bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Calcium and Vitamin D-Fortified Diet on Glycemic Profile, Biochemical Parameters and Selected Haemostatic and Haematological Indices in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Anyakudo Magnus , Adebukola Adedoyin
Published: May 2015

Results obtained from studies on the effect of vitamin D supplementation with or without calcium on glucose homeostasis and hematological parameters have been inconsistent. This experimentally-controlled designed study investigated the combined effects of Ca2+ and Vit.D-fortified diet on body weight, glycemic profile, biochemical, haemostatic and haematological parameters in 2 groups (n=8, each) of experimental male diabetic and healthy albino rats following treatment with Ca2+ and Vit.D-fortified diet for 6 weeks. 2 similar groups of rats (n=8, each) on normal diets served as normal and diabetic controls respectively to allow comparison between groups. Induction of diabetes (100mg/dL, intraperitoneally) was achieved with freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate solution after 15 hours overnight fast while oral glucose tolerance test, biochemical and hematological analysis were performed on blood samples. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was taken at study baseline and 6 weeks after feeding. Mean weights were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in calcium/vitamin D-fortifed diet-fed diabetic and normal rats compared with their respective controls. Actual percentage numerical weight gain at 6 weeks of study includes: diabetic rats on treatment diet (15.50%); diabetic controlled rats (18.70%); normal rats on treatment diet (20.40%); normal controlled rats (25.10%). At 6 weeks of study, experimental diabetic rats showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction (22.83%) in mean FBG concentration compared with the diabetic control rats. Experimental rats fed on calcium and vitamin D-fortified diet displayed improved glycemic tolerance over their respective controls. Hematological analysis revealed insignificant (p > 0.05) difference in hematological and hemostatic indices between the experimental and controlled rats. In diabetic rats, Ca2+ and Vit.D-fortified diet reduced body weight with beneficial hypoglycemic and remarkable glycemic tolerant effects on glycemic profile without significant impact on hemostatic and hematological indices.
Processing and Nutritional Composition of Rice Bran
Authors: Bhosale Shweta , Vijayalakshmi D
Published: May 2015

Rice bran is a component of raw rice that is obtained when it is removed from the starchy endosperm in the rice milling process. Processing was carried out by using microwave and probiotic treatment. The study revealed that rice bran was stabilized by microwave heating (2450MHz for 3min). Stabilized rice bran was inoculated with Lactic Acid Bacillus culture and used as probiotic treated rice bran. Free fatty acid percentage of stabilized rice bran ranged from 4.10 to 7.50 from initial to 4th week and in probiotic treated rice bran it was 4.35 to 7.95 up to 4 weeks of storage period. Functional properties of rice bran were analyzed for stabilized and probiotic treated rice bran i.e. bulk density (0.22-0.38g/ml), water absorption (2-3ml/g), oil absorption (1.5-2.5ml/g), water solubility (7.3-8.0%) and swelling power (6.7-7.2%) respectively. Macronutrient composition of stabilized and probiotic treated rice bran for moisture, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate were 4.30 and 5.40, 17.50 and 19.25, 13.10 and 17.20, 4.92 and 4.64, 52.33 and 48.55 g/100g respectively and it contained 7.85 and 4.96 g crude fibre, 21.17 and 13.10 g insoluble dietary fibre, 2.17 and 1.80g soluble dietary fibre and 23.34 and 14.90g total dietary fibre. Mineral content of stabilized and probiotic treated rice bran for calcium, phosphorous, iron and zinc were 52.10 and 49.90, 1185.20 and 1186.50, 28.10 and 30.05, 6.02 and 5.89 mg/100g respectively. Processing helps in destroying the lipolytic activity using microwave stabilizing technology, which increases the shelf life of rice bran and improves the nutrient content.
Tandem Mass Spectrometric Determination of Atypical 3β-Hydroxy-Δ5-Bile Acids in Patients with 3β-Hydroxy-Δ5-C27-Steroid Oxidoreductase Deficiency: Application to Diagnosis and Monitoring of Bile Acid Therapeutic Response
Authors: Zhang Wujuan , Jha Pinky , Wolfe Brian , Gioiello Antimo , Pellicciari Roberto , Wang Jianshe , Heubi James , Setchell Kenneth D R
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

3β-Hydroxy-Δ5-C27-steroid oxidoreductase (HSD3B7) deficiency, a progressive cholestatic liver disease, is the most common genetic defect in bile acid synthesis. Early diagnosis is important because patients respond to oral primary bile acid therapy, which targets the negative feedback regulation for bile acid synthesis to reduce the production of hepatotoxic 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-bile acids. These atypical bile acids are highly labile and difficult to accurately measure, yet a method for accurate determination of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-bile acid sulfates is critical for dose titration and monitoring response to therapy.

METHODS

We describe a electrospray ionization LC-MS/MS method for the direct measurement of atypical 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-bile acid sulfates in urine from patients with HSD3B7 deficiency that overcomes the deficiencies of previously used GC-MS methods.

RESULTS

Separation of sulfated 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-bile acids was achieved by reversed-phase HPLC in a 12-min analytical run. The mean (SE) urinary concentration of the total 3β-sulfated-Δ5-cholenoic acids in patients with HSD3B7 deficiency was 4650 (1711) μmol/L, approximately 1000-fold higher than in noncholestatic and cholestatic patients with intact primary bile acid synthesis. GC-MS was not reliable for measuring 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-bile acid sulfates; however, direct analysis of urine by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry yielded meaningful semiquantitative assessment of urinary excretion.

