bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weather Regime Transitions and the Interannual Variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Part I: A Likely Connection
Authors: Luo Dehai , Cha Jing , Feldstein Steven B.
Published: March 2012

In this study, the relationship between weather regime transitions and the interannual variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in winter during 1978–2008 is examined by using a statistical approach. Four classical weather regimes—the two phases of the NAO (NAO+, NAO−) and the Scandinavian blocking and Atlantic ridge patterns—are obtained with k-means cluster analysis. Observations show that the transition between the NAO+ and NAO− regimes is markedly different between 1978–90 (P1) and 1991–2008 (P2). Within P1 (P2), the frequency of the NAO− to NAO+ (NAO+ to NAO−) transition events is almost twice that of the NAO+ to NAO− (NAO− to NAO+) transition events. On this basis, further cluster analysis performed for two cases with and without NAO transition events indicates that within P1 (P2) the NAO+ (NAO−) anomaly is markedly enhanced as the NAO− to NAO+ (NAO+ to NAO−) transitions take place. Furthermore, the NAO regime transition is found to be more likely to enhance the eastward shift of the NAO+ (NAO−) anomaly. Thus, it is hypothesized that the interannual change in the winter-mean NAO index from P1 to P2 is related to the intraseasonal NAO− to NAO+ (NAO+ to NAO−) transition events during P1 (P2) because of the variation of the NAO pattern in intensity, location, and frequency (number of days). This finding is also seen from calculations of the winter monthly mean NAO index with and without NAO regime transitions.
On the Classification of Extreme Atlantic Hurricanes Utilizing Mid-Twentieth-Century Monitoring Capabilities*
Authors: Hagen Andrew B. , Landsea Christopher W.
Published: March 2012

An investigation is conducted to determine how improvements in observing capabilities and technology may have affected scientists’ ability to detect and monitor Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Category 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean basin during the mid-twentieth century. Previous studies state that there has been an increase in the number of intense hurricanes and attribute this increase to anthropogenic global warming. Other studies claim that the apparent increased hurricane activity is an artifact of better observational capabilities and improved technology for detecting these intense hurricanes. The present study focuses on the 10 most recent Category 5 hurricanes recorded in the Atlantic, from Hurricane Andrew (1992) through Hurricane Felix (2007). These 10 hurricanes are placed into the context of the technology available in the period of 1944–53, the first decade of aircraft reconnaissance. A methodology is created to determine how many of these 10 recent Category 5 hurricanes likely would have been recorded as Category 5 if they had occurred during this period using only the observations that likely would have been available with existing technology and observational networks. Late-1940s and early-1950s best-track intensities are determined for the entire lifetime of these 10 recent Category 5 hurricanes. It is found that likely only 2 of these 10—both Category 5 landfalling hurricanes—would have been recorded as Category 5 hurricanes if they had occurred during the late-1940s period. The results suggest that intensity estimates for extreme tropical cyclones prior to the satellite era are unreliable for trend and variability analysis.
Some Implications of Ekman Layer Dynamics for Cross-Shelf Exchange in the Amundsen Sea
Authors: Wåhlin A. K. , Muench R. D. , Arneborg L. , Björk G. , Ha H. K. , Lee S. H. , Alsén H.
Published: March 2012

The exchange of warm, salty seawater across the continental shelves off West Antarctica leads to subsurface glacial melting at the interface between the ocean and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. One mechanism that contributes to the cross-shelf transport is Ekman transport induced by along-slope currents over the slope and shelf break. An investigation of this process is applied to the Amundsen Sea shelfbreak region, using recently acquired and historical field data to guide the analyses. Along-slope currents were observed at transects across the eastern and western reaches of the Amundsen slope. Currents in the east flowed eastward, and currents farther west flowed westward. Under the eastward-flowing currents, hydrographic isolines sloped upward paralleling the seabed. In this layer, declining buoyancy forces rather than friction were bringing the velocity to zero at the seabed. The basin water in the eastern part of the shelf was dominated by water originating from 800–1000-m depth off shelf, suggesting that transport of such water across the shelf frequently occurs. The authors show that arrested Ekman layers mechanism can supply deep water to the shelf break in the eastern section, where it has access to the shelf. Because no unmodified off-shelf water was found on the shelf in the western part, bottom layer Ekman transport does not appear a likely mechanism for delivery of warm deep water to the western shelf area. Warming of the warm bottom water was most pronounced on the western shelf, where the deep-water temperature increased by 0.6°C during the past decade.
Potential Vorticity Diagnosis of the Factors Affecting the Track of Typhoon Sinlaku (2008) and the Impact from Dropwindsonde Data during T-PARC
Authors: Wu Chun-Chieh , Chen Shin-Gan , Yang Chung-Chuan , Lin Po-Hsiung , Aberson Sim D.
Published: March 2012

In 2008, abundant dropwindsonde data were collected during both reconnaissance and surveillance flights in and around tropical cyclones (TCs) in the western North Pacific basin under the framework of The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX)–Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T-PARC). The National Centers for Environmental Prediction Global Forecast System (GFS) showed significant track improvements for Typhoon Sinlaku (2008) after the assimilation of dropwindsonde data. For this particular typhoon, the potential vorticity (PV) diagnosis is adopted to understand the key factors affecting the track. A data denial run initialized at 0000 UTC 10 September is examined to evaluate how the extra data collected during T-PARC improve GFS track forecasts.

