bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Treatment of an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Rat Model with Recombinant GOT1 and Oxaloacetic Acid: A Novel Neuroprotective Treatment
Authors: Ruban Angela , Cohen-Kashi Malina Katayun , Cooper Itzik , Graubardt Nadine , Babakin Leonid , Jona Ghil , Teichberg Vivian I.
Published: June 2015

Background/Aim: The sporadic form of the disease affects the majority of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. The role of glutamate (Glu) excitotoxicity in ALS has been extensively documented and remains one of the prominent hypotheses of ALS pathogenesis. In light of this evidence, the availability of a method to remove excess Glu from brain and spinal cord extracellular fluids without the need to deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier and with minimal or no adverse effects may provide a major therapeutic asset, which is the primary aim of this study. Methods: The therapeutic efficacy of the combined treatment with recombinant Glu-oxaloacetate-transaminase (rGOT) and its co-factor oxaloacetic acid (OxAc) has been tested in an animal model of sporadic ALS. Results: We found that OxAc/rGOT treatment provides significant neuroprotection to spinal cord motor neurons. It also slows down the development of motor weakness and prolongs survival. Conclusion: In this study we bring evidence that the administration of Glu scavengers to rats with sporadic ALS inhibited the massive death of spinal cord motor neurons, slowed the onset of motor weakness and prolonged survival. This treatment may be of high clinical significance for the future treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases.
Carriage of Mutant Dihydrofolate Reductase and Dihydropteroate Synthase Genes among Plasmodium falciparum Isolates Recovered from Pregnant Women with Asymptomatic Infection in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Iwalokun Bamidele Abiodun , Iwalokun Senapon O. , Adebodun Victor , Balogun Modinat
Published: June 2015

Objective: To assess N51I, C59R and S108N polymorphisms of dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and A437G and K540E of dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) genes of P. falciparum isolates recovered from pregnant women with asymptomatic malaria in a coastal setting in Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: A total of 107 consenting and consecutively enrolled pregnant women (mean age ± standard deviation, 26.6 ± 4.5 years) attending antenatal care at the Iru/Victoria Island Primary Health Centre, Lagos, were screened for peripheral malaria by microscopy, by a histidine-rich protein-2-based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using finger-pricked and dot blood samples. DNA was extracted from the blood and used for dhfr and dhps gene polymorphism analyses by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The sociodemographic and parasite data obtained were analysed. Results: Of the 107 patients, 34 (31.8%), 46 (43%) and 40 (37.4%) were found to be P. falciparum infected using microscopy, RDT and corrected RDT-PCR, respectively (p < 0.05). The prevalence of P. falciparum isolates with mutant and mixed genotypes of dhfr at codons 51, 59 and 108 was 70, 75 and 80%, respectively, and the triple mutation in the homozygous form was 35%. The prevalence of the homozygous quintuple dhfr plus dhps mutant was 5%, while that of the P. falciparum isolates with mutant or mixed genotypes of dhps at codons 437 and 540 was 37.5 and 22.5%, respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed the emergence of the K540E mutation among the parasite population in Lagos. However, it supports the implementation of the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine with continuous effectiveness monitoring in the study area.
Intracranial Injuries from Dog Bites in Children
Authors: Steen Talora , Ravin Karen , Timmons Shelly , Kershenovich Amir
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims: Infants are especially at risk for intracranial injuries from dog bites due to their small stature and thin skull. Only 21 case reports have been published in the literature. We aim to add knowledge and treatment recommendations based on a more substantial sample. Methods: Ten pediatric patients with a penetrating skull injury as a result of a dog bite, treated at our institution between 1992 and 2010, were identified and analyzed descriptively. A literature review of the 21 case reports was also conducted. Results and Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications from hemorrhage or infections. Based on our results, we recommend obtaining a head CT for all victims sustaining injuries to the head, early use of broad spectrum antibiotics, debridement and irrigation of tissue, and follow-up to identify late infectious complications.
Symptom Experience and Quality of Life in Children after Sport-Related Head Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vassilyadi Michael , Macartney Gail , Barrowman Nick , Anderson Peter , Dube Karen
Published: June 2015

Background: Sports are a major cause of concussions, and little is known about the symptom experience and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children who remain symptomatic for over 3 months following such head injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional study of children aged 10-18 years was performed who were referred to the Neurosurgery Clinic at our centre following a head injury. Symptom experience was measured using the modified Concussion Symptom Scale, and HRQL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). The Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) was administered to assess neurocognitive and neurobehavioural sequelae. Results: Symptoms with the highest mean symptom scores on a Likert scale of 0-6 in 35 children at the time of assessment included headaches (3.1), poor concentration (2.7), memory problems (2.1), fatigue (2.1) and sensitivity to noise (2.0). Compared with normative data, children in this study had ImPACT summary scores between the 28th and 38th percentiles and a comparably low Cognitive Efficiency Index score. Mean scores for females were consistently statistically significantly lower (p < 0.05) than for males across all of the HRQL domains. Trouble falling asleep and memory problems explained 62% of the variance in the PedsQL total scores. Conclusions: Children continue to experience many symptoms at least 3 months following sport-related head injuries that significantly impact their HRQL and neurocognitive abilities.
The Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Trial after the FDA Update: Noncardiovascular Deaths, Cancer and Optimal Treatment Duration
Authors: Serebruany Victor L. , Cherepanov Vasily , Golukhova Elena Z. , Kim Moo Hyun
Published: June 2015

