bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C−H Activation of Methane to Formaldehyde on Ce1−xZrxO2 Thin Films: A Step to Bridge the Material Gap
Authors: Dubey Anjani , Kolekar Sadhu K. , Gopinath Chinnakonda S.
Published: September 2016

Ce1−xZrxO2 (CZ) thin films were prepared by a combination of sol–gel and spin‐coating methods and were evaluated for the C−H activation of methane by using a molecular beam set‐up with the aim to bridge the material gap. The C−H activation of methane begins at 950 K, and a Ce‐rich CZ composition displays a high selectivity (4–12 %) to the partially oxidised product, formaldehyde. A 10–12 % selectivity towards HCHO with 1.6 % methane conversion was observed with methane‐rich CH4/O2 reactant compositions at 1050 K. Short contact times, prevalent under molecular beam conditions, could be a possible reason for HCHO formation. Although combustion products were observed instantly upon shining the mixture of reactants on CZ surfaces, up to 20 s delay was observed before formaldehyde generation, which indicates that the oxygen vacancy migration contributes to the rate‐determining step and the diffusion‐controlled nature of the reaction. A burst in HCHO generation at the point of molecular beam opening, after beam‐closed conditions, suggests that the diffusion of oxygen vacancies to the surface is the reason for HCHO formation. Kinetics results also indicate the necessity of reduction sites for HCHO generation.
Nonplanar Butterfly‐Shaped π‐Expanded Pyrrolopyrroles
Authors: Krzeszewski Maciej , Kodama Takuya , Espinoza Eli M. , Vullev Valentine I. , Kubo Takashi , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: September 2016

Large aza‐analogues of curved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with a double‐helicene structure present unique features for molecular photonics. We present the preparation and characterization of three such structures. The synthesis of these heterocyclic nanographenes involves only a few high‐yield steps that use readily available starting materials. X‐ray analysis revealed that each of these new dyes has three conformational isomers: one diastereoisomer in a meso form and two enantiomers in twisted forms [(P,P)] and [(M,M)]. The low energy barriers between the conformers, however, prevent their separation by using chiral HPLC, and the NMR spectra show only one set of signals for each of these curved compounds. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations quantify the small energy difference and the small energy barriers between the chiral and meso forms, which fully supports the experimental results. Their optical absorption lacks any sensitivity to the solvent environment, whereas their fluorescence features exhibit pronounced solvatochromism. This rarely observed solvatofluorochromism of centrosymmetric molecules without either electron‐withdrawing groups or ‐donating substituents was probed by using time‐resolved spectroscopy. These studies suggest that, similar to 9,9′‐bianthryl, the nonpolar locally excited state shows negligible solvatochromism, whereas the charge‐transfer state is sensitive to solvent polarity.
Removal of lead (II) and cadmium (II) cations from water using surface‐modified graphene
Authors: Hemidouche Sabra , Boudriche Lilya , Boudjemaa Amel , Hamoudi Safia
Published: September 2016

With its unique structure, graphene exhibits a number of outstanding mechanical, optical, and electronic properties, thus promising several potential applications. In the current work, graphene sheets were prepared from graphite and surface‐modified via an acid treatment. The synthesized material physicochemical properties were assessed using X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption and BET analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman as well as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The ability of the surface‐modified graphene in the adsorptive elimination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) cations from aqueous solutions was investigated batchwise under numerous experimental conditions. A pseudo‐second order kinetic model described adequately the adsorption kinetic profiles. The adsorption isotherms were compared to the Langmuir and Freundlich models. It was found that for both heavy metal cations, adsorption isotherms were reasonably described by Langmuir model equation. Maximum adsorption capacities reached 0.946 and 1.779 mmol ion/g for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively.
Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence of Crystalline Metal‐Free Organoboron Complex
Authors: Sakai Atsushi , Ohta Eisuke , Matsui Yasunori , Tsuzuki Seiji , Ikeda Hiroshi
Published: September 2016

The photoluminescence (PL) properties of a metal‐free organoboron complex, bis(4‐iodobenzoyl)methanatoboron difluoride (1BF2), were elucidated. At room temperature, 1BF2 emits blue fluorescence (FL) in nBuCl upon photoexcitation. In contrast, crystals of 1BF2 emit green PL comprised of FL and phosphorescence (PH). The room‐temperature PH of crystalline 1BF2 is a consequence of 1) suppression of thermal deactivation of the S1 and T1 excited states and 2) enhancement of intersystem crossing (ISC) from the S1 to T2 or T1. The results of X‐ray crystallographic and theoretical studies supported the proposal that the former (1) is a result of intermolecular interactions caused by π‐stacking in the rigid crystal packing structure of 1BF2. The latter (2) is an effect of not only the heavy‐atom effect of iodine, but also the continuous π‐stacking alignment of 1BF2 molecules in crystals, which leads to a forbidden S1→S0 transition and a small energy gap between the S1 and T2 or T1.
Conflict‐Handling Behaviors of Korean Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Choi Yeju
Published: September 2016

Although there is a great deal of literature that has focused on conflicts faced by monocultural people, cross‐cultural conflict scholars have not yet focused on the conflicts faced by bicultural people. This topic deserves more study as cultural clashes—conflicts between foreign‐born residents and Americans—are prevalent. Considering the number of the immigrants in the United States and the speed of globalization, more conflicts could arise not only in the workplace, but also anywhere else, such as between neighbors, coworkers, colleagues, peers, and even among intercultural family members. Therefore, in order to prepare for this type of conflict, this research examined conflict‐handling behaviors of bicultural people. Among many immigrants, this study focused on Korean immigrants in the United States through the Conflict Communication Scale (CCS) and compared the results with nationality, the amount of time that the immigrants have lived in the United States, the level of acculturation, and gender.
Surface‐Functionalized Electrospun Titania Nanofibers for the Scavenging and Recycling of Precious Metal Ions
Authors: Dai Yunqian , Formo Eric , Li Haoxuan , Xue Jiajia , Xia Younan
Published: September 2016

Precious metals are widely used as catalysts in industry. It is of critical importance to keep the precious metal ions leached from catalysts at a level below one part per million (ppm) in the final products and to recycle the expensive precious metals. Here we demonstrate a simple and effective method for scavenging precious metal ions from an aqueous solution and thereby reduce their concentrations down to the parts per billion (ppb) level. The key component is a filtration membrane comprised of titania (TiO2) nanofibers whose surface has been functionalized with a silane bearing amino or thiol group. When operated under continuous flow at a rate of 1 mL min−1 and at room temperature, up to 99.95 % of the Pd2+ ions could be removed from a stock solution with an initial concentration of 100 ppm. This work offers a viable strategy not only for the removal of precious metal ions but also for recovering and further recycling them for use as catalysts. For example, the captured Pd2+ ions could be converted to nanoparticles and used as catalysts for organic reactions such as Suzuki coupling in a continuous flow reactor. This system can be potentially applied to pharmaceutical industry and waste stream treatment.
Sky island bird populations isolated by ancient genetic barriers are characterized by different song traits than those isolated by recent deforestation
Authors: Purushotham Chetana B. , Robin V. V.
Published: September 2016

Various mechanisms of isolation can structure populations and result in cultural and genetic differentiation. Similar to genetic markers, for songbirds, culturally transmitted sexual signals such as breeding song can be used as a measure of differentiation as songs can also be impacted by geographic isolation resulting in population‐level differences in song structure. Several studies have found differences in song structure either across ancient geographic barriers or across contemporary habitat barriers owing to deforestation. However, very few studies have examined the effect of both ancient barriers and recent deforestation in the same system. In this study, we examined the geographic variation in song structure across six populations of the White‐bellied Shortwing, a threatened and endemic songbird species complex found on isolated mountaintops or “sky islands” of the Western Ghats. While some sky islands in the system are isolated by ancient valleys, others are separated by deforestation. We examined 14 frequency and temporal spectral traits and two syntax traits from 835 songs of 38 individuals across the six populations. We identified three major song clusters based on a discriminant model of spectral traits, degree of similarity of syntax features, as well as responses of birds to opportunistic playback. However, some traits like complex vocal mechanisms (CVM), relating to the use of syrinxes, clearly differentiated both ancient and recently fragmented populations. We suggest that CVMs may have a cultural basis and can be used to identify culturally isolated populations that cannot be differentiated using genetic markers or commonly used frequency‐based song traits. Our results demonstrate the use of bird songs to reconstruct phylogenetic groups and impacts of habitat fragmentation even in complex scenarios of historic and contemporary isolation.
Pathways of root uptake and membrane transport of Cd2+ in the zinc/cadmium hyperaccumulating plant Sedum plumbizincicola
Authors: Li Lian-Zhen , Tu Chen , Wu Long-Hua , Peijnenburg Willie J.G.M. , Ebbs Stephen , Luo Yong-Ming
Published: September 2016

Uptake and membrane transport of cadmium (Cd) in roots of the hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola X.H. Guo et S.B. Zhou ex L.H. Wu was characterized by assessing the impact of various inhibitors and ion channel blockers on Cd accumulation as well as the real-time net Cd2+ flux at the roots with application of the scanning ion-selective electrode technique. The uncouplers 2,4-dinitrophenol and P-type adenosine triphosphatase inhibitor Na3VO4 significantly limited Cd2+ uptake and transport kinetics in the root of S. plumbizincicola. These findings indicate that Cd is actively taken up into the roots. The Cd content in plant was significantly decreased with pretreatments of the Ca2+ channel blocker La3+ or Gd3+ and the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium, as well as in the presence of higher concentration of Ca2+ and K+. These findings indicated that uptake of Cd2+ into the root of S. plumbizincicola proceeds through ion channels that are permeable to both Ca2+ and K+ as confirmed by the direct evidence of real-time net Cd2+ fluxes at the root surface in the treatments with ion channel inhibitors, as well as in the presence of elevated concentrations of Ca2+ and K+. In addition, the results suggested a role for phytochelatin and protein synthesis in mediating Cd2+ uptake by S. plumbizincicola. These findings increase the understanding of Cd2+ uptake and membrane transport pathways in roots of the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator S. plumbizincicola. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1038–1046. © 2016 SETAC
The influence of river‐to‐lake backflow on the hydrodynamics of a large floodplain lake system (Poyang Lake, China)
Authors: Li Yunliang , Zhang Qi , Werner Adrian D. , Yao Jing , Ye Xuchun
Published: September 2016

Backflow, the temporary reversal of discharge at the outlet of a lake, is an important mechanism controlling flow and transport in many connected river–lake systems. This study used statistical methods to examine long‐term variations and primary causal factors of backflow from the Yangtze River to a laterally connected, large floodplain lake (Poyang Lake, China). Additionally, the effects of backflow on the lake hydrology were explored using a physically based hydrodynamic model and a particle‐tracking model. Although backflow into Poyang Lake occurs frequently, with an average of 16 backflow events per year, and varies greatly in magnitude between years, statistical analysis indicates that both the frequency and magnitude of backflow reduced significantly during 2001–2010 relative to the previous period of 1960–2000. The ratio of Poyang Lake catchment inflows to Yangtze River discharge can be used as an indication of the daily occurrence of backflow, which is most likely to occur during periods when this ratio is lower than 5%. Statistical analysis also indicates that the Yangtze River discharge is the main controlling factor of backflow during July to October, rather than catchment inflows to the lake. Hydrodynamic modelling reveals that, in general, backflow disturbs the normal northward water flow direction in Poyang Lake and transports mass ~20 km southward into the lake. The effects of backflow on flow direction, water velocities and water levels propagate to virtually its upstream extremity. The current study represents a first attempt to explore backflow and causal factors for a highly dynamic floodplain lake system. An improved understanding of Poyang Lake backflow is critical for guiding future strategies to manage the lake, its water quality and ecosystem value, given proposals to modify the lake–river connectivity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High importance of autochthonous basal food source for the food web of a Brazilian tropical stream regardless of shading
Authors: Neres‐Lima Vinicius , Brito Ernesto F. , Krsulović Felipe A. M. , Detweiler Angela M. , Hershey Anne E. , Moulton Timothy P.
Published: September 2016

According to the prevalent paradigm, the major source of carbon and energy for food webs of small forested streams in temperate regions is allochthonous material from the surrounding forest. Tropical streams have not been as well studied and there has been some speculation that their food webs are more aligned with in‐stream, algal production (autochthonous carbon). We studied food sources and consumers in four sites in a coastal tropical stream with gradients of 36–254 m elevation, 8–73% canopy cover and 11.9–7.1 km2 watershed area, with the expectation that the food web would incorporate proportionately more allochthonous material as shading increased with smaller stream size. We analysed stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in basal resources and fauna and compared the values of consumers to the potential sources using a mixing model to estimate the proportion of allochthonous and autochthonous material in their diets. The predominant source of carbon in the food web was from algal production at all sites. There was no distinct increase in the proportion of allochthonous contribution to the diets of primary consumers and predators with increasing shading, and they did not generally change their diet with shading. Thus the food web was based more on autochthonous resources than would be expected from the paradigm for temperate streams.
The challenges in creating an institution‐specific antibiogram based on blood culture isolates
Authors: Lam Alice , Grounds Nigel L. , Lam Sin Hoon (Skip) , Kelley Peter G.
Published: September 2016

Early initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy reduces morbidity and mortality. Annual institution‐specific antimicrobial susceptibility tables or antibiograms can be used to guide empiric antimicrobial therapy and monitor resistance. This paper describes the development of an antibiogram for a metropolitan hospital based on the international standard CLSI M39 document. An antibiogram was created each year using positive blood cultures for the years 2009 to 2011, excluding coagulase‐negative staphylococcus isolates which were assumed to be contaminants. Duplicate isolates within a 30‐day interval were also excluded. Challenges included, for example, attaining all the relevant information from the laboratory information system in a usable format, and the need for significant manual manipulation of the data. The development of the antibiogram for our institution was driven by the pharmacy department as an initiative to improve appropriate and effective use of antimicrobials.
Overlooked or Ignored – Missing Elements in the Entrepreneurial Finance Policies: A Case of Introducing MUDRA Bank in India
Authors: Sinha Gaurav
Published: September 2016

Sometimes the design of a policy is responsible for not achieving the desired results, and not really the implementation, which usually receives the blame.
Manipulating adenoviral vector ion‐exchange chromatography: Hexon versus fiber
Authors: Ruščić Jelena , Ambriović‐Ristov Andreja , Majhen Dragomira , Kolundžija Sandra , Barut Miloš , Benihoud Karim , Krajačić Mladen
Published: September 2016

