bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some New Records of Stinkhorns (Phallaceae) from Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India
Authors: Gogoi Girish , Parkash Vipin
Published: March 2014

This research paper represents for the first time an updated list of stinkhorn family, Phallaceae, in Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Jorhat, Assam, India. There are seven species of stinkhorns naturally present in the study area. A description of all the species is given along with images of fruiting bodies of the fungi and their microstructures; information on the ecology and general distribution and data on the literature have been documented. The seven species of stinkhorns were found in and around area of the sanctuary which include Phallus indusiatus, Phallus duplicatus, Phallus cinnabarinus, Phallus merulinus, Phallus atrovolvatus, Mutinus bambusinus, and Clathrus delicatus.
Secondary Structure Preferences of Mn2+ Binding Sites in Bacterial Proteins
Authors: Khrustaleva Tatyana Aleksandrovna
Published: March 2014

3D structures of proteins with coordinated Mn2+ ions from bacteria with low, average, and high genomic GC-content have been analyzed (149 PDB files were used). Major Mn2+ binders are aspartic acid (6.82% of Asp residues), histidine (14.76% of His residues), and glutamic acid (3.51% of Glu residues). We found out that the motif of secondary structure “beta strand-major binder-random coil” is overrepresented around all the three major Mn2+ binders. That motif may be followed by either alpha helix or beta strand. Beta strands near Mn2+ binding residues should be stable because they are enriched by such beta formers as valine and isoleucine, as well as by specific combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acid residues characteristic to beta sheet. In the group of proteins from GC-rich bacteria glutamic acid residues situated in alpha helices frequently coordinate Mn2+ ions, probably, because of the decrease of Lys usage under the influence of mutational GC-pressure. On the other hand, the percentage of Mn2+ sites with at least one amino acid in the “beta strand-major binder-random coil” motif of secondary structure (77.88%) does not depend on genomic GC-content.
Bipolar Disorder and Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Series
Authors: Sidhom Youssef , Ben Djebara Mouna , Hizem Yosr , Abdelkefi Istabrak , Kacem Imen , Gargouri Amina , Gouider Riadh
Published: March 2014

Background.The prevalence of psychiatric disturbance for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is higher than that observed in other chronic health conditions. We report three cases of MS and bipolar disorder and we discuss the possible etiological hypothesis and treatment options.Observations.All patients fulfilled the McDonald criteria for MS. Two patients were followed up in psychiatry for manic or depressive symptoms before developing MS. A third patient was diagnosed with MS and developed deferred psychotic symptoms. Some clinical and radiological features are highlighted in our patients: one manic episode induced by high dose corticosteroids and one case of a new orbitofrontal MRI lesion concomitant with the emergence of psychiatric symptoms. All patients needed antipsychotic treatment with almost good tolerance for high dose corticosteroids and interferon beta treatment.Conclusions.MRI lesions suggest the possible implication of local MS-related brain damage in development of pure “psychiatric fits” in MS. Genetic susceptibility is another hypothesis for this association. We have noticed that interferon beta treatments were well tolerated while high dose corticosteroids may induce manic fits.
Inflammatory Lung Disease in Rett Syndrome
Authors: De Felice Claudio , Rossi Marcello , Leoncini Silvia , Chisci Glauco , Signorini Cinzia , Lonetti Giuseppina , Vannuccini Laura , Spina Donatella , Ginori Alessandro , Iacona Ingrid , Cortelazzo Alessio , Pecorelli Alessandra , Valacchi Giuseppe , Ciccoli Lucia , Pizzorusso Tommaso , Hayek Joussef
Published: March 2014

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder mainly linked to mutations in the gene encoding the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Respiratory dysfunction, historically credited to brainstem immaturity, represents a major challenge in RTT. Our aim was to characterize the relationships between pulmonary gas exchange abnormality (GEA), upper airway obstruction, and redox status in patients with typical RTT (n= 228) and to examine lung histology in aMecp2-null mouse model of the disease. GEA was detectable in ~80% (184/228) of patients versus ~18% of healthy controls, with “high” (39.8%) and “low” (34.8%) patterns dominating over “mixed” (19.6%) and “simple mismatch” (5.9%) types. Increased plasma levels of non-protein-bound iron (NPBI), F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), intraerythrocyte NPBI (IE-NPBI), and reduced and oxidized glutathione (i.e., GSH and GSSG) were evidenced in RTT with consequently decreased GSH/GSSG ratios. Apnea frequency/severity was positively correlated with IE-NPBI, F2-IsoPs, and GSSG and negatively with GSH/GSSG ratio. A diffuse inflammatory infiltrate of the terminal bronchioles and alveoli was evidenced in half of the examinedMecp2-mutant mice, well fitting with the radiological findings previously observed in RTT patients. Our findings indicate that GEA is a key feature of RTT and that terminal bronchioles are a likely major target of the disease.
Synergetic Antimicrobial Effects of Mixtures of Ethiopian Honeys and Ginger Powder Extracts on Standard and Resistant Clinical Bacteria Isolates
Authors: Ewnetu Yalemwork , Lemma Wossenseged , Birhane Nega
Published: March 2014

