bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Authors: Urban Wayne Joseph
Published: March 2016

This essay profiles the history of the National Education Association of the United States of America. Founded in 1857, the association functioned as a national debating society for a small group of educational leaders for the rest of the nineteenth century. In the twentieth century, it experienced a wave of feminist opposition to the male leaders, the influence of progressive education, a surge of local emphasis, the challenge of trade unionism in the form of the American Federation of Teachers - AFT -, its own racial desegregation, and participation in the creation of the United States Department of Education. Recently, it has been attacked from the political right, as a facilitator of an intellectually deficient public education system.
Physiological quality of soybean seeds produced under artificial rain in the pre-harvesting period
Authors: Castro Elisa de Melo , Oliveira João Almir , Lima Amador Eduardo de , Santos Heloísa Oliveira dos , Barbosa José Igor Lopes
Published: March 2016

Abstract: The objective of this experiment was to evaluate responses of soybean cultivars seeds (with different levels of lignin) considering harvest postponement under the incidence of water and the effect of storage. The experiment was conducted in Iraí de Minas, Brazil using a randomized block design with three replications under a 5 x 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, with five soybean cultivars (NK 7059 RR, SYN 1163 RR, SYN 9070 RR, AS 7307 RR and SYN 1283 RR), three harvesting periods (R8, R8 + one rain simulation in the pre-harvesting period and R8 + two simulations in the pre-harvesting period) under three storage times (0, 90 and 180 days). Seeds were evaluated for their chemical composition (lignin contents), the percentage of moisture damage using the tetrazolium test and physiological quality (germination, accelerated aging, conductivity test, seedling emergence and emergence index). Cultivar AS 7307 RR had the highest lignin content in the integument, the lowest percentage of damage by moisture and the highest physiological quality. Cultivars NK 7059 RR and SYN 1163 RR had the lowest lignin contents in the integument and the highest moisture damage. Electrical conductivity increased after storing all cultivars.
Diagnosis and treatment of benign liver nodules: Brazilian Society of Hepatology (SBH) recommendations
Authors: Strauss Edna , Ferreira Adalgisa de Souza Paiva , França Alex Vianey Callado , Lyra Andre Castro , Barros Fabio Marinho do Rego , Silva Ivonete , Garcia José Huygens Parente , Parise Edison Roberto
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT Space-occupying lessions of the liver may be cystic or solid. Ultrasonography is an extremely useful method for initial screening, and suffices for diagnosis of simple hepatic cysts. Complex cysts and solid masses require computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for confirmation. Wide surgical excision is indicated in cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. Clinical and epidemiological data are important, as nodules in noncirrhotic livers are more likely to be benign. Hemangiomas, the most common benign tumors, require no follow-up after diagnostic confirmation if they are small and asymptomatic. Patients with giant, symptomatic hemangiomas or compression of adjacent structures should be referred to hepatobiliary centers for potential surgery. The genetic heterogeneity of hepatocellular adenoms and their epidemiology and prognosis prompted classification of these tumors into four subtypes based on histology and immunohistochemistry. The major complications of hepatocellular adenoms are rupture with bleeding and malignant transformation. Rupture occurs in approximately 30% of cases. The main risk factors are tumors size >5 cm and inflammatory subtype. Hepatocellular adenoms may enlarge during pregnancy due to marked hormonal stimulation. As oral contraceptive pills and anabolic steroids have associated with hepatocellular adenoms growth, particularly of the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alfa subtype, these drugs should be discontinued. Focal nodular hyperplasia is the second most common benign tumor of hte liver. It is most frequent in women aged 20 to 60, and 70% to 90% of cases are asymptomatic. In the adsence of a central scar and/or other hallmarks of Focal nodular hyperplasia, with uncertainty between this diagnosis and hepatocellular adenoma, liver-specific contrast agentes are indicated.
Intra-abdominal pressure: an integrative review
Authors: Milanesi Rafaela , Caregnato Rita Catalina Aquino
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT There is a growing request for measuring intra-abdominal pressure in critically ill patients with acute abdominal pain to be clarified. Summarizing the research results on measurement of vesical intra-abdominal pressure and analyzing the level of evidence were the purposes of this integrative literature review, carried out based on the databases LILACS, MEDLINE and PubMed, from 2005 to July 2012. Twenty articles were identified, in that, 12 literature reviews, 4 descriptive and exploratory studies, 2 expert opinions, one prospective cohort study and one was an experience report. The vesical intra-abdominal pressure measurement was considered gold standard. There are variations in the technique however, but some common points were identified: complete supine position, in absence of abdominal contracture, in the end of expiration and expressed in mmHg. Most research results indicate keeping the transducer zeroed at the level of the mid-axillary line at the iliac crest level, and instill 25mL of sterile saline. Strong evidence must be developed.
A Study on the Effect Relationship between the Dokdo Special Interest Tourists Motivation and Citizenship Behavior: A Research Based on the Mediating Effect of Tourism Commitment
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Rhee Chong-Ryeol , Lee Hyung-ryong
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to identify the effect relationship of the special interest tourist’s motivation who visits to Dokdo Island on the citizenship behavior of tourists. Data were collected from 241 tourists who visited Dokdo Island from the 10th to 13th of July, 2014. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0. For the analysis method, frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and multi regression analysis were conducted. The main variables were composed of tourist motivation, tourism commitment, and citizenship behavior. The independent variable was comprised of intellectual tourism motivation, friendship tourism motivation, curious tourism motivation, spiritual tourism motivation, to four sub variables, tourism commitment and citizenship behavior to a one dimension variable. The study results can be summarized as follows: First, intellectual tourism motivation, curious tourism motivation, spiritual tourism motivation has been identified that have a significantly influence on tourism commitment. Secondly, intellectual tourism motivation, friendship tourism motivation have been identified that influence on citizenship behavior. Third, tourism commitment partially mediated the effect relationship that intellectual tourism motivation, friendship tourism motivation influence has on citizenship behavior. Fourth, tourism commitment fully mediated the effect relationship that curious tourism motivation, and spiritual tourism motivation influence have on citizenship behavior. In conclusion, we found that the Dokdo tourists are interested in history, culture, territory. Furthermore, they communicate with peoples’, emphasis on unity as intellectual tourism motivation, and friendship tourism motivation. Finally, they have carried out this role in their future citizenship behavior.
Korean Wave(Hallyu) Tourism Information Policy for Potential Foreign Tourists: Analysis of the Language: specific Issue and its Requirements
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Hlee Sunyoung , Lee Ji-Min , JOUN YOUHEE , CHUNG NAMHO , Koo Chulmo
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceived recognition of the potential foreign tourists from seven different language groups regarding the Korean wave to find their distinctive different issues and needs. In order to find such traits, a survey was conducted on 4,245 international tourists from 7 different linguistic groups who visited the Korea Tourism Organization(KTO)’s website VisitKorea which hosted for the promotion of the Korean Wave. A total of 90 Korean Wave keywords was retrieved from the collected survey data and sorted them into 8 categories using content analysis: Celebrity, ICT, Contents, Culture & Heritage, Shopping, Destinations & Tourism, Korean studies and Event & Festivals. In this research, the differences in issues and the needs of among the tourists from the seven language groups in the 8 categories were studied based on the Construal Level Theory(CLT) and Psychological Distance Theory. Finally, on the basis of the Distance Decay Theory(DDT), several implications of tourism information strategies on the globalization of Korean Wave(Hallyu) tourism were suggested.
The Effects of Cause-related Marketing on a Customer’s Perceptions of Authenticity and Corporate Image: Beverage Product Types as a Moderator
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Piao Zhen－Xian , Hwang Johye
Published: March 2016

