bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deliberations on the External Morphology and Modification of the Labial Segments in the Nepomorpha (Heteroptera: Insecta) with Notes on the Phylogenetic Characteristics
Authors: Brożek Jolanta
Published: November 2013

The present study provides new data concerning the external morphology of the labial segments of 46 species from nine Nepomorpha families using the scanning electron microscope. The labial segments are described in detail and images of their structures are presented for the systematic groups. Subsequent segments of the labium (I, II, III, and IV) are shaped similarly in all investigated taxa but carry individual characters in some (sub‐)families. Five morphologically distinct forms of the apical plate and five intercalary sclerites have been identified. Additionally, three types of the articulation on the dorsal side between the third and second segments are interpreted as the new characters. The presence of the midventral condyle on the distal edge of the first segment and the third segment has been reanalyzed. New position of the midventral condyle on the proximal edge of the fourth labial segment has been distinguished in several groups. The new set of characters has been estimated from the plesiomorphic taxa of the Nepoidea (Nepidae and Belostomatidae) and subsequently through the more advanced taxa in the relation to the outgroup (Gerromorpha). The evaluation of these characters has revealed twenty‐seven new apomorphies for the labium in the Nepomorpha.
Proteomics Characterization of the Secretome from Rat Pancreatic Stellate Cells with ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters (ABCG2) and NCAM Phenotype
Authors: Lucas Maria , Mato Eugenia , Barceló-Batllori Silvia , Gomis Ramon , Novials Anna
Published: November 2013

We have previously reported the identification of a pancreata mitoxantrone-resistant cell population which expressed the ABCG2 transporter with a pancreatic stellate cells phenotype (PaSC) and ability of secreting insulin after inducing their differentiation. The characterization of the secretome of this cell population by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D) coupled with mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF was able to identify seventy-six protein spots involved in different cellular processes: development/differentiation, proteases, immune response, and other. Moreover, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis displayed several significant networks and TGFβ1 molecule was identified as a central node of one of them. The effect of this active molecule secreted in the conditioned medium was investigated in ductal cell line (ARIP). The results showed that the conditioned medium inhibited their proliferation without affecting their cell viability. Additionally, they showed an upregulation of PDX1 and downregulation of CK19. The rate of ARIP cell proliferation was recovered, but no effects on the gene expression were observed after using TGFβ1-neutralising antibody. Proteins associated with cell growth, development and differentiation such as PEDF, LIF, and Wnt5b, identified in the secretome, could be involved in the observed transcription changes. These finding may suggest a new paracrine action of PaSCs involved in the proliferation and differentiation pathways not yet identified.
Some New Nonlinear Weakly Singular Inequalities and Applications to Volterra-Type Difference Equation
Authors: Zheng Kelong , Feng Wenqiang , Guo Chunxiang
Published: November 2013

Some new nonlinear weakly singular difference inequalities are discussed, which generalize some known weakly singular inequalities and can be used in the analysis of nonlinear Volterra-type difference equations with weakly singular kernel. An application to the upper bound of solutions of a nonlinear difference equation is also presented.
A Coarse‐Grained Molecular Dynamics Study of DLPC, DMPC, DPPC, and DSPC Mixtures in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Abedi Karjiban Roghayeh , Shaari Nurul Syahidah , Gunasakaran Uma Villashini , Basri Mahiran
Published: November 2013

The structural and dynamics properties of the bilayer comprising 128 molecules of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC), dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), and distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) in water were investigated using a coarse‐grained molecular dynamics (CG‐MD) simulation technique. The model mixture system was simulated at 298 K under semi‐isotropic pressure conditions. The aggregation was initiated from the random configurations followed by the formation of a bilayer over a period of 500 ns. The calculated values of the area per lipid, thickness, and lateral diffusion for the mixed model were different from when a single lipid was used. Our results confirmed that the chain length of the lipid molecules strongly affects the phospholipid bilayer’s physical properties.
Mixed Volume and Boundary Integral Equation Method with Elliptical Inclusions and a Circular/Elliptical Void
Authors: Lee Jung-Ki , Choi Heung-Soap , Han Young-Bae
Published: November 2013

A mixed volume and boundary integral equation method (mixed VIEM-BIEM) is used to calculate the plane elastostatic field in an unbounded isotropic elastic medium containing multiple isotropic/orthotropic elliptical inclusions of arbitrary orientation and a circular/elliptical void subjected to remote loading. In order to investigate the influence of a circular/elliptical void on the interfacial stress field, a detailed analysis of the stress field at the interface between the matrix and the central isotropic/orthotropic inclusion is carried out for the square packing of eight inclusions and one void, taking into account different values for the orientation angles and concentration of the inclusions. The mixed method is shown to be very accurate and effective for investigating the local stresses in composites containing isotropic/anisotropic fibers and a circular/elliptical void.
HTLV-1 bZIP Factor Suppresses Apoptosis by Attenuating the Function of FoxO3a and Altering Its Localization
Authors: Tanaka-Nakanishi Azusa , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Takai Ken , Matsuoka Masao
Published: November 2013

