bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pre–postintervention study to evaluate the impact of dose calculators on the accuracy of gentamicin and vancomycin initial doses
Authors: Hamad Anas , Cavell Gillian , Hinton James , Wade Paul , Whittlesea Cate
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Gentamicin and vancomycin are narrow-therapeutic-index antibiotics with potential for high toxicity requiring dose individualisation and continuous monitoring. Clinical decision support (CDS) tools have been effective in reducing gentamicin and vancomycin dosing errors. Online dose calculators for these drugs were implemented in a London National Health Service hospital. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these calculators on the accuracy of gentamicin and vancomycin initial doses.

Methods

The study used a pre–postintervention design. Data were collected using electronic patient records and paper notes. Random samples of gentamicin and vancomycin initial doses administered during the 8 months before implementation of the calculators were assessed retrospectively against hospital guidelines. Following implementation of the calculators, doses were assessed prospectively. Any gentamicin dose not within ±10% and any vancomycin dose not within ±20% of the guideline-recommended dose were considered incorrect.

Results

The intranet calculator pages were visited 721 times (gentamicin=333; vancomycin=388) during the 2-month period following the calculators’ implementation. Gentamicin dose errors fell from 61.5% (120/195) to 44.2% (95/215), p<0.001. Incorrect vancomycin loading doses fell from 58.1% (90/155) to 32.4% (46/142), p<0.001. Incorrect vancomycin first maintenance doses fell from 55.5% (86/155) to 33.1% (47/142), p<0.001. Loading and first maintenance vancomycin doses were both incorrect in 37.4% (58/155) of patients before and 13.4% (19/142) after calculator implementation, p<0.001.

Conclusions

This study suggests that gentamicin and vancomycin dose calculators significantly improved the prescribing of initial doses of these agents. Therefore, healthcare organisations should consider using such CDS tools to support the prescribing of these high-risk drugs.
Pivotal clinical trials of novel ophthalmic drugs and medical devices: retrospective observational study, 2002–2012
Authors: Hwang Jenny , Hwang Thomas J , Ciolino Joseph B
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Novel therapeutics are an important part of ophthalmologists’ armamentarium, and the risks and benefits of these therapies must be carefully evaluated. We sought to quantify the characteristics of the pivotal clinical trials supporting the regulatory approval of new ophthalmic drugs and medical devices.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting and data source

Medical review dossiers for new ophthalmic drug and high-risk device approvals released publicly by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Main outcome measures

Proportion of pivotal trials with randomisation, masking, active or placebo controls and subgroup analyses; total and median number of trial enrollees; and the number of drugs and devices approved with required postapproval studies.

Results

From 2002 to 2012, the FDA approved 11 ophthalmic drugs and 25 devices. The pivotal trials underlying the approvals of ophthalmic drugs in our study cohort enrolled a median of 809 patients. Virtually all drug trials were randomised and masked (91%), of which 7 (70%) used a placebo control. Pivotal trials for ophthalmic devices enrolled 324 patients on average, and significantly fewer trials for ophthalmic devices versus drugs were randomised (16% vs 91%; p<0.001) or masked (12% vs 91%; p<0.001). 8 (32%) ophthalmic devices and 6 (55%) ophthalmic drugs were approved with required postapproval studies.

Conclusions

Ophthalmic therapeutics were approved based on varying levels of evidence. Postapproval studies could be used to confirm or refute early indications of safety and effectiveness of these therapeutics, with the study results accessible to patients and clinicians who need to make informed treatment decisions.
Arterial hypoxaemia and its impact on coagulation: significance of altered redox homeostasis
Authors: Fall Lewis , New Karl J , Evans Kevin A , Bailey Damian M
Published: June 2015

Aims

Arterial hypoxaemia stimulates free radical formation. Cellular studies suggest this may be implicated in coagulation activation though human evidence is lacking. To examine this, an observational study was designed to explore relationships between systemic oxidative stress and haemostatic responses in healthy participants exposed to inspiratory hypoxia.

Results

Activated partial thromboplastin time and international normalised ratio were measured as routine clinical biomarkers of coagulation and ascorbate free radical (A•−) as a direct global biomarker of free radical flux. Six hours of hypoxia activated coagulation, and increased formation of A•−, with inverse correlations observed against oxyhaemoglobin saturation.

Conclusions

This is the first study to address the link between free radical formation and coagulation in vivo. This ‘proof-of-concept’ study demonstrated functional associations between hypoxaemia and coagulation that may be subject to redox activation of the intrinsic pathway. Further studies are required to identify precisely which intrinsic factors are subject to redox activation.
J/ψ → DP, DV decays in the QCD factorization approach
Authors: Sun Junfeng , Chen Lili , Chang Qin , Huang Jinshu , Yang Yueling
Published: June 2015

Motivated by the recent measurements on nonleptonic J/ψ weak decays at BESIII and the potential prospects of J/ψ meson at the high-luminosity heavy-flavor experiments, the branching ratios of the two-body nonleptonic J/ψ → DP, DV decays are estimated quantitatively by considering the QCD radiative corrections to hadronic matrix elements with the QCD factorization approach. It is found that the Cabibbo favored [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] decays have branching ratios ≳ 10-10, which might be promisingly detectable in the near future.
Structure and electronic properties of GaN tubelike clusters and single-walled GaN nanotubes
Authors: Liu Liren , Zou Yanbo , Zhu Hengjiang
Published: June 2015

