bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Asian monsoon anticyclone on the variability of mid-to-upper tropospheric methane above the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Ricaud P. , Sič B. , El Amraoui L. , Attié J.-L. , Zbinden R. , Huszar P. , Szopa S. , Parmentier J. , Jaidan N. , Michou M. , Abida R. , Carminati F. , Hauglustaine D. , August T. , Warner J. , Imasu R. , Saitoh N. , Peuch V.-H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The space and time variabilities of methane (CH4) total column and upper tropospheric mixing ratios are analysed above the Mediterranean Basin (MB) as part of the Chemical and Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment (ChArMEx) programme. Since the analysis of the mid-to-upper tropospheric CH4 distribution from spaceborne sensors and model outputs is challenging, we have adopted a climatological approach and have used a wide variety of data sets. We have combined spaceborne measurements from the Thermal And Near infrared Sensor for carbon Observations – Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) instrument on the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) satellite, the Atmospheric InfraRed Spectrometer (AIRS) on the AURA platform and the Infrared Atmospheric Sounder Interferometer (IASI) instrument aboard the MetOp-A platform with model results from the Chemical Transport Model (CTM) MOCAGE, and the Chemical Climate Models (CCMs) CNRM-AOCCM and LMDz-OR-INCA (according to different emission scenarios). In order to minimize systematic errors in the spaceborne measurements, we have only considered maritime pixels over the MB. The period of interest spans from 2008 to 2011 considering satellite and MOCAGE data and, regarding the CCMs, from 2001 to 2010. Although CH4 is a long-lived tracer with lifetime of ~12 years and is supposed to be well mixed in the troposphere, an east–west gradient in CH4 is observed and modelled in the mid-to-upper troposphere with a maximum in the Western MB in all seasons except in summer when CH4 accumulates above the Eastern MB. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the east–west seasonal variation in CH4 above the MB in the upper troposphere (300 hPa) is weak but almost twice as great in the satellite measurements (~25 ppbv) as in the model data (~15 ppbv). The maximum of CH4 in summer above the eastern MB can be explained by a series of dynamical processes only occurring in summer. The Asian monsoon traps and uplifts high amounts of CH4 to the upper troposphere where they build up. The Asian Monsoon Anticyclone redistributes these elevated CH4 amounts towards North Africa and the Middle East to finally reach and descend in the eastern MB. In the lower troposphere, the CH4 variability is mainly driven by the local sources of emission in the vicinity of the MB.
Particle water and pH in the southeastern United States
Authors: Guo H. , Xu L. , Bougiatioti A. , Cerully K. M. , Capps S. L. , Hite J. R. , Carlton A. G. , Lee S.-H. , Bergin M. H. , Ng N. L. , Nenes A. , Weber R. J.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Particle water and pH are predicted using thermodynamic modeling (with ISORROPIA-II), meteorological observations (RH, T), and gas/particle composition. A comprehensive uncertainty analysis is included and the model validated with ammonia partitioning. The method is applied to predict mass concentrations of particle water and related particle pH for ambient fine mode aerosols sampled in a relatively remote Alabama forest during the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS) in summer, and at various sites in the southeastern US, during different seasons, as part of the Southeastern Center for Air Pollution and Epidemiology (SCAPE) study. Particle water and pH are closely linked; pH is a measure of the particle H+ aqueous concentration, and so depends on both the presence of ions and amount of particle liquid water. Levels of particle water, in-turn, are determined through water uptake by both the ionic species and organic compounds. Particle ion balances, often used to infer pH, do not consider either the dissociation state of individual ions, nor particle liquid water levels and so do not necessarily correlate with particle pH. Thermodynamic calculations based on measured ion concentrations can predict both pH and liquid water, but do not consider contributions of organic species to liquid water and so may also be biased. In this study, contributions of both inorganic and organic fractions to aerosol liquid water were considered and predictions were in good agreement with measured liquid water based on differences in ambient and dry light scattering coefficients (prediction vs. measurement: slope = 0.91, intercept = 0.45 μg m−3, R = 0.87). ISORROPIA-II predictions were evaluated by reproducing the observed gas-particle partitioning of NH3. Based on this study, organic species on average contributed 35% to the total water, with a substantially higher contribution (63%) at night. The mean pH predicted in the Alabama forest (SOAS) was 0.94 ± 0.59 (median 0.93). Not including contributions of organic water has a minor effect on pH (changes pH by 0.15 to 0.23 units). pH diurnal trends followed liquid water and were driven mainly by variability in RH; in SOAS nighttime pH was near 1.5 and during day 0.5. pH ranged from 0.5 to 2 in summer and 1 to 3 in the winter at other sites. The systematically low levels of predicted pH in the southeast may have important ramifications, such as significantly influencing acid-catalyzed reactions, gas-aerosol partitioning, and mobilization of redox metals and minerals.
Diminished greenhouse warming from Archean methane due to solar absorption lines
Authors: Byrne B. , Goldblatt C.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Previous research has shown that methane may have been sustained at high concentrations in the Archean atmosphere, helping to offset lower insolation and solve the faint young sun problem. However, recent updates to the HITRAN line database have significantly increased the shortwave absorption by CH4 in comparison to older versions of the database (e.g., HITRAN 2000). Here we investigate the climatological implications of strong shortwave CH4 absorption in an Archean atmosphere rich in CH4. We show that the surface warming at CH4 abundances > 10-3 is greatly diminished relative to the HITRAN 2000 line data. Strong shortwave absorption also results in a warm stratosphere and lower tropopause. We discuss these results in the context of contemporary research of the Archean climate and how these results could affect the formation of stratospheric clouds and an organic haze.
Implementation and scaling of the fully coupled Terrestrial Systems Modeling Platform (TerrSysMP v1.0) in a massively parallel supercomputing environment – a case study on JUQUEEN (IBM Blue Gene/Q)
Authors: Gasper F. , Goergen K. , Shrestha P. , Sulis M. , Rihani J. , Geimer M. , Kollet S.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Continental-scale hyper-resolution simulations constitute a grand challenge in characterizing nonlinear feedbacks of states and fluxes of the coupled water, energy, and biogeochemical cycles of terrestrial systems. Tackling this challenge requires advanced coupling and supercomputing technologies for earth system models that are discussed in this study, utilizing the example of the implementation of the newly developed Terrestrial Systems Modeling Platform (TerrSysMP v1.0) on JUQUEEN (IBM Blue Gene/Q) of the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Germany. The applied coupling strategies rely on the Multiple Program Multiple Data (MPMD) paradigm using the OASIS suite of external couplers, and require memory and load balancing considerations in the exchange of the coupling fields between different component models and the allocation of computational resources, respectively. Using the advanced profiling and tracing tool Scalasca to determine an optimum load balancing leads to a 19% speedup. In massively parallel supercomputer environments, the coupler OASIS-MCT is recommended, which resolves memory limitations that may be significant in case of very large computational domains and exchange fields as they occur in these specific test cases and in many applications in terrestrial research. However, model I/O and initialization in the petascale range still require major attention, as they constitute true big data challenges in light of future exascale computing resources. Based on a factor-two speedup due to compiler optimizations, a refactored coupling interface using OASIS-MCT and an optimum load balancing, the problem size in a weak scaling study can be increased by a factor of 64 from 512 to 32 768 processes while maintaining parallel efficiencies above 80% for the component models.
Merchantable volume system for Populus x euramericana (Dode) Guinier cv. ‘I-214’ plantations in central and northern Spanish plateau
Authors: Barrio Anta M. , Sixto Blanco H. , Cañellas Rey de Viñas I. , González Antoñanzas F.
Published: October 2014

