bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late Holocene environmental reconstructions and their implications on flood events, typhoon, and agricultural activities in NE Taiwan
Authors: Wang L.-C. , Behling H. , Lee T.-Q. , Li H.-C. , Huh C.-A. , Shiau L.-J. , Chang Y.-P.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. We reconstructed paleoenvironmental changes from a sediment archive of a lake in the floodplain of the Ilan Plain of NE Taiwan on multi-decadal resolution for the last ca. 1900 years. On the basis of pollen and diatom records, we evaluated past floods, typhoons, and agricultural activities in this area which are sensitive to the hydrological conditions in the western Pacific. Considering the high sedimentation rates with low microfossil preservations in our sedimentary record, multiple flood events were. identified during the period AD 100–1400. During the Little Ice Age phase 1 (LIA 1 – AD 1400–1620), the abundant occurrences of wetland plant (Cyperaceae) and diatom frustules imply less flood events under stable climate conditions in this period. Between AD 500 and 700 and the Little Ice Age phase 2 (LIA 2 – AD 1630–1850), the frequent typhoons were inferred by coarse sediments and planktonic diatoms, which represented more dynamical climate conditions than in the LIA 1. By comparing our results with the reconstructed changes in tropical hydrological conditions, we suggested that the local hydrology in NE Taiwan is strongly influenced by typhoon-triggered heavy rainfalls, which could be influenced by the variation of global temperature, the expansion of the Pacific warm pool, and the intensification of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events.
Monitoring of a fast-growing speleothem site from the Han-sur-Lesse cave, Belgium, indicates equilibrium deposition of the seasonal δ18O and δ13C signals in the calcite
Authors: Van Rampelbergh M. , Verheyden S. , Allan M , Quinif Y. , Keppens E. , Claeys P.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Speleothems provide paleoclimate information on multimillennial to decadal scales in the Holocene. However, seasonal or even monthly resolved records remain scarce. Such records require fast-growing stalagmites and a good understanding of the proxy system on very short timescales. The Proserpine stalagmite from the Han-sur-Less cave (Belgium) displays well-defined/clearly visible darker and lighter seasonal layers of 0.5 to 2 mm thickness per single layer, which allows a measuring resolution at a monthly scale. Through a regular cave monitoring, we acquired a good understanding of how δ18O and δ13C signals in modern calcite reflect climate variations on the seasonal scale. From December to June, outside temperatures are cold, inducing low cave air and water temperature, and bio-productivity in the soil is limited, leading to lower pCO2 and higher δ13C values of the CO2 in the cave air. From June to December, the measured factors display an opposite behavior. The absence of epikarst water recharge between May and October increases prior calcite precipitation (PCP) in the vadose zone, causing drip water to display increasing pH and δ13C values over the summer months. Water recharge of the epikarst in winter diminishes the effect of PCP and as a result the pH and δ13C of the drip water gradually decrease. The δ18O and δ13C signals of fresh calcite precipitated on glass slabs also vary seasonally and are both reflecting equilibrium conditions. Lowest δ18O values occur during the summer, when the δ13C values are high. The δ18O values of the calcite display seasonal variations due to changes in the cave air and water temperature. The δ13C values reflect the seasonal variation of the δ13CDIC of the drip water, which is affected by the intensity of PCP. This same anticorrelation of the δ18O versus the δ13C signals is seen in the monthly resolved speleothem record that covers the period between 1976 and 1985 AD. Dark layers display lower δ18O and higher δ13C values. The cave system varies seasonally in response to the activity of the vegetation cover and outside air temperature between a "summer mode" lasting from June to December and a "winter mode" from December to June. The low δ18O and high δ13C values of the darker speleothem layers indicate that they are formed during summer, while light layers are formed during winter. The darker the color of a layer, the more compact its calcite structure is, and the more negative its δ18O signal and the more positive its δ13C signal are. Darker layers deposited from summer drip water affected by PCP are suggested to contain lower Ca2+ concentration. If indeed the calcite saturation represents the main factor driving the Proserpine growth rate, the dark layers should grow slower than the white layers.
Soil microbiological properties and enzymatic activities of long-term post-fire recovery in dry and semiarid Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis M.) forest stands