CONCLUSIONS

The tandem mass spectrometry method described here for the measurement of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-bile acid sulfates in urine can be applied to the diagnosis and accurate monitoring of responses to primary bile acid therapy in HSD3B7 patients.
Two Routes to Genetic Suppression of RNA Trimethylguanosine Cap Deficiency via C-Terminal Truncation of U1 snRNP Subunit Snp1 or Overexpression of RNA Polymerase Subunit Rpo26
Authors: Qiu Zhicheng R , Schwer Beate , Shuman Stewart
Published: May 2015

The trimethylguanosine (TMG) caps of small nuclear (sn) RNAs are synthesized by the enzyme Tgs1 via sequential methyl additions to the N2 atom of the m7G cap. Whereas TMG caps are inessential for Saccharomyces cerevisiae vegetative growth at 25° to 37°, tgs1∆ cells that lack TMG caps fail to thrive at 18°. The cold-sensitive defect correlates with ectopic stoichiometric association of nuclear cap-binding complex (CBC) with the residual m7G cap of the U1 snRNA and is suppressed fully by Cbc2 mutations that weaken cap binding. Here, we show that normal growth of tgs1∆ cells at 18° is also restored by a C-terminal deletion of 77 amino acids from the Snp1 subunit of yeast U1 snRNP. These results underscore the U1 snRNP as a focal point for TMG cap function in vivo. Casting a broader net, we conducted a dosage suppressor screen for genes that allowed survival of tgs1∆ cells at 18°. We thereby recovered RPO26 (encoding a shared subunit of all three nuclear RNA polymerases) and RPO31 (encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase III) as moderate and weak suppressors of tgs1∆ cold sensitivity, respectively. A structure-guided mutagenesis of Rpo26, using rpo26∆ complementation and tgs1∆ suppression as activity readouts, defined Rpo26-(78-155) as a minimized functional domain. Alanine scanning identified Glu89, Glu124, Arg135, and Arg136 as essential for rpo26∆ complementation. The E124A and R135A alleles retained tgs1∆ suppressor activity, thereby establishing a separation-of-function. These results illuminate the structure activity profile of an essential RNA polymerase component.
Transcriptional Response to Acute Thermal Exposure in Juvenile Chinook Salmon Determined by RNAseq
Authors: Tomalty Katharine M H , Meek Mariah H , Stephens Molly R , Rincón Gonzalo , Fangue Nann A , May Bernie P , Baerwald Melinda R
Published: May 2015

Thermal exposure is a serious and growing challenge facing fish species worldwide. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) living in the southern portion of their native range are particularly likely to encounter warmer water due to a confluence of factors. River alterations have increased the likelihood that juveniles will be exposed to warm water temperatures during their freshwater life stage, which can negatively impact survival, growth, and development and pose a threat to dwindling salmon populations. To better understand how acute thermal exposure affects the biology of salmon, we performed a transcriptional analysis of gill tissue from Chinook salmon juveniles reared at 12° and exposed acutely to water temperatures ranging from ideal to potentially lethal (12° to 25°). Reverse-transcribed RNA libraries were sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq2000 platform and a de novo reference transcriptome was created. Differentially expressed transcripts were annotated using Blast2GO and relevant gene clusters were identified. In addition to a high degree of downregulation of a wide range of genes, we found upregulation of genes involved in protein folding/rescue, protein degradation, cell death, oxidative stress, metabolism, inflammation/immunity, transcription/translation, ion transport, cell cycle/growth, cell signaling, cellular trafficking, and structure/cytoskeleton. These results demonstrate the complex multi-modal cellular response to thermal stress in juvenile salmon.
Composite Selection Signals for Complex Traits Exemplified Through Bovine Stature Using Multibreed Cohorts of European and African Bos taurus
Authors: Randhawa Imtiaz A S , Khatkar Mehar S , Thomson Peter C , Raadsma Herman W
Published: May 2015

Understanding the evolution and molecular architecture of complex traits is important in domestic animals. Due to phenotypic selection, genomic regions develop unique patterns of genetic diversity called signatures of selection, which are challenging to detect, especially for complex polygenic traits. In this study, we applied the composite selection signals (CSS) method to investigate evidence of positive selection in a complex polygenic trait by examining stature in phenotypically diverse cattle comprising 47 European and 8 African Bos taurus breeds, utilizing a panel of 38,033 SNPs genotyped on 1106 animals. CSS were computed for phenotypic contrasts between multibreed cohorts of cattle by classifying the breeds according to their documented wither height to detect the candidate regions under selection. Using the CSS method, clusters of signatures of selection were detected at 26 regions (9 in European and 17 in African cohorts) on 13 bovine autosomes. Using comparative mapping information on human height, 30 candidate genes mapped at 12 selection regions (on 8 autosomes) could be linked to bovine stature diversity. Of these 12 candidate gene regions, three contained known genes (i.e., NCAPG-LCORL, FBP2-PTCH1, and PLAG1-CHCHD7) related to bovine stature, and nine were not previously described in cattle (five in European and four in African cohorts). Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of CSS coupled with strategies of combining multibreed datasets in the identification and discovery of genomic regions underlying complex traits. Characterization of multiple signatures of selection and their underlying candidate genes will elucidate the polygenic nature of stature across cattle breeds.
Multiple Conserved Heteroplasmic Sites in tRNA Genes in the Mitochondrial Genomes of Terrestrial Isopods (Oniscidea)
Authors: Chandler Christopher H , Badawi Myriam , Moumen Bouziane , Grève Pierre , Cordaux Richard
Published: May 2015

