bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lasers in orthodontics
Authors: Nalcaci Ruhi , Cokakoglu Serpil
Published: January 2014

Many types of dental lasers are currently available that can be efficiently used for soft and hard tissue applications in the field of orthodontics. For achieving the desired effects in the target tissue, knowledge of laser characteristics such as power, wavelength and timing, is necessary. Laser therapy is advantageous because it often avoids bleeding, can be pain free, is non-invasive and is relatively quick. The high cost is its primary disadvantage. It is very important to take the necessary precautions to prevent possible tissue damage when using laser dental systems. Here, we reviewed the main types and characteristics of laser systems used in dental practice and discuss the applications of lasers in orthodontics, harmful effects and laser system safety.
The genetic basis of dental anomalies and its relation to orthodontics
Authors: Cakan Derya Germec , Ulkur Feyza , Taner Tulin
Published: January 2014

The interruption of odontogenesis by any etiological factor may result in dental anomalies. Apart from the environmental factors, the impact of genetics in dental anomalies was found to be a factor in different levels. Many authors had questioned a common genetic defect resulting in different phenotypic conditions such as absent, malformed, malposed or ectopic teeth. Because the multidisciplinary treatment of these dental anomalies such as hypodontia, impaction etc., involves orthodontic intervention, orthodontists must be aware of the etiology and possible correlative conditions with dental anomalies.
Mechanisms of Financing Investment in Immovable Cultural Heritage
Authors: Ivanc Tjaša , Vrenčur Renato
Published: January 2014

Protected values of cultural heritage represent a dynamic category, an item, which is not intended only for preservation, but also for improvement. Based on this fact, it is necessary to set up a starting point that immovable cultural heritage has been under the degradation process or the process of reducing its value from the day of its origin, which can be „slowed-down“ by appropriate maintenance. Architectural heritage is found in a paradoxical situation where a regulatory system of mandatory preservation measures and obligations is being established on the one hand, while a poor concern for such heritage is recorded on the other hand. The funds invested in renovation of immovable heritage do not reach assessed values attributed to individual property.

The authors address in their work the issue concerning the effectiveness of the immovable cultural heritage protection from the aspect of national funding systems, as well as from the aspect of interstate funding sources and financing programmes.
Electoral System Changes and Voter Turnout: Reflections on New Zealand Local Elections
Authors: Zvulun Jacky Yaakov
Published: January 2014

Voter turnout in local and general elections is a key element in measuring citizen participation. From 2004, New Zealand local elections were unique in that local councils had the choice of two different electoral systems: plurality majority and proportional representation. We have here the opportunity to study more about New Zealand local elections and changes in electoral systems. This article analyses the impact of the "Single Transferable Vote” electoral system in those councils that adopted it, comparing it to those councils which used "First Past the Post". This article explains how the STV electoral system has not increased voter turnout and was not the cause of low voter turnout in the 2004-2007 local elections. It might, however, offer voters a better way to choose their preferences.
A Comparative Analysis of Transparency in Sustainability Reporting by Local and Regional Governments
Authors: Alcaraz-Quiles Francisco José , Navarro-Galera Andrés , Ortiz-Rodríguez David
Published: January 2014

