bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The RF Energy Harvesting Antennas Operating in Commercially Deployed Frequency Bands: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mrnka M. , Vasina P. , Kufa M. , Hebelka V. , Raida Z.
Published: April 2016

This paper deals with suitable antennas for energy harvesting, which is a growing research field due to the utilization of nowadays ubiquitous and abundant RF energy. Four types of basic antenna structures suitable for harvesting applications, namely, the patch antenna, slot antenna, modified inverted F antenna, and dielectric resonator antenna, are compared from the viewpoint of reflection coefficient, efficiency, radiation patterns, and dimensions. The frequencies of interest were chosen so that they cover several main wireless systems operating between 0.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz, that is, GSM, UMTS, and WiFi.
Analyzing Dynamic Changes of Laboratory Indexes in Patients with Acute Heart Failure Based on Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Yurong , Fu Lei , Jia Qian , Yu Hao , Zhang Pengjun , Zhang Chunyan , Huang Xueliang , He Kunlun , Tian Yaping
Published: April 2016

Background. Changes of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been studied whether in the long term or the short term in patients of acute heart failure (AHF); however, changes of NT-proBNP in the first five days and their association with other factors have not been investigated.Aims. To describe the dynamic changes of relevant laboratory indexes in the first five days between different outcomes of AHF patients and their associations.Methods and Results. 284 AHF with dynamic values recorded were analyzed. Changes of NT-proBNP, troponin T, and C-reactive protein were different between patients with different outcomes, with higher values in adverse group than in control group at the same time points (p<0.05). Then, prognostic use and risk stratification of NT-proBNP were assessed by receiver-operating characteristic curve and logistic regression. NT-proBNP levels at day 3 showed the best prognostic power (area under the curve = 0.730, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.657 to 0.794) and was an independent risk factor for adverse outcome (odds ratio, OR: 2.185, 95% CI: 1.584–3.015). Classified changes of NT-proBNP may be predictive for adverse outcomes in AHF patients.Conclusions. Sequential monitoring of laboratory indexes within the first 5 days may be helpful for management of AHF patients.
Finger Vein Recognition Using Optimal Partitioning Uniform Rotation Invariant LBP Descriptor
Authors: Liu Bang Chao , Xie Shan Juan , Park Dong Sun
Published: April 2016

As a promising biometric system, finger vein identification has been studied widely and many relevant researches have been proposed. However, it is hard to extract a satisfied finger vein pattern due to the various vein thickness, illumination, low contrast region, and noise existing. And most of the feature extraction algorithms rely on high-quality finger vein database and take a long time for a large dimensional feature vector. In this paper, we proposed two block selection methods which are based on the estimate of the amount of information in each block and the contribution of block location by looking at recognition rate of each block position to reduce feature extraction time and matching time. The specific approach is to find out some local finger vein areas with low-quality and noise, which will be useless for feature description. Local binary pattern (LBP) descriptors are proposed to extract the finger vein pattern feature. Two finger vein databases are taken to test our algorithm performance. Experimental results show that proposed block selection algorithms can reduce the feature vector dimensionality in a large extent.
Toeplitz Type Operators Associated with Generalized Calderón-Zygmund Operator on Weighted Morrey Spaces
Authors: Ren Bijun , Zhang Enbin
Published: April 2016

LetT1be a generalized Calderón-Zygmund operator or±I(the identity operator), letT2andT4be the linear operators, and letT3=±I. Denote the Toeplitz type operator byTb=T1MbIαT2+T3IαMbT4, whereMbf=bfandIαis the fractional integral operator. In this paper, we investigate the boundedness of the operatorTbon weighted Morrey space whenbbelongs to the weighted BMO spaces.
Population Based Trends in the Incidence of Hospital Admission for the Diagnosis of Hepatorenal Syndrome: 1998–2011
Authors: Suneja Manish , Tang Fan , Cavanaugh Joseph E. , Polgreen Linnea A. , Polgreen Philip M.
Published: April 2016

Background and Objectives. Hepatorenal syndrome carries a high risk of mortality. Understanding the incidence and mortality trends in hepatorenal syndrome will help inform future studies regarding the safety and efficacy of potential therapeutic interventions.Design and Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We identified hospitalizations from January 1998–June 2011 with a primary diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome. To characterize the incidence trends in monthly hepatorenal syndrome hospitalizations, we fit a piecewise linear model with a change point at January 2008. We examined hospital and patient characteristics before and after the change point.Results. Hospital admissions with a diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome increased markedly between September of 2007 and March of 2008. Comparing patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome prior to 2008 with those after 2008, we found that length of stay increased while the mortality of patients admitted for hepatorenal syndrome decreased.Conclusion. The revision of the diagnostic criteria for hepatorenal syndrome may have contributed to the increase in the incidence of admissions for hepatorenal syndrome. However, the changes in the principles of hepatorenal syndrome management may have also contributed to the increase in incidence and lower mortality.
Effects of Nanosilica on Compressive Strength and Durability Properties of Concrete with Different Water to Binder Ratios
Authors: Torabian Isfahani Forood , Redaelli Elena , Lollini Federica , Li Weiwen , Bertolini Luca
Published: April 2016

