bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testable cross-power domain interface (CPDI) circuit design in monolithic 3D technology
Authors: Xie Jing , Du Yang , Xie Yuan
Published: October 2014

Optimizing energy consumption for electronic systems has been an important design consideration. Multipower domain design is widely used for low-power and high-performance applications. Data transfer between power domains needs a cross-power domain interface (CPDI). The existing level-conversion flip-flop (LCFF) structures all need dual power rails, which lead to large area and performance overhead. In this article, we propose a scanable CPDI circuit, utilizing monolithic 3D technology. This interface functions as a flip-flop and provides reliable data conversion from one power domain to another. It has a built-in scan feature, which makes it a testable design. Our design separates power rails in each tier, substantially reducing physical design complexity and area penalty. The design is implemented in a 20nm, 28nm, and 45nm low-power technology. It shows a 20%--35% smaller insertion delay compared to normal designs. This proposed design also shows scalability and better energy consumption than previous LCFF circuits.
Theory and analysis of generalized mixing and dilution of biochemical fluids using digital microfluidic biochips
Authors: Roy Sudip , Bhattacharya Bhargab B. , Ghoshal Sarmishtha , Chakrabarty Krishnendu
Published: October 2014

Digital microfluidic (DMF) biochips are recently being advocated for fast on-chip implementation of biochemical laboratory assays or protocols, and several algorithms for diluting and mixing of reagents have been reported. However, all methods for such automatic sample preparation suffer from a drawback that they assume the availability of input fluids in pure form, that is, each with an extreme concentration factor (
CF
) of 100%. In many real-life scenarios, the stock solutions consist of samples/reagents with multiple
CF
s. No algorithm is yet known for preparing a target mixture of fluids with a given ratio when its constituents are supplied with random concentrations. An intriguing question is whether or not a given target ratio is feasible to produce from such a general input condition. In this article, we first study the feasibility properties for the generalized mixing problem under the (1:1) mix-split model with an allowable error in the target
CF
s not exceeding 1 2d, where the integer
d
is user specified and denotes the desired accuracy level of
CF
. Next, an algorithm is proposed which produces the desired target ratio of
N
reagents in ONd mix-split steps, where
N
( ≥ 3) denotes the number of constituent fluids in the mixture. The feasibility analysis also leads to the characterization of the total space of input stock solutions from which a given target mixture can be derived, and conversely, the space of all target ratios, which are derivable from a given set of input reagents with arbitrary
CF
s. Finally, we present a generalized algorithm for diluting a sample
S
in minimum (1:1) mix-split steps when two or more arbitrary concentrations of
S
(diluted with the same buffer) are supplied as inputs. These results settle several open questions in droplet-based algorithmic microfluidics and offer efficient solutions for a wider class of on-chip sample preparation problems.
A methodology for automatic generation of executable communication specifications from parallel MPI applications
Authors: Wu Xing , Mueller Frank , Pakin Scott
Published: October 2014

Portable parallel benchmarks are widely used for performance evaluation of HPC systems. However, because these are manually produced, they generally represent a greatly simplified view of application behavior, missing the subtle but important-to-performance nuances that may exist in a complete application. This work contributes novel methods to automatically generate highly portable and customizable communication benchmarks from HPC applications. We utilize ScalaTrace, a lossless yet scalable parallel-application tracing framework to collect selected aspects of the run-time
behavior
of HPC applications, including communication operations and computation time, while abstracting away the
details
of the computation proper. We subsequently generate benchmarks with nearly identical run-time behavior to the original applications. Results demonstrate that the generated benchmarks are in fact able to preserve the run-time behavior (including both the communication pattern and the execution time) of the original applications. Such automated benchmark generation is without precedent and particularly valuable for proprietary, export-controlled, or classified application codes.
A Hybrid Storage Access Framework for High-Performance Virtual Machines
Authors: Kang Chih-Kai , Cai Yu-Jhang , Wu Chin-Hsien , Hsiu Pi-Cheng
Published: October 2014

In recent years, advances in virtualization technology have enabled multiple virtual machines to run on a physical machine, such that each virtual machine can perform independently with its own operating system. The IT industry has adopted virtualization technology because of its ability to improve hardware resource utilization, achieve low-power consumption, support concurrent applications, simplify device management, and reduce maintenance costs. However, because of the hardware limitation of storage devices, the I/O capacity could cause performance bottlenecks. To address the problem, we propose a hybrid storage access framework that exploits solid-state drives (SSDs) to improve the I/O performance in a virtualization environment.
Provably Good Task Assignment for Two-Type Heterogeneous Multiprocessors Using Cutting Planes
Authors: Andersson Björn , Raravi Gurulingesh
Published: October 2014