Authors: Hedo J. , Lucas-Borja M. E. , Wic C. , Andrés Abellán M. , de Las Heras J.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Wildfires affecting forest ecosystems and post-fire silvicultural treatments may cause considerable changes in soil properties. The capacity of different microbial groups to recolonize soil after disturbances is crucial for proper soil functioning. The aim of this work was to investigate some microbial soil properties and enzyme activities in semiarid and dry Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis M.) forest stands. Different plots affected by a wildfire event 17 years ago without or with post-fire silvicultural treatments five years after the fire event were selected. A mature Aleppo pine stand unaffected by wildfire and not thinned was used as a control. Physicochemical soil properties (soil texture, pH, carbonates, organic matter, electrical conductivity, total N and P), soil enzymes (urease, phosphatase, β-glucosidase and dehydrogenase activities), soil respiration and soil microbial biomass carbon were analysed in the selected forests areas and plots. The main finding was that long time after this fire event produces no differences in the microbiological soil properties and enzyme activities of soil after comparing burned and thinned, burned and not thinned, and mature plots. Thus, the long-term consequences and post-fire silvicultural management in the form of thinning have a significant effect on the site recovery after fire. Moreover, significant site variation was generally seen in soil enzyme activities and microbiological parameters. We conclude that total vegetation restoration normalises microbial parameters, and that wildfire and post-fire silvicultural treatments are not significant factors of soil properties after 17 years.
Development of a Master Health Facility List in Nigeria
Authors: Makinde Olusesan Ayodeji , Azeez Aderemi , Bamidele Samson , Oyemakinde Akin , Oyediran Kolawole A , Wura Adebayo , Fapohunda Bolaji , Abioye Abimbola , Mullen Stephanie
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Routine Health Information Systems (RHIS) are increasingly transitioning to electronic platforms in several developing countries. Establishment of a Master Facility List (MFL) to standardize the allocation of unique identifiers for health facilities can overcome identification issues and support health facility management. The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) recently developed a MFL, and we present the process and outcome.Methods: The MFL was developed from the ground up, and includes a state code, a local government area (LGA) code, health facility ownership (public or private), the level of care, and an exclusive LGA level health facility serial number, as part of the unique identifier system in Nigeria. To develop the MFL, the LGAs sent the list of all health facilities in their jurisdiction to the state, which in turn collated for all LGAs under them before sending to the FMOH. At the FMOH, a group of RHIS experts verified the list and identifiers for each state.Results: The national MFL consists of 34,423 health facilities uniquely identified. The list has been published and is available for worldwide access; it is currently used for planning and management of health services in Nigeria.Discussion: Unique identifiers are a basic component of any information system. However, poor planning and execution of implementing this key standard can diminish the success of the RHIS.Conclusion: Development and adherence to standards is the hallmark for a national health information infrastructure. Explicit processes and multi-level stakeholder engagement is necessary to ensuring the success of the effort.
Calls to the British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Centre: A summary of differences by health service areas
Authors: McLean Kathleen E , Henderson Sarah B , Kent Debra , Kosatsky Tom
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Poison control centres provide information on the management of poisoning incidents. The British Columbia (BC) Drug and Poison Information Centre recently implemented an electronic database system for recording case information, making it easier to use case data as a potential source of population-based information on health services usage and health status. This descriptive analysis maps poisoning case rates in BC, highlighting differences in patient age, substance type, medical outcome, and caller location.Methods: There were 50,621 human exposure cases recorded during 2012 and 2013. Postal code or city name was used to assign each case to a Health Service Delivery Area (HSDA). Case rates per 1,000 person-years were calculated, including crude rates, age-standardized rates, age-specific rates, and rates by substance type, medical outcome, and caller location. Results: The lowest case rate was observed in Richmond, a city where many residents do not speak English as a first language. The highest rate was observed in the Northwest region, where the economy is driven by resource extraction. Pharmaceutical exposures were elevated in the sparsely populated northern and eastern areas. Calls from health care facilities were highest in the Northwest region, where there are many remote Aboriginal communities. Conclusions: Case rates were generally highest in the primarily rural northern and eastern areas of the province. Considering these results alongside contextual factors informs further investigation and action: addressing cultural and language barriers to accessing poison centre services, and developing a public health surveillance system for severe poisoning events in rural and remote communities.
Provision of Telemedicine Services by Community Health Centers: An Analysis of the Readiness for HIT Survey Results
Authors: Shin Peter , Sharac Jessica , Jacobs Feygele
Published: October 2014