Purpose. To evaluate antimicrobial effects of mixtures of Ethiopian honeys and ginger rhizome powder extracts on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli (R), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (R). Methods. Agar diffusion and broth assays were performed to determine susceptibility of these standard and resistant clinical bacteria isolates using honey‐ginger powder extract mixtures. Results. Honey‐ginger powder extract mixtures produced the highest mean inhibition (25.62 mm ± 2.55) compared to the use of honeys (21.63 mm ± 3.30) or ginger extracts (19.23 mm ± 3.42) individually. The ranges of inhibitions produced by honey‐ginger extract mixtures on susceptible test organisms (26–30 mm) and resistant strains (range: 19–27 mm) were higher compared to 7–22 mm and 0–14 mm by standard antibiotic discs. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of mixture of honeys‐ginger extracts were 6.25% (0.625 v/mL) on the susceptible bacteria compared to 75% for resistant clinical isolates. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of honey‐ginger extracts was 12.5% (0.125 g/mL) for all the test organisms. Conclusion. The result of this study showed that honey‐ginger powder extract mixtures have the potential to serve as cheap source of antibacterial agents especially for the drug resistant bacteria strains.
An Efficient Synthesis of Phenols via Oxidative Hydroxylation of Arylboronic Acids Using (NH4)2S2O8
Authors: Contreras-Celedón Claudia A. , Chacón-García Luis , Lira-Corral Nancy Judith
Published: March 2014

A mild and efficient method for theipso-hydroxylation of arylboronic acids to the corresponding phenols was developed using (NH4)2S2O8as an oxidizing agent. The reactions were performed under metal-, ligand-, and base-free conditions.
Exponential Stability of BAM Fuzzy Cellular Neural Networks with Time-Varying Delays in Leakage Terms and Impulses
Authors: Li Yongkun , Li Youqin
Published: March 2014

BAM fuzzy cellular neural networks with time-varying delays in leakage terms and impulses are considered. Some sufficient conditions for the exponential stability of the networks are established by using differential inequality techniques. The results of this paper are completely new and complementary to the previously known results. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and conservativeness of our theoretical results.
Dissolution and Solubility of the (BaxSr1-x)HAsO4·H2O Solid Solution in Aqueous Solution at 25°C and pH 2
Authors: Zhang Xuehong , Zhu Yinian , Wei Caichun , Zhu Zongqiang , Li Zongning
Published: March 2014

Six different members of the (BaxSr1-x)HAsO4·H2O solid solution were prepared and characterized, and then dissolution of the synthetic solids was studied at 25°C and pH 2 in a series of batch experiments for 4320 h. With the increase in the Ba/(Ba+Sr) mole fraction of the solids, the aqueous pH decreased and the aqueous barium concentration increased. The aqueous strontium and arsenic concentrations had the highest values atBa/(Ba+Sr)=0.21. The solubility products for BaHAsO4·H2O and SrHAsO4·H2O were calculated to be10-5.52and10-4.62, respectively. The corresponding free energies of formation were determined to be −1543.99±0.18 kJ/mol and −1537.94±0.02 kJ/mol. The solid solution had a minimum solubility product of10-5.61atBa/(Ba+Sr)=0.82. The Guggenheim coefficients were determined to beao=1.55anda1=-4.35. The Lippmann diagram was a typical Lippmann diagram for a nonideal solid solution with a negative enthalpy of mixing. The system shows an “alyotropic” minimum at the aqueousBa/(Ba+Sr)activity fraction of 0.87 where thesolutusandsoliduscurves meet. At the end of the dissolution experiment, the dissolution followed the saturation curve for the pure endmember BaHAsO4·H2O and approached the intersection with the minimum stoichiometric saturation curve on the Lippmann diagram.
Placenta-Specific Protein 1: A Potential Key to Many Oncofetal-Placental OB/GYN Research Questions
Authors: Devor Eric J. , Reyes Henry D. , Santillan Donna A. , Santillan Mark K. , Onukwugha Chinenye , Goodheart Michael J. , Leslie Kimberly K.
Published: March 2014

Placenta-specific protein 1 (PLAC1) is a secreted protein found in trophoblasts. Several reports implicate a central role for PLAC1 in establishment and maintenance of the placenta. In addition to placentae PLAC1 is expressed in a variety of solids including breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. In order to show that PLAC1 is potentially relevant to a number of research questions in OB/GYN, we report on PLAC1 expression in a selected panel that includes two choriocarcinoma cell lines, normal placental tissues, and endometrial and ovarian tumors. We report for the first time that PLAC1 is also expressed in human fetal tissues. PLAC1 is transcriptionally heterogeneous with one promoter (P1) generating two transcripts with alternately spliced 5’ UTRs and the other promoter (P2) generating a third transcript. Placental tissues favor P2 transcripts, while P1 is favored in most of the other cells. Mechanisms determining multiple PLAC1 transcripts and promoter preferences are as yet unknown, but it is clear that this protein is likely to be important in a variety of phenomena relevant to both gynecologic oncology and maternal-fetal medicine.
Communication and the Decision Making Process among Couples with HIV/AIDS in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndlovu V.
Published: March 2014

The study explores how HIV-positive couples negotiate and make reproductive and sexually related decisions. The broader aim of the paper is to understand how men and women with HIV make decisions about contraception and reproduction and what those decisions indicate about the realities of HIV-positive relationships. In line with the study’s aim to explore meanings related to the decision making process, a qualitative research approach was adopted. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 couples in which at least one of them was HIV-positive. A critical interpretive analysis of the data was adopted in order to gain insight into decision making among the HIV-positive couples. The results indicate that decisions made were usually a result of negotiation and compromise between partners. However, women’s fertility and sexual preferences were found to be a major factor in determining the outcome of the decision making process. Couples who intended to have a child were found to be active decision makers while those who only desired or did not desire to have a child were mainly passive decision makers. The study concludes that women exercise significant power over contraceptive and reproductive decisions among both active and passive decision makers.
A Research on the Creep Age Forming of 2524 Aluminum Alloy: Springback, Mechanical Properties, and Microstructures
Authors: Zhan Lihua , Tan Sige , Yang Youliang , Huang Minghui , Shen Wenqi , Zhao Xing
Published: March 2014