Cause-related marketing has been recognized as an essential element for improving a corporate image, and authenticity in the marketing activity has become critical in gaining consumers’ trust. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of CRM attributes(product-cause fit and durability) on authenticity perceptions. On the basis of two product types focus(utilitarian product and hedonic product), 8 types of testing advertisements were designed. The results were as follows. First, there are differences in authenticity perceptions in fit between the two product types. In particular, product types have a moderating effect on the relationship between fit and authenticity perceptions; while for the utilitarian product, authenticity perceptions are higher in high-fit than low-fit. On the contrary, in hedonic product case, authenticity perceptions are higher in low-fit than high-fit. Second, there are no differences of authenticity perceptions in durability between the two product types. Third, authenticity perceptions have a positive effect on corporate Image. The findings show that CRM attributes play a significantly role in creating a sense of authenticity for consumers. Furthermore, this study also provides academic implications and practical marketing strategies the company.
Institutional dynamics in national strategy development: a case study of the capacity development strategy of Uganda's water and environment sector
Authors: Yinusa Saheed Olanrewaju , Wehn Uta
Published: March 2016

Developing countries often face challenges when attempting to improve poor performances in the delivery of water, sanitation and hygiene services. Policymakers have focused their attention on national capacity development strategies as instruments to promote state-owned and -driven policy to improve capacity development (CD). The results of this empirically-based research on Uganda's Water and Environment Capacity Development Strategy illustrate that the formulation and implementation of the strategy was enhanced by the support of the sector's knowledgeable actors involved in the strategy-making process who helped to identify the core CD challenges of the sector. Secondly, the study highlights the importance of adopting a sector CD annual plan to guarantee a common approach to CD among sector actors, to strengthen the sector's readiness to change from existing CD practices, to learn new CD practices collectively, and, above all, to encourage common output and performance orientation toward the strategy. Finally, our study shows that, inevitably, inherent politico-economic power relations appear to be a substantial force within such strategy-making processes.
On Independent Adjectives: A Syntactic Analysis of Arabic Adjectival Nominals
Authors: Al-Rawi Maather Mohammed
Published: March 2016

