bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Local Recurrence of Large, Flat Colorectal Polyps after Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
Authors: Zhan Tianzuo , Hielscher Thomas , Hahn Felix , Hauf Corinna , Betge Johannes , Ebert Matthias P. , Belle Sebastian
Published: June 2016

Aims: Removal of large, flat colorectal polyps by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is effective, but local recurrences occur regularly. This study investigated risk factors for local recurrence. Method: Cases of EMR of flat colorectal polyps ≥20 mm at an academic center from 2004 to 2011 were retrospectively analyzed for polyp features, resection technique, complications and local recurrences. Behavioral risk factors were retrospectively determined by self-administered questionnaires. Results: Data were collected for 129 patients (57.3% male, mean age at time of EMR: 65.0 years). Mean polyp size was 37.2 mm. Polyps were mostly adenoma with low-grade dysplasia (58.1%) and predominantly located in the right colon (62%). En bloc resection was performed in 31.8%. The median follow-up time was 40 months. Local recurrence occurred in 26.3% of patients, with 87% being recurrence-free after 1 year (95% CI 81-93%). A history of smoking was reported by 51.6% of patients and 88.4% reported regular alcohol consumption. Univariate analysis showed that polyp size and piecemeal resection were associated with risk of local recurrence. In multivariate analysis, only polyp size was predictive for local recurrence. No association was found for behavioral risk factors. Conclusion: Polyp size is the main predictor of local recurrence after EMR of large, flat colorectal polyps.
Effects of Intravenous Ketamine Infusions in a Neuropathic Pain Patient with Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus
Authors: Hanna Ashraf F. , Armstrong Josh S. , Smith Adam J.
Published: June 2016

A patient reported to the Florida Spine Institute (Clearwater, Fla., USA) with severe lichen sclerosus of the anogenital region and legs. The patient’s pain presentation was neuropathic with hypersensitivity, allodynia, swelling, and weakness. The patient had failed multiple pain management modalities including opioid therapy, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. The patient completed a standard intravenous ketamine infusion regimen developed at the Florida Spine Institute and reported complete abolishment of her pain syndrome. For the first time, we report that ketamine infusions also dramatically improved a patient’s lichen sclerosus. That ketamine is known to have immunomodulatory properties, and given the clinical observations described in this case report, suggests that ketamine should be explored as a possible new therapeutic option for managing lichen sclerosus, especially in cases that are refractory to conventional therapies.
Arthrogryposis as a Syndrome: Gene Ontology Analysis
Authors: Hall Judith G. , Kiefer Jeff
Published: June 2016

Arthrogryposis by definition has multiple congenital contractures. All types of arthrogryposis have decreased in utero fetal movement. Because so many things are involved in normal fetal movement, there are many causes and processes that can go awry. In this era of molecular genetics, we have tried to place the known mutated genes seen in genetic forms of arthrogryposis into biological processes or cellular functions as defined by gene ontology. We hope this leads to better identification of all interacting pathways and processes involved in the development of fetal movement in order to improve diagnosis of the genetic forms of arthrogryposis, to lead to the development of molecular therapies, and to help better define the natural history of various types of arthrogryposis.
Factors Affecting Phenotype Variability in a Family with CMT2B: Gender and LRSAM1 Genotype
Authors: Peddareddygari Leema Reddy , Oberoi Kinsi , Vellore Jaasrini Reddy , Grewal Raji P.
Published: June 2016

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2) is an autosomal dominant axonal neuropathy caused by mutations in various genes. The subtype CMT2B results from missense mutations in RAB7A, member RAS oncogene family gene, whereas missense mutations in the Leucine-rich repeat and sterile alpha motif-containing protein 1 (LRSAM1) gene cause CMT2P. We describe the genotype/phenotype analysis of a family in which a previously described mutation in the RAB7A gene and a novel mutation in the LRSAM1 gene were identified. In this family, none of the individuals had ulceromutilating features, and there was a marked variability in the age of onset. We discuss the possible etiology of the observed phenotypic variability including the role of gender and possible RAB7A/LRSAM1 gene interactions.
Reconfiguration of Distribution Networks with Presence of DGs to improving the Reliability
Authors: Sabbagh Alvani Amir , Mahaei Seyed Mehdi
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the network reconfiguration in the presence of distributed generation units with the aim of improving the reliability of the network is studied. For this purpose four reliability parameters in the objective function are considered, which is average energy not supplied system average interruption frequency index, system average interruption duration index and momentary average interruption frequency index. The new method will be normalized objective function. Another suggestion of this paper are considering the different fault rates, locating time of faults type and prioritization of customers based on their importance. This nonlinear problem has optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm.
Investigating Ferroresonance Phenomenon in a Single-Phase Transformer with the Effect of Magnetic Hysteresis
Authors: Rezaeealam Behrooz , Norouzi Behzad
Published: June 2016