A model is required to accurately estimate the merchantable volume of the poplar clone more widely used in Spain (Populus x euramericana cv. ‘I-214’). The present study was therefore carried out to obtain equations for predicting merchantable volume of this poplar clone. Data from 1,289 sampled trees collected in experimental plots, installed by INIA in central Spain, were available for analysis. The volume system fitted allows determining volume to a minimum diameter or height which establishes a merchantability threshold. Also two taper functions were derived to predict the diameter outside bark along the stem and the height at which that diameter occurs. A third-order continuous autoregressive error structure was used to account for autocorrelation. Weighted non linear regression was used to take into account the problem of heteroscedasticity observed in the volume equations. Comparison of the models was carried out using overall goodness-of-fit statistics (R2 and RMSE) and box plots of residuals against position or diameter classes.
The growth of Abies pinsapo and the climate of Grazalema: dendroecological approach
Authors: Génova Fuster M.
Published: October 2014

Abies pinsapo is an interesting species wich lives in special ecological conditions, in a particular very rainy subtype of Mediterranean climate, which nevertheless is arid in summer. Its radial growth has been studied using dendrochronological methods in two Iberian population, and both the general trends and the particular disturbances have been analysed, together with the pointer years of the tree rings series. Three local chronologies have been established, in accordance with the site and the age of the trees, the longest wich extends from 1690 to 1998. The climatic signal contained in these chronologies has been determined using the Grazalema meteorological record, the most complete and extensive among those close to the Abies pinsapo forest. The effects of the severe drought that took place in the five years from 1990 to 1995 are indicated, and forest managements are suggested wich could mitigate these effects should such a situation recur in the future.
Contribution to the elaboration of the Systematic Catalogue of the Lepidoptera present in Monte Quintos de Mora in the Yebenes (Toledo, Spain)
Authors: Notario A. , Castresana L. , Cifuentes J. , Expósito A. , Vives Moreno A.
Published: October 2014

By means of diverse methods of capture a harvesting of Lepidoptera in 6 parcels located in «Monte Quintos de Mora» in The Yebenes is carried out (Toledo, Spain), administered by the «Organismo Autónomo de Parques Nacionales». The taxonomic analysis of the capture units offers like result the identification of 312 species, fitted in 31 families and 212 genus.
Use of Computational Tools to Enhance the Study of Psychrometric Processes for Buildings in an Air Conditioning Course
Authors: Mago Pedro J. , Luck Rogelio
Published: October 2014

