bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An alternative method for determining particle-size distribution of forest road aggregate and soil with large-sized particles
Authors: Rhee Hakjun , Foltz Randy B. , Fridley James L. , Krogstad Finn , Page-Dumroese Deborah S.
Published: November 2013

Measurement of particle-size distribution (PSD) of soil with large-sized particles (e.g., 25.4 mm diameter) requires a large sample and numerous particle-size analyses (PSAs). A new method is needed that would reduce time, effort, and cost for PSAs of the soil and aggregate material with large-sized particles. We evaluated a nested method for sampling and PSA by comparing it with the methods that follow the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standard T88-00 and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D422-63. Using 33 forest road aggregate samples from the Clearwater National Forest in northern Idaho, the nested method required much less laboratory time and effort and resulted in similar PSA values, except for the 0.149 mm (No. 100) sieve, where the smallest particle-size fraction (PSF) values (1.30% and 1.39%) were observed. The nested method shows great potential for determining PSDs of the soil and aggregate material with large-sized particles and should be tested on other forest soils and road aggregates. The nested sampling and analysis method allows for the same number of samples to be collected but requires less laboratory time, making it more efficient and economical for testing the soil and aggregate material with large-sized particles such as forest road aggregate.
STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITENESS OF HADRON RESONANCES
Authors: HYODO TETSUO
Published: November 2013

The structure of the hadron resonances attracts much attention, in association with the recent observations of various exotic hadrons which do not fit well in the conventional picture. These findings urge us to consider various new configurations such as the multiquark states and the hadronic molecules. However, it is a subtle problem to define a proper classification scheme for the hadron structure, and the nonzero decay width of the hadron resonances makes the analysis complicated. In this paper, we summarize the recent developments in the studies of the structure of the hadron resonances, focusing on the notion of the compositeness in terms of the hadronic degrees of freedom.
A HIGH-PRECISION ULTRA-LOW-POWER HYSTERETIC VOLTAGE DETECTOR USING CURRENT-BASED COMPARISON
Authors: GU WEN-XIAO , ZHAO MENG-LIAN , WU XIAO-BO , CHEN MINGYANG , LIU QING
Published: November 2013

This paper presented a high-precision, ultra-low-power hysteretic voltage detector (HVD) using current comparison to detect voltage default crossing moments for energy-harvesting systems (EHS) in wireless sensor network (WSN) applications. The HVD mainly consists of four parts: a specially designed voltage-to-current converter (VCC) with thermal stability improvement, a comparison core to make current-based comparison, a current pre-amplifier to improve its transient performance and a Schmitt inverter to provide the hysteresis characteristic. The prototype of this HVD has been implemented in SMIC 0.18 μm CMOS process and occupies 0.036 mm2 area without pads. The hysteresis window is about 120 mV wide. The temperature coefficient (TC) is about -170.2 ppm°C. The average variation to different process corners can be reduced to 1.4% by MOSFET and resistor trimming. The total power consumption is only 701.5 nW when VDD is around 1.8 V.
ON QUOTIENT STRUCTURE OF TAKASAKI QUANDLES
Authors: BAE YONGJU , KIM SEONGJEONG
Published: November 2013

A Takasaki quandle is defined by the binary operation a * b = 2b - a on an abelian group G. A Takasaki quandle depends on the algebraic properties of the underlying abelian group. In this paper, we will study the quotient structure of a Takasaki quandle in terms of its subquandle. If a subquandle X of a quandle Q is a subgroup of the underlying group Q, then we can define the quandle structure on the set {X * g | g ∈ Q}, which is called the quotient quandle of Q. Also we will study conditions for a subquandle X to be a subgroup of the underlying group when it contains the identity element.
ENVIRONMENT-ASSISTED QUANTUM MINORITY GAMES
Authors: RAMZAN M. , KHAN M. K.
Published: November 2013

The effect of entanglement and correlated noise in a four-player quantum Minority game (QMG) is investigated. Different time correlated quantum memory channels are considered to analyze the Nash equilibrium (NE) payoff of the first player. It is seen that the NE payoff is substantially enhanced due to the presence of correlated noise. The behavior of damping channels (amplitude damping (AD) and phase damping) is approximately similar. However, bit-phase flip channel heavily influences the Minority game as compared to other channels in the presence of correlated noise. On the other hand, phase flip channel has a symmetrical behavior around 50% noise threshold. The significant reduction in payoffs due to decoherence is well compensated due to the presence of correlated noise. However, the NE of the game does not change in the presence of noise. It is seen that in case of generalized AD channel, entanglement plays a significant role at lower level of decoherence. The channel has less dominant effects on the payoff at higher values of decoherence. Furthermore, AD and generalized amplitude damping channels have almost comparable effects at lower level of decoherence (p < 0.5). Therefore, the game deserves careful study during its implementation due to prominent role of noise for different channels.
HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTICES AND OPEN INNOVATION
Authors: PODMETINA DARIA , VOLCHEK DARIA , DĄBROWSKA JUSTYNA , FIEGENBAUM IRINA
Published: November 2013

