bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The oyster enigma variations: a hypothesis of microbial calcification
Authors: Vermeij Geerat J.
Published: September 2013

Oysters, whose inner shell layer contains chambers, vesicles, and sometimes chalky deposits, often have extraordinarily thick shells of large size, prompting the idea that there is something unusual about the process of shell fPormation in these and similarly structured bivalves with the oyster syndrome. I propose the hypothesis that calcifying microbes, especially sulfate-reducing bacteria growing on organic substrates in fluid-filled shell-wall chambers, are responsible for shell calcification away from the shell-secreting mantle of the host bivalve. Other phenomena, including the formation of cameral deposits in fossil cephalopods, the cementation of molluscs and barnacles to hard substrata, the formation of a calcified intriticalx on the shell's exterior, and cementation of objects by gastropods on the shell for camouflage, may also involve calcifying bacteria. Several lines of inquiry are suggested to test these hypotheses.
Moving across the border: modeling migratory bat populations
Authors: Wiederholt Ruscena , López-Hoffman Laura , Cline Jon , Medellín Rodrigo A. , Cryan Paul , Russell Amy , McCracken Gary , Diffendorfer Jay , Semmens Darius
Published: September 2013

The migration of animals across long distances and between multiple habitats presents a major challenge for conservation. For the migratory Mexican free‐tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana), these challenges include identifying and protecting migratory routes and critical roosts in two countries, the United States and Mexico. Knowledge and conservation of bat migratory routes is critical in the face of increasing threats from climate change and wind turbines that might decrease migratory survival. We employ a new modeling approach for bat migration, network modeling, to simulate migratory routes between winter habitat in southern Mexico and summer breeding habitat in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. We use the model to identify key migratory routes and the roosts of greatest conservation value to the overall population. We measure roost importance by the degree to which the overall bat population declined when the roost was removed from the model. The major migratory routes—those with the greatest number of migrants—were between winter habitat in southern Mexico and summer breeding roosts in Texas and the northern Mexican states of Sonora and Nuevo Leon. The summer breeding roosts in Texas, Sonora, and Nuevo Leon were the most important for maintaining population numbers and network structure – these are also the largest roosts. This modeling approach contributes to conservation efforts by identifying the most influential areas for bat populations, and can be used to as a tool to improve our understanding of bat migration for other species. We anticipate this approach will help direct coordination of habitat protection across borders.
Applied statistics in ecology: common pitfalls and simple solutions
Authors: Steel E. Ashley , Kennedy Maureen C. , Cunningham Patrick G. , Stanovick John S.
Published: September 2013

The most common statistical pitfalls in ecological research are those associated with data exploration, the logic of sampling and design, and the interpretation of statistical results. Although one can find published errors in calculations, the majority of statistical pitfalls result from incorrect logic or interpretation despite correct numerical calculations. There are often simple solutions to avoiding these problems that require only patience, clarity of thinking, probabilistic insight, and a reduced reliance on out‐of‐the‐box approaches. Some of these trouble spots are inherent to all statistical analyses and others are particularly insidious in ecology where true controls or replication are challenging, small sample sizes are common, and correctly linking mathematical constructs and ecological ideas is essential. Here we summarize the most common statistical pitfalls observed over nearly a century of combined consulting and research experience in ecological statistics. We provide short, simple solutions.
Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization of a Maize Association Mapping Panel Developed for the Identification of New Sources of Resistance to Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Accumulation
Authors: Warburton Marilyn L. , Williams W. Paul , Windham Gary L. , Murray Seth C. , Xu Wenwei , Hawkins Leigh K. , Duran Jorge Franco
Published: September 2013

Maize (Zea mays L.) susceptibility to ear rot by Aspergillus flavus (Link:Fr) and aflatoxin accumulation causes global economic and human health damage. Host plant resistance is an ideal solution, but commercial varieties lack sufficient resistance to solve the problem. Due to general lack of resistant maize germplasm, no currently available association mapping panels are expected to contain significant variation for the trait. A new association mapping panel containing the majority of aflatoxin accumulation resistant maize lines at the time of compilation is presented here along with genetic and phenotypic characterization data. Phenotypic data from testcrossed lines include aflatoxin levels, days to silking, and corn earworm [Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)] damage measured in seven environments and fungal biomass of kernels measured in three. In addition to identifying previously reported aflatoxin resistant lines, new resistant lines were discovered, which may be used for breeding improved germplasm. The Mexican landrace Tuxpeño is the progenitor or one main contributor for most of the resistant lines and likely the source of resistance, but a few other sources may allow additional novel resistance to be pyramided into future breeding lines. Genetic characterization of kinship, genetic diversity, and substructure analysis presented here will allow this resource to be used for association mapping of aflatoxin and identification of factors responsible for this challenging quantitative trait.
Effect of Shading on Cotton Yield and Quality on Different Fruiting Branches
Authors: Lv Fengjuan , Liu Jingran , Ma Yina , Chen Ji , Keyoumu·Abudurezikekey Abudou , Wang Youhua , Chen Binglin , Meng Yali , Zhou Zhiguo
Published: September 2013

