bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-Scale Investigation of Human TF-miRNA Relations Based on Coexpression Profiles
Authors: Chien Chia-Hung , Chiang-Hsieh Yi-Fan , Tsou Ann-Ping , Weng Shun-Long , Chang Wen-Chi , Huang Hsien-Da
Published: June 2014

Noncoding, endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) are fairly well known for regulating gene expression rather than protein coding. Dysregulation of miRNA gene, either upregulated or downregulated, may lead to severe diseases or oncogenesis, especially when the miRNA disorder involves significant bioreactions or pathways. Thus, how miRNA genes are transcriptionally regulated has been highlighted as well as target recognition in recent years. In this study, a large-scale investigation of novelcis- andtrans-elements was undertaken to further determine TF-miRNA regulatory relations, which are necessary to unravel the transcriptional regulation of miRNA genes. Based on miRNA and annotated gene expression profiles, the term “coTFBS” was introduced to detect common transcription factors and the corresponding binding sites within the promoter regions of each miRNA and its coexpressed annotated genes. The computational pipeline was successfully established to filter redundancy due to short sequence motifs for TFBS pattern search. Eventually, we identified more convinced TF-miRNA regulatory relations for 225 human miRNAs. This valuable information is helpful in understanding miRNA functions and provides knowledge to evaluate the therapeutic potential in clinical research. Once most expression profiles of miRNAs in the latest database are completed, TF candidates of more miRNAs can be explored by this filtering approach in the future.
Feleucins: Novel Bombinin Precursor-Encoded Nonapeptide Amides from the Skin Secretion ofBombina variegata
Authors: Bai Bing , Hou Xiaojuan , Wang Lei , Ge Lilin , Luo Yu , Ma Chengbang , Zhou Mei , Duan Jinao , Chen Tianbao , Shaw Chris
Published: June 2014

The first amphibian skin antimicrobial peptide (AMP) to be identified was named bombinin, reflecting its origin from the skin of the European yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata). Bombinins and their related peptides, the bombinin Hs, were subsequently reported from other bombinid toads. Molecular cloning of bombinin-encoding cDNAs from skin found that bombinins and bombinin Hs were coencoded on the same precursor proteins. Here, we report the molecular cloning of two novel cDNAs from a skin secretion-derived cDNA library ofB. variegatawhose open-reading frames each encode a novel bombinin (GIGGALLNVGKVALKGLAKGLAEHFANamide) and a C-terminally located single copy of a novel nonapeptide (FLGLLGGLLamide or FLGLIGSLLamide). These novel nonapeptides were named feleucin-BV1 and feleucin-BV2, respectively. The novel bombinin exhibited 89% identity to homologues from the toads,B. microdeladigitoraandB. maxima. The feleucins exhibited no identity with any amphibian AMP archived in databases. Synthetic feleucins exhibited a weak activity againstStaphylococcus aureus(128–256 mg/L) but feleucin-BV1 exhibited a synergistic action with the novel bombinin. The present report clearly demonstrates that the skin secretions of bombinid toads continue to represent a source of peptides of novel structure that could provide templates for the design of therapeutics.
Optimization of Medium Composition for the Production of Neomycin by Streptomyces fradiae NCIM 2418 in Solid State Fermentation
Authors: Vastrad B. M. , Neelagund S. E.
Published: June 2014

Neomycin production of Streptomyces fradiae NCIM 2418 was optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM), which is powerful mathematical approach comprehensively applied in the optimization of solid state fermentation processes. In the first step of optimization, with Placket-Burman design, ammonium chloride, sodium nitrate, L-histidine, and ammonium nitrate were established to be the crucial nutritional factors affecting neomycin production significantly. In the second step, a 24 full factorial central composite design and RSM were applied to determine the optimal concentration of significant variable. A second-order polynomial was determined by the multiple regression analysis of the experimental data. The optimum values for the important nutrients for the maximum were obtained as follows: ammonium chloride 2.00%, sodium nitrate 1.50%, L-histidine 0.250%, and ammonium nitrate 0.250% with a predicted value of maximum neomycin production of 20,000 g kg−1 dry coconut oil cake. Under the optimal condition, the practical neomycin production was 19,642 g kg−1 dry coconut oil cake. The determination coefficient (R2) was 0.9232, which ensures an acceptable admissibility of the model.
Enhanced Performance of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells with Graphene/ZnO Nanoparticles Bilayer Structure
Authors: Hsu Chih-Hung , Lai Cheng-Chih , Chen Lung-Chien , Chan Po-Shun
Published: June 2014

This study reports characteristics of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with graphene/ZnO nanoparticle bilayer structure. The enhancement of the performance of DSSCs achieved using graphene/ZnO nanoparticle films is attributable to the introduction of an electron‐extraction layer and absorption of light in the visible range and especially in the range 300–420 nm. DSSC that was fabricated with graphene/ZnO nanoparticle film composite photoanodes exhibited a Voc of 0.5 V, a Jsc of 17.5 mA/cm2, an FF of 0.456, and a calculated η of 3.98%.
Wind Turbine Placement Optimization by means of the Monte Carlo Simulation Method
Authors: Brusca S. , Lanzafame R. , Messina M.
Published: June 2014