A quantitative analysis of the steering flow based on the PV diagnosis indicates that the Pacific subtropical high to the east of Sinlaku is a primary factor that advects Sinlaku northwestward, while the monsoon trough plays a secondary role. The assimilation of dropwindsonde data improves the structure and intensity of the initial vortex and maintains the forecast vortex structure in the vertical. The difference in the vertical extent of the vortices could be regarded as a cause for the discrepancy in steering flow between runs with and without the dropwindsonde data. This paper highlights the importance of improved analyses of the vertical TC structure, and thus of a representative steering flow in the deep troposphere during the forecasts.
Handling Nonlinearity in an Ensemble Kalman Filter: Experiments with the Three-Variable Lorenz Model
Authors: Yang Shu-Chih , Kalnay Eugenia , Hunt Brian
Published: March 2012

An ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is optimal only for linear models because it assumes Gaussian distributions. A new type of outer loop, different from the one used in 3D and 4D variational data assimilation (Var), is proposed for EnKF to improve its ability to handle nonlinear dynamics, especially for long assimilation windows. The idea of the “running in place” (RIP) algorithm is to increase the observation influence by reusing observations when there is strong nonlinear error growth, and thus improve the ensemble mean and perturbations within the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) framework. The “quasi-outer-loop” (QOL) algorithm, proposed here as a simplified version of RIP, aims to improve the ensemble mean so that ensemble perturbations are centered at a more accurate state.

The performances of LETKF–RIP and LETKF–QOL in the presence of nonlinearities are tested with the three-variable Lorenz model. Results show that RIP and QOL allow LETKF to use longer assimilation windows with significant improvement of the analysis accuracy during periods of high nonlinear growth. For low-frequency observations (every 25 time steps, leading to long assimilation windows), and using the optimal inflation, the standard LETKF RMS error is 0.68, whereas for QOL and RIP the RMS errors are 0.47 and 0.35, respectively. This can be compared to the best 4D-Var analysis error of 0.53, obtained by using both the optimal long assimilation windows (75 time steps) and quasi-static variational analysis.
Local and Mesoscale Impacts of Wind Farms as Parameterized in a Mesoscale NWP Model
Authors: Fitch Anna C. , Olson Joseph B. , Lundquist Julie K. , Dudhia Jimy , Gupta Alok K. , Michalakes John , Barstad Idar
Published: March 2012

A new wind farm parameterization has been developed for the mesoscale numerical weather prediction model, the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF). The effects of wind turbines are represented by imposing a momentum sink on the mean flow; transferring kinetic energy into electricity and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). The parameterization improves upon previous models, basing the atmospheric drag of turbines on the thrust coefficient of a modern commercial turbine. In addition, the source of TKE varies with wind speed, reflecting the amount of energy extracted from the atmosphere by the turbines that does not produce electrical energy.

Analyses of idealized simulations of a large offshore wind farm are presented to highlight the perturbation induced by the wind farm and its interaction with the atmospheric boundary layer (BL). A wind speed deficit extended throughout the depth of the neutral boundary layer, above and downstream from the farm, with a long wake of 60-km e-folding distance. Within the farm the wind speed deficit reached a maximum reduction of 16%. A maximum increase of TKE, by nearly a factor of 7, was located within the farm. The increase in TKE extended to the top of the BL above the farm due to vertical transport and wind shear, significantly enhancing turbulent momentum fluxes. The TKE increased by a factor of 2 near the surface within the farm. Near-surface winds accelerated by up to 11%. These results are consistent with the few results available from observations and large-eddy simulations, indicating this parameterization provides a reasonable means of exploring potential downwind impacts of large wind farms.
Using Videoconferencing for Teacher Professional Development and Ensemble Clinics
Authors: Burrack Frederick
Published: March 2012

Videoconferencing technology can create opportunities to offer music teachers specific feedback that is crucial to satisfying their developmental needs by providing direct impact on instruction through online ensemble clinics.
Effect of alum treatment on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of poly-γ-glutamic acid nanofibers
Authors: Tajima Takeharu , Sukigara Sachiko
Published: March 2012

