bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of Microlicia and a checklist of Melastomataceae from the mountains of Capitólio municipality, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: ROMERO ROSANA , VERSIANE ANA FLÁVIA ALVES
Published: August 2014

Microlicia furnensis, a new endemic species from campos rupestres of Capitólio municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by its cream petals with pale pink blotches at the apex, sessile or subsessile leaves and golden glandular trichomes and short pale trichomes covering the leaves, pedicels, hypanthium and the calyx lobes. It resembles M. confertiflora, M. isophylla and M. flava, the latter also occuring in Capitólio, Minas Gerais state. A list of species of Melastomataceae from the mountains of Capitólio municipality is also provided.
Phanerosorus (Matoniaceae), a new fern genus record for the Philippines
Authors: BARCELONA JULIE F. , PELSER PIETER B.
Published: August 2014

The fern family Matoniaceae C. Presl (1847: 32) is a small group composed of only two genera, Matonia R. Brown in Wallich (1829: 16) and Phanerosorus Copeland (1909: 344) with three or four species characterized by rhizomes with polycyclic solenosteles covered with thick uniseriate hairs, anastomosing veins in fertile parts of the lamina, peltate and fugacious indusia, relatively large sporangia and gametangia, and tetrahedral, trilete spores (Kramer 1990, Kato & Setoguchi 1998).  The two genera differ from each other in leaf architecture (pedate in Matonia and pinnate in Phanerosorus), habit, and habitat preferences (Phanerosorus pendent and obligately calcicolous and Matonia erect and preferring exposed, sometimes mineralized ridges of high mountains; Kato & Iwatsuki 1985, Barcelona et al. 1996).
Crocinoboletus, a new genus of Boletaceae (Boletales) with unusual boletocrocin polyene pigments
Authors: Zeng Nian-Kai , Wu Gang , Li Yan-Chun , Liang Zhi-Qun , Yang Zhu-Liang
Published: August 2014

Crocinoboletus is described as a new genus of Boletaceae to accommodate Boletus rufoaureus and B. laetissimus, characterized by its brilliant orange color of basidiomata caused by the presence of unusual boletocrocin polyene pigments, bluish olivaceous staining of all parts when bruised, smooth basidiospores, and the pileipellis which has an interwoven trichoderm at the middle part of the pileus and a cutis at the margin of the pileus. Prior molecular phylogenetic analyses also confirmed the two taxa are not members of the genus Boletus s.s., but form a well-supported generic lineage within Boletaceae. Consequently a description, color photos of fresh basidiomata, line-drawings of microstructures and a comparison of Crocinoboletus with allied taxa are presented.
Rhynchosia ravii (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae), a new species from Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: PRASAD K. , SWAMY A. NARAYANA
Published: August 2014

Rhynchosia ravii, a new species from Andhra Pradesh, India is described and illustrated.  Full description, distribution details and conservation status are presented, and the new species is compared with its most closely related species, Rhynchosia beddomei.
Notes on Benstonea (Pandanaceae) from the islands of Halmahera, New Guinea and Sulawesi
Authors: Callmander Martin W. , BUERKI SVEN , KEIM ARY P. , PHILLIPSON PETER B.
Published: August 2014

Benstonea (Pandanaceae) was circumscribed to include 57 species formerly placed in the genus Pandanus. Field observations, accompanied by the study of available herbarium material have brought new insights for the delimitation of certain problematic species, especially in the difficult group of species characterized by an axillary infructescence on a short peduncle covered by prophylls and the abscission of the basal portion of the drupe at maturity. New combinations, based on names in Pandanus previously treated as synonyms of Benstonea stenocarpa, are proposed for three distinct species of this group from Halmahera (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea. The identity of Benstonea celebica, endemic to Sulawesi (Indonesia), is also elucidated and an epitype is designated for this species.
The reappraisal of Capillolejeunea S.W.Arnell (Marchantiophyta, Lejeuneaceae)
Authors: He Qiong , WEI Yu-Mei , Pócs Tamás , Zhu Rui-Liang
Published: August 2014

Capillolejeunea (Lejeuneaceae), known only from the East African Islands, is resurrected. It is characterized by and easily separated from Drepanolejeunea by the unbroken basal vitta of 3−5(−9) ocelli in leaf lobes, absence of scattered ocelli in leaf lobes, outer lateral margin of the upright underleaf lobes with a tooth, and single, unicellular tooth of the leaf lobule. The Madagascarian Drepanolejeunea geisslerae is transferred to Capillolejeunea. Capillolejeunea is the only liverwort genus endemic to Africa. A key to known species of Capillolejeunea is provided.
Ceriporia amazonica (Phanerochaetaceae, Basidiomycota), a new species from the Brazilian Amazonia, and C. albobrunnea, a new record to Brazil
Authors: Da Silva Soares Adriene Mayra , Sotão Helen Maria Pontes , Ryvarden Leif , Gibertoni Tatiana Batista
Published: August 2014

