bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different Cytokine and Chemokine Expression Patterns in Malignant Compared to Those in Nonmalignant Renal Cells
Authors: Gelbrich Nadine , Ahrend Hannes , Kaul Anne , Brandenburg Lars-Ove , Zimmermann Uwe , Mustea Alexander , Burchardt Martin , Gümbel Denis , Stope Matthias B.
Published: July 2017

Objective. Cytokines and chemokines are widely involved in cancer cell progression and thus represent promising candidate factors for new biomarkers. Methods. Four renal cell cancer (RCC) cell lines (Caki-1, 786-O, RCC4, and A498) and a nonmalignant renal cell line (RC-124) were examined with respect to their proliferation. The cytokine and chemokine expression pattern was examined by a DNA array (Human Cytokines & Chemokines RT2 Profiler PCR Array; Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), and expression profiles were compared. Results. Caki-1 and 786-O cells exhibited significantly increased proliferation rates, whereas RCC4 and A498 cells demonstrated attenuated proliferation, compared to nonmalignant RC-124 cells. Expression analysis revealed 52 cytokines and chemokines primarily involved in proliferation and inflammation and differentially expressed not only in malignant and nonmalignant renal cells but also in the four RCC cell lines. Conclusion. This is the first study examining the expression of 84 cytokines and chemokines in four RCC cell lines compared to that in a nonmalignant renal cell line. VEGFA, NODAL, and BMP6 correlated with RCC cell line proliferation and, thus, may represent putative clinical biomarkers for RCC progression as well as for RCC diagnosis and prognosis.
Metformin and Its Sulfenamide Prodrugs Inhibit Human Cholinesterase Activity
Authors: Markowicz-Piasecka Magdalena , Sikora Joanna , Mateusiak Łukasz , Mikiciuk-Olasik Elżbieta , Huttunen Kristiina M.
Published: July 2017

The results of epidemiological and pathophysiological studies suggest that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may predispose to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The two conditions present similar glucose levels, insulin resistance, and biochemical etiologies such as inflammation and oxidative stress. The diabetic state also contributes to increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which is one of the factors leading to neurodegeneration in AD. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro the effects of metformin, phenformin, and metformin sulfenamide prodrugs on the activity of human AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and establish the type of inhibition. Metformin inhibited 50% of the AChE activity at micromolar concentrations (2.35 μmol/mL, mixed type of inhibition) and seemed to be selective towards AChE since it presented low anti‐BuChE activity. The tested metformin prodrugs inhibited cholinesterases (ChE) at nanomolar range and thus were more active than metformin or phenformin. The cyclohexyl sulfenamide prodrug demonstrated the highest activity towards both AChE (IC50 = 890 nmol/mL, noncompetitive inhibition) and BuChE (IC50 = 28 nmol/mL, mixed type inhibition), while the octyl sulfenamide prodrug did not present anti‐AChE activity, but exhibited mixed inhibition towards BuChE (IC50 = 184 nmol/mL). Therefore, these two bulkier prodrugs were concluded to be the most selective compounds for BuChE over AChE. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that biguanides present a novel class of inhibitors for AChE and BuChE and encourages further studies of these compounds for developing both selective and nonselective inhibitors of ChEs in the future.
NURR1 Downregulation Favors Osteoblastic Differentiation of MSCs
Authors: Di Benedetto Adriana , Posa Francesca , Carbone Claudia , Cantore Stefania , Brunetti Giacomina , Centonze Matteo , Grano Maria , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Cavalcanti-Adam Elisabetta A. , Mori Giorgio
Published: July 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in human dental tissues. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were classified within MSC family, are multipotent, can be isolated from adult teeth, and have been shown to differentiate, under particular conditions, into various cell types including osteoblasts. In this work, we investigated how the differentiation process of DPSCs toward osteoblasts is controlled. Recent literature data attributed to the nuclear receptor related 1 (NURR1), a still unclarified role in osteoblast differentiation, while NURR1 is primarily involved in dopaminergic neuron differentiation and activity. Thus, in order to verify if NURR1 had a role in DPSC osteoblastic differentiation, we silenced it during all the processes and compared the expression of the main osteoblastic markers with control cultures. Our results showed that the inhibition of NURR1 significantly increased the expression of osteoblast markers collagen I and alkaline phosphatase. Further, in long time cultures, the mineral matrix deposition was strongly enhanced in NURR1-silenced cultures. These results suggest that NURR1 plays a key role in switching DPSC differentiation toward osteoblasts rather than neuronal or even other cell lines. In conclusion, DPSCs represent a source of osteoblast-like cells and downregulation of NURR1 strongly prompted their differentiation toward the osteoblastogenesis process.
Influence of Cement Type and Water-to-Cement Ratio on the Formation of Thaumasite
Authors: Zhang Ailian , Zhang Linchun
Published: July 2017

