bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solving the 0/1 Knapsack Problem by a Biomolecular DNA Computer
Authors: Taghipour Hassan , Rezaei Mahdi , Esmaili Heydar Ali
Published: February 2013

Solving some mathematical problems such as NP-complete problems by conventional silicon-based computers is problematic and takes so long time. DNA computing is an alternative method of computing which uses DNA molecules for computing purposes. DNA computers have massive degrees of parallel processing capability. The massive parallel processing characteristic of DNA computers is of particular interest in solving NP-complete and hard combinatorial problems. NP-complete problems such as knapsack problem and other hard combinatorial problems can be easily solved by DNA computers in a very short period of time comparing to conventional silicon-based computers. Sticker-based DNA computing is one of the methods of DNA computing. In this paper, the sticker based DNA computing was used for solving the 0/1 knapsack problem. At first, a biomolecular solution space was constructed by using appropriate DNA memory complexes. Then, by the application of a sticker-based parallel algorithm using biological operations, knapsack problem was resolved in polynomial time.
Adaptive Rate Control Algorithm for H.264/AVC Considering Scene Change
Authors: Chen Xiao , Lu Feifei
Published: February 2013

Scene change in H.264 video sequences has significant impact on the video communication quality. This paper presents a novel adaptive rate control algorithm with little additional calculation for H.264/AVC based on the scene change expression. According to the frame complexity quotiety, we define a scene change factor. It is used to allocate bits for each frame adaptively. Experimental results show that it can handle the scene change effectively. Our algorithm, in comparison to the JVT-G012 algorithm, reduces rate error and improves average peak signal-noise ratio with smaller deviation. It cannot only control bit rate accurately, but also get better video quality with the lower encoder buffer fullness to improve the quality of service.
Ga-68- and Cu-64-Labeled NOTA-Albumin Conjugates for PET Sentinel Lymph Node Imaging
Authors: Schiller Eik , Bergmann Ralf , Wunderlich Gerd , Andreeff Michael , Jacob Anita , Pietzsch Hans-Jürgen
Published: February 2013

Our objective was to develop and evaluate Ga-68- and Cu-64-labeled albumin conjugates for PET imaging of sentinel lymph nodes. Four different albumin conjugates were prepared starting from NOTA-HSA. The lymph node uptake of Ga-68- and Cu-64-labeled albumin conjugates was investigated after subcutaneous injection into the foot pad of Wistar rats. A pig model was utilized for further biological evaluation of the lymph node uptake. For all the four conjugates, radiolabeling with Ga-68 and Cu-64 resulted in >95% radiochemical yield. Denatured and mannosylated Ga-68 NOTA-HSA revealed the highest popliteal lymph node uptake in rats (2.78%±0.38% ID and 6.13%±1.13% ID 10 min and 60 min p.i., resp.). The popliteal lymph node reached its maximum activity after approximately 120 min and remained constant for denatured and mannosylated Cu-64 NOTA-HSA at least up to 240 min p.i. In a pig model, 2% of the injected dose of this compound was found in the sentinel lymph node 60 min after subcutaneous injection. In conclusion, PET imaging of sentinel lymph nodes with Ga-68- and Cu-64-labeled denatured NOTA-Man-HSA could be successfully demonstrated and deserves further investigations.
Oscillation Criteria of Third-Order Nonlinear Impulsive Differential Equations with Delay
Authors: Liu Xiuxiang
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with the oscillation of third-order nonlinear impulsive equations with delay. The results in this paper improve and extend some results for the equations without impulses. Some examples are given to illustrate the main results.
Some New Explicit Values of Parameters and of Quotients of Eta-Function
Authors: Saikia Nipen
Published: February 2013

We find some new explicit values of the parameters and of quotients of eta-function by using Ramanujan's class invariants.
Acute Colonoscopy-Induced Splenic Rupture Presenting to the Emergency Department
Authors: Chow Monica D. , Shih Richard D.
Published: February 2013

Splenic rupture due to colonoscopy is a rarely reported event in the emergency medicine literature. Patients experiencing such an occurrence are likely to report to the emergency department. This paper documents an 84-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and nausea less than 24 hours following a colonoscopy. An abdominal ultrasound revealed splenomegaly and free fluid. An abdominal computed tomography was significant for a splenic laceration. She underwent radiologic guided embolization and recovered without incident. Emergency medicine physicians need to consider splenic rupture as a differential in patients presenting after colonoscopy with abdominal pain.
Recovery of Fertility in Azoospermia Rats after Injection of Adipose-Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: The Sperm Generation
Authors: Cakici Cihangir , Buyrukcu Bugra , Duruksu Gokhan , Haliloglu Ahmet Hakan , Aksoy Ayca , Isık Ayca , Uludag Orhan , Ustun Huseyin , Subası Cansu , Karaoz Erdal
Published: February 2013

