bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive‐Gain Second‐Order Sliding Mode Control of Attitude Tracking of Flexible Spacecraft
Authors: Pukdeboon Chutiphon
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the robust finite‐time control problem for flexible spacecraft attitude tracking maneuver in the presence of model uncertainties and external disturbances. Two robust attitude tracking controllers based on
finite‐time second‐order sliding mode control algorithms are presented to solve this problem. For the first controller, a novel second‐order sliding mode control scheme is developed to achieve high‐precision tracking performance. For the second control law, an adaptive‐gain second‐order sliding mode control algorithm combing an adaptive law with second‐order sliding mode control strategy is designed to relax the requirement of prior knowledge of the bound of the system uncertainties. The rigorous proofs show that the proposed controllers provide finite‐time convergence of the attitude and angular velocity tracking errors. Numerical simulations on attitude tracking control are presented to demonstrate the performance of the developed controllers.
Outcome of Split Thickness Skin Grafting and Multiple Z-Plasties in Postburn Contractures of Groin and Perineum: A 15-Year Experience
Authors: Sajad Wani , Hamid Raashid
Published: May 2014

Background. Groin and perineal burn contracture is a rare postburn sequel. Such postburn contractures causes distressing symptoms to the patients and in the management of these contractures, both functional and cosmetic appearance should be the primary concern. Aims. To study the outcome of surgical treatment (STSG and multiple Z-plasties) in postburn contractures of groin and perineum. Material and Methods. We conducted a study of 49 patients, with postburn groin and perineal contractures. Release of contracture with split thickness skin grafting (STSG) was done in 44 (89.79%) patients and release of contracture and closure by multiple Z-plasties was done in 5 (10.21%) patients. Results. Satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcome was seen in 44 (89.79%) patients. Minor secondary contractures of the graft were seen in 3 (6.81%) patients who were managed by physiotherapy and partial recurrence of the contracture in 4 (8.16%) patients required secondary surgery. Conclusion. We conclude that postburn contractures of the groin and perineum can be successfully treated with release of contracture followed by STSG with satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. Long term measures like regular physiotherapy, use of pressure garments, and messaging with emollient creams should not be neglected and should be instituted postoperatively to prevent secondary contractures of the graft and recurrence of the contracture.
The Effect of Various Media and Hormones via Suspension Culture on Secondary Metabolic Activities of (Cape Jasmine)Gardenia jasminoidesEllis
Authors: Farzinebrahimi Reza , Mat Taha Rosna , Rashid Kamaludin , Syafawati Yaacob Jamilah
Published: May 2014

The leaf ofGardenia jasminoidesEllis was used as explants and was cultured on MS and WPM media supplemented with various concentrations of NAA, IAA, 2,4-D, IBA, TDZ, and Kn (0 to 5 mg L−1with 0.5 increment). After six months, the higher percentage of callus (100%) and the best dry and fresh weight of callus were formed on WPM medium supplemented with 2,4-D and NAA (2.0-3.0 mg L−1) and this amount was decreased from (84%) to (69%) when this media supplemented with Kinetin and TDZ (1 mg L−1) respectively were used. Leaf segments cultured on WPM media added with Kn (1 mg L−1) and TDZ (2 mg L−1) yielded the least amount of callus. It was found that WPM media added with IAA (4.5–5.0 mg L−1) were optimum for root induction fromG.jasminoidesplantlets. Antibacterial screening of leaf extracts (in vivo) showed no inhibitory effect againstE. coli,P. aeruginosa,S. aureus,andB. cereus, in contrast to callus extracts from leaf cultures supplemented with NAA, which showed inhibition activity againstE. coliandB. cereus. The callus extracts from leaf cultures grown on both MS and WPM media showed higher antioxidant and superoxide dismutase activities than leaf extracts.
Multifeatures Based Compressive Sensing Tracking
Authors: He Liang , Bo Yuming , Zhao Gaopeng
Published: May 2014

To benefit from the development of compressive sensing, we cast tracking as a
sparse approximation problem in a particle filter framework based on multifeatures.
In this framework, the target template is composed of multiple
features extracted from visible and infrared frames; in addition, occlusion,
interruption, and noises are addressed through a set of trivial templates. With
this model, the sparsity is achieved via a compressive sensing approach without
nonnegative constraints; then the residual between sparsity representation
and the compressed sensing observation is used to measure the likelihood
which weights particles. After that, the target template is adaptively updated
according to the Bhattacharyya coefficients. Some experimental results
demonstrate that the proposed tracker appears to have better robustness compared with
four different algorithms.
Hydrogen Sulfide Increases Nitric Oxide Production and Subsequent S-Nitrosylation in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Chen Ping-Ho , Fu Yaw-Syan , Wang Yun-Ming , Yang Kun-Han , Wang Danny Ling , Huang Bin
Published: May 2014

