bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of low clouds in the Southeast Pacific by the NCEP GFS: sensitivity to vertical mixing
Authors: Sun R. , Moorthi S. , Xiao H. , Mechoso C. R.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The NCEP Global Forecast System (GFS) model has an important systematic error shared by many other models: stratocumuli are missed over the subtropical eastern oceans. It is shown that this error can be alleviated in the GFS by introducing a consideration of the low-level inversion and making two modifications in the model's representation of vertical mixing. The modifications consist of (a) the elimination of background vertical diffusion above the inversion and (b) the incorporation of a stability parameter based on the cloud-top entrainment instability (CTEI) criterion, which limits the strength of shallow convective mixing across the inversion. A control simulation and three experiments are performed in order to examine both the individual and combined effects of modifications on the generation of the stratocumulus clouds. Individually, both modifications result in enhanced cloudiness in the Southeast Pacific (SEP) region, although the cloudiness is still low compared to the ISCCP climatology. If the modifications are applied together, however, the total cloudiness produced in the southeast Pacific has realistic values. This nonlinearity arises as the effects of both modifications reinforce each other in reducing the leakage of moisture across the inversion. Increased moisture trapped below the inversion than in the control run without modifications leads to an increase in cloud amount and cloud-top radiative cooling. Then a positive feedback due to enhanced turbulent mixing in the planetary boundary layer by cloud-top radiative cooling leads to and maintains the stratocumulus cover. Although the amount of total cloudiness obtained with both modifications has realistic values, the relative contributions of low, middle, and high layers tend to differ from the observations. These results demonstrate that it is possible to simulate realistic marine boundary clouds in large-scale models by implementing direct and physically based improvements in the model parameterizations.
The Fire INventory from NCAR (FINN) – a high resolution global model to estimate the emissions from open burning
Authors: Wiedinmyer C. , Akagi S. K. , Yokelson R. J. , Emmons L. K. , Al-Saadi J. A. , Orlando J. J. , Soja A. J.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The Fire INventory from NCAR version 1.0 (FINNv1) provides daily, 1 km resolution, global estimates of the trace gas and particle emissions from open burning of biomass, which includes wildfire, agricultural fires, and prescribed burning and does not include biofuel use and trash burning. Emission factors used in the calculations have been updated with recent data, particularly for the non-methane organic compounds (NMOC). The resulting global annual NMOC emission estimates are as much as a factor of 5 greater than some prior estimates. Chemical speciation profiles, necessary to allocate the total NMOC emission estimates to lumped species for use by chemical transport models, are provided for three widely used chemical mechanisms: SAPRC99, GEOS-CHEM, and MOZART-4. Using these profiles, FINNv1 also provides global estimates of key organic compounds, including formaldehyde and methanol. The uncertainty in the FINNv1 emission estimates are about a factor of two; but, the estimates agree closely with other global inventories of biomass burning emissions for CO, CO2, and other species with less variable emission factors. FINNv1 emission estimates have been developed specifically for modeling atmospheric chemistry and air quality in a consistent framework at scales from local to global. The product is unique because of the high temporal and spatial resolution, global coverage, and the number of species estimated. FINNv1 can be used for both hindcast and forecast or near-real time model applications and the results are being critically evaluated with models and observations whenever possible.
To debrief or not to debrief our heroes: that is the question
Authors: Hawker Debbie M. , Durkin John , Hawker David S. J.
Published: December 2010

Psychological debriefing was developed in the 1980s as an approach for use with people whose work exposes them to stressful incidents. It aims to help them to process the thoughts and emotions arising from their work. Subsequently, several randomized controlled trials tested truncated forms of debriefing in a different population: primary victims of unexpected trauma. These trials, and particularly two in which debriefing appeared to be harmful, led two major reviews to warn practitioners not to offer debriefing. Consequently, many organizations have stopped providing debriefing to employees who face trauma in their routine work. This paper argues that there are at least three reasons for the apparent failure of ‘debriefing’ in the two studies that reported adverse effects. First, the ‘debriefing’ did not follow protocol in terms of timing, length, and training and independence of the debriefer. Second, the patients who were ‘debriefed’ reported more severe initial symptoms than those who were not. Third, ‘debriefing’ was used with individuals for whom it was not originally intended. Psychological debriefing is intended to be used with groups of people who have been briefed together before going on to work together in stressful situations. Such groups have reported that they find psychological debriefing helpful, and research is emerging indicating that appropriate debriefing may indeed benefit these groups. We call for reviewers to recognize the limitations of debriefing research and not to overgeneralize their conclusions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

• Warnings about the dangers of psychological debriefing are based on studies using an intervention that is very different from that used for disaster workers and military personnel.

• Evidence relating to primary victims of trauma has been overgeneralized to secondary victims.

• Psychological debriefing may harm if it is too short, too probing, conducted too soon or delivered by debriefers with insufficient training or experience.