Consider scheduling of real-time tasks on a multiprocessor where migration is forbidden. Specifically, consider the problem of determining a task-to-processor assignment for a given collection of implicit-deadline sporadic tasks upon a multiprocessor platform in which there are two distinct types of processors. For this problem, we propose a new algorithm, LPC (task assignment based on solving a Linear Program with Cutting planes). The algorithm offers the following guarantee: for a given task set and a platform, if there exists a feasible task-to-processor assignment, then LPC succeeds in finding such a feasible task-to-processor assignment as well but on a platform in which each processor is 1.5 × faster and has three additional processors. For systems with a large number of processors, LPC has a better approximation ratio than state-of-the-art algorithms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that develops a provably good real-time task assignment algorithm using cutting planes.
STEAM
Authors: Hanumaiah Vinay , Desai Digant , Gaudette Benjamin , Wu Carole-Jean , Vrudhula Sarma
Published: October 2014

Recent empirical studies have shown that multicore scaling is fast becoming power limited, and consequently, an increasing fraction of a multicore processor has to be under clocked or powered off. Therefore, in addition to fundamental innovations in architecture, compilers and parallelization of application programs, there is a need to develop practical and effective
dynamic energy management
(DEM) techniques for multicore processors.

Existing DEM techniques mainly target reducing processor power consumption and temperature, and only few of them have addressed improving energy efficiency for multicore systems. With energy efficiency taking a center stage in all aspects of computing, the focus of the DEM needs to be on finding practical methods to maximize processor efficiency. Towards this, this article presents STEAM -- an optimal closed-loop DEM controller designed for multicore processors. The objective is to maximize energy efficiency by dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS). Energy efficiency is defined as the ratio of performance to power consumption or
performance-per-watt
(PPW). This is the same as the number of instructions executed per Joule. The PPW metric is actually replaced by

P
α
PW

(performance
α
-per-Watt), which allows for controlling the importance of performance versus power consumption by varying α.

The proposed controller was implemented on a Linux system and tested with the Intel Sandy Bridge processor. There are three power management schemes called
governors
, available with Intel platforms. They are referred to as (1)
Powersave
(lowest power consumption), (2)
Performance
(achieves highest performance), and (3)
Ondemand
. Our simple and lightweight controller when executing SPEC CPU2006, PARSEC, and MiBench benchmarks have achieved an average of 18% improvement in energy efficiency (MIPS/Watt) over these ACPI policies. Moreover, STEAM also demonstrated an excellent prediction of core temperatures and power consumption, and the ability to control the core temperatures within 3
ˆ
C of the specified maximum. Finally, the overhead of the STEAM implementation (in terms of CPU resources) is less than 0.25%. The entire implementation is self-contained and can be installed on any processor with very little prior knowledge of the processor.
Intercellular Protein Movement: Deciphering the Language of Development
Authors: Gallagher Kimberly L. , Sozzani Rosangela , Lee Chin-Mei
Published: October 2014

Development in multicellular organisms requires the coordinated production of a large number of specialized cell types through sophisticated signaling mechanisms. Non-cell-autonomous signals are one of the key mechanisms by which organisms coordinate development. In plants, intercellular movement of transcription factors and other mobile signals, such as hormones and peptides, is essential for normal development. Through a combination of different approaches, a large number of non-cell-autonomous signals that control plant development have been identified. We review some of the transcriptional regulators that traffic between cells, as well as how changes in symplasmic continuity affect and are affected by development. We also review current models for how mobile signals move via plasmodesmata and how movement is inhibited. Finally, we consider challenges in and new tools for studying protein movement.
The Nature of Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Martello Graziano , Smith Austin
Published: October 2014

Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells perpetuate in vitro the broad developmental potential of naïve founder cells in the preimplantation embryo. ES cells self-renew relentlessly in culture but can reenter embryonic development seamlessly, differentiating on schedule to form all elements of the fetus. Here we review the properties of these remarkable cells. Arising from the stability, homogeneity, and equipotency of ES cells, we consider the concept of a pluripotent ground state. We evaluate the authenticity of ES cells in relation to cells in the embryo and examine their utility for dissecting mechanisms that confer pluripotency and that execute fate choice. We summarize current knowledge of the transcription factor circuitry that governs the ES cell state and discuss the opportunity to expose molecular logic further through iterative computational modeling and experimentation. Finally, we present a perspective on unresolved questions, including the challenge of deriving ground state pluripotent stem cells from non-rodent species.
Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Biology
Authors: Hyman Anthony A. , Weber Christoph A. , Jülicher Frank
Published: October 2014

Cells organize many of their biochemical reactions in non-membrane compartments. Recent evidence has shown that many of these compartments are liquids that form by phase separation from the cytoplasm. Here we discuss the basic physical concepts necessary to understand the consequences of liquid-like states for biological functions.
Twists and Turns: A Scientific Journey
Authors: Tilghman Shirley M.
Published: October 2014

In this perspective I look back on the twists and turns that influenced the direction of my scientific career over the past 40 years. From my early ambition to be a chemist to my training in Philadelphia and Bethesda as a molecular biologist, I benefited enormously from generous and valuable mentoring. In my independent career in Philadelphia and Princeton, I was motivated by a keen interest in the changes in gene expression that direct the development of the mammalian embryo and inspired by the creativity and energy of my students, fellows, and research staff. After twelve years as President of Princeton University, I have happily returned to the faculty of the Department of Molecular Biology.
Leucine Modulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis and SIRT1-AMPK Signaling in C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Liang Chunzi , Curry Benjamin J. , Brown Patricia L. , Zemel Michael B.
Published: October 2014