Ferroresonance is a non-linear phenomenon and very dynamic in the power quality problems. This phenomenon should be carefully analyzed so that preventive measures could be taken before its appearance and prevent injury and damage to electrical power appliances. Ferroresonance is seen more in the middle-voltage networks with supplying unloaded or slightly loaded transformers by cables. The materials used in the manufacture of transformer cores are creates a major role in their dynamic behavior. In this article are used from two types magnetic material GOES and NGOES in the transformer core of single phase. The physical behavior of these materials is considered during the core hysteresis. For modeling the hysteresis loop has been used from Jiles-Atherton method. By using the finite element method and with help COMSOL Multiphysics Software, transformer is simulated in two space dimensions. Laboratory test the transformer core hysteresis loop is described and shows which the Jiles-Atherton model is one of the best known models of hysteresis. The results shows which use of GOES materials in the transformer core is cause Significant reduction the core losses in comparison with the NGOES materials. Also change of ferroresonance mode and the severity its occurrence are the results of changing the material used in the transformer core.
Model Predictive Current Control of Grid Connected PV Systems
Authors: Rai Satya Ravi , S V Jaya Kumar , K Keerthi Deepika
Published: June 2016

This paper deals with the design and simulation of an efficient solar photovoltaic system with a maximum power point tracking system (MPPT). Maximum power point (MPP) is obtained by using Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm. The output from solar panel is fed to the DC-DC (Boost) converter which steps up the output voltage. It is then fed to a 3-phase inverter. The inverter used is a 3-phase two-level inverter implemented with a Model Predictive Control strategy. Model of the system is considered in order to predict the control variables. Optimum switching state is selected by minimizing the cost function for each sampling period. This is achieved through modelling and MATLAB simulation of various stages that constitute the overall system.
Design of Electro Cardiograph Machine Based on Atmega Microcontroller
Authors: Irianto Bambang Guruh , Budhiaji Budhiaji , Syaifudin Syaifudin
Published: June 2016

ECG machine on the market, has a considerable cost, the technology used is still very complicated. In efficient and display ECG still not interconnect with other devices. In this study, the researchers designed ECG machine 12 channels to take advantage ATMega microcontroller technology, Graphic LCD 64x12, which can be obtained on the market at low prices, thus yielding a portable ECG apparatus, can interconnect with other devices and cheap. Objective is to design a  ECG machine using ATMega microcontroller technology, by making a series of bio amplifier ECG, measuring the amplitude and frequency response bio amplifier, and make the ECG signal processing circuit with microcontroller, which can be displayed on a 128x64 graphic LCD or PC. To answer the research objectives, the design of the research is to use pure experimental research is the design of experimental series. The independent variable ECG phantom or human and the dependent variable is the ECG machine. While the design  ECG machine  through the stages as follows: circuit design, circuit testing and calibration output. The conclusion of this study: The result of the design of microcontroller ATMega program listings can be used transform and run the program to the ECG machine to know the number of heartbeats, a beep sound every wave R  the ECG signal, displayed on the graphical LCD, PC, printed through a computer, and can be stored in computer.
A Novel Membrane Clustering Algorithm Based on Tissue-like P System
Authors: Huaning Yan , Laisheng Xiang , Xiyu Liu , Jie Xue
Published: June 2016

Clustering is a process of partitioning data points into different clusters due to their similarity, as a powerful technique of data mining, clustering is widely used in many fields. Membrane computing is a computing model abstracting from the biological area, these computing systems are proved to be so powerful that they are equivalent with Turing machines. In this paper, a modified inversion particle swarm optimization was proposed, this method and the mutational mechanism of genetics algorithm were used to combine with the tissue-like P system, through these evolutionary algorithms and the P system, the idea of a novel membrane clustering algorithm could come true. Experiments were tested on six data sets, by comparing the clustering quality with the GA-K-means, PSO-K-means and K-means proved the superiority of our method.
Weed Detection Using Fractal-Based Low Cost Commodity Hardware Raspberry Pi
Authors: Suriansyah Mohamad Iqbal , Sukoco Heru , Solahudin Mohamad
Published: June 2016

Conventional weed control system is usually used by spraying herbicides uniformly throughout the land. Excessive use of herbicides on an ongoing basis can produce chemical waste that is harmful to plants and soil. The application of precision agriculture farming in the detection process in order to control weeds using Computer Vision On Farm becomes interesting, but it still has some problems due to computer size and power consumption. Raspberry Pi is one of the minicomputer with low price and low power consumption. Having computing like a desktop computer with the open source Linux operating system can be used for image processing and weed fractal dimension processing using OpenCV library and C programming. This research results the best fractal computation time when performing the image with dimension size of 128 x 128 pixels. It is about 7 milliseconds. Furthermore, the average speed ratio between personal computer and Raspberry Pi is 0.04 times faster. The use of Raspberry Pi is cost and power consumption efficient compared to personal computer.
Development of a Decision-Making System for Sultan Moulay Slimane University in Beni Mellal, Morocco
Authors: Amine Abdellah , Ait Daoud Rachid , Bouikhalene Belaid
Published: June 2016

