bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatal Case of Probable Invasive Aspergillosis after Five Years of Heart Transplant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mahfood Haddad Toufik , Anantha Narayanan Mahesh , Shaw Krista E. , Vivekanandan Renuga
Published: August 2015

Invasive fungal infections are very common in solid organ transplants and occur most frequently in the first three months after transplant. A 49-year-old female with a history of two remote heart transplants with the most recent one occurring 5 years ago was admitted for increasing shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed left lower lung ground-glass and tree-in-bud opacities. She was started on broad spectrum antibiotics along with ganciclovir and micafungin. Ganciclovir was added due to the patient’s past history of CMV infection and empiric fungal coverage with micafungin. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed as her respiratory status worsened and voriconazole was added for possible aspergillosis in combination therapy with micafungin. BAL galactomannan returned positive which was suggestive of aspergillosis. Patient worsened clinically and subsequently succumbed to cardiorespiratory arrest despite our best efforts. It is important to have a high degree of clinical suspicion for invasive aspergillosis in transplant patients even many years after transplant and initiate aggressive therapy due to poor outcomes.
Potential Application of a Visible Light-Induced Photocured Hydrogel Film as a Wound Dressing Material
Authors: Hashemi Doulabi Aazadehsadat , Mirzadeh Hamid , Samadi Nasrin , Bagheri-Khoulenjani Shadab , Atai Mohammad , Imani Mohammad
Published: August 2015

The objective of this work was to prepare hydrogel films, as semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPN), based on polyethylene glycol-co-fumarate (PEGF) and chitosan (Ch) blends. Hydrogel films were prepared by free radical cross-linking of PEGF, an unsaturated aliphatic polyester, in the presence of N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP), camphorquinone (CQ), and N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT) as a cross-linking, photoinitiating, and accelerating agent, respectively. The effect of NVP concentration on physicochemical and biological properties of semi-IPN film properties was evaluated. The sol fraction, water vapor transmission rate, and swelling degree of the hydrogel films were also investigated. Antibacterial activity against S. aureus was observed for the photocured blend hydrogels of Ch/PEGF with no toxicity to L929 cells according to the cell viability assays. Blend hydrogel films showing 600 ± 88% of equilibrium swelling degree in water and the lowest sol fraction (3.14 ± 1.22%) were obtained at 20 wt% of NVP content whilst preserving their own cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity. Therefore, this formulation was considered as an optimal semi-IPN blend hydrogel film composition with potential application for wound dressing.
Comparison of Monkeypox Virus Clade Kinetics and Pathology within the Prairie Dog Animal Model Using a Serial Sacrifice Study Design
Authors: Hutson Christina L. , Carroll Darin S. , Gallardo-Romero Nadia , Drew Clifton , Zaki Sherif R. , Nagy Tamas , Hughes Christine , Olson Victoria A. , Sanders Jeanine , Patel Nishi , Smith Scott K. , Keckler M. Shannon , Karem Kevin , Damon Inger K.
Published: August 2015

Monkeypox virus(MPXV) infection of the prairie dog is valuable to studying systemic orthopoxvirus disease. To further characterize differences in MPXV clade pathogenesis, groups of prairie dogs were intranasally infected (8×103 p.f.u.) with Congo Basin (CB) or West African (WA) MPXV, and 28 tissues were harvested on days 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 17, and 24 postinfection. Samples were evaluated for the presence of virus and gross and microscopic lesions. Virus was recovered from nasal mucosa, oropharyngeal lymph nodes, and spleen earlier in CB challenged animals (day 4) than WA challenged animals (day 6). For both groups, primary viremia (indicated by viral DNA) was seen on days 6–9 through day 17. CB MPXV spread more rapidly, accumulated to greater levels, and caused greater morbidity in animals compared to WA MPXV. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) findings, however, were similar. Two animals that succumbed to disease demonstrated abundant viral antigen in all organs tested, except for brain. Dual-IHC staining of select liver and spleen sections showed that apoptotic cells (identified by TUNEL) tended to colocalize with poxvirus antigen. Interestingly splenocytes were labelled positive for apoptosis more often than hepatocytes in both MPXV groups. These findings allow for further characterization of differences between MPXV clade pathogenesis, including identifying sites that are important during early viral replication and cellular response to viral infection.
Cerebral Oxygenation, Superior Vena Cava Flow, Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Mortality in 60 Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Cerbo Rosa Maria , Scudeller Luigia , Maragliano Roberta , Cabano Rita , Pozzi Margherita , Tinelli Carmine , Bollani Lina , Stronati Mauro
Published: August 2015