The effects of the addition of different nanosilica dosages (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% with respect to cement) on compressive strength and durability properties of concrete with water/binder ratios 0.65, 0.55, and 0.5 were investigated. Water sorptivity, apparent chloride diffusion coefficient, electrical resistivity, and carbonation coefficient of concrete were measured. The results showed that compressive strength significantly improved in case of water/binder = 0.65, while for water/binder = 0.5 no change was found. Increasing nanosilica content, the water sorptivity decreased only for water/binder = 0.55. The addition of 0.5% nanosilica decreased the apparent chloride diffusion coefficient for water/binder = 0.65 and 0.55; however, higher nanosilica dosages did not decrease it with respect to reference value. The resistivity was elevated by 0.5% nanosilica for all water/binder ratios and by 1.5% nanosilica only for water/binder = 0.5. The carbonation coefficient was not notably affected by increasing nanosilica dosages and even adverse effect was observed for water/binder = 0.65. Further information of microstructure was also provided through characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The effectiveness of a certain nanosilica dosage addition into lower strength mixes was more noticeable, while, for the higher strength mix, the effectiveness was less.
Time to Endoscopy in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Analysis of Wait-Times
Authors: Janssen Renée M. , Takach Oliver , Nap-Hill Estello , Enns Robert A.
Published: April 2016

Objective. The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Wait Time Consensus Group recommends that patients with symptoms associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) should have an endoscopic examination within 2 months. However, in a recent survey of Canadian gastroenterologists, wait-times for endoscopy were considerably longer than the current guidelines recommend. The purpose of this study was to evaluate wait-times for colonoscopy in patients who were subsequently found to have CRC through the Division of Gastroenterology at St. Paul’s Hospital (SPH).Methods. This study was a retrospective chart review of outpatients seen for consultation and endoscopy ultimately diagnosed with CRC. Subjects were identified through the SPH pathology database for the inclusion period 2010 through 2013. Data collected included wait-times, subject characteristics, cancer characteristics, and outcomes.Results. 246 subjects met inclusion criteria for this study. The mean wait-time from primary care referral to first office visit was 63 days; the mean wait-time to first endoscopy was 94 days. Patients with symptoms waited a mean of 86 days to first endoscopy, considerably longer than the national recommended guideline of 60 days. There was no apparent effect of length of wait-time on node positivity or presence of distant metastases at the time of diagnosis.Conclusion. Wait-times for outpatient consultation and endoscopic evaluation at the St. Paul’s Hospital Division of Gastroenterology exceed current guidelines.
A Fixed Point Approach to the Stability of an Additive-Quadratic-Cubic-Quartic Type Functional Equation
Authors: Lee Yang-Hi , Jung Soon-Mo
Published: April 2016

By applying a fixed point approach, we investigate the stability problems for an AQCQ functional equation of the formfx+2y+fx-2y-4fx+y-4fx-y+6fx-f2y-f-2y+4fy+4f-y=0.
Round Ligament Leiomyoma Presenting as an Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Najjar Marc , Mandel Marc
Published: April 2016

Leiomyomas are common benign gynecologic tumors occurring in up to 30% of women. Round ligament leiomyomas however are very rare and, if symptomatic, can present as an inguinal hernia. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented with an irreducible inguinal mass consistent with an incarcerated hernia. Intraoperatively, the mass was found to be a round ligament leiomyoma, a diagnosis that was confirmed by histopathology following excision of the mass. Although rare, round ligament leiomyomas should be part of the differential diagnosis of an inguinal hernia in females.
Different Types of Periampullary Duodenal Diverticula Are Associated with Occurrence and Recurrence of Bile Duct Stones: A Case-Control Study from a Chinese Center
Authors: Sun Zhen , Bo Wenhui , Jiang Ping , Sun Quan
Published: April 2016

Aims. We here investigated the association of different types of periampullary diverticula (PAD) with pancreaticobiliary disease and with technical success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Methods. A total of 850 consecutive patients who underwent their first ERCP were entered into a database. Of these patients, 161 patients (18.9%) had PAD and the age- and sex-matched control group comprised 483 patients.Results. PAD was correlated with common bile duct (CBD) stones (59.6% versus 35.0% in controls;P=0.008) and negatively correlated with periampullary malignancy (6.8% versus 21.5% in controls;P=0.004). The acute pancreatitis was more frequent (62.5%) in patients with PAD type 1 followed by PAD type 2 (28.9%,P=0.017) and type 3 (28.0%,P=0.006). No significant differences were observed in successful cannulation rate and post-ERCP complications among the 3 types of PAD. Type 1 PAD patients had less recurrence of CBD stones than did the patients who had type 2 or type 3 PAD (53.8% versus 85.7%;P=0.043).Conclusions. PAD, especially type 1 PAD, is associated with an increased acute pancreatitis as well as occurrence and recurrence of CBD stones. PAD during an ERCP should not be considered as an obstacle to a successful cannulation.
«THE DEMONS SUGGEST AN ILLUSION OF GOD'S GLORY IN A FORM»: CONTROVERSY OVER THE DIVINE BODY AND VISION OF GLORY IN SOME LATE FOURTH, EARLY FIFTH CENTURY MONASTIC LITERATURE
Authors: Alexander Hieromonk
Published: April 2016