Although the importance of sustainability reporting in the public sector is widely recognized, there are few studies about this issue. This paper analyzed the practices of diffusion of information on sustainability in local governments. So, we observed the Websites of the largest local governments in Spain using a list of items from the guidelines of GRI and comparing the results with the results of the Spanish regional governments. Our findings show that local governments reported some information (50% of the items), but less than regional governments (60%). Social information is the most widespread and environmental information is the least reported.
Radiative signature of absorbing aerosol over the Eastern Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Mishra A. K. , Klingmueller K. , Fredj E. , Lelieveld J. , Rudich Y. , Koren I.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The effects of absorbing aerosols on the atmospheric radiation budget and dynamics over the Eastern Mediterranean region are studied using satellites and ground-based observations, and model calculations, under summer conditions. Climatology of aerosol optical depth (AOD), single scattering albedo (SSA) and size parameters were analyzed using multi-year (1999–2012) observations from MODIS, MISR and AERONET. CALIOP-derived aerosol vertical distributions and their classifications are used to calculate the AOD of 4 dominant aerosol types: dust, polluted dust, polluted continental and marine aerosol over the region. The seasonal mean (June–August 2010) AODs are 0.22 ± 0.02, 0.11 ± 0.04, 0.10 ± 0.04 and 0.06 ± 0.01 for polluted dust, polluted continental, dust and marine aerosol, respectively. Changes in the atmospheric temperature profile as a function of absorbing aerosol loading were derived for the same period using observations from the AIRS satellite. We inferred heating rates in the aerosol layer of ~1.7 ± 0.8 K day−1 between 925 and 850 hPa, which is attributed to aerosol absorption of incoming solar radiation. Radiative transfer model (RTM) calculations show significant atmospheric warming for dominant absorbing aerosol over the region. A maximum atmospheric forcing of +16.5 ± 7.5 W m−2 is calculated in the case of polluted dust, followed by polluted continental (+7.6 ± 4.4 W m−2) and dust (+7.1 ± 4.3 W m−2). RTM-derived heating rate profiles for dominant absorbing aerosol show warming of 0.1–0.9 K day−1 in the aerosol layer (< 3.0 km altitudes), which primarily depend on AODs of the different aerosol types. Diabatic heating due to absorbing aerosol stabilizes the lower atmosphere, which could significantly reduce the atmospheric ventilation. These conditions can enhance the "pollution pool" over the Eastern Mediterranean.
Emission trends and mitigation options for air pollutants in East Asia
Authors: Wang S. X. , Zhao B. , Cai S. Y. , Klimont Z. , Nielsen C. , McElroy M. B. , Morikawa T. , Woo J. H. , Kim Y. , Fu X. , Xu J. Y. , Hao J. M. , He K. B.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Emissions of air pollutants in East Asia play an important role in the regional and global atmospheric environment. In this study we evaluated the recent emission trends of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matters (PM), and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) in East Asia, and projected their future emissions up to 2030 with six emission scenarios. The results will provide future emission projections for the modeling community of the model inter-comparison program for Asia (MICS-Asia). During 2005–2010, the emissions of SO2 and PM2.5 in East Asia decreased by 15 % and 11%, respectively, mainly attributable to the large scale deployment of FGD for China's power plants, and the promotion of high-efficient PM removal technologies in China's power plants and cement industry. During this period, the emissions of NOx and NMVOC increased by 25% and 15%, driven by the rapid increase in the emissions from China owing to inadequate control strategies. In contrast, the NOx and NMVOC emissions in East Asia except China decreased by 13–17% mainly due to the implementation of tight vehicle emission standards in Japan and South Korea. Under current legislation and current implementation status, NOx, SO2, and NMVOC emissions in East Asia are estimated to increase by about one quarter by 2030 from the 2010 levels, while PM2.5 emissions are expected to decrease by 7%. Assuming enforcement of new energy-saving policies, emissions of NOx, SO2, PM2.5 and NMVOC in East Asia are expected to decrease by 28%, 36%, 28%, and 15% respectively compared with the baseline case. The implementation of the "progressive" end-of-pipe control measures is expected to lead to another one third reduction of the baseline emissions of NOx, and about one quarter reduction for SO2, PM2.5, and NMVOC. With the full implementation of maximum feasible reduction measures, the emissions of NOx, SO2, and PM2.5 in East Asia are expected to account for only about one quarter and NMVOC for one third of the levels of the baseline projection. Compared with previous projections, this study projects larger reduction in NOx and SO2 emissions by considering aggressive govermental plans and standards scheduled to be implemented in the next decade, and quantifies the significant effects of detailed progressive control measures on NMVOC emissions up to 2030.
Field calibrations of a low-cost aerosol sensor at a regulatory monitoring site in California
Authors: Holstius D. M. , Pillarisetti A. , Smith K. R. , Seto E.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Health effects attributed to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) now rank it among the risk factors with the highest health burdens in the world, but existing monitoring infrastructure cannot adequately characterize spatial and temporal variability in urban PM2.5 concentrations, nor in human population exposures. The development and evaluation of more portable and affordable monitoring instruments based on low-cost sensors may offer a means to supplement and extend existing infrastructure, increasing the density and coverage of empirical measurements and thereby improving exposure science and control. Here, we report on field calibrations of a custom-built, battery-operated aerosol monitoring instrument we developed using low-cost, off-the-shelf optical aerosol sensors. We calibrated our instruments using 1 h and 24 h PM2.5 data from a class III US EPA Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) PM2.5 β-attenuation monitor in continuous operation at a regulatory monitoring site in Oakland, California. We observed negligible associations with ambient humidity and temperature; linear corrections were sufficient to explain 60% of the variance in 1 h reference PM2.5 data and 72% of the variance in 24 h data. Performance at 1 h integration times was comparable to commercially available optical instruments costing considerably more. These findings warrant further exploration of the circumstances under which this class of aerosol sensors may profitably be deployed to generate improved PM2.5 datasets.
Global gridded precipitation over land: a description of the new GPCC First Guess Daily product
Authors: Schamm K. , Ziese M. , Becker A. , Finger P. , Meyer-Christoffer A. , Schneider U. , Schröder M. , Stender P.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. This paper describes the new First Guess Daily product of the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC). The new product gives an estimate of the global daily precipitation gridded at a spatial resolution of 1° latitude by 1° longitude. It is based on rain gauge data reported in near-real time via the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) and available about three to five days after the end of each observation month. In addition to the gridded daily precipitation totals in mm day−1, the standard deviation in mm day−1, the kriging interpolation error in % and the number of measurements per grid cell are also encoded into the monthly netCDF product file and provided for all months since January 2009. Prior to their interpolation, the measured precipitation values undergo a preliminary automatic quality control. For the calculation of the areal mean of the grid, anomalies are interpolated with ordinary block kriging. This approach allows for a near-real-time release. Therefore, the purely GTS-based data processing lacks an intensive quality control as well as a high data density and is denoted as First Guess. The daily data set is referenced under doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/FG_D_100. Two further products, the Full Data Daily and a merged satellite-gauge product, are currently under development at Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD). These additional products will not be available in near-real time, but based on significantly more and strictly quality controlled observations. All GPCC products are provided free of charge via the GPCC webpage: ftp://ftp-anon.dwd.de/pub/data/gpcc/html/download_gate.html.