A series of orthogonal tests have been designed to investigate the combined effects of aging temperature, time, predeformation, and part thickness features on the springback of creep age forming of 2524 aluminum alloy sheets. Two springback prediction models containing the four process parameters mentioned above are developed based on experimental results and the multiple linear regression method. The comparisons of predicted and experimental values of springback yield good agreement. The dependence of springback on stress gradient across the thickness of sheet is examined in detail, showing that springback increases with the decrease in stress gradient while maintaining the ratio of bending radius to sheet thickness ( R0/ H) as constant. In addition to springback, the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution are also researched. In the creep age forming process, the compression side of the sheet has higher mechanical properties and is characterized by more and finer precipitates in grains as compared to tension side.
Resistance to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents Is Associated with Arterial Microcalcification in Early Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Won Hye Sung , Choi Su Jin , Yun Yu Seon , Shin Ok-Ran , Ko Yoon Ho , Kim Young Soo , Yoon Sun Ae , Kim Young Ok
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between arterial microcalcification (AMiC) and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) hyporesponsiveness in hemodialysis patients. The presence of AMiC was confirmed by pathologic examination of von Kossa-stained arterial specimens acquired during vascular access surgery. We assessed the ESA hyporesponsiveness index (EHRI), defined as the weekly ESA dose per kilogram body weight divided by the hemoglobin level. AMiC was detected in 33 (40.2%) of 82 patients. Patients with diabetes had a higher incidence of AMiC than patients without diabetes. The serum levels of albumin and cholesterol were higher in patients without AMiC than in patients with AMiC. The serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone were lower in patients with AMiC than in patients without AMiC. The serum levels of phosphate and calcium-phosphorus product did not differ between the two groups. The mean EHRI value was higher in patients with AMiC than in patients without AMiC. In multivariate analyses, ESA hyporesponsiveness and diabetes showed a significant association with AMiC. In conclusion, ESA hyporesponsiveness may be a clinical relevant parameters related to AMiC in hemodialysis patients.
Effects of Drought Frequency on Growth Performance and Transpiration of Young Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacaciaL.)
Authors: Mantovani Dario , Veste Maik , Freese Dirk
Published: March 2014

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacaciaL.) is a drought-tolerant fast growing tree, which could be an alternative to the more common tree species used in short-rotation coppice on marginal land. The plasticity of black locust in the form of ecophysiological and morphological adaptations to drought is an important precondition for its successful growth in such areas. However, adaptation to drought stress is detrimental to primary production. Furthermore, the soil water availability condition of the initial stage of development may have an impact on the tree resilience. We aimed to investigate the effect of drought stress applied during the resprouting on the drought tolerance of the plant, by examining the black locust growth patterns. We exposed young trees in lysimeters to different cycles of drought. The drought memory affected the plant growth performance and its drought tolerance: the plants resprouting under drought conditions were more drought tolerant than the well-watered ones. Black locust tolerates drastic soil water availability variations without altering its water use efficiency (2.57 g L−1), evaluated under drought stress. Due to its constant water use efficiency and the high phenotypic plasticity, black locust could become an important species to be cultivated on marginal land.
Fingertips Ischemia, Nephroangiosclerosis, and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: Is Genetic Thrombophilia the Unique Explanation?
Authors: Giovannini Lisa , Donadio Carlo
Published: March 2014

Case Presentation. 53-years-old-man with essential hypertension and nonnephrotic proteinuria (1.3 gr/24 h) and with normal renal function (eGFR-MDRD 123 mL/min/1.73 m2) was admitted to nephrology department; kidney biopsy showed FSGS; two years later the patient presented with ulceration and ischemic gangrene of the IV and V right-hand fingertips; genetic analysis demonstrated polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genes C677T (heterozygote C677T/1298AC with normal value of homocysteine) and mutations of prothrombin gene G20210A and of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 4G/5G 675 with slight increase of its value. After five years from biopsy, 24-hours proteinuria was still around 1–1.3 g/die; renal function was still normal (eGFR 107 ml/min/1.73 m2). These data are against the previous diagnosis of primary FSGS. We hypothesize that genetic thrombophilia may explain all the clinical signs of our patient.Conclusions. Alterations in genes of thrombophilia should be ruled out in patients with bioptic diagnosis of “primary” FSGS, in particular if clinically atypical.
Allergic Sensitization to Perennial Allergens in Adults and Children Sensitized to Japanese Cedar or Japanese Cypress Pollen in Japan
Authors: Ohki Masafumi , Shinogami Masanobu
Published: March 2014

