bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Geostationary Satellite Rainfall Estimates Using Lightning Observations: Underlying Lightning–Rainfall–Cloud Relationships
Authors: Xu Weixin , Adler Robert F. , Wang Nai-Yu
Published: August 2012

This study quantifies the relationships among lightning activity, convective rainfall, and associated cloud properties on both convective-system scale (or storm scale) and satellite-pixel scale (~5 km) on the basis of 13 yr of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission measurements of rainfall, lightning, and clouds. Results show that lightning frequency is a good proxy to separate storms of different intensity, identify convective cores, and screen out false convective-core signatures in areas of thick anvil debris. Significant correlations are found between storm-scale lightning parameters and convective rainfall for systems over the southern United States, the focus area of the study. Storm-scale convective rainfall or heavy-precipitation area has the best correlation (coefficient r = 0.75–0.85) with lightning-flash area. It also increases linearly with increasing lightning-flash rate, although correlations between convective/heavy rainfall and lightning-flash rate are somewhat weaker (r = 0.55–0.75). Statistics further show that active lightning and intense precipitation are not well collocated on the pixel scale (5 km); for example, only 50% of the lightning flashes are coincident with heavy-rain cores, and more than 20% are distributed in light-rain areas. Simple positive correlations between lightning-flash rate and precipitation intensity are weak on the pixel scale. Lightning frequency and rain intensity have positive probabilistic relationships, however: the probability of heavy precipitation, especially on a coarser pixel scale (~20 km), increases with increasing lightning-flash density. Therefore, discrete thresholds of lightning density could be applied in a rainfall estimation scheme to assign precipitation in specific rate categories.
Impact of Gravity Waves on Marine Stratocumulus Variability
Authors: Jiang Qingfang , Wang Shouping
Published: August 2012

The impact of gravity waves on marine stratocumulus is investigated using a large-eddy simulation model initialized with sounding profiles composited from the Variability of American Monsoon Systems (VAMOS) Ocean–Cloud–Atmosphere–Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-Rex) aircraft measurements and forced by convergence or divergence that mimics mesoscale diurnal, semidiurnal, and quarter-diurnal waves. These simulations suggest that wave-induced vertical motion can dramatically modify the cloud albedo and morphology through nonlinear cloud–aerosol–precipitation–circulation–turbulence feedback.

In general, wave-induced ascent tends to increase the liquid water path (LWP) and the cloud albedo. With a proper aerosol number concentration, the increase in the LWP leads to enhanced precipitation, which triggers or strengthens mesoscale circulations in the boundary layer and accelerates cloud cellularization. Precipitation also tends to create a decoupling structure by weakening the turbulence in the subcloud layer. Wave-induced descent decreases the cloud albedo by dissipating clouds and forcing a transition from overcast to scattered clouds or from closed to open cells. The overall effect of gravity waves on the cloud variability and morphology depends on the cloud property, aerosol concentration, and wave characteristics. In several simulations, a transition from closed to open cells occurs under the influence of gravity waves, implying that some of the pockets of clouds (POCs) observed over open oceans may be related to gravity wave activities.
Alleviating Test Anxiety for Students of Advanced Reading Comprehension
Authors: Bensoussan Marsha
Published: August 2012

Test anxiety often interferes with a reliable evaluation of language learning, frustrating teachers and students alike. Most researchers have found a significant inverse relation between anxiety and written test performance. Although this situation leads to a distortion of test scores, suggestions for treating and coping with test anxiety have been sparse. Focusing on advanced reading comprehension in a foreign language, the present review summarizes the literature on anxiety connected with the language learning classroom, and offers recommendations for its alleviation.

This paper examines students’ suggestions for improving their feelings about tests. A nine-item questionnaire was administered to 265 students at the University of Haifa who were participating in three intermediate to advanced level reading comprehension courses in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Students reported that they would like teachers to make two additions to the course: adding bonus exercises for extra points and giving more practice tests.

A Remedial Class of advanced reading comprehension in English as a Foreign Language is presented as an example of one way to apply these theories and recommendations.
Japanese Female Students’ Perceptions of 2-Year Colleges as a Choice for Postsecondary Education
Authors: Anzai Shinobu , Paik Chie Matsuzawa
Published: August 2012

Two-year colleges have played an important role in providing postsecondary education for women in postwar Japan. More recently, a dwindling college-bound population in Japan has resulted in a drastic decrease in the number of and enrollment in 2-year colleges. This study explored the motivations and aspirations of 12 Japanese female students to understand the factors influencing their choice of a 2-year college. Findings suggest that 2-year college administrators and faculty members need to hear the voices of female students in today’s society. This will enhance the colleges’ role in community-based higher education and help them better serve the interests of prospective students and the needs of regional businesses and industries. Findings are discussed in the context of contemporary Japanese society.
The long-term effects of early parent involvement and parent expectation in the USA
Authors: Froiland John Mark , Peterson Aubrey , Davison Mark L.
Published: August 2012