Changes in ventilation of the Mediterranean Sea during the past 25 year
Authors: Schneider A. , Tanhua T. , Roether W. , Steinfeldt R.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Significant changes in the overturning circulation of the Mediterranean Sea has been observed during the last few decades, the most prominent phenomena being the Eastern Mediterranean Transient (EMT) in the early 1990s and the Western Mediterranean Transition (WMT) during the mid-2000s. During both of these events unusually large amounts of deep water were formed, and in the case of the EMT, the deep water formation area shifted from the Adriatic to the Aegean Sea. Here we synthesize a unique collection of transient tracer (CFC-12, SF6 and tritium) data from nine cruises conducted between 1987 and 2011 and use these data to determine temporal variability of Mediterranean ventilation. We also discuss biases and technical problems with transient tracer-based ages arising from their different input histories over time; particularly in the case of time-dependent ventilation. We observe a period of low ventilation in the deep eastern (Levantine) basin after it was ventilated by the EMT so that the age of the deep water is increasing with time. In the Ionian Sea, on the other hand, we see evidence of increased ventilation after year 2001, indicating the restarted deep water formation in the Adriatic Sea. This is also reflected in the increasing age of the Cretan Sea deep water and decreasing age of Adriatic Sea deep water since the end of the 1980s. In the western Mediterranean deep basin we see the massive input of recently ventilated waters during the WMT. This signal is not yet apparent in the Tyrrhenian Sea, where the ventilation seems to be fairly constant since the EMT. Also the western Alboran Sea does not show any temporal trends in ventilation.
Dating of a Dome Fuji (Antarctica) shallow ice core by volcanic signal synchronization with B32 and EDML1 chronologies
Authors: Motizuki Y. , Nakai Y. , Takahashi K. , Igarashi M. , Motoyama H. , Suzuki K.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. We found extremely good synchronization of volcanic eruption signals between a shallow ice core drilled at Dome Fuji in 2001 (DF01 core) and the B32 shallow ice core from Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica. We then applied volcanic signature matching to transfer the B32 chronology constructed by annual layer counting to a portion of the DF01 core for which annual layer counting was difficult because of the low precipitation rate. Matching was done by careful comparison of non-sea-salt sulfate (nssSO42−) data, which have a temporal resolution of about 1 yr, between the DF01 and B32 cores. The newly obtained chronology is called DFS1 (Dome Fuji Shallow ice core 1). In total, 31 volcanic eruptions were synchronized from AD 1900 back to AD 187, the earliest volcanic eruption date in the B32 core. The mean accumulation rate between synchronized volcanic horizons of the Dome Fuji core relative to rates at the B32 core drilling site did not differ significantly between these dates, increasing our confidence in this matching approach. We also used the B32-correlated EDML1/EDC3 chronology obtained from the top part of the EPICA Dronning Maud Land (DML) deep ice core to date a portion of the DF01 core. This new chronology, called DFS2 (Dome Fuji Shallow ice core 2), uses the correlations between B32 and EDML1/EDC3 ages to date the DF01 core from AD 1900 back to AD 199; moreover, four volcanic eruption dates from the EDML1/EDC3 chronology were used to date the interval from AD 199 back to AD 1. Because the EDML1/EDC3 ages were determined by adopting the B32 chronology back to AD 1170, DFS1 and DFS2 dates are identical between AD 1170 and 1900. These two methods enabled us to obtain a detailed chronology of the DF01 core, in particular the part before the last millennium, which has been difficult before this. We also present the absolute mean accumulation rates at Dome Fuji between AD 1 and 1900, based on the DFS1 and DFS2 chronologies.
Sea ice melt pond fraction estimation from dual-polarisation C-band SAR – Part 2: Scaling in situ to Radarsat-2
Authors: Scharien R. K. , Hochheim K. , Landy J. , Barber D. G.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Observed changes in the Arctic have motivated efforts to understand and model its components as an integrated and adaptive system at increasingly finer scales. Sea ice melt pond fraction, an important summer sea ice component affecting surface albedo and light transmittance across the ocean-sea ice–atmosphere interface, is inadequately parameterized in models due to a lack of large scale observations. In this paper, results from a multi-scale remote sensing program dedicated to the retrieval of pond fraction from satellite C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are detailed. The study was conducted on first-year sea (FY) ice in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago during the summer melt period in June 2012. Approaches to retrieve the subscale FY ice pond fraction from mixed pixels in RADARSAT-2 imagery, using in situ, surface scattering theory, and image data are assessed. Each algorithm exploits the dominant effect of high dielectric free-water ponds on the VV/HH polarisation ratio (PR) at moderate to high incidence angles (about 40° and above). Algorithms are applied to four images corresponding to discrete stages of the seasonal pond evolutionary cycle, and model performance is assessed using coincident pond fraction measurements from partitioned aerial photos. A RMSE of 0.07, across a pond fraction range of 0.10 to 0.70, is achieved during intermediate and late seasonal stages. Weak model performance is attributed to wet snow (pond formation) and synoptically driven pond freezing events (all stages), though PR has utility for identification of these events when considered in time series context. Results demonstrate the potential of wide-swath, dual-polarisation, SAR for large-scale observations of pond fraction with temporal frequency suitable for process-scale studies and improvements to model parameterizations.
Thermal resistances in the Everest Area (Nepal Himalaya) derived from satellite imagery using a nonlinear energy balance model
Authors: Rounce D. R. , McKinney D. C.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Debris thickness is an important characteristic of many debris-covered glaciers in the Everest region of the Himalayas. The debris thickness controls the melt rates of the glaciers, which has large implications for hydrologic models, the glaciers response to climate change, and the development of glacial lakes. Despite its importance, there is little knowledge of how the debris thickness varies over these glaciers. This paper uses an energy balance model in conjunction with Landsat7 ETM+ satellite imagery to derive thermal resistances, which is the debris thickness divided by the thermal conductivity. The developed model accounts for the nonlinear temperature gradient in the debris cover to derive accurate thermal resistances. Fieldwork performed on Lhotse Shar/Imja glacier in September 2013 was used to validate the satellite-derived thermal resistances. Results indicate that accounting for the nonlinear temperature gradient is crucial. Furthermore, correcting the incoming shortwave radiation term for the effects of topography and including the turbulent heat fluxes is imperative to derive accurate thermal resistances. Since the topographic correction is important, the model will improve with the quality of the DEM. The main limitation of this work is the poor resolution (60 m) of the satellite's thermal band. The derived thermal resistances are accurate at this resolution, but are unable to derive trends related to slope and aspect on a finer scale. Nonetheless, the study finds this model derives accurate thermal resistances on this scale and is transferable to other debris-covered glaciers in the Everest region.
Pregnant Desire:
Authors: Seal Samantha Katz
Published: January 2014

