bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C Virus Sensing by Human Trophoblasts Induces Innate Immune Responses and Recruitment of Maternal NK Cells: Potential Implications for Limiting Vertical Transmission
Authors: Giugliano Silvia , Petroff Margaret G. , Warren Bryce D. , Jasti Susmita , Linscheid Caitlin , Ward Ashley , Kramer Anita , Dobrinskikh Evgenia , Sheiko Melissa A. , Gale Michael , Golden-Mason Lucy , Winn Virginia D. , Rosen Hugo R.
Published: September 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the world’s most common blood-borne viral infection for which there is no vaccine. The rates of vertical transmission range between 3 and 6% with odds 90% higher in the presence of HIV coinfection. Prevention of vertical transmission is not possible because of lack of an approved therapy for use in pregnancy or an effective vaccine. Recently, HCV has been identified as an independent risk factor for preterm delivery, perinatal mortality, and other complications. In this study, we characterized the immune responses that contribute to the control of viral infection at the maternal–fetal interface (MFI) in the early gestational stages. In this study, we show that primary human trophoblast cells and an extravillous trophoblast cell line (HTR8), from first and second trimester of pregnancy, express receptors relevant for HCV binding/entry and are permissive for HCV uptake. We found that HCV–RNA sensing by human trophoblast cells induces robust upregulation of type I/III IFNs and secretion of multiple chemokines that elicit recruitment and activation of decidual NK cells. Furthermore, we observed that HCV–RNA transfection induces a proapoptotic response within HTR8 that could affect the morphology of the placenta. To our knowledge, for the first time, we demonstrate that HCV–RNA sensing by human trophoblast cells elicits a strong antiviral response that alters the recruitment and activation of innate immune cells at the MFI. This work provides a paradigm shift in our understanding of HCV-specific immunity at the MFI as well as novel insights into mechanisms that limit vertical transmission but may paradoxically lead to virus-related pregnancy complications.
Attenuation of Staphylococcus aureus–Induced Bacteremia by Human Mini-Antibodies Targeting the Complement Inhibitory Protein Efb
Authors: Georgoutsou-Spyridonos Maria , Ricklin Daniel , Pratsinis Haris , Perivolioti Eustathia , Pirmettis Ioannis , Garcia Brandon L. , Geisbrecht Brian V. , Foukas Periklis G. , Lambris John D. , Mastellos Dimitrios C. , Sfyroera Georgia
Published: September 2015

Staphylococcus aureus can cause a broad range of potentially fatal inflammatory complications (e.g., sepsis and endocarditis). Its emerging antibiotic resistance and formidable immune evasion arsenal have emphasized the need for more effective antimicrobial approaches. Complement is an innate immune sensor that rapidly responds to bacterial infection eliciting C3-mediated opsonophagocytic and immunomodulatory responses. Extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein (Efb) is a key immune evasion protein of S. aureus that intercepts complement at the level of C3. To date, Efb has not been explored as a target for mAb-based antimicrobial therapeutics. In this study, we have isolated donor-derived anti-Efb IgGs that attenuate S. aureus survival through enhanced neutrophil killing. A phage library screen yielded mini-Abs that selectively inhibit the interaction of Efb with C3 partly by disrupting contacts essential for complex formation. Surface plasmon resonance–based kinetic analysis enabled the selection of mini-Abs with favorable Efb-binding profiles as therapeutic leads. Mini-Ab–mediated blockade of Efb attenuated S. aureus survival in a whole blood model of bacteremia. This neutralizing effect was associated with enhanced neutrophil-mediated killing of S. aureus, increased C5a release, and modulation of IL-6 secretion. Finally, these mini-Abs afforded protection from S. aureus–induced bacteremia in a murine renal abscess model, attenuating bacterial inflammation in kidneys. Overall, these findings are anticipated to pave the way toward novel Ab-based therapeutics for S. aureus–related diseases.
Die Dordtse Leerreëls: ’n Grammatika van geloofstaal gebore uit die nasie-staat-ideologie
Authors: Van Wyk Tanya
Published: September 2015

