bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-Scale Climate Controls of Interior Alaska River Ice Breakup
Authors: Bieniek Peter A. , Bhatt Uma S. , Rundquist Larry A. , Lindsey Scott D. , Zhang Xiangdong , Thoman Richard L.
Published: September 2010

Frozen rivers in the Arctic serve as critical highways because of the lack of roads; therefore, it is important to understand the key mechanisms that control the timing of river ice breakup. The relationships between springtime Interior Alaska river ice breakup date and the large-scale climate are investigated for the Yukon, Tanana, Kuskokwim, and Chena Rivers for the 1949–2008 period. The most important climate factor that determines breakup is April–May surface air temperatures (SATs). Breakup tends to occur earlier when Alaska April–May SATs and river flow are above normal. Spring SATs are influenced by storms approaching the state from the Gulf of Alaska, which are part of large-scale climate anomalies that compare favorably with ENSO. During the warm phase of ENSO fewer storms travel into the Gulf of Alaska during the spring, resulting in a decrease of cloud cover over Alaska, which increases surface solar insolation. This results in warmer-than-average springtime SATs and an earlier breakup date. The opposite holds true for the cold phase of ENSO. Increased wintertime precipitation over Alaska has a secondary impact on earlier breakup by increasing spring river discharge. Improved springtime Alaska temperature predictions would enhance the ability to forecast the timing of river ice breakup.
The Atmospheric Circulation over the North Atlantic as Induced by the SST Field
Authors: Feliks Yizhak , Ghil Michael , Robertson Andrew W.
Published: September 2010

Spectral analyses of the sea surface temperature (SST) in the Simple Ocean Data Analysis (SODA) reanalysis for the past half-century identify prominent and statistically significant interannual oscillations in two regions along the Gulf Stream front over the North Atlantic. A model of the atmospheric marine boundary layer coupled to a baroclinic quasigeostrophic model of the free atmosphere is then forced with the SST history from the SODA reanalysis. Two extreme states are found in the atmospheric simulations: 1) an eastward extension of the westerly jet associated with the front, which occurs mainly during boreal winter, and 2) a quiescent state of very weak flow found predominantly in the summer. This vacillation of the oceanic-front-induced jet in the model is found to exhibit periodicities similar to those identified in the observed Gulf Stream SST front itself. In addition, a close correspondence is found between interannual spectral peaks in the observed North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index and the SODA-induced oscillations in the atmospheric model. In particular, significant oscillatory modes with periods of 8.5, 4.2, and 2.8 yr are found in both observed and simulated indices and are shown to be highly synchronized and of similar energy in both time series. These oscillatory modes in the simulations are shown to be suppressed when either (i) the Gulf Stream front or (ii) its interannual oscillations are omitted from the SST field. Moreover, these modes also disappear when (iii) the SST front is spatially smoothed, thus confirming that they are indeed induced by the oceanic front.
Energy Conversion, Mixing Energy, and Neutral Surfaces with a Nonlinear Equation of State
Authors: Nycander Jonas
Published: September 2010

A local neutral plane is defined so that a water parcel that is displaced adiabatically a small distance along the plane continues to have the same density as the surrounding water. Since such a displacement does not change the density field or the gravitational potential energy, it is generally assumed that it does not produce a restoring buoyancy force. However, it is here shown that because of the nonlinear character of the equation of state (in particular the thermobaric effect) such a neutral displacement is accompanied by a conversion between internal energy E and gravitational potential energy U, and an equal conversion between U and kinetic energy K. While there is thus no net change of U, K does change. This implies that a force is in fact required for the displacement.

It is further shown that displacements that are orthogonal to a vector P do not induce conversion between U and K, and therefore do not require a force. Analogously to neutral surfaces, which are defined to be approximately orthogonal to the dianeutral vector N, one may define “P surfaces” to be approximately orthogonal to P. These P surfaces are intermediate between neutral surfaces and surfaces of constant σ0 (potential density reference to the surface).

If the equation of state is linear, there exists a well-known expression for the mixing energy in terms of the diapycnal flow. This expression is here generalized for a general nonlinear equation of state. The generalized expression involves the velocity component along P. Since P is not orthogonal to neutral surfaces, this means that stationary flow along neutral surfaces in general requires mixing energy.
Radiometric Performance of the CERES Earth Radiation Budget Climate Record Sensors on the EOS Aqua and Terra Spacecraft through April 2007
Authors: Priestley Kory J. , Smith G. Louis , Thomas Susan , Cooper Denise , Lee Robert B. , Walikainen Dale , Hess Phillip , Szewczyk Z. Peter , Wilson Robert
Published: September 2010

The Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) flight models 1 through 4 instruments were launched aboard NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua spacecraft into 705-km sun-synchronous orbits with 10:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. local time equatorial crossing times. With these instruments CERES provides state-of-the-art observations and products related to the earth’s radiation budget at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). The archived CERES science data products consist of geolocated and calibrated instantaneous filtered and unfiltered radiances through temporally and spatially averaged TOA, surface, and atmospheric fluxes. CERES-filtered radiance measurements cover three spectral bands: shortwave (0.3–5 μm), total (0.3>100 μm), and an atmospheric window channel (8–12 μm).

