bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rainfall and Cloud Dynamics in the Andes: A Southern Ecuador Case Study
Authors: Campozano Lenin , Célleri Rolando , Trachte Katja , Bendix Joerg , Samaniego Esteban
Published: January 2016

Mountain regions worldwide present a pronounced spatiotemporal precipitation variability, which added to scarce monitoring networks limits our understanding of the generation processes involved. To improve our understanding of clouds and precipitation dynamics and cross-scale generation processes in mountain regions, we analyzed spatiotemporal rainfall patterns using satellite cloud products (SCP) in the Paute basin (900–4200 m a.s.l. and 6481 km2) in the Andes of Ecuador. Precipitation models, using SCP and GIS data, reveal the spatial extension of three regimes: a three-modal (TM) regime present across the basin, a bimodal (BM) regime, along sheltered valleys, and a unimodal (UM) regime at windward slopes of the eastern cordillera. Subsequently, the spatiotemporal analysis using synoptic information shows that the dry season of the BM regime during boreal summer is caused by strong subsidence inhibiting convective clouds formation. Meanwhile, in UM regions, low advective shallow cap clouds mainly cause precipitation, influenced by water vapor from the Amazon and enhanced easterlies during boreal summer. TM regions are transition zones from UM to BM and zones on the windward slopes of the western cordillera. These results highlight the suitability of satellite and GIS data-driven statistical models to study spatiotemporal rainfall seasonality and generation processes in complex terrain, as the Andes.
Transport Processes in Porous Media by Self-Potential Method
Authors: Giampaolo Valeria , Calabrese Daniela , Rizzo Enzo
Published: January 2016

A controlled diffusion/infiltration column experimental activity was carried out with the aim of monitoring the leakage of a salty water plume by time-lapse self-potential (SP) measurements. In particular, three tracer tests with different NaCl concentrations (6.00, 1.00, and 0.25 g L−1) were performed and all the measured SP signals showed a sharp reduction corresponding to the arrival of saline front with negative electrical potential values (−78.99±3.24 mV, −54.52±2.28 mV, and −24.12±1.21 mV) which decrease with increasing volume of tracer introduced into the column. Then, measured self-potential values were converted into salt concentration ones by the Planck-Henderson equation and sand diffusion(D)and longitudinal dispersivity (αL) values were estimated by modelling the transport equations in the COMSOL Multiphysics environment. Finally, the results show that measured and estimated NaCl concentrations are well correlated.
Cloning and Expression of Ama r 1, as a Novel Allergen of Amaranthus retroflexus Pollen
Authors: Morakabati Payam , Assarehzadegan Mohammad-Ali , Khosravi Gholam Reza , Akbari Bahareh , Dousti Fatemeh
Published: January 2016

Sensitisation to Amaranthus retroflexus pollen is very common in tropical and subtropical countries. In this study we aimed to produce a recombinant allergenic Ole e 1-like protein from the pollen of this weed. To predict cross-reactivity of this allergen (Ama r 1) with other members of the Ole e 1-like protein family, the nucleotide sequence homology of the Ama r 1 was investigated. The expression of Ama r 1 in Escherichia coli was performed by using a pET-21b(+) vector. The IgE-binding potential of recombinant Ama r 1 (rAma r 1) was evaluated by immunodetection and inhibition assays using 26 patients’ sera sensitised to A. retroflexus pollen. The coding sequence of the Ama r 1 cDNA indicated an open reading frame of 507 bp encoding for 168 amino acid residues which belonged to the Ole e 1-like protein family. Of the 26 serum samples, 10 (38.46%) had significant specific IgE levels for rAma r 1. Immunodetection and inhibition assays revealed that the purified rAma r 1 might be the same as that in the crude extract. Ama r 1, the second allergen from the A. retroflexus pollen, was identified as a member of the family of Ole e 1-like protein.
Optimal Extraction of Gallic Acid fromSuaeda glaucaBge. Leaves and Enhanced Efficiency by Ionic Liquids
Authors: Wang Xin-Hong , Cai Chen , Li Xue-Mei
Published: January 2016

The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was initially applied to extract gallic acid fromSuaeda glaucaBge. using 70% ethanol as extraction solvent. Temperature, liquid-solid ratio, and extraction time were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), obtaining maximum levels of gallic acid (6.30 mg·g−1) at 51°C, 19.52 mL·g−1, and 42.68 min, respectively. The obtained model was statistically significant (p<0.0001). The verification experiments at the optimum conditions yielded gallic acid for 6.21 mg·g−1. Subsequently, under optimal conditions, four ionic liquids were used to extract gallic acid fromSuaeda glaucaBge. The results indicated that the presence of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride allowed increasing the EE of gallic acid up to 8.90 mg·g−1. This might be interpreted in terms of the molecular interaction between ionic liquid and gallic acid. The use of ionic liquids involves a stronger gallic acid extraction capacity than conventional organic volatile solvents. A promising alternative process is proposed for the extraction of gallic acid ofSuaeda glaucaBge.
Dynamic Alterations of miR-34c Expression in the Hypothalamus of Male Rats after Early Adolescent Traumatic Stress
Authors: Li Chuting , Liu Yuan , Liu Dexiang , Jiang Hong , Pan Fang
Published: January 2016

