bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An international registry for neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation
Authors: Kalman Bernadette , Lautenschlaeger Ronald , Kohlmayer Florian , Büchner Boriana , Kmiec Thomas , Klopstock Thomas , Kuhn Klaus A
Published: September 2012

We report the development of an international registry for Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA), in the context of TIRCON (Treat Iron-Related Childhood-Onset Neurodegeneration), an EU-FP7 – funded project. This registry aims to combine scattered resources, integrate clinical and scientific knowledge, and generate a rich source for future research studies. This paper describes the content, architecture and future utility of the registry with the intent to capture as many NBIA patients as possible and to offer comprehensive information to the international scientific community.
Use of a Urine Anastrozole Assay to Determine Treatment Discontinuation Among Women With Hormone-Sensitive Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Clarke Hillyer Grace , Neugut Alfred I. , Crew Katherine D. , Kalinsky Kevin , Maurer Matthew A. , Rotsides Demetra Z. , Danaceau Jonathan , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: September 2012

The authors demonstrate that collection of urine to measure anastrozole levels is feasible and reliable.
Microcompartments within the yeast plasma membrane
Authors: Merzendorfer Hans , Heinisch Jürgen J.
Published: September 2012

Recent research in cell biology makes it increasingly clear that the classical concept of compartmentation of eukaryotic cells into different organelles performing distinct functions has to be extended by microcompartmentation, i.e., the dynamic interaction of proteins, sugars, and lipids at a suborganellar level, which contributes significantly to a proper physiology. As different membrane compartments (MCs) have been described in the yeast plasma membrane, such as those defined by Can1 and Pma1 (MCCs and MCPs), Saccharomyces cerevisiae can serve as a model organism, which is amenable to genetic, biochemical, and microscopic studies. In this review, we compare the specialized microcompartment of the yeast bud neck with other plasma membrane substructures, focusing on eisosomes, cell wall integrity-sensing units, and chitin-synthesizing complexes. Together, they ensure a proper cell division at the end of mitosis, an intricately regulated process, which is essential for the survival and proliferation not only of fungal, but of all eukaryotic cells.
Occurrence of Ciprofloxacin, Enrofloxacin, and Florfenicol in Animal Wastewater and Water Resources
Authors: Wei Ruicheng , Ge Feng , Chen Ming , Wang Ran
Published: September 2012

Antimicrobial agent residues are becoming an intractable environmental problem in soil, surface, and underground water. To obtain a broad profile of residues in animal wastewater and surface water, 24 animal wastewater, 8 animal farm effluent, 18 river water, and 8 pond water samples taken in Jiangsu in eastern China were monitored for enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and florfenicol using solid phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI–MS/MS) techniques. The results revealed that two antibacterials were detected simultaneously in 49.1% of samples, followed by three antibacterials (22.6%) and one antibacterial (22.6%). Up to 3.35, 5.93, and 2.10 μg L−1 for ciprofloxacin, 1.09, 4.24, and 0.50 μg L−1 for enrofloxacin, and 0.95, 2.40, and 2.84 μg L−1 for florfenicol were detected in animal farm‐effluent, river, and pond water, respectively. The maximum concentrations of ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin in animal wastewaters were 7.49 and 8.77 μg L−1, respectively. Furthermore, residue levels of ciprofloxacin and florfenicol showed at least two statistical differences between any two sampling areas or two animal farms. Enrofloxacin showed no statistical difference among the sampling areas and the animal farms.
Infiltration Mechanism Controls Nitrification and Denitrification Processes under Dairy Waste Lagoon
Authors: Baram S. , Arnon S. , Ronen Z. , Kurtzman D. , Dahan O.
Published: September 2012

Earthen waste lagoons are commonly used to store liquid wastes from concentrated animal feeding operations. The fate of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3‐) was studied in the vadose zone below earthen‐clay dairy farm waste lagoons using three independent vadose zone monitoring systems. The vadose zone was monitored from 0.5 to 30 m below land surface through direct sampling of the sediment porewater and continuous measurement of the sediment profile's water content variations. Four years of monitoring revealed that wastewater infiltration from the lagoon is controlled by two mechanisms: slow (mm d−1), constant infiltration from the lagoon bed; and rapid (m h−1) infiltration of wastewater and rainwater via preferential flow in desiccation cracks formed in the unsaturated clay sediment surrounding the lagoon banks. The preferential flow mechanism is active mainly during wastewater‐level fluctuations and intensive rain events. The vadose zone below the waste sources remained unsaturated throughout the monitoring period, and all infiltrating NH4+ was oxidized in the upper 0.5 m. The NH4+ oxidation (nitrification) was coupled with NO3‐ reduction (denitrification) and depended on the sediment water content, which was controlled by the infiltration mechanism. Coupled nitrification–denitrification (CND) resulted in 90 to 100% reduction in the total nitrogen mass in the vadose zone, with higher removal under high water content (∼0.55 m3 m‐3). Mass balance of nitrogen and isotopic composition of NO3‐ indicated that CND, rather than cation exchange capacity, is the key factor regulating nitrogen's fate in the vadose zone underlying earthen waste lagoons.
Dissipation of Propanil and 3,4 Dichloroaniline in Three Different Rice Management Systems
Authors: Milan Marco , Vidotto Francesco , Piano Serenella , Negre Michèle , Ferrero Aldo
Published: September 2012

