bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olten Meeting 2013 – Bioinformatics and Bioprocess Engineering
Authors: Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: March 2014

'Make Changes!' was the theme of the Olten Meeting 2013, which took place on 29 November 2013, where expert speakers from Swiss academia and abroad introduced new and innovative concepts in the domain of bioinformatics and bioprocess engineering. Representatives of science and com-
panies took the opportunity to exchange ideas and to establish new contacts across the border.
Effects of High-Visibility Enforcement on Driver Compliance with Pedestrian Yield Right-of-Way Laws
Authors: Van Houten Ron , Malenfant Louis , Huitema Brad , Blomberg Richard
Published: March 2014

This study examined the effects of a 1-year high-visibility pedestrian right-of-way enforcement program on yielding to pedestrians at uncontrolled crosswalks, some of which received enforcement and some of which did not. The program included four 2-week enforcement waves supported by education and engineering components that increased the visibility of enforcement. The study produced five results: (a) enforcement led to a slow and steady increase in the percentage of drivers yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians over the year; (b) the program produced a large change in yielding over the course of the year; (c) the program produced higher levels of yielding to natural pedestrian crossing than to staged crossings, and the changes in both were highly correlated; (d) the effects of the program generalized to crosswalks that were not targeted for pedestrian right-of-way enforcement; and (e) the amount of generalization to unenforced sites was inversely proportional to the distance from sites that received enforcement.
Feature Analysis and Operation Evaluation of Pedestrian Weaving Zone
Authors: Wu Jiaorong , Lu Sugang
Published: March 2014

Weaving behavior occurs because of the conflict of pedestrian walking streams, and such behavior manifests itself as weaving points in walking facilities. If many weaving points are concentrated in a relatively stable zone, the zone is defined as a pedestrian weaving zone (PWZ). Weaving behavior has a great impact on pedestrians’ speed and walking comfort, facility capacity, and passenger safety. First, both the concept of the PWZ and PWZ features are defined. By means of controlled experiments, data on weaving zone features and pedestrian weaving behavior are collected from different scenarios. Subsequently, PWZ features are analyzed through geometric features and location attributes of the weaving zone, and it is concluded that the pedestrian flow volume and the ratio of the two pedestrian streams (two-pedestrian-stream ratio) are closely related to the area of the PWZ rather than to the width and length of the pedestrian passageway, and the PWZ is closer to the exit than to the entrance of the passageway. Three new indexes—pedestrian weaving intensity, pedestrian trajectory offset ratio, and distribution density factor of weaving points—are introduced to analyze the operation of the PWZ. Finally, on the basis of the three indexes, the study establishes a pedestrian negative utility model to evaluate the operational status of the PWZ. The PWZ performs better with a decrease of utility. After analysis of the impact of passageway geometric features (passageway width and length) and pedestrian traffic features (pedestrian volume and the two-pedestrian-stream ratio) on the performance of the PWZ, two improvements in the planning and management of pedestrian passageways, through which the negative utility decreases 29.7% and 34.5%, respectively, are presented.
Application of Computer Vision to Diagnosis of Pedestrian Safety Issues
Authors: Zaki Mohamed H. , Sayed Tarek , Tageldin Ahmed , Hussein Mohamed
Published: March 2014

The potential for using computer vision techniques to solve several shortcomings associated with traditional road safety and behavior analysis is demonstrated. Surrogate data such as traffic conflicts provide invaluable information that can be used to understand collision-contributing factors and the collision failure mechanism better. Recent advances in computer vision techniques have encouraged the use of proactive safety surrogate measures such as detection of conflicts and violations. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the automated safety diagnosis of pedestrian crossing safety issues by using computer vision techniques. The automated safety diagnosis is applied at a major signalized intersection in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, at which concerns had been raised regarding the high conflict rate between vehicles and pedestrians as well as the elevated number of traffic violations (i.e., jaywalking). This study is unique in its attempt to extract conflict indicators and detect violations from video sequences in a fully automated way. This line of research benefits safety experts because it provides a prompt and objective safety evaluation for intersections. The research also provides a permanent database for traffic information that can be beneficial for a sound safety diagnosis as well as for developing safety countermeasures.
Do Complete Streets Cost More than Incomplete Streets?
Authors: Shapard James , Cole Mark
Published: March 2014

For more than 5 years, the City of Charlotte, North Carolina, has been applying the award-winning Urban Street Design Guidelines to plan, design, and build context-based complete streets that consider the needs of all transportation modes. This study intends to answer the most common question the city receives about building complete streets: Does building a complete street cost more than building a traditional street and, if so, how much more? Staff from the Charlotte Department of Transportation (Charlotte DOT) compiled information from past projects to determine the cost range of typical complete streets projects. In addition, Charlotte DOT staff used the database of the North Carolina DOT to analyze actual line-item bid costs for complete streets project elements, such as bike lanes and sidewalks. Charlotte DOT staff also examined fluctuations in transportation project construction costs over a 5-year period. The analysis shows that incorporating complete streets elements slightly increases the cost of a project. However, Charlotte DOT staff also determined that overall market fluctuations in construction costs played a more significant role in the costs of a project than did the costs for incorporating complete streets elements. Costs for typical complete streets elements make up a very small percentage of the overall project cost. After consideration of the small percentage of project budgets required to include complete streets elements and the significant fluctuation in project construction costs, the authors make the argument for continuing to include complete street items in project scopes and budgets.
Pedestrian Crash Risk on Boundary Roadways
Authors: Schneider Robert J. , Grembek Offer , Braughton Matthew
Published: March 2014