The issue dealt with in this article is to develop a decision-making information system related to the digital environment of the University work. We propose to model the data within the university in order to transform a system of information into a decision-making information system, that is based on the trades databases oriented toward the actors. A decision-making information is a system that allows the decision makers of the university to have relevant information and powerful analytical tools to help them take the right decision at the right time.
Breakthrough at Bali? Explanations, Aftermath, Implications
Authors: Narlikar Amrita , Tussie Diana
Published: June 2016

The World Trade Organization’s (wto) Ministerial Conference at Bali in December 2013 seemed to have marked a landmark moment in the history of the negotiations of the Doha Development Agenda (dda). This article begins with a brief analysis of why theddahas been quagmired in deadlocks and become the longest running trade round in the history of the multilateral trading system. It then discusses the significance of what was achieved at the Bali Ministerial in light of repeated failures and particularly from the perspective of the world’s poorest countries. It explains why and how breakthroughs were achieved and highlights several important institutional innovations. Lastly, it discusses how sustainable these innovations might be.
Emerging Powers, Domestic Politics, and wto Dispute Settlement Reform
Authors: Mahrenbach Laura C.
Published: June 2016

As thewto’s Dispute Settlement Body (dsb) gains relevance as a rule-maker in trade governance, understanding the reform negotiations addressing its legal framework becomes increasingly important. This article examines how domestic ideas and interests affect the reform positions of two of thedsb’s most active users, emerging power states Brazil and India. Regarding domestic interests, I draw on the domestic politics and two-level games literatures to argue that the amount and favorability of domestic sectors’ experience with thedsbaffects their incentives to lobby during the reform negotiations. Interestingly, this results in countries pursuing liberal interests within negotiations, despite having conflicting domestic interest preferences overall. Regarding domestic ideas, I find evidence that Brazilian and Indian politicians feel accountable to voters in the negotiations, contradicting claims to the contrary in the literature. This highlights the need for more research illustrating links between voters and officials in this context.
Informed Consent Obtainment, Malpractice Litigation, and the Potential Role of Shared Decision-making Approaches
Authors: Birkeland Søren Fryd
Published: June 2016

Malpractice lawsuits are a substantial concern in health systems with miscommunication, inadequate information, and unsuccessful patient involvement in decision-making seeming to be contributing factors. This paper draws attention to the explicit role of informed consent (IC) obtainment in actualized complaint cases and to what extent novel methods to exercise IC through means of shared decision-making (SDM) and supporting tools might be applicable. A national sample of cases from the Health Professionals Disciplinary Board in Denmark is reviewed and discussed together with international legal instruments and case law. It is confirmed that patients claim their right to participate in decision-making about healthcare options. In many situations SDM and accompanying tools would apply and possibly they could sometimes prevent IC duty breaches, assist documenting IC procedures, and help avert the need for litigation.
Canon Law Prohibitions on Marriage to Kin in Rus’ and Muscovy
Authors: Weickhardt George G.
Published: June 2016

Throughout the Kyivan, appanage and Muscovite periods, written Orthodox canon law generally prohibited marriage within the seventh degree of consanguinity. This rule prohibited marriage even between third cousins. This rule, with some notable exceptions, was observed and enforced in Kyivan Rus’ and Muscovy. Prohibition of marriage within the seventh degree went far beyond the Biblical and Justinianic rules, as well as the rules of the early church ecumenical councils, which all allowed marriage between first cousins. The present study will inquire into the origin and purpose of this rule, its reception in Rus’, and its effect on Rus’ and Muscovite society, with particular emphasis on why the church deemed it necessary to extend impediments to marriage far beyond the rules from the Bible, Byzantine civil law and the original canon law from the ecumenical councils.
Russia, Iran, and the 'Eastern Question' in the 1850s–1870s (Россия, Иран и «Восточный вопрос» в 1850-х–1870-х гг.)
Authors: Gokov O.A.
Published: June 2016

This article examines Russian-Iranian relations in the context of the “Eastern Question” in the years 1850–1870. During the Crimean War (1853–1856) and the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, each side tried to exploit the other to their own advantage, though in general relations in the first half of the nineteenth century saw both countries finding good cause to cooperate with each other on issues of comment interest in the region. This article, however, identifies a sharp reduction in the role of Iran in the “Eastern Question” in the second half of the century as compared to the first half of the century, a decline the author attributes to the progressive decline of Iran as a regional diplomatic and military power.
Soviet Perspectives and Policies toward Reactionary Regimes in the Developing World
Authors: Surovell Jeffrey
Published: June 2016