The use of computational tools such as Mathcad or Microsoft Excel to enhance the students' understanding of the physics behind psychrometric processes in buildings in an air conditioning technical elective course is explored in this paper. By utilizing Mathcad and/or Excel, students can be taught to create a set of psychrometric-related functions that can greatly diminish the number of calculations required to tackle design-oriented problems. By doing this, two levels of conceptual understanding are enhanced. First, students gain an appreciation of the basic psychrometric processes for buildings when creating specific functions in Mathcad/Excel, and second, students gain the ability to create automated worksheets for specific applications, allowing them to see immediate results to variations in input design conditions, as well as on different parameters. Feedback from students, as well as class instructors, demonstrates that the use of these tools enhance the student experience in an air conditioning class and make the course more dynamic and engaging.
Transient nuclear Prospero induces neural progenitor quiescence
Authors: Lai Sen-Lin , Doe Chris Q
Published: October 2014

Stem cells can self-renew, differentiate, or enter quiescence. Understanding how stem cells switch between these states is highly relevant for stem cell-based therapeutics. Drosophila neural progenitors (neuroblasts) have been an excellent model for studying self-renewal and differentiation, but quiescence remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that when neuroblasts enter quiescence, the differentiation factor Prospero is transiently detected in the neuroblast nucleus, followed by the establishment of a unique molecular profile lacking most progenitor and differentiation markers. The pulse of low level nuclear Prospero precedes entry into neuroblast quiescence even when the timing of quiescence is advanced or delayed by changing temporal identity factors. Furthermore, loss of Prospero prevents entry into quiescence, whereas a pulse of low level nuclear Prospero can drive proliferating larval neuroblasts into quiescence. We propose that Prospero levels distinguish three progenitor fates: absent for self-renewal, low for quiescence, and high for differentiation.
General principles for the formation and proliferation of a wall-free (L-form) state in bacteria
Authors: Mercier Romain , Kawai Yoshikazu , Errington Jeff
Published: October 2014

The peptidoglycan cell wall is a defining structural feature of the bacterial kingdom. Curiously, some bacteria have the ability to switch to a wall-free or ‘L-form’ state. Although known for decades, the general properties of L-forms are poorly understood, largely due to the lack of systematic analysis of L-forms in the molecular biology era. Here we show that inhibition of peptidoglycan precursor synthesis promotes the generation of L-forms from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We show that the L-forms generated have in common a mechanism of proliferation involving membrane blebbing and tubulation, which is dependent on an altered rate of membrane synthesis. Crucially, this mode of proliferation is independent of the essential FtsZ based division machinery. Our results suggest that the L-form mode of proliferation is conserved across the bacterial kingdom, reinforcing the idea that it could have been used in primitive cells, and opening up its use in the generation of synthetic cells.
A Critique of “Oversimplified Images: Comments on …”
Authors: Miedema Baukje
Published: October 2014

Stewart Page argues that my article “‘Control or Treatment?’ Experiences of People who have been Psychiatrically Hospitalized in New Brunswick” (CJCMII, Vol. 13 No. 1. Spring 1994) contains many oversimplifications. However, analyzing his critique reveals that Page makes some broad statements that seem to be based in a patronizing attitude toward people who have been psychiatrically hospitalized. For example, the experiences of psychiatric patients cannot be compared to those of non-psychiatric patients because the treatment of people with “mental illness” is regulated by a powerful measure: the Mental Health Act. Furthermore, the poor living conditions of some of the research participants had a major impact on their experiences inside the hospital. “Mental illness” is a complex and multi-faceted problem. The first step to gain insight into it is to listen to the voices of people who have first-hand experiences: people who have been psychiatrically hospitalized.
You Are Not Alone
Authors: Everett Barbara , Martin Neasa , Moore Peggy
Published: October 2014

The Mood Disorders Association of Metropolitan Toronto is dedicated to self-help and mutual aid for people with depression and manic-depression, their families and friends. In 1993, the Association received a grant from the Trillium Foundation to develop a training program and companion handbook for its volunteer support-group facilitators. We began by jointly affirming our self-help mission and mandate. The board of directors, group facilitators, and staff met for a one-day organizational visioning day where we developed a clear mission statement: “We help by sharing. You are not alone. We offer hope and encouragement to one another. We empower one another through sharing resources and information.” The training project was our first opportunity to bring these values to life. Thus, instead of teaching the facilitators group-work skills, as the word “training” suggests, we captured their experiential knowledge and combined it with a valued hallmark of self-help; personal stories. The resulting handbook, entitled You Are Not Alone, is a practical users' guide to the mental health system, informing readers about what to look for and what to look out for in mental health care. However, the publication of the handbook sparked intense controversy within the organization's board of directors and challenged the organization's commitment to its self-help mission and mandate. In the end, the Association weathered the challenge and through an intense and painful process, deepened its commitment to living the values of self-help.
Perceptions, Stratégies Adaptatives Et Attentes Des Femmes Agées Aidantes Familiales Dans La Perspective Du Virage Ambulatoire
Authors: Ducharme Francine , Pérodeau Guilhème , Trudeau Denise
Published: October 2014