CERES climate data products realize a factor of 2–4 improvement in calibration accuracy and stability over the previotus Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) products. To achieve this improvement there are three editions of data products. Edition 1 generates data products using gain coefficients derived from ground calibrations. After a minimum of four months, the calibration data are examined to remove drifts in the calibration. The data are then reprocessed to produce the edition 2 data products. These products are available for science investigations for which an accuracy of 2% is sufficient. Also, a validation protocol is applied to these products to find problems and develop solutions, after which edition 3 data products will be computed, for which the objectives are calibration stability of better than 0.2% and calibration traceability from ground to flight of 0.25%. This paper reports the status of the radiometric accuracy and stability of the CERES edition 2 instrument data products through April 2007.
Quality Controlling Surf Zone Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter Observations to Estimate the Turbulent Dissipation Rate
Authors: Feddersen Falk
Published: September 2010

High-quality measurements of the turbulent dissipation rate ε are required to diagnose field surf-zone turbulence budgets. Quality control (QC) methods are presented for estimating surf zone ε with acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) data. Bad ADV velocity data points are diagnosed with both the ADV signal strength (SS) and correlation (CORR). The fraction of bad SS data points (δSS) depends inversely upon the wave-amplitude-normalized transducer distance below the mean sea surface. The fraction of bad CORR data points δCORR can be elevated when δSS is low. The δCORR depends inversely upon the wave-amplitude-normalized sensing volume distance below the mean sea surface, and also increases with increased wave breaking, consistent with turbulence- and bubble-induced Doppler noise. Velocity spectra derived from both “patched” and “interpolated” time series are used to estimate ε. Two QC tests, based upon the properties of a turbulent inertial subrange, are used to reject bad ε data runs. The first test checks that the vertical velocity spectrum’s power-law exponent is near . The second test checks that a ratio R of horizontal and vertical velocity spectra is near 1. Over all δCORR, 70% of the patched and interpolated data runs pass these tests. However, for larger δCORR > 0.1 (locations higher in the water column), 50% more patched than interpolated data runs pass the QC tests. Previous QC methods designed for wave studies are not appropriate for ε QC. The results suggest that ε can be consistently estimated over the lower 60% of the water column and >0.1 m above the bed within a saturated surf zone.
Finescale Doppler Radar Observation of a Tornado and Low-Level Misocyclones within a Winter Storm in the Japan Sea Coastal Region
Authors: Inoue Hanako Y. , Kusunoki Kenichi , Kato Wataru , Suzuki Hiroto , Imai Toshiaki , Takemi Tetsuya , Bessho Kotaro , Nakazato Masahisa , Hoshino Shunsuke , Mashiko Wataru , Hayashi Syugo , Fukuhara Takaaki , Shibata Toru , Yamauchi Hiroshi , Suzuki Osamu
Published: September 2010

Life histories of low-level misocyclones, one of which corresponded to a tornado vortex within a winter storm in the Japan Sea coastal region on 1 December 2007, were observed from close range by X-band Doppler radar of the East Japan Railway Company. Continuous plan position indicator (PPI) observations at 30-s intervals at the low-elevation angle revealed at least four cyclonic misocyclones within the head of the comma-shaped echo of the vortical disturbance under winter monsoon conditions. The meso-β-scale vortical disturbance developed within the weak frontal zone at the leading edge of cold-air outbreaks.

High-resolution observation of misocyclones revealed the detailed structures of these misocyclones and their temporal evolution. As the parent storm evolved, a low-level convergence line was observed at the edge of the easternmost misocyclone. This convergence line was considered to be important for the initiation and development of the misocyclones and the tornado through vortex stretching. The strongest misocyclone gradually intensified as its diameter contracted until landfall, and then began to dissipate soon after landfall. The temporal evolution of the misocyclones through landfall is discussed.

Surface wind and pressure variations suggested a cyclonic vortex passage, which was consistent with the passage of the radar-derived misocyclone. The observed pressure drop was also consistent with that computed from the cyclostrophic equation for the modified Rankine vortex. The observed behavior of two adjacent misocyclones was primarily consistent with the rotational flow associated with the other misocyclone. The generation and development processes of the tornado and misocyclones are discussed.
Distant Effects of a Recurving Tropical Cyclone on Rainfall in a Midlatitude Convective System: A High-Impact Predecessor Rain Event*
Authors: Schumacher Russ S. , Galarneau Thomas J. , Bosart Lance F.
Published: September 2010

Recent research has identified predecessor rain events (PREs), which are mesoscale regions of heavy rainfall that occur ∼1000 km poleward and downshear of recurving tropical cyclones (TCs). PREs typically occur 24–36 h prior to the arrival of the main rain shield associated with the TC, and frequently result in damaging flooding. A distinguishing feature of a PRE is that it is enhanced by a broad region of deep tropical moisture directly associated with the TC that is transported well poleward ahead of the TC. This study will quantify the effects of the tropical moisture from one TC on a record-breaking rain and flood event over the northern Great Plains and southern Great Lakes region on 18–19 August 2007.

