bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The snow storm of 8 March 2010 in Catalonia (Spain): a paradigmatic wet-snow event with a high societal impact
Authors: Llasat M. C. , Turco M. , Quintana-Seguí P. , Llasat-Botija M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. A heavy precipitation event swept over Catalonia (NE Spain) on 8 March 2010, with a total amount that exceeded 100 mm locally and snowfall of more than 60 cm near the coast. Unusual for this region and at this time of the year, this snowfall event affected mainly the coastal region and was accompanied by thunderstorms and strong wind gusts in some areas. Most of the damage was due to "wet snow", a kind of snow that favours accretion on power lines and causes line-breaking and subsequent interruption of the electricity supply. This paper conducts an interdisciplinary analysis of the event to show its great societal impact and the role played by the recently developed social networks (it has been called the first "Snowfall 2.0"), as well to analyse the meteorological factors associated with the major damage, and to propose an indicator that could summarise them. With this aim, the paper introduces the event and its societal impact and compares it with other important snowfalls that have affected the Catalan coast, using the PRESSGAMA database. The second part of the paper shows the event's main meteorological features and analyses the near-surface atmospheric variables responsible for the major damage through the application of the SAFRAN (Système d'analyse fournissant des renseignements atmosphériques à la neige) mesoscale analysis, which, together with the proposed "wind, wet-snow index" (WWSI), allows to estimate the severity of the event. This snow storm provides further evidence of our vulnerability to natural hazards and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in analysing societal impact and the meteorological factors responsible for this kind of event.
A model-based study of the wind regime over the Corinthian Gulf
Authors: Koletsis I. , Kotroni V. , Lagouvardos K.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The Corinthian Gulf is a narrow sea-level passage surrounded by a steep complex topography that consists of high mountains as well as elevated and sea-level gaps and straits. The complex terrain is expected to affect the wind flow in the area that often experiences high winds, with important consequences on the commercial and recreational activities over the gulf's maritime area. For that reason, a model-based study of the wind regime over the Corinthian Gulf has been created, as observational data over the area are recent and spatially sparse. Analysis of 5 yr of data from the fifth-generation Penn State/NCAR mesoscale model (MM5) model reveals that the wind regime of the gulf is greatly influenced by the topography. Easterly winds occur more frequently and are stronger in the maritime area in the western edge of the gulf, with a frequency of occurrence on the order of 70%. Moreover, the most intense wind events at this area occur during the winter season (December, January, and February). Finally the paper also provides a discussion on the synoptic patterns, which lead to the strongest wind events in the studied area.
Gas diffusivity and permeability through the firn column at Summit, Greenland: measurements and comparison to microstructural properties
Authors: Adolph A. C. , Albert M. R.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The physical structure of polar firn plays a key role in the mechanisms by which glaciers and ice sheets preserve a natural archive of past atmospheric composition. This study presents the first measurements of gas diffusivity and permeability along with microstructural information measured from the near-surface firn through the firn column to pore close-off. Both fine- and coarse-grained firn from Summit, Greenland are included in this study to investigate the variability in firn caused by seasonal and storm-event layering. Our measurements reveal that the porosity of firn (derived from density) is insufficient to describe the full profiles of diffusivity and permeability, particularly at porosity values above 0.5. Thus, even a model that could perfectly predict the density profile would be insufficient for application to issues involving gas transport. The measured diffusivity profile presented here is compared to two diffusivity profiles modeled from firn air measurements from Summit. Because of differences in scale and in firn processes between the true field situation, firn modeling, and laboratory measurements, the results follow a similar overall pattern but do not align; our results constitute a lower bound on diffusive transport. In comparing our measurements of both diffusivity and permeability to previous parameterizations from numerical 3-D lattice-Boltzmann modeling, it is evident that the previous relationships to porosity are likely site-specific. We present parameterizations relating diffusivity and permeability to porosity as a possible tool, though use of direct measurements would be far more accurate when feasible. The relationships between gas transport properties and microstructural properties are characterized and compared to existing relationships for general porous media, specifically the Katz–Thompson (KT), Kozeny–Carman (KC), and Archie's law approximations. While those approximations can capture the general trend of gas transport relationships, they result in high errors for individual samples and fail to fully describe firn variability, particularly the differences between coarse- and fine-grained firn. We present a direct power law relationship between permeability and gas diffusivity based on our co-located measurements; further research will indicate if this type of relationship is site-specific. This set of measurements and relationships contributes a unique starting point for future investigations in developing more physically based models of firn gas transport.
Mapping Music: Cluster Analysis Of Song-Type Frequencies Within And Between Cultures
Authors: Savage Patrick E. , Brown Steven
Published: February 2014