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a natural polymer that is commonly found in the viscous filaments of fermented soybean ( natto). γ-PGA is known for its superior biodegradability, biocompatibility, water retention, and ability to adsorb metal ions. We used an oxazoline-containing polymer (OXA) as a cross-linking agent and succeeded in preparing γ-PGA nanofibers by electrospinning with a water solvent system. The non-woven γ-PGA/OXA sheet (90/10 wt%) was treated with alum to improve both the mechanical and antibacterial properties by metal adsorption. The absorption of water for the alum-treated γ-PGA/OXA non-woven sheets decreased by half compared to the untreated sheets. The tensile modulus did not decrease, and the strength largely improved, even if the webs absorbed moisture. The webs endured high-pressure steam sterilization and exhibited antibacterial properties.
Release behavior of nano-silver textiles in simulated perspiration fluids
Authors: Yan Yan , Yang Haifeng , Li Junfang , Lu Xiaojing , Wang Chao
Published: March 2012

For the purpose of evaluating the possible exposure risks of nano-silver coating textiles, the release behaviors of silver from nano-modified textiles are studied under three simulated perspiration fluids. The characterization and quantification of the released nano-ingredients were carried out under these conditions, and the results show that nano-silver could leave the fabric surface and be released into the environment under the simulated perspiration conditions with various pH values and compositions. The release amounts of silver are increased by extending the treatment time, while the release rates show great difference under different pH values. Moreover, we demonstrate that the release performances and existing forms of the nano-silver are different in the three simulated environments, which was suggested as a possible mechanism. In the acid perspiration solution, the released silver is proved to be sub-micrometer particles and ionic forms. In the alkaline perspiration solution, the final state of silver is mostly silver ions. Meanwhile, in the salt perspiration solution, despite partial aggregation, the majority of the released silver is maintained in the presence of nanoparticles. These results further indicate that the exposure risks of nano-silver is much higher in high ionic intensity conditions than the others, which would have important implications for the risk assessment of nano-silver textiles and also for environmental studies of nano-silver dispersion.
Global Unions as imperfect multilateral organizations: An international relations perspective
Authors: Cotton Elizabeth , Gumbrell-McCormick Rebecca
Published: March 2012

This study applies an international relations framework and the notion of multilateral organizations as a means of understanding the nature of trade union internationalism and the conditions under which it operates. The authors argue that international trade unionism involves an imperfect multilateralism which requires close working relationships between small groups of unions in order to function, that is, a ‘minilateral’ method of working. By using this framework the authors attempt to highlight the intrinsic durability and adaptability of the Global Unions and also identify areas of activity that serve to strengthen them as organizations, primarily by building affiliates’ engagement and investment in them.
Temporary employment, job insecurity and their extraorganizational outcomes
Authors: Lozza Edoardo , Libreri Chiara , Bosio Albino Claudio
Published: March 2012

Research on job insecurity has traditionally focused on organizational consequences. The present study explores potential extraorganizational outcomes (employees’ consumption and life projects) of job insecurity in terms of both subjective perception and objective condition. Results are based on the secondary analysis of two large data sets: a tracking study with representative samples and a survey, both conducted on Italian employees. The findings suggest that job insecurity (especially the subjective perception, rather than the objective condition) may be associated with sacrifices of daily consumption (e.g. buying groceries, apparel, or entertainment) and life projects (e.g. buying a home, marrying, or having children).
The Predictive Value of Accruals and Consequences for Market Anomalies
Authors: Nam Seunghan , Brochet Francois , Ronen Joshua
Published: March 2012

In this article, the authors revisit the role of the cash and accrual components of accounting earnings in predicting future cash flows using out-of-sample predictions and market value of equity as a proxy for all future cash flows. They find that, on average, accruals improve upon current cash flow from operations ( CFO) in predicting future cash flows. In the cross-section, accruals’ contribution is positively associated with proxies for quality of accruals and governance. Next, the authors investigate the implications of accruals’ predictive value for accrual-based market anomalies. They find that portfolios formed on stock return predictions using information from current CFO and accruals yield significantly positive returns on average, as opposed to CFO alone. They also find that Sloan’s accrual anomaly is related to our accrual contribution anomaly. Indeed, when accruals’ contribution to future cash flow prediction is the highest, the accrual anomaly vanishes. Collectively, the results suggest that the predictive value of accruals and market participants’ ability to process it are a significant driver of accrual-based anomalies.
A comparison of two scoring methods for an automated speech scoring system
Authors: Xi Xiaoming , Higgins Derrick , Zechner Klaus , Williamson David
Published: March 2012

