bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental Analysis of Park-and-Ride Facilities in Vilnius
Authors: Palevičius Vytautas , Grigonis Vytautas , Podviezko Askoldas , Barauskaitė Greta
Published: April 2016

A rapid growth in car ownership in the cities of Lithuania, particularly in Vilnius, has generated continuous traffic jams in the streets and thus has consequently increased negative transport impact and demand for financial and land resources. Also, a high level of car ownership requires large reserves of transport infrastructure. Therefore, it is necessary to create favourable conditions for creating sustainable urban transport infrastructure satisfying the needs of local inhabitants. Within the framework of the European Union Structural Assistance for the period 2014-2020, Vilnius city municipality administration is planning to submit an application to receive financial support for the implementation of the Park-and-Ride (hereinafter P&R) scheme for Vilnius. The aim of the paper is to work out a multi-criteria methodology for selecting the sites of P&R lots and to carry out a developmental analysis of P&R facilities by creating the above introduced scheme for parking lots in the Vilnius City. The expert method has been used for utilizing a set of relevant criteria for planning the P&R scheme. With the help of the expertsurvey, the weights and significance of the defined criteria have been identified. Multi-criteria methods have been applied for calculating and presenting the developmental priorities and a strategy for the implementation of the offered proposals.
The Operational Planning Model of Transhipment Processes in the Port
Authors: Jurjević Mia , Hess Svjetlana
Published: April 2016

Modelling of a traffic system refers to the efficiency of operations for establishing successful business performance by examining the possibilities for its improvement. The main purpose of each container terminal is to ensure continuity and dynamics of the flow of containers. The objective of this paper is to present a method for determining the amount of certain types of containers that can be transhipped at each berth, with the proper cargo handling, taking into account minimum total costs of transhipment. The mathematical model of planning the transhipment and transportation of containers at the terminal is presented. The optimal solution, obtained with the method of linear programming, represents a plan for container deployment that will ensure effective ongoing process of transhipment, providing the lowest transhipment costs. The proposed model, tested in the port of Rijeka, should be the basis for makingadequate business decisions in the operational planning of the container terminal.
Spin-transfer-torque-assisted magnetization reversal in spin-valve strips using the spin-pumping effect
Authors: Takahashi Mao , Nozaki Yukio
Published: April 2016

The modulation of a switching field by a spin-transfer torque generated by the spin-pumping effect is demonstrated in spin-valve strips. A spin current pumped into a spin valve prefers an antiparallel configuration of magnetization, so that the hysteresis loop of a soft magnetic layer is shifted by applying an alternating-current magnetic field with a frequency that matched the resonant condition of a hard magnetic layer. Furthermore, we confirmed that an alternating spin current generated by the spin pumping in the hard magnetic layer produces an orthogonal magnetic torque that can reduce the coercive field of the soft magnetic layer.
Thin-film growth of (110) rutile TiO2 on (100) Ge substrate by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Suzuki Yoshihisa , Nagata Takahiro , Yamashita Yoshiyuki , Nabatame Toshihide , Ogura Atsushi , Chikyow Toyohiro
Published: April 2016

The deposition conditions of (100) rutile TiO2 grown on p-type (100) Ge substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) were optimized to improve the electrical properties of the TiO2/Ge structure. Increasing the substrate temperature (T
sub) enhanced the grain growth, the surface roughness of the film, and Ge diffusion into the TiO2 layer. The growth rate, which was controlled by the laser density in PLD (L
d), affected the Ge diffusion. L
d of 0.35 J/cm2 (0.37 nm/min) enhanced the Ge diffusion and improved the crystallinity and surface roughness at a temperature of 450 °C, at which GeO
x
undergoes decomposition and desorption. However, the Ge diffusion into TiO2 degraded the electrical properties. By using the optimized conditions (L
d = 0.7 J/cm2 and T
sub = 420 °C) with postannealing, the TiO2/Ge structure showed an improvement in the leakage current of 3 orders of magnitude and the capacitance–voltage property characteristics indicated the formation of a p–n junction.
Poly(amidoamine)-mediated self-assembly of hydroxyl-modified anatase TiO2 nanocrystals on cotton fabric
Authors: Xu Sijun , Zhang Feng , Jiao Chenlu , Chen Siyu , Morikawa Hedeaki , Chen Yuyue , Lin Hong
Published: April 2016

Here, water-soluble hydroxyl-terminated hyperbranched poly(amino ester) (HBPAE)-capped titanium dioxide nanocrystals (TiO2 NCs) were synthesized for coating a cotton fabric via an amino-terminated hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) (HBPAA)-mediated self-assembly strategy in order to produce a controllable and uniform TiO2 coating on the cotton surface. As-prepared TiO2 NCs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was demonstrated that hydroxyl-modified TiO2 NCs were egg-shaped and had a narrow size distribution. A TiO2 NC-coated cotton fabric was prepared by sequential impregnation with solutions of HBPAAs and TiO2 NCs. The attachment of HBPAAs to TiO2 NCs was evaluated by FTIR. It was shown that HBPAAs were chemically bound to the cotton surface. FESEM and XRD characterizations demonstrated that TiO2 NCs could self-assemble on a cotton fabric efficiently and were distributed uniformly on the cotton surface.
Profesjonsidentitet i et flerkulturelt helsevesen – Paradokser, grenser og ambivalens
Authors: Daae-Qvale Inger
Published: April 2016

Healthcare professionals are trained to “do good”. Their role is to fulfil the welfare state’s objective of curing or alleviating health problems among the population. The training of healthcare professionals is oriented towards the acquisition of comprehensive knowledge and is designed to make them authorities on the management of suffering. Traditionally the healthcare professions have adhered to strict ethical standards, where- among other things- concepts of equality and solidarity are intended to protect weak and marginalized groups. These ethical standards are also reflected in the official descriptions of their own roles promulgated by the health professions. An increasingly multicultural population has displayed demographic differences in disease incidence as well in cultural attitudes about health, disease and treatment. Service users from minority backgrounds are often categorized as problematic in the sense that they are not perceived as falling into a recognizable user category. These differences seem to create asymmetry in the professional field, due to lack of sufficient experience by health personnel or a lack of comprehensive knowledge about the appropriate handling of the group. This may create ambivalence in the professional practice of health personnel. I argue that health personell need to strengthen their multicultural competence to meet the healthcare needs of immigrant populations. The aim of the article is to contribute to a more thorough understanding of why healthcare professionals identity are challenged when they interact with a multicultural population. The article's method is based on discourse analytical persepectives through analyses of 31 text examples from health personell who strengthen their multicultural competence through education.
Explaining the appeal of militant Salafism in a Norwegian context
Authors: Nord Holmer Ida
Published: April 2016

By drawing upon existing literature on Islamic radicalisation, this article empirically explores why some Norwegian Muslims come to accept the use of violence in the name of Islam. Based on primary internet research and interviews with individuals who either call for violent jihad, or who have travelled to Syria to engage in armed struggle, this study identifies several complaints and grievances which may result in individuals adopting extreme positions. These grievances relate to Norwegian and Western foreign policies, feelings of being alienated and stigmatised in the public debate, a sense of not belonging, actual or perceived discrimination, and socio-economic deprivation. Interestingly, the findings in this study suggest that these factors are not significantly different in Norway than in other European countries facing the general trend of Islamic radicalisation. Rather, the ideological positions and statements identified in the data collection reflect the broader literature on the radicalisation of young Muslims living in Europe. In line with theories of Wiktorowicz (2005) and Roy (2004), this article therefore argues that Norwegian Muslims may become attracted to militant Salafism because it responds to their individual grievances, and provides an alternative worldview that offers meaning, community and justice based on shared religion and ideology.
Rethinking the concept of intercultural conflict: Italian returnees’ attitudes towards others during a cultural conflict
Authors: Baiutti Mattia
Published: April 2016

The article aims to rethink the concept of intercultural conflict. Specifically, I argue that the use of the adjective “intercultural” within ‘intercultural conflict’ is usually an expression of rhetorical discourse or is not appropriate. Following a semantic analysis I show that a cultural conflict, here conceptualized as incompatibility of cultural values between a minimum of two people belonging to different cultural backgrounds, might be described as an intercultural conflict. This is possible if the interactants, rather than focussing on solutions, adopt an ‘intercultural attitude’ (comity, ethical relativism, critical self-reflection, openness toward a potential change, suspending judgment, reframing meanings, curiosity, respect, and self-decentralization) between them. Existing theoretical concepts are explored through qualitative research examining supposedly interculturally competent high school students’ (after one scholastic year abroad) attitudes towards others during a cultural conflict. The study shows that curiosity and respect towards others might be considered as preconditions for a true dialogue. Two main attitudes emerge from the analysis: the multicultural one and the intercultural one. The former corresponds to respect for the different ideas of others. The second is exemplified by true interaction between interactants who seek a deep understanding of what is behind the point of view held by themselves and others. Adopting an intercultural attitude, they make all possible efforts to truly encounter each other’s otherness.
Supporting Identity Development in Cross-Cultural Children and Young People: Resources, Vulnerability, Creativity
Authors: Schuff Hildegunn
Published: April 2016

Children and young people with cross-cultural backgrounds are significantly influenced by multiple cultures during their upbringing. They face the ambivalence and challenges of regularly dealing with multiple cultural frames of reference, norms and expectations, and often experience particular identity challenges. One might say that much of the ambivalence of modern intercultural societies may show up as internalized ambivalence in these “children of migration”. This article explores cross-cultural identity development. The aim is to further our understanding of how the identities of cross-cultural children and young people can be supported and their resources activated. This can both strengthen their resilience and well- being, and be of great value to society at large. Psychosocial/cultural interventions and creative projects in cross-cultural settings are potential arenas for this type of cultural health promotion. One example is the multicultural music project Fargespill (‘Kaleidoscope’). In a case study of Kaleidoscope, I describe and discuss how these participatory creative activities work, and ask how they may foster the development of constructive cross-cultural identities. Participant observation was conducted in Kaleidoscope throughout a year. In the light of theoretical perspectives from social and cultural psychology, the article analyzes identity issues and possibilities within this empirical context. Supporting cross-cultural identity development in a constructive manner is here operationalized as allowing, increasing and acknowledging identity complexity. The findings are categorized under the headings of resources, vulnerability and creativity. The project leaders make an effort to establish trust and a safe, supportive space. They apply a participatory method, in which the participants are seen as resources and their strengths and contributions are emphasized. In some situations, the vulnerability that may be caused by potentially being stereotyped is apparent, and identity definitions and complexities need to be negotiated. There are explicit expectations concerning creativity in the Kaleidoscope process, and the crossing of different cultural expressions, old and sometimes new, leads to the final creative product of the performance. To summarize, identity complexity is given space to play out, relating to both origins and current participation in culture in construction here in Norwegian society. Thus, at its best, Kaleidoscope sets the stage for a flexible and playful performance of identity. This may be one path towards appreciated and integrated intercultural identities.
NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase C plays a role in nonhost disease resistance againstPseudomonas syringaepathogens by regulating chloroplast-generated reactive oxygen species
Authors: Ishiga Yasuhiro , Ishiga Takako , Ikeda Yoko , Matsuura Takakazu , Mysore Kirankumar S.
Published: April 2016

Chloroplasts are cytoplasmic organelles for photosynthesis in eukaryotic cells. In addition, recent studies have shown that chloroplasts have a critical role in plant innate immunity against invading pathogens. Hydrogen peroxide is a toxic by-product from photosynthesis, which also functions as a signaling compound in plant innate immunity. Therefore, it is important to regulate the level of hydrogen peroxide in response to pathogens. Chloroplasts maintain components of the redox detoxification system including enzymes such as 2-Cys peroxiredoxins (2-Cys Prxs), and NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase C (NTRC). However, the significance of 2-Cys Prxs and NTRC in the molecular basis of nonhost disease resistance is largely unknown. We evaluated the roles of Prxs and NTRC using knock-out mutants ofArabidopsisin response to nonhostPseudomonas syringaepathogens. Plants lacking functional NTRC showed localized cell death (LCD) accompanied by the elevated accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in response to nonhost pathogens. Interestingly, theArabidopsis ntrcmutant showed enhanced bacterial growth and disease susceptibility of nonhost pathogens. Furthermore, the expression profiles of the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA)-mediated signaling pathways and phytohormone analyses including SA and JA revealed that theArabidopsis ntrcmutant shows elevated JA-mediated signaling pathways in response to nonhost pathogen. These results suggest the critical role of NTRC in plant innate immunity against nonhostP. syringaepathogens.
Potential spawn induction and suppression agents in CaribbeanAcropora cervicorniscorals of the Florida Keys
Authors: Flint Mark , Than John T.
Published: April 2016

The enhanced ability to direct sexual reproduction may lead to improved restoration outcomes forAcropora cervicornis. Gravid fragments ofA. cervicorniswere maintained in a laboratory for two sequential trials in the seven days prior to natural spawning in the Florida Keys. Ten replicates of five chemicals known to affect spawning in various invertebrate taxa were tested. Hydrogen peroxide at 2 mM (70%) and L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) at 5 (40%) and 20 µM (30%) induced spawning within 15.4 h, 38.8 h and 26.9 h of dosing at or above the rate of release of the control (30%) within 14.6 h. Serotonin acetate monohydrate at 1 µM (20%) and 10 µM (20%), naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate at 0.01 µM (10%) and potassium phosphate monobasic at 0.25 µM (0%) induced spawning at rates less than the control. Although the greatest number of fragments spawned using hydrogen peroxide, it was with 100% mortality. There was a significantly higher induction rate closer to natural spawn (Trial 2) compared with Trial 1 and no genotype effect. Mechanisms of action causing gamete release were not elucidated. In Caribbean staghorn corals, 5-HTP shows promise as a spawning induction agent if administered within 72 h of natural spawn and it will not result in excessive mortality. Phosphate chemicals may inhibit spawning. This is the first study of its kind on Caribbean acroporid corals and may offer an important conservation tool for biologists currently charged with restoring the imperiledAcroporareefs of the Florida Keys.
Avaliação do processo de implementação do Plano Nacional da Sociobiodiversidade na mesorregião do Bico do Papagaio
Authors: Santos Lucélia Neves dos , Rodrigues Waldecy
Published: April 2016

O Plano Nacional para Promoção das Cadeias de Produtos da Sociobiodiversidade (PNPSB) tem como objetivo promover e fortalecer as cadeias dos produtos da sociobiodiversidade brasileira, com agregação de valor e consolidação de mercados sustentáveis. O presente trabalho avaliou o processo de implementação do PNPSB, investigando a sua efetividade no fortalecimento da cadeia produtiva do coco de babaçu, no âmbito da mesorregião do Bico do Papagaio, estado do Tocantins. Para tanto, foi utilizada a técnica Delphi de Políticas na aplicação de questionários aos atores envolvidos (movimentos sociais, comunidades extrativistas e setor público). A pesquisa revelou as discussões existentes no âmbito da implementação desta política acerca do acesso limitado às informações por parte das comunidades extrativistas, a participação dos extrativistas nas ações do Plano, a sua execução num período regular e o processo de industrialização do coco de babaçu pelos extrativistas. É fundamental que os condutores do PNPSB reconheçam as questões citadas pelos atores sociais envolvidos e desenvolvam a implementação por estes almejada.Código JEL | O13; Q56; Q58.
O Movimento Interestadual das Quebradeiras de Coco Babaçu na região do Bico do Papagaio: reflexões sobre justiça social
Authors: Pizzio Alex , Cecchin Hareli Fernanda Garcia
Published: April 2016

O presente artigo visa analisar o Movimento Interestadual das Quebradeiras de Coco Babaçu (MIQCB), procurando compreender como as mulheres da região do Bico do Papagaio se organizaram historicamente e, também, discutindo os diferentes aspectos desse movimento social a partir da peculiar perspectiva de Nancy Fraser. A importância deste estudo sobre as mulheres da região do Bico do Papagaio repousa no fato de que se destaca o movimento das quebradeiras de coco-babaçu sob o ângulo da teoria da justiça social. Ele propicia, então, um novo olhar sobre aquela região (e sobre as quebradeiras de coco-babaçu e sua atividade no MIQCB), em geral, vista como uma área de conflito; um novo olhar que se lança em busca da compreensão da construção de identidades coletivas.Código JEL | J54; O13; Q56.
Urbanização de risco em frente de escarpa e encosta: caso de Primavera do Leste-MT
Authors: Oliveira Anna Luiza Garção de , Magalhães Sérgio Luiz Moraes , Neto Olívio Fiorese , Pasqualetto Antônio , Bárrios Gustavo Fernando Morari
Published: April 2016

O processo construtivo da expansão urbana, quando defronte a ambientes naturais sensíveis, promove ou intensifica situações de risco e perigo a todo o espaço urbano, o que inclui sociedade, bens públicos e particulares. Este artigo reflete a atual situação de ocupação da encosta do Planalto dos Guimarães, no município de Primavera do Leste, Mato Grosso, com foco nos bairros Parque Castelândia, Parque Gnoato e Distrito Industrial. A pesquisa realizada fundamentou-se na hipótese de relação direta entre crescimento populacional – a partir da analise de dados do censo demográfico mais recente (2010) – e avanço da urbanização para frente de escarpa, região propícia à formação de processos erosivos e movimentos de massa, utilizando imagens de satélite e visitas de campo. Por fim, concluiu-se que o crescimento populacional das duas últimas décadas nas áreas de proteção ambiental condicionou a formação de uma Urbanização de Risco, especialmente ligada à declividade e dinâmica de fluxos d’água.Código JEL | O18; R14; Q56.
High‐resolution modeling of human and climate impacts on global water resources
Authors: Wada Yoshihide , de Graaf Inge E. M. , van Beek Ludovicus P. H.
Published: April 2016

A number of global hydrological models [GHMs) have been developed in recent decades in order to understand the impacts of climate variability and human activities on water resources availability. The spatial resolution of GHMs is mostly constrained at a 0.5° by 0.5° grid [∼50km by ∼50km at the equator). However, for many of the water‐related problems facing society, the current spatial scale of GHMs is insufficient to provide locally relevant information. Here using the PCR‐GLOBWB model we present for the first time an analysis of human and climate impacts on global water resources at a 0.1° by 0.1° grid [∼10km by ∼10km at the equator) in order to depict more precisely regional variability in water availability and use. Most of the model input data (topography, vegetation, soil properties, routing, human water use) have been parameterized at a 0.1° global grid and feature a distinctively higher resolution. Distinct from many other GHMs, PCR‐GLOBWB includes groundwater representation and simulates groundwater heads and lateral groundwater flows based on MODFLOW with existing geohydrological information. This study shows that global hydrological simulations at higher spatial resolutions are feasible for multi‐decadal to century periods.
Identification and quantification of redox and pH buffering processes in a heterogeneous, low carbonate aquifer during managed aquifer recharge
Authors: Seibert Simone , Atteia Olivier , Ursula Salmon S. , Siade Adam , Douglas Grant , Prommer Henning
Published: April 2016

Managed aquifer recharge of aerobic water into deep aquifers often induces the oxidation of pyrite, which can lead to groundwater acidification and metal mobilization. As circumneutral pH is often maintained by the dissolution of sedimentary calcite or high injectant alkalinity little attention is generally paid to potential alternative pH buffering processes. In contrast, this study analyzed water quality evolution from a 2 year long groundwater replenishment trial in an anaerobic, mostly carbonate free aquifer. While injection of aerobic, very low salinity water triggered pyrite oxidation, the comprehensive field data showed that in many aquifer zones pH was buffered without substantial release of inorganic carbon. A numerical analysis was performed to test and evaluate different conceptual models and suggested that either proton buffering or the dissolution of aluminosilicates, or a combination thereof, can explain the observed, rapid buffering at locations where carbonates were absent. In contrast to many previous managed aquifer recharge [MAR) studies, the oxidation of sedimentary pyrite by nitrate was found to be of minor importance or negligible. The study also highlights that the depositional history of the aquifer, and the associated differences in mineralogy and geochemistry, need to be considered when estimating groundwater quality evolution during the injection of various water types for aquifer replenishment or other management purposes.
A global analysis of the seaward salt marsh extent: The importance of tidal range
Authors: Balke Thorsten , Stock Martin , Jensen Kai , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Kleyer Michael
Published: April 2016

Despite the growing interest in ecosystem services provided by intertidal wetlands, we lack sufficient understanding of the processes that determine the seaward extent of salt marsh vegetation on tidal flats. With the present study, we aim to establish a globally valid demarcation between tidal flats and salt marsh vegetation in relation to tidal range. By comparing results from a regional GIS study with a global literature search on the salt marsh‐tidal flat border, we are able to define the global critical elevation, above which salt marsh plants can grow in the intertidal zone. Moreover, we calculate inundation characteristics from global tide gauge records to determine inundation duration and frequency at this predicted salt marsh‐tidal flat border depending on tidal range. Our study shows that the height difference between the lowest elevation of salt marsh pioneer vegetation and mean high water increases logarithmically with tidal range when including macrotidal salt marshes. Hence, the potentially vegetated section of the tidal frame below mean high water does not proportionally increase with tidal range. The data analysis suggests that inundation frequency rather than duration defines the global lower elevational limit of vascular salt marsh plants on tidal flats. This is critical information to better estimate sea level rise and coastal change effects on lateral marsh development.
Terrestrial freshwater lenses in stable riverine settings: Occurrence and controlling factors
Authors: Werner Adrian D. , Laattoe Tariq
Published: April 2016

Rivers in arid and semiarid regions often traverse saline aquifers, creating buoyant freshwater lenses in the adjoining riparian and floodplain zones. The occurrence of freshwater lenses where the river is otherwise gaining saline groundwater appears counterintuitive, given that both hydraulic and density forces act toward the river. In this paper, an analytical solution is presented that defines the extent of a stable, sharp‐interface terrestrial freshwater lens (in cross section) in a riverine environment that otherwise contains saline groundwater moving toward the river. The method is analogous to the situation of an island freshwater lens, except in the riverine setting, the saltwater is mobile and the lens is assumed to be stagnant. The solution characterizes the primary controlling factors of riverine freshwater lenses, which are larger for situations involving lower hydraulic conductivities and rates of saltwater discharge to the river. Deeper aquifers, more transmissive riverbeds, and larger freshwater‐saltwater density differences produce more extensive lenses. The analytical solution predicts the parameter combinations that preclude the occurrence of freshwater lenses. The utility of the solution as a screening method to predict the occurrence of terrestrial freshwater lenses is demonstrated by application to parameter ranges typical of the South Australian portion of the River Murray, where freshwater lenses occur in only a portion of the neighboring floodplains. Despite assumptions of equilibrium conditions and a sharp freshwater‐saltwater interface, the solution for predicting the occurrence of riverine freshwater lenses presented in this study has immediate relevance to the management of floodplains in which freshwater lenses are integral to biophysical conditions.
A major increase in winter snowfall during the middle Holocene on western Greenland caused by reduced sea ice in Baffin Bay and the Labrador Sea
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth K. , Briner Jason P. , Ryan‐Henry John J. , Huang Yongsong
Published: April 2016

Precipitation is predicted to increase in the Arctic as temperature increases and sea ice retreats. Yet the mechanisms controlling precipitation in the Arctic are poorly understood and quantified only by the short, sparse instrumental record. We use hydrogen isotope ratios (δ2H) of lipid biomarkers in lake sediments from western Greenland to reconstruct precipitation seasonality and summer temperature during the past 8 kyr. Aquatic biomarker δ2H was 100‰ more negative from 6 to 4 ka than during the early and late Holocene, which we interpret to reflect increased winter snowfall. The middle Holocene also had high summer air temperature, decreased early winter sea ice in Baffin Bay and the Labrador Sea, and a strong, warm West Greenland Current. These results corroborate model predictions of winter snowfall increases caused by sea ice retreat and furthermore suggest that warm currents advecting more heat into the polar seas may enhance Arctic evaporation and snowfall.
Mid‐El Niño erosion at nourished and unnourished Southern California beaches
Authors: Ludka B. C. , Gallien T. W. , Crosby S. C. , Guza R. T.
Published: April 2016

Wave conditions in Southern California during the 2015–2016 El Niño were similar to the 2009–2010 El Niño, previously the most erosive (minimum beach widths and subaerial sand levels) in a 7 year record. As of February 2016, Torrey Pines Beach had eroded slightly below 2009–2010 levels, threatening the shoulder of a major highway. However, Cardiff, Solana, and Imperial Beaches, nourished with imported sand in 2012, were on average 1–2 m more elevated and more than 10 m wider than in 2009–2010. Monthly subaerial sand elevation observations showed that the nourished beaches remained consistently wider than unnourished beaches under similar wave conditions. In contrast to a 2001 nourishment at Torrey Pines built with native sized sand that was removed from the beach face during a single storm, these relatively coarse grained nourishments protected shorelines for several years, and during the significant wave attack of the 2015–2016 El Niño, as of February 2016.
Relativistic electron precipitation at International Space Station: Space weather monitoring by Calorimetric Electron Telescope
Authors: Kataoka Ryuho , Asaoka Yoichi , Torii Shoji , Terasawa Toshio , Ozawa Shunsuke , Tamura Tadahisa , Shimizu Yuki , Akaike Yosui , Mori Masaki
Published: April 2016

The charge detector (CHD) of the Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) on board the International Space Station (ISS) has a huge geometric factor for detecting MeV electrons and is sensitive to relativistic electron precipitation (REP) events. During the first 4 months, CALET CHD observed REP events mainly at the dusk to midnight sector near the plasmapause, where the trapped radiation belt electrons can be efficiently scattered by electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves. Here we show that interesting 5–20 s periodicity regularly exists during the REP events at ISS, which is useful to diagnose the wave‐particle interactions associated with the nonlinear wave growth of EMIC‐triggered emissions.
Impact of kinetic mass transfer on free convection in a porous medium
Authors: Lu Chunhui , Shi Liangsheng , Chen Yiming , Xie Yueqing , Simmons Craig T.
Published: April 2016

We investigate kinetic mass transfer effects on unstable density‐driven flow and transport processes by numerical simulations of a modified Elder problem. The first‐order dual‐domain mass transfer model coupled with a variable‐density‐flow model is employed to describe transport behavior in porous media. Results show that in comparison to the no‐mass‐transfer case, a higher degree of instability and more unstable system is developed in the mass transfer case due to the reduced effective porosity and correspondingly a larger Rayleigh number (assuming permeability is independent on the mobile porosity). Given a constant total porosity, the magnitude of capacity ratio (i.e., immobile porosity/mobile porosity) controls the macroscopic plume profile in the mobile domain, while the magnitude of mass transfer timescale (i.e., the reciprocal of the mass transfer rate coefficient) dominates its evolution rate. The magnitude of capacity ratio plays an important role on the mechanism driving the mass flux into the aquifer system. Specifically, for a small capacity ratio, solute loading is dominated by the density‐driven transport, while with increasing capacity ratio local mass transfer dominated solute loading may occur at later times. At significantly large times, however, both mechanisms contribute comparably to solute loading. Sherwood Number could be a nonmonotonic function of mass transfer timescale due to complicated interactions of solute between source zone, mobile zone and immobile zone in the top boundary layer, resulting in accordingly a similar behavior of the total mass. The initial assessment provides important insights into unstable density‐driven flow and transport in the presence of kinetic mass transfer.
Patterns of Care Among Patients Referred to Rheumatologists in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Widdifield Jessica , Tu Karen , Carter Thorne J. , Bombardier Claire , Michael Paterson J. , Liisa Jaakkimainen R. , Wing Laura , Butt Debra A. , Ivers Noah , Hofstetter Catherine , Lyddiatt Anne , Ahluwalia Vandana , Bernatsky Sasha
Published: April 2016

Objective

Our aim was to characterize referrals to rheumatologists, the early care management of patients with rheumatic diseases, and timeliness of care and treatment.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study involving patients with first‐time rheumatology referrals between 2000 and 2013 in the primary care Electronic Medical Record Administrative data Linked Database (EMRALD) in Ontario, Canada. Referrals were characterized in terms of diagnoses, patient demographics, diagnostic tests, treatment initiated by family physicians and rheumatologists, and other specialists seen prior to rheumatology consultation. Timeliness of referrals, rheumatologist consultations, and treatment were determined overall and for each diagnostic category.

Results

Among 2,430 patients referred to a rheumatologist, 69% were female, with an average age of 53 years. The principal diagnosis associated with the referral included osteoarthritis (32%), systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (31%), regional musculoskeletal conditions (16%), chronic pain conditions (14%), osteoporosis (2%), and other/miscellaneous (5%). Family physicians most frequently prescribed nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs/cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors (38%), and their pre‐referral diagnostic testing practice varied considerably. The duration of time from symptom onset to rheumatology consultation varied by diagnoses, with the shortest being for patients with systemic rheumatic diseases; for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the median time to consultation was 327 days. Most of the delay occurred prior to referral; 36% of RA patients initiated a disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug within 6 months of symptom onset.

Conclusion

Approximately 1 in 3 referrals to rheumatologists were for a systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease. We observed substantial delays to rheumatology consultations and variations in patterns of care that could be amenable to quality improvement interventions.
Quantifying Temporomandibular Joint Synovitis in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Resnick Cory M. , Vakilian Pouya M. , Breen Micheál , Zurakowski David , Caruso Paul , Henderson Lauren , Nigrovic Peter A. , Kaban Leonard B. , Peacock Zachary S.
Published: April 2016

Objective

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) frequently affects the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and is often undetected by history, examination, and plain imaging. Qualitative assessment of gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance images (MRIs) is currently the standard for diagnosis of TMJ synovitis associated with JIA. The purpose of this study is to apply a quantitative analysis of synovial enhancement to MRIs of patients with and without JIA to establish a disease threshold and sensitivity and specificity for the technique.

Methods

This is a retrospective case–control study of children (age ≤16 years) who had MRIs with gadolinium including the TMJs. Subjects were divided into a JIA group and a control group. From a coronal T1‐weighted image, a ratio (enhancement ratio [ER]) of the average pixel intensity within three 0.2‐mm2 regions of interest (ROIs) in the TMJ synovium to that of a 50‐mm2 ROI of the longus capitis muscle was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity. The inter‐ and intraexaminer reliability was evaluated with Bland‐Altman plots and 2‐way mixed, absolute agreement intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results

There were 187 and 142 TMJs included in the JIA and control groups, respectively. An ER threshold of 1.55 had a sensitivity and specificity for detecting synovitis of 91% and 96%, respectively. The inter‐ and intraexaminer reliability was excellent.

Conclusion

Calculating a ratio of pixel intensity between the TMJ synovium and the longus capitis muscle is a reliable way to quantify synovial enhancement. An ER of 1.55 differentiates normal TMJs from those affected by inflammatory arthritis.
Telephone Coaching to Enhance a Home‐Based Physical Activity Program for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bennell Kim L. , Campbell Penny K. , Egerton Thorlene , Metcalf Ben , Kasza Jessica , Forbes Andrew , Bills Caroline , Gale Janette , Harris Anthony , Kolt Gregory S. , Bunker Stephen J. , Hunter David J. , Brand Caroline A. , Hinman Rana S.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To investigate whether simultaneous telephone coaching improves the clinical effectiveness of a physiotherapist‐prescribed home‐based physical activity program for knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A total of 168 inactive adults ages ≥50 years with knee pain on a numeric rating scale ≥4 (NRS; range 0–10) and knee OA were recruited from the community and randomly assigned to a physiotherapy (PT) and coaching group (n = 84) or PT‐only (n = 84) group. All participants received five 30‐minute consultations with a physiotherapist over 6 months for education, home exercise, and physical activity advice. PT+coaching participants also received 6–12 telephone coaching sessions by clinicians trained in behavioral‐change support for exercise and physical activity. Primary outcomes were pain (NRS) and physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC; score range 0–68]) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were these same measures at 12 and 18 months, as well as physical activity, exercise adherence, other pain and function measures, and quality of life. Analyses were intent‐to‐treat with multiple imputation for missing data.

Results

A total of 142 (85%), 136 (81%), and 128 (76%) participants completed 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐month measurements, respectively. The change in NRS pain (mean difference 0.4 unit [95% confidence interval (95% CI) −0.4, 1.3]) and in WOMAC function (1.8 [95% CI −1.9, 5.5]) did not differ between groups at 6 months, with both groups showing clinically relevant improvements. Some secondary outcomes related to physical activity and exercise behavior favored PT+coaching at 6 months but generally not at 12 or 18 months. There were no between‐group differences in most other outcomes.

Conclusion

The addition of simultaneous telephone coaching did not augment the pain and function benefits of a physiotherapist‐prescribed home‐based physical activity program.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Tramadol and Oxycodone in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Smith Savannah R. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Collins Jamie E. , Solomon Daniel H. , Jordan Joanne M. , Suter Lisa G. , Yelin Edward H. , David Paltiel A. , Losina Elena
Published: April 2016

Objective

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of incorporating tramadol or oxycodone into knee osteoarthritis (OA) treatment.

Methods

We used the Osteoarthritis Policy Model to evaluate long‐term clinical and economic outcomes of knee OA patients with a mean age of 60 years with persistent pain despite conservative treatment. We evaluated 3 strategies: opioid‐sparing (OS), tramadol (T), and tramadol followed by oxycodone (T+O). We obtained estimates of pain reduction and toxicity from published literature and annual costs for tramadol ($600) and oxycodone ($2,300) from Red Book Online. Based on published data, in the base case, we assumed a 10% reduction in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) effectiveness in opioid‐based strategies. Outcomes included quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), lifetime cost, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and were discounted at 3% per year.

Results

In the base case, T and T+O strategies delayed TKA by 7 and 9 years, respectively, and led to reduction in TKA utilization by 4% and 10%, respectively. Both opioid‐based strategies increased cost and decreased QALYs compared to the OS strategy. Tramadol's ICER was highly sensitive to its effect on TKA outcomes. Reduction in TKA effectiveness by 5% (compared to base case 10%) resulted in an ICER for the T strategy of $110,600 per QALY; with no reduction in TKA effectiveness, the ICER was $26,900 per QALY. When TKA was not considered a treatment option, the ICER for T was $39,600 per QALY.

Conclusion

Opioids do not appear to be cost‐effective in OA patients without comorbidities, principally because of their negative impact on pain relief after TKA. The influence of opioids on TKA outcomes should be a research priority.
Longitudinal Course of Disease in a Large Cohort of Myositis Patients With Autoantibodies Recognizing the Signal Recognition Particle
Authors: Pinal‐Fernandez Iago , Parks Cassie , Werner Jessie L. , Albayda Jemima , Paik Julie J. , Danoff Sonye K. , Casciola‐Rosen Livia , Christopher‐Stine Lisa , Mammen Andrew L.
Published: April 2016

Objective

Patients with immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) often have autoantibodies recognizing the signal recognition particle (SRP) or HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGCR). Here, we studied a cohort of anti‐SRP patients to identify factors associated with disease severity and clinical improvement; we also compared the severity of weakness in those with anti‐SRP versus anti‐HMGCR autoantibodies.

Methods

All anti‐SRP patients in the Johns Hopkins Myositis Cohort from 2002 to 2015 were included. Longitudinal information regarding proximal muscle strength, creatine kinase (CK) levels, and immunosuppressive therapy was recorded at each visit. Univariate and multivariate multilevel regression models were used to assess prognostic factors influencing recovery. Strength in the anti‐SRP patients was compared to strength in 49 previously described anti‐HMGCR subjects.

Results

Data from 37 anti‐SRP patients and 380 total clinic visits were analyzed. Younger age at onset was associated with more severe weakness at the first visit (P = 0.02) and all subsequent visits (P = 0.002). Only 50% of patients reached near‐full or full strength after 4 years of treatment, and most of these continued to have elevated CK levels. Rituximab appeared to be effective in 13 of 17 anti‐SRP patients. Anti‐SRP patients were significantly weaker than those with anti‐HMGCR autoantibodies (−1.3 strength points; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Younger age at onset is associated with more severe weakness in anti‐SRP myositis. Furthermore, even among anti‐SRP patients whose strength improved with immunosuppression, most had ongoing disease activity as demonstrated by elevated CK levels. Finally, anti‐SRP patients were significantly weaker than anti‐HMGCR patients, providing evidence that these autoantibodies are associated with distinct forms of IMNM.
Validation of Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Forms for Use in Childhood‐Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Jones Jordan T. , Carle Adam C. , Wootton Janet , Liberio Brianna , Lee Jiha , Schanberg Laura E. , Ying Jun , Morgan DeWitt Esi , Brunner Hermine I.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To validate the pediatric Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short forms (PROMIS‐SFs) in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a clinical setting.

Methods

At 3 study visits, childhood‐onset SLE patients completed the PROMIS‐SFs (anger, anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, physical function‐mobility, physical function‐upper extremity, pain interference, and peer relationships) using the PROMIS assessment center, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) legacy measures (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, Simple Measure of Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters [SMILEY], and visual analog scales [VAS] of pain and well‐being). Physicians rated childhood‐onset SLE activity on a VAS and completed the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000. Using a global rating scale of change (GRC) between study visits, physicians rated change of childhood‐onset SLE activity (GRC‐MD1: better/same/worse) and change of patient overall health (GRC‐MD2: better/same/worse). Questionnaire scores were compared in support of validity and responsiveness to change (external standards: GRC‐MD1, GRC‐MD2).

Results

In this population‐based cohort (n = 100) with a mean age of 15.8 years (range 10–20 years), the PROMIS‐SFs were completed in less than 5 minutes in a clinical setting. The PROMIS‐SF scores correlated at least moderately (Pearson's r ≥ 0.5) with those of legacy HRQoL measures, except for the SMILEY. Measures of childhood‐onset SLE activity did not correlate with the PROMIS‐SFs. Responsiveness to change of the PROMIS‐SFs was supported by path, mixed‐model, and correlation analyses.

Conclusion

To assess HRQoL in childhood‐onset SLE, the PROMIS‐SFs demonstrated feasibility, internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness to change in a clinical setting.
Explosive Raspberries: Controlled Magnetically Triggered Bursting of Microcapsules
Authors: Loiseau Eve , de Boiry Aymar Quarré , Niedermair Fabian , Albrecht Gerhard , Rühs Patrick A. , Studart André R.
Published: April 2016

On‐demand and spatially controlled release of active components is crucial in several applications ranging from medicine to food and agriculture. Although many encapsulation approaches have been developed to address specific application‐related boundary conditions, microcapsule systems that enable quick and site‐specific release are still highly demanded. Here, a new design for a magnetically triggered release system consisting of an inductively heatable core covered by temperature‐sensitive bursting microcapsules is proposed. Release of the microcapsule content is achieved within a few seconds by a locally induced thermal shock without overheating the surrounding matrix. The bursting microcapsules are produced from monodisperse double emulsion templates made by microfluidics. The microcapsule shell structure is heterogeneous, consisting of a polymer particle network wetted by a liquid blowing agent and sealed by a polymeric skin. Steel particles (1 mm) are selected as an exemplary heat source because of their fast temperature increase through magnetic induced heating. Proof‐of‐concept microbursting experiments are performed to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed raspberry design in achieving controlled local release using a magnetic trigger. In this study, it is shown that the system can be applied for the on‐demand setting of cementitious materials by externally triggering the release of a cement accelerator without undesired excessive heating of the matrix.