• Research is urgently needed on appropriate debriefing for occupational groups briefed to work in stressful situations.
Preparation of copper germanate nanowires with good electrochemical sensing properties
Authors: Pei L. Z. , Wang J. F. , Yang L. J. , Dong Y. P. , Wang S. B. , Fan C. G. , Hu J. L. , Zhang Q. F.
Published: December 2010

Ternary copper germanate nanowires have been synthesized by the hydrothermal deposition route in an autoclave using germanium dioxide and copper oxide powders as the starting materials as well as the copper germanate nanowires have been investigated for cysteine sensing characteristics. The nanowires with the length of several dozens of micrometers are mainly composed of single crystalline orthorhombic CuGeO3, which are supported by X‐ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectrum. Room temperature photoluminescence spectrum exhibits strong green light emission ability at 535.4 nm with a broad emission band. The copper germanate nanowires may be controlled grown by controlling the growth conditions of the nanowires. The nanowire growth process is explained using a solid state growth mechanism. The electrochemical analysis demonstrates that the copper germanate nanowires serve as a good electrochemical sensor with excellent electrochemical sensing ability for cysteine and catalytic ability for electron‐transfer process. The electrochemical result of the copper germanate nanowires presents an important advance toward the application for electrochemical sensors operating at room temperature. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Expanding the clinical use of standard OGTT: the percentage increment of 2 h with respect to fasting glucose as an index of β‐cell dysfunction
Authors: Carnevale Schianca G. P. , Mella R. , Scaglia E. , Bigliocca M. , Colli E. , Fra Gian Paolo , Bartoli E.
Published: December 2010

Aims

Since glucose levels during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) are determined both by insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion, we investigated whether the percentage increment (PG%) of 2‐h plasma glucose (2hPG) over fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is related to validated indexes of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion.

Methods

Using Stumvoll's formulas we calculated estimated insulin sensitivity index and first‐phase insulin secretion in 1281 subjects who underwent a standard OGTT. The ratio first‐phase insulin secretion/(1/estimated insulin sensitivity index) was considered a surrogate index of β‐cell function. For each subject we calculated PG% using the formula: [(2hPG − FPG)/FPG] × 100. For each glucose tolerance group we formed tertiles based on PG% values.

Results

In each glucose tolerance group, β‐cell function was better preserved in lower PG% tertiles, demonstrating a correlation between PG% and insulin resistance.

Conclusions

By a simple calculation, our study allows, expansion of the clinical use of OGTT to recognize subjects liable to further worsening of glucose homeostasis, independent from glucose tolerance groupings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation of the biological passport: The experience of the International Cycling Union
Authors: Zorzoli Mario , Rossi Francesca
Published: December 2010

The concept of the biological passport is to evaluate, on an individual and longitudinal basis, the effects of doping substances and prohibited methods—blood doping and gene doping—on the body. Indirect biological markers can be measured and used to establish an individual's biological profile, when variations in an athlete's profile are found to be incompatible with physiological or medical conditions; a disciplinary procedure may be launched on the presumption that a prohibited substance or method has been used. As such, an athlete with a biological passport is his or her own reference.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) launched the biological passport programme in January 2008 in cooperation with the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). The UCI programme includes more than 850 athletes. These athletes are subject to urinary and blood anti‐doping tests both in‐ and out‐of‐competition several times a year. Almost 20 000 samples were collected in 2008 and 2009.

In this article, the real‐time process from sample collection to the opening of a disciplinary procedure is described. The establishment of this large‐scale programme is discussed; the modalities which have to be applied and the difficulties encountered are presented. As for the results, some examples of normal and abnormal profiles are illustrated and indirect deterrent advantages of the programme are shown. Suggestions to improve the efficacy of the fight against doping through the implementation of the biological passport are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐level interactions in a sustainable development context: different routes for Flanders to decision‐making in the UN commission on sustainable development
Authors: Van den Brande Karoline , Happaerts Sander , Bruyninckx Hans
Published: December 2010

This article focuses on how subnational governments try to be part of the global sustainable development debate. In particular, it looks at the Belgian subnational government of Flanders and decision‐making in the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. Subnational entities, such as Flanders, are not directly represented in global multilateral organizations and thus need to find other ways if they want to be involved. Yet, those organizations play an important role, for example with regard to agenda‐setting and the formulation of global sustainable development goals. Starting from a multi‐level governance perspective, we use a typology of four routes, along the dimensions intra‐ and extra‐state and intra‐ and extra‐European, that subnational governments have at their disposal. In each of those routes multiple interactions take place between different levels of government. We show that the Flemish government has most extensively used intra‐state routes, first and foremost because of the constitutional opportunities it has within the Belgian institutional context. Extra‐state routes that bypass the state are used less, because greater access is possible through the state and because those routes require a higher investment in financial and human resources. A direct consequence of the use of the intra‐state routes is the important role that has to be ascribed to the interactions between the Flemish and the federal level of government. Those interactions are steered by specific intra‐Belgian arrangements and shape how Flanders can be involved. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Influence of the Introduction of Cyanido and Phosphane Ligands in Multifunctionalized (Mercaptomethyl)silane [FeFe] Hydrogenase Model Systems
Authors: Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Halpin Yvonne , Görls Helmar , Vos Johannes G. , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: December 2010

