bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Library of Samples for E-Vehicle Propulsion Drive Tuning
Authors: Rassõlkin Anton , Liivik Liisa , Vodovozov Valery , Raud Zoja
Published: May 2014

The majority of testing cycles for the vehicle comparison is the long-term cycles and could not be used for the short-term transient mode imitations. Also, all the used nowadays testing cycles were designed for internal combustion engine vehicles and take into account not only energy and mechanical aspects, but also pollution and internal combustion engine characteristics. The paper presents a collection of sample signals developed to explore and simulate multiple system impacts to emulate different reference and load conditions. The study describes the major driving modes, such as the constant-speed cruising, speeding up and braking, typical parking regimes, uphill and downhill motion, and taking a turn. The developed testing equipment and software are described. Responses of the battery vehicle drives to the changeable controls and disturbances were studied in the laboratory test bench. The set of test cycles prepared in the frame of the ABB control arrangement was applied to the system evaluation and assessment. The developed methodology can be recommended to adjust the electric drives for different kinds of testing equipment. Experimental validation of the described approach has demonstrated the broad possibilities for the steady-state and transient modes of vehicle quality evaluation. It suits for recommendations that can be made with regard to the tuning of the drive regulators, control looping, sensor allocation, and feedback arrangements.
Biometric and phytochemical variability of roseroot (Rhodiola rosea L.) from field cultivation
Authors: Adamczak Artur , Gryszczyńska Agnieszka , Buchwald Waldemar
Published: May 2014

Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea L.) is an adaptogenic plant, widely used in the traditional medicine of Scandinavia, Russia, China and Mongolia. The aim of the study was to determine the biometric and phytochemical co-variability of this species under field cultivation in western Poland (Plewiska near Poznań). The plant material originated from four-year-old cultivation established twice by rhizome division in autumn 2007 and 2008. In the study, 46 individuals (23 plants in 2011 and in 2012) were used. The biometric analysis included measurements of the basic characteristics of plants related to the size (luxuriance) of clumps, shoots, leaves and rhizomes with roots (raw material). The amounts of total polyphenols (expressed as gallic acid), tannins (expressed as pyrogallol) and flavonoids (expressed as quercetin) were determined spectrophotometrically. The obtained results showed high variation of Rh. rosea, especially in the level of flavonoids (0.01-0.20% DM) and in the weight of raw material (113-1156 g FM/plant). There were observed correlations between the phytochemical (flavonoid and total phenolic content) and biometric (water content, leaf number, shoot and clump size) features.
Different Viewpoints: International Perspectives On Newborn Screening/Različita Gledišta: Međunarodne Perspektive U Vezi Sa Testiranjem Novorođenčadi
Authors: Pollitt Rodney J.
Published: May 2014

Newborn blood-spot screening to detect potentially treatable disorders is widely practiced across the globe. However, there are great variations in practice, both in terms of disorders covered, screening technologies, disease definition, information provision, parental informed consent, and storage and disposal of residual specimens, partly reflecting the degree to which screening is the subject of explicit legislation (and thus public and media pressure) or is embedded in a general health care system and managed at an executive level. It is generally accepted that disorders to be screened for should comply with the ten Wilson and Jungner criteria, but the way that compliance is assessed ranges from broadly-based opinion surveys to detailed analysis of quantitative data. Consequently, even countries with comparable levels of economic development and health care show large differences in the number of disorders screened for. There are several areas on which there are no generally accepted guidelines: how should parents be informed about screening and to what extent should they be encouraged to regard screening as an option to choose to refuse? Is DNA mutation analysis acceptable as part of a screening protocol? How soon should the blood samples be destroyed once screening has been completed? As technology advances and the potential scope of screening expands at both the metabolite and genome level, challenging policy issues will have to be faced.
Association Between Thyroid Hormones, Lipids and Oxidative Stress Markers in Subclinical Hypothyroidism / Povezanost Izme\U Tireoidnih Hormona, Lipida I Markera Oksidativnog Stresa U SubkliniĉKoj Hipotireozi
Authors: Cheserek Maureen Jepkorir , Wu Gui-Rong , Ntazinda Arsene , Shi Yong-Hui , Shen Li-Ye , Le Guo-Wei
Published: May 2014

Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. It is recognized in overt hypothyroidism while its existence in subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is not well established. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was increased oxidation of lipids and proteins in SCH, and examine their association with lipids and thyroid hormones.

Methods: Male adults (35-59 years) with SCH (n=467) and euthyroid controls (n=190) were studied. Anthropometric measurements, plasma lipids, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and dityrosine concentrations were measured.

Results: Plasma concentrations of MDA were significantly higher (p<0.05) in SCH (8.11±1.39 nmol/mL) compared with euthyroid controls (7.34±1.31 nmol/mL) while AOPP, dityrosine and T-AOC levels were not different. MDA was not associated with TSH (β=-0.019, P=0.759), FT4 (β=-0.062, P=0.323) and FT3 (β=-0.018, P=0.780) in SCH while levels increased with elevated total cholesterol (β=0.229, P=0.001), LDL (β=0.203, P=0.009) and triglycerides (β=0.159, P=0.036) after adjustment for ageand body mass index. T-AOC reduced (β=-0.327, P=0.030) with increased MDA in euthyroid controls and not in SCH (β=-0.068, P=0.349), while levels increased with elevated triglycerides in both groups.

