bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social learning within and across species: information transfer in mouse-eared bats
Authors: Clarin Theresa M.A. , Borissov Ivailo , Page Rachel A. , Ratcliffe John M. , Siemers Björn M.
Published: January 2014

Social learning describes information transfer between individuals through observation or direct interaction. Bats can live and forage in large groups, sometimes comprising several species, and are thus well suited for investigations of both intraspecific and interspecific information transfer. Although social learning has been documented within several bat species, it has not been shown to occur between species. Furthermore, it is not fully understood what level of interaction between individuals is necessary for social learning in bats. We address these questions by comparing the efficiency of observation versus interaction in intraspecific social learning and by considering interspecific social learning in sympatric bat species. Observers learned from demonstrators to identify food sources using a light cue. We show that intraspecific social learning exists in the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797)) and that direct interaction with a demonstrator more efficiently leads to information transfer than observational learning alone. We also found evidence for interspecific information transfer from M. myotis to the lesser mouse-eared bat (Myotis oxygnathus Monticelli, 1885). Additionally, we opportunistically retested one individual that we recaptured from the wild 1 year after initial learning and found long-term memory of the trained association. Our study adds to the understanding of learning, information transfer, and long-term memory in wild-living animals.
A NEW ERA OF FLAVOR PHYSICS: BELLE II AND THE SuperKEKB PROJECT
Authors: KIESLING CHRISTIAN
Published: January 2014

The physics of heavy flavors, including the search for new sources of CP symmetry violation and for rare decays of B mesons and τ leptons, is one of the pillars of modern particle physics in the quest for finding the inevitable extensions or modifications of the Standard Model. In this paper we first summarize the present status of CP violation as measured using the two pioneering B-Factories PEP II in the US and KEKB in Japan. Both machines have stopped operation (PEP II in 2008, KEKB end of June 2010), and full data samples from the BaBar and Belle experiments are now being analyzed for the "final word." The Standard Model of CP violation, based on the quark flavor mixing matrix as formulated by Kobayashi and Maskawa, shows overall consistency with the measurements. Still there are some tantalizing hints of possible deviations from the conventional wisdom. Strong arguments therefore exist to push for a new round of high-precision experiments, which will become available with the next generation of ultrahigh luminosity machines ("Super B-Factories"). We discuss the physics potential of such machines, aiming at integrated luminosities about two orders of magnitude larger than the present samples. We then report on the concrete plans at KEK in Japan to upgrade the KEKB machine ("SuperKEKB") with the goal of achieving an instantaneous luminosity exceeding 8 × 1035 cm -2 s -1, which is a factor of 40 larger than KEKB's world record. Together with the machine, the Belle detector will be upgraded as well ("Belle II"), with significant improvements to increase its background tolerance as well as improving its physics performance. The Belle II experiment is scheduled to see first collisions in 2015.
A space-time hp-interpolation-based certified reduced basis method for Burgers' equation
Authors: Yano Masayuki , Patera Anthony T. , Urban Karsten
Published: January 2014

We present a space-time interpolation-based certified reduced basis method for Burgers' equation over the spatial interval (0, 1) and the temporal interval (0, T] parametrized with respect to the Peclet number. We first introduce a Petrov–Galerkin space-time finite element discretization which enjoys a favorable inf–sup constant that decreases slowly with Peclet number and final time T. We then consider an hp interpolation-based space-time reduced basis approximation and associated Brezzi–Rappaz–Raviart a posteriori error bounds. We describe computational offline–online decomposition procedures for the three key ingredients of the error bounds: the dual norm of the residual, a lower bound for the inf–sup constant, and the space-time Sobolev embedding constant. Numerical results demonstrate that our space-time formulation provides improved stability constants compared to classical L2-error estimates; the error bounds remain sharp over a wide range of Peclet numbers and long integration times T, in marked contrast to the exponentially growing estimate of the classical formulation for high Peclet number cases.
THE USE OF UNDER- AND OVERSAMPLING WITHIN ENSEMBLE FEATURE SELECTION AND CLASSIFICATION FOR SOFTWARE QUALITY PREDICTION
Authors: GAO KEHAN , KHOSHGOFTAAR TAGHI M. , WALD RANDALL
Published: January 2014

Software quality prediction models are useful tools for creating high quality software products. The general process is that practitioners use software metrics and defect data along with various data mining techniques to build classification models for identifying potentially faulty program modules, thereby enabling effective project resource allocation. The predictive accuracy of these classification models is often affected by the quality of input data. Two main problems which can affect the quality of input data are high dimensionality (too many independent attributes in a dataset) and class imbalance (many more members of one class than the other class in a binary classification problem). To resolve both of these problems, we present an iterative feature selection approach which repeatedly applies data sampling (to overcome class imbalance) followed by feature selection (to overcome high dimensionality), and finally combines the ranked feature lists from the separate iterations of sampling. After feature selection, models are built either using a plain learner or by using a boosting algorithm which incorporates sampling. In order to assess the impact of various balancing, filter, and learning techniques in the feature selection and model-building process on software quality prediction, we employ two sampling techniques, random undersampling (RUS) and synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE), and two ensemble boosting approaches, RUSBoost and SMOTEBoost (in which RUS and SMOTE, respectively, are integrated into a boosting technique), as well as six feature ranking techniques. We apply the proposed techniques to several groups of datasets from two real-world software systems and use two learners to build classification models. The experimental results demonstrate that RUS results in better prediction than SMOTE, and also that boosting is more effective in improving classification performance than not using boosting. In addition, some feature ranking techniques, like chi-squared and information gain, exhibit better and more stable classification behavior than other rankers.
Strategic Uncertainty and Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Competitive Intelligence Practices
Authors: Yap Ching Seng , Rashid Md Zabid Abdul , Sapuan Dewi Amat
Published: January 2014