As the infectious agent causing human adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) virus spreads in vivo primarily by cell-to-cell transmission. However, the factors that determine its transmission efficiency are not fully understood. The viral genome encodes the HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ), which is expressed in all ATL cases and is known to promote T-cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that HBZ also influences the survival of T cells. Through analyzing the transcriptional profile of HBZ-expressing cells, we learned that HBZ suppressed transcription of the proapoptotic gene Bim (Bcl2l11) and that HBZ-expressing cells were resistant to activation-induced apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations into how HBZ suppresses Bim expression revealed that HBZ perturbs the localization and function of FoxO3a, a critical transcriptional activator of the genes encoding Bim and also Fas ligand (FasL). By interacting with FoxO3a, HBZ not only attenuated DNA binding by FoxO3a but also sequestered the inactive form of FoxO3a in the nucleus. In a similar manner, HBZ also inhibited FasL transcription induced by T-cell activation. Further study of ATL cells identified other Bim perturbations by HBZ, including at the level of epigenetic alteration, histone modification in the promoter region of the Bim gene. Collectively, our results indicated that HBZ impairs transcription of the Bim and FasL genes by disrupting FoxO3a function, broadening understanding of how HBZ acts to promote proliferation of HTLV-1–infected T cells by blocking their apoptosis. Cancer Res; 74(1); 188–200. ©2013 AACR.
Neuregulin Autocrine Signaling Promotes Self-Renewal of Breast Tumor-Initiating Cells by Triggering HER2/HER3 Activation
Authors: Lee Cleo Yi-Fang , Lin Yuan , Bratman Scott V. , Feng Weiguo , Kuo Angera H. , Scheeren Ferenc A. , Engreitz Jesse M. , Varma Sushama , West Robert B. , Diehn Maximilian
Published: November 2013

Currently, only patients with HER2-positive tumors are candidates for HER2-targeted therapies. However, recent clinical observations suggest that the survival of patients with HER2-low breast cancers, who lack HER2 amplification, may benefit from adjuvant therapy that targets HER2. In this study, we explored a mechanism through which these benefits may be obtained. Prompted by the hypothesis that HER2/HER3 signaling in breast tumor-initiating cells (TIC) promotes self-renewal and survival, we obtained evidence that neuregulin 1 (NRG1) produced by TICs promotes their proliferation and self-renewal in HER2-low tumors, including in triple-negative breast tumors. Pharmacologic inhibition of EGFR, HER2, or both receptors reduced breast TIC survival and self-renewal in vitro and in vivo and increased TIC sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Through a tissue microarray analysis, we found that NRG1 expression and associated HER2 activation occurred in a subset of HER2-low breast cancers. Our results offer an explanation for why HER2 inhibition blocks the growth of HER2-low breast tumors. Moreover, they argue that dual inhibition of EGFR and HER2 may offer a useful therapeutic strategy to target TICs in these tumors. In generating a mechanistic rationale to apply HER2-targeting therapies in patients with HER2-low tumors, this work shows why these therapies could benefit a considerably larger number of patients with breast cancer than they currently reach. Cancer Res; 74(1); 341–52. ©2013 AACR.
Integrative Genomic Analysis of Temozolomide Resistance in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Leshchenko Violetta V. , Kuo Pei-Yu , Jiang Zewei , Thirukonda Venu K. , Parekh Samir
Published: November 2013

Purpose: Despite advances, there is an urgent need for effective therapeutics for relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, particularly in elderly patients and primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. Temozolomide (TMZ), an oral DNA-alkylating agent routinely used in the therapy of glioblastoma multiforme, is active in patients with primary CNS lymphoma but the response rates are low. The mechanisms contributing to TMZ resistance are unknown.

Experimental Design: We undertook an unbiased and genome-wide approach to understand the genomic methylation and gene expression profiling differences associated with TMZ resistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell lines and identify mechanisms to overcome TMZ resistance.

Results: TMZ was cytotoxic in a subset of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell lines, independent of MGMT promoter methylation or protein expression. Using Connectivity Map (CMAP), we identified several compounds capable of reversing the gene expression signature associated with TMZ resistance. The demethylating agent decitabine (DAC) is identified by CMAP as capable of reprogramming gene expression to overcome TMZ resistance. Treatment with DAC led to increased expression of SMAD1, a transcription factor involved in TGF-β/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, previously shown to be epigenetically silenced in resistant diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In vitro and in vivo treatment with a combination of DAC and TMZ had greater antilymphoma activity than either drug alone, with complete responses in TMZ-resistant diffuse large B-cell lymphoma murine xenograft models.