Conclusion: Oxidative stress was increased in subclinical hypothyroidism as evidenced by the elevated lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde, while protein oxidation was absent. Thus, reduction of oxidative stress may be beneficial in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
Epidemiology and Natural History of Nafld/Epidemiologija I Prirodna Istorija Nealkoholne Masne Jetre
Authors: Corte Claudia Della , Ferrari Federica , Villani Alberto , Nobili Valerio
Published: May 2014

Paralleling the growing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the most frequent hepatopathy in adults and children. The true prevalence of pediatric NAFLD is still unknown, because of the heterogeneity of diagnostic methods used for diagnosis in the available studies and the different characteristics of the populations evaluated. Pediatric NAFLD is typically of primary origin and it is strongly associated with several features of the metabolic syndrome. Age, gender and race/ethnicity are significant determinants of risk, and sex hormones, insulin sensitivity and adipocytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of pediatric NAFLD. The natural history of NAFLD in children is still poorly understood, because of its complex nature and the scarcity of prospective studies, especially in pediatric populations. Both genetic and environmental factors seem to be implicated in the development and progression of the disease via multiple mechanisms that involve liver crosstalk with other organs and tissues, especially gut and adipose tissue. To evaluate and effectively treat pediatric NAFLD, the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease should be clarified and noninvasive methods for screening, diagnosis, and longitudinal assessment developed.
Population-Based Pediatric Reference Intervals in General Clinical Chemistry: A Swedish Survey/Pedijatrijski Referentni Intervali U Opštoj Kliničkoj Hemiji Zasnovani Na Ispitivanju Populacije: Švedsko Ispitivanje
Authors: Ridefelt Peter
Published: May 2014

Very few high quality studies on pediatric reference intervals for general clinical chemistry and hematology analytes have been performed. Three recent prospective community-based projects utilising blood samples from healthy children in Sweden, Denmark and Canada have substantially improved the situation. The Swedish survey included 701 healthy children. Reference intervals for general clinical chemistry and hematology were defined.
Selective Screening for Metabolic Disorders in the Slovenian Pediatric Population/Selektivni Skrining Metaboličkih Poremećaja Kod Dečije Populacije U Sloveniji
Authors: Lampret Barbka Repič , Murko Simona , Tanšek Mojca Žerjav , Podkrajšek Katarina Trebušak , Debeljak Maruša , Šmon Andraž , Battelino Tadej
Published: May 2014

Background: Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are disorders with a block in the metabolic pathway caused by a genetic defect of a specific enzyme. Although each of these diseases is quite rare, as a group they account for a significant proportion of newborn and childhood morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications or even death of the child. Selective screening is an important diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of IEM.

Methods: In Slovenia, symptomatic patients with suspected IEM are referred to the University Children’s Hospital Ljubljana. Techniques used for selective screening are gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, ion exchange chromatography-post-column derivatization, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and isoelectric focusing. Fluorimetric method is used for enzyme activity measurement.

Results: There are 168 patients with amino and organic acidemias, 5 patients with disorders in fatty acids metabolism, 1 patient with a congenital disorder of glycosylation, 42 patients with Fabry disease (of which 37 are adult) and 20 patients with Gaucher disease (of which 18 are adult) in the Slovenian Register for Rare Diseases.

Conclusions: In Slovenia, management of patients with IEM is centralized at the University Children’s Hospital, with the exception of adult patients with Fabry and Gaucher disease. The team work is well organized with close cooperation between the laboratory and pediatricians specialized in metabolic disorders. According to the known frequencies of IEM from the literature, we would expect more positive results than obtained. To evaluate these results, we are planning to perform a pilot study on expanded newborn screening.
Dropout Rates and Response Times of an Occupation Search Tree in a Web Survey
Authors: Tijdens Kea
Published: May 2014

Occupation is key in socioeconomic research. As in other survey modes, most web surveys use an open-ended question for occupation, though the absence of interviewers elicits unidentifiable or aggregated responses. Unlike other modes, web surveys can use a search tree with an occupation database. They are hardly ever used, but this may change due to technical advancements. This article evaluates a three-step search tree with 1,700 occupational titles, used in the 2010 multilingual WageIndicator web survey for UK, Belgium and Netherlands (22,990 observations). Dropout rates are high; in Step 1 due to unemployed respondents judging the question not to be adequate, and in Step 3 due to search tree item length. Median response times are substantial due to search tree item length, dropout in the next step and invalid occupations ticked. Overall the validity of the occupation data is rather good, 1.7-7.5% of the respondents completing the search tree have ticked an invalid occupation.
Can I Just Check...? Effects of Edit Check Questions on Measurement Error and Survey Estimates
Authors: Lugtig Peter , Jäckle Annette
Published: May 2014

