bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of water level fluctuations on detritus accumulation in Lake Baiyangdian, China
Authors: Li Xia , Cui Baoshan , Yang Qichun , Lan Yan
Published: January 2015

Decreases in water level could stimulate emergent plant growth and accelerate lake terrestrialization. To explore the impacts of hydrological variability on detritus accumulation in Lake Baiyangdian, a process‐based ecosystem model was applied to investigate how emergent plants affect lake terrestrialization under changing water levels. Results of this study suggested that the accumulation of Phragmites australis (P. australis) detritus is one of the main factors that promote terrestrialization, accounting for 1.8 mm yr−1 of sediment increase in the lake from 2001 to 2010. Water level and temperature were the primary drivers of detritus accumulation. The impacts of water level variability on detritus accumulation in Lake Baiyangdian were further investigated through scenario analysis. Results demonstrated that both annual and inter‐annual water level fluctuations could affect plant detritus accumulation. The scenario with low water level supported relatively high plant productivity and fast plant detritus accumulation, whereas the high water level scenario induced the lowest plant biomass production and slowest detritus accumulation. Enlarged inter‐annual water level fluctuations also caused an increase in both plant productivity and detritus accumulation. This study suggests that the terrestrialization processes of lakes can be mitigated through regulating lake water levels to reduce detritus accumulation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical procedures for developing earthquake damage fragility curves
Authors: Lallemant David , Kiremidjian Anne , Burton Henry
Published: January 2015

This paper describes statistical procedures for developing earthquake damage fragility functions. Although fragility curves abound in earthquake engineering and risk assessment literature, the focus has generally been on the methods for obtaining the damage data (i.e., the analysis of structures), and little emphasis is placed on the process for fitting fragility curves to this data. This paper provides a synthesis of the most commonly used methods for fitting fragility curves and highlights some of their significant limitations. More novel methods are described for parametric fragility curve development (generalized linear models and cumulative link models) and non‐parametric curves (generalized additive model and Gaussian kernel smoothing). An extensive discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each method is provided, as well as examples using both empirical and analytical data. The paper further proposes methods for treating the uncertainty in intensity measure, an issue common with empirical data. Finally, the paper describes approaches for choosing among various fragility models, based on an evaluation of prediction error for a user‐defined loss function. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Errors caused by peak factor assumptions in response‐spectrum‐based analyses
Authors: Menun Charles , Reyes Juan C. , Chopra Anil K.
Published: January 2015

The modal combination rules commonly used in response spectrum analyses implicitly assume that the peak factor associated with the response quantity of interest is equal to the peak factors of the contributing modal responses. In this paper, we examine the validity of this assumption and demonstrate that it causes the modal combination rules to over‐represent the contribution of the higher modes of vibration to the total response and under‐represent the contribution of the lower modes. Consequently, a response‐spectrum‐based analysis can yield a biased estimate for the peak value of a response quantity when two or more well‐separated modal frequencies make significant contributions to the total response. To correct this potential bias in response‐spectrum‐based estimates, we develop a procedure for estimating the peak factors that is suitable to the response spectrum analysis calculations commonly used in the current design practice. Examples are presented to demonstrate the proper use and potential impact of the proposed procedure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards Audio Poetry
Authors: Binczek Natalie , Epping‐Jäger Cornelia
Published: January 2015

Audio books are enjoying enormous popularity among publishers and the public as an alternative form for printed literature. Now researchers in literature studies are taking a closer look at this successful medium. They see in it a distinct form of expression with an aesthetic all of its own.
The Amazing Milky Way
Authors: Grebel Eva K.
Published: January 2015

The Amazing Galactic archaeology: With the help of huge databases and new models, astronomers are learning more about the evolution of our home galaxy and spiral galaxies as a galaxy class.
Depositional systems and sequence stratigraphy analysis of the Upper Callovian to Tithonian sediments in the Central and Western Kopet‐Dagh Basin, Northeast Iran
Authors: Kavoosi Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2015

Upper Callovian to Tithonian (late Jurassic) sediments represent an important hydrocarbon reservoir in the Kopet‐Dagh Basin, NE Iran. These deposits consist mainly of limestone, dolostone, and calcareous mudstone with subordinate siliciclastic interbeds. Detailed field surveys, lithofacies and facies analyses at three outcrop sections were used to investigate the depositional environments and sequence stratigraphy of the Middle to Upper Jurassic interval in the central and western areas of the basin. Vertical and lateral facies changes, sedimentary fabrics and structures, and geometry of carbonate bodies resulted in recognition of various carbonate facies related to tidal flats, back‐barrier lagoon, shelf‐margin/shelf‐margin reef, slope and deep‐marine facies belts. These facies were accompanied by interbedded beach and deep marine siliciclastic petrofacies. Field surveys, facies analysis, parasequences stacking patterns, discontinuity surfaces, and geometries coupled with relative depth variation, led to the recognition of six third‐order depositional sequences. The depositional history of the study areas can be divided into two main phases. These indicate platform evolution from a rimmed‐shelf to a carbonate ramp during the late Callovian–Oxfordian and Kimmeridgian–Tithonian intervals, respectively. Significant lateral and vertical facies and thickness changes, and results obtained from regional correlation of the depositional sequences, can be attributed to the combined effect of antecedent topography and differential subsidence related to local tectonics. Moreover, sea‐level changes must be regarded as a major factor during the late Callovian–Tithonian interval. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular pathogenesis and targeted therapy of sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Capurso Gabriele , Archibugi Livia , Delle Fave Gianfranco
Published: January 2015