The human side of open innovation (OI) has not been extensively studied; however, when companies develop new products or services, it is essential to foster corporate innovativeness, and managing personnel is a key to this. Human resource (HR) practices are an essential means by which companies can influence and shape the skillset, attitudes, and behaviour of individuals to do their work and can systematise the work of the whole organisation. In this paper, we aim to contribute to understanding the role of HR in open innovation, by analysing the HR practices in companies operating under an open innovation approach. We test our model with the PLS-SEM method, using Smart PLS software. Our findings suggest that personnel education is essential in supporting corporate open innovation strategies. Internal motivation systems prove to be valuable assets to support internal and external openness in OI implementation. High appreciation of personnel and its value to company are important for increasing external and internal openness.
BUCKLING ANALYSIS OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED SKEW PLATES: AN EFFICIENT FINITE ELEMENT APPROACH
Authors: TAJ M.N.A. GULSHAN , CHAKRABARTI ANUPAM
Published: November 2013

In the present study, an attempt has been made to present the Co finite element formulation based on third order shear deformation theory for buckling analysis of functionally graded material skew plate under thermo-mechanical environment. Here, prime emphasis has been given to study the influence of skew angle on the buckling behavior of functionally graded plate. Two dissimilar homogenization schemes, namely Mori–Tanaka scheme and Voigt rule of mixture are employed to sketch their influence for the interpretation of data. Temperature-dependent material properties of the constituents of the plate are considered to perform thermal analysis. Numerical examples are solved using different mixture of ceramic and metal plates to generate the new results and relative imperative conclusions are highlighted. The roles played by the different factors like loading condition, volume fraction index, skew angle, boundary condition, aspect ratio, thickness ratio and homogenization schemes on buckling behavior of the FGM skew plates are presented in the form of tables and figures.
CURRENT PROGRESS ON PERSISTENT FLUORESCENCE-ASSISTED COMPOSITE PHOTOCATALYSTS
Authors: LI HUIHUI , YIN SHU , WANG YUHUA , SATO TSUGIO
Published: November 2013

Long afterglow phosphors-assisted novel photocatalysts appear to be a series of promising functional materials, which have high utilization efficiency of solar light in practical application of environmental purifications. In this review paper, the recent progress on fluorescence-assisted composite type photocatalysts includes TiO 2-based and Ag 3 PO 4-based fluorescence photocatalyst composites with full-time active photocatalytic properties is reviewed. This fundamental understanding shows that excellent visible light induced photocatalysts coupled with an appropriate amount of long afterglow phosphors could continuously degrade pollutants in air and solution not only under light irradiation, but also after turning off the lamp irradiation for several hours, indicating the possibility of a full-time-active highly efficient photocatalysts system. A promising strategy involving coupling of a highly efficient visible light responsive photocatalyst with an appropriate long afterglow phosphor might be established.
Hyponormal Toeplitz Operators on the Dirichlet Spaces
Authors: Cui Puyu , Lu Yufeng
Published: November 2013

We completely characterize the hyponormality of bounded Toeplitz operators with Sobolev symbols on the Dirichlet space and the harmonic Dirichlet space.
Ginsenoside Rb1 Reduces Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiomyocytes ApoptosisIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Wang Xiu-feng , Liu Xin-jun , Zhou Qian-mei , Du Jia , Zhang Tian-ling , Lu Yi-yu , Su Shi-bing
Published: November 2013

Cardiomyocytes apoptosis can lead to heart failure. Conventional and alternative drugs, such as Chinese herbal remedies, have been developed to target cardiomyoblast cells apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), an active compound, which is isolated from Notoginseng and Ginseng on isoproterenol-(ISO-) induced apoptosis in rat cardiomyocytes and its mechanismin vivoandin vitro. Rb1 reduced the ISO-induced apoptosis in rat cardiomyocytes and H9c2 cells. The effect of Rb1 was significantly suppressed by H89 (inhibitor for PKA), but not by C-1 (inhibitor for PKC). Based on in-cell blot analysis, the ISO-induced PKA and PKC expressions were decreased by Rb1, which was inhibited by H89, but not by C-1. The expressions of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were decreased after treatment with both ISO and Rb1, but with no change for caspase-8. Our results indicated that Rb1 reducing ISO-induced rat cardiomyocytes apoptosis may be involved in PKA and caspase-9 pathways.
Low-Cost Design of an FIR Filter by Using a Coefficient Mapping Method
Authors: Chen Ming-Chih , Wu Hong-Yi
Published: November 2013

This work presents a novel coefficient mapping method to reduce the area cost of the finite impulse response (FIR) filter design, especially for optimizing its coefficients. Being capable of reducing the area cost and improving the filter performance, the proposed mapping method consists of four steps: quantization of coefficients, import of parameters, constitution of prime coefficients with parameters, and constitution of residual coefficients with prime coefficients. Effectiveness of the proposed coefficient mapping method is verified by selecting the 48-tap filter of IS-95 code division multiple access (CDMA) standard as the benchmark. Experimental results indicate that the proposed design with canonical signed digit (CSD) coefficients can operate at 86 MHz with an area of 241,813 um2, leading to a throughput rate of 1,382 Mbps. Its ratio of throughput/area is 5,715 Kbps/um2, yielding a higher performance than that of previous designs. In summary, the proposed design reduces 5.7% of the total filter area, shortens 25.7% of the critical path delay, and improves 14.8% of the throughput/area by a value over that of the best design reported before.
Protective Effects of Guava Pulp on Cholestatic Liver Injury
Authors: Peng Jian , Yue Chunyan , Qiu Kai , Chen Jie , Aller Maria-Angeles , Ko Kwang Suk , Yang Heping
Published: November 2013

