bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquatic fungi and straminipilous organisms in lakes of the Augustowska Primeval Forest, Poland
Authors: Godlewska Anna , Kiziewicz Bożena , Muszyńska Elżbieta , Milewski Robert
Published: January 2014

We analyzed species composition of aquatic fungi and straminipilous organisms in six lakes located within the Augustowska Primeval Forest, Poland. Mycological observations conducted in the spring and autumn seasons together with hydrochemical analysis in the 2010–2012 revealed the presence of 44 species (10 aquatic fungi and 34 straminipilous organisms). Among the taxa detected, there were some potential pathogens of economically valuable fish species and spawn, including Achlya americana, Ac. polyandra, Saprolegnia ferax and S. parasitica. Some of the species were crustacean pathogens, such as Lagenidium giganteum, Myzocytium microsporum and M. zoophthorum. There were also some common human pathogens Aspergillus niger and Candida tropicalis. Some species, such as Achlya klebsiana, Ac. prolifera, Nowakowskiella elegans, N. macrospora, Pythium debaryanum, Py. inflatum, Rhizophlyctis rosea and Saprolegnia litoralis were common phytosaprobionts.

The largest number of species of fungi and straminipilous organisms was identified in Lake Sajenek (22), the fewest in Lake Białe (12).

The quantitative composition and qualitative differentiation of mycobiota were influenced by the content of biogenic compounds and the amount of organic substance. The elevated levels of these parameters (Lake Sajenek) stimulated the growth of fungi and straminipilous organisms, whereas very low concentrations of biogenic compounds and a small amount of organic matter (Lake Białe) had an inhibitory effect.

Statistical analysis of the results was conducted to determine the correlations between the number of fungal and straminipilous species and the hydrochemical parameters, i.e. water temperature, the level of nitrogen compounds (nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen), calcium carbohydrate, magnesium carbohydrate, water oxidizability and the content of dry residue, dissolved substances and suspension.
Spatial pattern of the planktonic ciliate community and its relationship with the environment in spring in the northern Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
Authors: Wang Yibo , Zhang Wenjing , Lin Yuanshao , Zheng Lianming , Cao Wenqing , Yang Jun
Published: January 2014

Surface water samples were collected from 19 sites in the northern Beibu Gulf in April 2011. Species composition and abundance of planktonic ciliates were investigated. They were combined with environmental data to obtain the spatial pattern of the ciliate community and its relationship with the environment. A total of 36 species belonging to 13 genera and 3 orders (Oligotrichida, Haptorida and Tintinnida) were identified, including 10 dominant species. All 19 samples were divided into three groups using cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling (MDS) on the basis of the ciliate species composition and abundance. Group 1 was the least abundant. The species of the order Oligotrichida dominated in Group 2. In contrast, Mesodinium species were of increased importance in Group 3. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that ciliate communities were more closely related to the level of nitrogen (total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen) and phosphorus (total phosphorus, active phosphorus) rather than other variables. As the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus increased, communities dominated by species from the order Oligotrichida were replaced by those dominated by Mesodinium species.
New record of Geissleria declivis (Hust.) Lange-Bert. (Bacillariophyceae) in Europe, the first in Poland
Authors: Noga Teresa , Stanek-Tarkowska Jadwiga , Pajączek Anita , Peszek Łukasz
Published: January 2014

As a result of the research carried out in Lakes Duszatyńskie and the Olchowaty stream, a new European site with Geissleria declivis (Hust.) Lange-Bert. was found — a new species for Poland. The highest abundance of G. declivis has been observed on sandy substrate and small stones in the littoral zone of the Upper Lake during the spring season. The species occurred together with Achnanthidium minutissimum (Kütz.) Czarn. var. minutissimum, A. catenatum (Bily & Marvan), Fragilaria leptostauron (Ehrenb.) Hust. var. leptostauron and F. pinnata Ehrenb. var. pinnata. Our observations revealed that G. declivis develops in lentic water bodies with medium organic matter content and neutral pH. The species seems to prefer mesotrophic waters with low to medium electrolyte content and oligosaprobous. The species morphology and identity is documented in a series of light microscopic (LM) images and for the first time under a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Ruby vs. Perl – the Languages of Bioinformatics
Authors: Goliński Maciej , Golińska Agnieszka Kitlas
Published: January 2014

Ruby and Perl are programming languages used in many fields. In this paper we would like to present their usefulness with regard to basic bioinformatic problems. We concentrate on a comparison of widely used Perl and relatively rarely used Ruby to show that Ruby can be a very efficient tool in bioinformatics. Both Perl and Ruby have a built-in regular expressions (or regexp) engine, which is essential in solving many problems in bioinformatics. We present some selected examples: printing the file content, removing comments from a FASTA file, using hashes, printing nucleotides included in a sequence, searching for a specific nucleotide in sequence and translating nucleotide sequences into protein sequences obtained in GenBank format. It is our belief that Ruby’s popularity will rise because of its simple syntax and the richness of its methods. Programs in Ruby are very easy to read and therefore easier to maintain and debug, which are the most important characteristics for a programming language.
MINING FLIES OF THE GENUS OPHIOMYIA (DIPTERA, AGROMYZIDAE) OF EASTERN UKRAINE AND ADJACENT TERRITORIES: REVIEW OF SPECIES WITH A FASCICULUS
Authors: Guglya Yu. A.
Published: January 2014

