bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cetacean records along a coastal-offshore gradient in the Vitória-Trindade Chain, western South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Wedekin LL , Rossi-Santos MR , Baracho C , Cypriano-Souza AL , Simões-Lopes PC
Published: July 2014

Oceanic waters are difficult to assess, and there are many gaps in knowledge regarding cetacean occurrence. To fill some of these gaps, this article provides important cetacean records obtained in the winter of 2010 during a dedicated expedition to collect visual and acoustic information in the Vitória-Trindade seamounts. We observed 19 groups of cetaceans along a 1300-km search trajectory, with six species being identified: the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae, N = 9 groups), the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus, N = 1), the Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis, N = 1), the rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis, N = 1), the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, N = 2), and the killer whale (Orcinus orca, N = 1). Most humpback whale groups (N = 7; 78%) were observed in the Vitória-Trindade seamounts, especially the mounts close to the Abrolhos Bank. Only one lone humpback whale was observed near Trindade Island after a search effort encompassing more than 520 km. From a total of 28 acoustic stations, humpback whale songs were only detected near the seamounts close to the Abrolhos Bank, where most groups of this species were visually detected (including a competitive group and groups with calves). The presence of humpback whales at the Trindade Island and surroundings is most likely occasional, with few sightings and low density. Finally, we observed a significant number of humpback whales along the seamounts close to the Abrolhos Bank, which may function as a breeding habitat for this species. We also added important records regarding the occurrence of cetaceans in these mounts and in the Western South Atlantic, including the endangered fin whale.
A comparative study of resource allocation in Pteridium in different Brazilian ecosystems and its relationship with European studies
Authors: Silva Matos DM , Xavier RO , Tiberio FCS , Marrs RH
Published: July 2014

Pteridium is a cosmopolitan genus that acts as an invasive species in many parts of the world. Most research on this genus has occurred in Europe, and there is a lack of data on it from South America, in spite of causing considerable conservation problems. We compared the biomass allocation of P. esculentum subsp. arachnoideum in two ecosystems in Brazil - Atlantic forest and Brazilian savanna. We measured the biomass of fronds, rhizomes and above-ground litter. We also compared the density, length and biomass of fronds from this Brazilian study with similar data of P. esculentumsubsp. arachnoideum derived from Venezuela and P. aquilinum from Europe. P. esculentum subsp. arachnoideum showed a wide response range. We found a negative relationship between frond and necromass, indicating a negative feedback effect, while a positive relationship was observed between frond and rhizome biomass. The continental comparison of relationships showed that Pteridium responds in a different way in both Brazil and Europe, and that in Brazil fronds tend to be longer and heavier, presumably as a result of the continuous growing season in South America while is shortened in Europe by frost. The paper shows the ability of Pteridium to adapt to different ecosystems.
Structure of the testate amoebae community in different habitats in a neotropical floodplain
Authors: Lansac-Tôha FA , Velho LFM , Costa DM , Simões NR , Alves GM
Published: July 2014

This study evaluated the differences in composition, abundance and morphology of testate amoebae among different habitats of the same aquatic environment (plankton, aquatic macrophyte and sediment) in the Upper Paraná River floodplain. Triplicate samplings were undertaken monthly at each habitat from April 2007 to March 2008. The structure of the community of testate amoebae was different among the habitats. The species typical for each habitat, according to Indval, were classified by their shell morphology. Arcella species together with Difflugia gramen and Difflugia pseudogramem were more abundant for plankton. Trinema and Phryganellastood out by their abundance and frequency in aquatic macrophytes. Centropyxis was an indicator of sediment. The results indicated a higher frequency of hemispherical and spherical shells in plankton and spherical and elongated shells in aquatic macrophytes. In the sediment, there was a high frequency of elongated species. Our results support the hypothesis that the community of testate amoebae has different structures among the habitats, refuting the idea that the organization of this community in plankton is guided by random events like the resuspension of organisms from the sediment and their displacement from marginal vegetation.
Chemical composition of phytoplankton from the estuaries of Eastern Amazonia
Authors: Vilhena Maria do Perpetuo Socorro Progene , Costa Marcondes Lima da , Berrêdo José Francisco , Paiva Rosildo Santos , Almeida Pryscila Denise
Published: July 2014

Phytoplankton is important bioindicator of chemical and biological modifications of natural ecosystems. The objective of this study was to determine the total chemical composition of the phytoplankton of the Pará and Mocajuba estuaries on the eastern coast of the Amazon region in the Brazilian state of Pará. The chemical composition of the surface water, bottom sediments (total sample and bioavailable fraction), and the phytoplankton were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Phytoplankton contained high concentrations of Ca, P, Mn, Fe, Zn, Al, Ba, and Pb. The phytoplankton of the Mocajuba estuary is rich in Fe (2,967-84,750 µg g-1), while those from the Pará is rich in Al (1,216-15,389 µgg-1), probably reflecting divergent anthropogenic inputs. Both samples indicated a high bioconcentration factor derived from both the water and the bioavailable fraction, reflecting the efficiency of these organisms in the concentration of metals.
Reproductive biology of Ameerega trivittata (Anura: Dendrobatidae) in an area of terra firme forest in eastern Amazonia
Authors: Acioli Ellen Cristina Serrão , Neckel-Oliveira Selvino
Published: July 2014