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO), two endogenous gaseous molecules in endothelial cells, got increased attention with respect to their protective roles in the cardiovascular system. However, the details of the signaling pathways between H2S and NO in endothelia cells remain unclear. In this study, a treatment with NaHS profoundly increased the expression and the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Elevated gaseous NO levels were observed by a novel and specific fluorescent probe, 5-amino-2-(6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl)benzoic acid methyl ester (FA-OMe), and quantified by flow cytometry. Further study indicated an increase of upstream regulator for eNOS activation, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and protein kinase B (Akt). By using a biotin switch, the level of NO-mediated protein S-nitrosylation was also enhanced. However, with the addition of the NO donor, NOC-18, the expressions of cystathionine-γ-lyase, cystathionine-β-synthase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase were not changed. The level of H2S was also monitored by a new designed fluorescent probe, 4-nitro-7-thiocyanatobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-SCN) with high specificity. Therefore, NO did not reciprocally increase the expression of H2S-generating enzymes and the H2S level. The present study provides an integrated insight of cellular responses to H2S and NO from protein expression to gaseous molecule generation, which indicates the upstream role of H2S in modulating NO production and protein S-nitrosylation.
Cytotoxicity of Aporphine, Protoberberine, and Protopine Alkaloids from Dicranostigma leptopodum (Maxim.) Fedde
Authors: Sun Ruiqi , Jiang Haiyan , Zhang Wenjuan , Yang Kai , Wang Chengfang , Fan Li , He Qing , Feng Jiangbin , Du Shushan , Deng Zhiwei , Geng Zhufeng
Published: May 2014

Nine alkaloids with three different structural skeletons were isolated from Dicranostigma leptopodum (Maxim.) Fedde (Papaveraceae) by repeated silica gel column chromatography. Their chemical structures were identified on the basic of physicochemical and spectroscopic data. Among them, 10‐O‐methylhernovine (1), nantenine (2), corytuberine (3), lagesianine A (4), and dihydrocryptopine (9) were first isolated from this plant. With a series of cytotoxic tests, compounds 2, 3, and 7 displayed cytotoxicity against SMMC‐7721 with IC50 values of 70.08 ± 4.63, 73.22 ± 2.35, and 27.77 ± 2.29 μM, respectively.
Kruskal-Wallis-Based Computationally Efficient Feature Selection for Face Recognition
Authors: Ali Khan Sajid , Hussain Ayyaz , Basit Abdul , Akram Sheeraz
Published: May 2014

Face recognition in today’s technological world, and face recognition applications attain much more importance. Most of the existing work used frontal face images to classify face image. However these techniques fail when applied on real world face images. The proposed technique effectively extracts the prominent facial features. Most of the features are redundant and do not contribute to representing face. In order to eliminate those redundant features, computationally efficient algorithm is used to select the more discriminative face features. Extracted features are then passed to classification step. In the classification step, different classifiers are ensemble to enhance the recognition accuracy rate as single classifier is unable to achieve the high accuracy. Experiments are performed on standard face database images and results are compared with existing techniques.
UPLC‐DAD/Q‐TOF‐MS Based Ingredients Identification and Vasorelaxant Effect of Ethanol Extract of Jasmine Flower
Authors: Yin Yongqiang , Ying Xuhui , Luan Hairong , Zhao Zhenying , Lou Jianshi , Wang Deli , Li Hailin , Wu Hong
Published: May 2014

Chinese people commonly make jasmine tea for recreation and health care. Actually, its medicinal value needs more exploration. In this study, vasorelaxant effect of ethanol extract of jasmine flower (EEJ) on isolated rat thoracic aorta rings was investigated and [Ca2+] was determined in vascular smooth muscle cells by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). The result of aorta rings showed that EEJ could cause concentration‐dependent relaxation of endothelium‐intact rings precontracted with phenylephrine or KCl which was attenuated after preincubation of the rings with L‐NAME and three different K+ channel inhibitors; however, indomethacin and glibenclamide did not affect the vasodilatation of EEJ. In addition, EEJ could inhibit contraction induced by PE on endothelium‐denuded rings in Ca2+‐free medium as well as by accumulation of Ca2+ in Ca2+‐free medium with high K+. LSCM also showed that EEJ could lower the elevated level of [Ca2+] induced by KCl. These indicate that the vasodilation of EEJ is in part related to causing the release of nitric oxide, activation of K+ channels, inhibition of influx of excalcium, and release of calcium from sarcoplasmic reticulum. A total of 20 main ingredients, were identified in EEJ by UPLC‐DAD/Q‐TOF‐MS. The vasodilation activity should be attributed to the high content of flavonoid glycosides and iridoid glycosides found in EEJ.
Antibacterial Activity of pH-Dependent Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles against Clinical Pathogen
Authors: Chitra Kethirabalan , Annadurai Gurusamy
Published: May 2014

Simple, nontoxic, environmental friendly method is employed for the production of silver nanoparticles. In this study the synthesized nanoparticles UV absorption band occurred at 400 nm because of the surface Plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles. The pH of the medium plays important role in the synthesis of control shaped and sized nanoparticles. The colour intensity of the aqueous solution varied with pH. In this study, at pH 9, the colour of the aqueous solution was dark brown, whereas in pH 5 the colour was yellowish brown; the colour difference in the aqueous solution occurred due to the higher production of silver nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was carried out againstE. coli. The silver nanoparticles synthesized at pH 9 showed maximum antibacterial activity at 50 μL.
Research on Reliability-Oriented Data Fusaggregation Algorithm in Large-Scale Probabilistic Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Peng Hai-xia , Zhao Hai , Li Da-zhou , Si Shuai-zong , Cai Wei
Published: May 2014

