bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhachidelus brazili Boulenger, 1908 (Squamata: Serpentes: Dipsadidae): new records, range extension and distribution map in Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states, Brazil
Authors: Arruda Luana A. G. , Ávila Robson W. , Morais Drausio H. , Kawashita-Ribeiro Ricardo A.
Published: May 2015

The present study reports new records of the Dipsadid snake Rhachidelus brazili Boulenger, 1908, from Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states, Brazil. Our data extend the known geographical distribution ca. 713 km to the northwest and constitute the first record in the Upper Paraguay sub-basin.
Procellosaurinus erythrocercus Rodrigues, 1991 (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae): Distribution extension
Authors: Delfim Fagner Ribeiro , Mesquita Daniel Oliveira , Fernandes-Ferreira Hugo , Cavalcanti Lucas Barbosa de Queiroga
Published: May 2015

We report the northernmost occurrence of Procellosaurinus erythrocercus in South America. This species was originally described from the paleoquaternary sand dunes complex of the São Francisco River, and found later at Serra das Confusões, Piauí state. We found P. erythrocercus at São Francisco de Assis do Piauí and Pavussu municipalities, Piauí state, about 253 kilometers northwest from its type locality. This record corroborates the theory that sand dune refuges were created during recent geological eras.
Physalaemus cicada Bokermann, 1966 (Anura: Leiuperidae): Distribution extension with new south limit and geographic distribution map
Authors: Linares Antônio Meira , Mello Humberto Espírito Santo de
Published: May 2015

The genus Physalaemus is distributed east of the Andes, from northern to southern South America. Physalaemus cicada is a terrestrial species with wide distribution, found mainly in the Caatinga domain, but also in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest. Herein we present a distribution extension with a new southernmost record for the species in Minas Gerais state (municipality of Belo Horizonte), as well as a geographic distribution map.
Aves, Cardinalidae, Piranga flava (Vieillot, 1822): filling gaps by means of historical and recent records in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil
Authors: Vizentin-Bugoni Jeferson , Jacobs Fernando Pereira
Published: May 2015

The Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava (Vieillot, 1822) is considered rare in southern Brazil and its occurrence in southeastern Rio Grande do Sul is controversial. Here, our aims were to investigate and compile the historical and recent evidences of the species in this region by consulting museums, literature and providing documented recent records. We confirmed the origins of two old specimens and provided nineteen recent records obtained in five sites between 2008 and 2010. Our results show that Piranga flava occurs in southeastern of Rio Grande do Sul since the late 1800s and currently may be found all year long in this region.
First record of Flabellina dana Millen and Hamann, 2006 (Mollusca: Nudibranchia) in the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Sales Licia , Delgado Marlon , Queiroz Vinicius , Padula Vinicius , Sampaio Cláudio L. S. , Johnsson Rodrigo
Published: May 2015

The nudibranch Flabellina dana Millen and Hamann, 2006 is reported from two localities in the northeastern Brazilian coast. These are the first records of this species, previously recorded from localities in the Bahamas and the Caribbean Sea, in South Atlantic Ocean, extending its known geographic distribution more than 3500 km southward.
Mammalia, Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae Rhogeessa hussoni Genoways and Baker, 1996: first record for the state of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Mikalauskas Jefferson S. , Rocha Patrício A. da , Dias Daniela , Peracchi Adriano L.
Published: May 2015

The occurrence of Rhogeessa hussoni Genoways and Baker, 1996 in the state of Sergipe is reported here based on an adult female collected in mist nets during a chiropteran survey of the Refúgio da Vida Silvestre Mata do Junco (RVS-Mata do Junco), a 894 ha fragment of lowland Atlantic Forest. Measurements and taxonomic comments about this species are given. Despite the variability found in coloration of the ventral pelage, qualitative and quantitative characters allowed the identification of the specimen as R. hussoni. The present record increases to twenty-eight the number of bat species recorded for Sergipe and confirms the presence of R. hussoni in the Atlantic Forest biome.
Uroderma magnirostrum Davis, 1968 (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae): first record from the state of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Rocha Patrício A. da , Feijó José Anderson , Ruiz-Esparza Juan , Ferrari Stephen F.
Published: May 2015

This study provides the first record of Uroderma magnirostrum Davis, 1968 from the state of Sergipe in the Brazilian northeast, based on the capture of two specimens, one male and one female. The morphometric data and morphological characters were consistent with those recorded for the species at other Brazilian sites. This record extends the distributional range of the species within South America approximately 220 km eastwards.
Revised checklist and distribution maps of Anopheles (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae: Anophelinae) mosquitoes of Bangladesh
Authors: Bashar Kabirul , Mahmud Khandakar Hasan , Reza Md. Selim , Goda Partho , Rain Faria Farhana , Jesmin Mahmuda , Asaduzzaman Asaduzzaman
Published: May 2015