Previous studies from this laboratory demonstrate that dietary leucine protects against high fat diet-induced mitochondrial impairments and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and energy partitioning from adipocytes to muscle cells through SIRT1-mediated mechanisms. Moreover,β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate (HMB), a metabolite of leucine, has been reported to activate AMPK synergistically with resveratrol in C2C12 myotubes. Therefore, we hypothesize that leucine-induced activation of SIRT1 and AMPK is the central event that links the upregulated mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle. Thus, C2C12 myotubes were treated with leucine (0.5 mM), alanine (0.5 mM), valine (0.5 mM), EX527 (SIRT1 inhibitor, 25 μM), and Compound C (AMPK inhibitor, 25 μM) alone or in combination to determine the roles of AMPK and SIRT1 in leucine-modulation of energy metabolism. Leucine significantly increased mitochondrial content, mitochondrial biogenesis-related genes expression, fatty acid oxidation, SIRT1 activity and gene expression, and AMPK phosphorylation in C2C12 myotubes compared to the controls, while EX527 and Compound C markedly attenuated these effects. Furthermore, leucine treatment for 24 hours resulted in time-dependent increases in cellular NAD+, SIRT1 activity, and p-AMPK level, with SIRT1 activation preceding that of AMPK, indicating that leucine activation of SIRT1, rather than AMPK, is the primary event.
HPLC-Profiles of Tocopherols, Sugars, and Organic Acids in Three Medicinal Plants Consumed as Infusions
Authors: Roriz Custódio Lobo , Barros Lillian , Carvalho Ana Maria , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: October 2014

Pterospartum tridentatum(L.) Willk,Gomphrena globosaL., andCymbopogon citratus(DC.) Stapf are medicinal plants that require a more detailed chemical characterization, given the importance of their consumption as infusions. Therefore, the individual profiles in tocopherols, free sugars, and organic acids were obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to different detectors (fluorescence, refraction index, and photodiode array, resp.).C. citratusrevealed the highest content ofα-, and total tocopherols, glucose, sucrose, succinic, and ascorbic acids.P. tridentatumpresented the highest fructose and total sugars content. Otherwise,G. globosashowed the highest organic acids concentration. As far as we know, this is the first study reporting the mentioned chemical compounds inG. globosaandC. citratus.
Photovoice: A Novel Approach to Improving Antituberculosis Treatment Adherence in Pune, India
Authors: Shelke Sangita C. , Adhav Prakash S. , Moonan Patrick K. , Willis Matthew , Parande Malan A. , Satyanarayana Srinath , Kshirsagar Vikas D. , Ghosh Smita
Published: October 2014

We compared antituberculosis treatment (ATT) adherence and outcomes among patients exposed to Photovoice (video of previously cured TB patients sharing experiences about TB treatment) versus those not exposed. The odds of successful outcome (i.e., cured or completing treatment) for the 135 patients who watched Photovoice were 3 times greater (odds ratio: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3–6.1) than for patients who did not watch Photovoice. The comparison group, on average, missed more doses (10.9 doses; 95% CI: 6.6–11.1) than the intervention group who saw Photovoice (5.5 doses; 95% CI: 3.7–6.1). Using Photovoice at initiation of ATT has the potential to improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
Acute Ascending Thrombosis of Abdominal and Suprarenal Aorta
Authors: Robaldo Alessandro , Pagliari Stefano , Colotto Patrizio
Published: October 2014

We report the diagnostic and successful therapeutic images of an acute occlusion of the abdominal and suprarenal aorta. This lesion is a rare but catastrophic pathology which can cause severe ischemic manifestations, depending on the site of obstruction, with high rate of mortality even after treatment. In the majority of cases it represents a surgical emergency. Although the mechanism of the thrombosis has not been delineated, the proposed etiologies include propagation of thrombus from distal artery occlusion, cardiac thromboembolism, dislodgment of a mural thrombus, or coagulation disorders. Frequent risk factors include advanced atherosclerosis combined with a low flow state because of poor cardiac performance. The management of this condition includes immediate intervention with systemic heparinization, improvement of the cardiac condition, and surgical revascularization based on the clinical and anatomical presentation. In this case the authors highlight the importance of an early detection and early intervention to enhance survival rates and reduce morbidity.
Adaptive PID Controller Using RLS for SISO Stable and Unstable Systems
Authors: Fahmy Rania A. , Badr Ragia I. , Rahman Farouk A.
Published: October 2014

The proportional-integral-derivative (PID) is still the most common controller and stabilizer used in industry due to its simplicity and ease of implementation. In most of the real applications, the controlled system has parameters which slowly vary or are uncertain. Thus, PID gains must be adapted to cope with such changes. In this paper, adaptive PID (APID) controller is proposed using the recursive least square (RLS) algorithm. RLS algorithm is used to update the PID gains in real time (as system operates) to force the actual system to behave like a desired reference model. Computer simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed APID controller on SISO stable and unstable systems considering the presence of changes in the systems parameters.
Utilizing Extracted Fungal Pigments for Wood Spalting: A Comparison of Induced Fungal Pigmentation to Fungal Dyeing
Authors: Robinson Sara C. , Weber Genevieve , Hinsch Eric , Vega Gutierrez Sarath M. , Pittis Lauren , Freitas Shawn
Published: October 2014

