bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transitioning Toward Competency: A Resident-Faculty Collaborative Approach to Developing a Transitions of Care EPA in an Internal Medicine Residency Program
Authors: Chan Brian , Englander Honora , Kent Kyle , Desai Sima , Obley Adam , Harmon David , Kansagara Devan
Published: October 2014

Background

Residency training and evaluation are moving toward competency-based models. Managing transitions of care is 1 of 16 entrustable professional activities (EPAs) that signal readiness for independent internal medicine practice. Methods for developing EPAs are evolving within the medical education community.

Objective

We describe a process for developing a transitions-of-care EPA for internal medicine inpatient and ambulatory settings using an iterative, consensus-building, resident-faculty collaborative approach.

Methods

We used an independent rank-ordering process and successive consensus group meetings to cull an initial list of 142 developmental Milestones to the 15 most relevant to transitions of care for internal medicine patients in an academic medical center and affiliated Veterans Administration hospital. Four senior internal medicine residents and 4 internal medicine faculty members representing inpatient and ambulatory practice settings identified examples of specific tasks and evaluative techniques for each Milestone.

Results

We demonstrate a feasible resident-faculty collaboration to develop transitions of care as an EPA for an internal medicine training program. Inclusion of residents along with faculty provided broader insights as well as an important learning opportunity for trainees.

Conclusions

Our process demonstrated the feasibility of designing an EPA, but questions remain about how entrustment-based evaluation can be implemented in clinical settings. Our framework may serve as a foundation for EPA development in other areas of clinical practice.
States Can Transform Their Health Care Workforce
Authors: Rockey Paul H. , Rieselbach Richard E. , Neuhausen Katherine , Nasca Thomas J. , Phillips Robert L. , Sundwall David N. , Philibert Ingrid , Yaghmour Nicholas A.
Published: October 2014

The United States faces the simultaneous challenges of improving health care access and balancing the specialty and geographic distribution of physicians. A 2014 Institute of Medicine report recommended significant changes in Medicare graduate medical education (GME) funding, to incentivize innovation and increase accountability for meeting national physician workforce needs. Annually, nearly $4 billion of Medicaid funds support GME, with limited accountability for outcomes. Directing these funds toward states' greatest health care workforce needs could address health care access and physician maldistribution issues and make the funding for resident education more accountable. Under the proposed approach, states would use Medicaid funds, in conjunction with Medicare GME funds, to expand existing GME programs and establish new primary care and specialty programs that focus on their population's unmet health care needs.
A narrative review of public health policies for childhood obesity prevention in the United States
Authors: Karnik Sameera , Kanekar Amar
Published: October 2014

Background: Childhood obesity rates in the United States have skyrocketed thus making it a major public health concern. The impact of childhood obesity is also reflected on the economic status of the country and is leading to increased health care spending. Public health policies, laws and other intervention policies can have a substantial impact on preventing and reducing childhood obesity rates. Public health policies play a crucial role in changing the physical and social environment to promote healthy behavior. The purpose of this article was to conduct a narrative review of childhood obesity as a public health issue of prime importance and address some of the public health policies implemented at the federal and the state level which can assist in the development and implementation of future policies related to childhood obesity prevention. Methods: In order to collect materials for this review a detailed open search of various databases was carried out and relevant articles were narratively summarized. Results: Lobbying and advocacy efforts to prevent and reduce childhood obesity can encourage policymakers and public healthcare practitioners to devise effective public health policy interventions to address this very important public health issue. Conclusions: A multidimensional approach to childhood obesity has increased the importance of comprehensive and coordinated public health policies targeted to address this issue. Future policy recommendations are also mentioned in conclusion of this review.
As marismas da Baía de Paranaguá: características gerais, modos de apropriação e implicações para a legislação ambiental
Authors: Lana Paulo Da Cunha
Published: October 2014

Este artigo apresenta uma síntese do atual conhecimento das marismas da Baía de Paranaguá, procurandoacentuar suas diferenças fisiográficas, fiorísticas e faunísticas em relaçao aos manguezais locais. Os usose formas de apropriação desses sistemas têm sido pouco estudados na região e seus recursos potenciaise suas funções ecológicas têm sido subestimados. Uma análise comparativa dos atributos estruturais efuncionais dos manguezais e marismas regionais acentua a necessidade de revisão da legislação ambientalespecífica.
O Litoral do Paraná: entre a riqueza natural e a pobreza social
Authors: Estades Naína Pierri
Published: October 2014

o litoral paranaense possui uma natureza extensa, biodiversa e de beleza singular. A realidade social da região é diversa e contrastante. Vastas áreas de conservação, escassamente povoadas, coexistem com uma grande cidade portuária e balneários urbanos que crescem a ritmos vertiginosos. A dinâmica regional, que atrai crescentes contingentes de população de outras regiões do estado e de estados vizinhos, mostra-se insuficiente para superar a pobreza. Ao mesmo tempo, as múltiplas leis de proteção à natureza resultamineficazes para evitar os crescentes impactos ambientais. O artigo traz informações socioeconâmicas recentes, analisadas por grupos de municípios, visando compreender os elementos mais específicos que operam na reprodução da pobreza e dos impactos ambientais.
Etnoecologia e captura acidental de golfinhos (Cetacea: Pontoporidae e Delphinidae) na Baía da Babitonga, Santa Catarina
Authors: Pinheiro Luciana , Cremer Marta
Published: October 2014

