bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amarogentin Displays Immunomodulatory Effects in Human Mast Cells and Keratinocytes
Authors: Wölfle Ute , Haarhaus Birgit , Schempp Christoph M.
Published: October 2015

Keratinocytes express the bitter taste receptors TAS2R1 and TAS2R38. Amarogentin as an agonist for TAS2R1 and other TAS2Rs promotes keratinocyte differentiation. Similarly, mast cells are known to express bitter taste receptors. The aim of this study was to assess whether bitter compounds display immunomodulatory effects on these immunocompetent cells in the skin, so that they might be a target in chronic inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Here, we investigated the impact of amarogentin on substance P‐induced release of histamine and TNF‐α from the human mast cell line LAD‐2. Furthermore, the effect of amarogentin on HaCaT keratinocytes costimulated with TNF‐α and histamine was investigated. Amarogentin inhibited in LAD‐2 cells substance P‐induced production of newly synthesized TNF‐α, but the degranulation and release of stored histamine were not affected. In HaCaT keratinocytes histamine and TNF‐α induced IL‐8 and MMP‐1 expression was reduced by amarogentin to a similar extent as with azelastine. In conclusion amarogentin displays immunomodulatory effects in the skin by interacting with mast cells and keratinocytes.
CD137 Regulates NFATc1 Expression in Mouse VSMCs through TRAF6/NF‐κB p65 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yan Jinchuan , Yin Yunjie , Zhong Wei , Wang Cuiping , Wang Zhongqun
Published: October 2015

Our previous study proved that CD137‐CD137L interaction can regulate the expression of NFATc1. Here, we investigated whether CD137 signaling regulates the expression of NFATc1 in mice VSMCs through TRAF6/NF‐κB p65 pathway. Data shows that the CD137 expression can be stimulated by TNF‐α in a time‐dependent manner in mouse VSMCs. Knockdown of TRAF6 by siTRAF6 significantly attenuated agonist‐CD137mAb induced increase of NF‐κB p65 and NFATc1 in VSMCs. Pretreatment with a NF‐κB inhibitor PDTC for 30 min inhibited the expression of p‐p65 in both cytoplasm and nucleus in VSMCs. Thus, the protein level of NFATc1 can be suppressed through inhibition of p‐p65. Finally, we also show that the levels of IL‐2 and IL‐6 can be increased by agonist‐CD137 stimulation and decreased when NFATc1 was suppressed. Our data suggest that activated CD137 signaling regulates the expression of NFATc1 and its downstream factors through TRAF6/NF‐κB p65 pathways in VSMCs. These findings provide a novel target for treatment of atherosclerosis.
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Associated with Osteosarcoma in a True Malignant Mixed Tumor of the Submandibular Region
Authors: Marcotullio Dario , de Vincentiis Marco , Iannella Giannicola , Cerbelli Bruna , Magliulo Giuseppe
Published: October 2015

Introduction. True malignant mixed tumor, also known as carcinosarcoma, is a rare tumor of the salivary gland composed of both malignant epithelial and malignant mesenchymal elements. Frequently carcinosarcoma arises in the background of a preexisting pleomorphic adenoma; however, if no evidence of benign mixed tumor is present, the lesion is known as carcinosarcoma “de novo.” We reported the first case of true malignant mixed tumor of the submandibular gland composed of high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma associated with osteosarcoma.Case Presentation. A 69-year-old Caucasian male came to our department complaining of the appearance of an asymptomatic left submandibular neoformation progressively increasing in size over 3 months. We opted for surgical treatment. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of carcinosarcoma with the coexistence of high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma and osteosarcoma.Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, in the true malignant mixed tumor of the submandibular gland, mucoepidermoid carcinoma associated with osteosarcoma has never been previously reported.
A Sliding Mode LCO Regulation Strategy for Dual-Parallel Underactuated UAV Systems Using Synthetic Jet Actuators
Authors: Ramos-Pedroza N. , MacKunis W. , Reyhanoglu M.
Published: October 2015

A sliding mode control- (SMC-) based limit cycle oscillation (LCO) regulation method is presented, which achieves asymptotic LCO suppression for UAVs using synthetic jet actuators (SJAs). With a focus on applications involving small UAVs with limited onboard computational resources, the controller is designed with a simplistic structure, requiring no adaptive laws, function approximators, or complex calculations in the control loop. The control law is rigorously proven to achieve asymptotic regulation of both pitching and plunging displacements for a class of systems in a dual-parallel underactuated form, where a single scalar control signal simultaneously affects two states. Since dual-parallel underactuated systems cannot be expressed in a strict feedback or cascade form, standard backstepping-based control techniques cannot be applied. This difficulty is mitigated through careful algebraic manipulation in the regulation error system development, along with innovative design of the sliding surface. A detailed model of the UAV LCO dynamics is utilized, and a rigorous analysis is provided to prove asymptotic regulation of the pitching and plunging displacements. Numerical simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the control law.
Brain Herniation in Neurofibromatosis with Dysplasia of Occipital Bone and Posterior Skull Base
Authors: Rangarajan Vithal , Mahore Amit , Patil Manoj , Sathe Prashant , Kaswa Amol , Gore Sandeep , Dharurkar Pralhad , Kawale Juhi
Published: October 2015