The reproductive success of tropical amphibians is influenced by factors such as body size and the characteristics of breeding sites. Data on reproductive biology are important for the understanding of population dynamics and the maintenance of species. The objectives of the present study were to examine the abundance of Ameerega trivittata, analyze the use of microhabitats by calling males and the snout-vent length (SVL) of breeding males and females, the number of tadpoles carried by the males and mature oocytes in the females, as well as the relationship between the SVL of the female and both the number and mean size of the mature oocytes found in the ovaries. Three field trips were conducted between January and September, 2009. A total of 31 plots, with a mean area of 2.3 ha, were surveyed, resulting in records of 235 individuals, with a mean density of 3.26 individuals per hectare. Overall, 66.1% of the individuals sighted were located in the leaf litter, while 17.4% were perched on decaying tree trunks on the forest floor, 15.7% on the aerial roots of Cecropia trees, and 0.8% on lianas. Males were observed transporting a mean of 10.8 tadpoles on their backs. A significant correlation was found between the size of the females and the mean diameter of the oocytes. New data were collected on the size of oocytes and no pattern was found in the type of perches used by calling males of the different Ameerega species.
Importance of anatomical leaf features for characterization of three species of Mapania (Mapanioideae, Cyperaceae) from the Amazon Forest, Brazil
Authors: Silva Arthur de Lima , Alves Marccus Vinícius da Silva , Coan Alessandra Ike
Published: July 2014

Mapania belongs to Mapanioideae, a quite controversial subfamily in Cyperaceae due to the existence of unusual characters in both reproductive and vegetative organs. The genus is represented by seven species in Northern Brazil but taxonomic valuable information related to the leaf organs is still unknown. The present study aimed the anatomical description of the leaf organs (either basal leaves or cataphylls and involucral bracts) of three representative Brazilian species of Mapania. Samples of cataphylls, basal leaves and involucral bracts were sectioned and stained for observations under light microscopy. The involucral bracts provide the most elucidative characters (ten) to distinguish the three species The basal leaves provides six distinguishing characters and are useful to M. macrophylla and M. pycnostachya, as they are absent in M. sylvatica. Mesophyll arrangement in the involucral bracts supports the circumscription of M. macrophylla and M. pycnostachya in M. sect. Pycnocephala and of M. sylvatica in M. sect. Mapania. Some features as thin-walled epidermal cells, stomata level and aerenchyma were considered to be adaptive to the humid environment in which the species occur. The translucent cells are here considered as aerenchyma precursors and a supportive function is assumed for the bulliform cells on the basal leaves and involucral bracts. No silica bodies were found which confirm it as a diagnostic character of Mapania among Hypolytreae genera.
Labor in early life, vulnerability for health in Brazilian schoolchildren: National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE 2012)
Authors: Giatti Luana , Campos Maryane Oliveira , Crespo Claudio Dutra , Andrade Silvania Suely Caribé de Araújo , Barreto Sandhi Maria
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE: This study describes exposure labor among Brazilian 9th grade students from public and private schools and investigates socio-demographic characteristics, behaviors, violent situations and psychosocial factors associated with labor among adolescents. METHODS: The present study included 108,984 students from the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey carried out in 2012. Variables were grouped into sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral factors, violent situations and psychosocial aspects. Associations between labor and several health risk variables were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for sex and age. RESULTS: Approximately 13% of the students reported having a job: 17.4% of them were male. The chance of working was lower between females and individuals whose fathers' have incomplete superior education. Students who worked had greater chances to smoke (OR = 2.26; 95%CI 2.04 - 2.51), drink alcohol, use illicit drugs (OR = 2.63; 95%CI 2.29 - 3.02), drive motorized vehicles (OR = 2.15; 95%CI 2.03 2.27), have sexual intercourse (OR = 2.10; 95%CI 1.99 - 2.24), suffer physical violence (OR = 1.57; 95%CI 1.46 1.68), engage in fights (OR = 1.65; 95%CI 1.55 - 1.76), feel lonely (OR = 1.26; 95%CI 1.17 - 1.36) and report sleeping problems (OR = 1.46; 95%CI 1.34 - 1.60). They also have lower chances of having close friends (OR = 0.78; 95%CI 0.68 - 0.90). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of labor among students is high. Socioeconomical disadvantages increase the chances of early working. Early working is also associated to health damaging behavior, violent situations, sleeping problems, and social isolation. Adolescents who study and work experiment expositions that may affect distinct health dimensions and perpetuate disadvantages over lifetime.
Lifetime use of illicit drugs and associated factors among Brazilian schoolchildren, National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE 2012)
Authors: Horta Rogério Lessa , Horta Bernardo Lessa , Costa Andre Wallace Nery da , Prado Rogério Ruscitto do , Oliveira-Campos Maryane , Malta Deborah Carvalho
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at describing the prevalence of illicit drug use among 9th grade students in the morning period of public and private schools in Brazil, and assessing associated factors. METHOD: The Brazilian survey PeNSE (National Adolescent School-based Health Survey) 2012 evaluated a representative sample of 9th grade students in the morning period, in Brazil and its five regions. The use of illicit drugs at least once in life was assessed for the most commonly used drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, crack, solvent-based glue, general ether-based inhalants, ecstasy and oxy. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis, and Pearson's χ2 test and logistic regression was used in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The use of illicit drugs at least once in life was reported by 7.3% (95%CI 5.3 - 9.4) of the respondents. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis and the evidences suggest that illicit drug use is associated to social conditions of greater consumption power, the use of alcohol and tobacco, behaviors related to socialization, such as having friends or sexual activity, and also the perception of loneliness, loose contact between school and parents and experiences of abuse in the family environment. The outcome was inversely associated with close contact with parents and parental supervision. CONCLUSION: In addition to the association with the processes of socialization and consumption, the influence of family and school is expressed in a particularly protective manner in different records of direct supervision and care.
Bullying and associated factors among Brazilian adolescents: analysis of the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE 2012)
Authors: Malta Deborah Carvalho , Prado Rogério Ruscitto do , Dias Antônio José Ribeiro , Mello Flavia Carvalho M. , Silva Marta Angelica Iossi , Costa Michelle Ralil da , Caiaffa Waleska Teixeira
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of bullying from the victim's perspective in Brazilian school children and to analyze its association with individual and family context variables. METHODS: An analysis of the data on 109,104 adolescents, obtained by the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey, held in schools in 2012, was carried out. An association model between bullying and explanatory variables was tested in different contexts: sociodemographic, risk behaviors, mental health and family context. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed, calculating the Odds Ratio and confidence intervals. RESULTS: The prevalence of bullying found in this study was of 7.2% (95%CI 6.6 - 7.8). A higher chance of bullying was found among male students (OR = 1.58; 95%CI 1.51 - 1.66), with an inverse relation between age and bullying, with the magnitude of risk among adolescents younger than 13 years of age being higher when compared to those with 16 years of age or more. Of individual risk behaviors, only being a smoker remained in the final model (OR = 1.11; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.23). Mental health variables associated with bullying were: feeling lonely (OR = 2.66; 95%CI 2.52 - 2.81), insomnia (OR = 1.92; 95%CI 1.80 - 2.05), not having friends (OR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.54 - 1.89), and, in the family context, those who skip class without telling their parents (OR = 1.13; 95%CI 1,07 - 1,19) and those who suffer physical abuse by family members (OR = 2.03; 95%CI 1.91 - 2.146). CONCLUSION: Bullying was associated to male students, younger, of black color, smokers, with mental health vulnerabilities and victims of domestic violence. This suggests the need for a holistic approach from education and health professionals, parents and the community in seeking measures for the prevention of bullying.
Body image and extreme attitudes toward weight in Brazilian schoolchildren (PeNSE 2012)
Authors: Claro Rafael Moreira , Santos Maria Aline Siqueira , Oliveira-Campos Maryane
Published: July 2014

