bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snow and weather climatic control on snow avalanche occurrence fluctuations over 50 yr in the French Alps
Authors: Castebrunet H. , Eckert N. , Giraud G.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Snow avalanche activity is controlled to a large extent by snow and weather patterns. However, its response to climate fluctuations remains poorly documented. Previous studies have focused on direct extraction of trends in avalanche and winter climate data, and this study employs a time-implicit method to model annual avalanche activity in the French Alps during the 1958–2009 period from its most representative climatic drivers. Modelled snow and weather data for different elevations and aspects are considered as covariates that explain actual observed avalanche counts, modelled instability indexes, and a combination of both avalanche activity indicators. These three series present relatively similar fluctuations over the period and good consistency with historically harsh winters. A stepwise procedure is used to obtain regression models that accurately represent trends as well as high and low peaks with a small number of physically meaningful covariates, showing their climatic relevance. The activity indicators and their regression models seen as time series show, within a high interannual variability, a predominant bell-shaped pattern presumably related to a short period of colder and snowier winters around 1980, as well as a very slight but continuous increase between 1975 and 2000 concomitant with warming. Furthermore, the regression models quantify the respective weight of the different covariates, mostly temperature anomalies and south-facing snowpack characteristics to explain the trends and most of the exceptional winters. Regional differences are discussed as well as seasonal variations between winter and spring activity and confirm rather different snow and weather regimes influencing avalanche activity over the Northern and Southern Alps, depending on the season.
The Cooperative Development And Strategy
Authors: Carvalho Adriano Dias de
Published: April 2012

Cooperatives are organizations with great potential and possibilities to stir social change. In face of economic difficulties, cooperative is an option to take advantage of  the existing productive power and, once authorized to operate as financial institution, they can face the economical instability and work to improve people welfare. This paper is a study on possible emergent strategy in a credit cooperative in the south of Minas Gerais, aiming at proposing an introduction of a competitive strategy to the organizational development. It was observed as a theoretical referential the origin and the development of cooperativism, some ways of management which aim at strategic planning.World tendency clearly shows that, even though the cooperativism segment has become one of the most developed segments in the last years, this system is still trying to solve problems of strategic formulation and organizational placement, aiming at developing a segmented financial market, much more competitive.To propose of a strategy to the cooperative studied, gain importance when we analyze the financial market context, since this segment is one of the most regulated and organized on the world. At the end of the study, are detect the main points that can collaborate significantly to the development of this cooperative, showing as proposal suggestion of management pacing and strategic development.
Survey Some of the Factors Influencing Ethical Judgments of the Earnings Management
Authors: Nowghabi Mohammad Hossein Vadiei , Anbarani Saleh
Published: April 2012

Earnings management is using judgment in reporting financial results and in structuring transactions to either mislead some stakeholders about the underlying economic performance of the company or to influence contractual outcomes that depend on reported accounting numbers (Kaplan, 2001).This study investigates the ethical perception of students concerning different earnings management scenarios. A questionnaire is used to measure the ethical perception of  the respondents concerning 15 earnings management scenarios. The questionnaire is based on the questionnaire of Merchant (1994) and Fischer and Rosenzweig (1995). Sample including Fields of accounting and non- accounting (management and economics) all the senior students admission to universities public of Iran. The results of the 250 questionnaires indicate that: (1) There is a significant difference between knowledge ethical operating earnings management and accounting earnings management. (2) There is a significant difference between knowledge ethical earnings management that decrease earnings and earnings management that increase earnings. (3) There is a significant difference between knowledge ethical earnings management that affect earnings on a quarterly basis than earnings management that affect earnings on a yearly basis.
Citizens Satisfaction with Local Governments in Argentine: Key Predictors
Authors: Nigro Oscar
Published: April 2012

The causes which influence the Citizens Satisfaction with Local Governments may be direct or indirect, and for this reason much research has been developed with the objective to discover a model or methodology. For this work was taken as a measurement instrument to collect data a questionnaire based on a model that adapts to the data from an integrated between the European Consumer Satisfaction Index  (ECSI) (Eklöf, 2000) and the ECSI revised Chenn (Chenn, 2009) as a representation of domain knowledge. With a structured interview card and pre-coded, the sample design adopted was probabilistic multistage cluster with selectable final drive to set quotas for sex, age and area. We selected surveyed between over 18 years citizens of Tandil (Argentine) of 123,000 inhabitants. This city divided into zones based on socioeconomic characteristics and obtained 401 valid questionnaires. We found that the model explained 65% of citizen satisfaction and 55% of the loyalty of the same with the local leadership.
Contributions of Humanitarian Agencies among Refugees and Host Communities in Handeni District, Tanzania
Authors: Jagero Nelson , Asasira Timothy
Published: April 2012