Cyanido‐ and phosphane‐substituted [FeFe] hydrogenase models are known to show increased basicity of the [2Fe2S] cluster. Following our continued interest in [2Fe2S(Si)] compounds, substitution reactions of such complexes with tetraethylammonium cyanide as well as triphenylphosphane were investigated to yield the respective monosubstituted triphenylphosphane complexes 2a–c and cyanido complexes 3a–c. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the electrocatalytic H2 formation with acetic acid.
A Decade of Octacyanides in Polynuclear Molecular Materials
Authors: Sieklucka Barbara , Podgajny Robert , Korzeniak Tomasz , Nowicka Beata , Pinkowicz Dawid , Kozieł Marcin
Published: December 2010

The aim and the scope of this review is to show the results of ten years of research following the first reports on magnetic and photomagnetic assemblies constructed from [M(CN)8]n–. It is illustrated on the basis of our own work as well as a wide range of studies carried out in numerous laboratories around the world. The diversity and evolution of topological and structural patterns is discussed alongside synthetic strategies, which led to the establishment of regular magnetostructural correlations in selected 3D systems. Different types of functionality observed in solid phases are presented with special attention devoted to tuning of magnetic properties by physical and chemical stimuli. Examples of advanced properties discovered in octacyanometallate‐based magnetic materials comprise SMMs (single molecule magnets) and SCMs (single chain magnets), nonlinear effects MSHG (magnetization‐induced second harmonic generation) and chirality, SCO (spin crossover) and luminescence. The potential of the development of octacyanometallate‐based coordination assemblies towards addressable, multifunctional molecular materials for future application is discussed.
Simultaneous isolation of DNA, RNA, and protein from Medicago truncatula L.
Authors: Xiong Junbo , Yang Qingchuan , Kang Junmei , Sun Yan , Zhang Tiejun , Margaret Gruber , Ding Wang
Published: December 2010

We describe a method for the simultaneous extraction of proteins and nucleic acids from Medicago truncatula tissues. Using a modified TRIzol reagent method, we developed a simple and an effective way to simultaneously extract proteins and nucleic acids from a single sample. We verified that this method does not affect the quality or quantitation of the isolated DNA and RNA. Furthermore, we used 2‐DE to compare M. truncatula leaf, stem, and root samples processed using this new method with two commonly used methods: phenol extraction/methanol–ammonium acetate precipitation and trichloroacetic acid/acetone precipitation. The results showed that our method was superior to the other methods, based on 2‐DE patterns. We also demonstrated that our protocol is compatible with proteomic analysis, as 10 out of 14 selected proteins isolated by the method were identified by MALDI‐TOF‐MS/MS. The protocol described can be used with sample preparation protocols for proteomic, transcriptomic, and genomic studies.
What are the top five essential features of a high quality eating disorder service? A comparison of the views of US and UK eating disorder sufferers, carers and health professionals.
Authors: Nishizono‐Maher Aya , Escobar‐Koch Tatiana , Ringwood Susan , Banker Judith , van Furth Eric , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: December 2010

Objective

The aim of the present study was to identify what are the main features of a high quality eating disorders service and to triangulate the views of patients, carers and health professionals in a cross‐national (USA, UK) survey.

Methods

Data from an internet survey were subjected to content analysis and common themes were identified.

Results

All six stakeholder groups (US and UK patients, carers and health professionals) included the professional qualities of staff amongst their top five quality features. Personal qualities of staff, support for carers and psychological interventions were mentioned by four of the six groups, Support for service users and nutritional assistance was mentioned by three groups. Availability/access and Rapid access to care were mentioned by UK Carers and UK health care personnel. Medical assistance was only mentioned by US health care professionals and flexible care only by UK sufferers.

Conclusion

This study suggests many similarities and some differences between different stakeholders from two countries with different health care systems in their views on quality of care. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Empirical Support for a Reclassification of Eating Disorders NOS
Authors: Helverskov J. L. , Lyng B. , Clausen L. , Mors O. , Frydenberg M. , Thomsen P. H. , Rokkedal K.
Published: December 2010

Objective

To explore the empirical support for a reclassification of the eating disorders NOS (EDNOS) category.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional design eight specific subgroups of EDNOS were compared to anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) on interview‐based data and questionnaire measures. The sample consisted of 965 patients in the age 13–54 years admitted to treatment for an eating disorder.

Results

According to the DSM‐IV 176(18%) presented with AN, 290(30%) with BN and 499(52%) with EDNOS. Of all EDNOS cases 34% could be reclassified as AN or BN. Three specific subgroups emerged as separate diagnostic entities. A heterogeneous subgroup of 122 patients (13% of all) was proposed as ‘true’ EDNOS. Implications of the results on the DSM‐V are discussed.