This study focused on the dissipation of propanil and 3,4 dichloroaniline (3,4 DCA) over time in the soil, field water, inlet water, and outlet water of paddy fields under three management systems: conventional water seeding (CON), conventional water seeding with supplied liquid manure (LMA), and dry seeding (DRY). Propanil dissipation in water was also investigated under laboratory conditions. The field study was conducted from 2004 to 2006 at Vercelli, northern Italy. Propanil and 3,4 DCA showed rapid dissipation in water and soil environments both in the field and in the laboratory. Under controlled conditions, chemical hydrolysis was not detected for either compounds for up to 100 d at pHs of 5, 7, and 9. In the laboratory, the half‐life of propanil in irrigation water was 1.1 d; its half‐life in soil was routinely measured at <1.0 d (between 0.17 and 1.77 d). 3,4 DCA was found to persist much longer. Measured in all three study years at 50 d after treatment, its concentration ranged between 44 μg kg−1 (CON) and 140 μg kg−1 (DRY). Propanil and 3,4 DCA concentrations in paddy water were particularly high in samples collected at 4 d (2004) and 2 d (2005) after treatment. Maximum concentrations were 54.4 μg L−1 (CON) for propanil (2005) and 113.7 μg L−1 (LMA) for 3,4 DCA (2004). The concentrations of propanil and 3,4 DCA in inlet water were never above 1.1 and 0.3 μg L−1, respectively, whereas the highest concentration of each compound in outlet water was in samples collected first after treatment in 2005 and 2006. Both chemicals dissipated rapidly in all the soil‐water environments but displayed no important differences among the three management systems. In conclusion, propanil and 3,4 DCA did not persist longer in paddy fields. A risk of water network contamination by these compounds may occur only early after herbicide spraying. A water‐holding period after herbicide spraying may reduce this risk.
Solidification of PTA aluminide coatings
Authors: D'Oliveira Ana Sofia C. M. , Takano Edson H. , Belotti Luca , Cardoso Rodrigo P.
Published: September 2012

Components can be protected with coatings tailored using plasma transferred arc to meet specific demands as mixtures of powders with an almost unlimited chemical composition can be processed. In this study, Ni, Fe and Nb aluminide coatings were processed from mixtures of elemental powders on steel substrates and on a Cu refrigerated mold for comparison purposes. Coatings and mini-billets were characterized by means of microhardness, X-ray diffraction and laser confocal microscopy. Examination of the solidification structures showed that for each alloy system coatings are influenced by the exothermal synthesis of the aluminides and the interaction of the plasma arc with the substrate and with the feedstock. The poor flowability of the Ni–Al powder mixture determined its interaction with the plasma arc and strongly affected the dilution of coatings.
The Vicissitudes of the French Regional Park Model Illustrated through the Life History of the Morvan
Authors: Parra Constanza
Published: September 2012

The diversity of socio-ecological territories on the European continent has led to a differentiation of institutions for nature protection, ranging from strict nature reserves to semi-protected areas designed to revitalise rural territories. This article examines the French regional park model and illustrates its governance distinctiveness through the life history of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan. First, the text analyses the challenging role of regional parks, in which environmental protection and socio-economic sustainability, based upon the enhancement of nature-culture heritage, merge. Second, it looks at the Morvan area within the flow of history, from the heyday of its traditional rural economy to the socio-ecological regulation emanating from the diversity of new actors and social claims made on it. And, third, it concludes with comments on the role of regional parks in contemporary societies as wellsprings of a particular socially innovative environmental citizenship founded in a strong nature-culture relationship.
Responses of monosex nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to intraperitoneal challenge by Streptococcus iniae after vaccination with ghosts of the bacterium
Authors: Hossain M M M , Ehsan A , Rahman M A , Chowdhury M B R , Haq M
Published: September 2012

The vaccine potential of Streptococcus iniae ghosts produced by gene E mediated lysis was investigated using tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Tilapia immunized with S. iniae ghosts (SIG) and formalin killed S. iniae (FKC) vaccines showed significantly higher serum agglutination titres than control fish. Fish immunized with SIG showed no significant differences with fish immunized with FKC in serum agglutination titres, but showed significantly higher bactericidal activity than fish immunized with FKC. Furthermore, fish immunized with SIG showed higher protection than fish immunized with FKC. As this promising type of a non-living whole cell envelope preparation seems to be favorable over conventional vaccines, we suggest S. iniae ghosts as a new vaccine candidate DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v29i1.11889 Bangl. vet. 2012. Vol. 29, No. 1, 31-37
THE DETERMINANTS OF ENTERPRISE PROFI TABILITY DURING REDUCED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Authors: Steinerowska-Streb Izabella
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristic features of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which contribute to the decrease of profits of those SMEs during a period of reduced economic activity. The investigation was based on a sample of 1107 SMEs functioning in the Polish market. The empirical evidence found the type of manager, market range and legal form as determining factors of SME profits during a period of reduced economic activity. The received results led to the development of a model of firm-specific variables that resul in the decrease of SMEs profits through an economic slowdown.
Images pour élèves aveugles
Authors: Goffard Serge
Published: September 2012

