bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferring Soil Moisture Memory from Streamflow Observations Using a Simple Water Balance Model
Authors: Orth Rene , Koster Randal D. , Seneviratne Sonia I.
Published: July 2013

Soil moisture is known for its integrative behavior and resulting memory characteristics. Soil moisture anomalies can persist for weeks or even months into the future, making initial soil moisture a potentially important contributor to skill in weather forecasting. A major difficulty when investigating soil moisture and its memory using observations is the sparse availability of long-term measurements and their limited spatial representativeness. In contrast, there is an abundance of long-term streamflow measurements for catchments of various sizes across the world. The authors investigate in this study whether such streamflow measurements can be used to infer and characterize soil moisture memory in respective catchments. Their approach uses a simple water balance model in which evapotranspiration and runoff ratios are expressed as simple functions of soil moisture; optimized functions for the model are determined using streamflow observations, and the optimized model in turn provides information on soil moisture memory on the catchment scale. The validity of the approach is demonstrated with data from three heavily monitored catchments. The approach is then applied to streamflow data in several small catchments across Switzerland to obtain a spatially distributed description of soil moisture memory and to show how memory varies, for example, with altitude and topography.
World’s Greatest Observed Point Rainfalls: Jennings (1950) Scaling Law
Authors: Zhang Huan , Fraedrich Klaus , Zhu Xiuhua , Blender Richard , Zhang Ling
Published: July 2013

The observed relation of worldwide precipitation maxima P versus duration d follows the Jennings scaling law, P ≈ db, with scaling coefficient b ≈ 0.5. This scaling is demonstrated to hold for single-station rainfall extending over three decades. A conceptual stochastic rainfall model that reveals similar scaling behavior is introduced as a first-order autoregressive process [AR(1)] to represent the lower tropospheric vertical moisture fluxes, whose upward components balance the rainfall while the downward components are truncated and defined as no rain. Estimates of 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) vertical moisture flux autocorrelations (at grids near the rainfall stations) provide estimates for the truncated AR(1). Subjected to maximum depth-duration analysis, the scaling coefficient b ≈ 0.5 is obtained extending for about two orders of magnitude, which is associated with a wide range of vertical moisture flux autocorrelations 0.1 < a < 0.7.
Large-Amplitude Internal Solitary Waves Observed in the Northern South China Sea: Properties and Energetics
Authors: Lien Ren-Chieh , Henyey Frank , Ma Barry , Yang Yiing Jang
Published: July 2013

Five large-amplitude internal solitary waves (ISWs) propagating westward on the upper continental slope in the northern South China Sea were observed in May–June 2011 with nearly full-depth measurements of velocity, temperature, salinity, and density. As they shoaled, at least three waves reached the convective breaking limit: along-wave current velocity exceeded the wave propagation speed C. Vertical overturns of ~100 m were observed within the wave cores; estimated turbulent kinetic energy was up to 1.5 × 10−4 W kg−1. In the cores and at the pycnocline, the gradient Richardson number was mostly <0.25. The maximum ISW vertical displacement was 173 m, 38% of the water depth. The normalized maximum vertical displacement was ~0.4 for three convective breaking ISWs, in agreement with laboratory results for shoaling ISWs. Observed ISWs had greater available potential energy (APE) than kinetic energy (KE). For one of the largest observed ISWs, the total wave energy per unit meter along the wave crest E was 553 MJ m−1, more than three orders of magnitude greater than that observed on the Oregon Shelf. Pressure work contributed 77% and advection contributed 23% of the energy flux. The energy flux nearly equaled CE. The Dubriel–Jacotin–Long model with and without a background shear predicts neither the observed APE > KE nor the subsurface maximum of the along-wave velocity for shoaling ISWs, but does simulate the total energy and the wave shape. Including the background shear in the model results in the formation of a surface trapped core.
Effects of Asymmetric SST Distribution on Straight-Moving Typhoon Ewiniar (2006) and Recurving Typhoon Maemi (2003)
Authors: Choi Yumi , Yun Kyung-Sook , Ha Kyung-Ja , Kim Kwang-Yul , Yoon Soon-Jo , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: July 2013

The effects of asymmetric sea surface temperature (SST) distribution on the tropical cyclone (TC) motion around East Asia have been examined using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model for the straight-moving Typhoon Ewiniar (2006) and recurving Typhoon Maemi (2003). The SST–TC motion relationships associated with the two different TCs and the physical mechanism of recurvature are investigated in the context of the potential vorticity tendency framework. A zonally asymmetric SST distribution alters the TC translating direction and speed, which is ascribable to the interaction between a TC and the environmental current associated with asymmetric SST forcing. A north–south SST gradient has an insignificant role in the TC motion. It is noted that the straight-moving (i.e., northward moving) TC deflects toward the region of warmer SST when SST is zonally asymmetric. A contribution of the horizontal advection including asymmetric flow induced by asymmetric forcing is dominant for the deflection. The recurving TC reveals northeastward acceleration and deceleration after the recurvature point in the western warming (WW) and eastern warming (EW) experiments, respectively. When it comes to a strong southerly vertical wind shear under the recurvature condition, diabatic heating can be a significant physical process associated with the downward motion over the region of upshear right. The enhanced (reduced) southwesterly flow effectively produces the acceleration (deceleration) of northeastward movement in WW (EW) after recurvature.
Correlation of fractalkine concentrations in serum and synovial fluid with the radiographic severity of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Zou Yucong , Li Yikai , Lu Lu , Lin You , Liang Weiming , Su Zhiyong , Wang Xusheng , Yang Hui , Wang Jianming , Yu Chengfu , Huo Liwei , Ye Yongliang
Published: July 2013