During 2009-2013, twenty-three species of agromyzid flies from the genus Ophiomyia Braschnikov, 1897 were collected in the territory of eastern and south-eastern Ukraine. Among them, six species are described as new for science: Ophiomyia australis sp. n., O. crispa sp. n., O. fasciculusalba sp. n., O. malalata sp. n., O. punctata sp. n. and O. versera sp. n. Male heads and genitalia are illustrated for all species. Pictures of the female genitalia are also provided for O. curvipalpis (Zetterstedt, 1848), O. disordens Pakalniškis, 1998, O. fennoniensis Spencer, 1976, O. maura (Meigen, 1832), O. melandricaulis Hering, 1943, O. ranunculicaulis Hering, 1949, O. slovaca Černý, 1994, O. skanensis Spencer, 1976 and O. submaura Hering, 1926. Information on distribution and host plants are also provided.
THE NATURE PROTECTION ASPECT OF THE BLACK SEA FISH MYXOSPOREAN STUDIES
Authors: Yurakhno V. M.
Published: January 2014

The species composition and indices of the myxosporeans infecting fish from the different nature conservation Black Sea regions were considered on the base of the original investigations and literature data. Myxosporean inhabiting the Red Book fish hosts were investigated. The myxosporean species potentially pathogenic for the fish health were identified and epizootological situation was estimated.
Assessment of Stress Associated with an Oral Public Speech in Veterinary Students by Salivary Biomarkers
Authors: Tecles Fernando , Fuentes-Rubio María , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Martínez-Subiela Silvia , Fatjó Jaume , Cerón José J.
Published: January 2014

In this report, salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase activity, and testosterone were measured to assess stress associated with a public oral presentation in Veterinary Clinical Pathology students. Stimulated saliva samples were collected before and directly after a 5-minute oral presentation and at 20 and 35 minutes after the beginning of the presentation. Cortisol peaked 20 minutes after the beginning of the presentation, whereas salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) peaked at 5 minutes, just at the end of the speech. These changes were not related to the level of stress that was indicated by the student in a questionnaire, the student's sex, or the quality of the presentation. No changes were detected in testosterone levels during the study. Saliva biomarkers evaluated in this research could be extended to other stress-producing situations in the university life of veterinary students.
Habermas: The Discourse Theory of Law and Democracy
Authors: Heath Joseph
Published: January 2014

This article is a review of Hugh Baxter’s book, Habermas: The Discourse Theory of Law and Democracy. The book is applauded for its accurate presentation of Habermas’s philosophical system, as well as its sophisticated treatment of the distinction that Habermas draws between system and lifeworld. Reservations are expressed, however, about Baxter’s willingness to jettison that distinction entirely, in favour of general systems theory.
Conjunctival bacterial flora in diabetic patients
Authors: Nahar Najmun , Anwar Shaheda , Miah Md Ruhul Amin
Published: January 2014

Conjunctival flora refers to population of microorganisms that dwell within the eyes of healthy individuals and is important in maintaining a healthy ocular surface and normal conjunctival function. Conjunctival flora may be altered by a variety of factors that include age, immunosuppression and geography. Immune function is compromised in diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to see the pattern of conjunctival bacterial flora in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. This cross sectional study was carried out in BSMMU during the period of January 2011 to December 2011. Total 500 conjunctival swabs were collected from both eyes of 50 diabetic patients attending OPD of Endocrinology Department of BSMMU and 200 non-diabetic individuals. Significant number of culture was positive in diabetic patients (64.0%) compared to that of non-diabetic individuals (38.0%). Staphylococcus epidermidis was predominant in both study groups (diabetic vs non-diabetic: 41.3% vs 65.26%). Staphylococcus aureus (15.22%), Escherichia coli (6.52%) and Enterobacter (8.33%) were isolated in diabetic patients. Rate of positive culture in both and single eyes were higher in diabetic (28%, 36.0%) than that of non-diabetic individuals (9.5%, 28.5%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v7i1.17698 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2013; 7(1): 5-8
Acid violence: a burning issue in Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Gulshan Ara , Islam Farzana
Published: January 2014

Acid violence is a barbaric form of violence in Bangladesh. Acid violence also called acid throwing or vitriolage, is defined as the act of throwing of strong corrosives on face and body of a person with the intention of causing permanent disfiguration, intense pain, scarring and sometimes blindness. All of these injuries are considered as grievous hurt under section 320 of B.P.C (Bangladesh Penal Code). For the last few years it is on the rise in both urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. The perpetrators are mostly men and adolescent boys. The overwhelming majority of the victims are women and many of them are girls and young females. Recently, however, there have been acid attacks on children, older women and also men. These attacks are often the result of family and land dispute, dowry demands or a desire for revenge due to failure in love affairs or marriage proposals. It is considered as one of the extreme forms of repression and violation of womens right. This review article is aimed to focus on the present situation of this barbaric act of vengeance against women and young adolescent girls with regard to frequency, causes, long term consequences and creating public awareness on the issue by tightly regulating the sale and transport of acid as well as enacting harsher penalties for perpetrators. Data collection is based on information from Dhaka Medical College hospital, One Stop Crisis Center (OCC), Acid Survivors Foundation, Naripokkho Action Aid and several Dhaka based organizations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v7i1.17744 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2013; 7(1): 18-20
IgE and Drug Allergy: Antibody Recognition of ‘Small’ Molecules of Widely Varying Structures and Activities
Authors: Baldo Brian
Published: January 2014