INTRODUCTION: Adolescence is a period characterized by changes such as accelerated physical growth and sexual development. Besides having to deal with these changes, adolescents are faced with beauty standards and extreme valorization of physical appearance. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to describe body image and the practice of extreme attitudes regarding weight in Brazilian students. METHODS: Data from the National Survey of School Health (PeNSE) 2012 were used in this study. PeNSE 2012 has a representative sample of students in the 9th grade of elementary school in public and private schools across the country. A self-administered questionnaire on body image, practice of extreme measures in relation to weight and sociodemographic data was used. Body image and the practice of extreme attitudes were described for the total sample and according to gender. Poisson regression analyzes were used to identify differences in the practices of extreme attitudes between the different types of body image. RESULTS: More than 38% of the adolescents did not consider their body image as normal. Over 15% of the students referred to carry out extreme weight control practices, combining practices to loose and gain weight. Adolescents who considered themselves fat presented frequency of extreme practices for weight loss 92% higher than that shown by individuals who considered themselves normal. Similarly, adolescents who considered themselves thin presented frequency of extreme attitudes to gain weight (9.7%) higher than that shown by students who considered themselves normal (5.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of extreme weight control practices among Brazilian adolescents is alarming and should be subject of measures in health and education fields.
Analysis of care given to patients with hypertension in Belo Horizonte, according to telephone survey
Authors: Paulucci Tatiana Dias , Velasquez-Melendez Gustavo , Bernal Regina Ivata Tomie , Lana Francisco Félix , Malta Deborah Carvalho
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE: To examine the care given to patients with hypertension in the Brazilian public and private health services in the population of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted in a sample of hypertensive adults in the year 2009, in Belo Horizonte (n = 100). We compared the care provided to hypertensive users of the Unified Health System (SUS) and of the Supplementary Health (SS), using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. The prevalence ratio was calculated by the Poisson regression model, adjusted for the variables age, education and skin color. RESULTS: In the descriptive analysis, hypertensive users of private health plans had a higher frequency of physician referral and greater blood pressure control. Unified Health System users were the ones who participated in health promotion groups the most. The acquisition of antihypertensive medications by beneficiaries of private health insurance was more frequent in private pharmacies, and in Health Centers among users of the Unified Health System. The differences disappeared when adjusting the variables for age, race and education. There was no difference regarding the guidance received for a change of habits, or regarding the incorporation of these healthy practices promotion by hypertensive patients. CONCLUSION: A healthier diet, the practice of physical activity, and the non-use of alcohol and tobacco have been incorporated by hypertensive patients, whether owning private health insurance or not. Promotion practices, proper use of medication a clinical follow-up are important for the control of blood pressure levels.
Utilization of public and private health services by the population of Belo Horizonte
Authors: Castanheira Carlos Henrique Campos , Pimenta Adriano Marçal , Lana Francisco Carlos Félix , Malta Deborah Carvalho
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the differences in health services utilization by users of Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and beneficiaries of Supplemental Health (SH). METHODS: A total of 288 adult subjects, residing in Belo Horizonte, who participated in the VIGITEL telephone survey in 2009, composed the sample, whose variables were analyzed according to the classification as users of SUS or beneficiaries of SH. Prevalence Ratios (PR), adjusted for sex, age and schooling, were calculated to evaluate differences between groups. RESULTS: Need and demand for health services were similar between groups, and users of SUS were less successful in obtaining service (PR = 0.78; p = 0.027). Most participants in both groups evaluated the health care received as very good/good without significant differences (72.1% for SUS, 84.0% for SH; p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although there are differences in the utilization of health services in Belo Horizonte, the service obtained is well rated by both users of SUS and health plans.
Panic disorder and psychoactive substance use in primary care
Authors: Pires Andressa Jacondino , Casanova Camila Corrêa , Quevedo Luciana de Avila , Jansen Karen , Silva Ricardo Azevedo da
Published: July 2014

