bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prothrombotic mechanisms and anticoagulant therapy in dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia
Authors: Kidd Linda , Mackman Nigel
Published: January 2013

Objective

To review the pathophysiology of thrombosis in hemolytic disease, and the efficacy of thromboprophylaxis in dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).

Data Sources

Computerized searches ofPubmed,INDEX VETERINARIUS, and the journal database of theVeterinaryInformationNetwork, and a manual search of bibliographies of published manuscripts.

Human Data Synthesis

Experimental data suggest that hemolysis leads to the induction of the potent procoagulant tissue factor on monocytes and endothelial cells and subsequent activation of coagulation. In addition, damaged red cells, activated platelets, and small cell‐derived membrane vesicles called microparticles may contribute to coagulation by providing membrane surfaces containing exposed anionic phospholipids that serve as docking sites for prothrombinase (factorVa‐factorXa) and tenase (factorVIIIa–factorIXa) complexes of the coagulation cascade. Some microparticles also contain tissue factor, further fueling coagulation. Thromboprophylaxis for hemolytic disease in people primarily targets the coagulation cascade rather than platelets, as most thromboemboli are of venous rather than arterial origin. The use of unfractionated heparin is closely monitored to ensure therapeutic levels are reached.

Veterinary Data Synthesis

Thromboembolic disease is a major factor affecting survival in dogs withIMHA. It is likely that hemolysis contributes to the prothrombotic state. Thrombosis occurs in both veins and arteries, with pulmonary thromboembolism (a venous thrombus) occurring very commonly. Evidence suggests that tissue factor mediates the development of the prothrombotic state. Heparin, and the anti‐platelet agents aspirin, and clopidogrel have been used for thromboprophylaxis in dogs with IMHA. However, a lack of validated therapeutic endpoints and controlled studies make it difficult to determine if survival is affected or if 1 drug is more effective than another.

Conclusions

Prospective clinical trials comparing individually adjusted heparin or other anti‐coagulant drugs to anti‐platelet drugs are needed to make evidence‐based recommendations for thromboprophylaxis in dogs with IMHA.
Nomenclatural notes on Rhododendron sparsifolium (Ericaceae)
Authors: Yu Wen‐Bin , He Fei
Published: January 2013

Based on examination of original material, we demonstrate that the name Rhododendron sparsifolium W. P. Fang was indeed validly published when first published in 1983. Meanwhile, we correct the collectors of two of the three type gatherings listed in the protologue, including the holotype. Furthermore, we propose to reduce R. hejiangense to the synonymy of R. sparsifolium on the basis of morphological comparisons.
Forum Shopping in Global Governance: Understanding States, Business and NGOs in Multiple Arenas
Authors: Murphy Hannah , Kellow Aynsley
Published: January 2013

The political strategy of forum shopping is an under‐researched but highly relevant concept for understanding the dynamics of global governance. Forum shopping involves actors seeking to realise their policy objectives within preferred policy arenas on the basis of an arena’s particular governing characteristics. We examine the forum shopping behaviour of the key states, business and non‐governmental groups in regard to three policy issues: labour standards, intellectual property rights, and chemicals regulation. Our preliminary analysis is centred around the questions of why actors forum shop, the circumstances in which forum shopping enables actors to succeed in promoting their interests, and the impact of forum shopping on the effectiveness of global governance. Our cases suggest an arena’s membership, issue mandate, decision making procedures and enforcement capacity are the key characteristics that shape actors’ arena preferences. Another important implication is that a multi‐arena global governance system comprised of duplication and overlap in issue mandate (rather than large multilateral single issue arenas) may be beneficial for advancing actors’ policy agendas. The overarching goal of the article is to spark more systematic research into the often practiced but under‐theorised phenomenon of forum shopping.

Policy Implications

Global governance is achieved through action in multiple arenas, which provide different opportunities for political action. An arena’s membership, issue mandate, decision making procedures and enforcement capacity should be taken into account by policymakers in assessing appropriate arenas for advancing their goals.

Entrepreneurial actors take advantage of ‘strategic inconsistencies’ in the characteristics of international policy arenas in order to progress or block the development of proposals through incremental decisions.

Policymakers must be alert to the likely use of forum shopping by other actors, including business actors and NGOs, which may advance or stymie the development of policy agendas in one arena via action in alternative arenas.
Effective interprofessional collaboration in rural contexts: a research protocol
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca , Paliadelis Penelope , McNeil Karen , Parker Vicki , Giles Michelle , Higgins Isabel , Parmenter Glenda , Ahrens Yvonne
Published: January 2013

Aim

To describe the research protocol that will be used to investigate factors contributing to effective interprofessional practice in a rural context in Australia.

Background

Interprofessional practice is a key strategy for overcoming rural health challenges; however, our knowledge of interprofessional initiatives and consequences in rural areas is limited.

Design

A modified realistic evaluation approach will be used to explore the structures, systems, and social processes contributing to effective interprofessional outcomes. This ‘context–mechanism–outcome’ approach provides a useful framework for identifying why and how interprofessional practice works in rural contexts.