The recent reports on the treatment of azoospermia patients, in which spermatozoa could not be traced in their testes, are focused more on the potential use of adult stem cells, like mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential use of MSCs derived from adipose tissue in the treatment of azoospermia using rat disease models. After busulfan application, the rats (n=20) were injected with the GFP+MSCs into left rete testes. After 12 weeks, the testes with cell injection (right testes) were compared to control (left testes) after dimensional and immunohistochemical analyses. Testes treated with MSCs appeared morphologically normal, but they were atrophic in rats without stem cell treatment, in which the seminiferous tubules were empty. Spermatogenesis was detected, not in every but in some tubules of cell-treated testes. GFP+/VASA+and GFP+/SCP1+cells in testes indicated the transdifferentiation of MSCs into spermatogenetic cells in the appropriate microenvironment. Rats with cell treatment were mated to show the full recovery of spermatogenesis, and continuous generations were obtained. The expression of GFP was detected in the mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue and bone marrow and also in the sperms of offspring. In conclusion, MSCs might be studied for the same purpose in humans in future.
Metabolic Regulation of a Bacterial Cell System with Emphasis onEscherichia coliMetabolism
Authors: Shimizu Kazuyuki
Published: February 2013

It is quite important to understand the overall metabolic regulation mechanism of bacterial cells such asEscherichia colifrom both science (such as biochemistry) and engineering (such as metabolic engineering) points of view. Here, an attempt was made to clarify the overall metabolic regulation mechanism by focusing on the roles of global regulators which detect the culture or growth condition and manipulate a set of metabolic pathways by modulating the related gene expressions. For this, it was considered how the cell responds to a variety of culture environments such as carbon (catabolite regulation), nitrogen, and phosphate limitations, as well as the effects of oxygen level, pH (acid shock), temperature (heat shock), and nutrient starvation.
Isolation of Small SSEA-4-Positive Putative Stem Cells from the Ovarian Surface Epithelium of Adult Human Ovaries by Two Different Methods
Authors: Virant-Klun Irma , Skutella Thomas , Hren Matjaz , Gruden Kristina , Cvjeticanin Branko , Vogler Andrej , Sinkovec Jasna
Published: February 2013

The adult ovarian surface epithelium has already been proposed as a source of stem cells and germinal cells in the literature, therefore it has been termed the “germinal epithelium”. At present more studies have confirmed the presence of stem cells expressing markers of pluripotency in adult mammalian ovaries, including humans. The aim of this study was to isolate a population of stem cells, based on the expression of pluripotency-related stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4) from adult human ovarian surface epithelium by two different methods: magnetic-activated cell sorting and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Both methods made it possible to isolate a similar, relatively homogenous population of small, SSEA-4-positive cells with diameters of up to 4 μm from the suspension of cells retrieved by brushing of the ovarian cortex biopsies in reproductive-age and postmenopausal women and in women with premature ovarian failure. The immunocytochemistry and genetic analyses revealed that these small cells—putative stem cells—expressed some primordial germ cell and pluripotency-related markers and might be related to thein vitrodevelopment of oocyte-like cells expressing some oocyte-specific transcription factors in the presence of donated follicular fluid with substances important for oocyte growth and development. The stemness of these cells needs to be further researched.
Total Conserved Charges of Kerr-Newman Spacetimes in Gravity Theory Using a Poincaré Gauge Version of the Teleparallel Equivalent of General Relativity
Authors: Nashed Gamal G. L.
Published: February 2013

The total conserved charges of several tetrad spacetimes, generating the Kerr-Newman (KN) metric, are calculated using the approach of invariant conserved currents generated by an arbitrary vector field that reproduces a diffeomorphism on the spacetime. The accompanying charges of some tetrads give the known value of energy and angular momentum, while those of other tetrads give, in addition to the unknown format charges, a divergent entity. Therefore, regularized expressions are considered also to get the commonly known form of conserved charges of KN.
Pulmonary Function after Weight Loss in Obese Women Undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: One-Year Followup
Authors: Barbalho-Moulim Marcela Cangussu , Miguel Gustavo Peixoto Soares , Forti Eli Maria Pazzianotto , Campos Flávio do Amaral , Peixoto-Souza Fabiana Sobral , Costa Dirceu
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Obesity is a condition that causes damage to the respiratory function. However, studies have demonstrated that weight loss due to bariatric surgery has resulted in a huge improvement on some lung volumes, but controversy still persists regarding the behavior of the respiratory muscle strength and IRV (inspiratory reserve volume). Objective. To evaluate the effect of weight loss, after 1 year of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), on the lung volumes and the respiratory muscle strength in obese women. Methods. 24 obese women candidates were recruited for RYGB. Lung volumes (spirometry) and respiratory muscle strength were evaluated in preoperative period and one year after surgery. Results. There was a significant increase in some lung volumes. However, when examining the components of the VC (vital capacity) separately, an increase in ERV (expiratory reserve volume) and reduction of IRV were observed. Moreover, a statistically significant reduction in the values of respiratory muscle strength was recorded: MIP (maximal inspiratory pressure) and MEP (maximal expiratory pressure). Conclusion. Weight loss induced by bariatric surgery provides an increase in some lung volumes of obese women, but reduction in IRV. Additionally, there was also a reduction in the respiratory muscle strength.
Semientwining Structures and Their Applications
Authors: Nichita Florin F. , Parashar Deepak , Zieliński Bartosz
Published: February 2013

