bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANIMALS AND THE INTIMACY OF HISTORY
Authors: WALKER BRETT L.
Published: December 2013

This article surveys recent historical writings on animals. Its principal concerns are the manner in which historians grant agency to animals and how that agency functions in historical narration. The article examines the histories of animals in Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and North America in order to tease out the similarities and differences of human experiences with other animals. The foundational premise of the article is that humans are animals, sometimes even a meaty prey species, and that, as such, they are not external to nature or, ultimately, different from other animals in this regard. Humans can have violently intimate relationships with other creatures, an intimacy that defines much of global human history. Animals permeate our history and we theirs: tug at the threads and our stories, woven as they are into the same tightly knit tapestry, will not disentwine. The debate regarding whether humans are anomalous and outside nature or separate from other animals is complicated when the stomach enzymes from an animal, whether wolf or crocodile, digest a human being. Therefore, the cultural‐constructionist arguments regarding “the animal”—that our understanding of nonhuman animals is entirely culturally generated—need to be viewed as overly simplistic. My contention is that our reluctance to join the rest of the animal kingdom on its terms, on more natural terms, exposes a lingering devotion to human “exceptionalism,” one that is inherent in the humanities and social sciences.
Magnetic and Photocatalytic Behaviors of Ba‐Doped BiFeO3 Nanofibers
Authors: Feng Yan‐Nan , Wang Huan‐Chun , Shen Yang , Lin Yuan‐Hua , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: December 2013

BiFeO3 nanofibers doped with divalent barium have been fabricated using electrospinning technique. Phase transition from space group R3c to C222 can be observed by the Ba doping. Our results indicate that these BiFeO3 nanofibers show obvious room temperature ferromagnetic behaviors, which can be enhanced remarkably with the increment of Ba doping. Microstructure and composition analysis indicates that barium effectively affected the magnetism after doping content was more than 5% and optical properties.
Regulation of T‐lymphocyte motility, adhesion and de‐adhesion by a cell surface mechanism directed by low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 and endogenous thrombospondin‐1
Authors: Talme Toomas , Bergdahl Eva , Sundqvist Karl‐Gösta
Published: December 2013

T lymphocytes are highly motile and constantly reposition themselves between a free‐floating vascular state, transient adhesion and migration in tissues. The regulation behind this unique dynamic behaviour remains unclear. Here we show that T cells have a cell surface mechanism for integrated regulation of motility and adhesion and that integrin ligands and CXCL12/SDF‐1 influence motility and adhesion through this mechanism. Targeting cell surface‐expressed low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1) with an antibody, or blocking transport of LRP1 to the cell surface, perturbed the cell surface distribution of endogenous thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) while inhibiting motility and potentiating cytoplasmic spreading on intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and fibronectin. Integrin ligands and CXCL12 stimulated motility and enhanced cell surface expression of LRP1, intact TSP‐1 and a 130 000 MW TSP‐1 fragment while preventing formation of a de‐adhesion‐coupled 110 000 MW TSP‐1 fragment. The appearance of the 130 000 MW TSP‐1 fragment was inhibited by the antibody that targeted LRP1 expression, inhibited motility and enhanced spreading. The TSP‐1 binding site in the LRP1‐associated protein, calreticulin, stimulated adhesion to ICAM‐1 through intact TSP‐1 and CD47. Shear flow enhanced cell surface expression of intact TSP‐1. Hence, chemokines and integrin ligands up‐regulate a dominant motogenic pathway through LRP1 and TSP‐1 cleavage and activate an associated adhesion pathway through the LRP1–calreticulin complex, intact TSP‐1 and CD47. This regulation of T‐cell motility and adhesion makes pro‐adhesive stimuli favour motile responses, which may explain why T cells prioritize movement before permanent adhesion.
The Efficacy of Interventions to Reduce Adolescent Childbearing in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: McQueston Kate , Silverman Rachel , Glassman Amanda
Published: December 2013

This study reviews the scope and quality of existing literature regarding the interventions to reduce adolescent childbearing in low‐ and middle‐income countries and compiles findings concerning their effectiveness. A total of 737 studies published between 2000 and 2011 were reviewed; 19 were identified as meeting eligibility criteria. Studies were included that: evaluated program effects on adolescents and young people, either as the primary target population or as a subset of a broader target group; evaluated an intervention intended to reduce adolescent fertility or generate improvements on a related outcome; and reported childbearing‐related outcomes. Evidence indicates that a variety of interventions may be successful at reducing fertility, including school‐based programs, health counseling, and cash transfers. An overview of evaluation efforts to date is provided, and potential best practices are highlighted. Conclusions are that funding for adolescent fertility initiatives should be directed toward programs for which a sound evidence base exists, such as cash transfers or other interventions that encourage school enrollment, and that programs of unknown effectiveness should be conducted in tandem with rigorous evaluation.
Effect of Village Midwife Program on Contraceptive Prevalence and Method Choice in Indonesia
Authors: Weaver Emily H. , Frankenberg Elizabeth , Fried Bruce J. , Thomas Duncan , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Paul John E.
Published: December 2013

