bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Tobacco Usage and Antiretroviral Therapy on Biomarkers of Systemic Immune Activation in HIV-Infected Participants
Authors: Steel Helen C. , Venter W. D. Francois , Theron Annette J. , Anderson Ronald , Feldman Charles , Kwofie Luyanda , Cronjé Tanita , Arullapan Natasha , Rossouw Theresa M.
Published: December 2018

Like HIV infection, smoking, which is common among HIV-infected persons, is associated with chronic, systemic inflammation. However, the possible augmentative effects of HIV infection and smoking and other types of tobacco usage on indices of systemic inflammation and the impact of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) thereon remain largely unexplored and represent the focus of the current study. Of the total number of HIV-infected persons recruited to the study (n=199), 100 were categorised as pre-cART and 99 as virally suppressed (HIV viral load<40 copies/mL). According to serum cotinine levels, 144 and 55 participants were categorised as nonusers and users of tobacco, respectively. In addition to cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and chemokines (IP-10, MIG, IL-8, MCP-1, and RANTES), other biomarkers of systemic inflammation included C-reactive protein (CRP), β2-microglobulin, and those of neutrophil activation [ICAM-1, L-selectin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)], microbial translocation (soluble CD14, LPS-binding protein), and oxidative stress (cyclophilin A, surfactant D). These were measured using multiplex bead array, ELISA, and immunonephelometric procedures. Viral suppression was associated with significant decreases in the levels of most of the biomarkers tested (P<0.0037-0.0008), with the exceptions of CRP, cyclophilin A, and MMP-9. With respect to tobacco usage, irrespective of cART status, circulating levels of β2-microglobulin, cyclophilin A, and RANTES were significantly elevated (P<0.042-0.012) in users vs nonusers. Additional analysis of the groups of tobacco users and nonusers according to cART status revealed high levels of RANTES in pre-cART/tobacco users relative to the three other subgroups (P<0.004-0.0001), while more modest increases in cyclophilin A and MMP-9 (P<0.019-0.027) were observed in comparison with the cART/tobacco user subgroup. Notwithstanding the efficacy of cART in attenuating HIV-associated, chronic systemic inflammation, the current study has identified RANTES as being significantly and seemingly selectively increased in those with active HIV infection who use tobacco, a mechanism which may underpin augmentative proinflammatory activity.
A Specific Circulating MicroRNA Cluster Is Associated to Late Differential Cardiac Response to Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity In Vivo
Authors: Ruggeri Clarissa , Gioffré Sonia , Chiesa Mattia , Buzzetti Marta , Milano Giuseppina , Scopece Alessandro , Castiglioni Laura , Pontremoli Marta , Sironi Luigi , Pompilio Giulio , Colombo Gualtiero I. , D’Alessandra Yuri
Published: December 2018

Background. Cardiotoxicity is a detrimental side effect of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX), characterized by progressive heart dysfunction. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as potential biomarkers of cardiac disease; thus, we aimed to investigate their association with late cardiotoxicity in an animal model of disease. Methods. Twenty C57BL/6 female mice were administered with 24 mg/kg cumulative dose of DOX or saline during 2 weeks, followed by a recovery period of one month (T42). Echocardiography was performed at baseline and at T42, and plasma samples were collected at T42. The selection of all miRNAs of interest was conducted by literature overview and by screening, followed by RT-qPCR validation. Results. The analysis of cardiac function at T42 evidenced five DOX-treated animals indistinguishable (NoTox) from controls (CTRLs), while four presented heart impairment (Tox). Our analyses identified eight dysfunction-associated plasma miRNAs. In particular, seven miRNAs were found downregulated in comparison to CTRLs, miR-1-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-127-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-215-5p, miR-455-3-p, and miR-499a-5p. Conversely, miR-34a-5p showed increased levels in Tox plasma samples. Noteworthy, we determined a cluster composed of miR-1-3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-133a-3p, and miR-499a-5p that distinguished with high-accuracy Tox from NoTox mice. Conclusion. This is the first study indicating that, similarly to what is observed in patients, DOX-administered animals present a differential cardiac response to treatment. Moreover, our results indicate the presence of specific plasma miRNAs whose expression reflect the presence of cardiac dysfunction in response to drug-induced injury.
Vibrations of Flat‐End Cutter Entering Workpiece Process: Modeling, Simulations, and Experiments
Authors: Luo Ming , Yao Qi
Published: December 2018