The lengthy time periods required by current spalting methods prohibit the economically viable commercialization of spalted wood on a large scale. This work aimed to compare the effects of induced spalting in 16 Pacific Northwest woods using three common spalting fungi, Chlorociboria aeruginosa, Scytalidium cuboideum, and Scytalidium ganodermophthorum, with the significantly less time-consuming treatment of these woods using dichloromethane-extracted green, red, and yellow pigments from the same fungi. For pigment extracts, the dosage required for a pigment to internally color various wood species to 30% internal coverage was investigated. With few exceptions, treatment with pigment extracts outperformed induced spalting in terms of percent internal color coverage. Cottonwood consistently performed best with all three pigment solutions, although chinkapin performed as well as cottonwood with the red pigment, and Port Orford cedar performed as well with the yellow pigment. While no wood species showed 30% internal color coverage with the green pigment solution, a number of additional species, including pacific silver fir, madrone, dogwood, and mountain hemlock showed internal color coverage on the order of 20–30% for red and/or yellow. Cottonwood was determined to be the best suited wood species for this type of spalting application.
Dual Primary Malignancy: A Rare Organ Combination
Authors: Acharya Preetam , Ramakrishna Anand , Kanchan Tanuj , Magazine Rahul
Published: October 2014

A 63-year-old female smoker was evaluated for lump over the right breast, fine needle aspiration cytology of which showed infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Investigations also revealed the presence of left upper lobe mass lesion, the biopsy of which suggested small cell carcinoma. The existence of two malignancies having different histopathologies at anatomically distinct sites suggests the diagnosis of dual primary malignancy involving the breast and the lung which, being a rare combination, prompted us to report the case.
Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Muscle Flap for Soft Tissue Reconstruction after Total Elbow Arthroplasty
Authors: Okamoto Syunro , Tada Kaoru , Ai Hachinota , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: October 2014

The soft tissue at the tip of the olecranon is very thin, leading to the frequent occurrence of wound complications after total elbow arthroplasty. To cover a soft tissue defect of the elbow, the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle flap is thought to be appropriate for reconstruction of the elbow with regard to its size, location, and blood supply. We got positive clinical results, so we report our experiences of using a flexor carpi ulnaris muscle flap for soft tissue reconstruction after total elbow arthroplasty.
Abdominal Aortocaval Vascular Injury following Routine Lumbar Discectomy
Authors: Leech Matthew , Whitehouse Marc James , Kontautaite Ruta , Sharma Mukesh , Shanbhag Sumant
Published: October 2014

Vascular complications following spinal surgery are potentially fatal; however, fortunately they are rare. This risk is often focused on the close proximity of the surgical field to retroperitoneal structures. Prompt diagnosis is essential; however, bleeding is often occult, and this may therefore delay management of this condition. Despite previous reports many clinicians may not be aware of this potentially fatal complication. The overall morbidity and mortality may be reduced by prompt diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians must, therefore, have a high degree of suspicion in all patients who undergo spinal surgery. We therefore present a case of a 51-year-old man who sustained an aortocaval injury during a revisional lumbar discectomy. The patient developed refractory hypotension, which deteriorated into PEA arrest. Emergency laparotomy was performed which revealed an aortocaval injury. Immediate primary vascular repair was successfully performed. The patient was resuscitated and made a full recovery.
Sunitinib Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in addition to Severe Hypothyroidism: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: El Dika Imane , Mukherji Deborah , Temraz Sally , Assi Rita , Shamseddine Ali
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Sunitinib malate is an oral multitargeting tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the first line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Sunitinib administration is associated with several adverse events including fatigue, diarrhea, skin toxicity, hypothyroidism, and cytopenia. Herein, we present a case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and clinical hypothyroidism presenting within 4 weeks of starting sunitinib therapy.Case Presentation. A 72-year-old woman with metastatic renal cell carcinoma presented with generalized fatigue 28 days after starting sunitinib 50 mg daily. She was found to have severe hypothyroidism, in addition to significant thrombocytopenia and anemia. The latter were explained by a clinical and laboratory diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Sunitinib was stopped and she recovered completely after plasmapheresis.Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the fourth case report of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura secondary to sunitinib. Oncologists should be aware of this rare but potentially fatal adverse event. We highly suggest to routinely test for platelet count and thyroid stimulating hormone level as early as two weeks after initiating sunitinib.
Targeting the MYC and PI3K Pathways Eliminates Leukemia-Initiating Cells in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Schubbert Suzanne , Cardenas Anjelica , Chen Harrison , Garcia Consuelo , Guo Wei , Bradner James , Wu Hong
Published: October 2014

