheric scientists and improve our observational, analytical, and modeling capacities. This requires sustained and prioritized funding as well as stronger collaboration within the LAC region.
Improvements to the WRF Seasonal Hindcasts over South Africa by Bias Correcting the Driving SINTEX-F2v CGCM Fields
Authors: Ratnam J. V. , Behera Swadhin K. , Doi Takeshi , Ratna Satyban B. , Landman Willem A.
Published: February 2016

In an attempt to improve the forecast skill of the austral summer precipitation over South Africa, an ensemble of 1-month-lead seasonal hindcasts generated by the Scale Interaction Experiment–Frontier Research Center for Global Change (SINTEX-F2v) coupled global circulation model is downscaled using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The WRF Model with two-way interacting domains at horizontal resolutions of 27 and 9 km is used in the study. Evaluation of the deterministic skill score using the anomaly correlation coefficients shows that SINTEX-F2v has significant skill in precipitation forecasts confined to western regions of South Africa. Dynamical downscaling of SINTEX-F2v forecasts using the WRF Model is found to further improve the skill scores over South Africa. However, larger improvements in the skill scores are achieved when the WRF Model is forced by a form of bias-corrected SINTEX-F2v forecasts. The systematic biases in the original fields of the SITNEX-F2v forecasts are removed by superimposing the SINTEX-F2v 6-hourly anomalies over the ERA-Interim 6-hourly climatological fields. The WRF Model forced by the bias-corrected SINTEX-F2v shows significant skill in the forecast anomalies of precipitation over most parts of South Africa. Interestingly, the WRF Model runs with the bias correction did not help to improve the SINTEX-F2v forecast of 2-m air temperatures. Perhaps this is because of the large biases in the precipitation forecast by the WRF Model driven by the bias-corrected SINTEX-F2v. These results are important for potentially improving seasonal forecasts over South Africa.
Enhanced Diapycnal Diffusivity in Intrusive Regions of the Drake Passage
Authors: Merrifield Sophia T. , Laurent Louis St. , Owens Breck , Thurnherr Andreas M. , Toole John M.
Published: February 2016

Direct measurements of oceanic turbulent parameters were taken upstream of and across Drake Passage, in the region of the Subantarctic and Polar Fronts. Values of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate ε estimated by microstructure are up to two orders of magnitude lower than previously published estimates in the upper 1000 m. Turbulence levels in Drake Passage are systematically higher than values upstream, regardless of season. The dissipation of thermal variance χ is enhanced at middepth throughout the surveys, with the highest values found in northern Drake Passage, where water mass variability is the most pronounced. Using the density ratio, evidence for double-diffusive instability is presented. Subject to double-diffusive physics, the estimates of diffusivity using the Osborn–Cox method are larger than ensemble statistics based on ε and the buoyancy frequency.
Understanding Knowledge Workers’ Interactions With Workplace Greenspace
Authors: Colley Kathryn , Brown Caroline , Montarzino Alicia
Published: February 2016

Growing evidence suggests that work breaks in greenspace may promote the well-being of knowledge-sector workers, yet understanding of person–environment interactions in relation to the outdoor setting of workplaces is underdeveloped. This study investigated relationships between individual factors and both employees’ use of workplace greenspace and the restoration outcomes they experienced from outdoor work breaks, through a questionnaire survey ( N = 366) of employees at five urban-fringe science park business sites. A series of regression models suggested that job stress was positively related to levels of greenspace use and restoration benefits; however, the restoration reported by users varied depending on the social context of use. At the same time, key groups less engaged with the greenspace were identified. Finally, the analysis suggests that although some work-related factors may influence person–environment interactions in this context, individuals’ relationship with greenspace appears to transcend the domains of work and home/leisure to a large degree.
Injection anaesthesia with fentanyl–midazolam–medetomidine in adult female mice: importance of antagonization and perioperative care
Authors: Fleischmann Thea , Jirkof Paulin , Henke Julia , Arras Margarete , Cesarovic Nikola
Published: February 2016

