bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the robustness of the anthropogenic climate change detection statements using different empirical models
Authors: Imbers J. , Lopez A. , Huntingford C. , Allen M. R.
Published: April 2013

This paper aims to test the robustness of the detection and attribution of anthropogenic climate change using four different empirical models that were previously developed to explain the observed global mean temperature changes over the last few decades. These studies postulated that the main drivers of these changes included not only the usual natural forcings, such as solar and volcanic, and anthropogenic forcings, such as greenhouse gases and sulfates, but also other known Earth system oscillations such as El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). In this paper, we consider these signals, or forced responses, and test whether or not the anthropogenic signal can be robustly detected under different assumptions for the internal variability of the climate system. We assume that the internal variability of the global mean surface temperature can be described by simple stochastic models that explore a wide range of plausible temporal autocorrelations, ranging from short memory processes exemplified by an AR(1) model to long memory processes, represented by a fractional differenced model. In all instances, we conclude that human‐induced changes to atmospheric gas composition is affecting global mean surface temperature changes.
The role of a convective burst in the genesis of typhoon Hagupit (2008)
Authors: Murata Akihiko
Published: April 2013

This study explores the effects of the mesoscale descent associated with a convective burst during the genesis of typhoon Hagupit (2008), based on a high‐resolution cloud‐resolving numerical simulation. The simulation result captures the synoptic‐scale circulation surrounding the pre‐Hagupit depression and the evolution of the storm. A burst of intense deep convection occurs about 1 day before the genesis of Hagupit. After the convective burst, temperature deviation near the center of the depression increases in the lower troposphere. This warming contributes to a drop in the central pressure of the depression and hence to the beginning of the so‐called system‐scale intensification. In addition, the low‐level warming tends to inhibit vertical motion by acting as a lid. Horizontal flow is therefore dominant in the boundary layer; thereby, the air can efficiently gain energy from the sea surface. Increased energy in the boundary layer air feeds intense deep convection near the center of the depression just before the genesis time. These results are consistent with a previous observational study. Tangential momentum budget analysis demonstrates that, just before the genesis time, actual tendency of tangential velocity has larger values throughout the depth of the troposphere, indicating the importance of the deep‐layer spin‐up of the depression. These large values are attributed to the upward transport of tangential momentum by intense deep convection. In contrast, when the convective burst occurs about 1 day before the genesis time, positive actual tendency is confined to the lower troposphere because of smaller upward transport of tangential momentum.
Impact of surface roughness and soil texture on mineral dust emission fluxes modeling
Authors: Menut Laurent , Pérez Carlos , Haustein Karsten , Bessagnet Bertrand , Prigent Catherine , Alfaro Stéphane
Published: April 2013

Dust production models (DPM) used to estimate vertical fluxes of mineral dust aerosols over arid regions need accurate data on soil and surface properties. The Laboratoire Inter‐Universitaire des Systemes Atmospheriques (LISA) data set was developed for Northern Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia. This regional data set was built through dedicated field campaigns and include, among others, the aerodynamic roughness length, the smooth roughness length of the erodible fraction of the surface, and the dry (undisturbed) soil size distribution. Recently, satellite‐derived roughness length and high‐resolution soil texture data sets at the global scale have emerged and provide the opportunity for the use of advanced schemes in global models. This paper analyzes the behavior of the ERS satellite‐derived global roughness length and the State Soil Geographic data base‐Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (STATSGO‐FAO) soil texture data set (based on wet techniques) using an advanced DPM in comparison to the LISA data set over Northern Africa and the Middle East. We explore the sensitivity of the drag partition scheme (a critical component of the DPM) and of the dust vertical fluxes (intensity and spatial patterns) to the roughness length and soil texture data sets. We also compare the use of the drag partition scheme to a widely used preferential source approach in global models. Idealized experiments with prescribed wind speeds show that the ERS and STATSGO‐FAO data sets provide realistic spatial patterns of dust emission and friction velocity thresholds in the region. Finally, we evaluate a dust transport model for the period of March to July 2011 with observed aerosol optical depths from Aerosol Robotic Network sites. Results show that ERS and STATSGO‐FAO provide realistic simulations in the region.
Long‐term ozone changes and associated climate impacts in CMIP5 simulations
Authors: Eyring V. , Arblaster J. M. , Cionni I. , Sedláček J. , Perlwitz J. , Young P. J. , Bekki S. , Bergmann D. , Cameron‐Smith P. , Collins W. J. , Faluvegi G. , Gottschaldt K.‐D. , Horowitz L. W. , Kinnison D. E. , Lamarque J.‐F. , Marsh D. R. , Saint‐Martin D. , Shindell D. T. , Sudo K. , Szopa S. , Watanabe S.
Published: April 2013

