bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAGE and TLRs as Key Targets for Antiatherosclerotic Therapy
Authors: Olejarz Wioletta , Łacheta Dominika , Głuszko Alicja , Migacz Ewa , Kukwa Wojciech , Szczepański Mirosław J. , Tomaszewski Piotr , Nowicka Grażyna
Published: August 2018

Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the key factors indicating a danger to the organism. They recognize the microbial origin pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). The primary response induced by PAMPs or DAMPs is inflammation. Excessive stimulation of the innate immune system occurs in arterial wall with the participation of effector cells. Persistent adaptive responses can also cause tissue damage and disease. However, inflammation mediated by the molecules innate responses is an important way in which the adaptive immune system protects us from infection. The specific detection of PAMPs and DAMPs by host receptors drives a cascade of signaling that converges at nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) and induces the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, type I interferon (IFN), and chemokines, which promote direct killing of the pathogen. Therefore, signaling of these receptors’ pathways also appear to present new avenue for the modulation of inflammatory responses and to serve as potential novel therapeutic targets for antiatherosclerotic therapy.
A Novel Model Based on Square Root Elastic Net and Artificial Neural Network for Forecasting Global Solar Radiation
Authors: Jiang He , Dong Yao
Published: August 2018

In recent years, solar energy has attracted a great deal of attentions from scientific researchers because it is a clean and renewable form of energy. To make good use of solar energy, an effective way to forecast solar radiation is essential to guarantee the reliability of grid‐connected photovoltaic installations. Although an artificial neural network (ANN) is of great importance, irrelevant variables are utilized which results in complex model and intractable computation cost. To remove these irrelevant variables, the combination of variable selection methods and ANN are applied. However, how to select the regularization parameters in these techniques is challenging. This paper successfully investigates a square root elastic net‐ (SREN‐) based approach to tackle this challenge and selects all the important variables. An Elman neural network (ENN) is constructed with the important variables selected by SREN as inputs. Based on meteorological data, SRENENN has been developed for 1‐year period in Xinjiang area of China. The present model delivers superior relationship between the estimated and measure values.
Skin Disease Recognition Method Based on Image Color and Texture Features
Authors: Wei Li-sheng , Gan Quan , Ji Tao
Published: August 2018

Skin diseases have a serious impact on people’s life and health. Current research proposes an efficient approach to identify singular type of skin diseases. It is necessary to develop automatic methods in order to increase the accuracy of diagnosis for multitype skin diseases. In this paper, three type skin diseases such as herpes, dermatitis, and psoriasis skin disease could be identified by a new recognition method. Initially, skin images were preprocessed to remove noise and irrelevant background by filtering and transformation. Then the method of grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) was introduced to segment images of skin disease. The texture and color features of different skin disease images could be obtained accurately. Finally, by using the support vector machine (SVM) classification method, three types of skin diseases were identified. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Preoperative Fasting Guidelines in Children: Should They Be Revised?
Authors: Kafrouni Hazem , Ojaimi Rami El
Published: August 2018

Children presenting with ingestion of foreign bodies need gastroscopy as a primary management modality. A controversy lies regarding guidelines for preoperative fasting among children with low risk of aspiration and intraoperative complications. This case report represents cases of children who ingested foreign bodies and underwent fasting at different times preoperatively. With mounting evidence questioning the benefits of long durations of fasting in decreasing the risk of aspiration and with studies showing that fasting for more than 2 hours after ingestion of clear fluid does not significantly alter gastric pH or volume, these incidental findings raise the question of whether it is safe to keep children NPO, for a shorter duration before the administration of anesthesia. In addition, this report shows that current guidelines are in need of revision.
MT1-MMP as a PET Imaging Biomarker for Pancreas Cancer Management
Authors: Morcillo Miguel Ángel , García de Lucas Ángel , Oteo Marta , Romero Eduardo , Magro Natalia , Ibáñez Marta , Martínez Alfonso , Garaulet Guillermo , Arroyo Alicia G. , López-Casas Pedro Pablo , Hidalgo Manuel , Mulero Francisca , Martínez-Torrecuadrada Jorge
Published: August 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to be one of the deadliest cancers for which optimal diagnostic tools are still greatly needed. Identification of PDAC-specific molecular markers would be extremely useful to improve disease diagnosis and follow-up. MT1-MMP has long been involved in pancreatic cancer, especially in tumour invasion and metastasis. In this study, we aim to ascertain the suitability of MT1-MMP as a biomarker for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Two probes were assessed and compared for this purpose, an MT1-MMP-specific binding peptide (MT1-AF7p) and a specific antibody (LEM2/15), labelled, respectively, with 68Ga and with 89Zr. PET imaging with both probes was conducted in patient-derived xenograft (PDX), subcutaneous and orthotopic, PDAC mouse models, and in a cancer cell line (CAPAN-2)-derived xenograft (CDX) model. Both radiolabelled tracers were successful in identifying, by means of PET imaging techniques, tumour tissues expressing MT1-MMP although they did so at different uptake levels. The 89Zr-DFO-LEM2/15 probe showed greater specific activity compared to the 68Ga-labelled peptide. The mean value of tumour uptake for the 89Zr-DFO-LEM2/15 probe (5.67 ± 1.11%ID/g, n=28) was 25–30 times higher than that of the 68Ga-DOTA-AF7p ones. Tumour/blood ratios (1.13 ± 0.51 and 1.44 ± 0.43 at 5 and 7 days of 89Zr-DFO-LEM2/15 after injection) were higher than those estimated for 68Ga-DOTA-AF7p probes (of approximately tumour/blood ratio = 0.5 at 90 min after injection). Our findings strongly point out that (i) the in vivo detection of MT1-MMP by PET imaging is a promising strategy for PDAC diagnosis and (ii) labelled LEM2/15 antibody is a better candidate than MT1-AF7p for PDAC detection.
Anti-CD20 Treatment of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Refractory to Corticosteroids and Azathioprine: A Pediatric Case Report and Mini Review
Authors: Makis Alexandros , Kanta Zoi , Kalogeropoulos Dimitrios , Chaliasos Nikoloaos
Published: August 2018