Background: Brain vulnerability in the critically ill preterm newborn may be related to the burden of cerebral hypoxygenation and hypoperfusion during the immediate postnatal period. Objective: We determined the association between adverse outcomes [death or high grade intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)] and continuous cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2), superior vena cava flow (SVCf) and cerebral fractional oxygen extraction (CFOE) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants during the first 48 h of life. Methods: We studied a prospective cohort of 60 VLBW infants admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit within the first 6 h of life between March 2010 and June 2012. rSO2 (expressed as a number of summary measures) was continuously monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy (INVOS 5100 Somanetic) during the first 48 h of life, SCVf was measured at 4-6, 12, 24 and 48 h after birth, and CFOE was calculated. Results: The mean gestational age was 27.9 (SD 2.39); 8 infants died (13.3%) and 7 developed IVH grade III-IV: 1 in the alive group and 6 in the deceased group (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for death was 1.08 (95% CI: 1.015-1.15, p = 0.016) for each 10 periods of rSO2 values <40% in the first 48 h, and 4.2 (95% CI: 1.27-14.05, p = 0.019) for SVCf values <40 ml/kg/min. Among alive babies, mean CFOE decreased at 24, 36 and 48 h; among deceased babies it did not (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analyses, these results retained significance. Conclusions: Both rSO2 ≤40% and SVCf <40 ml/kg/min independently increase the risk of death. The trend in CFOE supports the ischemic-hypoperfusion hypothesis as a mechanism for cerebral damage.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Survey of 852 Cases of Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ferriani Mariana Paes Leme , Silva Marco Felipe Castro , Pereira Rosa Maria Rodrigues , Terreri Maria Teresa , Saad Magalhães Claudia , Bonfá Eloisa , Pastorino Antônio C. , Carolina dos Santos Maria , Appenzeller Simone , Ferriani Virginia Paes Leme , Len Claudio Arnaldo , Sallum Adriana Maluf Elias , Libório Jonatas , Monteiro de Castro Tânia Caroline , Silva Clovis Artur
Published: August 2015

Background: Data regarding the prevalence of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients and possible associated factors are limited to a few case reports. The objectives of this study were to assess CSU in a large cSLE population, in order to evaluate the demographic data, clinical manifestations, disease activity/damage, laboratory abnormalities and treatment. Methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort study (Brazilian cSLE group) was performed in 10 Pediatric Rheumatology services and included 852 cSLE patients. CSU was diagnosed according to the guidelines of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network, the European Dermatology Forum and the World Allergy Organization. Patients with CSU (evaluated at urticaria diagnosis) and patients without CSU (evaluated at the last visit) were assessed for lupus clinical/laboratory features and treatment. Results: CSU was observed in 10/852 cSLE patients (1.17%). The median of cSLE duration at urticaria diagnosis was 0 (-3 to 5) years. Comparison of cSLE patients with and without CSU revealed a greater frequency of constitutional symptoms (40 vs. 8%, p = 0.006), reticuloendothelial system involvement (30 vs. 3%, p = 0.003), mucocutaneous (90 vs. 28%, p < 0.0001) and musculoskeletal manifestations (50 vs. 6%, p < 0.0001) and methylprednisolone pulse therapy use (60 vs. 9%, p < 0.0001) in the former group. The frequency of immunosuppressive treatment was lower in patients with CSU (p = 0.018). The median SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (12 vs. 2, p < 0.0001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (40 vs. 19 mm/1st hour, p = 0.024), was higher in patients with CSU. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study with evidence that CSU may be linked to cSLE. We also demonstrated that this particular skin manifestation occurs predominantly at disease onset and is associated with lupus moderate/high disease activity without major organ involvement.
Lipoprotein(a) and Arterial Stiffness Parameters
Authors: Sorokin Alexander , Kotani Kazuhiko
Published: August 2015

Background: Circulating lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and arterial stiffness are markers associated with the atherosclerotic processes. With regard to cardiovascular outcomes, the relationship between Lp(a) and arterial stiffness has not been sufficiently summarized. The present review focuses on the existing association between Lp(a) and arterial stiffness parameters. Summary: This review included human clinical studies that were published between 1980 and 2015. The metrics of arterial stiffness parameters, ‘pulse wave velocity' (PWV) and ‘cardio-ankle vascular index' (CAVI), were used for this search, which yielded only 4 cross-sectional studies on this topic. Of these 4 studies, 3 reports were based on the use of PWV, while 1 study was based on the use of CAVI. Three studies (including the study using CAVI) reported that high Lp(a) levels were positively associated with arterial stiffness. Conclusion: The present review indicates a positive association between Lp(a) and arterial stiffness, as assessed by PWV and CAVI. To definitively establish these findings, there is a need for further prospective outcome studies that simultaneously measure Lp(a) and the oxidative form of Lp(a) (as a pathological marker) as well as PWV and CAVI.
H-GA-PSO Method for Tuning of a PID Controller for a Buck-Boost Converter Modeled with a New Method of Signal Flow Graph Technique
Authors: Mohammadian Leila , Babaei Ebrahim , Bannae Sharifian Mohammad Bagher
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a new method of signal flow graph technique and Mason’s gain formula are applied for extracting the model and transfer functions from control to output and from input to output of a buck-boost converter. In order to investigate necessity of a controller for the converter with assumed parameters, the frequency and time domain analysis is done and the open loop system characteristics are verified. In addition, the needed closed loop controlled system specifications are determined. Moreover, designing a controller for the mentioned converter system based on the extracted model is discussed. For this purpose, a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is designed and the hybrid of genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), called H-GA-PSO method is used for tuning of the PID controller. Finally, the simulation results are used to show the performance of the proposed modeling and regulation methods.
A Novel Inter Connection of DFIG with Grid in Separate Excitation SMES System with Fuzzy Logic Control
Authors: Kavitha A. , Suresh A. V.
Published: August 2015