Over the past few years, knowledge regarding the molecular pathology of sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) has increased substantially, and a number of targeted agents have been tested in clinical trials in this tumor type. For some of these agents there is a strong biological rationale. Among them, the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor Everolimus and the antiangiogenic agent Sunitinib have both been approved for the treatment of PNETs. However, there is lack of knowledge regarding biomarkers able to predict their efficacy, and mechanisms of resistance. Other angiogenesis inhibitors, such as Pazopanib, inhibitors of Src, Hedgehog or of PI3K might all be useful in association or sequence with approved agents. On the other hand, the clinical significance, and potential for treatment of the most common mutations occurring in sporadic PNETs, in the MEN‐1 gene and in ATRX and DAXX, remains uncertain. The present paper reviews the main molecular changes occurring in PNETs and how they might be linked with treatment options.
Synthesis of New Functionalized Heterocyclic [4,3,3] Propellanes via Three‐component Reaction Based on Ninhydrin–Phenol Adducts
Authors: Sirouspour Mehdi , Souri Sanaz
Published: January 2015

Three‐component reaction between ninhydrin–phenol adducts, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, and triphenylphosphine was investigated. Utilizing this protocol, dialkyl 10‐oxo‐10H‐4b,9b‐(epoxyethanooxy)indeno[1,2‐b]benzofuran‐12,13‐dicarboxylates as functionalized heterocyclic [4,3,3] propellanes was synthesized in 6‐endo‐trig cyclization mode. 8‐hydroxyquinoline showed serendipitous reactivity and produced para substituted adduct in the reaction with ninhydrin in acetic acid media and hence produced dialkyl 8a‐(4‐(alkoxycarbonyl)‐2‐oxo‐2H‐pyrano[3,2‐h]quinolin‐6‐yl)‐8‐oxo‐8,8a‐dihydro‐2H‐indeno[2,1‐b]furan‐2,3‐dicarboxylate in the reaction with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and PPh3.
Synthesis, Docking, and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of a New Series of Acyclo C‐Nucleosides of 1, 2, 4‐Triazolo[4, 3‐a]quinoxaline Derivatives
Authors: Ayoup Mohammed Salah , Ahmed Hany Emary Ali , El Massry Abdel Moneim , Senior Samir , Khattab Sherine Nabil , Hassan Seham Yassen , Amer Adel
Published: January 2015

In this study, 18 new 3‐benzylquinoxalinyl hydrazones bearing carbohydrate moiety and their corresponding triazoloquinoxalines were synthesized in order to investigate their possible antibacterial and antifungal activities. Some of these compounds such as 4b, 4c, 7b, 7c, and 7d showed promising antibacterial and antifungal activities and were found to have more potent activity compared with that of standard drugs. From structure–activity relationship point of view, increasing the size of the substitutions at position 6 or 7 on the quinoxaline nucleus decreased the antimicrobial activity, while the presence of the hydroxyl groups at C2 (R) and C3 (S) of sugar moieties enhanced the activity. Further, molecular docking studies of the active compounds were performed on different targets belonging to different microorganisms and showed good scoring with further understanding of the various interactions with the active sites of interesting enzymes compared with the co‐crystallized ligands.
The impact of team familiarity and team leader experience on team coordination errors: A panel analysis of professional basketball teams
Authors: Sieweke Jost , Zhao Bin
Published: January 2015

To explore the dynamics involved in team coordination, we examine the impact of team familiarity and team leader experience on team coordination errors (TCEs). We argue that team familiarity has a U‐shaped effect on TCEs. We study the moderating effects of team leader prior experience and team leader team‐specific experience on the association between team familiarity and TCEs. We use panel data on teams from the National Basketball Association to test the hypotheses. Our findings support the U‐shaped relationship between team familiarity and TCEs and the moderating effect of team leader team‐specific experience on this relationship. The paper advances research on errors in organizations by analyzing the antecedents of TCEs, so far an underexplored empirical phenomenon. Moreover, it contributes to research on coordination in teams by empirically examining the interplay between formal and informal coordination mechanisms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding employee innovative behavior: Integrating the social network and leader–member exchange perspectives
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Hua (Frank) , Fang Yulin , Qureshi Israr , Janssen Onne
Published: January 2015