Several types of microRNA (miRNA) overexpression in the brain are associated with stress. One of the targets of miR-34c is the stress-related corticotrophin releasing factor receptor 1 mRNA (CRFR1 mRNA). Here we will probe into the short-term effect and long-term effect of early adolescent traumatic stress on the expression of miR-34c and CRFR1 mRNA. Traumatic stress was established by electric foot shock for six consecutive days using 28-day rats. The anxiety-like behaviors, memory damage, CRFR1 protein, CRFR1 mRNA, and miR-34c expression were detected in our study. The results of our study proved that exposure to acute traumatic stress in early adolescent can cause permanent changes in neural network, resulting in dysregulation of CRFR1 expression and CRFR1 mRNA and miR-34c expression in hypothalamus, anxiety-like behavior, and memory impairment, suggesting that the miR-34c expression in hypothalamus may be an important factor involved in susceptibility to PTSD.
The Effects of Training on Music Perception and Appreciation for Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Looi Valerie , Wong Yuhan , Loo Jenny H. Y.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a music appreciation training program (MATP) to that of focused music listening (FML) for improving music and/or speech in noise perception for postlingually deafened cochlear implant (CI) recipients. It was hypothesized that the MATP would show greater improvements than FML. Ten CI recipients were randomly divided into two groups: one undertaking the MATP and the other undertaking FML. Participants completed four 30-minute sessions per week for 8 weeks, with tests of music and speech-in-noise perception being administered four times per participant: before and after a control period, immediately after the intervention, and 4–8 weeks after intervention. There was a significant pre- to posttraining difference for the MATP group on the instrument identification test, as well as for half of the quality rating assessments. Although no statistically significant improvements were obtained for the FML group, there was a trend of higher scores postintervention for the instrument and ensemble identification tests, and compliance was substantially better than for the MATP group. While the results showed that only the music training significantly improved music perception, the potential of FML to benefit some CI recipients for some tasks was also observed.
Postural Stability in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Is Improved after Stochastic Resonance Therapy
Authors: Kaut Oliver , Brenig Daniel , Marek Milena , Allert Niels , Wüllner Ullrich
Published: January 2016

Background.Postural instability in Parkinson’s disease (PD) increases the risk of falls and is not improved by pharmacological therapy.Objective.We performed a double-blind, randomized sham-controlled study to test the effects of stochastic resonance (whole body vibration) therapy on postural stability in PD.Methods.Fifty-six PD participants were allocated to either experimental or sham groups. The experimental group received four series of vibration over eight days, with each series consisting of six stimulus trains of 60-second duration using a randomized whole body vibration. Participants allocated to the control group received a sham treatment.Results.Within-group analysis revealed that postural stability in the experimental group improved by 17.5% (p=0.005) comparing experimental and sham groups. The between-group analysis of change after treatment comparing both groups also showed a significant improvement of postural stability (p=0.03). Only in the within-group analysis several items were improved after Bonferroni correction, too, rigor 41.6% (p=0.001), bradykinesia 23.7% (p=0.001), tremor 30.8% (p=0.006), andUPDRSIIIsum score 23.9% (p=0.000), but did not reach the level of significance in the between-group analysis.Conclusions.Stochastic resonance therapy significantly enhanced postural stability even in individuals with increased risk of falling. Thus it offers a potential supplementation to canonical treatments of PD.
Novel 4-Thiazolidinone Derivatives as Anti-Infective Agents: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Evaluation
Authors: Gupta Amit , Singh Rajendra , Sonar Pankaj K. , Saraf Shailendra K.
Published: January 2016

A series of new 4-thiazolidinone derivatives was synthesized, characterized by spectral techniques, and screened for antimicrobial activity. All the compounds were evaluated against five Gram-positive bacteria, two Gram-negative bacteria, and two fungi, at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 µg/mL, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of all the compounds were also determined and were found to be in the range of 100–400 µg/mL. All the compounds showed moderate-to-good antimicrobial activity. Compounds4a[2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinazolin-2-yl)-thiazolidin-4-one] and4e[3-(4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)-2-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one] were the most potent compounds of the series, exhibiting marked antimicrobial activity againstPseudomonas fluorescens,Staphylococcus aureus,and the fungal strains. Thus, on the basis of results obtained, it may be concluded that synthesized compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity.
The Relationship between Serum Endocan Levels and Depression in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yoon Kyung Hee , Kim So Yeon , Moon Yoo Sun , Roh Daeyoung , Lee Sang Kyu , Kim Do Hoon
Published: January 2016