Conclusions

The results support a broader definition of AN and BN and suggest subgroups of EDNOS as separate diagnostic entities. This results in a substantial reduction of the heterogeneous EDNOS group. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
The role of aridification in constraining the elevation range of Holocene solifluction processes and associated landforms in the periglacial belt of the Sierra Nevada (southern Spain)
Authors: Oliva Marc , Schulte Lothar , Ortiz Antonio Gómez
Published: December 2010

Climate variability during the Mid‐Late Holocene has influenced the activity of geomorphic processes in the current periglacial belt of the Sierra Nevada. We studied two types of sedimentary records that reveal a synchronous timing for slope instability in this high semi‐arid massif: solifluction landforms and mountain lake sediments. Lithological and sedimentological properties of both records have recorded numerous cycles of different magnitude of slope processes in the massif. Solifluction deposits record seven phases of solifluction activity and soil development during the last 7 ka bp and lake sediments show evidence of eight periods with increased geomorphic activity in the catchments over the last 6 ka bp. Although present‐day climate conditions do not promote active solifluction processes in the Sierra Nevada, colder and wetter periods during the Holocene triggered solifluction and transported coarse‐grained sediments into the lakes. By contrast, warm phases favoured soil formation and spread an incipient vegetation cover over the headwaters of the highest valleys, diminishing the grain size of the particles reaching the lakes. Lake sediments record an aridification trend in the massif intensifying since 4·2 ka bp that has conditioned solifluction activity to shift gradually to higher elevations. During major cooler phases such as the Little Ice Age active solifluction was recorded back down to 2500 m altitude. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring the willingness to pay to avoid guilt: estimation using equilibrium and stated belief models
Authors: Bellemare Charles , Sebald Alexander , Strobel Martin
Published: December 2010

We estimate structural models of guilt aversion to measure the population level of willingness to pay (WTP) to avoid feeling guilt by letting down another player. We compare estimates of WTP under the assumption that higher‐order beliefs are in equilibrium (i.e., consistent with the choice distribution) with models estimated using stated beliefs which relax the equilibrium requirement. We estimate WTP in the latter case by allowing stated beliefs to be correlated with guilt aversion, thus controlling for a possible source of a consensus effect. All models are estimated using data from an experiment of proposal and response conducted with a large and representative sample of the Dutch population. Our range of estimates suggests that responders are willing to pay between €0.40 and €0.80 to avoid letting down proposers by €1. Furthermore, we find that WTP estimated using stated beliefs is substantially overestimated (by a factor of two) when correlation between preferences and beliefs is not controlled for. Finally, we find no evidence that WTP is significantly related to the observable socio‐economic characteristics of players. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reexamination of the π‐bond strengths within H2C=XHn systems: A theoretical study
Authors: Chen Jun‐Xian , Kim Chang Kon , Lee Hai Whang , Xue Ying , Kim Chan Kyung
Published: December 2010

The accurate determination of π‐bond energies, Dπ, in doubly‐bonded species has been an important issue in theoretical chemistry. The procedure using the divalent state stabilization energy defined by Walsh has been suggested, and the procedure seems to be conceptually reasonable and applicable to all kinds of doubly‐bonded species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether the procedure could be a reliable methodology for estimating the Dπ values for a variety of H2C=XHn species. To achieve a higher accuracy, the Dπ values were estimated at QCISD(T)/6‐311++G(3df,2p) level of theory combined with isogyric correction. The Dπ values estimated in this work were in excellent agreement with the extant literature values. On the other hand, in determining accurate Dπ values for doubly bonded species, especially in species with lone‐pair electrons such as H2C=O, it has been found that consideration of highly sophisticated electron correlation effects could be important. However, sufficiently accurate Dπ values have been obtainable at QCISD(T) or CCSD(T) levels with a 6‐311++G(3df,2p) basis set on geometries at relatively inferior correlated levels such as MP2 and B3LYP levels with a 6‐31+G(d) basis set. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Passivity–preserving interpolation‐based parameterized model order reduction of PEEC models based on scattered grids
Authors: Ferranti Francesco , Antonini Giulio , Dhaene Tom , Knockaert Luc
Published: December 2010

The increasing operating frequencies and decreasing IC feature size call for 3‐D electromagnetic (EM) methods, such as the Partial Element Equivalent Circuit (PEEC) method, as necessary tools for the analysis and design of high‐speed systems. Very large systems of equations are often generated by 3‐D EM methods and model order reduction (MOR) techniques are commonly used to reduce such a high model complexity. A typical design process includes optimization and design space exploration, and hence requires multiple simulations for different design parameter values. Traditional MOR techniques perform model reduction only with respect to frequency and such design activities call for parameterized MOR (PMOR) methods that can reduce large systems of equations with respect to frequency and other design parameters of the circuit, such as geometrical layout or substrate characteristics.