By integrating social network theory and leader–member exchange (LMX) theory, we explore the effects of three types of social relationships on employee innovative behavior: weak ties outside the group, LMX, and strong ties within the group. The results from a sample in a high‐tech firm showed that LMX fully mediated the positive relationship between out‐group weak ties and innovative behavior. Furthermore, within‐group strong ties negatively moderated the second stage of this indirect relationship, such that LMX was positively and significantly related to innovative behavior only when the number of within‐group strong ties was low. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of Multicomponent Polymer Nanostructures Containing PMMA Shells and Encapsulated PS Nanospheres in the Nanopores of Anodic Aluminum Oxide Templates
Authors: Ko Hao‐Wen , Chi Mu‐Huan , Chang Chun‐Wei , Su Chun‐Hsien , Wei Tzu‐Hui , Tsai Chia‐Chan , Peng Chi‐How , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: January 2015

Multi‐component polymer nanomaterials have attracted great attention because of their applications in areas such as biomedicine, tissue engineering, and organic solar cells. The precise control over the morphologies of multi‐component polymer nanomaterials, however, is still a great challenge. In this work, the fabrication of poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)/poly­styrene (PS) nanostructures that contain PMMA shells and encapsulated PS nanospheres is studied. The nanostructures are prepared using a triple solution wetting method with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. The nanopores of the templates are wetted sequentially by PS solutions in dimethylformamide (DMF), PMMA solutions in acetic acid, and water. The compositions and morphologies of the nanostructures are controlled by the interactions between the polymers, solvents, and AAO walls. This work not only presents a feasible method to prepare multi‐component polymer nanomaterials, but also leads to a better understanding of polymer‐solvent interactions in confined geometries.

image
Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy: a phenomenological study of women's first experiences
Authors: Woolley Maria , Jones Colin , Davies Joanne , Rao Usha , Ewins David , Nair Sunil , Joseph Frank
Published: January 2015

The aims of this study were to explore women's perceptions and experiences of being pregnant and having pre‐existing type 1 diabetes mellitus, and to assess their physical, social, psychological, emotional and educational needs during their transition to motherhood.

The qualitative design incorporated a purposive sample of seven women in their first pregnancy, who participated in one‐to‐one interviews with a researcher at 15–20 and 32–36 weeks gestation, and at 6–8 weeks post‐partum.

Qualitative analysis identified seven key themes from the data including: knowledge; physical and psychological impact; control and trust; catalyst to action; organisation of care and communication; attendance and intervention; expectations and systems.

This study has shown that most women with diabetes who become pregnant are resigned to the fact that their pregnancy is considered high risk, and are willing to play their part to achieve a positive pregnancy outcome. However, they would also like to ‘do the normal pregnant bit as well’, ‘normalise it and make it a nice experience’ and make it feel ‘less fragmented’. This woman‐centred experience of pregnancy care, in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus, may motivate health professionals to revise their approach to care, prompt them to utilise the skills of each individual member of the multidisciplinary team to its full strength and potential, and assist in the provision of a positive, balanced and more holistic approach to care, specific to this client group. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dealing with diagnosis of diabetes
Authors: Nash Jen
Published: January 2015

The diagnosis of diabetes is both a life‐changing day for the person who receives it, and a challenging interaction for the time‐pressured health professional who delivers it. This article reviews the evidence of factors that facilitate a more helpful diagnosis conversation, describes the importance of this initial conversation on long‐term clinical outcomes, and offers suggestions drawn from psychological models on how to more effectively manage the diagnosis conversation.

‘Empathic willingness’ has been found to both assist the professional to feel less frustrated, and improve the patient's experience and clinical outcomes in the long‐term. ‘Empathic willingness’ can be taught and fostered by clinical psychologists (or their equivalents) yet are absent in the majority of settings in which people with diabetes are cared for.

While many health conditions allow us to treat the ‘body’, diabetes and other conditions that require self‐management demand that we treat the ‘person’ – including their emotions. The link between the lack of structured time in the care of our patients to attend to their psychology/emotions and the poor clinical outcomes/high ‘did not attend’ rates that we see in our NHS diabetes services is discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structured diabetes patient education in Scotland
Authors: McDowell Joan , MacRury Sandra
Published: January 2015

This article describes how Scotland is addressing the need to review structured diabetes education to support self‐management and record this on the national database.

A National Education Coordinator (NEC) was appointed to lead the development of structured diabetes education. The NEC was supported by an education lead from the 14 health boards and representation from paediatric, minority ethnic and patient groups.

Through literature searching, discussion, workshops and a consensus approach, the criteria for structured patient education were developed appropriate for the Scottish context. A process to review education programmes was established and reviewers trained in this role. Reviewers are professionals, patients and carers. Recording of education on the database utilises the process of education delivery. A website has been developed to host educational resources and signpost people to other appropriate information.