The use of doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) in wind turbines has become quite common over the last few years. DFIG wind turbine is an integrated part of distributed generation system. This paper presents a Fuzzy based controller SMES unit in DFIG for improving the ac output on grid side. The excitation system is composed of the rotor-side converter, the grid-side converter, the dc chopper and the superconducting magnet. The superconducting magnet is connected with the dc side of the two converters, which can handle the active power transfer with the rotor of DFIG and the power grid independently, even thou Sutton small fluctuations are occur in active power on AC side. For smoothening the AC output power waveform a Fuzzy based controller is introduced in SMES controller unit, which implemented using simulation developed in MATLAB/ SIMULINK 7.2 version. The model of the FUZZY controlled SMES based excitation system for DFIG is established, and the simulation tests are performed to evaluate the system performance.
Practical IBC using Hybrid-Mode Problems: Factoring and Discrete Logarithm
Authors: Meshram Chandrashekhar
Published: August 2015

Shamir proposed the concept of the ID-based cryptosystem (IBC) in 1984. Instead of generating and publishing a public key for each user, the ID-based scheme permits each user to choose his name or network address as his public key. This is advantageous to public-key cryptosystems because the public-key verification is so easy and direct. In such a way, a large public key file is not required. Since new cryptographic schemes always face security challenges and many integer factorization problem and discrete logarithm based cryptographic systems have been deployed, therefore, the purpose of this paper is to design practical IBC using hybrid mode problems factoring and discrete logarithm. We consider the security against a conspiracy of some entities in the proposed system and show the possibility of establishing a more secure system.
Does Timing of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Affect Early and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Non–ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction?
Authors: Davierwala Piroze M. , Verevkin Alexander , Leontyev Sergey , Misfeld Martin , Borger Michael A. , Mohr Friedrich W.
Published: August 2015

Background—

Current guidelines do not provide recommendations for optimal timing of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in patients with non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. Our study aimed to determine the impact of CABG timing on early and late outcomes in patients with non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

A total of 758 patients underwent CABG within 21 days after non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction between January 2008 and December 2012 at our institution. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the time interval between symptom onset and CABG: group A, <24 hours (133 patients); group B, 24 to 72 hours (192 patients); and group C, >72 hours to 21 days (433 patients). Predictors of in-hospital and long-term mortality were identified by logistic and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Overall in-hospital mortality was 5.1% (39 patients): 6.0%, 4.7%, and 5.1% in groups A, B, and C (
P
=0.9), respectively. A total of 118 patients died during follow-up. The 5-year survival was 73.1±2%, with a nonsignificant trend toward better survival in groups A (78.2±4%) and C (75.4±3%) compared with group B (63.6±5%; log-rank
P
=0.06). Renal insufficiency and LMD were independent predictors of in-hospital (odds ratio, 3.1;
P
=0.001; and odds ratio, 3.1;
P
=0.002) and long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 1.7;
P
=0.004; and hazard ratio, 1.5;
P
=0.02), whereas administration of P2Y
12
inhibitors was protective (odds ratio, 0.3;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Emergent CABG within 24 hours of non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction is associated with in-hospital mortality and long-term outcomes similar to those of CABG performed after 3 days, despite a higher risk profile. CABG performed between 24 to 72 hours showed a nonsignificant trend toward poorer long-term outcomes. Dual antiplatelet therapy until surgery is beneficial, whereas renal insufficiency and left main disease increase the risk of early and late death.
Clinical Impact of Changes in Left Ventricular Function After Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Une Dai , Mesana Laura , Chan Vincent , Maklin Michelle , Chan Ryan , Masters Roy G. , Mesana Thierry G. , Ruel Marc
Published: August 2015

Background—

Our objectives were to identify correlates of mortality and congestive heart failure after aortic valve replacement (AVR) according to preoperative left ventricular (LV) function and to describe the incidence, time course, and correlates of LV recovery and mass regression postoperatively.

Methods and Results—

A total of 3112 patients with AVR were assessed in a follow-up clinic with echocardiography (median follow-up, 6.0 years). At operation, their mean age was 67.8±13.4 years, one third were female, and 29% had LV dysfunction (ejection fraction <50%). In severe patients with severe aortic stenosis and LV dysfunction, transaortic valve mean pressure gradient <40 mm Hg, longer cardiopulmonary bypass duration, and prosthesis-patient mismatch (indexed effective orifice area ≤0.85 cm
2
/m
2
) were independent correlates of the composite outcome of death or congestive heart failure after AVR. In patients with severe aortic regurgitation and LV dysfunction, older age and higher preoperative LV mass were identified. LV recovery correlated with better survival and freedom from heart failure in patients with aortic stenosis. Maximum LV mass regression took 24 months in patients with aortic stenosis and nearly 5 years with aortic regurgitation; independent correlates included smaller LV end-systolic diameter in patients with aortic stenosis and low New York Heart Association class with aortic regurgitation.