A lot of facts show that many researches just place emphasis on data aggregation or data fusion, which is not beneficial to analyze the sensed data thoroughly and will lead to the aggregation results' not being used fully; worse yet, the actual networks are always existed with lossy links; many now available aggregation algorithms are based on ideal network models and not any further analysis and fusion about aggregation results are done. Thus, we propose the concept of data fusaggregation so as to support processing sensed data while transmitting in large-scale probabilistic wireless sensor networks and propose a reliability-oriented data fusaggregation algorithm (RODFA) to assist users to get the monitoring information from the monitored geographic environment and measure the reliability of the information they get. RODFA also facilitates network administrator to improve the system sensing performance for large-scale probabilistic WSNs. In RODFA, the parameter η, which could reflect the reliability of aggregation result intuitively, is defined and calculated and it plays an important part in helping users to process aggregation result further. In our experiment, the validity of RODFA is verified by our simulation results, and the influence of network sizes and network performances on data fusaggregation is analyzed.
Salvage with a Secondary Infrahepatic Cavocavostomy of the Occluded Modified Piggyback Anastomosis during Split Liver Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Kinaci Erdem , Kayaalp Cuneyt , Yilmaz Sezai , Otan Emrah
Published: May 2014

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction following liver transplantation is rare but disastrous. Here we described a 14-year-old boy who underwent a split right lobe liver transplantation with modified (side-to-side) piggyback technique which resulted in hepatic venous outflow obstruction. When the liver graft was lifted up, the outflow drainage returned to normal but when it was placed back into the abdomen, the outflow obstruction recurred. Because reanastomosis would have resulted in hepatic reischemia, alternatively, a second infrahepatic cavocavostomy was planned without requiring hepatic reischemia. During this procedure, the first assistant hung the liver up to provide sufficient outflow and the portal inflow of the graft continued as well. We only clamped the recipient’s infrahepatic vena cava and the caudal cuff of the graft cava. After the second end-to-side cavocaval anastomosis, the graft was placed in its orthotopic position and there was no outflow problem anymore. The patient tolerated the procedure well and there were no problems after three months of follow-up. A second cavocavostomy can provide an extra bypass for some hepatic venous outflow problems after piggyback anastomosis by avoiding hepatic reischemia.
Impact of a 5-Day Expedition to Machu Picchu on Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: D’hooghe Marie Beatrice , Feys Peter , Deltour Sam , Van de Putte Isabelle , De Meue Jan , Kos Daphne , O Eijnde Bert , Van Asch Paul
Published: May 2014

Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are less physically active than nondiseased persons and often report low self-efficacy levels. In the context of an awareness project to promote physical activity and participation in MS, we addressed the impact of training for and participation in a unique expedition. Medical events, relapses, and self-reported neurological worsening were followed from 6 months before and up to 4 months afterwards. Validated patient-reported outcome measures were used to assess fatigue, self-efficacy in exercising, walking abilities, and illness perception. Nine participants completed the training, expedition, and observational study. Minor events, relapses, and/or neurological worsening were reported in six participants. The three participants with mild disability and no cardiovascular risk factors or comorbidities were free of medical and neurological events. We found a significant reduction of motor fatigue at last when compared with the first assessment. The reduction tended to be more evident in participants with mild disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)<4at baseline). Cognitive fatigue, self-efficacy, and self-reported walking abilities did not change significantly. Illness perceptions tended to be reduced over time in the domains of consequences, identity, and concerns. Overall, no major adverse events occurred.
FTIR Spectroscopy Combined with Partial Least Square for Analysis of Red Fruit Oil in Ternary Mixture System
Authors: Rohman A. , Setyaningrum Dwi Larasati , Riyanto Sugeng
Published: May 2014

FTIR spectroscopy is a promising method for quantification of edible oils. Three edible oils, namely, red fruit oil (RFO), corn oil (CO), and soybean oil (SO), in ternary mixture system were quantitatively analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy in combination with partial least square (PLS). FTIR spectra of edible oils in ternary mixture were subjected to several treatments including normal spectra and their derivative. Using PLS calibration, the first derivative FTIR spectra can be exploited for determination of RFO; meanwhile, the second derivative spectra were preferred for determination of CO and SO. The R2 values obtained for the relationship between actual and FTIR predicted values of RFO, CO, and SO were 0.9863, 0.9276, and 0.9693, respectively. The root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) values obtained were 1.59, 1.72, and 1.60% (v/v) for RFO, CO, and SO, respectively. The result showed that FTIR spectroscopy offers accurate and reliable technique for quantitative analysis of RFO, CO, and SO simultaneously in ternary mixture systems. Besides, the developed method can be extended for analysis of CO and SO as adulterants in RFO.
A Generalized Nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm Type Integral Inequality and Its Application
Authors: Zhao Limian , Wu Shanhe , Wang Wu-Sheng
Published: May 2014

We establish a new nonlinear retarded Volterra-Fredholm type integral inequality. The upper bounds of the embedded unknown functions are estimated explicitly by using the theory of inequality and analytic techniques. Moreover, an application of our result to the retarded Volterra-Fredholm integral equations for estimation is given.
Stability of Gain Scheduling Control for Aircraft with Highly Nonlinear Behavior
Authors: Mendez-Vergara Fany , Cervantes Ilse , Mendoza-Torres Angelica
Published: May 2014

The main goal of this work is to study the stability properties of an aircraft with nonlinear behavior, controlled using a gain scheduled approach. An output feedback is proposed which is able to guarantee asymptotical stability of the task‐coordinates origin and safety of the operation in the entire flight envelope. The results are derived using theory of hybrid and singular perturbed systems. It is demonstrated that both body velocity and orientation asymptotic tracking can be obtained in spite of nonlinearities and uncertainty. The results are illustrated using numerical simulations in F16 jet.
Cardy-Verlinde Formula and Its Self-Gravitational Corrections for Regular Black Holes
Authors: Sharif M. , Saleem Rabia
Published: May 2014

We check the consistency of the entropy of Bardeen and Ayón Beato-García-Bronnikov black holes with the entropy of particular conformal field theory via Cardy-Verlinde formula. We also compute the first-order semiclassical corrections of this formula due to self-gravitational effects by modifying pure extensive and Casimir energy in the context of Keski-Vakkuri, Kraus and Wilczek analysis. It is concluded that the correction term remains positive for both black holes, which leads to the violation of the holographic bound.
Hydrogen Sulfide Ameliorates Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Hepatitis by Inhibiting Apoptosis and Autophagy Pathways
Authors: Cheng Ping , Wang Fan , Chen Kan , Shen Miao , Dai Weiqi , Xu Ling , Zhang Yan , Wang Chengfen , Li Jingjing , Yang Jing , Zhu Rong , Zhang Huawei , Zheng Yuanyuan , Lu Jie , Zhou Yingqun , Guo Chuanyong
Published: May 2014

Background.Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is an important clinical problem, and its consequences can seriously threaten human health. Apoptosis and autophagy have been shown to contribute to cell death in hepatic I/R injury. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the third most common endogenously produced gaseous signaling molecule and is known to exert a protective effect against hepatic I/R injury. In this study, the purpose is to explore both the effect and mechanism of H2S on hepatic I/R injury.Methods.Balb/c mice were randomized into Sham, I/R, or two doses (14 μmol/kg and 28 μmol/kg) of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, an H2S donor) preconditioning groups.Results.NaHS significantly reduced the levels of TNF-αand IL-6 at 12 h and 24 h after injection compared with ischemia/reperfusion challenge alone. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Beclin-1, and LC3, which play important roles in the regulation of the apoptosis and autophagy pathways, was also clearly affected by NaHS. Furthermore, NaHS affected the p-JNK1, p-ERK1, and p-p38.Conclusion.Our results indicate that H2S attenuates hepatic I/R injury, at least in part, by regulating apoptosis through inhibiting JNK1 signaling. The autophagy agonist rapamycin potentiated this hepatoprotective effect by reversing the inhibition of autophagy by H2S.
Phosphorylation of Shox2 Is Required for Its Function to Control Sinoatrial Node Formation
Authors: Liu Hongbing , Chen Chao‐Hui , Ye Wenduo , Espinoza‐Lewis Ramón A. , Hu Xuefeng , Zhang Yanding , Chen YiPing
Published: May 2014

Background

Inactivation of
Shox2
, a member of the short‐stature homeobox gene family, leads to defective development of multiple organs and embryonic lethality as a result of cardiovascular defects, including bradycardia and severe hypoplastic sinoatrial node (
SAN
) and sinus valves, in mice. It has been demonstrated that
Shox2
regulates a genetic network through the repression of
Nkx2.5
to maintain the fate of the
SAN
cells. However, the functional mechanism of Shox2 protein as a transcriptional repressor on
Nkx2.5
expression remains completely unknown.

Methods and Results

A specific interaction between the B56δ regulatory subunit of
PP
2A and Shox2a, the isoform that is expressed in the developing heart, was demonstrated by yeast 2‐hybrid screen and coimmunoprecipitation. Western blotting and immunohistochemical assays further confirmed the presence of phosphorylated Shox2a (p‐Shox2a) in cell culture as well as in the developing mouse and human
SAN
. Site‐directed mutagenesis and in vitro kinase assays identified Ser92 and Ser110 as true phosphorylation sites and substrates of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2. Despite that Shox2a and its phosphorylation mutants possessed similar transcriptional repressive activities in cell cultures when fused with Gal4 protein, the mutant forms exhibited a compromised repressive effect on the activity of the mouse
Nkx2.5
promoter in cell cultures, indicating that phosphorylation is required for Shox2a to repress
Nkx2.5
expression specifically. Transgenic expression of
Shox2a
, but not

Shox2a‐S92
AS
110A

, mutant in the developing heart resulted in down‐regulation of
Nkx2.5
in wild‐type mice and rescued the
SAN
defects in the
Shox2
mutant background. Last, we demonstrated that elimination of both phosphorylation sites on Shox2a did not alter its nuclear location and dimerization, but depleted its capability to bind to the consensus sequences within the
Nkx2.5
promoter region.

Conclusions

Our studies reveal that phosphorylation is essential for Shox2a to repress
Nkx2.5
expression during
SAN
development and differentiation.
An annotated checklist of the praying mantises (Mantodea) of Borneo, including the results of the 2008 scientific expedition to Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak
Authors: SCHWARZ CHRISTIAN J. , KONOPIK OLIVER
Published: May 2014

We present the first checklist of praying mantids (Mantodea) of Borneo, with special reference to the specimens collected during the Scientific Expedition to Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary 2008. With 118 confirmed species in 56 genera (including subgenera), Borneo is the island with the highest mantodean diversity known to date. In Lanjak Entimau 38 specimens representing 17 genera and 18 species were collected around the station lights and in surrounding secondary and primary forest. A new synonymy in the genus Deroplatys is established. The observed diversity patterns among Bornean mantids are discussed with reference to the biogeographic history of the Sunda Shelf since the Miocene.
A taxonomic revision of Otomantis Bolivar, 1890 (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae, Acromantinae) with description of five new species
Authors: LOMBARDO FRANCESCO , STIEWE MARTIN B.D. , IPPOLITO SALVATRICE , MARLETTA ALESSANDRO
Published: May 2014

The African genus Otomantis Bolivar, 1890, is taxonomically treated via the re-description of its species on the basis of new morphological features (pronotum and male genitalia). Five new species, O. centralis sp. n. from D. R. of Congo and Angola, O. gracilis sp. n. from D. R. of Congo, O. trimacula sp. n. from Zambia and Malawi, O. bolivari sp. n. from Kenya and Tanzania and O. minima sp. n. from South Africa are described. The taxonomic position of the syntypes of O. capirica Giglio-Tos is revised. A lectotype is designated for the female of O. capirica. The female of O. rendalli (Kirby) and the male of O. aurita (Saussure & Zehntner) are described for the first time. Also provided are many new localities for all nominal species.  A key to the species of Otomantis is included for both male and female, each key fully illustrated. Finally, observations on species distributions and relationships are presented.
On the identity and taxonomic status of the enigmatic mantid Thespoides bolivari Chopard, 1916 (Mantodea: Mantidae, Angelinae)
Authors: RIVERA JULIO
Published: May 2014

Chopard (1916) published a brief paper in which he cited and described a number of praying mantis species from the neotropics. The specimens he studied belonged to the prominent Spanish Entomologist Ignacio Bolívar y Urrutia (1850–1944), whose collection is now housed at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales in Madrid (MNCN), Spain (Izquierdo et al. 1997). In this publication Chopard described Thespoides bolivari Chopard, 1916 as a new genus and species, based on a single male obtained by French coleopterist René Oberthür in Cauca, Colombia. According to Chopard (1916) the specimen was remarkable for having, among other features, an abdomen that is markedly shorter than the rest of its body—certainly an unusual morphological trait among the Mantodea. Chopard assigned Thespoides to the Miopteryginae (Thespidae), but it was later reassigned (together with Angela Serville, 1839 as the “Angelae group”) to the subfamily Schizocephalinae (Mantidae) by Giglio-Tos (1927). Current classifications consider the Angelinae to comprise a distinct subfamily of the Mantidae, with Thespoides and Angela as the only representatives of this subfamily with a Neotropical distribution (e.g. Ehrmann 2002).
EDITORIAL—A REVIVED FOCUS ON THE PRAYING MANTISES (INSECTA: MANTODEA)
Authors: RIVERA JULIO , SVENSON GAVIN J.
Published: May 2014

With approximately 2400 described species distributed worldwide (Ehrmann, 2002), praying mantises (Mantodea) exhibit extensive variation in morphological adaptations and life history strategies, typically in connection to their strict predatory habits. Praying mantis diversity is frequently under-appreciated, mostly because of their sedentary and highly cryptic lifestyle, often resorting to various forms of mimicry and mimesis, resembling sticks, flowers, tree bark, bird droppings, pebbles, moss, lichen, and green and dead leafs. Because of these attributes, they are difficult to collect and observe in the field. Certain aspects of praying mantis ecology, behavior and physiology have historically received more attention than others, though most studies focus on a handful of species from temperate regions (see Prete et al., 1999). In contrast, tropical regions (which hold the bulk of Mantodea biodiversity) have received limited attention by researchers, that attention often punctuated. Their apparent lack of economic importance, rarity in collections and the ongoing “taxonomic impediment”, have all conspired to impede taxonomic and evolutionary studies. The consequences of these deficiencies are far reaching. For example, the current dearth of detailed taxonomic treatments and identification keys prevent the accurate assessment of regional faunas (Rivera, 2010). Further, the lack of a solid taxonomic foundation precludes the formal documentation of relevant aspects of natural history, a discipline that has also faced a steady decline since the early 20th Century (Hampton & Wheeler, 2012), but nonetheless is fundamental for fostering scientific inquiry and hypotheses formulation. The diversity of ecological strategies and adaptations of mantises, their role as predators, and their well-known (but little understood) cannibalistic sexual behaviors, make of these charismatic insects also outstanding model organisms to explore broader questions in ecology and evolutionary biology.
GUEST EDITORIAL
Authors: ROY ROGER
Published: May 2014

It is evidently due to my status as the eldest active praying mantid taxonomist that I have been given the honor to introduce this special issue of Zootaxa. Entirely devoted to the study of Mantodea, and planned by Julio Rivera, this volume constitutes a significant initiative; it responds to a renewed research interest in praying mantids and gives these insects their deserved recognition.
A review of the research on Canary Islands praying mantises (Mantodea)
Authors: WIELAND FRANK , SCHÜTTE KAI , GOLDBERG JULIA
Published: May 2014

For many years researchers studying the fauna of the Canary Islands have only sparsely treated the charismatic insect order of praying mantises (Mantodea). By studying the known literature it becomes obvious that there are several inconsistencies regarding mantodean taxonomy as well as the number of actual species and their distribution within the archipelago. In the present contribution, the literature treating the Canary Island Mantodea fauna is thoroughly reviewed, and the distribution of the ten known Mantodea species is presented with additional comments on the taxonomic problems. The taxonomy and distribution of the Canary Island Amelinae has been causing some confusion in the literature and is therefore discussed for a better understanding of the composition of this group. So far, seven species of Amelinae (two species of Ameles Burmeister and five species of Pseudoyersinia Kirby) are recognized for the Canary Islands. A careful survey of the taxonomic literature indicates that there is a substantial degree of variability in this group, which may have led to frequent misidentifications. This is reflected by the inconsistent literature data on the distribution of several Pseudoyersinia species within the archipelago. A crucial amendment and clarification is provided regarding the date of description (1838) of Ameles gracilis (Brullé) and Ameles limbata (Brullé) as it varies in the literature. Nomenclatural changes regarding the homonymy of Mantis limbata Brullé and Mantis limbata Hahn, previously proposed by Koçak & Kemal (2008), are rejected and discussed in detail. One of the Mantodea species, Empusa pennata (Thunberg), is frequently mentioned in the literature to be present on the Canary Islands, but after carefully reviewing the literature data it is evident that this species has never actually been found on any of the islands. The aim of this publication is to lay a basis for future research on the Mantodea fauna of the Canary Islands, their phylogenetic placement and history of dispersal. This is even more important as the archipelago is a European endemism hot spot for praying mantises and these basic parameters are crucial for implementing plans regarding conservation strategies on the islands.
Improving Storm Surge Risk Communication: Stakeholder Perspectives
Authors: Morrow Betty H. , Lazo Jeffrey K. , Rhome Jamie , Feyen Jesse
Published: May 2014

Storm surge associated with tropical and extratropical cyclones has a long history of causing death and destruction along our coastlines. With more than 123 million people living in coastal shoreline areas and much of the densely populated Atlantic and Gulf coastal areas less than 10 ft (∼3 m) above mean sea level, the threat has never been greater. In this article, we summarize and integrate the most intensive series of studies completed to date on communication of storm surge risk. These were primarily geographically focused stakeholder surveys for evaluating the storm surge communication perceptions and preferences of forecasters, broadcast meteorologists, public officials, and members of the public—each a primary user group for storm surge forecasts. According to findings from seven surveys, each group strongly supports the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing watches and warnings for storm surge, whether associated with tropical cyclones (TC) or extratropical (ET) cyclones. We discuss results on public understanding of storm surge vulnerability, respondents’ preferences for separate storm surge information products, and initial assessments of potential storm surge warning text and graphics. Findings from the research reported here are being used to support relevant NWS decisions, including a storm surge watch and warning product that has been approved for use on an experimental basis in 2015 and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issuance of local surge inundations maps on an experimental basis in 2014.
Reemergence Mechanisms for North Pacific Sea Ice Revealed through Nonlinear Laplacian Spectral Analysis*
Authors: Bushuk Mitchell , Giannakis Dimitrios , Majda Andrew J.
Published: May 2014

This paper studies spatiotemporal modes of variability of sea ice concentration and sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Pacific sector in a comprehensive climate model and observations. These modes are obtained via nonlinear Laplacian spectral analysis (NLSA), a recently developed data analysis technique for high-dimensional nonlinear datasets. The existing NLSA algorithm is modified to allow for a scale-invariant coupled analysis of multiple variables in different physical units. The coupled NLSA modes are utilized to investigate North Pacific sea ice reemergence: a process in which sea ice anomalies originating in the melt season (spring) are positively correlated with anomalies in the growth season (fall) despite a loss of correlation in the intervening summer months. It is found that a low-dimensional family of NLSA modes is able to reproduce the lagged correlations observed in sea ice data from the North Pacific Ocean. This mode family exists in both model output and observations and is closely related to the North Pacific gyre oscillation (NPGO), a low-frequency pattern of North Pacific SST variability. Moreover, this mode family provides a mechanism for sea ice reemergence in which summer SST anomalies store the memory of spring sea ice anomalies, allowing for sea ice anomalies of the same sign to appear in the fall season. Lagged correlations in model output and observations are significantly strengthened by conditioning on the NPGO mode being active, in either positive or negative phase. Another family of NLSA modes, related to the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), is found to capture a winter-to-winter reemergence of SST anomalies.
Tolerability, Toxicity, and Temporal Implications of Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) on Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Carpenter Todd J. , Kann Benjamin , Buckstein Michael H. , Ko Eric C. , Bakst Richard L. , Misiukiewicz Krzysztof J. , Posner Marshall R. , Genden Eric M. , Gupta Vishal
Published: May 2014

Objectives:

Overall treatment package time (from surgery to radiotherapy [RT] completion) > 100 days can portend poor outcomes in head and neck cancer. Faster postoperative recovery seen with transoral robotic surgery may decrease treatment duration and toxicity for adjuvant RT and chemoradiation.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated with transoral robotic surgery (n = 124) and adjuvant RT and chemoradiation (n = 33) at our institution for head and neck cancer from April 2007 to December 2011 to determine treatment duration, acute toxicity, and long-term percutaneous gastric tube rates.

Results:

The median overall treatment time was 86 days and from surgery to RT start was 41 days; median RT duration was 44 days. No wound breakdown or infection occurred during or after RT. Two-year actuarial locoregional control, distant metastasis–free survival, and overall survival rates were 93%, 96%, and 97%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Adjuvant RT after transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancer can be completed safely and in a timely fashion. Longer follow-up and a larger cohort will be needed to determine if this regimen is more effective than traditional surgery followed by adjuvant RT.
Complications from micronutrient deficiency following bariatric surgery
Authors: Wilson Helen O , Datta Dev BN
Published: May 2014

We report a case of clinically significant micronutrient deficiencies following biliary pancreatic diversion (BPD) surgery. Our patient was admitted to hospital six years after BPD surgery following a low impact humeral fracture complicated by postoperative wound infection. On presentation she complained of a widespread rash and loss of night vision. Laboratory testing confirmed hypoalbuminaemia, deficiencies of vitamins A, E and D and of the trace elements copper, zinc and selenium. Bone densitometry confirmed osteoporosis. The skin rash was thought to be due to zinc deficiency and improved with conservative measures and trace element replacement. Her night blindness resolved 48 hours after receiving high dose parenteral vitamin A. Six months later she was readmitted to our intensive care unit with wound dehiscence at her fracture site and clinical features of sepsis and encephalopathy. This case highlights the importance of devising treatment and follow-up guidance prior to surgery and multidisciplinary team involvement including the patient so that long-term metabolic complications are avoided.
The “Famous Places” of Japanese Buddhism: Representations of Urban Temple Life in Early Modern Guidebooks
Authors: Bond Kevin
Published: May 2014

This paper examines the commercial and recreational cultures of the urban Buddhist temple during Japan’s Edo or early modern period (1603–1868) as depicted in popular guidebooks to famous places ( meisho ki). Encouraged by advances in travel and communication, and a vibrant bourgeois culture, meisho guidebooks presented religious sites to the common public not as static, immobile spaces catering only to otherworldly spiritual concerns, but as open and elastic geographies simultaneously offering immediate material rewards and leisurely and commercial attractions to visitors. As unique media of local religion, guidebooks reflect how the reputation and allure of popular Buddhist temples among the general public were driven by the commodification of local legends and objects of worship, as well as material pleasures of religious spaces. This paper argues the importance of guidebooks in the production of public knowledge and expectation about religious sites in early modern Japan. These guides reveal material concerns and entertainment not as having been antithetical to the operation of Buddhist institutions, but rather as supports for the spread of Buddhist teachings and popularization of deity worship among the urban populace.
Production of black toner through emulsion aggregation of magnetite, carbon black, and styrene-acrylic co-polymer: Investigation on the effect of variation in components
Authors: Ataeefard Maryam
Published: May 2014

Toner composite is an important element in laser printing and copying processes which is included magnetite, carbon black and binder. The emulsion aggregation is a popular method for toner preparation that allows tight control on toner properties. This study was done to determine the effects of the basic ingredients (magnetite, carbon black, and styrene-acrylic copolymer) that affect the properties of toner composites. Particle size analysis (PSA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were used to study particle size, shape, and morphology of the toner composites. It was found that using carbon black, magnetite and styrene-acrylic copolymer with small particle size produced toner composite with small particle size. It was also shown that using a styrene-acrylic copolymer with high viscosity resulted in smaller and narrower particle distribution in the resultant toner. The results determined by SEM confirmed that carbon black, magnetite and styrene-acrylic copolymer particle size did not affect the toner’s shape, and that it remained spherical.
Rehabilitation interventions with deconditioned older adults following an acute hospital admission: a systematic review
Authors: Timmer Amanda J , Unsworth Carolyn A , Taylor Nicholas F
Published: May 2014

Objective:

To determine effectiveness of inpatient rehabilitation interventions with older deconditioned adults following an acute hospital admission.

Data sources:

Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from 14 electronic databases from their inception to February 2014.

Review methods:

Studies selected concerned inpatient rehabilitation, single or multi-factorial interventions, conducted by any discipline, where participants were aged 55 years or older and 50% or more could be classed as deconditioned. Studies were excluded if they focused on acute onset of disability conditions. Data were extracted using the McMaster Quantitative Review Form and appraised using the PEDro Rating Scale.