Background. Cholestatic liver injury is a leading cause of chronic liver diseases involved with oxidative stress changes and inflammation; thus, antioxidant and anti-inflammation compound-rich guava may play a pivotal role in protecting against the cholestatic liver damages. Our aims for this study are to determine whether guava pulp (GP) has protective effects on cholestatic liver injury-induced mouse model and on interleukin-6 (IL-6) mediated proliferation of QBC939 cholangiocarcinoma cell line.Methods. Mice were induced to cholestatic liver damage by left and median bile duct ligation (LMBDL) surgery and then treated with GP. Plasma and liver samples were collected for biochemical and pathological assays. 5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assay and Western blots were used to detect proliferation and gene expression in QBC939 cells, respectively.Results. Compared with LMBDL only group, in GP-treated mice, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and bilirubin decreased, biliary epithelial cell proliferation and liver fibrogenesis were suppressed, Src/MEK/ERK1/2/c-Myc pathway and expressions of transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases TIMP), and procollagen 1α1(COL1α1) were downregulated significantly. Moreover, the GP extract reduced IL-6-enhanced QBC939 cell proliferation, p-ERK, and c-Myc expression as well.Conclusions. GP may provide a new perspective for the treatment of cholestatic liver injury.
An 8-Bit ROM-Free AES Design for Low-Cost Applications
Authors: Chen Ming-Chih , Li Wei-Ting
Published: November 2013

We have presented a memory-less design of the advanced encryption standard (AES) with 8-bit data path for applications of wireless communications. The design uses the minimal 160 clock cycles to process a 128-bit data block. For achieving the requirements of low area cost and high performance, new design methods are used to optimize the MixColumns (MC) and Inverse MixColumns (IMC) and ShiftRows (SR) and Inverse ShiftRows (ISR) transformations. Our methods can efficiently reduce the required clock cycles, critical path delays, and area costs of these transformations compared with previous designs. In chip realization, our design with both encryption and decryption abilities has a 29% area increase but achieves 4.85 times improvement in throughput/area compared with the best 8-bit AES design reported before. For encryption only, our AES occupies 3.5 k gates with the critical delay of 12.5 ns and achieves a throughput of 64 Mbps which is the best design compared with previous encryption-only designs.
C-Aware: A Cache Management Algorithm Considering Cache Media Access Characteristic in Cloud Computing
Authors: Xudong Zhu , Yang Yin , Zhenjun Liu , Fang Shao
Published: November 2013

Data congestion and network delay are the important factors that affect performance of cloud computing systems. Using local disk of computing nodes as a cache can sometimes get better performance than accessing data through the network. This paper presents a storage cache placement algorithm—C-Aware, which traces history access information of cache and data source, adaptively decides whether to cache data according to cache media characteristic and current access environment, and achieves good performance under different workload on storage server. We implement this algorithm in both simulated and real environments. Our simulation results using OLTP and WebSearch traces demonstrate that C-Aware achieves better adaptability to the changes of server workload. Our benchmark results in real system show that, in the scenario where the size of local cache is half of data set, C-Aware gets nearly 80% improvement compared with traditional methods when the server is not busy and still presents comparable performance when there is high workload on server side.
Lipoprotein(a) Concentrations, Rosuvastatin Therapy, and Residual Vascular Risk
Authors: Khera Amit V. , Everett Brendan M. , Caulfield Michael P. , Hantash Feras M. , Wohlgemuth Jay , Ridker Paul M , Mora Samia
Published: November 2013

Background—

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a low-density lipoprotein–like particle largely independent of known risk factors and predictive of cardiovascular disease. Statins may offset the risk associated with elevated Lp(a), but it is unknown whether Lp(a) is a determinant of residual risk in the setting of low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after potent statin therapy.

Methods and Results—

Baseline and on-treatment Lp(a) concentrations were assessed in 9612 multiethnic participants in the JUPITER trial (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) before and after random allocation to rosuvastatin 20 mg/d or placebo, with outcomes reported for whites (n=7746). Lp(a) concentrations (median [25th–75th percentile], in nmol/L) were highest in blacks (60 [34–100]), then Asians (38 [18–60]), Hispanics (24 [11–46]), and whites (23 [10–50];
P
<0.001). Although the median change in Lp(a) with rosuvastatin and placebo was zero, rosuvastatin nonetheless resulted in a small but statistically significant positive shift in the overall Lp(a) distribution (
P
<0.0001). Baseline Lp(a) concentrations were associated with incident cardiovascular disease (adjusted hazard ratio per 1-SD increment in Ln[Lp(a)], 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.34;
P
=0.02). Similarly, on-statin Lp(a) concentrations were associated with residual risk of cardiovascular disease (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.59;
P
=0.04), which was independent of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other factors. Rosuvastatin significantly reduced incident cardiovascular disease among participants with baseline Lp(a) greater than or equal to the median (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.43–0.90) and Lp(a) less than the median (hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.30–0.72), with no evidence of interaction. Similar results were obtained when analyses included nonwhites.