Conclusions: Integrative genome-wide methylation and gene expression analysis identified novel genes associated with TMZ resistance and demonstrate potent synergy between DAC and TMZ. The evidence from cell line and murine experiments supports prospective investigation of TMZ in combination with demethylating agents in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Clin Cancer Res; 20(2); 382–92. ©2013 AACR.
Optimization of the Inclusion of Alzheimer's Disease Patients in International Multicenter Randomized Trials: Results of a National Survey Conducted in Memory Research Centers in France
Authors: Tchalla A.E. , Adam C. , Gayot C. , Cowppli-Bony P. , Preux P.M. , Dantoine T.
Published: November 2013

Introduction: Since 2002, with the creation of Centers of Memory Resources and Research (CMRR), considerable progress has been made in France regarding the administrative and institutional framework within which Alzheimer's disease (AD) is managed. In this study, we explore three approaches that can help optimize the inclusion of patients in clinical trials related to AD. They are as follows: to assess communication concerning clinical trials on AD in French CMRR, to analyze the internal organization of these centers concerning the dynamics of inclusion, and to evaluate screening tools used. Methods: A national, descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted in all CMRR in France between May 1 and July 31, 2011, using a self-administered questionnaire. All investigators, subinvestigators and the relevant CMRR personnel were involved. Results: A total of 75% of the CMRR participated, and about 30% of the physicians contacted responded positively to the survey. Only 50% reported having communicated with health care professionals at least once in the previous 3 months, and less than 50% had communicated occasionally with the general public. A total of 75% of those surveyed had a research group but only half of the groups were active, 50% of the physicians did not have a consultation time dedicated to study recruitment, and 75% of the respondents had a screening tool in their CMRR but over half of them were not satisfied with it. Conclusion: This investigation provides a basis for improving the screening of patients by both internal organizational development and adaptation of tools already available. Improvement requires promoting regular communication that is appropriate and targeted to health care professionals, smaller memory centers, associations and the public, and therefore, familiarizing the whole population with clinical research on AD.
Anterior Cingulate Abnormality as a Neural Correlate of Mismatch Negativity in Schizophrenia
Authors: Hayakawa Yayoi K. , Kirino Eiji , Shimoji Keigo , Kamagata Koji , Hori Masaaki , Ito Kenji , Kunimatsu Akira , Abe Osamu , Ohtomo Kuni , Aoki Shigeki
Published: November 2013

Background: Limbic circuitry, especially the anterior cingulate gyrus, has been implicated in the pathophysiology and cognitive changes of schizophrenia. Previous diffusion tensor imaging studies have demonstrated that the integrity of the anterior cingulum (AC) is abnormal in schizophrenia. However, the relationship between the abnormal AC tract integrity and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia has not been fully studied. Methods: We performed a voxelwise group comparison of white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) by using tract-based spatial statistics in 9 patients with schizophrenia and 9 matched controls. We then measured FA specifically in the AC by using a tract-specific measurement. The latency and amplitude of the mismatch negativity (MMN) were also evaluated in all subjects. Results: In patients with schizophrenia, tract-based spatial statistics showed a reduction in FA in broad white matter areas, including the bilateral AC, compared with controls. Tract-specific measurements confirmed the specific reduction of FA in the region of the bilateral AC. The decreased FA in the AC was correlated with prolonged MMN latency in the patient group. Conclusion: Our study of AC structure and electrophysiological changes in schizophrenia suggest that the disruption of limbic-cortical structural networks may be part of the neural basis underlying the changes in MMN in schizophrenia.
Association of the FGA and SLC6A4 Genes with Autistic Spectrum Disorder in a Korean Population
Authors: Ro MyungJa , Won SeongSik , Kang HyunJun , Kim Su-Yeon , Lee Seung Ku , Nam Min , Bang Hee Jung , Yang Jae Won , Choi Kyung-Sik , Kim Su Kang , Chung Joo-Ho , Kwack KyuBum
Published: November 2013

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobiological disorder characterized by distinctive impairments in cognitive function, language, and behavior. Linkage and population studies suggest a genetic association between solute carrier family 6 member 4 (SLC6A4) variants and ASD. Method: Logistic regression was used to identify associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ASD with 3 alternative models (additive, dominant, and recessive). Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the influence of SNPs on Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores as a quantitative phenotype. Results: In the present study, we examined the associations of SNPs in the SLC6A4 gene and the fibrinogen alpha chain (FGA) gene. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between the risk of ASD and rs2070025 and rs2070011 in the FGA gene. The gene-gene interaction between SLC6A4 and FGA was not significantly associated with ASD susceptibility. However, polymorphisms in both SLC6A4 and the FGA gene significantly affected the symptoms of ASD. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that FGA and SLC6A4 gene interactions may contribute to the phenotypes of ASD rather than the incidence of ASD.
Successful Corticosteroid-Sparing Effect of Rituximab in the Treatment of Refractory Idiopathic Orbital Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Shao Emily H. , Karydis Andreas , Gemenetzi Maria , Taylor Simon R.J.
Published: November 2013

Idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease (IOID) is an idiopathic inflammatory process within the orbit that can result in permanent visual impairment. Although high-dose oral corticosteroids are currently the mainstay of therapy, their long-term usage can cause significant toxicity. We present a case of IOID that was successfully treated with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab following failed steroid sparing with conventional second-line immunosuppressive agents.
Proteasome Proteolysis Supports Stimulated Platelet Function and Thrombosis
Authors: Gupta Nilaksh , Li Wei , Willard Belinda , Silverstein Roy L. , McIntyre Thomas M.
Published: November 2013

Objective—

Proteasome inhibitors used in the treatment of hematologic cancers also reduce thrombosis. Whether the proteasome participates in platelet activation or function is unclear because little is known of the proteasome in these terminally differentiated cells.