The grammar of faith language in the Canons of Dordt as a result of the nation-state ideology. This article aims to decipher the spirit of the notion ‘predestination’ codified in the Canons of Dordt. It reconsiders the relevance of these dogmatic propositions about predestination as a grammar of the faith language which originated in a very specific context, namely the political concerns and the religious convictions held in the uniting Dutch provinces as a nation-state. In this context Calvin’s views about predestination became instrumental to the establishment of an upcoming nationalistic ideology, based on different interpretations and perceptions of Calvin’s theology. Within the context of the Protestant Dutch resistance against the RomanCatholic Spanish-Habsburg hegemony, the Canons were formulated during the Synod of Dordrecht in 1618–1619 as a Calvinistic movement against the Remonstrants who were stigmatised as collaborators of the Spanish-Habsburg reign over the Netherlands. This article demonstrates that different receptions of Dordt heighten the dogmatic gap between the socalled liberal modernism of the Remonstrants and a strict confessionalism of neo-Calvinism which has influenced the present-day understanding of the Canons of Dordt. It is argued that the grammar of the Canons of Dordt needs to be understood against this background and the meaning of the faith language it reflects, interpreted accordingly.
Experimental study on transient behavior of embedded spiral-coil heat exchanger
Authors: Jassim E. I.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Spiral coil offers a substantial amount of heat transfer area at a considerably low cost as it does not only have a lower wall resistance but it also achieves a better heat transfer rate in comparison to conventional U-tube arrangement. The general aim of the study is to assess different configurations of spiral coil heat exchangers that can eventually operate in a highly efficient manner. The paper documents the transient behavior of spiral-shaped tubes when the coil is embedded in a rectangular conducting slab. Different arrangements and number of turns per unit length, with fixed volumes, are considered in order to figure out the optimal configuration that maximizes the performance of the heat transfer. The implementation presented in the study is conducted to demonstrate the viability of the use of a large conducting body as supplemental heat storage. The system uses flowing water in the coil and stagnant water in the container. The copper-made coils situated in the center of the slab carries the cold fluid while the container fluid acts as a storage-medium. The water temperature at several depths of the container was measured to ensure uniformity in the temperature distribution of the container medium. Results have shown that the coil orientation, the number of loops, and the Reynolds number, substantially influence the rate of the heat transfer. The vertically-embedded spiral coil has a better performance than the horizontally-embedded spiral coil. Doubling the number of loops is shown to enhance the performance of the coil. Increasing Reynolds Number leads to better coil performance.
The Effect of tRNS on Performance: A Pilot Study with a Skilled Air-Pistol Shooter
Authors: Tommasi Vincenza , Prete Giulia , di Fronso Selenia , Schinaia Lorenzo , Lucafò Chiara , Tommasi Luca , Robazza Claudio , Bertollo Maurizio
Published: September 2015

The aim of the study was to investigate the possible effects on the performance of a skilled shooter of the delivery of transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) to the right parietal and left frontal areas of the brain. An athlete (35-year-old male) with 16 years of shooting experience was involved in the study. The participant performed 40 shots in two different sessions (sham and tRNS) during which his performance was assessed using the SCATT shooter training system, while physiological and postural data were collected. Findings showed that tRNS stimulation can improve shooting performance. Considering heart rate as an index of arousal, it is evident that its increase during the tRNS is consistent with the hypothesis that arousal plays an important role in modulating selective attention. Probably this is caused by the increase of cognitive resources devoted to help, maintain, and sustain attention for the time necessary to perform the visual–spatial–motor task.
Resources Management and Risk Efficiency of Crop Rotation Systems in Sudan Gezira Scheme
Authors: Ishag Kheiry Hassan M
Published: September 2015

Risk is an important factor in crop rotation systems and cropping system management studies. The study uses stochastic simulation techniques and Stochastic Efficiency with Respect to Function (SERF) to evaluate five crop rotations risk-efficiency and economic sustainability in Sudan Gezira Scheme. Price and yield risk for five crops were simulated to calculate whole-scheme net return. The analysis shows with the present irrigation system capacity 4 course rotation is the most preferred at lower (ARAC) and the 5 Course rotation (B) with 53% land use intensity achieve water distribution equity and is the most risk efficient crop rotation at upper (ARAC). It is downside risk oriented and resilience crop rotation. The area allocated in 5 Course rotations (B) for cotton crop is 17%, wheat 7%, sorghum 60%, groundnut 4% and fodder crops 12%. Fodder can be grown two times in summer and winter season without creating water shortage problems. However, this will increase net return and increase soil fertilities within the selected crop rotation. The result also shows that return pack to night storage irrigation system needs a risk premium of 36 Million (SDG). The techniques used in this study could be used with any distribution estimates for the uncertain variables to incorporate new crop varieties and research recommendation packages. They also could be modified to account for new information contribution during the decision process and account for dynamic effects and policy adjustment and modification.
Factors Determining the Profitability of Catfish Production in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: O. Oluwasola , Ige A. O.
Published: September 2015