This article examines the scene in Chaucer's Merchant's Tale in which May declares both that she is pregnant and that she suffers from a pregnancy-induced hunger for pears that must be satiated to preserve her life. Contextualizing Chaucer's text within medieval scientific discourses on pica (the medical term for often deviant pregnancy cravings), conception, and the physiological stimulation of desire, the article argues that the scene allows Chaucer to complicate more traditional narratives of human culpability and sinfulness in regards to the body's lusts.
How do Consumers Respond to Gasoline Price Cycles?
Authors: Byrne David P. , Leslie Gordon W. , Ware Roger
Published: January 2014

This paper empirically studies how consumers respond to retail gasoline price cycles. Our analysis uses new station-level price data from local markets in Ontario, Canada, and a unique market-level measure of consumer responsiveness based on web traffic from gasoline price reporting websites. We first document how stations use coordinated pricing strategies that give rise to large daily changes in price levels and dispersion in cycling gasoline markets. We then show consumer responsiveness exhibits cycles that move with these price fluctuations. Through a series of tests we find that forward-looking stockpiling behavior by consumers plays a central role in generating these patterns.
Math Four You
Authors: Wilcock Douglas
Published: January 2014

Students analyze a photograph to solve mathematical questions related to the images captured in the photograph. This month, a pyramidal sculpture by the Brazilian artist Saint-Clair Cemin that mimics the fractal known as the Sierpinski triangle prompts questions involving geometric sequences and series, areas, and volume. Pattern recognition is an important aspect of this article.
Fostering Student Engagement with the Flip
Authors: Moore Amanda J. , Gillett Matthew R. , Steele Michael D.
Published: January 2014

Reflections on the design and implementation of the flipped instruction model in two mathematics classrooms.
The Stable Pairing Problem
Authors: Greenwell Raymond N. , Seabold Daniel E.
Published: January 2014

The Gale-Shapley algorithm can be used to match partners in a variety of contexts, such as marriage and hospital residencies.
Using Data to Motivate the Use of Empirical Sampling Distributions
Authors: Lee Hollylynne S. , Starling Tina T. , Gonzalez Marggie D.
Published: January 2014

Research shows that students often struggle with understanding empirical sampling distributions. Using hands-on and technology models and simulations of problems generated by real data help students begin to make connections between repeated sampling, sample size, distribution, variation, and center. A task to assist teachers in implementing research-based strategies is included.
Celular: o gadget da inclusão social para a baixa renda
Authors: Bacha Maria de Lourdes , Figueiredo Neto Celso , Schaun Angela
Published: January 2014

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a importância do celular como fator de inclusão digital e social para a população de baixa renda de São Paulo, capital. O artigo se inicia com breve referencial teórico, seguido da apresentação dos principais resultados e conclusões. Trata-se de um estudo empírico, exploratório descritivo longitudinal feito em duas fases (2006 e 2011), com realização de entrevistas pessoais junto a usuários/proprietaries de celular de baixa renda, residentes na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, selecionados através de amostra não probabilística por conveniência. Embora os resultados não possam ser generalizados para o universo de usuários de celular, face à escolha do tipo de amostragem, os resultados permitem admitir que, para a população pesquisada, as mudanças trazidas pelo celular sejam avaliadas positivamente. O celular pode ser classificado como fator contributivo para a inclusão digital e social, impulsionando o indivíduo para o exercício da cidadania ativa, principalmente no que se refere à socialização.
Feeling Beauty
Authors: Starr G. Gabrielle
Published: January 2014

A theory of the neural bases of aesthetic experience across the arts, which draws on the tools of both cognitive neuroscience and traditional humanist inquiry.

