bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Studies of Three Backup Contracts Under Supply Disruptions
Authors: Hou Jing , Hu Xiangpei
Published: March 2015

We focus our research on a supply chain involving one buyer and two independent suppliers of the same product. The main supplier is prone to supply disruption and recurrent supply uncertainty, and the backup supplier is perfectly reliable but supply goods at higher prices. Three kinds of backup contracts between the buyer and the backup supplier are investigated to mitigate supply risks: A capacity reservation contract, a make-to-order contract, and a buy-back contract. Models are developed to study how the buyer's expected profit and optimal decisions related to each contract change with the supply risks. We also examine the sensitivity of various cost parameters on the optimal decisions, and compare the values of three backup contracts for the buyer. Furthermore, we present how these results differ from those obtained in the analysis with demand uncertainty considered. Our study provides managerial insights into the positive effects of different backup contracts on the buyer's expected profit in the events of unexpected disruption.
Parallel PPI Prediction Performance Study on HPC Platforms
Authors: El-Moursy Ali A. , Afifi Wael S. , Sibai Fadi N. , Nassar Salwa M.
Published: March 2015

STRIKE is an algorithm which predicts protein–protein interactions (PPIs) and determines that proteins interact if they contain similar substrings of amino acids. Unlike other methods for PPI prediction, STRIKE is able to achieve reasonable improvement over the existing PPI prediction methods. Although its high accuracy as a PPI prediction method, STRIKE consumes a large execution time and hence it is considered to be a compute-intensive application. In this paper, we develop and implement a parallel STRIKE algorithm for high-performance computing (HPC) systems. Using a large-scale cluster, the execution time of the parallel implementation of this bioinformatics algorithm was reduced from about a week on a serial uniprocessor machine to about 16.5 h on 16 computing nodes, down to about 2 h on 128 parallel nodes. Communication overheads between nodes are thoroughly studied.
Symbol Synchronization for OFDM Receivers with FFT Transport Delay Compensation
Authors: Dos Santos Diego Pinto , Müller Candice , D'Agostini Fabio , De Castro Maria Cristina F. , De Castro Fernando C.
Published: March 2015

This paper proposes a new blind approach for time synchronization of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) receivers (RX). It is largely known that the OFDM technique has been successfully applied to a wide variety of digital communications systems over the past several years — IEEE 802.16 WiMax, 3GPP-LTE, IEEE 802.22, DVB T/H, ISDB-T, to name a few. We focus on the synchronization for the ISDB-T digital television system, currently adopted by several South American countries. The proposed approach uses the coarse synchronization to estimate the initial time reference and then, the fine synchronization keeps tracking the transmitter (TX) time reference. The innovation on the proposed approach regards to the closed loop control stabilization of the fine synchronization. It uses a smith predictor and a differential estimator, which estimates the difference between TX and RX clock frequencies. The proposed method allows the RX to track the TX time reference with high precision ([Formula: see text] sample fraction). Thus, the carriers phase rotation issue due to incorrect time reference is minimized, and it does not affect the proper RX IQ symbols demodulation process. The RX internal time reference is adjusted based on pilot symbols, called scattered pilots (SPs) in the context of the ISDB-T standard, which are inserted in the frequency domain at the inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) input in the TX. The averaged progressive phase rotation of the received SPs at the fast Fourier transform (FFT) output is used to compute the time misalignment. This misalignment is used to adjust the RX fine time synchronism. Furthermore, the proposed method has been implemented in an ISDB-T RX. The FPGA-based receiver has been evaluated over several multipath, Doppler and AWGN channel models.
Design of a New Low Power Fully Differential Amplifier with Settling Time Enhancement Characteristics
Authors: Hosseinipouya Seid Jafar , Dastadast Farhad
Published: March 2015

High performance of fully differential operational transconductance amplifier is designed and implemented using a 0.18-μm CMOS process. The implemented op-amp uses common mode feedback (CMFB) circuit operating in weak inversion region which does not affect other electrical characteristics due to eliminating common mode (CM) levels automatically leading to improve CM rejection ratio (CMRR) of the amplifier significantly. Moreover, the output stage has class-AB operation so that its current can be made larger due to increasing the output current dynamically using adaptive biasing circuit. Additionally, the AC currents of the active loads have been significantly reduced using negative impedances to increase the gain of the amplifier. The results show the GBW 2.3 MHz, slew rate 2.6 V/μs and 1% settling time 150 ns with a capacitive load of 15 pF. This amplifier dissipates only 6.2 μW from a 1.2 V power supply.
An Analysis and Design of the Structural Controllability of Active Networks Over F(z)
Authors: Yuan Yupeng , Wang Kai , Yan Xinping
Published: March 2015

This paper analyzes the structural controllability of active networks by using the conclusions drawn from the structural controllability of an active network over F(z). This analysis method only requires the drawing of a controlling flow graph that is based on the circuit schematic diagram of active networks. Therefore, it is both straightforward and intuitive to use such an approach. First, second-order active RC networks are analyzed and designed by using this method. Additionally, state feedback circuits are designed based on linear system theory. Finally, the experiment results show that the pole assignment can be realized to meet the requirements of stability and dynamic performance, which were set out in the design of the state feedback.
A Game Theory-Based Heuristic for the Two-Dimensional VLSI Global Routing Problem
Authors: Siddiqi Umair F. , Sait Sadiq M. , Shiraishi Yoichi
Published: March 2015

