bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sheep and Fasciola hepatica in Europe: the GLOWORM experience
Authors: Rinaldi Laura , Biggeri Annibale , Musella Vincenzo , De Waal Theo , Hertzberg Hubertus , Mavrot Fabien , Torgerson Paul R. , Selemetas Nikolaos , Coll Tom , Bosco Antonio , Grisotto Laura , Cringoli Giuseppe , Catelan Dolores
Published: April 2015

Fasciola hepatica infection challenges health, welfare and productivity of small ruminants throughout the world. The distribution of F. hepatica in sheep in Europe is usually scattered and studies are generally concerned with a single area making it difficult to compare results from different environments, climates and management regimes. In order to elucidate the current scenario in terms of prevalence and intensity of F. hepatica infection in sheep farms across Europe, a standardized cross-sectional survey was conducted in three pilot areas in Ireland, Switzerland and Italy, all part of the EU funded GLOWORM project. Two consecutive field surveys (in 2012 and 2013) were conducted in the three countries in the same period (August-October) in 361 sheep farms in total. Harmonized procedures (from farm to laboratory) based on pooled samples and the highly sensitive and accurate, diagnostic FLOTAC technique were used. The georeferenced parasitological results were modelled (at the pilot area level) following a Bayesian geostatistical approach with correction for preferential sampling and accounting for climatic and environmental covariates. The observed F. hepatica prevalence rates did not differ between the two study years in any of the three pilot areas, but they did vary between the countries showing high values in Ireland (61.6%) compared to Italy (7.9%) and Switzerland (4.0%). Spatial patterns of F. hepatica distribution were detected by the Bayesian geostatistical approach in Ireland with a high risk of infection in the south-western part of the pilot area there. The latent factor analysis highlighted the importance of year-to-year variation of mean temperature, rainfall and seasonality within a country, while long-term trends of temperature and rainfall dominated between countries with respect to prevalence of infection.
How Can We Bring Public Health in All Policies? Strategies for Healthy Societies
Authors: Bert Fabrizio , Scaioli Giacomo , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Siliquini Roberta
Published: April 2015

New scenarios are emerging in the European and worldwide context: the ageing of society, the climate changes, the increasing of health inequalities and the financial crisis. In this context, the scientific community and the decision-makers agree on the role of health in all policies (HiAP) strategy in improving the population's health. The HiAP takes into account factors not strictly related to health but with important health consequences. To bring public health in all policies a change is needed, but there are some obstacles to overcome: for instance, the lack of evidence regarding the governance tools and frameworks for HiAP, the difficulty of convincing stakeholders and producing a cultural change in the political positioning of decision-makers. Consequently, it is necessary: i) to implement stronger and responsible decision-support approaches, such as health impact assessment and health technology assessment; ii) to encourage and coordinate all relevant sectors in playing their part in reducing health gaps within the European Union; iii) to strengthen cooperation and make better use of existing networks and existing public health and related institutions. The final aim will be to monitor the impact of the health determinants in order to promote the effective implementation of HiAP approach.
Perceived external prestige as a mediator between quality of work life and organisational commitment of public sector employees in Ghana
Authors: Ojedokun Oluyinka , Idemudia Erhabor S. , Desouza Mercy
Published: April 2015

Orientation: Research efforts have been directed at understanding the relationship between quality of work life and organisational commitment, but these studies have not elucidated the mediating role of perceived external prestige in this relationship.Research purpose: This research seeks to close a research gap by determining the role of perceived external prestige in the relationship between quality of work life and organisational commitment amongst public sector employees in Ghana.Research approach, design and method: Theoretically guided hypotheses and models were formulated and tested with hierarchical multiple regression statistics using data from a sample of 137 employees from two public sector organisations in Ghana.Main findings: The results support the hypothesis that quality of work life is positively related to both perceived external prestige and organisational commitment. Also, perceived external prestige was found to predict organisational commitment and partially mediate the relationship between quality of work life and organisational commitment.Practical/managerial implications: The findings imply that one sure way to enhance organisational commitment of employees is by improving their quality of work life and boosting their perceptions of external prestige of the organisation. These results will be of particular interest to policymakers, public organisations and stakeholders interested in increasing organisational commitment of their employees.Contribution/value-add: The findings extend previous research by establishing the mediating role of perceived external prestige in the relationship between quality of work life and organisational commitment. If managers of organisations wish to improve organisational commitment, it is wise to institutionalise an organisational culture that promotes good quality of work life and boost the external prestige of the organisation in the employees’ mind.
Diagnosis and presurgical orthopedics in infants with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Bilgic Fundagul , Sozer Ozlem Akinci
Published: April 2015

Cleft lip and palate are one of the most common congenital craniofacial malformations. While preoperative treatment for infants with cleft lip and palate is still a scientific debate, patients with this malocclusion usually have to be treated from infancy to adulthood. Orthodontist plays an important role in the treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate. The purpose of this review is to give information about cleft lip and palate and presurgical nasoalveolar molding.
Comparison of human pulp tissue dissolution capacities of different irrigating solutions: An in vitro study
Authors: Jain Atul , Shrivastava Tarun Vijay , Tabassum Sameena , Bahuguna Rachana
Published: April 2015