Building on social-cognitive theory and the expectancy-value theory, this study indicated that early parent expectations for children’s post-secondary educational attainment have a stronger effect on 8th-grade achievement than home-based parental involvement. With a nationally representative sample of kindergarten students and their parents in the United States of America, Structural Equation Modeling was employed in order to discern longitudinal effects on achievement via mediators. For instance, expectations held by parents in kindergarten exert much of their positive effect on adolescent academic achievement via expectations held in 8th grade. Student expectations (which are influenced by parental expectations) also significantly predict 8th grade achievement. Parent involvement in homework and grade checking in 8th grade has a slight negative effect on achievement. Home literacy in kindergarten predicts achievement in 8th grade indirectly via kindergarten achievement. These results indicate that parents can have a positive impact on academic achievement through early home literacy and maintaining a strong hope that their children will succeed in college. Because early parent expectations have long lasting effects on children, parent involvement interventions for young children need to be developed that also target elevating parental expectations. This study further clarifies the effects of the family environment on educational outcomes.
Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel on the Safety Assessment of Methyl Acetate
Authors: Heldreth Bart , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: August 2012

Alkyl acetates, as well as acetic acid and acetate salts, are widely used cosmetic ingredients, with a wide range of functions as fragrances, solvents, or skin-conditioning agents, depending on the specific ingredient. Available data on alkyl acetates, and acetic acid and the alcohol to which they could be metabolized, were considered adequate to support the safety of the entire group in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics.
Genetic diversity in Capsicum baccatumis significantly influenced by its ecogeographical distribution
Authors: Albrecht Elena , Zhang Dapeng , Mays Anne Deslattes , Saftner Robert A , Stommel John R
Published: August 2012

Background

The exotic pepper speciesCapsicum baccatum, also known as the aji or Peruvian hot pepper, is comprised of wild and domesticated botanical forms. The species is a valuable source of new genes useful for improving fruit quality and disease resistance inC. annuumsweet bell and hot chile pepper. However, relatively little research has been conducted to characterize the species, thus limiting its utilization. The structure of genetic diversity in a plant germplasm collection is significantly influenced by its ecogeographical distribution. Together with DNA fingerprints derived from AFLP markers, we evaluated variation in fruit and plant morphology of plants collected across the species native range in South America and evaluated these characters in combination with the unique geography, climate and ecology at different sites where plants originated.

Results

The present study mapped the ecogeographic distribution, analyzed the spatial genetic structure, and assessed the relationship between the spatial genetic pattern and the variation of morphological traits in a diverseC. baccatumgermplasm collection spanning the species distribution. A combined diversity analysis was carried out on the USDA-ARSC. baccatumgermplasm collection using data from GIS, morphological traits and AFLP markers. The results demonstrate that theC. baccatumcollection covers wide geographic areas and is adapted to divergent ecological conditions in South America ranging from cool Andean highland to Amazonia rainforest. A high level of morphological diversity was evident in the collection, with fruit weight the leading variable. The fruit weight distribution pattern was compatible to AFLP-based clustering analysis for the collection. A significant spatial structure was observed in theC. baccatumgene pool. Division of the domesticated germplasm into two major regional groups (Western and Eastern) was further supported by the pattern of spatial population structure.

Conclusions

The results reported improve our understanding of the combined effects of geography, ecology and human intervention on organization of theC. baccatumgenepool. The results will facilitate utilization ofC. baccatumfor crop improvement and species conservation by providing a framework for efficient germplasm collection management and guidance for future plant acquisitions.
Clinical and microbiological characterization of Staphylococcus lugdunensis isolates obtained from clinical specimens in a hospital in China
Authors: Liu Chaojun , Shen Dingxia , Guo Jing , Wang Kaifei , Wang Huan , Yan Zhongqiang , Chen Rong , Ye Liyan
Published: August 2012

Background

Several reports have associatedStaphylococcus lugdunensiswith the incidence of severe infection in humans; however, the frequency and prevalence of this microorganism and thus the propensity of its antimicrobial drug resistance is unknown in China. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence ofStaphylococcus lugdunensisamong six hundred and seventy non-replicate coagulase negativeStaphylococcus(CoNS) isolates collected in a 12-month period from clinical specimens in the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army in Beijing, China.

Results

Five (0.7%) of the 670 isolates of CoNS were identified asS. lugdunensis. Whereas three isolates were resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, and penicillin and carried theermCgene and a fourth one was resistant to cefoxitin and penicillin and carried themecAgene, one isolate was not resistant to any of the tested antimicrobials. Pulse field gel electrophoretic analysis did not reveal widespread epidemiological diversity of the different isolates.

Conclusion

Hence, even thoughS. lugdunensismay be yet unrecognized and undefined in China, it still might be the infrequent cause of infection and profound multi-drug resistance in the same population.
CDKL5 gene status in female patients with epilepsy and Rett-like features: two new mutations in the catalytic domain
Authors: Maortua Hiart , Martínez-Bouzas Cristina , Calvo María-Teresa , Domingo Maria-Rosario , Ramos Feliciano , García-Ribes Ainhoa , Martínez María-Jesús , López-Aríztegui María-Asunción , Puente Nerea , Rubio Izaskun , Tejada María-Isabel
Published: August 2012

Background

Mutations in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 gene (CDKL5) located in the Xp22 region have been shown to cause a subset of atypical Rett syndrome with infantile spasms or early seizures starting in the first postnatal months.