In this event, which occurred ahead of TC Erin, a southerly stream of deep tropical moisture (precipitable water values >50 mm) moved poleward and intersected a northwest–southeast-oriented quasi-stationary baroclinic zone beneath the equatorward entrance region of an upper-level jet streak. A slow-moving mesoscale convective system (MCS) developed and produced widespread heavy rainfall, with local amounts exceeding 380 mm that resulted in historic flooding in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Observations and numerical simulations using the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting model (ARW-WRF) indicate that low-level frontogenesis was maximized during the overnight hours of 19 August 2007 and provided the forcing for vigorous ascent during the mature stage of the PRE. A control simulation, which included the poleward transport of TC Erin-related moisture, reproduced the extreme rainfall amounts, although the simulated rainfall was displaced from where it was observed. A sensitivity simulation in which the moisture associated with TC Erin was removed (referred to as “NOPLUME”) shows reduced convective available potential energy (CAPE) in the inflow region of the PRE and a less vigorous MCS. In all, there was an approximately 50% reduction in the maximum precipitation amount and a 25% reduction in the total precipitation from the control simulation to the NOPLUME run. Or, considered in the context of rainfall enhancement by the Erin-related moisture, there was a near doubling of the maximum amount and a 33% increase in the total rainfall. The extent of these differences underscores the importance of moisture originating from TC Erin in transforming a heavy rain event into a high-impact, record-breaking rain event.
Some Implications of Core Regime Wind Structures in Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Yen-Chu Chen Delia , Cheung Kevin K. W. , Lee Cheng-Shang
Published: September 2010

In this study, a tropical cyclone (TC) is considered to be compact if 1) the radius of maximum wind or the maximum tangential wind is smaller than what would be expected for an average tropical cyclone of the same intensity or the same radius of maximum wind, and 2) the decrease of tangential wind outside the radius of maximum wind is greater than that of an average TC. A structure parameter S is defined to provide a quantitative measure of the compactness of tropical cyclones. Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) oceanic winds are used to calculate S for 171 tropical cyclones during 2000–07. The S parameters are then used to classify all of the cases as either compact or incompact according to the 33% and 67% percentiles. It is found that the early intensification stage is favorable for the occurrence of compact tropical cyclones, which also have a higher percentage of rapid intensification than incompact cases. Composite infrared brightness temperature shows that compact tropical cyclones have highly axisymmetric convective structures with strong convection concentrated in a small region near the center. Low-level synoptic patterns are important environmental factors that determine the degree of compactness; however, it is believed that compact tropical cyclones maintain their structures mainly through internal dynamics.
Pipeline to Preparation to Advancement: Graduates’ Experiences In, Through, and Beyond Leadership Preparation
Authors: Orr Margaret Terry
Published: September 2010

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to describe the nature of preparation among a nonpurposeful sample of 17 leadership preparation programs and to investigate the relationship of their participants’ characteristics, program experiences, leadership learning, and initial career outcomes. The study was guided by prior research on innovative programs (Darling Hammond, Meyerson, La Pointe, & Orr, 2009; Leithwood, Jantzi, Coffin, & Wilson, 1996). Data Collection and Analysis: Faculty members from 13 institutions (two with multiple programs) surveyed their graduates between 2004 and 2007 using a common survey instrument developed by the University Continuing Education Association Learning and Teaching in Educational Leadership Special Interest Group Taskforce on Evaluating Leadership Preparation Programs. Of these, 471 had completed their program from 0 to three years prior; their responses were aggregated by program and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlational analyses. Findings: The results show that programs had many recommended innovative program features, varied somewhat on content focus, challenge, coherence, use of active student-centered instructional practices, and internship length and quality. These were positively associated with the extent of graduates’ learning in five areas of leadership, their satisfaction with the program, and their beliefs about the principalship. Conclusions: The results confirm prior research that how aspiring school leaders are prepared influences what they learn and their career intentions. The results validate the survey measures in discriminating among programs, and identifying areas for improvement.
Obesity, battle of the bulge-policy behind change: Whose responsibility is it and who pays?
Authors: Mercer Adrienne
Published: September 2010

Objectives: Examination of the prevalence of obesity and overweight over the past two decades and the health implications that encompass increased risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes. Focus on legislative policies and individual responsibility.

Method: Literature review of local and national data on obesity, health implications, government response and determinants of health.

Results: Unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle are determinants of obesity. In the U.S. it can be said that we live in a “toxic environment.” Environmental factors impeding healthy eating include socioeconomic status (SES), limited access to healthy food choices in low-income communities, poor neighborhood characteristics preventing the ability or desire for physical activity and advertising that bombards youth with unhealthy choices.