This paper compares two alternative scoring methods – multiple regression and classification trees – for an automated speech scoring system used in a practice environment. The two methods were evaluated on two criteria: construct representation and empirical performance in predicting human scores. The empirical performance of the two scoring models is reported in Zechner, Higgins, Xi, & Williamson (2009), which discusses the development of the entire automated speech scoring system; the current paper shifts the focus to the comparison of the two scoring methods, elaborating both technical and substantive considerations and providing a reasoned argument for the trade-off between them. We concluded that a multiple regression model with expert weights was superior to the classification tree model. In addition to comparing the relative performance of the two models, we also evaluated the adequacy of the regression model for the intended use. In particular, the construct representation of the model was sufficiently broad to justify its use in a low-stakes application. The correlation of the model-predicted total test scores with human scores ( r = 0.7) was also deemed acceptable for practice purposes.
The Rasch wars: The emergence of Rasch measurement in language testing
Authors: McNamara Tim , Knoch Ute
Published: March 2012

This paper examines the uptake of Rasch measurement in language testing through a consideration of research published in language testing research journals in the period 1984 to 2009. Following the publication of the first papers on this topic, exploring the potential of the simple Rasch model for the analysis of dichotomous language test data, a debate ensued as to the assumptions of the theory, and the place of the model both within Item Response Theory (IRT) more generally and as appropriate for the analysis of language test data in particular. It seemed for some time that the reservations expressed about the use of the Rasch model might prevail. Gradually, however, the relevance of the analyses made possible by multi-faceted Rasch measurement to address validity issues within performance-based communicative language assessments overcame language testing researchers’ initial resistance. The paper outlines three periods in the uptake of Rasch measurement in the field, and discusses the research which characterized each period.
Quadriceps function in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees exercising with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and cryotherapy: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Hart Joseph M , Kuenze Christopher M , Pietrosimone Brian G , Ingersoll Christopher D
Published: March 2012

Objective:

To compare strength and quadriceps muscle activation in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient patients who underwent a two-week rehabilitation exercise program using TENS or cryotherapy.

Design:

Randomized, controlled study.

Setting:

Clinical research laboratory.

Subjects:

Thirty patients: 20 males, 10 females, 31.6 (13.0) years, 172.8 (10.0) cm, 75.8 (13.0) kg with diagnosed tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Interventions:

All patients attended four sessions of supervised quadriceps strengthening exercises over two weeks, prior to reconstruction surgery. Patients were randomly allocated ( n = 10/group) to receive exercises alone, exercise while wearing a sensory transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device on the knee joint for the duration of each daily session, or 20 minutes of knee joint cryotherapy immediately prior to each daily exercise session.

Main measures:

Normalized knee extension force and quadriceps central activation ratio were measured before and after the first supervised treatment session and within 24 hours of the last session.

Results:

When accounting for differences in baseline measures, there were no statistically significant group differences immediately following the first exercise session for knee extension force ( P = 0.10) or central activation ratio ( P = 0.30) nor were there statistically significant group differences after the two-week intervention for knee extension force ( P = 0.92) or central activation ratio ( P = 0.94). Effect sizes for the change in knee extension force and central activation ratio after two weeks of therapy were all large.

Conclusions:

Quadriceps strength and central activation in anterior cruciate ligament deficient patients improved after two weeks of rehabilitaiton exercises, however, there were no significant differences between treatment groups.
Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention Personnel Preparation Standards of the Division for Early Childhood
Authors: Cochran Deborah C. , Gallagher Peggy A. , Stayton Vicki D. , Dinnebeil Laurie A. , Lifter Karin , Chandler Lynette K. , Christensen Kimberly A.
Published: March 2012

Results of the field validation survey of the revised initial and new advanced Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Division for Early Childhood (DEC) early childhood special education (ECSE)/early intervention (EI) personnel standards are presented. Personnel standards are used as part of educational accountability systems and in teacher personnel preparation program accreditation to train highly qualified teachers. DEC and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) members were partners in the validation survey. The method and survey procedures are described along with the knowledge and skill standards selected as essential and retained in the final DEC ECSE/EI approved sets of standards. Purposeful sampling was used to select DEC respondents for their knowledge and expertise in personnel preparation and operation of ECSE/EI and early childhood education (ECE) programs. Results from the DEC and NAEYC respondents are compared and contrasted. Challenges and limitations are discussed.
Towards an evental geography
Authors: Shaw Ian G.R.
Published: March 2012

This paper puts forward a new way of thinking about objects, worlds, and events. The philosophical contribution of the paper pivots around the idea that objects are force-full: smoldering furnaces of affects that are capable of creating, policing, and destroying the very contours of existence. The paper begins with a problem, which is how to account for objects, worlds, and events outside of human consciousness or ‘in-themselves’. It answers by constructing an ‘evental geography’ from the ontologies of Martin Heidegger, Alain Badiou, and Graham Harman. A ‘geo-event’ names the transformation of a world – from galaxies to nation states to ecosystems – by ‘inexistent’ objects and the forces they unleash. The paper is situated at the busy crossroads of (object-oriented) philosophy, non-representational theory, and actor-network theory.
Ethical Challenges With Deactivation of Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support at the End of Life
Authors: Rady Mohamed Y. , Verheijde Joseph L.
Published: March 2012