This study aims to identify the strategic roles of competitive intelligence and to examine the mediating effect of competitive intelligence practices on the relationship between perceived strategic uncertainty and firm performance. Data are collected from 123 public listed companies in Malaysia using mail questionnaire survey. The study highlights the essential role of competitive intelligence in supporting strategic decision making and strategic planning as well as in identifying opportunities and threats. Results reveal that perceived strategic uncertainty relates positively to competitive intelligence practices, which in turn, relates positively to firm performance. This paper includes implications, limitations, and recommendations for future studies.
Does Online Searching Cause or Enforce Health Information Disparity?
Authors: Kim Yong-Mi
Published: January 2014

A growing number of people are seeking health information on the Internet. To meet demands, healthcare providers are increasingly disseminating information online. While online health information has enhanced the dissemination of health information and improved people's health-related knowledge, critics posit that such dissemination has widened knowledge disparities in health information and health benefits as a result. Drawing on existing studies, this study identified the main causes of such disparity, namely education, health literacy, computer self-efficacy (CSE) and usage of health-related social media. The finding showed that education resided at the centre of the disparity and impacted other elements. An interesting finding is although individuals possess high levels of CSE, the efficacy does not highly impact their health benefits, meaning that computer does not directly cause health information disparity but is the tool to promote health-related knowledge disparity.
Knowledge Management in Academic Libraries and Information Centres: A Case of University Libraries
Authors: Jain Priti
Published: January 2014

In today's knowledge-based economies, appropriate Knowledge Management (KM) has proved a strategic management tool to survive and thrive in the ever-changing global market. Therefore, increasingly, all types of organisations including tertiary institutions are adopting KM. This paper focuses on university libraries and presents the partial findings of a study carried out to investigate and explore KM practices in Southern African Development Community (SADC) university libraries. A structured questionnaire was used to carry out the study. The study revealed the main reasons for practicing KM to improve library services: to improve library services and productivity, produce more with less, avoid duplication of efforts and leverage existing knowledge. The major challenges were identified as constant budget decline, lack of incentives, inadequate staff training and expertise, a lack KM strategy, insufficient information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and a lack of knowledge sharing culture. Finally, the paper puts forward some recommendations and a framework for KM implementation in university/academic libraries.
HYBRID MODELING OF PROCESS PARAMETERS PRODUCED BY ELECTRIC DISCHARGE MACHINING USING DIFFERENTIAL EVALUATION AND PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION
Authors: RAJESH R. , DEV ANAND M.
Published: January 2014

One of the important advanced manufacturing technologies in machining hard-to-cut complicated contour is electrical discharge machining (EDM) and it is highly appreciated because it is economical and effective for moulding materials of heat resistance and high strength into complex one. The EDM process deals with erosion of electrically conductive materials by the way of initiating rapid and repetitive spark discharge between the work piece and electrode tool, with the separation of gap of 0.05 to 0.5 mm which is called spark gap. A die electric fluid soakes this spark gap. In EDM process machining parameters are considered to be important to achieve optimal machining performance in high heat resistance and hard material. The hand book provides all the details about the opted machining parameters but it does not guarantee that the obtained parameters are close to optimal performance. The EDM process should have the features of robustness, accuracy, process capability to confront with the challenges of the changing world. The EDM process should be modeled and optimized to achieve perfection as mentioned above. The researcher uses RSM to investigate the effect of five controllable input variables (viz) peak current, discharge voltage, pulse on time, pulse off time, and oil pressure. MRR and SR, two output variables are the responses. Experiments were administered on AISI 1020 steel with copper electrode. The response is modeled using RSM on experimental data. The remarkable coefficients are received by performing analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the level of 5%. This study shows the MRR and SR have been significantly influenced by peak current, pulse on time, pulse off time, discharge voltage and oil pressure. The soft computing tools differential evolution and PSO are framed, developed, experimented as predictive models.
POPULATION BALANCE MODEL OF ICE CRYSTALS SIZE DISTRIBUTION DURING ICE SLURRY STORAGE
Authors: XU AIXIANG , LIU ZHIQIANG , ZHAO TENGLEI , WANG XIAOXIAO
Published: January 2014