Conclusions—

Incomplete LV recovery, prosthesis-patient mismatch, low transaortic valve pressure gradient, and higher LV mass are associated with increased mortality or heart failure after AVR in patients with LV dysfunction. Higher LV end-systolic diameter and symptoms correlate with less LV mass regression, which takes at least 2 years. These findings help surgeons and cardiologists refine the indications, timing, prognostication, and follow-up of patients before and after AVR.
Role of Acute Lesion Topography in Initial Ischemic Stroke Severity and Long-Term Functional Outcomes
Authors: Wu Ona , Cloonan Lisa , Mocking Steven J.T. , Bouts Mark J.R.J. , Copen William A. , Cougo-Pinto Pedro T. , Fitzpatrick Kaitlin , Kanakis Allison , Schaefer Pamela W. , Rosand Jonathan , Furie Karen L. , Rost Natalia S.
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose—

Acute infarct volume, often proposed as a biomarker for evaluating novel interventions for acute ischemic stroke, correlates only moderately with traditional clinical end points, such as the modified Rankin Scale. We hypothesized that the topography of acute stroke lesions on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging may provide further information with regard to presenting stroke severity and long-term functional outcomes.

Methods—

Data from a prospective stroke repository were limited to acute ischemic stroke subjects with magnetic resonance imaging completed within 48 hours from last known well, admission NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and 3-to-6 months modified Rankin Scale scores. Using voxel-based lesion symptom mapping techniques, including age, sex, and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging lesion volume as covariates, statistical maps were calculated to determine the significance of lesion location for clinical outcome and admission stroke severity.

Results—

Four hundred ninety subjects were analyzed. Acute stroke lesions in the left hemisphere were associated with more severe NIHSS at admission and poor modified Rankin Scale at 3 to 6 months. Specifically, injury to white matter (corona radiata, internal and external capsules, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and uncinate fasciculus), postcentral gyrus, putamen, and operculum were implicated in poor modified Rankin Scale. More severe NIHSS involved these regions, as well as the amygdala, caudate, pallidum, inferior frontal gyrus, insula, and precentral gyrus.

Conclusions—

Acute lesion topography provides important insights into anatomic correlates of admission stroke severity and poststroke outcomes. Future models that account for infarct location in addition to diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging volume may improve stroke outcome prediction and identify patients likely to benefit from aggressive acute intervention and personalized rehabilitation strategies.
“Only Her Mouth Could Move”: Sensory Deprivation and the Billie Whitelaw Plays
Authors: Wakeling Corey
Published: August 2015

During rehearsals for the 1973 British premiere of Beckett’s Not I, actor Billie Whitelaw collapsed. The actor’s affective experience archives the sensory approach of Beckett’s compositional innovations and demonstrates the collaborative nature of working with this sensation-depriving dramatist.
Of Hybrids and the Posthuman: Performer Training in the 21st Century
Authors: Camilleri Frank
Published: August 2015

A post-psychophysical theoretical and practical framework for performer training is evolving in response to sociological theories of material and immaterial labor, the formulation of “dynamic hybridity” from the field of human geography, and contemporary posthuman thought.
Towards a Dramaturgy of Robots and Object-Figures
Authors: Eckersall Peter
Published: August 2015

Robotic and virtual figures have become increasingly visible in live performance. How these figures/performative agents come into the discussion of dramaturgy is considered in reference to recent works by Hirata Oriza and Kris Verdonck.
The Choreography of Anticipation in Maria Hassabi’s PREMIERE
Authors: Gray Victoria
Published: August 2015

PREMIERE (2013) by Maria Hassabi presents ontological challenges to dance spectatorship and scholarship by foregrounding micro-choreographies that emerge through slow-paced movement and extended duration. Kinesthetic attunement and duration are posed as critical concepts, despite evidence that both are undertheorized as choreographic strategies for premiering new bodies and subjectivities.
L’Éthiopie des Congolais, Burundais et Rwandais réfugiés
Authors: Charpentier Émeline
Published: August 2015

Ethiopia as a land of asylum is still little known. Welcoming in 2014 about 400,000 people with refugee status, it represents one of the largest countries of asylum in the Horn of Africa. Among this population, is a tiny minority of Congolese, Burundians and Rwandese. In this article, I wish to analyze, through an anthropological approach, their integration in the host country. The relationship that this refugee population has with the Ethiopian space, with Ethiopia as a political and legal structure, and finally, with the Ethiopians will be questioned. It appears that the political and social relationships between Congolese, Burundians and Rwandans with Ethiopia are characterized by a kind of “mutual disinterest”. In conclusion, the “Ethiopia of the Congolese, Burundian and Rwandan refugees” will emerge, largely based on the sharing of a common origin (Great Lakes) and a common status (the refugee status).
The Ethiopian and Eritrean Evangelical Diaspora of Montreal
Authors: Ferran Hugo
Published: August 2015