Background: Organic tissue dissolution is considered as one of the most important and desirable property of endodontic irrigant, any soft tissue remnant, harboring bacteria, left in the canal after endodontic therapy may be the cause of failure. Aim: The present study aimed at assessing and comparing the human pulp dissolution (thereby eliminating the bacteria) capacity of some potential endodontic irrigants viz., sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (2.5% and 5.25%), chlorine dioxide (5%) and peracetic acid (5%). Materials and Methods: Forty human pulp specimens from extracted premolars were taken and weighed. They were immersed in test solution for 30 min, dried on filter paper and weighed again. The percentage weight loss was calculated and statistically analyzed. Conclusion: It can be concluded that NaOCl showed the best tissue dissolution capacity, followed by 5% peracetic acid.
Interdental cleaning: A cross-sectional survey of patients attending a tertiary health institution in Nigeria
Authors: Dosumu Elizabeth B. , Lawal Folake B.
Published: April 2015

Background: Removal of bacterial plaque, the primary etiological factor for periodontal disease, from the oral cavity is one of the modes of preventing this disease, however it is not known if bacterial plaque formed in interdental areas are being cleaned effectively like other tooth surfaces since they are relatively inaccessible. Aim: The aim was to determine the interdental cleaning behavior of patients attending dental clinics of a tertiary health institution in a developing country. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study in which information such as; tooth surfaces being cleaned regularly, interdental cleaning aids, cleaning frequency, knowledge of interdental cleaning and its source was collected using structured questionnaires from adult patients attending the Dental Centre of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 246 patients participated in the study and the mean age was 40.4years (standard deviation = 17.4). There were 134 (54.5%) females. Only 86 (35%) were aware of interdental cleaning and 57 (23.2%) practiced it regularly; 39 (15.9%) used dental floss, 12 (4.9%) interdental brushes, 5 (2.0%) wood sticks and 1 (0.4%) used rubber tip stimulators. Two patients used blade and broomstick in addition. The main reason for not cleaning interdentally was no prior knowledge in 160 (65.0%) patients. Conclusion: Less than a quarter of the patients in this study engaged in regular cleaning of the interdental surfaces and lack of knowledge was the major reason for not doing so. Dissemination of information about the importance of interdental cleaning is therefore recommended.
Prevalence of permanent anterior tooth fracture due to trauma in South Indian population
Authors: Hegde Mithra Nidharsh , Sajnani Ankit Rajesh
Published: April 2015

Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of permanent anterior teeth fracture due to trauma in South Indian population. Materials and Methods: After formal consent, study was conducted on 2000 patients reporting for treatment in A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences and Rural Satellite Centers from June to December 2013. They were examined under good illumination using sterilized mouth mirror, explorer and cotton rolls. Results were evaluated using Pearson Chi-square test. Results: Of 2000 patients, overall prevalence of anterior teeth fracture due to trauma was 14.85%, 53.9% cases were noticed in the age group of 15-30 years, 20.2% cases in an age group of 12-15 years. Of 14.85% (297) cases, 53.9% males and 46.1% females had anterior teeth fracture, 88.67% cases were with respect to maxillary arch and 11.33% cases were with respect to mandibular arch. 43.9% patients had enamel and dentin fracture, only enamel fracture was seen in 31.6% patients and the least was 6.01% which showed displacement of tooth without crown or root fracture, 67% were because of falls and rest of the 33% of patients had anterior tooth fracture because of violence, sports and traffic accidents, 71.42% cases had fracture with maxillary central incisor. Furthermore, 59.6% cases were seen with Class II Division I malocclusion. Conclusions: In the present study we noticed that fall was the most frequent cause and are seen more in males with an increased prevalence in 15-30 years of age. Furthermore, fracture of maxillary central incisor was most common and among all, fractures involving enamel and dentin were most common.
Dengue Seroprevalence in the French West Indies: A Prospective Study in Adult Blood Donors
Authors: L'Azou Maïna , Jean-Marie Janick , Bessaud Maël , Cabié André , Césaire Raymond , de Lamballerie Xavier , Courbil Rémi , Richard Pascale
Published: April 2015

Using an anti-dengue immunoglobulin G (IgG) indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, seroprevalence was determined among 783 adult blood donors in the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in 2011. Overall, 93.5% [91.5; 95.1] samples were positive for dengue antibodies, 90.7% (350 of 386) in Martinique and 96.2% (382 of 397) in Guadeloupe. Only 30% of these adults recalled having had dengue disease before. Serotype-specific neutralization assays applied to a subset of IgG-positive samples indicated that a majority (77 of 96; 80%) reacted to the four serotypes. These seroprevalence findings are the first reported for Guadeloupe and Martinique and are consistent with the dengue epidemiology in these territories.
From the Boom to the Collapse: a Technical Efficiency Analysis of the Spanish Construction Industry during the Financial Crisis
Authors: Fernández-López Xosé Luís , Coto-Millán Pablo
Published: April 2015