This study evaluated the socioeconomic factors influencing the profitability of catfish production in the city of Ibadan. Multistage sampling method was used to collect data from 120 fish farmers. Descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and the multiple regression model were used to analyse the data obtained. The results showed that catfish production in Ibadan was male dominated as 80% of the fish farmers were men. The mean age of fish farmers was 44.3±12.0 years while as many as 78.3% of the farmers had post-secondary education. The mean family size was 5.2±1.9 while fish farmers were small operators with a mean farm size of 0.3±0.2 hectares. Fish farming is very recent as farmers had a mean farm experience of 6.9±6.5 years. Eighty per cent of the fish farmers got involved in fish farming for commercial reasons. The gross margin to catfish farming was N197,520.25 (US$ 987.60)/ha with a net income of N182, 573.04 (US$912.87)/ha. The budgetary analysis revealed that fish feed which constituted 79.18% of the total operating cost was the major cost item in catfish production. The regression analysis showed that fish farming experience, amount of labour used and quantity of feed used were significant determinants of net income in catfish production. The study concluded that there is the need to access fish farmers to substantially cheaper feed inputs to ensure the use of adequate quantity and quality of feed in catfish production. This will enhance output, productivity and net income in catfish enterprises.
Disclosure of Confidential Information to Protect the Patient: The Role of Legal Capacity in the Evolution of Professional Guidance
Authors: Cave Emma
Published: September 2015

There are a number of exceptions to the general rule that patients at risk of harm because they withhold consent to doctors disclosing their confidential information should be respected. Disclosure may be mandated by law or the patient may lack capacity under the Mental Capacity Act
2005. Beyond this, the law is vague and professional guidelines differ in approach. The public interest defence operates to protect third parties. The General Medical Council's 2009 guidance on confidentiality accepts that it might also apply to prevent harm to the patient. This article argues
that to do so could be contrary to legislative intent and has potential to contravene the patient's human rights. The article proposes that decisions taken in the best interests of patients should be limited to those situations in which patients lack capacity to consent. It explores the recently
extended ambit of the test for capacity at common law which may facilitate a clearer approach to disclosure decisions which will improve compliance with the liberal ethos of the Mental Capacity Act and aid conceptual consistency.
Whatever Ought Not To Be Spoken Of Abroad: Formation (of Medical Students) and Information (of Patients)
Authors: Dowie Al
Published: September 2015

Confidentiality has a pre-eminent status in the medical curriculum for ethics, law, and professionalism because it does not depend on prior clinical learning or scientific knowledge, and it provides students with the opportunity to engage in the work of self-formation in professional
practice from the very beginning. The historical tendency to romanticise medical professionalism, and confidentiality in particular as a symbol for this, was able to thrive in previous eras as a result of uncertainty around the boundaries of disclosure. To some extent echoes of this romanticism
can still be heard today in rhetorical appeals to the Hippocratic tradition despite the development of detailed clarification in frameworks of law, standards, codes, professional regulation, and guidance from the second half of the 20th century. This paper considers two iconic portrayals
of medical professionalism from the romantic period of the Victorian past, contrasting that era with the present-day environment of normative codifications. While ethics is commonly approached in an intellectual mode as a discussion of theory, a purely cognitive understanding is deficient
on its own since learning in professional ethics must by definition be reified as sets of practices. The shift to the clinical accountability of today means that practices are of central importance to the undergraduate medical curriculum, not least in the area of confidentiality, for which
the General Medical Council guidance sets the UK agenda for medical educational approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment, before students repeat the Hippocratic Oath at graduation as they embark on their future careers as doctors.
The Right to Know, The Right to be Counted, The Right to Resist: Cancer, AIDS, and the Politics of Privacy and Surveillance in Post-War America
Authors: Fairchild Amy L.
Published: September 2015

The practice of public health begins with surveillance, the identification of individuals with disease. But while not all efforts to monitor morbidity and mortality entail formal notification of individual cases, the name-based reporting of individuals always involves a breach of privacy.
The pitched battles over surveillance that marked the first two decades of the AIDS epidemic and, indeed, more recent global debates over the reach of the surveillance state in the name of national security might suggest a kind of timeless, furious battle on the part of those who would be
subject to surveillance to defend a 'right to be left alone.' But just as often, indeed, perhaps more often, citizens have claimed a right to be counted, demanding surveillance in the face of unknown health threats. In either case, however, in the United States, regardless of whether communities
pushed for or against disease reporting, marked citizen engagement has shaped the politics of surveillance since the 1970s. To be sure, privacy was always at stake. But so, too, were what activists conceived of as the right to be counted and the right to know.
Confidentiality Issues in Practice: a View from the General Medical Council
Authors: Flannery Fionnula
Published: September 2015

The General Medical Council (GMC)'s guidance Confidentiality was last published in 2009. Since then the healthcare landscape in the four countries of the UK has continued to evolve and in 2015 the guidance will be reviewed to ensure that it remains compatible with the law and relevant
to practice. This article summarises some of the practice issues that have been identified in enquiries to the GMC. These include the increasing emphasis on the use and integration of electronic health records systems to support patient care; the impacts of national policy debates around adult
and child safeguarding; and ongoing debates about the use of health information for secondary purposes such as research, healthcare planning and audit. These issues raise questions and challenges, for example around models of consent, the definition and scope of public interest, and the relative
weights that should be given to community needs and to individual autonomy that will need to be considered as part of the review of the guidance. 'All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or in daily commerce with men, which ought not to be spread abroad, I will
keep secret and will never reveal.' – Hippocrates, 5th century BC
Preserving Confidentiality or Obstructing Justice? Historical Perspectives on a Medical Privilege in Court
Authors: Maehle Andreas-Holger
Published: September 2015

