bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Extraction Parameters on Antioxidant Capacity, Polyphenol Content, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), Epicatechin Gallate (ECG) and Iriflophenone 3-C-β-Glucoside of Agarwood (Aquilaria crassna) Young Leaves
Authors: Tay Pei , Tan Chin , Abas Faridah , Yim Hip , Ho Chun
Published: August 2014

The effects of ethanol concentration (0%–100%, v/v), solid-to-solvent ratio (1:10–1:60, w/v) and extraction time (30–180 min) on the extraction of polyphenols from agarwood (Aquilaria crassna) were examined. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total flavanol (TF) assays and HPLC-DAD were used for the determination and quantification of polyphenols, flavanol gallates (epigallocatechin gallate—EGCG and epicatechin gallate—ECG) and a benzophenone (iriflophenone 3-C-β-glucoside) from the crude polyphenol extract (CPE) of A. crassna. 2,2'-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the CPE. Experimental results concluded that ethanol concentration and solid-to-solvent ratio had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the yields of polyphenol and antioxidant capacity. Extraction time had an insignificant influence on the recovery of EGCG, ECG and iriflophenone 3-C-β-glucoside, as well as radical scavenging capacity from the CPE. The extraction parameters that exhibited maximum yields were 40% (v/v) ethanol, 1:60 (w/v) for 30 min where the TPC, TFC, TF, DPPH, EGCG, ECG and iriflophenone 3-C-β-glucoside levels achieved were 183.5 mg GAE/g DW, 249.0 mg QE/g DW, 4.9 mg CE/g DW, 93.7%, 29.1 mg EGCG/g DW, 44.3 mg ECG/g DW and 39.9 mg iriflophenone 3-C-β-glucoside/g DW respectively. The IC50 of the CPE was 24.6 mg/L.
A Review of Camera Viewpoint Automation in Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Pandya Abhilash , Reisner Luke , King Brady , Lucas Nathan , Composto Anthony , Klein Michael , Ellis Richard
Published: August 2014

Complex teleoperative tasks, such as surgery, generally require human control. However, teleoperating a robot using indirect visual information poses many technical challenges because the user is expected to control the movement(s) of the camera(s) in addition to the robot’s arms and other elements. For humans, camera positioning is difficult, error-prone, and a drain on the user’s available resources and attention. This paper reviews the state of the art of autonomous camera control with a focus on surgical applications. We also propose potential avenues of research in this field that will support the transition from direct slaved control to truly autonomous robotic camera systems.
On Recovering Missing Ground Penetrating Radar Traces by Statistical Interpolation Methods
Authors: Safont Gonzalo , Salazar Addisson , Rodriguez Alberto , Vergara Luis
Published: August 2014

Missing traces in ground penetrating radar (GPR) B-scans (radargrams) may appear because of limited scanning resolution, failures during the acquisition process or the lack of accessibility to some areas under test. Four statistical interpolation methods for recovering these missing traces are compared in this paper: Kriging, Wiener structures, Splines and the expectation assuming an independent component analyzers mixture model (E-ICAMM). Kriging is an adaptation to the spatial context of the linear least mean squared error estimator. Wiener structures improve the linear estimator by including a nonlinear scalar function. Splines are a commonly used method to interpolate GPR traces. This consists of piecewise-defined polynomial curves that are smooth at the connections (or knots) between pieces. E-ICAMM is a new method proposed in this paper. E-ICAMM consists of computing the optimum nonlinear estimator (the conditional mean) assuming a non-Gaussian mixture model for the joint probability density in the observation space. The proposed methods were tested on a set of simulated data and a set of real data, and four performance indicators were computed. Real data were obtained by GPR inspection of two replicas of historical walls. Results show the superiority of E-ICAMM in comparison with the other three methods in the application of reconstructing incomplete B-scans.
Fault Detection of a Roller-Bearing System through the EMD of a Wavelet Denoised Signal
Authors: Ahn Jong-Hyo , Kwak Dae-Ho , Koh Bong-Hwan
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates fault detection of a roller bearing system using a wavelet denoising scheme and proper orthogonal value (POV) of an intrinsic mode function (IMF) covariance matrix. The IMF of the bearing vibration signal is obtained through empirical mode decomposition (EMD). The signal screening process in the wavelet domain eliminates noise-corrupted portions that may lead to inaccurate prognosis of bearing conditions. We segmented the denoised bearing signal into several intervals, and decomposed each of them into IMFs. The first IMF of each segment is collected to become a covariance matrix for calculating the POV. We show that covariance matrices from healthy and damaged bearings exhibit different POV profiles, which can be a damage-sensitive feature. We also illustrate the conventional approach of feature extraction, of observing the kurtosis value of the measured signal, to compare the functionality of the proposed technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of wavelet-based de-noising, and shows through laboratory experiments that tracking the proper orthogonal values of the covariance matrix of the IMF can be an effective and reliable measure for monitoring bearing fault.
Managers’ Identification with and Adoption of Telehealthcare
Authors: Hendy Jane , Chrysanthaki Theopisti , Barlow James
Published: August 2014