Household income is difficult to measure, since it requires the collection of information about all potential income sources for each member of a household.Weassess the effects of two types of edit check questions on measurement error and survey estimates: within-wave edit checks use responses to questions earlier in the same interview to query apparent inconsistencies in responses; dependent interviewing uses responses from prior interviews to query apparent inconsistencies over time.Weuse data from three waves of the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) to assess the effects of edit checks on estimates, and data from an experimental study carried out in the context of the BHPS, where survey responses were linked to individual administrative records, to assess the effects on measurement error. The findings suggest that interviewing methods without edit checks underestimate non-labour household income in the lower tail of the income distribution. The effects on estimates derived from total household income, such as poverty rates or transition rates into and out of poverty, are small.
A Convenient Method of Decomposing the Gini Index by Population Subgroups
Authors: Ogwang Tomson
Published: May 2014

We propose a convenient method of estimating the within-group, between-group, and interaction components of the overall traditional Gini index from the estimated parameters of underlying “trick regression models” involving known forms of heteroscedasticity related to income. Two illustrative examples involving both real and artificial data are provided. The issue of appropriate standard error of the subgroup decomposition is also discussed.
Integration of Modeling in Solidworks and Matlab/Simulink Environments
Authors: Cekus Dawid , Posiadała Bogdan , Warys Paweł
Published: May 2014

In the paper, the authors present construction stages of simulation models worked out using SolidWorks and Matlab/Simulink environments. As examples of simulation models, a laboratory truck crane and a forest crane have been shown. These models allow for visualization of movements, tracking of the trajectory, velocity and acceleration of any point of the system.
Design and Experimental and Numerical Verifications of the Recirculating Blower for Long-Term Tests of Turbine Flowmeters
Authors: Kryłłowicz Władysław , Kuczkowski Michał , Sobczak Krzysztof
Published: May 2014

A design of the centrifugal recirculation blower as well as results of its experimental and numerical investigations are presented in this paper. The blower was designed to work in the unique test stand which is used for long-term tests of turbine flowmeters. A 1D method was used to design this blower, then experimental and numerical studies were conducted in order to verify the 1D method. A comparison of the blower pressure increase obtained from the experiment and the computations is presented. Velocity and pressure distributions from the numerical simulations in selected sections are also shown and discussed. Additional numerical studies of a shrouded rotor and a rotor with a lower tip clearance were conducted and are presented in the paper as well.
An Experimental-Numerical Analysis of Plastic Zones Initiation Around Holes in Shields Made of Steel C45 Under Tension
Authors: Bucko Stefan , Jodłowski Henryk , Trzebicki Marcin
Published: May 2014

The paper presents the results of research on the plastic zones formation in thin (3.51 [mm]) shields made of steel C45 with holes of 4, 10 and 20 diameters. The authorship method of identifying plastic macro-strains utilizing optical interference phenomenon was used in the experiments. The basic idea of the method is summarized below as being: “The occurrence of plastic deformations in the active process of loading is testified by a loss of the interference fringes that were previously present or by a clear and rapid change in their character”. In the experiments, the values of the stress initiating the first plastic deformation were determined. In order to explain the processes of plastic deformation appearance a detailed stress state analysis in the holes surrounding area was realized with the use of Finite Element Method. Comparison of experimental results with the results of FEM calculations indicates that there are significant quantitative as well as qualitative differences. Namely stresses initiating plastic deformations clearly exceed the value of ReH, and plastic deformation are of local plastic slides character. Similar results were previously obtained in studies on the shields made of steel 15CrMo with holes.
Fuzzy optimization for portfolio selection based on Embedding Theorem in Fuzzy Normed Linear Spaces
Authors: Solatikia Farnaz , Kiliç Erdem , Weber Gerhard Wilhelm
Published: May 2014

Background: This paper generalizes the results of Embedding problem of Fuzzy Number Space and its extension into a Fuzzy Banach Space C(Ω) × C(Ω), where C(Ω) is the set of all real-valued continuous functions on an open set Ω.

Objectives: The main idea behind our approach consists of taking advantage of interplays between fuzzy normed spaces and normed spaces in a way to get an equivalent stochastic program. This helps avoiding pitfalls due to severe oversimplification of the reality.

Method: The embedding theorem shows that the set of all fuzzy numbers can be embedded into a Fuzzy Banach space. Inspired by this embedding theorem, we propose a solution concept of fuzzy optimization problem which is obtained by applying the embedding function to the original fuzzy optimization problem.

Results: The proposed method is used to extend the classical Mean-Variance portfolio selection model into Mean Variance-Skewness model in fuzzy environment under the criteria on short and long term returns, liquidity and dividends.

Conclusion: A fuzzy optimization problem can be transformed into a multiobjective optimization problem which can be solved by using interactive fuzzy decision making procedure. Investor preferences determine the optimal multiobjective solution according to alternative scenarios.
The Development of Sugar Beet Production and Processing Simulation Model – a System Dynamics Approach to Support Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Rozman Črtomir , Škraba Andrej , Pažek Karmen , Kljajić Miroljub
Published: May 2014

Background: The sugar beet is the main field crop used for sugar production in the temperate climatic zone. The abolishment of the quota system will open new investment opportunities in countries that were forced to abandon sugar industry as the result of the reform in 2006. Present paper describes the modeling of sugar beet production and its processing into sugar for purpose of decision support.