The objective of this study was to assess the use of telemedicine services at community health centers. A national survey was distributed to all federally qualified health centers to gather data on their use of health information technology, including telemedicine services. Over a third of responding health centers (37%) provided some type of telemedicine service while 63% provided no telemedicine services. A further analysis that employed ANOVA and chi-square tests to assess differences by the provision of telemedicine services (provided no telemedicine services, provided one telemedicine service, and provided two or more telemedicine services) found that the groups differed by Meaningful Use compliance, location, percentage of elderly patients, mid-level provider, medical, and mental health staffing ratios, the percentage of patients with diabetes with good control, and state and local funds per patient and per uninsured patient. This article presents the first national estimate of the use of telemedicine services at community health centers. Further study is needed to determine how to address factors, such as reimbursement and provider shortages, that may serve as obstacles to further expansion of telemedicine services use by community health centers.
Determinants of Economic Growth Trends in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Waseem Ahmad , Babar Zohaib Khan , Jaskani Jawwad Hassan , Omair Muhammad , Ameen Huzaifa , Nudrat Sameen Syeda
Published: October 2014

Purpose: The paper focuses on the determinants of economic growth in Pakistan. Methodology: For this purpose the composition of GDP is considered, and the analysis on three major variables is done on the basis of the data of last five years. The independent variables were exports, imports and government expenditure while dependent variable was GDP. Findings: There was a high significance result was found between government expenditure and GDP while the effect of exports and imports was less significant. This might be in contrast with the past researches due to the availability and analysis of limited span of time.
The effective factors of financial information quality in listed companies on Tehran Stock Exchange
Authors: Zare Rafiee Somayeh , Zare Rafiee Samaneh , Heidarpoor Farzaneh
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of growth opportunities and dividend policy on the quality of financial reporting in Iran's capital market. The period in the study is 6-year (from 2006 till 2011) and the population is all listed companies in Tehran Stock Exchange. The sample was also obtained by screening methods, includes 84 companies. The results of the test research hypotheses using panel data suggest that in capital market of listed companies the quality of financial reporting in Iran had a direct relationship with the dividend policy. It means that increasing in dividend policy lead to increases in amount of financial reporting quality effect. Also obtained results indicate that growth opportunities have a direct impact on the quality of financial reporting. So that firms with higher growth opportunities will increase effectiveness and financial reporting quality.
Methods of implementations of IFRS: Proposition of a classification
Authors: Alami Youssef , Ouezzani Mohamed Rachid
Published: October 2014

The IFRS have been adopted by most countries. This adoption differs in terms of method of implementation from one country to another. In fact, according Zeef and Nobes (2010), the adoption of IFRS in the world by countries to listed companies can be classified in accordance to its level of compliance with the IFRS issued by the IASB into four methods: "due process", "standard by standard", "optional" and "not fully converged". These authors have given some examples of adopters’ countries and have not classified the ensemble of countries adopting the IFRS in the world.In this paper, we introduce a new classification of methods of implementation of IFRS based on the three criteria: The conformity with the IFRS Issued by the IASB, the necessity of a regulatory passage and the policy of implementation. Thus, the content analysis of studies and reports issued by several international entities concerning the adoption of IFRS around the world has permitted to establish statistics on the methods of implementation applied by the countries around the world. Additional investigations have showed that the state of implementation of IFRS differs from a continent to another.
The interest cost calculation under IAS 19 when discounting with a yield curve
Authors: Olivieri Gennaro , Fersini Paola
Published: October 2014

Some concerns have been raised in recent discussions on how to calculate the interest cost when measuring the defined benefit obligation (DBO) using a yield curve. This article presents the application of some noted concepts on the yield curve in reference to IAS 19.The issue we investigate specifically concerns the rate or rates to be used when discounting expected liabilities (DBO calculation) and the resulting interest cost (IC) calculation criteria. We analyze three different approaches that are commonly used in actuarial practice.These different methods do not produce significant effects on the amount of DBO, while they lead to annual IC values (and consequently actuarial gains/losses) that may be significantly different in relation to the performance of the yield curve.In this paper, after having reviewed the basic concepts of using a yield curve to evaluate a liability, these concepts are applied to a tangible example in order to quantify the differences that occur in the use of the three approaches. We then show that only the first approach has the characteristics of a model consistent with the assumptions underlying the construction of the model itself.
Questionable Use of the Mathematical Concept of Equivalence by Psychologists
Authors: Yamaguchi Makoto
Published: October 2014

Psychologists have applied the mathematical concept of an equivalence relation to such topics as concept formation and foundations of language. This line of research is not without controversies, and most researchers have only intuitive understanding of this mathematical concept. In this article, accessible explanations are provided on fundamental issues that have implications for empirical research.
Specifics of the Psychological Defense of Those Learning the Combat Sports
Authors: Ivantchev Nikolay , Yordanov Sasho
Published: October 2014

Психичната защита съдейства за избягване на тревога и други отрицателни емоции, блокиране на осъзнаването на заплаха. Психичните защити са естествен механизъм за преодоляване на вътрешни конфликти чрез специфично преработване на информацията, което предпазва личността от загуба на самоконтрол в условията на конфликт. Изследвано е използването на защитните механизми отрицание, формиране на реакция и псевдо-алтруизъм от изучаващи бойни спортове – таекуондо, джудо и самбо. Те формират самопожертвувателен защитен стил. Налице са значими различия по пол, вид боен спорт и възраст по отношение на използваните психични защити. Спортуващите бойни спортове жени по-често използват защитният механизъм псевдо-алтруизъм, както и самопожертвователния защитен стил. Последният е предпочитан от спортуващите джудо, а спортуващите самбо по-често прилагат формиране на реакция. По-възрастните спортисти по-често използват защитния механизъм псевдо-алтруизъм.
Littératie financière et préparation à la retraite au Québec et dans le reste du Canada
Authors: Lalime Thomas , Michaud Pierre-Carl
Published: October 2014

Dans cet article, nous analysons, en utilisant des données de l’Enquête canadienne sur les capacités financières, les différences de préparation à la retraite, d’épargne et de littératie financière entre le Québec et le reste du Canada. Nos résultats suggèrent que le Québec tire de l’arrière par rapport au reste du Canada à ces trois chapitres. Nous analysons la possibilité que ces différences soient expliquées par des différences socioéconomiques et des spécificités institutionnelles telles que la prépondérance des régimes de retraite d’employeur à prestations déterminées au Québec.
Dual-Fuel-Electric Propulsion Machinery Concept on LNG Carriers
Authors: Dvornik Joško , Dvornik Srđan
Published: October 2014