This study focused on the Contributions of Humanitarian agencies among refugees and host communities in Handeni District, Tanzania. A sample of 420 respondents was taken for study using simple random and purposive sampling, while data was analyzed using the SPSS computer package. The findings considered the following as critical for resolution, promotion of dialogue between refugees and the host communities and change of perception and attitude towards refugees considered naturally violent.  This has been reduced through peace campaigns by humanitarian agencies to ensure co-existence between refugees and host community. Issues on resource sharing, capacity building extension workers, ensuring basic services of equality as those available for host authority populations are provided to the refugees, developing a range of options with levels of self-help and related costs and loans relative to sanitation as they explore opportunities brought about by refugees.Keywords: Refugee, humanitarian agencies, host communities, Tanzania
Isolation and Characterisation of l,l’-binaphthalene-2,2’-diol, A New Biaryl Natural Product from Sesbania grandiflora Root
Authors: Noviany  , Osman Hasnah , Chong Wong Keng , Awang Khalijah , Manshoor Nurhuda
Published: April 2012

This study aimed to isolate and characterise purified compound from the root of Sesbania grandiflora. The root of Sesbania grandifloraprovided a new natural compound:l,l’-binaphthalene-2,2’-diol (1) together with two known isoflavanoids (2-3). Complete 1H- and 13C-NMR data of compounds isolated were reported. The structures were determined through various spectroscopic methods notably 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR and HRESIMS.
Japan: colonization and settlement
Authors: Taylor Kate E.
Published: April 2012

As a collection of islands close to the regions that would eventually become modern‐day China and Korea, Japan in its early form was heavily indebted to the influences of those traveling across Asia. It is generally considered that modern Japanese culture began with the mingling of the Jōmon civilization with the arrival of Korean and Chinese refugees from the aggression taking place during the Qin and Han dynasties (221BCE–9CE). In 250BCEthe Yamato state unified Japan and involved itself extensively in the activities of Korea and China; there was constant cross‐immigration and settlement between these areas. This settlement and interaction, however, was drastically reduced around the time of the Tang dynasty in China, which saw Japan retreat from international affairs. After 918CEthe nation had little international contact, concentrating instead on internal civil wars. From very early on Japanese colonization and settlement was thus more internal than external. Various tribes conquered and settled land from their neighbors until the Minamoto dynasty emerged triumphant at the end of the 12th century.
8 The human colonization of the Americas: archaeology
Authors: Meltzer David J.
Published: April 2012

The colonization of the Americas from Siberia after 16kya was one of the most remarkable achievements of early modern humanity. This chapter outlines the archaeological evidence for this dramatic founding human migration into two new continents.
2D:4D in Men Is Related to Aggressive Dominance but Not to Sociable Dominance
Authors: van der Meij Leander , Almela Mercedes , Buunk Abraham P. , Dubbs Shelli , Salvador Alicia
Published: April 2012

It has been shown that a smaller ratio between the length of the second and fourth digit (2D:4D) is an indicator of the exposure to prenatal testosterone (T). This study measured the 2D:4D of men and assessed dominance as a personality trait to investigate indirectly if the exposure to prenatal T is related to a dominant personality later in life. Results showed that men had a more aggressive dominant personality when having a more masculine (lower) 2D:4D, while there was no relationship between sociable dominance and 2D:4D. Findings from this study indicate that it is important to distinguish different forms of dominance since other studies failed to find relationships between dominance and 2D:4D. Aggr. Behav. 38:208–212, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Elastomeric Poly(Thiophene‐EDOT) Composite with a Dynamically Variable Permeability Towards Organic and Water Vapors
Authors: Martin Brett D. , Justin Gusphyl A. , Moore Martin H. , Naciri Jawad , Mazure Theresa , Melde Brian J. , Stroud Rhonda M. , Ratna Banahalli
Published: April 2012

An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) material with controllable nanoporosity is developed for applications such as chemical protection. The IPN material is based on a conducting polymer backbone consisting of thiophene and 3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) repeat units–poly(thiophene‐EDOT)–formed within a soft polyurethane support. The IPN demonstrates reversible, electrochemically switchable nanoporosity in the absence of standard liquid electrolyte, with the oxidized state being the open (high porosity) state and the reduced state being the closed (low porosity) state. The switching of the IPN between its oxidized (open) and reduced (closed) states is actuated using application of ±1.0 V. The variability in the IPN porosity, induced by the electrochemical switching, is revealed by large changes in water vapor diffusivity, as well as changes in the diffusivities of the chemical agent simulants chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) and methyl salicylate (MeS). The closed state of the IPN is able to decrease CEES diffusivity by ≈99% compared to expanded Teflon (ePTFE), while the open state allows high MVT rates comparable to ePTFE. The IPN's ability to allow high MVT under non‐threat conditions (open state) and high protection from agents under threat conditions (closed state) is a unique and desirable characteristic of this novel IPN material.
Origin of Enhanced Hole Injection in Inverted Organic Devices with Electron Accepting Interlayer
Authors: Small Cephas E. , Tsang Sai‐Wing , Kido Junji , So Shu Kong , So Franky
Published: April 2012