In this work we propose a game theory (GT)-based global router. It works in two steps: (i) Initial routing of all nets using maze routing with framing (MRF) and (ii) GT-based rip-up and reroute (R&R) process. In initial routing, the nets are divided into several small subsets which are routed concurrently using multithreading (MT). The main task of the GT-based R&R process is to eliminate congestion. Nets are considered as players and each player employs two pure strategies: (attempt to improve its spanning tree, and, do not attempt to improve its spanning tree). The nets also have mixed strategies whose values act as probabilities for them to select any particular pure strategy. The nets which select their first strategy will go through the R&R operation. We also propose an algorithm which computes the mixed strategies of nets. The advantage of using GT to select nets is that it reduces the number of nets and the number of iterations in the R&R process. The performance of the proposed global router was evaluated on ISPD'98 benchmarks and compared with two recent global routers, namely, Box Router 2.0 (configured for speed) and Side-winder. The results show that the proposed global router with MT has a shorter runtime to converge to a valid solution than that of Box Router 2.0. It also outperforms Side-winder in terms of routability. The experimental results demonstrated that GT is a valuable technique in reducing the runtime of global routers.
A new application of k-symplectic Lie systems
Authors: de Lucas Javier , Tobolski Mariusz , Vilariño Silvia
Published: March 2015

The k-symplectic structures appear in the geometric study of the partial differential equations of classical field theories. Meanwhile, we present a new application of the k-symplectic structures to investigate a certain type of systems of first-order ordinary differential equations, the k-symplectic Lie systems. In particular, we analyze the properties, e.g., the superposition rules, of a new example of k-symplectic Lie system which occurs in the analysis of diffusion equations.
Integrated Analysis Model for the Seismic Responses of Cable-Stayed Bridges Near Active Faults
Authors: Wang Jingquan , Zou Xingxing , Yan Xiaowei , Li Shuai
Published: March 2015

To study the special behaviors of seismic responses regarding a cable-stayed bridge under an active fault earthquake, a novel numerical algorithm named Structure-Medium-Fault (SMF) Integrated Model, in which the interaction of the three parts can be considered, is proposed. The mechanical simplification of causative faults' rupture, numerical simulation of stress wave propagation and the artificial boundary conditions (ABC) for the infinite body laid the groundwork of this model. Initially, the mechanical model for the structures and earth medium was established. Afterwards, the equivalent initial stresses of causative seismic sources can be calculated according to the monitored data of active faults. Thirdly, the function of the equivalent initial stress of seismic source time was derived by the second derivation of Brune source function. Finally, the viscoelastic boundary was chosen for the model as ABC. A cable-stayed bridge (600 m main span) above the causative fault was analyzed using the novel model. Consequently, vertical effect, velocity pulse effect and directivity effect were all confirmed by the analytical results. The model can reflect the mutual influences of near-fault structures, medium and causative faults. The seismic responses of the bridge under a near-fault earthquake can thus be obtained.
Selection of Optimal Intensity Measures in Seismic Damage Analysis of Cable-Stayed Bridges Subjected to Far-Fault Ground Motions
Authors: Zhang Yu-Ye , Ding Yong , Pang Yu-Tao
Published: March 2015

The intensity measures of ground motions are closely related to the damage of bridge structures. However, it is difficult for engineers to select these parameters to predict the potential damage of cable-stayed bridges under earthquakes. This paper investigated the correlation between the intensity measures of far-fault ground motions and the damage of cable-stayed bridges. 322 far-fault ground motions were selected, and 26 available intensity measures in the literatures were chosen to carry out comparative analysis on a cable-stayed bridge with a single pylon. The nonlinear finite element model of this bridge was built, considering the stiffness degradation of concrete and low-cycle fatigue effect of steel. It is concluded in this study that velocity spectral intensity (VSI) is the optimal intensity measure for seismic damage analysis of cable-stayed bridges subjected to far-fault ground motions, followed by spectral acceleration at fundamental period and Housner intensity. Five commonly used intensity measures, namely peak ground acceleration (PGA), the ratio of PGA to peak ground velocity (PGA/PGV), specific energy density (SED), predominant period (Tp) and mean period (Tm), demonstrate low correlations with the bridge damage. In particular, there is very weak correlation between the conventionally used PGA and the seismic damage of cable-stayed bridges.
Declarative Programming with Temporal Constraints, in the Language CG
Authors: Negreanu Lorina
Published: March 2015

Specifying and interpreting temporal constraints are key elements of knowledge representation and reasoning, with applications in temporal databases, agent programming, and ambient intelligence. We present and formally characterize the language CG, which tackles this issue. In CG, users are able to develop time‐dependent programs, in a flexible and straightforward manner. Such programs can, in turn, be coupled with evolving environments, thus empowering users to control the environment’s evolution. CG relies on a structure for storing temporal information, together with a dedicated query mechanism. Hence, we explore the computational complexity of our query satisfaction problem. We discuss previous implementation attempts of CG and introduce a novel prototype which relies on logic programming. Finally, we address the issue of consistency and correctness of CG program execution, using the Event‐B modeling approach.
Percepções sobre a justiça entre moradores da cidade de São Paulo: 2001-2013
Authors: Cardia Nancy , Castelo Branco Frederico , Cubas Viviane de Oliveira , Alves Renato , Higa Gustavo
Published: March 2015