The article investigate the monastic anthropomorphites of Egypt seeing them as the heirs of an ancient, non-Hellenic, Jewish visionary tradition, a tradition rendered anachronistic by the theological settlement of Nicea. By examining certain works of fourth-century monasticism, the article seeks to trace the outlines of this tradition, both in its advocates and in its critics.
«MANY LAMPS ARE LIGHTENED FROM THE ONE»: PARADIGMS OF THE TRANSFORMATIONAL VISION IN THE MACARIAN HOMILIES
Authors: Orlov Andrei , Golitzin Alexander
Published: April 2016

In the Second Temple apocalyptic materials visionaries normally «see» the extent of the divine glory, God's Kavod, often portrayed as enthroned anthropomorphic figure. As a consequence of this encounter, the visionary experiences a dra¬matic external metamorphosis which often affects his face, limbs, and garments, making them luminescent. In spite of the dominant role of the Kavod pattern in biblical and apocalyptic theophanic accounts, it becomes increasingly challenged in the postbiblical rabbinic and patristic environments which offered new understandings of the transformational vision. In these new developments, one can see a growing emphasis on the interiorization of the visionary experience. The article investigates the formative role of the Macarian Homilies in the transition from outer to inner in the transformational visions of Eastern Christian tradition.
EX 33 ON GOD'S FACE: A LESSON FROM THE ENOCHIC TRADITION
Authors: Orlov Andrei A.
Published: April 2016

The article examines the Enochic background of the imagery of the Divine Face found in Exodus 33. The study argues that Ex 33 could actually contain the original Enochic motif. In Mesopotamian traditions, a prototype of Enoch, Enmeduranki, is portrayed as a «translated» figure, the one who had access to the glorious presence/face of the solar deity. The implicit link between the Enochic account of the divine Presence and the Mosaic account of the divine panim found in Ex 33 may well reflect the conceptual world of the priestly editor, who often «has expressed his acquaintance with a fairly broad range of Mesopotamian traditions in remarkably few words».
ON THE POLEMICAL NATURE OF 2 (SLAVONIC) ENOCH: A REPLY TO C. BÖTTRICH
Authors: Orlov Andrei A.
Published: April 2016

Adam's story occupies a prominent place in 2 Slavonic (Apocalypse of) Enoch. The traditions pertaining to the first human can be found in all the sections of the book. In these materials Adam is depicted as a glorious angelic being, predestined by God to be the ruler of the earth, but falling short of God's expectations. The article argues that the extensive presence of Adamic materials in 2 Enoch has a polemical nature since it is related to the long-lasting competition between Adamic and Enochic traditions. The analysis shows that the polemics taking place in 2 Enoch involve a rewriting of «original» Adamic motifs and themes when the details of Adam's «story» are transferred to a new «hero», the seventh antediluvian patriarch. The features of Adam's story, his roles and offices, are used in 2 Enoch as the building blocks for creating the new, celestial identity of the elevated Enoch. In the course of these polemical appropriations, the elevated angelic status of the prelapsarian Adam, his luminosity, his wisdom, and his special roles as the king of the earth and the steward of all earthly creatures are transferred to the new occupant of the celestial realm, the patriarch Enoch, who, near the Lord's throne, is transformed into one of the glorious ones initiated into the highest mysteries by the Lord, becomes the «manager of the arrangements on the earth», and writes down «everything that nourished» on it. The investigation of Adamic polemics in 2 Enoch demonstrates that a number of important passages associated with early Jewish mysticism, such as the motif of the Divine Face in chapters 22 and 39, the future prominent role of Enoch-Metatron as the governing power on the earth, and his title «Youth», belong to the primary text, since they play a decisive role in Adamic polemics of the Slavonic apocalypse.
THE MĒSU-TREE AND THE ANIMAL INSIDE: THEOMORPHISM AND THERIOMORPHISM IN DANIEL 4
Authors: Bunta Silviu N.
Published: April 2016

The present article offers an analysis of Daniel 4. It argues that the literary origins of the tree imagery in the biblical text most probably lie in Mesopotamian conceptions of the mēsu-tree, the tree that supplies the flesh of the gods, the material of their statuary presence. The presence of the imagery in Ezekiel 31 suggests that the Mesopotamian concept was incorporated into exilic and post-exilic redefinitions of the legitimate channels of the iconic worship of YHWH. Within a priestly redefinition of YHWH's iconic presence in Judah, Adam's physical resemblance to YHWH provided in humanity the only legitimate alternative to idol worship. Daniel 4 and its context exhibit similar ideological concerns and construct a similar solution to the ongoing iconic dilemma: humanity functions as the only legitimate equivalent of ancient Near Eastern cultic statues, as the replacement of YHWH's cultic statue of the First Temple no longer extant. The iconic connotation of the tree imagery requires a reassessment of the animal deforma¬tion of the tree, albeit a late addition to the original stratum of the narrative. Commonly interpreted through the lens of ancient Near Eastern depictions of human heroes with animal traits or life-habits, Nebuchadnezzar's loss of his dendromorphism can only mean in the terms of the parable the deformation of a theomorphic state. Within the parameters of this ideological context and of the tree parable, by losing his theomorphism and becoming theriomorphic, Nebuchadnezzar ceases to be object of worship and becomes worshipper. Moreover, in his deformation he also destroys the only legitimate object of iconic worship: himself. The context of Daniel 4, namely Daniel 3 and Daniel 5, suggests that in its deformed state humanity is only left to mistakenly worship idols.
RESURRECTION OF ADAM'S BODY: THE REDEEMING ROLE OF ENOCH-METATRON IN 2 (SLAVONIC) ENOCH
Authors: Orlov Andrei A.
Published: April 2016