Method

Initial propositions regarding the factors that explain effective collaborative practice will be generated through interviews with lead clinicians, policy‐makers, and clinician managers. Clinician interviews, document analysis, and multi‐participant focus groups will be used as evidence to support, refine, or redevelop the initial propositions. This will allow the development of a model of rural interprofessional practice that will explain how and why collaborative approaches work in rural environments. This study is funded by an Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching grant (January 2010).

Discussion

Rural healthcare challenges are well documented; however, studies investigating the nature of interprofessional practice in rural contexts are not common. Rural contexts also present research design, particularly data collection, challenges. This proposed research is one of the first to identify the factors that facilitate or constrain effective interprofessional work in rural settings. This is particularly important, given the continuing workforce shortages and maldistribution and poorer health outcomes in rural communities globally.
Parents‐CARE: A Suicide Prevention Program for Parents of At‐Risk Youth
Authors: Hooven Carole
Published: January 2013

Topic

Families play an important role in youth suicide prevention, as both a source of protection and a source of risk, and thus are an important target for adolescent suicide prevention programs.

Purpose

This article describes in detail Parents‐CARE, a brief youth suicide prevention program for parents, for which effectiveness has been demonstrated. Engaging parents in preventive intervention can be challenging; therefore, the feasibility, acceptability, and relevance of the program to parents are examined.

Sources Used

A total of 289 households participated in Parents‐CARE. Parent attendance data and parent and interventionist process data are utilized to demonstrate the positive response by parents to the program.

Conclusion

The Parents‐CARE program was highly attended, and ratings demonstrate that parents were engaged in the program. Ratings show parents found the program both acceptable and relevant. Hence, the program described is promising for clinicians working with at‐risk youth as they seek brief, accessible, and effective interventions that include parents in order to amplify the effects of an individual intervention approach.
School Difficulties and Co‐Occurring Health Risk Factors: Substance Use, Aggression, Depression, and Suicidal Behaviors
Authors: Thompson Elaine Adams , Connelly Cynthia D. , Thomas‐Jones Deborah , Eggert Leona L.
Published: January 2013

Problem

Effective prevention requires understanding vulnerable populations, early signs of health risks, and the impact of social contexts. We tested a model of co‐occurring mental health risks among at‐risk youth experiencing school difficulties.

Methods

We analyzed data from a random sample of 336 at‐risk youth, grades 9–12, who completed a comprehensive risk/protective factors assessment.

Findings

Simultaneously controlling for correlations among health risks, we observed systematic associations among risk factors, with generally consistent patterns for males and females.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the importance of developing interventions that incorporate contextual influences and of identifying common adaptable strategies for attenuating co‐occurring health risks for at‐risk youth.
First marine record of marble trout Salmo marmoratus
Authors: Soldo A.
Published: January 2013

A specimen of marble trout Salmo marmoratus, of 955 mm total length (LT) and weighing 10 220 g, was caught on 26 December 2008 by a commercial fisherman near the coast of Igrane (eastern Adriatic Sea). This represents the first marine record of this species.
Neuroprotection conferred by post‐ischemia ethanol therapy in experimental stroke: an inhibitory effect on hyperglycolysis and NADPH oxidase activation
Authors: Kochanski Ryan , Peng Changya , Higashida Tetsuhiro , Geng Xiaokun , Hüttemann Maik , Guthikonda Murali , Ding Yuchuan
Published: January 2013

Ethanol provides neuroprotection following ischemia/reperfusion. This study assessed ethanol's effect on hyperglycolysis and NADPH oxidase (NOX) activation. Adult, male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h. Three sets of experiments were conducted to determine ethanol's effect on (i) conferring neuroprotection by measuring infarct volume and neurological deficits 24 h post reperfusion; (ii) cerebral glucose metabolism and lactic acidosis by measuring brain and blood glucose concentrations and protein expression of glucose transporter 1 and 3 (GLUT1, GLUT3), phosphofructokinase (PFK), as well as lactic acidosis by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lactate; and (iii) nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) activation by detecting enzymatic activity and subunit expression at 3 h after reperfusion. When administered upon reperfusion, ethanol (1.5 g/kg) reduced infarct volume by 40% (p < 0.01) and neurological deficits by 48% at 24 h post reperfusion while reducing (p < 0.01) elevations in glycolytic protein expression and lactate levels during early reperfusion (3 h). Ethanol increased the reductions in cerebral glucose concentration at 3 h post reperfusion by 64% (p < 0.01) while enhancing (p < 0.01) post stroke blood glucose concentration, suggesting a reduced cellular glucose uptake and utilization. Ethanol decreased (p < 0.01) stroke‐induced NOX activation by reducing enzymatic activity and gp91phox expression by 45% and 38%, respectively. Post‐ischemia ethanol treatment exerts neuroprotection through attenuation of hyperglycolysis and associated NOX activation. Because of the lack of associated hypoglycemia and selectivity toward decreasing cerebral metabolism, further investigation of ethanol's use as a post‐stroke therapy, especially in the context of hyperglycemia, seems warranted.
Promising options, dead ends and the reform of Australian contract law
Authors: Doris Martin
Published: January 2013