Prominent pedestrian trip attractors, such as college campuses and major urban parks, are often surrounded by roadways with high volumes of motor vehicle traffic. Although many pedestrians cross busy boundary roadways, relatively little is known about the pedestrian crash risk along these types of facilities. This study quantifies pedestrian crash risk at roadway intersections on the boundary of the University of California, Berkeley, campus during typical spring and fall semester weekdays. Manual pedestrian counts were extrapolated with data from three automated counter locations to represent pedestrian exposure. Pedestrian crash risk was highest at intersections along the boundary roadways with the lowest pedestrian volumes. In addition, pedestrian risk in the evening (6:00 p.m. to midnight) was estimated to be more than three times higher than in the daytime (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). The crash risk estimation approach presented can be used to study pedestrian safety on the boundary of campuses and other major attractors so that agencies can identify and prioritize engineering, education, and enforcement treatments to reduce pedestrian injuries.
Georges Perec and Anne Garréta: Oulipo, Constraint and Crime Fiction
Authors: O'Meara Lucy
Published: March 2014

This article examines two novels written by members of the Oulipo group, exploring the ways in which Georges Perec's La Disparition (1969) and Anne F. Garréta's La Décomposition (1999) both use Oulipian constraints within a narrative infrastructure drawn from subgenres of crime fiction: La Disparition is a whodunnit, and La Décomposition a first-person noir narrative. I argue that Perec and Garréta use the alliance of constraint and crime fiction in order to articulate a probing account of their protagonists’ impossible quests for metaphysical certainty in the face of death and loss. The genre-constraint alliance is also the means by which Perec and Garréta express their dissatisfaction with aspects of contemporary literary culture and reception. The article examines why the tropes of crime fiction are of particular use to these Oulipian authors in their investigation of the purposes and potential of literature.
‘I cried power’: The (Im)Possibility of Female ‘Freedom’ in Le Jour où Nina Simone a cessé de chanter (Darina Al-Joundi)
Authors: Vassallo Helen
Published: March 2014

Le Jour où Nina Simone a cessé de chanter narrates Darina Al-Joundi's experiences of the Lebanese civil war, and a restriction that is personal, social, gendered and religious. It represents a resistance through performance, via appropriation of a combative persona and of secular lyrics by Nina Simone which Al-Joundi uses to ‘cry power’ by collapsing boundaries between self and other, East and West, thought and experience. This article analyses the tension between imposed restrictions and a desired ‘freedom’, setting established theories of exile (Said) in dialogue with more specific discussions of Lebanon and its social restriction of women. This interrogates the ways in which a putative ‘freedom’ is constructed or diagnosed as ‘madness’, concluding that the only possibility for negotiating any measure of real ‘freedom’ is in crossing borders and developing a new model of female ‘freedom’ contingent on the fragile and ever-shifting boundaries between representations of East and West.
Crowdsourcing as a Tool for Knowledge Acquisition in Spatial Planning
Authors: Papadopoulou Chrysaida-Aliki , Giaoutzi Maria
Published: March 2014

The term “crowdsourcing” was initially introduced by Howe in his article “The Rise of Crowdsourcing” [1]. During the last few years, crowdsourcing has become popular among companies, institutions and universities, as a crowd-centered modern “tool” for problem solving. Crowdsourcing is mainly based on the idea of an open-call publication of a problem, requesting the response of the crowd for reaching the most appropriate solution. The focus of this paper is on the role of crowdsourcing in knowledge acquisition for planning applications. The first part provides an introduction to the origins of crowdsourcing in knowledge generation. The second part elaborates on the concept of crowdsourcing, while some indicative platforms supporting the development of crowdsourcing applications are also described. The third part focuses on the integration of crowdsourcing with certain web technologies and GIS (Geographic Information Systems), for spatial planning applications, while in the fourth part, a general framework of the rationale behind crowdsourcing applications is presented. Finally, the fifth part focuses on a range of case studies that adopted several crowdsourcing techniques.
Using the Immunization Information System to Determine Vaccination Coverage Rates among Children Aged 1–7 Years: A Report from Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Li Qian , Hu Yu , Zhong Yanpeng , Chen Yaping , Tang Xuewen , Guo Jing , Shen Lingzhi
Published: March 2014