Despite its contribution to the Spanish economy, as far as the authors are aware, the technical efficiency of the Spanish construction industry has neither been measured nor have the factors influencing it been analyzed. This paper measures the technical efficiency of the Spanish construction sector before and during the current financial crisis and investigates the degree to which factors influencing efficiency levels in this sector have changed. Stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) methods are applied to firm-level data (692 constructions firms) over the period 1996-2011. The results show that the average Technical Efficiency of the sector is 0.85. Results also indicate that variables affecting Technical Efficiency in the construction sector must be analyzed depending on real state cycle. Based on the findings, policy recommendations to improve the sector efficiency were developed.Important factors affecting efficiency change have been identified, and some managerial recommendations to increase the sector efficiency have been developed. The main recommendations for construction companies include: (1) cooperation and company mergers have a positive impact on companies’ efficiency; (2) accumulation of excessive financial burden damages the business long-term stability; and (3) business strategy should be tailored to economic prospects.Paper Type: Viewpoint
Causes of Payment Problems in the New Zealand Construction Industry
Authors: Ramachandra Thanuja , Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele
Published: April 2015

Payment delays and losses persist in the construction industry and continue to be a key concern to industry practitioners. Therefore an exploration of the key causes of payment delays and losses is undertaken in this study with the ultimate objective of seeking mitigating solutions. The study adopted a survey approach using an online questionnaire, administered to practitioners from the New Zealand construction industry, comprising consultants, head contractors and subcontractors. The data obtained was analysed using inferential statistical techniques, including comparing means and factor analysis. Factor analysis enabled clustering of the inter-related causes of payment delays and losses in order to find reduced number of causes. Accordingly, the study found that payment problems mainly relate to contractual issues, financial strength of industry players, disputes, short-comings of payment processes and ‘domino effects’. Among them, the financial strength of critical industry players was considered central to payment problems. The study concludes that any solution to these problems must address these primary causes, as a rational starting point. Thus procuring a feasible form of financial security at the outset of a project, and the pre-qualification of the financial status of critical project participants, were found to be significant in the mitigation of construction payment risks.Paper Type: Research article
Systematic Representation of Relationship Quality in Conflict and Dispute: for Construction Projects
Authors: Babaeian Jelodar Mostafa , Wing Yiu Tak , Wilkinson Suzanne
Published: April 2015

The construction industry needs to move towards more relational procurement procedures to reduce extensive losses of value and avoid conflicts and disputes. Despite this, the actual conceptualization and assessment of relationships during conflict and dispute incidents seem to be neglected. Via a review of literature, relationship quality is suggested as a systematic framework for construction projects. General system theory is applied and a framework consistent of four layers respectively labelled as triggering, antecedent, moderation and outcome is suggested. Two different case studies are undertaken to represent the systematic framework; which verifies that changes in contracting circumstances and built environment culture can affect the identified layers.Through system reliability theories a fault tree is derived to represent a systematic framework of relationship quality. The combinations of components, causes, and events for two case studies are mapped out through fault tree. By analysing the fault tree the combination of events that lead to relationship deterioration may be identified. Consequently the progression of simple events into failure is formulized and probabilities allocated. Accordingly the importance and the contribution of these events to failure become accessible. The ability to have such indications about relationship quality may help increase performance as well as sustainable procurement. Paper Type: Research article
The Mediation Influence of Job Satisfaction on Organisational Commitment amongst Quantity Surveyors
Authors: Chiu Wai Yee Betty , Ng Fung FaI
Published: April 2015

Some researchers claimed that job satisfaction directly affected organisational commitment but others considered it had a mediation effect on the relationship between some independent variables and organisational commitment. Thus, this paper aimed to examine whether job satisfaction mediated the relationship between work group identification and the two forms of organisational commitment amongst quantity surveyors. A quantitative approach with questionnaire survey was employed for data collection. Questionnaires were sent to the chartered quantity surveyors and 71 valid responses were obtained for analysis. A bootstrapping approach was applied to the survey data to test the mediating effect of job satisfaction between work group identification and organisational commitment. The bootstrapping results supported most hypotheses. The findings suggested that surveying companies should focus their efforts on improving quantity surveyors’ job satisfaction through the organisation of social activities. Special measures should also be taken by the work group leaders to improve the working relationship among quantity surveyors to foster job satisfaction.Paper Type: Research article
International Approaches to Real Estate Development
Authors: Tiwari Piyush Kumar
Published: April 2015