A 22-year-old female, a known case of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), presented with a congenital swelling in the left occipital region. She had developed recent onset dysphagia and localized occipital headache. Neuroradiology revealed a left occipital meningoencephalocele and a left parapharyngeal meningocele. This was associated with ventriculomegaly. She was advised on cranioplasty along with duraplasty which she denied. She agreed to a lumbar-peritoneal shunt. She described a dramatic improvement in her symptoms following the lumbar-peritoneal shunt. Occipital dysplasias, though uncommon, have been reported in the literature. We review this case and its management and discuss relevant literature on occipital dysplasias in NF1.
Prolonged Survival following Repetitive Stereotactic Radiosurgery in a Patient with Intracranial Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ferrel Ethan A. , Roehrig Andrew T. , Lamoreaux Wayne T. , Mackay Alexander R. , Fairbanks Robert K. , Call Jason A. , Carlson Jonathan D. , Ling Benjamin C. , Demakas John J. , Cooke Barton S. , Wagner Aaron , Lee Christopher M.
Published: October 2015

Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the brain have a very poor prognosis of three months if left untreated. SRS is an effective treatment modality in numerous patients. This case exemplifies the utility of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in prolonging survival and maintaining quality of life in a patient with RCC. This 64-year-old female patient initially presented to her primary care physician 22 months after a left nephrectomy for RCC with complaints of mild, intermittent headaches and difficulty with balance. An MRI revealed five cerebellar lesions suspicious for intracranial metastasis. The patient’s first GKRS treatment targeted four lesions with 22 Gy at the 50% isodose line. She underwent a total of seven GKRS treatments over the next 60 months for recurrent metastases to the brain. 72 months and 12 months have now passed since her brain metastases were first discovered and since her last GKRS treatment, respectively, and this woman is alive with considerable quality of life and no evidence of metastatic reoccurrence. This case shows that repeated GKRS treatments, with minimal surgical intervention, can effectively treat multiple intracranial lesions in select patients, prolonging survival and avoiding iatrogenic neurocognitive decline while maintaining a high quality of life.
Can CT Virtual Cystoscopy Replace Conventional Cystoscopy in Early Detection of Bladder Cancer?
Authors: Abrol Sachin , Jairath Ankush , Ganpule Sanika , Ganpule Arvind , Mishra Shashikant , Sabnis Ravindra , Desai Mahesh
Published: October 2015

Aim. To correlate findings of conventional cystoscopy with CT virtual cystoscopy (CTVC) in detecting bladder tumors and to evaluate accuracy of virtual cystoscopy in early detection of bladder cancer.Material and Method. From June 2013 to June 2014, 50 patients (46 males, four females) with history and investigations suggestive of urothelial cancer, with mean age 62.76 ± 10.45 years, underwent CTVC by a radiologist as per protocol and subsequently underwent conventional cystoscopy (CPE) the same day or the next day. One urologist and one radiologist, blinded to the findings of conventional cystoscopy, independently interpreted the images, and any discrepant readings were resolved with consensus.Result. CTVC detected 23 out of 25 patients with bladder tumor(s) correctly. Two patients were falsely detected as negative while two were falsely labeled as positive in CTVC. Virtual and conventional cystoscopy were comparable in detection of tumor growth in urinary bladder. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of virtual cystoscopy were 92% each.Conclusion. CTVC correlates closely with the findings of conventional cystoscopy. Bladder should be adequately distended and devoid of urine at the time of procedure. However, more studies are required to define the role of virtual cystoscopy in routine clinical practice.
Thermoacoustic Instability in a Rijke Tube with a Distributed Heat Source
Authors: Yang Xiaochuan , Turan Ali , Lei Shenghui
Published: October 2015

A Rijke tube with a distributed heat source is investigated. Driven by the widely existing thermoacoustic instability in lean premixed gas turbine combustors, this work aims to explore the physicochemical underpinning and assist in the elucidation and analysis of this problem. The heat release model consists of a row of distributed heat sources with individual heat release rates. The integrated heat release rate is then coupled with the acoustic perturbation for thermoacoustic analysis. A continuation approach is employed to conduct the bifurcation analysis and capture the nonlinear behaviour inherent in the system. Unlike the conventional approach by the Galerkin method, the acoustic equations are originally discretized using the Method of Lines (MOL) to build up a dynamic system. The model is first validated and shown to yield good predictions with available experimental data. Influences of multiple heat sources, time delay, and heat release distribution are then studied to reveal the extensive nonlinear characteristics involved in the case of a distributed heat source. It is found that distributed heat source plays an important role in determining the stability of a thermoacoustic system.
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase as a Cancer Target in Pediatric Malignancies
Authors: Mossé Yael P.
Published: October 2015