Neste texto, apresentamos e discutimos alguns dados de survey repetido ao longo da primeira década dos anos 2000 sobre as percepções e expectativas da população em relação à justiça. Dado o papel do Judiciário na garantia do estado de direito democrático, um dos elementos-chave para a democracia, pressupomos que o acompanhamento da imagem dessa instituição pela população pode contribuir para seu fortalecimento, em especial quando cresce no mundo uma insatisfação com várias instituições. Os dados apresentados foram coletados na cidade de São Paulo entre os anos de 2001 e 2013, e revelam um quadro complexo em que certa insatisfação em relação à justiça combina com fortes expectativas positivas da atuação de juízes.
O uso do território e o judiciário no Brasil. A justiça sem chão
Authors: Souza Maria Adélia de , Zomighani Junior James Humberto
Published: March 2015

O sistema de justiça brasileiro – fundamental à consolidação do estado de direito no país – possui, ao menos, duas dimensões analíticas: uma funcional e outra espacial. No entanto, o território usado tem sido, frequentemente, desconsiderado pelo sistema de justiça, tanto nas análises quanto nas políticas de Estado referentes ao seu funcionamento. Neste artigo, esse problema é analisado a partir dos usos do território do estado de São Paulo pela justiça criminal, considerando- -os em relação tanto às desigualdades socioespaciais paulistas, quanto aos desafios para consolidação do estado de direito em São Paulo.
Um modelo sofisticado de justiça
Authors: Renault Sérgio Rabello Tamm
Published: March 2015

O sistema de justiça brasileiro compreende uma estrutura bastante sofisticada, constituída por inúmeros tribunais, juizados de primeiro grau, instituições diversas e milhares de servidores públicos. Como todas as instituições, o Judiciário vive um processo permanente de reformas, ditado pela necessidade de estar sempre se atualizando para atender à enorme e crescente demanda social por mais e melhores serviços. Embora sofisticado, o modelo existente não atende satisfatoriamente às necessidades da população, o que denota que os objetivos de pacificação social aos quais deve estar direcionado devem ser atingidos a partir de uma série de necessárias reformas estruturais, legislativas e de gestão.
O pobre no direito e processo penal
Authors: Dotti René Ariel
Published: March 2015

A pobreza é condição que deve ser tratada não apenas do ponto de vista sociopolítico, mas, também, jurídico. Existem várias garantias históricas, hoje na Constituição Federal brasileira, destinadas às pessoas nessa condição. O direito penal e o processual penal comungam de muitas delas, com o apoio de iniciativas estatais como a estruturação das defensorias públicas. Porém, apesar dos claros avanços textuais das leis, a rotina dos processos e dos presídios denuncia uma realidade muito diferente.
Encruzilhada da democracia: "o corpo e alma da magistratura brasileira" e a "jurisprudência da homossexualidade"
Authors: Rios Roger Raupp
Published: March 2015

Este artigo propõe uma aproximação entre a jurisprudência brasileira sobre orientação sexual (considerando os vetores pelos quais enveredou e as linhas argumentativas que nela predominam) e os resultados obtidos em pesquisas empíricas sobre quem são e sobre o que pensam os magistrados brasileiros. Objetiva- se melhor compreender a mentalidade e a dinâmica institucional judiciais e o contexto em que é elaborada tal jurisprudência, com vistas a construir bases mais sólidas para que magistrados, como agentes primordiais na construção da jurisprudência, aperfeiçoem suas práticas individuais e institucionais, concretizando mais e mais a Constituição democrática.
Poder judiciário e os direitos humanos
Authors: Piovesan Flávia
Published: March 2015

Objetiva este artigo enfocar o papel do Poder Judiciário na proteção dos direitos humanos, considerando a experiência brasileira, sob a ótica do direito internacional dos direitos humanos. Inicialmente será apreciado o direito à proteção judicial no marco direito internacional dos direitos humanos. É a partir desse contexto que se analisará os principais desafios e perspectivas para o fortalecimento da proteção judicial como garantia e instrumento de distribuição de justiça e da efetiva proteção de direitos.
A Review of Craig Koester’s Revelation Commentary (the Anchor Yale Bible) with Special Attention to Revelation 1.1–6.17
Authors: Archer Melissa L.
Published: March 2015

This essay reviews Rev. 1.1–6.17 of Craig Koester’s Revelation commentary (Anchor Yale Bible, 2014). The essay was originally presented as part of a three-person panel review on the commentary presented to the Society for Pentecostal Studies Biblical Studies section at the 2014 Society for Biblical Literature meeting. Koester’s commentary represents a major contribution to Apocalypse studies. Along with a critical review of the commentary proper, Koester’s inclusion of hymns in his introductory chapter is discussed as an important acknowledgement of the role of worship in the Apocalypse. Comment is made on Koester’s history of interpretation sections that introduce each major section of the text of Revelation under consideration. This review seeks to demonstrate the relevance of Koester’s work for Pentecostal readers who have often read and interpreted Revelation from a dispensational perspective.
The Apocalypse of John according to Craig R. Koester: A Critical Appreciation of Revelation (The Anchor Yale Bible) with Special Attention to Rev. 7.1–15.4
Authors: Waddell Robby
Published: March 2015