Extensive studies of the geometric structures, stabilities and electronic properties of gallium nitride (GaN)n tubelike clusters and single-walled GaN nanotubes (GaNNTs) were carried out using density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. A family of stable tubelike structures with Ga–N alternating arrangement was observed when n≥8 and their structural units (four-membered rings (4MRs) and six-membered rings (6MRs)) obey the general developing formula. The size-dependent properties of the frontier molecular orbital surfaces explain why the long and stable tubelike clusters can be obtained successfully. They also illustrate the reason why GaNNTs can be synthesized experimentally. Our results also reveal that the single-walled GaNNTs, which as semiconductors with a large bandgap, can be prepared by using the proper assembly of tubelike clusters.
Stability and approximation of invariant measures of Markov chains in random environments
Authors: Froyland Gary , González-Tokman Cecilia
Published: June 2015

We consider finite-state Markov chains driven by stationary ergodic invertible processes representing random environments. Our main result is that the invariant measures of Markov chains in random environments (MCREs) are stable under a wide variety of perturbations. We prove stability in the sense of convergence in probability of the invariant measure of the perturbed MCRE to the original invariant measure. We also develop a new numerical scheme to construct rigorous approximations of the invariant measures, which converge in probability as the resolution of the scheme increases. This numerical approach is illustrated with an example of a random walk in a random environment.
A New Approach to Model Numerically the Nonlinear Wave Propagation
Authors: Meftah Khouane
Published: June 2015

In order to model nonlinear breaking waves with moving boundary and coastal sandbar migration; we presented a morphodynamic model, where hydrodynamic equations (free surface flows) and sediment transport equation are solved in a coupled manner. The originality lies in the development of an innovative approach, in which, we project the horizontal velocity onto a basis functions depending only on the variable z and we calculate analytically the vertical velocity and the nonhydrostatic pressure. The choice of basis depends on the problem under consideration. This model is numerically stable because there is no mesh in the vertical direction. This model is accurate because we can directly introduce functions that best fits the physical nature of the flow. Our model is validated through laboratory measurements carried out by Dingemans [1994, J. Comput. Phys. 231, 328–344], Cox and Kobayashi [2000, J. Geophys. Res. 105(c6), 223–236. and Dette et al. [2002, Coast. Eng. 47, 137–177].
On generalized Einstein Randers metrics
Authors: Tayebi Akbar , Nankali Ali
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we study the Ricci directional curvature defined by H. Akbar-Zadeh in Finsler geometry and obtain the formula of Ricci directional curvature for Randers metrics. Let F = α + β be a Randers metric on a manifold M, where [Formula: see text] is a Riemannian metric and β = biyi is a closed 1-form on M. We prove that F is a generalized Einstein metric if and only if it is a Berwald metric.
A porphyrin-based chemosensor for colorimetric and fluorometric detection of cadmium(II) with high selectivity
Authors: Lv Yuanyuan , Wu Lili , Shen Wangxing , Wang Junbo , Xuan Guida , Sun Xiaoyi
Published: June 2015

A new chemosensor (ProE) based on a functionalized porphyrin for colorimetric and fluorometric detection of cadmium ions ( Cd 2+) was outlined. ProE displays a distinct color change, as well as dramatic ratiometric variations in absorption and fluorescent emission spectra upon exposure to Cd 2+. This condition allows the detection of the analyte at concentrations as low as 0.073 μM. The dual chromo- and fluorogenic responses of the probe are attributed to the formation of a 1:1 Cd 2+/ProE complex, which ultimately affects its optical properties. The sensor also exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity toward Cd 2+ over other common metal ions in a moderate pH range, leading to potential fabrication of both "naked-eye" and ratiometric fluorescent detection of Cd 2+.
Effect of pollution on dynamics of SIR model with treatment
Authors: Chauhan Sudipa , Bhatia Sumit Kaur , Gupta Surbhi
Published: June 2015

In this paper, an SIR epidemic model with treatment affected by pollution is proposed. The existence, local and global dynamics of the model are studied. It is shown that backward bifurcation occurs at R0< 1 and p0< 1 because of insufficient capacity of treatment. It is also found that due to pollution the number of infective has gone to a very high level. As a result, backward bifurcation occurs for R0< 1, even when p0> 1. Further, there exist bistable endemic equilibria for a very low capacity for R0> 1. Thus, we found that disease can be eradicated for R0< 1 only by increasing the capacity to a sufficiently high level. Persistence of endemicity of the system is obtained and the mathematical results suggest that the basic reproduction number is insufficient for disease eradication. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the results obtained.
Non-commuting graphs of rings
Authors: Erfanian A. , Khashyarmanesh K. , Nafar Kh.
Published: June 2015