Este trabalho faz uma análise etnoecológica da captura acidental de golfinhos das espécies Pontoporiablainvillei e Sotalia guianensis pela pesca artesanal na Baía da Babitonga (Santa Catarina). Redes de emalhe, especialmente em pesca de fundeio, são potencialmente impactantes. A interação pescador - golfinhos tem de fato um caráter etnoconservacionista. São conhecidos pelos pescadores aspectos de cadeia alimentar, estratégias de pesca, tamanho de grupo, uso de habitat e comportamento dos golfinhos. Esses conhecimentos podem ser a base de futuras pesquisas e propostas de conservação das espécies,uma vez que P. blainvillei é espécie ameaçada de extinçao e, juntamente com S. guianensis, insuficientemente conhecida.
The Musical Instrument as National Archive: A Case Study of the Kazakh Qyl-qobyz
Authors: Rancier Megan
Published: October 2014

Abstract. This article examines the Kazakh two-stringed horsehair fiddle qylqobyz as a case study for conceptualizing musical instruments as “archives” that contain layers of historical, social, musical, and emotional information. This information is accumulated and maintained as “archival documents” within the musical instrument archive. These documents are then accessed and interpreted by performers, whose performance styles offer differing points of view on the significance of the qyl-qobyz to contemporary understandings of Kazakh national identity. By unpacking the many layers of information and meaning stored in the qyl-qobyz archive, the article explores its numerous musical contributions to Kazakh national identity narratives.
Krishna, Christians, and Colors: The Socially Binding Influence of Kirtan Singing at a Utah Hare Krishna Festival
Authors: Brown Sara Black
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The Utah Festival of Colors, an incarnation of the Indian festival Holi, is among the largest Hindu celebrations in the United States, yet most who participate are not Hindu. Festivalgoers playfully throw colors at each other while singing kirtan, or sacred chants performed at this event in reggae, rock, and dubstep as well as traditional Indian musical styles. This article explores the musical and rhetorical techniques performers use to address the practices of their religion to adherents of different faiths, invite participation in their devotional chants, and in doing so use celebratory musicking as a tool for mediating social differences.
Synthesis and antifungal activity investigation of a novel clotrimazole derivative
Authors: Zoljargal B , Davaasuren N
Published: October 2014

Azole antifungal agents disrupt fungal ergosterol synthesis that is essential for the formation of fungal cell membrane by preventing 14-α-demethylase enzyme from binding to its substrate. Clotrimazole is one of the first generations of azole antifungal agents. To discover a novel azole antifungal agent, biphenyl derivative was synthesised together with clotrimazole by multistep linear synthesis. Structures of synthesised azole agents have been validated by spectral analysis and potential antifungal activity of both compounds was determined on an yeast, E.coli and M.luteus by using a disk diffusion method. Clotrimazole and its biphenyl derivative were active against yeast but a novel compound resulted less activity than clotrimazole. Antibacterial effect was not observed for either azole agents. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v14i0.194 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 14 (40), 2013, p28-32
Dissolution behaviour of freibergite-tetrahedrite concentrate in acidic dichromate solution
Authors: Nyamdelger Sh , Burmaa G , Narangarav T , Ariunaa G
Published: October 2014

Asgat ore sample with estimated content of 431g/t silver was concentrated by using floatation method and obtained freibergite-tetrahedrite concentrate with 9050g/t Ag, 35.75% Cu, 28.5% Sb and 10.6% Fe, respectively. The dissolution of concentrate in acidic potassium dichromate solution has been investigated with respect to the sulfuric acid and potassium dichromate concentrations and by changing leaching temperature and time. Leaching freibergitetetrahedrite concentrate in dichromate acidic solution (K2Cr2O7-0.1M, H2SO4-0.4M leaching time 4h, leaching temperature 95°С) resulted total amount of leaching of 95.65 % silver, 93.85% copper, 99.86 % antimony and 30.18% iron. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v14i0.196 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 14 (40), 2013, p36-40
Efectes de la suburbanització i la immigració internacional en l’evolució recent de la fecunditat a Catalunya: un estudi territorial a escala local
Authors: López Villanueva Cristina , Gil-Alonso Fernando , Bayona i Carrasco Jordi , Thiers Jenniffer
Published: October 2014