Ozone changes and associated climate impacts in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) simulations are analyzed over the historical (1960–2005) and future (2006–2100) period under four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP). In contrast to CMIP3, where half of the models prescribed constant stratospheric ozone, CMIP5 models all consider past ozone depletion and future ozone recovery. Multimodel mean climatologies and long‐term changes in total and tropospheric column ozone calculated from CMIP5 models with either interactive or prescribed ozone are in reasonable agreement with observations. However, some large deviations from observations exist for individual models with interactive chemistry, and these models are excluded in the projections. Stratospheric ozone projections forced with a single halogen, but four greenhouse gas (GHG) scenarios show largest differences in the northern midlatitudes and in the Arctic in spring (~20 and 40 Dobson units (DU) by 2100, respectively). By 2050, these differences are much smaller and negligible over Antarctica in austral spring. Differences in future tropospheric column ozone are mainly caused by differences in methane concentrations and stratospheric input, leading to ~10 DU increases compared to 2000 in RCP 8.5. Large variations in stratospheric ozone particularly in CMIP5 models with interactive chemistry drive correspondingly large variations in lower stratospheric temperature trends. The results also illustrate that future Southern Hemisphere summertime circulation changes are controlled by both the ozone recovery rate and the rate of GHG increases, emphasizing the importance of simulating and taking into account ozone forcings when examining future climate projections.
Inertia‐gravity waves in Antarctica: A case study using simultaneous lidar and radar measurements at McMurdo/Scott Base (77.8°S, 166.7°E)
Authors: Chen Cao , Chu Xinzhao , McDonald Adrian J. , Vadas Sharon L. , Yu Zhibin , Fong Weichun , Lu Xian
Published: April 2013

This study presents the first coincident observation of inertia‐gravity waves (IGWs) by lidar and radar in the Antarctic mesopause region. This is also the first known observation of two simultaneous IGWs at the same location. An Fe Boltzmann lidar at Arrival Heights (77.8°S, 166.7°E) provides high‐resolution temperature data, and a co‐located MF radar provides wind data. On 29 June 2011, coherent wave structures are observed in both the Fe lidar temperature and MF radar winds. Two dominant waves are determined from the temperature data with apparent periods of 7.7 ± 0.2 and 5.0 ± 0.1 h and vertical wavelengths of 22 ± 2 and 23 ± 2 km, respectively. The simultaneous measurements of temperature and wind allow the intrinsic wave properties to be derived from hodograph analyses unambiguously. The analysis shows that the longer‐period wave propagates northward with an azimuth of θ = 11° ± 5° clockwise from north. This wave has a horizontal wavelength of λh = 2.2 ± 0.2 × 103 km and an intrinsic period of τI = 7.9 ± 0.3 h. The intrinsic horizontal phase speed (CIh) for this wave is 80 ± 4 m/s, while the horizontal and vertical group velocities (Cgh and Cgz) are 48 ± 3 m/s and 0.5 ± 0.1 m/s, respectively. The shorter‐period wave has τI = 4.5 ± 0.3 h and θ = 100° ± 4° with λh = 1.1 ± 0.1 × 103 km and CIh = 68 ± 5 m/s. Its group velocities are Cgh = 58 ± 5 m/s and Cgz = 1.1 ± 0.1 m/s. Therefore, both waves propagate with very shallow elevation angles from the horizon (ϕ = 0.6° ± 0.1° and ϕ = 1.1° ± 0.1° for the longer‐ and shorter‐period waves, respectively) but originate from different sources. Our analysis suggests that the longer‐period IGW most likely originates from the stratosphere in a region of unbalanced flow.
Validation of ozone data from the Superconducting Submillimeter‐Wave Limb‐Emission Sounder (SMILES)
Authors: Imai Koji , Manago Naohiro , Mitsuda Chihiro , Naito Yoko , Nishimoto Eriko , Sakazaki Takatoshi , Fujiwara Masatomo , Froidevaux Lucien , von Clarmann Thomas , Stiller Gabriele P. , Murtagh Donal P. , Rong Ping‐ping , Mlynczak Martin G. , Walker Kaley A. , Kinnison Douglas E. , Akiyoshi Hideharu , Nakamura Tetsu , Miyasaka Takayuki , Nishibori Toshiyuki , Mizobuchi Satoko , Kikuchi Ken‐ichi , Ozeki Hiroyuki , Takahashi Chikako , Hayashi Hiroo , Sano Takuki , Suzuki Makoto , Takayanagi Masahiro , Shiotani Masato
Published: April 2013

The Superconducting Submillimeter‐Wave Limb‐Emission Sounder (SMILES) onboard the International Space Station provided global measurements of ozone profiles in the middle atmosphere from 12 October 2009 to 21 April 2010. We present validation studies of the SMILES version 2.1 ozone product based on coincidence statistics with satellite observations and outputs of chemistry and transport models (CTMs). Comparisons of the stratospheric ozone with correlative data show agreements that are generally within 10%. In the mesosphere, the agreement is also good and better than 30% even at a high altitude of 73 km, and the SMILES measurements with their local time coverage also capture the diurnal variability very well. The recommended altitude range for scientific use is from 16 to 73 km. We note that the SMILES ozone values for altitude above 26 km are smaller than some of the correlative satellite datasets; conversely the SMILES values in the lower stratosphere tend to be larger than correlative data, particularly in the tropics, with less than 8% difference below ~24 km. The larger values in the lower stratosphere are probably due to departure of retrieval results between two detection bands at altitudes below 28 km; it is ~3% at 24 km and is increasing rapidly down below.
Using inpatient hospital discharge data to monitor patient safety events
Authors: Taylor Jennifer A. , Pandian Ravi S. , Mao Lu , Michael Yvonne L.
Published: April 2013