In Feeling Beauty, G. Gabrielle Starr argues that understanding the neural underpinnings of aesthetic experience can reshape our conceptions of aesthetics and the arts. Drawing on the tools of both cognitive neuroscience and traditional humanist inquiry, Starr shows that neuroaesthetics offers a new model for understanding the dynamic and changing features of aesthetic life, the relationships among the arts, and how individual differences in aesthetic judgment shape the varieties of aesthetic experience.

Starr, a scholar of the humanities and a researcher in the neuroscience of aesthetics, proposes that aesthetic experience relies on a distributed neural architecture—a set of brain areas involved in emotion, perception, imagery, memory, and language. More important, it emerges from networked interactions, intricately connected and coordinated brain systems that together form a flexible architecture enabling us to develop new arts and to see the world around us differently. Focusing on the "sister arts" of poetry, painting, and music, Starr builds and tests a neural model of aesthetic experience valid across all the arts. Asking why works that address different senses using different means seem to produce the same set of feelings, she examines particular works of art in a range of media, including a poem by Keats, a painting by van Gogh, a sculpture by Bernini, and Beethoven's Diabelli Variations. Starr's innovative, interdisciplinary analysis is true to the complexities of both the physical instantiation of aesthetics and the realities of artistic representation.
Die Aufklärungspflicht der Bank über Zuwendungen gem. § 31d WpHG
Authors: Günther Thomas
Published: January 2014

Bislang ist die Frage, ob eine unterbliebene Aufklärung über Zuwendungen und ein darin liegender Verstoß gegen § 31d WpHG auch in einem Haftungsprozess dazu führen konnte, dass dem klagenden Anleger ein Anspruch gegen den Anlageberater zusteht, kontrovers diskutiert worden. Mit seinem Urteil hat sich der BGH (v. 17.9.2013 - XI ZR 332/12, MDR 2013, 1294) erneut mit Schadensersatzklagen von Anlegern im Zusammenhang mit dem Erwerb von „Lehmann-Zertifikaten“ befasst und sich zum Aufklärungsumfang der beratenden Bank geäußert. Der folgende Beitrag nimmt die aktuelle Rechtsprechung zum Anlass, auf die „Abgrenzung von Zuwendungen und Rückvergütungen“ und „Schutzbereich des § 31d WpHG“ näher einzugehen.
Geochemical and isotopic study of a plutonic suite and related early volcanic sequences in the southern Mariana forearc
Authors: Johnson Julie A. , Hickey‐Vargas Rosemary , Fryer Patricia , Salters Vincent , Reagan Mark K.
Published: January 2014

The forearc of the southern Mariana arc preserves igneous suites formed during the initiation of subduction between the Pacific and Philippine Sea plates about 50 Ma ago. We have studied rare suites of gabbroic to tonalitic plutonic rocks dredged from two locations in the Mariana forearc by cruise by University of Hawai'i cruise KK81‐06‐26. Comparison of the chemical and isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb, and Hf) characteristics of these rocks with well‐studied volcanics from the forearc reveals that the plutonics from dredge RD63 and RD64 are chemically related to boninites erupted at 48–43 Ma. This is the first report of boninite‐like plutonics in the southern Mariana trench. These suites have trace element characteristics consistent with island arc settings (U/Th: 0.58–1.44, Nb/La: 0.18–0.79) and other features uniquely connected with boninites: TiO2 < 0.15 wt % and Zr/Sm > 25. RD63 plutonics resemble nearby boninite volcanics and were likely derived from differentiated boninite magma with 58% SiO2, forming gabbro by crystal accumulation, diorite and quartz diorite by crystallization, and tonalite by crystallization and/or partial melting. The RD64 suite (gabbro through tonalite) may have had a more depleted magma source and formed by accumulation and crystallization only. Although the physical dimensions of the plutonic body are unknown, the relationship with boninites indicates that felsic intrusives can form during early stages of island arc development. Such rocks could form part of midcrustal low‐velocity layers detected in arc crust by seismic studies. Tonalites similar to those studied here are also found in some ophiolites.
Deep plume origin of the Louisville hotspot: Noble gas evidence
Authors: Hanyu Takeshi
Published: January 2014