Background: The landmark Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) trial revealed an impressive reduction of stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction after prolonged 30-month DAPT compared to the conventional 12-month regimen. However, aside from the expected extra bleeding risks, more cancers and noncardiovascular deaths (NCVD) were observed in the 30-month DAPT arm. Objective: We aimed to comprehend the totality of DAPT trial evidence in the light of the FDA medical review. Results: A significant excess of solid cancers that was picked up after prasugrel treatment in the TRITON trial (Prasugrel versus Clopidogrel in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes) and later observed with vorapaxar treatment in the TRACER trial (Thrombin Receptor Antagonist for Clinical Event Reduction in Acute Coronary Syndrome) has now been confirmed by the FDA DAPT review for 30-month therapy with prasugrel [hazard ratio (HR) 1.3] and clopidogrel (HR 1.2). The latest randomized evidence with antiplatelet agents rejected the drug-specific cancer risks, clearly indicating the class effect. The NCVD risks were elevated after treatment with both thienopyridines, but were more prominent after clopidogrel treatment (HR 1.91) than prasugrel treatment (HR 1.17). About half of the NCVD were considered to be caused by cancers occurring after the 24 months of extended antiplatelet therapy. Impression: The DAPT trial confirmed that long-term antiplatelet therapy is associated with cancer that contributes to NCVD. Based on the full disclosure of cancer data by the DAPT study, it can be reflected that the optimal duration of antiplatelet therapy with thienopyridines should be limited to no more than 2 years. This duration allows the preservation of most vascular benefits while avoiding additional cancers and NCVD.
Polyploidy in Amphibia
Authors: Schmid Michael , Evans Ben J. , Bogart James P.
Published: June 2015

This review summarizes the current status of the known extant genuine polyploid anuran and urodelan species, as well as spontaneously originated and/or experimentally produced amphibian polyploids. The mechanisms by which polyploids can originate, the meiotic pairing configurations, the diploidization processes operating in polyploid genomes, the phenomenon of hybridogenesis, and the relationship between polyploidization and sex chromosome evolution are discussed. The polyploid systems in some important amphibian taxa are described in more detail.
Fracture Resistance of Roots Restored with Four Different Fiber-Reinforced Composite Posts
Authors: Adanir Necdet , Ureyen Kaya Buglem , Kececi Ayse Diljin
Published: June 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the resistance to vertical root fracture of root-filled teeth restored with four different fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post systems and two types of dual-cured resin luting agents. Materials and Methods: Ninety extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected and decoronated to obtain a standardized root length of 14 mm. After root canal obturation, post spaces were prepared to a depth of 10 mm with a No. 3 post drill. The specimens (n = 80) were divided into two groups (n = 40) according to the resin luting agents used: group 1, Variolink II + ExciTE DSC; group 2, RelyX Unicem. These groups were subdivided into four subgroups (n = 10) and restored with one of the following post systems: (a) DT Light, (b) DT Light SL, (c) FRC Postec and (d) Everstick, while the remaining 10 teeth served as controls. The roots were subjected to axial compressive loading using a 2.2-mm-diameter metal sphere in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). A factorial experiment with a single control group (analysis of variance) was used to test the resistance of the specimens. Results: Groups 2a (DT Light + RelyX Unicem; 398.5 N) and 1b (DT Light SL + Variolink II + ExciTE DSC; 431.1 N) had significantly higher resistance to fracture than the control group (334.1 N; p < 0.05). DT Light SL and FRC Postec Plus were more resistant to fracture when Variolink II was used as the luting cement. DT Light and Everstick had higher fracture resistance when they were luted with RelyX Unicem (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the use of quartz fiber posts (DT Light and DT Light SL) with an adhesive luting cement in root-filled teeth may reinforce the root to some extent.
O futuro clima do Brasil
Authors: Marengo José A.
Published: June 2015

Eventos climáticos extremos recentes, como as enchentes na Bacia do Rio Madeira em 2014 e as secas atuais no Nordeste e no Sudeste do Brasil, e os seus impactos na segurança energética, hídrica e alimentar mostram que o Brasil é vulnerável aos extremos da variabilidade de clima. Como esses extremos são associados à variabilidade natural do clima, existem evidências de que eles seriam mais intensos e frequentes num futuro clima mais quente, e de que as atividades antrópicas podem também ter uma participação significativa no processo de aquecimento global.
Eventos Climáticos Extremos
Authors: Dias Maria Assunção Faus da Silva
Published: June 2015

Os extremos climáticos são apresentados para diferentes regiões do Brasil num contexto de padrões de clima globais. Secas e enchentes, extremos de frio e de calor estão associados a padrões conhecidos como El Niño e La Niña, mas também existem padrões ainda muito pouco conhecidos e que ocorrem em associação a situações esperadas num contexto de mudanças climáticas globais. A previsibilidade dos extremos climáticos e a comunicação dos fenômenos associados para os diversos usuários são ainda uma prioridade que exige abordagem multidisciplinar.
O Papel do Oceano nas Mudanças Climáticas Globais
Authors: Campos Edmo J. D.
Published: June 2015