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and total artificial hearts (TAHs) are surgically implanted as permanent treatment of unrecoverable heart failure. Both LVADs and TAHs are durable mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices that can prolong patient survival but also alter end-of-life trajectory. The permissibility of discontinuing assisted circulation is controversial because device deactivation is a life-ending intervention. Durable MCS is intended to successfully replace native physiological functions in heart disease. We posit that the presence of new lethal pathophysiology (ie, a self-perpetuating cascade of abnormal physiological processes causing death) is a central element in evaluating the permissibility of deactivating an LVAD or a TAH. Consensual discontinuation of durable MCS is equivalent with allowing natural death when there is an onset of new lethal pathophysiology that is unrelated to the physiological functions replaced by an LVAD or a TAH. Examples of such lethal conditions include irreversible coma, circulatory shock, overwhelming infections, multiple organ failure, refractory hypoxia, or catastrophic device failure. In all other situations, deactivating the LVAD/TAH is itself the lethal pathophysiology and the proximate cause of death. We postulate that the onset of new lethal pathophysiology is the determinant factor in judging the permissibility of the life-ending discontinuation of a durable MCS.
Pseudepigrapha Notes IV: 5. The Testament of Job. 6. The Testament of Solomon
Authors: DiTommaso Lorenzo
Published: March 2012

This is the fourth in a series of articles intended to present the results of manuscript research or provide bibliographic updates relevant to the study of the ‘Old Testament Pseudepigrapha’. It is usually reported that the Testament of Job is extant in three Old Slavonic manuscript copies, and that the Testament of Solomon is preserved in one Syriac manuscript and one Arabic manuscript, both of which remain unpublished. These statements do not accurately reflect our present knowledge.
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) terpolyesters containing 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and isosorbide
Authors: Quintana Robert , Ilarduya Antxon Martínez de , Alla Abdelilah , Guerra Sebastián Muñoz
Published: March 2012

A series of poly(ethylene terephthalate) terpolyesters containing varying amounts of both 1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene and isosorbide units were prepared by melt phase polycondensation. These terpolymers were obtained with high molecular weights and polydispersities around 2.0–2.5. The nuclear magnetic resonance data revealed that they were all random terpolymers and that small amounts of isosorbide were lost during the polycondensation reaction. Thermal data showed that terpolymers with 90 mol% of ethylene units were crystalline, whereas the two other series containing 80 and 70 mol% were unable to crystallize from the melt. For the three series studied, it was observed that the glass transition temperature increased steadily with the content of isosorbide units, and that they had similar thermal stability.
Silicon-containing oligomeric poly(amides) with phthalimidyl-amide side groups: synthesis, characterization and thermal studies
Authors: Tagle Luis H. , Terraza Claudio A. , Leiva Angel , Coll Deysma
Published: March 2012

Oligomeric poly(amide)s (PAs) were synthesized from monomeric diacids, which were obtained from phthalic anhydride and the amino acid glycine, l-alanine, l-phenylalanine, l-valine, l-leucine, l-isoleucine and p-aminobenzoic acid. The phthalimidyl acids (IA-1 to IA-7) reacted with 5-amino-isophthalic acid in order to obtain the monomeric diacids (1-7). Furthermore, the monomeric diacid 8 was obtained by direct reaction between phthalic anhydride and 5-amino-isophthalic acid. The isophthalic acid derivatives were reacted with bis(4-aminophenyl)diphenylsilane in order to obtain the PAs. Monomers and polymers were characterized by infrared and 1H-, 13C- and 29Si-NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and, when necessary, optical rotation. The results were in agreement with the proposed structures. The yields were generally good, but the ηinh values were low, indicating that the polymers were of oligomeric nature, namely, a chain of moderate molecular weight. The polymers were soluble in polar aprotic solvents and some of them were soluble in m-cresol and tetrahydrofuran. The glass transition temperatures ( Tg) values were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry, showing, in general, a decrease in value when the volume of the side chain of the amino acid moiety was increased. The thermal stability of the polymers was determined by dynamic thermogravimetry, showing good values of thermal decomposition temperatures (TDT), especially for those with aromatic residue in the amino acid, and for PA without amino acid. For PAs in which the side chain of the amino acid was larger, the TDT values were lower, probably due to the lack of symmetry and the length of the side chain, both of which have influence on the thermal stability.
The Perception of a Face Is No More Than the Sum of Its Parts
Authors: Gold Jason M. , Mundy Patrick J. , Tjan Bosco S.
Published: March 2012