The Australian government has launched a consultation on the possible reform of domestic contract law. The Attorney-General's Department is currently seeking stakeholder views on the need to reduce inconsistencies and/or remove outdated rules, and on ways to improve legal certainty generally both for businesses and consumers alike. Its current discussion paper, though open-ended as regards next steps, appears to be talking the language of simplification and coherence that has resonated particularly in the EU for well over a decade. Yet, the ongoing, high-profile project aimed at delivering a more coherent and uniform contract law for Europe's internal market has to date proved controversial, and recent concrete initiatives have generated much adverse commentary, particularly from law-and-economics scholars. The European experience therefore offers a series of signposts but equally a number of hazard markers for the Attorney-General's Department. Indeed, many of the broad assumptions underlying developments in the EU rest on weak foundations. The European institutions have further followed a number of dead ends in the pursuit of ‘coherence’ that ought reasonably to be avoided. This paper explores potential risks underlying the current Australian reform process and offers a number of suggestions on a possible way forward.
Dynamic Regulation of Autophagy and Endocytosis for Cell Remodeling During Early Development
Authors: Sato Miyuki , Sato Ken
Published: January 2013

Fertilization triggers cell remodeling from each gamete to a totipotent zygote. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, it has been revealed that lysosomal degradation pathways play important roles in cellular remodeling during this developmental transition. Endocytosis and autophagy, two pathways leading to the lysosomes, are highly upregulated during this period. A subset of maternal membrane proteins is selectively endocytosed and degraded in the lysosomes before the first mitotic cell division. Autophagy is also induced shortly after fertilization and executes the degradation of paternally inherited embryonic organelles, e.g. mitochondria and membranous organelles. This mechanism underlies the maternal inheritance of the mitochondrial genome. Autophagy is also required for the removal of extra P‐granule (germ granules in C. elegans) components in somatic cells of early embryos and thereby for the specific distribution of P‐granules to germ cells. This review focuses on recent advances in the study of the physiological roles and mechanisms of lysosomal pathways during early development in C. elegans.
Reduced Order Model Analysis of Frequency Response of Alternating Current Near Half Natural Frequency Electrostatically Actuated MEMS Cantilevers
Authors: Caruntu Dumitru I. , Martinez Israel , Knecht Martin W.
Published: January 2013

This paper uses the reduced order model (ROM) method to investigate the nonlinear-parametric dynamics of electrostatically actuated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) cantilever resonators under soft alternating current (AC) voltage of frequency near half natural frequency. This voltage is between the resonator and a ground plate and provides the actuation for the resonator. Fringe effect and damping forces are included. The resonator is modeled as a Euler-Bernoulli cantilever. ROM convergence shows that the five terms model accurately predicts the steady states of the resonator for both small and large amplitudes and the pull-in phenomenon either when frequency is swept up or down. It is found that the MEMS resonator loses stability and undergoes a pull-in phenomenon (1) for amplitudes about 0.5 of the gap and a frequency less than half natural frequency, as the frequency is swept up, and (2) for amplitudes of about 0.87 of the gap and a frequency about half natural frequency, as the frequency is swept down. It also found that there are initial amplitudes and frequencies lower than half natural frequency for which pull-in can occur if the initial amplitude is large enough. Increasing the damping narrows the escape band until no pull-in phenomenon can occur, only large amplitudes of about 0.85 of the gap being reached. If the damping continues to increase the peak amplitude decreases and the resonator experiences a linear dynamics like behavior. Increasing the voltage enlarges the escape band by shifting the sweep up bifurcation frequency to lower values; the amplitudes of losing stability are not affected. Fringe effect affects significantly the behavior of the MEMS resonator. As the cantilever becomes narrower the fringe effect increases. This slightly enlarges the escape band and increases the sweep up bifurcation amplitude. The method of multiple scales (MMS) fails to accurately predict the behavior of the MEMS resonator for any amplitude greater than 0.45 of the gap. Yet, for amplitudes less than 0.45 of the gap MMS predictions match perfectly ROM predictions.
Investigation of Optimal Air-Driving Fluid Jet Polishing Parameters for the Surface Finish of N-BK7 Optical Glass
Authors: Huu Loc Pham , Shiou Fang-Jung , Yu Zong-Ru , Hsu Wei-Yao
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study is to investigate optimal air-driving fluid jet polishing (FJP) parameters by using Taguchi's method to improve surface roughness of N-BK7 optical glass on a machining center. An orthogonal array and the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio are employed to determinate the optimal polishing parameters, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to identify the main parameters that affect the surface roughness of the N-BK7 optical glass. An air-driving FJP tool is newly designed and fabricated to conduct experiments. To determinate the optimal air-driving FJP parameters, six polishing parameters, namely air pressure, impact angle, standoff distance, the abrasive material, abrasive concentration, and polishing time, are selected as the control factors of experiments. Based on the Taguchi's L18 orthogonal array experimental results and the S/N ratio, the optimal parameters for the N-BK7 optical glass are found. These optimal parameters are to be as follows: an air pressure of 0.490 MPa, an impact angle of 40 deg, a standoff distance of 12 mm, the abrasive material of Al2O3, an abrasive concentration of 10 wt. %, and a polishing time of 30 min. The surface roughness of specimen is improved from Ra = 0.350 μm–0.032 μm by using the optimal air-driving FJP parameters. In addition, the determined optimal polishing parameters for the plane surface are applied to the surface finish of an N-BK7 spherical lens, and the surface roughness of the spherical lens can be improved from Ra = 0.421 μm to 0.202 μm within an area of 283.6 μm × 200 μm.
ASSESSING THE RISKS TO THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BOND MARKET
Authors: LAM WAIKEI RAPHAEL , TOKUOKA KIICHI
Published: January 2013