L’objectiu d’aquest article és analitzar l’evolució de la fecunditat catalana en el període 2000-2011, i especialment les seves diferències territorials a escala local. Per això, s’han calculat indicadors d’intensitat i calendari per als municipis catalans de més de deu mil habitants i les quatre restes provincials, és a dir, per a 125 unitats d’anàlisi diferenciades. Com a possibles hipòtesis explicatives s’han considerat la fecunditat diferencial segons la nacionalitat de les mares i l’impacte de les migracions internes. Els resultats mostren que les diferències de fecunditat observades en l’àmbit municipal no responen tant a les diferències entre espanyoles i estrangeres ni al pes de la població estrangera a cada municipi, com a l’arribada de migrants interns (parelles joves en edat reproductiva) i al percentatge de població d’origen africà. Finalment, destaca el cas de Barcelona per la seva baixa fecunditat independentment de la nacionalitat.
Vision-Based Detection and Tracking of a Mobile Ground Target Using a Fixed-Wing UAV
Authors: Wang Xun , Zhu Huayong , Zhang Daibing , Zhou Dianle , Wang Xiangke
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a framework for tracking a mobile ground target (MGT) using a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Challenges from pure theories to practical applications, including varying illumination, computational limits and a lack of clarity are considered. The procedure consists of four steps, namely: target detection, target localization, states estimation and UAV guidance. Firstly, the MGT in the wild is separated from the background using a Laplacian operator-based method. Next, the MGT is located by performing coordinate transformations with the assumption that the altitude of the ground is invariant and known. Afterwards, a Kalman filter is used to estimate the location and velocity of the MGT. Finally, a modified guidance law is developed to guide the UAV to circle and track the MGT. The performance of our framework is validated by simulations and a number of actual flight tests. The results indicate that the framework is effective and of low computational complexity, and in particular our modified guidance law can reduce the error of the tracking distance by about 75% in specified situations. With the proposed framework, such challenges caused by the actual system can be tackled effectively, and the fixed-wing UAV can track the MGT stably.
Integration of Emission-Wavelength-Controlled InAs Quantum Dots for Ultra-Broadband Near-Infrared Light Source
Authors: Ozaki Nobuhiko , Takeuchi Koichi , Hino Yuji , Nakatani Yohei , Yasuda Takuma , Ohkouchi Shunsuke , Watanabe Eiichiro , Ohsato Hirotaka , Ikeda Naoki , Sugimoto Yoshimasa , Clarke Edmund , Hogg Richard A.
Published: October 2014

Near-infrared (NIR) light sources are widely utilized in biological and medical imaging systems owing to their long penetration depth in living tissues. In a recently developed biomedical non-invasive cross-sectional imaging system, called optical coherence tomography (OCT), a broadband spectrum is also required, because OCT is based on low coherence interferometry. To meet these operational requirements, we have developed a NIR broadband light source by integrating self-assembled InAs quantum dots (QDs) grown on a GaAs substrate (InAs/GaAs QDs) with different emission wavelengths. In this review, we introduce the developed light sources and QD growth techniques that are used to control the emission wavelength for broadband emission spectra with center wavelengths of 1.05 and 1.3 μm. Although the strain-induced Stranski-Krastanov (S-K) mode-grown InAs/GaAs QDs normally emit light at a wavelength of around 1.2 μm, the central emission wavelength can be controlled to be between 0.9–1.4 μm by the use of an In-flush technique, the insertion of a strain-reducing layer (SRL) and bi-layer QD growth techniques. These techniques are useful for applying InAs/GaAs QDs as NIR broadband light sources and are especially suitable for our proposed spectral-shape-controllable broadband NIR light source. The potential of this light source for improving the performance of OCT systems is discussed.
Very Late Antigen-5 Facilitates Stromal Progenitor Cell Differentiation Into Myofibroblast
Authors: Sen Namita , Weingarten Mark , Peter Yakov
Published: October 2014

Fibrotic disease is associated with abrogated stromal cell proliferation and activity. The precise identity of the cells that drive fibrosis remains obscure, in part because of a lack of information on their lineage development. To investigate the role of an early stromal progenitor cell (SPC) on the fibrotic process, we selected for, and monitored the stages of, fibroblast development from a previously reported free-floating anchorage-independent cell (AIC) progenitor population. Our findings demonstrate that organotypic pulmonary, cardiac, and renal fibroblast commitment follows a two-step process of attachment and remodeling in culture. Cell differentiation was confirmed by the inability of SPCs to revert to the free-floating state and functional mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) differentiation into osteoblast, adipocyte, chondrocyte, and fibroblastic lineages. The myofibroblastic phenotype was reflected by actin stress-fiber formation, α-smooth muscle production, and a greater than threefold increase in proliferative activity compared with that of the progenitors. SPC-derived pulmonary myofibroblasts demonstrated a more than 300-fold increase in fibronectin-1 (Fn1), collagen, type 1, α1, integrin α-5 (Itga5), and integrin β-1 (Itgb1) transcript levels. Very late antigen-5 (ITGA5/ITGB1) protein cluster formations were also prevalent on the differentiated cells. Normalized SPC-derived myofibroblast expression patterns reflected those of primary cultured lung myofibroblasts. Intratracheal implantation of pulmonary AICs into recipient mouse lungs resulted in donor cell FN1 production and evidence of epithelial derivation. SPC derivation into stromal tissue in vitro and in vivo and the observation that MSC and fibroblast lineages share a common ancestor could potentially lead to personalized antifibrotic therapies.
Editorial: Manipulating Nutrient Intake Circadian Patterns: An Economical Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Nikkhah Akbar
Published: October 2014

Manipulating Nutrient Intake Circadian Patterns: An Economical Therapeutic Strateg
Surgical Treatment of the Neglected Achilles Tendon Rupture with Hyalonect
Authors: Esenyel Cem Zeki , Tekin Cagri , Çakar Murat , Bayraktar Kursat , Saygili Selcuk , Esenyel Meltem , Tekin Zeynep N.
Published: October 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to report the management and outcomes of ten patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture treated with a turndown gastrocnemius-soleus fascial flap wrapped with a surgical mesh (Hyalonect).