In their assessments during the 1960s and 1970s of the state of affairs of Third World “revolutionary democracies” and nations that had taken the “non-capitalist road to development,” the Soviets employed a mode of analysis based on the “correlation of forces.” Given the seeming successes of these “revolutionary democracies” and the appearance of new ones, Moscow was clearly heartened by the apparent tilt in favor of the Soviets and of “progressive” humanity more generally. These apparently positive trends were reflected in Soviet perspectives and policies on the Third World, which focused confidently on such “progressive” regimes. Nonetheless, so-called “reactionary” regimes continued to be a thorn in the side of Soviet policy makers. This study offers a fresh examination of the Soviet analyses of, and policies towards three “reactionary” Third-World regimes: the military dictatorship in Brazil, the Pinochet dictatorship of Chile, and Iran during the reign of the Shah. The article reveals that Soviet decision makers and analysts identified the state sector as the central factor in the “progressive” development of the Third World. Hence the state sector became the focal point for their analyses and the touchstone for Soviet policies; the promotion of the state sector was regarded as a key to the Soviet objective of promoting the “genuine independence” of Third World countries from imperialist domination.
The Reform of the Chinese Intellectual Property Trial System
Authors: Shen Haien , Wen Xiaohong
Published: June 2016

The 100-year history of China’s intellectual property system witnessed a shift from an “I have to use the law” to “the law serves me” approach, as well as the development of policies which shifted from transplanting the law to innovating the law. Since 1978, along with the Reform and Opening up, China has established an intellectual property legal system, which has experienced three stages—establishment, development and perfection. However, there are still many problems in the Chinese intellectual property protection regime. The most essential one is the implementation of the law. This makes the judicial system the focus of the reform debate. The recent reform of the judicial system for the intellectual property cases is a result of a series of systematic attempts over the years to structure a new judicial system for intellectual property cases. The most important outcome of these efforts is the ‘three-in-one’ trial model. At the end of 2014, intellectual property courts were established in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. These reforms unify the standards for the judgment, and conform to the international and professional trends in protecting intellectual property. However, due to multiple reasons, the judicial and administrative departments still have a long way to go in their joint efforts for the coordination and improvement of intellectual property protection.
China and the wto Appellate Body’s Rule of Law
Authors: Andersen Henrik
Published: June 2016

The World Trade Organization is no longer just seen through intergovernmental lenses. Rule of law is part of the vocabulary of the wto and is developed by the Appellate Body. However, the concept of rule of law is a hazy concept, laden with normative challenges with an Eurocentric base in a globalized world. This article addresses how China approaches rule of law at the wto level. Rule of law in a Chinese context has specific Chinese traits and the question is how it corresponds with wto rule of law. The article claims that China recognizes rule of law at wto level and accepts the methodological approach by the Appellate Body. However, a wto rule of law has not been challenged with human rights issues and it needs further refinement. So far it has served Chinese interests which might be a reason behind the Chinese approach.
TRACHEID AND PIT ANATOMY VARY IN TANDEM IN A TALL SEQUOIADENDRON GIGANTEUM TREE
Authors: Lazzarin Martina , Crivellaro Alan , Williams Cameron B. , Dawson Todd E. , Mozzi Giacomo , Anfodillo Tommaso
Published: June 2016

Across land plants there is a general pattern of xylem conduit diameters widening towards the stem base thus reducing the accumulation of hydraulic resistance as plants grow taller.

In conifers, xylem conduits consist of cells with closed end-walls and water must flow through bordered pits imbedded in the side walls. As a consequence both cell size, which determines the numbers of walls that the conductive stream of water must cross, as well as the characteristics of the pits themselves, crucially affect total hydraulic resistance. Because both conduit size and pit features influence hydraulic resistance in tandem, we hypothesized that features of both should vary predictably with one another. To test this prediction we sampled a single tall (94.8 m) Sequoiadendron giganteum tree (giant sequoia), collecting wood samples from the most recent annual ring progressively downwards from the tree top to the base. We measured tracheid diameter and length, number of pits per tracheid, and the areas of pit apertures, tori, and margos. Tracheid diameter widened from treetop to base following a power law with an exponent (tracheid diameterstem length slope) of approximately 0.20. A similar scaling exponent was found between tracheid length and distance from tree top. Additionally, pit aperture, torus, and margo areas all increased (again with a power of ~0.20) with distance from tree top, paralleling the observed variation in tracheid diameter and length. Pit density scaled isometrically with tracheid length. Within individual tracheids, total permeable area of pits, measured as the sum of the margo areas, scaled isometrically with lumen area. Given that pores of the margo membrane are believed to increase in parallel with membrane area, from a strictly anatomical perspective, our results support the interpretation that pit resistance remains a relatively constant fraction of total resistance along the hydraulic pathway.
INTRA-ANNUAL DENSITY FLUCTUATIONS IN TREE RINGS: HOW, WHEN, WHERE, AND WHY?
Authors: De Micco V. , Campelo F. , De Luis M. , Bräuning A. , Grabner M. , Battipaglia G. , Cherubini P.
Published: June 2016

Intra-annual density fluctuations (IADFs) in tree rings are generally considered structural anomalies caused by deviations from the “normal course” of xylogenesis during the growing season. This definition is based on the bias that, under “normal conditions”, cambial activity stops once a year. Each tree ring can thus be dated to one calendar year, which is one of the principles of dendrochronology. The formation of IADFs can be triggered directly by environmental changes, especially in precipitation and temperature, that affect cambial activity and cell differentiation. It can also be the result of limited photosynthesis, due to defoliation induced by biotic or abiotic constraints.