Reduced radiation from air pollutants has become a major challenge to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production. Field experiments were conducted using two cotton cultivars at three shading levels during boll development in Nanjing (32°02′ N, 118°50′ E), China, to determine the effect of shading on cotton yield and quality. Lint yield, distributions of yield within the plant and that of biomass within bolls, and the quality of fiber and seed were analyzed. Shading reduced lint yield (decreased by 17–22% and 35–38% under shading conditions S1 and S2, respectively) through reducing boll number and boll weight, but increased proportion of lint yield on the bottom five fruiting branches (FB1–5) by 2.1 to 2.4% and 3.4 to 4.3% under S1 and S2, respectively. The proportion of fiber biomass in the boll decreased significantly, whereas proportion of seed biomass increased with enhanced shading. Fiber was the most sensitive boll component to shading, the biomass of which under shading condition (S1, S2) decreased by 5.9 to 6.9% and 8.8 to 11.9%, respectively. Shading increased oil content but decreased protein content of the seed on FB3. Seed oil and protein contents on FB7 and FB12 responded opposite to those on FB3. Simultaneously, shading was advantageous to fiber length and micronaire but disadvantageous to fiber strength. The greater the shading enhanced, the more the abovementioned measurements were affected. Shading due to air pollutants alters biomass distribution within bolls and lint yield distribution within the plant. Bolls on the bottom fruiting branches are more tolerant of shading.
Comorbidity Burden and Perioperative Complications for Living Kidney Donors in the United States
Authors: Schold Jesse D. , Goldfarb David A. , Buccini Laura D. , Rodrigue James R. , Mandelbrot Didier A. , Heaphy Emily L.G. , Fatica Richard A. , Poggio Emilio D.
Published: September 2013

Background and objectives

Since 1998, 35% of kidney transplants in the United States have been derived from living donors. Research suggests minimal long-term health consequences after donation, but comprehensive studies are limited. The primary objective was to evaluate trends in comorbidity burden and complications among living donors.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to identify donors from 1998 to 2010 (n=69,117). Comorbid conditions, complications, and length of stay during hospitalization were evaluated. Outcomes among cohorts undergoing appendectomies, cholecystectomies and nephrectomy for nonmetastatic carcinoma were compared, and sample characteristics were validated with the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). Survey regression models were used to identify risk factors for outcomes.

Results

The NIS captured 89% (69,117 of 77,702) of living donors in the United States. Donor characteristics were relatively concordant with those noted in SRTR (mean age, 40.1 versus 40.3 years [P=0.18]; female donors, 59.0% versus 59.1% [P=0.13]; white donors, 68.4% versus 69.8% [P<0.001] for NIS versus SRTR). Incidence of perioperative complications was 7.9% and decreased from 1998 to 2010 (from 10.1% to 7.6%). Men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 1.56) and donors with hypertension (AOR, 3.35; 95% CI, 2.24 to 5.01) were more likely to have perioperative complications. Median length of stay declined over time (from 3.7 days to 2.5 days), with longer length of stay associated with obesity, depression, hypertension, and pulmonary disorders. Presence of depression (AOR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.12), hypothyroidism (AOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.11), hypertension (AOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.49), and obesity (AOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.11) increased over time. Complication rates and length of stay were similar for patients undergoing appendectomies and cholecystectomies but were less than those with nephrectomies for carcinoma.

Conclusions

The NIS is a representative sample of living donors. Complications and length of stay after donation have declined over time, while presence of documented comorbid conditions has increased. Patients undergoing appendectomy and cholecystectomy have similar outcomes during hospitalization. Monitoring the health of living donors remains critically important.
Neuropragmatism, knowledge, and pragmatic naturalism
Authors: Shook John
Published: September 2013

Neuropragmatism is a research program taking sciences about cognitive development and learning methods most seriously, in order to reevaluate and reformulate philosophical issues. Knowledge, consciousness, and reason are among the crucial philosophical issues directly affected. Pragmatism in general has allied with the science-affirming philosophy of naturalism. Naturalism is perennially tested by challenges questioning its ability to accommodate and account for knowledge, consciousness, and reason. Neuropragmatism is in a good position to evaluate those challenges. Some ways to defuse them are suggested here, along with recommendations about the specific kind of naturalism, a pluralistic and perspectival naturalism, that neuropragmatism should endorse.
Against representation: A brief introduction to cultural affordances
Authors: Solymosi Tibor
Published: September 2013

Cognitive science and its philosophy have been far too long consumed with representation. This concern is indicative of a creeping Cartesianism that many scientists and philosophers wish to evade. However, their naturalism is often insufficiently evolutionary to fully appreciate the lessons of pragmatism. If cognitive neuroscience and pragmatism are to be mutually beneficial, the representational-friendly scientists and the anti-representational pragmatists need an alternative to representation that still accounts for what many find so attractive about representation, namely intentionality. I propose that instead of representations we philosophers and scientists begin thinking in terms of cultural affordances. Like Gibsonian affordances, cultural affordances are opportunities for action. However, unlike Gibsonian affordances, which are merely biological and available for immediate action in the immediately present environment, cultural affordances also present opportunities for thinking about the past and acting into the future—tasks typically attributed to representations.
Algorithms and stories
Authors: Teed Rockwell W.
Published: September 2013