During all the machining process, the milling cutter has to enter the workpiece either from the boundary or from the machined/unmachined surface, due to the change of machining sequence/cutter or the variation of cutting depth. Unlike the stable cutting process, the contact between cutter and machined workpiece changes significantly in the entering process, resulting in vibration and leaving marks on the machined surface. Aiming at in‐depth understanding the mechanism of this phenomenon, this paper presents a novel time‐domain simulation model to predict the dynamic response of the cutter during the entering process. Two typical entering conditions, including entering from the workpiece boundary and from the machined surface along the cycle path, are modeled based on the dynamic cutting force calculation by considering dynamic undeformed chip thickness created by consequential teeth engagement. Then, it is synthesized with the time‐varying immersion angle and exit angle of cutter teeth in the entering process to simulate the dynamic cutting forces and cutter vibrations. To validate the developed model, eight conditions in boundary entering and six conditions in cycle path entering are carried out by comparing the collected data and the predicted results. Results show that the developed model could precisely predict the dynamic cutting forces and cutter vibration, especially the forces and displacements under the varied cutter‐workpiece contact.
A Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Suppresses Macrophage Foam Cell Formation in Diabetic db/db Mice and Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Terasaki Michishige , Hiromura Munenori , Mori Yusaku , Kohashi Kyoko , Kushima Hideki , Koshibu Masakazu , Saito Tomomi , Yashima Hironori , Watanabe Takuya , Hirano Tsutomu
Published: December 2018

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors could have antiatherosclerotic action, in addition to antihyperglycemic roles. Because macrophage foam cells are key components of atherosclerosis, we investigated the effect of the DPP-4 inhibitor teneligliptin on foam cell formation and its related gene expression levels in macrophages extracted from diabetic db/db (C57BLKS/J Iar -+Leprdb/+Leprdb) mice and type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients ex vivo. We incubated mouse peritoneal macrophages and human monocyte-derived macrophages differentiated by 7-day culture with oxidized low-density lipoprotein in the presence/absence of teneligliptin (10 nmol/L) for 18 hours. We observed remarkable suppression of foam cell formation by teneligliptin treatment ex vivo in macrophages isolated from diabetic db/db mice (32%) and T2D patients (38%); this effect was accompanied by a reduction of CD36 (db/db mice, 43%; T2D patients, 46%) and acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) gene expression levels (db/db mice, 47%; T2D patients, 45%). Molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are associated with downregulation of CD36 and ACAT-1 by teneligliptin. The suppressive effect of a DPP-4 inhibitor on foam cell formation in T2D is conserved across species and is worth studying to elucidate its potential as an intervention for antiatherogenesis in T2D patients.
Alexis Wound Retractor for Radical Cystectomy: A Safe and Effective Method for Retraction
Authors: Sidhu Ajaydeep S. , Marten Eric , Bodoukhin Nikita , Wayne George , Nagoda Elizabeth , Bhandari Akshay , Nieder Alan M.
Published: December 2018

Surgical site infection rates remain a common postoperative problem that continues to affect patients undergoing urologic surgery. Our study seeks to evaluate the difference in surgical site infection rates in patients undergoing open radical cystectomy when comparing the Bookwalter vs. the Alexis wound retractors. After institutional review board approval, we performed a retrospective chart review from February 2010 through August 2017 of patients undergoing open radical cystectomy with urinary diversion for bladder cancer. We then stratified the groups according to whether or not the surgery was performed with the Alexis or standard Bookwalter retractor. Baseline characteristics and operative outcomes were then compared between the two groups, with the main measure being incidence of surgical site infection as defined by the CDC. We evaluated those presenting with surgical site infections within or greater than 30 postoperatively. Of 237 patients who underwent radical cystectomy with either the Alexis or Bookwalter retractor, 168 patients were eligible to be included in our analysis. There was no statistical difference noted regarding surgical site infections (SSIs) between the two groups; however, the trend was in favor of the Alexis (3%) vs. the Bookwalter (11%) at less than 30 days surgery. The Alexis wound retractor likely poses an advantage in reducing the incidence in surgical site infections in patients undergoing radical cystectomy; however, multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are suggested for further elucidation.
Three‐Dimensional Wave‐Field Characteristics of Earth‐Rock Dams with Different Hidden Hazards
Authors: Wang Kui , Liu Jie , Zou Ying , Zhao Mingjie , Qiang Yue
Published: December 2018

The three‐dimensional wave‐field characteristics of dangerous earth‐rock dams are the premise and foundation to identify the hidden hazards of the earth‐rock dams via wave test method. Based on the equivalent elastic wave theory in isotropic mediums, the three‐dimensional wave field of earth‐rock dams with different defects was calculated using the finite element numerical simulation method. The characteristic and regularity of the three‐dimensional wave field was explored. The result of the analysis shows that the size and position of the defects are closely related with the wave‐field information received on the dam surface. The elasticity modulus and density of the defects have great effect on the wave field, and alternately, Poisson’s ratio of the defects has little effect on the wave field. The greater the difference between the wave velocity of the hazardous materials and the dam body is, the stronger the energy of the scattered wave will be, which in turn will produce clearer lineups of the scattered wave on the time‐history profile. For a single wave movement signal, the dominant frequency amplitude is exponentially correlated with the longitudinal wave velocity of the hazardous materials. Therefore, in the process of wave detection for earth‐rock dam hazards, the effect of the elasticity modulus, density, and wave velocity on the test signal should be taken into account. The dominant frequency amplitude can serve as one of the control parameters for interpretation of dam hazards by the analysis of the wave test signal.
Dynamical Behaviour of a Nutrient-Plankton Model with Holling Type IV, Delay, and Harvesting
Authors: Meng Xin-You , Wang Jiao-Guo , Huo Hai-Feng
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a Holling type IV nutrient-plankton model with time delay and linear plankton harvesting is investigated. The existence and local stability of all equilibria of model without time delay are given. Regarding time delay as bifurcation parameter, such system around the interior equilibrium loses its local stability, and Hopf bifurcation occurs when time delay crosses its critical value. In addition, the properties of the bifurcating periodic solutions are investigated based on normal form theory and center manifold theorem. What is more, the global continuation of the local Hopf bifurcation is discussed by using a global Hopf bifurcation result. Furthermore, the optimal harvesting is obtained by the Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to confirm our theoretical analysis.
Scoring System for Lesions Induced by Different Strains of Newcastle Disease Virus in Chicken
Authors: Hussein Elawad A. , Hair-Bejo M. , Adamu Lawan , Omar A. R. , Arshad Siti S. , Awad Elmutaz A. , Aini I.
Published: December 2018