Indonesia established its Village Midwife Program in 1989 to combat high rates of maternal mortality. The program's goals were to address gaps in access to reproductive health care for rural women, increase access to and use of family planning services, and broaden the mix of available contraceptive methods. In this study, we use longitudinal data from the Indonesia Family Life Survey to examine the program's effect on contraceptive practice. We find that the program did not affect overall contraceptive prevalence but did affect method choice. Over time, for women using contraceptives, midwives were associated with increased odds of injectable contraceptive use and decreased odds of oral contraceptive and implant use. Although the Indonesian government had hoped that the Village Midwife Program would channel women into using longer‐lasting methods, the women's “switching behavior” indicates that the program succeeded in providing additional outlets for and promoting the use of injectable contraceptives.
Rotala sahyadricasp. nov. (Lythraceae) from Western Ghats, India
Authors: Gaikwad S. P. , Sardesai M. M. , Yadav S. R.
Published: December 2013

A new aquatic species,Rotala sahyadricaS. P. Gaikwad, Sardesai et S. R. Yadav sp. nov. collected from a fresh water lake on a high altitude lateritic plateau ecosystem of the Western Ghats, India is described and illustrated here. It is similar toR. tenella(Guill. & Perr.) Hiern but differs in having cleistogamous and chasmogamous flowers, nectary glands on calyx tube and 8–12 multi‐cellular black trichomes in the axils of bracteoles.
Role of Arrhythmogenic Superior Vena Cava on Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MIYAZAKI SHINSUKE , TAKIGAWA MASATERU , KUSA SHIGEKI , KUWAHARA TAISHI , TANIGUCHI HIROSHI , OKUBO KENJI , NAKAMURA HIROAKI , HACHIYA HITOSHI , HIRAO KENZO , TAKAHASHI ATSUSHI , IESAKA YOSHITO
Published: December 2013

Arrhythmogenic SVC and AF

Background

It is well known that superior vena cava (SVC) is one of the important non‐pulmonary vein (PV) foci of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little is known regarding the role of arrhythmogenic SVC in AF.

Methods and Results

Among 1,425 patients who underwent AF ablation in 2 centers, PV antrum isolation was performed in all and SVC isolation was added in 74 (5.2%) patients with arrhythmogenic SVC (58 ± 10 years; 54 males) when the latter was identified as an AF source. The arrhythmogenicity was identified at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd procedures in 62 (83.8%), 7 (9.5%), and 5 (6.7%) patients, respectively. In 7 (9.5%), 26 (35.1%), and 14 (18.9%) patients, it was identified following adenosine injection, isoproterenol infusion, and electrical cardioversion, respectively. SVC triggering AF was identified in 58 out of 74 (78.4%) patients. In this subset, AF initiated from SVC; however, AF cycle length was longer in SVC than in the right atrium once AF persisted, which suggested its role as an initiator. In 24 (32.4%) patients following the isolation of SVC, AF terminated or converted to atrial flutter and/or confined SVC tachycardia/fibrillation was observed, which suggested its role as a perpetuator. Sixty‐four (86.5%) of 74 patients were free from any atrial tachyarrhythmias without antiarrhythmic drugs mean 12.1 ± 9.4 months after the last ablation procedure (mean 1.38 procedures/patient).

Conclusions

In a subset of patients, SVC plays a role in AF not only as an initiator/trigger but also as a driver/perpetuator.
The common property issue in flood control through land use in France
Authors: Barraqué B.
Published: December 2013

Through the example of French flood‐control policy, this paper illustrates the general change taking place in the relation of societies and governments to risk. Former policies based on structural measures to reduce the alea were found excessively expensive, but liberal approaches based on insurance mechanisms were not suited to face extreme events. Better solutions depend on the re‐appraisal of water as a common property and the design of corresponding institutions. In France, these could have been the agences de l'eau, which are now in charge of implementing the Water Framework Directive. But back in 1966, central government refused to involve them in flood control, keeping the latter in its own realm. After 1983, successive Governments preferred to develop cat'nat’, a solidarity scheme based on taxes added on insurance premiums, and on local risk protection plans (PPR‐i) constraining land use rights. This system's benefits and shortcomings are discussed, including the discrepancies between national post‐disaster solidarity and local pre‐disaster vulnerability reduction; it lastly shows recent evolutions towards catchment‐based approaches in complex multi‐level governance, in which the hydrographic district level, adopted to synthesise the flood risk management plans (FRMPs), is supplemented by catchment programmes on flood risks called PAPI. Implementing the FRMPs in France illustrates the need for economic incentives and common‐pool institutions in multi‐level governance.
Effectiveness of problem‐solving technique in caring for family caregivers: a clinical trial study in an urban area of Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Ferré‐Grau Carme , Sevilla‐Casado Maria , Lleixá‐Fortuño Mar , Aparicio‐Casals María Rosa , Cid‐Buera Dolors , Rodero‐Sanchez Virtudes , Vives‐Relats Carme
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of the problem‐solving technique in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among primary caregivers and to describe and evaluate the process carried out by nurses to find strengths and areas of improvement.