Conclusion: When addressing responsibility for obese and overweight, all variables must be addressed: the individual, government, community and the food industry must lay claim to the impact of unhealthy choices and lack of access in the nation. The cost of obesity is astronomical. Billions of dollars are spent on health issues that are related to obesity. There are a few championing the cause of decreasing obesity and overweight in schools and communities throughout the States. Policy and legislative interventions have proven to be effective in regulating industry practices as it pertains to advertisement. There are those however that feel it is an individual’s responsibility to monitor their behavior as it pertains to their well-being. Obesity and overweight are more than an individual problem. It is a public health concern, requiring a collective and concerted effort of moving people towards healthy living choices.
Investigation on preparation, microstructure, and properties of AgTiB2 composite
Authors: Xianhui Wang  , Guijing Li  , Juntao Zou  , Shuhua Liang  , Zhikang Fan
Published: September 2010

AgTiB2 composites with different contents of TiB2 were prepared by high-energy milling and powder metallurgy. The morphology and size of the milled Ag/TiB 2 compound powders were characterized by a scanning electron microscopy and a laser particle analyzer. The effect of sintering temperature and TiB 2 content on the microstructure and properties of AgTiB2 composite was studied. The results show that: (1) with increase of the milling time, the powders become finer and more uniform. Nevertheless, the powders begin to coarsen and agglomerate above a certain milling time. In the range of experiments, the desired powders with a relative uniform size can be obtained at 60 h; (2) the increase in TiB2 content results in serious agglomerations of TiB2 in the AgTiB2 composites; and (3) the Ag—0.25 wt%TiB2 composite has a good combination of properties after sintering at 750° C for 2 h, and the hardness and electrical conductivity are 73.3HV and 17.8 MS m-1, respectively.
Diet and Caries-associated Bacteria in Severe Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Palmer C.A. , Kent R. , Loo C.Y. , Hughes C.V. , Stutius E. , Pradhan N. , Dahlan M. , Kanasi E. , Arevalo Vasquez S.S. , Tanner A.C.R.
Published: September 2010

Frequent consumption of cariogenic foods and bacterial infection are risk factors for early childhood caries (ECC). This study hypothesized that a short diet survey focused on frequency of foods, categorized by putative cariogenicity, would differentiate severe ECC (S-ECC) from caries-free children. Children’s diets were obtained by survey and plaque bacteria detected by PCR from 72 S-ECC and 38 caries-free children. S-ECC children had higher scores for between-meal juice (p < 0.01), solid-retentive foods (p < 0.001), eating frequency (p < 0.005), and estimated food cariogenicity (p < 0.0001) than caries-free children. S-ECC children with lesion recurrence ate fewer putative caries-protective foods than children without new lesions. Streptococcus mutans (p < 0.005), Streptococcus sobrinus (p < 0.005), and Bifidobacteria (p < 0.0001) were associated with S-ECC, and S. mutans with S. sobrinus was associated with lesion recurrence (p < 0.05). S. mutans-positive children had higher food cariogenicity scores. Food frequency, putative cariogenicity, and S. mutans were associated with S-ECC individually and in combination.
Measuring the Color of Maxillofacial Prosthetic Material
Authors: Hu X. , Johnston W.M. , Seghi R.R.
Published: September 2010

Color information from different color-measuring systems varies during color matching in maxillofacial prosthetics. We studied the hypothesis that a non-contact measuring system and 4 contact color-measuring instruments perform comparably in accuracy and precision on measurements of pigmented maxillofacial elastomer specimens having human skin colors. Measurement comparisons in accuracy on opaque standard color patches were made in Phase I. In Phase II, the system with the best accuracy was used as the reference instrument, and comparisons in accuracy and precision on elastomer specimens were made. The CIEDE2000 color difference formula was used. Repeated-measures ANOVA with Tukey testing and linear regression analysis for CIELAB and color differences among the instruments were performed. The contact measuring systems perform differently in accuracy, possibly due to edge loss and other factors, but performed comparably in precision with the non-contact measuring instrument. This non-contact system is recommended for color measurement of maxillofacial prosthetic materials.
Application of Polychromatic µCT for Mineral Density Determination
Authors: Zou W. , Hunter N. , Swain M.V.
Published: September 2010

Accurate assessment of mineral density (MD) provides information critical to the understanding of mineralization processes of calcified tissues, including bones and teeth. High-resolution three-dimensional assessment of the MD of teeth has been demonstrated by relatively inaccessible synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography (SRµCT). While conventional desktop µCT (CµCT) technology is widely available, polychromatic source and cone-shaped beam geometry confound MD assessment. Recently, considerable attention has been given to optimizing quantitative data from CµCT systems with polychromatic x-ray sources. In this review, we focus on the approaches that minimize inaccuracies arising from beam hardening, in particular, beam filtration during the scan, beam-hardening correction during reconstruction, and mineral density calibration. Filtration along with lowest possible source voltage results in a narrow and near-single-peak spectrum, favoring high contrast and minimal beam-hardening artifacts. More effective beam monochromatization approaches are described. We also examine the significance of beam-hardening correction in determining the accuracy of mineral density estimation. In addition, standards for the calibration of reconstructed grey-scale attenuation values against MD, including K2PHO4 liquid phantom, and polymer-hydroxyapatite (HA) and solid hydroxyapatite (HA) phantoms, are discussed.
Tea Catechin EGCg Suppresses the mgl Gene Associated with Halitosis
Authors: Xu X. , Zhou X.D. , Wu C.D.
Published: September 2010