Objective: To identify the association between panic disorder and licit and illicit substance use in the population provided with primary care in the southern Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with patients from three primary care centers. We used the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to evaluate substance use and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to diagnose panic disorder. Results: A total of 1,081 subjects were evaluated. The prevalence of panic disorder was 5.6%. Panic disorder was associated with using marijuana (p = 0.001), tobacco (p = 0.001), cocaine (p < 0.001), and other illicit substances (p < 0.001). Conclusion: A significant association is noticed between panic disorder and licit and illicit substance use, thus, it is interesting to rethink the approach to treatment/intervention in patients with dual diagnosis.
Risk factors of suicide attempts by poisoning: review
Authors: Pires Maria Cláudia da Cruz , Silva Tatiana de Paula Santana da , Passos Marcela Pires dos , Sougey Everton Botelho , Bastos Filho Othon Coelho
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Suicide, a complex and universal human phenomenon, is a major public health problem. This study reviewed the literature about the major risk factors associated with suicide attempts by poisoning. Methods: An integrative review of the literature was performed in databases (LILACS, PubMed and MEDLINE) to search for studies published between 2003 and 2013, using the following keywords: suicide, attempted; poisoning; risk factors. Inclusion criteria were: original study with abstract, sample of adults, and attempted suicide by poisoning in at least 50% of the study population. Results: Two hundred and nineteen studies were retrieved and read by two independent examiners, and 22 were included in the study. The main risk factors for suicide attempts by poisoning were female sex, age 15-40 years, single status, little education, unemployment, drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, psychiatric disorder and psychiatric treatment using antidepressants. Conclusion: Further prospective studies should be conducted to confirm these risk factors or identify others, and their findings should contribute to planning measures to prevent suicide attempts.
How semantic deficits in schizotypy help understand language and thought disorders in schizophrenia: a systematic and integrative review
Authors: Tonelli Hélio Anderson
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Disorders of thought are psychopathological phenomena commonly present in schizophrenia and seem to result from deficits of semantic processing. Schizotypal personality traits consist of tendencies to think and behave that are qualitatively similar to schizophrenia, with greater vulnerability to such disorder. This study reviewed the literature about semantic processing deficits in samples of individuals with schizotypal traits and discussed the impact of current knowledge upon the comprehension of schizophrenic thought disorders. Studies about the cognitive performance of healthy individuals with schizotypal traits help understand the semantic deficits underlying psychotic thought disorders with the advantage of avoiding confounding factors usually found in samples of individuals with schizophrenia, such as the use of antipsychotics and hospitalizations. Methods: A search for articles published in Portuguese or English within the last 10 years on the databases MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycInfo, LILACS and Biological Abstracts was conducted, using the keywords semantic processing, schizotypy and schizotypal personality disorder. Results: The search retrieved 44 manuscripts, out of which 11 were firstly chosen. Seven manuscripts were additionally included after reading these papers. Conclusion: The great majority of the included studies showed that schizotypal subjects might exhibit semantic processing deficits. They help clarify about the interfaces between cognitive, neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanisms underlying not only thought disorders, but also healthy human mind's creativity.
Platelet‐Rich Fibrin–Reinforced Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access Technique for Recession Coverage
Authors: Gupta Geeti , Puri Komal , Bansal Mansi , Khatri Manish , Kumar Ashish
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Gingival recession (GR) presents with breakdown of both soft and hard tissues and can cause major functional and esthetic problems. Treatment of GR, especially multiple recession defects, presents a challenge because several recession defects must be treated at a single surgical session to minimize patient discomfort. New materials and techniques are currently being developed to obtain predictable root coverage. This case series describes the use of the vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) technique in combination with platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) membrane in the treatment of GR defects. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on the use of the PRF membrane–reinforced VISTA technique.