This paper presents managerial attempts at implementing telehealthcare. Our longitudinal, ethnographic case studies document both successful and failed implementations across five health and social care organisations in England. We draw on theories of organisational identity, sensemaking and sensegiving to highlight how managerial organisational identities can inhibit the uptake of digital health technologies. Managers who strongly identified with their current role at work felt threatened by the intended change; a telehealthcare mode of care delivery. When a strongly identified workforce agrees with this assessment, managerial and employee sensemaking and sensegiving coalesce, forming a united front of resistance that prevents further adoption of the innovation.
The Impact of Building Coverage in the Metropolitan Area on the Flow Calculation
Authors: Huang Chen-Jia , Hsu Ming-Hsi , Teng Wei-Hsien , Wang Yen-Hsiang
Published: August 2014

Due to the special hydrographic and physiographic conditions in Taiwan, flooding is likely to occur in the middle and lower reaches of a plain whenever serious rainstorm events occurred. Note worthily, the loss of lives and property caused by flooding are always most considerable in a metropolitan area, and the densely distributed buildings would, not only increase the impervious area, but also decrease the water storage area. Furthermore, a large number of intensive buildings have changed the original land flow conditions, resulting in a beam shrinking flow and the additional form drag phenomenon, which makes the flooding phenomenon more serious. The main purpose of this research is to find the correlation between building coverage and the Manning’s coefficient n through a water flume model experiment. To probe into this issue, the Manning’s roughness adjustment is further divided into a part caused by the surface impedance and a part caused by the building impedance. Thus, building coverage can be added to the general computing grid to reflect the flooding situation with buildings. The two-dimensional inundation model, based on this research, was applied to Taichung City for an actual case simulation. The simulation result of Typhoon Kalmaegi showed that the presented model can obtain a more accurate flooding situation in urban area by considering the blockage effects of buildings and adjusting the surface roughness.
Repressive Tolerance and the Practice of Adult Education
Authors: Brookfield Stephen D.
Published: August 2014

Herbert Marcuse's concept of repressive tolerance argues that behind the justification of tolerance lies the possibility of ideological domination. Tolerance allows intolerable practices to go unchallenged and flattens discussion to assume all viewpoints have equal validity. When alternative, dissenting views are inserted into the curriculum dominant ideology means they are always positioned as the 'other' in relation to the mainstream. This article takes Marcuse's concept and applies it to a number of familiar adult educational practices and concerns. It considers how Marcuse's contrasting notion of liberating tolerance might be manifest in adult education.
RFID Implementation in Australian Hospitals
Authors: Unnithan Chandana
Published: August 2014

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a mobile technology that was explored in hospitals in the last decade for improving process efficiencies. However, in the Australian context, this technology is still regarded as an innovation that health ICT practitioners and hospitals are reluctant to trial. This technology, although non-intrusive, is perceived as disruptive by hospitals. Information Systems professionals in the ICT sector and Health Informatics practitioners in Australia are exploring best practices for implementation. In this research paper, I report on findings from empirical research that was conducted in Australia, based in two large hospitals1, to better understand the factors involved in the successful implementation of RFID in Australian hospitals. Findings from this study are presented and endorsed by health ICT practitioners and informatics professionals as current implications for the field.
Intention to Use E-Banking in a Newly Emerging Country
Authors: Pham Long , Anh Doan Ngoc Phi
Published: August 2014

E-banking is seen as the newest delivery channel for banking services in many developed countries and is believed to have a significant impact on the bank market. It is contended that e-banking is providing numerous opportunities for banks and non-bank financial institutions to add a low cost distribution channel to their existent distribution channels in order to better serve their customers by offering high quality products and services. Little research on factors influencing the intention to use e-banking has been implemented in newly emerging countries such as Vietnam. Thus, this study has, based on an extensive literature review on e-banking benefits for both banks and their customers and relevant theories on innovation adoption, proposed a comprehensive model of e-banking intention to use by customers in Vietnam. Based on the structural equation modeling technique, both linear and non-linear effects were tested. The results show that subjective norms, perceived ease of use, trust, and perceived benefit were statistically significant in directly influencing intention to use e-banking. In addition, subjective norms, perceived ease of use, and trust were statistically significant in indirectly influencing intention to use e-banking via perceived benefit. Practical implications and future studies were also discussed.
Service Innovation Analytics
Authors: Kohler Marc , Feldmann Niels , Kimbrough Steven O. , Fromm Hansjörg
Published: August 2014

The importance of innovation for firms for gaining competitive advantage has been widely acknowledged. Innovation in services exhibits some particular challenges. In order to support formal service innovation management, several frameworks of capabilities for service innovation have been published in recent years. However, these frameworks often do not support the use of existing information to apply them to a firm's context and to guide managerial decisions. In this paper the authors aim to show that a firm's service innovation capability can be operationally diagnosed with the help of such a framework in a more concrete way, using existing unstructured data. Building on established methods in text mining, the authors are working towards an approach to realise this. The paper outlines the approach and presents the encouraging results from our exploratory study, as well as avenues for further development of the approach and its implementation in a management information system.
Metamodel Matching Techniques
Authors: Lafi Lamine , Feki Jamel , Hammoudi Slimane
Published: August 2014