An important problem for medical confidentiality in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was the question of whether doctors could be required to give evidence in court about their patients' condition. On the one hand, knowledge that personal information might be divulged in
open court might prevent patients from consulting a doctor on sensitive illnesses, to the detriment of their health as well as of public health. On the other hand, valuable evidence might be lost through exclusion of medical testimony, perhaps even leading to errors of justice. This paper
compares the different approaches that have been taken to this problem in the United Kingdom, the USA and Germany, and highlights key arguments, cases, and regulations that have shaped the issue of a medical privilege in court. It shows that the origins of the different routes taken –
from rejection of a medical privilege to its inclusion in codes of civil and criminal procedure – lay in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Moreover, it suggests that the treatment of confidentiality in court reflected the power relations between the legal and medical professions.
Big Voice or Big Data? The Difficult Birth of care.data
Authors: Soljak Michael
Published: September 2015

In the United Kingdom (UK), a range of historical national healthcare data collections have occurred, in some cases without a very specific legal basis apart from overarching international and European Union data protection commitments expressed in the UK Data Protection Act 1998. In
2012, the English Government announced that the GP Extraction Service (now care. data), a new central flow of patient-identifiable healthcare data from general practice computer systems, would commence to support healthcare commissioning. Data on the whole population would be extracted, and
specific patient consent would not be sought. UK primary healthcare data is characterised by its richness, and comprises demographic, diagnostic, clinical, prescribing, test results and a range of other classes of data. In 2014 the English media and several non-governmental patient organisations
began a campaign questioning the care. data initiative, and uncovered quite limited but nonetheless damaging evidence of improper release of patient data from historical data sources. A subsequent national review of information governance and a parliamentary inquiry has delayed care. data
implementation, and a patient opt-out is being introduced. Another positive effect is the subsequently much higher public awareness of care.data.
Proprietary Costs and the Disclosure of Information about Major Customers: Evidence from Chinese Listed Firms
Authors: Tang Song , He Kaigang , Xu Jie
Published: September 2015

This paper empirically investigates the effect of proprietary costs on firms’ choices regarding the disclosure of major customer information in China. We document widespread variation in firms’ choices regarding the disclosure of the identities of their top five customers. Firms with high proprietary costs are more likely to conceal the identities of their top five customers. Specifically, firms with higher advertising expenditure and higher research and development (R&D) expenditure and firms operating in industries with intense product market competition tend to conceal the identities of their major customers. Considering the unique institutional environment in China, we further find that among politically connected firms, non-SOEs have a greater tendency to conceal the identities of their top five customers than SOEs. In addition, after controlling for the financing benefits gained from disclosing the identities of top five customers, our results do not change. Taken together, the results of this paper suggest that proprietary costs are an important factor in firms’ choices regarding the disclosure of information about major customers in China.
Knowledge of Opponents’ Power in Power-Asymmetric Negotiations: Whose Knowledge Shapes the Structure of Outcomes?
Authors: Wong Ricky Siu
Published: September 2015

This article focuses on dyadic negotiations in which negotiators have asymmetric best alternatives to the negotiated agreement (BATNAs). The article sets out to contribute to this domain, arguing that it is important to consider negotiators’ knowledge of their opponents’ BATNAs. The study uses a job negotiation simulation and examined the effects of the knowledge of opponents' BATNAs on agreement efficiency (indexed by joint outcome) and negotiators' abilities to claim values (bargaining strength). In a 2 x 2 experiment, findings indicated that strong negotiators’ knowledge of opponents’ BATNAs increases their bargaining strength but hinders their efficiency; weak negotiators’ knowledge alone reduces their bargaining strength but increases efficiency; and the detrimental impact of strong negotiators’ knowledge on efficiency outweighs the benefit of weak negotiators’ knowledge. The impact of knowledge on efficiency depends on which party has access to it. Paradoxically, weakness leads to efficiency and strength can lead to “winning” an impoverished prize.

Keywords: Negotiation, Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA), Power Asymmetry, Knowledge

To cite this document: Ricky Siu Wong, "Knowledge of Opponents’ Power in Power-Asymmetric Negotiations: Whose Knowledge Shapes the Structure of Outcomes?", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.11, No.2, pp.117-142, 2015.

Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.12984
Examining How Environmental Concern Affects Purchase Intention: Mediating Role of Perceived Trust and Moderating Role of Perceived Risk
Authors: Kwok Man Lung Jonathan , Wong Mei-Chi Macy , Lau Mei Mei
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to explore the factors affecting the intention to purchase PCTG plastic water bottles. It further elaborates on the relationships among perceived value, perceived risk, trust in the quality of the product, and purchase with the concern of protecting the environment. Another focus of this research was to measure the mediating effect of trust on the relation between perceived value and purchase intention and to test whether perceived risk has any moderating effect on the relation between perceived value and purchase intention. Three hundred valid responses from Hong Kong consumers were used to test the mediation-moderation model. The research findings indicated that trust partially mediates the significant relationship of perceived value with purchase intention. The moderating role of perceived risk was also found to have significant effect on the direct effect between perceived value and purchase intentions, indicating that the relationship between the perceived value and purchase intention is stronger under high perceived risk rather than under low perceived risk. Managerial implications and limitations are also discussed. Keywords: Perceived Value, Perceived Risk, Trust, Purchase Intention, Environmental Concern To cite this document: Man-Lung Jonathan Kwok, Mei-Chi Macy Wong, and Mei Mei Lau, "Examining How Environmental Concern Affects Purchase Intention: Mediating Role of Perceived Trust and Moderating Role of Perceived Risk", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.11, No.2, pp.143-152, 2015. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.13845
Magnetosheath plasma structures and their relation to foreshock processes
Authors: Gutynska O. , Sibeck D. G. , Omidi N.
Published: September 2015

We present simultaneous Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms observations of plasma parameters upstream in the solar wind and downstream in the magnetosheath (MSH) from 2007 to 2008. We discuss the connection of foreshock (FSH) processes and magnetospheric disturbances to transmission mechanisms in the MSH. In 60% of the analyzed cases, the MSH was strongly influenced by the FSH. We analyze the results as a function of location, time scale, spatial orientation of the observed structures, and the prevailing interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and solar wind plasma parameters. We find that plasma structures with density enhancement are mostly observed during radial IMF orientations and for small θBN, the angle between the upstream magnetic field and the local bow shock normal; the observed structures are pressure balanced with strong anticorrelation between density and temperature; the scale size of the density fluctuations is about 0.4RE. We compare the observations with results from a 2.5‐dimensional hybrid simulation to investigate the mechanisms by which the foreshock plasma structures are generated, propagate through the bow shock, and evolve.
Experimental evidence of electrification processes during the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake main shock
Authors: Nenovski P.
Published: September 2015

Two types of coseismic magnetic field events are simultaneously observed: transient offset events and magnetic field signal that occurred at the destructive, Mw6.1 L'Aquila earthquake main shock. The offset event, conventionally interpreted as a signature of piezomagnetic effects, however, could not be explained as such. In the second type of coseismic event, the transient magnetic signal starts simultaneously with the offset event and reaches amplitude of 0.8 nT in the total magnetic field. The signal is a local one; its amplitude shape resembles diffusion‐like form with time scale characteristics that are indicative for a source deep in the crust. The polarity of the transient signal is in the horizontal plane and nearly parallel to the L'Aquila fault strike.
How the differential load induced by normal fault scarps controls the distribution of monogenic volcanism
Authors: Maccaferri F. , Acocella V. , Rivalta E.
Published: September 2015

Understanding shallow magma transfer and the related vent distribution is crucial for volcanic hazard. Here we investigate how the stress induced by topographic scarps linked to normal faults affects the distribution of monogenic volcanoes at divergent plate boundaries. Our numerical models of dyke propagation below a fault scarp show that the dykes tend to propagate toward and erupt on the footwall side. This effect, increasing with the scarp height, is stronger for dykes propagating underneath the hanging wall side and decreases with the distance from the scarp. A comparison to the East African Rift System, Afar and Iceland shows that (1) the inner rift structure, which shapes the topography, controls shallow dyke propagation; (2) differential loading due to mass redistribution affects magma propagation over a broad scale range (100–105 m). Our results find application to any volcanic field with tectonics‐ or erosion‐induced topographic variations and should be considered in any volcanic hazard assessment.
Hydrogen peroxide and superoxide photoproduction in diverse marine waters: A simple proxy for estimating direct CO2 photochemical fluxes
Authors: Powers Leanne C. , Miller William L.
Published: September 2015