Often indicated with alternative terms, IADFs were first described in the 1930s, and recently reported for many trees and shrubs from different ecosystems throughout the world, particularly for Mediterranean species. Different types of IADFs have been detected; their formation and structural properties depend on many factors including tree genotype, age, size, rooting depth, habitat, soil, climate, photosynthetic activity, and allocation strategies. Whether IADFs affect the adaptive capability of plants remains, however, unclear.

We provide an overview of the main anatomical features of IADFs and their occurrence in tree rings from various environments and climatic regimes. We propose a simplified way of classifying them and discuss the hypotheses about their functional role and the factors triggering their formation. To understand the ecological role of IADFs better, we recommend a multidisciplinary approach, involving wood anatomy, dendroecology, and stable isotopes, which has already been applied for Mediterranean species. We conclude by considering that IADFs appear to be the “rule” rather than “anomalies” in some ecosystems where they help plants cope with fluctuating environmental conditions. Moreover, their anatomical structure represents a valuable proxy of past climatic conditions at a sub-seasonal resolution and may be relevant to adapt hydraulic functioning of living trees to changing climatic conditions.
MISSING AND DARK RINGS ASSOCIATED WITH DROUGHT IN PINUS HALEPENSIS
Authors: Novak Klemen , De Luis Martin , Gričar Jožica , Prislan Peter , Merela Maks , Smith Kevin T. , Čufar Katarina
Published: June 2016

The responses of the vascular cambium and tracheid differentiation to extreme drought in Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) were investigated. The research focused on the drought year of 2005, in the primary study area at Maigmo (MAI) in southeastern Spain, with comparisons in Jarafuel (JAL) and Guardamar (GUA). The climate in this region is typically warm and dry with hot summers. Wood formation throughout the 2005 growing season was studied in transverse microtome sections and integrated with a retrospective dendrochronological analysis of crossdated increment cores collected in 2009. For most anatomical sections collected throughout the growing season at MAI, the vascular cambium appeared to be dormant as indicated by the low number of cells per radial file. Occasionally, immature xylem derivatives were observed during the growing season but without production of an annual ring. In increment cores collected at MAI, the 2005 position in the annual ring series contained either a narrow ring of both earlywood and latewood (47% of samples), a narrow ring of apparent latewood with no earlywood (13%), or a missing ring (50%). We introduce the term “dark ring” to refer to those annual rings of apparent latewood with no earlywood. For trees at JAL, the 2005 ring had below-average width and contained both earlywood and latewood. At GUA, the trees produced the widest 2005 ring of all three sites and mainly contained an intra-annual density fluctuation (IADF). The IADF was formed after cambial reactivation in the autumn. Although dark rings, IADFs, and especially missing rings complicate dendrochronological analysis, these anatomical features may provide an additional proxy record from which to infer climate variability and change in the past.
THE EFFECTS OF DROUGHT ON WOOD FORMATION IN FAGUS SYLVATICA DURING TWO CONTRASTING YEARS
Authors: Giagli Kyriaki , Gričar Jožica , Vavrčík Hanuš , Menšík Ladislav , Gryc Vladimír
Published: June 2016

We studied the effect of local weather conditions on intra-annual wood formation dynamics and wood structure of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) from a temperate location in the Czech Republic in two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011, characterized by different amounts of precipitation. Microcores were taken at weekly intervals and transverse sections of cambial and xylem tissue were prepared for light microscopic observation. Air temperature and soil moisture content were measured daily at the research plot. Tree-ring formation patterns and vessel features showed different responses to climatic factors in the two years. In 2010, the onset of cambial cell production occurred almost 10 days later than in 2011, when a considerably reduced amount of rainfall was already observed in the winter and spring months, as shown in Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) values. Lack of precipitation in 2011 caused premature cessation of cambial cell division and markedly narrower annual xylem increments. Vessel density and water conductive area were higher in 2011 than in 2010. Average vessel size in general did not change. In response to local weather conditions, beech controls its hydraulic conductivity mainly by changing the number of vessels and tree growth rate, followed by vessel size. The lower sensitivity of vessel diameter to hydrological alterations confirms previous studies by other authors.
So, How Much of the Earth’s Surface Is Covered by Rain Gauges?
Authors: Kidd Chris , Becker Andreas , Huffman George J. , Muller Catherine L. , Joe Paul , Skofronick-Jackson Gail , Kirschbaum Dalia B.
Published: June 2016

