bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamical Behavior of a System of Second-Order Nonlinear Difference Equations
Authors: Bao Hongmei
Published: September 2015

This paper is concerned with local stability, oscillatory character of positive solutions to the system of the two nonlinear difference equationsxn+1=A+xn-1p/ynpandyn+1=A+yn-1p/xnp,n=0,1,…, whereA∈(0,∞),p∈[1,∞),xi∈(0,∞), andyi∈(0,∞),i=-1,0.
Surface Roughness Models and Their Experimental Validation in Micro Milling of 6061-T6 Al Alloy by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Yi Jie , Jiao Li , Wang Xibin , Xiang Junfeng , Yuan Meixia , Gao Shoufeng
Published: September 2015

Due to the widespread use of high-accuracy miniature and micro features or components, it is required to predict the machined surface performance of the micro milling processes. In this paper, a new predictive model of the surface roughness is established by response surface method (RSM) according to the micro milling experiment of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy which is carried out based on the central composite circumscribed (CCC) design. Then the model is used to analyze the effects of parameters on the surface roughness, and it can be concluded that the surface roughness increases with the increasing of the feed rate and the decreasing of the spindle speed. At last, based on the model the contour map of the surface roughness and material removal rate is established for optimizing the process parameters to improve the cutting efficiency with good surface roughness. The prediction results from the model have good agreement with the experimental results.
Autonomous Navigation Based on SEIF with Consistency Constraint for C-Ranger AUV
Authors: Shen Yue , Zhang Hao , He Bo , Yan Tianhong , Liu Yang
Published: September 2015

An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) has to solve two essential problems in underwater environment, namely, localization and mapping. SLAM is one novel solution to estimate locations and maps simultaneously based on motion models and sensor measurements. Sparse extended information filter (SEIF) is an effective algorithm to reduce storage and computational costs of large-scale maps in the SLAM problem. However, there exists the inconsistency in the SEIF since the rank of the observability matrix of linearized error-state model in SLAM system is higher than that of the nonlinear SLAM system. By analyzing the consistency of the SEIF-based SLAM from the perspective of observability, a SLAM based on SEIF with consistency constraint (SEIF-CC SLAM) is developed to improve the estimator’s consistency. The proposed algorithm uses the first-ever available estimates to calculate SEIF Jacobians for each of the state variables, called the First Estimates Jacobian (FEJ). Then, the linearized error-state model can keep the same observability as the underlying nonlinear SLAM system. The capability of autonomous navigation with the proposed algorithm is validated through simulations experiments and sea trials for aC-RangerAUV. Experimental results show that the proposed SEIF-CC SLAM algorithm yields more consistent and accurate estimates compared with the SEIF-based SLAM.
Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy Reveals the HAS3-Induced Dorsal Plasma Membrane Ruffles
Authors: Rilla Kirsi , Koistinen Arto
Published: September 2015

Hyaluronan is a linear sugar polymer synthesized by three isoforms of hyaluronan synthases (HAS1, 2, and 3) that forms a hydrated scaffold around cells and is an essential component of the extracellular matrix. The morphological changes of cells induced by active hyaluronan synthesis are well recognized but not studied in detail with high resolution before. We have previously found that overexpression of HAS3 induces growth of long plasma membrane protrusions that act as platforms for hyaluronan synthesis. The study of these thin and fragile protrusions is challenging, and they are difficult to preserve by fixation unless they are adherent to the substrate. Thus their structure and regulation are still partly unclear despite careful imaging with different microscopic methods in several cell types. In this study, correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) was utilized to correlate the GFP-HAS3 signal and the surface ultrastructure of cells in order to study in detail the morphological changes induced by HAS3 overexpression. Surprisingly, this method revealed that GFP-HAS3 not only localizes to ruffles but in fact induces dorsal ruffle formation. Dorsal ruffles regulate diverse cellular functions, such as motility, regulation of glucose metabolism, spreading, adhesion, and matrix degradation, the same functions driven by active hyaluronan synthesis.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children: Preliminary Study in Pediatric Hospital Albert Royer, Dakar
Authors: Fall Mbaye , Gueye Doudou , Wellé Ibrahima Bocar , Lo Faty Balla , Sagna Aloise , Diop Marie , Fall Ibrahima
Published: September 2015

Appendiceal pathology’s management has benefited in recent years from the advent of laparoscopic surgery. This study is to make a preliminary assessment of laparoscopic management of acute and complicated appendicitis in children after a few months of practice at the University Hospital Albert Royer, Dakar. This is a retrospective study of 22 cases of patients, all operated on by the same surgeon. The parameters studied were age, sex, clinical data and laboratory features, radiological data, and results of surgical treatment. The mean age of patients was 9.5 years with a male predominance. The series includes 14 cases of acute appendicitis and 8 complicated cases. Appendectomy anterograde is practiced in 81% of cases. Appendectomy was associated with peritoneal wash in 17 patients including 9 cases of acute appendicitis. Drainage of Douglas pouch is performed in 2 patients with complicated appendicitis; the average production was 300 cc of turbid liquids and any complications were not founded. An abscess of Douglas pouch is noted in 2 patients with complicated appendicitis undrained. These Douglas abscesses were treated medically. No conversion of laparotomy was performed in the series. After an average of 8 months no other problems were noted.
Targeting the MDM2/MDM4 Interaction Interface as a Promising Approach for p53 Reactivation Therapy
Authors: Pellegrino Marsha , Mancini Francesca , Lucà Rossella , Coletti Alice , Giacchè Nicola , Manni Isabella , Arisi Ivan , Florenzano Fulvio , Teveroni Emanuela , Buttarelli Marianna , Fici Laura , Brandi Rossella , Bruno Tiziana , Fanciulli Maurizio , D'Onofrio Mara , Piaggio Giulia , Pellicciari Roberto , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Marine Jean Christophe , Macchiarulo Antonio , Moretti Fabiola
Published: September 2015