Newcastle disease virus strains are velogenic, mesogenic, and lentogenic. This study aims to design a scoring system for lesions induced by different strains of Newcastle disease virus in chicken. Three experiments were conducted. In experiments 1 and 2, chickens were divided into infected and control groups. Infected groups of experiments 1 and 2 consisted of 6 and 24 specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, respectively. Control groups in experiments 1 and 2 consisted of 6 and 15 SPF chickens, respectively. In infected groups, infection was induced by intranasal administration of 10550% EID50/0.1 mL of velogenic Newcastle disease virus strain (vNDV). Infected chickens in experiment 1 were euthanised by cervical dislocation on days 3, 6, and 7 postinoculation (pi). Infected chickens in experiment 2 were euthanised at hours (hrs) 2, 4, 6, 12 and days 1, 2, 4, and 6 pi. Chickens of the control group in experiment 1 were euthanised on days 3 and 7 pi, whereas control group chickens in experiment 2 were euthanised on days 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 pi. Then in experiment 3, 15 SPF chickens were divided into three groups; in the first group, 5 SPF chickens were infected with vNDV, in the second group, 5 SPF chickens were infected with lentogenic NDV (lNDV) (103.0EID50/0.1 mL), and the third group was kept without infection as a control group. Chickens were euthanised on day 5 pi. In all previous experiments, tissues of brain, trachea, lung, caecal tonsil, liver, kidney, spleen, heart, proventriculus, intestine, and thymus were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned. HS staining was applied. Tissues were examined under light microscope and changes were recorded. A scoring system was designed for lesions induced by different strains of NDV and, accordingly, lesions were scored. The scoring system was found helpful in the evaluation of disease severity.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Polyoxometalates with Different Structures
Authors: Gu Jingmin , Zhang Lei , Yuan Xiaofeng , Chen Ya-Guang , Gao Xiuzhu , Li Dong
Published: December 2018

A new inorganic-organic hybrid compound, [{Cu(phen)2}2(H4W12O40)], was synthesized, and its crystal structure was determined. The Keggin anion H4W12O404− was grafted with two coordination units {Cu(phen)2}, forming an electrically neutral molecule. The antibacterial activity of several polyoxometalate compounds with different anionic structures including the new compound was studied. The results show that the compound 1 can inhibit the growth of Enterococcus faecalis FA2 strains and that antibacterial activity of the polyoxometalate compounds is dependent with component elements of POM but is less relative with the anion structures.
Resembling Left Ventricular False Tendon in a Father and His Daughter
Authors: Kaplan Abdullah , Gunes Hacı Murat
Published: December 2018

Left ventricular false tendons (LVFTs) are linear fibrous or fibromuscular bands stretching across left ventricular cavity. Although LVFTs have been associated with various heart pathologies and investigated embryologically and histologically, there is only one report in the literature connoting possible hereditary transmission of this entity. We reported a father and his daughter having similar types of LVFTs with regard to location and thickness. With this report, we will contribute in the literature in respect to potential genetic inherence of LVFTs.
A High-Precision Rotor Position and Displacement Prediction Method Specially for Bearingless Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Sun Yukun , Cui Qiang , Huang Yonghong , Yuan Ye
Published: December 2018

The high performance sensorless performance of the bearingless permanent magnet synchronous motor is the main direction to improve the reliability of the drive system and reduce the cost of the system, and the high-precision rotor position and displacement prediction method is the key technology to realize the high performance sensorless operation. In view of the above problems, a rotor displacement and position prediction method based on kernel extreme learning machine is studied in this paper. On the basis of the mathematical model of BPMSM, this method predicted the position and displacement of the rotor according to the current and flux linkage of suspension windings and torque windings by KELM. The construction method of rotor position and displacement prediction model was described; meanwhile the implementation steps of offline training and online prediction were given. Finally, the error between the method and the actual value was compared by simulation and experiment. The results showed that the proposed method had high accuracy and could achieve real-time rotor position and displacement and then provides the basis for realizing sensorless operation control of BPMSM.
Spatiotemporal Statistical Channel Model for Indoor Corridor at 14 GHz, 18 GHz, and 22 GHz Bands
Authors: Oyie Nicholas O. , Afullo Thomas J. O.
Published: December 2018