Human efforts to devise optimum propulsion for their vessels are as old as the vessels themselves. Today these efforts are even more determined as modern shipping requires propulsion systems that are increasingly reliable, available, cost-efficient and able to meet high ecological criteria. The heat transfer towards liquefied gas stored in tanks results in boil-off during cargo handling or voyage. The rate of the evaporated gas amounts to 0.13% per day during the voyage of a fully loaded ship. Steam turbines have been a dominant form of propulsion on liquefied natural gas - LNG carriers for over forty years. Until recently, the possibility of using boil-off gas as fuel for boilers has been the reason for installing steam plants as the only means of propulsion of LNG carriers. However, it has been proved that these plants are not sufficiently efficient due to adverse impacts on both emissions and the vessel’s operating expenses. It has also been found out that dual-fuel-electric propulsion is the most effective alternative to steam. Shipping companies select electric propulsion primarily because it provides excellent manoeuvrability and increased availability, allows reduction of the machinery space and better arrangement of shipping capacity and, naturally, because of lower fuel costs. This paper discusses the newest technologies and the operation principle of the low-pressure four-stroke dual-fuel diesel engine, specificallythe 12V50DF and 9L50DF types produced by Wärtsilä company, and the concept of the dual-fuel-electric propulsion for the new generation of LNG carriers.
Temporal and spatial evolution of an on‐land hurricane observed by seismic data
Authors: Tanimoto Toshiro , Lamontagne Anne
Published: October 2014

A dense seismic array can provide new perspectives for a decaying hurricane after its landfall. The case of Hurricane Isaac in 2012 is presented using a seismic array from EarthScope (USArray). The amplitude‐distance plots from the center of the hurricane showed a sharp peak at a distance of 75 km at the time of landfall. This peak decayed and moved outward from the center over the next 1.5 days. The sharp peak can be explained by strong surface pressure fluctuations under the eyewall in which a focused ascending flow is known to exist. We reconstructed the time evolution of surface pressure that explains seismic data. Pressure solutions indicate that the eyewall stayed at 75 km in the first 10 h after the landfall, while the ascending flow weakened significantly. In the following 24 h, the eyewall diffused and moved to distances about 200–300 km, suggesting its collapse during this period.
Heterozygous Polg mutation causes motor dysfunction due to mtDNA deletions
Authors: Fuke Satoshi , Kametani Mizue , Yamada Kazuyuki , Kasahara Takaoki , Kubota‐Sakashita Mie , Kujoth Gregory C. , Prolla Tomas A. , Hitoshi Seiji , Kato Tadafumi
Published: October 2014

Objective

Mutations in nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase (POLG) are known to cause autosomal dominant chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (adCPEO) with accumulation of multiple mtDNA deletions in muscles. However, no animal model with a heterozygous Polg mutation representing mtDNA impairment and symptoms of CPEO has been established. To understand the pathogenic mechanism of CPEO, it is important to determine the age dependency and tissue specificity of mtDNA impairment resulting from a heterozygous mutation in the Polg gene in an animal model.

Methods

We assessed behavioral phenotypes, tissue‐specific accumulation of mtDNA deletions, and its age dependency in heterozygous PolgD257A knock‐in mice carrying a proofreading‐deficient mutation in the Polg.

Results

Heterozygous PolgD257A knock‐in mice exhibited motor dysfunction in a rotarod test. Polg+/D257A mice had significant accumulation of multiple mtDNA deletions, but did not show significant accumulation of point mutations or mtDNA depletion in the brain. While mtDNA deletions increased in an age‐dependent manner regardless of the tissue even in Polg+/+ mice, the age‐dependent accumulation of mtDNA deletions was enhanced in muscles and in the brain of Polg+/D257A mice.

Interpretation

Heterozygous PolgD257A knock‐in mice showed tissue‐specific, age‐dependent accumulation of multiple mtDNA deletions in muscles and the brain which was likely to result in neuromuscular symptoms. Polg+/D257A mice may be used as an animal model of adCPEO associated with impaired mtDNA maintenance.
An Exciplex Forming Host for Highly Efficient Blue Organic Light Emitting Diodes with Low Driving Voltage
Authors: Lee Jeong‐Hwan , Cheng Shuo‐Hsien , Yoo Seung‐Jun , Shin Hyun , Chang Jung‐Hung , Wu Chih‐I , Wong Ken‐Tsung , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: October 2014

