bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Surface Heat Flux and Surface Temperature during Inverse Heat Conduction under Varying Spray Parameters and Sample Initial Temperature
Authors: Aamir Muhammad , Liao Qiang , Zhu Xun , Aqeel-ur-Rehman  , Wang Hong , Zubair Muhammad
Published: April 2014

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the effects of inlet pressure, sample thickness, initial sample temperature, and temperature sensor location on the surface heat flux, surface temperature, and surface ultrafast cooling rate using stainless steel samples of diameter 27 mm and thickness (mm) 8.5, 13, 17.5, and 22, respectively. Inlet pressure was varied from 0.2 MPa to 1.8 MPa, while sample initial temperature varied from 600°C to 900°C. Beck’s sequential function specification method was utilized to estimate surface heat flux and surface temperature. Inlet pressure has a positive effect on surface heat flux (SHF) within a critical value of pressure. Thickness of the sample affects the maximum achieved SHF negatively. Surface heat flux as high as 0.4024 MW/m2was estimated for a thickness of 8.5 mm. Insulation effects of vapor film become apparent in the sample initial temperature range of 900°C causing reduction in surface heat flux and cooling rate of the sample. A sensor location near to quenched surface is found to be a better choice to visualize the effects of spray parameters on surface heat flux and surface temperature. Cooling rate showed a profound increase for an inlet pressure of 0.8 MPa.
Iris Recognition Using Image Moments and k-Means Algorithm
Authors: Khan Yaser Daanial , Khan Sher Afzal , Ahmad Farooq , Islam Saeed
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a biometric technique for identification of a person using the iris image. The iris is first segmented from the acquired image of an eye using an edge detection algorithm. The disk shaped area of the iris is transformed into a rectangular form. Described moments are extracted from the grayscale image which yields a feature vector containing scale, rotation, and translation invariant moments. Images are clustered using the k-means algorithm and centroids for each cluster are computed. An arbitrary image is assumed to belong to the cluster whose centroid is the nearest to the feature vector in terms of Euclidean distance computed. The described model exhibits an accuracy of 98.5%.
Adaptive Predictive Control: A Data-Driven Closed-Loop Subspace Identification Approach
Authors: Luo Xiaosuo , Song Yongduan
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a data-driven adaptive predictive control method using closed-loop subspace identification. As the predictor is the key element of the predictive controller, we propose to derive such predictor based on the subspace matrices which are obtained through the closed-loop subspace identification algorithm driven by input-output data. Taking advantage of transformational system model, the closed-loop data is effectively processed in this subspace algorithm. By combining the merits of receding window and recursive identification methods, an adaptive mechanism for online updating subspace matrices is given. Further, the data inspection strategy is introduced to eliminate the negative impact of the harmful (or useless) data on the system performance. The problems of online excitation data inaccuracy and closed-loop identification in adaptive control are well solved in the proposed method. Simulation results show the efficiency of this method.
Global Attractivity of an Integrodifferential Model of Mutualism
Authors: Xie Xiangdong , Chen Fengde , Yang Kun , Xue Yalong
Published: April 2014

Sufficient conditions are obtained for the global attractivity of the following integrodifferential model of mutualism:dN1(t)/dt=r1N1(t)[((K1+α1∫0∞J2(s)N2(t-s)ds)‍/(1+∫0∞J2(s)N2(t-s)ds))‍-N1(t)],dN2(t)/dt=r2N2(t)[((K2+α2∫0∞J1(s)N1(t-s)ds)‍/(1+∫0∞J1(s)N1(t-s)ds‍))-N2(t)], whereri,Ki,andαi,i=1,2, are all positive constants. Considerαi>Ki,i=1,2.Consider  Ji∈C([0,+∞),[0,+∞))and∫0∞‍Ji(s)ds=1,i=1,2.Our result shows that conditions which ensure the permanence of the system are enough to ensure the global stability of the system. The result not only improves but also complements some existing ones.
Dynamic Analysis and Design Optimization of Series Hydraulic Hybrid System through Power Bond Graph Approach
Authors: Ramakrishnan R. , Hiremath Somashekhar S. , Singaperumal M.
Published: April 2014

The availability of natural gas and crude oil resources has been declining over the years. In automobile sector, the consumption of crude oil is 63% of total crude oil production in the world. Hence, automobile industries are placing more emphasis on energy efficient hydraulic hybrid systems, which can replace their conventional transmission systems. Series hydraulic hybrid system (SHHS) is a multidomain mechatronics system with two distinct power sources that includes prime mover and hydropneumatic accumulator. It replaces the conventional transmission system to drive the vehicle. The sizing of the subsystems in SHHS plays a major role in improving the energy efficiency of the vehicle. In this paper, a power bond graph approach is used to model the dynamics of the SHHS. The obtained simulation results indicate the energy flow during various modes of operations. It also includes the dynamic response of hydropneumatic accumulator, prime mover, and system output speed. Further, design optimization of the system is carried out to optimize the process parameters for maximizing the system energy efficiency. This leads to increase in fuel economy and environmentally friendly vehicle.
Endogenous Two-Photon Fluorescence Imaging Elucidates Metabolic Changes Related to Enhanced Glycolysis and Glutamine Consumption in Precancerous Epithelial Tissues
Authors: Varone Antonio , Xylas Joanna , Quinn Kyle P. , Pouli Dimitra , Sridharan Gautham , McLaughlin-Drubin Margaret E. , Alonzo Carlo , Lee Kyongbum , Münger Karl , Georgakoudi Irene
Published: April 2014