Four reviewed education programmes meet structured patient education criteria. Patients attending these programmes have their attendance recorded on the national database. The website is regularly sourced.

It was concluded that Scotland has a process to review patient education programmes as to whether they meet structured education criteria, and a process to record attendance at this education on its national database; the website continually updates staff and patients on educational initiatives. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and optimization of InGaN superluminescent diodes
Authors: Kafar Anna , Stańczyk Szymon , Wiśniewski Przemek , Oto Takao , Makarowa Irina , Targowski Grzegorz , Suski Tadek , Perlin Piotr
Published: January 2015

The design process of superluminescent diode has been discussed on the basis of nitride diodes with bend‐waveguide geometry. The devices were fabricated by MOVPE technique on bulk GaN substrates and emitted light at the wavelength of around 420 nm. The effectiveness of the cavity suppression design was confirmed by measurements of high‐resolution emission spectra. Further optimization was carried out by appropriate selection of the angles of the waveguide bend and the chip length. Thus; we succeeded in fabrication of high optical power superluminescent diodes with slope efficiency fully comparable to that of laser diodes (greater than 0.9 W/A).

Comparison of emission spectra of a superluminescent diode and a laser diode.
Improved Biba model based on trusted computing
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhang Jing , Liu Jinhui , Zhang Yuan
Published: January 2015

Biba model is hard to implement because the rules are too strict to meet the flexibility of system. To enhance the flexibility, the low‐water‐mark policy based on the Biba model is proposed by supporting the dynamic change of subject tags. However, the biggest drawback of low‐water‐mark policy is that the integrity level of the subjects in a system decreases monotonously, which results that some subjects cannot access most of the objects and the system life cycle is cut down. An improved model is proposed based on the Biba model, which not only describes the infection degree of subjects by separating the subject into uninfected and infected subjects and introducing the confidence interval but also reduces the decline rate of integrity level of the subject and prolongs the life time cycle by adopting trusted computing to adjust subject tags. Theory analysis and experiment show that the improved model enhances the availability of system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A second preimage attack on zipper hash
Authors: Chen Shiwei , Jin Chenhui
Published: January 2015

The zipper hash utilizes two‐pass hashing to strengthen the iterated hash functions against the generic attack. In this paper, we analyze the features of zipper hash and several existing generic attacks on hash functions. A new tree structure called inverse‐diamond, which starts from one fixed point and ends with many points, is exploited to guarantee that the corresponding message blocks in the two passes be identical. Then, combining the inverse‐diamond structure of depth l, with the multicollision of length n – l (n is bit number of the hash value) and the (k, 2k + k − 1)‐expandable message together, we firstly present a second preimage attack on zipper hash of which the time complexity is about O((2 k + n)2n/2 + 2n − k + (n − l)2n − l + 2l + 1), less than O(2n), and the memory complexity is about O(2k + 1 + 3*2l). Specially, if k = l = n/2, then the time complexity is about O(n2n/2), and the memory complexity is about O(2n/2). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A framework for protecting personal information and privacy
Authors: Zheng Hongying , Yuan Quan , Chen Jianyong
Published: January 2015

User's security and privacy are core issues of network applications. This paper proposes a privacy protection model to evaluate property risk of users, which takes into account both sensitivity of the property and requester's level of assurance. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the property is evaluated by problem of expectation–maximization algorithm. Experiments show that the optimal size of samples for EM is relatively small, which indicates the high efficiency of the algorithm. The proposed privacy protection model cannot only assist users to do correct authorization, but also benefit the privacy reservation of users in online service. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Dirichlet process mixture model for survival outcome data: assessing nationwide kidney transplant centers
Authors: Zhao Lili , Shi Jingchunzi , Shearon Tempie H. , Li Yi
Published: January 2015

Mortality rates are probably the most important indicator for the performance of kidney transplant centers. Motivated by the national evaluation of mortality rates at kidney transplant centers in the USA, we seek to categorize the transplant centers based on the mortality outcome. We describe a Dirichlet process model and a Dirichlet process mixture model with a half‐cauchy prior for the estimation of the risk‐adjusted effects of the transplant centers, with strategies for improving the model performance, interpretability, and classification ability. We derive statistical measures and create graphical tools to rate transplant centers and identify outlying groups of centers with exceptionally good or poor performance. The proposed method was evaluated through simulation and then applied to assess kidney transplant centers from a national organ failure registry. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarizable force fields for molecular dynamics simulations of biomolecules
Authors: Baker Christopher M.
Published: January 2015