Cet article fait état des résultats d'une étude exploratoire subventionnée par le Conseil de recherches en sciences humaines du Canada dont les objectifs étaient d'explorer (a) la perception des femmes âgées aidantes familiales en regard du virage ambulatoire; (b) les stratégies adaptatives qu'elles utilisent pour composer avec les nouvelles exigences de soins dans ce contexte et (c) leurs perceptions et attentes face aux services. Dans un cadre théorique de stress-coping et en utilisant des questionnaires standardisés et des questions ouvertes, des entrevues individuelles è domicile ont été réalisées auprès de 40 femmes âgées devant fournir des soins è leur conjoint suite è une hospitalisation de courte durée. Des données ont été collectées dans un deuxième temps è l'aide de groupes de discussion (focus groups). Les analyses quantitatives et qualitatives des données révèlent que le virage ambulatoire est perçu positivement et comme un changement apportant des défis uniquement dans les situations où les femmes âgées se sentent en contrôle et où les soins è prodiguer n'exigent pas d'habiletés sophistiquées. Dans les can où les soins sont complexes et nécessitent une disponibilité continue et une compétence spécifique, la situation est porteuse d'insécurité pour les femmes âgées. Les aidantes utilisent davantage des stratégies adaptatives individuelles de type cognitif et utilisent peu les services provenant de leur réseau de soutien social formel. Elles souhaitent mieux comprendre le fonctionnement du système de santé afin de s'assurer de la prévisibilité des événements. Leurs attentes portent notamment sur l'importance de la continuité des interventions offertes, sur la préparation au retour è domicile et sur la disponibilité d'un soutien psychologique pour ellesmêmes. Ces résultats suggèrent une réflexion sur le paradigme dominant des services selon lequel les aidantes familiales ne sont pas encore des coclientes mais plutôt des ressources ou des cotravailleuses au sein du système de santé.
Between the Laboratory, the School, and the Community: The Psychology of Human Development, Toronto, 1916-1956
Authors: Pols Hans
Published: October 2014

In the twentieth century, Canadian psychologists have been involved with the educational system and the community at several points in time. In this article, the psychology of human development as developed at the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto from 1916 to 1956 is investigated. In a variety of projects, the mental health of children was investigated in educational settings while measures were designed and tested to prevent maladjustment and to promote mental health. Initially, research and intervention aimed at adjusting school children to the educational setting. Later, a critical perspective on social institutions and Canadian society was articulated.
Growing Older: The Lived Experience of Older Persons with Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Tryssenaar Joyce , Chui Aurora , Finch Laura
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this qualitative paper is to describe, from the consumers' perspective, the complex factors involved as persons with serious mental illness grow older in the community. The results consisted of seven major themes subsumed under three categories. The first category, across the lifespan, included three themes: (a) older but wiser, (b) one day at a time, and (c) echoes from the past. The second category, factors impeding participation in the life of the community, also included three themes: (a) on the outside looking in, (b) walk a mile in my shoes, and (c) without a voice. The final category, factors which enhance participation in community life, included only one theme: meaningful activities and productive roles. Findings suggest that service providers must actively involve consumers as primary members of the rehabilitation team to deliver effective, individualized services which are designed around the particular future needs and resources of older persons with serious mental illness. Furthermore, stigma reduction through advocacy and education at the community level must be strengthened.
Meperceived Need and Help-Seeking for Mental Health Problems Among Canadian Provinces and Territories
Authors: Afifi Tracie O. , Cox Brian J. , Sareen Jitender
Published: October 2014

Perceived need for mental health care, professional help-seeking, use of self-help groups, and reasons for not seeking professional care for mental health problems were investigated in the Canadian Community Health Survey (N = 129,543). Regional differences were found for all variables. The greatest level of Perceived Need Without Seeking Help, Professional Help-Seeking, and Use of Self-Help Groups were found in the Yukon/Northwest Territories/Nunavut. These findings likely reflect rural isolation and differences in socioeconomic levels associated with different regions in Canada. Regional differences indicate that efforts to improve the delivery of care need to be tailored to specific areas in Canada.
Promoting Multidisciplinary Relationships: A Pragmatic Framework for Helping Service Providers to Work Collaboratively
Authors: Robinson Lynne M.
Published: October 2014