Background

In Spain, home care for the chronically ill patients and their family caregivers should be a priority in health and social policies due to the increase in ageing population and the progressive increase in dependent individuals. One of the areas involved is home‐based nursing and counselling for family caregivers.

Design

This is a clinical trial study (during 2007–2011) with a mixed analysis methodology.

Methods

Quantitative analysis was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the problem‐solving technique in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The clinical trial involved a control and experimental group and pre–post intervention measurements, using the Goldberg Scale. The practical application of the technique was evaluated by qualitative analysis.

Results

There was a statistically significant improvement in symptoms of anxiety and depression in the intervention group after application of the technique. Positive aspects and resistance factors in its implementation were noted.

Conclusions

The problem‐solving technique is a cost‐effective intervention for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in family caregivers of the chronically ill patients. Positive aspects of the technique were satisfaction of the caregiver and nurse, and work done together based on reflection. Resistance factors identified were difficulty in maintaining written records and subjective perception of a lack of time in everyday practice for its consistent application.

Relevance to clinical practice

The problem‐solving technique is an important tool to reduce the suffering of family caregivers of chronically ill patients and a prevention element of family claudication.
Carotid artery remodelling in relation to body fat distribution, inflammation and sustained weight loss in obesity
Authors: Kardassis D. , Schönander M. , Sjöström L. , Karason K.
Published: December 2013

Background

Obesity is known to be associated with carotid artery remodelling, but less is known about how body fat distribution, inflammation and weight loss may affect this relation.

Methods

Ultrasonography, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and computed tomography were performed to evaluate carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT), body composition and fat distribution, respectively. Participants were divided into three matched study groups (n = 44 per group): obese patients with sustained weight loss 10 years after bariatric surgery [surgery group, body mass index (BMI) 31.5 kg m−2]; obese patients who maintained stable weight during the same time period (obese group, BMI 42.5 kg m−2); and normal weight subjects (lean group, BMI 24.4 kg m−2).

Results

Patients in the surgery group, compared with those in the obese group, had slightly lower common carotid artery (CCA) IMT (0.75 ± 0.18 vs. 0.78 ± 0.17 mm) and common carotid bulb (CCB) IMT (0.92 ± 0.32 vs. 0.97 ± 0.32 mm); however, these differences were not statistically significant. Lean individuals, compared with those in the surgery group, had significantly lower CCA and CCB IMT values (P < 0.001). In forward stepwise multiple regression analyses including all subjects (n = 132), CCA IMT was predicted mainly by visceral adipose tissue, but was also related to blood pressure and levels of triglycerides and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein. Carotid lumen diameter was primarily influenced by lean body mass.

Conclusion

Visceral adiposity was the main determinant of premature carotid artery atherosclerosis, possibly through elevated blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and inflammation. Lean body mass predicted carotid artery lumen diameter. Obese patients with long‐term sustained weight loss did not have thinner carotid artery walls compared with their weight‐stable obese counterparts.
Mechanisms underlying flower color variation in Asian species ofMeconopsis: A preliminary phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast DNA and anthocyanin biosynthesis genes
Authors: ZHAO Chao , WANG Xiao‐Quan , YANG Fu‐Sheng
Published: December 2013

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) harbors the highest species diversity of alpine plants in the world, with a spectacular diversity of flower colors. Among these QTP plants, the genusMeconopsiscomprises more than 50 species, for which flower color is a key diagnostic character. However, the mechanisms underlying flower color variation have rarely been investigated. In the present study, we used three chloroplast (cp) DNA fragments and two anthocyanin biosynthesis genes (F3HandF3′H) for phylogenetic reconstruction ofMeconopsis. We revealed the presence of three well‐supported clades and/or subclades in the cpDNA and nuclear gene trees; further, flower color transition occurred in each lineage. The results of selection tests and preliminary expression analyses of the anthocyanin biosynthesis genes indicate that the pigment pathway leading to cyanidin is active in blue and red flowers ofMeconopsis; further, a blue–red color shift is not attributable to an on/off switching of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway (ABP) branches. Together with the results of previous flower pigment analyses, our findings suggest that blue–red flower color transitions inMeconopsisare attributable to modification of cyanidin. Our molecular dating results indicate that the lineage diversification inMeconopsisis closely related to the QTP uplift; thus, it is likely that environmental changes arising from the QTP uplift have played important roles in driving the diversification of flavonoids, through which species ofMeconopsishave adapted physiologically to diverse habitats.
Poor sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea in patients with GERD and Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Vela M. F. , Kramer J. R. , Richardson P. A. , Dodge R. , El‐Serag H. B.
Published: December 2013

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reduces sleep quality. Whether Barrett's esophagus (BE) affects sleep differently is unknown. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often coexists with GERD and may disrupt sleep; whether GERD reduces sleep quality independently of OSA is unknown. Our aims were to compare the effect of GERD and BE on sleep quality, and assess the impact of OSA on this association.