Alterations in the balance between different metabolic pathways used to meet cellular bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands are considered hallmarks of cancer. Optical imaging relying on endogenous fluorescence has been used as a noninvasive approach to assess tissue metabolic changes during cancer development. However, quantitative correlations of optical assessments with variations in the concentration of relevant metabolites or in the specific metabolic pathways that are involved have been lacking. In this study, we use high-resolution, depth-resolved imaging, relying entirely on endogenous two-photon excited fluorescence in combination with invasive biochemical assays and mass spectrometry to demonstrate the sensitivity and quantitative nature of optical redox ratio tissue assessments. We identify significant differences in the optical redox ratio of live, engineered normal and precancerous squamous epithelial tissues. We establish that while decreases in the optical redox ratio are associated with enhanced levels of glycolysis relative to oxidative phosphorylation, increases in glutamine consumption to support energy production are associated with increased optical redox ratio values. Such mechanistic insights in the origins of optical metabolic assessments are critical for exploiting fully the potential of such noninvasive approaches to monitor and understand important metabolic changes that occur in live tissues at the onset of cancer or in response to treatment. Cancer Res; 74(11); 3067–75. ©2014 AACR.
Sphingosine Kinase 2 Promotes Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by Enhancing MYC Expression
Authors: Wallington-Beddoe Craig T. , Powell Jason A. , Tong Daochen , Pitson Stuart M. , Bradstock Kenneth F. , Bendall Linda J.
Published: April 2014

Sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2) may have utility as a prognostic marker in inflammatory diseases such as cancer in which it has been rationalized as a candidate therapeutic target. Here, we show that SK2 has an oncogenic role in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by influencing expression of MYC. Genetic ablation of SK2 impaired leukemia development in a mouse model of ALL and pharmacologic inhibition extended survival in mouse xenograft models of human disease. SK2 attenuation in both the settings reduced MYC expression in leukemic cells, with reduced levels of acetylated histone H3 within the MYC gene associated with reduced levels of MYC protein and expression of MYC-regulated genes. Our results demonstrated that SK2 regulates MYC, which has a pivotal role in hematologic malignancies, providing a preclinical proof of concept for this pathway as a broad-based therapeutic target in this setting. Cancer Res; 74(10); 2803–15. ©2014 AACR.
MCL-1 Degradation Mediated by JNK Activation via MEKK1/TAK1-MKK4 Contributes to Anticancer Activity of New Tubulin Inhibitor MT189
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Ying-Qing , Meng Tao , Yi Jun-Mei , Huan Xia-Juan , Ma Lan-Ping , Tong Lin-Jiang , Chen Yi , Ding Jian , Shen Jing-Kang , Miao Ze-Hong
Published: April 2014

Colchicine site–targeted tubulin inhibitors are a promising type of anticancer drugs. MT189 is a new derivative of MT119, a previously reported colchicine site–binding antitubulin agent. In this study, MT189 was demonstrated to retain the property of MT119 in disrupting microtubulin via binding to the colchicine site, causing mitotic arrest and inducing apoptosis, and to display 8.7-fold enhanced proliferative inhibition in a panel of cancer cells. MT189 was shown to elicit in vivo anticancer effects on MDA-MB-231 xenografts in nude mice, and the tumor growth was suppressed by 35.9% over 14 days. MT189 led to degradation of MCL-1, a member of the antiapoptotic BCL-2 protein family. Its overexpression reduced but its silenced expression increased the apoptotic induction followed by the treatment with MT189. Moreover, the treatment with MT189 caused activation of the MEKK1/TAK1–MKK4–JNK signaling pathway. The activated JNK resulted in phosphorylation of MCL-1, which facilitated its ubiquitination-mediated degradation. Our results show that MT189 inhibits microtubulin polymerization by binding to the colchicine site. Relief of apoptotic suppression by MCL-1 degradation together with mitotic arrest contributes to the anticancer activity of MT189. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(6); 1480–91. ©2014 AACR.
Differential Antitumor Activity of Aflibercept and Bevacizumab in Patient-Derived Xenograft Models of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chiron Marielle , Bagley Rebecca G. , Pollard Jack , Mankoo Parminder K. , Henry Christophe , Vincent Loïc , Geslin Catherine , Baltes Nina , Bergstrom Donald A.
Published: April 2014