Methods

Ten men with neglected Achilles tendon rupture were treated with a centrally based turndown gastrocnemius fascial flap wrapped with Hyalonect. Hyalonect is a knitted mesh composed of HYAFF, a benzyl ester of hyaluronic acid. The Achilles tendon ruptures were diagnosed more than 1 month after injury. The mean patient age was 41 years. All of the patients had weakness of active plantarflexion. The mean preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 64.8.

Results

The functional outcome was excellent. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 97.8 at the latest follow-up. There were significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative scores. Ankle range of motion was similar in both ankles. Neither rerupture nor major complication, particularly of wound healing, was observed.

Conclusions

For patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture with a rupture gap of at least 5 cm, surgical repair using a single turndown fascial flap covered with Hyalonect achieved excellent outcomes.
A informação e suas tecnologias: uma análise descritiva e correlativa das ementas das disciplinas de informática em cursos de bacharelado em secretariado executivo de instituições públicas de ensino superior no Brasil
Authors: Baia do Nascimento Maricilene Isaira , Da Silva Glaucy Learte
Published: October 2014

A pesquisa objetiva analisar descritiva e correlativamente as ementas das disciplinas de informática ofertadas em cursos de bacharelado em Secretariado Executivo de Instituições públicas de Ensino Superior -IES de diferentes regiões do Brasil, evidenciando a organização pela qual a disciplina está sendo ofertada nessas IES, bem como identificando as similaridades e peculiaridades que elas apresentam na organização da referida disciplina. Foram utilizadas ferramentas da estatística descritiva (medidas de localização, de dispersão e de forma de distribuição) e da correlação, em destaque para a correlação de Pearson, na realização da exploração dos dados, para os quais se adotaram as seguintes etapas: a) identificação das Instituições de Ensino Superior públicas no Brasil que ofertam os cursos de bacharelado em Secretariado Executivo, por meio do portal e-MEC; b) coleta das matrizes curriculares e dos projetos políticos pedagógicos as ementas das disciplinas ofertadas nos cursos de secretariado; c) identificação das ementas das disciplinas de informática e d) categorização das “áreas” da disciplina conforme observado nas ementas em questão. Participaram da pesquisa dez IES, a partir das quais foi possível observar o panorama de como está sendo construída a oferta de profissionais de Secretariado Executivo com habilidades na área de tecnologia da informação para o mercado de trabalho, e, também, o método adotado possibilitou diagnosticar as similaridades e peculiaridades na organização da oferta da disciplina de informática nos cursos de bacharelado em Secretariado Executivo nas diferentes Instituições pesquisadas, de diferentes regiões brasileiras.DOI: 10.7769/gesec.v4i3.213
Competências dos Secretários-Executivos de uma Universidade Pública Federal: Uma Análise a partir da Perspectiva dos Gestores
Authors: Leal Fernanda Geremias , Silveira Fiates Gabriela Gonçalves
Published: October 2014

O presente estudo de caso, qualitativo e descritivo-interpretativo, visa analisar a percepção de gestores de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino Superior em relação às competências dos secretários-executivos e, assim, compreender de que forma as competências da profissão e do cargo foram adequadas ao contexto da Universidade e se é legítima a atual lotação desses profissionais. Nesse sentido, desenvolveu-se um estudo bibliográfico e documental acerca do conceito de competência, bem como dos conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes típicas dos profissionais de Secretariado Executivo, o que viabilizou a realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com treze dos quinze gestores onde há secretários-executivos lotados. A partir da análise de conteúdo, de modo geral, constatou-se que é legítima a participação do secretário-executivo na estrutura organizacional da Universidade, uma vez que, por conta do caráter multifuncional de sua carreira, várias são as possibilidades para o profissional nesse ambiente. Ainda assim, muitos poderiam ter suas competências potencializadas, de modo a gerar resultados mais alinhados aos objetivos organizacionais.DOI: 10.7769/gesec.v4i3.216
“Prazer em Conhece-Lo (a), Sou o Curso de Secretariado Executivo”: Um Estudo sobre o (Des) Conhecimento de Alunos de Ensino Médio acerca da Formação Universitária em Secretariado Executivo
Authors: Boguslawski Ana Maria , Santos Emili Barcellos Martins
Published: October 2014

O processo de escolha de uma carreira é um momento da vida dos adolescentes que, na maioria das vezes, é cercado por dúvidas e inquietações. Nem sempre o jovem que se prepara para ingressar no nível superior tem certeza e conhecimento suficiente acerca do curso que deseja escolher, principalmente quando há uma enorme quantidade de opções, como ocorre atualmente no Brasil. Dentre os diversos cursos de graduação oferecidos por instituições de ensino superior (IES) brasileiras, há a graduação em Secretariado Executivo. Todavia, todos os jovens que se encontram no processo de escolha profissional têm conhecimento da existência desta graduação? Este foi o questionamento inicial que impulsionou o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa, que teve como objetivo geral identificar se alunos matriculados nos dois últimos anos do ensino médio de uma instituição particular da cidade de Curitiba, Paraná, conheciam a graduação em Secretariado Executivo. Como objetivos específicos, este trabalho buscou verificar as representações dos participantes acerca da formação e da profissão de Secretário Executivo. Nesta pesquisa, de caráter descritivo-exploratório, adotou-se o questionário como instrumento de coleta de dados, que foi aplicado no mês de março de 2013 aos 230 sujeitos de pesquisa. Os resultados apontam, entre outros, para a necessidade de uma maior divulgação do curso e da profissão na sociedade, sobretudo nas escolas de ensino médio.DOI: 10.7769/gesec.v4i3.236
The Role of the Administrative Professional in the Management of Complex Projects
Authors: Piscopo Marcos Roberto , Silveira Franciane Freitas
Published: October 2014