La présence d’images dans les manuels scolaires et l’exigence de l’initiation à une culture de l’image pose des problèmes spécifiques à l’enseignement des élèves aveugles ou mal voyants. Un groupe d’anciens enseignants a commencé à produire des audiodescriptions d’images de manuels. Cette production a rencontré plusieurs obstacles : accepter l’ancrage personnel du descripteur, sans imposer une interprétation (règles d’énonciation) ; établir un parcours cohérent (deixis) spécifique aux élèves aveugles ; tenir compte du lexique de l’élève, de ses représentations et de sa capacité d’attention. Il reste que, chaque description proposée étant décontextualisée des situations didactiques, le rôle des enseignants usagers reste déterminant. Le projet, déjà testé, devrait ouvrir sur une banque d’audiodescriptions consultables par tous publics.
Geometric Distortions-Invariant Digital Watermarking Using Scale-Invariant Feature Transform and Discrete Orthogonal Image Moments
Authors: Ahmad Shiraz , Lu Zhe-Ming
Published: September 2012

Many proposed digital image watermarking techniques are sensitive to geometric attacks, such as rotation, scaling, translation, or their composites. Geometric distortions, even by slight amounts, can inevitably damage the watermark and/or disable the capability of the watermark detector to reliably perform its function. In this chapter, the authors exploit the invariant image features to design geometric distortions-invariant watermarking system, and present two watermarking techniques. First technique utilizes the bounding box scale-invariant feature transform and discrete orthogonal Hahn moments to embed the watermark into the selective image patches, and the second technique uses only the Hahn moments to globally embed watermark into the whole image. First technique is non-blind and uses the original image during detection. While exhibiting excellent resistance against different geometric distortions, this technique also has fairly good resistance to image cropping like attacks. However, this technique exhibits a reduced data payload. The second technique is designed to be blind and the watermark is blindly extracted using the independent component analysis. For this technique an improved data payload is achieved but with a little compromise on resistance against cropping like attacks. The implementations are supported with thorough discussions and the experimental results prove and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes against several kinds of geometric attacks.
Internet-Based Protest in European Policymaking
Authors: Breindl Yana
Published: September 2012

European Institutions, especially the European Parliament, are venues of access for digital activist networks wishing to influence policymaking on issues of intellectual property rights, internet regulation and the respect of civil rights in digital environments. We refer to these networks as “digital activism”. They are more or less loosely rooted in hacker culture and are intensively making use of online tools to organize and consolidate a collective identity and build a transnational public sphere. This study focuses on the “no software patents” campaign led by this movement that aimed at influencing the directive on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions (2002-2005). By discussing the advocacy techniques—both online and offline—that were developed by this digital activist network, we provide an insight into power struggles that are currently taking place in Europe, but also in other regions of the world.
Application of Error Control Coding for Multimedia Watermarking Technologies
Authors: Raval Mehul S.
Published: September 2012

Intellectual property right, copyright, trade mark, digital rights management (DRM) are buzz words heard more often in era of Internet. Along with the uncountable advantages Internet has also brought certain evils. These evils have social, technological, economical and legal impact on our society in general. One of the issues concerning the “content creators” is mass violations of copyrights for their work through illegal distribution via “darknet”. Watermarking is seen as one of the component for DRM systems that can act as a deterrent to content flowing into the darknet. The performance of watermarking schemes can be improved if channel codes are used for encoding the hidden message. The chapter targets applications of Error Control Coding (ECC) to watermarking namely: copyright protection, authentication, forensics and stego watermarking techniques including active steganography. This chapter aims at studying various properties of watermarking systems (depending on application), looking into their specific requirements and then try to search for suitable error control code. This will boost the over all performance of watermarking techniques. This chapter also intends to discuss the state of art research in this direction and then presents a watermarking method based on facts covered in chapter.
College Students, Piracy, and Ethics
Authors: Reiss Jeffrey , Cintrón Rosa
Published: September 2012

This study explores the nature of piracy prevention tools used by IT departments in the Florida State University System to determine their relative effectiveness. The study also examines the opinions of the Information Security Officer in terms of alternative piracy prevention techniques that do not involve legal action and monitoring. It was found that most institutions do not use a formal piece of software that monitors for infringing data. Furthermore, institutions agreed that students lack proper ethics and concern over the matter of copyright, but were not fully convinced that other prevention methods would be effective. The authors conclude that monitoring techniques are a short-term solution and more research must put into finding long-term solutions.
Between Scylla and Charybdis
Authors: Pina Pedro
Published: September 2012