In this era of more rational therapies, substantial efforts are being made to identify optimal targets. The discovery of translocations involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase in a subset of non–small cell lung cancers has become a paradigm for precision medicine. Notably, ALK was initially discovered as the fusion gene in anaplastic large cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a disease predominantly of childhood. The discovery of activating kinase domain mutations of the full-length ALK receptor as the major cause of hereditary neuroblastoma, and that somatically acquired mutations and amplification events often drive the malignant process in a subset of sporadic tumors, has established ALK as a tractable molecular target across histologically diverse tumors in which ALK is a critical mediator of oncogenesis. We are now uncovering the reexpression of this developmentally regulated protein in a broader subset of pediatric cancers, providing therapeutic targeting opportunities for diseases with shared molecular etiology. This review focuses on the role of ALK in pediatric malignancies, alongside the prospects and challenges associated with the development of effective ALK-inhibition strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 22(3); 546–52. ©2015 AACR.
Comparative Effect of a Renin Inhibitor and a Thiazide Diuretic on Renal Tissue Oxygenation in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Vakilzadeh Nima , Muller Marie-Eve , Forni Valentina , Milani Bastien , Hoffman Lucie , Piskunowicz Maciej , Maillard Marc , Zweiacker Carole , Pruijm Menno , Burnier Michel
Published: October 2015

Background/Aims: The purpose of the present study was to compare the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren to the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in their ability to modulate renal tissue oxygenation in hypertensive patients. Methods: 24 patients were enrolled in this randomized prospective study and 20 completed the protocol. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either aliskiren 150-300 mg/d or HCTZ 12.5 - 25 mg/d for 8 weeks. Renal oxygenation was measured by BOLD-MRI at weeks 0 and 8. BOLD-MRI was also performed before and after an i.v. injection of 20 mg furosemide at week 0 and at week 8. BOLD-MRI data were analyzed by measuring the oxygenation in 12 computed layers of the kidney enabling to asses renal oxygenation according to the depth within the kidney and by the classical method of regions of interest (ROI). Results: The classical ROI analysis of the data showed no difference between the groups at week 8. The analysis of renal oxygenation according to the 12 layers method shows no significant difference between aliskiren and HCTZ at week 8 before administration of furosemide. However, within group analyses show that aliskiren slightly but not significantly increased oxygenation in the cortex and decreased medullary oxygenation whereas HCTZ induced a significant overall decrease in renal tissue oxygenation. With the same method of analysis we observed that the response to furosemide was unchanged in the HCTZ group at week 8 but was characterized by an increase in both cortical and medullary oxygenation in aliskiren-treated patients. Patients responding to aliskiren and HCTZ by a fall in systolic blood pressure of >10 mmHg improved their renal tissue oxygenation when compared to non-responders. Conclusion: With the classical method of evaluation using regions no difference were found between aliskiren and HCTZ on renal tissue oxygenation after 8 weeks. In contrast, with our new method that takes into account the entire kidney, within group analyses show that aliskiren slightly increases cortical and medullary renal tissue oxygenation in hypertensive patients whereas HCTZ decreases significantly renal oxygenation at trough.
Role of BioResponse 3,3′-Diindolylmethane in the Treatment of Human Prostate Cancer: Clinical Experience
Authors: Li Yiwei , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: October 2015

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression after androgen deprivation therapy shows upregulated expression of androgen receptor (AR) splice variants, induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotypes and enhanced stem cell characteristics, all of which are associated with resistance to enzalutamide. Since there is no curative treatment for CRPC, innovative treatments are urgently needed. In our recent study, we found that resistance to enzalutamide was partly due to deregulated expression of microRNAs such as miR-34a, miR-124, miR-27b, miR-320 and let-7, which play important roles in regulating AR and stem cell marker gene expression that appears to be linked with resistance to enzalutamide. Importantly, we found that BioResponse 3,3′-diindolylmethane (BR-DIM) treatment in vitro and in vivo caused downregulation in the expression of wild-type AR. The AR splice variants, Lin28B and EZH2, appear to be deregulated through the re-expression of let-7, miR-27b, miR-320 and miR-34a in human prostate cancer (PCa). BR-DIM administered in clinical trials was well tolerated, and 93% of patients had detectable prostatic DIM levels. The inhibitory effects of BR-DIM on AR and AR target gene such as prostate-specific antigen were also observed in the clinical trial. Our preclinical and clinical studies provide the scientific basis for a ‘proof-of-concept' clinical trial in CRPC patients treated with enzalutamide in combination with BR-DIM. This strategy could be expanded in future clinical trials in patients with PCa to determine whether or not they could achieve a better treatment outcome which could be partly mediated by delaying or preventing the development of CRPC.
Clinical Evaluation of the Use of Tibial Bone Grafting in Dentoalveolar Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Atil Fethi , Kocyigit Ismail Doruk , Suer Berkay Tolga , Alp Yunus Emre , Yazan Mürüde , Tekin Umut , Tuz Hakan H.
Published: October 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tibial autogenous bone grafting in the treatment of patients with alveolar bone defects. Materials and Methods: The study subjects consisted of 12 patients (10 male, 2 female, age: 19-51 years) who underwent reconstructive autogenous bone-grafting procedures. The medial approach to the tibial bone was used to harvest autogenous cancellous bone grafts in all the patients. Clinical parameters (complications at the donor and recipient sites, resorption and volume of the grafts) were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The mean age of the patients was 36.25 ± 0.9 years. Of the 12 patients, 5 (41.7%) received bone grafts for sinus augmentation, 3 (25%) for cyst cavity reconstruction and 4 (33.3%) for alveolar cleft reconstruction procedures. The average follow-up period was 28.4 months (range: 21-40 months). An average of 5.2 cm3 of cancellous bone was harvested for grafting procedures. All the grafting procedures were successful, and there were no surgical complications during the harvesting protocol. In all cases, pain and gait disturbance lasted less than 2 weeks. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the use of tibial autogenous bone graft harvested using a medial approach was a safe, simple and effective method for grafting various alveolar bone defects where high amounts of cancellous bone grafts were needed with low morbidity.
Investigation of Model Sunscreen Formulations Comparing the Sun Protection Factor, the Universal Sun Protection Factor and the Radical Formation Ratio
Authors: Syring Felicia , Weigmann Hans-Jürgen , Schanzer Sabine , Meinke Martina C. , Knorr Fanny , Lademann Jürgen
Published: October 2015