Several techniques have been proposed to overcome challenges of meeting demands for higher data rates in wireless communication. Space‐time diversity method is proposed to exploit spatiotemporal nature of the channel; hence, a comprehensive knowledge of the spatiotemporal properties of a channel is required. In this paper, a measurement‐based channel model that considers both delay and angular domains of an indoor corridor channel for 14 GHz, 18 GHz, and 22 GHz is proposed. A nonparametric Gaussian kernel density estimation method is applied for cluster identification for the three frequency bands. This work proposes a spatiotemporal model that conditions the model parameters on the azimuthal spatial domain. The clusters are modeled on the complete azimuth plane and a Gaussian estimation distribution is fitted onto the empirical data plot. Both clusters and multipath components are modeled and results are compared with Saleh‐Valenzuela model parameter values. The results show that both clusters and multipath components can be estimated by probability density functions that follow Gaussian and Laplacian fits on the spatial domain for indoor corridor environment, respectively.
A Hybrid Multiple Criteria Decision Making Model for Selecting the Location of Women’s Fitness Centers
Authors: Liao Sen-Kuei , Hsu Hsiao-Yin , Chang Kuei-Lun
Published: December 2018

Location selection is a critical problem for businesses that can determine the success of an organization. Selecting the optimal location from a pool of alternatives belongs to a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. This study employed a hybrid MCDM technique to select locations for women’s fitness centers in Taiwan. In the beginning, the fuzzy Delphi method was utilized to obtain selection criteria from interviewed senior executives. In the second stage, the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) was employed to extract interdependencies between the selection criteria within each perspective. On the basis of interdependencies between the selection criteria, the analytic network process (ANP) was used to get respective weights of each criterion. Finally, the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was ranking the alternatives. To demonstrate application of the proposed model and illustrate a location selection problem, a case was conducted. The capabilities and effectiveness of the proposed model are revealed.
Prostate Osteoblast-Like Cells: A Reliable Prognostic Marker of Bone Metastasis in Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Scimeca Manuel , Urbano Nicoletta , Rita Bonfiglio , Mapelli Sarah Natalia , Catapano Carlo Vittorio , Carbone Giuseppina Maria , Ciuffa Sara , Tavolozza Mario , Schillaci Orazio , Mauriello Alessandro , Bonanno Elena
Published: December 2018

The main aim of this study was to investigate the putative association among the presence of prostate cancer cells, defined as prostate osteoblast-like cells (POLCs), and showing the expression of typical morphological and molecular characteristics of osteoblasts, the development of bone metastasis within 5 years of diagnosis, and the uptake of 18F-choline evaluated by PET/CT analysis. To this end, prostate biopsies (n= 110) were collected comprising 44 benign lesions and 66 malignant lesions. Malignant lesions were further subdivided into two groups: biopsies from patients that had clinical evidence of bone metastasis (BM+,n= 23) and biopsies from patients that did not have clinical evidence of bone metastasis within 5 years (BM−,n= 43). Paraffin serial sections were obtained from each specimen to perform histological classifications and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Small fragments of tissue were used to perform ultrastructural and microanalytical investigations. IHC demonstrated the expression of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (VIM), bone mineralization, and osteoblastic differentiation (BMP-2, PTX-3, RUNX2, RANKL, and VDR) in prostate lesions characterized by the presence of calcium-phosphate microcalcifications and high metastatic potential. Ultrastructural studies revealed the presence of prostate cancer cells with osteoblast phenotype close to microcalcifications. Noteworthy, PET/CT analysis showed higher uptake of 18F-choline in BM+ lesions with high positivity (≥300/500 cells) for RUNX2 and/or RANKL immunostaining. Although these data require further investigations about the molecular mechanisms of POLCs generation and role in bone metastasis, our study can open new and interesting prospective in the management of prostate cancer patients. The presence of POLCs along with prostate microcalcifications may become negative prognostic markers of the occurrence of bone metastases.
Phytotaxa Begonia Special Issue: Part I (TItle & copyright page)
Authors: TIAN DAI-KE , SHUI YU-MIN , HUGHES MARK , KIEW RUTH , TEBBITT MARK , MOONLIGHT PETER W.
Published: December 2018

N/A
Begonia langenbergiana (Begoniaceae) a new species from the south of São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: KOLLMANN LUDOVIC JEAN CHARLES
Published: December 2018

Begonia langenbergiana, a new species of Begonia from São Paulo State, Brazil is described. Begonia langenbergiana is morphologically similar to Begonia itaguassuensis with which it is compared. The new species grows in hygrophilous Atlantic Forest in the south of São Paulo State, Brazil. A description, comparisons with morphologically similar species, etymology, taxonomic comments, illustrations, a map and the conservation status of the new species are provided.
Four New Brazilian species of Begonia (Begoniaceae)
Authors: JACQUES ELIANE DE LIMA
Published: December 2018