Results:

No RCTs were found that specifically addressed the aim. Four studies were reviewed describing multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programs that aimed to reduce functional decline in older adults, with inconsistent findings. However, in two studies participants showed a positive improvement in completing basic activities of daily living (ADL) following multi-disciplinary rehabilitation, one at discharge (median change score Intervention (I)0.23:Control (C)0.15, P=<0.001) and one at 12-months post discharge (I-48.4%: C-25.4% ( P‹0.001) Relative Risk (RR)1.90 95%CI: 1.15-3.16 (reviewer calculated)). Discharge to home was also measured in two studies with participants in the intervention groups having a higher probability of going home (I-55.6%: C-36.7 %, RR 1.52 95%CI: 1.02-2.26 (reviewer calculated) and I-60%: C-20%, RR 3.00 95%CI: 1.16-7.73(reviewer calculated)).

Conclusion:

No RCTs have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of specific recondition-ing interventions in rehabilitation, and there is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of geriatric rehabilitation programs to reduce functional decline in older adults who are deconditioned.
(Re-)Introducing Deleuze: New Readings of Deleuze in International Studies
Authors: Lenco Peter
Published: May 2014

Deleuze’s legacy in the social sciences in general and in international studies in particular has been predominantly shaped by postmodernist and poststructuralist readings derived largely from American literary criticism. This has led to the proliferation of various Deleuzo-Guattarian terms such as rhizome and war machine, as well as an ill-defined ‘Deleuzian approach’. Although productive in their own way, such readings of Deleuze’s philosophy obscure a profound and elegant theory (or super-theory) of the world that offers considerable innovations in efforts to explain and understand the complex and integrated world we live in. The article argues for a reading of Deleuze’s work committed to his univocal ontology and his metaphysical system of the virtual and the actual. It is argued that this approach addresses some of the most vexing questions of international studies and suggests methodologically sound avenues of further study.
The Role of Religious Ideas: Christian Interpretations of Social Inequalities
Authors: Sutterlüty Ferdinand
Published: May 2014

According to Henri Desroche (1961), one could write an entire history of religion as ‘the mother of social resignation’ or, with equal justification, as ‘the mother of social protest’. Desroche’s apt observation summarizes the topic of this essay, which deals with the oppositional and the culturally adapted communities and movements in the recent history of the Christian churches, focusing particularly on their relationship with social inequalities. Taking a perspective strongly influenced by Max Weber’s sociology of religion, it discusses the ‘religious ideas’ that have guided, and continue to guide, the actions of various Christian churches and groups in societies marked by social inequality. Theoretically, this essay argues that the social positioning of church groups and movements is heavily dependent on the cognitive content of religious beliefs. The contrasting cases it cites show the fruitfulness of such an analytical approach.
Comparison of nickel oxide and palladium nanoparticle loaded on activated carbon for efficient removal of methylene blue
Authors: Arabzadeh S , Ghaedi M , Ansari A , Taghizadeh F , Rajabi M
Published: May 2014

Palladium nanoparticles (Pd-NPs) and nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) were synthesized and loaded on activated carbon (AC). This novel material successfully used for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous medium. Full characterization of both material using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller analyses for Pd-NP show their high surface area (>1340 m2/g) and low pore size (<20 Å) and average particle size lower than 45 Å and for NiO-NP show their high surface area (>1316.1554 m2/g) and low pore size (<20 Å) and average particle size lower than 46 Å in addition to high reactive atom and presence of various functional groups. These unique properties make them possible for efficient removal of MB. In batch experimental set-up, optimum conditions for maximum removal of MB by both adsorbents were attained following searching effect of variables such as central composite design. The Langmuir isotherm was found to be highly recommended for fitting the experimental equilibrium data. The kinetic of adsorption of MB on both adsorbents strongly can be fitted by a combination of pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion pathway. The experimental result achieved in this article shows the superiority of Pd-NP-AC for MB removal than NiO-NP-AC, so the maximum adsorption capacities of Pd-NP-AC and NiO-NP-AC were 555.5 mg/g and 588.2 mg/g, respectively.
Survival estimation in two-phase cohort studies with application to biomarkers evaluation
Authors: Rebora Paola , Valsecchi Maria Grazia
Published: May 2014

Two-phase studies are attractive for their economy and efficiency in research settings where large cohorts are available for investigating the prognostic and predictive role of novel genetic and biological factors. In this type of study, information on novel factors is collected only in a convenient subcohort (phase II) drawn from the cohort (phase I) according to a given (optimal) sampling strategy. Estimation of survival in the subcohort needs to account for the design. The Kaplan–Meier method, based on counts of events and of subjects at risk in time, must be applied accounting, with suitable weights, for the sampling probabilities of the subjects in phase II, in order to recover the representativeness of the subcohort for the entire cohort. The authors derived a proper variance estimator of survival by linearization. The proposed method is applied in the context of a two-phase study on childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which was planned in order to evaluate the role of genetic polymorphisms on treatment failure due to relapse. The method has shown satisfactory performance through simulations under different scenarios, including the case–control setting, and proved to be useful for describing results in the clinical example.