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), the main antimicrobial tea catechin, has been reported to inhibit growth and virulence factors of oral pathogens in vitro. Although the mechanism is unclear, the potential of EGCg in reducing halitosis caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) has been suggested. This study tested the hypothesis that EGCg reduces VSCs by suppressing mgl, the gene encoding L-methionine-α-deamino-γ-mercaptomethane-lyase, responsible for methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) production by oral anaerobes. In this study, the effect of EGCg on in vitro growth, CH3SH production, and mgl gene expression in P. gingivalis W83 was investigated. EGCg inhibited growth of P. gingivalis W83 (MIC = 97.5 µg/mL) and was bactericidal (MBC = 187.5 µg/mL). At sub-MIC levels, EGCg inhibited CH3SH production, and mgl mRNA and protein expression (p < 0.05). We conclude that EGCg may represent a natural and alternative agent to the antimicrobial chemicals currently available for halitosis control.
A new three-dimensional wireless multimedia sensor network simulation environment for connected coverage problems
Authors: Topcuoglu Haluk , Ermis Murat , Bekmezci Ilker , Sifyan Mesut
Published: September 2010

A wireless multimedia sensor network (WMSN) is a network of wirelessly interconnected sensors that can gather multimedia information, such as sound and vision. One of the most important design issues of a WMSN is to maximize the coverage, while preserving the network connectivity. Although there are many studies about coverage for WMSNs, most of them are based on two-dimensional terrain assumptions. However, particularly for outdoor applications, three-dimensional (3-D) terrain structure affects the performance of the WMSN remarkably. In this paper, a novel 3-D WMSN simulation environment for connected coverage issues is presented. There are four main modules of our simulation environment. The terrain generator ( TerGen) generates a synthetic 3-D landscape with different weather conditions (snow, rain, and fog), object occlusions (artificial or natural objects), and toughness levels of terrain (smooth or rough). The scenario editor ( SenEd) is used to define various sensor types that have various behavioral and locational attributes. The outputs of TerGen and SenEd are the inputs of the simulator engine ( SimEn), which simulates the WMSN and gives the performance results. The Optimization Module ( OptMod), which is optional, can be used to determine the location of the sensors optimally, while satisfying a set of predefined constraints. Different scenarios are simulated to show the capabilities of the simulation environment. The performance results show that the 3-D terrain structure affects the coverage performance of the WMSN directly. The object occlusions and weather conditions are also very important for WMSN coverage.
Experimental determination of ballistic performance of newly developed multiaxis non-interlaced/non-Z E-glass/polyester and 3D woven carbon/epoxy composites with soft backing aramid fabric structures
Authors: Bilisik Kadir
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study is to understand the energy absorption mechanism and identified failure modes of the developed multiaxis non-interlaced/non-Z E-glass/polyester and 3D woven carbon/epoxy composite plates with soft backing para-aramid fabric structures.

Two structures, multiaxis non-interlaced/non-Z E-glass/polyester composite plate and soft back layered para-aramid fabric, and 3D woven carbon/epoxy composite plate and multiaxis non-interlaced/non-Z E-glass/polyester composite plate with soft back layered para-aramid fabric, absorbed considerable impact energy when a high speed projectile’s metal jacketed section was stopped.

The damage zones of both structures were investigated after impact. 3D woven carbon/epoxy plate showed a small damaged area compared to that of the non-interlaced/non-Z E-glass/polyester plate. This was because the Z-fiber suppressed the impact load, but the local area was severely damaged in the form of fiber and matrix breakages. There was no intra and inter fiber damage around the impacted area in the 3D carbon/epoxy composite plate, whereas there was intra and inter fiber damage around the impacted area in the non-interlaced/non-Z E-glass/polyester plate. It was thought that the impact load in the E-glass/polyester structure was redistributed around the local impacted area. Fiber damage in the soft back layered fabric extended from the decomposition of the fiber ends, partial and total fiber breakages to yarn pull-out and crimp recovery. Fiber decomposition results in friction between the fabric and the projectile which generates thermal load in the soft structure.
The Impact of Rail Transport on Real Estate Prices
Authors: Debrezion Ghebreegziabiher , Pels Eric , Rietveld Piet
Published: September 2010