As a profession that dates back the scribes’ time, the secretariat has significantly evolved over time but research on this field seems not to follow the practitioners’ role. Nowadays, the specialization required from the administrative professional involves not only the previously skills that for long time characterized the secretary’s job but also a set of new ones that are more related to the organization’s management. They may include but are not limited to enabling results in a wide sense as getting involved in change management, creativity and entrepreneurship, productivity increasing plans, cost cutting actions, and project management. Due to the complexity that characterizes the business environment and companies’ projects, this article aims at investigating the role of the administrative professional in the management of complex projects. As an exploratory research, three case studies have been conducted with global companies in which complex projects are part of their reality and the administrative professional is officially existent. Findings show that the involvement of this professional has been very positive to project performance due to the way he supported the project manager and the project team. Both secretary’s hard and soft skills were of great importance to project performance, especially communication, negotiation, and attitude. The executive secretariat has moved from an operational to a strategic perspective. To continue growing in the profession the secretary needs to improve his knowledge on project management.DOI: 10.7769/gesec.v4i3.270
Numerical simulation of the effects of meteoroid ablation and solar EUV/X‐ray radiation in the dayside ionosphere of Mars: MGS/MEX observations
Authors: Pandya B. M. , Haider S. A.
Published: October 2014

We have developed a model which produces three plasma layers simultaneously due to the impact of the meteoroids, solar X‐ray (0.5–9 nm), and EUV (9–102.6 nm) radiation at altitude range 75–85 km, 100–115 km, and 135–140 km, respectively, in the dayside ionosphere of Mars. The calculated results are compared with the radio occultation measurements made by Mars Express (MEX) and Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) on 18 April 2004 and 11 May 2005, when comets P/2003 WC7 (LINEAR Catalina) and 10P/Tempel 2 intersected the orbit of Mars, respectively. The densities of 21 ions (CO2+, O2+, CO+, O+, NO+, N2+, Mg+, Fe+, Si+, MgO+, FeO+, SiO+, MgCO2+, MgO2+, FeCO2+, FeO2+, SiCO2+, SiO2+, MgN2+, FeN2+, and SiN2+) and 10 neutral species (Mg, Fe, Si, MgO, FeO, SiO, MgCO3, FeCO3, MgO2, and FeO2) have been computed self‐consistently for both days. The metallic ions are formed in the middle ionosphere due to the ablation of meteoroids. It is found that the middle ionosphere of Mars strongly depends on incoming mass and flux of the meteoroids. The meteoroids of fluxes 4.0 × 10−15 and 8.3 × 10−16 cm−2 s−1 for masses 4.5 × 10−7 g and 1.0 × 10−3 g have produced third layers, which are good in agreement with the observations made by MEX and MGS on 18 April 2004 and 11 May 2005, respectively.
Leader observations during the initial breakdown stage of a lightning flash
Authors: Stolzenburg Maribeth , Marshall Thomas C. , Karunarathne Sumedhe , Karunarathna Nadeeka , Orville Richard E.
Published: October 2014

This paper describes luminosity and leader propagation during the initial breakdown (IB) stage of a cloud‐to‐ground flash, beginning at 6.06 km altitude and 31.86 ms before the return stroke (RS). High‐speed video (50,000 frames per s) and time‐correlated electric field change (E‐change) data show multiple branch ends advance concurrently in the first 6 ms of the flash; each branch begins with IB pulses and propagates first via bursts as an initial leader. Burst luminosity (pixel intensity) is directly related to IB pulse amplitude. Some initial leader branches transition to advancing as stepped leaders after a few milliseconds. Each initial leader branch end makes the transition to a stepped leader branch end at a different time, resulting in a complex E‐change waveform including relatively narrow step‐type pulses during the IB stage and no apparent Intermediate stage prior to the Leader stage. There is no visible evidence of an upward propagating leader end prior to the RS nor of any light above the earliest visible IB luminosity prior to or during the RS. During the RS, the topmost visible portion of the channel that developed as an initial leader (above 5.1 km) behaves differently from the channel below, indicating it is less conductive. Radar and time‐of‐arrival lightning source data indicate that the IB luminosity visible to the camera comes from about 6 km inside the thundercloud echo. The 1276 m long initial leader transitions to a stepped leader at 4.9–5.0 km, near the altitude of the radar bright band.
Trading height for education in the marriage market
Authors: Ponzo Michela , Scoppa Vincenzo
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Several empirical studies point out the relevance of individuals' physical attributes—such as height, weight, beauty—in the labor market. In the same way, physical characteristics may affect lifetime prospects through their impact on the selection of a partner in the marriage market. We analyzed to what extent an individual's height and weight (arguably affecting physical attractiveness, as documented in many studies) are related to lifetime economic outcomes through the marriage market, investigating whether individual height and weight affect the probability of marrying with a “high‐quality partner,” measuring quality as the partner's educational attainment or as the partner's prospective labor income.

Methods

Using a large Italian dataset of married (and cohabiting) couples—the 2005 Italian Health Conditions Survey which provides information on health conditions, individual characteristics, and socioeconomic variables—we estimated separate OLS and Ordered Probit regressions for females and males. Since weight might be endogenously determined, to avoid any estimation bias we also estimated a reduced form equation in which predetermined height affects directly and indirectly (through BMI) physical attractiveness and, as a consequence, the choice of a partner with a given educational attainment.

Results

Our findings suggest that height is a desirable trait in mating selection affecting the partner's socioeconomic characteristics: we found that taller individuals tended to mate with more educated partners, controlling for their own educational level—to take into account the tendency for assortative mating for education—and for other personal traits such as age, geographical residence, city size, and the presence of health problems. On the other hand, we showed that individuals with higher BMI were married to partners with lower levels of education. The results also provide evidence of non‐linearity in the relationship between height and educational attainment of the partner. These findings are confirmed for both males and females, but being taller seems to be more relevant for males, while being thinner is more important for females. We have also found that taller and thinner females and males tend to be married with partners earning higher labor incomes. These findings were robust to a number of checks.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that the physical characteristics that an individual brings to the marriage market influences the outcome in this market: physical attractiveness is exchanged in the marriage market for a higher educational attainment and the ability to earn a higher labor income. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:164–174, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robust Integral Sliding‐Mode Consensus Tracking for Multi‐Agent Systems with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Jiang YuLian , Liu JianChang , Wang ShenQuan
Published: October 2014

This paper is devoted to robust integral sliding‐mode consensus tracking control for leader‐following multi‐agent systems with higher order, time‐varying delay and disturbances under fixed and switching topologies. A delay‐dependent sufficient condition for the existence of integral sliding surfaces is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. This guarantees the global stability of the dynamics in the specified switching surface and the consensus tracking of multi‐agent systems is achieved. Unlike the previous works, both the controller gain and sliding mode matrix are designed but not chosen in this note, which increases the design degree of freedom, and moreover, the reciprocally convex combination technique is given to get a less conservative stability condition for multi‐agent systems with arbitrary time‐derivative of the time‐varying delay. Illustrative examples with fixed and switching topologies are provided to test the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Non‐Fragile Synchronization Control For Markovian Jumping Complex Dynamical Networks With Probabilistic Time‐Varying Coupling Delays
Authors: Li Xiaodi , Rakkiyappan R. , Sakthivel N.
Published: October 2014

This paper studies the problem of non‐fragile synchronization control for Markovian jumping complex dynamical networks with probabilistic time‐varying coupling delays. By constructing a new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) and combining the reciprocal convex technique, sufficient conditions for the complex dynamical networks to be globally asymptotically synchronized in the mean square sense are derived. The probability distribution of the delays have been proposed and delay probability‐distribution‐dependent conditions are derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The derived conditions depend not only on the size of the delay but also on the probability of the delay taking values in some intervals. Further, a non‐fragile synchronization controller is proposed. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Intrathecal administration of clonidine or yohimbine decreases the nociceptive behavior caused by formalin injection in the marsh terrapin (Pelomedusa subrufa)
Authors: Makau Christopher M. , Towett Philemon K. , Abelson Klas S. P. , Kanui Titus I.
Published: October 2014

Background

The role of noradrenergic system in the control of nociception is documented in some vertebrate animals. However, there are no data showing the role of this system on nociception in the marsh terrapins.

Methodology

In this study, the antinociceptive action of intrathecal administration of the α2‐adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine and α2‐adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine was evaluated in the African marsh terrapin using the formalin test. The interaction of clonidine and yohimbine was also evaluated.

Results

Intrathecal administration of clonidine (37.5 or 65 μg/kg) caused a significant reduction in the mean time spent in pain‐related behavior. Yohimbine, at a dose of 25 μg/kg, significantly blocked the effect of clonidine (65 μg/kg). However, administration of yohimbine (40 or 53 μg/kg) caused a significant reduction in the mean time spent in pain‐related behavior. Intrathecal administration of yohimbine (53 μg/kg) followed immediately by intrathecal injection of the serotonergic methysergide maleate (20 μg/kg) resulted in a significant reversal of the antinociceptive effect of yohimbine.

Conclusion

The present study documented the intrathecal administration of drugs in the marsh terrapin, a technique that can be applied in future studies on these animals. The data also suggest the involvement of both α2‐adrenoreceptors and 5HT receptors in the modulation of nociception in testudines.
Designing Foldamer–Foldamer Interactions in Solution: The Roles of Helix Length and Terminus Functionality in Promoting the Self‐Association of Aminoisobutyric Acid Oligomers
Authors: Pike Sarah J. , Diemer Vincent , Raftery James , Webb Simon J. , Clayden Jonathan
Published: October 2014

The biological activity of antibiotic peptaibols has been linked to their ability to aggregate, but the structure–activity relationship for aggregation is not well understood. Herein, we report a systematic study of a class of synthetic helical oligomer (foldamer) composed of aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) residues, which mimic the folding behavior of peptaibols. NMR spectroscopic analysis was used to quantify the dimerization constants in solution, which showed hydrogen‐bond donors at the N terminus promoted aggregation more effectively than similar modifications at the C terminus. Elongation of the peptide chain also favored aggregation. The geometry of aggregation in solution was investigated by means of titrations with [D6]DMSO and 2D NOE NMR spectroscopy, which allowed the NH protons most involved in intermolecular hydrogen bonds in solution to be identified. X‐ray crystallography studies of two oligomers allowed a comparison of the inter‐ and intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions in the solid state and in solution and gave further insight into the geometry of foldamer–foldamer interactions. These solution‐based and solid‐state studies indicated that the preferred geometry for aggregation is through head‐to‐tail interactions between the N and C termini of adjacent Aib oligomers.
2‐Methoxy‐4‐methylsulfinylbenzyl: A Backbone Amide Safety‐Catch Protecting Group for the Synthesis and Purification of Difficult Peptide Sequences
Authors: Paradís‐Bas Marta , Tulla‐Puche Judit , Albericio Fernando
Published: October 2014

The use of 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylsulfinylbenzyl (Mmsb) as a new backbone amide‐protecting group that acts as a safety‐catch structure is proposed. Mmsb, which is stable during the elongation of the sequence and trifluoroacetic acid‐mediated cleavage from the resin, improves the synthetic process as well as the properties of the quasi‐unprotected peptide. Mmsb offers the possibility of purifying and characterizing complex peptide sequences, and renders the target peptide after NH4I/TFA treatment and subsequent ether precipitation to remove the cleaved Mmsb moiety. First, the “difficult peptide” sequence H‐(Ala)10‐NH2 was selected as a model to optimize the new protecting group strategy. Second, the complex, bioactive Ac‐(RADA)4‐NH2 sequence was chosen to validate this methodology. The improvements in solid‐phase peptide synthesis combined with the enhanced solubility of the quasi‐unprotected peptides, as compared with standard sequences, made it possible to obtain purified Ac‐(RADA)4‐NH2. To extend the scope of the approach, the challenging Aβ(1‐42) peptide was synthesized and purified in a similar manner. The proposed Mmsb strategy opens up the possibility of synthesizing other challenging small proteins.
Efficient and Simple Approaches Towards Direct Oxidative Esterification of Alcohols
Authors: Ray Ritwika , Jana Rahul Dev , Bhadra Mayukh , Maiti Debabrata , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: October 2014

The present article describes novel oxidative protocols for direct esterification of alcohols. The protocols involve successful demonstrations of both “cross” and “self” esterification of a wide variety of alcohols. The cross‐esterification proceeds under a simple transition‐metal‐free condition, containing catalytic amounts of TEMPO (2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy)/TBAB (tetra‐n‐butylammonium bromide) in combination with oxone (potassium peroxo monosulfate) as the oxidant, whereas the self‐esterification is achieved through simple induction of Fe(OAc)2/dipic (dipic=2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid) as the active catalyst under an identical oxidizing environment.
Dimers of Nineteen‐Electron Sandwich Compounds: Crystal and Electronic Structures, and Comparison of Reducing Strengths
Authors: Mohapatra Swagat K. , Fonari Alexandr , Risko Chad , Yesudas Kada , Moudgil Karttikay , Delcamp Jared H. , Timofeeva Tatiana V. , Brédas Jean‐Luc , Marder Seth R. , Barlow Stephen
Published: October 2014

The dimers of some Group 8 metal cyclopentadienyl/arene complexes and Group 9 metallocenes can be handled in air, yet are strongly reducing, making them useful n‐dopants in organic electronics. In this work, the X‐ray molecular structures are shown to resemble those of Group 8 metal cyclopentadienyl/pentadienyl or Group 9 metal cyclopentadienyl/diene model compounds. Compared to those of the model compounds, the DFT HOMOs of the dimers are significantly destabilized by interactions between the metal and the central CC σ‐bonding orbital, accounting for the facile oxidation of the dimers. The lengths of these CC bonds (X‐ray or DFT) do not correlate with DFT dissociation energies, the latter depending strongly on the monomer stabilities. Ru and Ir monomers are more reducing than their Fe and Rh analogues, but the corresponding dimers also exhibit much higher dissociation energies, so the estimated monomer cation/neutral dimer potentials are, with the exception of that of [RhCp2]2, rather similar (−1.97 to −2.15 V vs. FeCp2+/0 in THF). The consequences of the variations in bond strength and redox potentials for the reactivity of the dimers are discussed.
Exploring the Potential of Fulvalene Dimetals as Platforms for Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage: Computations, Syntheses, Structures, Kinetics, and Catalysis
Authors: Börjesson Karl , Ćoso Dušan , Gray Victor , Grossman Jeffrey C. , Guan Jingqi , Harris Charles B. , Hertkorn Norbert , Hou Zongrui , Kanai Yosuke , Lee Donghwa , Lomont Justin P. , Majumdar Arun , Meier Steven K. , Moth‐Poulsen Kasper , Myrabo Randy L. , Nguyen Son C. , Segalman Rachel A. , Srinivasan Varadharajan , Tolman Willam B. , Vinokurov Nikolai , Vollhardt K. Peter C. , Weidman Timothy W.
Published: October 2014

A study of the scope and limitations of varying the ligand framework around the dinuclear core of FvRu2 in its function as a molecular solar thermal energy storage framework is presented. It includes DFT calculations probing the effect of substituents, other metals, and CO exchange for other ligands on ΔHstorage. Experimentally, the system is shown to be robust in as much as it tolerates a number of variations, except for the identity of the metal and certain substitution patterns. Failures include 1,1′,3,3′‐tetra‐tert‐butyl (4), 1,2,2′,3′‐tetraphenyl (9), diiron (28), diosmium (24), mixed iron‐ruthenium (27), dimolybdenum (29), and ditungsten (30) derivatives. An extensive screen of potential catalysts for the thermal reversal identified AgNO3–SiO2 as a good candidate, although catalyst decomposition remains a challenge.
Multistimuli‐Responsive Supramolecular Assembly of Cucurbituril/Cyclodextrin Pairs with an Azobenzene‐Containing Bispyridinium Guest
Authors: Zhao Jin , Zhang Ying‐Ming , Sun He‐Lue , Chang Xiao‐Yu , Liu Yu
Published: October 2014

A linear supramolecular architecture was successfully constructed by the inclusion complexation of α‐cyclodextrin with azobenzene and the host‐stabilized charge‐transfer interaction of naphthalene and a bispyridinium guest with cucurbit[8]uril in water, which was comprehensively characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopy, dynamic laser scattering, and microscopic observations. Significantly, because it benefits from the photoinduced isomerization of the azophenyl group and the chemical reduction of bispyridinium moiety with noncovalent connections, the assembly/disassembly process of this supramolecular nanostructure can be efficiently modulated by external stimuli, including temperature, UV and visible‐light irradiation, and chemical redox.
Cobalt Phenanthroline–Indole Macrocycles as Highly Active Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Quernheim Martin , Liang Haiwei , Su Qi , Baumgarten Martin , Koshino Nobuyoshi , Higashimura Hideyuki , Müllen Klaus
Published: October 2014

The replacement of scarce and expensive platinum species poses a challenge in fuel‐cell development. The design and synthesis of a novel type of CoII–N4 macrocyclic complex, [CoN4], based on the phenanthroline–indole macrocyclic ligand (PIM) is reported. This unique ligand allows the formation of mono‐ and dinuclear complexes with defined active sites that facilitate the direct four‐electron reduction of oxygen. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the [CoN4]/C (20 wt %) catalysts have a high activity and long‐term stability for the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) under alkaline conditions, similar to the Pt/C catalyst. These structurally well‐defined complexes represent a nonprecious alternative to platinum species for future fuel‐cell applications.
Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed Oxidative CH Alkenylations of Sulfonic Acids, Sulfonyl Chlorides and Sulfonamides
Authors: Ma Wenbo , Mei Ruhuai , Tenti Giammarco , Ackermann Lutz
Published: October 2014

Twofold CH functionalization of aromatic sulfonic acids was achieved with an in situ generated ruthenium(II) catalyst. The optimized cross‐dehydrogenative alkenylation protocol proved applicable to differently substituted arenes and a variety of alkenes, including vinyl arenes, sulfones, nitriles and ketones. The robustness of the ruthenium(II) catalyst was demonstrated by the chemoselective oxidative olefination of sulfonamides as well as sulfonyl chlorides. Mechanistic studies provided support for a reversible, acetate‐assisted CH ruthenation, along with a subsequent olefin insertion.
Copper‐Catalyzed Arylation of Nitrogen Heterocycles from Anilines under Ligand‐Free Conditions
Authors: Toummini Dounia , Tlili Anis , Bergès Julien , Ouazzani Fouad , Taillefer Marc
Published: October 2014

The arylation of pyrazole and derivatives can be achieved by coupling arenediazonium species (formed in situ from anilines) by using a catalytic system that employs low‐toxicity and inexpensive copper metal under very mild and ligand‐free conditions (T=20 °C). From other nitrogen heterocycles, the presence of an additive (NBu4I) significantly improves the efficiency of the catalytic system. These results represent the first examples of CN bond formation from arenediazonium species.
A slot demand‐based path reservation approach for the timely and reliable delivery of bursty traffic in WMSNs
Authors: Vinh Phan Van , Oh Hoon
Published: October 2014

In case that we build a context‐aware computing‐based Safety Monitoring and Control System (SMOCS) that monitors the safety of the workers, many sensor devices with different data rates are distributed in the target field. Based on these context data, the SMOCS judges the safety of the working environment primarily. If it perceives a dangerous sign, it requests additional bursty data such as still image or video streaming from a particular sensor device in order to confirm the situation. Because these bursty data have to be delivered to the server reliably with time constraints, it is challengeable to process those data with limited energy and bandwidth. In this paper, we propose an efficient approach to deliver bursty data reliably by reserving time slots to transmit the required packets on all the paths from the selected multimedia nodes to the server. The nodes that are not on the selected paths are put into sleep mode to conserve energy during the transmission of bursty data. We evaluate the proposed approach by conducting experiments using the indoor test bed that consists of 30 sensor communication devices. The experimental results show that the proposed approach can satisfy the requirements of multimedia applications well. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.