Case Series: Four patients with multiple GRs were selected for this case series. The VISTA technique allowed coronal repositioning of the gingival margin, which was then stabilized by the coronally anchored suturing technique. PRF membrane was inserted inside the subperiosteal tunnel, and the vertical incision was sutured. Patients were kept under observation for 6 months.

Conclusion: This use of PRF membrane along with the VISTA technique allows clinicians to successfully treat multiple GR defects.
Classical Pathology of Sympathetic Ophthalmia Presented in a Unique Case
Authors: Chen Shida , Aronow Mary E , Wang Charles , Shen Defen , Chan Chi-Chao
Published: July 2014

The ocular pathology of sympathetic ophthalmia is demonstrated in a 10 year-old boy who sustained a penetrating left globe injury and subsequently developed sympathetic ophthalmia in the right eye two months later. Two and a half weeks following extensive surgical repair of the left ruptured globe, he developed endophthalmitis and was treated with oral and topical fortified antibiotics. One month after the initial injury, a progressive corneal ulcer of the left eye led to perforation and the need for emergent corneal transplantation. The surgical specimen revealed fungus, Scedosporium dehoogii. The boy received systemic and topical anti-fungal therapy. Two months following the penetrating globe injury of the left eye, a granulomatous uveitis developed in the right eye. Sympathetic ophthalmia was suspected and the patient began treatment with topical and oral corticosteroids. Given the concern of vision loss secondary to sympathetic ophthalmia in the right eye, as well as poor vision and hypotony in the injured eye, the left eye was enucleated. Microscopically, granulomatous inflammation with giant cells was noted within a cyclitic membrane which filled the anterior and posterior chamber of the left globe. Other classic features including Dalen-Fuchs nodules were identified. Small, choroidal, ill-defined granulomas and relative sparing of the choriocapillaris were present. Molecular analysis did not identify evidence of remaining fungal infection. The pathology findings were consistent with previously described features of sympathetic ophthalmia. The present case is unique in that co-existing fungal infection may have potentiated the risk for developing sympathetic ophthalmia in the fellow eye.
A Great Difference Between Sedentary Subspecies of Laniarius atroflavus
Shelley, 1887 Suggests on the Base of Molecular Data that Laniarius atroflavus and Laniarius craterum are Two Separate Species
Authors: Nguembock Billy
Published: July 2014

Laniarius atroflavus is a sedentary member of the bush-shrike radiation (family Malaconotidae) and in our first
paper, it appeared with strong divergence between its two subspecies. To confirm this divergence and leaning partially on
our first obtained results, we investigated a genetic variation of the individuals of Laniarius atroflavus atroflavus (West
Africa) and Laniarius atroflavus craterum (West Africa). For the genetic variation, we use two mitochondrial genes
(ATPase6 and ND2) to calculate their genetic distances within the Laniarius ingroup and to explore their mutational differentiation.
With our ATPase6 and ND2, a genetic distance of 1.66% and 2.14% has been respectively estimated between
individuals of Laniarius atroflavus atroflavus (Cameroon Mountain) and Laniarius atroflavus craterum (Manenguba
Mountain) whereas it was, for the same markers, of 0% and 0.57% respectively between specimens of Laniarius atroflavus craterum only caught in diverse parts of the Manenguba Mountain. For the mutational differentiation, a total of 34 different
molecular characters have been observed with the two markers investigated between these two subspecies. Leaning
on some dating results, it appears that Laniarius atroflavus atroflavus diverged from Laniarius atroflavus craterum during
the Quaternary period and these dates correspond remarkably with those suggested for several polyphased volcanic activities
noted in the Cameroon Volcanic Line. For these separate sedentary birds which are marked by their clinal size variation,
measures of their wings as well as the variation of the color of their breast and belly, a possible secondary contact
will certainly lead to reinforcement. Thus, we suggest resurrecting names Laniarius atroflavus Shelley, 1887 and Laniarius
craterum Bates, 1926 for individuals of the populations hitherto referred as Laniarius atroflavus atroflavus and
Laniarius atroflavus craterum respectively.
Laplacian coefficients of unicyclic graphs with the number of leaves and girth
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Xiao-Dong
Published: July 2014