Methods: A system dynamics methodology was chosen to model impacts of regional sugar factory investment. We present two basic concepts of system dynamics models at causal loop diagram level. The first holistic model deals with regional planning of new product development and the second one deals with factory model.

Results: The holistic model presented main feedback loops and dynamics of main elements in the case of regional investment into sugar industry. The factory model considered the specifics of the beet processing which is a) limited period of beet processing and b) initial adjustment to the production capacity at the start of the production season

Conclusions: The model seeks answers to strategic questions related to the whole sugar beet production and processing system and will be used for simulation of different scenarios for sugar production and their impact on economic and environmental parameters at an aggregate level.
Higher levels of total pepsin and bile acids in the saliva as a possible risk factor for early laryngeal cancer
Authors: Sereg-Bahar Maja , Jerin Ales , Hocevar-Boltezar Irena
Published: May 2014

Background. Gastroesophageal reflux is suspected to be an etiological factor in laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer. The aim of this study was to establish, using a non-invasive method, whether laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) appears more often in patients with early laryngeal cancer than in a control group.

Patients and methods. We compared the pH, the level of bile acids, the total pepsin and the pepsin enzymatic activity in saliva in a group of 30 patients with T1 laryngeal carcinoma and a group of 34 healthy volunteers.

Results. The groups differed significantly in terms of levels of total pepsin and bile acids in the saliva sample. Higher levels of total pepsin and bile acids were detected in the group of cancer patients. No significant impact of other known factors influencing laryngeal mucosa (e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption, and the presence of irritating substances in the workplace) on the results of saliva analysis was found.

Conclusions. A higher level of typical components of LPR in the saliva of patients with early laryngeal cancer than in the controls suggests the possibility that LPR, especially biliary reflux, has a role in the development of laryngeal carcinoma.
The effect of radiation dose on mouse skeletal muscle remodeling
Authors: Hardee Justin P. , Puppa Melissa J. , Fix Dennis K. , Gao Song , Hetzler Kimbell L. , Bateman Ted A. , Carson James A.
Published: May 2014

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two clinically relevant radiation doses on the susceptibility of mouse skeletal muscle to remodeling.

Materials and methods. Alterations in muscle morphology and regulatory signaling were examined in tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles after radiation doses that differed in total biological effective dose (BED). Female C57BL/6 (8-wk) mice were randomly assigned to non-irradiated control, four fractionated doses of 4 Gy (4x4 Gy; BED 37 Gy), or a single 16 Gy dose (16 Gy; BED 100 Gy). Mice were sacrificed 2 weeks after the initial radiation exposure.

Results. The 16 Gy, but not 4x4 Gy, decreased total muscle protein and RNA content. Related to muscle regeneration, both 16 Gy and 4x4 Gy increased the incidence of central nuclei containing myofibers, but only 16 Gy increased the extracellular matrix volume. However, only 4x4 Gy increased muscle 4-hydroxynonenal expression. While both 16 Gy and 4x4 Gy decreased IIB myofiber mean cross-sectional area (CSA), only 16 Gy decreased IIA myofiber CSA. 16 Gy increased the incidence of small diameter IIA and IIB myofibers, while 4x4 Gy only increased the incidence of small diameter IIB myofibers. Both treatments decreased the frequency and CSA of low succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDH) fibers. Only 16 Gy increased the incidence of small diameter myofibers having high SDH activity. Neither treatment altered muscle signaling related to protein turnover or oxidative metabolism.

Conclusions. Collectively, these results demonstrate that radiation dose differentially affects muscle remodeling, and these effects appear to be related to fiber type and oxidative metabolism.
On the separation of eigenvalues by the permutation group
Authors: Cigler Grega , Jerman Marjan
Published: May 2014

Let A be an invertible 3 × 3 complex matrix. It is shown that there is a 3 × 3 permutation matrix P such that the product PA has at least two distinct eigenvalues.

The nilpotent complex n × n matrices A for which the products PA with all symmetric matrices P have a single spectrum are determined.

It is shown that for a n × n complex matrix

there exists a permutation matrix P such that the product PA has at least two distinct eigenvalues.
Inverses and eigenvalues of diamondalternating sign matrices
Authors: Catral Minerva , Lin Minghua , Olesky D. D. , van den Driessche P.
Published: May 2014

An n × n diamond alternating sign matrix (ASM) is a (0, +1, −1)-matrix with ±1 entries alternatingand arranged in a diamond-shaped pattern. The explicit inverse (for n even) or generalized inverse (for nodd) of a diamond ASM is derived. The eigenvalues of diamond ASMs are considered and when n is even, thecharacteristic polynomial, which involves signed binomial coefficients, is determined.
Micromachining of Austenitic Steel by Pulsed Nd:Yag Laser
Authors: Mikoláš Juraj , Šugár Peter
Published: May 2014