Objectives. Growing evidence suggests that angiogenic vascular factors may be involved in the pathogenic mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and recently endocan has been proposed as an angiogenic biomarker. The aim of this study was to measure serum endocan levels according to the presence of depression in AD and to investigate the association among the serum endocan levels, cognitive function, and depression in these patients.Methods. Serum endocan levels were measured in 26 AD patients with depression, 29 AD patients without depression, and 29 healthy controls using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The Mini-Mental State Examination-Korean version (MMSE-KC) and the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (SGDS-K) were used to evaluate cognitive function and depressive symptoms, respectively.Results. Serum endocan levels were significantly lower in AD patients with depression than in AD patients without depression or healthy controls. Serum endocan levels were negatively correlated with SGDS-K scores but not with MMSE-KC scores in AD patients.Conclusions. This study suggests that serum endocan levels might be associated with depression in AD. Future studies are needed to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms or the role of endocan in AD with depression.
Preexposure to Olive Oil Polyphenols Extract Increases Oxidative Load and Improves Liver Mass Restoration after Hepatectomy in Mice via Stress‐Sensitive Genes
Authors: Marinić Jelena , Broznić Dalibor , Milin Čedomila
Published: January 2016

Polyphenols can act as oxidants in some conditions, inducing redox‐sensitive genes. We investigated the effect of preexposure to the olive oil polyphenols extract (PFE) on time‐dependent changes in the hepatic oxidative state in a model of liver regeneration—a process in which oxidative stress associated with the metabolic overload accounts for the early events that contribute to the onset of liver self‐repair. Liver regeneration was induced by one‐third hepatectomy in mice. Prior to hepatectomy, mice were intraperitoneally given either PFE (50 mg/kg body weight) or saline for seven consecutive days, while respective controls received vehicle alone. Redox state‐regulating enzymes and thiol proteins along with the mRNA levels of Nrf2 gene and its targets γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase and heme oxygenase‐1 were determined at different time intervals after hepatectomy. The liver mass restoration was calculated to assess hepatic regeneration. The resulting data demonstrate the effectiveness of preexposure to PFE in stimulating liver regeneration in a model of a small tissue loss which may be ascribed to the transient increase in oxidant load during the first hours after hepatectomy and associated induction of stress response gene‐profiles under the control of Nrf2.
Comparison of Support-Vector Machine and Sparse Representation Using a Modified Rule-Based Method for Automated Myocardial Ischemia Detection
Authors: Tseng Yi-Li , Lin Keng-Sheng , Jaw Fu-Shan
Published: January 2016

An automatic method is presented for detecting myocardial ischemia, which can be considered as the early symptom of acute coronary events. Myocardial ischemia commonly manifests as ST- and T-wave changes on ECG signals. The methods in this study are proposed to detect abnormal ECG beats using knowledge-based features and classification methods. A novel classification method, sparse representation-based classification (SRC), is involved to improve the performance of the existing algorithms. A comparison was made between two classification methods, SRC and support-vector machine (SVM), using rule-based vectors as input feature space. The two methods are proposed with quantitative evaluation to validate their performances. The results of SRC method encompassed with rule-based features demonstrate higher sensitivity than that of SVM. However, the specificity and precision are a trade-off. Moreover, SRC method is less dependent on the selection of rule-based features and can achieve high performance using fewer features. The overall performances of the two methods proposed in this study are better than the previous methods.
Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen Production via Terbium Oxide Based Redox Reactions
Authors: Bhosale Rahul , Kumar Anand , AlMomani Fares
Published: January 2016

The computational thermodynamic modeling of the terbium oxide based two-step solar thermochemical water splitting (Tb-WS) cycle is reported. The 1st step of the Tb-WS cycle involves thermal reduction of TbO2into Tb and O2, whereas the 2nd step corresponds to the production of H2through Tb oxidation by water splitting reaction. Equilibrium compositions associated with the thermal reduction and water splitting steps were determined via HSC simulations. Influence of oxygen partial pressure in the inert gas on thermal reduction of TbO2and effect of water splitting temperature (TL) on Gibbs free energy related to the H2production step were examined in detail. The cycle (ηcycle) and solar-to-fuel energy conversion (ηsolar-to-fuel) efficiency of the Tb-WS cycle were determined by performing the second-law thermodynamic analysis. Results obtained indicate thatηcycleandηsolar-to-fuelincrease with the decrease in oxygen partial pressure in the inert flushing gas and thermal reduction temperature (TH). It was also realized that the recuperation of the heat released by the water splitting reactor and quench unit further enhances the solar reactor efficiency. AtTH=2280 K, by applying 60% heat recuperation, maximumηcycleof 39.0% andηsolar-to-fuelof 47.1% for the Tb-WS cycle can be attained.
TOB1 Deficiency Enhances the Effect of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Tendon-Bone Healing in a Rat Rotator Cuff Repair Model
Authors: Gao Yulei , Zhang Yinquan , Lu Yanghu , Wang Yi , Kou Xingrui , Lou Yi , Kang Yifan
Published: January 2016