Motivated by Ilic and Ilic?s conjecture [A. Ilic, M. Ilic, Laplacian
coefficients of trees with given number of leaves or vertices of degree two,
Linear Algebra Appl., 431(2009)2195-2202.], we investigate properties of the
minimal elements in the partial set (Ugn,l,?) of the Laplacian coefficients,
where Ug n,l denote the set of n-vertex unicyclic graphs with the number of
leaves l and girth g. These results are used to disprove their conjecture.
Moreover, the graphs with minimum Laplacian-like energy in Ug n,l are also
studied.
A computer remote control system based on speech recognition technologies of mobile devices and wireless communication technologies
Authors: Jeong Hae-Duck , Ye Sang-Kug , Lim Jiyoung , You Ilsun , Hyun Wooseok
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a computer remote control system using speech recognition
technologies of mobile devices and wireless communication technologies for
the blind and physically disabled population as assistive technology. These
people experience difficulty and inconvenience using computers through a
keyboard and/or mouse. The purpose of this system is to provide a way that
the blind and physically disabled population can easily control many
functions of a computer via speech. The configuration of the system consists
of a mobile device such as a smartphone, a PC server, and a Google server
that are connected to each other. Users can command a mobile device to do
something via speech; such as writing emails, checking the weather forecast,
or managing a schedule. These commands are then immediately executed. The
proposed system also provides blind people with a function via TTS(Text To
Speech) of the Google server if they want to receive contents of a document
stored in a computer.
PPS: A privacy-preserving security scheme for multi-operator wireless mesh networks with enhanced user experience
Authors: Gao Tianhan , Guo Nan , Yim Kangbin , Wang Qianyi
Published: July 2014

Multi-operator wireless mesh networks (WMNs) have attracted increasingly
attentions as a low-cost accessing approach for future large-scale mobile
network. Security and privacy are two important objectives during the
deployment of multi-operator WMNs. Despite the necessity, limited literature
research takes both privacy and user experience into account. This motivates
us to develop PPS, a novel privacy-preserving security scheme, for
multi-operator WMNs. On one hand, most of the privacy needs are satisfied
with the hybrid utilization of a tri-lateral pseudonym and a ticket based on
proxy blind signature. On the other hand, the sophisticated unlinkability is
implemented where mobile user is able to keep his pseudonym unchanged within
the same operator in order to gain better user experience. PPS is presented
as a suite of authentication and key agreement protocols built upon the
proposed three-tire hierarchical network architecture. Our analysis
demonstrates that PPS is secure and outperforms other proposal in terms of
communication and computation overhead.
A secure mobile DRM system based on cloud architecture
Authors: Chen Chin-Ling , Tsaur Woei-Jiunn , Chen Yu-Yi , Chang Yao-Chung
Published: July 2014

Public cloud architecture offers a public access software service. Users can
login to access the cloud resources via various devices. The main advantage
of the SaaS (Software as a Service) cloud service is that it supports
different software and devices, in order to open web browsers, to
authenticate the users through the standard format. E-books are protected by
digital rights management (DRM), and users can use mobile devices to read
them. However, the users' identity need to be authenticated or the
communication between the user and the cloud server will be at risk. The
processes by which users submit their proof of identity to the cloud needs to
be protected. In this paper, information security can be achieved efficiently
via cloud server architecture and a cryptography mechanism. The proposed
scheme focuses on using a mobile device to access the cloud service. The DRM
mechanisms can protect digital content; once the mobile users pass the
authentication they can access the cloud services, with authenticated users
able to easily use mobile devices to read digital content.
The efficient implementation of distributed indexing with Hadoop for digital investigations on Big Data
Authors: Lee Taerim , Lee Hyejoo , Rhee Kyung-Hyune , Shin Uk
Published: July 2014

Big Data brings new challenges to the field of e-Discovery or digital
forensics and these challenges are mostly connected to the various methods
for data processing. Considering that the most important factors are time and
cost in determining success or failure of digital investigation, the
development of a valid indexing method for efficient search should come first
to more quickly and accurately find relevant evidence from Big Data. This
paper, therefore, introduces a Distributed Text Processing System based on
Hadoop called DTPS and explains about the distinctions between DTPS and other
related researches to emphasize the necessity of it. In addition, this paper
describes various experimental results in order to find the best
implementation strategy in using Hadoop MapReduce for the distributed
indexing and to analyze the worth for practical use of DTPS by comparative
evaluation of its performance with similar tools. To be short, the ultimate
purpose of this research is the development of useful search engine specially
aimed at Big Data indexing as a major part for the future e-Discovery cloud
service.
Pairwise and group key setup mechanism for secure machine-to-machine communication
Authors: Doh Inshil , Lim Jiyoung , Li Shi , Chae Kijoon
Published: July 2014