The exciplex forming co‐host with phosphorescent dopant system has potential to realize highly efficient phosphorescent organic light emitting didoes (PhOLEDs). However, the exciplex forming co‐host for blue phosphorescent OLEDs has been rarely introduced because of higher triplet level of the blue dopant than green and red dopants. In this work, a novel exciplex forming co‐host with high triplet energy level is developed by mixing a phosphine oxide based electron transporting material, PO‐T2T, and a hole transporting material, N,N′‐dicarbazolyl‐3,5‐benzene (mCP). Photo‐physical analysis shows that the exciplexes are formed efficiently in the host and the energy transfer from the exciplex to blue phosphorescent dopant (iridium(III)bis[(4,6‐difluorophenyl)‐pyridinato‐N,C2′]picolinate; FIrpic) is also efficient, enabling the triplet harvest without energy loss. As a result, an unprecedented high performance blue PhOLED with the exciplex forming co‐host is demonstrated, showing a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 30.3%, a maximum power efficiency of 66 lm W−1, and low driving voltage of 2.75 at 100 cd m−2, 3.29 V at 1000 cd m−2, and 4.65 V at 10 000 cd m−2, respectively. The importance of the exciton confinement in the exciplex forming co‐host is further investigated which is directly related to the performance of PhOLEDs.
Silica Biomineralization via the Self‐Assembly of Helical Biomolecules
Authors: Liu Ben , Cao Yuanyuan , Huang Zhehao , Duan Yingying , Che Shunai
Published: October 2014

The biomimetic synthesis of relevant silica materials using biological macromolecules as templates via silica biomineralization processes attract rapidly rising attention toward natural and artificial materials. Biomimetic synthesis studies are useful for improving the understanding of the formation mechanism of the hierarchical structures found in living organisms (such as diatoms and sponges) and for promoting significant developments in the biotechnology, nanotechnology and materials chemistry fields. Chirality is a ubiquitous phenomenon in nature and is an inherent feature of biomolecular components in organisms. Helical biomolecules, one of the most important types of chiral macromolecules, can self‐assemble into multiple liquid‐crystal structures and be used as biotemplates for silica biomineralization, which renders them particularly useful for fabricating complex silica materials under ambient conditions. Over the past two decades, many new silica materials with hierarchical structures and complex morphologies have been created using helical biomolecules. In this review, the developments in this field are described and the recent progress in silica biomineralization templating using several classes of helical biomolecules, including DNA, polypeptides, cellulose and rod‐like viruses is summarized. Particular focus is placed on the formation mechanism of biomolecule–silica materials (BSMs) with hierarchical structures. Finally, current research challenges and future developments are discussed in the conclusion.
Trigeminal nerve agenesis with absence of foramina rotunda in Gómez–López–Hernández syndrome
Authors: Choudhri Asim F. , Patel Rakesh M. , Wilroy Robert S. , Pivnick Eniko K. , Whitehead Matthew T.
Published: October 2014

Gómez–López–Hernández syndrome (GLHS) is a clinical condition traditionally characterized by rhombencephalosynapsis (RS), parieto–occipital alopecia, and trigeminal anesthesia. It is a neurocutaneous disorder with no known etiology. The underlying cause of the trigeminal anesthesia in GLHS has not been examined or reported; it has merely been identified on clinical grounds. In this report, a 10‐month‐old white female born at 37 weeks gestational age with GLHS underwent a contrast‐enhanced CT for the evaluation of craniofacial dysmorphic features. Thin‐section bone algorithm images showed absence of bilateral foramina rotunda and trigeminal nerve fibers. The maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve passes through the foramen rotundum and carries sensory information from the face. This case is unique because trigeminal nerve absence has not been suggested as a possible etiology for trigeminal anesthesia associated with GLHS. It is not known how many cases of GLHS have agenesis of the trigeminal nerve; however, a review of the literature suggests that this patient is the first. The triad of RS, alopecia, and trigeminal anesthesia is specific to GLHS; therefore, early identification of trigeminal nerve agenesis in patients with RS could expedite diagnosis of GLHS, particularly given that the clinical diagnosis of trigeminal anesthesia in neonates is a challenging one. Diagnosing alopecia in newborns is likewise challenging. Early diagnosis could allow for early intervention, especially for ophthalmic complications, which are known to have significant long‐term effects. This case illustrates the benefits of CT imaging in the detection of trigeminal nerve and foramina rotunda abnormalities in neonates with suspected GLHS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 3‐Pyridyl‐5,15‐Diazaporphyrin Nickel(II) Complex as a Bidentate Metalloligand for Transition Metals
Authors: Yamaji Ayaka , Shin Ji‐Young , Miyake Yoshihiro , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: October 2014

3‐Pyridyl‐5,15‐diazaporphyrin nickel(II) serves as a bidentate metalloligand for platinum(II), ruthenium(II), and rhenium(I) metal centers. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of these metal complexes unambiguously reveals the presence of a dative bond between the outer metal center and the meso‐nitrogen atom. The UV/Vis absorption spectra of the complexes show substantially red‐shifted bands which are perturbed by outer‐metal coordination. This is due to the contribution of metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer interactions.
Structure of an Ancient Egyptian Tomb Inferred from Ground‐Penetrating Radar Imaging of Deflected Overburden Horizons
Authors: Booth Adam D. , Szpakowska Kasia , Pischikova Elena , Griffin Kenneth
Published: October 2014