A água é uma substância essencial para a existência e a sustentação da vida no planeta Terra. O oceano, com quase todo o volume da água do planeta, cobre quase três quartos da superfície da Terra. Isso faz dele um componente fundamental no ciclo hidrológico – o processo pelo qual a água é continuamente transferida do oceano para as nuvens, para os continentes e de volta para o oceano. A água é a substância com o maior calor específico entre as comumente encontradas no ambiente terrestre – a única substância natural com calor específico superior ao da água é a amônia líquida. O grande volume e a alta capacidade térmica da água fazem do oceano o regulador do sistema climático, reduzindo as diferenças de temperatura e criando um ambiente propício para a vida em quase toda a superfície da Terra. A água faz também com que, no oceano, as respostas a alterações nos forçantes do clima sejam bem mais lentas do que na atmosfera. Dessa forma, o oceano age como um atenuador da velocidade com que o clima em geral é afetado por essas mudanças.
Vapor de Água na Atmosfera: do efeito estufa às mudanças climáticas
Authors: Barbosa Henrique M. J.
Published: June 2015

Uma molecula de agua interage tanto com a radiacao solar quanto com a radiacao de onda longa emitida pela superficie do nosso planeta. Se nao fosse por essa absorcao, que responde por 2/3 do efeito estufa natural e mantem a atmosfera e a superficie aquecidas, o clima nao seria como conhecemos hoje e possivelmente nao haveria vida na Terra. A presenca do vapor de agua no sistema climatico tambem possibilita um eficiente transporte vertical de energia da superficie para a troposfera, modificando o perfil de temperatura atraves das trocas de calor envolvidas nas mudancas de fase ao se formar uma nuvem. As nuvens, por sua vez, cobrem 2/3 do ceu, e sua interacao com a radiacao solar aumenta o albedo planetario de 15% para 30%, mas ao mesmo tempo tambem absorvem radiacao infravermelha que de outro modo seria perdida para o espaco. Neste artigo, iremos mostrar que, para continuar avancando no entendimento do clima e das mudancas climaticas, temos que continuar avancando nosso entendimento dos processos que envolvem o vapor de agua e as nuvens na nossa atmosfera.
Um “operário das palavras” em seu labirinto: a participação de Guillermo Cabrera Infante na Revolução Cubana, memórias desde o exílio
Authors: Favatto Barthon
Published: June 2015

O artigo que o leitor carrega em mãos é um esforço de síntese crítica e de divulgação de parte dos resultados de uma pesquisa de longo fôlego, direcionada à obtenção do título de mestre pelo Departamento de História da UNESP/Faculdade de Ciências e Letras de Assis. Nas páginas seguintes é apresentado e discutido o engajamento do escritor Guillermo Cabrera Infante na luta revolucionária em Cuba, ocorrida entre os anos de 1956-1959. A análise parte de uma leitura historicizada da autobiografia Cuerpos Divinos, publicada em 2010, cinco anos após o falecimento do autor, que viveu por quatro décadas à sombra do exílio.
Topografia, personagens marginais e identidade em letras de samba e de tango
Authors: Menezes Andreia Dos Santos
Published: June 2015

Nas letras de samba e de tango compostas entre as décadas de 1910 e 1940, notamos a reiterada presença de personagens marginais: o “malandro” e outros de seu universo, no caso do samba, e o “compadrito” e outros relacionados a ele nos tangos. Essa presença se plasma como uma contradição constitutiva, já que esses gêneros musicais, muitas vezes relacionados à representação do nacional, propagavam um modo de vida fora do apregoado como ideal de cidadão pelos respectivos Estados nacionais. É nosso objetivo neste artigo analisar como, nas composições nas quais aparece esse tipo de personagem, emergem embates entre vozes que identificamos, de um lado, como filiadas com a perspectiva marginal e, de outro, com posicionamentos relacionados às ações disciplinadoras dos Estados nacionais. Observaremos também como nessas letras a topografia representada se relaciona com questões de identidade desses personagens marginais, assim mesmo com questões de identidade nacional.
Micropterygium longicellulatum (Lepidoziaceae, Marchantiophyta), a new species from Colombia
Authors: Uribe Jaime , LINARES EDGAR L.
Published: June 2015

We describe a new leafy liverwort species, Micropterygium longicellulatum, collected on Cerro del Torrá, in San José del Palmar, southern Chocó, in the biogeographic Chocó region in Colombia. The new species is characterized by its radially symmetric stems; very long leaf cells, to 80 µm; and strongly concave leaves and underleaves.
Polyphasic characterization of Stigonema dinghuense, sp. nov. (Cyanophyceae, Nostocophycidae, Stigonemaceae), from Dinghu Mountain, south China
Authors: Song Gaofei , Xiang Xianfen , Wang Zhongjie , Li Renhui
Published: June 2015