As a reaction to the challenges of digitization, recent developments of international copyright law are characterized not only by its strengthening and proliferation but also by the protection of technological protection measures against circumvention acts. Consequently, in the digital context, copyright is being deconstructed and converted into a mere access right to legally and technologically protected information. Considering that copyright must represent a compromise between holders and users interests, the desired balance has been lost to the disadvantage of the users, potentially harming fundamental and human rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of access to information. In the present chapter, the author describes the conflict between copyright and freedom of expression, how the classic compromise achieved by the conflict’s internalization within copyright law and the provision of copyright exemptions may no longer exist and how the users tend to find legal protection externally, outside copyright law.
An Evaluation of Neurogames®
Authors: Khan Misbah Mahmood , Reed Jonathan
Published: September 2012

Games Based Learning needs to be linked to good learning theory to become an important educational intervention. This study examines the effectiveness of a collection of computer games called Neurogames®. Neurogames are a group of computer games aimed at improving reading and basic maths and are designed using neuropsychological theory. The effectiveness of Neurogames was assessed using a matched pairs experimental design. Short exposure to Neurogames resulted in a significant increase in mathematical ability compared to control. The games resulted in a significant increase in reading ability. The study shows that brief exposure to computer games can result in significant changes to academic development. The implications for education and further research are discussed.
Third Party Logistics
Authors: Gupta Omprakash K. , Ali S. Samar , Dubey Rameshwar
Published: September 2012

Third party logistics (3PL) has been gaining importance in most places in the world. In India the implementation of 3PL practices has made its beginning and it is emerging as one of the fastest growing sectors. It is still a relatively new concept and not well understood among industry or academic professionals in India. This paper examines the Indian 3PL Supply Chain Management and practices with respect to the key success factors and growth strategies. After identifying the critical success factors SERVQUAL is applied to reveal the gap between their achievement and expectation. Respondents to the survey are categorized based on their rating of the key growth strategies on the basis of AHP.
Fuzzy Economic Production Quantity Model for Weibull Deteriorating Items with Ramp Type of Demand
Authors: Valliathal M. , Uthayakumar R.
Published: September 2012

This paper discusses an Economic Production Quantity model for Weibull deteriorating items over an infinite time horizon under fuzzy environment. Fuzziness is introduced by allowing the cost components such as setup cost, production cost, holding cost, shortage cost and opportunity cost due to lost sales to certain extent. Triangular fuzzy numbers are used to represent the mentioned costs. Optimum policies of the described models under fuzzy costs are derived. The proposed model can be extended in several ways. For instance, the deterministic demand function to stochastic fluctuating demand patterns could be considered. The model could also be generalized to allow for quantity discounts, as well as permissible delay in payments.
Statistical analysis of inter-arrival times of rainfall events for Italian Sub-Alpine and Mediterranean areas
Authors: Agnese C. , Baiamonte G. , Cammalleri C. , Cat Berro D. , Ferraris S. , Mercalli L.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. In this work a set of time-series of inter-arrival times of rainfall events, at daily scale, was analysed, with the aim to verify the issue of increasing duration of dry periods. The set consists of 12 time-series recorded at rain gauges in 1926–2005, six of them belong to an Italian Sub-Alpine area (Piedmont) and six to a Mediterranean one (Sicily). In order to overcome the problem related to limited sample size for high values of inter-arrival times, the discrete probability polylog-series distribution was used to fit the empirical data from partial (20 yr) time-series. Moreover, a simple qualitative trend analysis was applied to some high quantiles of inter-arrival times as well as to the average extent of rain clusters. The preliminary analysis seems to confirm the issue of increasing duration of dry periods for both environments, which is limited to the ''cold'' season.
Analytical Rheology of Polymer Melts: State of the Art
Authors: Shanbhag Sachin
Published: September 2012

The extreme sensitivity of rheology to the microstructure of polymer melts has prompted the development of “analytical rheology,” which seeks inferring the structure and composition of an unknown sample based on rheological measurements. Typically, this involves the inversion of a model, which may be mathematical, computational, or completely empirical. Despite the imperfect state of existing models, analytical rheology remains a practically useful enterprise. I review its successes and failures in inferring the molecular weight distribution of linear polymers and the branching content in branched polymers.
Distribution and Bionomic of Sand Flies in Five Ecologically Different Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Foci in Morocco
Authors: Faraj Chafika , Adlaoui El Bachir , Ouahabi Souad , El Kohli Mohamed , El Rhazi Mohamed , Lakraa Lhoussine , Ameur Btissam
Published: September 2012

Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases are endemic in Morocco. Their geographical distribution is well known. It has been related to bioclimatic factors. However, in 2008, two new cutaneous leishmaniasis foci appeared out of the known risk areas. Hence, we have undertaken this entomological survey in five foci situated in different bioclimatic areas to better understand the distribution and the epidemiology of this disease. Results of this study, undertaken during 2011, showed the predominance of Phlebotomus sergenti (55.8%) followed by Ph. perniciosus (12.9%), Ph. longicuspis (12.3%), and Ph. papatasi (12.0%). Ph. sergenti was active during 6 months in subhumid area and 8 months in arid, semiarid, and Saharan areas. Compared to previous studies, our results show a rise in Ph. sergenti abundance and an extension of its activity period. These results could explain the increase in anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence in Morocco and its extension to new nonendemic regions. Ph. perniciosus and Ph. longicuspis have also displayed a large distribution and a long activity period indicating a high potential risk of Leishmania infantum transmission in the studied areas.
SKIP Downregulation Increases TGF-β1-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Production in Transformed Keratinocytes
Authors: Kocić Jelena , Villar Victor , Krstić Aleksandra , Santibanez Juan F.
Published: September 2012

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) is a potent inductor of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in transformed cells. Recently, Ski-interacting protein (SKIP) has been described as a regulator of TGF-β1 signal transduction, but its role in the induction of cell malignance by TGF-β1 has not been fully elucidated so far. In the present study, we analyzed the role of SKIP on TGF-β1-induced MMP-9 production. Mouse transformed keratinocytes (PDV) were stably transfected with SKIP antisense construct. We observed that SKIP depletion provoked an enhancement in the expression of MMP-9 in response to TGF-β1 treatment. The downregulation of SKIP produced an enhancement in TGF-β1-activated ERK1,2 MAP kinase as well as increased transactivation of downstream Elk1 transcription factor. The increased MMP-9 production in response to TGF-β1 was dependent of MAPK activation as PD98059, an MEK inhibitor, reduced MMP-9 expression in SKIP antisense transfected cells. Thus, we propose SKIP as a regulatory protein in TGF-β1-induced MMP-9 expression acting by controlling ERK1,2 signaling in transformed cells.
The need for monitoring farm animal welfare during mass killing for disease eradication purposes
Authors: Berg C
Published: September 2012

The term ‘depopulation’ is used in this case to describe mass euthanasia or killing of groups of animals on a farm for emergency disease eradication purposes. There are a number of guidelines for monitoring animal welfare during such operations, eg the OIE Terrestrial Health Code and the EU regulation on protection of animals at the time of killing, which can be useful when designing a specific monitoring system for depopulation. In this paper, the responsibilities of the competent authorities are identified, and a systematic approach to monitoring on-farm killing is proposed, including three major critical points: i) animal handling prior to killing; ii) the stun/kill quality, ie the effectiveness of the method used to render the animals unconscious and dead; and iii) confirmation of death prior to carcase disposal. The importance of good biosecurity routines, efficient disease detection systems, relevant training of staff and thorough contingency planning to prevent animal welfare problems from arising is strongly emphasised. It is the responsibility of national competent authorities to provide the appointed official veterinarians in charge of monitoring animal welfare during depopulation with proper tools, including anything from appropriate knowledge and practical checklists to the authority to demand immediate corrective action when necessary, and to develop systems for feedback and incorporation of experiences from previous outbreaks into the national contingency plans.
Firearm Discharge Residue: Analysis of
Authors: Zeichner Arie
Published: September 2012

Analysis of firearm discharge residues (FDR) on relevant exhibits can assist in reconstruction of a crime and might provide evidence against suspects involved. This article discusses the detection and analysis of primer residues (GSR), detection and analysis of gunpowder (propellant) residues, techniques of associating firearms and ammunition with gunshot entries, and estimation of the time since shooting.
Spatio‐temporal excitation energy localization in a supramolecular complex coupled to a metal nanoparticle
Authors: Kyas Gerold , Zelinskyy Yaroslav , Zhang Yuan , May Volkhard
Published: September 2012

Sub‐picosecond laser pulse‐initiated excitation energy transfer in a supramolecular complex (SC) placed in the proximity of a spherical metal nanoparticle (MNP) is studied theoretically. Spatio‐temporal localization of electronic excitation energy in a chain‐like SC is demonstrated. Related simulations are carried out in the framework of a density matrix theory which is based on a microscopic model for the SC–MNP system. The respective SC–MNP Coulomb interaction is dominated by an energy exchange coupling between the excitations of the SC and the multipolar excitations of the MNP. The nonperturbative consideration of this coupling results in a shift and a broadening of all SC exciton levels as well as in an oscillator strength change. Laser pulse‐induced excitation energy localization is then explained as a combined effect of the oscillator strength change and the formation of an excitonic wave packet.
Self‐modulation in nonlinear electrical circuits presenting jump resonance and variable inertial damping
Authors: Nemescu Mircea V. , Temneanu Mitica
Published: September 2012