Background/Aims: This study investigated the effect of silencing TOB1 (Transducer of ERBB2, 1) expression in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on MSC-facilitated tendon-bone healing in a rat supraspinatus repair model. Methods: Rat MSCs were transduced with a recombinant lentivirus encoding short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against TOB1. MSC cell proliferation was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. The effect of MSCs with TOB1 deficiency on tendon-bone healing in a rat rotator cuff repair model was evaluated by biomechanical testing, histological analysis and collagen type I and II gene expression. An upstream regulator (miR-218) of TOB1 was determined in MSCs. Results: We found that knockdown of TOB1 significantly increased the proliferative activity of rat MSCs in vitro. When MSCs with TOB1 deficiency were injected into injured rat supraspinatus tendon-bone junctions, the effect on tendon-bone healing was enhanced compared to treatment with control MSCs with normal TOB1 expression, as evidenced by elevated levels of ultimate load to failure and stiffness, increased amount of fibrocartilage and augmented expression of collagen type I and type II genes. In addition, we found that the TOB1 3′ untranslated region is a direct target of miR-218. Similar to the effect of TOB1 deficiency, overexpression of miR-218 effectively promoted tendon-bone healing in rat. Conclusion: These results suggest that TOB1 may play a negative role in the effect of MSCs on tendon-bone healing, and imply that expression of TOB1 may be regulated by miR-218.
The Comparative Effects of Risperidone Long-Acting Injection and Paliperidone Palmitate on Social Functioning in Schizophrenia: A 6-Month, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Koshikawa Yosuke , Takekita Yoshiteru , Kato Masaki , Sakai Shiho , Onohara Ai , Sunada Naotaka , Nishida Keiichiro , Yoshimura Masafumi , Fabbri Chiara , Serretti Alessandro , Kinoshita Toshihiko
Published: January 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) and paliperidone palmitate (PP) on non-acute-phase social functioning in patients with schizophrenia. Patients and Methods: In this 6-month pilot, open-label, randomized controlled study, 30 patients with schizophrenia who had been treated with RLAI were randomly allocated to the RLAI continuation group or switched to the PP group. Patients were evaluated at baseline and 6 months with the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) as the primary outcome variable and University of California San Diego Performance-Based Skills Assessment Brief (UPSA-B), Social Emotional Cognition Task (SECT), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS) scores as secondary outcomes. Results: At baseline, the two groups did not significantly differ in demographic or clinical features. The two groups did not differ in total score changes for the UPSA-B, the SECT, the PANSS, and the DIEPSS. However, the total scores and the two subscales of the SFS, i.e. independence-competence and independence-performance, were more improved in the PP group compared to the RLAI group (total scores, p = 0.038; competence, p = 0.001, and performance, p = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion: These results suggest that PP may improve the total social functioning, independent life competence, and performance as compared to the RLAI group. However, these results are preliminary and need independent replication in larger samples before any definitive statement can be made.
Whole-Brain Computed Tomographic Perfusion Imaging in Acute Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Ciambella Chelsey C. , Masud Muhammad W. , Levy Elad I. , Snyder Kenneth V. , Siddiqui Adnan H.
Published: January 2016

Background: Acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (VST) can be difficult to diagnose because of its diverse clinical presentation. The utility of perfusion imaging for diagnosing VST is not well understood. Summary: We retrospectively reviewed cases of acute VST in patients who underwent whole-brain (320-detector-row) computed tomographic (CT) perfusion imaging in combination with craniocervical CT venography. Perfusion maps that were analyzed included cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time, and time to peak. Among the 10 patients with acute VST included in this study, 9 had perfusion abnormalities. All perfusion abnormalities were localized in areas adjacent to the occluded sinus and did not match typical anterior or posterior circulation arterial territories. Bilateral perfusion deficits were seen in 4 cases. In 2 cases, parenchymal hemorrhage was diagnosed on noncontrast CT imaging; in those cases, focal CBV and CBF were reduced. Key Messages: Whole-brain CT perfusion imaging with 320-detector-row scanners can further assist in establishing the diagnosis of VST by detecting perfusion abnormalities corresponding to venous and not arterial territories. CT perfusion could assist in the differentiation between focal reversible changes, such as those caused by vasogenic edema, and irreversible changes due to infarction.
Allergy to Red Meat: A Diagnosis Made by the Patient and Confirmed by an Assay for IgE Antibodies Specific for Alpha-1,3-Galactose
Authors: Kaloga Mamadou , Kourouma Sarah , Kouassi Yao Isidore , Ecra Elidje Joseph , Gbery Ildevert Patrice , Allou Ange S. , Diabate Almamy , Djeha Djokouehi , Sangaré Abdoulaye , Yoboue Yao Pauline
Published: January 2016

We report the first case of allergy to red meat observed in Ivory Coast. A 49-year-old male presented with pruritus. The diagnosis of allergy to red meat was confirmed by an assay for IgE antibodies specific for alpha-1,3 galactose. Interestingly, the disease was considered a spell to the patient who was suspected of being a sorcerer by the community.
Habitat quantity of Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis (Aves: Piciformes: Picidae) in its former historic landscape near the Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas, USA
Authors: Thapa Vivek , Acevedo Miguel F.
Published: January 2016

We quantified pine-forested habitat suitable for Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis in the former historic range of the species to assess the potential for possible re-colonization.  We used a remotely-sensed image and geographic information systems (GIS) to create a land-use/land (LU/LC) binary cover map, from which we calculated the habitat suitability index (HSI) based on an estimated home range of 50ha.  A sensitivity analysis revealed the necessity for more data to make an accurate estimate, but our analysis of landscape metrics indicates more than 930ha of suitable habitat patches.  These patches are heavily fragmented and mostly located on private lands.  They can be assessed for understory and herbaceous vegetation and can be restored for possible re-establishment of approximately 18 groups/colonies of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.