The photoproduction of H2O2 and CO2 exhibits a well‐defined relationship with an average CO2:H2O2 molar ratio of 6.6 ± 1.8 as determined in a variety of marine waters ranging from a dark tidal creek to clear offshore stations near the Gulf Stream. Even when corrected for photobleaching, accumulation of both H2O2 and CO2 was not linear beyond 12 h of constant irradiation, with interval rates indicating that production efficiency for both products decreased with increasing photon dose. Direct measurements of O2− photoproduction, together with its dark thermal decay to H2O2, indicate that O2− may be the better proxy for photochemical dissolved organic matter oxidation to CO2. Given the very short irradiation times needed to determine O2− production rates (~2–5 min), determination of O2− photoproduction may provide robust estimates for initial CO2 photoproduction rates even in blue water, allowing greatly improved estimates for the global significance of dissolved organic carbon photooxidation.
Bayesian inversion of seismic spectral ratio for source scaling: Application to a persistent multiplet in the western Corinth rift
Authors: Godano Maxime , Bernard Pascal , Dublanchet Pierre
Published: September 2015

We propose a method to precisely estimate earthquake source parameters as magnitude, size of rupture, stress drop, and coseismic slip, and their uncertainties. This method, which relies on a Bayesian approach, allows the determination of the scalar seismic moment, corner frequency (fc), and their associated uncertainties, by inverting ratios between seismic displacement spectra of nearby located earthquakes. We apply this method to a large earthquake multiplet (56 events) located under the northern coast of the Corinth gulf at 8 km depth. This multiplet is regularly active between 2001 and 2007. Results show fcP/fcS ratios globally between 1.0 and 1.5 which is compatible with the values predicted by Madariaga's circular rupture model. In detail, six earthquakes, however, exhibit corner frequency variations as a function of the station azimuth compatible with linear rupture propagation. Magnitude ranges 1.08 and 2.80 with a b value of 1.04. Source rupture length globally ranges between 40 and 170 m for stress drop between 1 and 100 MPa. We show that the number of ruptures and the cumulated coseismic slip are maximal at the center of the multiplet: this suggests that Multiplet‐866 could be seen as a weak seismogenic patch surrounded by a locked fault. However, the large value of the maximum coseismic slip cumulated over the period 2000–2008 (10 cm) rather suggests creep allowing rapid stress reloading and repeated earthquakes with short delays. We therefore propose that Multiplet‐866 is surrounded by a heterogeneous fault surface with both locked and creeping areas.
Particle size distribution properties in mixed‐phase monsoon clouds from in situ measurements during CAIPEEX
Authors: Patade Sachin , Prabha T. V. , Axisa D. , Gayatri K. , Heymsfield A.
Published: September 2015

A comprehensive analysis of particle size distributions measured in situ with airborne instrumentation during the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) is presented. In situ airborne observations in the developing stage of continental convective clouds during premonsoon (PRE), transition, and monsoon (MON) period at temperatures from 25 to −22°C are used in the study. The PRE clouds have narrow drop size and particle size distributions compared to monsoon clouds and showed less development of size spectra with decrease in temperature. Overall, the PRE cases had much lower values of particle number concentrations and ice water content compared to MON cases, indicating large differences in the ice initiation and growth processes between these cloud regimes. This study provided compelling evidence that in addition to dynamics, aerosol and moisture are important for modulating ice microphysical processes in PRE and MON clouds through impacts on cloud drop size distribution. Significant differences are observed in the relationship of the slope and intercept parameters of the fitted particle size distributions (PSDs) with temperature in PRE and MON clouds. The intercept values are higher in MON clouds than PRE for exponential distribution which can be attributed to higher cloud particle number concentrations and ice water content in MON clouds. The PRE clouds tend to have larger values of dispersion of gamma size distributions than MON clouds, signifying narrower spectra. The relationships between PSDs parameters are presented and compared with previous observations.
Effects of hydromechanical loading history and antecedent soil mechanical damage on shallow landslide triggering
Authors: Fan Linfeng , Lehmann Peter , Or Dani
Published: September 2015

Evidence suggests that the sudden triggering of rainfall‐induced shallow landslides is preceded by accumulation of local internal failures in the soil mantle before their abrupt coalescence into a landslide failure plane. The mechanical status of a hillslope at any given time reflects competition between local damage accumulated during antecedent rainfall events and rates of mechanical healing (e.g., rebonding of microcracks and root regrowth). This dynamic interplay between damage accumulation and healing rates determines the initial mechanical state for landslide modeling. We evaluated the roles of these dynamic processes on landslide characteristics and patterns using a hydromechanical landslide‐triggering model for a sequence of rainfall scenarios. The progressive nature of soil failure was represented by the fiber bundle model formalism that considers threshold strength of mechanical bonds linking adjacent soil columns and bedrock. The antecedent damage induced by prior rainfall events was expressed by the fraction of broken fibers that gradually regain strength or mechanically heal at rates specific to soil and roots. Results indicate that antecedent damage accelerates landslide initiation relative to pristine (undamaged) hillslopes. The volumes of first triggered landslides increase with increasing antecedent damage; however, for heavily damaged hillslopes, landslide volumes tend to decrease. Elapsed time between rainfall events allows mechanical healing that reduces the effects of antecedent damage. This study proposed a quantitative framework for systematically incorporating hydromechanical loading history and information on precursor events (e.g., such as recorded by acoustic emissions) into shallow landslide hazard assessment.
A novel idea of purposefully affecting radio wave propagation by coherent acoustic source‐induced atmospheric refractivity fluctuation
Authors: Gong Shuhong , Yan Daopu , Wang Xuan
Published: September 2015