Background

Fractalkine has been detected in synovial fluid (SF) from osteoarthritis (OA) patients. This study aims to examine the relation of fractalkine concentrations in serum and SF with the radiographic severity of OA.

Methods

Fractalkine concentrations of serum and SF were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in 223 patients with knee OA and 165 healthy controls. The progression of OA was classified according to the Kellgren–Lawrence grading system.

Results

Elevated concentrations of fractalkine in serum were found in knee OA patients compared with healthy controls [all results median (interquartile range) 226.25 (183.19–259.91) vs. 127.42 (99.54–154.98) pg/mL, P < 0.001]. The case group included 71 knee OA patients with grade 2, 98 with grade 3, and 54 with grade 4. Knee OA patients with KL grade 4 had significantly higher fractalkine concentrations in serum and SF compared with those with KL grade 2 and 3 [serum: 247.68 (215.05–278.64) vs. 212.45 (169.19–247.96) pg/mL, P < 0.001, and 247.68 (215.05–278.64) vs. 222.00 (179.80–254.98) pg/mL, P = 0.005, respectively; SF: 94.95 (76.46–106.68) vs. 74.31 (63.64–84.79) pg/mL, P < 0.001, and 94.95 (76.46–106.68) vs. 80.34 (68.84–96.39) pg/mL, P = 0.001, respectively]. Knee OA patients with KL grade 3 showed significantly elevated concentrations of fractalkine in SF compared with those with KL grade 2 [80.34 (68.84–96.39) vs. 74.31 (63.64–84.79) pg/mL, P = 0.004]. Fractalkine concentrations in serum and SF of knee OA patients were both significantly associated with the disease severity evaluated by KL grading criteria ( r = 0.261, P < 0.001 and r = 0.366, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

The fractalkine concentrations in serum and SF may serve as an effective biomarker for the severity of OA.
How Surface Waves Reduce Through-Life Costs
Authors: Turner Janice , Jessup Michael
Published: July 2013

This article discusses the possibility of using Zenneck surface waves on platforms in order to reduce through-life engineering costs. It is proposed that this can be achieved in two main ways: (1) replace cables with a surface wave channel to increase the flexibility of designs and reduce the cost of repairs and maintenance and (2) use of surface waves for wide area structural health monitoring to reduce service intervals and inspection times.
You Don’t Really Love Me, Do You? Negative Effects of Imagine-Other Perspective-Taking on Lower Self-Esteem Individuals’ Relationship Well-Being
Authors: Vorauer Jacquie D. , Quesnel Matthew
Published: July 2013

Two studies demonstrated that active efforts to appreciate a romantic partner’s unique point of view (imagine-other perspective-taking) lead individuals lower in self-esteem (LSEs) to feel less loved by their partner and less satisfied with their relationship as a result. These effects were evident regardless of whether individuals’ perspective-taking efforts involved reflecting specifically on a disagreement with their partner (Study 2) or not (Study 1). The studies thus identify a new path through which perspective-taking efforts can detract from relational well-being, one to which LSEs are uniquely vulnerable. Results from an open-ended thought-listing task administered in Study 2 confirmed that increased cognitive energy LSEs devoted to drawing (negative) metaperceptual inferences about their partner’s evaluation of them contributed to the negative effect of imagine-other perspective-taking on their perceived regard. No such effects were evident for individuals higher in self-esteem, and imagine-self perspective-taking instead exerted a general positive influence on individuals’ evaluations of their partner.
Parental Affection and Psychological Control as Mediators Between Parents’ Depressive Symptoms and Child Distress
Authors: Aunola Kaisa , Ruusunen Anna-Kaisa , Viljaranta Jaana , Nurmi Jari-Erik
Published: July 2013

The present study investigated the extent to which parental behavior in daily interaction with one’s child mediates the associations between parental depressive symptoms and children’s daily distress. The participants were 152 Finnish families with a 6- to 7-year-old child. Parents’ depressive symptoms were assessed using the revised Beck Depression Inventory. Children’s distress was operationalized as negative daily emotions assessed by using mother-, father-, and teacher-reported diary questionnaires. Parental affection and psychological control in daily interaction were measured using parent self-reported diary questionnaires. The results of structural equation modeling showed that both mothers’ and fathers’ depressive symptoms were associated with their children’s high level of daily distress. Furthermore, the association between parental depressive symptoms and children’s distress was fully mediated via parents’ psychological control, in particular: depressive parents applied psychological control in their daily interaction with their children, which then was associated with their children’s distress.
Sibling Experiences as Predictors of Romantic Relationship Qualities in Adolescence
Authors: Doughty Susan E. , McHale Susan M. , Feinberg Mark E.
Published: July 2013