Ceriporia amazonica sp. nov. is described and illustrated from a basidioma collected in northern Brazilian Amazonia. It is characterized by a salmon pore surface when fresh and by basidiospores that are among the smallest in the genus. In addition, C. albobrunnea is reported as new to Brazil and a key to the species of Ceriporia recorded in the Neotropics is updated.
Three new Eunotia (Bacillariophyta) species from Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Authors: Veselá Jana , Johansen Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2014

Three new species in the diatom genus Eunotia were found in the freshwater ponds and streams of Acadia National Park, Maine, USA. Eunotia novaeangliae sp. nov. belongs to the E. incisa group, species with nose-like apices and terminal raphe fissures distant from the ends. It is most similar to E. tenelloides in that species cluster, although differs in the valve shape, geographical distribution, several ultrastructural details and slight but consistent differences in valve dimensions and striae density. Eunotia panda sp. nov. is in the E. bilunaris group, species with slight even curvature and smooth margins of the valves. However, E. panda can be distinguished from E. bilunaris by dorsally slightly recurved apices with rounded ends, ultrastructural details and noticeably constant valve width. Eunotia spatulata sp. nov. is most similar to E. eurycephala, but differs from that taxon by having straighter and significantly larger valves with more swollen apices. All three taxa were sufficiently abundant in the samples collected from the park that they could be found in both SEM and LM microscopes. Eunotia novaeangliae and E. panda have both been illustrated in other publications before but not named. All three species occurred in waters of low conductivity and pH, typical for the genus. Acadia National Park appears to be a hotspot for Eunotia species diversity, and further study of the oligotrophic waters of this site is certainly warranted.
Massonia dentata (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), a new species from the Nuweveldberge, and typification of the Sneeuberg endemic M. calvata (southern Great Escarpment, South Africa)
Authors: Martínez-Azorín Mario , Clark Vincent Ralph , Pinter Michael , Dold Anthony P. , Crespo Manuel B. , Barker Nigel P. , Pfosser Martin , Wetschnig Wolfgang
Published: August 2014

As part of a taxonomic revision of the genus Massonia Houtt., a new species, Massonia dentata Mart.-Azorín, V.R.Clark, M.Pinter, M.B.Crespo & Wetschnig, is here described from the Nuweveldberge on South Africa’s southern Great Escarpment. This new species is, at first sight, related to M. calvata Baker and M. echinata L.f., but it differs in floral and vegetative characters, such as the dentate perigone segments and bracts, leaves with numerous emergences, each bearing a thickened trichome, as well as in its ecology and distribution. A complete description of the new species and data on its biology, habitat, and distribution are presented. The close relative Massonia calvata Baker, an overlooked endemic from the Sneeuberg Centre of Floristic Endemism in South Africa, is lectotypified.
Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Laudakia nupta nupta (Sauria: Agamidae) from Iran with Descriptions of Two New Species (Oxyuridea: Pharyngodonidae) and comments on the diagnostic features of Parapharyngodon and Thelandros
Authors: RAHIMIAN HASSAN , PAZOKI SAMANEH , HABASHI SIMA ABBASI
Published: August 2014

Seventeen specimens of Laudakia nupta nupta (De Filippi, 1843), from several locations in central plain of Iran were examined for gastrointestinal parasitic helminths. Nematodes of different families and genera were the only worms found. The nematodes included one Parapharyngodon sp., three Thelandros spp., and one Thubunea sp. All species found in this study are new geographical records and two of the species are new to science.  Parapharyngodon thulini sp. nov. and Thelandros karkasensis sp. nov. are, hereby, described and illustrated. To identify some of the fine morphological characteristics, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was carried out for selected specimens. Furthermore, the most important discriminating characteristics for species of Parapharyngodon and Thelandros are described. This study represents the first parasitological study on L. nupta nupta.
Key to the species of Ptilomerinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) of Thailand and review of the fauna of the Tennaserim Mountain Range
Authors: RARUANYSONG SAJEEMAT , VITHEEPRADIT AKEKAWAT , SITES ROBERT W.
Published: August 2014

Water striders of the subfamily Ptilomerinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) are commonly found in lotic habitats such as streams, rivers and waterfalls. Eight species representing four genera were recorded from the Tennaserim Mountain Range, including a new country record of Pleciobates tuberculatus Esaki from Thailand. This paper provides illustrations and ecological notes on Ptilomerinae in the Tennaserim Mountain Range in Thailand and a taxonomic key for identification of all species throughout Thailand.
First record of Limnephilus affinis Curtis 1834 (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) in the Azores
Authors: ZAMORA-MUÑOZ CARMEN
Published: August 2014

The Macaronesian Islands (the Azores, Madeira, the Canary and the Cape Verde Islands) are recognized as an important hotspot of Mediterranean biodiversity (Myers et al. 2000). Among the archipelagos, the Azorean terrestrial fauna is characterized by a lower percentage of endemism, and less species richness in general; about half of that known for the Canary Islands and 80% of that known for Madeira and the Selvagens (Borges et al. 2010). While in the Canary Islands and Madeira, 18 and 13 species have been respectively recorded (Hughes & Barnard 2008; Báez & Oromí 2010), the number of species of the trichopteran fauna of Azores Islands is very short. Up to now it has included only four species: Two Paleartic species, Hydroptila vectis Curtis 1834 and Oxyethira falcata Morton 1893; a Macaronesian endemic, Hydroptila fortunata Morton 1893; and an Azorean endemic, Limnephilus atlanticus Nybom 1948. Information on island occurrence of H. fortunata is not available, but the other three species are known to be well distributed in the archipelago (Borges 2010; Raposeiro et al. 2012).
Evolving an Information Diffusion Model Using a Genetic Algorithm for Monthly River Discharge Time Series Interpolation and Forecasting
Authors: Bai Chengzu , Hong Mei , Wang Dong , Zhang Ren , Qian Longxia
Published: August 2014