Despite the rise in public debt, Japanese Government Bond (JGB) yields have remained low and stable, supported by steady inflows from household and corporate sectors, high domestic ownership of JGBs, and safe-haven flows in light of ongoing European debt crisis. Nonetheless, the market capacity to absorb new government debt will likely decline over time as the population ages, posing risks for the JGB market. This paper examines the key risks of the JGB market, including a decline of private sector savings and potential spillovers from global financial distress, which could push up the government bond yields. A sharp rise in interest rate could pose challenges on public debt dynamics and financial stability in Japan. In that regard, more ambitious fiscal reforms to reduce public debt will help limit these risks.
List of Zooplankton Taxa in the Caspian Sea Waters of Iran
Authors: Bagheri Siamak , Sabkara Jalil , Mirzajani Alireza , Khodaparast Seyed Hojat , Yosefzad Esmaeil , Yeok Foong Swee
Published: January 2013

A total of 61 zooplankton taxa were found in the southwestern Caspian Sea between 1996 and 2010. Thirteen of them were meroplankton taxa and forty-eight were holoplankton taxa. The occurrence of 14 freshwater taxa indicated the influence of the Anzali wetland and river inflows. The decrease in zooplankton taxa was detected since 1996-1997 and continued till 2010.Pleopis polyphemoides, the only one out of the nine recorded Cladocera species in 1996-1997, was found after 2001. Similarly, of the five Copepoda species recorded in 1996-1997, only one,Acartia tonsa, was found abundant during the 2001–2010 sampling period. It was striking that many species which were abundant in the Caspian Sea in 1996-1997 were not found after 2000. Many reasons could have contributed to the changes in the zooplankton composition of the southern Caspian Sea, notably the serious environmental degradation since the early 1990s. It is also possible that invasive species might play a role in wiping out some sensitive endemic species.
Power Load Distribution for Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks in Smart Grid Buildings
Authors: Lee Junghoon , Park Gyung-Leen
Published: January 2013

This paper presents a design and analyzes the performance of an actuator operation scheduler for wireless sensor and actuator networks, aiming at efficiently managing power consumption and distributing peak load in smart grid buildings. To create a schedule within an acceptable response time, a genetic algorithm is designed, and the scheduler places the operations of activated tasks to appropriate time slots in the allocation table. For genetic operations, each schedule is encoded to an integer-valued vector, where each element represents either start time or binary allocation map of the associated task according to the task type. The fitness function evaluates the schedule quality by estimating the load of the peaking slot. Out-task model defines P-Penalty and N-Penalty to account for the extrapower load brought by the delayed start of task operation. The performance measurement results obtained from a prototype implementation reveal that our genetic scheduler reduces the peak load by up to 35.2% for the given parameter set compared with the Earliest scheduling scheme, intelligently compromising two conflicting requirements of even load distribution and small initiation delay.
Pyrite Passivation by Triethylenetetramine: An Electrochemical Study
Authors: Liu Yun , Dang Zhi , Xu Yin , Xu Tianyuan
Published: January 2013

The potential of triethylenetetramine (TETA) to inhibit the oxidation of pyrite in H2SO4solution had been investigated by using the open-circuit potential (OCP), cyclic voltammetry (CV), potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance (EIS), respectively. Experimental results indicate that TETA is an efficient coating agent in preventing the oxidation of pyrite and that the inhibition efficiency is more pronounced with the increase of TETA. The data from potentiodynamic polarization show that the inhibition efficiency (η%) increases from 42.08% to 80.98% with the concentration of TETA increasing from 1% to 5%. These results are consistent with the measurement of EIS (43.09% to 82.55%). The information obtained from potentiodynamic polarization also displays that the TETA is a kind of mixed type inhibitor.
Energy-Balanced Separating Algorithm for Cluster-Based Data Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Fu Shuai , Ma Jianfeng , Li Hongtao , Wang Changguang
Published: January 2013

Clustering provides an effective way to prolong the lifetime of wireless sensor networks. However, the head node may die much faster than other nodes due to its overburden. In this paper, we design a method to mitigate the uneven energy dissipation problem. Considering the relaying load undertaken by each cluster, we use the network topology and energy consumption to calculate a cluster radius for obtaining the intercluster energy balancing. A new cluster-leader election algorithm is proposed wherein the task of a single cluster head is separated to two nodes so that the critical nodes in each cluster will not exhaust their power so quickly. Furthermore, cross-level data transmission is used to prolong network lifetime. Extensive simulation experiments are carried out to evaluate the method with several performance criteria. Our simulation results show that this method obtains satisfactory performance on balancing energy dissipation and prolonging the networks lifetime.
The Role of Open Necrosectomy in the Current Management of Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A Review Article
Authors: Vasiliadis K. , Papavasiliou C. , Al Nimer A. , Lamprou N. , Makridis C.
Published: January 2013