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a relatively uncommon hematological entity in children and sometimes is characterized by a severe course requiring more than one line course therapy. Treatment decisions depend on the severity and chronicity of the anemia and the characteristics of the autoantibodies. Immunosuppression with corticosteroids is the first-line treatment, especially in warm-reactive AIHA. Refractory cases are treated with immunosuppressive drugs, cytotoxic agents, androgens, or splenectomy, with various side effects and questionable efficacy. Another second-line option is rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, which has been used as an off-label agent with encouraging results from small limited studies or case reports. Herein, we add our experience on the safety and clinical efficacy of rituximab by presenting the case of a boy with warm-type AIHA resistant to corticosteroids and azathioprine, successfully treated with rituximab. We also offer a review of the relevant literature.
Effects of the Grain Size on Dynamic Capillary Pressure and the Modified Green–Ampt Model for Infiltration
Authors: Tsai Yi-Zhih , Liu Yu-Tung , Wang Yung-Li , Chang Liang-Cheng , Hsu Shao-Yiu
Published: August 2018

Darcy-scale capillary pressure is traditionally assumed to be constant. By contrast, a considerable gap exists between the measured and equilibrium capillary pressures when the same moisture saturation is considered with a high flow rate, and this gap is called the dynamic effect on the capillary pressure. In this study, downward infiltration experiments of sand columns are performed to measure cumulative infiltration and to calculate the wetting front depth and wetting front velocity in sands with different grain sizes. We estimate the equilibrium capillary pressure head or suction head at the wetting front using both the classical Green–Ampt (GAM) and modified Green–Ampt (MGAM) models. The results show that the performance of MGAM in simulating downward infiltration is superior to that of GAM. Moreover, because GAM neglects the dynamic effect, it systematically underestimates the equilibrium suction head in our experiments. We also find that the model parameters α^ and β of MGAM are affected by the grain size of sands and porosity, and the dynamic effect of the capillary pressure increases with decreasing grain size and increasing porosity.
Dilating Vascular Diseases: Pathophysiology and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Yetkin Ertan , Ozturk Selcuk
Published: August 2018

Atherosclerotic disease of the vessels is a significant problem affecting mortality and morbidity all over the world. However, dilatation of the vessels either in the arterial system or in the venous territory is another vessel disease. Varicocele, pelvic, and peripheral varicose veins and hemorrhoids are aneurysms of the venous vascular regions and have been defined as dilating venous disease, recently. Coronary artery ectasia, intracranial aneurysm, and abdominal aortic aneurysm are examples of arterial dilating vascular diseases. Mostly, they have been defined as variants of atherosclerosis. Although there are some similarities in terms of pathogenesis, they are distinct from atherosclerotic disease of the vessels. In addition, pathophysiological and histological similarities and clinical coexistence of these diseases have been demonstrated both in the arterial and in the venous system. This situation underlies the thought that dilatation of the vessels in any vascular territory should be considered as a systemic vessel wall disease rather than being a local disease of any vessel. These patients should be evaluated for other dilating vascular diseases in a systematic manner.
Sirt1/Foxo Axis Plays a Crucial Role in the Mechanisms of Therapeutic Effects of Erzhi Pill in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Liang Wenna , Li Xihai , Li Guanhui , Hu Liu , Ding Shanshan , Kang Jie , Shen Jianying , Li Candong , Asakawa Tetsuya
Published: August 2018

Background. Erzhi pill (EZP), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been widely used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) in China. However, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate the antiosteoporotic effect of EZP on an ovariectomized rat model of PMOP. We performed the biomarkers of bone metabolism disorder, bone morphology, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone biomechanics to confirm the successful establishment of the PMOP model. We then investigated the expression of biomarkers related to the Sirt1/Foxo axis. We also examined microRNA‐132 (miR‐132), a regulator in the Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) expression. The bone metabolism disorder, bone morphology, BMD, and bone biomechanics in ovariectomized rats were improved by EZP administration. The antiosteoporotic effect of EZP was confirmed. We also found that the expressions of Sirt1, Runx2, Foxo1, and Foxo3a were downregulated in ovariectomized rats, while being then upregulated by EZP administration. And the expression of PPAR‐γ and miR‐132 was upregulated in ovariectomized rats and then downregulated by EZP administration. These results provided evidence that Sirt1/Foxo axis related mechanism may play a crucial role in the therapeutic effects of EZP, indicating that Sirt1/Foxo axis can be considered as a potential therapeutic target for PMOP in the future.
Case‐Based Reasoning: The Search for Similar Solutions and Identification of Outliers
Authors: Szczepaniak P. S. , Duraj A.
Published: August 2018