Molecular dynamics simulations are well established for the study of biomolecular systems. Within these simulations, energy functions known as force fields are used to determine the forces acting on atoms and molecules. While these force fields have been very successful, they contain a number of approximations, included to overcome limitations in computing power. One of the most important of these approximations is the omission of polarizability, the process by which the charge distribution in a molecule changes in response to its environment. Since polarizability is known to be important in many biochemical situations, and since advances in computer hardware have reduced the need for approximations within force fields, there is major interest in the use of force fields that include an explicit representation of polarizability. As such, a number of polarizable force fields have been under development: these have been largely experimental, and their use restricted to specialized researchers. This situation is now changing. Parameters for fully optimized polarizable force fields are being published, and associated code incorporated into standard simulation software. Simulations on the hundred‐nanosecond timescale are being reported, and are now within reach of all simulation scientists. In this overview, I examine the polarizable force fields available for the simulation of biomolecules, the systems to which they have been applied, and the benefits and challenges that polarizability can bring. In considering future directions for development of polarizable force fields, I examine lessons learnt from non‐polarizable force fields, and highlight issues that remain to be addressed. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2015, 5:241–254. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1215

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Mechanics

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods
Thermally Stable Coordination Polymer with Hybrid Functional Groups and Mn–SO4 Double Chains
Authors: Yang Qipeng , Yue Lihong
Published: January 2015

A coordination polymer constructed from the ligand 2, 2′‐bipyridine‐5, 5′‐carboxylate (Bpydc) with hybrid functional groups and the co‐ligand SO42– was synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It shows an intriguing structure of parallel infinite Mn–SO4 double chains resulting from the coordination of SO42– groups to central MnII atoms. Further linkage of the Bpydc ligands with the Mn–SO4 double chains gave rise to a three‐dimensional pillar‐layer framework, in which the Mn–SO4 double chains act as pillars and the Bpydc ligands form the layers. Two types of hydrogen bonds are observed between the SO42– and carboxylate groups. The assembly of the Bpydc ligand and the SO42– co‐ligand with central MnII atoms results in a binodal (3, 5)‐connected network with a rare 3, 5T1 topology, confirming the feasibility of this strategy in constructing novel architectures. The formation of the dense pillar‐layer framework sustained by Mn‐SO4 double chains and hydrogen bonds enhances the stability of this coordination polymer and results in a high thermal stability up to 400°C.
The Preparation of a Residue‐free, Alumina‐supported Gold Catalyst by Decomposition of an Azido‐Gold(III) Complex and an Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of Propyne
Authors: Lopez‐Sanchez Jose Antonio , Morisse Clément , Winfield John M. , Krumm Burkhard , Klapötke Thomas M. , Lennon David
Published: January 2015

A 1 % w/w alumina‐supported gold catalyst is described that is prepared from the impregnation of alumina with a solution of ammonium tetraazidoaurate(III), NH4[Au(N3)4]. Decomposition of the azide precursor leads to a residue‐free catalyst comprised of well‐dispersed gold particles. This novel material is tested for propyne hydrogenation using pulse‐flow techniques and displays 100 % selectivity to the partial hydrogenation product, propene, albeit in the presence of a large retention of hydrocarbon by the catalyst. The latter characteristic is associated with a support‐mediated deactivation pathway. Comparing catalytic performance with a 1.45 % w/w Au/TiO2 reference catalyst indicates that chlorine‐free precursor compounds are not required to enhance catalytic activity for this particular reaction.
Pr3S2Cl2[AsS3]: A Praseodymium(III) Sulfide Chloride Thioarsenate(III) with Double Chains of Condensed [SPr4]10+ Tetrahedra
Authors: Kang Dong‐Hee , Ledderboge Florian , Kleinke Holger , Schleid Thomas
Published: January 2015

Single crystals of Pr3S2Cl2[AsS3] were obtained by reacting praseodymium sesquisulfide and trichloride with arsenic and sulfur (molar ratio: 7:4:6:9) in torch‐sealed evacuated silica ampoules at 850 °C for a week and subsequent slow cooling to room temperature. The transparent, pale yellowish green platelets crystallize monoclinically (Pr3S2Cl2[AsS3]: a = 2190.96(9) pm, b = 685.49(3) pm, c = 701.87(3) pm, β = 98.752(3)°) in the non‐centrosymmetric space group Cc with Z = 4. The crystal structure of Pr3S2Cl2[AsS3] comprises three crystallographically different Pr3+ cations. (Pr1)3+ and (Pr2)3+ exhibit bicapped trigonal prismatic environments of five sulfur and three chlorine atoms (C.N. = 8) each, whereas only seven sulfur atoms arranged as capped trigonal prism (C.N. = 7) are present in the case of (Pr3)3+. Two of the five crystallographically different sulfur atoms (S1 and S2) are coordinated by four Pr3+ cations, each in the shape of slightly distorted [SPr4]10+ tetrahedra (d(S–Pr) = 278–294 pm). Hence, the crystal structure of Pr3S2Cl2[AsS3] contains double chains with the composition 1∞{[S2Pr3]5+}, consisting of two parallel edge‐fused chains of anti‐SiS2‐analogous single strands 1∞{[SPr2]4+}, formed by trans‐edge sharing [SPr4]10+ tetrahedra. The arrangement of the 1∞{[S2Pr3]5+} double chains running along [001] can be described as a hexagonal rod‐packing. Chloride anions (Cl1 and Cl2) as well as the isolated, ψ1‐tetrahedral thioarsenate(III) groups [AsS3]3– (d(As–S) = 228–229 pm) consisting of three sulfur atoms (S3, S4, and S5) and an As3+ cation carrying a stereochemically active non‐bonding electron pair take care of the three‐dimensional interconnection and the charge balance of the 1∞{[S2Pr3]5+} double chains. All lone pairs at the As3+ cations of the [AsS3]3– pyramids point in the same direction parallel to the c axis of the acentric crystal structure of Pr3S2Cl2[AsS3].
Effects of a classroom-based bridge resource management training on knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and performance of junior naval officers
Authors: Röttger Stefan , Vetter Saskia , Kowalski Jens T.
Published: January 2015