This study examines the appearance of self‐modulation in nonlinear electrical circuits presenting the jump resonance phenomenon and variable inertial damping. The oscillations envelope is a slow forced oscillation, periodic or non‐periodic, its character being determined by the environmental influence on the damping factor. The results of this experimental study were obtained by numerical simulation and experiment and confirm the initial theoretical considerations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Federal regulation—Natural gas: Will FERC abandonment policy fit today's market and regulatory environment?
Authors: Chesno Janna , Curry James , Diamond Michael
Published: September 2012

Serious pipeline incidents in 2010 and 2011 have prompted new federal pipeline safety requirements that are expected to result in significant cost increases for some pipelines. At the same time, rising shale gas and other unconventional gas production has shifted market dynamics by cutting locational price differences, resulting in reduced throughput and revenues on pipelines in certain areas. Faced with potentially significant regulatory cost increases and declining revenues, some interstate pipelines may seek to abandon uneconomic interstate pipeline facilities or services.
Academic autonomy for adult degree programs: Independence with integration
Authors: Curry Judson
Published: September 2012

North Park University's adult program has moved steadily from a centralized governance structure toward a more distributed structure in many ways. The School of Adult Learning hires its own faculty, some of whom are full time in the adult program. The school also has autonomy over academic policy. Ultimately, this academic autonomy has fostered more effective and meaningful integration of the School of Adult Learning into the wider institution of North Park University.
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-B*57:01-Restricted Activation of Drug-Specific T cells Provides the Immunological Basis for Flucloxacillin-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Monshi Manal M. , Faulkner Lee , Gibson Andrew , Jenkins Rosalind E. , Farrell John , Earnshaw Caroline J. , Alfirevic Ana , Cederbrant Karin , Daly Ann K. , French Neil , Pirmohamed Munir , Park Kevin B. , Naisbitt Dean J.
Published: September 2012

The role of the adaptive immune system in adverse drug reactions that target the liver has not been defined. For flucloxacillin, a delay in the reaction onset and identification of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*57:01 as a susceptibility factor are indicative of an immune pathogenesis. Thus, we characterize flucloxacillin-responsive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from patients with liver injury and show that naive CD45RA+CD8+ T cells from volunteers expressing HLA-B*57:01 are activated with flucloxacillin when dendritic cells present the drug antigen. T-cell clones expressing CCR4 and CCR9 migrated toward CCL17 and CCL 25, and secreted interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), T helper (Th)2 cytokines, perforin, granzyme B, and FasL following drug stimulation. Flucloxacillin bound covalently to selective lysine residues on albumin in a time-dependent manner and the level of binding correlated directly with the stimulation of clones. Activation of CD8+ clones with flucloxacillin was processing-dependent and restricted by HLA-B*57:01 and the closely related HLA-B*58:01. Clones displayed additional reactivity against β-lactam antibiotics including oxacillin, cloxacillin, and dicloxacillin, but not abacavir or nitroso sulfamethoxazole.

Conclusion:

This work defines the immune basis for flucloxacillin-induced liver injury and links the genetic association to the iatrogenic disease.
Immigration and its Impact on Daily Occupations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bennett Kayla Marie , Scornaiencki Jennifer Marie , Brzozowski Jennifer , Denis Suzanne , Magalhaes Lilian
Published: September 2012

Immigrants often adopt new and unfamiliar occupations in an attempt to adapt to their new culture. Occupations provide a means for participation in the host country and play a significant role in formulating a person's identity. This scoping review sought to identify the current knowledge on immigration and its impact on occupations. A scoping review for peer‐reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2010 in English or French was completed. Thirty‐six articles met the inclusion criteria. Four themes were identified: 1) role change; 2) work; 3) identity; and 4) health and well‐being. Limitations include the lack of a consistent definition of occupation, research primarily being conducted in the North American context and the limited number of occupational therapy based articles. Future research should focus on a systematic review of the lived experiences of immigrants and their occupational contexts, and how this can inform policy development. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Polyurethane‐based magnetostrictive composites: Dynamical mechanical properties
Authors: Vilas J.L. , Laza J.M. , Rodríguez C. , Rodríguez M. , León L.M.
Published: September 2012

Polyurethane‐based magnetostrictive composites containing between 30 and 70 wt% Terfenol‐D have been prepared in order to obtain better and tailored dynamic‐mechanical properties. The thermal and mechanical properties of polyurethanes with different chemical compositions were first analyzed to determine the most adequate one to prepare the composite materials. Calorimetric analysis indicates that the amount of crystallites increased in presence of Terfenol‐D. Dynamic‐mechanical properties have also been determined for the chosen composite, showing that the damping peak at glass transition increased by the addition of the magnetostrictive material while it became simultaneously broader. However, the storage modulus showed a drop with the increase in the filler content from 2200 MPa for pure polyurethane to 400 MPa for polyurethane with 60 %wt Terfenol‐D. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Assessing overall evidence from noninferiority trials with shared historical data
Authors: Soon Guoxing , Zhang Zhiwei , Tsong Yi , Nie Lei
Published: September 2012