The variety of chemically diverse pharmacologically-active compounds administered to patients is large and seemingly forever growing, and, with every new drug released and administered, there is always the potential of an allergic reaction. The most commonly occurring allergic responses to drugs are the type I, or immediate hypersensitivity reactions mediated by IgE antibodies. These reactions may affect a single organ, such as the nasopharynx (allergic rhinitis), eyes (conjunctivitis), mucosa of mouth/throat/tongue (angioedema), bronchopulmonary tissue (asthma), gastrointestinal tract (gastroenteritis) and skin (urticaria, eczema), or multiple organs (anaphylaxis), causing symptoms ranging from minor itching and inflammation to death. It seems that almost every drug is capable of causing an immediate reaction and it is unusual to find a drug that has not provoked an anaphylactic response in at least one patient. These facts alone indicate the extraordinary breadth of recognition of IgE antibodies for drugs ranging from relatively simple structures, for example, aspirin, to complex molecules, such as the macrolide antibiotics composed of a large macrocyclic ring with attached deoxy sugars. This wide recognition profile is borne out at the molecular level by results of quantitative immunochemical studies where hapten inhibition investigations have identified structural determinants complementary to IgE antibodies in the sera of allergic subjects. Allergenic determinants have been identified on a variety of drugs including neuromuscular blockers, penicillins, cephalosporins, opioids, thiopentone, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, quinolones, chlorhexidine and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug aspirin. It is already clear that IgE can distinguish fine structural differences on a wide variety of molecules, determinants may be at least as small as an amino group or encompass the whole molecule, and individual drugs may demonstrate allergenic heterogeneity.
Neurotensin Agonist Attenuates Nicotine Potentiation to Cocaine Sensitization
Authors: Fredrickson Paul , Boules Mona , Stennett Bethany , Richelson Elliott
Published: January 2014

Tobacco usage typically precedes illicit drug use in adolescent and young adult populations. Several animal studies suggest nicotine increases the risk for subsequent cocaine abuse, and may be a negative prognostic factor for treatment of cocaine addiction; i.e., a “gateway drug”. Neurotensin (NT) is a 13-amino acid neuropeptide that modulates dopamine, acetylcholine, glutamate, and GABA neurotransmission in brain reward pathways. NT69L, a NT(8-13) analog, blocks behavioral sensitization (an animal model for psychostimulant addiction) to nicotine, and nicotine self-administration in rats. The present study tested the effect of NT69L on the potentiating effects of nicotine on cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. Male Wistar rats were injected daily for seven days with nicotine or saline (control) followed by four daily injections of cocaine. NT69L was administered 30 min prior to the last cocaine injection. Behavior was recorded with the use of activity chambers. Subchronic administration of nicotine enhanced cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in Wistar rats, consistent with an hypothesized gateway effect. These behavioral effects of cocaine were attenuated by pretreatment with NT69L. The effect of the neurotensin agonist on cocaine sensitization in the nicotine treated group indicated a possible therapeutic effect for cocaine addiction, even in the presence of enhanced behavioral sensitization induced by nicotine.
A Pilot Study on the Potential of RNA-Associated to Urinary Vesicles as a Suitable Non-Invasive Source for Diagnostic Purposes in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Perez Amparo , Loizaga Ana , Arceo Raquel , Lacasa Isabel , Rabade Ainara , Zorroza Kerman , Mosen-Ansorena David , Gonzalez Esperanza , Aransay Ana , Falcon-Perez Juan , Unda-Urzaiz Miguel , Royo Felix
Published: January 2014

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers and, together with prostate carcinoma, accounts for the majority of the malignancies of the genitourinary tract. Since prognosis ameliorates with early detection, it will be beneficial to have a repertoire of diagnostic markers that could complement the current diagnosis protocols. Recently, cell-secreted extracellular vesicles have received great interest as a source of low invasive disease biomarkers because they are found in many body fluids, including urine. The current work describes a pilot study to generate an array-based catalogue of mRNA associated to urinary vesicles, and also a comparison with samples obtained from bladder cancer patients. After an analysis of presence/absence of transcripts in bladder cancer EVs, a list of genes was selected for further validation using PCR technique. We found four genes differentially expressed in cancer samples. LASS2 and GALNT1 were present in cancer patients, while ARHGEF39 and FOXO3 were found only in non-cancer urinary vesicles. Previous studies have pointed to the involvement of those genes in tumour progression and metastasis.
Pathological Mutations of the Mitochondrial Human Genome: the Instrumental Role of the Yeast S. cerevisiae
Authors: Bolotin-Fukuhara Monique
Published: January 2014