The measurement of global precipitation, both rainfall and snowfall, is critical to a wide range of users and applications. Rain gauges are indispensable in the measurement of precipitation, remaining the de facto standard for precipitation information across Earth’s surface for hydrometeorological purposes. However, their distribution across the globe is limited: over land their distribution and density is variable, while over oceans very few gauges exist and where measurements are made, they may not adequately reflect the rainfall amounts of the broader area. Critically, the number of gauges available, or appropriate for a particular study, varies greatly across the Earth owing to temporal sampling resolutions, periods of operation, data latency, and data access. Numbers of gauges range from a few thousand available in near–real time to about 100,000 for all “official” gauges, and to possibly hundreds of thousands if all possible gauges are included. Gauges routinely used in the generation of global precipitation products cover an equivalent area of between about 250 and 3,000 m2. For comparison, the center circle of a soccer pitch or tennis court is about 260 m2. Although each gauge should represent more than just the gauge orifice, autocorrelation distances of precipitation vary greatly with regime and the integration period. Assuming each Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC)–available gauge is independent and represents a surrounding area of 5-km radius, this represents only about 1% of Earth’s surface. The situation is further confounded for snowfall, which has a greater measurement uncertainty.
Investigations into Precipitation and Drought Climatologies in South Central Asia with Special Focus on Pakistan over the Period 1951–2010
Authors: Adnan Shahzada , Ullah Kalim , Shouting Gao
Published: June 2016

The climatology of precipitation and drought are analyzed by using different indices in the region of south central Asia (SCA). The spatial precipitation pattern is delineated by using principal component analysis (PCA) over the period of 1951–2010, which identifies six subregions in the SCA. The monthly and annual trends of precipitation were analyzed by applying the five statistical tests: Student’s t, Mann–Kendall, and Spearman’s rho tests for linear trend and turning point analysis and Sen’s slope for randomness and slope magnitude, respectively, at the α = 0.05 significance level. The time series analysis shows data similarity between Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) and area-weighted precipitation of 52 meteorological stations in Pakistan, which results in a high correlation (R2 = 0.93). Two main drought periods were identified (1971 and 2000–02); also, 2001 was an extremely dry year in the SCA region. The drought in 1952 was the most severe in Pakistan; the longest drought period was 2000–02. Intense droughts were reported in the whole SCA region when the annual percent of precipitation was below 80%. It is noted that the A-5 region (northeast SCA), where 19 droughts were reported, is the most vulnerable. The monthly precipitation analysis shows a significant increasing trend in the months of September and June in the A-3 (northwest SCA) and A-5 regions, respectively, while a decreasing trend is observed in January and August in the A-4 region (east SCA). The decadal analysis shows significant decreasing trend (−21.5 mm decade−1) in region A-4, while the highest increasing trends (17.1 and 7.5 mm decade−1) are observed in Pakistan and the A-5 region respectively.
Subtidal Exchange in Eastern Long Island Sound
Authors: Whitney Michael M. , Ullman David S. , Codiga Daniel L.
Published: June 2016

Long Island Sound (LIS) is a large and wide macrotidal estuary with distributed river inputs, including the Connecticut River (the largest freshwater source) that flows into the eastern LIS near the mouth. In 2010, shipboard surveys of salinity, temperature, and currents were collected along an across-estuary transect in eastern LIS. Numerical model results are compared to these observations and used to study the spatial and temporal variability of salinity, velocity, and freshwater and salt fluxes over a 4-yr period. For all low wind conditions, observations and model results indicate an outward-flowing, low-salinity wedge on the south side with an inward-flowing, higher-salinity area underneath and to the north. Observations and model results during the low wind surveys indicate that stratification substantially decreases with increased tidal amplitude and decreased river discharge; the velocity field is less variable among surveys. Model analysis indicates strong sensitivities to both tides and river discharge; with discharge response strongest for salinity and freshwater flux and tidal response larger for velocities, volume flux, and salt flux. The long-term average net freshwater and salt fluxes are outward and inward, respectively. For both flux types, subtidal shear dispersion is twice tidal oscillatory diffusion, and both contributions are in the same direction as the net flux. The uniform flow contribution is small for freshwater flux, yet it is the largest single term for salt flux and partially counters the inward contributions.
Determining the Best Method for Estimating the Observed Level of Maximum Detrainment Based on Radar Reflectivity
Authors: Carletta Nicholas D. , Mullendore Gretchen L. , Starzec Mariusz , Xi Baike , Feng Zhe , Dong Xiquan
Published: June 2016

Convective mass transport is the transport of mass from near the surface up to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) by a deep convective updraft. This transport can alter the chemical makeup and water vapor balance of the UTLS, which affects cloud formation and the radiative properties of the atmosphere. It is, therefore, important to understand the exact altitudes at which mass is detrained from convection. The purpose of this study was to improve upon previously published methodologies for estimating the level of maximum detrainment (LMD) within convection using data from a single ground-based radar. Four methods were used to identify the LMD and validated against dual-Doppler-derived vertical mass divergence fields for six cases with a variety of storm types. The best method for locating the LMD was determined to be the method that used a reflectivity texture technique to determine convective cores and a multilayer echo identification to determine anvil locations. Although an improvement over previously published methods, the new methodology still produced unreliable results in certain regimes. The methodology worked best when applied to mature updrafts, as the anvil needs time to grow to a detectable size. Thus, radar reflectivity is found to be valuable in estimating the LMD, but storm maturity must also be considered for best results.
Runx1 Regulates Myeloid Precursor Differentiation Into Osteoclasts Without Affecting Differentiation Into Antigen Presenting or Phagocytic Cells in Both Males and Females
Authors: Paglia David N. , Yang Xiaochuan , Kalinowski Judith , Jastrzebski Sandra , Drissi Hicham , Lorenzo Joseph
Published: June 2016