Book ReviewInternational Approaches to Real Estate DevelopmentSquires, G. and Heurkens, E., 2015. International Approaches to Real Estate Development. Routledge, UK. ISBN (hbk): 978-0-415-82857-4, ISBN (pbk): 978-0-415-82858-1, Paperback: US$49.95, Hardback: US$165.00.
How well do tall-tower measurements characterize the CO2 mole fraction distribution in the planetary boundary layer?
Authors: Haszpra L. , Barcza Z. , Haszpra T. , Pátkai Zs. , Davis K. J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Planetary boundary layer (PBL) CO2 mole fraction data are needed by transport models and carbon budget models as both input and reference for validation. The height of in situ CO2 mole fraction measurements is usually different from that of the model levels where the data are needed; data from short towers, in particular, are difficult to utilize in atmospheric models that do not simulate the surface layer well. Tall-tower CO2 mole fraction measurements observed at heights ranging from 10 to 115 m above ground level at a rural site in Hungary and regular airborne vertical mole fraction profile measurements (136 vertical profiles) above the tower allowed us to estimate how well a tower of a given height could estimate the CO2 mole fraction above the tower in the PBL. The statistical evaluation of the height-dependent bias between the real PBL CO2 mole fraction profile (measured by the aircraft) and the measurement at a given elevation above the ground was performed separately for the summer and winter half years to take into account the different dynamics of the lower troposphere and the different surface CO2 flux in the different seasons. The paper presents (1) how accurately the vertical distribution of CO2 in the PBL can be estimated from the measurements on the top of a tower of height H; (2) how tall of a tower would be needed for the satisfaction of different requirements on the accuracy of the estimation of the CO2 vertical distribution; (3) how accurate of a CO2 vertical distribution estimation can be expected from the existing towers; and (4) how much improvement can be achieved in the accuracy of the estimation of CO2 vertical distribution by applying the virtual tall-tower concept.
Methanotrophy within the water column of a large meromictic tropical lake (Lake Kivu, East Africa)
Authors: Morana C. , Borges A. V. , Roland F. A. E. , Darchambeau F. , Descy J.-P. , Bouillon S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The permanently stratified Lake Kivu is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs of dissolved methane (CH4) on Earth. Yet CH4 emissions from its surface to the atmosphere have been estimated to be 2 orders of magnitude lower than the CH4 upward flux to the mixed layer, suggesting that microbial CH4 oxidation is an important process within the water column. A combination of natural abundance stable carbon isotope analysis (δ13C) of several carbon pools and 13CH4-labelling experiments was carried out during the rainy and dry season to quantify (i) the contribution of CH4-derived carbon to the biomass, (ii) methanotrophic bacterial production (MBP), and (iii) methanotrophic bacterial growth efficiency (MBGE), defined as the ratio between MBP and gross CH4 oxidation. We also investigated the distribution and the δ13C of specific phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), used as biomarkers for aerobic methanotrophs. Maximal MBP rates were measured in the oxycline, suggesting that CH4 oxidation was mainly driven by oxic processes. Moreover, our data revealed that methanotrophic organisms in the water column oxidized most of the upward flux of CH4, and that a significant amount of CH4-derived carbon was incorporated into the microbial biomass in the oxycline. The MBGE was variable (2–50%) and negatively related to CH4 : O2 molar ratios. Thus, a comparatively smaller fraction of CH4-derived carbon was incorporated into the cellular biomass in deeper waters, at the bottom of the oxycline where oxygen was scarce. The aerobic methanotrophic community was clearly dominated by type I methanotrophs and no evidence was found for an active involvement of type II methanotrophs in CH4 oxidation in Lake Kivu, based on fatty acids analyses. Vertically integrated over the water column, the MBP was equivalent to 16–60% of the average phytoplankton particulate primary production. This relatively high magnitude of MBP, and the substantial contribution of CH4-derived carbon to the overall biomass in the oxycline, suggest that methanotrophic bacteria could potentially sustain a significant fraction of the pelagic food web in the deep, meromictic Lake Kivu.
Arctic sea ice in the PlioMIP ensemble: is model performance for modern climates a reliable guide to performance for the past or the future?
Authors: Howell F. W. , Haywood A. M. , Otto-Bliesner B. L. , Bragg F. , Chan W.-L. , Chandler M. A. , Contoux C. , Kamae Y. , Abe-Ouchi A. , Rosenbloom N. A. , Stepanek C. , Zhang Z.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Eight general circulation models have simulated the mid-Pliocene Warm Period (mPWP, 3.264 to 3.025 Ma) as part of the Pliocene Modelling Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP). Here, we analyse and compare their simulation of Arctic sea ice for both the pre-industrial and the mid-Pliocene. Mid-Pliocene sea ice thickness and extent is reduced and displays greater variability within the ensemble compared to the pre-industrial. This variability is highest in the summer months, when the model spread in the mid-Pliocene is more than three times larger than the rest of the year. Correlations between mid-Pliocene Arctic temperatures and sea ice extents are almost twice as strong as the equivalent correlations for the pre-industrial simulations. It is suggested that the weaker relationship between pre-industrial Arctic sea ice and temperatures is likely due to the tuning of climate models to achieve an optimal pre-industrial sea ice cover, which may also affect future predictions of Arctic sea ice. Model tuning for the pre-industrial does not appear to be best suited for simulating the different climate state of the mid-Pliocene. This highlights the importance of evaluating climate models through simulation of past climates, and the urgent need for more proxy evidence of sea ice during the Pliocene.
On Solvability of an Inverse Boundary Value Problem for Pseudo Hyperbolic Equation of the Fourth Order
Authors: T. Mehraliyev Yashar , Huseynova Afaq F.
Published: April 2015