Four new species of the genus Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Brazil are described and illustrated. Begonia itingae, B. mamedeana, and B. tripicoensis are endemic to the Atlantic Forest, an area with high species richness and endemism; B. rivularis is endemic to the central region of this country.
Begonia austrovietnamica (sect. Alicida, Begoniaceae), a handsome new species from South Vietnam
Authors: PENG CHING-I , TRUONG NGUYEN-DONG , NGUYEN DANH-DUC , LIN CHE-WEI
Published: December 2018

Begonia austrovietnamica C.-I Peng, C.W. Lin, D.D. Nguyen & N.D. Truong, a new species from Binh Thuan provice, southern Vietnam, is hereby described and illustrated. B. austrovietnamica resembles B. alicida C.B. Clarke in being a tuberous species with a dormant period, having 4-tepaled staminate flowers and 3-locular ovaries. However, the new species differs from B. alicida in being stemless with basal leaves (vs. erect stem),  strongly asymmetrical (vs. slightly asymmetrical) lamina, inflorescence axillary (vs. terminal), pistillate flowers 6-tepaled (vs. 5-tepaled), ovary narrowly trigonous-ellipsoid (vs. trigonous-spheroid).
Miscellaneous notes on Begonia medogensis (Begoniaceae)
Authors: CHEN WEN-HONG , TIAN DAI-KE , RADBOUCHOOM SIRILAK , XIAO YAN , CONG YI-YAN , GUO SHI-WEI , SHUI YU-MIN
Published: December 2018

During the review progress of a manuscript describing a new species from Xizang (Tibet), we found that, close to acceptance of our manuscript, the same species had just been published as Begonia medogensis. For better understanding this species, we supplemented the description of this species with further illustrations, additional specimens, updated distribution map, further comparison with similar species and a conservation assessment (NT).
Two new species of Begonia from Andean Peru
Authors: MOONLIGHT P.W. , REYNEL C.
Published: December 2018

Two new species of Begonia from montane forests in Andean Peru are described and illustrated as B. lamolina and B. amoeboides. These two species are placed within B. section Cyathocnemis and are morphologically most similar to B. lophoptera, which is lectotypified, and a new description is provided. Preliminary IUCN Red List assessments are provided for all three species.
Comparative analysis of rDNA distribution in 29 species of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum Irmsch.
Authors: HAN YAN-LI , TIAN DAI-KE , FU NAI-FENG , XIAO YAN , LI ZONG-YUN , HAN YONG-HUA
Published: December 2018

The rDNA sites are useful chromosome landmarks and can provide valuable information for species identification and species relationships. In this study, we investigated the distribution of 5S and 45S rDNA sites in 29 species of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum Irmsch. using a two-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. This is the first report of chromosomal rDNA mapping in Begonia species. The analyzed species showed considerable diversity in rDNA distribution patterns. The 45S rDNA signals are always located in terminal regions on 1−4 chromosomes, while 5S rDNA signals are mainly located at proximal regions on 2−8 chromosomes, varying from specific major signals to highly dispersed minor signals. Based on rDNA FISH patterns, most of the investigated species could be distinguished from each other and species relationships were identified. In addition, the results provided clear proof that B. huangii is of hybrid origin and the triploid B. longgangensis was allotriploid rather than autotriploid as suggested before. The data will provide a useful reference for evaluation, conservation and utilization of the natural resources of the mega-diverse genus Begonia.
Phytotaxa Begonia Special Issue: Part I (Table of contents)
Authors: TIAN DAI-KE , SHUI YU-MIN , HUGHES MARK , KIEW RUTH , TEBBITT MARK , MOONLIGHT PETER W.
Published: December 2018

N/A
Begonia naga (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum), a new species from Nagaland, India
Authors: KRISHNA NIKHIL , PRADEEP AYILLIATH KUTTIYERI , JAYAKRISHNAN THACHAT
Published: December 2018

A new species of Begonia, Begonia naga is described from Mokokchung, Nagaland, India. It belongs to the sect. Platycentrum. Detailed description, photographs, illustrations, distribution map and notes on habitat are provided.
The Begonia flora of Gunung Mulu and Gunung Buda National Parks, Sarawak, Borneo, including five new species
Authors: SANG JULIA , KIEW RUTH , YIING LING CHEA
Published: December 2018

An account of the twenty Begonia species from the Gunung Mulu and Gunung Buda National Parks is presented with illustrated descriptions of five new species (Begonia argentii, B. jokwaniana, B. lansatensis, B. muluensis and B. vulgarioides) and one new record (Begonia chlorocarpa Irmsch. ex Sands). A key for their identification is provided.
Examination of type specimens for the genera Odontella and Zygoceros (Bacillariophyceae) with evidence for the new family Odontellaceae and a description of three new genera
Authors: SIMS PAT A. , WILLIAMS DAVID M. , ASHWORTH MATT
Published: December 2018