A hedonic pricing model is estimated based on sales data from three metropolitan areas in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Enschede) to analyse the effect of railway accessibility on house prices. Railway accessibility is measured by both the distance to a railway station and an index of quality of railway services provided at the station. Two railway station considerations were taken: the nearest railway station and the most frequently chosen railway station. Correcting for a wide range of other determinants, the model based on the most frequently chosen station outperforms the model based on the nearest railway station in estimating the effect of railway accessibility. The dissimilarity between the results of the two models increases with the increase in the urbanisation level of the metropolitan area.
Helping Each Other Grow: Romantic Partner Support, Self-Improvement, and Relationship Quality
Authors: Overall Nickola C. , Fletcher Garth J. O. , Simpson Jeffry A.
Published: September 2010

This research tested whether and how partners’ support of self-improvement efforts influences recipients’ relationship evaluations and self-improvement success. Study 1 provided an initial test of predictions using self-reports ( N = 150). Study 2 assessed support behavior exhibited in couples’ ( N = 47) discussions of self-improvement desires, and tracked relationship quality and self-improvement every 3 months for 1 year. More nurturing and action-facilitating partner support was more helpful to recipients, whereas partners who criticized and invalidated recipients were less helpful. Receiving more help from the partner, in turn, predicted greater relationship quality and more self-improvement. More negative support seeking also predicted lower self-improvement because recipients’ behavior elicited less partner help. These effects were not attributable to partners’ general warmth and understanding, global self or relationship evaluations, how much recipients desired or tried to change, or whether targeted attributes posed relationship problems. This research documents the powerful influence that partners’ help has on recipients’ personal growth.
Automatic categorization and summarization of documentaries
Authors: Demirtas Kezban , Cicekli Nihan Kesim , Cicekli Ilyas
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we propose automatic categorization and summarization of documentaries using subtitles of videos. We propose two methods for video categorization. The first makes unsupervised categorization by applying natural language processing techniques on video subtitles and uses the WordNet lexical database and WordNet domains. The second has the same extraction steps but uses a learning module to categorize. Experiments with documentary videos give promising results in discovering the correct categories of videos. We also propose a video summarization method using the subtitles of videos and text summarization techniques. Significant sentences in the subtitles of a video are identified using these techniques and a video summary is then composed by finding the video parts corresponding to these summary sentences.
The cycle of concealment model
Authors: Afifi Tamara D. , Steuber Kellie
Published: September 2010

This study tested a cycle of concealment model in families. Confirming the model, a family member’s past verbally aggressive reactions to revelations influenced the extent to which the family member was estimated to react negatively to revealing a secret. These factors also attenuated closeness toward family members. In addition, expectations of negative reactions to a revelation and the extent to which those expectations were violated after the secret was revealed influenced closeness with the family member and future willingness to reveal secrets. Counter to the model, however, secret disclosure did not affect closeness. Feelings of closeness toward the family member also did not predict revelation of the secret.
When the going gets tough, do the tough get going? The pre-entry work experience of founders and high-tech start-up survival during an industry crisis
Authors: Grilli Luca
Published: September 2010

This article explores the possibility that under an intensely negative industry-specific shock, the positive relationship between the human capital of founders and the survival prospects of start-up businesses may actually be negative. Starting from a theoretical perspective to derive testable hypotheses, the study examines a sample of 179 Italian start-ups operating in the information and communication technology services market created during the boom period from 1995 to early 2000. Econometric analyses provide evidence that, during an intense industry crisis (that is, early 2000 to 2003) entrepreneurs with a substantial amount of prior work experience may pursue an exit strategy. This also highlights the importance of distinguishing between different types of work experience and different exit routes: founding teams with highly specific work experience show a higher probability of pursuing mergers and acquisitions (M&A), while a higher level of generic work experience is found to be more conducive to firm closure.
Immunohistochemical Identification of Canine Melanocytic Neoplasms With Antibodies to Melanocytic Antigen PNL2 and Tyrosinase
Authors: Ramos-Vara J. A. , Miller M. A.
Published: September 2010