The Ammanuel Montreal Evangelical Church (AMEC) is composed of over 150 members of Ethiopian and Eritrean origin. Through the examination of their musical practices, this article analyzes how music is involved in the construction and expression of religious identities in the context of migration. It appears that in borrowing worship music widespread in Ethiopia and in its diaspora, the faithful highlight the “Ethiopianness” of the group, at the expense of the minority Eritrean identity. The author then reveals that each musical parameter conveys different identity facets. If the universality of the Gospel message is expressed through dance and lyrics, the repertoire and its instrumentarium convey the “Ethiopianness” of the congregation, while the rhythms refer to a multi-ethnic Ethiopian imaginary. As for the local identity (Montreal) of the congregation, it is represented by the combination of several hymns borrowed from the stars of Ethiopian Gospel music. Finally, the paper highlights some musical ambivalences of the faithful who, in the context of migration, feel torn between several cultures.
Ethiopian and Eritrean Immigrants in Britain
Authors: Campbell John R. , Afework Solomon
Published: August 2015

This paper explores key aspects of the immigrant experience of 50,000-plus Ethiopians and Eritreans who live in the United Kingdom. We seek to understand the extent to which immigrant life in the UK has acted ‘as a kind of pivot’ between integrating in their country of settlement and enduring forms of connection with their country of origin. This question is explored by an examination of immigrant organising in the UK – in Refugee Community Organisations – and through interviews about their life in the UK and evolving ideas about self-identity. We argue for an open-ended approach to understand immigrants which sidesteps assumptions about forms of collective identity and which asks how the social and policy context has affected immigrant settlement and integration in the UK.
Changing Times, Changing Universities
Authors: Harding Sandra , Harrison Ryl
Published: August 2015

Universities worldwide are being challenged to be more focused, efficient and effective to meet the demands of a globally situated, technologically enabled, higher education market place. Governments are increasingly applying the rhetoric of markets to higher education public policy as they seek to enhance research and higher education as essential platforms for a knowledge economy. For their part, universities are engaging a business enterprise focus to ensure survival in the context of resource scarcity and frequent change in their operating environment. The key challenge for universities is to retain their academic integrity and their institutional, other-regarding, nature, including their accountability to the community, while maintaining their financial sustainability. To do this, those charged with leadership, governance and management of universities must negotiate inherent tensions within universities while operating in a dynamic environment. This paper draws on the experience of James Cook University in Australia to explore these inherent tensions and identifies the value of institutional distinctiveness and clarity of institutional vision in meeting the demands of change.
Studies on several Australian pottiaceous mosses, including some nomina nuda

Authors: Sollman Philip
Published: August 2015

Barbula geminata C. Muell. is Barbula crinita K.F. Schultz; Barbula austroruralis C. Muell. is Tortula antarctica (Hampe) Wils. in Hook. f.; Hymenostomum olivaceum C. Muell. ex Geheeb is Weissia controversa Hedw.; Hymenostomum sullivanii C. Muell. ex Geheeb is Weissia patula (Knight) A.J. Fife. Furthermore, comments are given on several nomina nuda.
British Bryological Society expedition to Mulanje Mountain, Malawi. 15. Lejeuneaceae, and the occurrence and frequency of foliicolous taxa

Authors: Wigginton M. J.
Published: August 2015

Details of habitat and location are given for 64 taxa of Lejeuneaceae collected during the BBS expedition to Mulanje Mountain, Malawi in 1991, of which 47 are new to Malawi. The occurrence and frequency of foliicolous taxa are documented.
Bryophytes of Uganda, 4. New and additional records, 2.
Authors: Wigginton M. J. , O’Shea B. J. , Porley R. D. , Matcham H. W.
Published: August 2015

20 hepatics and 16 mosses are reported new to Uganda, 1 moss being also new to Africa. A further 6 taxa are recorded for the second time from Uganda.
A comparison of the moss floras of Chile and New Zealand
Authors: Blöcher Rolf , Frahm Jan-Peter
Published: August 2015

Chile and New Zealand share a common stock of 181 species of mosses in 94 genera and 34 families. This number counts for 23.3% of the Chilean and 34.6% of the New Zealand moss flora. If only species with austral distribution are taken into account, the number is reduced to 113 species in common, which is 14.5% of the Chilean and 21.6% of the New Zealand moss flora. This correlation is interpreted in terms of long distance dispersal resp. the common phytogeographical background of both countries as parts of the palaoaustral floristic region and compared with disjunct moss floras of other continents as well as the presently available molecular data.
An unusual form of Calymperes serratum A. Braun ex Müll. Hal. (Calymperaceae, Musci)

Authors: Ellis Len
Published: August 2015

A persistent, atypical short-leaved form of Calymperes serratum A. Braun ex Müll. Hal. is described.
Additions to the bryophyte floras of Réunion and Mauritius (East African Islands)