The mechanism generating the array‐distributed atmospheric refractivity fluctuation by a coherent acoustic source is analyzed. The theoretical model is established, which is used to quantifiably analyze the array structure of the artificial dielectric irregularities. It is qualitatively validated that the array‐distributed artificial dielectric irregularities really exist and that the array structure of the artificial dielectric irregularities and the scattering effect of the artificial dielectric irregularities on a radio wave can be controlled by adjusting and selecting the optimized parameters of the transmitted acoustic wave and the adopted acoustic antenna array. It can be concluded that the array‐distributed artificial dielectric irregularities can be used to purposefully affect radio wave propagation. After radio acoustic sounding system, the idea of this paper is a novel development in the field of the tropospheric atmospheric refractivity artificial abnormality technique and its applications.
A first demonstration of Mars crosslink occultation measurements
Authors: Ao C. O. , Edwards C. D. , Kahan D. S. , Pi X. , Asmar S. W. , Mannucci A. J.
Published: September 2015

A series of three crosslink occultation experiments have been acquired between the Mars Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft to probe the Martian atmosphere in 2007. While crosslink occultations between Earth‐orbiting satellites have been used to profile the Earth's atmosphere and ionosphere since 1995, this represents the first demonstration of crosslink occultation measurements at another planet. These measurements leverage the proximity link telecommunication payloads on each orbiter, which are nominally used to provide relay communication and navigation services to Mars landers and rovers. Analysis of the observed Doppler shift on each crosslink measurement reveals a clear signature of the Martian atmosphere, primarily the ionosphere. Inversion of the observed Doppler data yields vertical profiles of the Martian refractivity and electron density. The electron density profiles show the presence of two layers with peak densities and peak heights that are consistent with empirical model results. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and future potential of the crosslink radio occultation technique in the exploration of planetary atmospheres.
Global and Comprehensive Analysis of the Inner Magnetosphere as a Coupled System: Physical Understanding and Applications
Authors: Shprits Y. Y. , Spasojevic M.
Published: September 2015

Key Points

Inner Magnetosphere Coupling III workshop held at UCLA in March 2015

Solar wind, magnetospheric and ionospheric scientists, and space weather stakeholders attended

Extensive discussion of translating research into industrial application
Field Use of Ultrasonography to Characterize the Reproductive Tract and Early Pregnancy in a Phocid, the Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii)
Authors: Shero Michelle R. , Adams Gregg P. , Burns Jennifer M.
Published: September 2015

The utility of transrectal ultrasonography was tested in a field setting to characterize the reproductive tract and detect early pregnancy (embryonic vesicles < 3 mm in diameter) in 17 multiparous female Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii). Female Weddell seals give birth in October/November each year, followed by the breeding season (December) and embryonic diapause. Transrectal ultrasonography was attempted in January/February 2014 to examine the entire reproductive tract (uterine horns and body, ovaries with follicles and corpora lutea) using a 5–10 MHz linear‐array probe with a 70 cm‐long extension. A single pregnancy was detected in 14 of 17 seals (82.4%) as a circular or guitar‐pick shaped nonechogenic (black) vesicle with a clearly visible echogenic border within the lumen of the uterus. The stage of embryonic development (ostensibly the gestational age) varied markedly among individuals, ranging from a vesicle with no embryo proper to a large fetus with an ocular orbit, nose/mouth, limb buds, spinal column, umbilical cord, and prominent vasculature. Two of the pregnant seals were re‐examined 3‐6 days after the initial examination to obtain longitudinal growth rates. Images of one or both ovaries were obtained in nine and seven of the 19 examinations, respectively. Numerous ovarian follicles (3 to 12 mm diameter) were detected and animals typically had a single well‐perfused corpus luteum (determined by Doppler color‐flow) ipsilateral to the uterine horn containing the pregnancy. We conclude that real‐time transrectal ultrasonography is an effective tool for characterizing reproductive events in phocids including ovarian dynamics, and for elucidating the nature of embryonic diapause. Anat Rec, 298:1970–1977, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metallic Honeycombs as Catalyst Supports for Methanation of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Schlereth David , Donaubauer Philipp J. , Hinrichsen Olaf
Published: September 2015