When you see a person’s face, how do you go about combining his or her facial features to make a decision about who that person is? Most current theories of face perception assert that the ability to recognize a human face is not simply the result of an independent analysis of individual features, but instead involves a holistic coding of the relationships among features. This coding is thought to enhance people’s ability to recognize a face beyond what would be expected if each feature were shown in isolation. In the study reported here, we explicitly tested this idea by comparing human performance on facial-feature integration with that of an optimal Bayesian integrator. Contrary to the predictions of most current notions of face perception, our findings showed that human observers integrate facial features in a manner that is no better than would be predicted by their ability to use each individual feature when shown in isolation. That is, a face is perceived no better than the sum of its individual parts.
Effects of Symptom Presentation Order on Perceived Disease Risk
Authors: Kwan Virginia S. Y. , Wojcik Sean P. , Miron-shatz Talya , Votruba Ashley M. , Olivola Christopher Y.
Published: March 2012

People are quick to perceive meaningful patterns in the co-occurrence of events. We report two studies exploring the effects of streaks in symptom checklists on perceived personal disease risk. In the context of these studies, a streak is a sequence of consecutive items on a list that share the characteristic of being either general or specific. We identify a psychological mechanism underlying the effect of streaks in a list of symptoms and show that the effect of streaks on perceived risk varies with the length of the symptom list. Our findings reveal a tendency to infer meaning from streaks in medical and health decision making. Participants perceived a higher personal risk of having an illness when presented with a checklist in which common symptoms were grouped together than when presented with a checklist in which these same symptoms were separated by rare symptoms. This research demonstrates that something as arbitrary as the order in which symptoms are presented in a checklist can affect perceived risk of disease.
Tribal Health Care Services—Anecdotal Evidence of ‘Health Trap’ in Selected Areas: A Case Study
Authors: Rajagopal N.
Published: March 2012

Kerala has been a destination for many economists from all around the world for its ‘unique model of development’. The basic sustainable indicators of human capital attainment of Kerala, despite its low income, are probably an exception in the human capital theory. Professor Amartya Sen, on many occasions, cited a ‘new paradigm of social development’ in the state. Many world bodies like UNDP, WHO, UNICEF, etc. have acknowledged this at different times. The development paradigm of Kerala had been a source of inspiration for the preparation of the Human Development Index (HDI) in 1990. The strong record of basic health has made the state comparable with developed countries.
Multi-step support vector regression and optimally parameterized wavelet packet transform for machine residual life prediction
Authors: Yaqub Muhammad Farrukh , Gondal Iqbal , Kamruzzaman Joarder
Published: March 2012

Condition based maintenance (CBM) in the process industry helps in determining the residual life of equipment, avoiding sudden breakdown and facilitating the maintenance staff to schedule repairs by optimizing demand–supply relationships. One of the prevalent issues in CBM is to predict the residual life of the equipment. This paper proposes a novel framework to predict the remnant life of the equipment, called residual life prediction, based on optimally parameterized wavelet transform and multi-step support vector regression (RWMS). In optimally parameterized wavelet transform, a generalized criterion is proposed to select the wavelet decomposition level which works for all the applications; decomposition nodes are selected by characterizing their dominancy level based upon relative fault signature–signal energy contents. The prediction model is based on multi-step support vector regression to determine the nonlinear crack propagation in the rotary machine according to Paris’s fatigue model. The results both for the simulated as well as the actual vibration datasets validate the enhanced performance of RWMS in comparison with the existing techniques to predict the residual life of the equipment.
Risk factors for feline infectious peritonitis in Australian cats
Authors: Worthing Kate A , Wigney Denise I , Dhand Navneet K , Fawcett Anne , McDonagh Phillip , Malik Richard , Norris Jacqueline M
Published: March 2012

The objective of this study was to determine whether patient signalment (age, breed, sex and neuter status) is associated with naturally-occurring feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats in Australia. A retrospective comparison of the signalment between cats with confirmed FIP and the general cat population was designed. The patient signalment of 382 FIP confirmed cases were compared with the Companion Animal Register of NSW and the general cat population of Sydney. Younger cats were significantly over-represented among FIP cases. Domestic crossbred, Persian and Himalayan cats were significantly under-represented in the FIP cohort, while several breeds were over-represented, including British Shorthair, Devon Rex and Abyssinian. A significantly higher proportion of male cats had FIP compared with female cats. This study provides further evidence that FIP is a disease primarily of young cats and that significant breed and sex predilections exist in Australia. This opens further avenues to investigate the role of genetic factors in FIP.
Adult community musicians’ self-esteem of music ability
Authors: Kruse Nathan B.
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to describe self-esteem among adult community musicians, and to determine whether group differences in music self-concept were associated with age, gender, or ensemble type. A 47-item modified version of Schmitt’s Self-Esteem of Music Ability scale identified respondents’ levels of self-esteem regarding self-perception of music abilities, support and recognition from others, and personal interest and desire. Participants included 366 adults from 12 American community bands and choruses in four states. Overall, results indicated that musical self-esteem was generally high across respondents, with a largely positive outlook on longevity and future aspirations. Personal interest and desire ranked highest, followed by self-perception of music abilities, with support and recognition from others ranked lowest. A statistically significant difference was found between age levels, with older adults differing significantly from younger adults. Gender and ensemble type, however, were not found to be statistically significant.
The secondary aspects of collective music-making
Authors: Cunha Rosemyriam , Lorenzino Lisa
Published: March 2012

This study investigated the social, cultural, cognitive, affective, and physical byproducts that occur when people gather together to make music in an amateur setting. Using a theoretical framework derived from the works of ethnomusicologist Blacking and sociologist Martin, the paper also draws inspiration from other seminal authors including theorist Wenger and sociomusicologist Russell. Participants included members of a jazz combo and community concert choir in a large urban Canadian city. Structured observation, semi-structured interviews with individuals, and focus groups were used to gather the data. Regardless of the participants’ background music training (formal or informal), results suggest that all were able to express their musicality within the group and the community setting through activities that encompass the secondary aspects of the groups’ musical practice. The article concludes with a call for professionals who interact with people through music to consider the nature and value of the secondary aspects of collective music-making.
Comparison of tooth profiles and oil formulation focusing lower power losses
Authors: Magalhães Luís , Martins Ramiro , Oliveira Ivo , Seabra Jorge
Published: March 2012

Environmental awareness, lower consumption of raw materials and longer life of equipment are main concerns nowadays and are leading to the research and development of lubricants and equipment to access those requirements. In this study, the power loss performance of three different tooth profile geometries, developed with the purpose of decreasing power losses while keeping the predicted life, were tested and evaluated in a FZG test rig. The path to reduce power losses was based on the decrease of the module, the increase of the helix angle and increase of the addendum modification coefficients in order to reduce the path of contact, i.e. the sliding velocity. The power loss behaviour of two different lubricants was also evaluated for each tooth profile geometry considered. The influence of the oil level in the gearbox was also evaluated. One of the lubricants has an ester base while the other has a polyalphaolefin base and both are fully formulated. An energetic model was developed for the FZG test gearbox and applied to these tests to improve the knowledge about the influence of tooth geometries as well as lubricant formulation in the power losses and coefficient of friction between gear teeth. The developed geometries showed that the path followed for the reduction of power losses produced the expected results and can be implemented with success on gear design.
A nationwide survey on quality of life and associated factors of adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Kamio Yoko , Inada Naoko , Koyama Tomonori
Published: March 2012

The psychosocial outcomes of individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) appear to be diverse and are often poor relative to their intellectual or language level. To identify predictive variables that are potentially ameliorable by therapeutic intervention, this study investigated self-reported psychosocial quality of life and associated factors for adults with HFASD. All participants (n = 154) had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, were over 18 years of age, lived in the community, and had used one or more support services during the survey period. The results demonstrated that psychosocial quality of life was lower than that of the general Japanese adult population. Environmental factors, such as mother’s support and early diagnosis, were associated with better quality of life, and aggressive behaviors were associated with poorer quality of life, while expressive language level at preschool years, a conventional outcome predictor, did not predict quality of life. These results emphasize that quality of life measures should be included as outcome indicators in treating individuals with HFASD.
‘I deal with the small things’: The doctor–patient relationship and professional identity in GPs’ stories of cancer care
Authors: Johansen May-Lill , Holtedahl Knut Arne , Davidsen Annette Sofie , Rudebeck Carl Edvard
Published: March 2012

An important part of GPs’ work consists of attending to the everyday and existential conditions of human being. In these life world aspects, biomedicine is often not the relevant theory to guide the GP; nevertheless they are a part of GPs’ professional domain. In cancer care, previous studies have shown that GPs with a biomedical perspective on medicine could feel subordinate to specialists, and that doctors with a curative focus could see disease progression as a personal failure. The aim of this study was to explore in depth the experiences of being a GP for people with advanced cancer. Fourteen Norwegian GPs were interviewed about accompanying patients through a cancer illness. Their stories were analysed using a narrative approach. The GPs expressed a strong commitment to these patients, a loyalty which in some cases could be weakened due to judgements of distant specialists. In view of the GPs’ close knowledge of their patients’ background and history this subordination was a paradox, mirroring a hierarchy of medical knowledge. The GPs had an ideal of honesty and openness about death, which they sometimes failed. To reach the ideal of honesty, clinicians would have to abandon the biomedical ideal of mastering human nature through interventions and acknowledge the fundamental uncertainty and finiteness of human life. GPs may learn from being with their patients that bodily and existential suffering are connected, and thus learn implicitly to overlook the body–mind dualism. This practical wisdom lacks a theoretical anchoring, which is a problem not only for general practice.
The syntax-semantics of bare and definite plural subjects in the L2 Spanish of English natives
Authors: Cuza Alejandro , Guijarro-Fuentes Pedro , Pires Acrisio , Rothman Jason
Published: March 2012

This study investigates the extent to which advanced native-English L2 learners of Spanish come to acquire restrictions on bare plural preverbal subjects in L2 Spanish (e.g. gatos “cats” vs. definite plurals such as los gatos “the cats”). It tests L2 knowledge of available semantic readings of bare plurals and definite plurals in Spanish, where [+specific] and [+generic] interpretations are syntactically represented differently from English. Assuming L1 transfer, and in view of a potential subset/superset relationship of the two grammars, the learning task in this domain is not a straightforward one. Target acquisition requires both grammatical expansion and retraction; Spanish definite plural subjects require the addition of an L1-unavailable [+generic] reading, while a loss of an L1-available [+generic] reading for preverbal subject bare plurals is required. The results and analysis show that advanced L2 learners of Spanish (English L1) can circumvent a superficial subset/superset learnability problem by means of feature resetting in line with the Nominal Mapping Parameter.
Repair of a traumatic lateral abdominal wall hernia in an 11-year-old boy, using a minimally invasive approach
Authors: Iqbal Corey W , St Peter Shawn D , Hendrickson Richard J
Published: March 2012

We present the case of an 11-year-old boy who sustained blunt abdominal trauma while bicycling. An abdominal computed tomography scan obtained during his trauma evaluation was suspicious of a right-sided abdominal wall hernia with acute inflammatory changes although there was no palpable mass on physical examination. In follow-up, he was found to have a palpable mass in his right lateral abdominal wall, which enlarged with valsalva. The hernia was repaired primarily using a minimally invasive approach with a 5-mm umbilical cannula and a stab incision over the defect. He was discharged home on the first post-operative day. At 1 year follow-up, he is symptom-free without evidence of recurrence. Lateral abdominal wall hernias in the pediatric patient are uncommon but can result from trauma. Primary repair using a minimally invasive approach is safe and effective in achieving adequate closure.
Association of ACE I/D gene polymorphism with vesicoureteral reflux susceptibility in children: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Tian-Biao , Lin Na , Liu Yun-Guang , Qin Yuan-Han , Shao Ming-Bin , Peng Dan-Dan
Published: March 2012

Background and objective: Many studies have been conducted to investigate the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion (I)/deletion (D) gene polymorphism and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) susceptibility. However, the results from those studies are still conflicting. We performed a meta-analysis of studies relating the ACE I/D gene polymorphism to the risk of VUR.

Method: We searched the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) as of 1 March 2011, and recruited the eligible investigations for this meta-analysis.

Results: Ten investigations were identified for the analysis of association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and VUR risk: six in Caucasians, three in East-Asians and one in a Turkish population. All the investigations were performed in children. There was no marked association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and VUR susceptibility/renal scar for overall populations, Caucasians and East-Asians. In the Turkish population, D allele and DD genotype were associated with the VUR susceptibility/renal scar. Furthermore, ACE I/D gene polymorphism was not associated with VUR progression.

Conclusions: D allele and DD genotype are risk factors for the VUR susceptibility/renal scar in Turkish children. However, more case-control association investigations on larger, stratified populations are required in the future.
Unigene Laboratories, Inc. et al. v. Apotex, Inc. et al.: Reformulating an old drug is not as obvious as one might think
Authors: Rein Frederick H , Crystal Joseph B
Published: March 2012

In Unigene Laboratories, Inc. et al. v. Apotex, Inc. et al., 655 F.3d 1352 (Fed. Cir. 2011), the Federal Circuit addressed issues of obviousness and the crime fraud exception to privilege. The Federal Circuit affirmed the District Court's denial of summary judgment of obviousness and its grant of summary judgment of nonobviousness. In addition, the Federal Circuit found that the District Court had properly found that documents had not been improperly withheld based on the crime-fraud exception and that additional theories of inequitable conduct raised by Apotex at later stages of the litigation had either been previously addressed by the District Court or had been waived. This case report presents the arguments made at the District Court and Federal Circuit and how each of these courts addressed the issues raised by the parties.
Free as in Regulated: Television Copy Protection, Cultural Enclosure, and the Myth of User Sovereignty
Authors: Heuman Josh
Published: March 2012

Following Foucault’s demystification of liberal rights, this article complicates narratives of cultural enclosure in intellectual-property regulation, and especially their central figure of a right-fully sovereign user constrained by copy protection. First, it problematizes the freedom imagined for the user, as a specific and ambivalent orientation to contemporary cultural transformation. Second, in a reading of the Federal Communication Commission’s proceedings on “broadcast flag” protection for digital television, it reconsiders apparent constraint as productive rather than simply repressive regulation, which goes to constructively map uses and users in new domains of digital media.