The optimal management of necrotizing pancreatitis continues to evolve. Currently, conservative intensive care treatment represents the primary therapy of acute severe necrotizing pancreatitis, aiming at prevention of organ failure. Following this mode of treatment most patients with sterile necroses can be managed successfully. Surgery might be considered as an option in the late phase of the disease for patients with proven infected pancreatic necroses and organ failure. For these patients surgical debridement is still considered the treatment of choice. However, even for this subgroup of patients, the concept of operative strategy has been recently challenged. Nowadays, it is generally accepted that necrotizing pancreatitis with proven infected necroses as well as septic complications directly caused by pancreatic infection are strong indications for surgical management. However, the question of the most appropriate surgical technique for the treatment of pancreatic necroses remains unsettled. At the same time, recent advances in radiological imaging, new developments in interventional radiology, and other minimal access interventions have revolutionised the management of necrotizing pancreatitis. In light of these controversies, the present paper will focus on the current role of surgery in terms of open necrosectomy in the management of severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease Presenting as Aseptic Ascites in a 2-Year-Old Child
Authors: Moreau J. F. , Ozolek John A. , Lin P. Ling , Green Todd D. , Cassidy Elaine A. , Venkat Veena L. , Buchert Andrew R.
Published: January 2013

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inherited immunodeficiency syndrome that results from abnormal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase function. This defect leads to recurrent catalase-positive bacterial and fungal infections as well as associated granuloma formation. We review the case of a 2-year-old boy who presented with ascites and fever of an unknown origin as manifestations of CGD. Cultures were negative for infection throughout his course, and CGD was suspected after identification of granulomas on peritoneal biopsy. Genetic testing revealed a novel mutation in the CYBB gene underlying his condition. This paper highlights the importance of considering CGD in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin and ascites in children.
Revision of the Pachycondyla wasmannii-group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: RAKOTONIRINA JEAN CLAUDE , FISHER BRIAN L.
Published: January 2013

Defining species limits and describing species of ants are important to identify taxa and habitats with elevated diversity in areas of high conservation priority such as the Malagasy region. The Pachycondyla wasmannii-group is revised in the Malagasy region where eight species are recognized, four of which are new: P. masoala sp. n., P. planicornis sp. n., P. tavaratra sp. n., and P. vazimba sp. n. Four species have been previously described: P. cambouei Forel, P. comorensis (André), P. perroti Forel, and P. wasmannii Forel. Pachycondyla perroti admista Forel is newly synonymized under P. perroti. Pachycondyla cambouei is widespread in eastern Madagascar, morphologically variable, and divided into seven morphotypes. An identification key to species and distribution maps are provided for the genus in the Malagasy region. All species are known only from Madagascar except P. wasmannii, which occurs also on Anjouan of the Comoros Islands.
Species of Odontosyllis Claparède, 1863 (Annelida: Polychaeta: Syllidae)
Authors: FUKUDA MARCELO VERONESI , NOGUEIRA JOÃO MIGUEL DE MATOS , PARESQUE KARLA , MARTÍN GUILLERMO SAN
Published: January 2013

Two new species of Odontosyllis were found in samples collected mainly on rocky shores off the states of São Paulo (SE Brazil) and Paraíba (NE Brazil). Odontosyllis aracaensis sp. nov., and O. guarauensis sp. nov., are herein described and compared to their most similar congeners. A key for the species found in Brazil is provided, and relevant morphological characters of similar species of the genus, based on falcigers morphology, are summarized and compared with those of the newly described species. The current state of knowledge on the genus is briefly discussed.
New Nepticulidae species (Insecta: Lepidoptera) from the Yucatán Peninsula
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , REMEIKIS ANDRIUS , DIŠKUS ARŪNAS , NOREIKA REMIGIJUS
Published: January 2013

Thirty-eight species of Nepticulidae are known from the Yucatán Peninsula and adjacent areas (mainland Mexico and Be-lize). This paper describes two new species: Stigmella maya Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov. (a leaf-miner of Karwinskia hum-boldtiana, Rhamnaceae), and Acalyptris yucatani Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov. (a leaf-miner of Schinus sp., Anacardiaceae). S. maya is among the smallest Lepidoptera in the world. In its male genitalia S. maya resembles a sizeable group of undescribed species occurring in the Andes (Patagonia: Argentina). The adults of both new species are illustrated with photographs of adults, genitalia and leaf-mines.
Atlantic Hurricane Season of 2011*
Authors: Avila Lixion A. , Stewart Stacy R.
Published: January 2013