Mitochondrial diseases, which altogether represent not so rare diseases, can be due to mutations either in the nuclear or mitochondrial genomes. Several model organisms or cell lines are usually employed to understand the mechanisms underlying diseases, yeast being one of them. However, in the case of mutations within the mitochondrial genome, yeast is a major model because it is a facultative aerobe and its mitochondrial genome can be genetically engineered and reintroduced in vivo. In this short review, I will describe how these properties can be exploited to mimic mitochondrial pathogenic mutations, as well as their limits. In particular; pathological mutations of tRNA, cytb, and ATPase genes have been successfully modeled. It is essential to stress that what has been discovered with yeast (molecular mechanisms underlying the diseases, nuclear correcting genes, import of tRNA into mitochondria or compounds from drug screening) has been successfully transferred to human patient lines, paving the way for future therapies.
A Game-Theoretic History of the Cuban Missile Crisis
Authors: Zagare Frank
Published: January 2014

This study surveys and evaluates previous attempts to use game theory to explain the strategic dynamic of the Cuban missile crisis, including, but not limited to, explanations developed in the style of Thomas Schelling, Nigel Howard and Steven Brams. All of the explanations were judged to be either incomplete or deficient in some way. Schelling’s explanation is both empirically and theoretically inconsistent with the consensus interpretation of the crisis; Howard’s with the contemporary understanding of rational strategic behavior; and Brams’ with the full sweep of the events that define the crisis. The broad outlines of a more general explanation that addresses all of the foundational questions associated with the crisis within the confines of a single, integrated, game-theoretic model with incomplete information are laid out.
Application and Comparison of Different Combustion Models of High Pressure LOX/CH4 Jet Flames
Authors: De Giorgi Maria , Sciolti Aldebara , Ficarella Antonio
Published: January 2014

The present work focuses on the numerical modeling of combustion in liquid-propellant rocket engines. Pressure and temperature are well above thermodynamic critical points of both the propellants and then the reactants show liquid-like characteristics of density and gas-like characteristics for diffusivity. The aim of the work is an efficient numerical description of the phenomena and RANS simulations were performed for this purpose. Hence, in the present work different kinetics, combustion models and thermodynamic approaches were used for combustion modeling first in a trans-critical environment, then in the sub-critical state. For phases treatment the pure Eulerian single phase approach was compared with the Lagrangian/Eulerian description. For modeling combustion, the Probability Density Function (PDF) equilibrium and flamelet approaches and the Eddy Dissipation approach, with two different chemical kinetic mechanisms (the Jones-Lindstedt and the Skeletal model), were used. Real Gas (Soave-Redlich-Kwong and Peng-Robinson) equations were applied. To estimate the suitability of different strategies in phenomenon description, a comparison with experimental data from the literature was performed, using the results for different operative conditions of the Mascotte test bench: trans-critical and subcritical condition for oxygen injection. The main result of this study is the individuation of the DPM approach of the most versatile methods to reproduce cryogenic combustion adapted for different operating conditions and producing good results.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Best Paper Award 2014
Authors: Tchounwou Paul , Zhou Joyce
Published: January 2014

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health started to institute an annual award in 2013 to recognize outstanding papers related to environmental health sciences and public health that meet the aims, scope and high standards of this journal. We are pleased to announce the second “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Best Paper Award” for 2014. Nominations were solicited from the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board members, with all papers published in 2010 eligible for consideration. [...]
Magnetic Nanoparticles as Intraocular Drug Delivery System to Target Retinal Pigmented Epithelium (RPE)
Authors: Giannaccini Martina , Giannini Marianna , Calatayud M. , Goya Gerardo , Cuschieri Alfred , Dente Luciana , Raffa Vittoria
Published: January 2014

One of the most challenging efforts in drug delivery is the targeting of the eye. The eye structure and barriers render this organ poorly permeable to drugs. Quite recently the entrance of nanoscience in ocular drug delivery has improved the penetration and half-life of drugs, especially in the anterior eye chamber, while targeting the posterior chamber is still an open issue. The retina and the retinal pigment epithelium/choroid tissues, located in the posterior eye chamber, are responsible for the majority of blindness both in childhood and adulthood. In the present study, we used magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a nanotool for ocular drug delivery that is capable of specific localization in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) layer. We demonstrate that, following intraocular injection in Xenopus embryos, MNPs localize specifically in RPE where they are retained for several days. The specificity of the localization did not depend on particle size and surface properties of the MNPs used in this work. Moreover, through similar experiments in zebrafish, we demonstrated that the targeting of RPE by the nanoparticles is not specific for the Xenopus species.
Looking at Intelligence from So-Called Noncognitive Traits: Be Open to Change
Authors: Ziegler Matthias
Published: January 2014

Within this commentary, I will try to extend the views presented in Johnson’s, as well as Hunt and Jaeggi’s, commentaries. Both commentaries address the issue of intelligence development. I will try to broaden the discussion by including noncognitive traits as predictors of cognitive development. These ideas are founded within the environmental enrichment hypothesis and the Openness-Fluid-Crystallized-Intelligence (OFCI) model.
Marine Natural Products with P-Glycoprotein Inhibitor Properties
Authors: Lopez Dioxelis , Martinez-Luis Sergio
Published: January 2014

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a protein belonging to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters superfamily that has clinical relevance due to its role in drug metabolism and multi-drug resistance (MDR) in several human pathogens and diseases. P-gp is a major cause of drug resistance in cancer, parasitic diseases, epilepsy and other disorders. This review article aims to summarize the research findings on the marine natural products with P-glycoprotein inhibitor properties. Natural compounds that modulate P-gp offer great possibilities for semi-synthetic modification to create new drugs and are valuable research tools to understand the function of complex ABC transporters.
Comment on Gao, W., et al. “Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of 5-Chloromethylfurfural (CMF) from Carbohydrates in Mild Biphasic Systems”, Molecules 2013, 18, 7675-7685
Authors: Mascal Mark
Published: January 2014