We present a novel PMOR technique applicable to the PEEC method that provides parametric reduced order models, stable and passive by construction, over a user defined design space. We treat the construction of parametric reduced order models on scattered design space grids. Pertinent numerical examples validate the proposed approach. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing longitudinal change of and dynamic relationships among role stressors, job attitudes, turnover intention, and well‐being in neophyte newcomers
Authors: Vandenberghe Christian , Panaccio Alexandra , Bentein Kathleen , Mignonac Karim , Roussel Patrice
Published: December 2010

Using a latent growth modeling (LGM) approach, this paper examines the trajectories of change in role stressors (ambiguity, conflict, and overload), job attitudes (affective commitment and job satisfaction), and turnover intention and psychological well‐being among neophyte newcomers, as well as the relationships among these changes. Based on a sample of 170 university alumni surveyed three times during the first months of employment, we found that role conflict and role overload increased, affective commitment and job satisfaction declined, and turnover intention increased over the course of the study. Role ambiguity and well‐being did not change. The initial levels of affective commitment, job satisfaction, and well‐being were positively related to the increase in role overload, while the initial level of turnover intention was related to a reduced increase in role overload over time. We also found that the increase in role overload and role conflict was associated with a decline in affective commitment and job satisfaction, respectively, and that the decrease in affective commitment and satisfaction was related to an increase in turnover intention. We discuss the implications of these findings. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitation of antioxidants in water samples using ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet detection
Authors: Sobhi Hamid Reza , Kashtiaray Amir , Farahani Hadi , Farahani Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2010

A simple and efficient method, ionic liquid‐based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet detection (HPLC‐UV), has been applied for the extraction and determination of some antioxidants (Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076 and Irgafos 168) in water samples. The microextraction efficiency factors were investigated and optimized: 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C6MIM][PF6] (0.06 g) as extracting solvent, methanol (0.5 mL) as disperser solvent without salt addition. Under the selected conditions, enrichment factors up to 48‐fold, limits of detection (LODs) of 5.0–10.0 ng/mL and dynamic linear ranges of 25–1500 ng/mL were obtained. A reasonable repeatability (RSD≤11.8%, n=5) with satisfactory linearity (r2≥0.9954) of the results illustrated a good performance of the presented method. The accuracy of the method was tested by the relative recovery experiments on spiked samples, with results ranging from 85 to 118%. Finally, the method was successfully applied for determination of the analytes in several real water samples.
Highly efficient proteome analysis with combination of protein pre‐fractionation by preparative microscale solution isoelectric focusing and identification by μRPLC‐MS/MS with serially coupled long microcolumn
Authors: Tao Dingyin , Sun Liangliang , Zhu Guijie , Liang Yu , Liang Zhen , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui
Published: December 2010

To improve the efficiency of proteome analysis, a strategy with the combination of protein pre‐fractionation by preparative microscale solution isoelectric focusing, peptide separation by μRPLC with serially coupled long microcolumn and protein identification by ESI‐MS/MS was proposed. By preparative microscale solution isoelectric focusing technique, proteins extracted from whole cell lysates of Escherichia coli were fractionated into five chambers divided by isoelectric membranes, respectively with pH range from 3.0 to 4.6, 4.6 to 5.4, 5.4 to 6.2, 6.2 to 7.0 and 7.0 to 10.0. Compared to the traditional on‐gel IFF, the protein recovery could be obviously improved to over 95%. Subsequently, the enriched and fractionated proteins in each chamber were digested, and further separated by a 30‐cm long serially coupled RP microcolumn. Through the detection by ESI‐MS/MS, about 200 proteins were identified in each fraction, and in total 835 proteins were identified even with one‐dimensional μRPLC‐MS/MS system. All these results demonstrate that by such a combination strategy, highly efficient proteome analysis could be achieved, not only due to the in‐solution protein enrichment and pre‐fractionation with improved protein recovery but also owing to the increased separation capacity of serially coupled long μRPLC columns.
An examination of US hotel firms' risk features and their determinants of systematic risk
Authors: Kim Hyunjoon , Kim Jiyoung , Gu Zheng
Published: December 2010

This study examined risk features of hotel firms and the determinants of their systematic risk. After reviewing the financial data for 31 US hotel firms from 2004 through 2008, we found that 86% of the hotel firms' total risk could be characterized as unsystematic risk. The results showed that while debt leverage and growth are positively related to systematic risk, firm size is negatively associated with such risk. Our findings suggest that conservative growth via mergers and acquisitions, and less reliance on debt financing is advisable for hotel firms seeking to reduce systematic risk and enhance firm value. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrative geospatial approaches for the comprehensive monitoring and assessment of land management sustainability: Rationale, Potentials, and Characteristics
Authors: Buenemann M. , Martius C. , Jones J. W. , Herrmann S. M. , Klein D. , Mulligan M. , Reed M. S. , Winslow M. , Washington‐Allen R. A. , Lal R. , Ojima D.
Published: December 2010