This study asses the effectiveness of classroom-based bridge resource management (BRM) training for junior naval officers, in which general principles of human behaviour and performance in teams and under stress were conveyed. Although BRM training is recommended by the International Maritime Organization and is increasingly common in seafaring, very little is known about whether the adaptation of crew resource management (CRM) training from aviation to the maritime domain has been successful and what type of training is effective. A study with a quasi-experimental, two-factorial mixed design was conducted with BRM training as the between factor and time as the within factor. For 117 study participants, evaluation criteria were assessed on all levels as defined by Kirkpatrick (Train Dev J, 178–192 1979): subjective training evaluation, knowledge, attitudes and behaviour as well as performance while commanding a vessel during a real-world exercise. BRM participants showed better subjective training evaluations and more BRM-related knowledge than controls. Training did not produce differences between groups regarding BRM-related attitudes, the demonstration of non-technical skills or the overall success in the real-world exercise. Overall, BRM training effectiveness was rather low, which can most probably be attributed to the focus of training on generalizable knowledge, skills and attitudes at the expense of their specific application to the context of the real-world exercise. In the design of BRM and CRM training courses alike, the effective application of general principles to a given context must be defined, and the application must be emphasised during training delivery.
The motivations and expectations of students pursuing maritime education
Authors: Lau Yui-yip , Ng Adolf K.Y.
Published: January 2015

The ever-changing global environment has increased emphasis on the research and creation of knowledge dedicated to professional practice. The maritime industry serves as the illustrative example, of which it has transformed from a traditionally largely unskilled, labor-intensive industry to a capital-intensive, sophisticated one. This has transformed the nature of maritime education from a highly practical, hands-on approach to tertiary education emphasizing on business and analytical skills, as characterized by the increasing number of tertiary institutions offering under- and postgraduate maritime programs. However, the motivations and expectations of students pursuing such programs have remained under-researched. In this study, we have conducted a questionnaire survey towards under- and postgraduate students who pursue maritime programs. The aim is to understand their profiles, motivations, and expectations of respective programs that these students have enrolled in. Constructive recommendations and strategies are provided to contribute to an effective planning and management of program articulation.
Qualitative and quantitative: the yin and the yang or the light and the dark sides of medical education?
Authors: McKinley Robert K
Published: January 2015

None
DIRTY AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: DAS GUPTA SUPRATIM
Published: January 2015

Pollution from fossil fuel use is a global problem. Studies have shown that a worsening of environmental quality has adverse effects on worker productivity and health. In this study, there is an inexhaustible natural resource that deteriorates environmental quality and affects productivity. There also exists a perfect substitute clean backstop, which is initially too costly to operate and whose costs can be reduced through investments in knowledge. Depending on the endowment of environmental quality, the optimal solution shows that the planner should only use the resource or only the backstop until a constant steady state is reached in which the polluting resource and backstop are used in fixed proportions. We show that investments in alternative technologies from the very beginning can help an economy make the eventual switch to clean energy sources, thereby attaining better environmental quality.
Dynamical variability of axisymmetric buoyant plumes
Authors: Ezzamel A. , Salizzoni P. , Hunt G. R.
Published: January 2015

We present experimental measurements conducted on freely propagating, turbulent, steady thermal air plumes. Three plumes are studied with differing source conditions, ranging from jet-like, momentum flux dominated releases, to pure plume releases, characterised by a balance between the momentum, volume and buoyancy fluxes at the source. Velocity measurements from near the source to a height of tens of source diameters were made using particle image velocimetry (PIV), providing a high spatial resolution. Temperatures were measured with thermocouples. From these measurements, we investigate the vertical development of the plume fluxes and radial profiles of the mean velocity and temperature. These allow us to analyse the local self-preserving characteristics of the mean flow and to estimate the dependence with height of the plume Richardson number ${\it\Gamma}$. In addition, we analyse the similarity of one-point and two-point second-order velocity statistics, and we discuss the role of ${\it\Gamma}$ on the vertical development of the bulk dynamical parameters of the plume, namely, the turbulent viscosity, the turbulent Prandtl number and the entrainment coefficient ${\it\alpha}_{G}$. Comparison with previous experimental results and with estimates of the entrainment coefficient based on the mean kinetic energy budget allow us to conclude on the influence of ${\it\Gamma}$ on the entrainment process and to explain possible physical reasons for the high scatter in estimates of ${\it\alpha}_{G}$ in the literature.
Shape dynamics and scaling laws for a body dissolving in fluid flow
Authors: Huang Jinzi Mac , Moore M. Nicholas J. , Ristroph Leif
Published: January 2015