We analyze the solvability of the inverse boundary problem with an unknown  coefficient depended on time for the pseudo hyperbolic equation of fourth order with periodic and integral conditions.The initial problem is reduced to an equivalent problem. With the help of the Fourier method, the equivalent problem is reduced to a system of integral equations. The existence and uniqueness of the solution of the integral equations is proved. The obtained solution of the integral equations is also the only solution to the equivalent problem. Basing on the equivalence of the problems, the theorem of the existence and uniqueness of the classical solutions of the original problem is proved.
Garganta de piedra: el canto artificial de Alberto Kurapel y la recepción de chilenos exiliados en Montreal durante los setenta
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Jordán González Laura
Published: April 2015

La obra musical de Alberto Kurapel sigue siendo un terreno francamente postergado por los investigadores, ya sea por elestatus incipiente en que se encuentra el conocimiento general sobre la música chilena en exilio durante la reciente dictadura, ya por la adscripción más apropiada de este artista al campo de la actuación y la dramaturgia. Lo cierto es que, además de aportar de manera significativa al teatro, se desenvolvió activamente como cantautor en Montreal, el paradero de su destierro, convirtiéndose probablemente en uno de los más prolíficos solistas exiliados en el ámbito discográfico. De sus siete álbumes del período, se toman como objeto de escrutinio los tres primeros: Chili: Amanecerá la siembra (1975), Chili: Guitarra adentro (1977) y A tajo abierto (1978). En particular, se busca examinar la triple relación dada entre ciertas nociones de vocalidad desplegadas en algunas canciones, el desencuentro con un público de chilenos exiliados y la concepción de artificialidad en la performance de exilio. Para ello, se recurre a ensayos del propio Kurapel, así como a los conceptos de marcos de análisis y personae de la teoría de performance musical de Philip Auslander. Asimismo, el artículo basa una buena parte de sus estipulaciones en fuentes orales.
Resilience of Sphyrna lewini, Rhizoprionodon longurio, and Carcharhinus falciformis at the entrance to the Gulf of California after three decades of exploitation
Authors: Furlong-Estrada Emmanuel , Tovar-Ávila Javier , Pérez-Jiménez Juan Carlos , Ríos-Jara Eduardo
Published: April 2015

Given their biological characteristics, sharks exhibit low resilience and thereby are considered a fishery resource particularly vulnerable to overfishing. Yet, for several decades, three shark species (Sphyrna lewini, Rhizoprionodon longurio, and Carcharhinus falciformis) have contributed consistently to the catches of the artisanal shark fishery at the entrance to the Gulf of California, showing a certain degree of resilience. The aim of this study was to estimate their capacity to recover from disturbances, based on their rebound potential (r2M), and analyze the factors that may be favoring their capacity to recover from fishing pressure in the region. Catch records, size composition of landings reported in previous studies and from undertaken surveys, as well as published information on life history parameters were used in the present analysis. Rhizoprionodon longurio showed high productivity (r2M = 0.083) and thus high resilience, whereas C. falciformis and S. lewini presented medium productivities (r2M = 0.053 and 0.062, respectively), but alternative scenarios to consider uncertainty in the life history parameters of C. falciformis and S. lewini placed them in the low productivity category. All species presented low productivity when the more conservative natural mortality (e.g., 1.25M) to achieve maximum sustainable yield was considered. Catches were dominated by juveniles of S. lewini, and by preadults and adults of R. longurio and C. falciformis during all the analyzed period; this and their consistent contribution to landings suggest apparent population stability. Such stability might be related to their biological productivity, elasticity, wide distribution range, migratory habits, and size segregation. Nonetheless, changes that occurred in this fishery over the last three decades may have also played an important role in the catch levels, particularly in the case of C. falciformis. Quantitative population assessments of these species to determine the optimum levels of extraction in the region are urgently needed.
KALREF—A Kalman filter and time series approach to the International Terrestrial Reference Frame realization
Authors: Wu Xiaoping , Abbondanza Claudio , Altamimi Zuheir , Chin T. Mike , Collilieux Xavier , Gross Richard S. , Heflin Michael B. , Jiang Yan , Parker Jay W.
Published: April 2015