Understanding cross-cultural patterns of musical diversity requires some method of visualizing these patterns using maps. The traditional methods of cross-cultural comparison have been criticized for ignoring the rich diversity of musical styles that exists within each culture. We present a compromise solution in which we map the relative frequencies of different "cantogroups" (stylistic song-types) both within and between cultures. Applying this method to 259 traditional group songs from twelve indigenous peoples of Taiwan, we identified five major cantogroups, the frequencies of which varied across the twelve groups. From this information, we were able to create musical maps of Taiwan. (This article refers to a supplementary speadsheet that can be found at http://neuroarts.org/pdf/Savage_Brown_2014_Supplement.xls)
3D Visual Sensing of the Human Hand for the Remote Operation of a Robotic Hand
Authors: Gil Pablo , Mateo Carlos , Torres Fernando
Published: February 2014

New low cost sensors and open free libraries for 3D image processing are making important advances in robot vision applications possible, such as three-dimensional object recognition, semantic mapping, navigation and localization of robots, human detection and/or gesture recognition for human-machine interaction. In this paper, a novel method for recognizing and tracking the fingers of a human hand is presented. This method is based on point clouds from range images captured by a RGBD sensor. It works in real time and it does not require visual marks, camera calibration or previous knowledge of the environment. Moreover, it works successfully even when multiple objects appear in the scene or when the ambient light is changed. Furthermore, this method was designed to develop a human interface to control domestic or industrial devices, remotely. In this paper, the method was tested by operating a robotic hand. Firstly, the human hand was recognized and the fingers were detected. Secondly, the movement of the fingers was analysed and mapped to be imitated by a robotic hand.
Enhanced Raman Scattering by Molecular Nanoaggregates
Authors: Akins Daniel L.
Published: February 2014

The formation of a molecular aggregate in a confined, nanodimensioned region of space leads to what might be termed a ‘molecular nanoaggregate’. The present review deals with a theoretical formulation termed ‘aggregation-enhanced Raman scattering’ (AERS), and its use in discussion of relative Raman band intensities and selection rules for nanoaggregates. AERs represents a concept for discussion of nanoaggregates that is different from those provided by resonance Raman scattering, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and Mie scattering, all of which ignore the impact of aggregation of molecules on Raman scattering. Beyond the theoretical formulation behind the AERS phenomenon, also outlined in this review are representative samples of the publications of other authors and researchers using AERS to provide explanations for experimental findings. In addition to clarifying issues regarding the use of nanocomposites involving aggregated molecules, it is found that increasing use of AERS concepts is being made to rationalize Raman spectral observations in a range of other disciplines that fall in both the physical sciences and the medical fields.
Brief Study of Identification System Using Regression Neural Network Based on Delay Tap Structures
Authors: Sahroni Alvin
Published: February 2014

this investigation aims to provide an overview and investigations of non-linear identification system using neural network approach. Nowadays, a lot of neural network approach was done to provide a satisfying identification system. Backpropagation scheme as the mainstream approach for developing identification system has several limitations such as training data, computation time, architecture, optimization technique for weight value update, and many others. Regression Neural Network which is found by specht on 1990 contains more advantages compare with backpropagation scheme. With the improvement of computation time, architecture, and robustness of this model and provided 90% of effectiveness, promising a good prospective to develop non-linear identification system. For future works, it can be implemented in neural network predictive model control system and another control scheme based on identification system approach.
An Accelerating 3D Image Reconstruction System Based on the Level-of-Detail Algorithm
Authors: Lee Tsung-Yu , Lee Ren-Guey , Tien Sheng-Chung , Lin Robert , Su Wei-Hua
Published: February 2014

This paper proposes a research of An Accelerating 3D Image Reconstruction System Based on the Level-of-Detail Algorithm and combines 3D graphic application interfaces, such as DirectX3D and OpenCV to reconstruct the 3D imaging system for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and adds Level of Detail (LOD) algorithm to the system. The system uses the volume rendering method to perform 3D reconstruction for brain imaging. The process, which is based on the level of detail algorithm that converts and formulates functions from differing levels of detail and scope, significantly reduces the complexity of required processing and computation, under the premises of maintaining drawing quality. To validate the system’s efficiency enhancement on brain imaging reconstruction, this study operates the system on various computer platforms, and uses multiple sets of data to perform rendering and 3D object imaging reconstruction, the results of which are then verified and compared.
Localized Collection of Airborne Analytes: A Transport Driven Approach to Improve the Response Time of Existing Gas Sensor Designs
Authors: Fang Jun , Park Se‐Chul , Schlag Leslie , Stauden Thomas , Pezoldt Jörg , Jacobs Heiko O.
Published: February 2014