Restoration of wild-type p53 tumor suppressor function has emerged as an attractive anticancer strategy. Therapeutics targeting the two p53-negative regulators, MDM2 and MDM4, have been developed, but most agents selectively target the ability of only one of these molecules to interact with p53, leaving the other free to operate. Therefore, we developed a method that targets the activity of MDM2 and MDM4 simultaneously based on recent studies indicating that formation of MDM2/MDM4 heterodimer complexes are required for efficient inactivation of p53 function. Using computational and mutagenesis analyses of the heterodimer binding interface, we identified a peptide that mimics the MDM4 C-terminus, competes with endogenous MDM4 for MDM2 binding, and activates p53 function. This peptide induces p53-dependent apoptosis in vitro and reduces tumor growth in vivo. Interestingly, interfering with the MDM2/MDM4 heterodimer specifically activates a p53-dependent oxidative stress response. Consistently, distinct subcellular pools of MDM2/MDM4 complexes were differentially sensitive to the peptide; nuclear MDM2/MDM4 complexes were particularly highly susceptible to the peptide-displacement activity. Taken together, these data identify the MDM2/MDM4 interaction interface as a valuable molecular target for therapeutic reactivation of p53 oncosuppressive function. Cancer Res; 75(21); 4560–72. ©2015 AACR.
International Variation in Female Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates
Authors: DeSantis Carol E. , Bray Freddie , Ferlay Jacques , Lortet-Tieulent Joannie , Anderson Benjamin O. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: September 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Herein, we examine global trends in female breast cancer rates using the most up-to-date data available.

Methods: Breast cancer incidence and mortality estimates were obtained from GLOBOCAN 2012 (globocan.iarc.fr). We analyzed trends from 1993 onward using incidence data from 39 countries from the International Agency for Research on Cancer and mortality data from 57 countries from the World Health Organization.

Results: Of 32 countries with incidence and mortality data, rates in the recent period diverged—with incidence increasing and mortality decreasing—in nine countries mainly in Northern/Western Europe. Both incidence and mortality decreased in France, Israel, Italy, Norway, and Spain. In contrast, incidence and death rates both increased in Colombia, Ecuador, and Japan. Death rates also increased in Brazil, Egypt, Guatemala, Kuwait, Mauritius, Mexico, and Moldova.

Conclusions: Breast cancer mortality rates are decreasing in most high-income countries, despite increasing or stable incidence rates. In contrast and of concern are the increasing incidence and mortality rates in a number of countries, particularly those undergoing rapid changes in human development. Wide variations in breast cancer rates and trends reflect differences in patterns of risk factors and access to and availability of early detection and timely treatment.

Impact: Increased awareness about breast cancer and the benefits of early detection and improved access to treatment must be prioritized to successfully implement breast cancer control programs, particularly in transitioning countries. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(10); 1495–506. ©2015 AACR.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Inhibits Apoptosis of Pulmonary Endothelial Cells During Acute Lung Injury Through Suppressing MiR-4262
Authors: Bao Hong , Gao Fengying , Xie Guogang , Liu Zhenwei
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) treatment suppresses the severity of acute lung injury (ALI). The effects of ACE2 in ALI have been shown to not only result from its antagonizing hydrolyzing angiotensin II (AngII), which is responsible for reduction in the vascular tension and pulmonary accumulation of inflammatory cells, but also result from a role of ACE2 in suppressing the ALI-induced apoptosis of pulmonary endothelial cells (PECs). Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of the role of ACE2 on PEC apoptosis are not completely understood. Methods: Here, we used a bleomycin-induced mouse model for ALI that has been published in our previous studies. We analyzed the mRNA and protein levels of an anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in the ALI-mice that have been treated w/o ACE2. We analyzed miR-4262 levels in the mouse lung in these mice. Bcl-2-targeting miRNAs were predicted using bioinformatics algorithms and a luciferase reporter assay was applied to examine the effects of miR-4262 on the Bcl-2 protein translation upon their binding to 3'-UTR of Bcl-2 mRNA. Adeno-associated viruses carrying either miR-4262 mimics or antisense were injected into ALI-mice without ACE2, and their effects on the apoptosis in mouse lung cells were analyzed by Western blot. Results: ACE2 inhibited the ALI-induced apoptosis of pulmonary cells in vivo partially through upregulation of Bcl-2 protein, but not Bcl-2 mRNA. ACE2 appeared to significantly suppress the upregulation of miR-4262 in mouse lung after ALI. MiR-4262 was found to target 3'-UTR of Bcl-2 mRNA to inhibit its protein translation in PECs. In vivo administration of antisense of miR-4262 decreased apoptosis of pulmonary cells and severity of the ALI in mice. Conclusion: ACE2-induced suppression of miR-4262 partially contribute to the inhibition of the PEC apoptosis after ALI through Bcl-2. MiR-4262 may be a novel promising treatment target for ALI and ARDS.
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Infants with Congenital Hypopituitarism: A Challenge to Diagnose at an Early Stage
Authors: Braslavsky Débora , Grinspon Romina Paula , Ballerini María Gabriela , Bedecarrás Patricia , Loreti Nazareth , Bastida Gabriela , Ropelato María Gabriela , Keselman Ana , Campo Stella , Rey Rodolfo Alberto , Bergadá Ignacio
Published: September 2015