Semientwining structures are proposed as concepts simpler than entwining structures, yet they are shown to have interesting applications in constructing intertwining operators and braided algebras, lifting functors, finding solutions for Yang-Baxter systems, and so forth. While for entwining structures one can associate corings, for semientwining structures one can associate comodule algebra structures where the algebra involved is a bialgebra satisfying certain properties.
Synthesis, Magnetization, and Electrical Transport Properties of Mn3Zn0.9Cu0.1N
Authors: Yin Y. , Han J. C. , Ying T. P. , Jian J. K. , Zhang Z. H. , Ling L. S. , Pi L. , Song B.
Published: February 2013

We synthesized Mn3Zn0.9Cu0.1N by solid state reaction, and magnetic as well as electrical transport properties were investigated. It is found that Mn3Zn0.9Cu0.1N exhibits a first-order antiferromagnetism (AFM) to paramagnetic (PM) transition with the Néel temperatureTN~163 K, and substitution of Cu for Zn would favor ferromagnetism (FM) state and weaken AFM ground state, leading to a convex curvature character ofM(T)curve. With high external fields 10 kOe–50 kOe, magnetic transition remains a robust AFM-PM feature while FM phase is completely suppressed. Thermal hysteresis ofM(T)under 500 Oe is also suppressed when the magnetic field exceeds 10 kOe. Mn3Zn0.9Cu0.1N exhibits a good metallic behavior except for a slope change aroundTN, which is closely related to AFM-PM magnetic transition. Compared with the first differential of resistivity with respect to temperature for(dρ/dT)Mn3ZnNin transition temperature range, the absolute value of(dρ/dT)Mn3Zn0.9Cu0.1Nis much lower which is close to zero.
On Lacunary Ideal Convergence in Random -Normed Space
Authors: Yamancı U. , Gürdal M.
Published: February 2013

We introduce the notions of lacunary -convergence and lacunary -Cauchy in the topology induced by random -normed spaces and prove some important results.
Coupling between Transverse Vibrations and Instability Phenomena of Plates Subjected to In-Plane Loading
Authors: Bambill D. V. , Rossit C. A.
Published: February 2013

As it is known, the problems of free transverse vibrations and instability under in-plane loads of a plate are two different technological situations that have similarities in their approach to elastic solution. In fact, they are two eigenvalue problems in which we analyze the equilibrium situation of the plate in configurations which differ very slightly from the original, undeformed configuration. They are coupled in the event where in-plane forces are applied to the edges of the transversely vibrating plate. The presence of forces can have a significant effect on structural and mechanical performance and should be taken into account in the formulation of the dynamic problem. In this study, distributed forces of linear variation are considered and their influence on the natural frequencies and corresponding normal modes of transverse vibration is analyzed. It also analyzes their impact for the case of vibration control. The forces' magnitude is varied and the first natural frequencies of transverse vibration of rectangular thin plates with different combinations of edge conditions are obtained. The critical values of the forces which cause instability are also obtained. Due to the analytical complexity of the problem under study, the Ritz method is employed. Some numerical examples are presented.
Reduktion prooxidativer und Stärkung antioxidativer Prozesse - ein verbindendes Element der Kneipp'schen Therapie
Authors: Brenke Rainer , Siems Werner
Published: February 2013

Die Kneipp'schen Therapieverfahren und damit zentrale Inhalte der klassischen Naturheilverfahren zeichnen sich durch ein breites Wirkungsspektrum aus. Es ist naheliegend, dass diesen Verfahren auch gemeinsame Wirkungsmechanismen auf der Basis ubiquitärer Substanzen und Reaktionsmechanismen zugrunde liegen. Hier wurden die Wirkungen von reaktiven Sauerstoffspezies (ROS), von Lipid peroxidations(LPO)-Produkten und von antioxidativen Schutzmechanismen untersucht. Die Bilanz von prooxidativen und antioxidativen Prozessen, die das Mass für einen oxidativen Stress angibt, hat eine immense Auswirkung auf Gesundheit, Krankheit, Wohlbefinden und Leistungsfähigkeit. Die Übersicht über Resultate zu allen fünf Säulen der Kneipp-Therapie - Hydrotherapie, Phytotherapie, Ernährungstherapie, Bewegungstherapie und Ordnungstherapie - liefert klare Hinweise auf die bessere Bewältigung von oxidativem Stress durch die Kneipp'schen Therapieformen. Es wird deutlich aufgezeigt, dass eine verminderte Bildung freier Radikale und/oder deren bessere Bewältigung ein verbindendes Element der klassischen Naturheilverfahren ist.
Alagille Syndrome: A New Missense Mutation Detected by Whole-Exome Sequencing in a Case Previously Found to Be Negative by DHPLC and MLPA
Authors: Vozzi D. , Licastro D. , Martelossi S. , Athanasakis E. , Gasparini P. , Fabretto A.
Published: February 2013

Alagille syndrome (ALGS, MIM 118450) is an autosomal dominant, multisystem disorder with high variability. Two genes have been described: JAG1 and NOTCH2. The population prevalence is 1:70,000 based on the presence of neonatal liver disease. The majority of cases (∼97%) are caused by haploinsufficiency of the JAG1 gene on 20p11.2p12, either due to mutations or deletions at the locus. Less than 1% of cases are caused by mutations in NOTCH2. The most widely used methods for mutational screening include denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Very recently, whole-exome sequencing (WES) has become technically feasible due to the recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies, therefore offering new opportunities for mutations/genes identification. A proband and its family, negative for the presence of mutations in JAG1 and NOTCH2 genes by neither DHPLC nor MLPA, were analyzed by WES. A missense mutation, not previously described, in JAG1 gene was identified. This result shows an improvement in the mutation detection rate due to novel sequencing technology suggesting the strong need to reanalyze all negative cases.
Indomethacin-Related Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Hussain Nasir , Mustafa Usman , Davis James , Thakkar Shivani , Ali Alaa M. , Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , Barbaryan Aram , Rowley Guy Anthony
Published: February 2013