Authors: Müller Frank
Published: August 2015

Interesting records of bryophytes from the East African Islands Réunion and Mauritius are reported. Anomodon tristis (Ces.) Sull. & Lesq. is reported with certainty for Africa. First records for the East African Islands of Calliergonella cuspidata (Hedw.) Loeske, Cephaloziella transvaalensis S. Arnell, Dicranella cardotii R. Br. ter., Hymenostylium recurvirostrum (Hedw.) Dixon, Pogonatum urnigerum (Hedw.) P. Beauv. and Scorpiurium circinatum (Brid.) M. Fleisch. & Loeske are listed. Riccia cavernosa Hoffm. em. Raddi and Syrrhopodon parasiticus (Brid.) Besch. are reported as new for the Mascarenes and Brachymenium exile (Dozy & Molk.) Bosch. & Sande Lac. and Fossombronia foveolata Lindb. as new for Mauritius.
Not located type material of Pottiales described from Australia
Authors: Sollman Philip
Published: August 2015

Type material of several legitimately published taxa (Pottiales) described from Australia have not been located after a thorough search in major (relevant) herbaria. Comments on these taxa is given. Furthermore, not located nomina nuda are also listed.
First record of the genus Leptanilloides (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dorylinae) from the United States
Authors: MACGOWN JOE A. , SCHIEFER TERENCE L. , BRANSTETTER MICHAEL G.
Published: August 2015

We describe a new species of the Neotropical genus Leptanilloides, L. chihuahuaensis sp. n., based on male specimens from the Davis Mountains in western Texas. Known males of species of Leptanilloides are compared with L. chihuahuaensis. This is the first report of the genus from the United States and the Nearctic region. Previously, the Leptanilloides genus-group was only known to occur from southern Mexico to southeastern Brazil; and thus, this record from Texas represents a remarkable extension of the known range of the genus.
Morphological and molecular variation in Tylototriton (Caudata: Salamandridae) in Laos, with description of a new species
Authors: PHIMMACHAK SOMPHOUTHONE , AOWPHOL ANCHALEE , STUART BRYAN L.
Published: August 2015

The salamandrid genus Tylototriton is poorly known in Laos, with one described species and unverified reports of two others. We undertook new fieldwork and obtained samples of Tylototriton at six localities across northern Laos during 2009–2013. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA, principal component analyses of 13 mensural characters, and qualitative morphological comparisons with samples from across the geographic range of Tylototriton were performed. Samples from Laos fell into four molecular and morphological groups, consisting of T. notialis, T. panhai, T. anguliceps, and a fourth lineage that is hypothesized here to be an undescribed species. Tylototriton podichthys sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having distinct mitochondrial DNA haplotypes and in characteristics of the glandular skin on the head and body, shape of the rib nodules, and coloration of the body and limbs. This study expands the number of confirmed Tylototriton species in Laos from one to four, with the description of one species and extension of the ranges of T. panhai and T. anguliceps to Laos. An improved understanding of the geographic ranges of T. podichthys sp. nov. and T. anguliceps within Laos is needed.
Taxonomic review of the genus Indomyrlaea Roesler & Küppers 1979 of China, with descriptions of five new species (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae)
Authors: REN YINGDANG , YANG LINLIN , LI HOUHUN
Published: August 2015

The taxonomy of the Chinese species of the genus Indomyrlaea Roesler & Küppers, 1979 is revised. Five new species, namely I. bannensis Ren & Li sp. nov., I. fastigipalpa Ren & Li sp. nov., I. nigra Ren & Li sp. nov., I. proceripalpa Ren & Li sp. nov., and I. sinuapalpa Ren & Li sp. nov., are described. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: Sandrabatis Ragonot, 1893 and its type species Sandrabatis crassiella Ragonot, 1893 are synonymized with Ceroprepes Zeller, 1867 and Ceroprepes ophthalmicella (Christoph, 1881), respectively; Indomyrlaea phaeella (Hampson, 1903) comb. nov. is transferred from Sandrabatis. The original combination Nephopterix eugraphella Ragonot, 1888 is resurrected from its previous affiliation with Indomyrlaea. A checklist and a key to all the known species of the world are included.
Separating Internal Variability from the Externally Forced Climate Response
Authors: Frankcombe Leela M. , England Matthew H. , Mann Michael E. , Steinman Byron A.
Published: August 2015

Separating low-frequency internal variability of the climate system from the forced signal is essential to better understand anthropogenic climate change as well as internal climate variability. Here both synthetic time series and the historical simulations from phase 5 of CMIP (CMIP5) are used to examine several methods of performing this separation. Linear detrending, as is commonly used in studies of low-frequency climate variability, is found to introduce large biases in both amplitude and phase of the estimated internal variability. Using estimates of the forced signal obtained from ensembles of climate simulations can reduce these biases, particularly when the forced signal is scaled to match the historical time series of each ensemble member. These so-called scaling methods also provide estimates of model sensitivities to different types of external forcing. Applying the methods to observations of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation leads to different estimates of the phase of this mode of variability in recent decades.
Propagating and Nonpropagating MJO Events over Maritime Continent*
Authors: Feng Jing , Li Tim , Zhu Weijun
Published: August 2015