The 2011 Atlantic season was marked by above-average tropical cyclone activity with the formation of 19 tropical storms. Seven of the storms became hurricanes and four became major hurricanes (category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale). The numbers of tropical storms and hurricanes were above the long-term averages of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. Despite the high level of activity, Irene was the only hurricane to hit land in 2011, striking both the Bahamas and the United States. Other storms, however, affected the United States, eastern Canada, Central America, eastern Mexico, and the northeastern Caribbean Sea islands. The death toll from the 2011 Atlantic tropical cyclones is 80. National Hurricane Center mean official track forecast errors in 2011 were smaller than the previous 5-yr means at all forecast times except 120 h. In addition, the official track forecast errors set records for accuracy at the 24-, 36-, 48-, and 72-h forecast times. The mean intensity forecast errors in 2011 ranged from about 6 kt (~3 m s−1) at 12 h to about 17 kt (~9 m s−1) at 72 and 120 h. These errors were below the 5-yr means at all forecast times.
Internet versus travel agencies
Authors: Chiappa Giacomo Del
Published: January 2013

Internet and User-Generated Content has reshaped the way people plan for, buy and consume tourist products, thus putting into question the very role of traditional travel agencies. Using a sample of 1448 Italian tourists, this research finds that significant differences do exist between occasional, moderate and frequent online buyers, based on gender, age, education level and income, their online purchase experience, and their likelihood to be influenced by User-Generated Content in their final choices. Results also highlight that the Internet is used most frequently when people make hotel reservations for both short-haul and short-term leisure travels. From a theoretical perspective, this research provides further insight into the scientific debate on disintermediation for booking hotel rooms, showing that differences based on cultural background do exist and should be investigated via cross-cultural comparison, also considering the relative power in influencing the tourist’s choices that User-Generated Content has with respect to information delivered by travel agencies. Further, managerial implications, limitations and future directions are also discussed.
Molecular diversity and high virulence of Legionella pneumophilastrains isolated from biofilms developed within a warm spring of a thermal spa
Authors: Chaabna Zineddine , Forey Françoise , Reyrolle Monique , Jarraud Sophie , Atlan Danièle , Fontvieille Dominique , Gilbert Christophe
Published: January 2013

Background

Several cases of legionellosis have been diagnosed in the same French thermal spa in 1986, 1994 and 1997. L. pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1) strains have been isolated from several patients, but the source of contamination was not identified despite the presence of different Lp1 in water samples of the three natural springs feeding the spa at this period.

Results

Our strategy was to investigate L. pneumophila (Lp) strains from natural biofilms developed in a sulphur-rich warm spring of this contaminated site. Biofilm analysis revealed the presence of three Lp serogroups (Lp1, Lp10 and Lp12). Surprisingly, Lp10 and Lp12 were not reported in the previous described studies from water samples. Besides, the new seven Lp1 we isolated exhibit a high molecular diversity and have been differentiated in five classes according to their DNA genome patterns obtained by PFGE and mip sequences. It must be noted that these DNA patterns are original and unknown in databases. Interestingly, the 27 Lp environmental strains we isolated display a higher cytotoxicity and virulence towards the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii than those of known Lp1 epidemic strains.

Conclusion

The characteristics of Legionella pneumophila Lp1 strains isolated from the warm spring are in agreement with their presence in biofilms and their probable long-term persistence in this ecosystem.
A trial of patient-oriented problem-solving system for immunology teaching in China: a comparison with dialectic lectures
Authors: Zhang Zhiren , Liu Wei , Han Junfeng , Guo Sheng , Wu Yuzhang
Published: January 2013

Background

The most common teaching method used in China is lecturing, but recently, efforts have been widely undertaken to promote the transition from teacher-centered to student-centered education. The patient-oriented problem-solving (POPS) system is an innovative teaching-learning method that permits students to work in small groups to solve clinical problems, promotes self-learning, encourages clinical reasoning and develops long-lasting memory. To our best knowledge, however, POPS has never been applied in teaching immunology in China. The aim of this study was to develop POPS in teaching immunology and assess students’ and teachers’ perception to POPS.

Methods

321 second-year medical students were divided into two groups: I and II. Group I, comprising 110 students, was taught by POPS, and 16 immunology teachers witnessed the whole teaching process. Group II including the remaining 211 students was taught through traditional lectures. The results of the pre- and post-test of both groups were compared. Group I students and teachers then completed a self-structured feedback questionnaire for analysis before a discussion meeting attended only by the teachers was held.

Results

Significant improvement in the mean difference between the pre- and post-test scores of those in Groups I and II was seen, demonstrating the effectiveness of POPS teaching. Most students responded that POPS facilitates self-learning, helps them to understand topics and creates interest, and 88.12% of students favored POPS over simple lectures. Moreover, while they responded that POPS facilitated student learning better than lectures, teachers pointed out that limited teaching resources would make it difficult for wide POPS application in China.