Disease relapse remains the major clinical challenge in treating T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), particularly those with PTEN loss. We hypothesized that leukemia-initiating cells (LIC) are responsible for T-ALL development and treatment relapse. In this study, we used a genetically engineered mouse model of Pten−/− T-ALL with defined blast and LIC-enriched cell populations to demonstrate that LICs are responsible for therapeutic resistance. Unlike acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia, LICs in T-ALL were actively cycling, were distinct biologically, and responded differently to targeted therapies in comparison with their differentiated blast cell progeny. Notably, we found that T-ALL LICs could be eliminated by cotargeting the deregulated pathways driven by PI3K and Myc, which are altered commonly in human T-ALL and are associated with LIC formation. Our findings define critical events that may be targeted to eliminate LICs in T-ALL as a new strategy to treat the most aggressive relapsed forms of this disease. Cancer Res; 74(23); 7048–59. ©2014 AACR.
Thymidine Phosphorylase Participates in Platelet Signaling and Promotes Thrombosis
Authors: Li Wei , Gigante Alba , Perez-Perez Maria-Jesus , Yue Hong , Hirano Michio , McIntyre Thomas M. , Silverstein Roy L.
Published: October 2014

Rationale
:

Platelets contain abundant thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP), which is highly expressed in diseases with high risk of thrombosis, such as atherosclerosis and type II diabetes mellitus.

Objective
:

To test the hypothesis that TYMP participates in platelet signaling and promotes thrombosis.

Methods and Results
:

By using a ferric chloride (FeCl
3
)–induced carotid artery injury thrombosis model, we found time to blood flow cessation was significantly prolonged in
Tymp
−/−
and
Tymp
+/−
mice compared with wild-type mice. Bone marrow transplantation and platelet transfusion studies demonstrated that platelet TYMP was responsible for the antithrombotic phenomenon in the TYMP-deficient mice. Collagen-, collagen-related peptide–, adenosine diphosphate-, or thrombin-induced platelet aggregation were significantly attenuated in
Tymp
+/−
and
Tymp
−/−
platelets, and in wild type or human platelets pretreated with TYMP inhibitor KIN59.
Tymp
deficiency also significantly decreased agonist-induced P-selectin expression. TYMP contains an N-terminal SH3 domain-binding proline-rich motif and forms a complex with the tyrosine kinases Lyn, Fyn, and Yes in platelets. TYMP-associated Lyn was inactive in resting platelets, and TYMP trapped and diminished active Lyn after collagen stimulation.
Tymp/Lyn
double haploinsufficiency diminished the antithrombotic phenotype of
Tymp
+/−
mice. TYMP deletion or inhibition of TYMP with KIN59 dramatically increased platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 tyrosine phosphorylation and diminished collagen-related peptide– or collagen-induced AKT phosphorylation. In vivo administration of KIN59 significantly inhibited FeCl
3
-induced carotid artery thrombosis without affecting hemostasis.

Conclusions
:

TYMP participates in multiple platelet signaling pathways and regulates platelet activation and thrombosis. Targeting TYMP might be a novel antiplatelet and antithrombosis therapy.
Blood Pressure in Relation to Environmental Lead Exposure in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2010
Authors: Hara Azusa , Thijs Lutgarde , Asayama Kei , Gu Yu-Mei , Jacobs Lotte , Zhang Zhen-Yu , Liu Yan-Ping , Nawrot Tim S. , Staessen Jan A.
Published: October 2014

In view of the declining environmental lead exposure in the United States, we analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2010) for association of blood pressure and hypertension with blood lead. The 12 725 participants included 21.1% blacks, 20.5% Hispanics, 58.4% whites, and 48.7% women. Blacks compared with non-Blacks had higher systolic and diastolic pressures (126.5 versus 123.9 and 71.9 versus 69.6 mm Hg) and higher hypertension prevalence (44.7 versus 36.8%). Blood lead was lower in whites than in non-whites (1.46 versus 1.57 μg/dL) and in women than in men (1.25 versus 1.80 μg/dL). In multivariable analyses of all participants, blood lead doubling was associated with higher (
P
≤0.0007) systolic and diastolic pressure (+0.76 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–1.13 and +0.43 mm Hg; 0.18–0.68), but not with the odds of hypertension (0.95; 0.90–1.01;
P
=0.11). Associations with blood lead were nonsignificant (
P
≥0.09) for systolic pressure in women and for diastolic pressure in non-whites. Among men, systolic pressure increased with blood lead (
P
≤0.060) with effect sizes associated with blood lead doubling ranging from +0.65 mm Hg in whites to +1.61 mm Hg in blacks. For systolic pressure, interactions of ethnicity and sex with blood lead were all significant (
P
≤0.019). In conclusion, small and inconsistent effect sizes in the associations of blood pressure with blood lead likely exclude current environmental lead exposure as a major hypertension cause in the United States.
Open Innovation as a Response to Constraints and Risks: Evidence from China
Authors: Fu Xiaolan , Li Jizhen , Xiong Hongru , Chesbrough Henry
Published: October 2014