Conventional organic light emitting devices have a bottom buffer interlayer placed underneath the hole transporting layer (HTL) to improve hole injection from the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. In this work, a substantial enhancement in hole injection efficiency is demonstrated when an electron accepting interlayer is evaporated on top of the HTL in an inverted device along with a top hole injection anode compared with the conventional device with a bottom hole injection anode. Current–voltage and space‐charge‐limited dark injection (DI‐SCLC) measurements were used to characterize the conventional and inverted N,N′‐diphenyl‐N,N′‐bis(1‐naphthyl)(1,1′biphenyl)‐4,4′diamine (NPB) hole‐only devices with either molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) or 1,4,5,8,9,11‐hexaazatriphenylene hexacarbonitrile (HAT‐CN) as the interlayer. Both normal and inverted devices with HAT‐CN showed significantly higher injection efficiencies compared to similar devices with MoO3, with the inverted device with HAT‐CN as the interlayer showing a hole injection efficiency close to 100%. The results from doping NPB with MoO3 or HAT‐CN confirmed that the injection efficiency enhancements in the inverted devices were due to the enhanced charge transfer at the electron acceptor/NPB interface.
Injectable and Biodegradable Nanohybrid Polymers with Simultaneously Enhanced Stiffness and Toughness for Bone Repair
Authors: Cai Lei , Chen Jihua , Rondinone Adam J. , Wang Shanfeng
Published: April 2012

A series of novel injectable and photo‐crosslinkable poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF)‐co‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) copolymers are synthesized via two‐step polycondensation to improve both stiffness and toughness and to promote biological performance of bone tissue engineering scaffolds. The viscoelastic behavior of uncrosslinked PPF‐co‐POSS and the thermal, mechanical, and surface characteristics of photo‐crosslinked PPF‐co‐POSS are investigated as well as the degradation behavior and microscopic POSS domain structures at various weight compositions of POSS (ϕPOSS). Tensile and compressive moduli and facture toughness are enhanced for crosslinked PPF‐co‐POSS when POSS nanocages are well distributed and their crystallinity is completely confined in the networks. Decreases in these mechanical properties are observed at higher ϕPOSS because of decreased crosslinking density and larger POSS aggregates. The mechanical properties are correlated with in vitro mouse pre‐osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cell functions including cell attachment, spreading, proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression, which all maximize at ϕPOSS of 10%.
Real exact solutions to the relativistic spinless particle with modified Rosen–Morse potential and its 𝒫𝒯 symmetry
Authors: Qiang W.‐C. , Sun G.‐H. , Dong S.‐H.
Published: April 2012

The real exact solutions to the relativistic spinless particle with modified Rosen–Morse potential are presented. The novel issue is that the previously obtained eigenfunctions related to this type of potential in an imaginary variable i sinh (α x) (Dirac case) can be expressed by the real Nomanovski polynomials. The energy levels are calculated numerically. It is interesting to note that the energy levels first increase with the parameter V1 (V1<0) and then decrease with it. In the case of the 𝒫𝒯 symmetric version it is found that the eigenvalues are real even though the 𝒫𝒯 symmetric potentials are non‐Hermitian.
Controllable structure, properties, and degradation of the electrospun PLGA/PLA‐blended nanofibrous scaffolds
Authors: Liu Hua , Wang Shudong , Qi Ning
Published: April 2012

In this research, the PLGA/PLA‐blended nanofibers were successfully prepared by electrospinning. The macro–micro structure, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and in vitro degradation of the electrospun PLGA/PLA nanofibrous scaffolds are characterized by means of SEM, FTIR, DSC, TG, contact angle, instron tensile tester, and degradation testing. The results showed that electrospun PLGA/PLA‐blended nanofibrous scaffolds possessed nanofibrous and porous structures. The structural stability, crystallinity, wettability, and mechanical properties, especially the in vitro degradation rate, of the electrospun PLGA/PLA‐blended nanofibrous scaffolds could be controlled by regulating the blended ratio of the poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(lactide) (PLA). The results indicated that the electrospun PLGA/PLA‐blended nanofibrous scaffolds could be considered as ideal candidates for tissue engineering scaffolds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Crystallization kinetics and degradation of nanocomposites based on ternary blend of poly(L‐lactic acid), poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(ethylene oxide) with two different organoclays
Authors: Auliawan Andi , Woo Eamor M.
Published: April 2012

Ternary polymer blends composed of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is used as matrix for nanocomposites with two clays: organically modified vermiculite (OVMT) and organically modified montmorillonite (Clo10A). The addition of PMMA in PLLA/PEO blend matrix reduces the chain mobility and retards the crystallization of PLLA/PEO. The retardation effect of PMMA on PLLA/PEO blend is less pronounced with higher PEO contents. The incorporation of OVMT and Clo10A is one common strategy to improve crystallization process as well as thermal and mechanical properties. The crystallization kinetics of polymer nanocomposites was found to be well described by the Mo method. The evolution of activation energy during nonisothermal course is analyzed using isoconversional method, and the trend of activation energy variation was found to be different for each of two organoclays. Thermal stability is improved by the incorporation of organoclays, where Clo10A induces better stability than that of OVMT. Enzymatic degradation tests showed that the nanocomposites with OVMT possessed higher stability on enzymatic attack and slower degradation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Voices of donors: Case reports of body donation in Hong Kong
Authors: Chiu Hei Yeung , Ng Kwok Sing , Ma Sin Kwan , Chan Chi Hung , Ng Sheung Wah , Tipoe George L. , Chan Lap Ki
Published: April 2012