 
Avifauna of Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, India with emphasis on Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary and its surroundings
Authors: Shah Tariq Ahmed , Ahuja Vishal , Anandam Martina , Srinivasulu Chelmala
Published: January 2016

The avifaunal diversity of Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh with emphasis on Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding was observed for a period of one year between 2012 and 2013.  We observed 95 species of birds belonging to 12 orders and 40 families.  Of this diversity, 41 species were abundant to common, 34 occasional and 20 rare.  Most species were resident (83 species, including two species whose population increased during winters) and the rest were migrants (including nine winter migrating species and three summer migrating species).  A total of 302 species of birds have been reported from Chamba District between 1884 and present. Analysis of recent published literature in conjunction with the present study reveals that 178 species of birds have been reported from Chamba District since 2000.  The present study reports 11 new records for the district.

 
The conservation status of the Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus Bennett, 1833 (Carnivora: Felidae) In Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal
Authors: Taylor Iain Rothie , Baral Hem Sagar , Pandey Prava , Kaspal Prativa
Published: January 2016

The status of the Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal was assessed by camera trapping and pugmark searches from 2011 to 2014.  The reserve is a highly dynamic and unstable snow-fed braided river system with many anabranches and islands.  Evidence of Fishing Cats was found throughout most of the reserve.  They were probably more abundant on the eastern side, among the islands of the main river channel, and in the adjacent buffer zone where there was a chain of fishponds and marsh areas fed by seepage from the main river channel.  Evidence of Fishing Cats was found up to 6km north of the reserve on the Koshi River but not beyond this.  The population is probably small and may be isolated but given the endangered status of the species, is significant.  The main likely threats identified are wetland and riparian habitat deterioration caused by over exploitation and illegal grazing by villagers, overfishing of wetlands and rivers within the reserve, and direct persecution arising from perceived conflicts with fish farming and poultry husbandry.  Required conservation actions are discussed.

 
New locality record of the Travancore Bush Frog Raorchestes travancoricus Boulenger, 1891 (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India
Authors: Rajkumar K. Pratap , Prasad T. S. , Das Sandeep , Sreehari R. , Easa P. S. , Sreejith K. A.
Published: January 2016

Raorchestes travancoricus is a rare and endemic rhacophorid from southern Western Ghats. The frog was listed in the Extinct category of the IUCN Red List until June 2015, even after its rediscovery in 2004.  In June 2015, the R. travancoricus was reassessed to Endangered category. All published reports of the species are restricted to disturbed habitats outside protected areas and the current study report the presence of the species from eight different localities from a protected area the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

 
Checklist of Marine Mammals of Kerala - a reply to Kumarran (2016) and the updated Checklist of Marine Mammals of Kerala
Authors: Nameer P. O.
Published: January 2016

NA
A replacement name for Asthenes wyatti perijanus Phelps 1977
Authors: CHESSER R. TERRY
Published: January 2016

A recent near-complete phylogeny of the avian family Furnariidae (Derryberry et al. 2011) found a number of discrepancies between the phylogeny and the then-current taxonomy of the group, and several changes were proposed to reconcile the taxonomy of the family with the phylogeny. Among these was the merging of the genus Schizoeaca Cabanis 1873 into Asthenes Reichenbach 1853 (Derryberry et al. 2010). This change has now been generally adopted. The Committee on Classification and Nomenclature (South America) of the American Ornithologists’ Union (Remsen et al. 2015) passed a proposal to merge the genera in 2010, and recent global reference works (e.g., Dickinson & Christidis 2014) have likewise adopted the lumping of these genera.
Change in Tropical Cyclone Activity during the Break of the Western North Pacific Summer Monsoon in Early August
Authors: Xu Ke , Lu Riyu
Published: January 2016

The modulation of tropical cyclone (TC) activity by the western North Pacific (WNP) monsoon break is investigated by analyzing the subseasonal evolution of TCs and corresponding circulations, based on 65 years of data from 1950 to 2014. The monsoon break has been identified as occurring over the WNP in early August. The present results show that TC occurrence decreases (increases) remarkably to the east of the Mariana Islands (southeast of Japan) during the monsoon break, which is closely related to local anomalous midtropospheric downward (upward) motion and lower-tropospheric anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation, in comparison with the previous and subsequent convective periods in late July and mid-August. These changes of TC activity and the corresponding circulation during the monsoon break are more significant in typical monsoon break years when the monsoon break phenomenon is predominant. The reverse changes of TC activity to the east of the Mariana Islands and to the southeast of Japan during the monsoon break are closely associated with the out-of-phase subseasonal evolutions over these two regions from late July to mid-August, which are both contributed to greatly by 10–25-day oscillations. Finally, the roles of midlatitude and tropical disturbances on 10–25-day oscillations are also discussed.
Studies on thermal maturity and hydrocarbon potential of lignites of Bikaner–Nagaur basin, Rajasthan
Authors: Singh Prakash K. , Rajak Pramod K. , Singh Vijay K. , Singh Mahendra P. , Naik Amiya S. , Raju Srinivasan V.
Published: January 2016