Particle size distribution and number of ice crystals have a great influence on the flow and heat transfer performance of ice slurry. A population balance model (PBM) containing population and mass balances has been built to simulate numerically the development of ice particle size distribution during adiabatic ice slurry storage. The model assumes a homogeneously mixed and long-term storage tank in which the effect of breakage and aggregation between ice crystals was considered. For solving the population balance equations (PBEs) in the PBM, a semi-discrete finite volume scheme was applied. Finally, the effect of breakage and aggregation on development of ice particle size distribution was analyzed respectively. The results show that both breakage and aggregation are the two important effects on the particle size distribution and evolution of ice particle during storage, but they have opposite effect on the development of ice crystal size. In storage, breakage and aggregation have almost equivalent effect in the initial phase, but aggregation has dominant effect at last. The PBM results are in good agreement with experimental results by Pronk et al. [Effect of long-term ice slurry storage on crystal size distribution, 5th Workshop on Ice Slurries of the IIR (2002), pp. 151–160]. Therefore, the PBM presented in this paper is able to predict the development of particle size distribution during ice slurry storage.
The Cognitive Neuroscience of Insight
Authors: Kounios John , Beeman Mark
Published: January 2014

Insight occurs when a person suddenly reinterprets a stimulus, situation, or event to produce a nonobvious, nondominant interpretation. This can take the form of a solution to a problem (an “aha moment”), comprehension of a joke or metaphor, or recognition of an ambiguous percept. Insight research began a century ago, but neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques have been applied to its study only during the past decade. Recent work has revealed insight-related coarse semantic coding in the right hemisphere and internally focused attention preceding and during problem solving. Individual differences in the tendency to solve problems insightfully rather than in a deliberate, analytic fashion are associated with different patterns of resting-state brain activity. Recent studies have begun to apply direct brain stimulation to facilitate insight. In sum, the cognitive neuroscience of insight is an exciting new area of research with connections to fundamental neurocognitive processes.
Structured Regularizers for High-Dimensional Problems: Statistical and Computational Issues
Authors: Wainwright Martin J.
Published: January 2014

Regularization is a widely used technique throughout statistics, machine learning, and applied mathematics. Modern applications in science and engineering lead to massive and complex data sets, which motivate the use of more structured types of regularizers. This survey provides an overview of the use of structured regularization in high-dimensional statistics, including regularizers for group-structured and hierarchical sparsity, low-rank matrices, additive and multiplicative matrix decomposition, and high-dimensional nonparametric models. It includes various examples with motivating applications; it also covers key aspects of statistical theory and provides some discussion of efficient algorithms.
What Is Statistics?
Authors: Fienberg Stephen E.
Published: January 2014

One might think that there is a simple answer to the question posed in the title of the form “Statistics is….” Sadly, there is not, although many contemporary statistical authors have attempted to answer the question. This article captures the essence of some of these efforts, setting them in their historical contexts. In the process, we focus on the cross-disciplinary nature of much modern statistical research. This discussion serves as a backdrop to the the aims of the Annual Review of Statistics and its Application, which begins publication with the present volume.
Integrin αvβ6 Promotes an Osteolytic Program in Cancer Cells by Upregulating MMP2
Authors: Dutta Anindita , Li Jing , Lu Huimin , Akech Jacqueline , Pratap Jitesh , Wang Tao , Zerlanko Brad J. , FitzGerald Thomas J. , Jiang Zhong , Birbe Ruth , Wixted John , Violette Shelia M. , Stein Janet L. , Stein Gary S. , Lian Jane B. , Languino Lucia R.
Published: January 2014

The molecular circuitries controlling osseous prostate metastasis are known to depend on the activity of multiple pathways, including integrin signaling. Here, we demonstrate that the αvβ6 integrin is upregulated in human prostate cancer bone metastasis. In prostate cancer cells, this integrin is a functionally active receptor for fibronectin and latency-associated peptide-TGF-β1; it mediates attachment and migration upon ligand binding and is localized in focal contacts. Given the propensity of prostate cancer cells to form bone metastatic lesions, we investigated whether the αvβ6 integrin promotes this type of metastasis. We show for the first time that αvβ6 selectively induces matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in vitro in multiple prostate cancer cells and promotes osteolysis in vivo in an immunodeficient mouse model of bone metastasis through upregulation of MMP2, but not MMP9. The effect of αvβ6 on MMP2 expression and activity is independent of androgen receptor in the analyzed prostate cancer cells. Increased levels of parathyroid hormone–related protein (PTHrP), known to induce osteoclastogenesis, were also observed in αvβ6-expressing cells. However, by using MMP2 short hairpin RNA, we demonstrate that the αvβ6 effect on bone loss is due to upregulation of soluble MMP2 by the cancer cells, not due to changes in tumor growth rate. Another related αv-containing integrin, αvβ5, fails to show similar responses, underscoring the significance of αvβ6 activity. Overall, these mechanistic studies establish that expression of a single integrin, αvβ6, contributes to the cancer cell—mediated program of osteolysis by inducing matrix degradation through MMP2. Our results open new prospects for molecular therapy for metastatic bone disease. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1598–608. ©2014 AACR.
Association Between Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness: A Twin Study
Authors: Kulshreshtha Ambar , Goyal Abhinav , Veledar Emir , McClellan William , Judd Suzanne , Eufinger Silvia C. , Bremner J. Douglas , Goldberg Jack , Vaccarino Viola
Published: January 2014

Background

The
A
merican
H
eart
A
ssociation (AHA) recently developed the Cardiovascular Health Index (
CVHI
), a health metric consisting of 7 modifiable risk factors. The relationship of the
CVHI
with preclinical markers, such as carotid intima‐media thickness (
CIMT
) has not been assessed.