Background: Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) presents a wide spectrum of pituitary gland disorders. The postnatal gonadotropic surge provides a useful period to explore the gonadotropic axis for assessing the presence of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Aim: To explore the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the postnatal gonadotropic surge for an early diagnosis of CHH in newborns or infants suspected of having CPHD. Subjects and Methods: A cohort of 27 boys under 6 months and 19 girls under 24 months of age with suspected hypopituitarism was studied. Serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone, inhibin B, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol were measured, and male external genitalia were characterized as normal or abnormal (micropenis, microorchidism and/or cryptorchidism). Results: CPHD was confirmed in 36 out of 46 patients. Low LH and testosterone levels were found in 66% of the hypopituitary males, in significant association with the presence of abnormal external genitalia. This abnormality had a positive predictive value of 93% for CHH. No significant association was observed between serum FSH, AMH and inhibin B and the patient's external genitalia. Conclusion: In newborn or infant boys with CPHD, LH and testosterone concentrations measured throughout the postnatal gonadotropic surge, together with a detailed evaluation of the external genital phenotype, facilitate the diagnosis of CHH at an early stage.
New Metacentric Populations and Phylogenetic Hypotheses Involving Whole-Arm Reciprocal Translocation in Mus musculus domesticus from Sicily, Southern Italy
Authors: Castiglia Riccardo , Capanna Ernesto , Bezerra Alexandra M.R. , Bizzoco Domenico , Zambigli Emanuela , Solano Emanuela
Published: September 2015

The house mouse Mus musculus domesticus is characterized by more than 100 metacentric populations, due to the occurrence of Robertsonian (Rb) fusions, together with the standard all-telocentric karyotype (2n = 40). We examined G-banded karyotypes of 18 mice from 10 localities in Sicily and describe 3 new metacentric populations: ‘Ragusa Ibla' (IRAG), 2n = 33-36, Rb(2.4), Rb(5.6), Rb(9.16), Rb(13.17); ‘Piana degli Albanesi' (IPIA), 2n = 23, Rb(1.18), Rb(2.15), Rb(3.5), Rb(4.12), Rb(6.11), Rb(7.8), Rb(9.16), Rb(10.14), Rb(13.17); ‘Trapani' (ITRA), 2n = 22, Rb(1.18), Rb(2.15), Rb(3.7), Rb(4.12), Rb(5.9), Rb(6.11), Rb(8.16), Rb(10.14), Rb(13.17). Three mice belonged to the previously reported ‘Castelbuono' race (ICAS), 2n = 24, which is very similar to the nearby ‘Palermo' (IPAL) race, 2n = 26. Three Rb fusions not yet observed in wild mouse populations were identified: Rb(3.5), Rb(3.7) and Rb(5.9). Rb fusions shared among 4 races (IPIA, IRAG, ICAS, and IPAL) allowed us to describe their potential phylogenetic relationships. We obtained 2 alternative phylogenetic trees. The differences between them are mainly due to various modes of formation of IPIA and ITRA. In the first hypothesis, the specific Rb fusions occurred independently. In the second, those of IRAG originated from those of IPIA via whole-arm reciprocal translocations.
Teatro e sociedade no Brasil colônia: a cena jesuítica do Auto de São Lourenço
Authors: Carvalho Sérgio De
Published: September 2015

O texto debate as principais dificuldades para o estudo do teatro no Brasil colônia, critica o conceito de teatro catequético e analisa o Auto de São Lourenço, de Padre Anchieta, a partir da conexão entre sua forma e o contexto histórico e político em que se produziu o aldeamento jesuítico.
Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality, and Markers of Subclinical Arterial Disease in Healthy Men and Women
Authors: Kim Chan-Won , Chang Yoosoo , Zhao Di , Cainzos-Achirica Miguel , Ryu Seungho , Jung Hyun-Suk , Yun Kyung Eun , Choi Yuni , Ahn Jiin , Zhang Yiyi , Rampal Sanjay , Baek Youngji , Lima Joao A. , Shin Hocheol , Guallar Eliseo , Cho Juhee , Sung Eunju
Published: September 2015

Objective—

Short and long sleep duration are associated with increased risk of clinical cardiovascular events, but the association between sleep duration and subclinical cardiovascular disease is not well established. We examined the association between sleep duration and sleep quality with coronary artery calcification (CAC) and with brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) in a large sample of young and middle-aged asymptomatic adults.