Multidisciplinary teamwork is increasingly considered the ideal way to provide mental health services. This is especially the case when working with children or families. However, there is little easy-to-use information available to help practicing professionals recognize and overcome barriers to working in multi-disciplinary settings. There are even fewer resources intended for use across disiplines. This paper offers a practical approach to help mental health professionals identify barriers to teamwork and create solutions to those barriers.
Emotional Exhaustion and State Anger in Nurses Who Worked During the Sars Outbreak: The Role of Perceived Threat and Organizational Support
Authors: Fiksenbaum Lisa , Marjanovic Zdravko , Greenglass Esther R. , Coffey Sue
Published: October 2014

The present study tests a psychosocial model of factors predicting emotional exhaustion and state anger in 333 nurses who worked during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak. Predictors included working conditions, feedback, risk of contracting SARS, and perceived organizational support. Results of path analysis revealed that working conditions contributed significantly to an increase in perceived SARS threat, which led to increased emotional exhaustion and state anger. Positive feedback was directly and positively related to organizational support. Higher levels of organizational support predicted lower perceived SARS threat, emotional exhaustion, and state anger. Implications for health-care providers are discussed.
One-pot Synthesis of Pt Catalysts Supported on Al-modified TiO2
Authors: Olsen Rebecca E. , Bartholomew Calvin H. , Enfield David B. , Woodfield Brian F.
Published: October 2014

A facile, industrially viable, one-pot synthesis of 0.5-8 wt% Pt supported on 22 mol% Al-modified ana-tase with high surface area and thermal stability is presented. Four pathways were studied to deter-mine the effects of support properties on catalyst dispersion, and the highest dispersions were observed for high surface area materials containing 5-coordinate anatase. Systematic study of preparation vari-ables shows that low drying temperatures, slow calcination ramp rates, and slow reduction ramp rates further increased Pt dispersion and resulted in a more uniform Pt size distribution. Pt dispersions as high as 54% have been obtained using the one-pot method and 59% for Pt catalysts synthesized by dry impregnation. Statistically designed studies are needed to more completely determine the effects of synthesis variables and to optimize the dispersion and reduction of Pt supported on Al-modified ana-tase. Results presented in this paper show that this one-pot method and dry impregnation method us-ing our Al-modified anatase support are promising syntheses of highly dispersed Pt supported on stabi-lized titania. Our results demonstrate that the alumina-stabilized anatase support is superior to other anatase supports for (1) obtaining high Pt dispersions, i.e. more efficiently utilizing this expensive pre-cious metal, and (2) processes in which thermal stability is important due to its constant phase and pore structures at high temperatures. © 2014 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Isothermal Kinetics of Diesel Soot Oxidation over La0.7K0.3ZnOy Catalysts
Authors: Prasad Ram , Kumar Abhishek , Mishra Anupama
Published: October 2014

This paper describes the kinetics of catalytic oxidation of diesel soot with air under isothermal conditions (320-350 oC). Isothermal kinetics data were collected in a mini-semi-batch reactor. Experiments were performed over the best selected catalyst composition La0.7K0.3ZnOy prepared by sol-gel method. Characterization of the catalyst by XRD and FTIR confirmed that La1-xKxZnOy did not exhibit perovskite phase but formed mixed metal oxides. 110 mg of the catalyst-soot mixture in tight contact (10:1 ratio) was taken in order to determine the kinetic model, activation energy and Arrhenius constant of the oxidation reaction under the high air flow rate assuming pseudo first order reaction. The activation energy and Arrhenius constant were found to be 138 kJ/mol and 6.46x1010 min-1, respectively. © 2014 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Immobilization of Pepsin onto Chitosan Silica Nanobeads with Glutaraldehyde as Crosslink Agent
Authors: Cahyaningrum Sari Edi , Sianita Maria Monica
Published: October 2014

Glutaraldehyde crosslinked chitosan - silica nanobeads have been used as a support in the immobiliza-tion process of pepsin. The effect of pH, pepsin concentration, and temperature on the characteristics of both free and immobilized pepsin had been investigated in this study. The results showed that the im-mobilized pepsin has wider pH range, better capacity, performance and stability to high temperatures compared with those of free pepsin. The immobilized pepsin can be used for 8 to 10 times at which the activity remains 20%, whereas the free pepsin can only be used once. These results suggested promis-ing applications of immobilized enzyme as biocatalyst. © 2014 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Confined‐Space Alloying of Nanoparticles for the Synthesis of Efficient PtNi Fuel‐Cell Catalysts
Authors: Baldizzone Claudio , Mezzavilla Stefano , Carvalho Hudson W. P. , Meier Josef Christian , Schuppert Anna K. , Heggen Marc , Galeano Carolina , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Schüth Ferdi , Mayrhofer Karl J. J.
Published: October 2014

The efficiency of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is strongly depending on the electrocatalyst performance, that is, its activity and stability. We have designed a catalyst material that combines both, the high activity for the decisive cathodic oxygen reduction reaction associated with nanoscale Pt alloys, and the excellent durability of an advanced nanostructured support. Owing to the high specific activity and large active surface area, the catalyst shows extraordinary mass activity values of 1.0 A mgPt−1. Moreover, the material retains its initial active surface area and intrinsic activity during an extended accelerated aging test within the typical operation range. This excellent performance is achieved by confined‐space alloying of the nanoparticles in a controlled manner in the pores of the support.
From the Big Five to the General Factor of Personality: a Dynamic
Approach
Authors: Micó Joan C. , Amigó Salvador , Caselles Antonio
Published: October 2014