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a small-vessel vasculitis with a reported incidence rate of 30 cases per million persons per year. It usually presents as a palpable purpuric skin rash on legs, though any part of the body can be affected. LCV rash may have an associated burning sensation or pain and in some cases may involve internal organs. In some cases, LCV rash may present as nodules, recurrent ulcerations or asymptomatic lesions. The diagnosis of LCV is usually made on skin biopsy. Etiological triggers may not be identified in as many as half of the cases. Treatment is usually conservative and includes identification and removal or treatment of the etiological trigger except in cases with internal organ involvement where systemic steroids and immunosuppressant may be necessary. In this article we present a case of indomethacin-associated LCV that improved with discontinuation of the offending agent.
Altered Fractional Anisotropy in Early Huntington's Disease
Authors: Singh Silky , Mehta Hasit , Fekete Robert
Published: February 2013

Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease best known for chorea. The disorder includes numerous other clinical features including mood disorder, eye movement abnormalities, cognitive disturbance, pendular knee reflexes, motor impersistence, and postural instability. We describe a mild case of HD early in the disease course with depression and subtle neurological manifestations. In addition, we review MRI and diffusion tensor imaging features in this patient. The bicaudate ratio, a measure of caudate atrophy, was increased. Fractional anisotropy values of the bilateral caudate and putamen were increased, signifying neurodegeneration of these structures in HD.
Targeting VEGF-VEGFR Pathway by Sunitinib in Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor, Paraganglioma and Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: Three Case Reports
Authors: Prochilo Tiziana , Savelli Giordano , Bertocchi Paola , Abeni Chiara , Rota Luigina , Rizzi Anna , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: February 2013

Sunitinib malate (Sutent™; Pfizer Inc., New York, N.Y., USA) is a small molecule kinase inhibitor with activity against a number of tyrosine kinase receptors, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, stem-cell factor receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor receptors alpha and beta. Sunitinib, registered for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, has recently been approved for the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET), paraganglioma (PGL) and epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) are rare tumors in which there is an overexpression of pro-angiogenic factors and in which a high intratumoral microvessel density is a significant poor prognostic factor. On the basis of this preclinical rationale and the lack of effective treatments in pre-treated advanced stages of these rare diseases, we report our interesting experience of pPNET, PGL and EHE treatment with sunitinib.
Communities of security practices in the age of uncertainty
Authors: Gheciu Alexandra
Published: February 2013

This paper examines some of the challenges involved in recent efforts to create a new community of practice that brings together - within the domain of peacebuilding - NATO and humanitarian actors. In recognition of the need to promote systematic cooperation between the alliance and the humanitarian community, NATO has launched several initiatives aimed at constructing a domain of shared knowledge and common procedures, and, on this basis, cultivating mutual trust and a sense of membership in the same community between representatives of the alliance and members of the NGO community. While these initiatives have enjoyed a certain degree of success, at the deeper level the process of forging a new community of practice among these actors remains challenging and fraught with tension. !is process has been rendered particularly complicated by the fact that some of the new initiatives challenge fundamental assumptions about self-identity and purpose both in NATO and within the humanitarian community. Indeed, efforts to construct a new community of practice in the domain of peacebuilding both reflect and contribute to intense debates and contestations within the Atlantic Alliance as well as among NGOs about their evolving identities and, linked to that, appropriate logics of action in the future.
Harnessing Serbian civilian capacity for peace support operations: A nascent community?
Authors: Savković Marko , Karlsrud John
Published: February 2013

The article will explore the possible emergence of a civilian capacity community in Serbia comprised of Serbian policymakers, researchers and practitioners who are interested in peace support operations and willing to deploy Serbian experts through multilateral organizations such as the European Union, United Nations and the Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe. Having recently undergone a security sector reform, Serbia can offer to share relevant experience and expertise with these organizations through secondment or direct hire, in order to support the countries experiencing complex crises or those that are emerging from conflict. Serbian expertise can serve to soften some of the criticism leveled against peace support operations and provide relevant expertise to those in the field.
The mesothoracic wings of Afrotropical Scutelleridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera): morphology and taxonomic significance
Authors: CZAJA JOANNA
Published: February 2013

Mesothoracic wings have been examined and compared in 32 species representing 20 genera of Afrotropical Scutelleridae. Morphological characters of the corium are described. Three main types of mesothoracic wing venation patterns can be recognized. The taxonomic significance of forewing characters in Scutelleridae is briefly discussed.
A new species of Bachia Gray, 1845 (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from the Eastern Brazilian Cerrado, and data on its ecology, physiology and behavior
Authors: TEIXEIRA MAURO JR. , RECODER RENATO SOUSA , CAMACHO AGUSTÍN , DE SENA MARCO AURÉLIO , NAVAS CARLOS ARTURO , RODRIGUES MIGUEL TREFAUT
Published: February 2013