Approach and Results—

Platelets displayed all 3 primary proteasome protease activities, which MG132 and bortezomib (Velcade) inhibited. Proteasome substrates are marked by ubiquitin, and platelets contained a functional ubiquitination system that modified the proteome by monoubiquitination and polyubiquitination. Systemic MG132 strongly suppressed the formation of occlusive, platelet-rich thrombi in FeCl
3
-damaged carotid arteries. Transfusion of platelets treated ex vivo with MG132 and washed before transfusion into thrombocytopenic mice also reduced carotid artery thrombosis. Proteasome inhibition reduced platelet aggregation by low thrombin concentrations and ristocetin-stimulated agglutination through the glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex. This receptor was not appropriately internalized after proteasome inhibition in stimulated platelets, and spreading and clot retraction after MG132 exposure also were decreased. The effects of proteasome inhibitors were not confined to a single receptor as MG132 suppressed thrombin-stimulated, ADP-stimulated, and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microparticle shedding. Proteasome inhibition increased ubiquitin decoration of cytoplasmic proteins, including the cytoskeletal proteins Filamin A and Talin-1. Mass spectrometry revealed a single MG132-sensitive tryptic cleavage after R
1745
in an extended Filamin A loop, which would separate its actin-binding domain from its carboxy terminal glycoprotein Ibα–binding domain.

Conclusions—

Platelets contain a ubiquitin/proteasome system that marks cytoskeletal proteins for proteolytic modification to promote productive platelet–platelet and platelet–wall interactions.
Clinical Effectiveness of Cardiac Resynchronization and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy in Men and Women With Heart Failure
Authors: Wilcox Jane E. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Zhang Yan , Albert Nancy M. , Curtis Anne B. , Gheorghiade Mihai , Heywood J. Thomas , Mehra Mandeep R. , O’Connor Christopher M. , Reynolds Dwight , Walsh Mary Norine , Yancy Clyde W.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Many clinical trials have demonstrated a benefit for cardiac resynchronization (CRT) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapies in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, yet questions have been raised with regard to the benefit of ICDs for women. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical effectiveness of CRT and ICD therapy as a function of sex in outpatients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (≤35%).

Methods and Results—

Data from the Registry to Improve the Use of Evidence-Based Heart Failure Therapies in the Outpatient Setting (IMPROVE HF) were analyzed by device status and sex among guideline-eligible patients for vital status (alive/dead) at 24 months. Multivariate generalized estimating equation analyses were conducted adjusting for baseline patient and practice characteristics. In the ICD/CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D) eligible cohort (n=7748), there were 5485 (71%) men and 2261 (29%) women. In the CRT-pacemaker (CRT-P)/CRT-D eligible cohort (n=1188), there were 824 (69%) men and 364 (31%) women. The clinical benefit associated with ICD/CRT-D therapy was similar in both men and women (men adjusted odds ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.87;
P
=0.0012; and women adjusted odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.85;
P
=0.0019). For CRT-P/CRT-D, the associated benefits showed no significant heterogeneity (men adjusted odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–1.06;
P
=0.0793; and women adjusted odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.22–0.90;
P
=0.0243). The device-by-sex interactions were not significant (
P
=0.4441 for CRT-P/CRT-D and
P
=0.5966 for ICD/CRT-D).

Conclusions—

The use of guideline-directed CRT and ICD therapy was associated with substantially reduced 24-month mortality in eligible men and women with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Device therapies should be offered to all eligible patients with heart failure, without modification based on sex.
Syvertsenia iberica (Cymatosiraceae): a new estuarine diatom genus characterized by the position of its process
Authors: GOMES ANA , WITKOWSKI ANDRZEJ , DĄBEK PRZEMYSŁAW , BOSKI TOMASZ , MOURA DELMINDA , SZKORNIK KATIE , KURZYDŁOWSKI KRZYSZTOF
Published: November 2013

Diatom assemblages were studied along an intertidal transect in the lower Guadiana River Estuary (South-Eastern Portugal). The analyses of the assemblages by means of light and scanning electron microscope revealed a new diatom genus and species, Syvertsenia iberica. Syvertsenia was found in three out of eighteen of the samples analysed in the transect.  The proposed new genus belongs to the family Cymatosiraceae, which is characterized by the presence of two distinct ocelluli. In common with other genera belonging to the subfamily Cymatosiroideae, the new genus shows heterovalvy and morphological similarity to Cymatosira, Campylosira and Plagiogrammopsis. In terms of ultrastructure, the features which identify these diatoms as a new genus are its linear valve outline, protracted to distinctly set off apices and also the distribution pattern of areola. Furthermore the position of the tubular process on a valve mantle extension, allows an easy distinction from other Cymatosiroideae. Syvertsenia iberica is a benthic epipsammic diatom whose ecological and geographical distribution requires more investigation.
Senecio hortensiae (Senecioneae, Asteraceae): a new species from Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: Teles Aristônio Magalhães , Freitas Fernanda Santos
Published: November 2013