This study examined sibling relationship qualities as predictors of romantic relationship characteristics in late adolescence and tested adolescent and sibling gender constellation as potential moderators of these linkages. In home interviews, 125 White working- and middle-class adolescents ( M = 16.52, SD = 0.77 years old at Time 1) reported on sibling relationship intimacy, conflict, and control, and 2 years later they reported on intimacy and their relative power in their romantic relationships. Sibling intimacy was a positive predictor of relative romantic power, and sibling conflict was a negative predictor of romantic intimacy, but only for girls. Sibling control positively predicted romantic intimacy and, for mixed-gender sibling dyads, also predicted relative romantic power. Discussion focuses on the role of siblings in romantic relationships and directions for future research.
Brief Communication
Authors: Brown H. Roger , Mellon-Kusibab Kathy , Bertram Rick , Tillman Tony , Arrington-Brown Leigh , Jordan Holly , Gates Lisa , Miller Richard T.
Published: July 2013

Previous reports investigating the mechanisms of galactosamine toxicity have discussed the presence of responders and nonresponders after intraperitoneal (IP) administration of a toxic dose. The incidence of nonresponders has been reported to be as high as 47%. To rule out inadvertent intestinal, solid organ, or subcutaneous injection as at least a partial cause for the variability, we performed midline incisions and dosed 10 rats via a flexible catheter, with a toxic dose of galactosamine. Results were compared to a previous range finding study with IP-injected rats. As opposed to the IP-injected rats that had a roughly 50% response rate (based on serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] elevation) and 100% of the midline incision catheter-instilled rats had elevations in ALT. Saline controls had no elevations. Histopathologic examination of livers from 5 midline-incisioned rats euthanized 48 hr after dosing with the lowest ALT responses revealed portal eosinophilic infiltrates and biliary hypertrophy/hyperplasia contiguous with areas of necrosis. Examination of 5 rats with the highest ALT elevations euthanized 10 days post dose revealed similar lesions to be resolving. We conclude that a significant contribution to variability in response to IP-injected galactosamine and possibly other investigative drugs is inadvertent misinjection of all or part of the dose.
Politics in the media and the media in politics: A comparative study of the relationship between the media and political systems in three European countries
Authors: Ciaglia Antonio
Published: July 2013

The link between mass media systems and politics is widely acknowledged and has been confirmed by a significant amount of research. However, the degree of this tie and the forms that it can take vary significantly according to different national contexts. By conducting a comparative analysis that is centred on three cases in the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy, this study addresses the overlap between media and politics from a dual perspective: the politicization of public service broadcasting and the permeability of the political system for media-related personalities or practitioners. The data show that the natural connection between political and media systems is never completely absent, although profound differences can be detected in the extent and in the implications that these connections can have for the entire system.
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation and combined foam sclerotherapy treatment of multiple refluxing perforator veins in a Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome patient
Authors: Harrison CC , Holdstock JM , Price BA , Whiteley MS
Published: July 2013

We describe an unusual pattern of venous abnormality and the use of endovenous radiofrequency ablation, using the TRans-Luminal Occlusion of Perforator technique to treat multiple refluxing perforators in a 29-year-old patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterised by a triad of features including unilateral limb overgrowth, venous varicosities and capillary malformations of the affected limb. Ultrasound findings demonstrated 22 incompetent perforator veins in the lateral aspect of the patients left leg, communicating with a complex network of large calibre varicosities causing unilateral leg oedema and pain. Staged radiofrequency ablation procedures using the Olympus Celon RFITT (radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy; please see Technical Note) device under local anaesthetic were performed. These procedures were followed with two sessions of foam sclerotherapy. This case report describes the efficacy of this treatment regime and this patient’s significantly improved morbidity 18 months after initial treatment.
Diagnostic accuracy of neutrophil CD64 expression in neonatal infection: A meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Liu-Qun , Shen Yong-Chun , Hu Qian-Jing , Wan Chun , Wang Tao , Chen Lei , Wen Fu-Qiang
Published: July 2013

Objective

*Liu-Qun Jia and Yong-Chun Shen contributed equally to this work and are joint first authors. The aim of the present study was to establish the predictive values of neutrophil CD64 expression in diagnosing neonatal infection.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Embase® literature databases identified outcome data from published studies estimating the diagnostic accuracy of neutrophil CD64 expression for neonatal infection. Summary estimates for sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated using a bivariate random-effects approach.