Body donation is important for medical education and academic research. However, it is relatively rare in Hong Kong when compared with many Western countries. Comprehensive research has been performed on the motivation for body donation in Western countries; however, there is still insufficient research on body donation in Hong Kong to provide information on how to increase the body‐donation rate. To understand the factors involved in the decision to donate one's body, the authors interviewed a registered donor and the daughter of another donor in Hong Kong. The authors interpreted the information collected in light of the available published reports, which mostly focus on body donation in Western countries. Despite the consistency of some demographic factors and motivations between the participants in our study and those investigated in the published reports from Western countries, there are differences in education level and socioeconomic status between the donors in our study and those from Western studies. The authors also suggest that Confucianism and Buddhism in Chinese culture may motivate potential body donors in Hong Kong. Other important factors that influence the body‐donation decision may include family members' body donation, registration as organ donors, and good doctor–patient relationships. Although case report studies have their limitations, this study allows us to explore the complexity of events and establish the interconnectivity of factors involved in body donation, which could not be achieved in previous survey‐based studies. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Design and dosimetric analysis of a 385 MHz TETRA head exposure system for use in human provocation studies
Authors: Schmid Gernot , Bolz Thomas , Überbacher Richard , Escorihuela‐Navarro Ana , Bahr Achim , Dorn Hans , Sauter Cornelia , Eggert Torsten , Danker‐Hopfe Heidi
Published: April 2012

A new head exposure system for double‐blind provocation studies investigating possible effects of terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA)‐like exposure (385 MHz) on central nervous processes was developed and dosimetrically analyzed. The exposure system allows localized exposure in the temporal brain, similar to the case of operating a TETRA handset at the ear. The system and antenna concept enables exposure during wake and sleep states while an electroencephalogram (EEG) is recorded. The dosimetric assessment and uncertainty analysis yield high efficiency of 14 W/kg per Watt of accepted antenna input power due to an optimized antenna directly worn on the subject's head. Beside sham exposure, high and low exposure at 6 and 1.5 W/kg (in terms of maxSAR10g in the head) were implemented. Double‐blind control and monitoring of exposure is enabled by easy‐to‐use control software. Exposure uncertainty was rigorously evaluated using finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD)‐based computations, taking into account anatomical differences of the head, the physiological range of the dielectric tissue properties including effects of sweating on the antenna, possible influences of the EEG electrodes and cables, variations in antenna input reflection coefficients, and effects on the specific absorption rate (SAR) distribution due to unavoidable small variations in the antenna position. This analysis yielded a reasonable uncertainty of <±45% (max to min ratio of 4.2 dB) in terms of maxSAR10g in the head and a variability of <±60% (max to min ratio of 6 dB) in terms of mass‐averaged SAR in different brain regions, as demonstrated by a brain region‐specific absorption analysis. Bioelectromagnetics 33:594–603, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ELF magnetic fields in electric and gasoline‐powered vehicles
Authors: Tell R.A. , Sias G. , Smith J. , Sahl J. , Kavet R.
Published: April 2012

We conducted a pilot study to assess magnetic field levels in electric compared to gasoline‐powered vehicles, and established a methodology that would provide valid data for further assessments. The sample consisted of 14 vehicles, all manufactured between January 2000 and April 2009; 6 were gasoline‐powered vehicles and 8 were electric vehicles of various types. Of the eight models available, three were represented by a gasoline‐powered vehicle and at least one electric vehicle, enabling intra‐model comparisons. Vehicles were driven over a 16.3 km test route. Each vehicle was equipped with six EMDEX Lite broadband meters with a 40–1,000 Hz bandwidth programmed to sample every 4 s. Standard statistical testing was based on the fact that the autocorrelation statistic damped quickly with time. For seven electric cars, the geometric mean (GM) of all measurements (N = 18,318) was 0.095 µT with a geometric standard deviation (GSD) of 2.66, compared to 0.051 µT (N = 9,301; GSD = 2.11) for four gasoline‐powered cars (P < 0.0001). Using the data from a previous exposure assessment of residential exposure in eight geographic regions in the United States as a basis for comparison (N = 218), the broadband magnetic fields in electric vehicles covered the same range as personal exposure levels recorded in that study. All fields measured in all vehicles were much less than the exposure limits published by the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Future studies should include larger sample sizes representative of a greater cross‐section of electric‐type vehicles. Bioelectromagnetics 34:156–161, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sequential design for nonparametric inference
Authors: Zhao Zhibiao , Yao Weixin
Published: April 2012