Polyphasic taxonomic studies have been largely conducted at genus/species levels in cyanobacteria, leading to the description of numerous cyanobacterial genera and species. The present study describes a new cyanobacterial species Stigonema dinghuense, sp. nov. Song et Li based on the combination of morphological, genetic, and ecological evidences. This new species was collected from a wet rocky wall in Dinghu Mountain, Guangdong Province, China. Stigonema dinghuense was morphologically similar to Stigonema mamillosum, the type species of the genus, however, Stigonema dinghuense grew on the rocky wall in subtropical region and the type species Stigonema mamillosum inhabited in subfrigid and frigid zones, reflecting a relatively large difference in ecology. 16S rRNA sequences based phylogeny revealed that all the Stigonema species/strains reported so far, including S. dinghuense, grouped into a monophyletic cluster. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA, nifH and rbcLX gene sequences yielded the congruent support for the monophyly of heterocytous cyanobacteria. The true branching cyanobacteria (formerly Stigonematales) were separated into four major groups, three of which intermixed with Scytonemataceae.
Coccoloba floresii (Polygonaceae), a new species from Chiapas (Mexico)
Authors: Ortiz-Diaz Juan Javier , Arnelas Itziar , Tun Juan , Pinzón-Esquivel Juan Pablo
Published: June 2015

Coccoloba floresii is here described as a new species from Mexico. Morphological characters of the leaf, inflorescence, and fruit show discontinuities among populations of C. floresii and its relatives, C. barbadensis and C. cozumelensis. In addition, C. floresii is exclusive of the tropical dry forests of Central Depression and Plateau of Chiapas (Mexico) at high elevations.
A new species of Odontites (Orobanchaceae) from southern Italy
Authors: Brullo Salvatore , Tomaselli Valeria , Wagensommer Robert Philipp
Published: June 2015

Odontites sillettii, a new species from central Apulia (Southern Italy), is described and illustrated. This species is morphologically closely related to O. rigidifolius, endemic to Sicily, from which it differs in several features regarding leaves, calyx, corolla, anthers and pistil. The seed testa and pollen micromorphology, ecology, conservation status and its relationships with the hitherto known species of Odontites are examined, as well as an analytical key of the annual species of Odontites characterized by glabrous corolla on the abaxial face is provided.
A first assessment of lichenized Arthoniales in Bolivia with descriptions of two new species
Authors: Ertz Damien , Flakus Adam , Oset Magdalena , Sipman Harrie J. M. , Kukwa Martin
Published: June 2015

Records of 48 species belonging to the order Arthoniales from Bolivia are presented. Cryptothecia rosae-iselae Flakus & Kukwa and Lecanactis minuta Ertz, Flakus & Kukwa are described as new to science. Thirty-seven species are reported for the first time from Bolivia, seven of which, Alyxoria apomelaena, Cryptothecia darwiniana, C. groenhartii, C. megalocarpa, Herpothallon furfuraceum, Lecanographa uniseptata, and Opegrapha subvulgata, are new to South America. This raises the number of Arthoniales known from the country up to 72. Two new combinations are proposed: Alyxoria apomelaena (A. Massal.) Ertz for Opegrapha apomelaena A. Massal. and Myriostigma napoense (Kalb & Jonitz) Kukwa for Cryptothecia napoensis Kalb & Jonitz. Cresponea melanocheiloides is the second species of the genus shown to contain a xantholepinone. Cresponea melanocheiloides is reported as new to Costa Rica and Panama, Cryptothecia megalocarpa as new to the Netherlands Antilles and Guyana and C. striata is new to Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana and the Netherlands Antilles. Distribution data are reported for each species, with taxonomic remarks provided for new and some problematic taxa.
Pedicularis wanghongiae (Orobanchaceae), a new species from Yunnan, southwestern China
Authors: Liu Min-Lu , Yu Wen-Bin
Published: June 2015

Pedicularis wanghongiae M.L.Liu & W.B.Yu, a new species from Gaoligong Mountains in Yunnan Province, southwestern China, is described and illustrated. This new species was found growing in the wet meadow at the top of the mountains near Dulongjiang Township and Cikai Township. Pedicularis wanghongiae is morphologically similar to P. praeruptorum Bonati, but differs from the latter in having an upward bent galea, shorter petioles and only two pubescent filaments. In addition, stems of P. wanghongiae are densely glandular pubescent, and its leaves are abaxially white pubescent along the veins. Furthermore, the pollen grain of P. wanghongiae is bisyncolpate with microfoveolate exine ornamentation. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using four DNA loci (ITS, matK, rbcL and trnL-F) support the delimitation of this new species. Morphologically, this new species should be placed in Pedicularis series Paucifoliatae Prain according to Tsoong’s classification. However, series Paucifoliatae was shown to be paraphyletic based on molecular data. A key to species in series Paucifoliatae is presented, and relationships among these species discussed.
A new species of Ternstroemia (Pentaphylacaceae) from La Amistad Binational Park and World Heritage Property, Costa Rica and Panama
Authors: Santamaria Daniel Aguilar , Monro Alex K , Jiménez-Madrigal Quírico
Published: June 2015

Ternstroemia amistadensis Q. Jiménez & D. Santam., a new tree species from La Amistad International Park in Costa Rica and Panama, is described and illustrated. Ternstroemia amistadensis is assessed as Near Threatened, It may be may be distinguished from other species in the genus based on its obovate, coriaceous and very shiny leaf laminae with obtuse-rounded apices and bearing many small black punctations below.
Marsdenia microcarpa, a new species of Marsdenia (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from montane Guerrero, Mexico
Authors: Juárez-Jaimes Verónica , Lozada-Pérez Lucio
Published: June 2015