Methods

Validated questionnaires for GERD symptoms, sleep quality, and OSA risk were prospectively administered to subjects undergoing upper endoscopy. GERD was defined by erosive esophagitis and/or reflux symptoms >1/week. BE was defined histologically. Controls had normal endoscopy and were asymptomatic. Poor sleep quality was defined by a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score >5. Risk of OSA was defined by a positive Berlin Questionnaire. The risk poor sleep quality in GERD, BE, and controls was evaluated in multivariate models.

Key Results

83 GERD, 63 BE, and 75 controls were included. OSA and poor sleep quality were significantly more frequent in GERD (65% and 60%) but not BE (52% and 46%) compared with controls (48% and 39%). Controlling for age, race, gender, smoking, body mass index, and hypertension, the risk of poor sleep quality was significantly increased in GERD compared with controls (odds ratio [OR] = 2.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–6.80), significance was lost after adding OSA to the model (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 0.87–5.85).

Conclusions & Inferences

GERD but not BE increases the risk of poor sleep quality. This association is not independent of OSA.
Rising South Korea: A Minor Player or a Regional Power?
Authors: Shim David , Flamm Patrick
Published: December 2013

South Korea's rising status in regional and global affairs has received significant attention in recent years. In academic, media, and policy debates, though, South Korea is usually regarded as a mere middle power that, due to its geopolitical situation, has only limited leeway in its foreign policy choices. Accordingly, it must constantly maneuver between its larger neighbors: China, Japan, and Russia. However, this perspective negates the fact that the same geopolitical constraints also apply to other states in the region. Thus no country can easily project its power onto others. We use the concept of “regional power” as a template for investigating South Korea's rising stature in regional and global politics, and argue that Seoul appears quite capable of keeping up with other assumed regional powers. Hence, we not only provide a novel account of South Korea's foreign policy options but also go beyond current approaches by asking about the (undetermined) possibilities that exist for Seoul's regional relations.
Perinatal factors and the risk of atopic dermatitis: A cohort study
Authors: Parazzini Fabio , Cipriani Sonia , Zinetti Cornelia , Chatenoud Liliane , Frigerio Luigi , Amuso Giuseppe , Ciammella Massimo , Di Landro Anna , Naldi Luigi
Published: December 2013

Objective

To analyze the effects of pregnancy and early events in the newborn on the risk of subsequent atopic dermatitis (AD) during the first year of life.

Patients and Methods

This is a prospective multicenter cohort study of newborns during the first year of life. Newborns identified on random days in three obstetrics departments in the area of Bergamo, Lombardy, Northern Italy, were eligible. At baseline, the mothers were interviewed by medical staff during their stay in hospital after delivery. At 6 and 12 months after delivery, a postal questionnaire was sent to the parents. Relative risks were calculated with and without adjustment by multiple regression analysis.

Results

A total of 1081 newborns entered the study: 796 (74%) parents answered the 12‐month questionnaire. Hundred and thirty‐eight (17%) reported a diagnosis of AD at 6 months and 222 (28%) at 12 months. Parental history of AD and/or asthma was associated with an increased risk of AD (RR 1.5, 95%CI 1.1–2.0). Birth weight was slightly associated with an increased risk of AD: RR 1.04, 95%CI 1.001–1.08 (continuous variable, increment of 100 grams). No association emerged between breast feeding, smoking, and risk of AD.

Conclusions

This study in an Italian offspring cohort points to family history of atopic diseases and body weight at birth as relevant risk factors. The study was unable to document associations with other perinatal factors particularly breast feeding and parental smoking in the perinatal period.
A Modified Delphi Survey on the Signs and Symptoms of Low Back Pain: Indicators for an Interventional Management Approach
Authors: Cid José , De La Calle José L. , López Esther , Del Pozo Cristina , Perucho Alfredo , Acedo María Soledad , Bedmar Dolores , Benito Javier , De Andrés Javier , Díaz Susana , García Juan Antonio , Gómez‐Caro Leticia , Gracia Adolfo , Hernández José María , Insausti Joaquín , Madariaga María , Moñino Pedro , Ruiz Manuel , Uriarte Estrella , Vidal Alfonso
Published: December 2013

Background

Low back pain (LBP) symptoms and signs are nonspecific. If required, diagnostic blocks may find the source of pain, but indicators of suspect diagnosis must be defined to identify anatomical targets.

Objective

To reach a consensus from an expert panel on the indicators for the most common causes of LBP.

Material and Methods

A 3‐round (2 telematic and 1 face‐to‐face) modified Delphi survey with a questionnaire on 78 evidence‐based indicators of 7 LBP etiologies was completed by 23 experts.