Methods

We examined 490 male monozygotic and dizygotic twins without overt cardiovascular disease.
CIMT
was measured using B‐mode ultrasonography. Each of the 7
CVHI
components (blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, and smoking) was given a point score of 0, 1, or 2 to represent poor, intermediate, or ideal health, respectively. A
CVHI
summation score was computed (range 0 to 14) and categorized as inadequate (0 to 4), average (5 to 9), or optimum (10 to 14) cardiovascular health. Mixed‐model regression was used to examine the association of the
CVHI
with
CIMT
.

Results

The mean age of the twins was 55.4 years, and 61% were monozygotic. The mean
CIMT
was 0.75 (±0.11) mm and the mean
CVHI
score was 7.7 (±2.1). There was an inverse correlation between
CVHI
and
CIMT
(Spearman
r
=−0.22,
P
<0.01). For every 5‐unit increase in overall
CVHI
score (indicating better cardiovascular health category),
CIMT
decreased by 0.045 mm (
P
<0.001) after adjusting for demographic variables and other confounders. Within monozygotic twin pairs, a 5‐unit increment in
CVHI
score was associated with a 0.05 mm lower
CIMT
(
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

The
CVHI
is independently associated with
CIMT
and the association is not confounded by shared genetic and other familial factors.
Peroxiredoxin 5 (PRX5) Is Correlated Inversely to Systemic Markers of Inflammation in Acute Stroke
Authors: Kunze Allison , Zierath Dannielle , Tanzi Patricia , Cain Kevin , Becker Kyra
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—

Peroxiredoxins are endogenous antioxidants that function as peroxide and peroxynitrite scavengers. Extracellular peroxiredoxins, however, are shown to initiate inflammation within the ischemic brain through activation of Toll-like receptors. Based on this observation, we hypothesized that plasma peroxiredoxin concentrations in ischemic stroke would correlate biomarkers of inflammation and predict poor outcome.

Methods—

In a prospective study of patients with ischemic stroke, plasma peroxiredoxin 5 (PRX5) concentrations and inflammatory biomarkers at day 3 after stroke onset were correlated and the association between PRX5 at day 3 and outcome at 3 months assessed.

Results—

PRX5 concentrations were available for 98 patients and were lower in those with more severe strokes (
P
=0.001). PRX5 was inversely correlated to biomarkers of inflammation at day 3 after stroke and did not predict 3-month outcome.

Conclusions—

Plasma PRX5 is decreased in severe stoke and inversely correlated to biomarkers of systemic inflammation. These data suggest that PRX5 is not a proinflammatory mediator in acute stroke. Moreover, the inverse relationship between PRX5 and stroke severity suggests that PRX5 is either consumed or its production is impaired in severe stroke. Further study is needed to define the potential role of PRX5 in stroke.
Weberbauerella chilensis (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae), a new species from the Atacama Desert, Chile
Authors: Saldivia Patricio , FAÚNDEZ LUIS
Published: January 2014

A new legume species, Weberbauerella chilensis, from the Andean foothills in the Tarapacá region in Chile, is described and illustrated. This species represents the first record of the genus in Chile and the Southern Cone of South America and is the third species described for the genus. Weberbauerella chilensis resembles  W. brongnartioides from Peru, but differs primarily in its smaller size, fewer leaflets and habitat conditions.
Taxonomic study of the Pagurus forbesii "complex" (Crustacea: Decapoda: Paguridae). Description of Pagurus pseudosculptimanus sp. nov. from Alborán Sea (Southern Spain, Western Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: MUÑOZ J. ENRIQUE GARCÍA , CUESTA JOSE A. , RASO J. ENRIQUE GARCÍA
Published: January 2014

Study of hermit crabs from Alboran Sea has allowed recognition of two different morphological forms under what had been understood as Pagurus forbesii. Based on morphological observations with various species of Pagurus, and molecular studies, a new species is described as P. pseudosculptimanus. An overview of species of Pagurus from the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea is provided.
Evaluation of Seven Different Atmospheric Reanalysis Products in the Arctic*
Authors: Lindsay R. , Wensnahan M. , Schweiger A. , Zhang J.
Published: January 2014