A new species of Marsdenia (Apocynaceae; Asclepiadoideae) is described from the mountain cloud forest in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Marsdenia microcarpa is distinguished from other species of the genus by its gynostegial corona lobes oblong-ovate, adnate to the gynostegium, free, erect or divergent obtuse apices, margins of lobes connate at base, corpuscle with rostrate apex, narrowly fusiform follicles of less than 5 cm at maturity. A key to the species of Marsdenia in the state of Guerrero is presented.
Uca (Xeruca), a new subgenus for the Taiwanese fiddler crab Uca formosensis Rathbun, 1921 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Ocypodidae), based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: SHIH HSI-TE
Published: June 2015

The fiddler crab Uca formosensis Rathbun, 1921 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Ocypodidae), restricted to the western part of Taiwan and the offshore Penghu (Pescadores) Islands in the Taiwan Strait, has been placed under the subgenus Uca (Gelasimus) Latreille, 1817 (= Uca (Thalassuca) Crane, 1975) based on only less than a dozen specimens, but later suggested under the subgenus Tubuca Bott, 1973 because the similarity of external morphology. A suite of characters of carapace, major cheliped, gastric mill, male first gonopod, and chela handedness, as well as the phylogenic relationships (mitochondrial 16S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I, and nuclear 28S rDNA), nevertheless support this species belongs to its own subgenus. A new subgenus Uca (Xeruca) subgen. nov. is herein established for U. formosensis.
Genus Leptoiulus Verhoeff, 1894 new to the fauna of the Asian part of Russia, with description of a new species from the Altai and its comparison with the European Leptoiulus trilineatus (C.L. Koch, 1847) (Diplopoda, Julida, Julidae)
Authors: MIKHALJOVA ELENA V. , NEFEDIEV PAVEL S. , NEFEDIEVA JULIA S. , DYACHKOV YURI V.
Published: June 2015

The diplopod genus Leptoiulus Verhoeff, 1894 is new to the fauna of the Asian part of Russia, due to the discovery of        L. tigirek sp. nov. from the south-western part of the Altai Province, Siberia. A description of the new species and information on its habitats, numbers and locomotor activity as well as comparison with the European Leptoiulus trilineatus (C.L. Koch, 1847) are presented.
Redescription of three Hippasa species from China (Araneae: Lycosidae), with a proposed species group-division and diagnosis
Authors: WANG LU-YU , LI ZONG-XU , ZHOU KE-XIN , ZHANG ZHI-SHENG
Published: June 2015

The genus Hippasa is a group of web-weaving lycosids, whose web is funnel-like, quite similar to those of the Agelenidae. In this paper, based on published papers and specimens from China, we diagnose and discuss the composition of this genus. Two species groups are recognised, the Hippasa greenalliae-group (12 species and a subspecies) mainly from Asia and the Hippasa partita-group (17 species), which is distributed in both South Asia and Africa. In China, there are three Hippasa species: H. holmerae Thorell, 1895, H. lingxianensis Yin & Wang, 1980 (revalidated) and H. lycosina Pocock, 1900. The Japanese species, H. babai Tanikawa, 2007 is newly synonymised with H. lingxianensis. Two Hippasa species, H. agelenoides (Simon, 1884) and H. greenalliae (Blackwall, 1867) have never been found in China. Morphological illustrations, photos and redescriptions of H. holmerae, H. lingxianensis and H. lycosina are provided, based on Chinese specimens.
Cluster Analysis of Northern Hemisphere Wintertime 500-hPa Flow Regimes during 1920–2014*
Authors: Bao Ming , Wallace John M.
Published: June 2015

Clusters in the Northern Hemisphere wintertime, 10-day low-pass-filtered 500-hPa height field are identified using the method of self-organizing maps (SOMs). Results are based on 1) a 57-winter record of ERA and 2) a 93-winter record of the NOAA Twentieth-Century Reanalysis (20CR). The clusters derived from SOMs appear to be more robust and more linearly independent than their counterparts derived from Ward’s method, and clusters with comparable numbers of member days are more distinctive in terms of the standardized Euclidean distances of their centroids from the centroid of the dataset. The reproducible SOM clusters in the hemispheric domain are 1) the negative polarity of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), 2) a pattern suggestive of Alaska blocking with a downstream wave train extending over North America and the North Atlantic, 3) an enhancement of the climatological-mean stationary wave pattern in the Western Hemisphere that projects positively upon the Pacific–North America (PNA) pattern, and 4) a pattern that projects upon the negative polarity of the PNA pattern. The first three patterns have important impacts on the wintertime climate in North America and Europe. In particular, they are helpful in interpreting prevailing flow patterns during the exceptional winters of 1930–31, 2009–10, and 2013–14. Because of the very limited number of independent samples in a single winter, the number of days per winter in which the circulation resides within individual clusters varies erratically from winter to winter, rendering attribution difficult.
Reducing Inequalities in Oral Health in the Africa and Middle East Region
Authors: Sheiham A. , Williams D.M.
Published: June 2015