At the 2014 meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature, a group of scholars from the Society for Pentecostal Studies reviewed Craig Koester’s commentary on Revelation in The Anchor Yale Bible after which Koester offered a response. This article records the review given by Robby Waddell. It focuses on Rev. 7.1–15.4, though it also comments on the introductory material, the structure of the commentary and its theological contributions.
An Appreciation and Critique of Craig R. Koester, Revelation (ayb 38A; New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2014) with Special Reference to Revelation 15.6–22.21
Authors: Thomas John Christopher
Published: March 2015

This review article is devoted to Revelation 15.6–22.21 in Craig R. Koester’s ayb volume on the Book of Revelation. The volume is praised for its exhaustive research, prudent judgments, and textual sensitivity. Among the issues raised are the topics of Revelation’s pneumatology, the commentary’s somewhat restrictive use of the Johannine literature, the issue of works and grace, and the significance of the kings of the earth in New Jerusalem and the conversion of the nations.
Exploring a Strange New World: A Theological Response to Craig R. Koester
Authors: Macchia Frank D.
Published: March 2015

Craig A. Koester’s commentary on Revelation seeks after what Karl Barth referred to as the ‘strange new world within the Bible’. He seeks to locate the book fundamentally within the ancient conflict between the confession of Jesus as Lord and the Roman imperial cult. In the process, the reader comes to appreciate where the history of interpretation has detoured from the book’s original purpose. There are throughout the commentary a number of theological issues raised. Noteworthy are soteriology (the triumph of grace) and pneumatology (the meaning of the seven spirits). The essay seeks to explore these themes.
What Does It Mean to Be Saved? An African Reading of Ephesians 2
Authors: Darko Daniel K.
Published: March 2015

Scholars have examined the vocabulary, theology, and social framework of Ephesians 2 in great detail. This article re-examines the import of its salvific message with two foci: (1) From what are people saved and (2) to what end? It examines the Greek text from an African perspective to show how certain parallel concepts, worldview, and customs in African cultures may aid our understanding of a text produced in the collectivist Greco-Roman context of the early Christians. The portrait of the pre-Christian past, the radical intervention by God, and the purpose of the salvific work of Christ becomes clear but contrary to how it was previously understood. It argues that salvation, as expressed in our text of inquiry, has both horizontal and vertical dimensions: that sin has personal, social, and spiritual dimensions, and salvation is meant to restore a broken relationship with God as well as relationships with fellow members in the multi-ethnic household of God simultaneously. Thus the division of 2.1–10 and 2.11–22 in English translations misconstrue the import of the text and engenders a view of salvation informed by the individualistic cultures of the post-enlightenment West, a view foreign to the Early Christians.
Pentecostals and the Apocalypse: A Survey of Recent Pentecostal Biblical Scholarship on the Apocalypse
Authors: Archer Melissa L.
Published: March 2015

This review article offers a survey of Pentecostal scholarship on the Apocalypse since 1983. The survey is divided into three categories: monographs, chapter essays, and journal articles. Within each category, the scholarship is reviewed in chronological order.
The ‘Evasive’ Spirit of Pentecostalism
Authors: Quayesi-Amakye Joseph
Published: March 2015

The paper discusses the contribution of Peter Newman Anim to the development of Ghanaian indigenous Pentecostalism. It examines the theological implications of Anim’s spiritual experience and the subsequent outpouring of the Spirit upon his organisation against the backdrop of the debate surrounding Spirit baptism. The Pentecostal doctrine of Spirit baptism has generated lots of debate between Evangelicals and Pentecostals. While the one contends that the baptism is a once for all time conversion-initiative experience for the Church universal, the other thinks otherwise. This paper takes up the debate from a Ghanaian Pentecostal stable by appealing to the first pneumatic experience that occurred in a secluded village that ignited the Pentecostal fire nationally. This phenomenon occurred outside the expectant Anim’s group, thus raising incisive theological questions concerning the plausible context and condition for Spirit baptism. By means of historical analysis, critical examination, and practical illustration the paper attempts to evaluate the various positions on Spirit baptism.
Not in Lofty Speech or Media: A Reflection on Pentecostal Preaching in Light of 1 Cor 2:1–5
Authors: White Adam
Published: March 2015

Pentecostalism is perhaps best known for its charismatic worship and preaching, which are part of the reason for its continued growth and influence. Sunday services are often an experience of lights, music, multimedia, and inspiring preaching. Such a service is not out of place in a culture that has the highest expectation when it comes to entertainment and media. However, in this pursuit of excellence, we also create the potential for divisions akin to these seen in the Corinthian Christian community. This paper explores modern Pentecostal liturgy, and especially preaching, in light of Paul’s mini testimony in 1 Cor. 2.1–5.
Leiostyla beatae n. sp. from eastern Georgia (Gastropoda: Lauriidae)
Authors: WALTHER Frank , HAUSDORF BERNHARD
Published: March 2015