In a recent paper entitled “Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of 5-Chloromethylfurfural (CMF) from Carbohydrates in Mild Biphasic Systems,” published in Molecules [1], Gao and coworkers describe the use of a biphasic aq. HCl-H3PO4/CHCl3 reagent for the preparation of CMF from various feedstocks. The maximum yield (46.8%) was obtained from fructose by reaction at 45 °C for 20 h. While sucrose gave a similar yield, the same reaction with glucose and cellulose gave 7.3% and 7.8% yields, respectively. Remarkably, the same process applied to Kraft pulp and powdered wood samples gave between 16.0% and 31.4% CMF, based on sugar content. Looking to the Experimental section for insight into this unusual outcome, the statement, “the procedure of treating lignocellulose sample (Table 6) was almost the same as the carbohydrate, except adding the selected simple 1.0 mg each trial ” [sic] appears, which is difficult to interpret.
Correction: Gao, W., et al. Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of 5-Chloromethyl-furfural (CMF) from Carbohydrates in Mild Biphasic Systems. Molecules 2013, 18, 7675-7685
Authors: Gao Wenhua , Li Yiqun , Xiang Zhouyang , Chen Kefu , Yang Rendang , Argyropoulos Dimitris
Published: January 2014

We have recently been made aware by Prof. Mark Mascal (University of California Davis) and the Molecules Editorial Offices of some errors and omissions in the Introduction section of our recent paper. [...]
Molecules Best Paper Award 2014
Authors: McPhee Derek
Published: January 2014

Molecules instituted some years ago a “Best Paper” award to recognize the most outstanding papers in the area of natural products, medicinal chemistry and molecular diversity published each year in Molecules. We are pleased to announce the third “Molecules Best Paper Award” for 2014. The winners were chosen by the Editor-in-Chief and selected editorial board members from among all the papers published in 2010. Reviews and research papers were evaluated separately. [...]
Evaluation of Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis for Bacterial Fingerprinting of Rumen Microbiome Compared to Pyrosequencing Technology
Authors: Jami Elie , Shterzer Naama , Mizrahi Itzhak
Published: January 2014

The mammalian gut houses a complex microbial community which is believed to play a significant role in host physiology. In recent years, several microbial community analysis methods have been implemented to study the whole gut microbial environment, in contrast to classical microbiological methods focusing on bacteria which can be cultivated. One of these is automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA), an inexpensive and popular way of analyzing bacterial diversity and community fingerprinting in ecological samples. ARISA uses the natural variability in length of the DNA fragment found between the 16S and 23S genes in different bacterial lineages to infer diversity. This method is now being supplanted by affordable next-generation sequencing technologies that can also simultaneously annotate operational taxonomic units for taxonomic identification. We compared ARISA and pyrosequencing of samples from the rumen microbiome of cows, previously sampled at different stages of development and varying in microbial complexity using several ecological parameters. We revealed close agreement between ARISA and pyrosequencing outputs, especially in their ability to discriminate samples from different ecological niches. In contrast, the ARISA method seemed to underestimate sample richness. The good performance of the relatively inexpensive ARISA makes it relevant for straightforward use in bacterial fingerprinting analysis as well as for quick cross-validation of pyrosequencing data.
Remote Sensing Best Paper Award for the Year 2014
Authors: Thenkabail Prasad
Published: January 2014

Remote Sensing has started to institute a “Best Paper” award to recognize the most outstanding papers in the area of remote sensing techniques, design and applications published in Remote Sensing. We are pleased to announce the first “Remote Sensing Best Paper Award” for the year 2014. [...]
A Secure Trust Establishment Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ishmanov Farruh , Kim Sung , Nam Seung
Published: January 2014

Trust establishment is an important tool to improve cooperation and enhance security in wireless sensor networks. The core of trust establishment is trust estimation. If a trust estimation method is not robust against attack and misbehavior, the trust values produced will be meaningless, and system performance will be degraded. We present a novel trust estimation method that is robust against on-off attacks and persistent malicious behavior. Moreover, in order to aggregate recommendations securely, we propose using a modified one-step M-estimator scheme. The novelty of the proposed scheme arises from combining past misbehavior with current status in a comprehensive way. Specifically, we introduce an aggregated misbehavior component in trust estimation, which assists in detecting an on-off attack and persistent malicious behavior. In order to determine the current status of the node, we employ previous trust values and current measured misbehavior components. These components are combined to obtain a robust trust value. Theoretical analyses and evaluation results show that our scheme performs better than other trust schemes in terms of detecting an on-off attack and persistent misbehavior.
Virological Escape in HCV Genotype-1-Infected Patients Receiving Daclatasvir plus Ribavirin and Peginterferon Alfa-2A or Alfa-2B
Authors: McPhee Fiona , Hernandez Dennis , Zhou Nannan , Yu Fei , Ueland Joseph , Monikowski Aaron , Chayama Kazuaki , Toyota Joji , Izumi Namiki , Yokosuka Osamu , Kawada Norifumi , Osaki Yukio , Hughes Eric A , Watanabe Hideaki , Ishikawa Hiroki , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: January 2014

Background

Daclatasvir (DCV; BMS-790052) is a picomolar inhibitor of HCV non-structural protein 5A (NS5A) and has demonstrated efficacy in patients chronically infected with HCV.