It has been 25 years since the publication of the first checklist of mosquito in Bangladesh and several significant taxonomic changes have occurred. Therefore, considering these changes, we prepare an updated list of Anopheles species in Bangladesh along with their distribution maps. A total of 36 Anopheles species have been listed from Bangladesh and these species belong to either the sub-genus Anopheles or Cellia but we captured 30 species in our study. Eleven species were distributed all over Bangladesh but Anopheles nivipes and An. turkhudi were found only in Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar areas respectively. Anopheles sundaicus were found limited number in the costal belt of Bangladesh. Nearly all Anopheles species were found in Southeastern hilly parts of Bangladesh. However, An. vagus, An. philippinensis, An. barbirostris distribute all over the Bangladesh with high density.
Checklist of non-native fish species of Sorocaba River Basin, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Biagioni Renata Cassemiro , Ribeiro Amanda Rocha , Smith Welber Senteio
Published: May 2015

The present study aimed to create an inventory of non-native fish species in the basin of the Sorocaba river, located at Upper Rio Paraná. Fish were collected between August 2010 and January 2012 using nets with meshes, round shaped fishing nets, hand net and electric fishing equipment, as well as contacts with fishermen to seek information on species captured in the basin. Besides, we used published data and information contained in reports, monographs and thesis. Five non-native fish species were collected: Tilapia rendalli, Oreochromis niloticus, Pterygoplichthys anisitsi, Poecilia vivipara and Triportheus nematurus that represented 10.63% of all fish species captured in the basin of the Sorocaba river. The occurrence of eight other species, although they were not collected by the sampling program of this study, had already been reported in previous studies, and had already been captured by amateur and professional fishermen, particularly in the reservoir of Itupararanga and in the urban stretch of the Sorocaba river.
Observations of the under-described avifauna of the Mostardas Peninsula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Harrison Nancy M. , Whitehouse Michael J. , Madureira Lauro A. S. P.
Published: May 2015

The Mostardas Peninsula on the east coast of Rio Grande do Sul state, Southern Brazil is important for migratory shorebirds that depend upon the wetlands in the Lagoa do Peixe National Park. However, previous surveys have suggested that the Peninsula is bereft of terrestrial birds relative to similar habitat in Rio Grande do Sul. We used rapid assessment methods to evaluate terrestrial bird diversity and note observations of migratory birds at the western margin of Lagoa do Peixe National Park between 11 February 2007 and 25 March 2007. We recorded fourteen species not previously reported for this area, including several new breeding records, and detail the occurrence of mixed-species foraging flocks in fragmented woodland. We discuss the reasons for the discrepancy between our observations of the terrestrial avifauna and previous reports, and the possibility that the Mostardas Peninsula is a passerine migratory route that remains poorly documented.
Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis (Columbiformes: Columbidae): first record for the Madeira Archipelago, Portugal
Authors: Rocha Ricardo
Published: May 2015

An adult Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis (Linnaeus, 1766) was recorded in Deserta Grande Island, Desertas Islands Nature Reserve, Madeira Archipelago, Portugal. This represents the first record of the species for the archipelago and the third confirmed record of S. senegalensis in Portugal.
First and easternmost record of Molossops temminckii (Burmeister, 1854) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) for the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Nunes Hannah Larissa de F. L. , Feijó José Anderson , Beltrão Mayara , Lopez Luiz Carlos Serramo , Fracasso Maria Paula De Aguiar
Published: May 2015

This study provides the easternmost record of Molossops temminckii (Burmeister 1854), and the first for the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. These records were based on the capture of six specimens, three males and three females. The morphometric data and morphological characters were consistent with those described in the literature. This record extends the distributional range of the species approximately 470 km eastwards.
Nymphaeaceae, Nymphaea belophylla Trickett: new state record
Authors: Amador Gisaine De Andrade , Damasceno-Júnior Geraldo Alves , Silva Rosa Helena da , Pott Arnildo , Pott Vali Joana
Published: May 2015

We report the first record of Nymphaea belophylla for the Pantanal wetland in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, being the southernmost record of this waterlily. It is one of the seven neotropical species of this genus in the Pantanal. We collected N. belophylla during a study on seasonality of herbaceous species composition in a remote area of the Paraguay river floodplain, what reinforces the importance of floristic surveys to improve knowledge on species distribution.
New records of bats for the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil (Mammalia: Chiroptera)
Authors: Maas Andrea Cecília Sicotti , Dias Daniela , Pol André , Martins Mayara Almeida , Araújo Roberta Miranda de , Gil Bruno Bret , Schutte Michel , Peracchi Adriano Lúcio
Published: May 2015

We provide four news records of bats—Micronycteris hirsuta (Peters, 1869), Dermanura gnoma (Handley, 1987), Myotis riparius Handley, 1960, and Myotis lavali Moratelli, Peracchi, Dias and Oliveira, 2011 to the Piauí State, northestern Brazil. We also provide measurements and taxonomic comments about the species recorded. With these new records, 59 bat species are now recognized for the Piauí.
First record of Bledius caribbeanus Blackwelder, 1943 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) from Brazil and distributional extension of B. hermani Caron and Ribeiro- Costa, 2007
Authors: Rosa Leonardo C. , Caron Edilson , Sousa-Souto Leandro
Published: May 2015