Background: The Zhejiang Immunization Information System (ZJIIS) was established in 2004. This study described the coverage rates of NIP vaccines in Zhejiang Province using the ZJIIS. Methods: Children aged 1–7 years (born from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2011) registered in ZJIIS were enrolled in this study. All immunization records were obtained from the ZJIIS on 31 December 2012. The cohort method had been used for identifying trends and patterns in vaccine administration. Immunization coverage estimates were analyzed for both individual NIP vaccines and “Fully immunized” by age group, birth cohort, immigration status, and geography area. We also examined the timeliness vaccination for the 2010 birth cohort. Results: A total of 3,579,896 children were registered in ZJIIS. All the vaccines and doses which scheduled to be given at ≤12 months of age exceeded 90%. There was substantial decrease trend in the vaccines scheduled at >12 months of age and most of these vaccines were below 90%. The coverage of migrant children was lower than for resident children and the coverage of WenZhou (WZ), Zhoushan (ZS) and TaiZhou (TZ) was lower than other municipalities for most of vaccines across all the birth cohorts. Nearly 20%–30% of children of 2010 birth cohort delayed for the primary series vaccination scheduled at ≤12 months of age, especially among migrant children. Conclusions: The ZJIIS is useful in tracking vaccine coverage of children aged 1–7 years and the data provided by ZJIIS reflected the fact that NIP delivery was improving in Zhejiang Province, while identifying some areas for improvement. We recommend continuing surveillance to estimate of vaccine coverage through ZJIIS. Immunization strategies such as Assessment, Feedback, Incentives, and Exchange program, reminder/recall activity, home visits, school entry requirements and school-based clinics could be used to reach a higher coverage of the population.
Telmisartan Exerts Anti-Tumor Effects by Activating Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells
Authors: Li Juan , Chen Lin , Yu Ping , Liu Bin , Zhu Jiang , Yang Ye
Published: March 2014

Telmisartan, a member of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, is usually used for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have showed that telmisartan has the property of PPARγ activation. Meanwhile, PPARγ is essential for tumor proliferation, invasion and metastasis. In this work we explore whether telmisartan could exert anti-tumor effects through PPARγ activation in A549 cells. MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays were included to determine the survival rates and cell viabilities. RT-PCR and western blotting were used to analyze the expression of ICAM-1, MMP-9 and PPARγ. DNA binding activity of PPARγ was evaluated by EMSA. Our data showed that the survival rates and cell viabilities of A549 cells were all reduced by telmisartan in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, our results also demonstrated that telmisartan dose-dependently inhibited the expression of ICAM-1 and MMP-9. Moreover, the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects, ICAM-1 and MMP-9 inhibitive properties of telmisartan were totally blunted by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662. Our findings also showed that the expression of PPARγ was up-regulated by telmisartan in a dose dependent manner. And, the EMSA results also figured out that DNA binding activity of PPARγ was dose-dependently increased by telmisartan. Additionally, our data also revealed that telmisartan-induced PPARγ activation was abrogated by GW9662. Taken together, our results indicated that telmisartan inhibited the expression of ICAM-1 and MMP-9 in A549 cells, very likely through the up-regulation of PPARγ synthesis.
Analytical Methods for Chemical and Sensory Characterization of Scent-Markings in Large Wild Mammals: A Review
Authors: Soso Simone , Koziel Jacek , Johnson Anna , Lee Young , Fairbanks W.
Published: March 2014

In conjoining the disciplines of “ethology” and “chemistry” the field of “Ethochemistry” has been instituted. Ethochemistry is an effective tool in conservation efforts of endangered species and the understanding of behavioral patterns across all species. Chemical constituents of scent-markings have an important, yet poorly understood function in territoriality, reproduction, dominance, and impact on evolutionary biology, especially in large mammals. Particular attention has recently been focused on scent-marking analysis of great cats (Kalahari leopards (Panthera pardus), puma (Puma concolor) snow leopard (Panthera uncia), African lions (Panthera leo), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), and tigers (Panthera tigris)) for the purpose of conservation. Sensory analyses of scent-markings could address knowledge gaps in ethochemistry. The objective of this review is to summarize the current state-of-the art of both the chemical and sensory analyses of scent-markings in wild mammals. Specific focus is placed on sampling and sample preparation, chemical analysis, sensory analysis, and simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses. Constituents of exocrine and endocrine secretions have been most commonly studied with chromatography-based analytical separations. Odor analysis of scent-markings provides an insight into the animal’s sensory perception. A limited number of articles have been published in the area of sensory characterization of scent marks. Simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses with chromatography-olfactometry hyphenation could potentially aid conservation efforts by linking perceived odor, compounds responsible for odor, and resulting behavior.
Genomic and Functional Characteristics of Human Cytomegalovirus Revealed by Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Sijmons Steven , Van Ranst Marc , Maes Piet
Published: March 2014