In this study, I aim to investigate the ambiguity on the category of the non-modifying Arabic adjectives that occur independently without a modified noun and to provide an account for the following questions: (1) are independent adjectives in Arabic nouns or adjectives?; (2) do they undergo a deadjectivizing process?; and (3) if they do, at which layer in adjectival phases does nominalization take place? I attempt to investigate the bi-categorial nature of independent adjectives in Arabic showing that they are internally adjectival but externally nominal. This analysis postulates that these adjectives have undergone category-change by moving A to the nominalizer D, which has the abstract affix NOM. Semantically, the adjective becomes referential (or +[indiv(iduated)]) naming entities of certain attributes, rather than denoting the attribute. However, DP is not the mere layer at which category-change takes place. The category-change is observed to occur earlier than the DP layers as indicated by the subregularities in the adjective form. The plural morpheme indicates three layers of nominality: the lower nP, NumP, and DP. Adjectives that undergo a-to-n change are nominalized having singular nominal form. Adjectives that are nominalized in NumP are pluralized with the nominal broken plural, yet having a singular adjectival form. Finally, adjectives that are nominalized in the highest functional DP projection are marked with an adjectival sound plural morpheme. This analysis provides a neat account for the diversity in the adjective number form and is favored over the alternative assumption that adjectives in pro-drop languages drop the head noun.
Ethno-Semantic Texture of News Headlines: A Case Study of a Syrian Drowned Toddler
Authors: AlBzour Baseel A.
Published: March 2016

The present study does processually explore the ethnosymanticity of some journalistic texts that supposedly report and narrate the same appallingly saddening incident vis-à-vis a traumatizing tragedy of a three year toddler who passed away as an inflatable boat capsized in the Mediterranean Sea on September, 2nd 2015. The researcher closely examines the textual semantics of these texts and tries to relate how such texture can affect the meaning network conveyed or perceived by virtue of incorporating the impact of such texts strictly within their ethnographic dimensions and vice versa. Therefore, this paper exclusively endeavors to unveil and stress how socio-cultural and socio-political aspects of the Syrian crisis, in general and the Toddler’s Kurdish ethnicity, in particular, have been ethnosemantically presented as this incident unbelievably resonated across news agencies both nationally and internationally, thus exhibiting how such authentic texts may contextually serve to intentionally mobilize and steer the public opinion not only of the general public but also ones that the political elites may adopt as well once the tragedy gets manipulated to maneuver socioculturally and sociopolitically. The news agencies the researcher has referred to as a source of data are alphabetically the ABC News, Daily Mail, Daily News, The Guardian, Los Angeles Times, New York Times and The Washington Post.
Applied Linguistics in the Middle East World
Authors: Al-Shamayleh Tamaur Sulayman
Published: March 2016

For the last century, and after the Middle East culture’s invade most important countries on the world map, through industry, education; internet participation and other significant aspects. One matter connects the Middle East to the other parts of the world which is “language”. Language learning might seem pretty easy; however, compresence it deeply with all expression used is sort of difficult mission. Linguistics role has appeared to solve this issue by conveying all phrases not only with their accurate meaning but also with the senses they cover. 
Environmental Psychology and Product Design
Authors: Beka Rudin
Published: March 2016

The paper studies product design components from the human-environmental relationship perspective. Stimulus responses and customer attitude towards environmental cues are of main interest to marketers and space designers. Findings suggest that a combination of different design elements, such as functional, aesthetic and symbolic impression design influence people behavior and have a direct impact on brand image and product success. The study is a conceptual paper and aims to discuss previous theories, methodologies and applications used in real-world settings regarding the interaction between design and consumer behavior.
Mapping body-building potential
Authors: Rodrigo Albors Aida , Storey Kate G
Published: March 2016

Experiments in mice shed new light on an elusive population of embryonic cells called neuromesodermal progenitors.
CME flux rope and shock identifications and locations: Comparison of white light data, Graduated Cylindrical Shell model, and MHD simulations
Authors: Schmidt J. M. , Cairns Iver H. , Xie Hong , St. Cyr O. C. , Gopalswamy N.
Published: March 2016

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are major transient phenomena in the solar corona that are observed with ground‐based and spacecraft‐based coronagraphs in white light or with in situ measurements by spacecraft. CMEs transport mass and momentum and often drive shocks. In order to derive the CME and shock trajectories with high precision, we apply the graduated cylindrical shell (GCS) model to fit a flux rope to the CME directed toward STEREO A after about 19:00 UT on 29 November 2013 and check the quality of the heliocentric distance‐time evaluations by carrying out a three‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation of the same CME with the Block Adaptive Tree Solar‐Wind Roe Upwind Scheme (BATS‐R‐US) code. Heliocentric distances of the CME and shock leading edges are determined from the simulated white light images and magnetic field strength data. We find very good agreement between the predicted and observed heliocentric distances, showing that the GCS model and the BATS‐R‐US simulation approach work very well and are consistent. In order to assess the validity of CME and shock identification criteria in coronagraph images, we also compute synthetic white light images of the CME and shock. We find that the outer edge of a cloud‐like illuminated area in the observed and predicted images in fact coincides with the leading edge of the CME flux rope and that the outer edge of a faint illuminated band in front of the CME leading edge coincides with the CME‐driven shock front.
Seismic attenuation in partially saturated Berea sandstone submitted to a range of confining pressures
Authors: Chapman Samuel , Tisato Nicola , Quintal Beatriz , Holliger Klaus
Published: March 2016