An integrating and dynamic model of personality that allows predicting the
response of the basic factors of personality, such as the Big Five Factors (B5F)
or the general factor of personality (GFP) to acute doses of drug is presented
in this paper. Personality has a dynamic nature, i.e., as a consequence of a
stimulus, the GFP dynamics as well as each one of the B5F of personality
dynamics can be explained by the same model (a system of three coupled
differential equations). From this invariance hypothesis, a partial differential
equation, whose solution relates the GFP with each one of the B5F, is deduced.
From this dynamic approach, a co-evolution of the GFP and each one of the B5F
occurs, rather than an unconnected evolution, as a consequence of the same
stimulus. The hypotheses and deductions are validated through an experimental
design centered on the individual, where caffeine is the considered stimulus.
Thus, as much from a theoretical point of view as from an applied one, the
models here proposed open a new perspective in the understanding and study of
personality like a global system that interacts intimately with the environment,
being a clear bet for the high level inter-disciplinary research.
Effect of dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators on non-equilibrium hypersonic flows
Authors: Bhatia Ankush , Roy Subrata , Gosse Ryan
Published: October 2014

A numerical study employing discontinuous Galerkin method demonstrating net surface heat reduction for a cylindrical body in Mach 17 hypersonic flow is presented. This application focuses on using sinusoidal dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators to inject momentum near the stagnation point. A 5 species finite rate air chemistry model completes the picture by analyzing the effect of the actuator on the flow chemistry. With low velocity near the stagnation point, the plasma actuator sufficiently modifies the fluid momentum. This results in redistribution of the integrated surface heating load on the body. Specifically, a particular configuration of normally pinching plasma actuation is predicted to reduce the surface heat flux at the stagnation point. An average reduction of 0.246% for the integrated and a maximum reduction of 7.68% are reported for the surface heat flux. The temperature contours in the fluid flow (with maximum temperature over 12 000 K) are pinched away from the stagnation point, thus resulting in reduced thermal load. Plasma actuation in this configuration also affects the species concentration distribution near the wall, in addition to the temperature gradient. The combined effect of both, thus results in an average reduction of 0.0986% and a maximum reduction of 4.04% for non-equilibrium calculations. Thus, this study successfully demonstrates the impact of sinusoidal dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuation on the reduction of thermal load on a hypersonic body.
Influence of electron–phonon interactions in single dopant nanowire transistors
Authors: Carrillo-Nuñez H. , Bescond M. , Cavassilas N. , Dib E. , Lannoo M.
Published: October 2014

Single dopant nanowire transistors can be viewed as the ultimate miniaturization of nano electronic devices. In this work, we theoretically investigate the influence of the electron-phonon coupling on their transport properties using a non-equilibrium Green's function approach in the self-consistent Born approximation. For an impurity located at the center of the wire we find that, at room temperature, acoustic phonons broaden the impurity level so that the bistability predicted in the ballistic regime is suppressed. Optical phonons are found to have a beneficial impact on carrier transport via a phonon-assisted tunneling effect. We discuss the position and temperature dependence of these effects, showing that such systems might be very promising for engineering of ultimate devices.
Does the Prevalence of Spondylolysis and Spina Bifida Occulta Observed in Pediatric Patients Remain Stable in Adults?
Authors: Urrutia Julio , Zamora Tomas , Cuellar Jorge
Published: October 2014

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Objective:

To compare the prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis and spina bifida occulta (SBO) in pediatric and adult populations.

Summary of Background Data:

The prevalence of spondylolysis reported from radiograph-based studies in children had been questioned in computed tomography (CT)-based studies in adults; however, a recent CT-based study in pediatric patients has confirmed the previously reported data in pediatric populations. SBO, which has been associated with spondylolysis, has demonstrated a decreasing prevalence with increasing age during childhood and adolescence. No studies have compared the prevalence of spondylolysis and SBO in pediatric and adult patients using CT as a screening method.

Methods:

We studied 228 pediatric patients (4–15 y old) and 235 adults (30–45 y old) who underwent abdominal and pelvic CT scans for reasons not related to the spine. The entire lumbosacral spine was evaluated to detect the presence of spondylolysis and SBO. We compared the prevalence of spondylolysis and SBO in pediatric patients and adults.