For regulatory approval of a new drug, the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requires ‘substantial evidence’ from ‘adequate and well‐controlled investigations’. This requirement is interpreted in the Food and Drug Administration guidance as the need of ‘at least two adequate and well‐controlled studies, each convincing on its own to establish effectiveness’. The guidance also emphasizes the need of ‘independent substantiation of experimental results from multiple studies’. However, several authors have noted the loss of independence between two noninferiority trials that use the same set of historical data to make inferences, raising questions about whether the CFR requirement is met in noninferiority trials through current practice. In this article, we first propose a statistical interpretation of the CFR requirement in terms of trial‐level and overall type I error rates, which captures the essence of the requirement and can be operationalized for noninferiority trials. We next examine four typical regulatory settings in which the proposed requirement may or may not be fulfilled by existing methods of analysis (fixed margin and synthesis). In situations where the criteria are not met, we then propose adjustments to the existing methods. As illustrated with several examples, our results and findings can be helpful in designing and analyzing noninferiority trials in a way that is both compliant with the regulatory interpretation of the CFR requirement and reasonably powerful. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disaster Metrics: Quantitative Estimation of the Number of Ambulances Required in Trauma-Related Multiple Casualty Events
Authors: Bayram Jamil D. , Zuabi Shawki , El Sayed Mazen J.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Estimating the number of ambulances needed in trauma-related Multiple Casualty Events (MCEs) is a challenging task.

Hypothesis/Problem

Emergency medical services (EMS) regions in the United States have varying “best practices” for the required number of ambulances in MCE, none of which is based on metric criteria. The objective of this study was to estimate the number of ambulances required to respond to the scene of trauma-related MCE in order to initiate treatment and complete the transport of critical (T1) and moderate (T2) patients. The proposed model takes into consideration the different transport times and capacities of receiving hospitals, the time interval from injury occurrence, the number of patients per ambulance, and the pre-designated time frame allowed from injury until the transfer care of T1 and T2 patients.

Methods

The main theoretical framework for this model was based on prehospital time intervals described in the literature and used by EMS systems to evaluate operational and patient care issues. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) triage categories (T1-T4) were used for simplicity.

Results

The minimum number of ambulances required to respond to the scene of an MCE was modeled as being primarily dependent on the number of critical patients (T1) present at the scene any particular time. A robust quantitative model was also proposed to dynamically estimate the number of ambulances needed at any time during an MCE to treat, transport and transfer the care of T1 and T2 patients.

Conclusion

A new quantitative model for estimation of the number of ambulances needed during the prehospital response in trauma-related multiple casualty events has been proposed. Prospective studies of this model are needed to examine its validity and applicability.

BayramJD, ZuabiS, El SayedMJ. Disaster metrics: quantitative estimation of the number of ambulances required in trauma-related multiple casualty events. Prehosp Disaster Med.2012;27(5):1-7.
Gravity and magnetic anomalies in the allochthonous Órdenes Complex (Variscan belt, northwest Spain): Assessing its internal structure and thickness
Authors: Martínez Catalán José R. , Álvarez Lobato Fernando , Pinto Victor , Gómez Barreiro Juan , Ayarza Puy , Villalaín Juan José , Casas Albert
Published: September 2012

The Órdenes Complex is the largest Variscan allochthonous structure of NW Iberia, and preserves the suture of a long‐standing Paleozoic ocean, probably the Rheic. Gravity and magnetic data, the latter specifically acquired on land for this study, show that the complex occupies the core of an open synform with a maximum depth of 9–10 km, which contrasts with the flat geometry of the lower crust and Moho discontinuity beneath. The maximum depth reached by the ophiolitic rocks marking the suture is around 7 km. The allochthonous units formed by basic and ultrabasic rocks are lens‐shaped in section, and occur not only at the periphery of the complex, but form wide ribbons trending NE‐SW to N‐S. The Bouguer anomaly related with the longest of them, the Fornás Unit, previously used to support an autochthonous interpretation of the complexes, is modeled as a rootless, massive amphibolite body with a maximum thickness of 6 km located at the downthrown block of a large normal fault cutting across previous thrust faults and extensional detachments. The main magnetic anomalies are associated with ultrabasic rocks cropping out in the NW and SE, but a weak, wide anomaly in the central part of the complex is related with one or more thin layers of amphibolite partly mineralized with massive sulphides. The weakly arcuate geometry of this anomaly and of the Bouguer anomaly caused by the Fornás Unit may reflect the NE flank of the Central Iberian arc, an orocline whose core is occupied by the allochthonous complexes.
Decreasing trend of tropical cyclone frequency in 228‐year high‐resolution AGCM simulations
Authors: Sugi Masato , Yoshimura Jun
Published: September 2012