The present paper applies the case‐based reasoning (CBR) technique to the problem of outlier detection. Although CBR is a widely investigated method with a variety of successful applications in the academic domain, so far, it has not been explored from an outlier detection perspective. This study seeks to address this research gap by defining the outlier case and the underlining specificity of the outlier detection process within the CBR approach. Moreover, the case‐based classification (CBC) method is discussed as a task type of CBR. This is followed by the computational illustration of the approach using selected classification methods, that is, linear regression, distance‐based classifier, and the Bayes classifier.
Robust Stability Analysis Based on LMI for Haptic Interface Systems with Uncertain Delay
Authors: Liu Yanwen , Meng Fanwei , Guan Bowen , Zhang Shuhao
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the robust stability analysis based on LMI for force feedback haptic interface systems with uncertain delay. A full‐order state observer is introduced to estimate states of the haptic device so as to directly obtain the feedback force, which expands the stability range of the system environment parameters when comparing with that of the system without an observer. By using the delay partitioning idea and the augmented state vector, the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional is constructed, and then the new stability criterion based on LMI is given in the paper. With this new stability criterion, the observer gains can also be obtained directly. At last, a concrete example is used to prove the effectiveness and less conservativeness of this new approach.
The Use of SPEI and TVDI to Assess Temporal-Spatial Variations in Drought Conditions in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Chen Shaodan , Zhang Liping , Liu Xin , Guo Mengyao , She Dunxian
Published: August 2018

Droughts represent the most complex and damaging type of natural disaster, and they have taken place with increased frequency in China in recent years. Values of the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) calculated using station-based meteorological data collected from 1961 to 2013 in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin (MLRYRB) are used to monitor droughts. In addition, the SPEI is determined for different timescales (1, 3, 6, and 12 months) to characterize dry or wet conditions in this study area. Moreover, remote sensing methods can cover large areas, and multispectral and temporal observations are provided by satellite sensors. The temperature vegetation dryness index (TVDI) is selected to permit assessment of drought conditions. In addition, the correlation between the SPEI and TVDI values is calculated. The results show that the SPEI values over different timescales reflect complex variations in drought conditions and have been well applied in the MLRYRB. Droughts occurred on an annual basis in 1963, 1966, 1971, 1978, 1979, 1986, 2001, 2011, and 2013, particularly 2011. In addition, the regional average drought frequency in the study area during 1961–2013 is 30%, as determined using the SPEI. An analysis of the correlation between the monthly values of the TVDI and the SPEI-3 shows that a negative relationship exists between the SPEI-3 and the TVDI. That is, smaller TVDI values are associated with greater SPEI-3 values and reduced drought conditions, whereas larger TVDI values are associated with smaller SPEI-3 values and enhanced drought conditions. Therefore, this study of the relationship between the SPEI and the TVDI can provide a basis for government to mitigate the effects of drought.
Seismic Response Reduction of Megaframe with Vibration Control Substructure
Authors: Huang Jun-Qi , Chong Xun , Jiang Qing , Ye Xian-Guo , Wang Han-Qin
Published: August 2018

Megaframe with vibration control substructure (MFVCS) is a tuned mass damper system, which converts the substructures into the tuned mass. In this study, a kind of MFVCS using both lead‐rubber bearings and viscous dampers to connect the vibration control substructure with the megaframe was proposed. Then, based on a validated finite element model, a parametric analysis was conducted to study the effect of two parameters, the tuning frequency (i.e., the frequency of the substructure) and the damping provided by the lead‐rubber bearings and viscous dampers on the seismic response reduction of the MFVCS under both frequent and rare earthquakes (i.e., probability of exceedance of 63% and 2% in 50 years, resp.). Furthermore, the optimized values of these two parameters were achieved. The results indicated that (1) the proposed MFVCS could provide a considerable seismic response reduction under frequent earthquake and showed a strong robustness; (2) the optimized values of the frequency ratio (ratio of tuning frequency to the megaframe’s natural frequency) and damping scale factor (ratio between the investigated damping and a standard value) were 0.96 and 1.0, respectively; and (3) the seismic response reduction of the MFVCS under rare earthquake was lower than that under frequent earthquake.
Phase Reversal Technique Applied to Fishnet Metalenses
Authors: Pacheco-Peña Victor , Minin Igor V. , Minin Oleg V. , Beruete Miguel
Published: August 2018