In Japan, seasonal allergic rhinitis in the spring due to exposure to Japanese cedar or Japanese cypress pollen is common. However, the allergic profile for perennial allergens in spring pollinosis remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the allergic profiles of 652 patients with rhinitis. Total serum IgE, serum-specific IgE, and blood eosinophil counts were measured. Allergic sensitization, determined by the serum allergen-specific IgE level, did not always correspond with the patient’s symptoms. Only 27% of patients with allergic symptoms in response to spring pollens were sensitized to these allergens alone; 31% of patients were also sensitized to perennial allergens, even without symptoms due to perennial allergens. Total serum IgE and eosinophil cell counts were significantly elevated in patients sensitized to perennial allergens and spring pollens, as compared to patients sensitized only to spring pollens. Most children sensitized to spring pollen (84%) were sensitized to perennial allergens, at a higher rate than adults (49%). Patients sensitized to spring pollens are likely to be latently sensitized to perennial allergens. This is especially true for children and should be monitored closely. Improvement in seasonal allergic conditions, including latent perennial allergy, is important to prevent symptoms that could advance to asthma.
Hamming Distance Method with Subjective and Objective Weights for Personnel Selection
Authors: Md Saad R. , Ahmad M. Z. , Abu M. S. , Jusoh M. S.
Published: March 2014

Multicriteria decision making (MCDM) is one of the methods that popularly has been used in solving personnel selection problem. Alternatives, criteria, and weights are some of the fundamental aspects in MCDM that need to be defined clearly in order to achieve a good result. Apart from these aspects, fuzzy data has to take into consideration that it may arise from unobtainable and incomplete information. In this paper, we propose a new approach for personnel selection problem. The proposed approach is based on Hamming distance method with subjective and objective weights (HDMSOW’s). In case of vagueness situation, fuzzy set theory is then incorporated onto the HDMSOW’s. To determine the objective weight for each attribute, the fuzzy Shannon’s entropy is considered. While for the subjective weight, it is aggregated into a comparable scale. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the HDMSOW’s.
Scattering and Bound State Solutions of the Yukawa Potential within the Dirac Equation
Authors: Pakdel F. , Rajabi A. A. , Hamzavi M.
Published: March 2014

In the presence of spin symmetry case, we obtain bound and scattering states solutions of the Dirac equation for the equal scalar and vector Yukawa potentials for any spin-orbit quantum numberκ. The approximate analytical solutions are presented for the bound and scattering states and scattering phase shifts.
Neuropeptide Y in the Adult and Fetal Human Pineal Gland
Authors: Møller Morten , Phansuwan-Pujito Pansiri , Badiu Corin
Published: March 2014

Neuropeptide Y was isolated from the porcine brain in 1982 and shown to be colocalized with noradrenaline in sympathetic nerve terminals. The peptide has been demonstrated to be present in sympathetic nerve fibers innervating the pineal gland in many mammalian species. In this investigation, we show by use of immunohistochemistry that neuropeptide Y is present in nerve fibers of the adult human pineal gland. The fibers are classical neuropeptidergic fibers endowed with largeboutons en passageand primarily located in a perifollicular position with some fibers entering the pineal parenchyma inside the follicle. The distance from the immunoreactive terminals to the pinealocytes indicates a modulatory function of neuropeptide Y for pineal physiology. Some of the immunoreactive fibers might originate from neurons located in the brain and be a part of the central innervation of the pineal gland. In a series of human fetuses, neuropeptide Y-containing nerve fibers was present and could be detected as early as in the pineal of four- to five-month-old fetuses. This early innervation of the human pineal is different from most rodents, where the innervation starts postnatally.
Sparse Representation Denoising for Radar High Resolution Range Profiling
Authors: Li Min , Zhou Gongjian , Zhao Bin , Quan Taifan
Published: March 2014

Radar high resolution range profile has attracted considerable attention in radar automatic target recognition. In practice, radar return is usually contaminated by noise, which results in profile distortion and recognition performance degradation. To deal with this problem, in this paper, a novel denoising method based on sparse representation is proposed to remove the Gaussian white additive noise. The return is sparsely described in the Fourier redundant dictionary and the denoising problem is described as a sparse representation model. Noise level of the return, which is crucial to the denoising performance but often unknown, is estimated by performing subspace method on the sliding subsequence correlation matrix. Sliding window process enables noise level estimation using only one observation sequence, not only guaranteeing estimation efficiency but also avoiding the influence of profile time-shift sensitivity. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the return, leading to a high-quality profile.
The Optimal Analysis of Default Probability for a Credit Risk Model
Authors: Wang Aiyin , Yong Ls , Zeng Weili , Wang Yang
Published: March 2014

A credit risk mathematical model is investigated. Under regular conditions, a different recovery scheme is proposed, which is an extension of the recovery of treasury value scheme(RTV)with time-continuous liquidation. Assuming that a function depends on the optimal time for the liquidation and the recovery rate, we obtain the functional expression of the risky bond price. When the firm value follows a jump-diffusion process with a Log-exponentially distributed jump, we develop a method to obtain the optimal default probability with time-continuous liquidation.
Effects of Prepolymerized Particle Size and Polymerization Kinetics on Volumetric Shrinkage of Dental Modeling Resins
Authors: Kwon Tae-Yub , Ha Jung-Yun , Chun Ju-Na , Son Jun Sik , Kim Kyo-Han
Published: March 2014