Results:

The prevalence of spondylolysis in pediatric patients was 3.5% (1.1%–5.9%), and in adults, it was 3.8% (1.7%–6.8%), P=1. The prevalence of SBO in pediatric subjects was 41.2% (34.8%–59.2%) and dropped to 7.7% (4.3%–11.5%) in adults, P<0.01. The male prevalence of SBO in pediatric patients was 51.4%, whereas it was 32.2% in females (P<0.01); this sex difference was not significant in the adult population (P=0.8).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis remained constant from pediatric age through adulthood. The prevalence of SBO decreased from 41.2% in children to 7.7% in adults; this finding suggests that closure of the vertebral arch may not be completed in early childhood in a large percentage of subjects.
Forty years of internalisation theory and the multinational enterprise
Authors: J. Buckley Peter
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the key analytical principles of internalisation theory as a general theory of the multinational enterprise (MNE). It illustrates the vitality, relevance and flexibility of the approach in explaining the continued evolution of the MNE. As a grounded social science theory, it provides, in combination with history and economic geography, satisfying and novel explanations of the key phenomena of the modern globalising economy.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper examines the origins and principles of internalisation theory as the foundation theory of the MNE. It considers internalisation theory in the context of current and mainstream theories and concepts in the field of international business.

Findings

– Internalisation theory is equally valid for the MNEs of yesteryear as it is for those today. The theory continues to have strong explanatory power for MNE activity. Current research areas, such as multiple embeddedness, fine-slicing of the value chain, etc., and other theories, such as dynamic capabilities and the resource-based view, either are subsets of internalisation and thus explained by the theory, or contain weakness and/or inconsistencies not found in internalisation theory.

Originality/value

– This paper coherently synthesises internalisation theory, its origins and evolution. It shows how commonly held and current concepts and theories are related to internalisation theory or have weaknesses, thus making internalisation theory a superior theory to explain the MNE, and identifies potential applications of the theory to novel research areas in the field of international business.
Granulomatous reactions after injections of multiple aesthetic micro‐implants in temporal combinations: a complication of filler addiction
Authors: Rongioletti F. , Atzori L. , Ferreli C. , Pau M. , Pinna A. L. , Mercuri S. R. , Aste N. , Fraitag S.
Published: October 2014

Background

Granulomatous reaction is a well‐known complication following soft filler procedures. However, the diagnosis of filler‐induced granulomas may be challenging because of the occasional reluctance of patients to report the previously performed aesthetic procedure.

Objective

To describe a new clinical situation in which some patients, in the quest for physical perfection, become addicted to multiple sequential cosmetic injections, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Methods

We describe three women who developed diffuse facial nodular tumefaction after multiple procedures of filler injections into their face that occurred at different times in the previous years.

Results

Histopathology showed a granulomatous reaction including different combined substances that were identified with different types of micro‐implants in the same biopsy.

Conclusions

Excessive demand of multiple cosmetic injections may increase the frequency of skin granulomatous reactions and can be included in the spectrum of similar addictive dysmorphophobic behaviours. Histopathology is the best mean to achieve the diagnosis.
Muscle Activity During Running With Different Body-Weight-Support Mechanisms: Aquatic Environment Versus Body-Weight-Support Treadmill
Authors: Mercer John A. , Applequist Bryon C. , Masumoto Kenji
Published: October 2014

Background:

Body-weight (BW) support during running can be accomplished using deep-water running (DWR; 100% BW support) and a lower-body positive-pressure (LBPP) treadmill.

Purpose:

To compare lower-extremity muscle activity during DWR and running on an LBPP treadmill at matched stride frequency.

Methods:

Eight subjects (40 ± 6.5 y, 173 ± 7.2 cm, 66.9 ± 11.7 kg) completed 4 running conditions all at a preferred stride frequency that was determined while running with no support. Two conditions were running on the LBPP treadmill at 60% and 80% of BW, and the other 2 conditions were different DWR styles: high knee (DWR-HK) and cross-country (DWR-CC). Average (AVG) and root-mean-square (RMS) electromyography (rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior) were each compared among conditions (repeated-measures analysis of variance).

Results:

Results for AVG and RMS variables were identical for statistical tests for each muscle. Rectus femoris electromyography during DWR-HK was lower than that of DWR-CC (P < .05) but not different than either 60% BW or 80% BW (P > .05). Biceps femoris electromyography was less during DWR-HK than DWR-CC (P < .05) but greater during DWR-HK than either BW 60% or BW 80% (P < .05). Neither gastrocnemius nor tibialis anterior electromyography differed between conditions (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Neither the mechanism of BW support nor style of DWR influenced gastrocnemius or tibialis anterior muscle activity during running at the same stride frequency. However, rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscle activity were influenced by not only the mechanism of BW support but also the style of DWR.
Taking advantage of continuity of care documents to populate a research repository
Authors: Klann Jeffrey G , Mendis Michael , Phillips Lori C , Goodson Alyssa P , Rocha Beatriz H , Goldberg Howard S , Wattanasin Nich , Murphy Shawn N
Published: October 2014

Objective Clinical data warehouses have accelerated clinical research, but even with available open source tools, there is a high barrier to entry due to the complexity of normalizing and importing data. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology's Meaningful Use Incentive Program now requires that electronic health record systems produce standardized consolidated clinical document architecture (C-CDA) documents. Here, we leverage this data source to create a low volume standards based import pipeline for the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2) clinical research platform. We validate this approach by creating a small repository at Partners Healthcare automatically from C-CDA documents.