The detection of single binding has been a recent trend in sensor research introducing various sensor designs where the active sensing elements are nanoscopic in size. Currently, transport and collection of airborne analytes for gas sensors is either diffusion based or non‐localized and it becomes increasingly unlikely for analytes to interact with sensing structures where the active area is shrunk, trading an increased sensitivity with a slow response time. This report introduces a corona discharge based analyte charging method and an electrodynamic nanolens based analyte concentration concept to effectively transport airborne analytes to sensing points to improve the response time of existing gas sensor designs. Localized collection of analytes over a wide range, including microscopic particles, nanoparticles, and small molecules, is demonstrated. In all cases, the collection rate is several orders of magnitudes higher than in the case where the collection is driven by diffusion. The collection scheme is integrated on an existing SERS (surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy) based sensor. In terms of response time, the process is able to detect analytes at 9 ppm (parts per million) within 1 s. As a comparison, 1 h is required to reach the same signal level when diffusion‐only‐transport is used.
Highly Photo‐Responsive LaTiO2N Photoanodes by Improvement of Charge Carrier Transport among Film Particles
Authors: Feng Jianyong , Luo Wenjun , Fang Tao , Lv Hao , Wang Zhiqiang , Gao Jian , Liu Wenming , Yu Tao , Li Zhaosheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: February 2014

With a theoretical maximum photocurrent of ca. 12.5 mA cm−2 under AM 1.5 G 100 mW cm−2 irradiation, the presently achieved plateau photocurrent of about 0.6 mA cm−2 on bare LaTiO2N photoanodes indicates the presence of serious charge transport limitations. Only recently, a plateau photocurrent of about 4 mA cm−2 was achieved on precious IrO2 modified LaTiO2N photoanodes prepared by a rather expensive and complex method, without discussing the intrinsic mechanism of improved photocurrents. In this study, by establishing highly crystalline porous LaTiO2N particles and superior inter‐particle connectivity with reduced density of grain boundaries among the film particles, a record plateau photocurrent of 6.5 mA cm−2 on the Co3O4 modified LaTiO2N photoanodesis demonstrated under AM 1.5 G 100 mW cm−2 simulated sunlight. More broadly, this work shows the intrinsic requirements and significance of constituting (oxy)nitride particles for efficient charge transport and therefore desirable photoelectrochemical performances on the (oxy)nitride photoelectrodes, which have never been noticed and investigated before. With the obtained rules to follow are encouraging to explore the remaining substantial (oxy)nitride semiconductors as potential photoelectrodes for solar energy conversion.
Crystallization‐Induced Phase Separation in Solution‐Processed Small Molecule Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Sharenko Alexander , Kuik Martijn , Toney Michael F. , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen
Published: February 2014

The driving forces and processes associated with the development of phase separation upon thermal annealing are investigated in solution‐processed small molecule bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells utilizing a diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based donor molecule and a fullerene acceptor (PCBM). In‐situ thermal annealing X‐ray scattering is used to monitor the development of thin film crystallization and phase separation and reveals that the development of blend phase separation strongly correlates with the nucleation of donor crystallites. Additionally, these morphological changes lead to dramatic increases in blend electron mobility and solar cell figures of merit. These results indicate that donor crystallization is the driving force for blend phase separation. It is hypothesized that donor crystallization from an as‐cast homogeneous donor:acceptor blend simultaneously produces donor‐rich domains, consisting largely of donor crystallites, and acceptor‐rich domains, formed from previously mixed regions of the film that have been enriched with acceptor during donor crystallization. Control of donor crystallization in solution‐processed small molecule BHJ solar cells employing PCBM is thus emphasized as an important strategy for the engineering of the nanoscale phase separated, bicontinuous morphology necessary for the fabrication of efficient BHJ photovoltaic devices.
Tumor‐Targeting Multifunctional Nanoparticles for siRNA Delivery: Recent Advances in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ku Sook Hee , Kim Kwangmeyung , Choi Kuiwon , Kim Sun Hwa , Kwon Ick Chan
Published: February 2014

RNA interference (RNAi) is a naturally occurring regulatory process that controls posttranscriptional gene expression. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), a common form of RNAi‐based therapeutics, offers new opportunities for cancer therapy via silencing specific genes, which are associated to cancer progress. However, clinical applications of RNAi‐based therapy are still limited due to the easy degradation of siRNA during body circulation and the difficulty in the delivery of siRNA to desired tissues and cells. Thus, there have been many efforts to develop efficient siRNA delivery systems, which protect siRNA from serum nucleases and deliver siRNA to the intracellular region of target cells. Here, the recent advances in siRNA nanocarriers, which possess tumor‐targeting ability are reviewed; various nanoparticle systems and their antitumor effects are summarized. The development of multifunctional nanocarriers for theranostics or combinatorial therapy is also discussed.
Data‐based multiscale modeling for blast furnace system
Authors: Chu Yanxu , Gao Chuanhou
Published: February 2014