The identification of the rainfall–runoff relationship is a significant precondition for surface–atmosphere process research and operational flood forecasting, especially in inadequately monitored basins. Based on an information diffusion model (IDM) improved by a genetic algorithm, a new algorithm (GIDM) is established for interpolating and forecasting monthly discharge time series; the input variables are the rainfall and runoff values observed during the previous time period. The genetic operators are carefully designed to avoid premature convergence and “local optima” problems while searching for the optimal window width (a parameter of the IDM). In combination with fuzzy inference, the effectiveness of the GIDM is validated using long-term observations. Conventional IDMs are also included for comparison. On the Yellow River or Yangtze River, twelve gauging stations are discussed, and the results show that the new method can simulate the observations more accurately than traditional IDMs, using only 50% or 33.33% of the total data for training. The low density of observations and the difficulties in information extraction are key problems for hydrometeorological research. Therefore, the GIDM may be a valuable tool for improving water management and providing the acceptable input data for hydrological models when available measurements are insufficient.
Snowpack Changes in the Hindu Kush–Karakoram–Himalaya from CMIP5 Global Climate Models
Authors: Terzago Silvia , von Hardenberg Jost , Palazzi Elisa , Provenzale Antonello
Published: August 2014

The Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalaya (HKKH) mountain ranges feed the most important Asian river systems, providing water to about 1.5 billion people. As a consequence, changes in snow dynamics in this area could severely impact water availability for downstream populations. Despite their importance, the amount, spatial distribution, and seasonality of snow in the HKKH region are still poorly known, owing to the limited availability of surface observations in this remote and high-elevation area. This work considers global climate models (GCM) participating in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and analyzes how they represent current and future snowpack in the HKKH region in terms of snow depth and snow water equivalent. It is found that models with high spatial resolution (up to 1.25°) simulate a spatial pattern of the winter snowpack in greater agreement with each other, with observations, with reanalysis datasets, and with the orographic features of the region, compared to most lower-resolution models. The seasonal cycle of snow depth displays a unimodal regime, with a maximum in February–March and almost complete melting in summer. The models generally indicate thicker [in Hindu Kush–Karakoram (HKK)] or comparable (in the Himalayas) snow depth and higher snow water equivalent compared to the reanalyses for the control period 1980–2005. Future projections, evaluated in terms of the ensemble mean of GCM simulations, indicate a significant reduction in the spatial average of snow depth over the HKK and an even stronger decrease in the Himalayas, where a reduction between 25% and 50% is expected by the end of the twenty-first century.
Modeling of 137Cs as a Tracer in a Regional Model for the Western Pacific, after the Fukushima–Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident of March 2011
Authors: Garraffo Zulema D. , Kim Hae-Cheol , Mehra Avichal , Spindler Todd , Rivin Ilya , Tolman Hendrik L.
Published: August 2014

In this study, results are presented from the first operational ocean tracer dispersion model operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service/National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NOAA/NWS/NCEP). This study addresses the dispersion of radionuclide contaminants after the Fukushima–Daiichi nuclear accident that was triggered by the 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The tracer capabilities of the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) were used in a regional domain for the northwestern Pacific, with nesting lateral boundary conditions using daily nowcast–forecast fields from the global operational Real-Time Ocean Forecast System (RTOFS-Global), a ° HYCOM global forecast from NCEP, based on data-assimilative ° HYCOM Global Ocean Forecast System (GOFS) analyses from the Naval Research Laboratory/Naval Oceanographic Office (NRL/NAVOCEANO). This regional model, RTOFS Episodic Tracers for a region of the North West Pacific (RTOFS-ET_WPA), was in operation until the beginning of 2014, when the simulated 137Cs concentration was very close to the background level in the Pacific before the accident, which was about 2 Becquerel m−3 [Bq; 1 Becquerel = 1 (nuclear decay) s−1].
Reduced Protein C Activity Might be Associated With Progression of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Komai Hiroyoshi , Shindo Shunya , Sato Masahiro , Ogino Hitoshi
Published: August 2014

We evaluated the effect of reduced activities of protein C (PC) and protein S (PS) on the progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We measured PC and PS activities in 106 patients with PAD and 44 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in the same period. The incidences of PC deficiency in PAD and AAA were 4.7% and 4.5%, respectively, and those of PS were 14.1% and 11.4%, respectively; these incidences were much higher than those in the normal population. The PC and PS activities were significantly lower in patients having critical limb ischemia (CLI) than in patients with intermittent claudication. In particular, lower PC activity and female gender were determinant factors of CLI in multivariate logistic regression analysis. We suggest that PC deficiency is an independent predictor for the progression of CLI.
Circulating Endothelial Cells and Platelet Microparticles in Mitral Valve Disease With and Without Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Idriss Naglaa K. , Blann Andrew D. , Sayed Douaa M. , Gaber Marwa A. , Hassen Hosny A. , Kishk Yehia Taha
Published: August 2014