Methods

We performed mutation screening of CDKL5 in 60 female patients who had been identified as negative for the methyl CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) mutations, but who had current or past epilepsy, regardless of the age of onset, type, and severity. All the exons in the CDKL5 gene and their neighbouring sequences were examined, and CDKL5 rearrangements were studied by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA).

Results

Six previously unidentified DNA changes were detected, two of which were disease-causing mutations in the catalytic domain: a frameshift mutation (c.509_510insGT; p.Glu170GlyfsX36) and a complete deletion of exon 10. Both were found in patients with seizures that started in the first month of life.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the importance of CDKL5 mutations as etiological factors in neurodevelopmental disorders, and indicated that a thorough analysis of the CDKL5 gene sequence and its rearrangements should be considered in females with Rett syndrome-like phenotypes, severe encephalopathy and epilepsy with onset before 5 months of age. This study also confirmed the usefulness of MLPA as a diagnostic screening method for use in clinical practice.
Increased left anterior insular and inferior prefrontal activity in post-stroke mania
Authors: Koreki Akihiro , Takahata Keisuke , Tabuchi Hajime , Kato Motoichiro
Published: August 2012

Background

Post-stroke mania is an infrequent complication after stroke, and the mechanisms underlying this disorder remain unclear. Although a contralesional release phenomenon has been implicated in post-stroke mania, empirical findings are lacking.

Case presentation

We present a case report of post stroke mania. Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) was performed twice, during the manic state and during the remitted euthymic state. The first SPECT study performed during the manic state demonstrated hypoperfusion in the right temporal and frontal regions due to right putaminal hemorrhage. It also showed hyperperfusion in the inferior lateral prefrontal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the medial and lateral parts of the parietal lobe in the left hemisphere. The second SPECT study performed during the euthymic state demonstrated moderate improvement in the hypoperfusion in the right fronto-temporal regions. Furthermore, compared to the findings on the first SPECT study, the second study showed that the focal hyperperfusion in the anterior insular cortex, inferior lateral prefrontal lobes, and superior-middle temporal gyrus in the left hemisphere had vanished.

Conclusion

Increased left inferior prefrontal and anterior insular activity and reduced extensive right fronto-temporal lobe activity are involved in the development of post-stroke mania.
Mental health, duration of unemployment, and coping strategy: a cross-sectional study of unemployed migrant workers in eastern china during the economic crisis
Authors: Chen Li , Li Wenhu , He Jincai , Wu Lanhua , Yan Zheng , Tang Wenjie
Published: August 2012

Background

20 million migrant workers in China lost their jobs during the economic crisis of 2008. Both urban migration and unemployment have long been documented to be associated with vulnerability to mental problems. This study aims to examine the mental health of unemployed migrant workers in Eastern China and its relation to duration of unemployment and coping strategy during the recent economic crisis.

Methods

The data were collected through interview-based survey with a sample of 210 unemployed migrant workers in Zhejiang Province of China from 2008 to 2009. Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, Coping Strategies Questionnaire, and seven short demographic questions were used.

Results

The majority of the unemployed migrant workers were found to be young male manufacturing industry workers with short-term unemployment and a relatively low education level. Nearly 50% of unemployed migrant workers were classified as mentally unhealthy and the most frequently reported symptom was depression. Compared with the adult norm of 1986, 2003, and 2007 in China, unemployed migrants had more mental problems. Long-term unemployed migrant workers had more psychiatric symptoms than the short-term unemployed workers and employed migrant workers. Unemployed migrant workers with immature coping strategies expressed significantly more psychiatric symptoms than those with mixed and mature coping strategies. Duration of unemployment and two coping strategies, problem-solving and self-blaming, predicted the mental problems of unemployed migrant workers.

Conclusions

The results indicated that mental health status of unemployed migrant workers in Eastern China was poorer than the national adult norm. More psychiatric symptoms are evidenced among unemployed migrant workers who lost their jobs for a long term and who had immature coping strategies. These findings can be used for prevention and intervention of mental illness among unemployed migrant workers.
Epigenetic regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression in ameloblastoma
Authors: Farias Lucyana Conceição , Gomes Carolina Cavaliéri , Rodrigues Marcela Carolina , de Castro Wagner Henriques , Lacerda Júlio César Tanos , e Ferreira Efigênia Ferreira , Gomez Ricardo Santiago
Published: August 2012

Background

An ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic neoplasm with aggressive behaviour and high recurrence rates. The increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been reported in ameloblastomas. In the present study, we hypothesised that epigenetic alterations may regulate MMP expression in ameloblastomas.

Methods

We investigated the methylation status of the genes MMP-2 and MMP-9 in addition to mRNA transcription and protein expression in ameloblastomas. Methylation analysis was performed by both methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP-PCR) and restriction enzyme digestion to evaluate the methylation profile of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in 12 ameloblastoma samples and 12 healthy gingiva fragments, which were included as controls. Furthermore, we investigated the transcription levels of the genes by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Zymography was performed to verify protein expression in ameloblastomas.