In view of globally rising skin cancer rates and harmful effects exerted by sunlight throughout the ultraviolet, visible and infrared ranges, an objective, safe and comprehensive method for determining sunscreen efficacy is required in order to warrant safe sun exposure. In this study, the influence of characteristic active ingredients (chemical filters, physical filters and antioxidants) on different sunscreen indicators, including the universal sun protection factor and the radical formation ratio, was determined and compared to their influence on sun protection factor values. Spectroscopic universal sun protection factor measurements were conducted ex vivo by analyzing tape strips taken from human skin, and radical formation ratio determination was performed via electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy using porcine ear skin ex vivo. The sun protection factor determination was conducted according to ISO standards (ISO 24444:2010). It was shown that chemical filters provide a protective effect which was measurable by all methods examined (spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and erythema formation). Physical filters, when used as single active ingredients, increased protective values in universal sun protection factor and sun protection factor measurements but exhibited no significant effect on universal sun protection factor measurements when used in combination with chemical filters or antioxidants. Antioxidants were shown to increase sun protection factor values. Radical formation ratio values were shown to be influenced merely by chemical filters, leading to the conclusion that the universal sun protection factor is the most suitable efficacy indicator for the ultraviolet range.
Methods for Estimating the Global Burden of Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Roth Gregory A. , Johnson Catherine O. , Nguyen Grant , Naghavi Mohsen , Feigin Valery L. , Murray Christopher J.L. , Forouzanfar Mohammed H. , Vos Theo
Published: October 2015

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study is a long-standing effort to report consistent and comprehensive measures of disease burden for the world. In this paper, we describe the methods used to estimate the global burden of stroke for the GBD 2013 study. Pathologic subtypes of stroke are modeled separately for two mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories: (1) ischemic stroke and (2) hemorrhagic and other non-ischemic strokes. Acute and chronic strokes are estimated separately. The GBD 2013 study has incorporated large amounts of new data on stroke death rates, incidence and case fatality. Disease modeling methods have been updated to better integrate mortality and incidence data. Future efforts will focus on incorporating data on the regional variation in severity of disability. Stroke remains a new area for disease modeling. A better understanding of stroke incidence, mortality and severity, and how it varies among countries, can help guide priority setting and improve health policy related to this important condition.
From Data to Action: Neuroepidemiology Informs Implementation Research for Global Stroke Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Mensah George A. , Sacco Ralph L. , Vickrey Barbara G. , Sampson Uchechukwu K.A. , Waddy Salina , Ovbiagele Bruce , Pandian Jeyaraj Durai , Norrving Bo , Feigin Valery L.
Published: October 2015

As a scientific field of study, neuroepidemiology encompasses more than just the descriptive study of the frequency, distribution, determinants and outcomes of neurologic diseases in populations. It also includes experimental aspects that span the full spectrum of clinical and population science research. As such, neuroepidemiology has a strong potential to inform implementation research for global stroke prevention and treatment. This review begins with an overview of the progress that has been made in descriptive and experimental neuroepidemiology over the past quarter century with emphasis on standards for evidence generation, critical appraisal of that evidence and impact on clinical and public health practice at the national, regional and global levels. Specific advances made in high-income countries as well as in low- and middle-income countries are presented. Gaps in implementation as well as evidence gaps in stroke research, stroke burden, clinical outcomes and disparities between developed and developing countries are then described. The continuing need for high quality neuroepidemiologic data in low- and middle-income countries is highlighted. Additionally, persisting disparities in stroke burden and care by sex, race, ethnicity, income and socioeconomic status are discussed. The crucial role that national stroke registries have played in neuroepidemiologic research is also addressed. Opportunities presented by new directions in comparative effectiveness and implementation research are discussed as avenues for turning neuroepidemiological insights into action to maximize health impact and to guide further biomedical research on neurological diseases.
Medicações comumente utilizadas em pacientes com doenças reumatológicas - orientações para utilização e suspensão no período peri-operatório
Authors: Franco André Silva , Iuamoto Leandro Ryuchi , Pereira Rosa Maria Rodrigues
Published: October 2015

não consta.
Can a rainbow consist of a single colour? A new comprehensive generic arrangement of the ‘Iris sensu latissimo’ clade (Iridaceae), congruent with morphology and molecular data
Authors: Crespo Manuel B. , Martínez-Azorín Mario , Mavrodiev Evgeny V.
Published: October 2015