Dentistry is facing many serious challenges and threats. Addressing them will require major changes in strategy. This work outlines the extent of dental disease in the Africa and Middle East Region (AMER) and suggests strategies to reduce inequalities in oral health. The main oral health challenges in the AMER relate to controlling the relentless increase in caries with age. A very conservative estimate of population caries levels suggests that a 5-fold increase in dental personnel would be required just to treat current levels of caries. Hence, we argue that current approaches to control caries in the AMER are both ineffective and unaffordable, and a new model to promote oral health is needed. Unless determinants of noncommunicable diseases are addressed and access to evidence-based minimal intervention dental care is improved, the burden of dental disease will persist. The new oral health promotion model calls for an integrated intersectoral common risk factor approach, namely, “oral health in all policies” (OHiAP). An OHiAP framework will initiate high-level policy initiatives and intersectoral partnerships. Oral health professionals have an important advocacy role in securing the fundamental changes in health strategy needed to control the growing, unjust, and unaffordable burden of oral disease.
Cut-throat wounds: Suicidal and homicidal—two case reports and review of literature
Authors: Yadav Abhishek , Raheel Md Shadab , Kumar R Lohith , Sharma Sunil Kumar , Kanwar Hemant
Published: June 2015

Cut-throat wounds are a well-recognized method of homicide, are less commonly used in suicides and are rarely accidental. The forensic pathologist has a very challenging and important task when commenting on the manner of infliction of such wounds when such a case is presented with no proper history or witnesses. We present two cases of cut-throat wounds, one suicide and one homicide, to show the differences between the pattern of wounds. We highlight the differences between the two cases in relation to other external injuries, the circumstances in which the bodies were found and other factors. We intend to update the literature regarding this topic in reference to our cases. We also hope that our presentation will be beneficial to doctors performing autopsies on such cases, so as to distinguish the manner of cut-throat wounds in equivocal cases of death.
Some Milestones in Language and Cognition Studies
Authors: Dasgupta Probal
Published: June 2015

Language and cognition both appear in humans not in their raw form, but framed in a certain pedagogy. In his classic work on the relation between early linguistic development and early cognitive development, Vygotsky pointed out that, right from its inception in an individual's development, language couples the initially (ontogenetically and functionally) independent functions of speech and thought. He stresses that, as the child grows into a full encounter with the world of work, her own private narratives give way to an adult-mediated, non-fantasy-laden access to the public articulation of what her words really mean. Recent lexical conceptual research reaffirms Vygotsky. Current work on the multicoded nature of adult scientific use of language also indicates that understanding the child's cognitive and linguistic growth can help make sense of the multisemiotic writings of science.
Quality and the Social Context of Rural Schools
Authors: Anitha B. K.
Published: June 2015

This paper operationalises a characterisation of ‘quality’ that is relevant to rural schools. It uses this set of indicators in the study of schools in nine villages to explore the interlinkages between the quality of schools and their social context as characterised by the occupational and caste profiles of the village.
Surveying Graduates of a Self-Contained High School Gifted Program
Authors: Walker L. D. (Dan) , VanderPloeg Merri Kae
Published: June 2015

The authors describe a survey of graduates of a high school program for the academically gifted and argue that such data, both qualitative and quantitative, can add an important element to the evaluation of a program—in this case, a regional Governor’s School—especially by using a Comparison group of high-achieving graduates of the same systems’ regular programs. Confirming and amplifying the findings of state evaluators, the survey results show the value of the program’s elements, especially the research strand. These elements draw from recommended practices, applying them to a hybrid pullout/self-contained program that serves classes who are together for 4 years in four core subjects. The survey thus has implications for program design and evaluation, while yielding implications for further research.
Feline injection-site sarcoma
Authors: Hartmann Katrin , Day Michael J , Thiry Etienne , Lloret Albert , Frymus Tadeusz , Addie Diane , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Horzinek Marian C , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Truyen Uwe , Möstl Karin ,   European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases
Published: June 2015

Overview:

In cats, the most serious of adverse effects following vaccination is the occurrence of invasive sarcomas (mostly fibrosarcomas): so-called ‘feline injection-site sarcomas’ (FISSs). These develop at sites of previous vaccination or injection. They have characteristics that are distinct from those of fibrosarcomas in other areas and behave more aggressively. The rate of metastasis ranges from 10–28%.

Pathogenesis:

The pathogenesis of these sarcomas is not yet definitively explained. However, chronic inflammatory reactions are considered the trigger for subsequent malignant transformation. Injections of long-acting drugs (such as glucocorticoids, and others) have been associated with sarcoma formation. Adjuvanted vaccines induce intense local inflammation and seem therefore to be particularly linked to the development of FISS. The risk is lower for modified-live and recombinant vaccines, but no vaccine is risk-free.