Cement mortar prisms were prepared with three different cement types and different water-to-cement ratios plus 30% mass of limestone filler. After 28 days of curing in water at room temperature, these samples were submerged in 2% magnesium sulfate solution at 5°C and the visual appearance and strength development for every mortar were measured at intervals up to 1 year. Samples selected from the surface of prisms after 1-year immersion were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results show that mortars with sulfate resisting Portland cement (SRC) or sulphoaluminate cement (SAC) underwent weaker degradation due to the thaumasite form of sulfate attack than mortars with ordinary Portland cement (OPC). A lower water-to-cement ratio leads to better resistance to the thaumasite form of sulfate attack of the cement mortar. A great deal of thaumasite or thaumasite-containing materials formed in the OPC mortar, and a trace of thaumasite can also be detected in SRC and SAC mortars. Therefore, the thaumasite form of sulfate attack can be alleviated but cannot be avoided by the use of SAC or SRC.
Thiocarbamates from Moringa oleifera Seeds Bioactive against Virulent and Multidrug-Resistant Vibrio Species
Authors: Albuquerque Costa Renata , Sousa Oscarina Viana de , Hofer Ernesto , Mafezoli Jair , Barbosa Francisco Geraldo , Vieira Regine Helena Silva dos Fernandes
Published: July 2017

Prospect of antibacterial agents may provide an alternative therapy for diseases caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro bioactivity of Moringa oleifera seed extracts against 100 vibrios isolated from the marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Ethanol extracts at low (MOS-E) and hot (MOS-ES) temperature are shown to be bioactive against 92% and 90% of the strains, respectively. The most efficient Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) levels of MOS-E and MOS-ES against a high percentage of strains were 32 µg mL−1. Bioguided screening of bioactive compounds showed that the ethyl acetate fraction from both extracts was the only one that showed antibacterial activity. Vibriocidal substances, niazirine and niazimicine, were isolated from the aforementioned fraction through chromatographic fractionation.
PEGylated Curcumin Derivative Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis via CREB/PPAR-γ/CD36 Pathway
Authors: Liu Yu , Cheng Fei , Luo Yuxuan , Zhan Zhu , Hu Peng , Ren Hong , Tang Huadong , Peng Mingli
Published: July 2017

Curcumin has the potential to cure dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, its therapeutic effects are curbed by poor bioavailability. Our previous work has shown that modification of curcumin with polyethylene glycol (PEG) improves blood concentration and tissue distribution. This study sought to investigate the role of a novel PEGylated curcumin derivative (Curc-mPEG454) in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism in a high-fat-diet- (HFD-) fed C57BL/6J mouse model. Mice were fed either a control chow diet (D12450B), an HFD (D12492) as the NAFLD model, or an HFD with Curc-mPEG454 administered by intraperitoneal injection at 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg for 16 weeks. We found that Curc-mPEG454 significantly lowered the body weight and serum triglyceride (TG) levels and reduced liver lipid accumulation in HFD-induced NAFLD mice. It was also shown that Curc-mPEG454 suppressed the HFD-induced upregulated expression of CD36 and hepatic peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ(PPAR-γ), a positive regulator of CD36. Moreover, Curc-mPEG454 dramatically activated cAMP response element-binding (CREB) protein, which negatively controls hepatic PPAR-γexpression. These findings suggest that Curc-mPEG454 reverses HFD-induced hepatic steatosis via the activation of CREB inhibition of the hepatic PPAR-γ/CD36 pathway, which may be an effective therapeutic for high-fat-diet-induced NAFLD.
Anticancer Effects of Sinocrassulosides VI/VII from Silene viscidula on HeLa Cells
Authors: Chen Hang , Ma Qian , Xu Wei , Li Wan-Ming , Yuan De-Zheng , Wu Jia-Mei , Li Yu-Shan , Fang Jin
Published: July 2017

Natural products are becoming increasingly important in chemoprevention and for cancer therapy. Silene viscidula (S. viscidula), a traditional Chinese herb, has long been used as an anti‐inflammatory and neuroleptic agent. However, the anticancer activity of S. viscidula has remained unclear. In this study, 16 compounds were extracted from S. viscidula. Among those compounds, sinocrassulosides VI/VII, an inseparable isomer mixture, possess the strongest inhibitory activity on HeLa cells with the IC50 value of 2.37 μM. Mechanism studies found that sinocrassulosides VI/VII downregulated the expression of cyclin D1 and decreased retinoblastoma (Rb) phosphorylation, which arrested HeLa cells in the G1 phase. Also, sinocrassulosides VI/VII could induce senescence via the upregulation of p16 and a significant increase of β‐galactosidase (β‐gal) staining. Our results suggest that sinocrassulosides VI/VII may be a new therapeutic potential agent for cervical cancer. In addition, we explored the structure‐activity relationships of three groups of the configurational isomer with similar chemical structure from S. viscidula. We first demonstrated that the length of the ester chains linked to the carboxyl group of the glucuronic acid residue could affect the potent cytotoxicity. This finding will open new avenues for developing effective anticancer compounds by modifying the components derived from plants in nature.
Cytokine Kinetics in Febrile Neutropenic Children: Insights on the Usefulness as Sepsis Biomarkers, Influence of Filgrastim, and Behavior of the IL-23/IL-17 Pathway
Authors: Araujo Orlei Ribeiro de , Salomão Reinaldo , Brunialti Milena Karina Coló , Silva Dafne Cardoso Bourguignon da , Senerchia Andreza Almeida , Moraes Costa Carlesse Fabianne Altruda de , Petrilli Antonio Sergio
Published: July 2017