This paper examines the determinants of open innovation as a response to the constraints and risks of innovation that firms face in emerging economies. A recent national firm-level survey of 1,400 firms in the manufacturing sector is used as the basis of the analysis. We find that institutional, financial and knowledge/skills-related risks and constraints are all significantly associated with these firms' depth and breadth of openness in innovation. The responses, however, vary across firms of different ownership types. Foreign-invested firms appear to be most responsive and take action to widen and deepen their openness in innovation. Privately owned firms have made significant responses to market- and institution- and finance- and risk-related impediments but not to knowledge- and skills-related impediments. State-owned firms appear to be least responsive in use of open innovation. Firm size and industry specific effects also appear to have significant moderating effect on firms' responses to the various constraints. These findings are supported by an in-depth study of the Chinese semiconductor industry.
Camels and Colonial Armies: The Logistics of Warfare in Central Asia in the Early 19th Century
Authors: Morrison Alexander
Published: October 2014

This article explores the use of camels for baggage transport by European colonial armies in the nineteenth century. It focuses in particular on two episodes: the Russian winter expedition to Khiva, and the march of the Army of the Indus into Afghanistan, both of which took place in 1839. However sophisticated their weapons and other technology, until at least the 1880s European colonial armies were forced to rely exclusively on baggage animals if they wanted to move around: railways arrived very late in the history of European expansion. In Central Asia this meant rounding up, loading, managing and feeding tens of thousands of camels, which could only be furnished by the pastoral groups who inhabited the region, who in some cases were also the objects of conquest. Camel transport placed certain structural constraints on European conquest in Central Asia: firstly it meant that the forces involved were almost always very small; secondly it prevented the launching of spontaneous or unauthorised campaigns by “men on the spot,” as every advance had to be preceded by the rounding up of the necessary baggage animals, and the creation of a budget to pay for then. Finally, the constraints imposed by camel transport ensured that British and Russian armies would never meet in Central Asia, and that a Russian invasion of India was a chimera.
Migration, Settlement, and State Formation in the Ganga Plain: A Historical Geographic Perspective
Authors: Jha Murari Kumar
Published: October 2014

By a consideration of geography and environment, this essay raises questions about migration, settlement, and state formation in the Ganga plain from the first millenniumbceto the early second millenniumce. It asks why Indo-Aryan speakers continued to migrate from north-western parts of South Asia towards the Ganga plain during the first millenniumbceand precisely what route they followed. To understand better these largely misunderstood historical problems related to migration and settlement, the essay casts doubt on the utility of geographers’ tripartite division of the Ganga plain, proposing instead a division based on aridity and rainfall. Such a division helps explain why the transitional zone between the drier and the more humid areas of the Ganga plain became the linchpin of migratory movements, state formation, and urban development since at least the middle of the first millenniumbce.
On the disintegration of Molluginaceae: a new genus and family (Kewa, Kewaceae) segregated from Hypertelis, and placement of Macarthuria in Macarthuriaceae
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J.M. , Brockington Samuel F. , Christin Pascal-Antoine , Sage Rowan F.
Published: October 2014

Molecular studies have shown that Molluginaceae in the traditional sense is polyphyletic. Several genera have already been separated into various families (e.g. Caryophyllaceae, Limeaceae, Lophiocarpaceae, Microteaceae), but recent studies have shown that Macarthuria and Hypertelis also make Molluginaceae polyphyletic if they remain to be included in this family. Hypertelis is biphyletic, with its type species found to belong to Molluginaceae sensu stricto, but the remainder of the genus is to be placed elsewhere. Therefore a new genus, Kewa, is proposed for the rest of Hypertelis, and two new family names are coined: Kewaceae and Macarthuriaceae, which are here morphologically characterized.
Three new species of Ammonicera from the Eastern Pacific coast of North
America, with redescriptions and comments on other species of Omalogyridae (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia)
Authors: SARTORI ANDRÉ F. , BIELER RÜDIGER
Published: October 2014

The family Omalogyridae comprises some of the smallest known marine snails. Like all micromolluscs, they have been historically neglected and are underrepresented in faunistic surveys. Based on a few focused studies of the family, 15 valid omalogyrid species were previously recognised in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. To these, we add 3 new species based on a morphological analysis of material in the dry collection of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, applying light and scanning electron microscopies. The new species, Ammonicera mcleani, A. mexicana and A. sleursi, are the first omalogyrid species described from the Eastern Pacific coast of North America. Redescriptions of the Australian omalogyrids Ammonicera sucina (Laseron, 1954) and Omalogyra liliputia (Laseron, 1954) are also presented, detailing for the first time ultrastructural aspects of their shell morphology. Additionally, we present here the first record of Ammonicera binodosa Sleurs, 1985b in Sri Lanka, introduce the new combination Ammonicera vangoethemi (Sleurs, 1985c) for Omalogyra vangoethemi, and formally remove Transomalogyra Palazzi & Gaglini, 1979 from Omalogyridae by fixing its type species as Homalogyra densicostata Jeffreys, 1884. Finally, we present lists, geographic records and a bibliography of all currently recognised omalogyrid species in the Indian, Pacific and Antarctic Oceans, as well as an update to a previously published compilation of the Atlantic and Mediterranean representatives of the family.
A review of the genus Litinium Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda: Enoplida: Oxystominidae) with descriptions of four new species from two contrasting habitats
Authors: TCHESUNOV ALEXEI V. , THANH NGUYEN VU , TU NGUYEN DINH
Published: October 2014