A new species of Senecio section Adamantina is here described as Senecio hortensiae (Senecioneae, Asteraceae), an endemic species from Parque Nacional dos Pontões Capixabas, Espírito Santo state, Brazil. This new species is recognised by the sessile leaves densely clustered at the median part of the stem and by the radiate capitula in a terminal lax panicle. It is closely related to Senecio graciellae but differs basically by the size and margins of the leaves, capitulescence and number of ray florets. Illustrations, comments, distribution map, and conservation status are provided for the new species. Additionally, a diagnostic key to the species of Senecio section Adamantina is provided.
The tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Cicindelinae) of Angola: a descriptive catalogue and designation of neotypes
Authors: Serrano Artur R.M. , Capela Rúben A.
Published: November 2013

An annotated catalogue of the species and subspecies of tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Cicindelinae) hitherto known from Angola is given. A total of 89 forms (74 species and 15 subspecies) is recorded from this southwestern country of Africa. Within this assemblage there are 31 endemic forms (33.3%). Some species are represented by only the holotype specimen (some without locality) or the type series. Others were recorded based on a single specimen. Records for six species previously unknow from Angola are given: Foveodromica sp. n. 1, Foveodromica sp. n. 2, Ophryodera rufomarginata bradshawi Péringuey, 1888, Elliptica muata parallelestriata (W. Horn, 1923), Lophyra differens (W. Horn, 1892) and Myriochila jucunda (Péringuey, 1892). A historical review, as well as some considerations on the distribution and conservation status of these beetles in Angola are also presented.
Bioacoustics reveals two new syntopic species of Adenomera Steindachner (Anura: Leptodactylidae: Leptodactylinae) in the Cerrado of central Brazil
Authors: DE CARVALHO THIAGO RIBEIRO , GIARETTA ARIOVALDO ANTONIO
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we describe two syntopic species of Adenomera from the Chapada dos Veadeiros microregion, northern State of Goiás, central Brazil, recognized based on morphology, color patterns, and bioacoustics. Specimens and calls were obtained in the Municipality of Teresina de Goiás, central Brazil. Adenomera cotuba sp. nov. is diagnosed from the other 16 congeneric species by its 1) small size (adult male SVL 18.6–20.5 mm) and very robust body; 2) dorsum glandular/granular with no distinctive dorsal granular rows or dorsolateral folds; 3) black or very dark dorsal coloration with no distinctive color patterns (e.g., dorsolateral or vertebral stripes); 4) toe tips not developed into flattened disks; 5) presence of antebrachial tubercle; and 6) advertisement call consisting of a well-defined series of pulsed calls (7–32 calls/series) with progressive increment in amplitude in the first third of each call series when it reaches a sustained plateau. Adenomera juikitam sp. nov. is diagnosed from the other 16 congeneric species by its 1) dorsum profusely glandular/granular with no distinctive dorsal granular rows or dorsolateral folds; 2) dorsum with a marble-like and red coloration with no distinctive color patterns (e.g., dorsolateral or vertebral stripes); 3) toe tips not developed into flattened disks; 4) small size (adult male SVL 19.1–19.5 mm) and very robust body; and 5) long (148–202 ms) advertisement call composed of 16–21pulses. Both new taxa occur in syntopy, and our data allow us to differentiate them both in temporal (pulses/call) and spectral (frequency peaks) traits of their advertisement calls. Besides, dorsal coloration is distinctive, Adenomera cotuba sp. nov. has a black or very dark-colored dorsum, whereas Adenomera juikitam sp. nov. has a marble-like and red-colored dorsum, in addition to the presence (A. cotuba sp. nov.) or absence (A. juikitam sp. nov.) of antebrachial tubercle.
Two new species of stone loaches of the genus Schistura from the Koladyne basin, Mizoram, India (Teleostei: Cobitoidei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: LOKESHWOR Y. , VISHWANATH W.
Published: November 2013

Two new species of Schistura are described from the Koladyne basin of Mizoram, India. Schistura nebeshwari is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: a prominent dorsal adipose crest on the caudal peduncle, 11–14 dark olivaceous bars on the body, the entire ventral surface of head with numerous small melanophores, an incomplete lateral line, three black spots at the dorsal-fin base, a complete prominent black basicaudal bar, lower jaw with a shallow median notch, and no suborbital flaps in males. Schistura scyphovecteta differs from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: six dark brown saddles, each one continuing to the flank, forming globular-shaped bars overlaying a background brown stripe along the lateral line, a complete lateral line, two black spots at the dorsal-fin base, an incomplete black basicaudal bar, no median notch on the lower jaw, and a suborbital flap present in males.
New and little known ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) from India
Authors: NIEDBAŁA WOJCIECH , ERMILOV SERGEY G.
Published: November 2013