Using scanning electron microscopy, Ross and Sims (1971) clarified relationships in the Biddulphiaceae and Eupodiscaceae. They identified characters that could be used to separate biddulphioid genera finding that there were two types of valve structure, poroid and loculate (alveolate), and two types of structure at the summit of the valve elevations, an ocellus and a pseudocellus; the ocellus characterised the Eupodiscaceae, its absence the Biddulphiaceae. The former is thus monophyletic. Subsequently, Ashworth et al. (2013) re-investigated the relationships of the Biddulphiaceae and Eupodiscaceae primarily using molecular evidence and showed that while the monophyly of Eupodiscaceae was supported, the species they examined currently placed in Odontella inhabit a non-monophyletic array of clades having relationships with species in genera other than Odontella. They described the new genus Trieres to include three species previously placed in Odontella, Zygoceros, Biddulphia or Denticella and they drew attention to the family Parodontellaceae as a possible synonymous collection of species. This paper presents further evidence on the relationships amongst the Eupodiscoids, particularly the fossil representatives of members of the family Parodontellaceae, and the type specimens of both Odontella and Zygoceros. We present information relevant to a new family Odontellaceae and three new genera: Pseudictyota, Hobaniella and Ralfsiella.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Lobophora declerckii and L. variegata (Dictyotales, Ochrophyta) on the Atlantic coast of Mexico
Authors: GODÍNEZ-ORTEGA JOSÉ LUIS , CABRERA LIDIA I. , GARCÍA-SANDOVAL RICARDO , WYNNE MICHAEL J. , OLIVARES-RUBIO HUGO F. , RAMÍREZ-GARCÍA PEDRO , GRANADOS-BARBA ALEJANDRO
Published: December 2018

The Veracruz Reef System National Park (PNSAV) is located in the central region of Veracruz, off the coast of the municipalities of Veracruz, Boca del Río and Antón Lizardo. It is a complex and important system within the Gulf of Mexico, since it has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, a Ramsar wetland and an essential component of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico Reef Corridor. Lobophora contains 28 currently recognized species and has a pantropical distribution that includes the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans in both hemispheres. Recently, some species have been identified from Western Atlantic Ocean, mainly in the Caribbean Sea. However, very little is known about Lobophora species diversity on the Mexican coast. In this study, morphological and molecular analyses (MAAT) using cytochrome c oxidase 3 (COX3) sequences as a barcode gene were used to study Lobophora spp. The results indicate that there are two species on the Mexican coasts, Lobophora declerckii and L. variegata. Lobophora declerckii represents a new record for the southwest of the Gulf of Mexico and, the presence of L. variegata was confirmed for the Mexican Caribbean.
Achnanthidium neotropicum sp. nov., a new freshwater diatom from Lake Apastepeque in El Salvador (Central America)
Authors: KRAHN KIM J. , WETZEL CARLOS E. , ECTOR LUC , SCHWALB ANTJE
Published: December 2018

A new freshwater diatom recovered from modern and subfossil sediments of Lake Apastepeque in El Salvador, Achnanthidium neotropicum sp. nov., is described based on light and scanning electron microscopy observations. The species is characterized by valves with linear, sometimes centrally constricted (mainly in large cells), outlines, broadly rounded to subrostrate apices, and often rectangular fascia. Striae are composed of 3–4 rounded to slit-like areolae. It can be separated from similar species by valve outline, together with striae density, and number of areolae per stria. Based on the straight distal raphe endings this species can be assigned to the A. minutissimum complex. The new species is compared to morphologically resembling species from the genus Achnanthidium Kützing.
Viola pachysoma (Violaceae), a new name for a rosulate species endemic to the Andes of Argentinian Patagonia
Authors: WATSON JOHN M. , FLORES ANA R. , SHEADER MARTIN , SHEADER ANNA-LIISA
Published: December 2018

The species herein, Viola pachysoma, has a long history of confused identity. When recognised as a distinct taxonomic entity it was published as Viola copahuensis. It also acquired a later replacement name, Viola caviahuensis. Each of these in turn has been formally declared nom. illeg. et nom superfl. Consequently, a third epithet for the taxon, V. pachysoma, is coined and presented here. The original protologue lacked a formal diagnosis, so we have added a supplementary version. We also chronicle the species since known to science, including its status as one of the parents of the first recorded hybrid in its section. A discussion and two multi-character tables serve to compare and separate species comprising the poorly understood geographical alliance which incorporates V. pachysoma.
Two new species of the tribe Sipaneeae (Rubiaceae) from white-sand areas of Brazilian and Colombian Amazon
Authors: DELPRETE PIERO G.
Published: December 2018

As a result of the ongoing taxonomic revision of the tribe Sipaneeae, a new species of Dendrosipanea and Sipaneopsis from the Brazilian and Colombian Amazon are here described and illustrated; both taxa are endemic to the Brazilian white-sand areas locally called campinas and campinaranas. Their conservation status is assessed, and all specimens examined are cited. A key to the three recognized species of Dendrosipanea is included.
Self-Responsibility: Transformations
Authors: Maier Robert
Published: December 2018