In the ubiquitous environment, more and more devices are deployed in our
daily life, and need to communicate with one another. M2M
(Machine-to-Machine) communication is considered to be one of the major
issues in future networks. M2M is expected to bring various benefits in
wireless communications when it is interconnected with cellular networks.
Considering the characteristics of cellular M2M networks, traditional
security solutions are not proper to be applied to cellular M2M networks
because the M2M network itself is vulnerable to various attacks. We consider
security aspects for cellular M2M communications and propose a key
management mechanism including the pairwise key and group key establishment.
Our proposal could provide reliability and efficiency for the cellular M2M
communication network in the secure manner.
Long distance face recognition for enhanced performance of internet of things service interface
Authors: Moon Hae-Min , Pan Sung
Published: July 2014

As many objects in the human ambient environment are intellectualized and
networked, research on IoT technology have increased to improve the quality
of human life. This paper suggests an LDA-based long distance face
recognition algorithm to enhance the intelligent IoT interface. While the
existing face recognition algorithm uses single distance image as training
images, the proposed algorithm uses face images at distance extracted from 1m
to 5m as training images. In the proposed LDA-based long distance face
recognition algorithm, the bilinear interpolation is used to normalize the
size of the face image and a Euclidean Distance measure is used for the
similarity measure. As a result, the proposed face recognition algorithm is
improved in its performance by 6.1% at short distance and 31.0% at long
distance, so it is expected to be applicable for USN?s robot and surveillance
security systems.
A new hybrid architecture with an intersection-based coverage algorithm in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chen Young-Long , Chen Mu-Yen , Cheung Fu-Kai , Chang Yung-Chi
Published: July 2014

Energy is limited in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) so that energy
consumption is very important. In this paper, we propose a hybrid
architecture based on power-efficient gathering in sensor information system
(PEGASIS) and low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH). This
architecture can achieve an average distribution of energy loads, and
reduced energy consumption in transmission. To further extend the system
lifetime, we combine the intersection-based coverage algorithm (IBCA) with
LEACH architecture and the hybrid architecture to prolong the system
lifetime that introducing sensor nodes to enter sleep mode when inactive.
This step can save more energy consumption. Simulation results show that the
performance of our proposed LEACH architecture with IBCA and the hybrid
architecture with IBCA perform better than LEACH architecture with PBCA in
terms of energy efficiency, surviving nodes and sensing areas.
Weibo clustering: A new approach utilizing users’ reposting data in social networking services
Authors: Zhang Guangzhi , Sun Yunchuan , Xu Mengling , Bie Rongfang
Published: July 2014

As one of the most popular Social Networking Services (SNS) in China, Weibo
is generating massive contents, relations and users? behavior data. Many
challenges exist in how to analyze Weibo data. Most works focus on Weibo
clustering and topic classification based on analyzing the text contents
only. However, the traditional approaches do not work well because most
messages on Weibo are very short Chinese sentences. This paper aims to
propose a new approach to cluster the Weibo data by analyzing the users?
reposting behavior data besides the text contents. To verify the proposed
approach, a data set of users? real behaviors from the actual SNS platform is
utilized. Experimental results show that the proposed method works better
than previous works which depend on the text analysis only.
Blood Pressure and Pulse Pressure Effects on Renal Outcomes in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)
Authors: Anderson Robert J. , Bahn Gideon D. , Emanuele Nicholas V. , Marks Jennifer B. , Duckworth William C. ,   for the VADT Study Group
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

Blood pressure (BP) control for renal protection is essential for patients with type 2 diabetes. Our objective in this analysis of Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) data was to learn whether on-study systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) affected renal outcomes measured as albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The VADT was a prospective, randomized study of 1,791 veterans with type 2 diabetes to determine whether intensive glucose control prevented major cardiovascular events. In this post hoc study, time-varying covariate survival analyses and hazard ratios (HR) were used to determine worsening of renal outcomes.

RESULTS

Compared with SBP 105–129 mmHg, the risk of ACR worsening increased significantly for SBP 130–139 mmHg (HR 1.88 [95% CI 1.28–2.77]; P = 0.001) and for SBP ≥140 mmHg (2.51 [1.66–3.78]; P < 0.0001). Compared with a PP range of 40–49 mmHg, PP <40 was associated with significantly lowered risk of worsening ACR (0.36 [0.15–0.87]; P = 0.022) and PP ≥60 with significantly increased risk (2.38 [1.58–3.59]; P < 0.0001). Analyses of BP ranges associated with eGFR worsening showed significantly increased risk with rising baseline SBP and an interaction effect between SBP ≥140 mmHg and on-study A1C. These patients were 15% more likely than those with SBP <140 mmHg to experience eGFR worsening (1.15 [1.00–1.32]; P = 0.045) for each 1% (10.9 mmol/mol) A1C increase.