We conducted 228‐year long, three‐member ensemble simulations using a high resolution (60 km grid size) global atmosphere model, MRI‐AGCM3.2, with prescribed sea surface temperature and greenhouse gases and aerosols from 1872 to 2099. We found a clear decreasing trend of global tropical cyclone (TC) frequency throughout the 228 years of the simulation. We also found a significant multidecadal variation (MDV) in the long term variation of Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere TC count in addition to the decreasing trend. The decreasing trend and MDV in the long term variation of TC count correspond well to a similar decreasing trend and MDV of upward mass flux averaged over the TC genesis region and active TC season. It has been shown that the upward mass flux decreases primarily because the rate of increase of dry static stability, which is close to that of surface specific humidity, is much larger than the rate of increase of precipitation, which is nearly the same as that of atmospheric radiative cooling. Thus, it is suggested that the decreasing trend of TC count is mainly caused by the decreasing trend of upward mass flux associated with the increasing dry static stability.
On the angular variation of thermal infrared emissivity of inorganic soils
Authors: García‐Santos Vicente , Valor Enric , Caselles Vicente , Ángeles Burgos M. , Coll César
Published: September 2012

Land surface temperature (LST), a key parameter for many environmental studies, can be most readily estimated by using thermal infrared (TIR) sensors onboard satellites. Accurate LST are contingent upon simultaneously accurate estimates of land surface emissivity (ε), which depend on sensor viewing angle and the anisotropy of optical and structural properties of surfaces. In the case of inorganic bare soils (IBS), there are still few data that quantify emissivity angular effects. The present work deals with the angular variation of TIR emissivity for twelve IBS types, representative of nine of the twelve soil textures found on Earth according to United States Department of Agriculture classification. Emissivity was measured with a maximum error of ±0.01, in several spectral ranges within the atmospheric window 7.7–14.3 μm, at different zenithal (θ) and azimuthal (φ) angles. Results showed that ε of all IBS studied is almost azimuthally isotropic, and also zenithally up to θ = 40°, from which ε values decrease with the increase of θ. This decrease is most pronounced in sandy IBS which is rich in quartz reaching a maximum difference from nadir of +0.101 at θ = 70°. On the other hand, clayey IBS did not show a significant decrease of ε up to θ= 60°. A parameterization of the relative‐to‐nadir emissivity in terms ofθ and sand and clay percentage was established. Finally, the impact of ignoring εangular effects on the retrievals of LST, using split‐window‐type algorithms, and of outgoing longwave radiation, was analyzed. Results showed systematic errors ranging between ±0.4 K to ±1.3 K for atmospheres with water vapor values lower than 4 cm in the case of LST, and errors between 2%–8%, in the estimation of different terms of the surface energy balance.
Application of heat pulse injections for investigating shallow hyporheic flow in a lowland river
Authors: Angermann Lisa , Krause Stefan , Lewandowski Joerg
Published: September 2012

Hyporheic zone processes can have significant impact on groundwater and surface water resources. Detailed knowledge of exchange flow patterns is crucial for understanding the ecohydrological and biogeochemical functioning of river corridors. In particular, small‐scale hyporheic exchange flow is still poorly understood, partially because of the lack of adequate in situ monitoring technology. This paper investigates the spatial heterogeneity of hyporheic exchange flow in a lowland river at multiple scales. It demonstrates the conjunctive use of active heat pulse tracing at shallow depths (15 cm) and vertical hydraulic gradients (VHG) at 120–150 cm streambed depth for improving the understanding of hyporheic exchange flow processes. Generally positive VHG indicated a regional dominance of groundwater up‐welling. High and temporally variable VHG were used to identify confined conditions caused by low conductivity layers in the subsurface (low connectivity), while locations with lower and temporally less variable VHG indicated free groundwater up‐welling (high connectivity) in highly conductive sediments. A heat pulse sensor (HPS) was applied for identifying shallow hyporheic flow at three locations representative for high versus low streambed connectivity. Shallow hyporheic flow patterns were found to be spatially heterogeneous. Subsurface flow could only partially be explained by streambed topography. Surface water infiltration and horizontal flow coincided with inhibited groundwater up‐welling, whereas locations with high streambed connectivity were characterized by increased up‐welling. The combined information of spatiotemporal VHG variability and flow vector frequency distribution by HPS has the potential to improve the understanding of impacts of streambed topography and subsurface stratification on hyporheic flow patterns.
Monte Carlo simulations of charge transport in organic systems with true off-diagonal disorder
Authors: Jakobsson Mattias , Linares Mathieu , Stafström Sven
Published: September 2012

In this work, a novel method to model off-diagonal disorder in organic materials has been developed. The off-diagonal disorder is taken directly from the geometry of the system, which includes both a distance and an orientational dependence on the constituent molecules, and does not rely on a parametric random distribution. The geometry of the system is generated by running molecular dynamics simulations on phenylene-vinylene oligomers packed into boxes. The effect of the kind of randomness generated in this way is then investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulations of the charge transport in these boxes and a comparison is made to the commonly used model of off-diagonal disorder, where only the distance dependence is accounted for. It is shown that this new refined way of treating the disorder has a significant impact on the charge transport, while still being compliant with previously published and confirmed results.