Methods

In the double-blind, randomized studies AI444021 and AI444022, 71 Japanese patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1 (predominantly genotype 1b) received DCV (10 mg or 60 mg) plus peginterferon alfa-2b or alfa-2a and ribavirin. Virological failure occurred in 14% (5/36) of treatment-naive patients and 54% (19/35) of prior alfa/ribavirin non-responders. Resistance testing was performed on baseline samples and samples with HCV RNA≥1,000 IU/ml at week 1 through post-treatment week 24.

Results

Baseline NS5A resistance-associated polymorphisms had less impact on virological response rates than IL28B genotype. All patients with virological failure had NS5A DCV-resistant variants at the time of failure. The predominant NS5A variants were L31V/M/I plus Y93H; this combination was detected in 100% (5/5) of treatment-naive patients and 74% (14/19) of non-responders with failure. Emergent resistance variants in prior non-responders (four viral breakthroughs, one relapse) were more varied with novel combinations such as L31F-DP32 and L28M-R30Q-A92K detected. Significant loss in DCV antiviral activity was generally only seen with ≥ two resistance-associated NS5A substitutions. All DCV-resistant variants were still detected at end of study.

Conclusions

Virological failure in HCV genotype 1b treatment-naive Japanese patients receiving DCV plus alfa-2a/ribavirin or alfa-2b/ribavirin was associated with enrichment of NS5A resistance variants L31V/M-Y93H. In prior non-responders, emergent variants associated with failure also included NS5A-A92K or NS5A-DP32. As with L31-Y93 variants, these variants persisted.
Daclatasvir Combined with Peginterferon Alfa-2A and Ribavirin in Japanese Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Genotype 1
Authors: Izumi Namiki , Yokosuka Osamu , Kawada Norifumi , Osaki Yukio , Yamamoto Kazuhide , Sata Michio , Ishikawa Hiroki , Ueki Tomoko , Hu Wenhua , McPhee Fiona , Hughes Eric A , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: January 2014

Background

New direct-acting antiviral agents are currently being developed to treat chronic HCV. The efficacy and safety of daclatasvir combined with peginterferon alfa-2a (alfa-2a) and ribavirin were assessed in a randomized, double-blind Phase IIa study of Japanese patients with chronic HCV genotype-1 infection.

Methods

Japanese patients who were treatment-naive ( n=25) or prior null ( n=12) or partial ( n=5) responders received once-daily daclatasvir 10 mg or 60 mg or placebo in combination with alfa-2a and ribavirin. Daclatasvir recipients with a protocol-defined response (HCV RNA<15 IU/ml at week 4 and undetectable at week 12) were treated for 24 weeks; placebo recipients and patients without a protocol-defined response were treated for 48 weeks.

Results

Sustained virological response at 24 weeks post-treatment (SVR24) was achieved by 89% and 100% of treatment-naive patients receiving daclatasvir 10 mg and 60 mg, respectively, versus 75% in placebo recipients. Virological failure was more frequent in prior non-responder patients, with 50% and 78% achieving SVR24 in daclatasvir 10 mg and 60 mg groups, respectively. Adverse events occurred with similar frequency among treatment groups and were consistent with the adverse event profile of alfa-2a/ribavirin alone. The most commonly reported adverse events included pyrexia, alopecia, anaemia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, pruritus and diarrhoea. Three patients discontinued treatment due to anaemia.

Conclusions

Daclatasvir combined with alfa-2a/ribavirin in treatment-naive patients showed greater efficacy than alfa-2a/ribavirin alone and was generally well tolerated. The 60-mg dose of daclatasvir achieved the highest rates of SVR24 in both treatment-naive and non-responder populations and will be evaluated in a Phase III clinical trial.
New records in vascular plants alien to Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Lazkov Georgy , Sennikov Alexander
Published: January 2014

A series of brief notes on distribution of vascular plants alien to Kyrgyzstan is presented. A further expansion of Anthemis ruthenica (Asteraceae), Crambe orientalis (Brassicaceae) and Salvia aethiopis (Lamiaceae) in northern and northwestern Kyrgyzstan is recorded. The first record of Chenopodium vulvaria (Amaranthaceae) from the northern side of Kyrgyz Range is confirmed, and the species was found for the second time in Alay Range. The ephemerous occurrence of Hirschfeldia incana (Brassicaceae) in Central Asia is recorded for the first time from Fergana Range. Tragus racemosus (Poaceae) is first recorded from the Chüy Depression as an ephemerous alien. Arrhenatherum elatius, escaped from cultivation and locally established, is new to the country. The second record of established occurrence of Centaurea solstitialis (Asteraceae) and an ephemerous occurrence of Glaucium corniculatum (Papaveraceae) are presented. Complete information is collected about the occurrence of every mentioned species in Kyrgyzstan.
Le président du groupe majoritaire
Authors: Benetti Julie
Published: January 2014