Let R be a non-commutative ring and let C(R) be the center of R. The non-commuting graph ΓR of R associated to R is defined as a graph with R\C(R) as the vertices and two distinct vertices x and y are joined whenever xy ≠ yx. We study various graph theoretical properties of this graph.
Palaeomagnetism, geochronology and geochemistry of the Palaeoproterozoic Rabbit Creek and Powder River dyke swarms: implications for Wyoming in supercraton Superia
Authors: Kilian Taylor M. , Bleeker Wouter , Chamberlain Kevin , Evans David A. D. , Cousens Brian
Published: June 2015

It is likely that Archaean cratons of Laurentia had different palaeogeographic histories prior to their amalgamation. New palaeomagnetic, geochronological and geochemical evidence supports a reconstruction of the Wyoming craton adjacent to the southern margin of the Superior craton at 2.16 Ga, before rifting (
c.
2.1–2.0 Ga) and eventual reamalgamation after the Hudsonian Orogeny (
c.
1.8 Ga). U–Pb ages (TIMS on baddeleyite) from five dykes yield two groups of ages at
c.
2164 and 2155 Ma. The younger group of ages defines the Rabbit Creek swarm at 2161–2152 Ma and precisely dates its palaeomagnetic pole. Two large and differentiated dykes (>100 m) in the Bighorn and Wind River uplifts are geographically related to the Rabbit Creek swarm but have slightly different orientations and yield slightly older ages at 2171–2157 Ma. These dykes may be parts of a single intrusion (the ‘Great Dyke of Wyoming’) that spans over 200 km between uplifts, possibly representing a different magmatic event. This older event does not have enough distinct intrusions to provide a correctly averaged palaeomagnetic pole, but correlates with magmatism in the Superior craton and has a palaeomagnetic remanence comparable to the Rabbit Creek dykes. With minor tilt corrections, the palaeomagnetic data from the Rabbit Creek swarm and Powder River–South Pass dykes support a reconstruction of the southeastern Wyoming craton against the southern Superior craton. This fit juxtaposes the Palaeoproterozoic Huronian and Snowy Pass Supergroups along two passive margins that experienced a prolonged period of mafic magmatism (>100 myr) and rift basin development. Although there are slight geochemical variations across the Rabbit Creek swarm, all dykes fit into two distinct groups that are independently dated and internally consistent.

Supplementary material:

Supporting figures and locality tables are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18824
Human airway smooth muscle cells secrete amphiregulin via bradykinin/COX-2/PGE2, inducing COX-2, CXCL8, and VEGF expression in airway epithelial cells
Authors: Deacon Karl , Knox Alan J.
Published: June 2015

Human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMC) contribute to asthma pathophysiology through an increased smooth muscle mass and elevated cytokine/chemokine output. Little is known about how HASMC and the airway epithelium interact to regulate chronic airway inflammation and remodeling. Amphiregulin is a member of the family of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) agonists with cell growth and proinflammatory roles and increased expression in the lungs of asthma patients. Here we show that bradykinin (BK) stimulation of HASMC increases amphiregulin secretion in a mechanism dependent on BK-induced COX-2 expression, increased PGE2 output, and the stimulation of HASMC EP2 and EP4 receptors. Conditioned medium from BK treated HASMC induced CXCL8, VEGF, and COX-2 mRNA and protein accumulation in airway epithelial cells, which were blocked by anti-amphiregulin antibodies and amphiregulin siRNA, suggesting a paracrine effect of HASMC-derived amphiregulin on airway epithelial cells. Consistent with this, recombinant amphiregulin induced CXCL8, VEGF, and COX-2 in airway epithelial cells. Finally, we found that conditioned media from amphiregulin-stimulated airway epithelial cells induced amphiregulin expression in HASMC and that this was dependent on airway epithelial cell COX-2 activity. Our study provides evidence of a dynamic axis of interaction between HASMC and epithelial cells that amplifies CXCL8, VEGF, COX-2, and amphiregulin production.
Polyethylene Naphthalate Scintillator: A Novel Detector for the Dosimetry of Radioactive Ophthalmic Applicators
Authors: Flühs Dirk , Flühs Andrea , Ebenau Melanie , Eichmann Marion
Published: June 2015

Background: Dosimetric measurements in small radiation fields with large gradients, such as eye plaque dosimetry with β or low-energy photon emitters, require dosimetrically almost water-equivalent detectors with volumes of <1 mm3 and linear responses over several orders of magnitude. Polyvinyltoluene-based scintillators fulfil these conditions. Hence, they are a standard for such applications. However, they show disadvantages with regard to certain material properties and their dosimetric behaviour towards low-energy photons. Purpose, Materials and Methods: Polyethylene naphthalate, recently recognized as a scintillator, offers chemical, physical and basic dosimetric properties superior to polyvinyltoluene. Its general applicability as a clinical dosimeter, however, has not been shown yet. To prove this applicability, extensive measurements at several clinical photon and electron radiation sources, ranging from ophthalmic plaques to a linear accelerator, were performed. Results: For all radiation qualities under investigation, covering a wide range of dose rates, a linearity of the detector response to the dose was shown. Conclusion: Polyethylene naphthalate proved to be a suitable detector material for the dosimetry of ophthalmic plaques, including low-energy photon emitters and other small radiation fields. Due to superior properties, it has the potential to replace polyvinyltoluene as the standard scintillator for such applications.
GSK-3β Inhibition Affects Singing Behavior and Neurogenesis in Adult Songbirds
Authors: Aloni Etay , Shapira Moran , Eldar-Finkelman Hagit , Barnea Anat
Published: June 2015