The performance of nonparametric function estimates often depends on the choice of design points. Based on the mean integrated squared error criterion, we propose a sequential design procedure that updates the model knowledge and optimal design density sequentially. The methodology is developed under a general framework covering a wide range of nonparametric inference problems, such as conditional mean and variance functions, the conditional distribution function, the conditional quantile function in quantile regression, functional coefficients in varying coefficient models and semiparametric inferences. Based on our empirical studies, nonparametric inference based on the proposed sequential design is more efficient than the uniform design and its performance is close to the true but unknown optimal design.The Canadian Journal of Statistics40: 362–377; 2012 © 2012 Statistical Society of Canada
The central complex of the flesh fly, Neobellieria bullata: Recordings and morphologies of protocerebral inputs and small‐field neurons
Authors: Phillips‐Portillo James
Published: April 2012

The central complex in the brains of insects is a series of midline neuropils involved in motor control, sensory integration, and associative learning. To understand better the role of this center and its supply of sensory information, intracellular recordings and dye fills were made of central complex neurons in the fly, Neobellieria bullata. Recordings were obtained from 24 neurons associated with the ellipsoid body, fan‐shaped body, and protocerebral bridge, all of which receive both visual and mechanosensory information from protocerebral centers. One neuron with dendrites in an area of the lateral protocerebrum associated with motion‐sensitive outputs from the optic lobes invades the entire protocerebral bridge and was driven by visual motion. Inputs to the fan‐shaped body and ellipsoid body responded both to visual stimuli and to air puffs directed at the head and abdomen. Intrinsic neurons in both of these structures respond to changes in illumination. A putative output neuron connecting the protocerebral bridge, the fan‐shaped body, and one of the lateral accessory lobes showed opponent responses to moving visual stimuli. These recordings identify neurons with response properties previously known only from extracellular recordings in other species. Dye injections into neurons connecting the central complex with areas of the protocerebrum suggest that some classes of inputs into the central complex are electrically coupled. J. Comp. Neurol., 520:3088–3104, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gene or environment? Species‐specific control of stomatal density and length
Authors: Zhang Lirong , Niu Haishan , Wang Shiping , Zhu Xiaoxue , Luo Caiyun , Li Yingnian , Zhao Xinquan
Published: April 2012

Stomatal characteristics are used as proxies of paleo‐environment. Only a few model species have been used to study the mechanisms of genetic and environmental effects on stomatal initiation. Variation among species has not been quantified. In this paper, results from an in situ reciprocal transplant experiment along an elevation gradient in the northeast Tibetan Plateau are reported, in which the relative effects of genetics (original altitude) and environment (transplant altitude) on stomatal density (SD) and length (SL) were quantified. In Thalictrum alpinum, only the environment significantly influenced SD, with the variance component () of the environment found to be much greater than that of genetics () (). In Kobresia humillis, only genetics significantly influenced SD and SL, with the genetics variance component found to be greater than that of the environment (, for SD). These results suggest that the extent to which genetics and the environment determine stomatal initiation and development is species‐specific. This needs to be considered when studying genetic or environmental controls of stomatal initiation, as well as when SD and SL are used as proxies for ancient climate factors (e.g., CO2 concentration).
Journal paper filtering using multiple information
Authors: Yamamoto Masao , Kinukawa Hiroshi
Published: April 2012

Paper filtering systems that support the effective collection of related journal papers are becoming important as the technological progress has been rapid. However, previous systems achieved insufficient filtering effectiveness because of a lack of available information in the abstract parts of journal papers that are available to the public. In this paper, we propose a paper filtering method using multiple information such as structure, co‐authors, subject category, terminology, and terms in patent document. In an evaluation of 15 subjects using 4875 journal papers, it became clear that for all subjects the effectiveness of the proposed method exceeded that of the conventional method when all of the information above was used, thus increasing suitability for practical use. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(5): 21–32, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10423
A stride value predictor suppressing conflicts focusing on predictability
Authors: Shimomura Yoshio , Kobayashi Ryotaro
Published: April 2012

The stride value predictor is a technology that eases the data dependency, a factor restricting program parallelism. This mechanism predicts the values that the instruction generates by using a Value History Table (VHT). The problem of conflict in the VHT is a factor limiting predictive performance. In order to reduce conflict in the VHT, we focus on predictability, proposing two schemes. One consists of updating the only predictable instructions to the VHT, and the other consists of reducing the replacement frequency of the VHT. The evaluation results show that improving the predictive performance without increasing the number of entries of the VHT or decreasing the number of VHT entries at the cost of a small predictive performance loss becomes possible by the addition of a small‐scale dedicated table. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(5): 8–20, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10424
Variations in discharge current waveforms and their power spectra injected from contact discharges of ESD‐gun with different arrangements
Authors: Taka Yoshinori , Fujiwara Osamu
Published: April 2012