The recombinant fusion protein aflibercept (ziv-aflibercept in the United States) binds VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF). The monoclonal antibody bevacizumab binds VEGF-A. Recent studies hypothesized that dual targeting of VEGF/PlGF is more beneficial than targeting either ligand. We compared activity of aflibercept versus bevacizumab in 48 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) colorectal cancer models. Nude mice engrafted subcutaneously with PDX colorectal cancer tumors received biweekly aflibercept, bevacizumab, or vehicle injections. Differential activity between aflibercept and bevacizumab, determined by mouse (m), human (h), VEGF-A, and PlGF levels in untreated tumors, was measured. Aflibercept induced complete tumor stasis in 31 of 48 models and bevacizumab in 2 of 48. Based on statistical analysis, aflibercept was more active than bevacizumab in 39 of 48 models; in 9 of 39 of these models, bevacizumab was considered inactive. In 9 of 48 remaining models, aflibercept and bevacizumab had similar activity. Tumor levels of hVEGF-A (range 776–56,039 pg/mg total protein) were ∼16- to 1,777-fold greater than mVEGF-A (range 8–159 pg/mg total protein). Tumor levels of mPlGF (range 104–1,837 pg/mg total protein) were higher than hPlGF (range 0–543 pg/mg total protein) in 47 of 48 models. Tumor cells were the major source of VEGF; PlGF was primarily produced by tumor stroma. Because tumor levels of hVEGF-A were far greater than mVEGF-A, bevacizumab's inability to bind mVEGF-A is unlikely to explain higher and more consistent aflibercept activity. Neutralizing PlGF and VEGFR-1 activation may be a factor and should be investigated in future studies. In these colorectal cancer PDX models, aflibercept demonstrated greater antitumor activity than bevacizumab. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(6); 1636–44. ©2014 AACR.
Targeting Multiple Key Signaling Pathways in Melanoma Using Leelamine
Authors: Gowda Raghavendra , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V. , Kuzu Omer F. , Sharma Arati , Robertson Gavin P.
Published: April 2014

Melanoma is a highly drug-resistant cancer with resistance developing to agents targeting single proteins. To circumvent this problem, a new class of agent inhibiting multiple key pathways important in this disease is being developed to reduce the likelihood of developing resistant disease. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and STAT3 pathways are constitutively activated in 50% to 70% of melanomas, promoting disease development. To identify a drug simultaneously targeting the PI3K, MAPK, and STAT3 cascades, a natural product library was screened to identify leelamine as a potential inhibitor. Leelamine was 4.5-fold more effective at inhibiting cultured melanoma cell survival than normal cells, with average IC50 values of 2 and 9.3 μmol/L, respectively. It inhibited cellular proliferation at a concentration of 2.5 μmol/L by 40% to 80% and longer exposure increased apoptosis 600%. Leelamine inhibited the growth of preexisting xenografted melanoma tumors by an average of 60% by targeting the PI3K, MAPK, and STAT3 pathways without affecting animal body weight or blood markers of major organ function. The mechanism of action of leelamine is mediated by disruption of cholesterol transport, causing decreased cellular proliferation and consequently leading to increased tumor cell apoptosis as well as decreased tumor vascularization. Thus, a unique agent and novel mechanism of action has been identified for the treatment of melanoma that acts by inhibiting the activity of three major signaling pathways regulating the development of this disease. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(7); 1679–89. ©2014 AACR.
Human and Mouse VEGFA-Amplified Hepatocellular Carcinomas Are Highly Sensitive to Sorafenib Treatment
Authors: Horwitz Elad , Stein Ilan , Andreozzi Mariacarla , Nemeth Julia , Shoham Avivit , Pappo Orit , Schweitzer Nora , Tornillo Luigi , Kanarek Naama , Quagliata Luca , Zreik Farid , Porat Rinnat M. , Finkelstein Rutie , Reuter Hendrik , Koschny Ronald , Ganten Tom , Mogler Carolin , Shibolet Oren , Hess Jochen , Breuhahn Kai , Grunewald Myriam , Schirmacher Peter , Vogel Arndt , Terracciano Luigi , Angel Peter , Ben-Neriah Yinon , Pikarsky Eli
Published: April 2014

Death rates from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are steadily increasing, yet therapeutic options for advanced HCC are limited. We identify a subset of mouse and human HCCs harboring VEGFA genomic amplification, displaying distinct biologic characteristics. Unlike common tumor amplifications, this one seems to work via heterotypic paracrine interactions; stromal VEGF receptors (VEGFR), responding to tumor VEGF-A, produce hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) that reciprocally affects tumor cells. VEGF-A inhibition results in HGF downregulation and reduced proliferation, specifically in amplicon-positive mouse HCCs. Sorafenib—the first-line drug in advanced HCC—targets multiple kinases, including VEGFRs, but has only an overall mild beneficial effect. We found that VEGFA amplification specifies mouse and human HCCs that are distinctly sensitive to sorafenib. FISH analysis of a retrospective patient cohort showed markedly improved survival of sorafenib-treated patients with VEGFA-amplified HCCs, suggesting that VEGFA amplification is a potential biomarker for HCC response to VEGF-A–blocking drugs.

Significance: Using a mouse model of inflammation-driven cancer, we identified a subclass of HCC carrying VEGFA amplification, which is particularly sensitive to VEGF-A inhibition. We found that a similar amplification in human HCC identifies patients who favorably responded to sorafenib—the first-line treatment of advanced HCC—which has an overall moderate therapeutic efficacy. Cancer Discov; 4(6); 730–43. ©2014 AACR.