Au Parlement, la majorité s’identifie au président du groupe majoritaire. Celui-ci personnifie son groupe ; il le représente en même temps qu’il le dirige. C’est pourquoi la révision constitutionnelle du 23 juillet 2008 aurait pu inaugurer une nouvelle conception de la présidence du groupe majoritaire, la rénovation de la majorité parlementaire s’incarnant dans son président. Mais la réforme entreprise n’a pas plus transformé la fonction de président du groupe majoritaire que le rôle de la majorité parlementaire elle-même. Garant de l’unité et de la discipline de son groupe, le président en reste avant tout la figure d’autorité et de commandement.
Casa, familia, heredad. La colección fotográfica de caseríos vascos de Fr. Pedro de Madrid, 1912
Authors: Azanza López José Javier , San Martín Casi Roberto
Published: January 2014

Este trabajo pretende dar a conocer la colección fotográfica de caseríos vascos del Valle de Baztán (Navarra) que bajo el lema Echezarra (Casa vieja) resultó premiada en el Certamen fotográfico- social celebrado en 1912 en Pamplona, poniendo de relieve su carácter inédito y su notable valor artístico, documental e ideológico; no en vano, las imágenes conjugan en armonía caserío, familia y heredad, para componer un inmejorable testimonio de los modos de vida en Baztán de hace un siglo, participando plenamente de la visión arcádica de los valores encarnados por el campesino vasco, alejada de la realidad, pero tan arraigada en el pensamiento tradicional de la época. Y, a su vez, quiere resaltar la figura prácticamente desconocida de su autor, Fr. Pedro de Madrid (Pedro Satué), religioso capuchino que se inició en las técnicas del arte fotográfico en el Colegio de Lekaroz para, una vez secularizado, acabar desarrollando la profesión en el estudio que abrió en Madrid, especializándose en el retrato artístico.
(Des)motivación y drogas: un análisis de las campañas de prevención en España (1987-2007)
Authors: Checa Olmos Juan Carlos , González Moreno María José
Published: January 2014

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el grado de adecuación de las campañas publicitarias para la prevención del consumo de drogas en España. Para ello, se han revisado los mensajes de las campañas televisadas por la FAD (Fundación Antidroga) desde el año 1987 hasta el 2007. El contenido de esas campañas ha sido comparado con las motivaciones para el consumo de drogas que ofrecen los informes bianuales de Los Andaluces ante las drogas (1987-2007). Los resultados muestran que el discurso esgrimido en las campañas no está estrechamente conectado con las motivaciones aludidas en el consumo de drogas. En consecuencia, se precisa de una estrategia de prevención que profundice en la desmotivación de los usuarios.
El culo en el cancionero de tradición popular. Escatología y obscenidad en contextos festivos liminares
Authors: Del Campo Tejedor Alberto
Published: January 2014

En el cancionero escatológico y obsceno en torno al trasero, se juega a la vez a exaltar el placer de lo bajo (invirtiendo el orden de la moral y las convenciones) y a degradar y deformar lo corporal, allanando el terreno para una utópica y animal igualdad. Esta lógica festiva, grotesca y ambivalente, sugiere no solo la doble faz de lo carnal y material (sucio y pecaminoso, a la vez que fuente de vida y fertilidad), sino la sempiterna lucha de contrarios, que habría de activar la cósmica rueda de nacimiento, muerte y resurrección. De ahí que sea precisamente en contextos de liminaridad y tránsito —cambios de estación, despedidas de soltero y otros ritos de paso— donde se pone de manifiesto esta arcaica y ambigua vis comica, acorde con una concepción del tiempo cíclica y bipolar en que no solo las estaciones, la tierra y las plantas, sino también el cuerpo está sujeto a una metamorfosis constante y siempre incompleta.
Un testimonio temprano de la lira popular chilena: «Dos poetas de poncho» de Zorobabel Rodríguez
Authors: Cornejo C. Tomás
Published: January 2014

En 1873 el periodista, académico y escritor chileno Zorobabel Rodríguez publicó un artículo acerca de una manifestación cultural llamativa y novedosa en el país: los pliegos sueltos de poesía. Su texto aporta cuantiosa información sobre la distribución de estos, los temas más comunes de las poesías, su público preferente y el proceso creativo de los poetas, particularmente el célebre Bernardino Guajardo. Además, la posición adoptada por Rodríguez resalta la distancia entre el mundo letrado decimonónico y las formas culturales de los sectores populares urbanos.
Un fragmento con Génesis 4,4-15 en árabe samaritano, y una adición en hebreo samaritano, conservado en la Colección Taylor-Schechter de la Guenizá (T-S Ar.1a.136)
Authors: Niessen Friedrich , Monferrer-Sala Juan Pedro
Published: January 2014

En este estudio se analiza un fragmento manuscrito en árabe samaritano conservado en la Colección Taylor-Schechter de Cambridge con el objeto de precisar a qué tipo de versión de la familia árabe samaritana del Pentateuco pertenece.
Juan de Ávila: su crítica a la limpieza de sangre y su condición conversa
Authors: Pulido Serrano Juan Ignacio
Published: January 2014