Hypercoagulability in mitral valve disease (MVD), a cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke, is potentially due to endothelial damage/dysfunction (marked by circulating endothelial cells [CECs]), platelet activation (soluble P-selectin [sPsel], platelet microparticles [PMPs], and soluble CD40 [sCD40]), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) cholesterol. We measured these variables in 24 patients with MVD as well as in 21 with MVD + AF and compared them with 20 healthy controls (HCs). The CECs and PMPs were measured by flow cytometry; sPsel, oxLDL, and CD40 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Compared with HCs, sPsel and PMPs were equally higher in MVD and MVD + AF; sCD40 and oxLDL were higher in MVD + AF than in HCs and MVD; and CECs were higher in MVD than in the HCs, with further increases in MVD + AF (all P < .001). We conclude that excess platelet activation is present in MVD regardless of AF, and that increased endothelial damage in MVD is greater when compounded by AF.
Biocompatibility and Efficacy of Collagen/Gelatin Sponge Scaffold With Sustained Release of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Vocal Fold Fibroblasts in 3-Dimensional Culture
Authors: Hiwatashi Nao , Hirano Shigeru , Mizuta Masanobu , Tateya Ichiro , Kanemaru Shin-ichi , Nakamura Tatsuo , Ito Juichi , Kawai Katsuya , Suzuki Shigehiko
Published: August 2014

Objective:

Treatment of vocal fold scarring remains challenging. We have previously reported the therapeutic effects of local injection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in animal models and humans. A novel collagen/gelatin sponge (CGS) is capable of sustained release of bFGF, which compensates for its quick absorption in vivo, avoiding multiple injections. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and efficacy of the CGS in rat vocal fold fibroblasts prior to human trials.

Methods:

Fibroblasts extracted from Sprague-Dawley rat vocal folds were seeded onto a CGS and then cultivated with bFGF at concentrations of 0, 10, and 100 ng/mL. Vocal fold fibroblast morphology, adhesion, proliferation, and gene expression were measured under these 3-dimensional conditions.

Results:

Cells adhered to the CGS from day 1. Although no significant differences in cell morphology were detected, cell proliferation was accelerated by bFGF administration. Expression of endogenous bFGF and hepatocyte growth factor was significantly up-regulated at 10 ng/mL bFGF. The expression of procollagen I and procollagen III was significantly suppressed, whereas HAS-1 and HAS-2 were up-regulated at 10 and 100 ng/mL bFGF.

Conclusion:

The collagen/gelatin sponge is biocompatible with vocal fold fibroblasts and may be useful as a bFGF drug delivery system for the treatment of scarred vocal folds.
Understanding the Impact of Electric Vehicle Driving Experience on Range Anxiety
Authors: Rauh Nadine , Franke Thomas , Krems Josef F.
Published: August 2014

Objective:

The objective of the present research was to increase understanding of the phenomenon of range anxiety and to determine the degree to which practical experience with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reduces different levels of range anxiety.

Background:

Limited range is a challenge for BEV users. A frequently discussed phenomenon in this context is range anxiety. There is some evidence suggesting that range anxiety might be a problem only for inexperienced BEV drivers and, therefore, might decrease with practical experience.

Method:

We compared 12 motorists with high BEV driving experience ( M = 60,500 km) with 12 motorists who had never driven a BEV before. The test drive was designed to lead to a critical range situation (remaining range < trip length). We examined range appraisal and range stress (i.e., range anxiety) on different levels (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral).

Results:

Experienced BEV drivers exhibited less negative range appraisal and range anxiety than inexperienced BEV drivers, revealing significant, strong effects for all but one variable.

Conclusion:

Hence, BEV driving experience (defined as absolute kilometers driven with a BEV) seems to be one important variable that predicts less range anxiety.

Application:

In order to reduce range anxiety in BEV drivers even when there is a critical range situation, it is important to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the learning process.
Post-operative echocardiographic evaluation of bioprosthetic mitral valve implantation in sheep
Authors: De Vleeschauwer S , De Praetere H , Meuris B , Herijgers P , Herregods M-C
Published: August 2014