Two species of Bledius Leach, 1819 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Oxytelinae) are recorded for northeastern Brazilian coast. The occurrence of B. caribbeanus Blackwelder, 1943 is reported for the first time in Brazil and the geographical distribution of B. hermani Caron and Ribeiro-Costa, 2007 is extended.
Liliopsida, Arecaceae, Geonoma undata Klotzsch: range extension for Zulia state, Venezuela
Authors: Arias Juan Carlos , Stauffer Fred
Published: May 2015

The occurrence of the palm Geonoma undata Klotzsch is registered for the first time for the state of Zulia, Venezuela, as result of a floristic survey made at Cerro Las Antenas, in the Serranía de Perijá. This species is catalogued as “vulnerable” according to the Red Book of Venezuelan Flora.
Tropidophorus robinsoni Smith, 1919 (Squamata: Scincidae): new distribution record and map
Authors: Waiprom Likhit , Chuaynkern Yodchaiy , Duengkae Prateep , Chuaynkern Chantip , Sriboarod Kriangsak
Published: May 2015

We present a new locality for Tropidophorus robinsoni Smith, 1919 based on a specimen collected from Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand, a new provincial record. The geographical distribution of the species is reviewed and an updated distribution map is presented.
First record of Aspidoscelis motaguae (Sackett, 1941) (Reptilia: Squamata: Teiidae) from Nicaragua
Authors: Köhler Gunther , Saavedra Milton Salazar , Martinez Jose , Lopez Gabriel , Sunyer Javier
Published: May 2015

Reporting on the first locality in Nicaragua, we extend the known geographic distribution of Aspidoscelis motaguae (Sackett, 1941) about 43 km southeastward from its nearest known locality, in Honduras. We shortly discuss some conservational implications and provide a photo of one Nicaraguan individual that was not collected.
Judgment of Nasolabial Esthetics in Cleft Lip and Palate is Not Influenced by Overall Facial Attractiveness
Authors: Kocher Katharina , Kowalski Piotr , Kolokitha Olga-Elpis , Katsaros Christos , Fudalej Piotr S.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To determine whether judgment of nasolabial esthetics in cleft lip and palate (CLP) is influenced by overall facial attractiveness.

Design

Experimental study.

Setting

University of Bern, Switzerland.

Subjects and Methods

Seventy-two fused images (36 of boys, 36 of girls) were constructed. Each image comprised (1) the nasolabial region of a treated child with complete unilateral CLP (UCLP) and (2) the external facial features, i.e., the face with masked nasolabial region, of a noncleft child. Photographs of the nasolabial region of six boys and six girls with UCLP representing a wide range of esthetic outcomes, i.e., from very good to very poor appearance, were randomly chosen from a sample of 60 consecutively treated patients in whom nasolabial esthetics had been rated in a previous study. Photographs of external facial features of six boys and six girls without UCLP with various esthetics were randomly selected from patients' files. Eight lay raters evaluated the fused images using a 100-mm visual analogue scale. Method reliability was assessed by reevaluation of fused images after >1 month. A regression model was used to analyze which elements of facial esthetics influenced the perception of nasolabial appearance.

Results

Method reliability was good. A regression analysis demonstrated that only the appearance of the nasolabial area affected the esthetic scores of fused images (coefficient −11.44; P < .001; R2 = 0.464). The appearance of the external facial features did not influence perceptions of fused images.

Conclusion

Cropping facial images for assessment of nasolabial appearance in CLP seems unnecessary. Instead, esthetic evaluation can be performed on images of full faces.
The Effect of Shocks to College Revenues on For-profit Enrollment: Spillover from the Public Sector
Authors: Goodman Sarena F. , Henriques Alice M.
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates whether declines in public funding for post-secondary institutions have increased for-profit enrollment. The two primary channels through which funding might operate to reallocate students across sectors are price (measured by tuition) and quality (measured by resource constraints). We estimate, on average, that a 10 percent cut in appropriations raises tuition about 1to 2 percent and decreases faculty resources by ½ to 1 percent, creating substantial bottlenecks for prospective students on both price and quality. These cuts, in turn, generate a nearly one percentage point increase in the for-profit market share of "elastic" enrollment (i.e. attendees of community colleges plus for-profit institutions), owing entirely to students who, in a better funding environment, would have attended a public institution. We estimate an elasticity of for-profit enrollment with respect to state and local appropriations of 0.2. Finally, we extend our analysis to show that for every 1 percent increase in flagship tuition generated by funding shortfalls, for-profit attendance increases by 1½ percent.
Derivatives Pricing Under Bilateral Counterparty Risk
Authors: Carr Peter , Ghamami Samim
Published: May 2015