Noble gas compositions have been reported for basaltic core samples from Louisville seamounts recovered during IODP Expedition 330. The in‐vacuum crushing techniques were employed to extract noble gases from fresh olivine phenocrysts and submarine glasses with ages between 50 and 74 Ma. Stepwise crushing tests confirmed the extraction of magmatic noble gases from the olivine samples with minimal release of posteruption radiogenic nuclides; however, this was not always the case for the glass samples. The 3He/4He ratios of the studied samples range from a value similar to those of mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORB) to slightly elevated ratios up to 10.6 Ra. These ratios are not as high as those observed in other ocean island basalts, suggesting that the Louisville mantle plume was weak or the samples represent late‐stage magmatic activity of the seamounts. However, two Louisville seamount basalts exhibit a primordial Ne isotopic signature that can be clearly discriminated from MORB Ne ratios. The He and Ne isotopic compositions of the Louisville seamount basalts can be explained by the mixing of less degassed mantle and depleted upper mantle with different He/Ne ratios. The presence of the less degassed mantle component in the source of the Louisville seamounts documents a deep origin of their mantle plume.
Influence of combined primordial layering and recycled MORB on the coupled thermal evolution of Earth's mantle and core
Authors: Nakagawa Takashi , Tackley Paul J.
Published: January 2014

A thermo‐chemical mantle convection model with both primordial compositional layering and recycling of mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) coupled to a parameterized core heat balance model is used to investigate how the thermo‐chemical evolution of the mantle affects the thermal history of the core including primordial material proposed by early Earth hypotheses. The viscosity formulation has been improved from our previous works. The amount of MORB that accumulates above the CMB is strongly dependent on effective Rayleigh number, such that more accumulates at higher Ra (lower viscosity), but a continuous layer of MORB is not obtained here. With initial primordial layering, large‐scale thermo‐chemical anomalies are found in the deep mantle, which are generated mainly by the primordial material with small amount of segregated basaltic material on top of it, localized in the hot upwelling region. A successful core evolution can only be obtained when initial primordial layering is present. In conclusion, primordial material above the CMB originated from early mantle differentiation might be needed to construct a realistic model of a coupled mantle and core evolution. However, in the current study, the convective vigor is lower than realistic and we only consider the case that primordial material is denser than MORB.
Modifications of the quasi‐biennial oscillation by a geoengineering perturbation of the stratospheric aerosol layer
Authors: Aquila V. , Garfinkel C. I. , Newman P.A. , Oman L.D. , Waugh D.W.
Published: January 2014

This paper examines the impact of geoengineering via stratospheric sulfate aerosol on the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) using the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System version 5 Chemistry Climate Model. We performed four 30 year simulations with a continuous injection of sulfur dioxide on the equator at 0° longitude. The four simulations differ by the amount of sulfur dioxide injected (5 Tg/yr and 2.5 Tg/yr) and the altitude of the injection (16 km–25 km and 22 km–25 km). We find that such an injection dramatically alters the quasi‐biennial oscillation, prolonging the phase of easterly shear with respect to the control simulation. This is caused by the increased aerosol heating and associated warming in the tropical lower stratosphere and higher residual vertical velocity. In the case of maximum perturbation, i.e., highest stratospheric aerosol burden, the lower tropical stratosphere is locked into a permanent westerly QBO phase.
Wave activity at ionospheric heights above the Andes Mountains detected from FORMOSAT‐3/COSMIC GPS radio occultation data
Authors: de la Torre A. , Alexander P. , Llamedo P. , Hierro R. , Nava B. , Radicella S. , Schmidt T. , Wickert J.
Published: January 2014

An estimation of the ionospheric wave activity, derived from 4 years of FORMOSAT‐3/ COSMIC GPS (Taiwan's Formosa Satellite Mission 3/Constellation Observing System for Meteorology—Global Positioning System) radio occultation electron density data, is presented. A systematic enhancement at the eastern side of the Andes range with respect to the western side is observed. A fitting method to remove the wavelike component from each measured profile and estimate the wave activity is described. The differential effect introduced by the action of orography on the generation, to the eastern side of the Andes, of mountain waves, deep convection waves, or even secondary waves aloft after momentum deposition in the middle atmosphere, is suggested.
Detailed modeling and analysis of spacecraft plume/ionosphere interactions in low Earth orbit
Authors: Stephani K. A. , Boyd I. D.
Published: January 2014

Detailed direct simulation Monte Carlo/particle‐in‐cell simulations involving the interaction of spacecraft thruster plumes with the rarefied ambient ionosphere are presented for steady thruster firings in low Earth orbit (LEO). A nominal mass flow rate is used to prescribe the rocket exit conditions of a neutral propellant species for use in the simulations. The charge exchange interactions of the steady plume with the rarefied ionosphere are modeled using a direct simulation Monte Carlo/particle‐in‐cell methodology, allowing for a detailed assessment of nonequilibrium collisional and plasma‐related phenomena relevant for these conditions. Results are presented for both ram‐ and wake‐flow configurations, in which the thrusters are firing into (ram) or in the direction of (wake) the free stream ionosphere flow in LEO. The influence of the Earth's magnetic field on the development of the ion plume is also examined for three different field strengths: two limiting cases in whichB→0 andB→∞, and the LEO case in whichB=0.5 Gs. The magnetic field is found to have a substantial impact on the resulting neutral and ion plumes, and the gyroscopic motion of the magnetized ions results in a broadening of the ion energy distribution functions. The magnetic field model also incorporates a cross‐field diffusion mechanism which is shown to increase the current density sampled far from the thruster.
Altitude variations in the thermosphere mass density response to geomagnetic activity during the recent solar minimum
Authors: Liu X. , Thayer J. P. , Burns A. , Wang W. , Sutton E.
Published: January 2014

