bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIRST-PRINCIPLES STUDIES OF PRESSURE-INDUCED STRUCTURAL AND INSULATOR-TO-METAL TRANSITIONS IN ALKALINE-EARTH-METAL DICARBIDES MC2 (M = Ca, Sr AND Ba)
Authors: JIANG LI-NA
Published: November 2013

Pressure-induced phase transitions in MC 2 ( M = Ca , Sr and Ba ) are investigated by using the first-principles plane wave pseudopotential method within the generalized gradient approximation. The first-order phase transition from tetragonal phase ( CaC 2-type, space group I4/mmm) to rhombohedral ( CsCl -type, space group [Formula: see text]) structure is predicted to occur at 22.2, 10.0 and 3.6 GPa, respectively, and transition pressure point of BaC 2 agrees well with recent theoretical works. Based on the electronic analysis, the ionic Ca – C bond character becomes stronger with increasing pressure in both I4/mmm and [Formula: see text] phases. In particular, there will occur a transition from insulator to metal with increasing pressure due to the reason that the calculated band gap gets narrower and finally closes at some high pressure.
Theoretical study on phthalocynine-Fe(II)-based fluorescent sensors for cyanide anion
Authors: Li Guang-Yue , Li Wen-Liang , Zhang Hang , Sun Xiao-Ran
Published: November 2013

Three fluorescent sensors bearing phthalocynine- Fe ( II ) moiety were designed specifically for detecting cyanide anions, and investigated by DFT/TDDFT method. Comparison of the geometrical and photophysical properties of these sensor molecules, equipped with H -, carbamoyl and phthalimino groups, provided a deep insight into the sensor–cyanide interactions. The binding energy calculation shows that all the three sensors have good selectivity to the cyanide anion. Especially, frontier molecular orbital analysis confirmed that there was a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process in the sensor with phthalimino group upon the addition of cyanide anion. This process could cause the fluorescence change. As a result, the sensor with phthalimino group displayed several favorable sensing properties.
Visuo-proprioceptive interactions during adaptation of the human reach
Authors: Judkins Timothy , Scheidt Robert A.
Published: November 2013

We examined whether visual and proprioceptive estimates of transient (midreach) target capture errors contribute to motor adaptation according to the probabilistic rules of information integration used for perception. Healthy adult humans grasped and moved a robotic handle between targets in the horizontal plane while the robot generated springlike loads that varied unpredictably from trial to trial. For some trials, a visual cursor faithfully tracked hand motion. In others, the handle's position was locked and subjects viewed motion of a point-mass cursor driven by hand forces. In yet other trials, cursor feedback was dissociated from hand motion or altogether eliminated. We used time- and frequency-domain analyses to characterize how sensorimotor memories influence performance on subsequent reaches. When the senses were used separately, subjects were better at rejecting physical disturbances applied to the hand than virtual disturbances applied to the cursor. In part, this observation reflected differences in how participants used sensorimotor memories to adapt to perturbations when performance feedback was limited to only proprioceptive or visual information channels. When both vision and proprioception were available to guide movement, subjects processed memories in a manner indistinguishable from the vision-only condition, regardless of whether the cursor tracked the hand faithfully or whether we experimentally dissociated motions of the hand and cursor. This was true even though, on average, perceptual uncertainty in the proprioceptive estimation of movement extent exceeded that of visual estimation by just 47%. In contrast to perceptual tasks wherein vision and proprioception both contribute to an optimal estimate of limb state, our findings support a switched-input, multisensory model of predictive load compensation wherein visual feedback of transient performance errors overwhelmingly dominates proprioception in determining adaptive reach performance.
Closed-Form Solutions for Gradient Elastic Beams with Geometric Discontinuities by Laplace Transform
Authors: Yayli Mustafa Özgür
Published: November 2013

The static bending solution of a gradient elastic beam with external discontinuities is presented by Laplace transform. Its utility lies in the ability to switch differential equations to algebraic forms that are more easily solved. A Laplace transformation is applied to the governing equation which is then solved for the static deflection of the microbeam. The exact static response of the gradient elastic beam with external discontinuities is obtained by applying known initial conditions when the others are derived from boundary conditions. The results are given in a series of figures and compared with their classical counterparts. The main contribution of this paper is to provide a closed-form solution for the static deflection of microbeams under geometric discontinuities.
Children’s Perceptions of Their Play: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Barnett Lynn A.
Published: November 2013

A wealth of research has been conducted on children’s play, yet the vast majority has relied on others’ accounts to define, describe, and characterize their play. This study presents a successful effort to generate a scale to measure third through fifth grade children’s perceptions of their play. Items were generated from children’s unrestricted accounts of how they viewed their play, and the reliability (internal consistency, stability), content, and construct (convergent and discriminant) validity of the Children’s Perceptions of Their Play (CPTP) scale were all high. Across two independent samples, children defined their play in terms of six factors: opportunities to choose what to do and with whom (Child’s Choice), play interactions with friends (Social Play), structured recreation activities in which they chose to participate (Planned Activities), their involvement and absorption in play (Engagement), how physically active they are (Active Play), and freedom from school obligations when they were able to play as they desired (Free Time). No differences between boys and girls, the three grade levels, or children attending public versus private school were found.
A Secure Implementation of a Symmetric Encryption Algorithm in White-Box Attack Contexts
Authors: Shi Yang , Liu Qin , Zhao Qinpei
Published: November 2013

In a white-box context, an adversary has total visibility of the implementation of the cryptosystem and full control over its execution platform. As a countermeasure against the threat of key compromise in this context, a new secure implementation of the symmetric encryption algorithm SHARK is proposed. The general approach is to merge several steps of the round function of SHARK into table lookups, blended by randomly generated mixing bijections. We prove the soundness of the implementation of the algorithm and analyze its security and efficiency. The implementation can be used in web hosts, digital right management devices, and mobile devices such as tablets and smart phones. We explain how the design approach can be adapted to other symmetric encryption algorithms with a slight modification.
Decreased CD127 Expression on CD4+ T-Cells and Elevated Frequencies of CD4+CD25+CD127− T-Cells in Children with Long-Lasting Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Moniuszko Marcin , Glowinska-Olszewska Barbara , Rusak Malgorzata , Jeznach Marta , Grubczak Kamil , Lipinska Danuta , Milewski Robert , Milewska Anna Justyna , Dabrowska Milena , Jablonska Ewa , Kretowski Adam , Gorska Maria , Bodzenta-Lukaszyk Anna , Bossowski Artur
Published: November 2013

Pathobiology of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is predominantly associated with T-cell-related actions. Homeostasis of majority of T-cells is critically dependent on signals mediated by CD127 (interleukin-7 receptor, IL-7R). In contrast, regulatory T-cells express very little CD127 and thereby may be delineated by CD4+CD25+CD127− phenotype. Here we aimed to analyze CD127 expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and enumerate CD4+CD25+CD127− T-cells in long-lasting T1D. T-cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunologic data were correlated with vascular, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters. We demonstrated significantly decreased CD127 levels on CD4+, but not CD8+, T cells in T1D pediatric patients. Interestingly, frequencies of CD4+CD25+CD127− T-cells were significantly enhanced in T1D children and correlated well with frequencies of CD34+CD144+ endothelial progenitor cells and CD4+CD25− T-cells. Levels of CD127 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in T1D patients were not correlated to each other or HbA1C. Interestingly, however, CD127 levels on CD4+ T-cells were significantly correlated to frequencies of CD4+CD25+CD127− T-cells, whereas CD127 levels on CD8+ T-cells were significantly correlated to concentrations of VEGF and triglycerides. Our data indicate that CD127 expression is differentially modulated on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in the course of T1D. Moreover, we demonstrated that, in contrast to recent-onset T1D, long-lasting T1D is associated with enhancement of T-cells with regulatory phenotype.
SmBa2NbO6Nanopowders, an Effective Percolation Network Medium for YBCO Superconductors
Authors: Vidya S. , Mathai K. C. , Rejith P. P. , Solomon Sam , Thomas J. K.
Published: November 2013

The percolation behavior of superconductor-insulator composite, YBa2Cu3O7–δ, and nano SmBa2NbO2synthesized by modified combustion technique was studied. Particle size of nano SmBa2NBO6was determined using transmission electron microscopy. The chemical nonreactivity of nano SmBa2NbO6with YBCO is evident from the X-Ray diffraction study which makes it a suitable nanoceramic substrate material for high temperature superconducting films. A systematic increase in the sintered density, approaching the optimum value of the insulating nanophase is clearly observed, as the vol.% of YBCO in the composite decreases. SEM micrograph showed uniform distribution of nanopowder among the large clusters of YBCO. The obtained percolation threshold is~26 vol% of YBCO in the composite. All the composites below the threshold value showedTC(0)~92 K even though the room resistivity increases with increase in vol.% of nano SmBa2NbO6. The values of critical exponents obtained matches well with the theoretically expected ones for an ideal superconductor-insulator system.
Int-Soft Filters ofBE-Algebras
Authors: Ahn Sun Shin , Alshehri N. O. , Jun Young Bae
Published: November 2013

The notion of int-soft filters of aBE-algebra is introduced, and related properties are investigated. Characterization of an int-soft filter is discussed. The problem of classifying int-soft filters by theirγ-inclusive filter is solved.
Participation in Decision Making as a Property of Complex Adaptive Systems: Developing and Testing a Measure
Authors: Anderson Ruth A. , Plowman Donde , Corazzini Kirsten , Hsieh Pi-Ching , Su Hui Fang , Landerman Lawrence R. , McDaniel Reuben R.
Published: November 2013

Objectives.To (1) describe participation in decision-making as a systems-level property of complex adaptive systems and (2) present empirical evidence of reliability and validity of a corresponding measure.Method.Study 1 was a mail survey of a single respondent (administrators or directors of nursing) in each of 197 nursing homes. Study 2 was a field study using random, proportionally stratified sampling procedure that included 195 organizations with 3,968 respondents.Analysis.In Study 1, we analyzed the data to reduce the number of scale items and establish initial reliability and validity. In Study 2, we strengthened the psychometric test using a large sample.Results.Results demonstrated validity and reliability of the participation in decision-making instrument (PDMI) while measuring participation of workers in two distinct job categories (RNs and CNAs). We established reliability at the organizational level aggregated items scores. We established validity of the multidimensional properties using convergent and discriminant validity and confirmatory factor analysis.Conclusions.Participation in decision making, when modeled as a systems-level property of organization, has multiple dimensions and is more complex than is being traditionally measured. Managers can use this model to form decision teams that maximize the depth and breadth of expertise needed and to foster connection among them.
Convergence Rates in the Law of Large Numbers for Arrays of Banach Valued Martingale Differences
Authors: Hao Shunli
Published: November 2013

We study the convergence rates in the law of large numbers for arrays of Banach valued martingale differences. Under a simple moment condition, we show sufficient conditions about the complete convergence for arrays of Banach valued martingale differences; we also give a criterion about the convergence for arrays of Banach valued martingale differences. In the special case where the array of Banach valued martingale differences is the sequence of independent and identically distributed real valued random variables, our result contains the theorems of Hsu-Robbins-Erdös (1947, 1949, and 1950), Spitzer (1956), and Baum and Katz (1965). In the real valued single martingale case, it generalizes the results of Alsmeyer (1990). The consideration of Banach valued martingale arrays (rather than a Banach valued single martingale) makes the results very adapted in the study of weighted sums of identically distributed Banach valued random variables, for which we prove new theorems about the rates of convergence in the law of large numbers. The results are established in a more general setting for sums of infinite many Banach valued martingale differences. The obtained results improve and extend those of Ghosal and Chandra (1998).
Follistatin-Like 1: A Potential Mediator of Inflammation in Obesity
Authors: Fan Nengguang , Sun Haiyan , Wang Yufan , Wang Yifei , Zhang Lijuan , Xia Zhenhua , Peng Liang , Hou Yanqiang , Shen Weiqin , Liu Rui , Yin Jiajing , Peng Yongde
Published: November 2013

Obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, which contributes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms that link obesity to inflammation are not fully understood. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a novel proinflammatory cytokine that is expressed in adipose tissue and secreted by preadipocytes/adipocytes. We aimed to test whether FSTL1 could have a role in obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. It was found that FSTL1 expression was markedly decreased during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes but reinduced by TNF-α. Furthermore, a significant increase in FSTL1 levels was observed in adipose tissue of obese ob/ob mice, as well as in serum of overweight/obese subjects. Mechanistic studies revealed that FSTL1 induced inflammatory responses in both 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages. The expression of proinflammatory mediators including IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 was upregulated by recombinant FSTL1 in a dose-dependent manner, paralleled with activation of the IKKβ-NFκB and JNK signaling pathways in the two cell lines. Moreover, FSTL1 impaired insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as revealed by attenuated phosphorylation of both Akt and IRS-1 in response to insulin stimulation. Together, our results suggest that FSTL1 is a potential mediator of inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity.
Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Chloroform and Methanol Extracts of Centella asiatica Linn
Authors: Saha Sudipta , Guria Tanmoy , Singha Tanushree , Maity Tapan Kumar
Published: November 2013

A variety of active constituents with wide range of pharmacological actions have been reported with Centella asiatica. The present study was undertaken to assess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of its leaf extracts. Dried leaves were defatted with petroleum ether and extracted with chloroform and methanol. Both chloroform and methanol extracts were evaluated for analgesic activity through tail clip, tail flick, tail immersion, and writhing assay tests at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg using Swiss albino mice. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory assay was performed by carrageenan induced paw edema of methanol extract at 100 and 200 mg doses in Wistar albino rat. Dextropropoxyphene and indomethacin were employed as a standard for analgesic and anti-inflammatory studies, respectively. Our present study demonstrated that Centella asiatica bears significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in those models.
Reactions of o,o′‐Dihydroxy Azo Dyes with the Third Group M(III) Ions: A Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Study
Authors: Pysarevska Solomiya , Dubenska Liliya , Spanik Ivan , Kovalyshyn Jaroslav , Tvorynska Sofia
Published: November 2013

The reactions of some metal ions of the third group (M(III)) with azo dyes were studied. Attention was focused on azo dyes with two hydroxy groups in ortho-positions to azo group: eriochrome red B (ERB), eriochrome black T (EBT), eriochrome blue SE (EBSE), calcon (Calc), and kalces (KLC). The chelation is responsible for interaction of these dyes with Al(III), Sc(III), rare earth elements (REE) ions, Ga(III), and In(III). The complexes were studied using vis‐ and IR‐spectrometry. One irreversible peak (P1) of complexes reduction was observed on voltammograms for all studied metal ions. The second peak P2 was observed only for Ga complexes with all investigated azo dyes. Based on the study, the possible mechanism of complexes reduction was proposed. Linear behavior has been found between the reduction peak currents of a set of metal complexes and the concentration of the respective metal cations. This can be used for metal ions determination by voltammetric methods.
An Efficient and Mild Method for the Synthesis and Hydrazinolysis of N‐Glyoxylamino Acid Esters
Authors: El-Faham Ayman , Al Marhoon Zainab , Abdel-Megeed Ahmed , Siddiqui Mohamed
Published: November 2013

N‐Glyoxylamino acid ester derivatives were synthesized via the ring opening of N‐acetylisatin using moderate conditions. During the hydrazinolysis of N‐glyoxylamino acid ester derivatives with hydrazine hydrate (80%) in methanol, unexpected reduction of the α‐keto group occurred to afford N‐acylamino acid hydrazide derivatives in good yield (80–90%) (Wolff‐Kishner type reaction). All the synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental microanalysis.
Numerical Analysis of Flow Erosion on Sand Discharge Pipe in Nitrogen Drilling
Authors: Zhu Hongjun , Lin Yuanhua , Feng Guang , Deng Kuanhai , Kong Xiangwei , Wang Qijun , Zeng Dezhi
Published: November 2013

In nitrogen drilling, entrained sand particles in the gas flow may cause erosive wear on metal surfaces and have a significant effect on the operational life of discharge pipelines, especially for elbows. In this paper, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations based code FLUENT is carried out to investigate the flow erosion on a sand discharge pipe in conjunction with an erosion model. The motion of the continuum phase is captured based on solving the three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, while the kinematics and trajectory of the sand particles are evaluated by the discrete phase model (DPM). The flow field has been examined in terms of pressure, velocity, and erosion rate profiles along the flow path in the bend of the simulated discharge pipe. Effects of flow parameters such as inlet velocity, sandy volume fraction, and particle diameter and structure parameters such as pipe diameter and bend curvature are analyzed based on a series of numerical simulations. The results show that small pipe diameter or small bend curvature leads to serious erosion, while slow flow, little sandy volume fraction, and small particle diameter can weaken erosion. The results obtained from the present work provide useful guidance to practical operation and discharge pipe design.
A Quasi-Variational Approach for the Dynamic Oligopolistic Market Equilibrium Problem
Authors: Barbagallo Annamaria , Mauro Paolo
Published: November 2013

The paper is concerned with the dynamic oligopolistic market equilibrium problem in the realistic case in which we allow the presence of capacity constraints and production excesses and, moreover, we assume that the production function depends not only on the time but also on the equilibrium distribution. As a consequence, we introduce the generalized dynamic Cournot-Nash principle in the elastic case and prove the equivalence between this equilibrium definition and a suitable evolutionary quasi-variational inequality. For completeness we make the analysis of existence, regularity, and sensitivity of the solution. In the end, a numerical example is provided.
Telmisartan Protects against Vascular Dysfunction with Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Activation in Hypertensive 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats
Authors: Toba Hiroe , Wang Jiahong , Ohigashi Makoto , Kobara Miyuki , Nakata Tetsuo
Published: November 2013

Background/Aims: Telmisartan and losartan, angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonists, are used to manage hypertension. We previously reported that telmisartan, a partial agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), exhibited stronger vasoprotection than the same dose of losartan in normotensive chronic kidney disease (CKD) rats. We investigated whether telmisartan could inhibit vascular dysfunction in hypertensive CKD rats, via both AT1 receptor blockade and PPAR-γ activation, more effectively than losartan, which decreased blood pressure to a similar extent as telmisartan. Methods: Two or three branches of the left renal artery were ligated and the right kidney was removed to make hypertensive CKD rats. Telmisartan (5 mg/kg), losartan (10 mg/kg) or telmisartan plus the PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 was administered. Results: Blood pressure was increased in CKD rats. Telmisartan and losartan decreased blood pressure to the same levels. Impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation, hyperplasia and decreased phospho-eNOS (Ser1177) expression in CKD rat aortas were improved by telmisartan. The aortic infiltration by macrophages and expression of osteopontin were enhanced in CKD rats and suppressed by telmisartan. GW9662 partly canceled the normalization of vascular dysfunction. While losartan attenuated vascular changes, the extent of this attenuation was greater in the telmisartan-treated group. Conclusion: Telmisartan exhibited vasoprotection via PPAR-γ agonistic properties in hypertensive CKD rats.
Intestinal Na+ Loss and Volume Depletion in JAK3-Deficient Mice
Authors: Umbach Anja T. , Luo Dong , Bhavsar Shefalee K. , Hosseinzadeh Zohreh , Lang Florian
Published: November 2013