We consider risk-neutral valuation of a contingent claim under bilateral counterparty risk in a reduced-form setting similar to that of Duffe and Huang [1996] and Duffe and Singleton [1999]. The probabilistic valuation formulas derived under this framework cannot be usually used for practical pricing due to their recursive path-dependencies. Instead, finite-difference methods are used to solve the quasi-linear partial differential equations that equivalently represent the claim value function. By imposing restrictions on the dynamics of the risk-free rate and the stochastic intensities of the counterparties' default times, we develop path-independent probabilistic valuation formulas that have closed-form solution or can lead to computationally efficient pricing schemes. Our framework incorporates the so-called wrong way risk (WWR) as the two counterparty default intensities can depend on the derivatives values. Inspired by the work of Ghamami and Goldberg [2014] on the impact of WWR on credit value adjustment (CVA), we derive calibration-implied formulas that enable us to mathematically compare the derivatives values in the presence and absence of WWR. We illustrate that derivatives values under unilateral WWR need not be less than the derivatives values in the absence of WWR. A sufficient condition under which this inequality holds is that the price process follows a semimartingale with independent increments.
Study on the Socio-Economic Condition of Fishermen of the Punorvaba River under Sadar Upazila, Dinajpur
Authors: Hossain Faishal Ibna , Miah Md. Idris , All Hosen Md. Hafiz , Pervin Rubaiya , Haque Md. Rezoanul
Published: May 2015

The present study was conducted to evaluate livelihood status of fishing community of the Punorvaba River under Dinajpur Sadar Upazila during the period from January to August, 2013. The livelihood status of fishermen were studied in terms of age structure, family size and type, occupation status, educational status, housing condition, drinking water facilities, sanitary facilities, health facilities, credit facilities and monthly income. It was found that most of the fishermen were belonged to the age groups of 36-45 years (40%), represented by 90% Muslim. The family size of fishing community is usually consisted of 5-7 members. Over 45% of the fishermen primarily engaged in fishing. Among them 50% was illiterate and 7% was SSC and above group. About 40% of the fishermen received health service from village doctors, 23% from upazila health complex and remaining 7% got health service from MBBS doctors. Some management strategies such as prohibition of catching brood fish, control of destructive gears, establishments of fish sanctuaries, release of fish fry have been suggested by the fishermen to stop the decreasing trend in the fish catch and to enhance fish production.
Family Generation Process from Administrative Data Sources and the Austrian Register-Based Census 2011
Authors: Rechta Henrik , Schwerer Eliane , Waldner Christoph
Published: May 2015

For the Austrian register-based census we developed techniques to generate family statistics from administrative data sources. The approach is based on data of relationships and how to handle them -- in general, in a fixed household and in an imputation process. Therefore, we merged algebraic, graph theoretical and statistical tools to get a general framework.
Linguistic Summaries in Small Area Statistics
Authors: Hudec Miroslav
Published: May 2015

Data collection in small area statistics also copes with missing values. In the municipal statistics we can recognize more or less similar municipalities and more or less dependent indicators. Therefore, an approach capable to process this uncertainty is desirable. Data produced in small area statistics are valuable source for users. Data dissemination which mimics human reasoning in searching and evaluation data could be a suitable solution. Thus, there is a space for improving both processes by linguistic summaries which are based on fuzzy logic. Finally, the paper discusses future research and development topics in this field.
A Comparison of Bayesian Mixed Data Models for Austrian SILC data
Authors: Wagner Helga , Tüchler Regina
Published: May 2015

In many applications multidimensional outcome variables measured on different scales are of interest. In this paper we consider regression modelling of a bivariate response with a normal and a binary component. We use three different approaches to model dependence: a joint logit-normal model for the two responses, a factorization model with linear dependence and a    a factorization model with flexible non-linear dependence. We apply these approaches to Austrian SILC data to analyse material deprivation and household income.
The Beta Transmuted Weibull Distribution
Authors: Pal Manisha , Tiensuwan Montip
Published: May 2015

The paper introduces a beta transmuted Weibull distribution, which contains a number ofdistributions as special cases. The properties of the distribution are discussed and explicit expressions are derived for the mean deviations, Bonferroni and Lorenz curves, and reliability. The distribution and moments of order statistics are also studied. Estimation of the model parameters by the method of maximum likelihood is discussed. The log beta transmuted Weibull model is introduced to analyze censored data. Finally, the usefulness of the new distribution in analyzing positive data is illustrated.
Sensitivity Analysis for the Decomposition of Mixed Partitioned Multivariate Models into Two Seemingly Unrelated Submodels
Authors: Fišerová Eva , Kubáček Lubomír
Published: May 2015

The paper is focused on the decomposition of mixed partitioned multivariate models into two seemingly unrelated submodels in order to obtain more efficient estimators. The multiresponses are independently normally distributed with the same covariance matrix. The partitioned multivariate model is considered either with, or without an intercept. The elimination transformation of the intercept that preserves the BLUEs of parameter matri- ces and the MINQUE of the variance components in multivariate models with and without an intercept is stated. Procedures on testing the decomposition of the partitioned model are presented. The properties of plug-in test statistics as functions of variance compo- nents are investigated by sensitivity analysis and insensitivity regions for the significance level are proposed. The insensitivity region is a safe region in the parameter space of the variance components where the approximation of the variance components can be used without any essential deterioration of the significance level of the plug-in test statistic. The behavior of plug-in test statistics and insensitivity regions is studied by simulations.
An Approach to Robustness Evaluation for Sequential Testing under Functional Distortions in L1-metric
Authors: Kharin Alexey , Chernov Sergey
Published: May 2015