For most of human history, human knowledge was considered to be something that was stored and captured by words. This began to change when Galileo said that the book of nature is written in the language of mathematics. Today, Dan Dennett and many others argue that all genuine scientific knowledge is in the form of mathematical algorithms. However, recently discovered neurocomputational algorithms can be used to justify the claim that there is genuine knowledge which is non-algorithmic. The fact that these algorithms use prototype deployment, rather than mathematics or logic, gives us good reason to believe that there is a kind of knowledge that we derive from stories that is different from our knowledge of algorithms. Even though we would need algorithms to build a system that can make sense out of stories, we do not need to use algorithms when we ourselves embody a system that learns from stories. The success of the Galilean perspective in the physical sciences has often resulted in an attempt to mathematize the humanities. I am arguing that the dynamic neurocomputational perspective can give us a better understanding of how we get knowledge and wisdom from the stories told by disciplines such as Literature, History, Anthropology and Theology. This new neurological data can be used to justify the traditional pedagogy of these disciplines, which originally stressed the telling of stories rather than the learning of algorithms.
Languages of borderlands, borders of languages: Native and foreign language use in intergroup contact between Czechs and their neighbours
Authors: Petrjánošová Magda , Leix Alicja
Published: September 2013

In this article we present a qualitative analysis of empirical findings from an international project on intergroup attitudes and contact in five Central European countries specifically concerning language use. The project concentrated on the interplay of intergroup contact and perception between the members of national groups in the borderlands between the Czech Republic and Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia. The open statements analysed here about the contact situations and the ensuing evaluation of the Others were collected as part of an online questionnaire (N=1959). After a short theoretical introduction we reveal the intertwined nature of construing language use: first in each specific borderland, then in the triads speaking together either in the native language of one of the groups (Czechs with Austrians and Germans) or with each speaking their own native languages (Czechs with Poles and Slovaks). Finally we highlight several effects we have observed as a result of being able to compare the situation in more than one neighbourhood, for instance, the effect of the different statuses of the languages involved, or the connection between the language used in contact and a feeling of proximity.
First documented nesting by White-tailed Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) in Eastern Slovakia
Authors: Danko Štefan
Published: September 2013

The 1980’s and 90’s saw growth in the population and expansion of the areas occupied by White-tailed Sea Eagles over the whole territory of their occurrence in Europe. Under this influence the number of these eagles observed during the nesting period also increased in Eastern Slovakia. The most frequent occurrences have been recorded in the wetland woods along the River Latorica on the East Slovakian Plain, but so far without any documented nesting. In 2002 one pair built a nest in the Vihorlat Hills near Zemplínska šírava reservoir, but they did not actually nest in it either that or the following year. Breeding by these eagles in these hills was noted over 70 years ago by Hrabar (1932) and Molnár (1933), but no nesting was documented. Nesting was documented for the first time in 2004, when one pair successfully raised two offspring. This pair successfully bred in the same nest in 2005 and 2006 too.
Nature and Determinants of the Course of Chronic Low Back Pain Over a 12-Month Period: A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Macedo Luciana Gazzi , Maher Christopher G. , Latimer Jane , McAuley James H. , Hodges Paul W. , Rogers W. Todd
Published: September 2013

Background

It has been suggested that low back pain (LBP) is a condition with an unpredictable pattern of exacerbation, remission, and recurrence. However, there is an incomplete understanding of the course of LBP and the determinants of the course.

Objective

The purposes of this study were: (1) to identify clusters of LBP patients with similar fluctuating pain patterns over time and (2) to investigate whether demographic and clinical characteristics can distinguish these clusters.

Design

This study was a secondary analysis of data extracted from a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Pain scores were collected from 155 participants with chronic nonspecific LBP. Pain intensity was measured monthly over a 1-year period by mobile phone short message service. Cluster analysis was used to identify participants with similar fluctuating patterns of pain based on the pain measures collected over a year, and t tests were used to evaluate if the clusters differed in terms of baseline characteristics.

Results

The cluster analysis revealed the presence of 3 main clusters. Pain was of fluctuating nature within 2 of the clusters. Out of the 155 participants, 21 (13.5%) had fluctuating pain. Baseline disability (measured with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) and treatment groups (from the initial randomized controlled trial) were significantly different in the clusters of patients with fluctuating pain when compared with the cluster of patients without fluctuating pain.

Limitations

A limitation of this study was the fact that participants were undergoing treatment that may have been responsible for the rather positive prognosis observed.