Background/Aims: The Janus kinase 3 JAK3 participates in the signaling of immune cells. Lack of JAK3 triggers inflammatory bowel disease, which in turn has been shown to affect intestinal activity of the epithelial Na+ channel ENaC and thus colonic sodium absorption. At least in theory, inflammatory bowel disease in JAK3-deficient mice could lead to intestinal salt loss compromizing extracellular volume maintenance and blood pressure regulation. The present study thus explored whether JAK3 deficiency impacts on colonic ENaC activity, fecal Na+ exretion, blood pressure and extracellular fluid volume regulation. Methods: Experiments were performed in gene-targeted mice lacking functional JAK3 (jak3-/-) and in wild type mice (jak3+/+). Colonic ENaC activity was estimated from amiloride-sensitive current in Ussing chamber experiments, fecal, serum and urinary Na+ concentration by flame photometry, blood pressure by the tail cuff method and serum aldosterone levels by immunoassay. Results: The amiloride (50 µM)-induced deflection of the transepithelial potential difference was significantly lower and fecal Na+ excretion significantly higher in jak3-/- mice than in jak3+/+ mice. Moreover, systolic arterial blood pressure was significantly lower and serum aldosterone concentration significantly higher in jak3-/- mice than in jak3+/+ mice. Both, absolute and fractional renal Na+ excretion were significantly lower in jak3-/- mice than in jak3+/+ mice. Conclusions: JAK3 deficiency leads to impairment of colonic ENaC activity with intestinal Na+ loss, decrease of blood pressure, increased aldosterone release and subsequent stimulation of renal tubular Na+ reabsorption.
Distinct Signaling Cascades of TREM-1, TLR and NLR in Neutrophils and Monocytic Cells
Authors: Prüfer Steve , Weber Michael , Sasca Daniel , Teschner Daniel , Wölfel Catherine , Stein Pamela , Stassen Michael , Schild Hansjörg , Radsak Markus P.
Published: November 2013

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) is an important mediator of innate inflammatory responses in microbial infections and sepsis. TREM-1 ligation on neutrophils (PMN) or monocytes results in the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Engagement of TREM-1 induces the activation of MAP kinases as well as rapid Ca2+ mobilization. However, a detailed understanding of TREM-1 signaling pathways is currently lacking. We evaluated the TREM-1 signaling hierarchy in monocytic cells and found that the acute myeloid leukemia cell line MUTZ-3 expresses TREM-1 in a natural and functional manner. We compared essential signaling molecules of the TREM-1, TLR and NLR cascade in MUTZ-3 cells as well as primary monocytes or PMN by Western blot analysis. These studies confirmed the essential role of phosphatidyl inositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and p38MAPK in the TREM-1 as well as the TLR or NLR cascade of monocytic cells. Importantly, PI3K and p38MAPK signals in monocytic cells both control Ca2+ mobilization and are directly connected in the TREM-1 signaling hierarchy, which contrasts previous results obtained in PMN. Taken together, our results indicate cell type-specific differences in the TREM-1 signaling cascade and contribute to an enhanced understanding of the regulation of innate inflammatory responses.
Cone Beam and Micro-Computed Tomography Validation of Manual Array Insertion for Minimally Invasive Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Wimmer Wilhelm , Bell Brett , Huth Markus E. , Weisstanner Christian , Gerber Nicolas , Kompis Martin , Weber Stefan , Caversaccio Marco
Published: November 2013

Delivering cochlear implants through a minimally invasive tunnel (1.8 mm in diameter) from the mastoid surface to the inner ear is referred to as direct cochlear access (DCA). Based on cone beam as well as micro-computed tomography imaging, this in vitro study evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of manual cochlear electrode array insertions via DCA. Free-fitting electrode arrays were inserted in 8 temporal bone specimens with previously drilled DCA tunnels. The insertion depth angle, procedural time, tunnel alignment as well as the inserted scala and intracochlear trauma were assessed. Seven of the 8 insertions were full insertions, with insertion depth angles higher than 520°. Three cases of atraumatic scala tympani insertion, 3 cases of probable basilar membrane rupture and 1 case of dislocation into the scala vestibuli were observed (1 specimen was damaged during extraction). Manual electrode array insertion following a DCA procedure seems to be feasible and safe and is a further step toward clinical application of image-guided otological microsurgery.
Additive roles of platelets and fibrinogen in whole-blood fibrin clot formation upon dilution as assessed by thromboelastometry
Authors: Ninivaggi Marisa , Feijge Marion A. H. , Baaten Constance C. F. M. J. , Kuiper Gerhardus J. A. J. M. , Marcus Marco A. E. , Cate Hugo ten , Lancé Marcus D. , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , van der Meijden Paola E. J.
Published: November 2013

Blood dilution after transfusion fluids leads to diminished coagulant activity monitored by rotational thromboelastometry, assessing elastic fibrin clot formation, or by thrombin generation testing. We aimed to determine the contributions of blood cells (platelets, red blood cells) and plasma factors (fibrinogen, prothrombin complex concentrate) to fibrin clot formation under conditions of haemodilution in vitro or in vivo. Whole blood or plasma diluted in vitro was supplemented with platelets, red cells, fibrinogen or prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). Thromboelastometry was measured in whole blood as well as plasma; thrombin generation was determined in parallel. Similar tests were performed with blood from 48 patients, obtained before and after massive fluid infusion during cardiothoracic surgery. Addition of platelets or fibrinogen, in additive and independent ways, reversed the impaired fibrin clot formation (thromboelastometry) in diluted whole blood. In contrast, supplementation of red blood cells or prothrombin complex concentrate was ineffective. Platelets and fibrinogen independently restored clot formation in diluted plasma, resulting in thromboelastometry curves approaching those in whole blood. In whole blood from patients undergoing dilution during surgery, elastic clot formation was determined by both the platelet count and the fibrinogen level. Thrombin generation in diluted (patient) plasma was not changed by fibrinogen, but improved markedly by prothrombin complex concentrate. In conclusion, in dilutional coagulopathy, platelets and fibrinogen, but not red blood cells or vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, independently determine thromboelastometry parameters measured in whole blood and plasma. Clinical decisions for transfusion based on thromboelastometry should take into account the platelet concentration.
Filamin-A is required for the incorporation of tissue factor into cell-derived microvesicles
Authors: Maraveyas Anthony , Ettelaie Camille , Collier Mary E. W.
Published: November 2013