The development of systematic and sustainable surveillance systems is necessary for the creation of patient safety prevention programs and the evaluation of improvement resulting from innovations. To that end, inpatient hospital discharges collected by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council were used to investigate patient safety events (PSEs) in Pennsylvania in 2006. PSEs were identified using external cause of injury codes (E‐codes) in combination with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's patient safety indicators (PSIs). Encounters with and without PSEs were compared with regard to patient age, sex, race, length of stay, and cost. Approximately 9% of all Pennsylvania inpatient discharges had a PSE in 2006. Patients with a PSE were on average older, male, and white. The average length of stay for a PSE was 3 days longer and $35 000 more expensive than a non‐PSE encounter. It was concluded that E‐codes and PSIs were useful tools for the surveillance of PSEs in Pennsylvania, and that administrative data from healthcare organizations provide a consistent source of standardized data related to patient encounters, creating an opportunity to describe PSEs at the population level.
β‐Mannanase production by Aspergillus niger BCC4525 and its efficacy on broiler performance
Authors: Sornlake Warasirin , Matetaviparee Panida , Rattanaphan Nakul , Tanapongpipat Sutipa , Eurwilaichitr Lily
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Mannan is a hemicellulose constituent commonly found in plant‐derived feed ingredients. The gum‐like property of mannan can obstruct digestive enzymes and bile acids, resulting in impaired nutrient utilisation. In this study, β‐mannanase production by Aspergillus niger strain BCC4525 was investigated using several agricultural residues under solid state condition. The biochemical properties of the target enzyme and the effects of enzyme supplementation on broiler performance and energy utilisation were assessed.

RESULTS

Among five carbon sources tested, copra meal was found to be the best carbon source for β‐mannanase production with the maximum yield of 1837.5 U g−1. The crude β‐mannanase exhibited maximum activity at 80 °C within a broad range of pH from 2 to 6. In vitro digestibility assay, which simulates the gastrointestinal tract system of broilers, showed that β‐mannanase could liberate reducing sugars from corn/soybean diet. Surprisingly, β‐mannanase supplementation had no significant effect on broiler feed intake, feed conversion rate or energy utilisation.

CONCLUSION

A high level of β‐mannanase was produced by A. niger BCC4525 under solid state condition using copra meal as carbon source. Although the enzyme has the desired properties of an enzyme additive for improving broiler performance, it does not appear to be beneficial.© 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Implications of the histological determination of microRNAs in the screening, diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: MenéNdez Pablo , Villarejo Pedro , Padilla David , Menéndez José María , Rodríguez‐Montes José Antonio
Published: April 2013

MicroRNAs are short non‐coding RNA molecules that participate in the regulation of gene expression. Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of microRNAs in oncogenesis and a variety of physiological functions. We conducted a literature review of studies that evaluated histological microRNAs in colorectal cancer. Although additional clinical studies are required to substantiate the relationship between microRNAs and colorectal cancer, there is preliminary evidence that microRNAs are related to the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;108:70–73. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous quantification of 11 isoquinoline alkaloids in Corydalis impatiens (Pall.) Fisch by HPLC
Authors: Niu Xiaofeng , Li Weifeng , Xu Hongbo , Liu Xia , Qi Lin
Published: April 2013

Isoquinoline alkaloids are the primary active ingredients of Corydalis, but an analytical method for quality assessment of the active ingredients in Corydalis impatiens (Pall). Fisch has not been reported. A new, simple, and multiple‐component quantification method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of 11 isoquinoline alkaloids including capnoidine, chelianthifoline, bicuculline, protopine, isoapocavidine, apocavidine, cavidine, tetrahydroepiberberine, ochotensimine, tetrahydrocoptisine, and tetrahydrocorysamine in C. impatiens. Separation of the isoquinoline alkaloids was performed on a RP C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 2.5, adjusted by phosphoric acid)/acetonitrile (53:47, v/v) containing 0.3% sodium dodecyl sulfonate. The flow rate and detection wavelength were set at 1 mL/min and 295 nm, respectively. Full validation of the assay was carried out including linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, LOD, and limit of quantitation. All calibration curves showed a good linear relationship (r > 0.999) in test range. The results demonstrated that the developed method was reliable, rapid, and specific. Six batches of C. impatiens samples from different sources were determined using the established method. The contents of alkaloids ranged from 11.68 to 351.83 μg/g. This method can be applied for quality evaluation and control of C. impatiens. Eleven isoquinoline alkaloids were first reported on simultaneous determination with HPLC.
Ocular motor characteristics of different subtypes of spinocerebellar ataxia: Distinguishing features
Authors: Kim Ji Sun , Kim Ji Soo , Youn Jinyoung , Seo Dae‐Won , Jeong Yuri , Kang Ji‐Hoon , Park Jeong Ho , Cho Jin Whan
Published: April 2013