Geophysical data acquisitions in most archaeological campaigns aim to image the target structure directly. The presence of a target, however, may be inferred from its interaction with surrounding layers, if its relationship with those layers can be characterized sufficiently. In this paper, we show the use of ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) to detect the subsurface continuation of the Ancient Egyptian tomb of the high‐official Karakhamun (Theban Tomb 223) at the South Asasif tomb complex (Luxor, Egypt). Data were acquired using a Sensors & Software pulseEKKO PRO system, equipped with antennas of 500 MHz centre‐frequency, on a silty–sandy sediment surface directly over the target structure. A test vertical radar profile (VRP) suggested that the tomb superstructure was buried too deeply beneath sedimentary overburden to be imaged directly: 500 MHz energy would propagate for only ~2 m before becoming undetectable. Attenuative layers within that overburden were strongly reflective, however, and could be used to provide indirect evidence of any underlying structure. When observed in the GPR grid, these layers showed a discrete zone of deflection, ~0.9 m in amplitude and ~4 m wide, aligned with the long‐axis of the tomb. This deflection was attributed either to a collapsed vestibule beneath the survey site, or sediment settling within an unroofed staircase descending from ground‐ to tomb‐floor‐level; supporting evidence of this was obtained towards the end of the excavation campaign and in the following year. We highlight the value of such indirect imaging methods as a potential means of improving the capabilities of a given geophysical survey system, in this case allowing the GPR to characterize a target at greater depth than would typically be considered practical. © 2014 The Authors. Archaeological Prospection published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Being Aware of Own Performance: How Accurately Do Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Judge Own Memory Performance?
Authors: Elmose Mette , Happé Francesca
Published: October 2014

Self‐awareness was investigated by assessing accuracy of judging own memory performance in a group of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with a group of typically developing (TD) children. Effects of stimulus type (social vs. nonsocial), and availability of feedback information as the task progressed, were examined. Results overall showed comparable levels and patterns of accuracy in the ASD and TD groups. A trend level effect (p = 061, d = 0.60) was found, with ASD participants being more accurate in judging own memory for nonsocial than social stimuli and the opposite pattern for TD participants. These findings suggest that awareness of own memory can be good in children with ASD. It is discussed how this finding may be interpreted, and it is suggested that further investigation into the relation between content, frequency, and quality of self‐awareness, and the context of self‐awareness, is needed. Autism Res 2014, 7: 712–719. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lefty inhibits in vitro decidualization by regulating P57 and cyclin D1 expressions
Authors: Li Hong , Li Hui , Bai Liang , Yu Hua
Published: October 2014

Endometrial decidualization is highly important for successful construction and maintenance of embryo implantation and pregnancy. Lefty gene at different menstrual cycle phases has different expressions, indicating its regulatory significance. To study the mechanism of Lefty in decidualization, human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) were cultured and induced with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and 8‐bromoadenosine‐cAMP (8‐Br‐cAMP) in vitro as a research model. Our results showed that Lefty1 overexpression inhibited MPA‐ and 8‐Br‐cAMP‐induced hESC decidualization and significantly reduced the secretion of prolactin (PRL) and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 1 (IGFBP‐1). With the inhibition of Lefty1 expression, hESC decidualization induced by MPA and 8‐Br‐cAMP became more remarkable, and the secretions of PRL and IGFBP‐1 were higher too. Further tests indicated that during the process of decidualization, P57 expression increased, whereas cyclin D1 expression decreased. Although Lefty1 overexpression did not significantly change the expressions of P57 and cyclin D1, inhibition of Lefty1 expression resulted in more evident changes in P57 and cyclin D1 expressions. Meanwhile, cell cycle examination showed that Lefty1 overexpression reduced the cell cycle arrest at G1/S phase in the in vitro hESC decidualization model. Therefore, Lefty1 could regulate the cell cycle via modulating the expressions of P57 and cyclin D1 and then inhibit the decidualization in vitro. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tunicamycin‐induced neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)‐like structures in cultured human myeloid cell lines
Authors: Nakayama Tomofumi , Saitoh Hisato
Published: October 2014

The mechanism of neutrophil extracellular trap cell death (NETosis), a regulated cell death pathway relevant to infection, autoimmunity and sepsis, is not completely known. The reason for this, at least in part, is the lack of an in vitro system that recapitulates the NETosis pathway using established human cell lines. We show that exposure of a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL‐60 to the glycosyltransferase inhibitor tunicamycin (TM) resulted in extrusion of decompacted genomic DNAs to extracellular space, morphologically similar to NETs. Immunostaining using antibodies against NET marker proteins and bacterial trapping assay showed biochemical similarities between the TM‐induced extracellular DNA structures and NETs. The NET‐like structures were also generated on exposure of TM to other myeloid cell lines, such as U937 and THP‐1. Thus, our findings provide an experimental setting to induce NET‐like structures using cultured human myeloid cell lines, which may help our understanding of the regulation and function of NETosis.
HGF expression induced by HIF‐1α promote the proliferation and tube formation of endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Yu Feng , Lin Yuhua , Zhan Tao , Chen Lili , Guo Sufen
Published: October 2014