The ovine model is generally considered to be the best for testing bioprosthetic heart valve durability. Although echocardiography is the method of choice for the interim evaluation of the valve, literature on sheep echocardiography is scarce. Within the context of a study on treatment of pericardial heart valve prostheses, 19 adolescent sheep underwent transthoracic echocardiography six days after mitral implantation of bioprosthetic valves. Echocardiographic examination was performed under mild anesthesia and animals were put in a right lateral decubitus position. Four images were obtained: right parasternal long axis four and five chamber views, right parasternal long axis view with left ventricular outflow, and right parasternal short axis view through the mitral valve. We measured aortic annulus and velocity time integral over the aortic valve to determine stroke volume, cardiac output and cardiac index. The mitral valve was evaluated through color Doppler imaging for valvular and paravalvular leakages. Pulsed wave spectral Doppler was used for the measurement of velocities, pressures and velocity time integrals. For the evaluation of valve stenosis deceleration time and pressure half-time were determined. Effective orifice area of the mitral valve was derived. And, although not measured, other structures could clearly be visualized: right and left ventricle and atrium, wall thicknesses, tricuspid valve. This study shows that echocardiography in sheep is feasible, and that right parasternal images, obtained in animals in a right lateral decubitus position, are well qualified for the interim evaluation of bioprosthetic valves implanted in the mitral position. Besides the implanted valve, other cardiac structures like atria and ventricles can be visualized and evaluated.
High-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-mass selective detector analysis of major natural dyes with the application of H2O2/ultraviolet treatment as a way to simulate burial degradation of textiles
Authors: Ahn Cheunsoon , Zeng Xia , Obendorf S Kay
Published: August 2014

H2O2/ultraviolet (UV) radiation treatment was proposed to simulate burial-induced degradation of natural dyes. The method was applied to the major pigments of Phellodendron bark, madder, and indigo plant, and their silk dyeings, and the degraded samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-mass selective detector (HPLC-DAD-MS). Retention times of the HPLC chromatogram, UV-visible λmax obtained from DAD analysis, and major ion detected by the MS analysis were used to identify berberine, palmatine, alizarin, purpurin, indigotin, and indirubin included in dye solution and the extraction from silk dyeing. Alizarin, purpurin, and indirubin were more susceptible to degradation by H2O2/UV than berberine and palmatine. Indigotin was completely degraded with 5 minutes of treatment, producing isatin as the degradation product. Alizarin, purpurin, and indigotin were more resistant to degradation when they were affixed to the fibers.
Pre-school children’s bridge to symbolic knowledge: first literature framework for a learning and cognition lab at a South African university
Authors: Henning Elizabeth , Ragpot Lara
Published: August 2014

The authors present the theoretical groundwork for a research project on learning and cognitive development of number concepts in the early years of childhood. Giving a background sketch of the genesis of a learning and cognition lab at a university in the metropolitan heartland of South Africa, they present their initial literature framework for inquiries into children’s symbolic learning of number in the pre-school years. They argue that conceptual development of young children is a neglected area in childhood cognition research in South Africa. The study of some of the literature for the first project of the new lab is then introduced with a view of identifying a few of the main components of a conceptual framework for what will become a multiple-year study. The authors propose that this literature can serve as foundation for examining a linguistically diverse group of children’s responses on experimental tasks and in clinical interviews in four or more languages. The designs of these inquiries are imminent. They suggest that the views of leading authors such as Elizabeth Spelke, Susan Carey, and Stanislas Dehaene can shed much light on their understanding of early number concept development of South African children.
Capacity-building for the transformation of public service
Authors: Wafa Dina
Published: August 2014

The past few years have witnessed a wave of unrest in Egypt toppling down two regimes in less than three years. Yet was this sufficient to bringing the demanded change and meeting people’s expectations? In several Arab countries, citizens are offered patronage through public sector employment, subsidies, and limited taxation (Razzaz and Razzaz, 2012). The social contract imbalance offers little support to citizen voice and representation of all segments of society in holding governments accountable. Given the numerous challenges ranging from an overinflated bureaucracy resulting from the guaranteed employment since Nasser’s era, to the declining quality of the available pool of workers and to regulations that hinder its development, capacity building of would pose as one of the least costly areas of potential quick reform (Beissinger et al, 2013; El Baradei and Newcomer, 2008; ETF, 2011; Radwan, 2012; World Bank, 2013). Public management literature implies that a political will and government-endorsed reforms tend to have a higher rate of success (Meyer-Sahling 2011; Nakrošis, 2014). This reflects on the organizational willingness and commitment to training and training transfer (Lim and Morris, 2006; Nakrošis, 2014). Based on previous research in the field that links institutional enabling factors and a committed political will to effective capacity building (Adetunji, 2012; Lim and Morris, 2006; Majeed, 2010; Meyer-Sahling 2011; Nakrošis, 2014; Newcomer et al., 2010; OECD, 1997, Rondineli, 2004) this research will examine the institutional challenges to capacity building in Egypt post the Arab Spring. The methodology utilized depends on a literature review of primary and secondary sources for grounded theory qualitative research on capacity building and institutional enabling factors. The findings are linked to a qualitative analysis to probe the perceptions of public service mid-career managerial level professionals and to identify their perceived expectations of whether training institutions would be effective in transforming public service. Managerial levels were selected to enable probing the commitment of institutions. Two empirical tools were utilized: interviews and surveys. The first tool was a number of in-depth face-to-face structured interviews conducted with 24 informed sources representing senior managerial level public service managers. The second tool was a survey which was distributed both online and in hard copy. The survey targeted a purposive sample of 350 mid-managerial level public service managers of which 324 were received. Thus, exceeding the critical sample size of 200 identified by Joseph Hair and his colleagues (1998) in deciding about the sufficient sample size for empirical research. Data collection took a total of seven months, from June to December 2013, and was approved by the American University in Cairo Institutional Review Board.
Longitudinal Changes in Nursing Home Resident–Reported Quality of Life
Authors: Shippee Tetyana P. , Hong Hwanhee , Henning-Smith Carrie , Kane Robert L.
Published: August 2014