The operation of a blast furnace system involves strong multiscale features to which enough attention should be paid, when describing its complex dynamics. For this purpose, a data‐based multiscale modeling algorithm that can extract and pick out some subscale variables most relevant to the output from the original input variables set is presented. These selected subscale variables acting as inputs together with the output are introduced into a general linear or nonlinear model framework to form the corresponding multiscale model. Through model validation, the constructed multiscale models are found to exhibit large advantage compared with those traditional models based on the averaging idea over a fixed scale, especially in the cases of nonlinear models, in which high agreement between the predicted values and the real ones is observed. These results indicate that the proposed multiscale modeling algorithm on the one hand, can provide a kind of thought to develop a data‐based multiscale model from the viewpoint of methodology, and conversely, can serve as a potential blast furnace modeling tool from the viewpoint of engineering applications. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2197–2210, 2014
Control structure synthesis for operational optimization of mixed refrigerant processes for liquefied natural gas plant
Authors: Husnil Yuli Amalia , Lee Moonyong
Published: February 2014

The best control structures for the energy optimizing control of propane precooled mixed refrigerant (C3MR) processes were examined. A first principles‐based rigorous dynamic model was developed to analyze the steady‐state and dynamic behaviors of the C3MR process. The steady‐state optimality of the C3MR process was then examined in a whole operation space for exploring the feasibility of the energy optimizing control for possible control structures. As a result, the temperature difference (TD) between the warm‐end inlet and outlet MR streams was exploited as a promising controlled variable to automatically keep the liquefaction process close to its optimum. The closed‐loop responses were finally evaluated for every possible control structure candidate. Based on the steady‐state optimality and the dynamic performance evaluation, several control structures with a TD loop were proposed to be most favorable for the energy optimizing control of the C3MR process. The proposed optimality approach can be applied to any natural gas liquefaction process for determining a proper controlled variable for optimizing operation. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2428–2441, 2014
World Health Organization‐defined eosinophilic disorders: 2014 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management
Authors: Gotlib Jason
Published: February 2014

Disease overview: The eosinophilias encompass a broad range of nonhematologic (secondary or reactive) and hematologic (primary, clonal) disorders with potential for end‐organ damage.

Diagnosis: Hypereosinophilia (HE) has generally been defined as a peripheral blood eosinophil count greater than 1,500/mm3 and may be associated with tissue damage. After exclusion of secondary causes of eosinophilia, diagnostic evaluation of primary eosinophilias relies on a combination of morphologic review of the blood and marrow, standard cytogenetics, fluorescent in situ hybridization, flow immunocytometry, and T‐cell clonality assessment to detect histopathologic or clonal evidence for an acute or chronic myeloid or lymphoproliferative disorder.

Risk stratification: Disease prognosis relies on identifying the subtype of eosinophilia. After evaluation of secondary causes of eosinophilia, the 2008 World Health Organization establishes a semimolecular classification scheme of disease subtypes including “myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and abnormalities of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, or FGFR1', chronic eosinophilic leukemia, not otherwise specified” (CEL, NOS), lymphocyte‐variant HE, and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), which is a diagnosis of exclusion.

Risk‐adapted therapy: The goal of therapy is to mitigate eosinophil‐mediated organ damage. For patients with milder forms of eosinophilia (e.g., <1,500/mm3) without symptoms or signs of organ involvement, a watch and wait approach with close‐follow‐up may be undertaken. Identification of rearranged PDGFRA or PDGFRB is critical because of the exquisite responsiveness of these diseases to imatinib. Corticosteroids are first‐line therapy for patients with lymphocyte‐variant HE and HES. Hydroxyurea and interferon‐alpha have demonstrated efficacy as initial treatment and steroid‐refractory cases of HES. In addition to hydroxyurea, second‐line cytotoxic chemotherapy agents and hematopoietic cell transplant have been used for aggressive forms of HES and CEL with outcomes reported for limited number of patients. Although clinical trials have been performed with anti‐IL‐5 (mepolizumab) and anti‐CD52 (alemtuzumab) antibodies, their therapeutic role in primary eosinophilic diseases and HES has yet to be established. Am. J. Hematol. 89:326–337, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transposable elements and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Guffanti Guia , Gaudi Simona , Fallon James H. , Sobell Janet , Potkin Steven G. , Pato Carlos , Macciardi Fabio
Published: February 2014

Transposable Elements (TEs) or transposons are low‐complexity elements (e.g., LINEs, SINEs, SVAs, and HERVs) that make up to two‐thirds of the human genome. There is mounting evidence that TEs play an essential role in genomic architecture and regulation related to both normal function and disease states. Recently, the identification of active TEs in several different human brain regions suggests that TEs play a role in normal brain development and adult physiology and quite possibly in psychiatric disorders. TEs have been implicated in hemophilia, neurofibromatosis, and cancer. With the advent of next‐generation whole‐genome sequencing approaches, our understanding of the relationship between TEs and psychiatric disorders will greatly improve. We will review the biology of TEs and early evidence for TE involvement in psychiatric disorders. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RuIII(OTf)SalophenCH2–NHSiO2–Fe: an efficient and magnetically recoverable catalyst for trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols with hexamethyldisilazane
Authors: Torki Maryam , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Mirkhani Valiollah , Moghadam Majid , Mohammadpoor‐Baltork Iraj
Published: February 2014

Efficient trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) catalyzed by ruthenium(III) complex of chloromethylated Salophen supported on nanomagnetic materials is reported. First, the iron nanomagnets were silica coated, functionalized with amine and then ruthenium CM‐Salophen was successfully bonded to their surface. The catalyst, RuIII(OTf)SalophenCH2–NHSiO2–Fe, was characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR and UV–visible spectroscopic techniques, transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The RuIII(OTf)SalophenCH2–NHSiO2–Fe catalyzed trimethylsilylation of primary and secondary alcohols as well as phenols, and the corresponding TMS ethers were obtained in high yields and short reaction times at room temperature. This new heterogenized trimethylsilylation catalyst is easily recovered with a magnet and showed no appreciable loss of activity even after five consecutive runs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Static Output Feedback Control for Interval Type‐2 T‐S Fuzzy Systems Based on Fuzzy Lyapunov Functions
Authors: Zhao Tao , Xiao Jian , Han Lu , Qiu Cunyong , Huang Jingchun
Published: February 2014

This study aims to design an interval type‐2 (IT2) fuzzy static output feedback controller to stabilize the IT2 Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy system. Conservative results may be obtained when a common quadratic Lyapunov function is utilized to investigate the stability of T‐S fuzzy systems. A fuzzy Lyapunov function is employed in this study to analyze the stability of the IT2 fuzzy closed‐loop system formed by the IT2 T‐S fuzzy model and the IT2 fuzzy static output feedback controller. Stability conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities are derived. Several slack matrices are introduced to further reduce the conservativeness of stability analysis. The membership‐function shape‐dependent analysis approach is also employed to relax the stability results. The numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed conditions.
A localized ELF magnetic field exposure system for microscope cover‐slips
Authors: Wang Paul K. C.
Published: February 2014

In extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field exposure systems for the inverted microscope stage where the cells grown on the entire microscope cover‐slip are exposed to the magnetic field, the effects of variations in cell characteristics from one cover‐slip to another on the experimental data cannot be readily identified. To overcome this drawback, a localized ELF magnetic field exposure system for cells grown on cover‐slips was designed. The basic idea is to expose only a marked portion of the cover‐slip to the magnetic field so that the effect of the ELF magnetic field on the cells grown on the same cover‐slip can be observed under a microscope. A prototype system was built and tested. Experimental test results pertaining to the prototype system performance validate the proposed design approach. The paper concludes with a discussion of alternative approaches to the design of localized ELF magnetic field exposure systems. Bioelectromagnetics. 35:354–362, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ASIS&T annual meeting pre‐conference activities: The 9th annual social informatics research symposium
Authors: Fichman Pnina , Rosenbaum Howard
Published: February 2014

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

At its 9th annual symposium, ASIS&T Special Interest Group/Social Informatics (SIG/SI) explored information boundaries from a social informatics perspective. William Jones' keynote address focused on dissolving boundaries around personal information and practical approaches to managing appropriate access. Contributed papers examined boundaries of big data, the diverse forces shaping information boundaries and technology use in human service and barriers preventing equal information access for native Spanish speakers. Presenters discussed location‐based services' ability to overcome boundaries as convenient or creepy and museums' use of indigenous groups' artifacts as an insensitive boundary violation. Since social informatics spans many interest groups, SIG/SI looks forward to further stimulating cross‐topical research.
ASIS&T annual meeting pre‐conference activities: Information behavior on the move: 2013 ASIS&T SIG/USE research symposium
Authors: Agosto Denise E. , Mon Lorri , Tang Rong
Published: February 2014

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

The 13th Annual SIG/USE Research Symposium focused on ways mobile technologies have influenced information needs, seeking and use. In her keynote address, Caroline Haythornthwaite framed movement as changing contributorship, interactions and participation in multiple knowledge communities. A series of Ignite talks on the common theme of mobility followed, with topics ranging from mobile phones as the preferred Internet access device, credibility of mobile applications and online resources and public libraries' use of social media and mobile applications to mobile apps promoting health information literacy and supporting teleworking. Small groups brainstormed on opportunities, challenges and research ideas inspired by the theme. Annual SIG/USE awards recognized scholars for innovative work on topics including refugees' information seeking, factors influencing scholars' data sharing and drawings as visual representations of information. The symposium closed with encouragement to consider how information on the move influences perspectives and research into information behavior.
ASIS&T annual meeting award winners: Research: Computer‐mediated communication
Authors: Herring Susan C.
Published: February 2014

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

On receiving the 2013 ASIS&T Research Award, Susan Herring reflected on her early interest in computer‐mediated communication (CMC) in 1991, when the field was novel, limited and barely recognized. The intersection of linguistics and digital technology were intriguing and offered potential for rich discovery. Data sources have grown from the foundational ARPAnet to the World Wide Web and expanded from the exchange of basic textual messages to incorporate all modes of digitally mediated communication across unlimited platforms. The result is a vast amount of computer‐mediated data, but there is still the pressing need for structured methods and theoretical frameworks for effective analysis. Herring applies discourse analysis and other linguistic approaches to CMC analysis, increasingly in combination with a big data perspective to identify communication patterns in large datasets. She is eager to see further research on new analytical methods, cultural influences and the integration of telepresence robots in CMC.
Outcome of TCF3‐PBX1 positive pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients in Japan: a collaborative study of Japan Association of Childhood Leukemia Study (JACLS) and Children's Cancer and Leukemia Study Group (CCLSG)
Authors: Asai Daisuke , Imamura Toshihiko , Yamashita Yuka , Suenobu So‐ichi , Moriya‐Saito Akiko , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Deguchi Takao , Hashii Yoshiko , Endo Mikiya , Hatakeyama Naoki , Kawasaki Hirohide , Hori Hiroki , Horibe Keizo , Yumura‐Yagi Keiko , Hara Junichi , Watanabe Arata , Kikuta Atsushi , Oda Megumi , Sato Atsushi ,   the Japan Association of Childhood Leukemia Study (JACLS) & Children's Cancer and Leukemia Study Group (CCLSG)
Published: February 2014

This study reviewed the clinical characteristics of 112 pediatric B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP‐ALL) patients with TCF3‐PBX1 fusion treated according to the Japan Association of Childhood Leukemia Study (JACLS) ALL02 protocol (n = 82) and Children's Cancer and Leukemia Study Group (CCLSG) ALL 2004 protocol (n = 30). The 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 85.4 ± 3.9% and 89.0 ± 3.5% in JACLS cohort, and the 5‐year EFS and OS were 82.8 ± 7.0% and 86.3 ± 6.4% in CCLSG cohort, respectively, which are comparable to those reported in western countries. Conventional prognostic factors such as age at onset, initial white blood cell count, and National Cancer Institute risk have also no impact on OS in both cohorts. Surprisingly, the pattern of relapse in JACLS cohort, 9 of 82 patients, was unique: eight of nine patients relapsed during the maintenance phase and one patient had primary induction failure. However, bone marrow status and assessment of minimal residual disease on days 15 and 33 did not identify those patients. Interestingly, the two patients with IKZF1 deletion eventually relapsed in JACLS cohort, as did one patient in CCLSG cohort. International collaborative study of larger cohort is warranted to clarify the impact of the IKZF1 deletion on the poor outcome of TCF3‐PBX1 positive BCP‐ALL.
Hypoxanthine induces oxidative stress in kidney of rats: protective effect of vitamins E plus C and allopurinol
Authors: Rodrigues André F. , Roecker Roberto , Junges Gustavo M. , de Lima Daniela Delwing , da Cruz José G. P. , Wyse Angela T. S. , Dal Magro Débora Delwing
Published: February 2014

In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effect of hypoxanthine on the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase, as well as on thiobarbituric‐acid‐reactive substances (TBA‐RS), in the renal cortex and medulla of rats. Results showed that hypoxanthine, at a concentration of 10.0 μM, enhanced the activities of CAT and SOD in the renal cortex of 15‐, 30‐ and 60‐day‐old rats, enhanced SOD activity in the renal medulla of 60‐day‐old rats and enhanced TBA‐RS levels in the renal medulla of 30‐day‐old rats, as compared with controls. Furthermore, we also verified the influence of allopurinol (an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase), as well as of the antioxidants, trolox and ascorbic acid on the effects elicited by hypoxanthine on the parameters tested. Allopurinol and/or administration of antioxidants prevented most alterations caused by hypoxanthine in the oxidative stress parameters evaluated. Data suggest that hypoxanthine alters antioxidant defences and induces lipid peroxidation in the kidney of rats; however, in the presence of allopurinol and antioxidants, some of these alterations in oxidative stress were prevented. Our findings lend support to a potential therapeutic strategy for this condition, which may include the use of appropriate antioxidants for ameliorating the damage caused by hypoxanthine. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The efficacy of “hybrid” percutaneous coronary intervention in chronic total occlusions caused by in‐stent restenosis: Insights from a US multicenter registry
Authors: Christopoulos Georgios , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Alaswad Khaldoon , Lombardi William L. , Grantham J. Aaron , Rangan Bavana V. , Kotsia Anna P. , Lembo Nicholas , Kandzari David E. , Lee James , Kalynych Anna , Carlson Harold , Garcia Santiago , Banerjee Subhash , Thompson Craig A. , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To examine the success and complication rates in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTO) caused by in‐stent restenosis (ISR).

Background

PCI for in‐stent total occlusive disease has traditionally been associated with low success rates. We sought to examine angiographic and procedural outcomes of patients who underwent CTO PCI due to ISR using the novel “hybrid” algorithm, and compare them with patients with de novo CTOs.

Methods

We examined 521 consecutive patients who underwent CTO PCI at five high‐volume PCI centers in the United States using the “hybrid” approach. Clinical, angiographic, and procedural outcomes were compared between CTOs due to ISR and de novo CTOs.

Results

The target CTO was due to ISR in 57 of 521 patients (10.9%). Compared to patients with de novo CTOs, those with CTO due to ISR had higher frequency of diabetes (56.1% vs. 39.6%, P = 0.02) and less calcification (5.3% vs. 16.2%, P <0.001), but longer occlusion length [38 (29–55) vs. 30 (20–51), P = 0.04]. Technical success in the ISR and de novo group was 89.4% and 92.5% (P = 0.43), respectively; procedural success was 86.0% and 90.3% (P = 0.31), respectively; and the incidence of major adverse cardiac events was 3.5% and 2.2% (P = 0.63), respectively.

Conclusions

Use of the “hybrid” approach to CTO PCI was associated with similarly high procedural success and similarly low major complication rates in patients with de novo and ISR CTOs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the type II error in SIMCA method
Authors: Pomerantsev Alexey L. , Rodionova Oxana Ye.
Published: February 2014

A novel method for theoretical calculation of the type II (β) error in soft independent modeling by class analogy is proposed. It can be used to compare tentatively predicted and empirically observed results of classification. Such an approach can better characterize model quality and thus improve its validation. Method efficiency is demonstrated on the famous Fisher Iris dataset and on a real‐world example of quality control of packed raw materials in pharmaceutical industry. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of a tree‐structured hierarchical model for estimation of location and uncertainty in multivariate spatial data
Authors: Chen Liyuan , Brown Steven D.
Published: February 2014

Analysis and modeling of spatial data are of considerable interest in many applications. However, the prediction of geographical features from a set of chemical measurements on a set of geographically distinct samples has never been explored. We report a new, tree‐structured hierarchical model for the estimation of geographical location of spatially distributed samples from their chemical measurements. The tree‐structured hierarchical modeling used in this study involves a set of geographic regions stored in a hierarchical tree structure, with each nonterminal node representing a classifier and each terminal node representing a regression model. Once the tree‐structured model is constructed, given a sample with only chemical measurements available, the predicted regional location of the sample is gradually restricted as it is passed through a series of classification steps. The geographic location of the sample can be predicted using a regression model within the terminal subregion. We show that the tree‐structured modeling approach provides reasonable estimates of geographical region and geographic location for surface water samples taken across the entire USA. Further, the location uncertainty, an estimate of a probability that a test sample could be located within a pre‐estimated, joint prediction interval that is much smaller than the terminal subregion, can also be assessed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sitting Posture Makes a Difference—Embodiment Effects on Depressive Memory Bias
Authors: Michalak Johannes , Mischnat Judith , Teismann Tobias
Published: February 2014

Basic research has shown that the motoric system (i.e., motor actions or stable postures) can strongly affect emotional processes. The present study sought to investigate the effects of sitting posture on the tendency of depressed individuals to recall a higher proportion of negative self‐referent material. Thirty currently depressed inpatients either sat in a slumped (depressed) or in an upright (non‐depressed) posture while imagining a visual scene of themselves in connection with positive or depression related words presented to them on a computer screen. An incidental recall test of these words was conducted after a distraction task. Results of a mixed ANOVA showed a significant posture x word type interaction, with upright‐sitting patients showing unbiased recall of positive and negative words but slumped patients showing recall biased towards more negative words. The findings indicate that relatively minor changes in the motoric system can affect one of the best‐documented cognitive biases in depression. Practical implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Features of patients' motoric system (i.e., habitual movement patterns or body postures) might be relevant for individual case conceptualization.

Training patients to change habitual motoric patterns (e.g., dysfunctional posture or movement patterns) might attenuate negatively biased information processing in depressed patients.

Training patients in mindful body awareness might be useful because it fosters an intuitive understanding of the interplay of bodily and emotional processes.
A 5‐Gbps USB3.0 transmitter and receiver linear equalizer
Authors: Terzopoulos Nikolaos , Laoudias Costas , Plessas Fotis , Souliotis George , Koutsomitsos Sotiris , Birbas Michael
Published: February 2014

A USB3.0 compatible transmitter and the linear equalizer of the corresponding receiver are presented in this paper. The architecture and circuit design techniques used to meet the strict requirements of the overall link design are explored. Output voltage amplitude and de‐emphasis levels are programmable, whereas the output impedance is calibrated to 50Ω. A programmable receiver equalizer is also presented with its main purpose being to compensate for the channel losses; this is employed together with a DC offset compensation scheme. The 6.25‐GHz equalizer provides a 10 dB overall gain equalization and 5.5‐dB peaking at the maximum gain setting. Designed using a mature and well established 65 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor process, the layout area is 400 µm × 210 µm for the transmitter core, and 140 µm × 70 µm for the equalizer core. The power consumption is 55 and 4 mW, respectively, from a 1.2 V supply at a data rate of 5 Gbps. The target application for such high‐speed blocks is to implement the critical part of the physical layer that defines the signaling technology of SuperSpeed USB3 PHY. However, identical iterations of the circuitry discussed can be used for similar high‐speed applications like the PCI express (PCIe). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quantitative life history of endangered humpback chub that spawn in theLittleColoradoRiver: variation in movement, growth, and survival
Authors: Yackulic Charles B. , Yard Michael D. , Korman Josh , Van Haverbeke David R.
Published: February 2014

While the ecology and evolution of partial migratory systems (defined broadly to include skip spawning) have been well studied, we are only beginning to understand how partial migratory populations are responding to ongoing environmental change. Environmental change can lead to differences in the fitness of residents and migrants, which could eventually lead to changes in the frequency of the strategies in the overall population. Here, we address questions concerning the life history of the endangeredGila cypha(humpback chub) in the regulatedColoradoRiver and the unregulated tributary and primary spawning area, theLittleColoradoRiver. We develop eight multistate models for the population based on three movement hypotheses, in which states are defined in terms of fish size classes and river locations. We fit these models to mark–recapture data collected in 2009–2012. We compare survival and growth estimates between theColoradoRiver andLittleColoradoRiver and calculate abundances for all size classes. The best model supports the hypotheses that larger adults spawn more frequently than smaller adults, that there are residents in the spawning grounds, and that juveniles move out of the Little Colorado River in large numbers during the monsoon season (July–September). Monthly survival rates forG. cyphain theColoradoRiver are higher than in theLittleColoradoRiver in all size classes; however, growth is slower. While the hypothetical life histories of life‐long residents in theLittleColoradoRiver and partial migrants spending most of its time in theColoradoRiver are very different, they lead to roughly similar fitness expectations when we used expected number of spawns as a proxy. However, more research is needed because our study period covers a period of years when conditions in theColoradoRiver forG. cyphaare likely to have been better than has been typical over the last few decades.
How do climate and forest changes affect long‐term streamflow dynamics? A case study in the upper reach of Poyang River basin
Authors: Liu Wenfei , Wei Xiaohua , Liu Shirong , Liu Yuanqiu , Fan Houbao , Zhang Mingfang , Yin Jianmin , Zhan Mingjin
Published: February 2014

In forested watersheds, forest changes and climatic variability have been commonly recognized as two major drivers for streamflow variations. Previous research has separated their relative contributions but mainly focused on either deforestation and climate or reforestation and climate, but rarely with single studies on both. This study used the Meijiang watershed (6983·2 km2), situated in the upper reach of the Poyang Lake basin, as an example to quantify how climate and forest changes (both deforestation and reforestation) consecutively affect streamflow dynamics. Two methods, namely modified double‐mass curves and sensitivity‐based approach, were used in this study. Two breakpoints (years 1968 and 1985) with significant annual streamflow changes were detected, and together with the control period, they were then used to define three distinct periods: the control (1957–1967), deforestation (1968–1984) and reforestation (1985–2006) periods. Our results show that in the deforestation period, the average annual streamflow increment attributed to deforestation was 112·78 mm year−1, while the annual streamflow variation attributed to climate variability was −111·39 mm year−1. In the reforestation period, the average annual streamflow decrease caused by reforestation was −51·04 mm year−1, while the annual streamflow variation attributed to climate variability was 52·52 mm year−1. The sensitivity‐based approach also provided similar results. The positive and negative values in the streamflow changes suggest offsetting effects between forest changes and climate variability in both deforestation and reforestation periods. The similar magnitudes of streamflow changes demonstrate that the hydrological effects of forest changes can be as great as those caused by climate change. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defects in GABA metabolism affect selective autophagy pathways and are alleviated by mTOR inhibition
Authors: Lakhani Ronak , Vogel Kara R , Till Andreas , Liu Jingjing , Burnett Sarah F , Gibson K Michael , Subramani Suresh
Published: February 2014

In addition to key roles in embryonic neurogenesis and myelinogenesis, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) serves as the primary inhibitory mammalian neurotransmitter. In yeast, we have identified a new role for GABA that augments activity of the pivotal kinase, Tor1. GABA inhibits the selective autophagy pathways, mitophagy and pexophagy, through Sch9, the homolog of the mammalian kinase, S6K1, leading to oxidative stress, all of which can be mitigated by the Tor1 inhibitor, rapamycin. To confirm these processes in mammals, we examined the succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH)‐deficient mouse model that accumulates supraphysiological GABA in the central nervous system and other tissues. Mutant mice displayed increased mitochondrial numbers in the brain and liver, expected with a defect in mitophagy, and morphologically abnormal mitochondria. Administration of rapamycin to these mice reduced mTOR activity, reduced the elevated mitochondrial numbers, and normalized aberrant antioxidant levels. These results confirm a novel role for GABA in cell signaling and highlight potential pathomechanisms and treatments in various human pathologies, including SSADH deficiency, as well as other diseases characterized by elevated levels of GABA.