bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Disorders, Neurocognition and Rationality in Schizophrenia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Nordgaard Julie , Revsbech Rasmus , Henriksen Mads Gram
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Although the very idea that the generative disorder in schizophrenia is a disturbance of the self is as old as the schizophrenia concept itself, empirical studies have only recently emerged, documenting that anomalous self-experiences (i.e. self-disorders, SDs) aggregate in schizophrenia spectrum disorders but not in other mental disorders. The aim of this study is to explore potential associations between SDs, neurocognitive performance, rationality and IQ in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: The sample comprises 31 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (DSM-IV). All patients underwent comprehensive evaluation. SDs were assessed with the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience scale. Neurocognitive performance was measured with 4 PC-implemented subtests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Rationality was measured using syllogism tests. The IQ was indexed by a summary score of 4 IST-2000-R computerized subtests. Results: No correlation was found between SDs and neurocognitive performance or between SDs and IQ. SDs were found to correlate with rationality. Neurocognitive performance correlated with rationality, and both correlated with IQ, respectively. Conclusions: The lack of correlation between SDs and neurocognitive performance is consistent with the results from the only previous study exploring this issue, suggesting that SDs depict something essential to schizophrenia, whereas neurocognitive impairment does not. The correlation between SDs and rationality indicates that the syllogism tests reflect something central for schizophrenia, but the result needs further corroboration from larger, empirical studies.
TNFAIP2 Inhibits Early TNFa-Induced NF-κB Signaling and Decreases Survival in Septic Shock Patients
Authors: Thair Simone A. , Topchiy Elena , Boyd John H. , Cirstea Mihai , Wang Catherine , Nakada Taka-aki , Fjell Christopher D. , Wurfel Mark , Russell James A. , Walley Keith R.
Published: September 2015

During septic shock, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) is an early response gene and induces a plethora of genes and signaling pathways. To identify robust signals in genes reliably upregulated by TNFa, we first measured microarray gene expression in vitro and searched methodologically comparable, publicly available data sets to identify concordant signals. Using tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes common to all data sets, we identified a genetic variant of the TNFAIP2 gene, rs8126, associated with decreased 28-day survival and increased organ dysfunction in an adult cohort in the Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial. Similar to this cohort, we found that an association with rs8126 and increased organ dysfunction is replicated in a second cohort of septic shock patients in the St. Paul's Hospital Intensive Care Unit. We found that TNFAIP2 inhibits NF-κB activity, impacting the downstream cytokine interleukin (IL)-8. The minor G allele of TNFAIP2 rs8126 resulted in greater TNFAIP2 expression, decreased IL-8 production and was associated with decreased survival in patients experiencing septic shock. These data suggest that TNFAIP2 is a novel inhibitor of NF-κB that acts as an autoinhibitor of the TNFa response during septic shock.
Visual Capability of the Weakly Electric Fish Apteronotus albifrons as Revealed by a Modified Retinal Flat-Mount Method
Authors: Takiyama Tomo , Luna da Silva Valdir , Moura Silva Daniel , Hamasaki Sawako , Yoshida Masayuki
Published: September 2015

Apteronotus albifrons (Gymnotiformes, Apteronotidae) is well known to have a sophisticated active electrosense system and is commonly described as having poor vision or being almost blind. However, some studies on this species suggest that the visual system may have a role in sensing objects in the environment. In this study, we investigated the visual capabilities of A. albifrons by focusing on eye morphology and retinal ganglion cell distribution. The eyes were almost embedded below the body surface and pigmented dermal tissue covered the peripheral regions of the pupil, limiting the direction of incoming light. The lens was remarkably flattened compared to the almost spherical lenses of other teleosts. The layered structure of the retina was not well delineated and ganglion cells did not form a continuous sheet of cell bodies. A newly modified retinal flat-mount method was applied to reveal the ganglion cell distribution. This method involved postembedding removal of the pigment epithelium of the retina for easier visualization of ganglion cells in small and/or fragile retinal tissues. We found that ganglion cell densities were relatively high in the periphery and highest in the nasal and temporal retina, although specialization was not so high (approx. 3:1) with regard to the medionasal or mediotemporal axis. The estimated highest possible spatial resolving power was around 0.57 and 0.54 cycles/degree in the nasal and temporal retina, respectively, confirming the lower importance of the visual sense in this species. However, considering the hunting nature of A. albifrons, the relatively high acuity of the caudal visual field in combination with electrolocation may well be used to locate prey situated close to the side of the body.
Lung Ultrasound and Static Lung Compliance during Postnatal Adaptation in Healthy Term Infants
Authors: Martelius Laura , Süvari Liina , Janér Cecilia , Helve Otto , Kaskinen Anu , Kirjavainen Turkka , Pitkänen Olli , Andersson Sture
Published: September 2015