Sustainable dryland management seeks to improve the conditions of people and ecosystems affected by degradation, but it is often unclear which land management strategies work, which ones do not and why. Monitoring and assessment (M&A) can support decision‐making by providing this information. As implied by the 10‐year Strategy of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), however, M&A efforts have thus far been insufficient or inadequate. We argue that integrative geospatial approaches should be implemented to enhance dryland management decision‐making. By assimilating and linking human and environmental data, qualitative and quantitative data, as well as field and remotely sensed data in a spatially explicit framework, such approaches facilitate assessments of both the complexities and place‐specificities inherent to sustainability. In addition, they help represent different stakeholder perspectives, promote communication among scientists from diverse backgrounds as well as between scientific and local experts, facilitate inter‐institutional knowledge sharing, and create synergy between the UNCCD and other Conventions. Due to these benefits as well as the rapid evolution and increasing availability and affordability of geospatial data and technologies in all countries, it is appropriate to begin capitalizing more fully on them now for the M&A of land management sustainability. In order for integrative geospatial approaches to become more central to M&A efforts, however, capacities and infrastructure must be improved and standards and protocols developed for the collection, analysis, and modeling of data, for the evaluation of outputs, and for the reporting of results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essential spectra of singular matrix differential operators of mixed order in the limit circle case
Authors: Qi Jiangang , Chen Shaozhu
Published: December 2010

The present paper is concerned with the essential spectrum of the singular matrix differential operator of mixed order

over the interval (a, b), where D = d/dt. It is shown that if the coefficients are locally integrable functions and T is in the limit circle case, then the essential spectrum of T is given by the essential range of ${{p(t)d(t)-\vert h(t)\vert^2}\over{p(t)}} $\end{document}. The main idea is to transform the original spectral problem into a spectral problem of a singular Hamiltonian differential operator so that the classical Titchmarsh‐Weyl theory can apply. The approach used here can be applied to many other cases. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Relative bioavailability of coumarin from cinnamon and cinnamon‐containing foods compared to isolated coumarin: A four‐way crossover study in human volunteers
Authors: Abraham Klaus , Pfister Michael , Wöhrlin Friederike , Lampen Alfonso
Published: December 2010

Scope: Cassia cinnamon contains high levels (up to 1 %) of coumarin. Heavy consumption of this spice may result in a dose exceeding the tolerable daily intake (TDI). In this context, the question was raised whether coumarin in the plant matrix of cinnamon has the same bioavailability as isolated coumarin.

Methods and results: A four‐way crossover study was performed, in which the same dose of 12 mg coumarin was administered in different formulations to 24 healthy volunteers. The relative extent of absorption measured as urinary excretion of the main metabolite 7‐hydroxycoumarin (7OHC) was found to be 62.8% for isolated coumarin in a capsule (reference), 56.0% for cinnamon in capsules, 66.1% for cinnamon tea, and 54.7% for cinnamon in rice pudding (means, n=23, observation period 8 hours). Additionally, 7OHC plasma levels were measured for 105 minutes after administration and revealed a fast absorption of coumarin from cinnamon tea leading to the highest peak concentrations.

Conclusion: The relative extent of absorption of coumarin from powder of cassia cinnamon is only slightly lower than that of isolated coumarin. Therefore, the TDI of coumarin can be used for risk assessment of coumarin exposure from cinnamon‐containing meals.
Interactive effects of corticosteroid and mechanical ventilation on diaphragm muscle function
Authors: Sassoon Catherine S.H. , Zhu Ercheng , Fang Liwei , Ramar Kannan , Jiao Guang‐Yu , Caiozzo Vincent J.
Published: December 2010

Information on the interactive effects of methylprednisolone, controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV), and assisted mechanical ventilation (AMV) on diaphragm function is sparse. Sedated rabbits received 2 days of CMV, AMV, and spontaneous breathing (SB), with either methylprednisolone (MP; 60 mg/kg/day intravenously) or saline. There was also a control group. In vitro diaphragm force, myofibril ultrastructure, αII‐spectrin proteins, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), and muscle atrophy F‐box (MAF‐box) mRNA were measured. Maximal tetanic tension (Po) decreased significantly with CMV. Combined MP plus CMV did not decrease Po further. With AMV, Po was similar to SB and controls. Combined MP plus AMV or MP plus SB decreased Po substantially. Combined MP plus CMV, MP plus AMV, or MP plus SB induced myofibrillar disruption that correlated with the reduced Po. αII‐spectrin increased, IGF‐1 decreased, and MAF‐box mRNA increased in both the CMV group and MP plus CMV group. Short‐term, high‐dose MP had no additive effects on CMV‐induced diaphragm dysfunction. Combined MP plus AMV impaired diaphragm function, but AMV alone did not. We found that acute, high‐dose MP produces diaphragm dysfunction depending on the mode of mechanical ventilation. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Treatment of hypokalemic periodic paralysis with topiramate
Authors: Fiore Darren M. , Strober Jonathan B.
Published: December 2010