Using the forced oscillation method, we measure the extensional‐mode attenuation and Young's modulus of a Berea sandstone sample at seismic frequencies (0.5–50 Hz) for varying levels of water saturation (~0–100%) and confining pressures (2–25 MPa). Attenuation is negligible for dry conditions and saturation levels <80%. For saturation levels between ~91% and ~100%, attenuation is significant and frequency dependent in the form of distinct bell‐shaped curves having their maxima between 1 and 20 Hz. Increasing saturation causes an increase of the overall attenuation magnitude and a shift of its peak to lower frequencies. On the other hand, increasing the confining pressure causes a reduction in the attenuation magnitude and a shift of its peak to higher frequencies. For saturation levels above ~98%, the fluid pressure increases with increasing confining pressure. When the fluid pressure is high enough to ensure full water saturation of the sample, attenuation becomes negligible. A second series of comparable experiments reproduces these results satisfactorily. Based on a qualitative analysis of the data, the frequency‐dependent attenuation meets the theoretical predictions of mesoscopic wave‐induced fluid flow (WIFF) in response to a heterogeneous water distribution in the pore space, so‐called patchy saturation. These results show that mesoscopic WIFF can be an important source of seismic attenuation at reservoir conditions.
Spectral slopes of the absorption coefficient of colored dissolved and detrital material inverted from UV‐visible remote sensing reflectance
Authors: Wei Jianwei , Lee Zhongping , Ondrusek Michael , Mannino Antonio , Tzortziou Maria , Armstrong Roy
Published: March 2016

The spectral slope of the absorption coefficient of colored dissolved and detrital material (CDM), Scdm (units: nm−1), is an important optical parameter for characterizing the absorption spectral shape of CDM. Although highly variable in natural waters, in most remote sensing algorithms, this slope is either kept as a constant or empirically modeled with multiband ocean color in the visible domain. In this study, we explore the potential of semianalytically retrieving Scdm with added ocean color information in the ultraviolet (UV) range between 360 and 400 nm. Unique features of hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance in the UV‐visible wavelengths (360–500 nm) have been observed in various waters across a range of coastal and open ocean environments. Our data and analyses indicate that ocean color in the UV domain is particularly sensitive to the variation of the CDM spectral slope. Here, we used a synthesized dataset to show that adding UV wavelengths to the ocean color measurements will improve the retrieval of Scdm from remote sensing reflectance considerably, while the spectral band settings of past and current satellite ocean color sensors cannot fully account for the spectral variation of remote sensing reflectance. Results of this effort support the concept to include UV wavelengths in the next generation of satellite ocean color sensors.
A data fusion‐based drought index
Authors: Azmi Mohammad , Rüdiger Christoph , Walker Jeffrey P.
Published: March 2016

Drought and water stress monitoring plays an important role in the management of water resources, especially during periods of extreme climate conditions. Here, a data fusion‐based drought index (DFDI) has been developed and analyzed for three different locations of varying land use and climate regimes in Australia. The proposed index comprehensively considers all types of drought through a selection of indices and proxies associated with each drought type. In deriving the proposed index, weekly data from three different data sources (OzFlux Network, Asia‐Pacific Water Monitor, and MODIS‐Terra satellite) were employed to first derive commonly used individual standardized drought indices (SDIs), which were then grouped using an advanced clustering method. Next, three different multivariate methods (principal component analysis, factor analysis, and independent component analysis) were utilized to aggregate the SDIs located within each group. For the two clusters in which the grouped SDIs best reflected the water availability and vegetation conditions, the variables were aggregated based on an averaging between the standardized first principal components of the different multivariate methods. Then, considering those two aggregated indices as well as the classifications of months (dry/wet months and active/non‐active months), the proposed DFDI was developed. Finally, the symbolic regression method was used to derive mathematical equations for the proposed DFDI. The results presented here show that the proposed index has revealed new aspects in water stress monitoring which previous indices were not able to, by simultaneously considering both hydrometeorological and ecological concepts to define the real water stress of the study areas.
Exploring the influence of precipitation extremes and human water use on total water storage (TWS) changes in the Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna River Basin
Authors: Khandu  , Forootan Ehsan , Schumacher Maike , Awange Joseph L. , Müller Schmied Hannes
Published: March 2016

Climate extremes such as droughts and intense rainfall events are expected to strongly influence global/regional water resources in addition to the growing demands for freshwater. This study examines the impacts of precipitation extremes and human water usage on total water storage (TWS) over the Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna (GBM) River Basin in South Asia. Monthly TWS changes derived from the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) (2002–2014) and soil moisture from three reanalyses (1979–2014) are used to estimate new extreme indices. These indices are applied in conjunction with standardized precipitation indices (SPI) to explore the impacts of precipitation extremes on TWS in the region. The results indicate that although long‐term precipitation do not indicate any significant trends over the two subbasins (Ganges and Brahmaputra‐Meghna), there is significant decline in rainfall (9.0 ± 4.0 mm/decade) over the Brahmaputra‐Meghna River Basin from 1998 to 2014. Both river basins exhibit a rapid decline of TWS from 2002 to 2014 (Ganges: 12.2 ± 3.4 km3/yr and Brahmaputra‐Meghna: 9.1 ± 2.7 km3/yr). While the Ganges River Basin has been regaining TWS (5.4 ± 2.2 km3/yr) from 2010 onward, the Brahmaputra‐Meghna River Basin exhibits a further decline (13.0 ± 3.2 km3/yr) in TWS from 2011 onward. The impact of human water consumption on TWS appears to be considerably higher in Ganges compared to Brahmaputra‐Meghna, where it is mainly concentrated over Bangladesh. The interannual water storage dynamics are found to be strongly associated with meteorological forcing data such as precipitation. In particular, extreme drought conditions, such as those of 2006 and 2009, had profound negative impacts on the TWS, where groundwater resources are already being unsustainably exploited.
Time‐varying nonstationary multivariate risk analysis using a dynamic Bayesian copula
Authors: Sarhadi Ali , Burn Donald H. , Concepción Ausín María , Wiper Michael P.
Published: March 2016