Self-responsibility is a concept of modern times; however, it has roots going back to ancient times. It points to the accountability of individuals for their actions. Therefore, it presupposes at least some degree of autonomy of the individual as a responsible member of the social fabric. That self-responsibility has changed significantly in modern times, and particularly during recent decades, is the main thesis of this article. In a first part, the concept of (self-)responsibility is examined briefly, and its different dimensions are pointed out. Recent transformations in the notion of self-responsibility are put forward as a hypothesis. Then the central part of this article addresses the question how welfare arrangements have been reorganized in recent decades as a result of the transformations in the concept of self-responsibility. Finally, I mention the main forms of resistance this new type of self-responsibility.
National Income Inequality and International Business Expansion
Authors: Lupton Nathaniel C. , Jiang Guoliang Frank , Escobar Luis F. , Jiménez Alfredo
Published: December 2018

We examine the extent to which host country income inequality influences multinational enterprises’ (MNE) expansion strategy for foreign production investment, depending on their specific strategic objectives. Applying a transaction cost framework, we predict that national income inequality has an inverted U-shaped relationship with foreign production investment. As inequality increases, MNEs accrue lower transaction costs arising from interactions with various local actors, leading to higher probability of investment. As income inequality increases further, its effect on location attractiveness will become negative, as its attraction effect is increasingly offset by additional monitoring, bargaining, and security costs owing to the more fractious nature of high inequality societies. In addition, we suggest that the impact of income inequality is contingent on investment objectives: The inverted U-shaped relationship is stronger for efficiency-seeking investment but weaker for market-seeking and competence-enhancing investments. We find substantial support for our hypotheses through an analysis of 27 years (1986-2012) of data on Japanese MNEs’ overseas production entries.
Piperacillin-Tazobactam Versus Carbapenems for the Treatment of Nonbacteremic Urinary Tract Infections due to Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Tullos Jordan Brooke , Stoudenmire Laura Leigh , Pouliot Jonathon David
Published: December 2018

Background: Carbapenems are the drug of choice for treatment of infections due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Current evidence regarding piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) as an effective treatment alternative remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of PTZ versus carbapenems for treatment of nonbacteremic urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients treated for ESBL-related UTIs was conducted at three medical centers in the greater Middle Tennessee area. Patients were included if they were ≥ 18 years old, had a positive urine culture with an ESBL-producing organism, and received ≥ 48 hours of treatment with PTZ or carbapenem. Patients with bacteremia as well as those with isolates resistant to the treatment regimen selected were excluded. The primary objective was to determine the difference in clinical response between PTZ and carbapenem for treatment of ESBL-related UTIs. Clinical response was defined as absence of all of the following: (1) repeat admission for UTI caused by the same organism within 6 months, (2) repeat urine culture within 6 months showing growth of the same organism, or (3) a change in antimicrobial regimen due to subjective failure as determined by the ordering provider. Results: A total of 180 patients were included in the analysis (PTZ = 39; carbapenem = 141). There was no difference in clinical response between patients receiving PTZ and carbapenem (74.4% versus 80.9%; P = .38). Conclusion: PTZ may be an effective alternative to carbapenems for treatment of nonbacteremic UTIs due to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
Preparation and characterization of microcellulose reinforced polyvinyl alcohol/starch biocomposites
Authors: Sreekumar PA , Manirul Haque SK , Afzal Hafiz Muhammad , Sadique Zakariya , Al-Harthi Mamdouh A
Published: December 2018

This study details about the synthesis of micro-crystalline cellulose prepared from olive pits, the waste material obtained in olive industry, and the effect of these fillers on the tensile and thermal properties of polyvinyl alcohol/starch blends. Micro-crystalline cellulose from olive pits was prepared, and its size was measured using particle size analyzer. Composites were prepared for various micro-crystalline cellulose loading (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) by solution casting method for the blend ratio of 70/30, respectively. Glycerol (3.78 g) was used as plasticizer in all formulations. Universal testing machine, thermogravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the tensile, thermal, and surface morphology of these bio-composites. Results indicated an increase in the tensile properties especially the Young's modulus from 100 to 180 MPa for composites having 1 wt.% of micro-crystalline cellulose and the same formulation showed higher thermal stability.
Comparison of pre-emptive butorphanol or metamizole with ketamine +medetomidine and s-ketamine + medetomidine anaesthesia in improving intraoperative analgesia in mice
Authors: Bauer C , Schillinger U , Brandl J , Meyer-Lindenberg A , Ott A , Baumgartner C
Published: December 2018