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to study lignite samples from the working mines of Bikaner–Nagaur basin of Rajasthan with reference to their maturity and their hydrocarbon potential. The study has been made on the basis of petrological and geochemical characteristics. The assessments made through the empirically derived equations have been cross-checked and correlated with the rock-eval data. The study reveals that the low rank coals of Bikaner–Nagaur basin contain mainly kerogen type-III organic matter and are dominantly composed of huminite (77–87%) with small concentrations of liptinite (4–11%) and inertinite (2–14%), which are worth liquefying to obtain liquid oil and gas. Further, the high conversion factor (93–95%) and high oil yield (63–65%) make them industrially significant, considering the vast lignite resource of the region.
Improvement of Lesion Detection by Complete Angular Compound Ultrasonic Elastography
Authors: Liu Chenhui , Zhou Yufeng
Published: January 2016

Quasi-static ultrasound elastography is an emerging diagnostic imaging modality for determining the stiffness of pathologically changed soft tissues, which do not show significant differences in acoustic impedance for B-mode imaging. Although some methods were applied to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNRe) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNRe) of the constructed elastogram, nonuniform strain distribution at the internal boundary of a hard inclusion, even with the uniform displacement on the surface, is an inherent mechanical effect and results in distortion at the detected lesion boundary. To overcome such stress concentrations, a new elastographic modality was proposed, where the elastograms from different angles throughout 360° were compounded. The strain field and subsequent ultrasound images were calculated using the finite element method (FEM) and Field II, respectively, from which the elastograms were constructed. The performance of complete angular compound elastography with varied interval angles, lesion sizes, and ratios of Young’s moduli of the lesion to the background was simulated and compared with that of conventional axial strain elastography. It is found that viewing the lesion from only about 10 angles (interval of 36°) would significantly improve the image quality of elastogram (increasing SNRe by at least 13% and CNRe by at least 5.8 dB), reduce the lesion distortion in the lateral direction, and enhance the sensitivity, resolution, and accuracy of lesion detection. A preliminary phantom study showed similar improvements. Altogether, complete angular compound elastography improves the elastogram quality and reduces the mechanical effects in lesion detection.
A Diagnosis to Consider in Intellectual Disability
Authors: Kilic Esra , Cetinkaya Arda , Utine Gülen Eda , Boduroğlu Koray
Published: January 2016

Mowat-Wilson syndrome is a multiple congenital anomaly and intellectual disability syndrome characterized by a unique face and various other structural and functional anomalies. The condition is caused by de novo heterozygous mutations or deletions in ZEB2 gene located at 2q22. ZEB2 encodes Sip1 protein, which acts during central nervous system development as an important transcription factor. Herein, we report on 3 novel mutations in 6 patients with the syndrome, with an overview of corresponding clinical findings. Growth retardation and Hirschsprung disease were less common in the present cohort. One patient with a novel mutation p.Y489X had no associated anomalies except the characteristic facial and neurobehavioral phenotype. Reporting new patients with novel mutations would contribute to better delineation of the syndrome and would help clinicians establish formal diagnostic criteria and genotype-phenotype correlations.
Antimicrobial and biocompatible ε-polylysine–γ-poly(glutamic acid)–based hydrogel system for wound healing
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhou Bo , Xu De-lei , Xu Hong , Liang Lei , Feng Xiao-hai , Ouyang Ping-kai , Chi Bo
Published: January 2016

Biocompatible and antimicrobial wound dressings are important biomaterials for tissue adhesion and healing. Hydrogels derived from natural polyamino acids are ideal wound dressing because of their good water solubility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this study, we introduce poly(amino acid)–based hydrogels as a new type of wound dressing for wound healing. The composite hydrogels were derived from water-soluble ε-polylysine and γ-poly(glutamic acid) cross-linked by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide and N-hydroxy-succinimide. The gelation is attributed to the reaction between the amino groups of ε-polylysine and carboxyl groups of γ-poly(glutamic acid). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the composite hydrogels. The effect of the ratio of ε-polylysine and γ-poly(glutamic acid) on the gelation time, surface morphology, equilibrium swelling, elastic moduli, adhesive strength, and in vitro degradation of composite hydrogels was examined. The hydrogels showed excellent antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Indirect cytotoxicity assessment indicated that the composite hydrogels were nontoxic to the L929 cell. The potential of the composite hydrogel as wound dressing was demonstrated by applying it in the skin incision. Results demonstrated that the composite hydrogel showed superior healing effects compared with suture, fibrin glue, and compont skin adhesive, while eliciting less inflammatory response. In conclusion, antimicrobial and biocompatible ε-polylysine–γ-poly(glutamic acid) composite may have great application for wound healing.
Managing bacterial biofilms with chitosan-based polymeric nitric oxides: Inactivation of biofilm bacteria and synergistic effects with antibiotics
Authors: Tang Ruogu , Jiang Fuguang , Wen Jianchuan , Deng Ying , Sun Yuyu
Published: January 2016