See related commentary by Luo and Feng, p. 640

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 621
Voice Complaints among Public Transport Workers in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Authors: Assunção Ada , Jardim Renata , de Medeiros Adriane
Published: April 2014

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of voice complaints among bus transport workers in a metropolitan area in Brazil and examine whether sociodemographic and occupational factors were associated with this outcome. This study is part of a larger study that investigated the working conditions and health of drivers and conductors of urban transportation. Methods: The sample size (1,607 participants) was calculated by means of quotas and was stratified according to occupation (drivers and conductors) in the bus companies of Belo Horizonte, Betim and Contagem. Face-to-face interviews were facilitated by means of a digital questionnaire, applied by the interviewer using a netbook. The outcome variable was constructed from combining the responses to the following two questions: (1) Over the last two weeks, have you felt tired when speaking? (no/sometimes/every day). (2) Over the last two weeks, have you noticed any worsening of your voice quality? (no/sometimes/every day). Sociodemographic, lifestyle, occupational characteristic and health situation data were gathered. Results: The prevalence found was 29% overall: 24% for drivers and 34% for conductors. Attention was drawn to positive associations with the function of conductor and with reports of exposure to vibration and thermal discomfort. Among the individual factors, only female gender reached statistical significance. Conclusion: Risk factors exist that justify interventions to promote voice health within the urban transport sector under study. It would be appropriate to investigate whether vibration of the whole body would influence the functioning and morphology of the larynx.
Intra-Arterial Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Better Outcome with Stent Retrievers
Authors: Rozeman Anouk D. , Wermer Marieke J. , Lycklama à Nijeholt Geert J. , van der Kallen Bas F. , Boiten Jelis , Algra Ale
Published: April 2014

Background: Intra-arterial treatment is increasingly used in acute ischemic stroke. Recently, new devices have become available, aiming at better recanalization rates and outcome. We present a series of patients with acute stroke of the anterior circulation treated with intra-arterial therapy using intra-arterial thrombolysis and different types of mechanical devices. Methods: We prospectively gathered clinical and radiological data of all patients with acute anterior stroke who were treated with intra-arterial therapy in a Dutch teaching hospital between 2009 and 2011. Patients were grouped according to the intra-arterial treatment strategy and analyzed for poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >2 or death), complications and recanalization rate with the Poisson regression. Results: Eighty-four patients were treated with intra-arterial therapy, 13 with intra-arterial thrombolysis only (ND group), 22 with a Merci device (MERCI group) and 49 with a stent retriever (SR group). Overall, 52 patients (62%) had poor outcome of whom 17 (20%) died. There was a trend towards poorer outcome in the ND group (adjusted RR 1.18; 95% CI 0.74-1.88) and the MERCI group (adjusted RR 1.17; 95% CI 0.79-1.74) compared with the SR group. Furthermore, failed recanalization occurred more often in the ND group (adjusted RR 2.59; 95% CI 1.50-4.49) and MERCI group (adjusted RR 2.32; 95% CI 1.33-4.05) compared with the SR group. Conclusion: We found higher recanalization rates with SRs. However, this resulted only in a trend towards better clinical outcome.
Low Yield of Stress Imaging in a Population-Based Study of Asymptomatic Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Peterson Tyler , Askew J. Wells , Bell Malcolm , Crusan Daniel , Hodge David , Gibbons Raymond J.
Published: April 2014

Background—

Little is known about the clinical value of stress imaging studies in asymptomatic patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and Results—

Residents of Olmsted County, MN, who underwent PCI were followed up for the occurrence of stress imaging (stress nuclear or stress echocardiography), coronary angiography, or coronary artery bypass grafting (without angiography) as initial procedures after PCI. Patients whose first follow-up procedure was a stress imaging test were evaluated for their symptom status at the time of the study and whether they underwent angiography or revascularization (PCI or coronary artery bypass grafting) within 90 days. Of 1848 patients who underwent PCI during the study period, 710 (38%) had stress imaging as their initial procedure after PCI, and 241 (13% of the entire cohort) were asymptomatic at the time of testing. The majority (86%) of these 241 patients underwent PCI for acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina. Within 90 days of stress imaging, 16 of the 241 asymptomatic patients underwent angiography, and 2 patients were revascularized. Stratified by timing after PCI, none of 138 asymptomatic patients tested within 2 years of PCI underwent revascularization. Two of 103 asymptomatic patients tested after 2 years from PCI underwent revascularization. Compared with patients who were asymptomatic at the time of stress imaging, patients who did not undergo any follow-up procedures (stress imaging, angiography, or coronary artery bypass grafting) after the index PCI were older, were more likely to have comorbidities, and had significantly greater all-cause mortality (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