Results

98.7% of the questionnaire was consensuated. The most accepted indicators were for zygapophysial joint pain, painful ipsilateral paravertebral palpation, worsening with trunk extension, paravertebral musculature spasm on the affected articulation, and referred pain above the knee, without radicular pattern. For sacroiliac joint pain, unilateral pain when seating, with at least 3 described provoking tests: Approximation; gapping; Patrick's; Gaenslen's; thigh thrust; Fortin finger; and Gillet's tests. For discogenic pain, midline pain that may be provoked by pressure on the spinal processes at the affected level; for quadratus lumborum muscle, painful palpation on both the L1 level paravertebral region, referred to iliac crest, and the iliac crest, referred to greater trochanter. For iliopsoas muscle, pain elicited by thigh flexion, referred to buttock, inguinal region, and anterior thigh. For pyramidal muscle, pain while sitting on the affected side and positive Freiberg's test. For radicular pain, paresthesias and positive Lassègue's test at 60°.

Conclusion

Seventy‐seven diagnostic suspect indicators of LBP conditions were consensuated. These may facilitate conservative or interventional pain management decision‐making.
The protective effect of Kaempferia parviflora extract on UVB‐induced skin photoaging in hairless mice
Authors: Park Ji‐Eun , Pyun Hee‐Bong , Woo Seon Wook , Jeong Jae‐Hong , Hwang Jae‐Kwan
Published: December 2013

Background

Chronic skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stimulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) through c‐Jun and c‐Fos activation. These signaling cascades induce the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, resulting in photoaging.

Methods

This study evaluated the preventive effect of the ethanol extract of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex. Baker (black ginger) on UVB‐induced photoaging in vivo. To investigate the antiphotoaging effect of K. parviflora extract (KPE), UVB‐irradiated hairless mice administered oral doses of KPE (100 or 200 mg/kg/day) for 13 weeks.

Results

In comparison to the UVB control group, KPE significantly prevented wrinkle formation and the loss of collagen fibers with increased type I, III, and VII collagen genes (COL1A1, COL3A1, and COL7A1). The decrease in wrinkle formation was associated with a significant reduction in the UVB‐induced expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and MMP‐13 via the suppression of c‐Jun and c‐Fos activity. KPE also increased the expression of catalase, which acts as an antioxidant enzyme in skin. In addition, expression of inflammatory mediators, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), was significantly reduced by KPE treatment.

Conclusion

The results show that oral administration of KPE significantly prevents UVB‐induced photoaging in hairless mice, suggesting its potential as a natural antiphotoaging material.
Application of sunscreen − theory and reality
Authors: Petersen Bibi , Wulf Hans Christian
Published: December 2013

We present research on sunscreen use with possible pitfalls and discuss theory vs. reality. A literature review in PubMed was conducted using the terms ‘sunscreen application’, ‘sunscreen use’ and ‘sun protection factor’. The sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens are tested using a thickness of 2 mg/cm2, but investigations show that sunscreen under natural conditions is applied insufficiently with amounts about 0.39 to 1.0 mg/cm2, which decreases the protection factor considerably. It has been shown that early reapplication or use of very high SPF (70–100) may partly compensate for the discrepancy between the amounts of sunscreen applied during testing and in reality, and that sunscreen application can be improved by education of consumers. Missing areas and ultraviolet radiation exposure before sunscreen application are other pitfalls that reduce the protective effect of sunscreens considerably. Current sunscreen labelling overrates the protective effect of a given sunscreen when the reality of sunscreen use is taken into account. This may possibly mislead consumers to feel it is safe to extend sun exposure. Alternatively to educating people to use large amounts of sunscreen, we suggest a simple teaching strategy: (1) Apply before sun exposure and (2) Reapply once within 1 h.
Bounds of Relative Regret Limit in p‐Robust Supply Chain Network Design
Authors: Tian Junfeng , Yue Jinfeng
Published: December 2013

This research studies the p‐robust supply chain network design with uncertain demand and cost scenarios. The optimal design integrates the supplier selection together with the facility location and capacity problem. We provide a new framework to obtain the relative regret limit, which is critical in the robust supply chain design but is assumed to be a known value in the existing literature. We obtain lower and upper bounds for relative regret limit and obtain a sequence of optimal solutions for series relative regret limits between the upper and lower bounds. An algorithm for p‐robust supply chain network design is provided. A series of numerical examples are designed to find the properties of the bottleneck scenarios. A scenario with low probability and a low optimal objective function value for the scenario has a greater chance of being a bottleneck. To focus only on the influence from the relative regret, we also introduce three separate new objective functions in p‐robust design. The proposed new theories and approaches provide a sequence of options for decision makers to reduce the marketing risks effectively in supply chain network design.
Transformations and Invariance in the Sensitivity Analysis of Computer Experiments
Authors: Borgonovo E. , Tarantola S. , Plischke E. , Morris M. D.
Published: December 2013