Runt-related transcription factor 1 (Runx1), a master regulator of hematopoiesis, is expressed in preosteoclasts. Previously we evaluated the bone phenotype of CD11b-Cre Runx1fl/fl mice and demonstrated enhanced osteoclasts and decreased bone mass in males. However, an assessment of the effects of Runx1 deletion in female osteoclast precursors was impossible with this model. Moreover, the role of Runx1 in myeloid cell differentiation into other lineages is unknown. Therefore, we generated LysM-Cre Runx1fl/fl mice, which delete Runx1 equally (∼80% deletion) in myeloid precursor cells from both sexes and examined the capacity of these cells to differentiate into osteoclasts and phagocytic and antigen-presenting cells. Both female and male LysM-Cre Runx1fl/fl mice had decreased trabecular bone mass (72% decrease in bone volume fraction) and increased osteoclast number (2–3 times) (P < .05) without alteration of osteoblast histomorphometric indices. We also demonstrated that loss of Runx1 in pluripotential myeloid precursors with LysM-Cre did not alter the number of myeloid precursor cells in bone marrow or their ability to differentiate into phagocytizing or antigen-presenting cells. This study demonstrates that abrogation of Runx1 in multipotential myeloid precursor cells significantly and specifically enhanced the ability of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand to stimulate osteoclast formation and fusion in female and male mice without affecting other myeloid cell fates. In turn, increased osteoclast activity in LysM-Cre Runx1fl/fl mice likely contributed to a decrease in bone mass. These dramatic effects were not due to increased osteoclast precursors in the deleted mutants and argue that inhibition of Runx1 in multipotential myeloid precursor cells is important for osteoclast formation and function.
Angiotensin Type-2 Receptors Influence the Activity of Vasopressin Neurons in the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus in Male Mice
Authors: de Kloet Annette D. , Pitra Soledad , Wang Lei , Hiller Helmut , Pioquinto David J. , Smith Justin A. , Sumners Colin , Stern Javier E. , Krause Eric G.
Published: June 2016

It is known that angiotensin-II acts at its type-1 receptor to stimulate vasopressin (AVP) secretion, which may contribute to angiotensin-II-induced hypertension. Less well known is the impact of angiotensin type-2 receptor (AT2R) activation on these processes. Studies conducted in a transgenic AT2R enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter mouse revealed that although AT2R are not themselves localized to AVP neurons within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), they are localized to neurons that extend processes into the PVN. In the present set of studies, we set out to characterize the origin, phenotype, and function of nerve terminals within the PVN that arise from AT2R-enhanced green fluorescent protein-positive neurons and synapse onto AVP neurons. Initial experiments combined genetic and neuroanatomical techniques to determine that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons derived from the peri-PVN area containing AT2R make appositions onto AVP neurons within the PVN, thereby positioning AT2R to negatively regulate neuroendocrine secretion. Subsequent patch-clamp electrophysiological experiments revealed that selective activation of AT2R in the peri-PVN area using compound 21 facilitates inhibitory (ie, GABAergic) neurotransmission and leads to reduced activity of AVP neurons within the PVN. Final experiments determined the functional impact of AT2R activation by testing the effects of compound 21 on plasma AVP levels. Collectively, these experiments revealed that AT2R expressing neurons make GABAergic synapses onto AVP neurons that inhibit AVP neuronal activity and suppress baseline systemic AVP levels. These findings have direct implications in the targeting of AT2R for disorders of AVP secretion and also for the alleviation of high blood pressure.
Phoenixin Activates Immortalized GnRH and Kisspeptin Neurons Through the Novel Receptor GPR173
Authors: Treen Alice K. , Luo Vicky , Belsham Denise D.
Published: June 2016

Reproductive function is coordinated by kisspeptin (Kiss) and GnRH neurons. Phoenixin-20 amide (PNX) is a recently described peptide found to increase GnRH-stimulated LH secretion in the pituitary. However, the effects of PNX in the hypothalamus, the putative signaling pathways, and PNX receptor have yet to be identified. The mHypoA-GnRH/GFP and mHypoA-Kiss/GFP-3 cell lines represent populations of GnRH and Kiss neurons, respectively. PNX increased GnRH and GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) mRNA expression, as well as GnRH secretion, in the mHypoA-GnRH/GFP cell model. In the mHypoA-Kiss/GFP-3 cell line, PNX increased Kiss1 mRNA expression. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-β, octamer transcription factor-1 (Oct-1), and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) binding sites are localized to the 5′ flanking regions of the GnRH, GnRH-R, and Kiss1 genes. PNX decreased C/EBP-β mRNA expression in both cell models and increased Oct-1 mRNA expression in the mHypoA-GnRH/GFP neurons. PNX increased CREB phosphorylation in both cell models and phospho-ERK1/2 in the mHypoA-GnRH/GFP cell model, whereas inhibiting the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway prevented PNX induction of GnRH and Kiss1 mRNA expression. Importantly, we determined that the G protein-coupled receptor, GPR173, was strongly expressed in both GnRH and kisspeptin cell models and small interfering RNA knockdown of GPR173 prevented the PNX-mediated up-regulation of GnRH, GnRH-R, and Kiss1 mRNA expression and the down-regulation of C/EBP-β mRNA expression. PNX also increased GPR173 mRNA expression in the mHypoA-GnRH/GFP cells. Taken together, these studies are the first to implicate that PNX acts through GPR173 to activate the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway through CREB, and potentially C/EBP-β and/or Oct-1 to increase GnRH, GnRH-R, and Kiss1 gene expression, ultimately having a stimulatory effect on reproductive function.
The Characterological Imperative: On Heckman, Humphries, and Kautz's The Myth of Achievement Tests: The GED and the Role of Character in American Life
Authors: Sampson Robert J.
Published: June 2016