Because of frequent involvement of the cerebellum and brainstem, ocular motor abnormalities are key features of spinocerebellar ataxias and may aid in differential diagnosis. Our objective for this study was to distinguish the subtypes by ophthalmologic features after head‐shaking and positional maneuvers, which are not yet recognized as differential diagnostic tools in most common forms of spinocerebellar ataxias. Of the 302 patients with a diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia in 3 Korean University Hospitals from June 2011 to June 2012, 48 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, or 8 or with undetermined spinocerebellar ataxias were enrolled. All patients underwent a video‐oculographic recording of fixation abnormalities, gaze‐evoked nystagmus, positional and head‐shaking nystagmus, and dysmetric saccades. Logistic regression analysis controlling for disease duration revealed that spontaneous and positional downbeat nystagmus and perverted head‐shaking nystagmus were strong predictors for spinocerebellar ataxia 6, whereas saccadic intrusions and oscillations were identified as positive indicators of spinocerebellar ataxia 3. In contrast, the presence of gaze‐evoked nystagmus and dysmetric saccades was a negative predictor of spinocerebellar ataxia 2. Positional maneuvers and horizontal head shaking occasionally induced or augmented saccadic intrusions/oscillations in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, and 3 and undetermined spinocerebellar ataxia. The results indicated that perverted head‐shaking nystagmus may be the most sensitive parameter for SCA6, whereas saccadic intrusions/oscillations are the most sensitive for spinocerebellar ataxia 3. In contrast, a paucity of gaze‐evoked nystagmus and dysmetric saccades is more indicative of spinocerebellar ataxia 2. Head‐shaking and positional maneuvers aid in defining ocular motor characteristics in spinocerebellar ataxias. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Challenges of diagnostic exome sequencing in an inbred founder population
Authors: Azmanov Dimitar N. , Chamova Teodora , Tankard Rick , Gelev Vladimir , Bynevelt Michael , Florez Laura , Tzoneva Dochka , Zlatareva Dora , Guergueltcheva Velina , Bahlo Melanie , Tournev Ivailo , Kalaydjieva Luba
Published: April 2013

Exome sequencing was used as a diagnostic tool in a Roma/Gypsy family with three subjects (one deceased) affected by lissencephaly with cerebellar hypoplasia (LCH), a clinically and genetically heterogeneous diagnostic category. Data analysis identified high levels of unreported inbreeding, with multiple rare/novel “deleterious” variants occurring in the homozygous state in the affected individuals. Step‐wise filtering was facilitated by the inclusion of parental samples in the analysis and the availability of ethnically matched control exome data. We identified a novel mutation, p.Asp487Tyr, in the VLDLR gene involved in the Reelin developmental pathway and associated with a rare form of LCH, the Dysequilibrium Syndrome. p.Asp487Tyr is the third reported missense mutation in this gene and the first example of a change affecting directly the functionally crucial β‐propeller domain. An unexpected additional finding was a second unique mutation (p.Asn494His) with high scores of predicted pathogenicity in KCNV2, a gene implicated in a rare eye disorder, retinal cone dystrophy type 3B. This result raised diagnostic and counseling challenges that could be resolved through mutation screening of a large panel of healthy population controls. The strategy and findings of this study may inform the search for new disease mutations in the largest European genetic isolate.
Demonstration of novel gain‐of‐function mutations of αIIbβ3: association with macrothrombocytopenia and glanzmann thrombasthenia‐like phenotype
Authors: Kashiwagi Hirokazu , Kunishima Shinji , Kiyomizu Kazunobu , Amano Yoshiro , Shimada Hiroyuki , Morishita Masashi , Kanakura Yuzuru , Tomiyama Yoshiaki
Published: April 2013

Integrin αIIbβ3 is indispensable for normal hemostasis, but its role for thrombopoiesis is still controversial. Recently, αIIb and β3 mutations have been identified in patients with congenital macrothrombocytopenia. We analyzed three unrelated Japanese families with congenital macrothrombocytopenia. Expression and activation state of αIIbβ3 in platelets was examined by flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Sequence of whole coding region and exon–intron boundaries of ITGA2B and ITGB3 genes was performed. The effects of mutations on αIIbβ3 activation state and phosphorylation of FAK were analyzed in transfected cells. We newly identified three mutations: two mutations in highly conserved Gly‐Phe‐Phe‐Lys‐Arg sequence in juxtamembrane region of αIIb, p.Gly991Cys and p.Phe993del, and one donor site mutation of intron 13 of ITGB3 leading to 40 amino acids deletion, p.(Asp621_Glu660del), in the membrane proximal β‐tail domain of β3. One patient, who showed Glanzmann thrombasthenia‐like marked reduction in surface αIIbβ3 expression (3–11% of normal control), was a compound heterozygote with ITGA2B p.Gly991Cys and a novel nonsense mutation, ITGA2B p.Arg422*. All three mutations, ITGA2B p.Gly991Cys, ITGA2B p.Phe993del, and ITGB3 p.(Asp621_Glu660del), led to highly activated conformation of αIIbβ3 and spontaneous tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK in transfected cells. These results suggest that gain‐of‐function mutations around membrane region of αIIbβ3 lead to abnormal platelet number and morphology with impaired surface αIIbβ3 expression.
MRI confirms loss of blood–brain barrier integrity in a mouse model of disseminated candidiasis
Authors: Navarathna Dhammika H. M. L. P. , Munasinghe Jeeva , Lizak Martin J. , Nayak Debasis , McGavern Dorian B. , Roberts David D.
Published: April 2013