Conclusion—

Among white JUPITER participants treated with potent statin therapy, Lp(a) was a significant determinant of residual risk. The magnitude of relative risk reduction with rosuvastatin was similar among participants with high or low Lp(a).

Clinical Trials Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00239681.
Representation, Control, or Reasoning? Distinct Functions for Theory of Mind within the Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Hartwright Charlotte E. , Apperly Ian A. , Hansen Peter C.
Published: November 2013

The medial pFC (mPFC) is frequently reported to play a central role in Theory of Mind (ToM). However, the contribution of this large cortical region in ToM is not well understood. Combining a novel behavioral task with fMRI, we sought to demonstrate functional divisions between dorsal and rostral mPFC. All conditions of the task required the representation of mental states (beliefs and desires). The level of demands on cognitive control (high vs. low) and the nature of the demands on reasoning (deductive vs. abductive) were varied orthogonally between conditions. Activation in dorsal mPFC was modulated by the need for control, whereas rostral mPFC was modulated by reasoning demands. These findings fit with previously suggested domain-general functions for different parts of mPFC and suggest that these functions are recruited selectively in the service of ToM.
Medial Prefrontal Theta Oscillations Track the Time Course of Interference during Selective Memory Retrieval
Authors: Ferreira Catarina S. , Marful Alejandra , Staudigl Tobias , Bajo Teresa , Hanslmayr Simon
Published: November 2013

Memory retrieval is often challenged by other irrelevant competing memories that cause interference. This phenomenon is typically studied with the retrieval practice paradigm in which a category cue (e.g., Fruits) is presented together with an item-specific cue (e.g., Or::). Presentation of the category cue usually induces interference by reactivating competing memories (e.g., Banana, Apple, etc.), which is thought to be solved by means of inhibition, leading to retrieval-induced forgetting of these competing memories. Previous studies associated interference with an increase in medial prefrontal theta band (4–8 Hz) oscillations, but these studies could not disentangle the interference from the inhibition processes. We here used a retrieval practice procedure in which the category cue was presented before the item-specific cue to disentangle the interference from the inhibition signal. Furthermore, a competitive retrieval condition was contrasted with a noncompetitive condition. At a behavioral level, retrieval-induced forgetting was found in the competitive but not in the noncompetitive condition. At a neural level, presentation of the category cue elicited higher levels of theta power in the competitive condition, when compared with the noncompetitive retrieval condition. Importantly, this difference was localized to the ACC, which has been associated with the detection and mediation of interference. Additionally, theta power decreased upon presentation of the item-specific cue, and this difference was related to later forgetting. Our results therefore disentangle, for the first time, interference and inhibition in episodic memory retrieval and suggest that theta oscillations track the fine-grained temporal dynamics of interference during competitive memory retrieval.
Magnetoencephalographic Activity Related to Conscious Perception Is Stable within Individuals across Years but Not between Individuals
Authors: Sandberg Kristian , Barnes Gareth Robert , Rees Geraint , Overgaard Morten
Published: November 2013

Studies indicate that conscious perception is related to changes in neural activity within a time window that varies between 130 and 320 msec after stimulus presentation, yet it is not known whether such neural correlates of conscious perception are stable across time. Here, we examined the generalization across time within individuals and across different individuals. We trained classification algorithms to decode conscious perception from neural activity recorded during binocular rivalry using magnetoencephalography (MEG). The classifiers were then used to predict the perception of the same participants during different recording sessions either days or years later as well as between different participants. No drop in decoding accuracy was observed when decoding across years compared with days, whereas a large drop in decoding accuracy was found for between-participant decoding. Furthermore, underlying percept-specific MEG signals remained stable in terms of latency, amplitude, and sources within participants across years, whereas differences were found in all of these domains between individuals. Our findings demonstrate that the neural correlates of conscious perception are stable across years for adults, but differ across individuals. Moreover, the study validates decoding based on MEG data as a method for further studies of correlations between individual differences in perceptual contents and between-participant decoding accuracies.
Cuapetes yapiensis sp. nov. (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pontoniinae), a new mangrove shrimp from Yap, Caroline Islands
Authors: BRUCE A. J.
Published: November 2013

A new pontoniine shrimp species, Cuapetes yapiensis, from mangroves at Quamun, on Yap Island, Caroline Islands, is described and illustrated. Cuapetes yapiensis most closely resembles C. darwiniensis Bruce. Six species of Cuapetes are now known from the Caroline Islands.
A new name for the oviraptorid dinosaur “Ingenia” yanshini
(Barsbold, 1981; preoccupied by Gerlach, 1957)
Authors: EASTER JESSE
Published: November 2013