In a population-based sample of patients undergoing PCI primarily for acute coronary syndromes, 1 in 8 had subsequent stress imaging when they were asymptomatic. These stress imaging tests resulted in further revascularization in <1% of patients. The low rate of downstream revascularization suggests that stress imaging in asymptomatic patients after PCI has low value.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor Inhibition Attenuates Left Ventricular Remodeling and Dysfunction in Pressure Overload–Induced Heart Failure
Authors: Szabó Zoltán , Magga Johanna , Alakoski Tarja , Ulvila Johanna , Piuhola Jarkko , Vainio Laura , Kivirikko Kari I. , Vuolteenaho Olli , Ruskoaho Heikki , Lipson Kenneth E. , Signore Pierre , Kerkelä Risto
Published: April 2014

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is involved in the pathogenesis of various fibrotic disorders. However, its role in the heart is not clear. To investigate the role of CTGF in regulating the development of cardiac fibrosis and heart failure, we subjected mice to thoracic aortic constriction (TAC) or angiotensin II infusion, and antagonized the function of CTGF with CTGF monoclonal antibody (mAb). After 8 weeks of TAC, mice treated with CTGF mAb had significantly better preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function and reduced LV dilatation compared with mice treated with control immunoglobulin G. CTGF mAb–treated mice exhibited significantly smaller cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and reduced expression of hypertrophic marker genes. CTGF mAb treatment reduced the TAC-induced production of collagen 1 but did not significantly attenuate TAC-induced accumulation of interstitial fibrosis. Analysis of genes regulating extracellular matrix proteolysis showed decreased expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in mice treated with CTGF mAb. In contrast to TAC, antagonizing the function of CTGF had no effect on LV dysfunction or LV hypertrophy in mice subjected to 4-week angiotensin II infusion. Further analysis showed that angiotensin II–induced expression of hypertrophic marker genes or collagens was not affected by treatment with CTGF mAb. In conclusion, CTGF mAb protects from adverse LV remodeling and LV dysfunction in hearts subjected to pressure overload by TAC. Antagonizing the function of CTGF may offer protection from cardiac end-organ damage in patients with hypertension.
“World, Solitude, Finitude”: Derrida’s Final Seminar
Authors: Naas Michael
Published: April 2014

Abstract

In his final seminar, The Beast and the Sovereign, vol. 2 (2002–2003), Jacques Derrida spends the entire year reading just two texts, Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe and Martin Heidegger’s Fundamental Concepts of Metaphysics. This essay looks in detail at Derrida’s treatment of this latter and, in particular, at Derrida’s emphasis on the Heideggerian notion of Walten (as sovereign power or originary violence) in this work. The essay begins by considering several of Derrida’s prior engagements with Heidegger, especially in Of Spirit and the “Geschlecht” essays, and their analyses of such themes as Geist or spirit, sexual and species difference, violence, and ontotheology. The essay then develops the relationship between what Derrida considered to be the hyper-sovereignty of Walten and Derrida’s own notions of autoimmunity and différance, before concluding with the question of why Derrida would think it necessary to devote so much of his final seminar to this Heideggerian notion.
Herbaceous Characters in the Popular Beliefs of the Peoples of Dagestan
Authors: Seferbekov Ruslan
Published: April 2014

The paper discusses some mythological characters―demons, masqueraders, zoo- and anthropomorphic dolls―found in the popular beliefs of the peoples of Dagestan and manifested in children’s games, calendar holidays, and in the rainmaking rituals. The characteristic feature of these figures is that they are depicted in folk imagination as having herbal nature.
Allium therinanthum (Amaryllidaceae), a new species from Israel
Authors: BRULLO CRISTIAN , BRULLO SALVATORE , FRAGMAN-SAPIR ORI , DEL GALDO GIANPIETRO GIUSSO , SALMERI CRISTINA
Published: April 2014

Allium therinanthum, a new species of A. sect. Codonoprasum, is described and illustrated from southern Mt. Hermon (Israel). It is a late-flowering diploid species (2n = 16), growing on calcareous substrates of the mountain belt. It is a narrowly distributed geophyte, showing morphological relationships mainly with A. tardiflorum, a typical autumnal species also occurring in Israel within the pinewoods of Mt. Carmel. The morphology, karyology, leaf anatomy, ecology, conservation status and taxonomical relations are examined for both species. A taxonomic comparison with the most allied late flowering species of the sect. Codonoprasum is provided.
Athanas manticolus sp. nov., a new stomatopod-associated alpheid shrimp from Vietnam (Crustacea, Decapoda)
Authors: ĎURIŠ ZDENEK , ANKER ARTHUR
Published: April 2014

A new species of the alpheid shrimp genus Athanas Leach, 1814 is described based on a single specimen, an ovigerous female from Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam. Athanas manticolus sp. nov. differs from all other species of Athanas by the presence of a small post-rostral tubercle, combined with a minutely toothed rostrum, reduced extra-corneal teeth, and the absence of infra-corneal and supra-corneal teeth. In addition, the new species is characterised by its unique colour pattern, particularly by the red chromatophores disposed in randomly oriented, short, narrow streaks. As its name suggests, A. manticolus sp. nov. is commensally associated with the burrows of the nannosquillid mantis shrimp Bigelowina phalangium (Fabricius, 1798).
Scanning electron microscopy of eggs of Georgecraigius fluviatilis (Lutz) (Diptera: Culicidae, Aedini)
Authors: SARMENTO JULIANA SOARES , MARCONDES CARLOS BRISOLA , ALENCAR JERONIMO , OLIVEIRA ELIANA MEDEIROS , DE MELLO CECILIA FERREIRA , DE FREITAS LÍLIAN FERREIRA , SANTOS-MALLET JACENIR
Published: April 2014

Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to describe the eggs of Georgecraigius fluviatilis (Lutz). Length is 722.8±39.6 µm and width is 177.1±9.8 µm. Diameter of the micropylar disk, surrounded by an irregular flattened collar, is 28 µm. The outer chorionic sculpture consists of cells of irregular shapes, containing tubercles with pitted surface. In the ventral region, tubercles of several diameters are irregularly distributed in chorionic cells, while in the dorsal region one larger tubercle is surrounded by several smaller ones. The eggs appear to lack structures for adhesion, certainly unnecessary due to the habit of laying eggs separately on water surfaces.
A Regression Model for Smoke Plume Rise of Prescribed Fires Using Meteorological Conditions
Authors: Liu Yongqiang
Published: April 2014

Smoke plume rise is an important factor for smoke transport and air quality impact modeling. This study provides a practical tool for estimating plume rise of prescribed fires. A regression model was developed on the basis of observed smoke plume rise for 20 prescribed fires in the southeastern United States. The independent variables include surface wind, air temperature, fuel moisture, and atmospheric planetary boundary layer (PBL) height. The first three variables were obtained from the Remote Automatic Weather Stations, most of which are installed in locations where they can monitor local fire danger and are easily accessed by fire managers. The PBL height was simulated with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. The confidence and validation analyses indicate that the regression model is significant at the 95% confidence level and able to predict hourly values and the average smoke plume rise during a burn, respectively. The prediction of the average smoke plume rise shows larger skills. The model also shows improved skills over two extensively used empirical models for the prescribed burn cases examined in this study, suggesting that it may have the potential to improve smoke plume rise and air quality modeling for prescribed burns. The regression model, however, tends to underestimate large plume rise values and overestimate small ones. A suite of alternative regression models was also provided, one of which can be used when no PBL information is available.
A Global Land Cover Climatology Using MODIS Data
Authors: Broxton Patrick D. , Zeng Xubin , Sulla-Menashe Damien , Troch Peter A.
Published: April 2014

Global land cover data are widely used in weather, climate, and hydrometeorological models. The Collection 5.1 Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Land Cover Type (MCD12Q1) product is found to have a substantial amount of interannual variability, with 40% of land pixels showing land cover change one or more times during 2001–10. This affects the global distribution of vegetation if any one year or many years of data are used, for example, to parameterize land processes in regional and global models. In this paper, a value-added global 0.5-km land cover climatology (a single representative map for 2001–10) is developed by weighting each land cover type by its corresponding confidence score for each year and using the highest-weighted land cover type in each pixel in the 2001–10 MODIS data. The climatology is validated by comparing it with the System for Terrestrial Ecosystem Parameterization database as well as additional pixels that are identified from the Google Earth proprietary software database. When compared with the data of any individual year, this climatology does not substantially alter the overall global frequencies of most land cover classes but does affect the global distribution of many land cover classes. In addition, it is validated as well as or better than the MODIS data for individual years. Also, it is based on higher-quality data and is validated better than the Global Land Cover Characteristics database, which is based on 1 year of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer data and represents a widely used first-generation global product.
A Dual-Polarization Radar Hydrometeor Classification Algorithm for Winter Precipitation
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth J. , Rutledge Steven A. , Dolan Brenda , Chandrasekar V. , Cheong Boon Leng
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the use of polarimetric observations in a radar-based winter hydrometeor classification algorithm. This is accomplished by deriving bulk electromagnetic scattering properties of stratiform, cold-season rain, freezing rain, sleet, dry aggregated snowflakes, dendritic snow crystals, and platelike snow crystals at X-, C-, and S-band wavelengths based on microphysical theory and previous observational studies. These results are then used to define the expected value ranges, or membership beta functions, of a simple fuzzy-logic hydrometeor classification algorithm. To test the algorithm’s validity and robustness, polarimetric radar data and algorithm output from four unique winter storms are investigated alongside surface observations and thermodynamic soundings. This analysis supports that the algorithm is able to realistically discern regions dominated by wet snow, aggregates, plates, dendrites, and other small ice crystals based solely on polarimetric data, with guidance from a melting-level detection algorithm but without external temperature information. Temperature is still used to distinguish rain from freezing rain or sleet below the radar-detected melting level. After appropriate data quality control, little modification of the algorithm was required to produce physically reasonable results on four different radar platforms at X, C, and S bands. However, classification seemed more robust at shorter wavelengths because the specific differential phase is heavily weighted in ice crystal classification decisions. It is suggested that parts, or all, of this algorithm could be applicable in both operational and research settings.
“Notable” or “Not Able”
Authors: Sgourev Stoyan V. , Althuizen Niek
Published: April 2014