Accelerometer data from coplanar orbits of Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites were used to study the complex altitude and latitude variations of the thermosphere mass density response to geomagnetic activity during 1–10 December 2008 near 09 LT. Helium number densities near 500 km altitude were extracted from the CHAMP and GRACE measurements and clearly show the presence of a winter hemisphere helium bulge. This recent extreme solar minimum indicates that wintertime helium concentrations exceed NRLMSISE‐00 model estimates by 30%–70% during quiet geomagnetic activity after adjusting F10.7 input into MSIS. The perturbation in mass density from quiet to active conditions is found to be less enhanced in the winter hemisphere at the higher GRACE altitudes (25%) than at the lower CHAMP altitudes (60%) and is attributed to dynamic behavior in the helium/oxygen transition. The investigation revealed the maximum storm time density perturbation to occur near the He/O transition region with a much weaker maximum near the O/N2 transition region. The altitude of maximum density perturbation occurs where the perturbation in the weighted pressure scale height is equal and opposite to the perturbation in the weighted mean molecular weight scale height. The altitude structure of density scale height perturbation is significantly influenced by the changes in the molecular weight scale height and can account for 50% of the change in mass density scale height in a region correspondingly close to the He/O transition during the 2008 solar minimum period.
Understanding Preferences for Disease‐Modifying Drugs in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Fraenkel Liana , Suter Lisa , Cunningham Charles E. , Hawker Gillian
Published: January 2014

Objective

Numerous disease‐modifying drugs for osteoarthritis (DMOADs) are under investigation. However, patients' preferences for drugs to prevent progression of OA are not known. The objective of this study was to quantify patient preferences for potential DMOADs.

Methods

We administered a conjoint analysis survey to 304 patients attending outpatient general medicine and specialty clinics. All patients seated in the waiting rooms were asked if they would participate in a survey to elicit opinions about arthritis treatments. We performed simulations to estimate preferences for 4 options to prevent worsening of knee OA: best case (pill, highest benefit, lowest risk, lowest cost), worst case (infusion, lowest benefit, highest risk, highest cost), moderate subcutaneous injection (injection, mid‐level benefit, mid‐level risk, mid‐level cost), and moderate infusion (same as subcutaneous injection except administered by infusion).

Results

Subjects' median age was 57 years; 55% were women and 76% were white. Segmentation analyses revealed 4 patterns of preferences. A minority (5%) did not want to perform subcutaneous injections and would only consider DMOADs under the best‐case scenario. Approximately 20% were risk sensitive and were willing to take DMOADs under the best‐case scenario, but would start rejecting these medications as risk increased. A significant number rejected DMOADs under all conditions (16.4%); however, the largest segment (59.2%) had a strong preference for DMOADs across all scenarios.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a significant percentage of a nonselected outpatient population might be willing to accept at least a moderate degree of risk in order to prevent worsening knee OA.
Risk of Hospitalized Bacterial Infections Associated With Biologic Treatment Among US Veterans With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Curtis J. R. , Yang S. , Patkar N. M. , Chen L. , Singh J. A. , Cannon G. W. , Mikuls T. R. , Delzell E. , Saag K. G. , Safford M. M. , DuVall S. , Alexander K. , Napalkov P. , Winthrop Kevin L. , Burton M. J. , Kamauu A. , Baddley J. W.
Published: January 2014

Objective

The comparative risk of infection associated with non–anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) biologic agents is not well established. Our objective was to compare risk for hospitalized infections between anti‐TNF and non–anti‐TNF biologic agents in US veterans with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Using 1998–2011 data from the US Veterans Health Administration, we studied RA patients initiating rituximab, abatacept, or anti‐TNF therapy. Exposure was based upon days supplied (injections) or usual dosing intervals (infusions). Treatment episodes were defined as new biologic agent use. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for hospitalization for a bacterial infection were estimated from Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Among 3,152 unique RA patients contributing 4,158 biologic treatment episodes to rituximab (n = 596), abatacept (n = 451), and anti‐TNF agents (n = 3,111), the patient mean age was 60 years and 87% were male. The most common infections were pneumonia (37%), skin/soft tissue (22%), urinary tract (9%), and bacteremia/sepsis (7%). Hospitalized infection rates per 100 person‐years were 4.4 (95% CI 3.1–6.4) for rituximab, 2.8 (95% CI 1.7–4.7) for abatacept, and 3.0 (95% CI 2.5–3.5) for anti‐TNF. Compared to etanercept, the adjusted rate of hospitalized infection was not different for adalimumab (HR 1.4, 95% CI 0.9–2.2), abatacept (HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6–2.1), or rituximab (HR 1.4, 0.8–2.6), although it was increased for infliximab (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.0). Infection risk was greater for those taking prednisone >7.5 mg/day (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3–2.7) and in the highest quartile of C‐reactive protein (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4–3.8) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (HR 4.1, 95% CI 2.3–7.2) compared to the lowest quartile.

Conclusion

In older, predominantly male US veterans with RA, the risk of hospitalized bacterial infections associated with rituximab or abatacept was similar to etanercept.
Effect of Hydroxychloroquine on Insulin Sensitivity and Lipid Parameters in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Without Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Blinded Crossover Trial
Authors: Solomon Daniel H. , Garg Rajesh , Lu Bing , Todd Derrick J. , Mercer Emileigh , Norton Tabatha , Massarotti Elena
Published: January 2014

Objective

Observational studies suggest that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may reduce the risk of developing diabetes mellitus in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined the effect of HCQ on insulin resistance in subjects without diabetes mellitus with stable RA.

Methods

Twenty‐three RA subjects not currently using HCQ completed a 16‐week, double‐blind crossover study. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive HCQ (6.5 mg/kg/day) or placebo for the first 8 weeks, followed by crossover to the other arm for the final 8 weeks. Subjects underwent oral glucose tolerance testing and fasting lipid measurements at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. The change ± SD from baseline in insulin sensitivity index (ISI), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and lipid parameters were compared between placebo and HCQ using linear regression.

Results

The mean patient age was 56 years, with 96% women, and the median body mass index was 26.0 kg/m2. After 8 weeks of HCQ, the mean ± SD ISI increase was 0.4 ± 2.9 compared with a small increase during placebo of 0.14 ± 3.1 (adjusted P = 0.785), and the mean ± SD HOMA‐IR decrease was 0.3 ± 1.5 during HCQ versus a decrease of 0.42 ± 1.4 during placebo (adjusted P = 0.308). Small decreases in total cholesterol (12.7 mg/dl) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (12.4 mg/dl) were observed during the HCQ treatment periods (both adjusted P < 0.05 compared to placebo).

Conclusion

HCQ use for 8 weeks in patients without diabetes mellitus with stable RA produced no significant change in insulin resistance. We observed small and statistically significant improvements in total and LDL cholesterol during HCQ treatment.
Predictors of Stopping and Starting Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Solomon Daniel H. , Tonner Chris , Lu Bing , Kim Seoyoung C. , Ayanian John Z. , Brookhart M. Alan , Katz Jeffrey N. , Yelin Ed
Published: January 2014

Objective

Disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the standard of care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, studies have found that many patients do not receive them. We examined predictors of starting and stopping DMARDs among a longitudinal cohort of patients with RA.

Methods

Study participants came from a cohort of RA patients recruited from a random sample of rheumatologists' practices in Northern California. We examined patterns and predictors of stopping and starting nonbiologic and biologic DMARDs during 1982–2009 based on annual questionnaires. Stopping was defined as stopping all DMARDs and starting was defined as transitioning from no DMARDs to any DMARDs across 2 consecutive years.

Results

The analysis of starting DMARDs included 471 subjects with 1,974 pairs of years with no DMARD use in the first of 2 consecutive years. From this population, subjects started DMARD use by year 2 in 313 (15.9%) of the pairs. The analysis of stopping DMARDs included 1,026 subjects with 7,595 pairs of years with DMARD use in the first of 2 consecutive years; in 423 pairs (5.6%), subjects stopped DMARD use by year 2. In models that adjusted for RA‐related factors, sociodemographics, and comorbidities, significant predictors of starting DMARDs included younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, shorter disease duration, and the use of oral glucocorticoids. In separate adjusted models, predictors of stopping DMARDs included Hispanic ethnicity and low income, while younger age was associated with a reduced risk of stopping.

Conclusion

Efforts to improve DMARD use should focus on patient age, ethnicity, and income and RA‐related factors.
Relationship Between Mental Health and Foot Pain
Authors: Butterworth Paul A. , Urquhart Donna M. , Cicuttini Flavia M. , Menz Hylton B. , Strauss Boyd J. , Proietto Joseph , Dixon John B. , Jones Graeme , Wluka Anita E.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Although mental health is related to the persistence of musculoskeletal pain, our understanding of the relationship between mental health and foot pain is limited. Subsequently, we conducted a 3‐year longitudinal study to examine the relationship between mental health and foot pain in a community‐based population.

Methods

Eighty‐three community‐dwelling participants (mean ± SD body mass index [BMI] 35.3 ± 9.0 kg/m2) who had foot pain at study inception in 2008 and for whom measures of mental health (Short Form 36 [SF‐36] health survey mental component summary [MCS]) were available, were invited to take part in this followup study in 2011. Change in foot pain was determined by the difference between the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index score at baseline and followup; therefore, a decrease in the score indicated improved foot pain and an increase indicated deterioration in foot pain. Linear regression was used to determine the factors affecting change in foot pain.

Results

Of the 62 respondents (75% response rate, 49 women and 13 men), there were 27 (44%) whose foot pain deteriorated. A higher MCS score of the SF‐36 health survey at baseline was associated with a slower progression of foot pain (β coefficient −0.29, 95% confidence interval −0.42, −0.01), adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and physical health.

Conclusion

Mental health is associated with changes in foot pain. Clinicians dealing with this population should consider the contribution of mental health in their management and treatment of foot pain.