While fluid flows are known to promote dissolution of materials, such processes are poorly understood due to the coupled dynamics of the flow and the receding surface. We study this moving boundary problem through experiments in which hard candy bodies dissolve in laminar high-speed water flows. We find that different initial geometries are sculpted into a similar terminal form before ultimately vanishing, suggesting convergence to a stable shape–flow state. A model linking the flow and solute concentration shows how uniform boundary-layer thickness leads to uniform dissolution, allowing us to obtain an analytical expression for the terminal geometry. Newly derived scaling laws predict that the dissolution rate increases with the square root of the flow speed and that the body volume vanishes quadratically in time, both of which are confirmed by experimental measurements.
Lock-exchange gravity currents propagating in a channel containing an array of obstacles
Authors: Ozan Ayse Yuksel , Constantinescu George , Hogg Andrew J.
Published: January 2015

Large eddy simulation (LES) is used to investigate the evolution of Boussinesq gravity currents propagating through a channel of height$H$containing a staggered array of identical cylinders of square cross-section and edge length$D$. The cylinders are positioned with their axes horizontal and perpendicular to the (streamwise) direction along which the lock-exchange flow develops. The effects of the volume fraction of solids,${\it\phi}$, the Reynolds number and geometrical parameters describing the array of obstacles on the structure of the lock-exchange flow, total drag force acting on the gravity current, front velocity and global energy budget are analysed. Simulation results show that the currents rapidly transition to a state in which the extra resistance provided by the cylinders strongly retards the motion and dominates the dissipative processes. A shallow layer model is also formulated and similarity solutions for the motion are found in the regime where the driving buoyancy forces are balanced by the drag arising from the interaction with the cylinders. The numerical simulations and this shallow layer model show that low-Reynolds-number currents transition to a drag-dominated regime in which the resistance is linearly proportional to the flow speed and, consequently, the front velocity,$U_{f}$, is proportional to$t^{-1/2}$, where$t$is the time measured starting at the gate release time. By contrast, high-Reynolds-number currents, for which the cylinder Reynolds number is sufficiently high that the drag coefficient for most of the cylinders can be considered constant, transition first to a quadratic drag-dominated regime in which the front speed determined from the simulations is given by$U_{f}\sim t^{-0.25}$, before undergoing a subsequent transition to the aforementioned linear drag regime in which$U_{f}\sim t^{-1/2}$. Meanwhile, away from the front, the depth-averaged gravity current velocity is proportional to$t^{-1/3}$, a result that is in agreement with the shallow water model. It is suggested that the difference between these two is due to mixing processes, which are shown to be significant in the numerical simulations, especially close to the front of the motion. Direct estimation of the drag coefficient$C_{D}$from the numerical simulations shows that the combined drag parameter for the porous medium,${\it\Gamma}_{D}=C_{D}{\it\phi}(H/D)/(1-{\it\phi})$, is the key dimensionless grouping of variables that determines the speed of propagation of the current within arrays with different$C_{D},{\it\phi}$and$D/H$.
Sex, Sexual Orientation, and the Necessity of Physical Attractiveness and Social Level in Long-Term and Short-Term Mates
Authors: March Evita , Grieve Rachel , Marx Eric
Published: January 2015

In comparison to biological sex differences and mate preferences, differences in sexual orientation and mate preferences have received limited attention in the literature. The aim of the current experiment was to explore the relationship between biological sex and sexual orientation on the necessity of a long-term and short-term mate's physical attractiveness and social level. Three hundred and seven participants recruited from an Australian university and the wider community completed an online questionnaire assessing necessities of mate characteristics. Results of independent-measures ANOVAS showed that heterosexual men considered a long-term mate's physical attractiveness significantly more of a necessity than heterosexual women. Additionally, individuals of a homosexual sexual orientation considered the social level of a long-term mate significantly more of a necessity than individuals with a heterosexual sexual orientation, but not individuals of a bisexual sexual orientation. Finally, results showed that individuals of a heterosexual sexual orientation considered the physical attractiveness of a short-term mate significantly more of a necessity than did individuals of a homosexual sexual orientation and individuals of a bisexual sexual orientation. Results of the current study suggest research should not just assume equivalence of mate preferences between individuals of differing sexual orientations.
Effects of protein intake on blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and blood lipids in children: a systematic review
Authors: Voortman Trudy , Vitezova Anna , Bramer Wichor M. , Ars Charlotte L. , Bautista Paula K. , Buitrago-Lopez Adriana , Felix Janine F. , Leermakers Elisabeth T. M. , Sajjad Ayesha , Sedaghat Sanaz , Tharner Anne , Franco Oscar H. , van den Hooven Edith H.
Published: January 2015