When treated in a broad sense, Iris (the ‘rainbow-flowers’) is one of the most diverse and well-known genera in the Asparagales. However, recent conventional phylogenetic and three-taxon statement re-treatments of the molecular data (cpDNA) for the irises (‘Iris sensu latissimo’ clade) showed that the obtained patterns of relationships appeared to be fully congruent to the narrow taxonomical arrangement of Iris (sensu stricto) to include only the bearded irises. Given this, we propose a new taxonomic arrangement of the rainbow-flowers with at least 25 previously recognised infrageneric taxa here accepted at the generic rank, of which 19 have already been treated as separate genera by different authors in the past. Morphological, phytochemical, karyological, distributional and molecular data are discussed which support the newly proposed system. Five genera and one section are described as new, 1 genus is amended, and 114 new nomenclatural combinations (2 genera, 3 sections, 1 series, 86 species, 14 varieties and 8 nothospecies) are established to accommodate the accepted names to the new generic system. Morphological descriptions and nomenclatural types are reported for each accepted genus, with types of four genera being designated here for the first time. Tentative distribution maps of relevant taxa, and illustrations of the most reliable morphological characters are included for the accepted genera. Principal synonyms and publication details are shown, and accepted infrageneric taxa are only referred to when previous information is not available. A key is also reported for genera identification. Our proposal mostly accords with the traditional distinction of groups currently in use by horticulturists, and it is favoured against an alternative treatment of an expanded Iris which renders a highly heterogeneous genus.
New species of sponges (Porifera, Demospongiae) from the Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska
Authors: LEHNERT HELMUT , STONE ROBERT P.
Published: October 2015

Ten new species of demosponges, assigned to the orders Poecilosclerida, Axinellida and Dictyoceratida, discovered in the Gulf of Alaska and along the Aleutian Island Archipelago are described and compared to relevant congeners. Poecilosclerida include Cornulum globosum n. sp., Megaciella lobata n. sp., M. triangulata n. sp., Artemisina clavata n. sp., A. flabellata n. sp., Coelosphaera (Histodermion) kigushimkada n. sp., Stelodoryx mucosa n. sp. and S. siphofuscus n. sp. Axinellida is represented by Raspailia (Hymeraphiopsis) fruticosa n. sp. and Dictyoceratida is represented by Dysidea kenkriegeri n. sp. The genus Cornulum is modified to allow for smooth tylotes. We report several noteworthy biogeographical observations. We describe only the third species within the subgenus Histodermion and the first from the Indo-Pacific Region. Additionally, the subgenus Hymerhaphiopsis was previously represented by only a single species from Antarctica. We also report the first record of a dictyoceratid species from Alaska. The new collections further highlight the richness of the sponge fauna from the region, particularly for the Poecilosclerida.
Aguapanela, a new tarantula genus from the Colombian Andes (Araneae, Theraphosidae)
Authors: PERAFÁN CARLOS , CIFUENTES YEIMY , ESTRADA-GOMEZ SEBASTIÁN
Published: October 2015

A new monotypic genus of Theraphosidae is described from Colombia: Aguapanela Perafán & Cifuentes gen. nov. with only the type species Aguapanela arvi Perafán, Cifuentes & Estrada sp. nov., from Caldas and Medellin, Antioquia, Colombian Andes. The new genus differs from other theraphosid spiders mainly in the presence of stridulatory setae on the palps and legs I and II, together with the presence of type III and IV urticating setae. Males lack a tibial apophysis on leg I and have a simple palpal bulb with the subtegulum less extended than usual in Theraphosinae, elongated curved embolus, ventrally concave, and with two prolateral keels very flat and developed on the dorsal edge. The female spermathecae have two digitiform elongated and granulated seminal receptacles attached to a semicircular wide membranous base. We describe, diagnose and illustrate the new genus and give some biological remarks. Morphological, systematic and biogeographic aspects are discussed. Chromatographic and electrophoretic profiles of its venom are analyzed.
New species of plume moths of the genus Agdistis Hübner, 1825 (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae: Agdistinae) from southern Africa. 7
Authors: KOVTUNOVICH VASILY , USTJUZHANIN Petr
Published: October 2015

Four new species of Agdistis (Pterophoridae) are described from Southern Africa: Agdistis sergeii Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Agdistis wolframi Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Agdistis pseudomeyi Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov. and Agdistis ruhanga Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov. In addition, descriptions and images of the previously unknown female genitalia of three species are given: A. insolitus Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, 2010, A. meyi Arenberger, 2008 and A. toliarensis Bigot, 1987. The male is described to a species possibly A. piccolo Gielis, 1990, of which only female was previously known.
The water mite family Hygrobatidae Koch in Australia. The genera Aspidiobatella Cook, Australorivacarus Viets, Gondwanabates Imamura
and Rhynchaustrobates Cook (Acari: Hydrachnidia)
Authors: SMIT HARRY
Published: October 2015