Leiostyla R.T. Lowe, 1852 is a disjunctly distributed pupilloid group of land snails known from the Macaronesian islands, Western Europe, Algeria, Bulgaria, Turkey, the Caucasus region and Iran (Pilsbry 1922–1923; Schileyko 1984; Gittenberger & Pieper 1988; Hausdorf 1990). In the Neogene the genus was more widespread in Central and Western Europe (Pilsbry 1922). Thus, the Caucasus region and the Macaronesian islands, where the highest recent diversity of Leiostyla species is found (Pilsbry 1922–1923), can be considered refugial areas.
Two new synonyms among Chinese Thripinae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: MIRAB-BALOU MAJID , TONG XIAO-LI
Published: March 2015

Two species of Thripinae described from China, Danothrips dianellae Zhang and Tong, and Taeniothrips calopgomi Zhang, are here recognized as synonyms of two widespread Southeast Asian species.
A review of the finless snake eels of the genus Apterichtus (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae), with the description of five new species
Authors: McCOSKER JOHN E. , HIBINO YUSUKE
Published: March 2015

The 18 species of finless snake eels of the genus Apterichtus (family Ophichthidae, subfamily Ophichthinae) are reviewed. Included are: A. anguiformis from the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic; A. ansp from the Carolinas to Brazil in the western Atlantic; A. australis from South and Central Pacific islands, including Japan; A. caecus from the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic; A. equatorialis from the eastern Pacific; A. flavicaudus from Hawaii, Midway Island, and possibly Australia and Seychelles; A. gracilis from the eastern central Atlantic; A. hatookai from Japan and China; A. kendalli from the western Atlantic and St. Helena Island; A. klazingai from South Africa to Hawaii; A. monodi from the eastern Atlantic; A. moseri from Japan; and A. orientalis from Japan. Five new species are described and illustrated: A. dunalailai from Vanuatu and Fiji at 291–450 m; A. jeffwilliamsi from Vanuatu at 4–16 m; A. malabar from New South Wales, Australia at 44–66 m; A. mysi from the Marquesas Islands at 35–64 m; and A. nariculus from Ambon Island, Indonesia at 28–30 m. A neotype is designated for Apterichtus caecus. An identification key is provided. The synonymy of the genus Apterichtus is reviewed. Apterichtus keramanus Machida, Hashimoto & Yamakawa 1997, is referred to ----------------Ichthyapus.
Additional notes on biting midges from the subtropical forest of northeastern Argentina (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: AYALA MAHIA M. , SPINELLI GUSTAVO R. , FUNES AMPARO , RONDEROS MARÍA M.
Published: March 2015

Adult males and pupae of Culicoides guarani Ronderos & Spinelli and Parabezzia brasiliensis Spinelli & Grogan are fully described and illustrated with a modern criterium from material recently collected in the vicinities of the city of Posadas in Misiones province, Argentina. Both species are compared with their most similar congeners. Besides, Bezzia blantoni Spinelli & Wirth and B. brevicornis (Kieffer) are firstly recorded from Misiones province.
Molecular systematics of the fishfly genus Anachauliodes Kimmins, 1954 (Megaloptera: Corydalidae: Chauliodinae)
Authors: YUE LU , LIU XINGYUE , HAYASHI FUMIO , WANG MENGQING , YANG DING
Published: March 2015

The fishfly genus Anachauliodes Kimmins, 1954 is endemic to the Oriental region and currently includes two species, Anachauliodes tonkinicus Kimmins, 1954 and A. sinensis Yang & Yang, 1992. These species are similar morphologically. We sequenced three mitochondrial genes: COI, ND2 and 16S rRNA in order to clarify the specific identity of these two species. Our results do not support the separation of these two species. We were also not able to find any morphological characters during comparison of Anachauliodes specimens from various localities useful in distinguishing these two species. Based on these results, we synonymize A. tonkinicus and A. sinensis and recognize A. laboissierei (Navás, 1913), comb. nov. & stat. rev. as the only valid species of Anachauliodes.
New Podoscirtine crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae; Podoscirtinae) from National Natural Park Amacayacu, Amazonas, Colombia
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , NORIEGA JORGE ARI
Published: March 2015

We describe six new species of crickets from the subfamily Podoscirtinae in the family Gryllidae from the “Amacayacu” National Park: Diatrypa (Latispeculum) didieri n. sp. (Aphonoidini: Diatrypina), Ectotrypa brachyptera n. sp. (Paroecanthini: Paroecanthina), Aphonomorphus (Aphonomorphus) desutterae n. sp., Aphonomorphus (Euaphonus) andreae n. sp., Aphonomorphus (Euaphonus) gorochovi n. sp., and Aphonomorphus (Nigraphonus) otavoi n. sp. (Podoscirtini: Aphonomorphina). Nigraphonus n. subgen. is proposed as a new subgenus of Aphonomorphus, grouping the species with unclear position into Neoaphonus (A. obscurus Chopard, 1956 n. comb., A. parobscurus Gorochov, 2010 n. comb., and A. nigra n. sp.). The state of knowledge of Podoscirtinae in Colombia is discussed.
The classification of Flabellochromus and Dumbrellia (Coleoptera: Lycidae) with descriptions of two new species of Calochromus from the Sundaland Region
Authors: MOTYKA MICHAL , BOCAK LADISLAV
Published: March 2015