Results

The ameloblastomas showed a high frequency of unmethylated MMP-2 and MMP-9, whereas the healthy gingival samples presented a sharp prevalence of methylated MMPs. Higher expression levels of MMP-9 were found in ameloblastomas compared to healthy gingiva. However, no significant differences in the MMP-2 mRNA expression between groups was found. All ameloblastomas showed positive expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that expression of MMP-9 is increased in ameloblastomas and is possibly modulated by unmethylation of the gene.
Bone-induced streak artifact suppression in sparse-view CT image reconstruction
Authors: Jin Seung Oh , Kim Jae Gon , Lee Soo Yeol , Kwon Oh-Kyong
Published: August 2012

Background

In sparse-view CT imaging, strong streak artifacts may appear around bony structures and they often compromise the image readability. Compressed sensing (CS) or total variation (TV) minimization-based image reconstruction method has reduced the streak artifacts to a great extent, but, sparse-view CT imaging still suffers from residual streak artifacts. We introduce a new bone-induced streak artifact reduction method in the CS-based image reconstruction.

Methods

We firstly identify the high-intensity bony regions from the image reconstructed by the filtered backprojection (FBP) method, and we calculate the sinogram stemming from the bony regions only. Then, we subtract the calculated sinogram, which stands for the bony regions, from the measured sinogram before performing the CS-based image reconstruction. The image reconstructed from the subtracted sinogram will stand for the soft tissues with little streak artifacts on it. To restore the original image intensity in the bony regions, we add the bony region image, which has been identified from the FBP image, to the soft tissue image to form a combined image. Then, we perform the CS-based image reconstruction again on the measured sinogram using the combined image as the initial condition of the iteration. For experimental validation of the proposed method, we take images of a contrast phantom and a rat using a micro-CT and we evaluate the reconstructed images based on two figures of merit, relative mean square error and total variation caused by the streak artifacts.

Results

The images reconstructed by the proposed method have been found to have smaller streak artifacts than the ones reconstructed by the original CS-based method when visually inspected. The quantitative image evaluation studies have also shown that the proposed method outperforms the conventional CS-based method.

Conclusions

The proposed method can effectively suppress streak artifacts stemming from bony structures in sparse-view CT imaging.
Investigation of ovarian cancer associated sialylation changes in N-linked glycopeptides by quantitative proteomics
Authors: Shetty Vivekananda , Hafner Julie , Shah Punit , Nickens Zacharie , Philip Ramila
Published: August 2012

Background

In approximately 80% of patients, ovarian cancer is diagnosed when the patient is already in the advanced stages of the disease. CA125 is currently used as the marker for ovarian cancer; however, it lacks specificity and sensitivity for detecting early stage disease. There is a critical unmet need for sensitive and specific routine screening tests for early diagnosis that can reduce ovarian cancer lethality by reliably detecting the disease at its earliest and treatable stages.

Results

In this study, we investigated the N-linked sialylated glycopeptides in serum samples from healthy and ovarian cancer patients using Lectin-directed Tandem Labeling (LTL) and iTRAQ quantitative proteomics methods. We identified 45 N-linked sialylated glycopeptides containing 46 glycosylation sites. Among those, ten sialylated glycopeptides were significantly up-regulated in ovarian cancer patients’ serum samples. LC-MS/MS analysis of the non-glycosylated peptides from the same samples, western blot data using lectin enriched glycoproteins of various ovarian cancer type samples, and PNGase F (+/−) treatment confirmed the sialylation changes in the ovarian cancer samples.

Conclusion

Herein, we demonstrated that several proteins are aberrantly sialylated in N-linked glycopeptides in ovarian cancer and detection of glycopeptides with abnormal sialylation changes may have the potential to serve as biomarkers for ovarian cancer.
Homomorphisms and derivations in "Equation missing" -ternary algebras via fixed point method
Authors: Kenari HM , Saadati Reza , Park Choonkil
Published: August 2012

Park (J. Math. Phys. 47:103512, 2006) proved the Hyers-Ulam stability of homomorphisms in

C
∗

-ternary algebras and of derivations on

C
∗

-ternary algebras for the following generalized Cauchy-Jensen additive mapping:

2
f

(

∑

j
=
1

p

x
j

2

+

∑

j
=
1

d

y
j

)

=

∑

j
=
1

p

f
(

x
j

)
+
2

∑

j
=
1

d

f
(

y
j

)
.

In this paper, we improve and generalize some results concerning this functional equation via the fixed-point method.

MSC:39B52, 17A40, 46B03, 47Jxx.
On double-diffusive convection and cross diffusion effects on a horizontal wavy surface in a porous medium
Authors: Narayana M , Sibanda P , Motsa SS , Siddheshwar PG
Published: August 2012

An analysis of double diffusive convection induced by a uniformly heated and salted horizontal wavy surface in a porous medium is presented. The wavy surface is first transformed into a smooth surface via a suitable coordinate transformation and the transformed nonsimilar coupled nonlinear parabolic equations are solved using the Keller box method. The local and average Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are given as functions of the streamwise coordinate and the effects of various physical parameters are discussed in detail. The effects of the Lewis number, buoyancy ratio, and wavy geometry on the dynamics of the flow are studied. It was found, among other observations, that the combined effect of Dufour and Soret parameters is to reduce both heat and mass transfer.