The study investigates the ritual of anointing with the oil of the resurrection found in 2 Enoch. 2 Enoch 22:9 portrays the archangel Michael anointing Enoch with delightful oil, the ointment of glory which transforms the patriarch into a celestial creature. According to some rabbinic materials this oil of the resurrection which is responsible for the change of human mortal nature into the glorious state of a celestial being will come at the eschatological time from the head of the Deity.
THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME «METATRON» AND THE TEXT OF 2 (SLAVONIC) ENOCH
Authors: Orlov Andrei A.
Published: April 2016

The study examines the mysterious Slavonic term prometaya found in 2 Enoch 34 arguing that it could represent a very early, rudimentary form of the name «Metatron»
OVERSHADOWED BY ENOCH'S GREATNESS: «TWO TABLETS» TRADITIONS FROM THE BOOK OF GIANTS TO PALAEA HISTORICA
Authors: Orlov Andrei A.
Published: April 2016

The article investigates the «two stelae» tradition found in Josephus' Jewish Antiquities and other accounts. The analysis of these accounts shows that they contain traces of the Enochic traditions. It appears that these «two stelae» stories interact with the Enochic traditions by way of attributing various Enochic roles to the alleged «authors» of the antediluvian stelae. The attribution involves substantial rewriting of the original Enochic motifs and themes. The analysis also shows that the interaction of «two stelae» stories with Enochic traditions seems to involve some details of the Watchers/Giants' story.
First discovery of a new species of Newmanella Ross, 1969 (Balanomorpha: Tetraclitidae) in the western Pacific, with a note on the new status of Neonrosella Jones, 2010
Authors: Chan Benny K.K. , Cheang Chi Chiu
Published: April 2016

The present study describes a new species of Newmanella Ross, 1969 (Thoracica: Tetraclitidae: Newmanellinae) from Taiwan. Species in this genus are believed to be distributed in tropical western Atlantic waters and the present study is the first report of a new species of Newmanella in the western Pacific. Newmanella spinosus sp. nov. is morphologically close to N. radiata Bruguiére, 1789 but it is distinguished from N. radiata by the morphology of the scutum, tergum, cirrus II, mandible and maxillule. Sequence divergence of 12S rDNA between N. radiata and N. spinosus sp. nov. reached 7.6%, suggesting these are two different species. Newmanella spinosus sp. nov. is distributed in the Philippines, Taiwan and Okinawa but is absent from Hong Kong, Hainan and China. The distribution is probably affected by the Kuroshio Current. The subfamily Newmanellinae Ross and Perreault, 1999 contains two genera, Newmanella and Yamaguchiella Ross & Perreault, 1999. Neonrosella Jones, 2010 is a subgenus of Yamaguchiella. A recent molecular analysis (Tsang et al. 2015) determined that Yamaguchiella and Neonrosella are located in two distinct and distantly-related clades within the tetraclitid clade, suggesting that the subgenus Neonrosella is not closely related to Yamaguchiella and should be elevated to generic status.
A new genus of the tribe Pambolini (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Exothecinae) from the Papua New Guinea with a key to the World genera
Authors: BELOKOBYLSKIJ SERGEY A. , VILLEMANT CLAIRE
Published: April 2016

A new distinctive genus Spathiophaenodus gen. nov. from the tribe Pambolini (Braconidae: Exothecinae), with type species Spathiophaenodus annae sp. nov. from Papua New Guinea, is described and illustrated. The original key to the World genera of the tribe Pambolini is provided.
A new species of Enderleina Jewett (Plecoptera, Perlidae) from Amazonas State, Brazil
Authors: HAMADA N. , SILVA J. O. , PEDROZA M. K.
Published: April 2016

Enderleina Jewett, 1960 is one of the least-known Perlidae genera in northern South America, including six species. During an aquatic insect survey of the northern portion of Amazonas State, Brazil, we collected a male Enderleina with a distinct pronotum pattern and genitalic morphology. The objectives of this study are to describe a new species of Enderleina based on male morphology. The new species can be distinguished from all other Enderleina species in the male by the presence of a paired thin dark band on the mesal region of pronotum and by the structure of the penial armature.
New records of caridean shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda) from hydrothermally influenced fields off Futuna Island, Southwest Pacific, with description of a new species assigned to the genus Alvinocaridinides Komai & Chan, 2010 (Alvinocarididae)
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , MENOT LENAICK , SEGONZAC MICHEL
Published: April 2016