A time‐varying risk analysis is proposed for an adaptive design framework in nonstationary conditions arising from climate change. A Bayesian, dynamic conditional copula is developed for modeling the time‐varying dependence structure between mixed continuous and discrete multiattributes of multidimensional hydrometeorological phenomena. Joint Bayesian inference is carried out to fit the marginals and copula in an illustrative example using an adaptive, Gibbs Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampler. Posterior mean estimates and credible intervals are provided for the model parameters and the Deviance Information Criterion (DIC) is used to select the model that best captures different forms of nonstationarity over time. This study also introduces a fully Bayesian, time‐varying joint return period for multivariate time‐dependent risk analysis in nonstationary environments. The results demonstrate that the nature and the risk of extreme‐climate multidimensional processes are changed over time under the impact of climate change, and accordingly the long‐term decision making strategies should be updated based on the anomalies of the nonstationary environment.
Quasi‐linear simulations of inner radiation belt electron pitch angle and energy distributions
Authors: Albert Jay M. , Starks Michael J. , Horne Richard B. , Meredith Nigel P. , Glauert Sarah A.
Published: March 2016

“Peculiar” or “butterfly” electron pitch angle distributions (PADs), with minima near 90°, have recently been observed in the inner radiation belt. These electrons are traditionally treated by pure pitch angle diffusion, driven by plasmaspheric hiss, lightning‐generated whistlers, and VLF transmitter signals. Since this leads to monotonic PADs, energy diffusion by magnetosonic waves has been proposed to account for the observations. We show that the observed PADs arise readily from two‐dimensional diffusion at L = 2, with or without magnetosonic waves. It is necessary to include cross diffusion, which accounts for the relationship between pitch angle and energy changes. The distribution of flux with energy is also in good agreement with observations between 200 keV and 1 MeV, dropping to very low levels at higher energy. Thus, at this location radial diffusion may be negligible at subrelativistic as well as ultrarelativistic energy.
Anomalous electron heating effects on the E region ionosphere in TIEGCM
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Wenbin , Oppenheim Meers , Dimant Yakov , Wiltberger Michael , Merkin Slava
Published: March 2016

We have recently implemented a new module that includes both the anomalous electron heating and the electron‐neutral cooling rate correction associated with the Farley‐Buneman Instability (FBI) in the thermosphere‐ionosphere electrodynamics global circulation model (TIEGCM). This implementation provides, for the first time, a modeling capability to describe macroscopic effects of the FBI on the ionosphere and thermosphere in the context of a first‐principle, self‐consistent model. The added heating sources primarily operate between 100 and 130 km altitude, and their magnitudes often exceed auroral precipitation heating in the TIEGCM. The induced changes in E region electron temperature in the auroral oval and polar cap by the FBI are remarkable with a maximum Te approaching 2200 K. This is about 4 times larger than the TIEGCM run without FBI heating. This investigation demonstrates how researchers can add the important effects of the FBI to magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere models and simulators.
Solar forcing over the last 1500 years and Australian tropical cyclone activity
Authors: Haig Jordahna Ellan‐Ann , Nott Jonathan
Published: March 2016

Accurate seasonal and decadal predictions of tropical cyclone activity are essential for the development of mitigation strategies for the 2.7 billion residents living within cyclone prone regions. The traditional indices (Southern Oscillation Index and various sea surface temperature indices) have fallen short in recent years as seasonal predictors within the Australian region. The short length of these records (i.e., <50 years) has meant that our current knowledge of larger‐scale drivers at interdecadal, centennial, and millennial scales is limited. The development of a new tropical cyclone activity index spanning the last 1500 years has enabled the examination of tropical cyclone climatology at higher temporal resolution than was previously possible. Here we show that in addition to other well‐known climate indices, solar forcing largely drives decadal, interdecadal, and centennial cycles within the tropical cyclone record.
Electron energization and structure of the diffusion region during asymmetric reconnection
Authors: Chen Li‐Jen , Hesse Michael , Wang Shan , Bessho Naoki , Daughton William
Published: March 2016