The problem of sensitivity analysis for the sequential probability ratio test under func- tional distortions of the observation probability distribution is considered. For the situa- tion where distorted densities of the log likelihood ratio statistic belong to ?-neighborhoods of hypothetical centers in the L1-metric the least favorable distributions that maximize the conditional error probabilities are constructed. The instability coefficient is obtained to enable robustness evaluation for the sequential probability ratio test and its modification – trimmed sequential probability ratio test.
On Drift Parameter Estimation in Models with Fractional Brownian Motion by Discrete Observations
Authors: Mishura Yuliya , Ralchenko Kostiantyn
Published: May 2015

We study a problem of an unknown drift parameter estimation in a stochastic differen- tial equation driven by fractional Brownian motion. We represent the likelihood ratio as a function of the observable process. The form of this representation is in general rather complicated. However, in the simplest case it can be simplified and we can discretize it to establish the a. s. convergence of the discretized version of maximum likelihood estimator to the true value of parameter. We also investigate a non-standard estimator of the drift parameter showing further its strong consistency.
A Few Remarks on Robust Estimation of Power Spectra
Authors: Shevlyakov Georgy , Lyubomishchenko Nickolay , Smirnov Pavel
Published: May 2015

Various robust versions of the classical methods of power spectra estimation are considered.Their performance evaluation is studied in autoregressive models with contamination.It is found out that the best robust estimates of power spectra are based on robusthighly efficient estimates of autocovariances. Several open problems for future researchare formulated.
Providing Data With High Utility And No Disclosure Risk For The Public and Researchers: An Evaluation By Advanced Statistical Disclosure Risk Methods
Authors: Templ Matthias
Published: May 2015

The demand of data from surveys, registers or other data sets containing sensibleinformation on people or enterprises have been increased significantly over the last years.However, before providing data to the public or to researchers, confidentiality has to berespected for any data set containing sensible individual information. Confidentiality canbe achieved by applying statistical disclosure control (SDC) methods to the data. Theresearch on SDC methods becomes more and more important in the last years because ofan increase of the awareness on data privacy and because of the fact that more and moredata are provided to the public or to researchers. However, for legal reasons this is onlyvisible when the released data has (very) low disclosure risk.In this contribution existing disclosure risk methods are review and summarized. Thesemethods are finally applied on a popular real-world data set - the Structural EarningsSurvey (SES) of Austria. It is shown that the application of few selected anonymisationmethods leads to well-protected anonymised data with high data utility and low informationloss.
On the Exact Two-Sided Tolerance Intervals for Univariate Normal Distribution and Linear Regression
Authors: Witkovsky Viktor
Published: May 2015

Statistical tolerance intervals are another tool for making statistical inference on anunknown population. The tolerance interval is an interval estimator based on the resultsof a calibration experiment, which can be asserted with stated confidence level 1 ? ,for example 0.95, to contain at least a specified proportion 1 ? , for example 0.99, ofthe items in the population under consideration. Typically, the limits of the toleranceintervals functionally depend on the tolerance factors. In contrast to other statisticalintervals commonly used for statistical inference, the tolerance intervals are used relativelyrarely. One reason is that the theoretical concept and computational complexity of thetolerance intervals is significantly more difficult than that of the standard confidence andprediction intervals.In this paper we present a brief overview of the theoretical background and approachesfor computing the tolerance factors based on samples from one or several univariate normal(Gaussian) populations, as well as the tolerance factors for the non-simultaneousand simultaneous two-sided tolerance intervals for univariate linear regression. Such toleranceintervals are well motivated by their applicability in the multiple-use calibrationproblem and in construction of the calibration confidence intervals. For illustration, wepresent examples of computing selected tolerance factors by the implemented algorithmin MATLAB.
Remediation of the Old Ecological Load in the Protected Area of the Morava River – Re-abandonment of the Oil and Gas Production Wells
Authors: Bujok Petr , Klempa Martin , Slivka Vladimír , Porzer Michal , Němec Igor , Smejkalová Eva , Zdvořák Jaroslav
Published: May 2015