Mitochondrial genome structure and organization are relatively conserved among metazoans. However, in many isopods, especially the terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea), the mitochondrial genome consists of both ∼14-kb linear monomers and ∼28-kb circular dimers. This unusual organization is associated with an ancient and conserved constitutive heteroplasmic site. This heteroplasmy affects the anticodon of a tRNA gene, allowing this single locus to function as a “dual” tRNA gene for two different amino acids. Here, we further explore the evolution of these unusual mitochondrial genomes by assembling complete mitochondrial sequences for two additional Oniscidean species, Trachelipus rathkei and Cylisticus convexus. Strikingly, we find evidence of two additional heteroplasmic sites that also alter tRNA anticodons, creating additional dual tRNA genes, and that are conserved across both species. These results suggest that the unique linear/circular organization of isopods’ mitochondrial genomes may facilitate the evolution of stable mitochondrial heteroplasmies, and, conversely, once such heteroplasmies have evolved, they constrain the multimeric structure of the mitochondrial genome in these species. Finally, we outline some possible future research directions to identify the factors influencing mitochondrial genome evolution in this group.
Postdischarge Phone Calls After Pediatric Hospitalization: An Observational Study
Authors: Heath Jonathon , Dancel Ria , Stephens John R.
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

Difficulties with transition from inpatient to outpatient care can lead to suboptimal outcomes for patients. We implemented a protocol for systematic follow-up phone calls to families of pediatric patients after discharge, primarily to improve care transition. We also hypothesized that the phone calls would decrease readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits after discharge and improve patient satisfaction.

Methods:

We conducted a quasi-experimental study examining the impact of routinely making follow-up phone calls, compared with historical control discharges. We implemented standardized attending physician phone calls to families of all patients discharged from a general pediatric hospitalist service. Calls were made within 72 hours of discharge to assess problems with transition. Charts were reviewed for documentation of difficulty with the care transition, 14-day and 30-day readmissions, ED visits, and Press-Ganey satisfaction scores. All results in the 12 months after the intervention were compared with the preceding12 months.

Results:

We reached 78% of all patients’ families by phone after discharge. Of the families reached, 19.9% needed an issue addressed, half of which were medication related. There were improvements in 14-day and 30-day readmissions and 14-day ED visit rates, as well as improvement in patient satisfaction scores, but none of these results reached statistical significance.

Conclusions:

Standardized, physician-performed, postdischarge phone calls identified frequent patient care issues related to difficulties with inpatient to outpatient transition, many of which were medication related. However, our study was underpowered to detect a statistically significant correlation with changes in readmission rates, ED visits, or patient satisfaction.
Effect of Timing of Psychiatry Consultation on Length of Pediatric Hospitalization and Hospital Charges
Authors: Bujoreanu Simona , White Matthew T. , Gerber Bradley , Ibeziako Patricia
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of timing of a psychiatry consultation during pediatric hospitalization on length of hospital stay and total hospitalization charges.

Methods:

The charts of 279 pediatric patients (totaling 308 consultations) referred to the psychiatry consultation liaison service at a freestanding tertiary pediatric hospital between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The variables analyzed included the following: patient demographic characteristics; dates of admission, psychiatric consultation, and discharge; psychiatric diagnoses based on the psychiatric diagnostic evaluation; psychiatric treatment disposition; and illness severity and total charges associated with the medical stay.

Results:

Earlier psychiatry consultation was associated with shorter length of stay and lower hospitalization charges after adjusting for psychiatric functioning, physical illness severity, and psychiatric disposition. Poorer psychiatric functioning and milder physical illness were associated with shorter referral time.

Conclusions:

Timely involvement of psychiatry consultation services during a medical or surgical hospitalization was associated with reductions in length of stay and total hospital charges in pediatric settings. These findings have important effects on quality of care via decreasing burden on the patient and family and on the medical system resources. Educating pediatric health care providers about the importance of early psychiatry consultation regardless of physical illness severity or psychiatric acuity will likely improve resource management for patients and hospitals.
Is Secondhand Smoke Exposure Associated With Increased Exacerbation Severity Among Children Hospitalized for Asthma?
Authors: Andrews Annie L. , Shirley Nils , Ojukwu Elizabeth , Robinson Michelle , Torok Michelle , Wilson Karen M.
Published: May 2015

Objective:

To determine the association between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and length of stay (LOS) and other exacerbation severity indicators in children hospitalized for asthma.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review at 2 children’s hospitals. Patients aged 2 to 18 hospitalized for asthma in 2012 were included. Outcome variables included LOS, PICU, magnesium, and intravenous (IV) steroids. Bivariate analysis determined differences between SHS-exposed and non–SHS-exposed groups. Geometric means were used for LOS to account for skewed distribution. Logistic and zero-truncated negative binomial regression models were used to determine the independent association between SHS exposure and hospitalization severity indicators.