The adults of Calochromini with male flabellate antennae were studied. Two new Calochromus Guérin-Méneville, 1833 species with flabellate antennae, C. kelantanensis spec. nov. and C. harauensis spec. nov. are described. Dumbrellia Lea, 1909 (Calochromini) is proposed as a new junior synonym of Plateros Bourgeois, 1879 (Lycinae: Platerodini). Flabellochromus Pic, 1925 is transferred to Calochromus from synonymy with Dumbrellia based on the similar shape of the pronotum. Consequently, Calochromus lamellatus Kleine, 1926, comb. nov. from Sarawak and Flabellochromus pallidus Pic, 1925, comb. nov. (=Calochromus (Flabellochromus) pallidus Pic, 1925) from Luzon are returned to Calochromus. New combinations are proposed for three Australian species previously classified in Dumbrellia: Plateros brevicornis (Lea, 1898), comb. nov. (=Calochromus brevicornis Lea, 1898), P. pilosicornis (Lea, 1898), comb. nov. (=C. pilosicornis Lea, 1898) and P. melancholica (Lea, 1921), comb. nov. Plateros barronensis nom. nov. is proposed to replace Plateros pilosicornis (Lea, 1898), a junior secondary homonym of P. pilosicornis (Blanchard, 1853) (=Lycus pilosicornis Blanchard, 1853).
New species and reports of dactylogyrids (Monogenoidea) from Salminus franciscanus (Actinopterygii: Bryconidae) from the upper São Francisco River, Brazil
Authors: MONTEIRO CASSANDRA MORAES , COHEN SIMONE CHINICZ , BRASIL-SATO MARILIA CARVALHO
Published: March 2015

Six species of dactylogyrid monogenoideans were collected at the upper São Francisco River, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from the gills of Salminus franciscanus. Anacanthorus adkruidenieri sp. n. and Anacanthorus paradouradensis sp. n. are described and compared with the other species of Anacanthorus. Anacanthorus adkruidenieri sp. n. is more similar to A. kruidenieri and A. parakruidenieri, but it can be distinguished from both by the rod-shaped accessory piece, which is articulated with the base of the male copulatory organ and is coiled around it, and by the shank of the hook, with expanded proximal bulbous portion bearing a central, elliptical foramen. Anacanthorus paradouradensis sp. n. resembles A. douradensis, but differs in the accessory piece, which is approximately half the length of the copulatory organ. Salminus franciscanus is a new host record and the São Francisco Basin is a new locality record for Anacanthorus daulometrus, Annulotrematoides glossophallus, Jainus iocensis and Tereancistrum arcuatus.
Inline Coupling of WRF–HYSPLIT: Model Development and Evaluation Using Tracer Experiments
Authors: Ngan Fong , Stein Ariel , Draxler Roland
Published: March 2015

The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model (HYSPLIT), a Lagrangian dispersion model, has been coupled (inline) to the the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model meteorological model in such a way that the HYSPLIT calculation is run as part of the WRF-ARW prediction calculation. This inline version of HYSPLIT takes advantage of the higher temporal frequency of WRF-ARW variables relative to what would be available for the offline approach. Furthermore, the dispersion calculation uses the same vertical coordinate system as WRF-ARW, resulting in a more consistent depiction of the state of the atmosphere and the dispersion simulation. Both inline and the offline HYSPLIT simulations were conducted for two tracer experiments at quite different model spatial resolutions: the Cross Appalachian Tracer Experiment (CAPTEX) in regional scale (at 9-km grid spacing) and the Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain (ASCOT) in finescale (at 333.3-m grid spacing). A comparison of the model with the measured values showed that the results of the two approaches were very similar for all six releases in CAPTEX. For the ASCOT experiments, the cumulative statistical score of the inline simulations was better than or equal to offline runs in four of five releases. Although the use of the inline approach did not provide any advantage over the offline method for the regional spatial scale and medium-range temporal scale represented by the CAPTEX experiment, the inline HYSPLIT was able to improve the simulation of the dispersion when compared with the offline version for the fine spatial and temporal resolutions over the complex-terrain area represented by ASCOT. The improvement of the inline over the offline calculation is attributed to the elimination of temporal and vertical interpolation of the meteorological data as compared with the offline version.
Addressing Interdependency in a Multimodel Ensemble by Interpolation of Model Properties
Authors: Sanderson Benjamin M. , Knutti Reto , Caldwell Peter
Published: March 2015

The diverse set of Earth system models used to conduct the CMIP5 ensemble can partly sample the uncertainties in future climate projections. However, combining those projections is complicated by the fact that models developed by different groups share ideas and code and therefore biases. The authors propose a method for combining model results into single or multivariate distributions that are more robust to the inclusion of models with a large degree of interdependency. This study uses a multivariate metric of present-day climatology to assess both model performance and similarity in two recent model intercomparisons, CMIP3 and CMIP5. Model characteristics can be interpolated and then resampled in a space defined by independent climate properties. A form of weighting can be applied by sampling more densely in the region of the space close to the projected observations, thus taking into account both model performance and interdependence. The choice of the sampling distribution’s parameters is a subjective decision that should reflect the researcher’s prior assumptions as to the acceptability of different model errors.
The Influence of ENSO on Northern Midlatitude Ozone during the Winter to Spring Transition
Authors: Zhang Jiankai , Tian Wenshou , Wang Ziwei , Xie Fei , Wang Feiyang
Published: March 2015