A new species of Bachia of the bresslaui group, Bachia geralista sp. nov., is described from Planalto dos Gerais, an old and partially dissected plateau extending along the Cerrados of Bahia, Minas Gerais and Tocantins states, Brazil. The new species is morphologically similar to B. bresslaui, with which it has been confused; however head scalation resembles other species from sandy spots within the Cerrado (B. psamophila and B. oxyrhina). Like in B. psamophila and B. oxyrhi-na, the shovel-shaped snout of the new species is highly prominent, a typical trait of psammophilous habits in other gym-nophthalmids. The examination of specimens of B. bresslaui from several populations within the Cerrado revealed great variation among localities, leading to the reidentification of a specimen from Utiariti, Mato Grosso, previously referred to in the literature as the second record of B. bresslaui, as the recently described B. didactyla, suggesting that cryptic diversity might remain still undiscovered within this genus in the Cerrado. Despite occurring in a relatively open Cerrado, thermal physiology of Bachia geralista sp. nov. restricts its occurrence to shaded microhabitats within this habitat.
Remarks on the sexual dimorphism and taxonomy of Fabia Dana, 1851 (Crustacea, Brachyura, Pinnotheridae)
Authors: CAMPOS ERNESTO
Published: February 2013

A study of the holotype of Pinnotheres hemphilli Rathbun, 1918, revealed it is an early post-hard female, not a male, of Fabia Dana, 1851. The morphology of Pinnotheres emiliai Melo, 1971 (based on a male specimen) and Fabia insularis Melo, 1971 (based on a female specimen) confirm earlier hypothesis that they belong to a sexually dimorphic species that should be known as F. emiliai (Melo, 1971). The redescription of the holotype of Fabia felderi Gore, 1986, supports its generic assignment and its relationship with F. emiliai. The implication of sexual dimorphism and intersexes in the taxon-omy of Fabia is discussed.
Phylogenetic relationships and description of a new upland species of Bent-toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827) of the C. sworderi complex from northeastern Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , ANUAR SHAHRUL , MUIN MOHD ABDUL , QUAH EVAN S. H. , WOOD PERRY JR. L.
Published: February 2013

Molecular and morphological analyses indicate that a new upland species of the Cyrtodactylus sworderi complex, C. tebuensis sp. nov. from Gunung Tebu, Terengganu, Malaysia is most closely related to C. sworderi and together they form the sister lineage to C. quadrivirgatus. Cyrtodactylus tebuensis sp. nov. is differentiated from all other species of Sunda-land Cyrtodactylus on the basis of having the unique combination of large, conical, keeled body tubercles; tubercles pres-ent on top of head, occiput, nape, and limbs, and extending posteriorly beyond base of tail; 43–51 ventral scales; no transversely enlarged, median subcaudal scales; proximal, subdigital lamellae transversely expanded; 17–21 subdigital la-mellae on fourth toe; an abrupt transition between posterior and ventral femoral scales; enlarged femoral scales; no fem-oral or precloacal pores; no precloacal groove; body bearing four wide, bold, dark brown stripes (lateral stripe on each flank and a pair of paravertebral stripes); and a pairwise sequence divergence of 13.0% from its closest relative C. sworderi based on the mitochondrial gene ND2. Cyrtodactylus tebuensis sp. nov. is the first endemic upland species of gekkonid from northeastern Peninsular Malaysia and underscores the necessity for additional field work in all upland systems.
A review of the Japanese Cybocephalidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea)
Authors: HISAMATSU SADATOMO
Published: February 2013

The Cybocephalidae of Japan is taxonomically treated. The following four species are recognized: Cybocephalus (Cybocephalus) nipponicus Endrödy-Younga, 1971, C. (C.) politissimus Reitter, 1898, C. (C.) chlorocapitis sp. nov., and Pastillus eminentithorax sp. nov. Also, species of the genus Pastillus are first recorded from the Palaearctic Region, and C. (C.) politissimus is first recorded from Japan. Cybocephalus (C.) flavocapitis Smith 2007 is newly designated as a junior synonym of C. (C.) politissimus Reitter, syn. nov. All species are described or redescribed. Dorsal habitus images, illustrations of male and female genitalia, and other important diagnostic characters are provided for all species. A key for identification of all Japanese taxa is also given.
Two new species of the genus Pseudostenophylax Martynov (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) from the Indian Himalaya
Authors: PAREY SAJAD H. , SAINA MALKIAT S. , PANDHER MANPREET S.
Published: February 2013

Two new species of the genus Pseudostenophylax Martynov 1909 from the Indian Himalaya are described and illustrated. These include P. himachalica sp. n. from Sathrundi (Himachal Pradesh) and P. gulmargensis sp. n. from Gulmarg (Jammu & Kashmir), both belonging to the P. aniketos Group. With these two additions, Pseudostenophylax is now represented inIndia by 25 species.
The authorship and type locality of Melanocorypha leucoptera (Aves: Alaudidae)
Authors: MLÍKOVSKÝ JIŘÍ
Published: February 2013