Conclusions

A small number of patients with fluctuating patterns of pain over time were identified. This number could increase if individuals with episodic pain are included in this fluctuating group.
Metro–North Railroad Workforce Planning Model
Authors: Schwarcz Stacey , Bernstein Jeffrey
Published: September 2013

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Metro–North Railroad, which serves 120 stations located in New York and Connecticut, is considered by many to be the nation's premier regional railroad. In 2012, Metro–North provided service to 83 million people, with an on-time record of 97.6%. Like many U.S. commuter railroads, Metro–North uses manual, onboard visual inspection methods to collect fares or to verify that a valid, time-based ticket is held by a customer. If not enough personnel are available to perform these functions, revenue can be lost. If an engineer or conductor assignment is vacant, train service is annulled. Engineers and conductors thus are assigned at levels at which this possibility rarely, if ever, occurs. The cost of insufficient ticket collectors on board depends on the presumed revenue loss, should a specific assignment remain unfilled, because this insufficiency results in fares that are not collected or verified. Metro–North had found it increasingly difficult to staff all ticket collector assignments each day as a result of fluctuating staff absentee levels and unscheduled work. To hire more staff is one way to reduce overtime and fill assignments, but doing so results in a rise in costs in wages and benefits. To address these trade-offs and the associated potential revenue loss, Metro–North built a workforce planning model to determine the optimal number of engineers, conductors, and especially ticket collectors. The model takes into account numerous supply, demand, and cost variables and then determines the most cost-effective solution.
Factors that Influence Urban Streetcar Ridership in the United States
Authors: Foletta Nicole , Vanderkwaak Nick , Grandy Bob
Published: September 2013

Some streetcar lines, which were designed to serve as urban circulators, have been completed in the past 15 years in the United States. Many more lines are in either the implementation or planning stage. Much literature on the forecasting of fixed-guideway ridership focuses on light rail or regional rail lines that primarily serve commute markets, which are far different from the travel markets served by these new streetcar lines. The research reported in this paper sought to improve the understanding of the factors that influenced urban streetcar ridership. Extensive data on ridership, station area characteristics, route configuration, transit network connectivity, and special generators were collected for modern streetcar lines in Portland, Oregon, and in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. Regression models were used to measure the influence of different variables on ridership. Three models for urban streetcar ridership, with adjusted R-squared values that ranged from .74 to .76, are presented. Variables found to have a statistically significant influence on streetcar ridership included feeder rail, retail and residential accessibility, distance to closest station, free stations, start-of-line stations, and special generators (e.g., hotels, colleges, hospitals and entertainment centers).
Impact of Crowding on Streetcar Dwell Time
Authors: Currie Graham , Delbosc Alexa , Harrison Samantha , Sarvi Majid
Published: September 2013

Streetcars are undergoing a renaissance, but developers need to plan for efficient dwell times at stops to ensure good running time and reliability of performance. Research has established that tram stop configuration is a critical factor in streetcar dwell times at platform stops that show good performance. However, research also shows that crowding can cause dwell time problems. No known study to date has examined the impacts of crowding and tram stop design on dwell times, a major gap in knowledge. This paper presents the first empirical study that explored those impacts. The comprehensive study covered dwell time at busy stops to explore the influence of passenger volume, vehicle and stop crowding, tram entrance steps, and tram stop design on passenger flow times. Two multiple regressions measured the impact of these influences. Results demonstrated that crowding caused a significant deterioration in the dwell time benefits that platform stops provided compared with curb-side stops. A critical threshold of 14 passenger movements (boardings and alightings) was established, below which platform stop design was more efficient and above which curbside stops had better performance. On-vehicle crowding in particular was found to affect dwell times significantly, followed by stop crowding. Crowding effects were more important than the presence of entrance steps in their influence on dwell time. This paper discusses the factors that influenced these outcomes and suggests areas for future research.
Treatment of acromegaly by endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery: surgical experience in 214 cases and cure rates according to current consensus criteria
Authors: Hazer Derya Burcu , Işık Serhat , Berker Dilek , Güler Serdar , Gürlek Alper , Yücel Taşkın , Berker Mustafa
Published: September 2013

Object

Acromegaly is a disease that has significant morbidity and mortality related to high levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor–I (IGF-I), and is usually caused by pituitary adenomas. The goal in this study was to investigate the role of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery and surgical experience in the treatment of GH adenoma cases in relation to surgical results and hormonal cure rates, and to perform a review of the literature.

Methods

The authors present a retrospective analysis of 214 GH adenoma cases. Restoration of IGF-I levels to normal for age and sex, suppression of GH levels below 0.4 μg/L on the oral glucose tolerance test, and demonstration of the total removal of the tumor on MRI studies obtained after administration of contrast material at the 3-month postoperative follow-up visit were the criteria for cure.