Atypical practices of crossing categories or genres are generally discouraged in the market, but the ideal of the Renaissance mind1 persists. Building on recent work elaborating the need to reward the greater risk associated with atypicality for it to survive, this article provides the first systematic, direct evidence for such a reward. We focus on stylistic inconsistency—mixing distinct artistic styles. In a between-subject experimental design, 183 subjects estimated the aesthetic and market value of consistent and inconsistent sets of artworks by Pablo Picasso in three status conditions. Controlling for cognitive difficulties posed by inconsistency, we show that inconsistency is rewarded (i.e., evaluated higher than consistency on aesthetic value) only at high status. Status cues guide perception so that inconsistent works by a prominent artist are given the benefit of the doubt and interpreted as a sign of creativity. The association with creativity leads to a reward for atypicality in the absence of tangible proof that it performs better than typicality.
Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Advanced Stage Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma With HPV and P16 Testing
Authors: Flavill Eric , Fang Yisheng V. , Miles Brett , Truelson John , Perkins Steve
Published: April 2014

Objective:

The objective was to report our experience with advanced stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated sequentially with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review identified 49 eligible patients with advanced stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. HPV and p16INK4A testing was performed on pathology specimens. Follow-up of over 11 months was required unless a death or treatment failure occurred before that time.

Results:

Treatment with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy resulted in 44/48 (90%) complete durable response. One death occurred from pulmonary embolism. Toxicity profiles were comparable to other published data. Average follow-up was 3.9 years. Oncologic failure rates among subgroups showed 5.7% failure for HPV+/p16+ cancer, 9.1% failure for HPV-/p16+ cancer, 100% failure for HPV-/p16- cancer, 0% failure for nonsmokers, and 17.9% failure for smokers.

Conclusions:

This study showed favorable outcomes in terms of durable oncologic response and acceptable toxicity profiles. It is notable that 36/49 patients were HPV+/p16+ and 11/49 were HPV-/p16+. Only 2 patients were HPV-/p16-, and both died as a result of oncologic failures. This highlights the importance of obtaining HPV and p16 testing in studies evaluating the efficacy of treatments for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
Effects of Input Shaping on Manual Control of Flexible and Time-Delayed Systems
Authors: Potter James J. , Singhose William E.
Published: April 2014

Objective:

The objective was to study the performance of a manual tracking task with system flexibility and time delays in the input channel and to examine the effects of input shaping the human operator’s commands.

Background:

It has long been known that low-frequency, lightly damped vibration hinders performance of a manually controlled system. Recently, input shaping has been shown to improve the performance of such systems in a compensatory-display tracking task. It is unknown if similar improvements are seen with pursuit-display tasks, or how the improvement changes when time delays are added to the system.

Method:

A total of 18 novice participants performed a pursuit-view tracking experiment with a spring-centered joystick. Controlled elements included an integrator, an integrator with a lightly damped flexible mode, and an input-shaped integrator with a flexible mode. The input to these controlled elements was delayed between 0 and 1 s. Tracking performance was quantified by root mean square tracking error, and subjective difficulty was quantified by ratings on a Cooper–Harper scale.

Results:

Performance was best with the undelayed integrator. Both time delay and flexibility degraded performance. Input shaping improved control of the flexible element, with a diminishing benefit as the time delay increased. Tracking error and subjective rating were significantly related. Some operators used a pulsive control strategy.

Conclusion:

Input shaping can improve the performance of a manually controlled system with flexibility, even when time delays are present.

Application:

This study is useful to designers of human-controlled systems, especially those with problematic flexibility and/or time delays.
Supporting Attention Allocation in Multitask Environments
Authors: Wiczorek Rebecca , Manzey Dietrich
Published: April 2014

Objective:

The aim of the current study was to investigate potential benefits of likelihood alarm systems (LASs) over binary alarm systems (BASs) in a multitask environment.

Background:

Several problems are associated with the use of BASs, because most of them generate high numbers of false alarms. Operators lose trust in the systems and ignore alarms or cross-check all of them when other information is available. The first behavior harms safety, whereas the latter one reduces productivity. LASs represent an alternative, which is supposed to improve operators’ attention allocation.

Method:

We investigated LASs and BASs in a dual-task paradigm with and without the possibility to cross-check alerts with raw data information. Participants’ trust in the system, their behavior, and their performance in the alert and the concurrent task were assessed.

Results:

Reported trust, compliance with alarms, and performance in the alert and the concurrent task were higher for the LAS than for the BAS. The cross-check option led to an increase in alert task performance for both systems and a decrease in concurrent task performance for the BAS, which did not occur in the LAS condition.

Conclusion:

LASs improve participants’ attention allocation between two different tasks and therefore lead to an increase in alert task and concurrent task performance. The performance maximum is achieved when LAS is combined with a cross-check option for validating alerts with additional information.

Application:

The use of LASs instead of BASs in safety-related multitask environments has the potential to increase safety and productivity likewise.
Analysis of the effect of a stress raiser on the strength of a UD flax/epoxy composite in off-axis tension
Authors: Modniks J , Spārniņš E , Andersons J , Becker W
Published: April 2014

The effect of stress raisers in the form of a slit-like notch and an open circular hole on the tensile strength of a quasi-UD flax-fiber-reinforced composite is studied experimentally. A finite fracture mechanics approach is applied to determine the intralaminar fracture toughness of the composite and to predict the strength in the presence of stress concentration. Reasonably good agreement of the notch effect predicted using finite fracture mechanics with a coupled strength and toughness fracture criterion and test results is demonstrated.
Why Bad Governance Leads to Repeat Civil War
Authors: Walter Barbara F.
Published: April 2014

Most contemporary civil wars are now recurrences of earlier civil wars. In contrast to classic theories of grievance and opportunity, this article advances a theory of civil war recurrence that highlights the critical role political and legal institutions play in constraining elites in post–civil war states. Such constraints serve as a check on executive power, help incumbent elites credibly commit to political reform, and create a situation where rebels need not maintain militias as a supplementary mechanism to hold political elites in line. All of this reduces the odds of repeat civil war. Using a statistical analysis of post-conflict years, this article demonstrates that strong political institutions are not only significantly and negatively related to repeat civil war but are the primary determinants of whether countries get caught in the conflict trap.
Study of tensile behavior for high-performance fiber materials under high-temperature loads
Authors: Younes Ayham , Sankaran Vignaesh , Seidel André , Cherif Chokri
Published: April 2014

Textile high-performance filament yarn subjected to extremely high thermal loads can be found in various technical application fields. Besides the mechanical loads, textile fiber materials have to also satisfy high safety requirements in these applications with respect to thermal loads. Some of the main fields of application in the field of mechanical engineering are turbines, drive devices, rocket components and fire protection coatings. Textile grid-like structures are also being increasingly used in civil engineering as reinforcements (textile concretes). The design and development of textile structures for these applications demands studying and acquiring the material behavior under high thermal loads. Neither sufficient data nor standardized testing methods have been extensively achieved for evaluating the tensile characteristics of filament yarns under thermal influences. Hence, studying the thermal behavior of these yarns, which are used as input material for the reinforcing structures, is essential. The impact of the standard atmospheric condition on the oxidation behavior of the yarns, as in the case of carbon filament yarns and their influence on the physicochemical and tensile mechanical properties, have to be studied as well. This paper aims to address this issue and provides an insight into the current research about the development and realization of a novel test stand and the subsequent study of tensile mechanical behavior for textile high-performance fiber material under extreme thermal loads together with their physicochemical behavior.
Smart growth in two contrastive metropolitan areas: A comparison between Portland and Los Angeles
Authors: Dong Hongwei , Zhu Pengyu
Published: April 2014

This study compares urban landscapes in the Portland and Los Angeles metropolitan areas at the neighbourhood level by operationalising six smart growth indices and mapping their spatial distribution patterns and time trends. Analysis results show that the two metropolitan areas have both strengths and weaknesses in different aspects of smart growth. Most neighbourhoods in both regions do not excel in all six smart growth measures: they are at the high ends of some smart growth indices but at the low ends of others. Some smart growth features such as mixed land use and mixed housing are already pervasive in suburban areas. Density in some mature suburban neighbourhoods is also relatively high. A large number of neighbourhoods in suburban and exurban areas exhibit high levels of socioeconomic diversity. Time trend analyses suggest that in both regions, older neighbourhoods tend to be ‘smarter’ than newer ones, except for racial/ethnic diversity.
National Trends and In‐Hospital Outcomes of Adult Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Receiving Parenteral Nutrition Support
Authors: Nguyen Douglas L. , Parekh Nimisha , Bechtold Matthew L. , Jamal M. Mazen
Published: April 2014

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are susceptible to protein‐calorie malnutrition secondary to decreased oral intake, malabsorption, and increased metabolic expenditure. In this study, we seek to assess the national frequencies of parenteral nutrition (PN) use among hospitalized patients with IBD and to determine their in‐hospital outcomes. Methods: We analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1988–2006 to determine the frequency of PN usage among patients with UC or CD and to determine their in‐hospital outcomes. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors predictive of increased inpatient mortality in this population. Results: From 1988–2006, the annual incidence of PN use among hospitalized patients with CD was 4.29 per 100,000 and among those with UC was 3.80 per 100,000, with trends being relatively stable through the indexed period. The mean length of hospitalization among patients with UC receiving PN was longer compared with patients with CD. Factors predictive of an increased risk for mortality include the following: age >50 years, acute kidney injury, hospital‐acquired pneumonia, Clostridium difficile colitis, prolonged postoperative ileus requiring PN use, pulmonary embolism, malnutrition, and patients with UC relative to CD. Conclusion: Traditionally, patients with CD are at a higher risk for developing malnutrition than patients with UC; however, there is a 2‐fold higher risk for inpatient mortality and a longer length of hospitalization among patients with UC compared with those with CD. This pattern suggests that the use of PN, particularly among patients with UC, serves as a surrogate marker of higher disease acuity and severity.