The complete genome of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was elucidated almost 25 years ago using a traditional cloning and Sanger sequencing approach. Analysis of the genetic content of additional laboratory and clinical isolates has lead to a better, albeit still incomplete, definition of the coding potential and diversity of wild-type HCMV strains. The introduction of a new generation of massively parallel sequencing technologies, collectively called next-generation sequencing, has profoundly increased the throughput and resolution of the genomics field. These increased possibilities are already leading to a better understanding of the circulating diversity of HCMV clinical isolates. The higher resolution of next-generation sequencing provides new opportunities in the study of intrahost viral population structures. Furthermore, deep sequencing enables novel diagnostic applications for sensitive drug resistance mutation detection. RNA-seq applications have changed the picture of the HCMV transcriptome, which resulted in proof of a vast amount of splicing events and alternative transcripts. This review discusses the application of next-generation sequencing technologies, which has provided a clearer picture of the intricate nature of the HCMV genome. The continuing development and application of novel sequencing technologies will further augment our understanding of this ubiquitous, but elusive, herpesvirus.
Microsatellite loci for Orthophytum ophiuroides (Bromelioideae, Bromeliaceae) species adapted to neotropical rock outcrops
Authors: Aoki‐Gonçalves Felipe , Louzada Rafael B. , De Souza Lívia Moura , Palma‐Silva Clarisse
Published: March 2014

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for Orthophytum ophiuroides, a rupicolous bromeliad species endemic to neotropical rocky fields. These microsatellite loci will be used to investigate population differentiation and species cohesion in such fragmented environments. The loci were tested for cross‐amplification in related bromeliad species.

• Methods and Results: Eleven polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized from an enriched library of O. ophiuroides. The loci were tested on 42 individuals from two populations of this species. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to nine and the expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.167 to 0.870 and from 0.369 to 0.958, respectively. Seven loci successfully amplified in other related bromeliad species.

• Conclusions: Our results suggest that the microsatellite loci developed here will be useful to assess genetic diversity and gene flow in O. ophiuroides for the investigation of population differentiation and species cohesion in neotropical mountainous habitats.
An SOA Approach to Virtual Classroom with Content Repurposing
Authors: Xiangsheng Kong
Published: March 2014

Existing M-Learnings lack security, privacy and wireless accessibility features so that they are prevented from expanding widely and usually have problems that they lack S.C.A.L.E. (Scalability, Connectivity, Adaptability, Liability, and Ease-of-use) design factors that a typical ubiquitous system must support. One of the ways lies in the evolution of learning environments into Service Governance of Service Oriented Architecture. The implementation of this architecture will allow the creation of Mobiles and external tools that can work with the resources contained in the platform, and give trainers and learners a freedom of movement that they did not have before.
Interaction with a Problem Solving Multi Video Lecture: Observing Students from Distance and Traditional Learning Courses
Authors: Viel Caio César , Rodrigues Kamila Rios da Hora , Melo Erick Lazaro , Bueno Renato , Pimentel Maria Da Graça Campos , Teixeira Cesar Augusto Camillo
Published: March 2014

The recording of lectures has become common as a way to produce video-based instructional material. Even though the material is often produced using more than one video source - the instructor and the slide, for instance - the result is usually a single video stream.

We built a system prototype that allows the recording of several video streams associated with a lecture, including the instructor, projected slides, and information presented by the instructor via a computer (software or other videos, for instance). The several video streams, orchestrated using contextual and control information, are used to produce an interactive multi video object.

The interactive nature of our novel multi video object offers students several alternatives for watching the lecture. When the multi video is used by students of traditional and distance learning courses, is opportune to investigate if there are differences in how students watch and interact with the multi video.

We captured a problem solving lecture in the theme of Database Design our system. The resulting interactive multivideo object was offered to two groups of students as extra learning material, in preparation for exams. One of the groups attended a traditional, classroom-based course, and the other group attended a distance learning course. In this paper we first give a brief overview of our system, and then we present observations of how both groups of students interacted with the multi video multimedia learning object. We could observe, for instance, that students from the traditional course used the alternative views allowed by multi video more than students from the distance learning course, while students from the distance learning course spent more time watching and interacted more with the interactive multi video.
APPLICATION OF DENDRIMER/PLASMID hBMP-2 COMPLEXES LOADED INTO β-TCP/COLLAGEN SCAFFOLD IN THE TREATMENT OF FEMORAL DEFECTS IN RATS
Authors: Bao Tingwei , Wang Huiming , Zhang Wentao , Xia Xuefeng , Zhou Jiabei , Weng Wenjian , Yu Dan
Published: March 2014