Disseminated candidiasis primarily targets the kidneys and brain in mice and humans. Damage to these critical organs leads to the high mortality associated with such infections, and invasion across the blood–brain barrier can result in fungal meningoencephalitis. Candida albicans can penetrate a brain endothelial cell barrier in vitro through transcellular migration, but this mechanism has not been confirmed in vivo. MRI using the extracellular vascular contrast agent gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid demonstrated that integrity of the blood–brain barrier is lost during C. albicans invasion. Intravital two‐photon laser scanning microscopy was used to provide the first real‐time demonstration of C. albicans colonizing the living brain, where both yeast and filamentous forms of the pathogen were found. Furthermore, we adapted a previously described method utilizing MRI to monitor inflammatory cell recruitment into infected tissues in mice. Macrophages and other phagocytes were visualized in kidney and brain by the administration of ultrasmall iron oxide particles. In addition to obtaining new insights into the passage of C. albicans across the brain microvasculature, these imaging methods provide useful tools to study further the pathogenesis of C. albicans infections, to define the roles of Candida virulence genes in kidney versus brain infection and to assess new therapeutic measures for drug development. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Motor functioning during and following treatment with chemotherapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Green Jessica L. , Knight Sarah J. , McCarthy Maria , De Luca Cinzia R.
Published: April 2013

This systematic review evaluated empirical studies examining motor skills in children during and following treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Most studies indicated that children on‐treatment display poorer gross and fine motor abilities than healthy peers, but generally have intact visual‐motor integration skills. Studies have reported gross motor difficulties in 5–54% of survivors. There is some limited evidence for long‐term fine motor deficits. The evidence for visual‐motor integration difficulties in the survivor population is less consistent. Larger studies with a longitudinal design are needed to further specify the onset and timing of motor difficulties and ascertain risk factors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1261–1266. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Melt electrospinning writing of three‐dimensional star poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) scaffolds
Authors: Mota Carlos , Puppi Dario , Gazzarri Matteo , Bártolo Paulo , Chiellini Federica
Published: April 2013

In the last decade, the melt‐electrospinning technique has gained attention for the production of highly porous microfibrous tissue engineering scaffolds. The possibility of processing polymers without the use of organic solvents is one of the main advantages over solution electrospinning. In this study, computer‐controlled melt‐electrospinning of a commercial poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) and of two batches with different molecular weights of a three‐arm star poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) by means of a screw‐extruder‐based additive manufacturing system is reported. Experimental parameters such as processing temperature, extrusion flow rate and applied voltage were studied and optimized in order to obtain non‐woven meshes with uniform fibre morphology. Applying the optimized parameters, three‐dimensional scaffolds were produced using a layer‐by‐layer approach (0 − 90° lay‐down pattern). © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Photovoltaics literature survey (no. 101)
Authors: Shrestha Santosh
Published: April 2013

To help keep readers up‐to‐date in the field, each issue of Progress in Photovoltaics will contain a list of recently published journal articles most relevant to its aims and scope. This list is drawn from an extremely wide range of journals, including IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, Journal of Applied Physics, Applied Physics Letters, Progress in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. To assist the reader, the list is separated into broad categories, but please note that these classifications are by no means strict. Also note that inclusion in the list is not an endorsement of a paper's quality. If you have any suggestions, please e‐mail Santosh Shrestha at s.shrestha@unsw.edu.au.
Control of colloidal interactions between microgels with stimulus‐responsive properties
Authors: Umeda Yoshitaka , Suzuki Daisuke
Published: April 2013

Microgels can switch their chemical/physical properties with external stimulus, and the colloidal behavior of microgels is strongly affected by interparticle interactions. In this article, we introduce smart microgels, focusing on Janus microgels and oscillating microgels developed by our group. Janus microgels show anisotropic shape and chemical/physical properties, and thus the structures of their flocs are also anisotropic. Oscillating microgels show autonomous swelling/deswelling and dispersing/flocculating oscillations through synchronization with chemical reactions. The interparticle interactions of these microgels are discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3021–3026
Structural relaxation behavior of strain hardened shape memory polymer fibers for self‐healing applications
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Li Guoqiang
Published: April 2013

In this study, shape‐memory polyurethane (SMPU) fibers were strain hardened by cold‐drawing programming (CDP) process. The programmed fibers are experimentally studied on the physical and thermomechanical properties. Structural relaxation, which determines shape memory capability of the SMP fibers, is quantified by conformational entropy change. Based on the entanglement tube theory and reptation theory, the entropic force is derived as a “bridge” to link the stress relaxation and structural relaxation, and thus structural relaxation can be evaluated by stress relaxation. It was found that the CDP SMPU fibers would still have good crackclosing capability after 13 years of hibernation in polymer matrix composite. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013, 51, 966–977
Interphase/interface modification on the dielectric properties of polycarbonate/poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) multilayer films for high‐energy density capacitors
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Carr Joel , Mackey Matthew , Yin Kezhen , Schuele Donald , Zhu Lei , Baer Eric
Published: April 2013