Results

Twelve studies including 1915 neonates were analysed. Summary estimates (95% confidence intervals) for CD64 expression in the diagnosis of neonatal infection were: sensitivity, 0.78 (0.75, 0.81); specificity, 0.81 (0.78, 0.83); DOR, 21.27 (11.71, 38.65); positive-likelihood ratio, 4.53 (3.22, 6.36); negative-likelihood ratio, 0.23 (0.14, 0.37); AUC, 0.89.

Conclusions

Neutrophil CD64 expression can be used as an additional test in the diagnosis of neonatal infection. Results of a CD64 assay should not be used alone to diagnose such infections, but should be interpreted in combination with other test results and clinical findings.
The role of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Huang Qiong , Jin Hangmei , Xie Zhenwei , Wang Min , Chen Jian , Zhou Yong
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To investigate the role of extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 and phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2 in the pathogenesis of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods:

Anterior vaginal wall tissue was collected from women with SUI and control subjects. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed for p-ERK1/2. Primary vaginal fibroblast cultures were incubated in the presence or absence of PD98059 (an inhibitor of ERK kinase) and levels of collagen I and III mRNA and protein were examined by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively.

Results:

Levels of p-ERK1/2 were significantly lower in vaginal wall tissue from patients with SUI ( n = 10) compared with controls ( n = 10). PD98059 treatment significantly reduced levels of collagen I and III mRNA and protein.

Conclusions:

Female SUI is associated with reduced levels of p-ERK1/2 compared with controls, and inhibition of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway inhibits collagen type I and III synthesis in vaginal wall fibroblasts.
Second-Look Arthroscopic Evaluation of Chondral Lesions After Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Gong Xi , Jiang Dong , Wang Yong-jian , Wang Jian , Ao Ying-fang , Yu Jia-kuo
Published: July 2013

Background:

Double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been reported to yield better joint stability than single-bundle (SB) reconstruction. Few studies have compared the 2 techniques with regard to postoperative articular cartilage changes.

Hypothesis:

Less cartilage damage should occur in the short term after DB ACLR than after SB ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The study included 52 patients (27 in the DB group and 25 in the SB group) with no chondral or meniscus injury at primary ACLR, as confirmed under arthroscopy. Four-strand and 6- to 8-strand hamstring autografts, respectively, were used for transtibial SB and 4-tunnel DB reconstruction. Each graft was fixed with an EndoButton bioabsorbable interference screw and a staple. Cartilage status at 6 identified regions was evaluated by second-look arthroscopy and the Outerbridge classification. Other assessments at final follow-up included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner and Lysholm scores, side-to-side difference on KT-2000 arthrometer, and range of motion.

Results:

The mean time from reconstruction to second-look arthroscopy was 18.2 and 17.3 months for the DB and SB groups, respectively. Both groups had cartilage lesions at the patellofemoral joint (patella, 9 vs 13; trochlea, 5 vs 12) and the medial compartment (1 vs 2). Significantly less severe lesions were found in the DB group than in the SB group (mean grade, 0.33 vs 0.96; P < .05). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of cartilage status at other regions, IKDC score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, KT-2000 arthrometer anterior laxity, or range of motion.

Conclusion:

Chondral lesions were found postoperatively in both DB and SB ACLR groups with hamstring autograft. The DB ALCR led to less cartilage damage at the femoral trochlea at short-term follow-up.
Copresence
Authors: Campos-Castillo Celeste , Hitlin Steven
Published: July 2013

Copresence, the idea that the presence of other actors shapes individual behavior, links macro- and micro-theorizing about social interaction. Traditionally, scholars have focused on the physical proximity of other people, assuming copresence to be a given, objective condition. However, recent empirical evidence on technologically mediated (e.g., e-mail), imaginary (e.g., prayer), and parasocial (e.g., watching a television show) interactions challenges classic copresence assumptions. In this article we reconceptualize copresence to provide theoretical building blocks (definitions, assumptions, and propositions) for a revitalized research program that allows for the explicit assessment of copresence as an endogenous, subjective variable dynamically related to social context. We treat copresence as the degree to which an actor perceives mutual entrainment (i.e., synchronization of attention, emotion, and behavior) with another actor. We demonstrate the ramifications of this reconceptualization for classic theorizing on micro-macro linkages and contemporary research questions, including methodological artifacts in laboratory research and disparities in patient-provider rapport.
“Bursting Bubbles”
Authors: Macías Teresa
Published: July 2013

In this column, the author presents a brief reflection of the challenges that are associated with teaching social work from a critical, antiracist, postcolonial, feminist, antiheteronormative, and self-reflective perspective and raises questions about the future of critical social work education within changing neoliberal institutional contexts.
Staff Knowledge and Perceptions of Sexuality and Dementia of Older Adults in Nursing Homes
Authors: Di Napoli Elizabeth A. , Breland Gloria Lauren , Allen Rebecca S.
Published: July 2013