The genus name of the small oviraptorid dinosaur Ingenia yanshini is preoccupied by the tripyloidid nematode Ingenia mirabilis, thus making the former a junior homonym of the latter.  Although “Ingenia” yanshini is sympatric with Conchoraptor gracilis, it is distinguished from Conchoraptor by proportions of the manus.  It also differs appreciably from the ingeniines Heyuannia huangi and Nemegtomaia barsboldi in manual and pelvic proportions.  “Ingenia” yanshini is not referable to any other taxon, and is renamed Ajancingenia yanshini gen. nov.  Several specimens originally referred to this species have subsequently been transferred to new genera, and the taxonomic assignment of material referred to Ajancingenia yanshini gen. nov. is reassessed.
Introduction
Authors: Finney Patrick
Published: November 2013

This is an introduction to the themed collection of essays that comprise this issue of the Journal of European Studies. It outlines the recent upsurge in scholarly and popular interest in the writing of the Soviet author Vasily Grossman, and the various different perspectives from which his work has been analysed. It also discusses the genesis and proceedings of the workshop in Oxford in September 2011 at which earlier versions of the papers contained in this issue were delivered.
De l’Odyssée à l’Iliade: stratagèmes et compétences pratiques en ethnomarketing
Authors: Robert-Demontrond Philippe , Joyeau Anne , Beaudouin Vanessa , Bellion Amélie , Sugier Laure
Published: November 2013

Résumé

La démarche ethnomarketing constitue un renouvellement intéressant dans l’étude du comportement du consommateur. Les particularités méthodologiques et épistémologiques de cette démarche, relevant de la Consumer Culture Theory (CCT), peuvent contraindre les chercheurs à recourir à des stratagèmes et les amener à déployer des efforts d’ingéniosité pour accéder, pratiquer et restituer le terrain. Rarement mis en transparence, mais constituant pourtant les « ficelles » de cette méthode de terrain, ces recours sont exposés ici dans une visée pédagogique pour les chercheurs en marketing souhaitant investir cette approche, en leur proposant des solutions leur permettant de contourner certains obstacles.
Søren Kierkegaard (1813–55): a bicentennial pathographical review
Authors: Schioldann Johan , Søgaard Ib
Published: November 2013

Researchers in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, medicine and theology have made exhaustive efforts to shed light on the elusive biography/pathography of the great Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813–55). This ‘bicentennial’ article reviews his main pathographical diagnoses of, respectively, possible manic-depressive [bipolar] disease, epilepsy, complex partial seizure disorder, Landry-Guillain-Barré’s acute ascending paralysis, acute intermittent porphyria with possible psychiatric manifestations, and syphilidophobia.
When do policies become path dependent? the Czech example
Authors: Saxonberg Steven , Sirovátka Tomáš , Janoušková Miroslava
Published: November 2013

This article asks the question of why some social policies can be path dependent, while others are not, even if the country goes through what clearly seems to be a ‘critical juncture’ caused by exogenous shocks. We argue that in the Czech Republic labour market policies represent a clear break with the past, while healthcare and family policies have been path dependent to various degrees. There are several reasons. First, during the first years of the transition policymakers gave greater priority to labour market issues. Second, labour market policies were less constrained than the other policy areas, both because the government had to create new institutions in this area rather than rely on old ones and because these new institutions had not yet built up popular support as the old institutions had. Third, labour policy was not as influenced by policy legacies.
Shifts in US Federal Reserve Goals and Tactics for Monetary Policy: A Role for Penitence?
Authors: Rotemberg Julio J
Published: November 2013

This paper considers some of the large changes in the Federal Reserve's approach to monetary policy. It shows that, in some important cases, critics who were successful in arguing that past Fed approaches were responsible for mistakes that caused harm succeeded in making the Fed averse to these approaches. This can explain why the Fed stopped basing monetary policy on the quality of new bank loans, why it stopped being willing to cause recessions to deal with inflation, and why it was temporarily unwilling to maintain stable interest rates in the period 1979–1982. It can also contribute to explaining why monetary policy was tight during the Great Depression. The paper shows that the evolution of policy was much more gradual and flexible after the Volcker disinflation, when the Fed was not generally deemed to have made an error.
The Effect of Fungal Preinfection on the Efficacy of Mold and Sapstain Control Products
Authors: Uzunovic Adnan , Dale Angela , Stirling Rod , Sidhu Avtar
Published: November 2013

Efficient use of sapstain control products requires information on the effectiveness of the actives and formulations against different types of fungal challenges. The present work examines sapstain control product efficacy against spores, approaching mycelia, and established mycelia in laboratory experiments, and against preinfection in field experiments. Laboratory experiments found that 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMIT)/2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT), 3-iodo-2-propynylbutylcarbamate (IPBC), and propiconazole applied prior to exposure to mold fungi were most effective against spores, less so against approaching mycelium, and least effective against live mycelia already present in wood prior to treatment. Field tests confirmed that sapstain was more difficult to control on wood preinfected with sapstain and mold. Although short periods of exposure prior to treatment may not affect efficacy, any delays between manufacture and treatment increase the risk of preinfection and should be avoided.
Using Life-Cycle Assessments to Demonstrate the Impact of Using Wood Waste as a Renewable Fuel in Urban Settings for District Heating
Authors: Puettmann Maureen E. , Lippke Bruce
Published: November 2013