MSC:34B15, 65N30, 76M20.
The antigenic property of the H5N1 avian influenza viruses isolated in central China
Authors: Zou Wei , Ke Jianjiang , Zhu Jiping , Zhou Hongbo , Jin Meilin
Published: August 2012

Background

Three influenza pandemics outbroke in the last century accompanied the viral antigen shift and drift, resulting in the change of antigenic property and the low cross protective ability of the existed antibody to the newly emerged pandemic virus, and eventually the death of millions of people. The antigenic characterizations of the viruses isolated in central China in 2004 and 2006–2007 were investigated in the present study.

Results

Hemagglutinin inhibition assay and neutralization assay displayed differential antigenic characteristics of the viruses isolated in central China in two periods (2004 and 2006–2007). HA genes of the viruses mainly located in two branches in phylogeny analysis. 53 mutations of the deduced amino acids of the HA genes were divided into 4 patterns. Mutations in pattern 2 and 3 showed the main difference between viruses isolated in 2004 and 2006–2007. Meanwhile, most amino acids in pattern 2 and 3 located in the globular head of the HA protein, and some of the mutations evenly distributed at the epitope sites.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that a major antigenic drift had occurred in the viruses isolated in central China. And monitoring the antigenic property should be the priority in preventing the potential pandemic of H5N1 avian influenza virus.
Vitamin D supplementation in the management of knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cao Yuelong , Jones Graeme , Cicuttini Flavia , Winzenberg Tania , Wluka Anita , Sharman James , Nguo Kay , Ding Changhai
Published: August 2012

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common health issue worldwide in the aging population who are also commonly deficient in vitamin D. Our previous study suggested that higher serum 25-(OH)D levels were associated with reduced knee cartilage loss, implying that vitamin D supplementation may prevent the progression of knee OA. The aim of the VItamin D Effects on OA (VIDEO) study is to compare, over a 2- year period, the effects of vitamin D supplementation versus placebo on knee structural changes, knee pain, and lower limb muscle strength in patients with symptomatic knee OA.

Methods/design

Randomised, placebo-controlled, and double-blind clinical trial aiming to recruit 400 subjects (200 from Tasmania and 200 from Victoria) with both symptomatic knee OA and vitamin D deficiency (serum [25-(OH)D] level of >12.5 nmol/liter and <60 nmol/liter). Participants will be randomly allocated to vitamin D supplementation (50,000 IU compounded vitamin D3 capsule monthly) or identical inert placebo group for 2 years. The primary endpoint is loss of knee cartilage volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of OA (WOMAC) knee pain score. The secondary endpoints will be other knee structural changes, and lower limb muscle strength. Several other outcome measures including core muscle images and central blood pressure will be recorded. Linear and logistic regression will be used to compare changes between groups using univariable and multivariable modeling analyses. Both intention to treat and per protocol analyses will be utilized.

Discussion

The trial is designed to test if vitamin D supplementation will reduce loss of knee cartilage volume, prevent the progression of other knee structural abnormalities, reduce knee pain and strengthen lower limb muscle strength, thus modify disease progression in knee OA.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01176344; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12610000495022
One Hundred Sixty-One Knots, Two Plates, and One Emperor: Creek Information Networks in the Era of the Yamasee War
Authors: Dubcovsky Alejandra
Published: August 2012

Indian information networks crisscrossed the colonial Southeast. Operating outside European control and hidden from European eyes, these networks' existence and importance have been assumed but never fully explicated. This article explores some of these inter- and intra-Indian connections. Rooted in the Lower Creek town of Coweta and analyzing sources from the vantage point of Indian country, it shows some of the different ways in which Creek Indians remained informed of and connected to developments in the colonial Southeast. Exploring the networks forged by one particular Indian chief—Brims, Mico of Coweta—helps evince the breadth and extent of information channels among native people. The information networks linked, modified, and influenced by Brims show more than the movement of news; they offer insight into the power structures that shaped the colonial Southeast.
A New Look at Q'enqo as a Model of Inka Visual Representation, Reproduction, and Spatial Structure
Authors: Christie Jessica Joyce
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this essay is, first, to provide a comprehensive overview of all known ethnographic and archaeological data concerning the Inka rock art site of Q'enqo (Kenko), which includes evidence from recent excavations conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Cultura. It offers an interpretive reconstruction of events that might have taken place there. Q'enqo is one of the most famous yet superficially known Inka ruins and is generally explained as a wak'a (shrine; Spanish huaca) on the first Chinchaysuyu zeq'e line and as the locale where Pachakuti died. Second, the essay explores ways in which Q'enqo and other rock art sites reflect broader concepts of Inka visual representation and the construction of a cultural landscape. In what ways do rock art complexes, such as Q'enqo, materialize concepts of Inka social organization and space? The theoretical framework to be used is derived from sign typologies developed by Charles Sanders Peirce. It is argued that Inka practices of copying mental concepts in material form can be understood through the “legisign-sinsign” model as formulated by Peirce. A legisign is a law or general type of sign that exists through instantiations of its application, which are its replicas, or sinsigns. The usefulness of this model with regard to Q'enqo rests in its emphasis that relations between a sign and its reproductions are not limited to visual resemblances and may extend to issues of inner and structural essences. An Andean parallel exists in the animating force of camac. The essay shows that Q'enqo and other dual rock art sites materialized aspects of Inka social and spatial divisions. While the Inka state organized the empire into complex and overlapping administrative units, certain rock art sites likely constituted microlevel models of such units.
New Books for New People: Soviet Central Asian Children’s Books (1926–32)
Authors: Murphy Christopher M.
Published: August 2012