During the last decade, Model Driven Engineering (MDE) has been proposed for supporting the development, maintenance and evolution of software systems. Model Driven Architecture (MDA), Software Factories and Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF) are among the most representatives MDE approaches. Nowadays, it is well recognized that model transformation is at the heart of MDE approaches and, consequently represents one of the most important operations in MDE. However, despite the multitude of model transformation language proposals emerging from academic world and industry, these transformations are often manually specified; which is a tedious and error-prone task, and therefore an expensive process. Matching operation between metamodels is the keystone toward a (semi-)automatic transformation process. In this paper, the authors review metamodel matching techniques of the literature and then analyze their pros and cons in order to show how they can be useful for a semi-automatic transformation process. The result is a comparison of metamodel matching techniques, highlighting their similarities and differences in terms of information used for matching, demonstrating significant similarities between these techniques. Next, the authors compare four well-known metamodel matching techniques namely Similarity flooding, SAMT4MDE+ (extended Semi-Automatic Matching Tool for Model Driven Engineering), ModelCVS and AML (AtlanMod Matching Language) on ten couples of metamodels. For this comparison, the authors define a set of six criteria inspired from the database schema matching. One among these criteria is relevant to the quality of matching and for which we define a quality measure metrics. Furthermore, the authors develop a plug-in under Eclipse to support our comparison using ten couples of metamodels.
Promoting Transparency and Strengthening Public Trust in Government through Information Communication Technologies?
Authors: Ohemeng Frank L. K. , Ofosu-Adarkwa Kwaku
Published: August 2014

This paper attempts to examine Ghana's quest to use ICT as a tool to enhance transparency and build public trust in government. The questions the paper attempts to answer are: what are the main challenges confronting the government's e-governance initiative as a tool to ensure transparency and citizens' trust in the public sector? What steps are being taken to address these challenges? We argue that while Ghana seems to have made remarkable progress in this endeavour, it still faces a number of significant obstacles, which must be addressed if the objectives of its e-governance project are to be fully realized. Key challenges include infrastructure development for the growth of ICT, the huge gap in access to ICT (or what may be described as the digital divide), and the change in organizational culture to enhance easy accessibility to public documents.
Rehabilitation Therapists as Software Creators?
Authors: Tetteroo Daniel , Seelen Henk , Timmermans Annick , Markopoulos Panos
Published: August 2014

The authors discuss the feasibility of End-User Development (EUD) for non-information workers in the context of neurorehabilitation. The authors present a three-week long field deployment of TagTrainer, a system that enables therapists to create, share, and use exercises for arm-hand training with a tangible interactive tabletop application. The experiences suggest that therapists are capable and motivated to create content that is tailored to the training needs of their patients. Three key challenges are identified for enabling EUD practices in a clinical setting, which appear to have a broader relevance outside the specific domain of neurorehabilitation: more support for retrieval and sharing of existing solutions developed by end users, guiding end-user developers to ensure usability and software quality for their creations, and aligning with the revenue model of the organization.
Environmental and nursing-staff factors contributing to aggressive and violent behaviour of patients in mental health facilities
Authors: Van Wijk Evalina , Traut Annalene , Julie Hester
Published: August 2014

Background: Aggressive and violent behaviour of inpatients in mental health facilities disrupts the therapeutic alliance and hampers treatment.Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe patients’ perceptions of the possible environmental and staff factors that might contribute to their aggressive and violent behaviour after admission to a mental health facility; and to propose strategies to prevent and manage such behaviour.Research design: A qualitative, phenomenological study was utilised, in which purposefully sampled inpatients were interviewed over a six-month period. Inpatients were invited to participate if they had been admitted for at least seven days and were in touch with reality.Method: Forty inpatients in two mental health facilities in Cape Town participated in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews over a period of six months. Tesch’s descriptive method of open coding formed the framework for the data analysis and presentation of the results. Trustworthiness was ensured in accordance with the principles of credibility, confirmability, transferability and dependability.Results: Analysis of the data indicates two central categories in the factors contributing to patients’ aggressive and violent behaviour, namely, environmental factors and the attitude and behaviour of staff. Conclusion: From the perspective of the inpatients included in this study, aggressive and violent episodes are common and require intervention. Specific strategies for preventing such behaviour are proposed and it is recommended that these strategies be incorporated into the in-service training programmes of the staff of mental health facilities. These strategies could prevent, or reduce, aggressive and violent behaviour in in-patient facilities.
Synthetic biology ethically evaluated: The creating God and co-creating human
Authors: Rheeder Riaan
Published: August 2014