Results

In total 214 patients with a mean age of 41.9 ± 12 years (range 17–75 years) and a male/female ratio of 106/108 were enrolled in the study. Cure was achieved in 134 (62.6%) of 214 patients. One hundred sixty-nine patients were primary cases, and of these 109 (64.5%) were cured, whereas 61 patients were previously operated cases and of these 25 (41%) were cured. With a 51.1% decrease in the 1st month postoperatively, IGF-I levels were found to be predictive of cure (74.4% sensitivity and 73.7% specificity). Cut-off values for GH levels in predicting cure for the 1st day, 1st week, and 1st month postoperatively were 2.33, 2.05, and 2.25 μg/L, respectively.

The cut-off value for surgical experience was 57 for primary surgeries (58.5% cure rate before this cut-off value compared with 72.6% after it; p = 0.025) and 108 for all operations (45.8% vs 79.4%, p = 0.037). Although 28 patients were found to be in remission according to the criteria in 2000, they were not in remission according to the new consensus criteria. Nine of these cases (32.1%) had random GH levels < 1 μg/L at the 1-year follow-up. The 1-year IGF-I and GH levels in these 28 patients showed no significant difference when compared with the cases defined as cured according to the current criteria.

Conclusions

In acromegaly treatment, transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery performed by an expert senior surgeon and increased surgical experience are important for higher cure rates. Random GH levels < 2.33 μg/L after the 1st day postoperatively and a > 50% decrease in IGF-I levels after the 1st month postoperatively are predictive of cure. Moreover, there is no urgency for additional therapy in patients with GH levels of 0.4–1 μg/L and MRI sequences showing no tumor at the 3-month follow-up, because for these cases remission can be achieved at the 1-year follow-up.
The posterior pedicle screw construct: 5-year results for thoracolumbar and lumbar curves
Authors: Bennett James T. , Hoashi Jane S. , Ames Robert J. , Kimball Jeff S. , Pahys Joshua M. , Samdani Amer F.
Published: September 2013

Object

Several studies of the outcomes of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with thoracolumbar and lumbar curves after treatment with posterior pedicle screws have been reported, but most of these studies reported only 2-year follow-up. The authors analyzed the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar curves treated with posterior pedicle screws after 5 years of follow-up.

Methods

A multicenter database was retrospectively queried to identify patients with AIS who underwent spinal fusion for Lenke 3C, 5C, and 6C curves. Radiographs from the following times were compared: preoperative, first follow-up visit, 1-year follow-up visit, 2-year follow-up visit, and 5-year follow-up visit. Chart review included scoliometer measurements, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)–22 questionnaires, and complications requiring return to the operating room.

Results

Among 26 patients with Lenke 3C, 5C, and 6C curves, the mean (± SD) age was 14.6 ± 2.1 years. From the time of the preoperative radiographs to the 5-year follow-up radiographs, there was a statistically significant improvement in the mean coronal lumbar Cobb angles (p < 0.0001), and from the time of the first postoperative radiographs to the 5-year follow-up radiographs, the lumbar curve remained stable (p = 0.14). From the time of the preoperative radiographs to the 5-year follow-up radiographs, there was a statistically significant improvement in the mean coronal thoracic Cobb angles (p < 0.0001), and from the time of the first postoperative radiographs to the 5-year follow-up radiographs, the thoracic curve remained stable (p = 0.10). From the first postoperative visit to the 5-year follow-up visit, the thoracic kyphosis (T5–12) remained stable (p = 0.10), and from the time of the preoperative radiographs to the 5-year follow-up radiographs, the lumbar lordosis (T-12 to top of sacrum) remained stable (p = 0.44). From the preoperative visit to the 5-year follow-up visit, the coronal balance improved significantly (p < 0.05) and remained stable from the first postoperative visit to the 5-year follow-up visit (p = 0.20). The SRS-22 total scores improved significantly from before surgery to 5 years after surgery (p < 0.0001). No patients required reoperation because of complications.

Conclusions

Correction of the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes in this cohort of patients was maintained from the first follow-up measurements to 5 years after surgery. In addition, at 5 years after surgery total SRS-22 scores and inclinometer readings were improved from preoperative scores and measurements.
Spectral Entropy, Empirical Entropy and Empirical Exergy for Deterministic Boundary-Layer Structures
Authors: Isaacson LaVar
Published: September 2013

A modified form of the Townsend equations for the fluctuating velocity wave vectors is applied to a laminar three-dimensional boundary-layer flow in a methane fired combustion channel flow environment. The objective of this study is to explore the applicability of a set of low dimensional, coupled, nonlinear differential equations for the prediction of possible deterministic ordered structures within a specific boundary-layer environment. Four increasing channel pressures are considered. The equations are cast into a Lorenz-type system of equations, which yields the low-dimensional set of equations. The solutions indicate the presence of several organized flow structures. Singular value decomposition of the nonlinear time series solutions indicate that nearly ninety-eight percent of the fluctuating directed kinetic energy is contained within the first four empirical modes of the decomposition. The empirical entropy computed from these results indicates that these four lowest modes are largely coherent structures with lower entropy rates. Four regions are observed: low-entropy structures over the first four modes; steep increase in entropy over three modes; steady, high entropy over seven modes; and an increase to maximum entropy over the last two modes. A measure, called the empirical exergy, characterizes the extent of directed kinetic energy produced in the nonlinear solution of the deterministic equations used to model the flow environment. The effect of increasing pressure is to produce more distinct ordered structures within the nonlinear time series solutions.
The Effectiveness of Drinking and Driving Policies for Different Alcohol-Related Fatalities: A Quantile Regression Analysis
Authors: Ying Yung-Hsiang , Wu Chin-Chih , Chang Koyin
Published: September 2013