GSK-3 (glycogen synthase kinase-3) is a serine/threonine kinase which is a critical regulator in neuronal signaling, cognition, and behavior. We have previously shown that unlike other vertebrates that harbor both α and β GSK-3 genes, the α gene is missing in birds. Therefore, birds can be used as a new animal model to study the roles of GSK-3β in behavior and in regulating adult neurogenesis. In the present study, we inhibited GSK-3β in brains of adult male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and accordingly investigated how this inhibition affects behavior and cell proliferation. Our results show that GSK-3 inhibition: (1) affects specific aspects of singing behavior, which might be related to social interactions in birds, and (2) differentially affects cell proliferation in various parts of the ventricular zone. Taken together, our study demonstrates a role of GSK-3β in regulating singing behavior and neuronal proliferation in birds and highlights the importance of GSK-3β in modulating cognitive abilities as well as social behavior.
Sex-Biased Expression of Young Genes in Silurana (Xenopus) tropicalis
Authors: Chain Frédéric J.J.
Published: June 2015

Sex-biased gene expression can evolve from sex-specific selection and is often associated with sex-linked genes. Gene duplication is a particularly effective mechanism for the generation of sex-biased genes, in which a new copy can help resolve intralocus sexual conflicts. This study assesses sex-biased gene expression in an amphibian with homomorphic ZW sex chromosomes, the Western clawed frog Silurana (Xenopus)tropicalis. Previous work has shown that the sex chromosomes in this species are mainly undifferentiated and pseudoautosomal. Consistent with ongoing recombination between the sex chromosomes, this study detected little evidence for the general sexualization of sex-linked regions. A subset of genes closely linked to the sex determining locus displays a tendency for male-biased expression and elevated rates of evolution relative to genes in other genomic locations. This may be a symptom of an early stage of sex chromosome differentiation driven by, for example, chromosomal degeneration or natural selection on genes in this portion of the Z chromosome. Alternatively, it could reflect variation between the sexes in allelic copy number coupled with a lack of dosage compensation. Irrespective of the genomic location, lineage-specific genes and recently duplicated genes had significantly high levels of sex-biased expression, offering insights into the early transcriptional differentiation of young genes.
Chromatin Modifications Associated With Diabetes and Obesity
Authors: Schones Dustin E. , Leung Amy , Natarajan Rama
Published: June 2015

The incidence of obesity across the globe has doubled over the past several decades, leading to escalating rates of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and other complications. Given this dramatic rise in disease incidence, understanding the cause of these diseases is therefore of paramount importance. Metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus, result from a multitude of genetic and environmental factors. Although the genetic basis of these diseases has been extensively studied, the molecular pathways whereby environmental factors influence disease progression are only beginning to be understood. One manner by which environmental factors can contribute to disease progression is through modifications to chromatin. The highly structured packaging of the genome into the nucleus through chromatin has been shown to be fundamental to tissue-specific gene regulation. Modifications to chromatin can regulate gene expression and are involved in a myriad of biological functions, and hence, disruption of these modifications is central to many human diseases. These modifications can furthermore be epigenetic in nature, thereby contributing to prolonged disease risk. Recent work has demonstrated that modifications to chromatin are associated with the progression of both diabetes mellitus and obesity, which is the subject of this review.
Inflammatory Cell Phenotypes in AAAs
Authors: Dale Matthew A. , Ruhlman Melissa K. , Baxter B. Timothy
Published: June 2015

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are characterized by chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. AAA is typically an asymptomatic disease and caused ≈15 000 deaths annually in the United States. Previous studies have examined both human and murine aortic tissue for the presence of various inflammatory cell types. Studies show that in both human and experimental AAAs, prominent inflammatory cell infiltration, such as CD4
+
T cells and macrophages, occurs in the damaged aortic wall. These cells have the ability to undergo phenotypic modulation based on microenvironmental cues, potentially influencing disease progression. Proinflammatory CD4
+
T cells and classically activated macrophages dominate the landscape of aortic infiltrates. The skew to proinflammatory phenotypes alters disease progression and plays a role in causing chronic inflammation. The local cytokine production and presence of inflammatory mediators, such as extracellular matrix breakdown products, influence the uneven balance of the inflammatory infiltrate phenotypes. Understanding and developing new strategies that target the proinflammatory phenotype could provide useful therapeutic targets for a disease with no current pharmacological intervention.
Clinical Outcomes According to Diabetic Status in Patients Treated With Biodegradable Polymer Sirolimus-Eluting Stents Versus Durable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stents
Authors: Franzone Anna , Pilgrim Thomas , Heg Dik , Roffi Marco , Tüller David , Vuilliomenet André , Muller Olivier , Cook Stéphane , Weilenmann Daniel , Kaiser Christoph , Jamshidi Peiman , Räber Lorenz , Stortecky Stefan , Wenaweser Peter , Jüni Peter , Windecker Stephan
Published: June 2015