We previously reported that the incorporation of tissue factor (TF) into cell-derived microvesicles (MVs) is regulated by the phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain of TF. Since the cytoskeletal protein filamin-A is known to bind to the cytoplasmic domain of TF in a phosphorylation-dependent manner, the involvement of filamin-A in the incorporation of TF into MVs was examined. Endothelial cells were transfected to express TF, whereas MDA-MB-231 cells were used to examine endogenously expressed TF. MV release was induced by activating protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2). Partial suppression of filamin-A expression using two different filamin-A siRNA sequences resulted in significant reductions in the incorporation of TF antigen into MVs as determined by TF-ELISA and western blot analysis, and was reflected in reduced thrombin-generation and FXa-generation capacities of these MVs. Deletion of the cytoplasmic domain of TF also resulted in reduced incorporation of TF into MVs, whereas the suppression of filamin-A expression had no additional effect on the incorporation of truncated TF into MVs. Partial suppression of filamin-A expression had no effect on the number and size distribution of the released MVs. However, >90% suppression of filamin-A expression resulted in increased MV release, possibly as a result of increased instability of the plasma membrane and underlying cytoskeleton. In conclusion, the presence of filamin-A appears to be essential for the incorporation of TF into MVs following PAR2 activation, but is not required for the process of MV formation and release following PAR2 activation.
New species of Floresorchestia from Micronesia living in unusual habitats (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae)
Authors: LOWRY J. K. , MYERS A. A.
Published: November 2013

The first freshwater talitrid, Floresorchestia pohnpei sp. nov., is described from the island of Pohnpei, Micronesia. Floresorchestia palau sp. nov. is described from supralittoral and shallow-water marine habitats in Palau, Micronesia.
Diabatic Balance Model for the Equatorial Atmosphere
Authors: Chan Ian H. , Shepherd Theodore G.
Published: November 2013

Using an asymptotic expansion, a balance model is derived for the shallow-water equations (SWE) on the equatorial β plane that is valid for planetary-scale equatorial dynamics and includes Kelvin waves. In contrast to many theories of tropical dynamics, neither a strict balance between diabatic heating and vertical motion nor a small Froude number is required. Instead, the expansion is based on the smallness of the ratio of meridional to zonal length scales, which can also be interpreted as a separation in time scale. The leading-order model is characterized by a semigeostrophic balance between the zonal wind and meridional pressure gradient, while the meridional wind υ vanishes; the model is thus asymptotically nondivergent, and the nonzero correction to υ can be found at the next order. Importantly for applications, the diagnostic balance relations are linear for winds when inferring the wind field from mass observations and the winds can be diagnosed without direct observations of diabatic heating. The accuracy of the model is investigated through a set of numerical examples. These examples show that the diagnostic balance relations can remain valid even when the dynamics do not, and the balance dynamics can capture the slow behavior of a rapidly varying solution.
Singular Vectors for Barotropic, Hurricane-Like Vortices in Horizontal Shear: Structure and Perturbation Growth Mechanisms
Authors: Scheck Leonhard , Jones Sarah C. , Heuveline Vincent
Published: November 2013

In this study the structure and evolution of singular vectors (SVs) for stable and unstable hurricane-like vortices in background flows with horizontal shear are investigated on f and β planes using a nondivergent barotropic model. With increasing shear strength, the singular values for stable vortices increase and the sensitive regions extend farther away from the vortex. The formation of β gyres leads to significant changes in the SV structure but has only weak influence on the singular values. For sufficiently strong anticyclonic shear, the initial SVs are aligned with streamlines connected to stagnation points. The evolved SVs are dominated by dipole structures, indicating a displacement of the vortex. The displacement is caused by the circulation associated with the initial SV perturbation outside of the vortex core, which grows by untilting and unshielding. This process is strongly enhanced by anticyclonic background shear. For both cyclonic and anticyclonic shear, the displacement by the perturbation circulation causes an additional displacement that is proportional to the shear strength. The shear-enhanced barotropic growth mechanism in stable vortices results in singular values that are comparable to those for unstable vortices without background shear. Perturbation growth involving the normal mode in barotropically unstable vortices suffers from background shear. The shear-induced modifications of the outer vortex regions cause a strong decrease of the singular value with increasing shear. For sufficiently strong shear, the SVs for unstable vortices grow by the same mechanism as for stable vortices.
Responsible Leadership
Authors: Stone-Johnson Corrie
Published: November 2013

Purpose: At a time when school leadership takes on great import, we must ask how leadership can move beyond a focus on individual- and school-level changes to collective leadership that relies on the strength of relationships between schools and the communities in which they reside to foster and sustain change. Such leadership is termed responsible leadership. Using a conceptual framework for responsible business leadership and data from a large-scale multinational study on Performing Beyond Expectations, this article formulates a theory for responsible educational leadership. Research Design: Data come from the Performing Beyond Expectations project, a large-scale international study undertaken from 2007 to 2010. This study used qualitative interviews and analysis of documentary data to explore how organizations in business, education, and sport achieve exceptionally high performance, given their size, client base, and previous performance. The project included more than 220 interviews and 18 sites. Analysis in this article focuses on the responsible leadership found in three schools in one local authority and the ways in which each leader uses relationships to improve the school and student achievement. Findings: All three leaders see the purpose of leadership as developing relationships and attribute their performance beyond expectations to the strength of these relationships. As responsible leaders, they view their role as not only raising and sustaining pupil achievement but also weaving leadership throughout the web of stakeholders including students, parents, and community agencies. This collectivization of leadership is a hallmark of responsible leadership.
Multilevel Higher-Order Item Response Theory Models
Authors: Huang Hung-Yu , Wang Wen-Chung
Published: November 2013

In the social sciences, latent traits often have a hierarchical structure, and data can be sampled from multiple levels. Both hierarchical latent traits and multilevel data can occur simultaneously. In this study, we developed a general class of item response theory models to accommodate both hierarchical latent traits and multilevel data. The freeware WinBUGS was used for parameter estimation. A series of simulations were conducted to evaluate the parameter recovery and the consequence of ignoring the multilevel structure. The results indicated that the parameters were recovered fairly well; ignoring multilevel structures led to poor parameter estimation, overestimation of test reliability for the second-order latent trait, and underestimation of test reliability for the first-order latent traits. The Bayesian deviance information criterion and posterior predictive model checking were helpful for model comparison and model-data fit assessment. Two empirical examples that involve an ability test and a teaching effectiveness assessment are provided.
Canada, white supremacy, and the twinning of empires
Authors: Price John
Published: November 2013

Taking a transnational approach, this essay explores the dynamic circuits of global racisms, resistance, and imperial politics that obliged Canadian policymakers to secure racist exclusions while simultaneously obscuring them. The case studies examined in this essay—British Columbia’s denial of the franchise to First Nations and Chinese, adoption of the Natal Act, and the comprehensive federal exclusions adopted after the 1907 white race riots in Vancouver—illustrate how racist immigration policies, both provincial and federal, had to take into account resistance and international factors as perceived by the British Colonial Office. Taken in conjunction with Indigenous history, the history of transpacific migration to Canada offers important insights into the role of white supremacy in a colonial settler state such as Canada.
Sovereignty and self-determination: Where are we?
Authors: MacFarlane Neil , Sabanadze Natalie
Published: November 2013

This article discusses the historical evolution of norms of sovereignty, non-intervention, territorial integrity, and self-determination in international relations. It shows the degree to which their meanings and weight have varied and considers the bumpy historical relationship between international norms and practice. The twentieth century witnessed increasing tension between the hardening of sovereignty and non-intervention norms and the development of international human rights norms. The article then discusses normative inconsistencies and the variability of application of norms in practice in the post-Cold War era. It concludes by suggesting ways in which international society might mitigate these inconsistencies and the confusion that attends them.
Family reunification as international history: Rethinking Sino-Canadian relations after 1970
Authors: Madokoro Laura
Published: November 2013

Building on the emerging scholarship that treats the history of global migration as a crucial aspect of international history, this article examines the little known 1973 family reunification agreement between Canada and the People’s Republic of China. The article contends that, despite its limitations, the agreement was an important milestone in the history of Sino-Canadian relations. Through a detailed micro-history, the article reveals the shifting political currents that led to the agreement’s successful negotiation, highlighting how, by the early 1970s, Canada and other Western nations were embracing the notion of family reunification as an important human rights issue in the ongoing contests of the global Cold War.
The influence of hot pressing conditions on mechanical properties of nickel aluminide/alumina composite
Authors: Nosewicz Szymon , Rojek Jerzy , Mackiewicz Sławomir , Chmielewski Marcin , Pietrzak Katarzyna , Romelczyk Barbara
Published: November 2013

The influence of hot pressing conditions on mechanical properties of nickel aluminide/alumina composite has been investigated in the present paper. In particular, effect of the process parameters, viz. compacting pressure, sintering temperature and sintering time on the evolution of density, elastic constants and tensile strength properties of the intermetallic-ceramic composite has been studied. Elastic constants, the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, have been evaluated using an ultrasonic testing method, and the tensile strength has been determined by a Brazilian-type splitting test. Microscopic observations of microstructure evolution complemented the experimental procedure. Experimental results have been confronted with theoretical models showing a good agreement between the data compared.
Urban crop production and poverty alleviation in Eldoret, Kenya: Implications for policy and gender planning
Authors: Simiyu Romborah R , Foeken Dick WJ
Published: November 2013

Urban agriculture (UA) has recently received increasing attention in both scholarly and policy cycles as a potential tool for poverty alleviation in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper focuses on urban crop cultivation (UCC) and examines men’s and women’s motives and needs in UCC, the (perceived) contribution of UCC to household livelihoods, and the benefits men and women derive from it. Although the contribution of UCC to overall household food and incomes appeared to be modest, for the majority of farming households such benefits were nonetheless greatly valued and bore varied and important meanings for men and women. The paper also examines the implications of recent national UA policy responses in Kenya for urban development and household livelihoods, and for equitable distribution of UA’s benefits for men and women.
Cities and the geographical deconcentration of scientific activity: A multilevel analysis of publications (1987–2007)
Authors: Grossetti Michel , Eckert Denis , Gingras Yves , Jégou Laurent , Larivière Vincent , Milard Béatrice
Published: November 2013

Most current scientific policies incorporate debates on cities and the geographic organisation of scientific activity. Research on ‘world cities’ develops the idea that interconnected agglomerations can better take advantage of international competition. Thus, the increasing concentration of activities in these cities at the expense of others could be observed by certain scholars using measures based on scientific publications. Others, however, show that an opposite trend is emerging: the largest cities are undergoing a relative decline in a country’s scientific activities. To go beyond this seeming contradiction, this paper provides a global analysis of all countries with papers in the Web of Science over the period 1987–2007. The author’s addresses were geocoded and grouped into agglomerations. Registering of papers was based on the fractional counting of multi-authored publications, and the results are unambiguous: deconcentration is the dominant trend both globally and within countries, with some exceptions for which explanations are suggested.
The relationship between emotional competence and hostile/prosocial behavior in Albanian preschoolers: An exploratory study
Authors: Farina Eleonora , Belacchi Carmen
Published: November 2013

We explored the relationship between the ascribed tendency of Albanian preschoolers’ to take on prosocial and/or hostile roles and their empathy and emotion comprehension. Participants were 63 preschoolers (3- to 6-years-old) and six teachers. Pupils’ empathy and hostile/prosocial roles were assessed via teacher reports and their emotional comprehension through a non-verbal test. The results confirmed the pattern of relationships previously found in Italian preschoolers ( Belacchi & Farina, 2010 , 2012 ) among children’s roles in bullying, developmental stage of emotion comprehension, and empathic disposition. Differences emerged regarding Albanian teachers’ attributions of roles and empathic disposition as a function of gender; they also perceived children displaying hostile behavior as having strong perspective-taking abilities. This evaluation style may be culture-specific and related to the values of a society-in-transition such as Albania.
A Note on the Type I Error Rate of the PARSCALE G2 Statistic for Long Tests
Authors: Chon Kyong Hee , Sinharay Sandip
Published: November 2013

The PARSCALE G2 statistic is arguably the most popular item fit statistic in operational testing. For long tests, the Type I error rates of the statistic have often been found to be satisfactory. However, the Type I error rates of the statistic have only been studied for sample sizes of up to several thousands. The authors examined the Type I error rates of the PARSCALE G2 statistic in a simulation study using sample sizes much larger than those considered in the literature. For any fixed test length, the Type I error rate of the PARSCALE G2 statistic is found to increase to 1 as the sample size increases. The findings contradict the claim in the PARSCALE software manual that the PARSCALE G2 statistic leads to a large-sample test and also contradict the common belief that the statistic has reasonable Type I error rates for long tests. Thus, this simulation study conveys the important practical message that the use of the PARSCALE G2 statistic cannot always be recommended even for long tests. The Type I error rates of the item fit statistics of Orlando and Thissen were found to be close to the nominal level for all simulation conditions considered here.
Working on the edge: remediation work in the UK travel sector
Authors: Ball Kirstie , Canhoto Ana , Daniel Elizabeth , Dibb Sally , Meadows Maureen , Spiller Keith
Published: November 2013

In response to recent terror attacks, Western governments now involve private sector organizations in national security regimes in key strategic areas such as travel, communication and financial services. The UK’s e-Borders programme is one such regime. Its goal is to collect and analyse passport and passenger data from all travellers entering and leaving the UK in advance of travel. Airlines and their supply chains are required to collect data from their customers and transfer it to the UK Border Agency for processing. Using documentary and interview data, this article develops the concept of ‘remediation work’ to characterize the impact of the regime on travel firms and their employees.
Preparation and properties of polymer alloys consisting of high-molecular-weight benzoxazine and bismaleimide
Authors: Takeichi Tsutomu , Uchida Shoya , Inoue Yuichi , Kawauchi Takehiro , Furukawa Nobuyuki
Published: November 2013

Novel polymer alloys were prepared by blending a high-molecular-weight benzoxazine (HMWB) and a typical bismaleimide (4,4′-bismaleimidodiphenyl methane (BMI)) followed by thermal treatment up to 240°C. It was confirmed by the infrared and differential scanning calorimetric analyses that the phenolic hydroxyl group formed by the ring-opening polymerization of HMWB reacted with the double bond of BMI, in addition to the chain polymerization of the double bond of BMI and the ring-opening polymerization of HMWB. This further cross-linking through the formation of ether linkage made the polymer alloy films much more tough and flexible than each homopolymer film. Moreover, viscoelastic analyses and thermogravimetric analyses of the polymer alloy films showed that glass transition temperature and thermal stability also increased by alloying.