The use of wood waste for heating in urban settings provides an opportunity for communities to reduce annual fossil emissions by directly reducing the amount of fossil fuel used. Life-cycle assessments (LCA) comparing the environmental impacts of alternative processes or products provide the essential information to better understand opportunities for improvement. An LCA was performed on a Seattle, Washington, district heating system that provides thermal energy to a large number of buildings in downtown Seattle. This study presents annual impacts in terms of carbon emissions for heat production generated using a new boiler design fuel mix including wood wastes as well as natural gas. Results are compared with the results from the 100 percent natural gas boiler that was previously used. The LCA includes results from both a life-cycle inventory of all inputs and outputs and a life-cycle impact assessment comparing alternatives. Results show that global warming potential (GWP) was reduced by 57 percent for the mix fuel design boiler compared with an all natural gas boiler. When 100 percent woody biomass is used, the reduction increases to 104 percent. Transportation and collection of feedstocks contributed minimally (8%) to the overall impact, while the combustion life-cycle stage accounted for 92 percent of the total GWP.
Examining the Role of Communication on Sibling Relationship Quality and Interaction for Sibling Pairs With and Without a Developmental Disability
Authors: Smith Ashlyn L. , Romski MaryAnn , Sevcik Rose A.
Published: November 2013

This study examined communication interaction patterns when one sibling had a developmental disability as well as the role of communication skills in sibling relationship quality. Thirty sibling dyads were categorized into one of three communication status groups: emerging, context-dependent, and independent communicators. Independent communicators and their siblings did not differ in terms of syntactic complexity but typically developing siblings dominated the interaction and exhibited greater lexical diversity regardless of communication status. Communication status did not impact the warmth/closeness, rivalry, or conflict in the sibling relationship, but siblings of independent communicators engaged in the greatest amount of helping and managing behaviors. These results represent a first step in understanding the role of communication skills in the sibling relationship for families of children with disabilities.
The Provision of Induction Activities for Imperial College London’s Collaborative PhD Students
Authors: Challis Helen
Published: November 2013

This paper reviews the induction experiences of Imperial College London’s current international collaborative PhD students. This is a relatively small group of students, but one with unique needs, given the dual international locations of their PhD research. Using data collected from current collaborative PhD students, this paper reflects upon both the significance of university induction for international students, and, at a more practical level, the form and content of a successful induction process.
Students’ views on higher education learning environments for professional teacher education
Authors: Stoncel Diane , Shelton-Mayes Ann
Published: November 2013

There is a national debate about the connection between the physical environment and learning (McGregor, 2004), and the importance of designing the physical space to enhance the quality of learning (DfES, 2004a, 2006, 2007; JISC, 2006; SMG 2006a). This two year research project considers the views of 174 higher education students, who have undertaken professional initial teacher education programmes, on what makes an effective higher education learning environment for professional development and their evaluation of their current experience. Results confirmed the importance of high quality higher education environments to support a range of learning and teaching approaches, presenting challenges to HE in designing flexible, appropriate spaces for professional programmes.
An exploration of the motivations of service users and carers involved in student social work education and the challenges that such involvement brings
Authors: Gant Valerie
Published: November 2013

Since the inception in 2003 of the degree-based route for social work qualification, the General Social Care Council (GSCC) requires people who use social work services and carers to become involved in all aspects of a learners experience on qualifying social work programmes. This article reports on a qualitative study designed to explore the motivations and challenges such involvement brings. The aim was to incorporate the voices of those involved and add to the discourse on user and carer involvement in higher education. A series of focus groups occurred to investigate differing perspectives. Views from all parties regarding the learner experience were explored. Findings suggest that students had much to gain in terms of confidence and skills by involvement by users and carers from theoretical and practical perspectives. Service users and carers reported they enjoyed the experience and for some this also lead to an increase in confidence and abilities. Academic staff reported how the involvement of service users and carers brought value and ‘reality’ to classroom based learning. In conclusion, moving beyond the boundaries of ‘traditional’ classroom based learning, towards the myriad of possibilities user and carer involvement in the curriculum brings, enhances the experience of learners, academics, users and carers alike.
Diet or medically treated gestational diabetes: is there any difference for obstetrical and neonatal complications? A French cohort study
Authors: Blachier Audrey , Alberti Corinne , Korb Diane , Schmitz Thomas , Patrick Vexiau , Christine Boissinot , Oury Jean-François , Sibony Olivier
Published: November 2013

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine specific obstetrical and neonatal complications associated with diet-treated gestational diabetes (DTGD) and medically treated gestational diabetes (MTGD).

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of women followed in the Robert Debré Hospital (France, Paris) and who have given birth between 1 January, 2004, and 19 November, 2010. Clinical, biological, maternal and neonatal data were reported in the maternity database. Associations between obstetrical and neonatal complications and gestational diabetes were evaluated by estimating odd ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs, using a logistic regression model.

Results: 16,244 pregnancies were included in the study. 1515 (9.3%) women had gestational diabetes: 1108 (7.3%) had DTGD, 243 (1.7%) had MTGD. After full adjustment, MTGD was associated with an increased risk of nonscheduled cesarean (ORnonscheduled=2.3; 95% CI: 1.6–3.3; P<0.001) while DTGD was not (ORnonscheduled=1.0; 95% CI: 0.8–1.3; P<0.96). Clinical macrosomia was positively associated with DTGD (OR=2; 95% CI: 1.7–2.4; P<0.0001) or MTGD (OR=2.9; 95% CI: 2.1–3.9; P<0.0001).