Background—

Ultrathin strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (BP-SES) proved noninferior to durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (DP-EES) for a composite clinical end point in a population with minimal exclusion criteria. We performed a prespecified subgroup analysis of the Ultrathin Strut Biodegradable Polymer Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Versus Durable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stent for Percutaneous Coronary Revascularisation (BIOSCIENCE) trial to compare the performance of BP-SES and DP-EES in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results—

BIOSCIENCE trial was an investigator-initiated, single-blind, multicentre, randomized, noninferiority trial comparing BP-SES versus DP-EES. The primary end point, target lesion failure, was a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically indicated target lesion revascularization within 12 months. Among a total of 2119 patients enrolled between February 2012 and May 2013, 486 (22.9%) had diabetes mellitus. Overall diabetic patients experienced a significantly higher risk of target lesion failure compared with patients without diabetes mellitus (10.1% versus 5.7%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–2.56;
P
=0.001). At 1 year, there were no differences between BP-SES versus DP-EES in terms of the primary end point in both diabetic (10.9% versus 9.3%; HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.67–2.10;
P
=0.56) and nondiabetic patients (5.3% versus 6.0%; HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.58–1.33;
P
=0.55). Similarly, no significant differences in the risk of definite or probable stent thrombosis were recorded according to treatment arm in both study groups (4.0% versus 3.1%; HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.49–3.41;
P
=0.60 for diabetic patients and 2.4% versus 3.4%; HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.39–1.25;
P
=0.23, in nondiabetics).

Conclusions—

In the prespecified subgroup analysis of the BIOSCIENCE trial, clinical outcomes among diabetic patients treated with BP-SES or DP-EES were comparable at 1 year.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01443104.
Upogebiidae Borradaile, 1903 from the Andaman Sea, collected by the Phuket Marine Biological Center, Thailand, with seven new species, presented in revised keys (Thalassinidea Latreille, 1831)
Authors: Sakai Katsushi
Published: June 2015

A biodiversity workshop under the title “International Workshop on the Crustacea of the Andaman Sea” was held at Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC), Phuket, Thailand, from 29 November to 20 December 1998 in the framework of the Thai-Danish BIOSHELF programme, running from 1996 to 2000. Material of the decapod crustacean families Callianassidae Dana, 1852 and Upogebiidae Borradaile, 1903, collected in 1996 and 1998, has been made available for study. As a sequel to the report on the callianassid collections, published in 2002 (Phuket Marine Biological Center Special Publication,23(2): 461-532 [2002]), the upogebiid collections, are treated in the present paper, with as a result records of seven species of the genusParagebiculaSakai, 2006, including five new species, and three species of the genusUpogebiaLeach, 1814, including two new species. All species are presented in revised keys to the subfamilies, genera, and species of the family Upogebiidae Borradaile, 1903.
Mallacoota carinacera sp. nov., a new amphipod species of the family Maeridae (Hadzioidea, Senticaudata) from Micronesia
Authors: Jung Tae Won , Yoon Kon-Tak , Heo Soo-Jin , Kang Do-Hyung
Published: June 2015

Mallacootacarinacerasp. nov., a new amphipod species of the family Maeridae, collected from Weno Island, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, is described for the first time, with a detailed description and illustrations, and characteristic features between related species are discussed.
Suppression of the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, using water extract of bean sprout residue
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Toyota Koki , Sedrati Ghalia Missous
Published: June 2015

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN),Heterodera glycines, is a widespread pest in most soybean-producing areas, causing serious damage to soybean crops and resulting in economic losses. We have previously reported that bean sprout residue might function as an environmentally-friendly control agent against SCN. In order to understand the role of water extracted from bean sprout residue as a possible factor in lowering the number of SCN, either water extract of bean sprout residue (WE) or water (W) was applied to pots containing soil infested with SCN, and komatsuna plants, a leafy vegetable, were grown in these pots. After 2 months, the number of SCN, estimated with real-time PCR, was 80% lower in WE than in W and the biomass of komatsuna plants was 100% higher in WE than in W, suggesting that WE has not only an SCN eradication effect but also a fertilisation effect. In field experiments, WE or W was applied ten times during the experimental period from July 2010 to June 2011. The number of SCN decreased by 82% in WE and by 36% in W; however, the marked decrease was observed only between July and September and between April and June. Green soybean plants were grown in the field where WE or W had been applied and the yield was markedly higher in WE (750 g m−2) than in W (200 g m−2). The hatching stimulation of SCN eggs by WE was tested at four different temperatures (10, 20, 25, 30°C) and was observed only at 25°C. These results show that water extract of bean sprout residue decreases the density of SCN and thereby damage to green soybeans, and that the suppressive effect depends on soil temperature.
The Antinomies of Legitimacy: On the (Im)possibility of a Legitimate International Criminal Court
Authors: Kiyani Asad
Published: June 2015