The presence of the former oil and gas producing wells that are or can be improperly abandoned creates a possible environmental hazard in terms of contamination of the groundwater and soil in the present. In the area of the Czech Republic, specifically in South Moravia part, which has a long oil and gas production history, plenty of such wells can be found. Finding out the information about their abandonment in archives is often very demanding (sometimes even impossible). During various survey works and re-abandonment attempts it was found out that many wells are originally abandoned improperly, insufficiently or not at all. The occurrence of such wells is not just potential but also very actual hazard for the cultural landscape of the South Moravia, especially for aquifers, agriculture and natural protected areas of national significance. This paper is focused on the possibility of the definitive abandonment of this particular ecological load. The proposed method was verified in laboratory conditions and in the field. It is now a standard form of the re abandonment of oil and gas wells without precise localization in the South Moravian oil fields.
Measuring Relational Care in Nursing Homes: Psychometric Evaluation of the Relational Care Scale
Authors: Andersen Elizabeth , Havaei Farinaz
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose: The Relational Care Scale (RCS) is a Canadian evaluative instrument designed to measure nursing home residents’ perceptions of care aides’ relational abilities. Care aides’ abilities to be reliable and empathetic with nursing home residents are very important determinants of quality of care, but few instruments are designed specifically for residents or focus exclusively on these determinants. Initially developed and tested in metropolitan teaching-affiliated nursing homes in Ontario, we expanded testing by reevaluating the psychometric properties of the RCS in 5 rural nursing homes in British Columbia. Method: There were 62 residents living in 5 rural nursing homes who completed 3 instruments: the RCS under investigation, the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures (ECR-RS) questionnaire to test for convergent validity, and the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6) to test for discriminant validity. Results: The reliability of the RCS was strongly supported (Cronbach’s alpha = .90, item–total correlation > .77). Consistent with previous testing, a unidimensional internal structure was extracted. A moderate to strong correlation between the RCS and the Anxiety and Avoidance subscales of the ECR-RS supported convergent validity of the instrument. Last, partial support was obtained for the discriminant validity of the RCS. Conclusions: The RCS was easy to use for both residents and researchers. Expanded testing demonstrated its recurring reliability and validity.
Considering Surface Roughness Effects in a Triangular Pore Space Model for Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity
Authors: Zheng Wenjuan , Yu Xuan , Jin Yan
Published: May 2015

Quantifying the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of a porous medium has been a great interest in the fields of hydrology, environmental engineering, and petroleum engineering. Previous research has shown that rough surfaces enhance liquid retention and conductance of flow in the form of liquid film. We present a pore‐scale‐based water retention and hydraulic conductivity model considering surface roughness effects. In the proposed model, a porous medium is simplified as a bundle of statistically distributed capillaries with triangular cross‐sections. Surface roughness effects are characterized by a roughness factor, which accounts for increased film thickness under relatively wet conditions due to capillary effects and increased film area under relatively dry conditions. The model significantly improved the prediction of hydraulic conductivity across the entire range of matric potentials for the illustrative soils compared with the van Genuchten–Mualem model (VGM), while maintaining the same number of adjustable parameters. The improved performance of the proposed model demonstrates the advantage of incorporating surface roughness in the pore‐scale‐based models. Furthermore, sandy soils and loams showed distinct roughness factors and pore‐size distribution functions. Sandy soils tended to have smaller roughness factors and greater mean pore sizes than loams.
Performance-Based Compensation and Firm Value—Experimental Evidence
Authors: Pfeiffer Glenn M. , Shields Timothy W.
Published: May 2015

SYNOPSIS

We study equity price reactions to compensation contracting in experimental markets. Motivated by research reporting positive price reactions to adoption of performance-based compensation plans for executive managers, but postulating competing reasons as to why, we design an experiment that allows us to manipulate variables separately to examine the effect of adverse selection and moral hazard on equity prices. We find that managers select contracts based on their private information, sometimes differing from predicted choices, and that private information is conveyed to the market by the choice of compensation contract and is reflected in stock prices. We refer to this as the sorting effect. Additionally, we find that managers do not always exert costly effort in spite of favorable incentives to do so. The design also allows us to assess if the market rationally prices managers' actual choices. We find market prices are consistent with the empirically observed manager choices. Our results imply that to properly assess the impact of compensation plan on market prices, the sorting, as well as the incentive effects of compensation contracts, should be considered, and that the market anticipates errors in managers' choices.

JEL Classifications: C92; D82; G12; J33; M52.

Data Availability: Available upon request.
Effects of preoperative administration of hypertonic saline or pentastarch solution on hematologic variables and long-term survival of surgically managed horses with colic
Authors: Dugdale Alexandra H. A. , Barron Kirsty E. , Miller Andrew J. , Proudman Christopher J.
Published: May 2015

Objective—To compare the effects of preoperatively administered pentastarch (10% concentration in isotonic saline [0.9% NaCl] solution) and hypertonic saline (7.2% NaCl) solutions on PCV and circulating total protein (TP) concentration in horses with colic undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy and to assess survival rates of horses that received each treatment.

Design—Prospective, randomized study.

Animals—100 horses with signs of abdominal pain and PCV ≥ 0.46 L/L.