Objectives: Adults hold negative attitudes toward sexual expression in late life. We investigated knowledge and attitudes about older adult sexuality and dementia among staff in nursing homes (NHs). Method: We acquired staff demographics, knowledge of dementia and sexuality, and attitudes of sexuality. Staff participated in focus groups and received continuing education credit. Results: The three NHs had an average census of 178 beds. Participants’ ( N = 100) mean age was 38.53. The most common type of sexual contact reported was nondemented male with nondemented female (67.5%), followed by demented male with demented female (53.6%). Participants endorsed neutral attitudes about late-life sexuality. Focus groups revealed a need for more training and effective interventions to balance resident safety and autonomy. Discussion: Staffs’ knowledge of sexuality and dementia, desire for guidance in “managing” sexual expression, and neutral attitudes toward late-life sexuality supports the need for educational interventions on sexuality and dementia in NH.
Walking or Dancing
Authors: Fan Jessie X. , Kowaleski-Jones Lori , Wen Ming
Published: July 2013

Objectives:To identify age differences in physical activity (PA) participation for women. Methods: Data from 3,952 women 25+ from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were used to analyze participation patterns for 17 PA types. Results: The top five leisure PAs by participation rate for all ages were walking (42%), dancing (20%), treadmill (15%), biking (11%), and yoga (10%). Participation in running, dancing, treadmill, and team sports declined around ages 35 to 44, and participation in household PA, walking, weightlifting, and hiking declined around ages 55 to 64. At age 75+ further substantial decline in most activities occurred. Nativity status was the most important moderator for age-related PA decline. Conclusions: Total PA declines with age but significant decline does not occur until ages 55 to 64. Major decline in leisure PA participation starts earlier at ages 35 to 44. While age-related declining patterns differ for different activities, the top five most popular leisure activities are similar for all age groups.
Responding to the Environmental Noise Directive by demonstrating the benefits of rail grinding on the Great Britain’s* railway network
Authors: Craven Nick , Bewes Oliver Guy , Fenech Benjamin Aaron , Jones Rick
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates a significant reduction in environmental noise attributable to changes in the Network Rail grinding strategy employed within GB. It also considers how these findings could inform noise mapping and action plans required by the Environmental Noise Directive (END). Acoustic track quality (ATQ) is a measure of the surface roughness of the running rails and is proportional to wayside rolling noise levels during the passage of a train. Levels of ATQ have been determined for approximately 1100 km of track on GB’s East and West Coast mainlines from wayside noise measurements made during the pass-by of Network Rail’s New Measurement Train and data collected by an under-carriage microphone system fitted to this train. The results show a substantial apparent reduction in rail surface roughness and associated wayside noise levels since a similar study was undertaken in 2004. While these findings require further verification they are supported by initial direct rail head roughness level measurements which also show low levels of roughness. The results of the study show how a maintenance rail grinding strategy can potentially reduce wayside noise levels across large parts of a railway network. While the measure of track quality used to evaluate the benefits of a maintenance rail grinding strategy is specific to GB’s method for calculating railway noise, the results also provide insight into the potential benefits of maintenance rail grinding on networks outside of GB. In addition the results demonstrate the importance of including a track quality parameter, such as ATQ, in any prediction methodologies for rail noise used in noise mapping exercises, such as those being undertaken as part of the END.
Influence of unsupported sleepers on the dynamic response of a heavy haul railway embankment
Authors: Shi Jin , Chan Andrew H , Burrow Michael PN
Published: July 2013

It is not uncommon for conventional ballasted railway track systems to have unsupported sleepers due the uneven settlement of the ballast or subgrade. In order to investigate the possible implications of unsupported sleepers, this paper describes the development of a dynamic finite element model which includes wheel/rail friction. The developed model was used to investigate the behavior of a section of existing track on the ballasted Shuohuang heavy haul railway line in China. The investigation showed that the maximum displacement of the rails and sleepers increases significantly with the number of consecutive unsupported sleepers. Furthermore, the magnitude of the displacement between an unsupported sleeper and the ballast is likely to greatly exacerbate ballast/sleeper attrition and reduce the fatigue life of the hanging sleeper. An increase in the number of unsupported sleepers amplifies these effects. In addition, it was found that the sleepers adjacent to unsupported ones carry an additional load resulting potentially in their increased wear and additional damage to the substructure. To better understand the wider implications of the presence of unsupported sleepers on track performance, the stability, safety (in terms of derailment) and potential for rail and substructure damage were computed as a function of the number of unsupported sleepers (one to four) and compared with specifications. The results showed that the number of unsupported sleepers has a significant adverse impact on all four measures. However, while the effects on stability, safety and rail damage were within the limits suggested in specifications, even when four sleepers were modeled, the potential for substructure failure within a typical design life of the railway system was identified.
Selection of suitable natural refrigerants pairs for cascade refrigeration system
Authors: Sarkar Jahar , Bhattacharyya Souvik , Lal Arjun
Published: July 2013

This study presents thermodynamic analyses and optimization of a two-stage cascade system employing a choice of eight natural refrigerants leading to the most suitable refrigerants pair for wide ranges of operating temperatures; the optimal pair was based on best system performance (cooling coefficient of performance) as well as best volumetric cooling capacity (compressor compactness). Out of the 56 possible combinations of high temperature and low temperature fluids with eight natural refrigerants – namely, ammonia, carbon dioxide, propane, propylene, n-butane, isobutane, ethane, and ethylene – the primary selection has been done based on the criteria of normal boiling point and critical point of both low temperature and high temperature fluids following the guideline of the operating temperatures of a refrigerant to be within its critical point and normal boiling point. All the selections have been made based on an optimum intermediate temperature leading to maximum cooling coefficient of performance for an individual pair. Effect of compressor isentropic efficiency on optimization and selection has been studied as well. Two selection charts along with tables have been developed, one for the highest coefficient of performance and another for the highest volumetric capacity; these design tools are expected to offer useful guidelines to select the best refrigerant pair for specific ranges of condenser and evaporator temperatures.
Biogeochemical evidence for hydrologic changes during the Holocene in a lake sediment record from southeast Greenland
Authors: Balascio Nicholas L , D’Andrea William J , Bradley Raymond S , Perren Bianca B
Published: July 2013

Holocene paleoclimate records from Greenland help us understand the response of the Greenland Ice Sheet and regional oceanic and atmospheric circulation systems to natural climate variability in order to place recent changes in a longer-term perspective. Here biogeochemical analysis of a lake sediment core from southeast Greenland is used to define changes in moisture balance and runoff during the Holocene in a catchment near the margin of the Greenland Ice Sheet. A 1.6 m sediment core that spans the last 8.8 ka was recovered from Flower Valley Lake on Ammassalik Island. Magnetic susceptibility, diatoms, bulk biogeochemical properties (TOC, C/N, δ13Corg), and lipid biomarkers ( n-alkanes; C16–C31) reveal changes in clastic sedimentation and the relative input of terrestrial- and aquatic-derived organic matter. Hydrogen isotope values (δ D) of mid- ( n-C25) and long-chain ( n-C29, n-C31) n-alkanes allow reconstruction of δ D of precipitation and summertime evaporation of lake water. Following a period of early lake ontogeny and landscape stabilization after deglaciation from 8.4 to 7.0 ka, the mid Holocene, 8.4–4.1 ka, is characterized by greater evaporative enrichment of the lake water as indicated by δ D records. After 4.1 ka, there is a decrease in evaporative enrichment of the lake water. There is also an abrupt transition to more variable sedimentation marked by sharp increases in magnetic susceptibility, C/N, δ13Corg, and the concentration of long-chain n-alkanes, showing periodic delivery of terrestrial organic matter and clastic sediment to the lake. Higher insolation during the mid Holocene resulted in a warmer and drier climate with longer ice-free periods in the summer and enhanced evaporation of lake water. The reduction in insolation and colder temperatures during the late Holocene caused a reduction in evaporation of lake water over the last 4.1 ka and was accompanied by periodic increases in surface runoff, which correspond with intervals of cold Greenland Ice Sheet surface temperatures.
Risk prediction for myocardial infarction via generalized functional regression models
Authors: Ieva Francesca , Paganoni Anna M
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we propose a generalized functional linear regression model for a binary outcome indicating the presence/absence of a cardiac disease with multivariate functional data among the relevant predictors. In particular, the motivating aim is the analysis of electrocardiographic traces of patients whose pre-hospital electrocardiogram (ECG) has been sent to 118 Dispatch Center of Milan (the Italian free-toll number for emergencies) by life support personnel of the basic rescue units. The statistical analysis starts with a preprocessing of ECGs treated as multivariate functional data. The signals are reconstructed from noisy observations. The biological variability is then removed by a nonlinear registration procedure based on landmarks. Thus, in order to perform a data-driven dimensional reduction, a multivariate functional principal component analysis is carried out on the variance-covariance matrix of the reconstructed and registered ECGs and their first derivatives. We use the scores of the Principal Components decomposition as covariates in a generalized linear model to predict the presence of the disease in a new patient. Hence, a new semi-automatic diagnostic procedure is proposed to estimate the risk of infarction (in the case of interest, the probability of being affected by Left Bundle Brunch Block). The performance of this classification method is evaluated and compared with other methods proposed in literature. Finally, the robustness of the procedure is checked via leave- j-out techniques.
Condition Structural Index using Principal Component Analysis for undamaged, damage and repair conditions of carbon fiber–reinforced plastic laminate
Authors: Mohd Aris Khairul Dahri , Mustapha Faizal , Salit Mohd Sapuan , Abang Abdul Majid Dayang Laila
Published: July 2013

This article deals with the data reduction technique using the principal component analysis applied to the carbon fiber–reinforced plastic panels for structural health monitoring approaches. Two carbon fiber–reinforced plastic panels subjected to damage and repair coincide with typical aircraft repair procedures found in the aircraft structural repair manual. The panels were simulated with 30 mm diameter of partial and full penetration damages using a diamond-coated router. The data (50 observations) were captured for the undamaged, damaged, and repaired conditions by placing lead zirconate titanate smart sensors at 100 mm across the damaged and repaired structures. A time-based data response was captured for post analysis during the interrogation on the structure at each condition. The raw data were captured in a Lamb waveform, and the interested features were extracted using Morlet wavelet analysis to evaluate the Condition Structural Index and Amplitude-Based Assessment for each condition retrieved from the Gaussian-like distribution. The results were evaluated using the principal component analysis technique in order to distinguish the characteristic of the undamaged, damaged, and repaired conditions. The results showed that in all cases considered, it was possible to distinguish the conditions of undamaged, damaged, and repaired states with promising accuracy and repeatability of the data.
Inflammatory and Procoagulant Cytokine Levels During Pregnancy as Predictors of Adverse Obstetrical Complications
Authors: Dibble Shannon , Andersen Anita , Lassen Michael Rud , Cunanan Josephine , Hoppensteadt Debra , Fareed Jawed
Published: July 2013

Introduction:

Disturbances in cytokine networks are believed to be associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy complications.

Methods:

Plasma samples collected from pregnant women with preterm deliveries, high-risk pregnancy complications including postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and multiple gestations, and normal pregnancies were analyzed at different periods throughout gestation and postpartum. Interleukin (IL) 1β , IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor α, and antiprotein Z antibody levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

The IL-6 levels in preterm delivery patients were elevated during pregnancy with statistically significant differences observed at 21 to 32 weeks ( P < .01) and 33+ weeks ( P < .001). The IL-10 levels were increased in normal pregnancy at all time points compared to the other patient groups ( P < .05). The TNF-α levels were elevated in the high-risk pregnancy group versus normal controls ( P < .001 at <21 weeks and P < .05 at 21-32 weeks).

Conclusion:

Analysis of the maternal plasma for elevated IL-6 and reduced IL-10 levels may be of value in the early prediction of pregnancy complications.
The Prevalence of Factor V Leiden (G1691A) and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Mutations in Sickle Cell Disease in Western India
Authors: Kangne Harshada K. , Jijina Farah F. , Italia Yazdi M. , Jain Dipti L. , Nadkarni Anita H. , Ghosh Kanjaksha K. , Colah Roshan B.
Published: July 2013

The prevalence of the Factor V Leiden (FVL; G1691A) mutation and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; C677T) mutation was determined in 180 patients with sickle cell (SS) disease (126 sickle homozygous and 54 sickle β-thalassaemia—age 1-47 years) and in 130 healthy controls. The FVL mutation in the heterozygous state was present in only 3 patients with SS disease and was absent in the controls. Genotyping of MTHFR 677C > T revealed increased frequency of the C allele than the T allele in patients as well as in controls. This suggests that these genetic markers may not be major risk factors for a hypercoagulable state in Indian patients with SS disease.
Application-tailored linear algebra algorithms
Authors: Fabregat-Traver Diego , Bientinesi Paolo
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we tackle the problem of automatically generating algorithms for linear algebra operations by taking advantage of problem-specific knowledge. In most situations, users possess much more information about the problem at hand than what current libraries and computing environments accept; evidence shows that if properly exploited, such information leads to uncommon/unexpected speedups. We introduce a knowledge-aware linear algebra compiler that allows users to input matrix equations together with properties about the operands and the problem itself; for instance, they can specify that the equation is part of a sequence, and how successive instances are related to one another. The compiler exploits all of this information to guide the generation of algorithms, to limit the size of the search space, and to avoid redundant computations. We applied the compiler to equations arising as part of sensitivity and genome studies. For the first application, the algorithms produced by our compiler attained, when compared with ADIFOR, speedups of between 29× and 79×. In the case of genome studies, the produced algorithms outperformed the state-of-the-art libraries GenABEL and FaST-LMM by factors beyond 1000.
Accommodation of religious diversity at the workplace through the prism of state–religion relations
Authors: Grekova Maya , Kyurkchieva Iva , Kosseva Maya
Published: July 2013

Issues of religion and the relations with the state do not attract continuous public interest in Bulgaria as they do in a number of Western European countries discussed in this special issue. Awareness and sensitivity of the Bulgarian civil society towards issues of religious diversity is low. This is also the case to an even greater extent with the issue of how religion and religious diversity are accommodated in workplaces. As a rule, public interest in religion is aroused only by certain provocative events. Explaining the historical background and developments that led to the contemporary legal and institutional framework, this article utilizes data from interviews with key opinion makers to provide context and insight in public debates and perceptions on the ground in Bulgaria. Interviews were conducted with key Bulgarian opinion makers, including politicians, unions and representatives from the main religions in Bulgaria. These respondents declared adamantly that there are no problems related to or provoked by religion in the field of labour-legal relations concerning individuals. However, there were some examples provided concerning religious holidays and prayers; the issue of religious dress in the workplace has been largely absent in legal forums. One reason for the lack of cases may be the lack of trust in the justice system as well as the presence of more pressing matters for workers who may face poverty, in one of the poorer EU Member States.

During the last two decades, Bulgaria has developed the legal and institutional framework for the protection of human rights and equal treatment, but its practical implementation is still not effective enough. Individuals and organizations from different religious communities still try to find everyday solutions for their problems without opting for a real long-term legal resolution.
The promotion of sexual equality and non-discrimination in the workplace
Authors: Oyewunmi Adejoke
Published: July 2013

Despite some progress in the educational and professional attainments of Nigerian women, there are still challenges confronting them in the bid to achieve full integration at work. This article examines the various dimensions of the concept of sexual equality and non-discrimination at work and their manifestations in the Nigerian workplace. In particular, the article undertakes an analysis of discriminatory gender-related workplace challenges militating against women’s access to formal employment and promotion to higher managerial and professional positions. The adequacy of provisions relating to maternity protection, childcare, health and safety at work and equal remuneration are examined, while statutory and judicial responses to these issues are analysed against the background of relevant international and regional standards. Nigerian dimensions of other aspects related to sex-based discrimination, including those touching on sexual orientation and gender reassignment, are also highlighted.
Hearing loss and the risk of disability pension in Norway: The Hunt Study
Authors: Helvik Anne-Sofie , Krokstad Steinar , Tambs Kristian
Published: July 2013

Aim: The purpose was to explore the possible associations between measured hearing thresholds and work related disability pension granted for other medical reasons in a Norwegian population. Method: This study included 25,537 persons from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) aged 20–54 years at baseline in HUNT1 (1984–1986) who also participated in the follow-up study 11 years later, HUNT2 (1995–1997) that included a hearing examination. Logistic regression analyses of disability pension granted up to 1996 or earlier in life were conducted for men and women separately and in two age strata. Effects of low, middle and high-frequency hearing thresholds were explored, adjusting the effects of each hearing frequency for each other. Further adjustment was made for educational level, category of work (seven categories) and general health in HUNT1. Results: In all, 0.4% (16 of 4306) of the disability pensions granted up to 1996 was due to hearing related diagnoses. The risk of being granted disability pension up to 1996 with registered diagnoses not related to hearing loss increased with degree of loss of low-frequency hearing in young and middle-aged men and middle-aged women (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.25–2.37; OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04–1.30; OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00–1.23). Conclusions: Hearing loss diagnoses are rarely reported as main causes in disability statistics, however, degree of hearing loss increased the risk of being granted with disability pensioning with diagnoses not related to hearing loss.
A framework for modelling non-steady-state concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds indoors – II. Interactions with particulate matter
Authors: Guo Zhishi
Published: July 2013

This paper describes a method for dynamic modelling of the interactions of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) with airborne and settled particulate matter in the indoor environment. As part of the framework for dynamic modelling of indoor SVOCs recently proposed by this author, this method is fully compatible with the other components in the framework. With reduced computational complexity, the method is more flexible than the existing dynamic models. Despite the uncertainties in some of the key parameters, the simulation results have revealed important information regarding the general behaviour of SVOC-particle interactions and the role of particulate matter in human exposure to indoor SVOCs.
Dimensions of Indigenous journalism culture: Exploring Māori news-making in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Hanusch Folker
Published: July 2013

Indigenous news media have experienced significant growth across the globe in recent years, but they have received only limited attention in mainstream society or the journalism and communication research community. Yet, Indigenous journalism is playing an arguably increasingly important role in contributing to Indigenous politics and identities, and is worthy of closer analysis. Using in-depth interviews, this article provides an overview of the main dimensions of Indigenous journalism as they can be found in the journalism culture of Ma¯ori journalists in Aotearoa New Zealand. It argues that Ma¯ori journalists see their role as providing a counter-narrative to mainstream media reporting and as contributing to Indigenous empowerment and revitalization of their language. At the same time, they view themselves as watchdogs, albeit within a culturally specific framework that has its own constraints. The article argues that the identified dimensions are reflective of evidence on Indigenous journalism from across the globe.
Transaction cost reduction and innovations for spontaneous cities: Promoting a ‘meeting’ between Coase and Schumpeter
Authors: Lai Lawrence WC , Lorne Frank T
Published: July 2013

In urban spatial economic analysis, two largely disjunctive pro-market approaches influenced by Ronald Coase and Joseph Schumpeter have emerged in the discussion of spontaneous cities. They are transaction cost–based Coasian analysis and innovation-based Schumpeterian analysis. As an original attempt to contribute to planning theory using Coasian and Schumpeterian economic concepts, this article reviews the relevant literature, elucidates the conceptual differences between the two approaches and argues that they are not only theoretically compatible but also practically inseparable. An attempt has been made to pin the two approaches down using standard economic concepts with reference to the writings of Schumpeter. Three groups of actual examples from land law and property development are used to demonstrate and elaborate on this argument.