Background: B-lines in lung ultrasound can be used to estimate lung liquid. B-lines are ring-down artifacts that arise from alterations to subpleural lung parenchyma. Lung ultrasound has been used to differentiate between diseases causing respiratory symptoms in neonates. B-lines are also seen in healthy infants during postnatal adaptation. Static lung compliance is a measure of the elasticity of the lungs. Objectives: Our aim was to document lung ultrasound findings, static lung compliance and their relationship during postnatal adaptation in healthy term infants. Methods: Lung ultrasound and measurement of static lung compliance were performed in 34 infants at ages of 0-4 and 24 h. B-lines in lung ultrasound were scored using a 5-step scale. Separate ultrasound scores for the upper and lower fields were also calculated. Results: A significant decrease in the abundance of B-lines and a concomitant significant improvement in static lung compliance was observed from <4 to 24 h of age. At <4 h the B-lines were significantly more abundant in the lower fields. No significant correlation existed between lung ultrasound and static lung compliance. Conclusion: The concomitant decrease in the B-lines in ultrasound and the increase in lung compliance during the first 24 h are likely to reflect clearance of lung liquid.
Serum Cortisol-to-Cortisone Ratio and Blood Pressure in Severe Obesity before and after Weight Loss
Authors: Byrd James B. , Rothberg Amy E. , Chomic Robert , Burant Charles F. , Brook Robert D. , Auchus Richard J.
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: The pathogenesis of obesity-associated hypertension is poorly understood. Serum cortisol-to-cortisone ratio (F/E ratio) is a marker of cortisol metabolism. Our objective was to determine whether the serum F/E ratio is associated with blood pressure (BP) in patients after significant weight loss (≥15% from baseline weight). Methods: Sera from 43 nondiabetic, severely obese males participating in a weight management program were assayed for F and E by mass spectrometry. We assessed whether changes in the F/E ratio accompanying weight loss correlate with changes in the systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Linear regression was used to evaluate change in the F/E ratio as a predictor of change in BP. Results: The body mass index decreased from 40.8 ± 5.6 to 33.7 ± 4.8 (p < 0.001); also, SBP (133.2 ± 13.8 vs. 124.1 ± 14.3 mm Hg; p < 0.001) and DBP (69.8 ± 8.0 vs. 66.6 ± 9.4 mm Hg; p = 0.026) decreased during the study. The baseline F/E ratio tended to associate with baseline DBP (Spearman's r = -0.29, p = 0.06), and change in the serum F/E ratio correlated with change in DBP (Spearman's r = -0.32, p = 0.036). Change in the F/E ratio also tended to associate with change in SBP (Spearman's r = -0.27, p = 0.08). A multiple linear regression model adjusted for change in the F/E ratio and age explained 22% of the variance in SBP change (R2 = 0.22, p = 0.007). Change in the F/E ratio independently predicted change in SBP (p = 0.036). Conclusion: In our sample of nondiabetic, severely obese males, change in the serum F/E ratio was associated with change in BP after weight loss.
Unusual Complication of Neglected Hydrocephalus: Spontaneous Rupture with Growing Skull Fracture
Authors: Tripathi Manjul , Padwal Amit Dattatraya , Shinde Pandit Bharat , Shukla Dhaval , Bhat Dhananjaya Ishwar , Devi Bhagvatula Indira
Published: September 2015

Timely management of hydrocephalus in infants is critical as the initial treatment can have lifelong implications for survival and neurological outcome. In the developing countries, grossly enlarged heads are still not an uncommon occurrence. In extreme cases, there may be a spontaneous rupture of hydrocephalus either externally or internally, depending on the status of the sutures. Here, the successful management of a rare complication of spontaneous rupture of hydrocephalus in an infant is discussed. The management of the present case provides a novel approach to deal with this dreaded complication. Though the neurological outcome remains guarded in such cases, they need to be tackled cautiously to address the hydrocephalus and esthetic appearance of the infant.
Imaging Mass Spectrometry Reveals a Unique Distribution of Triglycerides in the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysmal Wall
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Zaima Nobuhiro , Sasaki Takeshi , Yamamoto Naoto , Inuzuka Kazunori , Sano Masaki , Saito Takaaki , Hayasaka Takahiro , Goto-Inoue Naoko , Sato Kohji , Kugo Hirona , Moriyama Tatsuya , Konno Hiroyuki , Setou Mitsutoshi , Unno Naoki
Published: September 2015

The pathophysiology underlying abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) remains unknown. In this study, we applied imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) to analyze the pathophysiology of the aneurysmal wall. Comparisons were performed between the tissue samples from the neck and the sac of the AAA, at a single time point, in 30 patients who underwent elective surgery of their AAAs. The localization of each lipid molecule in the aortic wall was assessed by IMS. Histopathological examination and IMS revealed a characteristic distribution of triglycerides (TGs) specifically in the aneurismal adventitia of the sac. This characteristic TG distribution was derived from an ectopic appearance of adipocytes in the adventitia. Furthermore, ectopic adipocyte accumulation in the aortic wall leads to the loss of the collagen fiber network subsequent to the wall rupture. The underlying mechanism of adipocyte accumulation involves the presence of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in the aneurismal adventitia and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2, a master regulator of adipocyte differentiation by some ADSCs. This study reveals new, previously overlooked aspects of AAA pathology.
Protective Effects of Simvastatin and Hesperidin against Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Ahmed Yasmin Moustafa , Messiha Basim A.S. , Abo-Saif Ali Ahmed
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling autoimmune disease for which most current treatments cause massive complications, thereby limiting treatment dose and duration. The anti-arthritic effects of the 3-hydroxy-3-metylglutary-CoA reductase inhibitor, simvastatin, and the natural flavonoid, hesperidin, were investigated against complete Freund's adjuvant-induced RA in rats. Methods: A normal control group, an arthritis control group, 2 reference treatment groups receiving dexamethasone (1.5 mg/kg/day) and methotrexate (1 mg/kg/day), and 2 treatment groups receiving simvastatin (0.5 mg/kg/day) and hesperidin (200 mg/kg/day) were included in the study. Serum rheumatoid factor, matrix metalloprotinease-3 (MMP-3) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) as specific rheumatoid biomarkers, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and antinuclear antibody (ANA) as immunological biomarkers, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 as immunomodulatory cytokines, serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) and C-reactive protein as inflammatory biomarkers, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) as oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed, supported by joint and spleen histopathological study. Results: Simvastatin significantly improved all the measured biomarkers, with MMP-3, COMP, and GSH restored to normal levels. Hesperidin significantly improved all the measured biomarkers, with COMP, IgG, ANA, MPO, MDA and GSH restored to normal levels. Conclusion: Simvastatin and hesperidin may be promising protective agents against RA through immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials.
Evolution and role of the follicular epidermal gland system in non-ophidian squamates
Authors: Mayerl Christopher , Baeckens Simon , Van Damme Raoul
Published: September 2015

Many lizard and amphisbaenian lineages possess follicular glands in the dermis of the inner thighs and/or the area anterior to the cloaca. These tubular glands produce a holocrine secretion that finds its way to the external world through pore-bearing scales (femoral and/or preanal pores). Secretions are composed of proteins and many lipophilic compounds that may function as chemosignals in lizard and amphisbaenian communication. In recent years, we have begun to develop an understanding of the adaptive significance of these secretions, and they are currently thought to play an important role in a variety of processes in these animals. While it appears that epidermal gland secretions function in intra- and interspecific recognition and territoriality, research has focused largely on their role in mate assessment. Despite these recent studies, our knowledge on the true role of the chemicals found in epidermal secretions remains poorly studied, and there are many possible avenues for future research on this topic. Here, we review the literature on the follicular epidermal glands of non-ophidian squamates and provide a first taxon-wide overview of their distribution.
Avian deception using an elaborate caudal lure in Pseudocerastes urarachnoides (Serpentes: Viperidae)
Authors: Fathinia Behzad , Rastegar-Pouyani Nasrullah , Rastegar-Pouyani Eskandar , Todehdehghan Fatemeh , Amiri Fathollah
Published: September 2015

Pseudocerastes urarachnoides is a fascinating viper and as yet has been reported only in western Iran. An elaborated arachnid-like caudal structure is a unique feature of this viper, hence gives it the common name “Iranian spider-tailed viper”. During tail wagging, the structure is reminiscent of a moving spider. Tail movements are used for two different purposes in snakes: defense via tail vibration and hunting via both caudal luring and caudal distraction. Caudal luring in snakes is the wriggling or wagging of the posterior part of tail, in the presence of a potential prey, with conspicuous color pattern while the rest of body is cryptically colored. Previous studies have speculated on the role of caudal structure of P. urarachnoides in hunting. Our 2.5-year study has revealed that development of the structure of the caudal lure is commenced after birth and is linearly correlated to snout-vent length. The caudal lure attracts some species of birds. Caudal luring behavior is carried out both in the presence and absence of birds. The findings are reported for the first time and confirmed by direct observation of undisturbed individuals in the field.
Co-occurrence patterns in independently evolved groups of Mediterranean insectivorous vertebrates (lizards and shrews)
Authors: Aloise Gaetano , Cagnin Mara , Luiselli Luca
Published: September 2015

Soricid mammals and lizards are small-sized, insectivorous vertebrates that are widespread and abundant in Mediterranean habitats. Because of their broad sympatry and their diet similarity, these taxa have been suspected to compete for food. Therefore, co-occurrence patterns between these taxa were studied at 72 sites in southern Italy by means of trapping methods. The assemblages were quite distinct depending on the site bioclimate: for the Lacertidae,Podarcis siculusdominated in the thermo-Mediterranean sites andP. muralisin the temperate sites, whereas, for the soricids,Suncus etruscusand two species ofCrocidurawere dominant in thermo-Mediterranean sites and threeSorexspecies in the temperate sites. The mean number of captured soricids was statistically higher in the temperate sites, and was positively related to the first component of a Principal Component Analysis summarizing three collinear study site variables (elevation, mean annual temperature, annual rainfall), the reverse being true for lizards. Co-occurrence analysis revealed that a non-segregated structure was present in the dataset, whereas a randomization algorithm showed that the assemblage of small mammals and lizards was non-randomly structured, with the frequency distribution of shrews being non-independent by site from that of lizards. However, when we divided the sites by their bioclimatic regime (thermo-Mediterranean versus temperate), the non-randomness of the community structure disappeared, thus demonstrating that interspecific competition was not the main force driving these assemblages of species. The number of shrews captured in each sampling site was however significantly negatively related to the number of lizards, this pattern being linked to the bioclimate of the various sampling sites. Overall, our data indicated that the assemblage of shrews and lizards was likely regulated essentially by local climate and not by synecological (interspecific competition) dynamics.
Sexual dimorphism and age structure of the Montseny newt (Calotriton arnoldi)
Authors: Amat Fèlix , Oromí Neus , Sanuy Delfí , Carranza Salvador
Published: September 2015

Patterns of sexual dimorphism and age structure were investigated in two populations of the newtCalotriton arnoldi, endemic of the Montseny Massif (NE of the Iberian Peninsula). In contrast to the Pyrenean newt (Calotriton asper) sexual dimorphism in the Montseny brook newt is characterized by slightly larger females (60.3 ± 0.3 mm; maximum: 68 mm) than males (59.5 ± 0.2 mm; maximum: 64 mm) and more similar body shape between sexes. Both populations and sexes mature at the same age (3 years), show the same age structure and achieve similar longevity (8-9 years). Comparing our results with the framework of the variation of life-history traits inCalotriton, the Montseny newts exhibit fast sexual maturity and short longevity. Curiously, we have found a lack of covariation between age at sexual maturity, longevity and total body size in the populations ofCalotritonspecies. Only in males, age at sexual maturity seems to be affected by altitude, but in an unexpected way: sexual maturation is delayed in populations at low altitudes. Moreover, the age at sexual maturity does not differs between the populations where immatures are terrestrial vs. those where they remain aquatic. Our results suggest that life-history traits inCalotritonnewts could be determined by selective factors that play their role at small geographic scale.
The breeding biologies of three species of treefrogs with hyperextended vocal repertoires (Gracixalus; Anura: Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Rowley Jodi , Dau Vinh Quang , Hoang Huy Duc , Nguyen Tao Thien , Le Duong Thi Thuy , Altig Ronald
Published: September 2015

Gracixalus gracilipes,G. quangi, andG. supercornutusare small, morphologically and molecularly similar treefrogs with green blood from Vietnam, Laos and southern China. The breeding biologies, eggs, embryos and larvae of these three species are poorly known, and the male advertisement call of onlyG. quangiis known; this species has a hyperextended vocal repertoire. We provide new information on the breeding habitats, eggs, embryos and tadpoles of these three species and describe the calls ofG. gracilipesandG. supercornutus. All three species deposit egg clumps on leaves overhanging shallow pools and puddles in forests. LikeG. quangi, the calls ofG. gracilipesandG. supercornutusare non-stereotypical, with individual calls highly variable in structure, duration, amplitude and frequency. Both calls are frequency modulated and have a dominant frequency of 4.1-4.7 kHz and many harmonics. The functional significance of these variations is unknown, and it is not known how common hyperextended call repertoires are within the genus.
Checklist of the mosses of sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: O’Shea Brian
Published: September 2015

2939 moss taxa are listed for sub-Saharan Africa and adjacent islands, with distribution by country. Each distribution record is supported by a literature reference. The following new combinations are made: Calyptrochaeta cristata (Hedw.) O’Shea, Groutiella elimbata (Thér) O’Shea, Meiothecium undulatum (Ren. & Card.) O’Shea, Orthodontium ruwenzorensis (Thér. & Nav.) O’Shea, Pohlia lacouturei (Thér.) O’Shea, Sematophyllum corticolum (Aongstr.) O’Shea, Sematophyllum dixonii (Thér.) O’Shea, Sematophyllum nanopyxis (Geh.) O’Shea, Sematophyllum rigescens (Card.) O’Shea, and Thamnobryum malgachum (Card.) O’Shea.
Taxonomic Results of the BRYOTROP Expedition to Zaire and Rwanda 29. Thuidiaceae, Thuidium

Authors: Touw A.
Published: September 2015

For a revision of the African species see Touw (1976). The scarcity of Thuidium samples among the expedition’s collections is most surprising and inexplicable, considering the size of the expedition, the range of habitats and altitudes explored, and the many Thuidium collections made by others in this part of Africa.
El genero Coccocarpia Pers. (Ascomicetes liquenizados) en Venezuela

Authors: Marcano Vicente , Méndez Antonio Morales , Mohali Sari , Galiz Ligia , Palacios-Prü Ernesto
Published: September 2015

Nine species of the genus Coccocarpia are reported from Venezuela, including two new species from the states Mérida and Amazonas. These species are: C. culatensis sp. nov. (Andes), C. domingensis Vain., C. duidensis sp. nov. (Amazonas), C. epiphylla (Fée) Krempelh., C. erythrocardia (Müll. Arg.) L. Arvidss., C. erythroxyli (Spreng.) Swinsc. & Krog, C. imbricascens Nyl., C. palmicola (Spreng.) L. Arvidss. & D. Gall. and C. pellita (Ach.) Müll. Arg. emend. R. Sant. Descriptions, a key and comments on distribution and ecology are presented.
Neotropical moss floras: Species common to North and South America.

Authors: M. Claudio Delgadillo
Published: September 2015

North and South America share about 675 species that show two basic patterns, namely, those with a continuous range and those with a disjunct distribution. Both may have resulted from step-bystep migration, but the latter, including 118 species, may be due to break up of previous distributions by post-Tertiary tectonic and climatic changes or by long-distance dispersal.
Data to the bryoflora of Mount Kenya, Kenya
Authors: Chuah-Petiot Min S.
Published: September 2015

194 species of bryophytes, belonging to 61 families are reported from Mount Kenya, of which 38 species are new for Mount Kenya and 30 records are new for the whole country, marked by * and ** respectively. The montane forests between 1600 and 3300m. asl., contain the greatest diversity of life forms and species. This is due to the abundant rainfall providing adequate humidity at relatively low temperature and altitude, coupled with frequent cloud cover. All vegetation belts above the montane forests experience large diurnal fluctuations in temperatures, intense solar radiation, added by the fact that the rainfall is relatively low and erratic or at times fall in the form of hail or snow resulting in a low diversity of species and life forms except in very sheltered habitats such as rock crevices in rocky outcrops. Solifluctions soil conditions occuring between 3850 and 4450m. asl. exhibit moss balls growth forms. The summits of Batian (5199m.), Nelion (5188m.) and Lenana (4985m.) harbour small cushions of Grimmia affinis and Andreaea cucullata. The greatest number of species are found in the wetter southern, south-western and south-eastern slopes unlike the drier northern, north-western and north-eastern slopes of the mountain. Species commonly found in the wetter areas are Bryum preussii, Bryum keniae, Prionodon ciliatus, Hypopterygium viridissimum, Plagiochila barteri, Plagiochila squamulosa, Radula recurvifolia, Porella hoehnelii, Dumortiera hirsuta while Pterogonium gracile, Leptodon smithii and Hedwigia ciliata are characteristic of the drier areas.
Scientific Results of the BRYOTROP Expeditioni to Zaire and Rwanda 1. The ecology of epiphytic bryophytes on Mt. Kahuzi (Zaire)
Authors: Frahm Jan-Peter
Published: September 2015

Along a transect from 900 m to 3300m elevation, various ecological parameters concerning epiphytic bryophytes have been studiesd. The most characteristic life form between 900 and 2300 m elevation is the dendroid, which is interpreted as an adaptation to better gas exchange under the unfavourable conditions (low light, high air humidity) of the rain forest. Above 2500 m, cushions are the predominant lif form. The cushion are 2-5 cm high but can reach 50 cm at the forest line. In spectacular cases, moss balls are formed up to 1 m in diameter. PH measurements of the bark of host trees revealed values between 4.1 and 6.2, which is in accordance with result from South America and SE-Asia. The bryophyte cover on soil is very low (<5%) below 2700 m but raises to 90% in the subalpine ericaceous belt, but not in the subalpine Senecio-belt. The percentage cover of bryophytes on bark increases from 5 to 80% in the transect with increasing elevation, and the light intensity increases from <1% to 50%. The mean annual temerature decreases continously from 20.6°C at 900 m elevation to 2.5° at 4500 m elevation. This allows a comparison of the growth conditions of bryohyte species occurring disjunct in the oceanic parts of the temperate regions and the tropical mountains. The phytomass of epiphytic bryophytes per m² and per ha increases synchronously in the transect. There is a sudden increase from 8-44 kg/ha in 900-1300 m to 100-600 kg/ha in elevationis between 1900 and 2900 m. Maximum values of 6 tonnes/ha are found at the forest line , being 750 time higher than the lowest value in the lower part of the transect. The water storing capacity of epiphytic bryophytes is 20-60 1/h at elevations between 900 and 1300 m, 130-2000 1/ha between 1900 and 2900 m and 18000 1/ha at the forest line. The latter is 18% of the estimated rainfall.
Moose von Inselbergen aus Westafrika
Authors: Frahm J.-P. , Porembski S.
Published: September 2015

Bryophytes have been collected during a survey of the vegetation of Inselbergs in western Africa in Ivory Coast, Senegal and Guinea, which are rather undercollected areas. The identifications revealed 43 new records for these countries. Inselberg habitats are considered to provide constant ecological conditions over long periods and varying climatic conditions. They can be regarded as refugia for dry adapted species during humid periods which could expand to the surrounding savannahs in dry periods. A new combination (Archidium globiferum [Brid.] J.-P. Frahm) is introduced for Archidium ohioense Schimp. ex C. Müll.
Achnanthidium petuniabuktianum sp. nov. (Achnanthidiaceae, Bacillariophyta), a new representative of the A. pyrenaicum group from Spitsbergen (Svalbard Archipelago, High Arctic)
Authors: Pinseel Eveline , Van de Vijver Bart , Kopalova Katerina
Published: September 2015

During a survey of the freshwater littoral diatom flora from lakes and ponds in the region of Petuniabukta on Spitsbergen (Svalbard Archipelago, High Arctic region), a new Achnanthidium species, A. petuniabuktianum sp. nov., has been recorded. Achnanthidium petuniabuktianum is a new representative of the A. pyrenaicum group as evidenced by its curved distal raphe fissures. The present paper describes in detail the morphology of A. petuniabuktianum based on light and scanning electron microscopy. The new taxon is characterized in having linear valves with parallel margins and broadly rounded, never protracted apices and a characteristic—in light microscopy hardly discernible—striation pattern consisting of very short striae composed of one or two small, always slit-like areolae. Based on current results, Achnanthidium petuniabuktianum is a benthic taxon occurring in epilithic and epiphytic habitats in the littoral zones of freshwater lakes and ponds.
Morphology and distribution of pelagic ostracods of the genus Boroecia (Ostracoda: Halocyprididae) in the Central Arctic
Authors: CHAVTUR VLADIMIR G. , KEYSER DIETMAR A.
Published: September 2015