To understand the impact of drinking and driving laws on drinking and driving fatality rates, this study explored the different effects these laws have on areas with varying severity rates for drinking and driving. Unlike previous studies, this study employed quantile regression analysis. Empirical results showed that policies based on local conditions must be used to effectively reduce drinking and driving fatality rates; that is, different measures should be adopted to target the specific conditions in various regions. For areas with low fatality rates (low quantiles), people’s habits and attitudes toward alcohol should be emphasized instead of transportation safety laws because “preemptive regulations” are more effective. For areas with high fatality rates (or high quantiles), “ex-post regulations” are more effective, and impact these areas approximately 0.01% to 0.05% more than they do areas with low fatality rates.
Regulation of MIR Genes in Response to Abiotic Stress in Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Gébelin Virginie , Leclercq Julie , Hu Songnian , Tang Chaorong , Montoro Pascal
Published: September 2013

Increasing demand for natural rubber (NR) calls for an increase in latex yield and also an extension of rubber plantations in marginal zones. Both harvesting and abiotic stresses lead to tapping panel dryness through the production of reactive oxygen species. Many microRNAs regulated during abiotic stress modulate growth and development. The objective of this paper was to study the regulation of microRNAs in response to different types of abiotic stress and hormone treatments in Hevea. Regulation of MIR genes differs depending on the tissue and abiotic stress applied. A negative co-regulation between HbMIR398b with its chloroplastic HbCuZnSOD target messenger is observed in response to salinity. The involvement of MIR gene regulation during latex harvesting and tapping panel dryness (TPD) occurrence is further discussed.
Pregnenolone Sulfate: From Steroid Metabolite to TRP Channel Ligand
Authors: Harteneck Christian
Published: September 2013

Pregnenolone sulfate is a steroid metabolite with a plethora of actions and functions. As a neurosteroid, pregnenolone sulfate modulates a variety of ion channels, transporters, and enzymes. Interestingly, as a sulfated steroid, pregnenolone sulfate is not the final- or waste-product of pregnenolone being sulfated via a phase II metabolism reaction and renally excreted, as one would presume from the pharmacology textbook knowledge. Pregnenolone sulfate is also the source and thereby the starting point for subsequent steroid synthesis pathways. Most recently, pregnenolone sulfate has been functionally “upgraded” from modulator of ion channels to an activating ion channel ligand. This review will focus on molecular aspects of the neurosteroid, pregnenolone sulfate, its metabolism, concentrations in serum and tissues and last not least will summarize the functional data.
Pricing Policies in Managing Water Resources in Agriculture: An Application of Contract Theory to Unmetered Water
Authors: Galioto Francesco , Raggi Meri , Viaggi Davide
Published: September 2013

The paper explores how agricultural water pricing could contribute to lowering water demand when uses are unobserved (asymmetric information). The topic of the paper is justified by the fact that most water authorities worldwide do not control water uses at the farm scale. The study draws inspiration from the pricing policies of a Reclamation and Irrigation Board in Northern Italy. It analyses the optimal design of current tariff strategies with respect both to the actual regulator’s goals and the cost recovery objective of an ideal regulator driven by European Water Framework Directive principles and having full information. The analysis is based on the logic of a Principal-Agent model implemented as a mathematical non-linear programming model. Given the current pricing structure and assuming zero transaction costs, the results show a relevant increase in net benefits for the ideal scenario with respect to the actual one as water use costs increase. Benefits differences between the two scenarios mark a limit in value below which mechanisms able to solve the existing asymmetries between the principal and the agents are economically desirable. The study concludes by showing that the current regulator’s discriminatory strategy (pricing structure) would be better justified with higher levels of cost for water use. However, the existence of non-zero transaction costs related to the control of water uses points to the need for further research in order to analyze incentive mechanisms in the absence of water metering.
La politique espagnole d’aide à la famille [Le traitement de la question familiale après le franquisme]
Authors: Frotiée Brigitte
Published: September 2013

Policy towards the family in Spain. The treatment of the family question in the post-nco era.