The influence of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on northern midlatitude ozone during the period January–March (JFM) is investigated using various observations and a chemistry–climate model. The analysis reveals that, during El Niño events, there are noticeable anomalously high total ozone column (TOC) values over the North Pacific, the southern United States, northeastern Africa, and East Asia but anomalously low values in central Europe and over the North Atlantic. La Niña events have almost the opposite effects on TOC anomalies. The longitudinal dependence of midlatitude ozone anomalies associated with ENSO events during the period JFM is found to be related to planetary waves. Planetary waves excited by tropical convection propagate into the middle latitudes and give rise to longwave trains (Pacific–North American pattern) and shortwave trains along the North African–Asian jet. These wave trains affect ozone in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) by modulating the midlatitude tropopause height and cause TOC anomalies by changing the vertical distributions of ozone. In addition, synoptic-scale Rossby wave breaking increases on the poleward flanks of the enhanced westerly jet during El Niño events, leading to a stronger eddy-driven meridional circulation in the UTLS and hence causing TOC increases over the North Pacific, the southern United States, northeastern Africa, and East Asia and vice versa for La Niña events. It is also found that the contribution of changes in Brewer–Dobson circulation due to anomalous planetary wave dissipation in the stratosphere during ENSO events to TOC changes in the middle latitudes for the period JFM is small, not more than 1 Dobson unit (DU) per month.
The Global Influence of the Madden–Julian Oscillation on Extreme Temperature Events
Authors: Matsueda Satoko , Takaya Yuhei
Published: March 2015

The authors investigated the influence of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) on extreme warm and cold events, which may have large social and economic impacts. The frequencies of extreme temperature events were analyzed and compared between active and inactive MJO periods by using the 7-day running average of the 850-hPa temperature during the extended boreal winter (November–April). The results show that the frequency of extreme events is significantly modulated (i.e., increased by a factor of more than 2) by the MJO with a time lag over some areas in the extratropics as well as in the tropics. In the extratropics, the modulation of the frequency of the extreme events is roughly associated with midlatitude wave responses to tropical forcing and anomalous lower-level circulation due to the MJO.

The relationship between the MJO and forecast skill of extreme temperature events was also investigated by using a suite of hindcasts made with the operational one-month ensemble prediction system of the Japan Meteorological Agency. Forecast skill of extreme events occurring after active MJO periods tend to be better over some areas, compared with after inactive MJO periods. These results suggest that a realistic representation of the MJO and of the atmospheric response to the MJO in forecast models is important for providing reliable early warning information about extreme events.
A Comparison of Two Techniques for Generating Nowcasting Ensembles. Part II: Analogs Selection and Comparison of Techniques
Authors: Atencia Aitor , Zawadzki Isztar
Published: March 2015

Nowcasting is the short-range forecast obtained from the latest observed state. Currently, heuristic techniques, such as Lagrangian extrapolation, are the most commonly used for rainfall forecasting. However, the Lagrangian extrapolation technique does not account for changes in the motion field or growth and decay of precipitation. These errors are difficult to analytically model and are normally introduced by stochastic processes. According to the chaos theory, similar states, also called analogs, evolve in a similar way plus an error related with the predictability of the situation. Consequently, finding these states in a historical dataset provides a way of forecasting that includes all the physical processes such as growth and decay, among others.

The difficulty of this approach lies in finding these analogs. In this study, recent radar observations are compared with a 15-yr radar dataset. Similar states within the dataset are selected according to their spatial rainfall patterns, temporal storm evolution, and synoptic patterns to generate ensembles. This ensemble of analog states is verified against observations for four different events. In addition, it is compared with the previously mentioned Lagrangian stochastic ensemble by means of different scores. This comparison shows the weaknesses and strengths of each technique. This could provide critical information for a future hybrid analog–stochastic nowcasting technique.
Epicardial Fat in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Psychari Stavroula N. , Rekleiti Nectaria , Papaioannou Nikolaos , Varhalama Evangelia , Drakoulis Christos , Apostolou Thomas S. , Iliodromitis Efstathios K.
Published: March 2015