Improving quality of nursing homes (NHs) is a major social priority, yet few studies examine the role of facility characteristics for residents’ quality of life (QOL). This study goes beyond cross-sectional analyses by examining the predictors of NH residents’ QOL on the facility level over time. We used three data sources, namely resident interviews using a multidimensional measure of QOL collected in all Medicaid-certified NHs in Minnesota ( N = 369), resident clinical data from the minimum data set, and facility-level characteristics. We examined change in six QOL domains from 2007 to 2010, using random coefficient models. Eighty-one facilities improved across most domains and 85 facilities declined. Size, staffing levels (especially activities staff), and resident case mix are some of the most salient predictors of QOL over time, but predictors differ by facility performance status. Understanding the predictors of facility QOL over time can help identify facility characteristics most appropriate for targeting with policy and programmatic interventions.
Rebooting discourse ethics
Authors: Heath Joseph
Published: August 2014

In this article I argue that the conception of discourse ethics that Jürgen Habermas advances in his seminar paper, ‘Discourse Ethics: Notes on a Program of Philosophical Justification’, is subject to significant revision in later work. The central difference has to do with the status of the universalization principle and its relationship to the ‘rightness’ validity claim. The earlier view is structured by a desire to provide a weak-transcendental defense of the universalization principle. The later revision, however, essentially undercuts the basis of this argument, because it severs the conception of practical discourse from the analysis of speech acts. As a way of responding to the difficulties this creates, I propose a ‘reboot’ of the discourse ethics program. This involves reverting to the earlier, more Durkheimian and less Kantian, formulation of the theory. The result is a program that is no longer encumbered by sterile debates about the correct formulation of the universalization principle, but can plausibly claim to provide insight into the role that language-dependence plays in the development and entrenchment of increasingly pro-social behavior patterns within our institutions.
“For the Good of Our Family”
Authors: Kaufman Gayle , White Damian
Published: August 2014

As recent trends show a slowing down in married mothers’ labor force participation and continuing debate over the importance of maternal care, we explore married men’s ideologies and reality regarding their wives’ employment. Using in-depth interviews with 50 married men, we develop a typology of men’s ideal and reality: traditional (stay-at-home wife), egalitarian (working wife), expectant traditional (ideal is stay-at-home wife, reality is working wife), and expectant egalitarian (ideal is working wife, reality is stay-at-home wife). Traditional men emphasize the benefits of maternal care and importance of their own careers, but traditional expectant men are unable to earn enough money or are thwarted by their wife’s desire to work. Egalitarian men reject traditional roles, support their wife’s career, and value the benefits to children and family of maternal employment, but expectant egalitarian men find themselves in an unexpected position when their wives do not return to work after educational pursuits.
Features of an alternative hemodialysis method using a hemoconcentrator during cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries
Authors: Tagaya M , Matsuda M , Yakehiro M , Izutani H
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

This study clarified the features of a hemoconcentrator-based, alternative hemodialysis (ALTHD) method that improves the speed of serum potassium (K+) concentration adjustments, compared with dilutional ultrafiltration (DUF), during cardiopulmonary bypasses.

Methods:

Standardized bovine blood was recirculated (300 ml/min) through an in vitro hemoconcentrator circuit; hematocrit, K+ and glucose levels were measured at 5–20 min after DUF or ALTHD. We evaluated DUF at dialysis speeds of 50–250 ml/min and ALTHD at speeds of 50–1000 ml/min.

Results:

ALTHD rapidly corrected K+ and glucose concentrations at speeds up to 800 ml/min. ALTHD took 8.9 min to reach a K+ level of 4.5 mmol/L, faster than DUF (12.8 min). The ALTHD efficiency curves plateaued at 600 ml/min.

Conclusion:

ALTHD allowed faster adjustment of electrolyte levels, with peak efficiency at 600 ml/min. ALTHD has possible clinical application if available for potential use during all cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries involving extracorporeal circulation.
Antiepileptics in migraine prophylaxis: An updated Cochrane review
Authors: Mulleners Wim M , McCrory Douglas C , Linde Mattias
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The efficacy of several antiepileptics in the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults has been systematically reviewed. Because many trial reports have been published since then, an updated systematic review was warranted.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed/MEDLINE (1966 to January 15, 2013), MEDLINE In-Process (current week, January 15, 2013), and EMBASE (1974 to January 15, 2013) and hand-searched Headache and Cephalalgia through January 2013. Prospective, controlled trials of antiepileptics taken regularly to prevent the occurrence of migraine attacks, to improve migraine-related quality of life, or both, were selected.

Results

Mean headache frequency on topiramate and sodium valproate is significantly lower than placebo. Likewise, topiramate and divalproex demonstrated favorable results for the proportion of subjects with ≥50% reduction of migraine attacks. For topiramate, 100 mg and 200 mg outperformed 50 mg, but this was paralleled by a higher adverse event rate. For valproate/divalproex, a dose-effect correlation could not be established. There was no unequivocal evidence of efficacy for any of the other antiepileptics.