Five species of caridean shrimp, including four Alvinocarididae Christoffersen, 1986 and one thorid species of the genus Lebbeus White, 1847, are reported from the recently discovered hydrothermal vent field off Futuna Island in the Southwest Pacific (depths 1418–1478 m): Alvinocaridinides semidentatus n. sp., Alvinocaris komaii Zelnio & Hourdez, 2009, Nautilocaris saintlaurentae Komai & Segonzac, 2004, Rimicaris variabilis (Komai & Tsuchida, 2015), and Lebbeus wera Ahyong, 2009. The new species, provisionally assigned to Alvinocaridinides Komai & Chan, 2010, is readily distinguished from the type species of the genus, A. formosa Komai & Chan, 2010, by the characteristic armature of the rostrum and of the propodi of the third and fourth pereopods and the possession of ischial spines on the third and fourth pereopods. Identification of R. variabilis has been confirmed by morphology and sequence comparison of mitochondrial COI gene. The geographical range of L. wera is extended to the north from the Brothers Caldera in the Kermadec Ridge.
Review of the harvestfishes, genus Peprilus (Perciformes: Stromateidae),
of the Atlantic coast of South America
Authors: MARCENIUK ALEXANDRE P. , CAIRES Rodrigo , SICCHA-RAMIREZ RAQUEL , OLIVEIRA CLAUDIO
Published: April 2016

Currently, seven valid species are recognized in the genus Peprilus. Found from United States to Argentina, Peprilus paru has a complex nomenclatural history, with seven junior synonyms, three from North America and four from South America. As there has been no recent research, it remains unclear whether species representatives in the north-south axis represent different populations of a single species or distinct species. By comparison of type specimens as well as a comprehensive collection of non-type specimens, this paper aims to clarify the taxonomic status of the nominal species listed as junior synonyms of Peprilus paru in the Atlantic side of South America. Based on morphological data and DNA barcoding, Peprilus crenulatus Cuvier, 1829 and P. xanthurus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) are resurrected, while Rhombus argentipinnis Cuvier, 1833 and Rhombus orbicularis Guichenot, 1866, are considered to be junior synonyms of P. crenulatus.
Revision of Cervonema Wieser, 1954 and Laimella Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda: Comesomatidae) with descriptions of two species from East Sea, Korea
Authors: HONG JUNG-HO , TCHESUNOV ALEXEI V. , LEE WONCHOEL
Published: April 2016

One new and one known species of the family Comesomatidae Filiepjev, 1918 were collected from marine sediments in the East Sea, Korea. Cervonema donghaensis sp. nov. is related to C. proximamphidum Tchesunov, 2000 and C. chilensis Chen & Vincx, 2000 but differs from them by the presence of the gubernaculum and by having outer labial setae and cephalic setae of unequal length. It differs from C. proximamphidum by having a rather shorter tail and the shape of the posterior widening of the pharynx, which has distinct muscular striation. Cervonema donghaensis sp. nov. differs from C. chilensis in body length, higher de Man’s ratio c, and having a shorter cylindrical portion of the tail. Cervonema deltensis Hope & Zhang 1995 is considered as a junior synonym of C. tenuicauda (Schuurmans Stekhoven, 1950) Wieser, 1954. Specimens of Laimella filipjevi Jensen, 1979 from East Sea, Korea largely agree with the original description of Jensen (1979) of nematodes from the Western Baltic Sea, except for slight differences in length of cephalic setae and spicules. It also coincides well with the redescription of L. filipjevi by Tchesunov (2000) based on specimens from the White Sea. Pictorial keys for the identification of valid species in the genera Cervonema Wieser, 1954 and Laimella Cobb, 1920 are given.
Euconnus octosetosus Franz transferred to Plaumanniola Costa Lima: implications for the systematics of Scydmaeninae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: April 2016

Euconnus octosetosus Franz (Brazil) is demonstrated to show diagnostic characters of the enigmatic genus Plaumanniola Costa Lima. Although this intriguing beetle is much more slender than previously known Plaumanniolini, it differs from Plaumanniola merely in the hypostomal ridges connected mesally and a loose structure of the antennal club. Euconnus octosetosus is transferred to Plaumanniola, resulting in P. octosetosa (Franz) comb. n. Comparative study shows gradual transformations of presumably defensive structural adaptations in Plaumanniola, suggesting evolution from a slender Euconnus-like ancestor to species with a strongly broadened body. Plaumanniola octosetosa is most slender of all species, with long and loosely assembled antennae and weakly flattened legs, whereas P. sanctaecatharinae Costa Lima and P. regina Jałoszyński show most derived characters; these beetles are morphologically adapted to curl in a ball. Plaumanniola simplicisima Jałoszyński represents an intermediary body form. Plaumanniolini Costa Lima is placed as a junior synonym of Glandulariini Schaufuss (= Cyrtoscydmini Schaufuss). A revised diagnosis of Plaumanniola and an overview of the current systematics of Scydmaeninae are given.
Toward Improving Ice Water Content and Snow-Rate Retrievals from Radars. Part I: X and W Bands, Emphasizing CloudSat
Authors: Heymsfield Andrew J. , Matrosov Sergey Y. , Wood Norman B.
Published: April 2016