This paper critically analyzes the concept of legitimacy as it applies to international criminal law. Using the referral of the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court (icc) – and the resultant disagreement between Sudan, the African Union, and the icc – as an entry point, it examines the discourse about the referral as a contest of legitimacy. After placing this specific example in the context of theories of legitimacy, it argues that there are no objective criteria for determining the legitimacy of an international criminal tribunal. Legitimacy as a concrete concept is best understood as a Kantian antinomy – an unanswerable question that borders on the metaphysical. Yet this indeterminacy can be turned to the advantage of the critical theorist, offering pragmatic, normative, and pluralist alternatives for the reconstitution of international criminal tribunals such as the icc.
The Role of the Judiciary in the Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights in Cameroon
Authors: Agbor Avitus
Published: June 2015

The ratification and domestication of international human rights instruments could be used as indices to determine a state’s commitment to the promotion and protection of, and respect for, human rights. Within municipal legal systems, the judiciary is one of the stakeholders to fulfil these tasks. As one of the organs of government, it can play a critical role in defining the content and evolution of both democracy and human rights. Even though a state party to numerous international human rights instruments, a critical analysis of Cameroon’s institutional mechanisms reveals that there is a conspicuous incompatibility between these institutional mechanisms and the ideals of democracy and human rights. More specifically, the power of the judiciary, as stipulated in the Constitution, is very limited. This parochial mandate has had a heavy toll on first, the democratic evolution of the country; and secondly, on ensuring the promotion, protection of, and respect for, human rights. This paper argues that the judiciary in Cameroon should play a role in enhancing democracy and human rights. To do this, the judiciary must undergo a paradigm shift from a complacent and disturbing judicial inertia to judicial activism.
Current Demographics in Large Corporate Law Firms in South Africa
Authors: Klaaren Jonathan
Published: June 2015

By contrast with the judges and the advocates, the issue of race and gender representivity in the attorneys segment of the legal profession generally and in large corporate law firms specifically has not received significant attention, in part due to the lack of accurate statistics and a thin research tradition. Addressing the gap, a 2013 survey investigated the demographics of legal professionals in large corporate law firms in South Africa. The chief finding of the survey is that South Africa’s major corporate law firms are still dominated by white men, especially in their upper echelons. Further, nearly half of the African women professionally employed in large corporate law firms (48.1%) are candidate attorneys, which is to say non-admitted legal professionals. These findings are consistent with the few earlier studies that have been conducted and indicate the need for further detailed research into the social dynamics of the African legal profession.
A revision of the Elachista dispilella complex (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Elachistidae)
Authors: KAILA LAURI , BARAN TOMASZ , MUTANEN MARKO
Published: June 2015

The Elachista dispilella group and its subordinate E. dispilella species complex are characterized. Identity of the long confused oldest names applicable for taxa in the E. dispilella complex, i.e., E. dispilella Zeller, E. festucicolella Zeller, and E. distigmatella Frey, is resolved. Elachista dispilella Zeller is the valid name for the species often identified as E. festucicolella, E. steueri Traugott-Olsen, or E. manni Traugott-Olsen. Elachista distigmatella Frey is the valid name for the species regularly identified as E. dispilella. The identity of E. festucicolella Zeller, so far entirely dubious, is clarified. Nineteen species attributable to the E. dispilella complex sensu Traugott-Olsen are recognized. The following new synonymies are proposed: Elachista steueri Traugott-Olsen, 1990, syn. nov.; E. manni Traugott-Olsen, 1990, syn. nov.; E. jaeckhi Traugot-Olsen, 1990, syn. nov.; and E. gebzeensis Traugott-Olsen, 1990, syn. nov., are considered synonyms of E. dispilella Zeller, 1839. Elachista klimeschiella Parenti, 2002 is synonymized with E. festucicolella Zeller, 1853; and Elachista purella Sruoga, 2000 with E. levasi Sruoga, 1998, syn. nov. Identification keys for males and females are provided. All species are diagnosed, the lesser known are also redescribed. Four new species are described: Elachista implana Kaila, sp. nov., from Austria; E. ripai Kaila, sp. nov., from Kyrgyzstan; Elachista sitibunda Kaila, sp. nov., from Uzbekistan; and Elachista laterotis Kaila, sp. nov., from Turkey.
The authorships and dates of the specific nomina Megophrys shuichengensis and Pseudohynobius shuichengensis (Amphibia)
Authors: OHLER ANNEMARIE , FRÉTEY THIERRY , DUBOIS ALAIN
Published: June 2015

Two amphibian species from China are designated by the specific nomen shuichengensis, which refers to the Shuicheng County (26°34’N, 104°51’E), south of the city of Liupanshui in the province of Guizhou: Megophrys shuichengensis (Amphibia, Anura) and Pseudohynobius shuichengensis (Amphibia, Urodela). The holotypes (holophoronts) of both species were deposited in Department of Biology of the Liupanshui Teachers Higher College (LTHC below). Both species share the particularity of having been described as new twice, at different dates, in different journals and with different authorships. Although this has been acknowledged for the salamander, it has not yet been so for the frog.
Nomenclatural issues in the Psammodromus hispanicus (Squamata: Lacertidae) species group
Authors: CROCHET PIERRE-ANDRÉ
Published: June 2015