The White-winged Lark is a monotypic bird species of Middle Asian steppes (Vaurie 1959; Alström et al. 2004; see Cowan 2006, 2007 for the term 'Middle Asia'). It was called Alauda (or Melanocorypha) sibirica J.F. Gmelin (1789: 799) until Gyldenstolpe (1926: 22) observed that Tanagra siberica Sparrman (1786: pl. 19) is a junior synonym of Melanocorypha yeltoniensis (Forster, 1768: 350) and Hartert and Steinbacher (1933: 103) argued that sibirica J.F. Gmelin is preoccupied in Melanocorypha Boie (1828: col. 322) by siberica Sparrman. Hartert and Steinbacher (1933) thus suggested that White-winged Lark should be called Melanocorypha leucoptera (Pallas "1831" = 1811: 518), which they believed to be the next oldest available synonym (see Hartert 1904: 211).
Propagating Atmospheric Patterns Associated with Sea Ice Motion through the Fram Strait
Authors: Liptak Jessica , Strong Courtenay
Published: February 2013

A novel analysis method involving phase-shifted complex Hilbert empirical orthogonal functions (HEOFs) was used to examine how variations in predominant propagating patterns of Arctic surface wind influence daily Fram Strait sea ice export F during extended winter (October–April), a primary control on Arctic sea ice volume. Northwesterly winds favorable to F were provided by poleward-moving anticyclones upstream over the Canadian Arctic associated with the leading HEOF of wind and also by eastward-moving cyclones downstream over the Barents Sea associated with the second HEOF of wind. A suite of spatial and statistical analyses indicated that the aggregate of the two propagating patterns largely explains a sea level pressure pattern analyzed in several prior studies as a standing wave oriented east–west across the strait.
From the Meḥ fil to the printed word: Public debate and discourse in late colonial India
Authors: Perkins C. Ryan
Published: February 2013

In 1905, the Urdu writer ‘Abdul Halim Sharar published a critical review of Brijnarayan Chakbast’s new edition of Pandat Daya Shankar Kaul Nasīm’s (1811–43) maṡnavī (‘Narrative Poem’), Gulzār-e Nasīm (‘Rose Garden of Nasim’). This critical review met with a flurry of responses in newspapers throughout north India and the Deccan. Described as the longest and bitterest of polemics in the history of Urdu literature, this debate reveals the printing press’ new-found role as one of the main forums for public debate. This article seeks to turn our focus to the world of print outside the colonial gaze, which provided a space for the consolidation and expansion of social and cultural worlds now linked in a way previously unimaginable. Many of those involved in arenas of vernacular print at the turn of the century were creating a world, not dependent on colonial patronage, nor constrained by physical distance. This debate, in particular, between Sharar, Chakbast and their respective supporters, presents unique opportunities to examine the relationship between print, circulation, literature, history and the workings of an expanding and critical public in late colonial India, while pointing to some of the changes fostered by print in the world of public debate and discourse.
Narrative Space, Angelic Revelation, and the End of Mark’s Gospel
Authors: Williams Guy J.
Published: February 2013

This article draws on spatial theory to analyse the ﬁnal chapter of Mark’s Gospel, describing a setting full of religious and cultural signiﬁcance. The analysis reveals a narrative of building tension, leading to a decisive angelophany. Three main arguments are advanced. Firstly, Mark takes a characteristic and subversive approach to space by deliberately bringing events into the challenging (typically, unclean) setting of a tomb. Secondly, Mark explores the borderland between life and death through themes of space and time. Thirdly, the understanding of the tomb space ultimately is transformed, making it the site of a well-constructed angelic revelation, and casting the women visitors as prophetic recipients of the Gospel commission. In light of these points, Mk 16.1-8 may be considered a carefully built and decisive ending to the Gospel, based upon the author’s thoughtful manipulation of narrative space.
Challenging Colonialism: Historical Background of a Female Zeliangrong Rebel in the Early Twentieth Century
Authors: Singh Khwairakpam Premjit
Published: February 2013

In 1931–32 a military operation (‘Hunt for Prince Charlie’1) was conducted by the 3rd and 4th Assam Rifles, mainly assigned the duty of searching a popular tribal girl who had been working relentlessly for her Zeliangrong community to be freed from colonialism, poverty, confiscation of land and property through a benevolent way of religious-cum-non-violent movement. However, unavoidable conditions transformed her movement into an armed rebellion. The girl was none but Miss Gaidinliu. From 1925 to 1931, her mentor Jadonang and she were working to unite all conglomerate tribes by launching a political-cum-religious movement against the colonial ruler. Untimely Jadonang was arrested and hanged on 29 August 1931; the movement conditionally stopped for a while. To accomplish their dream of freedom, liberty and unity of this community, Miss Gaidinliu had been spreading their political message in North Cachar Hills, Naga Hills and north-western part of Manipur. On the other hand, the British colonial ruler considered her as a seditionist, hallucinated, millenarian and provoker of the Kuki–Naga ethnic issue. The search operation was mainly assigned to J.P. Mills, Deputy Commissioner, Naga Hills and J.C. Higgins, Political Agent, Manipur (classified) assisted by Sub-Divisional Officer Haflong, North Cachar Hills and Sub-Divisional Officer, Tamenglong Sub-division, Manipur. This article tries to draw the British search for her and the atrocities against the Zeliangrong community from a historical perspective.
War for Independence: The Khalsa against the Company Raj, 1845–46 and 1848–49
Authors: Chatterjee Chhanda
Published: February 2013