Microphysical data and radar reflectivities (Ze, −15 < Ze < 10 dB) measured from flights during the NASA Tropical Clouds, Convection, Chemistry and Climate field program are used to relate Ze at X and W band to measured ice water content (IWC). Because nearly collocated Ze and IWC were each directly measured, Ze–IWC relationships could be developed directly. Using the particle size distributions and ice particle masses evaluated based on the direct IWC measurements, reflectivity–snowfall rate (Ze–S) relationships were also derived. For −15 < Ze < 10 dB, the relationships herein yield larger IWC and S than given by the retrievals and earlier relationships. The sensitivity of radar reflectivity to particle size distribution and size-dependent mass, shape, and orientation introduces significant uncertainties in retrieved quantities since these factors vary substantially globally. To partially circumvent these uncertainties, a W-band Ze–S relationship is developed by relating four years of global CloudSat reflectivity observations measured immediately above the melting layer to retrieved rain rates at the base of the melting layer. The supporting assumptions are that the water mass flux is constant through the melting layer, that the air temperature is nearly 0°C, and that the retrieved rain rates are well constrained. Where Ze > 10 dB, this Ze–S relationship conforms well to earlier relationships, but for Ze < 10 dB it yields higher IWC and S. Because not all retrieval algorithms estimate either or both IWC and S, the authors use a large aircraft-derived dataset to relate IWC and S. The IWC can then be estimated from S and vice versa.
Robust Wind and Precipitation Responses to the Mount Pinatubo Eruption, as Simulated in the CMIP5 Models
Authors: Barnes Elizabeth A. , Solomon Susan , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: April 2016

The volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in June 1991 is the largest terrestrial eruption since the beginning of the satellite era. Here, the monthly evolution of atmospheric temperature, zonal winds, and precipitation following the eruption in 14 CMIP5 models is analyzed and strong and robust stratospheric and tropospheric circulation responses are demonstrated in both hemispheres, with tropospheric anomalies maximizing in November 1991. The simulated Southern Hemisphere circulation response projects strongly onto the positive phase of the southern annular mode (SAM), while the Northern Hemisphere exhibits robust North Atlantic and North Pacific responses that differ significantly from that of the typical northern annular mode (NAM) pattern. In contrast, observations show a negative SAM following the eruption, and internal variability must be considered along with forced responses. Indeed, evidence is presented that the observed El Niño climate state during and after this eruption may oppose the eruption-forced positive SAM response, based on the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) state and SAM response across the models. The results demonstrate that Pinatubo-like eruptions should be expected to force circulation anomalies across the globe and highlight that great care must be taken in diagnosing the forced response as it may not fall into typical seasonal averages or be guaranteed to project onto typical climate modes.
On the Abruptness of Bølling–Allerød Warming
Authors: Su Zhan , Ingersoll Andrew P. , He Feng
Published: April 2016

Previous observations and simulations suggest that an approximate 3°–5°C warming occurred at intermediate depths in the North Atlantic over several millennia during Heinrich stadial 1 (HS1), which induces warm salty water (WSW) lying beneath surface cold freshwater. This arrangement eventually generates ocean convective available potential energy (OCAPE), the maximum potential energy releasable by adiabatic vertical parcel rearrangements in an ocean column. The authors find that basin-scale OCAPE starts to appear in the North Atlantic (~67.5°–73.5°N) and builds up over decades at the end of HS1 with a magnitude of about 0.05 J kg−1. OCAPE provides a key kinetic energy source for thermobaric cabbeling convection (TCC). Using a high-resolution TCC-resolved regional model, it is found that this decadal-scale accumulation of OCAPE ultimately overshoots its intrinsic threshold and is released abruptly (~1 month) into kinetic energy of TCC, with further intensification from cabbeling. TCC has convective plumes with approximately 0.2–1-km horizontal scales and large vertical displacements (~1 km), which make TCC difficult to be resolved or parameterized by current general circulation models. The simulation herein indicates that these local TCC events are spread quickly throughout the OCAPE-contained basin by internal wave perturbations. Their convective plumes have large vertical velocities (~8–15 cm s−1) and bring the WSW to the surface, causing an approximate 2°C sea surface warming for the whole basin (~700 km) within a month. This exposes a huge heat reservoir to the atmosphere, which helps to explain the abrupt Bølling–Allerød warming.
Combining In Situ and Satellite Observations to Retrieve Salinity and Density at the Ocean Surface
Authors: Droghei R. , Nardelli B. Buongiorno , Santoleri R.
Published: April 2016

Monitoring sea surface density (SSD), sea surface salinity (SSS), and sea surface temperature (SST) allows for investigating important aspects of the earth system dynamics, with relevant implications on both local/regional short-scale processes and global climate. Different approaches combine in situ measurements and satellite data to provide gap-free SSS at regular spatial and temporal resolution, aiming to resolve ocean mesoscale. Depending on the application, however, knowing SSD would be more useful than SSS and/or SST alone. Indeed, even if density can be obtained by combining SSS and SST maps at the same nominal resolution, this procedure can lead to spurious features and larger errors when SSS and SST are obtained from different observations and interpolation techniques, especially at the mesoscale. A multidimensional covariance model is applied to interpolate either in situ salinity or in situ density measurements and to build dynamically coherent surface fields, using satellite SST differences as an additional parameter in the optimal estimate. SSS/SSD level 4 (L4) maps are reconstructed over the North Atlantic area, analyzing one month of data. The L4 data are validated using data from the first Salinity Processes in the Upper Ocean Regional Study (SPURS-1) field campaign. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) ranges between 0.03 and 0.13 for the SSS L4 data, and between 0.09 and 0.32 kg m−3 for the SSD L4 data, with improvements of up to 20% with respect to standard products. A holdout validation provides similar values for the SSS RMSE (0.13 ÷ 0.17) and the SSD RMSE (0.13 ÷ 0.17 kg m−3). The limitations and advantages of the two approaches are further discussed and analyzed by looking at spatial wavenumber spectra, showing that the multidimensional optimum interpolation (OI) method significantly increases the L4 effective resolution.
Spray Underwater Glider Operations
Authors: Rudnick Daniel L. , Davis Russ E. , Sherman Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2016