High protein intake in early childhood is associated with obesity, suggesting possible adverse effects on other cardiometabolic outcomes. However, studies in adults have suggested beneficial effects of protein intake on blood pressure (BP) and lipid profile. Whether dietary protein intake is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health in children is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the evidence on the associations of protein intake with BP, insulin sensitivity and blood lipids in children. We searched the databases Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central and PubMed for interventional and observational studies in healthy children up to the age of 18 years, in which associations of total, animal and/or vegetable protein intake with one or more of the following outcomes were reported: BP; measures of insulin sensitivity; cholesterol levels; or TAG levels. In the search, we identified 6636 abstracts, of which fifty-six studies met all selection criteria. In general, the quality of the included studies was low. Most studies were cross-sectional, and many did not control for potential confounders. No overall associations were observed between protein intake and insulin sensitivity or blood lipids. A few studies suggested an inverse association between dietary protein intake and BP, but evidence was inconclusive. Only four studies examined the effects of vegetable or animal protein intake, but with inconsistent results. In conclusion, the literature, to date provides insufficient evidence for effects of protein intake on BP, insulin sensitivity or blood lipids in children. Future studies could be improved by adequately adjusting for key confounders such as energy intake and obesity.
Filling the gap: new precise Early Cretaceous radioisotopic ages from the Andes
Authors: AGUIRRE-URRETA BEATRIZ , LESCANO MARINA , SCHMITZ MARK D. , TUNIK MAISA , CONCHEYRO ANDREA , RAWSON PETER F. , RAMOS VICTOR A.
Published: January 2015

Two tuffs in the Lower Cretaceous Agrio Formation, Neuquén Basin, provided U–Pb zircon radioisotopic ages of 129.09±0.16 Ma and 127.42±0.15 Ma. Both horizons are well constrained biostratigraphically by ammonites and nannofossils and can be correlated with the ‘standard’ sequence of the Mediterranean Province. The lower horizon is very close to the base of the Upper Hauterivian and the upper horizon to the Hauterivian/Barremian boundary, indicating that the former lies atc. 129.5 Ma and the latter atc. 127 Ma. These new radioisotopic ages fill a gap of over 8 million years in the numerical calibration of the current global Early Cretaceous geological time scale.
Lyme disease: sudden hearing loss as the sole presentation
Authors: Espiney Amaro C , Montalvão P , Huins C , Saraiva J
Published: January 2015

Background:

Lyme disease is an uncommon tick-borne multisystemic infection caused byBorrelia burgdorferi. The most common clinical manifestation is erythema migrans. In this report, a very unusual presentation of this condition is described, in which sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss was the sole presenting symptom.

Methods:

Case report and review of English-language literature.

Results:

A patient presented with sensorineural hearing loss, with no other symptoms or signs. Acute Lyme infection was detected by laboratory tests. Magnetic resonance imaging showed signs of labyrinthitis of the same inner ear. After hyperbaric oxygen and systemic antibiotic treatment, the patient showed total hearing recovery, and magnetic resonance imaging showed complete resolution of the labyrinthitis.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Lyme disease presenting only with sensorineural hearing loss. Borreliosis should be considered as an aetiological factor in sensorineural hearing loss. Adequate treatment may provide total recovery and prevent more severe forms of Lyme disease.
Does systemic clarithromycin therapy have an inhibitory effect on tympanosclerosis? An experimental animal study
Authors: Genc G , Koyuncu M , Kutlar G , Guvenc T , Gacar A , Aksoy A , Arslan S , Kurnaz S C
Published: January 2015

Objective:

To demonstrate the inhibitory effects of clarithromycin on in vitro tympanosclerosis.

Method:

Twenty-eight rats were divided into three groups: a clarithromycin group, a non-clarithromycin group and a negative control group. Those in the first two groups were injected with Streptococcus pneumoniae following a myringotomy, and tympanosclerosis was experimentally induced. Oral clarithromycin therapy was administered in the clarithromycin group. The other groups received no medical treatment.

Results:

All eardrums in the clarithromycin and non-clarithromycin groups developed myringosclerosis, but there was only one eardrum, in the clarithromycin group, with very severe myringosclerosis. In the clarithromycin group, 11 ears showed no inflammation and there were no ears with severe inflammation. In the non-clarithromycin group, there were 11 ears with severe inflammation. The mean eardrum thickness in the clarithromycin group was 20.93 µm and in the non-clarithromycin group it was 42.71 µm.

Conclusion:

Acute otitis media and myringotomies induced tympanosclerosis, but clarithromycin reduced the severity of tympanosclerosis.