Approach and Results—

We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult men and women who underwent a health checkup examination, including assessment of sleep duration and quality and coupled with either CAC (n=29 203) or brachial–ankle PWV (n=18 106). The multivariate-adjusted CAC score ratios (95% confidence interval) comparing sleep durations of ≤5, 6, 8, and ≥9 hours with 7 hours of sleep were 1.50 (1.17–1.93), 1.34 (1.10–1.63), 1.37 (0.99–1.89), and 1.72 (0.90–3.28), respectively (
P
for quadratic trend=0.002). The corresponding average differences in brachial–ankle PWV were 6.7 (0.75–12.6), 2.9 (−1.7 to 7.4), 10.5 (4.5–16.5), and 9.6 (−0.7 to 19.8) cm/s, respectively (
P
for quadratic trend=0.019). Poor subjective sleep quality was associated with CAC in women but not in men, whereas the association between poor subjective sleep quality and brachial–ankle PWV was stronger in men than in women.

Conclusions—

In this large study of apparently healthy men and women, extreme sleep duration and poor subjective sleep quality were associated with increased prevalence of CAC and higher PWV. Our results underscore the importance of an adequate quantity and quality of sleep to maintain cardiovascular health.
Ibrutinib Inhibits Platelet Integrin α
IIb
β
3
Outside-In Signaling and Thrombus Stability But Not Adhesion to Collagen
Authors: Bye Alexander P. , Unsworth Amanda J. , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Stainer Alexander R. , Fry Michael J. , Gibbins Jonathan M.
Published: September 2015

Objective—

Ibrutinib is an irreversible Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for treatment of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and mantle cell lymphoma that increases the risk of bleeding among patients. Platelets from ibrutinib-treated patients exhibit deficiencies in collagen-evoked signaling in suspension; however, the significance of this observation and how it relates to bleeding risk is unclear, as platelets encounter immobile collagen in vivo. We sought to clarify the effects of ibrutinib on platelet function to better understand the mechanism underlying bleeding risk.

Approach and Results—

By comparing signaling in suspension and during adhesion to immobilized ligands, we found that the collagen signaling deficiency caused by ibrutinib is milder during adhesion to immobilized collagen. We also found that platelets in whole blood treated with ibrutinib adhered to collagen under arterial shear but formed unstable thrombi, suggesting that the collagen signaling deficiency caused by ibrutinib may not be the predominant cause of bleeding in vivo. However, clot retraction and signaling evoked by platelet adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen were also inhibited by ibrutinib, indicating that integrin α
IIb
β
3
outside-in signaling is also effected in addition to GPVI signaling. When ibrutinib was combined with the P2Y
12
inhibitor, cangrelor, thrombus formation under arterial shear was inhibited additively.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that (1) ibrutinib causes GPVI and integrin α
IIb
β
3
platelet signaling deficiencies that result in formation of unstable thrombi and may contribute toward bleeding observed in vivo and (2) combining ibrutinib with P2Y
12
antagonists, which also inhibit thrombus stability, may have a detrimental effect on hemostasis.
National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Item Profiles as Predictor of Patient Outcome
Authors: Abdul-Rahim Azmil H. , Fulton Rachael L. , Sucharew Heidi , Kleindorfer Dawn , Khatri Pooja , Broderick Joseph P. , Lees Kennedy R. ,   SITS-MOST Steering Committee, Wahlgren N. , Ahmed N. , Dávalos A. , Ford G.A. , Grond M. , Hacke W. , Hennerici M.G. , Kaste M. , Kuelkens S. , Larrue V. , Roine R.O. , Soinne L. , Toni D. , Vanhooren G.
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose—

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) item profiles that were recently proposed and validated may prove useful for clinical prognostication and research studies. We aimed to validate the NIHSS item profiles in hyper-acute stroke patients who received thrombolysis treatment (tissue-type plasminogen activator).

Methods—

We applied the latent class analysis probabilities of the profile membership generated from the derivation study onto NIHSS data from the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke–Monitoring Study (SITS-MOST). We separately considered NIHSS data collected within 3 hours and at ≈24 hours after stroke onset to obtain 2 sets of symptom groupings. The discrimination and calibration of both sets of symptom profiles were assessed from their association with outcomes. The outcome measures included modified Rankin Scale (mRS; using full distribution and dichotomized, mRS 0–1 or back to baseline) at day 90 and mortality by 90 days.

Results—

We obtained data for 6843 patients. Ordinal analysis of mRS showed odds of better outcome across the profiles, for each set of symptom profiles, adjusted for age, sex, and prestroke mRS. Dichotomized outcomes mirrored the ordinal findings. There were significant differences in prognostic discrimination ability for the dichotomized outcome measures between the 2 sets of symptom profiles, with the latter set (ie, 24-hour symptom profiles) performing better.