El presente artículo estudia algunos aspectos relativos a la vida y obra de Juan de Ávila, uno de los autores más importantes de la literatura espiritual del siglo XVI español. El hecho de ser descendiente de judíos, por vía paterna, algo que fue bien conocido por sus contemporáneos, y su singular postura frente al problema converso, le causó distintos problemas, entre ellos un proceso inquisitorial ante el tribunal de Sevilla. En este artículo hemos analizado la huella que dejaron estas experiencias personales en sus principales trabajos (Audi, filia, sermones, Epistolario espiritual), en los cuales se expresa su actitud y su pensamiento sobre la polémica cuestión de la limpieza de sangre.
Neurenteric cyst at the craniovertebral junction: A report of two cases
Authors: Shetty Sathwik , Panigrahi Manas , Rao Satish
Published: January 2014

Neurenteric cysts at the craniovertebral junction are extremely rare, in that most are located ventrally in the midline. We report two patients with neurenteric cysts in an unusual location - the lateral craniovertebral junction. The embryological basis, clinical features, imaging characteristics, and management options in these patients have been discussed.
Flow climatology for physicochemical properties of dichotomous aerosol over the western North Atlantic Ocean at Bermuda
Authors: Moody J. L. , Keene W. C. , Cooper O. R. , Voss K. J. , Aryal R. , Eckhardt S. , Holben B. , Maben J. R. , Izaguirre M. A. , Galloway J. N.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Dichotomous aerosols (nominal super- and sub-μm-diameter size fractions) in sectored on-shore flow were sampled daily from July 2006 through June 2009, at the Tudor Hill Atmospheric Observatory (THAO) on the western coast of Bermuda (32.27° N, 64.87° W) and analyzed for major chemical and physical properties. FLEXPART retroplumes were calculated for each sampling period and aerosol properties were stratified accordingly based on transport from different regions. Transport from the northeastern United States (NEUS) was associated with significantly higher (factors of 2 to 3 based on median values) concentrations of bulk particulate non-sea-salt (nss) SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+ and associated scattering and absorption at 530 nm, relative to transport from Africa (AFR) and the oceanic background. These differences were driven primarily by higher values associated with the sub-μm size fraction under NEUS flow. We estimate that 75(±3)% of the NEUS nss SO42- was anthropogenic in origin, while only 25(±9)% of the AFR nss SO42- was anthropogenic. Integrating over all transport patterns, the contribution of anthropogenic sulfate has dropped 14.6% from the early 1990s. Bulk scattering was highly correlated with bulk nss SO42- in all flow regimes but the corresponding regression slopes varied significantly reflecting differential contributions to total scattering by associated aerosol components. Absorption by super-μm aerosol in transport from the NEUS versus AFR was similar although the super-μm aerosol size fraction accounted for a relatively greater contribution to total absorption in AFR flow. Significantly greater absorption Ångström exponents (AAEs) for AFR flow reflects the wavelength dependence of absorption by mineral aerosols; lower AAEs for NEUS flow is consistent with the dominance of absorption by combustion-derived aerosols. Higher AOD associated with transport from both the NEUS and AFR relative to oceanic background flow results in a top of atmosphere direct radiative forcing on the order of −1.6 to −2.5 W m−2, respectively, showing these aerosols drive cooling. The dominance of transport from the NEUS on an annual basis coupled with the corresponding decreases in anthropogenic nss SO42- aerosols since the early 1990s implies that emission reductions in the US account for a decline in atmospheric cooling over the western North Atlantic Ocean during this period.
Hygroscopic properties of the Paris urban aerosol in relation to its chemical composition
Authors: Kamilli K. A. , Poulain L. , Held A. , Nowak A. , Birmili W. , Wiedensohler A.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Aerosol hygroscopic growth factors and chemical properties were measured as part of the MEGAPOLI "Megacities Plume Case Study" at the urban site Laboratoire d'Hygiène de la Ville de Paris (LHVP) in the city center of Paris from June to August 2009, and from January to February 2010. Descriptive hygroscopic growth factors (DGF) were derived in the diameter range from 25 to 350 nm at relative humidities of 30, 55, 75, and 90% by applying the summation method on humidified and dry aerosol size distributions measured simultaneously with a humidified differential mobility particle sizer (HDMPS) and a twin differential mobility particle sizer (TDMPS). For 90% relative humidity, the DGF varied from 1.06 to 1.46 in summer, and from 1.06 to 1.66 in winter. Temporal variations in the observed mean DGF could be well explained with a simple growth model based on the aerosol chemical composition measured by aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS) and black carbon photometry (MAAP). In particular, good agreement was observed when sulfate was the predominant inorganic factor. A clear overestimation of the predicted growth factor was found when the nitrate mass concentration exceeded values of 10 μg m−3, e.g., during winter.
Lidar-based remote sensing of atmospheric boundary layer height over land and ocean
Authors: Luo T. , Yuan R. , Wang Z.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) processes are important in climate, weather and air quality. A better understanding of the structure and the behavior of the ABL is required for understanding and modeling of the chemistry and dynamics of the atmosphere on all scales. Based on the systematic variations of the ABL structures over different surfaces, different lidar-based methods were developed and evaluated to determine the boundary layer height and mixing layer height over land and ocean. With Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) Climate Research Facility (ACRF) micropulse lidar (MPL) and radiosonde measurements, diurnal and season cycles of atmospheric boundary layer depth and the ABL vertical structure over ocean and land are analyzed. The new methods are then applied to satellite lidar measurements. The aerosol-derived global marine boundary layer heights are evaluated with marine ABL stratiform cloud top heights and results show a good agreement between them.