Atmospheric reanalyses depend on a mix of observations and model forecasts. In data-sparse regions such as the Arctic, the reanalysis solution is more dependent on the model structure, assumptions, and data assimilation methods than in data-rich regions. Applications such as the forcing of ice–ocean models are sensitive to the errors in reanalyses. Seven reanalysis datasets for the Arctic region are compared over the 30-yr period 1981–2010: National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)–National Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis 1 (NCEP-R1) and NCEP–U.S. Department of Energy Reanalysis 2 (NCEP-R2), Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), Twentieth-Century Reanalysis (20CR), Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA), ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim), and Japanese 25-year Reanalysis Project (JRA-25). Emphasis is placed on variables not observed directly including surface fluxes and precipitation and their trends. The monthly averaged surface temperatures, radiative fluxes, precipitation, and wind speed are compared to observed values to assess how well the reanalysis data solutions capture the seasonal cycles. Three models stand out as being more consistent with independent observations: CFSR, MERRA, and ERA-Interim. A coupled ice–ocean model is forced with four of the datasets to determine how estimates of the ice thickness compare to observed values for each forcing and how the total ice volume differs among the simulations. Significant differences in the correlation of the simulated ice thickness with submarine measurements were found, with the MERRA products giving the best correlation (R = 0.82). The trend in the total ice volume in September is greatest with MERRA (−4.1 × 103 km3 decade−1) and least with CFSR (−2.7 × 103 km3 decade−1).
Improving Climate Sensitivity of Deep Lakes within a Regional Climate Model and Its Impact on Simulated Climate
Authors: Bennington Val , Notaro Michael , Holman Kathleen D.
Published: January 2014

Regional climate models aim to improve local climate simulations by resolving topography, vegetation, and land use at a finer resolution than global climate models. Lakes, particularly large and deep lakes, are local features that significantly alter regional climate. The Hostetler lake model, a version of which is currently used in the Community Land Model, performs poorly in deep lakes when coupled to the regional climate of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) Regional Climate Model, version 4 (RegCM4). Within the default RegCM4 model, the lake fails to properly stratify, stifling the model’s ability to capture interannual variability in lake temperature and ice cover. Here, the authors improve modeled lake stratification and eddy diffusivity while correcting errors in the ice model. The resulting simulated lake shows improved stratification and interannual variability in lake ice and temperature. The lack of circulation and explicit mixing continues to stifle the model’s ability to simulate lake mixing events and variability in timing of stratification and destratification. The changes to modeled lake conditions alter seasonal means in sea level pressure, temperature, and low-level winds in the entire model domain, highlighting the importance of lake model selection and improvement for coupled simulations. Interestingly, changes to winter and spring snow cover and albedo impact spring warming. Unsurprisingly, regional climate variability is not significantly altered by an increase in lake temperature variability.
Improving the Simulation of the West African Monsoon Using the MIT Regional Climate Model
Authors: Im Eun-Soon , Gianotti Rebecca L. , Eltahir Elfatih A. B.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents an evaluation of the performance of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) regional climate model (MRCM) in simulating the West African monsoon. The MRCM is built on the Regional Climate Model, version 3 (RegCM3), but with several improvements, including coupling of Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS) land surface scheme, a new surface albedo assignment method, new convective cloud and convective rainfall autoconversion schemes, and a modified scheme for simulating boundary layer height and boundary layer clouds. To investigate the impact of these more physically realistic representations when incorporated into MRCM, a series of experiments were carried out implementing two land surface schemes [IBIS with a new albedo assignment, and the Biosphere–Atmosphere Transfer Scheme (BATS)] and two convection schemes (Grell with the Fritsch–Chappell closure, and Emanuel in both the default form and modified with the new convective cloud cover and a rainfall autoconversion scheme). The analysis primarily focuses on comparing the rainfall characteristics, surface energy balance, and large-scale circulations against various observations. This work documents significant sensitivity in simulation of the West African monsoon to the choices of the land surface and convection schemes. Despite several deficiencies, the simulation with the combination of IBIS and the modified Emanuel scheme with the new convective cloud cover and a rainfall autoconversion scheme shows the best performance with respect to the spatial distribution of rainfall and the dynamics of the monsoon. The coupling of IBIS leads to representations of the surface energy balance and partitioning that show better agreement with observations compared to BATS. The IBIS simulations also reasonably reproduce the dynamical structures of the West African monsoon circulation.
Seasonal Forecasts of Australian Rainfall through Calibration and Bridging of Coupled GCM Outputs
Authors: Schepen Andrew , Wang Q. J. , Robertson David E.
Published: January 2014

Coupled general circulation models (GCMs) are increasingly being used to forecast seasonal rainfall, but forecast skill is still low for many regions. GCM forecasts suffer from systematic biases, and forecast probabilities derived from ensemble members are often statistically unreliable. Hence, it is necessary to postprocess GCM forecasts to improve skill and statistical reliability. In this study, the authors compare three methods of statistically postprocessing GCM output—calibration, bridging, and a combination of calibration and bridging—as ways to treat these problems and make use of multiple GCM outputs to increase the skill of Australian seasonal rainfall forecasts. Three calibration models are established using ensemble mean rainfall from three variants of the Predictive Ocean Atmosphere Model for Australia (POAMA) version M2.4 as predictors. Six bridging models are established using POAMA forecasts of seasonal climate indices as predictors. The calibration and bridging forecasts are merged through Bayesian model averaging. Forecast attributes including skill, sharpness, and reliability are assessed through a rigorous leave-three-years-out cross-validation procedure for forecasts of 1-month lead time. While there are overlaps in skill, there are regions and seasons where the calibration or bridging forecasts are uniquely skillful. The calibration forecasts are more skillful for January–March (JFM) to June–August (JJA). The bridging forecasts are more skillful for July–September (JAS) to December–February (DJF). Merging calibration and bridging forecasts retains, and in some seasons expands, the spatial coverage of positive skill achieved by the better of the calibration forecasts and bridging forecasts individually. The statistically postprocessed forecasts show improved reliability compared to the raw forecasts.
The Effects of Sampling Errors on the EnKF Assimilation of Inner-Core Hurricane Observations
Authors: Poterjoy Jonathan , Zhang Fuqing , Weng Yonghui
Published: January 2014