Procedures—Horses received a 4 mL/kg (1.8 mL/lb) dose of pentastarch solution (n = 50) or hypertonic saline solution (50) over a 10- to 20-minute period before anesthetic induction. Blood samples were collected at the time of evaluation and ≤ 5 minutes after fluid resuscitation; changes in PCV and TP concentration were compared. Survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Results—Age, weight, sex, PCV, and heart rate on initial examination were similar between treatment groups. Hypertonic saline solution treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in PCV (median change, −0.14 L/L) than did pentastarch treatment (median change, −0.07 L/L). Reduction in TP concentration was also significantly greater after hypertonic saline solution treatment (median change, −16 g/L) than after pentastarch treatment (median change, −2 g/L). Long-term survival was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Despite a greater reduction in preanesthetic hemoconcentration following administration of hypertonic saline solution (4 mL/kg infusion, once), no difference in overall long-term survival was found between horses that received this treatment and those that received an equal volume of pentastarch solution. Findings suggested that, in a clinical setting, either of these fluids would be appropriate for preoperative fluid resuscitation in horses with colic.
Evaluation of a handheld device for measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate concentration to identify prepartum dairy cattle at risk of developing postpartum hyperketonemia
Authors: Tatone Elise H. , Gordon Jessica L. , LeBlanc Stephen J. , Duffield Todd F.
Published: May 2015

Objective—To evaluate the use of a handheld device for measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration to identify prepartum dairy cattle at risk of developing hyperketonemia during the first week after parturition.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—210 prepartum dairy cows from 6 herds.

Procedures—A blood sample was collected from each cow 3 to 9 days before its expected calving date. β-Hydroxybutyrate concentration was immediately measured with a handheld device. Serum was harvested from the remaining sample and submitted to a laboratory for measurement of BHBA and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. β-Hydroxybutyrate concentration determined with the handheld device was compared with that determined by laboratory methods. The association between prepartum BHBA concentration and the development of hyperketonemia (BHBA concentration, ≥ 1.2 mmol/L) during the first week after parturition was determined. The agreement between prepartum BHBA and NEFA concentrations for identification of cows at risk of developing postpartum hyperketonemia was evaluated.

Results—β-Hydroxybutyrate concentration determined by the handheld device was moderately correlated with that determined by laboratory methods. Cows with a prepartum BHBA concentration ≥ 0.6 mmol/L were 2.2 times as likely to develop hyperketonemia within 1 week after parturition as were cows with a prepartum BHBA concentration < 0.6 mmol/L. There was substantial agreement between prepartum BHBA and NEFA concentrations for identification of cows at risk of developing postpartum hyperketonemia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated the handheld device was a valid tool for measurement of BHBA concentration in prepartum dairy cattle, and measurement of prepartum BHBA concentration may be helpful for identifying cows at risk of developing postpartum hyperketonemia.
Dorsal laminectomy for treatment of cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy in an alpaca
Authors: Barker W. H. J. , Witte T. H. , Driver C. J. , Jull P. , Whitehead C. E. , Volk H. A.
Published: May 2015

Case Description—An 11-year-old male breeding alpaca was evaluated for a 2-day history of lowered head carriage and lethargy.

Clinical Findings—On initial examination, the alpaca had signs of lethargy and lowered carriage of the head and neck, but no specific neurologic deficits. Medical management improved the clinical signs, but 8 months later, the alpaca developed acute, progressive general proprioceptive ataxia affecting all 4 limbs and was referred for further evaluation and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT identified disruption of the normal osseous architecture of C7 and T1. Medical management was attempted, but because of a lack of improvement, the patient underwent surgery 14 months after initial examination.

Treatment and Outcome—A dorsal laminectomy of C7 and T1 via a dorsal midline approach was performed, and the spinous processes of both vertebrae were removed prior to removal of the overlying lamina. Free dorsal expansion of the spinal cord was ensured by resection of the ligamentum flavum. Six months after surgery, the alpaca had returned to successful breeding with 7 hembra bred in the first year after surgery, producing 6 crias, and 4 crias in the second year. The patient was eventually euthanized 28 months after surgery because of neurologic deterioration but was still ambulatory at that time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A good outcome with adequate alleviation of clinical signs and breeding soundness for > 2 years following dorsal laminectomy was achieved in this camelid patient. The surgical approach was similar to that in other species and was associated with mild postoperative morbidity. Veterinarians treating camelids should be aware of the initial clinical signs and treatment options for cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy. In acute cases, the signs of reduced cervical mobility and pain on manipulation should prompt investigation including appropriate diagnostic imaging. Timely surgical intervention should be considered in patients that respond poorly to medical treatment to avoid irreversible spinal cord injury and optimize outcome.
Structure of the University Personality Inventory for Chinese College Students
Authors: Zhang Jieting , Lanza Stephanie , Zhang Minqiang , Su Binyuan
Published: May 2015