This study examines five children’s books produced in Soviet Central Asia and the Crimea between 1926 and 1932. While stemming from pre-Soviet intellectual movements among Muslims in the Russian Empire, these books represent a new kind of product that was created for children who were educated in new Soviet schools. The earlier books demonstrate an active effort to increase literacy among the Uzbeks and Turkmen and show little overt Soviet content. However, the Crimean Tatar book from 1932, while continuing the format of the children’s books of the 1920s, is overtly Soviet and didactic in content. The physical make-up of these books also reveals that they were essentially considered specialty products. By the 1920s, children thus were seen as a set-apart category of readers in Soviet Central Asia. Moreover, by 1932 and at least among the Crimean Tatars, children’s books began to function as a mechanism to disseminate Soviet ideology.
Real-time hyperspectral fluorescence imaging of pancreatic β-cell dynamics with the image mapping spectrometer (IMS)
Authors: Elliott Amicia D. , Gao Liang , Ustione Alessandro , Bedard Noah , Kester Robert , Piston David W. , Tkaczyk Tomasz S.
Published: August 2012

The development of multi-colored fluorescent proteins, nanocrystals, and organic fluorophores, along with the resulting engineered biosensors, has revolutionized the study of protein localization and dynamics in living cells. Hyperspectral imaging has proven to be a useful approach for such studies, but this technique is often limited by low signal and insufficient temporal resolution. Here, we present an implementation of the snapshot hyperspectral imaging device, the Image Mapping Spectrometer (IMS), which acquires full spectral information simultaneously from each pixel in the field without scanning. The IMS is capable of real-time signals capture signals from multiple fluorophores with high collection efficiency (∼65%) and image acquisition rate (up to 7.2 fps). To demonstrate the capabilities of the IMS in cellular applications, we have combined FP-FRET and [Ca2+]i biosensors to measure simultaneously intracellular cAMP and [Ca2+]i signaling in β-cells. Additionally, we have compared quantitatively the IMS detection efficiency with a laser-scanning confocal microscope.
Current Generation from Na2SO3 and H2SO3 by Using Carbon Fiber Anode
Authors: Maeda Hidekatsu , Soneda Yasushi , Higuchi Aya , Iizuka Miki , Nagamoto Hidetoshi
Published: August 2012

Current generation from Na2SO3 aqueous solution was found to occur by using PAN-based carbon fibers with heat treatment at 700 °C. Sixty mL of 0.1 M Na2SO3 and 80 mL of 0.5 M H2SO4 were added into the anode cell and cathode cell, respectively, and current generation was performed for 10 h. As a result, the current value increased from background current of 0.04 to 22.3 mA after 5 min. Afterward, the current was almost constant, and decreased a little in the final stage, accompanied by decrease of the amount of Na2SO3. The current efficiency was calculated to be 91%. The mechanism of the current generation is assumed to be described by the equation: SO32− + 2OH− → SO42− + H2O + 2e−. In the current generation using a 30 Ω resistor, the current was 11.3 mA, so that the voltage is calculated to be 0.339 V. The maximum electric power of this cell is calculated to be 3.83 mW. Next, 60 mL of 0.02 M H2SO3 was added to the anode cell, and current generation was performed for 4 h as well as in the case of Na2SO3. As a result, the current was 8.25 mA after 6 min. Afterward, the value linearly decreased, and the value was 3.80 mA after 3 h. The current generation almost finished after 4 h. In this case, the current efficiency was 28%. Furthermore, chemical groups on the surface of carbon fibers with heat treatment were measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The element analysis on the surface resulted in: C, 82 atom %; N, 7.2 atom %; and O, 10.9 atom %; the existence of COO, C=O, C–O, C–C, C=C, C–N, and C=N groups was thus suggested.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Tetracopper(II) Complex Having a [Cu4(µ4-O)] Framework Stabilized by the Tetranucleating Macrocyclic Ligand
Authors: Miyazato Yuji , Asato Eiji , Ohba Masaaki , Wada Tohru
Published: August 2012