Results from particle‐in‐cell simulations of reconnection with asymmetric upstream conditions are reported to elucidate electron energization and structure of the electron diffusion region (EDR). Acceleration of unmagnetized electrons results in discrete structures in the distribution functions and supports the intense current and perpendicular heating in the EDR. The accelerated electrons are cyclotron turned by the reconnected magnetic field to produce the outflow jets, and as such, the acceleration by the reconnection electric field is limited, leading to resistivity without particle‐particle or particle‐wave collisions. A map of electron distributions is constructed, and its spatial evolution is compared with quantities previously proposed to be EDR identifiers to enable effective identifications of the EDR in terrestrial magnetopause reconnection.
Robust reliable dissipative filtering for Markovian jump nonlinear systems with uncertainties
Authors: Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Sathishkumar M. , Mathiyalagan Kalidass , Marshal Anthoni S.
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the problem of robust reliable dissipative filtering for a class of Markovian jump nonlinear systems with uncertainties and time‐varying transition probability matrix described by a polytope. Our main attention is focused on the design of a reliable dissipative filter performance for the filtering error system such that the resulting error system is stochastically stable and strictly
dissipative. By introducing a novel augmented Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, a new set of sufficient conditions is obtained for the existence of reliable dissipative filter design in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). More precisely, a sufficient LMI condition is derived for reliable dissipative filtering that unifies the conditions for filtering with passivity and H∞ performances. Moreover, the filter gains are characterized in terms of solution to a set of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of the proposed design technique. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Novel Additive 1‐Naphthalenethiol Opens a New Processing Route to Efficiency‐Enhanced Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Jhuo Hong‐Jyun , Liao Sih‐Hao , Li Yi‐Lun , Yeh Po‐Nan , Chen Show‐An , Wu Wei‐Ru , Su Chun‐Jen , Lee Jey‐Jau , Yamada Norifumi L. , Jeng U‐Ser
Published: March 2016

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on fullerene derivatives often require additives to optimize active layer morphology. Here, the novel additive 1‐naphthalenethiol (SH‐na) is proposed for processing the PSC active layer of PTB7:PC71BM. Spin‐casting with SH‐na as additive achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.3%, compared to 6.7% for preparations containing the conventional 1,8‐diiodooctane additive. Dipping of the active layer into a methanol solution of critical SH‐na concentration increases the PCE further to 8.75%. This is mainly due to an improved open‐circuit voltage (from 0.72 to 0.79 V) together with a high achieved fill factor of 0.70. The improved PCE is correlated to the morphology optimization according to measurements of grazing incidence small/wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, neutron reflectivity, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The integrated results suggest that the halogen‐free additive SH‐na can form hydrogen bonds with both PTB7 and PC71BM, resulting in substantially improved PTB7 crystallization and multi‐length‐scale PC71BM dispersion for appropriate aggregation and networks. The subsequent dipping treatment with SH‐na further modifies the active layer morphology for a more PC71BM‐enriched surface and better PC71BM networks in the bulk film for an optimized electron‐to‐hole mobility ratio of 2.04, hence resulting in improved device performance.
Anion Recognition and Induced Self‐Assembly of an α,γ‐Cyclic Peptide To Form Spherical Clusters
Authors: Rodríguez‐Vázquez Nuria , Amorín Manuel , Alfonso Ignacio , Granja Juan R.
Published: March 2016

A cyclic octapeptide composed of hydroxy‐functionalized γ‐amino acids folds in a “V‐shaped” conformation that allows the selective recognition of anions such as chloride, nitrate, and carbonate. The process involves the simultaneous self‐assembly of six peptide subunits and the recognition of four anions to form a tetrahedral structure, in which the anions are located at the corners of the resulting structure. Each anion is coordinated to three different peptides. The structure was fully characterized by several techniques, including NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction, and the material was able to facilitate the transmembrane transport of chloride ions.
Brief Report: Peripheral Osteolysis in Adults Linked to ASAH1 (Acid Ceramidase) Mutations: A New Presentation of Farber's Disease
Authors: Bonafé Luisa , Kariminejad Ariana , Li Jia , Royer‐Bertrand Beryl , Garcia Virginie , Mahdavi Shokouholsadat , Bozorgmehr Bita , Lachman Ralph L. , Mittaz‐Crettol Lauréane , Campos‐Xavier Belinda , Nampoothiri Sheela , Unger Sheila , Rivolta Carlo , Levade Thierry , Superti‐Furga Andrea
Published: March 2016

Objective

To establish a diagnosis and provide counseling and treatment for 3 adult patients from one family presenting with peripheral osteolysis.

Methods

Following clinical and radiographic assessment, exome sequencing, targeted gene resequencing, and determination of enzyme activity in cultured fibroblasts were performed.