Unique three‐component multilayer films with ATBTATBTA configuration were fabricated using forced assembly multilayer coextrusion for novel dielectric systems. The dielectric breakdown strength, displacement–electric field hysteresis, and dielectric spectroscopy of 65‐layer polycarbonate (PC)/tie/poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF‐HFP)) were investigated with various tie materials. Three different tie materials, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile copolymer with 30% acrylonitrile content (SAN30), and poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐1,4‐cycohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PETG) were chosen owing to their various degrees of interaction with either P(VDF‐HFP) or PC. The 65‐layer PC/PMMA/P(VDF‐HFP) films exhibited a 25% enhancement in breakdown properties, 50% higher energy density, 40% smaller hysteresis loop areas, and orders of magnitude slower ion migration relative to the 33‐layer PC/P(VDF‐HFP) control. These property improvements are mainly attributed to the localized interactions at PMMA/P(VDF‐HFP) and PMMA/PC interfaces, forming interphase regions. The modified PMMA/P(VDF‐HFP) interphase region can effectively hinder the migration of impurity ions in P(VDF‐HFP), reducing their mobility within the layer. Additionally, a small fraction of PMMA can lead to slightly increased dielectric constant of the composite films owing to strong interaction between PMMA and P(VDF‐HFP). The other two systems with PETG and SAN30 as tie layers exhibited marginal improvements in dielectric properties owing to their weaker interactions with the P(VDF‐HFP) layers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 978–991
How the NHS pays for drugs — and when the system fails
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: April 2013

Steve Chaplin describes how the prices that the NHS pays for drugs are calculated and when anomalies arise.
Recognition and treatment of medication overuse headache
Authors: Lewis Marcus
Published: April 2013

Medication overuse headache is a common condition responsible for a high number of referrals to secondary care. Here, the author discusses its recognition and management.
An approach to sense pheromone concentration by pre‐concentration and gas sensors
Authors: Wehrenfennig Christoph , Schott Matthias , Gasch Tina , Meixner Daniel , Düring Rolf‐Alexander , Vilcinskas Andreas , Kohl Claus‐Dieter
Published: April 2013

In this investigation we combined enrichment with different analysis techniques for in situ sensing of the pheromone main component of the European Grapevine Moth (Lobesia botrana). The electroantennographic detection (EAD) offers the lowest in situ detection limit, but has a limited lifetime of only few hours. Based on the enrichment it is possible to pre‐concentrate the natural pheromone level up to a threshold for biomimetic analytic systems. By metal‐oxide semiconductor gas sensors in a ‘selective odorant measurement of a multi‐sensor array’ (SOMMSA) setup it is possible to achieve a system with a suitable lifetime for monitoring applications. Due to the sequential desorption from the enrichment material with increasing temperature steps it is possible to eliminate interfering gas components and therefore increase the selectivity of the complete system and to achieve a tool for monitoring applications, e.g. in a vineyard.
Ionic liquids for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles
Authors: Richter Kai , Campbell Paul S. , Baecker Tobias , Schimitzek Agnes , Yaprak Damla , Mudring Anja‐Verena
Published: April 2013

Ionic liquids (ILs) offer outstanding possibilities as media for manufacturing nanoparticles. Synthesis conditions with high reaction and nucleation rates are achievable leading to the formation of extremely small particles. The IL itself can act as an electronic as well as a steric stabiliser preventing particle growth and particle aggregation. In addition, as highly structured liquids, ILs have a strong effect on the morphology of the particles formed. We have developed two synthesis techniques for the generation of metal nanoparticles that take advantage of the unique properties that ILs offer when compared to conventional volatile organic solvents (VOCs): microwave (MW) synthesis and physical vapour deposition (PVD). The ionic character and high polarisability of the IL renders it highly susceptible to energy uptake via MWs and extreme heating and reaction rates can be achieved. To make full use of the possibilities that ILs offer we have designed a set of reducing ILs which can be used as direct reaction partners for the generation of metal nanoparticles. The negligible vapour pressure of many ILs makes experiments under high vacuum possible and allows for the PVD of metals into ILs.

magnified image

Physical vapour deposition (left) and microwave synthesis of metal nanoparticles in ILs.
Hypolipidemic Activity of Okra is Mediated Through Inhibition of Lipogenesis and Upregulation of Cholesterol Degradation
Authors: Wang Hong , Chen Gu , Ren Dandan , Yang Shang‐Tian
Published: April 2013