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (hypoPP), the most common form of periodic paralysis, is a disorder characterized by attacks of transient muscle weakness associated with a drop in serum potassium level.The mainstay of treatment is potassium supplementation and drugs that inhibit the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. In this report we describe 11‐year‐old twins with hypoPP who were treated with topiramate, an anti‐epileptic drug known to have carbonic anhydrase inhibitory properties. The patients experienced a decrease in the severity of their attacks upon initiation of treatment. Topiramate may warrant further investigation as a treatment option in hypoPP. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Decentralized receding horizon control with communication bandwidth allocation for multiple vehicle systems
Authors: Izadi H. A. , Gordon B. W. , Rabbath C. A.
Published: December 2010

In this paper, a decentralized receding horizon control (DRHC) for a group of cooperative vehicles is investigated where the communication bandwidth is limited. This gives rise to a DRHC problem with communication delays. A new approach is proposed to vary the communication bandwidth for each vehicle, subject to network bandwidth constraints, in order to improve the cooperation performance. In the DRHC approach, each vehicle predicts its future trajectory over a prediction horizon and the neighboring vehicles exchange their predicted trajectories at each sample time to maintain the cooperation objectives. A delayed DRHC architecture is formulated that explicitly accounts for the inter‐vehicle communication delays. Then a bandwidth allocation algorithm is proposed for the delayed DRHC formulation. The key idea with the proposed approach is that each vehicle minimizes an error bound due to the mismatch between the delayed and updated neighbor's trajectories. This allows a dynamic bandwidth allocation to optimize the group performance. Simulation of formation of a group of vehicles is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intrinsic cell memory reinforces myogenic commitment of pericyte‐derived iPSCs
Authors: Quattrocelli Mattia , Palazzolo Giacomo , Floris Giuseppe , Schöffski Patrick , Anastasia Luigi , Orlacchio Aldo , Vandendriessche Thierry , Chuah Marinee KL , Cossu Giulio , Verfaillie Catherine , Sampaolesi Maurilio
Published: December 2010

Mesoangioblasts (MABs) are a subset of muscle‐derived pericytes able to restore dystrophic phenotype in mice and dogs. However, their lifespan is limited and they undergo senescence after 25–30 population doublings. Recently, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated from reprogrammed fibroblasts have been demonstrated to have in vitro and in vivo myogenic potential when sorted for the SM/C‐2.6 antigen. Furthermore, chimeric mice from mdx‐iPSCs (DYS‐HAC) cells showed tissue‐specific expression of dystrophin. Nevertheless, myogenic differentiation protocols and the potential of iPSCs generated from different cell sources still present unanswered questions. Here we show that iPSCs generated from prospectively sorted MABs (MAB‐iPSCs) are pluripotent as fibroblast‐derived iPSCs (f‐iPSCs). However, both teratoma formation and genetic cell manipulation assays identify a durable epigenetic memory in MAB‐iPSCs, resulting in stronger myogenic commitment. Striated muscle tissue accounts for up to 70% of MAB‐iPSC teratomas. Moreover, transfection with Pax3 and Pax7 induces a more robust myogenic differentiation in MAB‐iPSCs than in f‐iPSCs. A larger amount of CD56+ progenitors can be sorted from the MAB‐iPSCs differentiating pool and, after transplantation into αsg‐KO mice, can efficiently participate to skeletal muscle regeneration and restore αsg expression. Our data strongly suggest that iPSCs are a heterogeneous population and, when generated from myogenic adult stem cells, they exhibit a stronger commitment, paving the way for creating custom‐made cell protocols for muscular dystrophies. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antecedents and Consequences of Peer–Rated Intelligence
Authors: Denissen Jaap J. A. , Schönbrodt Felix D. , van Zalk Maarten , Meeus Wim H. J. , van Aken Marcel A. G.
Published: December 2010

The current study investigated the antecedents and consequences of peer–rated intelligence in a longitudinal round robin design, following previously unacquainted members of small student work groups. Results indicated that peer–reputations of intelligence were reliable, stable and weakly correlated with objective intelligence. Bias was shown by correlations with interpersonal liking (decreasing across time) and idiosyncratic rating tendencies (increasing across time). Agreement between self–ratings and peer–reputations increased over time but was not based on increasing accuracy but on reciprocal associations between self–ratings and peer–reputations in the beginning of the acquaintanceship process, and on peer–reputations predicting changes in self–ratings later on. Finally, it was shown that peer–rated intelligence reputations predict academic achievement across two 4–month periods (even when tested intelligence was controlled) and dropout from university after 8 months. Overall, the pattern of results demonstrates the utility of a socioanalytic perspective in analysing personality and social processes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult parent–child relationships through the lens of social relations analyses: Prosocial personality and reciprocity of support
Authors: Wrzus Cornelia , Wagner Jenny , Baumert Anna , Neyer Franz J. , Lang Frieder R.
Published: December 2010