Monotonic transformations are widely employed in statistics and data analysis. In computer experiments they are often used to gain accuracy in the estimation of global sensitivity statistics. However, one faces the question of interpreting results that are obtained on the transformed data back on the original data. The situation is even more complex in computer experiments, because transformations alter the model input–output mapping and distort the estimators. This work demonstrates that the problem can be solved by utilizing statistics which are monotonic transformation invariant. To do so, we offer an investigation into the families of metrics either based on densities or on cumulative distribution functions that are monotonic transformation invariant and we introduce a new generalized family of metrics. Numerical experiments show that transformations allow numerical convergence in the estimates of global sensitivity statistics, both invariant and not, in cases in which it would otherwise be impossible to obtain convergence. However, one fully exploits the increased numerical accuracy if the global sensitivity statistic is monotonic transformation invariant. Conversely, estimators of measures that do not have this invariance property might lead to misleading deductions.
Prospective Teachers' Perspectives on Mathematics Teaching and Learning: Lens for Interpreting Experiences in a Standards‐Based Mathematics Course
Authors: Chamberlin Michelle T.
Published: December 2013

In a mathematics course for prospective elementary teachers, we strove to model standards‐based pedagogy. However, an end‐of‐class reflection revealed the prospective teachers were considering incorporating standards‐based strategies in their future classrooms in ways different from our intent. Thus, we drew upon the framework presented by Simon, Tzur, Heinz, Kinzel, and Smith to examine the prospective teachers' perspectives on mathematics teaching and learning and to address two research questions. What perspectives on the learning and teaching of mathematics do prospective elementary teachers hold? How do their perspectives impact their perception of standards‐based instruction in a mathematics course and their future teaching plans? Qualitative analyses of reflections from 106 prospective teachers revealed that they viewed mathematics as a logical domain representative of an objective reality. Their instructional preferences included providing firsthand opportunities for elementary students to perceive mathematics. They did not take into account the impact of a student's conceptions upon what is learned. Thus, the prospective teachers plan to incorporate standards‐based strategies to provide active experiences for their future elementary students, but they fail to base such strategies upon students' current mathematical conceptions. Throughout, the need to address prospective teachers' underlying perspectives of mathematics teaching and learning is stressed.
SIS8, a putative mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase, regulates sugar‐resistant seedling development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huang Yadong , Li Chun Yao , Qi Yiping , Park Sungjin , Gibson Susan I.
Published: December 2013

Sugar signaling pathways have been evolutionarily conserved among eukaryotes and are postulated to help regulate plant growth, development and responses to environmental cues. Forward genetic screens have identified sugar signaling or response mutants. Here we report the identification and characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana sugar insensitive8 (sis8) mutants, which display a sugar‐resistant seedling development phenotype. Unlike many other sugar insensitive mutants, sis8 mutants exhibit wild‐type responses to the inhibitory effects of abscisic acid and paclobutrazol (an inhibitor of gibberellin biosynthesis) on seed germination. Positional cloning of the SIS8 gene revealed that it encodes a putative mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK; At1g73660). SIS8mRNA is expressed ubiquitously among Arabidopsis organs. A UDP‐glucosyltransferase, UGT72E1 (At3g50740), was identified as an interacting partner of SIS8 based on a yeast two‐hybrid screen and in planta bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Both SIS8–yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) and UGT72E1–YFP fusion proteins localize to the nucleus when transiently expressed in tobacco leaf cells. T‐DNA insertions in At3g50740 cause a sugar‐insensitive phenotype. These results indicate that SIS8, a putative MAPKKK, is a regulator of sugar response in Arabidopsis and interacts with a UDP‐glucosyltransferase in the nucleus.
SMALL GRAIN 1, which encodes a mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 4, influences grain size in rice
Authors: Duan Penggen , Rao Yuchun , Zeng Dali , Yang Yaolong , Xu Ran , Zhang Baolan , Dong Guojun , Qian Qian , Li Yunhai
Published: December 2013

Although grain size is one of the most important components of grain yield, little information is known about the mechanisms that determine final grain size in crops. Here we characterize rice small grain1 (smg1) mutants, which exhibit small and light grains, dense and erect panicles and comparatively slightly shorter plants. The short grain and panicle phenotypes of smg1 mutants are caused by a defect in cell proliferation. The smg1 mutations were identified, using a map‐based cloning approach, in mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 4 (OsMKK4). Relatively higher expression of OsMKK4/SMG1 was detected in younger organs than in older ones, consistent with its role in cell proliferation. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)–OsMKK4/SMG1 fusion proteins appear to be distributed ubiquitously in plant cells. Further results revealed that OsMKK4 influenced brassinosteroid (BR) responses and the expression of BR‐related genes. Thus, our findings have identified OsMKK4 as a factor for grain size, and suggest a possible link between the MAPK pathways and BRs in grain growth.
Trade and Innovation in Services: Evidence from a Developing Economy
Authors: Zahler Andrés , Iacovone Leonardo , Mattoo Aaditya
Published: December 2013