Results

The proband (age 40 years) had a history of episodic fever and pain in childhood that subsided around puberty. He and 2 of his older sisters (ages 58 and 60 years, respectively) showed adult‐onset progressive shortening of fingers and toes with redundancy of the overlying skin. Radiographs showed severe osteolysis of the distal radius and ulna, carpal bones, metacarpal bones, and phalanges. Sequencing of the known genes for recessively inherited osteolysis, MMP2 and MMP14, failed to show pathogenic mutations. Exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygosity for mutations c.505T>C (p.Trp169Arg) and c.760A>G (p.Arg254Gly) in ASAH1, the gene coding for acid ceramidase. Sanger sequencing confirmed correct segregation in the family, and enzyme activity in fibroblast cultures from the patients was reduced to ∼8% of that in controls, confirming a diagnosis of Farber's disease.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that hypomorphic mutations in ASAH1 may result in an osteoarticular phenotype with a juvenile phase resembling rheumatoid arthritis that evolves to osteolysis as the final stage in the absence of neurologic signs. This observation delineates a novel type of recessively inherited peripheral osteolysis and illustrates the long‐term skeletal manifestations of acid ceramidase deficiency (Farber's disease) in what appear to be the oldest affected individuals known so far.
Anti‐IgE Monoclonal Antibody (Omalizumab) in Refractory and Relapsing Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Churg‐Strauss): Data on Seventeen Patients
Authors: Jachiet Marie , Samson Maxime , Cottin Vincent , Kahn Jean‐Emmanuel , Le Guenno Guillaume , Bonniaud Philippe , Devilliers Hervé , Bouillet Laurence , Gondouin Anne , Makhlouf Fatma , Meaux‐Ruault Nadine , Gil Helder , Bienvenu Boris , Coste André , Groh Matthieu , Giraud Violaine , Dominique Stéphane , Godeau Bertrand , Puéchal Xavier , Khouatra Chahera , Ruivard Marc , Le Jeunne Claire , Mouthon Luc , Guillevin Loïc , Terrier Benjamin ,   for the French Vasculitis Study Group
Published: March 2016

Objective

To describe the efficacy and safety of omalizumab, an anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody, in patients with refractory and/or relapsing eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg‐Strauss) (EGPA).

Methods

We conducted a nationwide retrospective study including EGPA patients who received omalizumab. Response was defined as the absence of asthma and/or sinonasal exacerbations with a prednisone dosage of ≤7.5 mg/day (complete response) or >7.5 mg/day (partial response).

Results

Seventeen patients (median age 45 years) received omalizumab for severe steroid‐dependent asthma (88%) and/or sinonasal involvement (18%). After a median follow‐up of 22 months, 6 patients (35%) achieved a complete response, 5 patients (30%) achieved a partial response, and 6 patients (35%) had no improvement. The median Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score decreased from 2.5 at baseline to 0.5 at 12 months. The median number of exacerbations per month decreased from 1 at baseline to 0 at 12 months, and the median forced expiratory volume in 1 second increased from 63% of the percent predicted at baseline to 85% of the percent predicted at 12 months. The median prednisone dosage decreased from 16 mg/day at baseline to 11 mg/day at 6 months and 9 mg/day at 12 months. Omalizumab was discontinued in 8 patients (47%) during follow‐up, because of remission (12.5%), adverse event despite disease remission (12.5%), refractory disease (25%), or relapse (50%). Relapses included retrobulbar optic neuritis attributable to EGPA in 2 patients and severe asthma flare in 2 others.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that omalizumab may have a corticosteroid‐sparing effect in EGPA patients with asthmatic and/or sinonasal manifestations, but reducing the corticosteroid dose may also increase the risk of severe EGPA flares, which raises the question of the safety of omalizumab in patients with EGPA.
The Antiadhesive Strategy in Crohn′s Disease: Orally Active Mannosides to Decolonize Pathogenic Escherichia coli from the Gut
Authors: Alvarez Dorta Dimitri , Sivignon Adeline , Chalopin Thibaut , Dumych Tetiana I. , Roos Goedele , Bilyy Rostyslav O. , Deniaud David , Krammer Eva‐Maria , de Ruyck Jérome , Lensink Marc F. , Bouckaert Julie , Barnich Nicolas , Gouin Sébastien G.
Published: March 2016

Blocking the adherence of bacteria to cells is an attractive complementary approach to current antibiotic treatments, which are faced with increasing resistance. This strategy has been particularly studied in the context of urinary tract infections (UTIs), in which the adhesion of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains to uroepithelial cells is prevented by blocking the FimH adhesin expressed at the tips of bacteria organelles called fimbriae. Recently, we extended the antiadhesive concept, showing that potent FimH antagonists can block the attachment of adherent‐invasive E. coli (AIEC) colonizing the intestinal mucosa of patients with Crohn′s disease (CD). In this work, we designed a small library of analogues of heptyl mannoside (HM), a previously identified nanomolar FimH inhibitor, but one that displays poor antiadhesive effects in vivo. The anomeric oxygen atom was replaced by a sulfur or a methylene group to prevent hydrolysis by intestinal glycosidases, and chemical groups were attached at the end of the alkyl tail. Importantly, a lead compound was shown to reduce AIEC levels in the feces and in the colonic and ileal mucosa after oral administration (10 mg kg−1) in a transgenic mouse model of CD. The compound showed a low bioavailability, preferable in this instance, thus suggesting the possibility of setting up an innovative antiadhesive therapy, based on the water‐soluble and non‐cytotoxic FimH antagonists developed here, for the CD subpopulation in which AIEC plays a key role.
The outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in a cohort of patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Szerlip Molly , Kim Rebeca J. , Adeniyi Tokunbo , Thourani Vinod , Babaliaros Vasilis , Bavaria Joseph , Herrmann Howard C. , Anwaruddin Saif , Makkar Raj , Chakravarty Tarun , Rovin Joshua , Don Creighton W. , Miller D. Craig , Baio Kim , Walsh Elizabeth , Katinic Jasmina , Letterer Rebecca , Trautman Leigh , Herbert Morley , Farkas Robert , Rudolph Jill , Brown David , Holper Elizabeth M. , Mack Michael
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To examine whether transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe and effective treatment option for aortic stenosis in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Background

Patients with ESRD undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement have an operative mortality approaching 20% and a 10‐year survival of approximately 12%. We investigated whether TAVR is a more reasonable option.