Conclusion: This study confirms that macrosomia is the main complication of DTGD. By contrast, DTGD was not associated with neonatal hypoglycemia and cesarean, while these complications were associated with MTGD.
Description of a new species of Microglanis (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) from the Amazon basin, Amazonas State, Brazil
Authors: Jarduli Lucas Ribeiro , Shibatta Oscar Akio
Published: November 2013

The first species of Microglanis from the rio Amazonas, Amazonas State, Brazil is described. This species differs from all congeners by the forked caudal fin, and color pattern of the supraoccipital region consisting of two elliptical and juxtaposed pale spots, besides a combination of morphometrics characters.
Hyphessobrycon uaiso: new characid fish from the rio Grande, upper rio Paraná basin, Minas Gerais State (Ostariophysi: Characidae), with a brief comment about some types of Hyphessobrycon
Authors: Carvalho Fernando R. , Langeani Francisco
Published: November 2013

Hyphessobrycon uaiso is described from the upper rio Paraná basin, rio Grande drainage, Minas Gerais State. The new species differs from its congeners by the short anal fin with 12-17 branched rays, and dorsal fin with ii,7-8 rays. Besides, it can be distinguished by the presence of i,5-6 pelvic fin rays, and by the coloration of the eyes (in life), slightly blue on the lower half and blackish on the upper half. New records of Hyphessobryconare recognized for the upper rio Paraná basin: H. eilyos Lima & Moreira, H. guarani Mahnert & Géry, and H. herbertaxelrodi Géry. The knowledge status about the ichthyofauna from the upper rio Paraná basin and comments about the type material of some species of Hyphessobrycon are briefly discussed.
Sperm characteristics as additional evidence of close relationship between Lebiasina and Piabucina (Characiformes: Lebiasinidae: Lebiasininae)
Authors: Santana Júlio César de O. , Netto-Ferreira André L. , Calcagnotto Daniela , Quagio-Grassiotto Irani
Published: November 2013

Spermiogenesis and spermatozoa of representatives of the genera Lebiasina and Piabucinaare described. Spermiogenesis is quite similar among all analyzed species of these genera and is identified as Type II. In this type of spermiogenesis, the flagellum of earliest spermatids lies lateral to the nucleus. A slight movement of the nucleus towards the centriolar complex is observed. In late spermatids, the nucleus slightly elongates towards the flagellum. The formation of two striated rootlets apparently occurs in early/intermediate spermatids. The spermatozoa of species of Lebiasinaand Piabucina share (1) a drop-shaped slightly elongated nucleus that is laterally positioned relative to the flagellum; (2) a superolateral centriolar complex; (3) two striated rootlets; (4) a basolateral midpiece; (5) oblong mitochondria and (6) a few spherical vesicles. The spermatic characteristics of Lebiasinaand Piabucinaindicate that spermiogenesis is a homologous process among all species of both genera examined to date and can be considered, along with the spermatozoa morphology, additional evidence indicating a close relationship between Lebiasina and Piabucina.
Reproductive cycle of the Neotropical cichlid yellow peacock bass Cichla kelberi: A novel pattern of testicular development
Authors: Siqueira-Silva Diógenes Henrique de , Vicentini Carlos Alberto , Ninhaus-Silveira Alexandre , Veríssimo-Silveira Rosicleire
Published: November 2013

The present study describes the testicular maturation phases (associating the germ cells development and the morphological changes suffered by the germinal epithelium along the whole year), and the testicular morphology in the yellow peacock bass Cichla kelberi, relating it to other species. For this purpose, 78 specimens were studied according conventional techniques of light microscope. The testes in C. kelberi were classified as unrestricted spermatogonial lobular, an apomorphic characteristic in the recent groups of Teleost. Furthermore, were defined five testicular maturation phases: Preparatory phase; Early Germinal Epithelium Development; Mid Germinal Epithelium Development; Late Germinal Epithelium Development and; Regression. Similar classifications were described to other species indicating that the testicular classifications based on this propose, can be applied to lots of fishes. However, besides it similarity, the testicular reproductive cycle of C. kelberifollows a different pattern in the Regression phase, on which the gonadal restructuration and the spermatogonial proliferation gathers at the same time. So, the testes in C. kelberi never return to the Preparatory phase to start a new reproductive cycle, being this one present only at the first reproductive cycle in this species. This fact also explains the absence of individuals totally spent after their first reproductive cycle.
The use of morphological and histological features as nutritional condition indices of Pagrus pagrus larvae
Authors: Diaz Marina Vera , Arano María Felisa , Pájaro Marcelo , Aristizábal Eddie Oscar , Macchi Gustavo Javier
Published: November 2013