In this work, the fishnet metamaterial is applied to several converging metalenses by combining the zoning, reference phase, and phase reversal techniques. First, the zoning and reference phase techniques are implemented in several metalenses at 55 GHz (λ0=5.45 mm) with a short focal length of 1.5 λ0. Then, the phase reversal technique is applied to these metalenses by switching from a concave to a convex profile in order to change the phase distribution inside of them. The designs are evaluated both numerically and experimentally demonstrating that chromatic dispersion (the shift of the position of the focus at different frequencies) is reduced when using the phase-reversed profiles. It is shown how the position of the focus remains at the same location within a relatively broadband frequency range of ~4% around the design frequency without affecting the overall behaviour of the metalenses. The best performance is achieved with the design that combines both reference phase and phase reversal techniques, with an experimental position of the focus of 1.75 λ0, reduced side lobes, and a power enhancement of 6.5 dB. The metalenses designed here may find applications in situations where a wideband response and low side lobes are required because of the reduced chromatic aberrations of the focus.
Biosynthesis of Ultrasonically Modified Ag-MgO Nanocomposite and Its Potential for Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Ayinde Wasiu B. , Gitari Mugera W. , Muchindu Munkombwe , Samie Amidou
Published: August 2018

This study reports a green synthesis route for a bilayered Ag-MgO nanocomposite using aqueous peel extract of Citrus paradisi (grapefruit red) under an accelerated uniform heating technique and its antibacterial potency against Escherichia coli. Surface modifications and composition of the nanocomposite were examined using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyzer. The efficiencies of the as-synthesized Ag-MgO nanocomposite against Escherichia coli were examined. The synthesized Ag-MgO nanocomposite showed characteristic synergetic bands at 290 nm for MgO nanoparticle and at around 440 nm for Ag nanoparticle which blue-shifted to 380 nm in the composite. A spherically dispersed nanocomposite with cubical crystal lattice network with a diameter of about 20–100 nm comprising Ag nanoparticle embedded within MgO nanoparticles was obtained. The nanocomposite produced stronger antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli as compared to MgO nanoparticle, indicating a higher interaction between Ag and MgO ions. The nanocomposite was successfully synthesized via an efficient modified method by bioreductive agents with an improved synergistic antibacterial property towards water purification.
Vibration‐Based, Nondestructive Methodology for Detecting Multiple Cracks in Bending‐Torsion Coupled Laminated Composite Beams
Authors: Borneman Stephen R. , Hashemi Seyed M.
Published: August 2018

Damage to composite structures occurs from impact, fatigue, or over stress and can be critical in the safe operation of wings or any structural member. This paper presents a method for detection of multiple cracks present in laminated composite bending‐torsion coupled cantilevered beams using natural frequency data, a type of Nondestructive testing (NDT). This methodology relies on both experimentally collected natural frequencies and frequencies calculated using a mathematical model. Precise natural frequencies are calculated using a new dynamic finite cracked element (DFCE) formulated within and based on dynamic trigonometric shape functions. An algorithm is devised based on the Adam–Cawley criterion and extended to laminated composites with multiple cracks. This method has shown exceptional convergence on the size and location of cracks using a number of modes of free vibration with and without error in measured frequencies.
A Structural Calculation Model of Shield Tunnel Segment: Heterogeneous Equivalent Beam Model
Authors: Lei Mingfeng , Lin Dayong , Shi Chenghua , Ma Jianjun , Yang Weichao
Published: August 2018

A heterogeneous equivalent beam model (HEB model) of the shield tunnel segment structure is proposed based on a systematical analysis on the stress state of the cross section of segment joints. This model treats a noncontinuous segment structure as a continuous heterogeneous structure, on the basis of the principle of equivalent stress state on a section and equivalent conversion of the mechanical parameters. For a comprehensive demonstration of the proposed HEB model, an interpretative solution of equivalent mechanical parameters of the joint section is obtained through theoretical derivation, and a specific iterative computation flow is provided in accordance. Model validation and comparative analysis are also conducted for two industrial applications. It is found that the iterative process of calculation has good convergence, leading to reliable numerical results for all cases under consideration. Resulting simulations reveal that the proposed HEB model can reflect the effect of joints on overall rigidity of a segment structure. Compared with the computation results obtained using other models presented in the literature, there are smaller axial force deviation and larger bending moment deviation (up to 20% or higher), demonstrating that the model selection is important in design and computation of a segment structure of shield tunnels. The proposed model and analysis for model performance may provide useful reference for engineers in shield tunnel community.
Coronary Artery Ectasia Presenting as a Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Young Adult: Case Presentation and Literature Review
Authors: Genena Kareem , Ali Mir , Christmas Donald , Siu Henry
Published: August 2018

While acute coronary syndromes most commonly occur secondary to unstable atherosclerotic plaque, coronary aneurysms, also known as coronary artery ectasia (CAE), represent a less common etiology. Whereas coronary atherosclerosis accounts for about 50% of CAE, the remaining 50% are either congenital or secondary to a host of inflammatory and connective tissue disorders, with Kawasaki disease being a well-known association. Patients with CAE have worse outcomes than the general population regardless of the presence of associated atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. We report the case of a young male presenting with chest pain, a right bundle branch block on electrocardiography, an elevated troponin level, and a regional wall motion abnormality on echocardiography who is found to have diffuse coronary artery ectasia on coronary angiography and is managed medically with dual antiplatelet therapy.
Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis of the 2nd Cervical Spinous Process at End Range Cervical Rotation in Different Scapular Positions Using 3D Digitizer
Authors: Otsudo Takahiro , Akasaka Kiyokazu , Hattori Hiroshi , Hasebe Yuki , Tamura Akihiro , Hall Toby
Published: August 2018