God did not create once and then put an end to it. Testimony from Scripture shows that God continuously establishes or creates new things. Humans can therefore expect to always see and experience new things in creation. With this pattern of reasoning, one can anticipate that the human being as image of God will continuously establish new things in history. Although nature has value, it does not have absolute value and therefore it can be synthesised responsibly. The thought that humans are stewards of God is no longer adequate to, theologically put into words, the relationship human beings have with nature. New biotechnological developments ask for different answers from Scripture. Several ethicists are of the opinion that the theological construction of humans and created co-creators can help found the relationship of the human being to nature. Humans developed as God’s image evolutionary. On the one hand, this means humans themselves are a product of nature. On the other hand, the fact that humans are the image of God is also an ethical call that humans, like God, have to develop and create new things throughout history. Synthetic biology can be evaluated as technology that is possible, because humans are the image of God. However, it should, without a doubt, be executed responsibly.Sintetiese biologie eties geëvalueer: Die skeppende God en medeskeppende mens. God het nie net eenmaal geskep en daar gestop nie. Uit Skrifgetuienisse kan afgelei word dat God voortdurend nuwe dinge tot stand bring of skep. Daarom kan die mens verwag om gedurig nuwe dinge in die skepping te sien en te beleef. Hiermee saam kan verwag word dat die mens as beeld van God voortdurend nuwe dinge in die geskiedenis tot stand sal bring. Alhoewel die natuur waarde het, het dit nie absolute waarde nie en kan dus verantwoordelik gesintetiseer word. Die gedagte dat die mens rentmeester van God is, is nie meer voldoende om die mens se verhouding tot die natuur teologies te verwoord nie. Nuwe biotegnologiese ontwikkelinge vra na ander antwoorde vanuit die Skrif. Verskeie etici is van mening dat die teologiese konstruksie van die mens as geskepte medeskepper kan help om die mens se verhouding tot die natuur te begrond. Die mens het deur ’n evolusionêre proses tot God se beeld ontwikkel. Aan die een kant beteken dit dat die mens self ’n produk van die natuur is. Aan die ander kant is beeldskap ook ’n etiese oproep dat die mens, soos God, nuwe dinge in die geskiedenis moet ontwikkel en skep. Sintetiese biologie kan gesien word as tegnologie wat moontlik is omdat die mens na die beeld van God geskape is. Sonder twyfel moet sintetiese biologie egter verantwoordelik beoefen word.
Outcomes of surgical site infections in orthopedic trauma surgeries in a tertiary care centre in India
Authors: Rajkumari N , Gupta AK , Mathur P , Trikha V , Sharma V , Farooque K , Misra MC
Published: August 2014

Background:

Surgical site infections (SSIs) still cause significant morbidity and mortality despite advances in trauma care. We have studied in this paper the rate of SSIs, their outcomes in patients undergoing interventions for trauma and SSI trends in developing countries.

Materials and Methods:

A 16-month study (May, 2011- August, 2012) was carried out. Patients undergoing interventions for orthopedic trauma were followed and assessed for SSIs and their outcomes and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of the micro-organisms isolated were noted and correlated.

Results:

A total of 40 (4.4%) confirmed cases of SSIs were identified among 852 patients of orthopedic trauma. Based on the new CDC criteria, after ruling out cellulitis, only 24 (2.6%) were found to have SSIs. A total of 12.5% of the SSIs were detected during follow-up. Acinetobacter baumannii was the predominant organism as also Staphylococcus aureus. Outcomes observed included changes in antibiotic regime, revision surgery, readmission to hospital and deaths.

Conclusion:

SSI is prevalent in orthopaedic trauma patients and an active surveillance program will help in early management and prevention.
Telomeres and telomerase
Authors: Sekhri K
Published: August 2014

The impact of cancer on humanity is huge and a great deal of research is going on worldwide to find novel therapeutic targets. Telomerase is one such exciting target. Increased telomerase activity provides cancer cells with unlimited proliferative potential and is one of the hallmarks of cancer. This article provides a basic understanding of telomere and telomerase in cancer and summarizes various potential therapeutic approaches used for strategic targeting of telomerase enzyme. Medline, Medscape, EMBASE, Cochrane database, Scopus and clinicaltrials.gov were searched using terms like "telomeres", "telomerase" and "targeted cancer therapy". Journal articles published from 2005 to 2013 describing telomerase-based cancer therapy were screened.
Needle in a haystack
Authors: Parelkar SV , Sanghvi BV , Shetty SR , Athawale H , Oak SN
Published: August 2014

The search for tiny bits of broken pediatric minimal access surgery (MAS) instruments in an operative field is akin to the search for a needle in a haystack. With the extension of MAS to the pediatric age group, instruments are becoming smaller and equitably more prone to breakage. When breakages occur, retrieval, especially in the pediatric abdominal cavity, can be challenging. Inability to do so would affect patient safety and also lead to a web of medico legal and ethical issues. We present two cases of intraoperative breakage: An eyeless 3-0 polyamide suture needle and a 2-mm grasper blade both of which were successfully retrieved and fortuitously escaped becoming retained surgical items.
Subcutaneous Panniculitis like T Cell Lymphoma associated with erythromelalgia
Authors: Thomas J , Maramattom BV , Kuruvilla PM , Varghese J
Published: August 2014

Erythromelalgia is a rare disorder that simulates a small fiber neuropathy and patients often have painful erythematous extremities during episodes. It is of two types: A primary or inherited form that is sometimes associated with a Na channel mutation or a secondary disorder associated with an underlying systemic disorder. We present a 19-year-old boy who presented to us with erythromelalgia and a febrile illness with systemic rash. Detailed work-up revealed another unusual condition: Subcutaneous panniculitis like T cell lymphoma (SPTCL). This is the first report of an association of erythromelalgia with SPTCL.
Bromocarbons in the tropical coastal and open ocean atmosphere during the 2009 Prime Expedition Scientific Cruise (PESC-09)
Authors: Mohd Nadzir M. S. , Phang S. M. , Abas M. R. , Abdul Rahman N. , Abu Samah A. , Sturges W. T. , Oram D. E. , Mills G. P. , Leedham Elvidge Emma C. , Pyle J. A. , Harris N. R. P. , Robinson A. D. , Ashfold M. J. , Mead M. I. , Latif M. T. , Khan M. F. , Amiruddin A. M. , Banan N. , Hanafiah M. M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Atmospheric concentrations of very short-lived species (VSLS) bromocarbons, including CHBr3, CH2Br2, CHCl2Br, CHClBr2, and CH2BrCl, were measured in the Strait of Malacca and the South China and Sulu–Sulawesi seas during a two-month research cruise in June–July 2009. The highest bromocarbon concentrations were found in the Strait of Malacca, with smaller enhancements in coastal regions of northern Borneo. CHBr3 was the most abundant bromocarbon, ranging from 5.2 pmol mol−1 in the Strait of Malacca to 0.94 pmol mol−1 over the open ocean. Other bromocarbons showed lower concentrations, in the range of 0.8–1.3 pmol mol−1 for CH2Br2, 0.1–0.5 pmol mol−1 for CHCl2Br, and 0.1–0.4 pmol mol−1 for CHClBr2. There was no significant correlation between bromocarbons and in situ chlorophyll a, but positive correlations with both MODIS and SeaWiFS satellite chlorophyll a. Together, the short-lived bromocarbons contribute an average of 8.9 pmol mol−1 (range 5.2–21.4 pmol mol−1) to tropospheric bromine loading, which is similar to that found in previous studies from global sampling networks (Montzka et al., 2011). Statistical tests showed strong Spearman correlations between brominated compounds, suggesting a common source. Log–log plots of CHBr3/CH2Br2 versus CHBr2Cl/CH2Br2 show that both chemical reactions and dilution into the background atmosphere contribute to the composition of these halocarbons at each sampling point. We have used the correlation to make a crude estimate of the regional emissions of CHBr3 and to derive a value of 32 Gg yr−1 for the Southeast (SE) Asian region (10° N–20° S, 90–150° E). Finally, we note that satellite-derived chlorophyll a (chl a) products do not always agree well with in situ measurements, particularly in coastal regions of high turbidity, meaning that satellite chl a may not always be a good proxy for marine productivity.
Characterisation of a stratospheric sulfate plume from the Nabro volcano using a combination of passive satellite measurements in nadir and limb geometry
Authors: Penning de Vries M. J. M. , Dörner S. , Puķīte J. , Hörmann C. , Fromm M. D. , Wagner T.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The eruption of the Nabro volcano (Eritrea), which started on 12 June 2011, caused the introduction of large quantities of SO2 into the lower stratosphere. The subsequently formed sulfate aerosols could be detected for several months following the eruption. It is generally assumed that the formation of sulfate aerosols in the stratosphere is a relatively slow process, but in plumes from explosive eruptions significant amounts of aerosols have been seen to form within a few hours. We show that sulfate aerosols were present in the lower stratosphere within hours of the onset of the eruption of Nabro. Evidence comes from nadir UV Aerosol Index (UVAI) and SO2 measurements by SCIAMACHY, GOME-2 and OMI, and limb aerosol measurements by SCIAMACHY. The sulfate plume displays negative UVAI in the western part of OMI's swath and positive UVAI in the eastern part – an effect that is due to the strong viewing angle dependence of UVAI and can only be caused by a high-altitude (>11 km), non-absorbing (single-scattering albedo >0.97) aerosol plume. For the retrieval of the aerosol profile from limb measurements, the horizontal dimensions and the position of the aerosol plume need to be taken into account, otherwise both extinction and layer height may be underestimated appreciably. By combining nadir SO2 column density and UVAI with limb aerosol profiles, a stratospheric plume from Nabro could be tracked from 13 to 17 June, before the plumes from later, lower-altitude explosions started interfering with the signal. Our findings are in agreement with ground-based lidar and sun-photometer data from an MPLNET/AERONET station in Israel and with data from the satellite-borne CALIOP lidar.
Application of spectral analysis techniques to the intercomparison of aerosol data – Part 4: Synthesized analysis of multisensor satellite and ground-based AOD measurements using combined maximum covariance analysis
Authors: Li J. , Carlson B. E. , Lacis A. A.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. In this paper, we introduce the usage of a newly developed spectral decomposition technique – combined maximum covariance analysis (CMCA) – in the spatiotemporal comparison of four satellite data sets and ground-based observations of aerosol optical depth (AOD). This technique is based on commonly used principal component analysis (PCA) and maximum covariance analysis (MCA). By decomposing the cross-covariance matrix between the joint satellite data field and Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) station data, both parallel comparison across different satellite data sets and the evaluation of the satellite data against the AERONET measurements are simultaneously realized. We show that this new method not only confirms the seasonal and interannual variability of aerosol optical depth, aerosol-source regions and events represented by different satellite data sets, but also identifies the strengths and weaknesses of each data set in capturing the variability associated with sources, events or aerosol types. Furthermore, by examining the spread of the spatial modes of different satellite fields, regions with the largest uncertainties in aerosol observation are identified. We also present two regional case studies that respectively demonstrate the capability of the CMCA technique in assessing the representation of an extreme event in different data sets, and in evaluating the performance of different data sets on seasonal and interannual timescales. Global results indicate that different data sets agree qualitatively for major aerosol-source regions. Discrepancies are mostly found over the Sahel, India, eastern and southeastern Asia. Results for eastern Europe suggest that the intense wildfire event in Russia during summer 2010 was less well-represented by SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor) and OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument), which might be due to misclassification of smoke plumes as clouds. Analysis for the Indian subcontinent shows that here SeaWiFS agrees best with AERONET in terms of seasonality for both the Gangetic Basin and southern India, while on interannual timescales it has the poorest agreement.
Carbon cycle uncertainty in the Alaskan Arctic
Authors: Fisher J. B. , Sikka M. , Oechel W. C. , Huntzinger D. N. , Melton J. R. , Koven C. D. , Ahlström A. , Arain M. A. , Baker I. , Chen J. M. , Ciais P. , Davidson C. , Dietze M. , El-Masri B. , Hayes D. , Huntingford C. , Jain A. K. , Levy P. E. , Lomas M. R. , Poulter B. , Price D. , Sahoo A. K. , Schaefer K. , Tian H. , Tomelleri E. , Verbeeck H. , Viovy N. , Wania R. , Zeng N. , Miller C. E.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Climate change is leading to a disproportionately large warming in the high northern latitudes, but the magnitude and sign of the future carbon balance of the Arctic are highly uncertain. Using 40 terrestrial biosphere models for the Alaskan Arctic from four recent model intercomparison projects – NACP (North American Carbon Program) site and regional syntheses, TRENDY (Trends in net land atmosphere carbon exchanges), and WETCHIMP (Wetland and Wetland CH4 Inter-comparison of Models Project) – we provide a baseline of terrestrial carbon cycle uncertainty, defined as the multi-model standard deviation (σ) for each quantity that follows. Mean annual absolute uncertainty was largest for soil carbon (14.0 ± 9.2 kg C m−2), then gross primary production (GPP) (0.22 ± 0.50 kg C m−2 yr−1), ecosystem respiration (Re) (0.23 ± 0.38 kg C m−2 yr−1), net primary production (NPP) (0.14 ± 0.33 kg C m−2 yr−1), autotrophic respiration (Ra) (0.09 ± 0.20 kg C m−2 yr−1), heterotrophic respiration (Rh) (0.14 ± 0.20 kg C m−2 yr−1), net ecosystem exchange (NEE) (−0.01 ± 0.19 kg C m−2 yr−1), and CH4 flux (2.52 ± 4.02 g CH4 m−2 yr−1). There were no consistent spatial patterns in the larger Alaskan Arctic and boreal regional carbon stocks and fluxes, with some models showing NEE for Alaska as a strong carbon sink, others as a strong carbon source, while still others as carbon neutral. Finally, AmeriFlux data are used at two sites in the Alaskan Arctic to evaluate the regional patterns; observed seasonal NEE was captured within multi-model uncertainty. This assessment of carbon cycle uncertainties may be used as a baseline for the improvement of experimental and modeling activities, as well as a reference for future trajectories in carbon cycling with climate change in the Alaskan Arctic and larger boreal region.
Projecting Antarctic ice discharge using response functions from SeaRISE ice-sheet models
Authors: Levermann A. , Winkelmann R. , Nowicki S. , Fastook J. L. , Frieler K. , Greve R. , Hellmer H. H. , Martin M. A. , Meinshausen M. , Mengel M. , Payne A. J. , Pollard D. , Sato T. , Timmermann R. , Wang W. L. , Bindschadler R. A.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The largest uncertainty in projections of future sea-level change results from the potentially changing dynamical ice discharge from Antarctica. Basal ice-shelf melting induced by a warming ocean has been identified as a major cause for additional ice flow across the grounding line. Here we attempt to estimate the uncertainty range of future ice discharge from Antarctica by combining uncertainty in the climatic forcing, the oceanic response and the ice-sheet model response. The uncertainty in the global mean temperature increase is obtained from historically constrained emulations with the MAGICC-6.0 (Model for the Assessment of Greenhouse gas Induced Climate Change) model. The oceanic forcing is derived from scaling of the subsurface with the atmospheric warming from 19 comprehensive climate models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP-5) and two ocean models from the EU-project Ice2Sea. The dynamic ice-sheet response is derived from linear response functions for basal ice-shelf melting for four different Antarctic drainage regions using experiments from the Sea-level Response to Ice Sheet Evolution (SeaRISE) intercomparison project with five different Antarctic ice-sheet models. The resulting uncertainty range for the historic Antarctic contribution to global sea-level rise from 1992 to 2011 agrees with the observed contribution for this period if we use the three ice-sheet models with an explicit representation of ice-shelf dynamics and account for the time-delayed warming of the oceanic subsurface compared to the surface air temperature. The median of the additional ice loss for the 21st century is computed to 0.07 m (66% range: 0.02–0.14 m; 90% range: 0.0–0.23 m) of global sea-level equivalent for the low-emission RCP-2.6 (Representative Concentration Pathway) scenario and 0.09 m (66% range: 0.04–0.21 m; 90% range: 0.01–0.37 m) for the strongest RCP-8.5. Assuming no time delay between the atmospheric warming and the oceanic subsurface, these values increase to 0.09 m (66% range: 0.04–0.17 m; 90% range: 0.02–0.25 m) for RCP-2.6 and 0.15 m (66% range: 0.07–0.28 m; 90% range: 0.04–0.43 m) for RCP-8.5. All probability distributions are highly skewed towards high values. The applied ice-sheet models are coarse resolution with limitations in the representation of grounding-line motion. Within the constraints of the applied methods, the uncertainty induced from different ice-sheet models is smaller than that induced by the external forcing to the ice sheets.
Influence of high-resolution surface databases on the modeling of local atmospheric circulation systems
Authors: Paiva L. M. S. , Bodstein G. C. R. , Pimentel L. C. G.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Large-eddy simulations are performed using the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) code at horizontal grid resolutions as fine as 300 m to assess the influence of detailed and updated surface databases on the modeling of local atmospheric circulation systems of urban areas with complex terrain. Applications to air pollution and wind energy are sought. These databases are comprised of 3 arc-sec topographic data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, 10 arc-sec vegetation-type data from the European Space Agency (ESA) GlobCover project, and 30 arc-sec leaf area index and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation data from the ESA GlobCarbon project. Simulations are carried out for the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro using six one-way nested-grid domains that allow the choice of distinct parametric models and vertical resolutions associated to each grid. ARPS is initialized using the Global Forecasting System with 0.5°-resolution data from the National Center of Environmental Prediction, which is also used every 3 h as lateral boundary condition. Topographic shading is turned on and two soil layers are used to compute the soil temperature and moisture budgets in all runs. Results for two simulated runs covering three periods of time are compared to surface and upper-air observational data to explore the dependence of the simulations on initial and boundary conditions, grid resolution, topographic and land-use databases. Our comparisons show overall good agreement between simulated and observational data, mainly for the potential temperature and the wind speed fields, and clearly indicate that the use of high-resolution databases improves significantly our ability to predict the local atmospheric circulation.
The Plot of the Plot:
Authors: Wulfman Clifford E.
Published: August 2014

Data visualizations, particularly in the form of word maps and plotted graphs, have become a hallmark of the so-called “digital humanities.” It is important for creators and readers of these depictions to remember that they are not “data” but readings, interpretations of data mediated by programmed algorithms and hermeneutic desires. More important for periodical studies than plots of nodes and edges is the immense graph of the so-called “Semantic Web,” whose network of machine-actionable assertions could enable researchers to combine statements about magazines into rich interpretive maps.
A Modern Theory of Stasis
Authors: Hoppmann Michael J.
Published: August 2014

This article revisits stasis theory, the rhetorical tool that outlines the strategic options of a defendant in a moral or legal accusation. By analyzing the burden of proof of an accuser and deducing a comprehensive model for a modern theory of stasis from the resulting obligations, it develops a system of ten vital staseis (key issues), each of which is by itself sufficient for a defense in front of a reasonable audience. The resulting modern theory of stasis can be a useful heuristic tool for the rhetorical defense against moral and legal accusations as well as for the systematic analysis of judicial speeches and debates.
Comparison of Congestion Management Techniques: Nodal, Zonal and Discriminatory Pricing
Authors: Holmberg Par , Lazarczyk Ewa
Published: August 2014

Wholesale electricity markets use different market designs to handle congestion in the transmission network. We compare nodal, zonal and discriminatory pricing in general networks with transmission constraints and loop flows. We conclude that in large games with many producers and certain information, the three market designs result in the same efficient dispatch. However, zonal pricing with countertrading results in additional payments to producers in export-constrained nodes, which leads to inefficient investments in the long-run.
Synthesis of Functionalized Diaryldiazenes by Formal [3+3] Cyclizations of 1,3-Bis(silyloxy)-1,3-butadienes with 2-Aryldiazenyl-3-silyloxy-2-en-1- ones
Authors: Hefner Jennifer , Ladzik Simone , Hein Martin , Harms Manuela , Lalk Michael , Kelzhanova Nazken , Saginayev Amanzhan T. , Rahman Qamar , Villinger Alexander , Fischer Christine , Langer Peter
Published: August 2014

The formal [3+3] cyclization of 1,3-bis(silyloxy)-1,3-butadienes with 2-aryldiazenyl-3-silyloxy- 2-en-1-ones afforded a variety of functionalized diaryl-diazenes.
A Structural Comparison of Two Thallium Copper Erbium Sulfides: TlCu3Er2S5 and Tl2Cu5Er3S8
Authors: Eberle Marcel A. , Babo Jean-Marie , Schleid Thomas
Published: August 2014

Orange TlCu3Er2S5 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm (a = 391:27(2), b = 1382:91(7), c = 1630:54(8) pm, Z = 4). Its crystal structure contains one Tl+, one Er3+, two Cu+, and three S2- ions as crystallographically unique components. All Cu+ cations are coordinated by four S2- anions to form [CuS4]7- tetrahedra, which have vertex- and edge-connectivity to build up 2
∞{[Cu3S5]7-} layers parallel to the (010) plane. The Er3+ cations are octahedrally surrounded by six S2- anions. These [ErS6]9- units share trans-oriented edges forming linear chains, which are further linked by common vertices yielding 1
∞{[Er2S10]14-} double strands. Further fusion via common vertices results in 2
∞{[Er2S5]4-} layers parallel to the (010) plane. Alternatingly stacked along [010] and condensed via S2- anions, these two types of layers form a three-dimensional framework, leaving tunnels along [100], where the Tl+ cations fit in. These are each coordinated by eight S2- anions in the shape of bicapped trigonal prisms. Tl2Cu5Er3S8 was obtained as black single crystals with metallic luster (monoclinic, Cm, a = 1381:69(7), b = 390:73(2), c = 1435:98(7) pm, β = 111:132(3)°, Z =2). Four of the five crystallographically different Cu+ cations are tetrahedrally surrounded by S2- anions, whereas (Cu3)+ is situated in sulfur triangles. Connected via common vertices and edges, the copper-sulfur polyhedra form strongly corrugated 2
∞{[Cu5S8]11-} layers parallel to the (201) plane. All Er3+ cations are again coordinated by six S2- anions in the shape of [ErS6]9- octahedra. Their condensation via edges and vertices leads to 2
∞{[Er3S8]7-} layers spreading out parallel to the (010) plane. Both types of anionic layers result in a three-dimensional framework through sulfide fusion, which leaves tunnels running along [010] occupied by Tl+ cations. The two crystallographically different Tl+ cations both have eight coordinating S2- anions forming bicapped trigonal prisms. Remarkably enough, the ion closest to (Tl1)+ is not a S2- anion (shortest Tl+-S2- bond: 305 pm), but a (Cu3)+ cation at a distance of just 291 pm.
Ionothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a Neutral 2D Metal- Organic Framework Based on Cobalt(II) 1,2,3-Benzenetricarboxylate
Authors: Liu Shun Shun , Zhou Rui Min , Chen Shuai , Bai Yan , Dang Dong Bin
Published: August 2014

A neutral metal-organic framework [CoNa3(1,2,3-Hbtb)(1,2,3-btb)] (1) has been synthesized through an ionothermal method using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide as solvent (1,2,3- H3btb=1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylic acid). The complex has been characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, PXRD and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 1 exhibits a layer network structure in which Co(II) is five-coordinated forming a distorted trigonal bipyramid. Na1 and Na3 are surrounded by seven oxygen atoms, and Na2 is six-coordinated. In the structure, the anions of 1,2,3-H3btb are embedded in two bridging μ8 coordination modes. The luminescence properties of 1 have been investigated in the solid state at room temperature.
Anion Effect on the Structural Diversity of 1-D and 2-D Zinc(II) Coordination Polymers with a Flexible Fluorinated Bis(imidazole) Ligand
Authors: Tian Feng , Wang Hong-Dan , He Ming-Yang , Chen Qun , Chen Sheng-Chun
Published: August 2014

Reactions of a flexible fluorinated ligand, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl) benzene (Fbix), with ZnX2 (X =OAc- or NO3
-) lead to the formation of the two new ZnII coordination polymers [Zn(Fbix)(OAc)2]n (1) and {[Zn2(Fbix)3(NO3)2](NO3)2(H2O)3}n (2), which have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Although the ZnII centers of both 1 and 2 are in a similar tetrahedral coordination geometry, each ZnII ion in 1 is surrounded by two Fbix spacers and two terminal OAc- anions to form a highly undulated chain, whereas each ZnII ion in 2 is embraced by three Fbix ligands and one NO3
- anion to result in a two-dimensional cationic network. Since 1 and 2 are synthesized under the same conditions, the structural differences between them are attributable to the difference of the counterions. The solid-state properties such as thermal stability and luminescence of 1 and 2 have also been studied briefly.
Synthesis and Characterization of the New Lead Strontium Germanate PbSrGeO4
Authors: Petschnig Lucas L. , Wurst Klaus , Perfler Lukas , Johrendt Dirk , Huppertz Hubert
Published: August 2014

The new lead strontium germanate PbSrGeO4 was synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state reaction of lead(II) oxide, strontium carbonate, and germanium(IV) oxide at a temperature of 900 °C in a platinum crucible. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121 (no. 19) being isotypic to the structure of BaNdGaO4 [1]. The primitive cell contains four formula units with lattice parameters of a = 995:40(2), b = 732:44(2), c = 599:42(2) pm, V = 437:02(2)Å3, and residuals of R1 = 0:0385 and wR2 = 0:0997 for all data. The main structural element of PbSrGeO4 is an isolated [GeO4]4- tetrahedron. A circular arrangement of six of these [GeO4]4- tetrahedra leads to the formation of large channels along b in which the strontium cations are eightfold coordinated by oxygen atoms. The lead cations are coordinated by three oxygen atoms, and with a lone pair of electrons they show a pseudo-tetrahedral coordination. Next to the structural investigations, PbSrGeO4 was characterized by Raman-spectroscopic investigations and DFT calculations.