In this study, we developed a new approach in the preparation of chitosan-based polymeric nitric oxides. Chitosan film (unreacted chitosan) reacted with glutaraldehyde to introduce aldehyde groups onto the material surface (glutaraldehyde-treated chitosan). Glutaraldehyde-treated chitosan reacted with a small-molecule nitric oxide donor, 3,3-bis(aminoethyl)-1-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-triazene, to covalently immobilize nitric oxide–releasing moieties onto the polymer (chitosan-based polymeric nitric oxide). Chitosan-based polymeric nitric oxide showed sustained release of nitric oxide. The activation energies and rate constants of nitric oxide release were determined. The released nitric oxide provided potent antimicrobial effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria living in biofilms, and the chitosan-based polymeric nitric oxide film showed added/synergistic effects with common antibiotics. At 4°C, the chitosan-based polymeric nitric oxide could be stored for more than 1 month, without significantly losing nitric oxide–releasing capabilities. Furthermore, chitosan-based polymeric nitric oxide showed excellent biocompatibility with mammalian cells, pointing to great potentials of the new materials for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Taste and Smell Disturbance Resulting From Midodrine
Authors: Horger Stephanie , Kandrac Stacy , Longyhore Daniel S.
Published: January 2016

Objective:

To report a case of dysgeusia and dysosmia following midodrine initiation.

Methods/Case Summary:

A 58-year-old male started midodrine 5 mg tablets 3 times a day for orthostatic hypotension. Two weeks after starting, he began complaining of dysgeusia and dysosmia. He also reported less of an appetite at this time but did not realize it was due to symptoms. He reported his symptoms as tolerable and chose to continue the medicine. At follow-up contact 7 days later, the symptoms were still present but diminishing.

Main results/Discussion:

Midodrine is used for symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. Dysgeusia and dysosmia are not common adverse events and are not included in the manufacturer’s labeling. There is only one other published case report of this reaction. Our patient only admitted to slight appetite suppression, but it may be more profound in some. The reaction may be dose related, but there is not enough information to make this conclusion.

Principal conclusions:

Using midodrine may result in dysgeusia and dysosmia. According to this case, both adverse effects may lessen or resolve over time with the use of the medication.
Mapping acquisition of loading loss coefficient of main driving system of machine tools
Authors: Xie Jun , Liu Fei , Huang Jing , Qiu Hang
Published: January 2016

The machining systems that mainly consist of machine tools are numerous and are used in a wide range in industries. The total amount of energy consumption by machining systems in the world is extremely high. The loading loss energy is one of the most important and complicated parts of the energy consumption of machine tool in machining processes. The key of acquiring the loading loss energy is the acquisition of the loading loss coefficient, which is indispensable for machine tools’ energy efficiency on-line monitoring, energy prediction and energy quota customization. Up to now, the loading loss coefficient is mainly obtained by the experimental method which needs to conduct a large amount of experiments and a comprehensive on-line measurement to obtain the input power, idle power and cutting power beforehand. On the other hand, in many cases, it is unavailable to install the dynamometers on the machine tool’s worktable to measure the parameters on-line. This article provides a mapping method to acquire the loading loss coefficient of main driving system of machine tools. First, choose a standard machine tool, cutter and workpiece to construct the standard machining circumstance. Second, carry out the experiments with a series of given cutting parameters under the standard circumstance and record the cutting power accordingly. Third, construct the overall cutting power model which can be used to calculate the cutting power of any other target machine tools under the standard machining circumstance. Fourth, establish the air-cutting power database of the target machine tools. Then, carry out the experiments on the target machine tool with the parameters which is as close as possible to the standard parameters and record the input power of the main driving system respectively. Finally, substitute the input power, air-cutting power and cutting power into the acquisition model to calculate the loading loss coefficient. The case study indicates that this method with high accuracy, on the other hand, can simplify the procedure of the acquisition of the loading loss coefficient to a great degree and shows that the method is practical and promising.
Eppur Si Muove: vitamin D is essential in preventing and modulating SLE
Authors: Azrielant S , Shoenfeld Y
Published: January 2016

Systemic lupus erythematosus (abbreviated SLE or lupus) is a systemic autoimmune disease, with genetic, immunologic, hormonal, and environmental factors. 1 One of the environmental factors that has been studied over the years is vitamin D, which is created in the human body in response to exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

This review aims at examining findings from recent years, specifically 2013–2014, regarding the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and SLE flares, severity, and clinical manifestation, as well as to examine the treatment options derived from this relationship.
From painful busyness to emotional immunization: Nurses’ experiences of ethical challenges
Authors: Storaker Anne , Nåden Dagfinn , Sæteren Berit
Published: January 2016

Background:

The professional values presented in ethical guidelines of the Norwegian Nurses Organisation and International Council of Nurses describe nurses’ professional ethics and the obligations that pertain to good nursing practice. The foundation of all nursing shall be respect for life and the inherent dignity of the individual. Research proposes that nurses lack insight in ethical competence and that ethical issues are rarely discussed on the wards. Furthermore, research has for some time confirmed that nurses experience moral distress in their daily work and that this has become a major problem for the nursing profession.