In accordance with the ‘refinement’ component of the 3Rs, the primary aim of this study was to investigate and compare ketamine + medetomidine (KM) and s-ketamine + medetomidine (SKM) anaesthetic protocols in C57BL/6J mice (both sexes). We sought to determine whether s-ketamine could provide adequate surgical tolerance at a 50% dose relative to that of ketamine racemate and whether antagonism of medetomidine could be initiated 15 min earlier. The second aim was to investigate the potential improvement in analgesia for both anaesthetic protocols by adding butorphanol or metamizole. Analgesia was tested via the pedal withdrawal reaction (PWR) to a painful stimulus. During anaesthesia, respiratory frequency, pulse oximetry, body temperature and PWR were monitored. Among the 16 mice in each group, the PWR was lost in all the KM + metamizole (35:56 ± 6:07 min), KM + butorphanol (43:45 ± 2:14 min) and SKM + butorphanol (24:03 ± 5:50 min) mice, 15 of the non-premedicated KM (37:00 ± 8:11 min) mice, and 9 of the pure SKM (20:00 ± 4:19 min) mice; the latter group increased to 11 mice (17:16 ± 5:10 min) with premedication of metamizole. In contrast to the racemic combination, s-ketamine at the dose used here did not lead to sufficient loss of the PWR. However, earlier partial antagonism of SKM resulted in a slightly shorter and qualitatively better recovery than later partial antagonism of SKM. The addition of metamizole or butorphanol to KM or SKM anaesthesia positively influences the analgesic quality. However, when butorphanol is added, controlled ventilation may be necessary, especially for male mice.
A REDCap application that links researchers, animal facility staff and members of the IACUC in animal health monitoring
Authors: Carvajal Cristobal , Vallejos Catalina , Lemaitre Dominique , Ruiz Jorge , Guzmán Camila , Aguilera Valentina , Baño Diego , Calligaris Sebastián D.
Published: December 2018

Research studies involving animal experimentation are regulated by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). To this end, the IACUC must integrate the information provided by the investigators of each preclinical study and the veterinarians from the animal facility in order to monitor and approve the process. Using a paper-based system to collect animal health and welfare data is a common, albeit time-consuming practice, prone to transcription and reading errors, not to mention inconvenient for veterinarians and investigators wishing to make timely and collaborative decisions when animal welfare is at risk. We created a web-based monitoring system focused on animal health with the potential to improve animal welfare. The data management system is based on REDCap software, which enables data integration in order to offer a solution for animal welfare assessment. The proposed scheme includes key indicators of general health status, such as environment, physical/nutritional information, and behavioral parameters during animal breeding and experimentation, as important components of animal welfare. In addition, the system facilitates communication of this information among researchers, animal facility staff, and the IACUC. REDCap is available to non-profit organizations, and may be adapted and replicated by institutions interested in and responsible for animal care, and used in research. REDCap is an excellent tool for promoting good practices that benefit experimental animal health.
The Effects of Blur and Inversion on the Recognition of Ambient Face Images
Authors: Balas Benjamin , Gable Jacob , Pearson Hannah
Published: December 2018

When viewing unfamiliar faces that vary in expressions, angles, and image quality, observers make many recognition errors. Specifically, in unconstrained identity-sorting tasks, observers struggle to cope with variation across different images of the same person while succeeding at telling different people apart. The use of ambient face images in this simple card-sorting task reveals the magnitude of these face recognition errors and suggests a useful platform to reexamine the nature of face processing using naturalistic stimuli. In the present study, we chose to investigate the impact of two basic stimulus manipulations (image blur and face inversion) on identity sorting with ambient images. Although these manipulations are both known to affect face processing when well-controlled, frontally viewed face images are used, examining how they affect performance for ambient images is an important step toward linking the large body of research using controlled face images to more ecologically valid viewing conditions. Briefly, we observed a high cost of image blur regardless of blur magnitude, and a strong inversion effect that affected observers’ sensitivity to extrapersonal variability but did not affect the number of unique identities they estimated were present in the set of images presented to them.
Comparison of lightning protection performance of carbon/epoxy laminates with a non-metallic outer layer
Authors: Lee Juhyeong , Lacy Jr Thomas E , Pittman Charles U , Mazzola Michael S
Published: December 2018

This study shows how a lightning protection layer can be designed to effectively mitigate lightning damage in underlying composite structures. A parametric study was performed to characterize critical lightning protection layer properties that improve composite lightning damage resistance. Simulated 50 kA and 200 kA lightning strikes to pitch-based carbon fiber paper (PCFP)-protected AS4/3506 carbon/epoxy composites were considered in this study. The lightning protection characteristics of various PCFP outer layers were assessed by varying in-plane and through-thickness properties: electrical and thermal conductivities, and electrical and thermal gap conductances. The predicted matrix decomposition in the outermost AS4/3506 ply was significantly reduced by increasing the PCFP in-plane electrical conductivity. While predicted lightning damage decreased slightly with a decrease in thermal gap conductance, varying the electrical gap conductance and the in-plane and through-thickness thermal conductivities did not significantly affect the damage development. Among various PCFP properties, the PCFP in-plane electrical conductivity was the most critical factor in reducing thermal damage development (thus, protecting the underlying AS4/3506 laminate). This parametric study demonstrates that it may be possible to tailor lightweight non-metallic lightning protection layers as an effective alternative to traditional metallic projection layers.