The observed outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and ERA-Interim data during 1979–2008 (from November to April) were analyzed to reveal fundamental differences between eastward-propagating (EP) and nonpropagating (NP) MJO events across the Maritime Continent (MC). It was found that when the maximum MJO convection arrives near 120°E, a positive moisture tendency lies in a longitudinal zone (10°S–10°N, 130°–170°E) for the EP cases, whereas a negative tendency appears in the same region for the NP cases. In the latter cases, there are clearly detectable westward-propagating Rossby wave–type dry signals over the equatorial central-western Pacific. The dry Rossby-wave signal may hinder the development of new convection to the east of the MJO convective center, preventing the eastward propagation of the MJO. A moisture budget analysis shows that the positive tendency of specific humidity in the EP composite is mainly attributed to the advection of the mean moisture by an intraseasonal ascending motion anomaly, whereas the negative tendency in the NP composite arises from the advection of anomalous dry air by the mean easterly and the advection of the mean moisture by the anomalous easterly. The EP cases were further separated into two groups: a group with, and a group without, a clear suppressed convective phase of OLR to the east of the MJO convection. In the former (latter), the column-integrated moisture anomaly is negative (positive) to the east of the convection. Nevertheless, MJO crosses the MC in both of the groups, in which anomalous moisture tendency is always positive to the east of the MJO convection. Such positive tendencies are caused by different processes. In the former, anomalous horizontal advections associated with eddy moisture transport and mean moisture advection by intraseasonal meridional wind play an important role. In the latter, it is mainly attributed to mean moisture advection by anomalous vertical velocity.
How Does Availability of Meteorological Forcing Data Impact Physically Based Snowpack Simulations?*
Authors: Raleigh Mark S. , Livneh Ben , Lapo Karl , Lundquist Jessica D.
Published: August 2015

Physically based models facilitate understanding of seasonal snow processes but require meteorological forcing data beyond air temperature and precipitation (e.g., wind, humidity, shortwave radiation, and longwave radiation) that are typically unavailable at automatic weather stations (AWSs) and instead are often represented with empirical estimates. Research is needed to understand which forcings (after temperature and precipitation) would most benefit snow modeling through expanded observation or improved estimation techniques. Here, the impact of forcing data availability on snow model output is assessed with data-withholding experiments using 3-yr datasets at well-instrumented sites in four climates. The interplay between forcing availability and model complexity is examined among the Utah Energy Balance (UEB), the Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM) snow submodel, and the snow thermal model (SNTHERM). Sixty-four unique forcing scenarios were evaluated, with different assumptions regarding availability of hourly meteorological observations at each site. Modeled snow water equivalent (SWE) and snow surface temperature Tsurf diverged most often because of availability of longwave radiation, which is the least frequently measured forcing in cold regions in the western United States. Availability of longwave radiation (i.e., observed vs empirically estimated) caused maximum SWE differences up to 234 mm (57% of peak SWE), mean differences up to 6.2°C in Tsurf, and up to 32 days difference in snow disappearance timing. From a model data perspective, more common observations of longwave radiation at AWSs could benefit snow model development and applications, but other aspects (e.g., costs, site access, and maintenance) need consideration.
Power and Institutional Change
Authors: Baba Kaori
Published: August 2015

During the final decade of the 20th century, many Latin American countries enacted sweeping market-oriented pension reforms, introducing, at least partially, private pension system based on defined contributions and individual capitalization. Lately, however, many of these nations have witnessed shifts in the reformed pension schemes. Why have these “re-reforms” occurred? Why have they taken different forms in different countries? This study explores the causes of divergent policy outcomes of Latin American pension re-reforms from a comparative perspective. My theoretical framework emphasizes the following two factors: (a) the type of compromise made under the first-generation reforms and (b) the pension policymaking process. The inquiry developed in this study demonstrates the importance of a balance of power among pension stakeholders, which emerged as a legacy of long-term political processes.
External Subsidies and Lasting Peace
Authors: Arena Philip , Pechenkina Anna O.
Published: August 2015

Third parties are thought to face a trade-off in that those actions most likely to bring peace in the short run appear least likely to ensure its long-run stability. Yet the trade-off between conflict management and conflict resolution may be overstated. Analyzing an iterated three-player bargaining model with both information and commitment problems, we first demonstrate two conditions under which third parties may produce lasting peace through conditional subsidies, even without addressing underlying informational or commitment problems. Second, we illustrate this possibility by analyzing the impact of US foreign aid on patterns of conflict and peace between Israel and her neighbors. Our analysis indicates that the termination of the rivalry between Israel and Egypt was most likely not brought about by the Camp David accords or peacekeeping operations, but by sustained foreign aid provision. We discuss the implications for both this conflict and conflict management more broadly.
Twitter gets favorited in the education debate
Authors: Supovitz Jonathan
Published: August 2015