Little is known about the hypolipidemic activity of okra; therefore, we investigated the hypolipidemic activity of okra and its interaction with gene expression of several key components involved in lipid homeostasis. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed with hyperlipidemic diet or two hyperlipidemic diets supplemented with 1% or 2% okra powder for eight weeks. Results demonstrated that okra dose‐dependently decreased serum and hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride, and enhanced fecal excretion of bile acids. Gene expression analysis revealed that okra upregulated cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1) expression, downregulated expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), with no effect on sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 (SREBP2), 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGR), low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1A (CPT1A). It was suggested that hypolipidemic activity of okra was mediated most likely by upregulation of cholesterol degradation through CYP7A1 and by inhibition of lipogenesis through SREBP1c and FAS. Okra raw and fractionated polysaccharide showed strong bile acid binding capacity in vitro, which may contribute to the hypolipidemic activity observed. In conclusion, okra has potential application in the management of hyperlipidemia and its associated metabolic disorders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relativistic electron flux forecast at geostationary orbit using Kalman filter based on multivariate autoregressive model
Authors: Sakaguchi K. , Miyoshi Y. , Saito S. , Nagatsuma T. , Seki K. , Murata K. T.
Published: April 2013

The relativistic electron population at MeV energy in the Van Allen radiation belts at geostationary orbit largely varies in association with solar wind disturbances. To provide alerts of possible satellite malfunctions due to deep‐dielectric charging during relativistic electron enhancements, the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Japan, developed an algorithm to forecast daily >2 MeV electron flux variations at geostationary orbit using a multivariate autoregressive model. We examined model accuracy by using solar wind speed, north‐south component of the magnetic field, and dynamic pressure by inputting them as explanatory variates. The results showed that a combination of all three variates was most effective in reducing the prediction error. We focus here on the four‐variate autoregressive model and handle it using the Kalman filter. The time evolution of the forecast is given by the conditional normal distribution: the peak value of forecast probability and the error range. The error range estimation is useful for users who utilize forecasts for operation of the satellites. We investigated the prediction efficiency of +1 day forecasts by evaluating forecast and observation data for a whole solar cycle (1999–2008) every 2 years. The prediction efficiency maintained at more than 69% throughout the solar cycle, although it depends on the phase of the cycle. Comparisons of the prediction efficiencies revealed that our model exhibited the best performance of conventional forecast models, particularly in solar active periods.
Small Mission Accomplished by Students—Big Impact on Space Weather Research
Authors: Li Xinlin , Palo Scott , Kohnert Rick , Blum Lauren , Gerhardt David , Schiller Quintin , Califf Sam
Published: April 2013

Key Points

CubeSat mission has had a big impact on space weather research
The CRaTER Special Issue of Space Weather: Building the observational foundation to deduce biological effects of space radiation
Authors: Schwadron N. A. , Smith S. , Spence H. E.
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Need for validated measurements of radiation environment
Recent Texts on Spacecraft Charging of Interest to the Space Weather Community
Authors: Bodeau J. Michael
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Space weather is a hazard to spacecraft

3 Texts describe spacecraft charging
Probability of occurrence of extreme magnetic storms
Authors: Kataoka Ryuho
Published: April 2013

To calculate the probability of extreme magnetic storms in the solar cycle 24, cumulative distribution functions are investigated using an 89 year list of magnetic storms recorded at Kakioka Magnetic Observatory. It is found that the probability of occurrence of extreme magnetic storms can be modeled as a function of maximum sunspot number of a solar cycle, and the probability of another Carrington storm occurring within the next decade is estimated to be 4–6%.
Is Something Wrong With the Present Solar Maximum?
Authors: Kamide Y. , Kusano K.
Published: April 2013

Key Points

The present solar cycle is unusual

Solar cycle effects are seen in the solar wind

Its effects are seen in the other end, on Earth.
Statistical properties of the surface‐charging environment at geosynchronous orbit
Authors: Thomsen Michelle F. , Henderson Michael G. , Jordanova Vania K.
Published: April 2013

Based on 13 years of data from the Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzers on six Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) geosynchronous satellites, the statistical behavior of environmental conditions that cause strong surface charging on the satellites is examined. Analysis of the Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzers data reveals the electron energy range (~5–10 keV) and threshold flux (1.4×103 cm–2 s–1 sr–1 eV–1 at 8 keV) that are most closely associated with satellite surface charging. We also find that the average ambient electron temperature in the plasma sheet correlates with the observed magnitude of the surface potential on the LANL satellites. Analysis of the statistical occurrence rates of (1) the observed surface potential on the LANL satellites, (2) 8 keV electron fluxes above the threshold, and (3) elevated values of the average electron temperature all reveal that an enhanced surface charging probability exists (a) during higher values of Kp, (b) in the local time range from premidnight through dawn, (c) during equinox seasons, and (d) during the declining phase of the solar cycle. With the exception of the solar cycle dependence, these are the same statistical dependences found by Choi et al. (2011) in the satellite anomaly database they examined. The local time dependence of those anomalies is a particularly strong diagnostic of surface charging as a probable cause of a significant number of them.
Motives of foreign MNCs investing in the United States and effect of company characteristics
Authors: Sokoya Sesan Kim , Tillery Kenneth R.
Published: April 2013