Atmospheric data assimilation methods that estimate flow-dependent forecast statistics from ensembles are sensitive to sampling errors. This sensitivity is investigated in the context of vortex-scale hurricane data assimilation by cycling an ensemble Kalman filter to assimilate observations with a convection-permitting mesoscale model. In a set of numerical experiments, airborne Doppler radar observations are assimilated for Hurricane Katrina (2005) using an ensemble size that ranges from 30 to 300 members, and a varying degree of covariance inflation through relaxation to the prior. The range of ensemble sizes is shown to produce variations in posterior storm structure that persist for days in deterministic forecasts, with the most substantial differences appearing in the vortex outer-core wind and pressure fields. Ensembles with 60 or more members converge toward similar axisymmetric and asymmetric inner-core solutions by the end of the cycling, while producing qualitatively similar sample correlations between the state variables. Though covariance relaxation has little impact on model variables far from the observations, the structure of the inner-core vortex can benefit from a more optimal tuning of the relaxation coefficient. Results from this study provide insight into how sampling errors may affect the performance of an ensemble hurricane data assimilation system during cycling.
Patterns of service utilization among pre-certified victims of human trafficking
Authors: Dewan Smita Ekka
Published: January 2014

This exploratory study examined factors associated with service utilization among pre-certified victims of human trafficking. The Andersen-Newman model of service utilization guided the examination of the predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with service utilization. Tier level of country of origin was associated with the use of information and referral services; referral source was associated with the use of mental health services; and type of trafficking was associated with the use of mental health services and information and referral services. Type of trafficking predicted the total number of services utilized. Victims of sex trafficking used fewer services compared with victims of labor trafficking.
Swallowing a cellular automaton pill: Predicting drug release from a matrix tablet
Authors: Buchla Ezra , Hinow Peter , Nájera Aisha , Radunskaya Ami
Published: January 2014

Matrix tablets are drug delivery devices designed to release a drug in a controlled manner over an extended period of time. We develop a cellular automaton (CA) model for the dissolution and release of a water-soluble drug and excipient from a matrix tablet of water-insoluble polymer. Cells of the CA are occupied by drug, excipient, water or polymer and the CA updating rules simulate the dissolution of drug and excipient and the subsequent diffusion of the dissolved substances. In addition we simulate the possible fracture of brittle drug and excipient powders during the tablet compression and the melting of the polymer during a possible thermal curing process. Different stirring mechanisms that facilitate the transport of dissolved drug in the fluid in which the tablet is immersed are modeled in the water cells adjacent to the boundary of the tablet. We find that our simulations can reproduce experimental drug release profiles. Our simulation tool can be used to streamline the formulation and production of sustained release tablets.
Genocide and constructions of Hutu and Tutsi in radio propaganda
Authors: Baisley Elizabeth
Published: January 2014

Radio propaganda clearly played a role in the Rwandan genocide of 1994 in which over a million people, mainly Tutsi, were killed. Foreign media and many commentators saw the propaganda as based on ethnic difference. Through an analysis of eighty-six Radio Rwanda and Radio-Télévision Libre des Milles Collines broadcasts, the author shows how reliance on one explanation – be it of ethnicity, politics, ‘race’ or occupation – falls short and oversimplifies. She argues that in fact the broadcasts ‘othered’ the target group by simultaneously drawing on multiple constructions of Hutu and Tutsi identities from many periods in Rwanda’s history.
Europe against the Roma
Authors: Fekete Liz
Published: January 2014

The ancient hatred of Roma minorities is now being compounded in Europe by a post-austerity fear of the destitute ‘scrounger’. Romani communities, many consisting of those forced by market economics and far-right politics to flee westwards from former ‘eastern bloc’ countries, facilitated in the latter 2000s by the free movement enabled by accession to the EU, now find themselves the victims of open hostility to ‘foreigners’ and state-sponsored removal. The author examines the variations of anti-Roma prejudice and state strategies in southern, eastern and western Europe, which send the Roma from pillar to post.
Multidimensionality of exclusionary violence: A case of anti-Gypsy violence in Turkey
Authors: Özateşler Gül
Published: January 2014

This article aims to explore the forced dislocation of immigrant Gyspy townspeople from a Turkish town, Bayramiç, Çanakkale in 1970. It focuses on the workings of social categories of Turkishness and Gypsyness through this exclusionary violent case, how they were re-employed and reproduced exclusively in conjunction with Turkish nationalism. It was the time of socio-economic transformation and rise in populist–nationalist discourses in Turkey. In the town, the reflections of this historical context demonstrated the transformation in power allocation and competing personal interests in highway transportation and forestry. Eventually, the attacks started as “Drivers’ Fight” but turned into “Gypsy hunt” with the effects of socio-economic competition and interests, the employment of historical stigma of Gypsyness and terrorization of the perpetrators in the town.
A nurse-led randomised controlled trial of a structured educational programme for patients starting warfarin therapy
Authors: Moss RC , Lowe GC , Frampton CA , Revell P
Published: January 2014

Aim

To investigate the effect of a randomised controlled trial of a nurse-led structured educational programme compared to standard care on patient knowledge when starting anticoagulant therapy with warfarin.

Methods

45 patients commencing warfarin during an inpatient admission were randomised into either a control group receiving ‘usual’ care, or an experimental group with structured counselling and provision of an educational video. Identical questionnaires assessing knowledge of anticoagulation therapy were applied at discharge and again 3 months later.

Results

Patients receiving a structured educational approach had significantly better knowledge about their therapy both at hospital discharge and at 3 months post discharge ( p = <0.001 and p = 0.038 respectively). Secondary outcomes measured also showed a higher level of patient satisfaction ( p = 0.017) and time in target INR range (56.7% versus 48.1%) in the educational arm.

Conclusions

A formal and structured nurse-led educational package at the initiation of anticoagulant treatment with warfarin treatment improves patient knowledge.
Unbiased RNAi screen for hepcidin regulators links hepcidin suppression to proliferative Ras/RAF and nutrient-dependent mTOR signaling
Authors: Mleczko-Sanecka Katarzyna , Roche Franziska , Rita da Silva Ana , Call Debora , D’Alessio Flavia , Ragab Anan , Lapinski Philip E. , Ummanni Ramesh , Korf Ulrike , Oakes Christopher , Damm Georg , D’Alessandro Lorenza A. , Klingmüller Ursula , King Philip D. , Boutros Michael , Hentze Matthias W. , Muckenthaler Martina U.
Published: January 2014

Key Points

Genome-wide RNAi screen provides the first comprehensive list of putative hepatic hepcidin regulators. Hepcidin suppression is linked to the control of mitogen stimulation and nutrient status via components of Ras/RAF MAPK and mTOR signaling.
How I treat target-specific oral anticoagulant–associated bleeding
Authors: Siegal Deborah M. , Garcia David A. , Crowther Mark A.
Published: January 2014

Target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOACs) that directly inhibit thrombin (dabigatran) or factor Xa (rivaroxaban, apixaban) are effective and safe alternatives to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). Although these agents have practical advantages compared with VKAs and LMWH, there are no antidotes that reverse their anticoagulant effect. Clinical evidence for the efficacy of nonspecific therapies that promote formation of fibrin (prothrombin complex concentrate [PCC], activated PCC [aPCC], and recombinant factor VIIa) in the setting of TSOAC-associated bleeding is lacking, and these prohemostatic products are associated with a risk of thrombosis. In the absence of specific antidotes, addition of PCC or aPCC to maximum supportive therapy may be reasonable for patients with severe or life-threatening TSOAC-associated bleeding. Targeted antidotes for these agents are in development.
Dominant negative connexin26 mutation R75W causing severe hearing loss influences normal programmed cell death in postnatal organ of Corti
Authors: Inoshita Ayako , Karasawa Keiko , Funakubo Megumi , Miwa Asuka , Ikeda Katsuhisa , Kamiya Kazusaku
Published: January 2014

Background

The greater epithelial ridge (GER) is a developmental structure in the maturation of the organ of Corti. Situated near the inner hair cells of neonatal mice, the GER undergoes a wave of apoptosis after postnatal day 8 (P8). We evaluated the GER from P8 to P12 in transgenic mice that carry the R75W + mutation, a dominant-negative mutation of humangap junction protein, beta 2, 26 kDa(GJB2) (also known asconnexin 26orCX26). Cx26 facilitate intercellular communication within the mammalian auditory organ.

Results

In both non-transgenic (non-Tg) and R75W + mice, some GER cells exhibited apoptotic characteristics at P8. In the GER of non-Tg mice, both the total number of cells and the number of apoptotic cells decreased from P8 to P12. In contrast, apoptotic cells were still clearly evident in the GER of R75W + mice at P12. In R75W + mice, therefore, apoptosis in the GER persisted until a later stage of cochlear development. In addition, the GER of R75W + mice exhibited morphological signs of retention, which may have resulted from diminished levels of apoptosis and/or promotion of cell proliferation during embryogenesis and early postnatal stages of development.