Objectives:

The purpose of this article is to obtain a deeper understanding of the ethical challenges that nurses face in daily practice. The chosen research questions are “What ethical challenges do nurses experience in their daily practice?”

Research design:

We conducted a qualitative interview study using a hermeneutical approach to analyzing data describing nurses’ experiences.

Ethical considerations:

The Norwegian Social Science Data services approved the study. Furthermore, the head of the hospital gave permission to conduct the investigation. The requirement of anonymity and proper data storage in accordance with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki was met.

Method and results:

The context for the study comprised three different clinical wards at a university hospital in Norway. Nine qualified nurses were interviewed. The results were obtained through a systematic development beginning with the discovery of busyness as a painful phenomenon that can lead to conflicts in terms of ethical values. Furthermore, the consequences compromising professional principles in nursing care emerged and ended in moral blindness and emotional immunization of the healthcare providers. Emotional immunization occurred as a new dimension involving moral blindness and immunity in relation to being emotionally touched.
Childhood Immunization and Access to Health Care
Authors: Devkota Satis , Panda Bibhudutta
Published: January 2016

This article examines the effect of access to health care center, in terms of travel time, on childhood immunization in Nepal using the 2004 and 2011 waves of the Nepal Living Standards Measurement Surveys. We employ probit and instrumental variable probit estimation methods to estimate the causal effect of travel time on the probability of immunization. Results indicate that travel time to the nearest health center displays a significant negative association with the probability of immunization (coefficient = −0.015, P < .05). Furthermore, the effect of travel time tends to be stronger in rural and distant areas of Nepal’s mountain and hill regions. The results suggest that policy interventions should increase the number of mobile clinics in rural villages and provide conditional cash transfer to incentivize immunization coverage at the household level. In addition, household income, parental education, ethnicity, and household location emerge as important determinants of immunization in Nepal.
Benefit Finding in Maternal Caregivers of Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Willard Victoria W. , Hostetter Sarah A. , Hutchinson Katherine C. , Bonner Melanie J. , Hardy Kristina K.
Published: January 2016

Objective: Benefit finding has been described as the identification of positive effects resulting from otherwise stressful experiences. In this mixed methods study, we examined the relations between qualitative themes related to benefit finding and quantitative measures of psychosocial adjustment and coping as reported by maternal caregivers of survivors of pediatric cancer. Methods: Female caregivers of survivors of pediatric cancer (n = 40) completed a qualitative questionnaire about their experiences caring for their child, along with several quantitative measures. Qualitative questionnaires were coded for salient themes, including social support and personal growth. Correlation matrices evaluated associations between qualitative themes and quantitative measures of stress and coping. Results: Identified benefits included social support and personal growth, as well as child-specific benefits. Total benefits reported were significantly positively correlated with availability of emotional resources. Coping methods were also associated, with accepting responsibility associated with fewer identified benefits. Conclusion: Despite the stress of their child’s illness, many female caregivers of survivors of pediatric cancer reported finding benefits associated with their experience. Benefit finding in this sample was associated with better adjustment.
An efficient methodology for simulating roll dynamics of a tank vehicle coupled with transient fluid slosh
Authors: Kolaei Amir , Rakheja Subhash , Richard Marc J
Published: January 2016

An efficient methodology is proposed for simulation of roll dynamics of a tank vehicle system coupled with transient hydrodynamic forces due to fluid slosh. The transient fluid slosh in a horizontal cylindrical tank is analytically modeled considering simultaneous lateral, vertical and roll excitations assuming potential flows and a linearized free-surface boundary condition. For this purpose, the fluid domain in the Cartesian coordinate system is transformed to the bipolar coordinates, where the Laplace equation could be solved using separation of variables. The resulting hydrodynamic pressure, free-surface elevation and slosh force and roll moment are formulated in the tank-fixed coordinate system. The transient fluid slosh model is subsequently integrated to a dynamic roll plane model of a tank vehicle combination to investigate the effect of transient liquid slosh on the roll stability of the vehicle during steady-turning as well as path-change maneuvers. The analyses are performed for different fluid fill heights considering both variable and constant cargo load conditions. The results suggest that the roll stability of tank vehicles can be efficiently analyzed using the coupled linear slosh and multi-body vehicle models with significantly lower computational effort than the methods employing computational fluid dynamic fluid slosh models.