In 2012, we registered a total of 22 species, 12 genera and five families of ptyctimous mites in India. Three new species, Apoplophora paraspinosa Niedbała sp. nov., Oribotritia duotrisetosa Niedbała sp. nov. and Plonaphacarus kaluzi Niedbała sp. nov., are described. Some remarks on descriptions of Indian Sumatrotritia inusitata Mahunka, 1989, Euphthiracarus meghalayensis Sanyal, 1988, Phthiracarus obscurus Niedbała, 1986 and Hoplophthiracarus concinuus (Niedbała, 1982) are presented. Hoplophthiracarus tropicus Mondal & Kundu, 1988 is recognized as a junior synonym of the species Hoplophthiracarus concinuus.
Gravity Currents in Confined Channels with Environmental Shear
Authors: Bryan George H. , Rotunno Richard
Published: November 2013

This study examines properties of gravity currents in confined channels with sheared environmental flow. Under the assumptions of steady and inviscid flow, two-dimensional analytic solutions are obtained for a wide range of shear values. The slope of a gravity current interface just above the surface increases as environmental shear α increases, which is consistent with previous studies, although here it is shown that the interface slope can exceed 80° for nondimensional shear α > 2. Then the inviscid-flow analytic solutions are compared with two- and three-dimensional numerical model simulations, which are turbulent and thus have dissipation. The simulated current depths are systematically lower, compared to a previous study, apparently because of different numerical techniques in this study that allow for a faster transition to turbulence along the gravity current interface. Furthermore, simulated gravity current depths are 10%–40% lower than the inviscid analytic values. To explain the model-produced current depths, a steady analytic theory with energy dissipation is revisited. It is shown that the numerical model current depths are close to values associated with the maximum possible dissipation rate in the simplest form of the analytic model for all values of α examined in this study. A primary conclusion is that dissipation plays an important and nonnegligible role in gravity currents within confined channels, with or without environmental shear.
Climatic Impacts of Land-Use Change due to Crop Yield Increases and a Universal Carbon Tax from a Scenario Model*
Authors: Davies-Barnard T. , Valdes P. J. , Singarayer J. S. , Jones C. D.
Published: November 2013

Future land cover will have a significant impact on climate and is strongly influenced by the extent of agricultural land use. Differing assumptions of crop yield increase and carbon pricing mitigation strategies affect projected expansion of agricultural land in future scenarios. In the representative concentration pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), the carbon effects of these land cover changes are included, although the biogeophysical effects are not. The afforestation in RCP4.5 has important biogeophysical impacts on climate, in addition to the land carbon changes, which are directly related to the assumption of crop yield increase and the universal carbon tax. To investigate the biogeophysical climatic impact of combinations of agricultural crop yield increases and carbon pricing mitigation, five scenarios of land-use change based on RCP4.5 are used as inputs to an earth system model [Hadley Centre Global Environment Model, version 2–Earth System (HadGEM2-ES)]. In the scenario with the greatest increase in agricultural land (as a result of no increase in crop yield and no climate mitigation) there is a significant −0.49 K worldwide cooling by 2100 compared to a control scenario with no land-use change. Regional cooling is up to −2.2 K annually in northeastern Asia. Including carbon feedbacks from the land-use change gives a small global cooling of −0.067 K. This work shows that there are significant impacts from biogeophysical land-use changes caused by assumptions of crop yield and carbon mitigation, which mean that land carbon is not the whole story. It also elucidates the potential conflict between cooling from biogeophysical climate effects of land-use change and wider environmental aims.
Cloud Feedbacks, Rapid Adjustments, and the Forcing–Response Relationship in a Transient CO2 Reversibility Scenario
Authors: Andrews Timothy , Ringer Mark A.
Published: November 2013

The Hadley Centre Global Environment Model, version 2–Earth System (HadGEM2-ES) climate model is forced by a 1% yr−1 compound increase in atmospheric CO2 for 140 years, followed by a 1% yr−1 CO2 decrease back to the starting level. Analogous atmosphere-only simulations are performed to diagnose the component of change associated with the effective radiative forcing and rapid adjustments. The residual change is associated with radiative feedbacks that are shown to be linearly related to changes in global-mean surface air temperature and are found to be reversible under this experimental design, even for regional cloud feedback changes. The cloud adjustment is related to changes in cloud amount, with little indication of any large-scale changes in cloud optical depth. Plant physiological forcing plays a significant role in determining the cloud adjustment in this model and is the dominant contribution to the low-level cloud changes over land. Low-level cloud adjustments are associated with changes in surface turbulent fluxes and lower tropospheric stability, with significant adjustments in boundary layer cloud types and in the depth of the boundary layer itself. The linearity of simple forcing–response frameworks are examined and found to be generally applicable. Small regional departures from linearity occur during the early part of the ramp-down phase, where the Southern Ocean and eastern tropical Pacific continue to warm for a few decades, despite the reversal in radiative forcing and global temperatures. The importance of considering time-varying patterns of warming and regional phenomena when diagnosing and understanding feedbacks in a coupled atmosphere–ocean framework is highlighted.
Coastal-Trapped Waves in the East China Sea Observed by a Mooring Array in Winter 2006
Authors: Yin Liping , Qiao Fangli , Zheng Quanan
Published: November 2013