Purpose: Plasmid loading into scaffolds to enhance sustained release of growth factors is an important focus of regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to build gene-activated matrices (GAMs) and examine the bone augmentation properties. Methods: Generation 5 polyamidoamine dendrimers (G5 dPAMAM)/plasmid recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) complexes were immobilized into beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)/type I collagen porous scaffolds. After cultured with rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs), transfection efficiencies were examined. The secretion of rhBMP-2 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were detected to evaluate the osteogenic properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe attachment and proliferation. Moreover, we applied these GAMs directly into freshly created segmental bone defects in rat femurs, and their osteogenic efficiencies were evaluated. Results: Released plasmid complexes were transfected into stem cells and were expressed, which caused osteogenic differentiations of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs). SEM analysis showed excellent cell attachment. Bioactivity of plasmid rhBMP-2 was maintained in vivo, and the X-ray observation, histological analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of bone tissue demonstrated that the bone healing in segmental femoral defects was enhanced by implantation of GAMs. Conclusions: Such biomaterials offer therapeutic opportunities in critical-sized bone defects.
MODELING HUMAN TISSUES: AN EFFICIENT INTEGRATED METHODOLOGY
Authors: Cerrolaza M. , Gavidia G. , Soudah E. , Martín-Landrove M.
Published: March 2014

Geometric models of human body organs are obtained from imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) that oallow an accurate visualization of the inner body, thus providing relevant information about their its structure and pathologies. Next, these models are used to generate surface and volumetric meshes, which can be used further for visualization, measurement, biomechanical simulation, rapid prototyping and prosthesis design. However, going from geometric models to numerical models is not an easy task, being necessary to apply image-processing techniques to solve the complexity of human tissues and to get more simplified geometric models, thus reducing the complexity of the subsequent numerical analysis. In this work, an integrated and efficient methodology to obtain models of soft tissues like gray and white matter of brain and hard tissues like jaw and spine bones is proposed. The methodology is based on image-processing algorithms chosen according to some characteristics of the tissue: type, intensity profiles and boundaries quality. First, low-quality images are improved by using enhancement algorithms to reduce image noise and to increase structures contrast. Then, hybrid segmentation for tissue identification is applied through a multi-stage approach. Finally, the obtained models are resampled and exported in formats readable by computer aided design (CAD) tools. In CAD environments, this data is used to generate discrete models using finite element methed (FEM) or other numerical methods like the boundary element method (BEM). Results have shown that the proposed methodology is useful and versatile to obtain accurate geometric models that can be used in several clinical cases to obtain relevant quantitative and qualitative information.
Social Commerce from a Theory of Planned Behavior Paradigm
Authors: Smith Sheila M. , Zhao Jensen , Alexander Melody
Published: March 2014

Social commerce (s-commerce) is linked to social shopping, social sharing, and described as focusing on sharing information with affiliate shoppers. Due to the increased popularity of private and public social networking websites, this empirical study extends Ajzen’s (1991) theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain and predict purchase intention after interacting with an s-commerce website. Results indicate significant support for the theoretical paradigm from an s-commerce perspective. No significant effects emerged from the multiple linear regression conducted to determine whether the current study’s theoretical paradigm confirmed to the applicability of the theory of planned behavior. Using a path model as outlined by Ajzen (2004), the path analysis produced good support for the model in which purchase intention had a positive relationship with attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived control behavior. Analysis of attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intentions revealed subjective norm had the greatest influence on purchase intention. Implications for theoretical and practical analysis are presented, along with recommendations for future research.
The Life and Times of a Learning Technology System
Authors: Pahl Claus
Published: March 2014

With the inception of the web now being more than 20 years ago, many web-based learning technology systems (LTS) have had a long life and have undergone many changes, both affecting content and infrastructure technologies. A change factor model can capture the various factors causing LTS to change. Methods for change-aware design of LTS have been suggested. The purpose of this investigation is, firstly, to add empirical results to aspects of these models and methods in order to show the relevance of such a change factor model by specifically looking at an LTS that has been developed, maintained and extended over a period of 20 years. Secondly, these results shall be used to develop a conceptual model capturing and assessing the impact of change. A key observation is an unexpectedly high impact of environmental constraints on the LTS, but also new opportunities emerging over time have had dramatic changes as their consequence.
Systematics of the southern African genus Ixia (Iridaceae). 3. Sections Hyalis and Morphixia
Authors: Goldblatt P. , Manning J. C.
Published: March 2014

A revised classification is presented for Ixia L., a southern African genus restricted to the winter rainfall zone of the western part of the subcontinent, in which the four sections Dichone (Salisb. ex Baker) Goldblatt J.C.Manning, Hyalis (Baker) Diels, Ixia, and Morphixia (Ker Gawl.) Pax are recognized and diagnosed. The circumscription of sect. Hyalis is emended to include both short- and long-tubed species, mostly with four or more leaves with the uppermost not sharply differentiated from the lower. This contrast with sect. Morphixia, also with short- and long-tubed species, in which the entirely sheathing uppermost leaf (rarely upper two leaves) is distinct from the lower two or rarely three leaves, which have well-developed blades. We revise these two sections, recognizing 18 species in sect. Hyalis, including the two new species, I. linderi and I. recondita, and recognizing 31 species in sect. Morphixia, including the 11 new species, I. alata, I. cedarmontana, I. dolichosiphon, I. ecklonii, I. linearifolia, I. monticola (previously included in I. latifolia var. angustifolia), I. pavonia, I. parva and I. ramulosa (raised from varietal rank as var. parviflora and var. ramulosa respectively of I. latifolia), I. saundersiana and I. stenophylla (previously I. fucata var. filifolia). We also provide a new name, I. mollis for the illegitimate homonym I. flaccida. Lastly, we transfer I. purpureorosea from sect. Ixia to sect. Hyalis. We recognize eight informal series, three in sect. Hyalis and five in sect. Morphixia. With these changes and additions the genus Ixia now comprises 78 species.
Pteridophyta
Authors: Crouch N. R. , Burrows J. E.
Published: March 2014