Previous studies on reciprocity of support in parent–child relationships during adulthood have focused on the needs of the recipient and other characteristics of the relationship, whereas the role of personality characteristics is not yet well understood. In the present research, we explored how prosocial dispositions and prosocial behaviour of both parents and adult children relate to perceptions of their relationship as reciprocal with respect to support. Family social relations models were applied to disentangle general relationship behaviour and perceptions from effects unique to the parent–child relationship. Study 1 demonstrated that results based on ‘conventional’ analytic approaches differed markedly from conclusions drawn from social relations models: the former approach indicated parents to report providing more support than their children, the latter approach revealed no differences between parent and adult child regarding their unique relationship. Study 2 extended the findings of Study 1 by focusing on behavioural mediators of the association between prosocial dispositions and perceptions of reciprocal support. Together, the findings provide insight into interdependencies among parents and children and the predictive power of individual as well as behavioural factors for understanding reciprocity of support. Furthermore, they highlight how the interpretation of parent–child relationships depends on the chosen methodological focus. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinicians' use of personality disorder models within a particular treatment setting: A longitudinal comparison of temporal consistency and clinical utility
Authors: Samuel Douglas B. , Widiger Thomas A.
Published: December 2010

An active line of current investigation is how the five‐factor model (FFM) of personality disorder might be applied by clinicians and particularly, how clinically useful this model is in comparison to the existing nomenclature. The current study is the first to investigate the temporal consistency of clinicians' application of the FFM and the DSM‐IV‐TR to their own patients. Results indicated that FFM ratings were relatively stable over 6 months of treatment, supporting their use by clinicians, but also indexed potentially important clinical changes. Additionally, ratings of utility provided by the clinicians suggested that the FFM was more useful for clinical decision‐making than was the DSM‐IV‐TR model. We understand the clinical utility findings within the context of previous research indicating that the FFM is most useful among patients who are not prototypic for a personality disorder. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delirium prevention in terminal cancer: assessment of a multicomponent intervention
Authors: Gagnon Pierre , Allard Pierre , Gagnon Bruno , Mérette Chantal , Tardif François
Published: December 2010

Objective: Delirium is a highly prevalent and deleterious disorder in terminally ill cancer patients. We assessed whether a multicomponent preventive intervention was effective in decreasing delirium incidence and severity among cancer patients receiving end‐of‐life care.

Methods: A cohort of 1516 patients was followed from admission to death at seven Canadian palliative care centers. In two of these centers, routine care included a delirium preventive intervention targeting physicians (written notice on selective delirium risk factors and inquest on intended medication changes), patients, and their family (orientation to time and place, information about early delirium symptoms). Delirium frequency and severity were compared between patients at the intervention (N = 674) and usual‐care (N = 842) centers based on thrice‐daily symptom assessments with the Confusion Rating Scale.

Results: The overall rate of adherence to the intervention was 89.7%. The incidence of delirium was 49.1% in the intervention group, compared with 43.9% in the usual‐care group (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, P = 0.045). When confounding variables were controlled for, no difference was observed between the intervention and the usual‐care groups in delirium incidence (OR 0.94, P = 0.66), delirium severity (1.83 vs 1.92; P = 0.07), total days in delirium (4.57 vs 3.57 days; P = 0.63), or duration of first delirium episode (2.9 vs 2.1 days; P = 0.96). Delirium‐free survival was similar in the two groups.

Conclusion: A simple multicomponent preventive intervention was ineffective in reducing delirium incidence or severity among cancer patients receiving end‐of‐life care. Delirium prevention remains a difficult challenge in terminally ill cancer patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depression in lung cancer patients: the role of perceived stigma
Authors: Gonzalez Brian D. , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: December 2010

Objective: Previous research has shown that lung cancer patients are at an increased risk for depressive symptomatology; however, little is known about the factors contributing to depression in these patients. This study focused on the possible association between perceived stigma related to a lung cancer diagnosis and depressive symptomatology. It was hypothesized that greater perceived stigma would be related to greater depressive symptomatology and that perceived stigma would account for variance in depressive symptomatology above and beyond that accounted for by relevant clinical, demographic, and psychosocial variables.

Method: A sample of 95 participants receiving chemotherapy for stage II–IV non‐small cell lung cancer was recruited during routine outpatient chemotherapy visits. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and self‐report measures assessing perceived stigma, depressive symptomatology, and other psychosocial variables. A medical chart review was conducted to assess clinical factors.

Results: As hypothesized, there was a positive association between perceived stigma and depressive symptomatology, r = 0.46, p<0.001. Perceived stigma also accounted for significant unique variance in depressive symptomatology above and beyond that accounted for by relevant demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors, β = 0.19, p<0.05.

Conclusions: Future research should aim to replicate and extend these findings in longitudinal studies and explore whether lung cancer patients' depressive symptomatology can be ameliorated by targeting perceived stigma. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.