The Psammodromus hispanicus species group has been recently shown to include three lineages that differ in morphology (San-Jose et al. 2012), have largely parapatric range but exhibit little evidence of historical gene flow (Fitze et al. 2011), leading to the recognition of these three lineages as distinct species (Fitze et al. 2012). The eastern species can be unambiguously associated with the nomen Lacerta edwarsiana Dugès 1829, as the detailed information in Dugès (1829) leaves no doubt that he describes as Lacerta edwarsiana the local member of the P. hispanicus complex, and the type locality is the “bas Languedoc”, an area of France equivalent to the lowland parts of the current Languedoc region where the only member of the complex is the eastern lineage. The types of Psammodromus edwarsianus have not been traced as far as I am aware, but given the lack of uncertainty regarding allocation of this nomen to the eastern lineage of the P. hispanicus complex this has no nomenclatural consequence. Two nomenclatural issues remain in this species group however: the aim of this note is to solve them.
Dolichopodidae (Diptera) from the Iberian Peninsula, with description of three new species
Authors: NAGLIS STEFAN , BARTÁK MIROSLAV
Published: June 2015

Faunistic data is given for 43 species of Dolichopodidae from the Iberian Peninsula. Altogether nine species are recorded for the first time from Portugal and six species from Spain. Three species are described as new to science: Chrysotimus meridionalis sp. nov. (Spain, Portugal), Hercostomus ibericus sp. nov. (Spain), and Sciapus negrobovi sp. nov. (Portugal).
Three new endemic species of Epictia Gray, 1845 (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae) from the dry forest of northwestern Peru
Authors: Koch Claudia , Venegas Pablo J. , Böhme Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

Three new blind snake species of the genus Epictia are described based on material collected in the Peruvian Regions Amazonas, Cajamarca and La Libertad. All three species are well differentiated from all congeners based on characteristics of their morphology and coloration. They share 10 scale rows around the middle of the tail and possess two supralabials with the anterior one in broad contact with the supraocular. Epictia septemlineata sp. nov. has 16 subcaudal scales, 257 mid-dorsal scale rows, a yellowish-white rostral, and a black terminal spine. Epictia vanwallachi sp. nov. exhibits 16 subcaudals, 188 mid-dorsal scale rows, a grayish-brown rostral, and a yellow terminal spine. Epictia antoniogarciai sp. nov. features 14–18 subcaudals, 195–208 mid-dorsal scale rows, a bright yellow or yellowish-white rostral, and the terminal spine and terminal portion of the tail yellow. All three species were collected in the interandean dry forest valleys of the Marañón River and its tributaries. This region is an area of endemism and warrants further attention from systematic and conservation biologists.
Flexammina islandica gen. nov. sp. nov. and some new phylotypes of monothalamous foraminifera from the coast of Iceland
Authors: VOLTSKI IVAN , PAWLOWSKI JAN
Published: June 2015

Monothalamous (single-chambered) foraminifera comprise a poorly known group, the diversity of which is strongly underestimated according to environmental DNA surveys. The gross morphology of monothalamids offers few distinguishing features; their organic-walled or agglutinated tests are often very delicate and make isolation difficult. Here, we use an integrated taxonomic approach, including morphological and molecular analysis, to examine the diversity of monothalamids in a shallow subtidal area on the coast of Iceland. We report nine new phylotypes of single-chambered foraminifera distinguished by SSU rDNA sequences. Among them, we establish a new genus Flexammina and a new species Flexammina islandica, possessing a very pliable, finely agglutinated test capable of extreme shape transformations. According to molecular data, F. islandica belongs to the monothalamid clade M, which also includes the well-known genus Allogromia. In addition, we provide brief descriptions and illustrations of nine other monothalamous foraminifera isolated from the same area. Three of them are closely related to some unidentified environmental sequences and serve as the first microscopic documentation of these anonymous lineages.
Description of a new species of Bothinodroctonus Schedl, 1969 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) from Africa
Authors: KNÍŽEK Miloš , Mandelshtam Michail
Published: June 2015

A new species of Bothinodroctonus in the tribe Polygraphini is described from Gambia and Kenya. This is the first representative of the genus in Afrotropical region. A holotype based description contains also the intraspecific variety of the newly described species based on available specimens and differential diagnoses to species within the genus.
Mediporus, a new genus of the leafhopper subfamily Evacanthinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), with a key to genera of the Evacanthini
Authors: WANG YANG , VIRAKTAMATH CHANDRA A. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: June 2015

Mediporus splendens gen. n. and sp. n. is described and illustrated based on specimens from Thailand. In addition, a key to genera of the Evacanthini is provided.
Nannophlebia leoboppi sp nov., a new dragonfly species from New Guinea (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libellulidae)
Authors: ORR ALBERT G. , KALKMAN VINCENT J.
Published: June 2015

Nannophlebia leoboppi sp. nov. is described and figured based on a male specimen collected in the Star Mountains of Central New Guinea. This relatively large representative of its genus is compared with its probable nearest relative, N. antiacantha Lieftinck, 1963, which is also partially figured. The new species brings the total number of Nannophlebia species to 25.
Third contribution to the knowledge of water mites from the Comoros, with the description of two new species (Acari: Hydrachnidia)
Authors: PEŠIĆ VLADIMIR , SMIT HARRY , MARY NATHALIE
Published: June 2015