The serotype specificity of adenovirus ion‐exchange chromatography has previously been studied using standard particle‐based columns, and the hexon protein has been reported to determine retention time. In this study, we have submitted Adenovirus type 5 recombinants to anion‐exchange chromatography using methacrylate monolithic supports. Our experiments with hexon‐modified adenoviral vectors show more precisely that the retention time is affected by the substitution of amino acids in hypervariable region 5, which lies within the hexon DE1 loop. By exploring the recombinants modified in the fiber protein, we have proven the previously predicted chromatographic potential of this surface constituent. Modifications that preserve the net charge of the hexon protein, or those that cause only a small charge difference in the fiber protein, in addition to shortening the fiber shaft, did not change the chromatographic behavior of the adenovirus particles. However, modifications that include the deletion of just two negatively charged amino acids in the hexon protein, or the introduction of a heterologous fiber protein, derived from another serotype, revealed recognizable changes in anion‐exchange chromatography. This could be useful in facilitating chromatography‐approach purification by creating targeted capsid modifications, thereby shifting adenovirus particles away from particular interfering substances present in the crude lysate.
Accurate classification of brain gliomas by discriminate dictionary learning based on projective dictionary pair learning of proton magnetic resonance spectra
Authors: Adebileje Sikiru Afolabi , Ghasemi Keyvan , Aiyelabegan Hammed Tanimowo , Saligheh Rad Hamidreza
Published: September 2016

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a powerful noninvasive technique that complements the structural images of cMRI, which aids biomedical and clinical researches, by identifying and visualizing the compositions of various metabolites within the tissues of interest. However, accurate classification of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy is still a challenging issue in clinics due to low signal‐to‐noise ratio, overlapping peaks of metabolites, and the presence of background macromolecules. This paper evaluates the performance of a discriminate dictionary learning classifiers based on projective dictionary pair learning method for brain gliomas proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectra classification task, and the result were compared with the sub‐dictionary learning methods. The proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy data contain a total of 150 spectra (74 healthy, 23 grade II, 23 grade III, and 30 grade IV) from two databases. The datasets from both databases were first coupled together, followed by column normalization. The Kennard–Stone algorithm was used to split the datasets into its training and test sets. Performance comparison based on the overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision was conducted. Based on the overall accuracy of our classification scheme, the dictionary pair learning method was found to outperform the sub‐dictionary learning methods 97.78% compared with 68.89%, respectively. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative Schlieren Measurement of Explosively‐Driven Shock Wave Density, Temperature, and Pressure Profiles
Authors: Tobin Jesse D. , Hargather Michael J.
Published: September 2016

Shock waves produced from the detonation of laboratory‐scale explosive charges are characterized using high‐speed, quantitative schlieren imaging. This imaging allows the refractive index gradient field to be measured and converted to a density field using an Abel deconvolution. The density field is used in conjunction with simultaneous piezoelectric pressure measurements to determine the shock wave temperature decay profile. Alternatively, the shock wave pressure decay profile can be estimated by assuming the shape of the temperature decay. Results are presented for two explosive sources. The results demonstrate the ability to measure both temperature and pressure decay profiles optically for spherical shock waves that have detached from the driving explosion product gases.
Implementation of pattern‐mixture models in randomized clinical trials
Authors: Bunouf P. , Molenberghs G.
Published: September 2016

Modern analysis of incomplete longitudinal outcomes involves formulating assumptions about the missingness mechanisms and then using a statistical method that produces valid inferences under this assumption. In this manuscript, we define missingness strategies for analyzing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) based on plausible clinical scenarios. Penalties for dropout are also introduced in an attempt to balance benefits against risks. Some missingness mechanisms are assumed to be non‐future dependent, which is a subclass of missing not at random. Non‐future dependent stipulates that missingness depends on the past and the present information but not on the future. Missingness strategies are implemented in the pattern‐mixture modeling framework using multiple imputation (MI), and it is shown how to estimate the marginal treatment effect. Next, we outline how MI can be used to investigate the impact of dropout strategies in subgroups of interest. Finally, we provide the reader with some points to consider when implementing pattern‐mixture modeling‐MI analyses in confirmatory RCTs. The data set that motivated our investigation comes from a placebo‐controlled RCT design to assess the effect on pain of a new compound. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐disturbance control for nonlinear system via adaptive disturbance observer
Authors: Han Jian , Zhang Huaguang , Wang Yingchun , Liu Xiuhua
Published: September 2016

This paper addresses the problems of disturbance estimation and anti‐disturbance control for nonlinear system with exogenous disturbance, which is generated from an unknown exogenous system. The state observer and the adaptive disturbance observer are designed, simultaneously. Compared with the existing methods, which assumed that the exogenous system parameter matrix was known, our disturbance observer is more applicable in practice. Utilizing the estimation information, an observer‐based dynamic output feedback controller is designed, which avoids the influence of output disturbance on the closed‐loop system, and contains a disturbance compensation term to compensate the input disturbance. Finally, simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global adaptive stabilization for high‐order uncertain time‐varying nonlinear systems with time‐delays
Authors: Sun Zong‐Yao , Yang Shao‐Hua , Li Ting
Published: September 2016

This paper focuses on the adaptive stabilization problem for a class of high‐order nonlinear systems with time‐varying uncertainties and unknown time‐delays. Time‐varying uncertain parameters are compensated by combining a function gain with traditional adaptive technique, and unknown multiple time‐delays are manipulated by the delicate choice of an appropriate Lyapunov function. With the help of homogeneous domination idea and recursive design, a continuous adaptive state‐feedback controller is designed to guarantee that resulting closed‐loop systems are globally uniformly stable and original system states converge to zero. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is illustrated by the stabilization of delayed neural network systems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel computation of the reachability graph of petri net models with semantic information
Authors: González‐López de Murillas Eduardo , Fabra Javier , Álvarez Pedro , Ezpeleta Joaquín
Published: September 2016

Formal verification plays a crucial role when dealing with correctness of systems. In a previous work, the authors proposed a class of models, the Unary Resource Description Framework Petri Nets (U‐RDF‐PN), which integrated Petri nets and (RDF‐based) semantic information. The work also proposed a model checking approach for the analysis of system behavioural properties that made use of the net reachability graph. Computing such a graph, specially when dealing with high‐level structures as RDF graphs, is a very expensive task that must be considered. This paper describes the development of a parallel solution for the computation of the reachability graph of U‐RDF‐PN models. Besides that, the paper presents some experimental results when the tool was deployed in cluster and cloud frameworks. The results not only show the improvement in the total time required for computing the graph, but also the high scalability of the solution, which make it very useful thanks to the current (and future) availability of cloud infrastructures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Foreign bias in Australia's international equity holdings
Authors: Mishra Anil V.
Published: September 2016

The paper uses various approaches: capital asset pricing, mean‐variance, global minimum‐variance, Bayes‐Stein, Bayesian and multi‐prior to develop foreign equity bias measures for Australia's international equity holdings in 41 countries, over the period 2001 to 2012. Bayesian models allow for various degrees of mis‐trust in the ICAPM model. Multi‐Prior restricts the expected return for each asset to lie within specified confidence interval around its estimated value. Mean‐Variance computes optimal weights by sample estimates of mean and covariance matrix of sample return. Bayes‐Stein shrinks each asset's historical mean return toward the return of the minimum variance portfolio and improves precision associated with estimating the expected return of each asset. The plausible sources of foreign equity bias are trade, GDP per capita, real GDP growth rate, exchange rate volatility, tax credit, stock market development, familiarity and institution variables. The paper finds that economic cost of the observed foreign bias is low. The paper analyses correlation effect on the foreign bias and finds that economic loss decreases with an increase in correlation.
Size is everything: Explaining SIFI designations
Authors: Irresberger Felix , Bierth Christopher , Weiß Gregor N.F.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we study the determinants of the systemic importance of banks and insurers during the financial crisis. We investigate the methodology of regulators to identify global systemically important financial institutions and find that firm size is the only significant predictor of the decision of regulators to designate a financial institution as systemically important. Further, using a cross‐sectional quantile regression approach, we find that Marginal Expected Shortfall and ΔCoVaR as two common measures of systemic risk produce inconclusive results concerning the systemic relevance of banks and insurers during the crisis.
Large eddy simulation of the velocity-intermittency structure for flow over a field of symmetric dunes
Authors: Keylock Christopher J. , Chang Kyoungsik S. , Constantinescu George S.
Published: September 2016

Owing to their frequent occurrence in the natural environment, there has been significant interest in refining our understanding of flow over dunes and other bedforms. Recent work in this area has focused, in particular, on their shear-layer characteristics and the manner by which flow structures are generated. However, field-based studies, are reliant on single-, or multi-point measurements, rather than delimiting flow structures from the velocity gradient tensor, as is possible in numerical work. Here, we extract pointwise time series from a well-resolved large eddy simulation as a means to connect these two approaches. The at-a-point analysis technique is termed the velocity-intermittency quadrant method and relates the fluctuating, longitudinal velocity, $u_{1}^{\prime }(t)$, to its fluctuating pointwise Hölder regularity, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}_{1}^{\prime }(t)$. Despite the difference in boundary conditions, our results agree very well with previous experiments that show the importance, in the region above the dunes, of a quadrant 3 ($u_{1}^{\prime }<0$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}_{1}^{\prime }<0$) flow configuration. Our higher density of sampling beneath the shear layer and close to the bedforms relative to experimental work reveals a negative correlation between $u_{1}^{\prime }(t)$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}_{1}^{\prime }(t)$ in this region. This consists of two distinct layers, with quadrant 4 ($u_{1}^{\prime }>0$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}_{1}^{\prime }<0$) dominant near the wall and quadrant 2 ($u_{1}^{\prime }<0$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}_{1}^{\prime }>0$) dominant close to the lower part of the separated shear layer. These results are consistent with a near-wall advection of vorticity into a region downstream of a temporarily foreshortened reattachment region, and the entrainment of slow moving and quiescent fluid into a faster, more turbulent shear layer. A comparison of instantaneous vorticity fields to the velocity-intermittency analysis shows how the pointwise results reflect larger-scale organisation of the flow. We illustrate this using results from two instantaneous datasets. In the former, extreme velocity-intermittency events corresponding to a foreshortened recirculation region (and high pressures on the stoss slope of the dune immediately downstream) arise, and the development of intense flow structures occurs as a consequence. In the other case, development of a ‘skimming flow’ with relatively little exchange between the inner and outer regions results in exceedances because of the coherence associated with this high velocity, high turbulence outer region. Thus, our results shed further light on the characteristics of dune flow in the near-wall region and, importantly for field-based research, show that useful information on flow structure can be obtained from single-point single velocity component measurements.
Sensitivity of kinetic ballooning mode instability to tokamak equilibrium implementations
Authors: Xie H. S. , Xiao Y. , Holod I. , Lin Z. , Belli E. A.
Published: September 2016

Global, first-principles study of the kinetic ballooning mode (KBM) is crucial to understand tokamak edge physics in high-confinement mode (H-mode). In contrast to the ion temperature gradient mode and trapped electron mode, the KBM is found to be very sensitive to the equilibrium implementations in gyrokinetic codes. In this paper, we show that a second-order difference in Shafranov shift or geometric coordinates, or a difference between local and global profile implementations can bring a factor of two or more discrepancy in real frequency and growth rate. This suggests that an accurate global equilibrium is required for validation of gyrokinetic KBM simulations.
BAAL/CUP Seminar 2015: The language of money and debt: The view from the ground
Authors: Mooney Annabelle , Sifaki Evi
Published: September 2016

On 7 and 8 September 2015, the University of Roehampton hosted a BAAL/Cambridge University Press seminar, which brought together researchers from a wide range of perspectives in terms of their objects of study and modes of investigation.
The Language Flagship Proficiency Initiative
Authors: Gass Susan , Winke Paula , Van Gorp Koen
Published: September 2016

The Center for Language Teaching Advancement (CeLTA) at Michigan State University (MSU) was awarded a U.S. federally funded two-year grant in 2014 to investigate the status of proficiency, and the promotion of proficiency, in foreign language programs. The grant was awarded to Paula Winke and Susan Gass, as principal investigators. The purpose of this initiative was to assess language proficiency development and to show the impact that introducing assessment practices into established language programs has on pedagogical practices and, ultimately, on proficiency outcomes. In total, three grants were awarded, one to MSU, one to the University of Utah, and one to the University of Minnesota. The overall goals were the same, although each institution approached the task in slightly different ways and with slightly different emphases.
Disconnections in Infantile-Onset Saccade Initiation Delay: A Hypothesis
Authors: Salman Michael S. , Ikeda Kristin M.
Published: September 2016

Infantile-onset saccade initiation delay (ISID), commonly known as congenital ocular motor apraxia, is characterized by difficulty in triggering horizontal volitional saccades. It typically presents with head thrusts in infancy and is often associated with developmental delay. Patients with ISID are reported to have abnormalities in various brain regions including the corpus callosum, brainstem, and cerebellum. We propose that ISID is caused by the disruption or disconnection of axons linking analogous brain regions involved in processing saccades across the two sides of the brain or bilateral damage to these regions.
Telemedicine and Epilepsy Care - A Canada Wide Survey
Authors: Ahmed S. Nizam , Wiebe Samuel , Mann Carly , Ohinmaa Arto
Published: September 2016

Background:

Canadian provinces boast one of the most sophisticated telemedicine infrastructures in the world. Feasibility of epilepsy care through telemedicine is established, but its use by practicing neurologists is unknown. The Canadian League against Epilepsy's telemedicine task force conducted this study to understand the perceptions, barriers and usage of telemedicine in epilepsy care.

Methods:

Using a 14 item questionnaire we prospectively surveyed all the epileptologists across Canada with regards to current use, perceived benefits and barriers to the use of telemedicine. The survey was mailed out to 76 neurologists who had a primary interest in epilepsy.

Results:

We received 39 responses (54.1%) spanning seven provinces. Majority of the responders were 50 years and over (56.4%). Although 61.5% of the physicians acknowledged a need for tele-epilepsy services, the majority (64.1%) had not used telemedicine. The most common forms of technology were videoconferencing and telephone but some physicians had also used email. Telemedicine was mainly used for clinical and educational purposes. 79.5% of physicians had access to videoconferencing equipment and 61.5% assessed that there was a need/use for clinical telehealth. The main perceived obstacles in the use of telemedicine were: lack of infrastructure support and remuneration problems followed by limitations in clinical examination.

Conclusions:

Although widely available, telemedicine is under-utilized in epilepsy care. Most of the obstacles can be easily fixed and overcome through education and simple interventions. Partnering of epilepsy centers across Canada in the development of a comprehensive national telemedicine network would create an excellent opportunity to expand epilepsy care.
Audit of EEG Reporting Temporal Abnormalities
Authors: Nguyen Dang Khoa , Girard Marie-Eve , Cossette Patrick , Saint-Hilaire Jean-Marc
Published: September 2016

Background:

To ensure the overall quality of our electroencephalogram (EEG) laboratory, we decided to perform an audit of EEGs interpreted at our institution, focusing initially on EEGs reporting temporal abnormalities.

Methods:

Reports of all EEGs performed between January 1st and June 30th, 2006 were reviewed in order to identify tracings mentioning abnormalities in the temporal regions. These records were then independently reviewed by two epileptologists on two distinct occasions, separated by an interval of at least six months. If the recording was considered normal after this process, the cause for misinterpretation was identified and the patient's chart was reviewed to determine if he was epileptic or not based on available evidence until June 2009.

Results:

In the first half of 2006,143 out of 773 EEGs mentioned temporal abnormalities (18.5%). In general, intra- and interrater agreement ratios between our two epileptologists were moderate to substantial for normality, presence of epileptic activity and presence of slowing. Forty-five recordings (31.5%) were reported as normal independently by them on two distinct sittings six months apart. The most common causes for misinterpretation were the presence of benign epileptiform variants, normal sharply contoured patterns of somnolence or hyperventilation. Chart review confirmed that most were non-epileptic patients (60% non-epileptic, 27% epileptic, 13% unknown).

Conclusion:

Moderate to substantial intra- and interrater agreement as well as frequent misinterpretation of physiological variants indicate that some corrective measures need to be implemented to improve the consistency of EEG interpretation amongst our group of electroencephalographers.
Epileptiform Asymetries and Treatment Response in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
Authors: Létourneau Karine , Cieuta-Walti Cécile , Deacon Charles
Published: September 2016

Background:

Epileptiform electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetries are not uncommon in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and can contribute to the misdiagnosis of this syndrome. The objective of this study is to further characterize patients with focal or asymmetric epileptiform electroencephalographic abnormalities and more specifically in terms of response to treatment. Controversial data exists in the literature concerning this issue.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed clinical and EEG data of a group of consecutive JME patients followed at our Epilepsy Service. The first EEG available for each patient was reviewed blindly by two independent electroencephalographers.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients with JME were identified: 11 (39.3%) were resistant to at least one appropriate anti-epileptic drug (AED), including valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate or levetiracetam. All patients except two had generalized epileptiform abnormalities. Overall, EEG asymmetries were detected in 57.1% of the cases. The proportion of EEG asymmetries between AED-sensitive group (52.9%) and AED-resistant group (63.5%) did not reach statistical significance. Concordance between examiners for identification of EEG asymmetries was good. Analysis of patients with and without asymmetries showed no statistically significant differences in comparisons of age, family history of seizure, presence of polyspike and slow wave, photosensitivity and timing of EEG related to the onset of treatment.

Conclusion:

Asymmetric electroencephalographic abnormalities are frequent in patients with JME. These features should not be misinterpreted as being indicative of partial epilepsy. In our group, asymmetries were not associated with resistance to treatment.
TCD Diastolic Velocity Decay and Pulsatility Index Increment in PVS Cases
Authors: Perez-Nellar Jesús , Machado Calixto , Scherle Claudio E. , Chinchilla Mauricio
Published: September 2016

Background:

Functional neuroimaging has provided new insights for assessing cerebral function in persistent vegetative state patients (PVS). Compared to controls, positron emission tomography and single photon emission tomography have shown a substantial reduction of global brain cerebral glucose metabolism and perfusion in PVS. Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) assesses local blood flow velocity and direction in the proximal portions of large intracranial arteries; it is a noninvasive technique, and it can be carried out at the bedside. To date, few studies have applied TCD to study PVS.

Methods:

We assessed intracranial circulation by TCD in five PVS patients. The cause of brain insult was hypoxic encephalopathy in four cases, and the other suffered an embolic cerebral infarct causing a top of the basilar artery syndrome. The sample volume was set at 12 mm; power output and gain settings were maximized as needed. The temporal bone acoustic window was not suitable for intracranial vessel insonation in all patients. As an alternative, the internal carotid artery siphon was assessed by orbital insonation between 55-70 mm.

Results:

Systolic velocity was within a normal range, between 44 and 62 cm/second in all cases. However, the diastolic amplitude was reduced, as well as the end diastolic velocity, and the pulsatility index was increased in all patients.

Conclusions:

We conclude that TCD diastolic velocity decrement and PI augmentation in our cases might be related to uncoupling of cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolic rate, arising from reduced cerebral glucose consumption and oxygen uptake, after extensive brain injury.
iPhone-Based Teleradiology for the Diagnosis of Acute Cervico-Dorsal Spine Trauma
Authors: Modi Jayesh , Sharma Pranshu , Earl Alex , Simpson Mark , Mitchell J. Ross , Goyal Mayank
Published: September 2016

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of iPhone-based teleradiology as a potential solution for the diagnosis of acute cervico-dorsal spine trauma.

Materials and Methods:

We have developed a solution that allows visualization of images on the iPhone. Our system allows rapid, remote, secure, visualization of medical images without storing patient data on the iPhone. This retrospective study is comprised of cervico-dorsal computed tomogram (CT) scan examination of 75 consecutive patients having clinically suspected cervico-dorsal spine fracture. Two radiologists reviewed CT scan images on the iPhone. Computed tomogram spine scans were analyzed for vertebral body fracture and posterior elements fractures, any associated subluxation-dislocation and cord lesion. The total time taken from the launch of viewing application on the iPhone until interpretation was recorded. The results were compared with that of a diagnostic workstation monitor. Inter-rater agreement was assessed.

Results:

The sensitivity and accuracy of detecting vertebral body fractures was 80% and 97% by both readers using the iPhone system with a perfect inter-rater agreement (kappa:1). The sensitivity and accuracy of detecting posterior elements fracture was 75% and 98% for Reader 1 and 50% and 97% for Reader 2 using the iPhone. There was good inter-rater agreement (kappa: 0.66) between both readers. No statistically significant difference was noted between time on the workstation and the iPhone system.

Conclusion:

iPhone-based teleradiology system is accurate in the diagnosis of acute cervico-dorsal spinal trauma. It allows rapid, remote, secure, visualization of medical images without storing patient data on the iPhone.
Terson's Syndrome
Authors: Paquette Francois , Darsaut Tim E. , Sebag Mikael , Weill Alain
Published: September 2016

A 51-year-old male was admitted following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (Figure 1). His Glasgow coma score was 15. Other than headache and a defect in his right visual field, his neurological exam was normal. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a 3 mm anterior communicating artery aneurysm which was successfully excluded with endovascular coiling. Due to persistent visual complaints, an ophthalmology consult was obtained, which revealed a scotoma of the right eye. Fundoscopy demonstrated a large subhyaloid hemorrhage of the right eye (Figure 2), and a small retinal hemorrhage with papilledema of the left eye. Intraocular pressure was slightly higher than normal, 31 mmHg, in both eyes. The diagnosis of Terson’s syndrome (TS) was made, and the decision was made to follow him conservatively for at least six months.
Clavicle Pseudarthrosis: A Rare Cause of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Authors: Khu Kathleen Joy , Midha Rajiv
Published: September 2016

A 22-year-old man presented with a one year history of rightsided shoulder pain, hand weakness and tingling, and purplish discoloration of the upper extremity upon abduction. He had congenital pseudarthrosis of the right clavicle since childhood. Aside from an obvious deformity characterized by asymmetry of the shoulders and a palpable bony depression over the right clavicle, the patient had been previously asymptomatic. Physical examination revealed the musculoskeletal deformities as described, as well as prominent veins over his right shoulder, arm, and chest. With arm elevation, his right arm became dusky and his radial pulse diminished. Neurologically, the patient had no deficits except for mild weakness (Grade 4+/5) of the ulnarinnervated intrinsic muscles of the right hand. The clinical findings were consistent with a combined neurogenic and vascular form of thoracic outlet syndrome.
Stress in Portuguese Middle School Transition: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Coelho Vítor Alexandre , Romão Ana Maria
Published: September 2016

Transition from elementary to middle school is commonly seen as a period of stress, impacting students’ school adjustment. The present longitudinal study aimed to analyze the difference in stress levels between the end of 4th grade and 5th grade, while also analyzing gender differences and 5th grade retention. Two hundred fifty-eight 4th grade students (Mage = 9.55; SD = 0.77) from six Portuguese public schools, from the municipality of Torres Vedras, participated in this study. Self-report questionnaires were administered at the end of the 4th and 5th grades, and 5th grade school records were also collected. Results showed that 5th graders present higher levels of Academic Stress (d = .29) and Teacher/Rules Stress (d = .28). Girls had a greater increase of Peer-related Stress with the transition (p < .01). Students who were retained at the end of 5th grade showed higher increases of Teacher/Rules Stress (p < .05). Intervention programs that aim to support the transition from elementary to middle school are needed, in order to reduce the increase of stress levels at 5th grade and to promote a better school adjustment in the first year of middle school.
Differing Procedures for Recording Mortality Statistics in Scandinavia
Authors: Tøllefsen Ingvild M. , Hem Erlend , Ekeberg Øivind , Zahl Per-Henrik , Helweg-Larsen Karin
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Background: There may be various reasons for differences in suicide rates between countries and over time within a country. One reason can be different registration practices. Aims: The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the present procedures for mortality and suicide registration in the three Scandinavian countries and to illustrate potential sources of error in the registration of suicide. Method: Information about registration practices and classification procedures was obtained from the cause of death registers in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. In addition, we received information from experts in the field in each country. Results: Sweden uses event of undetermined intent more frequently than Denmark does, and Denmark more frequently than Norway. There seems to be somewhat more uncertainty among deaths classified as ill-defined and unknown cause of mortality in Norway, compared with the other two countries. Sweden performs more forensic autopsies than Norway, and Norway more than Denmark. In Denmark, in cases of a suspected unnatural manner of death, a thorough external examination of the deceased is performed. Conclusion: Differences in the classification of causes of death and in postmortem examinations exist in Scandinavian countries. These differences might influence the suicide statistics in Scandinavia.