Results:

A total of 623 patients were included; 41% reported SHS exposure. Mean LOS was 47.5 hours. In the SHS-exposed group, LOS was 50.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 46.7–54.0) and in the nonexposed group it was 45.8 (95% CI 43.4–48.4) (P = .02). In regression analysis, institution modified the effect of SHS exposure on LOS. At Children’s Hospital Colorado, SHS exposure was associated with a 20% increase in LOS (incidence rate ratio 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.3). At the Medical University of South Carolina, there was no significant association. SHS-exposed patients were more likely to receive IV steroids (odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.3)

Conclusions:

Among children hospitalized for asthma, we identified a significant association at 1 institution between SHS exposure and LOS and found that IV steroid use was significantly associated with LOS at both institutions. Eliminating SHS exposure among children with asthma is important.
Transfusion in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Premature Neonates: Current Practice Trends, Risks, and Early Interventions to Decrease the Need for Transfusion
Authors: Hensch Lisa A. , Indrikovs Alexander J. , Shattuck Karen E.
Published: May 2015

The goal of this review is to familiarize readers with current issues related to red blood cell transfusion and alternative strategies in the extremely low-birth-weight neonatal population. We discuss benefits associated with packed red blood cell transfusion and unique adverse outcomes in this fragile group. Alternative strategies for the prevention of anemia requiring transfusion are also reviewed.
Biomarkers of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Deleon Clarissa , Shattuck Karen , Jain Sunil K.
Published: May 2015

Neonatal sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in infants, and diagnosis of neonatal sepsis remains challenging. The diagnostic standard for neonatal sepsis is blood culture. Sensitivity of blood culture may be affected by antepartum antibiotic exposure or volume of blood collected for culture. The present review highlights the importance of various biomarkers that can be used in combination with hematologic scoring to diagnose neonatal sepsis.
Butterfly (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) Fauna of East Calcutta Wetlands, West Bengal, India
Authors: Chowdhury Soumyajit , Soren Rahi
Published: May 2015

East Calcutta Wetlands (ECW), lying east of the city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), West Bengal in India, demonstrates the usage of city sewage for traditional practices of fisheries and agriculture. As a Ramsar Site, the wetland demands exploration of its bioresources for better understanding and management of the ecosystem operating therein. Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) being potent pollinators and ecological indicators, are examined in the present study. The diversity study, conducted for two consecutive years (Jan. 2007-Nov. 2009) in all the three seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon), revealed seventy-four species. As butterflies depend on preferred host and nectar plants during their larval and adult stages respectively, the lack of these sources in some parts of ECW indicate degraded habitats with low species richness. Ongoing unplanned anthropogenic activities like habitat modifications (conversion of wetlands to agricultural lands) are resulting in the loss of wetland biodiversity and hence ecosystem integrity in ECW.
Checklist of eulophid wasps (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) of Iran
Authors: Talebi Ali Asghar , Khoramabadi Abbas Mohammadi , Rakhshani Ehsan
Published: May 2015

In the pesent paper a list of the Eulophidae species (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) and their associated hosts in Iran is provided. A total of 106 species belonging to 37 genera and to the following subfamilies are listed: Entedoninae (seven genera/19 species), Entiinae (one genus/one species), Eulophinae (16 genera/45 species), Tetrastichinae (13 genera/41 species).
Thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) of China
Authors: Mirab-balou Majid , Tong Xiao-li , Feng Ji-nian , Chen Xue-xin
Published: May 2015

A new checklist of Thysanoptera from China (including Taiwan) is provided. In total 566 species in 155 genera are listed, of which there are 313 species in the suborder Terebrantia, comprising 290 species in 74 genera in family Thripidae, 18 species in three genera in Aeolothripidae, two species in one genus in Melanthripidae and three species in one genus in Merothripidae. In the suborder Tubulifera 253 species in 76 genera are listed in the single family Phlaeothripidae. Two species, Aeolothrips collaris and Odontothrips meliloti, are newly recorded for the fauna of China.
Herpetofauna, Estação Ecológica Estadual do Paraíso, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Vrcibradic Davor , Rocha Carlos Frederico D. , Kiefer Mara Cíntia , Hatano Fabio Haruki , Fontes Angélica Figueira , Almeida-Gomes Mauricio , Siqueira Carla C. , Pontes Jorge Antonio L. , Borges-Junior Vitor Nelson T. , Gil Lívia O. , Klaion Thaís , Rubião Eduardo C. N. , Van Sluys Monique
Published: May 2015

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is one of the richest and most threatened biomes on Earth. In the state of Rio de Janeiro it is presently reduced to less than 20% of its original extension, and faunal lists are needed for several areas. Here we present a species list of amphibians and reptiles for the Estação Ecológica Estadual do Paraíso (EEEP), a forest reserve located in the central portion of Rio de Janeiro state. The list is based on both primary (gathered during a short-term survey by the authors) and secondary data (obtained from a local reference collection). A total of 30 amphibian (of which six are endemic to the state) and 29 reptile species were recorded from the area (of which 25 and 13, respectively, were obtained by primary data). No threatened or presumably threatened species were present among the herpetofauna of the EEEP.
Amphibians and reptiles of the Refúgio de Vida Silvestre Mata do Junco, municipality of Capela, state of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Abrahão Morato Sérgio Augusto , Xavier de Lima André Magnani , Cristina Pries Staut Daniele , Gomes Faria Renato , De Souza-Alves João Pedro , Gouveia Sidney Feitosa , Rossane Cavilha Scupino Michela , Gomes Ramon , José da Silva Marcelo
Published: May 2015

The Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest has high diversity levels of amphibians and reptiles, but there is a lack of richness survey at several areas, while a high level of deforestation is already known. The biome is highly endangered in northeastern Brazil, and few protected areas have been the main mechanism for providing the habitat conservation. We studied the Refúgio da Vida Silvestre Mata do Junco, a recently established conservation unit in this biome, at the Capela municipality, in the state of Sergipe. Field surveys and literature review were conducted between 2007-2009, revealing 33 species of anuran amphibians and 26 of reptiles (one turtle, ten lizards and 15 snakes). The presence of rare and endemic species suggests an important role of this area as a source remnant of the northeastern Atlantic Forest herpetological community.
Amphibia and Reptilia, Quebrada de los Cuervos, Departamento de Treinta y Tres, Uruguay
Authors: Prigioni Carlos , Borteiro Claudio , Kolenc Francisco
Published: May 2015

We present an annotated list of the herpetofauna at the Protected Area Quebrada de los Cuervos, Departamento de Treinta y Tres, Uruguay. We recorded 24 species of amphibians and 29 of reptiles, accounting for near half of the species already reported from Uruguay. New records of Dendropsophus minutus (Hylidae) and Liophis almadensis (Colubridae) are presented, being the southernmost known for these species. Additionally, Melanophryniscus sanmartini (Bufonidae), Anisolepis undulatus (Polychridae), Crotalus durissus terrificus (Viperidae) and Xenodon histricus (Colubridae) are cited for the first time for the Departamento de Treinta y Tres.
Mollusca, Nudibranchia: new records and southward range extensions in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil
Authors: Padula Vinicius , Bahia Juliana , Vargas Camila , Lindner Alberto
Published: May 2015

Nudibranch molluscs constitute a group of marine gastropods little studied in most of the Brazilian coast extension. Up to date, only ten species are known from Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. This work presents four new records of nudibranchs from this region: Aeolidiella indica Bergh, 1988; Berghia rissodominguezi Muniain and Ortea, 1999; Chromodoris paulomarcioi Domínguez, García and Troncoso, 2006 and Tambja stegosauriformis Pola, Cervera, and Gosliner, 2005, expanding the known geographic distribution of the last two species more than 900 km southward.
Squamata, Serpentes, Micrurus silviae Di-Bernardo, Borges-Martins and Silva, 2007: presence confirmation in Paraguay
Authors: Cacciali Pier , Espínola Daniel , Viñales Silvia Centrón , Espínola Irene Gauto , Cabral Hugo
Published: May 2015

Micrurus silviae is a coralsnake with a triadal pattern, and is one of the eight species found in southern South America. In Paraguay there are six taxa recorded: M. altirostris, M. baliocoryphus, M. frontalis, M. pyrrhocryptus, M. corallinus, and M. lemniscatus carvalhoi. Here we present a record of M. silviae, an additional and seventh species for the country. Previously M. silviae was known only from Rio Grande do Sul state, in southern Brazil. The specimen was found in South American Mesopotamian Grasslands ecoregion, with natural grassland in the Department of Itapúa.
Distribution extension of Phaenomys ferrugineus (Thomas, 1894), and new data on Abrawayaomys ruschii Cunha and Cruz, 1979 and Rhagomys rufescens (Thomas, 1886), three rare species of rodents (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Passamani Marcelo , Cerboncini Ricardo Augusto Serpa , Oliveira José Everaldo de
Published: May 2015

Herein we report for the first time the occurrence of Phaenomys ferrugineus in the state of Minas Gerais and present additional data on the geographical distribution of Abrawayaomys ruschii and Rhagomys rufescens in this state. These latter two species were reported from some localities in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, but their presence in Minas Gerais state is restricted to few localities. These data reinforce the necessity of surveys over long periods of time and the use of pitfall traps in order to establish the real geographical distribution of small mammal species and to indicate priority areas for the conservation of this group of mammals.
Amphibia, Anura, Microhylidae, Chiasmocleis avilapiresae Peloso and Sturaro, 2008 and Chiasmocleis bassleri Dunn, 1949: New Distribution records
Authors: Rodrigues Domingos De Jesus , Noronha Janaina Da Costa de , Lima Marcelo De Morais , Rosa Angélica Coelho
Published: May 2015

This note reports the presence of Chiasmocleis bassleeri and C. avilapiresae in the north of Mato Grosso state. It extends the distribution of C. avilapiresae and C. bassleri 140 km from the nearest known locality (Aripuanã, MT, Brazil) and 1170 and 1350 km from the type-locality (Floresta Nacional de Caxiuanã, state of Pará, Brazil and Río Utoquinia to Río Tapiche, Perú, respectively).
Digenean parasites of the Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) (Aves: Phalacrocoracidae) from Argentina: distribution extension and new host records
Authors: Drago Fabiana Beatriz , Lunaschi Lía Inés , Schenone Maria
Published: May 2015

Thirteen specimens of Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) from three areas of the Chaqueña Subregion of Argentina were examined for digeneans. Ten species were found: four diplostomids (Austrodiplostomum mordax, A. ostrowskiae, Tylodelphys adulta and Hysteromorpha triloba), three echinostomatids (Drepanocephalus spathans, Paryphostomum segregatum, and P. parvicephalum), one strigeid (Strigea falconis brasiliana), one psilostomid (Ribeiroia ondatrae) and one prosthogonimid (Prosthogonimus ovatus). Tylodelphys adulta and S. f. brasiliana are reported for the first time as parasites of P. brasilianus and new geographical records are presented.
Mammalia, Chiroptera, Molossidae Molossops neglectus Williams and Genoways, 1980: range extension and first record for Corrientes Province, Argentina
Authors: Barquez Rubén Marcos , Franzoy Alejandro Valentín , Díaz María Mónica
Published: May 2015