This paper defines a new procedure for optimising wind farm turbine placement by means of Monte Carlo simulation method. To verify the algorithm’s accuracy, an experimental wind farm was tested in a wind tunnel. On the basis of experimental measurements, the error on wind farm power output was less than 4%. The optimization maximises the energy production criterion; wind turbines’ ground positions were used as independent variables. Moreover, the mathematical model takes into account annual wind intensities and directions and wind turbine interaction. The optimization of a wind farm on a real site was carried out using measured wind data, dominant wind direction, and intensity data as inputs to run the Monte Carlo simulations. There were 30 turbines in the wind park, each rated at 20 kW. This choice was based on wind farm economics. The site was proportionally divided into 100 square cells, taking into account a minimum windward and crosswind distance between the turbines. The results highlight that the dominant wind intensity factor tends to overestimate the annual energy production by about 8%. Thus, the proposed method leads to a more precise annual energy evaluation and to a more optimal placement of the wind turbines.
Influence of Maternal Immunization with Allergens on the Thymic Maturation of Lymphocytes with Regulatory Potential in Children: A Broad Field for Further Exploration
Authors: Victor Jefferson Russo
Published: June 2014

A variety of mechanisms are involved in the regulation of offspring allergy development through maternal immunization with allergens. The passive transfer of antigens, antibodies, and cytokines, the induction of phenotypic alterations in offspring lymphocytes, and the induction of regulatory populations in offspring have been proposed, but these mechanisms remain incompletely understood. It is likely that maternal immunization could affect the intrathymic maturation of offspring TCD4+, TCD8+,γδT, nTreg, iNKT, and B lymphocytes, although there are currently no human maternal immunization protocols for the regulation of allergic responses in children. Some studies have suggested a direct interaction between the maternal immune status and the offspring intrathymic microenvironment; this interaction could influence the maturation of offspring regulatory cells and must be explored for the development of therapies to control allergy development in children.
Association betweenGiardia duodenalisand Coinfection with Other Diarrhea-Causing Pathogens in India
Authors: Mukherjee Avik K. , Chowdhury Punam , Rajendran Krishnan , Nozaki Tomoyoshi , Ganguly Sandipan
Published: June 2014

Giardia duodenalis, is often seen as an opportunistic pathogen and one of the major food and waterborne parasites. Some insights ofGiardiainfestation in a diarrhoea-prone population were investigated in the present study. Our primary goal was to understand the interaction of this parasite with other pathogens during infection and to determine some important factors regulating the diarrhoeal disease spectrum of a population.Giardiashowed a steady rate of occurrence throughout the entire study period with a nonsignificant association with rainfall(P>0.05). Interestingly coinfecting pathogens likeVibrio choleraeand rotavirus played a significant(P≤0.001)role in the occurrence of this parasite. Moreover, the age distribution of the diarrhoeal cases was very much dependent on the coinfection rate ofGiardiainfection. As per our findings,Giardiainfection rate seems to play a vital role in regulation of the whole diarrhoeal disease spectrum in this endemic region.
Characterization of Shiga Toxin-ProducingEscherichia coliIsolated from Ground Beef Collected in Different Socioeconomic Strata Markets in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Llorente Patricia , Barnech Laura , Irino Kinue , Rumi María Valeria , Bentancor Adriana
Published: June 2014

Consumption of raw/undercooked ground beef is the most common route of transmission of Shiga toxin-producingE. coli(STEC). The aim of the study was to determine the STEC contamination level of the ground beef samples collected in 36 markets of different socioeconomic strata in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the characterization of the isolated strains. Ninety-one out of 252 (36.1%) samples werestx+. Fifty-seven STEC strains were recovered. Eleven STEC strains belonged to O157 serogroup, and 46 to non-O157 serogroups. Virulence markers of the 57 STEC werestx1, 5.3% (3/57);stx2, 86.0% (49/57);stx1/stx2, 8.8% (5/57);ehxA, 61.4% (35/57);eae, 26.3% (15/57);saa, 24.6% (14/57). Shiga toxin subtypes werestx2, 31.5% (17/54);stx2c-vhb, 24.1% (13/54);stx2c-vha, 20.4% (11/54);stx2/stx2c-vha, 14.8% (8/54);stx2/stx2c-vhb, 5.6% (3/54);stx2c-vha/vhb, 3.7% (2/54). Serotypes O178:H19 and O157:H7 were prevalent. Contamination rate of STEC in all strata was high, and the highest O157 contamination was observed at low strata at several sampling rounds. Persistence of STEC was not detected. Sixteen strains (28.1%) were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, amikacin, or tetracycline. The STEC contamination level of ground beef could vary according to the sociocultural characteristics of the population.
Empirical Analysis of Retirement Pension and IFRS Adoption Effects on Accounting Information: Glance at IT Industry
Authors: Kim JeongYeon
Published: June 2014