Four new species of the genus Litinium are described from mangroves and from deep sea. The genus Litinium now includes ten valid species. An emended generic diagnosis and a pictorial guide for species identification are given. Litinium quangi sp. n. and L. curticauda sp. n., both found in mangroves of South Vietnam, are morphologically similar and differ from other congeneric species in body size, having short anterior setae, ovoid amphideal fovea and a short rounded tail. Litinium quangi differs from L. curticauda in the number of midventral preanal supplementary setae (one in L. quangi and two in L. curticauda) and relative tail length (c' 1.12–1.63 in L. quangi and 0.83–0.94 in L. curticauda). Litinium abyssorum sp. n. and L. profundorum sp. n., both collected from the Angola Basin, South-East Atlantic Ocean, at depth 5400 m, are also morphologically similar and differ from other species of the genus by having a smaller body and relatively large amphideal fovea with deep invagination of the anterior edge. Litinium abyssorum differs from L. profundorum in the number of midventral preanal setae (two in L. abyssorum, one in L. profundorum), relative tail length (c' 3.61 in L. abyssorum and 1.17 in L. profundorum) and L. abyssorum has unequal spicules.
Mean and Turbulent Flow Downstream of a Low-Intensity Fire: Influence of Canopy and Background Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Kiefer Michael T. , Heilman Warren E. , Zhong Shiyuan , Charney Joseph J. , Bian Xindi
Published: October 2014

This study examines the sensitivity of mean and turbulent flow in the planetary boundary layer and roughness sublayer to a low-intensity fire and evaluates whether the sensitivity is dependent on canopy and background atmospheric properties. The ARPS-CANOPY model, a modified version of the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) model with a canopy parameterization, is utilized for this purpose. A series of numerical experiments are conducted to evaluate whether the ability of the fire to alter downstream wind, temperature, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and vertical heat flux differs between forested and open areas, sparse and dense forests, weak and strong background flow, and neutral and convective background stability. Analysis of all experiments shows that, in general, mean and turbulent flow both prior to and during a low-intensity fire is damped in the presence of a canopy. Greater sensitivity to the fire is found in cases with strong ambient wind speed than in cases with quiescent or weak wind speed. Furthermore, sensitivity of downstream atmospheric conditions to the fire is shown to be strongest with a neutrally stratified background. An analysis of the TKE budget reveals that both buoyancy and wind shear contribute to TKE production during the period of time in which the fire conditions are applied to the model. On the basis of the results of the ARPS simulations, caution is advised when applying ARPS-simulation results to predictions of smoke transport and dispersion: smoke-model users should consider whether canopy impacts on the atmosphere are accounted for and whether neutral stratification is assumed.
The Surface Diurnal Warm Layer in the Indian Ocean during CINDY/DYNAMO
Authors: Matthews Adrian J. , Baranowski Dariusz B. , Heywood Karen J. , Flatau Piotr J. , Schmidtko Sunke
Published: October 2014

A surface diurnal warm layer is diagnosed from Seaglider observations and develops on half of the days in the Cooperative Indian Ocean Experiment on Intraseasonal Variability/Dynamics of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (CINDY/DYNAMO) Indian Ocean experiment. The diurnal warm layer occurs on days of high solar radiation flux (>80 W m−2) and low wind speed (<6 m s−1) and preferentially in the inactive stage of the Madden–Julian oscillation. Its diurnal harmonic has an exponential vertical structure with a depth scale of 4–5 m (dependent on chlorophyll concentration), consistent with forcing by absorption of solar radiation. The effective sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly due to the diurnal warm layer often reaches 0.8°C in the afternoon, with a daily mean of 0.2°C, rectifying the diurnal cycle onto longer time scales. This SST anomaly drives an anomalous flux of 4 W m−2 that cools the ocean. Alternatively, in a climate model where this process is unresolved, this represents an erroneous flux that warms the ocean. A simple model predicts a diurnal warm layer to occur on 30%–50% of days across the tropical warm pool. On the remaining days, with low solar radiation and high wind speeds, a residual diurnal cycle is observed by the Seaglider, with a diurnal harmonic of temperature that decreases linearly with depth. As wind speed increases, this already weak temperature gradient decreases further, tending toward isothermal conditions.
How Does Drifter Position Uncertainty Affect Ocean Dispersion Estimates?
Authors: Haza Angelique C. , Özgökmen Tamay M. , Griffa Annalisa , Poje Andrew C. , Lelong M.-Pascale
Published: October 2014