In Argentina Molossops neglectus was only known from Misiones Province through specimens collected at a single locality. Here, we report a second locality from Argentina that includes the species in the province of Corrientes. In addition, this locality extends the southern limit and represents the southernmost known locality for the distribution of the species.
Update on the checklist of fish species of the Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Hablützel Pascal I. , Yunoki Takayuki , Velasco Luis Torres
Published: May 2015

In 2010 and 2011 new checklists of fish species occurring in the Bolivian Amazon have been published. We add 21 species to these lists of which two are new reports for Bolivia (Apistogramma urteagai Kullander, 1986 and Vandellia sanguinea Eigenmann, 1917). The other 19 taxa have been reported earlier for the Bolivian Amazon. Their absence on previous checklists indicate the difficulties to compile an overview of the current literature on the fish fauna of the Bolivian Amazon. The ichthyofauna of Bolivia is still not entirely known and many species await formal descriptions. Future collection efforts and taxonomic reviews might rise the number of known Bolivian fish species considerably in the near future.
Aquatic macrophytes of Northeastern Brazil: checklist, richness, distribution and life forms [with erratum]
Authors: Moura-Júnior Edson Gomes de , Lima Liliane Ferreira , Silva Simone Santos Lira , Paiva Raíssa Maria Sampaio de , Ferreira Fernando Alves , Zickel Carmen Silvia , Pott Arnildo
Published: May 2015

Aquatic plants have great influence on the structure and dynamics of aquatic ecosystems, thereby contributing considerably to biodiversity. In Brazil, knowledge of the biodiversity of aquatic macroflora is still limited. We present a checklist of aquatic macrophytes occurring in the northeastern region of Brazil through a bibliographic search. We recorded a total of 412 species, 217 genera and 72 families. The most representative families were Cyperaceae (70 species), Poaceae (38), Fabaceae (27) and Asteraceae (20). The States with highest number of species were Pernambuco (370), Bahia (360), Ceará (267) and Paraíba (261). The best-represented life forms were amphibious (193 species) and emergent (100). The aquatic flora of Northeastern Brazil exhibits high species richness; however, there is a scarcity of records of aquatic macrophytes for the States of Alagoas, Rio Grande do Norte, Maranhão, Sergipe and Piauí.
Marine and coastal biodiversity of Oaxaca, Mexico [with erratum]
Authors: Bastida-Zavala J. Rolando , García-Madrigal María Del Socorro , Rosas-Alquicira Francisco , Lopéz-Pérez Ramón Andrés , Benítez-Villalobos Francisco , Meraz-Hernando Juan Francisco , Torres-Huerta Ana María , Montoya-Márquez Alberto , Barrientos-Luján Norma A.
Published: May 2015

The state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico harbors the highest faunistic and floristic biodiversity of the region; however, to date, research effort has focused on terrestrial flora and fauna. Despite this bias, there is a large amount of dispersed information regarding the coastal and marine biodiversity of Oaxaca. The present study aimed to: 1) update and synthesize existing information to improve understanding of coastal and marine biodiversity; and 2) provide a baseline for future biodiversity studies in Oaxaca. The review of 198 references about Oaxaca's flora and fauna produced 2, 157 species records, from 15 taxonomic groups (Division, Phyla or Class). Nevertheless, knowledge about the fauna and flora of Oaxaca remains scarce compared to other regions, such as the Gulf of California. Additionally, floristic and faunistic knowledge is heterogeneous among the taxonomic groups; for instance, 242 (11 .2 °/o) species represent macroalgae, three invertebrate groups (annelids, crustaceans and mollusks) represent about 44.0% (949 species) of all species recorded, while the vertebrates are represented by 762 species (35.3°/o). Similarly, many invertebrate groups recorded in adjacent regions have not yet been recorded on the Oaxaca coast, including some platyhelminthes, rotifers, nematodes, oligochaetes, sipunculids, echiurans, tardigrades, pycnogonids, some crustaceans, brachiopods, chaetognaths, ascidians and cephalochordates. The study of the marine flora and fauna is far from finished; additional effort is required to complete the marine biodiversity inventory of Oaxaca.
Anurans of Bhitarkanika mangroves, Odisha, east coast of India
Authors: Jena S.C. , Palita S.K. , Mahapatra M.K.
Published: May 2015

Anurans of Bhitarkanika National Park, the second largest viable mangrove ecosystem measuring 141.44 km2 on the east coast of India, are understudied. This paper presents a comprehensive list of anuran species encountered in and around the protected area. Visual Encounter Surveys during the rainy and winter season in four sites yielded a total of 14 species belonging to five families. Of these, eight species were new records from Bhitarkanika National Park, belonging to the families Bufonidae (Duttaphrynus stomaticus), Dicroglossidae (Euphlyctis hexadactylus, Fejervarya cancrivora, Fejervarya syhadrensis, Hoplobatrachus crassus, Sphaerotheca rolandae), Microhylidae (Microhyla ornata) and Ranidae (Hylarana tytleri). Sightings of Sphaerotheca rolandae, Hylarana tytleri and Duttaphrynus stomaticus were very few in number. All other species found were well represented throughout the study area. Scope for future suggested studies is emphasized.
First record of Bothrops taeniatus Wagler, 1824 (Reptilia: Viperidae) for the state of Acre, Brazil
Authors: Souza Jesus Rodrigues Domingues de , Venâncio Nathocley Mendes , Freitas Marco Antonio de , Souza Moisés Barbosa de , Veríssimo Diogo
Published: May 2015