The article tries to argue that in 1845–46 and again in 1848–49 Punjab manifested the same kind of patriotic feeling and nationalist ardour irrespective of all considerations of race or religion in trying to resist the progress of British imperialism which had been expressed by the fauj-i-Hindustani in northern and central India twelve years later in 1857–58. The Khalsa may thus be said to have played a pioneering role in India’s war for independence against foreign domination. If the purbias had not helped the British put down the resistance of the Khalsa during these earlier occasions, they could have called in an independent Khalsa to their aid in 1857–58.
Elevated Serum Creatine Kinase and Small Cerebellum Prompt Diagnosis of Congenital Muscular Dystrophy due to FKRP Mutations
Authors: Trovato Rosanna , Astrea Guja , Bartalena Laura , Ghirri Paolo , Baldacci Jacopo , Giampietri Matteo , Battini Roberta , Santorelli Filippo M. , Fiorillo Chiara
Published: February 2013

Fukutin-related protein (FKRP) is a putative glycosyltransferase that mediate O-linked glycosylation of the α-dystroglycan. Mutations in the FKRP gene cause a spectrum of diseases ranging from a limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2I (LGMD2I), to severe Walker-Warburg or muscle-eye-brain forms and a congenital muscular dystrophy (with or without mental retardation) termed MDC1C. This article reports on a Moroccan infant who presented at birth with moderate floppiness, high serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, and brain ultrasonograph suggestive of widening of the posterior fossa. Muscle biopsy displayed moderate dystrophic pattern with complete absence of α-distroglycan and genetic studies identified a homozygous missense variant in FKRP. Mutations in FKRP should be looked for in forms of neonatal-onset hyperCKaemia with floppiness and small cerebellum.
Solomon to His Friends: The Role of Epistolarity in Eupolemos
Authors: Keddie G. Anthony
Published: February 2013

The Hellenistic Judaean historian known as Eupolemos embedded four fanciful epistles in his history of the kings of Judaea: two letters from Solomon to the kings of Egypt and Tyre, and the two responses of those kings. The letters to and from the king of Tyre are closely modeled on an exchange between Solomon and Hiram of Tyre in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. The letters involving the Egyptian king, however, are Eupolemos's invention. This article demonstrates through a close reading of Eupolemos vis-à-vis its sources, and in light of contemporaneous Greek letters, that the author used Hellenistic epistolary conventions as a medium for rewriting the traditional history of Solomon's reign. It is argued that he did so apologetically in order to characterize the foreign kings as ‘friends', that is, subordinate vassals, of the Judaean king. The historical context reflected in this epistolary re-characterization reflects political conditions in Hasmonean Judaea in the late second century bce, and thereby is offered as evidence against the consensus date of Eupolemos (158/57 bce) and the related assumption that this author can be identified as the ambassador Eupolemos mentioned in 1 Macc. 8.17 and 2 Macc. 4.11.
Test and Temptation in 4 Ezra
Authors: Novick Tzvi
Published: February 2013

This article argues that 4 Ezra is structured as a test. Having resisted, over the course of the dialogue with Uriel, the temptation to abandon his people, Ezra enjoys visions of a restored Israel.
The regulatory challenges of international transplant medicine
Authors: Chan Tracey Evans
Published: February 2013

Transplant tourism is spurred by the global shortage of organs and the potential for regulatory arbitrage in purchasing an organ in jurisdictions that do not prohibit sale or lack effective regulatory mechanisms to enforce prohibition. Various nations once identified as transplant tourism hotspots have since enacted legislation prohibiting organ sales and emplaced regulatory oversight. However, concerns persist that the legitimization of altruistic unrelated living donor transplants conceals underlying commercialism and unethical practices. These concerns are heightened when transplant candidates travel across borders in search of international transplant medicine. This article examines the regulatory challenges associated with differentiating international transplant medicine from transplant tourism, and various regulatory mechanisms that have been developed to address them from the domestic perspective – in particular, those recently implemented in the Singapore. It seeks to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Singapore system and what lessons this has for international standards and practices.
Homophily, networks, and critical mass: Solving the start-up problem in large group collective action
Authors: Centola Damon M.
Published: February 2013

Formal theories of collective action face the problem that in large groups a single actor makes such a small impact on the collective good that cooperation is irrational. Critical mass theorists argue that this ‘large group problem’ can be solved by an initial critical mass of contributors, whose efforts can produce a ‘bandwagon’ effect, making cooperation rational for the remaining members of the population. However, critical mass theory requires an explanation of how a critical mass can form in the first place. I present a model of collective action that solves this problem by showing how aspects of social structure – including network topology, homophily, and local coalition formation – can allow rational actors to endogenously form a critical mass. The findings indicate that as the mobilization effort becomes more ‘complex’, clustered networks and homophily become increasingly important for critical mass collective action.
Playing Mum
Authors: Little Susan
Published: February 2013

Practical relevance:

Orphaned kittens are common and veterinary team members should be prepared to assist owners in providing appropriate care. If a foster queen is not available, the physiologic needs normally provided by the queen, such as warmth, nutrition, elimination, sanitation and social stimulation, must be replaced. Specialized knowledge of physiology and nutritional requirements is necessary for successful management in this age group.