New records of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from the Comoros are presented. Two species new to science, Torrenticola comorosensis (Torrenticolidae) and Sterkspruitia comorosensis (Hygrobatidae) are described; the latter species is the second known species of the genus Sterkspruitia Cook, 2003. First records are given for Limnochares crinita Koenike, 1898 and Mamersella thienemanni K. Viets, 1929. Additional measurements, figures and information on the morphology are given for specimens assigned to the Monatractides ventriosus—species complex.
One new genus and five new nematode species (Monhysterida, Xyalidae) from Tonga and Kermadec Trenches, Southwest Pacific
Authors: LEDUC DANIEL
Published: June 2015

Little is known about the diversity and systematics of nematodes in hadal trenches (>6000 m depth). The analysis of core samples recently obtained from Tonga (10810 m) and Kermadec Trenches (8081 m) reveals the presence of a diverse nematode community in these extreme environments, and provides the deepest record for the phylum. Here, one new genus and five new species of the family Xyalidae are described. Lamyronema n. gen. is characterised by a large, tripartite buccal cavity and can be distinguished from other genera with similar buccal cavities mainly by the pharyngeal tissue almost completely surrounding the buccal cavity and by the presence of sub-cephalic setae positioned anteriorly to the amphideal fovea. Lamyronema horizonensis n. gen. n. sp. is characterised by the presence of 16–22 sub-cephalic setae, pronounced sexual dimorphism in the size of the amphideal fovea, and short, straight spicules. Daptonema amphorum n. sp. is characterised by short somatic setae, narrow head region, amphideal fovea relatively far from anterior body extremity, thin gubernaculum without apophyses, and cuticularised prevulvar uterine sac with two conspicuous rims. Manganonema kitasatoi n. sp., M. rowdeni n. sp., and M. majusculum n. sp. share traits that set them apart from other species of the genus, i.e., large body size (1100–2080 µm), presence of one pair of short setae posterior to the amphideal fovea, and male reproductive system with two testes. The latter trait necessitates amendments to the genus diagnosis.
Castianeira furva sp. nov. (Araneae, Corinnidae, Castianeirinae), a new polymorphic ground sac spider from the southern Western Ghats of India
Authors: SANKARAN PRADEEP M. , MALAMEL JOBI J. , JOSEPH MATHEW M. , SEBASTIAN POTHALIL A.
Published: June 2015

The ground-dwelling, ant-mimicking corinnid spider genus Castianeira, with Castianeira rubicunda as type species, was erected by Keyserling (1879). Members of the genus are closely related to the Afrotropical genus Cambalida Simon, 1910 (Haddad 2012a) and are distributed mainly in tropical and temperate regions of the world except for Australia and nearby islands (World Spider Catalog 2015). The genus was revised from the Nearctic Region and south-east Asia (Reiskind 1969 and Deeleman-Reinhold 2001, respectively) and currently includes 126 described species, making it as the largest genus within the family Corinnidae (World Spider Catalog 2015). Even though the genus is rich in species, the validity and placement of majority of the species are still doubtful and questionable. For example, according to Haddad (2012b), many of the Afrotropical species, as well as majority of the species described from India (Haddad, pers. comm.) are misplaced or synonyms of previously described ones (e.g. Haddad 2012a, 2013a). The genus thus will remain as a trash-can until all the species described so far can be revised.
Thunderstorms Do Not Get Butterflies
Authors: Durran Dale R. , Weyn Jonathan A.
Published: June 2015

One important limitation on the accuracy of weather forecasts is imposed by unavoidable errors in the specification of the atmosphere’s initial state. Much theoretical concern has been focused on the limits to predictability imposed by small-scale errors, potentially even those on the scale of a butterfly. Very modest errors at much larger scales may nevertheless pose a more important practical limitation. We demonstrate the importance of large-scale uncertainty by analyzing ensembles of idealized squall-line simulations. Our results imply that minimizing initial errors on scales around 100 km is more likely to extend the accuracy of forecasts at lead times longer than 3–4 h than efforts to minimize initial errors on much smaller scales. These simulations also demonstrate that squall lines, triggered in a horizontally homogeneous environment with no initial background circulations, can generate a background mesoscale kinetic energy spectrum roughly similar to that observed in the atmosphere.
The effect of bio-carbon addition on the electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of polyvinyl alcohol/biochar composites
Authors: Nan Nan , DeVallance David B , Xie Xinfeng , Wang Jingxin
Published: June 2015

The composites of polyvinyl alcohol and bio-carbon (i.e. biochar) were prepared by a solution casting method to investigate their electrical conductivity and mechanical and thermal properties. The polyvinyl alcohol/biochar composites filled with 2 wt% and 10 wt% biochar exhibit a similar electrical conductivity to most carbon nanotube and graphene reinforced polyvinyl alcohol composites. Results of mechanical tests indicate that addition of the biochar reduced the tensile strength of the polyvinyl alcohol/biochar composites. However, the tensile modulus and storage modulus above the glass transition temperature were improved through the addition of biochar. The results of thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry indicated that addition of biochar increased the thermal decomposition temperature of polyvinyl alcohol/biochar composites. These results demonstrate that biochar holds great potential for replacing the carbon nanotubes and graphene as a filler of polymers in electrical applications.