Materials and methods We designed an i2b2 extension to import C-CDAs into i2b2. It is extensible to other sites with variances in C-CDA format without requiring custom code. We also designed new ontology structures for querying the imported data.

Results We implemented our methodology at Partners Healthcare, where we developed an adapter to retrieve C-CDAs from Enterprise Services. Our current implementation supports demographics, encounters, problems, and medications. We imported approximately 17 000 clinical observations on 145 patients into i2b2 in about 24 min. We were able to perform i2b2 cohort finding queries and view patient information through SMART apps on the imported data.

Discussion This low volume import approach can serve small practices with local access to C-CDAs and will allow patient registries to import patient supplied C-CDAs. These components will soon be available open source on the i2b2 wiki.

Conclusions Our approach will lower barriers to entry in implementing i2b2 where informatics expertise or data access are limited.
Metabolomics applied in bioenergy
Authors: Abdelnur Patricia V , Caldana Camila , Martins Marina C M
Published: October 2014

Metabolomics, which represents all the low molecular weight compounds present in a cell or organism in a particular physiological condition, has multiple applications, from phenotyping and diagnostic analysis to metabolic engineering and systems biology. In this review, we discuss the use of metabolomics for selecting microbial strains and engineering novel biochemical routes involved in plant biomass production and conversion. These aspects are essential for increasing the production of biofuels to meet the energy needs of the future. Additionally, we provide a broad overview of the analytic techniques and data analysis commonly used in metabolomics studies.
Eye Choice for Acquisition of Targets in Alternating Strabismus
Authors: Economides John R. , Adams Daniel L. , Horton Jonathan C.
Published: October 2014

In strabismus, potentially either eye can inform the brain about the location of a target so that an accurate saccade can be made. Sixteen human subjects with alternating exotropia were tested dichoptically while viewing stimuli on a tangent screen. Each trial began with a fixation cross visible to only one eye. After the subject fixated the cross, a peripheral target visible to only one eye flashed briefly. The subject's task was to look at it. As a rule, the eye to which the target was presented was the eye that acquired the target. However, when stimuli were presented in the far nasal visual field, subjects occasionally performed a “crossover” saccade by placing the other eye on the target. This strategy avoided the need to make a large adducting saccade. In such cases, information about target location was obtained by one eye and used to program a saccade for the other eye, with a corresponding latency increase. In 10/16 subjects, targets were presented on some trials to both eyes. Binocular sensory maps were also compiled to delineate the portions of the visual scene perceived with each eye. These maps were compared with subjects' pattern of eye choice for target acquisition. There was a correspondence between suppression scotoma maps and the eye used to acquire peripheral targets. In other words, targets were fixated by the eye used to perceive them. These studies reveal how patients with alternating strabismus, despite eye misalignment, manage to localize and capture visual targets in their environment.
A rare case of a parathyroid adenoma inside a parathyroid cyst
Authors: Karras Spyridon N. , Koutelidakis Ioannis , Anagnostis Panagiotis , Mintziori Gesthimani , Pontikides Nikolaos , Goulis Dimitrios G.
Published: October 2014

Parathyroid cysts (PCs) are rare lesions, located in the neck and anterior mediastinal region. The vast majority are non-functioning, presented as nodular cervical lesions. Large, non-functioning PCs can manifest with compressive symptoms of the surrounding tissues. Rarely, PCs produce excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH), resulting in primary hyperparathyroidism. We report a case of functional PC, describing its diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of social cognitive scales related to adolescent dietary behaviors
Authors: Leme Ana Carolina Barco , Philippi Sonia Tucunduva
Published: October 2014

Establishing valid and reliable methods for assessing social cognitive measures of dietary behaviors support the design and delivery of more effective interventions. The aims of this study were to culturally adapt social cognitive measures related to adolescent dietary behaviors and evaluate the reliability and factorial validity of these measures in Brazilian adolescents. The instrument was culturally adapted from an Australian questionnaire based on the Banduras' Social Cognitive Theory, and it included the following constructs: self-efficacy, intentions, situation, social support, behavioral strategies, and outcome expectations and expectancies. The questionnaire was administered in a two-week test-retest with 173 adolescents (M=15.3±1.53 years old). A confirmatory factor analysis was employed to examine model-fit for each scale using multiple indices including: chi-square, comparative-fit, goodness-of-fit, and root mean square error of approximation. Reliability properties were also examined. The reliability and factorial validity are appropriate, suggesting for each scale values between adequate to exact; internal consistency from acceptable to excellent (α=0.66 to 0.94); and rank order repeatability from adequate to strong (ICC=0.65–0.93). The Brazilian version showed appropriate internal consistency, factorial validity and test-retest reliability, and will be useful to assess social cognitive dietary behaviors among Brazilian adolescents.