The University Personality Inventory, a mental health instrument for college students, is frequently used for screening in China. However, its unidimensionality has been questioned. This study examined its dimensions to provide more information about the specific mental problems for students at risk. Four subsamples were randomly created from a sample ( N = 6,110; M age = 19.1 yr.) of students at a university in China. Principal component analysis with Promax rotation was applied on the first two subsamples to explore dimension of the inventory. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the third subsample to verify the exploratory dimensions. Finally, the identified factors were compared to the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) to support validity, and sex differences were examined, based on the fourth subsample. Five factors were identified: Physical Symptoms, Cognitive Symptoms, Emotional Vulnerability, Social Avoidance, and Interpersonal Sensitivity, accounting for 60.3% of the variance. All the five factors were significantly correlated with the SCL-90. Women scored significantly higher than men on Cognitive Symptoms and Interpersonal Sensitivity.
Psychological Factors That Foster or Deter the Disclosure of Disability by University Students
Authors: de Cesarei Andrea
Published: May 2015

Despite the increased number of students with disabilities attending university compared to a few decades ago, many students do not declare that they have a disability, reducing their chances to receive support when it is needed. Here, some of the studies investigating the factors that influence disclosure of disability are reviewed. Psychological factors related to identity, stigma, self-worth, and self-awareness are identified as the most important factors in supporting the decision to disclose a disability. Early support for these dimensions is important and should be provided as early as possible in order to facilitate the disclosure and help-seeking of university students with disabilities.
Reduction in adjacent-segment degeneration after multilevel posterior lumbar interbody fusion with proximal DIAM implantation
Authors: Lu Kang , Liliang Po-Chou , Wang Hao-Kuang , Liang Cheng-Loong , Chen Jui-Sheng , Chen Tai-Been , Wang Kuo-Wei , Chen Han-Jung
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Multilevel long-segment lumbar fusion poses a high risk for future development of adjacent-segment degeneration (ASD). Creating a dynamic transition zone with an interspinous process device (IPD) proximal to the fusion has recently been applied as a method to reduce the occurrence of ASD. The authors report their experience with the Device for Intervertebral Assisted Motion (DIAM) implanted proximal to multilevel posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in reducing the development of proximal ASD.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed 91 cases involving patients who underwent 2-level (L4–S1), 3-level (L3–S1), or 4-level (L2–S1) PLIF. In Group A (42 cases), the patients received PLIF only, while in Group B (49 cases), an interspinous process device, a DIAM implant, was put at the adjacent level proximal to the PLIF construct. Bone resection at the uppermost segment of the PLIF was equally limited in the 2 groups, with preservation of the upper portion of the spinous process/lamina and the attached supraspinous ligament. Outcome measures included a visual analog scale (VAS) for low-back pain and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional impairment. Anteroposterior and lateral flexion/extension radiographs were used to evaluate the fusion status, presence and patterns of ASD, and mobility of the DIAM-implanted segment.

RESULTS

Solid interbody fusion without implant failure was observed in all cases. Radiographic ASD occurred in 20 (48%) of Group A cases and 3 (6%) of Group B cases (p < 0.001). Among the patients in whom ASD was identified, 9 in Group A and 3 in Group B were symptomatic; of these patients, 3 in Group A and 1 in Group B underwent a second surgery for severe symptomatic ASD. At 24 months after surgery, Group A patients fared worse than Group B, showing higher mean VAS and ODI scores due to symptoms related to ASD. At the final follow-up evaluations, as reoperations had been performed to treat symptomatic ASD in some patients, significant differences no longer existed between the 2 groups. In Group B, flexion/extension mobility at the DIAM-implanted segment was maintained in 35 patients and restricted or lost in 14 patients, 5 of whom had already lost segmental flexion/extension mobility before surgery. No patient in Group B developed ASD at the segment proximal to the DIAM implant.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing a dynamic transition zone with a DIAM implant placed immediately proximal to a multilevel PLIF construct was associated with a significant reduction in the occurrence of radiographic ASD, compared with PLIF alone. Given the relatively old age and more advanced degeneration in patients undergoing multilevel PLIF, this strategy appears to be effective in lowering the risk of clinical ASD and a second surgery subsequent to PLIF.
Ursolic acid benzaldehyde chalcone leads to inhibition of cell proliferation and arrests cycle in G1/G0 phase in ovarian cancer
Authors: Jia Yan , Jia Zan-Hui , Chen Jun , Zhu He , Cui Man-Hua
Published: May 2015

In the present study, the effect of ursolic acid benzaldehyde chalcone (UABC) on ovarian carcinoma cells was studied. The results revealed that ovarian carcinoma cells on UABC treatment increased Sub-G1 cell population, increased rate of cell apoptosis and morphological changes in mitochondrial membrane. In OVCAR 432 cells treatment with UABC increased the Sub-G1 cell population to 72.3% and growth inhibition rate of >72%. Treatment with 20 µM of UABC for 48 hours, led to an induction of apoptosis in 67.2% and induced morphological changes in OVCAR 432 cells. The Western blot results showed high concentration of cytochrome c in the cell cytosol after 48 hours of UABC treatment. Treatment of RMS-13 cells with UABC resulted in inhibition of GLI1, GLI2, PTCH1, and IGF2 genes. In addition, we found a significant reduction in hedgehog activity of RMS-13 cells after UABC treatment by means of a hedgehog-responsive reporter assay. Therefore, UABC can be a promising agent for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma.