bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Índices de Eficácia e Eficiência para a Política Monetária: Uma análise do desempenho brasileiro nas Metas de Inflação
Authors: Leal Ricardo Aguirre , Feijó Flávio Tosi
Published: September 2014

O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar e quantificar o desempenho da política monetária brasileira no regime de Metas de Inflação, utilizando Indicadores de Eficácia e Eficiência, o que pode ser considerado uma nova metodologia para avaliação de política monetária. Ao final concluiu-se que a política monetária, ao longo dos doze anos completos de Metas de Inflação, foi ineficaz em quatro anos do período e ineficiente em cinco anos, ao passo que a meta da inflação não foi atingida apenas em três anos do período.
On the triple hierarchical variational inequalities with constraints of mixed equilibria, variational inclusions and systems of generalized equilibria
Authors: Yao Jen-Chih , Lu-chuan Cheng
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we introduce and analyze a relaxed iterative algorithm by combining Korpelevich's extragradient method, hybrid steepest-descent method and Mann's iteration method. It is proven that under appropriate assumptions, the proposed algorithm converges strongly to a common element of the fixed point set of infinitely many nonexpansive mappings, the solution set of a generalized mixed equilibrium problem (GMEP), the solution set of finitely many variational inclusions and the solution set of a system of generalized equilibrium problems (SGEP), which is just a unique solution of a triple hierarchical variational inequality (THVI) in a real Hilbert space. In addition, we also consider the application of the proposed algorithm to solving a hierarchical variational inequality problem with constraints of the GMEP, the SGEP and finitely many variational inclusions.
Recent developments on a nonlocal problem arising in the micro-electro mechanical system
Authors: Guo Jong-Shenq
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we study an evolution problem arises in the study of MEMS (micro-electro mechanical system) device. We consider both parabolic and hyperbolic type problems. We summarize some recent results on the steady states and the global vs non-global existence of solutions. We also list some open problems and provide a list (far from complete) of references related to this subject.
On h-purifiable submodule of QTAG-module
Authors: Mohammad Khan Zubair , Gargi Varshney
Published: September 2014

Different concepts and decomposition theorems have been done for QTAG-modules by a number of authors. The concept of quasi $h$-pure submodules were introduced and different characterizations were obtained in \cite{5}. %[5]. The purpose of this paper is to obtain the relation between purifiability of a submodule and quasi $h$-pure submodules. Further we obtained results which shows that purifiability of a submodule is very much dependent on the purifiability of a $h$-pure and $h$-dense submodule of the given submodule.
O modelo de internacionalização de Uppsala sob a ótica da Visão Baseada em Recursos (RBV)
Authors:   Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Teixeira Ana Paula Pydd , Flores Francisco Sperotto ,   Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos
Published: September 2014

A escola de Uppsala propõe um modelo que considera o aumento gradual do nível de internacionalização da firma, através da obtenção de conhecimento sobre novos mercados e comprometimento de recursos. Mudanças no ambiente de negócios e releituras teóricas levaram ao reconhecimento da influência das redes de negócio sobre os processos de aprendizagem e obtenção de conhecimento. Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar o modelo conceitual de Uppsala e seus desdobramentos, a partir da Visão Baseada em Recursos (RBV). Desta forma, pretende-se discutir o papel dos recursos e capacidades para a geração de conhecimento e aprendizagem das empresas durante processos de internacionalização.
Proposta simplificada de avaliação da gestão da qualidade em entidades de classe
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Almeida Damiana Machado de , Costa Vânia Medianeira Flores ,   Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Alves Clarissa Peterini ,   Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santos Andressa Schaurich dos ,   Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
Published: September 2014

Este artigo tem como objetivo propor um modelo simplificado de avaliação da gestão das entidades de classe que possibilite mensurar e classificar os diferentes níveis de gestão, no intuito de auxiliar as organizações a melhorar o seu desempenho organizacional. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica acerca da evolução histórica da Gestão da Qualidade utilizando-se os oito critérios do Modelo de Excelência da Gestão (MEG) da Fundação Nacional da Qualidade (FNQ) - Liderança, Estratégias e Planos, Clientes, Sociedade, Informações e Conhecimento, Pessoas, Processos e Resultados. A partir da revisão bibliográfica da qualidade e da gestão por excelência apresentou-se uma Proposta Simplificada de Avaliação da Gestão da Qualidade em Entidades de Classe, que pretende auxiliar as lideranças em uma visão sistêmica necessária para gerir esse tipo de organização, tratando-se de um instrumento capaz de fornecer subsídios para a tomada de decisão e de constituir-se em uma entrada para o plano de aperfeiçoamento da gestão organizacional.
Os prefeitos atendem às exigências legais de prestação de contas? Um olhar a partir dos portais eletrônicos de municípios de Santa Catarina
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Raupp Fabiano Maury , Abreu Eliza de ,   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Silva Manuella Santos ,   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina
Published: September 2014

O objetivo da pesquisa consiste em investigar a capacidade dos portais eletrônicos de prefeituras de municípios de Santa Catarina com população superior a 10.000 habitantes para a construção de prestação de contas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, realizada por meio de um estudo survey, com abordagem quali-quantitativa. As observações para verificar a prestação de contas nos portais eletrônicos ocorreram em outubro e novembro de 2013. A coleta de dados foi realizada através do protocolo de observação fundamentado no modelo de análise proposto por Raupp (2011), que considera indicadores agrupados em quatro categorias: nula capacidade, baixa capacidade, média capacidade e alta capacidade. Dos 122 portais pesquisados, 90,16% apresentaram divulgação parcial e/ou após o prazo do conjunto de exigências legais sobre os gastos incorridos, demonstrando o descumprimento da legislação. A divulgação, no prazo, do conjunto de exigências legais sobre os gastos incorridos, é realizada por 9,84% do universo pesquisado.
Sistema de automação residencial escalável e sem fio utilizando tecnologias de baixo custo
Authors:   Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, Santos Douglas de Menezes Silva dos
Published: September 2014

Sistemas de automação residencial tem cada vez atraído os usuários na busca por conforto e tecnologia. No entanto, soluções disponíveis comercialmente possuem um custo elevado e um processo de instalação complexo. A solução proposta tem como objetivo reduzir o custo para soluções de automação residencial e facilitar o uso do sistema, tanto no processo de instalação, quanto na forma de interagir com o sistema, permitindo ao usuário utilizar o sistema em qualquer dispositivo que possua um navegador web e conexão com a internet.
Análise de aderência de bibliotecas Java Server Faces em relação a HTML5
Authors:   Universidade Regional de Blumenau, Heinzen Luiz Angelo
Published: September 2014

O HTML5 traz novas funcionalidades à web, enriquecendo a experiência dos usuários. O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar as bibliotecas de componentes JSF PrimeFaces e RichFaces no que diz respeito a tais funcionalidades. O objetivo é checar se as bibliotecas fazem uso das novidades, ao avaliar o HTML gerado pelas páginas JSF. Foi constatado que as bibliotecas não geram HTML5 ativamente, usando componentes próprios sempre que possível. Tal comportamento pode ser alterado, usando funcionalidades do JSF. E a biblioteca PrimeFaces se mostrou mais amigável a geração de HTML5 do que a biblioteca RichFaces.
Residue Removal of Pesticides from Brinjal Using Different Processing Methods
Authors: Aasia Akbar Panhwar  , Saghir Ahmed Sheikh  , Aijaz Hussain Soomro  , Ghulam Hussain Abro
Published: September 2014

The present study was conducted on the residual removal of six pesticides (bifenthrin, profenofos, endosulfan, imidacloprid difenthiuron and emamectin benzoate) from brinjal by using various house hold processing methods such as washing, detergent washing, peeling, drying and cooking/frying etc. The data revealed that high amount of all pesticide residues (above MRLs) were present and unfit for human consumption in raw form. From water soluble pesticides diafenthiuron reduced more in blanching as compared with imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate. Frying reduced the residues more effectively, rendering it fit for human consumption. Washing followed by frying reduced the fat soluble residues >70% whereas water soluble pesticide residues >80%. It was concluded that each processing was found to be effective in reduction of pesticides residues.
Peace Corps Partnered Health Services Implementation Research in Global Health: Opportunity for Impact
Authors: Dykens Andrew , Hedrick Chris , Ndiaye Youssoupha , Linn Annē
Published: September 2014

Background:

There is abundant evidence of the affordable, life-saving interventions effective at the local primary health care level in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the understanding of how to deliver those interventions in diverse settings is limited. Primary healthcare services implementation research is needed to elucidate the contextual factors that can influence the outcomes of interventions, especially at the local level. US universities commonly collaborate with LMIC universities, communities, and health system partners for health services research but common barriers exist. Current challenges include the capacity to establish an ongoing presence in local settings in order to facilitate close collaboration and communication. The Peace Corps is an established development organization currently aligned with local health services in many LMICs and is well-positioned to facilitate research partnerships. This article explores the potential of a community–Peace Corps–academic partnership approach to conduct local primary healthcare services implementation research.

Discussion:

The Peace Corps is well positioned to offer insights into local contextual factors because volunteers work closely with local leaders, have extensive trust within local communities, and have an ongoing, constant, well-integrated presence. However, the Peace Corps does not routinely conduct primary healthcare services implementation research. Universities, within the United States and locally, could benefit from the established resources and trust of the Peace Corps to conduct health services implementation research to advance access to local health services and further the knowledge of real world application of local health services in a diversity of settings. The proposed partnership would consist of (1) a local community advisory board and local health system leaders, (2) Peace Corps volunteers, and (3) a US-LMIC academic institutional collaboration. Within the proposed partnership approach, the contributions of each partner are as follows: the local community and health system leadership guides the work in consideration of local priorities and context; the Peace Corps provides logistical support, community expertise, and local trust; and the academic institutions offer professional technical and public health educational and training resources and research support.