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has prescribed an immunity test (IEC61000‐4‐2) of electronic equipment against electrostatic discharges (ESDs), in which a discharge current to be injected onto equipment under test is specified. As for the waveform, however, not the whole waveform but only the rise time, the first peak, and the current amplitudes at 30 and 60 ns are given in the time domain together with their uncertainties, which are required to check on the condition that an ESD generator (ESD‐gun) shall be arranged vertically to an IEC‐recommended calibration target and its earth return wire is kept away as far as possible from a vertical ground plane (IEC standard arrangement). In this study, to clarify how arrangements of an ESD‐gun and its earth return wire affect discharge currents, we measured discharge current waveforms for contact discharges of an ESD‐gun onto an IEC calibration target with respect to various inclinations of the ESD‐gun and arrangements of its earth return wire, and also calculated their current power spectra normalized to that of the discharge current for the IEC standard arrangement. As a result, we found that inclinations of the ESD gun affect the first peak current, which increases current power spectra by 14 dB at frequencies over 300 MHz, and that arrangements of the return wire influence the current waveforms between the first and second peaks, which provides variations in power spectra by ±12 dB in the frequency range from 10 MHz to 200 MHz. This finding suggests that arrangements of an ESD‐gun and its earth return wire are likely to cause different immunity test results. It was also found that in comparison with measured discharge currents for the standard arrangement, the calculated waveform of a discharge current from a formula, which has been included in the recent standard, has a more gentle falling waveform, and produces power spectra of +15 dB in the frequency range from 10 MHz to 200 MHz and –12 dB at frequencies over 300 MHz. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(1): 9–14, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21270
Improvement of power conversion efficiency of soft‐switching inverter in range of low output power by adjustable dead time control
Authors: Hoshi Nobukazu , Matsui Ayaka
Published: April 2012

The power conversion efficiency of soft‐switching inverters can be improved by using loss‐less snubber commutation; however, the main switches of the inverter fail in zero‐voltage turn‐on when the output current is small. As a solution to this problem, adjustable dead time control in a loss‐less snubber commutation according to the magnitude of output current has been proposed. Adjustable dead time control achieves zero‐voltage turn‐on of the inverter main switches in a loss‐less snubber commutation in the range of low output current; however, waveforms of the output current of the inverter become distorted. In this paper, we propose a scheme for adjustable dead time control with dead time compensation for soft‐switching inverters. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by experiments. Experimental results demonstrate that when the proposed control scheme is adopted, the power conversion efficiency in the range of low output power improves up to about 3% and the THD is improved within 3%. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(1): 57–64, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21282
Hard‐X‐ray‐Induced Thermal Hysteresis (HAXITH) in a Molecular Switchable Solid
Authors: Renz Franz , Vankó György , Homenya Patrick , Saadat Reza , Németh Zoltán , Huotari Simo
Published: April 2012

In this contribution, we report the first hard‐X‐ray‐induced thermal hysteresis (HAXITH). The bistability in [Fe(phen)2(SCN)2] (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) is proven by alternately heating and cooling the sample under permanent irradiation with hard X‐rays. Within the hysteresis a serpentine‐like switching effect is observed. HAXITH is a new tool to monitor cooperativity among the switching units. It exhibits a threshold similar to that observed with visible light excitations.
Electrokinetic particle entry into microchannels
Authors: Zhu Junjie , Hu Guoqing , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: April 2012

The fundamental understanding of particle electrokinetics in microchannels is relevant to many applications. To date, however, the majority of previous studies have been limited to particle motion within the area of microchannels. This work presents the first experimental and numerical investigation of electrokinetic particle entry into a microchannel. We find that the particle entry motion can be significantly deviated from the fluid streamline by particle dielectrophoresis at the reservoir‐microchannel junction. This negative dielectrophoretic motion is induced by the inherent non‐uniform electric field at the junction and is insensitive to the microchannel length. It slows down the entering particles and pushes them toward the center of the microchannel. The consequence is the demonstrated particle deflection, focusing, and trapping phenomena at the reservoir‐microchannel junction. Such rich phenomena are studied by tuning the AC component of a DC‐biased AC electric field. They are also utilized to implement a selective concentration and continuous separation of particles by size inside the entry reservoir.
A novel method for effective field measurements in electrical field‐flow fractionation
Authors: Merugu Srinivas , Sant Himanshu J. , Gale Bruce K.
Published: April 2012