New pteridophyte records for the flora of Swaziland.
Bryophyta
Authors: Van Rooy J.
Published: March 2014

New and interesting records of mosses in the Flora of southern Africa area: 5. New provincial records.
Pteridophyta–Marsileaceae
Authors: Crouch N. R. , Wesley-Smith J.
Published: March 2014

Pilularia dracomontana, a new species of pillwort from the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, South Africa.
Pteridophyta–Sinopteridaceae
Authors: Klopper R. R. , Van Wyk A. E.
Published: March 2014

A new subspecies of Cheilanthes deltoidea from Gauteng and Limpopo, South Africa.
The extended occurrence of Maputaland Woody Grassland further south in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Siebert S. J. , Siebert F. , Du Toit M. J.
Published: March 2014

The distinctiveness of Maputaland Woody Grassland lies within its richness of geoxylic suffrutices and herbaceous flora. Since it is well documented in the literature and easy to distinguish from other grassland types, it was possible to confirm a locality of this unique vegetation unit west of Richards Bay, where it probably forms the southernmost outlier population of this vegetation unit in the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Biome. Phytosociological data obtained from the study area were analysed to identify plant communities and subsequent mapping units. Floristic gradients obtained through ordination techniques revealed the relationship that exists between the Woody Grassland of the study area and the Maputaland Woody Grassland of Sileza Nature Reserve. This confirms the occurrence of Maputaland Woody Grassland at Richards Bay. Two of the plant communities identified from the Richards Bay site are distinctively different, despite previously being lumped together by different authorities as either Kwambonambi Grassland or Maputaland Woody Grassland.
Anatomy of myxospermic diaspores of selected species in the Succulent Karoo, Namaqualand, South Africa
Authors: Makouate H. F. , Van Rooyen M. W. , Van der Merwe C. F.
Published: March 2014

Environmental conditions encountered in arid ecosystems differ vastly from those in more mesic ecosystems. Dispersal strategies in arid environments reflect these differences and many mechanisms have evolved that restrict or hinder dispersal. Myxospermy is a trait developed by plant species from arid regions to restrict diaspore dispersal by means of an anchorage mechanism. Several of the abundant plant species in Namaqualand, within the arid Succulent Karoo Biome, display myxospermy. Diaspores of these species produce copious amounts of mucilage when they are moistened and are anchored to the soil once the mucilage dries out again. This study investigated the origin of the mucilaginous layer of 12 species anatomically, using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The mucilage production of the species investigated could best be grouped into three types: 1, epidermal and sub-epidermal cells of seeds and achenes; 2, specialized tissue in wings or the pappus of achenes; and 3, mucilage excreting hairs. Previous systems for classifying the different types of mucilage production did not recognize the mucilaginous nature of wings or a pappus. A short note on the composition of the mucilage is included.
Hyacinthaceae
Authors: Martínez-Azorín M. , Crespo M. B. , Dold A. P.
Published: March 2014

Albuca tenuifolia and A. shawii (Ornithogaloideae), two distinct species from South Africa.
Nyctaginaceae
Authors: Struwig M. , Siebert S. J.
Published: March 2014

Taxonomic status of Commicarpus fruticosus.
Pollen morphology of members of southern African Boerhavia and Commicarpus (Nyctaginaceae)
Authors: Struwig M. , Siebert S. J. , Jordaan A.
Published: March 2014

In southern Africa, Boerhavia L. and Commicarpus Standl. are the most species-rich genera of the Nyctaginaceae. Hitherto, the pollen morphology of only three southern African species of each of these genera has been described. A palynological study of the remaining species is therefore necessary to complete the information for the taxa. The pollen morphology of sixteen species was studied with light, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. Pollen grains of Boerhavia and Commicarpus are uniform in shape and sculpturing. Grains are spheroidal and pantoporate, and the tectum tubuliferous and spinulose. Pollen grains of the Boerhavia are 52–91 μm in diameter and those of Commicarpus 52–129 μm. Spinules in both genera are 1–5 μm long. Pore plates have one or two spinules. In both genera the exine is 3.5–11.5 μm thick, the tectum 0.9–3.9 μm thick and the collumellae 0.6–2.8 μm long. Foot layers are 0.9–5.1 μm thick and the endexine is barely visible. Size variation of the pollen grain, pore diameter and exine thickness overlap and cannot be used to distinguish between the two genera or the individual species.
A taxonomic revision of the small Cape genus Steirodiscus (Asteraceae: Senecioneae)
Authors: Manning J. C. , Goldblatt P. , Joubert L.
Published: March 2014