Conclusion

Topiramate, sodium valproate and divalproex are effective prophylactic treatments for episodic migraine in adults. In contrast to previous reports, there is insufficient evidence to further support the use of gabapentin.
Validation of an extended French version of ID Migraine™ as a migraine-screening tool
Authors: Streel Sylvie , Donneau Anne-Françoise , Dardenne Nadia , Hoge Axelle , Bruyère Olivier , Albert Adelin , Guillaume Michèle , Schoenen Jean
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Migraine has a considerable social, economic, physical and emotional burden but remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. A specific migraine screening tool could help remove barriers to health care and be an attractive instrument for epidemiological studies. The objective of this work was to assess the validity of an extended French version of ID Migraine™ as a migraine-screening tool.

Methods

Sixty-seven subjects from the NESCaV study (2010–2012) completed the migraine screen and were diagnosed by a neurologist specializing in headache medicine using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition criteria (gold standard). Agreement between the two diagnoses was evaluated by Cohen kappa coefficient (κ). Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the migraine screen were calculated.

Results

Migraine was diagnosed in 21 (31.3%) of the 67 subjects according to the screening tool and in 24 (35.8%) by the neurologist (κ = 0.90). The prevalence of migraine was unrelated to age, gender, education and perception of financial resources. Sensitivity and specificity of the screen were 87.5% and 100%, respectively. The screen prevalence of migraine with aura was 10.4% (sensitivity and specificity: 83.3% and 96.7%, respectively).

Conclusion

The extended French version of ID Migraine™ (ef-ID Migraine) is a validated tool to screen migraine in French-speaking countries.
Obesity, abdominal obesity and migraine: A cross-sectional analysis of ELSA-Brasil baseline data
Authors: Santos Itamar S , Goulart Alessandra C , Passos Valeria M , del Carmen Molina Maria , Lotufo Paulo A , Bensenor Isabela M
Published: August 2014

Background and aim: Most studies assessing the association between migraine and obesity have shown conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate the association between obesity and migraine in ELSA-Brasil, a cohort study of 15,105 individuals aged 35–74 years. Methods: We assessed migraine using a validated questionnaire based on International Headache Society criteria and anthropometric measurements using standard techniques. Migraine was categorized as daily and non-daily. World Health Organization criteria were used to categorize overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity (AbO). We performed a cross-sectional analysis using multivariate logistic regression models to study the association between migraine and obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2), compared to controls without migraine. Results: We found an association between daily migraine and obesity (odds ratio (OR) 1.86; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.12–3.09). Although the presence of AbO was not associated with migraine, interaction models showed that the association between obesity and daily migraine remained strong only in the absence of AbO diagnosis, notably in individuals aged 35–49 years. Discussion: In our large sample of individuals aged 35 years or older, obesity, but not AbO, was associated with daily migraine. AbO influenced the association between BMI and daily migraine in migraineurs aged 35–49 years.
Does Decreased Meniscal Thickness Affect Surgical Outcomes After Medial Meniscectomy?
Authors: Kim Sung-Jae , Lee Su-Keon , Kim Sung-Hwan , Jeong Jae-Hoon , Kim Hak-Soo , Lee Se-Won , Lee Jae-Hoo , Jung Min
Published: August 2014

Background:

There have been no clinical studies regarding the effect of decreased meniscal thickness on outcomes after meniscectomy.

Purpose:

To examine the postoperative outcomes of partial meniscectomy with or without horizontal resection compared with the outcomes of subtotal meniscectomy and to evaluate the influence of decreased thickness of the medial meniscus on outcomes after partial meniscectomy.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 312 patients who underwent medial meniscectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (n = 84) included patients with partial meniscectomy with vertical resection, group B (n = 140) consisted of those with partial meniscectomy with horizontal resection, and group C (n = 88) included those with subtotal meniscectomy. Clinical function was evaluated by use of the Lysholm knee scoring scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee evaluation form, and Tapper and Hoover grading system. Radiologic evaluation was performed with the IKDC radiographic assessment scale as well as with measurements of the medial compartment height at the tibiofemoral joint. Preoperative values and postoperative values measured 5 years after operation were assessed.

Results:

Functional outcomes in group C were inferior to those in groups A and B according to the Lysholm knee score (mean ± SD for group A = 96.1 ± 4.7, group B = 94.9 ± 5.2, group C = 84.8 ± 11.4; P < .001), IKDC subjective score (group A = 92.1 ± 6.5, group B = 91.3 ± 8.8, group C = 81 ± 11.4; P < .001), and Tapper and Hoover grading system ( P = .003). There was no significant difference in scores between groups A and B. With regard to radiologic evaluation, the IKDC radiographic grade for group C was worse than the grades for groups A and B ( P < .001); there was no significant difference between groups A and B. However, the postoperative joint space on the affected side was higher for group A (4.7 ± 0.6 mm) than for groups B (4.3 ± 0.5 mm; P < .001) and C (3.7 ± 0.8 mm; P < .001). The joint space was higher in group B than in group C ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Despite joint space narrowing, decreases in meniscal thickness after partial meniscectomy for horizontal tear had no additional adverse effect on 5-year functional and radiographic outcomes compared with conventional partial meniscectomy preserving whole meniscal thickness. In treating horizontal tears of the meniscus, partial meniscectomy with complete resection of the unstable leaf was an effective method in a 5-year follow-up study.
Evolution’s republic: Groundwork for a biosocial contract
Authors: Schulman Alex
Published: August 2014