The following eight new species are described from Australia: Gondwanabates crassipalpis, G. flavus, G. spatulifer, Rhynchaustrobates bipartitus, R. sclerosus, R. truusae, R. uniscutatus and R. victorianus. Numerous new records are given of the following hygrobatid genera in Australia: Aspidiobatella Cook, 1986, Australoricacarus K.O. Viets, 1978, Gondwanabates Imamura, 1984 and Rhynchaustrobates Cook, 1986. The males of Aspidiobatella smola Cook and Gondwanabates hopkinsi Imamura and the female of Gondwanabates crassipes Cook are described for the first time.
Sialis primitivus sp. nov. (Megaloptera: Sialidae), a remarkable new alderfly species from China
Authors: LIU XINGYUE , HAYASHI FUMIO , YANG DING
Published: October 2015

A new species of the alderfly, Sialis primitivus sp. nov. from China is described. Remarkably, the general habitus of the new species resembles the New World genera Protosialis van der Weele, 1909 and Ilyobius Enderlein, 1910 as well as the Madagascan endemic genus Haplosialis Navás, 1927 by having similar wing venation. However, the characteristics of mouthparts and genitalia indicate the new species belongs to Sialis and probably represents the basalmost species among all known extant Sialis species.
Urban Effects on Regional Climate: A Case Study in the Phoenix and Tucson “Sun Corridor”
Authors: Yang Zhao , Dominguez Francina , Gupta Hoshin , Zeng Xubin , Norman Laura
Published: October 2015

Land-use and land-cover change (LULCC) due to urban expansion alter the surface albedo, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity of the surface. Consequently, the energy balance in urban regions is different from that of natural surfaces. To evaluate the changes in regional climate that could arise because of projected urbanization in the Phoenix–Tucson corridor, Arizona, this study applied the coupled WRF Model–Noah–Urban Canopy Model (UCM; which includes a detailed urban radiation scheme) to this region. Land-cover changes were represented using land-cover data for 2005 and projections to 2050, and historical North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data were used to specify the lateral boundary conditions. Results suggest that temperature changes will be well defined, reflecting the urban heat island (UHI) effect within areas experiencing LULCC. Changes in precipitation are less robust but seem to indicate reductions in precipitation over the mountainous regions northeast of Phoenix and decreased evening precipitation over the newly urbanized area.
Convective Self-Aggregation and Tropical Cyclogenesis under the Hypohydrostatic Rescaling
Authors: Boos William R. , Fedorov Alexey , Muir Les
Published: October 2015

The behavior of rotating and nonrotating aggregated convection is examined at various horizontal resolutions using the hypohydrostatic, or reduced acceleration in the vertical (RAVE), rescaling. This modification of the equations of motion reduces the scale separation between convective- and larger-scale motions, enabling the simultaneous and explicit representation of both types of flow in a single model without convective parameterization. Without the RAVE rescaling, a dry bias develops when simulations of nonrotating radiative–convective equilibrium are integrated at coarse resolution in domains large enough to permit convective self-aggregation. The rescaling reduces this dry bias, and here it is suggested that the rescaling moistens the troposphere by weakening the amplitude and slowing the group velocity of gravity waves, thus reducing the subsidence drying around aggregated convection. Separate simulations of rotating radiative–convective equilibrium exhibit tropical cyclogenesis; as horizontal resolution is coarsened without the rescaling, the resulting storms intensify more slowly and achieve lower peak intensities. At a given horizontal resolution, using RAVE increases peak storm intensity and reduces the time needed for tropical cyclogenesis—effects here suggested to be caused at least in part by the environmental moistening produced by RAVE. Consequently, the RAVE rescaling has the potential to improve simulations of tropical cyclones and other aggregated convection in models with horizontal resolutions of order 10–100 km.
Extreme Water Deficit in Brazil Detected from Space
Authors: Getirana Augusto
Published: October 2015

Extreme droughts have caused significant socioeconomic and environmental damage worldwide. In Brazil, ineffective energy development and water management policies have magnified the impacts of recent severe droughts, which include massive agricultural losses, water supply restrictions, and energy rationing. Spaceborne remote sensing data advance our understanding of the spatiotemporal variability of large-scale droughts and enhance the detection and monitoring of extreme water-related events. In this study, data derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission are used to detect and quantify an extended major drought over eastern Brazil and provide estimates of impacted areas and region-specific water deficits. Two structural breakpoint detection methods were applied to time series of GRACE-based terrestrial water storage anomalies (TWSA), determining when two abrupt changes occurred. One, in particular, defines the beginning of the current drought. Using TWSA, a water loss rate of −6.1 cm yr−1 over southeastern Brazil was detected from 2012 to 2015. Based on analysis of Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) outputs, the extreme drought is mostly related to lower-than-usual precipitation rates, resulting in high soil moisture depletion and lower-than-usual rates of evapotranspiration. A reduction of 20%–23% of precipitation over an extended period of 3 years is enough to raise serious water scarcity conditions in the country. Correlations between monthly time series of both grid-based TWSA and ground-based water storage measurements at 16 reservoirs located within southeastern Brazil varied from 0.42 to 0.82. Differences are mainly explained by reservoir sizes and proximity to the drought nucleus.
Statistical Evaluation of Time Multiplexing to Mitigate Differential Reflectivity Bias Due to Cross-Polar Coupling
Authors: Ivić Igor R.
Published: October 2015