The current International Terrestrial Reference Frame is based on a piecewise linear site motion model and realized by reference epoch coordinates and velocities for a global set of stations. Although linear motions due to tectonic plates and glacial isostatic adjustment dominate geodetic signals, at today's millimeter precisions, nonlinear motions due to earthquakes, volcanic activities, ice mass losses, sea level rise, hydrological changes, and other processes become significant. Monitoring these (sometimes rapid) changes desires consistent and precise realization of the terrestrial reference frame (TRF) quasi‐instantaneously. Here, we use a Kalman filter and smoother approach to combine time series from four space geodetic techniques to realize an experimental TRF through weekly time series of geocentric coordinates. In addition to secular, periodic, and stochastic components for station coordinates, the Kalman filter state variables also include daily Earth orientation parameters and transformation parameters from input data frames to the combined TRF. Local tie measurements among colocated stations are used at their known or nominal epochs of observation, with comotion constraints applied to almost all colocated stations. The filter/smoother approach unifies different geodetic time series in a single geocentric frame. Fragmented and multitechnique tracking records at colocation sites are bridged together to form longer and coherent motion time series. While the time series approach to TRF reflects the reality of a changing Earth more closely than the linear approximation model, the filter/smoother is computationally powerful and flexible to facilitate incorporation of other data types and more advanced characterization of stochastic behavior of geodetic time series.
On the trade‐off between seismic anisotropy and heterogeneity: Numerical simulations and application to Northeast Japan
Authors: Huang Zhouchuan , Zhao Dapeng , Liu Xin
Published: April 2015

P wave tomography has been recently used to study 3‐D azimuthal and radial anisotropy of subduction zones and continental regions. However, the fundamental issue about the trade‐off between the isotropic and anisotropic structures is still unclear. In this study, we investigate this issue systematically with comprehensive synthetic tests. Our results indicate that good ray coverage in the azimuth (for azimuthal anisotropy) and incidence (for radial anisotropy) is required for determining reliable anisotropic models. The isotropic and anisotropic structures are strongly coupled, and smearing effects are significant when the rays used in the inversion are limited in a small range of azimuth or incidence. We therefore plot ray azimuth and ray incidence ellipses at every grid nodes and propose to use the normalized length of the short axis (i.e., the ratio of the short‐axis and long‐axis lengths) for estimating the ray coverage quantitatively. Applying our novel approach to a large number of high‐quality arrival time data of local shallow‐ and intermediate‐depth earthquakes, we obtained new tomographic images of 3‐D P wave azimuthal and radial anisotropy in Northeast Japan. Both the azimuthal and radial anisotropy results are determined reliably for the shallow parts of the study region, whereas the smearing effects are significant in the deeper part of the mantle wedge and the subducting slab. Our results show dominant trench‐normal and vertical‐fast anisotropy in the mantle wedge while trench‐parallel and horizontal‐fast anisotropy in the subducting slab, which indicates different dynamics in different domains of the subduction zone.
Estimating the Atlantic overturning at 26°N using satellite altimetry and cable measurements
Authors: Frajka‐Williams E.
Published: April 2015

Climate simulations predict a slowing of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC), a key oceanic component of the climate system, while continuous observations of the MOC from boundary arrays demonstrate substantial variability on weekly to interannual time scales. These arrays are necessarily limited to individual latitudes. A potential proxy for the MOC covering longer time scales and larger spatial scales is desirable. Here we use sea surface height data from satellites to estimate the interannual variability of transbasin ocean transports at 26°N. Combining this estimate with surface Ekman transport and cable measurements of the Florida Current, we construct a time series of the MOC from 1993 to 2014. This satellite‐based estimate recovers over 90% of the interannual variability of the MOC measured by the RAPID 26°N array. This analysis complements in situ observational efforts to measure the MOC at multiple latitudes and opens the door to a broader spatial understanding of the Atlantic circulation variability.
Impacts of extreme 2013–2014 winter conditions on Lake Michigan's fall heat content, surface temperature, and evaporation
Authors: Gronewold A. D. , Anderson E. J. , Lofgren B. , Blanken P. D. , Wang J. , Smith J. , Hunter T. , Lang G. , Stow C. A. , Beletsky D. , Bratton J.
Published: April 2015

Since the late 1990s, the Laurentian Great Lakes have experienced persistent low water levels and above average over‐lake evaporation rates. During the winter of 2013–2014, the lakes endured the most persistent, lowest temperatures and highest ice cover in recent history, fostering speculation that over‐lake evaporation rates might decrease and that water levels might rise. To address this speculation, we examined interseasonal relationships in Lake Michigan's thermal regime. We find pronounced relationships between winter conditions and subsequent fall heat content, modest relationships with fall surface temperature, but essentially no correlation with fall evaporation rates. Our findings suggest that the extreme winter conditions of 2013–2014 may have induced a shift in Lake Michigan's thermal regime and that this shift coincides with a recent (and ongoing) rise in Great Lakes water levels. If the shift persists, it could (assuming precipitation rates remain relatively constant) represent a return to thermal and hydrologic conditions not observed on Lake Michigan in over 15 years.
Field dipolarization in Saturn's magnetotail with planetward ion flows and energetic particle flow bursts: Evidence of quasi‐steady reconnection
Authors: Jackman C. M. , Thomsen M. F. , Mitchell D. G. , Sergis N. , Arridge C. S. , Felici M. , Badman S. V. , Paranicas C. , Jia X. , Hospodarksy G. B. , Andriopoulou M. , Khurana K. K. , Smith A. W. , Dougherty M. K.
Published: April 2015