Laser micromachining presents a possibility to create new structures on the surface of any type of materials, typically with micron-range dimensions. Interaction mechanisms of laser micromachining is a complex process and it strongly depends both on laser input parameters and material properties. This article shows partial results of experimental research, focused on investigation of laser micromachining process of X5CrNi18-10 austenitic steel by pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The main goal was to evaluate laser micromachining process from the viewpoint of input parameters modification and reached surface quality
The Micro-Geometry Evaluation on Steel Sheets after Chemical Surface Treatment
Authors: Draganovská Dagmar , Tomáš Miroslav , Ižol Peter
Published: May 2014

The protection of metal materials by coatings is one of the most important way to protect the surface against corrosion. Galvanisation of metal surfaces by an electric current is one of the most frequent way of surface treatment due to its wide application. The paper is oriented to the evaluation of the surface quality in terms of micro-geometry. The basic surface of the steel sheet S235JRG2 has been evaluted and compared to the degreased one, galvanized one and surface after galvanizing, chromatizing and phosphating. The microgeometry parameters such as the arithmetical mean deviation Ra, the maximum height of profile Rz, the total height of profile Rt as well as the the mean width of the profile elements RSm and the number of peaks per unit length RPc has been compared.
Analytical and Numerical Approaches to Modelling of Reinforcement Corrosion in Concrete
Authors: Vořechovská Dita , Vořechovský Miroslav
Published: May 2014

Corrosion of reinforcement in concrete is one of the most influencing factors causing the degradation of RC structures. This paper attempts at the application of an analytical and numerical approaches to simulation of concrete cracking due to reinforcement corrosion. At first, a combination with detailed analysis of two analytical models proposed by Liu and Weyers (1998) and Li et al. (2006) is suggested and presented. Four distinct phases of the corrosion process are identified and a detailed guide through the mathematical development is described. Next, numerical computations obtained with nonlinear finite element code are presented. The model features the state-of-the-art in nonlinear fracture mechanics modelling and the heterogeneous structure of concrete is modelled via spatially varying parameters of the constitutive law. Finally, the results of the analytical studies are compared to numerical computations and the paper concludes with the sketch of a real-life numerical example.
Dynamic Hybrid Model for Short-Term Electricity Price Forecasting
Authors: Cerjan Marin , Matijaš Marin , Delimar Marko
Published: May 2014

Accurate forecasting tools are essential in the operation of electric power systems, especially in deregulated electricity markets. Electricity price forecasting is necessary for all market participants to optimize their portfolios. In this paper we propose a hybrid method approach for short-term hourly electricity price forecasting. The paper combines statistical techniques for pre-processing of data and a multi-layer (MLP) neural network for forecasting electricity price and price spike detection. Based on statistical analysis, days are arranged into several categories. Similar days are examined by correlation significance of the historical data. Factors impacting the electricity price forecasting, including historical price factors, load factors and wind production factors are discussed. A price spike index (CWI) is defined for spike detection and forecasting. Using proposed approach we created several forecasting models of diverse model complexity. The method is validated using the European Energy Exchange (EEX) electricity price data records. Finally, results are discussed with respect to price volatility, with emphasis on the price forecasting accuracy.
Design and Evaluation of a Photovoltaic/Thermal-Assisted Heat Pump Water Heating System
Authors: Tsai Huan-Liang
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the design, modelling and performance evaluation of a photovoltaic/thermal-assisted heat pump water heating (PVTA-HPWH) system. The cooling effect of a refrigerant simultaneously enhances the PVT efficiency and effectively improves the coefficient of performance (COP) of the HPWH system. The proposed model was built in the MATLAB/Simulink environment by considering the reciprocal energy exchange between a PVT evaporator and a HPWH system. In addition, the power consumption needs of the HPWH are provided by the PV electricity using a model-based control methodology. System performance is evaluated through a real field test. The results have demonstrated the power autarchy of the proposed PVTA-HPWH system with better PVT efficiency and COP. In addition, the good agreement between the model simulation and the experimental measurements demonstrate the proposed model with sufficient confidence.
Applicability of Synthetic Aperture Radar Wind Retrievals on Offshore Wind Resources Assessment in Hangzhou Bay, China
Authors: Chang Rui , Zhu Rong , Badger Merete , Hasager Charlotte , Zhou Rongwei , Ye Dong , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: May 2014

In view of the high cost and sparse spatial resolution of offshore meteorological observations, ocean winds retrieved from satellites are valuable in offshore wind resource assessment as a supplement to in situ measurements. This study examines satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images from ENVISAT advanced SAR (ASAR) for mapping wind resources with high spatial resolution. Around 181 collected pairs of wind data from SAR wind maps and from 13 meteorological stations in Hangzhou Bay are compared. The statistical results comparing in situ wind speed and SAR-based wind speed show a standard deviation (SD) of 1.99 m/s and correlation coefficient of R = 0.67. The model wind directions, which are used as input for the SAR wind speed retrieval, show a high correlation coefficient (R = 0.89) but a large standard deviation (SD = 42.3°) compared to in situ observations. The Weibull probability density functions are compared at one meteorological station. The SAR-based results appear not to estimate the mean wind speed, Weibull scale and shape parameters and wind power density from the full in situ data set so well due to the lower number of satellite samples. Distributions calculated from the concurrent 81 SAR and in situ samples agree well.
Two-Dimensional Effort in Patent-Race Games and Rent-Seeking Contests: The Case of Telephony
Authors: Faria João , Mixon, Jr. Franklin , Caudill Steven , Wineke Samantha
Published: May 2014