The author describes how the interactive study of social media’s effect on the Common Core debate was designed and executed. Important findings from the study were: 1) We live in an increasingly interconnected social world. 2) Media has evolved over the last half century from a passive system dominated by a few central opinion makers to the present -- a more active phase of social media in which we are the media. 3) A new activist public of social media entrepreneurs are now jockeying with more traditional advocacy groups for attention in the political space in which policy ideas incubate and public opinion emerges. All three of these are new phenomena that continue to rapidly change as new technologies influence the ways in which we learn, communicate, and interact.
Social media illuminates
Authors: Blumenreich Megan , Jaffe-Walter Reva
Published: August 2015

Montclair Cares About Schools (MCAS) is a citizen-activist group in Montclair, N.J., that used Facebook, emails, and online petitions to inform and organize citizens on local educational policy issues. Emerging in response to a new superintendent’s plans to reshape Montclair schools with new teacher evaluations, administrative hires, and extra districtwide quarterly assessments, MCAS has had some degree of success in opening a dialogue and keeping the community informed about changes to the Montclair School District.
Supporting classroom instruction
Authors: Cogan Leland S. , Burroughs Nathan , Schmidt William H.
Published: August 2015

Researchers at the Center for the Study of Curriculum at Michigan State University have developed a tool to help teachers implement the Common Core State Standards in mathematics by letting standards, not textbooks, guide their instruction. Using the web-based Textbook Navigator/Journal, teachers can pick a standard and ask which portions of the textbook cover it, or they can use the Navigator to identify which Common Core standards are embodied in a particular lesson in the textbook. The Navigator lets teachers control their mathematics instruction, liberating them from rigidly following textbooks and allowing them to focus on teaching the content their students are expected to learn. The Navigator is based on the results of careful analyses of 34 textbook series and 185 individual mathematics textbooks.
Testing provides crucial information
Authors: Morial Marc H.
Published: August 2015

The National Urban League president and CEO Marc H. Morial weighs in on what he sees as the need for continued annual assessments of students, rejecting the course of opting out that has taken hold in some places across America. Assessment data provides students with the opportunity to receive personalized supports and necessary interventions to achieve academic success Morial said. All parents want their children to succeed in school and they have the right to know how well and in what ways their children are excelling or struggling. Education stakeholders, including parents, also have a right to know where education systems are making progress and where they need intervention. Statewide annual assessments are the only objective, consistent, and comparable measure of student success. Assessments are a part of life and while they are not comfortable, they are necessary. We wouldn’t ask a parent not to take their child to the doctor for their annual check-up, said Morial. Similarly, we should not encourage parents to skip their child’s annual academic check-up.
High-stakes testing hasn’t brought education gains
Authors: Dianis Judith Browne , Jackson John H. , Noguera Pedro
Published: August 2015

The only thing that more testing will tell us is what we already know: The schools that disadvantaged children attend are not being given the supports necessary to produce achievement gains. Students cannot be tested out of poverty, and while NCLB did take us a step forward by requiring schools to produce evidence that students were learning, it took us several steps backward when that evidence was reduced to how well a student performed on a standardized test. Why not give parents the right to opt out of tests when they realize states have not done the work of guaranteeing their children are being adequately prepared?
Living assessment passes the test
Authors: Suskind Dorothy C.
Published: August 2015

The author, a 5th-grade teacher at an independent boys' school, gives a first-person account of how her constant assessments and requirement that her students be active participants in their own learning gainsays the need for high-stakes, standardized testing. She posits a “living assessment” that is intertwined, interactive and instructive.
Washington View
Authors: Ferguson Maria
Published: August 2015

The columnist weighs in on the most recent PDK/Gallup poll. The real value of the poll, the author says, comes from looking at each response and then thinking about the connective tissue between and among them. The poll’s 47-year history adds yet another layer of rich context. Uniquely, the poll provides not a snapshot of public opinion, rather an album of the emotions and opinions that help define our nation’s evolving views on public education.
Poverty Attributions and the Perceived Justice of Income Inequality
Authors: Schneider Simone M. , Castillo Juan C.
Published: August 2015

Though the concept of social justice is widely used in the social sciences, we know little about the amount of income inequality that is perceived as just and why perceptions vary across social contexts. In this paper, we argue the ways people define the causes of poverty are related to how they perceive and justify existing income inequality. We examine internal and external attributions of poverty using survey data from the 2006 International Social Justice Project (ISJP). We compare two culturally and structurally distinct regions—East and West Germany. The results support our hypothesis that the amount of income inequality people perceive as just is related to how they explain the causes of poverty, that is, internal and/or external attributions. Poverty attributions are crucial mediators and explain contextual differences in the perceived justice of income inequality between East and West Germany.
Working the Boardwalk
Authors: Orrico Laura A.
Published: August 2015

This article argues that trust emerges as a key interactional mechanism through which vendors, artists, and performers that work in a public marketplace turn daily conditions of uncertainty into enduring stability. Drawing on four years of ethnographic data, I empirically illustrate a process of building, maintaining, and protecting trust. Following trust from the level of one-on-one interaction through to the level of a community, I expose the particular interactional work trust does for different people across different situations. In the end, the way a social psychological mechanism plays out over time has significant social and material consequences for people working under highly uncertain conditions.