Conclusions

While POPS can break up the monotony of dialectic lectures and serve as a better teaching method, it may not be feasible for the current educational environment in China. The main reason for this is the relative shortage of teaching resources such as space, library facilities and well-trained teachers.
Primary choriocarcinoma of the colon: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jiang Lun , Wu Jing-Tao , Peng Xin
Published: January 2013

Choriocarcinoma usually arises in the uterus and gonads. Primary choriocarcinoma (PCC) in an extragenital organ is rare. When it occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach is the most common site. Only 12 cases of PCC of the colon have been reported in the world literature. Most cases were associated with adenocarcinoma. We report the case of a 36-year-old man with PCC of the colon and review the clinical characteristics of previously documented cases.
Interleukin-1β receptor expressed by modified vaccinia virus Ankara interferes with interleukin-1β activity produced in various virus-infected antigen-presenting cells
Authors: Zimmerling Stefan , Waibler Zoe , Resch Theresa , Sutter Gerd , Schwantes Astrid
Published: January 2013

Background

Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is a highly attenuated virus and a promising vaccine vector with potent immune stimulating properties. Deletion of the gene encoding the viral interleukin-1beta receptor (vIL-1βR) in MVA (MVAΔIL-1βR) was previously shown to enhance memory T cell function. Here, we investigated the influence of vIL-1βR on blocking interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) upon MVA infection in various antigen presenting cells of murine and human origin, and analyzed whether inflammasome function contributes to IL-1β production in different cell types.

Findings

Extending previous studies, immunizing mice with low doses of MVAΔIL-1βR still showed enhanced memory CD8+T cell activation compared to MVA wild-type (MVAwt) immunization.In vitro, murine myeloid dendritic cells, and activated, but not naive primary macrophages were identified as potent producers of IL-1β upon infection with MVA. Importantly, free IL-1β was only detected in the absence of vIL-1βR. Moreover, MVAΔIL-1βR increased amounts of bioactive IL-1β compared to MVAwt after infection of human THP-1 cells, as detected using a reporter system that only responds to active and free IL-1β. The MVA-mediated induction of IL-1β was confirmed to depend on inflammasome function in human and murine cells, however in murine cells this apparently involves caspase-1-independent pathways.

Conclusions

MVA lacking IL-1β blocking activity leads to increased concentrations of free IL-1β upon infection of murine and human antigen presenting cells; this is likely responsible for enhanced memory T cell activation upon MVAΔIL-1βR immunization of mice. Moreover, our results suggest that MVA-mediated IL-1β induction is a multifactorial process.
Survey of renewable chemicals produced from lignocellulosic biomass during ionic liquid pretreatment
Authors: Varanasi Patanjali , Singh Priyanka , Auer Manfred , Adams Paul D , Simmons Blake A , Singh Seema
Published: January 2013

Background

Lignin is often overlooked in the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass, but lignin-based materials and chemicals represent potential value-added products for biorefineries that could significantly improve the economics of a biorefinery. Fluctuating crude oil prices and changing fuel specifications are some of the driving factors to develop new technologies that could be used to convert polymeric lignin into low molecular weight lignin and or monomeric aromatic feedstocks to assist in the displacement of the current products associated with the conversion of a whole barrel of oil. We present an approach to produce these chemicals based on the selective breakdown of lignin during ionic liquid pretreatment.

Results

The lignin breakdown products generated are found to be dependent on the starting biomass, and significant levels were generated on dissolution at 160°C for 6 hrs. Guaiacol was produced on dissolution of biomass and technical lignins. Vanillin was produced on dissolution of kraft lignin and eucalytpus. Syringol and allyl guaiacol were the major products observed on dissolution of switchgrass and pine, respectively, whereas syringol and allyl syringol were obtained by dissolution of eucalyptus. Furthermore, it was observed that different lignin-derived products could be generated by tuning the process conditions.

Conclusions

We have developed an ionic liquid based process that depolymerizes lignin and converts the low molecular weight lignin fractions into a variety of renewable chemicals from biomass. The generated chemicals (phenols, guaiacols, syringols, eugenol, catechols), their oxidized products (vanillin, vanillic acid, syringaldehyde) and their easily derivatized hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene, styrene, biphenyls and cyclohexane) already have relatively high market value as commodity and specialty chemicals, green building materials, nylons, and resins.
Multilocus loss of DNA methylation in individuals with mutations in the histone H3 Lysine 4 Demethylase KDM5C
Authors: Grafodatskaya Daria , Chung Barian HY , Butcher Darci T , Turinsky Andrei L , Goodman Sarah J , Choufani Sana , Chen Yi-An , Lou Youliang , Zhao Chunhua , Rajendram Rageen , Abidi Fatima E , Skinner Cindy , Stavropoulos James , Bondy Carolyn A , Hamilton Jill , Wodak Shoshana , Scherer Stephen W , Schwartz Charles E , Weksberg Rosanna
Published: January 2013

Background

A number of neurodevelopmental syndromes are caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins that normally function in epigenetic regulation. Identification of epigenetic alterations occurring in these disorders could shed light on molecular pathways relevant to neurodevelopment.