Injection anaesthesia is commonly used in laboratory mice; however, a disadvantage is that post-anaesthesia recovery phases are long. Here, we investigated the potential for shortening the recovery phase after injection anaesthesia with fentanyl–midazolam–medetomidine by antagonization with naloxone–flumazenil–atipamezole. In order to monitor side-effects, the depth of anaesthesia, heart rate (HR), core body temperature (BT) and concentration of blood gases, as well as reflex responses, were assessed during a 50 min anaesthesia. Mice were allowed to recover from the anaesthesia in their home cages either with or without antagonization, while HR, core BT and spontaneous home cage behaviours were recorded for 24 h. Mice lost righting reflex at 330 ± 47 s after intraperitoneal injection of fentanyl–midazolam–medetomidine. During anaesthesia, HR averaged 225 ± 23 beats/min, respiratory rate and core BT reached steady state at 131 ± 15 breaths/min and 34.3 ± 0.25℃, respectively. Positive pedal withdrawal reflex, movement triggered by tail pinch and by toe pinch, still occurred in 25%, 31.2% and 100% of animals, respectively. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed acidosis, hypoxia, hypercapnia and a marked increase in glucose concentration. After anaesthesia reversal by injection with naloxone–flumazenil–atipamezole, animals regained consciousness after 110 ± 18 s and swiftly returned to physiological baseline values, yet they displayed diminished levels of locomotion and disrupted circadian rhythm. Without antagonization, mice showed marked hypothermia (22 ± 1.9℃) and bradycardia (119 ± 69 beats/min) for several hours. Fentanyl–midazolam–medetomidine provided reliable anaesthesia in mice with reasonable intra-anaesthetic side-effects. Post-anaesthetic period and related adverse effects were both reduced substantially by antagonization with naloxone–flumazenil–atipamezole.
A theology of partnership in a globalized world
Authors: Fernandez Eleazar S.
Published: February 2016

God has initiated and has continued to be in partnership with humans and the rest of creation. Christians have known this partnership in the particular shape of God’s mission in Christ. Christian unity in Christ and unity in mission are the foundations of this partnership. The history of Christian mission is full of examples of this partnership, sometimes falling short or missing the mark of God’s embodiment of Christ and, at other times, contributing to the work of making the gospel become real in the lives of communities. This article continues the conversation with the hope that it contributes a critical perspective to the discourse. To carry out this task, I will weave together the theological framing and the contextual setting in order to drive home the main points of my theology of partnership in a globalized world—a theology which, I hope, would inform or guide policies and programmatic expressions of partnering churches.
Mutuality in mission
Authors: Kolimon Mery
Published: February 2016

The Christian church exists in the world because of God’s mission ( Missio Dei), that is God’s plan and action for world salvation. The churches around the world today must understand that their relation in the past, including their involvement in God’s mission, has many times been characterized by hierarchical perspectives and should be transformed to a more mutual one. This article affirms the need for mutuality in doing mission by exploring some Christian theological concepts as koinonia and perchoresis. In addition, it also reflects on the concept of mutuality from the perspective of Meto people in West Timor, Indonesia.
“Partnership” and “solidarity” Their meanings in a Middle Eastern context
Authors: Jarjour Riad , Diab Issa
Published: February 2016

Where do Christians and Christianity stand in today’s Middle East? How does their situation affect North American Christians and why would their cause be of concern for the latter? What makes partnership and solidarity between Middle Eastern and North American churches of utmost importance? And how can a genuine partnership that would be of mutual benefit be launched in a way that would help Middle Eastern Christians maintain their presence in their homelands and North American Christians contribute to the preservation of their heritage? The article establishes a historical overview of Christianity in the Middle East, as well as an overall picture of the status of Christians in light of the latest developments in the region. In addition, it puts forward practical steps for a more-than-ever vital partnership between Middle Eastern and North American churches in order to face the common challenges, serve the common cause, and save the common Christian heritage—and hence the common future of Christianity.
Lies, Myths, Stock Stories, and Other Tropes
Authors: Donnor Jamel K.
Published: February 2016

Despite being academically unqualified for admission to the University of Texas at Austin, Abigail Fisher, a White female, argued that she was not admitted due to the university’s diversity policy. In addition to framing post-secondary admissions as a zero-sum phenomenon, Ms. Fisher intentionally framed students of color who are admitted to the University of Texas at Austin as academically unqualified. The purpose of this article is to examine Ms. Fisher’s arguments against the University of Texas’s diversity policy as presented in Fisher v. University of Texas from a critical race theoretical perspective. In addition to obfuscating the fact that admission to the top colleges and universities in the United States has become more competitive, Ms. Fisher’s anti-diversity arguments also are consistent with a racial ideology and socially conservative agenda that frames people of color as undeserving of the opportunities traditionally associated with White people. The goal of this article is to not only situate Fisher v. University of Texas as a strategic project of Whiteness, but to also discuss what critical race theory can still teach scholars and researchers concerned with understanding race in education.
Sex and the transnational city: Chinese sex workers in the West African city of Douala
Authors: Ndjio Basile
Published: February 2016

The present paper deals with Chinese transnational sex labour migration in the city of Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon and the country’s major city. Based on ethnographic research conducted in the prostitution milieu of Douala between 2008 and 2012, and on information collected from both scholarly and popular literature, this contribution shows how the development in this African city of what can be called Chinese sexoscapes has induced the reconfiguration of the local geography of commercialised sex work, which for so long was dominated by native sex workers. The paper also demonstrates how many disgruntled Duala sex workers dealt with the so-called Chinese sex invasion of their city by relocating their business to popular entertainment areas commonly characterised in Cameroon as rue de la joie (street of enjoyment). The research argues that this local geography of sexualities has become a site for asserting ethnic, racial or national identity, and especially a space of both inclusion of people profiled as autochthon populations and the exclusion of those branded foreigners.
Commentary: From capital landing to urban anchoring: The negotiated city
Authors: Theurillat Thierry , Vera-Büchel Nelson , Crevoisier Olivier
Published: February 2016

This commentary article proposes three ideal types of ‘anchoring of finance capital into the city’, i.e. the way in which capital, as it is valued in financial markets, is transformed into real capital and vice versa. Some contexts will allow market finance s visions of the city to become reality without great alteration, and this produces the ‘financialised city’. In this case, the value of the city corresponds to trading on the financial markets and largely depends on the financial operators’ comparative and mimetic criteria. Second, the ‘entrepreneurial city’ corresponds to a tangible and localised vision of the city, outside the trading rooms. This requires interactions between intermediary and allied actors so that urban value can be translated into real profits and tangible urban objectives while mobilising market finance. Third, some contexts may promote debate, the creation of interdependencies and the genesis of multiple externalities, particularly around major urban development projects. This is what we call the ‘negotiated city’. Here, urban value depends much more directly, and more exclusively, on more or less complementary interactions between local and non-local actors, users, consumers, public actors, tourists, etc.
Monitoring Development through GIS Visualisation
Authors: Singh Rajarshi
Published: February 2016

Empowerment often refers to the equitable control over available resources. Once empowered, those at the bottom of the ladder have the freedom of choice and of social action. Although any social engineering programme devoted to inequality at the village level seems daunting at first, this study shows that information technology provides the necessary tools to tackle such a challenge. An example of the nutrition and health monitoring system of mother–child dyads from the Attappadi Block in Kerala’s Palakkad district is presented as a case study. It shows that targeted solutions for poverty reduction and development are achievable through the marriage of community participation, political will and user-friendly technology. The article demonstrates that the planning, monitoring and evaluation of any development effort must create provisions to hear the voices of the most vulnerable. Information communication tools (ICT) utilising the geographic information system (GIS)-backed management information system (MIS) provides such a platform.
Book Review: Nayantara Sahgal (Ed.), Nehru’s India: Essays on the Maker of a Nation
Authors: Mukherjee Rudrangshu
Published: February 2016

Nayantara Sahgal (Ed.), Nehru’s India: Essays on the Maker of a Nation, New Delhi, Speaking Tiger, 2015, 192 pp., ₹ 299, ISBN: 978-9385288265.
Book Review: Amartya Sen, The Country of First Boys and Other Essays
Authors: Sengupta Amit
Published: February 2016

Amartya Sen, The Country of First Boys and Other Essays, New Delhi, The Little Magazine and Oxford University Press, 2015, 328 pp., ₹ 550, ISBN: 978-0-19-873818-3.
Bacteriological quality of the wastewater used for irrigation at the vegetable farms in Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Accra Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Pesewu George A , Bentum Daniel , Olu-Taiwo Michael A , Glover Kathreen K , Yirenya-Tawiah Dzidzo R
Published: February 2016

Many developing countries, including Ghana, are water stressed. As such, farmers, particularly those in urban areas, have adopted the use of wastewater for irrigation. This study evaluated the bacteriological water quality of the wastewater used for irrigation in the vegetable farms at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra Metropolis, Ghana. In all, 40 wastewater samples were collected and analysed bacteriologically using the total aerobic plate count method. The isolated bacteria were identified biochemically using Bergey’s manual for determinative bacteriology. Mean total bacterial colony count values in the range of 2.75–4.44 × 105 CFU/100 mL were isolated which far exceeds values of 1 × 103/100 mL recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for unrestricted irrigation of crops likely to be eaten raw. Enterobacter cloacae (51.4%), Klebsiella sp. (24.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.3%), Salmonella typhi (10.6%), Escherichia coli (2.2%) and Proteus sp. (0.4%) were the predominant bacteria isolated. Growers should use treated wastewater for farming while processors and consumers should minimize contamination risks of produce from the vegetable farms/garden to the plate.