Clinical challenges:

The condition of neonatal kittens can deteriorate rapidly and orphans may have an even higher risk of illness than kittens cared for by a healthy queen. Thus an increased level of veterinary care and monitoring is required. Rapid recognition and correction of problems can only be accomplished through detailed observation and knowledge of developmental milestones. Survival may be dependent on treatment that compensates for the failure of passive transfer of immunity.

Audience:

This review is addressed at veterinarians and all veterinary team members, as well as care-givers such as rescuers and shelter workers.

Evidence base:

The guidance contained in this article is based on a combination of published literature, the author’s personal experience and the experience of colleagues.
Collapse of the US newspaper industry: Goodwill, leverage and bankruptcy
Authors: Soloski John
Published: February 2013

The study examines financial factors that magnified the collapse of the US newspaper industry in the mid-2000s when advertising revenues plummeted. The study shows how goodwill, debt and leverage magnified the collapse and hastened the bankruptcy of a number of newspaper companies. The study also tests the applicability of Altman’s Z-score model for predicting bankruptcy of newspaper companies.
‘The emperor lost his clothes’: Rupert Murdoch, News of the World and journalistic boundary work in the UK and USA
Authors: Carlson Matt , Berkowitz Dan
Published: February 2013

Episodes of journalistic deviancy become moments of reflection for the journalistic interpretive community, at times assuming international proportions. This study examines the construction of appropriate journalistic norms through reactions to the phone hacking scandal that led to the abrupt closure of the British Sunday tabloid the News of the World on 10 July 2011. A comparison of reactions in US and UK newspapers reveals how boundary work articulates appropriate practices through defining deviant behavior. Rather than isolating the troubles to a single newsroom, what emerges is a form of synecdochic deviancy in which the significance of the scandal expands to larger normative questions among journalists in both nations.
Assessment of clinical analytical sensitivity and specificity of next-generation sequencing for detection of simple and complex mutations
Authors: Chin Ephrem LH , da Silva Cristina , Hegde Madhuri
Published: February 2013

Background

Detecting mutations in disease genes by full gene sequence analysis is common in clinical diagnostic laboratories. Sanger dideoxy terminator sequencing allows for rapid development and implementation of sequencing assays in the clinical laboratory, but it has limited throughput, and due to cost constraints, only allows analysis of one or at most a few genes in a patient. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), on the other hand, has evolved rapidly, although to date it has mainly been used for large-scale genome sequencing projects and is beginning to be used in the clinical diagnostic testing. One advantage of NGS is that many genes can be analyzed easily at the same time, allowing for mutation detection when there are many possible causative genes for a specific phenotype. In addition, regions of a gene typically not tested for mutations, like deep intronic and promoter mutations, can also be detected.

Results

Here we use 20 previously characterized Sanger-sequenced positive controls in disease-causing genes to demonstrate the utility of NGS in a clinical setting using standard PCR based amplification to assess the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the technology for detecting all previously characterized changes (mutations and benign SNPs). The positive controls chosen for validation range from simple substitution mutations to complex deletion and insertion mutations occurring in autosomal dominant and recessive disorders. The NGS data was 100% concordant with the Sanger sequencing data identifying all 119 previously identified changes in the 20 samples.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that NGS technology is ready to be deployed in clinical laboratories. However, NGS and associated technologies are evolving, and clinical laboratories will need to invest significantly in staff and infrastructure to build the necessary foundation for success.
Improved production of secreted heterologous enzyme in Bacillus subtilisstrain MGB874 via modification of glutamate metabolism and growth conditions
Authors: Manabe Kenji , Kageyama Yasushi , Morimoto Takuya , Shimizu Eri , Takahashi Hiroki , Kanaya Shigehiko , Ara Katsutoshi , Ozaki Katsuya , Ogasawara Naotake
Published: February 2013

Background

TheBacillus subtilisgenome-reduced strain MGB874 exhibits enhanced production of exogenous extracellular enzymes under batch fermentation conditions. We predicted that deletion of the gene for RocG, a bi-functional protein that acts as a glutamate dehydrogenase and an indirect repressor of glutamate synthesis, would improve glutamate metabolism, leading to further increased enzyme production. However, deletion ofrocGdramatically decreased production of the alkaline cellulase Egl-237 in strain MGB874 (strain 874∆rocG).

Results

Transcriptome analysis and cultivation profiles suggest that this phenomenon is attributable to impaired secretion of alkaline cellulase Egl-237 and nitrogen starvation, caused by decreased external pH and ammonium depletion, respectively. With NH3-pH auxostat fermentation, production of alkaline cellulase Egl-237 in strain 874∆rocG was increased, exceeding that in the wild-type-background strain 168∆rocG. Notably, in strain 874∆rocG, high enzyme productivity was observed throughout cultivation, possibly due to enhancement of metabolic flux from 2-oxoglutarate to glutamate and generation of metabolic energy through activation of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The level of alkaline cellulase Egl-237 obtained corresponded to about 5.5 g l-1, the highest level reported so far.

Conclusions

We found the highest levels of production of alkaline cellulase Egl-237 with the reduced-genome strain 874∆rocG and using the NH3-pH auxostat. Deletion of the glutamate dehydrogenase generocGenhanced enzyme production via a prolonged auxostat fermentation, possibly due to improved glutamate synthesis and enhanced generation of metabolism energy.