By means of reactor modeling, externally cooled tubular reactors equipped with metallic honeycombs as catalyst supports are investigated. A 2D pseudo‐continuous reactor model is adopted to study in particular heat transfer properties and to identify the influencing parameters as well as transport processes on the reactor performance. It is found that honeycomb reactors can indeed be operated isothermally up to higher cooling temperatures in comparison to fixed‐bed reactors. The reduced catalyst inventory, however, prevents attaining thermodynamic equilibrium at low temperatures. Exceeding cooling temperatures adequate for isothermal operation, moderate hot spots can be maintained in a narrow range of cooling temperatures before transition to maximum temperatures in excess of 500 °C.
Chaos synchronization of a fractional‐order modified Van der Pol–Duffing system via new linear control, backstepping control and Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy approaches
Authors: Matouk Ahmed Ezzat
Published: September 2015

In this article, based on the stability theory of fractional‐order systems, chaos synchronization is achieved in the fractional‐order modified Van der Pol–Duffing system via a new linear control approach. A fractional backstepping controller is also designed to achieve chaos synchronization in the proposed system. Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy models‐based are also presented to achieve chaos synchronization in the fractional‐order modified Van der Pol–Duffing system via linear control technique. Numerical simulations are used to verify the effectiveness of the synchronization schemes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 116–124, 2016
Prevention of foot ulcers in the at‐risk patient with diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: van Netten J. J. , Price P. E. , Lavery L. A. , Monteiro‐Soares M. , Rasmussen A. , Jubiz Y. , Bus S. A. ,   on behalf of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF)
Published: September 2015

Background

Prevention of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes is extremely important to help reduce the enormous burden of foot ulceration on both patient and health resources. A comprehensive analysis of reported interventions is not currently available, but is needed to better inform caregivers about effective prevention. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent first and recurrent foot ulcers in persons with diabetes who are at risk for ulceration.

Methods

The available medical scientific literature in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane database was searched for original research studies on preventative interventions. Both controlled and non‐controlled studies were selected. Data from controlled studies were assessed for methodological quality by two independent reviewers.

Results

From the identified records, a total of 30 controlled studies (of which 19 RCTs) and another 44 non‐controlled studies were assessed and described. Few controlled studies, of generally low to moderate quality, were identified on the prevention of a first foot ulcer. For the prevention of recurrent plantar foot ulcers, multiple RCTs with low risk of bias show the benefit for the use of daily foot skin temperature measurements and consequent preventative actions, as well as for therapeutic footwear that demonstrates to relieve plantar pressure and that is worn by the patient. To prevent recurrence, some evidence exists for integrated foot care when it includes a combination of professional foot treatment, therapeutic footwear and patient education; for just a single session of patient education, no evidence exists. Surgical interventions can be effective in selected patients, but the evidence base is small.

Conclusion

The evidence base to support the use of specific self‐management and footwear interventions for the prevention of recurrent plantar foot ulcers is quite strong, but is small for the use of other, sometimes widely applied, interventions and is practically nonexistent for the prevention of a first foot ulcer and non‐plantar foot ulcer.
Performance of prognostic markers in the prediction of wound healing or amputation among patients with foot ulcers in diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Brownrigg J. R. W. , Hinchliffe R. J. , Apelqvist J. , Boyko E. J. , Fitridge R. , Mills J. L. , Reekers J. , Shearman C. P. , Zierler R. E. , Schaper N. C. ,   On behalf International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF)
Published: September 2015

Prediction of wound healing and major amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulceration is clinically important to stratify risk and target interventions for limb salvage. No consensus exists as to which measure of peripheral artery disease (PAD) can best predict outcomes. To evaluate the prognostic utility of index PAD measures for the prediction of healing and/or major amputation among patients with active diabetic foot ulceration, two reviewers independently screened potential studies for inclusion. Two further reviewers independently extracted study data and performed an assessment of methodological quality using the Quality in Prognostic Studies instrument. Of 9476 citations reviewed, 11 studies reporting on 9 markers of PAD met the inclusion criteria. Annualized healing rates varied from 18% to 61%; corresponding major amputation rates varied from 3% to 19%. Among 10 studies, skin perfusion pressure ≥40 mmHg, toe pressure ≥30 mmHg (and ≥45 mmHg) and transcutaneous pressure of oxygen (TcPO2) ≥25 mmHg were associated with at least a 25% higher chance of healing. Four studies evaluated PAD measures for predicting major amputation. Ankle pressure <70 mmHg and fluorescein toe slope <18 units each increased the likelihood of major amputation by around 25%. The combined test of ankle pressure <50 mmHg or an ankle brachial index (ABI) <0.5 increased the likelihood of major amputation by approximately 40%. Among patients with diabetic foot ulceration, the measurement of skin perfusion pressures, toe pressures and TcPO2 appear to be more useful in predicting ulcer healing than ankle pressures or the ABI. Conversely, an ankle pressure of <50 mmHg or an ABI <0.5 is associated with a significant increase in the incidence of major amputation.