An adult specimen of Bothrops taeniatus Wagler, 1824 was found in the Municipality of Assis Brasil, in the Rio Acre Ecological Station, Acre, Brazil. This is the first record of this species for the state of Acre, extending the species distribution globally by approximately 164 Km west.
First record of an immature green turtle Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758) (Testudines: Cheloniidae) on a fluvial island, Reserva Biológica do Parazinho, Amazonas river, Brazil
Authors: Campos Carlos Eduardo Costa , Santos Rafael Cabral dos , Araújo Ananda Silva , Paes Núcia Nayara Guedes
Published: May 2015

On March 8th, 2011 we recorded an immature green turtle Chelonia mydas at the Reserva Biológica do Parazinho, eastern Amazonia, Brazil. This record of C. mydas on a fluvial island, where the aquatic environment is a mixture of fresh and salt water, suggests that this typical marine species potentially tolerates lower levels of water salinity.
Rueppel’s Snake-eyed Skink, Ablepharus rueppellii (Gray, 1839) (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae): distribution extension and geographic range in Israel
Authors: Roll Uri , Tallowin Oliver , Berkowic Daniel , Maza Erez , Ostrometzky Yael , Slavenko Alex , Shacham Boaz , Tamar Karin , Meiri Shai
Published: May 2015

We report a new locality for Rueppel’s Snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus rueppellii) in Southern Israel – near Shivta Junction. This record extends the known distribution of this species in Israel by ~25km. We examined all known localities of this species in Israel and the adjacent Sinai Peninsula (Egypt), and discuss some discrepancies between them and currently published range maps, including the one produced by the IUCN.
Distribution of Megalobulimus sanctipauli (Ihering and Pilsbry, 1900) (Gastropoda: Megalobulimidae) in South America
Authors: Beltramino Ariel Aníbal
Published: May 2015

The terrestrial snail Megalobulimus sanctipauli (Ihering and Pilsbry, 1900), described from Botucatú, São Paulo State, Brazil, is known to occur in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. The historical distribution of the species is reviewed here and a distribution map is presented for the first time.
Regenerative ideas for urban roads in South Africa
Authors: Emuze Fidelis A. , Das Dillip Kumar
Published: May 2015

Safer and reliable infrastructure in cities is a necessity for urban dwellers. The question is whether conventional planning practices would provide solutions before urban roads are labelled as unmanageable sources of fatalities, especially in developing economies. This paper presents how smart mobility can be achieved. Using Bloemfontein in South Africa, a case study was performed to examine the causal feedback relations among the factors prompting mobility. The study revealed that: (a) the use of information and communication technology in everyday functions, instead of large-scale physical movement is crucial; and (b) efficient public transportation systems would assist in developing smart mobility in urban areas. In effect, regenerative ideas that are based on prioritised causal feedback relations should bring about smart mobility, which engenders traffic safety in urban areas.
Using a design–build system: an interpretive structural model
Authors: Trigunarsyah Bambang , Parami Dewi Anak Agung Diah
Published: May 2015

Road infrastructure projects in Indonesia are currently delivered using a design–bid–build approach, where the design and construction are contracted separately. Although the approach is deemed fairer to contractors, it may not be able to create value for the infrastructure owner. The lengthy procurement periods often result in less desirable outcomes, such as excessive costs, poor quality and time delays. The alternative is to use a design–build approach, which can result in better performance and has been used successfully in many countries. This paper examines the relationship and hierarchy among the factors that can promote the implementation of design–build procurement in Indonesia. Pair-wise comparison questionnaires were distributed to an expert panel. The responses were then analysed using interpretive structural modelling to identify the hierarchy and relationships among the factors that can promote implementation of a design–build approach. Fourteen factors were identified, which form a six-level framework for implementation. The results were used to develop an interpretive structural model for implementing design–build procurement of Indonesian infrastructure projects.
Age and growth of hilsa shad, Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) of the river Tentulia in Bangladesh
Authors: Karim Rajaul , Roy Krishna Chandra , Roy Purobi Rani , Ahmed Zoarder Faruque
Published: May 2015

This study was carried out on age and growth of hilsa shad, Tenualosa ilisha in river Tentulia in Bhola district using monthly samples from January to December 2009 by checking annual rings or growth checks on hard parts. Age and growth of T. ilisha got progressed by direct fit of length frequency data both to standard and to modified von Bertalanffy growth models with ELEFAN I procedure where the predicted maximum total length were (TL∞) 41.88 cm for male and 52.40 cm for female. Powell-Wetherall procedure gave an initial asymptotic total length (TL∞) for both male and female 40.42 cm, 50.61 cm respectively. The values of Z/K were 3.362 for male and 2.626 for female. The growth co-efficient (K) was obtained as 1.40 year-1 for male and 1.00 year-1 for female. The von Bertalanffy growth equations in terms of body weight (BW) for both male and female were BWt=799.26[1-exp{-1.40(t+0.002)}]3 and BWt=1717.82[1-exp{-0.99(t+0.013)}]3 respectively. The length-weight relationship for both sexes were BW=0.0101 TL 3.02 for male and BW=0.0086 TL 3.08 for female. The value of coefficient of determination (R2) was estimated for both male and female species were 0.969 and 0.968.
The Finite Population Bootstrap - From the Maximum Likelihood to the Horvitz-Thompson Approach
Authors: Quatember Andreas
Published: May 2015