Using the political-economic history of the development of telephony during the 1870s as a backdrop, this paper studies a two-player Tullock contest that includes both research effort (R&D) and legal effort (i.e., rent-seeking effort). The two types of efforts complement each other and positively influence the payoff of the contest. We assume that legal effort affects the prize value, increasing the winner’s prospective rents, and research effort impacts the probability of winning the contest. The results of the model break new ground in showing that research effort is a function of legal effort, wherein research effort increases with rent-seeking effort. The model also shows the existence of a strategic equivalence between rent seeking and patent races.
Cyber-Cultural History: Some Initial Steps toward a Cultural History of Digital Networking
Authors: Mazzini Federico
Published: May 2014

Too much in the present to be legitimately regarded as “history”, yet too important to be ignored by scholars, the cultural history of digital networking remains a largely unexplored field of study. The present article seeks to connect the reasons for this lack of interest in the subject to the difficulties which historians face when approaching it. By piecing together the fragments of a history that for the most part still awaits being written—yet not always by taking historical–cultural works as a starting point—the author suggests some key moments, crucial themes, critical points and possible future developments.
Canadian Forest Fires and the Effects of Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Hospitalizations among the Elderly
Authors: Le George , Breysse Patrick , McDermott Aidan , Eftim Sorina , Geyh Alison , Berman Jesse , Curriero Frank
Published: May 2014

In July 2002, lightning strikes ignited over 250 fires in Quebec, Canada, destroying over one million hectares of forest. The smoke plume generated from the fires had a major impact on air quality across the east coast of the U.S. Using data from the Medicare National Claims History File and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National air pollution monitoring network, we evaluated the health impact of smoke exposure on 5.9 million elderly people (ages 65+) in the Medicare population in 81 counties in 11 northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States of the US. We estimated differences in the exposure to ambient PM2.5—airborne particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 µm—concentrations and hospitalizations for cardiovascular, pulmonary and injury outcomes, before and during the smoke episode. We found that there was an associated 49.6% (95% confidence interval (CI), 29.8, 72.3) and 64.9% (95% CI, 44.3–88.5) increase rate of hospitalization for respiratory and cardiovascular diagnoses, respectively, when the smoke plume was present compared to before the smoke plume had arrived. Our study suggests that rapid increases in PM2.5 concentrations resulting from wildfire smoke can impact the health of elderly populations thousands of kilometers removed from the fires.
Mangiferin Facilitates Islet Regeneration and β-Cell Proliferation through Upregulation of Cell Cycle and β-Cell Regeneration Regulators
Authors: Wang Hai-Lian , Li Chun-Yang , Zhang Bin , Liu Yuan-De , Lu Bang-Min , Shi Zheng , An Na , Zhao Liang-Kai , Zhang Jing-Jing , Bao Jin-Ku , Wang Yi
Published: May 2014

Mangiferin, a xanthonoid found in plants including mangoes and iris unguicularis, was suggested in previous studies to have anti-hyperglycemic function, though the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study was designed to determine the therapeutic effect of mangiferin by the regeneration of β-cells in mice following 70% partial pancreatectomy (PPx), and to explore the mechanisms of mangiferin-induced β-cell proliferation. For this purpose, adult C57BL/6J mice after 7–14 days post-PPx, or a sham operation were subjected to mangiferin (30 and 90 mg/kg body weight) or control solvent injection. Mangiferin-treated mice exhibited an improved glycemia and glucose tolerance, increased serum insulin levels, enhanced β-cell hyperplasia, elevated β-cell proliferation and reduced β-cell apoptosis. Further dissection at the molecular level showed several key regulators of cell cycle, such as cyclin D1, D2 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) were significantly up-regulated in mangiferin-treated mice. In addition, critical genes related to β-cell regeneration, such as pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1), neurogenin 3 (Ngn3), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2), Forkhead box protein O1 (Foxo-1), and glucokinase (GCK), were found to be promoted by mangiferin at both the mRNA and protein expression level. Thus, mangiferin administration markedly facilitates β-cell proliferation and islet regeneration, likely by regulating essential genes in the cell cycle and the process of islet regeneration. These effects therefore suggest that mangiferin bears a therapeutic potential in preventing and/or treating the diabetes.
The Evolution of the Ribosome and the Genetic Code
Authors: Hartman Hyman , Smith Temple
Published: May 2014

The evolution of the genetic code is mapped out starting with the aminoacyl tRNA-synthetases and their interaction with the operational code in the tRNA acceptor arm. Combining this operational code with a metric based on the biosynthesis of amino acids from the Citric acid, we come to the conclusion that the earliest genetic code was a Guanine Cytosine (GC) code. This has implications for the likely earliest positively charged amino acids. The progression from this pure GC code to the extant one is traced out in the evolution of the Large Ribosomal Subunit, LSU, and its proteins; in particular those associated with the Peptidyl Transfer Center (PTC) and the nascent peptide exit tunnel. This progression has implications for the earliest encoded peptides and their evolutionary progression into full complex proteins.
Hybrid Materials Based on the Embedding of Organically Modified Transition Metal Oxoclusters or Polyoxometalates into Polymers for Functional Applications: A Review
Authors: Carraro Mauro , Gross Silvia
Published: May 2014