This study reviews new pension accounting with K-IFRS and provides empirical changes in liability for retirement allowances with adoption of K-IFRS. It will help to understand the effect of pension accounting on individual firm’s financial report and the importance of public announcement of actuarial assumptions. Firms that adopted K-IFRS had various changes in retirement liability compared to the previous financial report not based on K-IFRS. Their actuarial assumptions for pension accounting should be announced, but only few of them were published. Data analysis shows that the small differences of the actuarial assumption may result in a big change of retirement related liability. Firms within IT industry also have similar behaviors, which means that additional financial regulations for pension accounting are recommended.
Attenuation and Immunogenicity of a Live High Pathogenic PRRSV Vaccine Candidate with a 32-Amino Acid Deletion in the nsp2 Protein
Authors: Lu Wenhui , Sun Baoli , Mo Jianyue , Zeng Xiduo , Zhang Guanqun , Wang Lianxiang , Zhou Qingfeng , Zhu Ling , Li Zhili , Xie Qingmei , Bi Yinzuo , Ma Jingyun
Published: June 2014

A porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) QY1 was serially passed on Marc-145 cells. Virulence of different intermediate derivatives of QY1 (P5, P60, P80, and P100) were determined. The study found that QY1 had been gradually attenuated during the in vitro process. Pathogenicity study showed that pigs inoculated with QY1 P100 and P80 did not develop any significant PRRS clinic symptoms. However, mild-to-moderate clinical signs and acute HP-PRRSV symptoms of infection were observed in pigs inoculated with QY1 P60 and P5, respectively. Furthermore, we determined the whole genome sequences of these four intermediate viruses. The results showed that after 100 passages, compared to QY1 P5, a total of 32 amino acid mutations were found. Moreover, there were one nucleotide deletion and a unique 34-amino acid deletion found at 5′UTR and in nsp2 gene during the attenuation process, respectively. Such deletions were genetically stable in vivo. Following PRRSV experimental challenge, pigs inoculated with a single dose of QY1 P100 developed no significant clinic symptoms and well tolerated lethal challenge, while QY1 P80 group still developed mild fever in the clinic trial after challenge. Thus, we concluded that QY1 P100 was a promising and highly attenuated PRRSV vaccine candidate.
Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence and FRET in Multilayer Core-Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Asselin Jérémie , Viger Mathieu L. , Boudreau Denis
Published: June 2014

In recent years, various methods for the synthesis of fluorescent core-shell nanostructures were developed, optimized, and studied thoroughly in our research group. Metallic cores exhibiting plasmonic properties in the UV and visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum were used to increase substantially the brightness and stability of organic fluorophores encapsulated in silica shells. Furthermore, the efficiency and range of Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) between donor and acceptor molecules located in the vicinity of the metallic core was shown to be enhanced. Such multilayer nanoparticle architectures offer, in addition to the aforementioned advantages, excellent chemical and physical stability, solubility in aqueous media, low toxicity, and high detectability. In view of these enviable characteristics, a plethora of applications have been envisioned in biology, analytical chemistry, and medical diagnostics. In this paper, advances in the development of multilayer core-shell luminescent nanoparticle structures and selected applications to bioanalytical chemistry will be described.
Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Diagnostic in the NICU
Authors: Colella-Santos Maria Francisca , Hein Thaís Antonelli Diniz , de Souza Gabriele Libano , do Amaral Maria Isabel Ramos , Casali Raquel Leme
Published: June 2014

The aim was to describe the outcome of neonatal hearing screening (NHS) and audiological diagnosis in neonates in the NICU. The sample was divided into Group I: neonates who underwent NHS in one step and Group II: neonates who underwent a test and retest NHS. NHS procedure was automated auditory brainstem response. NHS was performed in 82.1% of surviving neonates. For GI, referral rate was 18.6% and false-positive was 62.2% (normal hearing in the diagnostic stage). In GII, with retest, referral rate dropped to 4.1% and false-positive to 12.5%. Sensorineural hearing loss was found in 13.2% of infants and conductive in 26.4% of cases. There was one case of auditory neuropathy spectrum (1.9%). Dropout rate in whole process was 21.7% for GI and 24.03% for GII. We concluded that it was not possible to perform universal NHS in the studied sample or, in many cases, to apply it within the first month of life. Retest reduced failure and false-positive rate and did not increase evasion, indicating that it is a recommendable step in NHS programs in the NICU. The incidence of hearing loss was 2.9%, considering sensorineural hearing loss (0.91%), conductive (1.83%) and auditory neuropathy spectrum (0.19%).
Debakey Forceps Crushing Technique for Hepatic Parenchymal Transection in Liver Surgery: A Review of 100 Cases and Ergonomic Advantages
Authors: Jain Sundeep , Sharma Bharat , Kaushik Mitesh , Jain Lokendra
Published: June 2014