James J. Heckman, John Eric Humphries, and Tim Kautz make a powerful case for noncognitive skills—or what they conceptualize as character—as an explanation of educational achievement and other important outcomes in life. They do so while exposing the myth of the GED, arguing that the GED harms its intended beneficiaries by failing to instill the character skills that predict adult success. Childhood interventions to build personal character, especially self-control, are emphasized. The Myth of Achievement Tests is a major contribution, but I integrate relevant research on crime and social control across the life course that motivates a more dynamic conceptualization of character. I also review evidence on the environment as a source of both cognitive and noncognitive skills, including exposure to concentrated deprivation, violence, and lead toxicity. Moreover, I review evidence suggesting that social reactions to character shape life chances in ways not reducible to individual propensities, such as changes in criminal-justice policy that created large cohort differentials in incarceration for the same underlying behaviors. Social context and the character of American society itself are thus central to fostering individual character—not just skills but the desire to conform. It follows that self-control and social control need to be better unified theoretically and in designing interventions. (JEL I21, I26, I28, J24, R23, Z13)
Review of Cultural Evolution: Society, Technology, Language, and Religion Edited by Peter J. Richerson and Morten H. Christiansen
Authors: Giuliano Paola
Published: June 2016

Peter J. Richerson and Morten H. Christiansen have assembled a compelling picture of the evolution of societies, technology, language, and religion—with culture at the epicenter. The book is a must-have for economists and any other social scientists interested in the evolution of behavior. Using the book as a starting point, this article sums up what cultural evolution can teach us about these four major aspects of human behavior. Each topic is also linked to the relevant empirical research in economics. Directions for future research integrating cultural evolution into an economic framework are also explored. (JEL D72, O33, O43, Z12, Z13)
Analyzing compound activity records and promiscuity degrees in light of publication statistics
Authors: Hu Ye , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: June 2016

For the generation of contemporary databases of bioactive compounds, activity information is usually extracted from the scientific literature. However, when activity data are analyzed, source publications are typically no longer taken into consideration. Therefore, compound activity data selected from ChEMBL were traced back to thousands of original publications, activity records including compound, assay, and target information were systematically generated, and their distributions across the literature were determined. In addition, publications were categorized on the basis of activity records. Furthermore, compound promiscuity, defined as the ability of small molecules to specifically interact with multiple target proteins, was analyzed in light of publication statistics, thus adding another layer of information to promiscuity assessment. It was shown that the degree of compound promiscuity was not influenced by increasing numbers of source publications. Rather, most non-promiscuous as well as promiscuous compounds, regardless of their degree of promiscuity, originated from single publications, which emerged as a characteristic feature of the medicinal chemistry literature.
Modeling Load and Overwork Effects in Queueing Systems with Adaptive Service Rates
Authors: Delasay Mohammad , Ingolfsson Armann , Kolfal Bora
Published: June 2016

Servers in many real queueing systems do not work at a constant speed. They adapt to the system state by speeding up when the system is highly loaded or slowing down when load has been high for an extended time period. Their speed can also be constrained by other factors, such as geography or a downstream blockage. We develop a state-dependent queueing model in which the service rate depends on the system “load” and “overwork.” Overwork refers to a situation where the system has been under a heavy load for an extended time period. We quantify load as the number of users in the system, and we operationalize overwork with a state variable that is incremented with each service completion in a high-load period and decremented at a rate that is proportional to the number of idle servers during low-load periods. Our model is a quasi-birth-and-death process with a special structure that we exploit to develop efficient and easy-to-implement algorithms to compute system performance measures. We use the analytical model and simulation to demonstrate how using models that ignore adaptive server behavior can result in inconsistencies between planned and realized performance and can lead to suboptimal, unstable, or oscillatory staffing decisions.
Approving educational programmes for paramedics
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: June 2016

The publication of the Health and Care Professions Council's (HCPC) Education annual report has highlighted the on-going need for closer engagement between the regulator and education providers. Ian Peate outlines the role of the HCPC and how it approves and monitors educational programmes in the UK.