The covalent incorporation of inorganic building blocks into a polymer matrix to obtain stable and robust materials is a widely used concept in the field of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, and encompasses the use of different inorganic systems including (but not limited to) nanoparticles, mono- and polynuclear metal complexes and clusters, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), polyoxometalates (POM), layered inorganic systems, inorganic fibers, and whiskers. In this paper, we will review the use of two particular kinds of structurally well-defined inorganic building blocks, namely transition metals oxoclusters (TMO) and polyoxometalates (POM), to obtain hybrid materials with enhanced functional (e.g., optical, dielectric, magnetic, catalytic) properties.
Polyelectrolyte Multilayers: Towards Single Cell Studies
Authors: Volodkin Dmitry , Von Klitzing Regine , Moehwald Helmuth
Published: May 2014

Single cell analysis (SCA) is nowadays recognized as one of the key tools for diagnostics and fundamental cell biology studies. The Layer-by-layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte assembly is a rather new but powerful technique to produce multilayers. It allows to model the extracellular matrix in terms of its chemical and physical properties. Utilization of the multilayers for SCA may open new avenues in SCA because of the triple role of the multilayer film: (i) high capacity for various biomolecules; (ii) natural mimics of signal molecule diffusion to a cell and (iii) cell patterning opportunities. Besides, light-triggered release from multilayer films offers a way to deliver biomolecules with high spatio-temporal resolution. Here we review recent works showing strong potential to use multilayers for SCA and address accordingly the following issues: biomolecule loading, cell patterning, and light-triggered release.
A Vision-Based System for Intelligent Monitoring: Human Behaviour Analysis and Privacy by Context
Authors: Chaaraoui Alexandros , Padilla-López José , Ferrández-Pastor Francisco , Nieto-Hidalgo Mario , Flórez-Revuelta Francisco
Published: May 2014

Due to progress and demographic change, society is facing a crucial challenge related to increased life expectancy and a higher number of people in situations of dependency. As a consequence, there exists a significant demand for support systems for personal autonomy. This article outlines the vision@home project, whose goal is to extend independent living at home for elderly and impaired people, providing care and safety services by means of vision-based monitoring. Different kinds of ambient-assisted living services are supported, from the detection of home accidents, to telecare services. In this contribution, the specification of the system is presented, and novel contributions are made regarding human behaviour analysis and privacy protection. By means of a multi-view setup of cameras, people’s behaviour is recognised based on human action recognition. For this purpose, a weighted feature fusion scheme is proposed to learn from multiple views. In order to protect the right to privacy of the inhabitants when a remote connection occurs, a privacy-by-context method is proposed. The experimental results of the behaviour recognition method show an outstanding performance, as well as support for multi-view scenarios and real-time execution, which are required in order to provide the proposed services.
Eléments autochtones et éléments turco-mongols dans la géographie urbaine de l'Iran et de l'Afghanistan
Authors: de Planhol Xavier
Published: May 2014

Abstract. - Turco-Mongols invaders fitted well to Iranian urban civilization. They found its towns attractive, spread amply in the plains, among gardens and running waters. Hence the changes they introduced in the urban geography of Iranian countries are very scanty, much less important than in Asia Minor. It is perhaps one of the reasons of the successful resistance of Iranian culture.
Les déterminants locaux du chômage en région parisienne
Authors: Selod Harris , Gobillon Laurent
Published: May 2014

This article studies the effect of residential segregation and spatial mismatch (physical distance from the workplace) on unemployment. We begin with a brief summary of the economic literature on these issues. We then offer descriptive statistics to characterize the scope of residential segregation and spatial mismatch in the Paris region (Île-de-France) using 1999 census data and inter-city travel-time matrices for 2000. We conclude by estimating the effect of the local context (segregation and spatial mismatch ) on unemployment / employment transitions in the Paris region, using 1990-2002 Labor-Force Survey data. Our results show that unemployed persons in segregated districts have greater difficulty in finding new jobs.
Taille des entreprises et salaires
Authors: Margirier Gilles
Published: May 2014

Dans cet article, nous étudions les différences de salaire selon la taille des entreprises en France , sur la période récente, pour une population de jeunes primo-entrants sur le marché du travail. Nous prenons en compte de nombreuses variables de contrôle relatives aux caractéristiques de l’individu et de l’emploi occupé et on met en évidence des écarts de salaire selon la taille assez importants. Nous montrons que ces écarts ne peuvent pas être imputés à des caractéristiques individuelles inobservables et vraisemblablement pas entièrement non plus à des différences dans les conditions de travail. Nous considérons également un modèle de sélection qui fait apparaître que les grandes unités rémunèrent davantage chaque année d’étude et que l’écart entre grandes et petites entreprises est, de ce point de vue, plus important pour les salariés les plus qualifiés. Un biais de sélection existe, positif pour les salariés des petites firmes, négatif pour ceux des grandes firmes.
Les rendements de l'éducation en comparaison internationale
Authors: Maguain Denis
Published: May 2014