To develop methodologies to maximize the information content of Lagrangian data subject to position errors, synthetic trajectories produced by both a large-eddy simulation (LES) of an idealized submesoscale flow field and a high-resolution Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model simulation of the North Atlantic circulation are analyzed. Scale-dependent Lagrangian measures of two-particle dispersion, mainly the finite-scale Lyapunov exponent [FSLE; λ(δ)], are used as metrics to determine the effects of position uncertainty on the observed dispersion regimes. It is found that the cumulative effect of position uncertainty on λ(δ) may extend to scales 20–60 times larger than the position uncertainty. The range of separation scales affected by a given level of position uncertainty depends upon the slope of the true FSLE distribution at the scale of the uncertainty. Low-pass filtering or temporal subsampling of the trajectories reduces the effective noise amplitudes at the smallest spatial scales at the expense of limiting the maximum computable value of λ. An adaptive time-filtering approach is proposed as a means of extracting the true FSLE signal from data with uncertain position measurements. Application of this filtering process to the drifters with the Argos positioning system released during the LatMix: Studies of Submesoscale Stirring and Mixing (2011) indicates that the measurement noise dominates the dispersion regime in λ for separation scales δ < 3 km. An expression is provided to estimate position errors that can be afforded depending on the expected maximum λ in the submesoscale regime.
Comparison of Hybrid-4DEnVar and Hybrid-4DVar Data Assimilation Methods for Global NWP
Authors: Lorenc Andrew C. , Bowler Neill E. , Clayton Adam M. , Pring Stephen R. , Fairbairn David
Published: October 2014

The Met Office has developed an ensemble-variational data assimilation method (hybrid-4DEnVar) as a potential replacement for the hybrid four-dimensional variational data assimilation (hybrid-4DVar), which is the current operational method for global NWP. Both are four-dimensional variational methods, using a hybrid combination of a fixed climatological model of background error covariances with localized covariances from an ensemble of current forecasts designed to describe the structure of “errors of the day.” The fundamental difference between the methods is their modeling of the time evolution of errors within each data assimilation window: 4DVar uses a linear model and its adjoint and 4DEnVar uses a localized linear combination of nonlinear forecasts. Both hybrid-4DVar and hybrid-4DEnVar beat their three-dimensional versions, which are equivalent, in NWP trials. With settings based on the current operational system, hybrid-4DVar performs better than hybrid-4DEnVar. Idealized experiments designed to compare the time evolution of covariances in the methods are described: the basic 4DEnVar represents the evolution of ensemble errors as well as 4DVar. However, 4DVar also represents the evolution of errors from the climatological covariances, whereas 4DEnVar does not. This difference is the main cause of the superiority of hybrid-4DVar. Another difference is that the authors’ 4DVar explicitly penalizes rapid variations in the analysis increment trajectory, while the authors’ 4DEnVar contains no dynamical constaints on imbalance. The authors describe a four-dimensional incremental analysis update (4DIAU) method that filters out the high-frequency oscillations introduced by the poorly balanced 4DEnVar increments. Possible methods for improving hybrid-4DEnVar are discussed.
CEO Narcissism and the Impact of Prior Board Experience on Corporate Strategy
Authors: Zhu David H. , Chen Guoli
Published: October 2014

We examine how chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism influences the interorganizational imitation of corporate strategy. We theorize that narcissistic CEOs are influenced more by the corporate strategies they experienced on other boards and less by the corporate strategies experienced by other directors. These effects are strengthened if the other firms to which the CEO has interlock ties have high status and if the CEO is powerful. Through longitudinal analyses of Fortune 500 companies’ decisions (from 1997 to 2006) related to the acquisition emphasis of a firm’s growth strategy and the firm’s level of international diversification, we show that narcissistic CEOs are influenced by corporate strategies that they witnessed at other firms much more than other CEOs. In addition, relatively narcissistic CEOs not only strongly resist the influence of other directors’ prior experience but also tend to demonstrate their superiority by adopting corporate strategies that are the opposite of what fellow directors’ prior experience would suggest. Our theory and results highlight how CEO narcissism limits directors’ influence over corporate strategy and influences CEOs’ learning and information processing in making strategic decisions.
Family interference and employee dissatisfaction: Do agreeable employees better cope with stress?
Authors: Anand Smriti , Vidyarthi Prajya , Singh Satvir , Ryu Seungeui
Published: October 2014

Extending work–family conflict research, we draw on role theory and conservation of resources theory to propose a moderated-mediation model of the relationship between family interference with work, job stress, agreeableness and employee attitudes. We examined the moderating effect of employee agreeableness on the relationship between family interference with work and job and life satisfaction mediated by job stress. Hypotheses were tested in a sample of 756 employees from 15 industries. Results showed a negative association between family interference with work and job satisfaction and life satisfaction through perceived job stress. Further, this mediated relationship was moderated by employee agreeableness, such that job stress and decrease in job and life satisfaction were perceived only by employees low in agreeableness.
Measurement of Micro-Force Using the Vibration of a Spherical Latex Film
Authors: Lu Yonghua , Li Yawei , Li Jing
Published: October 2014

Measuring the micro-nano-force is a hotspot in science and engineering. This paper focuses on a novel theory and method using the vibration amplitude of spherical film to measure the micro-force. The latex spherical film, with the diameter from 48 to 62 mm, is considered as sensing element, and the force or the mass is applied on the top of spherical film which results in the laser beam on the side surface of spherical film forming a bias. The bias measured by position sensitive detector sensor reflects the quantity of the micro-force or the mass. Experiments are designed to analyze the relation among the applied force, the diameter and thickness of spherical film, and vibration amplitude. Additionally, the fitting formula of these four parameters is obtained using the least square algorithm. On the full scale of 1.85–10.84 mN, this system can be used to measure the micro-force in the error range of −2.5% to 2.3%.