The electric field that drives separation and retention in electrical field flow fractionation (ElFFF) and cyclical electrical field‐flow fractionation (CyElFFF) is a complex function of many parameters such as carrier ionic strength and pH, voltage, channel dimensions, flowrate, and electrode material. Currently there is no accurate or in situ method to measure the field during system operation. This paper introduces a technique to measure the effective electric field during ElFFF and CyElFFF operation using transient electrical spikes. With this technique we can determine the relationship between changes in carrier conductivity and flowrate during a run and their combined effect on effective field and retention in ElFFF. This technique can also be used to measure the voltage drop due to double layer capacitance in CyElFFF and the variation in effective field with frequency of the applied field. The measured effective fields for the CyElFFF and DC ElFFFtechniques are also tested with a high ionic‐strength buffer solution as carrier. For a high ionic‐strength buffer, DC ElFFF generates a near‐zero effective field (0.2% in 100 s), whereas CyElFFFcan sustain much higher effective fields (∼8%) even at relatively high voltages. The ability to measure the effective field allows for experiments to provide better data and for tuning and optimization of the separation run.
The immunobiology of colitis and cholangitis in interleukin-23p19 and interleukin-17a deleted dominant negative form of transforming growth factor beta receptor type ii mice
Authors: Ando Yugo , Yang Guo-Xiang , Tsuda Masanobu , Kawata Kazuhito , Zhang Weici , Nakajima Takahiko , Tsuneyama Koichi , Leung Patrick , Lian Zhe-Xiong , Okazaki Kazuichi , Ridgway William M. , Norman Gary L. , Ansari Aftab A. , He Xiao-Song , Coppel Ross L. , Gershwin Eric M.
Published: April 2012

Dominant negative form of transforming growth factor beta receptor type II (dnTGFβRII) mice, expressing a dominant negative form of TGFβ receptor II under control of the CD4 promoter, develop autoimmune colitis and cholangitis. Deficiency in interleukin (IL)-12p40 lead to a marked diminution of inflammation in both the colon and the liver. To distinguish whether IL-12p40 mediates protection by the IL-12 or IL-23 pathways, we generated an IL-23p19−/− dnTGFβRII strain deficient in IL-23, but not in IL-12; mice were longitudinally followed for changes in the natural history of disease and immune responses. Interestingly, IL-23p19−/− mice demonstrate dramatic improvement in their colitis, but no changes in biliary pathology; mice also manifest reduced T-helper (Th)17 cell populations and unchanged IFN-γ levels. We submit that the IL-12/Th1 pathway is essential for biliary disease pathogenesis, whereas the IL-23/Th17 pathway mediates colitis. To further assess the mechanism of the IL-23-mediated protection from colitis, we generated an IL-17A−/− dnTGFβRII strain deficient in IL-17, a major effector cytokine produced by IL-23-dependent Th17 cells. Deletion of the IL-17A gene did not affect the severity of either cholangitis or colitis, suggesting that the IL-23/Th17 pathway contributes to colon disease in an IL-17-independent manner. These results affirm that the IL-12/Th1 pathway is critical to biliary pathology in dnTGFβRII mice, whereas colitis is caused by a direct effect of IL-23. (Hepatology 2012)
Relationship between adipose tissue insulin resistance and liver histology in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A pioglitazone versus vitamin E versus placebo for the treatment of nondiabetic patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis trial follow-up study
Authors: Bell Lauren N. , Wang Jiangxia , Muralidharan Sriya , Chalasani Sadhana , Fullenkamp Allison M. , Wilson Laura A. , Sanyal Arun J. , Kowdley Kris V. , Neuschwander-Tetri Brent A. , Brunt Elizabeth M. , McCullough Arthur J. , Bass Nathan M. , Diehl Anna Mae , Unalp-Arida Aynur , Chalasani Naga
Published: April 2012

The PIVENS (Pioglitazone versus Vitamin E versus Placebo for the Treatment of Nondiabetic Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis [NASH]) trial demonstrated that pioglitazone and vitamin E improved liver histology to varying degrees, but the mechanisms are unknown. We conducted a study to examine the changes in adipose tissue insulin resistance (Adipo-IR) during the PIVENS trial and its relationship to histological endpoints. Adipo-IR (fasting nonesterified fatty acids [NEFAs] × fasting insulin) was calculated at baseline and after 16 and 96 weeks of therapy. Compared to placebo, the baseline Adipo-IR was not different in either the vitamin E group (

P

= 0.34) or the pioglitazone group (

P

= 0.29). Baseline Adipo-IR was significantly associated with fibrosis score (

P

= 0.02), but not with other histological features or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (NAS). After 16 weeks, compared to placebo, the pioglitazone group had a significant reduction in Adipo-IR (−15.7 versus −1.91;

P

= 0.02), but this effect did not persist at 96 weeks (−3.25 versus −4.28;

P

= 0.31). Compared to placebo, Adipo-IR in the vitamin E group did not change significantly either after 16 weeks (

P

= 0.70) or after 96 weeks (

P

= 0.85). Change in Adipo-IR at week 16 was not associated with changes in any histological parameters at week 96, but improvement in Adipo-IR at week 96 was significantly associated with improvement in ballooning (

P

= 0.03), fibrosis (

P

= 0.004), and NAS (

P

= 0.01).