We present a case study of an event from 20 August (day 232) of 2006, when the Cassini spacecraft was sampling the region near 32 RS and 22 h LT in Saturn's magnetotail. Cassini observed a strong northward‐to‐southward turning of the magnetic field, which is interpreted as the signature of dipolarization of the field as seen by the spacecraft planetward of the reconnection X line. This event was accompanied by very rapid (up to ~1500 km s−1) thermal plasma flow toward the planet. At energies above 28 keV, energetic hydrogen and oxygen ion flow bursts were observed to stream planetward from a reconnection site downtail of the spacecraft. Meanwhile, a strong field‐aligned beam of energetic hydrogen was also observed to stream tailward, likely from an ionospheric source. Saturn kilometric radiation emissions were stimulated shortly after the observation of the dipolarization. We discuss the field, plasma, energetic particle, and radio observations in the context of the impact this reconnection event had on global magnetospheric dynamics.
Age Differences in Learning from Instructional Animations
Authors: Boucheix Jean‐Michel , Lowe Richard K. , Bugaiska Aurélia
Published: April 2015

The present study tests the effects of the decline of executive functions and spatial abilities with aging on the comprehension of a complex instructional animation. An animation of a piano mechanism was presented individually to 33 young adults and 31 elderly participants. Two presentation speeds of the animation (normal and slow) were compared in a 2 × 2 experimental design. Eye movements were recorded during the learning time. Then, four executive function tests (inhibition, shifting, updating, and processing speed) and a spatial ability test (differential aptitude test) were undertaken by each participant. Results showed that the comprehension of animations was significantly affected by aging. Significant differences between young and old groups were found for executive functions and spatial abilities. Regressions on comprehension scores showed a strong significant effect of spatial ability. Like in previous research, presentation speed had no effect. Eye movement data showed this result was due to application of a compensation strategy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamental Tradeoff between Emission Intensity and Efficiency in Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: van Reenen Stephan , Janssen René A. J. , Kemerink Martijn
Published: April 2015

The characteristic doping process in polymer light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) causes a tradeoff between luminescence intensity and efficiency. Experiments and numerical modeling on thin film polymer LECs show that, on the one hand, carrier injection and transport benefit from electrochemical doping, leading to increased electron‐hole recombination. On the other hand, the radiative recombination efficiency is reduced by exciton quenching by polarons involved in the doping. Consequently, the quasi‐steady‐state luminescent efficiency decreases with increasing ion concentration. The transient of the luminescent efficiency shows a characteristic roll‐off while the current continuously increases, attributed to ongoing electrochemical doping and the associated exciton quenching. Both effects can be modeled by exciton polaron‐quenching via diffusion‐assisted Förster resonance energy transfer. These results indicate that the tradeoff between efficiency and intensity is fundamental, suggesting that the application realm of future LECs should be sought in high‐brightness, low‐production cost devices, rather than in high‐efficiency devices.
Modulated Thermoelectric Properties of Organic Semiconductors Using Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Zhang Fengjiao , Zang Yaping , Huang Dazhen , Di Chong‐an , Gao Xike , Sirringhaus Henning , Zhu Daoben
Published: April 2015

Organic thermoelectric materials, which can transform heat flow into electricity, have great potential for flexible, ultra‐low‐cost and large‐area thermoelectric applications. Despite rapid developments of organic thermoelectric materials, exploration and investigation of promising organic thermoelectric semiconductors still remain as a challenge. Here, the thermoelectric properties of several p‐ and n‐type organic semiconductors are investigated and studied, in particular, how the electric field modulations of the Seebeck coefficient in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) compare with the Seebeck coefficient in chemically doped films. The extracted relationship between the Seebeck coefficient (S) and electrical conductivity (σ) from the field‐effect transistor (FET) geometry is in good agreement with that of chemically doped films, enabling the investigation of the trade‐off relationship among σ, S, carrier concentration, and charging level. The results make OFETs an effective candidate for the thermoelectric studies of organic semiconductors.
Bioinspired Interlocked and Hierarchical Design of ZnO Nanowire Arrays for Static and Dynamic Pressure‐Sensitive Electronic Skins
Authors: Ha Minjeong , Lim Seongdong , Park Jonghwa , Um Doo‐Seung , Lee Youngoh , Ko Hyunhyub
Published: April 2015