Morphologically similar Boroecia borealis and B. maxima are redescribed from the Central Arctic. Their morphological differences are minor but well defined. Their geographic and vertical distribution is studied based on an extensive body of materials collected by many expeditions in the Arctic Ocean during the period from 1929 to 1993 at the depth range of 0–4000 m. The comparison of the distribution of both species reveals that B. borealis prefers waters of subarctic structure in the Atlantic, and it inhabits waters in the relatively warm Atlantic layer in the Arctic. In contrast, B. maxima is a good indicator of cool Arctic waters. This species is also present in greater depths of the Northern Atlantic, where polar waters penetrate far towards the south.
An updated list of the plants associated with plant-parasitic Aphelenchoides (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) and its implications for plant-parasitism within this genus
Authors: SÁNCHEZ-MONGE ALCIDES , FLORES LORENA , SALAZAR LUIS , HOCKLAND SUE , BERT WIM
Published: September 2015

Few Aphelenchoides spp. are facultative plant-parasites (foliar and bulb nematodes); three of them are well known in agricultural systems, namely Aphelenchoides besseyi, A. fragariae and A. ritzemabosi. Ten other plant-parasitic species, A. arachidis, A. bicaudatus, A. blastophthorus, A. dalianensis, A. ensete, A. nechaleos, A. paranechaleos, A. saprophilus, A. sphaerocephalus and A. subtenuis, have been reported from a limited number of plant species. We compiled a new database of the associated plants for these thirteen species, a comprehensive list that includes 1104 reports from 126 botanical families. A. besseyi, A. fragariae and A. ritzemabosi represent 94% of the reports, circa 83% and 16% of the total reports correspond to flowering plants and ferns, respectively, with three records on conifers and two from other botanical groups also listed. Most plant-parasitic Aphelenchoides show a remarkably broad diversity of associated plants. Most species appear to have no specific plant hosts (i.e. are generalists). The broad host ranges of these species and absence of more intimate interactions with the associated plants highlights the primitive mode of parasitism in Aphelenchoides species, making them potentially interesting in the study of the evolution of plant parasitism. Even though the compiled list of associated plants is long, it probably only represents a fraction of the potential range. The complete compilation has been uploaded to http://nematodes.myspecies.info/.
Clistopyga caramba sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae; Pimplinae), an astonishing example of mimicry in spider-attacking parasitoid wasps
Authors: SÄÄKSJÄRVI ILARI E. , CASTILLO CAROL , BORDERA SANTIAGO , BROAD GAVIN R.
Published: September 2015

Clistopyga caramba sp. nov. Castillo & Sääksjärvi, collected from the tropical Andean-Amazonian interface in Peru, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by highly modified posterior metasomal tergites and a rare colour pattern of the metasoma. Two possible explanations for the bizarre metasomal morphology and colouration are proposed
A Spectral Budget Model for the Longitudinal Turbulent Velocity in the Stable Atmospheric Surface Layer
Authors: Banerjee Tirtha , Li Dan , Juang Jehn-Yih , Katul Gabriel
Published: September 2015

A spectral budget model is developed to describe the scaling behavior of the longitudinal turbulent velocity variance with the stability parameter and the normalized height in an idealized stably stratified atmospheric surface layer (ASL), where z is the height from the surface, L is the Obukhov length, and δ is the boundary layer height. The proposed framework employs Kolmogorov’s hypothesis for describing the shape of the longitudinal velocity spectra in the inertial subrange, Heisenberg’s eddy viscosity as a closure for the pressure redistribution and turbulent transfer terms, and the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) scaling for linking the mean longitudinal velocity and temperature profiles to ζ. At a given friction velocity , reduces with increasing ζ as expected. The model is consistent with the disputed z-less stratification when the stability correction function for momentum increases with increasing ζ linearly or as a power law with the exponent exceeding unity. For the Businger–Dyer stability correction function for momentum, which varies linearly with ζ, the limit of the z-less onset is . The proposed framework explains why does not follow MOST scaling even when the mean velocity and temperature profiles may follow MOST in the ASL. It also explains how δ ceases to be a scaling variable in more strongly stable (although well-developed turbulent) ranges.
Multiple Equilibria as a Possible Mechanism for Decadal Variability in the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Born Andreas , Mignot Juliette , Stocker Thomas F.
Published: September 2015

Decadal climate variability in the North Atlantic has received increased attention in recent years, because modeling results suggest predictability of heat content and circulation indices several years ahead. However, determining the applicability of these results in the real world is challenging because of an incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Here, the authors show that recent attempts to reconstruct the decadal variations in one of the dominant circulation systems of the region, the subpolar gyre (SPG), are not always consistent. A coherent picture is partly recovered by a simple conceptual model solely forced by reanalyzed surface air temperatures. This confirms that surface heat flux indeed plays a leading role for this type of variability, as has been suggested in previous studies. The results further suggest that large variations in the SPG correspond to the crossing of a bifurcation point that is predicted from idealized experiments and an analytical solution of the model used herein. Performance of this conceptual model is tested against a statistical stochastic model. Hysteresis and the existence of two stable modes of the SPG circulation shape its response to forcing by atmospheric temperatures. The identification of the essential dynamics and the reduction to a minimal model of SPG variability provide a quantifiable basis and a framework for future studies on decadal climate variability and predictability.
Subseasonal Predictions of Regional Summer Monsoon Rainfall over Tropical Asian Oceans and Land
Authors: Liu Xiangwen , Yang Song , Li Jianglong , Jie Weihua , Huang Liang , Gu Weizong
Published: September 2015