Using five mooring array observations in the coastal water of the East China Sea (ECS) in winter 2006, the authors identify three kinds of low-frequency waves using the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method. The analysis indicates that the periods of the waves varied from 2 to 10 days, which are consistent with coastal-trapped wave (CTW) modes: the Kelvin wave (KW) mode, the first shelf wave (SW1) mode, and the second shelf wave (SW2) mode. An analytical model is established and the dispersion relation of the waves from the analytical method agrees well with the observations. The wind-forced, coastal-trapped wave theory is then applied. The calculation shows that over a wide shelf, the forcing term of wind stress curl plays an important role in shaping the CTW. Numerical solutions reproduce the sea level variation and the alongshore current. The results show that the sea level variation mainly resulted from the KW mode, but the alongshore current resulted from both the KW and SW1 modes.
One- and Two-Dimensional Wind Speed Models for Ka-Band Altimetry
Authors: Lillibridge John , Scharroo Remko , Abdalla Saleh , Vandemark Doug
Published: November 2013

abstract

SARAL—the Satellite with ARgos and ALtiKa—is the first satellite radar altimetry mission to fly a Ka-band instrument (AltiKa). Ocean backscatter measurements in the Ka band suffer larger signal attenuation due to water vapor and atmospheric liquid water than those from Ku-band altimeters. An attenuation algorithm is provided, based on radar propagation theory, which is a function of atmospheric pressure, temperature, water vapor, and liquid water content. Because of the nature of the air–sea interactions between wind and surface gravity waves, the shorter wavelength Ka-band backscatter exhibits a different relationship with wind speed than at Ku band, particularly at moderate to high wind speeds. This paper presents a new one-dimensional wind speed model, as a function of backscatter only, and a two-dimensional model, as a function of backscatter and significant wave height, tuned to AltiKa’s backscatter measurements. The performance of these new Ka-band altimeter wind speed models is assessed through validation with independent ocean buoy wind speeds. The results indicate wind measurement accuracy comparable to that observed at Ku band with only slightly elevated noise in the wind estimates.
The Advantages of a Mixed-Band Radar Network for Severe Weather Operations: A Case Study of 13 May 2009
Authors: Mahale Vivek N. , Brotzge Jerald A. , Bluestein Howard B.
Published: November 2013

Adding a mix of X- or C-band radars to the current Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) network could address several limitations of the network, including improvements to spatial gaps in low-level coverage and temporal sampling of volume scans. These limitations can result in missing critical information in highly dynamic events, such as tornadoes and severe straight-line wind episodes. To evaluate the potential value of a mixed-band radar network for severe weather operations, a case study is examined using data from X- and S-band radars. On 13 May 2009, a thunderstorm complex associated with a cold front moved southward into southwest Oklahoma. A tornado rapidly developed from an embedded supercell within the complex. The life cycle of the tornado and subsequent wind event was sampled by the experimental Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) radar testbed of four X-band radars as well as two operational WSR-88Ds. In this study, the advantages of a mixed-band radar network are demonstrated through a chronological analysis of the event. The two radar networks provided enhanced overall situational awareness. Data from the WSR-88Ds provided 1) clear-air sensitivity, 2) a broad overview of the storm complex, 3) a large maximum unambiguous range, and 4) upper-level scans up to 19.5°. Data from the CASA radars provided 1) high-temporal, 1-min updates; 2) overlapping coverage for dual-Doppler analysis; and 3) dense low-level coverage. The combined system allowed for detailed, dual- and single-Doppler observations of a wind surge, a mesocyclone contraction, and a downburst.
Use of Confidence Limits to Set Robust On-Board Diagnostic Thresholds
Authors: King Paul , Burnham Keith
Published: November 2013

Vehicles sold in the United States and Europe are equipped with a specific set of legal diagnostics, called on-board diagnostics; these are used to monitor the performance of various elements of the emission control system. The driver is informed of any failures by the use of a Check Engine Light on the dashboard of the vehicle and then should return the vehicle to the dealership for rectification. The vehicle manufacturer’s aim is to ensure that the Check Engine Light is only illuminated for legitimate failures. For the calibration of an on-board diagnostics, there needs to be sufficient separation between the response of a good sensor and a failed sensor; the setting of this threshold should be based upon a statistical model of the data so that the predicted failures rate can then be determined. An additional benefit of obtaining a statistical model is that it allows confidence limits to be applied to the data; this then gives the engineer the ability to determine the trade-off between the number of data points and the confidence in the estimated statistical model.
Democracy in early Malian postcolonial history: The abuse of discourse
Authors: Nathan Robert
Published: November 2013

The level of public support for the March 2012 military coup d'état in Mali surprised many observers who viewed the country as a viable democracy and believed its inhabitants perceived it in the same light. This article suggests that, despite this favourable appraisal by certain outsiders, many Malians had low levels of confidence in the democracy of President Amadou Toumani Touré, considering it corrupt and dysfunctional. In light of such attitudes in the present, this article turns toward the past to draw lessons from Mali's history of démocratie de façade. It examines Mali's earliest engagement with democracy in the late colonial era, and the manner in which democratic political discourse was abused by Mali's first postcolonial government. It suggests that Malian leaders' long history of invoking democratic principles for non-democratic aims may have weakened the legitimacy of the government following the 2012 coup d'état, and could make the reestablishment of confidence in Mali's democracy a more challenging task than simply organizing new multi-party elections.
Canada’s foreign aid before and after CIDA: Not a Samaritan state
Authors: Brown Stephen
Published: November 2013