The freeing of family policy in Spain from the Francoist legacy was reflected chiefly in the abandon of the "familialist" political rhetoric in favour of a "feminist" rhetoric that argues for equality between men and women. The latter was backed by Spanish feminists and legitimized by European Community initiatives and the 1978 Constitution. This was also the time that the birth rate began to fall. The rise in female activity rates is spreading to intermediate age groups, reflecting the desire of women to stay in the labour market even in a period of high unemployment. These changes in behaviour have not altered the position of Spain in comparisons of family policy performance, where the country continues to rank lowest. However, this observation needs to be qualified. Questions relating to the family and the birth rate now have a place in debate and are the object of authentic state intervention at central and local levels. Socio-demographic changes are establishing the family as an important issue on the social and political agenda in Spain.
Pères sur le tard [Logiques temporelles et négociations conjugales]
Authors: Bessin Marc , Levilain Hervé
Published: September 2013

À partir des premiers résultats d’une recherche menée sur la parentalité tardive, les auteurs montrent, du côté des pères, les caractéristiques sociodémographiques du phénomène et déclinent les processus biographiques qui en sont au principe. Les logiques décrites dans cet article d’ajournement et de recommencement, sous forme de refondation ou de répétition, renvoient à des dimensions temporelles et au contexte relationnel mis en jeu dans les récits. Les négociations à l’intérieur du couple pour déterminer le bon moment pour (re)faire famille illustrent les dimensions sociales de la sexuation des temporalités biographiques. Elles mettent également en avant le cadre d’une forte inégalité biologique entre les calendriers masculins et féminins de fécondité.
La prise en charge de la garde des jeunes enfants par l’aide informelle
Authors: Daniel Audrey
Published: September 2013

L’aide informelle régulière repose en très grande partie sur les grands-parents, notamment maternels. Le plus souvent, la prise en charge des jeunes enfants se fait en soirée, les jours d’école, le temps que les parents viennent les récupérer. Passé l’âge de 3 ans, les enfants sont, en effet, plus souvent confiés à une aide informelle. La proximité résidentielle des membres de la famille facilite bien évidemment le recours à une aide informelle. Au-delà, le fait que la mère travaille en soirée, de nuit ou le week-end augmente très significativement la probabilité que l’enfant soit confié à une aide informelle. Toutes choses égales par ailleurs, le niveau de vie du ménage ne semble pas influer sur le recours à l’aide informelle, même si les parents mettent plus fréquemment en avant le faible coût de ce mode de garde, comparativement à ceux qui recourent à des modes de garde formels.
Chilling‐induced water stress: Variation in shoot turgor maintenance among wild tomato species from diverse habitats
Authors: Easlon Hsien Ming , Asensio José Salvador Rubio , St.Clair Dina A. , Bloom Arnold J.
Published: September 2013

• Premise of the study: Cultivated tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, suffers chilling induced wilting because water movement through its roots decreases with declining soil temperatures. Certain wild tomato species exhibit resistance to chilling‐induced wilting, but the extent of this chilling tolerance in wild tomatoes is not known.

• Methods: We measured shoot wilting during root chilling in wild Solanum accessions from habitats differing in elevation, temperature, and precipitation. We also measured shoot wilting during root chilling in introgression lines (ILs) with chromosome 9 segments collinear to the shoot turgor maintenance QTL stm9 region from chilling‐tolerant S. habrochaites, chilling and drought‐tolerant S. lycopersicoides, or drought‐tolerant S. pennellii.

• Key results: Wild tomato species, which experience chilling temperatures (<10°C) in their native habitat, maintain shoot turgor under root chilling. Among accessions of S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, a typically chilling sensitive species, shoot turgor maintenance during root chilling was correlated with the precipitation of the native habitat. By contrast, S. pennellii, a species that is typically drought adapted, did not maintain turgor under root chilling. Grafted plants with roots containing S. habrochaites and S. lycopersicoides introgressions improved shoot turgor maintenance under root chilling.

• Conclusions: Resistance to chilling‐induced water stress is an important adaptation to chilling temperatures in wild tomatoes. There is some overlap in adaptation to drought and chilling stress in some tomato species. Root‐based resistance to chilling‐induced water stress in wild tomatoes may involve orthologous gene(s).
Allometry of cells and tissues within leaves
Authors: John Grace P. , Scoffoni Christine , Sack Lawren
Published: September 2013

•Premise of the study:Allometric relationships among the dimensions of leaf cells, cell walls, and tissues, and whole‐leaf thickness and area are likely to have key implications for leaf construction and function, but have remained virtually untested, despite the explosion of interest in allometric analysis of numerous plant properties at larger scales.

•Methods:Using leaf transverse cross sections and light microscopy, we measured leaf dimensions, tissue thicknesses, mesophyll and xylem cell sizes, and cell wall thicknesses for 14 diverse angiosperm species of wet and dry habitats and tested hypothesized allometric relationships based on geometric scaling due to development and/or function.

•Key results:We found strong novel allometries relating the dimensions of cells, cell walls, tissues, and gross leaf form. Cell sizes and cell wall thicknesses tended to scale isometrically across mesophyll tissues within the leaf, such that species with large cells or thick cell walls in one tissue had these also in the other tissues; however, leaf vein xylem conduit sizes were independent of those of other cell types. We also found strong geometric scaling of cell wall thicknesses with cell sizes throughout the mesophyll, but not in the leaf vein xylem. Further, leaf thickness scaled with cell sizes, cell wall thicknesses and the thicknesses of component mesophyll tissues, but leaf area was independent of anatomical traits across species.