A tetranucleating macrocyclic ligand bearing four acetate pendants, L6−, was newly yielded by a stepwise synthesis from [Zn4(L′)(AcO)2(OH)2](ClO4)2·H2O (1), which was prepared from [2 + 2] Schiff-base condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and 1,2-bis(2-aminoethoxy)ethane in the presence of Zn(ClO4)2·6H2O, sodium acetate, and triethylamine. A µ4-oxo tetracopper(II) complex [Cu4(L)(µ4-O)]·H2O (2) was obtained from the reaction of Cu(ClO4)2·6H2O and Na2H4L in methanol under basic conditions, and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Two adjacent copper centers were bridged by the phenoxo oxygen of L6− to form [Cu2(µ-OPh)] unit, two pairs of which were further linked by an oxo anion with a distorted tetrahedral geometry, finally creating a tetracopper core [{Cu2(µ-OPh)}2(µ4-O)]. Cryomagnetic measurements of 2 in the range of 2–300 K exhibited antiferromagentic behavior. Magnetic analysis of 2 was carried out by the four spin-exchange interactions model based on the bridging mode and the Cu–(µ4-O)–Cu angles, JA: Cu1/Cu4, JB: Cu2/Cu3, JC: Cu1/Cu2 and Cu3/Cu4, and JD: Cu1/Cu3 and Cu2/Cu4 pairs. The estimated four magnetic exchange interactions (JA, JB, JC, and JD) were −17, −161, −108, and −109 cm−1, respectively.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Small Hydrocarbon Encapsulation of Dicavitand-Porphyrins
Authors: Nakazawa Jun , Hagiwara Jun , Shimazaki Yuichi , Tani Fumito , Naruta Yoshinori
Published: August 2012

New host molecules “Dicavitand-Porphyrins” [H2C2P(syn,syn) (3), H2C2P(syn,anti) (4)] with small cavities on one or both sides of the porphyrin plane were synthesized from 5,10-bis(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-15,20-diphenylporphyrin and bis(chloromethyl)cavitand in 15 and 34% yield, respectively. Similarity of guest size selectivity of the host 4 in comparison with the reported “Cavitand-porphyrin” [H2CP(syn) (1)] suggests that these hosts have the same cavity size. The 1:1 and 1:2 association constants (K11 and K12) of the guest encapsulations into 3 were also obtained by 1H NMR titration and nonlinear least square fittings. The guest size dependences of K11 and K12 values of 3 show that the initial cavity prefers larger guests such as ethane, while the second one does not. The induced-fit type very small structural changes (estimated within 1 Å) upon first guest encapsulation of the host 3 affects the guest encapsulation of the other cavity through the covalent linkages.
Detection of Peginesatide in Equine Serum Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Doping Control Purposes
Authors: Möller Ines , Thomas Andreas , Wingender Anke , Machnik Marc , Schänzer Wilhelm , Thevis Mario
Published: August 2012

Erythropoietin (EPO) and its recombinant analogues are suspected to be illicitly administered to horses for performance enhancing purposes and, consequently, prohibited in equine sports. Recently, a new erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, peginesatide (Omontys, formerly referred to as Hematide), belonging to the upcoming class of EPO-mimetic peptides, received approval for the treatment of anaemia in humans with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. As the pegylated dimeric peptide of approximately 45 kDa without sequence homology to EPO is not detectable by conventional EPO detection assays, specific methods are bound to be established for horse sports drug testing. Thus, by fortifying equine serum with peginesatide, an approach consisting of a proteolytic digestion with subtilisin after protein precipitation was developed, eventually targeting a proteotypic and xenobiotic pentapeptide which is easily accessible to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The method was validated for qualitative purposes and demonstrated to be specific, precise (relative standard deviations below 14%), sensitive (limit of detection 10 ng mL−1) and linear. Being simple, cost-effective and readily transferable to other doping control laboratories, a mass spectrometric assay for the detection of therapeutic concentrations of peginesatide in equine serum is, in terms of preventive doping research, applicable to routine analysis shortly after approval of the drug.
A Comparative Study of Homolytic Reactions of Fullerenes with Aldehydes in a Mass Spectrometer under Electron Impact and in Solution under UV Irradiation
Authors: Lyakhovetsky Yury I. , Pleshkova Alexandra P. , Shilova Elena A. , Ponomareva Tatyana V. , Gasanov Rashid G. , Tumanskii Boris L. , Borisov Yuri A. , Nekrasov Yuri S.
Published: August 2012

C60 was reacted in the ionization chamber of a mass spectrometer under electron impact (EI) with aldehydes, RCHO (R = Ph, p-FC6H4, F5C6, p-MeOC6H4, α-thienyl, o-HOC6H4, o-BrC6H4, m-BrC6H4 and t-Bu), with the transfer of R• radicals and with Me•-transfer from i-PrCHO and t-BuCHO. Paramagnetic fullerene derivatives were stabilized by the addition of the next R• radical or a hydrogen atom, or hydrogen or bromine atom loss. A detailed study showed that the reaction between C60 and PhCHO occurred via a homolytic mechanism that matches one reported earlier for the reaction with acetone. This suggests the generality of the mechanism for the reactions of fullerenes with other species in ionization chambers under EI at ca 300°C. All aldehydes, except one, had radicals at the carbonyl group which were different from those in the ketones examined earlier in the reactions. This expanded the variety of radicals which can be transferred to fullerenes during reactions in ionization chambers under EI. Due to this and the hydrogen atom at the CO group of aldehydes, some reactions occurred that were not found for the ketones: the formation of cyclic products C60COC6H4 and C60OC6H4 for PhCHO, o-BrC6H4CHO and o-HOC6H4CHO, respectively, and HC60Ph for o- and m-BrC6H4CHO. The reaction with α-formylthiophen gives the first example of transferring an aromatic heterocyclic radical to C60 in an ionization chamber under EI. C70 reacted with PhCHO, p-FC6H4CHO and i-PrCHO similarly to C60. The results for the reactions of C60 with PhCHO and with i-PrCHO were compared with those in solution under UV irradiation. Incomplete but reasonable coincidence was found; in both modes, the addition of Ph•, PhCO• and Me• radicals to C60 occurred, whereas some other products were formed in solution and the explanation is given as to why this occurred. This conformity sup ports the hypothesis based on the results of kindred reactions with ketones and organomercurials: the results of EI-initiated homolytic reactions between fullerenes and other compounds in an ionization chamber can predict the reactivity of the fullerenes toward them in solution.
Groups Make Better Self-Interested Decisions
Authors: Charness Gary , Sutter Matthias
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we describe what economists have learned about differences between group and individual decision-making. This literature is still young, and in this paper, we will mostly draw on experimental work (mainly in the laboratory) that has compared individual decision-making to group decision-making, and to individual decision-making in situations with salient group membership. The bottom line emerging from economic research on group decision-making is that groups are more likely to make choices that follow standard game-theoretic predictions, while individuals are more likely to be influenced by biases, cognitive limitations, and social considerations. In this sense, groups are generally less “behavioral” than individuals. An immediate implication of this result is that individual decisions in isolation cannot necessarily be assumed to be good predictors of the decisions made by groups. More broadly, the evidence casts doubts on traditional approaches that model economic behavior as if individuals were making decisions in isolation.
The Relationship between Unit Cost and Cumulative Quantity and the Evidence for Organizational Learning-by-Doing
Authors: Thompson Peter
Published: August 2012

The concept of a learning curve for individuals has been around since the beginning of the twentieth century. The idea that an analogous phenomenon might also apply at the level of the organization took longer to emerge, but it had begun to figure prominently in military procurement and scheduling at least a decade before Wright's (1936) classic paper providing evidence that the cost of producing an airframe declined as cumulative output increased. Wright (1936) was careful not to describe his empirical results as a learning curve. Of his three proposed three explanations for the relationships he observed between cost and cumulative quantity produced, only one is unambiguously a source of organizational learning; the others are consistent with organizational learning but also with standard static economies of scale. It quickly became apparent that the notion of organizational learning as a by-product of accumulated experience has important consequences for firm strategy. The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) built its consulting business around the concept of what it branded the experience curve, asserting that cost reductions associated with cumulative output applied to all costs, were “consistently around 20—30% each time accumulated production is doubled, [and] this decline goes on in time without limit” (Henderson 1968). Today, the negative relationship between unit production costs and cumulative output is one of the best-documented empirical regularities in economics. Nonetheless, the thesis of this paper is that the conceptual transformation of the relationship between cost and cumulative production into an organizational learning curve with profound strategic implications has not been sufficiently supported with direct empirical evidence.
Seeing double: Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Authors: Allen David
Published: August 2012

Wilderness Lodge is a hotel in Walt Disney World. It is a simulation of a historic national park lodge (based, in particular, on Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone). The hotel has been attacked as a 'simulacrum', which turns nature into a spectacle for our consumption. In their detailed
analysis of the lodge, Eric Higgs and Jennifer Cypher condemn it as a copy with no 'true origin', a bricolage, which cobbles together elements from different sources. But the historic national park lodges were themselves a bricolage of different styles. Old Faithful Inn is designed as a 'temple
to nature'; it too could be called a simulacrum, as 'real' (or as 'fake') as Wilderness Lodge. Higgs and Cypher argue that Disney is changing what we think about nature and reality itself. They draw in particular on the theories of Albert Borgmann, who argues that 'mediated' (artificial) experiences
of nature can never be as satisfying as 'the real thing'. Borgmann, however, constructs his own image or simulacrum of nature and wilderness, as pristine and 'wholly other than technological civilization'. He ignores both the fact that the wilderness has been shaped over centuries by the 'human
hand' and the way that our perception of 'nature' is always/already mediated. He evokes the idea of a 'simple life' close to nature, but this idea is based less in 'reality', than in the archetypal image of 'pioneer life' on the North American frontier. The Disney simulacrum does not, as Cypher
and Higgs claim, present us with a false image of reality. Rather, it presents image as image. We are invited to play along with a 'game of reality', and imagine that we are living the 'simple life' close to nature. In this way, it exposes the idea of nature as 'the real thing' as, itself,
a fantasy.