Introduction and Objective. Bleeding is an important complication in liver transections. To determine the safety and efficacy of Debakey forceps for liver parenchymal transection and its ergonomic advantages over clamp crushing method we analysed our data. Methods. We used Debakey crushing technique in 100 liver resections and analysed data for transection time, transfusion rate, morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, influence of different types of liver conditions, and ergonomi features of Debakey forceps. Results. Mean age, transection time and hospital stay of 100 patients were 52.38 ± 17.44 years, 63.36 ± 33.4 minutes, and 10.27 ± 5.7 days. Transection time, and hospital stay in patients with cirrhotic liver (130.4 ± 44.4 mins, 14.6 ± 5.5 days) and cholestatic liver (75.8 ± 19.7 mins, 16.5 ± 5.1 days) were significantly greater than in patients with normal liver (48.1 ± 20.1 mins, 6.7 ± 1.8 days) (P<0.01). Transection time improved significantly with experience (first fifty versus second fifty cases—70.2 ± 31.1 mins versus 56.5 ± 34.5 mins, P<0.04). Qualitative evaluation revealed that Debakey forceps had ergonomic advantages over Kelly clamp. Conclusions. Debakey forceps crushing technique is safe and effective for liver parenchymal transection in all kinds of liver. Transection time improves with surgeon’s experience. It has ergonomic advantages over Kelly clamp and is a better choice for liver transection.
Parameter Screening in Microfluidics Based Hydrodynamic Single-Cell Trapping
Authors: Deng B. , Li X. F. , Chen D. Y. , You L. D. , Wang J. B. , Chen J.
Published: June 2014

Microfluidic cell-based arraying technology is widely used in the field of single-cell analysis. However, among developed devices, there is a compromise between cellular loading efficiencies and trapped cell densities, which deserves further analysis and optimization. To address this issue, the cell trapping efficiency of a microfluidic device with two parallel micro channels interconnected with cellular trapping sites was studied in this paper. By regulating channel inlet and outlet status, the microfluidic trapping structure can mimic key functioning units of previously reported devices. Numerical simulations were used to model this cellular trapping structure, quantifying the effects of channel on/off status and trapping structure geometries on the cellular trapping efficiency. Furthermore, the microfluidic device was fabricated based on conventional microfabrication and the cellular trapping efficiency was quantified in experiments. Experimental results showed that, besides geometry parameters, cellular travelling velocities and sizes also affected the single-cell trapping efficiency. By fine tuning parameters, more than 95% of trapping sites were taken by individual cells. This study may lay foundation in further studies of single-cell positioning in microfluidics and push forward the study of single-cell analysis.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Superfine Particles of Herbal Medicine against CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Damage in Rats
Authors: Cao Gang , Li Qinglin , Chen Xiaocheng , Cai Hao , Tu Sicong
Published: June 2014

This study aimed to examine the hepatoprotective effects of the superfine particles of Radix Tetrastigma (SPRT) against CCl4-induced acute liver damage in rats. Animals were treated with SPRT (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 g/kg) and showed remarkable hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. CCl4 altered various biochemical parameters in rat liver, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), histopathological changes, and Bax and caspase-3 expressions. SPRT significantly prevented increases in ALT and AST levels, reduced MDA level, decreased Bax and caspase-3 protein expression, enhanced SOD activity, and provided significant amelioration in the histopathological lesions. These findings suggested that SPRT has significant protective effect against acute hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in rats.
Epidural Anesthesia-Analgesia and Patient Outcomes: A Perspective
Authors: Wu Christopher L. , Murphy Jamie D.
Published: June 2014

The use of perioperative epidural anesthesia-analgesia may confer many benefits including superior postoperative analgesia, decreased morbidity, and improvement in patient-centered outcomes. We will review our group’s work on perioperative epidural anesthesia-analgesia on patient outcomes and discuss future research in this area
Variations in EUV Irradiance: Comparison between LYRA, ESP, and SWAP Integrated Flux
Authors: Yalim Mehmet Sarp , Poedts Stefaan
Published: June 2014

The Sun Watcher Using Active Pixel System Detector and Image Processing (SWAP) telescope and Large Yield Radiometer (LYRA) are the two Sun observation instruments on-board PROBA2. SWAP extreme ultraviolet images, if presented in terms of the integrated flux over solar disk, in general, correlate well with LYRA channel 2–4 (zirconium filter) and channels QD and 18 of EVE/ESP on-board SDO between 2010 and 2013. Hence, SWAP can be considered as an additional radiometric channel. We compare in detail LYRA channel 2–4 and SWAP integrated flux in July 2010 and in particular during the solar eclipse that occurred on July 11, 2010. During this eclipse, the discrepancy between the two data channels can be explained to be related to the occultation of active region 11087 by the Moon. In the second half of July 2010, LYRA channel 2–4 and SWAP integrated flux deviate from each other, but these differences can also be explained in terms of features appearing on the solar disk such as coronal holes and active regions. By additionally comparing with timeline of EVE/ESP, we can preliminarily interpret these differences in terms of the difference between the broad bandpass of LYRA channel 2–4 and the, relatively speaking, narrower bandpass of SWAP.
Mathematical Methods for Assessing the Prognostic of Fixed Partial Dentures Resulting from Evaluating a Group of Dental Patients in Romania
Authors: Chifor Ioana , Mitrea Alexandru I. , Badea Iulia Clara , Chifor Radu , Badea Mindra Eugenia , Mitrea Paulina , Popa Sever , Crisan Maria , Avram Ramona
Published: June 2014