One of the main challenges to the use of phased array radar for weather observations is the implementation of dual polarization with acceptable levels of cross-polar fields induced by the antenna. For example, to achieve acceptable differential reflectivity (ZDR) bias (e.g., less than 0.1 dB) using simultaneous transmission and reception of H and V polarized waves, the isolation between coaxial cross-polar and copolar beams needs to be in excess of 50 dB. Because such isolation cannot be achieved at an affordable price by antenna hardware, additional methods are required to attain supplementary isolation of orthogonal channels. One such option is time multiplexing. Herein, this approach is evaluated from the statistical aspect, whereby the depolarization caused by the radar hardware is accounted for in this study. An evaluation is conducted using theoretical analysis as well as simulated and time series data from a weather radar. The main criteria for evaluation are the bias and standard deviation of differential reflectivity estimates. The results indicate that the implementation of the time-multiplexing method has the capability to significantly improve upon the radar intrinsic cross-polar isolation. However, it is demonstrated herein that the reflectivity gradients in range adversely affect the efficacy of the method and that the standard deviation of estimates can significantly increase as a result of the time-multiplexing application.
Atmospheric Kármán Vortex Shedding from Jeju Island, East China Sea: A Numerical Study*
Authors: Ito Junshi , Niino Hiroshi
Published: October 2015

A mesoscale atmospheric numerical model is used to simulate two cases of Kármán vortex shedding in the lee of Jeju Island, South Korea, in the winter of 2013. Observed cloud patterns associated with the Kármán vortex shedding are successfully reproduced. When the winter monsoon flows out from the Eurasian continent, a convective mixed layer develops through the supply of heat and moisture from the relatively warm Yellow Sea and encounters Jeju Island and dynamical conditions favorable for the formation of lee vortices are realized. Vortices that form behind the island induce updrafts to trigger cloud formation at the top of the convective boundary layer. A sensitivity experiment in which surface drag on the island is eliminated demonstrates that the formation mechanism of the atmospheric Kármán vortex shedding is different from that behind a bluff body in classical fluid mechanics.
International students’ fear of crime: an Australian case study
Authors: Xiong Lin , Nyland Christopher , Sue Fisher Bonnie , Smyrnios Kosmas X
Published: October 2015

Concerns about safety and fear of being victimised by crime have become important factors determining international students’ decisions of where to study. Host governments and educational agencies have introduced a range of programs to ease such concerns. However, these recommendations are seldom informed by the criminology literature on fear of crime and the effectiveness of most of these practices has been rarely tested. Drawing upon a survey on 610 international students studying in Melbourne, Australia, during the period of 2009 and 2010, this paper finds that an overwhelming majority of international students have experienced racially oriented victimisation and have feared that they may be victimised because of their ethnic origin. Opportunities for socialization help international students feel safe about an environment, but it also increases their levels of fear of crime. Perceived social disorder makes international students feel unsafe and heightens their levels of fear of being victimised. Findings provide important implications for a range of stakeholders in countries that host international students.
Ramping Up Resistance: Corporate Sustainable Development and Academic Research
Authors: Tregidga Helen , Milne Markus J. , Kearins Kate
Published: October 2015

We argue the need for academics to resist and challenge the hegemonic discourse of sustainable development within the corporate context. Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory provides a useful framework for recognizing the complex nature of sustainable development and a way of conceptualizing counter-hegemonies. Published empirical research that analyzes sustainable development discourse within corporate reports is examined to consider how the hegemonic discourse is constructed. Embedded assumptions within the hegemonic construction are identified including sustainable development as primarily about economic development, progress, growth, profitability, and “responsibly” managed levels of resource depletion. We call for multiple voices in the discursive field to debate and to resist closure and highlight the possibilities for academic researchers to actively resist the hegemonic construction. Specifically, we advocate vigilance and awareness, critical and reflective analyses, challenge and resistance based on other frames of reference, and strategies for communicating both within and outside the academy.
Passionate Leaders in Social Entrepreneurship: Exploring an African Context
Authors: Thorgren Sara , Omorede Adesuwa
Published: October 2015

Nonstate actors such as social enterprises are increasingly influential for addressing pressing social needs in sub-Saharan Africa. Moving responsibility from the state to private entrepreneurs calls for a greater understanding of how single individuals achieve their social mission in a context characterized by acute poverty and where informal institutions, such as trust and collective norms, are strong governance mechanisms. This study recognizes the role of leader passion as a key element for gaining people’s trust in the social enterprise leader and the social mission. Qualitative data were collected on 37 leaders of Nigerian social enterprises in arenas such as health, women’s rights, children’s rights, AIDS/HIV care and education, and sustainable development. Drawing on 100 semistructured interviews, the authors develop an inductive model illustrating how leader passion interrelates with the social enterprise organizing and outcomes.
Building a Stronger System for Tracking Nutrition-Sensitive Spending
Authors: Ickes Scott B. , Trichler Rachel B. , Parks Bradley C.
Published: October 2015

Background:

There is growing awareness that the necessary solutions for improving nutrition outcomes are multisectorial. As such, investments are increasingly directed toward “nutrition-sensitive” approaches that not only address an underlying or basic determinant of nutrition but also seek to achieve an explicit nutrition goal or outcome. Understanding how and where official development assistance (ODA) for nutrition is invested remains an important but complex challenge, as development projects components vary in their application to nutrition outcomes. Currently, no systematic method exists for tracking nutrition-sensitive ODA.