Methods

This is a multicenter, retrospective study of all patients with ESRD who underwent TAVR in 8 institutions between 12/2011 and 02/2013. Demographic characteristics, mortality, major, and minor complications were evaluated. Outcomes were stratified by operative approach.

Results

Forty‐three patients with a mean age 76.2 ± 11.0 years and a mean STS predicted risk of mortality of 15.53 ± 8.70% underwent TAVR. Mean duration of dialysis was 45.2 ± 52.3 months (median 29.5 months). Transfemoral (TF) TAVR was performed in 31/43 (72.1%), transapical in 11/43 (25.6%), and transaortic in 1/43 (2.3%). Operative mortality was 14.0% (6/43) with TF mortality 6.5% (2/31) and 33.3% (4/12) in non‐TF patients. Six‐month mortality was 11/43 (25.6%: 16.1% TF, 50.0% non‐TF). Complications included stroke in 2.3% (1/43) and life‐threatening or major bleeding in 14.0% (6/43). Discharge to another healthcare facility was 27.0% (10/37). Readmission within 30 days of procedure for any cause was 18.9% (7/37).

Conclusions

Patients with ESRD who undergo TAVR are at high risk for mortality and complications. TAVR outcomes are comparable to but not substantially better than those with SAVR. Transfemoral TAVR seems to be at least as safe and effective as the current standard SAVR in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Initial findings using the V8 hourglass‐shaped valvuloplasty balloon for postdilatation in treating paravalvular leaks associated with transcatheter self‐expanding aortic valve prosthesis
Authors: Latib Azeem , Pedersen Wesley , Maisano Francesco , Lesser John , Ruparelia Neil , Figini Filippo , Colombo Antonio , Poulose Anil , Kolbeck James , Mooney Michael , Schwartz Robert , Youssef Alicia , Ungs David , Goldenberg Irv , Sorajja Paul
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel hourglass‐shaped balloon on reduction of paravalvular leak (PVL) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with self‐expanding prostheses.

Background

An important limitation of TAVR compared with surgical aortic valve replacement remains the higher incidence of PVL. A commonly used strategy to treat PVL is balloon postdilatation (BPD); however, the optimal technique for treating PVL after TAVR is unknown.

Methods

We examined consecutive patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR with the Medtronic CoreValve followed by BPD with an InterValve V8 balloon for PVL grade ≥2+. Data from echocardiographic, multidetector computed tomographic, and angiographic images were reviewed. The primary endpoint was successful reduction in PVL to grade 1+ or less as assessed by intraprocedural echocardiography.

Results

Eleven patients were studied (median age, 82 years; 64% female). Ten patients (91%) demonstrated successful reduction in PVL after V8 BPD. In three patients, PVL was reduced to zero or trace. PVL remained unchanged in one patient (2+). Two patients had complete heart block associated with valve deployment and received permanent pacemakers. There were no occurrences of annular injury or major adverse clinical events.

Conclusions

BPD with the V8 hourglass‐shaped balloon was feasible in reducing PVL from self‐expanding TAVR prostheses. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter implantation of SAPIEN 3 valve in native right ventricular outflow tract for severe pulmonary regurgitation following tetralogy of fallot repair
Authors: Rockefeller Toby , Shahanavaz Shabana , Zajarias Alan , Balzer David
Published: March 2016

Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) is indicated in patients with significant pulmonary regurgitation (PR), stenosis (PS), or mixed pulmonary valve disease. While once an exclusively surgical procedure, many patients can undergo transcatheter PVR (TPVR) with excellent early outcomes (Haas et al. 2013, Clin. Res. Cardiol. Off. J. German Cardiac Soc. 102:119–128; Kenny et al. 2011, J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 58:2248–2256; Cheatham et al. Circulation 2015, 131:1960–1970). The available transcatheter options continue to expand, but the majority of cases performed in the United States involve the use of FDA approved Melody valve (Medtronic; Minneapolis, MN) or the SAPIEN (Edwards Lifesciences; Irvine, CA) family of valves. The SAPIEN 3 valve (S3) recently received FDA approval for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We report the first S3 implantation in the pulmonary position for treatment of chronic pulmonary regurgitation and progressive right ventricular dilation in an 18 year old male with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response to the “Comment on Chemical and Toxicological Investigations of a Previously Unknown Poisonous European Mushroom Tricholoma terreum”
Authors: Yin Xia , Feng Tao , Li Zheng‐Hui , Liu Ji‐Kai
Published: March 2016

Recently, Dr. Paolo Davoli and his colleagues stated that the conclusions drawn by us were misleading from a mycotoxicological perspective, as they cast doubts on the edibility of a mushroom species (Tricholoma terreum) that has been always recognized as safe. Unfortunately, they made a mistake, and seriously misinterpreted our data, which resulted in scepticism of our research. Saponaceolides B and M were tested for their stabilities heating directly on and boiling in water. It is undoubted that both saponaceolides B and M are capable of withstanding prolonged heating during cooking.