Objective. The study used a 3D digitizer to determine three-dimensional motion analysis of the 2nd cervical (C2) spinous process at end range cervical rotation with the scapula in different positions. Methods. 30 healthy adults participated in this study. Different scapula positions were adopted bilaterally and positioned passively at normal resting, depression, adduction, and abduction. Under each scapula position, bilateral end range cervical rotation and displacement of the C2 spinous process were analyzed by a 3D digitizer. Results. Displacement of the C2 spinous process relative to the occiput was significantly correlated with range of cervical rotation under all scapular positions (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between end range cervical rotation and displacement of the C2 spinous process relative to the occiput in any scapular position. Conclusion. These results suggest that measurement of upper cervical mobility using the 3D digitizer is a reliable method that holds promise in the evaluation of people with cervical spine disorders.
Diversity and distribution of freshwater turtles (Reptilia: Testudines) in Goa, India
Authors: Jadhav Trupti D. , Sawant Nitin S. , Shyama Soorambail K.
Published: August 2018

Freshwater turtles symbolize a key component of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems.  Of the 356 living species of turtles and tortoises in the world, 34 species are recorded from India.  The number of freshwater turtle and tortoise species found in the state of Goa, however, is debatable.  No study specific to the Goa region has been carried out on freshwater turtles.  Therefore, baseline data on diversity and distribution of freshwater turtles is scanty.  The present study was conducted to address this lacuna in knowledge, which will further aid in identifying threats to the population of freshwater turtles and in devising appropriate methods for their conservation.  The diversity and distribution of freshwater turtles was investigated in 186 sites in Goa from June 2012 to May 2015.  A total of 337 specimens of two native and one introduced species of freshwater turtles belonging to three families—Trionychidae (Indian Flap-shell Turtle Lissemys puncata), Geomydidae (Indian Black Turtle Melanochelys trijuga) and Emydidae (Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans)— were identified.  Melanochelys trijuga (52.23%) was the most widely and abundantly distributed species, and was recorded from 132 sites.  L. punctata (46.88%) was recorded from 113 sites, while T. scripta elegans (0.89%) was rare and was recorded from only two sites. While Melanochelys trijuga is generalized in habitat selection, making it the widely distributed species in the State of Goa, L. punctata is more specific in habitat selection thus restricting its range to coastal, middle-level plateau and the foothills of Western Ghats.
Angiosperm diversity of Sonbhadra District, Uttar Pradesh: a checklist
Authors: Kushwaha Arun Kumar , Tewari Lalit Mohan , Chaudhary Lal Babu
Published: August 2018

The present study provides a taxonomic account of the angiosperms of Sonbhadra District in Uttar Pradesh.  The district, which comes under the Vindhyan region of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the richest areas in the state as far as plant diversity is concerned.  It is spread over about 6788km² of geographical area, which constitutes about 36% forest cover on highly undulated land.  The extensive survey of the area conducted during 2011-–2016, critical examination of previous collections housed at various herbaria, and review of published literature have resulted in a total of 705 species belonging to 459 genera under 110 families.  Out of these, 541 species (76.73%) under 354 genera (77.12%) and 89 families (80.90%) belong to dicots, and 164 species (23.26%) under 105 genera (23.26%) and 21 families (19.09%) to monocots.  The present enumeration of the species also includes about 78 species cultivated in the area for various purposes.  Fabaceae (110 spp.) comprises of the maximum number of species, followed by Poaceae (89 spp.), Asteraceae (38 spp.), Cyperaceae (33 spp.), and Malvaceae (33 spp.).  Some of the largest genera in the area are Cyperus (14 spp.), Ipomoea (9 spp.), Solanum (9 spp.), Ficus (9 spp.), Crotalaria (7 spp.), Desmodium (7 spp.), Bauhinia (6 spp.), Hibiscus (6 spp.), Fimbristylis (6 spp.), Acacia (5 spp. ), etc.  The entire forest is chiefly dominated by trees such as Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd., Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr., Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub., Hardwickia binata Roxb., and Shorea robusta Gaertn.
New reports of thrips (Thysanoptera: Terebrantia: Thripidae) from India
Authors: Rachana R. R. , Varatharajan R.
Published: August 2018

The presence of three species of thrips, namely Asprothrips bimaculatus Michel & Ryckewaert, Plesiothrips perplexus (Beach), and Pseudodendrothrips darci (Girault), has been reported here for the first time from India, collected during a thrips survey carried out at Agartala in Tripura and Valparai in Tamil Nadu.  Among them, A. bimaculatus and P. darci belong to the subfamily Dendrothripinae, and P. perplexus comes under Thripinae.  Diagnosis and illustration for the above three terebrantians are given along with the images for the respective species.
Breeding behaviour of the Coromandel Damselfly Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Fabricius) (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae) in central India: copulation
Authors: Thaokar Nilesh R. , Verma Payal R. , Andrew Raymond J.
Published: August 2018

The Coromandel Damselfly Ceriagrion coromandelianum can be easily identified because of its bright yellow abdomen, greenish thorax and eyes.  In females, the abdomen is darker with light brown colouration extending to dark brown towards the terminal end.  The documentation of the reproductive behaviour of Ceriagrion coromandelianum was carried out at the botanical garden of Hislop College, Nagpur, India.  The males of C. coromandelianum arrive early in the morning by 07:00hr at the ovipositing site.  They belong to “sit and wait” type of mate-location.  While perched and waiting for the female to arrive they at times exhibit abdominal bobbing, and oviposition posture.  The territorial area of male C. coromandelianum is very small, within a range of about 45cm around his perch.  There is no precopulatory courtship display and the male move toward the arriving receptive female and directly tries to form a tandem link.  The other males of the group follow the pair.  The tandem pair flies towards the safety of the surrounding vegetation to copulate. Before copulation, the male fills his penis vesicle with sperm material by the process of “intra male sperm translocation” which lasts for 30±8 seconds.  The female curves her abdomen ventrally forward so that her gonopore which is located between the eighth and ninth sternite comes to lie before the secondary copulatory apparatus of the male and forms a strong genital link, to form the copulatory wheel.  The copulation duration can be long (34–55 min) or short (12–15 min).  Two stages of copulation depending upon the pumping movement of the couple can be differentiated.  During the first stage, the male rhythmically and forcefully depresses and stretches the first two abdominal segments, vigorously pumping the penis inside the female vagina which accounts for 72% of the copulation duration.  The second stage starts with rapid short thrusting movement which are not forceful but exhibit shallow movements of the first two abdominal segment of the male.  The tandem pairs after copulation may directly move for oviposition or settle around the surrounding foliage and exhibit “post-copulatory resting” (PCR) behaviour.  It is noted that 23.3% females immediately commence oviposition, 53.4% exhibit brief, while 23.3% display prolonged PCR behaviour.
New records of earthworm fauna (Oligochaeta: Glossoscolecidae and Megascolecidae) collected from Satkosia-Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha, India
Authors: Goswami Rinku
Published: August 2018

A survey work was conducted in Satkoshia-Baisapalli Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha, India, where altogether 10 earthworm species were collected.  Out of these, four species—Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1856), Metaphire houlleti (Perrier, 1872), Perionyx bainii Stephenson, 1915, Perionyx barotensis Julka & Paliwal 1993—are reported for the first time after the original description and is proved to be a new record for the state of Odisha.
Diversity and status of avifauna in man-made sacred ponds of Kurukshetra, India
Authors: Kumar Parmesh , Sharma Archna
Published: August 2018

Located in the Trans-Gangetic Plains of India, Kurukshetra is dotted with a number of man-made, perennial, sacred ponds of great historical and religious importance.  These wetlands also serve as important wintering and stopover sites for birds coming from the Palearctic region.  Surveys were conducted from April 2014 to March 2015 to recordthe diversity and status of avifauna in four sacred ponds of Kurukshetra. Point counts and direct observations were used to record the bird species.  A total of 126 bird species of 98 genera belonging to 45 families and 16 orders were identified, of which 41 were winter migrants, six were summer migrants, and 79 were residents.  Anatidae (n=15) was the most common family, followed by Ardeidae (n=8), and Motacillidae and Muscicapidae (n=7 each).  Based on the guilds, 37 species were carnivorous, 36 omnivorous, 29 insectivorous, six herbivorous, six frugivorous, five granivorous, four insectivorous/nectarivorous, and three piscivorous.  Of the species recorded, five species are classified as Near Threatened and one species as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; nine species are listed in Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and six species are included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.  We hope that this study will provide a baseline for future research on monitoring the population and seasonal changes in the bird assemblageof sacred ponds.
Rostral anomaly in a juvenile Spiny Butterfly Ray Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus, 1758) (Elasmobranchii: Myliobatiformes: Gymnuridae) from the Canary Islands
Authors: Osaer Filip , Narváez Krupskaya
Published: August 2018

The present communication documents the first observation of a morphologic anomaly in a juvenile Spiny Butterfly Ray Gymnura altavela. This observation is interesting for its similarity with a rostral abnormality in an adult G. altavela from the Canary Islands 10 years earlier and with the one from a juvenile Long-tailed Butterfly Ray G. poecilura from the Western Indo-Pacific. Although no firm conclusions can be drawn from these records, it reinforces the hypothesis of a congenital disorder for this type of malformation within the genus. The individual appeared to have successfully adapted for its anomaly, suggesting that these instances are not of major conservation concern. Hence, long-term studies are required to monitor anomaly occurrences and to evaluate their potential threats.
The status assessment of Corynandra viscosa subsp. nagarjunakondensis (Magnoliopsida: Cleomaceae), endemic to Nagarjunakonda, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Rao Veeravarapu Hanumantha , Rao Vaidyula Vasudeva , Reddy Anuti Baleeshwar , Raju Vatsavaya Satyanarayana
Published: August 2018