Objective:

To develop a methodology for classifying and tracking nutrition-sensitive ODA and to produce estimates of the amount of nutrition-sensitive aid received by countries with a high burden of undernutrition.

Methods:

We analyzed all financial flows reported to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s Development Assistance Committee Creditor Reporting Service in 2010 to estimate these investments. We assessed the relationships between national stunting prevalence, stunting burden, under-5 mortality, and the amount of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive ODA.

Results:

We estimate that, in 2010, a total of $379·4 million (M) US dollars (USD) was committed to nutrition-specific projects and programs of which 25 designated beneficiaries (countries and regions) accounted for nearly 85% ($320 M). A total of $1.79 billion (B) was committed to nutrition-sensitive spending, of which the top 25 countries/regions accounted for $1.4 B (82%). Nine categories of development activities accounted for 75% of nutrition-sensitive spending, led by Reproductive Health Care (30·4%), Food Aid/Food Security Programs (14·1%), Emergency Food Aid (13·2%), and Basic Health Care (5·0%). Multivariate linear regression models indicate that the amount of nutrition-sensitive ( P = .001) and total nutrition ODA was significantly predicted by stunting prevalence ( P = .001). The size of the total population of stunted children significantly predicted the amount of nutrition-specific ODA ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The recipient profile of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive ODA is related but distinct. Nutrition indicators are associated with the level of nutrition-related ODA commitments to recipient countries. A reliable estimate of nutrition spending is critical for effective planning by both donors and recipients and key for success, as the global development community recommits to a new round of goals to address the interrelated causes of undernutrition in low-income countries.
Why do people adopt cloud services? Gender differences
Authors: Lee Ya-Ching
Published: October 2015

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of cloud services. Prior research on the Diffusion Theory usually focuses on innovation attributes and lacks psychological dynamics. This study integrates both the innovation mechanism and psychological mechanism. Gender differences are examined. The survey results discover that relative advantage and observability are important antecedents of cloud services adoption. New technology self-efficacy is also an important predictor of cloud services adoption. The theoretical contribution of this model is its provision of a detailed account of the key forces from the perspective of innovation mechanism and psychological mechanisms underpinning the assessment of adoption intention. It also advances our knowledge that men and women react differently in making cloud usage decisions. Results of the current study indicate that both genders put the emphasis on the utilitarian aspects of cloud services. This study also provides useful suggestions for policy makers and cloud services providers in formulating strategies to enhance cloud services popularity.
Philanthropy in Family Enterprises
Authors: Feliu Neus , Botero Isabel C.
Published: October 2015

Philanthropy in family enterprises operates at the crossroads of family, business, and society. Most of the research in this area is approached from the business or the individual level; thus, we have a fragmented understanding of philanthropy in family enterprises. This article presents a systematic review of the literature on the subject. Based on 55 sources published between 1988 and 2014, we explain the drivers of this behavior, the vehicles used to practice it, and the outcomes tied to the practice of philanthropy in family enterprises. We identify gaps in our understanding and provide ideas for future research.
Springback law of high-strength 21-6-9 stainless steel tube in numerical control bending under different process parameters
Authors: Fang Jun , Lu Shiqiang , Wang Kelu , Yao Zhengjun
Published: October 2015

In order to achieve the precision bending deformation, the effects of process parameters on springback behaviors should be clarified preliminarily. Taking the 21-6-9 high-strength stainless steel tube of 15.88 mm × 0.84 mm (outer diameter × wall thickness) as the objective, the multi-parameter sensitivity analysis and three-dimensional finite element numerical simulation are conducted to address the effects of process parameters on the springback behaviors in 21-6-9 high-strength stainless steel tube numerical control bending. The results show that (1) springback increases with the increasing of the clearance between tube and mandrel Cm, the friction coefficient between tube and mandrel fm, the friction coefficient between tube and bending die fb, or with the decreasing of the mandrel extension length e, while the springback first increases and then remains unchanged with the increasing of the clearance between tube and bending die Cb. (2) The sensitivity of springback radius to process parameters is larger than that of springback angle. And the sensitivity of springback to process parameters from high to low are e, Cb, Cm, fb and fm. (3) The variation rules of the cross section deformation after springback with different Cm, Cb, fm, fb and e are similar to that before springback. But under same process parameters, the relative difference of the most measurement section is more than 20% and some even more than 70% before and after springback, and a platform deforming characteristics of the cross section deformation is shown after springback.