The genus Steirodiscus Less. is revised, with full descriptions, nomenclature, illustrations and distribution data. Five species are recognised in two sections: sect. Steirodiscus with free involucral bracts and sect. Psilothonna with bracts connate into a smooth cup. S. linearilobus DC. is established as an earlier name for S. schlechteri Bolus, which is relegated to synonomy.
Geraniaceae
Authors: Roux J. P.
Published: March 2014

Pelargonium pachypodium (sect. Otidia), a new species from Northern Cape, South Africa.
Eight new species of Moraea (Iridaceae) from southern Africa with range extensions and morphological notes in the genus
Authors: Goldblatt P. , Manning J. C.
Published: March 2014

We describe eight new southern African species in the largely sub-Saharan African genus Moraea L., one from the winterdry Great Karoo and the others from the winter-rainfall zone of the southwest of the subcontinent. M. striata Goldblatt J.C.Manning (subg. Visciramosae Goldblatt) from the southern foothills of the Great Swartberg Mtns has khaki-green flowers with reflexed tepal limbs streaked with dark lines. The acaulescent M. singularis Goldblatt J.C.Manning (subg. Umbellatae Goldblatt J.C.Manning) with terete leaf blades is restricted to the dry, interior foothills of the Kamiesberg in Northern Cape. M. filamentosa Goldblatt J.C.Manning, subg. Acaules (Baker) Goldblatt J.C.Manning, is described from the dry interior of Namaqualand in Northern Cape. The species is closely allied to the widespread M. falcifolia Klatt. In subg. Polyanthes (Goldblatt) Goldblatt J.C.Manning, we describe M. thermarum Goldblatt J.C.Manning (sect. Hexaglottis (Vent.) Goldblatt) from southwestern Namibia, allied to M. brevituba (Goldblatt) Goldblatt, and M. lazulina Goldblatt J.C.Manning (sect. Pseudospicata Goldblatt J.C.Manning) from the Little Karoo, until now confused with M. exiliflora Goldblatt but differing in its larger flowers with strongly reflexed tepals. The new M. petricola Goldblatt J.C.Manning (subg. Vieusseuxia (D.Delaroche) Goldblatt), is restricted to higher elevations of the Pakhuis Mtns of northern Western Cape. Lastly, in subg. Homeria (Vent.) Goldblatt J.C.Manning, we recognize M. doleritica Goldblatt J.C.Manning with pale yellow flowers and anthers exceeding the style branches, restricted to dolerite outcrops in the Great Karoo, and M. eburnea Goldblatt J.C.Manning from the northern foothills of the Klein Swartberg, which has a single, basal leaf and pale yellow flowers with filaments free distally. Moraea now has 222 species, including 203 in southern Africa, of which 200 are endemic to the region. In addition to describing new species, the paper brings to light range extensions of a further eight species: M. barnardii L.Bolus, M. elliotii Baker, M. exiliflora Goldblatt, M. falcifolia Goldblatt J.C.Manning, M. fenestralis (Goldblatt E.G.H.Oliver) Goldblatt, M. louisabolusiae Goldblatt, M. tulbaghensis L.Bolus and M. unguiculata Ker Gawl. Each of the species falls into one of the subgenera mentioned for the new species except M. fenestralis which belongs in subg. Galaxia.
Hydro-climatic Change in Japan (1906-2005): Impacts of Global Warming and Urbanization
Authors: Higashino Makoto , Stefan Heinz G.
Published: March 2014

Hydro-climatic change in Japan from 1906 to 2005 has been analyzed using local climate data from four large metropolitan areas, four cities, and eight rural areas. Mean annual and seasonal air temperature records (Japan Meteorological Agency, JMA) show linear warming trends at all 16 study sites with a strong dependence on population (density). Over the 100 year period investigated, the average warming has been the least (1.06°C) at the rural sites, higher (1.77°C) in the urban areas and cities, and highest (2.70°C) in the large metropolitan areas. The more sparsely populated rural sites had warming trends from 0.73 to 1.24°C per 100 years. In the business district of Tokyo, an average warming of 3.07°C in 100 years was recorded. Warming in Japan has been higher in winter than in summer, and has accelerated significantly since 1981. Average warming at all 16 stations was 3.1 times higher in the recent 25 years (1981-2005) than in the last century (1906-2005). The 1906-2005 average warming at the rural sites (1.06°C) was higher than the global warming reported by the IPCC (0.74°C).