Corynandra viscosa subsp. nagarjunakondensis (Cleomaceae), a flowering plant taxon endemic to Nagarjunkonda of Krishna River Valley, Andhra Pradesh, southern India was assessed for its ecological status.  The distribution of this species was mapped, population estimated and the impending threats ascertained.  The extent of its area of spread is primarily limited by the water body (Nagarjunasagar) created by the impounding waters when a dam was constructed across the River Krishna at the site of its occurrence. The extent of occurrence (EOO) and the area of occupancy (AOO) of this taxon were estimated to be 0.20 km2 and 0.31 km2, respectively.  The threat assessment places the taxon in the Critically Endangered [B1ab(iii)] category.
Foraging and roosting ecology of the Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat Cynopterus brachyotis (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in southern India
Authors: Karuppudurai T. , Sripathi K.
Published: August 2018

The Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat Cynopterus brachyotis was found at higher elevations but since there is a paucity of reports on its distribution and habitat selection, an inventory was made at four locations in the Eastern and Western Ghats of southern India where the elevation ranged from 200–1,500 m.  The C. brachyotis roosts were distributed between 600–1,500 m.  Day roosts were found at an elevation of about 1,000m in Sirumalai and Yercaud Hill stations.  Mist-netting studies, however, revealed that C. brachyotis was widely distributed at different elevations ranging from 600–1,500 m.  Moreover, through a radio-telemetry study, we determined that the males foraged at shorter distances from the day roost, whereas the females commuted longer distances and used more than one foraging area.  The male bats’ time of emergence is significantly less than females; in addition, males frequently return to their day-roost and made several short foraging flights spaced randomly throughout the night. These observations suggest that some type of territoriality is associated with their roost, which appears to be the basis of social organization in C. brachyotis.  Overall, this study provides detailed information about the foraging and roosting ecology of C. brachyotis in southern India.
Contribution to the Macromycetes of West Bengal, India: 23–27
Authors: Bera Meghma , Paloi Soumitra , Dutta Arun Kumar , Pradhan Prakash , Roy Anirban , Acharya Krishnendu
Published: August 2018

The present article reports five heterobasidiomycetous taxa, viz., Dacryopinax spathularia (Dacrymycetaceae), Exidia glandulosa, Pseudohydnum gelatinosum (Exidiaceae), Tremella fuciformis, and T. mesenterica (Tremellaceae), based on collections made from West Bengal, India, with their morpho-anatomical details.  Dacryopinax spathularia is reported from Odisha and Uttar Pradesh while Tremella fuciformis and T. mesenterica are reported from Chhattisgarh.
New records of termites (Blattodea: Termitidae: Syntermitinae) from Colombia
Authors: Pinzón Olga Patricia , Castro Jose Daniel
Published: August 2018

Eight species of termite from the Amazon and Orinoquia regions, belonging to four genera of the subfamily Syntermitinae, are recorded for the first time in Colombia.  The species are Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar, 1832), Cornitermes pilosus Holmgren, 1906, Cornitermes ovatus Emerson, 1952, Cornitermes snyderi Emerson, 1952, Mapinguaritermes peruanus (Holmgren, 1906), Rhynchotermes amazonensis Constantini & Cancello, 2016, Rhynchotermes perarmatus (Snyder, 1925), and Uncitermes teevani (Emerson, 1925).  Diagnostic characteristics and geographic distributions for the recorded species are provided, with detailed photographs of the soldier caste.  The diversity and distribution of indigenous termite species in Colombia are documented.
A record after 52 years, and additional description of the emesine assassin bug Emesopsis nubila (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) from western India
Authors: Sarode Balasaheb V. , Joshi Nikhil U. , Pansare Pratik P. , Ghate Hemant V.
Published: August 2018

A small reduviid bug Emesopsis nubila Uhler, 1893 is reported from Maharashtra State, India, for the first time.  Digital illustrations of important morphological characters, including male genitalia and female terminalia, are provided in the additional description.
Appearances are deceptive: molecular phylogeny recovers the Scaly Gecko Hemidactylus scabriceps (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) as a member of a scansorial and rupicolous clade
Authors: Srikanthan Achyuthan N. , Kumar Gandla Chethan , Urs Aishwarya J. , Ganesh Sumaithangi Rajagopalan
Published: August 2018

We reassess the systematics of Hemidactylus scabriceps, a recently rediscovered and poorly known gecko, and elucidate its phylogenetic position using molecular data for the first time.  Contrary to previous speculations prompted by its morphological resemblance to other terrestrial Hemidactylus, our phylogenetic analyses recovered H. scabriceps to be a part of a clade consisting of the large-bodied, rock-dwelling Hemidactylus – the H. prashadi group.  Hemidactylus scabriceps also shows high levels of intraspecific genetic divergence, indicative of cryptic diversity.  We also confirm the synonymy of the monotypic genus Lophopholis (erected for H. scabriceps) with Hemidactylus.  We elaborate on the morphology of the type specimen and other recent voucher specimens, and compare it with sister species and other ground-dwelling Hemidactylus in peninsular India.  Species distribution of this ‘outlier’ clade member has been modeled using MaxEnt.  These exercises confirm that it is primarily a smooth-scaled, plain-dwelling, terrestrial species unlike other members in its clade.  This unexpected pattern of genetic alliance and contrasting body form plus habitat associations further underscores the unstudied complexity of peninsular India’s geological history.  Historical denudation of rock formations could have driven evolution of some of these otherwise rupicolous, scansorial gekkonids into smaller terrestrial lizards.
Notes on Cinnamomum travancoricum Gamble (Lauraceae) - a Critically Endangered species from the southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Robi A. J , Sujanapal P. , Udayan P. S.
Published: August 2018