Conclusions—

The NIHSS item profiles are individually associated with functional outcome and mortality in acute stroke patients treated with tissue-type plasminogen activator. Considering profiles of NIHSS subscores rather than only the total score is informative for prognostication, particularly for assessments collected 24 hours after stroke onset.
Representation of Musical Structures and Processes in Simplicial Chord Spaces
Authors: Bigo Louis , Ghisi Daniele , Spicher Antoine , Andreatta Moreno
Published: September 2015

In this article, we present a set of musical transformations based on the representations of chord spaces derived from the Tonnetz. These chord spaces are formalized as simplicial complexes. A musical composition is represented in such a space by a trajectory. Spatial transformations are applied on these trajectories and induce a transformation of the original composition. These concepts are implemented in two applications, the software HexaChord and the Max object bach.tonnetz, dedicated to music analysis and composition, respectively.
Wireless Interactive Sonification of Large Water Waves to Demonstrate the Facilities of a Large-Scale Research Wave Tank
Authors: Kirke Alexis , Freeman Samuel , Miranda Eduardo Reck
Published: September 2015

Interactive sonification can provide a platform for demonstration and education as well as for monitoring and investigation. We present a system designed to demonstrate the facilities of the UK's most advanced large-scale research wave tank. The interactive sonification of water waves in the “ocean basin” wave tank at Plymouth University consisted of a number of elements: generation of ocean waves, acquisition and sonification of ocean-wave measurement data, and gesture-controlled pitch and amplitude of sonifications. The generated water waves were linked in real time to sonic features via depth monitors and motion tracking of a floating buoy. Types of water-wave patterns, varying in shape and size, were selected and triggered using wireless motion detectors attached to the demonstrator's arms. The system was implemented on a network of five computers utilizing Max/MSP alongside specialist marine research software, and was demonstrated live in a public performance for the formal opening of the Marine Institute building.
Jason’s Cloak and the Shield of Heracles
Authors: Mason H.C.
Published: September 2015

This article discusses the relationship between Apollonius Rhodius and pseudo-Hesiod. It argues that the ecphrasis on Jason’s cloak (Arg. 1.721-767) alludes extensively to the Shield of Heracles and to other Hesiodic poetry. Although some of the parallels in question have been noted before, many have been underplayed or overlooked. Apollonius’ references to ‘Hesiod’ should direct the audience’s reading of the Argonautica: the echoes of the Shield of Heracles focus attention on Heracles, who functions as a foil to Jason throughout the Argonautica, and invite comparison and contrast between the two heroes. The recognition of these allusions also has implications for certain problems in Hellenistic poetry.
Time-sensitive neophobic responses to risk
Authors: Ferrari Maud C.O. , Brown Grant E. , Chivers Douglas P.
Published: September 2015

Prey animals that experience a high background level of risk are known to exhibit considerable phenotypic plasticity in their responses to unknown predators. When background risk is high, prey exhibit neophobic responses to unknown odours, i.e. they show a fear response to any new stimulus. Here, we examine whether temporal variation in the pattern of risk to which prey are exposed influences neophobic responses. To establish prey groups with different temporal patterns of risk, embryonic woodfrogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) were exposed to conspecific alarm cues each morning and control cues in the evening, or conspecific alarm cues each evening and control cues in the morning, for their entire embryonic period. After the tadpoles hatched they were tested at both times of day for known risk cues (alarm cues), unknown predator odours or water control. Tadpoles responded to alarm cues at any time of day, but showed neophobic responses to predator odours only if their test time matched their embryonic risk exposure time. These results demonstrate a high level of sophistication of neophobic responses and points to temporal variation in risk as a key driver of antipredator decision making.
Behavioural patterns among female African savannah elephants: the role of age, lactational status, and sex of the nursing calf
Authors: Wisniewska Maggie , Freeman Elizabeth W. , Schulte Bruce A.
Published: September 2015

For social mammals, phenotypic factors, such as age and reproductive state, and environmental factors, such as competition and requirements for offspring, shape individual resource needs and cause animals to display behavioural patterns most useful in resource acquisition. Female mammals trade off investment in growth and survival against complex and resource-intensive reproductive challenges; thus, they alter behaviours according to changing priorities. To maximize net gain females increase resource intake or limit its expenditure. Behaviours that involve resource acquisition, such as foraging, are potentially rewarding, yet lead to competition, especially in group-living species; whereas behaviours that do not provide resources, such as resting or grooming, encourage sharing and buffer competition. In cooperative species with linear dominance hierarchies such as female African elephants (Loxodonta africana africana), rank is often determined by age and size, which are highly correlated. When compared with younger, competitively disadvantaged individuals, higher ranked animals attain greater access to resources, but other phenotypic and environmental factors may influence their needs. Hence, we examined how lactational status and sex of the nursing offspring influenced time spent on resource acquisition, and we assessed how these factors affect rates of aggression related to age. We conducted the study at Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa from June to December 2010, using 20 min focal animal sampling on reproductively mature females (). Adult females () exhibited aggression more frequently and socialized in a non-aggressive manner less frequently than subadult females (). Lactating females () spent more time foraging, displayed aggression more frequently, socialized in a non-aggressive manner less frequently, and exhibited chemosensory behaviours less frequently than non-lactating conspecifics (). Mothers of female calves () spent more time foraging than mothers of male calves (). The latter spent more time nursing and resting. We show how behavioural patterns, permitted or limited by age (correlated with size and rank) and reproductive condition, pertain to resource needs in female elephants, in contexts not directly related to survival or starvation avoidance. We discuss our findings in the context of female social relationships, for a long-lived, cooperative species.
Chemical caressess: geographical variation of male sexual signals in a Neotropical scorpion
Authors: Olivero Paola A. , González Andrés , Mattoni Camilo I. , Peretti Alfredo V.
Published: September 2015

Differences in sexual signals among species are common, and may influence mate recognition and reproductive isolation. In scorpions, behavioural mechanisms and other sexual signals involved in mate selection and reproductive isolation have been scarcely studied. In this paper, we compare different male sexual signals between two distant populations of the scorpionBothriurus bonariensis, one located in Uruguay and the other in Central Argentina. We compare sexual behaviours from intra-populations and inter-populations matings. In addition, we extent this comparison to the secreted compounds and morphology of the exocrine glands located on the dorsal side of the telson in this species. Males ofB. bonariensisperformed stimulatory behaviours to the female with different frequency of occurrence and duration in the two populations. Chemical analyses of the glandular extracts showed that Uruguayan males present compounds which are absent in males of Argentinian population. In addition, we observed that in inter-population matings, stimulatory behaviours had intermediate patterns to intra-population matings. However, males failed to achieve a successful sperm transfer with females of different population. Mechanisms of sexual isolation between these two distant populations ofB. bonariensisapparently seem to have evolved due to divergence in allopatry. The differences in stimulatory levels during courtship between the two populations studied here give evidence for an early behavioural divergence promoted by sexual selection.
Activity patterns of wild Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) in the northern piedmont of the Altun Mountains, China
Authors: Xue Yadong , Li Diqiang , Xiao Wenfa , Liu Fang , Zhang Yuguang , Wang Xiulei , Jia Heng
Published: September 2015

There are significant gaps in our knowledge of wild camel ecology; especially the activity patterns that allow them to adapt to desert environments. The wild Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) is a critically endangered species that survives in the extreme desert conditions of Central Asia. We conducted camera trapping surveys at seven watering sites in the northern piedmont of the Altun Mountains from 2010 to 2012. We analyzed the frequency of photo-captures to elucidate the wild camels’ diel activity patterns, and the seasonal variation in their activity at watering sites. We found that these wild camels were predominantly diurnal at watering sites, with an increase in relative activity from sunrise, reaching a peak toward midday, and then gradually decreasing in activity until sunset. The camels visited watering sites more often in winter than in summer. These results provide a guide for water development in the conservation of ungulates in arid areas.
Doing, Allowing, and the Moral Relevance of the Past
Authors: Hanna Jason
Published: September 2015

Most deontologists claim that it is more objectionable to do harm than it is to allow harm of comparable magnitude. I argue that this view faces a largely neglected puzzle regarding the moral relevance of an agent's past behavior. Consider an agent who chooses to save five people rather than one, where the one person's life is in jeopardy because of something the agent did earlier. How are the agent's obligations affected by the fact that his now letting the one die would retroactively make it the case that he has killed? I argue that the most promising deontological responses to this question are difficult to defend. Further, it is unclear how the deontologist can resolve a further set of cases, in which commonsense intuition indicates that an agent is required to terminate a threat she initiated more recently in preference to a threat she initiated less recently.
Particularism Doesn’t Flatten
Authors: Hicks Amelia
Published: September 2015

Sean McKeever and Michael Ridge object that moral particularism ‘flattens the moral landscape’, that is, that particularism treats reasons ofdifferentkinds as if they were reasons of thesamekind. This objection is misguided in two respects. First, particularists need not say that every feature can be a moral reason. Second, even if particularistswerecommitted to saying that every feature can be a moral reason, they would still not be committed to the view that every feature can havedirectmoral relevance. The failure of this objection shows that the objection exploits side-constraints that need not be placed on moral particularism.
Tropical Russian Bears: Jews and Soviet Animation During The Cold War
Authors: Katz Maya Balakirsky
Published: September 2015

After Stalin consolidated the major animation studios and closed down smaller regional studios to create a single Moscow-based drawn and puppet animation studio in 1934–36, the animation studio Soyuzmultfilm became the largest animation studio in Eastern Europe. In the 1960s, Soviet Jewish animators focused on the theme of social geography and developed individual characters in relationship to social mapping. This essay analyses the enigmatic Cheburashka, the Soviet Mickey Mouse, whose popularity as a Communist ideal led to his starring role as Soyuzmultfilm’s most enduring logo. It is particularly concerned with the development of the ethnically-unidentifiable Cheburashka against the history of the Moscow Zoo and its inter-species exhibitions.
Morphology-based phylogeny of the coastal rove-beetle subgenera Emplenota Casey and Triochara Bernhauer of the genus Aleochara Gravenhorst (Coleoptera Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: Yamamoto Shûhei , Maruyama Munetoshi
Published: September 2015

A morphology-based cladistic analysis was conducted of the coastal rove-beetle subgeneraEmplenotaCasey andTriocharaBernhauer of the genusAleocharaGravenhorst. We used 36 adult characters from the all tenEmplenotaand threeTriocharaspecies, and two outgroups, resulting in a single tree. The topology within theEmplenotaclade shows a clear pattern of species diversification that correlates well with the biogeographical distribution of this taxon. TheEmplenotaclade was phylogenetically divided into three, consisting of a Nearctic clade forming a sister group relationship with the Eastern Palearctic clade, and a basal Western Palearctic evolutionary grade. In contrast, the geographical origin ofTriochararemains unclear due to a paucity of information and difficulties in interpreting the distributional data.
Cladistic analysis of Indocryphalus Eggers (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyloterini) and description of a new species from Vietnam
Authors: Cognato Anthony I. , Smith Sarah M. , Pham Thai-H.
Published: September 2015

Indocryphalus suongmu sp. n. was described from northern Vietnam. A cladistic analysis of all nine species based on 22 morphological characters found I. suongmu and I. machili Wood as sister species. Species relationships, character evolution and patterns of ecology/geography were discussed in context of the cladogram. A modification of Beaver’s (2000) key was presented to accommodate I. suongmu and I. machili. A new country record was reported for I. sordidus (Blandford).
Skepticism and Elegance
Authors: McCain Kevin
Published: September 2015

Jonathan Vogel has argued in support of an explanationist response to skepticism in several works. Central to this explanationist response is the fact that our non-skeptical view of the world (the Real World Hypothesis, rwh) is a better explanation of our experiences than its skeptical rivals. Despite the plausibility of this response to skepticism, it is not without its critics. Recently, Matthew Gifford has argued that Vogel’s response has problems on two fronts. First, Gifford argues that Vogel’s strategy for showing that the rwh is a better explanation than its skeptical rivals fails. Second, he argues that if Vogel’s strategy does succeed, then it accomplishes too much—it removes skeptical doubts when it should not. I argue that Gifford is mistaken on both accounts.
The Characteristics of an Abstract System for the Transfer of Property in South African Law as Distinguished from a Causal System
Authors: Schutte P.J.W.
Published: September 2015

Two divergent systems are usually differentiated between when it comes to the way in which real rights are transferred from one person to another, namely abstract and causal systems. In this article the features of each system, the respect in which they differ from each other, and the practical implications of the distinction are established. It appears that in a causal system real rights are transferred by conclusion of the obligatory agreement, which should be valid and enforceable. The mutual intention to transfer and to receive real rights is not construed as an independent real agreement as it is contained in the obligatory agreement. In a causal system the transferor finds himself in a favourable position in relation to other parties while bona fide third parties undoubtedly get the worst of the deal since they have no protection against the disadvantageous consequences of delivery owing to a void obligation.

In an abstract system the obligatory agreement is not sufficient for the transfer of real rights, the thing should also be delivered and there should be a valid real agreement which consists merely of the mutual intention to transfer and to receive real rights. The real agreement is a characteristic of an abstract system which distinguishes it from a causal system. Compared with the position of those in the causal system, the transferee and third parties find themselves in a favourable position vis-à-vis the transferor.

In a causal system the concept iusta causa refers to a valid and enforceable obligatory agreement or other juridical fact which obliges the transferee to deliver the thing. In an abstract system it serves no purpose to describe the causa with reference to the obligatory agreement, since it is not a substantive law requirement for the transfer of real rights. The causa concept refers rather to the mutual intention to transfer and to receive real rights, which is nothing less than the real agreement. Since the causa is contained in the real agreement it is no longer of any use in an abstract system and should be abandoned.

The Dutch system displays the characteristics of an abstract system in that a separate act of delivery should exist and a valid real agreement is a requirement for the transfer of real rights. On the other hand it also displays characteristics of a causal system, since a valid obligatory agreement is a requirement for the transfer of real rights.
Taxonomic and floristic notes on neotropical Macromitrioideae (Orthotrichaceae)

Authors: Goffinet Bernard
Published: September 2015

Upon examination of type material, the following new synonymies are proposed: Macromitrium altituberculosum Bartr. with M. carionis C. Muell.; M. aureum C. Muell. with M. longifolium (Hook.) Brid.; M. crumianum Steere & Buck with M. leprieurii Mont.; M. semimarginatum C. Muell. with Groutiella chimborazense (Spruce ex Mitten) Florsch.; M. standleyi Bartr. var. subundulatum Bartr. with M. fulgescens Bartr. In addition, the following synonymies were confirmed: M. brevipes C. Muell. with Groutiella apiculata (Hook. & Grev.) Crum & Steere; M. sartorii C. Muell. with M. punctatum (Hook. & Grev.) Brid. Floristic reports include M. leprieurii new to Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Panama, and M. ulophyllum Mitten is reported for the first time from Central America (Panama) and Venezuela. A complete description including illustration is provided for the first time for the latter species. Lectotypes are chosen for all types examined.
Decalepidanthus (Boraginaceae) includes and antedates Pseudomertensia; a synopsis of the genus
Authors: Dickoré W. Bernhard , Hilger Hartmut H.
Published: September 2015

The small West Himalayan genus Decalepidanthus (Boraginaceae) is reviewed. Decalepidanthus was erroneously transferred to Pseudomertensia, although the former name antedates the latter by four years. Seven species of Decalepidanthus are accepted in this paper, D. echioides, D. elongatus, D. moltkioides, D. parviflorus, D. primuloides, D. racemosus and D. trollii. Two additional entities, D. flavescens and D. rosulatus are considered unresolved. A synopsis of the genus is provided, the necessary new combinations are made, and a dichotomous key and distribution maps to the accepted species are given. Lectotypes are designated for Lithospermum echioides, L. secundiflorum, Mertensia tibetica and M. nuristanica, and a neotype for Moltkia trollii. Mertensia lindelofioides and Pseudomertensia drummondii are excluded from Decalepidanthus and referred to the genus Lindelofia.
The tryphosine genus Cheirimedon in Australian waters (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Lysianassidae, Tryphosinae)
Authors: KILGALLEN N.M. , LOWRY J.K.
Published: September 2015

The genus Cheirimedon is reviewed and the monotypic genus Tryphosoides placed in its synonymy. We describe fourteen new species of Cheirimedon, all from Australian waters, bringing the total number of species in the genus to 22. Full synonymies and distribution data are provided for all taxa. A key to the world species is provided.
A taxonomic revision of the Phrynosoma douglasii species complex (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae)
Authors: MONTANUCCI RICHARD R.
Published: September 2015

Short-horned lizards (Phrynosoma douglasii species complex) occur throughout the inter-montane West and Great Plains of western North America. The comparative morphology and color pattern variation of short-horned lizards was studied in 3,174 specimens. Multivariate analyses of 20 morphological and color-pattern characters were applied to 977 specimens, and univariate statistics were summarized for 52 samples totaling 1,134 specimens. The results of the morphological data analyses support the recognition of P. douglasii (Bell 1828) as a distinct species, and the resurrection of P. brevirostris Girard 1858a and P. ornatissimum Girard 1858a as species distinct from P. hernandesi Girard 1858a. Two new species allied to P. brevirostris are described: P. bauri sp. nov. from the eastern plains of Colorado and northeastern New Mexico, southeastern Wyoming and southwestern Nebraska south of the North Platte River, and P. diminutum sp. nov. endemic to the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. The Mexican taxon brachycercum Smith 1942 is reassigned as a subspecies of P. ornatissimum, based on non-discrete character differences and overall morphometric similarity. The ranges of P. hernandesi and P. ornatissimum broadly overlap in central New Mexico, the former taxon occupying the coniferous forests of disjunct mountain ranges, the latter occuring in the surrounding desert grasslands. Principal components analysis has revealed morphological evidence of hybridization where the two taxa meet, generally within ecotones between montane forest associations and grasslands. Principal components analysis has also revealed a high level of morphological variability in populations occurring in the Colorado Plateau region of northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, extreme southwestern Colorado and adjacent Utah. The evidence suggests that these populations arose through past hybridization between the two species. The taxon ornatum Girard 1858b, although sharing several traits with P. brevirostris, is morphologically close to P. hernandesi. It is regarded as a stabilized population of hybrid origin, but treated taxonomically as a subspecies of P. hernandesi. The taxonomic arrangement in this study, with the exception of P. douglasii, is largely discordant with the proposed taxonomy from a previously published study based on mitochondrial DNA sequence data.
Annotated Checklist of California Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera)
Authors: ZUPARKO ROBERT L.
Published: September 2015

Based on examination of the literature and specimens, 208 described species in 90 genera of Encyrtidae are listed from California. Data on the original publication, deposition of types, geographic distribution and host records of these species are presented. Forty-three species were established in biocontrol programs, 157 are presumed native, 7 appear to be adventitious introductions, and the origin of one is undetermined. An additional 276 morphospecies are also listed as present in the state within an additional 21 described genera and potentially up to 20 undescribed genera. Altogether, 31 new genera and 36 new species are recorded for the state, as well as 70 new parasitoid-host records.        Errors pertaining to California taxa in previously published papers are corrected. Metaphycus immaculatus (Howard) is reported as a new combination (from Aphycus Mayr).        Three appendices are included: a host/parasitoid listing for the described species present in the state, a listing of taxa previously reported from California under invalid names, and a list of taxa either erroneously reported from the state, or unsuccessful biocontrol introductions.
A Global Assessment of the Spatial Distribution of Precipitation Occurrence
Authors: Smalley Mark , L’Ecuyer Tristan
Published: September 2015

The spatial distribution of precipitation occurrence has important implications for numerous applications ranging from defining cloud radiative effects to modeling hydrologic runoff, statistical downscaling, and stochastic weather generation. This paper introduces a new method of describing the spatial characteristics of rainfall and snowfall that takes advantage of the high sensitivity and high resolution of the W-band cloud precipitation radar aboard CloudSat. The resolution dependence of precipitation occurrence is described by a two-parameter exponential function defined by a shape factor that governs the variation in the distances between precipitation events and a scale length that represents the overall probability of precipitation and number density of distinct events.

Geographic variations in the shape factor and scale length are consistent with large-scale circulation patterns and correlate with environmental conditions on local scales. For example, a large contrast in scale lengths between land and ocean areas reflects the more extensive, widespread nature of precipitation over land than over ocean. An analysis of warm rain in the southeast Pacific reveals a shift from frequent isolated systems to less frequent but more regularly spaced systems along a transect connecting stratocumulus and trade cumulus cloud regimes. A similar analysis during the Amazon wet season reveals a relationship between the size and frequency of convection and zonal wind direction with precipitation exhibiting a more oceanic character during periods of westerly winds. These select examples demonstrate the utility of this approach for capturing the sensitivity of the spatial characteristics of precipitation to environmental influences on both local and larger scales.