Results

Using a genome-wide approach, we identified genes with significant loss of DNA methylation in blood of males with intellectual disability and mutations in the X-linked KDM5C gene, encoding a histone H3 lysine 4 demethylase, in comparison to age/sex matched controls. Loss of DNA methylation in such individuals is consistent with known interactions between DNA methylation and H3 lysine 4 methylation. Further, loss of DNA methylation at the promoters of the three top candidate genes FBXL5, SCMH1, CACYBP was not observed in more than 900 population controls. We also found that DNA methylation at these three genes in blood correlated with dosage of KDM5C and its Y-linked homologue KDM5D. In addition, parallel sex-specific DNA methylation profiles in brain samples from control males and females were observed at FBXL5 and CACYBP.

Conclusions

We have, for the first time, identified epigenetic alterations in patient samples carrying a mutation in a gene involved in the regulation of histone modifications. These data support the concept that DNA methylation and H3 lysine 4 methylation are functionally interdependent. The data provide new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of intellectual disability. Further, our data suggest that some DNA methylation marks identified in blood can serve as biomarkers of epigenetic status in the brain.
Immunohistochemical features of multifocal melanoacanthoma in the hard palate: a case report
Authors: das Chagas e Silva de Carvalho Luis Felipe , Farina Vitor Hugo , Cabral Luiz Antonio Guimarães , Brandão Adriana Aigotti Haberbeck , Coletta Ricardo Della , Almeida Janete Dias
Published: January 2013

Background

Melanoacanthoma (MA) has been described in the oral mucosa as a solitary lesion or, occasionally, as multiple lesions. MA mainly affects dark skinned patients and grows rapidly, showing a plane or slightly raised appearance and a brown to black color. The differential diagnosis includes oral nevi, amalgam tattoos, and melanomas. We report here the case of a 58-year-old black woman who presented multiple pigmented lesions on the hard palate.

Case presentation

Based on the differential diagnosis of melanoma, a punch biopsy (4 mm in diameter) was performed. The material was fixed in 10% formalin, embedded in paraffin, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin or submitted to immunohistochemical analysis. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against protein S-100, melan-A, HMB-45, MCM-2, MCM-5, Ki-67 and geminin was performed. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity of dendritic melanocytes for proteinS-100, HMB-45 and melan-A.Positive staining for proliferative markers (MCM-2, MCM-5, Ki-67) was only observed in basal and suprabasal epithelial cells, confirming the reactive etiology of the lesion. The diagnosis was oral Melanoacanthoma (MA).

Conclusion

The patient has been followed up for 30 months and shows no clinical alterations. MA should be included in the differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions of the oral cavity.
Submission Fees and Response Times in Academic Publishing
Authors: Cotton Christopher
Published: January 2013

Both submission fees and response times enable editors to maintain an acceptable refereeing burden by discouraging the submission of articles with low probability of acceptance. When authors differ in their ability or willingness to pay submission fees and deal with delays, journal quality is maximized under a combination of moderate fees and moderate delays.
School Admissions Reform in Chicago and England: Comparing Mechanisms by their Vulnerability to Manipulation
Authors: Pathak Parag A , Sönmez Tayfun
Published: January 2013

In Fall 2009, Chicago authorities abandoned a school assignment mechanism midstream, citing concerns about its vulnerability to manipulation. Nonetheless, they asked thousands of applicants to re-rank schools in a new mechanism that is also manipulable. This paper introduces a method to compare mechanisms by their vulnerability to manipulation. Our methodology formalizes how the old mechanism is at least as manipulable as any other plausible mechanism, including the new one. A number of similar transitions took place in England after the widely popular Boston mechanism was ruled illegal in 2007. Our approach provides support for these and other recent policy changes. (JEL C78, D82, H75, I21, I28)
Correlation of retention of lanthanide and actinide complexes with stability constants and their speciation
Authors: Datta Arpita , Sivaraman N. , Viswanathan K.S. , Ghosh Suddhasattwa , Srinivasan T. G. , Vasudeva Rao P. R.
Published: January 2013

The present study describes a correlation that is developed from retention of lanthanide and actinide complexes with the stability constant. In these studies, an ion-pairing reagent, camphor-10-sulphonic acid (CSA) was used as the modifier and organic acids such as α-hydroxy isobutyric acid (α-HIBA), mandelic acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid were used as complexing reagent for elution. From these studies, a correlation has been established between capacity factor of a metal ion, concentration of ion-pairing reagent and complexing agent with the stability constant of metal complex. Based on these studies, it has been shown that the stability constant of lanthanide and actinide complexes can be estimated using a single lanthanide calibrant. Validation of the method was carried out with the complexing agents such as α-HIBA and lactic acid.

It was also demonstrated that data from a single chromatogram can be used for estimation of stability constant at various ionic strengths. These studies also demonstrated that the method can be applied for estimation of stability constant of actinides with a ligand whose value is not reported yet, e.g., ligands of importance in the lanthanide–actinide separations, chelation therapy etc. The chromatographic separation method is fast and the estimation of stability constant can be done in a very short time, which is a significant advantage especially in dealing with radioactive elements. The stability constant data was used to derive speciation data of plutonium in different oxidation states as well as that of americium with α-HIBA. The elution behavior of actinides such as Pu and Am from reversed phase chromatographic technique could be explained based on these studies.