CONCLUSIONS

SBP ≥130 mmHg and PP >60 mmHg were associated with worsening ACR. The results suggest that treatment of SBP to <130 mmHg may lessen ACR worsening. The interaction between SBP ≥140 mmHg and A1C suggests that the effect of glycemic control on reducing progression of renal disease may be greater in hypertensive patients.
Household Debt and Consumption Inequality: The Spanish Case
Authors: Pardo Gonzalo , Sánchez Santos José
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper is twofold. On the one hand, we attempt to find out whether Spanish households took part in a process of substituting loans for wages during the period before the beginning of the current economic crisis. On the other hand, we try to identify the consequences of such process in the evolution of income and consumption inequalities. The theoretical framework to deal with the above mentioned issues is provided by a review of the economic literature on the determinants of consumer behaviour, namely, on consumption, saving and debt. The empirical study consists of a descriptive analysis, which is focused on two fields. First, we analyze the evolution of consumer credit (both, in aggregate and by income groups) and the savings rates. Second, we compare the values and temporal evolution of income and consumption inequalities. The period under study ranges from 2000 to 2008. Our analysis provides some empirical evidence that supports the hypothesis that financial conditions led to significant effects on the distribution of consumption. This influence is especially significant in the case of consumption inequalities. These inequalities were lower than income inequalities and were kept “artificially” low and stable during the whole period.
Alcohol Use, Working Conditions, Job Benefits, and the Legacy of the “Dop” System among Farm Workers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa: Hope Despite High Levels of Risky Drinking
Authors: Gossage J. , Snell Cudore , Parry Charles , Marais Anna-Susan , Barnard Ronel , De Vries Marlene , Blankenship Jason , Seedat Soraya , Hasken Julie , May Philip
Published: July 2014

This study describes alcohol consumption in five Western Cape Province communities. Cross-sectional data from a community household sample (n = 591) describe the alcohol use patterns of adult males and females, and farm workers vs. others. Data reveal that men were more likely to be current drinkers than women, 75.1% vs. 65.8% (p = 0.033); farm laborers were more likely to be current drinkers than individuals in other occupations 83.1% vs. 66.8% (p = 0.004). Group, binge drinking on weekends was the norm; men were more likely to be binge drinkers in the past week than women 59.8% vs. 48.8% (p = 0.086); farm workers were more likely to binge than others 75.0% vs. 47.5% (p < 0.001). The legacy of “Dop” contributes to current risky drinking behaviors. Farm owners or managers were interviewed on 11 farms, they described working conditions on their farms and how the legacy of “Dop” is reflected in the current use of alcohol by their workers. “Dop” was given to farm workers in the past on six of the 11 farms, but was discontinued for different reasons. There is zero tolerance for coming to work intoxicated; farm owners encourage responsible use of alcohol and assist farm workers in getting help for alcohol problems when necessary. The farm owners report some positive initiatives, were ahead of the movement to provide meaningful wages, and provide other important amenities. Further research is needed to assess whether progressive practices on some farms will reduce harmful alcohol use.
Trends of Non-Accidental, Cardiovascular, Stroke and Lung Cancer Mortality in Arkansas Are Associated with Ambient PM2.5 Reductions
Authors: Chalbot Marie-Cecile , Jones Tamara , Kavouras Ilias
Published: July 2014

The cardiovascular and stroke mortality rates in Arkansas are among the highest in the USA. The annual trends of stroke and cardiovascular mortality are barely correlated to smoking cessation; while the prevalence of risk factors such as obesity; cholesterol and hypertension increased over the 1979–2007 period. The study determined the effect of chronic exposure to PM2.5 on non-accidental; cardiovascular; stroke and lung cancer mortality in Arkansas over the 2000–2010 period using the World Health Organization’s log-linear health impact model. County chronic exposures to PM2.5 were computed by averaging spatially-resolved gridded concentrations using PM2.5 observations. A spatial uniformity was observed for PM2.5 mass levels indicating that chronic exposures were comparable throughout the state. The reduction of PM2.5 mass levels by 3.0 μg/m3 between 2000 and 2010 explained a significant fraction of the declining mortality. The effect was more pronounced in southern and eastern rural Arkansas as compared to the rest of the state. This study provides evidence that the implementation of air pollution regulations has measurable effects on mortality even in regions with high prevalence of major risk factors such as obesity and smoking. These outcomes are noteworthy as efforts to modify the major risk factors require longer realization times.
A Synthetic Thiourea-Based Tripodal Receptor that Impairs the Function of Human First Trimester Cytotrophoblast Cells
Authors: Horvat Darijana , Khansari Maryam , Pramanik Avijit , Beeram Madhava , Kuehl Thomas , Hossain Md. , Uddin Mohammad
Published: July 2014

A synthetic tripodal-based thiourea receptor (PNTTU) was used to explore the receptor/ligand binding affinity using CTB cells. The human extravillous CTB cells (Sw.71) used in this study were derived from first trimester chorionic villus tissue. The cell proliferation, migration and angiogenic factors were evaluated in PNTTU-treated CTB cells. The PNTTU inhibited the CTBs proliferation and migration. The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) secretion was increased while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was decreased in the culture media of CTB cells treated with ≥1 nM PNTTU. The angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2) expression was significantly upregulated in ≥1 nM PNTTU-treated CTB cells in compared to basal; however, the angiotensin II receptor, type 1 (AT1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) expression was downregulated. The anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effect of this compound on CTB cells are similar to the effect of CTSs. The receptor/ligand affinity of PNTTU on CTBs provides us the clue to design a potent inhibitor to prevent the CTS-induced impairment of CTB cells.