Background.The study aimed to describe the kinetics of various cytokines from day 1 to day 14 of the onset of fever in neutropenic children and to evaluate their performances as discriminators of sepsis in the first 24 hours of fever, the possible influence of filgrastim, and the functioning of the IL-23/IL-17 axis.Methods.IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12/23p40, IL-21, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, G-CSF, and GM-CSF were measured in plasma on days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 14 from the onset of fever in 35 patients.Results.Thirteen patients (37.1%) developed sepsis. In mixed models, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and G-CSF showed higher estimated means in septic patients (P<0.005), and IL-12/23p40 and IL-17 in nonseptic patients (P<0.05). On day 1, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 appeared upregulated in patients who received filgrastim. Only IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and procalcitonin were useful as discriminators of sepsis. Associating the markers with each other or to a risk assessment model improved performance.Conclusions.Cytokines kinetics showed proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses similar to what is described in nonneutropenic patients. IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, and procalcitonin are useful as early biomarkers of sepsis. Filgrastim upregulates expression of these markers, and we observed deficiency in the IL-23-IL-17 axis accompanying sepsis.
Laryngeal Rosai-Dorfman Disease (Sinus Histiocytosis with Massive Lymphadenopathy): A Retrospective Study of 5 Cases
Authors: Niu Yanyan , Li Yongjin , Wang Jian , Jin Xiaofeng , Yang Dahai , Huo Hong , Li Wuyi
Published: July 2017

This study was performed to investigate the clinical manifestations, treatment methods, and prognosis of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) with laryngeal involvement. Five clinical cases of RDD with laryngeal involvement diagnosed between 1986 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The laryngeal lesions of these 5 patients mostly involved the glottis and subglottis, with the main symptoms being a hoarse voice and airway obstruction. In addition, the patients mostly exhibited a unilateral or asymmetric onset that was manifested by a laryngeal submucosal nodular mass. The patients were subjected to a regimen of hormone treatment combined with surgical resection. The median follow-up duration was 101 months (8–384 months). One case was lost, and the remaining 4 subjects are alive with disease. The follow-up examinations revealed that 4 subjects had stable laryngeal conditions, whereas one showed minor progression. RDD with laryngeal involvement is clinically rare and differs considerably from classical RDD in age of onset, gender composition, and extranodal involvement. The regimen of hormone treatment combined with surgical resection can stabilize the patient’s general condition and laryngeal lesion. Tracheotomies are recommended for patients with dyspnea. After their conditions stabilize, decannulation can be successfully performed in most cases. This therapeutic regimen generally delivers a good prognosis.
Combination of Carbon Dioxide Angiography and Outback® Elite for Revascularization of a Patient with Renal Insufficiency with Bilateral Femoropopliteal Chronic Total Occlusions
Authors: Nojima Yuhei , Nanto Shinsuke , Adachi Hidenori , Ihara Madoka , Kurimoto Tetsuya
Published: July 2017

A new reentry device (Outback Elite) system has been available in Japan since June 2016. This new device enables easier treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO) in the lower extremities. We report a case of a woman in her 70s who underwent revascularization using this new device twice to treat both of her femoropopliteal CTO lesions. She was referred to our hospital complaining of intermittent claudication in both legs. She had a long history of diabetes mellitus complicated with severe chronic kidney disease. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate was <20. She refused surgical revascularization; therefore, we performed our treatment without iodine contrast medium. First, magnetic resonance imaging was performed to confirm that the CTO lesions had caused severe claudication before intervention. Subsequently, the Outback Elite device and carbon dioxide (CO2) angiography made it possible to revascularize both of her legs without iodine contrast medium. At 6 months after the procedures, we did not observe exacerbation of claudication in her legs.
Travel Time Reliability for Urban Networks: Modelling and Empirics
Authors: Zheng Fangfang , Liu Xiaobo , Zuylen Henk van , Li Jie , Lu Chao
Published: July 2017

The importance of travel time reliability in traffic management, control, and network design has received a lot of attention in the past decade. In this paper, a network travel time distribution model based on the Johnson curve system is proposed. The model is applied to field travel time data collected by Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. We further investigate the network-level travel time reliability by connecting the network reliability measures such as the weighted standard deviation of travel time rate and the weighted skewness of travel time rate distributions with network traffic characteristics (e.g., the network density). The weighting is done with respect to the number of signalized intersections on a trip. A clear linear relation between the weighted average travel time rate and the weighted standard deviation of travel time rate can be observed for different time periods with time-varying demand. Furthermore, both the weighted average travel time rate and the weighted standard deviation of travel time rate increase monotonically with network density. The empirical findings of the relation between network travel time reliability and network traffic characteristics can be possibly applied to assess traffic management and control measures to improve network travel time reliability.
Comparison of Natural Radioactivity of Commonly Used Fertilizer Materials in Egypt and Japan
Authors: Hassan Nabil M. , Chang Byung-Uck , Tokonami Shinji
Published: July 2017

Specific activities of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the environment have been redistributed by the use of fertilizers in agriculture so their concentrations in fertilizer materials should be measured to identify the safe utilization of fertilizers. In the present work, the specific activities of these radionuclides in five commonly used fertilizers in Egypt and five fertilizers used in Japan were measured by HPGe and γ-ray spectrometry. The average values of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in Japanese fertilizers were less than their values in Egyptian fertilizers but both had some samples with specific activities greater than the recommended limiting values. The radiological hazards of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external (Hex) and internal (Hin) indexes, alpha and gamma indexes, and annual effective dose, due to the presence of these radionuclides, were calculated and compared with each other.
HumanAPPGene Expression Alters Active Zone Distribution and Spontaneous Neurotransmitter Release at theDrosophilaLarval Neuromuscular Junction
Authors: Saburova Ekaterina A. , Vasiliev Alexander N. , Kravtsova Violetta V. , Ryabova Elena V. , Zefirov Andrey L. , Bolshakova Olga I. , Sarantseva Svetlana V. , Krivoi Igor I.
Published: July 2017

This study provides further insight into the molecular mechanisms that control neurotransmitter release. Experiments were performed on larval neuromuscular junctions of transgenicDrosophila melanogasterlines with different levels of human amyloid precursor protein (APP) production. To express human genes in motor neurons ofDrosophila, the UAS-GAL4 system was used. HumanAPPgene expression increased the number of synaptic boutons per neuromuscular junction. The total number of active zones, detected by Bruchpilot protein puncta distribution, remained unchanged; however, the average number of active zones per bouton decreased. These disturbances were accompanied by a decrease in frequency of miniature excitatory junction potentials without alteration in random nature of spontaneous quantal release. Similar structural and functional changes were observed with co-overexpression of humanAPPandβ-secretasegenes. InDrosophilaline with expression of human amyloid-β42 peptide itself, parameters analyzed did not differ from controls, suggesting the specificity of APP effects. These results confirm the involvement of APP in synaptogenesis and provide evidence to suggest that humanAPPoverexpression specifically disturbs the structural and functional organization of active zone and results in altered Bruchpilot distribution and lowered probability of spontaneous neurotransmitter release.
ANN Model-Based Simulation of the Runoff Variation in Response to Climate Change on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Juan Chang , Genxu Wang , Tianxu Mao , Xiangyang Sun
Published: July 2017

Precisely quantitative assessments of stream flow response to climatic change and permafrost thawing are highly challenging and urgent in cold regions. However, due to the notably harsh environmental conditions, there is little field monitoring data of runoff in permafrost regions, which has limited the development of physically based models in these regions. To identify the impacts of climate change in the runoff process in the Three-River Headwater Region (TRHR) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, two artificial neural network (ANN) models, one with three input variables (previous runoff, air temperature, and precipitation) and another with two input variables (air temperature and precipitation only), were developed to simulate and predict the runoff variation in the TRHR. The results show that the three-input variable ANN model has a superior real-time prediction capability and performs well in the simulation and forecasting of the runoff variation in the TRHR. Under the different scenarios conditions, the forecasting results of ANN model indicated that climate change has a great effect on the runoff processes in the TRHR. The results of this study are of practical significance for water resources management and the evaluation of the impacts of climatic change on the hydrological regime in long-term considerations.
Outcome, Pain Perception, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Submitted to Percutaneous Ethanol Injection for Simple Thyroid Cysts
Authors: Negro Roberto , Colosimo Ermenegildo , Greco Gabriele
Published: July 2017

Thyroid cysts are usually benign lesions that when voluminous may induce cosmetic concerns or local discomfort. Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) has been demonstrated to be effective for shrinkage of such cysts. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the efficacy, pain perception, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients submitted to PEI for pure cystic lesions. We reviewed the data of 101 patients who underwent ≤3 PEI. In the whole group of patients, the volume reduction was 66% after the first, 74.4% after the second, and 79.4% after the third PEI treatment. 55.4% had a cystic volume ≤ 10 ml; 85.7% of cysts ≤ 10 ml were cured by just one PEI. The number of PEI was significantly higher in the >30.0 ml group; this latter group obtained the smallest percent reduction versus baseline after the first PEI when compared with smaller cysts. The sensation of pain reported during PEI was absent in 78.3% of cases, and HRQL significantly improved from pre- to the posttreatment. PEI is a safe and effective technique for pure cystic lesions. In addition, HRQL significantly improves, providing a further support for this procedure.
Validity of the German Version of the Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance 10 Test
Authors: Härdi Irene , Bridenbaugh Stephanie A. , Cress M. Elaine , Kressig Reto W.
Published: July 2017

Background. The Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance 10 Test (CS-PFP 10) quantitatively assesses physical functional performance in older adults who have a broad range of physical functional ability. This study assessed the validity and reliability of the CS-PFP 10 German version.Methods. Forward-translations and backtranslations as well as cultural adaptions of the test were conducted. Participants were German-speaking Swiss community-dwelling adults aged 64 and older. Concurrent validity was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients between CS-PFP 10 and gait velocity, Timed Up and Go Test, hand grip strength, SF-36 physical function domain, and Freiburger Physical Activity Questionnaire. Internal consistency was calculated by Cronbach’s alpha.Results. Backtranslation and cultural adaptions were accepted by the CS-PFP 10 developer. CS-PFP 10 total score and subscores (upper body strength, upper body flexibility, lower body strength, balance and coordination, and endurance) correlated significantly with all measures of physical function tested. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha 0.95–0.98).Conclusion. The CS-PFP 10 German version is valid and reliable for measuring physical functional performance in German-speaking Swiss community-dwelling older adults. Quantifying physical function is essential for clinical practice and research and provides meaningful insight into physical functional performance of older adults. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT01539200.
The nomenclatural status of Hysaplesia, Hylaplesia, Dendrobates and related nomina (Amphibia, Anura), with general comments on zoological nomenclature and its governance, as well as on taxonomic databases and websites

Authors: DUBOIS ALAIN
Published: July 2017

Dozens of publications, mostly in the last 45 years, have been devoted to nomenclatural problems concerning the status of the zoological nomina Hysaplesia, Hylaplesia, Dendrobates and related nomina. The Commission finally voted on this case in 2009, but this vote shows a misunderstanding of several of the problems at stake, as it contains a double and contradictory decision: the change in the type species of Hysaplesia and its suppression, although one only of these two acts would have been necessary and sufficient to solve this case, whereas taking them both together has other unforeseen and negative nomenclatural consequences. A final comprehensive solution to these nomenclatural problems is presented here, which does not require any more action from the Commission. However, the fact that the Commission, as well as the whole international community, have proved to be unable to understand fully the nomenclatural problems at stake and to solve them truthfully, while ignoring deliberately some contributions to the discussion, calls attention. This case suggests that there is a strong risk that nomenclature might become a domain where intellectual fairness and competence are secondary and where problems are ‘solved’ through the medieval ‘Principle of Authority’, through relying on the ‘opinions’ of a few persons, committees or websites rather than on rational discussions based on a knowledge of taxonomic publications and an understanding of the Code. This course would result in dragging zoological nomenclature so to say outside the field of science and contribute to weakening still more a domain, taxonomy, which is already facing major problems, at the time of the crisis of biodiversity. Additional problems concerning taxonomic databases and websites are pointed out, and suggestions are offered in this respect, including the distinction between the concepts of ‘nomenclatural status’ and ‘taxonomic status’ of nomina.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on the subfamily Acridinae of the family Hylidae (Amphibia, Anura)

Authors: DUBOIS ALAIN , DUELLMAN WILLIAM E. , OHLER ANNEMARIE
Published: July 2017

We propose to recognise two tribes in the subfamily Acridinae of the family Hylidae (Amphibia, Anura) and we point to nomenclatural problems of homonymy between the nomen of this subfamily and two familial nomina of Orthoptera Caelifera. To solve these problems, we propose a solution that requires an action by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature under its Plenary Powers.
Unraveling a 150 years old controversy: Calamoichthys Smith, 1866 is the valid name for the African Reedfish (Cladistii: Polypteriformes), with comments about the availability of involuntarily proposed zoological names

Authors: RIZZATO PEDRO P. , BOCKMANN FLAVIO A.
Published: July 2017

We readdress the controversy about the valid generic name to be applied to the African Reedfish, a species from a monotypic genus that, along with the eleven valid species of Polypterus Lacepède, 1803, comprises the known extant diversity of the order Polypteriformes. The initial conflict was established due to the inadequate replacement of the name Erpetoichthys, wrongly assumed preoccupied, by Calamoichthys, combined with the desynchronization between the sequence in which Smith’s accounts with descriptions and nomenclatural acts about the Reedfish were written and submitted for publication, and the sequence in which they were actually published/distributed. The controversy seemed to be settled in the 1980s by the finding of an earlier report published in an Edinburgh’s newspaper in 1865, in which the name Erpetoichthys was used prior to all scientific accounts by Smith. However, we demonstrate that this report cannot be considered to contain a valid nomenclatural act according to the regulations of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Therefore, we undertook a detailed study to reconstruct the sequence of publication of Smith’s accounts on the Reedfish, whose correct dates of publication/distribution had not been properly established yet, to settle down once and for all the dilemma about the precedence of these names. Our conclusion is that Calamoichthys Smith, 1866a is the valid generic name to be applied to the Reedfish, and Erpetoichthys Smith, 1866a, its junior synonym, represents a name published in synonymy but later made available by Smith himself. We use the nomenclatural example of the Reedfish, as well as other cases from the literature, to draw attention to the fact that, in agreement with Article 8.1.1 of the Code, zoological names are available only when there is an unequivocal intention by their authors to scientifically describe them, even if other requirements of the Code are met. When this Article is not met in a given situation, the name is considered unavailable and an available one should be set in place for the taxon, or a new name should be proposed.
Specimens and zoological nomenclature
Authors: EPSTEIN MARK
Published: July 2017

This issue of the journal Bionomina is entirely devoted to the debate regarding the need for actual physical reference specimens, nomen-bearers, and their deposition in (accessible) institutions and venues as the foundation for the attribution (assignment) of nomina for new species and/or subspecies.
On the use of photography in science and taxonomy: how images can provide a basis for their own authentication
Authors: AGUIAR JONAS JOSÉ MENDES , SANTOS JEAN CARLOS , URSO-GUIMARÃES MARIA VIRGINIA
Published: July 2017

Photography has, since its inception, significantly contributed as a tool to many areas of scientific research and consequently, has been able to achieve a high level of prestige in the scientific field. In recent years, there has been an increasing debate within the scientific community regarding the need for the deposition of type specimens when describing new species. Recently, Marshall & Evenhuis (2015) described a new species of Diptera, based exclusively on a few photographs. Even if one withholds judgement about whether the photographs used present sufficient characteristics for the description and identification of this new species, data missing from the holotype photograph could be of great importance for other analyses and future comparisons. The authors have omitted the digital photographic format used for the photographs in their work, and at no point has a deposition of the RAW type (a digital format sometimes called digital negatives, this file preserves most of the information from the captured picture) for verification of its authenticity been mentioned. The absence of this file for verification of the authenticity of the photograph makes its scientific credibility questionable and untrustworthy. We consider this taxonomical practice based exclusively on the use of photographs to be simplistic and harmful. Although the Code does not mention Rules about the use of photography formats we strongly suggest that, for the elaboration of academic articles, not only in taxonomic ones, using characteristics based on digital photography, the authors should be willing to make the RAW file of the photograph available for comparison in order to avoid doubts regarding the authenticity of the photograph presented.
Loosing the connection between the observation and the specimen: a by-product of the digital era or a trend inherited from general biology?
Authors: GRANDCOLAS PHILIPPE
Published: July 2017

The original efforts of early naturalists are now placed in another context. Instead of adding lots of particulars to a catalogue of Life, the idea is now to contribute to an organized picture: comparative biology and general biology have merged. Systematics or the related sciences of Biodiversity employ a reasoning analogous to the one followed by early general biology when it separated from natural history and activities associated with collections in the early XXth century. There is a presumption one is already knowledgeable about laws or general patterns when studying biological processes or adding species: both contribute to the general picture. As a consequence of this state of mind, many authors do not feel the need for saving specimens. However, saving specimens is not only a way to keep records in a world which is still being discovered, it is also a very efficient way to store information and to allow one to return to the original specimens, thus generating additional data to answer other questions. We must be fully aware of both the rationale but also the present-day state of mind, in order to keep our motivation in the pursuit of an adequate sampling of Biodiversity.
Caroxylon (Chenopodiaceae s.str.) in continental southern Africa and Madagascar: a preliminary nomenclatural synopsis and biogeographical considerations
Authors: MUCINA LADISLAV
Published: July 2017

Caroxylon (Chenopodiaceae) has recently been recognised as a separate genus, based on genetic, physiological and morphological data. This paper features a brief history of the taxonomy of Salsola and introduces new nomenclatural combinations in Caroxylon (80 species and one variety) for taxa that were formerly classified within Salsola in southern Africa (including Botswana, Namibia and South Africa) and Madagascar. Caroxylon albidum, C. aphyllum, C. araneosum, C. calluna, C. columnaris, C. divaricatum, C. glabrescens, C. humifusum, C. littoralis, C. salsola, C. tuberculatum and C. zeyheri have been recognised as species of Caroxylon in the region by other authors earlier. C. brevifolium and C. foetidum were excluded from the list of Caroxylon species occurring in southern Africa. Salsola fuliginosa, S. strumulosa, and S. subsericea, all most probably also Caroxylon taxa, remain still to be classified. Caroxylon littorale, C. nigrescens, C. salsola and C. tuberculatum var. flavovirens are lectotypified in this paper. Synonyms, types and distribution data of the taxa are also given, and taxonomic and nomenclatural problems are identified.
Femsjonia uniseptata (Dacrymycetes, Basidiomycota), a new species collected from Pinus densiflora forests in Japan
Authors: SHIROUZU TAKASHI , FUKASAWA YU , NAKAMURA YASUHIDE
Published: July 2017

Basidiocarps of an undescribed dacrymycetous species were collected from Pinus densiflora forests in Japan and described as a new species, Femsjonia uniseptata, based on both morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. This new species is characterized by having discoid to applanate basidiocarps with white hairs at the margins; thin-walled internal and marginal hyphae with clamp connections; and 0–1-septate basidiospores. A detailed description, line drawings, phylogenetic tree to show the placement of F. uniseptata and comparison of the new species with allied taxa are provided.
Discovery of naturalized Clinopodium nepeta (Lamiaceae) in Oaxaca and San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-GALLEGOS JESÚS GUADALUPE , CASTILLO-GÓMEZ HUGO ALBERTO , FERNÁNDEZ-ALONSO JOSÉ LUIS
Published: July 2017

Clinopodium nepeta is reported for the first time from Mexico as a naturalized plant based on two populations located in Oaxaca and San Luis Potosí. This is a variable species broadly cultivated in several countries as culinary, medicinal and ornamental plant. However, it has not been extensively grown in Mexico. We present a description of the species in the country in order to facilitate its identification and avoid possible confusion with native species of Clinopodium or Hedeoma.
Typification of names in the genus Pinguicula L. (Lentibulariaceae)
Authors: DOMÍNGUEZ YOANNIS , PANFET VALDÉS CRISTINA MERCEDES , MIRANDA VITOR FERNANDES OLIVEIRA
Published: July 2017

Several names of the genus Pinguicula have been found to need typification or corrections to previous typifications. Analyses of original material and literature related to each name have led to the designation of 17 lectotypes, five neotypes and one epitype. Also five previously cited ‘holotypes’ were corrected to lectotypes. Notes discussing the selection or correction of type specimens are given for each name and, when possible, known isotypes are also cited.
New taxa of Peliosanthes and Tupistra (Asparagaceae) in the flora of Laos and Vietnam and supplemental data for T. patula
Authors: NGUYEN KHANG SINH , AVERYANOV LEONID V. , ТANAKA NORIYUKI , KONSTANTINOV EUGENE L. , MAISAK TATIANA V. , NGUYEN HIEP TIEN
Published: July 2017

Three new taxa, Tupistra gracilis, Peliosanthes griffithii var. breviracemosa and P. hirsuta, are described and illustrated. The first two taxa are local endemics of northern Vietnam and the last species is endemic to karstic limestone areas of central Laos. Tupistra fungilliformis and P. yunnanensis are recorded for the first time for Vietnam. A recently described species T. patula from northern Vietnam is supplemented with new data on its morphology, ecology and distribution.
Pseudolepiota zangmui gen. et sp. nov. (Agaricaceae, Basidiomycota), a new white-spored mushroom from China
Authors: GE ZAI-WEI , YANG ZHU-LIANG
Published: July 2017

Pseudolepiota zangmui, collected from mixed subtropical Fagaceae forests of Southwestern China, is described, illustrated and discussed as new based on unique morphological characters and molecular data. Pseudolepiota is distinctive in having white lamellae, a stipe covered with easily detached band-like floccose squamules, a pileipellis that is a subcutis layer made up of slightly interwoven cylindrical hyphae, dextrinoid basidiospores without a germ pore and hyphae without clamp connections. The combined morphotaxonomy and Maximum Likelihood tree inferred from rpb2 and ITS sequences confirmed that Pseudolepiota is a member of Agaricaceae and is evolutionarily distinct from all other described genera and species within this family.
Lamium bilgilii (Lamiaceae), a new species from South-western Turkey (Burdur-Muğla)
Authors: CELEP FERHAT
Published: July 2017

Lamium bilgilii Celep (Lamiaceae) is here described as a new species. It is confined to Altİnyayla (Dirmil), Burdur-Muğla border, in South-western Turkey. Lamium bilgilii differs from L. garganicum by its denser, long eglandular villous indumentum accompanied by short glandular hairs on the stem, leaf, inflorescence axis, calyx and corolla; larger corolla (40–52 mm), humped, and largely ventricose corolla tube and wider corolla throat. IUCN red list category, distribution map, notes on biogeography and ecology of the new species are also given.
Managing Employee Turnover
Authors: Wasmuth William J. , Davis Stanley W.
Published: July 2017

The low priority that many hospitality firms assign to the task of managing turnover is probably due to the fact that at present hotel managers have no way to determine the impact of turnover on the bottom line. This article presents a method for costing turnover and suggests that it be used as a basis for developing viable employee-retention strategies. First in a series on controlling turnover
Sex Discrimination
Authors: Yim Marian
Published: July 2017

Club managers are discovering that sex-discrimination policies are often a social albatross as well as a business liability. In enforcing discriminatory policies, not only do managers risk adverse publicity and the loss of potential patrons, but they may be defending regulations to which members are indifferent or even actively opposed
Creative Financing
Authors: Eyster James J.
Published: July 2017

Economic developments over the last several years have profoundly altered traditional patterns of hotel financing and development, making creative financing a necessity. This article examines the changing roles and strategies of developers, lenders, operating companies, and brokers
The One-Minute Manager
Authors: Blanchard Kenneth , Johnson Spencer
Published: July 2017

A story told at a recent executive seminar: There were three men on death row-a Frenchman, a Japanese, and an American. The night before their execution, the prison warden came to them and said, "I will grant you each one last wish before tomorrow." The Frenchman said, "If you will play the national anthem for me one last time, I can die in peace." The Japanese said, "I would like one last chance to talk about Japanese management." The American said, "Why don't you execute me right now? If I have to listen to one more talk on Japanese management philosophy, I'm going to die anyway."
Querlaw
Authors: Greenlaw Paul S. , Kohl John P.
Published: July 2017

"For five long days of hearings in June, two professors expounded on their theories of data collection, statistical models, and multiple regressions. It was enough to make a judge wish he were back in the parchment-filled days of Dickens's Dombey and Son. But like it or not, lawsuits are beginning to revolve around statistical computer models. And nowhere are they more prevalent than in discrimination suits."'1
The Importance of Structure Coefficients in Regression Research
Authors: Thompson Bruce , Borrello Gloria M.
Published: July 2017