Subseasonal predictions of the regional summer rainfall over several tropical Asian ocean and land domains are examined using hindcasts by the NCEP CFSv2. Higher actual and potential forecast skill are found over oceans than over land. The forecast for Arabian Sea (AS) rainfall is most skillful, while that for Indo-China (ICP) rainfall is most unskillful. The rainfall–surface temperature (ST) relationship over AS is characterized by strong and fast ST forcing but a weak and slow ST response, while the relationships over the Bay of Bengal, the South China Sea (SCS), and the India subcontinent (IP) show weak and slow ST forcing, but apparently strong and rapid ST response. Land–air interactions are often less noticeable over ICP and southern China (SC) than over IP. The CFSv2 forecasts reasonably reproduce these observed features, but the local rainfall–ST relationships often suffer from different degrees of unrealistic estimation. Also, the observed local rainfall is often related to the circulation over limited regions, which gradually become more extensive in forecasts as lead time increases. The prominent interannual differences in forecast skill of regional rainfall are sometimes associated with apparent disparities in forecasts of local rainfall–ST relationships. Besides, interannual variations of boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation, featured by obvious changes in frequency and amplitude of certain phases, significantly modulate the forecasts of rainfall over certain regions, especially the SCS and SC. It is further discussed that the regional characteristics of rainfall and model’s deficiencies in capturing the influences of local and large-scale features are responsible for the regional discrepancies of actual predictability of rainfall.
Deployment and Performance Analyses of High-Resolution Iowa XPOL Radar System during the NASA IFloodS Campaign
Authors: Mishra Kumar Vijay , Krajewski Witold F. , Goska Radoslaw , Ceynar Daniel , Seo Bong-Chul , Kruger Anton , Niemeier James J. , Galvez Miguel B. , Thurai Merhala , Bringi V. N. , Tolstoy Leonid , Kucera Paul A. , Petersen Walter A. , Grazioli Jacopo , Pazmany Andrew L.
Published: September 2015

This article presents the data collected and analyzed using the University of Iowa’s X-band polarimetric (XPOL) radars that were part of the spring 2013 hydrology-oriented Iowa Flood Studies (IFloodS) field campaign, sponsored by NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Ground Validation (GV) program. The four mobile radars have full scanning capabilities that provide quantitative estimation of the rainfall at high temporal and spatial resolutions over experimental watersheds. IFloodS was the first extensive test of the XPOL radars, and the XPOL radars demonstrated their field worthiness during this campaign with 46 days of nearly uninterrupted, remotely monitored, and controlled operations. This paper presents detailed postcampaign analyses of the high-resolution, research-quality data that the XPOL radars collected. The XPOL dual-polarimetric products and rainfall are compared with data from other instruments for selected diverse meteorological events at high spatiotemporal resolutions from unprecedentedly unique and vast data generated during IFloodS operations. The XPOL data exhibit a detailed, complex structure of precipitation viewed at multiple range resolutions (75 and 30 m). The inter-XPOL comparisons within an overlapping scanned domain demonstrate consistency across different XPOL units. The XPOLs employed a series of heterogeneous scans and obtained estimates of the meteorological echoes up to a range oversampling of 7.5 m. A finer-resolution (30 m) algorithm is described to correct the polarimetric estimates for attenuation at the X band and obtain agreement of attenuation-corrected products with disdrometers and NASA S-band polarimetric (NPOL) radar. The paper includes hardware characterization of Iowa XPOL radars conducted prior to the deployment in IFloodS following the GPM calibration protocol.
Subglottic Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Loochtan Michael J. , Shaar Mohanad , Pambuccian Stefan , Borrowdale Richard W.
Published: September 2015

Objectives:

To discuss the presentation and management of a rare neoplasm in a previously unreported laryngeal subsite.

Methods:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

An 89-year-old woman presented with a subglottic mass, biopsy of which was consistent with basal cell adenocarcinoma. She was successfully treated with surgical intervention and remains disease free 29 months postoperatively.

Conclusions:

Basal cell adenocarcinoma is a rare salivary gland tumor, the laryngeal variant of which is even scarcer. Herein we describe the presentation and successful surgical management of the first reported case of subglottic basal cell adenocarcinoma. We additionally provide a histologic review followed by approaches to treatment.
Cardiac Troponin I carryover by very high patient samples still causes false-positive results on the Beckman Coulter AccuTnI + 3
Authors: Wilgen Urs , Pretorius Carel J , Gould Michael J , Ungerer Jacobus PJ
Published: September 2015

Background

False-positive cardiac troponin I results as a result of carryover have previously been reported on the Beckman Coulter AccuTnI assay. We sought to determine if the carryover problem had been resolved with the new AccuTnI + 3 assay.

Methods

Carryover experiments were performed in parallel on the Beckman Coulter Access2 analyser using the legacy AccuTnI and new AccuTnI + 3 assays. The same negative patient pool sample was analysed before and after a single analysis of an extremely elevated patient sample.