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) play important roles in postnatal neovascularization. However, the interaction of these two pathways is not fully understood. The present study utilized CoCl2 treated‐endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) (EPCs exposure to CoCl2 are under mimic hypoxia) to examine the expressions of HIF‐1α and HGF and futher to assess whether or not the inhibitor (2‐methoxyestradiol [2ME2]) of HIF‐1α decrease the HGF expression. In addition, to investigate the effects of HGF on the proliferation and tube formation of EPCs under mimic hypoxia, EPCs were transfected with NK4 (HGF antagonist) plasmid and exposed to CoCl2, then the proliferation of these EPCs was assayed by MTS and the tube formation capacity of these EPCs on Matrigel was detected. The analysis indicated that CoCl2 treatment induced HIF‐1α expression of EPCs, and futher promoted HGF expression. While after 2ME2 was used in CoCl2 treated‐EPCs, HGF expression was markedly inhibited compared with non‐pretreated EPCs with 2ME2, which also showed that HGF expression in EPCs was mediated by HIF‐1α. Further, the results showed that after EPCs were transfected with NK4 in spite of being exposed to CoCl2, their proliferation activity and tube formation capacity were weakened, which in turn indicated that HGF could promote the proliferation and the tube formation of EPCs, and this process might be regulated by HIF‐1α.
Phosphorus‐Stabilized Titanium Carbene Complexes: Synthesis, Reactivity and DFT Studies
Authors: Lafage Mathieu , Heuclin Hadrien , Le Goff Xavier‐Frédéric , Saffon‐Merceron Nathalie , Mézailles Nicolas
Published: October 2014

The synthesis of two novel titanium carbene complexes from the bis(thiophosphinoyl)methanediide geminal dianion 1 (SCS2−) is described. Dianion 1 reacts cleanly with 0.5 equivalents of [TiCl4(thf)2] to afford the bis‐carbene complex [(SCS)2Ti] (2) in 86 % yield. The mono‐carbene complex [(SCS)TiCl2(thf)] (3) can also be obtained by using an excess of [TiCl4(thf)2]. The structures of 2 and 3 are confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. A strong nucleophilic reactivity towards various electrophiles (ketones and aldehydes) is observed. The reaction of 3 with N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and phenyl isocyanate leads to the formation of two novel diphosphinoketenimines 8 a and 8 b. The bis‐titanium guanidinate complex 9 is trapped as the by‐product of the reaction with DCC. The X‐ray crystal structures of 8 a and 9 are presented. The mechanism of the reaction between complex 3 and DCC is rationalized by DFT studies.
Using N‐Tosylhydrazone as a Double Nucleophile in the Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reaction To Synthesize Allylic Sulfones
Authors: Zhou Ping‐Xin , Ye Yu‐Ying , Zhao Lian‐Biao , Hou Jian‐Ye , Kang Xing , Chen Dao‐Qian , Tang Qian , Zhang Jie‐Yu , Huang Qi‐Xing , Zheng Lan , Ma Jun‐Wei , Xu Peng‐Fei , Liang Yong‐Min
Published: October 2014

Without extra addition of sulfinate salt, allylic sulfones were synthesized by palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aryl iodide with N‐tosylhydrazone. In this transformation, not only the diazo compound but also the sulfinate salt, which were both generated in situ from base‐mediated decomposition of the N‐tosylhydrazone, was used as nucleophilic partner.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Tandem‐Isomerization/Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Slagbrand Tove , Lundberg Helena , Adolfsson Hans
Published: October 2014

A one‐pot procedure for the direct conversion of racemic allylic alcohols to enantiomerically enriched saturated alcohols is presented. The tandem‐isomerization/asymmetric transfer hydrogenation process is efficiently catalyzed by [{Ru(p‐cymene)Cl2}2] in combination with the α‐amino acid hydroxyamide ligand 1, and performed under mild conditions in a mixture of ethanol and THF. The saturated alcohol products are isolated in good to excellent chemical yields and in enantiomeric excess up to 93 %.
Legislative influences on cancer care
Authors: Chalmers Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

Deficit reduction politics was a major force in policymaking in the 1980s and a pervasive fact of life in the development of health policy. The Medicare budget was habitually used to find savings for deficit reduction and reforms, such as how to address the problem of 31 to 37 million uninsured Americans, were postponed. The 101st Congress did produce major physician payment reforms and in the spring of 1990, the Pepper Commission issued its recommendations for access to care and long‐term care. Less sweeping but significant proposals affecting cancer care were considered by Congress. For example, positive actions were taken on anti‐smoking and food labeling proposals. Funding for the National Institutes of Health was increased, and there was a growing awareness of the threat to biomedical research presented by assaults on animal research facilities.
A provider's view of prevention approaches in a prepaid group practice
Authors: McK. Lawrence David
Published: October 2014

Kaiser Permanente's health care delivery system and its efforts to integrate public health preventive medicine and curative medicine are described. The author advocates an increased focus on prepaid delivery systems like Kaiser Permanente as the best vehicle to achieve the full promise of health screening, health education, and life‐style modification. Because these systems have brought the proper incentives into alignment, prevention and health promotion have become effective tools to achieve cost containment goals. A number of Kaiser Permanente projects are highlighted that demonstrate integration of public health preventive medicine and curative medicine: the Northern California Region's uniform health appraisal examination, which is linked with health education and counseling; the Colorado Region's breast cancer screening program, which is expected to show a higher rate of early breast cancer detection than in the general population; cooperative efforts with two Northern California towns to reduce smoking through a community‐wide project; educational theatre programs aimed at early intervention and education of children before high‐risk behaviors have become established life‐style; and research projects that are possible because of an integrated program. Also, several forces that could endanger integrated systems including cost control practices of employers and insurers, and public policy such as mandating specific benefits, are noted.
Revisiting structure, process, and outcome
Authors: Gilbert Scott M.
Published: October 2014

The quality of bladder cancer varies markedly, and bladder cancer has not garnered national attention despite the incidence and cost burden associated with bladder cancer. This editorial argues for revisiting Donabedian's structure, process, and outcome framework for quality assessment among patients with bladder cancer.
CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol on Supported Au Catalysts under Moderate Reaction Conditions: Support and Particle Size Effects
Authors: Hartadi Yeusy , Widmann Daniel , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: October 2014

The potential of metal oxide supported Au catalysts for the formation of methanol from CO2 and H2 under conditions favorable for decentralized and local conversion, which could be concepts for chemical energy storage, was investigated. Significant differences in the catalytic activity and selectivity of Au/Al2O3, Au/TiO2, AuZnO, and Au/ZrO2 catalysts for methanol formation under moderate reaction conditions at a pressure of 5 bar and temperatures between 220 and 240 °C demonstrate pronounced support effects. A high selectivity (>50 %) for methanol formation was obtained only for Au/ZnO. Furthermore, measurements on Au/ZnO samples with different Au particle sizes reveal distinct Au particle size effects: although the activity increases strongly with the decreasing particle size, the selectivity decreases. The consequences of these findings for the reaction mechanism and for the potential of Au/ZnO catalysts for chemical energy storage and a “green” methanol technology are discussed.
A kind of novel VPF‐based energy‐balanced routing strategy for wireless mesh network
Authors: Zhang De‐gan , Wang Xiang , Song Xiao‐dong , Li Jun , Chen You‐jia
Published: October 2014

Wireless mesh network (WMN) can sense information and realize end‐network transmission. It consists of numerous wireless sensors, the energy and communication ability of which are limited. A kind of novel VPF‐based energy‐balanced routing strategy for WMN has been presented in this paper. Most of the existing energy‐efficient routing strategy always forwards packets along the minimum energy path to the sink to merely minimize energy consumption, which causes an unbalanced distribution of residual energy among sensor nodes, and eventually results in a network partition. We design the energy‐balanced routing strategy by setting up a mixed virtual potential field in terms of depth and energy by using the physical potential concept. The strategy can force packets to move toward the sink through the dense energy area and protect the nodes, which has relatively low residual energy. By comparing to the other energy‐efficient routing strategy in our designed scenarios, the experimental results show that energy balance and throughput can be improved. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive filtering algorithm using an orthogonal projection to an affine subspace and its properties
Authors: Ozeki Kazuhiko , Umeda Tetsuo
Published: October 2014

The LMS algorithm and learning identification, which presently are typical adaptive algorithms, have a problem in that the speed of convergence may decrease greatly depending on the property of the input signal. To avoid this problem, this paper presents a geometrical discussion as to the origin of that defect, and proposes a new adaptive algorithm based on the result of the investigation. Comparing the convergence speeds of the proposed algorithm and the learning identification by numerical experiment by computer, great improvement was verified. The algorithm is extended to a group of algorithms which includes the original algorithm and the learning identification, which are called APA (affine projection algorithm). It is shown that APA has some desirable properties, such as, the coefficient vector approaches the true value monotonically and the convergence speed is independent of the amplitude of the input signal. Clear conclusions are also obtained for the problem as to what noise is included in the output signal when an external disturbance is impressed or the degree of the adaptive filter is not sufficient.
A construction of pole‐deviation tracking filter
Authors: Akagi Masato , Iijima Taizo
Published: October 2014

This paper describes a construction method for the pole‐deviation tracking filter, which is a computing system to follow the variation‐in‐time of the poles of the signal waveform. Until now, the methods such as filter‐bank, FFT and LPC, are used to track the deviation of poles, assuming the stationarity within the frame. There are some methods in nonstationary speech analysis that assume the variation within the frame. However, they have a problem in that the error may accumulate since the locations of poles are calculated after correcting the LPC coefficients. The method proposed in this paper, on the other hand, is an extension of the idea of POLPEC I, which we have proposed as a means of speech recognition. It assumes the variation within the frame, and the pole deviation is calculated directly from the waveform. By this scheme, the location of the pole is not averaged within the frame and the error does not accumulate. Neither is it necessary to solve an algebraic equation of higher order to determine the pole location. The result of simulation using synthesized waveform and the analysis of C‐V type speech also are discussed.