The finite population bootstrap method is used as a computer-intensive alternative to estimate the sampling distribution of a sample statis-tic. The generation of a so-called “bootstrap population” is the necessarystep between the original sample drawn and the resamples needed to mimicthis distribution. The most important question for researchers to answer ishow to create an adequate bootstrap population, which may serve as a close-to-reality basis for the resampling process. In this paper, a review of someapproaches to answer this fundamental question is presented. Moreover, anapproach based on the idea behind the Horvitz-Thompson estimator allow-ing not only whole units in the bootstrap population but also parts of wholeunits is proposed. In a simulation study, this method is compared with a moreheuristic technique from the bootstrap literature.
On Outliers and Interventions in Count Time Series following GLMs
Authors: Fried Roland , Liboschik Tobias , Elsaied Hanan , Kitromilidou Stella , Fokianos Konstantinos
Published: May 2015

We discuss the analysis of count time series following generalised linear models in the presence of outliers and intervention effects. Different modifications of such models are formulated which allow to incorporate, detect and to a certain degree distinguish extraordinary events (interventions) of different types in count time series retrospectively. An outlook on extensions to the problem of robust parameter estimation, identification of the model orders by robust estimation of autocorrelations and partial autocorrelations, and online surveillance by sequential testing for outlyingness is provided.
Software Tools for Robust Analysis of High-Dimensional Data
Authors: Todorov Valentin , Filzmoser Peter
Published: May 2015

The present work discusses robust multivariate methods specifically designed for highdimensions. Their implementation in R is presented and their application is illustratedon examples. The first group are algorithms for outlier detection, already introducedelsewhere and implemented in other packages. The value added of the new package isthat all methods follow the same design pattern and thus can use the same graphicaland diagnostic tools. The next topic covered is sparse principal components including anobject oriented interface to the standard method proposed by Zou, Hastie, and Tibshirani(2006) and the robust one proposed by Croux, Filzmoser, and Fritz (2013). Robust partialleast squares (see Hubert and Vanden Branden 2003) as well as partial least squares fordiscriminant analysis conclude the scope of the new package.
Modelling Assumed Metric Paired Comparison Data - Application to Learning Related Emotions
Authors: Grand Alexandra , Dittrich Regina
Published: May 2015

In this article we suggest a beta regression model that accounts for the degree of preference in paired comparisons measured on a bounded metric paired comparison scale. The beta distribution for bounded continuous random variables assumes values in the open unit interval (0,1). However, in practice we will observe paired comparison responses that lie within a fixed or arbitrary fixed interval [-a,a] with known value of a. We therefore transform the observed responses into the interval (0,1) and assume that these transformed responses are each a realization of a random variable which follows a beta distribution. We propose a simple paired comparison regression model for beta distributed variables which allows us to model the mean of the transformed response using a linear predictor and a logit link function -- where the linear predictor is defined by the parameters of the logit-linear Bradley-Terry model. For illustration we applied the presented model to a data set obtained from a student survey of learning related emotions in mathematics.
Svjetlosno onečišćenje grada Zagreba u periodu prosinac 2010. - srpanj 2011.
Authors: Sharma Indramani , Mostečak Ana , Andreić Željko
Published: May 2015

Svjetlosno onečišćenje povećanje je prirodne vrijednosti osvjetljenja okoliša kao posljedica ljudskog djelovanja. U uvodu članka dajemo pregled uzroka i posljedica svjetlosnog onečišćenja te opisujemo tri osnovne metode mjerenja utjecaja umjetnog osvjetljenja na okolinu. Istraživačka grupa s RGN fakulteta odabrala je jednu od tih metoda kako bi razradila metodologiju mjerenja i obrade rezultata, korisnost mjerenja i stekla uvid u očekivane rezultate budućih mjerenja. Iznosimo opis i rezultat preliminarnog mjerenja osvjetljenja noćnog neba tokom osmomjesečnog perioda, napravljenog instrumentom postavljenim na zgradi Rudarsko-geološko-naftnog fakulteta.
Creating space for large‐scale restoration in tropical agricultural landscapes
Authors: Latawiec Agnieszka E , Strassburg Bernardo BN , Brancalion Pedro HS , Rodrigues Ricardo R , Gardner Toby
Published: May 2015

Poorly planned, large‐scale ecological restoration projects may displace agricultural activities and potentially lead to the clearance of native vegetation elsewhere, with associated impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet few studies have considered these risks and the ways in which restoration can increase competition for land. Here, we address this issue by examining whether large‐scale restoration of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest could displace cattle production, as a result of land shortages. Although the risks of displacement are indeed high when reforestation is planned in areas with high cattle productivity, we discuss how these risks can be minimized through a combination of productivity increases, a regional restoration planning framework, and the prioritization of marginal agricultural land for restoration. We also consider how restoration can, in some circumstances, be made more economically sustainable by incorporating income‐generating activities such as exploitation of timber and non‐timber forest products, certification, and payments for ecosystem services.