•Conclusions:These novel allometries suggest design rules operating at the smallest scales of leaf construction and the possibility of applying these relationships to better characterizing the basis for differences among species in leaf form and functional traits.
Transfusion tracheids in the conifer leaves of Thuja plicata (Cupressaceae) are derived from parenchyma and their differentiation is induced by auxin
Authors: Aloni Roni , Foster Adam , Mattsson Jim
Published: September 2013

• Premise of the study: Conifer leaves are characterized by the differentiation of transfusion tracheids either adjacent to the vascular bundle or away from bundles. Toward uncovering the mechanism regulating this differentiation, we tested the hypotheses that transfusion tracheids differentiate from parenchyma rather than from procambium and that auxin acts as an inducer of this process.

• Methods: Transfusion tracheids were studied at different developmental stages in both dissected and cleared juvenile and mature leaves. Auxin accumulation was induced by application of either auxin to juvenile leaves or of auxin transport inhibitors in lanolin to stems.

• Key results: Transfusion tracheids originate from parenchyma cells during late stages of leaf development, after the activity of the procambium has ceased. Transfusion tracheids differentiate also in the leaf tip, a region in which there are no procambial cells. Application of either auxin or auxin transport inhibitors resulted in a significant increase in transfusion tracheids in leaves. Disruption of the leaf vascular bundle combined with auxin application resulted in direct differentiation of transfusion tracheids from parenchyma cells; the regeneration of a vascular bundle around the disruption was polar and supports both hypotheses.

• Conclusions: The results provide experimental support for a parenchymatic origin of the transfusion tracheids in a conifer leaf and for auxin acting as an inducer of these cells. Our results suggest a new model in which auxin production in the leaf apex continues after primary tracheids and parenchyma cells have differentiated, and this late auxin flow induces transfusion tracheids from parenchyma cells.
Influence of Various Nanofluid Types on Wavy Microchannels Heat Sink Cooling Performance
Authors: Gunnasegaran Prem , Narindra Noel , Shuaib Norshah Hafeez
Published: September 2013

This paper discusses the impact of using various types of nanofluids and nanoparticle volume fractions on heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics in a wavy microchannel heat sink (WMCHS) with rectangular cross-section. Numerical investigations using three different types of nanofluids including Al2O3-H2O, CuO-H2O, and diamond-H2O with a fixed nanoparticle volume fraction of 3% and using a diamond-H2O with nanoparticle volume fractions ranging from 0.5% to 5% are examined. This investigation covers Reynolds numbers in the range of 100 to 1000. The three-dimensional steady, laminar flow and heat transfer governing equations are solved using the finite-volume method (FVM). The computational model is used to study the variations of convective heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop and wall shear stress. It is inferred that the convective heat transfer coefficient of a WMCHS cooled with the nanofluid flow showed marked improvement over the pure water with a smaller pressure drop penalty.
The Microstructure and Tribological Behavior of Ti/a-C and Ti/a-C:H Films Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Hong Chun Fu , Wang Jian Zhong , Yan Wei , Ding Ang , Liu Zhi Yong , Lin Guo Ping , Tu Jiang Ping
Published: September 2013

This paper reports two films, Ti/a-C and Ti/a-C:H, prepared on the Ti-6Al-4V alloys by magnetron sputtering in PVD and CVD process, respectively. The morphology and microstructure were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Both films show nanosized Ti clusters incorporated into the amorphous carbon matrix. Mechanical properties of the films were investigated by nanoindentation and ball-on-disk tribo-test. Ti/a-C film shows a hardness as high as 40.9 GPa, while that of Ti/a-C:H is 12.2 GPa. Both films show reduced friction and high wear resistance.
A Study on the Characteristics of Bogie Frame Materials
Authors: Yoon Sung Cheol , Kim Yeon Su , Ryu Joon Hyung , Park Sung Hyuk , Park Geun Soo
Published: September 2013

This paper describes the structural analysis, load tests and combined stress of the bogie frame. It seeks to identify the structural safety of the bogie frame when the bogie is assembled on the train and a train service is implemented. The bogie consists of the bogie frame, suspension, wheels, brakes and transmission, etc. The bogie frame can be considered as the most important part of the bogie. The analysis and tests were evaluated using JIS E 4207 standards and performance test standards for urban rail vehicles.
Localization Lüders Band in Infrared Spectrum
Authors: Sapieta Milan , Stevka Ondrej , Dekýš Vladimir
Published: September 2013

This paper describes investigation of theeffect of heat generation during plastic deformationespeciallythe emergence phenomenon of the lüders band.During this process isenergyemitted into the environment as a heat and one of the best ways how to log whole process of deformation is infraredthermovision. In order to analyze those effects of quite small temperature increasehas been used infrared technique using combination ofhighsensitivitywith highframing frequency. As specimen was used sheet steel with high strength on the mechanical behavior during test on loading machine.