Based on some mathematical and statistical approaches, our study leads to some conclusions concerning the procedures related to the orodental prosthetics. Occlusal equilibration in orodental prosthetics is a major issue because besides motivating patients for a regular daily oral hygiene, it could significantly increase the longevity of FPR. More dental hygiene information should be given after prosthetic treatment and patients should be motivated to attend recalls on a regular basis for professional teeth-cleaning. Interdental cleaning aids should be explained and the patients have to be motivated to use them at least once a day and the using technique should be individualized. Regarding the application of the deformable models theory, implemented in the context of an expert type software environment, it is known that the fact that modelling by advanced methods and techniques based on the deformable surfaces theory increases the efficiency of the dentofacial prosthetics procedures is a domain of great interest in the actual medical research.
Treadmill Training Increases SIRT-1 and PGC-1αProtein Levels and AMPK Phosphorylation in Quadriceps of Middle-Aged Rats in an Intensity-Dependent Manner
Authors: Oliveira Nara R. C. , Marques Scherolin O. , Luciano Thais F. , Pauli José R. , Moura Leandro P. , Caperuto Erico , Pieri Bruno L. S. , Engelmann Julia , Scaini Gisele , Streck Emilio L. , Lira Fabio S. , Pinho Ricardo A. , Ropelle Eduardo R. , Silva Adelino S. R. , De Souza Cláudio T.
Published: June 2014

The present study investigated the effects of running at 0.8 or 1.2 km/h on inflammatory proteins (i.e., protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB) and metabolic proteins (i.e., protein levels of SIRT-1 and PGC-1α, and AMPK phosphorylation) in quadriceps of rats. Male Wistar rats at 3 (young) and 18 months (middle-aged rats) of age were divided into nonexercised (NE) and exercised at 0.8 or 1.2 km/h. The rats were trained on treadmill, 50 min per day, 5 days per week, during 8 weeks. Forty-eight hours after the last training session, muscles were removed, homogenized, and analyzed using biochemical and western blot techniques. Our results showed that: (a) running at 0.8 km/h decreased the inflammatory proteins and increased the metabolic proteins compared with NE rats; (b) these responses were lower for the inflammatory proteins and higher for the metabolic proteins in young rats compared with middle-aged rats; (c) running at 1.2 km/h decreased the inflammatory proteins and increased the metabolic proteins compared with 0.8 km/h; (d) these responses were similar between young and middle-aged rats when trained at 1.2 km. In summary, the age-related increases in inflammatory proteins, and the age-related declines in metabolic proteins can be reversed and largely improved by treadmill training.
Genotype-Positive Status in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Is Associated With Higher Rates of Heart Failure Events
Authors: Li Qin , Gruner Christiane , Chan Raymond H. , Care Melanie , Siminovitch Katherine , Williams Lynne , Woo Anna , Rakowski Harry
Published: June 2014

Background—

The aim of the study was to clarify the relationship between genotype status and major cardiovascular outcomes in a large cohort of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

Genetic testing was performed in 558 consecutive proband patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Baseline and follow-up (mean follow-up 6.3 years) clinical and echocardiographic data were obtained. Pathogenic mutations were identified in 198 (35.4%) patients. Genotype-positive patients were more likely to be women (44% versus 30%;
P
=0.001), younger (39 versus 48 years;
P
<0.001), and have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (53% versus 20%;
P
<0.001), as well as family history of sudden cardiac death (17% versus 7%;
P
=0.002). There were no significant differences in the rates of atrial fibrillation, stroke, or septal reduction procedures. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that genotype-positive status was an independent risk factor for the development of combined heart failure end points (decline in left ventricular ejection fraction to <50%, New York Heart Association III or IV in the absence of obstruction, heart failure–related hospital admission, transplantation, and heart failure–related death; hazards ratio, 4.51; confidence interval, 2.09–9.31;
P
<0.001). No difference was seen in heart failure events between the myosin heavy chain and myosin-binding protein C genotype-positive patients.

Conclusions—

The presence of a pathogenic sarcomere mutation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was associated with an increase in heart failure events, with no differences in event rates seen between myosin heavy chain and myosin-binding protein C genotype-positive patients. The presence of a disease-causing mutation seems more clinically relevant than the specific mutation itself.
Imbalance of Power: The Soviet Union and the Congo Crisis, 1960–1961
Authors: Iandolo Alessandro
Published: June 2014

The 1960–1961 Congo crisis was a defining moment for the Cold War in the Third World. This article combines declassified Soviet documents with published and archival sources from the United States, Great Britain, and Ghana to assess the role of the Soviet Union in the development of the Congo crisis. The Soviet government initially worked to establish economic relations with the newly formed independent government in Congo, but Soviet leaders had to shift their strategy when confronted by Western intervention in Congo and the prospect of a civil war. Despite Nikita Khrushchev's threats that Soviet troops would intervene in the conflict, the USSR did not have the military wherewithal to guarantee the survival of the Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba or other pro-Soviet elements. This outcome ended a brief phase of Soviet success in Africa and significantly altered Soviet policy in the Third World.
From Goal-Oriented to Constraint-Oriented Design: The Cybernetic Intersection of Design Theory and Systems Theory
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Richards Laurence D.
Published: June 2014