Mean annual precipitation has decreased, on average, by 3% (60 mm) number of days with precipitation by 8% (29 days) at the 16 study sites in 100 years (1906-2005), and average daily precipitation intensity has increased by 4%. Annual precipitation amounts have changed the most (7%) in medium sized cities, and the least (2%) at rural study sites; they have also been higher in the warmer south (8%) than in the cooler north (1%) of Japan. Precipitation intensity increases are uncorrelated with air temperatures or their increases. Changes in precipitation from 1906 to 2005 in Japan are more likely caused by global climate change rather than by local urban heat island effects.
Mono-Symptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis in Lebanese Children: Prevalence, Relation with Obesity, and Psychological Effect
Authors: Merhi Bassem Abu , Hammoud Ahmad , Ziade Fouad , Kamel Raymond , Rajab Mariam
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Nocturnal enuresis is involuntary urination while sleeping after a certain age, usually five years, when children should have established bladder control. The prevalence has been found to be up to 20% in five year old children, and it is considered the most common urological childhood complication.

Material and Methods

This study was conducted on Makassed School children aged 5–18 years. This was a two-step study, the first step was a questionnaire distributed to the children to be answered by their parents. The second step included individually meeting with every child who met the inclusion criteria and his/her parents and physically examining the child.

Results

11,440 questionnaires were distributed to school children aged 5–18 years, to be answered by their parents. Of the 7270 parents who responded back, 6620 reported no enuresis, 90 (1.25%) reported only diurnal enuresis, 107 (1.5%) reported diurnal and nocturnal enuresis, and 453 parents reported their child having nocturnal enuresis only. The data collected was analyzed according to age, sex, area, body mass index (BMI), and the PMQOL-SF score. The prevalence of mono-symptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) in Lebanon was found to be 5.3%. The results showed that the prevalence of MNE is inversely proportional to age. The prevalence of male to female ratio was 1.4:1. As for the prevalence according to different geographic areas, the results have shown that the North had the majority of cases with 7.6% prevalence. Results showed that 82.4% of children had a score more than 50, and only 28% of parents had a score above 50.

Discussion

The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in Lebanon is lower than that in neighboring countries such as Turkey 8 and Saudi Arabia, 9 but higher than that in Italy 10 and Hong Kong. Our study has managed to show the same results, with a peak in incidence at seven years then dropping back to 0% at the age of 16. Our study has shown a male to female predominance but the male to female ratio was 1.4:1, a value lower than that described in earlier studies. Our study has shown that more than 80% of children were psychologically affected whereas only less than 30% of parents were affected.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this was the first study in Lebanon conducted to determine the prevalence of MNE. The relatively low prevalence rate found may be because of differences in genetic predisposition, psychosocial or environmental conditions, and traditional and cultural backgrounds. No relation was found between obesity and nocturnal enuresis. The psychological impact on children is significant but that on the parents is minimal.
Meteorology during the DOMINO campaign and its connection with trace gases and aerosols
Authors: Adame J. A. , Martínez M. , Sorribas M. , Hidalgo P. J. , Harder H. , Diesch J.-M. , Drewnick F. , Song W. , Williams J. , Sinha V. , Hernández-Ceballos M. A. , Vilà-Guerau de Arellano J. , Sander R. , Hosaynali-Beygi Z. , Fischer H. , Lelieveld J. , De la Morena B.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The DOMINO (Diel Oxidant Mechanisms in relation to Nitrogen Oxides) campaign was carried out from 21 November to 8 December 2008 at the El Arenosillo station (SW of Spain) in a coastal-rural environment. The main weather conditions are analysed using local meteorological variables, meteorological soundings and synoptic maps, as well as back trajectories of the air masses using the HYSPLIT (Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model) model and a high spatial resolution of meteorological fields. Measurements of the main meteorological parameters were collected both from the surface and from a tall tower. A detailed land use analysis was performed on a 80 km scale showing the main types of vegetation and land use. Also the main anthropogenic atmospheric emission sources – both industrial-urban from Huelva and from the urban Seville area – are shown. A study to identify air mass origins and their variation with height was carried out. In this intensive campaign, air masses coming from different areas with different emission sources were observed: from the NW, with a highly industrial-urban character; continental flows from northerly directions; from the NE, with a pathway starting over the Seville metropolitan area and then continuing over the Doñana National Park; and maritime air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean. To study the chemistry in the four atmospheric scenarios identified, gas -phase measurements of primary and secondary species such as ozone, NO, NO2 and SO2, biogenic and anthropogenic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like benzene and isoprene, as well as total particle concentration and chemical composition of the aerosols are compared and discussed. The highest levels for total particle concentration, NO, NO2, SO2, benzene, PM10, PM2.5 and chemical elements such as As or Cu were found under flows associated with industrial-urban emissions from the Huelva–Portugal sector which are transported to the site before significant removal by chemical or deposition mechanism can occur. The air masses from the north were affected mainly by crustal elements and biogenic sources, the latter being exemplified by the biogenic species such as isoprene, particularly in the first part of the campaign. The urban air from the Seville area, before arriving at El Arenosillo, traversed the Doñana National Park and therefore was affected by industrial-urban and biogenic emissions. This aged air parcel can transport low levels of NOx, total particle concentration and SO2 as well as ozone and isoprene. Marine air masses from the Atlantic Ocean influence El Arenosillo frequently. Under these conditions, the lowest levels of almost all the species – with the exception of ozone levels associated to long-range transport – were measured.