Cinnamomum travancoricum Gamble was recollected after its type from Chemunji, Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve in Kerala.  It had long been confused with C. sulphuratum Nees and several naturalists reported its collection from different parts of the Western Ghats for the last few years.  Taxonomic treatment along with distribution, ecology and color photographs are provided.
Diversity and endemism of butterflies of montane forests of Eravikulam National Park in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Sreekumar E. R. , Nikhil S. , Ajay K. G. , Nameer P. O.
Published: August 2018

In a study on the diversity and abundance of butterflies of montane forests of Eravikulam National Park in the Western Ghats, southern India, 85 species of butterflies belonging to six families were recorded.  This include eight species of butterflies that are endemic to the Western Ghats and one Near-Threatened species according to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.  The family Nymphalidae, the brush-footed butterflies, was the major group of butterflies seen in the montane forests of Eravikulam National Park.
Gentiana aperta (Gentianaceae) - a new record to India from Ladakh Himalaya
Authors: Shabir Mohd , Agnihotri Priyanka , Tiwari Jay Krishan , Husain Tariq
Published: August 2018

Gentiana aperta belonging to the section Chondrophyllae under the genus Gentiana (Gentianaceae) forms a new record to India from the Ladakh Himalaya.  A detailed morphological account, photo plate and other relevant information are provided to facilitate easy identification.
A reassessment and lectotypification of the name Striga masuria (Buch.-Ham. ex Benth.) Benth. (Orobanchaceae) and its collection from the Western Ghats of India
Authors: Omalsree M. , Sreenivas V. K.
Published: August 2018

Striga masuria (Orobanchaceae) was described by Bentham based on heterogenous collections viz. Hamilton’s from the Morang Hills of Nepal and Wallich’s from Prome of Myanmar in 1810 and 1826 respectively.  Later, Shutter collected this species for India from the Guindy regions of Tamil Nadu.  It has now been recollected from India after 135 years from the same locality.  Present studies on fresh specimens revealed that the character of the plant shows close similarities with its allied species, S. angustifolia excepting a few features.  These characters are not strong enough to retain its species status, hence it is reduced as a variety under the latter.  A detailed description and colour photographs are given for easy identification of the species.  A lectotype has also been designated for the taxon.
Animal-fungal interactions 2: first report of mycophagy by the Eastern European Hedgehog Erinaceus concolor Martin, 1837 (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Erinaceidae)
Authors: Elliott Todd F. , Trappe James M. , Türkoğlu Aziz
Published: August 2018

Mycophagy (fungivory) performs numerous important ecosystem functions for fungi, plants, and animals. Fungi serve as food for diverse mammals, ranging from bears, Ursus spp., to shrews, Sorex spp. However, among the many mammals reported to eat fungi, hedgehogs and other insectivores have been poorly studied. Based on microscopic examination of a fecal sample collected from an Eastern European Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) near Ula-Muğla, Turkey, we provide the first confirmed evidence of mycophagy by hedgehogs and review the literature on hedgehog mycophagy.
Efficacy of Auditory versus Motor Learning for Skilled and Novice Performers
Authors: Brown Rachel M. , Penhune Virginia B.
Published: August 2018

Humans must learn a variety of sensorimotor skills, yet the relative contributions of sensory and motor information to skill acquisition remain unclear. Here we compare the behavioral and neural contributions of perceptual learning to that of motor learning, and we test whether these contributions depend on the expertise of the learner. Pianists and nonmusicians learned to perform novel melodies on a piano during fMRI scanning in four learning conditions: listening (auditory learning), performing without auditory feedback (motor learning), performing with auditory feedback (auditory–motor learning), or observing visual cues without performing or listening (cue-only learning). Visual cues were present in every learning condition and consisted of musical notation for pianists and spatial cues for nonmusicians. Melodies were performed from memory with no visual cues and with auditory feedback (recall) five times during learning. Pianists showed greater improvements in pitch and rhythm accuracy at recall during auditory learning compared with motor learning. Nonmusicians demonstrated greater rhythm improvements at recall during auditory learning compared with all other learning conditions. Pianists showed greater primary motor response at recall during auditory learning compared with motor learning, and response in this region during auditory learning correlated with pitch accuracy at recall and with auditory–premotor network response during auditory learning. Nonmusicians showed greater inferior parietal response during auditory compared with auditory–motor learning, and response in this region correlated with pitch accuracy at recall. Results suggest an advantage for perceptual learning compared with motor learning that is both general and expertise-dependent. This advantage is hypothesized to depend on feedforward motor control systems that can be used during learning to transform sensory information into motor production.