Studies on innovation and international trade have traditionally focused on manufacturing because neither was seen as important for services. Moreover, the few existing studies on services focus only on industrial countries, even though in many developing countries services are already the largest sector in the economy and an important determinant of overall productivity growth. Using a recent firm‐level innovation survey for Chile to compare the manufacturing and ‘tradable’ services sector, this paper reveals some novel patterns. First, even though services firms have on average a much lower propensity to export than manufacturing firms, services exports are less dominated by large firms and tend to be more skill intensive than manufacturing exports. Second, services firms appear to be as innovative as – and in some cases more innovative than – manufacturing firms, in terms of both inputs and outputs of ‘technological’ innovative activity, even though services innovations more often take a ‘non‐technological’ form. Third, services exporters (like manufacturing exporters) tend to be significantly more innovative than non‐exporters, with a wider gap for innovations close to the global technological frontier. These findings suggest that the growing faith in services as a source of both trade and innovative dynamism may not be misplaced.
Do Domestic Firms Benefit from Foreign Presence and Import Competition in Irish Services Sectors?
Authors: Haller Stefanie A.
Published: December 2013

This paper examines whether domestic firms benefit from the pro‐competitive effects of imports from abroad and from the presence of foreign‐owned firms in the host country in three Irish market‐services sectors between 2001 and 2007. Grouping the three sectors together masks opposing effects in individual sectors. Where significant, the effect of foreign presence on domestic firms tends to be negative, this is mainly the case in wholesale and retail trade. Despite it being of lesser importance than foreign presence in these sectors, import competition from abroad is negatively associated with domestic firms' productivity in wholesale and retail trade, but positively in transport, storage and communication. There is no significant effect of foreign presence or import competition in real estate, rental and business activities. Using capital‐labour ratios as an input‐based indicator related to productivity suggests that domestic firms adapt to increased foreign competition by adjusting their inputs.
Exports and Property Prices in France: Are They Connected?
Authors: Égert Balázs , Kierzenkowski Rafaƚ
Published: December 2013

France has seen a marked deterioration in its export performance in the last 10 years or so. Previous empirical research pointed out that weak export performance was due to (i) vigorous domestic demand, (ii) lower markups due to head‐to‐head competition with Germany, (iii) low non‐price competitiveness of French export goods, (iv) offshoring of entire production processes (especially in the automobile sector), and (v) difficulties of French manufacturing firms to reach critical size for exporting. This paper adds an additional explanation to this list. We argue that resource reallocation from the exporting to the construction sector triggered by fast rising property prices hindered France to meet world export demandvis‐à‐visits products. Our econometric analysis shows that the resource reallocation argument helps explain French export performance between the early 2000s and 2007, unexplained by traditional models. This result is confirmed for a set of OECD countries that experienced a marked decline in their export performance and sustained real estate boom after 2000.
Characterizing Uncertainty Attributable to Surrogate Models
Authors: Zhang Jie , Chowdhury Souma , Mehmani Ali , Messac Achille
Published: December 2013

This paper investigates the characterization of the uncertainty in the prediction of surrogate models. In the practice of engineering, where predictive models are pervasively used, the knowledge of the level of modeling error in any region of the design space is uniquely helpful for design exploration and model improvement. The lack of methods that can explore the spatial variation of surrogate error levels in a wide variety of surrogates (i.e., model-independent methods) leaves an important gap in our ability to perform design domain exploration. We develop a novel framework, called domain segmentation based on uncertainty in the surrogate (DSUS) to segregate the design domain based on the level of local errors. The errors in the surrogate estimation are classified into physically meaningful classes based on the user's understanding of the system and/or the accuracy requirements for the concerned system analysis. The leave-one-out cross-validation technique is used to quantity the local errors. Support vector machine (SVM) is implemented to determine the boundaries between error classes, and to classify any new design point into the pertinent error class. We also investigate the effectiveness of the leave-one-out cross-validation technique in providing a local error measure, through comparison with actual local errors. The utility of the DSUS framework is illustrated using two different surrogate modeling methods: (i) the Kriging method and (ii) the adaptive hybrid functions (AHF). The DSUS framework is applied to a series of standard test problems and engineering problems. In these case studies, the DSUS framework is observed to provide reasonable accuracy in classifying the design-space based on error levels. More than 90% of the test points are accurately classified into the appropriate error classes.
Kinematic Synthesis for Infinitesimally and Multiply Separated Positions Using Geometric Constraint Programming
Authors: Schmiedeler James P. , Clark Barrett C. , Kinzel Edward C. , Pennock Gordon R.
Published: December 2013

Geometric constraint programming (GCP) is an approach to synthesizing planar mechanisms in the sketching mode of commercial parametric computer-aided design software by imposing geometric constraints using the software's existing graphical user interface. GCP complements the accuracy of analytical methods with the intuition developed from graphical methods. Its applicability to motion generation, function generation, and path generation for finitely separated positions has been previously reported. By implementing existing, well-known theory, this technical brief demonstrates how GCP can be applied to kinematic synthesis for motion generation involving infinitesimally and multiply separated positions. For these cases, the graphically imposed geometric constraints alone will in general not provide a solution, so the designer must parametrically relate dimensions of entities within the graphical construction to achieve designs that automatically update when a defining parameter is altered. For three infinitesimally separated positions, the designer constructs an acceleration polygon to locate the inflection circle defined by the desired motion state. With the inflection circle in place, the designer can rapidly explore the design space using the graphical second Bobillier construction. For multiply separated position problems in which only two infinitesimally separated positions are considered, the designer constrains the instant center of the mechanism to be in the desired location. For example, four-bar linkages are designed using these techniques with three infinitesimally separated positions and two different combinations of four multiply separated positions. The ease of implementing the techniques may make synthesis for infinitesimally and multiply separated positions more accessible to mechanism designers and undergraduate students.
Ultimate Carrying Capacity of Elastic-Plastic Plates on a Pasternak Foundation
Authors: Lanzoni L. , Radi E. , Nobili A.
Published: December 2013