Treatment and prevention:

Aggressive, radical excision is required to avoid tumour recurrence. The prognosis improves if additional radiotherapy and/or immunotherapy (such as recombinant feline IL-2) are used. For prevention, administration of any irritating substance should be avoided. Vaccination should be performed as often as necessary, but as infrequently as possible. Non-adjuvanted, modified-live or recombinant vaccines should be selected in preference to adjuvanted vaccines. Injections should be given at sites at which surgery would likely lead to a complete cure; the interscapular region should generally be avoided. Post-vaccination monitoring should be performed.
Streptococcal infections in cats
Authors: Frymus Tadeusz , Addie Diane D , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Horzinek Marian C , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Möstl Karin ,   European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases
Published: June 2015

Overview:

Streptococcus canis is most prevalent in cats, but recently S equi subsp zooepidemicus has been recognised as an emerging feline pathogen.

infection:

S canis is considered part of the commensal mucosal microflora of the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, genital organs and perianal region in cats. The prevalence of infection is higher in cats housed in groups; and, for example, there may be a high rate of vaginal carriage in young queens in breeding catteries. A wide spectrum of clinical disease is seen, encompassing neonatal septicaemia, upper respiratory tract disease, abscesses, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, polyarthritis, urogenital infections, septicaemia, sinusitis and meningitis.

infection:

S equi subsp zooepidemicus is found in a wide range of species including cats. It was traditionally assumed that this bacterium played no role in disease of cats, but it is now considered a cause of respiratory disease with bronchopneumonia and pneumonia, as well as meningoencephalitis, often with a fatal course. Close confinement of cats, such as in shelters, appears to be a major risk factor. As horses are common carriers of this bacterium, contact with horses is a potential source of infection. Additionally, the possibility of indirect transmission needs to be considered.

Diagnosis:

Streptococci can be detected by conventional culture techniques from swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or organ samples. Also real-time PCR can be used, and is more sensitive than culture.

Treatment:

In suspected cases, treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics should be initiated as soon as possible and, if appropriate, adapted to the results of culture and sensitivity tests.
Matrix vaccination guidelines
Authors: Hosie Margaret J , Addie Diane D , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Horzinek Marian C , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Möstl Karin ,   European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases
Published: June 2015

Overview: In 2013, the ABCD published ‘Matrix vaccination guidelines: ABCD recommendations for indoor/outdoor cats, rescue shelter cats and breeding catteries’ in a Special Issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (Volume 15, Issue 7, pages 540–544). The ABCD’s vaccination recommendations were presented in tabulated form, taking into account that there is no universal vaccination protocol for all cats. To support the veterinarian’s decision making, recommendations for four lifestyles were made: for cats with outdoors access, cats kept solely indoors, rescue shelter cats and cats in breeding catteries. This update article follows the same approach, offering current and, where relevant, expanded recommendations.
Improved serological detection of rheumatoid arthritis: a highly antigenic mimotope of carbonic anhydrase III selected in a murine model by phage display
Authors: Araujo Galber Rodrigues , Vaz Emília Rezende , Fujimura Patricia Tiemi , Fonseca João Eurico , de Lima Lucélia Maria , Canhão Helena , Venturini Gabriela , Cardozo Karina Helena Morais , Carvalho Valdemir Melechco , Napimoga Marcelo Henrique , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Gonçalves João , Ueira-Vieira Carlos
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects around 1 % of the human population worldwide. RA diagnosis can be difficult as there is no definitive test for its detection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify biomarkers that could be used for RA diagnosis.

Methods

Sera from a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model were used to select potential biomarkers for RA diagnosis by phage display technology. In silico and in vitro analyses were performed to characterize and validate the selected peptides. Samples were classified into three groups: RA; two other immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS)); and healthy controls (HC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to determine antibody levels, and diagnostic parameters were determined by constructing receiver operating characteristic curves. Mass spectrometry and Western blot were performed to identify the putative autoantigen that was mimicked by a highly reactive mimotope.

Results

After three rounds of selection, 14 clones were obtained and tested for immunoreactivity analysis against sera from RA and HC groups. The phage-fused peptide with the highest immunoreactivity (M12) was synthesized, and was able to efficiently discriminate RA patients from SLE, AS and HCs (p < 0.0001) by ELISA. The specificity and sensitivity of anti-M12 antibodies for RA diagnosis were 91 % and 84.3 %, respectively. The M12 peptide was identified as one that mimics a predicted antigenic site of the carbonic anhydrase III (CAIII) protein, a ubiquitous biomarker that has been identified in patients with other diseases.

Conclusion

M12 is the first peptide associated with the CAIII protein that may be used as an antigen for antibody detection to aid in RA diagnosis with high sensitivity and specificity.
Exploratory study of tolerability and immunological effect of a short up‐dosing immunotherapy phase with a standardised allergen extract derived from pollen of Olea europaea
Authors: Moreno Carmen , De San Pedro Blanca Sáenz , Millán Carmen , Panizo Carmen , Martín Santiago , Florido Fernando
Published: June 2015

Background

A new subcutaneous specific immunotherapy (SCIT) product adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide has been developed with a short and simplified up‐dosing phase, containing a biologically standardized allergen pollen extract from Olea europaea.

Objective

To assess the tolerability profile of the updosing phase and its immunological effect, in terms of specific IgG4 and IgE levels and immediate skin reactivity.

Material and methods

The study was an exploratory, multi‐centre, open‐label, single‐arm, phase II/III clinical trial. Adults with a clinical history of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with/without asthma due to sensitization to olive pollen were selected. Five up‐dosing doses (300, 600, 3000, 6000 and 15000SQ+) were administered at weekly intervals, followed by a maintenance dose (15000SQ+) after 2 weeks. Adverse events were collected during the 30 min observation period after injections, after a telephone contact 2 days after each visit, and after reviewing the subjects’ diary. IgG4 and IgE levels and immediate skin reactivity were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the trial.