Given the recent influx of and changes in foreign direct investment, the purpose of this study is to identify the motives of foreign‐based multinational companies (MNCs) coming to the United States. Factor analysis is used to analyze the underlying pattern of the motives. The results are compared to findings of previous studies of FDI in the United States. The study also seeks differences among motives of different types of MNCs. Implications for policy and future research on FDI are discussed.
From bureaucratic company to entrepreneurial management: A process of change
Authors: Gayarre José Larrea
Published: April 2013

In their efforts to adapt to a market economy and capitalism, companies in the Eastern and Central European countries find themselves confronted with a challenge in many ways similar to the situation faced by certain overly bureaucratic companies closed to the outside environment in the capitalist system today. Due to market conditions, monopolistic or oligopolistic concerns such as utilities, railway companies, and airlines are having to abandon traditional practice in order to become outward‐looking, customer‐oriented companies. This involves changing from bureaucratic management toward entrepreneurial management, from closed organizational systems to ones that are open and dynamic—a process affecting the management of all the different subsystems within the firm, including the production, finance, commercial and administration departments, and very especially the management of human resources. In the Eastern and Central European countries, the change will be especially profound since it affects nearly all the companies in the socialist economy. But for overly bureaucratic companies in the capitalist system, the challenge is equally great, since they are being forced into change by new demands arising from the market situation or, as in the case of Spain, by government demands for adequate profitability.
The collapse of the Soviet Ministries: Economic and legal transformation
Authors: Shama Avraham , Sementsov Sergey
Published: April 2013

Facing a free‐falling economy, the presidents of the Commonwealth of Independent States (formerly the Soviet Union), led by Russian President Boris Yeltsin, began to administer shock therapy in order to transform their economy into a market‐driven economy as soon as possible. On January 1, 1992, a series of decrees by Yeltsin freed almost all prices, privatized ownership of most land, permitted privatization of collective farms, motivated privatization of all small enterprises, and enabled the transfer of almost all state enterprises into joint stock companies. A few days later, other Commonwealth states, such as the Ukraine and Byelorussia, adopted similar measures. As a result, five full years after the far‐reaching concept of perestroika was put forth by Mikhail Gorbachev, 1992 seems to be the year of the acid test of the market economy in the Commonwealth. In the meantime, over 80 ministries, which had controlled the Soviet economy, collapsed. What do these changes mean to the international executive in terms of risk, opportunity, and strategy?
A new look at ethics in international business
Authors: Deng Shengliang
Published: April 2013

In many countries there are stated rules that gift‐giving and solicitation in business practice are unethical and prohibited. However, except for the American FCPA, all the rules and guidelines seem to govern only domestic business practices and there are no clear‐cut rules for international business practices in this respect. This study investigates gift‐giving and solicitation in international business practice, using the data collected from 111 New Zealand international business firms. The research findings show variable conduct and contradictory attitudes. These findings suggest that, with the variety of ethical standards and levels of morality which exist in different cultures, neither Deontology nor Utilitarianism could be the answer to the dilemma of ethics and pragmatism that faces today's international business managers. Instead, “Culturalism,” as developed in this study, should be the guiding principle to international business ethics.
From command economy to market economy with a human face: The potential role of the stakeholder approach
Authors: Jacobson Dan
Published: April 2013

This article questions the wisdom of the tendency to adopt managerial capitalism, in its purest form, as the only guiding principle of the new organizational philosophy now evolving in Eastern Europe. The article's main thesis is that following the demise of the command economy, the stakeholder approach can play a pivotal role in providing social legitimacy to organizations attempting to transform and revitalize in the newly created market economy in Eastern Europe. Rather than viewing maximization of profits to the stockholders as the enterprise's sole responsibility, this approach calls for a management strategy that matches the enterprise's “values” to the “values” of all its stakeholders optimizing, over the long‐term, the net (social and economic) value added to society. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Challenges in the education of the contemporary U.S. international manager
Authors: Petrick Joseph A. , Russell‐Robles Lisa
Published: April 2013

Failure rates of 30% for U.S. expatriate international managers relative to less than 10% for comparable Japanese and European international managers represent substantial costs to individuals, corporations, and U.S. global economic interests. The authors provide a profile of successful expatriate international managers and recommend four changes: (1) inclusion of international management development as a strategic U.S. corporate issue for global success; (2) alteration of current U.S. corporate selection procedures; (3) expanded implementation of rigorous leading edge international training programs; and (4) a renewed U.S. corporate‐academic‐government collaborative partnership to enhance international competitiveness.
Political risk and political loss for foreign investment
Authors: Howell Llewellyn D.
Published: April 2013

In 1986, The Economist produced a risk analysis for 50 countries under the title “Countries in Trouble.” The analysis resulted in a risk rating based on scores from ten weighted political and social variables. This article examines the theoretical structure underlying the analysis and assesses the accuracy of The Economist's projections. Discussion includes considerations of variable choice, variable weights, and data derivation as well as the impact on the outcomes of implicit theory. Conclusions focus on the possibility that underlying theory has predetermined some results, altering the direction of foreign investment. The discussion stresses the connection between abstract theory and profit/loss consequences for businesses in the field of political risk analysis and, particularly, the need for assessing and measuring politically determined losses in order to statistically evaluate the accuracy and utility of risk assessments.