Dental modeling resins have been developed for use in areas where highly precise resin structures are needed. The manufacturers claim that these polymethyl methacrylate/methyl methacrylate (PMMA/MMA) resins show little or no shrinkage after polymerization. This study examined the polymerization shrinkage of five dental modeling resins as well as one temporary PMMA/MMA resin (control). The morphology and the particle size of the prepolymerized PMMA powders were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and laser diffraction particle size analysis, respectively. Linear polymerization shrinkage strains of the resins were monitored for 20 minutes using a custom-made linometer, and the final values (at 20 minutes) were converted into volumetric shrinkages. The final volumetric shrinkage values for the modeling resins were statistically similar (P>0.05) or significantly larger (P<0.05) than that of the control resin and were related to the polymerization kinetics (P<0.05) rather than the PMMA bead size (P=0.335). Therefore, the optimal control of the polymerization kinetics seems to be more important for producing high-precision resin structures rather than the use of dental modeling resins.
Partial Purification of Integral Membrane Antigenic Proteins fromTrypanosoma evansiThat Display Immunological Cross-Reactivity withTrypanosoma vivax
Authors: Velásquez Norma P. , Camargo Rocío E. , Uzcanga Graciela L. , Bubis José
Published: March 2014

Trypanosoma evansiandTrypanosoma vivax, which are the major causative agents of animal trypanosomosis in Venezuela, have shown a very high immunological cross-reactivity. Since the production ofT. vivaxantigens is a limiting factor as this parasite is difficult to propagate in experimental animal models, our goal has been to identify and isolate antigens fromT. evansithat cross-react withT. vivax. Here, we used the VenezuelanT. evansiTEVA1 isolate to prepare the total parasite lysate and its corresponding cytosolic and membranous fractions. In order to extract theT. evansiintegral membrane proteins, the particulate portion was further extracted first with Triton X-100, and then with sodium dodecyl sulfate. After discarding the cytosolic and Triton X-100 solubilized proteins, we employed sedimentation by centrifugation on linear sucrose gradients to partially purify the sodium dodecyl sulfate-solubilized proteins from the Triton X-100 resistant particulate fraction ofT. evansi. We obtained enriched pools containing polypeptide bands with apparent molecular masses of 27 kDa, 31 kDa, and 53 kDa, which were recognized by anti-T. vivaxantibodies from experimentally and naturally infected bovines.
Effect of Skin Metabolism on Dermal Delivery of Testosterone: Qualitative Assessment using a New Short-Term Skin Model
Authors: Jacques C. , Perdu E. , Jamin E.L. , Cravedi J.P. , Mavon A. , Duplan H. , Zalko D.
Published: March 2014

The skin is a metabolically active organ expressing biotransformation enzymes able to metabolize both endogenous molecules and xenobiotics. We investigated the impact of metabolism on the delivery of testosterone through the skin with an ex vivo pig ear skin system as an alternative model for human skin. Penetration, absorption and metabolic capabilities were investigated up to 72 h after application of [14C]-testosterone doses of 50-800 nmol on either fresh or frozen skin, with the latter model being metabolically inactive. Testosterone absorption and metabolite production were monitored by radio-HPLC and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Testosterone absorption through frozen skin was much lower, irrespective of the dose of testosterone applied, compared to fresh skin. Using fresh skin samples, >95% of the radioactivity recovered in culture media, as well as the skin itself, corresponded to metabolites. These results were compared with the metabolic data obtained from other in vitro systems (liver and skin microsomes). The present work leads to the conclusion that most of the enzymatic activities expressed in liver fractions are also expressed in pig and human skin. The metabolic activity of the skin can modulate the biological activity of pharmaceuticals (and xenobiotics). Consequently, it can also greatly affect transdermal drug delivery.
De novo Angiosarcoma of a Renal Allograft
Authors: Ferroni Matthew C. , Ristau Benjamin T. , Jackman Stephen V.
Published: March 2014

Prolonged exposure to immunosuppressive medication is a known risk factor for the development of post-transplant malignancies. De novo angiosarcoma in the post-transplant population is extremely rare. We present an 81-year-old female who developed an angiosarcoma at the site of a functioning renal allograft and review contemporary treatment strategies for this devastating disease. The report underscores the importance of periodic surveillance for the development of malignancy in the immunosuppressed population.
Chronic Urinary Retention Could Decrease the Number of Suburothelial Myofibroblasts in the Rat Bladder
Authors: Tobu Shohei , Noguchi Mitsuru , Mori Ken-ichi , Matsuo Manabu , Uozumi Jiro
Published: March 2014

Aims: To demonstrate changes in the number of suburothelial myofibroblasts in the rat bladder due to chronic urinary retention (CUR). Methods: Bladder specimens were obtained from 12-week-old Wistar female rats that were divided into two groups: a CUR group and a sham-operated group. In the CUR rats, the urethra was intubated with a polyethylene catheter, and a double 4-0 silk ligature was placed around the proximal urethra, after which the catheter was removed. After 8 weeks, the cystometric findings and immunohistochemical staining of the suburothelial myofibroblasts were compared between the groups. Results: The bladder weight of the control rats was 0.20 ± 0.01 g and that of CUR rats 1.6 ± 0.4 g. The bladder capacity of the control rats was 0.5 ± 0.3 ml and that of the CUR rats 12.9 ± 3.1 ml. The number of suburothelial myofibroblasts of the control rats was 417 ± 123 and that of the CUR rats 44 ± 42. The number of suburothelial myofibroblasts in the CUR rats was significantly less than that observed in the sham-operated rats (p < 0.01). Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that mechanical stress over a long period on the bladder wall can decrease the number of suburothelial myofibroblasts. The reduced expression of suburothelial myofibroblasts may be related to prolongation of the micturition interval by CUR.
Laryngoscopic, Acoustic, Perceptual, and Functional Assessment of Voice in Rock Singers
Authors: Guzman Marco , Barros Macarena , Espinoza Fernanda , Herrera Alejandro , Parra Daniela , Muñoz Daniel , Lloyd Adam
Published: March 2014

Objective: The present study aimed to vocally assess a group of rock singers who use growl voice and reinforced falsetto. Method: A group of 21 rock singers and a control group of 18 pop singers were included. Singing and speaking voice was assessed through acoustic, perceptual, functional and laryngoscopic analysis. Results: No significant differences were observed between groups in most of the analyses. Acoustic and perceptual analysis of the experimental group demonstrated normality of speaking voice. Endoscopic evaluation showed that most rock singers presented during singing voice a high vertical laryngeal position, pharyngeal compression and laryngeal supraglottic compression. Supraglottic activity during speaking voice tasks was also observed. However, overall vocal fold integrity was demonstrated in most of the participants. Slightly abnormal observations were demonstrated in few of them. Singing voice handicap index revealed that the most affected variable was the physical sphere, followed by the social and emotional spheres. Conclusions: Although growl voice and reinforced falsetto represent laryngeal and pharyngeal hyperfunctional activity, they did not seem to contribute to the presence of any major vocal fold disorder in our subjects. Nevertheless, we cannot rule out the possibility that more evident vocal fold disorders could be found in singers who use these techniques more often and during a longer period of time.
Leiomyoma of the Seminal Vesicles: Laparoscopic Excision
Authors: Casado Varela Javier , Hermida Gutiérrez Juan Francisco , Castillón Vela Ignacio T. , León Rueda Maria Eugenia , Ortega Medina Luis , Moreno Sierra Jesús
Published: March 2014

Leiomyoma of the seminal vesicles is an extremely rare type of benign tumor of the genitourinary system and can cause lower urinary tract symptoms. Despite their low incidence, these tumors can be identified with transrectal ultrasound of the seminal vesicles during prostate examination. The removal of these tumors is facilitated by a laparoscopic approach.
Idiopathische pulmonale Fibrose: Diagnostik und prognostische Beurteilung
Authors: Poletti Venerino , Ravaglia Claudia , Buccioli Matteo , Tantalocco Paola , Piciucchi Sara , Dubini Alessandra , Carloni Angelo , Chilosi Marco , Tomassetti Sara
Published: March 2014

Die idiopathische pulmonale Fibrose (IPF) ist die häufigste Form der idiopathischen interstitiellen Pneumonie. Sie ist mit einer sehr schlechten Prognose verbunden. Das mediane Erkrankungsalter liegt zwischen 60 und 70 Jahren und steht vor allem mit einer Zigarettenrauchexposition in Relation. Das klinische Profil der Krankheit ist heterogen; verschiedene klinische Phänotypen sind heute recht gut definiert: familiäre IPF, langsame und schnelle Progression, Kombination aus Lungenfibrose und Emphysem, Anti-Neutrophilen-Zytoplasma-Antikörper / mikroskopische Polyangiitis und IPF sowie IPF zusammen mit Lungenkrebs. Nicht selten kommt es zu akuten Exazerbationen mit rapider Abnahme der Leistungsfähigkeit, die sich auch auf das Überleben auswirken. Für die Diagnosestellung muss entweder in der Computertomographie das Muster einer gewöhnlichen interstitiellen Pneumonie (UIP) im Rahmen eines entsprechenden klinischen Settings vorliegen, oder das UIP-Muster muss, wenn die Bildgebung nicht charakteristisch genug ist, morphologisch gesichert werden. Die chirurgische Lungenbiopsie ist der Goldstandard zur Gewinnung aussagekräftigen Materials für die histologische Analyse. Aber auch weniger invasive Optionen (transbronchiale Lungenbiopsie oder auch eine verbesserte transbronchiale Lungenbiopsie mit Kryosonden) werden derzeit geprüft. Prognostische Indikatoren werden vor allem durch Lungenfunktionstests ermittelt. In jüngerer Vergangenheit sind Entwürfe für Staging-Systeme vorgelegt worden. Übersetzung aus Respiration 2013;86:5-12 (DOI:10.1159/000353580)
Role of 6-Shogaol in Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced Apoptosis of HepG2 Cells
Authors: Kim Sang Chan , Lee Jong Rok , Park Sook Jahr
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of 6-shogaol on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced oxidative stress leading to apoptosis in human hepatoma cell line HepG2. The cells were exposed to tBHP (100 μmol/l) after pretreatment with 6-shogaol (2.5 and 5 μmol/l), and then cell viability was measured. 6-Shogaol fully prevented HepG2 cell death caused by tBHP. Treatment of tBHP resulted in apoptotic cell death as assessed by TUNEL assay and the expression of apoptosis regulator proteins, Bcl-2 family, caspases and cytochrome c. Cells treated with 6-shogaol showed rapid reduction of apoptosis by restoring these markers of apoptotic cells. In addition, 6-shogaol significantly recovered disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential as a start sign of hepatic apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. In line with this observation, antioxidative 6-shogaol inhibited generation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of reduced glutathione in tBHP-stimulated HepG2 cells. Taken together, these results for the first time showed antioxidative and antiapoptotic activities of 6-shogaol in tBHP-treated hepatoma HepG2 cells, suggesting that 6-shogaol could be beneficial in hepatic disorders caused by oxidative stress.
A new species of Postia (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from China based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: Shen Lulu , Cui Baokai , Dai Yucheng
Published: March 2014

A new polypore, Postia duplicata, collected in Yunnan and Zhejiang provinces, is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological and molecular characters. Postia duplicata is characterized by pileate basidiomata with pale brownish to brown pore surface when bruised, duplex context, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, presence of gloeocystidia in the hymenium, and cylindrical basidiospores (3.8–5.8 × 1.8–2.5 µm). Both morphological and molecular evidence confirmed the placement of the new species in Postia and showed its phylogenetic relationships.
New combinations in Vachellia and Senegalia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) for south and west Asia
Authors: Ragupathy S. , Seigler David , Ebinger J.E. , Maslin B.R.
Published: March 2014

Fragmentation of the former broadly circumscribed genus Acacia necessitates new names in Vachellia (syn. former Acacia subg. Acacia) and Senegalia (syn. Acacia subg. Aculeiferum) for the following 21 taxa that are recorded for the south and west Asian regions (i.e. Bangladesh west to the Arabian Peninsula). Senegalia diadenia, Senegalia donaldii, Senegalia hohenackeri, Senegalia lankaensis, Senegalia lenticularis and Senegalia mahrana. Vachellia gerrardii subsp. negevensis, Vachellia gerrardii subsp. negevensis var. najdensis, Vachellia hunteri, Vachellia harala, Vachellia hydaspica, Vachellia jacquemontii, Vachellia johnwoodii, Vachellia nilotica subsp. cupressiformis, Vachellia nilotica subsp. hemispherica, Vachellia planifrons, Vachellia pseudoeburnea, Vachellia tanjorensis , Vachellia tortilis subsp. campoptila, Vachellia wightii (syn. Acacia bolei) and Vachellia yemenensis. There are two unresolved names for the west Asian region: Acacia pachyceras and Acacia yemenensis subsp. obtusifoliolata.
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 51. Validation of Schistochilopsis hyperarctica (Scapaniaceae, Marchantiophyta)
Authors: Konstantinova Nadezda A. , Söderström Lars , Hagborg Anders , Von Konrat Matt
Published: March 2014

Lophozia hyperarctica (Schuster 1961: 967) was described from Ellesmere Island, Canadian Arctic. However, the author stated that the species occurred in very small patches and made a collection of them in a small area, but giving every small collection a separate collection number, thus making several gatherings out of them. When describing the species he used 5 differently numbered gatherings stating “these five collections extremely skimpy, coming from the same locality and to be considered the collective representing the type” thus violating ICN Art. 41.2 (McNeill et al. 2012). This mistake was overlooked when transferring the taxon to Massula hyperarctica (R.M.Schust.) Schljakov (1972: 318), Massularia hyperarctica (R.M.Schust.) Schljakov (1985: 232), Schistochilopsis hyperarctica (R.M.Schust.) Konstant. in Konstantinova & Vasiljev (1994: 125) and Lophozia grandiretis var. hyperarctica (R.M.Schust.) Damsholt (2008: 98). The species is validated here.
Baccharis magnifica (Asteraceae, Astereae): a striking new species endemic to the summits of Serra do Caparaó, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Heiden Gustavo , Leoni Lúcio De Souza , Nakajima Jimi Naoki
Published: March 2014

Baccharis magnifica, a new species endemic to the summits of the Serra do Caparaó along the border between Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, is described. The new species is easily recognized by its shrubby habit, showy green and slightly wine-tinged, long-petiolate leaves with ciliate margins and corymbiform capitulescences. It is morphologically most similar to the allopatric B. macrophylla, which inhabits the mountain summits of the southerly Serra da Mantiqueira range. Illustrations, a distribution map, habitat information, and a conservation assessment are also provided for the new species.
Nomenclatural and taxonomic novelties in Eriocaulaceae from the states of Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Trovó Marcelo , Echternacht Livia , Costa Fabiane Nepomuceno , Watanabe Mauricio Takashi Coutinho , Sano Paulo Takeo
Published: March 2014

Paepalanthus and Syngonanthus are the largest genera of the Neotropical Eriocaulaceae, and both present many taxonomic and nomenclatural problems. Based on field observations and detailed analysis of type collections, we suggest nomenclatural and taxonomic changes to solve the problems regarding six species occurring in Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina. We propose species status (i.e., P. kleinii) for Paepalanthus leiseringii var. kleinii and five taxa are newly synonymized: P. bradei (=P. macaheensis), P. gounelleanus (=P. pseudotortilis), P. tortilis var. glaberrimus (= P. tortilis), S. caulescens var. angustifolius (=S. caulescens), and S. caulescens var. proliferus (=S. caulescens). We provide comments on morphology and citation of type collections for all taxa. For Paepalanthus leiseringii var. kleinii we also provide illustrations and a protologue.
Resolving the phylogenetic affinities of Kappaphycus inermis within the genus Kappaphycus (Gigartinales, Solieriaceae) using mitochondrial and plastid markers
Authors: Dumilag Richard Verano , Lluisma Arturo
Published: March 2014