In the present work, the problem of an infinite elastic perfectly plastic plate under axisymmetrical loading conditions resting on a bilateral Pasternak elastic foundation is considered. The plate is assumed thin, thus making it possible to neglect the shear deformation according to the classical Kirchhoff theory. Yielding is governed by the Johansen's yield criterion with associative flow rule. A uniformly distributed load is applied on a circular area on the top of the plate. As the load is increased, a circular elastic-plastic region spreads out starting from the center of the loaded area, whereas the outer unbounded region behaves elastically. Depending on the size of the loaded area, a further increase of the load may originate two or three different elastic-plastic regions, corresponding to different yield loci. A closed form solution of the governing equations for each region is found for a special value of the ratio between Pasternak soil moduli. The performed analysis allows us to estimate the elastic-plastic behavior of the plate up to the onset of collapse, here defined by the formation of a plastic mechanism within the plate. The corresponding collapse load and the sizes of the elastic-plastic regions are thus found by imposing the boundary and continuity conditions between the different regions. The influence of the soil moduli, plate bending stiffness, and size of the loaded area on the ultimate bearing capacity of the plate is then investigated in detail.
Assessment of Cavitation Erosion With a URANS Method
Authors: Li Zi-ru , Pourquie Mathieu , van Terwisga Tom
Published: December 2013

An assessment of the cavitation erosion risk by using a contemporary unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) method in conjunction with a newly developed postprocessing procedure is made for an NACA0015 hydrofoil and an NACA0018-45 hydrofoil, without the necessity to compute the details of the actual collapses. This procedure is developed from detailed investigations on the flow over a hydrofoil. It is observed that the large-scale structures and typical unsteady dynamics predicted by the URANS method with the modified shear stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model are in fair agreement with the experimental observations. An erosion intensity function for the assessment of the risk of cavitation erosion on the surface of hydrofoils by using unsteady RANS simulations as input is proposed, based on the mean value of the time derivative of the local pressure that exceeds a certain threshold. A good correlation is found between the locations with a computed high erosion risk and the damage area observed from paint tests.
Modeling the Influence of Land-Shape on the Energy Production Potential of a Wind Farm Site
Authors: Chowdhury Souma , Zhang Jie , Tong Weiyang , Messac Achille
Published: December 2013

During wind farm planning, the farm layout or turbine arrangement is generally optimized to minimize the wake losses, and thereby maximize the energy production. However, the scope of layout design itself depends on the specified farm land-shape, where the latter is conventionally not considered a part of the wind farm decision-making process. Instead, a presumed land-shape is generally used during the layout design process, likely leading to sub-optimal wind farm planning. In this paper, we develop a novel framework to explore how the farm land-shape influences the output potential of a site, under a given wind resource variation. Farm land-shapes are defined in terms of their aspect ratio and directional orientation, assuming a rectangular configuration. Simultaneous optimizations of the turbine selection and placement are performed to maximize the energy production capacity, for a set of sample land-shapes with fixed land area. The maximum farm capacity factor or farm output potential is then represented as a function of the land aspect ratio and land orientation, using quadratic and Kriging response surfaces. This framework is applied to design a 25 MW wind farm at a North Dakota site that experiences multiple dominant wind directions. An appreciable 5% difference in capacity factor is observed between the best and the worst sample farm land-shapes at this wind site. It is observed that among the 50 sample land-shapes, higher energy production is accomplished by the farm lands that have aspect ratios significantly greater than one, and are oriented lengthwise roughly along the dominant wind direction axis. Subsequent optimization of the land-shape using the Kriging response surface further corroborates this observation.
Technical Basis for Evaluation of US DOT Seamless Pressure Vessels With Defects on Threaded Neck Used for Structural Support
Authors: Rana Mahendra D. , Treadwell David , Ramachandran Srikanth , Khanal Abani K.
Published: December 2013

Seamless pressure vessels (tubes) are designed per Department of Transportation (DOT) Specification 3AAX or 3 T. These tubes are used in over- the-road transport of high pressure gases. In tube trailer, these tubes are supported at ends from outside threaded necks. This paper describes the technical basis which was used in developing CGA C-23 document, which provides guideline on inspection and evaluation of tubes neck mounting surfaces. API-579/ASME FFS-1 standard and test data were used in developing the guideline for acceptance rejection criteria of the tube neck containing local thin areas and thread wear, respectively.