Operational statistics for the Spray underwater glider are presented to demonstrate capabilities for sustained observations. An underwater glider is an autonomous device that profiles vertically by changing buoyancy and flies horizontally on wings. The focus has been on sustained observations of boundary currents to take advantage of the glider’s small size, which allows it to be deployed and recovered from small vessels close to land, and the fine horizontal resolution delivered by the glider, which is scientifically desirable in boundary regions. Since 2004, Spray underwater gliders have been deployed for over 28 000 days, traveling over 560 000 km, and delivering over 190 000 profiles. More than 10 gliders, on average, have been in the water since 2012. Statistics are given in the form of histograms for 297 completed glider missions of longer than 5 days. The statistics include mission duration, number of dives, distance over ground, and horizontal and vertical distance through water. A discussion of problems, losses, and short missions includes a survival analysis. The most extensive work was conducted in the California Current system, where observations on three across-shorelines have been sustained, with 97% coverage since 2009. While the authors have certain advantages as developers and builders of the Spray underwater glider and Spray may have design and construction advantages, they believe these statistics are a sound basis for optimism about the widespread future of gliders in oceanographic observing.
Survival following accidental scarf strangulation
Authors: Shetty Ullasa , Deepak M , Hussain Syed Ather , Usmani Hadi , Osama Muhammad , Pereira Kiran Godwin , Menezes Ritesh George
Published: April 2016

Injury or death by strangulation, unless otherwise explained, is almost always homicidal. Accidental strangulation may occur but only very rarely. We present such a case of accidental strangulation and survival in a motorbike pillion rider. A long scarf ( dupatta) clad woman, sitting at the back of a two wheeler motorbike, fell after her long scarf got caught in the back wheel. The lady was first taken to a local clinic and then later was referred to a hospital for a suspected spine injury where she made an uneventful recovery. This case report exposes the precarious position of women pillion riders wearing a long scarf and emphasizes the need for extra caution and the need for wheel guards on spoked wheels in particular.
Test Takers’ Beliefs and Experiences of a High-stakes Computer-based English Listening and Speaking Test
Authors: Zhan Ying , Wan Zhi Hong
Published: April 2016

Test takers’ beliefs or experiences have been overlooked in most validation studies in language education. Meanwhile, a mutual exclusion has been observed in the literature, with little or no dialogue between validation studies and studies concerning the uses and consequences of testing. To help fill these research gaps, a group of Senior III students in Guangdong Province, mainland China, were interviewed concerning their views of the high-stakes Computer-based English Listening and Speaking Test (CELST) and their experiences of preparing for and taking the test. The data analysis indicated that the students had a distinct understanding of the CELST validity and also tentatively suggested a relationship between the students’ views of the CELST design, their test preparation practice and their test taking process. These findings provided information useful for sharpening a computer-based English listening and speaking test and for generating positive washback on English learning.
A model-based adaptive method for evaluating the energy impact of low delta-T syndrome in complex HVAC systems using support vector regression
Authors: Gao Dian-ce , Wang Shengwei , Gang Wenjie , Xiao Fu
Published: April 2016

Low delta-T syndrome refers to the situation where the measured differential temperature of the overall terminal air-handling units is much lower than the normal value expected. It widely exists in the existing heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems and results in increased energy consumption. This paper presents a model-based method to evaluate the energy impact on the chilled water pumps due to the low delta-T syndrome in a complex chilled water system. When the low delta-T syndrome occurs, the chilled water pumps would deviate from their normal working conditions with increased power consumption. Models are developed to predict the reference benchmarks of the chilled water pump power based on the current cooling load, control rules, and preset set-points. The energy impact on the chilled water pumps can be determined by comparing the measured current pump power with the predicted benchmark. Support vector regression method is introduced for predicting the chilled water flow rate of the overall terminal units. Adaptive concept is employed to enhance the prediction accuracy of the overall pressure drop of the hydraulic water network under various working conditions. The proposed method is tested and validated in a dynamic simulation platform built based on a real complex heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system. Results show that the proposed method can accurately evaluate the impact of the low delta-T syndrome on energy consumption of the chilled water pumps.

Practical application: Low delta-T syndrome widely exists in existing HVAC systems and results in increased energy consumption. This paper presents a model-based method for practical applications in assessing the energy impact on the chilled water pumps due to the low delta-T syndrome in a complex chilled water system. When the low delta-T syndrome occurs in a system, this method can be used to predict the reference benchmark of energy use of chilled water pumps based on the measured cooling load profiles, the control rules used, and the preset set-points. The energy impact can be determined by comparing the measured actual energy consumption with the predicted benchmark. The evaluation results could help the operators to conveniently monitor the energy performance of the chilled water distribution system as well as to judge whether or not taking measures to identify and correct the related faults that result in the low delta-T syndrome.
“These Are the Choices We’ve Made”
Authors: Hormel Leontina , McAlister Lynn M.
Published: April 2016

This study uses surveys and in-depth interviews to explore professors’ student loan debt experiences at a university in the Northwest United States, focusing attention on their perceptions of fellow colleagues’ experiences. Having been long-term students in higher education themselves, professors’ student loan debt has increased with the trend toward privatization and corporatization of higher education over the last several decades. Interviews reveal professors’ tendency to disassociate their colleagues’ student loan debt experiences from the public issue of rising higher education costs. We find that a university culture imbued with market ethos shapes their explanations for professors’ student loan debt, rationalizing debt as a result of poor spending habits or career choices. These explanations detract from the public issue of rising education costs being shouldered increasingly by students and their families, which we contend will result in excluding minority groups’ access to the profession and limiting diversity in higher education and research.
Computational Modeling of Airway Obstruction in Sleep Apnea in Down Syndrome
Authors: Mylavarapu Goutham , Subramaniam Dhananjay , Jonnagiri Raghuvir , Gutmark Ephraim J. , Fleck Robert J. , Amin Raouf S. , Mahmoud Mohamed , Ishman Stacey L. , Shott Sally R.
Published: April 2016

Current treatment options are successful in 40% to 60% of children with persistent obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy. Residual obstruction assessments are largely subjective and do not clearly define multilevel obstruction. We endeavor to use computational fluid dynamics to perform virtual surgery and assess airflow changes in patients with Down syndrome and persistent obstructive sleep apnea. Three‐dimensional airway models were reconstructed from respiratory‐gated computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Virtual surgeries were performed on 10 patients, mirroring actual surgeries. They demonstrated how surgical changes affect airflow resistance. Airflow and upper airway resistance was calculated from computational fluid dynamics. Virtual and actual surgery outcomes were compared with obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index values. Actual surgery successfully treated 6 of 10 patients (postoperative obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index <5). In 8 of 10 subjects, both apnea‐hypopnea index and the calculated upper airway resistance after virtual surgery decreased as compared with baseline values. This is a feasibility and proof‐of‐concept study. Further studies are needed before using these techniques in surgical planning.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Has Negative Effects on Taste and Smell Functions
Authors: Altundag Aytug , Cayonu Melih , Salihoglu Murat , Yazıcı Hasmet , Kurt Onuralp , Yalcınkaya Esin , Saglam Omer
Published: April 2016

Objective

We evaluated the halimetric, olfactory, and taste functions of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

Multicenter tertiary care hospital.

Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with LPR for the first time on the basis of a Reflux Finding Score (RFS) >11 and a Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) >13 were enrolled in this study. A control group was selected from patients without a complaint of LPR. OralChroma was used for the halimetric measurement; Sniffin’ Sticks were used for the smelling test; Taste Strips were used for the taste test; and monosodium L‐glutamate was used for the umami test.

Results

A total of 110 subjects were included, with a mean age of 36.8 ± 10 years (range, 19‐57 years). The differences in odor threshold scores were significant between the groups (P <. 001), but no change was detected for the odor identification or discrimination scores between the groups. Bitter taste scores were significantly diminished in the reflux group compared with those in the control group (P =. 001), whereas no impairments were found in the other taste scores (sweet, salty, and sour). The reflux group had significantly higher umami taste scores than those of the control group for the posterior tongue and soft palate anatomic sites (P <. 001 and P <. 001, respectively). Dimethyl sulfite levels were significantly higher in the reflux group than in the control (P =. 001).

Conclusion

Questioning patients who present with halitosis, taste, or smelling disorders is important to diagnose LPR.
Pediatric Oral Electrical Burns
Authors: Umstattd Lauren A. , Chang C. W. David
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To investigate the epidemiology of emergency department visits for pediatric patients presenting with electrical burns to the mouth.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of a national database.

Setting

National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database.

Subjects and Methods

The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was used to derive a national weighted estimate of emergency department visits for oral electrical burns and was queried for each patient’s age, sex, race, local of incidence, disposition, and related consumer product.

Results

There were an estimated 1042 emergency department visits for pediatric oral electrical burns from 1997 to 2012, or an average of approximately 65.1 cases per year. A total of 59.6% of patients were male. Nearly half of emergency department visits involved patients <3 years of age, and more than three‐fourths of emergency department visits involved patients <5 years of age. A total of 77.2% of patients were examined, treated, and released from the emergency department, while 19.2% were admitted to the hospital. Most injuries involved electrical outlets or receptacles (10.8%), extension cords (18.5%), and electrical wires (21.5%).

Conclusion

Earlier incidence estimates of pediatric oral electrical burns varied substantially within the literature and varied from small case reports to single‐year studies. Our multiyear data analysis provides evidence of decreasing annual incidence when compared with historical estimates for a common but potentially morbid injury among the pediatric population.