Conclusion

: Vitamin E improved liver histology independent of changes in Adipo-IR, and pioglitazone treatment acutely improved Adipo-IR, but this was not sustained. Changes in Adipo-IR were associated with changes in liver histology, including fibrosis. (Hepatology 2012)
Cancer incidence in professional flight crew and air traffic control officers: Disentangling the effect of occupational versus lifestyle exposures
Authors: dos Santos Silva Isabel , De Stavola Bianca , Pizzi Costanza , Evans Anthony D. , Evans Sally A.
Published: April 2012

Flight crew are occupationally exposed to several potentially carcinogenic hazards; however, previous investigations have been hampered by lack of information on lifestyle exposures. The authors identified, through the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority medical records, a cohort of 16,329 flight crew and 3,165 air traffic control officers (ATCOs) and assembled data on their occupational and lifestyle exposures. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) were estimated to compare cancer incidence in each occupation to that of the general population; internal analyses were conducted by fitting Cox regression models. All‐cancer incidence was 20–29% lower in each occupation than in the general population, mainly due to a lower incidence of smoking‐related cancers [SIR (95% CI) = 0.33 (0.27–0.38) and 0.42 (0.28–0.60) for flight crew and ATCOs, respectively], consistent with their much lower prevalence of smoking. Skin melanoma rates were increased in both flight crew (SIR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.45–2.38) and ATCOs (2.66; 1.55–4.25), with rates among the former increasing with increasing number of flight hours (p‐trend = 0.02). However, internal analyses revealed no differences in skin melanoma rates between flight crew and ATCOs (hazard ratio: 0.78, 95% CI = 0.37–1.66) and identified skin that burns easily when exposed to sunlight (p = 0.001) and sunbathing to get a tan (p = 0.07) as the strongest risk predictors of skin melanoma in both occupations. The similar site‐specific cancer risks between the two occupational groups argue against risks among flight crew being driven by occupation‐specific exposures. The skin melanoma excess reflects sun‐related behaviour rather than cosmic radiation exposure.
CC‐chemokine ligand 4/macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β participates in the induction of neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Saika F. , Kiguchi N. , Kobayashi Y. , Fukazawa Y. , Kishioka S.
Published: April 2012

Background

Neuropathic pain is caused by neural damage or dysfunction and neuropathic pain‐related symptoms are resistant to conventional analgesics. Neuroinflammation due to the cytokine‐chemokine network may play a pivotal role in neuropathic pain. We demonstrate that macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β (MIP‐1β) participates in neuropathic pain.

Methods

Mice received partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL), and tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed by von Frey test and Hargreaves test, respectively. Agents were administered into the region surrounding the sciatic nerve (SCN).

Results

Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the mRNA expressions of MIP‐1β and its receptor (CC‐chemokine receptor 5; CCR5) in the injured SCN were up‐regulated after PSL. MIP‐1β immunoreactivity was localized in macrophages and Schwann cells and increased in the injured SCN on day 1. PSL‐induced tactile allodynia on days 4 to 7 was prevented by the administration of MIP‐1β neutralizing antibody (anti‐MIP‐1β; on days 0, 3 and 6). PSL‐induced up‐regulations of inflammatory cytokine‐chemokine mRNAs in the injured SCN were suppressed with anti‐MIP‐1β treatment on day 7. Administration of CCR5 antagonist, D‐ala‐peptide T‐amide (on days 0, 3 and 6) prevented tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia on days 4 to 14. Single administration of recombinant mouse MIP‐1β (rmMIP‐1β) elicited tactile allodynia. Moreover, rmMIP‐1β increased the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators in the SCN on day 1 after administration.

Conclusions

These results suggest that MIP‐1β is a novel key mediator, and the peripheral MIP‐1β‐CCR5 axis contributes to neuropathic pain. Therefore, investigation of this cascade might be a validated approach for the elucidation of neuropathic pain mechanisms.
What influences midwives in estimating labour pain?
Authors: Williams A.C. de C. , Morris J. , Stevens K. , Gessler S. , Cella M. , Baxter J.
Published: April 2012

Background

Clinicians’ estimates of patients’ pain are frequently used as a basis for delivering care, and the characteristics of the clinician and of the patient influence this estimate.

Methods

We studied pain estimation by midwives attending women in uncomplicated labour. Sixty‐six practising midwives of varied age, ethnicity and professional experience were asked to complete a trait empathy measure and then to estimate the maximum pain and anxiety experienced by six women whose filmed labour contractions they viewed. Additionally, they rated similarity to the labouring women in ethnicity, and described their beliefs about pain expression according to ethnicity.

Results

Midwife estimates of pain and anxiety were highly correlated. Longer professional experience was associated with lower pain estimates, while more births to the midwife herself was associated with higher pain estimates. A multiple regression model identified number of births to the midwife herself, and two components of empathy (perspective taking and identification), to be important in predicting midwife pain estimates for women in labour. Midwives expressed clear beliefs about women's expression of pain during labour according to ethnicity, but these beliefs were not consistent across midwives, even between midwives of similar ethnicity.

Conclusion

Midwives’ personal characteristics can bias the estimation of pain in woman in labour and therefore influence treatment.