The development of electronic skin (e‐skin) is of great importance in human‐like robotics, healthcare, wearable electronics, and medical applications. In this paper, a bioinspired e‐skin design of hierarchical micro‐ and nano‐structured ZnO nanowire (NW) arrays in an interlocked geometry is suggested for the sensitive detection of both static and dynamic tactile stimuli through piezoresistive and piezoelectric transduction modes, respectively. The interlocked hierarchical structures enable a stress‐sensitive variation in the contact area between the interlocked ZnO NWs and also the efficient bending of ZnO NWs, which allow the sensitive detection of both static and dynamic tactile stimuli. The flexible e‐skin in a piezoresistive mode shows a high pressure sensitivity (−6.8 kPa−1) and an ultrafast response time (<5 ms), which enables the detection of minute static pressure (0.6 Pa), vibration level (0.1 m s−2), and sound pressure (≈57 dB). The flexible e‐skin in a piezoelectric mode is also demonstrated to be able to detect fast dynamic stimuli such as high frequency vibrations (≈250 Hz). The flexible e‐skins with both piezoresistive and piezoelectric sensing capabilities may find applications requiring both static and dynamic tactile perceptions such as robotic hands for dexterous manipulations and various healthcare monitoring devices.
Biomaterials for Bone Regenerative Engineering
Authors: Yu Xiaohua , Tang Xiaoyan , Gohil Shalini V. , Laurencin Cato T.
Published: April 2015

Strategies for bone tissue regeneration have been continuously evolving for the last 25 years since the introduction of the “tissue engineering” concept. The convergence of the life, physical, and engineering sciences has brought in several advanced technologies available to tissue engineers and scientists. This resulted in the creation of a new multidisciplinary field termed as “regenerative engineering”. In this article, the role of biomaterials in bone regenerative engineering is systematically reviewed to elucidate the new design criteria for the next generation of biomaterials for bone regenerative engineering. The exemplary design of biomaterials harnessing various materials characteristics towards successful bone defect repair and regeneration is highlighted. Particular attention is given to the attempts of incorporating advanced materials science, stem cell technologies, and developmental biology into biomaterials design to engineer and develop the next generation bone grafts.
Majorana, Pauling and the quantum theory of the chemical bond
Authors: Esposito Salvatore , Naddeo Adele
Published: April 2015

Nonlocal electrodynamics is a formalism developed to include nonlocal effects in the measurement process in order to account for the impossibility of instantaneous measurement of physical fields. This theory modifies Maxwell's electrodynamics by eliminating the hypothesis of locality that assumes an accelerated observer simultaneously equivalent to a comoving inertial frame of reference. In this scenario, the transformation between an inertial and accelerated observer is generalized which affects the properties of physical fields. In particular, we analyze how an uniformly accelerated observer perceives a homogeneous and isotropic black body radiation. We show that all nonlocal effects are transient and most relevant in the first period of acceleration.
Synthesis, spectral investigation and development of tetrahedral copper(II) complexes as artificial metallonucleases and antimalarial agents
Authors: Mehta Jugal V. , Gajera Sanjay B. , Patel Disha D. , Patel Mohan N.
Published: April 2015

Seven new copper(II) complexes of type [Cu(A)(L)]⋅H2O (A = sparfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, pefloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin; L = 5‐[(3‐chlorophenyl)diazenyl]‐4‐hydroxy‐1,3‐thiazole‐2(3H)‐thione) were synthesized and characterized using elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, and electronic, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Fourier transform infrared and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopies. Tetrahedral geometry around copper is assigned in all complexes using EPR and electronic spectral analyses. All complexes were investigated for their interaction with herring sperm DNA utilizing absorption titration (Kb = 1.27–3.13 × 105 M−1) and hydrodynamic volume measurement studies. The studies suggest the classical intercalative mode of DNA binding. The cleavage reaction on pUC19 DNA was monitored by agarose gel electrophoresis. The results indicate that the Cu(II) complexes can more effectively promote the cleavage of plasmid DNA. The superoxide dismutase mimic activity of the complexes was evaluated by nitroblue tetrazolium assay, and the complexes catalysed the dismutation of superoxide at pH = 7.8 with IC50 values in the range 0.597–0.900 μM. The complexes were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacteria. All the complexes are good cytotoxic agents and show LC50 values ranging from 5.559 to 11.912 µg ml−1. All newly synthesized Cu(II) complexes were also evaluated for their in vitro antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strain (IC50 = 0.62–2.0 µg ml−1). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of functionalizable derivatives of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene and their solid‐state polymerizations
Authors: Gulprasertrat Narut , Chapromma Jirasak , Aree Thammarat , Sritana‐anant Yongsak
Published: April 2015

Four polythiophenes based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) framework have been successfully prepared by the facile thermal activated solid‐state polymerization (SSP) process from their corresponding dibromothiophene derivatives, which were efficiently obtained using our improved methodology. Rates of polymerizations of these precursors were varied and most of the processes were incomplete under the reaction condition chosen for the synthesis. Raising the reaction temperature of the SSP further advanced the polymerization progress and improved the conductive properties of the polymer. The polymer of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene‐methanol (EDTM) and its two related derivatives with functionalizable groups were prepared for the first time by the SSP method. The process and these new SSP‐derived polymers could help solving the fabrication difficulty and expand the scope of their applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42233.