This article reviews Keith Spicer’s 1966 book on Canada’s foreign aid program, A Samaritan State? External Aid in Canada’s Foreign Policy. Spicer’s essentially realist perspective on the reasons why Canada did and should provide development assistance is not only inconsistent with more recent views that justify aid at least in part on humanitarian grounds; it is also difficult to support even from the evidence he presents. The article concludes by comparing Spicer’s views with recent developments in Canadian foreign aid policy, suggesting that Spicer might well approve of the self-interested nature of current policy—but that he would be unlikely to embrace the narrow, short-term perspectives that underpin it, which could hurt Canada’s standing internationally.
Contextualizing international social work: Religion as a relevant factor
Authors: Askeland Gurid Aga , Døhlie Elsa
Published: November 2013

The focus of this article is how can people’s religious practice be a resource in international social work? The question will be discussed in relation to pre-modern, modern and postmodern societies. The article will contain a description of religious activity in two different cases and related to international social work. The article concludes that from a postmodern view, international social work will profit from opening up and seeing religion as a contextual factor. What needs to be discussed further is whether a reason for the relative absence of religion and religious practice in international social work textbooks might be the lack of distinction between acknowledgement and acceptance of religion.
Effective damage mechanisms and performance evaluation of ceramic composite armors subjected to impact loading
Authors: Evci Celal , Gülgeç Müfit
Published: November 2013

Researches on the armor systems composed of composite materials with ceramic frontal face and polymer-based back-support are continuously developing further. This study, which mainly covers the impact behavior of ceramic composite armors, is a two-stage research. The first stage involves the investigation of component-level impact characteristics and failure mechanisms of the ceramic composite armors. At this stage, low-velocity impact behavior of ceramics and fiber-reinforced composites is investigated. Impact test results revealed that impact loading is of dynamic nature and strength of the composite materials under dynamic loading increases considerably as a result of strain rate sensitivity, which makes them the right choice to be used in conjunction with ceramics in armor systems. The second stage examines the ballistic impact behavior and ballistic performance of the armor systems. The extent and pattern of impact damage related to projectile velocity are determined for the armor components and the armor itself.
Simulation-based optimization of discrete event systems with alternative structural configurations using distributed computation and the Petri net paradigm
Authors: Latorre Juan-Ignacio , Jiménez Emilio
Published: November 2013

Decision-making on discrete event systems with alternative structural configurations is a field with application to the efficient design and operation of many systems, ranging from manufacturing facilities to communication networks. The solution of this problem may be afforded by its transformation into an optimization problem. A variety of statements for this optimization problem can be presented by using different formalisms able to describe the model of the system. These different statements allow developing diverse optimization algorithms for solving the problem, which may be very demanding for a computer. In this paper, several approaches are presented in order to reduce the computing requirements needed by the mentioned algorithms, some of them are implemented in one processor and others are based on distributed computing. In particular, this paper presents a new distributed methodology, which associates sets of alternative structural configurations of the system to different alternative aggregation Petri net (AAPNs), regarding the number of available processors. Under certain conditions, this methodology alleviates the computational requirements for every processor and speeds up the optimization process. A case-study is presented and different techniques are applied to solve it, for illustrating diverse distributed and non-distributed methodologies, regarding the available processors, as well as for comparing their relative performance.
Calculative Cultural Expertise? Consultants and Politics in the UK Cultural Sector
Authors: Prince Russell
Published: November 2013

An explosion in the production of cultural data reflects the increasing influence of calculative reason in the cultural sector, a situation criticised as the ‘instrumentalisation’ of culture. This article argues that this criticism concedes too much to the logics of calculation, and that power and political agency are being worked out in the sector in more complex ways in the wake of calculation than simply acquiescing to it. This is illustrated through an ethnographic account of the work of a new stratum of calculative cultural expertise that has emerged in the sector as calculation has become more important. These experts construct political agency through relational work that is concerned with both calculative and non-calculative matters, including the performance of objectivity, the mobilisation of various effects, and the construction of coalitions of actors.
A Note on Mechanisms Leading to Lower Data Quality of Late or Reluctant Respondents
Authors: Kreuter Frauke , Müller Gerrit , Trappmann Mark
Published: November 2013

Survey methodologists worry about trade-offs between nonresponse and measurement error. Past findings indicate that respondents brought into the survey late provide low-quality data. The diminished data quality is often attributed to lack of motivation. Quality is often measured through internal indicators and rarely through true scores. Using administrative data for validation purposes, this article documents increased measurement error as a function of recruitment effort for a large-scale employment survey in Germany. In this case study, the reduction in measurement quality of an important target variable is largely caused by differential measurement error in subpopulations and respective shifts in sample composition, as well as increased cognitive burden through the increased length of recall periods among later respondents. Only small portions of the relationship could be attributed to a lack of motivation among late or reluctant respondents.