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome and might be an important cardiovascular (CV) risk factor. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-related CV disease. In an NAFLD population, we investigated EAT thickness and its possible relations to NAFLD and cardiac structure and function. This was an observational study of 57 patients with NAFLD and 48 age-matched controls. Patients with NAFLD had significantly higher body mass index ( P < .0001), waist circumference ( P < .0001), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( P = .005), whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P = .01) and adiponectin ( P = .005) levels were significantly lower. The EAT was not thicker in NAFLD but was positively related to indices of impaired glucose tolerance and inflammation, with diabetes being an independent predictor of EAT thickness ( b* = 0.29, P = .04). No relations were found between EAT and cardiac structure and function. In conclusion, this study confirms a pathologic phenotype of NAFLD. Epicardial fat was not significantly related to NAFLD per se, but diabetes, glucose metabolism, and inflammation were closely related to its thickness.
Gender Analysis in the Outcomes of a Lifestyle Intervention Among Patients Who Had an Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Kadda Olga , Manginas Athanasios , Stavridis George , Balanos Dimitris , Kotiou Maria , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the gender-oriented differences in the outcomes of a lifestyle intervention trial (diet, smoking cessation, and exercise) among patients who had open heart surgery. A randomized, nonblind intervention study was performed on 500 patients who had open heart surgery. Immediately after hospital discharge, 250 patients were randomly allocated lifestyle intervention by receiving oral and written information in the form of a booklet with specific educational information for postoperative rehabilitation. The remaining 250 patients received the regular oral instructions. The applied lifestyle intervention proved to be beneficial only in men as far as quitting smoking (relative risk [RR]: 0.36, confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-0.80; P = .01) and returning to work (RR: 0.35, CI: 0.13-0.92; P = .03) are concerned. For both genders, no significant associations between dietary and physical activity recommendations were observed.

Conclusion:

Lifestyle nursing intervention immediately after open heart surgery had a beneficial effect on men 1 year after the surgery but not on women. Thus, there is a need for gender-specific studies among women.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and the Extent of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Barbieri Lucia , Di Giovine Gabriella , Marino Paolo , Suryapranata Harry , De Luca Giuseppe
Published: March 2015

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an inflammatory biomarker, may be of predictive and prognostic value for cardiovascular (CV) events. We evaluated the relationship of NLR with the prevalence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) in consecutive patients undergoing elective or urgent coronary angiography. Our population (n = 3738 patients) was divided into NLR quartiles. Higher NLR was associated with aging and established CV risk factors, previous percutaneous coronary revascularization, acute presentation, and more complex pharmacological therapy. The NLR was related to platelet count, white blood cell count, creatinine, glycemia, uric acid, and C-reactive protein (all P = .001) levels but inversely related to hemoglobin ( P < .001), total cholesterol ( P = .005), and triglycerides ( P < .001) levels. The NLR was associated with multivessel disease ( P < .001), anterior descending, right coronary arteries ( P < .001) or circumflex branch lesions ( P = .01), percentage of stenosis ( P < .001), coronary calcification ( P < .001), and intracoronary thrombus ( P < .001) but inversely with in-stent restenosis ( P < .001) and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow ( P = .04). The NLR was directly related to the prevalence of CAD ( P = .001) and severe CAD ( P < .001). In patients undergoing coronary angiography, the NLR is independently associated with the prevalence and severity of CAD.
Transradial Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Unprotected Left Main and/or Multivessel Disease in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Gao Fei , Zhou Yu Jie , Wang Zhi Jian , Yan Zhen Xian , Liu Xiao Li , Shen Hua
Published: March 2015

The overall safety and efficacy of transradial coronary intervention (TRI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with unprotected left main (UPLM) disease and/or multivessel coronary disease (MVD) presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have not been established. Consecutive patients with ACS undergoing TRI with drug-eluting stent (n = 1431) or CABG (n = 651) for UPLM and/or MVD were included. A propensity-score matching was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 cohorts, yielding 524 pairs of matched patients. Median clinical follow-up was 32 months. After propensity-score adjustment, no significant difference was observed between the TRI and CABG groups in all-cause mortality (4.0% vs 5.2%; P = .375). Transradial coronary intervention was favored by a significant increase in the incidence of stroke in the CABG group (0.4% vs 1.9%; P = .020), whereas a significantly increased target vessel revascularization rate (16.8% vs 6.3%; P < .0001) observed in the TRI group favored CABG. Composite outcome (death/myocardial infarction/stroke) was comparable between the TRI and the CABG groups (8.0% vs 11.5%; P = .061). Clinical outcomes of TRI on UPLM and/or MVD for patients with ACS are comparable to CABG in composite safety outcomes with the advantage to TRI for avoiding a stroke.
Association Between Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio and Saphenous Vein Graft Disease
Authors: Yayla Çağrı , Canpolat Uğur , Akyel Ahmet , Yayla Kadriye Gayretli , Yilmaz Samet , Açikgöz Sadık Kadri , Özcan Fırat , Turak Osman , Doğan Mehmet , Yeter Ekrem , Aydoğdu Sinan
Published: March 2015

Atherosclerosis plays an important role in saphenous vein graft disease (SVGD). Previous trials showed that inflammatory blood cells play a role in this process. The platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been proposed as a novel predictor for cardiovascular risk and indicator of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between SVGD and PLR. A total of 220 patients with SVG were enrolled (n = 87 with SVGD and n = 133 with patent SVG). A ≥50% stenosis within the SVG was defined as clinically significant. Median PLR ( P < .001) and mean platelet volume (MPV; P = .043) were significantly higher in patients with SVGD. Also, PLR showed significantly positive correlation with age of SVG ( P < .05). Median age of SVGs was also higher in the SVGD group ( P = .025). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, the PLR and MPV were independent predictors of SVGD. Using a cutoff level of 106.3, the PLR predicted SVGD with a sensitivity of 87.4% and a specificity of 80.3%. To the best of our knowledge, this study showed, for the first time, that PLR was independently associated with SVGD. Both PLR and MPV might predict SVGD.