Deux méthodes complémentaires permettent d’estimer les rendements économiques privés de l’éducation. La première (Mincer, 1974) estime une équation de salaire avec l’éducation et l’expérience comme variables explicatives. La seconde, dite méthode globale, prend en compte les coûts liés à l’investissement éducatif et calcule le taux d’actualisation qui égalise bénéfices et coûts privés de l’investissement en éducation sur le cycle de vie des individus. Ces méthodes sont également utilisées au niveau agrégé pour estimer les rendements sociaux de l’éducation. Les différences de rendement dépendent du modèle économique et social auquel adhère chaque pays ainsi qu’au cadre institutionnel des différents systèmes éducatifs (modes de sélection et surtout de financement). Ces deux méthodes classent la France parmi les pays industrialisés où l’investissement éducatif est le plus rentable, en particulier pour l’éducation supérieure, au niveau individuel et collectif, avec les États-Unis et le Royaume-Uni et devant les pays scandinaves.
La rénovation de la Goutte d'Or est-elle un succès ? Un diagnostic à l'aide d'indices de prix immobilier
Authors: Trannoy Alain , Michelangeli Alessandra , Barthélémy Fabrice
Published: May 2014

L’opération de rénovation urbaine concernant le quartier de la Goutte d’Or dans le 18ème arrondissement de Paris a débuté en 1985 et se poursuit jusqu’à nos jours. Nous nous intéressons à l’évaluation d ’ une telle opération par le marché du logement. À cette fin, nous utilisons une base de données sur les prix de transaction (380 000 observations sur la période 1981-2001) qui nous permet d’étudier la dynamique de ce marché à travers l’estimation d’indices de prix hédoniques pour Paris, pour les quartiers concernés par la rénovation, et pour un quartier dit de contrôle. À l’échelon d’un quartier, un effet de court terme peut être détecté, mais cet effet ne semble pas durable. Au niveau plus fin de l’infra-quartier, il apparaît également que la rénovation a eu pour effet d’atténuer le caractère d’externalité négative que présentait la zone par rapport aux logements situés dans un voisinage immédiat.
Chocs des termes de l'échange et fluctuations du compte courant : le cas d'un pays membre de l'UEM
Authors: Issop Zoulfikar Mehoumoud
Published: May 2014

This article offers a theoretical and empirical assessment of the characteristics of France’s short-and medium-term external adjustments to temporary, unexpected terms-of-trade shocks. We base our theoretical analysis on an innovative synthesis of (1) the intertemporal approach to the current-account balance and (2) conventional trade-balance models. The analysis begins by identifying Marshall-Lerner conditions expanded to the intertemporal framework and to Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). We then assess the conditions using a robust estimate of the model’s key parameters and inter-and intra-temporal elasticities of substitution. The simulations of the expanded Marshall-Lerner conditions indicate that the euro’s introduction has dampened the impact of terms-of-trade shocks on the French current account. Moreover, intertemporal (or income) smoothing effects explain the dynamics of French external accounts better than substitution effects.
Une synthèse des tests de cointégration sur données de panel
Authors: Mignon Valérie , Hurlin Christophe
Published: May 2014

This paper offers an overview of panel-data cointegration tests. We present the main tests based on the null hypothesis of no cointegration (Pedroni, Kao, Bai and Ng test ; Groen and Kleibergen test ) and the McCoskey and Kao test based on the null hypothesis of cointegration. We also discuss issues relating to the comparison of test size and power, inference, and the estimation of cointegrated systems.
Les méthodes micro-économétriques d'évaluation et leurs applications aux politiques actives de l'emploi
Authors: Fougère Denis , Crépon Bruno , Brodaty Thomas
Published: May 2014

Cet article propose une revue des développements récents dans le domaine des méthodes micro-économétriques d’évaluation. Dans cette littérature, le model statistique de référence est le model causal de Rubin, dont nous rappelons ici les hypothèses. Ce model est un cadre adapté pour définir et étudier les conditions d’identification de l’effet, par exemple, du passage par un dispositif de la politique active de l’emploi. Notre synthèse met plus particulièrement l’accent sur les estimateurs par appariement pour le model de sélection sur variables observables et les estimateurs paramétriques et semi-paramétriques pour le model de sélection sur variables observables et inobservables. A titre d’illustration, nous utilisons des résultats provenant des études que nous avons conduites pour évaluer plusieurs mesures et dispositifs de la politique active de l’emploi en France.
Effective Approaches to Treatment Resistant Depression
Authors: Morgan Harry E
Published: May 2014

This month's column features excerpts of a Grand Rounds presentation from the Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut given by Harry E. Morgan, MD. Dr. Morgan is Director of the Department of Geriatric Psychiatry at the Institute, a department which actively treats depressive illnesses often of a treatment-resistant type. Dr. Morgan has actively developed geriatric psychiatry clinical and training programs including the Institute's Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship. Dr. Morgan has special interest in the interface of biologic and interpersonal therapies.