Multiple regression analysis is frequently and increasingly being employed in both experimental and non-experimental research. However, when data include predictor variables that are correlated, either unavoidably or due to conscious design choices, some regression results can become difficult to interpret. The paper presents an actual study to provide a heuristic demonstration that structure coefficients may be helpful in these cases.
A Measure of Impulsiveness and its Relations to Extraversion
Authors: Lorr Maurice , Wunderlich Richard A.
Published: July 2017

The study sought evidence for the construct validity of the Impulsive scale of the Interpersonal Style Inventory (ISI), and its relation to Eysenck's extraversion. In study 1 a sample of 93 high-school boys completed the EPI, ISI measures of Impulsive and Sociable, and the Buss-Plomin Impulsive scale. Correlations of ISI Impulsive with the other two scales emerged as .50 or higher while relations with EPI extraversion was .36. In Study 2, 45 delinquent boys completed inventory measures of impulsiveness, orderliness, persistence, risk-taking, and tempo. The boys were also rated by counselors on an impulsive scale. The counselor ratings correlated at a significant level with self-report scores. The ISI Impulsive scale could be distinguished from the other four self-report scales.
Factor Structure of the Resident Evaluation Form
Authors: Forsythe George B. , Mcgaghie William C. , Friedman Charles P.
Published: July 2017

The Resident Evaluation Form (REF) was developed to assess resident physicians' clinical performance. This research sought to empirically evaluate the intuitively derived REF scales representing four substantive areas of clinical performance: interpersonal ability, cognitive ability, clinical skills, and professional attributes. Peer and supervisor ratings using the REF were rendered on a sample of 183 resident physicians in three primary care specialties. Principal axis factor analysis was performed to ascertain the underlying structure of the REF items. The analysis yielded two factors for both peer and supervisor raters: (a) cognitive abilities and (b) interpersonal skills. Hypothesized clinical skills items loaded on the cognitive abilities factor, while professional attributes items had complex loadings. The results support two of the four REF substantive area scales that were originally proposed.
A Definition of Suppression Situations for the General Linear Model: A Regression Weights Approach
Authors: Tzelgov Joseph , Henik Avishai
Published: July 2017

Holling (1983) suggested a definition of suppression in terms of the relations between the independent variables (predictors) and the linear combination for predicting the dependent variable (criterion). However, Holling's definition includes only a subset of Conger's absolute suppression situations. The present work suggests a definition of suppression situations that is in line with Holling's ideas and with Conger's definition of suppression.
Construct Validity and Reliability of the Ethical Behavior Rating Scale
Authors: Hill Gloria , Swanson H. Lee
Published: July 2017

Based on data from 139 adolescents, results of a factor and correlational analyses of the Ethical Behavior Rating Scale are reported. Reliability coefficients were obtained from a test-retest method and estimates of internal consistence. Construct validity was determined by correlating the rating scale with test items from the Ethical Reasoning Inventory. Two factors (moral character and verbal/moral assertiveness) were derived from the varimax rotated matrix. The results suggest that the rating scale reflects the behavioral aspects of moral reasoning.
The Relationship of Six Personal and Life History Variables to Standing on Three Dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory in a Sample of Elementary and Junior High School Teachers
Authors: Gold Yvonne
Published: July 2017

For a sample of 462 elementary and junior high school classroom teachers, evidence was sought regarding the degree of relationship between each of six personal and life history variables—sex, age, marital status, total number of years at the same school, grade level taught, and perceived degree of difficulty in control of students—to each of the three subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment that were scored individually on the highly correlated Frequency and Intensity dimensions. High scores on the first two subscales and low scores on the third subscale have been associated with the manifestation of the construct of burnout. In general, the personal and life history variables afforded low but often statistically significant relationships with one or more of the three constructs of burnout.
The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory as a Predictor of Feelings and Communication Satisfaction toward Parents among Learning Disabled, Emotionally Disturbed, and Normal Adolescents
Authors: Omizo Michael M. , Amerikaner Martin J. , Michael William B.
Published: July 2017

This study examined (1) the predictive validity of the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory (CSI) relative to each of the criterion measures representing communication satisfaction toward each parent as measured by Bienvenu's Adolescent Communication Inventory and feelings toward each parent as measured by Low-man's Inventory of Family Feelings and (2) the differential validity of the self-esteem, communication satisfaction, and feelings toward each parent measures serving as predictor variables of the nominal criterion measure of learning disabled (LD), emotionally disturbed (ED), and normal (N) adolescents. The sample included 60 adolescents with 20 in each of the three groups (LD, ED, or N). In fulfilling the first purpose, Pearson correlation coefficients were determined which revealed that the self-esteem measure was significantly correlated with the mother communication satisfaction measure ( r = .74, p <.01) and the feelings toward mothers measure ( r = .56, p <.01). Relative to the second purpose, discriminant analysis procedures revealed significant results for one function (Canonical correlation = .74, X2 = 46.30, Wilk's Lambda = .42, df = 14, p <.001). The self-esteem, mother communication satisfaction, and feelings toward mother measures were significant discriminators (all p <.01) between the LD and N and the ED and N groups. No significant differences were apparant between the LD and ED groups. The results provided some support for the validity of the CSI. It was recommended that replication and cross-validation studies be conducted.