Conclusions

Here we demonstrate that Cx26 dysfunction is associated with delayed apoptosis of GER cells and GER retention. This is the first demonstration that Cx26 may regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis during development of the cochlea.
Specific gene-regulation networks during the pre-implantation development of the pig embryo as revealed by deep sequencing
Authors: Cao Suying , Han Jianyong , Wu Jun , Li Qiuyan , Liu Shichao , Zhang Wei , Pei Yangli , Ruan Xiaoan , Liu Zhonghua , Wang Xumin , Lim Bing , Li Ning
Published: January 2014

Background

Because few studies exist to describe the unique molecular network regulation behind pig pre-implantation embryonic development (PED), genetic engineering in the pig embryo is limited. Also, this lack of research has hindered derivation and application of porcine embryonic stem cells and porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Results

We identified and analyzed the genome wide transcriptomes of pig in vivo-derived and somatic cell nuclear transferred (SCNT) as well as mouse in vivo-derived pre-implantation embryos at different stages using mRNA deep sequencing. Comparison of the pig embryonic transcriptomes with those of mouse and human pre-implantation embryos revealed unique gene expression patterns during pig PED. Pig zygotic genome activation was confirmed to occur at the 4-cell stage via genome-wide gene expression analysis. This activation was delayed to the 8-cell stage in SCNT embryos. Specific gene expression analysis of the putative inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE) revealed that pig and mouse pre-implantation embryos share regulatory networks during the first lineage segregation and primitive endoderm differentiation, but not during ectoderm commitment. Also, fatty acid metabolism appears to be a unique characteristic of pig pre-implantation embryonic development. In addition, the global gene expression patterns in the pig SCNT embryos were different from those in in vivo-derived pig embryos.

Conclusions

Our results provide a resource for pluripotent stem cell engineering and for understanding pig development.
Ways of coping with premenstrual change: development and validation of a premenstrual coping measure
Authors: Read Jennifer R , Perz Janette , Ussher Jane M
Published: January 2014

Background

Negative premenstrual change can result in distress for a significant proportion of women. Previous research has suggested that women employ a range of coping strategies and behaviours in order to manage and reduce premenstrual distress. However, as yet there has been no specific scale available to measure premenstrual coping. This research aimed to develop and validate a measure of premenstrual coping which can be used in future investigations of negative premenstrual experience.

Methods

A sample of 250 women living in Australia, reporting mild to severe premenstrual distress, completed an online survey containing 64 items related to premenstrual coping. The items were generated by reviewing past literature related to premenstrual experience, in particular recent qualitative research on premenstrual coping. A principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation was conducted to determine item clusters that would form a measure. Reliability and validity were tested using calculations of Cronbach alphas, correlational analysis with psychological coping scales and a content analysis of participant reports of coping strategies.

Results

The factor analysis, which involved two principal component analyses, resulted in five factors containing 32 premenstrual coping behaviours. Interpretation of the factor solution drew on empirical and theoretical accounts of premenstrual coping and the emergent factors were labelled Avoiding Harm, Awareness and Acceptance of Premenstrual Change, Adjusting Energy, Self-Care, and Communicating. These factors form the subscales of the Premenstrual Coping Measure (PMCM). The subscales demonstrated acceptable to very good reliability and tests of construct, concurrent and content validity were supportive of sound validity.

Conclusions

The PMCM provides a valid and reliable scale for quantifying ways of coping specific to negative premenstrual change. Conceptual similarity was found between some coping behaviours and behaviours positioned as symptoms of premenstrual change. Explanations for this overlap may be found in cultural discourses associated with idealised femininity and PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Further psychometric investigation of the PMCM will enhance knowledge of the role of coping with negative premenstrual experience.
Simultaneous quantification and inhibitory effect on LDL oxidation of the traditional Korean medicine, Leejung-tang
Authors: Seo Chang-Seob , Kim Ohn Soon , Kim Yeji , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo
Published: January 2014

Background

Leejung-tang (LJT) is a traditional Korean herbal medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, we performed quantification analysis of five marker components, liquiritin (1), ginsenoside Rg1 (2), ginsenoside Rb1 (3), glycyrrhizin (4), and 6-gingerol (5) in LJT using a high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC–PDA). In addition, we investigated the inhibitory effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation by the LJT sample.

Methods

Compounds 1–5 were separated within 35 min using a Gemini C18 column. The mobile phase used gradient elution with 1.0% (v/v) aqueous acetic acid (A) and 1.0% (v/v) acetic acid in acetonitrile (B). The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the detector was a photodiode array (PDA) set at 203 nm, 254 nm, and 280 nm. The inhibitory effect on LDL oxidation conduct an experiment on thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay, relative electrophoretic mobility (REM) assay, and electrophoresis of ApoB fragmentation of LJT.

Results

Calibration curves of compounds 1–5 showed good linearity (r
2 ≥0.9995) in different concentration ranges. The recoveries of compounds 1–5 were in the range of 98.90–103.39%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) below 3.0%. The RSDs (%) of intra-day and inter-day precision were 0.10–1.08% and 0.29–1.87%, respectively. The inhibitory effect of LJT on Cu2+-induced LDL oxidation was defined by TBARS assay (IC50: 165.7 μg/mL) and REM of oxLDL (decrease of 50% at 127.7 μg/mL). Furthermore LJT reduced the fragmentation of ApoB of oxLDL in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

The established HPLC-PDA method will be helpful to improve quality control of LJT. In addition, LJT is a potential LDL oxidation inhibitor.