This article traces the changing notions of constraints in design and of systems since the mid-20th century in the intersection of design theory and systems theory. Taking a second-order cybernetic perspective, the article develops constraints as observer dependent and it analyzes conditions under which constraints tend to be beneficial or detrimental. Ethical implications of constraints in design processes are established with reference to system boundaries. Constraint-oriented design is discussed as an alternative to goal-oriented design, and a method called constraint reversal is introduced as a strategy of deliberate defiance of constraints to support design exploration.
A new genus and two new species of Opilioacaridae (Acari: Parasitiformes) from Amazonia, Brazil with a key to world genera
Authors: VÁZQUEZ MA. MAGDALENA , DE ARAÚJO MARCEL SANTOS , FERES REINALDO JOSÉ FAZZIO
Published: June 2014

Collections of Opilioacaridae made close to 50 years ago in Manaus in the Amazonian Region have allowed the description of a new genus and two new species from Brazil, Amazonacarus setosus n.gen, n.sp. and A. paraensis n.gen, n.sp. These species show a unique combination of characters in the Opilioacaridae: a high number of foliate setae (10) on the palp tarsus with each seta bearing many lobes (6–7), a group of large, serrate setae (26–31) on the palp tibia (this group of setae is much smaller in other species), and 5–7 dorsal setae on idiosomal segment XVIII. Indiacarus and some Opilioacarus show 3–5 setae on segment XVIII, but these genera (and Caribeacarus) have fewer foliate setae on the palp (3–4). Females of Amazonacarus have an ovipositor of the “complex” type, with spiny projections and 2–4 genital setae, while males have two pairs of rounded, large glands.
Descriptions of two new, cryptic species of Metasiro (Arachnida: Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi: Neogoveidae) from South Carolina, USA, including a discussion of mitochondrial mutation rates
Authors: CLOUSE RONALD M. , WHEELER WARD C.
Published: June 2014

Specimens of Metasiro from its three known disjunct population centers in the southeastern US were examined and had a 769 bp fragement of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequenced. These populations are located in the western panhandle of Florida and nearby areas of Georgia, in the Savannah River delta of South Carolina, and on Sassafras Mt. in South Carolina. This range extends over as much as 500 km, which is very large for a species of cyphophthalmid harvestmen and presents a degree of physical separation among populations such that we would expect them to actually be distinguishable species. We examined the morphology, including the spermatopositors of males, and sequences from 221 specimens. We found no discernible differences in the morphologies of specimens from the different populations, but corrected pairwise distances of COI were about 15% among the three population centers. We also analyzed COI data using a General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) model implemented in the R package SPLITS; with a single threshold, the most likely model had four species within Metasiro. Given this level of molecular divergence, the monophyly of the population haplotypes, and the number of exclusive COI nucleotide and amino acid differences distinguishing the populations, we here raise the Savannah River and Sassafras Mt. populations to species status: M. savannahensis sp. nov., and M. sassafrasensis sp. nov., respectively. This restricts M. americanus (Davis, 1933) to just the Lower Chattahoochee Watershed, which in this study includes populations along the Apalachicola River and around Florida Caverns State Park. GMYC models reconstructed the two main haplotype clades within M. americanus as different species, but they are not exclusive to different areas. We estimate COI percent divergence rates in certain cyphophthalmid groups and discuss problems with historical measures of this rate. We hypothesize that Metasiro began diversifying over 20 million years ago.
Review of the New Caledonian species of the genus Pactola Pascoe, 1876 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Eugnomini), with description of two new species
Authors: MAZUR MIŁOSZ A.
Published: June 2014

The two species of the genus Pactola Pascoe known from New Caledonia, P. convexa (Montrouzier) and P. setacea (Montrouzier), are redescribed and two new species (P. magna sp. n. and P. proxima sp. n.) are described. Pactola kanalensis (Perroud) is a new junior synonym of P. setacea (Montrouzier). A neotype of Pactola setacea (Montrouzier) and lectotypes of Pactola convexa (Montrouzier) and Pactola kanalensis (Perroud) are designated. Pactola nigra Hudson is considered conspecific with Pactola variabilis Pascoe but formal synonymy requires further study. Colour photographs of the dorsal habitus and line drawings of taxonomically relevant structures of all species are provided, as well as an identification key to all known species of Pactola.
A new species of Heterangaeus Alexander, 1925 crane flies (Diptera: Pediciidae) from north-central Mongolia with first description of the larva for the genus
Authors: PODENAS SIGITAS , PODENIENE VIRGINIJA , GELHAUS JON
Published: June 2014

A new species of Pediciidae, Heterangaeus mongolicus is described from specimens collected during the fieldwork of the Mongolian Aquatic Insect Survey Project in north-central Mongolia, Tov Aimag (district). Descriptions and illustrations of the distinguishing morphological features are provided. Habitat information is presented. Female ovipositor and larvae of Heterangaeus are described and illustrated for the first time. This discovery of Heterangaeus in Mongolia represents a 1700 kilometer extension of the known distribution for the genus.
The Vorticity Budgets of North Atlantic Winter Extratropical Cyclone Life Cycles in MERRA Reanalysis. Part II: Decaying Phase*
Authors: Azad Roohollah , Sorteberg Asgeir
Published: June 2014

The role of physical forcing mechanisms that contribute to the decay of winter North Atlantic extratropical cyclones during the period 1979–2009 are examined using the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA). The paired Zwack–Okossi tendency equation and omega equation explained in part I of this paper is employed to investigate the total effects of forcing processes (the direct effect of the forcing mechanisms and the indirect effect of the induced adiabatic cooling) that dissipate the 950-hPa cyclonic geostrophic vorticity at the cyclone center.

Composite analyses reveal that the commencement of the decay is associated mainly with the upper-level anticyclonic vorticity advection, cold-air advection, and positive ageostrophic vorticity tendency. The secondary contributor to the dissipation of cyclonic circulation is the lower-tropospheric adiabatic cooling induced mainly by friction and positive ageostrophic vorticity tendency. The dynamics is found to be different at the beginning of the decay than in the later stages. While the negative tilt of troughs aloft and the surface cyclone is required for cyclolysis to occur, low air processes show a greater effect in the termination of the low pressure systems. Further, the total effect of the vorticity advection and temperature advection terms are modest, while the ageostrophic vorticity tendency and friction terms show a greater total negative contribution. This is because the two latter terms decrease the cyclonic geostrophic vorticity at the low center through both their direct and indirect effects. The latent heat release maximizing at 800–700 hPa produces cyclonic circulation, thus reducing the spindown of decaying cyclones.
The Vorticity Budgets of North Atlantic Winter Extratropical Cyclone Life Cycles in MERRA Reanalysis. Part I: Development Phase*
Authors: Azad Roohollah , Sorteberg Asgeir
Published: June 2014

This series of papers (parts I and II) examines the vorticity budgets of winter North Atlantic extratropical cyclones during the period 1979–2009 using the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Application (MERRA). The authors use a new partitioning technique to combine the Zwack–Okossi (Z–O) equation with the omega equation. The combination provides a possibility to partition the adiabatic term in the Z–O equation into its different forcing mechanisms. Thus, both the direct effect of the dynamic and thermodynamic forcings and their indirect effect on the adiabatic term can be calculated to provide the total effect (direct plus indirect) on the 950-hPa geostrophic vorticity tendency.

It is demonstrated that the total-effect diagnostic is a suitable tool to identify the dynamically consistent characteristics of cyclone development in midlatitudes because it possesses less case-to-case variability. The authors found that the vorticity advection is the major forcing process, the tendencies attributed to the ageostrophic vorticity tendency term are considerable, and the opposing effect of the friction term in moderating the deepening is significant. In general, the upper-level dynamics drive the deepening of the cyclones, except at the end of development, where a combination of midlevel latent heating, positive ageostrophic vorticity tendency, and positive indirect effect of vorticity advection contribute to the development. Additionally, the total effects of temperature advection and latent heating on the intensification of cyclones are reduced because of the inclusion of counteractive indirect effects, as are their variabilities within the cyclone composite.
Energy Partitioning and Evapotranspiration over a Rice Paddy in Southern Brazil
Authors: Timm Andrea Ucker , Roberti Débora R. , Streck Nereu Augusto , Gustavo G. de Gonçalves Luis , Acevedo Otávio Costa , Moraes Osvaldo L. L. , Moreira Virnei S. , Degrazia Gervásio Annes , Ferlan Mitja , Toll David L.
Published: June 2014

During approximately 80% of its growing season, lowland flooded irrigated rice ecosystems in southern Brazil are kept within a 5–10-cm water layer. These anaerobic conditions have an influence on the partitioning of the energy and water balance components. Furthermore, this cropping system differs substantially from any other upland nonirrigated or irrigated crop ecosystems. In this study, daily, seasonal, and annual dynamics of the energy and water balance components were analyzed over a paddy rice farm in a subtropical location in southern Brazil using eddy covariance measurements. In this region, rice is grown once a year in low wetlands while the ground is kept fallow during the remaining of the year. Results show that the energy budget residual corresponded to up to 20% of the net radiation during the rice-growing season and around 10% for the remainder of the year (fallow). The energy and water balance analysis also showed that because of the high water table in the region, soil was near saturation most of the time, and latent heat flux dominated over sensible heat flux by up to one order of magnitude in some cases. The estimate of evapotranspiration ET using the crop coefficient multiplied by the reference evapotranspiration KcETo and the Penman–Monteith equation ETPM, describing the canopy resistance through leaf area index (LAI) obtained by remote sensing, represent well the measured evapotranspiration, mainly in the fallow periods. Therefore, using a specific crop parameter like LAI and crop height can be an easy and interesting alternative to estimate ET in vegetated lowland areas.
Overview of national health research systems in sub-Saharan Africa: results of a questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Mbondji Peter Ebongue , Kebede Derege , Zielinski Chris , Kouvividila Wenceslas , Sanou Issa , Lusamba-Dikassa Paul-Samson
Published: June 2014

Objective

To assess the state of national health research systems of countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region.

Design

A questionnaire-based survey

Methods

Structured questionnaires were used to solicit health research systems’ relevant information from key informants in each country.

Setting

Forty-six Member States of the WHO African Region.

Participants

Key informants from the ministry of health in each country, with the support of WHO Country Offices.

Main outcome measures

Presence of national health research policy or strategy, priority setting and ethical review of research.

Results

Of the 44 responding countries, 39 (89%) reportedly had an official national health policy and 37 (84%) had a strategic health plan. A total of 16 (36%) countries reportedly had a functional national health research governance mechanism, nine of which had clear terms of reference; nine (20%) countries had a functional national health research management forum. Functional ethical review committees were reported in 33 countries (75%).

Conclusions

National health research systems were weak in the countries assessed. Significantly more resources should be allocated to strengthening these systems.
Health information systems in Africa: descriptive analysis of data sources, information products and health statistics
Authors: Mbondji Peter Ebongue , Kebede Derege , Soumbey-Alley Edoh William , Zielinski Chris , Kouvividila Wenceslas , Lusamba-Dikassa Paul-Samson
Published: June 2014

Objective

To identify key data sources of health information and describe their availability in countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region.

Methods

An analytical review on the availability and quality of health information data sources in countries; from experience, observations, literature and contributions from countries.

Setting

Forty-six Member States of the WHO African Region.

Participants

No participants.

Main outcome measures

The state of data sources, including censuses, surveys, vital registration and health care facility-based sources.

Results

In almost all countries of the Region, there is a heavy reliance on household surveys for most indicators, with more than 121 household surveys having been conducted in the Region since 2000. Few countries have civil registration systems that permit adequate and regular tracking of mortality and causes of death. Demographic surveillance sites function in several countries, but the data generated are not integrated into the national health information system because of concerns about representativeness. Health management information systems generate considerable data, but the information is rarely used because of concerns about bias, quality and timeliness. To date, 43 countries in the Region have initiated Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response.

Conclusions

A multitude of data sources are used to track progress towards health-related goals in the Region, with heavy reliance on household surveys for most indicators. Countries need to develop comprehensive national plans for health information that address the full range of data needs and data sources and that include provision for building national capacities for data generation, analysis, dissemination and use.
Regions from the Perspective of Changing Perceptions of Early India
Authors: Sahu Bhairabi Prasad
Published: June 2014

The article focuses on the shifts in the historiographic gaze on the concept of the historical region and its multiple meanings. It emphasises that the sense of shared historical tradition and common culture leading to some kind of felt community or affiliation in a spatially distinguishable and culturally identifiable space evolves historically. Regions emerged as a consequence of the gradual convergence of historical forces, including language, art and culture. While regions shape and are being continuously reshaped by the trans-regional/pan-Indian, they are also constituted by the interplay of the sub-regions and localities. In spite of the different regional traditions and their varying trajectories of transformation; interactions across regions contributed to the forging of a common pool of ideas, values and symbols that went beyond the specific regions and was distinctly pan-Indian. The interactions within and between regions helped in the making of a composite culture.
Issues of Power and Identity
Authors: Bhattacharya Shatarupa
Published: June 2014

This article looks at issues of power and attempts to understand gender identity through the study of inscriptions. The aim is to trace features of kingship and look for the queen’s place in the power structure. Through the study of inscriptions implicit and explicit aspects of gender identity claimed could be understood. Aim is to understand kingship for the Vākātakas and look at the identity claimed by the regent-queen, Prabhāvatīguptā. The question that remains pertinent is how far can queens claim power and to what extent. For women who had access to political power, how far were they capable of claiming a position similar to that of the king? Can we try and formulate a gradation for the queens according to the power and identity claimed or ascribed to them? The present study explores the Vākātaka inscriptions and looks at the construction of gender identity through the formalised structure of kingship.
The Maratha State
Authors: Seshan Radhika
Published: June 2014

Maratha power was one of the most important across much of India through much of the eighteenth century. It was the last of the Indian kingdoms to be defeated by the British colonial regime, and even after the defeat of the last ruler, the area ceded by him was treated as a separate administrative unit for almost a decade. A number of labels have been applied to the Maratha state, including marauder, confederacy and more prosaically, just empire, but none of these labels have been subjected to rigorous theoretical analysis. This article is an attempt to apply three of the models of the state that have already been applied elsewhere, to the Marathas. It is perhaps important to state here that the models of the state are being used as a methodological tool, to enable a better understanding of the subject. The article is, therefore, in the nature of an exploratory exercise, rather than a clear application of a model, and so, there is no attempt at defining the Maratha state in terms of one specific model.
The Peripatetic Sannyasis
Authors: Bhattacharya Ananda
Published: June 2014

Ever since Jamini Mohan Ghosh’s study of the Sannyasi Uprising in the early years of British Rule the subject has widely drawn attention of scholars. On the basis of historical evidence he called the Sannyasis raiders from outside Bengal who extorted the peasants and zamindars of Bengal for money. But post-independence India has spawned two genres of ideology-driven historians—Marxist and Secularist—who care more for imaginary myths than for the truth of history. Marxists view the uprising as an early peasant rebellion against the British colonial exploitation. Not to be outdone; secularists go further and expound their pet idea of the uprising as a shining example of Hindu–Muslim unity because of occasional Sannyasi–Fakir joint action against the British. But when historians thus indulge in misinterpreting history they consciously take advantage of the unavoidable, subliminal, though minimal subjectivity of history. But the facts explode both myths. They were simply plunderers in religious garb severely tormenting the Bengal countryside. Ghosh’s stand was correct, supported by historical evidence.