Morphometrical and histological techniques were employed to characterize Pagrus pagrus larvae nutritional condition. Larvae were reared in laboratory under controlled conditions with the main objective of testing whether these methodologies allowed finding differences between larvae from different feeding treatments. Once yolk was consumed (three days after hatching) larvae were assigned to a feeding treatment: starved during the whole experiment; delayed feeding, starved during three days; fed during the entire experiment. Algae (Nannochloropsis oculata) and rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) were provided to larvae for feed treatments. Larvae were fixed daily; for morphometrical purposes in 5% formaldehyde solution, and in Bouin for histological sections. Results herein obtained showed that both methodologies are sensitive enough to distinguish larvae characterized by different nutritional condition states obtained from the feeding treatments. Consequently, these methodologies could be employed in wild red porgy larvae in order to asses their nutritional condition. These techniques could also be employed to check larval quality obtained with aquaculture purposes to estimate the effects of changes in rearing protocols or kind of food supply and thus, to guaranty a higher survival of early developmental stages of reared larvae.
Physiological effects of gasoline on the freshwater fish Prochilodus lineatus(Characiformes: Prochilodontidae)
Authors: Simonato Juliana D. , Fernandes Marisa N. , Martinez Cláudia B. R.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of the water-soluble fraction of gasoline (WSFG) on the Neotropical freshwater fish Prochilodus lineatus. The WSFG was prepared by mixing gasoline in water (1:4) and animals were exposed for 6, 24 and 96h to 5% diluted WSFG or only to water. After exposure, blood was collected from the caudal vein and the gills were removed. The following parameters were analyzed: hematological (hemoglobin, hematocrit, number of red blood cells), osmo-ionic (plasma Na+, Cl- and K+ and plasma osmolarity), metabolic (total plasma proteins and glucose), endocrine (cortisol), density and distribution of chloride cells [CC] in the gills (immunohistochemistry), and branchial Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity. Hemolysis was found to occur after 96h exposure to WSFG, as indicated by the decrease in the hematological parameters analyzed, followed by an increase in plasma K+. Secondary stress response was revealed by the occurrence of hyperglycemia in the three periods of exposure, despite the absence of significant increases in the plasma cortisol. The exposure to WSFG also caused an increase in the quantity of CC and in plasma Na+, after 24h, as well as in the enzymatic activity of NKA and plasma osmolarity, after 24h and 96h. These results indicate that fish exposed to the WSFG showed physiological adjusts to maintain their osmotic balance. However, the increase in the quantity of CC in the lamellae may interfere in the gas exchange impairing respiration.
Transmucosal Periosteal Releasing Incision: The “Buttonhole Technique.” An Innovative Procedure for Soft Tissue Augmentation Surgery
Authors: Aranda Juan Jose , Melnick Philip R. , Pedruelo Francisco Javier , Benlloch Dunia , Armero Cristina , Orsini Marco
Published: November 2013

Introduction: The case presented demonstrates a soft tissue volume augmentation procedure using a transflap (“buttonhole”) incision, placed at the mucogingival junction (MGJ), to facilitate the passive advancement of a buccal flap without coronal transposition of the MGJ or reduction of vestibular depth.

Case Presentation: The initial incision was placed crestal and slightly palatal in the area to be augmented. Vertical releasing incisions were placed to facilitate coronal advancement of the flap. Then, a subepithelial connective tissue graft was harvested from the palate and secured in the area to be augmented. A horizontal periosteal releasing incision was placed at the base of the flap to accomplish tension‐free coronal advancement of the entire flap and sutured at the incision line. A “through‐and‐through” incision was drawn at the MGJ. At the level of the “buttonhole” opening, the graft was left exposed. The patient healed uneventfully with increased soft tissue thickness and without coronal displacement of the MGJ or shortening of the vestibular depth.

Conclusions: This case report describes a new variation of the periodontal plastic surgery technique. It offers considerable advantages over previous modalities, using tools that are already in the surgical armamentarium of the periodontist, without increased treatment time or patient morbidity.
In vitro sterilization procedures for micropropagation of ‘oblacinska’ sour cherry
Authors: Mihaljevic Ines , Dugalic Krunoslav , Tomas Vesna , Viljevac Marija , Pranjic Ankica , Cmelik Zlatko , Puskar Boris , Jurkovic Zorica
Published: November 2013

Surface sterilization is the most important step in preparation of explants
for micropropagation, because controlling fungal and bacterial contamination
of woody plant from field sources is very difficult. Six sterilizing agents:
sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), calcium hypochlorite [Ca(ClO)2], sodium
dichloroisocyanurate (DICA), mercuric (II) chloride (HgCl2), silver nitrate
(AgNO3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were tested for sterilization of
?Oblacinska? sour cherry buds, by varying their concentration and time of
exposure. The aim of this study was to establish best surface sterilization
for in vitro propagation of ?Oblacinska? sour cherry. Aseptic cultures of
?Oblacinska? sour cherry were established from axillary buds which were
placed in nutrient medium, supplemented with plants hormones
6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 1- naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and gibberellic
acid (GA3). The results indicated that among these sterilizing agents silver
nitrate (AgNO3) at concentration of 1% for 20 minutes was the best for
controlling the infection, whereas sterilization with sodium
dichloroisocyanurate (DICA) at concentration of 1% for 10 minutes was not
satisfactory.