Results

Ninety‐three subjects were included in the trial (mean age, 35.7 ± 10.3 years; women, 66.7 %). A total of 95 adverse drug reactions, all mild in intensity and non‐serious, were reported during the trial: 85 local in 34.4 % subjects, 9 systemic in 4.3 % subjects and one non‐specific (grade 0). Within 6 weeks, significant changes in IgG4 and IgE levels and in immediate skin reactivity to Olea europaea were accomplished.

Conclusion

This new SCIT derived from pollen of Olea europaea presented a good tolerability profile and induced significant immunological responses already after a 6 week treatment. However, the non‐controlled design may limit the interpretation of these results.

Trial registration

EudraCT no: 2011‐004852‐20; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01674595.
Software-defined networking-based resource management: data offloading with load balancing in 5G HetNet
Authors: Duan Xiaoyu , Akhtar Auon Muhammad , Wang Xianbin
Published: June 2015

The explosive growth of mobile data traffic and the shortage of the available spectral resources have created new challenges for future cellular networks. In particular, resource management in heterogeneous network environment has become a critical issue. In this paper, we propose software-defined networking (SDN)-based resource management algorithms for future cellular network. Specifically, in this work, we have a threefold objective: i) alleviate spectrum shortage concerns by efficiently offloading traffic over the Wi-Fi network, ii) address network congestion by optimally balancing loads across multiple cells and iii) achieve the aforementioned objectives while taking network conditions and the end user quality-of-service (QoS) requirements into consideration. To this end, we present SDN-based partial data offloading and load balancing algorithms. The proposed algorithms exploit an SDN controller’s global view of the network and take optimized resource allocation decisions. We analyze the performance of the proposed algorithms under realistic network model. Moreover, we also present an analytical framework to quantify the delay incurred due to the SDN-based data processing and forwarding. Our analysis and system-level simulations show that the proposed load balancing algorithm significantly improves the equilibrium extent and network stability as compared to the baseline algorithms. On the other hand, the proposed partial data offloading algorithm is shown to satisfy end user’s quality-of-service while saving a significant amount of cellular resources.
A multiple transmitter and receiver electromagnetic system for improved target detection
Authors: Kolaj Michal , Smith Richard S.
Published: June 2015

We have developed an alternative strategy for the inevitable deeper inductive electromagnetic (EM) exploration, which will be required as shallow deposits are exhausted. Rather than using very large magnetic moment ground loops, measurement stations are repeated using many smaller sized loops with smaller moments. The multiple transmitter data are then weighted and summed into a single high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) composite transmitter. The composite transmitter can be thought of as a postprocessing method that uses the collected multitransmitter data to construct/simulate a transmitter, which maximizes the coupling to a particular target. The appropriate transmitter weights to use will depend on the target location and geometry, and, as such, different weighting schemes allow for the construction of different composite transmitters, each of which will maximally highlight different targets. We have assumed no prior knowledge of the location and orientation of the exploration targets, and we constructed composite transmitters for each possible location of a discretized subsurface and 324 possible target orientations (dipole embedded within a fully resistive medium). A modified difference of squares and a dipole look-up table was used to assess the fit between each composite transmitter and the suggested target location and orientation. Synthetic studies using conductive plate target(s) embedded within a fully resistive medium found that the target locations and orientations could be accurately determined and that the S/N of the composite transmitter was significantly higher than that of standard fixed-loop ground and airborne surveys. In a ground time-domain EM field test, 23 transmitter positions were used, and a shallow target (conductive dike) could be identified using the developed methodology. The composite transmitter data we produced was considerably easier to interpret and had a larger amplitude than that of any one single transmitter.
Simulation of the borehole quasistatic electric field excited by the acoustic wave during logging while drilling due to electrokinetic effect
Authors: Zheng Xiaobo , Hu Hengshan , Guan Wei , Wang Jun
Published: June 2015

Acoustic logging while drilling (LWD) is an important commercial technology for oil and gas exploration. However, the collar wave in the full waveform has been found to interfere with signals from the formation, making it difficult to obtain formation compressional and shear velocities from acoustic LWD signals. We investigated seismoelectric LWD to solve this problem. We focused on the feasibility of obtaining the formation acoustic compressional and shear velocities from electric signals that go with acoustic waves near the borehole due to the electrokinetic effect. The theoretical full waveform of the seismoelectric LWD was simulated by one-way conversion approximation. The full waveform of acoustic pressure was simulated first, with a viscoelastic formation medium. The pore pressure was then estimated by confining pressure. The electric field excited by the elastic wave was seen as quasistatic and was simulated by solving the Poisson equation under the borehole conditions with an inhomogeneous term generated by the acoustic disturbance. In the full waveform of the synthesized electric field, there was a signal traveling with the collar wave speed, as well as signals accompanying compressional, shear, and similar guided wave groups. The converted electric collar wave signal was weaker than its acoustic counterpart, in terms of their amplitudes relative to other wave groups in their respective full waveforms.