Although the phylogeny of the genus Kappaphycus has been the subject of a number of published studies, the phylogenetic placement of Kappaphycus inermis within the genus has remained unresolved.  In this study, we sought to determine the phylogenetic affinities of K. inermis with the other congeneric species using mitochondrial (cox1 and cox2–3 spacer) and plastid (rbcL and RuBisCo spacer) markers, using specimens collected from northwestern Philippines. Morphological observations of the collected materials confirmed the presence of key morphological features that distinguish K. inermis from the other members of Kappaphycus. Molecular analyses based on the organellar genetic markers revealed that K. inermis is indeed phylogenetically distinct from K. alvarezii, K. striatus, K. cottonii and K. malesianus, a species which was recently erected based on specimens from Malaysia. The Philippine K. inermis specimens formed a sister clade to K. malesianus (also referred to as “Aring-aring” in Malaysia) in phylogenetic trees inferred from cox1, cox2–3 spacer and rbcL, but not the RuBisCo spacer whose sequence is identical in both K. inermis and K. malesianus.  The analysis also revealed  that specimens of unidentified Kappaphycus species collected from two other sites in the Philippines and referred to as “Aring-aring” by local farmers/traders were varieties of K. alvarezii and K. striatus.
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 49. On Lejeunea huctumalcensis Lindenb. & Gottsche and the resurrection of Otigoniolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn., an older name for Physantholejeunea R.M.Schust. (Marchantiophyta, Lejeuneaceae)
Authors: WEI YU-MEI , Zhu Rui-Liang , GRADSTEIN S. ROBBERT
Published: March 2014

Lejeunea huctumalcensis Lindenb. & Gottsche in Gottsche et al. (1847: 762), a widespread neotropical species, is one of the most unusual taxa in Lejeunea Libert (1820: 372) owing to the variable gynoecial innovation type which may be lejeuneoid  or pycnolejeuneoid, the presence of ocelli in leaf lobes and the perianth keels usually with bifid or more ramified laciniae (Reiner-Drehwald & Ilkiu-Borges 2007). In other species of this large genus, innovations are invariably lejeuneoid, ocelli are lacking and perianth keels do not produce bifid or more ramified laciniae. The generic position of Lejeunea huctumalcensis has long been controversial and the species has been assigned to at least six different genera, including Ceratolejeunea (Spruce 1884: 77) Jack & Stephani (1892: 16), Hygrolejeunea (Spruce 1884: 77) Schiffner (1893: 124), Lejeunea, Otigoniolejeunea (Spruce 1884: 77) Schiffner (1893: 125), Pycnolejeunea (Spruce 1884: 246) Schiffner (1893: 124), and Trachylejeunea (Spruce 1884: 180) Schiffner (1893: 126) (Reiner-Drehwald & Ilkiu-Borges 2007). The latter authors showed that L. huctumalcensis is an older name for L. xiphotis Spruce (1884: 227), the type species of Lejeunea subg. Otigoniolejeunea Spruce (º Otigoniolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn.), and thus L. huctumalcensis automatically becomes a member of this group. Otigoniolejeunea was provisionally accepted by Reiner-Drehwald & Ilkiu-Borges (2007) as a subgenus of Lejeunea, with L. huctumalcensis as its only species. Other recent authors, however, have treated Otigoniolejeunea as a mere synonym of Lejeunea (e.g., Grolle 1983; Singh 2013).
Caecilita Wake & Donnelly, 2010 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona) is not lungless: implications for taxonomy and for understanding the evolution of lunglessness
Authors: WILKINSON MARK , KOK PHILIPPE J.R. , AHMED FARAH , GOWER DAVID J.
Published: March 2014

According to current understanding, five lineages of amphibians, but no other tetrapods, are secondarily lungless and are believed to rely exclusively on cutaneous gas exchange. One explanation of the evolutionary loss of lungs interprets lunglessness as an adaptation to reduce buoyancy in fast-flowing aquatic environments, reasoning that excessive buoyancy in such an environment would cause organisms being swept away. While not uncontroversial, this hypothesis provides a plausible potential explanation of the evolution of lunglessness in four of the five lungless amphibian lineages. The exception is the most recently reported lungless lineage, the newly described Guyanan caecilian genus and species Caecilita iwokramae Wake & Donnelly, 2010, which is inconsistent with the reduced disadvantageous buoyancy hypothesis by virtue of it seemingly being terrestrial and having a terrestrial ancestry. Re-examination of the previously only known specimen of C. iwokramae and of recently collected additional material reveal that this species possesses a reasonably well-developed right lung and is a species of the pre-existing caecilian genus Microcaecilia Taylor, 1968. We therefore place Caecilita in the synonymy of Microcaecilia, and re-evaluate the plausibility of the reduced disadvantageous buoyancy hypothesis as a general explanation of the evolution of lunglessness.
Description of Atrocalopteryx fasciata spec. nov. from Yunnan, China (Odonata: Calopterygidae)
Authors: YANG GUO-HUI , HÄMÄLÄINEN MATTI , ZHANG HAO-MIAO
Published: March 2014

Atrocalopteryx fasciata Yang, Hämäläinen & Zhang, spec. nov. (holotype ♂, from China, Yunnan, Dehong, Yingjiang, deposited at Odonata Collection of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China) is described and illustrated from the male sex. It is compared with Atrocalopteryx laosica (Fraser, 1933).
On the identity of Ypsolopha lonicerella Stöckl, 1922 (Lepidoptera, Ypsolophidae)
Authors: BARANIAK EDWARD , WALCZAK URSZULA
Published: March 2014

Ypsolopha lonicerella Stöckl, 1922 is shown to be a junior synonym of Y. leuconotella Snellen, 1884.