Are the concepts of the state of nature and the social contract still relevant for contemporary political theory? I argue that these ideas from early modern and Enlightenment political theory can be fruitfully reapplied via the data and methods of evolutionary biology. Alignment of evolutionary theory with social contract theory can answer the charge that Darwinism, however accurate its picture of the natural world or natural history, provides no defensible grounding for ethics or politics. The implications of the biosocial contract for political economy are far-reaching, with Rousseau’s insistence that ‘all have something and none has too much of anything’ gaining biological and evolutionary confirmation. Republicanism refracted through Darwinism telescopes freedom as non-domination back to the very biological origins of human politics. Such naturalization suggests translating the Rawlsian imperative to reconcile self-interest and social cooperation into the related Darwinian imperative to use the public sphere to end irrational and destructive arms races.
Impact of Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction on Rotavirus-Associated Seizures and a Related Possible Mechanism
Authors: Yeom Jung Sook , Kim Young-Soo , Kim Rock Bum , Park Ji Sook , Seo Ji-Hyun , Park Eunsil , Lim Jae-Young , Park Chan-Hoo , Woo Hyang-Ok , Youn Hee-Shang
Published: August 2014

To determine whether clinical features of rotavirus-associated seizures have been altered by rotavirus vaccination, we compared clinical and laboratory data of 2 groups of patients with rotavirus-associated seizures: pre– and post–vaccine introduction groups. The seizure characteristics differed significantly between the groups, with a lower incidence of fever at seizure onset, longer interval between the onset of gastroenteritis and seizures, and more frequent seizures in the postintroduction group. These characteristics may suggest that seizure susceptibility was increased in the postintroduction group. Based on the lower serum Cl– (102.1 ± 4.1 vs 98.2 ± 3.2 mg/dL; P < .01) and Ca2+ levels (9.2 ± 0.4 vs 9.0 ± 0.3 mg/dL; P = .12) in the postintroduction group, we propose that a change in the subjects’ susceptibility to the rotavirus enterotoxin may have played a role in increasing the seizure susceptibility in this group. Our results suggest that a rotavirus vaccination program may modulate the manifestations of rotavirus-associated seizures.
Sturge Weber–Like Gyral Calcification Seen in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1
Authors: Chatterjee Sayan , Mukherjee Sharmila Banerjee , Mendiratta Vibhu , Aneja Satinder
Published: August 2014

A 10-year-old girl presented with poorly controlled epilepsy. On evaluation, she had microcephaly, neuro-cutaneous stigmata of tuberous sclerosis complex, profound mental retardation, and spastic hemiparesis. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a calcified subependymal nodule and extensive left gyral calcification of the temporal, parietal, and occipital regions with unilateral cerebral atrophy, radiologic features usually seen in Sturge Weber syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed absence of tubers, enlarged choroid plexus, or leptomeningeal angiomas, thus excluding type 3 Sturge Weber syndrome. The genotype was a heterozygous mutation in exon 18 of the tuberous sclerosis type 1 gene (c.2293C>T p.Q765X). A comparison of previously reported 7 cases of Sturge Weber syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex was made. This revealed 4 actual double phakomatoses (clinical, radiologic, or genetic phenotypes) and 3 cases with clinical phenotype of tuberous sclerosis and gyral calcifications within tubers simulating the radiologic picture of Sturge Weber syndrome.
Serum N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP) Levels Are Elevated During the Acute Phase of Acute Encephalopathy-Associated Virus Infection
Authors: Fukui Miho , Shimakawa Shuichi , Nomura Shohei , Ohba Chizu , Kashiwagi Mitsuru , Miyamoto Ryohei , Tanabe Takuya , Azumagawa Kohji , Tamai Hiroshi
Published: August 2014

Acute virus-associated encephalopathy induces seizures. Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels are elevated following febrile and afebrile seizures. However, the role of NTproBNP in acute virus-associated encephalopathy pathology is unknown. We enrolled 10 patients with acute virus-associated encephalopathy and convulsions ( E group: 7 boys, 3 girls; median age, 3.10 ± 1.92 years) and 130 patients with febrile seizure ( FS group: 80 boys, 50 girls; median age, 3.23 ± 2.44 years). The E group had significantly higher NTproBNP levels (345 ± 141 pg/mL) compared with the FS group (166 ± 228 pg/mL) ( P < .0005). Furthermore, subjects with prolonged seizure within the E group had significantly higher NTproBNP levels (303 ± 107 pg/mL) compared with subjects with prolonged seizure within the FS group (134 ± 100 pg/mL) ( P < .005). Our findings suggest that serum NTproBNP levels are increased during the acute phase of acute virus-associated encephalopathy associated with convulsion.