The immunoreactivity of PNL2 and antityrosinase in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded canine melanocytic neoplasms ( n = 101) was compared with that of Melan A. Of the 113 samples overall, 106 were positive for PNL2, 101 for Melan A, and 90 for tyrosinase. Six melanomas that were positive for PNL2 were negative for Melan A; 1 melanoma that was negative for PNL2 was positive for Melan A. Eighty tumors were positive for all 3 markers; 111 reacted with at least 1 the 3 antibodies. Decalcification with formic acid for up to 1 week did not affect immunoreactivity of any of the markers; however, decalcification with HCl for 1 day or 1 week notably decreased or completely abrogated immunoreactivity for Melan A and PNL2. There was only minor loss of immunoreactivity for tyrosinase in tissues decalcified with HCl for 1 week. Prolonged fixation (up to 2 months) did not affect PNL2 or tyrosinase immunoreactivity; however, Melan A immunoreactivity was reduced after 1 month of fixation. PNL2 was not expressed in 120 nonmelanocytic tumors (carcinomas, sarcomas, steroid-producing tumors, and leukocytic tumors). In summary, antibody PNL2 is slightly more sensitive than Melan A and more sensitive than tyrosinase in the identification of canine melanocytic neoplasms. Furthermore, PNL2 does not appear to cross-react with nonmelanocytic neoplasms. PNL2 is resistant to prolonged fixation but sensitive to strong decalcification. Results indicate that PNL2 is an excellent marker in the identification of canine melanomas and that the sensitivity is close to 100% when used in conjunction with Melan A and tyrosinase.
Factors affecting exhaled carbon monoxide levels in coffeehouses in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey
Authors: Bahcebasi Talat , Kandis Hayati , Baltaci Davut , Kara İsmail Hamdi
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate indoor air quality and factors affecting expired carbon monoxide (CO) levels in a coffeehouse environment. This cross-sectional study was conducted at 16 randomly selected coffeehouses in Duzce, Turkey, during November 2007 to March 2008. A total of 547 people, average age 46.72 ± 17.03 (19—82) years, participated. The selected coffeehouses were divided into four groups: (1) smoking, (2) nonsmoking, (3) old-style and (iv) new-style coffeehouses. Prior to entering the coffeehouse, exhaled CO levels in smokers (mean 21.17 ± 6.73 parts per million [ppm]) were significantly higher than those for nonsmokers (6.51 ± 4.56 ppm; p < 0.001). Measurements taken after 2 hours in the coffeehouse also showed significantly higher CO concentrations for smokers (22.72 ± 5.31 ppm), compared to nonsmokers (6.51 ± 4.56 ppm; p < 0.001). It was determined that CO levels inside coffee shops were above the WHO guidelines. Exhaled CO levels in nonsmokers are influenced by the ambient CO levels as a result of the use of cigarettes in coffeehouses in addition to the structure of coffeehouses.
Networked Politics on Cyworld: The Text and Sentiment of Korean Political Profiles
Authors: Se Jung Park  , Yon Soo Lim  , Sams Steven , Sang Me Nam  , Han Woo Park
Published: September 2010

Cyworld, a Korean social networking site (SNS), enables politicians to establish and maintain their online presence and allows them to communicate with constituents through their personal profile. This article identifies the most visible politicians on Cyworld in terms of comments posted on their profiles between April 1, 2008 and June 14, 2009 and examines the text and sentiments reflected in those profiles. A content analysis combining semantic network analysis and sentiment analysis illustrates the meaning and collective sentiment of the comments. The results suggest that progressivism dominated political discourse and that the members of the ruling party received more negative comments than those of the opposition party. Furthermore, group-oriented terms indicated the existence of collectivism, which is representative of Eastern culture. The results suggest a significant relationship among gender, comment types, and SNS activities.
Sociology of Hyperlink Networks of Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Twitter: A Case Study of South Korea
Authors: Hsu Chien-leng , Han Woo Park
Published: September 2010

This article illustrates the structural changes in hyperlink networks from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 and describes Web 1.0 using hyperlink data obtained from websites of South Korean National Assembly members between 2000 and 2001. The websites were sparsely knitted and formed a hub-spike network. Hyperlinks were created to enhance the interface and navigation ability of websites. The article also examines how hyperlink patterns began to change in 2005 and 2006 when Web 2.0 (blogs) was introduced. A key difference between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 was that the Assembly members were relatively well connected in the blogosphere. Furthermore, prominent Web 1.0 hubs with many links tended to disappear, but butterfly networks based on political homophily emerged. Finally, the hyperlink network of Twitter, a recent Web 2.0 application, is examined. Twitter’s network diagram shows that online social ties between politicians are becoming denser.
Statistical approaches to analyse patient-reported outcomes as response variables: An application to health-related quality of life
Authors: Arostegui Inmaculada , Núñez-Antón Vicente , Quintana José M
Published: September 2010

Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) are used as primary endpoints in medical research and their statistical analysis is an important methodological issue. Theoretical assumptions of the selected methodology and interpretation of its results are issues to take into account when selecting an appropriate statistical technique to analyse data. We present eight methods of analysis of a popular PRO tool under different assumptions that lead to different interpretations of the results. All methods were applied to responses obtained from two of the health dimensions of the SF–36 Health Survey. The proposed methods are: multiple linear regression (MLR), with least square and bootstrap estimations, tobit regression, ordinal logistic and probit regressions, beta-binomial regression (BBR), binomial-logit-normal regression (BLNR) and coarsening. Selection of an appropriate model depends not only on its distributional assumptions but also on the continuous or ordinal features of the response and the fact that they are constrained to a bounded interval. The BBR approach renders satisfactory results in a broad number of situations. MLR is not recommended, especially with skewed outcomes. Ordinal methods are only appropriate for outcomes with a few number of categories. Tobit regression is an acceptable option under normality assumptions and in the presence of moderate ceiling or floor effect. The BLNR and coarsening proposals are also acceptable, but only under certain distributional assumptions that are difficult to test a priori. Interpretation of the results is more convenient when using the BBR, BLNR and ordinal logistic regression approaches.
EVA® Disclosures in the Annual Reports of Indian Companies
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Narang Sweety
Published: September 2010

Analyzing the annual reports of India’s largest 500 companies over a period of five years (from 2004 to 2008), the present study at first tries to examine the extent of Economic Value Added (EVA) reporting practices prevalent in Indian corporate sector. It reveals that just 37 companies (7.4 per cent of the sample) specifically mentioned the use of EVA metric in their public disclosures. The study also identifies the industry composition, preferred medium of EVA disclosure, areas of EVA applications and extent of EVA-related computations made and disclosed by the EVA reporting companies. The study finds that there exist significant inconsistencies and irregularities in the measurement of EVA and its major components by the EVA reporting companies. The second part of the study examines the corporate attributes that can be associated with the Indian companies’ EVA disclosure choices. Thus, the comparison of differences between the EVA reporting and EVA non-reporting companies on the basis of their background indicators and financial performance measures reveals that the EVA usage and disclosure choice of Indian companies is influenced by their size, profitability, leverage and sales efficiency. The study has implications for Securities and Exchange Board of India, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Company Law Board and other related parties that they should recognize the need to make EVA reporting mandatory in Indian corporate sector. Through the establishment of separate accounting standards for EVA computations and disclosure and further linking it with the employees’ compensation plans, companies can reap benefits in terms of shareholder value enhancement.
The Information Processing of Advertisements by Urban Young Men of India
Authors: Chattopadhyay Tuhin
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this article is to explore the most effective print advertising strategy in terms of message strategy and execution framework for young men in India. Young men (n = 400) watched 20 advertisements in which message strategy and execution framework were manipulated in a 2 × 10 completely crossed factorial design and were asked to rate their attention, comprehension, retention, attitudes and purchase motivation about these advertisements. Results suggest that cognitive message strategy along with comparison as execution framework is the most effective for young men. Findings are then discussed.
Study on a Piezohydraulic Motor for Maximal Energy Efficiency
Authors: Kan Junwu , Wen Jianming , Zhang Zhonghua , Zeng Ping , Wang Shuyun , Chen Guangming
Published: September 2010

A piezohydraulic linear motor driven by a piezostack diaphragm pump is presented and studied. The diaphragm of pump chamber consists of a membrane and rigid disk, instead of a single piston or membrane. An analytical model is established to evaluate piezohydraulic motor performance in terms of velocity, pushing force, mechanical energy conversion efficiency (MEE), and electromechanical energy conversion efficiency (EMEE). The involved effect factors of motor performance are radius ratio (rigid-disk radius to chamber radius), area ratio (pump-chamber area to cylinder-piston area), force ratio (external load to blocked force of piezostack), and step ratio (cylinder-piston stroke to free displacement of piezostack). Analytical results show that there are optimal structural parameters (radius ratio and area ratio) for property parameters (force ratio, step ratio, MEE, and EMEE) to obtain maximal values. Considering the achievable peak MEE and EMEE, the design method was introduced for different purpose of applications. A piezohydraulic motor was fabricated and tested to examine the influence of radius ratio on performance of the piezohydraulic motor. The experimental results show that both the motor velocity and driving force can be enhanced with optimizing radius ratio.
Pregnancy a short time after multimodal therapy for bilateral breast cancer: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Koca Timur , Akgun Zuleyha , Yucel Serap Baskaya , Dag Nihal Zerman , Teomete Mehmet
Published: September 2010

Pregnancy occurring after multimodal therapy in a woman with breast cancer with a 1-year follow-up period is a relatively rare condition and has been defined as pregnancy-associated breast cancer. A patient can become pregnant after chemotherapy for breast cancer while she is on tamoxifen. However, the effects of tamoxifen on fetus and on the course of the pregnancy are still unknown. Here, we present a 39-year-old woman treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for bilateral breast cancer, and who became pregnant while taking tamoxifen.
Conditions causing gemcitabine crystallization
Authors: Manners Susan , Galettis Peter , Souza Paul de
Published: September 2010

Introduction. Intravesical delivery of chemotherapy agents is used very commonly for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer. We recently completed a phase II study of intravesical gemcitabine in which an alkaline adjusted gemcitabine preparation was used initially, based on very early phase I studies. However, crystallization was noted in some of the pre-prepared syringes, which prompted us to investigate the conditions under which gemcitabine crystallized.

Methods. Gemcitabine was prepared in syringes in triplicate and conditions were varied with respect to pH, temperature, and duration. Samples were observed for up to 48 h for the development of crystallization. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of gemcitabine concentrations was undertaken for all samples.

Results. Crystallization of gemcitabine was favored under conditions of bicarbonate treatment and lowering of temperature. However, the process was reversible, as demonstrated by recovery of gemcitabine concentrations in samples brought back to room temperature. Crystallization resulted in reduction of gemcitabine concentrations in the pre-prepared syringes.

Conclusions. Gemcitabine solutions may be associated with crystallization if the native pH is increased with the addition of sodium bicarbonate, and samples are stored in a cold environment.