Conclusion:

The Peace Corps offers the opportunity to enhance a community-academic partnership in LMICs through community-level guidance, logistical assistance, and research support for community based participatory primary healthcare services implementation research that addresses local primary healthcare priorities.
Some new and noteworthy bryophytes from Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus moorei) forests of north-eastern New South Wales
Authors: Downing Alison , Peacock Ross , Ramsay Helen
Published: September 2014

Bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, hornworts) are an abundant and conspicuous component of the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests of Australia which comprise several discontinuous areas of subtropical forests and woodland along the Great Escarpment of north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland. The Gondwana Rainforests are considered to be of exceptionally high conservation value, with more than 200 rare or threatened plant and animal species but, surprisingly, no mention is made of bryophytes in the statement of outstanding universal values. Recent studies in Werrikimbe and Willi Willi National Parks using bryophytes as fine-scale indicators of rainforest condition, have identified a number of unusual and interesting bryophytes including the moss Rosulabryum epiphyticum (Bryaceae), Leptodontium viticulosoides, (Pottiaceae) and several endemic species of Macromitrium (Orthotrichaceae) The moss Fissidens thorsbornei (synonym: Nanobryum thorsbornei) (Fissidentaceae) and the liverwort Lejeunea gracilipes (Lejeuneaceae), are reported as new records for New South Wales.
Temperature‐Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Authors: Pyda Marek
Published: September 2014

Temperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) can be considered as the combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and periodic temperature perturbations. In TMDSC, the programmed temperature is the result of the superimposition of the underlying heating rate and different types of modulation such as a sinusoidal, sawtooth‐like, complex‐sawtooth, step‐isothermal, stochastic, or other temperature modulation. TMDSC allows examining a variety of phenomena and processes in polymeric materials, including glass transition, cold crystallization, crystallization, reorganization, melting, and aging. TMDSC can be used to extract important characteristics such as glass transition temperature (
T
g
), changes in heat capacity at
T
g
, enthalpy relaxation, melting temperature, heat of fusion, crystallization; total, reversing, nonreversing heat capacity; and many other parameters. All these quantities can be measured as a function of temperature, time, frequency, and other variables. In this article, fundamental aspects of TMDSC and applications of this method to polymeric materials are presented.
Coseismic and postseismic motion of a landslide: Observations, modeling, and analogy with tectonic faults
Authors: Lacroix P. , Perfettini H. , Taipe E. , Guillier B.
Published: September 2014

We document the first time series of a landslide reactivation by an earthquake using continuous GPS measurements over the Maca landslide (Peru). Our survey shows a coseismic response of the landslide of about 2 cm, followed by a relaxation period of 5 weeks during which postseismic slip is 3 times greater than the coseismic displacement itself. Our results confirm the coseismic activation of landslides and provide the first observation of a postseismic displacement. These observations are consistent with a mechanical model where slip on the landslide basal interface is governed by rate and state friction, analogous to the mechanics of creeping tectonic faults, opening new perspectives to study the mechanics of landslides and active faults.
Global synthesis of vegetation control on evapotranspiration partitioning
Authors: Wang Lixin , Good Stephen P. , Caylor Kelly K.
Published: September 2014

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of the global hydrological cycle. However, to what extent transpiration ratios (T/ET) are controlled by vegetation and the mechanisms of global‐scale T/ET variations are not clear. We synthesized all the published papers that measured at least two of the three components (E, T, and ET) and leaf area index (LAI) simultaneously. Nonlinear relationships between T/ET and LAI were identified for both the overall data set and agricultural or natural data subsets. Large variations in T/ET occurred across all LAI ranges with wider variability at lower LAI. For a given LAI, higher T/ET was observed during later vegetation growing stage within a season. We developed a function relating T/ET to the growing stage relative to the timing of peak LAI. LAI and growing stage collectively explained 43% of the variations in the global T/ET data set, providing a new way to interpret and model global T/ET variability.
Observational evidence of high‐altitude meteor trail from radar interferometer
Authors: Li Guozhu , Ning Baiqi , Wan Weixing , Reid I. M. , Hu Lianhuan , Yue Xinan , Younger J. P. , Dolman B. K.
Published: September 2014

Whether radar meteor echoes occur at high altitudes (above ~130 km) in the Earth's atmosphere is a long‐standing question within the meteor radar community. Using observations from the Sanya VHF coherent radar interferometer during 11 July to 10 August 2013, we have found a new class of range‐spread high‐altitude meteor trail echoes (HAMEs), some of which appeared at ~170 km altitude lasting more than 10 s. A statistical analysis on the local time dependence of the identified HAME events shows a maximum around 00–04 LT. The results imply that there could be much more meteor mass input due to meteoroid sputtering at high altitudes in the Earth's atmosphere than previously thought.
The response of midlatitude jets to increased CO2: Distinguishing the roles of sea surface temperature and direct radiative forcing
Authors: Grise Kevin M. , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: September 2014

In Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models, the zonal‐mean tropospheric circulation shifts robustly poleward in the Southern Hemisphere extratropics in response to increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) extratropics, the circulation response to CO2 is largely absent in the zonal mean and is instead characterized by complex regional anomalies. This study decomposes the atmospheric circulation response to CO2 forcing in CMIP5 models into two components: a direct component due to CO2 radiative forcing and an indirect component associated with sea surface temperature (SST)‐mediated changes. The direct radiative forcing of CO2 drives a weak poleward jet shift in both hemispheres, whereas the indirect (SST) component of the CO2 forcing dominates the total response and drives a zonally asymmetric response in the NH. Hence, understanding the SST‐mediated component of atmospheric CO2 forcing appears crucial to unlocking the mechanisms that contribute to forced extratropical circulation changes.
Modes of climate variability and heat waves in Victoria, southeastern Australia
Authors: Parker Teresa J. , Berry Gareth J. , Reeder Michael J. , Nicholls Neville
Published: September 2014

Summertime heat waves in the southeastern state of Victoria, Australia, are associated with broad anticyclonic upper level potential vorticity (PV) anomalies. The current research establishes the relationship between heat waves, precipitation, and three modes of climate variability of importance for rainfall in Australia: the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO), and Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Heat waves in Victoria in summer are more common during phases 3–6 of the MJO (when convection is enhanced over the eastern Indian Ocean, Maritime Continent, and western Pacific Ocean) and La Niña phases of ENSO. The PV‐Theta (Θ) structure of the heat wave and pattern of convection varies with the phase of each mode of variability. Enhanced tropical convection results in a heat wave characterized by a monopole of anticyclonic PV, whereas suppressed convection is associated with a dipole of anticyclonic and cyclonic PV.
The destructive 1946 Unimak near‐field tsunami: New evidence for a submarine slide source from reprocessed marine geophysical data
Authors: von Huene Roland , Kirby Stephen , Miller John , Dartnell Peter
Published: September 2014

The Mw 8.6 earthquake in 1946 off the Pacific shore of Unimak Island at the end of the Alaska Peninsula generated a far‐field tsunami that crossed the Pacific to Antarctica. Its tsunami magnitude, 9.3, is comparable to the 9.1 magnitude of the 2011 Tohoku tsunami. On Unimak Island's Pacific shore, a runup of 42 m destroyed the lighthouse at Scotch Cap. Elsewhere, localized tsunamis with such high runups have been interpreted as caused by large submarine landslides. However, previous to this study, no landslide large enough to generate this runup was found in the area that is limited by the time interval between earthquake shaking and tsunami inundation at Scotch Cap. Reworking of a seismic reflection transect and colocated multibeam bathymetric surveys reveal a landslide block that may explain the 1946 high runup. It is seaward of Scotch Cap on the midslope terrace and within the time‐limited area.
Mount Logan ice core record of tropical and solar influences on Aleutian Low variability: 500–1998 A.D.
Authors: Osterberg Erich C. , Mayewski Paul A. , Fisher David A. , Kreutz Karl J. , Maasch Kirk A. , Sneed Sharon B. , Kelsey Eric
Published: September 2014

Continuous, high‐resolution paleoclimate records from the North Pacific region spanning the past 1500 years are rare; and the behavior of the Aleutian Low (ALow) pressure center, the dominant climatological feature in the Gulf of Alaska, remains poorly constrained. Here we present a continuous, 1500 year long, calibrated proxy record for the strength of the wintertime (December–March) ALow from the Mount Logan summit (PR Col; 5200 m asl) ice core soluble sodium time series. We show that ice core sodium concentrations are statistically correlated with North Pacific sea level pressure and zonal wind speed. Our ALow proxy record reveals a weak ALow from circa 900–1300 A.D. and 1575–1675 A.D., and a comparatively stronger ALow from circa 500–900 A.D., 1300–1575 A.D., and 1675 A.D. to present. The Mount Logan ALow proxy record shows strong similarities with tropical paleoclimate proxy records sensitive to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and is consistent with the hypothesis that the Medieval Climate Anomaly was characterized by more persistent La Niña‐like conditions while the Little Ice Age was characterized by at least two intervals of more persistent El Niño‐like conditions. The Mount Logan ALow proxy record is significantly (p < 0.05) correlated and coherent with solar irradiance proxy records over various time scales, with stronger solar irradiance generally associated with a weaker ALow and La Niña‐like tropical conditions. However, a step‐like increase in ALow strength during the Dalton solar minimum circa 1820 is associated with enhanced Walker circulation. Furthermore, rising CO2 forcing or internal variability may be masking the twentieth century rise in solar irradiance.
Simulating Pliocene warmth and a permanent El Niño‐like state: The role of cloud albedo
Authors: Burls N. J. , Fedorov A. V.
Published: September 2014

Available evidence suggests that during the early Pliocene (4–5 Ma) the mean east‐west sea surface temperature (SST) gradient in the equatorial Pacific Ocean was significantly smaller than today, possibly reaching only 1–2°C. The meridional SST gradients were also substantially weaker, implying an expanded ocean warm pool in low latitudes. Subsequent global cooling led to the establishment of the stronger, modern temperature gradients. Given our understanding of the physical processes that maintain the present‐day cold tongue in the east, warm pool in the west and hence sharp temperature contrasts, determining the key factors that maintained early Pliocene climate still presents a challenge for climate theories and models. This study demonstrates how different cloud properties could provide a solution. We show that a reduction in the meridional gradient in cloud albedo can sustain reduced meridional and zonal SST gradients, an expanded warm pool and warmer thermal stratification in the ocean, and weaker Hadley and Walker circulations in the atmosphere. Having conducted a range of hypothetical modified cloud albedo experiments, we arrive at our Pliocene simulation, which shows good agreement with proxy SST data from major equatorial and coastal upwelling regions, the tropical warm pool, middle and high latitudes, and available subsurface temperature data. As suggested by the observations, the simulated Pliocene‐like climate sustains a robust El Niño‐Southern Oscillation despite the reduced mean east‐west SST gradient. Our results demonstrate that cloud albedo changes may be a critical element of Pliocene climate and that simulating the meridional SST gradient correctly is central to replicating the geographical patterns of Pliocene warmth.
Statistical comparison of seasonal variations in the GUMICS‐4 global MHD model ionosphere and measurements
Authors: Juusola L. , Facskó G. , Honkonen I. , Janhunen P. , Vanhamäki H. , Kauristie K. , Laitinen T. V. , Milan S. E. , Palmroth M. , Tanskanen E. I. , Viljanen A.
Published: September 2014

Understanding the capability of a simulation to reproduce observed features is a requirement for its use in operational space weather forecasting. We compare statistically ionospheric seasonal variations in the Grand Unified Magnetosphere‐Ionosphere Coupling Simulation (GUMICS‐4) global magnetohydrodynamic model with measurements. The GUMICS‐4 data consist of a set of runs that was fed with real solar wind measurements and cover the period of 1 year. Ionospheric convection measurements are from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars, and electric currents are derived from the magnetic field measured by the CHAMP satellite. Auroral electrojet indices are used to examine the disturbance magnetic field on ground. The signatures of electrodynamic coupling between the magnetosphere and ionosphere extend to lower latitudes in GUMICS‐4 than in observations, and key features of the auroral ovals—the Region 2 field‐aligned currents, electrojets, Harang discontinuity, and ring of enhanced conductivity—are not properly reproduced. The ground magnetic field is even at best about 5 times weaker than measurements, which can be a problem for forecasting geomagnetically induced currents. According to the measurements, the ionospheric electrostatic potential does not change significantly from winter to summer but field‐aligned currents enhance, whereas in GUMICS‐4, the electrostatic potential weakens from winter to summer but field‐aligned currents do not change. This could be a consequence of the missing Region 2 currents: the Region 1 current has to close with itself across the polar cap, which makes it sensitive to solar UV conductivity. Precipitation energy and conductance peak amplitudes in GUMICS‐4 agree with observations.
CalcDeltaB: An efficient postprocessing tool to calculate ground‐level magnetic perturbations from global magnetosphere simulations
Authors: Rastätter Lutz , Tóth Gábor , Kuznetsova Maria M. , Pulkkinen Antti A.
Published: September 2014

Ground magnetic field variations can induce electric currents on long conductor systems such as high‐voltage power transmission systems. The extra electric currents can interfere with normal operation of these conductor systems; and thus, there is a great need for better specification and prediction of the field perturbations. In this publication we present CalcDeltaB, an efficient postprocessing tool to calculate magnetic perturbations ΔB at any position on the ground from snapshots of the current systems that are being produced by first‐principle models of the global magnetosphere‐ionosphere system. This tool was developed during the recent “dB/dt” modeling challenge at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center that compared magnetic perturbations and their derivative with observational results. The calculation tool is separate from each of the magnetosphere models and ensures that the ΔB computation method is uniformly applied, and that validation studies using ΔB compare the performance of the models rather than the combination of each model and a built‐in ΔB computation tool that may exist. Using the tool, magnetic perturbations on the ground are calculated from currents in the magnetosphere, from field‐aligned currents between magnetosphere and ionosphere, and the Hall and Pedersen currents in the ionosphere. The results of the new postprocessing tool are compared with ΔB calculations within the Space Weather Modeling Framework model and are in excellent agreement. We find that a radial resolution of 1/30RE is fine enough to represent the contribution to ΔB from the region of field‐aligned currents.
Separation of Peptide Diastereomers
Authors: Scriba Gerhard K.E.
Published: September 2014

Diastereomeric peptides, isomers in which one or more of the chiral centers have been converted to the opposite configuration (R or S,DorL), often possess different biological activities and/or conformational properties. Therefore, the separation and determination of diastereomeric peptides is important in life sciences and particularly significant to the pharmaceutical industry for quality control of peptide synthesis and stability as well as for regulatory requirements. Diastereomers differ in their physicochemical properties that can be utilized for their determination by numerous techniques. In contrast to many other methods such as optical rotation, circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, or infrared (IR) spectroscopy, separation techniques such as chromatography or capillary electrophoresis (CE) allow the sensitive and simultaneous identification and quantification of peptide diastereomers.

This chapter covers analytical‐scale separation of peptide diastereomers by chromatographic methods, including paper chromatography (PC), thin‐layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and CE. HPLC is currently the predominantly used method for peptide diastereomer separations. However, owing to the high resolving power, particularly for polar compounds, CE has been applied to the separation of diastereomeric peptides in recent years. The chapter focuses on methods employing achiral stationary phases or buffers without chiral additives for the separations, although some examples of such separations, i.e. the use of chiral columns or chiral mobile phase additives, are mentioned. Moreover, only diasteromeric peptides containing natural amino acids will be discussed.
Soft X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy in Analysis of Surfaces
Authors: Yarmoff Jory
Published: September 2014

Soft x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SXPS) is a form of x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that uses a synchrotron light source for the excitation. In the basic form of photoelectron spectroscopy, electrons emitted from a solid surface via the photoelectric effect are collected and energy analyzed to provide information on the electronic structure and chemical composition of the material. Because the mean free path for electrons traveling in solids is small, the spectra reflect the composition of outermost few atomic layers. There are many advantages of SXPS over conventional XPS. For one, the photon energy is tunable, which allows for the surface sensitivity to be maximized, for particular spectral features to be enhanced and for unique types of spectroscopy in which the photon energy is continuously varied. The available spectral resolution in SXPS is also greatly enhanced over a conventional x‐ray source, which allows for the observation of features not otherwise discernible. In addition, the brightness of the beam is much greater than that of conventional x‐ray sources, which enables the detection of very small photoelectron signals. The newest third generation light sources use specialized insertion devices to further increase the brightness, enabling novel forms of SXPS that include ultra‐high‐resolution spectroscopy, photoelectron microscopy, photoelectron diffraction and spin‐polarized photoemission. SXPS has been applied to a wide variety of materials, including metals, semiconductors, adsorbates on surfaces and nanoparticles. The equipment utilized for SXPS includes the electron storage ring, an x‐ray monochromator, and the electron spectrometer.
Chemometrics Applied toNMRAnalysis
Authors: Rusilowicz Martin , O'Keefe Simon , Wilson Julie , Charlton Adrian
Published: September 2014

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides information about the physical and chemical properties of atoms within a sample and has become an essential tool in metabolomics. Although less sensitive than mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy is highly reproducible and gives wider coverage in comparison to other techniques used for the analysis of complex mixtures, providing information about all metabolites with concentrations above the limit of detection. Recent advances in technology, advances in methodology, and increased computer power have increased the need to develop mathematical and statistical methods to analyze and interpret the complex datasets acquired. This has resulted in developments in the field of chemical informatics known aschemometrics. In contrast to targeted analyses, chemometric approaches do not initially attempt to identify particular metabolites. Instead, statistical techniques and pattern recognition methods are used to identify spectral features that show consistent trends or provide discrimination between classes. These features can provide a fingerprint for a metabolic state to be used, for example, for disease diagnostics, and individual features of interest can then be related to specific compounds and metabolic pathways using database searches.

NMR‐based chemometric methods are now used in a wide range of applications including clinical diagnostics, food science and traceability, monitoring genetic modification, predicting the side effects of pharmaceuticals and their environmental effects, and process control.
Quantitative Glycomics by Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mechref Yehia , Zhou Shiyue , Hu Yunli , Hussein Ahmed , Tang Haixu
Published: September 2014

Glycosylation of proteins and lipids has been recently shown to play important biological roles, including cell signaling, adhesion motility, immune response, and pathogen interaction. Functions of many proteins are modulated through glycosylation. To better understand the biological attributes of glycans, reliable quantitative glycomics is needed. Several methods prompting effective monitoring of glycans in biological systems have been developed. The aim of this article is to highlight recent advancements in quantitative glycomics and the necessary bioinformatics tools.
Low‐Noise Multispectral Photodetectors Made from All Solution‐Processed Inorganic Semiconductors
Authors: Manders Jesse R. , Lai Tzung‐Han , An Yanbin , Xu Weikai , Lee Jaewoong , Kim Do Young , Bosman Gijs , So Franky
Published: September 2014

Infrared, visible, and multispectral photodetectors are important components for sensing, security and electronics applications. Current fabrication of these devices is based on inorganic materials grown by epitaxial techniques which are not compatible with low‐cost large‐scale processing. Here, air‐stable multispectral solution‐processed inorganic double heterostructure photodetectors, using PbS quantum dots (QDs) as the photoactive layer, colloidal ZnO nanoparticles as the electron transport/hole blocking layer (ETL/HBL), and solution‐derived NiO as the hole transport/electron blocking layer (HTL/EBL) are reported. The resulting device has low dark current density of 20 nA cm‐2 with a noise equivalent power (NEP) on the order of tens of picowatts across the detection spectra and a specific detectivity (D*) value of 1.2 × 1012 cm Hz1/2 W‐1. These parameters are comparable to commercially available Si, Ge, and InGaAs photodetectors. The devices have a linear dynamic range (LDR) over 65 dB and a bandwidth over 35 kHz, which are sufficient for imaging applications. Finally, these solution‐processed inorganic devices have a long storage lifetime in air, even without encapsulation.
The effectiveness of insurer‐supported safety and health engineering controls in reducing workers' compensation claims and costs
Authors: Wurzelbacher Steven J. , Bertke Stephen J. , Lampl Michael P. , Bushnell P. Timothy , Meyers Alysha R. , Robins David C. , Al‐Tarawneh Ibraheem S.
Published: September 2014

Background

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a program in which a workers' compensation (WC) insurer provided matching funds to insured employers to implement safety/health engineering controls.

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐intervention WC metrics were compiled for the employees designated as affected by the interventions within 468 employers for interventions occurring from 2003 to 2009. Poisson, two‐part, and linear regression models with repeated measures were used to evaluate differences in pre‐ and post‐data, controlling for time trends independent of the interventions.

Results

For affected employees, total WC claim frequency rates (both medical‐only and lost‐time claims) decreased 66%, lost‐time WC claim frequency rates decreased 78%, WC paid cost per employee decreased 81%, and WC geometric mean paid claim cost decreased 30% post‐intervention. Reductions varied by employer size, specific industry, and intervention type.

Conclusions

The insurer‐supported safety/health engineering control program was effective in reducing WC claims and costs for affected employees. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:1398–1412, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymorphic color vision in captive Uta Hick's cuxiús, or bearded sakis (Chiropotes utahickae)
Authors: de Lima Eldianne Moreira , Pessoa Daniel Marques Almeida , Sena Leonardo , de Melo Aline Grasielle Costa , de Castro Paulo Henrique Gomes , Oliveira‐Mendes Ana Cristina , Schneider Maria Paula Cruz , Pessoa Valdir Filgueiras
Published: September 2014

The pitheciines (Chiropotes, Pithecia, and Cacajao) are frugivorous Neotropical primates that specialize on the predation of seeds from unripe fruits, usually cryptic against the foliage. However, little is known about the color vision distribution within this taxon, and even less about the abilities shared by these animals regarding discrimination of chromatic targets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the color vision perception of captive Uta Hick's cuxiús, or bearded sakis (Chiropotes utahickae) through a behavioral paradigm of color visual discrimination, as well as to estimate, by genetic studies, the number and kinds of medium to long wavelength cone photopigment (opsins) encoded by this species. Among 12 cuxiús (7 males and 5 females) studied only 1 female was diagnosed as a trichromat. Results from genotyping were in line with our behavioral data and showed that cuxiús carried one (dichromat) or two (trichromat) medium to long wavelength pigments alleles, demonstrating a color vision polymorphism in C. utahickae similar to the majority of Neotropical Primates. Am. J. Primatol. 77:66–75, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What part of the cerebellum contributes to a visuospatial working memory task?
Authors: Baier Bernhard , Müller Notger G. , Dieterich Marianne
Published: September 2014

Although there is evidence that the cerebellum is involved in working memory (WM), it remains unclear which functions within WM the cerebellum supports and which structures are involved in WM. We tested whether the cerebellum is involved in the filtering of incoming information or in its storage. Using a statistical brain mapping approach in 29 patients with cerebellar ischemic stroke, we found that the cerebellum plays a gatekeeper role, as lesions of the tonsil, the lobus semilunaris inferior, and parts of the vermal pyramid rendered WM susceptible to irrelevant information. We conclude that the cerebellum controls incoming WM information. Ann Neurol 2014;76:754–757
Quantifying disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Simon Neil G. , Turner Martin R. , Vucic Steve , Al‐Chalabi Ammar , Shefner Jeremy , Lomen‐Hoerth Catherine , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: September 2014

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exhibits characteristic variability of onset and rate of disease progression, with inherent clinical heterogeneity making disease quantitation difficult. Recent advances in understanding pathogenic mechanisms linked to the development of ALS impose an increasing need to develop strategies to predict and more objectively measure disease progression. This review explores phenotypic and genetic determinants of disease progression in ALS, and examines established and evolving biomarkers that may contribute to robust measurement in longitudinal clinical studies. With targeted neuroprotective strategies on the horizon, developing efficiencies in clinical trial design may facilitate timely entry of novel treatments into the clinic. Ann Neurol 2014;76:643–657
Melt rheological properties of PBT/SEBS and reactively compatibilized PBT/SEBS/SEBS‐g‐MA polymer blends
Authors: Sharma Rajul , Maiti Saurindra Nath
Published: September 2014

Melt rheological properties of PBT/SEBS and PBT/SEBS/SEBS‐g‐MA blends at SEBS volume fraction (Φd) = 0.00–0.38 were studied at 240°C, 250°C and 260°C using a capillary rheometer. The compatibilizer SEBS‐g‐MA addition resulted in significant reduction in the dynamic interfacial tension which in turn led to increased phase adhesion. The power law exponent n decreased with increasing Φd and increasing temperature for both the compatiblized and uncompatiblized blends. The consistency index of PBT/SEBS increased with increasing Φd but were smaller than those of PBT/SEBS/SEBS‐g‐MA blends. Melt elasticity such as die swell and first normal stress difference increased with Φd. Variations of first normal stress coefficient function (ψ1), recoverable shear strain (γR), relaxation time (λ), and shear compliance (Jc) values versus shear rate were analyzed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41402.
Simultaneous enhancements in the mechanical, thermal, and electrical performances of glass‐fiber‐reinforced cyanate ester/epoxy composites with plasma‐functionalized carbon nanotubes at different temperatures
Authors: Li Jingwen , Wu Zhixiong , Huang Chuanjun , Tu Youping , Li Laifeng
Published: September 2014

Woven glass‐fiber‐reinforced cyanate ester/epoxy composites modified with plasma‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared. The mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the composites were investigated at different temperatures. The results show that the interlaminar shear strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity of the composites at room temperature and the cryogenic temperatures were enhanced simultaneously by the incorporation of MWCNTs, whereas the nonconductive behavior of the composites as electrical insulating materials was not changed. Meanwhile, the reinforcing mechanism was also examined on the basis of the microstructure of the composites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41418.
Head and Cervical Spine Posture in Behaving Rats: Implications for Modeling Human Conditions Involving the Head and Cervical Spine
Authors: GRIFFIN C. , CHOONG W. Y. , TEH W. , BUXTON A. J. , BOLTON P. S.
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to define the temporal and spatial (postural) characteristics of the head and cervical vertebral column (spine) of behaving rats in order to better understand their suitability as a model to study human conditions involving the head and neck. Time spent in each of four behavioral postures was determined from video tape recordings of rats (n = 10) in the absence and presence of an intruder rat. Plain film radiographic examination of a subset of these rats (n = 5) in each of these postures allowed measurement of head and cervical vertebral column positions adopted by the rats. When single they were quadruped or crouched most (∼80%) of the time and bipedal either supported or free standing for only ∼10% of the time. The introduction of an intruder significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced the proportion of time rats spent quadruped (median, from 71% to 47%) and bipedal free standing (median, from 2.9% to 0.4%). The cervical spine was orientated (median, 25–75 percentile) near vertical (18.8°, 4.2°–30.9°) when quadruped, crouched (15.4°, 7.6°–69.3°) and bipedal supported (10.5°, 4.8°–22.6°) but tended to be less vertical oriented when bipedal free standing (25.9°, 7.7°–39.3°). The range of head positions relative to the cervical spine was largest when crouched (73.4°) and smallest when erect free standing (17.7°). This study indicates that, like humans, rats have near vertical orientated cervical vertebral columns but, in contrast to humans, they displace their head in space by movements at both the cervico‐thoracic junction and the cranio‐cervical regions. Anat Rec, 298:455–462, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Altered White Matter Integrity in the Corpus Callosum in Fibromyalgia Patients Identified by Tract‐Based Spatial Statistical Analysis
Authors: Kim Dajung J. , Lim Manyoel , Kim June Sic , Son Kyeong Min , Kim Hyun Ah , Chung Chun Kee
Published: September 2014

Objective

Although recent imaging studies of fibromyalgia (FM) have converged on a dysfunction of central pain processing as the primary pathophysiologic cause of the disorder, microstructural changes of the white matter (WM) suggestive of abnormalities in the anatomic connectivity of the brain have not been extensively examined. The aim of this study was to investigate WM integrity and its possible relationship to pain symptoms in women with FM.

Methods

Nineteen FM patients and 21 age‐, sex‐, and education‐matched healthy control subjects were included in the study and underwent diffusion‐weighted imaging. Group differences in WM integrity, which were assessed via fractional anisotropy (FA), was investigated by applying tract‐based spatial statistics.

Results

As compared with the healthy control group, the FM group showed a single cluster with lower FA in the left body of the corpus callosum, which was found to be connected to the bilateral sensorimotor cortices (P < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons). Furthermore, FA values in the cluster were negatively associated with sensory pain, as measured by the Short‐Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, as well as with the relative magnitude of sensory pain versus affective pain (calculated by dividing the sensory score by the affective score).

Conclusion

Findings of the current study demonstrated that patients with FM had disrupted WM microstructure in the body of the corpus callosum, which was associated with clinical pain intensity. Our results suggest that abnormal interhemispheric transfer might contribute to the heightened pain perception. Our findings further strengthen the hypothesis of centrally augmented pain processing in patients with FM.
Tailored Synthesis of Various Nanomaterials by Using a Graphene‐Oxide‐Based Gel as a Nanoreactor and Nanohybrid‐Catalyzed CC Bond Formation
Authors: Biswas Abhijit , Banerjee Arindam
Published: September 2014

New graphene oxide (GO)‐based hydrogels that contain vitamin B2/B12 and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) have been synthesized in water (at neutral pH value). These gel‐based soft materials have been used to synthesize various metal nanoparticles, including Au, Ag, and Pd nanoparticles, as well as nanoparticle‐containing reduced graphene oxide (RGO)‐based nanohybrid systems. This result indicates that GO‐based gels can be used as versatile reactors for the synthesis of different nanomaterials and hybrid systems on the nanoscale. Moreover, the RGO‐based nanohybrid hydrogel with Pd nanoparticles was used as an efficient catalyst for CC bond‐formation reactions with good yields and showed high recyclability in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions.