bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolating the Temperature Feedback Loop and Its Effects on Surface Temperature
Authors: Sejas Sergio A. , Cai Ming
Published: June 2016

Climate feedback processes are known to substantially amplify the surface warming response to an increase of greenhouse gases. When the forcing and feedbacks modify the temperature response they trigger temperature feedback loops that amplify the direct temperature changes due to the forcing and nontemperature feedbacks through the thermal–radiative coupling between the atmosphere and surface. This study introduces a new feedback-response analysis method that can isolate and quantify the effects of the temperature feedback loops of individual processes on surface temperature from their corresponding direct surface temperature responses.

The authors analyze a 1% yr−1 increase of CO2 simulation of the NCAR CCSM4 at the time of CO2 doubling to illustrate the new method. The Planck sensitivity parameter, which indicates colder regions experience stronger surface temperature responses given the same change in surface energy flux, is the inherent factor that leads to polar warming amplification (PWA). This effect explains the PWA in the Antarctic, while the direct temperature response to the albedo and cloud feedbacks further explains the greater PWA of the Arctic. Temperature feedback loops, particularly the one associated with the albedo feedback, further amplify the Arctic surface warming relative to the tropics. In the tropics, temperature feedback loops associated with the CO2 forcing and water vapor feedback cause most of the surface warming. Overall, the temperature feedback is responsible for most of the surface warming globally, accounting for nearly 76% of the global-mean surface warming. This is 3 times larger than the next largest warming contribution, indicating that the temperature feedback loop is the preeminent contributor to the surface warming.
Importance of Midlatitude Oceanic Frontal Zones for the Annular Mode Variability: Interbasin Differences in the Southern Annular Mode Signature
Authors: Ogawa Fumiaki , Nakamura Hisashi , Nishii Kazuaki , Miyasaka Takafumi , Kuwano-Yoshida Akira
Published: June 2016

A midlatitude oceanic frontal zone is a confluent region of warm and cool ocean currents, characterized by a strong meridional gradient in both sea surface temperature (SST) and surface air temperature (SAT). While recent observational and modeling studies indicate potential impacts of midlatitude oceanic fronts on the extratropical climatological circulation, including storm tracks and eddy-driven westerlies, their impacts on the atmospheric-dominant low-frequency variability (i.e., the annular mode) still remain to be understood. This study explores possible impacts of midlatitude oceanic frontal zones on annular mode signatures in the wintertime Southern Hemisphere (SH). To mimic the SH, sets of idealized aquaplanet experiments are conducted with zonally symmetric distributions of SST prescribed globally at the lower boundary of an atmospheric general circulation model. By systematically changing the latitude of frontal gradient in the SST profile, the experiments reveal that the characteristics of the wintertime annular mode exhibit strong sensitivity to the position of the SST front if situated at midlatitude or subpolar latitude. The annular mode may be interpreted as a manifestation of wobble of the extratropical tropospheric circulation between two “dynamical regimes”—one under the strong influence of SST gradient and the other under the strong control of atmospheric internal dynamics unrelated to the lower-boundary condition. In fact, this interpretation offers insight into the observed interbasin differences in the wintertime signature of the southern annular mode (SAM) that are embedded in the zonally symmetric anomalies. The findings suggest a possible reinterpretation of the climatological-mean state observed in the wintertime SH as the superposition of those two dynamical regimes.
Effect of azodicarbonamide on microstructure, cure kinetics and physical properties of natural rubber foam
Authors: Charoeythornkhajhornchai Pollawat , Samthong Chavakorn , Boonkerd Kanoktip , Somwangthanaroj Anongnat
Published: June 2016

The effect of azodicarbonamide as chemical blowing agent on the morphology, cure kinetics and physical properties of natural rubber foam is investigated. From the morphology, when the amount of chemical blowing agent increases from 3 to 4 phr, the bubble size in the rubber matrix slightly decreases due to the increase of vulcanization reaction rate from the presence of amine fragment species as by-products from the decomposition of azodicarbonamide. The coalescence between bubbles is observed in the specimen with 5 and 6 phr of azodicarbonamide owing to high gas content in the rubber matrix. Moreover, the scorch time slightly reduces and cure rate increases as a function of azodicarbonamide content. The autocatalytic model can be used to explain the curing reaction and mechanism of this natural rubber foam. Furthermore, the activation energy (Ea) directly relates to the bubble size and microvoid structure of natural rubber foam. When compared with the vulcanized natural rubber without adding chemical blowing agent, it is found that the bulk density of natural rubber foam significantly decreases and the volumetric expansion ratio of natural rubber foam increases at high content of chemical blowing agent. Moreover, natural rubber foam at 4 phr of azodicarbonamide exhibits the lowest thermal expansion coefficient due to the smallest bubble size with less coalescence.
Deep Learning and Developmental Learning: Emergence of Fine-to-Coarse Conceptual Categories at Layers of Deep Belief Network
Authors: Sadeghi Zahra
Published: June 2016

In this paper, I investigate conceptual categories derived from developmental processing in a deep neural network. The similarity matrices of deep representation at each layer of neural network are computed and compared with their raw representation. While the clusters generated by raw representation stand at the basic level of abstraction, conceptual categories obtained from deep representation shows a bottom-up transition procedure. Results demonstrate a developmental course of learning from specific to general level of abstraction through learned layers of representations in a deep belief network.
Molecular picture of cobalamin C/D defects before and after newborn screening era
Authors: Nogueira C , Marcão A , Rocha H , Sousa C , Fonseca H , Valongo C , Vilarinho L
Published: June 2016

Objective

Birth prevalence of Cobalamin (Cbl) C or D defects in Portugal is an estimated 1:85,000, one of the highest worldwide. We compared the genotype/phenotype of patients identified with CblC or CblD before and after the implementation of expanded newborn screening.

Methods

Twenty-five Portuguese CblC/D patients, 14 symptomatic and 11 identified through screening, were diagnosed using gas chromatography or tandem mass spectrometry. Molecular characterization was performed through the study of MMACHC and MMADHC genes.

Results

The most common MMACHC mutation, c.271dupA, was present in 100% of MMACHC alleles of all CblC screened patients, in contrast with the 61% identified before expanded newborn screening. All studied cases (except one, who presented a CblD deficiency) presented a CblC defect. More CblC late-onset patients were diagnosed before the introduction of newborn screening than in the post newborn screening era, probably because some early onset patients died without a definitive diagnosis.

Conclusion

The molecular data found in this cohort contribute to the improvement of screening and diagnosis of Cbl defects and would enable a confirmatory diagnosis of these patients, reducing the need for complex, costly, laborious, and time-consuming biochemical/enzymatic tests.
Exploring Approaches to the Generation and Representation of Heritage Artefacts in Video Game Contexts
Authors: Balela Majed S. , Mundy Darren
Published: June 2016

Video games can allow players to explore environments, which are representative of, or contain elements of physical world cultures, for example, allowing a player to explore ancient Egypt in Pharaoh (Impressions Games, 1999, Pharaoh [PC Game]. Sierra Entertainment) or present day Chicago in Watchdogs (Ubisoft Montreal, 2014, [PlayStation 4 game]. Guildford), etc. Game designers need to make design decisions regarding how these environments are going to be represented, including which items are going to be utilized, how they are going to be used in the game, and the level of detail to which they are going to be presented. These decisions can lead to concerns regarding how particular cultures are represented. This article describes research undertaken to investigate the design process with respect to the inclusion of physical world cultures in virtual game environments. Within the study approaches used (including processes and methods) by game designers in the stages of conceptualization, design and delivery are explored. In addition, these are contextualized through an understanding of designer attitudes towards the inclusion of items with cultural meaning and their perspectives on the importance of cultural representation within video games. This involved interviewing eight video game designers from global contexts within the industry, all with the experience of generating cultural items for inclusion in video game contexts. These interviews were structured with a focus on exploring views, experiences, beliefs and motivations of the individuals and of their working teams. Analysis was carried out through the use of a methodological process of analytical induction with the coding of particular variables within each interview transcript, and the transformation of the complete set of codings into a set of conceptual statements. This article relates these conceptual statements to earlier work regarding close readings of particular video games and discusses the relationship between design processes (facilitated through the interviews) and realized game worlds (facilitated through the close readings).
What is a picture worth? A primer for coding and interpreting photographic data
Authors: Chapman Mimi V , Wu Shiyou , Zhu Meihua
Published: June 2016

Society is becoming increasingly image based. As individuals regularly record moments both mundane and momentous, images potentially lose or gain power to communicate important information. Social work scholars have argued that social work should incorporate images into both interventions ( Chapman and Hall, 2016 ; Chapman et al., 2014 ) and research ( Marshal et al., 2009 ). A recent review provides an overview of visual methodologies in social work ( Clark and Morriss, 2015 ). The most popular means of doing this has been through the incorporation of Photovoice ( Wang and Burris, 1997 ) into the social work research repertoire. Yet, in Photovoice, although images are central, text remains the unit of analysis. This paper aims to augment the existing literature in social work by focusing on ways in which images can be data in and of themselves and how image-based data interact with text-based data. We will begin with ethical considerations, proceed to step-by-step instructions for coding and analyzing image-based data in ATLAS.ti, and finally discuss interpretation. A case example drawing on a visually based project originally conducted with in-country Chinese migrant mothers will illustrate the outlined methods.
Precipitation of manganese oxides on the surface of construction materials in the Khmer temples, Cambodia
Authors: Uchida Etsuo , Watanabe Ryota , Osawa Satomi
Published: June 2016

Background

In addition to the blackening caused by blue-green algae growth, other black areas on the surface of construction materials (e.g., sandstone, laterite and bricks) are frequently observed in the Khmer temples in Cambodia. A non-destructive on-site investigation was carried out using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer (pXRF). In addition, samples were taken from the buildings and were analyzed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and were observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope.

Results and conclusions

A non-destructive investigation using the pXRF revealed that this blackening was caused by manganese oxide precipitates. The precipitates contained small amounts of Ni, V, Zn, Y, K, Cl, S, Pb, and Cr. The XRD analysis indicated that the manganese oxides were mainly present as an amorphous phase, but some formed birnessite and todorokite. The manganese precipitates were mostly in a hexagonal plate form (100–300 nm), but some were in a rod-shape, which may have been caused by the activity of manganese oxidizing microbes. Preliminary experiments on removal of manganese oxide precipitates were conducted. The manganese oxide precipitates could be easily removed using a reducing agent such as an oxalic acid solution.
Biomimetic microenvironments for regenerative endodontics
Authors: Kaushik Sagar N. , Kim Bogeun , Walma Alexander M. Cruz , Choi Sung Chul , Wu Hui , Mao Jeremy J. , Jun Ho-Wook , Cheon Kyounga
Published: June 2016

Regenerative endodontics has been proposed to replace damaged and underdeveloped tooth structures with normal pulp-dentin tissue by providing a natural extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking environment; stem cells, signaling molecules, and scaffolds. In addition, clinical success of the regenerative endodontic treatments can be evidenced by absence of signs and symptoms; no bony pathology, a disinfected pulp, and the maturation of root dentin in length and thickness. In spite of the various approaches of regenerative endodontics, there are several major challenges that remain to be improved: a) the endodontic root canal is a strong harbor of the endodontic bacterial biofilm and the fundamental etiologic factors of recurrent endodontic diseases, (b) tooth discolorations are caused by antibiotics and filling materials, (c) cervical root fractures are caused by endodontic medicaments, (d) pulp tissue is not vascularized nor innervated, and (e) the dentin matrix is not developed with adequate root thickness and length. Generally, current clinical protocols and recent studies have shown a limited success of the pulp-dentin tissue regeneration. Throughout the various approaches, the construction of biomimetic microenvironments of pulp-dentin tissue is a key concept of the tissue engineering based regenerative endodontics. The biomimetic microenvironments are composed of a synthetic nano-scaled polymeric fiber structure that mimics native pulp ECM and functions as a scaffold of the pulp-dentin tissue complex. They will provide a framework of the pulp ECM, can deliver selective bioactive molecules, and may recruit pluripotent stem cells from the vicinity of the pulp apex. The polymeric nanofibers are produced by methods of self-assembly, electrospinning, and phase separation. In order to be applied to biomedical use, the polymeric nanofibers require biocompatibility, stability, and biodegradability. Therefore, this review focuses on the development and application of the biomimetic microenvironments of pulp-dentin tissue among the current regenerative endodontics.
Cognitive Difficulty and Format of Exams Predicts Gender and Socioeconomic Gaps in Exam Performance of Students in Introductory Biology Courses
Authors: Wright Christian D. , Eddy Sarah L. , Wenderoth Mary Pat , Abshire Elizabeth , Blankenbiller Margaret , Brownell Sara E.
Published: June 2016

Recent reform efforts in undergraduate biology have recommended transforming course exams to test at more cognitively challenging levels, which may mean including more cognitively challenging and more constructed-response questions on assessments. However, changing the characteristics of exams could result in bias against historically underserved groups. In this study, we examined whether and to what extent the characteristics of instructor-generated tests impact the exam performance of male and female and middle/high- and low-socioeconomic status (SES) students enrolled in introductory biology courses. We collected exam scores for 4810 students from 87 unique exams taken across 3 yr of the introductory biology series at a large research university. We determined the median Bloom’s level and the percentage of constructed-response questions for each exam. Despite controlling for prior academic ability in our models, we found that males and middle/high-SES students were disproportionately favored as the Bloom’s level of exams increased. Additionally, middle/high-SES students were favored as the proportion of constructed-response questions on exams increased. Given that we controlled for prior academic ability, our findings do not likely reflect differences in academic ability level. We discuss possible explanations for our findings and how they might impact how we assess our students.
On seismic deghosting using Green’s theorem
Authors: Amundsen Lasse , Reitan Arne , Weglein Arthur B. , Ursin Bjørn
Published: June 2016

We have examined theoretically how receiver-side deghosting of pressure measurements can be derived from the Green’s theorem method. We split the Green’s function that obeys Dirichlet boundary conditions on the sea surface and at the receiver plane into two contributions: the first emitting energy downward only from its source location and the other emitting energy only upward. Using the normal derivative of the source-side downgoing Green’s function in the Green’s theorem evaluation over the receiver plane, the upgoing part of the pressure field is predicted. This is the receiver-side deghosted field. By inserting the source-side upgoing normal derivative Green’s function in Green’s theorem, its evaluation over the receiver plane predicts the downgoing part of the pressure field. For a plane horizontal receiver surface, the required Green’s function can be derived using the image series expansion method. To display the fundamental frequencies of this Green’s function, we have applied a Fourier series expansion of the Green’s function. Our theory gives a new understanding of and generalizes and simplifies previously published theories on Green’s theorem-based receiver-side deghosting of pressure wavefields.
Polarized wavefield magnitudes with optical flow for elastic angle-domain common-image gathers
Authors: Gong Ting , Nguyen Bao D. , McMechan George A.
Published: June 2016

We have developed a polarized wavefield magnitude (PWM) approach to determine the polarity of an elastic vector wavefield magnitude, for elastic prestack reverse time migration imaging and common-image gather generation. Explicit decomposition of the coupled elastic wavefield into separate P-waves and converted S-waves is performed by using decoupled elastodynamic wavefield propagation. Stable source and receiver wavefield propagation angles are determined by an optical flow method for elastic media. The sign ambiguity in the propagation directions for incident P- and reflected P- and S-wavefield vector magnitudes is resolved by establishing a relation between the propagation and particle velocity vectors. From the computed propagation angles, PP- and PS-wavefields are imaged using source-normalized crosscorrelation followed by sorting into common-image gathers. Modeling of amplitude variations with angle (AVA) from single-shot migrations and from elastic angle-domain common-image gathers demonstrates that the amplitude fidelity is maintained. Mode-converted PS reflectivities also give an independent set of accurate AVA information. Numerical results for the elastic Marmousi2 model confirm PWM as a physically valid and robust method for elastic wavefield imaging in arbitrarily complicated media.
Adiabatic pulses enhance surface nuclear magnetic resonance measurement and survey speed for groundwater investigations
Authors: Grunewald Elliot , Grombacher Denys , Walsh David
Published: June 2016

Surface nuclear magnetic resonance (surface NMR) is an extremely powerful tool for groundwater resource investigations. However, the technique suffers from an inherently low signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), which commonly necessitates extensive signal averaging, resulting in very long measurement times. Previous approaches to improve S/N and measurement efficiency have focused primarily on reducing noise, through hardware and processing advancements. We introduce a new and divergent approach to actually increase the signal amplitude by modifying the form of the transmitted pulse used to excite the groundwater signals. An on-resonance pulse, the only form of excitation pulse previously used in surface NMR, has a fixed frequency and induces coherent excitation over a narrow range of transmit field strengths. Given spatially inhomogeneous fields underlying the surface coil, an on-resonance pulse excites water, a limited volume of water, producing a similarly limited signal amplitude. An adiabatic pulse, one of many pulse forms used for medical imaging and chemical spectroscopy, modulates pulse frequency and provides excitation over a much larger range of transmit field amplitudes. Numerical simulations of surface NMR with adiabatic pulses demonstrate almost a factor of three improvement in the peak signal amplitude compared to an on-resonance pulse. Simulations also show that a single measurement using an adiabatic pulse with high transmit current provides sensitivity to water over a wide range of depth. In contrast, multiple on-resonance measurements using a range of transmit currents are required to span sensitivity over a similar range of depths. Numerical simulation results are validated by the first field experiments comparing on-resonance and adiabatic pulses. We have considered how improvements in S/N can be used for dramatically improved measurement speed and how other advantages of adiabatic pulses may more generally be used to enhance surface NMR measurements.
Analysis of up/down decomposed acoustic reverse time migration images
Authors: Wang Wenlong , McMechan George A. , Xie Fei
Published: June 2016

With the up/down separation of propagating wavefields using complex traces, (forward time extrapolated) source and (reverse time extrapolated) receiver wavefields are decomposed into up- and downgoing parts in acoustic reverse time migration (RTM). Together with the crosscorrelation imaging condition, four images (down-up, up-down, up-up, and down-down) are generated, which facilitate the analysis of artifacts and the imaging ability of the four images. Artifacts may exist in all of the decomposed images, but their positions and types are different. We have explained and illustrated the causes of artifacts in different images with sketches and numerical tests. The up-down image better images subsalt turned waves than does the down-up image; thus, decomposed images have advantages over a single composite image for target interpretation.
A new parameterization for waveform inversion in acoustic orthorhombic media
Authors: Masmoudi Nabil , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: June 2016

Orthorhombic anisotropic model inversion is extra challenging because of the multiple parameter nature of the inversion problem. The high number of parameters required to describe the medium exerts considerable trade-off and additional nonlinearity to a full-waveform inversion (FWI) application. Choosing a suitable set of parameters to describe the model and designing an effective inversion strategy can help in mitigating this problem. Using the Born approximation, which is the central ingredient of the FWI update process, we have derived radiation patterns for the different acoustic orthorhombic parameterizations. Analyzing the angular dependence of scattering (radiation patterns) of the parameters of different parameterizations starting with the often used Thomsen-Tsvankin parameterization, we have assessed the potential trade-off between the parameters and the resolution in describing the data and inverting for the parameters. The analysis led us to introduce new parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], which have azimuthally dependent radiation patterns, but keep the scattering potential of the transversely isotropic parameters stationary with azimuth (azimuth independent). The novel parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] are dimensionless and represent a measure of deviation between the vertical planes in orthorhombic anisotropy. Therefore, these deviation parameters offer a new parameterization style for an acoustic orthorhombic medium described by six parameters: three vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) parameters, two deviation parameters, and one parameter describing the anisotropy in the horizontal symmetry plane. The main feature of any parameterization based on the deviation parameters, is the azimuthal independency of the modeled data with respect to the VTI parameters, which allowed us to propose practical inversion strategies based on our experience with the VTI parameters. This feature of the new parameterization style holds for even the long-wavelength components of the model constrained by traveltimes.
Clock Gene Bmal1 Modulates Human Cartilage Gene Expression by Crosstalk With Sirt1
Authors: Yang Wei , Kang Xiaomin , Liu Jiali , Li Huixia , Ma Zhengmin , Jin Xinxin , Qian Zhuang , Xie Tianping , Qin Na , Feng Dongxu , Pan Wenjie , Chen Qian , Sun Hongzhi , Wu Shufang
Published: June 2016

The critical regulation of the peripheral circadian gene implicated in osteoarthritis (OA) has been recently recognized; however, the causative role and clinical potential of the peripheral circadian rhythm attributable to such effects remain elusive. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of a circadian gene Bmal1 in human cartilage and pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. In our present study, the mRNA and protein levels of circadian rhythm genes, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase (NAD+) and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), in human knee articular cartilage were determined. In OA cartilage, the levels of both Bmal1 and NAD+ decreased significantly, which resulted in the inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase activity and Sirt1 expression. Furthermore, the knockdown of Bmal1 was sufficient to decrease the level of NAD+ and aggravate OA-like gene expression changes under the stimulation of IL-1β. The overexpression of Bmal1 relieved the alteration induced by IL-1β, which was consistent with the effect of the inhibition of Rev-Erbα (known as NR1D1, nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group D). On the other hand, the transfection of Sirt1 small interfering RNA not only resulted in a reduction of the protein expression of Bmal1 and a moderate increase of period 2 (per2) and Rev-Erbα but also further exacerbated the survival of cells and the expression of cartilage matrix-degrading enzymes induced by IL-1β. Overexpression of Sirt1 restored the metabolic imbalance of chondrocytes caused by IL-1β. These observations suggest that Bmal1 is a key clock gene to involve in cartilage homeostasis mediated through sirt1 and that manipulating circadian rhythm gene expression implicates an innovative strategy to develop novel therapeutic agents against cartilage diseases.
Calibration of Contactless Pulse Oximetry
Authors: Verkruysse Wim , Bartula Marek , Bresch Erik , Rocque Mukul , Meftah Mohammed , Kirenko Ihor
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND:

Contactless, camera-based photoplethysmography (PPG) interrogates shallower skin layers than conventional contact probes, either transmissive or reflective. This raises questions on the calibratability of camera-based pulse oximetry.

METHODS:

We made video recordings of the foreheads of 41 healthy adults at 660 and 840 nm, and remote PPG signals were extracted. Subjects were in normoxic, hypoxic, and low temperature conditions. Ratio-of-ratios were compared to reference Spo
2 from 4 contact probes.

RESULTS:

A calibration curve based on artifact-free data was determined for a population of 26 individuals. For an Spo
2 range of approximately 83% to 100% and discarding short-term errors, a root mean square error of 1.15% was found with an upper 99% one-sided confidence limit of 1.65%. Under normoxic conditions, a decrease in ambient temperature from 23 to 7°C resulted in a calibration error of 0.1% (±1.3%, 99% confidence interval) based on measurements for 3 subjects. PPG signal strengths varied strongly among individuals from about 0.9 × 10−3 to 4.6 × 10−3 for the infrared wavelength.

CONCLUSIONS:

For healthy adults, the results present strong evidence that camera-based contactless pulse oximetry is fundamentally feasible because long-term (eg, 10 minutes) error stemming from variation among individuals expressed as A*rms is significantly lower (<1.65%) than that required by the International Organization for Standardization standard (<4%) with the notion that short-term errors should be added. A first illustration of such errors has been provided with A**rms = 2.54% for 40 individuals, including 6 with dark skin. Low signal strength and subject motion present critical challenges that will have to be addressed to make camera-based pulse oximetry practically feasible.
Reading the Memoirs: Some Notes on Turkish Soldiers' Political Thoughts
Authors: Sahin Hakan
Published: June 2016

The military's attitude toward the political realm is problematic in Turkey. While, on the one hand, it accepts the notion of civilian control, on the other hand, it has sometimes exercised tutelary functions or overtly intervened in politics. This essay argues that political thoughts of soldiers have an explanatory power in understanding this dilemma. It examines a set of more than 150 life narratives written by soldiers. Memoirs, autobiographies, and journals are relatively convenient means through which to explain one's personal thoughts. An elaboration on those texts suggests that soldiers have an ambivalent perception of the political realm, and this serves as a basis for the legitimization of their political actions. The implicit idea that they are the ultimate guardians of the country is embedded in the fact that they are respectful of democracy and are in favor of civilian control in their discourses.
A New Deal for the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Ploumis Michail , Pilalis Labros E.
Published: June 2016

Five years after the Arab uprisings in 2011, countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) had difficulties finding their pathway to sustainable economic and political change. Arab oil-producing countries suffered from decreasing oil prices while the Arab non-oil-producing states struggled to provide better living conditions to their populations. Meanwhile, the war in Syria continued, the Islamic State (ISIS) was extending its efforts to establish a caliphate, and a massive influx of refugees was reaching Central Europe seeking asylum. In this context, it is imperative for Arab countries to establish substantial economic reforms in parallel with political change to enable their populations to remain in their homelands. The international community should support the MENA countries by introducing a “New Deal” to help lead to sustainable development and political change.
Initial Single-Center Technical Experience With the BrainPath System for Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation
Authors: Bauer Andrew M. , Rasmussen Peter A. , Bain Mark D.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: Surgical intervention has been proposed as a means of reducing the high morbidity and mortality associated with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but many previously reported studies have failed to show a clinically significant benefit. Newer, minimally invasive approaches have shown some promise.

OBJECTIVE: We report our early single-center technical experience with minimally invasive clot evacuation using the BrainPath system.

METHODS: Prospective data were collected on patients who underwent ICH evacuation with BrainPath at the Cleveland Clinic from August 2013 to May 2015.

RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent BrainPath evacuation of ICH at our center. Mean ICH volume was 52.7 mL ± 22.9 mL, which decreased to 2.2 mL ± 3.6 mL postevacuation, resulting in a mean volume reduction of 95.7% ± 5.8% (range 0-14 mL, P < .001). In 65% of patients, a bleeding source was identified and treated. There were no hemorrhagic recurrences during the hospital stay. In this cohort, only 1 patient (5.6%) died in the first 30 days of follow-up. Median Glasgow Coma Score improved from 10 (interquartile range 5.75-12) preoperation to 14 (interquartile range 9-14.25) postoperation. Clinical follow-up in this cohort is ongoing.

CONCLUSION: Evacuation of ICH using the BrainPath system is safe and technically effective. The volume of clot removed compares favorably with other published studies. Early improved clinical outcomes are suggested by improvement in Glasgow Coma Score and reduced 30-day mortality. Ongoing analysis is necessary to elucidate long-term clinical outcomes and the subsets of patients who are most likely to benefit from surgery.
Organelle size control – increasing vacuole content activates SNAREs to augment organelle volume through homotypic fusion
Authors: Desfougères Yann , Neumann Heinz , Mayer Andreas
Published: June 2016

Cells control the size of their compartments relative to cell volume, but there is also size control within each organelle. Yeast vacuoles neither burst nor do they collapse into a ruffled morphology, indicating that the volume of the organellar envelope is adjusted to the amount of content. It is poorly understood how this adjustment is achieved. We show that the accumulating content of yeast vacuoles activates fusion of other vacuoles, thus increasing the volume-to-surface ratio. Synthesis of the dominant compound stored inside vacuoles, polyphosphate, stimulates binding of the chaperone Sec18/NSF to vacuolar SNAREs, which activates them and triggers fusion. SNAREs can only be activated by lumenal, not cytosolic, polyphosphate (polyP). Control of lumenal polyP over SNARE activation in the cytosol requires the cytosolic cyclin-dependent kinase Pho80–Pho85 and the R-SNARE Nyv1. These results suggest that cells can adapt the volume of vacuoles to their content through feedback from the vacuole lumen to the SNAREs on the cytosolic surface of the organelle.
Evolutionary escalation: the bat–moth arms race
Authors: ter Hofstede Hannah M. , Ratcliffe John M.
Published: June 2016

Echolocation in bats and high-frequency hearing in their insect prey make bats and insects an ideal system for studying the sensory ecology and neuroethology of predator–prey interactions. Here, we review the evolutionary history of bats and eared insects, focusing on the insect order Lepidoptera, and consider the evidence for antipredator adaptations and predator counter-adaptations. Ears evolved in a remarkable number of body locations across insects, with the original selection pressure for ears differing between groups. Although cause and effect are difficult to determine, correlations between hearing and life history strategies in moths provide evidence for how these two variables influence each other. We consider life history variables such as size, sex, circadian and seasonal activity patterns, geographic range and the composition of sympatric bat communities. We also review hypotheses on the neural basis for anti-predator behaviours (such as evasive flight and sound production) in moths. It is assumed that these prey adaptations would select for counter-adaptations in predatory bats. We suggest two levels of support for classifying bat traits as counter-adaptations: traits that allow bats to eat more eared prey than expected based on their availability in the environment provide a low level of support for counter-adaptations, whereas traits that have no other plausible explanation for their origination and maintenance than capturing defended prey constitute a high level of support. Specific predator counter-adaptations include calling at frequencies outside the sensitivity range of most eared prey, changing the pattern and frequency of echolocation calls during prey pursuit, and quiet, or ‘stealth’, echolocation.
Self-assembled Structure of Polyrotaxane Consisting of β-Cyclodextrin and Poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) Triblock Copolymer in Bulk System
Authors: Uenuma Shuntaro , Maeda Rina , Takahashi Shoko , Kato Kazuaki , Yokoyama Hideaki , Ito Kohzo
Published: June 2016

Polyrotaxanes consisting of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) triblock copolymer end-capped with bulky trityl groups were synthesized for the first time. Self-assembled structures of the bulk sample cast from water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) based on the crystal structure of β-CD molecules and triblock copolymer microphase separation were investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). It was found that microphase-separated structures of a different periodic distance were formed depending on the casting solvent.
The Demand for Energy-Using Assets among the World's Rising Middle Classes
Authors: Gertler Paul J. , Shelef Orie , Wolfram Catherine D. , Fuchs Alan
Published: June 2016

We study household decisions to acquire energy-using assets in the presence of rising incomes. We develop a theoretical framework to characterize the effect of income growth on asset purchases when consumers face credit constraints. We use large and plausibly exogenous shocks to household income generated by the conditional-cash-transfer program in Mexico, Oportunidades, to show that asset acquisition is nonlinear, depends, as predicted in the presence of credit constraints, on the pace of income growth, and both effects are economically large among beneficiaries. Our results may help explain important worldwide trends in the relationship between energy use and income growth. (JEL D12, I32, I38, O12, O13, Q47)
Do Schools Matter for High Math Achievement? Evidence from the American Mathematics Competitions
Authors: Ellison Glenn , Swanson Ashley
Published: June 2016

This paper uses data from the American Mathematics Competitions to examine the rates at which different high schools produce high-achieving math students. There are large differences in the frequency with which students from seemingly similar schools reach high achievement levels. The distribution of unexplained school effects includes a thick tail of schools that produce many more high-achieving students than is typical. Several additional analyses suggest that the differences are not primarily due to unobserved differences in student characteristics. The differences are persistent across time, suggesting that differences in the effectiveness of educational programs are not primarily due to direct peer effects. (JEL H75, I21, I24, I28, R23)
Technological Innovations, Downside Risk, and the Modernization of Agriculture
Authors: Emerick Kyle , de Janvry Alain , Sadoulet Elisabeth , Dar Manzoor H.
Published: June 2016

We use a randomized experiment in India to show that improved technology enhances agricultural productivity by crowding in modern inputs and cultivation practices. Specifically, we show that a new rice variety that reduces downside risk by providing flood tolerance has positive effects on adoption of a more labor-intensive planting method, area cultivated, fertilizer usage, and credit utilization. We find that a large share of the expected gains from the technology comes from crowding in of other investments. Therefore, improved technologies that reduce risk by protecting production in bad years have the potential to increase agricultural productivity in normal years. (JEL O13, O33, Q14, Q15, Q16)
Data-directed RNA secondary structure prediction using probabilistic modeling
Authors: Deng Fei , Ledda Mirko , Vaziri Sana , Aviran Sharon
Published: June 2016

Structure dictates the function of many RNAs, but secondary RNA structure analysis is either labor intensive and costly or relies on computational predictions that are often inaccurate. These limitations are alleviated by integration of structure probing data into prediction algorithms. However, existing algorithms are optimized for a specific type of probing data. Recently, new chemistries combined with advances in sequencing have facilitated structure probing at unprecedented scale and sensitivity. These novel technologies and anticipated wealth of data highlight a need for algorithms that readily accommodate more complex and diverse input sources. We implemented and investigated a recently outlined probabilistic framework for RNA secondary structure prediction and extended it to accommodate further refinement of structural information. This framework utilizes direct likelihood-based calculations of pseudo-energy terms per considered structural context and can readily accommodate diverse data types and complex data dependencies. We use real data in conjunction with simulations to evaluate performances of several implementations and to show that proper integration of structural contexts can lead to improvements. Our tests also reveal discrepancies between real data and simulations, which we show can be alleviated by refined modeling. We then propose statistical preprocessing approaches to standardize data interpretation and integration into such a generic framework. We further systematically quantify the information content of data subsets, demonstrating that high reactivities are major drivers of SHAPE-directed predictions and that better understanding of less informative reactivities is key to further improvements. Finally, we provide evidence for the adaptive capability of our framework using mock probe simulations.
Towards understanding the molecular mechanism of cardiolipin transport in Salmonella typhimurium: interactions between an essential inner membrane protein YejM and its newly found ligand, YejL
Authors: Gabale Uma , Qian Gene , Roach Elaina , Ressl Susanne
Published: June 2016

Salmonella typhimurium is responsible for over 35% of all foodborne illness related hospitalizations in the United States. This Gram-negative bacterium possesses an inner and an outer membrane (OM), the latter allowing its survival and replication within host tissues. During infection, OM is remodeled by transport of glycerophospholipids across the periplasm and into the OM. Increased levels of cardiolipin in the OM were observed upon PhoPQ activation and led to the discovery of YejM; an inner membrane protein essential for cell growth involved in cardiolipin binding and transport to the OM. Another protein that might be playing a role in cardiolipin transport is YejL, as its gene is localized upstream of yejm on the same operon. Here we report how YejM was engineered to facilitate crystal growth and X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, we present for the first time that YejL is a ligand for YejM. Successful structure determination of YejM and YejL will help us understand how they interact and how YejM facilitates cardiolipin transport to the OM. Ultimately, yejm, being an essential gene, may lead to new drug targets inhibiting the pathogenic properties of S. typhimurium.
Tax Rates Impact on GDP in Poland
Authors: Krajewski Piotr
Published: June 2016

In the article tax rates impact on GDP in Poland is analyzed. The analysis is based on dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model (DSGE model). Impulse-response analysis shows that the increase in income tax rate causes the decrease in capital, labour and production. Moreover, capital is partially replaced by consumption, because households minimize consumption fluctuations. The comparison of the effects of increasing taxation of the capital and labour shows that the impact on economy is stronger in case of wage taxes. Consumption taxes, by negative wealth effect, decrease after-tax consumption and capital, but on the other hand, increase labour and production. The direction of impact of consumption taxes on production is in this case opposite than in demand models.
GDP Fluctuation and Changes in Consumption and Investment. Comparative Analysis of Polish Economy and Some Countries of the European Union
Authors: Rydarowska-Kurzbauer Joanna
Published: June 2016

The turn of the century was full of dynamic and multi-dimensional changes in the global economy. The most spectacular phenomena may include financial crises. They exerted influence not only on the economy, in which they appeared, but as a result of deepening of globalization, spread "infecting" others. The purpose of this article was an attempt to find similarities in the dynamics of changes in production and global demand that characterized the economy of the selected European Union countries. The starting point was to show the dynamics of gross domestic product (GDP) in selected countries and to find similarities between them. In the next section attention was focused on the changes in the two components of aggregate demand: consumption and investment, particularly on their correlation with the rate of change of GDP. For analysis and comparisons the following economies were selected: the economy of the European Union (represented by the euro zone) and the economy of Central and Eastern Europe.
The Ratio Analysis of Financial Balance and Bankruptcy Risk of the Silesian Companies in Time of the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Błach Joanna , Wieczorek-Kosmala Monika
Published: June 2016

The financial crisis undoubtedly exerted much pressure on the companies operating inPoland. Thus, it is important to undertake researches that reveal the paths and strength of financial crisis transmission with regard to the business entities. This paper presents partial results of the research dedicated to the analysis of the impact of financial crisis on the financial situation of companies operating in the Silesian Voivodship. It analyzes and discusses the general changes of the two sets of financial ratios that inform about the general financial condition of the business: the financial balance and the level of bankruptcy risk. Scientific aim: The paper aims at analyzing the changes of the financial situation and bankruptcy risk of a population of Silesian companies with regard to the improvement or deterioration. In particular, it aims at reflecting the differences visible with the application of aggregated data characterizing the population of Silesian companies as compared to the population of all companies operating inPoland. Methodology: The study is based the application of a part of authors’ self-developed method – the CFS Watch, which consists of five analytical modules. In the study, two modules are applied: the GPA Module (General Performance Assessment) with regard to financial balance and the MDA Module (Multidiscriminant Analysis) with regard to the bankruptcy risk. Grounded on the theory of financial analysis and its application for corporate finance purposes, the modules are based on the selected financial ratios that are a subject for further comparison regarding their height and dynamics of changes. The analytical modules are applied for aggregated data provided by the Polish Central Statistical Office.
Overview of the Situation on Photovoltaic Market in Selected Eastern European States after World Crisis in 2011
Authors: Pavlicek Michal
Published: June 2016

This article researches the situation on the photovoltaic markets in Slovakia, Romania and Hungary. It is focused on market analysis and prediction together with specific conditions on each market. An upward trend on photovoltaic markets is expected due to the favourable conditions given by the national governments and the European Union. However, state legislation harms competitive environment. There are no big differences between customers’ preferences in product features.
Challenges for Economic Policy In Era of Economic Integration and Globalization
Authors: Skubiak Beata
Published: June 2016

In this article an attempt was made to answer the question of why economic policy must not only perceive the process of globalization and integration, but should also be led in a way which would exploit the opportunities created for the Polish economy by globalization and economic integration. This particularly applies to developing a long-term strategy for socio-economic growth, and implementation of structural policy, which is financed by the European Union.