Results

Analysis of a single extremely high sample caused elevations above the 99th percentile cut-off, and thus false-positive cardiac troponin I results on both assays. Both assays demonstrated carryover and subsequent further elevations in negative pool results the following day.

Conclusions

Our study replicates our previously published findings of carryover and reagent pack contamination on the AccuTnI assay. Despite improvements on the new AccuTnI + 3 assay, carryover and reagent pack contamination are still present.
Rotating Machine Fault Diagnosis Based on Locality Preserving Projection and Back Propagation Neural Network–Support Vector Machine Model
Authors: Dong Shaojiang , Xu Xiangyang , Liu Juan , Gao Zhengyuan
Published: September 2015

In order to effectively recognize the rotating machine fault, a new method based on locality preserving projection and back propagation neural network–support vector machine model is proposed. First, the gathered vibration signals are decomposed by the empirical mode decomposition, and the corresponding intrinsic mode functions are obtained. Then, Shannon entropies of the intrinsic mode functions are used as the original features. But the extracted features have the problems of high dimension and redundancy. So, the manifold learning algorithm locality preserving projection is introduced to extract the characteristic features and reduce the dimension. The characteristic features are inputted to the back propagation neural network–support vector machine model to train and construct the fault diagnosis model, and the rotating machine fault condition identification is realized. The running states of a normal inner race and several inner races with different degrees of fault were recognized; the results validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Volumetric composition and shear strength evaluation of pultruded hybrid kenaf/glass fiber composites
Authors: Hashemi Fariborz , Tahir Paridah Md , Madsen Bo , Jawaid M , Majid DL , Brancheriau Loïc , Juliana AH
Published: September 2015

In the present study, six different combinations of pultruded hybrid kenaf/glass composites were fabricated. The number of kenaf and glass rovings was specifically selected to ensure constant local fiber volume fractions in the composites. The volumetric composition of the composites was determined by using a gravimetrically based method. Optical microscopy was used to determine the location of voids. The short-beam test method was used to determine the interlaminar shear strength of the composites, and the failure mode was observed. It was found that the void volume fraction of the composites was increased as a function of the kenaf fiber volume fraction. A linear relationship with high correlation (R2 = 0.95) was established between the two volume fractions. Three types of voids were observed in the core region of the composites (lumen voids, interface voids and impregnation voids). The failure of the samples started with horizontal shear cracks that propagated into the core region, and ultimately the samples failed by a vertical crack. The interlaminar shear strength was found to decrease as a function of the hybrid fiber mixing ratio.
Comparative low-velocity impact response of textile-reinforced concrete and steel-fiber-reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Yoo Doo-Yeol , Gohil Udityasinh , Gries Thomas , Yoon Young-Soo
Published: September 2015

In this study, the effect of the textile reinforcement type on the flexural response of textile-reinforced concrete beams under static and impact loads was investigated. In addition, to compare the flexural capacities with those of conventional steel-fiber-reinforced concrete, steel-fiber-reinforced concrete beams having similar compressive strength with that of textile-reinforced concrete were fabricated and tested according to the fiber content. Enhancements in the flexural capacities were obtained using polymer-coated textile reinforcement, and three-dimensional textile reinforcement resulted in slightly better flexural performance than two-dimensional textile reinforcement under both static and impact loads. Upon comparison with the results obtained from the steel-fiber-reinforced concrete beams, the textile-reinforced concrete specimen with polymer-coated textile reinforcement exhibited the best flexural performance in terms of the strength, toughness, and residual load carrying capacity (higher than or at least similar to those of the steel-fiber-reinforced concrete with a fiber volume content of 2%), whereas the textile-reinforced concrete specimens with uncoated textile reinforcement exhibited lower strength and toughness than those of the steel-fiber-reinforced concrete with a fiber volume content of 0.5%. Finally, the strain-rate sensitivity of the flexural strength for textile-reinforced concrete was found to be similar to that for steel-fiber-reinforced concrete.
Inhalation anesthesia of rats: influence of the fraction of inspired oxygen on limb ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhang S , Duehrkop C , Plock JA , Rieben R
Published: September 2015

Inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane is a well-established and safe method used in small laboratory animals. In most cases oxygen is used as a carrier gas for isoflurane, but room air or mixtures of oxygen with air or nitrous oxide are also being used. Anesthesia is therefore administered using different fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2), and this may have consequences for the outcome of experiments. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of FiO2 on rat hind limb ischemia/reperfusion injury and to refine the used inhalation anesthesia. Male Wistar rats were subjected to 3.5 h of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion, and divided into three groups according to FiO2 in the O2/air/isoflurane anesthesia gas mixture: 40%, 60%, and 100% O2. Normal, healthy rats were used as controls. Muscle edema and creatine kinase MM, a marker for myocyte necrosis, were significantly increased with 40% FiO2 as compared with 100% FiO2 ( P < 0.05). Partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, and oxyhemoglobin were significantly higher in the 100% O2 group as compared with 40% O2. No significant differences were detected for other parameters, such as the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. We conclude that a refined inhalation anesthesia setting using 40% FiO2, reflecting more or less the clinical situation, leads to a more severe and more physiologically relevant reperfusion injury than higher FiO2. Oxidative stress did not correlate with FiO2 and seemed to have no influence on reperfusion injury.